Wikivoyage enwikivoyage https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Main_Page MediaWiki 1.45.0-wmf.8 first-letter Media Special Talk User User talk Wikivoyage Wikivoyage talk File File talk MediaWiki MediaWiki talk Template Template talk Help Help talk Category Category talk TimedText TimedText talk Module Module talk 0 91 5086610 4947023 2025-07-02T13:02:52Z Bluecoordinationfine 2327039 Moved over listings from the Offa's Dyke Path article. 5086610 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Abergavenny Wikivoyage Banner.jpg}} '''Abergavenny''' ([[Welsh phrasebook|Welsh]]: ''Y Fenni'') is a town of 12,500 people (2011) in [[Monmouthshire]] in southeast [[Wales]]. A thriving town, Abergavenny prides itself as a gateway to South Wales and the eastern gateway to the [[Brecon Beacons National Park]] where you can enjoy a relaxing short break or longer holiday amidst beautiful countryside. [[Image:Abergavenny.jpg|thumb|Abergavenny, Monmouthshire]] ==Understand== The town nestles within the beautiful Usk Valley at the point where the river emerges from amongst the mountains to flow through lowland Monmouthshire. The mass of the '''Black Mountains''' and their highly individual outliers of '''Sugar Loaf''' and '''Skirrid''' (Welsh: Ysgyryd Fawr) form a spectacular northern backdrop to the town. Along with '''Blorenge''' to the south, the opportunities for walkers are hugely varied. == Get in == On the A465 [[Hereford]] - [[Neath]] and A40 London-[[Fishguard]] road between [[Monmouth (Wales)|Monmouth]] and [[Brecon]]. Trains run hourly from [[Cardiff]] Central, taking just over an hour via [[Newport (Monmouthshire) | Newport]], [[Cwmbran]] and [[Pontypool]]. From Abergavenny they continue to [[Hereford]] then either to Holyhead (for ferries to Dublin) or to Crewe and Manchester Piccadilly. {{marker | type=go | name=Abergavenny railway station | wikidata=Q1964010 }} is east side of town. There's a staffed ticket office, cafe and indoor waiting room. Stagecoach Bus X3 runs every two hours from Hereford, taking just over an hour; it then becomes an hourly service to Pontypool. Bus X4 runs once a day from [[Merthyr Tydfil]] via [[Ebbw Vale]]. ==Get around== {{mapframe|51.8189|-3.0145|zoom=11}} == See == * {{see | name=Abergavenny Castle | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=51.8199 | long=-3.01779 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Castle 24 hr, Museum Th-Tu 11AM-4PM | price=Free | wikipedia=Abergavenny Castle | image=Abergavenny Castle 2.jpg | wikidata=Q4667087 | lastedit=2022-03-15 | content=The castle dates back to 1087; it was damaged in the 1404 Glyndŵr rebellion and abandoned. Just to be on the safe side, in 1645 Charles I had the remains "slighted" - demolished beyond further use. Later visitors found the ruins picturesque and in 1819 a hunting lodge was built within, in the style of a miniature "keep". This now contains the museum. }} * {{marker | name=Sugar Loaf | type=see | lat=51.862 | long=-3.058 }} (''Pen-y-fâl'') is the mountain of 1955 ft (596 m) rising two miles north of town. Its conical peak looks volcanic, but it's all sandstone. It's part of [[Brecon Beacons]] National Park, and the landscape is managed by the National Trust, with wild sheep grazing. There are several access paths, such as the NT car park south in Usk Valley. * {{see | name=Grosmont Castle | alt= | url= | email= | address=Grosmont | lat=51.9154 | long=-2.866 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Grosmont Castle | image=Grosmont Castle from the south, 2011.jpg | wikidata=Q3402778 | lastedit=2017-06-06 | content=A ruined castle. }} * {{see | name=Llanthony Priory | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=51.9444 | long=-3.03778 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Llanthony Priory | image=Llanthony.priory.JPG | wikidata=Q3397679 | lastedit=2017-06-06 | content=A ruined former Augustinian priory. }} * {{see | name=White Castle | alt= | url=http://cadw.wales.gov.uk/daysout/whitecastle/?lang=en | email= | address=Llanthony Crosseny, Abergavenny NP7 8UD | lat=51.84569 | long=-2.89923 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | image=White Castle - geograph.org.uk - 168047.jpg | hours=4 Nov-31 Mar: daily 10AM-4PM; 1 Apr-3 Nov: daily 10AM-5PM (last admission 30 min before close and closed 24-26 Dec, 1 Jan) | price=4 Nov-31 Mar: free, 1 Apr-3 Nov: adult £3 family £9 | content=One of the best preserved of 3 castles near the Dyke south-east of Llanvetherine. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. }} == Do == * '''[https://www.abergavennyfoodfestival.com/ Abergavenny Food Festival]''' is held in mid-September. == Buy == * '''Supermarkets:''' Morrisons on Park Rd is open M-Sa 7AM-10PM, Su 10AM-4PM. * '''Markets:''' Tuesday is the main event in the market hall, with over 200 stalls. There's also a Friday and Saturday general market, and a bric-a-brac and flea market on Wednesday. They all run 9AM-5PM. The craft fair is second Saturday of the month, the antiques fair is third Sunday, and the artisan market is fourth Thursday. == Eat == * {{eat | name= The Greyhound Vaults | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/pages/Greyhound-Vaults/153859701309951 | email= | address=Market St | lat=51.822666 | long= -3.017656 | directions= | phone=+44 1873 858549 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-11-05 | content= }} * {{eat | name=The Walnut Tree | alt= | url=http://www.thewalnuttreeinn.com/ | email= | address=Llanddewi Skirrid | lat=51.843276 | long= -2.963966 | directions= | phone=+44 1873 852797 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-11-05 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Fig Tree Espresso | alt= | url=https://abergavennycoffee.co.uk | email=figtree@abergavennycoffee.co.uk | address=15 Neville Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 7702 580071 (mobile) | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-Sa 9AM-4PM | price= | lastedit=2018-06-08 | content=Established in 2013 by a young couple and set in a Grade 2 Listed Georgian Townhouse, this small cafe has quickly become the place to go to get your caffeine fix in Abergavenny. Using coffee beans that have been roasted less than half an hour away and making all of the cakes and savouries themselves, this place is definitely local. Also, there is a rear courtyard to sit and enjoy your drink. }} * {{eat | name=The Crown at Pantygelli | alt= | url=https://www.thecrownatpantygelli.com/ | email= | address=Old Hereford Rd, Pantygelli NP7 7HR | lat=51.8555 | long=-3.0150 | directions= | phone=+44 1873 853314 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M 6-11PM, Tu-F noon-11PM, Sa Su 8:30AM-11PM | price= | lastedit=2023-03-27 | content=Excellent dining at this country gastro-pub. }} == Drink == * {{drink | name=The Kings Arms | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=Great social spot in the town centre. Generally quite quiet during the week but much busier on a Friday and Saturday night, often with live entertainment. Home to the Tudor Microbrewery serving a selection of local ales. }} * {{drink | name=The Skirrid Mountain Inn | alt= | url=http://www.skirridmountaininn.co.uk/ | email= | address= | lat=51.8804 | long=-2.9807 | directions=few miles north of Abergavenny | phone= +44 1873 890 258 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=The Skirrid Mountain Inn | image=Skirrid Inn - geograph.org.uk - 1142004.jpg | wikidata=Q7764647 | lastedit=2016-11-05 | content=It claims to be the oldest pub in Wales. }} * '''[https://sugarloafvineyards.co.uk/ Sugar Loaf Vineyards]''' are on Dunmar Farm, up Pentre Lane north side of town. They produce red, white and rose wines and offer vineyard tours in season. ==Sleep== *{{sleep | name=The Old Pandy Inn & Black Mountain bunkhouse | alt= | url=http://www.oldpandyinn.co.uk/index | email= | address=Hereford Road, Pandy | lat=51.898197 | long=-2.967403 | directions= | phone=+44 1873 890208 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=The Black Mountain Lodge is at the Old Pandy Inn, a 17th-century country inn some 4 miles north of Abergavenny, 15 miles south of Hereford at the foot of the Black Mountains. The Offa's Dyke Path is some 400 yards away. }} * {{sleep | name=The Angel Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.angelabergavenny.com/ | email= | address=15 Cross St. | lat=51.821238 | long=-3.017714 | directions= | phone=+44 1873 857121 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2016-11-05 | content= }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Llanthony Priory Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.llanthonyprioryhotel.co.uk/ | email= | address=Llanthony NP7 7NN | lat=51.945 | long=-3.037 | directions= | phone=+44 1873 890487 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £100 | lastedit=2020-05-30 | content=Charming but simple hotel within the ruined priory, and it may have been the prior's lodge. Rooms have no en suite or any kind of plumbing, and four are in the tower up a spiral staircase. No children under 4 or dogs. Open all year but Nov-Mar only F-Su. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=The Hardwick | alt= | url=http://www.thehardwick.co.uk/ | email= | address=Old Raglan Rd NP7 9AA | lat=51.797 | long=-2.995 | directions=off A40 three miles south of town | phone=+44 1873 854220 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £120 | lastedit=2020-06-02 | content=Restaurant with rooms in old pub. Assistance dogs only. }} * {{sleep | name=The Park Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.theparkhotelwales.com | email= | address=Pandy | lat=51.89509 | long=-2.96772 | directions= | phone=+44 1873 890271 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Accommodation and food services. }} == Connect == As of March 2022, Abergavenny has 4G from O2 and Vodafone, and 5G from EE and Three. ==Go next== *[[Monmouth (Wales)]] *[[Crickhowell]] *[[Usk]] {{routebox | image1=UK_road_A40.svg | imagesize1=40 | directionl1=NW | majorl1=[[Brecon]] | minorl1=[[Crickhowell]] | directionr1=E | minorr1=[[Raglan (Monmouthshire)|Raglan]] | majorr1=[[Monmouth (Wales)|Monmouth]]/[[Newport (Wales)|Newport]] }} {{IsPartOf|Monmouthshire}} {{geo|51.82045|-3.01240|zoom=14}} {{usablecity}} awdkopuf7eg3tk2kdlhtrhfy3us4by9 0 186 5086828 5043789 2025-07-02T22:58:40Z Halilu Liman 2328884 5086828 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Ada Foah Wikivoyage Banner.jpg|pgname=Ada}} '''Ada''' is an area in the Dangme East District which is in the eastern part of the Greater Accra Region in the southeast of [[Ghana]]. It is comprised principally of the "towns" of [[Ada Foah]], Big Ada, and Ada Kasseh. Ada Foah, which is also the district capital, is located at the beach and river estuary, and naturally is where most visitors spend their time. ==Understand== The district's coconut palm fringed coastline is 45 kilometers long and provides a living to many people that are employed in fishing and fish processing. However, this coastline is constantly being eroded by the strong tidal waves that are washing away or threatening several villages that are located close to the beach. In order to solve this problem, the construction of a sea defense wall is under way since 2010. [[Image:Ada Volta River.JPG|thumb|350px|At the riverside in Ada Foah]] The long, sandy beaches are certainly some of the most important tourist attractions. However, there are certain obstacles such as the lack of toilets in the villages close to the beach and the consequence of using the beach as such. Also, garbage – mostly plastic – is piling up at the beach, some of it disposed there, some washed up from the sea by the tide. Apart from the sandy beaches, another natural attraction in the district is the Volta River and its estuary. The Volta River forms the eastern boundary of the district before it reaches the Gulf of Guinea. The islands in the river and in the estuary are a wildlife paradise: marine turtles, birds, crocodiles and monkeys are some of the animals living there. The mangrove vegetation in the salty parts of the estuary is another attraction and an important ecosystem. It is however endangered by human activity along with rare animals that are often hunted down. The estuary also offers the best conditions for water sports like sailing, canoeing, fishing, water skiing, wake boarding and jet skiing. Another important water body and one of the most important salt mining areas in the country is the Songor Lagoon. Additional to visiting it and learning about salt mining it serves as a base for birdwatchers. [[File:Maranatha_Beach_Resort.jpg|thumb|Golden sand at Maranatha Beach Resort]] [[File:Cruise_boat_at_Ada_Foah.jpg|thumb|Cruise boat at Ada Foah]] [[File:Chalets_at_Ada_Foah.jpg|thumb|Some chalets along River Volta]] ==Talk== Most of the inhabitants (85.9%) belong to the Dangme Tribe. The local language in the Dangme East and West District is Dangme, also called Adangme. It is a Kwa language and is spoken by around 800,000 people in the Dangme East, Dangme West, Volta Region and Togo. They are part of the Ga-Dangbe ancestral lineage. The Dangme speak and understand Ga Language as it is similar to Dangme. English language is also spoken by nearly everyone since it is the official language of the country. Many people also speak some Ewe (to communicate with the neighboring people of the Volta Region, Togo and Benin) or Twi. ==Get in== [[File:Ada Estuary Beach Camp oceanside.JPG|thumb|270px|The oceanside beach]] The best way to get to Ada is by Tro-Tro (small bus), taxi, your own or a rental car. From [[Accra]]: there is a regular connection (1½ to 2½ hours, about 120 km) from Tudu Station or from Tema Roundabout. Some Tro-Tros go directly to Ada Foah, with others you have to change in Ada Kasseh. The usual times of operation are between 04:30 and 21:30, but can vary according to the day of the week. From [[Aflao]]:take a Tro-Tro in the direction to Accra and get off at Ada Kasseh (3-4 hours, about 80 km). You can also get there by ferry from the Volta Region (Anyanui). It only operates on Wednesdays and leaves Anyanui at around 13:00 and 18:00 and takes about 1½ hours. It departs in Ada Foah around 08:00 and 15:00. ==Get around== Taxis are readily available, either by car or by motorcycle. Even though motorcycles are not officially allowed to operate as taxis, it is a very common and affordable means of transport. And it can bring you to faraway places that don't seem to be accessible with any vehicle. Just stand at the street and stop a passing one. You can also ask your guesthouse or the Tourist Information Center to book one for you. The best way to get around is the ever present Tro-Tro (small bus). It's easy to get around with a reagular connection between Ada Foah and Kasseh (about 20 km). If you feel like taking the water route, consider joining the ferry to the market in Anyanui on Wednesdays. This is a very fun way of getting to the other side of the Volta River with a big crowd of locals who bring their products to the market. The ferry leaves Ada Foah around 08:00 and 15:00 and returns from Anyanui around 13:00 and 18:00. It takes about 1½ hours one way. These are only approximate times - in general, the ferry operates similar to the Tro-Tro: it leaves when it's full. The Estuary Beach camps are a little harder to reach. The typical way is to grab a motor canoe from virtually any beach on the bayside, with the closest, cheapest option being from the end of the taxi-passable road at the entrance to Azazanyi Village. You can do the sandy 30-minute walk through Azazanyi too, with the most direct (and lightest hassle) route being along the oceanside beach. ==See== *'''Community zoo'''. Samuel Kabutey Kabo caught his first snake when he built a well some years ago. He went to town to get some supplies and accidentally ran over a cobra with his bike. The snake got very angry and followed him back to his house where it fell into the half-finished well. Samuel's first instinct was to kill the snake, but the Wildlife Division told him that he should keep it and show it to the people to educate them about local animals. That is how the community zoo started. After the Cobra Samuel also caught some pythons and crocodiles that can all be visited at the zoo. *'''Crocodile Island'''. There used to be a great number of crocodiles living on one of the islands in the river. But increased human activities drove them away. All that is left nowadays are two or three crocodiles living in a small walled cage on Pediatorkope island. There is no tour to visit them, but any boat operator will take you there if you want or just rent a canoe and paddle there yourself. *'''Fetish shrines'''. Shrines are part of daily life in Ghana. The two major shrines in Big Ada were closely connected to Trokosi, or girl child slavery. In this traditional perception, a crime is atoned for when a girl of the offender's family is send to a shrine to serve the gods. This can be for months, but also for many years. Although this practice was legally abolished in 1998, there are still some groups who want to hold on to this tradition. Other opposing groups on the other hand have put much effort into the liberation of the girls and their education and reintegration into society. In Big Ada, Dasume Shrine and Dada Shrine (also called Ogbekpe) can be visited. There is another big one in Goi, one on the island of Alorkpem and one on the other side of the Volta in Anyanui. *'''Fetish priests'''. Every shrine has its priest who takes care of it and worships the gods in it. So naturally, there is a great number of shrines in the district – most of which can also be visited. Many priests have special healing abilities, do spiritual ceremonies and are consulted for any kind of problem from sicknesses to family problems, unemployment or bad luck. *'''Fishing'''. Building traditional fishing boats requires much work and is very expensive. The lower part of the boat is made of one big piece of wood, the upper part of planks. All the boats are then painted in many colors with religious sayings written on it. There are many fishing villages around, the bigger ones being Akplabana and Pute. *'''Monkey Island'''. You have to get up early to see the monkeys on so called "Monkey Island" in the Volta River. During the day they stay away from the villages and retreat far into the woods, but if you manage to arrive around 06:30 you can watch them from one of the watchtowers that were built for this purpose. [[File:Huts on a beach, Ada.JPG|thumb|270px|Beach huts at one of the Estuary Beach Camps]] *'''Old trading fort at the seaside'''. Only few people know where Ada Foah has got its name from. The reason is the fort near the Presbyterian Church that gave the town its name to distinguish the two Adas: Ada Fort, village of the fort. As the sea comes closer more than 1.5 meters each year, it is gradually washing the building that once used to be a prison into the ocean. Half of it is already eroded but hopefully the upcoming construction of the sea defence wall will stop this progress. *'''Ostrich Farm'''. If you want to see some really big birds go to Dedukope Ostrich Farm, located close to the border of the Dangme East District. They have some hundred ostriches living in enclosures whose meat is sold to restaurants. You can walk along the enclosures and have a look at the giant eggs. It's a bit difficult to get there, there is no established tour so far and the only information you get is from the watchman or the taxi driver (a small tip is appreciated for the visit). *'''Presbyterian church and missionary cemetery'''. When looking at the Presbyterian Church in Ada Foah you will be aware that it is a missionary church built by the first generation of Ghanaian Christians at around 1890. When the European missionaries came to Ghana in the 19th century they faced harsh conditions that they were not adapted to. Many died very young of various tropical diseases. These missionaries were buried at the cemetery next to the Presbyterian Church in Ada Foah. *'''Sacred Woods'''. In traditional belief, walking into a sacred wood can turn that person into an animal or he or she might vanish and never return. There are about 20 sacred forests in a near Big Ada which are believed to house deities that are worshiped by people with traditional beliefs. Officially, these forests are only allowed to be entered by people of traditional beliefs and are mostly feared by all others. *'''Songor lagoon'''. Visit the Songor Lagoon, the biggest natural salt mining area in Ghana; only about 15 minutes drive from Ada. At this communal salt field you can watch locals at all stages of salt production: from inducing salt water from the ocean into the pans, the crystallization when it dries to washing and packing the salt into bags and loading them unto trucks. Apart from watching the salt mining activities, it is also an excellent place for watching the wintering European birds. The Wildlife Division has put up some observation towers and offers guided tours to the sight. ==Do== *'''Asafotufiami Festival'''. Historically, the Asafotufiami is a remembrance of ancient wars with neighboring tribes. The "Asafotu" are companies of warriors who fire their muskets in celebration. These days, the festival is a grand homecoming for the Ada diaspora. The celebration starts on Thursday in the first week of August and goes on until the following week. The days are filled with celebrations, traditional ceremonies, beach parties, boat races, river excursions and football matches. *'''Bird watching'''. The Songor lagoon is an area of international importance as it hosts thousands of migratory European birds wintering in Ghana. The lagoon provides feeding, breeding and resting ground for over nearly one hundred migrant and local birds. The best time to watch birds is towards the dry season (August to February) – the European winter, and in the early morning or late afternoon. *'''Boat race'''. A boat race can be witnessed on the river near the estuary every year in December. Paddle boats for 5 or 15 people compete against each other. Visitors can watch the race and also participate if they register as a group about a week in advance. *'''Church'''. The majority of the Ghanaians are Christians and religion is very present in everyday life. Signs of this are many religious shop names such as “God is great” or “Fear God” and the enormous number of churches in every town and village. The majority of people go to church on Sunday and visitors are always welcome to join. *'''Funerals'''. Funerals are part of everyday life and it is common to see people walking around in the mourning colors black, white and red on weekends. The celebration follows a strict schedule: On Friday the corpse is brought to the family house accompanied by songs of brass bands and the ceremony starts. On Saturday the corpse is buried accompanied by drumming and music before and after the burial. Throughout the whole ceremony, the sympathizers are expected to make a contribution that is noted precisely. On Sunday, the guests attend a thanksgiving church service in memory of the deceased in case it is a Christian funeral and give thanks. If it is a traditional funeral, the ceremony is continued until the afternoon when the guests depart. *'''Monthly Beach Soccer event'''. There is a beach soccer tournament on the first weekend of each month at the seaside near the estuary where teams from different communities in the district compete against each other. Before the start of the tournament the beach is cleaned which is the underlying intention of the whole event. *'''Monthly symposium'''. Once a month the ferry that operates between Ada Foah and Anyanui turns into an event location. This unusual venue hosts a monthly symposium that informs both locals and tourists about specific topics concerning health, tradition and education. For the current topics, ticket purchase and the exact dates please contact the Tourist Information Center. *'''Sea turtle watching'''. Every year from August to February the Leatherback turtle, Green turtle and Olive Ridley turtle lay their eggs at the seashore. The main nesting areas are the islands/sandspit between the two estuaries and beaches westward of the estuary. Visitors can witness this fascinating sight of the huge turtles coming out of the water and nesting in the sand. Night tours are organized by the Wildlife Division. ==Buy== *'''Coffins'''. Ever thought about being buried in a tomato? Or maybe a truck? Although the majority of the Ghanaians are buried in normal ones, there are some carpenters that have specialized in building eccentric coffins. All are made for order and can be any shape you can imagine, from fish, canoes and Tro-Tros to sewing machines, pepperoni, tomatoes and books. The shape of the coffin is always connected to the life or profession of the deceased, so a fisherman would be buried in a fish or canoe, a teacher in a book and a farmer in a tomato. *'''Markets''' There is a big market in Kasseh on Tuesdays and Fridays where you can get just about anything you can imagine. From Ada Foah take the Tro-Tro in the direction of Accra and get off at the market place at Kasseh. A smaller market in Ada Foah on Wednesdays and Saturdays is good for buying fresh vegetables and seafood and some smaller supplies. The Wednesday market in Anyanui is small but less chaotic than the one in Kasseh. You can combine a market visit in Anyanui with a ferry tour. Leave Ada Foah at 08:00 and witness how the sellers already start their business on The ferry. It will return to Ada Foah at around 15:00, always depending on when the ferry is full. *'''Rum factory'''. Ebenezer from Aflive calls his island the "rum island". His sugar cane distillery and the produced "Igo-gro" (from "I go - I grow") has gained quite some fame and people come from faraway places to stock up on his homemade rum. *'''Tailors'''. The rattling of sewing machines can be heard everywhere around the towns and most people have their clothes sewn there instead of buying manufactured clothes. There are sewers for women’s, men’s and children’s clothes and special sewers for school uniforms. So just get yourself some colorful fabric at the market, choose a design from the pictures and order for a custom-made dress or shirt. ===Traditional handicrafts=== *'''Basket weaving'''. Weaving palm leaves into baskets, rope or mats for sleeping is a widespread local activity. Palm leaves are collected, cut and woven into ropes. Those ropes are used for typing straw mats or any other thing and are very durable. On many islands in the river (especially Aflive and Alorkpem) visitors can watch the women and men weaving and also try it out for themselves. *'''Pottery'''. The Vume Pottery Cooperation, located in the Volta Region close to the border to Dangme East draws clients from faraway places to buy it there. Visitors can buy the locally produced vases and pots, watch the men and women work on the potter's wheel and with their hands and try it out themselves. [[Image:Ada Foah Fort.jpg|thumb|270px|Old fort at the seaside in Ada Foah]] [[Image:Ada sea turtle.JPG|thumb|270px|A sea turtle nesting at the beach in Ada]] ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== ==Connect== ==Go next== *'''Island Tour''': Join a boat tour on the river around the islands. Visit the rum factory to try some locally produced Akpeteshi, take part in the basket weaving and stop over at the estuary on the way back. You can decide to spend the night in one of the beach camps at the estuary, walk back to Ada Foah through the villages or go back by boat. *'''Songor Lagoon''': Visit the salt mining activities at the Songor lagoon and learn how the salt is locally mined and processed. If you like, you can join a bird watching tour by the Wildlife Division either before or after the visit. The tours to watch the migratory European birds only take place in the early morning or late afternoon. *'''Turtle Tour''': Join a night turtle tour along the beach with the Wildlife Division. You will be walking or driving along the beach searching for sea turtles that come to the shore to nest. It is allowed to come close to watch while they lay and hide their eggs. *'''Wildlife Island Tour''': In the early morning, take a boat to the monkey island. If you are lucky, you will spot some of them from one of the watchtowers. After your visit, do a boat cruise along the Volta River and consider a stop-over at the crocodile island. *'''Local Tradition Tour''': Do a tour to one of the shrines where you can meet a fetish priest and learn more about traditional religion. Later, visit one of the sacred groves around the towns and find out about the history. For this tour you should contact the Tourist Information Center that will arrange your visit and tell you about what to keep in mind before visiting these traditional sites. *'''Asafotufiami Festival''': Take part in one of the Asafotufiami festival days in August, one of the biggest festivals in the region. There are processions, speeches and celebrations in which you can take part. Check on "Dates and Events" about the current dates. *'''Old Fort and Fishing Villages Tour''' :Visit the old fort in Ada Foah that is partly washed into the sea and the Presbyterian church with the old missionary cemetery. Then do a tour to one of the fishing villages along the coast and see how they fish with nets, distribute the fish and process it by smoking. *'''Local Handicraft Tour''' : Visit the pottery village in Vume and the coffin makers in Sege. After you had a good look at the handicraft produce or bought something visit the market in Kasseh on your way back. *'''Traditional Ceremony Tour''':Start the weekend with a visit of the traditional drumming at the Fetish Priest's shrine in Anyanui on Friday. You can spend the night in the shrine or stay overnight at the Africa Home Lodge in Anyanui. On Saturday and Sunday, visit a funeral and go to a church service. On any other day, you check at the Tourist Information if there are child naming ceremony taking place. {{IsPartOf|Ghanaian Coastal Plain}} {{geo|5.86160|0.59292|zoom=12}} {{outlinecity}} 3vcyf522p6tgphr69tm0ebh9ayunpm9 0 650 5086794 5048370 2025-07-02T20:53:48Z 185.240.12.8 /* By bus */ Updated listing for Regional bus hub - Bus station info updated. "Giardini pubblici" just means "park" in Italian. It's a specific park with a specific name 5086794 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Bastioni Alghero-banner.jpg}} [[File:Alghero.jpg|thumb|Old Town skyline and marina]] [http://www.alghero-turismo.it/ '''Alghero'''] is a beautiful town on the north-western shore of [[Sardinia]], [[Italy]]. It is best known for its beautiful beaches, unique food, and also for its [[Catalonia|Catalan]] heritage; in fact, it was known in the past as ''la Barceloneta sarda'', little Sardinian Barcelona. This historic town is one of the most popular destinations for Sardinia's visitors. ==Understand== [[File:Alghero, Piazza Civica.jpg|thumb|Piazza Civica]] In Alghero's {{IPA|alˈɡɛːro}}, [[Catalan phrasebook|Catalan]]: L'Alguer {{IPA|ɫəɫˈɣe|pron}} atmospheric narrow lanes you'll find numerous bars and cafés. Its restaurants are renowned for excellent seafood. The surrounding area brings many delights for those who venture out of the city. These include the famous beaches at La Pelosa - Stintino, the eerily abandoned mining town of Argentiera and the ancient palace complex at Nuraghe di Palmavera. ===Tourist information=== * {{listing | name=InfoAlghero | alt=[http://www.comune.alghero.ss.it/it/turismo-e-cultura/luogo/InfoAlghero/ Ufficio Informazioni Turistiche] | url=http://www.comune.alghero.ss.it/it/comunicazione/notizie/notizia/InfoAlghero-punto-informazioni-per-il-cittadino-e-il-turista/ | email=infoalghero@comune.alghero.ss.it | address=Largo San Francesco | lat=40.557226 | long=8.315032 | directions=Lo Quarter | phone=+39 079 97 90 54 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 09:00–13:00 15:30–18:30; Sa 09:00–13:00 16:00–19:00; Su 10:00–13:00 (only Mar-Oct) | price= | lastedit=2016-01-25 | content= }} ==Get in== ===By plane=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Aeroporto di Alghero | alt={{IATA|AHO}} Alghero-Fertilia Airport | url=http://www.aeroportodialghero.it | email= | address= | lat=40.6308255 | long=8.295579 | directions=10 km northwest of Alghero | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Alghero-Fertilia Airport | image=Alghero Airport.jpg | wikidata=Q1321390 | lastedit=2023-07-01 | content=The airport (aka Alghero Riviera del Corallo) is the third busiest in Sardinia. It is serviced by several airlines including EasyJet and Ryanair. Almost all routes are seasonal. }} Connections by [https://www.aeroportodialghero.it/en/buses.html regional buses] to Alghero (every hour, 20-minute trip), Sassari (9 per day, 30-minute trip), Bosa, Nuoro, Macomer, Oristano, Cagliari. In Jun-Sep there are also buses to Stintino & Santa Teresa Gallura. Tickets can be bought at the ARST ticket vending machine. ===By car=== Alghero is easily accessible by road from Sassari, passing the airport near Fertilia. Another way to get to Alghero is from Bosa, by the sea-side road, which is quite narrow and winding but has incredible views. If staying in the old town, free parking can be found in and around the Piazzale della Pace. ===By train=== [[File:Stazione alghero sant agostino.jpg|thumb|Alghero railway station]] The railway station is about fifteen minutes walking distance from the centre of town and marina. * {{listing|type=go | name=Stazione di Alghero Sant'Agostino | alt=Railway station | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.5748153 | long=8.322444 | directions=to get to the town from the station, turn left out of the station on Don Minzoni, go straight for five blocks or so until you hit the beach and go left along Via Garibaldi | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-02-12 | content=Alghero station runs trains operated by [http://arst.sardegna.it/orari_e_autolinee/TPL.html ''ARST''] (former ''Ferrovie della Sardenia''), not to be confused with Ferrovie dello Stato (Trenitalia). These are two separate companies, and you will have to take one of the many daily 35-minute trains from Alghero to [[Sassari]] in order to catch a connecting train operated by Trenitalia to another destination such as Cagliari. Tickets must be purchased separately at their respective stations. }} ===By bus=== * {{go | name=Regional bus hub | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.559316 | long=8.315932 | directions=in Via Catalogna on the north side of the Giardini Giuseppe Manno park. The road is divided into five bus stops numbered 1-5, each stop with signs showing the destinations served | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content=[http://www.arstspa.info/a.html Buses] to [[Cagliari]] (3½ hours, fare {{EUR|20}}), [[Sassari]], Alghero airport and other destinations. Tickets are sold in a bar which is signposted. }} ===By taxi=== * {{listing | name=Alghero Radio Taxi | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+39 079 9892928 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price={{EUR|70}} to [[Sassari]] | content= }} ==Get around== {{mapframe | 40.5585812 | 8.3123766 | zoom=15}} {{Mapmask |title=ZTL |mask=1 |fill=#000 |fill-opacity=0.1 |stroke-opacity=0.3 |40.55603,8.31480 |40.55591,8.31364 |40.55635,8.31214 |40.55676,8.31183 |40.56058,8.31017 |40.56069,8.31170 |40.56054,8.31478 |40.56021,8.31490 |40.55935,8.31488 |40.55720,8.31657 |40.55675,8.31555 |40.55603,8.31480}} ===By car=== The city centre has a [[Driving in Italy#Limited traffic zones|limited traffic zone]] (ZTL) ([https://urbanaccessregulations.eu/countries-mainmenu-147/italy-mainmenu-81/sardegna-region/alghero-ar map and hours]). Most vehicles are prohibited from accessing it most of the time. Cameras are in operation and fines apply, even if you're in a rented car. ==See== [[File:San michele alghero.jpg|thumb|Church of San Michele]] Religious architecture: * {{see | name=Cattedrale di Santa Maria | alt= | url=http://www.diocesialghero-bosa.it/area/alghero-parrocchia-cattedrale-dellimmacolata-concezione/ | email= | address=Piazza Duomo, 2 | lat=40.55913 | long=8.31257 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=campanile {{EUR|3}} | wikipedia=it:Cattedrale di Santa Maria (Alghero) | lastedit=2017-08-31 | content=Dating back to the 16th century, it is one of the landmarks of the town. Its neo-classical façade was added in the 19th century. | wikidata=Q2273465}} [[File:Alghero - Chiesa di San Francesco (15).JPG|thumb|Gothic interior of the Chiesa di San Francesco]] * {{see | name=Chiesa di San Francesco | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.558226 | long= 8.313861| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=it:Chiesa di San Francesco (Alghero) | lastedit=2017-08-31 | content=15th-century church in Gothic-Catalan style. | wikidata=Q3670016}} * {{see | name=Chiesa San Michele | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.55718 | long=8.31483 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-31 | content=The church dates to the 16th century. Its polychrome tiled dome is one of the symbols of the town. It's quite remarkable though that the dome has received this colourful decoration only in 1950s (designed by Antonio Simon Mossa and Filippo Figari) }} * {{see | name=Parrocchia di Nostra Signora della Mercede | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= 40.55634| long= 8.31885| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-31 | content= }} Secular architecture: * {{see | name=Forte della Maddalena | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= 40.560072| long= 8.314585| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-31 | content=16th-century fort. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Teatro civico | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/teatroalghero/ | email= | address=Piazza Teatro, 1 | lat=40.558332 | long=8.313008 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=it:Teatro Civico (Alghero) | wikidata=Q3981932 | lastedit=2017-08-31 | content=The town theatre opened in 1862. This building is unique as its supporting structure is made of wood. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Palazzo d’Albis | alt=Casa De Ferrera | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.559412 | long=8.314172 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q26732183 | lastedit=2016-02-12 | content=A notable 16th-century Gothic building. In 1541 the Emperor Carlos V stayed there. }} [[File:25 Casa Dòria, també anomenada Palau Machín (l'Alguer).jpg|thumb|Casa Dòria, fragment]] * {{listing | type=see | name=Palazzo Machin | alt=Casa Dòria | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.558301 | long=8.312827 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q56599601 | lastedit=2016-02-13 | content= }} * {{see | name=Palazzo Serra | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= 40.5591956| long=8.3133459 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-02-13 | content=18th-century Baroque building. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Palazzo Lavagna | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.559582 | long=8.313866 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q30542743 | lastedit=2016-02-13 | content=19th-century Neoclassical building. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Palazzo Civico | alt=Town Hall | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.559057 | long=8.314025 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q56707009 | lastedit=2016-02-13 | content= }} [[File:Alghero, palazzo peretti, stemma.JPG|thumb|The coat of arms at the Palazzo Peretti]] * {{listing | type=see | name=Palazzo Peretti | alt=Palazzo Guillot | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.558511 | long=8.314709 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q56599838 | lastedit=2016-02-12 | content=15th-century Gothic-Catalan ''palazzo''. }} * {{see | name=Palazzo Carcassona | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= 40.5596215| long=8.3121765 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-02-13 | content= }} * {{see | name=Palazzo Simon | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.5574879 | long=8.3150625 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-02-13 | content=Built in 1865. }} * {{see | name=Torre di San Giovanni | alt= Torre di Mezzo| url= | email= | address= | lat= 40.557488| long=8.315513 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-09-09 | content=A 16th-century massive defensive tower. }} Liberty villas along the Lungomare Dante and the Lungomare Valencia: * {{see | name=Villa Mosca | alt= | url= | email= | address=Lungomare Dante | lat= 40.5532033 | long=8.3167014 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-02-13 | content=Now a hotel. }} * {{see | name=Villa las Tronas | alt=Villa Arborio Mella di Sant'Elia | url= | email= | address=Lungomare Valencia | lat=40.5504204 | long=8.3180881 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-02-13 | content=Yet another villa, now a hotel. }} ==Do== {{mapframe | name=The region around Alghero}} ===Museums=== * {{do | name= Museo Archeologico della Città| alt= | url=http://www.comune.alghero.ss.it/it/turismo-e-cultura/luogo/Museo-Archeologico-della-Citta/ | email= | address= Via Carlo Alberto, 72| lat= 40.55808| long= 8.31383| directions= | phone= +39 0799734045| tollfree= | fax= | hours= 11:00-13:30, 17:30-21:30| price={{EUR|6}} | lastedit=2017-08-31 | content= }} * {{do | name=Museo del Corallo | alt=Casa Ascione | url=http://www.ascione.it/mobi/it/index.html | email=info@museodelcorallo.it | address=Via XX Settembre n. 8 | lat=40.55714 | long=8.31622 | directions= | phone=+39 0799897502 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10:30-13:00, 17:00-21:00 | price={{EUR|6}} | lastedit=2017-08-31 | content=The Museum of Coral in the Libery villa. }} * {{do | name=Museo Diocesano | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/pg/museoartesacra.alghero/about/ | email= | address=Piazza Duomo | lat=40.559179 | long= 8.313131| directions= | phone=+39 079 973 3041 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= W-M 10:30-13:00 18:00-20:30| price={{EUR|4}}, + Cathedral's campanile {{EUR|6}} | lastedit=2017-08-31 | content= }} ===Beaches=== [[File:Alghero beach in September.jpg|thumb|Alghero beach in September]] The coastal road south of Alghero is beautiful, an unspoilt and protected panorama of sparkling sea, lush vegetation, and rocky mountains. It leads to Bosa, a small medieval town, which has a distinctive and living historic center and many points of interest. Near Alghero, accessible by car, is the spectacular Capo Caccia/Porte Conte Bay, well worth a visit. * [[Scuba diving]] - The area with the Marine Reserve Capo Caccia/Isola Piana is one of the best dive destinations in Europe. * Caving * Climbing * Mountain Biking * Bird watching * Hunting * Archaeology * Botany ==Buy== Alghero is famous for its red coral jewelry and silverware. All coral jewelry is unsustainably harvested from living wild coral reefs that form important ocean habitats. Ethical travellers should avoid buying any sort of coral jewelry. ==Eat== As in most parts of Italy food in Alghero is an important thing. The town's fishing port provides seafood fresh from the sea. Make sure that you try Catalan lobster, lobster salad with raw tomatoes and onion. Ricci (sea urchins) are also very popular in Alghero with a festival being held in their honor around February during the "Sagra del Bogamarì". Basically, anywhere in town is good, as long as you avoid the tourist restaurants with "il menu turistico". ===Budget=== All these are in the city centre: * {{eat | name=La Piccola Cucina Alghero | alt= | url= | email= | address=Via Giuseppe Mazzini, 23 | lat=40.5580631 | long= 8.3165324 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-08-01 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Pub L'Anfora | alt= | url= | email= | address=Via Gioberti, 31 | lat= 40.5578728 | long= 8.3145392 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-08-01 | content= }} * {{eat | name=El Davalito | alt= | url= | email= | address=Via Majorca, 33 | lat= 40.5583869 | long= 8.3134425 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-08-01 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Lu Furat Ristorante Pizzeria | alt= | url= | email= | address=Via Minerva, 19 | lat=40.5590056 | long=8.3140936 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-08-01 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Da Rosy&Tony | alt= | url= | email= | address=Via Simon, 14 | lat= 40.5579900 | long= 8.3151819 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-08-01 | content= }} * {{eat | name=La vecchia Grotta Del Diavolo | alt= | url= | email= | address=Via Vittorio Emanuele II, 23 | lat=40.5596067 | long= 8.3175466 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-08-01 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Indian Kebab & Food | alt= | url= | email= | address=Via XX Settembre, 20 | lat= 40.5573601 | long= 8.3168827 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-08-01 | content= }} ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=Al Vecchio Mulino | alt= | url=http://www.alvecchiomulinoalghero.com | email= | address=Via Don De Roma, 3 | lat=40.5585812 | long= 8.3123766 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-08-01 | content=A good restaurant where you can try typical dishes. The same management for 30 years. }} * {{eat | name=Ristorante Mabrouk | alt= | url= | email= | address=Via Santa Barbara, 4 | lat=40.5588510 | long= 8.3120692 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-08-01 | content=Seafood restaurant }} * {{eat | name=Trattoria Lo Romanì | alt= | url= | email= | address=Via Lazzaretto, 9 | lat=40.5577788 | long= 8.3126113| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-08-01 | content=Sardinian restaurant }} * {{eat | name=Prosciutteria Sant Miquel | alt= | url= | email= | address=Via Misericordia, 20 | lat=40.5569352 | long=8.3136570 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-08-01 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Alamo - Ristorante Paelleria | alt= | url= | email= | address= Via Ambrogio Machin, 20 | lat=40.5580980 | long=8.3148376 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-08-01 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Món Bar Bistrot | alt= | url= | email= | address=Via Minerva, 7 | lat= 40.5592547 | long=8.3143605 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-08-01 | content= }} ===Splurge=== * {{eat | name=Al Tuguri | alt= | url= | email= | address=Via Majorca, 113 | lat=40.5567637 | long= 8.3140285 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-08-01 | content= }} ==Drink== Take in the beautiful views at cafe Latino located on the battlements overlooking the harbour. There are also lots of late night bars on the Lungomare Valencia that get going at around about midnight. Local drinks are limoncello, mirto and some local wines that they serve in all restaurants. Also you should not miss the Bar La Perla in Viale Sardegna. It serves great cappuccino. ==Sleep== There are a whole number of possibilities for accommodation in Alghero from bed and breakfasts to Agroturismos (farm stays) and hotels. You can pick up a list of B&Bs at the friendly Tourist Information office. In the offseason, rates range from {{EUR|25-50}} for one person. Expect prices to double in July and August. *{{sleep | name=Aigua Alghero B&B and Rent a Car | alt= | url=https://www.aigua.it/ | email=info@aigua.it | address=old town alghero ambrogio machin 22 | lat=40.55815 | long=8.31552 | directions=& Rent a Car Front of Alghero Airport enter Parcheggio Economy (www.aiguarentacar.it) | phone=+39 340 0777688 | tollfree= | checkin=11:00 | checkout=12:00 | price={{EUR|60-100}} | content=Typical Latin architecture. }} *{{sleep | name=B&B Ramblas | alt=B&B Alghero | url= | email=info@algheroramblas.com | address=Lido San Giovanni Via Garibaldi, 79/M | lat= | long= | directions=Front of the sea | phone=+39 347 1813100 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price={{EUR|60-100}} | checkin=11:00 | checkout=12:00 | content=B&B Alghero }} *{{sleep | name=Hotel Angedras Alghero | url= | email=info@hotelangedras.it | address=via Frank, 2 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+39 079 9735034 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=US$53-150 | checkin=11:00 | checkout=12:00 | content=Three star hotel in a quiet residential street close to the old town, has stylish modern rooms. Hotel shuttle bus to the beach, internet point, high-speed Wi-Fi internet connection, restaurant (on the Bastions in Alghero's Old Town, with sea view). }} *{{sleep | name=Villa Las Tronas Hotel & Spa | alt=Hotel Villa Las Tronas - 5 star | url= | email=info@hotelvillalastronas.it | address=Lungomare Valencia, 1 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+39 079 981818 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price={{EUR|220-450}} | checkin= | checkout=12:00 | content=Once the residence of Italian royalty during their holidays in Sardinia, Las Tronas conserves the historic atmosphere of the aristocratic ''buen retiro'', renewing the tradition and charm of the ancient residence. A spectacular position, on the sea-shore. A peaceful, exclusive oasis on a private headland. }} *{{sleep | name=El Faro Hotel | alt=El Faro Hotel | url= | email= | address=Porto Conte, 52, Alghero | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+39 079 942 010 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=min {{EUR|190-350}} | checkin=15:00 | checkout=12:00 | content=Luxury seafront hotel in Porto Conte Bay. The 5-star hotel has the shape of an ocean liner, with its stern laid down on the rocks, enriched by Spanish-style arches and balconies. }} * {{sleep | name=Calabonia | alt= | url=http://www.hotelcalabona.it/ | email=info@hotelcalabona.it | address=Strada Provinciale 105 | lat=40.5466696 | long=8.3215069 | directions= | phone=+39 079977343 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price={{EUR|120}} | content=Restaurant, bar, swimming pool. The hotel has a small private beach with some rocks. }} * {{sleep | name=Alghero Resort Country Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.algheroresort.it/en/ | email=info@algheroresort.it | address=Via Carrabuffas | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+39 079 986 555 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price={{EUR|60}} classic room, {{EUR|200}} suite | lastedit=2016-12-28 | content=Hotel is in a converted 18th-century country mansion. Outside the hustle of the city center but only a 10-minute drive to the historic center and beaches. Offers a tranquil setting with pool, tennis courts, and full spa. Breakfast included with dinner service available. Kind staff will help book excursions including the horses next door that roam the outskirts of the property. }} *{{sleep | name=Villa Grazia B&B Alghero - Sardinia | alt=B&B Alghero | url=https://www.villagrazia-bed-and-breakfast-alghero.com | email=villagraziabyprsc@hotmail.com | address=St.Anna area, Strada vicinale vecchia 10 C | lat=40.54169 | long=8.33776 | directions=(The main street is the Sant'anna Pollina local road (by Google maps)) | phone=+39 338 924 4531| | tollfree= | checkin=12:00 | checkout=11:00 | price={{EUR|80-160}} | image=Vista di Villa Grazia Bed and Breakfast Alghero dal Giardino.jpg | lastedit=2023-01-15 | content=Villa Grazia B&B Alghero is a villa with swimming pool surrounded by a magnificent park of olive trees, about 2 km from the sea and 3 km from the historic center of Alghero. }} ==Go next== [[File:Alghero Grotta di Nettuno Stairways.jpg|thumb|left|Staircase down to the Grotta di Nettuno]] ===Capo Caccia=== See Neptune's Grotto, which includes the "Goat's Staircase" and under water the limestone cliffs continue creating the most vast underwater marine cave system, Nereo Cave is the bigger and famous with its huge halls and tunnels. :* {{go | name=Grotte di Nettuno | alt=Neptune's Grotto | url=https://grottadinettuno.it | email= | address= | lat=40.564849 | long=8.16014 | directions=check with Tourist Information Office of Alghero | phone=+39 079 979054 | tollfree= | hours=Guided tours every hour: Apr-Oct daily 08:00-19:00; Nov-Mar daily 10:00-15:00 | price={{EUR|13}} (guided tours only) | wikidata=Q1501051 | content=Guided tours (1/2 hour) are in Italian, English and German. }} :* Tourist agencies organise boat excursions to the other caves: ''Grotte Navisarda'' and ''Attilio Regolo''. * {{go | name=Complesso nuragico di Palmavera | alt=Nuraghe Palmavera | url=http://www.sardegnacultura.it/j/v/253?s=27247&v=2&c=2489&c1=2126&visb=&t=1 | email=silt.coop@tiscali.it | address= | lat=40.595 | long=8.2428 | directions= | phone=+39 329 4385947 | tollfree= | hours=May-Sep 09:00-19:00; Apr Oct 09:00-18:00; Nov-Mar 10:00-14:00 | price={{EUR|6}} | wikidata=Q1732146 | lastedit=2017-09-05 | content=a complex nuraghe, that consists of several towers joined together. The nuraghe and the surrounding village were built in various phase during the Bronze Age and the Iron Age. }} [[File:Fertilia church.jpg|thumb|Church in Fertilia]] * {{go | name=Fertilia | alt= | url=http://www.comune.alghero.ss.it/ | email= | address= | lat=40.59336 | long=8.28441 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1134146 | lastedit=2017-09-05 | content=Fertilia is a small town in a few kilometres north-east of Alghero. It was built by the Fascist government of Italy in the 1930s, after the draining of the marshes which covered the area. It was planned by the architect Arturo Miraglia and the town still bears some elements of the rationalist style. }} ===Other destinations=== * [[Sassari]] is a good destination for a pleasant half day trip * [[Bosa]] is a quaint old town further to the south {{geo|40.5667|8.3167}} {{IsPartOf|Sassari (province)}} {{usablecity}} 3lxh14zwynpvx2f7ho3bxetu1kqrbag 5087090 5086794 2025-07-03T11:06:53Z FTMDave 711844 /* By bus */ Updated listing for Regional bus hub - Correcting my own mistake re ticket sales point 5087090 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Bastioni Alghero-banner.jpg}} [[File:Alghero.jpg|thumb|Old Town skyline and marina]] [http://www.alghero-turismo.it/ '''Alghero'''] is a beautiful town on the north-western shore of [[Sardinia]], [[Italy]]. It is best known for its beautiful beaches, unique food, and also for its [[Catalonia|Catalan]] heritage; in fact, it was known in the past as ''la Barceloneta sarda'', little Sardinian Barcelona. This historic town is one of the most popular destinations for Sardinia's visitors. ==Understand== [[File:Alghero, Piazza Civica.jpg|thumb|Piazza Civica]] In Alghero's {{IPA|alˈɡɛːro}}, [[Catalan phrasebook|Catalan]]: L'Alguer {{IPA|ɫəɫˈɣe|pron}} atmospheric narrow lanes you'll find numerous bars and cafés. Its restaurants are renowned for excellent seafood. The surrounding area brings many delights for those who venture out of the city. These include the famous beaches at La Pelosa - Stintino, the eerily abandoned mining town of Argentiera and the ancient palace complex at Nuraghe di Palmavera. ===Tourist information=== * {{listing | name=InfoAlghero | alt=[http://www.comune.alghero.ss.it/it/turismo-e-cultura/luogo/InfoAlghero/ Ufficio Informazioni Turistiche] | url=http://www.comune.alghero.ss.it/it/comunicazione/notizie/notizia/InfoAlghero-punto-informazioni-per-il-cittadino-e-il-turista/ | email=infoalghero@comune.alghero.ss.it | address=Largo San Francesco | lat=40.557226 | long=8.315032 | directions=Lo Quarter | phone=+39 079 97 90 54 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 09:00–13:00 15:30–18:30; Sa 09:00–13:00 16:00–19:00; Su 10:00–13:00 (only Mar-Oct) | price= | lastedit=2016-01-25 | content= }} ==Get in== ===By plane=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Aeroporto di Alghero | alt={{IATA|AHO}} Alghero-Fertilia Airport | url=http://www.aeroportodialghero.it | email= | address= | lat=40.6308255 | long=8.295579 | directions=10 km northwest of Alghero | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Alghero-Fertilia Airport | image=Alghero Airport.jpg | wikidata=Q1321390 | lastedit=2023-07-01 | content=The airport (aka Alghero Riviera del Corallo) is the third busiest in Sardinia. It is serviced by several airlines including EasyJet and Ryanair. Almost all routes are seasonal. }} Connections by [https://www.aeroportodialghero.it/en/buses.html regional buses] to Alghero (every hour, 20-minute trip), Sassari (9 per day, 30-minute trip), Bosa, Nuoro, Macomer, Oristano, Cagliari. In Jun-Sep there are also buses to Stintino & Santa Teresa Gallura. Tickets can be bought at the ARST ticket vending machine. ===By car=== Alghero is easily accessible by road from Sassari, passing the airport near Fertilia. Another way to get to Alghero is from Bosa, by the sea-side road, which is quite narrow and winding but has incredible views. If staying in the old town, free parking can be found in and around the Piazzale della Pace. ===By train=== [[File:Stazione alghero sant agostino.jpg|thumb|Alghero railway station]] The railway station is about fifteen minutes walking distance from the centre of town and marina. * {{listing|type=go | name=Stazione di Alghero Sant'Agostino | alt=Railway station | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.5748153 | long=8.322444 | directions=to get to the town from the station, turn left out of the station on Don Minzoni, go straight for five blocks or so until you hit the beach and go left along Via Garibaldi | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-02-12 | content=Alghero station runs trains operated by [http://arst.sardegna.it/orari_e_autolinee/TPL.html ''ARST''] (former ''Ferrovie della Sardenia''), not to be confused with Ferrovie dello Stato (Trenitalia). These are two separate companies, and you will have to take one of the many daily 35-minute trains from Alghero to [[Sassari]] in order to catch a connecting train operated by Trenitalia to another destination such as Cagliari. Tickets must be purchased separately at their respective stations. }} ===By bus=== * {{go | name=Regional bus hub | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.559316 | long=8.315932 | directions=in Via Catalogna on the north side of the Giardini Giuseppe Manno park. The road is divided into five bus stops numbered 1-5, each stop with signs showing the destinations served | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=[http://www.arstspa.info/a.html Buses] to [[Cagliari]] (3½ hours, fare {{EUR|15.50}}), [[Sassari]] (fare {{EUR|2.50}}), Alghero airport (fare {{EUR|1.00}}) and other destinations. Tickets are sold from a machine next to a newsagent's kiosk at one end of the road (signposted). Schedules are displayed at the other end. }} ===By taxi=== * {{listing | name=Alghero Radio Taxi | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+39 079 9892928 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price={{EUR|70}} to [[Sassari]] | content= }} ==Get around== {{mapframe | 40.5585812 | 8.3123766 | zoom=15}} {{Mapmask |title=ZTL |mask=1 |fill=#000 |fill-opacity=0.1 |stroke-opacity=0.3 |40.55603,8.31480 |40.55591,8.31364 |40.55635,8.31214 |40.55676,8.31183 |40.56058,8.31017 |40.56069,8.31170 |40.56054,8.31478 |40.56021,8.31490 |40.55935,8.31488 |40.55720,8.31657 |40.55675,8.31555 |40.55603,8.31480}} ===By car=== The city centre has a [[Driving in Italy#Limited traffic zones|limited traffic zone]] (ZTL) ([https://urbanaccessregulations.eu/countries-mainmenu-147/italy-mainmenu-81/sardegna-region/alghero-ar map and hours]). Most vehicles are prohibited from accessing it most of the time. Cameras are in operation and fines apply, even if you're in a rented car. ==See== [[File:San michele alghero.jpg|thumb|Church of San Michele]] Religious architecture: * {{see | name=Cattedrale di Santa Maria | alt= | url=http://www.diocesialghero-bosa.it/area/alghero-parrocchia-cattedrale-dellimmacolata-concezione/ | email= | address=Piazza Duomo, 2 | lat=40.55913 | long=8.31257 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=campanile {{EUR|3}} | wikipedia=it:Cattedrale di Santa Maria (Alghero) | lastedit=2017-08-31 | content=Dating back to the 16th century, it is one of the landmarks of the town. Its neo-classical façade was added in the 19th century. | wikidata=Q2273465}} [[File:Alghero - Chiesa di San Francesco (15).JPG|thumb|Gothic interior of the Chiesa di San Francesco]] * {{see | name=Chiesa di San Francesco | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.558226 | long= 8.313861| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=it:Chiesa di San Francesco (Alghero) | lastedit=2017-08-31 | content=15th-century church in Gothic-Catalan style. | wikidata=Q3670016}} * {{see | name=Chiesa San Michele | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.55718 | long=8.31483 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-31 | content=The church dates to the 16th century. Its polychrome tiled dome is one of the symbols of the town. It's quite remarkable though that the dome has received this colourful decoration only in 1950s (designed by Antonio Simon Mossa and Filippo Figari) }} * {{see | name=Parrocchia di Nostra Signora della Mercede | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= 40.55634| long= 8.31885| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-31 | content= }} Secular architecture: * {{see | name=Forte della Maddalena | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= 40.560072| long= 8.314585| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-31 | content=16th-century fort. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Teatro civico | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/teatroalghero/ | email= | address=Piazza Teatro, 1 | lat=40.558332 | long=8.313008 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=it:Teatro Civico (Alghero) | wikidata=Q3981932 | lastedit=2017-08-31 | content=The town theatre opened in 1862. This building is unique as its supporting structure is made of wood. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Palazzo d’Albis | alt=Casa De Ferrera | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.559412 | long=8.314172 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q26732183 | lastedit=2016-02-12 | content=A notable 16th-century Gothic building. In 1541 the Emperor Carlos V stayed there. }} [[File:25 Casa Dòria, també anomenada Palau Machín (l'Alguer).jpg|thumb|Casa Dòria, fragment]] * {{listing | type=see | name=Palazzo Machin | alt=Casa Dòria | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.558301 | long=8.312827 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q56599601 | lastedit=2016-02-13 | content= }} * {{see | name=Palazzo Serra | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= 40.5591956| long=8.3133459 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-02-13 | content=18th-century Baroque building. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Palazzo Lavagna | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.559582 | long=8.313866 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q30542743 | lastedit=2016-02-13 | content=19th-century Neoclassical building. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Palazzo Civico | alt=Town Hall | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.559057 | long=8.314025 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q56707009 | lastedit=2016-02-13 | content= }} [[File:Alghero, palazzo peretti, stemma.JPG|thumb|The coat of arms at the Palazzo Peretti]] * {{listing | type=see | name=Palazzo Peretti | alt=Palazzo Guillot | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.558511 | long=8.314709 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q56599838 | lastedit=2016-02-12 | content=15th-century Gothic-Catalan ''palazzo''. }} * {{see | name=Palazzo Carcassona | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= 40.5596215| long=8.3121765 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-02-13 | content= }} * {{see | name=Palazzo Simon | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.5574879 | long=8.3150625 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-02-13 | content=Built in 1865. }} * {{see | name=Torre di San Giovanni | alt= Torre di Mezzo| url= | email= | address= | lat= 40.557488| long=8.315513 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-09-09 | content=A 16th-century massive defensive tower. }} Liberty villas along the Lungomare Dante and the Lungomare Valencia: * {{see | name=Villa Mosca | alt= | url= | email= | address=Lungomare Dante | lat= 40.5532033 | long=8.3167014 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-02-13 | content=Now a hotel. }} * {{see | name=Villa las Tronas | alt=Villa Arborio Mella di Sant'Elia | url= | email= | address=Lungomare Valencia | lat=40.5504204 | long=8.3180881 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-02-13 | content=Yet another villa, now a hotel. }} ==Do== {{mapframe | name=The region around Alghero}} ===Museums=== * {{do | name= Museo Archeologico della Città| alt= | url=http://www.comune.alghero.ss.it/it/turismo-e-cultura/luogo/Museo-Archeologico-della-Citta/ | email= | address= Via Carlo Alberto, 72| lat= 40.55808| long= 8.31383| directions= | phone= +39 0799734045| tollfree= | fax= | hours= 11:00-13:30, 17:30-21:30| price={{EUR|6}} | lastedit=2017-08-31 | content= }} * {{do | name=Museo del Corallo | alt=Casa Ascione | url=http://www.ascione.it/mobi/it/index.html | email=info@museodelcorallo.it | address=Via XX Settembre n. 8 | lat=40.55714 | long=8.31622 | directions= | phone=+39 0799897502 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10:30-13:00, 17:00-21:00 | price={{EUR|6}} | lastedit=2017-08-31 | content=The Museum of Coral in the Libery villa. }} * {{do | name=Museo Diocesano | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/pg/museoartesacra.alghero/about/ | email= | address=Piazza Duomo | lat=40.559179 | long= 8.313131| directions= | phone=+39 079 973 3041 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= W-M 10:30-13:00 18:00-20:30| price={{EUR|4}}, + Cathedral's campanile {{EUR|6}} | lastedit=2017-08-31 | content= }} ===Beaches=== [[File:Alghero beach in September.jpg|thumb|Alghero beach in September]] The coastal road south of Alghero is beautiful, an unspoilt and protected panorama of sparkling sea, lush vegetation, and rocky mountains. It leads to Bosa, a small medieval town, which has a distinctive and living historic center and many points of interest. Near Alghero, accessible by car, is the spectacular Capo Caccia/Porte Conte Bay, well worth a visit. * [[Scuba diving]] - The area with the Marine Reserve Capo Caccia/Isola Piana is one of the best dive destinations in Europe. * Caving * Climbing * Mountain Biking * Bird watching * Hunting * Archaeology * Botany ==Buy== Alghero is famous for its red coral jewelry and silverware. All coral jewelry is unsustainably harvested from living wild coral reefs that form important ocean habitats. Ethical travellers should avoid buying any sort of coral jewelry. ==Eat== As in most parts of Italy food in Alghero is an important thing. The town's fishing port provides seafood fresh from the sea. Make sure that you try Catalan lobster, lobster salad with raw tomatoes and onion. Ricci (sea urchins) are also very popular in Alghero with a festival being held in their honor around February during the "Sagra del Bogamarì". Basically, anywhere in town is good, as long as you avoid the tourist restaurants with "il menu turistico". ===Budget=== All these are in the city centre: * {{eat | name=La Piccola Cucina Alghero | alt= | url= | email= | address=Via Giuseppe Mazzini, 23 | lat=40.5580631 | long= 8.3165324 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-08-01 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Pub L'Anfora | alt= | url= | email= | address=Via Gioberti, 31 | lat= 40.5578728 | long= 8.3145392 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-08-01 | content= }} * {{eat | name=El Davalito | alt= | url= | email= | address=Via Majorca, 33 | lat= 40.5583869 | long= 8.3134425 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-08-01 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Lu Furat Ristorante Pizzeria | alt= | url= | email= | address=Via Minerva, 19 | lat=40.5590056 | long=8.3140936 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-08-01 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Da Rosy&Tony | alt= | url= | email= | address=Via Simon, 14 | lat= 40.5579900 | long= 8.3151819 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-08-01 | content= }} * {{eat | name=La vecchia Grotta Del Diavolo | alt= | url= | email= | address=Via Vittorio Emanuele II, 23 | lat=40.5596067 | long= 8.3175466 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-08-01 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Indian Kebab & Food | alt= | url= | email= | address=Via XX Settembre, 20 | lat= 40.5573601 | long= 8.3168827 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-08-01 | content= }} ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=Al Vecchio Mulino | alt= | url=http://www.alvecchiomulinoalghero.com | email= | address=Via Don De Roma, 3 | lat=40.5585812 | long= 8.3123766 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-08-01 | content=A good restaurant where you can try typical dishes. The same management for 30 years. }} * {{eat | name=Ristorante Mabrouk | alt= | url= | email= | address=Via Santa Barbara, 4 | lat=40.5588510 | long= 8.3120692 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-08-01 | content=Seafood restaurant }} * {{eat | name=Trattoria Lo Romanì | alt= | url= | email= | address=Via Lazzaretto, 9 | lat=40.5577788 | long= 8.3126113| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-08-01 | content=Sardinian restaurant }} * {{eat | name=Prosciutteria Sant Miquel | alt= | url= | email= | address=Via Misericordia, 20 | lat=40.5569352 | long=8.3136570 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-08-01 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Alamo - Ristorante Paelleria | alt= | url= | email= | address= Via Ambrogio Machin, 20 | lat=40.5580980 | long=8.3148376 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-08-01 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Món Bar Bistrot | alt= | url= | email= | address=Via Minerva, 7 | lat= 40.5592547 | long=8.3143605 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-08-01 | content= }} ===Splurge=== * {{eat | name=Al Tuguri | alt= | url= | email= | address=Via Majorca, 113 | lat=40.5567637 | long= 8.3140285 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-08-01 | content= }} ==Drink== Take in the beautiful views at cafe Latino located on the battlements overlooking the harbour. There are also lots of late night bars on the Lungomare Valencia that get going at around about midnight. Local drinks are limoncello, mirto and some local wines that they serve in all restaurants. Also you should not miss the Bar La Perla in Viale Sardegna. It serves great cappuccino. ==Sleep== There are a whole number of possibilities for accommodation in Alghero from bed and breakfasts to Agroturismos (farm stays) and hotels. You can pick up a list of B&Bs at the friendly Tourist Information office. In the offseason, rates range from {{EUR|25-50}} for one person. Expect prices to double in July and August. *{{sleep | name=Aigua Alghero B&B and Rent a Car | alt= | url=https://www.aigua.it/ | email=info@aigua.it | address=old town alghero ambrogio machin 22 | lat=40.55815 | long=8.31552 | directions=& Rent a Car Front of Alghero Airport enter Parcheggio Economy (www.aiguarentacar.it) | phone=+39 340 0777688 | tollfree= | checkin=11:00 | checkout=12:00 | price={{EUR|60-100}} | content=Typical Latin architecture. }} *{{sleep | name=B&B Ramblas | alt=B&B Alghero | url= | email=info@algheroramblas.com | address=Lido San Giovanni Via Garibaldi, 79/M | lat= | long= | directions=Front of the sea | phone=+39 347 1813100 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price={{EUR|60-100}} | checkin=11:00 | checkout=12:00 | content=B&B Alghero }} *{{sleep | name=Hotel Angedras Alghero | url= | email=info@hotelangedras.it | address=via Frank, 2 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+39 079 9735034 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=US$53-150 | checkin=11:00 | checkout=12:00 | content=Three star hotel in a quiet residential street close to the old town, has stylish modern rooms. Hotel shuttle bus to the beach, internet point, high-speed Wi-Fi internet connection, restaurant (on the Bastions in Alghero's Old Town, with sea view). }} *{{sleep | name=Villa Las Tronas Hotel & Spa | alt=Hotel Villa Las Tronas - 5 star | url= | email=info@hotelvillalastronas.it | address=Lungomare Valencia, 1 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+39 079 981818 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price={{EUR|220-450}} | checkin= | checkout=12:00 | content=Once the residence of Italian royalty during their holidays in Sardinia, Las Tronas conserves the historic atmosphere of the aristocratic ''buen retiro'', renewing the tradition and charm of the ancient residence. A spectacular position, on the sea-shore. A peaceful, exclusive oasis on a private headland. }} *{{sleep | name=El Faro Hotel | alt=El Faro Hotel | url= | email= | address=Porto Conte, 52, Alghero | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+39 079 942 010 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=min {{EUR|190-350}} | checkin=15:00 | checkout=12:00 | content=Luxury seafront hotel in Porto Conte Bay. The 5-star hotel has the shape of an ocean liner, with its stern laid down on the rocks, enriched by Spanish-style arches and balconies. }} * {{sleep | name=Calabonia | alt= | url=http://www.hotelcalabona.it/ | email=info@hotelcalabona.it | address=Strada Provinciale 105 | lat=40.5466696 | long=8.3215069 | directions= | phone=+39 079977343 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price={{EUR|120}} | content=Restaurant, bar, swimming pool. The hotel has a small private beach with some rocks. }} * {{sleep | name=Alghero Resort Country Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.algheroresort.it/en/ | email=info@algheroresort.it | address=Via Carrabuffas | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+39 079 986 555 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price={{EUR|60}} classic room, {{EUR|200}} suite | lastedit=2016-12-28 | content=Hotel is in a converted 18th-century country mansion. Outside the hustle of the city center but only a 10-minute drive to the historic center and beaches. Offers a tranquil setting with pool, tennis courts, and full spa. Breakfast included with dinner service available. Kind staff will help book excursions including the horses next door that roam the outskirts of the property. }} *{{sleep | name=Villa Grazia B&B Alghero - Sardinia | alt=B&B Alghero | url=https://www.villagrazia-bed-and-breakfast-alghero.com | email=villagraziabyprsc@hotmail.com | address=St.Anna area, Strada vicinale vecchia 10 C | lat=40.54169 | long=8.33776 | directions=(The main street is the Sant'anna Pollina local road (by Google maps)) | phone=+39 338 924 4531| | tollfree= | checkin=12:00 | checkout=11:00 | price={{EUR|80-160}} | image=Vista di Villa Grazia Bed and Breakfast Alghero dal Giardino.jpg | lastedit=2023-01-15 | content=Villa Grazia B&B Alghero is a villa with swimming pool surrounded by a magnificent park of olive trees, about 2 km from the sea and 3 km from the historic center of Alghero. }} ==Go next== [[File:Alghero Grotta di Nettuno Stairways.jpg|thumb|left|Staircase down to the Grotta di Nettuno]] ===Capo Caccia=== See Neptune's Grotto, which includes the "Goat's Staircase" and under water the limestone cliffs continue creating the most vast underwater marine cave system, Nereo Cave is the bigger and famous with its huge halls and tunnels. :* {{go | name=Grotte di Nettuno | alt=Neptune's Grotto | url=https://grottadinettuno.it | email= | address= | lat=40.564849 | long=8.16014 | directions=check with Tourist Information Office of Alghero | phone=+39 079 979054 | tollfree= | hours=Guided tours every hour: Apr-Oct daily 08:00-19:00; Nov-Mar daily 10:00-15:00 | price={{EUR|13}} (guided tours only) | wikidata=Q1501051 | content=Guided tours (1/2 hour) are in Italian, English and German. }} :* Tourist agencies organise boat excursions to the other caves: ''Grotte Navisarda'' and ''Attilio Regolo''. * {{go | name=Complesso nuragico di Palmavera | alt=Nuraghe Palmavera | url=http://www.sardegnacultura.it/j/v/253?s=27247&v=2&c=2489&c1=2126&visb=&t=1 | email=silt.coop@tiscali.it | address= | lat=40.595 | long=8.2428 | directions= | phone=+39 329 4385947 | tollfree= | hours=May-Sep 09:00-19:00; Apr Oct 09:00-18:00; Nov-Mar 10:00-14:00 | price={{EUR|6}} | wikidata=Q1732146 | lastedit=2017-09-05 | content=a complex nuraghe, that consists of several towers joined together. The nuraghe and the surrounding village were built in various phase during the Bronze Age and the Iron Age. }} [[File:Fertilia church.jpg|thumb|Church in Fertilia]] * {{go | name=Fertilia | alt= | url=http://www.comune.alghero.ss.it/ | email= | address= | lat=40.59336 | long=8.28441 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1134146 | lastedit=2017-09-05 | content=Fertilia is a small town in a few kilometres north-east of Alghero. It was built by the Fascist government of Italy in the 1930s, after the draining of the marshes which covered the area. It was planned by the architect Arturo Miraglia and the town still bears some elements of the rationalist style. }} ===Other destinations=== * [[Sassari]] is a good destination for a pleasant half day trip * [[Bosa]] is a quaint old town further to the south {{geo|40.5667|8.3167}} {{IsPartOf|Sassari (province)}} {{usablecity}} jvsf0kaxccmkrjsh5rx1wyd1e55lnnu 0 1787 5086953 5078591 2025-07-03T04:13:30Z Veracious 1298114 /* Cities and towns */ not a city 5086953 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Asturie banner.jpg|caption=The Central Massif of the Picos de Europa, showing the peaks of Peña Main overlooking the village of Sotres in Cabrales, Asturias, Spain}} '''Asturias''', officially the '''Principality of Asturias''' ([[Spanish phrasebook|Spanish]]: ''Principado de Asturias'', Asturian: ''Principáu d'Asturies''), is a region in the north of [[Spain]]. It sits in the narrow strip between the Cantabrian Sea and the Cantabrian Mountains, forming part of "Green Spain". It has been given the nickname "little Switzerland" because of the greenness of its meadows and the height of its peaks. == Cities and towns == {{mapframe|width=500|43.268|-5.771|zoom=8}} {{mapshape}} {{mapshapes|Q1054739}} <!-- Cercanías Asturias --> * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Oviedo (Spain)|Oviedo]] |wikidata=Q14317}} is the capital of Asturias. It has a fine old town and cathedral. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Avilés]] |wikidata=Q14649}} near the airport is mostly industrial, but has several museums and old buildings. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Cornellana]] |wikidata=Q5171582}} has an 11th-century monastery. * {{marker|type=city|name= Covadonga |wikidata=Q1018048}}, the site of the first Christian victory against the Moors, in 722 AD. The Sanctuary of Covadonga is a complex of religious buildings commemorating this. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Gijón]] |wikidata=Q12273}} (''Xixón''), the largest city of the principality, has beaches and a railway museum. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Grado (Spain)|Grado]]|wikidata=Q617580}}, a town on the Original Way of St. James (''Camino Primitivo''). * {{marker|type=city|name=Langreo |wikidata=Q493806}} is industrial, with a mining museum. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Mieres del Camino]]| wikidata=Q6001455}} — on the Way of El Salvador * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Piedrasblancas]]|wikidata=Q7191572}} — * {{marker|type=city|name=Ribadesella |wikidata=Q591580}} has a cave decorated with prehistoric art. In August it hosts the Descenso rowing race down the river. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[San Martin de Laspra]]|wikidata=Q6119339}} lies on the Northern Way of the Camino de Santiago * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Villaviciosa]] |wikidata=Q842648}} is a cider-making town on the coast. ==Other destinations== [[File:Urriellu desde el Pozo de La Oracion.jpg|thumb|Urriellu peak (Naranjo de Bulnes) in Picos de Europa National Park from Pozo de La Oracion]] * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=Picos de Europa National Park|wikidata=Q48567}} is an area of mountains and woodlands stretching into the neighbouring regions of Cantabria and Castile & León. ==Understand== ===History === When the Moors began their invasion of Spain in the 8th century, the mountainous territory of Asturias was difficult to conquer, and this region became a refuge for Christian nobles. In 722, a ''de facto'' independent kingdom was established, which became the cradle of the incipient Reconquista (Reconquest). In the 10th century, the Kingdom of Asturias gave way to the Kingdom of León. Through the rebellion of Prince Henry (the later Henry II of Castile) in the 14th century, the Principality of Asturias was established. Since 1388, the heir to the Castilian (later Spanish) throne has been styled "Prince of Asturias". Since June 2014, the title us held by Leonor, Princess of Asturias. In the 18th century, Asturias was one of the centres of the Spanish Enlightenment. The Industrial Revolution came to Asturias after 1830 with the discovery and systematic exploitation of coal mines and iron factories at the mining basins of Nalón and Caudal. At the same time, there was significant migration to the Americas (especially Argentina, Uruguay, Puerto Rico, Cuba and Mexico); those who succeeded overseas often returned to their native land much wealthier. These entrepreneurs were known collectively as 'Indianos', for having visited and made their fortunes in the West Indies and beyond. The heritage of these wealthy families can still be seen in Asturias today: many large 'modernista' villas are dotted across the region, as well as cultural institutions such as free schools and public libraries. Since 1981, Asturias has been an autonomous community within Spain. ===Climate=== [[File:Cudillero Asturias.jpg|thumb|right|The village of Cudillero]] The region has a maritime climate. It receives plenty of annual rainfall and little sunshine by Spanish standards and has very moderated seasons, most often averaging in the lower 20s Celsius. Heat waves are rare due to mountains blocking southerly winds. Winters are very mild for the latitude, especially near sea level. ==Talk== Asturias has its own language, '''Asturian''', although everyone speaks Spanish. '''Asturian''' (also called ''Bable'', but this is a derogatory term) is a Romance language spoken in some parts of the provinces of Asturias and León in Spain, and in the area of Miranda de Douro in Portugal (where it is co-official and officially called ''Mirandese''). In Asturias, it is protected under the Autonomous Status legislation, and it is an optional language at schools. There was a diglossia conflict between Asturian and Spanish, which resulted in some scholars considering it a dialect. However, nowadays, it is considered a separate language. Much effort has been made since 1980 to protect and promote Asturian among the Asturian population. However, establishing the language as a co-official tongue is still awaited in most areas to protect this minority Romance language better. The situation of Asturian in other parts of Spain is critical, with a large decline in the number of speakers in the last 100 years. The area of Miranda de Douro in Portugal has taken a further step in protecting this language, by making it co-official. Though Asturian and Spanish are highly similar to one another, the prevalence of Asturian on road signs and maps means that travelers, for instance, may need to pay attention to name changes, such as how '''Oviedo''' becomes '''Uviéu''' and '''Gijón''' becomes '''Xixón'''. One must also be aware while traveling through Asturias that almost ''nobody'' speaks English. In other parts of Spain one can come across people who speak English to a limited extent (particularly in the larger cities), yet rarely will Asturians be able to understand you unless you make a considerable effort brush up on your Spanish. Bring a phrasebook and translate as you go if need be; the Asturian people are remarkably patient and welcoming and will be glad to invest time in helping you understand their culture, which they are intensely proud of. ==Get in== '''By plane:''' {{marker |type=go | name=Asturias airport | lat=43.5591850 | long=-6.0328421 }} ({{IATA|OVD}}) is 10 km west of '''[[Avilés]]''', with buses to that town and to Oviedo and Gijón. It has frequent flights from Madrid, also from Barcelona, Sevilla and Palma de Mallorca, but lacks international flights. Consider using Santander airport, which has budget flights (eg Ryanair from London Stansted) and is 3 hours by bus from Oviedo. Otherwise fly to Madrid and take the bus or train onward. '''By bus:''' [http://www.alsa.es ALSA] buses from Madrid take 5 hours to Oviedo. '''By train:''' [http://www.renfe.es Renfe] trains run from Madrid via Segovia, Valladolid and Leon to Oviedo and Gijón. ==Get around== All Asturian cities are very walkable, as they're quite compact. If you need a way to get around, bus and taxi are the two best options. Taxi stands are all over the city, and charge a base fee of around €4. Getting from one side of the city to the other costs about €8. Buses are the most convenient, and cheapest form of travel. The run from early in the morning until 23:00. Urban buses are around €0.85. Schedules are available at tourist offices and bus stops. To travel between cities, both train and bus are good. There are 2 train networks: Renfe (the national railways) and Cercanias (smaller trains). They sometimes share station but not always. Finding them won't be a problem, though, as they're always clearly shown on maps. ==See== [[File:Oviedo-Catedral.JPG|thumb|right|upright|Cathedral of San Salvador, Oviedo]] '''Oviedo''', the capital city of Asturias, is home to Santa María del Naranco and San Miguel de Lillo, a pre-Romanesque church and a palace respectively, which were built by the first Asturian kings on Mount Naranco, to the north of the city (World Heritage Site). In modern architecture, the Palacio de Congresos de Oviedo (or Modoo) was designed by Santiago Calatrava. '''Gijon''', the biggest city of Asturias, is a coastal city known for cultural and sports events, and a beach tourism centre in northern Spain. It also is known for the traditional Asturian gastronomy and for Asturian cider production. Museums in the city include the Universidad Laboral de Gijón, including a modern art museum and theatre. '''Avilés''' is the third largest city in Asturias. "Saint Nicholas of Bari" or "Capilla de los Alas" in Romanesque and Romanesque-Gothic style, respectively; Palacio de Balsera, in Modernist style or St. Thomas of Canterbury church (dating from the 13th century) are examples which show the historical patrimony to be found in the city. The Centro Niemeyer, designed by the Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, is an example of contemporary architecture in Asturias. The '''Picos de Europa National Park''', and other parts of the Asturian mountain range: the Picu Urriellu mountain (2519 m or 8262 ft), also known as El Naranjo de Bulnes, is a molar-shaped peak which, reputedly, glows orange in the evening sun, hence its name. Weather permitting, it can be viewed from Camarmeña village, near Poncebos, south of Arenas de Cabrales. [[File:La santa cueva.jpg|thumb|right|Holy Cave of Covadonga]] [[File:2482-Puente romano en Cangas de Onis (Asturias).jpg|thumbnail|right|The Roman Bridge of Cangas de Onís]] The shrine to the Virgin of Covadonga and the mountain lakes (Los Lagos), near '''Cangas de Onís'''. Legend has it that in the 8th century, the Virgin blessed Asturian Christian forces with a well-timed signal to attack Spain's Moorish conquerors, thereby taking the invaders by surprise in the Battle of Covadonga. The Reconquista and eventual unification of all Spain is therefore said to have started in this very location. The '''paleolithic art''' in the caves of Asturias is declared World Heritage Site with the Paleolithic Art of Northern Spain. Asturias also has examples of '''industrial heritage''' as a consequence of its industrial activities in the 19th and 20th centuries. It had metallurgical and chemical factories, mines, bridges and railways, including in the towns of Langreo, Mieres and Avilés. The '''Asturian coast''': especially the beaches in and around the summer resort of Llanes, the Playa del Silencio near Cudillero fishing village, or the "white" village of Luarca (Severo Ochoa hometown). * Visit the [[UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves]] in Asturias **Muniellos **Somiedo **Redes **Picos de Europa **Las Ubiñas-La Mesa **Ponga ==Do== Los '''Premios Principes de Asturias''' are awards given by the Prince of Spain, known as the prince of Asturias, to various people for various categories. Previous winners are Nelson Mandela, Al Gore, Bill Gates, and Oviedo's very own Formula One racer Fernando Alonso. These awards take place each fall, and are held in Oviedo. Some of the most famous '''festivals''' in Asturias are from the small town of [[Llanes]]. These festivals celebrate the important saints and the Virgin Mary adored by the town. The associations that prepare the festivals have a rivalry between them and each year they try to outdo each other with more impressive shows. The three most important are the festival of San Roque (St. Roque) held on the 16th of August, the festival of Nuestra Señora Virgen de La Guia (Our Lady, Virgin Mary, the Guide) held on the 8th of September, and the festival of Santa Maria Magdalena (St. Mary Magdalene) held on the 22nd of July. The Magdalena is well known for its impressive march of logs where boys as young as 3 and men carry logs through the town until they reach the end point and start a large bonfire. * {{do | name=Senda del oso | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=free | wikidata=Q6124910 | lastedit=2024-07-20 | content=50k hiking railtrail. Very beautiful and has some bears to see too! }} ==Eat== Fabada. Beans stew made of white beans of typical asturian type, red sausage (chorizo), black pudding (morcilla) and diced bacon. Cheese. There are more than a hundred of different types of cheese in Asturias. The more well known is Cabrales cheese. Cabrales cheese is produced only in the village of the same name and three villages of the Peñamellera Alta township, located on the northern spur of the Europa Peaks in eastern Asturias. This is certainly the most well-known Spanish blue cheese due to the manner in which goat farmers jealously guard its origin and authenticity; and one of the great blue cheeses of the world. Also its highly recommended cheese Gamoneu, which is considered to be one of the best cheeses in Europe, its a special kind of blue cheese, similar to Cabrales, but smoother and more solid, quite expensive and hard to find. Frixuelos: These are very similar to the French crêpes (actually have the same Celtic/atlantic arc-cuisine origin), and are eaten as a dessert. Cachopo: Its a delicious breaded, fried kid of "sandwich" of ham and cheese, cachopo is a little similar to Cordon Bleu but a lot bigger. Make sure to eat it in a good place, as many places will use cheaper ingredients and you won't be getting the real thing. Arroz con Leche: Its a rice pudding dessert, also very popular made just in Asturias, every place has its very own recipe. In general it's recommended to eat in small villages or places far from the city center, the quality of the food will always better and of course more affordable prices. When you eat in some central location you will be paying the location more than the food. ==Drink== Cider. Made of local apples, like the Raxao and Xuanina types. The peculiar way it is served is called "escanciar", dropping the cider from the bottle hold with one hand above the head while the thin wide special glass is held with the other hand under the hip level. Calimocho, made of red wine, Coke, and current or blackberry syrup is delicious, and fun when used to play Duro (see above). ==Sleep== ==Stay safe== Crime is definitely not a big problem in Asturias. In the inner cities, as night life is huge, and even grandmothers pushing strollers can be seen at midnight, being out late isn't a big concern (I felt safe walking 30 minutes home alone at night, and I'm female, although it is always preferable to walk with others at night as an added precaution). Of course it depends on the area and bags can be snatched every now and then, so use common sense. Asturias is considered one of the safest places in Europe, and its capital (Oviedo) has been awarded as the safest city in Europe. Children or women can walk alone all the night long without their parents caring. Any hikers attempting to traverse parts of Asturias on foot should also be wary of the region's notorious weather. Asturias is unlike the majority of Spain, in that consecutive days of non-stop rain and drizzle accompanied by summer temperatures barely reaching 20°C are not uncommon. However, the biggest problem any outdoor types will face is how fast the weather can change. One can be walking in clear blue skies and warm weather and suddenly find themselves stranded in exceedingly dense fog (and vice versa, meaning one must always carry a suitable amount of water and protection from the sun). ==Go next== *'''[[Galicia]]''' - Rugged, mountainous and with an extensive coastline, this region to the west bears many similarities to Asturias whilst still maintaining its own traditions, such as its own language and a unique cuisine. {{outlineregion}} {{geo|43.3333|-6.0000|zoom=9}} {{isPartOf|Green Spain}} 8t83h7lsgscyjt1fa0l40mgpr1zxdnx 5086954 5086953 2025-07-03T04:14:07Z Veracious 1298114 /* Other destinations */ 5086954 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Asturie banner.jpg|caption=The Central Massif of the Picos de Europa, showing the peaks of Peña Main overlooking the village of Sotres in Cabrales, Asturias, Spain}} '''Asturias''', officially the '''Principality of Asturias''' ([[Spanish phrasebook|Spanish]]: ''Principado de Asturias'', Asturian: ''Principáu d'Asturies''), is a region in the north of [[Spain]]. It sits in the narrow strip between the Cantabrian Sea and the Cantabrian Mountains, forming part of "Green Spain". It has been given the nickname "little Switzerland" because of the greenness of its meadows and the height of its peaks. == Cities and towns == {{mapframe|width=500|43.268|-5.771|zoom=8}} {{mapshape}} {{mapshapes|Q1054739}} <!-- Cercanías Asturias --> * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Oviedo (Spain)|Oviedo]] |wikidata=Q14317}} is the capital of Asturias. It has a fine old town and cathedral. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Avilés]] |wikidata=Q14649}} near the airport is mostly industrial, but has several museums and old buildings. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Cornellana]] |wikidata=Q5171582}} has an 11th-century monastery. * {{marker|type=city|name= Covadonga |wikidata=Q1018048}}, the site of the first Christian victory against the Moors, in 722 AD. The Sanctuary of Covadonga is a complex of religious buildings commemorating this. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Gijón]] |wikidata=Q12273}} (''Xixón''), the largest city of the principality, has beaches and a railway museum. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Grado (Spain)|Grado]]|wikidata=Q617580}}, a town on the Original Way of St. James (''Camino Primitivo''). * {{marker|type=city|name=Langreo |wikidata=Q493806}} is industrial, with a mining museum. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Mieres del Camino]]| wikidata=Q6001455}} — on the Way of El Salvador * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Piedrasblancas]]|wikidata=Q7191572}} — * {{marker|type=city|name=Ribadesella |wikidata=Q591580}} has a cave decorated with prehistoric art. In August it hosts the Descenso rowing race down the river. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[San Martin de Laspra]]|wikidata=Q6119339}} lies on the Northern Way of the Camino de Santiago * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Villaviciosa]] |wikidata=Q842648}} is a cider-making town on the coast. ==Other destinations== [[File:Urriellu desde el Pozo de La Oracion.jpg|thumb|Urriellu peak (Naranjo de Bulnes) in Picos de Europa National Park from Pozo de La Oracion]] ===Villages=== * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Campumanes]]|wikidata= Q5745935}}, a village on the Way of El Salvador of the Camino de Santiago * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Gedrez]] |wikidata=Q5199205}} is an attractive village, centre of the Fuentes del Narcea National Park. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Grandas de Salime]]|wikidata=Q695452}}, a village on the Way of St. James * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[La Espina]]|wikidata=Q2900501}} — a tiny village on the Camino Primitivo on the Way of St. James * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Llastres]] |wikidata=Q1022266}}, a small fishing port, is one of the most attractive villages in the region. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Luanco]] |wikidata=Q859804}} is a fishing village with an interesting historic centre, beautiful beaches, and many palace buildings from the 18th century. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Pola de Allande]]|wikidata =Q100374888}} — a village of 400 people on the Way of St. James. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Pola de Lena]]|wikidata =Q1031286}} — a village of 7,000 people on the Camino del Salvador of the Way of St. James. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[La Pola Siero]]|wikidata =Q1018362}} — a village on the Northern Way of the Camino de Santiago * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Tineo]]|wikidata=Q24012253}} — a village of 3,000 people on the Way of St. James * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Vega (Spain)|Vega]]|wikidata=Q25412381}} — a village on the Northern Way of the Camino de Santiago ===Others=== * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=Picos de Europa National Park|wikidata=Q48567}} is an area of mountains and woodlands stretching into the neighbouring regions of Cantabria and Castile & León. ==Understand== ===History === When the Moors began their invasion of Spain in the 8th century, the mountainous territory of Asturias was difficult to conquer, and this region became a refuge for Christian nobles. In 722, a ''de facto'' independent kingdom was established, which became the cradle of the incipient Reconquista (Reconquest). In the 10th century, the Kingdom of Asturias gave way to the Kingdom of León. Through the rebellion of Prince Henry (the later Henry II of Castile) in the 14th century, the Principality of Asturias was established. Since 1388, the heir to the Castilian (later Spanish) throne has been styled "Prince of Asturias". Since June 2014, the title us held by Leonor, Princess of Asturias. In the 18th century, Asturias was one of the centres of the Spanish Enlightenment. The Industrial Revolution came to Asturias after 1830 with the discovery and systematic exploitation of coal mines and iron factories at the mining basins of Nalón and Caudal. At the same time, there was significant migration to the Americas (especially Argentina, Uruguay, Puerto Rico, Cuba and Mexico); those who succeeded overseas often returned to their native land much wealthier. These entrepreneurs were known collectively as 'Indianos', for having visited and made their fortunes in the West Indies and beyond. The heritage of these wealthy families can still be seen in Asturias today: many large 'modernista' villas are dotted across the region, as well as cultural institutions such as free schools and public libraries. Since 1981, Asturias has been an autonomous community within Spain. ===Climate=== [[File:Cudillero Asturias.jpg|thumb|right|The village of Cudillero]] The region has a maritime climate. It receives plenty of annual rainfall and little sunshine by Spanish standards and has very moderated seasons, most often averaging in the lower 20s Celsius. Heat waves are rare due to mountains blocking southerly winds. Winters are very mild for the latitude, especially near sea level. ==Talk== Asturias has its own language, '''Asturian''', although everyone speaks Spanish. '''Asturian''' (also called ''Bable'', but this is a derogatory term) is a Romance language spoken in some parts of the provinces of Asturias and León in Spain, and in the area of Miranda de Douro in Portugal (where it is co-official and officially called ''Mirandese''). In Asturias, it is protected under the Autonomous Status legislation, and it is an optional language at schools. There was a diglossia conflict between Asturian and Spanish, which resulted in some scholars considering it a dialect. However, nowadays, it is considered a separate language. Much effort has been made since 1980 to protect and promote Asturian among the Asturian population. However, establishing the language as a co-official tongue is still awaited in most areas to protect this minority Romance language better. The situation of Asturian in other parts of Spain is critical, with a large decline in the number of speakers in the last 100 years. The area of Miranda de Douro in Portugal has taken a further step in protecting this language, by making it co-official. Though Asturian and Spanish are highly similar to one another, the prevalence of Asturian on road signs and maps means that travelers, for instance, may need to pay attention to name changes, such as how '''Oviedo''' becomes '''Uviéu''' and '''Gijón''' becomes '''Xixón'''. One must also be aware while traveling through Asturias that almost ''nobody'' speaks English. In other parts of Spain one can come across people who speak English to a limited extent (particularly in the larger cities), yet rarely will Asturians be able to understand you unless you make a considerable effort brush up on your Spanish. Bring a phrasebook and translate as you go if need be; the Asturian people are remarkably patient and welcoming and will be glad to invest time in helping you understand their culture, which they are intensely proud of. ==Get in== '''By plane:''' {{marker |type=go | name=Asturias airport | lat=43.5591850 | long=-6.0328421 }} ({{IATA|OVD}}) is 10 km west of '''[[Avilés]]''', with buses to that town and to Oviedo and Gijón. It has frequent flights from Madrid, also from Barcelona, Sevilla and Palma de Mallorca, but lacks international flights. Consider using Santander airport, which has budget flights (eg Ryanair from London Stansted) and is 3 hours by bus from Oviedo. Otherwise fly to Madrid and take the bus or train onward. '''By bus:''' [http://www.alsa.es ALSA] buses from Madrid take 5 hours to Oviedo. '''By train:''' [http://www.renfe.es Renfe] trains run from Madrid via Segovia, Valladolid and Leon to Oviedo and Gijón. ==Get around== All Asturian cities are very walkable, as they're quite compact. If you need a way to get around, bus and taxi are the two best options. Taxi stands are all over the city, and charge a base fee of around €4. Getting from one side of the city to the other costs about €8. Buses are the most convenient, and cheapest form of travel. The run from early in the morning until 23:00. Urban buses are around €0.85. Schedules are available at tourist offices and bus stops. To travel between cities, both train and bus are good. There are 2 train networks: Renfe (the national railways) and Cercanias (smaller trains). They sometimes share station but not always. Finding them won't be a problem, though, as they're always clearly shown on maps. ==See== [[File:Oviedo-Catedral.JPG|thumb|right|upright|Cathedral of San Salvador, Oviedo]] '''Oviedo''', the capital city of Asturias, is home to Santa María del Naranco and San Miguel de Lillo, a pre-Romanesque church and a palace respectively, which were built by the first Asturian kings on Mount Naranco, to the north of the city (World Heritage Site). In modern architecture, the Palacio de Congresos de Oviedo (or Modoo) was designed by Santiago Calatrava. '''Gijon''', the biggest city of Asturias, is a coastal city known for cultural and sports events, and a beach tourism centre in northern Spain. It also is known for the traditional Asturian gastronomy and for Asturian cider production. Museums in the city include the Universidad Laboral de Gijón, including a modern art museum and theatre. '''Avilés''' is the third largest city in Asturias. "Saint Nicholas of Bari" or "Capilla de los Alas" in Romanesque and Romanesque-Gothic style, respectively; Palacio de Balsera, in Modernist style or St. Thomas of Canterbury church (dating from the 13th century) are examples which show the historical patrimony to be found in the city. The Centro Niemeyer, designed by the Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, is an example of contemporary architecture in Asturias. The '''Picos de Europa National Park''', and other parts of the Asturian mountain range: the Picu Urriellu mountain (2519 m or 8262 ft), also known as El Naranjo de Bulnes, is a molar-shaped peak which, reputedly, glows orange in the evening sun, hence its name. Weather permitting, it can be viewed from Camarmeña village, near Poncebos, south of Arenas de Cabrales. [[File:La santa cueva.jpg|thumb|right|Holy Cave of Covadonga]] [[File:2482-Puente romano en Cangas de Onis (Asturias).jpg|thumbnail|right|The Roman Bridge of Cangas de Onís]] The shrine to the Virgin of Covadonga and the mountain lakes (Los Lagos), near '''Cangas de Onís'''. Legend has it that in the 8th century, the Virgin blessed Asturian Christian forces with a well-timed signal to attack Spain's Moorish conquerors, thereby taking the invaders by surprise in the Battle of Covadonga. The Reconquista and eventual unification of all Spain is therefore said to have started in this very location. The '''paleolithic art''' in the caves of Asturias is declared World Heritage Site with the Paleolithic Art of Northern Spain. Asturias also has examples of '''industrial heritage''' as a consequence of its industrial activities in the 19th and 20th centuries. It had metallurgical and chemical factories, mines, bridges and railways, including in the towns of Langreo, Mieres and Avilés. The '''Asturian coast''': especially the beaches in and around the summer resort of Llanes, the Playa del Silencio near Cudillero fishing village, or the "white" village of Luarca (Severo Ochoa hometown). * Visit the [[UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves]] in Asturias **Muniellos **Somiedo **Redes **Picos de Europa **Las Ubiñas-La Mesa **Ponga ==Do== Los '''Premios Principes de Asturias''' are awards given by the Prince of Spain, known as the prince of Asturias, to various people for various categories. Previous winners are Nelson Mandela, Al Gore, Bill Gates, and Oviedo's very own Formula One racer Fernando Alonso. These awards take place each fall, and are held in Oviedo. Some of the most famous '''festivals''' in Asturias are from the small town of [[Llanes]]. These festivals celebrate the important saints and the Virgin Mary adored by the town. The associations that prepare the festivals have a rivalry between them and each year they try to outdo each other with more impressive shows. The three most important are the festival of San Roque (St. Roque) held on the 16th of August, the festival of Nuestra Señora Virgen de La Guia (Our Lady, Virgin Mary, the Guide) held on the 8th of September, and the festival of Santa Maria Magdalena (St. Mary Magdalene) held on the 22nd of July. The Magdalena is well known for its impressive march of logs where boys as young as 3 and men carry logs through the town until they reach the end point and start a large bonfire. * {{do | name=Senda del oso | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=free | wikidata=Q6124910 | lastedit=2024-07-20 | content=50k hiking railtrail. Very beautiful and has some bears to see too! }} ==Eat== Fabada. Beans stew made of white beans of typical asturian type, red sausage (chorizo), black pudding (morcilla) and diced bacon. Cheese. There are more than a hundred of different types of cheese in Asturias. The more well known is Cabrales cheese. Cabrales cheese is produced only in the village of the same name and three villages of the Peñamellera Alta township, located on the northern spur of the Europa Peaks in eastern Asturias. This is certainly the most well-known Spanish blue cheese due to the manner in which goat farmers jealously guard its origin and authenticity; and one of the great blue cheeses of the world. Also its highly recommended cheese Gamoneu, which is considered to be one of the best cheeses in Europe, its a special kind of blue cheese, similar to Cabrales, but smoother and more solid, quite expensive and hard to find. Frixuelos: These are very similar to the French crêpes (actually have the same Celtic/atlantic arc-cuisine origin), and are eaten as a dessert. Cachopo: Its a delicious breaded, fried kid of "sandwich" of ham and cheese, cachopo is a little similar to Cordon Bleu but a lot bigger. Make sure to eat it in a good place, as many places will use cheaper ingredients and you won't be getting the real thing. Arroz con Leche: Its a rice pudding dessert, also very popular made just in Asturias, every place has its very own recipe. In general it's recommended to eat in small villages or places far from the city center, the quality of the food will always better and of course more affordable prices. When you eat in some central location you will be paying the location more than the food. ==Drink== Cider. Made of local apples, like the Raxao and Xuanina types. The peculiar way it is served is called "escanciar", dropping the cider from the bottle hold with one hand above the head while the thin wide special glass is held with the other hand under the hip level. Calimocho, made of red wine, Coke, and current or blackberry syrup is delicious, and fun when used to play Duro (see above). ==Sleep== ==Stay safe== Crime is definitely not a big problem in Asturias. In the inner cities, as night life is huge, and even grandmothers pushing strollers can be seen at midnight, being out late isn't a big concern (I felt safe walking 30 minutes home alone at night, and I'm female, although it is always preferable to walk with others at night as an added precaution). Of course it depends on the area and bags can be snatched every now and then, so use common sense. Asturias is considered one of the safest places in Europe, and its capital (Oviedo) has been awarded as the safest city in Europe. Children or women can walk alone all the night long without their parents caring. Any hikers attempting to traverse parts of Asturias on foot should also be wary of the region's notorious weather. Asturias is unlike the majority of Spain, in that consecutive days of non-stop rain and drizzle accompanied by summer temperatures barely reaching 20°C are not uncommon. However, the biggest problem any outdoor types will face is how fast the weather can change. One can be walking in clear blue skies and warm weather and suddenly find themselves stranded in exceedingly dense fog (and vice versa, meaning one must always carry a suitable amount of water and protection from the sun). ==Go next== *'''[[Galicia]]''' - Rugged, mountainous and with an extensive coastline, this region to the west bears many similarities to Asturias whilst still maintaining its own traditions, such as its own language and a unique cuisine. {{outlineregion}} {{geo|43.3333|-6.0000|zoom=9}} {{isPartOf|Green Spain}} si3twzx2j877t98wydjhs9qtd1ukl07 5087059 5086954 2025-07-03T09:59:16Z Ground Zero 1423298 /* Villages */ 5087059 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Asturie banner.jpg|caption=The Central Massif of the Picos de Europa, showing the peaks of Peña Main overlooking the village of Sotres in Cabrales, Asturias, Spain}} '''Asturias''', officially the '''Principality of Asturias''' ([[Spanish phrasebook|Spanish]]: ''Principado de Asturias'', Asturian: ''Principáu d'Asturies''), is a region in the north of [[Spain]]. It sits in the narrow strip between the Cantabrian Sea and the Cantabrian Mountains, forming part of "Green Spain". It has been given the nickname "little Switzerland" because of the greenness of its meadows and the height of its peaks. == Cities and towns == {{mapframe|width=500|43.268|-5.771|zoom=8}} {{mapshape}} {{mapshapes|Q1054739}} <!-- Cercanías Asturias --> * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Oviedo (Spain)|Oviedo]] |wikidata=Q14317}} is the capital of Asturias. It has a fine old town and cathedral. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Avilés]] |wikidata=Q14649}} near the airport is mostly industrial, but has several museums and old buildings. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Cornellana]] |wikidata=Q5171582}} has an 11th-century monastery. * {{marker|type=city|name= Covadonga |wikidata=Q1018048}}, the site of the first Christian victory against the Moors, in 722 AD. The Sanctuary of Covadonga is a complex of religious buildings commemorating this. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Gijón]] |wikidata=Q12273}} (''Xixón''), the largest city of the principality, has beaches and a railway museum. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Grado (Spain)|Grado]]|wikidata=Q617580}}, a town on the Original Way of St. James (''Camino Primitivo''). * {{marker|type=city|name=Langreo |wikidata=Q493806}} is industrial, with a mining museum. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Mieres del Camino]]| wikidata=Q6001455}} — on the Way of El Salvador * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Piedrasblancas]]|wikidata=Q7191572}} — * {{marker|type=city|name=Ribadesella |wikidata=Q591580}} has a cave decorated with prehistoric art. In August it hosts the Descenso rowing race down the river. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[San Martin de Laspra]]|wikidata=Q6119339}} lies on the Northern Way of the Camino de Santiago * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Villaviciosa]] |wikidata=Q842648}} is a cider-making town on the coast. ==Other destinations== [[File:Urriellu desde el Pozo de La Oracion.jpg|thumb|Urriellu peak (Naranjo de Bulnes) in Picos de Europa National Park from Pozo de La Oracion]] ===Villages=== * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Campumanes]]|wikidata= Q5745935}}, a village on the Way of El Salvador of the Camino de Santiago * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Gedrez]] |wikidata=Q5199205}} is an attractive village, centre of the Fuentes del Narcea National Park. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Grandas de Salime]]|wikidata=Q695452}}, a village on the Way of St. James * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[La Espina]]|wikidata=Q2900501}} — a tiny village on the Camino Primitivo on the Way of St. James * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Llastres]] |wikidata=Q1022266}}, a small fishing port, is one of the most attractive villages in the region. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Luanco]] |wikidata=Q859804}} is a fishing village with an interesting historic centre, beautiful beaches, and many palace buildings from the 18th century. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Pola de Allande]]|wikidata =Q100374888}} — a village of 400 people on the Way of St. James. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Pola de Lena]]|wikidata =Q1031286}} — a village of 7,000 people on the Camino del Salvador of the Way of St. James. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Pola de Siero]]|wikidata =Q1018362}} — a village on the Northern Way of the Camino de Santiago * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Tineo]]|wikidata=Q24012253}} — a village of 3,000 people on the Way of St. James * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Vega (Spain)|Vega]]|wikidata=Q25412381}} — a village on the Northern Way of the Camino de Santiago ===Others=== * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=Picos de Europa National Park|wikidata=Q48567}} is an area of mountains and woodlands stretching into the neighbouring regions of Cantabria and Castile & León. ==Understand== ===History === When the Moors began their invasion of Spain in the 8th century, the mountainous territory of Asturias was difficult to conquer, and this region became a refuge for Christian nobles. In 722, a ''de facto'' independent kingdom was established, which became the cradle of the incipient Reconquista (Reconquest). In the 10th century, the Kingdom of Asturias gave way to the Kingdom of León. Through the rebellion of Prince Henry (the later Henry II of Castile) in the 14th century, the Principality of Asturias was established. Since 1388, the heir to the Castilian (later Spanish) throne has been styled "Prince of Asturias". Since June 2014, the title us held by Leonor, Princess of Asturias. In the 18th century, Asturias was one of the centres of the Spanish Enlightenment. The Industrial Revolution came to Asturias after 1830 with the discovery and systematic exploitation of coal mines and iron factories at the mining basins of Nalón and Caudal. At the same time, there was significant migration to the Americas (especially Argentina, Uruguay, Puerto Rico, Cuba and Mexico); those who succeeded overseas often returned to their native land much wealthier. These entrepreneurs were known collectively as 'Indianos', for having visited and made their fortunes in the West Indies and beyond. The heritage of these wealthy families can still be seen in Asturias today: many large 'modernista' villas are dotted across the region, as well as cultural institutions such as free schools and public libraries. Since 1981, Asturias has been an autonomous community within Spain. ===Climate=== [[File:Cudillero Asturias.jpg|thumb|right|The village of Cudillero]] The region has a maritime climate. It receives plenty of annual rainfall and little sunshine by Spanish standards and has very moderated seasons, most often averaging in the lower 20s Celsius. Heat waves are rare due to mountains blocking southerly winds. Winters are very mild for the latitude, especially near sea level. ==Talk== Asturias has its own language, '''Asturian''', although everyone speaks Spanish. '''Asturian''' (also called ''Bable'', but this is a derogatory term) is a Romance language spoken in some parts of the provinces of Asturias and León in Spain, and in the area of Miranda de Douro in Portugal (where it is co-official and officially called ''Mirandese''). In Asturias, it is protected under the Autonomous Status legislation, and it is an optional language at schools. There was a diglossia conflict between Asturian and Spanish, which resulted in some scholars considering it a dialect. However, nowadays, it is considered a separate language. Much effort has been made since 1980 to protect and promote Asturian among the Asturian population. However, establishing the language as a co-official tongue is still awaited in most areas to protect this minority Romance language better. The situation of Asturian in other parts of Spain is critical, with a large decline in the number of speakers in the last 100 years. The area of Miranda de Douro in Portugal has taken a further step in protecting this language, by making it co-official. Though Asturian and Spanish are highly similar to one another, the prevalence of Asturian on road signs and maps means that travelers, for instance, may need to pay attention to name changes, such as how '''Oviedo''' becomes '''Uviéu''' and '''Gijón''' becomes '''Xixón'''. One must also be aware while traveling through Asturias that almost ''nobody'' speaks English. In other parts of Spain one can come across people who speak English to a limited extent (particularly in the larger cities), yet rarely will Asturians be able to understand you unless you make a considerable effort brush up on your Spanish. Bring a phrasebook and translate as you go if need be; the Asturian people are remarkably patient and welcoming and will be glad to invest time in helping you understand their culture, which they are intensely proud of. ==Get in== '''By plane:''' {{marker |type=go | name=Asturias airport | lat=43.5591850 | long=-6.0328421 }} ({{IATA|OVD}}) is 10 km west of '''[[Avilés]]''', with buses to that town and to Oviedo and Gijón. It has frequent flights from Madrid, also from Barcelona, Sevilla and Palma de Mallorca, but lacks international flights. Consider using Santander airport, which has budget flights (eg Ryanair from London Stansted) and is 3 hours by bus from Oviedo. Otherwise fly to Madrid and take the bus or train onward. '''By bus:''' [http://www.alsa.es ALSA] buses from Madrid take 5 hours to Oviedo. '''By train:''' [http://www.renfe.es Renfe] trains run from Madrid via Segovia, Valladolid and Leon to Oviedo and Gijón. ==Get around== All Asturian cities are very walkable, as they're quite compact. If you need a way to get around, bus and taxi are the two best options. Taxi stands are all over the city, and charge a base fee of around €4. Getting from one side of the city to the other costs about €8. Buses are the most convenient, and cheapest form of travel. The run from early in the morning until 23:00. Urban buses are around €0.85. Schedules are available at tourist offices and bus stops. To travel between cities, both train and bus are good. There are 2 train networks: Renfe (the national railways) and Cercanias (smaller trains). They sometimes share station but not always. Finding them won't be a problem, though, as they're always clearly shown on maps. ==See== [[File:Oviedo-Catedral.JPG|thumb|right|upright|Cathedral of San Salvador, Oviedo]] '''Oviedo''', the capital city of Asturias, is home to Santa María del Naranco and San Miguel de Lillo, a pre-Romanesque church and a palace respectively, which were built by the first Asturian kings on Mount Naranco, to the north of the city (World Heritage Site). In modern architecture, the Palacio de Congresos de Oviedo (or Modoo) was designed by Santiago Calatrava. '''Gijon''', the biggest city of Asturias, is a coastal city known for cultural and sports events, and a beach tourism centre in northern Spain. It also is known for the traditional Asturian gastronomy and for Asturian cider production. Museums in the city include the Universidad Laboral de Gijón, including a modern art museum and theatre. '''Avilés''' is the third largest city in Asturias. "Saint Nicholas of Bari" or "Capilla de los Alas" in Romanesque and Romanesque-Gothic style, respectively; Palacio de Balsera, in Modernist style or St. Thomas of Canterbury church (dating from the 13th century) are examples which show the historical patrimony to be found in the city. The Centro Niemeyer, designed by the Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, is an example of contemporary architecture in Asturias. The '''Picos de Europa National Park''', and other parts of the Asturian mountain range: the Picu Urriellu mountain (2519 m or 8262 ft), also known as El Naranjo de Bulnes, is a molar-shaped peak which, reputedly, glows orange in the evening sun, hence its name. Weather permitting, it can be viewed from Camarmeña village, near Poncebos, south of Arenas de Cabrales. [[File:La santa cueva.jpg|thumb|right|Holy Cave of Covadonga]] [[File:2482-Puente romano en Cangas de Onis (Asturias).jpg|thumbnail|right|The Roman Bridge of Cangas de Onís]] The shrine to the Virgin of Covadonga and the mountain lakes (Los Lagos), near '''Cangas de Onís'''. Legend has it that in the 8th century, the Virgin blessed Asturian Christian forces with a well-timed signal to attack Spain's Moorish conquerors, thereby taking the invaders by surprise in the Battle of Covadonga. The Reconquista and eventual unification of all Spain is therefore said to have started in this very location. The '''paleolithic art''' in the caves of Asturias is declared World Heritage Site with the Paleolithic Art of Northern Spain. Asturias also has examples of '''industrial heritage''' as a consequence of its industrial activities in the 19th and 20th centuries. It had metallurgical and chemical factories, mines, bridges and railways, including in the towns of Langreo, Mieres and Avilés. The '''Asturian coast''': especially the beaches in and around the summer resort of Llanes, the Playa del Silencio near Cudillero fishing village, or the "white" village of Luarca (Severo Ochoa hometown). * Visit the [[UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves]] in Asturias **Muniellos **Somiedo **Redes **Picos de Europa **Las Ubiñas-La Mesa **Ponga ==Do== Los '''Premios Principes de Asturias''' are awards given by the Prince of Spain, known as the prince of Asturias, to various people for various categories. Previous winners are Nelson Mandela, Al Gore, Bill Gates, and Oviedo's very own Formula One racer Fernando Alonso. These awards take place each fall, and are held in Oviedo. Some of the most famous '''festivals''' in Asturias are from the small town of [[Llanes]]. These festivals celebrate the important saints and the Virgin Mary adored by the town. The associations that prepare the festivals have a rivalry between them and each year they try to outdo each other with more impressive shows. The three most important are the festival of San Roque (St. Roque) held on the 16th of August, the festival of Nuestra Señora Virgen de La Guia (Our Lady, Virgin Mary, the Guide) held on the 8th of September, and the festival of Santa Maria Magdalena (St. Mary Magdalene) held on the 22nd of July. The Magdalena is well known for its impressive march of logs where boys as young as 3 and men carry logs through the town until they reach the end point and start a large bonfire. * {{do | name=Senda del oso | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=free | wikidata=Q6124910 | lastedit=2024-07-20 | content=50k hiking railtrail. Very beautiful and has some bears to see too! }} ==Eat== Fabada. Beans stew made of white beans of typical asturian type, red sausage (chorizo), black pudding (morcilla) and diced bacon. Cheese. There are more than a hundred of different types of cheese in Asturias. The more well known is Cabrales cheese. Cabrales cheese is produced only in the village of the same name and three villages of the Peñamellera Alta township, located on the northern spur of the Europa Peaks in eastern Asturias. This is certainly the most well-known Spanish blue cheese due to the manner in which goat farmers jealously guard its origin and authenticity; and one of the great blue cheeses of the world. Also its highly recommended cheese Gamoneu, which is considered to be one of the best cheeses in Europe, its a special kind of blue cheese, similar to Cabrales, but smoother and more solid, quite expensive and hard to find. Frixuelos: These are very similar to the French crêpes (actually have the same Celtic/atlantic arc-cuisine origin), and are eaten as a dessert. Cachopo: Its a delicious breaded, fried kid of "sandwich" of ham and cheese, cachopo is a little similar to Cordon Bleu but a lot bigger. Make sure to eat it in a good place, as many places will use cheaper ingredients and you won't be getting the real thing. Arroz con Leche: Its a rice pudding dessert, also very popular made just in Asturias, every place has its very own recipe. In general it's recommended to eat in small villages or places far from the city center, the quality of the food will always better and of course more affordable prices. When you eat in some central location you will be paying the location more than the food. ==Drink== Cider. Made of local apples, like the Raxao and Xuanina types. The peculiar way it is served is called "escanciar", dropping the cider from the bottle hold with one hand above the head while the thin wide special glass is held with the other hand under the hip level. Calimocho, made of red wine, Coke, and current or blackberry syrup is delicious, and fun when used to play Duro (see above). ==Sleep== ==Stay safe== Crime is definitely not a big problem in Asturias. In the inner cities, as night life is huge, and even grandmothers pushing strollers can be seen at midnight, being out late isn't a big concern (I felt safe walking 30 minutes home alone at night, and I'm female, although it is always preferable to walk with others at night as an added precaution). Of course it depends on the area and bags can be snatched every now and then, so use common sense. Asturias is considered one of the safest places in Europe, and its capital (Oviedo) has been awarded as the safest city in Europe. Children or women can walk alone all the night long without their parents caring. Any hikers attempting to traverse parts of Asturias on foot should also be wary of the region's notorious weather. Asturias is unlike the majority of Spain, in that consecutive days of non-stop rain and drizzle accompanied by summer temperatures barely reaching 20°C are not uncommon. However, the biggest problem any outdoor types will face is how fast the weather can change. One can be walking in clear blue skies and warm weather and suddenly find themselves stranded in exceedingly dense fog (and vice versa, meaning one must always carry a suitable amount of water and protection from the sun). ==Go next== *'''[[Galicia]]''' - Rugged, mountainous and with an extensive coastline, this region to the west bears many similarities to Asturias whilst still maintaining its own traditions, such as its own language and a unique cuisine. {{outlineregion}} {{geo|43.3333|-6.0000|zoom=9}} {{isPartOf|Green Spain}} sadw5z01ghrn5a7htmi4zgkvei4l87u 0 2983 5086829 5007465 2025-07-02T23:01:44Z Halilu Liman 2328884 /* Understand */ 5086829 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Bauchi banner Eid el-Fitr celebrations.jpg|caption=Celebrations for Eid el-Fitr}} [[File:Emir Palace Bauchi.jpg|thumb|Emir Palace Bauchi]] '''Bauchi''' (earlier Yakoba) is a city in [[North East Nigeria]]. This article also covers the city of '''Kangere''', 20 km to the east. ==Understand== [[File:Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University.jph.jpg|thumb|Gate of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Permanent Site]] Bauchi has an estimated population of 693,700 (2016 census). It's the capital city of Bauchi State. Bauchi was also the capital of the Bauchi Emirate, an independent state from 1805 to 1904 when it came under British protection. Several landmarks from the era remain in the city centre. It is the host of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi State University, Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic and Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi. In addition, there is a College Of Education in nearby Kangere. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|zoom=auto}} {{mapshape}} * {{go | name=Bauchi State International Airport (IATA: BCU, ICAO: DNBC) | alt=Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport | url= | email= | address=Ahmadu Bello Way | lat=10.496787 | long=9.748429 | directions=22 km (14 mi) northwest of Bauchi | phone=+234 803 230 9854 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-29 | content=It is named after Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, who was Prime Minister of Nigeria from 1957–1966. [https://www.maxair.com.ng/ MaxAir] and [https://www.flyaero.com/ Aero Contractors] have flights to Bauchi from Abuja. }} ==Get around== It's fairly easy to get around once you can communicate in [[Hausa phrasebook|Hausa]] or in English. ==See== [[File:Bauchi Emirates Palace.jpg|thumb|Palace of the Emir of Bauchi]] * {{see | name=The Palace of the Emir of Bauchi| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=The building was built of mud in the 19th century by Babban Gwani (Muhammadu Durugu), a 19th-century master builder. He built mosques and palaces in Kano, Katsina, Bauchi and Zaria. It was a fortress built to protect the Emir and his officials. }} * {{see | name=Babban Goni Mosque | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=10.3095 | long=9.8463 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-01-22 | content=Built in 1837. }} * {{see | name=Tomb of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=10.3185 | long=9.8462 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-01-22 | content=Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was the first prime minister of independent Nigeria. The tomb also functions as a small museum and the staff will happily teach you about the early history of independent Nigeria. }} * {{see | name=Shehu Azare Park | alt= | url= | email= | address=Sa'adu Zungur Rd | lat=10.37755 | long=9.79757 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-06-25 | content=The Shehu Azare Park is located along the Adamu Jumba road in Bauchi. It is beautiful, serene, and well kept environment with a splash of beautiful flowers.A great spot to picnic. }} *'''Gongola River''' crosses Bauchi state in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area in the south and in Kirfi and Alkaleri Local Government Areas in the Eastern part of the state. *'''Jama’are River''' cuts across a number of Local Government Areas in the northern part of the state. Moreover, a substantial part of the Hadeja-Jama'are River basin lies in Bauchi state, which along with various fadama (floodplain) areas in the state provides suitable land for agricultural activities. These are further supported by the number of dams meant for irrigation and other purposes. These include the Gubi and Tilde-Fulani dams. There also lakes such as the Maladumba Lake in Misau Local Government Area that further provide the necessary conditions to support Agriculture. ==Do== Bauchi state is popularly known for Yankari Game Reserve. Below is a list of places that can be explored while visiting Bauchi state: * '''Unity Park.''' This is the most visited leisure park in the city along Ahmadu Bello way in Bauchi. It has features like an open theatre, indoor sports hall and a shopping complex * '''Shehu Azare Park''' It is a park located at Adamu Jumba road in Bauchi, a great location overall for sightseeing, recreation, reading and chilling. * '''Yankari National Park and Game Reserve.''' * '''The Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium.''' * {{do | name=Sumu Wildlife Park | alt=Zoo | url= | email= | address=Kafin Madaki | lat=10.65355 | long=9.66051 | directions=By Road | phone=+234 817 266 6653 | tollfree= | hours=8:00am/ 6:00pm | price= | wikipedia=Sumu Wildlife Park | image=Sumu Wildlife Park (9).jpg | wikidata=Q111356426 | lastedit=2024-08-14 | content=It's a National park that provide alots of wild Animals, you take a visit and see. Do a lot of things like picture video and others. It's also serves as the recreational center that that help in refreshment l. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=AHZAN Shopping and Retail | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=10.32076 | long=9.81111 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=6AM-6PM | price= | lastedit=2021-06-25 | content=One of the 3 main markets in Bauchi town. }} * {{buy | name=Muda Lawal market | alt= | url= | email= | address=Muda Lawan Market, Bauchi Kasuwar waya | lat=10.32228 | long=9.82604 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=7:30AM-6PM | price= | lastedit=2021-06-25 | content= }} * {{buy | name=MRS supermarket | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jos Rd | lat=10.301 | long=9.8123 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Daily 8AM-6PM | price= | lastedit=2021-06-30 | content=In-store shopping. }} * {{buy | name=City supermarket | alt= | url= | email= | address=Old Musaba Jahun Rd | lat=10.3221 | long=9.8123 | directions= | phone=+234-803-250-0617 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 8AM-10PM | price= | lastedit=2021-06-30 | content=In-store shopping. }} * {{buy | name=Arabian Supermarket | alt= | url= | email= | address=Murtala Mohammed way | lat=10.3456 | long=9.8237 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Daily 8AM-9PM | price= | lastedit=2021-06-30 | content=In-store shopping.In-store pick up.Delivery. }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=New Record Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=10.32076 | long=9.81111 | directions= | phone=+234 8033742758 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-06-25 | content=They cater to all with exotic food, have drive in and takeaway option. }} * {{eat | name=Mr Biggs | alt= | url= | email= | address=Yandoka Road, Opposite State Security Service Office | lat=10.32228 | long=9.82604 | directions= | phone=+234 7043050439 | tollfree= | hours=7:30AM-10PM | price= | lastedit=2021-06-25 | content=Fast food joint all over the country for your fast food needs they offer moderately good service. Offer drive in, Takeaway and delivery. }} * {{eat | name=Shukurah Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=10.3088 | long=9.8326 | directions= | phone=+234-803-231-2959 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 8AM-12:30AM | price= | lastedit=2021-06-30 | content=Dine-in. Takeaway. No contact delivery. }} * {{eat | name=Barhak Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Rd | lat=10.4442 | long=9.8326 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Daily | price= | lastedit=2021-06-30 | content=Dine-in. Takeaway. }} * {{eat | name=Ifelodun Food Canteen | alt= | url= | email= | address=Station Bass, Beside Ayin shafa Filling Station, Ahmadu Bello way | lat=10.3035 | long=9.8256 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Daily 8:30AM-10PM | price= | lastedit=2021-06-30 | content=Dine-in. Takeaway. }} * {{eat | name=African Dishes Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=Student Center, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University | lat=10.3445 | long=9.8554 | directions= | phone=+234-906-913-7815 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 7:30AM-11PM | price= | lastedit=2021-06-30 | content=Dine-in. Takeaway. Delivery. }} * {{eat | name=Spice Cafe | alt= | url= | email= | address=no 2 Rimi Road, gra 740102 | lat=10.315771 | long=9.820962 | directions= | phone=+234 8039395066 | tollfree= | hours=9AM-8PM | price= | lastedit=2021-12-25 | content=A restaurant where you can get contemporary Nigerian Dishes. }} * {{eat | name= Lee's Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=AIB Plaza, CBN Roundabout, NNPC, Nassarawa Road | lat=10.306642 | long=9.830245 | directions= | phone=+234 806 928 2466 | tollfree= | hours=10AM - 9PM Daily | price= | lastedit=2022-06-03 | content= Dine in and takeaway. }} * {{eat | name=Pavilion Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=Unity Park (Eagle Sino Shopping Complex), Ahmadu Bello Way | lat=10.315969 | long=9.830989 | directions= | phone=+234 803 297 9390 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - midnight Daily | price= | lastedit=2022-06-03 | content=Dine in and takeaway. }} * {{eat | name=Shukurah Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=Ahmadu Bello Way, beside sky crown bakery | lat=10.316576 | long=9.831256 | directions= | phone=+234 803 231 2959 | tollfree= | hours=8AM- 12:30 PM Daily | price= | lastedit=2022-06-03 | content= Dine in and takeaway. }} * {{eat | name=Skye Bank Canteen | alt= | url= | email= | address=Skye Bank, Yakubun - Bauchi Rd | lat=10.305174 | long=9.822711 | directions= | phone=+234 803 811 8004 | tollfree= | hours=8AM - 10PM Daily | price= | lastedit=2022-06-04 | content=Dine in and takeaway. }} * {{eat | name=Alhaji Muhd Dankawu And Sons Ltd | alt= | url= | email= | address=Abdulsalam Street | lat=10.315245 | long=9.820032 | directions= | phone=+234 803 822 8486 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 8:30AM- 6:30PM | price= | lastedit=2022-06-10 | content=Dine in and takeaway. A famous fast food eatery in bauchi offering various food menu like jollof rice, meat, Suya etc. }} * {{buy | name=Apex Classic Boutique | alt=Apex Classic Boutique | url= | email=zogala400@gmail.com | address=No.2 AA Mahmood Plaza Murtala Mohammed Way | lat= | long= | directions=Beside Fidelity Bank Murtala Mohammed Way | phone=+234 8065310754 | tollfree= | hours=8am - 9pm | price=None | lastedit=2023-10-23 | content=Boutique/Apparels. }} ==Drink== * {{drink | name=New TraFord Hotel & bar | alt= | url= | email= | address=Bauchi-Tafawa Balewa | lat=10.3267 | long=9.8223 | directions= | phone=+234-706-353-4467 | tollfree= | hours=Daily | price= | lastedit=2021-06-30 | content=Dine-in. Takeaway. }} * {{drink | name=Ambassador Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address=Yelwatudu Rd, Ahamadu Bello way | lat=10.4332 | long=9.8422 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Daily 8AM-11PM | price= | lastedit=2021-06-30 | content=Dine-in. Takeaway. }} * {{drink | name=Villa Garden Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address=New GRA, Near Dolphin Maria | lat=10.3552 | long=9.8665 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Daily 6PM-midnight | price= | lastedit=2021-06-30 | content=Dine-in. Takeaway. }} * {{drink | name=Jenvic Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address=Murtala Mohammed Way | lat=10.3035 | long=9.8237 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Daily | price= | lastedit=2021-06-30 | content=Dine-in. Takeaway. }} ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Fariah Suites | alt= | url=https://fariahsuites.business.site/ | email= | address=12 Club Close, off Attahiru Bafarawa GRA | lat=10.314706228059984 | long=9.810207622714191 | directions= | phone= +234 8075671223 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Classic (₦ 23,000) every evening, Diplomatic (₦ 57,500), breakfast included | lastedit=2021-06-24 | content=Great location overall for sightseeing, recreation, dining and getting around }} * {{sleep | name=Bagari Suites | alt= | url= | email= | address=Ahmadu Bello Way | lat=10.2| long=9.8 | directions= | phone=+234 7033337228 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Queens (₦ 19,800), Suite (₦ 25,000) | lastedit=2021-06-24 | content=A lodging that offers parking, free breakfast, air conditioning and airport shuttle. }} * {{sleep | name=Chartwell Hotel and Suites Bauchi | alt= | url=http://www.chartwellhotel.com/ | email= | address=Rev. Jolly Nyame Road | lat=10.3| long=9.8 | directions= | phone=+234 8104348666 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= Executive(₦ 19,000), Super Executive room (₦ 30,000) and Presidential Suite (₦ 45,000) | lastedit=2021-06-24 | content=A lodging that offers parking, free breakfast, air conditioning and airport shuttle. }} * {{sleep | name=Chartwell Hotel and Suites Bauchi | alt= | url=http://www.chartwellhotel.com/ | email= | address=Rev. Jolly Nyame Road | lat=10.3| long=9.8 | directions= | phone=+234 8104348666 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= Executive(₦ 19,000), Super Executive room (₦ 30,000) and Presidential Suite (₦ 45,000) | lastedit=2021-06-24 | content=A lodging with fair prices in a very secure environment. }} * {{sleep | name=Larema Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=State Ave, Yelwa | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+234 906 426 4411 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2024-12-29 | content= }} ==Connect== ==Stay safe== Bauchi is a safe city, but in any case, be careful with arrangements or organizations that sound unrealistic (particularly messages mostly via e-mail requesting your assistance), and don't transparently display your assets, particularly in broad daylight. While it is rare for a tourist to be a victim of a violent crime, it is still wise to stay safe and be alert, especially during late-night outings. Stick to crowded streets and make sure to go out in groups. Furthermore, you should stick to places and people you know and avoid going anywhere without a trusted guide if it is your first visit. ==Cope== ==Go next== * '''[[Kano]]''' * '''[[Jigawa State|Jigawa]]''' * '''[[Taraba State|Taraba]]''' * '''[[Jos]]''' * '''[[Gombe]]''' * '''[[Yobe State|Yobe]]''' * '''[[Kaduna]]''' * [[Yankari National Park]] - Wildlife resort that is a must-see once you are in Bauchi state. {{usablecity}} {{geo|10.315833|9.844167}} {{isPartOf|Bauchi State}} 15sdo9vuebpre6lfo95zjpy0vpcutkj 5086866 5086829 2025-07-03T01:02:50Z Ground Zero 1423298 Identifying the source (census) isn't necessary. This is a travel guide, not an encyclopedia 5086866 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Bauchi banner Eid el-Fitr celebrations.jpg|caption=Celebrations for Eid el-Fitr}} '''Bauchi''' (earlier Yakoba) is a city in [[North East Nigeria]]. This article also covers the city of '''Kangere''', 20 km to the east. ==Understand== [[File:Emir Palace Bauchi.jpg|thumb|Emir Palace Bauchi]] [[File:Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University.jph.jpg|thumb|Gate of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Permanent Site]] Bauchi has an estimated population of 693,700 (2016). It's the capital city of Bauchi State. Bauchi was also the capital of the Bauchi Emirate, an independent state from 1805 to 1904 when it came under British protection. Several landmarks from the era remain in the city centre. It is the host of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi State University, Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic and Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi. In addition, there is a college of education in nearby Kangere. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|zoom=auto}} {{mapshape}} * {{go | name=Bauchi State International Airport (IATA: BCU, ICAO: DNBC) | alt=Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport | url= | email= | address=Ahmadu Bello Way | lat=10.496787 | long=9.748429 | directions=22 km (14 mi) northwest of Bauchi | phone=+234 803 230 9854 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-29 | content=It is named after Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, who was Prime Minister of Nigeria from 1957–1966. [https://www.maxair.com.ng/ MaxAir] and [https://www.flyaero.com/ Aero Contractors] have flights to Bauchi from Abuja. }} ==Get around== It's fairly easy to get around once you can communicate in [[Hausa phrasebook|Hausa]] or in English. ==See== [[File:Bauchi Emirates Palace.jpg|thumb|Palace of the Emir of Bauchi]] * {{see | name=The Palace of the Emir of Bauchi| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=The building was built of mud in the 19th century by Babban Gwani (Muhammadu Durugu), a 19th-century master builder. He built mosques and palaces in Kano, Katsina, Bauchi and Zaria. It was a fortress built to protect the Emir and his officials. }} * {{see | name=Babban Goni Mosque | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=10.3095 | long=9.8463 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-01-22 | content=Built in 1837. }} * {{see | name=Tomb of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=10.3185 | long=9.8462 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-01-22 | content=Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was the first prime minister of independent Nigeria. The tomb also functions as a small museum and the staff will happily teach you about the early history of independent Nigeria. }} * {{see | name=Shehu Azare Park | alt= | url= | email= | address=Sa'adu Zungur Rd | lat=10.37755 | long=9.79757 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-06-25 | content=The Shehu Azare Park is located along the Adamu Jumba road in Bauchi. It is beautiful, serene, and well kept environment with a splash of beautiful flowers.A great spot to picnic. }} *'''Gongola River''' crosses Bauchi state in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area in the south and in Kirfi and Alkaleri Local Government Areas in the Eastern part of the state. *'''Jama’are River''' cuts across a number of Local Government Areas in the northern part of the state. Moreover, a substantial part of the Hadeja-Jama'are River basin lies in Bauchi state, which along with various fadama (floodplain) areas in the state provides suitable land for agricultural activities. These are further supported by the number of dams meant for irrigation and other purposes. These include the Gubi and Tilde-Fulani dams. There also lakes such as the Maladumba Lake in Misau Local Government Area that further provide the necessary conditions to support Agriculture. ==Do== Bauchi state is popularly known for Yankari Game Reserve. Below is a list of places that can be explored while visiting Bauchi state: * '''Unity Park.''' This is the most visited leisure park in the city along Ahmadu Bello way in Bauchi. It has features like an open theatre, indoor sports hall and a shopping complex * '''Shehu Azare Park''' It is a park located at Adamu Jumba road in Bauchi, a great location overall for sightseeing, recreation, reading and chilling. * '''Yankari National Park and Game Reserve.''' * '''The Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium.''' * {{do | name=Sumu Wildlife Park | alt=Zoo | url= | email= | address=Kafin Madaki | lat=10.65355 | long=9.66051 | directions=By Road | phone=+234 817 266 6653 | tollfree= | hours=8:00am/ 6:00pm | price= | wikipedia=Sumu Wildlife Park | image=Sumu Wildlife Park (9).jpg | wikidata=Q111356426 | lastedit=2024-08-14 | content=It's a National park that provide alots of wild Animals, you take a visit and see. Do a lot of things like picture video and others. It's also serves as the recreational center that that help in refreshment l. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=AHZAN Shopping and Retail | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=10.32076 | long=9.81111 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=6AM-6PM | price= | lastedit=2021-06-25 | content=One of the 3 main markets in Bauchi town. }} * {{buy | name=Muda Lawal market | alt= | url= | email= | address=Muda Lawan Market, Bauchi Kasuwar waya | lat=10.32228 | long=9.82604 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=7:30AM-6PM | price= | lastedit=2021-06-25 | content= }} * {{buy | name=MRS supermarket | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jos Rd | lat=10.301 | long=9.8123 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Daily 8AM-6PM | price= | lastedit=2021-06-30 | content=In-store shopping. }} * {{buy | name=City supermarket | alt= | url= | email= | address=Old Musaba Jahun Rd | lat=10.3221 | long=9.8123 | directions= | phone=+234-803-250-0617 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 8AM-10PM | price= | lastedit=2021-06-30 | content=In-store shopping. }} * {{buy | name=Arabian Supermarket | alt= | url= | email= | address=Murtala Mohammed way | lat=10.3456 | long=9.8237 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Daily 8AM-9PM | price= | lastedit=2021-06-30 | content=In-store shopping.In-store pick up.Delivery. }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=New Record Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=10.32076 | long=9.81111 | directions= | phone=+234 8033742758 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-06-25 | content=They cater to all with exotic food, have drive in and takeaway option. }} * {{eat | name=Mr Biggs | alt= | url= | email= | address=Yandoka Road, Opposite State Security Service Office | lat=10.32228 | long=9.82604 | directions= | phone=+234 7043050439 | tollfree= | hours=7:30AM-10PM | price= | lastedit=2021-06-25 | content=Fast food joint all over the country for your fast food needs they offer moderately good service. Offer drive in, Takeaway and delivery. }} * {{eat | name=Shukurah Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=10.3088 | long=9.8326 | directions= | phone=+234-803-231-2959 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 8AM-12:30AM | price= | lastedit=2021-06-30 | content=Dine-in. Takeaway. No contact delivery. }} * {{eat | name=Barhak Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Rd | lat=10.4442 | long=9.8326 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Daily | price= | lastedit=2021-06-30 | content=Dine-in. Takeaway. }} * {{eat | name=Ifelodun Food Canteen | alt= | url= | email= | address=Station Bass, Beside Ayin shafa Filling Station, Ahmadu Bello way | lat=10.3035 | long=9.8256 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Daily 8:30AM-10PM | price= | lastedit=2021-06-30 | content=Dine-in. Takeaway. }} * {{eat | name=African Dishes Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=Student Center, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University | lat=10.3445 | long=9.8554 | directions= | phone=+234-906-913-7815 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 7:30AM-11PM | price= | lastedit=2021-06-30 | content=Dine-in. Takeaway. Delivery. }} * {{eat | name=Spice Cafe | alt= | url= | email= | address=no 2 Rimi Road, gra 740102 | lat=10.315771 | long=9.820962 | directions= | phone=+234 8039395066 | tollfree= | hours=9AM-8PM | price= | lastedit=2021-12-25 | content=A restaurant where you can get contemporary Nigerian Dishes. }} * {{eat | name= Lee's Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=AIB Plaza, CBN Roundabout, NNPC, Nassarawa Road | lat=10.306642 | long=9.830245 | directions= | phone=+234 806 928 2466 | tollfree= | hours=10AM - 9PM Daily | price= | lastedit=2022-06-03 | content= Dine in and takeaway. }} * {{eat | name=Pavilion Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=Unity Park (Eagle Sino Shopping Complex), Ahmadu Bello Way | lat=10.315969 | long=9.830989 | directions= | phone=+234 803 297 9390 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - midnight Daily | price= | lastedit=2022-06-03 | content=Dine in and takeaway. }} * {{eat | name=Shukurah Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=Ahmadu Bello Way, beside sky crown bakery | lat=10.316576 | long=9.831256 | directions= | phone=+234 803 231 2959 | tollfree= | hours=8AM- 12:30 PM Daily | price= | lastedit=2022-06-03 | content= Dine in and takeaway. }} * {{eat | name=Skye Bank Canteen | alt= | url= | email= | address=Skye Bank, Yakubun - Bauchi Rd | lat=10.305174 | long=9.822711 | directions= | phone=+234 803 811 8004 | tollfree= | hours=8AM - 10PM Daily | price= | lastedit=2022-06-04 | content=Dine in and takeaway. }} * {{eat | name=Alhaji Muhd Dankawu And Sons Ltd | alt= | url= | email= | address=Abdulsalam Street | lat=10.315245 | long=9.820032 | directions= | phone=+234 803 822 8486 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 8:30AM- 6:30PM | price= | lastedit=2022-06-10 | content=Dine in and takeaway. A famous fast food eatery in bauchi offering various food menu like jollof rice, meat, Suya etc. }} * {{buy | name=Apex Classic Boutique | alt=Apex Classic Boutique | url= | email=zogala400@gmail.com | address=No.2 AA Mahmood Plaza Murtala Mohammed Way | lat= | long= | directions=Beside Fidelity Bank Murtala Mohammed Way | phone=+234 8065310754 | tollfree= | hours=8am - 9pm | price=None | lastedit=2023-10-23 | content=Boutique/Apparels. }} ==Drink== * {{drink | name=New TraFord Hotel & bar | alt= | url= | email= | address=Bauchi-Tafawa Balewa | lat=10.3267 | long=9.8223 | directions= | phone=+234-706-353-4467 | tollfree= | hours=Daily | price= | lastedit=2021-06-30 | content=Dine-in. Takeaway. }} * {{drink | name=Ambassador Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address=Yelwatudu Rd, Ahamadu Bello way | lat=10.4332 | long=9.8422 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Daily 8AM-11PM | price= | lastedit=2021-06-30 | content=Dine-in. Takeaway. }} * {{drink | name=Villa Garden Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address=New GRA, Near Dolphin Maria | lat=10.3552 | long=9.8665 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Daily 6PM-midnight | price= | lastedit=2021-06-30 | content=Dine-in. Takeaway. }} * {{drink | name=Jenvic Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address=Murtala Mohammed Way | lat=10.3035 | long=9.8237 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Daily | price= | lastedit=2021-06-30 | content=Dine-in. Takeaway. }} ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Fariah Suites | alt= | url=https://fariahsuites.business.site/ | email= | address=12 Club Close, off Attahiru Bafarawa GRA | lat=10.314706228059984 | long=9.810207622714191 | directions= | phone= +234 8075671223 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Classic (₦ 23,000) every evening, Diplomatic (₦ 57,500), breakfast included | lastedit=2021-06-24 | content=Great location overall for sightseeing, recreation, dining and getting around }} * {{sleep | name=Bagari Suites | alt= | url= | email= | address=Ahmadu Bello Way | lat=10.2| long=9.8 | directions= | phone=+234 7033337228 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Queens (₦ 19,800), Suite (₦ 25,000) | lastedit=2021-06-24 | content=A lodging that offers parking, free breakfast, air conditioning and airport shuttle. }} * {{sleep | name=Chartwell Hotel and Suites Bauchi | alt= | url=http://www.chartwellhotel.com/ | email= | address=Rev. Jolly Nyame Road | lat=10.3| long=9.8 | directions= | phone=+234 8104348666 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= Executive(₦ 19,000), Super Executive room (₦ 30,000) and Presidential Suite (₦ 45,000) | lastedit=2021-06-24 | content=A lodging that offers parking, free breakfast, air conditioning and airport shuttle. }} * {{sleep | name=Chartwell Hotel and Suites Bauchi | alt= | url=http://www.chartwellhotel.com/ | email= | address=Rev. Jolly Nyame Road | lat=10.3| long=9.8 | directions= | phone=+234 8104348666 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= Executive(₦ 19,000), Super Executive room (₦ 30,000) and Presidential Suite (₦ 45,000) | lastedit=2021-06-24 | content=A lodging with fair prices in a very secure environment. }} * {{sleep | name=Larema Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=State Ave, Yelwa | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+234 906 426 4411 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2024-12-29 | content= }} ==Connect== ==Stay safe== Bauchi is a safe city, but in any case, be careful with arrangements or organizations that sound unrealistic (particularly messages mostly via e-mail requesting your assistance), and don't transparently display your assets, particularly in broad daylight. While it is rare for a tourist to be a victim of a violent crime, it is still wise to stay safe and be alert, especially during late-night outings. Stick to crowded streets and make sure to go out in groups. Furthermore, you should stick to places and people you know and avoid going anywhere without a trusted guide if it is your first visit. ==Cope== ==Go next== * '''[[Kano]]''' * '''[[Jigawa State|Jigawa]]''' * '''[[Taraba State|Taraba]]''' * '''[[Jos]]''' * '''[[Gombe]]''' * '''[[Yobe State|Yobe]]''' * '''[[Kaduna]]''' * [[Yankari National Park]] - Wildlife resort that is a must-see once you are in Bauchi state. {{usablecity}} {{geo|10.315833|9.844167}} {{isPartOf|Bauchi State}} 4tacsxfj95og0oxqy387cru2fkxwlse 0 3058 5086938 5014387 2025-07-03T03:53:28Z Lazarus1255 2236161 /* Drink */It's now this. 5086938 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Bay Shore''' is a hamlet in the town of [[Islip]] on [[Long Island]] in the state of [[New York (state)|New York]]. [[File:Bay Shore Methodist Episcopal Church Mar 10.jpg|thumb|Bay Shore Methodist Episcopal Church]] == Understand == Bay Shore is more than 300 years old, having celebrated its tricentennial in 2009, with banners up throughout the town. The hamlet’s population is much more diverse than many other places on Long Island. Immediately adjacent to Bay Shore, there is the village of Brightwaters. <br style="clear:both;" /> == Get in == {{Mapframe|zoom=auto}} {{mapshape}} === By plane=== * {{listing|type=go | name= Long Island MacArthur Airport | alt={{IATA|ISP}} | url= http://www.macarthurairport.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-06-02 | content= MacArthur Airport in [[Ronkonkoma]] is a convenient regional airport centrally located on Long Island. The primary carrier flying in and out of this airport is the low–cost carrier Southwest Airlines. American Airlines has flights in from {{IATA|DCA}} (Reagan Int'l) and {{IATA|PHL}} (Philadelphia). }} * For other area airports, see [[Long Island]]. === By airport shuttle === * {{listing | name=GO Airport Shuttle | alt=WINSTON Transportation Group | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-800-424-7767 | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-06-02 | content=GO Winston provides shared van shuttle service to ISP, shared sedan to ISP, private sedan to ISP, private luxury van, minicoach, motorcoach or group tours of NYC & Long Island. }} ===By car=== {| class="wikitable" |+ align="bottom" style="caption–side: bottom; text–align: right;" | ''Distances approximate'' |- ! colspan=5 | Major East–West Routes to Bay Shore |- ! Route !! Route Name !! Exit # !! Exit Description !! Distance to Downtown |- | [[File:Northern Pkwy Shield.svg|32px|center]] || Northern State Parkway || 44 || Sagitkos Pkwy–South Shore || align=center | {{mi|8.3}} |- | [[File:I-495 (big).svg|32px|center]] || Long Island Expressway || 53 || Bay Shore || align=center | {{mi|7.9}} |- | [[File:Southern Pkwy Shield.svg|32px|center]] || Southern State Parkway || 42S || Fifth Avenue–Bay Shore || align=center | {{mi|2.4}} |- | [[File:NY-27.svg|32px|center]] || Sunrise Highway || 43S || Fifth Avenue–Bay Shore || align=center | {{mi|1.5}} |- | [[File:NY-27A.svg|32px|center]] || Montauk Highway ||—|| ''(through route)'' || align=center | '''''You're there!''''' |} The southernmost of these, '''Montauk Highway''', is a local road with traffic lights in many sections. In Bay Shore, it's also known as '''Main Street'''. The rest of these are major east–west routes that run from eastern New York City across Long Island. The best of these travelling to Bay Shore is the '''Southern State Parkway''', a limited–access parkway from end to end. The major north–south route intersecting these highways is '''Fifth Avenue''', signed as '''County Road 13'''. Beyond its intersection with Sunrise Highway, you'll come to the intersection of Fifth Avenue and '''Howells Road'''. You'll pass the Bay Shore Fire Department on the left. After about {{mi|0.5}}, northbound and southbound traffic split into separate roads. Southbound traffic continues on '''Clinton Avenue''' signed as '''County Road 13A'''. You'll follow this into Downtown Bay Shore at the intersection of CR13A and NY27A. === By train === * {{listing | name=Bay Shore (LIRR) | alt= | url=http://www.mta.info/lirr | email= | address=Railroad Avenue | lat=40.7250764 | long=-73.2530101 | directions=between 4th and Park Avenues | phone=511 (New York State only) | tollfree=+1-877-690-5116 (outside New York State), +1 212-878-7000 (International callers) | fax= | hours= | price=One–way peak service tickets from New York City can cost as much as $24.00; so, purchase tickets before boarding at the ticket office or from a TVM (Ticket Vending Machine) | lastedit=2015-06-01 | content=Trains for '''Bay Shore''' are signed for '''Montauk Branch'''. It's a one–hour ride from '''Penn Station''' in [[Manhattan]] or '''Atlantic Terminal''' in [[Brooklyn/Downtown|Downtown Brooklyn]]; often requires a transfer at [[Jamaica (New York)|Jamaica]] or [[Babylon]]. }} == Get around == The easiest way to get around Bay Shore is by car. You can also bike or walk. You can't hail a cab, but you can call for one. === By taxi === * {{listing | name=David Brothers Taxi | alt= | url=http://www.davidbroscarservice.com/ | email= | address=88 Park Avenue | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 631-665-1515 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-06-01 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Lindy's Taxt | alt= | url=http://www.lindystaxi.com | email= | address=140 Heyward St, Brentwood | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 631-436-7272 | tollfree= | fax=+1 631-951-3329 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-06-01 | content= }} * {{listing | name= Tommy's Taxi | alt= | url= | email= | address= 88 Park Avenue | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +1 631-665-4800| tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-06-01 | content= }} === By bus === {| class="wikitable floatright" ! colspan=2 style="background: lightblue" | Bus Routes servicing Bay Shore |- ! Route !! Route Description |- | align=center | '''S40''' || Babylon (LIRR) to Patchogue |- | align=center | '''S41''' || Bay Shore to Northport VA Medical Center |- | align=center | '''S42''' || Babylon (LIRR) to Central Islip (LIRR) |- | align=center | '''S45''' || Bay Shore to Smithtown |- | align=center | '''2A''' || Wyandanch to South Shore Mall |- | align=center | '''2B''' || SUNY Farmingdale to Bay Shore |- | align=center | '''3A''' || South Shore Mall to Hauppauge |- | align=center | '''3B''' || Gardiner Manor Plaza to Hauppauge |- | align=center | '''3C''' || Central Islip to South Shore Mall |} There are nine bus routes serving destinations in Bay Shore. Two are through routes; the other seven terminate within the hamlet. <!-- Route '''S40''' runs along '''Main Street''' ''(Montauk Hwy)'' throughout Downtown Bay Shore. Route '''S42''' <br /> --> There are three different terminal locations within Bay Shore. * {{listing | name= Bay Shore Mini-Center | alt= Touro College| url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= located on Mechanicsville Road, one block north of Main Street | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-06-01 | content= }} ::[[New York State]] and [[Suffolk County (New York)|Suffolk County]] used to provide services in the building that now houses '''Touro College'''. As a result, '''Suffolk County Transit''' chose this area as a terminus for several bus lines. It also has the advantage of being one block south of the '''Bay Shore LIRR''' station. * {{listing | name= South Shore Mall | alt= Westfield South Shore| url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= located at the southwest pedestrian entrance near J.C. Penneys | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-06-01 | content= }} * {{listing | name= Gardiner Manor Plaza | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= located just south of Modells Sporting Goods | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-06-01 | content= }} For additional information, contact: * {{listing | name=Suffolk County Transit | alt= | url=http://www.sct-bus.org | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions='''Have exact fare ready!''' | phone=+1 631-852-5200 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Adults $2.25; seniors, persons with disabilities and Medicare card holders $0.75; children 5 and under ride free (limit 3 children when accompanied by adult.) Transfer: $0.25 - Available on request when paying fare. Good for 2 connecting buses. Valid for 2 hours from time received. Not valid for return trip. Special restrictions may apply (see transfer) | lastedit=2015-06-01 | content=Phone information available Monday-Friday 8AM-4:30PM. }} == See and do == [[File:Sagtikos Manor from NY 27A.JPG|thumbnail|Sagtikos Manor]] * {{see | name= Sagtikos Manor | alt= | url= http://sagtikosmanor.com | email= | address= | lat= 40.702344 | long= -73.275501 | directions= Take Robert Moses Causeway South to Exit RM27A Bay Shore. Turn right onto Route 27A and continue east approximate {{mi|0.5}}. | phone= +1 631-854-0939 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-06-02 | content= Sagtikos Manor, built in 1697, served briefly as headquarters for the British army during the Revolutionary War. President George Washington stayed there during his tour of Long Island in 1790. Take a tour of the Manor House led by costumed docents and stroll through the grounds and nearby Gardiner County Park. }} [[File:Bay Shore Hose Company No. 1 Firehouse.jpg|thumb|Bay Shore Hose Company No. 1 Firehouse]] After you’re done at Sagtikos Manor, you can head east on '''Montauk Hwy'''. As you enter the village of Brightwaters, Route 27A becomes '''South Country Road'''. You'll pass '''Brightwaters Canal''' on your right and as you cross '''South Windsor Avenue''', you will get to... * {{see | name= Bay Shore-Brightwaters Public Library | alt= | url= http://bsbwlibrary.org| email= | address= 1 South County Road, Brightwaters | lat= 40.713477 | long= -73.25773 | directions= | phone= +1 631-665-4350 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= M-Th 9:30AM-9PM| price= | lastedit=2015-06-02 | content=The library opened in 1907. It underwent major re-construction in 2009 and was transformed into a modern place for learning. }} As you continue down Route 27A, it will soon turn into '''Main Street''' and on the right at '''Clinton Avenue''' is the YMCA. * {{do | name= YMCA | alt= | url= https://ymcali.org/ | email= | address= 200 West Main Street | lat= 40.718607 | long= -73.252592 | directions= at South Clinton Avenue | phone= +1 631-665-4255| tollfree= | fax= | hours= M-F 6AM-6PM; Sa Su closed| price= | lastedit=2015-06-02 | content= If you are a member you can go swim, run the track, using the gyms and lift weights. }} Also associated with the YMCA and further east is... * {{do | name= The Boulton Center for the Performing Arts | alt= | url= http://boultoncenter.org/ | email= | address= 37 West Main Street | lat= 40.721063 | long= -73.248664 | directions= | phone= +1 631-969-1101| tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-06-02 | content= The YMCA Boulton Center offers theatre productions, concerts, film, dance, cabaret, jazz, poetry and play readings, student productions, children’s entertainment, YMCA cultural arts events, lectures, and seminars. }} == Buy == * {{buy | name= Westfield South Shore | alt= South Shore Mall | url= http://www.westfield.com/southshore/ | email= | address= 1701 Sunrise Highway| lat= 40.739973 | long= -73.246536 | directions= between East Forks Road and Penataquit Avenue | phone= +1 631-665-8600 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-06-01 | content= Anchored by Lord & Taylor, Macy's and J.C. Penneys, this shopping center is in a constant state of upgrade since being acquired by Westfield. However, don't look for a book store; you won't find one! For a list of all retailers, click [http://www.westfield.com/southshore/stores/all-stores/ here].<br />For a list of all restaurants, click [http://www.westfield.com/southshore/food/all-restaurants/ here.]}} * {{buy | name= Gardiner Manor Plaza | alt= | url= | email= | address= 834 Sunrise Highway | lat= 40.7274886 | long= -73.2778515 | directions= at Manor Lane | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= Hours vary by retailer| price= | lastedit=2015-06-01 | content= This is an open-air shopping center. Major retailers include Lowe's Home Improvement, Target, Staples, Modells, Old Navy and Barnes & Noble Bookstores. }} == Eat == * {{eat | name=Captain Bill’s | alt= | url= http://www.captainbills.com/captainbills/index.cfm | email= | address=122 Ocean Avenue | lat= 40.713387 | long= -73.24168 | directions={{convert|0.6|mi|km|0}} south of Main Street | phone=+1 631-665-6262 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= Sunday Brunch: 11:30AM-2:30PM; Happy-Hour: M-F 4-7PM | price= Sunday Brunch: $31+tax ''Reservations recommended'' |lastedit=2025-01-30| content=This restaurant in located right on the water. It has a bar and the lunch crowd. During the summer, it has live bands outdoors. Captain Bill’s is upscale and caters for large parties. }} * {{eat | name=Coyle's Homemade Ice Cream | url= | email= | address=75 Howells Road | lat= 40.730539 | long= -73.261492 | directions= one block south of Sunrise Highway at Fifth Avenue | phone= +1 631-666-2229 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= Daily 1PM-midnight| price= | content= Step inside an old-fashioned ice cream parlor and enjoy the taste of fresh ice cream. That's Coyle's. Some booths on the left, a soda fountain on the right and a cornucopia of fresh ice cream flavors to rival Baskin-Robbins' 31. You can't believe how fresh the ice cream tastes! }} * {{eat | name=Fatfish Wine Bar and Bistro | url=http://www.fatfish.info/ | email= | address=28 Cottage Avenue| lat= 40.710525 | long= -73.244717 | directions= {{mi|1}} south of Main Street; follow Clinton Avenue, turn right on Bay Avenue, left on Cottage Avenue | phone=+1 631-666-2899 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= Su noon–7PM; M–Th 11:30AM–9PM; F 11:30AM–10PM; Sa 11:30am–10PM | price= | content=Fatfish Bar & Bistro is open year round. Take in the breathtaking views of the bay while enjoying the cuisine of executive chef and proprietor Brian Valdini. The Fat Fish is an upscale restaurant. }} * {{eat | name= Forum Diner |alt=| url= http://www.forumdinerbayshore.net | email= forumdiner@forumdinerli.com | address=315 West Main Street | lat= 40.714406 | long= -73.258031 | directions= | phone= +1 631-666-4455 | tollfree= | fax= +1 631-666-4561 | hours= S-Th 7AM-midnight; F Sa 7AM-1AM | price= |lastedit=2017-05-28| content= Online ordering available. }} * {{eat | name= Jon Thomas Inne | url= http://www.thejonthomas.com/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=91 Howells Road, Brightwaters | lat= 40.730762 | long= -73.268696 | directions= as Howells Road crosses Sunrise Hwy South Service Road | phone=+1 631-666-2060 | tollfree= | fax= +1 631-666-2074 | hours= Daily: noon-midnight | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name= Leggio’s Delicatessen | url= | email= | address= 305 4th Avenue | lat= 40.729458 | long= -73.257196 | directions= | phone=+1 631-665-1606 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Leggio’s is a deli that has been run out of the owner’s house for over 60 years. They make the best sandwiches; it is so worth the wait for the sandwich. You can get a foot long sandwich and a drink for under $5. Leggio’s doesn't ''look'' like the cleanest place, but people at know about Leggio’s still go there for lunch. }} * {{eat | name= Mamma Santina's | url= http://mammasantina.com | email= | address= 201 Orinoco Drive, Brightwaters | lat= 40.720004 | long= -73.267306 | directions= | phone=+1 631-665-7880 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= M-Th 10:30AM-9PM; F Sa 10:30AM-9:30PM; Su 11:30AM-9PM | price= | content=It is a hot spot for lunch. During the school year, many students relax and eat a piece of pizza. Mamma's is family-owned that has great prices which goes along with their great food. }} * {{eat | name=Peter Pan Diner | alt= | url=http://www.peterpandiner.com | email= | address=999 Sunrise Hwy | lat=40.731152 | long=-73.272917 | directions=at Howells Road | phone=+1 631-665-1788 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Swept Away | alt= | url=http://www.sweptawaybayshore.com/ | email= | address=25 Bayview Avenue| lat=40.7125386 | long=-73.2431647 | directions= | phone=+1 631-206-0420 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily: 11:30AM-1AM; Happy Hour: M-F 4-7PM | price= | content=A seaside bar and grill. Live music on Friday nights. The kitchen closes Su-Th at 10PM, F Sa at 11PM. }} == Drink == * {{drink | name= Goody Two Shoes | alt= | url= https://www.goodytwoshoesbar.com/ | email= | address= 42 East Main Street| lat= 40.722108 | long= -73.246751 | directions= | phone= +1 631-647-4856 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=Craft cocktails and food. }} == Sleep == == Connect == * {{listing | name= US Post Office | alt= | url= http://www.usps.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= +1 800-275-8777| fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-06-02 | content= }} :* {{listing | name= | alt=Main Station | url= | email= | address= 1314 Fifth Avenue | lat=40.734616 | long=-73.262939 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= M-F 9AM-5:30PM; Sa 9AM-3:30PM; Su closed | price= | lastedit=2015-06-01 | content= }} :* {{listing | name= | alt=Penataquit Station | url= | email= | address= 10 Bay Shore Avenue | lat=40.7233574 | long=-73.2466378 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= M-F 9AM-4:30PM; Sa 9AM-1PM; Su closed | price= | lastedit=2015-06-01 | content= }} :* {{listing | name= | alt= Brightwaters | url= | email= | address= 145 Orinoco Drive, Brightwaters | lat=40.720928 | long=-73.264793 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= M-F 8AM-5PM; Sa 9AM-1PM; Su closed | price= | lastedit=2015-06-01 | content= }} == Stay safe == * {{listing | name= Southside Hospital | alt= | url= http://northshorelij.com| email= | address= 301 East Main Street | lat= 40.725672 | long= -73.241888 | directions= | phone= +1 631-968-3000| tollfree= | fax= | hours= Open 24 hours| price= | lastedit=2015-06-02 | content= }} == Go next == * '''[[Fire Island]]''' ::To travel to Ocean Beach, Fair Harbor, Dunewood, Atlantique, Kismet, Saltaire, Ocean Bay Park and Seaview: === By ferry === * {{listing | name=Fire Island Ferries | alt= | url=http://www.fireislandferries.com/ | email= | address=99 Maple Street | lat= 40.717769 | long= -73.240528 | directions= | phone=+1 631-665-3600 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Ferries run year round; water taxis available. }} {{routebox | image1=NY-27.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Freeport (New York)|Freeport]] | minorl1='''[[Babylon (town, New York)|Babylon]]''' | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Montauk]] | minorr1=[[Islip]] | image2=LIRR Montauk icon.png | imagesize2=100 | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Queens]] | minorl2='''[[Babylon (town, New York)|Babylon]]''' ← '''Becomes Babylon Branch''' | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[Montauk]] | minorr2=[[Islip]] }} {{IsPartOf|Suffolk County (New York)}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|40.7297|-73.2536}} fdjkgpuk8cg0xgotupg6rb2cwzywa8o 5086941 5086938 2025-07-03T03:58:28Z Lazarus1255 2236161 /* Eat */Closed or changed 5086941 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Bay Shore''' is a hamlet in the town of [[Islip]] on [[Long Island]] in the state of [[New York (state)|New York]]. [[File:Bay Shore Methodist Episcopal Church Mar 10.jpg|thumb|Bay Shore Methodist Episcopal Church]] == Understand == Bay Shore is more than 300 years old, having celebrated its tricentennial in 2009, with banners up throughout the town. The hamlet’s population is much more diverse than many other places on Long Island. Immediately adjacent to Bay Shore, there is the village of Brightwaters. <br style="clear:both;" /> == Get in == {{Mapframe|zoom=auto}} {{mapshape}} === By plane=== * {{listing|type=go | name= Long Island MacArthur Airport | alt={{IATA|ISP}} | url= http://www.macarthurairport.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-06-02 | content= MacArthur Airport in [[Ronkonkoma]] is a convenient regional airport centrally located on Long Island. The primary carrier flying in and out of this airport is the low–cost carrier Southwest Airlines. American Airlines has flights in from {{IATA|DCA}} (Reagan Int'l) and {{IATA|PHL}} (Philadelphia). }} * For other area airports, see [[Long Island]]. === By airport shuttle === * {{listing | name=GO Airport Shuttle | alt=WINSTON Transportation Group | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-800-424-7767 | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-06-02 | content=GO Winston provides shared van shuttle service to ISP, shared sedan to ISP, private sedan to ISP, private luxury van, minicoach, motorcoach or group tours of NYC & Long Island. }} ===By car=== {| class="wikitable" |+ align="bottom" style="caption–side: bottom; text–align: right;" | ''Distances approximate'' |- ! colspan=5 | Major East–West Routes to Bay Shore |- ! Route !! Route Name !! Exit # !! Exit Description !! Distance to Downtown |- | [[File:Northern Pkwy Shield.svg|32px|center]] || Northern State Parkway || 44 || Sagitkos Pkwy–South Shore || align=center | {{mi|8.3}} |- | [[File:I-495 (big).svg|32px|center]] || Long Island Expressway || 53 || Bay Shore || align=center | {{mi|7.9}} |- | [[File:Southern Pkwy Shield.svg|32px|center]] || Southern State Parkway || 42S || Fifth Avenue–Bay Shore || align=center | {{mi|2.4}} |- | [[File:NY-27.svg|32px|center]] || Sunrise Highway || 43S || Fifth Avenue–Bay Shore || align=center | {{mi|1.5}} |- | [[File:NY-27A.svg|32px|center]] || Montauk Highway ||—|| ''(through route)'' || align=center | '''''You're there!''''' |} The southernmost of these, '''Montauk Highway''', is a local road with traffic lights in many sections. In Bay Shore, it's also known as '''Main Street'''. The rest of these are major east–west routes that run from eastern New York City across Long Island. The best of these travelling to Bay Shore is the '''Southern State Parkway''', a limited–access parkway from end to end. The major north–south route intersecting these highways is '''Fifth Avenue''', signed as '''County Road 13'''. Beyond its intersection with Sunrise Highway, you'll come to the intersection of Fifth Avenue and '''Howells Road'''. You'll pass the Bay Shore Fire Department on the left. After about {{mi|0.5}}, northbound and southbound traffic split into separate roads. Southbound traffic continues on '''Clinton Avenue''' signed as '''County Road 13A'''. You'll follow this into Downtown Bay Shore at the intersection of CR13A and NY27A. === By train === * {{listing | name=Bay Shore (LIRR) | alt= | url=http://www.mta.info/lirr | email= | address=Railroad Avenue | lat=40.7250764 | long=-73.2530101 | directions=between 4th and Park Avenues | phone=511 (New York State only) | tollfree=+1-877-690-5116 (outside New York State), +1 212-878-7000 (International callers) | fax= | hours= | price=One–way peak service tickets from New York City can cost as much as $24.00; so, purchase tickets before boarding at the ticket office or from a TVM (Ticket Vending Machine) | lastedit=2015-06-01 | content=Trains for '''Bay Shore''' are signed for '''Montauk Branch'''. It's a one–hour ride from '''Penn Station''' in [[Manhattan]] or '''Atlantic Terminal''' in [[Brooklyn/Downtown|Downtown Brooklyn]]; often requires a transfer at [[Jamaica (New York)|Jamaica]] or [[Babylon]]. }} == Get around == The easiest way to get around Bay Shore is by car. You can also bike or walk. You can't hail a cab, but you can call for one. === By taxi === * {{listing | name=David Brothers Taxi | alt= | url=http://www.davidbroscarservice.com/ | email= | address=88 Park Avenue | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 631-665-1515 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-06-01 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Lindy's Taxt | alt= | url=http://www.lindystaxi.com | email= | address=140 Heyward St, Brentwood | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 631-436-7272 | tollfree= | fax=+1 631-951-3329 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-06-01 | content= }} * {{listing | name= Tommy's Taxi | alt= | url= | email= | address= 88 Park Avenue | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +1 631-665-4800| tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-06-01 | content= }} === By bus === {| class="wikitable floatright" ! colspan=2 style="background: lightblue" | Bus Routes servicing Bay Shore |- ! Route !! Route Description |- | align=center | '''S40''' || Babylon (LIRR) to Patchogue |- | align=center | '''S41''' || Bay Shore to Northport VA Medical Center |- | align=center | '''S42''' || Babylon (LIRR) to Central Islip (LIRR) |- | align=center | '''S45''' || Bay Shore to Smithtown |- | align=center | '''2A''' || Wyandanch to South Shore Mall |- | align=center | '''2B''' || SUNY Farmingdale to Bay Shore |- | align=center | '''3A''' || South Shore Mall to Hauppauge |- | align=center | '''3B''' || Gardiner Manor Plaza to Hauppauge |- | align=center | '''3C''' || Central Islip to South Shore Mall |} There are nine bus routes serving destinations in Bay Shore. Two are through routes; the other seven terminate within the hamlet. <!-- Route '''S40''' runs along '''Main Street''' ''(Montauk Hwy)'' throughout Downtown Bay Shore. Route '''S42''' <br /> --> There are three different terminal locations within Bay Shore. * {{listing | name= Bay Shore Mini-Center | alt= Touro College| url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= located on Mechanicsville Road, one block north of Main Street | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-06-01 | content= }} ::[[New York State]] and [[Suffolk County (New York)|Suffolk County]] used to provide services in the building that now houses '''Touro College'''. As a result, '''Suffolk County Transit''' chose this area as a terminus for several bus lines. It also has the advantage of being one block south of the '''Bay Shore LIRR''' station. * {{listing | name= South Shore Mall | alt= Westfield South Shore| url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= located at the southwest pedestrian entrance near J.C. Penneys | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-06-01 | content= }} * {{listing | name= Gardiner Manor Plaza | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= located just south of Modells Sporting Goods | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-06-01 | content= }} For additional information, contact: * {{listing | name=Suffolk County Transit | alt= | url=http://www.sct-bus.org | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions='''Have exact fare ready!''' | phone=+1 631-852-5200 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Adults $2.25; seniors, persons with disabilities and Medicare card holders $0.75; children 5 and under ride free (limit 3 children when accompanied by adult.) Transfer: $0.25 - Available on request when paying fare. Good for 2 connecting buses. Valid for 2 hours from time received. Not valid for return trip. Special restrictions may apply (see transfer) | lastedit=2015-06-01 | content=Phone information available Monday-Friday 8AM-4:30PM. }} == See and do == [[File:Sagtikos Manor from NY 27A.JPG|thumbnail|Sagtikos Manor]] * {{see | name= Sagtikos Manor | alt= | url= http://sagtikosmanor.com | email= | address= | lat= 40.702344 | long= -73.275501 | directions= Take Robert Moses Causeway South to Exit RM27A Bay Shore. Turn right onto Route 27A and continue east approximate {{mi|0.5}}. | phone= +1 631-854-0939 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-06-02 | content= Sagtikos Manor, built in 1697, served briefly as headquarters for the British army during the Revolutionary War. President George Washington stayed there during his tour of Long Island in 1790. Take a tour of the Manor House led by costumed docents and stroll through the grounds and nearby Gardiner County Park. }} [[File:Bay Shore Hose Company No. 1 Firehouse.jpg|thumb|Bay Shore Hose Company No. 1 Firehouse]] After you’re done at Sagtikos Manor, you can head east on '''Montauk Hwy'''. As you enter the village of Brightwaters, Route 27A becomes '''South Country Road'''. You'll pass '''Brightwaters Canal''' on your right and as you cross '''South Windsor Avenue''', you will get to... * {{see | name= Bay Shore-Brightwaters Public Library | alt= | url= http://bsbwlibrary.org| email= | address= 1 South County Road, Brightwaters | lat= 40.713477 | long= -73.25773 | directions= | phone= +1 631-665-4350 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= M-Th 9:30AM-9PM| price= | lastedit=2015-06-02 | content=The library opened in 1907. It underwent major re-construction in 2009 and was transformed into a modern place for learning. }} As you continue down Route 27A, it will soon turn into '''Main Street''' and on the right at '''Clinton Avenue''' is the YMCA. * {{do | name= YMCA | alt= | url= https://ymcali.org/ | email= | address= 200 West Main Street | lat= 40.718607 | long= -73.252592 | directions= at South Clinton Avenue | phone= +1 631-665-4255| tollfree= | fax= | hours= M-F 6AM-6PM; Sa Su closed| price= | lastedit=2015-06-02 | content= If you are a member you can go swim, run the track, using the gyms and lift weights. }} Also associated with the YMCA and further east is... * {{do | name= The Boulton Center for the Performing Arts | alt= | url= http://boultoncenter.org/ | email= | address= 37 West Main Street | lat= 40.721063 | long= -73.248664 | directions= | phone= +1 631-969-1101| tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-06-02 | content= The YMCA Boulton Center offers theatre productions, concerts, film, dance, cabaret, jazz, poetry and play readings, student productions, children’s entertainment, YMCA cultural arts events, lectures, and seminars. }} == Buy == * {{buy | name= Westfield South Shore | alt= South Shore Mall | url= http://www.westfield.com/southshore/ | email= | address= 1701 Sunrise Highway| lat= 40.739973 | long= -73.246536 | directions= between East Forks Road and Penataquit Avenue | phone= +1 631-665-8600 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-06-01 | content= Anchored by Lord & Taylor, Macy's and J.C. Penneys, this shopping center is in a constant state of upgrade since being acquired by Westfield. However, don't look for a book store; you won't find one! For a list of all retailers, click [http://www.westfield.com/southshore/stores/all-stores/ here].<br />For a list of all restaurants, click [http://www.westfield.com/southshore/food/all-restaurants/ here.]}} * {{buy | name= Gardiner Manor Plaza | alt= | url= | email= | address= 834 Sunrise Highway | lat= 40.7274886 | long= -73.2778515 | directions= at Manor Lane | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= Hours vary by retailer| price= | lastedit=2015-06-01 | content= This is an open-air shopping center. Major retailers include Lowe's Home Improvement, Target, Staples, Modells, Old Navy and Barnes & Noble Bookstores. }} == Eat == * {{eat | name=Captain Bill’s | alt= | url= http://www.captainbills.com/captainbills/index.cfm | email= | address=122 Ocean Avenue | lat= 40.713387 | long= -73.24168 | directions={{convert|0.6|mi|km|0}} south of Main Street | phone=+1 631-665-6262 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= Sunday Brunch: 11:30AM-2:30PM; Happy-Hour: M-F 4-7PM | price= Sunday Brunch: $31+tax ''Reservations recommended'' |lastedit=2025-01-30| content=This restaurant in located right on the water. It has a bar and the lunch crowd. During the summer, it has live bands outdoors. Captain Bill’s is upscale and caters for large parties. }} * {{eat | name=Coyle's Homemade Ice Cream | url= | email= | address=75 Howells Road | lat= 40.730539 | long= -73.261492 | directions= one block south of Sunrise Highway at Fifth Avenue | phone= +1 631-666-2229 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= Daily 1PM-midnight| price= | content= Step inside an old-fashioned ice cream parlor and enjoy the taste of fresh ice cream. That's Coyle's. Some booths on the left, a soda fountain on the right and a cornucopia of fresh ice cream flavors to rival Baskin-Robbins' 31. You can't believe how fresh the ice cream tastes! }} * {{eat | name=Fatfish Wine Bar and Bistro | url=http://www.fatfish.info/ | email= | address=28 Cottage Avenue| lat= 40.710525 | long= -73.244717 | directions= {{mi|1}} south of Main Street; follow Clinton Avenue, turn right on Bay Avenue, left on Cottage Avenue | phone=+1 631-666-2899 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= Su noon–7PM; M–Th 11:30AM–9PM; F 11:30AM–10PM; Sa 11:30am–10PM | price= | content=Fatfish Bar & Bistro is open year round. Take in the breathtaking views of the bay while enjoying the cuisine of executive chef and proprietor Brian Valdini. The Fat Fish is an upscale restaurant. }} * {{eat | name= Leggio’s Delicatessen | url= | email= | address= 305 4th Avenue | lat= 40.729458 | long= -73.257196 | directions= | phone=+1 631-665-1606 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Leggio’s is a deli that has been run out of the owner’s house for over 60 years. They make the best sandwiches; it is so worth the wait for the sandwich. You can get a foot long sandwich and a drink for under $5. Leggio’s doesn't ''look'' like the cleanest place, but people at know about Leggio’s still go there for lunch. }} * {{eat | name= Mamma Santina's | url= http://mammasantina.com | email= | address= 201 Orinoco Drive, Brightwaters | lat= 40.720004 | long= -73.267306 | directions= | phone=+1 631-665-7880 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= M-Th 10:30AM-9PM; F Sa 10:30AM-9:30PM; Su 11:30AM-9PM | price= | content=It is a hot spot for lunch. During the school year, many students relax and eat a piece of pizza. Mamma's is family-owned that has great prices which goes along with their great food. }} * {{eat | name=Peter Pan Diner | alt= | url=http://www.peterpandiner.com | email= | address=999 Sunrise Hwy | lat=40.731152 | long=-73.272917 | directions=at Howells Road | phone=+1 631-665-1788 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Ditch Kitchen & Surf Bar | alt= | url=https://www.eatatditch.com/ | email= | address=25 Bayview Avenue| lat=40.7125386 | long=-73.2431647 | directions= | phone=+1 631-206-0420 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A seaside bar and grill specializing in California style seafood and tacos. }} == Drink == * {{drink | name= Goody Two Shoes | alt= | url= https://www.goodytwoshoesbar.com/ | email= | address= 42 East Main Street| lat= 40.722108 | long= -73.246751 | directions= | phone= +1 631-647-4856 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=Craft cocktails and food. }} == Sleep == == Connect == * {{listing | name= US Post Office | alt= | url= http://www.usps.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= +1 800-275-8777| fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-06-02 | content= }} :* {{listing | name= | alt=Main Station | url= | email= | address= 1314 Fifth Avenue | lat=40.734616 | long=-73.262939 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= M-F 9AM-5:30PM; Sa 9AM-3:30PM; Su closed | price= | lastedit=2015-06-01 | content= }} :* {{listing | name= | alt=Penataquit Station | url= | email= | address= 10 Bay Shore Avenue | lat=40.7233574 | long=-73.2466378 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= M-F 9AM-4:30PM; Sa 9AM-1PM; Su closed | price= | lastedit=2015-06-01 | content= }} :* {{listing | name= | alt= Brightwaters | url= | email= | address= 145 Orinoco Drive, Brightwaters | lat=40.720928 | long=-73.264793 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= M-F 8AM-5PM; Sa 9AM-1PM; Su closed | price= | lastedit=2015-06-01 | content= }} == Stay safe == * {{listing | name= Southside Hospital | alt= | url= http://northshorelij.com| email= | address= 301 East Main Street | lat= 40.725672 | long= -73.241888 | directions= | phone= +1 631-968-3000| tollfree= | fax= | hours= Open 24 hours| price= | lastedit=2015-06-02 | content= }} == Go next == * '''[[Fire Island]]''' ::To travel to Ocean Beach, Fair Harbor, Dunewood, Atlantique, Kismet, Saltaire, Ocean Bay Park and Seaview: === By ferry === * {{listing | name=Fire Island Ferries | alt= | url=http://www.fireislandferries.com/ | email= | address=99 Maple Street | lat= 40.717769 | long= -73.240528 | directions= | phone=+1 631-665-3600 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Ferries run year round; water taxis available. }} {{routebox | image1=NY-27.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Freeport (New York)|Freeport]] | minorl1='''[[Babylon (town, New York)|Babylon]]''' | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Montauk]] | minorr1=[[Islip]] | image2=LIRR Montauk icon.png | imagesize2=100 | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Queens]] | minorl2='''[[Babylon (town, New York)|Babylon]]''' ← '''Becomes Babylon Branch''' | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[Montauk]] | minorr2=[[Islip]] }} {{IsPartOf|Suffolk County (New York)}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|40.7297|-73.2536}} 2d62hb0aewf4ijd7zgnpmq8j9gl5nq1 5086942 5086941 2025-07-03T03:59:38Z Lazarus1255 2236161 5086942 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Bay Shore''' is a hamlet in the town of [[Islip]] on [[Long Island]] in the state of [[New York (state)|New York]]. [[File:Bay Shore Methodist Episcopal Church Mar 10.jpg|thumb|Bay Shore Methodist Episcopal Church]] == Understand == Bay Shore is more than 300 years old, having celebrated its tricentennial in 2009, with banners up throughout the town. The hamlet’s population is much more diverse than many other places on Long Island. Immediately adjacent to Bay Shore, there is the village of Brightwaters. <br style="clear:both;" /> == Get in == {{Mapframe|zoom=auto}} {{mapshape}} === By plane=== * {{listing|type=go | name= Long Island MacArthur Airport | alt={{IATA|ISP}} | url= http://www.macarthurairport.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-06-02 | content= MacArthur Airport in [[Ronkonkoma]] is a convenient regional airport centrally located on Long Island. The primary carrier flying in and out of this airport is the low–cost carrier Southwest Airlines. American Airlines has flights in from {{IATA|DCA}} (Reagan Int'l) and {{IATA|PHL}} (Philadelphia). }} * For other area airports, see [[Long Island]]. === By airport shuttle === * {{listing | name=GO Airport Shuttle | alt=WINSTON Transportation Group | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-800-424-7767 | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-06-02 | content=GO Winston provides shared van shuttle service to ISP, shared sedan to ISP, private sedan to ISP, private luxury van, minicoach, motorcoach or group tours of NYC & Long Island. }} ===By car=== {| class="wikitable" |+ align="bottom" style="caption–side: bottom; text–align: right;" | ''Distances approximate'' |- ! colspan=5 | Major East–West Routes to Bay Shore |- ! Route !! Route Name !! Exit # !! Exit Description !! Distance to Downtown |- | [[File:Northern Pkwy Shield.svg|32px|center]] || Northern State Parkway || 44 || Sagitkos Pkwy–South Shore || align=center | {{mi|8.3}} |- | [[File:I-495 (big).svg|32px|center]] || Long Island Expressway || 53 || Bay Shore || align=center | {{mi|7.9}} |- | [[File:Southern Pkwy Shield.svg|32px|center]] || Southern State Parkway || 42S || Fifth Avenue–Bay Shore || align=center | {{mi|2.4}} |- | [[File:NY-27.svg|32px|center]] || Sunrise Highway || 43S || Fifth Avenue–Bay Shore || align=center | {{mi|1.5}} |- | [[File:NY-27A.svg|32px|center]] || Montauk Highway ||—|| ''(through route)'' || align=center | '''''You're there!''''' |} The southernmost of these, '''Montauk Highway''', is a local road with traffic lights in many sections. In Bay Shore, it's also known as '''Main Street'''. The rest of these are major east–west routes that run from eastern New York City across Long Island. The best of these travelling to Bay Shore is the '''Southern State Parkway''', a limited–access parkway from end to end. The major north–south route intersecting these highways is '''Fifth Avenue''', signed as '''County Road 13'''. Beyond its intersection with Sunrise Highway, you'll come to the intersection of Fifth Avenue and '''Howells Road'''. You'll pass the Bay Shore Fire Department on the left. After about {{mi|0.5}}, northbound and southbound traffic split into separate roads. Southbound traffic continues on '''Clinton Avenue''' signed as '''County Road 13A'''. You'll follow this into Downtown Bay Shore at the intersection of CR13A and NY27A. === By train === * {{listing | name=Bay Shore (LIRR) | alt= | url=http://www.mta.info/lirr | email= | address=Railroad Avenue | lat=40.7250764 | long=-73.2530101 | directions=between 4th and Park Avenues | phone=511 (New York State only) | tollfree=+1-877-690-5116 (outside New York State), +1 212-878-7000 (International callers) | fax= | hours= | price=One–way peak service tickets from New York City can cost as much as $24.00; so, purchase tickets before boarding at the ticket office or from a TVM (Ticket Vending Machine) | lastedit=2015-06-01 | content=Trains for '''Bay Shore''' are signed for '''Montauk Branch'''. It's a one–hour ride from '''Penn Station''' in [[Manhattan]] or '''Atlantic Terminal''' in [[Brooklyn/Downtown|Downtown Brooklyn]]; often requires a transfer at [[Jamaica (New York)|Jamaica]] or [[Babylon]]. }} == Get around == The easiest way to get around Bay Shore is by car. You can also bike or walk. You can't hail a cab, but you can call for one. === By taxi === * {{listing | name=David Brothers Taxi | alt= | url=http://www.davidbroscarservice.com/ | email= | address=88 Park Avenue | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 631-665-1515 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-06-01 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Lindy's Taxt | alt= | url=http://www.lindystaxi.com | email= | address=140 Heyward St, Brentwood | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 631-436-7272 | tollfree= | fax=+1 631-951-3329 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-06-01 | content= }} * {{listing | name= Tommy's Taxi | alt= | url= | email= | address= 88 Park Avenue | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +1 631-665-4800| tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-06-01 | content= }} === By bus === {| class="wikitable floatright" ! colspan=2 style="background: lightblue" | Bus Routes servicing Bay Shore |- ! Route !! Route Description |- | align=center | '''S40''' || Babylon (LIRR) to Patchogue |- | align=center | '''S41''' || Bay Shore to Northport VA Medical Center |- | align=center | '''S42''' || Babylon (LIRR) to Central Islip (LIRR) |- | align=center | '''S45''' || Bay Shore to Smithtown |- | align=center | '''2A''' || Wyandanch to South Shore Mall |- | align=center | '''2B''' || SUNY Farmingdale to Bay Shore |- | align=center | '''3A''' || South Shore Mall to Hauppauge |- | align=center | '''3B''' || Gardiner Manor Plaza to Hauppauge |- | align=center | '''3C''' || Central Islip to South Shore Mall |} There are nine bus routes serving destinations in Bay Shore. Two are through routes; the other seven terminate within the hamlet. <!-- Route '''S40''' runs along '''Main Street''' ''(Montauk Hwy)'' throughout Downtown Bay Shore. Route '''S42''' <br /> --> There are three different terminal locations within Bay Shore. * {{listing | name= Bay Shore Mini-Center | alt= Touro College| url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= located on Mechanicsville Road, one block north of Main Street | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-06-01 | content= }} ::[[New York State]] and [[Suffolk County (New York)|Suffolk County]] used to provide services in the building that now houses '''Touro College'''. As a result, '''Suffolk County Transit''' chose this area as a terminus for several bus lines. It also has the advantage of being one block south of the '''Bay Shore LIRR''' station. * {{listing | name= South Shore Mall | alt= Westfield South Shore| url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= located at the southwest pedestrian entrance near J.C. Penneys | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-06-01 | content= }} * {{listing | name= Gardiner Manor Plaza | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= located just south of Modells Sporting Goods | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-06-01 | content= }} For additional information, contact: * {{listing | name=Suffolk County Transit | alt= | url=http://www.sct-bus.org | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions='''Have exact fare ready!''' | phone=+1 631-852-5200 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Adults $2.25; seniors, persons with disabilities and Medicare card holders $0.75; children 5 and under ride free (limit 3 children when accompanied by adult.) Transfer: $0.25 - Available on request when paying fare. Good for 2 connecting buses. Valid for 2 hours from time received. Not valid for return trip. Special restrictions may apply (see transfer) | lastedit=2015-06-01 | content=Phone information available Monday-Friday 8AM-4:30PM. }} == See and do == [[File:Sagtikos Manor from NY 27A.JPG|thumbnail|Sagtikos Manor]] * {{see | name= Sagtikos Manor | alt= | url= https://www.sagtikosmanor.org/ | email= | address= | lat= 40.702344 | long= -73.275501 | directions= Take Robert Moses Causeway South to Exit RM27A Bay Shore. Turn right onto Route 27A and continue east approximate {{mi|0.5}}. | phone= +1 631-854-0939 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-06-02 | content= Sagtikos Manor, built in 1697, served briefly as headquarters for the British army during the Revolutionary War. President George Washington stayed there during his tour of Long Island in 1790. Take a tour of the Manor House led by costumed docents and stroll through the grounds and nearby Gardiner County Park. }} [[File:Bay Shore Hose Company No. 1 Firehouse.jpg|thumb|Bay Shore Hose Company No. 1 Firehouse]] After you’re done at Sagtikos Manor, you can head east on '''Montauk Hwy'''. As you enter the village of Brightwaters, Route 27A becomes '''South Country Road'''. You'll pass '''Brightwaters Canal''' on your right and as you cross '''South Windsor Avenue''', you will get to... * {{see | name= Bay Shore-Brightwaters Public Library | alt= | url= http://bsbwlibrary.org| email= | address= 1 South County Road, Brightwaters | lat= 40.713477 | long= -73.25773 | directions= | phone= +1 631-665-4350 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= M-Th 9:30AM-9PM| price= | lastedit=2015-06-02 | content=The library opened in 1907. It underwent major re-construction in 2009 and was transformed into a modern place for learning. }} As you continue down Route 27A, it will soon turn into '''Main Street''' and on the right at '''Clinton Avenue''' is the YMCA. * {{do | name= YMCA | alt= | url= https://ymcali.org/ | email= | address= 200 West Main Street | lat= 40.718607 | long= -73.252592 | directions= at South Clinton Avenue | phone= +1 631-665-4255| tollfree= | fax= | hours= M-F 6AM-6PM; Sa Su closed| price= | lastedit=2015-06-02 | content= If you are a member you can go swim, run the track, using the gyms and lift weights. }} Also associated with the YMCA and further east is... * {{do | name= The Boulton Center for the Performing Arts | alt= | url= http://boultoncenter.org/ | email= | address= 37 West Main Street | lat= 40.721063 | long= -73.248664 | directions= | phone= +1 631-969-1101| tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-06-02 | content= The YMCA Boulton Center offers theatre productions, concerts, film, dance, cabaret, jazz, poetry and play readings, student productions, children’s entertainment, YMCA cultural arts events, lectures, and seminars. }} == Buy == * {{buy | name= Westfield South Shore | alt= South Shore Mall | url= http://www.westfield.com/southshore/ | email= | address= 1701 Sunrise Highway| lat= 40.739973 | long= -73.246536 | directions= between East Forks Road and Penataquit Avenue | phone= +1 631-665-8600 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-06-01 | content= Anchored by Lord & Taylor, Macy's and J.C. Penneys, this shopping center is in a constant state of upgrade since being acquired by Westfield. However, don't look for a book store; you won't find one! For a list of all retailers, click [http://www.westfield.com/southshore/stores/all-stores/ here].<br />For a list of all restaurants, click [http://www.westfield.com/southshore/food/all-restaurants/ here.]}} * {{buy | name= Gardiner Manor Plaza | alt= | url= | email= | address= 834 Sunrise Highway | lat= 40.7274886 | long= -73.2778515 | directions= at Manor Lane | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= Hours vary by retailer| price= | lastedit=2015-06-01 | content= This is an open-air shopping center. Major retailers include Lowe's Home Improvement, Target, Staples, Modells, Old Navy and Barnes & Noble Bookstores. }} == Eat == * {{eat | name=Captain Bill’s | alt= | url= http://www.captainbills.com/captainbills/index.cfm | email= | address=122 Ocean Avenue | lat= 40.713387 | long= -73.24168 | directions={{convert|0.6|mi|km|0}} south of Main Street | phone=+1 631-665-6262 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= Sunday Brunch: 11:30AM-2:30PM; Happy-Hour: M-F 4-7PM | price= Sunday Brunch: $31+tax ''Reservations recommended'' |lastedit=2025-01-30| content=This restaurant in located right on the water. It has a bar and the lunch crowd. During the summer, it has live bands outdoors. Captain Bill’s is upscale and caters for large parties. }} * {{eat | name=Coyle's Homemade Ice Cream | url= | email= | address=75 Howells Road | lat= 40.730539 | long= -73.261492 | directions= one block south of Sunrise Highway at Fifth Avenue | phone= +1 631-666-2229 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= Daily 1PM-midnight| price= | content= Step inside an old-fashioned ice cream parlor and enjoy the taste of fresh ice cream. That's Coyle's. Some booths on the left, a soda fountain on the right and a cornucopia of fresh ice cream flavors to rival Baskin-Robbins' 31. You can't believe how fresh the ice cream tastes! }} * {{eat | name=Fatfish Wine Bar and Bistro | url=http://www.fatfish.info/ | email= | address=28 Cottage Avenue| lat= 40.710525 | long= -73.244717 | directions= {{mi|1}} south of Main Street; follow Clinton Avenue, turn right on Bay Avenue, left on Cottage Avenue | phone=+1 631-666-2899 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= Su noon–7PM; M–Th 11:30AM–9PM; F 11:30AM–10PM; Sa 11:30am–10PM | price= | content=Fatfish Bar & Bistro is open year round. Take in the breathtaking views of the bay while enjoying the cuisine of executive chef and proprietor Brian Valdini. The Fat Fish is an upscale restaurant. }} * {{eat | name= Leggio’s Delicatessen | url= | email= | address= 305 4th Avenue | lat= 40.729458 | long= -73.257196 | directions= | phone=+1 631-665-1606 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Leggio’s is a deli that has been run out of the owner’s house for over 60 years. They make the best sandwiches; it is so worth the wait for the sandwich. You can get a foot long sandwich and a drink for under $5. Leggio’s doesn't ''look'' like the cleanest place, but people at know about Leggio’s still go there for lunch. }} * {{eat | name= Mamma Santina's | url= http://mammasantina.com | email= | address= 201 Orinoco Drive, Brightwaters | lat= 40.720004 | long= -73.267306 | directions= | phone=+1 631-665-7880 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= M-Th 10:30AM-9PM; F Sa 10:30AM-9:30PM; Su 11:30AM-9PM | price= | content=It is a hot spot for lunch. During the school year, many students relax and eat a piece of pizza. Mamma's is family-owned that has great prices which goes along with their great food. }} * {{eat | name=Peter Pan Diner | alt= | url=http://www.peterpandiner.com | email= | address=999 Sunrise Hwy | lat=40.731152 | long=-73.272917 | directions=at Howells Road | phone=+1 631-665-1788 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Ditch Kitchen & Surf Bar | alt= | url=https://www.eatatditch.com/ | email= | address=25 Bayview Avenue| lat=40.7125386 | long=-73.2431647 | directions= | phone=+1 631-206-0420 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A seaside bar and grill specializing in California style seafood and tacos. }} == Drink == * {{drink | name= Goody Two Shoes | alt= | url= https://www.goodytwoshoesbar.com/ | email= | address= 42 East Main Street| lat= 40.722108 | long= -73.246751 | directions= | phone= +1 631-647-4856 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=Craft cocktails and food. }} == Sleep == == Connect == * {{listing | name= US Post Office | alt= | url= http://www.usps.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= +1 800-275-8777| fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-06-02 | content= }} :* {{listing | name= | alt=Main Station | url= | email= | address= 1314 Fifth Avenue | lat=40.734616 | long=-73.262939 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= M-F 9AM-5:30PM; Sa 9AM-3:30PM; Su closed | price= | lastedit=2015-06-01 | content= }} :* {{listing | name= | alt=Penataquit Station | url= | email= | address= 10 Bay Shore Avenue | lat=40.7233574 | long=-73.2466378 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= M-F 9AM-4:30PM; Sa 9AM-1PM; Su closed | price= | lastedit=2015-06-01 | content= }} :* {{listing | name= | alt= Brightwaters | url= | email= | address= 145 Orinoco Drive, Brightwaters | lat=40.720928 | long=-73.264793 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= M-F 8AM-5PM; Sa 9AM-1PM; Su closed | price= | lastedit=2015-06-01 | content= }} == Stay safe == * {{listing | name= Southside Hospital | alt= | url= http://northshorelij.com| email= | address= 301 East Main Street | lat= 40.725672 | long= -73.241888 | directions= | phone= +1 631-968-3000| tollfree= | fax= | hours= Open 24 hours| price= | lastedit=2015-06-02 | content= }} == Go next == * '''[[Fire Island]]''' ::To travel to Ocean Beach, Fair Harbor, Dunewood, Atlantique, Kismet, Saltaire, Ocean Bay Park and Seaview: === By ferry === * {{listing | name=Fire Island Ferries | alt= | url=http://www.fireislandferries.com/ | email= | address=99 Maple Street | lat= 40.717769 | long= -73.240528 | directions= | phone=+1 631-665-3600 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Ferries run year round; water taxis available. }} {{routebox | image1=NY-27.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Freeport (New York)|Freeport]] | minorl1='''[[Babylon (town, New York)|Babylon]]''' | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Montauk]] | minorr1=[[Islip]] | image2=LIRR Montauk icon.png | imagesize2=100 | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Queens]] | minorl2='''[[Babylon (town, New York)|Babylon]]''' ← '''Becomes Babylon Branch''' | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[Montauk]] | minorr2=[[Islip]] }} {{IsPartOf|Suffolk County (New York)}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|40.7297|-73.2536}} f7yhp6trxsprmrv8xfh66za44tckgra 0 3287 5086921 5086038 2025-07-03T03:28:27Z 14.202.77.138 /* See */ 5086921 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Belize banner Caye with beach huts and palm trees.jpg|caption=Caye with beach huts and palm trees.|pgname=Belize|unesco_whs=yes|origin=-0.7,0}} '''Belize''' offers world-class attractions include exploring the lush jungles with exotic plants and animals, deep sea fishing, swimming, snorkelling and diving in the Caribbean Sea with its attractive reefs and visiting the Mayan ruins. While income levels are still very low and the infrastructure is very basic, Belizeans are very proud and friendly to visitors as the tourist industry grew greatly in the last decade. It is the only country in mainland [[Central America]] with English as its official language. ==Regions== {{Regionlist | regionmap=Belize Regions map.png | regionmapsize=350px | regionmaptitle=Map of Belize | region1name=[[Northern Belize]] | region1color=#578E86 | region1description=Districts of Corozal (coastal) and Orange Walk (inland). | region2name=[[Belize District]] | region2color=#71B37B | region2description=Home of the largest city, the airport and a host of popular offshore islands. | region3name=[[Cayo]] | region3color=#558355 | region3description=Teeming with adventure, this central district is filled with jungles, caves, rivers and Mayan ruins. | region4name=[[Stann Creek]] | region4color=#6BA6CD | region4description=Coastal region south of Belize District, access to quiet reef islands and boats to and from Honduras. | region5name=[[Toledo (district)|Toledo]] | region5color=#B2C8A2 | region5description=Southern coastal/inland region with more Mayan ruins and boats to Guatemala. }} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#578E86|title=[[Northern Belize]]|wikidata=Q14208400}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#71B37B|title=[[Belize District]]|wikidata=Q506056}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#558355|title=[[Cayo]]|wikidata=Q508773}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#6BA6CD|title=[[Stann Creek]]|wikidata=Q502652}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#B2C8A2|title=[[Toledo (district)|Toledo]]|wikidata=Q506049}} ==Cities== * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Belmopan]]|wikidata=Q3043}} - inland capital * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Belize City]]|wikidata=Q108223}} - Belize's largest city, on the Caribbean Sea * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Corozal Town]]|wikidata=Q882907}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Crooked Tree]]|wikidata=Q5187866}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Dangriga]]|wikidata=Q888300}} - Large Garifuna town in the south, formerly known as Stann Creek Town * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Hopkins (Belize)|Hopkins]]|wikidata=Q5900602}} - Garifuna village * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Orange Walk Town]]|wikidata=Q882964}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Punta Gorda (Belize)|Punta Gorda]]|wikidata=Q883362}} - Beautiful, quiet port town in the South; home to a complex and diverse Amerindian market on the weekends * {{marker|type=city|name=[[San Ignacio (Belize)|San Ignacio]]|wikidata=Q724815}} - Known as Cayo to locals, Maya and Hispanic influence near the Guatemala border ==Other destinations== [[File:Altunha.jpg|thumb|Altun Ha]] * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Ambergris Caye]]|wikidata=Q457186}}–- large barrier island in the north * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Caye Caulker]]|wikidata=Q1051967}} – smaller barrier island in the north * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Placencia Peninsula]]|wikidata=Q14229496}} – long peninsula (almost an island) off Stann Creek * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Tobacco Caye]]|wikidata=Q7811458}} – a tiny island popular with budget travellers ===Maya ruins === * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Altun Ha]]|wikidata=Q446176}} * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Caracol]]|wikidata=Q1035336}} * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Lamanai]]|wikidata=Q968562}} * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Lubaantun]]|wikidata=Q529147}} * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Xunantunich]]|wikidata=Q1646630}} ==Understand== {{quickbar| location=LocationBelize.png}} Belize, formerly ''British Honduras'', is the only country in [[Central America]] without a coastline on the Pacific Ocean (only the [[Caribbean]] Sea to its east). With its British colonial history and a long Caribbean coast, it's culturally similar to many of Britain's former West Indian ''island'' colonies, with a majority creole or Afro-Caribbean population. But it also includes a large native Mayan population, especially in the north and northwest of the country. As a result, although English is the official language, [[Spanish]] is also often spoken. In the south east along the Caribbean coast live the Garifuna (Black Caribs), an Afro-Amerindian culture. After long journeys starting in what is now the Netherlands in 1790, via Germany, Southern Russia, Canada, the United States, and Mexico, several thousand German-speaking Mennonite Christians arrived in Belize in 1958 after long and detailed discussions with the government regarding specific exemptions and privileges. They are easily recognizable by their speech (somewhat distinctive from modern standard German) and "quaint" dress. ===History=== [[File:Beautiful pier Caye Caulker Belize (21401259271).jpg|thumb|Pier in Caye Caulker]] Like the neighbouring parts of Guatemala and Mexico, this area was settled for thousands of years by the Maya people. They are still here, an important part of Belize's people and culture. While the Spanish Empire claimed the area in the 16th century, the Spanish made little progress in settling here. The British settled first on the coast and offshore islands for logging. In 1798 British Belizean forces defeated a Spanish attempt to drive them out in the Battle of St. George's Caye, an anniversary still celebrated as a holiday each 10 September. The colony of British Honduras grew in the 19th century. At first Africans were brought in as slaves, but slavery was abolished here in 1838. Following the abolition of slavery, the British would bring indentured [[India]]n labourers to the colony to supplement the labour pool, and their descendants remain a significant minority to this day. Many refugees from the 19th-century Caste War of [[Yucatán and the South|Yucatán Peninsula]] escaped the conflict to settle in Belize, especially the northern section. The government of Guatemala has long claimed to have inherited the 15th-century Spanish claim to Belize. Although the British were willing to grant independence to British Honduras as early as the mid-1960s, this ongoing dispute played a major role in delaying full Belizean independence until 1981, long after London granted independence to other former colonies in the region. Guatemala refused to recognize an independent Belize at all until 1991, and to this day lays claim to virtually all Belizean territory south of Belize City. The topic remains a sensitive one, particularly in the southern half of Belize. Belize escaped the bloody civil conflicts of the 1980s that engulfed much of Central America, and refugees from the conflict in Guatemala arrived, mostly settling in the west. While Belize has not been immune to the rampant drug crime and grinding poverty of its neighbours, it is a comparatively safe destination in a conflict-prone part of the world. Belize shares particularly close diplomatic and economic ties with both the United Kingdom and the United States. Tourism has become the mainstay of the economy as the old agricultural products — sugar, banana, and oranges — have lost ground. The country remains plagued by high unemployment, growing involvement in the South American drug trade, and increased urban crime. In 2006, commercial quantities of oil were discovered in the Spanish Lookout area. ===Climate=== Tropical, very hot and humid. The dry season typically lasts from February to May and then the rainy season typically lasts through to November. Hurricanes that bring coastal flooding, especially in the south, are prevalent from June to November. ===Terrain=== The flat coastal plain is swampy with low mountains in the south. The highest point is Victoria Peak at 1,160&nbsp;m. ===Visitor information === * [https://www.travelbelize.org/ Travel Belize] website. ==Talk== As a former British colony, the official language of Belize is standard British English, which makes Belize stand out from its Spanish-speaking neighbours. [[Spanish]], Garifuna (Carib) and the Maya languages/dialects of Kekchi, Mopan and Yucatec are spoken in various parts of the country. Spanish is widely used as the first language in northern and western parts of the country. So-called "kitchen Spanish," an amalgam of Spanish and English, is common on [[Ambergris Caye]]. Belizean Creole, which has a certain degree of mutual intelligibility with standard English, is widely spoken as well. Most Belizeans are proficient in English and at least one of these other languages. Many Belizeans speak a mix of Creole and English among friends, and standard English to foreigners. The strong Caribbean accent may take some getting used to. ==Get in== [[File:Visa policy of Belize.svg|thumb|450px|Visa free entry = countries marked in blue]] ===Entry requirements=== All visitors are required to have sufficient funds, US$75 per day, and documents required for their next destination. If entering by land from Mexico, you will be charged a fee of M$533 ([[Mexico#Money|Mexican pesos]]) (as of May 2018) by Mexican immigration '''unless''' you can show proof that you paid the immigration fee when you entered Mexico. Your FMM tourist card is not enough. If you crossed at a land border, you'll need the actual receipt from when you paid the fee. If you reached Mexico via a commercial flight, you've may have already paid the fee with your airfare, but the border guards here do not care. You might be able to convince them if you have a print-out of an itemized receipt from the airline showing that this specific fee was included. ====Visa-free==== Nationals who hold passports or refugee documents from all [[European Union]] member states, [[Andorra]], [[Antigua and Barbuda]], [[Argentina]], [[Australia]], the [[Bahamas]], [[Barbados]], [[Botswana]], [[Brazil]], [[Brunei]], [[Canada]], [[Chile]], [[Colombia]], [[Costa Rica]], [[Dominica]], [[El Salvador]], [[Eswatini]], [[Fiji]], the [[Gambia]], [[Ghana]], [[Grenada]], [[Guatemala]], [[Guyana]], [[Honduras]], [[Hong Kong]], [[Iceland]], [[Israel]], [[Jamaica]], [[Japan]], [[Kiribati]], [[Lesotho]], [[Malawi]], [[Malaysia]], [[Maldives]], [[Marshall Islands]], [[Mauritius]], [[Mexico]], [[Federated States of Micronesia|Micronesia]], [[Monaco]], [[Namibia]], [[New Zealand]], [[Nicaragua]], [[Norway]], [[Palau]], [[Panama]], [[Papua New Guinea]], [[Samoa]], [[Saint Kitts and Nevis]], [[Saint Lucia]], [[Saint Vincent and the Grenadines]], [[Seychelles]], [[Sierra Leone]], [[Singapore]], [[Solomon Islands]], [[South Africa]], [[South Korea]], [[Suriname]], [[Switzerland]], [[Taiwan]], [[Tanzania]], [[Tonga]], [[Trinidad and Tobago]], [[Tunisia]], [[Turkey]], [[Tuvalu]], [[United Kingdom]], [[Uganda]], [[United States]], [[Uruguay]], [[Vanuatu]], [[Rome/Vatican|Vatican City]], [[Venezuela]], [[Zambia]] and [[Zimbabwe]], in addition to passports issued to British Overseas Territories citizens, do not require a visa to visit Belize. All foreign nationals with a valid US green card or visa for the US or Schengen Area are visa exempt for a maximum stay of 90 days. Permanent residents and holders of multiple entry visas of the United States may obtain a visa on arrival for a fee of US$50. ====Visas==== All other travellers not falling into the above categories require a visa prior to travel, which can be obtained in a Belizean or British embassy. Nationals of [[Afghanistan]], [[Algeria]], [[Bangladesh]], [[Bolivia]], [[China]], [[Cuba]], [[Eritrea]], [[Haiti]], [[India]], [[Iran]], [[Iraq]], [[Kenya]], [[North Korea]], [[Lebanon]], [[Libya]], [[Myanmar]], [[Nepal]], [[Nigeria]], [[Pakistan]], [[Palestine]], [[Sri Lanka]], [[Somalia]], [[Sudan]], [[Syria]] and [[Thailand]] require clearance in addition to a visa. Nationals of [[China]] (PRC) must pay a repatriation fee of BZ$3,000 on arrival. Nationals of [[Bangladesh]], [[India]], [[Pakistan]] and [[Sri Lanka]] must pay a repatriation fee of BZ$1,200 on arrival. Cruise ship visitors do not need a passport to enter the country. When leaving country by land, prepare to pay taxes (mandatory BZ$40 or US$20 border fee per person (as of 2022). Overstayers will receive a substantial fine. [[File:Belize City -Aerial Shot.jpg|thumb|View over Belize City]] ===By plane=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport | alt={{IATA|BZE}} | url=http://www.pgiabelize.com/ | email= | address= | lat=17.539167 | long=-88.308333 | directions=in Ladyville, 15 km northwest of Belize City (roughly 30 minutes' drive) | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport | image=Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport.jpg | wikidata=Q1422858 | content=Year round flights are available from the USA (American, Delta, Southwest and United); Central America (Transportes Aéreos Guatemaltecos (TAG) Guatemala city and Copa Airlines Panama); from within Belize and from the adjacent [[Yucatán and the South|Yucatan Peninsula]] in Mexico ([http://www.mayaislandair.com Maya Island Air] and [http://www.tropicair.com Tropic Air]). Additional seasonal flights (Oct-Mar) are offered from Canada with Air Canada Rouge and Westjet. }} For a cheaper fare, consider flying to [[Cancun]] or [[Mérida (Mexico)|Mérida]] and take a bus to Belize city from there. ===By car=== From Mexico via [[Chetumal]], or on a much rougher road from Guatemala via [[Melchor de Mencos]]. The Western Highway connects Melchor Mencos to Belize City via [[Belmopan]], [[San Ignacio (Belize)|San Ignacio]] while the Philip Goldson Highway (Northern Highway) connects Belize City to [[Chetumal]] in Mexico via [[Corozal Town]] and [[Orange Walk]]. ===By bus=== The following companies operate buses from [[Flores (Guatemala)|Flores]], [[Guatemala]], and from [[Chetumal]], [[Mexico]] to Belize City: * {{listing | type=go | name=Fuentes Del Norte (FDN) | alt= | url=http://transportesfuentedelnorte.com/ | email= | address=Mundo Maya @ Suite #26, Brown Sugar Market Place 90 Front St, Belize City | lat= | long= | directions=250 m east along Front St from the Swing Bridge & the Ocean Ferry Belize Terminal. | phone=+501 223-1200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-09-06 | content=Tickets are sold through Mundo Maya Travel at the San Pedro Express Terminal in Belize City. Buses stop at the marketplace along Front Street where the San Pedro Express Terminal is at. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=S & L Travel & Tours | alt= | url=http://www.sltravelbelize.com | email= | address=91 N Front St, Belize City | lat= | long= | directions=same building as Image Factory, next to Spoonaz Coffee | phone=+501 227-7593 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-09-07 | content=They arrange shuttle transportation to Tikal, Flores and Cancun from Belize City. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Grupo ADO | alt= | url=https://www.ado.com.mx/ | email= | address=Novelos Bus Terminal in Belize City | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-09-06 | content=Once nightly departure to/from Cancun and Merida. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=BBOC | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-05-24 | content=Frequent (hourly?) from Chetumal to Belize City and vice versa, with stops at Corozal, Orange Walk, and other towns along the way. Buses leave Chetumal from the "old ADO station" (''la terminal antigua de ADO'') on Salvador Novo street near Av. Insurgentes and Av. Belice. }} The inbound buses can only make drop-off stops between the border crossing and Belize City while the outbound buses can only pick-up passengers going traveling to Mexico or Guatemala. There are additional Belizean bus companies and drivers' unions going north from Belize City to Chetumal that can pick-up and drop off passengers alongside the road with services to Orange Walk and Corozal Town. See "By bus" under get around in the below. ===By boat=== Several [[cruise ships|cruise lines]] call on Belize City. Unfortunately they usually stay only one day, which doesn't allow the opportunity to really see Belize. You can visit one of the Maya ruins, ride an airboat in the salt marshes just outside the city, shop, go to the museum, go to the zoo or take either a short cave rafting trip or go snorkelling, but that's about it. That means about 70% of the things most tourists would like aren't available, not mention the eco-tourism points of interest. To [[Puerto Cortes|Puerto Cortés]], Honduras, the ''Gulf Cruza'', a small, rickety speed boat (20 people) leaves [[Placencia]] each Friday at around 9:30AM (4&nbsp;hr US$50), going first to [[Big Creek]]. It returns to Placencia on Monday. Tickets are sold in the tourist office next to the gas station. Stop by immigration first. Small speedboats operate on a daily basis between [[Puerto Barrios]] in [[Guatemala]] to [[Punta Gorda (Belize)|Punta Gorda]], cost is around US$20 one way. On Tuesday and Fridays, boats operate from [[Livingston (Guatemala)|Livingston]] in [[Guatemala]] to [[Punta Gorda (Belize)|Punta Gorda]]. The ride takes no more than one hour. It's BZ$50. There's also a BZ$40 departure tax. Foreigners are required to pay departure taxes when leaving Belize via land, air, or water. These fees are only applicable to locals when flying. ==Get around== [[File:Hummingbird Highway, Stann Creek, Belize.jpg|thumb|The Hummingbird Highway]] Belize is a fairly small country, and transportation between most destinations is rarely long or tedious. ===By plane=== '''[https://www.tropicair.com Tropic Air]''' and '''[https://www.mayaislandair.com Maya Island Air]''' both have multiple flights daily to various towns around the country and to Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. They fly out of both of Belize City's airports, but flights from Belize City Airport ({{IATA|TZA}}) are often significantly cheaper than those out of Phillip Goldson International ({{IATA|BZE}}). Domestic flights are generally pretty reasonable priced, and thus popular if your time is limited and budget is not. Flights are operated with planes ranging from 8 to 68 seats. Because of the limited capacity, booking in advance is advisable. For bookings from outside Belize, there is only one '''[https://www.airviva.com airviva internet agent]''', who can make bookings, take payment (credit/debit cards/PayPal) and then send e-tickets. Some hotels do also offer to make the flight reservation on your behalf. ===By bus=== Several competing bus lines operate on the main road in the north–south direction from [[Punta Gorda (Belize)|Punta Gorda]] to [[Belmopan]] and [[Belize City#By bus|Belize City]]. There are bus stations in the main towns, or simply stand on the side of the highway and wave at an approaching bus. Most buses have a conductor in addition to the driver, who stands by the door and will come to your seat to collect the fare at some point during the trip. Fares run anywhere from BZ$2–25 depending on distance travelled. Express buses can save up to an hour and a half (depending on the distance of your trip); they do not stop for passengers waiting on the roadside, making only scheduled pick-ups and drop-offs in towns. Most buses in Belize are retired US school buses (Bluebirds), that have been given a slight makeover, a luggage rack installed, and sometimes a new paint job. They generally aren't ''too'' crowded, but you may have to stand occasionally. Some are the older MCI (Motorcoach Industries) buses that once served as a Greyhound bus (or for some other commuter or intercity bus company) in the U.S. The MCI buses are typically used for some Express services or for international trips to Chetumal or chartered buses to Flores. Children selling snacks and soft drinks often board the buses at stops, and this is an inexpensive way to have a snack if you've exhausted what you've brought along or just want to try some home-made travel foods. See [http://belizebus.wordpress.com Belize Bus blog] for updates, schedules and/or links to other sites regarding bus travel in Belize. The Belize Bus blog site is constantly updated. Since the break up of the Novelo's monopoly in 2006 the government of Belize has divided the country up with which company to go where from Belize City: * '''The Northern Zone (Belize City - Orange Walk - Corozal - Chetumal) ''' Not all buses continue to [[Chetumal#By bus|Chetumal]] from Orange Walk. Others may deviate east or west from the Philip Goldson Highway (Northern Highway) to other surrounding towns. They are: Albion's, Belize Bus Owners Cooperative (BBOC), Cabrera's, Chell's, Frazer, Joshua's, Morales, Tillett's, T-Line and Valencia. Northbound buses depart from Belize City about every half hour from 05:30 to 19:30. Jex and Sons Bus provides bus service between Belize City and Crooked Tree. * '''The Western Zone (Belize City - Belmopan - San Ignacio - Benque Viejo Del Carmen)''' They are: BBOC, D and E, Guerra's Bus Service, Middleton's, Shaw Bus Service and Westline. Westbound buses depart from Belize City between 05:00 and 21:00. Some may continue west from San Ignacio to the Guatemalan border at Melchor del Mencos but they do ''not'' cross into Guatemala. Others may continue north or south from Belmopan, San Ignacio, etc. to reach other towns not on the Western Highway. * '''Southern Zone (Belize City - Belmopan - Dangriga - Placencia - Punta Gorda)''' Buses to the Cayo and Stann Creek Districts to the south are: James Bus Line, G-Line Service, Ritchie's Bus Service and Usher Bus Line. Buses authorized to operate in the rural areas of the Southern Zone are Chen Bus Line, Yascal Bus Line, Smith Bus Line, Richie Bus Line, Martinez Bus Line, Williams Bus Line, Radiance Ritchie Bus Line, and Polanco Bus Line. ===By taxi=== Taxis are common and relatively cheap in Belize. Most taxis do not use meters, so be sure to negotiate the price beforehand. ===By water taxi=== [[File:Boatsinbelize2.jpg|thumb|Boats in Belize]] For those wanting a truly Belizean experience, take the water taxis from city to city. The '''[http://www.belizewatertaxi.com San Pedro Belize Express]''' has the most daily runs and departs from the Brown Sugar Terminal in Belize City at 09:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 15:00, 16:00 and 17:30 to San Pedro and Caye Caulker. Departure from San Pedro Town pier on Black Coral Street next to Wahoo's Bar and Grill and leaves at 07:00, 08:30, 10:00, 11:30, 12:30, 14:30, 16:30 to Caye Caulker and Belize City as well as a last boat to Caye Caulker only at 18:00. There are boats departing from Caye Caulker to Belize City and San Pedro Town and they leave from the pier in front of the Basket Ball Court. Caye Caulker to Belize City: 07:30, 09:00, 10:30, 12:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00 and Caye Caulker to San Pedro: 07:00 (connection to Chetumal), 09:45, 11:45, 12:45, 13:45, 15:45, 16:45 and last boat 18:15. Chetumal Runs are available from Caye Caulker at 07:00 and from San Pedro at 07:30. Travelling from Chetumal to Belize, the boat leaves the Municipal Pier at 15:30 en route to San Pedro (90&nbsp;min) and Caye Caulker (120&nbsp;min). Rates: Belize City to San Pedro or return: BZ$30 or US$15 (one way), BZ$55 or US$27.50 (round trip). Caye Caulker to San Pedro, Belize City to Caye Caulker: BZ$20 or US$10 (one way), BZ$35 or US$17.50 (round trip). ===By car=== Compared to most Central American countries, driving in Belize is relatively safe. There is not much traffic, and the four major highways are all in good condition. Unfortunately, almost every road off the four major highways is unpaved so a 4-wheel drive vehicle is advisable. It is best not to drive late at night because there is almost no lighting, road signs are poor, and the last stretch is almost certain to be on an unpaved road (you risk breaking an axle on an unseen, but immense, pothole!) You won't need a map because there are few roads and it is hard to get lost. Rental rates often include insurance so you usually don't need to buy insurance separately. If you plan on using a rental car to visit Tikal in Guatemala, you should plan ahead and you must rent from Crystal Auto Rental because no other company will let you take your car out of Belize. Belize insurance is not valid in Guatemala so check with your credit card or car insurance company to see if they'll cover you for a trip into Guatemala. ====Highways ==== *The '''Northern Highway''' (aka '''Phillip Goldson Highway''') goes from Corozal on the Belize-Mexico border to Belize City via Orange Walk. This is the highway you'll use for the international airport, Altun Ha, and the Lamanai. *'''Western Highway''' (aka '''George Price Highway''') stretches from Belize City, via Belmopan and the Cayo District, to the border with the Guatemalan state of Peten at Benque. Along the way are the Belize Zoo (mile 29), the Hummingbird Highway (mile 47), Belmopan, and San Ignacio (mile 68). Major sights along this route include the adventure itineraries in the Cayo District, Mayan ruins at Xunantunich and access to the road to Caracol, and, from the Guatemalan border, the ruins at TIkal. To get to the Western Highway from the airport, go north on the Northern Highway, make a left at Burrell Boom, and follow the road for 19&nbsp;km to the Western Highway at Hattieville. *'''[[Hummingbird Highway]]''' goes from Belmopan to Dangriga connecting the Western Highway to the Southern Highway. You'll use this highway to get from Cayo, Belize City or the North to the Southern part of Belize. An alternative, slightly shorter, Coastal Highway takes you from Belize City to the Southern Highway but is a mess that is best avoided! *'''Southern Highway''' runs from Dangriga (the Hummingbird Highway) to Punta Gorda, with a section heading to the southern border with Guatemala. Along the way are the coastal towns of Hopkins and Placencia. ==See== [[File:St-Johns-Cathedral-Belize-City-2010.jpg|thumb|St.John's cathedral in Belize City]] * The [[world heritage]] listed '''Belize Barrier Reef''' stretching along the whole coast of Belize. * '''Pirate hideouts''', which evoke a rich heritage associated with the presence of buccaneers in Belize, dating to the mid-17th century. ==Do== ===Zip-lining=== Soar over Belize's rain forest by taking a zip-line tour. These tours usually begin with a short hike up to the first base where a tutorial is given on how to safely use your equipment. *Prices range US$65-100 and tours are run by two companies, Jaguar Paw, and Back-A-Bush tours. ===Sport fishing=== Sport fishing in Belize is second to none. The bonefish is the premier fly fishing game fish in the world and it can be found in the grass shallows through Belize. It's pound for pound perhaps the strongest animal in salt water. === Scuba diving and snorkelling === [[File:Coral Reef, Belize 2.jpg|thumb|Belize Barrier Reef]] The snorkelling and scuba diving is world-class and there are many exceptional dive sites to be found in Belize. One of the best ways to explore Belize waters is by chartering a yacht to make the most of your available dive time. For those with a smaller budget, snorkelling and driving excursions can be found along the beaches of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. The most common excursions will take you to Hol Chan marine reserve and to Shark Ray Alley. These trips usually cost about US$35 and include snorkel gear. Be mindful of an additional BZ$10 charged to foreigners as a park tax. This money goes toward the upkeep, and protection of the reef. Diving excursions are also offered to the Blue Hole, but expect to pay a lot more for the privilege. ===Cave exploration=== The Cayo district is characterised by limestone hills underlain by a network of underground rivers, caves and sink holes. The caves are magnificent, with huge caverns and tight passages, underground waterfalls and dazzling arrays of mineral-encrusted stalactites and stalagmites. This underground world was sacred to the ancient Maya and many artefacts from decorated pots to human remains are still intact in the caves. It is dangerous (and illegal) to enter the caves without a licensed guide. Most guides are trained in the geology and mythology of the caves and in modern first aid and cave rescue techniques. * {{do | name=Ian Anderson's Caves Branch Adventure Company and Jungle Lodge | url=http://www.cavesbranch.com | email= | address=Caves Branch | lat= | long= | directions=Hummingbird Highway south from Belmopan | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Anderson organized the initial guiding training programs in the country, out of which grew the Belize Disaster And Rescue Response Team locally called BDARRT (now an independent NGO). }} The Sleeping Giant and Caves Branch are operated by the same owner. They operate up to 16 tours every day. The Actun Tunichil Muknal or ATM caves have the highest number of tourists visiting a tourist destination in Central America. Also known as the Cave of the Crystal Sepulchre, this river cave has pristine remnants of some Mayan human sacrifices. It is a surreal experience complete with beautiful cave formations an underground river and Mayan collectibles. No wonder the Mayans called it the Xibalba or the dark underworld. ==Buy== {{exchange rates | currency=Belizean dollars | currencyCode=BZ$ | date=January 2025 | USD=2 (fixed rate) | EUR=2.1 | GBP=2.5 | CAD=1.4 | source=[https://www.xe.com/currency/bzd-belizean-dollar XE.com] }} The currency of Belize is the dollar (ISO code '''BZD'''), divided into 100 cents. The Belizean dollar — sometimes written as "BZ$" or just as a dollar sign: "$" — has been fixed to the US dollar (USD) at a 2:1 ratio since 1978 (i.e. BZ$2 = US$1). Because of this consistent exchange rate, US dollars are widely accepted, but you should be careful to clarify which "dollars" you're talking about when negotiating prices. It's often better to assume Belize dollars because many merchants will jump on your uncertainty and attempt to double their price by saying, "No, in US dollars". Change can also be given in US dollars or a combination of US and Belizean dollar bills and coins. Belize dollars come in denominations of BZ$2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100. Coins in Belize are issued in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 cents and B$1. The 25-cents coin is often called a shilling. *Three banks' ATMs in Belize accept Mastercard: the Belize Bank, Scotiabank, and Atlantic Bank. *Atlantic Bank offers free cash withdrawals with Visa. ==Eat== [[File:Fry JackUploaded on August 4, 2007 by Jimmcclarty.jpg|thumb|Traditional Belizean breakfast]] * The primary meal found virtually everywhere is red beans, clean rice, and chicken. * Most chicken in the country is prepared and served on the bone. * '''Rice and beans''' is a mixed dish with some spices and usually coconut milk added to make a sweet and hot staple of the Belizean diet. '''Beans and rice''' is white cooked rice with a side of stewed pinto beans. * Citrus plantations are numerous, so '''fresh oranges and grapefruit''' are abundant. Pineapples, papayas, bananas and plantains are also grown and sold in roadside markets. * A famous hot sauce in Belize is '''Marie Sharp's''' made from the very spicy local habanero pepper. It comes in a variety of flavours (mild, hot, extremely hot). * That odd looking salsa on your table is really ceviche. Ceviche -also spelled as cebiche or seviche- is a citrus-marinated seafood dish. The Belizeans use fresh raw conch and vegetables. * Papusas are maize pancakes with different toppings sold in stalls on the streets in San Pedro town. It is the cheapest option if you want to eat on a budget. Eating in San Pedro can be expensive if you eat at the tourist restaurants; however if you find the local places, meals can be very inexpensive and very tasty. ==Drink== Belikin is the national beer and comes in four varieties: Premium, Beer, Stout, and Lighthouse Lager. Guinness Stout is also available in Belize but it's also brewed by the Belikin Brewing Co. All are sold in returnable bottles, so make sure you are aware of the deposit if you are taking your beverages to go. One Barrel Rum is the locally distilled molasses-tasting rum and [http://www.onebarrelrum.com/home Traveller's Liquors' distillery] is on the Northern Highway about 6 miles from Belize City with a gift shop and hospitality bar. You can purchase rum in a variety of colours and sizes, up to a 70-gallon cask. Both are widely available around the country. But if you also like wine there is cashew wine (which is very popular in Belize), ginger wine, sorrel wine and blackberry wine. ==Learn== There are great opportunities for scuba diving off of Belize atolls. Check out [http://www.reefci.com reefci] for some very interesting 1 week adventures that are both informative conservation education as well as great scuba diving. If you want to learn about Belize's history the Museum of Belize, House of Culture, and of course, travelling and discovering are recommended. ==Stay safe== Belize City is the most dangerous area in Belize, although it's very easy to be safe there. Remain in the tourist zone that runs just north of the marina to the southern extension to the east of the main canal. There are plenty of khaki tourist police monitoring the area and, should you have a problem, feel free to approach them. Just exercise common sense and do not go wandering around alone after dark. Stay near tourist areas or other commercial zones. The south side of Belize City is beautiful as well as dangerous. Otherwise, Belize City is a great place to go if you want to eat, learn, or shop. Other areas of Belize are generally safe, but like any other place in the world, one should always have some skepticism when dealing with strangers. Most are genuinely helpful, but it never hurts to be cautious. By law, the government can deny [[LGBT]] travellers entry to Belize. There are also no legal protections in place for victims of anti-gay discrimination. ==Stay healthy== Belize is a relatively healthy country. '''Bottled [[water]]''' is a must in most areas. And, unless you eat only at ultra-touristic restaurants, [[travellers' diarrhea]] will probably strike at some point; be prepared with over-the-counter medication and prescription antibiotics. The US Centers for Disease Control list all of Belize except Belize City as a [[malaria]] risk area, and recommends the antimalarial drug chloroquine. [[Dengue fever]] is also a risk in Belize. Other drugs may also be recommended in certain circumstances - consult a qualified professional specialist. Insect/mosquito bites should be prevented with appropriate clothing, repellents and insecticides, and bed nets if sleeping in non-air-con/unscreened rooms. [[sun burn|The sun]], as anywhere else in the tropics, is very intense. Wear a long-sleeve shirt, a hat, and sunglasses, and apply high-SPF sunscreen regularly. If you are spending significant time on boats or in water, such as fishing or snorkeling, take extra precautions: covered shoes (not sandals), swim shirt/rash guard, neck gaiter, and sun gloves. Many places in Belize are very hot and humid, and dehydration is a risk. An expat suggests to drink as much water as you want, and then drink that much again. The adult '''HIV/AIDS prevalence''' rate is ''2.5%'' or ''one in every forty'' adults, this is notably higher than in most of Europe or Anglo-America and also quite a bit higher than in other parts of Central America like Nicaragua or Costa Rica. ==Respect== Belizeans are some of the most socially relaxed people in the world, especially if you venture inland away from the tourist islands of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. The pace of life is generally slower in Belize, so it's good practice to begin any social interaction, even to ask a quick question, with eye contact and a genuinely pleasant greeting. Most rural Belizeans enjoy casual conversation and you could easily find yourself chatting for a few hours. The Maya communities can be a little more reserved at times. As always, a little respect and politeness will carry you through. ==Connect== Payphones are the most common public phones and accept pre-purchased phone cards. Internet cafés can be found in larger tourist areas, but are infrequent in rural areas. {{isPartOf|Central_America}} {{usablecountry}} {{geo|17.2|-88.7|zoom=8}} co4gcijd7ui7psrd9tq93e48fm6rcw8 5086936 5086921 2025-07-03T03:51:32Z Ikan Kekek 36420 Reverted edits by [[Special:Contributions/14.202.77.138|14.202.77.138]] ([[User talk:14.202.77.138|talk]]) to last version by [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] 5057192 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Belize banner Caye with beach huts and palm trees.jpg|caption=Caye with beach huts and palm trees.|pgname=Belize|unesco_whs=yes|origin=-0.7,0}} '''Belize''' offers world-class attractions include exploring the lush jungles with exotic plants and animals, deep sea fishing, swimming, snorkelling and diving in the Caribbean Sea with its attractive reefs and visiting the Mayan ruins. While income levels are still very low and the infrastructure is very basic, Belizeans are very proud and friendly to visitors as the tourist industry grew greatly in the last decade. It is the only country in mainland [[Central America]] with English as its official language. ==Regions== {{Regionlist | regionmap=Belize Regions map.png | regionmapsize=350px | regionmaptitle=Map of Belize | region1name=[[Northern Belize]] | region1color=#578E86 | region1description=Districts of Corozal (coastal) and Orange Walk (inland). | region2name=[[Belize District]] | region2color=#71B37B | region2description=Home of the largest city, the airport and a host of popular offshore islands. | region3name=[[Cayo]] | region3color=#558355 | region3description=Teeming with adventure, this central district is filled with jungles, caves, rivers and Mayan ruins. | region4name=[[Stann Creek]] | region4color=#6BA6CD | region4description=Coastal region south of Belize District, access to quiet reef islands and boats to and from Honduras. | region5name=[[Toledo (district)|Toledo]] | region5color=#B2C8A2 | region5description=Southern coastal/inland region with more Mayan ruins and boats to Guatemala. }} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#578E86|title=[[Northern Belize]]|wikidata=Q14208400}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#71B37B|title=[[Belize District]]|wikidata=Q506056}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#558355|title=[[Cayo]]|wikidata=Q508773}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#6BA6CD|title=[[Stann Creek]]|wikidata=Q502652}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#B2C8A2|title=[[Toledo (district)|Toledo]]|wikidata=Q506049}} ==Cities== * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Belmopan]]|wikidata=Q3043}} - inland capital * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Belize City]]|wikidata=Q108223}} - Belize's largest city, on the Caribbean Sea * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Corozal Town]]|wikidata=Q882907}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Crooked Tree]]|wikidata=Q5187866}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Dangriga]]|wikidata=Q888300}} - Large Garifuna town in the south, formerly known as Stann Creek Town * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Hopkins (Belize)|Hopkins]]|wikidata=Q5900602}} - Garifuna village * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Orange Walk Town]]|wikidata=Q882964}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Punta Gorda (Belize)|Punta Gorda]]|wikidata=Q883362}} - Beautiful, quiet port town in the South; home to a complex and diverse Amerindian market on the weekends * {{marker|type=city|name=[[San Ignacio (Belize)|San Ignacio]]|wikidata=Q724815}} - Known as Cayo to locals, Maya and Hispanic influence near the Guatemala border ==Other destinations== [[File:Altunha.jpg|thumb|Altun Ha]] * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Ambergris Caye]]|wikidata=Q457186}}–- large barrier island in the north * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Caye Caulker]]|wikidata=Q1051967}} – smaller barrier island in the north * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Placencia Peninsula]]|wikidata=Q14229496}} – long peninsula (almost an island) off Stann Creek * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Tobacco Caye]]|wikidata=Q7811458}} – a tiny island popular with budget travellers ===Maya ruins === * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Altun Ha]]|wikidata=Q446176}} * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Caracol]]|wikidata=Q1035336}} * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Lamanai]]|wikidata=Q968562}} * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Lubaantun]]|wikidata=Q529147}} * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Xunantunich]]|wikidata=Q1646630}} ==Understand== {{quickbar| location=LocationBelize.png}} Belize, formerly ''British Honduras'', is the only country in [[Central America]] without a coastline on the Pacific Ocean (only the [[Caribbean]] Sea to its east). With its British colonial history and a long Caribbean coast, it's culturally similar to many of Britain's former West Indian ''island'' colonies, with a majority creole or Afro-Caribbean population. But it also includes a large native Mayan population, especially in the north and northwest of the country. As a result, although English is the official language, [[Spanish]] is also often spoken. In the south east along the Caribbean coast live the Garifuna (Black Caribs), an Afro-Amerindian culture. After long journeys starting in what is now the Netherlands in 1790, via Germany, Southern Russia, Canada, the United States, and Mexico, several thousand German-speaking Mennonite Christians arrived in Belize in 1958 after long and detailed discussions with the government regarding specific exemptions and privileges. They are easily recognizable by their speech (somewhat distinctive from modern standard German) and "quaint" dress. ===History=== [[File:Beautiful pier Caye Caulker Belize (21401259271).jpg|thumb|Pier in Caye Caulker]] Like the neighbouring parts of Guatemala and Mexico, this area was settled for thousands of years by the Maya people. They are still here, an important part of Belize's people and culture. While the Spanish Empire claimed the area in the 16th century, the Spanish made little progress in settling here. The British settled first on the coast and offshore islands for logging. In 1798 British Belizean forces defeated a Spanish attempt to drive them out in the Battle of St. George's Caye, an anniversary still celebrated as a holiday each 10 September. The colony of British Honduras grew in the 19th century. At first Africans were brought in as slaves, but slavery was abolished here in 1838. Following the abolition of slavery, the British would bring indentured [[India]]n labourers to the colony to supplement the labour pool, and their descendants remain a significant minority to this day. Many refugees from the 19th-century Caste War of [[Yucatán and the South|Yucatán Peninsula]] escaped the conflict to settle in Belize, especially the northern section. The government of Guatemala has long claimed to have inherited the 15th-century Spanish claim to Belize. Although the British were willing to grant independence to British Honduras as early as the mid-1960s, this ongoing dispute played a major role in delaying full Belizean independence until 1981, long after London granted independence to other former colonies in the region. Guatemala refused to recognize an independent Belize at all until 1991, and to this day lays claim to virtually all Belizean territory south of Belize City. The topic remains a sensitive one, particularly in the southern half of Belize. Belize escaped the bloody civil conflicts of the 1980s that engulfed much of Central America, and refugees from the conflict in Guatemala arrived, mostly settling in the west. While Belize has not been immune to the rampant drug crime and grinding poverty of its neighbours, it is a comparatively safe destination in a conflict-prone part of the world. Belize shares particularly close diplomatic and economic ties with both the United Kingdom and the United States. Tourism has become the mainstay of the economy as the old agricultural products — sugar, banana, and oranges — have lost ground. The country remains plagued by high unemployment, growing involvement in the South American drug trade, and increased urban crime. In 2006, commercial quantities of oil were discovered in the Spanish Lookout area. ===Climate=== Tropical, very hot and humid. The dry season typically lasts from February to May and then the rainy season typically lasts through to November. Hurricanes that bring coastal flooding, especially in the south, are prevalent from June to November. ===Terrain=== The flat coastal plain is swampy with low mountains in the south. The highest point is Victoria Peak at 1,160&nbsp;m. ===Visitor information === * [https://www.travelbelize.org/ Travel Belize] website. ==Talk== As a former British colony, the official language of Belize is standard British English, which makes Belize stand out from its Spanish-speaking neighbours. [[Spanish]], Garifuna (Carib) and the Maya languages/dialects of Kekchi, Mopan and Yucatec are spoken in various parts of the country. Spanish is widely used as the first language in northern and western parts of the country. So-called "kitchen Spanish," an amalgam of Spanish and English, is common on [[Ambergris Caye]]. Belizean Creole, which has a certain degree of mutual intelligibility with standard English, is widely spoken as well. Most Belizeans are proficient in English and at least one of these other languages. Many Belizeans speak a mix of Creole and English among friends, and standard English to foreigners. The strong Caribbean accent may take some getting used to. ==Get in== [[File:Visa policy of Belize.svg|thumb|450px|Visa free entry = countries marked in blue]] ===Entry requirements=== All visitors are required to have sufficient funds, US$75 per day, and documents required for their next destination. If entering by land from Mexico, you will be charged a fee of M$533 ([[Mexico#Money|Mexican pesos]]) (as of May 2018) by Mexican immigration '''unless''' you can show proof that you paid the immigration fee when you entered Mexico. Your FMM tourist card is not enough. If you crossed at a land border, you'll need the actual receipt from when you paid the fee. If you reached Mexico via a commercial flight, you've may have already paid the fee with your airfare, but the border guards here do not care. You might be able to convince them if you have a print-out of an itemized receipt from the airline showing that this specific fee was included. ====Visa-free==== Nationals who hold passports or refugee documents from all [[European Union]] member states, [[Andorra]], [[Antigua and Barbuda]], [[Argentina]], [[Australia]], the [[Bahamas]], [[Barbados]], [[Botswana]], [[Brazil]], [[Brunei]], [[Canada]], [[Chile]], [[Colombia]], [[Costa Rica]], [[Dominica]], [[El Salvador]], [[Eswatini]], [[Fiji]], the [[Gambia]], [[Ghana]], [[Grenada]], [[Guatemala]], [[Guyana]], [[Honduras]], [[Hong Kong]], [[Iceland]], [[Israel]], [[Jamaica]], [[Japan]], [[Kiribati]], [[Lesotho]], [[Malawi]], [[Malaysia]], [[Maldives]], [[Marshall Islands]], [[Mauritius]], [[Mexico]], [[Federated States of Micronesia|Micronesia]], [[Monaco]], [[Namibia]], [[New Zealand]], [[Nicaragua]], [[Norway]], [[Palau]], [[Panama]], [[Papua New Guinea]], [[Samoa]], [[Saint Kitts and Nevis]], [[Saint Lucia]], [[Saint Vincent and the Grenadines]], [[Seychelles]], [[Sierra Leone]], [[Singapore]], [[Solomon Islands]], [[South Africa]], [[South Korea]], [[Suriname]], [[Switzerland]], [[Taiwan]], [[Tanzania]], [[Tonga]], [[Trinidad and Tobago]], [[Tunisia]], [[Turkey]], [[Tuvalu]], [[United Kingdom]], [[Uganda]], [[United States]], [[Uruguay]], [[Vanuatu]], [[Rome/Vatican|Vatican City]], [[Venezuela]], [[Zambia]] and [[Zimbabwe]], in addition to passports issued to British Overseas Territories citizens, do not require a visa to visit Belize. All foreign nationals with a valid US green card or visa for the US or Schengen Area are visa exempt for a maximum stay of 90 days. Permanent residents and holders of multiple entry visas of the United States may obtain a visa on arrival for a fee of US$50. ====Visas==== All other travellers not falling into the above categories require a visa prior to travel, which can be obtained in a Belizean or British embassy. Nationals of [[Afghanistan]], [[Algeria]], [[Bangladesh]], [[Bolivia]], [[China]], [[Cuba]], [[Eritrea]], [[Haiti]], [[India]], [[Iran]], [[Iraq]], [[Kenya]], [[North Korea]], [[Lebanon]], [[Libya]], [[Myanmar]], [[Nepal]], [[Nigeria]], [[Pakistan]], [[Palestine]], [[Sri Lanka]], [[Somalia]], [[Sudan]], [[Syria]] and [[Thailand]] require clearance in addition to a visa. Nationals of [[China]] (PRC) must pay a repatriation fee of BZ$3,000 on arrival. Nationals of [[Bangladesh]], [[India]], [[Pakistan]] and [[Sri Lanka]] must pay a repatriation fee of BZ$1,200 on arrival. Cruise ship visitors do not need a passport to enter the country. When leaving country by land, prepare to pay taxes (mandatory BZ$40 or US$20 border fee per person (as of 2022). Overstayers will receive a substantial fine. [[File:Belize City -Aerial Shot.jpg|thumb|View over Belize City]] ===By plane=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport | alt={{IATA|BZE}} | url=http://www.pgiabelize.com/ | email= | address= | lat=17.539167 | long=-88.308333 | directions=in Ladyville, 15 km northwest of Belize City (roughly 30 minutes' drive) | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport | image=Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport.jpg | wikidata=Q1422858 | content=Year round flights are available from the USA (American, Delta, Southwest and United); Central America (Transportes Aéreos Guatemaltecos (TAG) Guatemala city and Copa Airlines Panama); from within Belize and from the adjacent [[Yucatán and the South|Yucatan Peninsula]] in Mexico ([http://www.mayaislandair.com Maya Island Air] and [http://www.tropicair.com Tropic Air]). Additional seasonal flights (Oct-Mar) are offered from Canada with Air Canada Rouge and Westjet. }} For a cheaper fare, consider flying to [[Cancun]] or [[Mérida (Mexico)|Mérida]] and take a bus to Belize city from there. ===By car=== From Mexico via [[Chetumal]], or on a much rougher road from Guatemala via [[Melchor de Mencos]]. The Western Highway connects Melchor Mencos to Belize City via [[Belmopan]], [[San Ignacio (Belize)|San Ignacio]] while the Philip Goldson Highway (Northern Highway) connects Belize City to [[Chetumal]] in Mexico via [[Corozal Town]] and [[Orange Walk]]. ===By bus=== The following companies operate buses from [[Flores (Guatemala)|Flores]], [[Guatemala]], and from [[Chetumal]], [[Mexico]] to Belize City: * {{listing | type=go | name=Fuentes Del Norte (FDN) | alt= | url=http://transportesfuentedelnorte.com/ | email= | address=Mundo Maya @ Suite #26, Brown Sugar Market Place 90 Front St, Belize City | lat= | long= | directions=250 m east along Front St from the Swing Bridge & the Ocean Ferry Belize Terminal. | phone=+501 223-1200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-09-06 | content=Tickets are sold through Mundo Maya Travel at the San Pedro Express Terminal in Belize City. Buses stop at the marketplace along Front Street where the San Pedro Express Terminal is at. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=S & L Travel & Tours | alt= | url=http://www.sltravelbelize.com | email= | address=91 N Front St, Belize City | lat= | long= | directions=same building as Image Factory, next to Spoonaz Coffee | phone=+501 227-7593 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-09-07 | content=They arrange shuttle transportation to Tikal, Flores and Cancun from Belize City. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Grupo ADO | alt= | url=https://www.ado.com.mx/ | email= | address=Novelos Bus Terminal in Belize City | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-09-06 | content=Once nightly departure to/from Cancun and Merida. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=BBOC | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-05-24 | content=Frequent (hourly?) from Chetumal to Belize City and vice versa, with stops at Corozal, Orange Walk, and other towns along the way. Buses leave Chetumal from the "old ADO station" (''la terminal antigua de ADO'') on Salvador Novo street near Av. Insurgentes and Av. Belice. }} The inbound buses can only make drop-off stops between the border crossing and Belize City while the outbound buses can only pick-up passengers going traveling to Mexico or Guatemala. There are additional Belizean bus companies and drivers' unions going north from Belize City to Chetumal that can pick-up and drop off passengers alongside the road with services to Orange Walk and Corozal Town. See "By bus" under get around in the below. ===By boat=== Several [[cruise ships|cruise lines]] call on Belize City. Unfortunately they usually stay only one day, which doesn't allow the opportunity to really see Belize. You can visit one of the Maya ruins, ride an airboat in the salt marshes just outside the city, shop, go to the museum, go to the zoo or take either a short cave rafting trip or go snorkelling, but that's about it. That means about 70% of the things most tourists would like aren't available, not mention the eco-tourism points of interest. To [[Puerto Cortes|Puerto Cortés]], Honduras, the ''Gulf Cruza'', a small, rickety speed boat (20 people) leaves [[Placencia]] each Friday at around 9:30AM (4&nbsp;hr US$50), going first to [[Big Creek]]. It returns to Placencia on Monday. Tickets are sold in the tourist office next to the gas station. Stop by immigration first. Small speedboats operate on a daily basis between [[Puerto Barrios]] in [[Guatemala]] to [[Punta Gorda (Belize)|Punta Gorda]], cost is around US$20 one way. On Tuesday and Fridays, boats operate from [[Livingston (Guatemala)|Livingston]] in [[Guatemala]] to [[Punta Gorda (Belize)|Punta Gorda]]. The ride takes no more than one hour. It's BZ$50. There's also a BZ$40 departure tax. Foreigners are required to pay departure taxes when leaving Belize via land, air, or water. These fees are only applicable to locals when flying. ==Get around== [[File:Hummingbird Highway, Stann Creek, Belize.jpg|thumb|The Hummingbird Highway]] Belize is a fairly small country, and transportation between most destinations is rarely long or tedious. ===By plane=== '''[https://www.tropicair.com Tropic Air]''' and '''[https://www.mayaislandair.com Maya Island Air]''' both have multiple flights daily to various towns around the country and to Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. They fly out of both of Belize City's airports, but flights from Belize City Airport ({{IATA|TZA}}) are often significantly cheaper than those out of Phillip Goldson International ({{IATA|BZE}}). Domestic flights are generally pretty reasonable priced, and thus popular if your time is limited and budget is not. Flights are operated with planes ranging from 8 to 68 seats. Because of the limited capacity, booking in advance is advisable. For bookings from outside Belize, there is only one '''[https://www.airviva.com airviva internet agent]''', who can make bookings, take payment (credit/debit cards/PayPal) and then send e-tickets. Some hotels do also offer to make the flight reservation on your behalf. ===By bus=== Several competing bus lines operate on the main road in the north–south direction from [[Punta Gorda (Belize)|Punta Gorda]] to [[Belmopan]] and [[Belize City#By bus|Belize City]]. There are bus stations in the main towns, or simply stand on the side of the highway and wave at an approaching bus. Most buses have a conductor in addition to the driver, who stands by the door and will come to your seat to collect the fare at some point during the trip. Fares run anywhere from BZ$2–25 depending on distance travelled. Express buses can save up to an hour and a half (depending on the distance of your trip); they do not stop for passengers waiting on the roadside, making only scheduled pick-ups and drop-offs in towns. Most buses in Belize are retired US school buses (Bluebirds), that have been given a slight makeover, a luggage rack installed, and sometimes a new paint job. They generally aren't ''too'' crowded, but you may have to stand occasionally. Some are the older MCI (Motorcoach Industries) buses that once served as a Greyhound bus (or for some other commuter or intercity bus company) in the U.S. The MCI buses are typically used for some Express services or for international trips to Chetumal or chartered buses to Flores. Children selling snacks and soft drinks often board the buses at stops, and this is an inexpensive way to have a snack if you've exhausted what you've brought along or just want to try some home-made travel foods. See [http://belizebus.wordpress.com Belize Bus blog] for updates, schedules and/or links to other sites regarding bus travel in Belize. The Belize Bus blog site is constantly updated. Since the break up of the Novelo's monopoly in 2006 the government of Belize has divided the country up with which company to go where from Belize City: * '''The Northern Zone (Belize City - Orange Walk - Corozal - Chetumal) ''' Not all buses continue to [[Chetumal#By bus|Chetumal]] from Orange Walk. Others may deviate east or west from the Philip Goldson Highway (Northern Highway) to other surrounding towns. They are: Albion's, Belize Bus Owners Cooperative (BBOC), Cabrera's, Chell's, Frazer, Joshua's, Morales, Tillett's, T-Line and Valencia. Northbound buses depart from Belize City about every half hour from 05:30 to 19:30. Jex and Sons Bus provides bus service between Belize City and Crooked Tree. * '''The Western Zone (Belize City - Belmopan - San Ignacio - Benque Viejo Del Carmen)''' They are: BBOC, D and E, Guerra's Bus Service, Middleton's, Shaw Bus Service and Westline. Westbound buses depart from Belize City between 05:00 and 21:00. Some may continue west from San Ignacio to the Guatemalan border at Melchor del Mencos but they do ''not'' cross into Guatemala. Others may continue north or south from Belmopan, San Ignacio, etc. to reach other towns not on the Western Highway. * '''Southern Zone (Belize City - Belmopan - Dangriga - Placencia - Punta Gorda)''' Buses to the Cayo and Stann Creek Districts to the south are: James Bus Line, G-Line Service, Ritchie's Bus Service and Usher Bus Line. Buses authorized to operate in the rural areas of the Southern Zone are Chen Bus Line, Yascal Bus Line, Smith Bus Line, Richie Bus Line, Martinez Bus Line, Williams Bus Line, Radiance Ritchie Bus Line, and Polanco Bus Line. ===By taxi=== Taxis are common and relatively cheap in Belize. Most taxis do not use meters, so be sure to negotiate the price beforehand. ===By water taxi=== [[File:Boatsinbelize2.jpg|thumb|Boats in Belize]] For those wanting a truly Belizean experience, take the water taxis from city to city. The '''[http://www.belizewatertaxi.com San Pedro Belize Express]''' has the most daily runs and departs from the Brown Sugar Terminal in Belize City at 09:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 15:00, 16:00 and 17:30 to San Pedro and Caye Caulker. Departure from San Pedro Town pier on Black Coral Street next to Wahoo's Bar and Grill and leaves at 07:00, 08:30, 10:00, 11:30, 12:30, 14:30, 16:30 to Caye Caulker and Belize City as well as a last boat to Caye Caulker only at 18:00. There are boats departing from Caye Caulker to Belize City and San Pedro Town and they leave from the pier in front of the Basket Ball Court. Caye Caulker to Belize City: 07:30, 09:00, 10:30, 12:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00 and Caye Caulker to San Pedro: 07:00 (connection to Chetumal), 09:45, 11:45, 12:45, 13:45, 15:45, 16:45 and last boat 18:15. Chetumal Runs are available from Caye Caulker at 07:00 and from San Pedro at 07:30. Travelling from Chetumal to Belize, the boat leaves the Municipal Pier at 15:30 en route to San Pedro (90&nbsp;min) and Caye Caulker (120&nbsp;min). Rates: Belize City to San Pedro or return: BZ$30 or US$15 (one way), BZ$55 or US$27.50 (round trip). Caye Caulker to San Pedro, Belize City to Caye Caulker: BZ$20 or US$10 (one way), BZ$35 or US$17.50 (round trip). ===By car=== Compared to most Central American countries, driving in Belize is relatively safe. There is not much traffic, and the four major highways are all in good condition. Unfortunately, almost every road off the four major highways is unpaved so a 4-wheel drive vehicle is advisable. It is best not to drive late at night because there is almost no lighting, road signs are poor, and the last stretch is almost certain to be on an unpaved road (you risk breaking an axle on an unseen, but immense, pothole!) You won't need a map because there are few roads and it is hard to get lost. Rental rates often include insurance so you usually don't need to buy insurance separately. If you plan on using a rental car to visit Tikal in Guatemala, you should plan ahead and you must rent from Crystal Auto Rental because no other company will let you take your car out of Belize. Belize insurance is not valid in Guatemala so check with your credit card or car insurance company to see if they'll cover you for a trip into Guatemala. ====Highways ==== *The '''Northern Highway''' (aka '''Phillip Goldson Highway''') goes from Corozal on the Belize-Mexico border to Belize City via Orange Walk. This is the highway you'll use for the international airport, Altun Ha, and the Lamanai. *'''Western Highway''' (aka '''George Price Highway''') stretches from Belize City, via Belmopan and the Cayo District, to the border with the Guatemalan state of Peten at Benque. Along the way are the Belize Zoo (mile 29), the Hummingbird Highway (mile 47), Belmopan, and San Ignacio (mile 68). Major sights along this route include the adventure itineraries in the Cayo District, Mayan ruins at Xunantunich and access to the road to Caracol, and, from the Guatemalan border, the ruins at TIkal. To get to the Western Highway from the airport, go north on the Northern Highway, make a left at Burrell Boom, and follow the road for 19&nbsp;km to the Western Highway at Hattieville. *'''[[Hummingbird Highway]]''' goes from Belmopan to Dangriga connecting the Western Highway to the Southern Highway. You'll use this highway to get from Cayo, Belize City or the North to the Southern part of Belize. An alternative, slightly shorter, Coastal Highway takes you from Belize City to the Southern Highway but is a mess that is best avoided! *'''Southern Highway''' runs from Dangriga (the Hummingbird Highway) to Punta Gorda, with a section heading to the southern border with Guatemala. Along the way are the coastal towns of Hopkins and Placencia. ==See== [[File:St-Johns-Cathedral-Belize-City-2010.jpg|thumb|St.John's cathedral in Belize City]] * The [[world heritage]] listed '''Belize Barrier Reef''' stretching along the whole coast of Belize. ==Do== ===Zip-lining=== Soar over Belize's rain forest by taking a zip-line tour. These tours usually begin with a short hike up to the first base where a tutorial is given on how to safely use your equipment. *Prices range US$65-100 and tours are run by two companies, Jaguar Paw, and Back-A-Bush tours. ===Sport fishing=== Sport fishing in Belize is second to none. The bonefish is the premier fly fishing game fish in the world and it can be found in the grass shallows through Belize. It's pound for pound perhaps the strongest animal in salt water. === Scuba diving and snorkelling === [[File:Coral Reef, Belize 2.jpg|thumb|Belize Barrier Reef]] The snorkelling and scuba diving is world-class and there are many exceptional dive sites to be found in Belize. One of the best ways to explore Belize waters is by chartering a yacht to make the most of your available dive time. For those with a smaller budget, snorkelling and driving excursions can be found along the beaches of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. The most common excursions will take you to Hol Chan marine reserve and to Shark Ray Alley. These trips usually cost about US$35 and include snorkel gear. Be mindful of an additional BZ$10 charged to foreigners as a park tax. This money goes toward the upkeep, and protection of the reef. Diving excursions are also offered to the Blue Hole, but expect to pay a lot more for the privilege. ===Cave exploration=== The Cayo district is characterised by limestone hills underlain by a network of underground rivers, caves and sink holes. The caves are magnificent, with huge caverns and tight passages, underground waterfalls and dazzling arrays of mineral-encrusted stalactites and stalagmites. This underground world was sacred to the ancient Maya and many artefacts from decorated pots to human remains are still intact in the caves. It is dangerous (and illegal) to enter the caves without a licensed guide. Most guides are trained in the geology and mythology of the caves and in modern first aid and cave rescue techniques. * {{do | name=Ian Anderson's Caves Branch Adventure Company and Jungle Lodge | url=http://www.cavesbranch.com | email= | address=Caves Branch | lat= | long= | directions=Hummingbird Highway south from Belmopan | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Anderson organized the initial guiding training programs in the country, out of which grew the Belize Disaster And Rescue Response Team locally called BDARRT (now an independent NGO). }} The Sleeping Giant and Caves Branch are operated by the same owner. They operate up to 16 tours every day. The Actun Tunichil Muknal or ATM caves have the highest number of tourists visiting a tourist destination in Central America. Also known as the Cave of the Crystal Sepulchre, this river cave has pristine remnants of some Mayan human sacrifices. It is a surreal experience complete with beautiful cave formations an underground river and Mayan collectibles. No wonder the Mayans called it the Xibalba or the dark underworld. ==Buy== {{exchange rates | currency=Belizean dollars | currencyCode=BZ$ | date=January 2025 | USD=2 (fixed rate) | EUR=2.1 | GBP=2.5 | CAD=1.4 | source=[https://www.xe.com/currency/bzd-belizean-dollar XE.com] }} The currency of Belize is the dollar (ISO code '''BZD'''), divided into 100 cents. The Belizean dollar — sometimes written as "BZ$" or just as a dollar sign: "$" — has been fixed to the US dollar (USD) at a 2:1 ratio since 1978 (i.e. BZ$2 = US$1). Because of this consistent exchange rate, US dollars are widely accepted, but you should be careful to clarify which "dollars" you're talking about when negotiating prices. It's often better to assume Belize dollars because many merchants will jump on your uncertainty and attempt to double their price by saying, "No, in US dollars". Change can also be given in US dollars or a combination of US and Belizean dollar bills and coins. Belize dollars come in denominations of BZ$2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100. Coins in Belize are issued in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 cents and B$1. The 25-cents coin is often called a shilling. *Three banks' ATMs in Belize accept Mastercard: the Belize Bank, Scotiabank, and Atlantic Bank. *Atlantic Bank offers free cash withdrawals with Visa. ==Eat== [[File:Fry JackUploaded on August 4, 2007 by Jimmcclarty.jpg|thumb|Traditional Belizean breakfast]] * The primary meal found virtually everywhere is red beans, clean rice, and chicken. * Most chicken in the country is prepared and served on the bone. * '''Rice and beans''' is a mixed dish with some spices and usually coconut milk added to make a sweet and hot staple of the Belizean diet. '''Beans and rice''' is white cooked rice with a side of stewed pinto beans. * Citrus plantations are numerous, so '''fresh oranges and grapefruit''' are abundant. Pineapples, papayas, bananas and plantains are also grown and sold in roadside markets. * A famous hot sauce in Belize is '''Marie Sharp's''' made from the very spicy local habanero pepper. It comes in a variety of flavours (mild, hot, extremely hot). * That odd looking salsa on your table is really ceviche. Ceviche -also spelled as cebiche or seviche- is a citrus-marinated seafood dish. The Belizeans use fresh raw conch and vegetables. * Papusas are maize pancakes with different toppings sold in stalls on the streets in San Pedro town. It is the cheapest option if you want to eat on a budget. Eating in San Pedro can be expensive if you eat at the tourist restaurants; however if you find the local places, meals can be very inexpensive and very tasty. ==Drink== Belikin is the national beer and comes in four varieties: Premium, Beer, Stout, and Lighthouse Lager. Guinness Stout is also available in Belize but it's also brewed by the Belikin Brewing Co. All are sold in returnable bottles, so make sure you are aware of the deposit if you are taking your beverages to go. One Barrel Rum is the locally distilled molasses-tasting rum and [http://www.onebarrelrum.com/home Traveller's Liquors' distillery] is on the Northern Highway about 6 miles from Belize City with a gift shop and hospitality bar. You can purchase rum in a variety of colours and sizes, up to a 70-gallon cask. Both are widely available around the country. But if you also like wine there is cashew wine (which is very popular in Belize), ginger wine, sorrel wine and blackberry wine. ==Learn== There are great opportunities for scuba diving off of Belize atolls. Check out [http://www.reefci.com reefci] for some very interesting 1 week adventures that are both informative conservation education as well as great scuba diving. If you want to learn about Belize's history the Museum of Belize, House of Culture, and of course, travelling and discovering are recommended. ==Stay safe== Belize City is the most dangerous area in Belize, although it's very easy to be safe there. Remain in the tourist zone that runs just north of the marina to the southern extension to the east of the main canal. There are plenty of khaki tourist police monitoring the area and, should you have a problem, feel free to approach them. Just exercise common sense and do not go wandering around alone after dark. Stay near tourist areas or other commercial zones. The south side of Belize City is beautiful as well as dangerous. Otherwise, Belize City is a great place to go if you want to eat, learn, or shop. Other areas of Belize are generally safe, but like any other place in the world, one should always have some skepticism when dealing with strangers. Most are genuinely helpful, but it never hurts to be cautious. By law, the government can deny [[LGBT]] travellers entry to Belize. There are also no legal protections in place for victims of anti-gay discrimination. ==Stay healthy== Belize is a relatively healthy country. '''Bottled [[water]]''' is a must in most areas. And, unless you eat only at ultra-touristic restaurants, [[travellers' diarrhea]] will probably strike at some point; be prepared with over-the-counter medication and prescription antibiotics. The US Centers for Disease Control list all of Belize except Belize City as a [[malaria]] risk area, and recommends the antimalarial drug chloroquine. [[Dengue fever]] is also a risk in Belize. Other drugs may also be recommended in certain circumstances - consult a qualified professional specialist. Insect/mosquito bites should be prevented with appropriate clothing, repellents and insecticides, and bed nets if sleeping in non-air-con/unscreened rooms. [[sun burn|The sun]], as anywhere else in the tropics, is very intense. Wear a long-sleeve shirt, a hat, and sunglasses, and apply high-SPF sunscreen regularly. If you are spending significant time on boats or in water, such as fishing or snorkeling, take extra precautions: covered shoes (not sandals), swim shirt/rash guard, neck gaiter, and sun gloves. Many places in Belize are very hot and humid, and dehydration is a risk. An expat suggests to drink as much water as you want, and then drink that much again. The adult '''HIV/AIDS prevalence''' rate is ''2.5%'' or ''one in every forty'' adults, this is notably higher than in most of Europe or Anglo-America and also quite a bit higher than in other parts of Central America like Nicaragua or Costa Rica. ==Respect== Belizeans are some of the most socially relaxed people in the world, especially if you venture inland away from the tourist islands of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. The pace of life is generally slower in Belize, so it's good practice to begin any social interaction, even to ask a quick question, with eye contact and a genuinely pleasant greeting. Most rural Belizeans enjoy casual conversation and you could easily find yourself chatting for a few hours. The Maya communities can be a little more reserved at times. As always, a little respect and politeness will carry you through. ==Connect== Payphones are the most common public phones and accept pre-purchased phone cards. Internet cafés can be found in larger tourist areas, but are infrequent in rural areas. {{isPartOf|Central_America}} {{usablecountry}} {{geo|17.2|-88.7|zoom=8}} lq3oy7e0vpsnn4xzh5x5ii79sml79ch 0 3795 5087034 5083885 2025-07-03T08:55:32Z Rangan Datta Wiki 124323 /* Other destinations */ 5087034 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Mena-asia_default_banner.jpg}} [[Image:Bihar in India (disputed hatched).svg|thumb|right|Bihar on a map of India]] '''Bihar''' ([[Hindi]]: बिहार ''Bihār'') is a state in the [[Plains (India)|plains]] of [[India]]. The state is bounded by [[Uttar Pradesh]] to its west, [[West Bengal]] to its east, [[Jharkhand]] to its south and [[Nepal]] to its north. Bihar is one of India's poorest states, with stark social inequality. Travellers may find the hassles common to travelling everywhere in India are more pronounced here. ==Regions== {{mapframe|width=500}} The Bihar plain is divided into two unequal halves by the Ganges, which flows through the middle from west to east. The two regions have distinct cultural and linguistic identities. {{Regionlist |region1name = [[Magadha]] |region1color={{StdColor|t1}} |region1description=Home to [[Patna]], once the capital of the [[Maurya Empire]], and several historic and cultural sites. |region2name = [[Mithila]] |region2color={{StdColor|t2}} |region2description= }} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill={{StdColor|t1}}|title=[[Magadha]]|wikidata=Q42917, Q43086, Q43097, Q49173, Q49168, Q49176, Q77505, Q77633, Q100067, Q100077, Q100093, Q49153, Q49161, Q49171, Q77367, Q100085, Q100146,Q100131}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill={{StdColor|t2}}|title=[[Mithila]]|wikidata=Q49157, Q49155, Q49160, Q49159, Q49175, Q77746, Q77474, Q77452, Q77731, Q100120, Q100117, Q100095, Q100144, Q100139, Q100130, Q100124, Q42901, Q77375, Q100082, Q77568, Q49155}} ==Cities== [[Image:Buddha Mahabodhi temple.JPG|thumb|Buddha's Statue at the Mahabodhi temple, [[Bodh Gaya]]]] [[Image:Ruins of Nalanda University.JPG|thumb|Ruins of Nalanda University, [[Nalanda]]]] * {{marker|type=city|zoom=12 | name=[[Patna]] |lat=25.61100|long=85.14400 |wikidata=Q80484}} &mdash; the state capital * {{marker|type=city|zoom=12 | name=[[Bhagalpur]] |lat=25.25000|long=87.00000 |wikidata=Q760714}} &mdash; the largest city in eastern Bihar * {{marker|type=city|zoom=12 | name=[[Bihar-sharif]]|alt= |lat=25.19821|long=85.51487 |wikidata=Q2308343}} &mdash; a town with examples of medieval Islamic architecture * {{marker|type=city|zoom=12 | name=[[Darbhanga]] |lat=26.11187|long=85.89600 |wikidata=Q1136189}} &mdash; cultural capital of Bihar * {{marker|type=city|zoom=12 | name=[[Gaya]] |lat=24.79545|long=84.99943 |wikidata=Q251329}} &mdash; a major pilgrimage city in Bihar for both Hindus and Buddhists * {{marker|type=city|zoom=12 | name=[[Munger]] |lat=25.38100|long=86.46500 |wikidata=Q36796}} &mdash; * {{marker|type=city|zoom=12 | name=[[Muzaffarpur]] |lat=26.12089|long=85.36472 |wikidata=Q1453196}} &mdash; one of the oldest and most important commercial and educational centres of Bihar * {{marker|type=city|zoom=12 | name=[[Rajgir]] |lat=25.01726|long=85.41616 |wikidata=Q863683}} &mdash; Tourist place * {{marker|type=city|zoom=12 | name=[[Sasaram]] |lat=24.94904|long=84.03143 |wikidata=Q1949410}} &mdash; an ancient city in the Bhojpur region of Bihar ==Other destinations== * {{marker|type=go|zoom=12 | name=[[Nalanda]]|alt= |lat=25.1240603|long=85.4594749 }} &mdash; site of the historic Nalanda University * {{marker|type=go|zoom=12 | name=Valmiki Wildlife Sanctuary|alt=Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) |lat=27.37999|long=84.14351 }} &mdash; a National Tiger Reserve * {{marker|type=go|zoom=12 | name=Bodh Gaya|alt= |lat=|long=|wikidata=Q176767 }} &mdash; a National Tiger Reserve ==Understand== [[Image:Trolly ride in Rajgri.JPG|thumb|Ropeway ride in Rajgri]] [[Image:Shanti_Stup_Rajgri.JPG|thumb|Shanti Stupa, Rajgri]] [[Image:Gandhi Setu Patna.JPG|thumb|View of Gai Ghat, from Gandhi Setu bridge, in Patna]] [[Image:GangacollectorateGhat.JPG|thumb|Collectorate ghat on the bank of the Ganges in Patna]] In ancient times, Bihar ([[Hindi phrasebook|bih-hahr]]) was the birthplace of the [[Maurya Empire]], the largest ever to rule the Indian subcontinent, and the site of the Buddha's enlightenment. Unfortunately, the Maurya Empire collapsed in 185 BCE, and its been mostly downhill ever since. Riddled with a feudal structure, sharp caste divisions and venal politicians, Bihar in the 1990s was struck by a severe recession that saw it become a byword for poverty, corruption and crime. Bihar has a youthful and mainly rural population of 85% and the society is mainly agrarian. Northern Bihar is prone to perennial flooding. The state has seen mass migration out of the state in the last few decades and these ethnic Biharis living in other states of India are victims of racist hate crimes and prejudice. There has been Naxalite (communist) violence, especially in Southern Bihar. [[Jharkhand]], the mineral-rich tribal belt, used to be part of the state, but in 2001, it was split to form its own state. ===History=== Bihar has a glorious past and was historically known as Magadha. It was a centre of power, learning and culture. The Maurya Empire as well as one of the world's greatest pacifist religions, Buddhism, arose from Magadha. Bihari empires, like the Maurya and the Gupta, unified large parts of [[South Asia]] under a central rule. Pataliputra (modern [[Patna]]), the capital of Magadha, was an important centre of Indian civilisation. Many important non-religious books like Arthashashtra and Kamasutra were composed here 2000 years back. Vaishali, one of the first known republics, existed here before the birth of Mahavira (c. 599 BCE). The state suffered immensely due to Hunnic and later Muslim invasions, and the old traditions of culture and learning were almost lost by the end of the 12th century. Muhammad Bin Bakhtiyar Khilji in the 12th century CE destroyed many of the viharas (Buddhist sanghas) and the famed universities of Nalanda and Vikramshila. Thousands of Buddhist monks were massacred. Bihar lost its importance in the medieval period though it rose to prominence for a brief period during the rule of Sher Shah Suri in the 15th century. Foreign invaders often used abandoned viharas as military cantonments. The word Bihar has come from the large number of viharas thus employed in the area. Bihar was the name of a town, which was the headquarters of the Muslim invaders in Magadha, in the medieval period. The headquarters were subsequently shifted from Bihar to Patana (now [[Patna]]) by Sher Shah Suri and the establishments at those time started calling Magadha by the name Bihar. The town of Bihar still exists is also known as Bihar-Sharif, which is in Nalanda District, near the famous ruins of Nalanda University. ==Talk== Although [[Hindi phrasebook|Hindi]] is the official language in Bihar and is understood by most locals, it is not a mother tongue to most people. Rather, Bhojpuri, Angika, Magahi and [[Maithili phrasebook|Maithili]] are common mother tongues in the state. These languages are known as Bihari languages and are descendants of Magadhi Prakrit, the language supposed to have been spoken by the Buddha and the language of the ancient kingdom of Magadha. ==Get in== ===By plane=== * [[Bodh Gaya]] fields international flights to [[Bangkok]] (Thailand) and [[Paro]] (Bhutan), catering largely to Buddhist pilgrims. [[Patna]] is connected to major Indian cities. ===By train=== Bihar is connected by train to all major cities of India. Some good trains to reach the capital Patna are: * From [[Delhi]] – Rajendra Nagar Terminal Tejas Rajdhani Express, Patna Rajdhani Express (2309/2310), Sampurna Kranti Express (overnight journey) * From [[Kolkata]] – Patna Vande Bharat Express, Patna Jan Shatabdi Express (8-9 hr) * From [[Mumbai]] – Lokmanya Tilak Terminus–Rajendra Nagar Terminal Express * From [[Varanasi]] – Vibhuti Express (6 hr). ===By road=== Major National Highways which connect Bihar with other corners of country are NH 2, 19, 28, 30, 31. Patna is well connected by road with the rest of the country. Deluxe bus services are available for Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Kolkata, Siliguri & the Nepal border. Roads around Bihar are largely in poor condition and over-saturated with traffic. It is not advisable to drive on your own unless you are used to driving in India. Some car rental businesses may include a driver at an additional cost. ==Get around== ==See== * '''Ahirauli (Buxur)''' About 5 km north-east of Buxur, this village has a temple of Devi Ahilya. According to the local tradition it dates back to the pre historic ages. Legend is that, Ahilya was transformed into stone as a result of curse of her husband, Rishi Gautam and she could be redeemed only when lord Ram Chandra visited her place. * '''Bari Dargah (Bihar Sharif, Nalanda)''' This is headquarters of Nalanda district that lies 30 km South of Bakhtiarpur on NH-31. This is also a railhead on the Bakhtiarpur Rajgir branch line of the Eastern Indian Railway. This town is known as Bihar Sharif, owing to its many Muslim tombs that still retain traces of its former importance as a Muslim pilgrimage. There is a hill called Pir Pahari, about 1 m to the northwest of the town. At its summit is the dargah or mausoleum of the Saint Mallik Ibrahim Bayu, round which are tem smaller tombs. It is a brick structure surmounted by a dome and bears inscriptions showing that the saint died in 1353. Another great dargah is that of Mokhdum Shah Sharif ud-din, also called Makhdum-ul-Mulk, died here in 1379; the inscription over the entrance shows that his tomb was built in 1569. This tomb, which stands on the south bank of the river, is held in great veneration by the local Muslims, who assemble here on the 5th day of Sawan to celebrate the anniversary of his death. The Chhoti Dargah is the shrine of Badruddin Badr-I-Alam, famous saint who died here in 1440. * '''Bhimbandh (Munger)''' It is 56 km from Munger, 20 km from Jamui Railway Station and 200 km from Patna Airport. Bhimbandh Wild Life Sanctuary is located in the south west of Munger District. The forests cover an area or 681.99 km² on the hills and undulating tract of Kharagpur Hills. * '''[[Bodh Gaya]]''' Near the holy city of Gaya, the Buddha attained enlightenment. The tree that had sheltered him came to be known as the Bodhi tree and the place Bodhgaya. Today Bodhgaya, an important place of pilgrimage, has a number of monasteries, some of them established by Buddhists of Japan, Thailand, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, etc. * '''Janki Temple (Sitamarhi)''' This temple is traditionally considered to be the birthplace of Sita or Janki, the daughter of king Janak. This temple, however seems to have been built about 100 years ago. * '''Kakolat (Nawada)''' It is a waterfall in Gobindpur police-station, about 21 miles away from Nawada. After going 9¼ miles from Nawada on Ranchi Road, a solid road known as Gobindpur—Akbarpore Road diverts from there. Just below the fall there is a deep reservoir natural in character. The fall is about 150 to 160 feet, from the ground level. The scene is panoramic due to all-round green forest area, which is very pleasant to the eyes. A legend is prevalent that in Treta Yuga a king named was cursed by a rishi and had to take the shape of a python and lived here. The place was visited by the great Pandavas during their exile and the accursed king got salvation from the damnation. The king after getting rid of the curse proclaimed that one who would bathe in the waterfall will not take the yoni of snake and that is why a large number of people from far and near bathe in the river. A big fair is held on the occasion of bishua or Chait Shankranti. * '''Kesaria''' This Stupa is in fact one of the many memorable stupa remarkable event in the life of Buddha. Kesaria has a lofty brick mound capped by a solid brick tower of considerable size, which itself is the remain of a Buddhist Stupa. The mound is a ruin with a diameter of 68 feet at its base and a total height of 5½ ft. It used to be crowned by a pinnacle which must have stood 80 or 90 ft above the ground. General Cunningham dated this monument to 200 to 700 CE, and held that it was built upon the ruins of a much older and larger Stupa. It is the highest Stupa found in the country with a height of about {{ft|104}} from the base. * '''Maner Sharif (Patna, Maner)''' It is a large village of historical antiquities, situated in the extreme north west of Danapur Sub-division, about 32 km west of Patna on Patna-Arrah Highway. In the early ages Maner was a centre of learning and it is said that grammarian Panini, and also Bararuchi, lived and studied here. Maner contains two well-known Muslim tombs, that of Shah Daulat or Makhdum Daulat, known as Chhoti Dargah, and the other that of Sheikh Yahia Maneri or Makhdum Yahia, called the Bari Dargah. Makhdum Daulat died at Maner in 1608, and Ibrahim Khan, Governor of Bihar and one of the saint's disciples completed the erection of his mausoleum in 1616. The building is exceptionally fine one, with walls containing carvings of great delicacy and high finish. A great dome crowns it, and the ceiling is covered with carved inscriptions from the Quran. Every detail of it is characteristic of the architecture of Jehangir's region, and it is by far the finest monument of the Mughals in Eastern India. Inside the compound there is a mosque also built by Ibrahim Khan in 1619, whiles a fine gateway bearing an older inscription corresponding to 1603–01, and affords access to the north. The tomb of Yahia Maneri lies in a mosque walls and ghats, and pillared porticos jutting out into it, which is connected with the old bed of the River Sone by a tunnel 400 ft long. * '''Motihari (East Champaran)''' Motihari was to the first laboratory of Gandhian experiment in Satyagraha and probably it will not be very incorrect to say that it was a spring board for India's independence. Champaran district generated a wave of enthusiasm and inspiration to the people who were thirsting for a selfless and saintly leader. The technique followed by Gandhiji in Champaran was what attained later on the name of Satyagraha. * '''[[Nalanda]]''' A great centre of Buddhist learning, Nalanda came into prominence around the 5th century BCE and was a flourishing university town with over 10,000 scholars and an extensive library. * '''[[Patna]]''' once called Patliputra the capital of Bihar, is among the world's oldest capital cities with unbroken history of many centuries as imperial metropolis of the Mauryas and Guptas imperial dynasties. * '''[[Pawapuri]]''' In Pawapuri, or Apapuri, 38 km from Rajgir and 90 kilometres from Patna, all sins end for a devout Jain. Lord Mahavira, the final tirthankar and founder of Jainism, breathed his last at this place. * '''[[Rajgir]]''' Rajgir, 103 km from Patna, was the ancient capital of Magadha Empire. Lord Buddha often visited the monastery here to meditate and to preach. Rajgir is also a place sacred to the Jains, Since Lord Mahavira spent many years here. * '''Ram Rekha Ghat (Buxur)''' According to the legends, lord Ram Chandra and his younger brother Lakshman with their teacher Rishi Vishwamitra had crossed the Ganga here on their way to Janakpur where he later took part in the Sita swayambar (the public ceremony of Sita's Marriage). * '''Sadaquat Ashram (Patna)''' It is situated in Digha area on Patna Danapur Road and in pre independence days guided the freedom movement in Bihar. It is Associated with the memories of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Mautana Mazharal Haque and other leaders. [[File:Sher_Shah_Suri_Tomb.jpg|thumb|Sher Shah Suri Tomb at Sasaram]] *'''[[Sasaram]]''' located at GT Road has the Sher Shah Suri Tomb. * '''Sita Kund (Munger)''' A village about 6 km east of the Munger town contains a hot spring known as the Sita Kund spring, which is so called after the well known episode of Ramayan. Ram, after rescuing his wife Sita from the demon king Ravan, suspected that she could not have maintained her honour intact, and Sita, to prove her chastity, agreed to enter a blazing fire. She came out of the fiery or deal unscathed, and imparted to the pool in which she bathed, the heat she had absorbed from the fire. The hot spring is now enclosed in a masonry reservoir and is visited by large number of pilgrims, specially at the full moon of Magh. * '''Tar (Bhojpur)''' About 10 km north west of Piro the village derives its name from Tarka, a she demon killed by lord Rama. There is an old tank in the village that is said to be the wrestling ground of Tarka. * '''[[Vaishali]]''' Vaishali was one of the earliest republics in the world (6th century BCE). It was here that Buddha preached his last sermon. Vaishali, birthplace of Lord Mahavira is also Sacred to Jains. * '''Valmiki Nagar (West Champaran)''' This is a village on the Indo Nepal border 42 km north-west of Bagaha to which it is connected by a metalled road. A barrage has been constructed here on the Gandak river for the purpose of irrigation. Besides an old Shiva temple constructed by the Bettiah Raj, there are also ancient temple of Nara Devi and Gauri Shankar at Valmiki Nagar. There is a Valmiki Ashram, which is said to be the place where Maharshi Valmiki was living. On the occasion of Makar Sankranti every year a fair is held on the bank of River Gandak. ==Do== * '''Badi dargah Chiragha''' &mdash; in the month of Shawwal as pe Islamic Calendar every year at [[Bihar Sharif]] * '''Budha Mahotsav''' &mdash; in the month of December every year at [[Bodh Gaya]] * '''Chhath''' &mdash; Chhath (also called Dala Chhath) is a Hindu festival, unique to Bihar, Jharkhand state, India and Terai, Nepal. This festival is also celebrated in the northeast region of India, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and some parts of Chhattisgarh.It is an ancient and major festival. Songs for Chhath festival sung by Padma Shri Bihar Kokila Prof. (Smt) Sharda Sinha are very popular. * '''[[Durga Puja]]''' &mdash; * '''Ganges Cruise''' &mdash; from Kolkata to Varanasi via Bihar * '''Patna Film Festival''' &mdash; * '''Rajgir Mahotsav''' &mdash; in the month of October every year at [[Rajgir]] * '''Sonepur Fair''' &mdash; * '''Vaishali Mahotsav''' &mdash; in the month of April every year at [[Vaishali]] * River cruise around Patna operated by the Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation; Cruise starts twice every day from Gaighat ==Eat== [[File:Chiwda Muttor.JPG|thumbnail|Chiwda Muttor is popular Bihari breakfast]] Some dishes which Bihar is famous for include '''Sattu Paratha''', which are parathas stuffed with fried chickpea flour, '''Chokha''' (spicy mashed potatoes), '''Fish curry''' and '''Bihari Kebab''','''Postaa-dana kaa halwaa'''. * '''Chiwra''' - beaten rice, served with a coat of creamy curd and sugar or jaggery. In winters, this is mildly baked and accompanied with a thick spicy preparation made of peas and onions. * '''Chura-Dahi''' (Dahi Chura) - Traditional Bihar dessert - made of fresh yogurt, thick Poha (thick flattened rice), sugar or powdered Jaggery - touch of cardamom powder is optional * '''Dhuska''' - a deep fried item prepared from a mixture of powdered rice and ghee but is salted. * '''Ghugni''' - It is a preparation made of grams soaked (either lightly/overnight) in water and then sauteed in mustard oil in a wok. * '''Kadhi Bari''' - these fried soft dumplings made of besan (gram flour) are cooked in a spicy gravy of yogurt and besan. It goes very well over plain rice. * '''Khichdi''' - Mix of Rice, Dal and several Vegetables; steamed together to give a distinctive taste of different ingredients combined in one dish. It is often topped up with ghee. *'''Litti''' - Powdered baked gram is mixed with chopped onions, green chillies, lemon juice and coriander leaves. This mixture is filled inside atta and either barbecued over coal or deep fried with oil. Best accompanied with Ghee, Curd and Chokha and baigan bharta. * '''Pattal ka Mittai''' * '''Pittha''' - It is something like momos. It could be either salty or sweet.It is either a semi circular/ball shaped preparation made of crust made of soft rice flour and filled with preparations made of Channa Daal lentil paste, or Poppy seeds & Gur (Jaggey). and then steamed in water/ milk (allowed to thicken). *'''Sattu''' - powdered baked gram, a high energy giving food usually mixed with water or with milk. Sometimes, sattu mixed with spices is used to prepare stuffed 'chapattis', locally known as 'makuni roti'. ==Drink== * '''Aam Jhora''' Green mango drink, prepared by boiling or baking green mango and mixing it with water, salt, chili, cumin and clove leaves. It is generally served during summer season for its medicinal value for fighting against heat waves. * '''Bael ka Sarvat''' Prepared from Bael (Aegle marmelos) added with sugar/salt for taste. Bael is known for its medicinal value especially it is good for abdomen. * '''Bhang''' the leaf and flower of the Cannabis sativa plant, is consumed as a beverage is in many forms, the simplest of which is made by pounding bhang leaves with a little black pepper, sugar and mixing with water. Cannabis is widely produced in Bihar and sold legally at licensed ''Bhang'' shops * '''Taari''' Natural drink collected from tree of Taar, very common tree in Bihar. Tarri is collected overnight and served in early morning, very fast fermentation process during day time makes the drink alcoholic if kept in normal temperature for more than 2-3 hours. * '''Lassi''' A sweet/ salty drink made of yogurt, sugar, dry fruits and lots of cream. It is also a preferred summer drink. * '''Sattu''' A baked and powdered gram mixed with water, salt, cumin, chili and lemon juice. It is generally consumed in morning as it is considered as healthy food. * '''Taari''' Natural drink collected from tree of Taar, very common tree in Bihar. Tarri is collected overnight and served in early morning, very fast fermentation process during day time makes the drink alcoholic if kept in normal temperature for more than 2-3 hours. * '''Thandhai''' A sweet drink made of yogurt, spices, dry fruits etc. It is generally served during festival, especially on Holidays. ==Stay safe== Bihar has a terrible reputation for crime and banditry (or ''dacoity'', to use the Indian word), with armed bandits robbing moving trains. The situation has improved, though, with crime statistics for the most serious offences dropping, and crime against foreigners remaining comparably low compared to states popular with international tourists. So while reality may not be quite as grim as the horror stories you'll hear from non-Biharis, it's still advisable to keep a low profile and to avoid overnight travel on the roads. A low-level Naxalite (Maoist Communist) insurgency continues to bubble in the southern parts of the state, but tourists are unlikely to venture into the affected regions. Public transportation systems, like trains and buses, are generally overcrowded. Trains in India are generally prone to theft, so it's wise to lock your luggage to the seat in the carriage and keep more aware than usual. ==Go next== * [[Jharkhand]] — a contrast with some of the oldest cave paintings in India and some of the fastest industrialising cities * [[Uttar Pradesh]] — the most populous state of India, home to [[Agra|Taj Mahal]], [[Lucknow]], [[Kanpur]], [[Prayagraj]] and [[Varanasi]] * [[West Bengal]] — considered an epicentre of Eastern India, home to [[Kolkata]], [[Darjeeling]] and the [[Sundarbans (West Bengal)|Sundarbans]] {{IsPartOf|Plains (India)}} {{outlineregion}} {{geo|25.87|85.73|zoom=8}} pjkene0u26wt4bhweniqjo8xv1se906 5087035 5087034 2025-07-03T08:56:40Z Rangan Datta Wiki 124323 /* Other destinations */ 5087035 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Mena-asia_default_banner.jpg}} [[Image:Bihar in India (disputed hatched).svg|thumb|right|Bihar on a map of India]] '''Bihar''' ([[Hindi]]: बिहार ''Bihār'') is a state in the [[Plains (India)|plains]] of [[India]]. The state is bounded by [[Uttar Pradesh]] to its west, [[West Bengal]] to its east, [[Jharkhand]] to its south and [[Nepal]] to its north. Bihar is one of India's poorest states, with stark social inequality. Travellers may find the hassles common to travelling everywhere in India are more pronounced here. ==Regions== {{mapframe|width=500}} The Bihar plain is divided into two unequal halves by the Ganges, which flows through the middle from west to east. The two regions have distinct cultural and linguistic identities. {{Regionlist |region1name = [[Magadha]] |region1color={{StdColor|t1}} |region1description=Home to [[Patna]], once the capital of the [[Maurya Empire]], and several historic and cultural sites. |region2name = [[Mithila]] |region2color={{StdColor|t2}} |region2description= }} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill={{StdColor|t1}}|title=[[Magadha]]|wikidata=Q42917, Q43086, Q43097, Q49173, Q49168, Q49176, Q77505, Q77633, Q100067, Q100077, Q100093, Q49153, Q49161, Q49171, Q77367, Q100085, Q100146,Q100131}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill={{StdColor|t2}}|title=[[Mithila]]|wikidata=Q49157, Q49155, Q49160, Q49159, Q49175, Q77746, Q77474, Q77452, Q77731, Q100120, Q100117, Q100095, Q100144, Q100139, Q100130, Q100124, Q42901, Q77375, Q100082, Q77568, Q49155}} ==Cities== [[Image:Buddha Mahabodhi temple.JPG|thumb|Buddha's Statue at the Mahabodhi temple, [[Bodh Gaya]]]] [[Image:Ruins of Nalanda University.JPG|thumb|Ruins of Nalanda University, [[Nalanda]]]] * {{marker|type=city|zoom=12 | name=[[Patna]] |lat=25.61100|long=85.14400 |wikidata=Q80484}} &mdash; the state capital * {{marker|type=city|zoom=12 | name=[[Bhagalpur]] |lat=25.25000|long=87.00000 |wikidata=Q760714}} &mdash; the largest city in eastern Bihar * {{marker|type=city|zoom=12 | name=[[Bihar-sharif]]|alt= |lat=25.19821|long=85.51487 |wikidata=Q2308343}} &mdash; a town with examples of medieval Islamic architecture * {{marker|type=city|zoom=12 | name=[[Darbhanga]] |lat=26.11187|long=85.89600 |wikidata=Q1136189}} &mdash; cultural capital of Bihar * {{marker|type=city|zoom=12 | name=[[Gaya]] |lat=24.79545|long=84.99943 |wikidata=Q251329}} &mdash; a major pilgrimage city in Bihar for both Hindus and Buddhists * {{marker|type=city|zoom=12 | name=[[Munger]] |lat=25.38100|long=86.46500 |wikidata=Q36796}} &mdash; * {{marker|type=city|zoom=12 | name=[[Muzaffarpur]] |lat=26.12089|long=85.36472 |wikidata=Q1453196}} &mdash; one of the oldest and most important commercial and educational centres of Bihar * {{marker|type=city|zoom=12 | name=[[Rajgir]] |lat=25.01726|long=85.41616 |wikidata=Q863683}} &mdash; Tourist place * {{marker|type=city|zoom=12 | name=[[Sasaram]] |lat=24.94904|long=84.03143 |wikidata=Q1949410}} &mdash; an ancient city in the Bhojpur region of Bihar ==Other destinations== * {{marker|type=go|zoom=12 | name=[[Nalanda]]|alt= |lat=25.1240603|long=85.4594749 }} &mdash; site of the historic Nalanda University * {{marker|type=go|zoom=12 | name=Valmiki Wildlife Sanctuary|alt=Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) |lat=27.37999|long=84.14351 }} &mdash; a National Tiger Reserve * {{marker|type=go|zoom=12 | name=Bodh Gaya|alt= |lat=|long=|wikidata=Q176767 }} &mdash; A Buddhist pilgrimage and houses the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Maha Bodhi Temple ==Understand== [[Image:Trolly ride in Rajgri.JPG|thumb|Ropeway ride in Rajgri]] [[Image:Shanti_Stup_Rajgri.JPG|thumb|Shanti Stupa, Rajgri]] [[Image:Gandhi Setu Patna.JPG|thumb|View of Gai Ghat, from Gandhi Setu bridge, in Patna]] [[Image:GangacollectorateGhat.JPG|thumb|Collectorate ghat on the bank of the Ganges in Patna]] In ancient times, Bihar ([[Hindi phrasebook|bih-hahr]]) was the birthplace of the [[Maurya Empire]], the largest ever to rule the Indian subcontinent, and the site of the Buddha's enlightenment. Unfortunately, the Maurya Empire collapsed in 185 BCE, and its been mostly downhill ever since. Riddled with a feudal structure, sharp caste divisions and venal politicians, Bihar in the 1990s was struck by a severe recession that saw it become a byword for poverty, corruption and crime. Bihar has a youthful and mainly rural population of 85% and the society is mainly agrarian. Northern Bihar is prone to perennial flooding. The state has seen mass migration out of the state in the last few decades and these ethnic Biharis living in other states of India are victims of racist hate crimes and prejudice. There has been Naxalite (communist) violence, especially in Southern Bihar. [[Jharkhand]], the mineral-rich tribal belt, used to be part of the state, but in 2001, it was split to form its own state. ===History=== Bihar has a glorious past and was historically known as Magadha. It was a centre of power, learning and culture. The Maurya Empire as well as one of the world's greatest pacifist religions, Buddhism, arose from Magadha. Bihari empires, like the Maurya and the Gupta, unified large parts of [[South Asia]] under a central rule. Pataliputra (modern [[Patna]]), the capital of Magadha, was an important centre of Indian civilisation. Many important non-religious books like Arthashashtra and Kamasutra were composed here 2000 years back. Vaishali, one of the first known republics, existed here before the birth of Mahavira (c. 599 BCE). The state suffered immensely due to Hunnic and later Muslim invasions, and the old traditions of culture and learning were almost lost by the end of the 12th century. Muhammad Bin Bakhtiyar Khilji in the 12th century CE destroyed many of the viharas (Buddhist sanghas) and the famed universities of Nalanda and Vikramshila. Thousands of Buddhist monks were massacred. Bihar lost its importance in the medieval period though it rose to prominence for a brief period during the rule of Sher Shah Suri in the 15th century. Foreign invaders often used abandoned viharas as military cantonments. The word Bihar has come from the large number of viharas thus employed in the area. Bihar was the name of a town, which was the headquarters of the Muslim invaders in Magadha, in the medieval period. The headquarters were subsequently shifted from Bihar to Patana (now [[Patna]]) by Sher Shah Suri and the establishments at those time started calling Magadha by the name Bihar. The town of Bihar still exists is also known as Bihar-Sharif, which is in Nalanda District, near the famous ruins of Nalanda University. ==Talk== Although [[Hindi phrasebook|Hindi]] is the official language in Bihar and is understood by most locals, it is not a mother tongue to most people. Rather, Bhojpuri, Angika, Magahi and [[Maithili phrasebook|Maithili]] are common mother tongues in the state. These languages are known as Bihari languages and are descendants of Magadhi Prakrit, the language supposed to have been spoken by the Buddha and the language of the ancient kingdom of Magadha. ==Get in== ===By plane=== * [[Bodh Gaya]] fields international flights to [[Bangkok]] (Thailand) and [[Paro]] (Bhutan), catering largely to Buddhist pilgrims. [[Patna]] is connected to major Indian cities. ===By train=== Bihar is connected by train to all major cities of India. Some good trains to reach the capital Patna are: * From [[Delhi]] – Rajendra Nagar Terminal Tejas Rajdhani Express, Patna Rajdhani Express (2309/2310), Sampurna Kranti Express (overnight journey) * From [[Kolkata]] – Patna Vande Bharat Express, Patna Jan Shatabdi Express (8-9 hr) * From [[Mumbai]] – Lokmanya Tilak Terminus–Rajendra Nagar Terminal Express * From [[Varanasi]] – Vibhuti Express (6 hr). ===By road=== Major National Highways which connect Bihar with other corners of country are NH 2, 19, 28, 30, 31. Patna is well connected by road with the rest of the country. Deluxe bus services are available for Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Kolkata, Siliguri & the Nepal border. Roads around Bihar are largely in poor condition and over-saturated with traffic. It is not advisable to drive on your own unless you are used to driving in India. Some car rental businesses may include a driver at an additional cost. ==Get around== ==See== * '''Ahirauli (Buxur)''' About 5 km north-east of Buxur, this village has a temple of Devi Ahilya. According to the local tradition it dates back to the pre historic ages. Legend is that, Ahilya was transformed into stone as a result of curse of her husband, Rishi Gautam and she could be redeemed only when lord Ram Chandra visited her place. * '''Bari Dargah (Bihar Sharif, Nalanda)''' This is headquarters of Nalanda district that lies 30 km South of Bakhtiarpur on NH-31. This is also a railhead on the Bakhtiarpur Rajgir branch line of the Eastern Indian Railway. This town is known as Bihar Sharif, owing to its many Muslim tombs that still retain traces of its former importance as a Muslim pilgrimage. There is a hill called Pir Pahari, about 1 m to the northwest of the town. At its summit is the dargah or mausoleum of the Saint Mallik Ibrahim Bayu, round which are tem smaller tombs. It is a brick structure surmounted by a dome and bears inscriptions showing that the saint died in 1353. Another great dargah is that of Mokhdum Shah Sharif ud-din, also called Makhdum-ul-Mulk, died here in 1379; the inscription over the entrance shows that his tomb was built in 1569. This tomb, which stands on the south bank of the river, is held in great veneration by the local Muslims, who assemble here on the 5th day of Sawan to celebrate the anniversary of his death. The Chhoti Dargah is the shrine of Badruddin Badr-I-Alam, famous saint who died here in 1440. * '''Bhimbandh (Munger)''' It is 56 km from Munger, 20 km from Jamui Railway Station and 200 km from Patna Airport. Bhimbandh Wild Life Sanctuary is located in the south west of Munger District. The forests cover an area or 681.99 km² on the hills and undulating tract of Kharagpur Hills. * '''[[Bodh Gaya]]''' Near the holy city of Gaya, the Buddha attained enlightenment. The tree that had sheltered him came to be known as the Bodhi tree and the place Bodhgaya. Today Bodhgaya, an important place of pilgrimage, has a number of monasteries, some of them established by Buddhists of Japan, Thailand, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, etc. * '''Janki Temple (Sitamarhi)''' This temple is traditionally considered to be the birthplace of Sita or Janki, the daughter of king Janak. This temple, however seems to have been built about 100 years ago. * '''Kakolat (Nawada)''' It is a waterfall in Gobindpur police-station, about 21 miles away from Nawada. After going 9¼ miles from Nawada on Ranchi Road, a solid road known as Gobindpur—Akbarpore Road diverts from there. Just below the fall there is a deep reservoir natural in character. The fall is about 150 to 160 feet, from the ground level. The scene is panoramic due to all-round green forest area, which is very pleasant to the eyes. A legend is prevalent that in Treta Yuga a king named was cursed by a rishi and had to take the shape of a python and lived here. The place was visited by the great Pandavas during their exile and the accursed king got salvation from the damnation. The king after getting rid of the curse proclaimed that one who would bathe in the waterfall will not take the yoni of snake and that is why a large number of people from far and near bathe in the river. A big fair is held on the occasion of bishua or Chait Shankranti. * '''Kesaria''' This Stupa is in fact one of the many memorable stupa remarkable event in the life of Buddha. Kesaria has a lofty brick mound capped by a solid brick tower of considerable size, which itself is the remain of a Buddhist Stupa. The mound is a ruin with a diameter of 68 feet at its base and a total height of 5½ ft. It used to be crowned by a pinnacle which must have stood 80 or 90 ft above the ground. General Cunningham dated this monument to 200 to 700 CE, and held that it was built upon the ruins of a much older and larger Stupa. It is the highest Stupa found in the country with a height of about {{ft|104}} from the base. * '''Maner Sharif (Patna, Maner)''' It is a large village of historical antiquities, situated in the extreme north west of Danapur Sub-division, about 32 km west of Patna on Patna-Arrah Highway. In the early ages Maner was a centre of learning and it is said that grammarian Panini, and also Bararuchi, lived and studied here. Maner contains two well-known Muslim tombs, that of Shah Daulat or Makhdum Daulat, known as Chhoti Dargah, and the other that of Sheikh Yahia Maneri or Makhdum Yahia, called the Bari Dargah. Makhdum Daulat died at Maner in 1608, and Ibrahim Khan, Governor of Bihar and one of the saint's disciples completed the erection of his mausoleum in 1616. The building is exceptionally fine one, with walls containing carvings of great delicacy and high finish. A great dome crowns it, and the ceiling is covered with carved inscriptions from the Quran. Every detail of it is characteristic of the architecture of Jehangir's region, and it is by far the finest monument of the Mughals in Eastern India. Inside the compound there is a mosque also built by Ibrahim Khan in 1619, whiles a fine gateway bearing an older inscription corresponding to 1603–01, and affords access to the north. The tomb of Yahia Maneri lies in a mosque walls and ghats, and pillared porticos jutting out into it, which is connected with the old bed of the River Sone by a tunnel 400 ft long. * '''Motihari (East Champaran)''' Motihari was to the first laboratory of Gandhian experiment in Satyagraha and probably it will not be very incorrect to say that it was a spring board for India's independence. Champaran district generated a wave of enthusiasm and inspiration to the people who were thirsting for a selfless and saintly leader. The technique followed by Gandhiji in Champaran was what attained later on the name of Satyagraha. * '''[[Nalanda]]''' A great centre of Buddhist learning, Nalanda came into prominence around the 5th century BCE and was a flourishing university town with over 10,000 scholars and an extensive library. * '''[[Patna]]''' once called Patliputra the capital of Bihar, is among the world's oldest capital cities with unbroken history of many centuries as imperial metropolis of the Mauryas and Guptas imperial dynasties. * '''[[Pawapuri]]''' In Pawapuri, or Apapuri, 38 km from Rajgir and 90 kilometres from Patna, all sins end for a devout Jain. Lord Mahavira, the final tirthankar and founder of Jainism, breathed his last at this place. * '''[[Rajgir]]''' Rajgir, 103 km from Patna, was the ancient capital of Magadha Empire. Lord Buddha often visited the monastery here to meditate and to preach. Rajgir is also a place sacred to the Jains, Since Lord Mahavira spent many years here. * '''Ram Rekha Ghat (Buxur)''' According to the legends, lord Ram Chandra and his younger brother Lakshman with their teacher Rishi Vishwamitra had crossed the Ganga here on their way to Janakpur where he later took part in the Sita swayambar (the public ceremony of Sita's Marriage). * '''Sadaquat Ashram (Patna)''' It is situated in Digha area on Patna Danapur Road and in pre independence days guided the freedom movement in Bihar. It is Associated with the memories of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Mautana Mazharal Haque and other leaders. [[File:Sher_Shah_Suri_Tomb.jpg|thumb|Sher Shah Suri Tomb at Sasaram]] *'''[[Sasaram]]''' located at GT Road has the Sher Shah Suri Tomb. * '''Sita Kund (Munger)''' A village about 6 km east of the Munger town contains a hot spring known as the Sita Kund spring, which is so called after the well known episode of Ramayan. Ram, after rescuing his wife Sita from the demon king Ravan, suspected that she could not have maintained her honour intact, and Sita, to prove her chastity, agreed to enter a blazing fire. She came out of the fiery or deal unscathed, and imparted to the pool in which she bathed, the heat she had absorbed from the fire. The hot spring is now enclosed in a masonry reservoir and is visited by large number of pilgrims, specially at the full moon of Magh. * '''Tar (Bhojpur)''' About 10 km north west of Piro the village derives its name from Tarka, a she demon killed by lord Rama. There is an old tank in the village that is said to be the wrestling ground of Tarka. * '''[[Vaishali]]''' Vaishali was one of the earliest republics in the world (6th century BCE). It was here that Buddha preached his last sermon. Vaishali, birthplace of Lord Mahavira is also Sacred to Jains. * '''Valmiki Nagar (West Champaran)''' This is a village on the Indo Nepal border 42 km north-west of Bagaha to which it is connected by a metalled road. A barrage has been constructed here on the Gandak river for the purpose of irrigation. Besides an old Shiva temple constructed by the Bettiah Raj, there are also ancient temple of Nara Devi and Gauri Shankar at Valmiki Nagar. There is a Valmiki Ashram, which is said to be the place where Maharshi Valmiki was living. On the occasion of Makar Sankranti every year a fair is held on the bank of River Gandak. ==Do== * '''Badi dargah Chiragha''' &mdash; in the month of Shawwal as pe Islamic Calendar every year at [[Bihar Sharif]] * '''Budha Mahotsav''' &mdash; in the month of December every year at [[Bodh Gaya]] * '''Chhath''' &mdash; Chhath (also called Dala Chhath) is a Hindu festival, unique to Bihar, Jharkhand state, India and Terai, Nepal. This festival is also celebrated in the northeast region of India, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and some parts of Chhattisgarh.It is an ancient and major festival. Songs for Chhath festival sung by Padma Shri Bihar Kokila Prof. (Smt) Sharda Sinha are very popular. * '''[[Durga Puja]]''' &mdash; * '''Ganges Cruise''' &mdash; from Kolkata to Varanasi via Bihar * '''Patna Film Festival''' &mdash; * '''Rajgir Mahotsav''' &mdash; in the month of October every year at [[Rajgir]] * '''Sonepur Fair''' &mdash; * '''Vaishali Mahotsav''' &mdash; in the month of April every year at [[Vaishali]] * River cruise around Patna operated by the Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation; Cruise starts twice every day from Gaighat ==Eat== [[File:Chiwda Muttor.JPG|thumbnail|Chiwda Muttor is popular Bihari breakfast]] Some dishes which Bihar is famous for include '''Sattu Paratha''', which are parathas stuffed with fried chickpea flour, '''Chokha''' (spicy mashed potatoes), '''Fish curry''' and '''Bihari Kebab''','''Postaa-dana kaa halwaa'''. * '''Chiwra''' - beaten rice, served with a coat of creamy curd and sugar or jaggery. In winters, this is mildly baked and accompanied with a thick spicy preparation made of peas and onions. * '''Chura-Dahi''' (Dahi Chura) - Traditional Bihar dessert - made of fresh yogurt, thick Poha (thick flattened rice), sugar or powdered Jaggery - touch of cardamom powder is optional * '''Dhuska''' - a deep fried item prepared from a mixture of powdered rice and ghee but is salted. * '''Ghugni''' - It is a preparation made of grams soaked (either lightly/overnight) in water and then sauteed in mustard oil in a wok. * '''Kadhi Bari''' - these fried soft dumplings made of besan (gram flour) are cooked in a spicy gravy of yogurt and besan. It goes very well over plain rice. * '''Khichdi''' - Mix of Rice, Dal and several Vegetables; steamed together to give a distinctive taste of different ingredients combined in one dish. It is often topped up with ghee. *'''Litti''' - Powdered baked gram is mixed with chopped onions, green chillies, lemon juice and coriander leaves. This mixture is filled inside atta and either barbecued over coal or deep fried with oil. Best accompanied with Ghee, Curd and Chokha and baigan bharta. * '''Pattal ka Mittai''' * '''Pittha''' - It is something like momos. It could be either salty or sweet.It is either a semi circular/ball shaped preparation made of crust made of soft rice flour and filled with preparations made of Channa Daal lentil paste, or Poppy seeds & Gur (Jaggey). and then steamed in water/ milk (allowed to thicken). *'''Sattu''' - powdered baked gram, a high energy giving food usually mixed with water or with milk. Sometimes, sattu mixed with spices is used to prepare stuffed 'chapattis', locally known as 'makuni roti'. ==Drink== * '''Aam Jhora''' Green mango drink, prepared by boiling or baking green mango and mixing it with water, salt, chili, cumin and clove leaves. It is generally served during summer season for its medicinal value for fighting against heat waves. * '''Bael ka Sarvat''' Prepared from Bael (Aegle marmelos) added with sugar/salt for taste. Bael is known for its medicinal value especially it is good for abdomen. * '''Bhang''' the leaf and flower of the Cannabis sativa plant, is consumed as a beverage is in many forms, the simplest of which is made by pounding bhang leaves with a little black pepper, sugar and mixing with water. Cannabis is widely produced in Bihar and sold legally at licensed ''Bhang'' shops * '''Taari''' Natural drink collected from tree of Taar, very common tree in Bihar. Tarri is collected overnight and served in early morning, very fast fermentation process during day time makes the drink alcoholic if kept in normal temperature for more than 2-3 hours. * '''Lassi''' A sweet/ salty drink made of yogurt, sugar, dry fruits and lots of cream. It is also a preferred summer drink. * '''Sattu''' A baked and powdered gram mixed with water, salt, cumin, chili and lemon juice. It is generally consumed in morning as it is considered as healthy food. * '''Taari''' Natural drink collected from tree of Taar, very common tree in Bihar. Tarri is collected overnight and served in early morning, very fast fermentation process during day time makes the drink alcoholic if kept in normal temperature for more than 2-3 hours. * '''Thandhai''' A sweet drink made of yogurt, spices, dry fruits etc. It is generally served during festival, especially on Holidays. ==Stay safe== Bihar has a terrible reputation for crime and banditry (or ''dacoity'', to use the Indian word), with armed bandits robbing moving trains. The situation has improved, though, with crime statistics for the most serious offences dropping, and crime against foreigners remaining comparably low compared to states popular with international tourists. So while reality may not be quite as grim as the horror stories you'll hear from non-Biharis, it's still advisable to keep a low profile and to avoid overnight travel on the roads. A low-level Naxalite (Maoist Communist) insurgency continues to bubble in the southern parts of the state, but tourists are unlikely to venture into the affected regions. Public transportation systems, like trains and buses, are generally overcrowded. Trains in India are generally prone to theft, so it's wise to lock your luggage to the seat in the carriage and keep more aware than usual. ==Go next== * [[Jharkhand]] — a contrast with some of the oldest cave paintings in India and some of the fastest industrialising cities * [[Uttar Pradesh]] — the most populous state of India, home to [[Agra|Taj Mahal]], [[Lucknow]], [[Kanpur]], [[Prayagraj]] and [[Varanasi]] * [[West Bengal]] — considered an epicentre of Eastern India, home to [[Kolkata]], [[Darjeeling]] and the [[Sundarbans (West Bengal)|Sundarbans]] {{IsPartOf|Plains (India)}} {{outlineregion}} {{geo|25.87|85.73|zoom=8}} ps1889ivbn4x742pjyiqvg186kiqrfw 5087037 5087035 2025-07-03T09:04:41Z Rangan Datta Wiki 124323 /* Cities */ 5087037 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Mena-asia_default_banner.jpg}} [[Image:Bihar in India (disputed hatched).svg|thumb|right|Bihar on a map of India]] '''Bihar''' ([[Hindi]]: बिहार ''Bihār'') is a state in the [[Plains (India)|plains]] of [[India]]. The state is bounded by [[Uttar Pradesh]] to its west, [[West Bengal]] to its east, [[Jharkhand]] to its south and [[Nepal]] to its north. Bihar is one of India's poorest states, with stark social inequality. Travellers may find the hassles common to travelling everywhere in India are more pronounced here. ==Regions== {{mapframe|width=500}} The Bihar plain is divided into two unequal halves by the Ganges, which flows through the middle from west to east. The two regions have distinct cultural and linguistic identities. {{Regionlist |region1name = [[Magadha]] |region1color={{StdColor|t1}} |region1description=Home to [[Patna]], once the capital of the [[Maurya Empire]], and several historic and cultural sites. |region2name = [[Mithila]] |region2color={{StdColor|t2}} |region2description= }} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill={{StdColor|t1}}|title=[[Magadha]]|wikidata=Q42917, Q43086, Q43097, Q49173, Q49168, Q49176, Q77505, Q77633, Q100067, Q100077, Q100093, Q49153, Q49161, Q49171, Q77367, Q100085, Q100146,Q100131}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill={{StdColor|t2}}|title=[[Mithila]]|wikidata=Q49157, Q49155, Q49160, Q49159, Q49175, Q77746, Q77474, Q77452, Q77731, Q100120, Q100117, Q100095, Q100144, Q100139, Q100130, Q100124, Q42901, Q77375, Q100082, Q77568, Q49155}} ==Cities== [[Image:Buddha Mahabodhi temple.JPG|thumb|Buddha's Statue at the Mahabodhi temple, [[Bodh Gaya]]]] [[Image:Ruins of Nalanda University.JPG|thumb|Ruins of Nalanda University, [[Nalanda]]]] * {{marker|type=city|zoom=12 | name=[[Patna]] |lat=25.61100|long=85.14400 |wikidata=Q80484}} &mdash; the state capital * {{marker|type=city|zoom=12 | name=[[Bhagalpur]] |lat=25.25000|long=87.00000 |wikidata=Q760714}} &mdash; the largest city in eastern Bihar * {{marker|type=city|zoom=12 | name=[[Bihar-sharif]]|alt= |lat=25.19821|long=85.51487 |wikidata=Q2308343}} &mdash; a town with examples of medieval Islamic architecture * {{marker|type=city|zoom=12 | name=[[Darbhanga]] |lat=26.11187|long=85.89600 |wikidata=Q1136189}} &mdash; cultural capital of Bihar * {{marker|type=city|zoom=12 | name=[[Gaya]] |lat=24.79545|long=84.99943 |wikidata=Q251329}} &mdash; a major Hindu pilgrimage * {{marker|type=city|zoom=12 | name=[[Munger]] |lat=25.38100|long=86.46500 |wikidata=Q36796}} &mdash; * {{marker|type=city|zoom=12 | name=[[Muzaffarpur]] |lat=26.12089|long=85.36472 |wikidata=Q1453196}} &mdash; one of the oldest and most important commercial and educational centres of Bihar * {{marker|type=city|zoom=12 | name=[[Rajgir]] |lat=25.01726|long=85.41616 |wikidata=Q863683}} &mdash; Tourist place * {{marker|type=city|zoom=12 | name=[[Sasaram]] |lat=24.94904|long=84.03143 |wikidata=Q1949410}} &mdash; an ancient city in the Bhojpur region of Bihar ==Other destinations== * {{marker|type=go|zoom=12 | name=[[Nalanda]]|alt= |lat=25.1240603|long=85.4594749 }} &mdash; site of the historic Nalanda University * {{marker|type=go|zoom=12 | name=Valmiki Wildlife Sanctuary|alt=Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) |lat=27.37999|long=84.14351 }} &mdash; a National Tiger Reserve * {{marker|type=go|zoom=12 | name=Bodh Gaya|alt= |lat=|long=|wikidata=Q176767 }} &mdash; A Buddhist pilgrimage and houses the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Maha Bodhi Temple ==Understand== [[Image:Trolly ride in Rajgri.JPG|thumb|Ropeway ride in Rajgri]] [[Image:Shanti_Stup_Rajgri.JPG|thumb|Shanti Stupa, Rajgri]] [[Image:Gandhi Setu Patna.JPG|thumb|View of Gai Ghat, from Gandhi Setu bridge, in Patna]] [[Image:GangacollectorateGhat.JPG|thumb|Collectorate ghat on the bank of the Ganges in Patna]] In ancient times, Bihar ([[Hindi phrasebook|bih-hahr]]) was the birthplace of the [[Maurya Empire]], the largest ever to rule the Indian subcontinent, and the site of the Buddha's enlightenment. Unfortunately, the Maurya Empire collapsed in 185 BCE, and its been mostly downhill ever since. Riddled with a feudal structure, sharp caste divisions and venal politicians, Bihar in the 1990s was struck by a severe recession that saw it become a byword for poverty, corruption and crime. Bihar has a youthful and mainly rural population of 85% and the society is mainly agrarian. Northern Bihar is prone to perennial flooding. The state has seen mass migration out of the state in the last few decades and these ethnic Biharis living in other states of India are victims of racist hate crimes and prejudice. There has been Naxalite (communist) violence, especially in Southern Bihar. [[Jharkhand]], the mineral-rich tribal belt, used to be part of the state, but in 2001, it was split to form its own state. ===History=== Bihar has a glorious past and was historically known as Magadha. It was a centre of power, learning and culture. The Maurya Empire as well as one of the world's greatest pacifist religions, Buddhism, arose from Magadha. Bihari empires, like the Maurya and the Gupta, unified large parts of [[South Asia]] under a central rule. Pataliputra (modern [[Patna]]), the capital of Magadha, was an important centre of Indian civilisation. Many important non-religious books like Arthashashtra and Kamasutra were composed here 2000 years back. Vaishali, one of the first known republics, existed here before the birth of Mahavira (c. 599 BCE). The state suffered immensely due to Hunnic and later Muslim invasions, and the old traditions of culture and learning were almost lost by the end of the 12th century. Muhammad Bin Bakhtiyar Khilji in the 12th century CE destroyed many of the viharas (Buddhist sanghas) and the famed universities of Nalanda and Vikramshila. Thousands of Buddhist monks were massacred. Bihar lost its importance in the medieval period though it rose to prominence for a brief period during the rule of Sher Shah Suri in the 15th century. Foreign invaders often used abandoned viharas as military cantonments. The word Bihar has come from the large number of viharas thus employed in the area. Bihar was the name of a town, which was the headquarters of the Muslim invaders in Magadha, in the medieval period. The headquarters were subsequently shifted from Bihar to Patana (now [[Patna]]) by Sher Shah Suri and the establishments at those time started calling Magadha by the name Bihar. The town of Bihar still exists is also known as Bihar-Sharif, which is in Nalanda District, near the famous ruins of Nalanda University. ==Talk== Although [[Hindi phrasebook|Hindi]] is the official language in Bihar and is understood by most locals, it is not a mother tongue to most people. Rather, Bhojpuri, Angika, Magahi and [[Maithili phrasebook|Maithili]] are common mother tongues in the state. These languages are known as Bihari languages and are descendants of Magadhi Prakrit, the language supposed to have been spoken by the Buddha and the language of the ancient kingdom of Magadha. ==Get in== ===By plane=== * [[Bodh Gaya]] fields international flights to [[Bangkok]] (Thailand) and [[Paro]] (Bhutan), catering largely to Buddhist pilgrims. [[Patna]] is connected to major Indian cities. ===By train=== Bihar is connected by train to all major cities of India. Some good trains to reach the capital Patna are: * From [[Delhi]] – Rajendra Nagar Terminal Tejas Rajdhani Express, Patna Rajdhani Express (2309/2310), Sampurna Kranti Express (overnight journey) * From [[Kolkata]] – Patna Vande Bharat Express, Patna Jan Shatabdi Express (8-9 hr) * From [[Mumbai]] – Lokmanya Tilak Terminus–Rajendra Nagar Terminal Express * From [[Varanasi]] – Vibhuti Express (6 hr). ===By road=== Major National Highways which connect Bihar with other corners of country are NH 2, 19, 28, 30, 31. Patna is well connected by road with the rest of the country. Deluxe bus services are available for Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Kolkata, Siliguri & the Nepal border. Roads around Bihar are largely in poor condition and over-saturated with traffic. It is not advisable to drive on your own unless you are used to driving in India. Some car rental businesses may include a driver at an additional cost. ==Get around== ==See== * '''Ahirauli (Buxur)''' About 5 km north-east of Buxur, this village has a temple of Devi Ahilya. According to the local tradition it dates back to the pre historic ages. Legend is that, Ahilya was transformed into stone as a result of curse of her husband, Rishi Gautam and she could be redeemed only when lord Ram Chandra visited her place. * '''Bari Dargah (Bihar Sharif, Nalanda)''' This is headquarters of Nalanda district that lies 30 km South of Bakhtiarpur on NH-31. This is also a railhead on the Bakhtiarpur Rajgir branch line of the Eastern Indian Railway. This town is known as Bihar Sharif, owing to its many Muslim tombs that still retain traces of its former importance as a Muslim pilgrimage. There is a hill called Pir Pahari, about 1 m to the northwest of the town. At its summit is the dargah or mausoleum of the Saint Mallik Ibrahim Bayu, round which are tem smaller tombs. It is a brick structure surmounted by a dome and bears inscriptions showing that the saint died in 1353. Another great dargah is that of Mokhdum Shah Sharif ud-din, also called Makhdum-ul-Mulk, died here in 1379; the inscription over the entrance shows that his tomb was built in 1569. This tomb, which stands on the south bank of the river, is held in great veneration by the local Muslims, who assemble here on the 5th day of Sawan to celebrate the anniversary of his death. The Chhoti Dargah is the shrine of Badruddin Badr-I-Alam, famous saint who died here in 1440. * '''Bhimbandh (Munger)''' It is 56 km from Munger, 20 km from Jamui Railway Station and 200 km from Patna Airport. Bhimbandh Wild Life Sanctuary is located in the south west of Munger District. The forests cover an area or 681.99 km² on the hills and undulating tract of Kharagpur Hills. * '''[[Bodh Gaya]]''' Near the holy city of Gaya, the Buddha attained enlightenment. The tree that had sheltered him came to be known as the Bodhi tree and the place Bodhgaya. Today Bodhgaya, an important place of pilgrimage, has a number of monasteries, some of them established by Buddhists of Japan, Thailand, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, etc. * '''Janki Temple (Sitamarhi)''' This temple is traditionally considered to be the birthplace of Sita or Janki, the daughter of king Janak. This temple, however seems to have been built about 100 years ago. * '''Kakolat (Nawada)''' It is a waterfall in Gobindpur police-station, about 21 miles away from Nawada. After going 9¼ miles from Nawada on Ranchi Road, a solid road known as Gobindpur—Akbarpore Road diverts from there. Just below the fall there is a deep reservoir natural in character. The fall is about 150 to 160 feet, from the ground level. The scene is panoramic due to all-round green forest area, which is very pleasant to the eyes. A legend is prevalent that in Treta Yuga a king named was cursed by a rishi and had to take the shape of a python and lived here. The place was visited by the great Pandavas during their exile and the accursed king got salvation from the damnation. The king after getting rid of the curse proclaimed that one who would bathe in the waterfall will not take the yoni of snake and that is why a large number of people from far and near bathe in the river. A big fair is held on the occasion of bishua or Chait Shankranti. * '''Kesaria''' This Stupa is in fact one of the many memorable stupa remarkable event in the life of Buddha. Kesaria has a lofty brick mound capped by a solid brick tower of considerable size, which itself is the remain of a Buddhist Stupa. The mound is a ruin with a diameter of 68 feet at its base and a total height of 5½ ft. It used to be crowned by a pinnacle which must have stood 80 or 90 ft above the ground. General Cunningham dated this monument to 200 to 700 CE, and held that it was built upon the ruins of a much older and larger Stupa. It is the highest Stupa found in the country with a height of about {{ft|104}} from the base. * '''Maner Sharif (Patna, Maner)''' It is a large village of historical antiquities, situated in the extreme north west of Danapur Sub-division, about 32 km west of Patna on Patna-Arrah Highway. In the early ages Maner was a centre of learning and it is said that grammarian Panini, and also Bararuchi, lived and studied here. Maner contains two well-known Muslim tombs, that of Shah Daulat or Makhdum Daulat, known as Chhoti Dargah, and the other that of Sheikh Yahia Maneri or Makhdum Yahia, called the Bari Dargah. Makhdum Daulat died at Maner in 1608, and Ibrahim Khan, Governor of Bihar and one of the saint's disciples completed the erection of his mausoleum in 1616. The building is exceptionally fine one, with walls containing carvings of great delicacy and high finish. A great dome crowns it, and the ceiling is covered with carved inscriptions from the Quran. Every detail of it is characteristic of the architecture of Jehangir's region, and it is by far the finest monument of the Mughals in Eastern India. Inside the compound there is a mosque also built by Ibrahim Khan in 1619, whiles a fine gateway bearing an older inscription corresponding to 1603–01, and affords access to the north. The tomb of Yahia Maneri lies in a mosque walls and ghats, and pillared porticos jutting out into it, which is connected with the old bed of the River Sone by a tunnel 400 ft long. * '''Motihari (East Champaran)''' Motihari was to the first laboratory of Gandhian experiment in Satyagraha and probably it will not be very incorrect to say that it was a spring board for India's independence. Champaran district generated a wave of enthusiasm and inspiration to the people who were thirsting for a selfless and saintly leader. The technique followed by Gandhiji in Champaran was what attained later on the name of Satyagraha. * '''[[Nalanda]]''' A great centre of Buddhist learning, Nalanda came into prominence around the 5th century BCE and was a flourishing university town with over 10,000 scholars and an extensive library. * '''[[Patna]]''' once called Patliputra the capital of Bihar, is among the world's oldest capital cities with unbroken history of many centuries as imperial metropolis of the Mauryas and Guptas imperial dynasties. * '''[[Pawapuri]]''' In Pawapuri, or Apapuri, 38 km from Rajgir and 90 kilometres from Patna, all sins end for a devout Jain. Lord Mahavira, the final tirthankar and founder of Jainism, breathed his last at this place. * '''[[Rajgir]]''' Rajgir, 103 km from Patna, was the ancient capital of Magadha Empire. Lord Buddha often visited the monastery here to meditate and to preach. Rajgir is also a place sacred to the Jains, Since Lord Mahavira spent many years here. * '''Ram Rekha Ghat (Buxur)''' According to the legends, lord Ram Chandra and his younger brother Lakshman with their teacher Rishi Vishwamitra had crossed the Ganga here on their way to Janakpur where he later took part in the Sita swayambar (the public ceremony of Sita's Marriage). * '''Sadaquat Ashram (Patna)''' It is situated in Digha area on Patna Danapur Road and in pre independence days guided the freedom movement in Bihar. It is Associated with the memories of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Mautana Mazharal Haque and other leaders. [[File:Sher_Shah_Suri_Tomb.jpg|thumb|Sher Shah Suri Tomb at Sasaram]] *'''[[Sasaram]]''' located at GT Road has the Sher Shah Suri Tomb. * '''Sita Kund (Munger)''' A village about 6 km east of the Munger town contains a hot spring known as the Sita Kund spring, which is so called after the well known episode of Ramayan. Ram, after rescuing his wife Sita from the demon king Ravan, suspected that she could not have maintained her honour intact, and Sita, to prove her chastity, agreed to enter a blazing fire. She came out of the fiery or deal unscathed, and imparted to the pool in which she bathed, the heat she had absorbed from the fire. The hot spring is now enclosed in a masonry reservoir and is visited by large number of pilgrims, specially at the full moon of Magh. * '''Tar (Bhojpur)''' About 10 km north west of Piro the village derives its name from Tarka, a she demon killed by lord Rama. There is an old tank in the village that is said to be the wrestling ground of Tarka. * '''[[Vaishali]]''' Vaishali was one of the earliest republics in the world (6th century BCE). It was here that Buddha preached his last sermon. Vaishali, birthplace of Lord Mahavira is also Sacred to Jains. * '''Valmiki Nagar (West Champaran)''' This is a village on the Indo Nepal border 42 km north-west of Bagaha to which it is connected by a metalled road. A barrage has been constructed here on the Gandak river for the purpose of irrigation. Besides an old Shiva temple constructed by the Bettiah Raj, there are also ancient temple of Nara Devi and Gauri Shankar at Valmiki Nagar. There is a Valmiki Ashram, which is said to be the place where Maharshi Valmiki was living. On the occasion of Makar Sankranti every year a fair is held on the bank of River Gandak. ==Do== * '''Badi dargah Chiragha''' &mdash; in the month of Shawwal as pe Islamic Calendar every year at [[Bihar Sharif]] * '''Budha Mahotsav''' &mdash; in the month of December every year at [[Bodh Gaya]] * '''Chhath''' &mdash; Chhath (also called Dala Chhath) is a Hindu festival, unique to Bihar, Jharkhand state, India and Terai, Nepal. This festival is also celebrated in the northeast region of India, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and some parts of Chhattisgarh.It is an ancient and major festival. Songs for Chhath festival sung by Padma Shri Bihar Kokila Prof. (Smt) Sharda Sinha are very popular. * '''[[Durga Puja]]''' &mdash; * '''Ganges Cruise''' &mdash; from Kolkata to Varanasi via Bihar * '''Patna Film Festival''' &mdash; * '''Rajgir Mahotsav''' &mdash; in the month of October every year at [[Rajgir]] * '''Sonepur Fair''' &mdash; * '''Vaishali Mahotsav''' &mdash; in the month of April every year at [[Vaishali]] * River cruise around Patna operated by the Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation; Cruise starts twice every day from Gaighat ==Eat== [[File:Chiwda Muttor.JPG|thumbnail|Chiwda Muttor is popular Bihari breakfast]] Some dishes which Bihar is famous for include '''Sattu Paratha''', which are parathas stuffed with fried chickpea flour, '''Chokha''' (spicy mashed potatoes), '''Fish curry''' and '''Bihari Kebab''','''Postaa-dana kaa halwaa'''. * '''Chiwra''' - beaten rice, served with a coat of creamy curd and sugar or jaggery. In winters, this is mildly baked and accompanied with a thick spicy preparation made of peas and onions. * '''Chura-Dahi''' (Dahi Chura) - Traditional Bihar dessert - made of fresh yogurt, thick Poha (thick flattened rice), sugar or powdered Jaggery - touch of cardamom powder is optional * '''Dhuska''' - a deep fried item prepared from a mixture of powdered rice and ghee but is salted. * '''Ghugni''' - It is a preparation made of grams soaked (either lightly/overnight) in water and then sauteed in mustard oil in a wok. * '''Kadhi Bari''' - these fried soft dumplings made of besan (gram flour) are cooked in a spicy gravy of yogurt and besan. It goes very well over plain rice. * '''Khichdi''' - Mix of Rice, Dal and several Vegetables; steamed together to give a distinctive taste of different ingredients combined in one dish. It is often topped up with ghee. *'''Litti''' - Powdered baked gram is mixed with chopped onions, green chillies, lemon juice and coriander leaves. This mixture is filled inside atta and either barbecued over coal or deep fried with oil. Best accompanied with Ghee, Curd and Chokha and baigan bharta. * '''Pattal ka Mittai''' * '''Pittha''' - It is something like momos. It could be either salty or sweet.It is either a semi circular/ball shaped preparation made of crust made of soft rice flour and filled with preparations made of Channa Daal lentil paste, or Poppy seeds & Gur (Jaggey). and then steamed in water/ milk (allowed to thicken). *'''Sattu''' - powdered baked gram, a high energy giving food usually mixed with water or with milk. Sometimes, sattu mixed with spices is used to prepare stuffed 'chapattis', locally known as 'makuni roti'. ==Drink== * '''Aam Jhora''' Green mango drink, prepared by boiling or baking green mango and mixing it with water, salt, chili, cumin and clove leaves. It is generally served during summer season for its medicinal value for fighting against heat waves. * '''Bael ka Sarvat''' Prepared from Bael (Aegle marmelos) added with sugar/salt for taste. Bael is known for its medicinal value especially it is good for abdomen. * '''Bhang''' the leaf and flower of the Cannabis sativa plant, is consumed as a beverage is in many forms, the simplest of which is made by pounding bhang leaves with a little black pepper, sugar and mixing with water. Cannabis is widely produced in Bihar and sold legally at licensed ''Bhang'' shops * '''Taari''' Natural drink collected from tree of Taar, very common tree in Bihar. Tarri is collected overnight and served in early morning, very fast fermentation process during day time makes the drink alcoholic if kept in normal temperature for more than 2-3 hours. * '''Lassi''' A sweet/ salty drink made of yogurt, sugar, dry fruits and lots of cream. It is also a preferred summer drink. * '''Sattu''' A baked and powdered gram mixed with water, salt, cumin, chili and lemon juice. It is generally consumed in morning as it is considered as healthy food. * '''Taari''' Natural drink collected from tree of Taar, very common tree in Bihar. Tarri is collected overnight and served in early morning, very fast fermentation process during day time makes the drink alcoholic if kept in normal temperature for more than 2-3 hours. * '''Thandhai''' A sweet drink made of yogurt, spices, dry fruits etc. It is generally served during festival, especially on Holidays. ==Stay safe== Bihar has a terrible reputation for crime and banditry (or ''dacoity'', to use the Indian word), with armed bandits robbing moving trains. The situation has improved, though, with crime statistics for the most serious offences dropping, and crime against foreigners remaining comparably low compared to states popular with international tourists. So while reality may not be quite as grim as the horror stories you'll hear from non-Biharis, it's still advisable to keep a low profile and to avoid overnight travel on the roads. A low-level Naxalite (Maoist Communist) insurgency continues to bubble in the southern parts of the state, but tourists are unlikely to venture into the affected regions. Public transportation systems, like trains and buses, are generally overcrowded. Trains in India are generally prone to theft, so it's wise to lock your luggage to the seat in the carriage and keep more aware than usual. ==Go next== * [[Jharkhand]] — a contrast with some of the oldest cave paintings in India and some of the fastest industrialising cities * [[Uttar Pradesh]] — the most populous state of India, home to [[Agra|Taj Mahal]], [[Lucknow]], [[Kanpur]], [[Prayagraj]] and [[Varanasi]] * [[West Bengal]] — considered an epicentre of Eastern India, home to [[Kolkata]], [[Darjeeling]] and the [[Sundarbans (West Bengal)|Sundarbans]] {{IsPartOf|Plains (India)}} {{outlineregion}} {{geo|25.87|85.73|zoom=8}} tl187mfxxhxktg51r0w6ot4r0dl79il 0 4028 5086871 4736485 2025-07-03T01:19:32Z Lazarus1255 2236161 /* Sleep */Closed 5086871 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg|pgname=Bloomsburg}} '''Bloomsburg''' is a town in [[Pennsylvania]]. ==Understand== Calling itself "The only town in Pennsylvania”. Bloomsburg is small residential town with a large population of college students. Bloomsburg is filled with culture and personality. It is quiet during the week but can get very active on the weekend when the college students fill the streets. It is a very safe place to visit with small town attractions and large event like the Bloomsburg Fair, which in one year alone served 432,860 in a one week span. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|zoom=auto}} {{mapshape}} Route 11 will get you straight into the town of Bloomsburg and Interstate 80 (exits 232 or 236) will take you two or three miles north of it. State Routes 487 and 42 provide north-south access. There is a small airport, the Bloomsburg Municipal Airport, in the southeastern part of the town. ==Get around== There is no public transportation, but because the town is so small you will almost certainly not need it to get around. However, there is an Enterprise rent-a-car two miles east of Bloomsburg along Route 11. You might want to wear sneakers for the steep hills on the northern side of the town. ==See== * {{see | name=Bloomsburg Fair | alt= | url=http://www.bloomsburgfair.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Held in September. }} * {{see | name=Bloomsburg University | alt= | url=http://www.bloomu.edu | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Children's Museum | alt= | url=http://www.the-childrens-museum.org/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Where many college students volunteer and gain working experience. }} * {{see | name=Bloomsburg Theater | alt= | url=http://www.bte.org/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Columbia County Historical and Genealogical Society | alt= | url=http://www.colcohist-gensoc.org/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Bloomsburg Community Gardens | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Bloomsburg Town Park | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=David Stroup Fountain | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=at Market Square | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Bloomsburg Public Library | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Do== *''' Haas Center''' on Bloomsburg University’s campus *'''Bloomsburg YMCA''' *'''Renaissance Jamboree''' - annually in April *''' Can U Xcape''' - escape room located near town park. ==Buy== ==Eat== ==Drink== There are many bars in Bloomsburg but will be filled with college students. There are bars at most of the major restaurants. There are also many bars such as Russell's Restaurant Inc Good Old Days Bennigan's Grill & Tavern Clancy's Harry's Grill Black Beard's Cove Romig's Cafe Rick's Rusty Rudder Terrapin Cantina. ==Sleep== There are beautiful small bed and breakfast place to stay, such as: *{{sleep | name=Pump House Bed and Breakfast | alt= | url=http://www.pumphousebandb.com | email=pumphousebnb@gmail.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 570 784-6730, +1 570 594-8886 (cell) | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Double occupancy: M-Th $125, F-Su $135; cabins $10 extra; Manifold House $20 extra. Extra person $15. Some pets welcome $20 | lastedit=2017-02-12 | content=Featured in ''This Old House'' magazine, an artist-restored historic 19th-century building }} There is a Hampton Inn 2 miles (3km) north of Bloomsburg on Route 487. ==Connect== ==Go next== {{routebox | image1=I-80.svg | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[State College]] | minorl1=[[Danville (Pennsylvania)|Danville]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Hazleton]] | minorr1=[[Berwick (Pennsylvania)|Berwick]] | image2=US 11.svg | directionl2=S | majorl2=[[Harrisburg]] | minorl2=[[Danville (Pennsylvania)|Danville]] | directionr2=N | majorr2=[[Wilkes-Barre]] | minorr2=[[Berwick (Pennsylvania)|Berwick]] }} {{IsPartOf|Alleghenies and Susquehanna Valley}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|41.000555555556|-76.453888888889}} gyb1szkhkgmpmmdxwab2a6xxgavbxt1 5086925 5086871 2025-07-03T03:38:02Z Lazarus1255 2236161 /* Drink */These have all closed. 5086925 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg|pgname=Bloomsburg}} '''Bloomsburg''' is a town in [[Pennsylvania]]. ==Understand== Calling itself "The only town in Pennsylvania”. Bloomsburg is small residential town with a large population of college students. Bloomsburg is filled with culture and personality. It is quiet during the week but can get very active on the weekend when the college students fill the streets. It is a very safe place to visit with small town attractions and large event like the Bloomsburg Fair, which in one year alone served 432,860 in a one week span. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|zoom=auto}} {{mapshape}} Route 11 will get you straight into the town of Bloomsburg and Interstate 80 (exits 232 or 236) will take you two or three miles north of it. State Routes 487 and 42 provide north-south access. There is a small airport, the Bloomsburg Municipal Airport, in the southeastern part of the town. ==Get around== There is no public transportation, but because the town is so small you will almost certainly not need it to get around. However, there is an Enterprise rent-a-car two miles east of Bloomsburg along Route 11. You might want to wear sneakers for the steep hills on the northern side of the town. ==See== * {{see | name=Bloomsburg Fair | alt= | url=http://www.bloomsburgfair.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Held in September. }} * {{see | name=Bloomsburg University | alt= | url=http://www.bloomu.edu | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Children's Museum | alt= | url=http://www.the-childrens-museum.org/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Where many college students volunteer and gain working experience. }} * {{see | name=Bloomsburg Theater | alt= | url=http://www.bte.org/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Columbia County Historical and Genealogical Society | alt= | url=http://www.colcohist-gensoc.org/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Bloomsburg Community Gardens | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Bloomsburg Town Park | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=David Stroup Fountain | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=at Market Square | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Bloomsburg Public Library | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Do== *''' Haas Center''' on Bloomsburg University’s campus *'''Bloomsburg YMCA''' *'''Renaissance Jamboree''' - annually in April *''' Can U Xcape''' - escape room located near town park. ==Buy== ==Eat== ==Drink== There are many bars in Bloomsburg but will be filled with college students. There are bars at most of the major restaurants. ==Sleep== There are beautiful small bed and breakfast place to stay, such as: *{{sleep | name=Pump House Bed and Breakfast | alt= | url=http://www.pumphousebandb.com | email=pumphousebnb@gmail.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 570 784-6730, +1 570 594-8886 (cell) | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Double occupancy: M-Th $125, F-Su $135; cabins $10 extra; Manifold House $20 extra. Extra person $15. Some pets welcome $20 | lastedit=2017-02-12 | content=Featured in ''This Old House'' magazine, an artist-restored historic 19th-century building }} There is a Hampton Inn 2 miles (3km) north of Bloomsburg on Route 487. ==Connect== ==Go next== {{routebox | image1=I-80.svg | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[State College]] | minorl1=[[Danville (Pennsylvania)|Danville]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Hazleton]] | minorr1=[[Berwick (Pennsylvania)|Berwick]] | image2=US 11.svg | directionl2=S | majorl2=[[Harrisburg]] | minorl2=[[Danville (Pennsylvania)|Danville]] | directionr2=N | majorr2=[[Wilkes-Barre]] | minorr2=[[Berwick (Pennsylvania)|Berwick]] }} {{IsPartOf|Alleghenies and Susquehanna Valley}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|41.000555555556|-76.453888888889}} l42c5qejfh7m2nqycwvx3a0ijka0gix 0 4544 5086697 5078412 2025-07-02T17:01:28Z 75.112.98.2 /* Parking */ 5086697 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner | Bran banner 1.jpg}} [[Image:CastelulBran.JPG|thumb|250px|Bran Castle]] '''Bran''' is a village in southern [[Transylvania]], in [[Brașov County]]. It's famous for Bran Castle, guarding the pass between Wallachia and Transylvania. ==Understand== The village is known for Bran Castle, heavily marketed as "Dracula's Castle". In reality it has nothing to do with Count Dracula (or with Vlad Țepeș who lately became identified with Dracula). Nevertheless, the tourists love the idea, and the souvenir shops and tour operators keep up the legend. ==Get in== ===By public transport=== By public transport you'll first need to reach [[Brașov]]; a train or bus from Bucharest will take about three hours. Bran is {{km|30}} SW of Brașov on Highway DN73 / E574. Buses run between Brașov Autogara 2 and Bran every 30 mins M-F, hourly Sa & Su (every full hour). The trip takes 45 min, fare 13 lei (€2.80) as of August 2022. ===By car=== Driving from Cluj-Napoca or Sibiu along the Făgăraş road, you can bypass Brașov by the Highway 73A shortcut into Râșnov. ==Get around== {{mapframe|45.516111|25.369444|zoom=15}} Bran is a very small village and everything is within walking distance. ===Parking=== There are parkimeter-controlled parking space on the street in front of Bran castle, however usually is full. There are some parking lots of different prices and qualities. Probably no one is the "official" parking of the castle, but many claim that. * {{go | name=parking | alt=Parcare castel | url= | email= | address= 8 Strada General Traian Moșoiu | lat=45.51636| long=25.37066 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=paid parking | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-07-19 | content= }} * {{go | name=parking | alt=Parcare castel | url= | email= | address=23, Strada General Traian Moșoiu | lat=45.51676| long=25.37046 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=paid parking | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-07-19 | content= }} * {{go | name=Parcare cu plata Castel Dr. Aurel Stoian | alt= | url= | email= | address= Strada Sextil Pușcariu | lat=45.51887| long=25.36559 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=paid parking | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-07-19 | content= You can pay with credit card in an automatic cashier. }} ==See== * {{see | name=Bran Castle | alt=Castelul Bran | url=http://www.bran-castle.com | email= | address= | lat=45.515 | long=25.3671 | directions=approach along drive from centre of village | phone=+40 268 237-700 | tollfree= | hours=Apr-Sep: M 12:00-18:00, Tu-Su 09:00-18:00; Oct-Mar: to 16:00 | price=Adults 70 lei, child 20 lei, students 40 lei.,senior(65+) 50 lei. Recommend buying tickets online. The automatic machines at the entrance are quite complex, and with a lot of people at peak hours | wikidata=Q390275 | lastedit=2024-08-02 | content=Heavily marketed today as "Dracula's Castle", it was built in 1377 to guard the border between Transylvania and Wallachia. It became the property of Brașov city in the late 15th century. At the end of the 18th century, its importance as a guard post diminished. After Transylvania became part of Romania, the castle was gifted to Queen Marie of Romania in 1920, who transformed it into a royal residence. The royal family were expelled when the communists took over and seized everything, but in 2009 the castle was returned to their descendant, Archduke Dominic von Hapsburg. }} * {{see | name=The Castle of Horror | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=next to the Bran castle grounds | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-10-31 | content=Popular with haunted house lovers or families entertaining children. }} * {{see | name=Village Museum of the Bran Area | alt=Muzeul Satului Brănean | url= | email= | address= | lat=45.51501| long=25.37011 | directions= in the Bran castle grounds | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Apr 16-Oct 14: M Su 09:00-18:00 | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-08-02 | content= }} * {{see | name= Medieval Custom Museum | alt=Muzeul Vămii Medievale | url= | email= | address= 28-32, Strada General Traian Moșoiu| lat=45.51397| long=25.36691 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Apr 16-Oct 14; M Su 09:00-18:00 | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-08-02 | content= }} ==Do== [[Image:Bran castle interior.jpg|thumb|Inside the castle]] * Visit Bran Village Museum in the Castle's park. It presents you pieces of the history of this old Transylvanian village. * Hike in the nearby hills and mountains. ==Buy== There is a market near the Castle. The souvenirs are quite "kitschy", but you can get one. ==Eat== There is a [[W:Kürtőskalács|Kürtős kalács]] place in the center of town, very recommended. ==Drink== ==Sleep== There are plenty of pensions and camping places. *{{sleep | name=Vila Predelut | alt= | url=http://www.predelut.ro | email=vila@predelut.ro | address=Str. Nicolae Bos 45 | lat=45.524349 | long=25.360808 | directions=1 km N of Bran, off Strada Predelut | phone=+40 728 269 332 | tollfree= | checkin=14:00 | checkout=11:00 | price=From 190 lei | lastedit=2018-04-05 | content=3-star hotel in Alpine style, in hills towards Predelut. Six rooms with individual bathroom with shower and double size beds, with hotel-type linen and TV cable with TV LCD screen. Every room has a balcony with view to Bucegi Mountains or Magura Branului Hill and from the terrace you can see Bran Castle. The property has also a nice garden with a garden kiosk. Continental breakfast and if more than three rooms are booked they offer a rich breakfast buffet. Free wireless internet. }} * {{sleep | name= Hanul Bran| alt= | url= https://www.hanulbran.ro| email= | address=Str. General Traian Moșoiu 4 | lat=45.51712| long=25.37083 | directions= | phone= +4 0268-236-556| tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=from 450 lei | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-08-02 | content= }} * {{sleep | name= Casa din Bran| alt= | url= https://www.casadinbran.ro/en/| email= | address= Bran, str. Gen. Mosoiu, nr.15- 19, | lat= 45.51703| long=25.37023 | directions= | phone= +4 0741 236 557| tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= from 470 lei | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-08-02 | content= }} ==Connect== ==Go next== *'''[[Râșnov]]''' is 15 km away towards [[Brașov]]. It has an interesting citadel and old churches. *'''Peleș Castle''' is 50 km south in [[Sinaia]], which lies in a valley through the Carpathian mountains. *'''[[Piatra Craiului National Park]]''' is on the mountain ridge west of Bran. {{IsPartOf|Brașov County}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|45.516111|25.369444}} 839x3iur1xm5vfenf7whybuu40kcm3m 0 6134 5086928 4897602 2025-07-03T03:43:39Z Lazarus1255 2236161 /* Sleep */Closed or changed names 5086928 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg|pgname=Carthage}} '''[https://visitcarthage.com/ Carthage]{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' is a city of about 15,500 (2020) in [[Southwest Missouri]], It is known as "America's Maple Leaf City". ==Understand== Carthage was established in 1842 to serve as the county seat of Jasper County. As Missouri was sandwiched between the secessionist southern states and the abolitionist north, Carthage became a Civil War battlefield on July 5, 1861 and again in October 1863; pro-Confederate guerrillas burned much of the city in September 1864. The current Jasper County Courthouse, built of Carthage stone in 1894, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The history of the Civil War sites in the Missouri-Kansas border region fills a book, "The Big Divide" {{ISBN|978-0976443414}}, published in 2013. After the civil war, Carthage thrived as a rail town, a source for "Carthage marble" (a hard, polished limestone) and a highway crossroads when U.S. Highways 66 and 71 came to town in 1926. ==Get in== {{mapframe|zoom=auto}} {{Mapshape}} Joplin Regional Airport (10 miles from Carthage) offers multiple round-trip flights daily to [[Kansas City]] (150 miles); transport is also available to [[Tulsa]] (110 miles). By highway, Carthage is served by Interstate 44 (which bypasses [[Route 66]] in the region) and by US Highway 71. ==Get around== No public mass transit exists in Carthage, although the municipality operates [https://website-6841115218501613519168-taxiservice.business.site/ City Taxi]{{Dead link|date=June 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} (8AM-6PM weekdays only, +1 417-623-5577). Conventional taxi service is provided by Martins Taxi (+1 417-726-2010). ==See== [[Image:JasperCountyCourthouse.JPG|thumb|Jasper County court house]] * {{see | name=Battle of Carthage Civil War Museum | alt= | url=https://www.visitmo.com/carthage-civil-war-museum.aspx | email=m.blizzard@carthagemo.gov | address=205 Grant St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 417-237-7060 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-Sa 8:30AM-5PM, Su 1-5PM Sun, year-round | price=By donation | lastedit=2017-12-07 | content=Information and artifacts from the Civil War Battle of Carthage and the Civil War in southwest Missouri, including a wall-sized mural of the Battle of Carthage. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Battle of Carthage State Historic Site | alt= | url=https://mostateparks.com/park/battle-carthage-state-historic-site | email= | address=East Chestnut Road | lat=37.173056 | long=-94.2975 | directions= | phone=+1 417-682-2279 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 8AM-6PM | price=Free | wikidata=Q4870665 | content=The Battle of Carthage was one of the preliminary battles leading up to the much larger one at Wilson's Creek. Southern Missouri was fought over fiercely because of its rich lead and zinc deposits. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Jasper County Courthouse | alt= | url= | email= | address=Courthouse Square, 302 South Main Street | lat=37.179167 | long=-94.310278 | directions= | phone=+1 417-625-4350 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6163927 | content=Constructed with local Carthage marble in 1894, the building's grandiose architecture includes turrets, towers, and arches. The building remains the county seat today; museum and guided tours are open to the public. }} * {{see | name=Kendrick House | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kendrick-House/201415646593434 | email= | address=131 E Northwoods St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 417-358-0636 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Oldest surviving house in Jasper County (built 1849), believed to have served as a Civil War field hospital complete with slave quarters. Various events, ghost tours. }} * {{see | name=Precious Moments Chapel and Gift Shop | url=http://www.preciousmoments.com | email= | address=4105 South Chapel Rd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone =+1 417-358-7599 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Do== * {{see | name=66 Drive-in Theatre | url=http://66drivein.com/ | email=66dit@ecarthage.com | address=17231 Old 66 Blvd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 417-359-5959 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$6 adults, $3 children 5-12, free for children under 5 | content=One of the few remaining drive-in cinemas on Route 66, with neon signage of the era. Listed on the US National Register of Historic Places, its original 1949 design closely matches the "[[Radiator Springs]] Drive-In" in 2006 film ''Cars''. }} ==Buy== * {{listing | name=CMC Gift Shop | url= | email= | address=1900 S. Grand Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 417-358-3740 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Iggy's Diner | url=http://www.iggysdiner.com | email= | address=2400 S Grand Ave | lat= | long= | directions=Hwy 571 at the traffic circle | phone=+1 417-237-0212 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Great diner style food }} * {{eat | name=El Charro | url=https://m.facebook.com/elcharro.carthage/ | email= | address=2937 S Grand Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 417-358-4016 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Tex-Mex steak house, great food, reasonably priced. }} * {{eat | name=Whisler's Drive-Up | url= | email= | address=300 N Garrison Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone =+1 417-358-4951 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Classic old-style hamburger stand. }} ==Drink== * {{drink | name=Jim's Place | url=http://www.jimsbar.com | email=jimsbar@sbcglobal.net | address=325 E 4th St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone =+1 417-358-8549 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Murphy's Law Restaurant and Bar | url=https://m.facebook.com/MRPHYLW/ | email= | address=418 Grant St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone =+1 417-310-6113 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Burgers and drinks. }} ==Sleep== ===Hotels=== * {{sleep | name=Best Budget Inn | url= | email= | address=13011 State Highway 96 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 417-358-6911 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Quality Inn & Suites | alt= | url=https://www.choicehotels.com/missouri/carthage/quality-inn-hotels/mo391 | email= | address=2701 Hazel | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 417-359-5900 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$70-130 double | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Carthage Inn | url=http://www.carthageinn.com | email=alexpatel@hotmail.com | address=2244 Grand Avenue | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 417-358-2499 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$45-65/night | checkin=1PM | checkout=11PM | content=Wi-fi, outdoor pool, refrigerator, microwave, A/C, free local calls, HBO. }} * {{sleep | name=Days Inn by Wyndham Carthage | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/days-inn/carthage-missouri/days-inn-carthage/overview | email= | address=1441 W. Central | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 417-358-3900 | tollfree= | fax=+1 417 358-6839 | hours= | price=$60-140 double | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | content=Two-story hotel with 82 rooms, continental breakfast, wi-fi, free local calls. }} ===Motels=== * {{sleep | name=Boots Court | alt= | url=https://bootscourt66.com | email=bootsmotel@hotmail.com | address=107 S. Garrison Avenue | lat=37.1783 | long=-94.3143 | directions=downtown, at former US66 / US71 crossroads | phone=+1 417 310-2989 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikipedia=Boots Court Motel | wikidata=Q4944036 | content=Route 66 historic motel from 1939 streamline moderne era, hosted Clark Gable and other notables in its "radio in every room" heyday. Fully restored to the 1949 era (before TV came to Carthage). The first rooms reopened in 2012 (initially at $66 and $71 a night); the last of the thirteen rooms returned to service in 2023. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this property has many 1940s quirks like individual carports for some rooms in the original building. The rooms and showers are small by modern standards, the televisions have been removed, the original roof and architectural neon lighting were restored. A throwback to another era. }} * {{sleep | name=Guest House Motel | url= | email= | address=417 E. Central | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 417-358-4077 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Super 8 Motel | url=http://www.super8.com/hotels/missouri/carthage/super-8-carthage/hotel-overview | email= | address=416 W. Fir Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 417-359-9000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$63 double | checkin= | checkout= | content=Internet, continental breakfast, hot tub. Additional charge for pets. }} ===Bed and breakfast=== ===Camping=== * {{sleep | name=Ballard's Campground | url=http://www.visitmo.com/ballards-campground.aspx | email=ballardscampground@hughes.net | address=13965 Ballard Loop | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 417-359-0359 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Big Red Barn RV Park | url=http://www.bigredbarnrvpark.com | email=bigredbarnrvpark@email.com | address=5089 Country Lane 138 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 417-358-2432 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$19-23/night | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Coachlight RV Park | url=http://www.coachlightrv.com | email= | address=5305 S. Garrison | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 417-358-3666 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$22/night | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} ==Go next== {{routebox | image1=I-49.svg | imagesize1=22 | image1a=US 71.svg | imagesize1a=22 | directionl1=N | majorl1=[[Kansas City]] | minorl1=[[Lamar (Missouri)|Lamar]] | directionr1=S | majorr1=[[Fayetteville (Arkansas)|Fayetteville]] | minorr1='''[[Joplin]]''' | image2=US 66 (historic).svg | link2=Route 66 | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Tulsa]] | minorl2='''[[Joplin]]''' | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[Springfield (Missouri)|Springfield]] | minorr2=[[Halltown]] | image3=MO-96.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=W | majorl3=Ends at [[File:MO-171.svg|18px]] | minorl3=Jct [[File:MO-43.svg|18px]] | directionr3=E | majorr3=Ends at [[File:I-44.svg|18px]] | minorr3=[[Halltown]] | image4=MO-171.svg | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=W | majorl4=Ends at [[File:US 69.svg|18px]][[File:US 160.svg|18px]][[File:US 400.svg|18px]] | minorl4=[[Webb City]] | directionr4=E | majorr4=END | minorr4= }} {{usablecity}} {{geo|37.167778|-94.315000}} {{IsPartOf|Southwest Missouri}} 8z6bs9kob22vwftkgznynheby56os1c 5086929 5086928 2025-07-03T03:46:51Z Lazarus1255 2236161 /* Drink */Closed or changed names 5086929 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg|pgname=Carthage}} '''[https://visitcarthage.com/ Carthage]{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' is a city of about 15,500 (2020) in [[Southwest Missouri]], It is known as "America's Maple Leaf City". ==Understand== Carthage was established in 1842 to serve as the county seat of Jasper County. As Missouri was sandwiched between the secessionist southern states and the abolitionist north, Carthage became a Civil War battlefield on July 5, 1861 and again in October 1863; pro-Confederate guerrillas burned much of the city in September 1864. The current Jasper County Courthouse, built of Carthage stone in 1894, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The history of the Civil War sites in the Missouri-Kansas border region fills a book, "The Big Divide" {{ISBN|978-0976443414}}, published in 2013. After the civil war, Carthage thrived as a rail town, a source for "Carthage marble" (a hard, polished limestone) and a highway crossroads when U.S. Highways 66 and 71 came to town in 1926. ==Get in== {{mapframe|zoom=auto}} {{Mapshape}} Joplin Regional Airport (10 miles from Carthage) offers multiple round-trip flights daily to [[Kansas City]] (150 miles); transport is also available to [[Tulsa]] (110 miles). By highway, Carthage is served by Interstate 44 (which bypasses [[Route 66]] in the region) and by US Highway 71. ==Get around== No public mass transit exists in Carthage, although the municipality operates [https://website-6841115218501613519168-taxiservice.business.site/ City Taxi]{{Dead link|date=June 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} (8AM-6PM weekdays only, +1 417-623-5577). Conventional taxi service is provided by Martins Taxi (+1 417-726-2010). ==See== [[Image:JasperCountyCourthouse.JPG|thumb|Jasper County court house]] * {{see | name=Battle of Carthage Civil War Museum | alt= | url=https://www.visitmo.com/carthage-civil-war-museum.aspx | email=m.blizzard@carthagemo.gov | address=205 Grant St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 417-237-7060 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-Sa 8:30AM-5PM, Su 1-5PM Sun, year-round | price=By donation | lastedit=2017-12-07 | content=Information and artifacts from the Civil War Battle of Carthage and the Civil War in southwest Missouri, including a wall-sized mural of the Battle of Carthage. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Battle of Carthage State Historic Site | alt= | url=https://mostateparks.com/park/battle-carthage-state-historic-site | email= | address=East Chestnut Road | lat=37.173056 | long=-94.2975 | directions= | phone=+1 417-682-2279 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 8AM-6PM | price=Free | wikidata=Q4870665 | content=The Battle of Carthage was one of the preliminary battles leading up to the much larger one at Wilson's Creek. Southern Missouri was fought over fiercely because of its rich lead and zinc deposits. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Jasper County Courthouse | alt= | url= | email= | address=Courthouse Square, 302 South Main Street | lat=37.179167 | long=-94.310278 | directions= | phone=+1 417-625-4350 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6163927 | content=Constructed with local Carthage marble in 1894, the building's grandiose architecture includes turrets, towers, and arches. The building remains the county seat today; museum and guided tours are open to the public. }} * {{see | name=Kendrick House | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kendrick-House/201415646593434 | email= | address=131 E Northwoods St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 417-358-0636 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Oldest surviving house in Jasper County (built 1849), believed to have served as a Civil War field hospital complete with slave quarters. Various events, ghost tours. }} * {{see | name=Precious Moments Chapel and Gift Shop | url=http://www.preciousmoments.com | email= | address=4105 South Chapel Rd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone =+1 417-358-7599 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Do== * {{see | name=66 Drive-in Theatre | url=http://66drivein.com/ | email=66dit@ecarthage.com | address=17231 Old 66 Blvd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 417-359-5959 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$6 adults, $3 children 5-12, free for children under 5 | content=One of the few remaining drive-in cinemas on Route 66, with neon signage of the era. Listed on the US National Register of Historic Places, its original 1949 design closely matches the "[[Radiator Springs]] Drive-In" in 2006 film ''Cars''. }} ==Buy== * {{listing | name=CMC Gift Shop | url= | email= | address=1900 S. Grand Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 417-358-3740 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Iggy's Diner | url=http://www.iggysdiner.com | email= | address=2400 S Grand Ave | lat= | long= | directions=Hwy 571 at the traffic circle | phone=+1 417-237-0212 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Great diner style food }} * {{eat | name=El Charro | url=https://m.facebook.com/elcharro.carthage/ | email= | address=2937 S Grand Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 417-358-4016 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Tex-Mex steak house, great food, reasonably priced. }} * {{eat | name=Whisler's Drive-Up | url= | email= | address=300 N Garrison Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone =+1 417-358-4951 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Classic old-style hamburger stand. }} ==Drink== * {{drink | name=Roscoe's Bar & Grill | url= | email= | address=325 E 4th St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone =+1 417-358-8549 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Sleep== ===Hotels=== * {{sleep | name=Best Budget Inn | url= | email= | address=13011 State Highway 96 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 417-358-6911 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Quality Inn & Suites | alt= | url=https://www.choicehotels.com/missouri/carthage/quality-inn-hotels/mo391 | email= | address=2701 Hazel | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 417-359-5900 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$70-130 double | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Carthage Inn | url=http://www.carthageinn.com | email=alexpatel@hotmail.com | address=2244 Grand Avenue | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 417-358-2499 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$45-65/night | checkin=1PM | checkout=11PM | content=Wi-fi, outdoor pool, refrigerator, microwave, A/C, free local calls, HBO. }} * {{sleep | name=Days Inn by Wyndham Carthage | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/days-inn/carthage-missouri/days-inn-carthage/overview | email= | address=1441 W. Central | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 417-358-3900 | tollfree= | fax=+1 417 358-6839 | hours= | price=$60-140 double | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | content=Two-story hotel with 82 rooms, continental breakfast, wi-fi, free local calls. }} ===Motels=== * {{sleep | name=Boots Court | alt= | url=https://bootscourt66.com | email=bootsmotel@hotmail.com | address=107 S. Garrison Avenue | lat=37.1783 | long=-94.3143 | directions=downtown, at former US66 / US71 crossroads | phone=+1 417 310-2989 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikipedia=Boots Court Motel | wikidata=Q4944036 | content=Route 66 historic motel from 1939 streamline moderne era, hosted Clark Gable and other notables in its "radio in every room" heyday. Fully restored to the 1949 era (before TV came to Carthage). The first rooms reopened in 2012 (initially at $66 and $71 a night); the last of the thirteen rooms returned to service in 2023. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this property has many 1940s quirks like individual carports for some rooms in the original building. The rooms and showers are small by modern standards, the televisions have been removed, the original roof and architectural neon lighting were restored. A throwback to another era. }} * {{sleep | name=Guest House Motel | url= | email= | address=417 E. Central | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 417-358-4077 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Super 8 Motel | url=http://www.super8.com/hotels/missouri/carthage/super-8-carthage/hotel-overview | email= | address=416 W. Fir Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 417-359-9000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$63 double | checkin= | checkout= | content=Internet, continental breakfast, hot tub. Additional charge for pets. }} ===Bed and breakfast=== ===Camping=== * {{sleep | name=Ballard's Campground | url=http://www.visitmo.com/ballards-campground.aspx | email=ballardscampground@hughes.net | address=13965 Ballard Loop | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 417-359-0359 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Big Red Barn RV Park | url=http://www.bigredbarnrvpark.com | email=bigredbarnrvpark@email.com | address=5089 Country Lane 138 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 417-358-2432 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$19-23/night | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Coachlight RV Park | url=http://www.coachlightrv.com | email= | address=5305 S. Garrison | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 417-358-3666 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$22/night | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} ==Go next== {{routebox | image1=I-49.svg | imagesize1=22 | image1a=US 71.svg | imagesize1a=22 | directionl1=N | majorl1=[[Kansas City]] | minorl1=[[Lamar (Missouri)|Lamar]] | directionr1=S | majorr1=[[Fayetteville (Arkansas)|Fayetteville]] | minorr1='''[[Joplin]]''' | image2=US 66 (historic).svg | link2=Route 66 | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Tulsa]] | minorl2='''[[Joplin]]''' | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[Springfield (Missouri)|Springfield]] | minorr2=[[Halltown]] | image3=MO-96.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=W | majorl3=Ends at [[File:MO-171.svg|18px]] | minorl3=Jct [[File:MO-43.svg|18px]] | directionr3=E | majorr3=Ends at [[File:I-44.svg|18px]] | minorr3=[[Halltown]] | image4=MO-171.svg | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=W | majorl4=Ends at [[File:US 69.svg|18px]][[File:US 160.svg|18px]][[File:US 400.svg|18px]] | minorl4=[[Webb City]] | directionr4=E | majorr4=END | minorr4= }} {{usablecity}} {{geo|37.167778|-94.315000}} {{IsPartOf|Southwest Missouri}} h0pyuv1niz7id6lgmf4ilcuqxw7qrjn 5086931 5086929 2025-07-03T03:48:09Z Lazarus1255 2236161 /* Buy */Obsolete 5086931 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg|pgname=Carthage}} '''[https://visitcarthage.com/ Carthage]{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' is a city of about 15,500 (2020) in [[Southwest Missouri]], It is known as "America's Maple Leaf City". ==Understand== Carthage was established in 1842 to serve as the county seat of Jasper County. As Missouri was sandwiched between the secessionist southern states and the abolitionist north, Carthage became a Civil War battlefield on July 5, 1861 and again in October 1863; pro-Confederate guerrillas burned much of the city in September 1864. The current Jasper County Courthouse, built of Carthage stone in 1894, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The history of the Civil War sites in the Missouri-Kansas border region fills a book, "The Big Divide" {{ISBN|978-0976443414}}, published in 2013. After the civil war, Carthage thrived as a rail town, a source for "Carthage marble" (a hard, polished limestone) and a highway crossroads when U.S. Highways 66 and 71 came to town in 1926. ==Get in== {{mapframe|zoom=auto}} {{Mapshape}} Joplin Regional Airport (10 miles from Carthage) offers multiple round-trip flights daily to [[Kansas City]] (150 miles); transport is also available to [[Tulsa]] (110 miles). By highway, Carthage is served by Interstate 44 (which bypasses [[Route 66]] in the region) and by US Highway 71. ==Get around== No public mass transit exists in Carthage, although the municipality operates [https://website-6841115218501613519168-taxiservice.business.site/ City Taxi]{{Dead link|date=June 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} (8AM-6PM weekdays only, +1 417-623-5577). Conventional taxi service is provided by Martins Taxi (+1 417-726-2010). ==See== [[Image:JasperCountyCourthouse.JPG|thumb|Jasper County court house]] * {{see | name=Battle of Carthage Civil War Museum | alt= | url=https://www.visitmo.com/carthage-civil-war-museum.aspx | email=m.blizzard@carthagemo.gov | address=205 Grant St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 417-237-7060 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-Sa 8:30AM-5PM, Su 1-5PM Sun, year-round | price=By donation | lastedit=2017-12-07 | content=Information and artifacts from the Civil War Battle of Carthage and the Civil War in southwest Missouri, including a wall-sized mural of the Battle of Carthage. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Battle of Carthage State Historic Site | alt= | url=https://mostateparks.com/park/battle-carthage-state-historic-site | email= | address=East Chestnut Road | lat=37.173056 | long=-94.2975 | directions= | phone=+1 417-682-2279 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 8AM-6PM | price=Free | wikidata=Q4870665 | content=The Battle of Carthage was one of the preliminary battles leading up to the much larger one at Wilson's Creek. Southern Missouri was fought over fiercely because of its rich lead and zinc deposits. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Jasper County Courthouse | alt= | url= | email= | address=Courthouse Square, 302 South Main Street | lat=37.179167 | long=-94.310278 | directions= | phone=+1 417-625-4350 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6163927 | content=Constructed with local Carthage marble in 1894, the building's grandiose architecture includes turrets, towers, and arches. The building remains the county seat today; museum and guided tours are open to the public. }} * {{see | name=Kendrick House | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kendrick-House/201415646593434 | email= | address=131 E Northwoods St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 417-358-0636 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Oldest surviving house in Jasper County (built 1849), believed to have served as a Civil War field hospital complete with slave quarters. Various events, ghost tours. }} * {{see | name=Precious Moments Chapel and Gift Shop | url=http://www.preciousmoments.com | email= | address=4105 South Chapel Rd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone =+1 417-358-7599 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Do== * {{see | name=66 Drive-in Theatre | url=http://66drivein.com/ | email=66dit@ecarthage.com | address=17231 Old 66 Blvd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 417-359-5959 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$6 adults, $3 children 5-12, free for children under 5 | content=One of the few remaining drive-in cinemas on Route 66, with neon signage of the era. Listed on the US National Register of Historic Places, its original 1949 design closely matches the "[[Radiator Springs]] Drive-In" in 2006 film ''Cars''. }} ==Buy== ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Iggy's Diner | url=http://www.iggysdiner.com | email= | address=2400 S Grand Ave | lat= | long= | directions=Hwy 571 at the traffic circle | phone=+1 417-237-0212 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Great diner style food }} * {{eat | name=El Charro | url=https://m.facebook.com/elcharro.carthage/ | email= | address=2937 S Grand Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 417-358-4016 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Tex-Mex steak house, great food, reasonably priced. }} * {{eat | name=Whisler's Drive-Up | url= | email= | address=300 N Garrison Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone =+1 417-358-4951 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Classic old-style hamburger stand. }} ==Drink== * {{drink | name=Roscoe's Bar & Grill | url= | email= | address=325 E 4th St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone =+1 417-358-8549 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Sleep== ===Hotels=== * {{sleep | name=Best Budget Inn | url= | email= | address=13011 State Highway 96 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 417-358-6911 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Quality Inn & Suites | alt= | url=https://www.choicehotels.com/missouri/carthage/quality-inn-hotels/mo391 | email= | address=2701 Hazel | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 417-359-5900 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$70-130 double | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Carthage Inn | url=http://www.carthageinn.com | email=alexpatel@hotmail.com | address=2244 Grand Avenue | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 417-358-2499 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$45-65/night | checkin=1PM | checkout=11PM | content=Wi-fi, outdoor pool, refrigerator, microwave, A/C, free local calls, HBO. }} * {{sleep | name=Days Inn by Wyndham Carthage | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/days-inn/carthage-missouri/days-inn-carthage/overview | email= | address=1441 W. Central | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 417-358-3900 | tollfree= | fax=+1 417 358-6839 | hours= | price=$60-140 double | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | content=Two-story hotel with 82 rooms, continental breakfast, wi-fi, free local calls. }} ===Motels=== * {{sleep | name=Boots Court | alt= | url=https://bootscourt66.com | email=bootsmotel@hotmail.com | address=107 S. Garrison Avenue | lat=37.1783 | long=-94.3143 | directions=downtown, at former US66 / US71 crossroads | phone=+1 417 310-2989 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikipedia=Boots Court Motel | wikidata=Q4944036 | content=Route 66 historic motel from 1939 streamline moderne era, hosted Clark Gable and other notables in its "radio in every room" heyday. Fully restored to the 1949 era (before TV came to Carthage). The first rooms reopened in 2012 (initially at $66 and $71 a night); the last of the thirteen rooms returned to service in 2023. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this property has many 1940s quirks like individual carports for some rooms in the original building. The rooms and showers are small by modern standards, the televisions have been removed, the original roof and architectural neon lighting were restored. A throwback to another era. }} * {{sleep | name=Guest House Motel | url= | email= | address=417 E. Central | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 417-358-4077 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Super 8 Motel | url=http://www.super8.com/hotels/missouri/carthage/super-8-carthage/hotel-overview | email= | address=416 W. Fir Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 417-359-9000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$63 double | checkin= | checkout= | content=Internet, continental breakfast, hot tub. Additional charge for pets. }} ===Bed and breakfast=== ===Camping=== * {{sleep | name=Ballard's Campground | url=http://www.visitmo.com/ballards-campground.aspx | email=ballardscampground@hughes.net | address=13965 Ballard Loop | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 417-359-0359 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Big Red Barn RV Park | url=http://www.bigredbarnrvpark.com | email=bigredbarnrvpark@email.com | address=5089 Country Lane 138 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 417-358-2432 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$19-23/night | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Coachlight RV Park | url=http://www.coachlightrv.com | email= | address=5305 S. Garrison | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 417-358-3666 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$22/night | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} ==Go next== {{routebox | image1=I-49.svg | imagesize1=22 | image1a=US 71.svg | imagesize1a=22 | directionl1=N | majorl1=[[Kansas City]] | minorl1=[[Lamar (Missouri)|Lamar]] | directionr1=S | majorr1=[[Fayetteville (Arkansas)|Fayetteville]] | minorr1='''[[Joplin]]''' | image2=US 66 (historic).svg | link2=Route 66 | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Tulsa]] | minorl2='''[[Joplin]]''' | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[Springfield (Missouri)|Springfield]] | minorr2=[[Halltown]] | image3=MO-96.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=W | majorl3=Ends at [[File:MO-171.svg|18px]] | minorl3=Jct [[File:MO-43.svg|18px]] | directionr3=E | majorr3=Ends at [[File:I-44.svg|18px]] | minorr3=[[Halltown]] | image4=MO-171.svg | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=W | majorl4=Ends at [[File:US 69.svg|18px]][[File:US 160.svg|18px]][[File:US 400.svg|18px]] | minorl4=[[Webb City]] | directionr4=E | majorr4=END | minorr4= }} {{usablecity}} {{geo|37.167778|-94.315000}} {{IsPartOf|Southwest Missouri}} owvk4id02fsprb9nl3cdzfsffy6gxrf 5086935 5086931 2025-07-03T03:50:10Z Lazarus1255 2236161 /* See */Updated link 5086935 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg|pgname=Carthage}} '''[https://visitcarthage.com/ Carthage]{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' is a city of about 15,500 (2020) in [[Southwest Missouri]], It is known as "America's Maple Leaf City". ==Understand== Carthage was established in 1842 to serve as the county seat of Jasper County. As Missouri was sandwiched between the secessionist southern states and the abolitionist north, Carthage became a Civil War battlefield on July 5, 1861 and again in October 1863; pro-Confederate guerrillas burned much of the city in September 1864. The current Jasper County Courthouse, built of Carthage stone in 1894, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The history of the Civil War sites in the Missouri-Kansas border region fills a book, "The Big Divide" {{ISBN|978-0976443414}}, published in 2013. After the civil war, Carthage thrived as a rail town, a source for "Carthage marble" (a hard, polished limestone) and a highway crossroads when U.S. Highways 66 and 71 came to town in 1926. ==Get in== {{mapframe|zoom=auto}} {{Mapshape}} Joplin Regional Airport (10 miles from Carthage) offers multiple round-trip flights daily to [[Kansas City]] (150 miles); transport is also available to [[Tulsa]] (110 miles). By highway, Carthage is served by Interstate 44 (which bypasses [[Route 66]] in the region) and by US Highway 71. ==Get around== No public mass transit exists in Carthage, although the municipality operates [https://website-6841115218501613519168-taxiservice.business.site/ City Taxi]{{Dead link|date=June 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} (8AM-6PM weekdays only, +1 417-623-5577). Conventional taxi service is provided by Martins Taxi (+1 417-726-2010). ==See== [[Image:JasperCountyCourthouse.JPG|thumb|Jasper County court house]] * {{see | name=Battle of Carthage Civil War Museum | alt= | url=https://www.carthagemo.gov/page/civil-war-museum | email=m.blizzard@carthagemo.gov | address=205 Grant St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 417-237-7060 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-Sa 8:30AM-5PM, Su 1-5PM Sun, year-round | price=By donation | lastedit=2017-12-07 | content=Information and artifacts from the Civil War Battle of Carthage and the Civil War in southwest Missouri, including a wall-sized mural of the Battle of Carthage. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Battle of Carthage State Historic Site | alt= | url=https://mostateparks.com/park/battle-carthage-state-historic-site | email= | address=East Chestnut Road | lat=37.173056 | long=-94.2975 | directions= | phone=+1 417-682-2279 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 8AM-6PM | price=Free | wikidata=Q4870665 | content=The Battle of Carthage was one of the preliminary battles leading up to the much larger one at Wilson's Creek. Southern Missouri was fought over fiercely because of its rich lead and zinc deposits. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Jasper County Courthouse | alt= | url= | email= | address=Courthouse Square, 302 South Main Street | lat=37.179167 | long=-94.310278 | directions= | phone=+1 417-625-4350 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6163927 | content=Constructed with local Carthage marble in 1894, the building's grandiose architecture includes turrets, towers, and arches. The building remains the county seat today; museum and guided tours are open to the public. }} * {{see | name=Kendrick House | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kendrick-House/201415646593434 | email= | address=131 E Northwoods St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 417-358-0636 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Oldest surviving house in Jasper County (built 1849), believed to have served as a Civil War field hospital complete with slave quarters. Various events, ghost tours. }} * {{see | name=Precious Moments Chapel and Gift Shop | url=http://www.preciousmoments.com | email= | address=4105 South Chapel Rd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone =+1 417-358-7599 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Do== * {{see | name=66 Drive-in Theatre | url=http://66drivein.com/ | email=66dit@ecarthage.com | address=17231 Old 66 Blvd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 417-359-5959 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$6 adults, $3 children 5-12, free for children under 5 | content=One of the few remaining drive-in cinemas on Route 66, with neon signage of the era. Listed on the US National Register of Historic Places, its original 1949 design closely matches the "[[Radiator Springs]] Drive-In" in 2006 film ''Cars''. }} ==Buy== ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Iggy's Diner | url=http://www.iggysdiner.com | email= | address=2400 S Grand Ave | lat= | long= | directions=Hwy 571 at the traffic circle | phone=+1 417-237-0212 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Great diner style food }} * {{eat | name=El Charro | url=https://m.facebook.com/elcharro.carthage/ | email= | address=2937 S Grand Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 417-358-4016 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Tex-Mex steak house, great food, reasonably priced. }} * {{eat | name=Whisler's Drive-Up | url= | email= | address=300 N Garrison Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone =+1 417-358-4951 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Classic old-style hamburger stand. }} ==Drink== * {{drink | name=Roscoe's Bar & Grill | url= | email= | address=325 E 4th St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone =+1 417-358-8549 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Sleep== ===Hotels=== * {{sleep | name=Best Budget Inn | url= | email= | address=13011 State Highway 96 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 417-358-6911 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Quality Inn & Suites | alt= | url=https://www.choicehotels.com/missouri/carthage/quality-inn-hotels/mo391 | email= | address=2701 Hazel | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 417-359-5900 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$70-130 double | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Carthage Inn | url=http://www.carthageinn.com | email=alexpatel@hotmail.com | address=2244 Grand Avenue | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 417-358-2499 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$45-65/night | checkin=1PM | checkout=11PM | content=Wi-fi, outdoor pool, refrigerator, microwave, A/C, free local calls, HBO. }} * {{sleep | name=Days Inn by Wyndham Carthage | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/days-inn/carthage-missouri/days-inn-carthage/overview | email= | address=1441 W. Central | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 417-358-3900 | tollfree= | fax=+1 417 358-6839 | hours= | price=$60-140 double | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | content=Two-story hotel with 82 rooms, continental breakfast, wi-fi, free local calls. }} ===Motels=== * {{sleep | name=Boots Court | alt= | url=https://bootscourt66.com | email=bootsmotel@hotmail.com | address=107 S. Garrison Avenue | lat=37.1783 | long=-94.3143 | directions=downtown, at former US66 / US71 crossroads | phone=+1 417 310-2989 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikipedia=Boots Court Motel | wikidata=Q4944036 | content=Route 66 historic motel from 1939 streamline moderne era, hosted Clark Gable and other notables in its "radio in every room" heyday. Fully restored to the 1949 era (before TV came to Carthage). The first rooms reopened in 2012 (initially at $66 and $71 a night); the last of the thirteen rooms returned to service in 2023. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this property has many 1940s quirks like individual carports for some rooms in the original building. The rooms and showers are small by modern standards, the televisions have been removed, the original roof and architectural neon lighting were restored. A throwback to another era. }} * {{sleep | name=Guest House Motel | url= | email= | address=417 E. Central | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 417-358-4077 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Super 8 Motel | url=http://www.super8.com/hotels/missouri/carthage/super-8-carthage/hotel-overview | email= | address=416 W. Fir Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 417-359-9000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$63 double | checkin= | checkout= | content=Internet, continental breakfast, hot tub. Additional charge for pets. }} ===Bed and breakfast=== ===Camping=== * {{sleep | name=Ballard's Campground | url=http://www.visitmo.com/ballards-campground.aspx | email=ballardscampground@hughes.net | address=13965 Ballard Loop | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 417-359-0359 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Big Red Barn RV Park | url=http://www.bigredbarnrvpark.com | email=bigredbarnrvpark@email.com | address=5089 Country Lane 138 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 417-358-2432 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$19-23/night | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Coachlight RV Park | url=http://www.coachlightrv.com | email= | address=5305 S. Garrison | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 417-358-3666 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$22/night | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} ==Go next== {{routebox | image1=I-49.svg | imagesize1=22 | image1a=US 71.svg | imagesize1a=22 | directionl1=N | majorl1=[[Kansas City]] | minorl1=[[Lamar (Missouri)|Lamar]] | directionr1=S | majorr1=[[Fayetteville (Arkansas)|Fayetteville]] | minorr1='''[[Joplin]]''' | image2=US 66 (historic).svg | link2=Route 66 | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Tulsa]] | minorl2='''[[Joplin]]''' | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[Springfield (Missouri)|Springfield]] | minorr2=[[Halltown]] | image3=MO-96.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=W | majorl3=Ends at [[File:MO-171.svg|18px]] | minorl3=Jct [[File:MO-43.svg|18px]] | directionr3=E | majorr3=Ends at [[File:I-44.svg|18px]] | minorr3=[[Halltown]] | image4=MO-171.svg | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=W | majorl4=Ends at [[File:US 69.svg|18px]][[File:US 160.svg|18px]][[File:US 400.svg|18px]] | minorl4=[[Webb City]] | directionr4=E | majorr4=END | minorr4= }} {{usablecity}} {{geo|37.167778|-94.315000}} {{IsPartOf|Southwest Missouri}} 0adcbaspw3tvdk50x4g2u02izktzjh4 0 7357 5086823 5079287 2025-07-02T22:48:03Z LordDiscord 2328784 Typo 5086823 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|WV banner Chinese phrasebook Street in Fuzhou.jpg|ftt=yes}} {{about|Standard Mandarin Chinese|Cantonese Chinese (official language in Hong Kong and Macau)|Cantonese phrasebook}} :{{hatnote|Phrasebooks for other varieties of Chinese are listed at [[China#Talk]].}} [[Image:Sign Fragrance.JPG|thumb|Chinese script in [[Singapore/Chinatown|Chinatown]], [[Singapore]]]] [[File:Kampung Ketandan Yogyakarta.jpg|thumb|Chinese script used altogether with Latin and Javanese script by Chinese Indonesians in [[Yogyakarta]]]] '''Mandarin Chinese''' is the official language of mainland [[China]], and one of the official languages of [[Taiwan]] and [[Singapore]]. Chinese is also one of the official languages in [[Hong Kong]] and [[Macau]], although most local people speak [[Cantonese]] instead of Mandarin. In English, it is often just called "Mandarin" or "Chinese". While not an official language, it is also widely studied and spoken by the Chinese minorities in [[Malaysia]], [[Brunei]] and [[Myanmar]], and commonly heard in Chinatowns throughout the world. In China, it is called ''Pǔtōnghuà'' (普通话), meaning "common speech", while in Taiwan it is referred to as ''Guóyǔ'' (國語), "the national language." In Indonesia, it is widely known as ''Zhōnghuáyǔ'' (中华语), and in Singapore and Malaysia, it simply referred to as ''Huáyǔ'' (华语). It has been the main language of education in mainland China and Taiwan since the 1950s, so most non-elderly locals speak it regardless of what their native language or dialect is. While the spoken Mandarin in the above places is more or less the same, the written characters are different. Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau all still use traditional characters, whereas Mainland China and Singapore use a simplified derivative. In Indonesia, the older Chinese generations tend to use the traditional characters, but younger generations tend to use the simplified one, though most of the time, the usage of Latin script is way more commonly practiced. ==Understand== [[Image:Map of sinitic languages-en.svg|thumb|285px|Map of Chinese Languages]] China is host to a wide variety of related languages (often referred to as dialects), of which Standard Mandarin is just one. Within the Chinese language family, there are 7-10 major branches, each of which contain their own varieties of languages. Languages from different branches (such as Mandarin and [[Cantonese phrasebook|Cantonese]]) are completely mutually unintelligible, whereas languages within the same branch (such as Standard Mandarin and Sichuanese) may have limited mutual intelligibility. Despite the wide variance in Chinese languages, all speakers normally write the same standard form (using either traditional or simplified characters). This is possible because the Chinese writing system is logographic, meaning individual characters represent ideas as opposed to phonetic sounds. What this means is that one character that would be pronounced completely differently in any number of Chinese languages will be written identically and understood to mean the same thing. Therefore speakers of different Chinese languages who are completely unable to understand each others' speech can effectively communicate via writing. The challenge with a logographic writing system, however, is the huge number of characters required to adequately represent different words: the average Chinese dictionary indexes around 20,000 characters, with an educated Chinese person likely knowing around 8,000, while a typical newspaper requires the reader to know at least 3,000 characters. Historically, there was no standard spoken Chinese, though China's first emperor Qin Shihuang established a literary standard in the 3rd century B.C., which we today call Classical Chinese (文言文 ''wényán wén''). Classical Chinese was also adopted as the literary language in Japan, Korea and Vietnam, and was only abandoned in favour of their respective native languages with the rise of nationalism in the 19th and 20th centuries. Classical Chinese was notoriously difficult as it had diverged significantly from all the varieties of vernacular Chinese, and for most of Chinese history, literacy was largely a privilege reserved for the rich elites. In the wake of what was perceived as a humiliation of China in the Treaty of Versailles after [[World War I]], reforms pushed by protesters in the May Fourth Movement led to the establishment of Standard Mandarin as the first standardized spoken form of Chinese for the entire country, as well as a new literary standard based on Standard Mandarin in an effort to increase literacy rates. {{Infobox|A (related) tale from Chinese Wikipedia|In the early days of Chinese Wikipedia, radical supporters of both traditional and simplified Chinese characters vandalized the site by converting the opposing writing system into their favored one. The problem was essentially resolved by creating an automatic translator that converts between traditional and Chinese characters (including vocabulary differences between multiple regions), allowing users to read and edit an article in whichever variety they wish. It's not a perfect system, as there are about 100 characters that don't have a one-to-one mapping, and tens of thousands of words that need to be translated differently depending on context. And there are still issues that can't be fixed with software, such as writing from a neutral global point of view. But it broadly succeeded at solving the vandalism problem, consolidated Chinese Wikipedia into a single version rather than separate ones for China and Taiwan, and paved the way for automatic translators for other languages that can be written in multiple scripts.}} Following the establishment of the People's Republic of China (PRC), formal simplifications were made to a large number of common characters in order to reduce the number of strokes required to write them, with the aim of increasing literacy. This has led to two current standards for Chinese writing: Simplified and Traditional characters. Simplified characters are the standard for Singapore and mainland China, whereas Traditional characters are retained as the standard in Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. The use of traditional or simplified characters can have controversial political connotations, particularly in Hong Kong. Traditional characters are generally preferred in calligraphy, even in mainland China, due to their superior aesthetic value and as a way of honoring the history of the art. About one fifth of the world's population speak some form of Chinese as their native language. It is a tonal language that is related to Burmese and Tibetan. In addition, the Dungan language, which is spoken in some parts of the former [[Soviet Union]], is considered to be a variant of Mandarin but uses the Cyrillic alphabet instead of Chinese characters. The writing system is used by other countries as well, although the languages are not related. The [[Korean phrasebook|Korean]] writing system historically used Chinese characters, but completely abandoned them in favor of its own 'hangul' alphabet since the mid 20th century. South Koreans still learn the basics of Chinese characters, and some basic Chinese characters are still occasionally used and widely understood; [[Japanese phrasebook|Japanese]] uses a mixed writing system comprising of Chinese characters and its own 'kana' syllabary, although over time the meaning of some characters has diverged significantly from those used in Chinese: see this [[wikt:Appendix:False friends between Chinese and Japanese|Wiktionary page]] for a list of similar words with different meanings in Chinese and Japanese language. The [[Vietnamese phrasebook|Vietnamese]] language (which uses a distinctive version of the Latin alphabet) has borrowed many words from Chinese, and prior to the French colonisation used Chinese and Chinese-like characters as well. Standard Mandarin is based on the Mandarin dialect of the [[Beijing]] area, and is almost universally understood and spoken (in conjunction with local languages) across mainland China and Taiwan as a result of being the primary language of education and the media. Travelers headed to the special administrative regions (SARs) of [[Hong Kong]] or [[Macau]] will largely encounter native [[Cantonese phrasebook|Cantonese]] speakers. Mandarin is largely understood in the SARs, though speaking ability varies widely, and in Hong Kong, the use of Mandarin is a touchy political issue. Those heading for [[Taiwan]] or [[South Fujian]] may find the [[Minnan phrasebook|Minnan]] dialect useful as well. However, formal written Chinese in Hong Kong and Macau is still based on Standard Mandarin, though colloquial Cantonese may still be written down in informal settings such as tabloids and entertainment magazines. ===Difficulties=== In the West, Chinese has a reputation for difficulty. In fact, its difficulty to learn once led to calls to replace Chinese characters and grammar with Latin script and English grammar during the 1920s by some intellectuals and writers. These opinions eventually died out, but they certainly influenced the ruling communist party's policy on simplified Chinese characters. The language is more dense than European languages, meaning considerably more can be said in a text message with the same number of characters. Each character corresponds to a syllable, and each syllable can have multiple meanings depending on the tone with which it is pronounced. Compared to, say, Japanese or Korean, Chinese contains many fewer loan words from European languages such as English, meaning that more effort will have to be made to acquire vocabulary. The grammar, however, may strike a Westerner as pretty simple. Verbs and adjectives are static regardless of subject and whether they are referring to the past, present or future. Nouns do not have genders like most European languages, and there is no separate form for plurals or separate cases. The main difficulties are the five tones, numerous consonants that are not found in European languages, and the numerous characters. Mandarin, like Vietnamese and Thai, is a tonal language that uses different pitches in syllables and words to indicate different meanings. "Ma" could mean mother, horse, numb, or blame, depending on the tone. Homophones are also common; the same sound at the same pitch can have dozens of meanings. "Zhōng" ("Zhong" with the 1st tone) can mean China/central/centre (中), loyalty (忠), clock (钟), chime (钟), finish (终), a bowl (盅), etc. All of them come with different Chinese characters, just the same sound at the same pitch. While homophones are rarely a problem in most everyday conversations, it is common for Chinese to ask how to write someone's name by identifying the characters one by one. "My name is Wang Fei (王菲). Wang is the "wang" with four strokes, Fei is the "fei" in "shifei" (gossip), with the grass [[w:Chinese character radicals|radical]] on top." Written Chinese looks like a mysterious secret code to some, but if you can recognize so many commercial logos (usually not logically related), you will be impressed with your capacity to memorize so many characters - most of which are logically related and formed based on certain rules. There are, in theory, more than 50,000 Chinese characters. The good news is that more than 85% have become obsolete, or are rarely used. Like native speakers of many languages, most Chinese couldn't tell you how many characters are required to read a book and never bother to count how many characters they know. One may argue that junior students are supposed to learn at least 2000 characters and university graduates 5000 characters. ==Pronunciation guide== [[File:Calligraphy brush at Zhu Jiuying's former residence.jpg|thumb|A calligraphy brush for visitors to historic [[Tainan]]]] To bridge the gap between recognizing characters and reading out loud, Hanyu pinyin was developed, which uses Latin script as an aid to teaching Chinese. Pronouncing pinyin is not intuitive as certain letters and consonant clusters are used to represent sounds not present in European languages and are thus not pronounced as an English speaker would expect. Nonetheless, learning pinyin at even a basic level has enormous practical value for the traveller. Written pinyin is less useful as most Chinese will not recognize place names or addresses in pinyin, and the same pinyin can be shared by different Chinese characters; it is always better to use characters for written communication. The pronunciation guide below uses Hanyu pinyin, which is the official romanization of the [[People's Republic of China]] and [[Taiwan]]. Mainland China uses Hanyu pinyin almost universally, though a few older transliterations remain in names like ''Tsingtao Beer'' and ''Peking University''. [[Taiwan]] used to use the [[w:Wade-Giles|Wade-Giles]] system, which is quite different, then in 2002 switched to [[w:Tongyong_Pinyin|Tongyong pinyin]], only slightly different from Hanyu pinyin, and since 2009 uses Hanyu pinyin just like the People's Republic. However, many older transliterations remain in use in Taiwan, and you may well encounter multiple spellings of the same name (like ''Tamsui'', ''Tamshui'', and ''Danshui'' for [[Tamsui|the town in New Taipei]]). Pinyin allows very accurate pronunciation of Mandarin for those who understand it, although the way that it uses letters like ''q'', ''x'', ''c'', ''z'' and even ''i'' is not at all intuitive to the English speaker since some of these sounds do not exist in English or many other languages. Thus, studying the pronunciation guide below carefully is essential. After you master the pronunciation you will need to move on to the next challenge: using accurate tones whilst speaking. Some pinyin vowels (especially "e", "i", "ü") can be tricky, so it is best to get a native speaker to demonstrate. Also, beware of the spelling rules listed in the [[#exceptions|exceptions]] below. ;a :as in f'''a'''ther; otherwise ;a in ian and yan: as "e" in "b'''e'''t" or "t'''e'''xt" (just the English short "e" sound) ;e :unrounded back vowel (IPA [ɤ]), similar to d'''uh'''; in unstressed syllables, a schwa (IPA [ə]), like ide'''a''' ;i :as in s'''ee''' or k'''ey''';<br>after ''ch'', ''sh'', ''zh'', ''c'', ''s'', ''z'' or ''r'', not really a vowel at all but just a stretched-out consonant sound ;o :as in m'''o'''re<br>after ''b'', ''p'', ''m'', or ''f'', as in '''wa'''r ;u :as in s'''oo'''n; but read '''ü''' in ''ju'', ''qu'', ''yu'' and ''xu'' ;ü :as in French l'''u'''ne or German gr'''ü'''n; pronounced like "ee" but with rounded lips ===Vowel combinations=== These are the most important vowel combinations in Chinese: ;ai : as in p'''ie''' ;ao: as in p'''ou'''ch ;ei : as in p'''ay''' ;ia: as in '''ya''' ;ia in '''ia'''n (but not iang): as in ''''ye'''s ;iao: as in m'''eow''' ;ie: as in '''ye'''s ;iong: as in P'''yong'''yang ;iu: as in '''yo'''del ;ou: as in m'''o'''w ;ua: as in '''wa'''nt ;uo: as in '''wa'''r ===Consonants=== Chinese stops distinguish between ''aspirated'' and ''unaspirated'', not ''unvoiced'' and ''voiced'' as in English, and Chinese lacks voiced stops. Aspirated sounds are pronounced with a distinctive puff of air as they are pronounced in English when at the beginning of a word, while unaspirated sounds are pronounced without the puff, as in English when found in clusters. Place a hand in front of your mouth and compare '''p'''it (aspirated) with s'''p'''it (unaspirated) to see the difference. Note that the list below only gives approximate pronunciations, as many of these consonants have no equivalent in English. As Mandarin does not have voiced stops or affricates, all the consonants listed in the "unaspirated" column should be pronounced unvoiced. {| ! !! width=200 | Unaspirated !! !! width=200 | Aspirated |- | '''b''' || <br>as in s'''p'''ot || '''p''' || <br>as in '''p'''it |- | '''d''' || <br>as in s'''t'''op || '''t''' || <br>as in '''t'''ongue |- | '''g''' || <br>as in s'''k'''in || '''k''' || <br>as in '''k'''ing |- | '''j''' || <br>as in i'''tch'''y || '''q''' || <br>as in '''ch'''eap |- | '''zh''' || <br>as in '''j'''ungle || '''ch''' || <br>as in '''ch'''ore |- | '''z''' || <br>as in pi'''zz'''a || '''c''' || <br>as in ra'''ts''' |} Here are the other consonants in Chinese: ;m :as in '''m'''ow ;f :as in '''f'''un ;n :as in '''n'''one or no'''n'''e ;l :as in '''l'''ease ;h :a throaty '''h''' sound as in Scottish lo'''ch'''/Spanish '''j'''efe (IPA: [x]) ;x :as in '''sh'''eep, but softer than sh ;sh :as in '''sh'''oot ;r :as in fai'''r''' ;s :as in '''s'''ag ;ng :as in si'''ng''' ;w :as in '''w'''ing but '''silent''' in ''wu''. Before a, ai, ang, eng, and/or o ;y :as in '''y'''et but '''silent''' in ''yi'', ''yu'' If you think that is a fairly intimidating repertoire, rest assured that many Chinese people, particularly those who are not native Mandarin speakers, will merge many of the sounds above (especially ''c'' with ''ch'' and ''z'' with ''zh''). Other sounds that you may hear merged, depending on the region, include ''s'' with ''sh'', ''f'' with ''h'', ''l'' with ''n'', ''l'' with ''r'', ''i'' with ''ü'', and ''n'' with ''ng''. These are particularly common in southern China, Taiwan and overseas Chinese communities. ===Exceptions=== There are a fairly large number of niggling exceptions to the basic rules above, based on the position of the sound: ; wu- :as '''u-''', so 五百 (五百) ''wubai'' is pronounced "'''u'''bai" ; yi- :as '''i-''', so 一个 (一個) ''yige'' is pronounced "'''i'''ge" ; yu- :as '''ü-''', so 豫园 (豫園) ''Yuyuan'' is pronounced "'''ü'''-'''ü'''an" ===Tones=== {{infobox|How do I put my tone marks?|If you are confused by how to put tone marks above the Hanyu Pinyin, follow the steps below: Always insert tone marks above the vowels. If there is more than one vowel letter, follow the steps below: (1) Insert it above the 'a' if that letter is present. For example, it is ''r'''ǎ'''o'' and not ''ra'''ǒ''''' (2) If not, insert it above 'o'. For example, ''gu'''ó''''' and not ''g'''ú'''o'' (3) Insert it above the letter 'e' if the letters 'a' and 'o' are not present. For example, ''ju'''é''''' and not ''j'''ú'''e'' (4) If only 'i', 'u' and 'ü' are the only present letters, insert it in the letter that occurs '''last'''. For example, ''ji'''ù''''' and not ''j'''ì'''u'', ''chu'''í''''' and not ''ch'''ú'''i''. Note, if the vowel present is ü, the tone mark is put '''in addition''' to the umlaut. For example, l'''ǜ''' }} There are five tones in Mandarin that must be followed for proper pronunciation. Never underestimate the importance of these tones. Consider a vowel with a different tone as simply a different vowel altogether, and you will realize why Chinese will ''not'' understand you if you use the wrong tone &mdash; ''mǎ'' is to ''mā'' as "I want a cake" is to "I want a coke". Be especially wary of questions that have a falling tone, or conversely exclamations that have an "asking" tone (eg ''jǐngchá'', police). In other words, ''pronounced like'' does not imply ''meaning''. While Mandarin speakers also vary their tone just like English speakers do to differentiate a statement from a question and convey emotion, it is much more subtle. Do not try it until you have mastered the basic tones. ;1. first tone ( ā ) : "high tone": flat, high pitch that is more sung instead of spoken. ;2. second tone ( á ) : "rising tone": low to middle, rising pitch that is pronounced like the end of a question phrase (''Whát?''). ;3. third tone ( ǎ ) : "low tone" or "falling-rising": mid-low to low. For two consecutive syllables in the third tone, the first syllable is pronounced as if it is in the second tone. For example, 打扰 ''dǎrǎo'' is pronounced as ''dárǎo''. (When stressed, the third tone is sometimes pronounced mid-low to low to high, dipping pitch.) ;4. fourth tone ( à ) : "falling tone": high to low, rapidly falling pitch that is pronounced like a command (''Stop!''). ;5. neutral tone ( a ) : "toneless": short, unstressed syllable; rarely used by itself (except for phrase particles) but frequently occurs as the second part of a phrase. ==Regional differences== [[File:Edmund Yeo - voice - ch 150127 1828.wav|thumb|A phrase spoken a Chinese]] While standard Mandarin between mainland China and Taiwan (and Malaysia, Singapore etc. other Sinophone world) is fundamentally similar, and speakers from these regions can generally communicate with each other with no major issues, there are several terms which differ. These differences mainly stem from stronger influences from southern Chinese dialects and Japanese in Taiwanese Mandarin, as well as differing translations for some post-1949 modern concepts. These differences are generally understandable to Chinese speakers from different places. This is particularly true for translations in arts and entertainment. The following is a list of some common terms that differ among different areas. {| class="wikitable" |+ !English !Mainland China !Taiwan !Hong Kong !Macau !Singapore !Indonesia !Notes |- |taxi |出租车 (出租車) ''chū zū chē'' |计程车 (計程車) ''jì chéng chē'' |的士 (的士) |的士 (的士) |德士 (德士) ''dé shì'' |捡起车 ''jiǎn qǐ chē'' |的士 is also an informal word in Mainland China. |- |metro / subway |地铁 (地鐵) ''dì tiě'' |捷运 (捷運) ''jié yùn'' |地铁/港铁 (地鐵/港鐵) |地铁 (地鐵) |地铁 (地鐵) ''dì tiě'' | |港铁 (港鐵) unambiguously refers to Hong Kong's [[Hong Kong#By Mass Transit Railway|Mass Transit Railway]], although some lines are outdoor. |- |light rail |轻轨 (輕軌) ''qīng guǐ'' |轻轨 (輕軌) ''qīng guǐ'' |轻铁 (輕鐵) |轻轨 (輕軌) |轻轨 (輕軌) ''qīng guǐ'' | |Due to difference in rail transit development history and regulations, the common meaning of "Light rail" in Mainland China isn't same as rest of world. |- |bicycle |自行车 (自行車) ''zì xíng chē'' |脚踏车 (腳踏車) ''jiǎo tà chē'' |单车 (單車) |单车 (單車) |脚踏车 (腳踏車) ''jiǎo tà chē'' / 脚车 (腳車) ''jiǎo chē'' |桨车 ''jiăng chē'' | |- |air conditioning |空调 (空調) ''kōng tiáo'' |冷气 (冷氣) ''lěng qì'' |冷气 (冷氣) |冷气 (冷氣) |冷气 (冷氣) ''lěng qì'' |空温 ''kōng wēn'' | |- |potato |土豆 (土豆) ''tǔ dòu'' |马铃薯 (馬鈴薯) ''mǎ líng shǔ'' |薯仔 |薯仔 (薯仔) |马铃薯 (馬鈴薯) ''mǎ líng shǔ'' |荷兰红薯 ''hé lán hóng shǔ'' |土豆 (土豆) refers to peanuts in Taiwan |- |pineapple |菠萝 (菠蘿) ''bō luó'' |凤梨 (鳳梨) ''fèng lí'' |菠萝 (菠蘿) |菠萝 (菠蘿) |黄梨 (黃梨) ''huáng lí'' | | |- |boxed meal |盒饭 (盒飯) ''hé fàn'' |便当 (便當) ''biàn dāng'' |饭盒 (飯盒) |饭盒 (飯盒) |便当 (便當) ''biàn dāng'' / 饭盒 (飯盒) ''fàn hé'' |便当盒 ''biàn dang hé'' | |- |text message / SMS |短信 (短信) ''duǎn xìn'' |简讯 (簡訊) ''jiǎn xùn'' |短讯 (短訊) |短讯 (短訊) |简讯 (簡訊) ''jiǎn xùn'' | | |- |spoon |勺子 (勺子) ''sháo zi'' |汤匙 (湯匙) ''tāng chí'' |匙羹 |匙羹 (匙羹) |汤匙 (湯匙) ''tāng chí'' |勺 ''sháo'' | |} Also note that while the term 小姐 (小姐) ''xiǎo jiě'' is often used to address young women and waitresses in Taiwan (and in Singapore and Malaysia), it is a euphemism for "prostitute" in mainland China, and thus would be considered an insult. In mainland China, the corresponding word for addressing a young woman would be 女士 (女士) ''nǚ shì'' (which can be used for women of all ages), while the word for addressing a waitress would be 服务员 (服務員) ''fú wù yuán'' (which is used for waitstaff of both sexes). Similarly, while 台妹 (臺妹) ''tái mèi'' is used in mainland China to refer to any young Taiwanese woman, in Taiwan it is a derogatory term referring to an uncultured young woman from the countryside. Another term that can cause confusion is 冲凉 (沖涼) ''chōng liáng'', which means "to take a cold shower" in China, but refers to taking any kind of shower in Malaysia and Singapore. Similarly 做工 (做工) ''zuò gōng'' means "to work", but it refers specifically to doing manual labour in mainland China and Taiwan, while it refers to doing any kind of work in Malaysia and Singapore. The Chinese names for several countries and locations also differ between Mainland China and Taiwan, as shown in the table below. Hong Kong uses a blend of Mainland Chinese and Taiwanese names, plus indigenous place names (especially for UK place names) derived from Cantonese. {| class="wikitable sortable" |+ !Country/Location !Mainland China !Taiwan !Hong Kong !notes |- |[[Australia]] |澳大利亚 (澳大利亞) ''Ào dà lì yà'' |澳洲 (澳洲) ''Ào zhōu'' |澳洲 (澳洲) | |- |[[Bangladesh]] |孟加拉国 (孟加拉國) ''Mèng jiā lā Guó'' |孟加拉 (孟加拉) ''Mèng jiā lā'' |孟加拉 (孟加拉) |In Mainland China, 孟加拉 includes both the country of Bangladesh and the Indian state of [[West Bengal]].<br>In Hong Kong may also be a slang for idiot/fool, depending on the context. |- |[[Georgia (country)|Georgia]] (European country) |格鲁吉亚 (格魯吉亞) ''Gé lǔ jí yà'' |乔治亚 (喬治亞) ''Qiáo zhì yà'' |格鲁吉亚 (格魯吉亞) | |- |[[Laos]] |老挝 (老撾) ''Lǎo wō'' |寮国 (寮國) ''Liáo guó'' |老挝 (老撾) | |- |[[New Zealand]] |新西兰 (新西蘭) ''Xīn xī lán'' |纽西兰 (紐西蘭) ''Niǔ xī lán'' |新西兰 (新西蘭) | |- |[[North Korea]] |(北)朝鲜 ((北)朝鮮) ''Cháo xiǎn'' |北韩 (北韓) ''Běi hán'' |北韩 (北韓) |The Korean peninsula is always referred as 朝鲜半岛 (朝鮮半島) regardless of location, except in South Korean official statements where it is referred as 韩半岛 (韓半島). |- |[[Qatar]] |卡塔尔 (卡塔爾) ''Kǎ tǎ 'ěr'' |卡达 (卡達) ''Kǎ dá'' |卡塔尔 (卡塔爾) | |- |[[Saudi Arabia]] |沙特(阿拉伯) ''Shā tè'' |沙乌地 (沙烏地) ''Shā wū dì'' |沙特阿拉伯 (沙特阿拉伯) | |- |[[United Arab Emirates|UAE]] |阿拉伯联合酋长国/阿联酋 (阿拉伯聯合酋長國/阿聯酋) |阿拉伯联合酋长国/阿联 (阿拉伯聯合大公國/阿聯) |阿拉伯联合酋长国/阿联酋 (阿拉伯聯合酋長國/阿聯酋) | |- |[[South Korea]] |韩国 (韓國) ''Hán guó'' |南韩 (南韓) ''Nán hán'' |南韩/韩国 (南韓/韓國) |In Taiwan and sometimes in Hong Kong, 韩国 (韓國) refers to the entire Korea before its division. |- |[[Georgia (state)|Georgia]], [[United States]] |佐治亚 (佐治亞) ''Zuǒ zhì yà'' |乔治亚州 (喬治亞州) ''Qiáo zhì yà zhōu'' |佐治亚 (佐治亞) | |- |[[Georgia (country)|Georgia]], country in Caucasus |格鲁吉亚 (格魯吉亞) ''Zuǒ zhì yà'' |乔治亚 (喬治亞) ''Qiáo zhì yà'' |格鲁吉亚 (格魯吉亞) |In Taiwense translation, it may have confusion on which it refers to because they are both translated from English. |- |[[Virginia]], [[United States]] |弗吉尼亚 (弗吉尼亞) ''Fú jí ní yà'' |维吉尼亚 (維吉尼亞) ''Wéi jí ní yà'' |维珍尼亚 (維珍尼亞) | |- |[[British Columbia]], [[Canada]] |不列颠哥伦比亚 (不列顛哥倫比亞) ''Bù liè diān Gē lún bǐ yà'' |英属哥伦比亚 (英屬哥倫比亞) ''Yīng shǔ Gē lún bǐ yà'' |卑诗 (卑詩) |卑诗 (卑詩) is the local name used by Chinese communities in BC. BC省 is an informal name. |- |[[Aberdeen]], [[United Kingdom]] |阿伯丁 ''Ā bó dīng'' |亚伯丁 (亞伯丁) ''Yà bó dīng'' |鸭巴甸 (鴨巴甸) |There is also a place in Hong Kong Island called Aberdeen (香港仔). |} ==Phrase list== All phrases show both the simplified characters (used in mainland [[China]], [[Singapore]], and [[Indonesia]]) and the traditional characters (used in [[Taiwan]], [[Hong Kong]], and [[Macau]]) in the following format: ; English phrase : Simplified characters (Traditional characters) ''Hanyu Pinyin'' === Basics === {{infobox|Pronouns|Chinese pronouns are relatively straightforward. *我 ''wǒ'' is the standard first person pronoun, while 你 ''nǐ'' is the standard second person pronoun, though 您 ''nín'' is a more respectful pronoun that should be used when addressing people of higher status, and is also sometimes used by shop assistants to address customers. *The equivalent of the third-person pronouns "he", "she" and "it" are 他, 她 and 它 respectively, all pronounced ''tā''. *Plurals are relatively straightforward, and are formed by adding a 们 (們) ''men'' behind the singular pronoun, so 我们 (我們) ''wǒmen'' means "we", 你们 (你們) ''nǐmen'' is the equivalent of the plural "you" and 他们 (他們) ''tāmen'' means "they". *In Northern China, 咱们 (咱們) ''zámen'' is used as the inclusive "we" (i.e. if the subject includes the person(s) you are talking to), and 我们 (我們) is used as the exclusive "we" (i.e. if the subject does not include the person(s) you are talking to), though this distinction is not made in southern China, Taiwan, Malaysia and Singapore, which only use 我们 (我們).}} {{infobox|Have you eaten?|The literal translation of "how are you", ''Nǐ hǎo ma?'', will be understood but may sound stilted and foreign. When greeting someone, it's more natural to ask some variation of 你吃饭了吗？ (你吃飯了嗎） ''Nǐ chī fàn le ma?'' (Have you eaten?). You can answer like this: ;Yes, I've eaten. :已经吃了 (已經吃了) ''Yǐjīng chī le'' ;No, I haven't yet. :还没吃 (還沒吃) ''Hái méi chī'' }} ; Hello. : 你好。 (你好。) ''Nǐ hǎo''. ; Hello. (''only on the telephone'') : 喂。 (喂。) ''Wéi.'' (In Malaysia and Singapore, the English "hello" is typically used instead) ; How are you? : 你好吗？ (你好嗎？) ''Nǐ hǎo ma?'' (In Indonesia, it is often shortened as ''Nǐ hăo?'') ; Not bad : 还不错。 (還不錯。) ''Hái búcuò.'' ; Fine, thank you. : 很好, 谢谢。 (很好，謝謝。) ''Hěn hǎo, xièxie.'' ; May I please ask, what is your name? : 请问你叫什么名字？ (請問你叫什麼名字？) ''Qǐngwèn nǐjiào shěnme míngzì?'' ; What is your name? : 你叫什么名字？ (你叫什麼名字？) ''Nǐ jiào shénme míngzì?'' ; My name is ______ . :我叫 _____ 。 (我叫 _____ 。) ''Wǒ jiào ______ .'' ; Nice to meet you. : 很高兴认识你。 (很高興認識你。) ''Hěn gāoxìng rènshi nǐ.'' / 幸会。 (幸會。) ''Xìng huì.'' ; Please. : 请。 (請。) ''Qǐng.'' ; Thank you. : 谢谢。 (謝謝。) ''Xièxie.'' ; You're welcome. : 不客气。 (不客氣。) ''Bú kèqi.'' ; Excuse me. (''getting attention'') : 请问。 (請問。) ''qǐng wèn.'' ; Excuse me. (''begging pardon'') : 打扰一下。 (打擾一下。) ''Dǎrǎo yixià'' / 麻烦您一下。 (麻煩您一下。) ''Máfan nín yíxià''. ; Excuse me. (''coming through'') : 对不起。 (對不起。) ‘’Duìbùqǐ’’ / 请让一下。 (請讓一下。) ''Qǐng ràng yixià'' ; I'm sorry. : 对不起。 (對不起。) ''Duìbuqǐ.'' ; It's okay. (polite response to "I'm sorry"): 没关系。 (沒關系。) ''méiguānxi.'' ; Goodbye : 再见。 (再見。) ''Zàijiàn'' ; Goodbye (''informal'') : 拜拜。 (拜拜。) ''Bai-bai'' (Byebye) (In Indonesia, the more common phrase is ''Dà-dà'') ; I can't speak Chinese. : 我不会说汉语。 (我不會說漢語。) ''Wǒ bú huì shuō hànyǔ.'' ; Do you speak English? : 你会说英语吗？ (你會說英語嗎？) ''Nǐ huì shuō Yīngyǔ ma?'' ; Is there someone here who speaks English? : 这里有人会说英语吗？ (這裏有人會說英語嗎？) ''Zhèlĭ yǒu rén hùi shuō Yīngyǔ ma?'' ; Help! (in emergencies): 救命！ (救命!) ''Jiùmìng!'' ; Good morning. : 早安。 (早安。) ''Zǎo'ān.'' ; Good evening. : 晚上好。 (晚上好。) ''Wǎnshàng hǎo.'' ; Good night. : 晚安。 (晚安。) ''Wǎn'ān.'' ; I don't understand. : 我听不懂。 (我聽不懂。) ''Wǒ tīng bu dǒng.'' (when listening) / 我看不懂。 (我看不懂。) ''Wǒ kàn bu dǒng.'' (when reading) (In Indonesia, the more common phrase is 我不知道 ''Wǒ bù zhī dào'') ; Where is the toilet? : 厕所在哪里？ (廁所在哪裡？) ''Cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ?'' ; Where is the bathroom（polite)? : 洗手间在哪里？ (洗手間在哪裡？) ''Xǐshǒujiān zài nǎlǐ?'' ; How do you say ____? : ____ 怎么说？ (____ 怎麼說？) ''____ zěnme shuō?'' ===Problems=== [[File:Hunyuan Xuankong Si 2013.08.30 09-02-11.jpg|thumb|Hanging Monastery in [[Datong City|Datong]]]] {{infobox|To be or not to be?|Chinese does not have words for "yes" and "no" as such; instead, questions are typically answered by repeating the verb. Here are common examples: ; To be or not to be: 是 (是) ''shì'', 不是 (不是) ''bú shì'' ; To have or not have / there is or is not: 有 (有) ''yǒu'', 没有 (没有) ''méi yǒu'' ; To be right or wrong: 对 (對) ''duì'', 不对 (不對) ''bú duì'' If all this seems like too much to handle, you can say "yes" with a short falling-tone grunt (嗯 ''ǹg''), and you'll usually be understood if you say 不 ''bù'' for "no". }} ; Leave me alone. : 不要打扰我。 (不要打擾我。) ''búyào dǎrǎo wǒ'' ; I don't want it! (useful for people who come up trying to sell you something) : 我不要！ (我不要！) ''wǒ búyào!'' ; Don't touch me! : 不要碰我！ (不要碰我！) ''búyào pèng wǒ!'' ; I'll call the police. : 我要叫警察了。 (我要叫警察了。) ''wǒ yào jiào jǐngchá le'' ; Police! : 警察！ (警察！) ''jǐngchá!'' ; Stop! Thief! : 住手！小偷！ (住手！小偷！) ''zhùshǒu! xiǎotōu!'' ; I need your help. : 我需要你的帮助。 (我需要你的幫助。) ''wǒ xūyào nǐde bāngzhù'' ; It's an emergency. : 这是紧急情况。 (這是緊急情況。) ''zhèshì jǐnjí qíngkuàng'' ; I'm lost. : 我迷路了。 (我迷路了。) ''wǒ mílù le'' ; I lost my bag. : 我的包丢了。 (我的包丟了。) ''wǒ de bāo diūle'' ; I lost my wallet. : 我的钱包丢了。 (我的錢包丟了。) ''wǒ de qiánbāo diūle'' ; I'm sick. : 我生病了。 (我生病了。) ''wǒ shēngbìng le'' ; I've been injured. : 我受伤了。 (我受傷了。) ''wǒ shòushāng le'' ; I need a doctor. : 我需要医生。 (我需要醫生。) ''wǒ xūyào yīshēng'' ; Can I use your phone? : 我可以打个电话吗？ (我可以打個電話嗎？) ''wǒ kěyǐ dǎ ge diànhuà ma?'' ===Going to the doctor=== {{infobox|Asking a question in Chinese|There are many ways to ask a question in Chinese. Here are two easy ones for travelers... ; Verb/Adj. + 不 (不) ''bù'' + Verb/Adj. : Example - 好不好？ （好不好？）''hăo bù hăo?'' - Is that okay? / Are you all right? (literally - good not good?) Exception - 有没有？ （有沒有？） ''yŏu méi yŏu?'' - Do you have? (literally - have not have?) ; Sentence + 吗 （嗎） ma : Example - 你是中国人吗？ （你是中國人嗎？） ''nĭ shì zhōngguóren ma?'' - Are you Chinese? (literally - you are Chinese + ma)}} [[File:Miaoli-County Taiwan Quanhua-Temple-02.jpg|thumb|Quanhua Temple in [[Miaoli County]]]] ; Doctor: 医生 (醫生) ''yīshēng'' ; Nurse: 护士 (護士) ''hùshi'' ; Hospital: 医院 (醫院) ''yīyuàn'' ; Chinese medicine: 中药 (中藥) ''zhōngyào'' ; Western medicine: 西药 (西藥) ''xīyào'' ; I am sick.: 我生病了。 (我生病了。) ''wǒ shēngbìng le'' ; My _____ hurts.: 我的 ____ 疼/痛。 ( 我的 ____ 疼/痛。) ''wŏde ____ téng/tòng'' ; Painful: 疼/痛 (疼/痛) ''téng/tòng'' ; Sick/Uncomfortable: 不舒服 (不舒服) ''bù shūfu'' ; Itchy/ticklish: 痒 (痒) ''yǎng'' ; Sore (In muscle strains): 酸 (酸) ''suān'' ; Fever: 发热 (發熱) ''fārè'' / 发烧 (發燒) ''fāshāo'' ; Cough: 咳嗽 (咳嗽) ''késòu'' ; Sneeze: 打喷嚏 (打噴嚏) ''dǎ pēntì'' ; Diarrhoea: 拉肚子 (拉肚子) ''lā dùzi'' / 泻肚子 (瀉肚子) ''xiè dùzi'' ; Vomiting: 呕吐 (嘔吐) ''ŏu tù'' ; Running nose: 流鼻涕 (流鼻涕) ''liú bítì'' ; Phlegm: 痰 (痰) ''tán'' ; Cut/wound: 割伤 (割傷) ''gēshāng'' / 伤口 (傷口) ''shāngkǒu'' ; Burn: 烧伤 (燒傷) ''shāoshāng'' ; Hands: 手 (手) ''shǒu'' ; Arms: 手臂 (手臂) ''shǒubì'' / 胳膊 (胳膊) ''gēbo'' ; Fingers: 手指 (手指) ''shǒuzhǐ'' ; Wrist: 手腕 (手腕) ''shǒuwàn'' ; Shoulder: 肩膀 (肩膀) ''jiānbǎng'' ; Feet: 脚 (腳) ''jiǎo'' ; Toes: 脚趾 (腳趾) ''jiáozhǐ'' ; Legs: 腿 (腿) ''tuǐ'' ; Nails: 指甲 (指甲) ''zhǐjia'' ; Body: 身体 (身體) ''shēntǐ'' ; Eyes: 眼睛 (眼睛) ''yǎnjīng'' ; Ears: 耳朵 (耳朵) ''ěrduo'' ; Nose: 鼻子 (鼻子) ''bízi'' ; Face: 脸 (臉) ''liǎn'' ; Hair: 头发 (頭髮) ''tóufa'' ; Head: 头 (頭) ''tóu'' ; Neck: 脖子 (脖子) ''bózi'' / 颈项 (頸項) ''jǐngxiàng'' ; Throat: 喉咙 (喉嚨) ''hóulóng'' ; Chest: 胸 (胸) ''xiōng'' ; Abdomen: 肚子 (肚子) ''dùzi'' / 腹 (腹) ''fù'' ; Hip/Waist: 腰 (腰) ''yāo'' ; Buttocks: 屁股 (屁股) ''pìgu'' ; Back: 背 (背) ''bèi'' ; Medical Insurance: 医疗保险 (醫療保險) ''yīliáo bǎoxiǎn'' ; Doctor's fees: 医生费 (醫生費) ''yīshēng fèi'' ; Prescription: 处方 (處方) ''chǔfāng'' / 药方 (藥方) ''yàofāng'' ; Medicine: 药 (藥) ''yào'' ; Pharmacy: 药店 (藥店) ''yàodiàn'' ===Numbers=== {{Infobox|Number gestures|Chinese people use a set of gestures for the numbers 1-10. They're a useful way to communicate prices and quantities, especially if you're having trouble understanding or pronouncing the Chinese word for a number. The gestures vary a bit by region. <gallery> Image:Chinese number one.jpg|1 Image:Chinese number two.jpg|2 Image:Chinese number three.jpg|3 Image:Chinesische.Zahl.Vier.jpg|4 Image:Chinesische.Zahl.Fuenf.jpg|5 Image:Chinesische.Zahl.Sechs.jpg|6 Image:Chinesische.Zahl.Sieben.jpg|7 (may be interpreted as 5 by Malaysian or Singaporean Chinese and as 8 by Guangdong & Hong Kong locals) Image:Chinesische.Zahl.Acht.jpg|8 (may be interpreted as 7 in some regions, such as Guangdong, Fujian, Hong Kong and Taiwan and by Indonesian, Malaysian, and Singaporean Chinese) File:Gesture_of_number_8_in_coastal_South_China.jpg|8 (used in coastal South China and Taiwan) Image:Chinesische.Zahl.Neun.jpg|9 (may be interpreted as the verb "to die" in Singapore, and may be interpreted as 6 in Indonesia) Image:Chinesische.Zahl.Zehn.jpg|10 (may be interpreted as 0 in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore) Image:Chinesische.Zahl.Zehn.zweiHaende.jpg|10 (alternative) </gallery>}} Chinese numbers are very regular. While Western numerals have become more common and are universally understood, the Chinese numerals shown below are still used, particularly in informal contexts like markets. ; 0: 〇 (〇) / 零 (零) ''líng'' ; 1: 一 (一) ''yī'' (pronounced ''yāo'' when reading numbers like ID card or telephone numbers) ; 2: 二 (二) ''èr'' (两 (兩) ''liǎng'' is used when specifying quantities) ; 3: 三 (三) ''sān'' ; 4: 四 (四) ''sì'' ; 5: 五 (五) ''wǔ'' ; 6: 六 (六) ''liù'' ; 7: 七 (七) ''qī'' ; 8: 八 (八) ''bā'' ; 9: 九 (九) ''jiǔ'' ; 10: 十 (十) ''shí'' ; 11: 十一 (十一) ''shí-yī'' ; 12: 十二 (十二) ''shí-èr'' ; 13: 十三 (十三) ''shí-sān'' ; 14: 十四 (十四) ''shí-sì'' ; 15: 十五 (十五) ''shí-wǔ'' ; 16: 十六 (十六) ''shí-liù'' ; 17: 十七 (十七) ''shí-qī'' ; 18: 十八 (十八) ''shí-bā'' ; 19: 十九 (十九) ''shí-jiǔ'' ; 20: 二十 (二十) ''èr-shí'' ; 21: 二十一 (二十一) ''èr-shí-yī'' ; 22: 二十二 (二十二) ''èr-shí-èr'' ; 23: 二十三 (二十三) ''èr-shí-sān'' ; 30: 三十 (三十) ''sān-shí'' ; 40: 四十 (四十) ''sì-shí'' ; 50: 五十 (五十) ''wǔ-shí'' ; 60: 六十 (六十) ''liù-shí'' ; 70: 七十 (七十) ''qī-shí'' ; 80: 八十 (八十) ''bā-shí'' ; 90: 九十 (九十) ''jiǔ-shí'' {{Infobox|''Shí kuài'' or ''sì kuài''?|In southern China, Taiwan, Malaysia and Singapore, many speakers don't distinguish the ''sh'' and ''s'' sounds, which means that in these areas, the only reliable difference between ''shí'' (ten) and ''sì'' (four) is the tone. So if you're talking to someone from southern China, it's important to listen for the tone when they tell you a number, lest you think something costs 4 yuan when it's really 10.}} For numbers above 100, any "gaps" must be filled in with 零 ''líng'', as e.g. 一百一 ''yībǎiyī'' would otherwise be taken as shorthand for "110". A single unit of tens may be written and pronounced either 一十 ''yīshí'' or just 十 ''shí''. ; 100: 一百 (一百) ''yī-bǎi'' ; 101: 一百零一 (一百零一) ''yī-bǎi-líng-yī'' ; 110: 一百一十 (一百一十) ''yī-bǎi-yī-shí'' ; 111: 一百一十一 (一百一十一) ''yī-bǎi-yī-shí-yī'' ; 200: 二百 (二百) ''èr-bǎi'' (written) or 两百 (兩百) ''liǎng-bǎi'' (colloquial) ; 300: 三百 (三百) ''sān-bǎi'' ; 500: 五百 (五百) ''wǔ-bǎi'' ; 1000: 一千 (一千) ''yī-qiān'' ; 2000: 二千 (二千) ''èr-qiān'' (written) or 两千 (兩千) ''liǎng-qiān'' (colloquial) Numbers starting from 10,000 are grouped by in units of four digits starting with 万 (萬) ''wàn'' (ten thousand). "One million" in Chinese is thus "hundred ten-thousands" 一百万 (一百萬), and "one billion" is "ten hundred-millions" 十亿 (十億). ; 10,000: 一万 (一萬) ''yī-wàn'' ; 10,001: 一万零一 (一萬零一) ''yī-wàn-líng-yī'' ; 10,002: 一万零二 (一萬零二) ''yī-wàn-líng-èr'' ; 20,000: 二万 (二萬) ''èr-wàn'' (written) or 两万 (兩萬) ''liǎng-wàn'' (colloquial) ; 50,000: 五万 (五萬) ''wǔ-wàn'' ; 100,000: 十万 (十萬) ''shí-wàn'' ; 200,000: 二十万 (二十萬) ''èr-shí-wàn'' ; 1,000,000: 一百万 (一百萬) ''yī-bǎi-wàn'' ; 10,000,000: 一千万 (一千萬) ''yī-qiān-wàn'' ; 100,000,000: 一亿 (一億) ''yī-yì'' ; 1,000,000,000: 十亿 (十億) ''shí-yì'' ; 1,000,000,000,000: 一万亿 (一萬億) ''yī-wàn-yì'' or 一兆 (一兆) ''yī-zhào'' ; number _____ (''train, bus, etc.'') : number '''''measure word''''' (路(路) ''lù'', 号(號) ''hào'', ...) _____ (火车 (火車) ''huǒ chē'', 公共汽车 (公共汽車) ''gōng gòng qì chē'', etc.) Measure words are used in combination with a number to indicate an amount of something, similar to how English requires "two ''pieces of'' furniture" rather than just "two furniture". However, unlike in English, Chinese requires counter words for ''all'' nouns, whether countable or uncountable. When unsure, use 个 (個) ''ge''; even though it may not be correct, you will probably be understood because it is the generic and most common measure word. ;one person: 一个人 (一個人) ''yí ge rén'' ;two apples: 两个苹果 (兩個蘋果) ''liǎng ge píngguǒ'' ;one slice of bread: 一片面包 (一片麵包) ''yí piàn miàn bāo'' ;one piece of cake: 一块蛋糕 (一塊蛋糕) ''yí kuài dàn gāo'' Be careful about using the right counter words for the latter two. 一个面包 (一個麵包) ''yí ge miàn bāo'' and 一个蛋糕 (一個蛋糕) ''yí ge dàn gāo'' refer to a whole loaf of bread and a whole cake respectively. Note that two of something always uses 两 (兩) ''liǎng'' rather than 二 (二) ''èr''). ; half : 半 (半) ''bàn'' ; less than : 少于 (少於) ''shǎoyú'' ; more than : 多于 (多於) ''duōyú'' ====Financial forms==== There are also more complex forms of these characters, used in financial contexts to prevent fraud by adding strokes on characters. Most travellers are unlikely to need to recognize them, but they are used in situations such as writing cheques and printing banknotes. {| class="wikitable" | Everyday character || 零/〇 || 一 || 二 || 三 || 四 || 五 || 六 || 七 || 八 || 九 || 十 || 百 || 千 || 万 (萬) || 亿 (億) |- | Financial character || 零 (零) || 壹 (壹) || 贰 (貳) || 叁 (參) || 肆 (肆) || 伍 (伍) || 陆 (陸) || 柒 (柒) || 捌 (捌) || 玖 (玖) || 拾 (拾) || 佰 (佰) || 仟 (仟) || 萬 (萬) || 億 (億) |- | Value || 0 || 1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 || 6 || 7 || 8 || 9 || 10 || 100 || 1,000 || 10,000 || 100,000,000 |} ===Time=== [[File:1 tianzishan wulingyuan zhangjiajie 2012.jpg|thumb|Landscape of [[Zhangjiajie]]]] ; now : 现在 (現在) ''xiànzài'' ; later : 以后 (以後) ''yǐhòu'' / 稍后(稍後) ''shāohòu'' ; before : 以前 (以前) ''yǐqián'' ; morning : 早上 (早上) ''zǎoshang'' / 上午 (上午) ''shàngwǔ'' ; noon: 中午 (中午) ''zhōngwǔ'' ; afternoon : 下午 (下午) ''xiàwǔ'' ; evening : 傍晚 (傍晚) ''bàngwǎn'' ; night : 晚上 (晚上) ''wǎnshang'' ; midnight: 半夜 (半夜) ''bànyè'' / 午夜 (午夜) ''wǔyè'' ====Clock time==== ; What time is it? : 现在几点？ (現在幾點？) ''Xiànzài jǐ diǎn?'' ; It is nine in the morning.: 早上9点钟。 (早上9點鐘。) ''Zǎoshàng jǐu diǎn zhōng.'' ; 3<nowiki>:</nowiki>30 PM: 下午3点半 (下午3點半) ''Xiàwǔ sān diǎn bàn'' / 下午3点30分 (下午3點30分) ''Xiàwǔ sāndiǎn sānshí fēn'' ; 3<nowiki>:</nowiki>38 PM: 下午3点38分 (下午3點38分) ''Xiàwǔ sāndiǎn sānshíbā fēn'' In formal writing, 时 (時) ''shí'' is used instead of 点 (點) ''diǎn'' to indicate hours when telling time. Therefore, the time 3<nowiki>:</nowiki>30 PM would be written as 下午3时30分 (下午3時30分) in formal writing. This form is, however, not used in speech. ====Duration==== ; _____ minute(s) : _____ 分钟 (分鐘) ''fēnzhōng'' ; _____ hour(s) : _____ 个小时 (個小時) ''ge xiǎoshí'' / _____ 个钟头 (個鍾頭) ''ge zhōngtóu'' ; _____ day(s) : _____ 天 (天) ''tiān'' (colloquial) / _____ 日 (日) ''rì'' (formal) ; _____ week(s) : _____ 个礼拜 (個禮拜) ''ge lǐbài'' (colloquial) / _____ 个星期 (個星期) ''ge xīngqī'' / _____ 周 (週) ''zhōu'' ; _____ month(s) : _____ 个月 (個月) ''ge yùe'' ; _____ year(s) : _____ 年 (年) ''nián'' ====Days==== ; today : 今天 (今天) ''jīntiān'' ; yesterday : 昨天 (昨天) ''zuótiān'' ; the day before yesterday: 前天 (前天) ''qiántiān'' ; tomorrow : 明天 (明天) ''míngtiān'' ; the day after tomorrow: 后天 (後天) ''hòutiān'' ; this week : 这个星期 (這個星期) ''zhège xīngqī'' / 这个礼拜 (這個禮拜) ''zhège lǐbài'' (colloquial) / 这周 （這週） ''zhè zhōu'' ; last week : 上个星期 (上個星期) ''shàngge xīngqī'' / 上个礼拜 (上個禮拜) ''shàngge lǐbài'' (colloquial) / 上周 (上週) ''shàng zhōu'' ; next week : 下个星期 (下個星期) ''xiàge xīngqī'' / 下个礼拜 (下個禮拜) ''xiàge lǐbài'' (colloquial) / 下周 (下週) ''xià zhōu'' Weekdays in Chinese are easy: starting with 1 for Monday, just add the number after 星期 (星期) ''xīngqī''. In [[Taiwan]] and Singapore, 星期 (星期) is pronounced ''xīngqí'' (second tone on the second syllable). ; Sunday : 星期天 (星期天) ''xīngqītiān'' / 星期日 (星期日) ''xīngqīrì'' ; Monday : 星期一 (星期一) ''xīngqīyī'' ; Tuesday : 星期二 (星期二) ''xīngqī'èr'' ; Wednesday : 星期三 (星期三) ''xīngqīsān'' ; Thursday : 星期四 (星期四) ''xīngqīsì'' ; Friday : 星期五 (星期五) ''xīngqīwǔ'' ; Saturday : 星期六 (星期六) ''xīngqīliù'' In colloquial usage, 星期 (星期) can also be replaced with 礼拜 (禮拜) ''lǐbài'' or just 拜 (拜) ''bài'', and 周 (週) ''zhōu'', but only 礼拜天 (禮拜天) ''lǐbàitiān'' and 周日 (週日) ''zhōurì'' are used, while 礼拜日 (禮拜日) or 周天 (週天) are not used. 礼拜 (禮拜) ''lǐbài'' on its own without a suffix can also be used to refer to Sunday. A common way to refer to Saturday and Sunday collectively is 拜六礼拜 (拜六禮拜) ''bài lìu lǐ bài''. ====Months==== [[File:Kaohsiung Music Center and Great Tiger Bridge during 2022 Taiwan Lantern Festival.jpg|thumb|Lantern Festival in [[Kaohsiung]]]] Months in Chinese are also easy: starting with 1 for January, just add the number before 月 (月) ''yuè''. ; January : 一月 (一月) ''yī yuè'' ; February : 二月 (二月) ''èr yuè'' ; March : 三月 (三月) ''sān yuè'' ; April : 四月 (四月) ''sì yuè'' ; May : 五月 (五月) ''wŭ yuè'' ; June : 六月 (六月) ''liù yuè'' ; July : 七月 (七月) ''qī yuè'' ; August : 八月 (八月) ''bā yuè'' ; September : 九月 (九月) ''jiŭ yuè'' ; October : 十月 (十月) ''shí yuè'' ; November : 十一月 (十一月) ''shí yī yuè'' ; December : 十二月 (十二月) ''shí èr yuè'' ====Writing dates==== {{infobox|Writing dates in the lunar calendar|If you are attempting to name a date in the Chinese lunar calendar, add the words 农历 (農曆) before the name of the month to distinguish it from the months of the solar calendar, although it is not strictly necessary. There are some differences: The words 日(日) ''rì''/ 号(號) ''hào'' are generally not required when stating dates in the lunar calendar; it is assumed. Besides that, the 1st Month is called 正月 (正月) ''zhēngyuè''. If the number of the day is less than 11, the word 初 (初) is used before the value of the day. Besides that, if the value of the day is more than 20, the word 廿 (廿) ''niàn'' is used, so the 23rd day is 廿三 (廿三) for example.}} In Chinese, years of the Gregorian calendars are generally read as individual digits. For instance, the year 1945 (the last year of World War II) is read as ''yī jǐu sì wǔ nián''. The exception is the last year of each millennium, an example being the year 2000, which is read ''liǎng qiān nián'' as if it were an ordinary number. ;15th day of the 8th lunar month (the mid-autumn festival): (农历)八月十五 ((農曆)八月十五) ''(nónglì) bāyuè shí-wǔ''. ;1st day of the 1st lunar month: (农历)正月初一 ((農曆)正月初一) ''(nónglì) zhèngyuè chūyī''. ; 23rd day of the 9th lunar month: (农历)九月廿三 ((農曆)九月廿三) ''(nónglì) jiŭ yuè niànsān''. }} When writing the date, you name the month ''(number (1-12) + 月 (月) ''yuè'')'', before inserting the day ''(number (1-31) + 日(日) ''rì''/ 号(號) ''hào'')''. Note that the usage of 号(號) ''hào'' is more colloquial than that of 日(日) ''rì'', the latter of which is used in writing and formal speech. ;6th January: 一月六号 (一月六號) ''yī yuè liù hào'' or 一月六日 (一月六日) ''yī yuè liù rì'' ;25th December: 十二月二十五号 (十二月二十五號) ''shí-èr yuè èr-shí-wǔ hào'' In [[Taiwan]], '''[[w:Republic of China calendar|Minguo calendar]]''' (民國紀年/民国纪年) is also frequently used. 2023 in the Gregorian calendar corresponds to ''Minguo 112 nian'' (民國112年/民国112年). If you see some dates like "112/12/25" (Minguo 112, December 25) in Taiwan, they are probably using the Minguo calendar to address the year. To convert Minguo year into the Gregorian calendar, add 1911 (The last year before the Republic of China was established) in Minguo year. Therefore, ''Minguo 100 nian'' (民國100年/民国100年) is 2012 in the Gregorian calendar. Years before 1912 (i.e. You will get zero or a negative number when subtracting 1911) will add the "前" prefix before the year. So ''Minguo qian 2 nian'' (民國前2年/民国前2年) is 1910 in the Gregorian calendar. ===Colours=== ; black : 黑色 (黑色) ''hēi sè'' ; white : 白色 (白色) ''bái sè'' ; grey : 灰色 (灰色) ''huī sè'' ; red : 红色 (紅色) ''hóng sè'' ; blue : 蓝色 (藍色) ''lán sè'' ; yellow : 黄色 (黄色) ''huáng sè'' ; green : 绿色 (綠色) ''lǜ sè'' / 青色 (青色) ''qīng sè'' ; orange : 橙色 (橙色) ''chéng sè'' ; purple : 紫色 (紫色) ''zǐ sè'' ; brown : 褐色 (褐色) ''hè sè'' / 棕色 (棕色) ''zōng sè'' ; gold : 金色 (金色) ''jīn se'' ; Do you have it in another colour? : 你们有没有其他颜色? (你們有沒有其他顏色?) ''nǐmen yǒu méiyǒu qítā yánsè ?'' ''Sè'' means 'colour' so ''hóng sè'' is literally 'red colour'. More common for brown and easier to remember is 'coffee colour': 咖啡色 (咖啡色) ''kā fēi sè'' ===Transportation=== ====Bus and Train==== [[File:CR HXD1 Yuanlong.jpg|thumb|Trains in [[Tianshui]]]] ; How much is a ticket to _____? : 去______的票多少钱? (去______的票多少錢?) ''qù _____ de piào duō shǎo qián?'' ; Do you go to... (the central station)? : 去不去... (火车站)? (去不去... (火車站)?) ''qù bu qù... (huǒ chē zhàn)'' ; bus : 公交车 (公交車) ''gōng jiāo chē'' (China) / 公车 (公車) ''gōng chē'' (Taiwan) / 巴士 (巴士) ''bā shì'' (Singapore) ; slow train : 火车 (火車) ''huǒ chē'' ; high-speed train : 高铁 (高鐵) ''gāo tiě'' ; metro / subway : 地铁 (地鐵) ''dì tiě'' (China & Singapore) / 捷运 (捷運) ''jié yùn'' (Taiwan) ; tram / streetcar : 电车 (電車) ''diàn chē'' ; light rail : 轻轨 (輕軌) ''qīng guǐ'' / 轻铁 (輕鐵) (in Hong Kong) ====Directions==== ; How do I get to _____ ? : 怎么去_____? (怎麼去_____?) ''zěnme qù _____?'' ; ...the train station? : ...火车站? (...火車站?) ''...huǒchēzhàn''? ; ...the bus station? :...汽车站? (汽車站?) ''..qìchēzhàn? ''(China) / ...巴士站? (..巴士站?) ''...bāshìzhàn''? (Singapore) ; ...the airport? : ...飞机场? (...飛機場?) ''...fēi jī chǎng?'' / ...机场? ( ...機場?) ''... jī chǎng?'' ; street : 街 (街) ''jiē'' ; road : 路 (路) ''lù'' ; Turn left. : 左转 (左轉) ''zuǒ zhuǎn'' ; Turn right. : 右转 (右轉) ''yòu zhuǎn'' ; Go straight: 直走 (直走) ''zhízŏu'' ; I've reached my destination: 到了 (到了) ''dàole'' ; U-turn: 掉头 (掉頭) ''diàotóu'' ; Taxi driver: 师傅 (師傅) ''shīfu'' ; Please use the meter machine: 请打表 (請打表) ''qǐng dǎbiǎo'' ; Please turn up the aircon/heater: 请把空调开大点。 (請把空調開大點。) ''qǐng bǎ kōngtiáo kāi dàdiǎn'' (China) / 请把冷气开大一点。 (請把冷氣開大一點。) ''qǐng bǎ lěngqì kāi dà yīdiǎn'' (Singapore) ; left : 左 (左) ''zuǒ'' ; right : 右 (右) ''yòu'' ; in front of the _____ : _____前面 (_____前面) ''_____ qiánmiàn'' ; behind the _____ : _____后面 (_____後面) ''_____ hòumiàn'' ; straight ahead : 往前走 (往前走) ''wǎngqián zǒu'' / 直走 (直走) ''zhí zǒu'' ; inside : 里面 (裡面) ''lǐ miàn'' ; outside : 外面 (外面) ''wài miàn'' ; north : 北 (北) ''bĕi'' ; south : 南 (南) ''nán'' ; east : 东 (東) ''dōng'' ; west : 西 (西) ''xī'' ====Taxi==== ; Taxi : 出租车 (出租車) ''chū zū chē'' (in China) / 计程车 (計程車) ''jìchéngchē'' (in Taiwan) / 德士 (德士) dé shì (in Singapore) ; Take me to _____, please. : 请开到_____。 (請開到_____。) ''qǐng kāidào _____。'' ===Lodging=== [[File:Hupao.jpg|thumb|"Dreaming of the Tiger Spring", in [[Hangzhou]]]] {{infobox|Common signs| ; 入口 (入口) : Entrance [''rùkǒu''] ; 出口 (出口) : Exit [''chūkǒu''] ; 大・中・小 (大・中・小) [''dà / zhōng / xiǎo''] : Large / Medium / Small ; 推 (推) : Push [''tuī''] ; 拉 (拉) : Pull [''lā''] ; 厕所 (廁所) / 洗手间 (洗手間) / 盥洗室 (盥洗室) : Toilet [''cèsuǒ''] / [''xǐshǒujiān''] / [''guànxǐshì''] ; 男 (男) : Men [''nán''] ; 女 (女) : Women [''nǚ''] ; 禁止 (禁止) : Forbidden [''jìnzhǐ''] ; 吸烟 (吸煙) : Smoking [''xīyān''] ; 饮水 (飲水) / 饮用水 (飲用水) : Drinking water [''yǐnshuǐ''] / [''yǐnyòngshuǐ'']}} ; Do you have any rooms available? : 你们有房间吗？ (你們有房間嗎？) ''Nǐmen yǒu fángjiān ma?'' ; Does the room come with... : 有没有... (有沒有...) ''Yǒu méiyǒu…'' ; ...bedsheets? : ...床单？ (...床單？) ''...chuángdān?'' ; ...a bathroom? : ...浴室？ (浴室？) ''...yùshì?'' (in China) / ...冲凉房？ (...沖涼房？) ''...chōngliángfáng?'' (in Singapore) ; ...a telephone? : ...电话？ (...電話？) ''...diànhuà?'' ; ...a TV? : ...电视机？ (...電視機？) …''diànshìjī?'' ; I will stay for _____ night(s). : 我打算住_____晚。 (我打算住_____晚。) ''Wǒ dǎsuàn zhù _____ wǎn.'' ; Do you have a safe? : 你们有没有保险箱？ (你們有沒有保險箱？) ''Nǐmen yǒu méiyǒu bǎoxiǎn xiāng?'' ; Can you wake me at _____? : 请明天早上_____叫醒我。 (請明天早上_____叫醒我。) ''Qǐng míngtiān zǎoshàng _____ jiàoxǐng wǒ.'' ; I want to check out. : 我想退房。 (我想退房。) ''Wǒ xiǎng tuìfáng.'' ===Money=== [[File:Terrace field yunnan china denoised.jpg|thumb|Rice terraces in [[Yuanyang]]]] The base unit of currency in Chinese is the 元 (''yuán''), which could be translated as "dollar", or simply transliterated as "yuan", depending on what currency you are referring to. In financial contexts, such as when writing cheques and printing banknotes, 元 is written as 圆 (圓). One yuan is divided into 10 角 (''jiǎo''), which is in turn divided into 10 分 (''fēn''). Colloquially, the yuan is often referred to as the 块 (塊) (''kuài''), while the jiao is referred to as the 毛 (''máo''). ; pay: 付 (付) ''fù'' ; cash: 现金 (現金) ''xiàn jīn'' / 现钱 (現錢) ''xiàn qián'' ; credit card: 信用卡 (信用卡) ''xìn yòng kǎ'' ; debit card: 借记卡 (借記卡) ''jiè jì kǎ'' ; check: 支票 (支票) ''zhīpiào'' ; foreign exchange: 外汇 (外匯) ''wài huì'' ; to change money: 换钱 (換錢) ''huàn qián'' ; exchange rate: 汇率 (匯率) ''huìlǜ'' ; Chinese yuan: 人民币 (人民幣) ''rénmínbì'' ; New Taiwan dollar: 新台币 (新臺幣) ''xīn tái bì'' / 台币 (臺幣) ''tái bì'' ; Hong Kong dollar: 港元 (港元) ''gǎng yuán'' / 港币 (港幣) ''gǎng bì'' ; Macau pataca: 葡币 (葡幣) ''pú bì'' / 澳门元 (澳門元) ''ào mén yuán'' ; Singapore dollar: 新加坡元 (新加坡元) ''xīnjiāpō yuán'' / 新币 (新幣) ''xīn bì'' ; Malaysian ringgit: 马来西亚令吉 (馬來西亞令吉) ''mǎláixīyà lìngjí'' / 马币 (馬幣) ''mǎ bì'' ; Japanese yen: 日元 (日元) ''rìyuán'' / 日币 (日幣) ''rìbì'' ; South Korean won: 韩元 (韓元) ''hányuán'' / 韩币 (韓幣) ''hánbì'' ; Vietnamese dong: 越南盾 (越南盾) ''yuènán dùn'' ; Thai baht: 泰铢 (泰銖) ''tàizhū'' ; Indonesian rupiah: 印尼盾 (印尼盾) ''yìnní dùn'' ; US dollar: 美元 (美元) ''měi yuán'' / 美金 (美金) ''měi jīn'' ; Euros: 欧元 (歐元) ''ōu yuán'' ; British pounds: 英镑 (英鎊) ''yīng bàng'' ===Eating=== {{infobox|Reading a Chinese Menu|Look for these characters to get an idea of what you're ordering. With help from ''The Eater's Guide to Chinese Characters'' (J. McCawley). ;''dīng'': 丁 (丁) (cubed/diced) ;''piàn'': 片 (片) (thinly sliced) ;''sī'': 丝 (絲) (shredded) ;''kuài'': 块 (塊) (chunk/cut into bite-sized pieces) ;''qiú'': 球 (球) (curled) ;''chăo'': 炒 (炒) (stir-fried) ;''zhá'': 炸 (炸) (deep-fried) ;''jiān'': 煎 (煎) (pan-fried) ;''zhēng'': 蒸 (蒸) (steamed) ;''zhǔ'': 煮 (煮) (boiled) ;''kăo'': 烤 (烤) (dry-roasted) ;''shāo'': 烧 (燒) (roasted w/ sauce)}} ; Can I look at the menu, please? : 请给我看看菜单。 (請給我看看菜單。) ''qǐng gěi wǒ kànkan càidān.'' ; Do you have an English menu? : 你有没有英文菜单？ (你有沒有英文菜單？) ''nǐ yŏu méi yǒu yīngwén càidān?'' :''(Listen for...'' :;Yes, we have one. : 有(有) ''yǒu'' :; No, we don't. : 没有 (沒有) ''méi yǒu'' ; Takeout / take away : 打包 (打包) ''dǎ bāo'' / 外带 (外帶) ''wài dài''' ; Eat here : 这边吃 (這邊吃) ''zhèbiān chī'' / 内用 (內用) ''nèi yòng'' ; Dine in : 堂吃 (堂吃) ''tángchī'' / 堂食 (堂食) ''tángshí'' {{infobox|Are you Buddhist?| If you're a vegetarian traveling in China, you may find that a common reaction to '''我吃素 ''wǒ chī sù''''' is '''你信佛吗？ ''nǐ xìn fó ma?''''' ("Are you Buddhist?", literally "Do you believe in Buddhism?"). As with other yes-or-no questions, the correct responses repeat the verb: ;Yes :信 ''xìn'' (I believe) ;No :不信 ''bú xìn'' (I don't believe) }} ; I'm a vegetarian : 我吃素 (我吃素) ''wǒ chī sù'' ; I only eat Halal food. : 我只吃清真食品 (我只吃清真食品) ''wǒ zhǐ chī qīngzhēn shípǐn'' ; breakfast : 早饭 (早飯) ''zǎofàn'' / 早餐 (早餐) ''zǎocān'' ; lunch : 午饭 (午飯) ''wǔfàn'' / 中饭 (中飯) ''zhōngfàn'' / 午餐 (午餐) ''wǔcān'' ; supper : 晚饭 (晚飯) ''wǎnfàn'' / 晚餐 (晚餐) ''wǎncān'' ; beef : 牛肉 (牛肉) '' niúròu'' ; pork : 猪肉 (豬肉) ''zhūròu''，or sometimes simply 肉 (肉) ''ròu''. ; mutton : 羊肉 (羊肉) '' yángròu'' ; chicken : 鸡肉 (雞肉) ''jīròu'' ; duck : 鸭 (鴨) ''yā'' ; goose: 鹅 (鵝) ''é'' ; fish: 鱼 (魚) ''yú'' ; cheese : 奶酪 (奶酪) ''nǎilào'' ; eggs : 鸡蛋 (雞蛋) ''jīdàn'' / 蛋 (蛋) ''dàn'' (the former specifically refers to chicken eggs, the latter can be used generally for any type of egg) ; fresh : 新鲜 (新鮮) ''xīnxiān'' ; fruit : 水果 (水果) ''shuĭguǒ'' ; vegetables : 蔬菜 (蔬菜) ''shūcài'' / 青菜 (青菜) ''qīngcài'' ; bread : 面包 (麵包) ''miànbāo'' ; noodles : 面条 (麵條) ''miàntiáo'' ; fried rice: 炒饭 (炒飯) ''chǎofàn'' ; dumpling: 饺子 (餃子) ''jiǎozi'' ; cooked rice : 米饭 (米飯) ''mĭfàn'' (China) / 饭 (飯) ''fàn'' (Singapore) ; raw rice: 米 (米) ''mĭ'' ; congee / rice porridge : 粥 (粥) ''zhōu'' / 稀饭 (稀飯) ''xīfàn'' ; coffee : 咖啡 (咖啡) ''kāfēi'' ; black coffee : 黑咖啡 (黑咖啡) ''hēi kāfēi'' ; milk : 奶 (奶) ''nǎi'' / 牛奶 (牛奶) ''niúnǎi'' (The former is more general, while the latter specifically refers to cow's milk.) ; butter : 奶油 (奶油) ''nǎiyóu'' (in China and Taiwan) / 牛油 (牛油) ''niúyóu'' (in Singapore) ; sugar : 糖 (糖) ''táng'' (Also means "candy".) ; salt : 盐 (鹽) ''yán'' ; ground pepper : 胡椒粉（胡椒粉）''hújiāo fěn'' ; soy sauce : 酱油 (醬油) ''jiàngyóu'' ; fish sauce: 鱼露 (魚露) ''yúlù'' ; oyster sauce: 蚝油 (蠔油) ''háoyóu'' ; tea (''drink'') : 茶 (茶) ''chá'' ; green tea : 绿茶 (綠茶) ''lǜ chá'' ; scented tea : 花茶 (花茶) ''huāchá'' ; black tea : 红茶 (紅茶) ''hóngchá'' ; juice : 果汁 (果汁) ''guǒzhī'' ; water : 水 (水) ''shuĭ'' ; natural mineral water: 矿泉水 (礦泉水) ''kuàngquán shuǐ'' ; beer : 啤酒 (啤酒) ''píjiŭ'' ; red/white wine : 红/白 葡萄酒 (紅/白 葡萄酒) ''hóng/bái pútáojiŭ'' ; Excuse me, waiter? (''getting attention of server'') : 服务员！ (服務員！) ''fúwùyuán'' <br/> In Taiwan and Singapore, it is common to call a waitress using the term 小姐 ''xiǎojiě'', but this is a euphemism for "prostitute" in mainland China and would thus be highly offensive. ; It was delicious. : 很好吃。(很好吃。) ''hěn hǎochī'' (eating) / 很好喝。（很好喝。） ''hěn hǎohē'' (drinking) ; The check, please. : 买单 (買單) ''mǎidān'' ===Bars=== [[File:Slow Life in A Tea House 01 edited.jpg|thumb|A tea house in [[Chongqing]]]] ; Do you serve alcohol? : 卖不卖酒？ (賣不賣酒？) '' mài búmài jiǔ?'' ; Is there table service? : 有没有餐桌服务？ (有沒有餐桌服務？) ''yǒu méiyǒu cānzhuō fúwù?'' ; A beer/two beers, please. : 请给我一杯/两杯啤酒。 (請給我一杯/兩杯啤酒。) ''qǐng gěiwǒ yìbēi/liǎngbēi píjiǔ'' ; A glass of red/white wine, please. : 请给我一杯红/白葡萄酒。 (請給我一杯紅/白葡萄酒。) ''qǐng gěi wǒ yìbēi hóng/bái pútáojiǔ'' ; A pint, please. : 请给我一品脱。(請給我一品脫。) ''qǐng gěi wǒ yìpǐntuō'' ; A bottle, please. : 请给我一瓶。 (請給我一瓶。) ''qǐng gěi wǒ yìpíng'' ; _____ (''hard liquor'') and _____ (''mixer''), please. : 请给我_____和_____。 (請給我_____和_____。) ''qǐng gěi wǒ _____ hé _____'' ; baijiu (Chinese hard liquor) : 白酒 (白酒) ''báijiǔ'' ; whiskey : 威士忌 (威士忌) ''wēishìjì'' ; vodka : 伏特加 (伏特加) ''fútèjiā'' ; rum : 兰姆酒 (蘭姆酒) ''lánmǔjiǔ'' ; water : 水 (水) ''shuǐ'' ; mineral spring (i.e. bottled) water : 矿泉水 (礦泉水) kuàngquánshuǐ ; boiled water: 开水 (開水) kāishuǐ ; club soda : 苏打水 (蘇打水) sūdǎshuǐ ; tonic water : 通宁水 (通寧水) tōngníngshuǐ ; orange juice : 橙汁 (橙汁) chéngzhī ; Coke (''soda'') : 可乐 (可樂) ''kělè'' ; Do you have any bar snacks? : 有没有吧台点心？ (有沒有吧臺點心？) ''yǒu méiyǒu bātái diǎnxīn?'' ; One more, please. : 请再给我一个。 (請再給我一個。) qǐng zài gěi wǒ yíge ; Another round, please. : 请再来一轮。 (請再來一輪。) qǐng zàilái yìlún ; When is closing time? : 几点打烊/关门？ (幾點打烊/關門？) jǐdiǎn dǎyáng/guānmén? ; Where is the toilet? : 厕所在哪里？ (廁所在那裏？) ''cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ?'' ; Where is the washroom? : 洗手间在哪里？ (洗手間在哪裡？) ''xǐshǒujiān zài nǎlǐ?'' ; You're handsome. : 你好帅。 (你好帥。) ''nǐ hǎo shuài'' ; You're pretty. : 你好漂亮。 (你好漂亮。) ''nǐ hǎo piàoliang'' ===Shopping=== [[File:Juntan 4501.JPG|thumb|A reservoir in [[Shangrao]], [[Jiangxi]]]] Bargaining (还价 (還價) ''huán jià'') is possible (and expected) in markets and many small shops. The first price you are given will usually be hugely inflated - it's up to you to [[haggle]] it down to something more acceptable. This will probably feel awkward if you aren't used to it, and you may worry about ending up cheating the seller. Don't worry - sellers won't take a price that's too low, and you will usually end up agreeing on a price that's considerably lower than the starting one but still allows the seller to make a profit. Try starting at around 20-30% of the original price; you can always work up from there. The exceptions to the rule are supermarkets, large department stores, bookshops and some of the higher end boutiques, most of which will have signs letting you know that haggling is unacceptable in these stores. ; Do you have this in my size? : 有没有我的尺码？ (有沒有我的尺碼？) ''yǒu méiyǒu wǒde chǐmǎ?'' ; How much is this? : 这个多少钱？ (這個多少錢？) ''zhège duōshǎo qián?'' ; That's too expensive. : 太贵了。 (太貴了。) ''tài guì le'' ; Would you take _____? : _____元可以吗？ (_____元可以嗎？) ''_____ yuán kěyǐ ma?'' ; expensive : 贵 (貴) ''guì'' ; cheap : 便宜 (便宜) ''piányi'' ; I can't afford it. : 我带的钱不够。 (我帶的錢不夠。) ''wǒ dài de qián búgòu'' ; I don't want it. : 我不要。 (我不要。) ''wǒ bú yào'' ; You're cheating me. : 你欺骗我。 (你欺騙我。) ''nǐ qīpiàn wǒ'' '''Use with caution!''' ; I'm not interested. : 我没有兴趣。 ( 我沒有興趣。) ''wǒ méiyǒu xìngqù'' ; OK, I'll take it. : 我要买这个。 (我要買這個。) ''wǒ yào mǎi zhège'' ; Do you need a carrier-bag? / Yes / No : 你要不要袋子？ ''nǐ yào bu yào dàizi?'' / 要 ''yào'' / 不要 ''bú yào'' ; Please provide me with a carrier-bag. : 请给我个袋子。 (請給我個袋子。) ''qǐng gěi wǒ ge dàizi'' ; Do you ship (overseas)? : 可以邮寄到海外吗？ (可以郵寄到海外嗎？) ''kěyǐ yóujì dào hǎiwài ma?'' ; I need... : 我要_____ (我要_____) ''wǒ yào _____'' ; ...toothpaste. : 牙膏 (牙膏) ''yágāo'' ; ...a toothbrush. : 牙刷 (牙刷) ''yáshuā'' ; ...sanitary napkins. : 卫生巾 (衛生巾) ''wèishēngjīn'' ; ...tampons. : 卫生棉条 (衛生棉條) ''wèishēng miántiáo'' ; ...soap. : 肥皂 (肥皂) ''féizào'' ; ...shampoo. : 洗发精 (洗髮精) ''xǐfàjīng'' ; ...pain reliever. ''e.g., aspirin or ibuprofen'' : 止疼药 (止疼藥) ''zhǐténg yào'' ; ...cold medicine. : 感冒药 (感冒藥) ''gǎnmào yào'' ; ...stomach medicine. : 胃肠药 (胃腸藥) ''wèicháng yào'' ; ...a razor. : 剃须刀 (剃鬚刀) ''tìxūdāo'' ; ...an umbrella. : 雨伞 (雨傘 ) ''yǔsǎn'' ; ...sunblock lotion. : 防晒霜 (防晒霜) ''fángshàishuāng'' ; ...a postcard. : 明信片 (明信片) ''míngxìnpiàn'' ; ...postage stamps. : 邮票 (郵票) ''yóupiào'' ; ...batteries. : 电池 (電池) ''diànchí'' ; ...writing paper. : 纸 (紙) ''zhǐ'' ; ...a pen. : 笔 (筆) ''bǐ'' ; ...a pencil. : 铅笔 (鉛筆) ''qiānbǐ'' ; ...glasses. : 眼镜 (眼鏡) ''yǎnjìng'' ; ...English-language books. : 英文书 (英文書) ''Yīngwén shū'' ; ...English-language magazines. : 英文杂志 (英文雜誌) ''Yīngwén zázhì'' ; ...an English-language newspaper. : 英文报纸 (英文報紙) ''Yīngwén bàozhǐ'' ; ...a Chinese-English dictionary. : 汉英词典 (漢英詞典) ''Hàn-Yīng cídiǎn'' ; ...an English-Chinese dictionary. : 英汉词典 (英漢詞典) ''Yīng-Hàn cídiǎn'' ===Driving=== [[File:Three wheeler in Pingyao.jpg|thumb|Riding to work in [[Pingyao]]]] ; I want to rent a car. : 我想要租车。 (我想要租車。) ''wǒ xiǎngyào zūchē'' ; Can I get insurance? : 我可以买保险吗？ (我可以買保險嗎？) ''wǒ kěyǐ mǎi bǎoxiǎn ma?'' ; stop (''on a street sign'') : 停 (停) ''tíng'' ; one way : 单行道 (單行道 ) ''dānxíngdào'' ; yield : 让路 (讓路) ''rànglù'' ; no parking : 禁止停车 (禁止停車) ''jìnzhǐ tíngchē'' ; speed limit : 速度限制 (速度限制) ''sùdù xiànzhì'' ; gas (''petrol'') station : 加油站 (加油站) ''jiāyóuzhàn'' ; petrol : 汽油 (汽油) ''qìyóu'' ; diesel : 柴油 (柴油) ''cháiyóu'' ===Authority=== [[File:Chinese honor guard in column 070322-F-0193C-014.JPEG|thumb|Soldiers marching in [[Beijing]]]] ; I haven't done anything wrong. : 我没有做错事。 (我沒有做錯事。) ''wǒ méiyǒu zuòcuò shì'' ; It was a misunderstanding. : 这是误会。 (這是誤會。) ''zhè shì wùhuì'' ; Where are you taking me? : 你带我去哪里？ (你帶我去哪里？) ''nǐ dài wǒ qù nǎlǐ?'' ; Am I under arrest? : 我被捕了吗？ (我被捕了嗎？) ''wǒ bèibǔle ma?'' ; I am an American/Australian/British/Canadian citizen. : 我是 美国/澳洲/英国/加拿大 公民。 (我是 美國/澳洲/英國/加拿大 公民。) ''wǒ shì měiguó/àozhōu/yīngguó/jiānádà gōngmín'' ; I want to talk to the American/Australian/British/Canadian embassy/consulate. : 我希望跟 美国/澳洲/英国/加拿大 的 大使馆/领事馆 联系。 (我希望跟 美國/澳洲/英國/加拿大 的 大使館/領事館 聯繫。) ''wǒ xīwàng gēn měiguó/àozhōu/yīngguó/jiānádà de dàshǐguǎn/lǐngshìguǎn liánxì'' ; I want to talk to a lawyer. : 我希望跟律师联系。 (我希望跟律師聯繫。) ''wǒ xīwàng gēn lǜshī liánxì'' ; Can I just pay a fine now? : 我可以现在支付罚款吗？ (我可以現在支付罰款嗎？) ''wǒ kěyǐ xiànzài zhīfù fákuǎn ma?'' ===Telephone and the Internet=== {{infobox|Telephone & Internet|In most Chinese cities, there are no telephone booths. Instead, small street shops have telephones which can usually be used for national calls. Look for signs like this: :公用电话 (公用電話) Public Telephone Most cafes are cheaper than in hotels. Many mid-range hotels and chains now offer free wireless or plug-in internet. Those cafes are quite hidden sometimes and you should look for the following Chinese characters: : 网吧 (網吧) / 网咖 (網咖) Internet Cafe }} ; mobile phone : 手机 （手機） ''shǒujī'' (China and Taiwan) / 手提电话 （手提電話）''shǒutí diànhuà'' (Singapore) ; Can I make international calls here? : 可以打国际电话吗? (可以打國際電話嗎?) ''kěyǐ dǎ guójì diànhuà ma?'' ; How much is it to America/Australia/Britain/Canada? : 打到 美国/澳洲/英国/加拿大 是多少钱? (打到 美國/澳洲/英國/加拿大 是多少錢?) ''dǎdào měiguó/àozhōu/yīngguó/jiānádà shì duōshǎo qián?'' ; Where can I find an Internet cafe? : 哪里有网吧? (哪裏有網吧?) ''nǎlǐ yǒu wǎng bā?'' ; How much is it per hour? : 一小时是多少钱? (一小時是多少錢?) ''yī xiǎoshí shì duōshǎo qián?'' ===Getting a massage=== ;"Pain" and "no pain" : 痛 ''tòng'' and 不痛 ''bú tòng'' ;"Good" and "not good" : 好 ''hǎo'' and 不好 ''bù hǎo'' ;"Very good" or "great" : 很好 ''hěn hǎo'' ;"Want" and "don't want" : 要 ''yào'' and 不要 ''bú yào'' ;"That tickles" : 痒 ''yǎng'' ;"Does this hurt?" : 痛不痛？ ''tòng bú tòng?'' or ''tòng ma?''. For either, answer ''tòng'' or ''bú tòng''. ;Legitimate massage (one without sexual services): 正规按摩/正規按摩 ''zhèngguī ànmó'' ;"Happy ending" massage: 色情按摩 ''sèqíng ànmó'' ==Learning more== [[File:Calligraphy lesson (79076113).jpg|thumb]] Chinese language learning is flourishing as foreigners recognize the importance of gaining the ability to effectively communicate with a population of 1.3+ billion people. Due to the rapid rise of the Chinese teaching industry however, finding consistent quality instruction can be difficult. Many Chinese language schools and institutes have opened up over the past decade both abroad as well as within China, though before enrolling it is definitely recommended to thoroughly research and speak with current or former students to ensure that effective education is being provided. For independent learners, it is imperative that one first master tones and the pinyin system before beginning to build vocabulary. The [https://www.chinesetest.cn/HSK Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi] (HSK, 汉语水平考试) or Chinese Proficiency Test is China's standardized test for Chinese language proficiency (equivalent to the English TOEFL or IELTS). The HSK provides detailed guides for essential vocabulary and grammatical concepts in increasing level of fluency up to Level VI, which represents full written and oral abilities in the language. A good idea for practicing is to make Chinese friends online since millions of young people in China also look for somebody to practice English with. In Taiwan, the equivalent of the HSK is the [https://tocfl.edu.tw/ Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language] (TOCFL, 華語文能力測驗), though it is not as widely available or recognised internationally as the HSK. *[http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Chinese_%28Mandarin%29 Chinese (Wikibooks.org)]: Free lessons providing detailed grammar explanations, audio samples and stroke order animations. *[http://www.digitaldialects.com/Chinese.htm Digital Dialects Chinese]: Interactive games for learning Chinese in both Pinyin and simplified characters. *[http://www.chinese-course.com Chinese Flashcards]: Annotated Texts, Flashcards, Multiple choice tests * [https://deardimsum.wordpress.com/ Dear Dim Sum, daily small bites Chinese lessons] * [http://chinesereadingpractice.com/ Chinese Reading Practice]: Annotated stories for learners at varying levels English-Chinese and Chinese-English dictionaries are often disappointingly incomplete and have surprisingly many errors, at least once you get past the basics. Some decent digital dictionaries include: * Pleco (possibly the most complete Chinese-English dictionary app aimed at learners) * Youdao (有道词典, popular with Chinese students learning English) * [[wikt:|Wiktionary]] The first two can be downloaded as apps, and Pleco can be used offline. {{guidephrasebook}} {{PartOfPhrasebook|China}} h72rfq4l6fprmg011e2nf1k68yhqy2w 0 7523 5087013 4806783 2025-07-03T07:53:38Z 103.226.5.205 /* See */ 5087013 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Mena-asia_default_banner.jpg}} '''Chunar''' is a town in [[Purvanchal]] region of [[Uttar Pradesh]] in [[India]]. Located on the Banks of the Ganges it houses a mighty fort with over 2000 years of history. The town also has several temples, tombs and darghas. The famous chunar stone (a form of sandstone) is found in this region. Chunar is best explored by a day trip from [[Varanasi]]. ==Understand== [[File:Chunar Dargha Sharif Gate 1.jpg|thumb|250 px|Grand gateway of Dargah of Kasim Shah Sulemani]] [[File:Sonwamahal.jpg|thumb|Sonwa Mandap, Chunar Fort]] Chunar is located on the right (east) bank of the Ganges. A Chunar the Ganges takes a northern bend and heads towards [[Varanasi]]. The history of Chunnar dates back over 2000 years and has been mentioned in different mythological texts. Chunar also has a significant role in medieval history and its fort served as a citadel for Suris and Mughals. Later the British also had a large presence in the city and the fort still houses a British-era cemetery. The town is home to the famous Chunar stone, a type of sandstone extensively used in architecture and handicrafts. ==Get in== Chunar can be reached easily from both [[Varanasi]] and [[Allahabad]]. While Varanasi is just 30&nbsp;km, Allahabad is about 120&nbsp;km. There are regular bus services from both places. * {{go | name=Chunar Junction | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=25.103930 | long=82.871769 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-10-18 | content= The Chunar Junction is on the Howrah Delhi mail line. Being a smaller junction some of the major trains may not halt here. Compared to Chunar, Mirzapur has more train stoppages making it an alternate station. Mirzapur is about 33&nbsp;km from Chunar and has frequent auto/bus service. }} ==Get around== #'''Auto-rickshaw:''' Auto-rickshaws are available to visit places within and around Chunar. There are no fixed rates, so fix up the price before the tour begins. Do bargain. #'''Car:''' Most tourists prefer to explore Chunar on a day trip from [[Varanasi]]. Varanasi hotels can arrange for cars and the trip may be extended to [[Mirzapur]]. ==See== {{Mapframe|zoom=13}} [[File:Iftikar Khan Tomb 1.jpg|thumb|Tomb of Iftikar Khan]] [[File:British Cemetery Chunar.jpg|thumb|British Cemetery]] [[File:Qasim Shah Sulimani 3.jpg|thumb|Tomb of Qasim Shah Sulimani]] * {{see | name=Chunar Fort | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=25.1255 | long=82.8747 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5116225 | content=Established by Maharaja Vikrmaditya the King of Ujjain to commemorate the stay of his brother Raja Bhartihari who had taken his Samadhi when he was alive and still that Samadhi Sthal is worshipped. As per Alha Khand in 1029 AD. King Sahadeo made this fort as his capital and established the statue of Naina Yogini in a cave of Vindhya hill and put the name as [https://chunar.in/ Nainagarh]. King Sahadeo built a stone umbrella based on 52 pillars in the memory of the victory on 52 other kings, inside the fort which has been preserved. }} * {{see | name=Mausoleum of Iftikhar Khan | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=25.123836 | long=82.894733 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-10-16 | content=Iftikhar Khan was an official in the court of Jahangir. The tomb dates back to 1605. It is a Mughal-styled domed structure flanked by four chatris, The tomb stands at the centre of a walled complex planned in char bagh style. The entrance is through a massive gateway from the west. North of the tomb complex lies an {{see | name=Unknown Tomb | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=25.124008 | long=82.894649 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-10-18 | content= }} }} * {{see | name=Dargah of Kasim Shah Sulemani | alt=Chunar Dargha Sarif | url= | email= | address= | lat=25.11547 | long=82.868684 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-10-16 | content=Kasim Shah Sulemani was a sufi saint from [[Peshawar ]], [[Pakistan]] who visited India during the reign of Jahangir. Jahangir, who was a disbeliever of saints, had him imprisoned at Chunar Fort. Despite his imprisonment, he was seen offering prayers in the neighborhood. Jahangir saw the miracle and immediately released him and became his follower. He died in 1606 had was led to rest on the banks of the Ganges. The complex also houses the grave of his son Wasil Shaw. The tomb complex is approached through a magnificent gateway on the south. The gateway is made of chunar stone and has intricate ornamentations. Today tomb complex overlooks the mighty Ganges and is approached by a magnificent Chunar stone gateway. Apart from the octagonal tomb of Kasim Shah Sulemani the complex houses several graves and tombs including the tomb of his son Wasil Shaw. It is an active dargah attracting people of all faiths. Every year, a fair is held at Chunar Dargah Sharif after Holi. It is believed that wishes made here come true. No wonder it attracts people, irrespective of faith, from far and wide. }} * {{see | name=British Cemetery | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=25.122134 | long=82.874623 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-11-06 | content=The cemetery is located on the banks of the Ganges and falls on the left side of the road leading to Chunar Fort. There are several graves of British and European origin. }} ==Do== ==Buy== #Chunar stone artifacts #Local specialties include chini mitti toys and cups. ==Eat== Local foods include samosa and lavanglata. ==Drink== ==Sleep== ==Connect== ==Go next== *'''[[Allahabad]]''' (120 km): *'''[[Mirzapur]]''' (36 km): *'''[[Varanasi]]''' (30 km): {{geo|25.1333|82.8833}} {{IsPartOf|Purvanchal}} {{outlinecity}} kngjmjhevtc7uhwm2c1el3lqvi59ptl 5087019 5087013 2025-07-03T07:58:10Z Ikan Kekek 36420 Reverted edits by [[Special:Contributions/103.226.5.205|103.226.5.205]] ([[User talk:103.226.5.205|talk]]) to last version by [[User:Rangan Datta Wiki|Rangan Datta Wiki]] 4806783 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Mena-asia_default_banner.jpg}} '''Chunar''' is a town in [[Purvanchal]] region of [[Uttar Pradesh]] in [[India]]. Located on the Banks of the Ganges it houses a mighty fort with over 2000 years of history. The town also has several temples, tombs and darghas. The famous chunar stone (a form of sandstone) is found in this region. Chunar is best explored by a day trip from [[Varanasi]]. ==Understand== [[File:Chunar Dargha Sharif Gate 1.jpg|thumb|250 px|Grand gateway of Dargah of Kasim Shah Sulemani]] [[File:Sonwamahal.jpg|thumb|Sonwa Mandap, Chunar Fort]] Chunar is located on the right (east) bank of the Ganges. A Chunar the Ganges takes a northern bend and heads towards [[Varanasi]]. The history of Chunnar dates back over 2000 years and has been mentioned in different mythological texts. Chunar also has a significant role in medieval history and its fort served as a citadel for Suris and Mughals. Later the British also had a large presence in the city and the fort still houses a British-era cemetery. The town is home to the famous Chunar stone, a type of sandstone extensively used in architecture and handicrafts. ==Get in== Chunar can be reached easily from both [[Varanasi]] and [[Allahabad]]. While Varanasi is just 30&nbsp;km, Allahabad is about 120&nbsp;km. There are regular bus services from both places. * {{go | name=Chunar Junction | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=25.103930 | long=82.871769 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-10-18 | content= The Chunar Junction is on the Howrah Delhi mail line. Being a smaller junction some of the major trains may not halt here. Compared to Chunar, Mirzapur has more train stoppages making it an alternate station. Mirzapur is about 33&nbsp;km from Chunar and has frequent auto/bus service. }} ==Get around== #'''Auto-rickshaw:''' Auto-rickshaws are available to visit places within and around Chunar. There are no fixed rates, so fix up the price before the tour begins. Do bargain. #'''Car:''' Most tourists prefer to explore Chunar on a day trip from [[Varanasi]]. Varanasi hotels can arrange for cars and the trip may be extended to [[Mirzapur]]. ==See== {{Mapframe|zoom=13}} [[File:Iftikar Khan Tomb 1.jpg|thumb|Tomb of Iftikar Khan]] [[File:British Cemetery Chunar.jpg|thumb|British Cemetery]] [[File:Qasim Shah Sulimani 3.jpg|thumb|Tomb of Qasim Shah Sulimani]] * {{see | name=Chunar Fort | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=25.1255 | long=82.8747 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5116225 | content=Established by Maharaja Vikrmaditya the King of Ujjain to commemorate the stay of his brother Raja Bhartihari who had taken his Samadhi when he was alive and still that Samadhi Sthal is worshipped. As per Alha Khand in 1029 AD. King Sahadeo made this fort as his capital and established the statue of Naina Yogini in a cave of Vindhya hill and put the name as Nainagarh. King Sahadeo built a stone umbrella based on 52 pillars in the memory of the victory on 52 other kings, inside the fort which has been preserved. }} * {{see | name=Mausoleum of Iftikhar Khan | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=25.123836 | long=82.894733 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-10-16 | content=Iftikhar Khan was an official in the court of Jahangir. The tomb dates back to 1605. It is a Mughal-styled domed structure flanked by four chatris, The tomb stands at the centre of a walled complex planned in char bagh style. The entrance is through a massive gateway from the west. North of the tomb complex lies an {{see | name=Unknown Tomb | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=25.124008 | long=82.894649 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-10-18 | content= }} }} * {{see | name=Dargah of Kasim Shah Sulemani | alt=Chunar Dargha Sarif | url= | email= | address= | lat=25.11547 | long=82.868684 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-10-16 | content=Kasim Shah Sulemani was a sufi saint from [[Peshawar ]], [[Pakistan]] who visited India during the reign of Jahangir. Jahangir, who was a disbeliever of saints, had him imprisoned at Chunar Fort. Despite his imprisonment, he was seen offering prayers in the neighborhood. Jahangir saw the miracle and immediately released him and became his follower. He died in 1606 had was led to rest on the banks of the Ganges. The complex also houses the grave of his son Wasil Shaw. The tomb complex is approached through a magnificent gateway on the south. The gateway is made of chunar stone and has intricate ornamentations. Today tomb complex overlooks the mighty Ganges and is approached by a magnificent Chunar stone gateway. Apart from the octagonal tomb of Kasim Shah Sulemani the complex houses several graves and tombs including the tomb of his son Wasil Shaw. It is an active dargah attracting people of all faiths. Every year, a fair is held at Chunar Dargah Sharif after Holi. It is believed that wishes made here come true. No wonder it attracts people, irrespective of faith, from far and wide. }} * {{see | name=British Cemetery | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=25.122134 | long=82.874623 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-11-06 | content=The cemetery is located on the banks of the Ganges and falls on the left side of the road leading to Chunar Fort. There are several graves of British and European origin. }} ==Do== ==Buy== #Chunar stone artifacts #Local specialties include chini mitti toys and cups. ==Eat== Local foods include samosa and lavanglata. ==Drink== ==Sleep== ==Connect== ==Go next== *'''[[Allahabad]]''' (120 km): *'''[[Mirzapur]]''' (36 km): *'''[[Varanasi]]''' (30 km): {{geo|25.1333|82.8833}} {{IsPartOf|Purvanchal}} {{outlinecity}} sk7h2ehk3gbcicoq8l2ciatv7j63vm5 0 8757 5086885 5086317 2025-07-03T02:24:29Z Cmontroos 2328891 /* Do */ 5086885 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Pagebanner|Curaçao-banner.jpg|Punda, Willemstad, viewed from Otrobanda}} '''Curaçao''' is an island in the [[Caribbean]] Sea, among the group known as the [[Caribbean#Leeward Antilles|ABC Islands]] alongside [[Aruba]] and [[Bonaire]]. This trio is located near Venezuela, and is considered to be outside the Caribbean's so-called "hurricane zone"; vacations to the island are rarely disrupted by tropical storms. ==Cities== * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Willemstad]]|wikidata=Q132679}} — the capital city of Curaçao. * {{marker|type=city|name=Hato|wikidata=}} — a town close to Curaçao's International Airport. == Understand == {{quickbar|location=Curacao Location.png}} One of the most notable things about the island is its unique culture: * The '''architecture''' is distinctively Dutch but with the houses painted in beautiful pastel shades. Visitors often see it as a colorful, tropical version of Amsterdam. * The '''lifestyle''' is very laid back with lots of people just working enough to get by. * The '''local language''' is a creole called ''Papiamentu'' (see "Talk" below) === Climate === Curaçao is warm and sunny throughout the year. The average temperature is about 27° C (81° F). Trade winds with a cooling effect blow constantly from the east. The rainy season is between October and February. Showers during the rainy season occur mostly at night and are usually short. Total annual rainfall is around 570 mm (22 inches). The island lies outside of the hurricane belt, and a hurricane has not made landfall in Curaçao since the United States National Hurricane Center started tracking hurricanes. Prehurricane tropical storms occasionally affect Curaçao; the last one to do so was Tomas in 2010. Mainstream weather websites are largely inaccurate with Curaçao weather forecasts. One of the most accurate sources for weather is the [http://meteo.cw/ Curaçao Meterological Department website.] ===Tourist information === * [https://curacao.com Curaçao ] website ==Talk== The native language, Papiamentu, is a mixture of Portuguese, Spanish (90%) and Dutch (10%), but with a very basic grammar and a limited vocabulary. It is exclusively spoken on Curaçao, [[Bonaire]], and [[Aruba]] (where it is spelled ''Papiamento''). Official spelling exists, but Aruba has a spelling that is different from Curaçao and Bonaire. Due to the limitations of Papiamentu, in education it is only used in the infant classes. Dutch is used in the higher classes and governmental affairs. One term often encountered is "dushi". "Dushi" is a generic term to describe everything good. It can be translated as "nice" (view), "beautiful", "sexy" (person), "delicious" (food), "honored" (guest). Another important word is "danki", which means "thank you" ("dushi danki" is thus "thank you very much"). Most people from the island also speak [[Dutch phrasebook|Dutch]], English, and [[Spanish phrasebook|Spanish]]. ==Get in== [[File:Visa policy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the Caribbean.png|thumb|450px|Countries whose nationals do not require a visa for a stay for up to 90 days]] Countries eligible for a '''visa-free entry''' are shown in green on image to the right. Other countries require obtaining a '''visa''', which is valid for [[Aruba]], Curaçao, [[Sint Maarten]] and the [[Caribbean Netherlands]] and allows multiple entry for a maximum period of 90 days within 180 days. The maximum uninterrupted stay in one of the individual countries is 30 days. The visa is not valid for the European part of the Netherlands. [[File:Hato Airport, Curaçao (4388273029).jpg|thumb|KLM jumbo jet at Hato Airport]] === By plane === Those who want to travel by air can enter at [http://www.curacao-airport.com/ Curaçao's airport], '''Hato International Airport''' ({{IATA|CUR}}) in Plaza Margareth Abraham, not far from the capital of [[Willemstad]]. It is served by international and regional carriers. Before entering the island, a Digital Immigration Card must be filled out at the [https://www.curacao.com/en/directory/plan/getting-curacao/#!online-ed-card Curaçao Tourist Board's website]. It must be done at least 48 hours prior to departure. Immigration can take a very, very long time (easily 2 hours). Handicapped people can wait for their turn in a seating area at the far end of the immigration hall (usually hidden by the 10 or so lines of people queuing up). To get '''from the airport to Willemstad''' without a rental car, there are three options: * There is a public bus (Konvoi) departing once every 1-2 hours from the bus station on your right when exiting Arrivals, past the rental car desks. Cash only, see Get around > By bus. * Taxi (see Taxi section, including Click app) * Bus (see Get around section) drivers enter the airport to pick up passengers, though they are not taxis and might be chased away by airport staff. Despite that, they are a great way to get into the city cheaply if you have some cash, light luggage and enjoy an adventure. They usually go to the large Otrobanda bus terminal just west of Pietermaai. === By boat === '''Cruise ships''' arrive at '''Curaçao Mega Pier''' or the '''Curaçao Cruise Terminal'''. From these ports it's a short walk to many of the island's popular tourist destinations. Travelers can also enjoy nearby shopping at duty-free stores. Larger ships will arrive at the Mega Pier, and smaller ships will dock at the Cruise Terminal. Sailors can enter at ports in [[Willemstad]] and has various marinas at which seafaring travelers can dock their ships. There are no ferry services to other islands or to Venezuela. ==Get around== {{mapframe}} [[File:Curaçao travel map.png|thumb|200px]] ===By car=== A '''car''' is pretty much needed to get around the island. While almost all of Curaçao is accessible by bus, departures are often 1-2 hours in between and getting to many of the spots, especially on the western part of the island, is very hard or impossible. Cars can be rented for about USD45 per day, from a variety of hirers at Hato Airport and across the island. Driving in [[Willemstad]] is pretty similar to most Caribbean locations, with aggressive drivers, loosely enforced traffic laws and driving on the right side. Signs will be in Dutch using a European style. If you are involved in an accident, local laws prohibit moving your car. Dial 199 for road service. Do watch out for road hazards, such as donkeys, goats, and iguanas. If you stay outside of Willemstad, renting a car might be a good option as the taxi fares can be quite expensive and public transport is not very reliable. ===By taxi=== If public transit isn't your style, and you don't want to rent your own car, '''taxis''' are another popular and easy-to-find option. They, too, are marked, and their plates read "TX." Some taxi drivers will even be your '''tour guide''' for the day, if you ask. But remember to agree on a fee before heading out. [https://click-curacao.com/ Click Curaçao] is the local ride-sharing app (equivalent to Uber/Lyft) with cheaper fares than regular taxis. ===By bus=== There are two types of buses on the island, BUS and Konvoi. The easiest way to ride is to go to one of the two bus stations in Willemstad. These include Otrobanda Station, across the street from the Rif Fort (see [[Willemstad]]) and Punda Station, at the post office, across from the Circle Market. For the most part, the Punda bus station serves stops along the eastern side of the ring, and to the east including Salina, Zelandia, Mambo, while the Otrobanda station serves destinations West of the Bay, to include the Airport, Piscadera and even Westpunt. The destinations do not typically overlap, so a 10- to 15-minute walk between stations may be necessary for cross island trips. *'''Konvoi''' are large metro-style buses which run infrequently between major points in the city. Prices and routes are set at about 2 NAf, paid in cash only since the bus card requires residency. The ABC Curaçao app ([https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.autobusbedrijf Android] / [https://apps.apple.com/nl/app/abc-cura%C3%A7ao/id1570156545 iOS]) has a basic route planner and time tables which is helpful when traveling by public buses. 50 and 100 NAf bills are explicitly ''not'' accepted, so have smaller change ready. *'''BUS.''', on the other hand, are 9-12 passenger vans which look a lot like a taxi. You can spot a BUS. by a cardboard cutout in the front windshield listing a number of its stops, instead of the yellow Taxi sign in the windshield or on the roof, and/or by the BUS letters on the license plate. Unlike taxis, the BUS. prices are not negotiable (1-3 NAf), but the route is. A common practice with bus drivers is to negotiate how close the driver can take you to your destination. Be sure to ask the bus driver if the bus stops near your destination before entering. You can pay the driver while the BUS. is en route, or before exiting the bus. You can board a bus anywhere on the island by waiting at one of the ubiquitous yellow 'Bushalte' signs and waiving at a coming BUS or Konvoi. Taxi drivers will also try to lure you in. So make sure to look at the sign in the window or a license plate (that says BUS.) to avoid paying high taxi fares. The bus schedule varies, from about 6AM-8PM for most stops, and until 11PM or even midnight (and sometimes later) to Salina and Mambo. If you are ever lost during daylight hours, just find a yellow bushalte sign, and the bus should take you to either Punda or Otrobanda. ===By ferry=== [[File:Willemstad Curacao Neth. Ant..jpg|thumb|Willemstad]] '''Ferries''' are a great way for shoppers to get to and from some of the island's main '''shopping''' areas. ==See== * Willemstad waterfront; a UNESCO World Heritage Site. * Westpunt: The westernmost point of the island has restaurants and beautiful small beaches abound. * Nordpunt: The northernmost point of the island, much rougher sea than at Westpunt but beautiful nature (not recommended for swimming!). * Watamulu, the "lungs of the island": Between Nordpunt and Westpunt hollow rocks and corals spit out water with every wave. An impressive sight and a must see when in the area. Note that one either needs a car or has to hike from Westpunt. ==Do== * '''Diving''' and '''snorkeling''': The clear waters and maritime life make it an ideal diving destination. Divers are, after cruise ship tourists, the largest group of tourists. Plenty of dive schools offer courses and certifications. *{{do | name=Christoffel National Park | alt= | url=http://carmabi.org | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+5999 864-0363 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=West Point. A national park that is run by the Carmabi Foundation. Christoffel National Park is home to Boca Grandi, Indian caves where you can see paintings left by the Arawak Indians and Mount Christoffel. (At {{ft|1292}} high, Mount Christoffel is the highest point in Curaçao.) }} *{{do | name=Shete Boka National Park | alt= | url=http://carmabi.org | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+5999 864-0444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=West Point. A national park also run by the Carmabi Foundation, Shete Boka is home to the "7 bocas" including Boca Tabla and Boca Pistol (also known as "The Shooting Pistol") In season, some of the boca's serve as sea turtle breeding grounds. }} *{{do | name=Curaçao Sea Aquarium | alt= | url=http://curacao-sea-aquarium.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+5999 461-6666 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Bapor Kibra Z/N. Home of the Dolphin Academy. This is one of the most popular attractions in Curaçao. If you wish to do a Dolphin activity book as early as possible! Entry price depends on activity you choose, but paying for an activity (such as something at the Dolphin Academy) gets you entry to all of the Aquarium. }} *{{do | name=Hato Caves | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+5999 868-0379 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2019-09-09| content=F.D. Rooseveltweg Z/N. Open 7 days a week, with tours twice a day. Coral and limestone caves that were carved out below the sea and born when the sea level dropped. There are beautiful stalactite and stalagmite formations as well as water pools and a waterfall. The cave is also home to a colony long nose fruit bats. (Because of the colony, photography is limited and not allowed in certain chambers.) }} *{{do | name=Snorkeling and Diving at Curaçao's Marine Park | url=http://www.thecuracaoisland.com/best-scuba-dives-in-curacao/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The complete southwestern side of Curaçao is one large coral reef and marine park. In the north you can dive at the Banda Abou National Park, in the center at the Central Curaçao Underwater Park and in the south at the Curacau Underwater Park. Curaçao offers plenty of dive sites, from easy shore dives, pristine coral bay dives to sheer drop-offs especially in the southeast. }} *{{do | name=Curaçao Ostrich & Game Farm | alt= | url=http://ostrichfarm.net | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+5999 747-2777 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Santa Catharina. The Curaçao Ostrich Farm is one of the biggest Ostrich farms outside Africa. The tour takes you around the ostrich pens and incubator. Meat from this farm is shipped to [[Aruba]] (Ostrich is a red meat, which is high in protein and low in fat.) }} * {{do | name=Picnic Baskets Curaçao | url=https://www.picnicbasketscuracao.com | email=info@picnicbasketscuracao.com | phone=+5999 671-6884 | address=Island-wide delivery | hours=Daily 7AM–8PM | content=Your go-to for curated beach and romantic picnic basket rentals in Curaçao. Enjoy a relaxing beach day or a memorable date with everything delivered to your location. Beach chairs, umbrellas, coolers, Bluetooth speakers, snacks, drinks, and more. Great for couples, families, or anyone wanting a hassle-free experience in the sun. }} *{{do | name=Kunuku Aqua Resort | alt= | url=https://kunukuresort.com/ | email=receptie@kunukuresort.com | address= | lat=12.2076001 | long=-69.0252875 | directions= | phone=+5999-8644455 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Small all-inclusive resort with lots of water slides, pools and bars. Nice for a day with kids. }} [[File:Piscj_Bai,_Curacao.JPG|thumb|Piscj Bai, Curaçao]] ===Beaches=== Curaçao's public beaches are concentrated on the southern coast, especially the western side. Find these from [[Rif St. Marie]] up to [[Westpunt]]. Lots of land on the eastern coast is privately owned and access is prohibited; exploration of these areas is not encouraged as private security services patrol most of the area and are known not to take intrusions lightly. *'''Playa Kalki''', also known as Alice in Wonderland, is located at the far west end of the island past the town of Westpunt. [http://oceanencounterswest.com/ Ocean Encounters West]{{Dead link|date=January 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} is a full service dive shop. For a small fee, you have use of a dive locker for storage of personal items while diving/snorkeling and use of fresh water showers and equipment cleaning area. *'''Playa Grote Kenapa''', also known as Big Knip is a large sand beach west of the town of Lagun. *'''Playa Kleine Kenapa''', also known as Little Knip is another beach past the town of Lagun. It is a nice secluded beach with plenty of shade trees if you desire to stay out of the direct sun. The bar/restaurant on this site operates on a sporadic schedule, so visit prepared. *'''Playa Jeremi''' is a small secluded beach slightly north of Lagun. There are no facilities here. *'''Playa Lagun''', is a secluded bay towards the western end of the island in the town of Lagun. It is a small sandy beach on a rectangular shaped bay with tall cliffs on each side. The waters adjacent to the cliffs is excellent place for snorkeling. Both sides of the bay along the cliffs are teaming with a wide variety of marine life and corals. The left side of the bay has a greater variety of underwater structure for a better experience. *'''[http://playaportomari.com Playa Porto Mari]''' is a large beach with a full service restaurant, and a complete dive shop including fresh water showers and restrooms operated by Porto Mari Sports *'''Cas Abao''' is a beach on a plantation. It is a long stretched sandy beach with lots of facilities including huts, beach chairs, restaurant, fresh water showers and bathrooms.[http://casaboudiveandwatersports.com/]{{Dead link|date=April 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} *'''Daaibooi Baai''' is near Habitat in Rif st. Marie. Limited facilities. Huts, restrooms, grill area. Beautiful protected cove with calm waters. Avg depth: 20m *{{do | name=Pirate Bay | alt= | url=http://piratebaycuracao.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Is located on the Piscadera Bay. The location is a short drive a few miles west of downtown Willemstad near The Marriott and Hilton hotels. It has many beach amenities including showers/bathrooms, Hook's dive center and an excellent full service restaurant. }} *'''Habitat Beach''' is located in Rif St. Marie on the SW coast. It is Curaçao's Newest beach and has a full service Dive Operator, [http://DiveVersity.com DiveVersity], [http://habitatcuracaoresort.com/ Habitat Dive Hotel]{{Dead link|date=May 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}, Oceans Restaurant, and in the gated community of [http://coral-estate.com/ Coral Estate]{{Dead link|date=April 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} *''' Kontiki Beach''' is about a ten minute drive east from downtown Willemstad near Breezes hotel. Kontiki is a full service beach offering watersports, shops, beach-bar and a restaurant. It is also serviced by [http://curacao-toucandiving.com/ Ocean Encounters] dive center. Can get very crowded. *{{do | name=Mambo Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Is next door to Kontiki beach and is the place where locals and tourists alike visit for the nightlife partying here. }} *''' Seaquarium Beach''' *''' Jan Thiel Beach''' *''' Caracasbaai''' *''' Barbara Beach''' Private beach and future home to the Hyatt Hotel. *'''Klein Curaçao''' is an uninhabited island accessible only by boat. == Buy == [[File:Netherlands Antilles 10 Gulden.jpg|right|thumb|200px|10 Netherlands Antilles guilder banknotes]] ===Money=== {{exchange rates | currency=Caribbean guilder | currencyCode=ƒ | date=July 2025 | USD=1.8 | EUR=2.1 | GBP=2.4 | CAD=1.3 | source=[https://www.xe.com/currency/xcg-caribbean-guilder/ XE.com] }} The currency in circulation in Curaçao is the '''Caribbean guilder''' ("'''ƒ'''"/"'''Cg'''"). The euro and U.S. dollar are readily accepted. The previous currency, the Netherlands Antilles guilder ("'''ƒ'''"/"'''NAf'''") is no longer legal tender as of July 1, 2025, but can be reedemed without limit at the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Marteen. Coins of the Caribbean guilder are issued in denominations of 1-, 5-, 10-, 25 and 50 cents, 1 and 5 Caribbean guilders. Both feature designs that are interchangable and are accepted in both Curaçao and Sint Marteen. Banknotes of the Caribbean guilder are issued in denominations of 10Cg-, 20Cg-, 50Cg-, 100Cg and 200Cg. Automatic teller machines (ATM) are widely available throughout the island, and many machines will dispense guilders and the U.S. dollar. Beware that ATM fees are high (US$10 per withdrawal at MCB, US$6 at RBC as of April 2022), so it might be a good idea to bring cash since you won't need to use it that much – cards are widely accepted. Visa and Mastercard credit and debit cards are accepted nearly everywhere on the island, but foreign, non-Dutch, non-Maestro cards will often have to pay in USD. American Express is not widely accepted. Currency can generally be exchanged at local hotels, casinos and places of business. The exchange rate is generally pegged at about 1.77 NAf to the USD and stable. It is unlikely for tourists to be taken advantage when changing currency, but it is best to be aware of the current rates prior to arrival. Gas on the other hand requires cash (USD or NAf). ===Shopping=== There are a plethora of random shops and markets around Willemstad offering clothing, souvenirs, crafts, and other goods. These include a commonly-termed "duty free enclave" in the downtown area. Offerings emphasize European goods, to include jewelry, timepieces/watches and linens, plus the usual collection of souvenir shops. Perhaps not noted for great bargains, you may find items at decent prices you'll see nowhere else in the Caribbean. A water front market lies on the near north side of the main shopping area. It's packed with fresh foods and flowers, best seen or shopped in the mornings. On Sundays, however, most businesses other than restaurants in the city are closed. ==Eat== [[Image:Waterfront Dining Willemstad Curacao.JPG|thumb|Waterfront Dining Willemstad]] Local cuisine in Curaçao is a mixture of European, West-Indian and East Asian (particularly Indonesian) flavors. Dutch influences are found in the use of cheeses, bread and seafood, which are also important in Curaçaoan food. Indonesian cuisine, a migrant from Suriname, another of the Netherlands' former colonies, can be found on the island, and explains the widespread availability of sate and peanut sauce along with the islands more Caribbean fare. Also, Chinese "snacks" can be found all over the island serving cheap Chinese food. They cater mostly to locals, but most serve good food. If you are not staying close to the city center, buying groceries on one of the local supermarkets (Centrum supermarket, for example) might be cheaper than eating out. ===Restaurants=== ====Snacks==== Curaçao is littered with 'Snacks,' small bar restaurants which serve Chinese food. These are typically inexpensive, double as convenience stores and bars, and are typically open later than most other restaurants which cater to local (rather than European) patrons. ====Budget==== * '''Plasa Bieu,''' located in Punda, about 300 meters ENE of the floating bridge in Punda, is the favorite lunch spot of most, if not all, of the island's local-born population working in Punda. Open M-F, 10AM-3PM, the Plasa Bieu has about five restaurants within it, serving Chinese, Jamaican and Krioyo (local) food. Try the Cabritu Stoba (stewed goat) at Grasia di Dios, for an excellent example of the island's local cuisine, at one of the only restaurants in Punda which offer it. 8-14 NAf * '''Downtown Cafe at the Hotel Estoril''' Breedestraat 179 (O), located 200 west of the Arti Supermarket, on the Otrobanda Side's main shopping strip (the Breedestrat/Roodeweg) Open seven days per week 7AM-8PM, 'el Estoril,' as the locals calls it, packs its seven or so tables full from about 10AM-4PM, with Venezuelan, Colombian and Dominican expats. The Estoril serves a mix of local and Latin dishes, all served in a more typically Latin style. Order at the bar and sit down when a seat becomes available. You'll be expected to share a table if your party cannot fill it. 8-20 NAf. * '''Seaside Terrace''' is located next to Breezes Hotel and close to Lions Dive Hotel and Mambo Beach near the end of Penstraat. Seaside Terrace has a limited menu, but serves delicious fresh fish (red snapper, dradu, tuna, etc.) and, if available, very well prepared lobster against very fair prices. The owner "Amigo" is very friendly and makes you feel at home right away. ====Mid-range==== * '''On y va picnic''' sells picnic baskets to take to the beach. Order your favorite basket one day in advance and pick it up along the way to the beach, or they will deliver it. Located on the way to the beaches on the west side of the island. 26-45 NAf * '''Gouverneur de Rouville''' is a popular restaurant in Willemstad that serves a variety of continental European dishes in a wonderful atmosphere. It is just north of the floating bridge on the Otrobanda Side, 25-45 NAf. * '''Oceans Restaurant''', Habitat Dive Resort in Rif. St. Marie on the SW coast. Serves a wide variety of international and regional cuisine. Overlooks the Caribbean Sea in an open air casual decor. Has full service bar. 15-35 NAf * '''Wilhelmina Plein Cafe''' is 200 meters east of the Floating Bridge in Punda; this cafe is a favorite among the island's many Dutch interns and businessmen. Wilhelmina Plein Cafe offers exclusively outside seating along a major pedestrian thoroughfare, with good food and one of the island's better beer selections. 18-28 NAf * '''Vincent's Cafe Copa Cabana''' is a relatively hidden cafe just east of the Iguana Lounge's Main bar along the water on the Punda side of the bay. Skip the overpriced and mediocre waterfront restaurants on the Punda side and go to Vincent's for great sandwiches and a number of good daily special entrees. Vincent's is an outdoor cafe under the shade of a number of trees and the two buildings between which it is sandwiched, which also create a very pleasant breeze. 8-20 NAf. M-Sa Lunch - 6:30PM. *'''Old Dutch Cafe''' on the Pietermaaiweg 500 m east of the Bay on the Punda Side, the Old Dutch Cafe serves inexpensive Dutch cuisine with a kitchen that stays open late into the night. 15-28 NAf. Closed Sundays. * '''Kontiki Beach Club''' is a seaside restaurant offering good food in an idyllic location right on the beach. It is a little outside of the city, but it is well worth the short drive. * '''La Granja''' is a Peruvian influenced chain restaurant with a very local feel, serving great Latin cuisine, including excellent whole chicken, Lomo Saltado, and other great dishes. Sta Rosaweg 15-25 NAf. Open 7 days. [[File:Christoffelberg, Curaçao Feb 26, 2018 08-05-27.jpeg|thumb|Christoffelberg]] * '''Il Forno''' is a popular Italian/pizza restaurant with two locations, (Caracasbaai location and Doormanweg location) serving European (though not Italian) style pizzas with fresh and delicious ingredients. 15-30 NAf. * '''Kasbanini''' located in the Rif Fort, 100m south of the floating bridge on the Otrobanda Side, is probably the best of the Rif Fort's five or so mid-level restaurants. Offering typical seafood and chops with a bit of local flair. 30-40 NAf. 7 days/week, lunch and dinner. * '''La Pergola''', in the Old Fort on the southwest side of Punda, is likely the island's best Italian restaurant. Offering good pasta dishes as well as a few innovative 'secondi', La Pergola's quaint waterfront view completes an excellent dining experience. 25-40 NAf. * '''Ay Caramba''' is an American restaurant offering excellent American pub-grub with Tex Mex offerings. Located just below the Governeur Restaurant. * '''Golden Star''', on the Dr. W.P. Maalweg, on the way to Salinja. It serves local creole food and drinks, and is a good value for the amount of food you get. Prices vary from 15-25 NAf for a main course with sides. ====Splurge==== * '''Bistro le Clochard,''' located in the Rif Fort, offers outstanding French Cuisine with a beautiful waterfront view. Open daily. ANG50-80 * '''Sculpture Garden Restaurant''' located in the Kura Hulanda Hotel one block West of the Governeur Restaurant. Excellent international cuisine with some very innovative specials . ==Drink== '''Tap water''', which comes from a large seawater desalination distillation plant, is excellent tasting and perfectly safe for consumption. ===Alcohol=== Popular alcoholic drinks include: '''Amstel Bright beer''', which used to be locally brewed by Antillaanse Brouwerij, a subsidy of Heineken International. It is a pale style lager, usually served with a wedge of lime. '''Polar Beer''', which is brewed in neighbouring Venezuela. It is a 5% abv lager beer. '''Brion beer''' is the official local beer, though it is brewed on Barbados. Curaçao is famous for the alcoholic beverage of the same name, '''Blue Curaçao''', '''Orange Curaçao''', '''Green Curaçao''' and '''White Curaçao'''. It is made from bitter oranges grown on the island and, except for the white one, food coloring. It is mostly used in cocktails, though, and rarely drunk straight. ==Sleep== [[File:Sunset Waters Beach Resort in Curaçao (131134719).jpg|thumb|Curaçao sunset]] * {{sleep | name=Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort & Emerald Casino | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/property/propertypage/CURMC | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Has excellent restaurants such as the Portofino Restaurant and the Seabreeze Bar and Grill, which specialize in local dishes and fresh seafood. }} *{{listing | type=sleep | name=Flamingo Villa | alt= | url= | email=info@Flamingo-Villa.com | address=St. Willibrordus | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Luxury villa that sleeps 12 people with a private pool and overlooks the magnificent Caribbean Sea. }} *{{sleep | name=Pietermaai Smal Apartments | alt= | url=http://www.pietermaaiapartments.com | email= | address=Pietermaai Smal 51 | lat= | long= | directions=20 meters away from the Caribbean sea | phone=+5999 465 0478 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=In a 200-year-old renovated country house surrounded with a stylish swimming pool, you will find boutique hotel style apartments. Apartments with a distinctive design. }} *{{sleep | name=Seaside Curaçao | url=http://www.seasidecuracao.com | email= | address=St. Willibrordus, Banda Abou | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=10+ private villas to choose from. New beach-bar and restaurant, private pools. It sleeps 4-10 in a pure countryside setting with friendly security. }} *{{sleep | name=Westhill Bungalows | url=http://www.westhillcuracao.com/ | email= | address=Westpunt | lat= | long= | directions=west from Willemstad | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=100 NAf | checkin= | checkout= | content=A place for a short or extended stay. Just up from Playa Forti and a short drive from other great beaches, each of the 2 bedroom bungalows are well equipped and all have kitchens. Nice grounds, pool and wonderful owners. }} ==Stay safe== Safety is not a big issue on Curaçao. The locals are friendly, welcoming, and willing to give assistance. After all, a major part of their island's income comes from tourists. Just take normal precautions for a tropical island and use common sense. Car break-ins are a reoccurring problem so that some car rental agencies even prohibit parking rental cars at some specific places. In general it is a good idea to never ever leave valuables in a car. == Connect == === Cellular phones === Curaçao has two main cell providers, [https://www.uts.cw/ UTS] and [https://www.digicelgroup.com/cw/en/mobile.html Digicel]. International roaming is also available for many carriers but it is usually cheaper to purchase a prepaid SIM card from one of the local providers. Prepaid local SIM cards will need to be purchased at either a [https://www.uts.cw/support/contact-us/uts-stores UTS Store]{{Dead link|date=August 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} or a [https://www.digicelgroup.com/cw/en/store-locator.html Digicel Store]. Refill cards can be bought at many stores and supermarkets around the island or it can be done online for both carriers. ==== Coverage ==== Both carriers have good coverage around the island although UTS is slightly better. Both carriers have started deploying LTE and it now covers most of the island. ==== Roaming ==== UTS offers roaming at no extra charge to countries in what they market as Chippieland. In addition to Curaçao, this includes, Bonaire, Saba, St. Eustatius, Dutch St. Maarten, French St. Martin, and St. Barts. Digicel offers roaming at no extra charge to Aruba and Bonaire. ==Cope== ==Go next== Leaving Curaçao will require you to pay an exit tax not included in your flight ticket with most airlines. As of 2016, it's USD39 for international flights (Visa and MasterCard accepted), USD10 to USD20 for flights to Aruba, and Bonaire, and USD5 for connections (in cash only). See [http://www.curacao-airport.com/ the airport's website] for the most up-to-date information. *[[Aruba]] (a few minutes away by air) *[[Bonaire]] (a paradise for divers) *[[Guyana]] (a former British colony in South America, known for its pristine jungle and impressive waterfalls) *[[Saint Martin]] (a former member of the Netherlands Antilles, with many gourmet, shopping, and beach options) *[[Suriname]] (a former Dutch colony in South America, culturally linked to the Dutch Caribbean) *[[Venezuela]] Airport security in the departure area stops working after the last scheduled departure, no matter whether some flights are delayed by hours. If you have not cleared security by then there is no way to board your plane. Thus, even for heavily delayed flights, checking in and then heading out to a beach or into town is not a viable option. {{outlineregion}} {{IsPartOf|Caribbean}} {{Geo|12.183|-69|zoom=11}} mzfkubbelej5ukd3hc3xx116cq65nw4 5086890 5086885 2025-07-03T02:48:01Z Ground Zero 1423298 No touting per [[wv:tout]] 5086890 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Pagebanner|Curaçao-banner.jpg|Punda, Willemstad, viewed from Otrobanda}} '''Curaçao''' is an island in the [[Caribbean]] Sea, among the group known as the [[Caribbean#Leeward Antilles|ABC Islands]] alongside [[Aruba]] and [[Bonaire]]. This trio is located near Venezuela, and is considered to be outside the Caribbean's so-called "hurricane zone"; vacations to the island are rarely disrupted by tropical storms. ==Cities== * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Willemstad]]|wikidata=Q132679}} — the capital city of Curaçao. * {{marker|type=city|name=Hato|wikidata=}} — a town close to Curaçao's International Airport. == Understand == {{quickbar|location=Curacao Location.png}} One of the most notable things about the island is its unique culture: * The '''architecture''' is distinctively Dutch but with the houses painted in beautiful pastel shades. Visitors often see it as a colorful, tropical version of Amsterdam. * The '''lifestyle''' is very laid back with lots of people just working enough to get by. * The '''local language''' is a creole called ''Papiamentu'' (see "Talk" below) === Climate === Curaçao is warm and sunny throughout the year. The average temperature is about 27° C (81° F). Trade winds with a cooling effect blow constantly from the east. The rainy season is between October and February. Showers during the rainy season occur mostly at night and are usually short. Total annual rainfall is around 570 mm (22 inches). The island lies outside of the hurricane belt, and a hurricane has not made landfall in Curaçao since the United States National Hurricane Center started tracking hurricanes. Prehurricane tropical storms occasionally affect Curaçao; the last one to do so was Tomas in 2010. Mainstream weather websites are largely inaccurate with Curaçao weather forecasts. One of the most accurate sources for weather is the [http://meteo.cw/ Curaçao Meterological Department website.] ===Tourist information === * [https://curacao.com Curaçao ] website ==Talk== The native language, Papiamentu, is a mixture of Portuguese, Spanish (90%) and Dutch (10%), but with a very basic grammar and a limited vocabulary. It is exclusively spoken on Curaçao, [[Bonaire]], and [[Aruba]] (where it is spelled ''Papiamento''). Official spelling exists, but Aruba has a spelling that is different from Curaçao and Bonaire. Due to the limitations of Papiamentu, in education it is only used in the infant classes. Dutch is used in the higher classes and governmental affairs. One term often encountered is "dushi". "Dushi" is a generic term to describe everything good. It can be translated as "nice" (view), "beautiful", "sexy" (person), "delicious" (food), "honored" (guest). Another important word is "danki", which means "thank you" ("dushi danki" is thus "thank you very much"). Most people from the island also speak [[Dutch phrasebook|Dutch]], English, and [[Spanish phrasebook|Spanish]]. ==Get in== [[File:Visa policy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the Caribbean.png|thumb|450px|Countries whose nationals do not require a visa for a stay for up to 90 days]] Countries eligible for a '''visa-free entry''' are shown in green on image to the right. Other countries require obtaining a '''visa''', which is valid for [[Aruba]], Curaçao, [[Sint Maarten]] and the [[Caribbean Netherlands]] and allows multiple entry for a maximum period of 90 days within 180 days. The maximum uninterrupted stay in one of the individual countries is 30 days. The visa is not valid for the European part of the Netherlands. [[File:Hato Airport, Curaçao (4388273029).jpg|thumb|KLM jumbo jet at Hato Airport]] === By plane === Those who want to travel by air can enter at [http://www.curacao-airport.com/ Curaçao's airport], '''Hato International Airport''' ({{IATA|CUR}}) in Plaza Margareth Abraham, not far from the capital of [[Willemstad]]. It is served by international and regional carriers. Before entering the island, a Digital Immigration Card must be filled out at the [https://www.curacao.com/en/directory/plan/getting-curacao/#!online-ed-card Curaçao Tourist Board's website]. It must be done at least 48 hours prior to departure. Immigration can take a very, very long time (easily 2 hours). Handicapped people can wait for their turn in a seating area at the far end of the immigration hall (usually hidden by the 10 or so lines of people queuing up). To get '''from the airport to Willemstad''' without a rental car, there are three options: * There is a public bus (Konvoi) departing once every 1-2 hours from the bus station on your right when exiting Arrivals, past the rental car desks. Cash only, see Get around > By bus. * Taxi (see Taxi section, including Click app) * Bus (see Get around section) drivers enter the airport to pick up passengers, though they are not taxis and might be chased away by airport staff. Despite that, they are a great way to get into the city cheaply if you have some cash, light luggage and enjoy an adventure. They usually go to the large Otrobanda bus terminal just west of Pietermaai. === By boat === '''Cruise ships''' arrive at '''Curaçao Mega Pier''' or the '''Curaçao Cruise Terminal'''. From these ports it's a short walk to many of the island's popular tourist destinations. Travelers can also enjoy nearby shopping at duty-free stores. Larger ships will arrive at the Mega Pier, and smaller ships will dock at the Cruise Terminal. Sailors can enter at ports in [[Willemstad]] and has various marinas at which seafaring travelers can dock their ships. There are no ferry services to other islands or to Venezuela. ==Get around== {{mapframe}} [[File:Curaçao travel map.png|thumb|200px]] ===By car=== A '''car''' is pretty much needed to get around the island. While almost all of Curaçao is accessible by bus, departures are often 1-2 hours in between and getting to many of the spots, especially on the western part of the island, is very hard or impossible. Cars can be rented for about USD45 per day, from a variety of hirers at Hato Airport and across the island. Driving in [[Willemstad]] is pretty similar to most Caribbean locations, with aggressive drivers, loosely enforced traffic laws and driving on the right side. Signs will be in Dutch using a European style. If you are involved in an accident, local laws prohibit moving your car. Dial 199 for road service. Do watch out for road hazards, such as donkeys, goats, and iguanas. If you stay outside of Willemstad, renting a car might be a good option as the taxi fares can be quite expensive and public transport is not very reliable. ===By taxi=== If public transit isn't your style, and you don't want to rent your own car, '''taxis''' are another popular and easy-to-find option. They, too, are marked, and their plates read "TX." Some taxi drivers will even be your '''tour guide''' for the day, if you ask. But remember to agree on a fee before heading out. [https://click-curacao.com/ Click Curaçao] is the local ride-sharing app (equivalent to Uber/Lyft) with cheaper fares than regular taxis. ===By bus=== There are two types of buses on the island, BUS and Konvoi. The easiest way to ride is to go to one of the two bus stations in Willemstad. These include Otrobanda Station, across the street from the Rif Fort (see [[Willemstad]]) and Punda Station, at the post office, across from the Circle Market. For the most part, the Punda bus station serves stops along the eastern side of the ring, and to the east including Salina, Zelandia, Mambo, while the Otrobanda station serves destinations West of the Bay, to include the Airport, Piscadera and even Westpunt. The destinations do not typically overlap, so a 10- to 15-minute walk between stations may be necessary for cross island trips. *'''Konvoi''' are large metro-style buses which run infrequently between major points in the city. Prices and routes are set at about 2 NAf, paid in cash only since the bus card requires residency. The ABC Curaçao app ([https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.autobusbedrijf Android] / [https://apps.apple.com/nl/app/abc-cura%C3%A7ao/id1570156545 iOS]) has a basic route planner and time tables which is helpful when traveling by public buses. 50 and 100 NAf bills are explicitly ''not'' accepted, so have smaller change ready. *'''BUS.''', on the other hand, are 9-12 passenger vans which look a lot like a taxi. You can spot a BUS. by a cardboard cutout in the front windshield listing a number of its stops, instead of the yellow Taxi sign in the windshield or on the roof, and/or by the BUS letters on the license plate. Unlike taxis, the BUS. prices are not negotiable (1-3 NAf), but the route is. A common practice with bus drivers is to negotiate how close the driver can take you to your destination. Be sure to ask the bus driver if the bus stops near your destination before entering. You can pay the driver while the BUS. is en route, or before exiting the bus. You can board a bus anywhere on the island by waiting at one of the ubiquitous yellow 'Bushalte' signs and waiving at a coming BUS or Konvoi. Taxi drivers will also try to lure you in. So make sure to look at the sign in the window or a license plate (that says BUS.) to avoid paying high taxi fares. The bus schedule varies, from about 6AM-8PM for most stops, and until 11PM or even midnight (and sometimes later) to Salina and Mambo. If you are ever lost during daylight hours, just find a yellow bushalte sign, and the bus should take you to either Punda or Otrobanda. ===By ferry=== [[File:Willemstad Curacao Neth. Ant..jpg|thumb|Willemstad]] '''Ferries''' are a great way for shoppers to get to and from some of the island's main '''shopping''' areas. ==See== * Willemstad waterfront; a UNESCO World Heritage Site. * Westpunt: The westernmost point of the island has restaurants and beautiful small beaches abound. * Nordpunt: The northernmost point of the island, much rougher sea than at Westpunt but beautiful nature (not recommended for swimming!). * Watamulu, the "lungs of the island": Between Nordpunt and Westpunt hollow rocks and corals spit out water with every wave. An impressive sight and a must see when in the area. Note that one either needs a car or has to hike from Westpunt. ==Do== * '''Diving''' and '''snorkeling''': The clear waters and maritime life make it an ideal diving destination. Divers are, after cruise ship tourists, the largest group of tourists. Plenty of dive schools offer courses and certifications. *{{do | name=Christoffel National Park | alt= | url=http://carmabi.org | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+5999 864-0363 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=West Point. A national park that is run by the Carmabi Foundation. Christoffel National Park is home to Boca Grandi, Indian caves where you can see paintings left by the Arawak Indians and Mount Christoffel. (At {{ft|1292}} high, Mount Christoffel is the highest point in Curaçao.) }} *{{do | name=Shete Boka National Park | alt= | url=http://carmabi.org | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+5999 864-0444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=West Point. A national park also run by the Carmabi Foundation, Shete Boka is home to the "7 bocas" including Boca Tabla and Boca Pistol (also known as "The Shooting Pistol") In season, some of the boca's serve as sea turtle breeding grounds. }} *{{do | name=Curaçao Sea Aquarium | alt= | url=http://curacao-sea-aquarium.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+5999 461-6666 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Bapor Kibra Z/N. Home of the Dolphin Academy. This is one of the most popular attractions in Curaçao. If you wish to do a Dolphin activity book as early as possible! Entry price depends on activity you choose, but paying for an activity (such as something at the Dolphin Academy) gets you entry to all of the Aquarium. }} *{{do | name=Hato Caves | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+5999 868-0379 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2019-09-09| content=F.D. Rooseveltweg Z/N. Open 7 days a week, with tours twice a day. Coral and limestone caves that were carved out below the sea and born when the sea level dropped. There are beautiful stalactite and stalagmite formations as well as water pools and a waterfall. The cave is also home to a colony long nose fruit bats. (Because of the colony, photography is limited and not allowed in certain chambers.) }} *{{do | name=Snorkeling and Diving at Curaçao's Marine Park | url=http://www.thecuracaoisland.com/best-scuba-dives-in-curacao/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The complete southwestern side of Curaçao is one large coral reef and marine park. In the north you can dive at the Banda Abou National Park, in the center at the Central Curaçao Underwater Park and in the south at the Curacau Underwater Park. Curaçao offers plenty of dive sites, from easy shore dives, pristine coral bay dives to sheer drop-offs especially in the southeast. }} *{{do | name=Curaçao Ostrich & Game Farm | alt= | url=http://ostrichfarm.net | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+5999 747-2777 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Santa Catharina. The Curaçao Ostrich Farm is one of the biggest Ostrich farms outside Africa. The tour takes you around the ostrich pens and incubator. Meat from this farm is shipped to [[Aruba]] (Ostrich is a red meat, which is high in protein and low in fat.) }} *{{do | name=Kunuku Aqua Resort | alt= | url=https://kunukuresort.com/ | email=receptie@kunukuresort.com | address= | lat=12.2076001 | long=-69.0252875 | directions= | phone=+5999-8644455 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Small all-inclusive resort with lots of water slides, pools and bars. Nice for a day with kids. }} [[File:Piscj_Bai,_Curacao.JPG|thumb|Piscj Bai, Curaçao]] ===Beaches=== Curaçao's public beaches are concentrated on the southern coast, especially the western side. Find these from [[Rif St. Marie]] up to [[Westpunt]]. Lots of land on the eastern coast is privately owned and access is prohibited; exploration of these areas is not encouraged as private security services patrol most of the area and are known not to take intrusions lightly. *'''Playa Kalki''', also known as Alice in Wonderland, is located at the far west end of the island past the town of Westpunt. [http://oceanencounterswest.com/ Ocean Encounters West]{{Dead link|date=January 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} is a full service dive shop. For a small fee, you have use of a dive locker for storage of personal items while diving/snorkeling and use of fresh water showers and equipment cleaning area. *'''Playa Grote Kenapa''', also known as Big Knip is a large sand beach west of the town of Lagun. *'''Playa Kleine Kenapa''', also known as Little Knip is another beach past the town of Lagun. It is a nice secluded beach with plenty of shade trees if you desire to stay out of the direct sun. The bar/restaurant on this site operates on a sporadic schedule, so visit prepared. *'''Playa Jeremi''' is a small secluded beach slightly north of Lagun. There are no facilities here. *'''Playa Lagun''', is a secluded bay towards the western end of the island in the town of Lagun. It is a small sandy beach on a rectangular shaped bay with tall cliffs on each side. The waters adjacent to the cliffs is excellent place for snorkeling. Both sides of the bay along the cliffs are teaming with a wide variety of marine life and corals. The left side of the bay has a greater variety of underwater structure for a better experience. *'''[http://playaportomari.com Playa Porto Mari]''' is a large beach with a full service restaurant, and a complete dive shop including fresh water showers and restrooms operated by Porto Mari Sports *'''Cas Abao''' is a beach on a plantation. It is a long stretched sandy beach with lots of facilities including huts, beach chairs, restaurant, fresh water showers and bathrooms.[http://casaboudiveandwatersports.com/]{{Dead link|date=April 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} *'''Daaibooi Baai''' is near Habitat in Rif st. Marie. Limited facilities. Huts, restrooms, grill area. Beautiful protected cove with calm waters. Avg depth: 20m *{{do | name=Pirate Bay | alt= | url=http://piratebaycuracao.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Is located on the Piscadera Bay. The location is a short drive a few miles west of downtown Willemstad near The Marriott and Hilton hotels. It has many beach amenities including showers/bathrooms, Hook's dive center and an excellent full service restaurant. }} *'''Habitat Beach''' is located in Rif St. Marie on the SW coast. It is Curaçao's Newest beach and has a full service Dive Operator, [http://DiveVersity.com DiveVersity], [http://habitatcuracaoresort.com/ Habitat Dive Hotel]{{Dead link|date=May 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}, Oceans Restaurant, and in the gated community of [http://coral-estate.com/ Coral Estate]{{Dead link|date=April 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} *''' Kontiki Beach''' is about a ten minute drive east from downtown Willemstad near Breezes hotel. Kontiki is a full service beach offering watersports, shops, beach-bar and a restaurant. It is also serviced by [http://curacao-toucandiving.com/ Ocean Encounters] dive center. Can get very crowded. *{{do | name=Mambo Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Is next door to Kontiki beach and is the place where locals and tourists alike visit for the nightlife partying here. }} *''' Seaquarium Beach''' *''' Jan Thiel Beach''' *''' Caracasbaai''' *''' Barbara Beach''' Private beach and future home to the Hyatt Hotel. *'''Klein Curaçao''' is an uninhabited island accessible only by boat. == Buy == [[File:Netherlands Antilles 10 Gulden.jpg|right|thumb|200px|10 Netherlands Antilles guilder banknotes]] ===Money=== {{exchange rates | currency=Caribbean guilder | currencyCode=ƒ | date=July 2025 | USD=1.8 | EUR=2.1 | GBP=2.4 | CAD=1.3 | source=[https://www.xe.com/currency/xcg-caribbean-guilder/ XE.com] }} The currency in circulation in Curaçao is the '''Caribbean guilder''' ("'''ƒ'''"/"'''Cg'''"). The euro and U.S. dollar are readily accepted. The previous currency, the Netherlands Antilles guilder ("'''ƒ'''"/"'''NAf'''") is no longer legal tender as of July 1, 2025, but can be reedemed without limit at the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Marteen. Coins of the Caribbean guilder are issued in denominations of 1-, 5-, 10-, 25 and 50 cents, 1 and 5 Caribbean guilders. Both feature designs that are interchangable and are accepted in both Curaçao and Sint Marteen. Banknotes of the Caribbean guilder are issued in denominations of 10Cg-, 20Cg-, 50Cg-, 100Cg and 200Cg. Automatic teller machines (ATM) are widely available throughout the island, and many machines will dispense guilders and the U.S. dollar. Beware that ATM fees are high (US$10 per withdrawal at MCB, US$6 at RBC as of April 2022), so it might be a good idea to bring cash since you won't need to use it that much – cards are widely accepted. Visa and Mastercard credit and debit cards are accepted nearly everywhere on the island, but foreign, non-Dutch, non-Maestro cards will often have to pay in USD. American Express is not widely accepted. Currency can generally be exchanged at local hotels, casinos and places of business. The exchange rate is generally pegged at about 1.77 NAf to the USD and stable. It is unlikely for tourists to be taken advantage when changing currency, but it is best to be aware of the current rates prior to arrival. Gas on the other hand requires cash (USD or NAf). ===Shopping=== There are a plethora of random shops and markets around Willemstad offering clothing, souvenirs, crafts, and other goods. These include a commonly-termed "duty free enclave" in the downtown area. Offerings emphasize European goods, to include jewelry, timepieces/watches and linens, plus the usual collection of souvenir shops. Perhaps not noted for great bargains, you may find items at decent prices you'll see nowhere else in the Caribbean. A water front market lies on the near north side of the main shopping area. It's packed with fresh foods and flowers, best seen or shopped in the mornings. On Sundays, however, most businesses other than restaurants in the city are closed. ==Eat== [[Image:Waterfront Dining Willemstad Curacao.JPG|thumb|Waterfront Dining Willemstad]] Local cuisine in Curaçao is a mixture of European, West-Indian and East Asian (particularly Indonesian) flavors. Dutch influences are found in the use of cheeses, bread and seafood, which are also important in Curaçaoan food. Indonesian cuisine, a migrant from Suriname, another of the Netherlands' former colonies, can be found on the island, and explains the widespread availability of sate and peanut sauce along with the islands more Caribbean fare. Also, Chinese "snacks" can be found all over the island serving cheap Chinese food. They cater mostly to locals, but most serve good food. If you are not staying close to the city center, buying groceries on one of the local supermarkets (Centrum supermarket, for example) might be cheaper than eating out. ===Restaurants=== ====Snacks==== Curaçao is littered with 'Snacks,' small bar restaurants which serve Chinese food. These are typically inexpensive, double as convenience stores and bars, and are typically open later than most other restaurants which cater to local (rather than European) patrons. ====Budget==== * '''Plasa Bieu,''' located in Punda, about 300 meters ENE of the floating bridge in Punda, is the favorite lunch spot of most, if not all, of the island's local-born population working in Punda. Open M-F, 10AM-3PM, the Plasa Bieu has about five restaurants within it, serving Chinese, Jamaican and Krioyo (local) food. Try the Cabritu Stoba (stewed goat) at Grasia di Dios, for an excellent example of the island's local cuisine, at one of the only restaurants in Punda which offer it. 8-14 NAf * '''Downtown Cafe at the Hotel Estoril''' Breedestraat 179 (O), located 200 west of the Arti Supermarket, on the Otrobanda Side's main shopping strip (the Breedestrat/Roodeweg) Open seven days per week 7AM-8PM, 'el Estoril,' as the locals calls it, packs its seven or so tables full from about 10AM-4PM, with Venezuelan, Colombian and Dominican expats. The Estoril serves a mix of local and Latin dishes, all served in a more typically Latin style. Order at the bar and sit down when a seat becomes available. You'll be expected to share a table if your party cannot fill it. 8-20 NAf. * '''Seaside Terrace''' is located next to Breezes Hotel and close to Lions Dive Hotel and Mambo Beach near the end of Penstraat. Seaside Terrace has a limited menu, but serves delicious fresh fish (red snapper, dradu, tuna, etc.) and, if available, very well prepared lobster against very fair prices. The owner "Amigo" is very friendly and makes you feel at home right away. ====Mid-range==== * '''On y va picnic''' sells picnic baskets to take to the beach. Order your favorite basket one day in advance and pick it up along the way to the beach, or they will deliver it. Located on the way to the beaches on the west side of the island. 26-45 NAf * '''Gouverneur de Rouville''' is a popular restaurant in Willemstad that serves a variety of continental European dishes in a wonderful atmosphere. It is just north of the floating bridge on the Otrobanda Side, 25-45 NAf. * '''Oceans Restaurant''', Habitat Dive Resort in Rif. St. Marie on the SW coast. Serves a wide variety of international and regional cuisine. Overlooks the Caribbean Sea in an open air casual decor. Has full service bar. 15-35 NAf * '''Wilhelmina Plein Cafe''' is 200 meters east of the Floating Bridge in Punda; this cafe is a favorite among the island's many Dutch interns and businessmen. Wilhelmina Plein Cafe offers exclusively outside seating along a major pedestrian thoroughfare, with good food and one of the island's better beer selections. 18-28 NAf * '''Vincent's Cafe Copa Cabana''' is a relatively hidden cafe just east of the Iguana Lounge's Main bar along the water on the Punda side of the bay. Skip the overpriced and mediocre waterfront restaurants on the Punda side and go to Vincent's for great sandwiches and a number of good daily special entrees. Vincent's is an outdoor cafe under the shade of a number of trees and the two buildings between which it is sandwiched, which also create a very pleasant breeze. 8-20 NAf. M-Sa Lunch - 6:30PM. *'''Old Dutch Cafe''' on the Pietermaaiweg 500 m east of the Bay on the Punda Side, the Old Dutch Cafe serves inexpensive Dutch cuisine with a kitchen that stays open late into the night. 15-28 NAf. Closed Sundays. * '''Kontiki Beach Club''' is a seaside restaurant offering good food in an idyllic location right on the beach. It is a little outside of the city, but it is well worth the short drive. * '''La Granja''' is a Peruvian influenced chain restaurant with a very local feel, serving great Latin cuisine, including excellent whole chicken, Lomo Saltado, and other great dishes. Sta Rosaweg 15-25 NAf. Open 7 days. [[File:Christoffelberg, Curaçao Feb 26, 2018 08-05-27.jpeg|thumb|Christoffelberg]] * '''Il Forno''' is a popular Italian/pizza restaurant with two locations, (Caracasbaai location and Doormanweg location) serving European (though not Italian) style pizzas with fresh and delicious ingredients. 15-30 NAf. * '''Kasbanini''' located in the Rif Fort, 100m south of the floating bridge on the Otrobanda Side, is probably the best of the Rif Fort's five or so mid-level restaurants. Offering typical seafood and chops with a bit of local flair. 30-40 NAf. 7 days/week, lunch and dinner. * '''La Pergola''', in the Old Fort on the southwest side of Punda, is likely the island's best Italian restaurant. Offering good pasta dishes as well as a few innovative 'secondi', La Pergola's quaint waterfront view completes an excellent dining experience. 25-40 NAf. * '''Ay Caramba''' is an American restaurant offering excellent American pub-grub with Tex Mex offerings. Located just below the Governeur Restaurant. * '''Golden Star''', on the Dr. W.P. Maalweg, on the way to Salinja. It serves local creole food and drinks, and is a good value for the amount of food you get. Prices vary from 15-25 NAf for a main course with sides. ====Splurge==== * '''Bistro le Clochard,''' located in the Rif Fort, offers outstanding French Cuisine with a beautiful waterfront view. Open daily. ANG50-80 * '''Sculpture Garden Restaurant''' located in the Kura Hulanda Hotel one block West of the Governeur Restaurant. Excellent international cuisine with some very innovative specials . ==Drink== '''Tap water''', which comes from a large seawater desalination distillation plant, is excellent tasting and perfectly safe for consumption. ===Alcohol=== Popular alcoholic drinks include: '''Amstel Bright beer''', which used to be locally brewed by Antillaanse Brouwerij, a subsidy of Heineken International. It is a pale style lager, usually served with a wedge of lime. '''Polar Beer''', which is brewed in neighbouring Venezuela. It is a 5% abv lager beer. '''Brion beer''' is the official local beer, though it is brewed on Barbados. Curaçao is famous for the alcoholic beverage of the same name, '''Blue Curaçao''', '''Orange Curaçao''', '''Green Curaçao''' and '''White Curaçao'''. It is made from bitter oranges grown on the island and, except for the white one, food coloring. It is mostly used in cocktails, though, and rarely drunk straight. ==Sleep== [[File:Sunset Waters Beach Resort in Curaçao (131134719).jpg|thumb|Curaçao sunset]] * {{sleep | name=Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort & Emerald Casino | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/property/propertypage/CURMC | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Has excellent restaurants such as the Portofino Restaurant and the Seabreeze Bar and Grill, which specialize in local dishes and fresh seafood. }} *{{listing | type=sleep | name=Flamingo Villa | alt= | url= | email=info@Flamingo-Villa.com | address=St. Willibrordus | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Luxury villa that sleeps 12 people with a private pool and overlooks the magnificent Caribbean Sea. }} *{{sleep | name=Pietermaai Smal Apartments | alt= | url=http://www.pietermaaiapartments.com | email= | address=Pietermaai Smal 51 | lat= | long= | directions=20 meters away from the Caribbean sea | phone=+5999 465 0478 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=In a 200-year-old renovated country house surrounded with a stylish swimming pool, you will find boutique hotel style apartments. Apartments with a distinctive design. }} *{{sleep | name=Seaside Curaçao | url=http://www.seasidecuracao.com | email= | address=St. Willibrordus, Banda Abou | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=10+ private villas to choose from. New beach-bar and restaurant, private pools. It sleeps 4-10 in a pure countryside setting with friendly security. }} *{{sleep | name=Westhill Bungalows | url=http://www.westhillcuracao.com/ | email= | address=Westpunt | lat= | long= | directions=west from Willemstad | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=100 NAf | checkin= | checkout= | content=A place for a short or extended stay. Just up from Playa Forti and a short drive from other great beaches, each of the 2 bedroom bungalows are well equipped and all have kitchens. Nice grounds, pool and wonderful owners. }} ==Stay safe== Safety is not a big issue on Curaçao. The locals are friendly, welcoming, and willing to give assistance. After all, a major part of their island's income comes from tourists. Just take normal precautions for a tropical island and use common sense. Car break-ins are a reoccurring problem so that some car rental agencies even prohibit parking rental cars at some specific places. In general it is a good idea to never ever leave valuables in a car. == Connect == === Cellular phones === Curaçao has two main cell providers, [https://www.uts.cw/ UTS] and [https://www.digicelgroup.com/cw/en/mobile.html Digicel]. International roaming is also available for many carriers but it is usually cheaper to purchase a prepaid SIM card from one of the local providers. Prepaid local SIM cards will need to be purchased at either a [https://www.uts.cw/support/contact-us/uts-stores UTS Store]{{Dead link|date=August 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} or a [https://www.digicelgroup.com/cw/en/store-locator.html Digicel Store]. Refill cards can be bought at many stores and supermarkets around the island or it can be done online for both carriers. ==== Coverage ==== Both carriers have good coverage around the island although UTS is slightly better. Both carriers have started deploying LTE and it now covers most of the island. ==== Roaming ==== UTS offers roaming at no extra charge to countries in what they market as Chippieland. In addition to Curaçao, this includes, Bonaire, Saba, St. Eustatius, Dutch St. Maarten, French St. Martin, and St. Barts. Digicel offers roaming at no extra charge to Aruba and Bonaire. ==Cope== ==Go next== Leaving Curaçao will require you to pay an exit tax not included in your flight ticket with most airlines. As of 2016, it's USD39 for international flights (Visa and MasterCard accepted), USD10 to USD20 for flights to Aruba, and Bonaire, and USD5 for connections (in cash only). See [http://www.curacao-airport.com/ the airport's website] for the most up-to-date information. *[[Aruba]] (a few minutes away by air) *[[Bonaire]] (a paradise for divers) *[[Guyana]] (a former British colony in South America, known for its pristine jungle and impressive waterfalls) *[[Saint Martin]] (a former member of the Netherlands Antilles, with many gourmet, shopping, and beach options) *[[Suriname]] (a former Dutch colony in South America, culturally linked to the Dutch Caribbean) *[[Venezuela]] Airport security in the departure area stops working after the last scheduled departure, no matter whether some flights are delayed by hours. If you have not cleared security by then there is no way to board your plane. Thus, even for heavily delayed flights, checking in and then heading out to a beach or into town is not a viable option. {{outlineregion}} {{IsPartOf|Caribbean}} {{Geo|12.183|-69|zoom=11}} o9ez7lmbnlc86zx3rse59fxm7gx3gmr 5086893 5086890 2025-07-03T02:51:25Z Ground Zero 1423298 /* Money */ 5086893 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Pagebanner|Curaçao-banner.jpg|Punda, Willemstad, viewed from Otrobanda}} '''Curaçao''' is an island in the [[Caribbean]] Sea, among the group known as the [[Caribbean#Leeward Antilles|ABC Islands]] alongside [[Aruba]] and [[Bonaire]]. This trio is located near Venezuela, and is considered to be outside the Caribbean's so-called "hurricane zone"; vacations to the island are rarely disrupted by tropical storms. ==Cities== * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Willemstad]]|wikidata=Q132679}} — the capital city of Curaçao. * {{marker|type=city|name=Hato|wikidata=}} — a town close to Curaçao's International Airport. == Understand == {{quickbar|location=Curacao Location.png}} One of the most notable things about the island is its unique culture: * The '''architecture''' is distinctively Dutch but with the houses painted in beautiful pastel shades. Visitors often see it as a colorful, tropical version of Amsterdam. * The '''lifestyle''' is very laid back with lots of people just working enough to get by. * The '''local language''' is a creole called ''Papiamentu'' (see "Talk" below) === Climate === Curaçao is warm and sunny throughout the year. The average temperature is about 27° C (81° F). Trade winds with a cooling effect blow constantly from the east. The rainy season is between October and February. Showers during the rainy season occur mostly at night and are usually short. Total annual rainfall is around 570 mm (22 inches). The island lies outside of the hurricane belt, and a hurricane has not made landfall in Curaçao since the United States National Hurricane Center started tracking hurricanes. Prehurricane tropical storms occasionally affect Curaçao; the last one to do so was Tomas in 2010. Mainstream weather websites are largely inaccurate with Curaçao weather forecasts. One of the most accurate sources for weather is the [http://meteo.cw/ Curaçao Meterological Department website.] ===Tourist information === * [https://curacao.com Curaçao ] website ==Talk== The native language, Papiamentu, is a mixture of Portuguese, Spanish (90%) and Dutch (10%), but with a very basic grammar and a limited vocabulary. It is exclusively spoken on Curaçao, [[Bonaire]], and [[Aruba]] (where it is spelled ''Papiamento''). Official spelling exists, but Aruba has a spelling that is different from Curaçao and Bonaire. Due to the limitations of Papiamentu, in education it is only used in the infant classes. Dutch is used in the higher classes and governmental affairs. One term often encountered is "dushi". "Dushi" is a generic term to describe everything good. It can be translated as "nice" (view), "beautiful", "sexy" (person), "delicious" (food), "honored" (guest). Another important word is "danki", which means "thank you" ("dushi danki" is thus "thank you very much"). Most people from the island also speak [[Dutch phrasebook|Dutch]], English, and [[Spanish phrasebook|Spanish]]. ==Get in== [[File:Visa policy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the Caribbean.png|thumb|450px|Countries whose nationals do not require a visa for a stay for up to 90 days]] Countries eligible for a '''visa-free entry''' are shown in green on image to the right. Other countries require obtaining a '''visa''', which is valid for [[Aruba]], Curaçao, [[Sint Maarten]] and the [[Caribbean Netherlands]] and allows multiple entry for a maximum period of 90 days within 180 days. The maximum uninterrupted stay in one of the individual countries is 30 days. The visa is not valid for the European part of the Netherlands. [[File:Hato Airport, Curaçao (4388273029).jpg|thumb|KLM jumbo jet at Hato Airport]] === By plane === Those who want to travel by air can enter at [http://www.curacao-airport.com/ Curaçao's airport], '''Hato International Airport''' ({{IATA|CUR}}) in Plaza Margareth Abraham, not far from the capital of [[Willemstad]]. It is served by international and regional carriers. Before entering the island, a Digital Immigration Card must be filled out at the [https://www.curacao.com/en/directory/plan/getting-curacao/#!online-ed-card Curaçao Tourist Board's website]. It must be done at least 48 hours prior to departure. Immigration can take a very, very long time (easily 2 hours). Handicapped people can wait for their turn in a seating area at the far end of the immigration hall (usually hidden by the 10 or so lines of people queuing up). To get '''from the airport to Willemstad''' without a rental car, there are three options: * There is a public bus (Konvoi) departing once every 1-2 hours from the bus station on your right when exiting Arrivals, past the rental car desks. Cash only, see Get around > By bus. * Taxi (see Taxi section, including Click app) * Bus (see Get around section) drivers enter the airport to pick up passengers, though they are not taxis and might be chased away by airport staff. Despite that, they are a great way to get into the city cheaply if you have some cash, light luggage and enjoy an adventure. They usually go to the large Otrobanda bus terminal just west of Pietermaai. === By boat === '''Cruise ships''' arrive at '''Curaçao Mega Pier''' or the '''Curaçao Cruise Terminal'''. From these ports it's a short walk to many of the island's popular tourist destinations. Travelers can also enjoy nearby shopping at duty-free stores. Larger ships will arrive at the Mega Pier, and smaller ships will dock at the Cruise Terminal. Sailors can enter at ports in [[Willemstad]] and has various marinas at which seafaring travelers can dock their ships. There are no ferry services to other islands or to Venezuela. ==Get around== {{mapframe}} [[File:Curaçao travel map.png|thumb|200px]] ===By car=== A '''car''' is pretty much needed to get around the island. While almost all of Curaçao is accessible by bus, departures are often 1-2 hours in between and getting to many of the spots, especially on the western part of the island, is very hard or impossible. Cars can be rented for about USD45 per day, from a variety of hirers at Hato Airport and across the island. Driving in [[Willemstad]] is pretty similar to most Caribbean locations, with aggressive drivers, loosely enforced traffic laws and driving on the right side. Signs will be in Dutch using a European style. If you are involved in an accident, local laws prohibit moving your car. Dial 199 for road service. Do watch out for road hazards, such as donkeys, goats, and iguanas. If you stay outside of Willemstad, renting a car might be a good option as the taxi fares can be quite expensive and public transport is not very reliable. ===By taxi=== If public transit isn't your style, and you don't want to rent your own car, '''taxis''' are another popular and easy-to-find option. They, too, are marked, and their plates read "TX." Some taxi drivers will even be your '''tour guide''' for the day, if you ask. But remember to agree on a fee before heading out. [https://click-curacao.com/ Click Curaçao] is the local ride-sharing app (equivalent to Uber/Lyft) with cheaper fares than regular taxis. ===By bus=== There are two types of buses on the island, BUS and Konvoi. The easiest way to ride is to go to one of the two bus stations in Willemstad. These include Otrobanda Station, across the street from the Rif Fort (see [[Willemstad]]) and Punda Station, at the post office, across from the Circle Market. For the most part, the Punda bus station serves stops along the eastern side of the ring, and to the east including Salina, Zelandia, Mambo, while the Otrobanda station serves destinations West of the Bay, to include the Airport, Piscadera and even Westpunt. The destinations do not typically overlap, so a 10- to 15-minute walk between stations may be necessary for cross island trips. *'''Konvoi''' are large metro-style buses which run infrequently between major points in the city. Prices and routes are set at about 2 NAf, paid in cash only since the bus card requires residency. The ABC Curaçao app ([https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.autobusbedrijf Android] / [https://apps.apple.com/nl/app/abc-cura%C3%A7ao/id1570156545 iOS]) has a basic route planner and time tables which is helpful when traveling by public buses. 50 and 100 NAf bills are explicitly ''not'' accepted, so have smaller change ready. *'''BUS.''', on the other hand, are 9-12 passenger vans which look a lot like a taxi. You can spot a BUS. by a cardboard cutout in the front windshield listing a number of its stops, instead of the yellow Taxi sign in the windshield or on the roof, and/or by the BUS letters on the license plate. Unlike taxis, the BUS. prices are not negotiable (1-3 NAf), but the route is. A common practice with bus drivers is to negotiate how close the driver can take you to your destination. Be sure to ask the bus driver if the bus stops near your destination before entering. You can pay the driver while the BUS. is en route, or before exiting the bus. You can board a bus anywhere on the island by waiting at one of the ubiquitous yellow 'Bushalte' signs and waiving at a coming BUS or Konvoi. Taxi drivers will also try to lure you in. So make sure to look at the sign in the window or a license plate (that says BUS.) to avoid paying high taxi fares. The bus schedule varies, from about 6AM-8PM for most stops, and until 11PM or even midnight (and sometimes later) to Salina and Mambo. If you are ever lost during daylight hours, just find a yellow bushalte sign, and the bus should take you to either Punda or Otrobanda. ===By ferry=== [[File:Willemstad Curacao Neth. Ant..jpg|thumb|Willemstad]] '''Ferries''' are a great way for shoppers to get to and from some of the island's main '''shopping''' areas. ==See== * Willemstad waterfront; a UNESCO World Heritage Site. * Westpunt: The westernmost point of the island has restaurants and beautiful small beaches abound. * Nordpunt: The northernmost point of the island, much rougher sea than at Westpunt but beautiful nature (not recommended for swimming!). * Watamulu, the "lungs of the island": Between Nordpunt and Westpunt hollow rocks and corals spit out water with every wave. An impressive sight and a must see when in the area. Note that one either needs a car or has to hike from Westpunt. ==Do== * '''Diving''' and '''snorkeling''': The clear waters and maritime life make it an ideal diving destination. Divers are, after cruise ship tourists, the largest group of tourists. Plenty of dive schools offer courses and certifications. *{{do | name=Christoffel National Park | alt= | url=http://carmabi.org | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+5999 864-0363 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=West Point. A national park that is run by the Carmabi Foundation. Christoffel National Park is home to Boca Grandi, Indian caves where you can see paintings left by the Arawak Indians and Mount Christoffel. (At {{ft|1292}} high, Mount Christoffel is the highest point in Curaçao.) }} *{{do | name=Shete Boka National Park | alt= | url=http://carmabi.org | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+5999 864-0444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=West Point. A national park also run by the Carmabi Foundation, Shete Boka is home to the "7 bocas" including Boca Tabla and Boca Pistol (also known as "The Shooting Pistol") In season, some of the boca's serve as sea turtle breeding grounds. }} *{{do | name=Curaçao Sea Aquarium | alt= | url=http://curacao-sea-aquarium.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+5999 461-6666 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Bapor Kibra Z/N. Home of the Dolphin Academy. This is one of the most popular attractions in Curaçao. If you wish to do a Dolphin activity book as early as possible! Entry price depends on activity you choose, but paying for an activity (such as something at the Dolphin Academy) gets you entry to all of the Aquarium. }} *{{do | name=Hato Caves | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+5999 868-0379 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2019-09-09| content=F.D. Rooseveltweg Z/N. Open 7 days a week, with tours twice a day. Coral and limestone caves that were carved out below the sea and born when the sea level dropped. There are beautiful stalactite and stalagmite formations as well as water pools and a waterfall. The cave is also home to a colony long nose fruit bats. (Because of the colony, photography is limited and not allowed in certain chambers.) }} *{{do | name=Snorkeling and Diving at Curaçao's Marine Park | url=http://www.thecuracaoisland.com/best-scuba-dives-in-curacao/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The complete southwestern side of Curaçao is one large coral reef and marine park. In the north you can dive at the Banda Abou National Park, in the center at the Central Curaçao Underwater Park and in the south at the Curacau Underwater Park. Curaçao offers plenty of dive sites, from easy shore dives, pristine coral bay dives to sheer drop-offs especially in the southeast. }} *{{do | name=Curaçao Ostrich & Game Farm | alt= | url=http://ostrichfarm.net | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+5999 747-2777 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Santa Catharina. The Curaçao Ostrich Farm is one of the biggest Ostrich farms outside Africa. The tour takes you around the ostrich pens and incubator. Meat from this farm is shipped to [[Aruba]] (Ostrich is a red meat, which is high in protein and low in fat.) }} *{{do | name=Kunuku Aqua Resort | alt= | url=https://kunukuresort.com/ | email=receptie@kunukuresort.com | address= | lat=12.2076001 | long=-69.0252875 | directions= | phone=+5999-8644455 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Small all-inclusive resort with lots of water slides, pools and bars. Nice for a day with kids. }} [[File:Piscj_Bai,_Curacao.JPG|thumb|Piscj Bai, Curaçao]] ===Beaches=== Curaçao's public beaches are concentrated on the southern coast, especially the western side. Find these from [[Rif St. Marie]] up to [[Westpunt]]. Lots of land on the eastern coast is privately owned and access is prohibited; exploration of these areas is not encouraged as private security services patrol most of the area and are known not to take intrusions lightly. *'''Playa Kalki''', also known as Alice in Wonderland, is located at the far west end of the island past the town of Westpunt. [http://oceanencounterswest.com/ Ocean Encounters West]{{Dead link|date=January 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} is a full service dive shop. For a small fee, you have use of a dive locker for storage of personal items while diving/snorkeling and use of fresh water showers and equipment cleaning area. *'''Playa Grote Kenapa''', also known as Big Knip is a large sand beach west of the town of Lagun. *'''Playa Kleine Kenapa''', also known as Little Knip is another beach past the town of Lagun. It is a nice secluded beach with plenty of shade trees if you desire to stay out of the direct sun. The bar/restaurant on this site operates on a sporadic schedule, so visit prepared. *'''Playa Jeremi''' is a small secluded beach slightly north of Lagun. There are no facilities here. *'''Playa Lagun''', is a secluded bay towards the western end of the island in the town of Lagun. It is a small sandy beach on a rectangular shaped bay with tall cliffs on each side. The waters adjacent to the cliffs is excellent place for snorkeling. Both sides of the bay along the cliffs are teaming with a wide variety of marine life and corals. The left side of the bay has a greater variety of underwater structure for a better experience. *'''[http://playaportomari.com Playa Porto Mari]''' is a large beach with a full service restaurant, and a complete dive shop including fresh water showers and restrooms operated by Porto Mari Sports *'''Cas Abao''' is a beach on a plantation. It is a long stretched sandy beach with lots of facilities including huts, beach chairs, restaurant, fresh water showers and bathrooms.[http://casaboudiveandwatersports.com/]{{Dead link|date=April 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} *'''Daaibooi Baai''' is near Habitat in Rif st. Marie. Limited facilities. Huts, restrooms, grill area. Beautiful protected cove with calm waters. Avg depth: 20m *{{do | name=Pirate Bay | alt= | url=http://piratebaycuracao.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Is located on the Piscadera Bay. The location is a short drive a few miles west of downtown Willemstad near The Marriott and Hilton hotels. It has many beach amenities including showers/bathrooms, Hook's dive center and an excellent full service restaurant. }} *'''Habitat Beach''' is located in Rif St. Marie on the SW coast. It is Curaçao's Newest beach and has a full service Dive Operator, [http://DiveVersity.com DiveVersity], [http://habitatcuracaoresort.com/ Habitat Dive Hotel]{{Dead link|date=May 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}, Oceans Restaurant, and in the gated community of [http://coral-estate.com/ Coral Estate]{{Dead link|date=April 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} *''' Kontiki Beach''' is about a ten minute drive east from downtown Willemstad near Breezes hotel. Kontiki is a full service beach offering watersports, shops, beach-bar and a restaurant. It is also serviced by [http://curacao-toucandiving.com/ Ocean Encounters] dive center. Can get very crowded. *{{do | name=Mambo Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Is next door to Kontiki beach and is the place where locals and tourists alike visit for the nightlife partying here. }} *''' Seaquarium Beach''' *''' Jan Thiel Beach''' *''' Caracasbaai''' *''' Barbara Beach''' Private beach and future home to the Hyatt Hotel. *'''Klein Curaçao''' is an uninhabited island accessible only by boat. == Buy == [[File:Netherlands Antilles 10 Gulden.jpg|right|thumb|200px|10 Netherlands Antilles guilder banknotes]] ===Money=== {{exchange rates | currency=Caribbean guilder | currencyCode=ƒ | date=July 2025 | USD=1.8 | EUR=2.1 | GBP=2.4 | CAD=1.3 | source=[https://www.xe.com/currency/xcg-caribbean-guilder/ XE.com] }} The currency in circulation in Curaçao is the '''Caribbean guilder''' ("'''ƒ'''"/"'''Cg'''"). The euro and U.S. dollar are readily accepted. The previous currency, the Netherlands Antilles guilder ("'''ƒ'''"/"'''NAf'''") is no longer legal tender as of July 1, 2025, but can be reedemed without limit at the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Marteen. Coins of the Caribbean guilder are issued in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 cents, 1 and 5 Caribbean guilders. They feature designs that are interchangable and are accepted in both Curaçao and Sint Marteen. Banknotes of the Caribbean guilder are issued in denominations of 10 Cg, 20 Cg, 50 Cg, 100 Cg and 200 Cg. Automatic teller machines (ATM) are widely available throughout the island, and many machines will dispense guilders and the U.S. dollar. ATM fees are high (US$10 per withdrawal at MCB, US$6 at RBC as of April 2022), so it might be a good idea to bring cash since you won't need to use it that much: cards are widely accepted. Visa and Mastercard credit and debit cards are accepted nearly everywhere on the island, but foreign, non-Dutch, non-Maestro cards will often have to pay in US dollars. American Express is not widely accepted. Currency can generally be exchanged at local hotels, casinos and places of business. The exchange rate is generally pegged at about 1.77 Cg to the US dollar and stable. It is unlikely for tourists to be taken advantage when changing currency, but it is best to be aware of the current rates prior to arrival. Gas, on the other hand, requires cash (USD or Cg). ===Shopping=== There are a plethora of random shops and markets around Willemstad offering clothing, souvenirs, crafts, and other goods. These include a commonly-termed "duty free enclave" in the downtown area. Offerings emphasize European goods, to include jewelry, timepieces/watches and linens, plus the usual collection of souvenir shops. Perhaps not noted for great bargains, you may find items at decent prices you'll see nowhere else in the Caribbean. A water front market lies on the near north side of the main shopping area. It's packed with fresh foods and flowers, best seen or shopped in the mornings. On Sundays, however, most businesses other than restaurants in the city are closed. ==Eat== [[Image:Waterfront Dining Willemstad Curacao.JPG|thumb|Waterfront Dining Willemstad]] Local cuisine in Curaçao is a mixture of European, West-Indian and East Asian (particularly Indonesian) flavors. Dutch influences are found in the use of cheeses, bread and seafood, which are also important in Curaçaoan food. Indonesian cuisine, a migrant from Suriname, another of the Netherlands' former colonies, can be found on the island, and explains the widespread availability of sate and peanut sauce along with the islands more Caribbean fare. Also, Chinese "snacks" can be found all over the island serving cheap Chinese food. They cater mostly to locals, but most serve good food. If you are not staying close to the city center, buying groceries on one of the local supermarkets (Centrum supermarket, for example) might be cheaper than eating out. ===Restaurants=== ====Snacks==== Curaçao is littered with 'Snacks,' small bar restaurants which serve Chinese food. These are typically inexpensive, double as convenience stores and bars, and are typically open later than most other restaurants which cater to local (rather than European) patrons. ====Budget==== * '''Plasa Bieu,''' located in Punda, about 300 meters ENE of the floating bridge in Punda, is the favorite lunch spot of most, if not all, of the island's local-born population working in Punda. Open M-F, 10AM-3PM, the Plasa Bieu has about five restaurants within it, serving Chinese, Jamaican and Krioyo (local) food. Try the Cabritu Stoba (stewed goat) at Grasia di Dios, for an excellent example of the island's local cuisine, at one of the only restaurants in Punda which offer it. 8-14 NAf * '''Downtown Cafe at the Hotel Estoril''' Breedestraat 179 (O), located 200 west of the Arti Supermarket, on the Otrobanda Side's main shopping strip (the Breedestrat/Roodeweg) Open seven days per week 7AM-8PM, 'el Estoril,' as the locals calls it, packs its seven or so tables full from about 10AM-4PM, with Venezuelan, Colombian and Dominican expats. The Estoril serves a mix of local and Latin dishes, all served in a more typically Latin style. Order at the bar and sit down when a seat becomes available. You'll be expected to share a table if your party cannot fill it. 8-20 NAf. * '''Seaside Terrace''' is located next to Breezes Hotel and close to Lions Dive Hotel and Mambo Beach near the end of Penstraat. Seaside Terrace has a limited menu, but serves delicious fresh fish (red snapper, dradu, tuna, etc.) and, if available, very well prepared lobster against very fair prices. The owner "Amigo" is very friendly and makes you feel at home right away. ====Mid-range==== * '''On y va picnic''' sells picnic baskets to take to the beach. Order your favorite basket one day in advance and pick it up along the way to the beach, or they will deliver it. Located on the way to the beaches on the west side of the island. 26-45 NAf * '''Gouverneur de Rouville''' is a popular restaurant in Willemstad that serves a variety of continental European dishes in a wonderful atmosphere. It is just north of the floating bridge on the Otrobanda Side, 25-45 NAf. * '''Oceans Restaurant''', Habitat Dive Resort in Rif. St. Marie on the SW coast. Serves a wide variety of international and regional cuisine. Overlooks the Caribbean Sea in an open air casual decor. Has full service bar. 15-35 NAf * '''Wilhelmina Plein Cafe''' is 200 meters east of the Floating Bridge in Punda; this cafe is a favorite among the island's many Dutch interns and businessmen. Wilhelmina Plein Cafe offers exclusively outside seating along a major pedestrian thoroughfare, with good food and one of the island's better beer selections. 18-28 NAf * '''Vincent's Cafe Copa Cabana''' is a relatively hidden cafe just east of the Iguana Lounge's Main bar along the water on the Punda side of the bay. Skip the overpriced and mediocre waterfront restaurants on the Punda side and go to Vincent's for great sandwiches and a number of good daily special entrees. Vincent's is an outdoor cafe under the shade of a number of trees and the two buildings between which it is sandwiched, which also create a very pleasant breeze. 8-20 NAf. M-Sa Lunch - 6:30PM. *'''Old Dutch Cafe''' on the Pietermaaiweg 500 m east of the Bay on the Punda Side, the Old Dutch Cafe serves inexpensive Dutch cuisine with a kitchen that stays open late into the night. 15-28 NAf. Closed Sundays. * '''Kontiki Beach Club''' is a seaside restaurant offering good food in an idyllic location right on the beach. It is a little outside of the city, but it is well worth the short drive. * '''La Granja''' is a Peruvian influenced chain restaurant with a very local feel, serving great Latin cuisine, including excellent whole chicken, Lomo Saltado, and other great dishes. Sta Rosaweg 15-25 NAf. Open 7 days. [[File:Christoffelberg, Curaçao Feb 26, 2018 08-05-27.jpeg|thumb|Christoffelberg]] * '''Il Forno''' is a popular Italian/pizza restaurant with two locations, (Caracasbaai location and Doormanweg location) serving European (though not Italian) style pizzas with fresh and delicious ingredients. 15-30 NAf. * '''Kasbanini''' located in the Rif Fort, 100m south of the floating bridge on the Otrobanda Side, is probably the best of the Rif Fort's five or so mid-level restaurants. Offering typical seafood and chops with a bit of local flair. 30-40 NAf. 7 days/week, lunch and dinner. * '''La Pergola''', in the Old Fort on the southwest side of Punda, is likely the island's best Italian restaurant. Offering good pasta dishes as well as a few innovative 'secondi', La Pergola's quaint waterfront view completes an excellent dining experience. 25-40 NAf. * '''Ay Caramba''' is an American restaurant offering excellent American pub-grub with Tex Mex offerings. Located just below the Governeur Restaurant. * '''Golden Star''', on the Dr. W.P. Maalweg, on the way to Salinja. It serves local creole food and drinks, and is a good value for the amount of food you get. Prices vary from 15-25 NAf for a main course with sides. ====Splurge==== * '''Bistro le Clochard,''' located in the Rif Fort, offers outstanding French Cuisine with a beautiful waterfront view. Open daily. ANG50-80 * '''Sculpture Garden Restaurant''' located in the Kura Hulanda Hotel one block West of the Governeur Restaurant. Excellent international cuisine with some very innovative specials . ==Drink== '''Tap water''', which comes from a large seawater desalination distillation plant, is excellent tasting and perfectly safe for consumption. ===Alcohol=== Popular alcoholic drinks include: '''Amstel Bright beer''', which used to be locally brewed by Antillaanse Brouwerij, a subsidy of Heineken International. It is a pale style lager, usually served with a wedge of lime. '''Polar Beer''', which is brewed in neighbouring Venezuela. It is a 5% abv lager beer. '''Brion beer''' is the official local beer, though it is brewed on Barbados. Curaçao is famous for the alcoholic beverage of the same name, '''Blue Curaçao''', '''Orange Curaçao''', '''Green Curaçao''' and '''White Curaçao'''. It is made from bitter oranges grown on the island and, except for the white one, food coloring. It is mostly used in cocktails, though, and rarely drunk straight. ==Sleep== [[File:Sunset Waters Beach Resort in Curaçao (131134719).jpg|thumb|Curaçao sunset]] * {{sleep | name=Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort & Emerald Casino | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/property/propertypage/CURMC | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Has excellent restaurants such as the Portofino Restaurant and the Seabreeze Bar and Grill, which specialize in local dishes and fresh seafood. }} *{{listing | type=sleep | name=Flamingo Villa | alt= | url= | email=info@Flamingo-Villa.com | address=St. Willibrordus | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Luxury villa that sleeps 12 people with a private pool and overlooks the magnificent Caribbean Sea. }} *{{sleep | name=Pietermaai Smal Apartments | alt= | url=http://www.pietermaaiapartments.com | email= | address=Pietermaai Smal 51 | lat= | long= | directions=20 meters away from the Caribbean sea | phone=+5999 465 0478 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=In a 200-year-old renovated country house surrounded with a stylish swimming pool, you will find boutique hotel style apartments. Apartments with a distinctive design. }} *{{sleep | name=Seaside Curaçao | url=http://www.seasidecuracao.com | email= | address=St. Willibrordus, Banda Abou | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=10+ private villas to choose from. New beach-bar and restaurant, private pools. It sleeps 4-10 in a pure countryside setting with friendly security. }} *{{sleep | name=Westhill Bungalows | url=http://www.westhillcuracao.com/ | email= | address=Westpunt | lat= | long= | directions=west from Willemstad | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=100 NAf | checkin= | checkout= | content=A place for a short or extended stay. Just up from Playa Forti and a short drive from other great beaches, each of the 2 bedroom bungalows are well equipped and all have kitchens. Nice grounds, pool and wonderful owners. }} ==Stay safe== Safety is not a big issue on Curaçao. The locals are friendly, welcoming, and willing to give assistance. After all, a major part of their island's income comes from tourists. Just take normal precautions for a tropical island and use common sense. Car break-ins are a reoccurring problem so that some car rental agencies even prohibit parking rental cars at some specific places. In general it is a good idea to never ever leave valuables in a car. == Connect == === Cellular phones === Curaçao has two main cell providers, [https://www.uts.cw/ UTS] and [https://www.digicelgroup.com/cw/en/mobile.html Digicel]. International roaming is also available for many carriers but it is usually cheaper to purchase a prepaid SIM card from one of the local providers. Prepaid local SIM cards will need to be purchased at either a [https://www.uts.cw/support/contact-us/uts-stores UTS Store]{{Dead link|date=August 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} or a [https://www.digicelgroup.com/cw/en/store-locator.html Digicel Store]. Refill cards can be bought at many stores and supermarkets around the island or it can be done online for both carriers. ==== Coverage ==== Both carriers have good coverage around the island although UTS is slightly better. Both carriers have started deploying LTE and it now covers most of the island. ==== Roaming ==== UTS offers roaming at no extra charge to countries in what they market as Chippieland. In addition to Curaçao, this includes, Bonaire, Saba, St. Eustatius, Dutch St. Maarten, French St. Martin, and St. Barts. Digicel offers roaming at no extra charge to Aruba and Bonaire. ==Cope== ==Go next== Leaving Curaçao will require you to pay an exit tax not included in your flight ticket with most airlines. As of 2016, it's USD39 for international flights (Visa and MasterCard accepted), USD10 to USD20 for flights to Aruba, and Bonaire, and USD5 for connections (in cash only). See [http://www.curacao-airport.com/ the airport's website] for the most up-to-date information. *[[Aruba]] (a few minutes away by air) *[[Bonaire]] (a paradise for divers) *[[Guyana]] (a former British colony in South America, known for its pristine jungle and impressive waterfalls) *[[Saint Martin]] (a former member of the Netherlands Antilles, with many gourmet, shopping, and beach options) *[[Suriname]] (a former Dutch colony in South America, culturally linked to the Dutch Caribbean) *[[Venezuela]] Airport security in the departure area stops working after the last scheduled departure, no matter whether some flights are delayed by hours. If you have not cleared security by then there is no way to board your plane. Thus, even for heavily delayed flights, checking in and then heading out to a beach or into town is not a viable option. {{outlineregion}} {{IsPartOf|Caribbean}} {{Geo|12.183|-69|zoom=11}} 65746bhxcmn6azwh7xxtrnc63a7ieab 0 9175 5086684 5002849 2025-07-02T16:34:39Z Commandant Quacks-a-lot 2328866 /* Eat */ Updated listing for Krekel's - Added details. 5086684 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Decatur Illinois banner.jpg|caption=Boaters in the lake in Nelson Park}} '''[https://decaturil.gov/ Decatur]''' is a city in Macon county, [[Illinois]]. There are many examples of Frank Lloyd Wright's influence on the Prairie Style Architecture in Decatur. ==Understand == Decatur is home to approximately 70,000 people in 2020. Decatur has hot and humid summers, and cool to mild winters. The city experience on average {{Convert|75.6|°F|°C}} in July and {{Convert|26.9|°F|°C}} in January, with a certain degree of snowfall and thunderstorms activity. The central location of Decatur between major cities like Chicago, Indianapolis, and St. Louis is one of the reasons people may choose to live and open businesses here. Some notable businesses include Caterpillar, Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (ADM), and Decatur Memorial Hospital. Surrounding communities, such as Forsyth, located to the north, and Mt. Zion, located to the southeast, are adjacent to Decatur. Both communities provide the feel of small-town living--yet offer shopping malls, movie theatres, and many dining and recreation opportunities. The city is named after the War of 1812 naval officer Stephen Decatur. ===History=== Founded in the early 1800s, Decatur is rich in history. President Abraham Lincoln spent 30 years in and out of Decatur, allowing the city to play a pivotal role in Lincoln’s political career. Three-time Illinois Governor and close friend Richard Oglesby nominated Lincoln for Presidency during the 1860 Illinois Republican Convention where the Main Street Bank and Trust’s parking lot stands today. Several of Lincoln’s “paths” through Decatur are marked with plaques and statues throughout the city. The Chicago Bears started in Decatur. Originally named the “Decatur Staley’s”, the Bears were born here in 1920 as a company team for Staley Starch Works. “Black Bart”, the West’s most infamous stagecoach robber, and civil war hero, once lived in Decatur. ==Get in== {{mapframe|zoom=auto}} {{Mapshape}} ===By plane=== * [http://www.decatur-parks.org/airport-home-page/'''Decatur Municipal Airport''']{{Dead link|date=September 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. Air service to [[Chicago]]'s O'Hare International Airport. The Decatur Municipal Airport has been designated a Foreign Trade Zone and maintains a U.S. Customs Service office at the airport. ===By car=== * Interstate 72, U.S. 51 and 36, and Illinois Routes 48, 121, and 105 connect Decatur. Cities such as Springfield, Bloomington, and Champaign are all a quick 45 minutes drive away, while larger cities, such as St. Louis, Chicago, and Indianapolis are about three hours away. ==Get around== ==See== * '''Clinton Lake''' (30 minutes north), created by Illinois Power Company as a cooling lake for its nuclear plant, is a vast 10,000-acre area operated by the State of Illinois. The 4,900-acre lake has 130 miles of shoreline, a beautiful 1,000-foot swimming beach, more than 300 campsites, boat and canoe launch points, a marina, and numerous hiking trails and picnic sites. * '''The Decatur Park District''' includes more than 48 parks covering over 2,000 acres. The park includes 63 ball diamonds, five award-winning public golf courses, two public swimming pools, dozens of tennis courts, playgrounds and pavilions, and public gardens. The district also serves people with disabilities with its Special Recreation programs and is the host of Region I Special Olympics. * '''Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture''' One of the most unique streets in the State of Illinois is Millikin Place, a neighborhood of several prairie-style homes, including the Irving residence at 2 Millikin Place, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Other homes on the street were designed and built by Marion Mahony and Hermann von Holst, members of Wright's design group. Although the homes are privately owned, they can be observed from the street. * '''Lake Shelbyville''' (30 minutes south) features over 11,000 acres of water, 172 miles of shoreline, and innumerable coves. Lake Shelbyville is a perfect host for a variety of activities, including boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, camping, hunting, golfing, public beaches, and horseback riding. * '''Scovill Oriental Gardens''', '''Anna Bethel Fisher Rock Garden''', '''Rock Springs Center''' and '''Mari-Mann Herb Farm''' hold a host of opportunities for those outdoor lovers. * {{see | name=Avon Theater | alt= | url=https://www.theavon.com/ | email= | address=426 N Water St | lat=39.845005 | long=-88.954424 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q42539851 | lastedit=2018-08-23 | content=In downtown Decatur is the most successful independent movie theater downstate and has been featured in numerous national and international publications. The Lincoln Square Theater is the host of several theater productions, choirs, ballet troupes, high school groups, and professional solo performers throughout the year. Both of these theaters are also said to be haunted. }} * {{see | name=Millikin University | alt= | url=https://millikin.edu/ | email= | address=1184 W Main St | lat=39.84318 | long=-88.97598 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q42539851 | lastedit=2022 | content=A private university founded in 1901. }} ==Do== There are plenty of local attractions to keep everyone busy. For art lovers Decatur is the home to over seven art galleries, highlighting both local and national artists. For those who are history buffs, museums such as Governor Oglesby’s Mansion, Mueller Museum, Staley Museum, Macon County Museum and the Millikin Homestead will keep one busy for hours. The Scovill Zoo, home to the only pack of socialized wolves in Illinois, and the Children’s Museum of Illinois offer fun for all ages. The Kirkland Fine Arts Center at Millikin University hosts nationally known musicians, entertainers, and university productions. * With over {{Convert|30|miles|km}} of shoreline, '''Lake Decatur''' has opportunities for fishing, sailing, boating, skiing, tubing, and just relaxing. For those who enjoy biking or hiking, Rock Springs/Fairview Bikeway connects three area parks with a 3.2-mile, 10-foot-wide trail. * The [https://www.maconcountyconservation.org/ '''Macon County Conservation District'''] offers more than 3,200 acres of walking trails, prairies, and abundant wildlife. These parks include Rock Spring Conservation Area, Friends Creek, and Fairview Park. * Decatur is the host of more than 130 festival and entertainment events each year, including the Decatur Celebration, Illinois' largest family street festival, and the Farm Progress Show, the nation’s largest outdoor farm show. ==Buy== ==Eat== * '''Four Star Family Restaurant''', 1100 IL-121, Mt Zion. A 1950s-style diner with nostalgic decorations. It is a 10-minute drive from Decatur Municipal Airport. *{{eat | name=Krekel's | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content=With multiple locations in the area, Krekel's is famous for its thin burgers and custard, but serves all sorts of American food. Depending on the location you choose to eat at, you can also see a cow statue, a giant metal chicken, or a modified vintage muffler man. }} *{{eat | name=La Gondola | alt= | url=http://www.lagondoladecatur.com | email= | address=2825 N Water St | lat=39.8736 | long=-88.9553 | directions= | phone=+1 217-875-4888 | tollfree= | hours=Tu–Th 11AM–7PM, F Sa 11AM–9PM, closed Sun–Mon | price= | lastedit=2023-09-16 | content=Family-owned restaurant offering American interpretations of Italian classics. Hot and cold sandwiches, pasta, and lots of made-from-scratch bread. The takeout menu offers spaghetti and meat sauce sold by the half gallon (two liters) for about $20 and a family-size salad for $10, so if you've got your own plates and utensils, you can serve four people for $30. For dine-in options, expect to spend $10–15 for a big sandwich at lunch and $15–20 for pasta at dinner ($10 for child-size spaghetti with a small drink). }} * {{eat | name=TapRoot Restaurant | alt= | url=http://www.taprootdecatur.com/ | email=taprootrestaurant@gmail.com | address=170 N. Merchant St. | lat=39.8423 | long=-88.9555 | directions= | phone=+1 217-330-6365 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 11AM-2PM, M-Sa 5-9PM | price= | content=Contemporary American cuisine. A full-service bar, and banquet facilities. Children are welcome, and reservations are recommended. }} * {{eat | name=The Gin Mill | alt= | url=https://ginmilldecatur.com/ | email= | address=124 E Prairie Ave | lat=39.84264 | long=-88.95527 | directions= | phone=+1 217-330-8073 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-12-04 | content=A fine-dining restaurant in downtown Decatur, reservation is recommended. }} ==Drink== * {{drink | name=Decatur Brew Works | alt= | url=http://decaturbrewworks.com | email= | address=102 E. William St | lat=39.84371 | long=-88.95572 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-03-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Door 4 Brewing Co. | alt= | url= | email= | address=1214 W Cerro Gordo St | lat=39.84681 | long=-88.97582 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-03-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Golden Fox Brewing LLC | alt= | url= | email= | address=2874 N Dinneen St | lat=39.8751 | long=-88.93149 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-03-29 | content= }} ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Country Inn & Suites - Decatur | alt= | url=http://www.reservationcounter.com/hotels/show/122297/country-inn-and-suites-by-carlson-decatur/?TID=5uztMw9d|pcrid|4262459288&hotelid=122297 | email= | address=5150 Hickory Point Frontage Rd. | lat=39.9116 | long=-88.9540 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-866-460-7456 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$119+ | content=72 guest rooms, indoor pool, fitness center, business center, free internet access, complimentary breakfast. }} * {{sleep | name=Decatur Conference Center and Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.hoteldecatur.com | email= | address=4191 W US Highway 36 | lat=39.8463 | long=-89.0248 | directions=Wyckles Road | phone = +1-217-422-8800 | tollfree= | fax=+1 217-422-9155 | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Conference Hotel with standard guest rooms, jacuzzi suites, and extensive banquet facilities. Great for business conventions. }} * {{sleep | name=Hawthorn Suites Decatur | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/hawthorn-extended-stay/decatur-illinois/hawthorn-suites-by-wyndham-decatur/overview | email= | address=2370 South Mt. Zion Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 217-864-9311 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Business travelers will enjoy in-room business services, featuring an oversized work area complete with dual phone lines and data port, personal voice mail, complimentary daily newspaper and free High-speed Wireless Internet Access. }} ==Go next== {{routebox | image1=I-72.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Hannibal]] | minorl1='''[[Springfield (Illinois)|Springfield]]''' | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Champaign-Urbana|Champaign]] | minorr1=[[Monticello (Illinois)|Monticello]] | image2=US 36.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Hannibal]] | minorl2='''[[Springfield (Illinois)|Springfield]]''' | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[Indianapolis]] | minorr2=[[Tuscola (Illinois)|Tuscola]] | image3=US 51.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=N | majorl3=[[Rockford]] ← [[Bloomington-Normal|Bloomington]] | minorl3=Jct [[McLean (Illinois)|W]] [[File:US 136.svg|18px]] [[Rantoul|E]] | directionr3=S | majorr3=[[Carbondale (Illinois)|Carbondale]] | minorr3=[[Vandalia (Illinois)|Vandalia]] | image4=US 121.svg | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=N | majorl4=[[Peoria (Illinois)|Peoria]] ← [[Lincoln (Illinois)|Lincoln]] | minorl4=Jct [[Springfield (Illinois)|N]] [[File:I-55.svg|18px]] [[Bloomington-Normal|S]] | directionr4=S | majorr4=[[Mattoon (Illinois)|Mattoon]] → [[Greenup (Illinois)|Greenup]] }} {{geo|39.851667|-88.944167}} {{IsPartOf|Central Illinois}} {{outlinecity}} fdjx6wshldwjjhd1dvvvq1fspru8pi6 0 9435 5086693 5074037 2025-07-02T16:50:57Z SingyeDzong 2247892 /* By plane */ correcting time 5086693 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Mena-asia_default_banner.jpg}} '''Dewathang''' (also spelt 'Deothang') is in [[Samdrup Jongkhar (district)|Samdrup Jongkhar]] District in eastern [[Bhutan]]. ==Understand== [[File:Ceremony Hall, Chokyi Gyatso Institute.jpg|thumb|Ceremony Hall, Chokyi Gyatso Institute]] The main bazaar of the village stretches along a single, tree-lined street, giving it the feel of an Indian hill station rather than a typical Bhutanese settlement. The presence of Royal Bhutan Army barracks dominates the entrance to the village, while the hillside beyond is home to a technical college, a large hospital, and Deothang Middle Secondary School. The significant number of army families and students has made the village relatively prosperous. Its cooler, more pleasant climate—especially compared to Samdrup Jongkhar, 18 kilometers downhill on the plains—adds to its appeal. Overlooking the village from a nearby hilltop is the Chökyi Gyatso Institute of Buddhist Studies, a Nyingma tradition college founded by Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, a renowned Buddhist teacher and filmmaker. During the Duar War (1864-65), the town, which was known at the time as Dewangiri, was taken by the British and a small garrison was based there. The Bhutanese regained control in 1865. ==Get in== ===By plane=== '''Domestic''': Yongphula in [[Trashigang (district)|Trashigang]] - 6-7 hours. '''International''': Guwahati, in the neighbouring Indian state of Assam - 2 and a half hours. ===By bus=== From Thimphu: via India - 14 hours (terminates in Samdrup Jongkhar) From Phuentsholing: via India - 9 hours (terminates in Samdrup Jongkhar) ===By car=== Deothang is on the main [[Trashigang]] to [[Samdrup Jongkhar]] highway. As the area between the highway and the village is under army command, vehicles coming from Chyoki Gyatso Institute and the direction of Trashigang cannot enter the village directly, but need to drive around the army controlled area and enter from the road below. '''<big>By taxi</big>''' It is a thirty minute drive from Samdrup Jongkhsr to Dewathang and costs between Nu500-600. (Updated 0ct 2024) ==Get around== ===On foot=== This small village is easily covered on foot. ==See== [[File:Buddha Statue, Chokyi Gyatso Institute.jpg|thumb|Buddha Statue, Chokyi Gyatso Institute]] *'''Chokyi Gyatso Institute of Buddhist Studies.''' Elegant and bright. Mix of traditional Himalayan and Indian Plains' architecture. A display of artistically preserved black and white photographs of past masters and Dharma monarchs and protectors. Located in a lush forest. *'''Views''' over the Himalayan foothills as they spill out onto the Assam plain below. ==Do== * [https://khyentsefoundation.org/chokyi-gyatso-institute/ '''Chokyi Gyatso Institute of Buddhist Studies'''] - An institute founded by Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche. Many of the monks speak English and would be happy to field questions on Buddhist philosophy. ==Buy== *'''Yosal Enterprise,''' Main Street. +975 17970700. (''Take a left at the stupa that marks the entrance to the village. Yosal is a one minute drive on the left''). A small, but well-stocked supermarket. Toiletries. Snacks. Vegetables and fruit. ==Eat== * '''Himalaya Restaurant,''' Main Street (take a left at the stupa at the entrance to the town. The restaurant is a two minute drive on the left). 17781645. Fast food. Pizza, Real coffee. Acceptable standard. Uninspired decor. Friendly service. *'''Yang Yang's Corner''' (left side of the bazaar when entering from the main highway) offers good, simple meals - the cheese momos are especially delicious. ==Drink== ==== Coffee ==== *'''TN Cafe [https://www.facebook.com/tnrestaurent/]''', 2F. row of buildings behind the Main Street (''turn right at the stupa at the entrance to the town. Cafe is immediately on the right behind the BOB bank'') +975 7733125 . A quirky little cafe with lots of bamboo and wood. Full range of coffees. Tasty finger food, pizza, and light meals. View over mountains. Fast and friendly service. ==Sleep== There are a number of small guesthouses in the town. === Budget === *'''Yezhin Wangyel Toh Zakhang,''' Directly opposite the entrance to the Chokyi Gyatso Institute on the main highway. +975 17621370. A simple guesthouse. Clean. Friendly service. Restaurant. Convenient for visiting Chokyi Gyatso Institute. === Mid-range === * {{Sleep|name=Dungsam Trashiling|url=https://www.facebook.com/p/Dungsam-Trashiling-100063562660872/|email=info@dungsamtrashilingresort.com|address=Trashiling|directions=A few kilometers east of the town.|phone=+975 77421427|lastedit=2024-11-08|content=A simple single story resort. Chalet-type rooms. Quiet and pleasant environment. Views over valley. Restaurant and bar.}} ==Go next== * '''[[Assam]]''' * [[Samdrup Jongkhar|'''Samdrup Jongkhar''']] * '''[[Tashiyangtse]]''' - a day's drive. Many sacred sites. Chorten Kora Stupa. * '''[[Trashigang]]''' - a six to seven hour drive {{outlinecity}} {{IsPartOf|Eastern Bhutan}} {{geo|26.89|91.5}} 10z8ksnm37yy5x8mhyyz7zkurny1r39 0 9641 5086903 5066170 2025-07-03T03:01:48Z Sgroey 2240936 /* Between Ko Adang & Ko Rawi */ add wikilink 5086903 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Diving in Thailand banner Bluefin trevally at Khaolak 2.JPG}} [[Image:LocationThailand.png|thumb|300px|Location of Thailand]] [[Image:Thailand_regions_map.png|thumb|300px|Regional map of Thailand showing the Andaman sea and Gulf of Thailand]] [[Thailand]] has some of the most beautiful beaches and islands in the world, surrounded by crystal clear water and stunning coral communities. Even though the best time of the year to dive in Thailand is between October and June, it is possible to dive virtually any day of the year. As Thailand is considered one of the safest destinations for diving and snorkeling in the world, it is perfect for first-timers wanting to explore beautiful reefs, incredible wrecks, and amazing underwater life. The sea visibility in some places is up to 30 m. One can enjoy splendid sights of underwater mountains, coral gardens, undersea rock formations, hard and soft coral, whale sharks, silver tip sharks, manta rays and even sunken battleships. ==Understand== === History === Diving in Thailand began with the American Navy SEALs during the Vietnam War. Thailand’s first ever dive store was opened in [[Pattaya]] in 1977 and shortly after that, the popularity of diving for both Thais and foreigners in Thailand exploded. After Pattaya, the next destination to see divers arriving in large numbers was [[Phuket]] and they were soon heading out to dive in the Similan Islands and the rest of the Andaman Sea. In fact, the Similan Islands have been ranked as one of the top diving sites in the world. Today, diving is popular all over the Andaman Sea, including the relatively unknown Tarutao and Surin islands. Over on the other side in the Gulf of Thailand is [[Ko Tao]] (Turtle Island) has emerged as a major diving destination in Thailand with over 20 diving centres on the island. === Statistics=== The management and promotion of the Similan Islands is a prime example of encouraging diving, while at the same time maintaining ecological stability and preserving the area's incredible biodiversity. === When to dive in Thailand === The best time to dive in the Andaman Sea is from November to April, and again June to September, and in the Gulf of Thailand from May to September. However, diving is possible all year round. == Destinations == Thailand has two different diving zones consisting of the Andaman Sea on the west and The Gulf of Thailand on the east. === The Andaman Sea === The best time of the year to dive in the Andaman is from October to April. The visibility in the Andaman is similar to that of the Gulf of Thailand but the area has more extensive coral reefs. Due to the influence of the southwest monsoon, most of the reefs surrounding the offshore islands occur on the east side of the islands. ==== [[Ko Lipe]] ==== [[File:Koh Lipe as seen from Koh Adang top (2007-03-362).jpg|thumb|Ko Lipe]] [[Tarutao National Park]] is one of Asia’s oldest marine parks and the reefs are in excellent condition. Within easy reach of the dive centres are over 30 uninhabited islands and hundreds of reefs and some of the best visibility to be found in Thailand. The reefs around Ko Lipe are largely intact; the 2004 tsunami had little impact here. Around Ko Lipe are some Thailand's best reefs all within easy reach: The currents here are predominantly tidal which means certain times of the month we experience strong currents and at other times none at all. you can always find somewhere good to dive but the widest selection of dive sites is available twice a month, following the half moon. Big Stuff: &mdash; You can see numerous sharks, whale sharks and manta rays. Sightings of the big guys are more likely on sites around the edge of the marine park, nearer the deeper waters. For the best chance try to visit 8 Mile Rock, Stonehenge, or Ko Pung. '''Dive sites include:''' =====Sail Rock===== :'''Understand:''' :'''Position:''' :'''Topography:''' An underwater ridge :'''Depth:''' 5 to 18 m :'''Conditions:''' Mild current. :'''Marine life and features:''' Lots of interesting marine life and hard corals. Occasionally hawksbill turtles come to feed on the coral. Also: Sting rays, Giant puffer fish, Batfish =====Ko Pung===== :'''Understand:''' :'''Position:''' &mdash; :'''Depth:''' &mdash; 5-35 m :'''Topography:''' &mdash; A very diverse and colourful dive site. Large rock outcrops, covered in soft corals in stunning colours and gorgonian sea fans give way further down to big boulders covered in white and purple soft corals. :'''Conditions:''' Mild to very strong current. :'''Marine life and features:''' Manta Ray, Octopus, Pipe fish. =====Stonehenge===== :'''Understand:''' :'''Position:''' &mdash; Two minutes from [[Ko Lipe]] centre :'''Depth:''' &mdash; 5-25 m :'''Topography:''' &mdash; An impressive submerged granite pinnacle rises up from the seabed. The topography alone makes it worth a visit. :'''Conditions:''' &mdash; Mild to strong currents: :'''Marine life and features:''' Leopard sharks, big schools of barracudas, trevallies and fusiliers all frequent here. Brown marbled groupers and honeycomb morays inhabit the place as well as some enormous giant morays. ===== 8 Mile Rock===== :'''Understand:'''&mdash; A true deep sea pinnacle 75 minutes away by boat. :'''Position:''' &mdash; :'''Topography:''' &mdash; The top of the pinnacle rises to within 14 m of the surface. :'''Depth:''' &mdash; m :'''Conditions:''' &mdash; The Rock can be a tough place to dive due to the strong currents. (Advanced divers) :'''Marine Life and features:''' The marine and bird life that come here to feed are fantastic. Found here: soft corals, schools of pelagic fish, Potato Cod, Manta Rays, Whale shark, Leopard Shark. ===== Between [[Ko Adang]] & Ko Rawi===== :'''Understand:''' Excellent diving and snorkelling locations between the two islands where the mountains come down to the sea :'''Position:''' &mdash; :'''Topography:''' &mdash; Underwater there are huge boulders :'''Depth:''' &mdash; m :'''Conditions:''' &mdash; A great spot for drift diving. Snorkellers should head for the east side of Ko Rawi were the national park have set up ropes along the reef, so that snorkellers can pull then selves easily along and investigate the reef with ease :'''Marine Life and features:''' Many types of rare fish and coral species that inhabit the reef in this region ===== Yong Hua Shipwreck===== :'''Understand:''' In 1996 a fish-factory ship anchored near the west end of Ko Lipe caught fire and sank to the bottom of the sea :'''Position:''' &mdash; :'''Topography:''' &mdash; :'''Depth:''' &mdash; The top of the wreck is at about 26 m sitting on its keel that is at 40 m :'''Conditions:''' &mdash; some times there are strong currents making it a difficult dive. :'''Marine Life and features:''' The shipwreck is now completely covered in marine growth and inhabited by schools of fish ===== Hin Takorn Dukong===== :'''Understand:''' :'''Position:''' &mdash; Right in the centre of the Marine Park :'''Topography:''' &mdash; The site is made up of granite stones shaped similar to building blocks rising up from the seabed into a structure with a series of tall points at its peak. :'''Depth:''' &mdash; Up to 18 m deep :'''Conditions:''' &mdash; :'''Marine Life and features:''' You can swim around the base of the pinnacle, observing what is here in abundance. Such as hard and soft corals, at least 6 types of eel such as snake eels, different types of Lion-fish and Stone-fish, Squid and Cuttlefish try to hide here and succeed in attracting the larger predators such as Sailfish ===== Ko Bu Tang===== :'''Understand:''' One of the largest islands of the group, Ko Bu Tong supports many bird and animal species. Troops of crab eating monkeys called "macaques" live on the island and a colourful type of bee eater bird can often be spotted from the beaches here. This site is also very good for snorkelling north Side - has Monkey Bay; similar to Sting Ray City but much more steep and dramatic. East side - has the perfect tiny island of Ko Lokoi. Surrounded by about 90 acres of shallow coral :'''Position:''' &mdash; :'''Topography:''' &mdash; :'''Depth:''' &mdash; m :'''Conditions:''' &mdash; . :'''Marine Life and features:''' Giant corals and shellfish grow everywhere around this island paradise but we prefer to dive the North and South channels although for deep diving the "Giant's Staircase" on the islands West side has huge natural stone steps going down underwater to 50 meters or more. Also to found on Ko Bu Tang Sting Ray City, where the blue spotted stingrays are plentiful. Turtles and rare critters such as the ornamental ghost pipe-fish and sharks sleeping under the corals ===== Ko Sawang===== :'''Understand:''' This last tiny island is on the outer edge of the archipelago. There is not a tree or scrap of vegetation that can grow on this tall smooth stone, but underwater this place is full of life. :'''Position:''' &mdash; :'''Topography:''' &mdash; :'''Depth:''' &mdash; m :'''Conditions:''' &mdash; . :'''Marine Life and features:''' Fantastic coral gardens growing on the rocky outcrops below and spend time with the millions of fish to be found here ===== Ko Langcha===== :'''Understand:''' Between Langcha and Adang is a very nice coral garden really worth the effort both for divers and snorkellers :'''Position:''' &mdash; :'''Topography:''' &mdash; :'''Depth:''' &mdash; m :'''Conditions:''' &mdash; . :'''Marine life and features:''' Near perfect gardens shelter all sorts including rays and eels. ==== [[Phuket]] ==== [[File:Banana beach Phuket 2017 - 07.jpg|thumb|Banana Beach, Phuket]] Phuket Island has some good dive sites and the largest diving centre in Thailand. The reefs around the area are in a healthy condition with both hard and colorful soft corals. There is also an abundance of other marine life. Most of the dive locations are suitable for all levels of divers but there are also some that are quite deep. '''Dive sites include:''' <!-- =====Site Name===== :'''Understand:''' :'''Position:''' :'''Depth:''' :'''Marine life and features:''' --> =====Ko Doc Mai===== :'''Understand:''' :'''Position:''' Just off Phuket :'''Depth:''' :'''Topography:''' Limestone island which soars vertically from the sea-bed. :'''Marine life and features:''' It is home to a diversity of fish and offers the opportunity to view leopard sharks, moray eels, octopus and turtles. =====Racha Noi===== :'''Understand:''' Racha Noi is an attraction for experienced divers. The diving is definitely more challenging than Racha Yai, but the rewards are far greater. :'''Position:''' South of Racha Yai :'''Depth:''' Greater than Racha Yai :'''Topography:''' Strikingly different from Racha Yai, with huge granite boulders. :'''Conditions:''' Stronger current then Racha Yai :'''Marine life and features:''' &mdash; The chance to see Manta Rays and Whale Sharks. =====Racha Yai===== :'''Understand:''' The best-known dive site in the Phuket area is Racha Yai with its sloping rocky reefs and its plentitude of hard coral forests. <!--:'''Position:''' &mdash; :'''Depth:''' &mdash; :'''Marine life and features:''' &mdash;--> =====Ter Bay===== :'''Understand:''' :'''Position:''' :'''Depth:''' 25-35 m :'''Topography:''' There is an exciting wreck. :'''Marine life and features:''' =====Service providers===== *{{do | name=Dive Asia | url=http://www.diveasia.com | email=info@diveasia.com | address=24 Karon Rd, Kata Beach, Phuket | lat=7.827530 | long=98.296638 | directions=between Kata and Karon Beach on the Beach Rd | phone=+66 76 330598 | tollfree= | fax=+66 76 284033 | hours=10:00 - 21:00 | price= | content=Since 1989 in Phuket. Oldest PADI 5 Star Carer Development Center under German Management.}} * {{do | name= Sea Bees Diving | url= http://www.sea-bees.com/ | email= info@sea-bees.com | address= Main office: Sea Bees Diving - Phuket Chalong Pier, 1/3 Moo 9, Viset Road, Chalong, Phuket 83130 | lat= 7.823450 | long= 98.341175 | directions= Chalong Pier | phone= +66 76 381 765 | fax= +66 76 280 467 | hours= Daily 08:00-21:00 | price= | lastedit=2015-03-10 | content= Sea Bees has been operating in Phuket for 20 years. The teaching centre is located just a few minutes away at our Palm Garden Resort in Chalong and offers multi-media air-conditioned class rooms as well as a 3m deep training pool. }} * {{do | name=Sunrise Divers | url=http://www.sunrise-divers.com/ | email=info@sunrise-divers.com | address=269/24 Patak Rd, Karon Beach, Phuket | lat= | long= | directions=Office in Karon Plaza off Patak Rd near the Orchid Resort, 4 minute walk from Karon Beach Rd | phone=+66 76 398040 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=In Phuket since 1999 offering Similan Island liveaboards, overnight and day trips around local areas and PADI courses.}} *{{do | name=Scuba Diving Phuket | url=http://www.scubadiving-phuket.com | email=info@all4diving.com | address=169/14 Soi Sansabai, Patong, Phuket 83150 | lat=7.892916 | long=98.299110 | directions=100 m from Jungceylon mall | phone=+66 76 344 611 | tollfree= | fax=+66 76 284033 | hours=10:00 - 22:00 | price= | content=Since 1995, the most complete PADI 5 Star CDC Dive Center of Phuket. Private and specifically scuba designed training pool. Own luxury dive yacht with full service of freshly on-board cooked breakfast and lunch. Dive trips to Phi-Phi, Shark Point & Anemone Reef, wreck diving. Similan Islands liveaboard diving. PADI Diving courses from beginner to professional level. Large dive shop with full range of scuba gear.}} [[File:Ko Lanta (5).jpg|thumb|Ko Lanta]] ==== [[Krabi Province|Krabi]] and [[Ko Lanta]] ==== Some good diving, with several sites rivaling the Similan Islands. All diving is well off the coast, requires travelling via a dive boat. This part of Thailand offers some terrific diving and snorkeling sites with plenty of soft coral, limestone outcrops and diversity of marine life. One can go diving off the nearby islands of Bidah Nai and Nok. =====Krabi===== =====Ko Phi Phi===== About 22 km west of Ko Lanta, the Phi Phi Islands offer consistently good diving, all year round. Even though the island was struck badly by the tsunami in 2004, the area has recovered impressively and divers are back. The island has two remarkable limestone outcrops divided by a narrow flat isthmus which is where most visitors stay. With long caves, dramatic overhangs, walls that go down to 30 m, swim-throughs, submerged pinnacles and a display of hard and soft coral, the diving around Phi Phi is varied and spectacular with an abundance of soft coral and colorful schools of fish. Phi Phi is also known for Sea Fans and the Leopard Shark. Leopard sharks are docile, nocturnal creatures which can be found lying on the sand facing into the current; they are one of only four species of shark that doesn’t need to keep swimming in order to breathe. They like to eat sea urchins, crustaceans, small fish and sea snakes. '''Dive sites include:''' '''''Bidah Nok, Bidah Nai''''' and '''''Hin Bidah''''' Whilst the visibility tends not to be as good as at Ko Haa and Ko Rok, these sites are home to a huge concentration of marine life. '''''Bidah Nok (Outer Rock)''''' :'''Location:''' The southernmost island in the Phi Phi Islands group. :'''Skills:''' This is a popular spot for conducting deep diver training. :'''Topography:''' Along the northwest side of the island, there's a stunning wall that plunges straight down to 30 m. It's a large dive site that takes several days to explore thoroughly. :'''Marine life:'''' Finger Reef' pointing south out of Bidah Nok Bay is completely covered in brightly coloured soft corals and is home to a huge variety and density of marine life. There are often enormous schools of glassfish, yellow snapper and rainbow runners, balling and swirling as they're chased by hopeful tuna and other large predators. '''''Bidah Nai (Inner Rock)''''' :A much smaller dive site than Bidah Nok. :'''Topography:''' Head southeast away from the main island to find 'Fantasy Reef' a smaller secondary submerged reef. :'''Marine life:''' This is a good spot to look for Leopard Sharks and Blacktip Reef Sharks. '''''Hin Bidah (Shark Point Phi Phi)''''' :A popular afternoon dive for Lanta dive operators. It is a less-well known dive site than the popular Bidah Nai & Bidah Nok. :'''Location:''' Half-way between Ko Phi Phi and Ko Lanta :'''Topography:''' The tip of the reef protrudes from the water at low tide. '''''King Cruiser''''' :On 4 May 1997, the steel catamaran car ferry hit Anemone Reef and quickly sank. All the passengers were safely rescued by nearby dive and fishing boats. :'''Location:''' Anemone Reef :'''Skills:''' The depths, together with frequent strong currents, makes diving here unsuitable for beginners. :'''Topography:''' The King Cruiser is 85 m long by 35 m wide, and has four decks with large walkways and windows. The wreck lies perfectly upright at 32 m, with the captain’s cabin at 12 m and the main deck at 14-19 m. :'''Depth:''' about 30 m? :'''Current:''' Strong :'''Marine life:''' The wreck has developed into a fantastic artificial reef and is home to a huge variety of marine life. Look for huge schools of fusiliers, snappers and travellie that cover the reef. '''''Anemone Reef''''' :'''Topography:''' The Anemone Reef is in itself a unique dive site with a massive limestone pinnacle which soars 30 m from the seabed to just 4 m beneath the surface. :'''Depth:''' 4-30 m :'''Marine life:''' The site is well known for its abundance of sea anemones that cling to every surface, and large shoals of fish. Different types of fish to be seen include: snappers, groupers and colorful clown fish, along with larger game fish, like tuna and barracuda and the occasional leopard shark. '''''Shark Point ‘Hin Musang’''''' :'''Topography:''' A series of small pinnacles that lie to the south of the main pinnacle. :'''Marine life:''' These, mainly submerged, pinnacles have abundant and colourful soft corals and are home to thousands of marine species. Leopard Sharks are often found on the sandy bottom. Also look for unusual and rare moray eel species. The currents that sweep over the top of these sites bring plenty of nutrients, and may explain the abundance of fish species considered rare on other Thai dive sites. Look for Orange-Spine Unicornfish, and many juvenile fish sheltering among the soft corals. A pair of Tigertail Seahorses have made their home on the main pinnacle. =====[[Ko Lanta]]===== Across the sea from Krabi town is the quiet Ko Lanta group of fifteen islands. The major island of Ko Lanta Yai is approximately 25 km long with a string of white sandy beaches. There is an enormous variety of fringing reefs, marine life, caves, rocks and islets. The diving season is typically end of October to end of April, with most dive shops closing in the off period. There are no scuba diving sites on the island itself, all require a boat trip. However Lanta is the closest island to the Hin Daeng and Hin Muang sites, so it is very popular with divers. '''Dive sites include:''' '''''Hin Daeng''''' and '''''Hin Muang''''' Near Ko Lanta, these are two dive sites with more than 200 hard corals and 108 reef fish catalogued in a study underway, but thousands more organisms abound. Hin Muang is completely underwater and it is covered with delicate violet coral. The sites also have high incidences of whale shark sightings. '''Hin Daeng (Red Rock)''' :'''Location:'''About 70 km south of Ko Lanta. :'''Visibility:''' Hin Daeng has good visibility, unless the waters become extremely plankton-rich. It is this plankton that attracts the larger marine-life and keeps everything well nourished. :'''Topography:''' Hin Daeng has the deepest drop off in Thailand, dropping down to 50 m on the southern side. A large rocky outcrop forms a series of walls and ledges below the surface that are covered in red soft corals. :'''Marine Life:''' Hin Daeng is named after the beautiful red corals that cover the pinnacles. Due to the isolation of Hin Daeng and Hin Muang, they form the only reef feeding ground for a lot of surrounding ocean and therefore attract the bigger pelagics. Swim with huge schools of barracuda, rainbow runners, travellie, red-tooth triggerfish and batfish. '''Hin Muang:''' :'''Topography:''' This is a series of submerged pinnacles heading in a south westerly direction and dropping down to over 60 m deep. It is one of the deepest drop offs in Thailand. The reef is 200 m long and less than 20 m wide, and comprises three main pinnacles and several smaller ones. :'''Marine life:''' It gets its name from the delicate violet-colored coral covering its walls. In the main central channel, reef fish congregate to escape the currents that sweep along each side of the reef. '''''Ko Haa:''''' :'''Location:''' A group of five islands around 25 km west of Ko Lanta separated by deep water channels. There are six different places to dive here :'''Topography:''' There is a series of caves at the largest island, Ko Haa Yai, where natural light filters into a large underwater chamber. The entrance is at about 12 m and you can actually surface inside to view some spectacular overhanging stalactites. :'''Visibility:''' Usually good. :'''Marine life:''' Plentiful here with all the regular visitors including morays and nudibranchs with the bigger tuna, jacks and trevally hunting in the deeper waters. :Ko Haa has sandy white beaches, stunning karst islands, clear waters, a shallow lagoon and beautiful reefscapes. :Ko Haa’s highlights include The Lagoon, The Cathedral and The Chimney. You can also explore underwater pinnacles, drop-offs, walls, bolders, caverns, inter-connected chambers and swim-throughs. *Ko Haa Lagoon is a shallow, protected area that lies between 3 of the islands, The central lagoon area is suitable for beginner divers and snorkellers and provides a safe, nursery-area for many juvenile fish species. You may see Porcupine Puffer Fish, Ghost Pipefish, Octopus and Hawksbill Turtles swimming amongst the corals. Manta Rays, Marble Rays, Eagle Rays and Whale Sharks are spotted here occasionally. *Ko Haa Cathedral is a series of large and spectacular, interconnected caverns and swim-throughs. The largest cavern has three chambers and is known as ‘The Cathedral’. The first two chambers are connected by a shallow swim through at about 9 m. It is possible to surface inside the Cathedral and see the limestone stalactites looming from the high ceilings. Light floods in through the two large entrances and offers great photographic opportunities. The shallow area in front of the beach is packed with coral and is suitable for beginner divers. Look out for the coral formations that are several metres high. *Ko Haa Chimney at Ko Haa Neung is a tall, vertical chimney, often filled with small glassfish or sweeperfish, starting at 5m and going down to around 16m. Explore the arm that branches out to the east, bringing you out into a beautiful shallow chamber with several large exits. You can find banded sea snakes, lionfish, nudibranchs, frogfish, harlequin shrimps, many other crustaceans and beautiful cowries. Look for large schools of snapper and barracuda - a little deeper you can find Marble Rays. '''Ko Kraden Wreck''' :'''Location:''' This is a small island which lies at the southern tip of the island :'''Topography:''' The wreck of a Japanese destroyer which sunk there during the Second World War. :'''Marine life:''' Seahorses are often spotted hiding in crevices along the wreck. '''Ko Rok''' :'''Location:''' The two sister-islands of Ko Rok Nok and Ko Rok Nai are known as snorkelling sites near Ko Lanta. :'''Topogrphy:''' The islands are quite large, and new dive sites are frequently found. There is a blue hole at Ko Rok - evidence of a high level of healthy coral growth. As newer corals grow over a very old reef, the weight eventually causes the reef to collapse in on itself - causing a blue hole. :'''Marine life:''' Enormous gorgonian sea fans, huge hard coral formations and many colourful, soft corals, dominate the deeper areas on the east side of Ko Rok Nok. The Southern Islands of '''Ko Wean, Ko Chueak, Ko Maa''' and '''Ko Ngai''' offer sheltered diving that can be a good alternative if the sea is too choppy to reach Ko Haa. '''Ko Kradan''' :'''Location:''' Ko Kradan lies within the Trang National Marine Park and has some pretty beaches. :'''Visibility:''' The visiblity is quite variable and tends not be as good as at Ko Haa or Ko Rok, but there are all sorts of unusual marine life to discover. :'''Marine life:''' 'San Chompuo' or ‘Pink Ridge’ is a very different dive to the other sites in the area and has many kinds of coral, starfish and seahorses not found at our other sites. '''Other dive sites''' in this region include '''Hin Bida''' and '''Gareng Heng''' rock outcrop. '''''Access''''' There are essentially two choices when travelling to dive sites: a larger, slower boat out of Ban Saladan (1.5 hours to Ko Haa, 3 or 4 to Hin Daeng and Hin Muang) or a speedboat departing from various beaches on the island (as little as 1 hour to Hin Daeng and Hin Muang). The slower boats are recommended for comfort reasons, but you will lose the entire day to the trip. Almost all shops offer free pickup from resorts towards the northern end of the island. Almost all day trips are for two dives, with a third dive available at additional cost (usually 1,000 baht) Prices are in the range of 3,000–4,000 baht for a day's boat diving on the closer sites, 4,000-5,000 baht for Hin Daeng and Hin Muang. Gear hire will be about 500 baht per trip. Certification is all PADI: about 15,000 baht for a 4 day Open Water course, and 12,000 baht for a two day Advanced Open Water course (5 dives). The speedboats tend to cost a little extra, and usually do not offer a third dive. '''''Certification''''' Some dive centres ask for Advanced Open Water or equivalent certifications, or 20 or more dives experience, if you are diving Hin Daeng/Hin Muang. '''''Fees and permits''''' Many of the dive sites in the Ko Lanta area fall within the jurisdiction of the Ko Lanta National Marine Park. There is a marine park entry fee of 200 baht per person (20 baht for Thai Nationals). This is usually paid to the operator you book your trip with. The Ko Lanta National Marine Park was formed in 1989 an includes the islands of Ko Lanta Noi, Ko Lanta Yai, Ko Haa group, Ko Rok, Ko Ngai, Ko Waen, Ko Maa, Ko Cheauk, Ko Mook, Ko Kradan and as far south as Hin Daeng & Hin Muang. The Ko Lanta National Marine Park oversees the provision of mooring lines at the dive sites and regulates fishing activities in the area. =====Service providers===== * {{do | name=Anti Gravity Divers | url=http://www.antigravitydivers.com | email=info@antigravitydivers.com | address=296 Moo 6, Klong Nin Beach | lat= | long= | directions=At The Amantra Resort & Spa | phone=+66 86 2885283, +66 87 4741066 (mobile) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=PADI Dive Resort run by a group of friendly and young dive instructors. PADI training from Open Water Diver to divemaster. Dive boat The MV Angry Bird departs from Klong Nin Beach with shortest journey time to Ko Haa.}} * {{do | name=Blue Planet Divers | url=http://www.blueplanetdivers.net/ | email=scuba@blueplanetdivers.net | address=3 Moo 1, Saladan | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+66 75 684165 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Daily dive trips departing from Saladan.}} * {{do | name=Dive & Relax PADI Dive Resort | url=http://www.diveandrelax.com/ | email=info@diveandrelax.com | address=223 Moo 2 Phra Ae, Saladan | lat= | long= | directions=Offices on Pra Ae beach at the Castaway Resort and on the main road to Saladan through Pra Ae. | phone=+66 84 8422191 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A small, friendly diving and snorkeling company offering PADI courses. Speedboat departs daily from Long Beach at 09:00 with small groups to Ko Haa, Ko Phi Phi, Ko Bida, Hin Daeng & Hin Muang, Shark Point & King Cruiser Wreck. Free speedboat transfers to/from your resort.}} * {{listing | name=Dive Safari Asia | url=http://www.divesafariasia.com | email=info@divesafariasia.com | address=10/1 Moo Khuk Khak, Takuapa, Phang Nga | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+66 80 5269521 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Transfers included pricing start 15,000 baht | content=}} * {{do | name=Go Dive | url=http://www.godive-lanta.com | email=info@godive-lanta.com | address=6 Moo 1, Saladan | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+66 75 668320 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=PADI courses. Pickup from any Ko Lanta hotel/resort. Dive sites: Hin Daeng and Hin Muang, Ko Haa, Ko Phi Phi, Ko Bida, Hin Bida, Shark Point, Anemone Reef and King Cruiser wreck.}} * {{do | name=Ko Lanta Diving Center | url=http://kolantadivingcenter.net | email=info@kolantadivingcenter.net | address=180 Moo 1, Koh Lanta | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+66 75668065 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10:00-22:00 October 15 to April 30 | price= |lastedit=2022-10-25| content=PADI training. The first dive shop on Ko Lanta, founded in 1992. Dive sites: Ko Haa, Ko Bida and Hin Bida, Ko Phi Phi, Shark Point, Anemone Reef and King Cruiser wreck, Hin Daeng and Hin Muang. Also 2-day trips to Ko Ngai and Hin Daeng.}} * {{do | name=Kon-Tiki Lanta Diving & Snorkeling Center | alt= | url=http://www.kontiki-thailand.com | email=info@kontiki-lanta.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions=On the main road of Ban Saladan | phone=+66 75 668394 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Diving and snorkelling trips to Ko Haa, Ko Bida and Hin Bida, Hin Daeng and Hin Muang. Snorkeling trips to Ko Haa Yai, Ko Phi Phi Islands and Ko Rok. PADI 5-Star IDC & GoEco Operator.}} * {{do | name=Lanta Diver | url=http://www.lantadiver.com | email=scuba@lantadiver.com | address=197/3 Moo 1, Saladan | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+66 75 684208 | tollfree= | fax=+66 75 684057 | hours= | price= | content=PADI courses. Founded by a Swedish couple and staffed mainly, but not exclusively, by Scandinavians. Dive sites: Ko Haa, Ko Bida and Hin Bida, Hin Daeng and Hin Muang. Book the Hin Daeng/Hin Muang trips in advance.}} * {{do | name=Palm Beach Divers | alt= | url=https://palmbeachdivers.com | email=office@palmbeachdivers.com | address=47 Moo 3, Pra Ae Beach | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+66 950714013 (mobile) | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-12-21 | content=All SSI diving and snorkeling courses available up to SSI Instructor (ITC) Courses. Boat leaves straight from the beach for shorter travel time. }} * {{do | name=Pimalai Divers | url=http://www.pimalai.com | email=diving@pimalai.com | address=99 Moo 5, Kantiang Bay | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+66 75 607999 | tollfree= | fax=+66 75 607998 | hours= | price= | content=}} * {{do | name=Scubafish | url=http://www.scuba-fish.com | email=info@scuba-fish.com | address=152/3 Moo 5, Kantiang Bay | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+66 75 665095 | tollfree= | fax=+66 75 665096 | hours= | price= | content=PADI IDC Dive Centre. Depart from Kantiang Bay in the south of Ko Lanta and be back on the beach by 14:30. Experienced guides.}} [[File:Similan Islands, 2015 march - panoramio (5).jpg|thumb|Sail Rock, Similan Islands]] ==== [[Similan Islands]] ==== In Phang Nga Province, 90 km northwest of Phuket and 70 km due west of [[Phang Nga]], the Similan Islands boast one of Thailand’s most famous diving sites and can lay claim to having one of the best diving sites in Asia. The Similans consist of nine islands (Similan means 9 in the Malay language) Ko Bon, Ko Bayu, Ko Similan, Ko Payu, Ko Miang (two adjoining islands), Ko Payan, Ko Payang, and Ko Huyong. The islands have thriving reefs and abundant delicate coral, and superb variety of marine life. It is possible to see chevron barracuda, giant trevally, manta rays, leopard sharks and rainbow runners. Accessed by liveaboards from Khao Lak and Phuket, and by day trip boats from [[Khao Lak]]. '''Dive sites''' <!-- =====Site Name===== :'''Understand''' :'''Position:''' &mdash; :'''Depth:''' &mdash; :'''Get in:''' ::''Boat dive'' &mdash; :'''See:''' :'''Marine life and features:''' &mdash; --> =====Beacon Beach===== :'''Understand:''' The dive site is on the most southern corner of Ko Similan and the big attraction is the wreck of the dive boat ''Atlantis'' (ironically enough) that sunk in August 2002. The boat is quite roughed up and is resting in a slope the bow in the shallow end and the stern in the deep end, which is somewhere at 30+ m. :'''Position:''' 8° 38' 19.1" N, 97° 39' 15.3" E :'''Depth:''' 35 m :'''Marine life and features:''' Wreck. As usual when objects get submerged and the nature is taking its course, the wreck attracts a lot of animal life. It becomes an artificial reef, which is very interesting and pleasant to see. =====Boulder City===== :'''Understand:''' As the name suggests, this dive site has a fantastic scenery of large boulders, cliffs and rocks on a sand bottom. :'''Position:''' 8° 29' 54" N, 97° 40' 48" E :'''Depth:''' 40 m :'''Marine life and features:''' :'''Stay safe:''' :'''Hazards:''' The dive site is very open and unprotected which invites strong currents at some places. It is recommended to keep on the calm side of the boulders during the dive. Ascent and descent is preferably done along the anchor chain. =====Breakfast Bend===== :'''Understand:''' The dive site got its name from the fact that you can have fantastic morning sun with your breakfast before you dive here. Naturally this is true for many places in Thailand. But here at the east side of Ko Bangu the place is living up to its name. The morning sun doing magic with the colors of the reef which is sloping down to about 18 m where it is possible to find leopard sharks resting lazily on the sand bottom. After that there is another, more steep slope down to about 30-35 m. :'''Position:''' 8° 40' 38.79" N, 97° 39' 18.14" E :'''Depth:''' 35 m :'''Marine life and features:''' Leopard sharks =====Christmas Point===== :'''Understand:''' A deep and unprotected dive site that invites both strong currents and large animals. :'''Position:''' &mdash; 8° 40' 48.84" N, 97° 38' 16.56" E. Christmas point is off Ko Bangu <!--Ko Bayu?--> :'''Depth:''' &mdash; 40 m :'''Marine life and features:''' If you are lucky you might find manta rays here. =====Deep six===== :'''Understand:''' Deep six is exactly what the name suggests: a deep dive off island number six (Ko Pabu)<!--Ko Payu?-->. The main attraction is a large cavern at the anchoring point of the buoy line. :'''Position:''' 8° 35' 50.07" N, 97° 38' 8.83" E :'''Depth:''' 40 m :'''Topography:''' There are a lot of large rocks and cliffs that drop off all the way down to a depth of 40 m. :'''Marine life and features:''' Cavern :'''Stay safe:''' :'''Hazards:''' Strong currents. Hold on to the buoy line when ascending or descending to avoid being separated from the group and washed away. =====Donald Duck Bay===== :'''Understand:''' The name of the site makes no sense until you enter the bay, and suddenly, from the right angle, the big rock at the entrance looks like the cartoon character. It is another great site for marine life where one can also see crabs, octopus and cuttlefish moving across the sea bed. The under water experience is a very easy and nice place for inexperienced divers or for anyone who wants a slow and easygoing dive. It is also a very good spot for snorkelling; it's not too deep and it's a protected bay location. The island (Ko Similan) hosts the park rangers' office, and It is possible to get your feet on solid ground for a while and enjoy the beach :'''Position:''' 8° 40' 3.98" N, 97° 38' 41.77" E :'''Depth:''' 15 m :'''Get in:''' :'''Marine life and features:''' Crabs, octopus and cuttlefish =====East of Eden===== :'''Understand:''' This site boasts the most spectacular bommie in the Similans and the violet and blue corals are breathtaking. :'''Position:''' 8° 37' 57.43" N, 97° 37' 38.75" E. East of Eden is east of Ko Pabu. :'''Depth:''' 30 m :'''Topography:''' The underwater landscape is a sloping reef of hard corals that stretches all the way down to around 30 m depth, where sand bottom is taking over. :'''See:''' Along the normal dive route you will pass over a large sand bottom opening where you can see plenty of garden eels resembling a plantation of some kind. =====Elephant Head Rock===== :'''Understand:''' This rock is simply a massive boulder and is suitable for experienced divers. :'''Position:''' :'''Depth:''' :'''Marine life and features:''' &mdash; Silver trevally, jet black trevally, small reef sharks, hawksbill turtle, lionfish, grouper and snappers can all be seen. =====Hide-a-way===== :'''Understand:''' The site mainly consists of sand bottom with coral covered cliffs. Usually you dive from north to south and finish in a quite shallow area where it is well suited for a safety stop as well as snorkelling. It is a brilliant setup to be able to spend the last minutes at a beautiful spot rather than hanging at a string in the middle of nowhere. :'''Position:''' 8° 34' 11.24" N, 97° 38' 49.01" E. Off Ko Payu in the Similan Islands group. :'''Depth:''' 25 m :'''Marine life and features:''' =====Ko Bon===== :'''Understand:''' This island has a sheer wall 35 m deep which is followed by a stepped ridge descending to 45 m. :'''Position:''' :'''Depth:''' :'''Marine life and features:''' =====Ko Tachai===== :'''Understand:''' Roughly 25 km north of the region, but not actually part of the Similans, is Ko Tachai with its lush tropical foliage and underwater ridge which juts out at 90⁰. Divers may encounter leopard sharks, nurse sharks or whale sharks. :'''Position:''' :'''Depth:''' :'''Marine life and features:''' =====Shark-fin Reef===== :'''Understand:''' This is a great dive site for experienced divers. It is possible to see clown trigger fish, half-moon trigger fish, bat fish and surgeon fish. :'''Position:''' :'''Depth:''' :'''Marine life and features:''' =====Snapper Alley===== :'''Understand:''' This site is popular for night dives. Its solid healthy table and sheet coral provides marine animals places to hide and sleep. :'''Position:''' :'''Depth:''' :'''Marine life and features:''' =====Stonehenge===== :'''Understand:''' This is a large towering rock formation with a variety of marine life. :'''Position:''' 8° 34' 42.94" N, 97° 37' 41.43" E. Stonehenge is off the north corner of Ko Miang. :'''Depth:''' 40 m :'''Topography:''' The dive site is very deep and has big rock formations covered in hard corals. :'''Facilities:''' Although the island has accommodation, it is only very simple bungalows in limited quantity. :'''Marine life and features:''' Divers can see barrel sponges, lionfish, gorgonian sea fans, barracuda, wrasse, ghost pipefish and long nose butterfly fish. Leopard shark, tuna and other big fish are common to see here. =====Turtle Rock===== :'''Understand:''' The dive site has a nice underwater landscape consisting of cliffs and swim-troughs. Unfortunately there are some damages from careless anchoring and dynamite fishing (from the time before the Similans became a protected area). :'''Position:''' 8° 39' 51.58" N, 97° 38' 28.35" E. Turtle Rock is off Ko Similan, which is the largest of the nine islands and also where the park guards' office is located. :'''Depth:''' 30 m :'''Marine life and features:''' There is a good chance of seeing sharks in the deeper parts of the dive site. ==== [[Surin Islands]] ==== This national park consists of 5 main islands; Ko Surin Nua, Ko Surin Tai, Ko Ree (Ko Stok), Ko Pachumba and Ko Kai (Ko Torinla). Diving is similar to the [[Similan Islands]] however there are more sharks and other large marine creatures. The islands are less accessible than other dive destinations in Thailand, which ensures less crowding and the islands' pristine condition. A few kilometers to the north of the park is the Myanmar border and about 100 km to the south is Mu Ko Similan National Park. The islands are 80 km west of Ranong Province along the west coast of Thailand. '''Dive sites include''' =====Richelieu Rock (Hin Pio Naam)===== :'''Understand:''' Near the Surin Islands is the horseshoe-shaped Richelieu Rock. The sheer diversity of marine life is amazing. :The dive site is commonly referred to as the treasure of the Andaman Sea, which could suffice as a description in itself! Considering the spectacular animal life at this site it is well worth any extra effort that must be made. :'''Position:''' 9° 21' 46.23" N, 97° 59' 9.88" E :'''Depth:''' 40 m :'''Topography:''' Richelieu Rock is a rock in the middle of the open sea which can be breaking the surface at low tide. :'''Conditions:''' The visibility can be limited at times, down to as little as 5 m. :'''Marine life:''' The rock itself is covered with a large variety of anemones and corals. Divers may see schooling chevron barracuda, several types of moray eels, abundant lionfish and scorpion fish, five types of anemone fish, juvenile emperor angel fish, sea horses, ornate ghost pipefish, harlequin shrimps and even whale sharks, manta rays and shovelnose rays. :'''Hazards:''' The site is open and unprotected with strong currents. It is recommended to hang on to the anchor line when ascending and descending. ==== [[Khao Lak]] ==== Khao Lak Marine National Park has a palm fringed coastline with reefs. The area has plentiful marine life and a couple of wrecks. The Similan Island Marine Park headquarters are here and the Similan Islands lie 50 km directly west. The local pier, at Tablamu is the main departure point for Similan Island day trips and liveaboards. The nearby sites of Richelieu Rock, Ko Bon, Ko Tachai and the Surin Islands are all accessible via speedboats for one day or overnight trips. Dive Sites All the dive sites under Similan Islands are accessible by day trip boats from Khao Lak. Richelieu Rock can be reached by speedboat. There are three wrecks close to Khao Lak which are accessible by longtail boat. Diving & snorkelling *{{do | name=Blue Guru Diving | url=http://www.blue-guru.org | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Based on the Andaman Coast island of Ko Phra Thong. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Scuba diving trips to the Surin Islands & Richelieu Rock. PADI dive school. Eco-Divemaster training program of over 2 months duration.}} *{{do | name=Similan Dive Center | alt= Khao Lak dive center|| url=http://www.similandivecenter.com | email=info@similandivecenter.com | address=67/7 Moo 5 Bang Niang Khao Lak, Phang Nga | lat= | long= | directions= At the Bang Niang beach road in Khao Lak | phone=+66 76 490 965 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= Daily 10:00 - 21:00 | price= | content= Similan Dive Center is a Padi dive center and Mares Dive World shop in Khao Lak offering trips to the Similan islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu rock. Liveaboard trips from 2 days - 1 night to 5 days - 5 nights. Snorkeling only liveaboards 2 days - 1 night or 3 days - 2 nights. Diving daytrips and snorkeling daytrips. Padi courses from beginner to Pro. As a Mares Dive World shop we're offering a wide range of quality diving and snorkeling equipment}} * {{listing | name=Khao Lak Explorer Dive Center | alt= | url=http://www.khaolakexplorer.com | email=info@khaolakexplorer.com | address=4/81 Moo 7 Khao Lak, Phang Nga | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+66 76 4858106 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=PADI Dive Center. Training from Open Water Diver to divemaster.}} *{{do | name=Liquid Adventure | url=http://www.liquid-adventure.com | email=info@liquid-adventure.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+66 76 485068 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=}} ==== The Mergui Archipelago in Burma ==== This new diving area just south of Burma has only been opened to the public since 1997. The area is still relatively unknown and unexplored and offers the opportunity for divers to visit new dive sites. The presence of coral however is sporadic and the underwater terrain is rather rugged, making it all not quite as spectacular as the nearby Similan Islands. Parts of the area attract a diversity of sharks, manta, eagle and marbled rays. * {{Listing | name=Aladdin Dive Safari | url=http://www.aladdindivesafari.com | email= | address=Dive shops are at the northwest coast at Ranong, Ko Chang and Ko Payam | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+66 87 2786908, +66 87 2747601 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Offers regular live aboard dive tours to the dive sites of the Mergui Archipelago in Burma (Myanmar) and to the dive sites of Krabi, Ko Lanta, Ko Surin and the Ko Similan Islands.}} === The Gulf of Thailand === This coast of Thailand is a gigantic shallow depression just south of Cambodia. It is roughly 60 m deep with a maximum of 85m . The area boasts 112 islands with countless fringing reefs. The reefs are not as varied as those of the Andaman Sea but the marine life is still prolific. ==== [[Ko Tao]] ==== <!-- This appears to be a major region for scuba diving. If anyone is prepared to provide the information to upgrade the site data, a regional dive guide can be produced similar to Diving the Cape Peninsula and False Bay --> [[Image:Dive Sites of Ko Tao.png|thumb|300px|Map of some of the dive sites around Ko Tao]] [[Image:Batfish, Shark Island, Ko Tao, Thailand (4570518953).jpg|thumb|Batfish, Shark Island, [[Ko Tao]]]] Great for beginners and one of Asia's most popular places to get certified. [[Ang Thong National Marine Park]] nearby also has good diving. Ko Tao, meaning 'Turtle Island', has become one of the most popular diving areas in the country. The island has an area of only 21sq km and lies north of Ko Samui and Ko Phang-ngan. Ko Tao’s popularity could be because there is something to satisfy every level of diver. [[Image:ko_toh_sail_rock_scuba_trip_aug_28_2006 002.jpg|thumb|Divers surfacing at Sail Rock]] Diving in Ko Tao is easy, fun, and you can see turtles, stingrays, barracudas, lots of small fish, reef sharks, and there is a ''very small chance'' of seeing a whale shark. Nearly any time of the year '''except November''' is good diving weather in Ko Tao and visibility can exceed 40 m. Average visibility is around 15-20 m. In November visibility is reduced and the seas are choppy, but diving can still be good by the standards of many other destinations. It is possible and perfectly comfortable to swim and dive without a wetsuit year round. However, as with most diving, a wetsuit is recommended to help reduce risk of cuts or injury. Avoid contact with coral reefs! =====Dive sites===== '''''Chumphon Pinnacles''''' :'''Location:''' 5 km northwest of Ko Tao :'''Topography:''' It consists of one huge granite pinnacle and a series of smaller ones. :'''Depth:''' It starts at 14 m underwater and drops to 26 m, with possibility of reaching 40 m. :'''Marine life:''' Covered with sea anemones and pink anemone fish. Schools of barracuda, jacks, batfish, giant Groupers, and Pacific Lionfish, and during the right season whale sharks and mantas appear. You may see juvenile Bull sharks. Be cautious, the Bull sharks are curious and may be aggressive, though for many years thousands of people have dived this site without a single shark related incident. '''''Green Rock''''' :There is often a strong current here that you can use to drift around the submerged pinnacles so it is not really recommended for inexperienced divers. :'''Topography:''' Boulder formations with several small swim-throughs, caves and crevices where marine life can be seen sheltering. :'''Depth:''' Between one and 32 m deep, :'''Marine life:''' Diving at the rock offers the opportunity to observe parrot fish breeding, white eyed morays and blue spotted rays. You may encounter Yellow Margin and Titan Trigger fish here as this is a breeding ground for them ... so approach with caution. '''''Hin Ngam''''' :Same wider bay as Aow Luek, shallow training or sheltered dive. '''''Hin Pee Wee''''' :'''Location:''' Next to White Rock. <!--:'''Topography:'''--> :'''Depth:''' To 30 m. <!--:'''Marine life:'''--> '''''Hin Wong Pinnacle''''' :'''Location:''' East side of Ko Tao :'''Topography:''' This site comprises several large granite boulders. The summit is a tabletop rock formation. :'''Depth:''' Depth 10-32 m. :'''Marine life:''' Covered with sea fans and whip corals, as well as filefish, shrimpfish, coral grouper and many other reef fish. You may encounter the resident Green Turtle if you're lucky. '''''Japanese Gardens''''' :This dive site is named after the ornate arrangement of coral boulders here. Suitable for snorkellers &amp beginners. :'''Location:''' East side of Ko Nang Yuan, northwest of Ko Tao :'''Topography:''' A popular drift dive can be done from Red Rock through a series of swim-throughs and emerging into Japanese Gardens for a relaxing safety stop amongst the myriad coral formations. :'''Depth:''' 2-12 m. :'''Marine life:''' Plenty of staghorn and plate coral can be observed in the shallows. '''''Laem Thien Pinnacle''''' :'''Location:''' Near Mao Bay :'''Topography:''' Rocky reef full of swim-throughs, caverns and small caves. There are a few steep walls :'''Depth:''' 5-18 m. :'''Marine life:''' Some excellent white soft coral and sea whips can be admired along the wall. It is possible to combine this cave dive with the beauties of shallow reef diving inside Mao Bay or Aow Mao. '''''Lighthouse''''' '''''Mango Bay''''' :Ideal for beginners and snorkellers. :'''Location:''' North of Ko Tao. The bay is only accessible by boat and makes a popular snorkellers day trip. Drop in further around the northwestern tip of the island and drift into the bay area to avoid the crowds. <!--:'''Skills:'''--> <!--:'''Topography:'''--> :'''Depth:''' 2-15 m. :'''Marine life:''' Hard and soft coral formations are plentiful along with a variety of sponges and clams. '''''Nang Yuan Pinnacle (Red Rock)''''' :The Nangyuan Pinnacle is one of the most popular of all the sites in the region. <!--:'''Location:'''--> :'''Topography:''' Its granite boulder formations have a variety of swim-throughs. The pinnacle itself is nothing special and the main attractions to this site are the swimthroughs. The entrance to the swimthrough can be found if you leave the pinnacle and head west towards Ko Nang Yuan. This is usually done as a drift dive down to Japanese Garden where you can relax for the safety stop. :'''Depth:''' 2-22 m. :'''Marine life:''' Tropical reef fish such as groupers, long fin, banner fin, and blue spotted stingrays. [[Image:ko_tao_sail_rock_scuba_trip_aug_28_2006 004.jpg|thumb|Anchored diveboats daisy-chained to Sail Rock]] '''''Sail Rock''''' :One of the most famous scuba diving sites in the [[Ko Samui]] archipelago. It is a suitable dive site for all levels of diver, from Discover Scuba up. :'''Topography:''' An iceberg shaped pinnacle that rises from the sandy sea floor to 15 m above the surface. Its surface consists of small patches of hard and soft coral. For more advanced divers, there is a vertical 'swim-through' on the northwest side of the rock. Commonly called "The Chimney", it begins at a depth of 18 m and exits the rock again at depths of 12 and 6 m. :'''Depth:''' Surface to 40 m :'''Visibility:''' Usually in the 10-30 m range. :'''Current:''' The currents can vary considerably, but generally are moderate to strong. :'''Marine Life:''' Common fauna that may be seen include barracuda, batfish, jacks, occasional whale sharks, and many other species of tropical fish. '''''Shark Island''''' :Each side of the islet offers a different array of marine life and features making it almost two sites in one! :'''Location''' Southeast of Ko Tao :'''Skills:''' The area is perfect for any standard of diving. :'''Topography:'''Named after its resemblance to a dorsal fin, Shark Island is a twin rock outcrop. :'''Depth:''' to 25 m :'''Marine life:''' On the east side you'll find myriad soft corals, gorgonians and sponges while the west offers hard coral formations that are home to moray eels, nudibranchs, sting rays and the odd Leopard shark. ''Titan triggerfish can be very aggressive here so approach with caution.'' Hawksbill turtle, blue ridged angel, long fin banner, and reef sharks are also reported from this site. '''''Southwest Pinnacles''''' :'''Location''' 12 km off the southwest coast of Ko Tao <!--:'''Skills:'''--> :'''Topography:''' Series of seven steep granite pinnacles rise from the sandy seabed :'''Depth:''' Between 5 and 30 m :'''Marine life:''' The shallower sections of the pinnacles are covered in anemones, whip corals and sea fans. Big groupers and barracudas can often be seen here and you may be lucky enough to spot even larger visitors. Also butterfly fish, blue-ringed angelfish, jacks, barracudas and occasional whale sharks. '''''Tanote Bay''''' '''''Torpedo Wreck''''' :'''Location:''' An hour north of Ko Tao :'''Topography:''' ''Torpedo'' is the name of the ship, and not the way it ended up on the bottom. She is a 70 m Japanese cargo vessel sitting upright after having sank in the mid 1970s. There are three areas of penetration however visibility is usually poor at depth. The deck is at 45 m and the cargo holds are still full of teak logs, with a few scattered on the seabed. :'''Depth:''' 45-55 m. (Due to the depths involved this has been classified a technical dive for experienced divers only.) '''''Twin Pinnacles (Twins)''''' :'''Location:''' Far side of Ko Nang Yuan :'''Skills:''' This is an ideal site for beginners due to its depth and ease of navigation. :'''Topography:''' Rocky reef embedded into white sand :'''Depth:''' 6-18 m :'''Marine life:''' Among the hard corals are big grouper, white-eyed moray eels, pink anemone, clown fish, blue spotted rays, wrasse, and black and white sergeant major fish. A friendly pair of rare saddleback clownfish can be found to the western side of the larger of the Twins. '''''Unicorn Wreck (Dog Food Wreck)''''' :''Unicorn'' is a 60 m cargo vessel, which, according to local lore, was sunk on purpose in 1989 for an insurance scam. The vessel was reported to have a hold full of expensive tuna fish which turned out to be inexpensive dog food, hence the nickname it later acquired - the "dog food" wreck. :'''Location:''' 12 km off Mango Bay :'''Topography:''' Still mostly intact. Since the majority of the obtrusive fishing nets now removed some penetration is possible. :'''Depth:''' To 50 m. (Due to the depths involved this is classified a technical dive for experienced divers only.) :'''Marine life:''' The wreck is now home to some big red snappers and patrolling groupers. '''''White Rock''''' :'''Location:''' Near Twins :'''Skills:''' Good place for night dives :'''Topography:''' Two large granite boulders make up this dive site. :'''Depth:''' Depths for all levels of divers :'''Marine life:''' Butterfly fish, parrot fish, angel fish, large barracuda, titan trigger fish and red breasted wrasse. An extensive coral garden can be found here at around 10 me that is teeming with schools of butterfly fish and angelfish. Blue spotted stingrays are also a common sight on this dive. White Rock is also a popular night dive spot where feather stars, and a variety of crustaceans can be seen hunting for food. ===== Diver training ===== There are a large number of dive operators on the island, offering dive courses from BSAC, SSI and PADI. Many centre's are offering budget accommodation (sometimes described as free accommodation, but this is not really true as you will usually get a discount if you stay elsewhere). In 2009, the price for PADI open water certification including the new PADI training manual, professional instruction, rental equipment, boat dives, and certification was around 9,800 baht; insurance and basic accommodation may also be included. Shop around as not all shops teach the course in the same way. Look for experienced dive instructors instead of a low price. A common method for teaching new divers is to train in a pool first by being taught about 20 basic skills before being taken out into the open water. Others will instead take you to a secluded beach so you will see fish and coral from the start and you might be able to squeeze in a short extra dive in this way, depending on your group and instructor. Some shops have a private pier, some shops depart with a longtail from the beach, and some use the public pier, where you will have to climb some other boats. Ask if this matters to you. Most important: find out maximum number of dive students in a group, and make sure you get an instructor who speaks your language if you are not absolutely sure about your English. These are the little things that will make the difference between an OK course and a great one. * {{listing | name=Alvaro Diving | alt=Alvaro Diving Courses Koh Tao | url=http://www.divingcourseskohtao.com/ | email=info@alvarodiving.com | address= | lat=10.0653 | long=99.8237 | directions=next to Babaloo Bar. At a small quiet outer beach of Chalok Ban Kao south of Ko Tao | phone=+66 77456457 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 09:00-18:00 | price= | content=Small family-run dive and freedive shop with new equipment, flexible boat schedules and friendly multilingual staff. Teach PADI & SSI diving and SSI freediving courses in small groups in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. }} * {{listing | name=Ban's Diving Resort | url=http://www.bansdivingresortkohtao.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Sairee Beach | phone=+66 10 823025 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2022-10-26| content=}} * {{listing | name=Buddha View Dive Resort | alt=Dive Careers - Ko Tao | url=http://www.buddhaview-diving.com | email=info@buddhaview-diving.com | address=45/1 Moo 3 | lat= | long= | directions=south coast of Ko Tao | phone=+66 77 456074, +66 85 4713815 | tollfree= | fax=+66 77 456210 | hours= | price= | content=PADI training. Dive education from beginner through to dive instructor level programmes. Dive and accommodation packages available. }} * {{listing | name=Calypso Diving Ko Tao | url=http://www.diving-calypso.de | email=info@diving-calypso.de | address= | lat= | long= | directions=next to Family Resort in Tanote Bay | phone=+66 77 456745 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Dive training from beginner to professional level following CMAS and PADI standards in small groups. On quiet and party free bay.}} * {{listing | name=Carabao Diving Center & Resort | url=http://carabaodivingkohtao.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+66 15 255 309 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Open Water 8,500 baht |lastedit=2022-10-26| content=}} * {{listing | name=Tarna Dive Resort | alt=Formerly Chic Diving | url=https://tarnaalignkohtao.com/scuba-padi-diving-resort | email= | address=The Tarna Align, 33 Moo 1, Koh Tao, Surat Thani | lat= | long= | directions=at the Tarna Align Resort in Sairee; booking office in Mae Haad 25 metres up hill from 7-11 convenience store | phone=+66 992497870 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2022-10-26| content=Courses from one day Discover Scuba to Open Water Diver and all the way to Divemaster professional courses. Luxury resort with 3.5 meter deep diving pool. Hostel accommodation also available. Maximum class size 4 people. }} * {{listing | name=Coral Grand Divers & Resort | url=http://www.kohtaocoral.com | email= | address=15/4 Moo 1 | lat= | long= | directions=at the far end of the beach | phone=+66 77 456432 | tollfree= | fax=+66 77 456 430 | hours= | price= | content=PADI training. Upmarket hotel suited for families. 2 dive boats plus a speed boat.}} * {{listing | name=Crystal Dive Resort | alt= | url=http://www.crystaldive.com | email=info@crystaldive.com | address=Mae Haad beach | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+66 77 456106 | tollfree= | fax=+66 77 456106 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-05-09 | content=5 star PADI dive centre and resort. Beginners, advanced and Pro-level Divemaster and Instructor training courses. Free accommodation! }} * {{listing | name=Davy Jones Locker | url=http://www.davyjoneslocker.asia | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Sairee Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=PADI, BSAC & SSI courses. Wreck diving by high speed RIB. Divemaster Internships and PADI Instructor Training. MCA/BSAC Boat Handling courses in their RIB. Accommodation and gear packages available for all courses.}} * {{listing | name=Ko Tao Easy Divers | alt= | url=http://www.kohtaoeasydivers.com/ | email=kohtaoeasydivers@gmail.com | address= | lat=10.0840698 | long=99.8242982 | directions= | phone=+66 77 456010 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=PADI training. Private pier and a maximum class size of 6 students to 1 instructor. }} * {{listing | name=PADI IDC Koh Tao | alt= | url=http://www.idckohtao.com | email=matt.bolton@idckohtao.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+66 77 456107 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=PADI Instructor Courses, Internships and Gap Year programs. }} * {{listing | name=Island Dive Club | url=http://www.islanddiveclub.com/ | email=info@islanddiveclub.com | address=9/5 Sairee Beach | lat= | long= | directions=centre of Sairee Beach | phone=+66 87 7084655 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=PADI training. Course and accommodation packages. The Thai staff can be annoying, so deal with the foreigners, they really make the effort. The dive shop is not that busy, meaning you might get an instructor for yourself or be taught in a small group.}} * {{listing | name=The Koh Tao IDC Group | url=https://idckohtaothailand.com/ | email= | address=Moo 10/1 Sairee Beach | lat= | long= | directions=At Sairee Cottage Diving | phone=+66-87-2650859 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2022-10-26| content=CMAS training. Instructor Development Courses (IDCs), MSDT, internship, staff instructor courses conducted every month}} * {{listing | name=Master Scuba Divers Co Ltd | url= | email=dive@master-divers.com | address=25/3 Moo 2, Mae Haad | lat= | long= | directions=next to Songserm Pier, about 150 m to the left of the main pier as you face the ocean | phone=+66 77 456314 | tollfree= | fax=+66 77 456314 | hours= | price= | content=SSI and BSAC training. Good safety record and well placed. Offers technical diving.}} * {{listing | name=New Heaven Dive School | url=http://www.newheavendiveschool.com/ | email=info@newheavendiveschool.com | address=48, Moo 3 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+66 77 457045 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=SSI training. Involved with turtle conservation, reef restoration, "We love Ko Tao" festival, Ko Tao Under Water festival and other eco-activities.}} * {{listing | name=New Way Diving |alt=| url=http://www.newwaydiving.com | email= | address=24/2 Moo 1, Sairee Beach, Koh Tao | lat=10.099504566255122 | long=99.83054816722871 | directions=60 meters inland from the crossroads at the 7'11 | phone=+66 77456527 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=09:00 - 19:00 | price= |wikidata=|lastedit=2019-06-15| content=One of the oldest and most reputable dive shops. Often the first dive boat out in the morning (car leaves for the harbour at 06:00) to avoid crowded dive sites. Small groups. Some basic accommodation available.}} *{{listing | name=New Wave Diving | alt= | url=https://www.newwavedivingkohtao.com | email=newwavediving@gmail.com | address=3/40 Moo 1, Sairee Beach, Koh Tao | lat=10.092570151531248 | long=99.82779622077943 | directions=Next to Leo Bar | phone=+66 77 423949 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=09:00-20:00 | price= | content=Beach front dive shop, offers all levels of diver training, from beginner diver with no experience all the way to dive Instructor. |wikidata=|lastedit=2019-06-15}} *{{listing | name=Planet Scuba | alt= | url=http://www.planetscuba.net | email=tao@planetscuba.net | address=Mae Haad | lat=10.06622 | long=99.821777 | directions=opp. Seatran Pier | phone=+66 77 456110 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=09:00-18:00 | price= | content=PADI scuba diving courses from entry level to Instructor. Regular PADI IDC programs throughout the year. Over 20 years of experience in Ko Samui and Ko Tao. Dive and accommodation packages available. }} * {{listing | name=Planet Scuba | alt= | url=http://www.planetscuba.net | email=tao@planetscuba.net | address=Mae Haad | lat=10.06622 | long=99.821777 | directions=opp. Seatran Pier | phone=+66 77 456110 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=09:00-18:00 | price= | content=PADI scuba diving courses from entry level to Instructor. Regular PADI IDC programs throughout the year. Over 20 years of experience in Ko Samui and Ko Tao. Dive and accommodation packages available. }} * {{listing | name=Roctopus Dive | url=http://www.roctopusdive.com/ | email=info@roctopusdive.com | address=11/2 Moo 1, Sairee | lat= | long= | directions=Sairee beach, next to the Big Yellow hotel | phone=+66 77 456611 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=09:00-late | price= | content=PADI, SSI, BSAC and reef conservation courses.}} * {{listing | name=Scuba Junction | url=http://www.scuba-junction.com/ | email= | address=Sairee Beach | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+66 77 456164 | tollfree= | fax=+66 77 456013 | hours=06:30-19:30 | price= | content=SSI training. Run by Koen "Kay" De Wit, who runs a very tight shop. The equipment is well maintained and they dive and teach strictly by the rulebook. Accommodation nearby at Narakaan Bungalows.}} * {{listing | name=Seashell Dive Center | url=http://tour.sawadee.com/samuinet/diving/tao_seashell.html | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=PADI training. A small local run shop with helpful multilingual staff, an OK boat and gear but no free accommodation.}} * {{listing | name=Simple Life Divers | url=http://www.simplelifedivers.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Sairee Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=PADI 5 star Instructor Development Centre. Courses with small group sizes and beach front accommodation.}} ===== Other ===== * {{listing | name=ACE Marine Images | url=http://www.acemarineimages.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+66 77 457054 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Underwater videography internships and technical diving filming.}} * {{listing | name=Deep Down Productions | url=http://www.deepdown-productions.com | email=sales@deep-downproductions.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Underwater videography & photography company which offers underwater videography internships.}} * {{listing | name=Good Time Adventures | url=http://www.gtadventures.com | email=info@gtadventures.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+66 87 2753604 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Certified divers only. Fast boat taking you where you want to go when you want to go to see the best sites. Specialize in the PADI Advanced Open Water courses, conducted over a 3-4 day period. Discounts to all dive professionals.}} * '''[http://www.kohtaoprovideo.com Koh Tao PROvideo]'''. Underwater videography company. Run by experienced underwater videographers and instructors who film and teach every day. Each course is tailor made. * {{listing | name=Oceans Below Underwater Videography | url=http://www.oceansbelow.net/ | email= | address=12/49 Moo 1 | lat= | long= | directions=on Sairee Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Dive school specialising in BSAC Professional underwater videography courses and photography.}} * {{listing | name=Tech Diving Thailand | url=http://www.techdivingthailand.com/ | email=dircavediver@gmail.com | address=5/52 Moo 2 MaeHaad Koh Tao | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+447711046463 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2022-10-26| content=Technical, Cave, Wreck, Trimix and CCR Scuba dive facilities and training. Accredited instrcutors from PADI, DSAT, TDI and GUE.}} * {{listing | name=Thailand Gap Internships | url=http://www.gapinternshipsthailand.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Offer gap year internships on Ko Tao including scuba diving, muay Thai training, marine conservation, apnea (free diving) and underwater videography programs.}} =====Get in===== From Bangkok there are three main options for getting to Ko Tao. *By air: (fastest but most expensive) Flights from Bangkok direct to Ko Samui for a few thousand baht. From Samui take one of the high speed ferries to Ko Tao (Lomprayah Catamaran or Seatran) - for about 550 baht per person and takes about 1½ hr. Nok Air also do combined flight + ferry tickets. *By train: From Bangkok airport go by m taxi to the main Hualamphong train station in town (about 200 baht). Travel by overnight train to Chumphon. Bed in air conditioned cabin for under 1,000 baht. From Chumphon take a high speed ferry to Ko Tao. About 500 baht per person and takes about 1½ hr. *By bus: (the budget route) From Bangkok airport go by meter taxi to Khao San Rd (about 200 baht). At Khao San Rd you can book a combined bus and boat ticket direct to Ko Tao. This will be an overnight bus ride to Chumphon, then by ferry the rest of the way and should cost less than 1,000 baht total. ==== [[Ko Pha Ngan]] ==== Ko Pha Ngan is the ideal departure point for sites in the Angthong Marine National Park, Southwest Pinnacles, and Sailrock. As they are nearby, divers benefit from shorter journey times and being first to arrive at the sites. It also exclusively opens up night dive opportunities at Sailrock. ==== [[Ko Samui]] ==== Ko Samui is more renowned for its long sandy beaches and sizzling nightlife than its diving, but there are some enjoyable sites nearby. '''Dive sites include:''' '''''SailRock''''' :Sail Rock is the best-known dive site in the Ko Samui area. It is a rock pinnacle shaped like an iceberg which emerges from a sandy seabed at 40 m to tower 15 m above the surface. It is also a magnet for fish and there are many pink anemones. ====Ko Yippon==== Ko Yippon consists of 50 different islands. The visibility is lower than that of the other sites in the area but the scenery is still beautiful. ==== [[Chumphon]] ==== Chumphon Province offers the visitor an astonishing array of natural attractions and it is a good place to stop and enjoy the healthy diversity of marine life and fringing reefs. One can also do some night diving. '''Dive sites include:''' '''''Ko Lak Ngam''''' :'''Location:''' 15 km northeast of Chumphon. It is one of 40 islands which belong to the Chumphon Marine National Park. :'''Marine life:''' There are plenty of hard and soft corals and it is home to a large amount of sea life such as bat fish, trevally, fusiliers, turtle and seasonal whale sharks. ==== [[Pattaya]] ==== 90 minutes from the capital, this coastal shoreline is ideal for those in Bangkok who wish to do some diving on their day off. '''Dive sites include:''' '''''Hardeep Wreck:''''' :The most popular destination in Pattaya for diving buffs is the Hardeep Wreck which was sunk by the allies in the Second World War. The wreck lies on its starboard side at a maximum depth of 26 m. ==== [[Ko Chang]] Marine National Park ==== Ko Chang has seen an explosion in the number of visitors over the past few years. It is just one of a total of 52 islands in the Marine National Park. Even though the area has previously been victim to man-made damage, there is still the chance to enjoy fringing reefs, marine life, a wreck, giant clams and snorkeling. Visibility is usually around 10 m. A major draw for the Ko Chang reefs is the shallow depths, where you as a diver can get a long bottom time observing one of the largest variety of fish species anywhere in the Gulf of Thailand. This is a good place to learn scuba dive skills but while interesting, the reefs cannot compare to their counterparts in the Andaman sea. '''Dive sites include:''' '''''Hin Kuak Maa''''' :Hin Kuak Maa offers the diver a huge variety of solid and soft corals which are home to moray eels, blue-spotted sting rays, sea turtles, starfish, stonefish and puffer fish. '''''Hin Luk Bath''''' :Hin Luk Bath has turned into one of the most favored dive sites around with its boulder formations which appear from a sandy seabed 15 m down. The way they jut out allows a vast array of corals and barrel sponges. It is possible to see angel fish and barracuda. '''''Hin Rap South''''' :Hin Rap South is an 18-m rock pinnacle which can be dived by anyone of every level. It is covered with staghorn corals, barrel sponges and delicate corals. Experienced divers can also venture out 200 m to admire a group of rocks known as Blue Mountains which often glow from the sun. '''''Hin Run Tek''''' :Hin Run Tek with an average depth of 12 m, is a huge rock formation site with a diversity of colorful marine life such as parrotfish, wrasse and angelfish. '''''PADI Divecenters''''' * {{do | name=BB divers | alt= | url=http://www.bbdivers.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=First PADI dive centre when you enter Bang Bao on your righthand side. | phone=+66 861292305 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=08:00-22:00 | price= |lastedit=2022-10-26| content=A small, friendly diving centre offering PADI courses and day trips. Luxury speedboat departs from Bang Bao pier at 09:00 or at 13:30 with small groups, short travel time.}} == Learn == Two diving association and four diving companies are operating in Thailand offering diving certification, they are: #'''AIDA''' - The International Association for the Development of Freediving #'''BSAC''' - The British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC Thailand) #'''NAUI''' - The National Association of Underwater Instructors #'''PADI''' - The Professional Association of Diving Instructors #'''SSI''' – Scuba Schools International #'''TDA''' - TDA Diving Association (Thailand) - the Thai CMAS Federation === Dive school locations === BSAC, TDA/CMAS, PADI, NAUI and SSI offer diving instruction at every major diving site in Thailand, they are: *[[Ko Chang]] *[[Ko Lanta]] *[[Ko Lipe]] *[[Ko Samui]] *[[Ko Tao]] *[[Krabi Province|Krabi]] and [[Ko Lanta]] *[[Phuket]] *[[Similan Islands]] BSAC (British Sub-Aqua Club) now offers instruction throughout Thailand. BSAC Thailand has some 20 dive centres on the west and east coasts. === Range of training === ==== AIDA International ==== * AIDA1 - Introduction to Freediving * AIDA2 - Freediving for Beginners * AIDA3 - Advanced Freediver * AIDA4 - Master Freediver * AIDA Instructor - Becoming a Professional Freediver This range of freediving training is only available in [[Phuket#Freediving|Phuket]] ==== TDA Diving Association (Thailand) ==== TDA offers the complete range of internationally recognized CMAS diving courses, including Technical and cave diving and all levels of instructor training according to CMAS diving and safety standards. ==== PADI, NAUI and SSI ==== ... offer the following courses in Thailand: *Skin Diver *Scuba Diver *Open Water Diver *Adventure Diver *Advanced Scuba Diver *Advanced Open Water Diver *Deep Diver *Dry Suit Diver (not very common due to the hot weather) *Enriched Air Nitrox Diver *Search & Recovery Diver *Underwater Archeologist *Emergency First Response *Rescue Diver *Dive Master *Master Scuba Diver *Assistant Instructor *Instructor Development Course (Only CDC and IDC Centres) *EFR Instructor Course (Only CDC and IDC Centres) *Specialty Instructor (Only CDC and IDC Centres) *Staff Instructor (Only CDC and IDC Centres) *Master Instructor and PADI Course Director Preparation Courses (can only be found in a few CDC Centres in Thailand) Out of all these courses offered in Thailand, the PADI Open Water Diver Course is by far the most popular. PADI Instructor Development Courses are taught in CDC/IDC Centres on a monthly basis. == Get in == === Day trips === Usually, day trips itinerary and timetable are designed to allow the diver access to select his favourite local dive sites. With 2 or 3 dive options, he can choose the trip best suitable to him. The trips usually include hotel transfers, a dive master or instructor, tanks, weights, and belts, lunch, and three to four dives--depending on the day, the destination, and the boat. Two-day trips are also available which usually include 7-dives, hotel accommodation, and meals. They are similar to mini-liveaboards ==== Diving holiday packages ==== Diving packages are designed for tourists who want to either stay for a longer period of time or have come to Thailand especially to dive. The diving operators or agents have a variety of packages with different cost range of accommodation. '''''Examples''''' '''[[Ko Lipe]] Resort Packages''' *Medium Budget – Castaway Resort *Low Budget – Forra Resort '''[[Khao Lak]] Resort Packages''' *High Budget – Baan Khao Lak Resort *Medium Budget – Best Western Palm Galleria Resort *Low Budget – Khao Lak Mohin Tara Hotel '''[[Ko Phi Phi]] Resort Packages''' *High Budget – Holiday Inn *Medium Budget – PP Erawan Palms Resort *Low Budget – PP Banyan Villa '''[[Krabi Province|Krabi]] Resort Packages''' *High Budget – The Cliff Ao Nang Resort *Medium Budget – Ao Nang Villa Resort *Low Budget – Ao Nang Paradise Resort '''[[Ko Lanta]] Resort Packages''' *Medium Budget – Lanta Island Resort '''[[Ko Samui]] Resort Packages''' *High Budget – Banburi Resort and Spa *Medium Budget – Chaweng Villa Beach Resort *Low Budget – AI’s Hut Hotel [[File:The dive boat called Hello Andaman (12359604915).jpg|thumb|A typical liveaboard dive boat in Thailand]] === Liveaboard === Liveaboard dive boats offer the opportunity to visit various locations for 3-10 days at a time. They usually require overnight travel before arriving at their destinations. All trips usually include dive masters. These boats travel to the following locations: *The Similan Islands *The [[Mu Ko Surin National Park|Surin Islands]] : Ko Bon, Ko Tachai and Richelieu Rock *Hin Daeng *[[wikipedia:Mergui_Archipelago|The Mergui Archipelago]] *The Andaman Islands == Get information == * {{listing | name=TDA Diving Association (Thailand) | alt= | url= | email=office@cmas-thailand.org | address=52 Moo 5, Thepkrasattri Rd, Thalang, Phuket, | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+66 76 206514, +66 76 206515 | fax=+66 76 206094 | hours= | price= | content=}} Back to [[Scuba diving]] {{usablediveguide}} {{IsPartOf|Thailand}} {{geo|11.2|100.4833|zoom=7}} kqide01nbd0x1y9cvmaul4gkfvnhwkr 0 10092 5087095 5079569 2025-07-03T11:15:11Z Asamboi 692 /* Buy */Fix link 5087095 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Dubai banner 2.jpg|caption=Dubai skyline|dotm=yes}} {{printDistricts}} [[File:Artificial Archipelagos, Dubai, United Arab Emirates ISS022-E-024940 lrg.jpg|300px|thumb|Shoreline of Dubai as seen from space, with artificial islands]] '''Dubai''' (Arabic: دبي‎‎ ''Dubayy'') is a cosmopolitan metropolis and global city on the [[Arabian Peninsula]]. The city is one of the ten most popular tourist destinations in the world. The city is also considered one of the most modern and progressive cities in the [[Middle East]] – certainly in the Arab world – and is also sometimes nicknamed as "City of Gold" due to historically being a hub for gold trade as well as the rapid transformation from a desert into a luxurious city. Dubai is characterized by a vast landscape of desert which transforms into a futuristic style of skyscrapers along the coastline. The city offers both insights into the old merchant and pearl diving history of the Arabs in Deira and Bur Dubai and the new modern skyscraper business and bustling life in Jumeirah and Jebel Ali. Dubai is sometimes mistakenly thought of as a country, but it is actually one of the emirates that make up the [[United Arab Emirates]]. It is the financial centre of the United Arab Emirates. Dubai is also considered a commercial and cultural hub of the Middle East, it's a global transport hub, and has attracted world attention through many large innovative construction projects and sports events. The city is symbolised by its skyscrapers, including the world's tallest building, Burj Khalifa, in addition to ambitious development projects including man-made islands, world-class luxury hotels, and some of the largest and extraordinarily modern shopping malls in the world. ==Districts== <maplink class="no-icon" text="" group="other"> { "type": "ExternalData", "service": "page", "title": "Dubai_Districts.map" }</maplink> {{Mapshapes|Q83787}} <!-- Dubai Metro --> {{Mapshapes|Q837216}} <!-- Dubai Tram --> {{Mapshapes|Q1262923}} <!-- Palm Monorail --> <!--{{Mapshapes|Q5303420}}<!-- Dubai Trolley (out of service. Thus not relevant for the traveller)--> {{Regionlist | regionmap=Dubai Wikivoyage map en.png | regionmapsize=400px | regionInteractiveMap=map1 | regionmapLat=25.08 | regionmapLong=55.15 | regionmapZoom=8 | region1name=[[Dubai/Deira|Deira]] | region1color=#bdbd7b | region1items= | region1description=The old financial centre, today a bustling commercial-residential district with old souks, including one specializing in spices | region2name=[[Dubai/Bur Dubai|Bur Dubai]] | region2color=#8888dc | region2items= | region2description=A historical district on the south side of Dubai Creek, with attractions from ''abras'' to souks to floating restaurants to the famous Creek | region3name=[[Dubai/Jumeirah|Jumeirah]] | region3color=#aa6baa | region3items= | region3description= A diverse mix of residential and tourist destinations. It's influenced by European architecture and designs. Jumeirah is favored by Westerners due to easy access to the beach. Jumeirah Beach, Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Road are the top attractions. Marina is a mega-development full of skyscrapers. The Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa lie in Downtown Dubai, which is between Jumeriah and the rest of Dubai's suburbs. | region4name=[[Dubai/Jebel Ali|Jebel Ali]] | region4color=#67b7b7 | region4items= | region4description=Mega man-made port, location of the new airport, Dubai World Central, the venue for Expo 2020, and the entry point to the Palm Jebel Ali | region5name=[[Dubai/Suburbs and Hatta|Suburbs]] and [[Hatta]] | region5color=#75bb75 | region5items= | region5description=Suburban Dubai inland from the coast and Hatta, the exclave at the border with Oman. }} ==Understand== ===History=== Dubai began as a small fishing village on the coast of the eastern Arabian Peninsula. At the beginning, the town made its income as a small pearl diving town. However, as expanding trade boomed across the gulf, it became a trading hub between Iran and India and gained a lot of notoriety for its imported goods from the East. In fact, the currency of Dubai used to be the Indian rupee historically. Dubai was also used as a smuggling town to smuggle gold from Africa and elsewhere and import it to India, this made Dubai a well-known point in the map for various traders. When oil companies looked for oil around the Trucial States, Dubai was shown to not have any significant oil reserves compared to [[Abu Dhabi]]. Sheikh Rashid Al Maktoum, then the leader and Sheikh of Dubai, continued on the booming expansion of trade in Dubai instead of relying on any oil income. He welcomed Indian traders, Iranian traders, and even Western officials and travelers to his hometown. The open policy of commerce and tolerance of foreigners made Dubai a willing destination for any non-Arab or non-Muslim, in stark contrast to other cities in the Arabian Peninsula, which viewed non-Muslims with suspicion. Sheikh Rashid's son, Sheikh Mohammed, had a vision of establishing Dubai as a Middle Eastern tourist destination. In his memoir, when he met with other GCC heads of state after the British withdrawal from the Gulf and proposed on making Dubai a tourist destination, the rest of the Sheikhs laughed at him. They told him nobody would like to come and visit a barren desert. Nevertheless, Sheikh Mohammed made the effort to hire experts and change the entire infrastructure of the city to welcome tourists, established free-zones with no taxes, invested in major tourism projects and opened the city for everyone regardless of race or religion. Multiple Western companies and institutions, wanting to expand their influence in the Middle East, welcomed Dubai's tax-free open-arm invitation. Dubai was seen as the only city in the Arabian Peninsula that would allow non-Muslims to live, drink, and enjoy their lives by their own laws and Western or non-Islamic standards, though it is now rivalled by nearby [[Doha]] and [[Abu Dhabi]] in this regard. ===Climate=== {{Climate| units = Metric | janhigh =24.0 | febhigh =25.4 | marhigh =28.2 | aprhigh =32.9 | mayhigh =37.6 | junhigh =39.5 | julhigh =40.8 | aughigh =41.3 | sephigh =38.9 | octhigh =35.4 | novhigh =30.5 | dechigh =26.2 | janlow =14.3 | feblow =15.4 | marlow =17.6 | aprlow =20.8 | maylow =24.6 | junlow =27.2 | jullow =29.9 | auglow =30.2 | seplow =27.5 | octlow =23.9 | novlow =19.9 | declow =16.3 | janprecip =18.8 | febprecip =25 | marprecip =22.1 | aprprecip =7.2 | mayprecip =0.4 | junprecip =0 | julprecip =0.8 | augprecip =0 | sepprecip =0 | octprecip =1.1 | novprecip =2.7 | decprecip =16.2 | jansun =8.2 | febsun =8.2 | marsun =8.2 | aprsun =9.8 | maysun =11.1 | junsun =11.4 | julsun =10.4 | augsun =10.2 | sepsun =10.3 | octsun =9.8 | novsun =9.5 | decsun =9.2 | janh2o =23.4 | febh2o =21.9 | marh2o =23.2 | aprh2o =25.5 | mayh2o =28.8 | junh2o =31.6 | julh2o =32.7 | augh2o =33.5 | seph2o =33.1 | octh2o =31.3 | novh2o =28.6 | dech2o =25.4 | description = '''Dubai''' has a ''hot desert [[climate]]'' (BWh). <small>(Source: [[w:Climate of Dubai]])</small><br />[https://weather.com/weather/today/l/AEXX0004:1:AE See Dubai's 10 day forecast.] }} The city of Dubai is situated on a coastal strip bordered by desert and gets very hot in the summer. It is dry on the hottest days and humid during the cooler days in the summer. Cooler, more pleasant weather lasts from the end of September to the beginning of May (although pleasant is relative, with daily temperatures from October to January and March to May still being {{C|20–25}}, but be prepared for cold night temperatures. In winter the temperature at night is usually from {{C|10 to 16}}. From May to September, the sun is intense and in August temperatures can touch {{C|54}} in the city and even higher in the desert. The heat, coupled with a humidity of 60%–70% near the coast, effectively precludes most activity outdoors for the daylight hours during summer. Summer and winter are effectively the only two noticeable seasons the city experiences. [[File:Dubai Wild Wadi.jpg|thumb|300px|Wild Wadi Waterpark and Jumeirah Beach Hotel]] December to April generally produces the highest precipitation, though little of it, at {{mm|100}} total per year. Some years yield no more than a few minutes of shower. Rain is celebrated in the UAE and most people take days off and some schools give rain days off to enjoy the little amount of precipitation the city experiences. ===Talk=== Arabic is the official language, but as foreigners outnumber Emiratis by almost 4 to 1 in Dubai, English serves as the ''lingua franca''. All signs are bilingual in Arabic and English and speaking [[Urdu phrasebook|Urdu]], [[Hindi phrasebook|Hindi]], or [[Tagalog phrasebook|Tagalog]] will get you further than Arabic given that most retail and service staff are expatriates from Pakistan, India, and the Philippines. ===Visitor information === * [https://www.visitdubai.com/en Visit Dubai] website ==Get in== See the [[United Arab Emirates#Get in|Get in section for the United Arab Emirates]] for visa and customs regulations. ===By plane=== Dubai is a five-hour flight from [[Europe]] and three hours from most parts of the Middle East, the Near East, and the Indian subcontinent. Dubai's main airport is the [[Dubai International Airport]] ({{IATA|DXB}}). Its eventual replacement, Al Maktoum International Airport ({{IATA|DWC}}), is open to passenger [[flying|flights]] but is only serving a few flights. You can also enter Dubai by using Sharjah International Airport ({{IATA|SHJ}}) in the neighboring emirate of [[Sharjah]]. [[File:Dubai Airport Terminal 2.jpg|thumb|Dubai Airport]] Airlines often have price wars to glamorous destinations like Dubai and this can work to your advantage by careful planning and comparison of the various airlines serving Dubai. '''[http://www.emirates.com/ Emirates]''' is the flag carrier of the emirate of Dubai, and connects Dubai to over 100 destinations while [http://www.flydubai.com/ FlyDubai] is Dubai's low-cost carrier. [http://www.etihadairways.com/ Etihad] has shuttle services from their exclusive check-in facility in Sheikh Zayed Rd or Central Business District of Dubai to and from Abu Dhabi Int'l Airport, you can also fly with Sharjah's low-cost carrier; [http://www.airarabia.com/ Air Arabia] which flies to over 46 destinations within the Middle East. Low fares from North America are most often found on Qatar Airways. * {{go | name=[[Dubai International Airport]] | alt={{IATA|DXB}} | url= | email= | address= | lat=25.252778 | long=55.364444 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dubai International Airport | image=Dubai Airport.jpg | wikidata=Q193439 | content=This is the largest hub in the Middle East and the home base of Dubai's flag carrier [http://www.emirates.com/english Emirates] and its low-cost wing [https://www.flydubai.com/ flydubai]. It has grown at such a furious pace that its terminals are bursting at the seams, especially during the peak hours around midnight. UAE and Gulf Cooperation Council nationals, UAE residents, and visa-on-arrival guests with biometric passports can use the Smart Gates after their initial arrival, during which they must first visit a staffed immigration counter. }} * {{go | name=Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport | alt={{IATA|DWC}} | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.886111 | long=55.172222 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Al Maktoum International Airport | image=Maktoum Airport.jpg | wikidata=Q1065223 | content=The airport opened to passenger flights in October 2013 and has grand ambitions to be the largest airport in the world, capable of serving 160 million passengers a year. (For comparison, London Heathrow has around 70 million, and Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson has more than 100 million.) For the time being it's only served by several low-cost carriers such as Wizz Air and flydubai (other carriers usually operate seasonal charters from Europe). It is a major hub for cargo flights. Emirates is not planning to shift until 2025 or so. The airport is in Jebel Ali at the far western end of Dubai, nearly 60 km from central Dubai and about 110 km from Abu Dhabi. A train line is planned, but the current transport options are taxi and bus lines [http://www.dubaiairports.ae/en/about-dubai/GTDWC/Documents/Route%20F55A.pdf/ F55/F55A]. F55 connects Al Maktoum Airport with Ibn Battuta Metro Station during the day, while F55A runs between Al Maktoum Airport and Al Satwa Bus Station during the night. Buses depart every hour from the airport. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Sharjah International Airport | alt={{IATA|SHJ}} | url=http://www.shj-airport.gov.ae | email= | address= | lat=25.328611 | long=55.517222 | directions=in the emirate of [[Sharjah]] | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Sharjah International Airport | image=Sharjah International Airport - panoramio.jpg | wikidata=Q635826 | content=It is 30 min by road from Dubai and takes an increasing number of international flights as Dubai Airport struggles to keep up with demand. The principal carrier here is [http://www.airarabia.com/ Air Arabia], a low-cost carrier serving the Middle East and South Asia. The airport is fairly basic but is being expanded. A bus service by Air Arabia also runs from the Airport to the Rashidiya Metro Station in Dubai. Rashidiya metro station is located close to the Dubai International Airport. }} * {{go | name=[[Zayed International Airport]] | alt={{IATA|AUH}} | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.42701 | long=54.64606 | directions=in [[Abu Dhabi]] | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Abu Dhabi International Airport - Air Traffic Control Tower.jpg | content=There are ultra-low-cost flights from Europe, Africa and Asia. If you are somewhat flexible in your travel, you can get cheap intercontinental flight. There is an E102 bus service connecting Dubai (Ibn Battuta Bus Station) directly with Abu Dhabi Airport. It will cost 25 AED if you are using a nol card (cannot be purchased at Abu Dhabi Airport as of September 2022) or 35 AED if you buy a ticket at a counter at the Abu Dhabi Airport. }} ===By car=== Dubai's only international road border is with [[Oman]] at Al Wajajah. Expatriate residents of Oman will require an official permit to exit Oman by road. Visitors do not require a permit. There is a charge per vehicle to exit Oman and, if returning, retain the charge receipt as it will be required to re-enter. Ensure that insurance is valid for the UAE (preferably before commencing the journey). Temporary UAE insurance can be purchased at the border for a premium price. There are also road borders between the neighbouring Emirate of [[Abu Dhabi]] and Oman at the Al Burami Oasis which divides the sister cities of Al Ain and Al Burami, Oman. Dubai is a very car-oriented city and most visitors will choose to take taxis instead of the public transportation system. You can easily find them in the taxi queue or you just simply wave at one on the road, but this could be just difficult during rush hours. Also, some of them even refuse short rides in jammed areas. Signage is terrible in Dubai, and taxis often get lost. The best thing to do is navigate from well-known landmarks, such as hotels. GPS devices are often outdated. Street and road names can be very confusing, because the different transliterations from Arabic, you will notice that the slight variance in the spelling is very important. You can find a lot of car rental agencies that will give you a vehicle with very cheap rates and only an International Driving Permit, if you don't have an UAE one. Some agencies also offer a car hire service with drivers, an option much more comfortable for visitors, especially if the driver speaks English and knows the way around the city better than most taxi drivers. Some of the best car rental companies are: Careem Car Services, which offers an easy booking system with a real-time tracking app and, if you need it, you can hire a car with a child seat. Ahdab International Luxury Transport is a highly experienced team of professionals but their rates tend to be quite expensive. ===By bus=== The Government of Dubai operates a network of [[bus]]es linking Dubai city with the capitals of the other six emirates of the UAE. The buses run under the name '''Emirates Express''' and operate from various bus terminals in Dubai, for timetables see [http://www.rta.ae/wpsv5/wps/portal/bus_time_table?SwitchToLatestLocale=true the website]{{Dead link|date=October 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. *'''From Abu Dhabi:''' Buses operate every 40 minutes starting at 06:20 from Abu Dhabi's main bus station to Dubai's Al Ghubaibah or Ibinu Bathutha bus station. The two-hour journey costs 25 dirham. *'''From Sharjah:''' Frequent buses run between Dubai and Sharjah. There are several different routes and buses depart from various bus stations in Dubai including Al Karama, Gold Souq, Baniyas Square, Jebel Ali and Al Ittihad Square. *'''From Al Ain:''' Buses operate every hour from Dubai's Al Ghubaibah bus station. It's a two-hour journey. *'''To/from Fujairah:''' The bus to Fujairah leaves from the Rashidiya Metro station and takes about 3 to 4 hours. For bus travel from [[Saudi Arabia]], [https://www.saptco.com.sa '''SAPTCO'''] offers daily bus services from cities such as [[Dammam]] and [[Riyadh]]. ===By boat=== Dubai is a trading hub for dhows from around the Indian Ocean. Travellers wanting to arrive in the city this way will probably need to make their own arrangements with the captain of the vessel. Most of the dhows sail to [[Iran]]; some also head to [[Yemen]] and [[Somalia]]. Emulating Michael Palin and heading to India on a dhow is difficult-to-impossible. Dubai has an [http://dubaicruiseterminal.com/ international cruise terminal]{{Dead link|date=July 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} at Port Rashid. During wintertime, Costa Cruises has bases at least two of its cruise ships (Costa Luminosa & Costa Fortuna) in Dubai. [http://www.valfajr.ir/Default-52.aspx Valfajr Shipping Company]{{Dead link|date=March 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} runs a boat service that leaves Bandar Lengeh and [[Bandar Abbas]] in [[Iran]] supposedly every second day and docks in Port Rashid in Dubai, returning the following day. Crossing the Persian Gulf takes roughly 6 hours. The ticket includes Iranian-style lunch. ==Get around== Dubai's public transport system is probably the best in the Middle East, especially after the launch of the metro, but it's still a very car-oriented city and most visitors end up taking taxis quite often. The '''[http://wojhati.rta.ae/ Wojhati]{{Dead link|date=May 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' journey planner can suggest the best way to travel. Most visitors buy a rechargeable '''NOL Red Ticket''' which is the most straightforward option for tourists who only need to use the metro and busses once or twice a day. There is a day pass valid for unlimited rides on the metro, tram and buses which makes sense if you plan on doing more than 3-5 journeys per day. The '''NOL Silver Card''' stored-value card gives a discount on both metro and bus fares. The Silver card is useful for public transport users who stay in Dubai for more than a day. Both cards are available at metro stations and major bus stations. Tap out at the end of your trip in buses - even with a day pass. ===Fares=== {{Mapframe|25.1655|55.2517|height=420|width=480|zoom=11|show=map2, mask||name=Dubai’s 2 metro lines and the 7 fare zones. Zone 2, 5 and 6 are the most relevant ones for tourists. (The Blue Line is not yet in operation).}} {{Mapshape|type=page|group=map2|wikicommons=Dubai_Public_Transport_Zones.map}} {| class="wikitable" |+Dubai Metro & Bus fares <small>(January 2025)</small> ! Card type ! Card Price ! Price Within 1 Zone ! Price Within 2 Zones ! Price More than 2 Zones ! Notes |- | Red Ticket | 2 AED | 4 AED | 6 AED | 8.50 AED | The default rechargeable paper ticket sold on the vending machines. It only allows ''one'' type of transport per journey (e.g., the metro). It is valid for up to 10 journeys or 90 days before disposal is required. Ride fares are slightly higher compared to the Silver Card. A red ticket 1-day-pass for 20 AED can be bought as well. It allows unlimited rides within a day with all modes of transports on all zones. |- | Silver Card | 25AED with 19AED ride balance. | 3 AED | 5 AED | 7.50 AED | Rechargeable plastic card. Recommended if staying for more than a day. Different types of transport per journey allowed within 180min. So one can change from metro to bus without paying again. Valid for 5 years |- | Gold Card | 25AED with 19AED ride balance. | 6 AED | 10 AED | 15 AED | Same as Silver Card, but you can sit in the less crowded and slightly more comfortable Gold Class at the front of each trainset. |- | Personal Card | 70AED with 20AED ride balance. | 3 AED | 5 AED | 7.50 AED | Personalized card, with online services like transaction history, refund in case of loss and online recharge. Required for concession fares. Not relevant for the average tourist. |} ===By metro=== [[File:Dubai map Dubai Metro.svg|thumb|center|800px|Dubai Metro routes. The Red and Green lines are the operational routes while the rest are in planning/construction phase.]] [[File:Dubai Metro photographed from Dubai Marina station in Dubai United Arab Emirages.png|thumb|Dubai Metro]] [[File:VAE-dubai-metro-hinweis.jpg|thumb|upright|Street signs that point to the direction of the Metro are found throughout the city.]] [https://www.visitdubai.com/en/articles/guide-to-dubai-metro '''Dubai Metro'''] has two lines which are open as of 2025: The '''Red Line''' is {{km|52}} long and opened in September 2009. It's the second [[Urban rail|metro]] in the Arab world after [[Cairo]]. While the line does not serve the old city centre, it's handy for zipping along Dubai's long coastline and includes stops at the airport, Burj Khalifa and the Mall of the Emirates. The track 2020 expo - an extension of the Red Line - was completed in 2020. The '''Green Line''', which burrows through the city core, opened in September 2011. You can transfer between the two lines at Union Square and Khalid Bin Al Waleed (BurJuman). There is a third metro line called the Blue line under construction with a planned opening date in 2029. A rechargeable ticket (NOL Red Card) cost starts at 2 dirhams for the card itself and 4&nbsp;dirhams for a trip within one zone, 6 dirham for two zones, etc. Tickets can be purchased in automated machines, ticket offices or at the gate information clerk. Cash and payment cards are accepted (Visa and MasterCard). Trains run every 3–5 minutes from 05:50 to midnight every day except Thursday and Friday, when services are extended to 05:50–01:00 limited to 13:00–23:59, respectively. All stations are air-conditioned and there's a large network of feeder buses. If you plan to travel late in the evening, check station working hours as the last train may depart earlier than the official system operating hours. Be aware that the Metro is typically overcrowded almost any time of day between Union Station in Deira and Dubai Marina. Finding a seat is nearly impossible, and even the Gold Class is often so packed that passengers must stand for most of the journey. === By monorail === A {{km|5}} monorail system shuttles passengers across the Palm Jumeirah to the Atlantis hotel. It connects with the Dubai Tram. This is not a part of the rest of Transport, and therefore, you will need to buy a separate ticket (15 dirham one-way and 25 dirham return). === By tram === [[File:UAE Dubai Marina img2 asv2018-01.jpg|thumb|Dubai Tram]] The latest of Dubai's modern transportation system is the Dubai Tram, which opened on November 12, 2014. It provides commuters with a comfortable transit service around the prime business and leisure districts of Dubai. The Dubai Tram operates for 19 hours daily running for 14.5 km along Al Sufouh Road. It passes around the vibrant Dubai Marina where passengers are treated to breathtaking sights of towering skyscrapers and luxury yachts, and then travels down Jumeirah passing by the iconic Burj Al Arab. The Dubai Tram connects with the Dubai Metro at the Jumeirah Lakes Towers and DAMAC stations, and links with the monorail of Palm Jumeirah. Outside of Europe, the Dubai Tram is the first tram system that uses the state-of-the-art ground-level power supply cable system which eliminates the unsightly and overhead cables. ===By bus=== [http://dubai-buses.com/ Dubai Public transport] {{dead link|December 2020}} is a cheaper means of travelling within the several districts of Dubai. A map of the bus system can be found [http://www.rta.ae/wpsv5/links/buses/FullBusNetwork_sm.pdf online]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}, as well as [http://www.rta.ae/wpsv5/links/publictransportpdf.htm detailed route maps and timetables]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. Public buses are clean and cheap, but unfortunately not very comprehensive and (on some routes) quite infrequent. The bus system is most useful for getting between different areas of central Dubai, or between the various suburbs, rather than general transport. Taxis or a fair amount of walking will also be required if you visit Dubai without a car of your own. You will require a Nol card or ticket for fare payment. Cards can be purchased from most bus stations, metro stations, and sometimes from the bus driver. The main bus stations are Gold Souq Market (in Deira) and Al Ghubaiba bus station (in Bur Dubai). Clear route maps and timetables are placed inside a few bus stands. Ramadan timings differ. The front seats are reserved for women. Probably the single most useful service for the casual tourist is '''Line 8''', which starts at the Gold Souq, takes the tunnel under the Creek to Heritage Village, and then sets off down Jumeirah Rd (just behind the beach) and all its hotels and malls, up to Burj al-Arab and Wild Wadi. It terminates near the Internet City, while its 8A variant goes down a little further and also serves the Mall of the Emirates. ===By taxi=== Taxis ply the streets of Dubai and are relatively easy to spot with their cream bodies and coloured roofs. The easiest place to find them is at the taxi queue at one of the malls or outside a hotel. Taxis can also be booked on the '''Careem''' mobile app which is similar to Uber. Waving down a taxi on the road is possible, but can be difficult during rush hours. At peak times (07:00-09:00 & 16:00-19:00 workdays, and Friday evenings) demand exceeds supply, and not only are taxis hard to find, but those who deign to pick you up may demand crazy off-meter fares or refuse short rides in congested areas entirely. If you accept an off-meter quote, ensure that the driver clearly says 'Dirhams' as occasionally the word metamorphoses into 'Dollars' when you reach your destination. Also, the drivers of Dubai Taxi Corporation go through their shift change between 16:00-18:00 daily and it can be more difficult to find taxis during this time. The standard of driving in Dubai ranges from poor to wild - taxis are some of the worst on the roads. Taxis are metered at 2.19 dirham/km day and night, so no haggling is necessary. The rates of all taxi companies &mdash; Dubai Transport, National, Cars, Metro, and Arabian &mdash; are identical, so just take the first one that comes along. Street pickups attract a standing charge of 5 dirham during the day and 5.50 dirham at night (22:00-06:00). From the airport, there is a standing charge of 25 dirham; there is a surcharge for going to [[Sharjah]]. A minimum total fare of 12 dirham applies. Taxis are exempt from the Salik road toll charges. Beware of unmarked hotel taxis and limousines though: while some of these are metered, they are ''not'' tied to the official rates, and can be much more expensive. One way to spot whether a taxi is official or not is to look for a meter: no meter, don't get in. If you can't find one otherwise, you can attempt to call Dubai Taxi on 04-2080808 (each franchise has its own booking number but one central system), there's a surcharge to book. The booking system was notorious for its unreliability but with a significantly increased taxi fleet, many taxis now deliberately wait in unofficial holding areas waiting for bookings. As a result, on a good day it can be possible to book a taxi and have it arrive within less than five minutes. If you absolutely have to get somewhere at a certain time (say, the airport or a meeting), it's still best to book a hotel taxi in advance, ''and'' get their estimate of how bad the traffic will be. Women should travel in the back of the taxi as some drivers see it as a sexual invitation if you get in the front. Taxi drivers are usually friendly, but may have a different ideas on hygiene. You can also use Careem or Uber services for moving in Dubai. ===By car=== There are countless [[renting a car|rent-a-cars]] that will provide a mode of transportation for very cheap rates and very little paperwork. An International Driving Permit is not necessarily required, but hire companies may not rent a car without one. Some agencies will hire out cars complete with drivers. Visitors taking advantage of this option will need to make certain that their driver knows his way around as many do not. When driving on the main roads, such as Sheikh Zayed Road, the junction numbers are not in logical order. Junction 13 is just after Junction 18 and is rarely shown on the maps. Road names can also be very confusing with slight differences in spelling (due to different transliterations from Arabic) being very important. The construction work that is taking place throughout and around Dubai can make finding your destination a challenge. Temporary road layouts change with alarming regularity and temporary signs can be misleading or non-existent. As GPS maps are not up to date (and usually not anyway available to rent with hire cars), you will be very well off with a printed map (you can get an excellent one in Virgin stores, for example. There is a Virgin Megastore on the top floor of City Center). Driving during morning and afternoon peak hours is not recommended, as traffic slows to a standstill and even a simple trip across a bridge can take up to 45 minutes. There is also a scarcity of parking spaces in many parts of the city. With such a mixture of nationalities residing in the city, driving styles are mixed, to say the least. Both dangerous and experienced driving will be witnessed or experienced frequently. Dubai has one of the highest per capita road death rates in the world. There is zero tolerance for alcohol and driving with stiff penalties meted out including jail and deportation. See [http://www.salik.ae Salik]{{Dead link|date=February 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} for information about '''tolls''' on certain routes in Dubai. If you rent a car, usually a Salik tag will be provided by the car hire company and you will be charged separately when returning the car. ===By boat=== [[image:UAE Dubai Abra img3 asv2018-01.jpg|thumb|right|An abra motoring across Dubai Creek from Bur Dubai to Deira]] An easy way of crossing Dubai Creek is by '''abra''', a small ferry. Abra stations are located along the Creek on both the Bur Dubai and Deira sides, and the system of filling the boats is remarkably efficient. The cross-river trip is payable to the driver after the boat has left the station, and affords a '''very picturesque view of the city'''. Abras set off very regularly, and the service is available round-the-clock. Air-conditioned '''water buses''' are a way to avoid the abra crowd and the heat. They are part of the public transport system, so a Red Nol ticket or a Nol card is required. Tickets can be purchased at the water bus station. The water bus also features a 'tourist route' round trip – while it is convenient, it can get quite expensive. The Creek is also the home of many boats offering more comfortable (and correspondingly more expensive) tours, often in boats designed to resemble dhows. Prices tend to be higher, particularly for dinner cruises with on-board entertainment. === By bicycle === While not at all a [[bicycle]]-friendly city, there is a growing network of cycle lanes. [https://www.careem.com/en-AE/bike/ '''Careem'''] offers a bike sharing system with stations in Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach, downtown, Palm Jumeirah, Deira and a number of other districts. It costs 20 AED per 24 hours with as many 45-minute rides as you want. A phone with a data plan and a credit card is needed though. ==See== {{SeeDistricts}} [[File:DubaiMuseum Dhow.JPG|250px|thumb|Dubai Museum – al-Fahidi fort and a dhow]] [[File:Bastakia (4128585095).jpg|thumb|250px|Old Dubai. The Al Bastakiya neighborhood was once the major center of Dubai. The old buildings are now preserved as a cultural landmark and tourist site.]] Dubai is a mixture of old and new, traditional and modern. From old traditional souks and historical buildings (now being preserved for cultural reasons or already part of the national heritage) to modern Dubai's overwhelming shopping malls, incredible artificial islands and giant modern skyscrapers that include the world's tallest building, Dubai is a world in itself and offers plenty of wonderful attractions. The city has numerous museums and historical buildings, but Dubai Museum is a must see for a first-time traveller to the Emirates. It provides a glimpse of the old life of Dubai, its people and their culture and heritage. A number of other museums are located in nearby [[Sharjah#See|Sharjah]]. Dubai has a justified reputation as a concrete jungle, but there are nice pockets of greenery within the city, such as Safa Park. The city parks are modern and very well-maintained, with the most popular located in Jumeirah. ==Do== {{SeeDistricts}} [[File:Fossil Cliff UAE -Paolo Rossetti Weekenduae.com 2012-03-23-.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Fossil cliffs near Dubai]] [[File:GlobalVillage1.JPG|right|thumb|250px|China Pavilion in Global Village]] * '''Abra ride'''. A boat ride is best done at night in the cool weather and to enjoy the city lights. Abras can be hired for a private tour (for a price negotiable with the driver, but usually very cheap). This is quite a popular activity at sunset on a clear day, particularly if the driver is able to enliven the tour with stories about the structures on either side of the Creek. Just make sure that the purpose of one's abra hire is made clear at the outset, otherwise, you will be in for a very expensive cross-river trip or a crowded private tour. * '''[[Beaches]] and sea'''. There are endless [[water sports]] opportunities as Dubai has some of the whitest and sandiest beaches in the world. Ocean temperatures range from {{celsius|22}} in winter up to {{celsius|35}} in summer, there are few wave breaks and the strong winds can make swimming difficult. The water is also very salty so many prefer to use their hotel swimming pool. Diving activities have been severely affected by offshore construction work for the Palms and The World; consequently, long boat trips are necessary to reach wreck sites. Alternatively, one can make the 90-minute road journey to the East coast Emirate of [[Fujairah]] or the Sharjah enclave, Khor Fakkan, for top-class diving on coral reefs supporting extensive marine life. *'''Camel race track'''. One of the more unusual attractions, with races being held on Thursday and Friday in the winter. You can watch the races, and you'll have the opportunity to visit the paddocks. Vendors sell everything from beads to rugs and blankets, so you can purchase souvenirs. *'''Horse racing''' has a long tradition in the Arab world, and Dubai's Meydan Racecourse is one of the most famous horse racing venues in the world, holding races for both Thoroughbred and purebred Arabian horses. Gambling is illegal, so there are no on-site betting facilities, but the grandstand is a marvel of modern architecture, and particularly spectacular when lit up at night. * '''Desert safari''' or '''dune bashing'''. Head out to the desert in an SUV with specialist desert drivers. The drivers will take you for a thrilling roller-coaster ride over sand dunes, show you the sunset from a strategic vantage point and then take you to a traditional Arabic Bedouin campsite where you'll be offered lavish barbecue buffet dinner with music and belly dance to complete the atmosphere. The duration of the tour is usually around five hours. You may want to stay clear of the dune bashing if you get carsick easily. A desert safari is one of the best things to do while in Dubai. Another option would be renting/buying a 4x4 and joining the many growing 4x4 clubs in the UAE, but only if you're an extremely experienced driver and hold an international driving license. Neighboring cities including Abu Dhabi also have their own, such as AD4x4. For all of the Dubai-based clubs, membership is free of charge and they conduct trips for beginners into the desert on a regular basis. * '''Natural outdoors'''. Although at first glance the outdoors may seem dull and uninteresting, and even dangerous due to the desert conditions, there are actually amazing natural destinations in the Emirate of Dubai, which extends into Hatta. There are pristine waterfalls, cliffs lined with fossils, and even freshwater lakes. * '''Yacht charter''' is an easy way to explore the man-made Palm Islands and coastal skyscrapers. Fleets are available for hire from Dubai Marina from many of the yacht charter agencies. * '''Dubai Creek cruise'''. Dubai Creek is the foundation from which Dubai grew. It was built as a port for trading vessels plying to and from India, Africa and the Middle East. Today a bit of the old shipping culture still remains. In and around the Creek one can see some of the original buildings that have served as customs houses and defence structures. You can book a ride (usually four hours) on the Dubai Marina cruise or rent a private boat to take you on an hour-long ride up and down the Creek. * '''[[Dubai/Jumeirah#Q62939|Burj Khalifa]]''': Visit the tallest building in the world with the magnificent centrepiece of Dubai, Burj Khalifa is surrounded by hotels, must-visit shopping destinations and a world of entertainment options. * '''[[Golf]]'''. It may be a desert, but a lot of money and water is spent on irrigating opulent golf courses. Alternatively, for a more local flavour, try '''sand golf'''. * The '''Dubai International Film Festival''' is the city's not-for-profit cultural event. As a major festival for Arab cinema, it showcases a selection of films from the Middle East, Africa and Asia. ==Work== {{overseasjobscam}} While Dubai tries to promote itself as the business and entertainment capital of the world, the government has a complex and at times frustrating work permit procedure that the inexperienced should not attempt on their own. It is best to go through official channels when looking for work in Dubai as spot inspections are frequent and if found working illegally, both the employee and the employer will be subject to fines and even deportation. All the necessary forms and documents are written and processed in Arabic and is best left to a professional intermediary agency. These go by the name of "Government liaison officer" / "Public relations officer" (nothing like a PR in the general context) and offer so-called "PRO services". With the price of rentals soaring in Dubai and neighbouring Emirates, it is a good idea to discuss a housing allowance when negotiating remuneration. Despite all of this, there are a few upsides, Dubai companies are generous with holidays averaging almost 39 paid vacation days a year (including public holidays), a round trip ticket home once a year (depending on your contract) and the UAE government does not impose income taxes on foreign workers. Instead it imposes fees and charges on almost everything, so the cost of living in the UAE, and especially Dubai, is quite high. Recruitment fraud is quite pervasive in this part of the world. Read your employment contract carefully before signing and do not pay any fees to recruitment agencies, as they are usually paid by the companies. Your passport is your personal property and cannot be withheld by the employer unless you are in a position of trust or are handling large sums of money. Dubai-based companies have been accused by numerous organizations of effectively enslaving poor migrant workers from Southeast Asia by taking their passports and not paying them the promised salaries. Foreign workers, Western and otherwise, have no rights that will be upheld by the courts, and so they have no recourse should they feel their rights violated. Potential workers should be aware of this when considering work in Dubai. ==Buy== {{SeeDistricts}} [[File:Dubai Gold Souk on 31 May 2007 Pict 2.jpg|250px|thumb|All that glitters ''is'' gold at the Gold Souk.]] Dubai is practically synonymous with [[shopping]] and could be called "Do buy". Low tariffs and a huge amount of cargo passing through its port ensure that practically anything is available at fairly competitive rates, although the appreciation of the Dirham and the plentiful supply of shoppers means that Dubai is no longer a bargain basement shopping city. You'll also find products in Western chain stores, still with the original tags quoting euro or sterling prices, being sold with a 20–30% mark-up once converted to dirhams. The best things to buy are textiles, electronics and gold; electronics are believed to be much cheaper, while there is a wide selection of textiles and gold. Dubai shops suffer from the standard developing world shopping phenomenon of having no storeroom and no stocks in reserve, even in the mega-malls – and for clothes shopping this may mean that you struggle to find the style you want in the size you want. Shops open as early as 09:00 and stay open until 22:00, and on weekends to midnight or 01:00. Remember to '''haggle '''in the souks, as discounts are almost always available and even in situations where the item will not become much cheaper, the customer is always expected to "play the game" of haggling. A simple question of "What's your best price?" will often result in a shopkeeper going to extraordinary lengths to sell his stock. Prices in the malls and other Western shops tend not to be negotiable. Far from being a bad thing, this allows the canny visitor to work out comparative prices for common souvenirs – an invaluable aid when a shopkeeper in a souk is asking for a higher price. '''Dubai Shopping Festival''' has been the biggest shopping event in the Middle East since 1996. Almost every shop has a sale, starting in January and ending in February. The DSF is not limited to Shopping but also produces [http://www.dubaishoppingfestival2017.com/about.html some mind-blowing stages shows and performances performed by international celebrities.]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} There's also a very similar '''Dubai Summer Surprises''' trying to pull in punters during the summer low season. ===Souvenirs=== [[File:Dubai chocolate on a plate 02.jpg|thumb|Dubai chocolate]] "Dubai chocolate", filled with pistachio paste and crunchy ''kadayif'' (shredded filo), was only invented in 2021 but went viral soon afterwards. The original is [https://fixchocolatesdessert.com/ Fix Dessert]'s "Can't Get Knafeh Of It", available only by delivery and in very limited quantities, but imitators abound. ===Malls=== [[File:Mall of the Emirates (3679338750).jpg|thumb|Mall of the Emirates]] Dubai is known for its gigantic malls and is a magnet for shoppers. Among the dozens of malls, two stand out due to their size and quality. See the [[#Orientation|district]] articles for more details on malls. Several malls have a large supermarket where you'll find the lowest cost electronics, and groceries for self-catering. There are many supermarkets, and international brands such as Carrefour, Géant and Waitrose have multiple locations as do 'home-grown' brands Choithrams, Spinney's, Union Co-Operative and Lulu, amongst others. ==Eat== {{SeeDistricts}} [[File:Mezze selection.JPG|thumb|Mezze selection commonly found in Arabic restaurants in Dubai]] '''Shawarma''' is the most available food item on almost all streets (and cheap) in Dubai. It is the Arabic equivalent of the burger. It is meat that has been cooked on a skewer and then cut into thin strips and placed into a kuhbus (''pita'') bread with vegetables and dressing. There is the plain-jane variety and the more exotic Lebanese and Iranian varieties. The shawarma sold by Indian restaurants are arguably the cheapest. Another local snack is '''fala-fil''' (felafel, falafel), which is as cheap as shawarma. Traditional Emirati food normally involves rice and meat/chicken cooked with different spices. As such, ''mandi'' is a very popular meal and generally affordable, except when served in high end restaurants. Emirati restaurants can be mostly found in areas with local residents, such as Deira, Bur Dubai and Jumeirah. Traditional desserts are also worth trying. Search for ''luqaimat'', deep fried dough balls tossed with date syrup on top. You'll find it at any Emirati restaurant as well as some small cafeterias or street markets. Most of the American fast food chains have set up shop, including KFC, Chillis, TGI Fridays, Starbucks, and McDonalds. The beauty of the food in Dubai is that you will probably find cuisine for every taste. All food is halal. Dubai has a big selection of budget Indian food. Dosa, vada, idlee, samosa, chapaati/roti, with generous servings of sabji (cooked vegetable stew) are available for cheap. Bur Dubai (particularly Meena Bazaar area) and Karama are the places that abound in these restaurants. Most of them are open from 07:00 to 22:00 or 23:00 throughout the week. [[File:Food- madhvi.jpg|thumb|Typical Emirati traditional food]] Pork is eaten here mostly by non-Muslim Filipinos and Europeans. Pork sections exclusive for non-Muslims are found in '''Spinneys''' (numerous branches, including ones in Jumeirah and Dubai Marina), '''Al Maya Lal's''' (generally caters to Filipinos; there's a branch in Satwa) '''New Westzone Supermarket''' (has a branch in Satwa that's bigger than nearby rival Al Maya Lal's), '''Choithrams''' and '''Waitrose'''. During Ramadan, while it is not illegal for non-Muslims to eat and drink in public spaces during daylight hours, it's better to avoid doing so out of respect for those fasting. Most restaurants remain open as normal. Once the sun sets though, many locals will gather for ''iftar'', or the breaking of the fast, and many hotels will serve elaborate iftar meals catering to this market. As a tourist, you are welcome to partake too, but be sure to reserve in advance as these are very popular. Dubai hosts several food festivals in the spring (March - May). The largest is the '''Dubai Food Festival''' which lasts for two weeks. Across the city, there are discounts at restaurants and home / kitchen stores (such as Crate & Barrel, Williams Sonoma, etc.) World-class chefs offer master classes, special collaborations, and tasting menus. ===Budget=== Most malls have food courts, which offer good value menus and are a fast and reliable option for visitors and locals. There are also several food chains of many different types (Pakistani, Indian, Western) scattered all over the city. See the district articles for individual recommendations. ===Mid-range=== * '''Automatic''', this is a chain of popular Lebanese restaurants found all over Dubai. Famous for its lamb chops & Friday lunch buffet. No alcohol served. ===Splurge=== The top hotels all have at least one restaurant serving (most commonly) some form of international cuisine - Italian, Japanese, Indian and so on. Quality tends to be high, along with price, but non-guests are able to reserve tables as well, thus allowing the rest of us to experience a bit of these hotels. Floating restaurants for dinner come sight seeing in Dubai Marina are also popular among both non-travelers and travelers. And agencies have licensed floating restaurants and hence charge a high price for the quality of food and service. ==Drink== [[File:Luqaimat.jpg|thumb|Arabic coffee served with traditional Emirati sweets called ''Lugaimat''.]] {{SeeDistricts}} Dubai has supercharged the nightlife in the last decade and most international known brands have a ''sister'' location in town. Most 3-5 star hotels have bars and nightclubs for those interested in the nightlife. World-class DJs frequent Dubai's nightclubs, and many A-list musical celebrities are adding Dubai to their list of tour dates. There is nothing missing and during the high tides of the party time, the impression of being in Ibiza is not misleading. Most of the night life is geared at the beaches of Jumeirah or the Dubai Marina. Bur Dubai is more family-oriented (e.g. Dubai Fountain), while Deira was able in parts to maintain its more Arabic focussed style. Dubai is very popular with Arabic travellers, so an Arabic blend is added quite often. Dubai has several laws regarding alcohol which travelers should be aware of: * Alcohol is available only at licensed premises, usually attached to hotels (most nightclubs and bars are in or attached to hotels, though they may have separate entrances). As of 2023 there is one public cinema that serves alcohol (Cinema City's '''Azul Lounge & Theatre'''), as well as a few private cinemas that can be booked for groups. * Alcohol is not sold on religious holidays. From 2016, it can be sold during Ramadan. *'''It is illegal to drink alcohol in public places''', and there is a zero-tolerance policy on drunk driving. Anyone involved in a collision found with alcohol in their blood will usually get a month's jail sentence and fine. * Alcohol can be bought only for home consumption at certain outlets in Dubai, and an alcohol license is required. Supermarkets only stock non-alcoholic beers. Even food items containing alcohol are not sold in supermarkets. * Remember to carry some sort of identification when visiting a bar if you are young, as you will not be let in otherwise. The law prohibits anyone below 21 to enter. * The authorities take disruptive behavior while intoxicated very seriously, which will lead to jail time or deportation. * Prostitution is illegal but can be seen in bars. Both parties act illegally, but in rather (in-)famous clubs it can be rather obvious. Keep in mind that most hotels have a strict ''guest policy''. ==Sleep== {{SeeDistricts}} Due to substantial increase in hotel rooms, only during Islamic holidays do prices rise substantially. The cheapest places, mainly catering to small-scale businessmen, can be found in near the souks of [[Dubai/Deira|Deira]]. In Dubai you find a youth hostel and several backpacker hostels. See the individual listings in the '''[[Dubai#Districts|districts]]''' for hotel recommendations. In general tourists tend to stay at the beach hotels in Jumeirah or Jebel Ali, while city dwellers have ample choice in Deira or Bur Dubai. Dubai is a stretch along the coastline and taxis are cheap and the metro reliable, so there are always alternative options. The only hassles are ever-new construction sites and the rush hour. During the summer heat a hotel with access to a mall or shopping complex is beneficial to have a greater area for air conditioned walking. There are luxury glamping resorts in the desert far from the city. The most well known is '''Terra Solis.''' Reservations need to be made more than a month in advance, even in summer. As of 2023, the cheapest type of accommodation (tents) cost 950 dirham per night on weeknights and 1400 dirham per night on weekends. For long trips (a month or more), the '''Rove''' hotel collection offers summer rates from 4000 dirham per month with significant discounts on F&B, laundry, and Lets work membership (co-working space). This is cheaper than the monthly rent for an unfurnished 1-bedroom apartment in a popular neighborhood, and Dubai residents will take advantage of this if they happen to be between leases or to help a friend who has newly moved to the city. ==Stay safe== Dubai is a safe city. Call 999 if facing any trouble or altercations. ===Traffic=== Driving and pedestrian safety has also been an issue given the different nationalities that share the road. Do not jaywalk or cross where there are no clear pedestrian markings. Speeding is common here, and the odds of you being hit by a car are quite high unless you follow the rules. Avoid driving on the extreme left lane of highways to avoid being "flashed" and being forced to move a lane over. Road rage is also starting to become an issue given the increase in traffic jams and poor driving courtesy. Rude hand gestures (the "finger", etc.) and profanity can lead to fines and jail times if reported, so keep your cool if you are cut off or are behind an erratic driver. In general, you will find those gestures and actions that some may find only slightly offensive in your home country, or perhaps not offensive at all, can at times be extremely offensive to the Dubai locals. Therefore, err on the side of caution and keep your cool. ===Islamic laws=== The United Arab Emirates might seem to have more relaxed laws than their other Arab counterparts, but the laws are still very different from most Western countries, and their laws are strictly enforced. Having an alcoholic drink in the wrong place or even losing your temper could land you a month or more in prison. Exercise caution and common sense when visiting, and make sure you are aware of all their laws or expect severe consequences that could seriously ruin your visit. Dubai strictly follows Islamic laws which should be respected by all visitors. Islam is the official religion, therefore do not publicly criticize or distribute material against it. In conversations about politics and world affairs, avoid criticizing the ruling family of any of the seven Emirates or prominent business families. The United Arab Emirates has formal relations with Israel but publicly supports causes that involve the Palestinian people and Palestinian statehood. Public displays of affection are frowned upon and public sexual acts can lead to prison sentences followed by deportation. In 2008, a British couple were arrested and faced prison sentences because they had sexual contact on a beach in Dubai. If all tourists remain respectful, decent and ensure that they do not upset the local people, there should be no problems. Homosexuality is a criminal offence with possible imprisonment and deportation. Egregious public displays of affection or cross-dressing may lead to prison sentences and/or deportation. In 2013 a Norwegian woman reported she had been raped but then, following bad advice, rescinded it. She was then sentenced to 16 months in prison for extramarital sex and filing a false police report. After public pressure she was pardoned and deported. As of January 2022, extramarital sex has been decriminalized. Women should dress sensibly and avoid wearing revealing outfits when travelling to districts like Karama, Deira and Bur Dubai, where the streets are packed with men, especially on evenings and weekends. While swimsuits and bikinis are a common sight on Dubai beaches, avoid sunbathing topless —even in the private beach of a hotel. Prostitution is illegal in Dubai but still it is visible at nightclubs, bars and other places. Law enforcement ignores solicitation to a degree, but penalties are high if it is made too obvious or if the police are called. Human trafficking and forced prostitution are real issues in Dubai. ===Petty crime=== While petty crime is hardly reported or mentioned in the news, keep an eye on your wallet or purse when in crowded areas like Naser Square or Deira in general. If withdrawing large amounts of cash from ATMs, either conceal the notes or ask the bank's security to escort you to your vehicle. Cases have occurred where people have been robbed of large amounts of cash in crowded areas because they were not careful. Conmen are ever present in Dubai, especially the "Nigeria 419" scammers. Do not arrange meetings or entertain their requests or give any personal details. Should they not comply, individuals who will be happy to listen to their business propositions are the police. Thanks to Dubai's new property boom and bust, real estate fraudsters are also popping up, so exercise extreme caution if you are interested in buying or renting. Drug use and distribution are serious criminal offences, even when in the company of the person consuming the material, and can lead to a prison sentence of several years or even the death penalty. Passenger baggage is screened quite thoroughly when entering Dubai. Even prescription drugs (without original prescription note and sometimes even with one) or ones that you bought over the counter in your country can lead to a prison sentence. You need to be careful when you are a tourist in Dubai, like many places around the world, people have a keen eye for tourists and can cheat you. For example, taxi drivers can drive a longer way to the destination given that you pay by meter or try to charge you US$20 when you are sure you heard them say 20 dirham (they do sound rather similar). ==Connect== : ''See [[United Arab Emirates#Connect]] for details of Internet and mobile connectivity in Dubai, including restrictions on popular services [[internet telephony]] services like WhatsApp.'' '''GSM''' &ndash; Those with [[mobile phones|GSM smartphones or feature phones]] can expect auto roaming from their home countries. As roaming fees are quite high and incoming calls are also charged, consider buying a local prepaid GSM SIM card, designed especially for tourists, from one of the two cellular providers of the UAE: * '''[https://www.etisalat.ae/en/index.jsp Etisalat]''' - product Ahlan - available at the Duty Free Shop (arrival hall) of Dubai Airport * '''[https://www.du.ae/ Du]''' - product Visitor Mobile Line - available at the ''Telefonika'' kiosk in the arrival hall of Dubai Airport. Incoming calls are free of charge. '''Phone booths''' &ndash; Phone booths are located on most streets. Phone cards can be purchased from hotels and tourist shops. '''[[Internet]]''' &ndash; Internet cafés can be hard to find. There are a number of cafés on Al Musalla Rd/Al Mankhool Rd in Bur Dubai, including one at 38 Al Musalla Rd and one at Computer Plaza next to the Ramada Hotel. A number of Internet cafes are found in Satwa too. In Satwa there is the French Connection in the Al Wafa Tower on Sheikh Zayed Rd (opposite side of road from the Dusit Hotel), which has wi-fi access and nice cakes and pastries. In Al Qusais, there is an internet café a 5-minute walk northwest of the Dubai Youth Hostel. Turn right out of the gates and walk to LuLu's Hypermarket. The café is located inside the food court. Gaming cafes aimed at teenagers are dotted around, notable examples including Escape gaming zone (opposite Lulu Hypermarket hypermarket in al Barsha), Que Club in al Barsha and behind Lamcy Plaza. Surprisingly, the malls do not have internet cafés. Dubai Mall offers free Wi-Fi throughout. Mall of the Emirates offers free Wi-Fi, but you must have a local phone number. Many coffee-shops, restaurants and attractions also have free Wi-Fi, and you'll usually have to ask for the password. Most hotel business centers are equipped with internet cafés but are expensive. '''[http://www.etisalat.ae Etisalat]''', UAE's telecom operator, offers a roaming, postpaid Wi-Fi internet connection known as '''iZone''' . Most coffee shops and malls across Dubai provide this service. Prices are available on the website. For those still using dial-up internet Etisalat provide a service when you can plug into any phone line. '''Dubai International Airport''' (DXB) has free Wi-Fi in the terminal. Bring your laptop to use free Wi-Fi at some hotels. There are many free public Wi-Fi spots in Dubai. ===Post service=== '''[https://www.emiratespost.ae// Emirates Post]''' service is pretty efficient. You will need to rent a post office box as postal service to the door is not the standard. ===Newspapers and radio=== Thanks to the large influx of expatriates, Dubai has a wide selection of English-language newspapers and radio channels. * [http://www.gulfnews.com ''The Gulf News'']. *''[https://www.timeoutdubai.com/things-to-do Time Out Dubai - Things to do]''. * [http://www.khaleejtimes.com ''The Khaleej Times'']. * [http://www.godubai.com/gulftoday/main.asp ''The Gulf Today'']{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. * [http://www.thenational.ae ''The National'']. * [http://www.7days.ae ''7 Days'']. * [http://www.business24-7.ae ''Emirates Business 24/7'']. * [http://channel4fm.com/ Channel 4] - Plays current songs from the UK and US. 104.8FM * [http://dubaieye1038.com/ Dubai Eye] - Western-oriented talk with focus on business, sport, lifestyle, and entertainment. Owned by Arabian Radio Network. 103.8FM * [http://www.dubai92.com Dubai 92] - Mainly 1990s music. Popular with British ex-pats. Owned by Arabian Radio Network. 92.0FM * [http://www.virginradiodubai.com/ Virgin Radio 104.4] - Chart music. Operates under franchise from Virgin Radio International. Owned by Arabian Radio Network. * [http://www.city1016.ae/ City 101.6] - Broadcasts Indian music. * [http://www.adradio.ae/abudhabiclassicfm/ Abu Dhabi Classic FM] - Despite its name, this station broadcasts classical and jazz music across the UAE. In Dubai it is on 87.9FM. * [https://talk1003.ae/ Talk 100.3] - Tune in to Talk 100.3, Dubai's best radio station, and experience the best of news, sports, and conversation from around the world. * [https://luv1071.com/ LUV 107.1] - LUV 107.1 plays a mix of music from the 90's through today. International newspapers are also available in most hotels and airport terminals. Carrefour and Borders bookstores sell British and American newspapers. '''[http://www.todaily.com Todaily]''', a local printing house, can furnish newspapers and periodicals from around the world daily. ==Cope== The weekly day is traditionally Friday, as it is considered the end of the week and a blessed day in Islam. However, since 2022, the public sector has Friday as a half working day, ending at noon, and the weekend extends through Sunday. ===Religious services=== Dubai gives freedom of religion to its residents and citizens. *'''St Mary's Catholic Church''' is a Roman Catholic church located in Oud Metha opposite the Indian High School. Masses are celebrated in Tagalog (Filipino), some Indian dialects as well as in Arabic and English. There is also a Catholic school near it. *'''Holy Trinity Church''', a Protestant church, is also in Oud Metha. ===Consulates=== Many countries have established full service consulates (Consulates General) in Dubai to provide consular services for their nationals living in the UAE or certain areas like Dubai and the northern Emirates, as well as visa services for others seeking to visit their respective countries. Most of the consulates are located in/around Al Karama and Um Hurair (consulate district) in the Burr Dubai District, south of Dubai Creek. They can also be located in other parts of town too. If corresponding by mail/post use their PO box address as mail is only delivered to a PO Box with no post codes. If delivering to a street address with DHL, FedEx, UPS or another private courier be sure to include a recipient phone number so that the delivery driver can call for directions or clarification on the address. Some countries may have no consulate in Dubai but rather handle everything from their embassy in [[Abu Dhabi#Embassies|Abu Dhabi]], while others may assign their consular duties solely to the Dubai consulate. Check their website links or call before going to or sending any correspondence: * {{flag|Australia}} {{listing | type=listing | name=Australia | alt= | url=https://www.austrade.gov.au/International/How-Austrade-can-help/Offices/united-arab-emirates | email=info@austrade.gov.au | address=Level 25, Bur Juman Business Tower, Khalifa Bin Zayed Road; PO Box 124400 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+971 4-508 7100 | tollfree= | fax=+971 4-355 1547 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Bangladesh}} {{listing | name=Bangladesh | alt= | url=http://cgbdubai.org/ | email= | address=Villa No. 36 & 145 Abdulla Hussain Al Malik Villa 123/3 Street, Abu Hail Road Al Wuheida, Deira; PO Box 4366 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+971 4 238-8199, +971 4 265-1116 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-10-26 | content= }} * {{flag|Canada}} {{listing | name=Canada | alt= | url=http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/uae-eau/consulate_contact-contactez_consulat.aspx?lang=eng | email= | address=19th Floor Jumeirah Emirates Towers (Business Tower), Sheikh Zayed Road; PO Box | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+971 4 404-8444| tollfree= | hours=Su-Th 08:00-12:00 & 13:00-16:00; Su-Th 08:00-14:00 during Ramadan. By appt only | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-09-04 | content= }} * {{flag|China}} {{listing | name=China | url=http://dubai.chineseconsulate.org/ | email=chinaconsul_db_ae@mfa.gov.cn | address=Villa No. 14, St 8, Community 357, Umm Al Sheif St, Safa 2 Area | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+971 4-3944733 | tollfree= | fax=+971 4-3952207 | hours=Su-Th 08:30-12:00 | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Egypt}} {{listing | name=Egypt | url=http://www.mfa.gov.eg/arabic/embassies/Egyptian_Consulate_Dubai/Pages/Default.aspx | email=consulate.dubai@mfa.gov.eg | address=Al Hamariya, Khaled Ibn Al-Walid Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+971-4-3971122 | tollfree= | fax=+971-4-3971033 | hours=Sunday-Thursday 09:00 - 15:00 | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Ethiopia}} {{listing | name=Ethiopia | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Government-Organization/Ethiopian-Consulate-in-Dubai-and-Northern-Emirates-1608697596019058/ | email= | address=Deira, Al Wuheida, Community 132, Street No. 6, Villa No. 1 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+971 4 269-9111, +971 4 269-9162 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-10-21 | content= }} * {{flag|France}} {{listing | name=France | url=https://dubai.consulfrance.org/ | email=consulat.dubai-fslt@diplomatie.gouv.fr | address=32F Habtoor Business Tower, Dubai Marina, Jumeirah beach Rd; PO Box 3314 | lat= | long= | directions=in front of Grand Habtoor Hotel, near Dubai Marina metro station | phone=+971 4 408 4900, +971 50 644 6860 (emergencies only) | tollfree= | fax=+971 4 408 4903, +971 4 408 4904 | hours=Daily 08:30-12:30 | price= | lastedit=2017-04-09 | content= }} * {{flag|Germany}} {{listing | name=Germany | alt= | url=https://dubai.diplo.de/ | email= | address=Jumeira 1, 8 'A' St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+971 4 348 8888 | tollfree= | hours=Su-Th 08:00-12:00 | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-09-04 | content= }} * {{flag|India}} {{listing | name=India | alt= | url=http://www.cgidubai.gov.in/ | email=cgidubai@eim.ae | address=Al Hamariya, Diplomatic Enclave, Bur Dubai; PO Box 737 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+971 4 394 1222, +971 4 394 1333 | tollfree= | fax=+971 4 394 0453 | hours=Su-Th 08:30-16:30 | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Indonesia}} {{listing | name=Indonesia | alt= | url=https://www.kemlu.go.id/dubai/en/default.aspx | email= indocons@emirates.net.ae | address=Al Hudaiba, Community 322, Villa No. 1 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+971 4 398-5666 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-01-15 | content= }} * {{flag|Iran}} {{listing | name=Iran | url=http://dubai.mfa.ir/?siteid=222 | email= | address=No 256 Al Wasl Rd, Jumairah Area; PO Box 2832 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+971 4 344 4717 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su-Th 08:00-12:00 | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Iraq}} {{listing | name=Iraq | alt= | url=http://mofamission.gov.iq/en/EmiDubai {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=P.O. Box 85855 | lat= | long= | directions=Bur Dubai | phone=+971 4 358-4700 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-10-21 | content= }} * {{flag|Japan}} {{listing | name=Japan | alt= | url=http://www.dubai.uae.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_en/index.html | email= | address= 28th Floor, Dubai World Trade Centre | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+971 4 331 9191 | tollfree= |fax=+971 4 331 9292 | hours=Su-Th 09:00-14:30; stop taking visa applications at 12:30; return completed work between 12:30-14:30 | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-09-04 | content= }} * {{flag|Kenya}} {{listing | name=Kenya | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jumeirah 2, Off Al Wasl Road, Street 15, Villa 5; P.O. Box 214933 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+971 4 342 8111 | tollfree= | fax=+1 971 4-342 8181 | hours=Su-Th 09:00-13:00 | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-10-21 | content= }} * {{flag|Kuwait}} {{listing | name=Kuwait | alt= | url=https://evisa.moi.gov.kw/ | email= | address=Al Seef Street; PO Box 806 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+971 4 397 8000 | tollfree= | hours=Su-Th 08:30-14:30 | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-09-04 | content= }} * {{flag|Netherlands}} {{listing | name=Netherlands | alt= | url=http://www.netherlandsworldwide.nl/countries/united-arab-emirates | email= | address=Al Habtoor Business Tower, 30th floor, Dubai Marina; PO Box 7726 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+971 4 440-7600 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-09-04 | content= }} * {{flag|Oman}} {{listing | name=Oman | alt= | url=http://ocodubai.com/ | email= | address=PO Box 1898 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+971 4 397 1000, +971 4 397 2299 (for visa section) | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su-Th 07:30-14:30; Visa Applications 08:00-12:00 | price= | lastedit=2018-09-04 | content= }} * {{flag|Pakistan}} {{listing | name=Pakistan | url=http://www.mofa.gov.pk/dubai/ | email= | address=Near Burjuman, opp. Iranian School, Umm Hurair One, Khalid Bin Waleed Road, Bur Dubai| lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+971 4-397 3600 | tollfree= | fax=+971 4-397 1975 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Philippines}} {{listing | name=Philippines | alt= | url=http://www.dubaipcg.dfa.gov.ph/ | email= | address=Al Qusais 3 Dubai; PO Box 94778 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+971 56 501 5755, +971 56 501 5756 (Legal matters & assistance to Nationals) | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su--Th 08:00-14:00 | price= | lastedit=2018-09-04 | content= }} * {{flag|Romania}} {{listing | name=Romania | alt= | url=http://dubai.mae.ro/en | email=dubai@mae.ro | address=16a Street, Villa no. 8, Community 357, Al Safa 2, P.O. Box 333765 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+971 4 3492974, +971 4 3492970, +971 4 3492972, +971 4 3492973, +971 4 3856771 | tollfree= | fax=+971 4 3492979 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-06 | content=General Consulate. }} * {{flag|Russia}} {{listing | name=Russia | alt= | url=https://dubai.mid.ru | email= | address=Dubai, Umm Al Sheif, 6B st., Villa 21: PO Box 11876 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+971 4 328-5347, +971 50 454-7754 (emergencies only) | tollfree= |fax=+971 4 328-5615 | hours=Su-Th 10:00-13:30; citizenship issues W 15:00-17:00 | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-10-21 | content=The visa application centre is at another location at Wafi Mall, Level 2, Falcon Phase 2, Umm Hurair 2, ({{phone|+971 4 205-5717}}). }} * {{flag|Saudi Arabia}} {{listing | name=Saudi Arabia | alt= | url=http://embassies.mofa.gov.sa/sites/uae/EN/dubai/Pages/default.aspx | email= | address=Alhamreiah Area, Alsaeef Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+971 4 377 8300 | tollfree= | hours=Su-Th 09:00-15:00 | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-09-04 | content= }} * {{flag|Singapore}} {{listing | name=Singapore | alt= | url=https://www.mfa.gov.sg/dubai | email=singcg_dxb@mfa.sg | address=Villa No 124, Street 30d, Community No. 334, Al Satwa, P O Box: 214661 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+971 4 321 9498, +971 50 455 1959 (emergencies) | tollfree= |fax=+971 4 321 9497 | hours=M-Th 08:00-16:30, F 08:00-13:00 | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-09-25 | content= }} * {{flag|South Africa}} {{listing | name=South Africa | alt= | url=http://www.dirco.gov.za/dubai/ | email= | address=Khalid Bin Al Waleed Street (also known as Bank Street) | lat= | long= | directions=New Sharaf Bldg in Bur Dubai | phone=+971 4 397-5222 (consular services), +971 4 397-9901 (trade manners)| tollfree= |fax=+971 4 397-9602 | hours=Su-Th 08:30-12:30 | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-10-21 | content= }} * {{flag|Turkey}} {{listing | name=Turkey | alt= | url=http://dubai.cg.mfa.gov.tr/Mission | email= | address=29th Floor, Dubai World Trade Center Building، Sheikh Zayed Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+971 4 376-0600, +90 312 292 29 29 | tollfree= | hours=Su-Th 08:30-14:00 (by appointment only) | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-10-21 | content= }} * {{flag|United Kingdom}} {{listing | name=United Kingdom | url=https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-dubai | email=consular.dubai@fco.gov.uk | address=Al Seef St Bur Dubai; PO Box 65 | lat= | long= | directions=near the Dubai Creekside | phone=+971 4 309 4444 | tollfree= | fax=+971 4 309 4301 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|United States}} {{listing | name=United States | alt=USA | url=https://ae.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/dubai/ | email=dubaivisaenquiry@state.gov | address=Corner of Al Seef Rd. and Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Rd, | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+971 4-309-4000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Yemen}} {{listing | name=Yemen | alt= | url= | email= | address=Consulates Area, Um Hurair 1; P.O. Box 1947 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+971 4 397-0213, +971 4 397-0131 | tollfree= | hours=Su-Th 08:30-14:00 | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-10-21 | content= }} ==Go next== Within the [[United Arab Emirates]]: * {{listing | name=Neighbouring [[Sharjah]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-08-31 | content= While dry (no alcohol) and mostly suburban, has a few beaches and museums of interest. }} * {{listing | name=[[Abu Dhabi]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-08-31 | content=Capital of the Emirates, is an entirely different city and worth the 1½-hour ride to see the contrast. }} * {{listing | name=The city of [[Al Ain]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=near the border with Oman | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-08-31 | content=It is surprisingly a city of lush gardens and trees - an aspect quite unusual in this region considering its desert surroundings. }} * {{listing | name= Peaceful [[Umm al Quwain]] emirate | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-08-31 | content= If you want a cosy and relaxing environment, free from city hustle and bustle. }} ===Other countries=== * Dubai has an arrangement with [[Oman]] to allow visitors who qualify to get an Omani visa on arrival by road through [[Hatta]]. * {{listing | name=The [[Iran]]ian island of [[Kish Island|Kish]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-08-31 | content=A free trade zone that does not require a visa. }} * {{listing | name=Fjords of [[Musandam Peninsula]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=two hours' ride north to this Omani exclave | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-08-31 | content=Explore beautiful caves and enjoy the awesome scenery of the desert and the mountains. to hike in the mountains or dive in the fjords. }} {{routebox | image1=UAE E11.svg | imagesize1=35 | directionl1=N | majorl1=[[Ajman]] | minorl1=[[Sharjah]] | directionr1=S | majorr1=[[Abu Dhabi]] | minorr1=[[Jebel Ali]] | image2=E44 Route UAE.svg | imagesize2=35 | directionl2=W | majorl2=END | minorl2= | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[Hatta]] | minorr2= | image3=E66 Route UAE.svg | imagesize3=35 | directionl3=N | majorl3=END | minorl3= | directionr3=S | majorr3=Al Ain | minorr3= | image4=E311 Route UAE.svg | imagesize4=35 | directionl4=N | majorl4=[[Ajman]] | minorl4=[[Sharjah]] | directionr4=S | majorr4=[[Abu Dhabi]] | minorr4=[[Jebel Ali]] }} {{isPartOf|United Arab Emirates}} {{guidecity}} {{geo|25.27000|55.29651|zoom=14}} 9nmqljhobnec89ytovc2pqv2ieouh7w 0 10698 5087117 5072712 2025-07-03T11:46:59Z 109.36.231.243 /* By taxi */ 5087117 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Eindhoven Wikivoyage banner.png|caption=|otbp=yes}} '''Eindhoven''' is a major city in the province of [[North Brabant]] in the [[Netherlands]]. With a population of over 230,000 people (2019), it's the fifth-largest city of the Netherlands. It is by no means a main tourist destination in the country and most travel guides will devote no more than a page or two to it. Nevertheless, this bustling and modern city has a lot more to offer. Eindhoven's history is dominated by industrial development and is inextricably linked to electronics giant Philips and, to a lesser degree, DAF Trucks. Although those industries have mostly disappeared, Eindhoven remains a European technology hub, hosting a technical university and many technology companies and cooperation initiatives. In addition, over the past decade the city has become the capital of Dutch design. == Understand == [[File:EindhovenLightTower.jpg|thumb|right|Eindhoven City Centre, with the Light Tower and Witte Dame on the right, the Blob on the left and the Admirant tower in the back.]] Until the beginning of the 20th century, Eindhoven was no more than a village. Less than a century later its number of inhabitants had boomed to over 200,000. The main reason for this tremendous increase in size was the establishment of electronics multinational Philips, which was founded as a light bulb manufacturing company in 1891 and was headquartered in Eindhoven until 1997. As Philips grew, the city of Eindhoven grew with it to feed the company's constantly growing need for workers. Philips' strong presence in the city gained it the title of "Lichtstad" (City of Light) and is still prominent today, as many of its former buildings are considered valuable industrial heritage and have been renovated. Frits Philips (1905–2005), who led the company for decades, was the city's main benefactor and was extremely popular among the people of Eindhoven. When walking the streets of Eindhoven today, you'll find his and other names associated with Philips everywhere. Parks, theatres, sports facilities and many streets are named in their honor. Although Eindhoven is an old city, with town and market rights already awarded in 1232, little of this long history is visible when exploring its centre today. Large parts of the city were destroyed during air raids in World War II and post-war reconstruction was focused on ambitious, modernist plans with little respect for the historic heritage that was left. Nevertheless, there are 140 national heritage sites (''Rijksmonumenten'') in and directly around the city, including many 19th- and early 20th-century buildings and a handful of older ones. === History === Looks can be deceiving, when it comes to Eindhoven's history. Modern as the city is today, it is in fact one of the oldest towns in the Netherlands. Henry I, Duke of Brabant, already chartered the then little village of "Endehoven" in 1232, as part of his extensive town planning process. Eventually the town established itself as a trading stop between Holland and Liège. Its early industrial activities centred on tobacco and textiles. The city was destroyed and rebuilt several times in its written history. Despite late 14th-century improvements to its fortifications and the establishment of a castle within the city walls in the 15th century, Eindhoven was plundered and burned by the Guelders in 1486. No more than 6 houses remained. Rebuilding took almost 20 years and left the town in poverty, with the fortifications being neglected. This resulted in another plundering in 1543. That same year, a fire ruined most of the city. During the Dutch Revolt, control of Eindhoven repeatedly alternated between the Dutch and Spanish, the city was burned down again, besieged for 3 months, and finally captured by Spanish troops in 1583. When the French armies took over the already weakened city some years later, large parts of it were destroyed yet again. In 1629, Eindhoven became part of the Netherlands for good, but its tumultuous history left it a damaged and minor city. This would change with the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. Due to the presence of Philips, DAF trucks and some other major industry, Eindhoven developed as a major player in the global technology and industrial design scene. It is considered to be the epicentre of Dutch design with such institutions as the Design Academy and the Dutch Design Week that takes place every October. === Climate === {{Climate | units = Metric | janhigh = 5 | febhigh = 6 | marhigh = 10 | aprhigh = 14 | mayhigh = 18 | junhigh = 21 | julhigh = 23 | aughigh = 23 | sephigh = 20 | octhigh = 15 | novhigh = 9 | dechigh = 6 | janlow = -1 | feblow = 0 | marlow = 2 | aprlow = 4 | maylow = 7 | junlow = 10 | jullow = 12 | auglow = 12 | seplow = 9 | octlow = 6 | novlow = 3 | declow = 1 | janprecip = 65 | febprecip = 55 | marprecip = 58 | aprprecip = 44 | mayprecip = 54 | junprecip = 65 | julprecip = 76 | augprecip = 65 | sepprecip = 63 | octprecip = 61 | novprecip = 65 | decprecip = 70 | description = Check '''Eindhoven's 7 day forecast''' at [http://www.weer.nl/verwachting/nederland/eindhoven/189296/ Weer.nl] }} The temperate climate is pleasant in Eindhoven. Due to its location, the average temperatures of this city are slightly higher and the rainfall is just slightly lower than the average of the rest of the Netherlands. However, it remains a coastal climate with mild, wet winters and cool summers. Daylight hours run between 05:30 and 21:45 in the summer, and from 08:45 to 16:30 in the winter. === Tourist information === * {{Listing | type = listing | name = VVV Eindhoven Tourist Office | alt = | url = https://www.eindhoven247.nl/en/home/tourist-information-eindhoven | email = info@thisiseindhoven.nl | address = Stationsplein 23-02 | lat = | long = | directions = in the main hall of the train station | phone = +31 40 297 9115 | tollfree = | fax = | hours = M-Sa 10:00-17:00; Su 11:00-15:00 | price = | lastedit=2022-08-07 | content = }} * [https://www.thisiseindhoven.com/en This is Eindhoven]. == Get in == [[File:EindhovenAirport-Terminal-20071224.jpg|thumbnail|right|Eindhoven Airport is geared towards low-fare carriers]] === By plane === ==== Eindhoven Airport ==== * {{go | name=Eindhoven Airport | alt={{IATA|EIN}} | url=https://www.eindhovenairport.nl/en | email=info@eindhovenairport.nl | address=Luchthavenweg 25 | lat=51.45056 | long=5.37417 | directions={{km|5}} outside the city | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Daily 04:30–00:00 | price= | wikidata=Q1348234 | lastedit=2019-08-13 | content=It is the Netherland's second busiest airport by number of flights, behind only [[Amsterdam Airport Schiphol]]. Its terminal was greatly expanded in 2013 and has most of the facilities expected from a modern airport, including an on-site Tulip Inn hotel. Eindhoven Airport is mostly served by low-fare carriers Ryanair, Transavia and Wizzair, and by holiday charter specialists. The most flights are from destinations around the Mediterranean or Central and Eastern Europe. }} Eindhoven Airport is connected to the city and its main train station by means of two bus lines: 400 and 401, which alternate throughout the day and provide a 20-min ride between the airport and the train station approximately every 10 minutes at daytime. There is no bus service between midnight and 06:00. There are different prices depending on how you buy it. The ticket costs as of January 2024: * €2.74 for bus 401 or €3.12 for bus 400 if you check in and out inside the bus with your credit/debit card or with an NFC smartphone. * €4.80 if you buy a ticket from the bus driver. * €5.35 if you buy a ticket from the ticket machine in the airport or at the airport bus station. Regarding e-hailing, Uber and Bolt cover the airport. ==== Amsterdam Airport Schiphol ==== '''[[Schiphol Airport]]''' is the largest airport in the Netherlands and a major global hub with a vast array of short-haul and intercontinental connections. * '''NS''' runs every 15 minutes a '''Intercity train''' from the airport to Eindhoven train station for €23.30 and takes around 1½ hours. Twice per hour the train connection is direct to Eindhoven, twice per hour you need to change trains at [[Utrecht|Utrecht Centraal]]. This change in Utrecht is almost always cross platform. The cost of a train with a connection in Utrecht is the same, and the travel time is only around a few minutes longer. During disruptions or track maintenance it might be an option to change trains at Rotterdam Centraal. For the train between Schiphol and Rotterdam a surtax of €2.90 needs to be bought on top of the regular ticket Schiphol - Eindhoven, These trains connecting in Rotterdam do not have a cross platform interchange, take longer to Eindhoven, are less reliable and usually busier. * '''FlixBus''' runs a few times per day a '''long-distance bus''' between Schiphol and Eindhoven for €6-30 one way and takes around 3 hours. *'''[https://www.klm.nl/en KLM]''' runs twice a day a '''[https://bus.klm.nl/en KLM Bus service]''' from Schiphol to Eindhoven Airport that can be booked together with the plane ticket. Eindhoven is selectable as origin and destination when booking a KLM flight under its airport code ({{IATA|EIN}}), with "flights" that KL316-319 are actually bus rides. There bus ride takes 1 hr 45 min. You cannot book the KLM bus by itself: you must take a flight with KLM to or from Schiphol to book a connecting bus ride to or from Eindhoven. ==== Other airports ==== '''Düsseldorf International, Düsseldorf Weeze, Maastricht Aachen Airport, Rotterdam The Hague Airport, Brussels Airport''' are all within 1½ hours by car from Eindhoven. Public transport from Eindhoven to those airports will take way more time and require multiple changes. [[File:Overzicht voorgevel en standbeeld van Dr. Anton Philips - Eindhoven - 20375705 - RCE.jpg|thumbnail|right|If you see this facade and Mr. Philips in front of it, and look for a bus to the airport, you are on the ''wrong'' side of the station.]] === By train === {{marker | type=go | name=Eindhoven Centraal| lat=51.4433946 | long= 5.4796196}} is a major rail transport node in Southeastern Netherlands. Train services (NS) calling at Eindhoven Centraal include: * [[Tilburg]] - [[Breda]] - [[Rotterdam]] - [[Delft]] - [[The Hague]] * [['s Hertogenbosch]] - [[Utrecht]] - [[Amsterdam]] Bijlmer ArenA - Amsterdam Zuid - [[Schiphol]] Amsterdam Airport * 's Hertogenbosch - Utrecht - Amsterdam (Amstel, Centraal, Sloterdijk) - [[Zaandam]] - [[Alkmaar]] * [[Helmond]] - [[Venlo]] * [[Weert]] - [[Roermond]] - [[Sittard]] - [[Maastricht]]/[[Heerlen]] Listed by distance, travel times to major Dutch destinations include: *'s Hertogenbosch, 19 min, €6.40 (trains run every 10 min) *Maastricht, 1 hr, €17.00 (trains run every 30 min) *Amsterdam, 1 hr 20 min, €19.50 (trains run every 10 min) On Friday night Arriva runs a '''nighttrain''' from Maastricht - Sittard - Roermond - Weert to Eindhoven and further onward to 's Hertogenbosch - Utrecht - Amsterdam - Schiphol Airport. On Saturday morning the train runs from Schiphol to Eindhoven and further to Maastricht. [https://www.arriva.nl/over-je-reis/met-de-trein/nachttrein/] Tickets for this train can only be bought in the glimble app, arriva app or 9292 app. The price is €5, €10 or €15 depending on the distance. Coming from Germany with a '''Deutschland-Ticket''', take the RE13, e.g., from [[Düsseldorf]] to Venlo. And then the InterCity (every 30 min) to Eindhoven for €6-11 (Feb 2024). You can only access and walk through the train station by going through '''check-in gates''' payable with a debit/credit card. By entering and leaving within 1 hour, no money will be deducted from your debit/credit card. So you have enough time to buy something or rest inside the train station. When exiting the station on the south side, turn around and take a look at the building from a distance. Architect Koen van der Gaast designed the 1956 station to resemble a Philips radio of that time, gaining it national heritage site status. There is a secondary station called {{marker|type=go|name=Eindhoven Strijp-S|lat=51.4503552|long= 5.4570226}} next to the former Philips business park Strijp-S. This station is served by regional trains. This is one of the last railway stations in the Netherlands only accessible by stairs. === By bus === * {{marker | type=go | name=Eindhoven intercity bus station | lat=51.4456314 | long= 5.4810090}} '''Flixbus''' and '''Regiojet''' run long-distance buses to destinations in the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Germany, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Poland, Serbia, Hungary and Romania. '''Public express bus lines''' serve destinations to nearby towns, the buses are at the back of the train station, and include connections to and from: * Line 24 to [[Helmond]], 45 min, €3.40 * Line 156 to [['s Hertogenbosch]], 1 hr 20 min, €5.75 * Line 173 to [[Weert]], 1 hr 25 min, €7.20 Trains are generally a more convenient way to travel to or from these places, unless you want to make a stop in one of the villages on the way. === By bike === Multiple bicycle highways towards Eindhoven are partly finished allow faster biking from the neighboring cities: * F2 from Best, Boxtel, Vught, 's Hertogenbosch (34 km) * F69 from Valkenswaard (11 km) * F270 from Helmond (14 km) * F615 from Veldhoven (7 km) === By car === The '''A2''' national highway from Amsterdam to Maastricht passes Eindhoven to the west and south of the city. The A2 connects here with the '''A58''' to Tilburg and Breda and to the '''A67/E34''' from Venlo to Antwerp. The '''A50''' connects Eindhoven to Nijmegen and Zwolle. If you're driving to Eindhoven, local access from the highways is provided by the '''N2''' "Randweg", which runs in parallel along the A2 and A67 highways around Eindhoven. Look for "Randweg N2" early on when approaching Eindhoven to avoid having to make substantial detours, or use an up-to-date navigation system. As in all larger Dutch cities, parking in the city centre is quite expensive and during rush hours the main streets can be jammed. There is however a Park & Ride service operating next to exit 31 of the N2. This service, called [http://www.p1.nl/parkeren/eindhoven/p-r-meerhoven-eindhoven '''P+R Meerhoven''' (Page in Dutch)], costs €4 for the first 24 hours. From here, lines 18, 401 and 402 provide a frequent bus service to the city centre, with return bus tickets to the city centre costing €0.50 per person. The bus and parking tickets can be bought on-site at the machine using a debit or credit card. == Get around == {{Mapframe|51.43895|5.47877|zoom=14}} {{mapshapes|Q9832}} The city centre is largely car-free and small enough to get around on foot. If you're headed for the outskirts or surrounding villages, take the bus or rent a bike. === By bus === Eindhoven has an '''bus''' network where most lines start and end at the train station. It is possible to pay your trip by tapping your debit or credit card when entering and exiting the bus ([https://www.hermes.nl/en/tickets/ovpay-checking-in-and-out-with-your-debit-card OVpay], {{EUR|1.08}} + €0.188 per km, 2023). It is also still possible to buy the older [[OV-chipkaart]], a prepaid travel card (same price as OVpay) or buy a single use paper ticket with your debit card at the bus driver (€4.80 for each bus, 2023). You can plan your trip in advance using the trip advisor of '''[http://www.hermes.nl/ Hermes]''' bus company which serves bus transport in the Eindhoven region. === By bicycle === You can rent a '''bicycle''' at Velorent: {{buy | name=Velorent | alt= | url=https://velorent.nl/ | email=info@velorent.nl | address=Gasfabriek 35613 CP | lat=51.4387 | long=5.488 | directions= | phone=+31 40-2112032 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Su 10:00-17:00 | price= | lastedit=2024-10-28 | content=bike rental }} '''Dott''' offers floating e-bikes for €1.00 + €0.26/min (2025). '''Felyx''' offers bikes for €0.12/min (2025). They can be unlocked and returned anywhere in the service area using the app. In busy locations the bikes can be only be parked at official hubs. '''OV-fiets''' bikes are available at the train stations for €4.65/24 hr (€9.65/24 hr after the first three days). These bikes can only be rented with a personal OV-chipkaart with valid NS flex or OV-fiets subscription which can only be taken with a Dutch bank account{{go|lastedit=2025-03-15}}. At the central train station the OV-fiets location at the North side/bus station has limited opening times, when the North location closed you can return your bike at the south/center side without any extra fee. Bicycle theft is a problem in the Netherlands, and Eindhoven is no exception, so make sure that you have a proper lock and always lock the bike to the bike stand. When you're out shopping in the city centre, use the '''free guarded bike parks''' under the 18 Septemberplein (entrance in the middle of the square, open M-Sa 08:00-23:30) or in the basement of the Heuvelgalerie (entrance on the north-west corner, M-Th 08:00-20:00, F Sa 08:00-04:30). Both are open on "shopping Sundays", but for limited hours. The guarded bike park in the train station has broader opening hours and costs around €1.35 per day. ===By e-mopeds=== '''Check''' offers e-mopes for €1.00 + €0.33/min (2025), '''Felyx''' for €1.00 + €0.35/min (2025). Take and return anywhere inside the service area via the app. In busy locations the e-mopeds can be only be parked at official hubs. === By e-hailing === Uber and Bolt cover the city. === By taxi === '''Taxistands''' can be found on the north and south sides of the railway station. Taxi transport in the Netherlands is rather expensive. The maximum rate is a starting fee of €3.36 plus €2.47 per km (2022). Eindhoven Airport has a taxistand 50 m from the terminal entrance/exit. * {{listing | name=Rolstoeltaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.rolstoeltaxirotterdam.nl | phone=+31 10 818 28 23 }} * {{listing | name=Vliegveldtaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.vliegveldtaxirotterdam.nl | phone=+31 10 818 28 23 }} * {{listing | name=Groepstaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.groepstaxirotterdam.nl | phone=+31 10 818 28 23 }} === By car === There is a Avis car rental office on the Fuutlaan, a 10-minute walk from the train station. There is a Sixt car rental is at the Vestdijk in the city centre, there is an office of Hertz at the High Tech Campus. At the airport there are car rental offices of Avis, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz and Sixt. All areas within the inner ring (rondweg) are paid parking and a low emission zone. Private passenger cars are not limited by emissions, but zero emission is required for company vans and trucks. In the city centre, it is difficult to find a place to park on the street, but there are quite a lot of parking garages, well indicated by "P" signs. Prices of garages in the city centre are €4 per hour with a maximum of €24 per day (2025). Just outside the city centre you can park at parking garages and parking areas for around €2.25 per hour, with a daily maximum around €10 (2025). To park on the street in a residential area you will pay €2.20 per hour with a maximum of €7.70 per day (2025). There are two P+R areas: Meerhoven (north east of Eindhoven) or Genneper Parken (south of Eindhvoen) where you can park for €4 per 24 hours, and continue by bus (€0.50 for a return) or bike sharing to the city centre. == See == [[File:Zicht op de rechter zijgevel van de nieuwbouw van Abel Cahen - Eindhoven - 20536861 - RCE.jpg|thumb|right|The new building of the Van Abbemuseum is quite a sight itself]] In order to claim you have seen Eindhoven, at least a glance at its Philips-related history is a must. Fortunately, this is hardly a challenge as many of the Philips sights are right in the heart of the city. The Van Abbe Museum is the main attraction listed by travel guides and is an excellent pick if you're into modern art. === Museums === * {{see | name=Van Abbemuseum | alt= | url=https://vanabbemuseum.nl/en/ | email=info@vanabbemuseum.nl | address=Bilderdijklaan 10 | lat=51.43372 | long=5.4813 | directions= | phone=+31-40-238-1000 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Su 11:00-17:00 | price=Adult €13, students €6 | image=Van Abbe Museum Eindhoven.jpg | lastedit=2022-04-02 | content=The Van Abbemuseum is one of the leading museums for modern and contemporary art. The impressive collection includes works of Picasso, Chagall, Kandinsky, El Lissitzky, Theo van Doesburg, Mondriaan and Appel. The museum café is a pleasant place next to the Dommel river and can be visited on its own (free). }} [[File:P6040658 DAF museum.JPG|thumb|right|Inside the DAF Museum]] * {{see | name=DAF Museum | alt= | url=https://www.dafmuseum.nl/en | email=info@daf-museum.nl | address=Tongelresestraat 27 | lat=51.4373 | long=5.49037 | directions= | phone=+31-40-244-4364 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Su 10:00-17:00 | price=Adults €12,50, students/groups: €8, ages 5-15 with adult €6, < 5 years old: free | image=DAF-Museum Eindhoven.jpg | lastedit=2023-09-14 | content=Learn all about the history and designs of DAF vehicles from 1928 till the present day. The collection includes trucks, extraordinary cars and other DAF-products, but also 1930 shops and company offices from old times. }} [[File:Openlucht-Eindhoven4.jpg|thumb|right|Reconstruction at the open-air Eindhoven Museum]] * {{Listing | type = see | name = Eindhoven Museum | alt = Formerly known as Historic Open Air Museum | url = https://eindhovenmuseum.nl/ | email = info@eindhovenmuseum.nl | address = Boutenslaan 161 B | lat = 51.42292 | long = 5.47679 | directions = | phone = +31-40-252-2281 | tollfree = | fax = | image = Historisch Openluchtmuseum Eindhoven.jpg | hours = Apr-Oct: daily 11:00-17:00, closed from Nov-Mar | price = €8.50 | lastedit= 2019-08-13 | content = Travel back into Eindhoven's history. This historic museum boost reconstructions of an Iron Age village, a farm around the year 1000 and the Medieval town of Eindhoven. Try visiting during weekends or holidays, when there are extra activities. }} *{{see | name=De Fabriek | alt= | url=http://www.defabriekeindhoven.nl/ | email=info@defabriekeindhoven.nl | address=Baarsstraat 38 | lat=51.42834 | long=5.46470 | directions= | phone=+31 40 255 15 30 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=De Fabriek (''The Factory'') is a workspace for artists and designers. The space is made available to professional artists who want to develop themselves and their work in the area of The Factory. They present their work after a working period. }} *{{see | name=MU Artspace | url=http://www.mu.nl | email=mu@mu.nl | address=Emmasingel 20 | lat=51.44091 | long=5.47566 | directions=in the Witte Dame, opposite the Public Library on the first floor | phone=+31 40 296 16 63 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Mu brings expositions about the hybrid visual culture of now and later. It aims to be 'an adventurous guide to all art lovers with a keen interest in the energetic mix of art, design, popculture and new media.' Also popular with young people (under age 35). It often has lectures or other activities on Thursdays. }} *{{see | name=Philips Museum | alt= | url=http://www.philips-museum.com/uk/ | email=info-museum@philips.com | address=Emmasingel 31 | lat=51.43935 | long=5.47547 | directions= | phone=+31 40 235 90 30 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Su 11:00-17:00 | price=Child €6, adult €11 | image=Philipsfabriekje.jpg | lastedit=2023-09-14 | content=Philips first factory lies right in the heart of the city. The Philips museum provides a fascinating picture of the way in which Philips evolved from a small incandescent lamp manufacturer into a large and prestigious international group of companies. }} *{{see | name=Ton Smits House | url=http://www.tonsmitshuis.nl/ | email=info@tonsmitshuis.nl | address=Jacob Reviuslaan 25 | lat=51.42246 | long=5.48191 | directions= | phone=+31 40 211 47 86 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Only on Wednesdays, from 11:00 till 17:00, unless you make an appointment | price=€2.50 | content=Take a look in this former studio and residence of Dutch cartoonist and artist Ton Smits, who drew hundreds of humour-sketches in well-known American magazines including ''The New Yorker'' and ''The Saturday Evening Post''. He lived and worked in Eindhoven from 1957 until his death in 1981. }} [[File:Lichttoren Eindhoven 1 - Cropped.jpg|thumb|right|De Lichttoren, while hardly spectacular, is one of Eindhoven's key landmarks]] === Landmarks === [[File:Evoluon.jpg|thumb|right|The Evoluon was built as a futuristic reminder and celebration of the city's innovative and technical character.]] *{{see | name=Lichttoren | alt=Light Tower | url= | email= | address=Corner of Mathildelaan and Emmasingel | lat=51.44071 | long=5.47527 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | image=Emmasingel.jpg | hours= | price= | content=On the top floors of this 7-edged, white tower building, Philips used to perform its light bulb endurance tests. The 24/7 burning lights in the building gained it the title of "Light Tower". Later it also housed the headquarters of Philips' lightning department. Around it where some of the company's main production buildings. After serious renovations, the building now holds private lofts and offices. On the down floor restaurant Usine offers a nicely decorated surrounding for a coffee break. }} *{{see | name=Witte Dame | alt=White Lady | url= | email= | address=Emmasingel | lat=51.43932 | long=5.47457 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | image=Eindhoven-Witte Dame (1).jpg | hours= | price= | content=Next to the Light Tower is the Witte Dame. It was designed by Dirk Roosenburg and built in 1931 in the style of the New Objectivity. It was built to be a radio factory, and now houses Eindhoven's Design Academy and Public Library. }} *{{see | name=De Admirant | alt= | url= | email= | address=Emmasingel | lat=51.43957 | long=5.47554 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | image=De Admirant.JPG | hours= | price= | content=The highest building in Eindhoven, directly opposite the Witte Dame. The 105-meter tower is the sky-high middle point of a new shopping area called "Around the Admirant". The "Around the Admirant" area was designed to include not only the retail stores in the Admirant's down floors, but also those in the organically shaped '''Blob'''. All the top floors are residential apartments. }} *{{see | name=Evoluon | url=http://www.evoluon.com/ | email= | address=Noord Brabantlaan 1a | lat=51.44351 | long=5.44683 | directions= | phone=+31 40 250 46 43 | tollfree= | fax= | image=Evoluon2.jpg | hours= | price= | content=This mushroom-shaped building strongly resembles the popular idea of a UFO, making it a very futuristic design when it was built in 1966 for the 75th anniversary of Philips, as a symbol for the company's technological achievements. It served as a popular technology museum until diminishing incomes led to its closure in the 1980s. Nowadays, it is a conference centre. }} *{{see | name=Vestedatoren | alt= | url= | email= | address=corner of Vestdijk and Smalle Haven | lat=51.43759 | long=5.48244 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | image=Vesteda Toren Eindhoven.jpg | hours= | price= | content=The 2006 Vesteda tower is considered one of the main landmarks in Eindhoven's skyline. With 90 meters this apartment building is the 5th highest building in the city. It was designed by Jo Coenen and is part of his broader design for the modern urban Smalle Haven area surrounding it. }} [[File:Catharinakerk02.jpg|thumb|right|Catherinakerk in the night]] === Churches === *{{see | name=Oude Toren | alt= | url= | email= | address=Oude Torenstraat 1 | lat=51.45490| | long=5.48098 | directions=Woensel | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | image=Oude Toren01.jpg | hours= | price= | content=The "Old Tower" is all that remains of a 14th- or 15th-century church in the style of the Brabantine Gothic. It's the only really old church building left in the city today. }} *{{see | name=Paterskerk | url= | email= | address=Tramstraat 37 | lat=51.43829 | long=5.48371 | directions=Centre | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | image=Paterskerk (Eindhoven) P1020005copy.jpg | hours= | price= | content=A late 19th-century Neo-Gothic church, built for monastery Mariënhage that is next to it. The monastery and the church are recognized as national heritage sites. }} *{{see | name=Sint-Catharinakerk | url= | email= | address=Stratumseind 2 | lat=51.43709 | long=5.47958 | directions=Centre | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | image=Catharinakerk Eindhoven.jpg | hours=Tu-F 09:30-17:00, Sa 10:00-18:00, Su 10:00-12:00 (but church services take place on Sundays) | price= | content=Neo-Gothic Catholic church in the city centre, built in 1861 and designed by Pierre Cuypers, a famous Dutch architect }} *{{see | name=Sint Joriskerk | alt= | url= | email= | address=Sint Jorislaan bij 51 | lat=51.42997 | long=5.48794 | directions=Stratum | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | image=Sint-Joriskerk.jpg | hours= | price= | content=This 1884 Neo-Gothic church was designed by Hendrik Jacobus van Tulder and built in the shape of a basilica. With its height of 91 m, it is the highest church of Eindhoven. }} *{{see | name=Sint Martinuskerk | url= | email= | address='t Hofke 1 | lat=51.44823 | long=5.51844 | directions=Tongelre | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | image=Martinuskerk-Tongelre.jpg | hours= | price= | content=This Neo-Gothic church was designed by Emmanuel Corbey and built in 1888. The two towers on either side of the main portal are unfinished. }} *{{see | name=Sint Petruskerk | alt= | url= | email= | address=Kloosterdreef | lat=51.45362 | long=5.47188 | directions=Woensel | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | image=SintPetruskerk03.jpg | hours= | price= | content=This Neo-Gothic church was designed by Louis Kooken and built in 1875. }} === Cemeteries === *{{see | name=Commonwealth War Cemetery | alt= | url= | email= | address=Baffinlaan 1 | lat=51.45628 | long=5.48110 | directions=Woensel | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | image=Eindhoven Woensel general cemetery.jpg | hours= | price= | content=The Commonwealth War Cemetery is part of the General Cemetery in Woensel. Of all the soldiers who are buried on the Eindhoven cemetery about four fifths belonged to the air force, and died in the period between 1941 and 1944 during attacks over this part of Holland or on the return route from missions to Germany. The soldiers of the ground army who are buried here died between September 1944 and May 1945. During almost this entire period the 79th and 86th British general hospitals were in Eindhoven. There are nearly 700, 1938-1945 war victims buried on this cemetery of which 679 victims have been identified. }} *{{see | name=Jewish Cemetery | alt= | url= | email= | address=Groenewoudseweg 4 | lat=51.45098 | long=5.45795 | directions=Woensel | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | image=Jewish cemetery of Eindhoven.jpg | hours= | price= | content=This Jewish cemetery is a national heritage site of the Netherlands. }} == Do == Eindhoven is perhaps the liveliest city in the South of the Netherlands. If you're willing to get informed, you'll find events are taking place at almost any given time. If you're flexible in planning, try to visit during one of the main events like GLOW or the Dutch Design Week. When you've had enough of the urban vibe, just head for one of the many natural areas around and see a whole different side of the Eindhoven region. *Dive into Eindhoven's '''industrial history'''. Walk by former industrial complexes in the centre, such as the Lichttoren (one of the city's main landmarks), the Admirant and the Witte Dame. Visit Philips' first Incandescent Lamp Factory of 1891, now a small museum. Just outside the centre you'll find Strijp-S, with the famous Klokgebouw (Clock building). The robust former factory buildings of this Philips area are now being transformed into the bustling creative heart of the city. An English bike route along the main Philips-sights is for available at the tourist information office for €2. To get an idea of that other major industry that has shaped the city, visit the DAF-truck museum. *Explore Eindhoven's '''historic heritage'''. Rent a bike at the train station and visit a selection of the 140 '''[http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lijst_van_rijksmonumenten_in_Eindhoven_%28stad%29 Rijksmonumenten (National Heritage Sites)]''', also outside of the direct city centre. Or go back in time at the Historic OpenAir Museum, where you can experience life in Eindhoven during the Middle Ages and before. *If you're into design, try to visit the city during the '''[https://ddw.nl/en/home Dutch Design Week]'''. Check the website of the Design Academy for any upcoming events or their graduates exhibition around October. On Strijp-S you can visit the large shop, workshop and restaurant of world famous designer Piet Hein Eek. *'''The Genneper Parks''' recreation area provides ample opportunities to relax and enjoy nature, but also allow for an active day trip. The '''[http://www.mecehv.nl/ Milieu Education Center]''' provides walking routes, including a GPS track through the park. There's a biological farm and shop, a cartoon museum, a restaurant with mini-golf options and several sports facilities. For example, take a dive in Zwemcentrum de Tongelreep, one of Europe's largest swimming centres. === Bicycle tours === [[File:Cycling tour direction sign Rondje Eindhoven.jpg|thumb|Direction sign ''Rondje Eindhoven'']] There are signed bicycle tours in and around Eindhoven. Just rent a bike and explore the surrounding villages, forests and heaths. *'''Rondje Eindhoven''' (''Around Eindhoven''): This cycling tour starts at the '''VVV tourist information office'''. It leads all around the city over 75&nbsp;km, divided into 3 rounds of 20 to 25&nbsp;km. Just follow the route signs. For €2 you can buy a map at the tourist office with route information. *'''Philips Architectuurroute''' (''Philips Architecture tour''): This tour traces the influence of the presence of the Philips company for more than a century in Eindhoven. The tour leads you along different buildings and objects that are related to Philips. The trip is 18 km and takes 1½ to 2 hours. More information at the VVV tourist office. *Tours on the regional numbered cycle network (Current disruptions:https://www.visitbrabant.com/nl/routes/afsluitingen-en-of-omleidingen) **'''[https://www.visitbrabant.com/nl/routeoverzicht/1629023285/urban-fietsroute-eindhoven Urban fietsroute Eindhoven]''' 22 km city bike route along urban locations of Eindhoven **'''[https://www.anwb.nl/fietsroutes/routes/bekenroute ANWB Bekenroute]''': 37.0 km bike route trough former stream valleys North of Eindhoven. **[https://www.anwb.nl/fietsroutes/routes/kleine-dommelroute '''ANWB Kleine Dommelroute'''] 29.0 km bike trough Geldrop and Helmond East of Eindhoven. **'''[https://www.anwb.nl/fietsroutes/routes/leenderbosroute ANWB Leenderbosroute]''' ca. 36.5 km bike route trough small scale agricultural and nature South of Eindhoven. **'''[https://www.visitbrabant.com/nl/routeoverzicht/2387870291/operatie-market-garden-fietsroute-liberation-route-brabant Liberation Route Brabant - Route Son en Breugel]''' ca. 46.0 km bike route along places related to second world war liberation North of Eindhoven. ** For more '''ANWB''' routes around Eindhoven: https://www.anwb.nl/fietsroutes/zoeken/weergave=toon-op-kaart/provincie=Noord-Brabant ** For More '''VisitBrabant''' routes around Eindhoven: https://www.visitbrabant.com/nl/routeoverzicht?category&#x5B;&#x5D;=34000&order=desc * {{do | name=Light Tour | url=https://www.lichtjesroute.org/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=18 Sep till second Sunday of Oct: 19:00-22:30| price=Free of charge | content=In order to commemorate the liberation of Eindhoven after the Second World War, volunteers and sponsors join forces each year to put a 22&nbsp;km illuminated "Light route" trough Eindhoven in place. It features thousands of light bulbs illuminating fairy tale designs and other subjects. This tradition was initiated right after the war, dropped for years but reinstalled in 1984. The lights are turned on every evening from 19:30 til 23:30 for a week, starting on September 18. You can take the route individually, on foot, by car or by bike. There's also one organized group bike tour and a bus tour: ask the Tourist Information Office. |lastedit=2024-02-09}} === Concerts & theatere === [[File:Dynamo Eindhoven.JPG|thumb|Dynamo]] *{{do | name=Dynamo | url=http://www.dynamo-eindhoven.nl | email= | address=Catharinaplein 21 | lat=51.43767 | long=5.48049 | directions= | phone=+31 40 239 31 10 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=You'll find the country's largest youth centre, Dynamo, in the heart of Eindhoven. It offers a wide variety of activities, from workshops, community and popular art projects to dancing, sports and concerts. All different youth cultures are welcome here, including the hiphop, dance, house, rock and metal scene. }} *{{do | name=Effenaar | url=http://www.effenaar.nl/english | email=info@effenaar.nl | address=Dommelstraat 2 | lat=51.44177 | long=5.48320 | directions=Diagonally opposite the train station | phone=+31 40 239 36 66 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Besides a bar/restaurant, the Effenaar houses 2 large halls for concerts and dance events. It offers a stage for local talent but also receives major international artists. }} *{{do | name=Muziekgebouw Frits Philips | url=http://www.muziekgebouweindhoven.nl/home | email= | address=Heuvel Galerie 140 | lat=51.43894 | long=5.47930 | directions= | phone=+31 40 244 20 20 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This large music centre in the heart of the city offers a broad range of concerts, varying from jazz and classical to world music and acoustic rock. }} *{{do | name=Parktheater | url=http://www.parktheater.nl | email=info@parktheater.nl | address=Elzentlaan 50 | lat=51.42915 | long=5.48431 | directions= | phone=+31 40 215 61 56 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This large and modern theatre on the edge of the Stadswandelpark offers over 500 theatre activities a year. }} *{{do | name=Natlab | url=http://www.natlab.nl/ | email=info@natlab.nl | address=Kastanjelaan 500 | lat=51.44577 | long=5.45434 | directions=Strijp S | phone=+31 40 294 68 48 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Natlab (before ''Plaza Futura'') is a cultural meeting place for contemporary art with film (mostly classics and art house films) as a basis. }} *{{do | name=LAB-1 | url=https://www.lab-1.nl/ | email=info@lab-1.nl | address=Keizersgracht 19 | lat=51.437026 | long=5.477741 | directions=City Centre | phone=+31 40 209 4091 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 10.00 - 01.00 | price= | content=LAB-1 is a cinema, club, event space and café-bar. You can find a broad range of films (also with English subtitles), live music, theatre, exhibitions, visuals, djs and events during the day and night. LAB-1 is retro, cozy, dynamics and creative, a place to enjoy, hang out and feel at home. |lastedit=2025-03-30}} === Sports === * {{do | name=Ice Sport Centre Eindhoven | url=http://www.ijssportcentrum.nl/ | email=ijssportcentrum@eindhoven.nl | address=Antoon Coolenlaan 3 | lat=51.41572 | long=5.47179 | directions= | phone=+31 40 238 12 00 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€7.40/€5.10 | content=This in- and outdoor ice skate track is closed during summer. }} * {{do | name=Monk bouldergym | alt= | url=http://www.monkeindhoven.nl | email=info@monkeindhoven.nl | address=Strijp S, gebouw SBX | lat=51.446243 | long=5.461492 | directions= | phone=+31 40 295 04 88 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M 18:00-23:00, Tu-F 12:30-23:00, Sa 10:00-18:00, Su 10:00-22:00 | price=€10 | lastedit=2015-06-08 | content=Indoor climbing hall with 200 bouldering routes. }} ==== Swimming ==== *{{do | name=Aquabest | url=http://www.aquabest.nl/ | email= | address= Ekkersweijer 1, Best| lat=51.49759 | long=5.433689 | directions=north of Eindhoven | phone=+31 40 282 22 10 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Apr-Sep: 10:00-20:00 | price=€5 | content=Aquabest is a recreational lake and park with a sandy beach. It has a family park with amusements for children, a water ski centre, athletic programs for groups of 10 to 2000 participants, a beach pavilion for parties and yearly festivals like Lakedance and Extrema Outdoor. }} *{{do | name=De IJzerenman | alt=Iron man | url=http://ijzerenman.com/ | email=info@ijzerenman.com | address=Javalaan 149 | lat=51.44997 | long=5.50085 | directions= | phone=+31 40 282 22 10 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€5.80 | content=Natural swimming. The lake is only opened in summer. }} *{{do | name=Ir. Ottenbad | url=https://www.eindhovensport.nl/zwemmen/ir-ottenbad | email= | address=Vijfkamplaan 12 | lat=51.47663 | long=5.45706| directions= | phone=+31 40 238 88 00 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€5.80 | content=Indoor 25-m pool. Outdoor swimming pools only opened in summer. }} *{{do | name=National Swimming Centre Tongelreep | url=http://www.tongelreep.com/ | email=tongelreep@eindhoven.nl | address=Antoon Coolenlaan 1 | lat=51.41657 | long=5.47811 | directions= | phone=+31 40 238 11 12 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10:00-21:00 | price= €4/€10/€4.90| content=The largest swimming pool complex in Europe, with a subtropical pool and some fun features like a wave machine. }} ==== Football ==== * {{do | name=PSV Eindhoven | url=https://www.psv.nl/ | email= | address=Philips Stadion, Frederiklaan 8 | lat=51.4415 | long=5.4679 | directions= | phone=+31 40 250 55 12 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-10 | content=They play soccer in Eredivisie, the Dutch top tier. Their home ground is Philips Stadium, capacity 34,000, close to city centre. Tours are possible, either a group tour (minimum 20), or a combined tour with the Bavaria Brewery; or you can go into their restaurant "de Verlenging" (south-east side) and take a peek from the terrace. Their second-string team Jong PSV play in Eerste Divisie the second tier, usually at De Herdgang 4 km north of the centre. }} * '''[https://fc-eindhoven.nl/ FC Eindhoven]''' play in Eerste Divisie, the second tier. They play at Jan Louwers Stadium (capacity 4600), 2 km south of city centre. === Parks and gardens === Despite its industrial character, Eindhoven is the "greenest" of the five largest cities in the country. Even within the province of North-Brabant, it is the greenest of the top five cities there. The park and grass fields around '''Lake Karpendonck''' make a great place for a summer picnic. If you're up for a stroll, try the City Walking Park ('''Stadswandelpark'''), at walking distance from the centre and decorated with some 30 sculptures. Just south of the Stadswandelpark lie the larger '''Genneper Parks''' where nature and recreational activities come together (see above under "Do"). Within the Genneper Parks you'll find the '''Heempark Frater Simon Deltour''', with example gardens showing original regional landscape types and natural habitat. The '''Philips van Lenneppark''' in the north of the city was named after Frits Philips' wife, whose maiden name was van Lennep. The family donated the park to the city for the 75 year anniversary of the Philips company. It houses a playground, skate park and petting zoo. Older is the '''Philips de Jonghpark''' just 1&nbsp;km to the north between the Oirschotsedijk and the railway. This park was donated in 1920 by Anton Philips (the father of Frits) and his wife, whose maiden name was De Jongh. In the middle of the park is a [http://www.parkpaviljoeneindhoven.nl/ pavilion] for drinks and snacks. === Events === [[File:Glow2007 Stadhuis.jpg|thumb|right|The GLOW festival transforms the entire city into a giant lights show, including many of its monuments and key buildings, like the ''Stadhuis'', almost unrecognizable in this photo]] Eindhoven is a large and bustling city, with a full agenda. Dozens of large and small events are organized each year, a number of which are unsurprisingly about artificial light and design. Some of the major ones are listed below, but check the '''[https://www.thisiseindhoven.com/en/events event calendar]''' on the tourist information website to see what's planned during your visit. *{{do | name=Carnival | url=http://www.lampegatdegekste.nl/home/ | email= | address=All over the city | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Five days of Carnival in almost all pubs. Street Carnival in the centre and the traditional parade on Saturday. }} [[File:The true method of knowledge is experiment - Dutch Design Week 2014 - Natlab, Eindhoven (uploaded on 2014-10-25 16.50.15 by soohyang.song).jpg|thumb|right|Dutch Design Week brings about unexpected levels of creativity]] *{{do | name=Dutch Design Week | url=http://www.ddw.nl/index.php | email= | address=All over the city | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=During the Dutch Design Week in October Eindhoven is all about design, in all its disciplines and aspects. Some 1500 designers display their work and over 300 different events and activities are organized throughout the city. There are workshops, lectures, seminars, shows and exhibitions. Many activities require registration in advance and for some you'll have to pay. }} *{{do | name=Eindhoven Culinair | url=http://www.eindhovenculinair.com/ | email=info@eindhovenculinair.com | address=Stadswandelpark | lat= | long= | directions=Next to the Parktheater | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Four days in May during Pentecost | price= | content=About 30 local selected restaurants get the opportunity to present themselves with an assortment of their specialties. All dishes are prepared on the spot. }} *{{do | name=Eindhoven Marathon | url=http://www.marathoneindhoven.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€42 | content=The Eindhoven marathon is an annual marathon held since 1956. The event always takes place in October. The marathon of Eindhoven is after [[Amsterdam]] and [[Rotterdam]] the largest marathon in the Netherlands. Since 2004 the track has been adjusted several times for making it become a real city marathon. On this marathon applies a time limit of five hours running. In addition to the full marathon this running event also includes a half-marathon, a 6-km run and a 3-km run. }} *{{do | name=Glow Eindhoven | url=http://www.gloweindhoven.nl/en | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Glow is an International Forum of Light in Art and Architecture, Eindhoven at its best. The city centre becomes the stage for interventions, installations, performances and events - all celebrating the phenomena of artificial light. Buildings are illuminated artistically, there are luminous works of art and more, making this week a great time for an evening walk through town. There are different locations and opening hours. Mid-November. }} *{{do | name=Light Tour | url=https://www.lichtjesroute.org/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=18th of September till second Sunday of October. 19.00u - 22.30u | price=Free of charge |lastedit=2024-02-09| content=In order to commemorate the liberation of Eindhoven after the Second World War, volunteers and sponsors join forces each year to put a 22&nbsp;km illuminated "Light route" trough Eindhoven in place. It features thousands of light bulbs illuminating fairy tale designs and other subjects. This tradition was initiated right after the war, dropped for years but reinstalled in 1984. The lights are turned on every evening from 19:30 til 23:30 for a week, starting on September 18. You can take the route individually, on foot, by car or by bike. There's also one organized group bike tour and a bus tour: ask the Tourist Information Office. }} *{{do | name=Music on the Dommel | url=http://www.muziekopdedommel.nl/ | email=info@muziekopdedommel.nl | address=River Dommel | lat= | long= | directions=Between the van Abbe Museum and Stratumseind | phone=+31 6 1723 63 50 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Two full days at the end of May or the begin of June | price=Free | content=Music on the Dommel is the ability for musical groups from Eindhoven and surroundings to present themselves on a big stage to a wide audience. }} *{{do | name=Park Hilaria Fair |alt=| url=http://www.parkhilaria.nl/ | email= | address=Kennedylaan | lat= | long= | directions=Directly north of the train station | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2016-07-20| content=Eindhoven's large annual funfair brings over a 100 big and small attractions to the Kennedylaan, which is closed down entirely to host the event. You'll find thrill rides, children's rides, games, street theater, music and of course lots of food and drinks. It lasts a week and usually takes place around the beginning of August. There's no entry fee but you'll pay for the attractions. }} *{{do | name=XO Live | alt=Extrema' Outdoor | url=http://xofestival.nl/en/home | email=info@extrema.nl | address=Aquabest | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=A full day in mid-July from 22:00-11:00 | price=Regular €59 | content=Dance festival on the beach of Aquabest with a wide range of performers. }} [[File:Bijenkorf Eindhoven.jpg|thumb|right|The Eindhoven branch of the Dutch department store ''De Bijenkorf'' has a fittingly modernist facade, with the honeycomb theme reflecting the store's name, meaning "the beehive"]] == Buy == Eindhoven is the regional centre for shopping, and offers a wide range of large and small stores, including all the large chains in the Netherlands and a good number of small speciality shops. As it is hardly a touristic city, traditional souvenirs are relatively hard to come by. The VVV tourist information office in the train station has some Dutch and Eindhoven oriented gadgets. Light bulb cartoons and similar images are a typical reference to Eindhoven's history in lightning. Also, museum shops will have some gift items relevant for their exhibitions. === Opening hours === With some exceptions, shops close at 18:00 on weekdays and 17:00 on Saturdays, like in the rest of the country. Friday is "buying-evening" in the city centre, with shops open until 21:00. Shops are now allowed to be open on Sunday and most of the shops in the city centre indeed open every Sunday from 12:00 to 17:00. Most places in shopping centre Woensel XL open only the first and last day Sunday of the month, and keep similar hours. You'll find that businesses in the other districts typically remain closed on Sundays, with the exception of bars and restaurants. [[File:Heuvel Galerie.jpg|thumb|right|The Heuvel Galerie occupies a big portion of the city's centre]] === City centre === With the covered shopping centre 'De Heuvel Galerie', large department stores including 'De Bijenkorf' and an extensive selection of boutiques and specialist shops, the centre of Eindhoven is the most bustling shopping centre in the south of the Netherlands. The following streets form the main, pedestrianised shopping area: 18 Septemberplein, Nieuwe emmasingel (admirant), Demer, Rechtestraat, de Markt, Nieuwstraat, Hermanus Boexstraat, Vrijstraat and Hooghuisstraat. *{{buy | name=De Heuvelgalerie | alt= | url=http://www.heuvelgalerie.nl/ | email= | address= | lat=51.43921 | long=5.48010 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Placed between the central station and the market square, is a covered shopping mall with a broad selection of stores. You'll find anything from clothing and shoes till toys, a bike store and a Mac retail shop. }} *If you're looking for somewhat more exclusive fashion, try the '''Hooghuisstraat'''. It has a bunch of good boutiques and fashion stores. *{{buy | name=Piazza Center | alt= | url=http://www.piazzacenter.com/ | email= | address= | lat=51.44173 | long=5.47665 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=On the 18 Septemberplein is a modern, covered 3-storey shopping area with a bunch of clothing and shoes stores and others. Here you'll also find ''de Bijenkorf'', one of the largest and most exclusive department stores in the Netherlands and Zara, Ici paris XL, a fairly large beauty store. }} *{{buy | name=Admirant shopping | alt= | url=http://admirant.nl/ | email= | address= | lat=51.43997 | long=5.47618 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=An old part of Eindhoven's centre that has had a complete facelift. This part used to be primarily known for the old headquarters of Philips and the lamp factory (now a museum). Now it is a trendy shopping area with the glass structure "the Blob" and a new shopping street while keeping the little piece of Eindhoven's history intact. The street has a mix of large chains like Selexyz, Dept, Douw Egberts, but also smaller design stores like Janissima temporary concept store, Onigiri Art on T-shirts and Van Bommel Shoes. }} === Outside the centre === *When exiting the train station on the North side, it is a 5-minute walk to the '''Kruisstraat'''. In this internationally oriented street the shops include Turkish, Asian and other foreign supermarkets. On the square at end of the Kruisstraat, The Woenselse Markt, a fairly large weekly market is held on Saturdays. *A few kilometres north of the centre, in the district Woensel, lies shopping centre '''Woensel XL'''. This large and semi-covered shopping centre offers a broad range of retail stores, mostly chains, making it a good alternative location for a general shopping spree. One advantage is the ample (but paid) parking space. === Markets === * {{buy | name=Woenselse market | alt= | url= | email= | address=Woenselse Markt | lat=51.45122 | long=5.47188 | directions=about 1&nbsp;km north of the city centre | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Saturday 10:00-17:00 | price= | content=The largest and busiest market of the city. Stalls selling a wide range of goods, fruit and vegetables, fish, clothing and household items. }} *'''Weekly market''', Tuesday 09:00-14:00 (15:30 during daylight saving time), De Markt (city centre) *'''Small art & collectibles''', Saturday 10:00-17:00, De Markt (city centre) * {{buy | name=FeelGood Market | alt= | url=http://feelgoodmarket.nl/ | email= | address=Festival area, Klokgebouw, Strijp S | lat=51.44857 | long=5.45802 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=3rd Sunday of the month | price=Free | content=The FeelGood Market gives quirky designers and creative people the opportunity to show their creations to the public. In addition, the market is an approachable and fun way to get acquainted with unique design, exclusive products and the maker himself. There are food stalls and terraces. During bad weather the event moves to the clock building (''klokgebouw''). }} === Book stores === *{{buy | name=van piere + de slegte | url=http://www.selexyz.nl/winkels/24/eindhoven/ | email=klantenservice.vanpiere@selexyz.nl | address=Nieuwe Emmasingel 44 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 40 304 01 30 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Selexyz is a chain of book stores. This fairly new Eindhoven establishment in the Admirant is spacious and pleasant, with a good selection of English titles. There's a small café on the basement floor, where you can choose coffee varieties from Blanche Dael, a well known Maastricht store. }} *{{buy | name=Boekhandel Spijkerman | url=http://www.boekhandelspijkerman.nl/ | email=steinspijkerman@hotmail.com | address=Kleine Berg 5 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 40 255 04 48 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Spijkerman is a real specialist of literature. A visit to this bookstore is worthy for fans of quality literature with personal tips and suggestions by the owner. }} *{{buy | name=De Heremiet | url=http://heremiet.nl/ | email=info@heremiet.nl | address=Bergstraat 36b | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 40 244 77 14 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A bookstore with a wide range of children's books, spiritual books and activities. }} == Learn == [[File:TU Eindhoven.jpg|thumb|Campus TU/e]] Eindhoven is home of a technical university, a design academy and an international school. *{{listing | name=TU/e (Technical University Eindhoven) | url=http://www.tue.nl/en | email= | address=Den Dolech 2 | lat= | long= | directions=on walking distance north of the train station | phone=+31 40 247 47 47 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) is a research university specializing in engineering science & technology. TU/e ranks number one on the CWTS list of research cooperation with industry. It has been at the top of this ranking since the first edition in 2009. }} *{{listing | type=listing | name=Design Academy Eindhoven | alt= | url=http://www.designacademy.nl/ | email=info@designacademy.nl | address=Emmasingel 14 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 40 239 39 39 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Design Academy Eindhoven is a school for higher education specializing in design. The academy offers a four-year bachelor's program and several master's programs. The school was founded in 1947. The British design magazine ICON placed the Design Academy Eindhoven in 2005 at number five of the most influential people, products and institutions in design worldwide at that time. }} *{{listing | name=International School Eindhoven | alt=ISE | url=http://www.isecampus.nl/Flex/Site/Page.aspx?PageID=&Lang= | email=projectbureauISE@eindhoven.nl | address=Oirschotsedijk 14b | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 40 251 94 37 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=It opened in 2009. It falls under the umbrella organisation of the Stichting Primair en Voortgezet Onderwijs Zuid-Nederland (SPVOZN), an educational foundation on four sites, two of them international. Primary (360 students) and secondary (250 students). }} == Eat == You'll find plenty of restaurants in the city centre. Main restaurant areas are the Dommelstraat (almost directly opposite the train station), the Markt and the Bergen kwartier, comprising both the Kleine Berg and the Grote Berg. As for other Dutch cities, you can find restaurant information and customer reviews on several (private) websites, e.g. [https://www.thefork.nl/restaurant+eindhoven TheFork.nl] or [https://www.eet.nu/eindhoven Eet.nu]. They are mostly in Dutch, but numerical ratings will give you an idea of popularity at least. Many restaurants are closed on Mondays and some close down for a week or two during summer. === Budget === All these are in the city centre: *{{eat | name=Friture Dik & Lang | url= | email= | address=Jan van Lieshoutstraat 28 | lat=51.4378795 | long=5.4799918 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=Fast food is an unhealthy but cheap dinner option. "Fritures" serving fries and snacks are common, but Dik & Lang is reportedly the best one in the city centre. If you're not a huge mayonnaise fan, make sure to mention that as you might find all of your fries covered in it. }} *{{eat | name=Soho | url=http://sohorestaurants.nl/ | email= | address=Jan van Lieshoutstraat 24A | lat=51.438018 | long=5.479731 | directions= | phone=+31 40 236 42 28 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Woks €7-9 | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=Popular place for take away wok (Asian stir fry dishes with noodles or rice) or sushi, but you can also eat in the restaurant. Think fast food place with an Asian touch. A simple stir-fry dish served in a cardboard cup is a cheap but quite filling meal. It can get crowded here around lunch or dinner time, but Soho has a second location just opposite the train station where it's often less crowded. }} * {{eat | name=Bakkertje Bol | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rechtestraat 51 | lat=51.4378096 | long=5.4791519 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=Sandwiches. }} * {{eat | name=Hizmet Bakery & Shawarma | alt= | url= | email= | address=Kruisstraat 77 | lat=51.4479201 | long=5.4752208 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Restaria De Hoek | alt= | url= | email= | address=Stratumseind 10-12 | lat=51.4368112 | long= 5.4805205 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=Fast food. }} * {{eat | name=Eetcafé Restaurant "Amon" | alt= | url= | email= | address=Begijnenhof 25 | lat=51.4367161 | long=5.4801460 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=Fast food. }} * {{eat | name=Tony's Oriental Food | alt= | url= | email= | address=Nieuwstraat 7C | lat=51.4402921 | long=5.4793956 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=Asian. }} === Mid-range === *{{eat | name=Eetcafé Bommel | url=http://www.bommeleindhoven.nl | email= | address=Kleine Berg 32 | lat=51.43694 | long=5.47504 | directions= | phone=+31 40 245 29 22 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=Bommel is an old time favorite among students and budget travelers. There's no menu: for a fixed amount of €20.50 you get a cup of soup and you can choose between the meat or vegetarian dish of the day. }} *{{eat | name=Grand Café De Wildeman |alt=| url=http://wildemaneindhoven.nl/ | email= | address=Markt 10 | lat=51.43924 | long=5.47897 | directions= | phone=+31 40 245 23 00 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=The Wildeman has, just like it's next door colleagues, a spacious outdoor terrace on the market square. The food is nothing special but you get an okay full plate main. }} *{{eat | name=The Trafalgar Pub | url=http://thetrafalgarpub.nl/ | email= | address=Dommelstraat 21 | lat=51.44099 | long=5.48119 | directions= | phone=+31 40 244 88 20 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€15 | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=In this British pub you can of course find a pretty good shepherds pie. There's an English menu available. }} *{{eat | name=Authentiek Turks Restaurant Ege | url= | email= | address=Rivierstraat 36 | lat=51.43102 | long=5.47187 | directions= | phone=+31 40 257 33 79 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=This cosy restaurant is a long-time favourite among Turkish cuisine lovers in and around the city. }} *{{eat | name=Ethiopisch Restaurant | url=http://www.ethiopisch-restaurant.nl/ | email= | address=Schootsestraat 170 | lat=51.44570 | long=5.45359 | directions= | phone=+31 40 255 52 83 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€20-30 | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=If you're in for something else, try Ethiopian cuisine. Eating here is not in the last place an experience in sharing: food comes in a giant common plate for all people at the table. You eat with your hands. Portions can be on the small side, but the taste is good. }} *{{eat | name=Yakitory & the Sushi's | url=http://sohorestaurants.nl/ | email= | address=Grote Berg 30 | lat=51.43578 | long=5.47585 | directions= | phone=+31 40 243 27 00 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=Popular place for all-you-can-eat sushi. The sushi may not be phenomenal but it's quite okay and with €25.50 for an all-you-can-eat menu well worth the money. }} *{{eat | name=super MARKT restobar | alt= | url=http://supermarkteindhoven.nl | email= | address=Woenselse Markt 10 | lat=51.45039 | long=5.47312 | directions= | phone=+31 6 12142332 | tollfree= | hours=Th-Su 10:00 - 22:00 | price=€10 - 15 for a small size dish, €4 - 8 for a glass of wine | lastedit=2023-11-10 | content=Restaurant with bar. Good selection of wines, small size dishes. Reservation possible for 4 people or more. }} === Splurge === *{{eat | name=Wiesen | alt= | url=http://www.wiesen-restaurant.nl/ | email=info@wiesen-restaurant.nl | address=Kleine Berg 10 | lat=51.43762 | long=5.47531 | directions= | phone=+31 40 244 66 66 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€100+ | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=This trendy little restaurant with its ambitious cuisine received a Michelin star in 2014. It's a small place, so make sure to make reservations. }} * {{eat | name=Zarzo | alt= | url=http://zarzo.nl/ | email=info@zarzo.nl | address=Bleekweg 7 | lat=51.4352 | long=5.48411 | directions= | phone=+31 40 211 7700 | tollfree= | hours= | price=€100+ | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=One of the most hip and happening up-scale restaurants in town, run by an ambitious young owner with a love for food and wine combinations. Zarzo has a Michelin star since 2015. The modern gastronomic dishes get raving reviews. The special is a six course menu for €83. Try to book well ahead if you want to be sure of a table, especially for weekend evenings. }} *{{eat | name=De Luytervelde | url=http://www.deluytervelde.nl/ | email= | address=Jo Goudkuillaan 11 | lat=51.47733 | long=5.43800 | directions=outside the centre, on the edge of villa area Acht-Zuid | phone=+31 40 262 31 11 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€100+ | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=This classical restaurant is in an old, beautifully restored farm. If the weather allows, be sure to enjoy your meal in the lovely and peaceful garden. }} == Drink == [[File:EindhovenMarkt.jpg|thumb|right|The Market Square terraces are a popular place to linger on a sunny afternoon]] Bars and eateries's opening times in the city centre are usually until 02:00 during the week, and 04:00 on a Friday and Saturday. Student-nights in Eindhoven are Thursdays. The city's late nightlife mostly takes place in Stratumseind, a street literally filled with bars and fast food places, and the Market Square. The Stationsplein and adjoining Dommelstraat has a few bars too and for a less main stream experience, try the places on the Kleine and Grote Berg which are also more popular with an artistic crowd. Main party days are Thursday to Sunday, and you might find some places to be closed on other days. === De Markt === On a sunny day, the Grand Café terraces on the Market Square fill up in no time. This is the heart of the city, where the shopping crowd sits down for a break, colleagues drink an after work beer and friends meet over coffee or cocktails. You'll find a number of places on and around the Square. Most of them also serve meals, which is why some are listed above under "Eat". *{{drink | name=O-Sheas | alt=Irish pub | url= | email= | address=Jan van Lieshoutstraat 9 | lat=51.43814 | long=5.47972 | directions= | phone=+31 40 246 62 13 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Just off the main square, this place has a great atmosphere, great beer, live music at the weekend after 22:30. Sports events, especially football, are shown on two big screens. }} *{{drink | name=De Vooruitgang | url=http://www.de-vooruitgang.nl/ | email=info@de-vooruitgang.nl | address=Markt 11 | lat=51.43911 | long=5.47897 | directions= | phone=+31 40 243 39 95 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This "City-café" is quite similar to the ones next to it, but a long time favorite and repeatedly listed as having the best terrace in the city. They also serve food, but to choose from the full menu you have to take a table in the 1st floor restaurant. After about 22:00 the music volume is turned up. }} *{{drink | name=The Little One |alt=| url=http://littleonebar.nl/ | email= | address=J v Lieshoutstrt. 26 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 40 243 89 95 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2016-07-20| content=Extremely small and somewhat harder to find pub, specialised in cocktails and whiskey. }} === Stationsplein and Dommelstraat === The Stationsplein lies directly across the street from the train station. It has some "Grand cafés", dancing bars and terraces. The Dommelstreet with all its restaurants is a side-street of the Stationsplein and has a bunch of good bars too. All the way at the end of the Dommelstreet you'll find the Effenaar, Eindhoven's main popular music music stage. *{{drink | name=De Effenaar | url= | email= | address= | lat=51.44177 | long=5.48320 | directions= | phone=+31 40 239 36 66 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A young 'underground' venue for gigs and DJs. The terrace can be a good place to lounge on a warm evening. }} *{{drink | name=Leefcafé Het Spiegelbeeld | url=http://www.hetspiegelbeeld.com/ | email= | address=Dommelstraat 22 | lat=51.44148 | long=5.48308 | directions= | phone=+31 40 243 99 56 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This laid-back "living-café" wants its visitors to feel at home and plays a broad range of recognizable music, ranging from rock, salsa and modern pop to hits from the 1970s and even the incidental house track. They serve small dishes. }} *{{drink | name=Liquid | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=For people aged 23 or over, where you can party-on-down to music from the 1970s and 80s! }} *{{drink | name=Ramblers | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 6 523 321 89 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=More rock/metal oriented with live music on many nights. }} === Stratumseind === [[File:Stratumseind, Eindhoven.JPG|thumb|right|Stratumseind: the longest pub-street in the Netherlands]] Go for a pub-crawl in the longest pub-street in the Netherlands. With over 40 bars and a number of places to eat, Stratumseind is Eindhoven's main nightlife area. Bar-hopping is the best way to get the Stratumseind-vibe. Its venues attract renowned DJs on a regular basis and when the weather allows the street becomes part of the party ground. The eating places stay open late, even after the bars close, to allow for the essential bite afterwards. The bars include: *{{drink | name=De Bier Professor | url=http://www.bierprofessor.nl | email= | address=Stratumseind 33 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 6 553 555 72 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Specialist of Belgium beers, with a 100 different kinds to choose from. }} *{{drink | name=Santiago de Cuba | url=http://www.santiagodecuba.nl/ | email= | address=Stratumseind 65 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 40 206 96 06 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=closed on M & W | price= | content=For an evening of Latin-American fun, move on the rhythm of Cuban Salsa in this Cuban swing café. }} === De Bergen === 'De Bergen' is a piece of old Eindhoven, which is still in reasonably original condition. The pleasant bars and restaurants on the 'Kleine Berg' are popular with the more artistic members of the public. It is a few minutes' walk through the narrow streets to Wilhelminaplein. === Wilhelminaplein === In this characteristic square there are authentic brown bars, terraces and live-performances. In summer, open-air performances are regularly organized. Every Sunday afternoon and Monday evening stunning live performances are given at café Wilhelmina. *{{drink | name=Café Wilhelmina | url=http://www.cafewilhelmina.nl/ | email= | address=Wilhelminaplein 6 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 40 244 72 86 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=An old-fashioned but cosy café. You can play darts, every Sunday afternoon and Monday evening live performances are given and once a month there is a bal folk. }} *{{drink | name=De Gaper | url=http://www.gaper.nl/ | email= | address=Wilhelminaplein 5 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 40 246 77 70 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This bar specializes in distillates and serves over 200 different sorts of whisky. }} == Sleep == {{sleeppricerange|Under €50|€50 to €100|Over €100}} Hotel rooms are abundantly available in the city, mainly serving an international business crowd visiting the many technology initiatives. With the exception of major soccer matches in the PSV stadium, Eindhoven rarely runs out of places to stay. Most accommodation is offered by large chains in the city centre and doesn't come cheap. Listed minimum prices can be significantly higher when the cheaper rooms are all taken, so check actual prices on the hotel or booking websites. Prices are often ''lower'' in the weekends. In many cases, €3.50 tourist tax and breakfast are not yet included. If you're on a budget, check out the bed & breakfasts. These are smaller places which are often cheaper than the hotels (some starting around €30) but many of them don't have a website. Alternatively, consider the villages surrounding the city where you will find some smaller hotels and campsites. The best place to start is at the '''[https://www.thisiseindhoven.com/plan-your-trip/hotels VVV]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' (tourist info) office just outside Eindhoven Central Station or on their website. [[File:Binnenstad Eindhoven.jpg|thumb|right|Eindhoven city centre from above]] === Budget === *{{sleep | name=3BE Backpacker's Hostel | url=http://www.3be.nl/ | email=info@3be.nl | address=Stratumsedijk 31 | lat=51.43297 | long=5.48482 | directions= | phone=+31 40 212 04 16 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€40 | checkin=24:00 | checkout= |lastedit=2024-01-24| content=This hostel offers good value beds in 4- to 12-person dorms and is popular with backpackers. It's simple but clean with friendly staff, good facilities and a central location. Breakfast is not included but can be booked for an additional €10. }} *{{sleep | name=B&B De Ster | alt= | url=http://www.bbdester.nl/ | email=info@bbdester.nl | address=St. Adrianusstraat 29 | lat=51.4281 | long=5.49501 | directions=3 km from centre | phone=+31 40 211 54 87 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2024-01-24 | content=Nice and clean place with a friendly owner. Breakfast is included. It consists of two types of warm breads, juice (lemonade etc.) different types of jam/marmalade, corn flakes with nice milk from Holland, eggs and some meat, and local cheese served with tea/coffee. Two double bed rooms and one single bed room is available. All rooms has got key for safety reason as well as main door key is available for the guests. Take bus number 10 from main station and get down to Sint Jansweg stop. From Jansweg stop it is just 3 minutes walk. }} *{{sleep | name=Blue Collar Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.bluecollarhotel.nl/en/ | email=frontoffice@bluecollarhotel.nl | address= Klokgebouw 10 | lat=51.44837 | long=5.45848 | directions= | phone=+31 40 780 33 34 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=16:00 | checkout=12:00 | price=€50-125 | lastedit=2020-09-13 | content=Hotel with a robust, a spacious and an industrial design. Very characteristic is that the industrial look of the past has been kept and some of the former factory's elements can still be found all over the hotel. It's also a Rock&Roll hotel; many festivities and concerts take place here at regular intervals. }} *{{sleep | name=Budget Hotel | url=http://www.budgethotel.nl/ | email= | address=Wilhelminaplein 4, 5611 HE Eindhoven, Netherlands | lat=51.43406 | long=5.48784 | directions=city centre (5 min walk from trainstation | phone=+31 40 244 89 92 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= |lastedit=2024-01-24| content=Mainly targeting small companies who want to house employees, but when business is low they might accept travelers. Rooms are quite simple, but adequate. }} *{{sleep | name=Cambiance 't Witven | alt=Camping & recreational centre | url=http://witven.nl/ | email=witven@cambiance.nl | address=Witvenseweg 6 | lat=51.39407 | long=5.41247 | directions= | phone=+31 40 230 00 43 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= |lastedit=2016-07-20| content=The Witven offers camping grounds but is also a popular place for recreational day trips. They also rent out chalets. | hours= }} *{{sleep | name=Camping De Volmolen | url=http://www.devolmolen.nl/ | email= | address=Volmolen 1, Waalre | lat= | long= | directions=8 km from Eindhoven central station | phone=+31 40 253 34 98 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= |lastedit=2024-01-24| content=This camping ground is a 30-minute bus drive and then a 10-minute walk away from the city. Take bus 174, direction Bergeijk. }} *{{sleep | name=Woonhotel Eindhoven | url=http://www.woonhoteleindhoven.nl/en/ | email=info@woonhoteleindhoven.nl | address=Leenderweg 176 and 201| lat=51.42323 | long=5.49383 | directions= | phone=+31 40 211 21 11 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= |lastedit=2024-01-24| content=This is one of the few places where you have a kitchen at your disposal, allowing budget travelers to self-cater. This place has a few different locations in the city, but the main one is on the Leenderweg. Other locations are Boschdijk 167 and Hastelweg 8. Expect simple rooms and limited service. Prices exclude a €100 bail. }} === Mid-range === *{{sleep | name=Best Western Eindhoven | alt=formerly Mercure Eindhoven | url=https://www.bestwestern.nl/en/hotels/best-western-eindhoven-eindhoven-92735 | email= | address=Leenderweg 80 | lat=51.42588 | long=5.48927 | directions= | phone=+31 40 212 10 12 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=€60 | content=Demoted to a Best Western, the former Mercure does not enchant with style and is a bit on the outskirts of the centre, but attractive pricing often makes up for that. }} *{{sleep | name=Boutique Hotel Lumière | url=http://www.hotellumiere.nl | email= | address=Hooghuisstraat 31 A | lat=51.43780 | long=5.47749 | directions= | phone=+31 40 239 49 50 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=70 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Relatively small, luxurious hotel with good, clean rooms and a central location. Breakfast is served in the next door bakery, but quite good. }} *{{sleep | name=Crown Inn | url=http://www.crowninn.nl/ | email= | address=Markt 35 | lat=51.43931 | long=5.47844 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€70 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Its location in the middle of the centre, on the Markt, is this hotel's biggest asset. Rooms are clean but many have no outside facing windows. It can be quite noisy here, so ask for ear plugs at the reception or bring your own. On Sundays you can book a late check out (17:00) for €12.50 extra }} *{{listing | type=sleep | name=Crown Hotel Eindhoven | alt= | url=https://www.crownhoteleindhoven.com | email= | address=Vestdijk 14-16 | lat=51.440329 | long=5.479827 | directions= | phone=+31 40 844 40 00 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=€80 | wikidata=Q75175810 | lastedit=2016-07-20 | content=Fairly small but good and clean rooms. It's along a busy street, but directly opposite the train station. Wifi is free. }} *{{sleep | name=Park Plaza Eindhoven | alt= | url=https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/park-plaza-eindhoven | email=ppeinfo@pphe.com | address=Geldropseweg 17 | lat=51.43484 | long=5.48581 | directions= | phone=+31 40 214 65 00 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From €69 | It's in the city centre and close to the train station, and has an indoor swimming pool and 3 restaurants. }} *{{sleep | name=Queen Hotel | url=http://www.queeneindhoven.nl/ | email= | address=Markt 7 | lat=51.43954 | long=5.47881 | directions= | phone=+31 40 245 24 80 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€60 | checkin= | checkout= | content=On the bustling Market Square, making it a great location but noisy when the café terraces are full. Offers nice and clean but somewhat thin-walled rooms. }} === Splurge === *{{sleep | name=Holiday Inn | url= | email= | address=Veldmaarschalk Montgomerylaan 1 | lat=51.44488 | long=5.47597 | directions= | phone=+31 40 235 82 35 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€115 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Renovated with nice and clean standard rooms, just a few hundred meters from the train- and bus station. There's an indoor pool, free wifi and a pretty good restaurant in the hotel. }} *{{sleep | name=Intell Hotels Art Eindhoven | alt= | url=http://www.inntelhotelsarteindhoven.nl/ | email=infoeindhoven@inntelhotels.nl | address=Mathildelaan 1 | lat=51.4409 | long=5.4739 | directions= | phone=+31 40 751 35 00 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=€105 to €170 | content=This trendy and comfortable 4-star hotel is decorated with a mixture of antiques, design and art. On top of that, it's right in the centre and in one of the city's main landmarks: the Light Tower. }} *{{sleep | name=Pullman Eindhoven Cocagne | alt= | url=https://all.accor.com/hotel/5374/index.en.shtml | email= | address=Vestdijk 47 | lat=51.43839 | long=5.48240 | directions= | phone=+31 40 232 61 11 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=€140 | content=This large 4-star hotel offers renovated, luxurious rooms at a great location. There's an indoor pool, fitness space and sauna. Bathroom privacy in the rooms is somewhat limited and if you like to sleep with an open window, don't take a room at the (busy) street side. }} *{{sleep | name=Van Der Valk Hotel Eindhoven | alt= | url=https://www.hoteleindhoven.nl/en/ | email=eindhoven@valk.com | address=Aalsterweg 322 |lat=51.40660 | long=5.47964 | directions=just on the outskirts of Eindhoven to the south | phone=+31 40 211 60 33 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=€95 | content=Van der Valk is a Dutch chain of conference and resort hotels, with this property situated right at the motorway exit, complete with 23 conference rooms, a pool and fitness facilities. Upscale features and amenities come at reasonably low prices if you are flexible with your booking dates. }} == Cope == *{{listing | name=Public library | url=https://www.bibliotheekeindhoven.nl/ | email=info@bibliotheekeindhoven.nl | address=Emmasingel 22 | lat= | long= | directions=In the former Philips building | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The public library in the city centre has some English newspapers and magazines. The English book section is upstairs. }} *{{listing | name=Catharina hospital | alt= | url=https://www.catharinaziekenhuis.nl/ | email= | address=Michelangelolaan 2 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 40 239 91 11 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-06-06 | content=The Catharina hospital has an emergency department for patients arriving by ambulance or after referral from a GP. For life-threatening emergencies call 112, for non life-threatening emergencies call the local GP during office hours, or after office hours the night GP +31 88 876 5151 (Huisartsenpost Eindhoven). }} *{{listing | name=Police Station Eindhoven Mathildelaan | alt= | url=https://www.politie.nl/mijn-buurt/politiebureaus/09/eindhoven-mathildelaan.html | email= | address=Mathildelaan 4 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=0900-8844 (domestic at €0.02 per minute), +31 34 357 8844 (free; only internationals calls), 144 (Animal police) | tollfree= | hours=10:00-18:00 | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content= }} *'''[https://www.eindhoven.nl/stad-en-wonen/stad/vrije-tijd/gevonden-of-verloren-voorwerpen Lost and Found]''' - all found items are managed by the municipality. An overview of items is available on the website https://www.verlorenofgevonden.nl/ . == Stay safe == Eindhoven, as with much of the [[Netherlands]], is safe for the most part. However, up until the late 2000s, the city had the unfortunate reputation of being the country's "murder capital". Though an exaggerated moniker, it did highlight crime rates that were quite high by western European standards. Nowadays you should not have any problems if you know how to be street-smart. The Woensel section, in the north-northwest of the city, has been described as sketchy and seedy by locals and the media, but it has no touristic appeal. == Connect == Eindhoven has good 4G/5G coverage from all Dutch carriers. Wifi is widely available in public places. == Go next == The small scale rural countryside around the city has a number of charming villages worth a visit. In the '''South East Brabant''' region, to which Eindhoven belongs, there are a number of natural areas and parks with marked bicycle and hiking routes. Even to Belgium, which is only a stone's throw away. Visit the tourist information office or check the '''[https://www.visitbrabant.com/en North Brabant tourist website]''' for more information. * [[Nuenen]] is a village 8&nbsp;km to the east. Van Gogh worked here as a beginning painter, from 1882–1885. His favorite spots are marked there, and his father lies buried in the local cemetery. Take the N270 or bus 6. Furthermore, there's a small zoo: * {{do | name=Eindhoven Zoo | url=https://www.eindhovenzoo.nl/ | email= | address=Baroniehei 1, Nuenen | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 49 266 82 40 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= €23.50 / Car parking: €7.50 | content= }} *[[Geldrop]] (and Mierlo), also to the east, is a municipality that comprises two villages. Geldrop has a beautiful castle, surrounded by an 1870 English garden. Bike there or take bus 12, direction Gijzenrooi (~30 min). *[[Veldhoven]] borders the city in the south-east. Take bus 402. *[[Sint-Oedenrode]] is about 25 min north on the A50, or take bus 156. {{routebox | image1=NL-A2.png | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=N | majorl1=[[Amsterdam]] | minorl1=[['s-Hertogenbosch]] | directionr1=S | majorr1=[[Maastricht]] | minorr1=[[Weert]] | image2=NL-A50.png | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Arnhem]] | minorl2=[[Oss]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=END | minorr2= | image3=NL-A58.png | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=W | majorl3=[[Vlissingen]] | minorl3=[[Tilburg]] | directionr3=E | majorr3=END | minorr3= | image4=NL-A67.png | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=W | majorl4=[[Antwerp]] | minorl4=[[File:BE-E34.svg|18px]] ← Belgium border (22 km) | directionr4=E | majorr4=[[File:Bundesautobahn 40 number.svg|22px]] [[Duisburg]] | minorr4=[[Venlo]] → German border | image5=NL-A270.png | imagesize5=22 | directionl5=W | majorl5=END | minorl5= | directionr5=E | majorr5=END | minorr5=[[Helmond]] }} {{IsPartOf|North Brabant}} {{geo|51.44163|5.47931}} {{guidecity}} kx3hb8wk2frpjh948cgmksofboqch65 0 11130 5086858 5078527 2025-07-02T23:58:42Z JIP 72610 /* Mid-range */ Updated listing for E.T. Charlie - updated website URL 5086858 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Espoon kulttuurikeskus night banner.jpg|caption=Espoo Cultural Centre}} '''[http://www.visitespoo.fi Espoo]''' ([[Swedish phrasebook|Swedish]]: ''Esbo'') with a population of a quarter of a million is the second largest city in Finland. It's part of the Helsinki Metropolitan Area along with the cities of [[Helsinki]], [[Vantaa]], and the small city of '''Kauniainen''' (Swedish: '''Grankulla''') which is completely encircled by Espoo. The [[Nuuksio National Park|national park of Nuuksio]] is situated in northwestern Espoo. ==Understand== [[File:Isoomenasisältä.jpg|300px|thumbnail|Shopping at Iso Omena]] Espoo has several local regional centres, thus divided into seven major areas: Vanha-Espoo, Espoonlahti, Espoo, Kauklahti, Leppävaara, Matinkylä and Tapiola. The Espoo center (Espoon keskus) is the administrative centre, but doesn't rise above its peers with respect to population. The population is concentrated in an inverted F-shaped area defined by the railway to Espoo centre (north) and the highway Länsiväylä (south) up to Espoonlahti. The rest is sparsely populated, and north of Espoo centre, the area is mostly forested. While Kauniainen is an independent municipality, in practice it is contiguous with Espoo and has no notable sights or services to travellers besides a small shopping center. The science and technology-related campuses of the Aalto University are based in Otaniemi, Espoo, along with a thriving science community that includes numerous startups and organizations such as VTT – the Technical Research Centre of Finland. Nokia is headquartered in Karakallio, Espoo. Other high-tech companies such as KONE, Tekla and Fortum have their headquarters in Keilaniemi, Espoo, along with Microsoft's Finnish headquarters. ==Get in== ===By bus=== With respect to transit, the south of Espoo is served by the local highway, Länsiväylä. Buses via Länsiväylä to destinations in Espoo leave from the Kamppi bus station (Kamppi shopping centre, ground floor). The orbital line 550 connects the train stations of Oulunkylä and Huopalahti with the south-eastern part of Espoo (Leppävaara, Laajalahti, Otaniemi, Tapiola and Westend). ===By train=== Northern Espoo and Espoo centre (''Espoon keskus'') are served by Helsinki commuter trains Y, U, L and E (25 min from Helsinki) to Middle- and West-Espoo. In addition, A train (every 10-20 minutes, 17 minutes from Helsinki) serves the east part of Espoo. See [https://www.vr.fi/rautatieasemat-ja-reitit/lahiliikenne#lahiliikennekartta local train map]. The {{listing | type=go | name=Leppävaara railway station | address= | lat=60.219378 | long=24.813207 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Leppävaara railway station | | content= }} is the only long-distance railway station in Espoo, serving traffic between Helsinki and Turku. The other stations in Espoo are also located on the same line but only serve local traffic. [[File:Matinkylä metro station (Nov 2017).jpg|thumb|Matinkylä metro station]] Southeastern Espoo is accessible from central Helsinki by metro, with trains every 3-10 minutes. Locations along the metro route include the Keilaniemi business district, Aalto University, Tapiola, Matinkylä and Kivenlahti, which serve as bus stations for feeder lines to destinations further afield. One in two trains terminates at Tapiola, while the rest continue all the way to Kivenlahti. The "Jokeri" orbital light rail (line 15), officially tram line 15, curves across eastern Espoo, connecting Keilaniemi, Aalto University, Leppävaara and then looping across northern Helsinki to terminate in [[Helsinki/Eastern suburbs|Itäkeskus]]. ===By plane=== {{See also|Helsinki Airport#Ground transportation}} Espoo is served by {{listing | type=go | name=[[Helsinki Airport]] | alt={{IATA|HEL}} | url=http://www.helsinkiairport.fi | email= | address= | lat=60.317222 | long=24.963333 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Helsinki Airport | image=Helsinki-vantaa aerial.jpg | wikidata=Q215327 | content= }}, from where it can be reached by taxi in half an hour or less. Also the public transport is quite convenient. Typical routes would be: * To southern Espoo, local train P from Helsinki Airport to Central Railway Station (''Rautatientori''), change to metro westbound (destination Tapiola or Matinkylä), change to feeder bus line if necessary. * To northern Espoo, local train I from Helsinki Airport to Huopalahti, change to local train Y, U, L, E or A northbound (see [https://www.vr.fi/cs/vr/fi/lahiliikenteen-reittikartta-fi local train map]{{Dead link|date=April 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}), change to feeder bus line if necessary. ===By car=== Freeways 1 and 51 pass through Espoo, as do the westernmost portions of ring road one and three. ==Get around== {{Mapframe|60.22720|24.74739|zoom=10|height=400|width=400}} {{See also|Helsinki#Get around}} For public transport, generally use [https://www.hsl.fi/en HSL's journey planner]{{cbignore}} or [https://maps.google.com Google Maps]. ===By train=== Trains A, E, S, U run across Espoo. Train L runs late at night and on weekend mornings. Suburbs in southeastern Espoo including Tapiola and Matinkylä are connected by metro. ====Jokeri light rail==== The first light rail line of the capital region called '''[https://raidejokeri.info/en/ Jokeri]''' was officially opened in October 2023. In the Espoo area, the route runs from Keilaniemi to Vermo in Leppävaara, from where the route continues to the Helsinki side. ===By bus=== Buses are frequent and convenient enough. Check the route planner for timetables. {{marker|type=around | name=Kauniainen | url=https://www.kauniainen.fi/en/ | lat=60.210844 | long=24.729413 }} is a part of the Espoo zone. ===By electric kick scooter=== {{see also|Finland#By motorised scooter}} Swedish [http://www.voiscooters.com Voi], German [https://tier.app Tier], American [https://www.li.me/en-us/home Lime] and Finnish [https://www.joescooter.fi/ Joe Scooter] rent electric kick scooters. The companies aim to keep the scooters available also in winter, conditions permitting, but the vehicles are not ideal in snowy or slippery conditions. ===By boat=== * {{listing | type=around | name=Scheduled archipelago boat service | alt= | url=https://www.espoo.fi/en/sports-and-nature/archipelago/scheduled-archipelago-boats | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 43-825-3215 | tollfree= | hours=June–August, Tu–Su in peak season | price=Single €7, children 7–18 etc. €3.50, return €14/7 | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-06-08 | content=Boat to some of Espoo's islands (municipal service), from several boat harbours. The ferries can also be used as 2–4 hr cruises, in this case, you need to buy a return ticket. }} ===By bike=== There are excellent cycling paths almost everywhere in Espoo, so it's worth cycling in a sunny day. Remember to wear a helmet. Detailed information of [http://pk.hsl.fi/en/ cyclist paths] are available at HSL's website.]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} * {{go | name=Helsinki and Espoo City Bikes | alt= | url=https://www.hsl.fi/en/citybikes/helsinki | email=contact@citybikefinland.fi | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 9 425 788 10 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-08 | content= }} ===By taxi=== * {{listing | name=Helsinki Limo | alt= | url=http://www.helsinkilimo.com | email=info@helsinkilimo.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 20-787-0360, +358 20-787-0360 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Will provide airport pick-ups, private car services as transfers and longer trips. Their vehicles are always new and black with leather interior. Drivers speak English and can even, by order, give short sightseeings. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Lähitaksi | alt= | url=https://www.lahitaksi.fi/en | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 100-7300 (extra charge: €1.92+€2.5/min+pvm) | tollfree= | hours= | price=Daytime M–Sa €3.90+€1/1.45/km+0.90/min, nights and holidays €7.90+1.05/1.55/km+0.99/min; prebooking €7/14; the lower km and prebooking fees for 1–4 persons | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-09 | content=Traditionally the main taxi dispatch service in the capital region outside of Helsinki. Smartphone app: Taksini }} * {{listing | name=Uber | alt= | url=http://www.uber.com/fi/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-05-20 | content=Uber uses licensed vehicles and drivers like everybody else, although the vehicle standard may differ more than what is otherwise common. }} * {{listing | name=Yango | alt= | url=https://yango.yandex.com/fi_fi/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=M–F €3.00+1.10/km+0.25/min, Sa Su 05:00-21:59 €3.00+1.10/km+0.25/min, F-Su 22:00-04:59 €6.00+1.10/km+0.25/min (Starting fare includes 4 min and 1.5 km) | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-25 | content=Yango is a Russian company which offers cheap fares. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Menevä Espoo | url=https://www.meneva.fi/en/service-areas/uusimaa/espoo | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 50-471-0470 (head of office) | tollfree=0800-02120 (booking) | hours= | price=Flag fall M–Sa 06:00–18:00: €4, other times and holidays: €7; 1–4 persons €0.90/km + €0.90/km, 5–8 persons minimum €20, €1.60/km + €0.90/min (July 2020) | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-25 | content=As of July 2020 Also bookable by app or web. Fixed price based on calculated route and time if destination address given when booking by app or web. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=iTaksi | alt= | url=https://www.itaksi.fi | email=info@itaksi.fi | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 10-212-0000 | tollfree= | hours= | price=€4.00/6.00+€0.90/km+€0.85/min | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Fixutaxi | alt= | url=https://fixutaxi.fi/ | email=info@fixutaxi.fi | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 100-6060 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Daily 06:00–18:00 €0.99/km+0.90/min, evenings and nights €1.17/km+0.99/min, minimum fare €10; prebooking €10 | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Also bookable by app. Fixed price based on calculated route and time if destination address given when booking by app. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Valopilkku | alt=Taksi Helsinki | url=https://valopilkkutaksi.fi/briefly-in-english/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-08-27 | content=Taxis ordered by smart phone app. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=02 Taksi | url=https://02taksi.fi/english/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-03-12 | content=Smart phone app offers address based routing and gives price offers from different taxi companies. }} ==See== [[File:Helsinki University of Technology auditorium.jpg|thumbnail|Aalto University auditorium in Otaniemi]] [[File:Taskumattitaloja Tapiolassa.jpg|thumbnail|"Hip flask" houses in Tapiola]] *{{see | name=The Gallen-Kallela museum | alt= | url=http://www.gallen-kallela.fi/en/ | email= | address=Gallen-Kallelan tie 27 | lat=60.206389 | long=24.838333 | directions= | phone=+358 9 849 2340 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11:00-16:00 | price=€8 | content=A small museum of the Finnish painter Akseli Gallen-Kallela (1865–1931) who is best known for his illustrations of the Kalevala, the Finnish national epic. The museum is located in a castle-like house, Tarvaspää, on a rocky hill facing the sea, originally designed and built by Akseli Gallen-Kallela 1911–1913 as a combined home for his family and a studio. The museum presents not only the works of Akseli Gallen-Kallela, but also tells the story of his family and contains a collection of artefacts brought back from their travels to Africa. }}<!-- -->[[File:MIKES in Otaniemi.jpg|thumb|right|Mikes in Otaniemi. In the centre is Finland's most accurate clock, with an inaccuracy of only a few nanoseconds per year.]] * {{see | name=Otaniemi Campus | alt= | url= | email= | address=Otaniementie 8 | lat=60.185562 | long=24.827538 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2017-07-05| content=The campus of Aalto University (former Helsinki University of Technology) was designed by Alvar Aalto in organic modernist style, and includes the Dipoli congress center designed by Reima and Raili Pietilä in an eccentric style (lacking in right angles). Most buildings of interest are located either on the main street, Otaniementie, or on Otakaari, a loop road going from Otaniementie via Dipoli to the dorm village (''Teekkarikylä''), returning to the other side of the main building. The Laajalahti nature protected area, a good birdwatching site, is accessed from Otaniemi. At the headquarters of the Geological Survey of Finland, there is a museum display of geology, minerals and in particular a piece of moon rock gifted by the United States. At Tekniikantie 1 is Mikes (Centre for Metrology and Accreditation), with Finland's most accurate clock on its wall. }} * {{see | name=EMMA| alt= | url=http://www.emma.museum | email= | address=Ahertajantie 5 | lat=60.178689 | long=24.793109 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Hosts Espoo Museum of Modern Art (EMMA) and a few other museums WeeGee exhibition centre }} * {{see | name=Glims Farmstead Museum | alt=Glims gårdsmuseum | url=https://www.espoo.fi/en/glims-farmstead-museum | email= | address=Glimsintie 1, Karvasmäki | lat=60.221477 | long=24.680515 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Local open air museum. }} * {{see | name=Espoon automuseo | alt=Espoo car museum | url=http://espoonautomuseo.com/?page_id=68 | email= | address=Bodomintie 35, Pakankylä | lat=60.275614 | long=24.668197 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Espoo cathedral | alt= | url= | email= | address=Kirkkokatu 1 | lat=60.209284 | long=24.653593 | directions= | phone=+358 9 862-5000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=free | content=The cathedral near Espoon Keskus is over 500 years old and built out of granite stone. }} * {{see | name=Marketanpuisto | alt= | url=http://www.marketanpuisto.fi/index.php?section=11 | email= | address=Pehtorinkuja 3 | lat=60.24910 | long=24.70587 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | content=This park is a permanent garden exhibition next to and operated by the Överby gardening vocational school. Stroll around and look at the works by the students. If you are an amateur gardener yourself, you'll perhaps get some ideas for your own garden. }} * {{see | name=Espoo TV and radio mast | alt=Espoon radio- ja televisioasema | url= | email= | address=Pellavakaskentie, Espoo | lat=60.17719 | long=24.64055 | directions=Latokaski district, 1 km walking from the closest bus stop (Latokasken koulu) | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=At 326m, the tallest structure in the capital region and the third tallest in Finland (two other masts are 327 m high). It isn't the Eiffel tower – you can't climb it or even get next to it (the immediate surroundings are closed off with a fence) but it's there; there is a walking trail next to the place. }} * {{see | name=Espoo Central Park | alt=Espoon keskuspuisto | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.18754 | long=24.69400 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Like New York and Helsinki, Espoo also has a central park. A little peace of a few kilometres south of Espoon Keskus. The park consists mostly of dense spruce forest, with some steep hills. Has maintained footpaths, although they might be inaccessible to wheeled vehicles (prams, wheelchairs) with snowfall. }} * {{see | name=Architecture in Tapiola | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.17879 | long=24.80601| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Tapiola district in the east of Espoo was constructed as a garden city in the 1950s and 1960s. The district is a showcase of Finnish architecture from that period and many of the buildings look quite innovative and unusual even today. }} * {{see | name=Glims Pks4H Petting Zoo | alt= | url=https://www.pks4h.fi/muu-toiminta/kotielainpihat/glimsin-4h-kotielainpiha/ | email=elainvastaava@4h.fi | address=Glimsintie 1 | lat=60.2208644 | long=24.6801625 | directions=near Jorvi hospital | phone=+358 45 783 17764 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-04-18 | content=In Glims you will find several different domestic animals such as sheep. Children can hug animals. }} * {{see | name=Lake Bodom | alt=Bodominjärvi | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.25644 | long=24.66473 | directions=near the Nuuksio National Park | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-02-09 | content=The most popular beach in Espoo has a grim history, it is the site of probably the most known unsolved mystery in Finland, the Lake Bodom murders. This is where the band Children of Bodom got their name from. }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Espoo archipelago | alt= | url=http://www.visitespoo.fi/visitors_guide/enjoy/archipelago/scheduled__boats | email= | address= | lat=60.140626 | long=24.764998 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Many small islands outside Espoo can be visited by boat in the summer. They are great for hiking and camping. }} * {{do | name=Classical music | alt= | url=http://www.tapiolasinfonietta.fi | email= | address= | lat=60.17780 | long=24.80440 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Tapiola Sinfonietta is an orchestra specializing in Viennese classical music, but also plays modern music. They perform regularly in the Tapiolasali concert hall, sometimes together with international guest soloists. }}<!-- -->[[File:Mini-Tapiola.jpg|thumb|right|"Mini-Tapiola" in autumn 2006]] * {{do | name=Mini-Tapiola | alt= | url=http://www.tapiolankeskus.fi/fi/Liikkeet-Palvelut/Espoon-kaupungin-palvelut-kulttuuri/miniTapiola | email= | address=Tapiola centre | lat=60.17618 | long=24.80328 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=09:00-21:00 | price=Free of charge | image=Mini-Tapiola.jpg | lastedit=2015-12-21 | content="Mini-Tapiola" is a children's play park featuring a miniature version of the centre of Tapiola, located in the centre of Tapiola itself. Here children can have fun and familiarise themselves with the Tapiola district and basic traffic rules, while being safely overseen by their parents. }} * {{do | name=Espoo Waterfront Walkway | alt=Rantaraitti | url=http://www.espoo.fi/en-US/Housing_and_environment/Streets_and_Transport/Pedestrian_and_bicycle_traffic/Espoos_Waterfront_Walkway | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Any time | price= | lastedit=2015-04-26 | content=The Rantaraitti hiking trail runs along Espoo's entire coastline, from the border to Helsinki at Laajalahti all the way to the border to Kirkkonummi at Kauklahti. The trail is well marked with frequent Rantaraitti icons. You can start and end your hike at any point during the trail. Free of charge. }} * {{do | name=Laajalahti Nature Reserve | alt= | url=http://www.nationalparks.fi/en/laajalahti | email=villaelfvik@espoo.fi | address=Elfvikintie | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 9 816-54400 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-06-14 | content=Bird wetland. It has a large nesting population and is also an important stop for migrating birds. Trails and bird watching towers. The Laajalahti bay consists mostly of shallow open water, but there are also a broad reedbed and shoreline groves and meadows. The nature centre Villa Elfvik is starting point for a 700 m nature trail and a 3 km trail to the southern end of the area by Otaniemi, where it combines with the Waterfront Walkway]. }}<!-- -->[[File:Half Pipe Serena.jpg|thumbnail|Outdoor half-pipe water slide at Serena]] * {{Marker|type=do|lat=60.31505 | long=24.52835|name=[[Nuuksio National Park]]}}. This is a "go to" place in Espoo, being probably the most accessible "true Finnish forest" near Helsinki. There is parking and footpaths. Although one has a metalled path up to a beautiful lakeshore, none are completely accessible to wheelchairs or prams, since all include unmaintained sections with rocky slopes and/or tree roots blocking the way. * Cinema ** {{do | name=Finnkino | alt= | url=http://www.finnkino.fi/eng | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Finnkino runs movie theatres in the shopping centres Iso Omena and Sello. }} ** {{do | name=Bio Grani | alt= | url=http://www.biograni.fi | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Kauniainen | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Smaller independent cinema, showing mostly the bigger blockbusters. May have a matinée series of cheaper, more art house screenings supported by the local culture board. }} ** {{do | name=Kino Tapiola | alt= | url=http://www.kinotapiola.fi/elokuvateatteri | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Tapiola | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Smaller independent cinema, showing mostly the bigger blockbusters. May have a matinée series of cheaper, more art house screenings supported by the local culture board. }} * {{do | name=Serena Water Amusement Park | alt=Vesipuisto Serena | url=http://www.serena.fi/index.php?lang=en_EN | email=info.serena@puuhagroup.com | address=Tornimäentie 10 | lat=60.324525 | long=24.736514 | directions=Bus 236 from Leppävaara | phone=+358 9 8870550| tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 23:00-20:00 | price=All-day pass €32 except some Fridays €25 (16:00-20:00 only), family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) €75. |lastedit=2023-05-16| content=This is the largest water park in the Nordic countries with some 2,000 m² of heated pools indoors. The buildings have seen their best days, but kids love the water slides. An extra 1,000 m&sup2; of outdoor area is open in the summer. Serena is at its best in winter when you can kick back in a jacuzzi and watch people ski on the other side of the glass windows. }} * {{do | name=Watch a game | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Espoo has a team in many premier Finnish sports leagues. The football (soccer) team FC Honka play their home games in Tapiola sports park, Esport center is the home for Oilers (floorball) and Honka (basket ball), and in the winter many fans head to Metro Arena to see a home game of the local team Espoo United. }} * {{listing | type=do | name=Vermo Horse Racing Track | alt=Vermon ravirata | url=https://www.vermo.fi | email= | address= | lat=60.2166 | long=24.8401 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-02-23 | content=Finland's premier horse racing track features races every Wednesday and some Saturdays. It also hosts the annual Finlandia-Ajo event part of the UET Masters Series. }} * {{do | name=Laguuni Keilis | alt= | url=https://laguuniin.fi/keilis/ | email= | address=Keilalahdentie 8 | lat=60.168959 | long=24.832052 | directions= | phone=+358 29 170 0353 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-06-11 | content=You can rent a standup paddleboard or a kayak. }} * Swimming pool ** {{do | name=Leppävaara Swimming Pool | alt= | url=https://www.espoo.fi/en/units/39817 | email= | address=Veräjäpellonkatu 15 | lat=60.225941 | long=24.804007 | directions=Leppävaara Sports Park | phone=+358 9 8165-7570 | tollfree= | hours= | price=€6 | lastedit=2022-06-08 | content=Big pool, therapy pool, hot tubs, cold water pool, wading pool, outdoor pool, virtual water exercise. Regular saunas and steam saunas. }} ** {{do | name=Keski-Espoo Swimming Pool | alt= | url=https://www.espoo.fi/en/units/39363 | email= | address=Kaivomestarinkatu 2 | lat=60.210262 | long=24.659972 | directions=Kuninkaantie general upper secondary school building | phone=+358 9 8164-3469 | tollfree= | hours= | price=€6 | lastedit=2022-06-08 | content=Big pool, therapy pool, learner's pool, jacuzzi, hybrid saunas (infrared and aroma). }} * {{do | name=Seapoint | alt= | url=https://seapoint.fi/fi_FI/seapoint-palvelut-2/vuokraveneet/espoo | email= | address=Skatantie 36 | lat=60.134888 | long=24.727341 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-05-16 | content=Motorboat rental at Suino marina in Suvisaaristo. }} ===Events=== [[File:Länsiväyläjuoksu 2013.jpg|thumb|The start of the Länsiväyläjuoksu event in 2013. The short run starts first, the long run and the walk start 15 minutes after that. This is intended to minimise collisions between runners and walkers.]] * {{do | name=Espoo Panee ja Juhlii | alt= | url=https://ravintolafatlizard.fi/en/ | email= | address=Tietotie 1 | lat=60.185388 | long=24.820186 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=16:00 to 22:00 | price=Free entry, beer from 2 € (minuscule samples) to 10 € (full glass) | lastedit=2024-05-02 | content=The name means "Espoo is Brewing and Partying". A small-scale beer festival hosted by the brewery restaurant Fat Lizard in Otaniemi and held on the restaurant's terrace. Various Finnish breweries come to showcase their beer and there is usually live music played. Held on three separate Fridays in the summer, one in June, one in July and one in August. See the restaurant's website for more information. }} * {{do | name=Länsiväyläjuoksu | alt= | url=http://www.lansivaylajuoksu.fi | email= | address=Otaranta | lat=60.1857 | long=24.8349 | directions= | phone=+358 44-340-5326, +358 9 343 1067 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10:00–16:00 | price=Free/€15–60 depending on category and registration date | content=Espoo's most famous annual running and walking event. Held on a Sunday in late April. Three event categories: long run, short run and walk. All of them start and end at Otaranta. The long run is over 17 km and goes all across the Laajalahti bay, also visiting neighbouring Helsinki. The short run and the walk are 6 km and stay in Espoo. A nice opportunity to get some exercise and see the scenery in southern Finland. There is a fee for participation but spectating is free. }} ==Buy== ===Shopping centres=== [[File:Tapiolan keskustaa illalla.jpg|thumbnail|Department stores in Tapiola during the Christmas season]] * {{buy | name=Sello | alt= | url=http://www.sello.fi/opening-times | email= | address=Leppävaarankatu 3-9 | lat=60.21791 | long=24.80996 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=One of the largest shopping centres in Finland with excellent traffic connections. Local trains A, E, S, U, Y and the night train L all stop at Leppävaara station which is just beside the shopping centre. Also many bus routes serve the area. Selection of retailers is geared Finnish and international clothing and consumer electronics chains. The shopping centre features several cafes, restaurants and fast food outlets as well as two large grocery stores. }} * {{buy | name=Iso Omena | alt= | url=http://www.isoomena.fi/en_US/ | email= | address=Piispansilta 11 | lat=60.16160 | long=24.73825 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Large shopping centre serving the Matinkylä district. Bus lines 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 10K, 11, 31, 35, 112, 503, 132, 143, 145, 147, 150, 151, 154, 160 and 165. The selection of shops is fairly similar compared to the slightly larger Sello shopping centre, although there are some speciality shops geared towards a more upscale clientele. }} * {{buy | name=Entresse and Espoontori | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.20432 | long=24.65666 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=The two shopping centres, [http://entresse.fi/ Entresse] and [http://www.espoontori.fi/ Espoontori], serve the Central Espoo district near the Espoo train station. Local trains E, S, U and the night train L stop here. Both shopping centres are significantly smaller than the ones previously introduced. Espoontori features a grocery store, Tokmanni (a budget general store) and various smaller retailers. Entresse has a grocery store, jewellery shops and clothing stores. }} * '''[http://tla.fi Tapiola shopping district]{{Dead link|date=April 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''', which includes [http://www.ainoatapiola.fi/en/ Ainoa], [http://www.heikintori.fi Heikintori] {{dead link|December 2020}}, a Stockmann, and numerous smaller shops. * Smaller shopping centres are [http://www.lippulaiva.fi Lippulaiva] in Espoonlahti; Olari Prisma next to Iso Omena on the opposite side of Länsiväylä; [https://kauppakeskusniitty.fi Niitty] in Niittykumpu on the top of the district's metro station; Mankkaa and Viherlaakso; a hardware store area including the shopping centre Merituuli in Suomenoja; another similar area in Lommila and Muurala near Espoo centre, and numerous others. Most districts have at least one local grocery store (often with a couple of other shops and services in the same building). ===Outlet shops=== * {{buy | name=Iittala Outlet | alt= | url=http://www.iittala.fi/web/Iittalaweb.nsf/en/home | email= | address=Espoontie 25, Lommila | lat=60.21980 | long=24.66456 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Home decoration and kitchen utensils. }} * {{buy | name=Lumene | alt= | url=http://www.lumene.com | email= | address=Lasihytti 1, Kauklahti | lat=60.18679 | long=24.59925 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Finnish cosmetics manufacturer Lumene has its factory outlet in the disctrict of Kauklahti in Western Espoo. Local trains E, S, U and the night train L stop at Kauklahti station. }} * {{buy | name=Espoon lahjatupa | alt= | url=http://www.espoonlahjatupa.fi/ | email= | address=Kirkkojärventie 3, Espoon keskus | lat=60.20550 | long= 24.65671 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=An outlet shop rich in atmosphere selling Finnish handmade gifts and home decoration products. }} ===Outdoor markets=== Like most cities in Finland you can buy fruits, vegetables, fish and more and sit down for a cup of coffee at outdoor markets (''tori''). They are open 09:00–17:00. For maps and information on events, [http://www.espoontorikauppiaat.fi/index.php?lang=EN Espoon torikauppiaat ] association website. * Espoon keskus (Asematori) * Leppävaara markets (Läkkitori north of the railway station and Viaporin tori on the southern side, in the inner court of Sello shopping centre) * Espoonlahti market (Ulappatori) * Tapiola market * Karakallio market ===Flea markets=== * {{buy | name=Fida International | alt= | url=http://www.fida.info/fida-in-english/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2023-11-05| content=Fida International operates goodwill flea markets in four, mostly residential areas: Leppävaara (Harakantie 22) Matinkylä (Piispansilta 11), Tapiola (Kauppamiehentie 1) and Espoon Keskus (Kamreerintie 3). The selection in the shops mostly consists of used clothes, books and furniture. }} * {{buy | name=Espoo Recycling Centre | alt=Espoon kierrätyskeskus | url=http://www.kierratyskeskus.fi/in_english | email= | address=Matinpurontie 8 | lat=60.16216 | long=24.75559 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The selection includes furniture, clothes (also vintage), toys, books, sports equipment, electronics, cookware and cutlery. The shop has also a free of charge department with a small variety of clothes and other items. }} * {{buy | name=TC Secondhand | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/TCsecondhandMatinkyla | email=info@teenchallenge.fi | address=Kala-Matti 3 C | lat=60.158117 | long=24.737094 | directions= | phone=+358 44 972 7777 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 14:00–18:00 Sa 12:00–16:00 | price= | lastedit=2022-06-08 | content=Charity shop selling clothes and accessories. Sales revenue supports those in difficult life situations. }} * There are some self-service fleamarkets around Espoo like [http://www.akseli.info Akseli] (Sinikalliontie 1, Mankkaa) ==Eat== [[File:HanaholmenN.jpg|thumbnail|Hanasaari cultural centre, also has a restaurant with Scandinavian cuisine]] ===Budget=== * {{eat | name=Student diners in Otaniemi | alt= | url=https://kanttiinit.fi/ | email= | address=Otakaari 1 | lat=60.18611 | long=24.82828 | directions=several places in the area | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=lunchtime | price=€5–8 | content=The lunch restaurants of the Aalto University engineering schools offer cheap meals even for non-students. Most have 2–3 cheap options and one higher-price option. }} ** {{eat | name=Maukas | alt= | url=https://www.mau-kas.fi/ | email=info@mau-kas.fi | address=Vuorimiehentie 5 | lat=60.182841 | long=24.827977 | directions=in Otaniemi | phone=+358 40-705-0157 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 10:30–14:00 | price=€10.90 | lastedit=2022-06-08 | content=Family-run lunch restaurant in Otaniemi, Espoo. }} ** {{eat | name=Fazer Food & Co. | alt= | url=https://www.foodandco.fi/ravintolat/Ravintolat-kaupungeittain/espoo/aalto-yliopisto-tuas/ | email=tuas@foodandco.fi | address=Maarintie 8 | lat=60.186838 | long=24.819370 | directions= | phone=+358 50-417-6537 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 10:30–13:30 | price=€7.55, dessert €1.65 | lastedit=2022-06-08 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Pizzaman | url=http://www.pizzaman.fi | email= | address=Lippajärventie 29 | lat=60.22974 | long=24.71594 | directions= | phone=+358 9 512-0512 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 10–21:00, Sa Su 12:00–21:00 | price=regular pizzas €6–8 | content=Pizzaman is next to the K-Kauppa grocery store. Large pizzas. }} * {{eat | name=Ravintola Haukimuori | url=http://www.haukimuori.com | email= | address=Iivisniemenkatu 2D | lat=60.14784 | long=24.69175 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=lunch €8 | content=A lunch restaurant in Iivisniemi district with home cooked delicious food. }} * {{eat | name=Täffä | alt= | url=https://www.teknologforeningen.fi/?lang=en | email= | address=Otakaari 22 | lat=60.18602 | long=24.83266 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€3 (for Finnish students) to €8 | lastedit=2017-11-30 | content=Perhaps the most famous of the university student restaurants in Otaniemi, owned by the Teknologföreningen student association. Located in a nice-looking functionalist building, easy to spot by the long ledge hanging over its main entrance.<br />The restaurant is mainly for university students but is open for everyone, non-students just pay more. Still cheap.<br />Five choices available each day, of which one is vegetarian and one is a fancier and costlier à la carte option. Most famous for its spaghetti bolognese, served every Wednesday, perhaps the best spaghetti bolognese in Espoo. On Wednesdays, prepare for long queues, taking almost fifteen minutes just to get to order your food. }} * {{eat | name=Sodexo Keilasatama 5 | alt= | url=https://www.sodexo.fi/ravintolat/espoo/keilasatama-5 | email= | address=Keilasatama 5 | lat=60.173279 | long=24.829700 | directions=Metro station Keilaniemi, bus 555 | phone=+358 50-380-8490 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 11:00–13:00 | price=€11.30 | lastedit=2021-05-12 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Peshawar | alt= | url=https://www.peshawar.fi/ | email= | address=Kutojantie 3 | lat=60.209927 | long=24.754042 | directions= | phone=+358 9 888 1520 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Kalajärven pizzeria | alt= | url=https://kalajarvenpizzeria.fi/index.php? | email=info@kalajarvenpizzeria.fi | address=Ruskaniitty 4 | lat=60.305850 | long=24.739167 | directions=in Kalajärvi; along the road 120 | phone=+358 9 855 6856 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 10:00–22:00, Weekend 11:00–22:00 | price=€9–14 | lastedit=2023-09-24 | content= }} ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=Deli Rasoi | alt= | url=http://www.delhirasoi.fi/en/ | email= | address=Siltakatu 11 | lat=60.20378 | long=24.65905 | directions= | phone=+358 9 428-91892 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 10:30–21:00, F–Su 11:00–22:00 | price=Lunch buffet €9.20 (M–F), €12 (Weekend), Mains from €12 | content=Tasty and authentic Indian food. Great value for the price. }} * {{eat | name=Dylan & Friends | alt= | url=https://www.dylan.fi/keilaniemi | email=friends@dylan.fi | address=Keilaniementie 1 | lat=60.174885 | long=24.830884 | directions=in the Accountor Tower building, take the escalators on the left | phone=+358 401258838 | tollfree= | hours=10:30 to 14:00, closed weekends | price=14.50 € | lastedit=2025-06-17 | content=A lunch restaurant located in the Accountor Tower office building. Serves buffet lunch on weekdays. }}[[File:Pork schnitzel with Koskenlaskija sauce at restaurant E.T. Charlie.jpg|thumb|right|Pork schnitzel]] * {{eat | name=E.T. Charlie | alt= | url=https://ristorantecharlie.fi/ | email=e.t.charlie@kolumbus.fi | address=Ukkohauentie 11–13 | lat=60.1633 | long=24.7761 | directions= | phone=+358 9 886-01761 | tollfree= | hours=11:00–21:00 mostly | price= | content=A spacious, stylish, comfortable restaurant in the quiet residential district of Haukilahti. Serves typical dishes available in restaurants in Finland: pastas, pizzas, steaks, and burgers. No famous speciality, but all dishes are worth trying. The kitchen closes at 21:00, but the restaurant usually stays open until midnight. Many local people come here often. There is a bus connection to Tapiola and Otaniemi (line 111) near the restaurant and it's a short walk away from the Haukilahti beach and marina. Main courses €11–25. }} * {{eat | name=Fat Lizard | alt= | url=http://ravintolafatlizard.fi/ | email= | address=Tietotie 1 | lat=60.18558 | long=24.82041 | directions= | phone=+358 20-127-7710 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10:30 to 24:00 mostly | price=Lunch €12–17.50, main courses €18–32 | lastedit=2018-02-18 | content=One of the very few à la carte restaurants in Otaniemi. Highly stylish interior and good, if somewhat expensive, food. Easily accessible as it's right next door to the Aalto University metro station. Lunch includes both a buffet at 12 € and an upgrade option for 5.50 € extra. If you're feeling adventurous, try fried crickets as starters at €10. The restaurant also includes its own bar, serving various beers both from the Fat Lizard brewery (try some, they're refreshingly fruity lagers) and elsewhere. }} * {{eat | name=Fuku Supreme | alt= | url=https://www.fukusupreme.com/ | email=fukusupreme@ravintolafuku.com | address=Leppävaarankatu 3-9 | lat=60.218131 | long=24.809982 | directions=located on the Viaporintori square, no entrance from inside Sello | phone=+358 50 5425386 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 10:30-21:00, Sa 12-21, Su 12-20 | price=Buffet about 25 € | lastedit=2025-05-04 | content=A sushi restaurant located near the Sello shopping centre in Leppävaara. The buffet is rather good and included salad, sushi, warm food and desserts. Water, coffee and green tea is included, alcoholic drinks cost extra. }}[[File:Steak au poivre at Grilli Ribis.jpg|thumb|right|Steak au poivre, beef steak with peppercorn sauce]] * {{eat | name=Grilli Ribis | alt= | url=http://www.ribis.fi/ | email= | address=Kauppamiehentie 1 | lat=60.17674 | long=24.80191 | directions= | phone=+358 9 455-1780 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Sa 10:00–17:00 mostly, closed on Sundays | price=Main courses €12–18 | lastedit=2015-12-13 | content=A decades-old and famous steak restaurant, located in the Heikintori shopping centre in central Tapiola. Steaks of various forms, particularly pork and beef. The restaurant is rather small and looks like your average diner, but its steaks have gained it fame throughout Espoo and even in neighbouring Helsinki. There are a limited number of tables available but you can also eat your steak at the bar. }} * {{eat | name=Ravintola Grilli Toro | url=http://www.grillitoro.fi/ | email= | address=Louhentie 16 | lat= 60.18705 | long=24.79654 | directions= | phone=+358 9 460-427 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A good selection of large steaks at a reasonable price in Pohjantori, north Tapiola, especially popular during lunchtime. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Guido's Pizza | alt= | url=https://guidos.fi | email= | address=Heikinkuja 2 | lat=60.175871 | long=24.802210 | directions= | phone=+358 400-139-998 | tollfree= | hours=11:00–21:00 mostly | price=€11–18 | lastedit=2020-01-12 | content=A nice little pizzeria in Tapiola with tasty, authentic Italian pizzas. Several beers available, try for example MC Taakibörsta or Märichello. }} * {{eat | name=Luukki Manor | alt=Luukin kartano | url=https://www.ravintolalaguna.fi/luukin-kartano | email=myynti@ravintolalaguna.fi | address=Luukintie 33 | lat=60.316378 | long=24.692171 | directions=in Luukki; along the road 120 | phone=+358 50 351 7728 | tollfree= | hours=From June to August daily 10:00–17:00; from September to May weekend 11:00–15:00 | price=€13–18 | lastedit=2023-09-24 | content=A restaurant manor in the Luukki recreational area. }} * {{eat | name=Ravintola Johannes | alt= | url=http://www.hanaholmen.fi/en/restaurant/restaurant | email= | address=Hanasaarenranta 5 | lat=60.16395 | long=24.83595 | directions=Hanasaari Island | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Scandinavian cuisine served in an environment of modern art. Good food, but the service is rather slow even as the restaurant is not even half full. The restaurant also has their own pale ale "Märket" (named after [[Lighthouses#Q3378321|the lighthouse]] west of [[Åland]]). }} *{{eat | name=Restaurant Lime Leaf | url=http://eat.fi/en/espoo/banana-leaf | email= | address=Sello Rex, Leppävaara | lat=60.21760 | long= 24.80902 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Thai and Malay restaurant run by Chinese. }} *{{listing | type=eat | name=Ravintola Nepal | alt= | url=https://ravintolanepal.fi | email= | address=Kivenlahdenkatu 1, 02320 Espoo | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 9 348-9009 | tollfree= | hours=Tu–Th 11:00–21:00, F 11:00–22:00, Sa 12:00–22:00, Su 12:00–21:00 | price=Lunch starting from €9 (T–F), Mains starting from €12 | lastedit=2020-01-18 | content=Tasty and authentic Nepalese food in Espoo. Great value for the price. }} * {{eat | name=Ravintola Sevilla Bar & Restaurante | alt= | url= | email= | address=Tapionaukio 3, Tapiola | lat=60.17680 | long=24.80556 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Spanish-style restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Xin Long | alt= | url=http://xinlong.tilda.ws/ | email= | address=Tapiontori 3 | lat=60.17790 | long=24.80395 | directions= | phone=+358 9 855-0030 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10:30–21:00 | price=Lunch €9 | lastedit=2016-03-09 | content=A Chinese restaurant near the centre of Tapiola. Famous for its all-you-can-eat lunch buffet, combining Chinese food and sushi. Not specifically a sushi restaurant, but the sushi is among the best in Espoo. The main courses include various varieties of beef, pork, chicken and tofu, and all are worth trying. }} ===Splurge=== * {{eat | name=Ravintola Haikaranpesä | alt= | url=https://ravintolahaikaranpesa.fi/ | email= | address=Hauenkallio 3 | lat=60.16134 | long=24.76591 | directions= | phone=+358 9 452-4254 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 11:00–15:00, Sa Su 12:00–17:00 | price=Lunch buffet €56 | content=A panoramic restaurant in the water tower of Haukilahti. Open only for lunch! }} [[File:Accountor Tower on a July evening.jpg|thumb|right|The Accountor Tower high-rise building is one of the tallest buildings in Finland. Restaurant Lucy in the Sky is on the 20th floor.]] * {{eat | name=Lucy in the Sky | alt= | url=https://www.lucyinthesky.fi/ | email=lucy@lucyinthesky.fi | address=Keilaniementie 1 | lat=60.175003 | long=24.830685 | directions= | phone=+358403532522 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Th 11:00 - 22:30, Fr 11:00 - 00:00, Sa 13:00 - 00:00, Su 13:00 - 18:00, Mo closed | price=Main courses 30 € to 40 €, set menus 70 € | lastedit=2025-06-01 | content=A fashionable restaurant located on the top floor of the Accountor Tower office building on the sea shore, offering nice views over the cities of Espoo and Helsinki. A wide variety of dishes available as well as three set menus, of which one is vegetarian. Diverse wine list. }} ==Drink== [[File:Bemböle kaffestuga.jpg|thumbnail|Bemböle coffee house]] ===Cafés=== * {{drink | name=Café Mellsten | alt= | url= | email= | address=Mellstenintie 6 | lat=60.15551 | long=24.77823 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Located near the beach in Haukilahti. As well as a café, also serves tasty and cheap lunch consisting of soup or pasta. }} * {{drink | name=Bembölen kahvitupa | alt=Bemböle kaffestuga | url=http://www.suomenkalastusmatkailu.fi/bembolenkahvitupa/ | email= | address=Bellinmäki 1 | lat= 60.22279 | long= 24.67391 | directions=Bemböle district | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Traditional café with century-old history next to the [[King's Road (Finland)|King's Road]]. }} * {{drink | name=Café Ankkuri | alt= | url=https://www.cafeotsolahti.com/ | email= | address=Sateenkaari 9 | lat=60.17251 | long=24.81331 | directions=Otsolahti district | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Café WeeGee | alt= | url=http://www.sodexo.fi/weegee {{dead link|October 2017|December 2020}} | email= | address=Ahertajantie 5 | lat= 60.17879 | long=24.79707 | directions=Tapiola district | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Café Merenneito | alt= | url=http://www.cafemerenneito.fi | email= | address=Koukkuniementie 1A | lat= 60.15080 | long= 24.75212 | directions=Matinkylä district | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Kahvila Satakieli | alt= | url=http://www.espoo.fi/default.asp?path=1;28;11866;7969;7971 {{dead link|October 2017|December 2020}} | email= | address=Elfvikintie 4 | lat= 60.20173 | long=24.82244 | directions=Laajalahti district | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Kaisan Café | alt= | url= | email= | address=Itätuulenkuja 8 | lat=60.17404 | long=24.80408 | directions=Tapiola district | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Located in the "Sampokuja" building in central Tapiola. Open on weekdays only. Try their cinnamon buns, they're tasty, huge (perhaps the biggest in Espoo) and quite cheap. }} * {{drink | name=Vasikkasaaren kahvila | alt= | url= | email= | address=Iso Vasikkasaari Island | lat=60.14070 | long=24.75848 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Teen Challenge Finland meeting place | alt= | url=https://teenchallenge.fi | email=info@teenchallenge.fi | address=Kala-Matti 3 C | lat=60.158117 | long=24.737094 | directions= | phone=+358 44-972-7777 | tollfree= | hours=Tu Th 11:00–15:00 | price= | lastedit=2022-06-08 | content=Community café. Free of charge coffee and buns. }} ===Bars and pubs=== * {{drink | name=William K | url= | email= | address=Leppävaarankatu 3-9 | lat=60.21740 | long=24.81024 | directions=in Sello mall | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A passable beer pub with nice sunny outdoor seating. }} * {{drink | name=Base | url=http://www.ravintolabase.fi | email= | address=Leppävaarankatu 3-9 | lat= 60.21742 | long= 24.80885 | directions=in Sello mall | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A cosy place for a drink, also situated at Sello. }} * {{drink | name=Mitta & Hana (former pub Satulinna) | url= | email= | address=Kirstintie 5 | lat= 60.20086 | long= 24.66648 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Likely the most famous pub in Espoo. }} * {{drink | name=Bodom Bar & Sauna | alt= | url=http://www.bodombar.com/ | email= | address=Merituulentie 35 | lat=60.17087 | long=24.75664 | directions=near the Niittykumpu metro station | phone=+358 50 011 1121 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A restaurant bar dedicated to the Finnish metal band Children of Bodom. Public sauna included. }} ===Nightclubs=== Most people head east to Helsinki when they're planning a night out, but there are a couple of night clubs in Espoo as well. * {{drink | name=Bada Bing | alt= | url=http://bada-bing.fi/badabing/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=Itätuulenkuja 10 | lat=60.17416 | long=24.80522 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The former Fellini/Aladdin is in the Tapiola district and attracts many young adults. R-22. }} * {{drink | name=Club Kannunkulma | url=http://www.kannunkulma.com | email= | address=Kannusillankatu 2 | lat= 60.20564 | long= 24.65353 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A restaurant in the daytime, and some form of entertainment every night. }} * {{drink | name=Bella Ciao | url= | email= | address=Piispansilta 11 A | lat=60.16139 | long= 24.73939 | directions=in the Iso-Omena mall | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=F Sa nights until 04:00 | price= | content=The place to go in Matinkylä. Like the others it is also a restaurant during the daytime. R-18 }} ==Sleep== [[File:Kaakkoista Espoota 23 kesä 2009.jpg|thumbnail|View towards Keilaniemi waterfront. Left: Fortum head office and Otaniemi water tower. Right: Life Science Center business park.]] ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Espoo Camping Oittaa | alt= | url=http://www.suncamping.fi | email=espoo@suncamping.fi | address=Kunnarlantie 31| lat=60.239167 | long=24.6575 | directions= | phone=+358 9 863-2585 | tollfree= | fax= | price=€30 / 2 adults + 2 children | hours=Open from end of May to end of August | checkin= | checkout= | content=Slightly shabby, yet friendly place. A nice beach at lake Bodom just some 200 m from the entrance. }} * {{sleep | name=Hostel Margereteberg | alt= | url= | email= | address=Pehtorinkuja 3, Järvenperä | lat=60.24692 | long=24.70415 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Solvallan urheiluopisto | alt= | url= | email= | address=Nuuksiontie 82, Nuuksio | lat=60.29324 | long= 24.55798 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Hellsten Hotel Apartment | url=http://www.hellstenhotels.fi/Hellsten_Hotel_Apartments/Espoo/ | email= | address=Porarinkatu 3, Espoo | lat=60.22488 | long=24.81957 | directions= | phone=+358 9 511-051 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Clean and simple. Located in a quiet neighbourhood but close enough to shopping centre Sello in Leppävaara. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Sokos Hotel Tapiola Garden | url=http://www.sokoshotels.fi/en/hotels/espoo/ | email=tapiolagarden.espoo@sokoshotels.fi | address=Tapionaukio 3, Espoo | lat= 60.17718 | long= 24.80701 | directions= | phone=+358 20-123-4616 | tollfree= | fax=+358 20 1234 617 | hours= | price=From €83 | checkin= | checkout= | content=A largish, modern hotel located in a pleasant neighbourhood of Tapiola. 154 (all non-smoking) rooms, sauna, exercise facilities, wireless Internet access, restaurant and bar. Convenient transport to Helsinki center by bus. Rooms in the northern part of the hotel have a scenic view facing a large pool. }} * {{sleep | name=Scandic Espoo | url=http://www.scandic-hotels.fi/espoo | email= | address=Nihtisillantie 1 | lat= 60.20701 | long=24.75561 | directions= | phone=+358 9 435-20 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=A chain hotel next to highway 1, best suited for those traveling by car as there isn't very much to see within walking distance. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Hanasaari | alt=Hotell Hanaholmen | url=http://www.hanaholmen.fi/en/ | email= | address=Hanasaarenranta 5 | lat=60.16389 | long=24.83593 | directions=on the Hanasaari island | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2015-11-29 | content=Located in the Laajalahti bay between Espoo and Helsinki, Hanasaari island fits exactly the hotel, a short road to it and a stretch of the highway Länsiväylä. Hanasaari hotel hosts a Swedish cultural centre and is often used for conferences. It is also within a walking distance (1 km) from the Keilaniemi business district. Very easy to reach by bus via bus stops on the Länsiväylä. Notice that there is an unrelated Hanasaari power plant in Helsinki; ask the taxi driver for the hotel in Espoo! The hotel rooms offer magnificent sea views through their huge windows. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Korpilampi | url=https://www.korpilampi.fi/en/ | email=myynti@korpilampi.fi | address=Korpilammentie 5 | lat= 60.32512 | long=24.73045 | directions=in Lahnus; near the Serena Waterpark | phone=+358 9 613-8411 | tollfree= | fax= | price=€50–100 | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=GLO Hotels Sello | alt= | url=https://www.glohotels.fi/en/hotels/glo-sello | email=sello@palacekamp.fi | address=Leppävaarankatu 1 | lat=60.21699 | long=24.81368 | directions= | phone=+358 10-344-4200 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=doubles from €110, cheaper weekend rates | content=A brand new design hotel next to Sello shopping center. }} * {{sleep | name=Radisson Blu Hotel, Espoo | alt= | url=https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-blu-espoo | email=info.espoo@radissonblu.com | address=Otaranta 2 | lat=60.18216 | long=24.83455 | directions=Aalto University campus in Otaniemi | phone=+358 20-1234-705 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=doubles from €110 | content=Popular among business travellers and academic visitors because of its location. }} ==Stay safe== Although a part of the Helsinki metropolitan area, Espoo has few or no problem spots and is exceptionally safe. There are various reasons. The population of Espoo is affluent, with few low-income neighborhoods. Population is simply less concentrated, with few high-rise districts, traffic junctions or concentrations of nightlife. Thus, partygoers are more likely to head to Helsinki to cause trouble. Caution is warranted in urban districts (along the railway) with nightlife during Friday or Saturday nights, for instance in Leppävaara and Espoon keskus. Suvela and Kirstinmäki, next to Espoon keskus, is often mentioned as the only "ghetto" in Espoo, although this is more reputation than fact if compared to districts in Central or Eastern Helsinki. ==Connect== ==Cope== The Jorvi Hospital (''Jorvin sairaala'') is near Espoon keskus. This is the main emergency care and surgery facility in Espoo. Unfortunately this is a rather remote location relative to most other places in Espoo, 20 min by car from the southwestern corner. Private clinics (search for "lääkäriasema" in Espoo) are found in Espoon keskus, Matinkylä, Leppävaara and Tapiola. See: * [https://www.mehilainen.fi/terveyspalvelut/toimipisteet#/94/mehilainen_matinkyla Mehiläinen Matinkylä] (Piispanportti 10 A, 3. floor) * [https://www.mehilainen.fi/terveyspalvelut/toimipisteet/33 Mehiläinen Leppävaara] (Panorama Tower, Hevosenkenkä 3) * [https://www.terveystalo.com/fi/Toimipaikat/Terveystalo-Espoontori/ Terveystalo Espoontori] (Kamreerintie 7) * [https://www.terveystalo.com/fi/Toimipaikat/Terveystalo-Iso-Omena-C-torni/ Terveystalo Iso Omena] (Piispansilta 11) * [https://www.terveystalo.com/fi/Toimipaikat/Terveystalo-Leppavaara/ Terveystalo Leppävaara] (Alberganesplanadi 1) * [https://www.terveystalo.com/fi/Toimipaikat/Terveystalo-Tapiola/ Terveystalo Tapiola] (Ainoa, Länsituuli 7) * [https://www.aava.fi/toimipiste/aava-tapiola Aava Tapiola] (Länsituulentie 1 A) The police station ("Kilon poliisi") is in Kilo district, Nihtisillankuja 4. [http://www.poliisi.fi/en/westernuusimaa/contactinformation Contacts]. ==Go next== West: [[Kirkkonummi]]–[[Siuntio]]–[[Ingå]]–[[Raseborg]] (Karis–Ekenäs–Pojo)–[[Hanko]] — The next cities westwards accessible by bus, train or car.<br> North: [[Vantaa]]–[[Klaukkala]]–[[Hyvinkää]] {{routebox | image1=Simple gold crown.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Turku]] | minorl1=[[Kirkkonummi]] | directionr1=E | minorr1=[[Vantaa]] (sidetrip [[Helsinki]]) | majorr1=[[Vyborg]] | link1=King's Road (Finland) | caption1=King's Road | image2=Tabliczka E18.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Turku]] | minorl2=[[Nuuksio National Park]] | directionr2=E | minorr2=junction [[Helsinki]] → [[Vantaa]] | majorr2=[[Saint Petersburg]] | link2=E18 }} {{usablecity}} {{isPartOf|Uusimaa}} {{geo|60.161667|24.738333}} {{mapmask| 60.342 , 24.750| 60.241 , 24.785| 60.253 , 24.831| 60.104 , 24.825| 60.088 , 24.651| 60.153 , 24.612| 60.213 , 24.503| 60.325 , 24.502| 60.313 , 24.564| 60.359 , 24.629}} gaihkv8wagv4k1ejtjjfj02n1djne6s 5086859 5086858 2025-07-02T23:59:41Z JIP 72610 /* Mid-range */ Updated listing for E.T. Charlie - updated e-mail address 5086859 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Espoon kulttuurikeskus night banner.jpg|caption=Espoo Cultural Centre}} '''[http://www.visitespoo.fi Espoo]''' ([[Swedish phrasebook|Swedish]]: ''Esbo'') with a population of a quarter of a million is the second largest city in Finland. It's part of the Helsinki Metropolitan Area along with the cities of [[Helsinki]], [[Vantaa]], and the small city of '''Kauniainen''' (Swedish: '''Grankulla''') which is completely encircled by Espoo. The [[Nuuksio National Park|national park of Nuuksio]] is situated in northwestern Espoo. ==Understand== [[File:Isoomenasisältä.jpg|300px|thumbnail|Shopping at Iso Omena]] Espoo has several local regional centres, thus divided into seven major areas: Vanha-Espoo, Espoonlahti, Espoo, Kauklahti, Leppävaara, Matinkylä and Tapiola. The Espoo center (Espoon keskus) is the administrative centre, but doesn't rise above its peers with respect to population. The population is concentrated in an inverted F-shaped area defined by the railway to Espoo centre (north) and the highway Länsiväylä (south) up to Espoonlahti. The rest is sparsely populated, and north of Espoo centre, the area is mostly forested. While Kauniainen is an independent municipality, in practice it is contiguous with Espoo and has no notable sights or services to travellers besides a small shopping center. The science and technology-related campuses of the Aalto University are based in Otaniemi, Espoo, along with a thriving science community that includes numerous startups and organizations such as VTT – the Technical Research Centre of Finland. Nokia is headquartered in Karakallio, Espoo. Other high-tech companies such as KONE, Tekla and Fortum have their headquarters in Keilaniemi, Espoo, along with Microsoft's Finnish headquarters. ==Get in== ===By bus=== With respect to transit, the south of Espoo is served by the local highway, Länsiväylä. Buses via Länsiväylä to destinations in Espoo leave from the Kamppi bus station (Kamppi shopping centre, ground floor). The orbital line 550 connects the train stations of Oulunkylä and Huopalahti with the south-eastern part of Espoo (Leppävaara, Laajalahti, Otaniemi, Tapiola and Westend). ===By train=== Northern Espoo and Espoo centre (''Espoon keskus'') are served by Helsinki commuter trains Y, U, L and E (25 min from Helsinki) to Middle- and West-Espoo. In addition, A train (every 10-20 minutes, 17 minutes from Helsinki) serves the east part of Espoo. See [https://www.vr.fi/rautatieasemat-ja-reitit/lahiliikenne#lahiliikennekartta local train map]. The {{listing | type=go | name=Leppävaara railway station | address= | lat=60.219378 | long=24.813207 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Leppävaara railway station | | content= }} is the only long-distance railway station in Espoo, serving traffic between Helsinki and Turku. The other stations in Espoo are also located on the same line but only serve local traffic. [[File:Matinkylä metro station (Nov 2017).jpg|thumb|Matinkylä metro station]] Southeastern Espoo is accessible from central Helsinki by metro, with trains every 3-10 minutes. Locations along the metro route include the Keilaniemi business district, Aalto University, Tapiola, Matinkylä and Kivenlahti, which serve as bus stations for feeder lines to destinations further afield. One in two trains terminates at Tapiola, while the rest continue all the way to Kivenlahti. The "Jokeri" orbital light rail (line 15), officially tram line 15, curves across eastern Espoo, connecting Keilaniemi, Aalto University, Leppävaara and then looping across northern Helsinki to terminate in [[Helsinki/Eastern suburbs|Itäkeskus]]. ===By plane=== {{See also|Helsinki Airport#Ground transportation}} Espoo is served by {{listing | type=go | name=[[Helsinki Airport]] | alt={{IATA|HEL}} | url=http://www.helsinkiairport.fi | email= | address= | lat=60.317222 | long=24.963333 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Helsinki Airport | image=Helsinki-vantaa aerial.jpg | wikidata=Q215327 | content= }}, from where it can be reached by taxi in half an hour or less. Also the public transport is quite convenient. Typical routes would be: * To southern Espoo, local train P from Helsinki Airport to Central Railway Station (''Rautatientori''), change to metro westbound (destination Tapiola or Matinkylä), change to feeder bus line if necessary. * To northern Espoo, local train I from Helsinki Airport to Huopalahti, change to local train Y, U, L, E or A northbound (see [https://www.vr.fi/cs/vr/fi/lahiliikenteen-reittikartta-fi local train map]{{Dead link|date=April 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}), change to feeder bus line if necessary. ===By car=== Freeways 1 and 51 pass through Espoo, as do the westernmost portions of ring road one and three. ==Get around== {{Mapframe|60.22720|24.74739|zoom=10|height=400|width=400}} {{See also|Helsinki#Get around}} For public transport, generally use [https://www.hsl.fi/en HSL's journey planner]{{cbignore}} or [https://maps.google.com Google Maps]. ===By train=== Trains A, E, S, U run across Espoo. Train L runs late at night and on weekend mornings. Suburbs in southeastern Espoo including Tapiola and Matinkylä are connected by metro. ====Jokeri light rail==== The first light rail line of the capital region called '''[https://raidejokeri.info/en/ Jokeri]''' was officially opened in October 2023. In the Espoo area, the route runs from Keilaniemi to Vermo in Leppävaara, from where the route continues to the Helsinki side. ===By bus=== Buses are frequent and convenient enough. Check the route planner for timetables. {{marker|type=around | name=Kauniainen | url=https://www.kauniainen.fi/en/ | lat=60.210844 | long=24.729413 }} is a part of the Espoo zone. ===By electric kick scooter=== {{see also|Finland#By motorised scooter}} Swedish [http://www.voiscooters.com Voi], German [https://tier.app Tier], American [https://www.li.me/en-us/home Lime] and Finnish [https://www.joescooter.fi/ Joe Scooter] rent electric kick scooters. The companies aim to keep the scooters available also in winter, conditions permitting, but the vehicles are not ideal in snowy or slippery conditions. ===By boat=== * {{listing | type=around | name=Scheduled archipelago boat service | alt= | url=https://www.espoo.fi/en/sports-and-nature/archipelago/scheduled-archipelago-boats | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 43-825-3215 | tollfree= | hours=June–August, Tu–Su in peak season | price=Single €7, children 7–18 etc. €3.50, return €14/7 | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-06-08 | content=Boat to some of Espoo's islands (municipal service), from several boat harbours. The ferries can also be used as 2–4 hr cruises, in this case, you need to buy a return ticket. }} ===By bike=== There are excellent cycling paths almost everywhere in Espoo, so it's worth cycling in a sunny day. Remember to wear a helmet. Detailed information of [http://pk.hsl.fi/en/ cyclist paths] are available at HSL's website.]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} * {{go | name=Helsinki and Espoo City Bikes | alt= | url=https://www.hsl.fi/en/citybikes/helsinki | email=contact@citybikefinland.fi | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 9 425 788 10 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-08 | content= }} ===By taxi=== * {{listing | name=Helsinki Limo | alt= | url=http://www.helsinkilimo.com | email=info@helsinkilimo.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 20-787-0360, +358 20-787-0360 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Will provide airport pick-ups, private car services as transfers and longer trips. Their vehicles are always new and black with leather interior. Drivers speak English and can even, by order, give short sightseeings. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Lähitaksi | alt= | url=https://www.lahitaksi.fi/en | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 100-7300 (extra charge: €1.92+€2.5/min+pvm) | tollfree= | hours= | price=Daytime M–Sa €3.90+€1/1.45/km+0.90/min, nights and holidays €7.90+1.05/1.55/km+0.99/min; prebooking €7/14; the lower km and prebooking fees for 1–4 persons | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-09 | content=Traditionally the main taxi dispatch service in the capital region outside of Helsinki. Smartphone app: Taksini }} * {{listing | name=Uber | alt= | url=http://www.uber.com/fi/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-05-20 | content=Uber uses licensed vehicles and drivers like everybody else, although the vehicle standard may differ more than what is otherwise common. }} * {{listing | name=Yango | alt= | url=https://yango.yandex.com/fi_fi/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=M–F €3.00+1.10/km+0.25/min, Sa Su 05:00-21:59 €3.00+1.10/km+0.25/min, F-Su 22:00-04:59 €6.00+1.10/km+0.25/min (Starting fare includes 4 min and 1.5 km) | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-25 | content=Yango is a Russian company which offers cheap fares. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Menevä Espoo | url=https://www.meneva.fi/en/service-areas/uusimaa/espoo | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 50-471-0470 (head of office) | tollfree=0800-02120 (booking) | hours= | price=Flag fall M–Sa 06:00–18:00: €4, other times and holidays: €7; 1–4 persons €0.90/km + €0.90/km, 5–8 persons minimum €20, €1.60/km + €0.90/min (July 2020) | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-25 | content=As of July 2020 Also bookable by app or web. Fixed price based on calculated route and time if destination address given when booking by app or web. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=iTaksi | alt= | url=https://www.itaksi.fi | email=info@itaksi.fi | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 10-212-0000 | tollfree= | hours= | price=€4.00/6.00+€0.90/km+€0.85/min | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Fixutaxi | alt= | url=https://fixutaxi.fi/ | email=info@fixutaxi.fi | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 100-6060 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Daily 06:00–18:00 €0.99/km+0.90/min, evenings and nights €1.17/km+0.99/min, minimum fare €10; prebooking €10 | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Also bookable by app. Fixed price based on calculated route and time if destination address given when booking by app. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Valopilkku | alt=Taksi Helsinki | url=https://valopilkkutaksi.fi/briefly-in-english/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-08-27 | content=Taxis ordered by smart phone app. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=02 Taksi | url=https://02taksi.fi/english/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-03-12 | content=Smart phone app offers address based routing and gives price offers from different taxi companies. }} ==See== [[File:Helsinki University of Technology auditorium.jpg|thumbnail|Aalto University auditorium in Otaniemi]] [[File:Taskumattitaloja Tapiolassa.jpg|thumbnail|"Hip flask" houses in Tapiola]] *{{see | name=The Gallen-Kallela museum | alt= | url=http://www.gallen-kallela.fi/en/ | email= | address=Gallen-Kallelan tie 27 | lat=60.206389 | long=24.838333 | directions= | phone=+358 9 849 2340 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11:00-16:00 | price=€8 | content=A small museum of the Finnish painter Akseli Gallen-Kallela (1865–1931) who is best known for his illustrations of the Kalevala, the Finnish national epic. The museum is located in a castle-like house, Tarvaspää, on a rocky hill facing the sea, originally designed and built by Akseli Gallen-Kallela 1911–1913 as a combined home for his family and a studio. The museum presents not only the works of Akseli Gallen-Kallela, but also tells the story of his family and contains a collection of artefacts brought back from their travels to Africa. }}<!-- -->[[File:MIKES in Otaniemi.jpg|thumb|right|Mikes in Otaniemi. In the centre is Finland's most accurate clock, with an inaccuracy of only a few nanoseconds per year.]] * {{see | name=Otaniemi Campus | alt= | url= | email= | address=Otaniementie 8 | lat=60.185562 | long=24.827538 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2017-07-05| content=The campus of Aalto University (former Helsinki University of Technology) was designed by Alvar Aalto in organic modernist style, and includes the Dipoli congress center designed by Reima and Raili Pietilä in an eccentric style (lacking in right angles). Most buildings of interest are located either on the main street, Otaniementie, or on Otakaari, a loop road going from Otaniementie via Dipoli to the dorm village (''Teekkarikylä''), returning to the other side of the main building. The Laajalahti nature protected area, a good birdwatching site, is accessed from Otaniemi. At the headquarters of the Geological Survey of Finland, there is a museum display of geology, minerals and in particular a piece of moon rock gifted by the United States. At Tekniikantie 1 is Mikes (Centre for Metrology and Accreditation), with Finland's most accurate clock on its wall. }} * {{see | name=EMMA| alt= | url=http://www.emma.museum | email= | address=Ahertajantie 5 | lat=60.178689 | long=24.793109 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Hosts Espoo Museum of Modern Art (EMMA) and a few other museums WeeGee exhibition centre }} * {{see | name=Glims Farmstead Museum | alt=Glims gårdsmuseum | url=https://www.espoo.fi/en/glims-farmstead-museum | email= | address=Glimsintie 1, Karvasmäki | lat=60.221477 | long=24.680515 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Local open air museum. }} * {{see | name=Espoon automuseo | alt=Espoo car museum | url=http://espoonautomuseo.com/?page_id=68 | email= | address=Bodomintie 35, Pakankylä | lat=60.275614 | long=24.668197 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Espoo cathedral | alt= | url= | email= | address=Kirkkokatu 1 | lat=60.209284 | long=24.653593 | directions= | phone=+358 9 862-5000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=free | content=The cathedral near Espoon Keskus is over 500 years old and built out of granite stone. }} * {{see | name=Marketanpuisto | alt= | url=http://www.marketanpuisto.fi/index.php?section=11 | email= | address=Pehtorinkuja 3 | lat=60.24910 | long=24.70587 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | content=This park is a permanent garden exhibition next to and operated by the Överby gardening vocational school. Stroll around and look at the works by the students. If you are an amateur gardener yourself, you'll perhaps get some ideas for your own garden. }} * {{see | name=Espoo TV and radio mast | alt=Espoon radio- ja televisioasema | url= | email= | address=Pellavakaskentie, Espoo | lat=60.17719 | long=24.64055 | directions=Latokaski district, 1 km walking from the closest bus stop (Latokasken koulu) | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=At 326m, the tallest structure in the capital region and the third tallest in Finland (two other masts are 327 m high). It isn't the Eiffel tower – you can't climb it or even get next to it (the immediate surroundings are closed off with a fence) but it's there; there is a walking trail next to the place. }} * {{see | name=Espoo Central Park | alt=Espoon keskuspuisto | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.18754 | long=24.69400 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Like New York and Helsinki, Espoo also has a central park. A little peace of a few kilometres south of Espoon Keskus. The park consists mostly of dense spruce forest, with some steep hills. Has maintained footpaths, although they might be inaccessible to wheeled vehicles (prams, wheelchairs) with snowfall. }} * {{see | name=Architecture in Tapiola | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.17879 | long=24.80601| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Tapiola district in the east of Espoo was constructed as a garden city in the 1950s and 1960s. The district is a showcase of Finnish architecture from that period and many of the buildings look quite innovative and unusual even today. }} * {{see | name=Glims Pks4H Petting Zoo | alt= | url=https://www.pks4h.fi/muu-toiminta/kotielainpihat/glimsin-4h-kotielainpiha/ | email=elainvastaava@4h.fi | address=Glimsintie 1 | lat=60.2208644 | long=24.6801625 | directions=near Jorvi hospital | phone=+358 45 783 17764 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-04-18 | content=In Glims you will find several different domestic animals such as sheep. Children can hug animals. }} * {{see | name=Lake Bodom | alt=Bodominjärvi | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.25644 | long=24.66473 | directions=near the Nuuksio National Park | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-02-09 | content=The most popular beach in Espoo has a grim history, it is the site of probably the most known unsolved mystery in Finland, the Lake Bodom murders. This is where the band Children of Bodom got their name from. }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Espoo archipelago | alt= | url=http://www.visitespoo.fi/visitors_guide/enjoy/archipelago/scheduled__boats | email= | address= | lat=60.140626 | long=24.764998 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Many small islands outside Espoo can be visited by boat in the summer. They are great for hiking and camping. }} * {{do | name=Classical music | alt= | url=http://www.tapiolasinfonietta.fi | email= | address= | lat=60.17780 | long=24.80440 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Tapiola Sinfonietta is an orchestra specializing in Viennese classical music, but also plays modern music. They perform regularly in the Tapiolasali concert hall, sometimes together with international guest soloists. }}<!-- -->[[File:Mini-Tapiola.jpg|thumb|right|"Mini-Tapiola" in autumn 2006]] * {{do | name=Mini-Tapiola | alt= | url=http://www.tapiolankeskus.fi/fi/Liikkeet-Palvelut/Espoon-kaupungin-palvelut-kulttuuri/miniTapiola | email= | address=Tapiola centre | lat=60.17618 | long=24.80328 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=09:00-21:00 | price=Free of charge | image=Mini-Tapiola.jpg | lastedit=2015-12-21 | content="Mini-Tapiola" is a children's play park featuring a miniature version of the centre of Tapiola, located in the centre of Tapiola itself. Here children can have fun and familiarise themselves with the Tapiola district and basic traffic rules, while being safely overseen by their parents. }} * {{do | name=Espoo Waterfront Walkway | alt=Rantaraitti | url=http://www.espoo.fi/en-US/Housing_and_environment/Streets_and_Transport/Pedestrian_and_bicycle_traffic/Espoos_Waterfront_Walkway | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Any time | price= | lastedit=2015-04-26 | content=The Rantaraitti hiking trail runs along Espoo's entire coastline, from the border to Helsinki at Laajalahti all the way to the border to Kirkkonummi at Kauklahti. The trail is well marked with frequent Rantaraitti icons. You can start and end your hike at any point during the trail. Free of charge. }} * {{do | name=Laajalahti Nature Reserve | alt= | url=http://www.nationalparks.fi/en/laajalahti | email=villaelfvik@espoo.fi | address=Elfvikintie | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 9 816-54400 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-06-14 | content=Bird wetland. It has a large nesting population and is also an important stop for migrating birds. Trails and bird watching towers. The Laajalahti bay consists mostly of shallow open water, but there are also a broad reedbed and shoreline groves and meadows. The nature centre Villa Elfvik is starting point for a 700 m nature trail and a 3 km trail to the southern end of the area by Otaniemi, where it combines with the Waterfront Walkway]. }}<!-- -->[[File:Half Pipe Serena.jpg|thumbnail|Outdoor half-pipe water slide at Serena]] * {{Marker|type=do|lat=60.31505 | long=24.52835|name=[[Nuuksio National Park]]}}. This is a "go to" place in Espoo, being probably the most accessible "true Finnish forest" near Helsinki. There is parking and footpaths. Although one has a metalled path up to a beautiful lakeshore, none are completely accessible to wheelchairs or prams, since all include unmaintained sections with rocky slopes and/or tree roots blocking the way. * Cinema ** {{do | name=Finnkino | alt= | url=http://www.finnkino.fi/eng | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Finnkino runs movie theatres in the shopping centres Iso Omena and Sello. }} ** {{do | name=Bio Grani | alt= | url=http://www.biograni.fi | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Kauniainen | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Smaller independent cinema, showing mostly the bigger blockbusters. May have a matinée series of cheaper, more art house screenings supported by the local culture board. }} ** {{do | name=Kino Tapiola | alt= | url=http://www.kinotapiola.fi/elokuvateatteri | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Tapiola | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Smaller independent cinema, showing mostly the bigger blockbusters. May have a matinée series of cheaper, more art house screenings supported by the local culture board. }} * {{do | name=Serena Water Amusement Park | alt=Vesipuisto Serena | url=http://www.serena.fi/index.php?lang=en_EN | email=info.serena@puuhagroup.com | address=Tornimäentie 10 | lat=60.324525 | long=24.736514 | directions=Bus 236 from Leppävaara | phone=+358 9 8870550| tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 23:00-20:00 | price=All-day pass €32 except some Fridays €25 (16:00-20:00 only), family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) €75. |lastedit=2023-05-16| content=This is the largest water park in the Nordic countries with some 2,000 m² of heated pools indoors. The buildings have seen their best days, but kids love the water slides. An extra 1,000 m&sup2; of outdoor area is open in the summer. Serena is at its best in winter when you can kick back in a jacuzzi and watch people ski on the other side of the glass windows. }} * {{do | name=Watch a game | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Espoo has a team in many premier Finnish sports leagues. The football (soccer) team FC Honka play their home games in Tapiola sports park, Esport center is the home for Oilers (floorball) and Honka (basket ball), and in the winter many fans head to Metro Arena to see a home game of the local team Espoo United. }} * {{listing | type=do | name=Vermo Horse Racing Track | alt=Vermon ravirata | url=https://www.vermo.fi | email= | address= | lat=60.2166 | long=24.8401 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-02-23 | content=Finland's premier horse racing track features races every Wednesday and some Saturdays. It also hosts the annual Finlandia-Ajo event part of the UET Masters Series. }} * {{do | name=Laguuni Keilis | alt= | url=https://laguuniin.fi/keilis/ | email= | address=Keilalahdentie 8 | lat=60.168959 | long=24.832052 | directions= | phone=+358 29 170 0353 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-06-11 | content=You can rent a standup paddleboard or a kayak. }} * Swimming pool ** {{do | name=Leppävaara Swimming Pool | alt= | url=https://www.espoo.fi/en/units/39817 | email= | address=Veräjäpellonkatu 15 | lat=60.225941 | long=24.804007 | directions=Leppävaara Sports Park | phone=+358 9 8165-7570 | tollfree= | hours= | price=€6 | lastedit=2022-06-08 | content=Big pool, therapy pool, hot tubs, cold water pool, wading pool, outdoor pool, virtual water exercise. Regular saunas and steam saunas. }} ** {{do | name=Keski-Espoo Swimming Pool | alt= | url=https://www.espoo.fi/en/units/39363 | email= | address=Kaivomestarinkatu 2 | lat=60.210262 | long=24.659972 | directions=Kuninkaantie general upper secondary school building | phone=+358 9 8164-3469 | tollfree= | hours= | price=€6 | lastedit=2022-06-08 | content=Big pool, therapy pool, learner's pool, jacuzzi, hybrid saunas (infrared and aroma). }} * {{do | name=Seapoint | alt= | url=https://seapoint.fi/fi_FI/seapoint-palvelut-2/vuokraveneet/espoo | email= | address=Skatantie 36 | lat=60.134888 | long=24.727341 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-05-16 | content=Motorboat rental at Suino marina in Suvisaaristo. }} ===Events=== [[File:Länsiväyläjuoksu 2013.jpg|thumb|The start of the Länsiväyläjuoksu event in 2013. The short run starts first, the long run and the walk start 15 minutes after that. This is intended to minimise collisions between runners and walkers.]] * {{do | name=Espoo Panee ja Juhlii | alt= | url=https://ravintolafatlizard.fi/en/ | email= | address=Tietotie 1 | lat=60.185388 | long=24.820186 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=16:00 to 22:00 | price=Free entry, beer from 2 € (minuscule samples) to 10 € (full glass) | lastedit=2024-05-02 | content=The name means "Espoo is Brewing and Partying". A small-scale beer festival hosted by the brewery restaurant Fat Lizard in Otaniemi and held on the restaurant's terrace. Various Finnish breweries come to showcase their beer and there is usually live music played. Held on three separate Fridays in the summer, one in June, one in July and one in August. See the restaurant's website for more information. }} * {{do | name=Länsiväyläjuoksu | alt= | url=http://www.lansivaylajuoksu.fi | email= | address=Otaranta | lat=60.1857 | long=24.8349 | directions= | phone=+358 44-340-5326, +358 9 343 1067 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10:00–16:00 | price=Free/€15–60 depending on category and registration date | content=Espoo's most famous annual running and walking event. Held on a Sunday in late April. Three event categories: long run, short run and walk. All of them start and end at Otaranta. The long run is over 17 km and goes all across the Laajalahti bay, also visiting neighbouring Helsinki. The short run and the walk are 6 km and stay in Espoo. A nice opportunity to get some exercise and see the scenery in southern Finland. There is a fee for participation but spectating is free. }} ==Buy== ===Shopping centres=== [[File:Tapiolan keskustaa illalla.jpg|thumbnail|Department stores in Tapiola during the Christmas season]] * {{buy | name=Sello | alt= | url=http://www.sello.fi/opening-times | email= | address=Leppävaarankatu 3-9 | lat=60.21791 | long=24.80996 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=One of the largest shopping centres in Finland with excellent traffic connections. Local trains A, E, S, U, Y and the night train L all stop at Leppävaara station which is just beside the shopping centre. Also many bus routes serve the area. Selection of retailers is geared Finnish and international clothing and consumer electronics chains. The shopping centre features several cafes, restaurants and fast food outlets as well as two large grocery stores. }} * {{buy | name=Iso Omena | alt= | url=http://www.isoomena.fi/en_US/ | email= | address=Piispansilta 11 | lat=60.16160 | long=24.73825 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Large shopping centre serving the Matinkylä district. Bus lines 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 10K, 11, 31, 35, 112, 503, 132, 143, 145, 147, 150, 151, 154, 160 and 165. The selection of shops is fairly similar compared to the slightly larger Sello shopping centre, although there are some speciality shops geared towards a more upscale clientele. }} * {{buy | name=Entresse and Espoontori | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.20432 | long=24.65666 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=The two shopping centres, [http://entresse.fi/ Entresse] and [http://www.espoontori.fi/ Espoontori], serve the Central Espoo district near the Espoo train station. Local trains E, S, U and the night train L stop here. Both shopping centres are significantly smaller than the ones previously introduced. Espoontori features a grocery store, Tokmanni (a budget general store) and various smaller retailers. Entresse has a grocery store, jewellery shops and clothing stores. }} * '''[http://tla.fi Tapiola shopping district]{{Dead link|date=April 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''', which includes [http://www.ainoatapiola.fi/en/ Ainoa], [http://www.heikintori.fi Heikintori] {{dead link|December 2020}}, a Stockmann, and numerous smaller shops. * Smaller shopping centres are [http://www.lippulaiva.fi Lippulaiva] in Espoonlahti; Olari Prisma next to Iso Omena on the opposite side of Länsiväylä; [https://kauppakeskusniitty.fi Niitty] in Niittykumpu on the top of the district's metro station; Mankkaa and Viherlaakso; a hardware store area including the shopping centre Merituuli in Suomenoja; another similar area in Lommila and Muurala near Espoo centre, and numerous others. Most districts have at least one local grocery store (often with a couple of other shops and services in the same building). ===Outlet shops=== * {{buy | name=Iittala Outlet | alt= | url=http://www.iittala.fi/web/Iittalaweb.nsf/en/home | email= | address=Espoontie 25, Lommila | lat=60.21980 | long=24.66456 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Home decoration and kitchen utensils. }} * {{buy | name=Lumene | alt= | url=http://www.lumene.com | email= | address=Lasihytti 1, Kauklahti | lat=60.18679 | long=24.59925 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Finnish cosmetics manufacturer Lumene has its factory outlet in the disctrict of Kauklahti in Western Espoo. Local trains E, S, U and the night train L stop at Kauklahti station. }} * {{buy | name=Espoon lahjatupa | alt= | url=http://www.espoonlahjatupa.fi/ | email= | address=Kirkkojärventie 3, Espoon keskus | lat=60.20550 | long= 24.65671 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=An outlet shop rich in atmosphere selling Finnish handmade gifts and home decoration products. }} ===Outdoor markets=== Like most cities in Finland you can buy fruits, vegetables, fish and more and sit down for a cup of coffee at outdoor markets (''tori''). They are open 09:00–17:00. For maps and information on events, [http://www.espoontorikauppiaat.fi/index.php?lang=EN Espoon torikauppiaat ] association website. * Espoon keskus (Asematori) * Leppävaara markets (Läkkitori north of the railway station and Viaporin tori on the southern side, in the inner court of Sello shopping centre) * Espoonlahti market (Ulappatori) * Tapiola market * Karakallio market ===Flea markets=== * {{buy | name=Fida International | alt= | url=http://www.fida.info/fida-in-english/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2023-11-05| content=Fida International operates goodwill flea markets in four, mostly residential areas: Leppävaara (Harakantie 22) Matinkylä (Piispansilta 11), Tapiola (Kauppamiehentie 1) and Espoon Keskus (Kamreerintie 3). The selection in the shops mostly consists of used clothes, books and furniture. }} * {{buy | name=Espoo Recycling Centre | alt=Espoon kierrätyskeskus | url=http://www.kierratyskeskus.fi/in_english | email= | address=Matinpurontie 8 | lat=60.16216 | long=24.75559 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The selection includes furniture, clothes (also vintage), toys, books, sports equipment, electronics, cookware and cutlery. The shop has also a free of charge department with a small variety of clothes and other items. }} * {{buy | name=TC Secondhand | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/TCsecondhandMatinkyla | email=info@teenchallenge.fi | address=Kala-Matti 3 C | lat=60.158117 | long=24.737094 | directions= | phone=+358 44 972 7777 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 14:00–18:00 Sa 12:00–16:00 | price= | lastedit=2022-06-08 | content=Charity shop selling clothes and accessories. Sales revenue supports those in difficult life situations. }} * There are some self-service fleamarkets around Espoo like [http://www.akseli.info Akseli] (Sinikalliontie 1, Mankkaa) ==Eat== [[File:HanaholmenN.jpg|thumbnail|Hanasaari cultural centre, also has a restaurant with Scandinavian cuisine]] ===Budget=== * {{eat | name=Student diners in Otaniemi | alt= | url=https://kanttiinit.fi/ | email= | address=Otakaari 1 | lat=60.18611 | long=24.82828 | directions=several places in the area | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=lunchtime | price=€5–8 | content=The lunch restaurants of the Aalto University engineering schools offer cheap meals even for non-students. Most have 2–3 cheap options and one higher-price option. }} ** {{eat | name=Maukas | alt= | url=https://www.mau-kas.fi/ | email=info@mau-kas.fi | address=Vuorimiehentie 5 | lat=60.182841 | long=24.827977 | directions=in Otaniemi | phone=+358 40-705-0157 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 10:30–14:00 | price=€10.90 | lastedit=2022-06-08 | content=Family-run lunch restaurant in Otaniemi, Espoo. }} ** {{eat | name=Fazer Food & Co. | alt= | url=https://www.foodandco.fi/ravintolat/Ravintolat-kaupungeittain/espoo/aalto-yliopisto-tuas/ | email=tuas@foodandco.fi | address=Maarintie 8 | lat=60.186838 | long=24.819370 | directions= | phone=+358 50-417-6537 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 10:30–13:30 | price=€7.55, dessert €1.65 | lastedit=2022-06-08 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Pizzaman | url=http://www.pizzaman.fi | email= | address=Lippajärventie 29 | lat=60.22974 | long=24.71594 | directions= | phone=+358 9 512-0512 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 10–21:00, Sa Su 12:00–21:00 | price=regular pizzas €6–8 | content=Pizzaman is next to the K-Kauppa grocery store. Large pizzas. }} * {{eat | name=Ravintola Haukimuori | url=http://www.haukimuori.com | email= | address=Iivisniemenkatu 2D | lat=60.14784 | long=24.69175 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=lunch €8 | content=A lunch restaurant in Iivisniemi district with home cooked delicious food. }} * {{eat | name=Täffä | alt= | url=https://www.teknologforeningen.fi/?lang=en | email= | address=Otakaari 22 | lat=60.18602 | long=24.83266 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€3 (for Finnish students) to €8 | lastedit=2017-11-30 | content=Perhaps the most famous of the university student restaurants in Otaniemi, owned by the Teknologföreningen student association. Located in a nice-looking functionalist building, easy to spot by the long ledge hanging over its main entrance.<br />The restaurant is mainly for university students but is open for everyone, non-students just pay more. Still cheap.<br />Five choices available each day, of which one is vegetarian and one is a fancier and costlier à la carte option. Most famous for its spaghetti bolognese, served every Wednesday, perhaps the best spaghetti bolognese in Espoo. On Wednesdays, prepare for long queues, taking almost fifteen minutes just to get to order your food. }} * {{eat | name=Sodexo Keilasatama 5 | alt= | url=https://www.sodexo.fi/ravintolat/espoo/keilasatama-5 | email= | address=Keilasatama 5 | lat=60.173279 | long=24.829700 | directions=Metro station Keilaniemi, bus 555 | phone=+358 50-380-8490 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 11:00–13:00 | price=€11.30 | lastedit=2021-05-12 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Peshawar | alt= | url=https://www.peshawar.fi/ | email= | address=Kutojantie 3 | lat=60.209927 | long=24.754042 | directions= | phone=+358 9 888 1520 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Kalajärven pizzeria | alt= | url=https://kalajarvenpizzeria.fi/index.php? | email=info@kalajarvenpizzeria.fi | address=Ruskaniitty 4 | lat=60.305850 | long=24.739167 | directions=in Kalajärvi; along the road 120 | phone=+358 9 855 6856 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 10:00–22:00, Weekend 11:00–22:00 | price=€9–14 | lastedit=2023-09-24 | content= }} ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=Deli Rasoi | alt= | url=http://www.delhirasoi.fi/en/ | email= | address=Siltakatu 11 | lat=60.20378 | long=24.65905 | directions= | phone=+358 9 428-91892 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 10:30–21:00, F–Su 11:00–22:00 | price=Lunch buffet €9.20 (M–F), €12 (Weekend), Mains from €12 | content=Tasty and authentic Indian food. Great value for the price. }} * {{eat | name=Dylan & Friends | alt= | url=https://www.dylan.fi/keilaniemi | email=friends@dylan.fi | address=Keilaniementie 1 | lat=60.174885 | long=24.830884 | directions=in the Accountor Tower building, take the escalators on the left | phone=+358 401258838 | tollfree= | hours=10:30 to 14:00, closed weekends | price=14.50 € | lastedit=2025-06-17 | content=A lunch restaurant located in the Accountor Tower office building. Serves buffet lunch on weekdays. }}[[File:Pork schnitzel with Koskenlaskija sauce at restaurant E.T. Charlie.jpg|thumb|right|Pork schnitzel]] * {{eat | name=E.T. Charlie | alt= | url=https://ristorantecharlie.fi/ | email=info@ristorantecharlie.fi | address=Ukkohauentie 11–13 | lat=60.1633 | long=24.7761 | directions= | phone=+358 9 886-01761 | tollfree= | hours=11:00–21:00 mostly | price= | content=A spacious, stylish, comfortable restaurant in the quiet residential district of Haukilahti. Serves typical dishes available in restaurants in Finland: pastas, pizzas, steaks, and burgers. No famous speciality, but all dishes are worth trying. The kitchen closes at 21:00, but the restaurant usually stays open until midnight. Many local people come here often. There is a bus connection to Tapiola and Otaniemi (line 111) near the restaurant and it's a short walk away from the Haukilahti beach and marina. Main courses €11–25. }} * {{eat | name=Fat Lizard | alt= | url=http://ravintolafatlizard.fi/ | email= | address=Tietotie 1 | lat=60.18558 | long=24.82041 | directions= | phone=+358 20-127-7710 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10:30 to 24:00 mostly | price=Lunch €12–17.50, main courses €18–32 | lastedit=2018-02-18 | content=One of the very few à la carte restaurants in Otaniemi. Highly stylish interior and good, if somewhat expensive, food. Easily accessible as it's right next door to the Aalto University metro station. Lunch includes both a buffet at 12 € and an upgrade option for 5.50 € extra. If you're feeling adventurous, try fried crickets as starters at €10. The restaurant also includes its own bar, serving various beers both from the Fat Lizard brewery (try some, they're refreshingly fruity lagers) and elsewhere. }} * {{eat | name=Fuku Supreme | alt= | url=https://www.fukusupreme.com/ | email=fukusupreme@ravintolafuku.com | address=Leppävaarankatu 3-9 | lat=60.218131 | long=24.809982 | directions=located on the Viaporintori square, no entrance from inside Sello | phone=+358 50 5425386 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 10:30-21:00, Sa 12-21, Su 12-20 | price=Buffet about 25 € | lastedit=2025-05-04 | content=A sushi restaurant located near the Sello shopping centre in Leppävaara. The buffet is rather good and included salad, sushi, warm food and desserts. Water, coffee and green tea is included, alcoholic drinks cost extra. }}[[File:Steak au poivre at Grilli Ribis.jpg|thumb|right|Steak au poivre, beef steak with peppercorn sauce]] * {{eat | name=Grilli Ribis | alt= | url=http://www.ribis.fi/ | email= | address=Kauppamiehentie 1 | lat=60.17674 | long=24.80191 | directions= | phone=+358 9 455-1780 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Sa 10:00–17:00 mostly, closed on Sundays | price=Main courses €12–18 | lastedit=2015-12-13 | content=A decades-old and famous steak restaurant, located in the Heikintori shopping centre in central Tapiola. Steaks of various forms, particularly pork and beef. The restaurant is rather small and looks like your average diner, but its steaks have gained it fame throughout Espoo and even in neighbouring Helsinki. There are a limited number of tables available but you can also eat your steak at the bar. }} * {{eat | name=Ravintola Grilli Toro | url=http://www.grillitoro.fi/ | email= | address=Louhentie 16 | lat= 60.18705 | long=24.79654 | directions= | phone=+358 9 460-427 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A good selection of large steaks at a reasonable price in Pohjantori, north Tapiola, especially popular during lunchtime. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Guido's Pizza | alt= | url=https://guidos.fi | email= | address=Heikinkuja 2 | lat=60.175871 | long=24.802210 | directions= | phone=+358 400-139-998 | tollfree= | hours=11:00–21:00 mostly | price=€11–18 | lastedit=2020-01-12 | content=A nice little pizzeria in Tapiola with tasty, authentic Italian pizzas. Several beers available, try for example MC Taakibörsta or Märichello. }} * {{eat | name=Luukki Manor | alt=Luukin kartano | url=https://www.ravintolalaguna.fi/luukin-kartano | email=myynti@ravintolalaguna.fi | address=Luukintie 33 | lat=60.316378 | long=24.692171 | directions=in Luukki; along the road 120 | phone=+358 50 351 7728 | tollfree= | hours=From June to August daily 10:00–17:00; from September to May weekend 11:00–15:00 | price=€13–18 | lastedit=2023-09-24 | content=A restaurant manor in the Luukki recreational area. }} * {{eat | name=Ravintola Johannes | alt= | url=http://www.hanaholmen.fi/en/restaurant/restaurant | email= | address=Hanasaarenranta 5 | lat=60.16395 | long=24.83595 | directions=Hanasaari Island | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Scandinavian cuisine served in an environment of modern art. Good food, but the service is rather slow even as the restaurant is not even half full. The restaurant also has their own pale ale "Märket" (named after [[Lighthouses#Q3378321|the lighthouse]] west of [[Åland]]). }} *{{eat | name=Restaurant Lime Leaf | url=http://eat.fi/en/espoo/banana-leaf | email= | address=Sello Rex, Leppävaara | lat=60.21760 | long= 24.80902 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Thai and Malay restaurant run by Chinese. }} *{{listing | type=eat | name=Ravintola Nepal | alt= | url=https://ravintolanepal.fi | email= | address=Kivenlahdenkatu 1, 02320 Espoo | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 9 348-9009 | tollfree= | hours=Tu–Th 11:00–21:00, F 11:00–22:00, Sa 12:00–22:00, Su 12:00–21:00 | price=Lunch starting from €9 (T–F), Mains starting from €12 | lastedit=2020-01-18 | content=Tasty and authentic Nepalese food in Espoo. Great value for the price. }} * {{eat | name=Ravintola Sevilla Bar & Restaurante | alt= | url= | email= | address=Tapionaukio 3, Tapiola | lat=60.17680 | long=24.80556 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Spanish-style restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Xin Long | alt= | url=http://xinlong.tilda.ws/ | email= | address=Tapiontori 3 | lat=60.17790 | long=24.80395 | directions= | phone=+358 9 855-0030 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10:30–21:00 | price=Lunch €9 | lastedit=2016-03-09 | content=A Chinese restaurant near the centre of Tapiola. Famous for its all-you-can-eat lunch buffet, combining Chinese food and sushi. Not specifically a sushi restaurant, but the sushi is among the best in Espoo. The main courses include various varieties of beef, pork, chicken and tofu, and all are worth trying. }} ===Splurge=== * {{eat | name=Ravintola Haikaranpesä | alt= | url=https://ravintolahaikaranpesa.fi/ | email= | address=Hauenkallio 3 | lat=60.16134 | long=24.76591 | directions= | phone=+358 9 452-4254 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 11:00–15:00, Sa Su 12:00–17:00 | price=Lunch buffet €56 | content=A panoramic restaurant in the water tower of Haukilahti. Open only for lunch! }} [[File:Accountor Tower on a July evening.jpg|thumb|right|The Accountor Tower high-rise building is one of the tallest buildings in Finland. Restaurant Lucy in the Sky is on the 20th floor.]] * {{eat | name=Lucy in the Sky | alt= | url=https://www.lucyinthesky.fi/ | email=lucy@lucyinthesky.fi | address=Keilaniementie 1 | lat=60.175003 | long=24.830685 | directions= | phone=+358403532522 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Th 11:00 - 22:30, Fr 11:00 - 00:00, Sa 13:00 - 00:00, Su 13:00 - 18:00, Mo closed | price=Main courses 30 € to 40 €, set menus 70 € | lastedit=2025-06-01 | content=A fashionable restaurant located on the top floor of the Accountor Tower office building on the sea shore, offering nice views over the cities of Espoo and Helsinki. A wide variety of dishes available as well as three set menus, of which one is vegetarian. Diverse wine list. }} ==Drink== [[File:Bemböle kaffestuga.jpg|thumbnail|Bemböle coffee house]] ===Cafés=== * {{drink | name=Café Mellsten | alt= | url= | email= | address=Mellstenintie 6 | lat=60.15551 | long=24.77823 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Located near the beach in Haukilahti. As well as a café, also serves tasty and cheap lunch consisting of soup or pasta. }} * {{drink | name=Bembölen kahvitupa | alt=Bemböle kaffestuga | url=http://www.suomenkalastusmatkailu.fi/bembolenkahvitupa/ | email= | address=Bellinmäki 1 | lat= 60.22279 | long= 24.67391 | directions=Bemböle district | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Traditional café with century-old history next to the [[King's Road (Finland)|King's Road]]. }} * {{drink | name=Café Ankkuri | alt= | url=https://www.cafeotsolahti.com/ | email= | address=Sateenkaari 9 | lat=60.17251 | long=24.81331 | directions=Otsolahti district | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Café WeeGee | alt= | url=http://www.sodexo.fi/weegee {{dead link|October 2017|December 2020}} | email= | address=Ahertajantie 5 | lat= 60.17879 | long=24.79707 | directions=Tapiola district | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Café Merenneito | alt= | url=http://www.cafemerenneito.fi | email= | address=Koukkuniementie 1A | lat= 60.15080 | long= 24.75212 | directions=Matinkylä district | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Kahvila Satakieli | alt= | url=http://www.espoo.fi/default.asp?path=1;28;11866;7969;7971 {{dead link|October 2017|December 2020}} | email= | address=Elfvikintie 4 | lat= 60.20173 | long=24.82244 | directions=Laajalahti district | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Kaisan Café | alt= | url= | email= | address=Itätuulenkuja 8 | lat=60.17404 | long=24.80408 | directions=Tapiola district | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Located in the "Sampokuja" building in central Tapiola. Open on weekdays only. Try their cinnamon buns, they're tasty, huge (perhaps the biggest in Espoo) and quite cheap. }} * {{drink | name=Vasikkasaaren kahvila | alt= | url= | email= | address=Iso Vasikkasaari Island | lat=60.14070 | long=24.75848 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Teen Challenge Finland meeting place | alt= | url=https://teenchallenge.fi | email=info@teenchallenge.fi | address=Kala-Matti 3 C | lat=60.158117 | long=24.737094 | directions= | phone=+358 44-972-7777 | tollfree= | hours=Tu Th 11:00–15:00 | price= | lastedit=2022-06-08 | content=Community café. Free of charge coffee and buns. }} ===Bars and pubs=== * {{drink | name=William K | url= | email= | address=Leppävaarankatu 3-9 | lat=60.21740 | long=24.81024 | directions=in Sello mall | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A passable beer pub with nice sunny outdoor seating. }} * {{drink | name=Base | url=http://www.ravintolabase.fi | email= | address=Leppävaarankatu 3-9 | lat= 60.21742 | long= 24.80885 | directions=in Sello mall | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A cosy place for a drink, also situated at Sello. }} * {{drink | name=Mitta & Hana (former pub Satulinna) | url= | email= | address=Kirstintie 5 | lat= 60.20086 | long= 24.66648 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Likely the most famous pub in Espoo. }} * {{drink | name=Bodom Bar & Sauna | alt= | url=http://www.bodombar.com/ | email= | address=Merituulentie 35 | lat=60.17087 | long=24.75664 | directions=near the Niittykumpu metro station | phone=+358 50 011 1121 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A restaurant bar dedicated to the Finnish metal band Children of Bodom. Public sauna included. }} ===Nightclubs=== Most people head east to Helsinki when they're planning a night out, but there are a couple of night clubs in Espoo as well. * {{drink | name=Bada Bing | alt= | url=http://bada-bing.fi/badabing/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=Itätuulenkuja 10 | lat=60.17416 | long=24.80522 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The former Fellini/Aladdin is in the Tapiola district and attracts many young adults. R-22. }} * {{drink | name=Club Kannunkulma | url=http://www.kannunkulma.com | email= | address=Kannusillankatu 2 | lat= 60.20564 | long= 24.65353 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A restaurant in the daytime, and some form of entertainment every night. }} * {{drink | name=Bella Ciao | url= | email= | address=Piispansilta 11 A | lat=60.16139 | long= 24.73939 | directions=in the Iso-Omena mall | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=F Sa nights until 04:00 | price= | content=The place to go in Matinkylä. Like the others it is also a restaurant during the daytime. R-18 }} ==Sleep== [[File:Kaakkoista Espoota 23 kesä 2009.jpg|thumbnail|View towards Keilaniemi waterfront. Left: Fortum head office and Otaniemi water tower. Right: Life Science Center business park.]] ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Espoo Camping Oittaa | alt= | url=http://www.suncamping.fi | email=espoo@suncamping.fi | address=Kunnarlantie 31| lat=60.239167 | long=24.6575 | directions= | phone=+358 9 863-2585 | tollfree= | fax= | price=€30 / 2 adults + 2 children | hours=Open from end of May to end of August | checkin= | checkout= | content=Slightly shabby, yet friendly place. A nice beach at lake Bodom just some 200 m from the entrance. }} * {{sleep | name=Hostel Margereteberg | alt= | url= | email= | address=Pehtorinkuja 3, Järvenperä | lat=60.24692 | long=24.70415 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Solvallan urheiluopisto | alt= | url= | email= | address=Nuuksiontie 82, Nuuksio | lat=60.29324 | long= 24.55798 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Hellsten Hotel Apartment | url=http://www.hellstenhotels.fi/Hellsten_Hotel_Apartments/Espoo/ | email= | address=Porarinkatu 3, Espoo | lat=60.22488 | long=24.81957 | directions= | phone=+358 9 511-051 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Clean and simple. Located in a quiet neighbourhood but close enough to shopping centre Sello in Leppävaara. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Sokos Hotel Tapiola Garden | url=http://www.sokoshotels.fi/en/hotels/espoo/ | email=tapiolagarden.espoo@sokoshotels.fi | address=Tapionaukio 3, Espoo | lat= 60.17718 | long= 24.80701 | directions= | phone=+358 20-123-4616 | tollfree= | fax=+358 20 1234 617 | hours= | price=From €83 | checkin= | checkout= | content=A largish, modern hotel located in a pleasant neighbourhood of Tapiola. 154 (all non-smoking) rooms, sauna, exercise facilities, wireless Internet access, restaurant and bar. Convenient transport to Helsinki center by bus. Rooms in the northern part of the hotel have a scenic view facing a large pool. }} * {{sleep | name=Scandic Espoo | url=http://www.scandic-hotels.fi/espoo | email= | address=Nihtisillantie 1 | lat= 60.20701 | long=24.75561 | directions= | phone=+358 9 435-20 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=A chain hotel next to highway 1, best suited for those traveling by car as there isn't very much to see within walking distance. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Hanasaari | alt=Hotell Hanaholmen | url=http://www.hanaholmen.fi/en/ | email= | address=Hanasaarenranta 5 | lat=60.16389 | long=24.83593 | directions=on the Hanasaari island | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2015-11-29 | content=Located in the Laajalahti bay between Espoo and Helsinki, Hanasaari island fits exactly the hotel, a short road to it and a stretch of the highway Länsiväylä. Hanasaari hotel hosts a Swedish cultural centre and is often used for conferences. It is also within a walking distance (1 km) from the Keilaniemi business district. Very easy to reach by bus via bus stops on the Länsiväylä. Notice that there is an unrelated Hanasaari power plant in Helsinki; ask the taxi driver for the hotel in Espoo! The hotel rooms offer magnificent sea views through their huge windows. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Korpilampi | url=https://www.korpilampi.fi/en/ | email=myynti@korpilampi.fi | address=Korpilammentie 5 | lat= 60.32512 | long=24.73045 | directions=in Lahnus; near the Serena Waterpark | phone=+358 9 613-8411 | tollfree= | fax= | price=€50–100 | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=GLO Hotels Sello | alt= | url=https://www.glohotels.fi/en/hotels/glo-sello | email=sello@palacekamp.fi | address=Leppävaarankatu 1 | lat=60.21699 | long=24.81368 | directions= | phone=+358 10-344-4200 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=doubles from €110, cheaper weekend rates | content=A brand new design hotel next to Sello shopping center. }} * {{sleep | name=Radisson Blu Hotel, Espoo | alt= | url=https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-blu-espoo | email=info.espoo@radissonblu.com | address=Otaranta 2 | lat=60.18216 | long=24.83455 | directions=Aalto University campus in Otaniemi | phone=+358 20-1234-705 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=doubles from €110 | content=Popular among business travellers and academic visitors because of its location. }} ==Stay safe== Although a part of the Helsinki metropolitan area, Espoo has few or no problem spots and is exceptionally safe. There are various reasons. The population of Espoo is affluent, with few low-income neighborhoods. Population is simply less concentrated, with few high-rise districts, traffic junctions or concentrations of nightlife. Thus, partygoers are more likely to head to Helsinki to cause trouble. Caution is warranted in urban districts (along the railway) with nightlife during Friday or Saturday nights, for instance in Leppävaara and Espoon keskus. Suvela and Kirstinmäki, next to Espoon keskus, is often mentioned as the only "ghetto" in Espoo, although this is more reputation than fact if compared to districts in Central or Eastern Helsinki. ==Connect== ==Cope== The Jorvi Hospital (''Jorvin sairaala'') is near Espoon keskus. This is the main emergency care and surgery facility in Espoo. Unfortunately this is a rather remote location relative to most other places in Espoo, 20 min by car from the southwestern corner. Private clinics (search for "lääkäriasema" in Espoo) are found in Espoon keskus, Matinkylä, Leppävaara and Tapiola. See: * [https://www.mehilainen.fi/terveyspalvelut/toimipisteet#/94/mehilainen_matinkyla Mehiläinen Matinkylä] (Piispanportti 10 A, 3. floor) * [https://www.mehilainen.fi/terveyspalvelut/toimipisteet/33 Mehiläinen Leppävaara] (Panorama Tower, Hevosenkenkä 3) * [https://www.terveystalo.com/fi/Toimipaikat/Terveystalo-Espoontori/ Terveystalo Espoontori] (Kamreerintie 7) * [https://www.terveystalo.com/fi/Toimipaikat/Terveystalo-Iso-Omena-C-torni/ Terveystalo Iso Omena] (Piispansilta 11) * [https://www.terveystalo.com/fi/Toimipaikat/Terveystalo-Leppavaara/ Terveystalo Leppävaara] (Alberganesplanadi 1) * [https://www.terveystalo.com/fi/Toimipaikat/Terveystalo-Tapiola/ Terveystalo Tapiola] (Ainoa, Länsituuli 7) * [https://www.aava.fi/toimipiste/aava-tapiola Aava Tapiola] (Länsituulentie 1 A) The police station ("Kilon poliisi") is in Kilo district, Nihtisillankuja 4. [http://www.poliisi.fi/en/westernuusimaa/contactinformation Contacts]. ==Go next== West: [[Kirkkonummi]]–[[Siuntio]]–[[Ingå]]–[[Raseborg]] (Karis–Ekenäs–Pojo)–[[Hanko]] — The next cities westwards accessible by bus, train or car.<br> North: [[Vantaa]]–[[Klaukkala]]–[[Hyvinkää]] {{routebox | image1=Simple gold crown.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Turku]] | minorl1=[[Kirkkonummi]] | directionr1=E | minorr1=[[Vantaa]] (sidetrip [[Helsinki]]) | majorr1=[[Vyborg]] | link1=King's Road (Finland) | caption1=King's Road | image2=Tabliczka E18.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Turku]] | minorl2=[[Nuuksio National Park]] | directionr2=E | minorr2=junction [[Helsinki]] → [[Vantaa]] | majorr2=[[Saint Petersburg]] | link2=E18 }} {{usablecity}} {{isPartOf|Uusimaa}} {{geo|60.161667|24.738333}} {{mapmask| 60.342 , 24.750| 60.241 , 24.785| 60.253 , 24.831| 60.104 , 24.825| 60.088 , 24.651| 60.153 , 24.612| 60.213 , 24.503| 60.325 , 24.502| 60.313 , 24.564| 60.359 , 24.629}} e0kirsylyr6xknymzs83tq38f6gtumk 0 11911 5087056 5085264 2025-07-03T09:54:13Z Lazarus1255 2236161 /* Sleep */Closed or rebranded 5087056 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Fort Worth Wikivoyage banner.jpg}} [[File:Mural Fort Worth.JPG|thumb|350px|right|Fort Worth, Texas]] '''[http://fortworth.com Fort Worth]''' is a city in the [[Prairies and Lakes]] region of [[Texas]]. With a population of approximately 957,000, it is Texas' 5th largest city. It is part of the [[Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex]], which has a population exceeding 6 million. Sometimes referred to as Cowtown, it is by far closer to its cowboy roots than neighboring [[Dallas]]. This article also covers '''North Richland Hills''', a neighboring community. ==Understand== Fort Worth grew from a military camp established at the close of the Mexican War by Gen. Winfield Scott, and named for Gen. William Jenkins Worth who fought in the war. Forty-two men of Company F, 2nd Dragoons, established the camp on June 6, 1849. The Fort Worth to Yuma, Arizona stage line was established in 1850. The city became the seat of Tarrant County 1860, and after the Civil War, it became a major shipping and supply depot for cattlemen. ===Climate=== Fort Worth is located in the [[South (United States of America)|American South]], and has a subtropical climate with mild winters, hot summers, and a wet spring and fall in between. In winter and summer it can also be a very dry place, as it receives warmer, drier weather from the Mojave Desert in the west and the Great Plains in the north. Winters are generally mild, with average highs in the mid to upper 50s (10-15 °C) and average lows around the freezing mark (0-5 °C). It is not uncommon for Winter days with highs in the upper 60s (~20°C) with the following days high temperature 20-30 degrees cooler. It may snow in Fort Worth a couple times a year, and occasionally winter temperatures will not get above freezing (32°F, 0 °C), but for the most part winter is just relatively dry and cool. There is, however, the danger of freezing rain and ice storms. Spring and fall bring very pleasant temperatures, but spring is also known for its storms. Fort Worth is at the Southern tip of Tornado Alley, and springtime weather can be quite volatile and severe storms often occur. Summers are hot and dry - but often humid - with temperatures frequently surpassing 100 °F (38 °C). Average precipitation in Fort Worth is 33 inches (830 mm) per year.{{Climate | units = Imperial | janhigh = 53 | febhigh = 58 | marhigh = 67 | aprhigh = 76 | mayhigh = 82 | junhigh = 90 | julhigh = 95 | aughigh = 95 | sephigh = 88 | octhigh = 78 | novhigh = 67 | dechigh = 57 | janlow = 30 | feblow = 35 | marlow = 43 | aprlow = 53 | maylow = 61 | junlow = 68 | jullow = 72 | auglow = 71 | seplow = 65 | octlow = 54 | novlow = 43 | declow = 34 | janprecip = 1.7 | febprecip = 2.1 | marprecip = 2.6 | aprprecip = 3.3 | mayprecip = 4.6 | junprecip = 3.5 | julprecip = 2.4 | augprecip = 2.1 | sepprecip = 3.4 | octprecip = 3.2 | novprecip = 2 | decprecip = 1.8 | description = {{ForecastNOAA|Fort Worth|32.74859|-97.32925}} }} === Neighborhoods === * {{see|name=TCU|alt=Texas Christian University|url=|email=|address=2900 S University Dr|lat=32.708451|long=-97.361499|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-17|content=The TCU area is dominated by the campus. Some unique restaurants and boutiques are mixed with standard college fare, but the campus is beautiful and shows up in force (and in Purple) for gamedays}} * {{see|name=Sundance Square|alt=Downtown Fort Worth|url=https://sundancesquare.com/|email=|address=400 Main St|lat=32.7549445|long=-97.3314084|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-17|content=Sundance Square is a city park in downtown that plays host to multiple events year round. Night and weekend parking is free and additional security patrols not only keep the area safe, but also can help you find your next destination.}} * {{see|name=Stockyards|alt=|url=|email=|address=|lat=32.7888519|long=-97.3491774|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-17|content=A national historic district, the Stockyards is the iconic background for which Fort Worth is known. The backdrop is all things western from cattle drives and BBQ to country music and belt buckles. No trip to Fort Worth is complete without a quick stop here.}} * {{see|name=The Cultural District|alt=|url=https://fwculture.com/|email=|address=|lat=32.750624|long=-97.362143|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-17|content=Home to world class museum, the stock show & rodeo as well as numerous restaurants and merchants, this area hosts many of Fort Worth's main attractions. Located across the Trinity River, 2 miles west of downtown, this area could be thought of as uptown. The area is also known as West 7th.}} * {{see|name=Near Southside|alt=|url=https://www.nearsouthsidefw.org/home|email=|address=|lat=32.73225|long=-97.33486|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-17|content=Also called South Main and Magnolia, this is the area where artists and more liberal mindsets are welcome. The area hosts multiple of the cities micro breweries, bars and restaurants. The area is undergoing a renaissance with new building and merchants, but the growth is keeping with the vibe of the current culture.}} * {{see|name=Southwest Fort Worth|alt=Camp Bowie, Hulen, Clearfork|url=|email=|address=|lat=32.7026386|long=-97.4156228|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-17|content=While not a single neighborhood, Southwest Fort Worth has a collection of different shopping areas and neighborhood restaurant clusters.}} ==Get in== ===By plane=== All the major American carriers and many international ones provide scheduled passenger service into the {{marker|type=go|name=[[Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport]]|lat=32.897541|long=-97.040431}} ({{IATA|DFW}}), located {{mi|17}} from downtown Fort Worth. This airport is one of three major hubs for American Airlines. American Airlines is also headquartered in Fort Worth. ===By train=== The {{marker|type=go|name=Fort Worth Intermodal Transportation Center|url=|lat=32.7527|long=-97.3264}} at 1001 Jones St is the central hub for Amtrak trains and '''[http://www.trinityrailwayexpress.org/ Trinity Railway Express]''' (TRE) commuter trains to Dallas, along with Greyhound inter-city bus service and local bus service provided by the T. TRE trains can provide a stress-free way to travel between the two cities during rush hour and also serve the more historic {{marker|type=go|name=T&P Station|url=|lat=32.745944|long=-97.327778}} at 1600 Throckmorton St on the south side of downtown. [[Amtrak]]'s Texas Eagle provides daily service between [[Chicago]], [[Illinois]] and [[San Antonio]], Texas with stops in Fort Worth and Dallas. Also, Amtrak's [http://www.heartlandflyer.com/ Heartland Flyer]{{Dead link|date=January 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} provides daily service between Fort Worth and [[Oklahoma City]], and points in between. Woefully underfunded, passenger train service in the United States is a slow but scenic way to travel, if you aren't too concerned about arriving on time. Alternatively, arrive from DFW Airport on '''[https://ridetrinitymetro.org/texrail/ TEXRail]''' through North Richland Hills, another commuter train that provides direct rail service from the airport to downtown Fort Worth. ===By car=== Fort Worth may be easily reached via I-20 or I-30 from the east or west, or by I-35W from the north or south. I-35 splits into two branches north of the Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan area, the west branch going to Fort Worth and the east branch (I-35E) to Dallas. The branches rejoin to the south. Car rental companies include: *'''[http://www.alamo.com/ Alamo Rent A Car]''', Toll free: +1-800-462-5266. *'''[http://www.avis.com/ Avis Rent A Car]''', Toll free: +1-800-331-1212. *'''[http://www.budget.com Budget Rent A Car]''', Toll free: +1-800-527-0700. *'''[http://www.dollar.com/ Dollar Rent A Car]''', Toll free: +1-800-800-3665. *'''[http://www.e-zrentacar.com E-Z Rent-A-Car]''', Toll free: +1-800-277-5171. *'''[http://www.enterprise.com Enterprise Rent-A-Car]''', Toll free: +1-800-261-7331. *'''[http://www.hertz.com Hertz Car Rental]''', Toll free: +1-800-654-3131. *'''[http://www.thrifty.com Thrifty]''', Toll free: +1-800-847-4389. *'''[http://dfweliteautorental.com DFW Elite Auto Rental]{{Dead link|date=April 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''', +1 817-838-7368. ===By bus=== * '''[http://www.greyhound.com Greyhound]'''. Bus stop is at the Fort Worth Intermodal Transportation Center. Also, subsidiaries of Greyhound, such as TNM&O serve as the regional carrier. *'''[http://us.megabus.com Megabus]'''. Service from [[Houston]], [[San Antonio]], [[Austin]], [[Memphis]], [[Little Rock]], [[Oklahoma City]], and [[Norman (Oklahoma)|Norman]]. Bus stop is located at 710 Davis St in [[Grand Prairie]]. Fares $1 and up. *'''[http://www.autobusesamericanos.us/EN/Home.shtml Autobus Americanos]'''. Mexican trans-border bus line with services to various points in Mexico. Bus stop is located at 5215 McCart in Fort Worth. *'''[http://ticket.gruposenda.com/ Turimex Internacional]{{Dead link|date=December 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}'''. Mexican trans-border bus line with services to various points in Mexico. Bus stop is located at 3620 Hemphill St. ==Get around== {{mapframe|32.7604|-97.3402|zoom=10}} {{mapshape}} {{mapshapes|Q497596}} <!-- Light Rail --> {{mapshapes|Q380660}} <!-- Trinity Rail Express --> {{mapshapes|Q5259601}} <!-- A-train --> ===Mass transit=== '''Buses''' and '''trains''' via '''[https://ridetrinitymetro.org/routes-schedules/ Trinity Metro]''' link many areas of town over mid-range distances. '''[http://www.trinityrailwayexpress.org/ Trinity Rail Express]''' has commuter train service between downtown Fort Worth, DFW Airport and downtown Dallas. Service is Monday through Saturday. No scheduled services on Sundays and most major holidays. '''[https://ridetrinitymetro.org/rider-services/molly-the-trolley/ Molly the Trolley]''' bus service provides local public transportation in areas like downtown Fort Worth, the Historic Stockyards, and to Sundance Square during lunchtime. Hours of operation vary by route. ===By bike=== * {{listing | name=Fort Worth B-cycle | alt= | url=https://fortworth.bcycle.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$8/24 hours; $15/3 days; $20/week |wikipedia=|wikidata=|image=|lastedit=2018-02-19| content=Bike sharing program with stations throughout downtown. }} ==See== [[File:0011Tarrant County Courthouse Full E Fort Worth Texas.jpg|thumb|Tarrant County Courthouse]] === Museums === * {{see | name=Kimbell Art Museum | alt= | url=http://www.kimbellart.org | email= | address=3333 Camp Bowie Blvd | lat=32.74873 | long=-97.36479 | directions= | phone=+1 817 332-8451 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A collection of artwork that ranges from 3000 BC to the mid-1900s. Although the collection is small, it boasts such big names as Matisse, Goya, Mondrian and Picasso, among others. The museum building itself is a highlight of architectural modernism, designed by American architect Louis Kahn. }} * {{see | name=Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth | alt= | url=http://www.themodern.org | email= | address=3200 Darnell St | lat=32.74887 | long=-97.36306 | directions= | phone=+1 817 738-9215 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The museum, located in an imposing, appropriately modern building, houses a large permanent collection and hosts many important traveling exhibitions. The building is designed by Japanese architect Tadao Ando. }} * {{see | name=Amon Carter Museum | alt= | url=http://www.cartermuseum.org | email= | address=3501 Camp Bowie Blvd | lat=32.74833 | long=-97.36697 | directions= | phone=+1 817-738-1933 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Extensive collection of American art and photography featuring many works by Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russel. }} * {{see | name=National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame | alt= | url=http://cowgirl.net | email= | address=1720 Gendy St | lat=32.74345 | long=-97.36868 | directions= | phone=+1 817-336-4475 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Museum and association which honors women of the American West who have displayed courage or spirit and who have distinguished themselves while exemplifying the pioneer spirit. }} * {{see | name=National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum | alt=formerly National Cowboys of Color Museum and Hall of Fame | url=http://www.cowboysofcolor.org | email= | address=3400 Mount Vernon Ave | lat=32.7418 | long=-97.2764 | directions= | phone=+1 817 534-8801 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum | wikidata=Q17020565 | content=Highlights the historical influence of non-White cowboys in Texas. }} * {{see | name=C.R. Smith Aviation Museum | alt= | url=http://www.crsmithmuseum.org | email= | address=4601 Hwy. 360 | lat=32.83258 | long=-97.06322 | directions= | phone=+1 817 967-1560 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=All you could ever want to know about the history of American Airlines. Great for kids, as it includes hands-on, interactive exhibits. }} * {{see | name=Stockyards Museum | alt= | url=http://www.stockyardsmuseum.org/ | email= | address=131 E. Exchange Ave | lat=32.78895 | long=-97.3486 | directions= | phone=+1 817 625-5082 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Located in the 1902 Livestock Exchange Building, this museum showcases the history of Fort Worth. Greater stockyards area described in "Do". }} *{{see | name=Fort Worth Museum of Science and History | alt= | url=http://www.fwmsh.org | email= | address=1501 Montgomery St. | lat=32.74501 | long=-97.36926 | directions=Exit Montgomery on 1-30 and head North | phone=+1 817-255-9300 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Family based hands on science and history museum, boasts traveling exhibits and the Omni-imax theater. }} * {{see | name=Oscar E. Monnig Meteorite Gallery | alt= | url=https://monnigmuseum.tcu.edu/ | email= | address=2950 West Bowie Street | lat=32.70807 | long=-97.35913 | directions=Texas Christian University campus in the Sid Richardson Science Building at the corner of West Bowie Street and Cockrell Avenue. | phone=+1 817-257-6277 | tollfree= | fax=+1 817-257-7789 | hours=M-F 1-4PM; Sa 10AM-4PM | price=free | content=Small museum with astonishing collection of pieces of the sky, well-documented. Touch a piece of Mars! }} * {{see | name=Sid Richardson Museum | alt= | url=https://www.sidrichardsonmuseum.org/ | email= | address=309 Main St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 817 332-6554 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10AM-4PM | price=Free | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Art museum with an emphasis on Western art (e.g. works by Frederic Remington, Charles Russell). }} * {{see | name=Texas Civil War Museum | alt= | url=https://texascivilwarmuseum.com/ | email= | address=760 Jim Wright Fwy North | lat=32.77238 | long=-97.47429 | directions= | phone=+1 817 246-2323 | tollfree= | hours= | price=$7 (over 13), $4 (ages 6-12) | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=A repository of Union and Confederate artifacts and history about the War Between the States. }} * {{see | name=Bureau of Engraving and Printing Visitors Center | alt= | url=https://www.bep.gov/visitor-centers/fort-worth-tx-tour-and-visitor-center | email= | address=9100 Blue Mound Road | lat=32.9015854 | long=-97.3479548 | directions= | phone=+1 817 231-4000 | tollfree=+1 866 865-1194 | hours=Tu-Fr 8:30AM-5:30PM | price=Free | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-05-22 | content=Tours open to the public of the money creation factory - see pallets of dollar bills created below your feet from a suspended walkway snaking through the facility. One of two in the nation (other in DC). Self-guided tour takes approximately 1 hour. Gift shop on site. }} * {{see | name=Vintage Flying Museum | alt= | url=http://www.vintageflyingmuseum.org/ | email= | address=505 NW 38th St # 33S | lat=32.81222 | long=-97.35617 | directions=on Meacham Airport grounds | phone=+1 817 624-1935 | tollfree= | hours= | price=$12 adults, $7 (ages 6-13) | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Warbirds on display in a hangar. If wanting to see some for free, you can just visit the outdoor space at the southern end of the Meacham Airport runway. }} === Attractions === * {{see | name=Sundance Square | alt= | url=http://www.sundancesquare.com/ | email= | address= | lat=32.75483 | long=-97.33129 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= 20 blocks of shops, bars & restaurants, brick-paved sidewalks and historic buildings. Well lit and popular with tourists and locals, Sundance Square is frequently the center for outdoor events such as concerts and art festivals. }} * {{see | name=Bass Performance Hall | alt= | url=http://www.basshall.com | email= | address= | lat=32.75510 | long=-97.32959 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A state-of-the-art venue presenting concerts, musicals, and theatrical performances throughout the year. }} * {{see | name=Fort Worth Stockyards | alt= | url=http://www.fortworthstockyards.org | email= | address= | lat=32.78883 | long=-97.34614 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Just north of the downtown area is the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, where you'll find Texas style nightlife at bars like '''[http://www.billybobstexas.com Billy Bob's]''' plus the '''[http://tchof.com/ Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame]''', the '''[http://www.stockyardsmuseum.org/ Stockyards Museum]''', '''[http://johnwayne.com/experience John Wayne: An American Experience]''', '''[http://www.fortworthherd.com/ The Fort Worth Longhorn Herd]''', and the '''Cowtown Cattle Pen Maze'''. The Stockyards are also home to a weekly rodeo. Held every Friday and Saturday evening, and billed as the "World's First Indoor Rodeo," it [http://www.cowtowncoliseum.com/ attracts competitors from around the country]. The Stockyards is also home to Riscky's Barbeque, considered by locals to be the best barbeque in the area. One block away, '''[https://coopersbbqfortworth.com/ Coopers Old Time Pit BBQ]''' offers excellent fare at fair prices. }} [[File:Convention Center Fort Worth.JPG|thumb|200px|right|Downtown convention center]] * {{see | name=Fort Worth Water Gardens | alt= | url=https://www.fortworth.com/listings/fort-worth-water-gardens/2989/ | email= | address=1502 Commerce St | lat=32.747778 | long=-97.326667 | directions= | phone=+1 817 392-7111 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Fort Worth Water Gardens | image=Fort Worth Water Gardens 2003.jpg | wikidata=Q2035884 | lastedit=2018-04-07 | content=A man-made watery setting to get away from the hustle and bustle downtown. For some awesome architecture, check out the 1933 Beaux Arts Style designed post office building at 251 Lancaster and Texas & Pacific Railway Station at 221 Lancaster (across the street from the south edge of the water gardens). }} *{{see | name=Burnett Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=32.75041 | long=-97.33362 | directions=Lamar and Texas streets | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Located on land donated by cattle baron Samuel Burk Burnett, features sculptures, pools, and granite walkways. Vast green parks and surrounding network of major lakes offer abundant opportunities for water sports and outdoor recreation. }} * {{see | name=The Fort Worth Botanic Garden | alt= | url=http://www.fwbg.org | email= | address=3220 Botanic Garden Blvd | lat=32.74025 | long=-97.36337 | directions= | phone=+1 817-871-7686 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Admission: $12 adults, seniors $10, children $5 (May 2022). Japanese garden additional $3. | content=The sprawling gardens includes a large flower garden, lawn, indoor tropical forest, and a beautiful Japanese garden. }} == Do == [[File:ModArtFtWorth.jpg|thumb|200px|The Modern Art Museum]] ===Zoological Parks and Theme Parks=== * {{do | name=The Fort Worth Zoo | alt= | url=https://www.fortworthzoo.org/ | email= | address=1989 Colonial Parkway | lat=32.72373 | long=-97.35594 | directions= | phone=+1 817-759-7555 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 10AM-5PM; Sa Su 10AM-6PM | price=$7-10.50 (Wednesdays are half-price) | wikidata=Q5472415 | content=Come see the animals and interactive exhibits. }} * {{do | name=SeaQuest Fort Worth | alt= | url=https://fortworth.visitseaquest.com/ | email= | address=1974 Green Oaks Rd | lat= | long= | directions=located in Ridgmar Mall | phone=+1 817 731-5357 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-6PM, Su Noon-6PM | price=$15.99 adults (over 12), $9.99 kids, $12.99 seniors/military | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Kind of a minor aquarium but with some quixotic activities like "Fishy Kisses" and "Snorkel With The Stingrays" - these cost extra, naturally. }} * {{do |name=NRH2O Family Water Park | url=http://www.nrh2o.com/ | address=Grapevine Highway (#26) between Precinct Line and North Harwood Road | lat=32.8509|long=-97.1931 | directions= in nearby North Richland Hills | phone=+1 817 427-6500 | tollfree= | hours=Taller than {{in|48}} M-Th $20, F-Su $25; shorter than 48 in, military, senior M-Th $17, F-Su $20 | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-07-10 | content= 17-acre park with 23 attractions, including the country’s longest uphill water roller coaster. }} ===Hiking and Natural Areas=== * {{do | name=Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge | alt= | url=https://www.fwnaturecenter.org/ | email= | address=9601 Fossil Ridge Rd | lat=32.84735 | long=-97.47584 | directions= | phone=+1 817 392-7410 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 8AM-5PM | price=$6 (over 12), $3 (over 65), $2 (ages 3-12), $1 dogs | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Hiking trails and boardwalks, kayak rentals, bison herd, native prairie grasses and woodlands. }} * {{do | name=Eagle Mountain Park | alt= | url=https://www.trwd.com/be-active | email= | address=11601 Morris Dido Newark Rd | lat=32.93506 | long=-97.48023 | directions= | phone=+1 817 335-2491 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 5AM-10PM | price=Free | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=A popular hiking area with rugged terrain and views over Eagle Mountain Lake. }} * {{do | name=Marion Sansom Park | alt= | url= | email= | address=2501 Roberts Cut Off Rd | lat=32.79564 | long=-97.41333 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Daily 6AM-10PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Another popular hiking area with waterfalls and views of the western half of the city and Lake Worth. }} ===Sports=== *{{do | name=TCU Horned Frogs | alt= | url=https://gofrogs.com/ | email= | address= | lat=32.70901 | long=-97.36712 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=The sports teams representing Texas Christian University, have branded themselves as "Fort Worth's team". The Frogs are best known for their football program, a rising national power in the first part of this century. TCU now competes in the Big 12 Conference. Most of TCU's athletic venues are on campus, with the best-known being Amon G. Carter Stadium (football) and Schollmaier Arena (basketball). }} *{{do | name=Texas Brahmas | url=https://www.texasjrbrahmas.com/ | email= | address=8851 Ice House Dr | lat=32.85974 | long=-97.20683 | directions= | phone=+1 817 520-2115 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=See website for current season schedule | price= | wikidata=Q7707794 | lastedit=2023-08-09 | content=Enjoy an ice-hockey game at the NYTEX Sports Centre in North Richland Hills. The Brahmas play in the North American Tier III hockey league. }} * {{do | name=Texas Motor Speedway | alt= | url=https://www.texasmotorspeedway.com/ | email= | address=3545 Lone Star Cir | lat=33.0363 | long=-97.2816 | directions= | phone=+1 817 215-8500 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Catch NASCAR and other events here, such as an extravagant Christmas display. }} ===Events=== * {{do | name=Main St. Fort Worth Arts Festival | alt= | url=http://www.MainStreetArtsFest.org | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=free | content=Ranked 8th in the country by the Art Fair Source Book and the Harris List, and number one in Texas, Main St. hosts tens of thousands of people annually during the four-day visual arts, entertainment and cultural event. Main St. showcases a nationally recognized fine art and fine craft juried art fair, live concerts, performance artists and street performers on the streets of downtown Fort Worth-stretching nine blocks on Main Street from the Tarrant County Courthouse to the Fort Worth Convention Center. }} * {{do | name=Sundance Square Parade of Lights | alt= | url=http://www.FortWorthParadeofLights.org | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Late November. Watch colorful illuminated floats, beautiful antique cars, marching bands, equestrian units, horse-drawn carriages and a cast of delightful characters dressed in their holiday best. The unforgettable parade and an annual visit from Santa Claus and his elves will make the Sundance Square Parade of Lights a fun-filled holiday experience for the entire family! Free. }} *'''[https://www.allianceairshow.com/ Fort Worth Alliance Air Show]''', at Alliance Airport north of downtown. Features air stunts and formations like the Blue Angels. Typically around 3rd weekend of October. ==Learn== * {{listing | name=Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary | alt= | url=http://www.swbts.edu | email= | address=2001 W Seminary Dr | lat=32.682 | long=-97.348 | directions= | phone=+1 817-923-1921 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7571391 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Tarrant County College | alt= | url=http://www.tccd.edu | email= | address= | lat=32.747531 | long=-97.327832 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7686664 | lastedit=2021-09-06 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Texas Christian University | alt= | url=http://www.tcu.edu | email= | address= | lat=32.709605 | long=-97.362823 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2302280 | lastedit=2021-09-06 | content= }} * {{listing | name=University of North Texas Health Science Center | alt= | url=https://www.unthsc.edu/ | email= | address=3500 Camp Bowie Blvd | lat=32.7486 | long=-97.3694 | directions= | phone=+1 817-735-2000 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7895977 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Texas Wesleyan University | alt= | url=http://www.txwesleyan.edu | email= | address= | lat=32.733 | long=-97.28 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7708205 | lastedit=2021-09-06 | content= }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Fort Worth Stockyards Station | alt= | url=http://fortworthstockyards.com/ | email= | address=140 E Exchange Ave | lat= | long= | directions=at Stockyards | phone=+1 817 625-9715 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=A covered emporium of different shops, confectioneries, games, photo studios, etc. Also Exchange Ave itself is chock full of curio shops and eateries aimed at the tourist. }} *'''Sundance Square''' * {{buy | name=Montgomery Plaza | alt= | url=https://montgomeryplaza.com/ | email= | address=2600 W 7th St | lat=32.75177 | long=-97.3533 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10AM-9PM, Su 11AM-6PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Old department store complex refurbished with a lot of pizzazz. }} * {{buy | name=Crockett Row | alt= | url=http://www.crockettrow.com/ | email= | address=816 Foch St | lat=32.74999 | long=-97.35657 | directions= | phone=+1 817 810-9076 | tollfree= | hours=Th-Su 4PM-Midnight | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content= }} ===Shopping Malls=== * {{buy | name=North East Mall | alt= | url=https://www.simon.com/mall/north-east-mall | email= | address=1101 Melbourne Rd, Hurst | lat=32.8298 | long=-97.2003 | directions= | phone=+1 817 284-3427 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Still surviving mall with a large movie theater complex and surrounding eateries. }} * {{buy | name=Hulen Mall | alt= | url=https://www.hulenmall.com | email= | address=4800 S Hulen St | lat=32.6784 | long=-97.3985 | directions= | phone=+1 817 294-1205 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5935635 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=Seems to attract the occasional shoot'em up but still a big mall with theater. }} * {{buy | name=La Gran Plaza de Fort Worth | alt= | url=http://www.lagranplazamall.com/ | email= | address=4200 South Fwy | lat=32.6866 | long=-97.325 | directions= | phone=+1 817 922-8888 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10AM-9PM, Su 11AM-8PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Visiting this mall you will somehow wonder if you magically teleported to Mexico, as it has a very Mexican flavor with mariachi bands and layout. }} ===Other=== * {{buy | name=Tanger Outlets Fort Worth | alt= | url=https://www.tangeroutlet.com/fortworth | email= | address=15853 N Fwy | lat=33.0214 | long=-97.2813 | directions= | phone=+1 817 464-5400 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content= }} * {{buy | name=Henderson Street Flea Market | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/hendersonstreetbazaar/ | email= | address=1000 N Henderson St | lat=32.76366 | long=-97.34758 | directions= | phone=+1 817 877-3021 | tollfree= | hours=Sa-Su 7AM-8PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=If you are into flea markets, this might be for you. }} ==Eat== Fort Worth is similar to many Texas cities in that there are two main food groups, BBQ and Tex-Mex. While tastes are changing and multiple options are available, these will still be your best two bets in the city. A growing food truck scene is starting to make a presence in the city, and some of the local breweries are making drinks worth recommending to friends. ===Budget=== *{{eat | name=Angelo's Bar-B-Que | url=https://angelosbbq.com | email= | address=2533 White Settlement Rd | lat=32.75889 | long=-97.35239 | directions= | phone=+1 817 332-0357 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-10PM | price= $10 for a full plate with one or two meats and three sides. | content=Tied with Railhead (below) for the best BBQ in the southwest. A Fort Worth classic. This is in an old wooden barn, which adds a great atmosphere to the dining experience. The pork ribs were very tasty and the large cold beers were particularly nice. Meats melt in the mouth and beans are awesome. They actually bbq on premises which some of the other place don't. It's about a 5-min drive out of the downtown area. }} *{{eat | name=Railhead Smokehouse | alt= | url=http://www.railheadsmokehouse.com | email= | address=2900 Montgomery St | lat=32.73112 | long=-97.37058 | directions= | phone=+1 817 738-9808 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-9PM | price= | content=Tied with Angelo's for the best BBQ in the southwest. }} *{{eat | name=Fuzzy's Taco Shop | url=https://restaurants.fuzzystacoshop.com/fuzzys-taco-shop-bfdfcdaa4dda | email= | address=2917 W Berry St | lat=32.70598 | long=-97.35902 | directions=Two locations | phone=+1 817-924-7943 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su-M 7AM-10PM, Tu-W 7AM-11PM, Th-Sa 7AM-2AM | price= | content=Excellent taco dive - lots of food for cheap, great fish tacos, late hours, cheap drinks, all without leaving the affluent TCU area. }} *{{eat | name=Kincaid's | url=https://www.kincaidshamburgers.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Two locations | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-6PM | price= | content=Texas' (perhaps America's) best burgers. Original Camp Bowie location is in a kitschy old grocery story. }} ** {{eat | name=Kincaid's | alt= | url= | email= | address=4901 Camp Bowie Blvd | lat=32.73745 | long=-97.39326 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-09-06 | content= }} ** {{eat | name=Kincaid's | alt= | url= | email= | address=4825 Overton Ridge Blvd | lat=32.67606 | long=-97.40027 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-09-06 | content= }} * {{eat | name=The Love Shack | alt= | url=http://loveburgershackfortworth.com/ | email= | address=110 Exchange Ave | lat=32.788748 | long=-97.348657 | directions=in the Stockyards | phone=+1 817 740-8812 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su-Tu 11AM-9PM, W-Th 11AM-10PM, F-Sa 11AM-11PM | price= | content=Excellent unique hamburger created by celebrity Ft. Worth chef, Tim Love. Daily flavored milk shakes. Live music. (Possible cover charge on weekends.) Cash only. }} * {{eat | name=Green Vine Market | alt= | url=https://www.greenvinemarket.com | email= | address=1804 K Avenue | lat=33.0243265 | long=-96.6978848 | directions= | phone=+1 972 942 0808 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa: 8AM-9PM, Su: 8AM-8:30PM | price= | content=Hamburgers, daily flavored milk shakes, live music (Possible cover charge on weekends). Cash only. |lastedit=2024-12-05}} ===Mid-range=== *{{eat | name=Nonna Tata | url= | email= | address=1400 W. Magnolia Ave | lat=32.73076 | long=-97.34046 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Lunch Tu-Th 11AM-3PM; Dinner M-Th 5:30PM-9PM, F 5:30PM-10PM | price=$15-30 | content=Certainly one of Fort Worth's smallest restaurants, Nonna Tata is also one of its best. With only 21 seats indoors and another 30 outdoors, the restaurant fills up early and often develops long waits on weekends. Absolutely amazing authentic Italian food, with a menu that changes weekly and amiable service. BYOB, cash only, no reservations. }} *{{eat | name=Central Market | url=http://www.centralmarket.com/ | email= | address=4651 West Freeway | lat=32.73003 | long=-97.38909 | directions= | phone=+1 817 989-4700 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM-9PM Daily | price=$5-15 | content=DFW's best gourmet grocery also has a formidable cafe attached, with amazing, huge custom sandwiches, cheap and great pizzas and international noodle dishes made for you, a mind-boggling prepared food section and $15 meals for two bagged and ready to go. Any kind of food you could want, done extremely well, for grocery story prices, plus a generous selection of wine and beer. }} *{{eat | name=Chef Point Cafe | url=http://www.chefpointcafe.org/ | email= | address=5901 Watauga Rd. | lat=32.86097 | long=-97.25346 | directions= | phone=+1 817 656-0080 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 11AM-9PM, Sa 7AM-10PM, Su 11AM-8PM | price= | content=Fine dining in a Conoco station. }} *{{eat | name=Fred's Texas Cafe | alt= | url=https://www.fredstexascafe.com/ | email= | address=2730 Western Center Blvd | lat=32.86012 | long=-97.3205 | directions= | phone=+1 817 232-0111 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10AM-midnight, Sunday Brunch | price=$8-12 | content=The "Outlaw Chef" cooks genuine Southern/Texican food in one of the most unique and exciting ways you'll find in Fort Worth. Super laid-back setting, with genuine Texas food and genuine Texas music. Happy hour before 6 and whenever it's raining. }} *{{eat | name=Hunter Brothers' H3 Ranch | url=http://www.h3ranch.com/ | email= | address=109 E Exchange Ave | lat=32.78911 | long=-97.34889 | directions= | phone=+1 817 624-1246 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$18-30 | content=For the cowboy tourist. A strong cowtown theme predominates in this Stockyards-area steakhouse. Come for the atmosphere first, the food second. }} *{{eat | name=Joe T. Garcia's | url=http://www.joets.com/ | email= | address=2201 N. Commerce St. | lat=32.78450 | long=-97.34818 | directions= | phone=+1 817 626-4356 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A Fort Worth legend, dine family style in a large converted mansion or in its beautiful expansive gardens with lush vegetation and calming pools; choose from one of two menu options nightly. There is frequently a line around the block in good weather, so arrive early or be prepared to wait. Great margaritas. Cash only (ATM on site). }} *{{eat | name=La Familia | alt= | url=http://la-familia-mexican-restaurant.business.site/ | email= | address=841 Foch St. | lat=32.750087 | long=-97.356291 | directions= | phone=+1 817-870-2002 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–Th 11AM–9PM, F 11AM–9:30PM, Sa 9AM–9:30PM, Su M closed | price= | content=Mexican restaurant locally renowned for their excellent Tex-Mex and friendly owner (Al) and staff. }} *{{eat | name=King Tut | url= | email= | address=1512 West Magnolia Ave. | lat=32.73085 | long=-97.34271 | directions= | phone=+1 817 335-3051 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 11AM-2PM & 5PM-9PM; Sa 5PM-9PM | price= | content=Egyptian restaurant with excellent Middle Eastern cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Spiral Diner | url=http://www.spiraldiner.com/ | email= | address=1314 W. Magnolia | lat=32.73083 | long=-97.34012 | directions= | phone=+1 817 3-EATVEG | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-Sa 11AM-10PM, Su 11AM-5PM | price= | content=The only strictly vegan restaurant in Fort Worth, Spiral Diner has an eclectic menu that will not let you down on taste. One of Fort Worth's finest restaurants regardless of dietary restriction. }} *{{eat | name=Uncle Julio's | url=http://www.unclejulios.com/ | email= | address=5301 Camp Bowie Blvd | lat=32.73445 | long=-97.40097 | directions= | phone=+1 817 377-2777 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$8-30 | content=Excellent and diverse Tex-Mex menu, friendly staff, decent happy hour before 6PM. }} ===Splurge=== *{{eat | name=Bonnell's | url=http://www.bonnellstexas.com/ | email= | address=4259 Bryant Irvin Rd | lat=32.68952 | long=-97.41123 | directions= | phone=+1 817 738-5489 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Lunch Tu-F 11AM-2:30PM, Dinner Tu-Sa 5:30PM-9:30PM | price= | content=Chef Jon Bonnell's southwest-themed masterpiece. }} *{{eat | name=Del Frisco's Steakhouse | url=http://www.delfriscos.com/ | email= | address=812 Main St | lat=32.75204 | long=-97.32984 | directions= | phone=+1 817 877-3999 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 5-10PM; F-Sa 5-11PM; Su 5-9PM | price=$50+ | content=One of the finest steakhouses in the world, with an excellent wine list. It is, however, extremely expensive, and you will have to wait a little while even if you have a reservation. Don't come here for anything other than steak, but if you are looking for steak, it is hard to beat. }} *{{eat | name=Reata Restaurant | url=http://www.reata.net/ | email= | address=310 Houston St | lat=32.75476 | long=-97.33262 | directions= | phone=+1 817 336-1009 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Lunch 11:30AM-2:30PM, Dinner 5PM to 10:30PM daily | price= | content=One of the most widely acclaimed restaurants in Texas, and one of the first to bring "Cowboy cuisine" to the forefront of the refined American palate. Online reservation system. }} *{{eat | name=Saint-Emilion | url= | email= | address=3617 W 7th St | lat=32.75109 | long=-97.37069 | directions= | phone=+1 817 737-2781 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-Sa 6PM-9PM | price=$25-50 | content=The best French country food in Fort Worth, and a cozy dining experience. }} === Sweets === * {{eat|name=Melt Icecream|alt=|url=http://www.gypsyscoops.com|email=|address=1201 W Magnolia Ave #115, 76104|lat=32.7304787|long=-97.3382182|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-19|content=Tiny ice cream parlor serving creative flavor combos frequently with lines out the door at multiple times in the day}} ==Drink== * {{drink | name=Flying Saucer Draught Emporium | alt= | url=http://www.beerknurd.com | email= | address=111 E 3rd St | lat=32.75567 | long=-97.33107 | directions= | phone=+1 817 336-7468 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The gameroom offers a place to play a game of pool, chess or darts. The shiny, faux-rock floor throughout is enhanced by the vast collection of vintage dinnerware adorning every wall. They have the largest selection of beer (225 varieties) around. Menu selections include Creamy Beer Cheese Soup, the Build-Your-Own Sausage and Cheese Plate, spicy sausage quesadillas and traditional bratwurst with German potato salad. }} *{{drink | name=Chat Room Pub | alt=The Chat | url= | email= | address=1263 West Magnolia Ave | lat=32.730938371422496 | long=-97.33916759490967 | directions= | phone=+1 817 922-8319 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=3PM-2AM | price= | content=Good drink selection in a chilled atmosphere. }} * {{drink | name=The Usual | alt= | url=http://www.theusualbar.com | email= | address=1408 W. Magnolia Ave | lat=32.73076 | long=-97.34083 | directions= | phone=+1 817 810-0114 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A high-end craft cocktail bar popular with the hip Magnolia Avenue set. A somewhat mixed, gay-friendly spot with very modern decor and a nice but small patio out back. This is the place to go for expensive but very well-mixed takes on the classics, and an inspired cocktail menu. Try the Montpelier, which mixes bourbon, smoked maple syrup, Jamaican rum, and Italian vermouth. }} * {{drink|name=Pouring Glory|alt=|url=http://www.pouringglory.com/|email=|address=1001 Bryan Ave, 76104|lat=32.734043|long=-97.3250209|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-19|content=50+ taps with local, regional and a few international flavors off the beaten path. Food is good enough to be a stand alone restaurant, but be careful of the pretzilla}} === Breweries & distilleries === * {{drink | name=Martin House Brewery | alt= | url=http://martinhousebrewing.com/ | email= | address=220 S Sylvania Ave, 76111 | lat=32.763604 | long=-97.310007 | directions= | phone=+1 817 222-0177 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-02-19 | content=Weekly Tours and Tastings Every Thursday (6-8pm) & Saturday (2-5pm). }} *{{drink|name=Wild Acre Brewery|alt=|url=http://wildacrebrewing.com/|email=|address=1734 E El Paso St #190, 76102|lat=32.7431191|long=-97.3096823|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-19|content=Shares a location with Silver Star Vodka. Not the best area of town, but the brewery is safe and the beer is worth the stop}} * {{drink|name=Rahr and Sons Brewing|alt=|url=https://rahrbrewing.com|email=|address=701 Galveston Ave, 76104|lat=32.7368466|long=-97.327027|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-19|content=Brewery tour & tasting Sa 1PM - 3PM, W 5PM - 7:30PM}} *{{drink|name=Panther Island Brewery|alt=|url=http://pantherislandbrewing.com/|email=|address=501 N Main St, 76164|lat=32.7637277|long=-97.338419|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-19|content=F 5PM – 9PM, Sa noon – 5PM, Su 2PM – 7PM}} * {{drink|name=HopFusion Ale Works|alt=|url=http://hopfusionaleworks.com/|email=|address=200 E Broadway Ave, 76104|lat=32.7415864|long=-97.324889|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=Tu-Th 4PM - 11PM, F noon - 11PM, Sa noon-midnight, Su noon - 11PM|price=|lastedit=2018-02-19|content=Taproom and microbrewery, though you can find their cans at a few local shops and stores}} * {{drink|name=Firestone & Robertson Distillery|alt=Whiskey Ranch|url=https://www.frdistilling.com/|email=|address=4250 Mitchell Blvd, 76119|lat=32.7019704|long=-97.2892775|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-19|content=Home to the blended TX Whiskey and the Texas locally distilled and aged TX Bourbon. Set on the grounds of a golf course Byron Nelson played as a youth, more than just a stop for a drink.}} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Motel 6 Ft Worth North | alt= | url=https://www.motel6.com/content/g6/en/home/motels.tx.ft-worth.8617.html | email= | address=3271 I-35W | lat=32.80480 | long=-97.31853 | directions= | phone=+1 817 625-4359 | tollfree= | fax=+1 817 625-8256 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fort Worth West - I-30 | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/laquinta/fort-worth-texas/la-quinta-fort-worth-west-i-30/overview | email= | address=7310 Calmont Ave | lat=32.73442 | long=-97.44311 | directions= | phone=+1 817 244-4777 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$65 (Jan 2022) | lastedit=2022-01-16 | content=Indoor pool and hot tub. }} * {{sleep | name=La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fort Worth North | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/laquinta/fort-worth-texas/la-quinta-fort-worth-north/overview | email= | address=4700 North Fwy | lat=32.82629 | long=-97.31181 | directions= | phone=+1 817 222-2888 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$58 (Jan 2022) | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-16 | content=Outdoor pool and breakfast. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Hyatt Place Fort Worth/Cityview | alt= | url=https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/texas/hyatt-place-fort-worth-cityview/dfwzc | email= | address=5900 Cityview Blvd | lat=32.68092 | long=-97.41308 | directions=southwest Fort Worth | phone=+1 817 361-9797 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$101 (Jan 2022) | content=Very cookie-cutter. }} * {{sleep | name=Comfort Suites DFW Airport | alt= | url=http://www.comfortsuites.com/hotel-irving-texas-TX010 | email= | address=4700 W. John Carpenter Fwy | lat=32.91617 | long=-97.01231 | directions= | phone=+1 972 929-9097 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Courtyard Fort Worth Downtown | url=https://www.marriott.com/dfwms | email= | address=601 Main St | lat=32.75378 | long=-97.33038 | directions=Four blocks from the Convention Center | phone=+1 817 885-8700 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$209-249 | content=Renovated rooms with modern amenities. }} * {{sleep | name=Best Western Plus Fort Worth North | url=https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotel-rooms.44794.html | email= | address=3751 NE Loop 820 | lat=32.84026 | long=-97.29390 | directions=Intersection of the 35W and 820 freeways, close to the Fort Worth Stockyards | phone=+1 817 847-0044 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$99 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=DoubleTree by Hilton Fort Worth South Hotel & Conference Center | alt= | url=https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/ftwstdt-doubletree-fort-worth-south/ | email= | address=100 East Alta Mesa Blvd | lat=32.65267 | long=-97.31898 | directions=Five miles from Downtown Fort Worth | phone=+1 817-293-3088 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$142 (Jul 2025) | content=Three-star hotel with amenities including indoor heated pool, restaurant, lounge, room service, fitness room, and business center. }} * {{sleep | name=Sheraton Fort Worth | alt= | url=http://www.sheratonfortworth.com | email= | address=1701 Commerce St | lat=32.74786 | long=-97.32469 | directions=Downtown | phone=+1 817 335-7000 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=SpringHill Suites Fort Worth University | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dfwuv-springhill-suites-fort-worth-university/ | email= | address=3250 Lovell Ave | lat=32.73214 | long=-97.36469 | directions= | phone=+1 817-878-2554 | tollfree=+1-888-236-2427 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Extended stay hotel located near the convention center. }} * {{sleep | name=TownePlace Suites Fort Worth Southwest | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dfwts-towneplace-suites-fort-worth-southwest/ | email= | address=4200 International Plaza | lat=32.68556 | long=-97.40178 | directions=Halfway between Benbrook Lake and downtown. | phone=+1 817-732-2224 | tollfree=+1-888-236-2427 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Courtyard Fort Worth University Drive | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dfwch-courtyard-fort-worth-university-drive/ | email= | address=3150 Riverfront Dr | lat=32.72550 | long=-97.36250 | directions= | phone=+1 817-335-1300 | tollfree=+1-888-236-2427 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} ===Splurge=== *{{sleep | name=The Ashton | url=http://www.theashtonhotel.com/ | email= | address=610 Main St | lat=32.75331 | long=-97.33069 | directions= | phone=+1 817 332-0100 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$250 | content=Well-liked luxury hotel in a renovated historical building. Very helpful, attentive staff. }} *{{sleep | name=Hilton Fort Worth | url=http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/FTWFWHF-Hilton-Fort-Worth-Texas/index.do | email= | address=815 Main St | lat=32.75238 | long=-97.32942 | directions= | phone=+1 817 870-2100 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$95 | content=A clean, quiet place to stay, with good service. The building and decor could use an update. }} *{{sleep | name=Renaissance Worthington | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dfwdt-renaissance-worthington-hotel-fort-worth/ | email= | address=200 Main St | lat=32.75543 | long=-97.33341 | directions= | phone=+1 817 870-1000 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$199 | content=The city's only 4-diamond hotel, since opening in 1981 with all the expected amenities. Especially well-regarded for efficient yet friendly staff. }} ===Lockheed Martin Plant=== Options ideal for travel to the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics plant: 200 N Grants Ln, adjacent to the Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base (JRB, formerly Carswell Air Force Base): * {{sleep | name=Quality Inn & Suites | alt= | url=https://www.choicehotels.com/texas/fort-worth/quality-inn-hotels/tx866 | email= | address=2700 S Cherry Ln | lat=32.73531 | long=-97.45187 | directions=2 miles from plant | phone=+1 817-560-4180 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$61 (Jan 2022) | content=Breakfast available. }} * {{sleep | name=Country Inn & Suites by Radisson | alt= | url=https://www.radissonhotelsamericas.com/en-us/hotels/country-inn-fort-worth-nas-jrd-tx?cid=a:se+b:gmb+c:amer+i:local+e:cis+d:us+h:USAFTTX | email= | address=2730 Cherry Ln | lat=32.73452 | long=-97.45188 | directions=2 miles from plant | phone=+1 817-560-4200 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Spring Hill Suites | alt= | url= | email= | address=3250 Lovell Ave | lat=32.73214 | long=-97.36469 | directions=off University Drive, approximately 6.8 miles from plant | phone=+1 817-878-2554 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} ==Connect== Good cellular phone coverage by all major providers throughout the city and all major roadways. Internet hot-spots available at most '''Starbucks Coffee''' locations, DFW Airport, and '''FedEx Kinko's''' offices. Daily newspaper: * [http://www.star-telegram.com/ Fort Worth Star-Telegram]. ==Stay safe== As with any other large city, be vigilant in Fort Worth. The city's central arts and entertainment district is well policed, however, as so long as you make sure you lock your car and hide any valuables inside, all that you need is a little extra awareness of your surroundings. The city's freeways can be quite dangerous if you are not accustomed to driving in such high volumes of rapidly moving traffic; keep this in mind when you are planning a trip. Areas to avoid after dark are the East Side, Southeast Side (especially in the Stop Six section), the Como neighborhood, and the Trails/Calmont neighborhood, as these places have high rates of gun crimes from armed robberies to shootings. The Stockyards bar and club district can get rowdy on Friday and Saturday nights, but the nightlife at Sundance Square in Downtown is more laid back. ==Cope== ===Gym workout=== *'''[http://www.24hourfitness.com/ 24 Hour Fitness]''' and '''[http://www.lafitness.com/ LA Fitness (which now includes Ballys)]''' have many locations throughout the area. If you have a regular membership with either of them from back home your membership is good here. Note that some memberships are only good for one location and will cost extra to access a different gym/club than the one you normally go to at home. Ask before leaving. Otherwise day passes range from $10-20. Bring a lock and towel. * {{listing | name=Kadampa Meditation Center Texas | alt= | url=http://www.meditationinfortworth.org | email= | address=2836 Stanley Avenue | lat=32.71005 | long=-97.34638 | directions= | phone=+1 817-303-2700 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-09-06 | content=Offers relaxation meditations and meditation classes to increase inner peace. }} ==Go next== * [[Mineral Wells]], home to '''Lake Mineral Wells State Park''' * [[Bridgeport (Texas)|Bridgeport]], 30 miles to the northwest has a nice lake for boating and fishing. * [[Weatherford (Texas)|Weatherford]], 20 miles west of downtown Fort Worth. * [[Grapevine (Texas)|Grapevine]] has a nice historic main street area and numerous wineries. * [[Glen Rose]] 50 miles southwest has Dinosaur Valley State Park and Fossil Rim Wildlife Center. {{routebox | image1=Amtrak Heartland Flyer icon.png | imagesize1=100 | directionl1=N | majorl1=[[Oklahoma City]] | minorl1=[[Gainesville (Texas)|Gainesville]] | directionr1=S | majorr1=END | minorr1= | image2=Amtrak Texas Eagle icon.png | imagesize2=100 | directionl2=NE | majorl2=[[St. Louis]] | minorl2='''[[Dallas]]''' | directionr2=SW | majorr2=[[San Antonio]] | minorr2=[[Temple]] | image3=I-20.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=W | majorl3=[[Midland (Texas)|Midland]] | minorl3=[[Weatherford (Texas)|Weatherford]] | directionr3=E | majorr3=[[Dallas]] | minorr3=[[Arlington (Texas)|Arlington]] | image4=I-30.svg | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=W | majorl4=[[Midland (Texas)|Midland]] | minorl4=[[Weatherford (Texas)|Weatherford]] ← '''Merges into [[File:I-20.svg|18px]]''' | directionr4=E | majorr4=[[Dallas]] | minorr4=[[Arlington (Texas)|Arlington]] | image5=I-35W.svg | imagesize5=22 | directionl5=N | majorl5=[[Oklahoma City]] | minorl5=[[Denton (Texas)|Denton]] | directionr5=S | majorr5=[[Waco]] | minorr5=[[Hillsboro (Texas)|Hillsboro]] | image6=US 81.svg | imagesize6=22 | directionl6=N | majorl6=[[Chickasha]] | minorl6=[[Decatur (Texas)|Decatur]] | directionr6=S | majorr6=END | minorr6= | image7=US 287.svg | imagesize7=22 | directionl7=N | majorl7=[[Wichita Falls]] | minorl7=[[Decatur (Texas)|Decatur]] | directionr7=S | majorr7=[[Beaumont]] | minorr7=[[Arlington (Texas)|Arlington]] | image8=US 377.svg | imagesize8=22 | directionl8=S | majorl8=[[Del Rio]] | minorl8=[[Granbury]] | directionr8=N | majorr8=[[Stroud (Oklahoma)|Stroud]] | minorr8=[[Denton (Texas)|Denton]] }} {{isPartOf|Dallas-Fort_Worth_Metroplex}} {{geo|32.74859|-97.32925}} {{usablecity}} h8v0puug6f8eexfwcn9sowrp0illeds 5087078 5087056 2025-07-03T10:41:21Z Lazarus1255 2236161 /* Drink */It's now this. 5087078 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Fort Worth Wikivoyage banner.jpg}} [[File:Mural Fort Worth.JPG|thumb|350px|right|Fort Worth, Texas]] '''[http://fortworth.com Fort Worth]''' is a city in the [[Prairies and Lakes]] region of [[Texas]]. With a population of approximately 957,000, it is Texas' 5th largest city. It is part of the [[Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex]], which has a population exceeding 6 million. Sometimes referred to as Cowtown, it is by far closer to its cowboy roots than neighboring [[Dallas]]. This article also covers '''North Richland Hills''', a neighboring community. ==Understand== Fort Worth grew from a military camp established at the close of the Mexican War by Gen. Winfield Scott, and named for Gen. William Jenkins Worth who fought in the war. Forty-two men of Company F, 2nd Dragoons, established the camp on June 6, 1849. The Fort Worth to Yuma, Arizona stage line was established in 1850. The city became the seat of Tarrant County 1860, and after the Civil War, it became a major shipping and supply depot for cattlemen. ===Climate=== Fort Worth is located in the [[South (United States of America)|American South]], and has a subtropical climate with mild winters, hot summers, and a wet spring and fall in between. In winter and summer it can also be a very dry place, as it receives warmer, drier weather from the Mojave Desert in the west and the Great Plains in the north. Winters are generally mild, with average highs in the mid to upper 50s (10-15 °C) and average lows around the freezing mark (0-5 °C). It is not uncommon for Winter days with highs in the upper 60s (~20°C) with the following days high temperature 20-30 degrees cooler. It may snow in Fort Worth a couple times a year, and occasionally winter temperatures will not get above freezing (32°F, 0 °C), but for the most part winter is just relatively dry and cool. There is, however, the danger of freezing rain and ice storms. Spring and fall bring very pleasant temperatures, but spring is also known for its storms. Fort Worth is at the Southern tip of Tornado Alley, and springtime weather can be quite volatile and severe storms often occur. Summers are hot and dry - but often humid - with temperatures frequently surpassing 100 °F (38 °C). Average precipitation in Fort Worth is 33 inches (830 mm) per year.{{Climate | units = Imperial | janhigh = 53 | febhigh = 58 | marhigh = 67 | aprhigh = 76 | mayhigh = 82 | junhigh = 90 | julhigh = 95 | aughigh = 95 | sephigh = 88 | octhigh = 78 | novhigh = 67 | dechigh = 57 | janlow = 30 | feblow = 35 | marlow = 43 | aprlow = 53 | maylow = 61 | junlow = 68 | jullow = 72 | auglow = 71 | seplow = 65 | octlow = 54 | novlow = 43 | declow = 34 | janprecip = 1.7 | febprecip = 2.1 | marprecip = 2.6 | aprprecip = 3.3 | mayprecip = 4.6 | junprecip = 3.5 | julprecip = 2.4 | augprecip = 2.1 | sepprecip = 3.4 | octprecip = 3.2 | novprecip = 2 | decprecip = 1.8 | description = {{ForecastNOAA|Fort Worth|32.74859|-97.32925}} }} === Neighborhoods === * {{see|name=TCU|alt=Texas Christian University|url=|email=|address=2900 S University Dr|lat=32.708451|long=-97.361499|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-17|content=The TCU area is dominated by the campus. Some unique restaurants and boutiques are mixed with standard college fare, but the campus is beautiful and shows up in force (and in Purple) for gamedays}} * {{see|name=Sundance Square|alt=Downtown Fort Worth|url=https://sundancesquare.com/|email=|address=400 Main St|lat=32.7549445|long=-97.3314084|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-17|content=Sundance Square is a city park in downtown that plays host to multiple events year round. Night and weekend parking is free and additional security patrols not only keep the area safe, but also can help you find your next destination.}} * {{see|name=Stockyards|alt=|url=|email=|address=|lat=32.7888519|long=-97.3491774|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-17|content=A national historic district, the Stockyards is the iconic background for which Fort Worth is known. The backdrop is all things western from cattle drives and BBQ to country music and belt buckles. No trip to Fort Worth is complete without a quick stop here.}} * {{see|name=The Cultural District|alt=|url=https://fwculture.com/|email=|address=|lat=32.750624|long=-97.362143|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-17|content=Home to world class museum, the stock show & rodeo as well as numerous restaurants and merchants, this area hosts many of Fort Worth's main attractions. Located across the Trinity River, 2 miles west of downtown, this area could be thought of as uptown. The area is also known as West 7th.}} * {{see|name=Near Southside|alt=|url=https://www.nearsouthsidefw.org/home|email=|address=|lat=32.73225|long=-97.33486|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-17|content=Also called South Main and Magnolia, this is the area where artists and more liberal mindsets are welcome. The area hosts multiple of the cities micro breweries, bars and restaurants. The area is undergoing a renaissance with new building and merchants, but the growth is keeping with the vibe of the current culture.}} * {{see|name=Southwest Fort Worth|alt=Camp Bowie, Hulen, Clearfork|url=|email=|address=|lat=32.7026386|long=-97.4156228|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-17|content=While not a single neighborhood, Southwest Fort Worth has a collection of different shopping areas and neighborhood restaurant clusters.}} ==Get in== ===By plane=== All the major American carriers and many international ones provide scheduled passenger service into the {{marker|type=go|name=[[Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport]]|lat=32.897541|long=-97.040431}} ({{IATA|DFW}}), located {{mi|17}} from downtown Fort Worth. This airport is one of three major hubs for American Airlines. American Airlines is also headquartered in Fort Worth. ===By train=== The {{marker|type=go|name=Fort Worth Intermodal Transportation Center|url=|lat=32.7527|long=-97.3264}} at 1001 Jones St is the central hub for Amtrak trains and '''[http://www.trinityrailwayexpress.org/ Trinity Railway Express]''' (TRE) commuter trains to Dallas, along with Greyhound inter-city bus service and local bus service provided by the T. TRE trains can provide a stress-free way to travel between the two cities during rush hour and also serve the more historic {{marker|type=go|name=T&P Station|url=|lat=32.745944|long=-97.327778}} at 1600 Throckmorton St on the south side of downtown. [[Amtrak]]'s Texas Eagle provides daily service between [[Chicago]], [[Illinois]] and [[San Antonio]], Texas with stops in Fort Worth and Dallas. Also, Amtrak's [http://www.heartlandflyer.com/ Heartland Flyer]{{Dead link|date=January 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} provides daily service between Fort Worth and [[Oklahoma City]], and points in between. Woefully underfunded, passenger train service in the United States is a slow but scenic way to travel, if you aren't too concerned about arriving on time. Alternatively, arrive from DFW Airport on '''[https://ridetrinitymetro.org/texrail/ TEXRail]''' through North Richland Hills, another commuter train that provides direct rail service from the airport to downtown Fort Worth. ===By car=== Fort Worth may be easily reached via I-20 or I-30 from the east or west, or by I-35W from the north or south. I-35 splits into two branches north of the Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan area, the west branch going to Fort Worth and the east branch (I-35E) to Dallas. The branches rejoin to the south. Car rental companies include: *'''[http://www.alamo.com/ Alamo Rent A Car]''', Toll free: +1-800-462-5266. *'''[http://www.avis.com/ Avis Rent A Car]''', Toll free: +1-800-331-1212. *'''[http://www.budget.com Budget Rent A Car]''', Toll free: +1-800-527-0700. *'''[http://www.dollar.com/ Dollar Rent A Car]''', Toll free: +1-800-800-3665. *'''[http://www.e-zrentacar.com E-Z Rent-A-Car]''', Toll free: +1-800-277-5171. *'''[http://www.enterprise.com Enterprise Rent-A-Car]''', Toll free: +1-800-261-7331. *'''[http://www.hertz.com Hertz Car Rental]''', Toll free: +1-800-654-3131. *'''[http://www.thrifty.com Thrifty]''', Toll free: +1-800-847-4389. *'''[http://dfweliteautorental.com DFW Elite Auto Rental]{{Dead link|date=April 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''', +1 817-838-7368. ===By bus=== * '''[http://www.greyhound.com Greyhound]'''. Bus stop is at the Fort Worth Intermodal Transportation Center. Also, subsidiaries of Greyhound, such as TNM&O serve as the regional carrier. *'''[http://us.megabus.com Megabus]'''. Service from [[Houston]], [[San Antonio]], [[Austin]], [[Memphis]], [[Little Rock]], [[Oklahoma City]], and [[Norman (Oklahoma)|Norman]]. Bus stop is located at 710 Davis St in [[Grand Prairie]]. Fares $1 and up. *'''[http://www.autobusesamericanos.us/EN/Home.shtml Autobus Americanos]'''. Mexican trans-border bus line with services to various points in Mexico. Bus stop is located at 5215 McCart in Fort Worth. *'''[http://ticket.gruposenda.com/ Turimex Internacional]{{Dead link|date=December 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}'''. Mexican trans-border bus line with services to various points in Mexico. Bus stop is located at 3620 Hemphill St. ==Get around== {{mapframe|32.7604|-97.3402|zoom=10}} {{mapshape}} {{mapshapes|Q497596}} <!-- Light Rail --> {{mapshapes|Q380660}} <!-- Trinity Rail Express --> {{mapshapes|Q5259601}} <!-- A-train --> ===Mass transit=== '''Buses''' and '''trains''' via '''[https://ridetrinitymetro.org/routes-schedules/ Trinity Metro]''' link many areas of town over mid-range distances. '''[http://www.trinityrailwayexpress.org/ Trinity Rail Express]''' has commuter train service between downtown Fort Worth, DFW Airport and downtown Dallas. Service is Monday through Saturday. No scheduled services on Sundays and most major holidays. '''[https://ridetrinitymetro.org/rider-services/molly-the-trolley/ Molly the Trolley]''' bus service provides local public transportation in areas like downtown Fort Worth, the Historic Stockyards, and to Sundance Square during lunchtime. Hours of operation vary by route. ===By bike=== * {{listing | name=Fort Worth B-cycle | alt= | url=https://fortworth.bcycle.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$8/24 hours; $15/3 days; $20/week |wikipedia=|wikidata=|image=|lastedit=2018-02-19| content=Bike sharing program with stations throughout downtown. }} ==See== [[File:0011Tarrant County Courthouse Full E Fort Worth Texas.jpg|thumb|Tarrant County Courthouse]] === Museums === * {{see | name=Kimbell Art Museum | alt= | url=http://www.kimbellart.org | email= | address=3333 Camp Bowie Blvd | lat=32.74873 | long=-97.36479 | directions= | phone=+1 817 332-8451 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A collection of artwork that ranges from 3000 BC to the mid-1900s. Although the collection is small, it boasts such big names as Matisse, Goya, Mondrian and Picasso, among others. The museum building itself is a highlight of architectural modernism, designed by American architect Louis Kahn. }} * {{see | name=Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth | alt= | url=http://www.themodern.org | email= | address=3200 Darnell St | lat=32.74887 | long=-97.36306 | directions= | phone=+1 817 738-9215 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The museum, located in an imposing, appropriately modern building, houses a large permanent collection and hosts many important traveling exhibitions. The building is designed by Japanese architect Tadao Ando. }} * {{see | name=Amon Carter Museum | alt= | url=http://www.cartermuseum.org | email= | address=3501 Camp Bowie Blvd | lat=32.74833 | long=-97.36697 | directions= | phone=+1 817-738-1933 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Extensive collection of American art and photography featuring many works by Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russel. }} * {{see | name=National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame | alt= | url=http://cowgirl.net | email= | address=1720 Gendy St | lat=32.74345 | long=-97.36868 | directions= | phone=+1 817-336-4475 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Museum and association which honors women of the American West who have displayed courage or spirit and who have distinguished themselves while exemplifying the pioneer spirit. }} * {{see | name=National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum | alt=formerly National Cowboys of Color Museum and Hall of Fame | url=http://www.cowboysofcolor.org | email= | address=3400 Mount Vernon Ave | lat=32.7418 | long=-97.2764 | directions= | phone=+1 817 534-8801 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum | wikidata=Q17020565 | content=Highlights the historical influence of non-White cowboys in Texas. }} * {{see | name=C.R. Smith Aviation Museum | alt= | url=http://www.crsmithmuseum.org | email= | address=4601 Hwy. 360 | lat=32.83258 | long=-97.06322 | directions= | phone=+1 817 967-1560 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=All you could ever want to know about the history of American Airlines. Great for kids, as it includes hands-on, interactive exhibits. }} * {{see | name=Stockyards Museum | alt= | url=http://www.stockyardsmuseum.org/ | email= | address=131 E. Exchange Ave | lat=32.78895 | long=-97.3486 | directions= | phone=+1 817 625-5082 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Located in the 1902 Livestock Exchange Building, this museum showcases the history of Fort Worth. Greater stockyards area described in "Do". }} *{{see | name=Fort Worth Museum of Science and History | alt= | url=http://www.fwmsh.org | email= | address=1501 Montgomery St. | lat=32.74501 | long=-97.36926 | directions=Exit Montgomery on 1-30 and head North | phone=+1 817-255-9300 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Family based hands on science and history museum, boasts traveling exhibits and the Omni-imax theater. }} * {{see | name=Oscar E. Monnig Meteorite Gallery | alt= | url=https://monnigmuseum.tcu.edu/ | email= | address=2950 West Bowie Street | lat=32.70807 | long=-97.35913 | directions=Texas Christian University campus in the Sid Richardson Science Building at the corner of West Bowie Street and Cockrell Avenue. | phone=+1 817-257-6277 | tollfree= | fax=+1 817-257-7789 | hours=M-F 1-4PM; Sa 10AM-4PM | price=free | content=Small museum with astonishing collection of pieces of the sky, well-documented. Touch a piece of Mars! }} * {{see | name=Sid Richardson Museum | alt= | url=https://www.sidrichardsonmuseum.org/ | email= | address=309 Main St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 817 332-6554 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10AM-4PM | price=Free | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Art museum with an emphasis on Western art (e.g. works by Frederic Remington, Charles Russell). }} * {{see | name=Texas Civil War Museum | alt= | url=https://texascivilwarmuseum.com/ | email= | address=760 Jim Wright Fwy North | lat=32.77238 | long=-97.47429 | directions= | phone=+1 817 246-2323 | tollfree= | hours= | price=$7 (over 13), $4 (ages 6-12) | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=A repository of Union and Confederate artifacts and history about the War Between the States. }} * {{see | name=Bureau of Engraving and Printing Visitors Center | alt= | url=https://www.bep.gov/visitor-centers/fort-worth-tx-tour-and-visitor-center | email= | address=9100 Blue Mound Road | lat=32.9015854 | long=-97.3479548 | directions= | phone=+1 817 231-4000 | tollfree=+1 866 865-1194 | hours=Tu-Fr 8:30AM-5:30PM | price=Free | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-05-22 | content=Tours open to the public of the money creation factory - see pallets of dollar bills created below your feet from a suspended walkway snaking through the facility. One of two in the nation (other in DC). Self-guided tour takes approximately 1 hour. Gift shop on site. }} * {{see | name=Vintage Flying Museum | alt= | url=http://www.vintageflyingmuseum.org/ | email= | address=505 NW 38th St # 33S | lat=32.81222 | long=-97.35617 | directions=on Meacham Airport grounds | phone=+1 817 624-1935 | tollfree= | hours= | price=$12 adults, $7 (ages 6-13) | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Warbirds on display in a hangar. If wanting to see some for free, you can just visit the outdoor space at the southern end of the Meacham Airport runway. }} === Attractions === * {{see | name=Sundance Square | alt= | url=http://www.sundancesquare.com/ | email= | address= | lat=32.75483 | long=-97.33129 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= 20 blocks of shops, bars & restaurants, brick-paved sidewalks and historic buildings. Well lit and popular with tourists and locals, Sundance Square is frequently the center for outdoor events such as concerts and art festivals. }} * {{see | name=Bass Performance Hall | alt= | url=http://www.basshall.com | email= | address= | lat=32.75510 | long=-97.32959 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A state-of-the-art venue presenting concerts, musicals, and theatrical performances throughout the year. }} * {{see | name=Fort Worth Stockyards | alt= | url=http://www.fortworthstockyards.org | email= | address= | lat=32.78883 | long=-97.34614 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Just north of the downtown area is the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, where you'll find Texas style nightlife at bars like '''[http://www.billybobstexas.com Billy Bob's]''' plus the '''[http://tchof.com/ Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame]''', the '''[http://www.stockyardsmuseum.org/ Stockyards Museum]''', '''[http://johnwayne.com/experience John Wayne: An American Experience]''', '''[http://www.fortworthherd.com/ The Fort Worth Longhorn Herd]''', and the '''Cowtown Cattle Pen Maze'''. The Stockyards are also home to a weekly rodeo. Held every Friday and Saturday evening, and billed as the "World's First Indoor Rodeo," it [http://www.cowtowncoliseum.com/ attracts competitors from around the country]. The Stockyards is also home to Riscky's Barbeque, considered by locals to be the best barbeque in the area. One block away, '''[https://coopersbbqfortworth.com/ Coopers Old Time Pit BBQ]''' offers excellent fare at fair prices. }} [[File:Convention Center Fort Worth.JPG|thumb|200px|right|Downtown convention center]] * {{see | name=Fort Worth Water Gardens | alt= | url=https://www.fortworth.com/listings/fort-worth-water-gardens/2989/ | email= | address=1502 Commerce St | lat=32.747778 | long=-97.326667 | directions= | phone=+1 817 392-7111 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Fort Worth Water Gardens | image=Fort Worth Water Gardens 2003.jpg | wikidata=Q2035884 | lastedit=2018-04-07 | content=A man-made watery setting to get away from the hustle and bustle downtown. For some awesome architecture, check out the 1933 Beaux Arts Style designed post office building at 251 Lancaster and Texas & Pacific Railway Station at 221 Lancaster (across the street from the south edge of the water gardens). }} *{{see | name=Burnett Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=32.75041 | long=-97.33362 | directions=Lamar and Texas streets | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Located on land donated by cattle baron Samuel Burk Burnett, features sculptures, pools, and granite walkways. Vast green parks and surrounding network of major lakes offer abundant opportunities for water sports and outdoor recreation. }} * {{see | name=The Fort Worth Botanic Garden | alt= | url=http://www.fwbg.org | email= | address=3220 Botanic Garden Blvd | lat=32.74025 | long=-97.36337 | directions= | phone=+1 817-871-7686 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Admission: $12 adults, seniors $10, children $5 (May 2022). Japanese garden additional $3. | content=The sprawling gardens includes a large flower garden, lawn, indoor tropical forest, and a beautiful Japanese garden. }} == Do == [[File:ModArtFtWorth.jpg|thumb|200px|The Modern Art Museum]] ===Zoological Parks and Theme Parks=== * {{do | name=The Fort Worth Zoo | alt= | url=https://www.fortworthzoo.org/ | email= | address=1989 Colonial Parkway | lat=32.72373 | long=-97.35594 | directions= | phone=+1 817-759-7555 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 10AM-5PM; Sa Su 10AM-6PM | price=$7-10.50 (Wednesdays are half-price) | wikidata=Q5472415 | content=Come see the animals and interactive exhibits. }} * {{do | name=SeaQuest Fort Worth | alt= | url=https://fortworth.visitseaquest.com/ | email= | address=1974 Green Oaks Rd | lat= | long= | directions=located in Ridgmar Mall | phone=+1 817 731-5357 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-6PM, Su Noon-6PM | price=$15.99 adults (over 12), $9.99 kids, $12.99 seniors/military | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Kind of a minor aquarium but with some quixotic activities like "Fishy Kisses" and "Snorkel With The Stingrays" - these cost extra, naturally. }} * {{do |name=NRH2O Family Water Park | url=http://www.nrh2o.com/ | address=Grapevine Highway (#26) between Precinct Line and North Harwood Road | lat=32.8509|long=-97.1931 | directions= in nearby North Richland Hills | phone=+1 817 427-6500 | tollfree= | hours=Taller than {{in|48}} M-Th $20, F-Su $25; shorter than 48 in, military, senior M-Th $17, F-Su $20 | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-07-10 | content= 17-acre park with 23 attractions, including the country’s longest uphill water roller coaster. }} ===Hiking and Natural Areas=== * {{do | name=Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge | alt= | url=https://www.fwnaturecenter.org/ | email= | address=9601 Fossil Ridge Rd | lat=32.84735 | long=-97.47584 | directions= | phone=+1 817 392-7410 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 8AM-5PM | price=$6 (over 12), $3 (over 65), $2 (ages 3-12), $1 dogs | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Hiking trails and boardwalks, kayak rentals, bison herd, native prairie grasses and woodlands. }} * {{do | name=Eagle Mountain Park | alt= | url=https://www.trwd.com/be-active | email= | address=11601 Morris Dido Newark Rd | lat=32.93506 | long=-97.48023 | directions= | phone=+1 817 335-2491 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 5AM-10PM | price=Free | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=A popular hiking area with rugged terrain and views over Eagle Mountain Lake. }} * {{do | name=Marion Sansom Park | alt= | url= | email= | address=2501 Roberts Cut Off Rd | lat=32.79564 | long=-97.41333 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Daily 6AM-10PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Another popular hiking area with waterfalls and views of the western half of the city and Lake Worth. }} ===Sports=== *{{do | name=TCU Horned Frogs | alt= | url=https://gofrogs.com/ | email= | address= | lat=32.70901 | long=-97.36712 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=The sports teams representing Texas Christian University, have branded themselves as "Fort Worth's team". The Frogs are best known for their football program, a rising national power in the first part of this century. TCU now competes in the Big 12 Conference. Most of TCU's athletic venues are on campus, with the best-known being Amon G. Carter Stadium (football) and Schollmaier Arena (basketball). }} *{{do | name=Texas Brahmas | url=https://www.texasjrbrahmas.com/ | email= | address=8851 Ice House Dr | lat=32.85974 | long=-97.20683 | directions= | phone=+1 817 520-2115 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=See website for current season schedule | price= | wikidata=Q7707794 | lastedit=2023-08-09 | content=Enjoy an ice-hockey game at the NYTEX Sports Centre in North Richland Hills. The Brahmas play in the North American Tier III hockey league. }} * {{do | name=Texas Motor Speedway | alt= | url=https://www.texasmotorspeedway.com/ | email= | address=3545 Lone Star Cir | lat=33.0363 | long=-97.2816 | directions= | phone=+1 817 215-8500 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Catch NASCAR and other events here, such as an extravagant Christmas display. }} ===Events=== * {{do | name=Main St. Fort Worth Arts Festival | alt= | url=http://www.MainStreetArtsFest.org | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=free | content=Ranked 8th in the country by the Art Fair Source Book and the Harris List, and number one in Texas, Main St. hosts tens of thousands of people annually during the four-day visual arts, entertainment and cultural event. Main St. showcases a nationally recognized fine art and fine craft juried art fair, live concerts, performance artists and street performers on the streets of downtown Fort Worth-stretching nine blocks on Main Street from the Tarrant County Courthouse to the Fort Worth Convention Center. }} * {{do | name=Sundance Square Parade of Lights | alt= | url=http://www.FortWorthParadeofLights.org | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Late November. Watch colorful illuminated floats, beautiful antique cars, marching bands, equestrian units, horse-drawn carriages and a cast of delightful characters dressed in their holiday best. The unforgettable parade and an annual visit from Santa Claus and his elves will make the Sundance Square Parade of Lights a fun-filled holiday experience for the entire family! Free. }} *'''[https://www.allianceairshow.com/ Fort Worth Alliance Air Show]''', at Alliance Airport north of downtown. Features air stunts and formations like the Blue Angels. Typically around 3rd weekend of October. ==Learn== * {{listing | name=Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary | alt= | url=http://www.swbts.edu | email= | address=2001 W Seminary Dr | lat=32.682 | long=-97.348 | directions= | phone=+1 817-923-1921 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7571391 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Tarrant County College | alt= | url=http://www.tccd.edu | email= | address= | lat=32.747531 | long=-97.327832 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7686664 | lastedit=2021-09-06 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Texas Christian University | alt= | url=http://www.tcu.edu | email= | address= | lat=32.709605 | long=-97.362823 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2302280 | lastedit=2021-09-06 | content= }} * {{listing | name=University of North Texas Health Science Center | alt= | url=https://www.unthsc.edu/ | email= | address=3500 Camp Bowie Blvd | lat=32.7486 | long=-97.3694 | directions= | phone=+1 817-735-2000 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7895977 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Texas Wesleyan University | alt= | url=http://www.txwesleyan.edu | email= | address= | lat=32.733 | long=-97.28 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7708205 | lastedit=2021-09-06 | content= }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Fort Worth Stockyards Station | alt= | url=http://fortworthstockyards.com/ | email= | address=140 E Exchange Ave | lat= | long= | directions=at Stockyards | phone=+1 817 625-9715 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=A covered emporium of different shops, confectioneries, games, photo studios, etc. Also Exchange Ave itself is chock full of curio shops and eateries aimed at the tourist. }} *'''Sundance Square''' * {{buy | name=Montgomery Plaza | alt= | url=https://montgomeryplaza.com/ | email= | address=2600 W 7th St | lat=32.75177 | long=-97.3533 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10AM-9PM, Su 11AM-6PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Old department store complex refurbished with a lot of pizzazz. }} * {{buy | name=Crockett Row | alt= | url=http://www.crockettrow.com/ | email= | address=816 Foch St | lat=32.74999 | long=-97.35657 | directions= | phone=+1 817 810-9076 | tollfree= | hours=Th-Su 4PM-Midnight | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content= }} ===Shopping Malls=== * {{buy | name=North East Mall | alt= | url=https://www.simon.com/mall/north-east-mall | email= | address=1101 Melbourne Rd, Hurst | lat=32.8298 | long=-97.2003 | directions= | phone=+1 817 284-3427 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Still surviving mall with a large movie theater complex and surrounding eateries. }} * {{buy | name=Hulen Mall | alt= | url=https://www.hulenmall.com | email= | address=4800 S Hulen St | lat=32.6784 | long=-97.3985 | directions= | phone=+1 817 294-1205 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5935635 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=Seems to attract the occasional shoot'em up but still a big mall with theater. }} * {{buy | name=La Gran Plaza de Fort Worth | alt= | url=http://www.lagranplazamall.com/ | email= | address=4200 South Fwy | lat=32.6866 | long=-97.325 | directions= | phone=+1 817 922-8888 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10AM-9PM, Su 11AM-8PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Visiting this mall you will somehow wonder if you magically teleported to Mexico, as it has a very Mexican flavor with mariachi bands and layout. }} ===Other=== * {{buy | name=Tanger Outlets Fort Worth | alt= | url=https://www.tangeroutlet.com/fortworth | email= | address=15853 N Fwy | lat=33.0214 | long=-97.2813 | directions= | phone=+1 817 464-5400 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content= }} * {{buy | name=Henderson Street Flea Market | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/hendersonstreetbazaar/ | email= | address=1000 N Henderson St | lat=32.76366 | long=-97.34758 | directions= | phone=+1 817 877-3021 | tollfree= | hours=Sa-Su 7AM-8PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=If you are into flea markets, this might be for you. }} ==Eat== Fort Worth is similar to many Texas cities in that there are two main food groups, BBQ and Tex-Mex. While tastes are changing and multiple options are available, these will still be your best two bets in the city. A growing food truck scene is starting to make a presence in the city, and some of the local breweries are making drinks worth recommending to friends. ===Budget=== *{{eat | name=Angelo's Bar-B-Que | url=https://angelosbbq.com | email= | address=2533 White Settlement Rd | lat=32.75889 | long=-97.35239 | directions= | phone=+1 817 332-0357 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-10PM | price= $10 for a full plate with one or two meats and three sides. | content=Tied with Railhead (below) for the best BBQ in the southwest. A Fort Worth classic. This is in an old wooden barn, which adds a great atmosphere to the dining experience. The pork ribs were very tasty and the large cold beers were particularly nice. Meats melt in the mouth and beans are awesome. They actually bbq on premises which some of the other place don't. It's about a 5-min drive out of the downtown area. }} *{{eat | name=Railhead Smokehouse | alt= | url=http://www.railheadsmokehouse.com | email= | address=2900 Montgomery St | lat=32.73112 | long=-97.37058 | directions= | phone=+1 817 738-9808 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-9PM | price= | content=Tied with Angelo's for the best BBQ in the southwest. }} *{{eat | name=Fuzzy's Taco Shop | url=https://restaurants.fuzzystacoshop.com/fuzzys-taco-shop-bfdfcdaa4dda | email= | address=2917 W Berry St | lat=32.70598 | long=-97.35902 | directions=Two locations | phone=+1 817-924-7943 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su-M 7AM-10PM, Tu-W 7AM-11PM, Th-Sa 7AM-2AM | price= | content=Excellent taco dive - lots of food for cheap, great fish tacos, late hours, cheap drinks, all without leaving the affluent TCU area. }} *{{eat | name=Kincaid's | url=https://www.kincaidshamburgers.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Two locations | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-6PM | price= | content=Texas' (perhaps America's) best burgers. Original Camp Bowie location is in a kitschy old grocery story. }} ** {{eat | name=Kincaid's | alt= | url= | email= | address=4901 Camp Bowie Blvd | lat=32.73745 | long=-97.39326 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-09-06 | content= }} ** {{eat | name=Kincaid's | alt= | url= | email= | address=4825 Overton Ridge Blvd | lat=32.67606 | long=-97.40027 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-09-06 | content= }} * {{eat | name=The Love Shack | alt= | url=http://loveburgershackfortworth.com/ | email= | address=110 Exchange Ave | lat=32.788748 | long=-97.348657 | directions=in the Stockyards | phone=+1 817 740-8812 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su-Tu 11AM-9PM, W-Th 11AM-10PM, F-Sa 11AM-11PM | price= | content=Excellent unique hamburger created by celebrity Ft. Worth chef, Tim Love. Daily flavored milk shakes. Live music. (Possible cover charge on weekends.) Cash only. }} * {{eat | name=Green Vine Market | alt= | url=https://www.greenvinemarket.com | email= | address=1804 K Avenue | lat=33.0243265 | long=-96.6978848 | directions= | phone=+1 972 942 0808 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa: 8AM-9PM, Su: 8AM-8:30PM | price= | content=Hamburgers, daily flavored milk shakes, live music (Possible cover charge on weekends). Cash only. |lastedit=2024-12-05}} ===Mid-range=== *{{eat | name=Nonna Tata | url= | email= | address=1400 W. Magnolia Ave | lat=32.73076 | long=-97.34046 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Lunch Tu-Th 11AM-3PM; Dinner M-Th 5:30PM-9PM, F 5:30PM-10PM | price=$15-30 | content=Certainly one of Fort Worth's smallest restaurants, Nonna Tata is also one of its best. With only 21 seats indoors and another 30 outdoors, the restaurant fills up early and often develops long waits on weekends. Absolutely amazing authentic Italian food, with a menu that changes weekly and amiable service. BYOB, cash only, no reservations. }} *{{eat | name=Central Market | url=http://www.centralmarket.com/ | email= | address=4651 West Freeway | lat=32.73003 | long=-97.38909 | directions= | phone=+1 817 989-4700 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM-9PM Daily | price=$5-15 | content=DFW's best gourmet grocery also has a formidable cafe attached, with amazing, huge custom sandwiches, cheap and great pizzas and international noodle dishes made for you, a mind-boggling prepared food section and $15 meals for two bagged and ready to go. Any kind of food you could want, done extremely well, for grocery story prices, plus a generous selection of wine and beer. }} *{{eat | name=Chef Point Cafe | url=http://www.chefpointcafe.org/ | email= | address=5901 Watauga Rd. | lat=32.86097 | long=-97.25346 | directions= | phone=+1 817 656-0080 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 11AM-9PM, Sa 7AM-10PM, Su 11AM-8PM | price= | content=Fine dining in a Conoco station. }} *{{eat | name=Fred's Texas Cafe | alt= | url=https://www.fredstexascafe.com/ | email= | address=2730 Western Center Blvd | lat=32.86012 | long=-97.3205 | directions= | phone=+1 817 232-0111 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10AM-midnight, Sunday Brunch | price=$8-12 | content=The "Outlaw Chef" cooks genuine Southern/Texican food in one of the most unique and exciting ways you'll find in Fort Worth. Super laid-back setting, with genuine Texas food and genuine Texas music. Happy hour before 6 and whenever it's raining. }} *{{eat | name=Hunter Brothers' H3 Ranch | url=http://www.h3ranch.com/ | email= | address=109 E Exchange Ave | lat=32.78911 | long=-97.34889 | directions= | phone=+1 817 624-1246 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$18-30 | content=For the cowboy tourist. A strong cowtown theme predominates in this Stockyards-area steakhouse. Come for the atmosphere first, the food second. }} *{{eat | name=Joe T. Garcia's | url=http://www.joets.com/ | email= | address=2201 N. Commerce St. | lat=32.78450 | long=-97.34818 | directions= | phone=+1 817 626-4356 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A Fort Worth legend, dine family style in a large converted mansion or in its beautiful expansive gardens with lush vegetation and calming pools; choose from one of two menu options nightly. There is frequently a line around the block in good weather, so arrive early or be prepared to wait. Great margaritas. Cash only (ATM on site). }} *{{eat | name=La Familia | alt= | url=http://la-familia-mexican-restaurant.business.site/ | email= | address=841 Foch St. | lat=32.750087 | long=-97.356291 | directions= | phone=+1 817-870-2002 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–Th 11AM–9PM, F 11AM–9:30PM, Sa 9AM–9:30PM, Su M closed | price= | content=Mexican restaurant locally renowned for their excellent Tex-Mex and friendly owner (Al) and staff. }} *{{eat | name=King Tut | url= | email= | address=1512 West Magnolia Ave. | lat=32.73085 | long=-97.34271 | directions= | phone=+1 817 335-3051 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 11AM-2PM & 5PM-9PM; Sa 5PM-9PM | price= | content=Egyptian restaurant with excellent Middle Eastern cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Spiral Diner | url=http://www.spiraldiner.com/ | email= | address=1314 W. Magnolia | lat=32.73083 | long=-97.34012 | directions= | phone=+1 817 3-EATVEG | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-Sa 11AM-10PM, Su 11AM-5PM | price= | content=The only strictly vegan restaurant in Fort Worth, Spiral Diner has an eclectic menu that will not let you down on taste. One of Fort Worth's finest restaurants regardless of dietary restriction. }} *{{eat | name=Uncle Julio's | url=http://www.unclejulios.com/ | email= | address=5301 Camp Bowie Blvd | lat=32.73445 | long=-97.40097 | directions= | phone=+1 817 377-2777 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$8-30 | content=Excellent and diverse Tex-Mex menu, friendly staff, decent happy hour before 6PM. }} ===Splurge=== *{{eat | name=Bonnell's | url=http://www.bonnellstexas.com/ | email= | address=4259 Bryant Irvin Rd | lat=32.68952 | long=-97.41123 | directions= | phone=+1 817 738-5489 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Lunch Tu-F 11AM-2:30PM, Dinner Tu-Sa 5:30PM-9:30PM | price= | content=Chef Jon Bonnell's southwest-themed masterpiece. }} *{{eat | name=Del Frisco's Steakhouse | url=http://www.delfriscos.com/ | email= | address=812 Main St | lat=32.75204 | long=-97.32984 | directions= | phone=+1 817 877-3999 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 5-10PM; F-Sa 5-11PM; Su 5-9PM | price=$50+ | content=One of the finest steakhouses in the world, with an excellent wine list. It is, however, extremely expensive, and you will have to wait a little while even if you have a reservation. Don't come here for anything other than steak, but if you are looking for steak, it is hard to beat. }} *{{eat | name=Reata Restaurant | url=http://www.reata.net/ | email= | address=310 Houston St | lat=32.75476 | long=-97.33262 | directions= | phone=+1 817 336-1009 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Lunch 11:30AM-2:30PM, Dinner 5PM to 10:30PM daily | price= | content=One of the most widely acclaimed restaurants in Texas, and one of the first to bring "Cowboy cuisine" to the forefront of the refined American palate. Online reservation system. }} *{{eat | name=Saint-Emilion | url= | email= | address=3617 W 7th St | lat=32.75109 | long=-97.37069 | directions= | phone=+1 817 737-2781 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-Sa 6PM-9PM | price=$25-50 | content=The best French country food in Fort Worth, and a cozy dining experience. }} === Sweets === * {{eat|name=Melt Icecream|alt=|url=http://www.gypsyscoops.com|email=|address=1201 W Magnolia Ave #115, 76104|lat=32.7304787|long=-97.3382182|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-19|content=Tiny ice cream parlor serving creative flavor combos frequently with lines out the door at multiple times in the day}} ==Drink== * {{drink | name=Flying Saucer Draught Emporium | alt= | url=http://www.beerknurd.com | email= | address=111 E 3rd St | lat=32.75567 | long=-97.33107 | directions= | phone=+1 817 336-7468 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The gameroom offers a place to play a game of pool, chess or darts. The shiny, faux-rock floor throughout is enhanced by the vast collection of vintage dinnerware adorning every wall. They have the largest selection of beer (225 varieties) around. Menu selections include Creamy Beer Cheese Soup, the Build-Your-Own Sausage and Cheese Plate, spicy sausage quesadillas and traditional bratwurst with German potato salad. }} *{{drink | name=Chat Room Pub | alt=The Chat | url= | email= | address=1263 West Magnolia Ave | lat=32.730938371422496 | long=-97.33916759490967 | directions= | phone=+1 817 922-8319 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=3PM-2AM | price= | content=Good drink selection in a chilled atmosphere. }} * {{drink | name=The Usual | alt= | url=http://www.theusualbar.com | email= | address=1408 W. Magnolia Ave | lat=32.73076 | long=-97.34083 | directions= | phone=+1 817 810-0114 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A high-end craft cocktail bar popular with the hip Magnolia Avenue set. A somewhat mixed, gay-friendly spot with very modern decor and a nice but small patio out back. This is the place to go for expensive but very well-mixed takes on the classics, and an inspired cocktail menu. Try the Montpelier, which mixes bourbon, smoked maple syrup, Jamaican rum, and Italian vermouth. }} * {{drink|name=Our Taphouse|alt=|url=https://ourtaphouse.com/|email=|address=1001 Bryan Ave, 76104|lat=32.734043|long=-97.3250209|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=|content=50+ taps with local, regional and a few international flavors off the beaten path. Plus food.}} === Breweries & distilleries === * {{drink | name=Martin House Brewery | alt= | url=http://martinhousebrewing.com/ | email= | address=220 S Sylvania Ave, 76111 | lat=32.763604 | long=-97.310007 | directions= | phone=+1 817 222-0177 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-02-19 | content=Weekly Tours and Tastings Every Thursday (6-8pm) & Saturday (2-5pm). }} *{{drink|name=Wild Acre Brewery|alt=|url=http://wildacrebrewing.com/|email=|address=1734 E El Paso St #190, 76102|lat=32.7431191|long=-97.3096823|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-19|content=Shares a location with Silver Star Vodka. Not the best area of town, but the brewery is safe and the beer is worth the stop}} * {{drink|name=Rahr and Sons Brewing|alt=|url=https://rahrbrewing.com|email=|address=701 Galveston Ave, 76104|lat=32.7368466|long=-97.327027|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-19|content=Brewery tour & tasting Sa 1PM - 3PM, W 5PM - 7:30PM}} *{{drink|name=Panther Island Brewery|alt=|url=http://pantherislandbrewing.com/|email=|address=501 N Main St, 76164|lat=32.7637277|long=-97.338419|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-19|content=F 5PM – 9PM, Sa noon – 5PM, Su 2PM – 7PM}} * {{drink|name=HopFusion Ale Works|alt=|url=http://hopfusionaleworks.com/|email=|address=200 E Broadway Ave, 76104|lat=32.7415864|long=-97.324889|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=Tu-Th 4PM - 11PM, F noon - 11PM, Sa noon-midnight, Su noon - 11PM|price=|lastedit=2018-02-19|content=Taproom and microbrewery, though you can find their cans at a few local shops and stores}} * {{drink|name=Firestone & Robertson Distillery|alt=Whiskey Ranch|url=https://www.frdistilling.com/|email=|address=4250 Mitchell Blvd, 76119|lat=32.7019704|long=-97.2892775|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-19|content=Home to the blended TX Whiskey and the Texas locally distilled and aged TX Bourbon. Set on the grounds of a golf course Byron Nelson played as a youth, more than just a stop for a drink.}} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Motel 6 Ft Worth North | alt= | url=https://www.motel6.com/content/g6/en/home/motels.tx.ft-worth.8617.html | email= | address=3271 I-35W | lat=32.80480 | long=-97.31853 | directions= | phone=+1 817 625-4359 | tollfree= | fax=+1 817 625-8256 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fort Worth West - I-30 | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/laquinta/fort-worth-texas/la-quinta-fort-worth-west-i-30/overview | email= | address=7310 Calmont Ave | lat=32.73442 | long=-97.44311 | directions= | phone=+1 817 244-4777 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$65 (Jan 2022) | lastedit=2022-01-16 | content=Indoor pool and hot tub. }} * {{sleep | name=La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fort Worth North | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/laquinta/fort-worth-texas/la-quinta-fort-worth-north/overview | email= | address=4700 North Fwy | lat=32.82629 | long=-97.31181 | directions= | phone=+1 817 222-2888 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$58 (Jan 2022) | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-16 | content=Outdoor pool and breakfast. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Hyatt Place Fort Worth/Cityview | alt= | url=https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/texas/hyatt-place-fort-worth-cityview/dfwzc | email= | address=5900 Cityview Blvd | lat=32.68092 | long=-97.41308 | directions=southwest Fort Worth | phone=+1 817 361-9797 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$101 (Jan 2022) | content=Very cookie-cutter. }} * {{sleep | name=Comfort Suites DFW Airport | alt= | url=http://www.comfortsuites.com/hotel-irving-texas-TX010 | email= | address=4700 W. John Carpenter Fwy | lat=32.91617 | long=-97.01231 | directions= | phone=+1 972 929-9097 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Courtyard Fort Worth Downtown | url=https://www.marriott.com/dfwms | email= | address=601 Main St | lat=32.75378 | long=-97.33038 | directions=Four blocks from the Convention Center | phone=+1 817 885-8700 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$209-249 | content=Renovated rooms with modern amenities. }} * {{sleep | name=Best Western Plus Fort Worth North | url=https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotel-rooms.44794.html | email= | address=3751 NE Loop 820 | lat=32.84026 | long=-97.29390 | directions=Intersection of the 35W and 820 freeways, close to the Fort Worth Stockyards | phone=+1 817 847-0044 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$99 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=DoubleTree by Hilton Fort Worth South Hotel & Conference Center | alt= | url=https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/ftwstdt-doubletree-fort-worth-south/ | email= | address=100 East Alta Mesa Blvd | lat=32.65267 | long=-97.31898 | directions=Five miles from Downtown Fort Worth | phone=+1 817-293-3088 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$142 (Jul 2025) | content=Three-star hotel with amenities including indoor heated pool, restaurant, lounge, room service, fitness room, and business center. }} * {{sleep | name=Sheraton Fort Worth | alt= | url=http://www.sheratonfortworth.com | email= | address=1701 Commerce St | lat=32.74786 | long=-97.32469 | directions=Downtown | phone=+1 817 335-7000 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=SpringHill Suites Fort Worth University | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dfwuv-springhill-suites-fort-worth-university/ | email= | address=3250 Lovell Ave | lat=32.73214 | long=-97.36469 | directions= | phone=+1 817-878-2554 | tollfree=+1-888-236-2427 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Extended stay hotel located near the convention center. }} * {{sleep | name=TownePlace Suites Fort Worth Southwest | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dfwts-towneplace-suites-fort-worth-southwest/ | email= | address=4200 International Plaza | lat=32.68556 | long=-97.40178 | directions=Halfway between Benbrook Lake and downtown. | phone=+1 817-732-2224 | tollfree=+1-888-236-2427 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Courtyard Fort Worth University Drive | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dfwch-courtyard-fort-worth-university-drive/ | email= | address=3150 Riverfront Dr | lat=32.72550 | long=-97.36250 | directions= | phone=+1 817-335-1300 | tollfree=+1-888-236-2427 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} ===Splurge=== *{{sleep | name=The Ashton | url=http://www.theashtonhotel.com/ | email= | address=610 Main St | lat=32.75331 | long=-97.33069 | directions= | phone=+1 817 332-0100 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$250 | content=Well-liked luxury hotel in a renovated historical building. Very helpful, attentive staff. }} *{{sleep | name=Hilton Fort Worth | url=http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/FTWFWHF-Hilton-Fort-Worth-Texas/index.do | email= | address=815 Main St | lat=32.75238 | long=-97.32942 | directions= | phone=+1 817 870-2100 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$95 | content=A clean, quiet place to stay, with good service. The building and decor could use an update. }} *{{sleep | name=Renaissance Worthington | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dfwdt-renaissance-worthington-hotel-fort-worth/ | email= | address=200 Main St | lat=32.75543 | long=-97.33341 | directions= | phone=+1 817 870-1000 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$199 | content=The city's only 4-diamond hotel, since opening in 1981 with all the expected amenities. Especially well-regarded for efficient yet friendly staff. }} ===Lockheed Martin Plant=== Options ideal for travel to the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics plant: 200 N Grants Ln, adjacent to the Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base (JRB, formerly Carswell Air Force Base): * {{sleep | name=Quality Inn & Suites | alt= | url=https://www.choicehotels.com/texas/fort-worth/quality-inn-hotels/tx866 | email= | address=2700 S Cherry Ln | lat=32.73531 | long=-97.45187 | directions=2 miles from plant | phone=+1 817-560-4180 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$61 (Jan 2022) | content=Breakfast available. }} * {{sleep | name=Country Inn & Suites by Radisson | alt= | url=https://www.radissonhotelsamericas.com/en-us/hotels/country-inn-fort-worth-nas-jrd-tx?cid=a:se+b:gmb+c:amer+i:local+e:cis+d:us+h:USAFTTX | email= | address=2730 Cherry Ln | lat=32.73452 | long=-97.45188 | directions=2 miles from plant | phone=+1 817-560-4200 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Spring Hill Suites | alt= | url= | email= | address=3250 Lovell Ave | lat=32.73214 | long=-97.36469 | directions=off University Drive, approximately 6.8 miles from plant | phone=+1 817-878-2554 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} ==Connect== Good cellular phone coverage by all major providers throughout the city and all major roadways. Internet hot-spots available at most '''Starbucks Coffee''' locations, DFW Airport, and '''FedEx Kinko's''' offices. Daily newspaper: * [http://www.star-telegram.com/ Fort Worth Star-Telegram]. ==Stay safe== As with any other large city, be vigilant in Fort Worth. The city's central arts and entertainment district is well policed, however, as so long as you make sure you lock your car and hide any valuables inside, all that you need is a little extra awareness of your surroundings. The city's freeways can be quite dangerous if you are not accustomed to driving in such high volumes of rapidly moving traffic; keep this in mind when you are planning a trip. Areas to avoid after dark are the East Side, Southeast Side (especially in the Stop Six section), the Como neighborhood, and the Trails/Calmont neighborhood, as these places have high rates of gun crimes from armed robberies to shootings. The Stockyards bar and club district can get rowdy on Friday and Saturday nights, but the nightlife at Sundance Square in Downtown is more laid back. ==Cope== ===Gym workout=== *'''[http://www.24hourfitness.com/ 24 Hour Fitness]''' and '''[http://www.lafitness.com/ LA Fitness (which now includes Ballys)]''' have many locations throughout the area. If you have a regular membership with either of them from back home your membership is good here. Note that some memberships are only good for one location and will cost extra to access a different gym/club than the one you normally go to at home. Ask before leaving. Otherwise day passes range from $10-20. Bring a lock and towel. * {{listing | name=Kadampa Meditation Center Texas | alt= | url=http://www.meditationinfortworth.org | email= | address=2836 Stanley Avenue | lat=32.71005 | long=-97.34638 | directions= | phone=+1 817-303-2700 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-09-06 | content=Offers relaxation meditations and meditation classes to increase inner peace. }} ==Go next== * [[Mineral Wells]], home to '''Lake Mineral Wells State Park''' * [[Bridgeport (Texas)|Bridgeport]], 30 miles to the northwest has a nice lake for boating and fishing. * [[Weatherford (Texas)|Weatherford]], 20 miles west of downtown Fort Worth. * [[Grapevine (Texas)|Grapevine]] has a nice historic main street area and numerous wineries. * [[Glen Rose]] 50 miles southwest has Dinosaur Valley State Park and Fossil Rim Wildlife Center. {{routebox | image1=Amtrak Heartland Flyer icon.png | imagesize1=100 | directionl1=N | majorl1=[[Oklahoma City]] | minorl1=[[Gainesville (Texas)|Gainesville]] | directionr1=S | majorr1=END | minorr1= | image2=Amtrak Texas Eagle icon.png | imagesize2=100 | directionl2=NE | majorl2=[[St. Louis]] | minorl2='''[[Dallas]]''' | directionr2=SW | majorr2=[[San Antonio]] | minorr2=[[Temple]] | image3=I-20.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=W | majorl3=[[Midland (Texas)|Midland]] | minorl3=[[Weatherford (Texas)|Weatherford]] | directionr3=E | majorr3=[[Dallas]] | minorr3=[[Arlington (Texas)|Arlington]] | image4=I-30.svg | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=W | majorl4=[[Midland (Texas)|Midland]] | minorl4=[[Weatherford (Texas)|Weatherford]] ← '''Merges into [[File:I-20.svg|18px]]''' | directionr4=E | majorr4=[[Dallas]] | minorr4=[[Arlington (Texas)|Arlington]] | image5=I-35W.svg | imagesize5=22 | directionl5=N | majorl5=[[Oklahoma City]] | minorl5=[[Denton (Texas)|Denton]] | directionr5=S | majorr5=[[Waco]] | minorr5=[[Hillsboro (Texas)|Hillsboro]] | image6=US 81.svg | imagesize6=22 | directionl6=N | majorl6=[[Chickasha]] | minorl6=[[Decatur (Texas)|Decatur]] | directionr6=S | majorr6=END | minorr6= | image7=US 287.svg | imagesize7=22 | directionl7=N | majorl7=[[Wichita Falls]] | minorl7=[[Decatur (Texas)|Decatur]] | directionr7=S | majorr7=[[Beaumont]] | minorr7=[[Arlington (Texas)|Arlington]] | image8=US 377.svg | imagesize8=22 | directionl8=S | majorl8=[[Del Rio]] | minorl8=[[Granbury]] | directionr8=N | majorr8=[[Stroud (Oklahoma)|Stroud]] | minorr8=[[Denton (Texas)|Denton]] }} {{isPartOf|Dallas-Fort_Worth_Metroplex}} {{geo|32.74859|-97.32925}} {{usablecity}} e8goupyxfi9oxw2r9lqjtqvjr5qakc3 5087084 5087078 2025-07-03T10:50:37Z Lazarus1255 2236161 /* Eat */Closed 5087084 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Fort Worth Wikivoyage banner.jpg}} [[File:Mural Fort Worth.JPG|thumb|350px|right|Fort Worth, Texas]] '''[http://fortworth.com Fort Worth]''' is a city in the [[Prairies and Lakes]] region of [[Texas]]. With a population of approximately 957,000, it is Texas' 5th largest city. It is part of the [[Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex]], which has a population exceeding 6 million. Sometimes referred to as Cowtown, it is by far closer to its cowboy roots than neighboring [[Dallas]]. This article also covers '''North Richland Hills''', a neighboring community. ==Understand== Fort Worth grew from a military camp established at the close of the Mexican War by Gen. Winfield Scott, and named for Gen. William Jenkins Worth who fought in the war. Forty-two men of Company F, 2nd Dragoons, established the camp on June 6, 1849. The Fort Worth to Yuma, Arizona stage line was established in 1850. The city became the seat of Tarrant County 1860, and after the Civil War, it became a major shipping and supply depot for cattlemen. ===Climate=== Fort Worth is located in the [[South (United States of America)|American South]], and has a subtropical climate with mild winters, hot summers, and a wet spring and fall in between. In winter and summer it can also be a very dry place, as it receives warmer, drier weather from the Mojave Desert in the west and the Great Plains in the north. Winters are generally mild, with average highs in the mid to upper 50s (10-15 °C) and average lows around the freezing mark (0-5 °C). It is not uncommon for Winter days with highs in the upper 60s (~20°C) with the following days high temperature 20-30 degrees cooler. It may snow in Fort Worth a couple times a year, and occasionally winter temperatures will not get above freezing (32°F, 0 °C), but for the most part winter is just relatively dry and cool. There is, however, the danger of freezing rain and ice storms. Spring and fall bring very pleasant temperatures, but spring is also known for its storms. Fort Worth is at the Southern tip of Tornado Alley, and springtime weather can be quite volatile and severe storms often occur. Summers are hot and dry - but often humid - with temperatures frequently surpassing 100 °F (38 °C). Average precipitation in Fort Worth is 33 inches (830 mm) per year.{{Climate | units = Imperial | janhigh = 53 | febhigh = 58 | marhigh = 67 | aprhigh = 76 | mayhigh = 82 | junhigh = 90 | julhigh = 95 | aughigh = 95 | sephigh = 88 | octhigh = 78 | novhigh = 67 | dechigh = 57 | janlow = 30 | feblow = 35 | marlow = 43 | aprlow = 53 | maylow = 61 | junlow = 68 | jullow = 72 | auglow = 71 | seplow = 65 | octlow = 54 | novlow = 43 | declow = 34 | janprecip = 1.7 | febprecip = 2.1 | marprecip = 2.6 | aprprecip = 3.3 | mayprecip = 4.6 | junprecip = 3.5 | julprecip = 2.4 | augprecip = 2.1 | sepprecip = 3.4 | octprecip = 3.2 | novprecip = 2 | decprecip = 1.8 | description = {{ForecastNOAA|Fort Worth|32.74859|-97.32925}} }} === Neighborhoods === * {{see|name=TCU|alt=Texas Christian University|url=|email=|address=2900 S University Dr|lat=32.708451|long=-97.361499|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-17|content=The TCU area is dominated by the campus. Some unique restaurants and boutiques are mixed with standard college fare, but the campus is beautiful and shows up in force (and in Purple) for gamedays}} * {{see|name=Sundance Square|alt=Downtown Fort Worth|url=https://sundancesquare.com/|email=|address=400 Main St|lat=32.7549445|long=-97.3314084|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-17|content=Sundance Square is a city park in downtown that plays host to multiple events year round. Night and weekend parking is free and additional security patrols not only keep the area safe, but also can help you find your next destination.}} * {{see|name=Stockyards|alt=|url=|email=|address=|lat=32.7888519|long=-97.3491774|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-17|content=A national historic district, the Stockyards is the iconic background for which Fort Worth is known. The backdrop is all things western from cattle drives and BBQ to country music and belt buckles. No trip to Fort Worth is complete without a quick stop here.}} * {{see|name=The Cultural District|alt=|url=https://fwculture.com/|email=|address=|lat=32.750624|long=-97.362143|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-17|content=Home to world class museum, the stock show & rodeo as well as numerous restaurants and merchants, this area hosts many of Fort Worth's main attractions. Located across the Trinity River, 2 miles west of downtown, this area could be thought of as uptown. The area is also known as West 7th.}} * {{see|name=Near Southside|alt=|url=https://www.nearsouthsidefw.org/home|email=|address=|lat=32.73225|long=-97.33486|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-17|content=Also called South Main and Magnolia, this is the area where artists and more liberal mindsets are welcome. The area hosts multiple of the cities micro breweries, bars and restaurants. The area is undergoing a renaissance with new building and merchants, but the growth is keeping with the vibe of the current culture.}} * {{see|name=Southwest Fort Worth|alt=Camp Bowie, Hulen, Clearfork|url=|email=|address=|lat=32.7026386|long=-97.4156228|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-17|content=While not a single neighborhood, Southwest Fort Worth has a collection of different shopping areas and neighborhood restaurant clusters.}} ==Get in== ===By plane=== All the major American carriers and many international ones provide scheduled passenger service into the {{marker|type=go|name=[[Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport]]|lat=32.897541|long=-97.040431}} ({{IATA|DFW}}), located {{mi|17}} from downtown Fort Worth. This airport is one of three major hubs for American Airlines. American Airlines is also headquartered in Fort Worth. ===By train=== The {{marker|type=go|name=Fort Worth Intermodal Transportation Center|url=|lat=32.7527|long=-97.3264}} at 1001 Jones St is the central hub for Amtrak trains and '''[http://www.trinityrailwayexpress.org/ Trinity Railway Express]''' (TRE) commuter trains to Dallas, along with Greyhound inter-city bus service and local bus service provided by the T. TRE trains can provide a stress-free way to travel between the two cities during rush hour and also serve the more historic {{marker|type=go|name=T&P Station|url=|lat=32.745944|long=-97.327778}} at 1600 Throckmorton St on the south side of downtown. [[Amtrak]]'s Texas Eagle provides daily service between [[Chicago]], [[Illinois]] and [[San Antonio]], Texas with stops in Fort Worth and Dallas. Also, Amtrak's [http://www.heartlandflyer.com/ Heartland Flyer]{{Dead link|date=January 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} provides daily service between Fort Worth and [[Oklahoma City]], and points in between. Woefully underfunded, passenger train service in the United States is a slow but scenic way to travel, if you aren't too concerned about arriving on time. Alternatively, arrive from DFW Airport on '''[https://ridetrinitymetro.org/texrail/ TEXRail]''' through North Richland Hills, another commuter train that provides direct rail service from the airport to downtown Fort Worth. ===By car=== Fort Worth may be easily reached via I-20 or I-30 from the east or west, or by I-35W from the north or south. I-35 splits into two branches north of the Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan area, the west branch going to Fort Worth and the east branch (I-35E) to Dallas. The branches rejoin to the south. Car rental companies include: *'''[http://www.alamo.com/ Alamo Rent A Car]''', Toll free: +1-800-462-5266. *'''[http://www.avis.com/ Avis Rent A Car]''', Toll free: +1-800-331-1212. *'''[http://www.budget.com Budget Rent A Car]''', Toll free: +1-800-527-0700. *'''[http://www.dollar.com/ Dollar Rent A Car]''', Toll free: +1-800-800-3665. *'''[http://www.e-zrentacar.com E-Z Rent-A-Car]''', Toll free: +1-800-277-5171. *'''[http://www.enterprise.com Enterprise Rent-A-Car]''', Toll free: +1-800-261-7331. *'''[http://www.hertz.com Hertz Car Rental]''', Toll free: +1-800-654-3131. *'''[http://www.thrifty.com Thrifty]''', Toll free: +1-800-847-4389. *'''[http://dfweliteautorental.com DFW Elite Auto Rental]{{Dead link|date=April 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''', +1 817-838-7368. ===By bus=== * '''[http://www.greyhound.com Greyhound]'''. Bus stop is at the Fort Worth Intermodal Transportation Center. Also, subsidiaries of Greyhound, such as TNM&O serve as the regional carrier. *'''[http://us.megabus.com Megabus]'''. Service from [[Houston]], [[San Antonio]], [[Austin]], [[Memphis]], [[Little Rock]], [[Oklahoma City]], and [[Norman (Oklahoma)|Norman]]. Bus stop is located at 710 Davis St in [[Grand Prairie]]. Fares $1 and up. *'''[http://www.autobusesamericanos.us/EN/Home.shtml Autobus Americanos]'''. Mexican trans-border bus line with services to various points in Mexico. Bus stop is located at 5215 McCart in Fort Worth. *'''[http://ticket.gruposenda.com/ Turimex Internacional]{{Dead link|date=December 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}'''. Mexican trans-border bus line with services to various points in Mexico. Bus stop is located at 3620 Hemphill St. ==Get around== {{mapframe|32.7604|-97.3402|zoom=10}} {{mapshape}} {{mapshapes|Q497596}} <!-- Light Rail --> {{mapshapes|Q380660}} <!-- Trinity Rail Express --> {{mapshapes|Q5259601}} <!-- A-train --> ===Mass transit=== '''Buses''' and '''trains''' via '''[https://ridetrinitymetro.org/routes-schedules/ Trinity Metro]''' link many areas of town over mid-range distances. '''[http://www.trinityrailwayexpress.org/ Trinity Rail Express]''' has commuter train service between downtown Fort Worth, DFW Airport and downtown Dallas. Service is Monday through Saturday. No scheduled services on Sundays and most major holidays. '''[https://ridetrinitymetro.org/rider-services/molly-the-trolley/ Molly the Trolley]''' bus service provides local public transportation in areas like downtown Fort Worth, the Historic Stockyards, and to Sundance Square during lunchtime. Hours of operation vary by route. ===By bike=== * {{listing | name=Fort Worth B-cycle | alt= | url=https://fortworth.bcycle.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$8/24 hours; $15/3 days; $20/week |wikipedia=|wikidata=|image=|lastedit=2018-02-19| content=Bike sharing program with stations throughout downtown. }} ==See== [[File:0011Tarrant County Courthouse Full E Fort Worth Texas.jpg|thumb|Tarrant County Courthouse]] === Museums === * {{see | name=Kimbell Art Museum | alt= | url=http://www.kimbellart.org | email= | address=3333 Camp Bowie Blvd | lat=32.74873 | long=-97.36479 | directions= | phone=+1 817 332-8451 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A collection of artwork that ranges from 3000 BC to the mid-1900s. Although the collection is small, it boasts such big names as Matisse, Goya, Mondrian and Picasso, among others. The museum building itself is a highlight of architectural modernism, designed by American architect Louis Kahn. }} * {{see | name=Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth | alt= | url=http://www.themodern.org | email= | address=3200 Darnell St | lat=32.74887 | long=-97.36306 | directions= | phone=+1 817 738-9215 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The museum, located in an imposing, appropriately modern building, houses a large permanent collection and hosts many important traveling exhibitions. The building is designed by Japanese architect Tadao Ando. }} * {{see | name=Amon Carter Museum | alt= | url=http://www.cartermuseum.org | email= | address=3501 Camp Bowie Blvd | lat=32.74833 | long=-97.36697 | directions= | phone=+1 817-738-1933 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Extensive collection of American art and photography featuring many works by Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russel. }} * {{see | name=National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame | alt= | url=http://cowgirl.net | email= | address=1720 Gendy St | lat=32.74345 | long=-97.36868 | directions= | phone=+1 817-336-4475 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Museum and association which honors women of the American West who have displayed courage or spirit and who have distinguished themselves while exemplifying the pioneer spirit. }} * {{see | name=National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum | alt=formerly National Cowboys of Color Museum and Hall of Fame | url=http://www.cowboysofcolor.org | email= | address=3400 Mount Vernon Ave | lat=32.7418 | long=-97.2764 | directions= | phone=+1 817 534-8801 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum | wikidata=Q17020565 | content=Highlights the historical influence of non-White cowboys in Texas. }} * {{see | name=C.R. Smith Aviation Museum | alt= | url=http://www.crsmithmuseum.org | email= | address=4601 Hwy. 360 | lat=32.83258 | long=-97.06322 | directions= | phone=+1 817 967-1560 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=All you could ever want to know about the history of American Airlines. Great for kids, as it includes hands-on, interactive exhibits. }} * {{see | name=Stockyards Museum | alt= | url=http://www.stockyardsmuseum.org/ | email= | address=131 E. Exchange Ave | lat=32.78895 | long=-97.3486 | directions= | phone=+1 817 625-5082 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Located in the 1902 Livestock Exchange Building, this museum showcases the history of Fort Worth. Greater stockyards area described in "Do". }} *{{see | name=Fort Worth Museum of Science and History | alt= | url=http://www.fwmsh.org | email= | address=1501 Montgomery St. | lat=32.74501 | long=-97.36926 | directions=Exit Montgomery on 1-30 and head North | phone=+1 817-255-9300 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Family based hands on science and history museum, boasts traveling exhibits and the Omni-imax theater. }} * {{see | name=Oscar E. Monnig Meteorite Gallery | alt= | url=https://monnigmuseum.tcu.edu/ | email= | address=2950 West Bowie Street | lat=32.70807 | long=-97.35913 | directions=Texas Christian University campus in the Sid Richardson Science Building at the corner of West Bowie Street and Cockrell Avenue. | phone=+1 817-257-6277 | tollfree= | fax=+1 817-257-7789 | hours=M-F 1-4PM; Sa 10AM-4PM | price=free | content=Small museum with astonishing collection of pieces of the sky, well-documented. Touch a piece of Mars! }} * {{see | name=Sid Richardson Museum | alt= | url=https://www.sidrichardsonmuseum.org/ | email= | address=309 Main St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 817 332-6554 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10AM-4PM | price=Free | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Art museum with an emphasis on Western art (e.g. works by Frederic Remington, Charles Russell). }} * {{see | name=Texas Civil War Museum | alt= | url=https://texascivilwarmuseum.com/ | email= | address=760 Jim Wright Fwy North | lat=32.77238 | long=-97.47429 | directions= | phone=+1 817 246-2323 | tollfree= | hours= | price=$7 (over 13), $4 (ages 6-12) | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=A repository of Union and Confederate artifacts and history about the War Between the States. }} * {{see | name=Bureau of Engraving and Printing Visitors Center | alt= | url=https://www.bep.gov/visitor-centers/fort-worth-tx-tour-and-visitor-center | email= | address=9100 Blue Mound Road | lat=32.9015854 | long=-97.3479548 | directions= | phone=+1 817 231-4000 | tollfree=+1 866 865-1194 | hours=Tu-Fr 8:30AM-5:30PM | price=Free | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-05-22 | content=Tours open to the public of the money creation factory - see pallets of dollar bills created below your feet from a suspended walkway snaking through the facility. One of two in the nation (other in DC). Self-guided tour takes approximately 1 hour. Gift shop on site. }} * {{see | name=Vintage Flying Museum | alt= | url=http://www.vintageflyingmuseum.org/ | email= | address=505 NW 38th St # 33S | lat=32.81222 | long=-97.35617 | directions=on Meacham Airport grounds | phone=+1 817 624-1935 | tollfree= | hours= | price=$12 adults, $7 (ages 6-13) | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Warbirds on display in a hangar. If wanting to see some for free, you can just visit the outdoor space at the southern end of the Meacham Airport runway. }} === Attractions === * {{see | name=Sundance Square | alt= | url=http://www.sundancesquare.com/ | email= | address= | lat=32.75483 | long=-97.33129 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= 20 blocks of shops, bars & restaurants, brick-paved sidewalks and historic buildings. Well lit and popular with tourists and locals, Sundance Square is frequently the center for outdoor events such as concerts and art festivals. }} * {{see | name=Bass Performance Hall | alt= | url=http://www.basshall.com | email= | address= | lat=32.75510 | long=-97.32959 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A state-of-the-art venue presenting concerts, musicals, and theatrical performances throughout the year. }} * {{see | name=Fort Worth Stockyards | alt= | url=http://www.fortworthstockyards.org | email= | address= | lat=32.78883 | long=-97.34614 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Just north of the downtown area is the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, where you'll find Texas style nightlife at bars like '''[http://www.billybobstexas.com Billy Bob's]''' plus the '''[http://tchof.com/ Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame]''', the '''[http://www.stockyardsmuseum.org/ Stockyards Museum]''', '''[http://johnwayne.com/experience John Wayne: An American Experience]''', '''[http://www.fortworthherd.com/ The Fort Worth Longhorn Herd]''', and the '''Cowtown Cattle Pen Maze'''. The Stockyards are also home to a weekly rodeo. Held every Friday and Saturday evening, and billed as the "World's First Indoor Rodeo," it [http://www.cowtowncoliseum.com/ attracts competitors from around the country]. The Stockyards is also home to Riscky's Barbeque, considered by locals to be the best barbeque in the area. One block away, '''[https://coopersbbqfortworth.com/ Coopers Old Time Pit BBQ]''' offers excellent fare at fair prices. }} [[File:Convention Center Fort Worth.JPG|thumb|200px|right|Downtown convention center]] * {{see | name=Fort Worth Water Gardens | alt= | url=https://www.fortworth.com/listings/fort-worth-water-gardens/2989/ | email= | address=1502 Commerce St | lat=32.747778 | long=-97.326667 | directions= | phone=+1 817 392-7111 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Fort Worth Water Gardens | image=Fort Worth Water Gardens 2003.jpg | wikidata=Q2035884 | lastedit=2018-04-07 | content=A man-made watery setting to get away from the hustle and bustle downtown. For some awesome architecture, check out the 1933 Beaux Arts Style designed post office building at 251 Lancaster and Texas & Pacific Railway Station at 221 Lancaster (across the street from the south edge of the water gardens). }} *{{see | name=Burnett Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=32.75041 | long=-97.33362 | directions=Lamar and Texas streets | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Located on land donated by cattle baron Samuel Burk Burnett, features sculptures, pools, and granite walkways. Vast green parks and surrounding network of major lakes offer abundant opportunities for water sports and outdoor recreation. }} * {{see | name=The Fort Worth Botanic Garden | alt= | url=http://www.fwbg.org | email= | address=3220 Botanic Garden Blvd | lat=32.74025 | long=-97.36337 | directions= | phone=+1 817-871-7686 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Admission: $12 adults, seniors $10, children $5 (May 2022). Japanese garden additional $3. | content=The sprawling gardens includes a large flower garden, lawn, indoor tropical forest, and a beautiful Japanese garden. }} == Do == [[File:ModArtFtWorth.jpg|thumb|200px|The Modern Art Museum]] ===Zoological Parks and Theme Parks=== * {{do | name=The Fort Worth Zoo | alt= | url=https://www.fortworthzoo.org/ | email= | address=1989 Colonial Parkway | lat=32.72373 | long=-97.35594 | directions= | phone=+1 817-759-7555 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 10AM-5PM; Sa Su 10AM-6PM | price=$7-10.50 (Wednesdays are half-price) | wikidata=Q5472415 | content=Come see the animals and interactive exhibits. }} * {{do | name=SeaQuest Fort Worth | alt= | url=https://fortworth.visitseaquest.com/ | email= | address=1974 Green Oaks Rd | lat= | long= | directions=located in Ridgmar Mall | phone=+1 817 731-5357 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-6PM, Su Noon-6PM | price=$15.99 adults (over 12), $9.99 kids, $12.99 seniors/military | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Kind of a minor aquarium but with some quixotic activities like "Fishy Kisses" and "Snorkel With The Stingrays" - these cost extra, naturally. }} * {{do |name=NRH2O Family Water Park | url=http://www.nrh2o.com/ | address=Grapevine Highway (#26) between Precinct Line and North Harwood Road | lat=32.8509|long=-97.1931 | directions= in nearby North Richland Hills | phone=+1 817 427-6500 | tollfree= | hours=Taller than {{in|48}} M-Th $20, F-Su $25; shorter than 48 in, military, senior M-Th $17, F-Su $20 | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-07-10 | content= 17-acre park with 23 attractions, including the country’s longest uphill water roller coaster. }} ===Hiking and Natural Areas=== * {{do | name=Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge | alt= | url=https://www.fwnaturecenter.org/ | email= | address=9601 Fossil Ridge Rd | lat=32.84735 | long=-97.47584 | directions= | phone=+1 817 392-7410 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 8AM-5PM | price=$6 (over 12), $3 (over 65), $2 (ages 3-12), $1 dogs | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Hiking trails and boardwalks, kayak rentals, bison herd, native prairie grasses and woodlands. }} * {{do | name=Eagle Mountain Park | alt= | url=https://www.trwd.com/be-active | email= | address=11601 Morris Dido Newark Rd | lat=32.93506 | long=-97.48023 | directions= | phone=+1 817 335-2491 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 5AM-10PM | price=Free | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=A popular hiking area with rugged terrain and views over Eagle Mountain Lake. }} * {{do | name=Marion Sansom Park | alt= | url= | email= | address=2501 Roberts Cut Off Rd | lat=32.79564 | long=-97.41333 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Daily 6AM-10PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Another popular hiking area with waterfalls and views of the western half of the city and Lake Worth. }} ===Sports=== *{{do | name=TCU Horned Frogs | alt= | url=https://gofrogs.com/ | email= | address= | lat=32.70901 | long=-97.36712 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=The sports teams representing Texas Christian University, have branded themselves as "Fort Worth's team". The Frogs are best known for their football program, a rising national power in the first part of this century. TCU now competes in the Big 12 Conference. Most of TCU's athletic venues are on campus, with the best-known being Amon G. Carter Stadium (football) and Schollmaier Arena (basketball). }} *{{do | name=Texas Brahmas | url=https://www.texasjrbrahmas.com/ | email= | address=8851 Ice House Dr | lat=32.85974 | long=-97.20683 | directions= | phone=+1 817 520-2115 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=See website for current season schedule | price= | wikidata=Q7707794 | lastedit=2023-08-09 | content=Enjoy an ice-hockey game at the NYTEX Sports Centre in North Richland Hills. The Brahmas play in the North American Tier III hockey league. }} * {{do | name=Texas Motor Speedway | alt= | url=https://www.texasmotorspeedway.com/ | email= | address=3545 Lone Star Cir | lat=33.0363 | long=-97.2816 | directions= | phone=+1 817 215-8500 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Catch NASCAR and other events here, such as an extravagant Christmas display. }} ===Events=== * {{do | name=Main St. Fort Worth Arts Festival | alt= | url=http://www.MainStreetArtsFest.org | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=free | content=Ranked 8th in the country by the Art Fair Source Book and the Harris List, and number one in Texas, Main St. hosts tens of thousands of people annually during the four-day visual arts, entertainment and cultural event. Main St. showcases a nationally recognized fine art and fine craft juried art fair, live concerts, performance artists and street performers on the streets of downtown Fort Worth-stretching nine blocks on Main Street from the Tarrant County Courthouse to the Fort Worth Convention Center. }} * {{do | name=Sundance Square Parade of Lights | alt= | url=http://www.FortWorthParadeofLights.org | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Late November. Watch colorful illuminated floats, beautiful antique cars, marching bands, equestrian units, horse-drawn carriages and a cast of delightful characters dressed in their holiday best. The unforgettable parade and an annual visit from Santa Claus and his elves will make the Sundance Square Parade of Lights a fun-filled holiday experience for the entire family! Free. }} *'''[https://www.allianceairshow.com/ Fort Worth Alliance Air Show]''', at Alliance Airport north of downtown. Features air stunts and formations like the Blue Angels. Typically around 3rd weekend of October. ==Learn== * {{listing | name=Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary | alt= | url=http://www.swbts.edu | email= | address=2001 W Seminary Dr | lat=32.682 | long=-97.348 | directions= | phone=+1 817-923-1921 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7571391 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Tarrant County College | alt= | url=http://www.tccd.edu | email= | address= | lat=32.747531 | long=-97.327832 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7686664 | lastedit=2021-09-06 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Texas Christian University | alt= | url=http://www.tcu.edu | email= | address= | lat=32.709605 | long=-97.362823 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2302280 | lastedit=2021-09-06 | content= }} * {{listing | name=University of North Texas Health Science Center | alt= | url=https://www.unthsc.edu/ | email= | address=3500 Camp Bowie Blvd | lat=32.7486 | long=-97.3694 | directions= | phone=+1 817-735-2000 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7895977 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Texas Wesleyan University | alt= | url=http://www.txwesleyan.edu | email= | address= | lat=32.733 | long=-97.28 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7708205 | lastedit=2021-09-06 | content= }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Fort Worth Stockyards Station | alt= | url=http://fortworthstockyards.com/ | email= | address=140 E Exchange Ave | lat= | long= | directions=at Stockyards | phone=+1 817 625-9715 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=A covered emporium of different shops, confectioneries, games, photo studios, etc. Also Exchange Ave itself is chock full of curio shops and eateries aimed at the tourist. }} *'''Sundance Square''' * {{buy | name=Montgomery Plaza | alt= | url=https://montgomeryplaza.com/ | email= | address=2600 W 7th St | lat=32.75177 | long=-97.3533 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10AM-9PM, Su 11AM-6PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Old department store complex refurbished with a lot of pizzazz. }} * {{buy | name=Crockett Row | alt= | url=http://www.crockettrow.com/ | email= | address=816 Foch St | lat=32.74999 | long=-97.35657 | directions= | phone=+1 817 810-9076 | tollfree= | hours=Th-Su 4PM-Midnight | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content= }} ===Shopping Malls=== * {{buy | name=North East Mall | alt= | url=https://www.simon.com/mall/north-east-mall | email= | address=1101 Melbourne Rd, Hurst | lat=32.8298 | long=-97.2003 | directions= | phone=+1 817 284-3427 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Still surviving mall with a large movie theater complex and surrounding eateries. }} * {{buy | name=Hulen Mall | alt= | url=https://www.hulenmall.com | email= | address=4800 S Hulen St | lat=32.6784 | long=-97.3985 | directions= | phone=+1 817 294-1205 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5935635 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=Seems to attract the occasional shoot'em up but still a big mall with theater. }} * {{buy | name=La Gran Plaza de Fort Worth | alt= | url=http://www.lagranplazamall.com/ | email= | address=4200 South Fwy | lat=32.6866 | long=-97.325 | directions= | phone=+1 817 922-8888 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10AM-9PM, Su 11AM-8PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Visiting this mall you will somehow wonder if you magically teleported to Mexico, as it has a very Mexican flavor with mariachi bands and layout. }} ===Other=== * {{buy | name=Tanger Outlets Fort Worth | alt= | url=https://www.tangeroutlet.com/fortworth | email= | address=15853 N Fwy | lat=33.0214 | long=-97.2813 | directions= | phone=+1 817 464-5400 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content= }} * {{buy | name=Henderson Street Flea Market | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/hendersonstreetbazaar/ | email= | address=1000 N Henderson St | lat=32.76366 | long=-97.34758 | directions= | phone=+1 817 877-3021 | tollfree= | hours=Sa-Su 7AM-8PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=If you are into flea markets, this might be for you. }} ==Eat== Fort Worth is similar to many Texas cities in that there are two main food groups, BBQ and Tex-Mex. While tastes are changing and multiple options are available, these will still be your best two bets in the city. A growing food truck scene is starting to make a presence in the city, and some of the local breweries are making drinks worth recommending to friends. ===Budget=== *{{eat | name=Angelo's Bar-B-Que | url=https://angelosbbq.com | email= | address=2533 White Settlement Rd | lat=32.75889 | long=-97.35239 | directions= | phone=+1 817 332-0357 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-10PM | price= $10 for a full plate with one or two meats and three sides. | content=Tied with Railhead (below) for the best BBQ in the southwest. A Fort Worth classic. This is in an old wooden barn, which adds a great atmosphere to the dining experience. The pork ribs were very tasty and the large cold beers were particularly nice. Meats melt in the mouth and beans are awesome. They actually bbq on premises which some of the other place don't. It's about a 5-min drive out of the downtown area. }} *{{eat | name=Railhead Smokehouse | alt= | url=http://www.railheadsmokehouse.com | email= | address=2900 Montgomery St | lat=32.73112 | long=-97.37058 | directions= | phone=+1 817 738-9808 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-9PM | price= | content=Tied with Angelo's for the best BBQ in the southwest. }} *{{eat | name=Fuzzy's Taco Shop | url=https://restaurants.fuzzystacoshop.com/fuzzys-taco-shop-bfdfcdaa4dda | email= | address=2917 W Berry St | lat=32.70598 | long=-97.35902 | directions=Two locations | phone=+1 817-924-7943 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su-M 7AM-10PM, Tu-W 7AM-11PM, Th-Sa 7AM-2AM | price= | content=Excellent taco dive - lots of food for cheap, great fish tacos, late hours, cheap drinks, all without leaving the affluent TCU area. }} *{{eat | name=Kincaid's | url=https://www.kincaidshamburgers.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Two locations | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-6PM | price= | content=Texas' (perhaps America's) best burgers. Original Camp Bowie location is in a kitschy old grocery story. }} ** {{eat | name=Kincaid's | alt= | url= | email= | address=4901 Camp Bowie Blvd | lat=32.73745 | long=-97.39326 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-09-06 | content= }} ** {{eat | name=Kincaid's | alt= | url= | email= | address=4825 Overton Ridge Blvd | lat=32.67606 | long=-97.40027 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-09-06 | content= }} * {{eat | name=The Love Shack | alt= | url=http://loveburgershackfortworth.com/ | email= | address=110 Exchange Ave | lat=32.788748 | long=-97.348657 | directions=in the Stockyards | phone=+1 817 740-8812 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su-Tu 11AM-9PM, W-Th 11AM-10PM, F-Sa 11AM-11PM | price= | content=Excellent unique hamburger created by celebrity Ft. Worth chef, Tim Love. Daily flavored milk shakes. Live music. (Possible cover charge on weekends.) Cash only. }} * {{eat | name=Green Vine Market | alt= | url=https://www.greenvinemarket.com | email= | address=1804 K Avenue | lat=33.0243265 | long=-96.6978848 | directions= | phone=+1 972 942 0808 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa: 8AM-9PM, Su: 8AM-8:30PM | price= | content=Hamburgers, daily flavored milk shakes, live music (Possible cover charge on weekends). Cash only. |lastedit=2024-12-05}} ===Mid-range=== *{{eat | name=Nonna Tata | url= | email= | address=1400 W. Magnolia Ave | lat=32.73076 | long=-97.34046 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Lunch Tu-Th 11AM-3PM; Dinner M-Th 5:30PM-9PM, F 5:30PM-10PM | price=$15-30 | content=Certainly one of Fort Worth's smallest restaurants, Nonna Tata is also one of its best. With only 21 seats indoors and another 30 outdoors, the restaurant fills up early and often develops long waits on weekends. Absolutely amazing authentic Italian food, with a menu that changes weekly and amiable service. BYOB, cash only, no reservations. }} *{{eat | name=Central Market | url=http://www.centralmarket.com/ | email= | address=4651 West Freeway | lat=32.73003 | long=-97.38909 | directions= | phone=+1 817 989-4700 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM-9PM Daily | price=$5-15 | content=DFW's best gourmet grocery also has a formidable cafe attached, with amazing, huge custom sandwiches, cheap and great pizzas and international noodle dishes made for you, a mind-boggling prepared food section and $15 meals for two bagged and ready to go. Any kind of food you could want, done extremely well, for grocery story prices, plus a generous selection of wine and beer. }} *{{eat | name=Fred's Texas Cafe | alt= | url=https://www.fredstexascafe.com/ | email= | address=2730 Western Center Blvd | lat=32.86012 | long=-97.3205 | directions= | phone=+1 817 232-0111 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10AM-midnight, Sunday Brunch | price=$8-12 | content=The "Outlaw Chef" cooks genuine Southern/Texican food in one of the most unique and exciting ways you'll find in Fort Worth. Super laid-back setting, with genuine Texas food and genuine Texas music. Happy hour before 6 and whenever it's raining. }} *{{eat | name=Hunter Brothers' H3 Ranch | url=http://www.h3ranch.com/ | email= | address=109 E Exchange Ave | lat=32.78911 | long=-97.34889 | directions= | phone=+1 817 624-1246 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$18-30 | content=For the cowboy tourist. A strong cowtown theme predominates in this Stockyards-area steakhouse. Come for the atmosphere first, the food second. }} *{{eat | name=Joe T. Garcia's | url=http://www.joets.com/ | email= | address=2201 N. Commerce St. | lat=32.78450 | long=-97.34818 | directions= | phone=+1 817 626-4356 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A Fort Worth legend, dine family style in a large converted mansion or in its beautiful expansive gardens with lush vegetation and calming pools; choose from one of two menu options nightly. There is frequently a line around the block in good weather, so arrive early or be prepared to wait. Great margaritas. Cash only (ATM on site). }} *{{eat | name=La Familia | alt= | url=http://la-familia-mexican-restaurant.business.site/ | email= | address=841 Foch St. | lat=32.750087 | long=-97.356291 | directions= | phone=+1 817-870-2002 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–Th 11AM–9PM, F 11AM–9:30PM, Sa 9AM–9:30PM, Su M closed | price= | content=Mexican restaurant locally renowned for their excellent Tex-Mex and friendly owner (Al) and staff. }} *{{eat | name=King Tut | url= | email= | address=1512 West Magnolia Ave. | lat=32.73085 | long=-97.34271 | directions= | phone=+1 817 335-3051 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 11AM-2PM & 5PM-9PM; Sa 5PM-9PM | price= | content=Egyptian restaurant with excellent Middle Eastern cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Spiral Diner | url=http://www.spiraldiner.com/ | email= | address=1314 W. Magnolia | lat=32.73083 | long=-97.34012 | directions= | phone=+1 817 3-EATVEG | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-Sa 11AM-10PM, Su 11AM-5PM | price= | content=The only strictly vegan restaurant in Fort Worth, Spiral Diner has an eclectic menu that will not let you down on taste. One of Fort Worth's finest restaurants regardless of dietary restriction. }} *{{eat | name=Uncle Julio's | url=http://www.unclejulios.com/ | email= | address=5301 Camp Bowie Blvd | lat=32.73445 | long=-97.40097 | directions= | phone=+1 817 377-2777 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$8-30 | content=Excellent and diverse Tex-Mex menu, friendly staff, decent happy hour before 6PM. }} ===Splurge=== *{{eat | name=Bonnell's | url=http://www.bonnellstexas.com/ | email= | address=4259 Bryant Irvin Rd | lat=32.68952 | long=-97.41123 | directions= | phone=+1 817 738-5489 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Lunch Tu-F 11AM-2:30PM, Dinner Tu-Sa 5:30PM-9:30PM | price= | content=Chef Jon Bonnell's southwest-themed masterpiece. }} *{{eat | name=Del Frisco's Steakhouse | url=http://www.delfriscos.com/ | email= | address=812 Main St | lat=32.75204 | long=-97.32984 | directions= | phone=+1 817 877-3999 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 5-10PM; F-Sa 5-11PM; Su 5-9PM | price=$50+ | content=One of the finest steakhouses in the world, with an excellent wine list. It is, however, extremely expensive, and you will have to wait a little while even if you have a reservation. Don't come here for anything other than steak, but if you are looking for steak, it is hard to beat. }} *{{eat | name=Reata Restaurant | url=http://www.reata.net/ | email= | address=310 Houston St | lat=32.75476 | long=-97.33262 | directions= | phone=+1 817 336-1009 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Lunch 11:30AM-2:30PM, Dinner 5PM to 10:30PM daily | price= | content=One of the most widely acclaimed restaurants in Texas, and one of the first to bring "Cowboy cuisine" to the forefront of the refined American palate. Online reservation system. }} *{{eat | name=Saint-Emilion | url= | email= | address=3617 W 7th St | lat=32.75109 | long=-97.37069 | directions= | phone=+1 817 737-2781 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-Sa 6PM-9PM | price=$25-50 | content=The best French country food in Fort Worth, and a cozy dining experience. }} === Sweets === * {{eat|name=Melt Icecream|alt=|url=http://www.gypsyscoops.com|email=|address=1201 W Magnolia Ave #115, 76104|lat=32.7304787|long=-97.3382182|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-19|content=Tiny ice cream parlor serving creative flavor combos frequently with lines out the door at multiple times in the day}} ==Drink== * {{drink | name=Flying Saucer Draught Emporium | alt= | url=http://www.beerknurd.com | email= | address=111 E 3rd St | lat=32.75567 | long=-97.33107 | directions= | phone=+1 817 336-7468 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The gameroom offers a place to play a game of pool, chess or darts. The shiny, faux-rock floor throughout is enhanced by the vast collection of vintage dinnerware adorning every wall. They have the largest selection of beer (225 varieties) around. Menu selections include Creamy Beer Cheese Soup, the Build-Your-Own Sausage and Cheese Plate, spicy sausage quesadillas and traditional bratwurst with German potato salad. }} *{{drink | name=Chat Room Pub | alt=The Chat | url= | email= | address=1263 West Magnolia Ave | lat=32.730938371422496 | long=-97.33916759490967 | directions= | phone=+1 817 922-8319 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=3PM-2AM | price= | content=Good drink selection in a chilled atmosphere. }} * {{drink | name=The Usual | alt= | url=http://www.theusualbar.com | email= | address=1408 W. Magnolia Ave | lat=32.73076 | long=-97.34083 | directions= | phone=+1 817 810-0114 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A high-end craft cocktail bar popular with the hip Magnolia Avenue set. A somewhat mixed, gay-friendly spot with very modern decor and a nice but small patio out back. This is the place to go for expensive but very well-mixed takes on the classics, and an inspired cocktail menu. Try the Montpelier, which mixes bourbon, smoked maple syrup, Jamaican rum, and Italian vermouth. }} * {{drink|name=Our Taphouse|alt=|url=https://ourtaphouse.com/|email=|address=1001 Bryan Ave, 76104|lat=32.734043|long=-97.3250209|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=|content=50+ taps with local, regional and a few international flavors off the beaten path. Plus food.}} === Breweries & distilleries === * {{drink | name=Martin House Brewery | alt= | url=http://martinhousebrewing.com/ | email= | address=220 S Sylvania Ave, 76111 | lat=32.763604 | long=-97.310007 | directions= | phone=+1 817 222-0177 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-02-19 | content=Weekly Tours and Tastings Every Thursday (6-8pm) & Saturday (2-5pm). }} *{{drink|name=Wild Acre Brewery|alt=|url=http://wildacrebrewing.com/|email=|address=1734 E El Paso St #190, 76102|lat=32.7431191|long=-97.3096823|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-19|content=Shares a location with Silver Star Vodka. Not the best area of town, but the brewery is safe and the beer is worth the stop}} * {{drink|name=Rahr and Sons Brewing|alt=|url=https://rahrbrewing.com|email=|address=701 Galveston Ave, 76104|lat=32.7368466|long=-97.327027|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-19|content=Brewery tour & tasting Sa 1PM - 3PM, W 5PM - 7:30PM}} *{{drink|name=Panther Island Brewery|alt=|url=http://pantherislandbrewing.com/|email=|address=501 N Main St, 76164|lat=32.7637277|long=-97.338419|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-19|content=F 5PM – 9PM, Sa noon – 5PM, Su 2PM – 7PM}} * {{drink|name=HopFusion Ale Works|alt=|url=http://hopfusionaleworks.com/|email=|address=200 E Broadway Ave, 76104|lat=32.7415864|long=-97.324889|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=Tu-Th 4PM - 11PM, F noon - 11PM, Sa noon-midnight, Su noon - 11PM|price=|lastedit=2018-02-19|content=Taproom and microbrewery, though you can find their cans at a few local shops and stores}} * {{drink|name=Firestone & Robertson Distillery|alt=Whiskey Ranch|url=https://www.frdistilling.com/|email=|address=4250 Mitchell Blvd, 76119|lat=32.7019704|long=-97.2892775|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-19|content=Home to the blended TX Whiskey and the Texas locally distilled and aged TX Bourbon. Set on the grounds of a golf course Byron Nelson played as a youth, more than just a stop for a drink.}} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Motel 6 Ft Worth North | alt= | url=https://www.motel6.com/content/g6/en/home/motels.tx.ft-worth.8617.html | email= | address=3271 I-35W | lat=32.80480 | long=-97.31853 | directions= | phone=+1 817 625-4359 | tollfree= | fax=+1 817 625-8256 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fort Worth West - I-30 | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/laquinta/fort-worth-texas/la-quinta-fort-worth-west-i-30/overview | email= | address=7310 Calmont Ave | lat=32.73442 | long=-97.44311 | directions= | phone=+1 817 244-4777 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$65 (Jan 2022) | lastedit=2022-01-16 | content=Indoor pool and hot tub. }} * {{sleep | name=La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fort Worth North | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/laquinta/fort-worth-texas/la-quinta-fort-worth-north/overview | email= | address=4700 North Fwy | lat=32.82629 | long=-97.31181 | directions= | phone=+1 817 222-2888 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$58 (Jan 2022) | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-16 | content=Outdoor pool and breakfast. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Hyatt Place Fort Worth/Cityview | alt= | url=https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/texas/hyatt-place-fort-worth-cityview/dfwzc | email= | address=5900 Cityview Blvd | lat=32.68092 | long=-97.41308 | directions=southwest Fort Worth | phone=+1 817 361-9797 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$101 (Jan 2022) | content=Very cookie-cutter. }} * {{sleep | name=Comfort Suites DFW Airport | alt= | url=http://www.comfortsuites.com/hotel-irving-texas-TX010 | email= | address=4700 W. John Carpenter Fwy | lat=32.91617 | long=-97.01231 | directions= | phone=+1 972 929-9097 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Courtyard Fort Worth Downtown | url=https://www.marriott.com/dfwms | email= | address=601 Main St | lat=32.75378 | long=-97.33038 | directions=Four blocks from the Convention Center | phone=+1 817 885-8700 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$209-249 | content=Renovated rooms with modern amenities. }} * {{sleep | name=Best Western Plus Fort Worth North | url=https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotel-rooms.44794.html | email= | address=3751 NE Loop 820 | lat=32.84026 | long=-97.29390 | directions=Intersection of the 35W and 820 freeways, close to the Fort Worth Stockyards | phone=+1 817 847-0044 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$99 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=DoubleTree by Hilton Fort Worth South Hotel & Conference Center | alt= | url=https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/ftwstdt-doubletree-fort-worth-south/ | email= | address=100 East Alta Mesa Blvd | lat=32.65267 | long=-97.31898 | directions=Five miles from Downtown Fort Worth | phone=+1 817-293-3088 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$142 (Jul 2025) | content=Three-star hotel with amenities including indoor heated pool, restaurant, lounge, room service, fitness room, and business center. }} * {{sleep | name=Sheraton Fort Worth | alt= | url=http://www.sheratonfortworth.com | email= | address=1701 Commerce St | lat=32.74786 | long=-97.32469 | directions=Downtown | phone=+1 817 335-7000 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=SpringHill Suites Fort Worth University | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dfwuv-springhill-suites-fort-worth-university/ | email= | address=3250 Lovell Ave | lat=32.73214 | long=-97.36469 | directions= | phone=+1 817-878-2554 | tollfree=+1-888-236-2427 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Extended stay hotel located near the convention center. }} * {{sleep | name=TownePlace Suites Fort Worth Southwest | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dfwts-towneplace-suites-fort-worth-southwest/ | email= | address=4200 International Plaza | lat=32.68556 | long=-97.40178 | directions=Halfway between Benbrook Lake and downtown. | phone=+1 817-732-2224 | tollfree=+1-888-236-2427 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Courtyard Fort Worth University Drive | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dfwch-courtyard-fort-worth-university-drive/ | email= | address=3150 Riverfront Dr | lat=32.72550 | long=-97.36250 | directions= | phone=+1 817-335-1300 | tollfree=+1-888-236-2427 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} ===Splurge=== *{{sleep | name=The Ashton | url=http://www.theashtonhotel.com/ | email= | address=610 Main St | lat=32.75331 | long=-97.33069 | directions= | phone=+1 817 332-0100 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$250 | content=Well-liked luxury hotel in a renovated historical building. Very helpful, attentive staff. }} *{{sleep | name=Hilton Fort Worth | url=http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/FTWFWHF-Hilton-Fort-Worth-Texas/index.do | email= | address=815 Main St | lat=32.75238 | long=-97.32942 | directions= | phone=+1 817 870-2100 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$95 | content=A clean, quiet place to stay, with good service. The building and decor could use an update. }} *{{sleep | name=Renaissance Worthington | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dfwdt-renaissance-worthington-hotel-fort-worth/ | email= | address=200 Main St | lat=32.75543 | long=-97.33341 | directions= | phone=+1 817 870-1000 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$199 | content=The city's only 4-diamond hotel, since opening in 1981 with all the expected amenities. Especially well-regarded for efficient yet friendly staff. }} ===Lockheed Martin Plant=== Options ideal for travel to the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics plant: 200 N Grants Ln, adjacent to the Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base (JRB, formerly Carswell Air Force Base): * {{sleep | name=Quality Inn & Suites | alt= | url=https://www.choicehotels.com/texas/fort-worth/quality-inn-hotels/tx866 | email= | address=2700 S Cherry Ln | lat=32.73531 | long=-97.45187 | directions=2 miles from plant | phone=+1 817-560-4180 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$61 (Jan 2022) | content=Breakfast available. }} * {{sleep | name=Country Inn & Suites by Radisson | alt= | url=https://www.radissonhotelsamericas.com/en-us/hotels/country-inn-fort-worth-nas-jrd-tx?cid=a:se+b:gmb+c:amer+i:local+e:cis+d:us+h:USAFTTX | email= | address=2730 Cherry Ln | lat=32.73452 | long=-97.45188 | directions=2 miles from plant | phone=+1 817-560-4200 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Spring Hill Suites | alt= | url= | email= | address=3250 Lovell Ave | lat=32.73214 | long=-97.36469 | directions=off University Drive, approximately 6.8 miles from plant | phone=+1 817-878-2554 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} ==Connect== Good cellular phone coverage by all major providers throughout the city and all major roadways. Internet hot-spots available at most '''Starbucks Coffee''' locations, DFW Airport, and '''FedEx Kinko's''' offices. Daily newspaper: * [http://www.star-telegram.com/ Fort Worth Star-Telegram]. ==Stay safe== As with any other large city, be vigilant in Fort Worth. The city's central arts and entertainment district is well policed, however, as so long as you make sure you lock your car and hide any valuables inside, all that you need is a little extra awareness of your surroundings. The city's freeways can be quite dangerous if you are not accustomed to driving in such high volumes of rapidly moving traffic; keep this in mind when you are planning a trip. Areas to avoid after dark are the East Side, Southeast Side (especially in the Stop Six section), the Como neighborhood, and the Trails/Calmont neighborhood, as these places have high rates of gun crimes from armed robberies to shootings. The Stockyards bar and club district can get rowdy on Friday and Saturday nights, but the nightlife at Sundance Square in Downtown is more laid back. ==Cope== ===Gym workout=== *'''[http://www.24hourfitness.com/ 24 Hour Fitness]''' and '''[http://www.lafitness.com/ LA Fitness (which now includes Ballys)]''' have many locations throughout the area. If you have a regular membership with either of them from back home your membership is good here. Note that some memberships are only good for one location and will cost extra to access a different gym/club than the one you normally go to at home. Ask before leaving. Otherwise day passes range from $10-20. Bring a lock and towel. * {{listing | name=Kadampa Meditation Center Texas | alt= | url=http://www.meditationinfortworth.org | email= | address=2836 Stanley Avenue | lat=32.71005 | long=-97.34638 | directions= | phone=+1 817-303-2700 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-09-06 | content=Offers relaxation meditations and meditation classes to increase inner peace. }} ==Go next== * [[Mineral Wells]], home to '''Lake Mineral Wells State Park''' * [[Bridgeport (Texas)|Bridgeport]], 30 miles to the northwest has a nice lake for boating and fishing. * [[Weatherford (Texas)|Weatherford]], 20 miles west of downtown Fort Worth. * [[Grapevine (Texas)|Grapevine]] has a nice historic main street area and numerous wineries. * [[Glen Rose]] 50 miles southwest has Dinosaur Valley State Park and Fossil Rim Wildlife Center. {{routebox | image1=Amtrak Heartland Flyer icon.png | imagesize1=100 | directionl1=N | majorl1=[[Oklahoma City]] | minorl1=[[Gainesville (Texas)|Gainesville]] | directionr1=S | majorr1=END | minorr1= | image2=Amtrak Texas Eagle icon.png | imagesize2=100 | directionl2=NE | majorl2=[[St. Louis]] | minorl2='''[[Dallas]]''' | directionr2=SW | majorr2=[[San Antonio]] | minorr2=[[Temple]] | image3=I-20.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=W | majorl3=[[Midland (Texas)|Midland]] | minorl3=[[Weatherford (Texas)|Weatherford]] | directionr3=E | majorr3=[[Dallas]] | minorr3=[[Arlington (Texas)|Arlington]] | image4=I-30.svg | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=W | majorl4=[[Midland (Texas)|Midland]] | minorl4=[[Weatherford (Texas)|Weatherford]] ← '''Merges into [[File:I-20.svg|18px]]''' | directionr4=E | majorr4=[[Dallas]] | minorr4=[[Arlington (Texas)|Arlington]] | image5=I-35W.svg | imagesize5=22 | directionl5=N | majorl5=[[Oklahoma City]] | minorl5=[[Denton (Texas)|Denton]] | directionr5=S | majorr5=[[Waco]] | minorr5=[[Hillsboro (Texas)|Hillsboro]] | image6=US 81.svg | imagesize6=22 | directionl6=N | majorl6=[[Chickasha]] | minorl6=[[Decatur (Texas)|Decatur]] | directionr6=S | majorr6=END | minorr6= | image7=US 287.svg | imagesize7=22 | directionl7=N | majorl7=[[Wichita Falls]] | minorl7=[[Decatur (Texas)|Decatur]] | directionr7=S | majorr7=[[Beaumont]] | minorr7=[[Arlington (Texas)|Arlington]] | image8=US 377.svg | imagesize8=22 | directionl8=S | majorl8=[[Del Rio]] | minorl8=[[Granbury]] | directionr8=N | majorr8=[[Stroud (Oklahoma)|Stroud]] | minorr8=[[Denton (Texas)|Denton]] }} {{isPartOf|Dallas-Fort_Worth_Metroplex}} {{geo|32.74859|-97.32925}} {{usablecity}} qre47b4pz833cwrhm0zj2gqxbbdlis7 5087087 5087084 2025-07-03T10:53:47Z Lazarus1255 2236161 /* Buy */Updated links 5087087 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Fort Worth Wikivoyage banner.jpg}} [[File:Mural Fort Worth.JPG|thumb|350px|right|Fort Worth, Texas]] '''[http://fortworth.com Fort Worth]''' is a city in the [[Prairies and Lakes]] region of [[Texas]]. With a population of approximately 957,000, it is Texas' 5th largest city. It is part of the [[Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex]], which has a population exceeding 6 million. Sometimes referred to as Cowtown, it is by far closer to its cowboy roots than neighboring [[Dallas]]. This article also covers '''North Richland Hills''', a neighboring community. ==Understand== Fort Worth grew from a military camp established at the close of the Mexican War by Gen. Winfield Scott, and named for Gen. William Jenkins Worth who fought in the war. Forty-two men of Company F, 2nd Dragoons, established the camp on June 6, 1849. The Fort Worth to Yuma, Arizona stage line was established in 1850. The city became the seat of Tarrant County 1860, and after the Civil War, it became a major shipping and supply depot for cattlemen. ===Climate=== Fort Worth is located in the [[South (United States of America)|American South]], and has a subtropical climate with mild winters, hot summers, and a wet spring and fall in between. In winter and summer it can also be a very dry place, as it receives warmer, drier weather from the Mojave Desert in the west and the Great Plains in the north. Winters are generally mild, with average highs in the mid to upper 50s (10-15 °C) and average lows around the freezing mark (0-5 °C). It is not uncommon for Winter days with highs in the upper 60s (~20°C) with the following days high temperature 20-30 degrees cooler. It may snow in Fort Worth a couple times a year, and occasionally winter temperatures will not get above freezing (32°F, 0 °C), but for the most part winter is just relatively dry and cool. There is, however, the danger of freezing rain and ice storms. Spring and fall bring very pleasant temperatures, but spring is also known for its storms. Fort Worth is at the Southern tip of Tornado Alley, and springtime weather can be quite volatile and severe storms often occur. Summers are hot and dry - but often humid - with temperatures frequently surpassing 100 °F (38 °C). Average precipitation in Fort Worth is 33 inches (830 mm) per year.{{Climate | units = Imperial | janhigh = 53 | febhigh = 58 | marhigh = 67 | aprhigh = 76 | mayhigh = 82 | junhigh = 90 | julhigh = 95 | aughigh = 95 | sephigh = 88 | octhigh = 78 | novhigh = 67 | dechigh = 57 | janlow = 30 | feblow = 35 | marlow = 43 | aprlow = 53 | maylow = 61 | junlow = 68 | jullow = 72 | auglow = 71 | seplow = 65 | octlow = 54 | novlow = 43 | declow = 34 | janprecip = 1.7 | febprecip = 2.1 | marprecip = 2.6 | aprprecip = 3.3 | mayprecip = 4.6 | junprecip = 3.5 | julprecip = 2.4 | augprecip = 2.1 | sepprecip = 3.4 | octprecip = 3.2 | novprecip = 2 | decprecip = 1.8 | description = {{ForecastNOAA|Fort Worth|32.74859|-97.32925}} }} === Neighborhoods === * {{see|name=TCU|alt=Texas Christian University|url=|email=|address=2900 S University Dr|lat=32.708451|long=-97.361499|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-17|content=The TCU area is dominated by the campus. Some unique restaurants and boutiques are mixed with standard college fare, but the campus is beautiful and shows up in force (and in Purple) for gamedays}} * {{see|name=Sundance Square|alt=Downtown Fort Worth|url=https://sundancesquare.com/|email=|address=400 Main St|lat=32.7549445|long=-97.3314084|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-17|content=Sundance Square is a city park in downtown that plays host to multiple events year round. Night and weekend parking is free and additional security patrols not only keep the area safe, but also can help you find your next destination.}} * {{see|name=Stockyards|alt=|url=|email=|address=|lat=32.7888519|long=-97.3491774|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-17|content=A national historic district, the Stockyards is the iconic background for which Fort Worth is known. The backdrop is all things western from cattle drives and BBQ to country music and belt buckles. No trip to Fort Worth is complete without a quick stop here.}} * {{see|name=The Cultural District|alt=|url=https://fwculture.com/|email=|address=|lat=32.750624|long=-97.362143|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-17|content=Home to world class museum, the stock show & rodeo as well as numerous restaurants and merchants, this area hosts many of Fort Worth's main attractions. Located across the Trinity River, 2 miles west of downtown, this area could be thought of as uptown. The area is also known as West 7th.}} * {{see|name=Near Southside|alt=|url=https://www.nearsouthsidefw.org/home|email=|address=|lat=32.73225|long=-97.33486|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-17|content=Also called South Main and Magnolia, this is the area where artists and more liberal mindsets are welcome. The area hosts multiple of the cities micro breweries, bars and restaurants. The area is undergoing a renaissance with new building and merchants, but the growth is keeping with the vibe of the current culture.}} * {{see|name=Southwest Fort Worth|alt=Camp Bowie, Hulen, Clearfork|url=|email=|address=|lat=32.7026386|long=-97.4156228|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-17|content=While not a single neighborhood, Southwest Fort Worth has a collection of different shopping areas and neighborhood restaurant clusters.}} ==Get in== ===By plane=== All the major American carriers and many international ones provide scheduled passenger service into the {{marker|type=go|name=[[Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport]]|lat=32.897541|long=-97.040431}} ({{IATA|DFW}}), located {{mi|17}} from downtown Fort Worth. This airport is one of three major hubs for American Airlines. American Airlines is also headquartered in Fort Worth. ===By train=== The {{marker|type=go|name=Fort Worth Intermodal Transportation Center|url=|lat=32.7527|long=-97.3264}} at 1001 Jones St is the central hub for Amtrak trains and '''[http://www.trinityrailwayexpress.org/ Trinity Railway Express]''' (TRE) commuter trains to Dallas, along with Greyhound inter-city bus service and local bus service provided by the T. TRE trains can provide a stress-free way to travel between the two cities during rush hour and also serve the more historic {{marker|type=go|name=T&P Station|url=|lat=32.745944|long=-97.327778}} at 1600 Throckmorton St on the south side of downtown. [[Amtrak]]'s Texas Eagle provides daily service between [[Chicago]], [[Illinois]] and [[San Antonio]], Texas with stops in Fort Worth and Dallas. Also, Amtrak's [http://www.heartlandflyer.com/ Heartland Flyer]{{Dead link|date=January 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} provides daily service between Fort Worth and [[Oklahoma City]], and points in between. Woefully underfunded, passenger train service in the United States is a slow but scenic way to travel, if you aren't too concerned about arriving on time. Alternatively, arrive from DFW Airport on '''[https://ridetrinitymetro.org/texrail/ TEXRail]''' through North Richland Hills, another commuter train that provides direct rail service from the airport to downtown Fort Worth. ===By car=== Fort Worth may be easily reached via I-20 or I-30 from the east or west, or by I-35W from the north or south. I-35 splits into two branches north of the Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan area, the west branch going to Fort Worth and the east branch (I-35E) to Dallas. The branches rejoin to the south. Car rental companies include: *'''[http://www.alamo.com/ Alamo Rent A Car]''', Toll free: +1-800-462-5266. *'''[http://www.avis.com/ Avis Rent A Car]''', Toll free: +1-800-331-1212. *'''[http://www.budget.com Budget Rent A Car]''', Toll free: +1-800-527-0700. *'''[http://www.dollar.com/ Dollar Rent A Car]''', Toll free: +1-800-800-3665. *'''[http://www.e-zrentacar.com E-Z Rent-A-Car]''', Toll free: +1-800-277-5171. *'''[http://www.enterprise.com Enterprise Rent-A-Car]''', Toll free: +1-800-261-7331. *'''[http://www.hertz.com Hertz Car Rental]''', Toll free: +1-800-654-3131. *'''[http://www.thrifty.com Thrifty]''', Toll free: +1-800-847-4389. *'''[http://dfweliteautorental.com DFW Elite Auto Rental]{{Dead link|date=April 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''', +1 817-838-7368. ===By bus=== * '''[http://www.greyhound.com Greyhound]'''. Bus stop is at the Fort Worth Intermodal Transportation Center. Also, subsidiaries of Greyhound, such as TNM&O serve as the regional carrier. *'''[http://us.megabus.com Megabus]'''. Service from [[Houston]], [[San Antonio]], [[Austin]], [[Memphis]], [[Little Rock]], [[Oklahoma City]], and [[Norman (Oklahoma)|Norman]]. Bus stop is located at 710 Davis St in [[Grand Prairie]]. Fares $1 and up. *'''[http://www.autobusesamericanos.us/EN/Home.shtml Autobus Americanos]'''. Mexican trans-border bus line with services to various points in Mexico. Bus stop is located at 5215 McCart in Fort Worth. *'''[http://ticket.gruposenda.com/ Turimex Internacional]{{Dead link|date=December 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}'''. Mexican trans-border bus line with services to various points in Mexico. Bus stop is located at 3620 Hemphill St. ==Get around== {{mapframe|32.7604|-97.3402|zoom=10}} {{mapshape}} {{mapshapes|Q497596}} <!-- Light Rail --> {{mapshapes|Q380660}} <!-- Trinity Rail Express --> {{mapshapes|Q5259601}} <!-- A-train --> ===Mass transit=== '''Buses''' and '''trains''' via '''[https://ridetrinitymetro.org/routes-schedules/ Trinity Metro]''' link many areas of town over mid-range distances. '''[http://www.trinityrailwayexpress.org/ Trinity Rail Express]''' has commuter train service between downtown Fort Worth, DFW Airport and downtown Dallas. Service is Monday through Saturday. No scheduled services on Sundays and most major holidays. '''[https://ridetrinitymetro.org/rider-services/molly-the-trolley/ Molly the Trolley]''' bus service provides local public transportation in areas like downtown Fort Worth, the Historic Stockyards, and to Sundance Square during lunchtime. Hours of operation vary by route. ===By bike=== * {{listing | name=Fort Worth B-cycle | alt= | url=https://fortworth.bcycle.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$8/24 hours; $15/3 days; $20/week |wikipedia=|wikidata=|image=|lastedit=2018-02-19| content=Bike sharing program with stations throughout downtown. }} ==See== [[File:0011Tarrant County Courthouse Full E Fort Worth Texas.jpg|thumb|Tarrant County Courthouse]] === Museums === * {{see | name=Kimbell Art Museum | alt= | url=http://www.kimbellart.org | email= | address=3333 Camp Bowie Blvd | lat=32.74873 | long=-97.36479 | directions= | phone=+1 817 332-8451 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A collection of artwork that ranges from 3000 BC to the mid-1900s. Although the collection is small, it boasts such big names as Matisse, Goya, Mondrian and Picasso, among others. The museum building itself is a highlight of architectural modernism, designed by American architect Louis Kahn. }} * {{see | name=Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth | alt= | url=http://www.themodern.org | email= | address=3200 Darnell St | lat=32.74887 | long=-97.36306 | directions= | phone=+1 817 738-9215 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The museum, located in an imposing, appropriately modern building, houses a large permanent collection and hosts many important traveling exhibitions. The building is designed by Japanese architect Tadao Ando. }} * {{see | name=Amon Carter Museum | alt= | url=http://www.cartermuseum.org | email= | address=3501 Camp Bowie Blvd | lat=32.74833 | long=-97.36697 | directions= | phone=+1 817-738-1933 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Extensive collection of American art and photography featuring many works by Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russel. }} * {{see | name=National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame | alt= | url=http://cowgirl.net | email= | address=1720 Gendy St | lat=32.74345 | long=-97.36868 | directions= | phone=+1 817-336-4475 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Museum and association which honors women of the American West who have displayed courage or spirit and who have distinguished themselves while exemplifying the pioneer spirit. }} * {{see | name=National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum | alt=formerly National Cowboys of Color Museum and Hall of Fame | url=http://www.cowboysofcolor.org | email= | address=3400 Mount Vernon Ave | lat=32.7418 | long=-97.2764 | directions= | phone=+1 817 534-8801 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum | wikidata=Q17020565 | content=Highlights the historical influence of non-White cowboys in Texas. }} * {{see | name=C.R. Smith Aviation Museum | alt= | url=http://www.crsmithmuseum.org | email= | address=4601 Hwy. 360 | lat=32.83258 | long=-97.06322 | directions= | phone=+1 817 967-1560 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=All you could ever want to know about the history of American Airlines. Great for kids, as it includes hands-on, interactive exhibits. }} * {{see | name=Stockyards Museum | alt= | url=http://www.stockyardsmuseum.org/ | email= | address=131 E. Exchange Ave | lat=32.78895 | long=-97.3486 | directions= | phone=+1 817 625-5082 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Located in the 1902 Livestock Exchange Building, this museum showcases the history of Fort Worth. Greater stockyards area described in "Do". }} *{{see | name=Fort Worth Museum of Science and History | alt= | url=http://www.fwmsh.org | email= | address=1501 Montgomery St. | lat=32.74501 | long=-97.36926 | directions=Exit Montgomery on 1-30 and head North | phone=+1 817-255-9300 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Family based hands on science and history museum, boasts traveling exhibits and the Omni-imax theater. }} * {{see | name=Oscar E. Monnig Meteorite Gallery | alt= | url=https://monnigmuseum.tcu.edu/ | email= | address=2950 West Bowie Street | lat=32.70807 | long=-97.35913 | directions=Texas Christian University campus in the Sid Richardson Science Building at the corner of West Bowie Street and Cockrell Avenue. | phone=+1 817-257-6277 | tollfree= | fax=+1 817-257-7789 | hours=M-F 1-4PM; Sa 10AM-4PM | price=free | content=Small museum with astonishing collection of pieces of the sky, well-documented. Touch a piece of Mars! }} * {{see | name=Sid Richardson Museum | alt= | url=https://www.sidrichardsonmuseum.org/ | email= | address=309 Main St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 817 332-6554 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10AM-4PM | price=Free | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Art museum with an emphasis on Western art (e.g. works by Frederic Remington, Charles Russell). }} * {{see | name=Texas Civil War Museum | alt= | url=https://texascivilwarmuseum.com/ | email= | address=760 Jim Wright Fwy North | lat=32.77238 | long=-97.47429 | directions= | phone=+1 817 246-2323 | tollfree= | hours= | price=$7 (over 13), $4 (ages 6-12) | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=A repository of Union and Confederate artifacts and history about the War Between the States. }} * {{see | name=Bureau of Engraving and Printing Visitors Center | alt= | url=https://www.bep.gov/visitor-centers/fort-worth-tx-tour-and-visitor-center | email= | address=9100 Blue Mound Road | lat=32.9015854 | long=-97.3479548 | directions= | phone=+1 817 231-4000 | tollfree=+1 866 865-1194 | hours=Tu-Fr 8:30AM-5:30PM | price=Free | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-05-22 | content=Tours open to the public of the money creation factory - see pallets of dollar bills created below your feet from a suspended walkway snaking through the facility. One of two in the nation (other in DC). Self-guided tour takes approximately 1 hour. Gift shop on site. }} * {{see | name=Vintage Flying Museum | alt= | url=http://www.vintageflyingmuseum.org/ | email= | address=505 NW 38th St # 33S | lat=32.81222 | long=-97.35617 | directions=on Meacham Airport grounds | phone=+1 817 624-1935 | tollfree= | hours= | price=$12 adults, $7 (ages 6-13) | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Warbirds on display in a hangar. If wanting to see some for free, you can just visit the outdoor space at the southern end of the Meacham Airport runway. }} === Attractions === * {{see | name=Sundance Square | alt= | url=http://www.sundancesquare.com/ | email= | address= | lat=32.75483 | long=-97.33129 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= 20 blocks of shops, bars & restaurants, brick-paved sidewalks and historic buildings. Well lit and popular with tourists and locals, Sundance Square is frequently the center for outdoor events such as concerts and art festivals. }} * {{see | name=Bass Performance Hall | alt= | url=http://www.basshall.com | email= | address= | lat=32.75510 | long=-97.32959 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A state-of-the-art venue presenting concerts, musicals, and theatrical performances throughout the year. }} * {{see | name=Fort Worth Stockyards | alt= | url=http://www.fortworthstockyards.org | email= | address= | lat=32.78883 | long=-97.34614 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Just north of the downtown area is the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, where you'll find Texas style nightlife at bars like '''[http://www.billybobstexas.com Billy Bob's]''' plus the '''[http://tchof.com/ Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame]''', the '''[http://www.stockyardsmuseum.org/ Stockyards Museum]''', '''[http://johnwayne.com/experience John Wayne: An American Experience]''', '''[http://www.fortworthherd.com/ The Fort Worth Longhorn Herd]''', and the '''Cowtown Cattle Pen Maze'''. The Stockyards are also home to a weekly rodeo. Held every Friday and Saturday evening, and billed as the "World's First Indoor Rodeo," it [http://www.cowtowncoliseum.com/ attracts competitors from around the country]. The Stockyards is also home to Riscky's Barbeque, considered by locals to be the best barbeque in the area. One block away, '''[https://coopersbbqfortworth.com/ Coopers Old Time Pit BBQ]''' offers excellent fare at fair prices. }} [[File:Convention Center Fort Worth.JPG|thumb|200px|right|Downtown convention center]] * {{see | name=Fort Worth Water Gardens | alt= | url=https://www.fortworth.com/listings/fort-worth-water-gardens/2989/ | email= | address=1502 Commerce St | lat=32.747778 | long=-97.326667 | directions= | phone=+1 817 392-7111 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Fort Worth Water Gardens | image=Fort Worth Water Gardens 2003.jpg | wikidata=Q2035884 | lastedit=2018-04-07 | content=A man-made watery setting to get away from the hustle and bustle downtown. For some awesome architecture, check out the 1933 Beaux Arts Style designed post office building at 251 Lancaster and Texas & Pacific Railway Station at 221 Lancaster (across the street from the south edge of the water gardens). }} *{{see | name=Burnett Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=32.75041 | long=-97.33362 | directions=Lamar and Texas streets | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Located on land donated by cattle baron Samuel Burk Burnett, features sculptures, pools, and granite walkways. Vast green parks and surrounding network of major lakes offer abundant opportunities for water sports and outdoor recreation. }} * {{see | name=The Fort Worth Botanic Garden | alt= | url=http://www.fwbg.org | email= | address=3220 Botanic Garden Blvd | lat=32.74025 | long=-97.36337 | directions= | phone=+1 817-871-7686 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Admission: $12 adults, seniors $10, children $5 (May 2022). Japanese garden additional $3. | content=The sprawling gardens includes a large flower garden, lawn, indoor tropical forest, and a beautiful Japanese garden. }} == Do == [[File:ModArtFtWorth.jpg|thumb|200px|The Modern Art Museum]] ===Zoological Parks and Theme Parks=== * {{do | name=The Fort Worth Zoo | alt= | url=https://www.fortworthzoo.org/ | email= | address=1989 Colonial Parkway | lat=32.72373 | long=-97.35594 | directions= | phone=+1 817-759-7555 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 10AM-5PM; Sa Su 10AM-6PM | price=$7-10.50 (Wednesdays are half-price) | wikidata=Q5472415 | content=Come see the animals and interactive exhibits. }} * {{do | name=SeaQuest Fort Worth | alt= | url=https://fortworth.visitseaquest.com/ | email= | address=1974 Green Oaks Rd | lat= | long= | directions=located in Ridgmar Mall | phone=+1 817 731-5357 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-6PM, Su Noon-6PM | price=$15.99 adults (over 12), $9.99 kids, $12.99 seniors/military | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Kind of a minor aquarium but with some quixotic activities like "Fishy Kisses" and "Snorkel With The Stingrays" - these cost extra, naturally. }} * {{do |name=NRH2O Family Water Park | url=http://www.nrh2o.com/ | address=Grapevine Highway (#26) between Precinct Line and North Harwood Road | lat=32.8509|long=-97.1931 | directions= in nearby North Richland Hills | phone=+1 817 427-6500 | tollfree= | hours=Taller than {{in|48}} M-Th $20, F-Su $25; shorter than 48 in, military, senior M-Th $17, F-Su $20 | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-07-10 | content= 17-acre park with 23 attractions, including the country’s longest uphill water roller coaster. }} ===Hiking and Natural Areas=== * {{do | name=Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge | alt= | url=https://www.fwnaturecenter.org/ | email= | address=9601 Fossil Ridge Rd | lat=32.84735 | long=-97.47584 | directions= | phone=+1 817 392-7410 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 8AM-5PM | price=$6 (over 12), $3 (over 65), $2 (ages 3-12), $1 dogs | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Hiking trails and boardwalks, kayak rentals, bison herd, native prairie grasses and woodlands. }} * {{do | name=Eagle Mountain Park | alt= | url=https://www.trwd.com/be-active | email= | address=11601 Morris Dido Newark Rd | lat=32.93506 | long=-97.48023 | directions= | phone=+1 817 335-2491 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 5AM-10PM | price=Free | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=A popular hiking area with rugged terrain and views over Eagle Mountain Lake. }} * {{do | name=Marion Sansom Park | alt= | url= | email= | address=2501 Roberts Cut Off Rd | lat=32.79564 | long=-97.41333 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Daily 6AM-10PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Another popular hiking area with waterfalls and views of the western half of the city and Lake Worth. }} ===Sports=== *{{do | name=TCU Horned Frogs | alt= | url=https://gofrogs.com/ | email= | address= | lat=32.70901 | long=-97.36712 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=The sports teams representing Texas Christian University, have branded themselves as "Fort Worth's team". The Frogs are best known for their football program, a rising national power in the first part of this century. TCU now competes in the Big 12 Conference. Most of TCU's athletic venues are on campus, with the best-known being Amon G. Carter Stadium (football) and Schollmaier Arena (basketball). }} *{{do | name=Texas Brahmas | url=https://www.texasjrbrahmas.com/ | email= | address=8851 Ice House Dr | lat=32.85974 | long=-97.20683 | directions= | phone=+1 817 520-2115 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=See website for current season schedule | price= | wikidata=Q7707794 | lastedit=2023-08-09 | content=Enjoy an ice-hockey game at the NYTEX Sports Centre in North Richland Hills. The Brahmas play in the North American Tier III hockey league. }} * {{do | name=Texas Motor Speedway | alt= | url=https://www.texasmotorspeedway.com/ | email= | address=3545 Lone Star Cir | lat=33.0363 | long=-97.2816 | directions= | phone=+1 817 215-8500 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Catch NASCAR and other events here, such as an extravagant Christmas display. }} ===Events=== * {{do | name=Main St. Fort Worth Arts Festival | alt= | url=http://www.MainStreetArtsFest.org | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=free | content=Ranked 8th in the country by the Art Fair Source Book and the Harris List, and number one in Texas, Main St. hosts tens of thousands of people annually during the four-day visual arts, entertainment and cultural event. Main St. showcases a nationally recognized fine art and fine craft juried art fair, live concerts, performance artists and street performers on the streets of downtown Fort Worth-stretching nine blocks on Main Street from the Tarrant County Courthouse to the Fort Worth Convention Center. }} * {{do | name=Sundance Square Parade of Lights | alt= | url=http://www.FortWorthParadeofLights.org | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Late November. Watch colorful illuminated floats, beautiful antique cars, marching bands, equestrian units, horse-drawn carriages and a cast of delightful characters dressed in their holiday best. The unforgettable parade and an annual visit from Santa Claus and his elves will make the Sundance Square Parade of Lights a fun-filled holiday experience for the entire family! Free. }} *'''[https://www.allianceairshow.com/ Fort Worth Alliance Air Show]''', at Alliance Airport north of downtown. Features air stunts and formations like the Blue Angels. Typically around 3rd weekend of October. ==Learn== * {{listing | name=Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary | alt= | url=http://www.swbts.edu | email= | address=2001 W Seminary Dr | lat=32.682 | long=-97.348 | directions= | phone=+1 817-923-1921 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7571391 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Tarrant County College | alt= | url=http://www.tccd.edu | email= | address= | lat=32.747531 | long=-97.327832 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7686664 | lastedit=2021-09-06 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Texas Christian University | alt= | url=http://www.tcu.edu | email= | address= | lat=32.709605 | long=-97.362823 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2302280 | lastedit=2021-09-06 | content= }} * {{listing | name=University of North Texas Health Science Center | alt= | url=https://www.unthsc.edu/ | email= | address=3500 Camp Bowie Blvd | lat=32.7486 | long=-97.3694 | directions= | phone=+1 817-735-2000 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7895977 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Texas Wesleyan University | alt= | url=http://www.txwesleyan.edu | email= | address= | lat=32.733 | long=-97.28 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7708205 | lastedit=2021-09-06 | content= }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Fort Worth Stockyards Station | alt= | url=http://fortworthstockyards.com/ | email= | address=140 E Exchange Ave | lat= | long= | directions=at Stockyards | phone=+1 817 625-9715 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=A covered emporium of different shops, confectioneries, games, photo studios, etc. Also Exchange Ave itself is chock full of curio shops and eateries aimed at the tourist. }} *'''Sundance Square''' * {{buy | name=Montgomery Plaza | alt= | url=https://montgomeryplaza.shopkimco.com/ | email= | address=2600 W 7th St | lat=32.75177 | long=-97.3533 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10AM-9PM, Su 11AM-6PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Old department store complex refurbished with a lot of pizzazz. }} * {{buy | name=Crockett Row | alt=Artisan Circle | url=https://artisancirclefw.com/ | email= | address=816 Foch St | lat=32.74999 | long=-97.35657 | directions= | phone=+1 817 810-9076 | tollfree= | hours=Th-Su 4PM-Midnight | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content= }} ===Shopping Malls=== * {{buy | name=North East Mall | alt= | url=https://www.simon.com/mall/north-east-mall | email= | address=1101 Melbourne Rd, Hurst | lat=32.8298 | long=-97.2003 | directions= | phone=+1 817 284-3427 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Still surviving mall with a large movie theater complex and surrounding eateries. }} * {{buy | name=Hulen Mall | alt= | url=https://www.hulenmall.com | email= | address=4800 S Hulen St | lat=32.6784 | long=-97.3985 | directions= | phone=+1 817 294-1205 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5935635 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=Seems to attract the occasional shoot'em up but still a big mall with theater. }} * {{buy | name=La Gran Plaza de Fort Worth | alt= | url=http://www.lagranplazamall.com/ | email= | address=4200 South Fwy | lat=32.6866 | long=-97.325 | directions= | phone=+1 817 922-8888 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10AM-9PM, Su 11AM-8PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Visiting this mall you will somehow wonder if you magically teleported to Mexico, as it has a very Mexican flavor with mariachi bands and layout. }} ===Other=== * {{buy | name=Tanger Outlets Fort Worth | alt= | url=https://www.tangeroutlet.com/fortworth | email= | address=15853 N Fwy | lat=33.0214 | long=-97.2813 | directions= | phone=+1 817 464-5400 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content= }} * {{buy | name=Henderson Street Flea Market | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/hendersonstreetbazaar/ | email= | address=1000 N Henderson St | lat=32.76366 | long=-97.34758 | directions= | phone=+1 817 877-3021 | tollfree= | hours=Sa-Su 7AM-8PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=If you are into flea markets, this might be for you. }} ==Eat== Fort Worth is similar to many Texas cities in that there are two main food groups, BBQ and Tex-Mex. While tastes are changing and multiple options are available, these will still be your best two bets in the city. A growing food truck scene is starting to make a presence in the city, and some of the local breweries are making drinks worth recommending to friends. ===Budget=== *{{eat | name=Angelo's Bar-B-Que | url=https://angelosbbq.com | email= | address=2533 White Settlement Rd | lat=32.75889 | long=-97.35239 | directions= | phone=+1 817 332-0357 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-10PM | price= $10 for a full plate with one or two meats and three sides. | content=Tied with Railhead (below) for the best BBQ in the southwest. A Fort Worth classic. This is in an old wooden barn, which adds a great atmosphere to the dining experience. The pork ribs were very tasty and the large cold beers were particularly nice. Meats melt in the mouth and beans are awesome. They actually bbq on premises which some of the other place don't. It's about a 5-min drive out of the downtown area. }} *{{eat | name=Railhead Smokehouse | alt= | url=http://www.railheadsmokehouse.com | email= | address=2900 Montgomery St | lat=32.73112 | long=-97.37058 | directions= | phone=+1 817 738-9808 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-9PM | price= | content=Tied with Angelo's for the best BBQ in the southwest. }} *{{eat | name=Fuzzy's Taco Shop | url=https://restaurants.fuzzystacoshop.com/fuzzys-taco-shop-bfdfcdaa4dda | email= | address=2917 W Berry St | lat=32.70598 | long=-97.35902 | directions=Two locations | phone=+1 817-924-7943 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su-M 7AM-10PM, Tu-W 7AM-11PM, Th-Sa 7AM-2AM | price= | content=Excellent taco dive - lots of food for cheap, great fish tacos, late hours, cheap drinks, all without leaving the affluent TCU area. }} *{{eat | name=Kincaid's | url=https://www.kincaidshamburgers.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Two locations | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-6PM | price= | content=Texas' (perhaps America's) best burgers. Original Camp Bowie location is in a kitschy old grocery story. }} ** {{eat | name=Kincaid's | alt= | url= | email= | address=4901 Camp Bowie Blvd | lat=32.73745 | long=-97.39326 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-09-06 | content= }} ** {{eat | name=Kincaid's | alt= | url= | email= | address=4825 Overton Ridge Blvd | lat=32.67606 | long=-97.40027 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-09-06 | content= }} * {{eat | name=The Love Shack | alt= | url=http://loveburgershackfortworth.com/ | email= | address=110 Exchange Ave | lat=32.788748 | long=-97.348657 | directions=in the Stockyards | phone=+1 817 740-8812 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su-Tu 11AM-9PM, W-Th 11AM-10PM, F-Sa 11AM-11PM | price= | content=Excellent unique hamburger created by celebrity Ft. Worth chef, Tim Love. Daily flavored milk shakes. Live music. (Possible cover charge on weekends.) Cash only. }} * {{eat | name=Green Vine Market | alt= | url=https://www.greenvinemarket.com | email= | address=1804 K Avenue | lat=33.0243265 | long=-96.6978848 | directions= | phone=+1 972 942 0808 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa: 8AM-9PM, Su: 8AM-8:30PM | price= | content=Hamburgers, daily flavored milk shakes, live music (Possible cover charge on weekends). Cash only. |lastedit=2024-12-05}} ===Mid-range=== *{{eat | name=Nonna Tata | url= | email= | address=1400 W. Magnolia Ave | lat=32.73076 | long=-97.34046 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Lunch Tu-Th 11AM-3PM; Dinner M-Th 5:30PM-9PM, F 5:30PM-10PM | price=$15-30 | content=Certainly one of Fort Worth's smallest restaurants, Nonna Tata is also one of its best. With only 21 seats indoors and another 30 outdoors, the restaurant fills up early and often develops long waits on weekends. Absolutely amazing authentic Italian food, with a menu that changes weekly and amiable service. BYOB, cash only, no reservations. }} *{{eat | name=Central Market | url=http://www.centralmarket.com/ | email= | address=4651 West Freeway | lat=32.73003 | long=-97.38909 | directions= | phone=+1 817 989-4700 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM-9PM Daily | price=$5-15 | content=DFW's best gourmet grocery also has a formidable cafe attached, with amazing, huge custom sandwiches, cheap and great pizzas and international noodle dishes made for you, a mind-boggling prepared food section and $15 meals for two bagged and ready to go. Any kind of food you could want, done extremely well, for grocery story prices, plus a generous selection of wine and beer. }} *{{eat | name=Fred's Texas Cafe | alt= | url=https://www.fredstexascafe.com/ | email= | address=2730 Western Center Blvd | lat=32.86012 | long=-97.3205 | directions= | phone=+1 817 232-0111 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10AM-midnight, Sunday Brunch | price=$8-12 | content=The "Outlaw Chef" cooks genuine Southern/Texican food in one of the most unique and exciting ways you'll find in Fort Worth. Super laid-back setting, with genuine Texas food and genuine Texas music. Happy hour before 6 and whenever it's raining. }} *{{eat | name=Hunter Brothers' H3 Ranch | url=http://www.h3ranch.com/ | email= | address=109 E Exchange Ave | lat=32.78911 | long=-97.34889 | directions= | phone=+1 817 624-1246 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$18-30 | content=For the cowboy tourist. A strong cowtown theme predominates in this Stockyards-area steakhouse. Come for the atmosphere first, the food second. }} *{{eat | name=Joe T. Garcia's | url=http://www.joets.com/ | email= | address=2201 N. Commerce St. | lat=32.78450 | long=-97.34818 | directions= | phone=+1 817 626-4356 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A Fort Worth legend, dine family style in a large converted mansion or in its beautiful expansive gardens with lush vegetation and calming pools; choose from one of two menu options nightly. There is frequently a line around the block in good weather, so arrive early or be prepared to wait. Great margaritas. Cash only (ATM on site). }} *{{eat | name=La Familia | alt= | url=http://la-familia-mexican-restaurant.business.site/ | email= | address=841 Foch St. | lat=32.750087 | long=-97.356291 | directions= | phone=+1 817-870-2002 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–Th 11AM–9PM, F 11AM–9:30PM, Sa 9AM–9:30PM, Su M closed | price= | content=Mexican restaurant locally renowned for their excellent Tex-Mex and friendly owner (Al) and staff. }} *{{eat | name=King Tut | url= | email= | address=1512 West Magnolia Ave. | lat=32.73085 | long=-97.34271 | directions= | phone=+1 817 335-3051 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 11AM-2PM & 5PM-9PM; Sa 5PM-9PM | price= | content=Egyptian restaurant with excellent Middle Eastern cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Spiral Diner | url=http://www.spiraldiner.com/ | email= | address=1314 W. Magnolia | lat=32.73083 | long=-97.34012 | directions= | phone=+1 817 3-EATVEG | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-Sa 11AM-10PM, Su 11AM-5PM | price= | content=The only strictly vegan restaurant in Fort Worth, Spiral Diner has an eclectic menu that will not let you down on taste. One of Fort Worth's finest restaurants regardless of dietary restriction. }} *{{eat | name=Uncle Julio's | url=http://www.unclejulios.com/ | email= | address=5301 Camp Bowie Blvd | lat=32.73445 | long=-97.40097 | directions= | phone=+1 817 377-2777 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$8-30 | content=Excellent and diverse Tex-Mex menu, friendly staff, decent happy hour before 6PM. }} ===Splurge=== *{{eat | name=Bonnell's | url=http://www.bonnellstexas.com/ | email= | address=4259 Bryant Irvin Rd | lat=32.68952 | long=-97.41123 | directions= | phone=+1 817 738-5489 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Lunch Tu-F 11AM-2:30PM, Dinner Tu-Sa 5:30PM-9:30PM | price= | content=Chef Jon Bonnell's southwest-themed masterpiece. }} *{{eat | name=Del Frisco's Steakhouse | url=http://www.delfriscos.com/ | email= | address=812 Main St | lat=32.75204 | long=-97.32984 | directions= | phone=+1 817 877-3999 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 5-10PM; F-Sa 5-11PM; Su 5-9PM | price=$50+ | content=One of the finest steakhouses in the world, with an excellent wine list. It is, however, extremely expensive, and you will have to wait a little while even if you have a reservation. Don't come here for anything other than steak, but if you are looking for steak, it is hard to beat. }} *{{eat | name=Reata Restaurant | url=http://www.reata.net/ | email= | address=310 Houston St | lat=32.75476 | long=-97.33262 | directions= | phone=+1 817 336-1009 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Lunch 11:30AM-2:30PM, Dinner 5PM to 10:30PM daily | price= | content=One of the most widely acclaimed restaurants in Texas, and one of the first to bring "Cowboy cuisine" to the forefront of the refined American palate. Online reservation system. }} *{{eat | name=Saint-Emilion | url= | email= | address=3617 W 7th St | lat=32.75109 | long=-97.37069 | directions= | phone=+1 817 737-2781 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-Sa 6PM-9PM | price=$25-50 | content=The best French country food in Fort Worth, and a cozy dining experience. }} === Sweets === * {{eat|name=Melt Icecream|alt=|url=http://www.gypsyscoops.com|email=|address=1201 W Magnolia Ave #115, 76104|lat=32.7304787|long=-97.3382182|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-19|content=Tiny ice cream parlor serving creative flavor combos frequently with lines out the door at multiple times in the day}} ==Drink== * {{drink | name=Flying Saucer Draught Emporium | alt= | url=http://www.beerknurd.com | email= | address=111 E 3rd St | lat=32.75567 | long=-97.33107 | directions= | phone=+1 817 336-7468 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The gameroom offers a place to play a game of pool, chess or darts. The shiny, faux-rock floor throughout is enhanced by the vast collection of vintage dinnerware adorning every wall. They have the largest selection of beer (225 varieties) around. Menu selections include Creamy Beer Cheese Soup, the Build-Your-Own Sausage and Cheese Plate, spicy sausage quesadillas and traditional bratwurst with German potato salad. }} *{{drink | name=Chat Room Pub | alt=The Chat | url= | email= | address=1263 West Magnolia Ave | lat=32.730938371422496 | long=-97.33916759490967 | directions= | phone=+1 817 922-8319 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=3PM-2AM | price= | content=Good drink selection in a chilled atmosphere. }} * {{drink | name=The Usual | alt= | url=http://www.theusualbar.com | email= | address=1408 W. Magnolia Ave | lat=32.73076 | long=-97.34083 | directions= | phone=+1 817 810-0114 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A high-end craft cocktail bar popular with the hip Magnolia Avenue set. A somewhat mixed, gay-friendly spot with very modern decor and a nice but small patio out back. This is the place to go for expensive but very well-mixed takes on the classics, and an inspired cocktail menu. Try the Montpelier, which mixes bourbon, smoked maple syrup, Jamaican rum, and Italian vermouth. }} * {{drink|name=Our Taphouse|alt=|url=https://ourtaphouse.com/|email=|address=1001 Bryan Ave, 76104|lat=32.734043|long=-97.3250209|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=|content=50+ taps with local, regional and a few international flavors off the beaten path. Plus food.}} === Breweries & distilleries === * {{drink | name=Martin House Brewery | alt= | url=http://martinhousebrewing.com/ | email= | address=220 S Sylvania Ave, 76111 | lat=32.763604 | long=-97.310007 | directions= | phone=+1 817 222-0177 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-02-19 | content=Weekly Tours and Tastings Every Thursday (6-8pm) & Saturday (2-5pm). }} *{{drink|name=Wild Acre Brewery|alt=|url=http://wildacrebrewing.com/|email=|address=1734 E El Paso St #190, 76102|lat=32.7431191|long=-97.3096823|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-19|content=Shares a location with Silver Star Vodka. Not the best area of town, but the brewery is safe and the beer is worth the stop}} * {{drink|name=Rahr and Sons Brewing|alt=|url=https://rahrbrewing.com|email=|address=701 Galveston Ave, 76104|lat=32.7368466|long=-97.327027|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-19|content=Brewery tour & tasting Sa 1PM - 3PM, W 5PM - 7:30PM}} *{{drink|name=Panther Island Brewery|alt=|url=http://pantherislandbrewing.com/|email=|address=501 N Main St, 76164|lat=32.7637277|long=-97.338419|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-19|content=F 5PM – 9PM, Sa noon – 5PM, Su 2PM – 7PM}} * {{drink|name=HopFusion Ale Works|alt=|url=http://hopfusionaleworks.com/|email=|address=200 E Broadway Ave, 76104|lat=32.7415864|long=-97.324889|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=Tu-Th 4PM - 11PM, F noon - 11PM, Sa noon-midnight, Su noon - 11PM|price=|lastedit=2018-02-19|content=Taproom and microbrewery, though you can find their cans at a few local shops and stores}} * {{drink|name=Firestone & Robertson Distillery|alt=Whiskey Ranch|url=https://www.frdistilling.com/|email=|address=4250 Mitchell Blvd, 76119|lat=32.7019704|long=-97.2892775|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-19|content=Home to the blended TX Whiskey and the Texas locally distilled and aged TX Bourbon. Set on the grounds of a golf course Byron Nelson played as a youth, more than just a stop for a drink.}} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Motel 6 Ft Worth North | alt= | url=https://www.motel6.com/content/g6/en/home/motels.tx.ft-worth.8617.html | email= | address=3271 I-35W | lat=32.80480 | long=-97.31853 | directions= | phone=+1 817 625-4359 | tollfree= | fax=+1 817 625-8256 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fort Worth West - I-30 | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/laquinta/fort-worth-texas/la-quinta-fort-worth-west-i-30/overview | email= | address=7310 Calmont Ave | lat=32.73442 | long=-97.44311 | directions= | phone=+1 817 244-4777 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$65 (Jan 2022) | lastedit=2022-01-16 | content=Indoor pool and hot tub. }} * {{sleep | name=La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fort Worth North | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/laquinta/fort-worth-texas/la-quinta-fort-worth-north/overview | email= | address=4700 North Fwy | lat=32.82629 | long=-97.31181 | directions= | phone=+1 817 222-2888 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$58 (Jan 2022) | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-16 | content=Outdoor pool and breakfast. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Hyatt Place Fort Worth/Cityview | alt= | url=https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/texas/hyatt-place-fort-worth-cityview/dfwzc | email= | address=5900 Cityview Blvd | lat=32.68092 | long=-97.41308 | directions=southwest Fort Worth | phone=+1 817 361-9797 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$101 (Jan 2022) | content=Very cookie-cutter. }} * {{sleep | name=Comfort Suites DFW Airport | alt= | url=http://www.comfortsuites.com/hotel-irving-texas-TX010 | email= | address=4700 W. John Carpenter Fwy | lat=32.91617 | long=-97.01231 | directions= | phone=+1 972 929-9097 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Courtyard Fort Worth Downtown | url=https://www.marriott.com/dfwms | email= | address=601 Main St | lat=32.75378 | long=-97.33038 | directions=Four blocks from the Convention Center | phone=+1 817 885-8700 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$209-249 | content=Renovated rooms with modern amenities. }} * {{sleep | name=Best Western Plus Fort Worth North | url=https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotel-rooms.44794.html | email= | address=3751 NE Loop 820 | lat=32.84026 | long=-97.29390 | directions=Intersection of the 35W and 820 freeways, close to the Fort Worth Stockyards | phone=+1 817 847-0044 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$99 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=DoubleTree by Hilton Fort Worth South Hotel & Conference Center | alt= | url=https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/ftwstdt-doubletree-fort-worth-south/ | email= | address=100 East Alta Mesa Blvd | lat=32.65267 | long=-97.31898 | directions=Five miles from Downtown Fort Worth | phone=+1 817-293-3088 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$142 (Jul 2025) | content=Three-star hotel with amenities including indoor heated pool, restaurant, lounge, room service, fitness room, and business center. }} * {{sleep | name=Sheraton Fort Worth | alt= | url=http://www.sheratonfortworth.com | email= | address=1701 Commerce St | lat=32.74786 | long=-97.32469 | directions=Downtown | phone=+1 817 335-7000 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=SpringHill Suites Fort Worth University | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dfwuv-springhill-suites-fort-worth-university/ | email= | address=3250 Lovell Ave | lat=32.73214 | long=-97.36469 | directions= | phone=+1 817-878-2554 | tollfree=+1-888-236-2427 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Extended stay hotel located near the convention center. }} * {{sleep | name=TownePlace Suites Fort Worth Southwest | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dfwts-towneplace-suites-fort-worth-southwest/ | email= | address=4200 International Plaza | lat=32.68556 | long=-97.40178 | directions=Halfway between Benbrook Lake and downtown. | phone=+1 817-732-2224 | tollfree=+1-888-236-2427 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Courtyard Fort Worth University Drive | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dfwch-courtyard-fort-worth-university-drive/ | email= | address=3150 Riverfront Dr | lat=32.72550 | long=-97.36250 | directions= | phone=+1 817-335-1300 | tollfree=+1-888-236-2427 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} ===Splurge=== *{{sleep | name=The Ashton | url=http://www.theashtonhotel.com/ | email= | address=610 Main St | lat=32.75331 | long=-97.33069 | directions= | phone=+1 817 332-0100 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$250 | content=Well-liked luxury hotel in a renovated historical building. Very helpful, attentive staff. }} *{{sleep | name=Hilton Fort Worth | url=http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/FTWFWHF-Hilton-Fort-Worth-Texas/index.do | email= | address=815 Main St | lat=32.75238 | long=-97.32942 | directions= | phone=+1 817 870-2100 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$95 | content=A clean, quiet place to stay, with good service. The building and decor could use an update. }} *{{sleep | name=Renaissance Worthington | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dfwdt-renaissance-worthington-hotel-fort-worth/ | email= | address=200 Main St | lat=32.75543 | long=-97.33341 | directions= | phone=+1 817 870-1000 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$199 | content=The city's only 4-diamond hotel, since opening in 1981 with all the expected amenities. Especially well-regarded for efficient yet friendly staff. }} ===Lockheed Martin Plant=== Options ideal for travel to the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics plant: 200 N Grants Ln, adjacent to the Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base (JRB, formerly Carswell Air Force Base): * {{sleep | name=Quality Inn & Suites | alt= | url=https://www.choicehotels.com/texas/fort-worth/quality-inn-hotels/tx866 | email= | address=2700 S Cherry Ln | lat=32.73531 | long=-97.45187 | directions=2 miles from plant | phone=+1 817-560-4180 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$61 (Jan 2022) | content=Breakfast available. }} * {{sleep | name=Country Inn & Suites by Radisson | alt= | url=https://www.radissonhotelsamericas.com/en-us/hotels/country-inn-fort-worth-nas-jrd-tx?cid=a:se+b:gmb+c:amer+i:local+e:cis+d:us+h:USAFTTX | email= | address=2730 Cherry Ln | lat=32.73452 | long=-97.45188 | directions=2 miles from plant | phone=+1 817-560-4200 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Spring Hill Suites | alt= | url= | email= | address=3250 Lovell Ave | lat=32.73214 | long=-97.36469 | directions=off University Drive, approximately 6.8 miles from plant | phone=+1 817-878-2554 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} ==Connect== Good cellular phone coverage by all major providers throughout the city and all major roadways. Internet hot-spots available at most '''Starbucks Coffee''' locations, DFW Airport, and '''FedEx Kinko's''' offices. Daily newspaper: * [http://www.star-telegram.com/ Fort Worth Star-Telegram]. ==Stay safe== As with any other large city, be vigilant in Fort Worth. The city's central arts and entertainment district is well policed, however, as so long as you make sure you lock your car and hide any valuables inside, all that you need is a little extra awareness of your surroundings. The city's freeways can be quite dangerous if you are not accustomed to driving in such high volumes of rapidly moving traffic; keep this in mind when you are planning a trip. Areas to avoid after dark are the East Side, Southeast Side (especially in the Stop Six section), the Como neighborhood, and the Trails/Calmont neighborhood, as these places have high rates of gun crimes from armed robberies to shootings. The Stockyards bar and club district can get rowdy on Friday and Saturday nights, but the nightlife at Sundance Square in Downtown is more laid back. ==Cope== ===Gym workout=== *'''[http://www.24hourfitness.com/ 24 Hour Fitness]''' and '''[http://www.lafitness.com/ LA Fitness (which now includes Ballys)]''' have many locations throughout the area. If you have a regular membership with either of them from back home your membership is good here. Note that some memberships are only good for one location and will cost extra to access a different gym/club than the one you normally go to at home. Ask before leaving. Otherwise day passes range from $10-20. Bring a lock and towel. * {{listing | name=Kadampa Meditation Center Texas | alt= | url=http://www.meditationinfortworth.org | email= | address=2836 Stanley Avenue | lat=32.71005 | long=-97.34638 | directions= | phone=+1 817-303-2700 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-09-06 | content=Offers relaxation meditations and meditation classes to increase inner peace. }} ==Go next== * [[Mineral Wells]], home to '''Lake Mineral Wells State Park''' * [[Bridgeport (Texas)|Bridgeport]], 30 miles to the northwest has a nice lake for boating and fishing. * [[Weatherford (Texas)|Weatherford]], 20 miles west of downtown Fort Worth. * [[Grapevine (Texas)|Grapevine]] has a nice historic main street area and numerous wineries. * [[Glen Rose]] 50 miles southwest has Dinosaur Valley State Park and Fossil Rim Wildlife Center. {{routebox | image1=Amtrak Heartland Flyer icon.png | imagesize1=100 | directionl1=N | majorl1=[[Oklahoma City]] | minorl1=[[Gainesville (Texas)|Gainesville]] | directionr1=S | majorr1=END | minorr1= | image2=Amtrak Texas Eagle icon.png | imagesize2=100 | directionl2=NE | majorl2=[[St. Louis]] | minorl2='''[[Dallas]]''' | directionr2=SW | majorr2=[[San Antonio]] | minorr2=[[Temple]] | image3=I-20.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=W | majorl3=[[Midland (Texas)|Midland]] | minorl3=[[Weatherford (Texas)|Weatherford]] | directionr3=E | majorr3=[[Dallas]] | minorr3=[[Arlington (Texas)|Arlington]] | image4=I-30.svg | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=W | majorl4=[[Midland (Texas)|Midland]] | minorl4=[[Weatherford (Texas)|Weatherford]] ← '''Merges into [[File:I-20.svg|18px]]''' | directionr4=E | majorr4=[[Dallas]] | minorr4=[[Arlington (Texas)|Arlington]] | image5=I-35W.svg | imagesize5=22 | directionl5=N | majorl5=[[Oklahoma City]] | minorl5=[[Denton (Texas)|Denton]] | directionr5=S | majorr5=[[Waco]] | minorr5=[[Hillsboro (Texas)|Hillsboro]] | image6=US 81.svg | imagesize6=22 | directionl6=N | majorl6=[[Chickasha]] | minorl6=[[Decatur (Texas)|Decatur]] | directionr6=S | majorr6=END | minorr6= | image7=US 287.svg | imagesize7=22 | directionl7=N | majorl7=[[Wichita Falls]] | minorl7=[[Decatur (Texas)|Decatur]] | directionr7=S | majorr7=[[Beaumont]] | minorr7=[[Arlington (Texas)|Arlington]] | image8=US 377.svg | imagesize8=22 | directionl8=S | majorl8=[[Del Rio]] | minorl8=[[Granbury]] | directionr8=N | majorr8=[[Stroud (Oklahoma)|Stroud]] | minorr8=[[Denton (Texas)|Denton]] }} {{isPartOf|Dallas-Fort_Worth_Metroplex}} {{geo|32.74859|-97.32925}} {{usablecity}} 0nkjn12c5uplxpfq8wxr64gyobml8wr 5087091 5087087 2025-07-03T11:07:51Z Lazarus1255 2236161 /* Do */Seaquest shut down after investigation over allegations of animal cruelty. Fort Worth Air Show discontinued and replaced by NAS JRB Wings over Cowtown air show. 5087091 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Fort Worth Wikivoyage banner.jpg}} [[File:Mural Fort Worth.JPG|thumb|350px|right|Fort Worth, Texas]] '''[http://fortworth.com Fort Worth]''' is a city in the [[Prairies and Lakes]] region of [[Texas]]. With a population of approximately 957,000, it is Texas' 5th largest city. It is part of the [[Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex]], which has a population exceeding 6 million. Sometimes referred to as Cowtown, it is by far closer to its cowboy roots than neighboring [[Dallas]]. This article also covers '''North Richland Hills''', a neighboring community. ==Understand== Fort Worth grew from a military camp established at the close of the Mexican War by Gen. Winfield Scott, and named for Gen. William Jenkins Worth who fought in the war. Forty-two men of Company F, 2nd Dragoons, established the camp on June 6, 1849. The Fort Worth to Yuma, Arizona stage line was established in 1850. The city became the seat of Tarrant County 1860, and after the Civil War, it became a major shipping and supply depot for cattlemen. ===Climate=== Fort Worth is located in the [[South (United States of America)|American South]], and has a subtropical climate with mild winters, hot summers, and a wet spring and fall in between. In winter and summer it can also be a very dry place, as it receives warmer, drier weather from the Mojave Desert in the west and the Great Plains in the north. Winters are generally mild, with average highs in the mid to upper 50s (10-15 °C) and average lows around the freezing mark (0-5 °C). It is not uncommon for Winter days with highs in the upper 60s (~20°C) with the following days high temperature 20-30 degrees cooler. It may snow in Fort Worth a couple times a year, and occasionally winter temperatures will not get above freezing (32°F, 0 °C), but for the most part winter is just relatively dry and cool. There is, however, the danger of freezing rain and ice storms. Spring and fall bring very pleasant temperatures, but spring is also known for its storms. Fort Worth is at the Southern tip of Tornado Alley, and springtime weather can be quite volatile and severe storms often occur. Summers are hot and dry - but often humid - with temperatures frequently surpassing 100 °F (38 °C). Average precipitation in Fort Worth is 33 inches (830 mm) per year.{{Climate | units = Imperial | janhigh = 53 | febhigh = 58 | marhigh = 67 | aprhigh = 76 | mayhigh = 82 | junhigh = 90 | julhigh = 95 | aughigh = 95 | sephigh = 88 | octhigh = 78 | novhigh = 67 | dechigh = 57 | janlow = 30 | feblow = 35 | marlow = 43 | aprlow = 53 | maylow = 61 | junlow = 68 | jullow = 72 | auglow = 71 | seplow = 65 | octlow = 54 | novlow = 43 | declow = 34 | janprecip = 1.7 | febprecip = 2.1 | marprecip = 2.6 | aprprecip = 3.3 | mayprecip = 4.6 | junprecip = 3.5 | julprecip = 2.4 | augprecip = 2.1 | sepprecip = 3.4 | octprecip = 3.2 | novprecip = 2 | decprecip = 1.8 | description = {{ForecastNOAA|Fort Worth|32.74859|-97.32925}} }} === Neighborhoods === * {{see|name=TCU|alt=Texas Christian University|url=|email=|address=2900 S University Dr|lat=32.708451|long=-97.361499|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-17|content=The TCU area is dominated by the campus. Some unique restaurants and boutiques are mixed with standard college fare, but the campus is beautiful and shows up in force (and in Purple) for gamedays}} * {{see|name=Sundance Square|alt=Downtown Fort Worth|url=https://sundancesquare.com/|email=|address=400 Main St|lat=32.7549445|long=-97.3314084|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-17|content=Sundance Square is a city park in downtown that plays host to multiple events year round. Night and weekend parking is free and additional security patrols not only keep the area safe, but also can help you find your next destination.}} * {{see|name=Stockyards|alt=|url=|email=|address=|lat=32.7888519|long=-97.3491774|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-17|content=A national historic district, the Stockyards is the iconic background for which Fort Worth is known. The backdrop is all things western from cattle drives and BBQ to country music and belt buckles. No trip to Fort Worth is complete without a quick stop here.}} * {{see|name=The Cultural District|alt=|url=https://fwculture.com/|email=|address=|lat=32.750624|long=-97.362143|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-17|content=Home to world class museum, the stock show & rodeo as well as numerous restaurants and merchants, this area hosts many of Fort Worth's main attractions. Located across the Trinity River, 2 miles west of downtown, this area could be thought of as uptown. The area is also known as West 7th.}} * {{see|name=Near Southside|alt=|url=https://www.nearsouthsidefw.org/home|email=|address=|lat=32.73225|long=-97.33486|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-17|content=Also called South Main and Magnolia, this is the area where artists and more liberal mindsets are welcome. The area hosts multiple of the cities micro breweries, bars and restaurants. The area is undergoing a renaissance with new building and merchants, but the growth is keeping with the vibe of the current culture.}} * {{see|name=Southwest Fort Worth|alt=Camp Bowie, Hulen, Clearfork|url=|email=|address=|lat=32.7026386|long=-97.4156228|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-17|content=While not a single neighborhood, Southwest Fort Worth has a collection of different shopping areas and neighborhood restaurant clusters.}} ==Get in== ===By plane=== All the major American carriers and many international ones provide scheduled passenger service into the {{marker|type=go|name=[[Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport]]|lat=32.897541|long=-97.040431}} ({{IATA|DFW}}), located {{mi|17}} from downtown Fort Worth. This airport is one of three major hubs for American Airlines. American Airlines is also headquartered in Fort Worth. ===By train=== The {{marker|type=go|name=Fort Worth Intermodal Transportation Center|url=|lat=32.7527|long=-97.3264}} at 1001 Jones St is the central hub for Amtrak trains and '''[http://www.trinityrailwayexpress.org/ Trinity Railway Express]''' (TRE) commuter trains to Dallas, along with Greyhound inter-city bus service and local bus service provided by the T. TRE trains can provide a stress-free way to travel between the two cities during rush hour and also serve the more historic {{marker|type=go|name=T&P Station|url=|lat=32.745944|long=-97.327778}} at 1600 Throckmorton St on the south side of downtown. [[Amtrak]]'s Texas Eagle provides daily service between [[Chicago]], [[Illinois]] and [[San Antonio]], Texas with stops in Fort Worth and Dallas. Also, Amtrak's [http://www.heartlandflyer.com/ Heartland Flyer]{{Dead link|date=January 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} provides daily service between Fort Worth and [[Oklahoma City]], and points in between. Woefully underfunded, passenger train service in the United States is a slow but scenic way to travel, if you aren't too concerned about arriving on time. Alternatively, arrive from DFW Airport on '''[https://ridetrinitymetro.org/texrail/ TEXRail]''' through North Richland Hills, another commuter train that provides direct rail service from the airport to downtown Fort Worth. ===By car=== Fort Worth may be easily reached via I-20 or I-30 from the east or west, or by I-35W from the north or south. I-35 splits into two branches north of the Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan area, the west branch going to Fort Worth and the east branch (I-35E) to Dallas. The branches rejoin to the south. Car rental companies include: *'''[http://www.alamo.com/ Alamo Rent A Car]''', Toll free: +1-800-462-5266. *'''[http://www.avis.com/ Avis Rent A Car]''', Toll free: +1-800-331-1212. *'''[http://www.budget.com Budget Rent A Car]''', Toll free: +1-800-527-0700. *'''[http://www.dollar.com/ Dollar Rent A Car]''', Toll free: +1-800-800-3665. *'''[http://www.e-zrentacar.com E-Z Rent-A-Car]''', Toll free: +1-800-277-5171. *'''[http://www.enterprise.com Enterprise Rent-A-Car]''', Toll free: +1-800-261-7331. *'''[http://www.hertz.com Hertz Car Rental]''', Toll free: +1-800-654-3131. *'''[http://www.thrifty.com Thrifty]''', Toll free: +1-800-847-4389. *'''[http://dfweliteautorental.com DFW Elite Auto Rental]{{Dead link|date=April 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''', +1 817-838-7368. ===By bus=== * '''[http://www.greyhound.com Greyhound]'''. Bus stop is at the Fort Worth Intermodal Transportation Center. Also, subsidiaries of Greyhound, such as TNM&O serve as the regional carrier. *'''[http://us.megabus.com Megabus]'''. Service from [[Houston]], [[San Antonio]], [[Austin]], [[Memphis]], [[Little Rock]], [[Oklahoma City]], and [[Norman (Oklahoma)|Norman]]. Bus stop is located at 710 Davis St in [[Grand Prairie]]. Fares $1 and up. *'''[http://www.autobusesamericanos.us/EN/Home.shtml Autobus Americanos]'''. Mexican trans-border bus line with services to various points in Mexico. Bus stop is located at 5215 McCart in Fort Worth. *'''[http://ticket.gruposenda.com/ Turimex Internacional]{{Dead link|date=December 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}'''. Mexican trans-border bus line with services to various points in Mexico. Bus stop is located at 3620 Hemphill St. ==Get around== {{mapframe|32.7604|-97.3402|zoom=10}} {{mapshape}} {{mapshapes|Q497596}} <!-- Light Rail --> {{mapshapes|Q380660}} <!-- Trinity Rail Express --> {{mapshapes|Q5259601}} <!-- A-train --> ===Mass transit=== '''Buses''' and '''trains''' via '''[https://ridetrinitymetro.org/routes-schedules/ Trinity Metro]''' link many areas of town over mid-range distances. '''[http://www.trinityrailwayexpress.org/ Trinity Rail Express]''' has commuter train service between downtown Fort Worth, DFW Airport and downtown Dallas. Service is Monday through Saturday. No scheduled services on Sundays and most major holidays. '''[https://ridetrinitymetro.org/rider-services/molly-the-trolley/ Molly the Trolley]''' bus service provides local public transportation in areas like downtown Fort Worth, the Historic Stockyards, and to Sundance Square during lunchtime. Hours of operation vary by route. ===By bike=== * {{listing | name=Fort Worth B-cycle | alt= | url=https://fortworth.bcycle.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$8/24 hours; $15/3 days; $20/week |wikipedia=|wikidata=|image=|lastedit=2018-02-19| content=Bike sharing program with stations throughout downtown. }} ==See== [[File:0011Tarrant County Courthouse Full E Fort Worth Texas.jpg|thumb|Tarrant County Courthouse]] === Museums === * {{see | name=Kimbell Art Museum | alt= | url=http://www.kimbellart.org | email= | address=3333 Camp Bowie Blvd | lat=32.74873 | long=-97.36479 | directions= | phone=+1 817 332-8451 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A collection of artwork that ranges from 3000 BC to the mid-1900s. Although the collection is small, it boasts such big names as Matisse, Goya, Mondrian and Picasso, among others. The museum building itself is a highlight of architectural modernism, designed by American architect Louis Kahn. }} * {{see | name=Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth | alt= | url=http://www.themodern.org | email= | address=3200 Darnell St | lat=32.74887 | long=-97.36306 | directions= | phone=+1 817 738-9215 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The museum, located in an imposing, appropriately modern building, houses a large permanent collection and hosts many important traveling exhibitions. The building is designed by Japanese architect Tadao Ando. }} * {{see | name=Amon Carter Museum | alt= | url=http://www.cartermuseum.org | email= | address=3501 Camp Bowie Blvd | lat=32.74833 | long=-97.36697 | directions= | phone=+1 817-738-1933 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Extensive collection of American art and photography featuring many works by Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russel. }} * {{see | name=National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame | alt= | url=http://cowgirl.net | email= | address=1720 Gendy St | lat=32.74345 | long=-97.36868 | directions= | phone=+1 817-336-4475 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Museum and association which honors women of the American West who have displayed courage or spirit and who have distinguished themselves while exemplifying the pioneer spirit. }} * {{see | name=National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum | alt=formerly National Cowboys of Color Museum and Hall of Fame | url=http://www.cowboysofcolor.org | email= | address=3400 Mount Vernon Ave | lat=32.7418 | long=-97.2764 | directions= | phone=+1 817 534-8801 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum | wikidata=Q17020565 | content=Highlights the historical influence of non-White cowboys in Texas. }} * {{see | name=C.R. Smith Aviation Museum | alt= | url=http://www.crsmithmuseum.org | email= | address=4601 Hwy. 360 | lat=32.83258 | long=-97.06322 | directions= | phone=+1 817 967-1560 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=All you could ever want to know about the history of American Airlines. Great for kids, as it includes hands-on, interactive exhibits. }} * {{see | name=Stockyards Museum | alt= | url=http://www.stockyardsmuseum.org/ | email= | address=131 E. Exchange Ave | lat=32.78895 | long=-97.3486 | directions= | phone=+1 817 625-5082 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Located in the 1902 Livestock Exchange Building, this museum showcases the history of Fort Worth. Greater stockyards area described in "Do". }} *{{see | name=Fort Worth Museum of Science and History | alt= | url=http://www.fwmsh.org | email= | address=1501 Montgomery St. | lat=32.74501 | long=-97.36926 | directions=Exit Montgomery on 1-30 and head North | phone=+1 817-255-9300 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Family based hands on science and history museum, boasts traveling exhibits and the Omni-imax theater. }} * {{see | name=Oscar E. Monnig Meteorite Gallery | alt= | url=https://monnigmuseum.tcu.edu/ | email= | address=2950 West Bowie Street | lat=32.70807 | long=-97.35913 | directions=Texas Christian University campus in the Sid Richardson Science Building at the corner of West Bowie Street and Cockrell Avenue. | phone=+1 817-257-6277 | tollfree= | fax=+1 817-257-7789 | hours=M-F 1-4PM; Sa 10AM-4PM | price=free | content=Small museum with astonishing collection of pieces of the sky, well-documented. Touch a piece of Mars! }} * {{see | name=Sid Richardson Museum | alt= | url=https://www.sidrichardsonmuseum.org/ | email= | address=309 Main St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 817 332-6554 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10AM-4PM | price=Free | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Art museum with an emphasis on Western art (e.g. works by Frederic Remington, Charles Russell). }} * {{see | name=Texas Civil War Museum | alt= | url=https://texascivilwarmuseum.com/ | email= | address=760 Jim Wright Fwy North | lat=32.77238 | long=-97.47429 | directions= | phone=+1 817 246-2323 | tollfree= | hours= | price=$7 (over 13), $4 (ages 6-12) | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=A repository of Union and Confederate artifacts and history about the War Between the States. }} * {{see | name=Bureau of Engraving and Printing Visitors Center | alt= | url=https://www.bep.gov/visitor-centers/fort-worth-tx-tour-and-visitor-center | email= | address=9100 Blue Mound Road | lat=32.9015854 | long=-97.3479548 | directions= | phone=+1 817 231-4000 | tollfree=+1 866 865-1194 | hours=Tu-Fr 8:30AM-5:30PM | price=Free | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-05-22 | content=Tours open to the public of the money creation factory - see pallets of dollar bills created below your feet from a suspended walkway snaking through the facility. One of two in the nation (other in DC). Self-guided tour takes approximately 1 hour. Gift shop on site. }} * {{see | name=Vintage Flying Museum | alt= | url=http://www.vintageflyingmuseum.org/ | email= | address=505 NW 38th St # 33S | lat=32.81222 | long=-97.35617 | directions=on Meacham Airport grounds | phone=+1 817 624-1935 | tollfree= | hours= | price=$12 adults, $7 (ages 6-13) | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Warbirds on display in a hangar. If wanting to see some for free, you can just visit the outdoor space at the southern end of the Meacham Airport runway. }} === Attractions === * {{see | name=Sundance Square | alt= | url=http://www.sundancesquare.com/ | email= | address= | lat=32.75483 | long=-97.33129 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= 20 blocks of shops, bars & restaurants, brick-paved sidewalks and historic buildings. Well lit and popular with tourists and locals, Sundance Square is frequently the center for outdoor events such as concerts and art festivals. }} * {{see | name=Bass Performance Hall | alt= | url=http://www.basshall.com | email= | address= | lat=32.75510 | long=-97.32959 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A state-of-the-art venue presenting concerts, musicals, and theatrical performances throughout the year. }} * {{see | name=Fort Worth Stockyards | alt= | url=http://www.fortworthstockyards.org | email= | address= | lat=32.78883 | long=-97.34614 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Just north of the downtown area is the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, where you'll find Texas style nightlife at bars like '''[http://www.billybobstexas.com Billy Bob's]''' plus the '''[http://tchof.com/ Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame]''', the '''[http://www.stockyardsmuseum.org/ Stockyards Museum]''', '''[http://johnwayne.com/experience John Wayne: An American Experience]''', '''[http://www.fortworthherd.com/ The Fort Worth Longhorn Herd]''', and the '''Cowtown Cattle Pen Maze'''. The Stockyards are also home to a weekly rodeo. Held every Friday and Saturday evening, and billed as the "World's First Indoor Rodeo," it [http://www.cowtowncoliseum.com/ attracts competitors from around the country]. The Stockyards is also home to Riscky's Barbeque, considered by locals to be the best barbeque in the area. One block away, '''[https://coopersbbqfortworth.com/ Coopers Old Time Pit BBQ]''' offers excellent fare at fair prices. }} [[File:Convention Center Fort Worth.JPG|thumb|200px|right|Downtown convention center]] * {{see | name=Fort Worth Water Gardens | alt= | url=https://www.fortworth.com/listings/fort-worth-water-gardens/2989/ | email= | address=1502 Commerce St | lat=32.747778 | long=-97.326667 | directions= | phone=+1 817 392-7111 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Fort Worth Water Gardens | image=Fort Worth Water Gardens 2003.jpg | wikidata=Q2035884 | lastedit=2018-04-07 | content=A man-made watery setting to get away from the hustle and bustle downtown. For some awesome architecture, check out the 1933 Beaux Arts Style designed post office building at 251 Lancaster and Texas & Pacific Railway Station at 221 Lancaster (across the street from the south edge of the water gardens). }} *{{see | name=Burnett Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=32.75041 | long=-97.33362 | directions=Lamar and Texas streets | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Located on land donated by cattle baron Samuel Burk Burnett, features sculptures, pools, and granite walkways. Vast green parks and surrounding network of major lakes offer abundant opportunities for water sports and outdoor recreation. }} * {{see | name=The Fort Worth Botanic Garden | alt= | url=http://www.fwbg.org | email= | address=3220 Botanic Garden Blvd | lat=32.74025 | long=-97.36337 | directions= | phone=+1 817-871-7686 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Admission: $12 adults, seniors $10, children $5 (May 2022). Japanese garden additional $3. | content=The sprawling gardens includes a large flower garden, lawn, indoor tropical forest, and a beautiful Japanese garden. }} == Do == [[File:ModArtFtWorth.jpg|thumb|200px|The Modern Art Museum]] ===Zoological Parks and Theme Parks=== * {{do | name=The Fort Worth Zoo | alt= | url=https://www.fortworthzoo.org/ | email= | address=1989 Colonial Parkway | lat=32.72373 | long=-97.35594 | directions= | phone=+1 817-759-7555 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 10AM-5PM; Sa Su 10AM-6PM | price=$7-10.50 (Wednesdays are half-price) | wikidata=Q5472415 | content=Come see the animals and interactive exhibits. }} * {{do |name=NRH2O Family Water Park | url=http://www.nrh2o.com/ | address=Grapevine Highway (#26) between Precinct Line and North Harwood Road | lat=32.8509|long=-97.1931 | directions= in nearby North Richland Hills | phone=+1 817 427-6500 | tollfree= | hours=Taller than {{in|48}} M-Th $20, F-Su $25; shorter than 48 in, military, senior M-Th $17, F-Su $20 | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-07-10 | content= 17-acre park with 23 attractions, including the country’s longest uphill water roller coaster. }} ===Hiking and Natural Areas=== * {{do | name=Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge | alt= | url=https://www.fwnaturecenter.org/ | email= | address=9601 Fossil Ridge Rd | lat=32.84735 | long=-97.47584 | directions= | phone=+1 817 392-7410 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 8AM-5PM | price=$6 (over 12), $3 (over 65), $2 (ages 3-12), $1 dogs | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Hiking trails and boardwalks, kayak rentals, bison herd, native prairie grasses and woodlands. }} * {{do | name=Eagle Mountain Park | alt= | url=https://www.trwd.com/be-active | email= | address=11601 Morris Dido Newark Rd | lat=32.93506 | long=-97.48023 | directions= | phone=+1 817 335-2491 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 5AM-10PM | price=Free | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=A popular hiking area with rugged terrain and views over Eagle Mountain Lake. }} * {{do | name=Marion Sansom Park | alt= | url= | email= | address=2501 Roberts Cut Off Rd | lat=32.79564 | long=-97.41333 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Daily 6AM-10PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Another popular hiking area with waterfalls and views of the western half of the city and Lake Worth. }} ===Sports=== *{{do | name=TCU Horned Frogs | alt= | url=https://gofrogs.com/ | email= | address= | lat=32.70901 | long=-97.36712 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=The sports teams representing Texas Christian University, have branded themselves as "Fort Worth's team". The Frogs are best known for their football program, a rising national power in the first part of this century. TCU now competes in the Big 12 Conference. Most of TCU's athletic venues are on campus, with the best-known being Amon G. Carter Stadium (football) and Schollmaier Arena (basketball). }} *{{do | name=Texas Brahmas | url=https://www.texasjrbrahmas.com/ | email= | address=8851 Ice House Dr | lat=32.85974 | long=-97.20683 | directions= | phone=+1 817 520-2115 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=See website for current season schedule | price= | wikidata=Q7707794 | lastedit=2023-08-09 | content=Enjoy an ice-hockey game at the NYTEX Sports Centre in North Richland Hills. The Brahmas play in the North American Tier III hockey league. }} * {{do | name=Texas Motor Speedway | alt= | url=https://www.texasmotorspeedway.com/ | email= | address=3545 Lone Star Cir | lat=33.0363 | long=-97.2816 | directions= | phone=+1 817 215-8500 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Catch NASCAR and other events here, such as an extravagant Christmas display. }} ===Events=== * {{do | name=Main St. Fort Worth Arts Festival | alt= | url=http://www.MainStreetArtsFest.org | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=free | content=Ranked 8th in the country by the Art Fair Source Book and the Harris List, and number one in Texas, Main St. hosts tens of thousands of people annually during the four-day visual arts, entertainment and cultural event. Main St. showcases a nationally recognized fine art and fine craft juried art fair, live concerts, performance artists and street performers on the streets of downtown Fort Worth-stretching nine blocks on Main Street from the Tarrant County Courthouse to the Fort Worth Convention Center. }} * {{do | name=Sundance Square Parade of Lights | alt= | url=http://www.FortWorthParadeofLights.org | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Late November. Watch colorful illuminated floats, beautiful antique cars, marching bands, equestrian units, horse-drawn carriages and a cast of delightful characters dressed in their holiday best. The unforgettable parade and an annual visit from Santa Claus and his elves will make the Sundance Square Parade of Lights a fun-filled holiday experience for the entire family! Free. }} *'''[https://www.navymwrfortworth.com/event/airshow/schedule NAS JRB Wings Over Cowtown Air Show]''', at Alliance Airport north of downtown. Features air stunts and formations like the Blue Angels. July. ==Learn== * {{listing | name=Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary | alt= | url=http://www.swbts.edu | email= | address=2001 W Seminary Dr | lat=32.682 | long=-97.348 | directions= | phone=+1 817-923-1921 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7571391 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Tarrant County College | alt= | url=http://www.tccd.edu | email= | address= | lat=32.747531 | long=-97.327832 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7686664 | lastedit=2021-09-06 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Texas Christian University | alt= | url=http://www.tcu.edu | email= | address= | lat=32.709605 | long=-97.362823 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2302280 | lastedit=2021-09-06 | content= }} * {{listing | name=University of North Texas Health Science Center | alt= | url=https://www.unthsc.edu/ | email= | address=3500 Camp Bowie Blvd | lat=32.7486 | long=-97.3694 | directions= | phone=+1 817-735-2000 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7895977 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Texas Wesleyan University | alt= | url=http://www.txwesleyan.edu | email= | address= | lat=32.733 | long=-97.28 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7708205 | lastedit=2021-09-06 | content= }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Fort Worth Stockyards Station | alt= | url=http://fortworthstockyards.com/ | email= | address=140 E Exchange Ave | lat= | long= | directions=at Stockyards | phone=+1 817 625-9715 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=A covered emporium of different shops, confectioneries, games, photo studios, etc. Also Exchange Ave itself is chock full of curio shops and eateries aimed at the tourist. }} *'''Sundance Square''' * {{buy | name=Montgomery Plaza | alt= | url=https://montgomeryplaza.shopkimco.com/ | email= | address=2600 W 7th St | lat=32.75177 | long=-97.3533 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10AM-9PM, Su 11AM-6PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Old department store complex refurbished with a lot of pizzazz. }} * {{buy | name=Crockett Row | alt=Artisan Circle | url=https://artisancirclefw.com/ | email= | address=816 Foch St | lat=32.74999 | long=-97.35657 | directions= | phone=+1 817 810-9076 | tollfree= | hours=Th-Su 4PM-Midnight | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content= }} ===Shopping Malls=== * {{buy | name=North East Mall | alt= | url=https://www.simon.com/mall/north-east-mall | email= | address=1101 Melbourne Rd, Hurst | lat=32.8298 | long=-97.2003 | directions= | phone=+1 817 284-3427 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Still surviving mall with a large movie theater complex and surrounding eateries. }} * {{buy | name=Hulen Mall | alt= | url=https://www.hulenmall.com | email= | address=4800 S Hulen St | lat=32.6784 | long=-97.3985 | directions= | phone=+1 817 294-1205 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5935635 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=Seems to attract the occasional shoot'em up but still a big mall with theater. }} * {{buy | name=La Gran Plaza de Fort Worth | alt= | url=http://www.lagranplazamall.com/ | email= | address=4200 South Fwy | lat=32.6866 | long=-97.325 | directions= | phone=+1 817 922-8888 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10AM-9PM, Su 11AM-8PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Visiting this mall you will somehow wonder if you magically teleported to Mexico, as it has a very Mexican flavor with mariachi bands and layout. }} ===Other=== * {{buy | name=Tanger Outlets Fort Worth | alt= | url=https://www.tangeroutlet.com/fortworth | email= | address=15853 N Fwy | lat=33.0214 | long=-97.2813 | directions= | phone=+1 817 464-5400 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content= }} * {{buy | name=Henderson Street Flea Market | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/hendersonstreetbazaar/ | email= | address=1000 N Henderson St | lat=32.76366 | long=-97.34758 | directions= | phone=+1 817 877-3021 | tollfree= | hours=Sa-Su 7AM-8PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=If you are into flea markets, this might be for you. }} ==Eat== Fort Worth is similar to many Texas cities in that there are two main food groups, BBQ and Tex-Mex. While tastes are changing and multiple options are available, these will still be your best two bets in the city. A growing food truck scene is starting to make a presence in the city, and some of the local breweries are making drinks worth recommending to friends. ===Budget=== *{{eat | name=Angelo's Bar-B-Que | url=https://angelosbbq.com | email= | address=2533 White Settlement Rd | lat=32.75889 | long=-97.35239 | directions= | phone=+1 817 332-0357 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-10PM | price= $10 for a full plate with one or two meats and three sides. | content=Tied with Railhead (below) for the best BBQ in the southwest. A Fort Worth classic. This is in an old wooden barn, which adds a great atmosphere to the dining experience. The pork ribs were very tasty and the large cold beers were particularly nice. Meats melt in the mouth and beans are awesome. They actually bbq on premises which some of the other place don't. It's about a 5-min drive out of the downtown area. }} *{{eat | name=Railhead Smokehouse | alt= | url=http://www.railheadsmokehouse.com | email= | address=2900 Montgomery St | lat=32.73112 | long=-97.37058 | directions= | phone=+1 817 738-9808 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-9PM | price= | content=Tied with Angelo's for the best BBQ in the southwest. }} *{{eat | name=Fuzzy's Taco Shop | url=https://restaurants.fuzzystacoshop.com/fuzzys-taco-shop-bfdfcdaa4dda | email= | address=2917 W Berry St | lat=32.70598 | long=-97.35902 | directions=Two locations | phone=+1 817-924-7943 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su-M 7AM-10PM, Tu-W 7AM-11PM, Th-Sa 7AM-2AM | price= | content=Excellent taco dive - lots of food for cheap, great fish tacos, late hours, cheap drinks, all without leaving the affluent TCU area. }} *{{eat | name=Kincaid's | url=https://www.kincaidshamburgers.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Two locations | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-6PM | price= | content=Texas' (perhaps America's) best burgers. Original Camp Bowie location is in a kitschy old grocery story. }} ** {{eat | name=Kincaid's | alt= | url= | email= | address=4901 Camp Bowie Blvd | lat=32.73745 | long=-97.39326 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-09-06 | content= }} ** {{eat | name=Kincaid's | alt= | url= | email= | address=4825 Overton Ridge Blvd | lat=32.67606 | long=-97.40027 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-09-06 | content= }} * {{eat | name=The Love Shack | alt= | url=http://loveburgershackfortworth.com/ | email= | address=110 Exchange Ave | lat=32.788748 | long=-97.348657 | directions=in the Stockyards | phone=+1 817 740-8812 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su-Tu 11AM-9PM, W-Th 11AM-10PM, F-Sa 11AM-11PM | price= | content=Excellent unique hamburger created by celebrity Ft. Worth chef, Tim Love. Daily flavored milk shakes. Live music. (Possible cover charge on weekends.) Cash only. }} * {{eat | name=Green Vine Market | alt= | url=https://www.greenvinemarket.com | email= | address=1804 K Avenue | lat=33.0243265 | long=-96.6978848 | directions= | phone=+1 972 942 0808 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa: 8AM-9PM, Su: 8AM-8:30PM | price= | content=Hamburgers, daily flavored milk shakes, live music (Possible cover charge on weekends). Cash only. |lastedit=2024-12-05}} ===Mid-range=== *{{eat | name=Nonna Tata | url= | email= | address=1400 W. Magnolia Ave | lat=32.73076 | long=-97.34046 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Lunch Tu-Th 11AM-3PM; Dinner M-Th 5:30PM-9PM, F 5:30PM-10PM | price=$15-30 | content=Certainly one of Fort Worth's smallest restaurants, Nonna Tata is also one of its best. With only 21 seats indoors and another 30 outdoors, the restaurant fills up early and often develops long waits on weekends. Absolutely amazing authentic Italian food, with a menu that changes weekly and amiable service. BYOB, cash only, no reservations. }} *{{eat | name=Central Market | url=http://www.centralmarket.com/ | email= | address=4651 West Freeway | lat=32.73003 | long=-97.38909 | directions= | phone=+1 817 989-4700 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM-9PM Daily | price=$5-15 | content=DFW's best gourmet grocery also has a formidable cafe attached, with amazing, huge custom sandwiches, cheap and great pizzas and international noodle dishes made for you, a mind-boggling prepared food section and $15 meals for two bagged and ready to go. Any kind of food you could want, done extremely well, for grocery story prices, plus a generous selection of wine and beer. }} *{{eat | name=Fred's Texas Cafe | alt= | url=https://www.fredstexascafe.com/ | email= | address=2730 Western Center Blvd | lat=32.86012 | long=-97.3205 | directions= | phone=+1 817 232-0111 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10AM-midnight, Sunday Brunch | price=$8-12 | content=The "Outlaw Chef" cooks genuine Southern/Texican food in one of the most unique and exciting ways you'll find in Fort Worth. Super laid-back setting, with genuine Texas food and genuine Texas music. Happy hour before 6 and whenever it's raining. }} *{{eat | name=Hunter Brothers' H3 Ranch | url=http://www.h3ranch.com/ | email= | address=109 E Exchange Ave | lat=32.78911 | long=-97.34889 | directions= | phone=+1 817 624-1246 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$18-30 | content=For the cowboy tourist. A strong cowtown theme predominates in this Stockyards-area steakhouse. Come for the atmosphere first, the food second. }} *{{eat | name=Joe T. Garcia's | url=http://www.joets.com/ | email= | address=2201 N. Commerce St. | lat=32.78450 | long=-97.34818 | directions= | phone=+1 817 626-4356 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A Fort Worth legend, dine family style in a large converted mansion or in its beautiful expansive gardens with lush vegetation and calming pools; choose from one of two menu options nightly. There is frequently a line around the block in good weather, so arrive early or be prepared to wait. Great margaritas. Cash only (ATM on site). }} *{{eat | name=La Familia | alt= | url=http://la-familia-mexican-restaurant.business.site/ | email= | address=841 Foch St. | lat=32.750087 | long=-97.356291 | directions= | phone=+1 817-870-2002 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–Th 11AM–9PM, F 11AM–9:30PM, Sa 9AM–9:30PM, Su M closed | price= | content=Mexican restaurant locally renowned for their excellent Tex-Mex and friendly owner (Al) and staff. }} *{{eat | name=King Tut | url= | email= | address=1512 West Magnolia Ave. | lat=32.73085 | long=-97.34271 | directions= | phone=+1 817 335-3051 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 11AM-2PM & 5PM-9PM; Sa 5PM-9PM | price= | content=Egyptian restaurant with excellent Middle Eastern cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Spiral Diner | url=http://www.spiraldiner.com/ | email= | address=1314 W. Magnolia | lat=32.73083 | long=-97.34012 | directions= | phone=+1 817 3-EATVEG | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-Sa 11AM-10PM, Su 11AM-5PM | price= | content=The only strictly vegan restaurant in Fort Worth, Spiral Diner has an eclectic menu that will not let you down on taste. One of Fort Worth's finest restaurants regardless of dietary restriction. }} *{{eat | name=Uncle Julio's | url=http://www.unclejulios.com/ | email= | address=5301 Camp Bowie Blvd | lat=32.73445 | long=-97.40097 | directions= | phone=+1 817 377-2777 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$8-30 | content=Excellent and diverse Tex-Mex menu, friendly staff, decent happy hour before 6PM. }} ===Splurge=== *{{eat | name=Bonnell's | url=http://www.bonnellstexas.com/ | email= | address=4259 Bryant Irvin Rd | lat=32.68952 | long=-97.41123 | directions= | phone=+1 817 738-5489 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Lunch Tu-F 11AM-2:30PM, Dinner Tu-Sa 5:30PM-9:30PM | price= | content=Chef Jon Bonnell's southwest-themed masterpiece. }} *{{eat | name=Del Frisco's Steakhouse | url=http://www.delfriscos.com/ | email= | address=812 Main St | lat=32.75204 | long=-97.32984 | directions= | phone=+1 817 877-3999 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 5-10PM; F-Sa 5-11PM; Su 5-9PM | price=$50+ | content=One of the finest steakhouses in the world, with an excellent wine list. It is, however, extremely expensive, and you will have to wait a little while even if you have a reservation. Don't come here for anything other than steak, but if you are looking for steak, it is hard to beat. }} *{{eat | name=Reata Restaurant | url=http://www.reata.net/ | email= | address=310 Houston St | lat=32.75476 | long=-97.33262 | directions= | phone=+1 817 336-1009 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Lunch 11:30AM-2:30PM, Dinner 5PM to 10:30PM daily | price= | content=One of the most widely acclaimed restaurants in Texas, and one of the first to bring "Cowboy cuisine" to the forefront of the refined American palate. Online reservation system. }} *{{eat | name=Saint-Emilion | url= | email= | address=3617 W 7th St | lat=32.75109 | long=-97.37069 | directions= | phone=+1 817 737-2781 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-Sa 6PM-9PM | price=$25-50 | content=The best French country food in Fort Worth, and a cozy dining experience. }} === Sweets === * {{eat|name=Melt Icecream|alt=|url=http://www.gypsyscoops.com|email=|address=1201 W Magnolia Ave #115, 76104|lat=32.7304787|long=-97.3382182|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-19|content=Tiny ice cream parlor serving creative flavor combos frequently with lines out the door at multiple times in the day}} ==Drink== * {{drink | name=Flying Saucer Draught Emporium | alt= | url=http://www.beerknurd.com | email= | address=111 E 3rd St | lat=32.75567 | long=-97.33107 | directions= | phone=+1 817 336-7468 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The gameroom offers a place to play a game of pool, chess or darts. The shiny, faux-rock floor throughout is enhanced by the vast collection of vintage dinnerware adorning every wall. They have the largest selection of beer (225 varieties) around. Menu selections include Creamy Beer Cheese Soup, the Build-Your-Own Sausage and Cheese Plate, spicy sausage quesadillas and traditional bratwurst with German potato salad. }} *{{drink | name=Chat Room Pub | alt=The Chat | url= | email= | address=1263 West Magnolia Ave | lat=32.730938371422496 | long=-97.33916759490967 | directions= | phone=+1 817 922-8319 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=3PM-2AM | price= | content=Good drink selection in a chilled atmosphere. }} * {{drink | name=The Usual | alt= | url=http://www.theusualbar.com | email= | address=1408 W. Magnolia Ave | lat=32.73076 | long=-97.34083 | directions= | phone=+1 817 810-0114 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A high-end craft cocktail bar popular with the hip Magnolia Avenue set. A somewhat mixed, gay-friendly spot with very modern decor and a nice but small patio out back. This is the place to go for expensive but very well-mixed takes on the classics, and an inspired cocktail menu. Try the Montpelier, which mixes bourbon, smoked maple syrup, Jamaican rum, and Italian vermouth. }} * {{drink|name=Our Taphouse|alt=|url=https://ourtaphouse.com/|email=|address=1001 Bryan Ave, 76104|lat=32.734043|long=-97.3250209|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=|content=50+ taps with local, regional and a few international flavors off the beaten path. Plus food.}} === Breweries & distilleries === * {{drink | name=Martin House Brewery | alt= | url=http://martinhousebrewing.com/ | email= | address=220 S Sylvania Ave, 76111 | lat=32.763604 | long=-97.310007 | directions= | phone=+1 817 222-0177 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-02-19 | content=Weekly Tours and Tastings Every Thursday (6-8pm) & Saturday (2-5pm). }} *{{drink|name=Wild Acre Brewery|alt=|url=http://wildacrebrewing.com/|email=|address=1734 E El Paso St #190, 76102|lat=32.7431191|long=-97.3096823|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-19|content=Shares a location with Silver Star Vodka. Not the best area of town, but the brewery is safe and the beer is worth the stop}} * {{drink|name=Rahr and Sons Brewing|alt=|url=https://rahrbrewing.com|email=|address=701 Galveston Ave, 76104|lat=32.7368466|long=-97.327027|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-19|content=Brewery tour & tasting Sa 1PM - 3PM, W 5PM - 7:30PM}} *{{drink|name=Panther Island Brewery|alt=|url=http://pantherislandbrewing.com/|email=|address=501 N Main St, 76164|lat=32.7637277|long=-97.338419|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-19|content=F 5PM – 9PM, Sa noon – 5PM, Su 2PM – 7PM}} * {{drink|name=HopFusion Ale Works|alt=|url=http://hopfusionaleworks.com/|email=|address=200 E Broadway Ave, 76104|lat=32.7415864|long=-97.324889|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=Tu-Th 4PM - 11PM, F noon - 11PM, Sa noon-midnight, Su noon - 11PM|price=|lastedit=2018-02-19|content=Taproom and microbrewery, though you can find their cans at a few local shops and stores}} * {{drink|name=Firestone & Robertson Distillery|alt=Whiskey Ranch|url=https://www.frdistilling.com/|email=|address=4250 Mitchell Blvd, 76119|lat=32.7019704|long=-97.2892775|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-19|content=Home to the blended TX Whiskey and the Texas locally distilled and aged TX Bourbon. Set on the grounds of a golf course Byron Nelson played as a youth, more than just a stop for a drink.}} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Motel 6 Ft Worth North | alt= | url=https://www.motel6.com/content/g6/en/home/motels.tx.ft-worth.8617.html | email= | address=3271 I-35W | lat=32.80480 | long=-97.31853 | directions= | phone=+1 817 625-4359 | tollfree= | fax=+1 817 625-8256 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fort Worth West - I-30 | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/laquinta/fort-worth-texas/la-quinta-fort-worth-west-i-30/overview | email= | address=7310 Calmont Ave | lat=32.73442 | long=-97.44311 | directions= | phone=+1 817 244-4777 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$65 (Jan 2022) | lastedit=2022-01-16 | content=Indoor pool and hot tub. }} * {{sleep | name=La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fort Worth North | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/laquinta/fort-worth-texas/la-quinta-fort-worth-north/overview | email= | address=4700 North Fwy | lat=32.82629 | long=-97.31181 | directions= | phone=+1 817 222-2888 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$58 (Jan 2022) | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-16 | content=Outdoor pool and breakfast. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Hyatt Place Fort Worth/Cityview | alt= | url=https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/texas/hyatt-place-fort-worth-cityview/dfwzc | email= | address=5900 Cityview Blvd | lat=32.68092 | long=-97.41308 | directions=southwest Fort Worth | phone=+1 817 361-9797 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$101 (Jan 2022) | content=Very cookie-cutter. }} * {{sleep | name=Comfort Suites DFW Airport | alt= | url=http://www.comfortsuites.com/hotel-irving-texas-TX010 | email= | address=4700 W. John Carpenter Fwy | lat=32.91617 | long=-97.01231 | directions= | phone=+1 972 929-9097 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Courtyard Fort Worth Downtown | url=https://www.marriott.com/dfwms | email= | address=601 Main St | lat=32.75378 | long=-97.33038 | directions=Four blocks from the Convention Center | phone=+1 817 885-8700 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$209-249 | content=Renovated rooms with modern amenities. }} * {{sleep | name=Best Western Plus Fort Worth North | url=https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotel-rooms.44794.html | email= | address=3751 NE Loop 820 | lat=32.84026 | long=-97.29390 | directions=Intersection of the 35W and 820 freeways, close to the Fort Worth Stockyards | phone=+1 817 847-0044 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$99 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=DoubleTree by Hilton Fort Worth South Hotel & Conference Center | alt= | url=https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/ftwstdt-doubletree-fort-worth-south/ | email= | address=100 East Alta Mesa Blvd | lat=32.65267 | long=-97.31898 | directions=Five miles from Downtown Fort Worth | phone=+1 817-293-3088 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$142 (Jul 2025) | content=Three-star hotel with amenities including indoor heated pool, restaurant, lounge, room service, fitness room, and business center. }} * {{sleep | name=Sheraton Fort Worth | alt= | url=http://www.sheratonfortworth.com | email= | address=1701 Commerce St | lat=32.74786 | long=-97.32469 | directions=Downtown | phone=+1 817 335-7000 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=SpringHill Suites Fort Worth University | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dfwuv-springhill-suites-fort-worth-university/ | email= | address=3250 Lovell Ave | lat=32.73214 | long=-97.36469 | directions= | phone=+1 817-878-2554 | tollfree=+1-888-236-2427 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Extended stay hotel located near the convention center. }} * {{sleep | name=TownePlace Suites Fort Worth Southwest | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dfwts-towneplace-suites-fort-worth-southwest/ | email= | address=4200 International Plaza | lat=32.68556 | long=-97.40178 | directions=Halfway between Benbrook Lake and downtown. | phone=+1 817-732-2224 | tollfree=+1-888-236-2427 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Courtyard Fort Worth University Drive | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dfwch-courtyard-fort-worth-university-drive/ | email= | address=3150 Riverfront Dr | lat=32.72550 | long=-97.36250 | directions= | phone=+1 817-335-1300 | tollfree=+1-888-236-2427 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} ===Splurge=== *{{sleep | name=The Ashton | url=http://www.theashtonhotel.com/ | email= | address=610 Main St | lat=32.75331 | long=-97.33069 | directions= | phone=+1 817 332-0100 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$250 | content=Well-liked luxury hotel in a renovated historical building. Very helpful, attentive staff. }} *{{sleep | name=Hilton Fort Worth | url=http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/FTWFWHF-Hilton-Fort-Worth-Texas/index.do | email= | address=815 Main St | lat=32.75238 | long=-97.32942 | directions= | phone=+1 817 870-2100 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$95 | content=A clean, quiet place to stay, with good service. The building and decor could use an update. }} *{{sleep | name=Renaissance Worthington | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dfwdt-renaissance-worthington-hotel-fort-worth/ | email= | address=200 Main St | lat=32.75543 | long=-97.33341 | directions= | phone=+1 817 870-1000 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$199 | content=The city's only 4-diamond hotel, since opening in 1981 with all the expected amenities. Especially well-regarded for efficient yet friendly staff. }} ===Lockheed Martin Plant=== Options ideal for travel to the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics plant: 200 N Grants Ln, adjacent to the Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base (JRB, formerly Carswell Air Force Base): * {{sleep | name=Quality Inn & Suites | alt= | url=https://www.choicehotels.com/texas/fort-worth/quality-inn-hotels/tx866 | email= | address=2700 S Cherry Ln | lat=32.73531 | long=-97.45187 | directions=2 miles from plant | phone=+1 817-560-4180 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$61 (Jan 2022) | content=Breakfast available. }} * {{sleep | name=Country Inn & Suites by Radisson | alt= | url=https://www.radissonhotelsamericas.com/en-us/hotels/country-inn-fort-worth-nas-jrd-tx?cid=a:se+b:gmb+c:amer+i:local+e:cis+d:us+h:USAFTTX | email= | address=2730 Cherry Ln | lat=32.73452 | long=-97.45188 | directions=2 miles from plant | phone=+1 817-560-4200 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Spring Hill Suites | alt= | url= | email= | address=3250 Lovell Ave | lat=32.73214 | long=-97.36469 | directions=off University Drive, approximately 6.8 miles from plant | phone=+1 817-878-2554 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} ==Connect== Good cellular phone coverage by all major providers throughout the city and all major roadways. Internet hot-spots available at most '''Starbucks Coffee''' locations, DFW Airport, and '''FedEx Kinko's''' offices. Daily newspaper: * [http://www.star-telegram.com/ Fort Worth Star-Telegram]. ==Stay safe== As with any other large city, be vigilant in Fort Worth. The city's central arts and entertainment district is well policed, however, as so long as you make sure you lock your car and hide any valuables inside, all that you need is a little extra awareness of your surroundings. The city's freeways can be quite dangerous if you are not accustomed to driving in such high volumes of rapidly moving traffic; keep this in mind when you are planning a trip. Areas to avoid after dark are the East Side, Southeast Side (especially in the Stop Six section), the Como neighborhood, and the Trails/Calmont neighborhood, as these places have high rates of gun crimes from armed robberies to shootings. The Stockyards bar and club district can get rowdy on Friday and Saturday nights, but the nightlife at Sundance Square in Downtown is more laid back. ==Cope== ===Gym workout=== *'''[http://www.24hourfitness.com/ 24 Hour Fitness]''' and '''[http://www.lafitness.com/ LA Fitness (which now includes Ballys)]''' have many locations throughout the area. If you have a regular membership with either of them from back home your membership is good here. Note that some memberships are only good for one location and will cost extra to access a different gym/club than the one you normally go to at home. Ask before leaving. Otherwise day passes range from $10-20. Bring a lock and towel. * {{listing | name=Kadampa Meditation Center Texas | alt= | url=http://www.meditationinfortworth.org | email= | address=2836 Stanley Avenue | lat=32.71005 | long=-97.34638 | directions= | phone=+1 817-303-2700 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-09-06 | content=Offers relaxation meditations and meditation classes to increase inner peace. }} ==Go next== * [[Mineral Wells]], home to '''Lake Mineral Wells State Park''' * [[Bridgeport (Texas)|Bridgeport]], 30 miles to the northwest has a nice lake for boating and fishing. * [[Weatherford (Texas)|Weatherford]], 20 miles west of downtown Fort Worth. * [[Grapevine (Texas)|Grapevine]] has a nice historic main street area and numerous wineries. * [[Glen Rose]] 50 miles southwest has Dinosaur Valley State Park and Fossil Rim Wildlife Center. {{routebox | image1=Amtrak Heartland Flyer icon.png | imagesize1=100 | directionl1=N | majorl1=[[Oklahoma City]] | minorl1=[[Gainesville (Texas)|Gainesville]] | directionr1=S | majorr1=END | minorr1= | image2=Amtrak Texas Eagle icon.png | imagesize2=100 | directionl2=NE | majorl2=[[St. Louis]] | minorl2='''[[Dallas]]''' | directionr2=SW | majorr2=[[San Antonio]] | minorr2=[[Temple]] | image3=I-20.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=W | majorl3=[[Midland (Texas)|Midland]] | minorl3=[[Weatherford (Texas)|Weatherford]] | directionr3=E | majorr3=[[Dallas]] | minorr3=[[Arlington (Texas)|Arlington]] | image4=I-30.svg | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=W | majorl4=[[Midland (Texas)|Midland]] | minorl4=[[Weatherford (Texas)|Weatherford]] ← '''Merges into [[File:I-20.svg|18px]]''' | directionr4=E | majorr4=[[Dallas]] | minorr4=[[Arlington (Texas)|Arlington]] | image5=I-35W.svg | imagesize5=22 | directionl5=N | majorl5=[[Oklahoma City]] | minorl5=[[Denton (Texas)|Denton]] | directionr5=S | majorr5=[[Waco]] | minorr5=[[Hillsboro (Texas)|Hillsboro]] | image6=US 81.svg | imagesize6=22 | directionl6=N | majorl6=[[Chickasha]] | minorl6=[[Decatur (Texas)|Decatur]] | directionr6=S | majorr6=END | minorr6= | image7=US 287.svg | imagesize7=22 | directionl7=N | majorl7=[[Wichita Falls]] | minorl7=[[Decatur (Texas)|Decatur]] | directionr7=S | majorr7=[[Beaumont]] | minorr7=[[Arlington (Texas)|Arlington]] | image8=US 377.svg | imagesize8=22 | directionl8=S | majorl8=[[Del Rio]] | minorl8=[[Granbury]] | directionr8=N | majorr8=[[Stroud (Oklahoma)|Stroud]] | minorr8=[[Denton (Texas)|Denton]] }} {{isPartOf|Dallas-Fort_Worth_Metroplex}} {{geo|32.74859|-97.32925}} {{usablecity}} 4o5i11wx5yxpa1qxf79szb9094cfuu7 5087092 5087091 2025-07-03T11:09:20Z Lazarus1255 2236161 /* Do */Edited 5087092 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Fort Worth Wikivoyage banner.jpg}} [[File:Mural Fort Worth.JPG|thumb|350px|right|Fort Worth, Texas]] '''[http://fortworth.com Fort Worth]''' is a city in the [[Prairies and Lakes]] region of [[Texas]]. With a population of approximately 957,000, it is Texas' 5th largest city. It is part of the [[Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex]], which has a population exceeding 6 million. Sometimes referred to as Cowtown, it is by far closer to its cowboy roots than neighboring [[Dallas]]. This article also covers '''North Richland Hills''', a neighboring community. ==Understand== Fort Worth grew from a military camp established at the close of the Mexican War by Gen. Winfield Scott, and named for Gen. William Jenkins Worth who fought in the war. Forty-two men of Company F, 2nd Dragoons, established the camp on June 6, 1849. The Fort Worth to Yuma, Arizona stage line was established in 1850. The city became the seat of Tarrant County 1860, and after the Civil War, it became a major shipping and supply depot for cattlemen. ===Climate=== Fort Worth is located in the [[South (United States of America)|American South]], and has a subtropical climate with mild winters, hot summers, and a wet spring and fall in between. In winter and summer it can also be a very dry place, as it receives warmer, drier weather from the Mojave Desert in the west and the Great Plains in the north. Winters are generally mild, with average highs in the mid to upper 50s (10-15 °C) and average lows around the freezing mark (0-5 °C). It is not uncommon for Winter days with highs in the upper 60s (~20°C) with the following days high temperature 20-30 degrees cooler. It may snow in Fort Worth a couple times a year, and occasionally winter temperatures will not get above freezing (32°F, 0 °C), but for the most part winter is just relatively dry and cool. There is, however, the danger of freezing rain and ice storms. Spring and fall bring very pleasant temperatures, but spring is also known for its storms. Fort Worth is at the Southern tip of Tornado Alley, and springtime weather can be quite volatile and severe storms often occur. Summers are hot and dry - but often humid - with temperatures frequently surpassing 100 °F (38 °C). Average precipitation in Fort Worth is 33 inches (830 mm) per year.{{Climate | units = Imperial | janhigh = 53 | febhigh = 58 | marhigh = 67 | aprhigh = 76 | mayhigh = 82 | junhigh = 90 | julhigh = 95 | aughigh = 95 | sephigh = 88 | octhigh = 78 | novhigh = 67 | dechigh = 57 | janlow = 30 | feblow = 35 | marlow = 43 | aprlow = 53 | maylow = 61 | junlow = 68 | jullow = 72 | auglow = 71 | seplow = 65 | octlow = 54 | novlow = 43 | declow = 34 | janprecip = 1.7 | febprecip = 2.1 | marprecip = 2.6 | aprprecip = 3.3 | mayprecip = 4.6 | junprecip = 3.5 | julprecip = 2.4 | augprecip = 2.1 | sepprecip = 3.4 | octprecip = 3.2 | novprecip = 2 | decprecip = 1.8 | description = {{ForecastNOAA|Fort Worth|32.74859|-97.32925}} }} === Neighborhoods === * {{see|name=TCU|alt=Texas Christian University|url=|email=|address=2900 S University Dr|lat=32.708451|long=-97.361499|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-17|content=The TCU area is dominated by the campus. Some unique restaurants and boutiques are mixed with standard college fare, but the campus is beautiful and shows up in force (and in Purple) for gamedays}} * {{see|name=Sundance Square|alt=Downtown Fort Worth|url=https://sundancesquare.com/|email=|address=400 Main St|lat=32.7549445|long=-97.3314084|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-17|content=Sundance Square is a city park in downtown that plays host to multiple events year round. Night and weekend parking is free and additional security patrols not only keep the area safe, but also can help you find your next destination.}} * {{see|name=Stockyards|alt=|url=|email=|address=|lat=32.7888519|long=-97.3491774|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-17|content=A national historic district, the Stockyards is the iconic background for which Fort Worth is known. The backdrop is all things western from cattle drives and BBQ to country music and belt buckles. No trip to Fort Worth is complete without a quick stop here.}} * {{see|name=The Cultural District|alt=|url=https://fwculture.com/|email=|address=|lat=32.750624|long=-97.362143|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-17|content=Home to world class museum, the stock show & rodeo as well as numerous restaurants and merchants, this area hosts many of Fort Worth's main attractions. Located across the Trinity River, 2 miles west of downtown, this area could be thought of as uptown. The area is also known as West 7th.}} * {{see|name=Near Southside|alt=|url=https://www.nearsouthsidefw.org/home|email=|address=|lat=32.73225|long=-97.33486|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-17|content=Also called South Main and Magnolia, this is the area where artists and more liberal mindsets are welcome. The area hosts multiple of the cities micro breweries, bars and restaurants. The area is undergoing a renaissance with new building and merchants, but the growth is keeping with the vibe of the current culture.}} * {{see|name=Southwest Fort Worth|alt=Camp Bowie, Hulen, Clearfork|url=|email=|address=|lat=32.7026386|long=-97.4156228|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-17|content=While not a single neighborhood, Southwest Fort Worth has a collection of different shopping areas and neighborhood restaurant clusters.}} ==Get in== ===By plane=== All the major American carriers and many international ones provide scheduled passenger service into the {{marker|type=go|name=[[Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport]]|lat=32.897541|long=-97.040431}} ({{IATA|DFW}}), located {{mi|17}} from downtown Fort Worth. This airport is one of three major hubs for American Airlines. American Airlines is also headquartered in Fort Worth. ===By train=== The {{marker|type=go|name=Fort Worth Intermodal Transportation Center|url=|lat=32.7527|long=-97.3264}} at 1001 Jones St is the central hub for Amtrak trains and '''[http://www.trinityrailwayexpress.org/ Trinity Railway Express]''' (TRE) commuter trains to Dallas, along with Greyhound inter-city bus service and local bus service provided by the T. TRE trains can provide a stress-free way to travel between the two cities during rush hour and also serve the more historic {{marker|type=go|name=T&P Station|url=|lat=32.745944|long=-97.327778}} at 1600 Throckmorton St on the south side of downtown. [[Amtrak]]'s Texas Eagle provides daily service between [[Chicago]], [[Illinois]] and [[San Antonio]], Texas with stops in Fort Worth and Dallas. Also, Amtrak's [http://www.heartlandflyer.com/ Heartland Flyer]{{Dead link|date=January 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} provides daily service between Fort Worth and [[Oklahoma City]], and points in between. Woefully underfunded, passenger train service in the United States is a slow but scenic way to travel, if you aren't too concerned about arriving on time. Alternatively, arrive from DFW Airport on '''[https://ridetrinitymetro.org/texrail/ TEXRail]''' through North Richland Hills, another commuter train that provides direct rail service from the airport to downtown Fort Worth. ===By car=== Fort Worth may be easily reached via I-20 or I-30 from the east or west, or by I-35W from the north or south. I-35 splits into two branches north of the Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan area, the west branch going to Fort Worth and the east branch (I-35E) to Dallas. The branches rejoin to the south. Car rental companies include: *'''[http://www.alamo.com/ Alamo Rent A Car]''', Toll free: +1-800-462-5266. *'''[http://www.avis.com/ Avis Rent A Car]''', Toll free: +1-800-331-1212. *'''[http://www.budget.com Budget Rent A Car]''', Toll free: +1-800-527-0700. *'''[http://www.dollar.com/ Dollar Rent A Car]''', Toll free: +1-800-800-3665. *'''[http://www.e-zrentacar.com E-Z Rent-A-Car]''', Toll free: +1-800-277-5171. *'''[http://www.enterprise.com Enterprise Rent-A-Car]''', Toll free: +1-800-261-7331. *'''[http://www.hertz.com Hertz Car Rental]''', Toll free: +1-800-654-3131. *'''[http://www.thrifty.com Thrifty]''', Toll free: +1-800-847-4389. *'''[http://dfweliteautorental.com DFW Elite Auto Rental]{{Dead link|date=April 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''', +1 817-838-7368. ===By bus=== * '''[http://www.greyhound.com Greyhound]'''. Bus stop is at the Fort Worth Intermodal Transportation Center. Also, subsidiaries of Greyhound, such as TNM&O serve as the regional carrier. *'''[http://us.megabus.com Megabus]'''. Service from [[Houston]], [[San Antonio]], [[Austin]], [[Memphis]], [[Little Rock]], [[Oklahoma City]], and [[Norman (Oklahoma)|Norman]]. Bus stop is located at 710 Davis St in [[Grand Prairie]]. Fares $1 and up. *'''[http://www.autobusesamericanos.us/EN/Home.shtml Autobus Americanos]'''. Mexican trans-border bus line with services to various points in Mexico. Bus stop is located at 5215 McCart in Fort Worth. *'''[http://ticket.gruposenda.com/ Turimex Internacional]{{Dead link|date=December 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}'''. Mexican trans-border bus line with services to various points in Mexico. Bus stop is located at 3620 Hemphill St. ==Get around== {{mapframe|32.7604|-97.3402|zoom=10}} {{mapshape}} {{mapshapes|Q497596}} <!-- Light Rail --> {{mapshapes|Q380660}} <!-- Trinity Rail Express --> {{mapshapes|Q5259601}} <!-- A-train --> ===Mass transit=== '''Buses''' and '''trains''' via '''[https://ridetrinitymetro.org/routes-schedules/ Trinity Metro]''' link many areas of town over mid-range distances. '''[http://www.trinityrailwayexpress.org/ Trinity Rail Express]''' has commuter train service between downtown Fort Worth, DFW Airport and downtown Dallas. Service is Monday through Saturday. No scheduled services on Sundays and most major holidays. '''[https://ridetrinitymetro.org/rider-services/molly-the-trolley/ Molly the Trolley]''' bus service provides local public transportation in areas like downtown Fort Worth, the Historic Stockyards, and to Sundance Square during lunchtime. Hours of operation vary by route. ===By bike=== * {{listing | name=Fort Worth B-cycle | alt= | url=https://fortworth.bcycle.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$8/24 hours; $15/3 days; $20/week |wikipedia=|wikidata=|image=|lastedit=2018-02-19| content=Bike sharing program with stations throughout downtown. }} ==See== [[File:0011Tarrant County Courthouse Full E Fort Worth Texas.jpg|thumb|Tarrant County Courthouse]] === Museums === * {{see | name=Kimbell Art Museum | alt= | url=http://www.kimbellart.org | email= | address=3333 Camp Bowie Blvd | lat=32.74873 | long=-97.36479 | directions= | phone=+1 817 332-8451 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A collection of artwork that ranges from 3000 BC to the mid-1900s. Although the collection is small, it boasts such big names as Matisse, Goya, Mondrian and Picasso, among others. The museum building itself is a highlight of architectural modernism, designed by American architect Louis Kahn. }} * {{see | name=Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth | alt= | url=http://www.themodern.org | email= | address=3200 Darnell St | lat=32.74887 | long=-97.36306 | directions= | phone=+1 817 738-9215 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The museum, located in an imposing, appropriately modern building, houses a large permanent collection and hosts many important traveling exhibitions. The building is designed by Japanese architect Tadao Ando. }} * {{see | name=Amon Carter Museum | alt= | url=http://www.cartermuseum.org | email= | address=3501 Camp Bowie Blvd | lat=32.74833 | long=-97.36697 | directions= | phone=+1 817-738-1933 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Extensive collection of American art and photography featuring many works by Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russel. }} * {{see | name=National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame | alt= | url=http://cowgirl.net | email= | address=1720 Gendy St | lat=32.74345 | long=-97.36868 | directions= | phone=+1 817-336-4475 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Museum and association which honors women of the American West who have displayed courage or spirit and who have distinguished themselves while exemplifying the pioneer spirit. }} * {{see | name=National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum | alt=formerly National Cowboys of Color Museum and Hall of Fame | url=http://www.cowboysofcolor.org | email= | address=3400 Mount Vernon Ave | lat=32.7418 | long=-97.2764 | directions= | phone=+1 817 534-8801 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum | wikidata=Q17020565 | content=Highlights the historical influence of non-White cowboys in Texas. }} * {{see | name=C.R. Smith Aviation Museum | alt= | url=http://www.crsmithmuseum.org | email= | address=4601 Hwy. 360 | lat=32.83258 | long=-97.06322 | directions= | phone=+1 817 967-1560 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=All you could ever want to know about the history of American Airlines. Great for kids, as it includes hands-on, interactive exhibits. }} * {{see | name=Stockyards Museum | alt= | url=http://www.stockyardsmuseum.org/ | email= | address=131 E. Exchange Ave | lat=32.78895 | long=-97.3486 | directions= | phone=+1 817 625-5082 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Located in the 1902 Livestock Exchange Building, this museum showcases the history of Fort Worth. Greater stockyards area described in "Do". }} *{{see | name=Fort Worth Museum of Science and History | alt= | url=http://www.fwmsh.org | email= | address=1501 Montgomery St. | lat=32.74501 | long=-97.36926 | directions=Exit Montgomery on 1-30 and head North | phone=+1 817-255-9300 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Family based hands on science and history museum, boasts traveling exhibits and the Omni-imax theater. }} * {{see | name=Oscar E. Monnig Meteorite Gallery | alt= | url=https://monnigmuseum.tcu.edu/ | email= | address=2950 West Bowie Street | lat=32.70807 | long=-97.35913 | directions=Texas Christian University campus in the Sid Richardson Science Building at the corner of West Bowie Street and Cockrell Avenue. | phone=+1 817-257-6277 | tollfree= | fax=+1 817-257-7789 | hours=M-F 1-4PM; Sa 10AM-4PM | price=free | content=Small museum with astonishing collection of pieces of the sky, well-documented. Touch a piece of Mars! }} * {{see | name=Sid Richardson Museum | alt= | url=https://www.sidrichardsonmuseum.org/ | email= | address=309 Main St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 817 332-6554 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10AM-4PM | price=Free | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Art museum with an emphasis on Western art (e.g. works by Frederic Remington, Charles Russell). }} * {{see | name=Texas Civil War Museum | alt= | url=https://texascivilwarmuseum.com/ | email= | address=760 Jim Wright Fwy North | lat=32.77238 | long=-97.47429 | directions= | phone=+1 817 246-2323 | tollfree= | hours= | price=$7 (over 13), $4 (ages 6-12) | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=A repository of Union and Confederate artifacts and history about the War Between the States. }} * {{see | name=Bureau of Engraving and Printing Visitors Center | alt= | url=https://www.bep.gov/visitor-centers/fort-worth-tx-tour-and-visitor-center | email= | address=9100 Blue Mound Road | lat=32.9015854 | long=-97.3479548 | directions= | phone=+1 817 231-4000 | tollfree=+1 866 865-1194 | hours=Tu-Fr 8:30AM-5:30PM | price=Free | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-05-22 | content=Tours open to the public of the money creation factory - see pallets of dollar bills created below your feet from a suspended walkway snaking through the facility. One of two in the nation (other in DC). Self-guided tour takes approximately 1 hour. Gift shop on site. }} * {{see | name=Vintage Flying Museum | alt= | url=http://www.vintageflyingmuseum.org/ | email= | address=505 NW 38th St # 33S | lat=32.81222 | long=-97.35617 | directions=on Meacham Airport grounds | phone=+1 817 624-1935 | tollfree= | hours= | price=$12 adults, $7 (ages 6-13) | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Warbirds on display in a hangar. If wanting to see some for free, you can just visit the outdoor space at the southern end of the Meacham Airport runway. }} === Attractions === * {{see | name=Sundance Square | alt= | url=http://www.sundancesquare.com/ | email= | address= | lat=32.75483 | long=-97.33129 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= 20 blocks of shops, bars & restaurants, brick-paved sidewalks and historic buildings. Well lit and popular with tourists and locals, Sundance Square is frequently the center for outdoor events such as concerts and art festivals. }} * {{see | name=Bass Performance Hall | alt= | url=http://www.basshall.com | email= | address= | lat=32.75510 | long=-97.32959 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A state-of-the-art venue presenting concerts, musicals, and theatrical performances throughout the year. }} * {{see | name=Fort Worth Stockyards | alt= | url=http://www.fortworthstockyards.org | email= | address= | lat=32.78883 | long=-97.34614 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Just north of the downtown area is the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, where you'll find Texas style nightlife at bars like '''[http://www.billybobstexas.com Billy Bob's]''' plus the '''[http://tchof.com/ Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame]''', the '''[http://www.stockyardsmuseum.org/ Stockyards Museum]''', '''[http://johnwayne.com/experience John Wayne: An American Experience]''', '''[http://www.fortworthherd.com/ The Fort Worth Longhorn Herd]''', and the '''Cowtown Cattle Pen Maze'''. The Stockyards are also home to a weekly rodeo. Held every Friday and Saturday evening, and billed as the "World's First Indoor Rodeo," it [http://www.cowtowncoliseum.com/ attracts competitors from around the country]. The Stockyards is also home to Riscky's Barbeque, considered by locals to be the best barbeque in the area. One block away, '''[https://coopersbbqfortworth.com/ Coopers Old Time Pit BBQ]''' offers excellent fare at fair prices. }} [[File:Convention Center Fort Worth.JPG|thumb|200px|right|Downtown convention center]] * {{see | name=Fort Worth Water Gardens | alt= | url=https://www.fortworth.com/listings/fort-worth-water-gardens/2989/ | email= | address=1502 Commerce St | lat=32.747778 | long=-97.326667 | directions= | phone=+1 817 392-7111 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Fort Worth Water Gardens | image=Fort Worth Water Gardens 2003.jpg | wikidata=Q2035884 | lastedit=2018-04-07 | content=A man-made watery setting to get away from the hustle and bustle downtown. For some awesome architecture, check out the 1933 Beaux Arts Style designed post office building at 251 Lancaster and Texas & Pacific Railway Station at 221 Lancaster (across the street from the south edge of the water gardens). }} *{{see | name=Burnett Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=32.75041 | long=-97.33362 | directions=Lamar and Texas streets | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Located on land donated by cattle baron Samuel Burk Burnett, features sculptures, pools, and granite walkways. Vast green parks and surrounding network of major lakes offer abundant opportunities for water sports and outdoor recreation. }} * {{see | name=The Fort Worth Botanic Garden | alt= | url=http://www.fwbg.org | email= | address=3220 Botanic Garden Blvd | lat=32.74025 | long=-97.36337 | directions= | phone=+1 817-871-7686 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Admission: $12 adults, seniors $10, children $5 (May 2022). Japanese garden additional $3. | content=The sprawling gardens includes a large flower garden, lawn, indoor tropical forest, and a beautiful Japanese garden. }} == Do == [[File:ModArtFtWorth.jpg|thumb|200px|The Modern Art Museum]] ===Zoological Parks and Theme Parks=== * {{do | name=The Fort Worth Zoo | alt= | url=https://www.fortworthzoo.org/ | email= | address=1989 Colonial Parkway | lat=32.72373 | long=-97.35594 | directions= | phone=+1 817-759-7555 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 10AM-5PM; Sa Su 10AM-6PM | price=$7-10.50 (Wednesdays are half-price) | wikidata=Q5472415 | content=Come see the animals and interactive exhibits. }} * {{do |name=NRH2O Family Water Park | url=http://www.nrh2o.com/ | address=Grapevine Highway (#26) between Precinct Line and North Harwood Road | lat=32.8509|long=-97.1931 | directions= in nearby North Richland Hills | phone=+1 817 427-6500 | tollfree= | hours=Taller than {{in|48}} M-Th $20, F-Su $25; shorter than 48 in, military, senior M-Th $17, F-Su $20 | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-07-10 | content= 17-acre park with 23 attractions, including the country’s longest uphill water roller coaster. }} ===Hiking and Natural Areas=== * {{do | name=Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge | alt= | url=https://www.fwnaturecenter.org/ | email= | address=9601 Fossil Ridge Rd | lat=32.84735 | long=-97.47584 | directions= | phone=+1 817 392-7410 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 8AM-5PM | price=$6 (over 12), $3 (over 65), $2 (ages 3-12), $1 dogs | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Hiking trails and boardwalks, kayak rentals, bison herd, native prairie grasses and woodlands. }} * {{do | name=Eagle Mountain Park | alt= | url=https://www.trwd.com/be-active | email= | address=11601 Morris Dido Newark Rd | lat=32.93506 | long=-97.48023 | directions= | phone=+1 817 335-2491 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 5AM-10PM | price=Free | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=A popular hiking area with rugged terrain and views over Eagle Mountain Lake. }} * {{do | name=Marion Sansom Park | alt= | url= | email= | address=2501 Roberts Cut Off Rd | lat=32.79564 | long=-97.41333 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Daily 6AM-10PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Another popular hiking area with waterfalls and views of the western half of the city and Lake Worth. }} ===Sports=== *{{do | name=TCU Horned Frogs | alt= | url=https://gofrogs.com/ | email= | address= | lat=32.70901 | long=-97.36712 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=The sports teams representing Texas Christian University, have branded themselves as "Fort Worth's team". The Frogs are best known for their football program, a rising national power in the first part of this century. TCU now competes in the Big 12 Conference. Most of TCU's athletic venues are on campus, with the best-known being Amon G. Carter Stadium (football) and Schollmaier Arena (basketball). }} *{{do | name=Texas Brahmas | url=https://www.texasjrbrahmas.com/ | email= | address=8851 Ice House Dr | lat=32.85974 | long=-97.20683 | directions= | phone=+1 817 520-2115 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=See website for current season schedule | price= | wikidata=Q7707794 | lastedit=2023-08-09 | content=Enjoy an ice-hockey game at the NYTEX Sports Centre in North Richland Hills. The Brahmas play in the North American Tier III hockey league. }} * {{do | name=Texas Motor Speedway | alt= | url=https://www.texasmotorspeedway.com/ | email= | address=3545 Lone Star Cir | lat=33.0363 | long=-97.2816 | directions= | phone=+1 817 215-8500 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Catch NASCAR and other events here, such as an extravagant Christmas display. }} ===Events=== * {{do | name=Main St. Fort Worth Arts Festival | alt= | url=http://www.MainStreetArtsFest.org | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=free | content=Ranked 8th in the country by the Art Fair Source Book and the Harris List, and number one in Texas, Main St. hosts tens of thousands of people annually during the four-day visual arts, entertainment and cultural event. Main St. showcases a nationally recognized fine art and fine craft juried art fair, live concerts, performance artists and street performers on the streets of downtown Fort Worth-stretching nine blocks on Main Street from the Tarrant County Courthouse to the Fort Worth Convention Center. }} * {{do | name=Sundance Square Parade of Lights | alt= | url=http://www.FortWorthParadeofLights.org | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Late November. Watch colorful illuminated floats, beautiful antique cars, marching bands, equestrian units, horse-drawn carriages and a cast of delightful characters dressed in their holiday best. The unforgettable parade and an annual visit from Santa Claus and his elves will make the Sundance Square Parade of Lights a fun-filled holiday experience for the entire family! Free. }} *'''[https://www.navymwrfortworth.com/event/airshow/schedule NAS JRB Wings Over Cowtown Air Show]''', at the NAS JRB military base (restricted entry, but viewing available from nearby). Features air stunts and formations like the Blue Angels. July. ==Learn== * {{listing | name=Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary | alt= | url=http://www.swbts.edu | email= | address=2001 W Seminary Dr | lat=32.682 | long=-97.348 | directions= | phone=+1 817-923-1921 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7571391 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Tarrant County College | alt= | url=http://www.tccd.edu | email= | address= | lat=32.747531 | long=-97.327832 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7686664 | lastedit=2021-09-06 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Texas Christian University | alt= | url=http://www.tcu.edu | email= | address= | lat=32.709605 | long=-97.362823 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2302280 | lastedit=2021-09-06 | content= }} * {{listing | name=University of North Texas Health Science Center | alt= | url=https://www.unthsc.edu/ | email= | address=3500 Camp Bowie Blvd | lat=32.7486 | long=-97.3694 | directions= | phone=+1 817-735-2000 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7895977 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Texas Wesleyan University | alt= | url=http://www.txwesleyan.edu | email= | address= | lat=32.733 | long=-97.28 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7708205 | lastedit=2021-09-06 | content= }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Fort Worth Stockyards Station | alt= | url=http://fortworthstockyards.com/ | email= | address=140 E Exchange Ave | lat= | long= | directions=at Stockyards | phone=+1 817 625-9715 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=A covered emporium of different shops, confectioneries, games, photo studios, etc. Also Exchange Ave itself is chock full of curio shops and eateries aimed at the tourist. }} *'''Sundance Square''' * {{buy | name=Montgomery Plaza | alt= | url=https://montgomeryplaza.shopkimco.com/ | email= | address=2600 W 7th St | lat=32.75177 | long=-97.3533 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10AM-9PM, Su 11AM-6PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Old department store complex refurbished with a lot of pizzazz. }} * {{buy | name=Crockett Row | alt=Artisan Circle | url=https://artisancirclefw.com/ | email= | address=816 Foch St | lat=32.74999 | long=-97.35657 | directions= | phone=+1 817 810-9076 | tollfree= | hours=Th-Su 4PM-Midnight | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content= }} ===Shopping Malls=== * {{buy | name=North East Mall | alt= | url=https://www.simon.com/mall/north-east-mall | email= | address=1101 Melbourne Rd, Hurst | lat=32.8298 | long=-97.2003 | directions= | phone=+1 817 284-3427 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Still surviving mall with a large movie theater complex and surrounding eateries. }} * {{buy | name=Hulen Mall | alt= | url=https://www.hulenmall.com | email= | address=4800 S Hulen St | lat=32.6784 | long=-97.3985 | directions= | phone=+1 817 294-1205 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5935635 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=Seems to attract the occasional shoot'em up but still a big mall with theater. }} * {{buy | name=La Gran Plaza de Fort Worth | alt= | url=http://www.lagranplazamall.com/ | email= | address=4200 South Fwy | lat=32.6866 | long=-97.325 | directions= | phone=+1 817 922-8888 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10AM-9PM, Su 11AM-8PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Visiting this mall you will somehow wonder if you magically teleported to Mexico, as it has a very Mexican flavor with mariachi bands and layout. }} ===Other=== * {{buy | name=Tanger Outlets Fort Worth | alt= | url=https://www.tangeroutlet.com/fortworth | email= | address=15853 N Fwy | lat=33.0214 | long=-97.2813 | directions= | phone=+1 817 464-5400 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content= }} * {{buy | name=Henderson Street Flea Market | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/hendersonstreetbazaar/ | email= | address=1000 N Henderson St | lat=32.76366 | long=-97.34758 | directions= | phone=+1 817 877-3021 | tollfree= | hours=Sa-Su 7AM-8PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=If you are into flea markets, this might be for you. }} ==Eat== Fort Worth is similar to many Texas cities in that there are two main food groups, BBQ and Tex-Mex. While tastes are changing and multiple options are available, these will still be your best two bets in the city. A growing food truck scene is starting to make a presence in the city, and some of the local breweries are making drinks worth recommending to friends. ===Budget=== *{{eat | name=Angelo's Bar-B-Que | url=https://angelosbbq.com | email= | address=2533 White Settlement Rd | lat=32.75889 | long=-97.35239 | directions= | phone=+1 817 332-0357 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-10PM | price= $10 for a full plate with one or two meats and three sides. | content=Tied with Railhead (below) for the best BBQ in the southwest. A Fort Worth classic. This is in an old wooden barn, which adds a great atmosphere to the dining experience. The pork ribs were very tasty and the large cold beers were particularly nice. Meats melt in the mouth and beans are awesome. They actually bbq on premises which some of the other place don't. It's about a 5-min drive out of the downtown area. }} *{{eat | name=Railhead Smokehouse | alt= | url=http://www.railheadsmokehouse.com | email= | address=2900 Montgomery St | lat=32.73112 | long=-97.37058 | directions= | phone=+1 817 738-9808 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-9PM | price= | content=Tied with Angelo's for the best BBQ in the southwest. }} *{{eat | name=Fuzzy's Taco Shop | url=https://restaurants.fuzzystacoshop.com/fuzzys-taco-shop-bfdfcdaa4dda | email= | address=2917 W Berry St | lat=32.70598 | long=-97.35902 | directions=Two locations | phone=+1 817-924-7943 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su-M 7AM-10PM, Tu-W 7AM-11PM, Th-Sa 7AM-2AM | price= | content=Excellent taco dive - lots of food for cheap, great fish tacos, late hours, cheap drinks, all without leaving the affluent TCU area. }} *{{eat | name=Kincaid's | url=https://www.kincaidshamburgers.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Two locations | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-6PM | price= | content=Texas' (perhaps America's) best burgers. Original Camp Bowie location is in a kitschy old grocery story. }} ** {{eat | name=Kincaid's | alt= | url= | email= | address=4901 Camp Bowie Blvd | lat=32.73745 | long=-97.39326 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-09-06 | content= }} ** {{eat | name=Kincaid's | alt= | url= | email= | address=4825 Overton Ridge Blvd | lat=32.67606 | long=-97.40027 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-09-06 | content= }} * {{eat | name=The Love Shack | alt= | url=http://loveburgershackfortworth.com/ | email= | address=110 Exchange Ave | lat=32.788748 | long=-97.348657 | directions=in the Stockyards | phone=+1 817 740-8812 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su-Tu 11AM-9PM, W-Th 11AM-10PM, F-Sa 11AM-11PM | price= | content=Excellent unique hamburger created by celebrity Ft. Worth chef, Tim Love. Daily flavored milk shakes. Live music. (Possible cover charge on weekends.) Cash only. }} * {{eat | name=Green Vine Market | alt= | url=https://www.greenvinemarket.com | email= | address=1804 K Avenue | lat=33.0243265 | long=-96.6978848 | directions= | phone=+1 972 942 0808 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa: 8AM-9PM, Su: 8AM-8:30PM | price= | content=Hamburgers, daily flavored milk shakes, live music (Possible cover charge on weekends). Cash only. |lastedit=2024-12-05}} ===Mid-range=== *{{eat | name=Nonna Tata | url= | email= | address=1400 W. Magnolia Ave | lat=32.73076 | long=-97.34046 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Lunch Tu-Th 11AM-3PM; Dinner M-Th 5:30PM-9PM, F 5:30PM-10PM | price=$15-30 | content=Certainly one of Fort Worth's smallest restaurants, Nonna Tata is also one of its best. With only 21 seats indoors and another 30 outdoors, the restaurant fills up early and often develops long waits on weekends. Absolutely amazing authentic Italian food, with a menu that changes weekly and amiable service. BYOB, cash only, no reservations. }} *{{eat | name=Central Market | url=http://www.centralmarket.com/ | email= | address=4651 West Freeway | lat=32.73003 | long=-97.38909 | directions= | phone=+1 817 989-4700 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM-9PM Daily | price=$5-15 | content=DFW's best gourmet grocery also has a formidable cafe attached, with amazing, huge custom sandwiches, cheap and great pizzas and international noodle dishes made for you, a mind-boggling prepared food section and $15 meals for two bagged and ready to go. Any kind of food you could want, done extremely well, for grocery story prices, plus a generous selection of wine and beer. }} *{{eat | name=Fred's Texas Cafe | alt= | url=https://www.fredstexascafe.com/ | email= | address=2730 Western Center Blvd | lat=32.86012 | long=-97.3205 | directions= | phone=+1 817 232-0111 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10AM-midnight, Sunday Brunch | price=$8-12 | content=The "Outlaw Chef" cooks genuine Southern/Texican food in one of the most unique and exciting ways you'll find in Fort Worth. Super laid-back setting, with genuine Texas food and genuine Texas music. Happy hour before 6 and whenever it's raining. }} *{{eat | name=Hunter Brothers' H3 Ranch | url=http://www.h3ranch.com/ | email= | address=109 E Exchange Ave | lat=32.78911 | long=-97.34889 | directions= | phone=+1 817 624-1246 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$18-30 | content=For the cowboy tourist. A strong cowtown theme predominates in this Stockyards-area steakhouse. Come for the atmosphere first, the food second. }} *{{eat | name=Joe T. Garcia's | url=http://www.joets.com/ | email= | address=2201 N. Commerce St. | lat=32.78450 | long=-97.34818 | directions= | phone=+1 817 626-4356 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A Fort Worth legend, dine family style in a large converted mansion or in its beautiful expansive gardens with lush vegetation and calming pools; choose from one of two menu options nightly. There is frequently a line around the block in good weather, so arrive early or be prepared to wait. Great margaritas. Cash only (ATM on site). }} *{{eat | name=La Familia | alt= | url=http://la-familia-mexican-restaurant.business.site/ | email= | address=841 Foch St. | lat=32.750087 | long=-97.356291 | directions= | phone=+1 817-870-2002 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–Th 11AM–9PM, F 11AM–9:30PM, Sa 9AM–9:30PM, Su M closed | price= | content=Mexican restaurant locally renowned for their excellent Tex-Mex and friendly owner (Al) and staff. }} *{{eat | name=King Tut | url= | email= | address=1512 West Magnolia Ave. | lat=32.73085 | long=-97.34271 | directions= | phone=+1 817 335-3051 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 11AM-2PM & 5PM-9PM; Sa 5PM-9PM | price= | content=Egyptian restaurant with excellent Middle Eastern cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Spiral Diner | url=http://www.spiraldiner.com/ | email= | address=1314 W. Magnolia | lat=32.73083 | long=-97.34012 | directions= | phone=+1 817 3-EATVEG | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-Sa 11AM-10PM, Su 11AM-5PM | price= | content=The only strictly vegan restaurant in Fort Worth, Spiral Diner has an eclectic menu that will not let you down on taste. One of Fort Worth's finest restaurants regardless of dietary restriction. }} *{{eat | name=Uncle Julio's | url=http://www.unclejulios.com/ | email= | address=5301 Camp Bowie Blvd | lat=32.73445 | long=-97.40097 | directions= | phone=+1 817 377-2777 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$8-30 | content=Excellent and diverse Tex-Mex menu, friendly staff, decent happy hour before 6PM. }} ===Splurge=== *{{eat | name=Bonnell's | url=http://www.bonnellstexas.com/ | email= | address=4259 Bryant Irvin Rd | lat=32.68952 | long=-97.41123 | directions= | phone=+1 817 738-5489 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Lunch Tu-F 11AM-2:30PM, Dinner Tu-Sa 5:30PM-9:30PM | price= | content=Chef Jon Bonnell's southwest-themed masterpiece. }} *{{eat | name=Del Frisco's Steakhouse | url=http://www.delfriscos.com/ | email= | address=812 Main St | lat=32.75204 | long=-97.32984 | directions= | phone=+1 817 877-3999 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 5-10PM; F-Sa 5-11PM; Su 5-9PM | price=$50+ | content=One of the finest steakhouses in the world, with an excellent wine list. It is, however, extremely expensive, and you will have to wait a little while even if you have a reservation. Don't come here for anything other than steak, but if you are looking for steak, it is hard to beat. }} *{{eat | name=Reata Restaurant | url=http://www.reata.net/ | email= | address=310 Houston St | lat=32.75476 | long=-97.33262 | directions= | phone=+1 817 336-1009 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Lunch 11:30AM-2:30PM, Dinner 5PM to 10:30PM daily | price= | content=One of the most widely acclaimed restaurants in Texas, and one of the first to bring "Cowboy cuisine" to the forefront of the refined American palate. Online reservation system. }} *{{eat | name=Saint-Emilion | url= | email= | address=3617 W 7th St | lat=32.75109 | long=-97.37069 | directions= | phone=+1 817 737-2781 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-Sa 6PM-9PM | price=$25-50 | content=The best French country food in Fort Worth, and a cozy dining experience. }} === Sweets === * {{eat|name=Melt Icecream|alt=|url=http://www.gypsyscoops.com|email=|address=1201 W Magnolia Ave #115, 76104|lat=32.7304787|long=-97.3382182|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-19|content=Tiny ice cream parlor serving creative flavor combos frequently with lines out the door at multiple times in the day}} ==Drink== * {{drink | name=Flying Saucer Draught Emporium | alt= | url=http://www.beerknurd.com | email= | address=111 E 3rd St | lat=32.75567 | long=-97.33107 | directions= | phone=+1 817 336-7468 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The gameroom offers a place to play a game of pool, chess or darts. The shiny, faux-rock floor throughout is enhanced by the vast collection of vintage dinnerware adorning every wall. They have the largest selection of beer (225 varieties) around. Menu selections include Creamy Beer Cheese Soup, the Build-Your-Own Sausage and Cheese Plate, spicy sausage quesadillas and traditional bratwurst with German potato salad. }} *{{drink | name=Chat Room Pub | alt=The Chat | url= | email= | address=1263 West Magnolia Ave | lat=32.730938371422496 | long=-97.33916759490967 | directions= | phone=+1 817 922-8319 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=3PM-2AM | price= | content=Good drink selection in a chilled atmosphere. }} * {{drink | name=The Usual | alt= | url=http://www.theusualbar.com | email= | address=1408 W. Magnolia Ave | lat=32.73076 | long=-97.34083 | directions= | phone=+1 817 810-0114 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A high-end craft cocktail bar popular with the hip Magnolia Avenue set. A somewhat mixed, gay-friendly spot with very modern decor and a nice but small patio out back. This is the place to go for expensive but very well-mixed takes on the classics, and an inspired cocktail menu. Try the Montpelier, which mixes bourbon, smoked maple syrup, Jamaican rum, and Italian vermouth. }} * {{drink|name=Our Taphouse|alt=|url=https://ourtaphouse.com/|email=|address=1001 Bryan Ave, 76104|lat=32.734043|long=-97.3250209|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=|content=50+ taps with local, regional and a few international flavors off the beaten path. Plus food.}} === Breweries & distilleries === * {{drink | name=Martin House Brewery | alt= | url=http://martinhousebrewing.com/ | email= | address=220 S Sylvania Ave, 76111 | lat=32.763604 | long=-97.310007 | directions= | phone=+1 817 222-0177 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-02-19 | content=Weekly Tours and Tastings Every Thursday (6-8pm) & Saturday (2-5pm). }} *{{drink|name=Wild Acre Brewery|alt=|url=http://wildacrebrewing.com/|email=|address=1734 E El Paso St #190, 76102|lat=32.7431191|long=-97.3096823|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-19|content=Shares a location with Silver Star Vodka. Not the best area of town, but the brewery is safe and the beer is worth the stop}} * {{drink|name=Rahr and Sons Brewing|alt=|url=https://rahrbrewing.com|email=|address=701 Galveston Ave, 76104|lat=32.7368466|long=-97.327027|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-19|content=Brewery tour & tasting Sa 1PM - 3PM, W 5PM - 7:30PM}} *{{drink|name=Panther Island Brewery|alt=|url=http://pantherislandbrewing.com/|email=|address=501 N Main St, 76164|lat=32.7637277|long=-97.338419|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-19|content=F 5PM – 9PM, Sa noon – 5PM, Su 2PM – 7PM}} * {{drink|name=HopFusion Ale Works|alt=|url=http://hopfusionaleworks.com/|email=|address=200 E Broadway Ave, 76104|lat=32.7415864|long=-97.324889|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=Tu-Th 4PM - 11PM, F noon - 11PM, Sa noon-midnight, Su noon - 11PM|price=|lastedit=2018-02-19|content=Taproom and microbrewery, though you can find their cans at a few local shops and stores}} * {{drink|name=Firestone & Robertson Distillery|alt=Whiskey Ranch|url=https://www.frdistilling.com/|email=|address=4250 Mitchell Blvd, 76119|lat=32.7019704|long=-97.2892775|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-19|content=Home to the blended TX Whiskey and the Texas locally distilled and aged TX Bourbon. Set on the grounds of a golf course Byron Nelson played as a youth, more than just a stop for a drink.}} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Motel 6 Ft Worth North | alt= | url=https://www.motel6.com/content/g6/en/home/motels.tx.ft-worth.8617.html | email= | address=3271 I-35W | lat=32.80480 | long=-97.31853 | directions= | phone=+1 817 625-4359 | tollfree= | fax=+1 817 625-8256 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fort Worth West - I-30 | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/laquinta/fort-worth-texas/la-quinta-fort-worth-west-i-30/overview | email= | address=7310 Calmont Ave | lat=32.73442 | long=-97.44311 | directions= | phone=+1 817 244-4777 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$65 (Jan 2022) | lastedit=2022-01-16 | content=Indoor pool and hot tub. }} * {{sleep | name=La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fort Worth North | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/laquinta/fort-worth-texas/la-quinta-fort-worth-north/overview | email= | address=4700 North Fwy | lat=32.82629 | long=-97.31181 | directions= | phone=+1 817 222-2888 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$58 (Jan 2022) | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-16 | content=Outdoor pool and breakfast. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Hyatt Place Fort Worth/Cityview | alt= | url=https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/texas/hyatt-place-fort-worth-cityview/dfwzc | email= | address=5900 Cityview Blvd | lat=32.68092 | long=-97.41308 | directions=southwest Fort Worth | phone=+1 817 361-9797 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$101 (Jan 2022) | content=Very cookie-cutter. }} * {{sleep | name=Comfort Suites DFW Airport | alt= | url=http://www.comfortsuites.com/hotel-irving-texas-TX010 | email= | address=4700 W. John Carpenter Fwy | lat=32.91617 | long=-97.01231 | directions= | phone=+1 972 929-9097 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Courtyard Fort Worth Downtown | url=https://www.marriott.com/dfwms | email= | address=601 Main St | lat=32.75378 | long=-97.33038 | directions=Four blocks from the Convention Center | phone=+1 817 885-8700 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$209-249 | content=Renovated rooms with modern amenities. }} * {{sleep | name=Best Western Plus Fort Worth North | url=https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotel-rooms.44794.html | email= | address=3751 NE Loop 820 | lat=32.84026 | long=-97.29390 | directions=Intersection of the 35W and 820 freeways, close to the Fort Worth Stockyards | phone=+1 817 847-0044 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$99 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=DoubleTree by Hilton Fort Worth South Hotel & Conference Center | alt= | url=https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/ftwstdt-doubletree-fort-worth-south/ | email= | address=100 East Alta Mesa Blvd | lat=32.65267 | long=-97.31898 | directions=Five miles from Downtown Fort Worth | phone=+1 817-293-3088 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$142 (Jul 2025) | content=Three-star hotel with amenities including indoor heated pool, restaurant, lounge, room service, fitness room, and business center. }} * {{sleep | name=Sheraton Fort Worth | alt= | url=http://www.sheratonfortworth.com | email= | address=1701 Commerce St | lat=32.74786 | long=-97.32469 | directions=Downtown | phone=+1 817 335-7000 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=SpringHill Suites Fort Worth University | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dfwuv-springhill-suites-fort-worth-university/ | email= | address=3250 Lovell Ave | lat=32.73214 | long=-97.36469 | directions= | phone=+1 817-878-2554 | tollfree=+1-888-236-2427 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Extended stay hotel located near the convention center. }} * {{sleep | name=TownePlace Suites Fort Worth Southwest | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dfwts-towneplace-suites-fort-worth-southwest/ | email= | address=4200 International Plaza | lat=32.68556 | long=-97.40178 | directions=Halfway between Benbrook Lake and downtown. | phone=+1 817-732-2224 | tollfree=+1-888-236-2427 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Courtyard Fort Worth University Drive | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dfwch-courtyard-fort-worth-university-drive/ | email= | address=3150 Riverfront Dr | lat=32.72550 | long=-97.36250 | directions= | phone=+1 817-335-1300 | tollfree=+1-888-236-2427 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} ===Splurge=== *{{sleep | name=The Ashton | url=http://www.theashtonhotel.com/ | email= | address=610 Main St | lat=32.75331 | long=-97.33069 | directions= | phone=+1 817 332-0100 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$250 | content=Well-liked luxury hotel in a renovated historical building. Very helpful, attentive staff. }} *{{sleep | name=Hilton Fort Worth | url=http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/FTWFWHF-Hilton-Fort-Worth-Texas/index.do | email= | address=815 Main St | lat=32.75238 | long=-97.32942 | directions= | phone=+1 817 870-2100 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$95 | content=A clean, quiet place to stay, with good service. The building and decor could use an update. }} *{{sleep | name=Renaissance Worthington | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dfwdt-renaissance-worthington-hotel-fort-worth/ | email= | address=200 Main St | lat=32.75543 | long=-97.33341 | directions= | phone=+1 817 870-1000 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$199 | content=The city's only 4-diamond hotel, since opening in 1981 with all the expected amenities. Especially well-regarded for efficient yet friendly staff. }} ===Lockheed Martin Plant=== Options ideal for travel to the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics plant: 200 N Grants Ln, adjacent to the Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base (JRB, formerly Carswell Air Force Base): * {{sleep | name=Quality Inn & Suites | alt= | url=https://www.choicehotels.com/texas/fort-worth/quality-inn-hotels/tx866 | email= | address=2700 S Cherry Ln | lat=32.73531 | long=-97.45187 | directions=2 miles from plant | phone=+1 817-560-4180 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$61 (Jan 2022) | content=Breakfast available. }} * {{sleep | name=Country Inn & Suites by Radisson | alt= | url=https://www.radissonhotelsamericas.com/en-us/hotels/country-inn-fort-worth-nas-jrd-tx?cid=a:se+b:gmb+c:amer+i:local+e:cis+d:us+h:USAFTTX | email= | address=2730 Cherry Ln | lat=32.73452 | long=-97.45188 | directions=2 miles from plant | phone=+1 817-560-4200 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Spring Hill Suites | alt= | url= | email= | address=3250 Lovell Ave | lat=32.73214 | long=-97.36469 | directions=off University Drive, approximately 6.8 miles from plant | phone=+1 817-878-2554 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} ==Connect== Good cellular phone coverage by all major providers throughout the city and all major roadways. Internet hot-spots available at most '''Starbucks Coffee''' locations, DFW Airport, and '''FedEx Kinko's''' offices. Daily newspaper: * [http://www.star-telegram.com/ Fort Worth Star-Telegram]. ==Stay safe== As with any other large city, be vigilant in Fort Worth. The city's central arts and entertainment district is well policed, however, as so long as you make sure you lock your car and hide any valuables inside, all that you need is a little extra awareness of your surroundings. The city's freeways can be quite dangerous if you are not accustomed to driving in such high volumes of rapidly moving traffic; keep this in mind when you are planning a trip. Areas to avoid after dark are the East Side, Southeast Side (especially in the Stop Six section), the Como neighborhood, and the Trails/Calmont neighborhood, as these places have high rates of gun crimes from armed robberies to shootings. The Stockyards bar and club district can get rowdy on Friday and Saturday nights, but the nightlife at Sundance Square in Downtown is more laid back. ==Cope== ===Gym workout=== *'''[http://www.24hourfitness.com/ 24 Hour Fitness]''' and '''[http://www.lafitness.com/ LA Fitness (which now includes Ballys)]''' have many locations throughout the area. If you have a regular membership with either of them from back home your membership is good here. Note that some memberships are only good for one location and will cost extra to access a different gym/club than the one you normally go to at home. Ask before leaving. Otherwise day passes range from $10-20. Bring a lock and towel. * {{listing | name=Kadampa Meditation Center Texas | alt= | url=http://www.meditationinfortworth.org | email= | address=2836 Stanley Avenue | lat=32.71005 | long=-97.34638 | directions= | phone=+1 817-303-2700 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-09-06 | content=Offers relaxation meditations and meditation classes to increase inner peace. }} ==Go next== * [[Mineral Wells]], home to '''Lake Mineral Wells State Park''' * [[Bridgeport (Texas)|Bridgeport]], 30 miles to the northwest has a nice lake for boating and fishing. * [[Weatherford (Texas)|Weatherford]], 20 miles west of downtown Fort Worth. * [[Grapevine (Texas)|Grapevine]] has a nice historic main street area and numerous wineries. * [[Glen Rose]] 50 miles southwest has Dinosaur Valley State Park and Fossil Rim Wildlife Center. {{routebox | image1=Amtrak Heartland Flyer icon.png | imagesize1=100 | directionl1=N | majorl1=[[Oklahoma City]] | minorl1=[[Gainesville (Texas)|Gainesville]] | directionr1=S | majorr1=END | minorr1= | image2=Amtrak Texas Eagle icon.png | imagesize2=100 | directionl2=NE | majorl2=[[St. Louis]] | minorl2='''[[Dallas]]''' | directionr2=SW | majorr2=[[San Antonio]] | minorr2=[[Temple]] | image3=I-20.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=W | majorl3=[[Midland (Texas)|Midland]] | minorl3=[[Weatherford (Texas)|Weatherford]] | directionr3=E | majorr3=[[Dallas]] | minorr3=[[Arlington (Texas)|Arlington]] | image4=I-30.svg | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=W | majorl4=[[Midland (Texas)|Midland]] | minorl4=[[Weatherford (Texas)|Weatherford]] ← '''Merges into [[File:I-20.svg|18px]]''' | directionr4=E | majorr4=[[Dallas]] | minorr4=[[Arlington (Texas)|Arlington]] | image5=I-35W.svg | imagesize5=22 | directionl5=N | majorl5=[[Oklahoma City]] | minorl5=[[Denton (Texas)|Denton]] | directionr5=S | majorr5=[[Waco]] | minorr5=[[Hillsboro (Texas)|Hillsboro]] | image6=US 81.svg | imagesize6=22 | directionl6=N | majorl6=[[Chickasha]] | minorl6=[[Decatur (Texas)|Decatur]] | directionr6=S | majorr6=END | minorr6= | image7=US 287.svg | imagesize7=22 | directionl7=N | majorl7=[[Wichita Falls]] | minorl7=[[Decatur (Texas)|Decatur]] | directionr7=S | majorr7=[[Beaumont]] | minorr7=[[Arlington (Texas)|Arlington]] | image8=US 377.svg | imagesize8=22 | directionl8=S | majorl8=[[Del Rio]] | minorl8=[[Granbury]] | directionr8=N | majorr8=[[Stroud (Oklahoma)|Stroud]] | minorr8=[[Denton (Texas)|Denton]] }} {{isPartOf|Dallas-Fort_Worth_Metroplex}} {{geo|32.74859|-97.32925}} {{usablecity}} q69n7jxm6tgm5i5xjtanz7trziuji8x 5087096 5087092 2025-07-03T11:15:23Z Lazarus1255 2236161 /* Get around */It was replaced by this service. 5087096 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Fort Worth Wikivoyage banner.jpg}} [[File:Mural Fort Worth.JPG|thumb|350px|right|Fort Worth, Texas]] '''[http://fortworth.com Fort Worth]''' is a city in the [[Prairies and Lakes]] region of [[Texas]]. With a population of approximately 957,000, it is Texas' 5th largest city. It is part of the [[Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex]], which has a population exceeding 6 million. Sometimes referred to as Cowtown, it is by far closer to its cowboy roots than neighboring [[Dallas]]. This article also covers '''North Richland Hills''', a neighboring community. ==Understand== Fort Worth grew from a military camp established at the close of the Mexican War by Gen. Winfield Scott, and named for Gen. William Jenkins Worth who fought in the war. Forty-two men of Company F, 2nd Dragoons, established the camp on June 6, 1849. The Fort Worth to Yuma, Arizona stage line was established in 1850. The city became the seat of Tarrant County 1860, and after the Civil War, it became a major shipping and supply depot for cattlemen. ===Climate=== Fort Worth is located in the [[South (United States of America)|American South]], and has a subtropical climate with mild winters, hot summers, and a wet spring and fall in between. In winter and summer it can also be a very dry place, as it receives warmer, drier weather from the Mojave Desert in the west and the Great Plains in the north. Winters are generally mild, with average highs in the mid to upper 50s (10-15 °C) and average lows around the freezing mark (0-5 °C). It is not uncommon for Winter days with highs in the upper 60s (~20°C) with the following days high temperature 20-30 degrees cooler. It may snow in Fort Worth a couple times a year, and occasionally winter temperatures will not get above freezing (32°F, 0 °C), but for the most part winter is just relatively dry and cool. There is, however, the danger of freezing rain and ice storms. Spring and fall bring very pleasant temperatures, but spring is also known for its storms. Fort Worth is at the Southern tip of Tornado Alley, and springtime weather can be quite volatile and severe storms often occur. Summers are hot and dry - but often humid - with temperatures frequently surpassing 100 °F (38 °C). Average precipitation in Fort Worth is 33 inches (830 mm) per year.{{Climate | units = Imperial | janhigh = 53 | febhigh = 58 | marhigh = 67 | aprhigh = 76 | mayhigh = 82 | junhigh = 90 | julhigh = 95 | aughigh = 95 | sephigh = 88 | octhigh = 78 | novhigh = 67 | dechigh = 57 | janlow = 30 | feblow = 35 | marlow = 43 | aprlow = 53 | maylow = 61 | junlow = 68 | jullow = 72 | auglow = 71 | seplow = 65 | octlow = 54 | novlow = 43 | declow = 34 | janprecip = 1.7 | febprecip = 2.1 | marprecip = 2.6 | aprprecip = 3.3 | mayprecip = 4.6 | junprecip = 3.5 | julprecip = 2.4 | augprecip = 2.1 | sepprecip = 3.4 | octprecip = 3.2 | novprecip = 2 | decprecip = 1.8 | description = {{ForecastNOAA|Fort Worth|32.74859|-97.32925}} }} === Neighborhoods === * {{see|name=TCU|alt=Texas Christian University|url=|email=|address=2900 S University Dr|lat=32.708451|long=-97.361499|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-17|content=The TCU area is dominated by the campus. Some unique restaurants and boutiques are mixed with standard college fare, but the campus is beautiful and shows up in force (and in Purple) for gamedays}} * {{see|name=Sundance Square|alt=Downtown Fort Worth|url=https://sundancesquare.com/|email=|address=400 Main St|lat=32.7549445|long=-97.3314084|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-17|content=Sundance Square is a city park in downtown that plays host to multiple events year round. Night and weekend parking is free and additional security patrols not only keep the area safe, but also can help you find your next destination.}} * {{see|name=Stockyards|alt=|url=|email=|address=|lat=32.7888519|long=-97.3491774|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-17|content=A national historic district, the Stockyards is the iconic background for which Fort Worth is known. The backdrop is all things western from cattle drives and BBQ to country music and belt buckles. No trip to Fort Worth is complete without a quick stop here.}} * {{see|name=The Cultural District|alt=|url=https://fwculture.com/|email=|address=|lat=32.750624|long=-97.362143|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-17|content=Home to world class museum, the stock show & rodeo as well as numerous restaurants and merchants, this area hosts many of Fort Worth's main attractions. Located across the Trinity River, 2 miles west of downtown, this area could be thought of as uptown. The area is also known as West 7th.}} * {{see|name=Near Southside|alt=|url=https://www.nearsouthsidefw.org/home|email=|address=|lat=32.73225|long=-97.33486|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-17|content=Also called South Main and Magnolia, this is the area where artists and more liberal mindsets are welcome. The area hosts multiple of the cities micro breweries, bars and restaurants. The area is undergoing a renaissance with new building and merchants, but the growth is keeping with the vibe of the current culture.}} * {{see|name=Southwest Fort Worth|alt=Camp Bowie, Hulen, Clearfork|url=|email=|address=|lat=32.7026386|long=-97.4156228|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-17|content=While not a single neighborhood, Southwest Fort Worth has a collection of different shopping areas and neighborhood restaurant clusters.}} ==Get in== ===By plane=== All the major American carriers and many international ones provide scheduled passenger service into the {{marker|type=go|name=[[Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport]]|lat=32.897541|long=-97.040431}} ({{IATA|DFW}}), located {{mi|17}} from downtown Fort Worth. This airport is one of three major hubs for American Airlines. American Airlines is also headquartered in Fort Worth. ===By train=== The {{marker|type=go|name=Fort Worth Intermodal Transportation Center|url=|lat=32.7527|long=-97.3264}} at 1001 Jones St is the central hub for Amtrak trains and '''[http://www.trinityrailwayexpress.org/ Trinity Railway Express]''' (TRE) commuter trains to Dallas, along with Greyhound inter-city bus service and local bus service provided by the T. TRE trains can provide a stress-free way to travel between the two cities during rush hour and also serve the more historic {{marker|type=go|name=T&P Station|url=|lat=32.745944|long=-97.327778}} at 1600 Throckmorton St on the south side of downtown. [[Amtrak]]'s Texas Eagle provides daily service between [[Chicago]], [[Illinois]] and [[San Antonio]], Texas with stops in Fort Worth and Dallas. Also, Amtrak's [http://www.heartlandflyer.com/ Heartland Flyer]{{Dead link|date=January 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} provides daily service between Fort Worth and [[Oklahoma City]], and points in between. Woefully underfunded, passenger train service in the United States is a slow but scenic way to travel, if you aren't too concerned about arriving on time. Alternatively, arrive from DFW Airport on '''[https://ridetrinitymetro.org/texrail/ TEXRail]''' through North Richland Hills, another commuter train that provides direct rail service from the airport to downtown Fort Worth. ===By car=== Fort Worth may be easily reached via I-20 or I-30 from the east or west, or by I-35W from the north or south. I-35 splits into two branches north of the Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan area, the west branch going to Fort Worth and the east branch (I-35E) to Dallas. The branches rejoin to the south. Car rental companies include: *'''[http://www.alamo.com/ Alamo Rent A Car]''', Toll free: +1-800-462-5266. *'''[http://www.avis.com/ Avis Rent A Car]''', Toll free: +1-800-331-1212. *'''[http://www.budget.com Budget Rent A Car]''', Toll free: +1-800-527-0700. *'''[http://www.dollar.com/ Dollar Rent A Car]''', Toll free: +1-800-800-3665. *'''[http://www.e-zrentacar.com E-Z Rent-A-Car]''', Toll free: +1-800-277-5171. *'''[http://www.enterprise.com Enterprise Rent-A-Car]''', Toll free: +1-800-261-7331. *'''[http://www.hertz.com Hertz Car Rental]''', Toll free: +1-800-654-3131. *'''[http://www.thrifty.com Thrifty]''', Toll free: +1-800-847-4389. *'''[http://dfweliteautorental.com DFW Elite Auto Rental]{{Dead link|date=April 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''', +1 817-838-7368. ===By bus=== * '''[http://www.greyhound.com Greyhound]'''. Bus stop is at the Fort Worth Intermodal Transportation Center. Also, subsidiaries of Greyhound, such as TNM&O serve as the regional carrier. *'''[http://us.megabus.com Megabus]'''. Service from [[Houston]], [[San Antonio]], [[Austin]], [[Memphis]], [[Little Rock]], [[Oklahoma City]], and [[Norman (Oklahoma)|Norman]]. Bus stop is located at 710 Davis St in [[Grand Prairie]]. Fares $1 and up. *'''[http://www.autobusesamericanos.us/EN/Home.shtml Autobus Americanos]'''. Mexican trans-border bus line with services to various points in Mexico. Bus stop is located at 5215 McCart in Fort Worth. *'''[http://ticket.gruposenda.com/ Turimex Internacional]{{Dead link|date=December 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}'''. Mexican trans-border bus line with services to various points in Mexico. Bus stop is located at 3620 Hemphill St. ==Get around== {{mapframe|32.7604|-97.3402|zoom=10}} {{mapshape}} {{mapshapes|Q497596}} <!-- Light Rail --> {{mapshapes|Q380660}} <!-- Trinity Rail Express --> {{mapshapes|Q5259601}} <!-- A-train --> ===Mass transit=== '''Buses''' and '''trains''' via '''[https://ridetrinitymetro.org/routes-schedules/ Trinity Metro]''' link many areas of town over mid-range distances. '''[http://www.trinityrailwayexpress.org/ Trinity Rail Express]''' has commuter train service between downtown Fort Worth, DFW Airport and downtown Dallas. Service is Monday through Saturday. No scheduled services on Sundays and most major holidays. '''[https://www.dfwi.org/get-around/blue-line#. Blue Line]''' bus service provides local public transportation in downtown Fort Worth, including Sundance Square. ===By bike=== * {{listing | name=Fort Worth B-cycle | alt= | url=https://fortworth.bcycle.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$8/24 hours; $15/3 days; $20/week |wikipedia=|wikidata=|image=|lastedit=2018-02-19| content=Bike sharing program with stations throughout downtown. }} ==See== [[File:0011Tarrant County Courthouse Full E Fort Worth Texas.jpg|thumb|Tarrant County Courthouse]] === Museums === * {{see | name=Kimbell Art Museum | alt= | url=http://www.kimbellart.org | email= | address=3333 Camp Bowie Blvd | lat=32.74873 | long=-97.36479 | directions= | phone=+1 817 332-8451 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A collection of artwork that ranges from 3000 BC to the mid-1900s. Although the collection is small, it boasts such big names as Matisse, Goya, Mondrian and Picasso, among others. The museum building itself is a highlight of architectural modernism, designed by American architect Louis Kahn. }} * {{see | name=Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth | alt= | url=http://www.themodern.org | email= | address=3200 Darnell St | lat=32.74887 | long=-97.36306 | directions= | phone=+1 817 738-9215 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The museum, located in an imposing, appropriately modern building, houses a large permanent collection and hosts many important traveling exhibitions. The building is designed by Japanese architect Tadao Ando. }} * {{see | name=Amon Carter Museum | alt= | url=http://www.cartermuseum.org | email= | address=3501 Camp Bowie Blvd | lat=32.74833 | long=-97.36697 | directions= | phone=+1 817-738-1933 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Extensive collection of American art and photography featuring many works by Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russel. }} * {{see | name=National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame | alt= | url=http://cowgirl.net | email= | address=1720 Gendy St | lat=32.74345 | long=-97.36868 | directions= | phone=+1 817-336-4475 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Museum and association which honors women of the American West who have displayed courage or spirit and who have distinguished themselves while exemplifying the pioneer spirit. }} * {{see | name=National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum | alt=formerly National Cowboys of Color Museum and Hall of Fame | url=http://www.cowboysofcolor.org | email= | address=3400 Mount Vernon Ave | lat=32.7418 | long=-97.2764 | directions= | phone=+1 817 534-8801 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum | wikidata=Q17020565 | content=Highlights the historical influence of non-White cowboys in Texas. }} * {{see | name=C.R. Smith Aviation Museum | alt= | url=http://www.crsmithmuseum.org | email= | address=4601 Hwy. 360 | lat=32.83258 | long=-97.06322 | directions= | phone=+1 817 967-1560 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=All you could ever want to know about the history of American Airlines. Great for kids, as it includes hands-on, interactive exhibits. }} * {{see | name=Stockyards Museum | alt= | url=http://www.stockyardsmuseum.org/ | email= | address=131 E. Exchange Ave | lat=32.78895 | long=-97.3486 | directions= | phone=+1 817 625-5082 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Located in the 1902 Livestock Exchange Building, this museum showcases the history of Fort Worth. Greater stockyards area described in "Do". }} *{{see | name=Fort Worth Museum of Science and History | alt= | url=http://www.fwmsh.org | email= | address=1501 Montgomery St. | lat=32.74501 | long=-97.36926 | directions=Exit Montgomery on 1-30 and head North | phone=+1 817-255-9300 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Family based hands on science and history museum, boasts traveling exhibits and the Omni-imax theater. }} * {{see | name=Oscar E. Monnig Meteorite Gallery | alt= | url=https://monnigmuseum.tcu.edu/ | email= | address=2950 West Bowie Street | lat=32.70807 | long=-97.35913 | directions=Texas Christian University campus in the Sid Richardson Science Building at the corner of West Bowie Street and Cockrell Avenue. | phone=+1 817-257-6277 | tollfree= | fax=+1 817-257-7789 | hours=M-F 1-4PM; Sa 10AM-4PM | price=free | content=Small museum with astonishing collection of pieces of the sky, well-documented. Touch a piece of Mars! }} * {{see | name=Sid Richardson Museum | alt= | url=https://www.sidrichardsonmuseum.org/ | email= | address=309 Main St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 817 332-6554 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10AM-4PM | price=Free | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Art museum with an emphasis on Western art (e.g. works by Frederic Remington, Charles Russell). }} * {{see | name=Texas Civil War Museum | alt= | url=https://texascivilwarmuseum.com/ | email= | address=760 Jim Wright Fwy North | lat=32.77238 | long=-97.47429 | directions= | phone=+1 817 246-2323 | tollfree= | hours= | price=$7 (over 13), $4 (ages 6-12) | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=A repository of Union and Confederate artifacts and history about the War Between the States. }} * {{see | name=Bureau of Engraving and Printing Visitors Center | alt= | url=https://www.bep.gov/visitor-centers/fort-worth-tx-tour-and-visitor-center | email= | address=9100 Blue Mound Road | lat=32.9015854 | long=-97.3479548 | directions= | phone=+1 817 231-4000 | tollfree=+1 866 865-1194 | hours=Tu-Fr 8:30AM-5:30PM | price=Free | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-05-22 | content=Tours open to the public of the money creation factory - see pallets of dollar bills created below your feet from a suspended walkway snaking through the facility. One of two in the nation (other in DC). Self-guided tour takes approximately 1 hour. Gift shop on site. }} * {{see | name=Vintage Flying Museum | alt= | url=http://www.vintageflyingmuseum.org/ | email= | address=505 NW 38th St # 33S | lat=32.81222 | long=-97.35617 | directions=on Meacham Airport grounds | phone=+1 817 624-1935 | tollfree= | hours= | price=$12 adults, $7 (ages 6-13) | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Warbirds on display in a hangar. If wanting to see some for free, you can just visit the outdoor space at the southern end of the Meacham Airport runway. }} === Attractions === * {{see | name=Sundance Square | alt= | url=http://www.sundancesquare.com/ | email= | address= | lat=32.75483 | long=-97.33129 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= 20 blocks of shops, bars & restaurants, brick-paved sidewalks and historic buildings. Well lit and popular with tourists and locals, Sundance Square is frequently the center for outdoor events such as concerts and art festivals. }} * {{see | name=Bass Performance Hall | alt= | url=http://www.basshall.com | email= | address= | lat=32.75510 | long=-97.32959 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A state-of-the-art venue presenting concerts, musicals, and theatrical performances throughout the year. }} * {{see | name=Fort Worth Stockyards | alt= | url=http://www.fortworthstockyards.org | email= | address= | lat=32.78883 | long=-97.34614 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Just north of the downtown area is the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, where you'll find Texas style nightlife at bars like '''[http://www.billybobstexas.com Billy Bob's]''' plus the '''[http://tchof.com/ Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame]''', the '''[http://www.stockyardsmuseum.org/ Stockyards Museum]''', '''[http://johnwayne.com/experience John Wayne: An American Experience]''', '''[http://www.fortworthherd.com/ The Fort Worth Longhorn Herd]''', and the '''Cowtown Cattle Pen Maze'''. The Stockyards are also home to a weekly rodeo. Held every Friday and Saturday evening, and billed as the "World's First Indoor Rodeo," it [http://www.cowtowncoliseum.com/ attracts competitors from around the country]. The Stockyards is also home to Riscky's Barbeque, considered by locals to be the best barbeque in the area. One block away, '''[https://coopersbbqfortworth.com/ Coopers Old Time Pit BBQ]''' offers excellent fare at fair prices. }} [[File:Convention Center Fort Worth.JPG|thumb|200px|right|Downtown convention center]] * {{see | name=Fort Worth Water Gardens | alt= | url=https://www.fortworth.com/listings/fort-worth-water-gardens/2989/ | email= | address=1502 Commerce St | lat=32.747778 | long=-97.326667 | directions= | phone=+1 817 392-7111 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Fort Worth Water Gardens | image=Fort Worth Water Gardens 2003.jpg | wikidata=Q2035884 | lastedit=2018-04-07 | content=A man-made watery setting to get away from the hustle and bustle downtown. For some awesome architecture, check out the 1933 Beaux Arts Style designed post office building at 251 Lancaster and Texas & Pacific Railway Station at 221 Lancaster (across the street from the south edge of the water gardens). }} *{{see | name=Burnett Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=32.75041 | long=-97.33362 | directions=Lamar and Texas streets | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Located on land donated by cattle baron Samuel Burk Burnett, features sculptures, pools, and granite walkways. Vast green parks and surrounding network of major lakes offer abundant opportunities for water sports and outdoor recreation. }} * {{see | name=The Fort Worth Botanic Garden | alt= | url=http://www.fwbg.org | email= | address=3220 Botanic Garden Blvd | lat=32.74025 | long=-97.36337 | directions= | phone=+1 817-871-7686 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Admission: $12 adults, seniors $10, children $5 (May 2022). Japanese garden additional $3. | content=The sprawling gardens includes a large flower garden, lawn, indoor tropical forest, and a beautiful Japanese garden. }} == Do == [[File:ModArtFtWorth.jpg|thumb|200px|The Modern Art Museum]] ===Zoological Parks and Theme Parks=== * {{do | name=The Fort Worth Zoo | alt= | url=https://www.fortworthzoo.org/ | email= | address=1989 Colonial Parkway | lat=32.72373 | long=-97.35594 | directions= | phone=+1 817-759-7555 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 10AM-5PM; Sa Su 10AM-6PM | price=$7-10.50 (Wednesdays are half-price) | wikidata=Q5472415 | content=Come see the animals and interactive exhibits. }} * {{do |name=NRH2O Family Water Park | url=http://www.nrh2o.com/ | address=Grapevine Highway (#26) between Precinct Line and North Harwood Road | lat=32.8509|long=-97.1931 | directions= in nearby North Richland Hills | phone=+1 817 427-6500 | tollfree= | hours=Taller than {{in|48}} M-Th $20, F-Su $25; shorter than 48 in, military, senior M-Th $17, F-Su $20 | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-07-10 | content= 17-acre park with 23 attractions, including the country’s longest uphill water roller coaster. }} ===Hiking and Natural Areas=== * {{do | name=Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge | alt= | url=https://www.fwnaturecenter.org/ | email= | address=9601 Fossil Ridge Rd | lat=32.84735 | long=-97.47584 | directions= | phone=+1 817 392-7410 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 8AM-5PM | price=$6 (over 12), $3 (over 65), $2 (ages 3-12), $1 dogs | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Hiking trails and boardwalks, kayak rentals, bison herd, native prairie grasses and woodlands. }} * {{do | name=Eagle Mountain Park | alt= | url=https://www.trwd.com/be-active | email= | address=11601 Morris Dido Newark Rd | lat=32.93506 | long=-97.48023 | directions= | phone=+1 817 335-2491 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 5AM-10PM | price=Free | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=A popular hiking area with rugged terrain and views over Eagle Mountain Lake. }} * {{do | name=Marion Sansom Park | alt= | url= | email= | address=2501 Roberts Cut Off Rd | lat=32.79564 | long=-97.41333 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Daily 6AM-10PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Another popular hiking area with waterfalls and views of the western half of the city and Lake Worth. }} ===Sports=== *{{do | name=TCU Horned Frogs | alt= | url=https://gofrogs.com/ | email= | address= | lat=32.70901 | long=-97.36712 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=The sports teams representing Texas Christian University, have branded themselves as "Fort Worth's team". The Frogs are best known for their football program, a rising national power in the first part of this century. TCU now competes in the Big 12 Conference. Most of TCU's athletic venues are on campus, with the best-known being Amon G. Carter Stadium (football) and Schollmaier Arena (basketball). }} *{{do | name=Texas Brahmas | url=https://www.texasjrbrahmas.com/ | email= | address=8851 Ice House Dr | lat=32.85974 | long=-97.20683 | directions= | phone=+1 817 520-2115 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=See website for current season schedule | price= | wikidata=Q7707794 | lastedit=2023-08-09 | content=Enjoy an ice-hockey game at the NYTEX Sports Centre in North Richland Hills. The Brahmas play in the North American Tier III hockey league. }} * {{do | name=Texas Motor Speedway | alt= | url=https://www.texasmotorspeedway.com/ | email= | address=3545 Lone Star Cir | lat=33.0363 | long=-97.2816 | directions= | phone=+1 817 215-8500 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Catch NASCAR and other events here, such as an extravagant Christmas display. }} ===Events=== * {{do | name=Main St. Fort Worth Arts Festival | alt= | url=http://www.MainStreetArtsFest.org | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=free | content=Ranked 8th in the country by the Art Fair Source Book and the Harris List, and number one in Texas, Main St. hosts tens of thousands of people annually during the four-day visual arts, entertainment and cultural event. Main St. showcases a nationally recognized fine art and fine craft juried art fair, live concerts, performance artists and street performers on the streets of downtown Fort Worth-stretching nine blocks on Main Street from the Tarrant County Courthouse to the Fort Worth Convention Center. }} * {{do | name=Sundance Square Parade of Lights | alt= | url=http://www.FortWorthParadeofLights.org | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Late November. Watch colorful illuminated floats, beautiful antique cars, marching bands, equestrian units, horse-drawn carriages and a cast of delightful characters dressed in their holiday best. The unforgettable parade and an annual visit from Santa Claus and his elves will make the Sundance Square Parade of Lights a fun-filled holiday experience for the entire family! Free. }} *'''[https://www.navymwrfortworth.com/event/airshow/schedule NAS JRB Wings Over Cowtown Air Show]''', at the NAS JRB military base (restricted entry, but viewing available from nearby). Features air stunts and formations like the Blue Angels. July. ==Learn== * {{listing | name=Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary | alt= | url=http://www.swbts.edu | email= | address=2001 W Seminary Dr | lat=32.682 | long=-97.348 | directions= | phone=+1 817-923-1921 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7571391 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Tarrant County College | alt= | url=http://www.tccd.edu | email= | address= | lat=32.747531 | long=-97.327832 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7686664 | lastedit=2021-09-06 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Texas Christian University | alt= | url=http://www.tcu.edu | email= | address= | lat=32.709605 | long=-97.362823 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2302280 | lastedit=2021-09-06 | content= }} * {{listing | name=University of North Texas Health Science Center | alt= | url=https://www.unthsc.edu/ | email= | address=3500 Camp Bowie Blvd | lat=32.7486 | long=-97.3694 | directions= | phone=+1 817-735-2000 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7895977 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Texas Wesleyan University | alt= | url=http://www.txwesleyan.edu | email= | address= | lat=32.733 | long=-97.28 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7708205 | lastedit=2021-09-06 | content= }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Fort Worth Stockyards Station | alt= | url=http://fortworthstockyards.com/ | email= | address=140 E Exchange Ave | lat= | long= | directions=at Stockyards | phone=+1 817 625-9715 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=A covered emporium of different shops, confectioneries, games, photo studios, etc. Also Exchange Ave itself is chock full of curio shops and eateries aimed at the tourist. }} *'''Sundance Square''' * {{buy | name=Montgomery Plaza | alt= | url=https://montgomeryplaza.shopkimco.com/ | email= | address=2600 W 7th St | lat=32.75177 | long=-97.3533 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10AM-9PM, Su 11AM-6PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Old department store complex refurbished with a lot of pizzazz. }} * {{buy | name=Crockett Row | alt=Artisan Circle | url=https://artisancirclefw.com/ | email= | address=816 Foch St | lat=32.74999 | long=-97.35657 | directions= | phone=+1 817 810-9076 | tollfree= | hours=Th-Su 4PM-Midnight | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content= }} ===Shopping Malls=== * {{buy | name=North East Mall | alt= | url=https://www.simon.com/mall/north-east-mall | email= | address=1101 Melbourne Rd, Hurst | lat=32.8298 | long=-97.2003 | directions= | phone=+1 817 284-3427 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Still surviving mall with a large movie theater complex and surrounding eateries. }} * {{buy | name=Hulen Mall | alt= | url=https://www.hulenmall.com | email= | address=4800 S Hulen St | lat=32.6784 | long=-97.3985 | directions= | phone=+1 817 294-1205 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5935635 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=Seems to attract the occasional shoot'em up but still a big mall with theater. }} * {{buy | name=La Gran Plaza de Fort Worth | alt= | url=http://www.lagranplazamall.com/ | email= | address=4200 South Fwy | lat=32.6866 | long=-97.325 | directions= | phone=+1 817 922-8888 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10AM-9PM, Su 11AM-8PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=Visiting this mall you will somehow wonder if you magically teleported to Mexico, as it has a very Mexican flavor with mariachi bands and layout. }} ===Other=== * {{buy | name=Tanger Outlets Fort Worth | alt= | url=https://www.tangeroutlet.com/fortworth | email= | address=15853 N Fwy | lat=33.0214 | long=-97.2813 | directions= | phone=+1 817 464-5400 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content= }} * {{buy | name=Henderson Street Flea Market | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/hendersonstreetbazaar/ | email= | address=1000 N Henderson St | lat=32.76366 | long=-97.34758 | directions= | phone=+1 817 877-3021 | tollfree= | hours=Sa-Su 7AM-8PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=If you are into flea markets, this might be for you. }} ==Eat== Fort Worth is similar to many Texas cities in that there are two main food groups, BBQ and Tex-Mex. While tastes are changing and multiple options are available, these will still be your best two bets in the city. A growing food truck scene is starting to make a presence in the city, and some of the local breweries are making drinks worth recommending to friends. ===Budget=== *{{eat | name=Angelo's Bar-B-Que | url=https://angelosbbq.com | email= | address=2533 White Settlement Rd | lat=32.75889 | long=-97.35239 | directions= | phone=+1 817 332-0357 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-10PM | price= $10 for a full plate with one or two meats and three sides. | content=Tied with Railhead (below) for the best BBQ in the southwest. A Fort Worth classic. This is in an old wooden barn, which adds a great atmosphere to the dining experience. The pork ribs were very tasty and the large cold beers were particularly nice. Meats melt in the mouth and beans are awesome. They actually bbq on premises which some of the other place don't. It's about a 5-min drive out of the downtown area. }} *{{eat | name=Railhead Smokehouse | alt= | url=http://www.railheadsmokehouse.com | email= | address=2900 Montgomery St | lat=32.73112 | long=-97.37058 | directions= | phone=+1 817 738-9808 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-9PM | price= | content=Tied with Angelo's for the best BBQ in the southwest. }} *{{eat | name=Fuzzy's Taco Shop | url=https://restaurants.fuzzystacoshop.com/fuzzys-taco-shop-bfdfcdaa4dda | email= | address=2917 W Berry St | lat=32.70598 | long=-97.35902 | directions=Two locations | phone=+1 817-924-7943 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su-M 7AM-10PM, Tu-W 7AM-11PM, Th-Sa 7AM-2AM | price= | content=Excellent taco dive - lots of food for cheap, great fish tacos, late hours, cheap drinks, all without leaving the affluent TCU area. }} *{{eat | name=Kincaid's | url=https://www.kincaidshamburgers.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Two locations | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-6PM | price= | content=Texas' (perhaps America's) best burgers. Original Camp Bowie location is in a kitschy old grocery story. }} ** {{eat | name=Kincaid's | alt= | url= | email= | address=4901 Camp Bowie Blvd | lat=32.73745 | long=-97.39326 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-09-06 | content= }} ** {{eat | name=Kincaid's | alt= | url= | email= | address=4825 Overton Ridge Blvd | lat=32.67606 | long=-97.40027 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-09-06 | content= }} * {{eat | name=The Love Shack | alt= | url=http://loveburgershackfortworth.com/ | email= | address=110 Exchange Ave | lat=32.788748 | long=-97.348657 | directions=in the Stockyards | phone=+1 817 740-8812 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su-Tu 11AM-9PM, W-Th 11AM-10PM, F-Sa 11AM-11PM | price= | content=Excellent unique hamburger created by celebrity Ft. Worth chef, Tim Love. Daily flavored milk shakes. Live music. (Possible cover charge on weekends.) Cash only. }} * {{eat | name=Green Vine Market | alt= | url=https://www.greenvinemarket.com | email= | address=1804 K Avenue | lat=33.0243265 | long=-96.6978848 | directions= | phone=+1 972 942 0808 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa: 8AM-9PM, Su: 8AM-8:30PM | price= | content=Hamburgers, daily flavored milk shakes, live music (Possible cover charge on weekends). Cash only. |lastedit=2024-12-05}} ===Mid-range=== *{{eat | name=Nonna Tata | url= | email= | address=1400 W. Magnolia Ave | lat=32.73076 | long=-97.34046 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Lunch Tu-Th 11AM-3PM; Dinner M-Th 5:30PM-9PM, F 5:30PM-10PM | price=$15-30 | content=Certainly one of Fort Worth's smallest restaurants, Nonna Tata is also one of its best. With only 21 seats indoors and another 30 outdoors, the restaurant fills up early and often develops long waits on weekends. Absolutely amazing authentic Italian food, with a menu that changes weekly and amiable service. BYOB, cash only, no reservations. }} *{{eat | name=Central Market | url=http://www.centralmarket.com/ | email= | address=4651 West Freeway | lat=32.73003 | long=-97.38909 | directions= | phone=+1 817 989-4700 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM-9PM Daily | price=$5-15 | content=DFW's best gourmet grocery also has a formidable cafe attached, with amazing, huge custom sandwiches, cheap and great pizzas and international noodle dishes made for you, a mind-boggling prepared food section and $15 meals for two bagged and ready to go. Any kind of food you could want, done extremely well, for grocery story prices, plus a generous selection of wine and beer. }} *{{eat | name=Fred's Texas Cafe | alt= | url=https://www.fredstexascafe.com/ | email= | address=2730 Western Center Blvd | lat=32.86012 | long=-97.3205 | directions= | phone=+1 817 232-0111 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10AM-midnight, Sunday Brunch | price=$8-12 | content=The "Outlaw Chef" cooks genuine Southern/Texican food in one of the most unique and exciting ways you'll find in Fort Worth. Super laid-back setting, with genuine Texas food and genuine Texas music. Happy hour before 6 and whenever it's raining. }} *{{eat | name=Hunter Brothers' H3 Ranch | url=http://www.h3ranch.com/ | email= | address=109 E Exchange Ave | lat=32.78911 | long=-97.34889 | directions= | phone=+1 817 624-1246 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$18-30 | content=For the cowboy tourist. A strong cowtown theme predominates in this Stockyards-area steakhouse. Come for the atmosphere first, the food second. }} *{{eat | name=Joe T. Garcia's | url=http://www.joets.com/ | email= | address=2201 N. Commerce St. | lat=32.78450 | long=-97.34818 | directions= | phone=+1 817 626-4356 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A Fort Worth legend, dine family style in a large converted mansion or in its beautiful expansive gardens with lush vegetation and calming pools; choose from one of two menu options nightly. There is frequently a line around the block in good weather, so arrive early or be prepared to wait. Great margaritas. Cash only (ATM on site). }} *{{eat | name=La Familia | alt= | url=http://la-familia-mexican-restaurant.business.site/ | email= | address=841 Foch St. | lat=32.750087 | long=-97.356291 | directions= | phone=+1 817-870-2002 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–Th 11AM–9PM, F 11AM–9:30PM, Sa 9AM–9:30PM, Su M closed | price= | content=Mexican restaurant locally renowned for their excellent Tex-Mex and friendly owner (Al) and staff. }} *{{eat | name=King Tut | url= | email= | address=1512 West Magnolia Ave. | lat=32.73085 | long=-97.34271 | directions= | phone=+1 817 335-3051 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 11AM-2PM & 5PM-9PM; Sa 5PM-9PM | price= | content=Egyptian restaurant with excellent Middle Eastern cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Spiral Diner | url=http://www.spiraldiner.com/ | email= | address=1314 W. Magnolia | lat=32.73083 | long=-97.34012 | directions= | phone=+1 817 3-EATVEG | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-Sa 11AM-10PM, Su 11AM-5PM | price= | content=The only strictly vegan restaurant in Fort Worth, Spiral Diner has an eclectic menu that will not let you down on taste. One of Fort Worth's finest restaurants regardless of dietary restriction. }} *{{eat | name=Uncle Julio's | url=http://www.unclejulios.com/ | email= | address=5301 Camp Bowie Blvd | lat=32.73445 | long=-97.40097 | directions= | phone=+1 817 377-2777 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$8-30 | content=Excellent and diverse Tex-Mex menu, friendly staff, decent happy hour before 6PM. }} ===Splurge=== *{{eat | name=Bonnell's | url=http://www.bonnellstexas.com/ | email= | address=4259 Bryant Irvin Rd | lat=32.68952 | long=-97.41123 | directions= | phone=+1 817 738-5489 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Lunch Tu-F 11AM-2:30PM, Dinner Tu-Sa 5:30PM-9:30PM | price= | content=Chef Jon Bonnell's southwest-themed masterpiece. }} *{{eat | name=Del Frisco's Steakhouse | url=http://www.delfriscos.com/ | email= | address=812 Main St | lat=32.75204 | long=-97.32984 | directions= | phone=+1 817 877-3999 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 5-10PM; F-Sa 5-11PM; Su 5-9PM | price=$50+ | content=One of the finest steakhouses in the world, with an excellent wine list. It is, however, extremely expensive, and you will have to wait a little while even if you have a reservation. Don't come here for anything other than steak, but if you are looking for steak, it is hard to beat. }} *{{eat | name=Reata Restaurant | url=http://www.reata.net/ | email= | address=310 Houston St | lat=32.75476 | long=-97.33262 | directions= | phone=+1 817 336-1009 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Lunch 11:30AM-2:30PM, Dinner 5PM to 10:30PM daily | price= | content=One of the most widely acclaimed restaurants in Texas, and one of the first to bring "Cowboy cuisine" to the forefront of the refined American palate. Online reservation system. }} *{{eat | name=Saint-Emilion | url= | email= | address=3617 W 7th St | lat=32.75109 | long=-97.37069 | directions= | phone=+1 817 737-2781 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-Sa 6PM-9PM | price=$25-50 | content=The best French country food in Fort Worth, and a cozy dining experience. }} === Sweets === * {{eat|name=Melt Icecream|alt=|url=http://www.gypsyscoops.com|email=|address=1201 W Magnolia Ave #115, 76104|lat=32.7304787|long=-97.3382182|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-19|content=Tiny ice cream parlor serving creative flavor combos frequently with lines out the door at multiple times in the day}} ==Drink== * {{drink | name=Flying Saucer Draught Emporium | alt= | url=http://www.beerknurd.com | email= | address=111 E 3rd St | lat=32.75567 | long=-97.33107 | directions= | phone=+1 817 336-7468 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The gameroom offers a place to play a game of pool, chess or darts. The shiny, faux-rock floor throughout is enhanced by the vast collection of vintage dinnerware adorning every wall. They have the largest selection of beer (225 varieties) around. Menu selections include Creamy Beer Cheese Soup, the Build-Your-Own Sausage and Cheese Plate, spicy sausage quesadillas and traditional bratwurst with German potato salad. }} *{{drink | name=Chat Room Pub | alt=The Chat | url= | email= | address=1263 West Magnolia Ave | lat=32.730938371422496 | long=-97.33916759490967 | directions= | phone=+1 817 922-8319 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=3PM-2AM | price= | content=Good drink selection in a chilled atmosphere. }} * {{drink | name=The Usual | alt= | url=http://www.theusualbar.com | email= | address=1408 W. Magnolia Ave | lat=32.73076 | long=-97.34083 | directions= | phone=+1 817 810-0114 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A high-end craft cocktail bar popular with the hip Magnolia Avenue set. A somewhat mixed, gay-friendly spot with very modern decor and a nice but small patio out back. This is the place to go for expensive but very well-mixed takes on the classics, and an inspired cocktail menu. Try the Montpelier, which mixes bourbon, smoked maple syrup, Jamaican rum, and Italian vermouth. }} * {{drink|name=Our Taphouse|alt=|url=https://ourtaphouse.com/|email=|address=1001 Bryan Ave, 76104|lat=32.734043|long=-97.3250209|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=|content=50+ taps with local, regional and a few international flavors off the beaten path. Plus food.}} === Breweries & distilleries === * {{drink | name=Martin House Brewery | alt= | url=http://martinhousebrewing.com/ | email= | address=220 S Sylvania Ave, 76111 | lat=32.763604 | long=-97.310007 | directions= | phone=+1 817 222-0177 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-02-19 | content=Weekly Tours and Tastings Every Thursday (6-8pm) & Saturday (2-5pm). }} *{{drink|name=Wild Acre Brewery|alt=|url=http://wildacrebrewing.com/|email=|address=1734 E El Paso St #190, 76102|lat=32.7431191|long=-97.3096823|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-19|content=Shares a location with Silver Star Vodka. Not the best area of town, but the brewery is safe and the beer is worth the stop}} * {{drink|name=Rahr and Sons Brewing|alt=|url=https://rahrbrewing.com|email=|address=701 Galveston Ave, 76104|lat=32.7368466|long=-97.327027|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-19|content=Brewery tour & tasting Sa 1PM - 3PM, W 5PM - 7:30PM}} *{{drink|name=Panther Island Brewery|alt=|url=http://pantherislandbrewing.com/|email=|address=501 N Main St, 76164|lat=32.7637277|long=-97.338419|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-19|content=F 5PM – 9PM, Sa noon – 5PM, Su 2PM – 7PM}} * {{drink|name=HopFusion Ale Works|alt=|url=http://hopfusionaleworks.com/|email=|address=200 E Broadway Ave, 76104|lat=32.7415864|long=-97.324889|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=Tu-Th 4PM - 11PM, F noon - 11PM, Sa noon-midnight, Su noon - 11PM|price=|lastedit=2018-02-19|content=Taproom and microbrewery, though you can find their cans at a few local shops and stores}} * {{drink|name=Firestone & Robertson Distillery|alt=Whiskey Ranch|url=https://www.frdistilling.com/|email=|address=4250 Mitchell Blvd, 76119|lat=32.7019704|long=-97.2892775|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-02-19|content=Home to the blended TX Whiskey and the Texas locally distilled and aged TX Bourbon. Set on the grounds of a golf course Byron Nelson played as a youth, more than just a stop for a drink.}} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Motel 6 Ft Worth North | alt= | url=https://www.motel6.com/content/g6/en/home/motels.tx.ft-worth.8617.html | email= | address=3271 I-35W | lat=32.80480 | long=-97.31853 | directions= | phone=+1 817 625-4359 | tollfree= | fax=+1 817 625-8256 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fort Worth West - I-30 | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/laquinta/fort-worth-texas/la-quinta-fort-worth-west-i-30/overview | email= | address=7310 Calmont Ave | lat=32.73442 | long=-97.44311 | directions= | phone=+1 817 244-4777 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$65 (Jan 2022) | lastedit=2022-01-16 | content=Indoor pool and hot tub. }} * {{sleep | name=La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fort Worth North | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/laquinta/fort-worth-texas/la-quinta-fort-worth-north/overview | email= | address=4700 North Fwy | lat=32.82629 | long=-97.31181 | directions= | phone=+1 817 222-2888 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$58 (Jan 2022) | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-16 | content=Outdoor pool and breakfast. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Hyatt Place Fort Worth/Cityview | alt= | url=https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/texas/hyatt-place-fort-worth-cityview/dfwzc | email= | address=5900 Cityview Blvd | lat=32.68092 | long=-97.41308 | directions=southwest Fort Worth | phone=+1 817 361-9797 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$101 (Jan 2022) | content=Very cookie-cutter. }} * {{sleep | name=Comfort Suites DFW Airport | alt= | url=http://www.comfortsuites.com/hotel-irving-texas-TX010 | email= | address=4700 W. John Carpenter Fwy | lat=32.91617 | long=-97.01231 | directions= | phone=+1 972 929-9097 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Courtyard Fort Worth Downtown | url=https://www.marriott.com/dfwms | email= | address=601 Main St | lat=32.75378 | long=-97.33038 | directions=Four blocks from the Convention Center | phone=+1 817 885-8700 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$209-249 | content=Renovated rooms with modern amenities. }} * {{sleep | name=Best Western Plus Fort Worth North | url=https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotel-rooms.44794.html | email= | address=3751 NE Loop 820 | lat=32.84026 | long=-97.29390 | directions=Intersection of the 35W and 820 freeways, close to the Fort Worth Stockyards | phone=+1 817 847-0044 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$99 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=DoubleTree by Hilton Fort Worth South Hotel & Conference Center | alt= | url=https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/ftwstdt-doubletree-fort-worth-south/ | email= | address=100 East Alta Mesa Blvd | lat=32.65267 | long=-97.31898 | directions=Five miles from Downtown Fort Worth | phone=+1 817-293-3088 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$142 (Jul 2025) | content=Three-star hotel with amenities including indoor heated pool, restaurant, lounge, room service, fitness room, and business center. }} * {{sleep | name=Sheraton Fort Worth | alt= | url=http://www.sheratonfortworth.com | email= | address=1701 Commerce St | lat=32.74786 | long=-97.32469 | directions=Downtown | phone=+1 817 335-7000 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=SpringHill Suites Fort Worth University | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dfwuv-springhill-suites-fort-worth-university/ | email= | address=3250 Lovell Ave | lat=32.73214 | long=-97.36469 | directions= | phone=+1 817-878-2554 | tollfree=+1-888-236-2427 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Extended stay hotel located near the convention center. }} * {{sleep | name=TownePlace Suites Fort Worth Southwest | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dfwts-towneplace-suites-fort-worth-southwest/ | email= | address=4200 International Plaza | lat=32.68556 | long=-97.40178 | directions=Halfway between Benbrook Lake and downtown. | phone=+1 817-732-2224 | tollfree=+1-888-236-2427 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Courtyard Fort Worth University Drive | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dfwch-courtyard-fort-worth-university-drive/ | email= | address=3150 Riverfront Dr | lat=32.72550 | long=-97.36250 | directions= | phone=+1 817-335-1300 | tollfree=+1-888-236-2427 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} ===Splurge=== *{{sleep | name=The Ashton | url=http://www.theashtonhotel.com/ | email= | address=610 Main St | lat=32.75331 | long=-97.33069 | directions= | phone=+1 817 332-0100 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$250 | content=Well-liked luxury hotel in a renovated historical building. Very helpful, attentive staff. }} *{{sleep | name=Hilton Fort Worth | url=http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/FTWFWHF-Hilton-Fort-Worth-Texas/index.do | email= | address=815 Main St | lat=32.75238 | long=-97.32942 | directions= | phone=+1 817 870-2100 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$95 | content=A clean, quiet place to stay, with good service. The building and decor could use an update. }} *{{sleep | name=Renaissance Worthington | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dfwdt-renaissance-worthington-hotel-fort-worth/ | email= | address=200 Main St | lat=32.75543 | long=-97.33341 | directions= | phone=+1 817 870-1000 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$199 | content=The city's only 4-diamond hotel, since opening in 1981 with all the expected amenities. Especially well-regarded for efficient yet friendly staff. }} ===Lockheed Martin Plant=== Options ideal for travel to the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics plant: 200 N Grants Ln, adjacent to the Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base (JRB, formerly Carswell Air Force Base): * {{sleep | name=Quality Inn & Suites | alt= | url=https://www.choicehotels.com/texas/fort-worth/quality-inn-hotels/tx866 | email= | address=2700 S Cherry Ln | lat=32.73531 | long=-97.45187 | directions=2 miles from plant | phone=+1 817-560-4180 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$61 (Jan 2022) | content=Breakfast available. }} * {{sleep | name=Country Inn & Suites by Radisson | alt= | url=https://www.radissonhotelsamericas.com/en-us/hotels/country-inn-fort-worth-nas-jrd-tx?cid=a:se+b:gmb+c:amer+i:local+e:cis+d:us+h:USAFTTX | email= | address=2730 Cherry Ln | lat=32.73452 | long=-97.45188 | directions=2 miles from plant | phone=+1 817-560-4200 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Spring Hill Suites | alt= | url= | email= | address=3250 Lovell Ave | lat=32.73214 | long=-97.36469 | directions=off University Drive, approximately 6.8 miles from plant | phone=+1 817-878-2554 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} ==Connect== Good cellular phone coverage by all major providers throughout the city and all major roadways. Internet hot-spots available at most '''Starbucks Coffee''' locations, DFW Airport, and '''FedEx Kinko's''' offices. Daily newspaper: * [http://www.star-telegram.com/ Fort Worth Star-Telegram]. ==Stay safe== As with any other large city, be vigilant in Fort Worth. The city's central arts and entertainment district is well policed, however, as so long as you make sure you lock your car and hide any valuables inside, all that you need is a little extra awareness of your surroundings. The city's freeways can be quite dangerous if you are not accustomed to driving in such high volumes of rapidly moving traffic; keep this in mind when you are planning a trip. Areas to avoid after dark are the East Side, Southeast Side (especially in the Stop Six section), the Como neighborhood, and the Trails/Calmont neighborhood, as these places have high rates of gun crimes from armed robberies to shootings. The Stockyards bar and club district can get rowdy on Friday and Saturday nights, but the nightlife at Sundance Square in Downtown is more laid back. ==Cope== ===Gym workout=== *'''[http://www.24hourfitness.com/ 24 Hour Fitness]''' and '''[http://www.lafitness.com/ LA Fitness (which now includes Ballys)]''' have many locations throughout the area. If you have a regular membership with either of them from back home your membership is good here. Note that some memberships are only good for one location and will cost extra to access a different gym/club than the one you normally go to at home. Ask before leaving. Otherwise day passes range from $10-20. Bring a lock and towel. * {{listing | name=Kadampa Meditation Center Texas | alt= | url=http://www.meditationinfortworth.org | email= | address=2836 Stanley Avenue | lat=32.71005 | long=-97.34638 | directions= | phone=+1 817-303-2700 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-09-06 | content=Offers relaxation meditations and meditation classes to increase inner peace. }} ==Go next== * [[Mineral Wells]], home to '''Lake Mineral Wells State Park''' * [[Bridgeport (Texas)|Bridgeport]], 30 miles to the northwest has a nice lake for boating and fishing. * [[Weatherford (Texas)|Weatherford]], 20 miles west of downtown Fort Worth. * [[Grapevine (Texas)|Grapevine]] has a nice historic main street area and numerous wineries. * [[Glen Rose]] 50 miles southwest has Dinosaur Valley State Park and Fossil Rim Wildlife Center. {{routebox | image1=Amtrak Heartland Flyer icon.png | imagesize1=100 | directionl1=N | majorl1=[[Oklahoma City]] | minorl1=[[Gainesville (Texas)|Gainesville]] | directionr1=S | majorr1=END | minorr1= | image2=Amtrak Texas Eagle icon.png | imagesize2=100 | directionl2=NE | majorl2=[[St. Louis]] | minorl2='''[[Dallas]]''' | directionr2=SW | majorr2=[[San Antonio]] | minorr2=[[Temple]] | image3=I-20.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=W | majorl3=[[Midland (Texas)|Midland]] | minorl3=[[Weatherford (Texas)|Weatherford]] | directionr3=E | majorr3=[[Dallas]] | minorr3=[[Arlington (Texas)|Arlington]] | image4=I-30.svg | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=W | majorl4=[[Midland (Texas)|Midland]] | minorl4=[[Weatherford (Texas)|Weatherford]] ← '''Merges into [[File:I-20.svg|18px]]''' | directionr4=E | majorr4=[[Dallas]] | minorr4=[[Arlington (Texas)|Arlington]] | image5=I-35W.svg | imagesize5=22 | directionl5=N | majorl5=[[Oklahoma City]] | minorl5=[[Denton (Texas)|Denton]] | directionr5=S | majorr5=[[Waco]] | minorr5=[[Hillsboro (Texas)|Hillsboro]] | image6=US 81.svg | imagesize6=22 | directionl6=N | majorl6=[[Chickasha]] | minorl6=[[Decatur (Texas)|Decatur]] | directionr6=S | majorr6=END | minorr6= | image7=US 287.svg | imagesize7=22 | directionl7=N | majorl7=[[Wichita Falls]] | minorl7=[[Decatur (Texas)|Decatur]] | directionr7=S | majorr7=[[Beaumont]] | minorr7=[[Arlington (Texas)|Arlington]] | image8=US 377.svg | imagesize8=22 | directionl8=S | majorl8=[[Del Rio]] | minorl8=[[Granbury]] | directionr8=N | majorr8=[[Stroud (Oklahoma)|Stroud]] | minorr8=[[Denton (Texas)|Denton]] }} {{isPartOf|Dallas-Fort_Worth_Metroplex}} {{geo|32.74859|-97.32925}} {{usablecity}} 64yejnav4cdn8bbmqzgklvb4d9wlbpg 0 12094 5086948 5079934 2025-07-03T04:06:51Z Ikan Kekek 36420 /* Cognates in English */ Important to avoid misusing ''préservatif'', though if you do, as I did once, it will just be funny. 5086948 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner | French phrasebook banner Sign in Geneva.jpg | caption=Sign in Geneva asking nightly bar patrons not to disturb people who sleep|ftt=yes}} [[File:Map-Francophone World.svg|thumb|upright=2|French-speaking areas]] '''French''' (''français'') is a Romance language (descended from Latin), and one of the most widely spoken languages in the world: 277 million people speak French, including about 100 million native speakers. While the French language originated in [[France]], in modern times it is spoken on every continent; it is an official language of 29 countries, an important business, cultural, or minority language in dozens of other countries and regions, and is used officially by scores of international organisations including the United Nations, the European Union, and the International Olympic Committee. French was the main international lingua franca well into the 20th century, and at one point, French was the language spoken in most of the royal courts of Europe. To this day, it remains ''de rigueur'' for educated people in many societies around the world to have some level of basic French ability. French is the sole official language of France, including all of its overseas departments and territories, and is the only language you will need to communicate with French nationals. Beyond France, French is widely spoken in many nearby countries in '''Europe''', including the southern half of [[Belgium]] ([[Wallonia]] and [[Brussels]]), western [[Switzerland]], [[Monaco]], [[Luxembourg]], and the [[Aosta Valley]] of northwestern [[Italy]]. A small number of second-language speakers are also found on the [[Channel Islands|Channel Island]] of [[Jersey]] (where a dialect of Norman extremely similar to French persists) and in the tiny Pyrenean country of [[Andorra]]. In the '''Americas''', French is spoken primarily in the Canadian provinces of [[Quebec]], [[New Brunswick]], the northern and eastern parts of [[Ontario]], around the Winnipeg area of [[Manitoba]], and the city of Whitehorse in [[Yukon]]. Indeed, [[Canada]] is an officially bilingual nation and there are Francophone enclaves in almost every province, though outside of the four provinces and territory mentioned, it's quite rare to encounter anyone in Canada who speaks more than a few words of French without hunting down off-the-beaten-track French-speaking communities. French is also spoken in a few parts of the [[United States]], namely parts of [[Louisiana]] and northern [[Maine]], [[New Hampshire]], and [[Vermont]]. In the Caribbean, French is an official language of [[Haiti]], a former colonial possession of France. The Americas also host the French departments of [[Martinique]], [[Guadeloupe]], and [[French Guiana]], plus the overseas collectivities of [[Saint Pierre and Miquelon]], [[Saint Barthélemy]], and the northern half of [[Saint Martin]]. '''Elsewhere''', French is an official language of many former French and Belgian colonies in Africa, like [[Cameroon]], the [[Democratic Republic of the Congo]], and the [[Republic of the Congo]], and is unofficial but carries prestige in others, namely [[Algeria]], [[Tunisia]], and [[Morocco]]. It is an important administrative, educational, and cultural language in the former French Southeast Asian possessions of [[Vietnam]], [[Laos]], and [[Cambodia]]. In the Indian Ocean, [[Réunion]] and [[Mayotte]] are French overseas departments, while French is also an official language in [[Mauritius]], the [[Seychelles]], and [[Comoros]]. In Oceania, [[New Caledonia]], [[French Polynesia]], and [[Wallis and Futuna]] remain overseas territories of France, and French is also one of the official languages of [[Vanuatu]]. The French Wikivoyage's page [[:fr:Francophonie|Francophonie]] can help you locate French-speaking regions. ==Pronunciation== [[File:Moliere-statue.jpg|thumb|300px|French is often called the "language of Molière". The Parisian playwright is celebrated in stone on the city hall of his hometown.]] French spelling is '''not very phonetic'''. The same letter used in two different words can make two different sounds, and many letters are not pronounced at all. The good news, though, is that French generally has more regular pronunciation rules than English. This means that with sufficient practice, one can generally pronounce written French fairly accurately. However, the large number of homophones and silent letters make it such that attempting to write down spoken French often results in spelling mistakes, even for native speakers. Some rules are as follows: * '''Stress''' is fairly even in French, but the stress almost always falls on the last syllable. In words where the stress falls on an earlier syllable, it's not uncommon to hear the last syllable or sound of some words cut off or "swallowed." For example, ''Possible'' can sound like ''poss-EEB'' and ''hymne'' can sound like ''eem''. This is particularly noticeable in Quebec, but exists in other accents too. * The '''final consonant''' of a word is usually silent except for c, f, l, q, and r. Thus, ''allez'' (go) is pronounced ''al-AY'', not ''al-AYZ''; ''tard'' (late) is pronounced ''tar'', not ''tard''. * If the next word begins with a vowel, a consonant may be pronounced; this is called '''''liaison'''''. For example, ''allez-y'' (≈ go ahead / off you go), is pronounced ''al-ay-ZEE'', while ''mes amis'' (my friends) is pronounced ''MEZ-ah-MEE'' . * A '''final e''' is also usually silent if the word has more than one syllable, except in parts of southern France and when singing or reciting poetry, when it becomes a schwa or é sound (see [[#Vowels|below]]). Guess what? Those pronunciation "rules" you just read have a ton of '''exceptions'''! For example, the rule that a final r is pronounced is not true in the combination "-er", normally found in verb infinitives; this letter combination is pronounced ''ay''. The plural ending "-ent" for verbs is silent (except for the t, in cases of liaison), even though it is pronounced when it appears in other words. Sometimes, whether to pronounce the final consonant of a word is denoted by its grammatical function; for example, the final "s" in ''tous'' (all) is silent when used as an adjective, but pronounced when used as a pronoun, while the final "f" in nouns such as ''cerf'' (deer) and ''œuf'' (egg) is pronounced in the singular form, but in the plural form (''cerfs'', ''œufs'') the "f" and the "s" are both silent. A final warning: for many French words, it is impossible to write something which an English speaker can easily read and reproduce without compromising on the French pronunciation. This means that '''the pronunciation guides in this very phrasebook are open to interpretation!''' Use the transliteration provided with each phrase as a guide to ''liaison'', but refer to the following letter lists in order to correctly pronounce the vowels and consonants. ===Vowels=== Vowels in French can have '''accent marks''', which generally have no noticeable impact on pronunciation, but they often distinguish between homophones in writing (''ou'', meaning "or", and ''où'', meaning "where", are pronounced the same). The only really important ones which affect pronunciation are é, è, and ê, which are called ''e accent aigu'', ''e accent grave'', and ''e accent circonflexe'', respectively. The grave and circumflex accents have the same name when they appear on other letters, while the umlaut (ë, ï, ü) is called ''e/i/u tréma''. ; a, à, â : like f'''a'''ther (U.S. English) or c'''a'''t (UK English); {{IPA|a}}. In Quebec French, sometimes more like "aw" as in the standard UK pronunciation of n'''o'''t {{IPA|ɔ}} ; e : in most cases a central neutral vowel ("schwa") like in '''a'''bout {{IPA|ə}}, sometimes like "é" or "è". At the end of a word, it's usually not pronounced at all ; é, ai, -er, -es, -ez, -et : similar to d'''ay''' but shorter {{IPA|e}} ; è, ê : more open, like s'''e'''t {{IPA|ɛ}}. Sometimes diphthongised in Quebec French {{IPA|ɛɪ̯}} ; i, î : like s'''ee''', but shorter and tenser {{IPA|i}} ; o, ô, au, eau : generally like b'''oa'''t {{IPA|o}} ; u, ù : like a very tight, frontal "oo" sound (purse your lips as if to say "oo" as in "soon" but try to make your tongue say "ee") - {{IPA|y}}, ''uu'' in transcriptions, similar to the German ü. Sometimes pronounced more like "eu" in Quebec French ; ou : like f'''oo'''d, but rounder {{IPA|u}} ; y : when followed by a consonant, like s'''ee''' {{IPA|i}}. When followed by another vowel, it's used as a consonant, pronounced '''y'''es {{IPA|j}} ; eu : between d'''ew''' and b'''u'''rp {{IPA|ø}}; written as ''eu'' in transcriptions [[Image:Ouagadougou place nations unies.JPG|thumb|300px|Like many ex-colonial placenames, '''[[Ouagadougou]]''' mixes French spelling convention with words from a local language, in this case Mooré]] ===Semi-vowels=== ; oi : like '''wha'''m {{IPA|wa}}, or when followed by a nasal more like '''we'''t {{IPA|wɛ̃}}. In Quebec French, sometimes like th'''ough'''t {{IPA|ɔ}} ; oui : like '''wee'''k {{IPA|wi}} ; ui : like '''wee'''k, but with a French u instead of the w {{IPA|ɥi}} ; œ : a bit like ''eu'', but more open {{IPA|œ}}. The distinction between ''œ'' (called ''o e entrelacés'') and ''eu'' is very subtle and often irrelevant. ===Consonants=== ; b : {{pron|b|b}} ; c : {{pron|k|c|notes=before "a", "o", and "u" or before a consonant}}, {{pron|s̪|c|notes=before "e", "i", and "y"}} ; ç : like the second pronunciation of ''c''. This letter, called a "cedilla" (''cédille''), can only be written before "a", "o", or "u" ; ch : {{pron|ʃ|ch}}; sometimes like k (in words of Greek origin mostly) ; d : {{pron|d̪|d}}. In Quebec, like "dz" or "ds" when before "i" or "y" ; dj : {{pron|d͡ʒ|dj}} ; f : {{pron|f|f}} ; g : {{pron|ɡ|g|notes=before "a", "o", and "u" or before a consonant}}, {{pron|ʒ|g|notes=before "e", "i" and "y"}} ; gu : like the first pronunciation of g (before "e", "i", "y"); if the u is to be pronounced, it will be written with a diaresis (e.g. ''aigüe'') ; gn : {{pron|ɲ|gn}}. This is particularly difficult when followed by '''oi''', as in '''baignoire''' (''beh-NYWAR'') "bathtub". ; h : silent, but may sometimes prevent a ''liaison'' with the former word (this is called an ''h aspiré'') ; j : like the second pronunciation of g ; k : {{pron|k|k|notes=only used for loanwords, but common in Alsatian and Breton placenames}} ; l, ll : {{pron|l|l}}; some exceptions for "ll" in the combination "ille" (sometimes pronounced ee-yuh, {{IPA|j|noparen=y}}), or in "guillotine". ; m : {{pron|m|m}} ; n: pronounced with the tongue touching the teeth {{IPA|n̪}}, except when followed by a vowel, when it is pronounced like '''n'''ose {{IPA|n}}. See [[#Nasals|Nasals]] below}} ; p : {{pron|p|p}} ; ph : like f ; pn : like a'''pn'''ea {{IPA|pn}} ; ps: like sli'''ps''' {{IPA|ps}} ; q(u) : most of the time k, like '''qu'''ick only in loanwords ; r : guttural r, pronounced at the back of the throat {{IPA|ʁ}} ; s : usually like the second pronunciation of c; like ''z'' when between two vowels (unless doubled), or in a liaison ; t, th : {{pron|t̪|t}}; in Quebec, {{pron|t͡s|t}} when before "i" or "y"; like the second pronunciation of c in ''tion'' ; tch : {{pron|t͡ʃ|tch}} ; v : {{pron|v|v}} ; w : only in foreign words, mostly {{pron|w|w}} and sometimes like v (in particular, "wagon" is "vagon" and "WC" is "VC"!) ; x : either ks, gz or s ; z : {{pron|z̪|z}} [[File:Home Alone House.jpg|thumb|300px|Remember the scene in the movie ''Home Alone'' where Kevin's sister mockingly told him "you're what the French call ''les incompétents''"? Even though grammar Nazis might deduct points for addressing a singular subject in the plural, any phonicist will tell you she got the sound of the French nasal vowel pretty much down pat.]] ===Nasals=== ; an, en, em : nasal a {{IPA|ɑ̃}}. Not always pronounced as a nasal, especially if the n or m is doubled: ''Emmanuel'' is pronounced as a normal "emm" sound ; on : nasal o {{IPA|ɔ̃}} - distinguishing between this and "an" is tricky, it's a deeper, more closed sound ; in, ain : nasal è {{IPA|ɛ̃}} ; un : nasal eu {{IPA|œ̃}}. In northern France and particularly around Paris, pronounced the same as 'in' {{IPA|ɛ̃}} ; oin : nasal "wè" {{IPA|wɛ̃}} ===Diphthongs=== ; aï, ail : like the English pronoun '''I''' {{IPA|aj}} ; ay, éi : ''é'' and ''i'' smooshed together {{IPA|ɛ.i}} ; ill : either literally, or like "y" in "three years", with some exceptions (''ville'' is ''veel'', ''fille'' is ''fiy'') Quebec French sometimes has vestigial diphthongs where French from France no longer does. For example, while a Parisian would pronounce the word ''maître'' as ''MET-ruh'', a Québécois would pronounce it more like ''MIGHT-ruh''. ===Exceptions=== * When there is an accent mark on "e", it prevents diphthongs. Letters should be pronounced separately, following the rule for the accented letter. Example: ''réunion'' (meeting). * A diaeresis (''tréma'') may also be used to prevent diphthongs on "e", "u" and "i". Example: ''maïs'' (Indian corn or maize). * In the combination "geo" (as in ''pigeon'' or ''bourgeois''), the "e" should not be pronounced, as it is only there to force the pronunciation of the soft "g" {{IPA|ʒ}}. When the e is marked with an acute accent (as in ''géologie'') it is pronounced the normal way. ==Grammar== [[File:Institut de France - Académie française et pont des Arts.jpg|thumb|300px|Like Spanish and German, but unlike English, the French language is governed by an official regulator: ''L'Académie française''. Headquartered in Paris (shown here), the Académie issues guidance and recommendations on good French, and its occasional spelling reforms are often controversial.]] ===Gender and its complications=== French nouns are divided into two different '''genders''': masculine and feminine. Unlike in English, all inanimate objects have a gender assigned to them: for example, ''pain'' (bread) is masculine, while ''confiture'' (jam) is feminine. The grammatical gender of nouns denoting persons generally follows the person's natural sex; for instance, ''mère'' (mother) is feminine, while ''père'' (father) is masculine. However, some nouns are always of the same gender regardless of the natural gender of the person they are referring to: ''personne'' is always feminine even if the person in question is a man. It is not always easy to tell at a glance which gender a noun is but, in general, if it ends in a consonant, or by the letter combinations ''-age'', ''-au'', ''-é'', ''-ège'', ''ème'', or ''-isme'' / ''-iste'', or is a foreign (particularly English) loanword, it's likely to be masculine. On the other hand, if a noun ends in ''-ace'', ''-ance'' / ''-ence'', ''-ée'', ''-elle'' / ''-erre'' / ''-esse'' / ''-ette'', ''-ie'', ''-ice'', ''-ine'', ''-ise'', ''-que'', or ''-tion / sion'', it's probably feminine. There are plenty of exceptions, however! The singular '''definite article''' ("the" in English) of each noun depends on its gender: ''le'' (m), ''la'' (f) or ''l’'' (before all singular nouns starting with a vowel and some starting with "h", regardless of gender). The plural definite article for both genders is ''les''. Thus: * le garçon – the boy → les garçons – the boys * la fille – the girl → les filles – the girls * l'homme – the man → les hommes – the men The singular '''indefinite article''' ("a" and "an" in English) also corresponds to the noun's gender: ''un'' for masculine and ''une'' for feminine. Unlike English, French has a plural indefinite article – ''des'', which works for both genders – and three '''partitive articles''' – ''du'' (m), ''de la'' (f), and ''de l’'' (before vowels and some instances of the letter "h"), which precede uncountable nouns (all of these can mean "of the", but they are sometimes needed where no article would be used in English). Thus: * un homme – a man → des hommes – men * une femme – a woman → des femmes – women * du vin – wine * de la confiture – jam * de l'eau – water Similarly, the '''third person pronouns''' also depend on the grammatical gender of the subject: ''il'' (m – he or it) or ''elle'' (f – she or it), with ''ils'' and ''elles'' respectively being the masculine and feminine plurals (they). When there are groups of mixed-gender people or objects, ''ils'' is always used. ===Formal and informal speech=== In French, there are two equivalents of the English word '''"you"'''. When addressing one person you know well such as a family member or a friend, plus any time you speak to one child or one animal, the word to use will be ''tu''. In '''''all''''' other situations, including when addressing a group of people regardless of who they are, the word to use will be ''vous''. This means that in practice, as a traveller and novice French speaker, most of the time you will be using ''vous''. It is important to know the distinction, as while addressing a pet dog with the ''vous'' form might just raise a chuckle, using ''tu'' with somebody you've just met is inappropriate and may offend the person whom you are addressing. After initially using the ''vous'' form, a person may say to you ''"On peut se tutoyer"''; this is a polite invitation for you to use the ''tu'' form with them. The default '''title''' used when addressing a man is ''monsieur'', while a woman would be addressed as ''madame''. ''Mademoiselle'' was traditionally used to address young, unmarried women, but this is now controversial and arguably sexist, so unless the other person tells you otherwise, it is best to default to ''madame''. The respective plurals are ''messieurs'' and ''mesdames'', so the French equivalent of "ladies and gentlemen" is "''mesdames et messieurs''", though often in speech this is rendered as "''messieurs-dames''". ===Verbs=== In a manner similar to many other Romance languages, French '''verbs''' all end in either ''-er'', ''-ir'', or ''-re'' in their infinitive forms, for example ''écouter'' (to listen), ''finir'' (to finish), and ''vendre'' (to sell). Verbs in French '''conjugate''' differently according to tense, mood, aspect and voice. This means that there are many more possible conjugations for French verbs than English verbs, and learning how to conjugate each verb in different scenarios can be a challenge for English speakers. Fortunately for you, the vast majority of verbs follow a regular conjugation pattern. Here are three examples of regular verbs conjugated in the present tense, which can be used as a model for all other present-tense regular verbs. For the regular conjugations, remove the ''-er'', ''-ir'', or ''-re'' ending from the infinitive and add the letters in bold from the table below: {| class="wikitable" |+ !regular<br>''-er'' verb example: ÉCOUTER !to listen !regular<br>''-ir'' verb example: FINIR !to finish !regular<br>''-re'' verb example: VENDRE !to sell |- |j'écout'''e''' |I listen |je fin'''is''' |I finish |je vend'''s''' |I sell |- |tu écout'''es''' |you listen (informal) |tu fin'''is''' |you finish (informal) |tu vend'''s''' |you sell (informal) |- |il écout'''e''' elle écout'''e''' |he listens / it listens (masculine inanimate) she listens / it listens (feminine inanimate) |il fin'''it''' elle fin'''it''' |he finishes / it finishes (masculine inanimate) she finishes / it finishes (feminine inanimate) |il vend elle vend |he sells / it sells (masculine inanimate) she sells / it sells (feminine inanimate) |- |on écout'''e''' |one listens we listen |on fin'''it''' |one finishes we finish |on vend |one sells we sell |- |nous écout'''ons''' |we listen |nous fin'''issons''' |we finish |nous vend'''ons''' |we sell |- |vous écout'''ez''' |you listen (formal / plural) |vous fin'''issez''' |you finish (formal / plural) |vous vend'''ez''' |you sell (formal / plural) |- |ils écout'''ent''' elles écout'''ent''' |they listen |ils fin'''issent''' elles fin'''issent''' |they finish |ils vend'''ent''' elles vend'''ent''' |they sell |- |} Some verbs are '''irregular''', meaning that they use different roots when conjugated. The good news is that irregular verbs are very much in the minority. The bad news is that nearly all of the most useful everyday verbs are irregular; you will have to learn their conjugations individually if you wish to use them effectively: ''aller'' (to go), ''venir'' (to come), ''voir'' (to see), ''faire'' (to do), ''acheter'' (to buy), ''manger'' (to eat), ''boire'' (to drink), ''sortir'' (to go out), ''dormir'' (to sleep), ''pouvoir'' (to be able to), and ''vouloir'' (to want). The worst of these are probably ''être'' (to be) and ''avoir'' (to have), by far the most common verbs for everyday communication. Here are the present tense conjugations of each; you'll notice the entire word changes for each form of the verb: [[Image:Eclairs at Fauchon in Paris.jpg|thumb|300px|If you hate grammar, just think of éclairs. ''Éclair'', by the way, is a masculine noun.]] {| class="wikitable" |+ !AVOIR !to have !ÊTRE !to be |- |j''''ai''' |I have |je '''suis''' |I am |- |tu '''as''' |you have (informal) |tu '''es''' |you are (informal) |- |il '''a''' elle '''a''' |he has / it has (masculine inanimate) she has / it has (feminine inanimate) |il '''est''' elle '''est''' |he is / it is (masculine inanimate) she is / it is (feminine inanimate) |- |on '''a''' |one has we have |on '''est''' |one is we are |- |nous '''avons''' |we have |nous '''sommes''' |we are |- |vous '''avez''' |you have (formal / plural) |vous '''êtes''' |you are (formal / plural) |- |ils '''ont''' elles '''ont''' |they have |ils '''sont''' elles '''sont''' |they are |} ==International varieties of French== [[Image:Guadeloupe creole 2010-03-30.JPG|thumb|300px|"Levez le pied, il y a des enfants qui jouent ici !" – Lift your foot [off the gas pedal], there are children playing here! (Guadeloupe Creole)]] For its size, [[France]] is quite a linguistically-diverse country. Aside from languages which are very clearly separate from French (e.g. [[Basque]] and [[Breton]]), there is a whole slew of local ''parlers'' (e.g. Angevin, Lorrain, Norman, Picard, Savoyard...) which are just similar enough to standard French that, depending on whom you ask, they can be considered either separate languages in their own right, or simply dialects (''patois'') of the mother tongue. These local languages/dialects also influence the accents of standard French within their region, from the strange vowels and increased nasalisation of the far north to the 'singing' accents of the deep south. The varieties of French which are spoken in Belgium and Switzerland differ slightly from the French spoken in France, though they are similar enough to be mutually intelligible. In particular, the numbering system in French-speaking [[Belgium]] and [[Switzerland]] has some slight peculiarities that are different from the French spoken in France, and the pronunciation of some words is slightly different. Nevertheless, all French-speaking Belgians and Swiss would have learned standard French in school, so they would be able to understand you even if you used the standard French numbering system. Aside from Europe and Canada (see below), many French-speaking regions have incorporated the words of local languages, and on occasion have formed distinctive dialects or languages known as '''creoles'''. French-based creoles today enjoy wide use and often official status in the [[Seychelles]], [[Mauritius]], [[New Caledonia]], [[Haiti]] (see [[Haitian Creole phrasebook|Haitian creole]]), [[Réunion]], and the French overseas territories in the Antilles. A dialect of French known as [[Louisiana]] French or Cajun, which is similar to the Acadian French spoken in parts of New Brunswick, and a distinct French-based creole known as Louisiana Creole are both still spoken by some residents in the southern U.S. state, while parts of [[New England]] near the Canadian border are home to speakers of a dialect known as New England French, which bears many similarities to Québécois. ===Canada=== {{see also|Quebec#Talk}} [[Image:Arrêt - Stop Sign, Montreal, Canada (28389217345).jpg|thumb|right|300px|Stop sign in Montreal]] There are many phonological and lexical differences between the French spoken in Quebec and that spoken in France. Quebec has retained many 18th- & 19th-century French words, while in France the language has moved on, as well as incorporating many English words in the modern era. On the other side, Québécois borrowed English terms from their Anglophone neighbours as early as the 19th century, but the onset of the "Quiet Revolution" and the Quebec sovereignty movement in the 1960s led to laws that strictly limited the usage and influence of English in the public sphere, with the result that, etymologically speaking, Quebec French is in many ways more "purely" French than that spoken in France. For instance, the [[Fast food in the United States and Canada#Chicken|fast-food chain]] called "Kentucky Fried Chicken" (KFC) in both the United States and France is known in Quebec as ''Poulet Frit Kentucky'' (PFK). In addition, menus are all translated, resulting in ''le Joyeux Festin'' at McDonald's in Quebec, rather than ''le Happy Meal'' as in the rest of the French-speaking world. Some examples of everyday words which differ between Québécois and standard French: {| class="wikitable" |+ !English !France !Quebec !Notes |- |car |voiture |auto, char |''Char'' is very informal, while ''auto'' is more formal. In France, ''un char'' is 'a tank'. ''Voiture'' and ''auto'' are feminine; ''char'' is masculine. |- |car park |parking |stationnement | |- |to park (a car) |garer |parker | |- |to drive |conduire |chauffer |In France, ''chauffer'' means 'to heat' |- |stop (on a road sign) |stop |arrêt | |- |pavement/sidewalk |trottoir |cotteur | |- |washing machine |machine à laver |laveuse | |- |breakfast, lunch, dinner |petit déjeuner, déjeuner, dîner |déjeuner, dîner, souper |Belgium and Switzerland use the same terms as Quebec |- |shopping |shopping/courses |magasinage | |- |bicycle |vélo |bicyclette |''vélo'' is masculine; ''bicyclette'' is feminine |- |weekend |week-end |fin de semaine |''week-end'' is masculine; ''fin de semaine'' is feminine <br> In France, ''fin de semaine'' refers to the end of the working week (typically Thursday-Friday). |- |toothpaste |dentifrice |pâte à dents |Canadian toothpaste packaging still says ''dentifrice'' |- |email |e-mail/mail |courriel |Use of ''courriel'', short for ''courrier électronique'' (electronic mail), is recommended by the ''Académie française'', but this is all but ignored in France |- |ice cream |glace |crème glacée |''Crème glacée'' is a direct translation of English 'ice cream' |- |corn |maïs |blé d'inde | |- |} Each of Canada's other provinces has a Francophone population, who are not Québécois. Some of these groups have been settled for hundreds of years. Another distinct dialect of French, known as Acadian French, is spoken commonly in parts of [[New Brunswick]], with smaller populations in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. Many of these people were expelled by the British during the French and Indian War, and settled in [[Louisiana]], where they would later become known as the Cajuns. Nevertheless, all Francophone Canadians, including Québécois, learn standard French in school, and most of the differences between the two varieties are limited to informal speech. This means that while you may not understand conversation among locals, they will be able to converse with you in standard French if required. ==Cognates in English== English has borrowed a huge number of French words since the Norman conquest of England in 1066 and also shares a large number of cognates that English borrowed directly from Latin, so you will recognize many French words, especially after you get used to French pronunciation. For example, a large number of words ending in -tion are spelled the same way in French, although the pronunciation is different. Among these words are ''production'', ''introduction'', ''participation'' and ''indication''. Also, words ending in -ty in English normally end in -té in French, including ''personnalité'' (personality), ''université'' (university), ''compatibilité'' (compatibility) and ''sécurité'' (security). Another signpost to look for is that words that end in -ous in English usually end in -eux (masculine singular) or -euse (feminine singular) in French. Examples include ''sérieux/sérieuse'' (serious), ''dangereux/dangereuse'' (dangerous) and ''joyeux/joyeuse'' (joyous). When it comes to culinary terms, the meat of specific animals is often referred to using a loan word from French, while the animal itself is referred to using the original Germanic term. For example English pork is cognate with French ''porc'', English beef is cognate with French ''bœuf'', and English mutton is cognate with French ''mouton''. In French, the distinction isn't made. There are many other French words that were borrowed with little or no change in spelling into English, such as ''homage'' (homage), ''instrument'' (instrument), ''concert'' (concert), ''préférence'' (preference) and ''honneur'' (honour). There are sometimes differences in meaning or usage between the languages, though, as the French word ''cuisine'' means not only a style of cooking as in English usage but also a kitchen, and the verb ''conduire'', whose noun form is ''conduction'', is used more often to mean "to drive" than "to conduct". ''Chauffeur'' is just a generic term for driver, not necessarily just a private driver as in English. ''Hôtel'' can also refer to any large building in French, so ''hôtel de ville'' is a city hall or town hall, and ''hôtel du parlement'' is a parliament building. ''Entrée'' refers to a smaller dish before the main course in French, and this original meaning is retained in Australian English, but has shifted to refer to the main course itself in American and Canadian English. ''Sensible'' typically means "sensitive", not "sensible" in the usual English sense (you can use a word like ''raisonnable'', the cognate for "reasonable", instead). Also, watch out for the French word ''préservatif'', which does not mean a preservative but a condom! If you want to refer to preservatives in food, use the word ''conservateurs''. Disclaimers aside, there are quite a lot of French words you can guess correctly by understanding the equivalents and seeing some patterns of how similar words differ between the languages. There are also a few English words that are commonly used in French, including ''le week-end'' and ''le store''. ==Phrase list== ===Basics=== {{infobox|Common signs |; OPEN : Ouvert (''oo-VAIR'') ; CLOSED : Fermé (''FEHR-may'') ; OPENING HOURS : Horaires d'ouverture (''Oh-RAIR doo-VAIR-tuur'') ; ENTRANCE : Entrée (''AHN-tray'') ; EXIT : Sortie (''sor-TEE'') ; PUSH : Poussez (''POO-say'') ; PULL : Tirez (''TEE-ray'') ; TOILET : Toilettes (''twah-LET'') ; MEN : Hommes (''om'') ; WOMEN : Femmes (''fam'') ; DISABLED : Handicapés (''on-dee-KAP-ay'') ; EMERGENCY EXIT : Sortie de secours (''sor-TEE duh suh-COOR'') ; FORBIDDEN : Interdit, Défendu (''ehn-tair-DEE, day-fahn-DUU'') ; NO PARKING : Stationnement interdit, Défense de stationner (''STAH-syonn-mon an-tair-DEE, day-FAHNS duh STAH-syonn-ay'') ; YIELD / GIVE WAY : Cédez le passage (''SAY-day luh pah-SAHZH'') ; STOP : Stop (''stop'') / Arrêt (''Ah-RAY'')}} ; Hello. (formal): Bonjour. (''bawn-ZHOOR'') (in the day) / Bonsoir. (''bawn-SWAHR'') (at night) ; Hello. (informal) : Salut. (''sah-LUU'') ; How are you? (formal) : Comment allez-vous ? (''koh-moh t-AH-lay VOO'') ; How are you? (informal) : Comment vas-tu ? (''koh-mahng va TUU''); Comment ça va ? (''koh-moh sah VAH'') ; Fine, thank you. : Bien, merci. (''byang, merr-SEE'') ; What is your name? : Comment vous appelez-vous ? (''koh-moh vooz AHP-lay VOO?''); lit. "How do you call yourself?" ; What is your name? (informal) : Comment t'appelles-tu ? (''koh-moh tah-pell TOO?'') ; My name is ______ . : Je m'appelle ______ . (''zhuh mah-PELL _____'') ; Nice to meet you. : Enchanté(e). (''ahn-shan-TAY'') ; Please. (formal) : S'il vous plaît. (''seel voo PLEH''); Je vous prie. (''zhuh voo PREE'') ; Please. (informal) : S'il te plaît. (''seel tuh PLEH'') ; Thank you. : Merci. (''merr-SEE'') ; You're welcome. : De rien. (''duh RYEHNG''), Bienvenue. (''bee-ain-veuh-nu'') [Quebec only]; Je vous en prie. (''zhuh voo-zahn PREE'') (more polite) ; Yes. : Oui. (''WEE'') ; No. : Non. (''NOH'') ; Excuse me. : Pardon. (''pahr-DOHN''); Excusez-moi. (''ehk-SKEW-zay MWAH'') ; (I am) Sorry. : (Je suis) Désolé(e). (''zhuh swee DAY-zoh-LAY''); Je m'excuse. (''zhuh mehk-SKEWZ'') ; Goodbye : Au revoir. (''oh ruh-VWAHR'') ; Goodbye (informal) : Salut. (''sah-LUU'') ; I can't speak French [well]. : Je ne parle pas [bien] français. (''zhuh nuh PAHRL pah [byang] frahn-SEH '') ; Do you speak English? :Parlez-vous anglais ? (''par-lay VOO ahng-LEH?'') ; Is there someone here who speaks English? : Est-ce qu'il y a quelqu'un ici qui parle anglais ? (''ess keel-ee-AH kel-KUHN ee-see kee PAHRL ahng-LEH'')/ Y a-t-il quelqu'un ici qui parle anglais ? (''ee yah-TEEL kel-KUHN ee-see kee PAHRL ahng-LEH'') ; Help! : Au secours ! (''oh suh-KOOR'') ; Look out! : Attention ! (''ah-tahn-SYONG'') ; Good day / good morning : Bonjour (''bong̠-ZHOO(R)'') ; Have a nice day: Bonne journée (''bon zhoor-NAY'') ; Good evening. : Bonsoir. (''bong-SWAHR'') ; Good night. (at the end of an evening) : Bonne soirée (''bon swahr-RAY'') ; Good night. (when going to bed) : Bonne nuit. (''bon NWEE'') ; Sweet dreams : Faites de beaux rêves (''FEHT duh bo REV'') ; I don't understand. : Je ne comprends pas. (''zhuh nuh KOHM-prahn pah'') ; I don't know. : Je ne sais pas. (''zhuh nuh say pah'') ; I can't. : Je ne peux (pas). (''zhuh nuh puh pah'') ; Where is the toilet? : Où sont les toilettes ? (''OOH sohn leh twah-LET?'') ; What is it? : Qu'est-ce que c'est ? (''KES-kuh-SAY'') ; How do you say _____ in French / in English? : Comment dit-on _____ en français / en anglais ? (''koh-moh dee-TONG _____ ahn frahn-SEH / ahn ahng-LEH ?'') ; What is this/that called? :Comment appelle-t-on ça ? (''koh-moh ah-pell-TONG SAH?'') ; How is that spelt? : Comment ça s'écrit ? (''koh-moh sah SAY-cree?'') ===Problems=== ; Leave me alone. :Laissez-moi tranquille ! (''lay-say mwah trahn-KEEL!'') ; Buzz off. : Dégage ! (''day-GAHZH!'') / Va-t'en ! (''va TAHN'') ; Don't touch me! : Ne me touchez pas ! (''nuh muh TOOSH-ay PAH!'') ; I'm calling the police. : Je vais appeler la police. (''zhuh VAYZ a-pell-AY la poh-LEES'') ; Police! : Police ! (''poh-LEES'') ; Stop! Thief! : Arrêtez ! Au voleur ! (''ah-reh-TAY! oh vo-LEUR!'') ; Stop! Rapist! : Arrêtez ! Au viol ! (''ah-reh-TAY! oh vee-YOL!'') ; Help! : Au secours ! (''oh suh-KOOR!'') ; Fire! : Au feu ! (''oh FEUH!'') ; Help me, please!. : Aidez-moi, s'il vous plaît ! (''aih-day MWAH, SEEL voo PLEH!'') ; It's an emergency. : C'est urgent ! (''seh toor-ZHAHN'') ; I'm lost. : Je me suis perdu(e). (''ZHUH muh swee pehr-DUU'') ; I've lost my bag. : J'ai perdu mon sac. (''zhay pehr-DUU mon SAK'') ; I've lost my wallet. :J'ai perdu mon portefeuille. (''zhay pehr-DUU mon POHR-tuh-fuhye'') ; My things have been stolen. : On m'a volé mes affaires. (''o(n) ma vo-LAY may-zaf-FAIR'') ; Someone / This man / This woman is harassing me : Quelqu'un / Cet homme / Cette femme me harcèle (''kel-ku(n) / set om / set fam muh ar-SELL'') ; I'm sick. : Je suis malade. (''zhuh swee mah-LAHD'') ; I've been injured. : Je me suis blessé. (''zhuh muh swee bleh-SAY'') ; I've been bitten by a dog. : Je me suis fait mordre par un chien. (''zhuh muh swee fay MOR-druh par u(n) shee-AH(N)'') ; I need a doctor. : J'ai besoin d'un médecin. (''zhay buh-ZWAHN duun may-TSAN'') ; Can I use your phone? : Puis-je utiliser votre téléphone ? (''PWEEZH oo-tee-lee-ZAY vot-ruh tay-lay-FUN'') ; Call an ambulance. :Appelez une ambulance. (''ah-puh-lay uun OM-boo-lo(n)ss'') ; Call the fire brigade. :Appelez les pompiers. (''ah-puh-lay lay pom-PEE-ay'') ; Call the police. :Appelez la police. (''ah-puh-lay la poh-LEES'') ; Call the coastguard. :Appelez les gardes-côtes. (''ah-puh-lay lay garde cot'') ===Numbers=== [[File:Reunion BrasDeLaPlaine.JPG|thumb|300px|[[Réunion]]]] Unlike English, French uses the long scale, so ''un billion'' and ''un trillion'' are not the same as the English "one billion" and "one trillion". ; 0 : zéro (''zairro'') ; 1 : un/une (''uhn'')/(''uun'') ; 2 : deux (''deu'') ; 3 : trois (''trwah'') ; 4 : quatre (''kahtr'') ; 5 :cinq (''sank'') ; 6 : six (''sees'') ; 7 : sept (''set'') ; 8 : huit (''weet'') ; 9 : neuf (''neuf'') ; 10 : dix (''deece'') ; 11 : onze (''onz'') ; 12 : douze (''dooz'') ; 13 : treize (''trayz'') ; 14 : quatorze (''kat-ORZ'') ; 15 : quinze (''kihnz'') ; 16 : seize (''says'') ; 17 : dix-sept (''dee-SET'') ; 18 : dix-huit (''dee-ZWEET'') ; 19 : dix-neuf (''deez-NUF'') ; 20 : vingt (''vihnt'') ; 21 : vingt-et-un (''vihng-tay-UHN'') ; 22 : vingt-deux (''vihn-teu-DEU'') ; 23 : vingt-trois (''vin-teu-TRWAH'') ; 30 : trente (''trahnt'') ; 40 : quarante (''kar-AHNT'') ; 50 : cinquante (''sank-AHNT'') ; 60 : soixante (''swah-SAHNT'') ; 70 : soixante-dix (''swah-sahnt-DEES'') or septante (''sep-TAHNGT'') in Belgium and Switzerland ; 80 : quatre-vingts (''kaht-ruh-VIHN''); huitante (''weet-AHNT'') in Belgium and Switzerland (except Geneva); octante (''oct-AHNT'') in Switzerland ; 90 : quatre-vingt-dix (''katr-vihn-DEES''); nonante (''noh-NAHNT'') in Belgium and Switzerland ; 100 : cent (''sahn'') ; 200 : deux cents (''deu sahng'') ; 300 : trois cents (''trrwa sahng'') [[File:Купюра в 500 франков КФА. Лицевая сторона.jpg|thumb|300px|Cinq cents francs, used in several countries in Central Africa]] ; 1000 : mille (''meel'') ; 2000 : deux mille (''deu meel'') ; 1,000,000 : un million (''ung mee-LYOHN'') (treated as a noun when alone: one million euros would be ''un million d'euros''). ; 1,000,000,000 : un milliard ; 1,000,000,000,000 : un billion ; number _____ (''train, bus, etc.'') : numéro _____ (''nuu-may-ROH'') ; half : demi (''duh-MEE''), moitié (''mwah-tee-AY'') ; less : moins (''mwihn'') ; more : plus (''pluus'') / no more : plus (''pluu'') so this time, the "S" is mute ===Time=== [[File:A sculpture at the entrance to the palace of Versailles.jpg|thumb|300px|A sculpture at the entrance to the palace of Versailles]] ; now : maintenant (''mant-NAHN'') ; earlier : plus tôt (''pluu to'') ; later : plus tard (''pluu TAHR'') ; before : avant (''ah-VAHN'') ; after : après (''ah-PREH'') ; morning : le matin (''luh mah-TAN'') ; in the morning : dans la matinée (''dahn lah mah-tee-NAY'') ; afternoon : l'après-midi (''lah-preh-mee-DEE'') ; in the afternoon : dans l'après-midi (''dahn lah-preh-mee-DEE'') ; evening : le soir (''luh SWAHR'') ; in the evening: dans la soirée (''dahn lah swah-RAY'') ; night : la nuit (''lah NWEE'') ; in the night : pendant la nuit (''pehndahn lah NWEE'') ====Clock time==== French speakers most commonly use the 24-hour clock, even in Quebec (whereas most other Canadians use the 12-hour clock). In Europe, an 'h' is used as a separator between hours and minutes, as opposed to the colon that is used in Quebec and English-speaking countries. Therefore, midnight is written as ''0h00'', 1AM as ''1h00'', and 1PM as ''13h00''; more details and examples below. However, the 12-hour clock is making some inroads in speech, and saying 1-11 in the afternoon or evening will be understood. ; What's the time? : Quelle heure est-il ? (''kel euhr et-EEL?''); ; hour : heure (''eur'') ; minute : minute (''mee-NUUT'') ; From 1 minute past to 30 minutes past the hour: [hour] + [number of minutes] : Example: 10<nowiki>:</nowiki>20 or "twenty past ten" = <nowiki>10h20</nowiki>; "dix heures vingt" (''deez eur va(n)'') ; For 31 minutes past to 59 minutes past the hour : [next hour] + moins (''mwa(n)'') : Example: 10<nowiki>:</nowiki>40 or "twenty to eleven" = <nowiki>10h40</nowiki>; "onze heures moins vingt" (''onz eur mwa(n) va(n)'') ; quarter past : [hour] et quart (''ay kahr'') : Example: 07<nowiki>:</nowiki>15 or "quarter past seven" = <nowiki>7h15</nowiki>; "sept heures et quart" (''set eur eh kahr'') ; quarter to :[hour] moins le quart (''mwa(n) luh kahr'') : Example: 16<nowiki>:</nowiki>45 or "quarter to five" = <nowiki>16h45</nowiki>; "dix sept heures moins le quart" (''dee-set eur mwan luh kahr'') ; half-past : et demie (''eh duh-MEE''); et demi (after midnight or noon, ''eh duh-MEE'') : Example : 10<nowiki>:</nowiki>30 or "half past ten" = <nowiki>10h30</nowiki>; "dix heures et demie" (''deez eur eh duh-MEE'') : Example : 12<nowiki>:</nowiki>30 or "half past twelve" = <nowiki>12h30</nowiki>; "douze heures et demi" (''dooz eur eh duh-MEE'') ; 1AM, 01<nowiki>:</nowiki>00 : <nowiki>1h00</nowiki>; une heure du matin (''uun eur duu ma-TAN'') ; 2AM, 02<nowiki>:</nowiki>00 : <nowiki>2h00</nowiki>; deux heures du matin (''dooz eur duu ma-TAN'') ; noon, 12<nowiki>:</nowiki>00 : <nowiki>12h00</nowiki>; midi (''mee-DEE'') ; 1PM, 13<nowiki>:</nowiki>00 : <nowiki>13h00</nowiki>; treize heures (''traiyz er'') : une heure de l'après-midi (''uun eur duh la-preh-mee-DEE'') ; 2PM, 14<nowiki>:</nowiki>00 : <nowiki>14h00</nowiki>; quatorze heures (''KAH-torz er'') : deux heures de l'après-midi (''duz er duh la-preh-mee-DEE'') ; 6PM, 18<nowiki>:</nowiki>00 : <nowiki>18h00</nowiki>; dix-huit heures (''deez-weet ER'') : six heures du soir (''seez er duu SWAR'') ; 7<nowiki>:</nowiki>30PM, 19<nowiki>:</nowiki>30 : <nowiki>19h30</nowiki>; dix-neuf heures trente (''DEE-znuf er TRAHNT'') : sept heures et demie (''SET er eh duh-MEE'') ; midnight, 00<nowiki>:</nowiki>00 : <nowiki>0h00</nowiki>; minuit (''mee-NWEE'') ====Duration==== [[File:Fontevraud3.jpg|thumb|300px|Abbaye de Fontevraud]] ; _____ minute(s) : _____ minute(s) (''mee-NOOT'') ; _____ hour(s) :_____ heure(s) (''eur'') ; _____ day(s) : _____ jour(s) (''zhoor'') ; _____ week(s) : _____ semaine(s) (''suh-MEN'') ; _____ month(s) : _____ mois (''mwa'') ; _____ year(s) : _____ an(s) (''ahng''), année(s) (''ah-NAY'') ; hourly : horaire (''oh-RAIR'') ; daily : quotidien / quotidienne (''ko-tee-DYAN'' / ''ko-tee-DYEN'') ; weekly : hebdomadaire (''eb-doh-ma-DAIYR'') ; monthly : mensuel / mensuelle (''mang-suu-WEL'') ; seasonal : saisonnier / saisonnière (''SEH-zon-ee-ay'' / ''SEH-zon-ee-air'') ; yearly : annuel / annuelle (''ah-nuu-WEL'') ; How long is your vacation? : Combien de temps restez-vous en vacances ? (''com-bee-AN duh ton res-TAY voo on VAH-kons''); ; I am in France for ten days : Je reste en France pendant dix jours. (''zhuh rest on frons pon-don dee zhoor'') ; How long is the journey? : Combien de temps le voyage dure-t-il ? (''com-bee-AN duh ton luh vwoi-YAHZH dyoor-TEEL'') ; It takes an hour and a half : Cela dure une heure et demie. (''suh-LAH dyoor uun er ay duh-MEE'') ===Days=== ; today : aujourd'hui (''oh-zhoor-DWEE'') ; yesterday : hier (''yare'') ; tomorrow : demain (''duh-MAN'') ; this week : cette semaine (''set suh-MEN'') ; last week : la semaine dernière (''lah suh-MEN dehr-NYAIR'') ; next week : la semaine prochaine (''lah suh-MEN pro-SHEN'') ; the weekend : le week-end (France) / la fin de semaine (Canada) (''luh week-end / lah fah(n) duh suh-MEN'') French calendars normally start on Monday. Unlike in English, the names of days are not capitalised in French: ; Monday : lundi (''luhn-DEE'') ; Tuesday : mardi (''mahr-DEE'') ; Wednesday : mercredi (''mehr-kruh-DEE'') ; Thursday : jeudi (''juh-DEE'') ; Friday : vendredi (''vahn-druh-DEE'') ; Saturday : samedi (''sahm-DEE'') ; Sunday : dimanche (''dee-MAHNSH'') ===Months=== [[File:Fontaine d'Octon.JPG|thumb|300px|The revolutionary calendar isn't in use any longer, but inscriptions where it's been used can be seen here and there]] Unlike English, the names of months are not capitalised in French: ; January : janvier (''ZHO(N)-vee-yeh'') ; February : février (''FEH-vree-yeh'') ; March :mars (''mar''s) ; April :avril (''av-REEL'') ; May :mai (''meh'') ; June :juin (''zh-WAH(N)'') ; July : juillet (''zh-WEE-eh'') ; August : août (''oot'') ; September : septembre (''sep-TOMBR'') ; October : octobre (''oc-TOBR'') ; November : novembre (''no-VOMBR'') ; December : décembre (''deh-SOMBR'') ===Seasons=== ; spring : le printemps (''luh PRAH(N)-toh(m)'') ; summer : l'été (''LAY-tay'') ; autumn : l'automne (''loh-TOMNUH'') ; winter : l'hiver (''LEE-vair'') ===Holidays=== [[File:FréjusPlageSaint-Aygulf.jpg|thumb|300px|France has many beaches, and they are popular destinations during ''les vacances d'été'']] ; Enjoy your holiday/vacation! : Bonnes vacances ! (''bon vah-KOH(N)S'') ; Happy holidays! (festival) : Bonnes fêtes ! (''bon fet'') ; Happy birthday! : Joyeux anniversaire ! (''ZHWY-yeuz-AN-ee-vair-SAIR'') ; Happy New Year! : Bonne année ! (''BON-a-NAY'') ; New Year's Day : le jour de l'an (''luh zhoor duh lah(n)'') ; Shrove Tuesday : le mardi gras (''luh MAR-dee grah'') ; Easter : les Pâques (''lay pak'') ; Passover : la Pâque juive / le Pessa'h (''lah pak zh-WEEV'' / ''luh pess-AKH'') ; Ramadan : le Ramadan (''luh RAH-mah-doh(n)'') (the other Muslim festivals are also called by their Arabic names) ; Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day (24 June, Quebec) : la Fête de la Saint-Jean-Baptiste (''lah fet duh lah sa(n)-JOH(N)-bap-TEEST'') ; Canada Day (1 July) : la Fête du Canada (''lah fet duu CA-na-DA'') ; Bastille Day (14 July, France) : le Quatorze Juillet / la Fête Nationale (''luh kat-ORZ zh-WEE-eh / lah fet nah-syon-NAL'') ; summer holidays : les vacances d'été (''lay vah-KOH(N)S DAY-tay'') ; school holidays : les vacances scolaires (''lay vah-KOH(N)S skoh-LAIR'') ; beginning of the school year : la rentrée (''lah roh(n)-TRAY'') ; Thanksgiving (2nd Su of Oct, Canada) : l'Action de grâce (''LAC-sio(n)-duh-GRASS'') ; All Saints' Day : la Toussaint (''lah TOO-sahn'') ; Hanukkah : Hanoucca (''ah-NOO-kah'') ; Christmas : Noël (''noh-EL'') ; Merry Christmas! : Joyeux Noël ! (''ZHWY-euh noh-EL!'') ===Colours=== Like in other Romance languages, nouns in French are either "masculine" or "feminine"; adjectives vary accordingly. For instance, a lady may be ''blonde'' or ''brunette'' while a gentleman with hair of the corresponding hue is ''blond'' or ''brunet''. ; black : noir/noire (''nwahr'') ; white : blanc/blanche (''blahng/blahnsh'') ; grey : gris/grise (''gree/greez'') ; red : rouge (''roozh'') ; blue : bleu/bleue (''bluh'') ; yellow : jaune (''zhone'') ; green : vert/verte (''verre/vehrt'') ; orange : orange (''oh-RAHNZH'') ; purple : violet/violette (''vee-oh-LEH/vee-oh-LET'') ; brown : brun/brune (''bruh/bruhn''); marron (''MAH-rohn'') ; pink : rose (''roz'') ===Adjectives=== Like in other Romance languages, nouns in French are either "masculine" or "feminine"; adjectives vary accordingly. ; Good :Bon (m.) (''bo(n)'') / Bonne (f.) (''bon'') ; Bad : Mauvais (''MO-vay'') / Mauvaise (f.) (''MO-vez'') ; Big : Grand (m.) (''gro(n)'') / Grande (f.) (''grond'') ; Small : Petit (m.) (''puh-TEE'') / Petite (f.) (''puh-TEET'') ; Hot : Chaud (m.) (''sho'') / Chaude (f.) (''shode'') [[File:Mont Blanc Gipfelpano.jpg|thumb|300px|The summit of [[Mont Blanc]], at about 4800 m above sea level, is ''froid toute l'année'']] ; Cold : Froid (m.) (''frwah'') / Froide (f.) (''frwahd'') ; Fast : Rapide / Vite (both genders) (''rah-PEED / veet'') ; Slow : Lent (m.) (''lo(n)'') / Lente (f.) (''lont'') ; Expensive : Cher (m.) (''shair'') / Chère (f.) (''shairr'') ; Cheap : Bon marché (both genders) (''bo(n) mar-SHAY'') ; Rich : Riche (both genders) (''reesh'') ; Poor : Pauvre (both genders) (''pov-ruh'') ===Transportation=== [[File:SNCF TGV Duplex Viaduc de Cize - Bolozon.jpg|thumb|300px|France's famous TGV (''train à grande vitesse'' - high speed train) crossing the Ain river]] ====Bus and Train==== ; How much is a ticket to _____? : Combien coûte le billet pour _____ ? (''kom-BYAN koot luh bee-YEH poor'') ; One ticket to _____, please. : Un billet pour _____, s'il vous plaît. (''ung bee-YEH poor ____ seel voo pleh'') ; Where does this train/bus go? : Où va ce train/bus ? (''OO va suh trahn/boos?'') ; Where is the train/bus to _____? : Où est le train/bus pour _____ ? (''OO eh luh trahn/buus poor ____'') ; Does this train/bus stop in _____? : Ce train/bus s'arrête-t-il à _____ ? (''suh trahn/buus sah-reh-tuh-TEEL ah _____'') ; When does the train/bus for _____ leave? : Quand part le train/bus pour _____? (''kahn par luh trahn/buus poor _____'') ; When will this train/bus arrive in _____? : Quand ce train/bus arrivera à _____ ? (''kahn suh trahn/buus ah-ree-vuh-RAH ah _____'') ; the/this shuttle : la/cette navette (''lah/set nah-VET'') ; a one-way ticket: un aller simple (''uhn ah-LAY SAM-pluh'') ; a return/round trip ticket: un aller-retour (''uhn ah-LAY ruh-TOOR'') ; I would like to rent a car. : J'aimerais louer une voiture. (''ZHEM-eu-ray LOO-way oon VWA-tuur'') ====Directions==== ; Where is / are _____? : Où se trouve / trouvent _____ ? / (''oo suh tr-OO-v _____'') ; ...the train station? : ...la gare ? (''lah gahr'') ; ...the bus station? : ...la gare routière ? (''lah gahr roo-TYEHR'') ; ...the nearest metro station? : ...la station de métro la plus proche ? (''lah stah-syon duh MAY-tro lah ploo prosh'') ; ...the airport? : ...l'aéroport ? (''lehr-oh-POR?'') ; ...the American/Australian/British/Canadian embassy? : ...l'ambassade américaine/australienne/britannique/canadienne ? (''lahm-bah-SAHD a-may-ree-KEN / os-trah-lee-EN / bree-tah-NEEK / ka-na-DYEN'') ; ...the (nearest) hotel? :...l'hôtel (le plus proche) ? (''loh-tel luh ploo prohsh'') ; ...the town / city hall? : ...l'hôtel de ville / la mairie ? (''loh-tel duh veel / lah mair-REE'') ; ...the police station? : ...le commissariat de police ? (''luh com-mee-SAHR-ee-ah duh po-LEES'') ; ...the tourist information centre? : ...le syndicat d'initiative ? / l'office de tourisme ? / le bureau touristique ? (Quebec) (''luh SAN-dee-kah dee-NEE-sya-teev'' / ''loff-EES duh toor-REEZ-muh'' / ''luh BOOR-oh toor-REES-teek'') ; ...the nearest bank / ATM? : ...la banque la plus proche ? (''lah bonk lah ploo prosh'') / le distributeur de billets le plus proche ?(''luh dees-tree-buu-TEUR duh bee-YAY luh ploo prosh'') / le guichet automatique le plus proche? (''luh GEE-shay oh-toh-mah-TEEK luh ploo prosh'') ; ...the nearest petrol/gas station ? : ...la station-service la plus proche ? (''lah sth-syon-SAIR-vees lah pluu prosh'') ; ...the market? :...les halles ? (city or large town) / le marché ? (small town or village) (''layz AL-uh'' / ''luh MAR-shay'') ; ...the beach? : ...la plage ? (''lah plaazh'') ; ...the best bars? :...les meilleurs bars ? (''leh meh-YUHR bahr'') ; ...the best restaurants? : ...les meilleurs restaurants ? (''leh meh-YUHR res-toh-RO(N)'') ; _____ Street : rue _____ e.g. ''rue de l'Église, rue Victor Hugo, rue de Rivoli...'' ; Please could you show me it on the map? : S'il vous plaît, pourriez-vous me l'indiquer sur la carte ? (''SEE-voo-PLEH POO-ree-yeh-voo muh la(n)-DEE-keh syoor la cart'' ; Is it far? : C'est loin ? (''seh lwa(n)'') ; No, it's quite close. :Non, c'est tout proche. (''No(n) seh too prohsh'') ; Straight on : Tout droit (''too drwah'') ; Turn right : Tournez à droite (''TOOR-neh a drwaht'') ; Turn left : Tournez à gauche (''TOOR-neh a gohsh'') ; Towards the... : Vers le / la / les... (''vehr luh'') ; Past the... : Après que vous passiez le / la / les... (''ap-REH kuh voo PASS-see-yeh luh / la / leh'') ; Before the... : Avant que vous arriviez au / à la / aux (''av-O(N) kuh vooz-a-REEV-ee-yeh o / a la / o'') ; Next to the... : À côté du / de la / des (''a COH-teh duu / duh la / deh'') ; Opposite the... : En face du / de la / des (''o(n) fass duu / duh la / deh'') ; Follow : Suivre : (''sweevr'') ; The north : le nord (''luh nor'') ; The east : l'est (''lest'') ; The south : le sud (''luh suud'') ; The west : l'ouest (''loo-WEST'') ; The (next) exit : la (prochaine) sortie (''lah pro-SHEN SOR-tee'') ; Here : Ici (''ee-SEE'') ; There : Là(-bas/-haut) (lah (BAH / OH) ; Watch out for... : Repérez... (''ruh-PAIR-ray luh / lah / lay'') ; ...the road : ...la route (''lah root'') ; ...the street : ...la rue (''lah ruu'') ; ...the intersection : ...le carrefour (''luh car-FOOR'') ; ...the traffic lights : ...les feux (''lay fuh'') ; ...the roundabout : ...le rond-point (''luh ro(n)-pwa(n)'') ; ...the motorway : ...l'autoroute (''loh-to-ROOT'') ; ...the railway : ...le chemin de fer (''luh shuh-MA(N) duh fehr'') ; ...the level crossing : ...le passage à niveau (''luh pah-SAAZH-ah-NEE-vo'') ; ...the bridge : ... le pont (''luh po(n)'') ; ...the tunnel : ... le tunnel (''luh tuu-nell'') ; ...the toll booth : le péage (''luh pay-ahzh'') ; Queue : Bouchon (''boo-sho(n)'') ; Roadworks : Travaux (''trah-vo'') ; Road closed : Route barrée (''root BAH-ray'') ; Diversion : Déviation (''day-vee-ah-SYO(N)'') ====Taxi==== [[File:20151107 lyon236.jpg|thumb|300px|Taxi in Lyon]] ; Taxi! : Taxi ! (''tahk-SEE!'') ; Take me to _____, please. : Déposez-moi à _____, je vous prie. (''DAY-poh-zay-MWAH ah _____, zhuh voo PREE'') ; How much does it cost to get to _____? : Combien ça coûte d'aller à _____ ? (''kahm-BYENG suh-LA koo-TEEL dah-LAY ah _____?'') ; Take me there, please. : Amenez-moi là, je vous prie. (''AH-muh-nay-mwah LAH, zhuh voo PREE'') ; I want to get out here. : Je veux descendre ici. (''zhuh vuh duh-SO(N)D-rr EE-SEE'') ; Thank you! Keep the change. : Merci ! Gardez la monnaie. (''MERR-see GARR-day lah moh-NAY'') ===Lodging=== [[File:Hôtel du Palais de Biarritz.jpg|thumb|300x300px|Hotel du Palais in [[Biarritz]]]] ; Bed and breakfast : Chambres d'hôte (''SHAHM-bruh dote'') ; Campsite : Camping (''CAHM-ping'') ; Hotel : Hôtel (''OH-tel'') ; Self-catering cottage / holiday rental : Gîte / Location de vacances (''zheet / lo-cah-syo(n) duh vah-CAHNS'') ; (Youth) hostel : Auberge (de jeunesse) (''oh-BAIRZH duh zheuh-NESS'') ; Do you have any rooms available? : Avez-vous des chambres libres ? (''ah-veh VOO day SHAHM-bruh leeb'') ; How much is a room for one person/two people? : Combien coûte une chambre pour une personne/deux personnes ? (''com-BYA(N) coot uun SHAHM-bruh poor uun PAIR-son / duh PAIR-son'') ; Does the room come with... : Dans la chambre, y a-t-il... (''dah(n) la SHAHM-bruh, ee-ya-tee'') ; ...bedsheets? : ...des draps de lit ? (''...day dra duh lee?'') ; ...a bathroom? : ...une salle de bain ? (''...uun sal duh bah(n)?'') ; ...a telephone? : ...un téléphone ? (''...u(n) teh-leh-fone?'') ; ...a TV? : ...une télévision ? (''...uun teh-leh-VEEZ-yo(n)?'') ; ...a refrigerator? : ...un réfrigérateur / un frigo ? (''...u(n) ray-FREEZH-ay-rah-teur / u(n) FREE-go''?) ; ...a kettle? : ...une bouilloire ? (''...uun boo-WEE-wah?'') [[File:Bungalows la salamandre à foulpointe.JPG|thumb|300px|Bungalows in Foulpointe, [[Madagascar]]]] ; May I see the room first? : Pourrais-je voir la chambre ? (''poo-RAY zhuh vwaah la SHAHM-bruh?'') ; Do you have anything quieter? : Avez-vous une chambre plus tranquille ? (''ah-veh VOO uun SHAHM-bruh ploo trahn-KEE?'') ; ...bigger? : ...plus grande ? (''ploo grahnd?'') ; ...cleaner? : ...plus propre? (''ploo prop?'') ; ...cheaper? : ...moins chère? (''mwahn shair?'') ; OK, I'll take it. : Bon, je la prends. (''bo(n), zhuh lah proh(n)'') ; I will stay for _____ night(s). : Je compte rester pour _____ nuits. (''zhuh compt REH-stay poor _____ nwee'') ; Can you suggest another hotel? : Pourriez-vous me suggérer un autre hôtel ? (''poo-REE-ay voo muh soo-ZHAY-ray u(n) OH-truh OH-tel ?'') ; Do you have a safe? : Avez-vous un coffre-fort ? (''ah-veh VOO u(n) COFF-ruh-FOR?'') ; ...lockers? : ...un vestiaire ? (''u(n) ves-tee-AIR?'') ; Is breakfast/supper included? : Le petit-déjeuner/le dîner est-il compris ? (''luh puh-TEE DAY-zhuh-nay / luh DEE-nay eh-TEE com-PREE?'') ; What time is breakfast/supper? : À quelle heure est servi le petit-déjeuner/le dîner ? (''ah kell euhrr eh SAIR-vee luh puh-TEE DAY-zhuh-nay / luh DEE-nay?'') ; Please clean my room. : Veuillez faire le ménage. (''vuh-YEH fair luh MEH-naazh'') ; Can you wake me at _____? : Pourriez-vous me réveiller à _____? (''poo-REE-ay voo muh REH-veh-yeh ah _____? '') ; You have a bedbug / cockroach / fly / mouse infestation here. : Vous êtes envahi de punaises / blattes / mouches / souris ici. (''voo ZET O(N)-vah-YEE duh poo-NEZ / blat / moosh / soo-REE ee-see'') ; I want to check out. : Je voudrais régler la note. (''zhuh VOO-dray REH-glay lah note'') ===Money=== ; Do you accept American/Australian/Canadian dollars? : Acceptez-vous les dollars américains/australiens/canadiens ? (''ahk-sep-tay VOO leh doh-LAHR ah-may-ree-KANG/aws-trah-LYAHNG/kah-nah-DYAHNG?'') ; Do you accept British pounds? : Acceptez-vous les livres Sterling ? (''ahk-sep-tay VOO leh leevr stehr-LING?'') ; Do you accept euros? : Acceptez-vous les euros ? (''ahk-sep-tay VOO lehz-OO-roh'') ; Do you accept credit cards? : Acceptez-vous les cartes de crédit ? (''ahk-sep-tay VOO leh kahrt duh kray-DEE?'') ; Can you change it (the money) for me? : Pouvez-vous me le faire changer ? (''poo-vay-VOO muh luh fehr SHAHNZHAY?'') ; Where can I get it (the money) changed? : Où puis-je le faire changer ? (''oo PWEEZH luh fehr SHAHNZHAY?'') ; Can you change a traveler's check for me? : Pouvez-vous me faire le change sur un chèque de voyage ? (''poo-vay-VOO muh fehr luh SHAHNZH suur ung shek duh vwoy-AHZH?'') ; Where can I get a traveler's check changed? : Où puis-je changer un chèque de voyage ? (''oo PWEEZH shahng-ZHAY ung shek duh vwoy-AHZH?'') ; What is the exchange rate? : Quel est le taux de change ? (''KELL eh luh TAW duh SHAHNZH?'') ; Where can I find a cash point / ATM? : Où puis-je trouver un distributeur de billets ? (''oo PWEEZH troo-VAY ung dees-tree-buu-TEUR duh bee-YAY?'') ===Eating=== [[File:Belon oysters at Belon river, France.jpg|thumb|300px|Belon oysters]] ; A table for one / two. : Une table pour une personne / deux personnes. (''uun TAH-bluh poor oon PAIR-son / duh PAIR-son'') ; I'd like to reserve a table for tonight/tomorrow. : Je voudrais réserver une table pour ce soir/demain. (''zhuh voo-DREH REH-sair-VEH uun TAH-bluh poor suh SWAAH / duh-MAHN(G)'') ; set menu : menu (''muh-NUU'') ; à la carte : à la carte (''ah lah KAHRT'') ; the dish of the day : le plat du jour (''luh PLA duu ZHOOR'') ; serves food all day : service continu (''SAIR-vees con-tee-NOO'') ; breakfast : '''France:''' petit-déjeuner (''ptee-day-zheu-NAY''); '''Switzerland/Belgium/Canada''': déjeuner (''day-zheu-NAY'') ; lunch : '''France''': déjeuner (''day-zheu-NAY''); '''Elsewhere''': dîner (''dee-NAY'') ; dinner/supper : '''France''': dîner (''dee-NAY''); '''Elsewhere''': souper (''soo-PAY'') ; I would like _____. : Je voudrais _____. (''zhuh voo-DREH _____'') ; something local : un plat typique (de la région) (''uhn pla tee-PEEK (duh lah RAY-zhyong)'') ; I would like a dish containing _____. : Je voudrais un plat avec _____. (''zhuh voo-DREHZ ung plaht ah-VEK _____'') ; meat : de la viande (''duh lah vee-AWND'') ; chicken : du poulet / de la volaille (''duu poo-LEH / duh lah voh-LIE'') : Note: ''volaille'' literally means "poultry", but nearly always means "chicken" on menus ; turkey : de la dinde (''duh lah DAND'') ; duck : du canard (''duu can-AR'') ; lamb : de l'agneau (''duh LAN-yo'') ; pork : du porc / du cochon (''duu POHR''/''duu coh-SHONG''). ; ham : du jambon (''duu zhahng-BONG'') ; beef : du bœuf (''duu BUFF'') {{infobox|Quelle cuisson ?|A common question when ordering meat (especially, but not only, steak) is how long you want it cooked for: rare, medium, or well done? Simple enough, you might think. But if you're from an English-speaking country, then as a general rule of thumb, you'll find that if you ask for what you're used to at home, the meat will be rarer than you'd like. Therefore, it's worth getting to know these terms: * '''Bleu''' – "Blue", almost raw, meat that is cooked for less than a minute each side. * '''Saignant''' – "Bloody", i.e. very rare, but cooked slightly longer than a ''bleu'' steak. * '''À point''' – "Perfectly cooked", and the most popular among the French, but still rare by British or American standards. * '''Bien cuit''' – "Well cooked", but not well done. More like medium, with pink on the inside, though there should be no blood. * '''Très bien cuit''' – This should get you a "well done" steak that is totally cooked through. ''Mais, attention !'' If chef is not used to catering to ''les Anglo-Saxons'', he might just overdo it and give you a plate of leather.}} ; steak : du steak / du bifteck (''duu stek / duu BEEF-tek'') ; sausage : des saucisses (hot) / du saucisson (cold) (''deh saw-SEESS / duu saw-see-SON'') ; game: du gibier (''duu ZHI-bee-ay'') : Note: ''gibier'' may also mean specifically venison ; boar : du sanglier (''duu sahng-GLYAY'') ; venison : du cerf / du chevreuil / de la venaison (''duu SEHR / duu shev-REUY / duh lah vu-NAY-so(n)'') ; rabbit: du lapin (''duu lap-ANG'') ; fish : du poisson (''duu pwa-SONG'') ; salmon : du saumon (''duu saw-MONG'') ; tuna : du thon (''duu TONG'') ; whiting : du merlan (''duu mehr-LANG'') ; cod : de la morue (''duh lah moh-RUU'') ; seabass : du loup (de mer) / du bar (''duu LOO (duh MAIR) / duu BARR'') ; seafood : des fruits de mer (''deh frwee duh MEHR''); literally: "fruits of the sea" ; dulse : de la dulse (''duh lah DUULS'') ; lobster : du homard (''duu oh-MAR''), de la langouste (''duh lah lan-goost'') (rock lobster) ; clams : des palourdes (''deh pah-LOORD'') ; oysters : des huîtres (''dez WEETR'') ; mussels : des moules (''deh MOOL'') ; scallops : des coquilles Saint-Jacques (''deh kok-EE-sah(n)-ZHAK'') [[File:Marchés des Producteurs de Pays 11 16 12.jpg|thumb|300px|Escargots at a farmers market in Paris]] ; snails : des escargots (''dez es-car-GOH'') ; frogs' legs : des cuisses de grenouille (''deh gruh-NOOEY'') ; cheese : du fromage (''duu froh-MAHZH'') ; cow's cheese : du fromage de lait de vache (''duu froh-MAHZH duh leh duh vash'') ; goat's / sheep's cheese : du fromage de chèvre / de brebis (''duu froh-MAHZH duh SHEV-ruh / duh bruh-BEE'') ; eggs : des œufs (''dehz UH'') ; one egg : un œuf (''un UF'') ; (fresh) vegetables : des légumes (frais) (''deh lay-guum (FREH)'') ; onions : des oignons (''DEZ-on-yon'') ; carrots : des carottes (''deh kah-ROT'') ; peas : des (petits) pois (''deh (PUH-tee) PWAH'') ; broccoli : du brocoli (''duu broh-COLEE'') ; sweetcorn : du maïs (''duu my-YEES'') ; mushrooms : des champignons (''deh SHAM-pee-nyon'') ; cabbage : du chou (''duu shoo'') ; spinach : des épinards (''DEZ-ep-ee-NARR'') ; green / French beans : des haricots verts (''DEZ-ah-REE-ko VAIRR'') ; white / haricot beans : des haricots blancs (''DEZ-ah-REE-ko BLAWNG'') ; Brussels sprouts : des choux de Bruxelles (''deh shoo duh bruu-SEL'') ; lentils : des lentilles (''deh lon-TEE'') ; potatoes : des pommes de terre (''deh POM-duh-TAIR'') ; French fries : des frites (''day freet'') ; (fresh) fruit : des fruits (frais) (''deh frwee (freh)'') ; an apple : une pomme (''uun pom'') ; a pear : une poire (''uun pwarr'') ; a plum : une prune (''uun pruun'') ; a peach : une pêche (''uun pesh'') ; grapes : des raisins (''deh RAY-zan'') ; cherries : des cerises (''deh suh-REEZ'') ; an orange : une orange (''uun oh-RAWNZH'') ; a banana : une banane (''uun bah-NAN'') ; a mango : une mangue (''uun mawngg'') ; a lemon : un citron (''un SEE-trong'') ; a lime : un citron vert / un limon / une lime (''un SEE-trong vair / un LEE-mon / uun leem'') ; berries : des fruits rouges (''deh frwee roozh'') ; strawberries : des fraises (''deh frez'') ; raspberries : des framboises (''deh from-BWAHZ'') ; blackberries : des mûres (''deh muur'') ; blueberries : des myrtilles (''deh MIRR-tee'') ; blackcurrant : des cassis (''deh kah-SEES'') ; a salad : une salade (''uun sah-LAHD'') ; cucumber : du concombre (''duu cong-COMBRR'') ; tomatoes : des tomates (''deh toh-MAT'') ; lettuce : de la laitue (''duh lah LEH-tuu'') ; red / yellow / green pepper : du poivron rouge / jaune / vert (''duu PWAH-vrong roozh / zhoan / vairr'') ; spring onions : des oignons nouveaux (''DEZ-on-YONG NOO-vo'') ; radish : du radis (''duu RAH-dee'') ; chives : de la ciboulette (''duh lah SEE-boo-LET'') ; mixed herbs : des herbes de Provence (''dez-AIRB-duh-pro-VAWNSS'') ; bread : du pain (''duu pang'') ; toast : des toasts (''deh toast'') ; (milky) coffee : du café (au lait) (''duu kah-FAY (oh LEH)'') : Note: Coffee will always be served black unless you ask for milk ; tea : du thé (''duu tay'') ; juice : du jus (''duu zhuu'') ; milk : du lait (''duu leh'') ; fresh / sparkling water : de l'eau plate / gazeuse (''duh loh PLAT / gah-ZUHZ'') : Note: If you ask for "water", you will get mineral water. To specify "tap water", say "eau du robinet" (''OH duu roh-bee-NEH'') or ask for a jug of water "une carafe d'eau" (''uun cahr-AHF doh''). ; (draught) beer : de la bière (pression) (''duh lah byehr'') ; red / white / rosé wine : du vin rouge / blanc / rosé (''duu vang roozh / blahng / ro-ZAY'') ; May I have some _____? : Puis-je avoir _____ ? (''pweezh ah-VWAHR duu'') ; salt : du sel (''duu sel'') ; black pepper : du poivre (''duu pwavr'') ; garlic : de l'ail (''duh lie'') ; butter : du beurre (''duu bur'') ; olive oil : de l'huile d'olive (''duh LWEEL-doh-LEEV'') ; ketchup/mayonnaise/mustard/alioli : du ketchup / de la mayonnaise / de la moutarde / de l'aïoli (''duu KECH-up / duh lah MIE-oh-NEZ / duh lah MOO-tard / duh LIE-oh-lee'') ; Excuse me, waiter / waitress? : S'il vous plaît, monsieur / madame ? (''seell voo PLEH muh-SYUH/ma-DAHM'') : Note: "garçon" (boy) is offensive and should be avoided. ; I'm finished. : J'ai terminé. (''zhay TAIRH-mee-NAY'') ; It was delicious. : C'était délicieux. (''seh-tay de-li-SYUH'') ; Can you please clear the plates? : Pouvez-vous débarrasser la table, s'il vous plaît ? (''poovay voo DEH-bahr-a-seh lah tah-bluh seel voo play'') ; The check (bill), please. : L'addition, s'il vous plaît. (''lah-dee-SYOHN seel voo play'') ====Dietary requirements==== [[File:20170329 ratatouille-fin-cuisson.jpg|thumb|300px|Ratatouille]] ; I am _____. : Je suis _____. (''zhuh swee'') ; ...vegan : végétalien (''vey-zhey-tal-YENG'') (m); végétalienne (''vey-zhey-tal-YEN'') (f) ; ...vegetarian : végétarien (''vey-zhey-tar-YENG'') (m); végétarienne (''vey-zhey-tar-YEN'') (f) ; I do not eat eggs, milk, or cheese. : Je ne mange pas d'œufs, de lait ni de fromage. (''zhuh nuh monzh pah dooh, duh leh, nee duh froh-MAHZH'') ; I do not eat meat, chicken, or pork. : Je ne mange pas de viande, de poulet, ni de porc. (''zhuh nuh monzh pah duh vee ahnd, duh poo-LEH, nee duh pohr'') ; I do not eat _____. : Je ne mange pas_____. (''zhuh nuh monzh pah'') ; ...honey. : de miel. (''duh mee ehl'') ; ...animal products. : de produits animaux. (''duh pro-dweez-ah-nee-mo'') ; ...dairy. : de laitage. (''duh leh tazh'') ; ...wheat. : de blé. (''duh blay'') ; ...seafood. : de fruits de mer. (''duh frwee duh MEHR'') ; ...nuts. : de noix (''duh nwaah'') ; ...gluten : de gluten (''duh gluu-TEN'') ; I do eat _____. : Je mange _____. (''zhuh monzh'') ; ...grains. : des céréales. (''deh say-ray-ahl'') ; ...vegetables. : des légumes. (''deh lay-guum'') ; ...beans. : des fèves. (''deh fehv'') ; ...fruit : des fruits. (''deh frwee'') ; I only eat kosher / halal food. : Je ne mange que de la nourriture kasher (casher, cachère) / halal. (''zhuh nuh monzh kuh duh la noo-ri-toor CASH-eh / alal'') ; I am allergic to... : Je suis allergique à... (''zhuh sweez ah-lair-ZHEEK ah...'') ===Bars=== [[File:Chai-barrique.JPG|thumb|300px|Cognac barrels]] ; A table for one / two. : Une table pour une personne / deux personnes. (''uun TAH-bluh poor oon PAIR-son / duh PAIR-son'') ; Do you serve alcohol? : Servez-vous des boissons alcoolisées ? (''sair-vay VOO day bwa-songz al-co-ol-ee-SAY'') ; Is there table service? : Est-ce que vous servez à la table ? (''ess-kuh voo ser-VAYZ ah lah TAHBL?'') ; A beer/two beers, please. : Une bière/deux bières, s'il vous plaît. (''uun BYEHR/deuh BYEHR, seel voo PLEH'') ; A draught beer, please. : Une pression, s'il vous plaît (''uun pres-SYON, seel voo PLEH'') ; A glass of red/white/rosé/sparkling wine, please. :Un verre de vin rouge/blanc/rosé/pétillant, s'il vous plaît. (''an ver duh van rooj / blan / ro-ZAY / PET-ee-YAUN, seel voo PLEH'') ; A quarter litre of beer, please : Un demi, s'il-vous-plaît. (''an deh-mee, seel voo PLEH'') ; A pint, please. : Une pinte, s'il vous plaît. (''uun pannt, seel-voo-PLEH'') ; A bottle, please. : Une bouteille, s'il vous plaît. (''uun boo-tay, seel voo PLEH'') ; _____ (''spirit'') and _____ (''mixer''), please. :_____ et _____, s'il vous plaît. (''____ eh ____, seel voo PLEH'') ; whisky : whisky (m.) (''wee-skee'') ; vodka : vodka (f.) (''VOD-kah'') ; rum : rhum (m.) (''room'') ; cider : cidre (m.) (''seedr'') ; water : eau (f.) (''oh'') ; club soda : soda (m.) (''so-dah'') ; tonic water : Schweppes (m. or f.) (''shwep'') ; orange juice : jus d'orange (m.) (''joo d'or-AHNJ'') ; Coke (''soda'') : Coca (m.) (''koh-KAH'') ; One more, please. : Un/une autre, s'il vous plaît. (''uhn / uun OH-truh, seel-voo-PLEH'') ; Another round, please. : Un autre pour la table, s'il vous plaît. (''ahn OH-truh poor la tah-bluh, seel voo PLEH'') ; When is closing time? : À quelle heure fermez-vous ? (''ah kell EUR fer-MAY voo'') ===Shopping=== [[File:Marigot Market Saint Martin.JPG|thumb|300px|Marigot Market, [[Saint Martin]]]] ; Do you have this in my size? : Avez-vous ceci dans ma taille ? (''AH-veh-VOO say-SEE dan sma THAI'') ; How much (is this)? : Combien (ça) coûte ? (''COMM-bee-yan (SAH) coot'') ; That's too expensive. : C'est trop cher. (''say-TRO-shair'') ; Would you take _____? : Pourriez-vous accepter _____ ? (''poor-yay-VOOZ ahk-sep-TAY'') ; expensive : cher (''shehr'') ; cheap :bon marché (''bong mar-SHAY'') (Note: this doesn't change with the gender or number of the noun. ''Elles sont bon marché'' is correct''.'') ; I can't afford it. : Je n'ai pas les moyens. (''zhe nay pah leh mwah-YAHNG'') ; I don't want it. : Je n'en veux pas. (''zhe nahng veu pah'') ; You're cheating me. : Vous me trompez. (''voo muh TROM-pay'') ; I'm not interested. : Je ne suis pas intéressé. (''zhen swee pahz-ann-tay-ress-SAY'') ; OK, I'll take it. : D'accord, je le/la prends. (''dah-kor zhe luh/lah prahn'') ; Can I have a bag? : Pourrais-je avoir un sac ? (''poo-REHZH ah-VWAR ung sahk'') ; Do you ship (overseas)? : Livrez-vous (outre-mer/à l'étranger) ? (''leev-ray-VOO ootr-MEHR/ah lay-trahn-ZHAY'') ; I need... : J'ai besoin... (''zhay buh-ZWAHN'') ; ...toothpaste. : ...de dentifrice. (''duh dahn-tee-FREESS'') ; ...a toothbrush. : ...d'une brosse à dents. (''duun bross ah DAHN'') ; ...tampons. : ...de tampons. (''duh tahm-POHN'') ; ...soap. : ...de savon. (''duh sah-VOHN'') ; ...shampoo. : ...de shampooing. (''duh shahm-PWAHN'') ; ...pain reliever. (''e.g., aspirin or ibuprofen'') : ...d'un analgésique (''aspirine, ibuprofène'');. (''dun ah-nal-zhay-ZEEK (ahs-pee-REEN/ee-buu-proh-FEN)'') ; ...cold medicine. :...d'un médicament pour le rhume. (''dun may-dee-kah-MAHNG poor luh RUUM'') ; ...stomach medicine. :...d'un remède pour l'estomac. (''dun ray-MED poor less-toh-MAHK'') ; ...an antihistamine :...d'un antihistaminique (''dun on-tee-STAM-eek'') ; ...a razor. :...d'un rasoir. (''dun rah-ZWAR'') ; ...batteries. : ...de piles. (''duh PEEL'') ; ...a SIM card. : ...d'une carte SIM (''duun cahrrt seem'') ; ...an umbrella. (rain) : ...d'un parapluie. (''duun pah-ra-ploo-ee'') ; ...an umbrella. (sun) : ...d'une ombrelle. (''duun ohm-brehl'') ; ...sunblock lotion. : ...de crème solaire. (''duh crehm so-LEHR'') ; ...a postcard. : ...d'une carte postale. (''duun kahrt post-AL'') ; ...postage stamps. : ...de timbres. (''duh TAHM-burs'') ; ...writing paper. : ...de papier à lettres. (''duh pap-YEH ah LEH-TR'') ; ...a pen. :...d'un stylo. (''dun STEE-loh'') ; ...English-language books. : ...de livres en anglais. (''duh LEE-vruh-zahn ahngh-LEH'') ; ...English-language magazines. : ...de revues en anglais. (''duh REH-voo-zahn ahngh-LEH'') ; ...an English-language newspaper. : ...d'un journal en anglais. (''dun zhoar-NAL ahn ahng-LEH'') ; ...a French-English dictionary. :...d'un dictionnaire français-anglais. (''dun deect-see-ohn-AIR frahn-SEH ahng-LEH'') ===Authority=== ; I haven't done anything wrong. : Je n'ai rien fait de mal. (''zhuh nay ree-AHN fay duh MAL'') ; It was a misunderstanding. : C'est une erreur. (''set uhn air-UR'') ; Where are you taking me? : Où m'emmenez-vous ? (''ooh mehm-en-EH voo'') ; Am I under arrest? : Suis-je en état d'arrestation ? (''SWEEZH ahn EH-tah dahr-es-ta-SYONG'') ; I am an American/Australian/British/Canadian citizen. (m) : Je suis un citoyen américain/australien/britannique/canadien. (''zhuh sweez uhn see-twa-YEN a-may-ree-CAN/os-trah-LYEN/bree-tah-NEEK/ka-na-DYEN'') ; I am an American/Australian/British/Canadian citizen. (f) : Je suis une citoyenne américaine/australienne/britannique/canadienne. (''zhuh sweez uhn see-twa-YEN a-may-ree-CAN/os-trah-LYEN/bree-tah-NEEK/ka-na-DYEN'') ; I want to speak to the American/Australian/British/Canadian embassy or consulate. : Je veux parler à l'ambassade ou au consulat américain/australien/britannique/canadien. (''ZHUH vuh pahr-LAY ah lahm-ba-SAHD oo oh kon-soo-LAHT a-may-ree-CAN/os-trah-lee-AHN/ahn-GLEH/ka-na-DYAN'') ; I want to speak to a lawyer. : Je voudrais parler à un avocat. (''ZHUH vood-RAY par-lehr ah uhn AH-vo-cah'') ; Can I just pay a fine now? : Pourrais-je simplement payer une amende ? (''poo-RAYZH sampl-MANG pay-AY yn ah-MAHND'') ; [offering bribe] Will you accept this in place of my fine? : Acceptez-vous ceci au lieu de mon amende ? (''accept-eh voo suh-see oh LOO duh mon ah-MAND'') : ''Note: Only consider attempting this in third world countries. ''Do not'' try to do this in European Francophone countries or in Canada as it will get you in worse trouble!'' {{guidephrasebook}} {{PartOfPhrasebook|Europe|Oceania|Africa|North America|South America}} cy5118uihqewvo0ldpknpibthn3kpri 0 12331 5086968 4997623 2025-07-03T05:04:15Z LordDiscord 2328784 Typo 5086968 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Santiago de Compostela banner.jpg|caption=Santiago de Compostela}} '''Galician''' (''galego'') is the Romance language most closely related to [[Portuguese phrasebook|Portuguese]]. It is spoken in [[Galicia]], which is in north-western Spain. Portuguese speakers (both European and Brazilian) will usually tell you that Galician is a dialect of their own language, while Galicians will tell you the opposite in a manner similar to that which exists between Bulgarians and Macedonians. Still, Portuguese and Galician speakers can understand each other almost perfectly without a translator. Galician has a different spelling and accent from Portuguese, and contains unique colloquialisms and traces of former cultures, using a number of pre-Indo-European, Celtic and Germanic words not found in Portuguese. On the other hand, there are Arabic words found in Portuguese that are not found in Galician. Learning Galician is generally not necessary for communication, as nearly all Galician speakers are also able to speak [[Castilian Spanish phrasebook|Spanish]]. That being said, Galicians are proud of their language, so any attempt by visitors to speak it will be warmly received. ==Sounds== Galician sounds are similar to Portuguese, but nasalization is not nearly as pervasive. The letter ''x'', pronounced ''sh'' in both languages, is used mainly in Galician words; whereas in Portuguese words the letters ''j'' or ''g'' are used and pronounced like "zh". ===Vowels=== ; a : like f'''a'''ther ; e (stressed) : like s'''e'''t, t'''e'''n ; e (unstressed) : like h'''e'''rd ; i : like mach'''i'''ne ; o (stressed) : like h'''o'''t, t'''o'''p (British pronunciation) ; o (unstressed) : like s'''o'''rt ; u : like s'''ou'''p or b'''oo'''k ===Consonants=== ; b : like 'b' in "bed": ''bico'' ('kiss'). ; c + e, i : like 's' in "supper" (western Galicia) or 'th' in "think" (eastern Galicia): ''cedo'' ('early'). ; c + a, o, u : like 'k' in "key": ''can'' ('dog'). ; d : like 'd' in "day": ''data'' ('date'). ; f : like 'ph' in "phone": ''ferro'' ('iron'). ; g : like 'g' in "gone". In western Galicia, ''g'' is sometimes aspirated, like 'h' in "house": ''xogo'' ('game'). If followed by ''e'' or ''i'', ''g'' must be written with a silent ''u'': ''xoguete'' ('toy'), ''preguiza'' ('laziness'). If followed by a pronounced ''u'' and then by ''e'' or ''i'', that ''u'' bears a diaeresis: ''bilingüe'' ('bilingual'), ''Güiana'' ('Guyana'). ; h : silent: ''harmonía'' ('harmony'). ; j : like 'su' in "pleasure" ; k: used only in foreign words like "kilo" ; l : like 'l' in "love": ''lúa'' ('moon'). ; m : like 'm' in "month": ''amarelo'' ('yellow'). ; n : like 'n' in "nice": ''nai'' ('mother'). Like 'ng' in "song" if it's at the end of a word: ''non'' ('no'). ; ñ : like 'ny' in "canyon" : ''xuño'' ('June'). Transliterated as ''nh'' in Portuguese and ''ny'' in Catalan. ; p : like 'p' in "party": ''pai'' ('father'). ; q : like 'q' in "unique". ''Q'' is almost always followed by a silent ''u'' and then by ''e'' or ''i'': ''queixo'' ('cheese'/'chin'), ''arquivo'' ('archive'). ; r : trill with the tip of the tongue, like other Romance languages: ''terra'' ('earth', 'land', 'ground'). ; s : like 's' in "supper": ''persoa'' ('person'). ; t : like 't' in "top": ''ter'' ('to have'). ; v : like 'b' in "bed": ''novo'' ('new'). ; x : like 'sh' in "shoe": ''imaxe'' ('image'), ''axuda'' ('help'), ''xaneiro'' ('January'), ''viaxar'' ('to travel'), ''lóxico'' ('logical'), ''xanela'' ('window'), ''cervexa'' ('beer'), ''xeral'' ('general'). Like 'x' in "example" (only in some words): ''taxi'' ('taxi'), ''explorar'' ('to explore'), ''texto'' ('text'), ''excursión'' ('trip') ; z : like 's' in "supper" (western Galicia) or 'th' in "think" (eastern Galicia): ''prezo'' ('price'). Unlike Spanish, ''Z'' is never followed by ''e'' or ''i''. ===Common diphthongs=== ; ai : like s'''ay''' (British pronunciation) ; au : like p'''ou'''t ; ei : like s'''ay''' (American pronunciation) ; eu : the e vowel plus a w semivowel (no equivalent in English) ; oi : like b'''oy''' ; ou : as in '''ow'''n ===Common digraphs=== ; ch : like 'tch' in "match": ''chave'' ('key'). ; ll : like 'lli' in "million": ''ollo'' ('eye'). Same as in Catalan and as ''lh'' in "standard" Portuguese. ; nh : like the nasal 'n' in "bang" : ''unha'' ('one' fem.) ==Phrase list== ===Basics=== ; Hello (informal). : Ola. (''OH-lah''). For the formal equivalent of "Ola" see good morning, good afternoon, good evening, below. ; How are you? : Como estás? (''KOH-moh ehs-TAHS?'') (informal); Como está? (''KOH-moh ehs-TAH?'') (formal) ; Fine, thank you. : Moi ben, grazas. (''moy behn, GRAH-sahs'') ; What is your name? : Como te chamas? (''koh-MOH teh tchah-MAHS?'') (informal); Como se chama? (''koh-MOH seh tchah-MAH?'') (formal) ; My name is ______ . : Chámome ______ . (''CHAH-moh-meh____'') ; Nice to meet you. : É un pracer. (''EH oon PRAH-sehr'') ; Please. : Por favor. (''pohr FAH-bohr'') ; Thank you. : Grazas. (''GRAH-sahs'') ; You're welcome. : De nada. / Non hai de que. (''deh NAH-dah/nohn ai deh keh'') ; Yes. : Si. (''SEE'') ; No. : Non. (''nohn'') ; Excuse me. (''getting attention'') : Perdoe. / Desculpe. (''pehr-DOEH/dehs-KOOL-peh'') ; Excuse me. (''begging pardon'') : Perdoe. (''pehr-DOEH'') / Desculpe. (''dehs-KOOL-peh'') ; I'm sorry. : Síntoo moito. (''SEEN-toh-oh MOY-toh'') ; Goodbye : Adeus. (''ah-DEH-oos'') ; I can't speak Galician [well]. : Non falo [moi ben] o galego. (''nohn FAH-loh (moy behn) oh gah-LEH-goh'') ; Do you speak English? : Falas inglés? (informal) (''fah-LAHS een-GLEHS?'') ; Is there someone here who speaks English? : Hai alguén aquí que fale inglés? (''ai ahl-KEHN ah-KEE keh FAH-leh een-GLEHS?'') ; Help! : Axuda! Socorro! Auxilio! (''ah-shoo-DAH!, soh-koh-RROH!, ow-shee-LYOH!'') ; Good morning. : Bo día. (''boh DYAH'') ; Good afternoon. : Boa tarde. (''BOH-ah TAHR-deh'') ; Good evening (when it's dark) : Boa noite. (''BOH-ah NOY-teh'') ; Good night. : Boa noite. (''BOH-ah NOY-teh'') ; I don't understand. : Non entendo. (''nohn ehn-TEHN-doh'') ; Where is the toilet? : Onde está o baño? / Onde está o aseo? (''ohn-DEH ehs-TAH oh bah-NYOH? / ohn-DEH ehs-TAH oh ah-seh-OH?'') ===Problems=== ; Leave me alone. : Déixame en paz! (''DAY-shah-men ehn pahs!'') ; Don't touch me! : Non me toques! (''nohn meh TOH-kehs!'') ; I'll call the police. : Vou chamar á policía. (''bwoh chah-MAHR ah poh-lee-SEE-ah'') ; Police! : Policía! (''poh-lee-SEE-ah'') ; Stop! Thief! : Para! Ladrón! (''pah-RAH! lah-DROHN!'') ; I need help. : Necesito axuda. (''neh-seh-SEE-toh ah-SHOO-duh'') ; It's an emergency. : É unha emerxencia. (''EH OON-gah eh-mehr-SHEHN-syuh'') ; I'm lost. : Estou perdido. (''EHS-tow pehr-DEE-doh'') ; I lost my bag. : Perdín a miña bolsa. (''pehr-DEEN a MEE-nyah BOHL-sah'') ; I lost my wallet. : Perdín o meu moedeiro. (''pehr-DEEN oh MEH-oo moh-eh-DAY-roh'') ; I'm sick. : Estou enfermo(a). (''EHS-tow ehn-FEHR-muh(ah)'') ; I've been injured. : Estou ferido(a) (''EHS-tow feh-REE-duh(ah)'') ; I need a doctor. : Necesito un médico. (''neh-seh-SEE-toh oon MEH-dee-kuh'') ; Can I use your phone? : Podo usar o seu teléfono? (''POH-doh OO-sahr oh SEH-oh teh-LEH-foh-nuh?'') ===Numbers=== ; 1 : un/unha (''oon''/''OO-ngah'') (Male/Female) ; 2 : dous/dúas (''dows''/''DOO-ahs'') (Male/Female) ; 3 : tres (''trehs'') ; 4 : catro (''KAH-troh'') ; 5 : cinco (''THEEN-koh'') ; 6 : seis (''says'') ; 7 : sete (''seht'') ; 8 : oito (''OY-toh'') ; 9 : nove (''NOH-beh'') ; 10 : dez (''dehs'') ; 11 : once (''OHN-theh'') ; 12 : doce (''DOH-theh'') ; 13 : trece (''TREH-theh'') ; 14 : catorce (''kah-TOHR-theh'') ; 15 : quince (''KEEHN-theh'') ; 16 : dezaseis (''deh-THAH-says'') ; 17 : dezasete (''deh-THAH-seh-teh'') ; 18 : dezaoito (''deh-thah-OY-toh'') ; 19 : dezanove (''deh-thah-NOH-beh'') ; 20 : vinte (''BEEN-teh'') ; 21 : vinte e un/unha (''BEEN-teh eh oon/OON-gah'') ; 22 : vinte e dous/dúas (''BEEN-teh eh dwohs/DOO-ahs'') ; 23 : vintetrés (''been-teh-TREHS'') ; 30 : trinta (''TREEN-tah'') ; 31 : trinta e un/unha (''TREEN-tah eh oon/OON-gah'') ; 32 : trinta e dous/dúas (''TREEN-tah eh dwohs/DOO-ahs'') ; 33 : trinta e tres (''TREEN-tah eh trehs'') ; 40 : corenta (''koh-REHN-tah'') ; 50 : cincuenta (''seen-KWEHN-tah'') ; 60 : sesenta (''seh-SEHN-tah'') ; 70 : setenta (''seh-TEHN-tah'') ; 80 : oitenta (''oy-TEHN-tah'') ; 90 : noventa (''noh-BEHN-tah'') ; 100 : cen (''sehn'') ; 200 : douscentos/duascentas (''dows-THEHN-tohs/dwah-THEHN-tahs'') ; 300 : trescentos/trescentas (''treh-THEHN-tohs/treh-THEHN-tahs'') ; 400 : catrocentos/catrocentas (''kah-troh-THEHN-tohs/kah-troh-THEHN-tahs'') ; 500 : quiñentos/quiñentas//cincocentos/cincocentas (''kee-NYEHN-tohs/kee-NYEHN-tahs // thee-koh-THEHN-tohs/thee-koh-THEHN-tahs'') ; 600 : seiscentos (''says-THEHN-tohs'') ; 700 : setecentos (''seh-teh-THEHN-tohs'') ; 800 : oitocentos (''oy-toh-THEHN-tohs'') ; 900 : novecentos (''noh-beh-THEHN-tohs'') ; 1000 : mil (''meel'') ; 2000 : dous mil/dúas mil (''DOH-oos meel/DOO-ahs meel'') ; 1,000,000 : un millón (''oon mee-LYOHN'') ; 1,000,000,000 : mil millóns (''meel mee-LYOHNS'') ; 1,000,000,000,000 : un billón (''oon bee-LYOHN'') ; number _____ (''train, bus, etc.'') : número _____ (''NOO-meh-roh'') ; half : medio (''MEH-dyoh'') ; less : menos (''MEH-nohs'') ; more : máis (''MAH-ees'') ===Time=== ; now : agora (''ah-GOH-rah'') ; later : despois (''DEHS-poys'') ; before : antes (''AHN-tehs'') ; morning : mañá (''mah-NYAH'') ; afternoon : tarde (''TAHR-deh'') ; evening : noite (''NOY-teh'')/serán (''seh-RAHNG'') ; night : noite (''NOY-teh'') ====Clock time==== ; the X hour : As X ; the X hour in the early dawn/morning/midday/afternoon/evening/night: As X da madrugada/mañá/mediodía/tarde/tarde/noite (''ahs X dah mah-droo-GAH-dah/mah-NYAHH/meh-dyoh-DYAH/TAHR-deh/TAHR-deh/NOY-teh'') ; one o'clock AM : a unha da madrugada (''ah OON-gah dah mah-droo-GAH-dah''), literally ''the one in the early morning'' ; two o'clock AM : as dúas da madrugada (''ahs DOO-ahs dah mah-droo-GAH-dah'') ; noon : mediodía (''meh-DYOH-dyah'') literally ''half day'' ; one o'clock PM : a unha da tarde (''ah OON-gah dah TAHR-deh'') ; two o'clock PM : as dúas da tarde(''ahs DOO-ahs dah TAHR-deh'') ; midnight : medianoite (''meh-dyah-NOY-teh'') ====Duration==== ; _____ minute(s) : _____ minuto (minutos) (''mee-NOO-toh (mee-NOO-tohs)'') ; _____ hour(s) : _____ hora (horas) (''OH-rah (OH-rahs'') ; _____ day(s) : _____ día (días) (''DEE-ah (DEE-ahs'') ; _____ week(s) : _____ semana (semanas) (''seh-MAH-nah (seh-MAH-nahs)'') ; _____ month(s) : _____ mes (meses) (''mehs (MEH-sehs)'') ; _____ year(s) : _____ ano (anos) (''AH-noh (AH-nohs)'') ====Days==== ; day : día (''DYAH'') ; this day : neste día (''NEHS-teh DYAH'') ; today : hoxe (''OH-sheh'') ; yesterday : onte (''OHN-teh'') ; tomorrow : mañá (''mah-NYAH'') ; tomorrow night : mañá á noite (''mah-NYAH NOY-teh'') ; tonight : onte á noite (''OHN-teh AH NOY-teh'') ; this night : esta noite (''EHS-tah NOY-teh'') ; week : semana (''seh-MAH-nah'') ; this week : esta semana (''ehs-TAH seh-MAH-nah'') ; last week : a semana pasada (''ah seh-MAH-nah pah-SAH-dah'') ; next week : a vindeira/próxima semana (''ah been-DAY-rah/PROHK-see-mah seh-MAH-nah '') ; Sunday : Domingo (''doh-MEEN-goh'') ; Monday : Luns (''loons'') ; Tuesday : Martes (''MAHR-tehs'') ; Wednesday : Mércores (''MEHR-koh-rehs'') ; Thursday : Xoves (''SHOH-behs'') ; Friday : Venres (''BEHN-rehs'') ; Saturday : Sábado (''SAH-bah-doh'') ====Months==== ; January : Xaneiro (''shah-NAY-roh'') ; February : Febreiro (''feh-BRAY-roh'') ; March : Marzo (''MAHR-soh'') ; April : Abril (''AH-breel'') ; May : Maio (''mah-EE-oh'') ; June : Xuño (''SHOO-nyoh'') ; July : Xullo (''SHOO-lyoh'') ; August : Agosto (''ah-GOHS-toh'') ; September : Setembro (''seh-TEHM-broh'') ; October : Outubro (''ow-TOO-broh'') ; November : Novembro (''noh-BEHM-broh'') ; December : Decembro (''deh-ThEHM-broh'') ====Writing time and date==== June 13th of 2004: trece (13) de xuño de 2004 ===Colors=== ; black : negro (''NEH-groh'') ; white : branco (''BRAHN-koh'') ; gray : gris (''grees'') ; red : vermello (''behr-MEH-lyoh'') ; blue : azul (''AH-sool'') ; yellow : amarelo (''ah-mah-REH-loh'') ; green : verde (''BEHR-deh'') ; orange : laranxa (''lah-RAHN-shah'') ; purple : morado (''moh-RAH-doh'') ; brown : marrón/castaño (''mahr-ROHN/kahs-TAH-nyoh'') ; pink : rosa (''ROH-sah'') ====Transportation==== ; car : coche (''KOH-cheh'') ; taxi : taxi (''TAHK-see'') ; bus : autobús (''ow-toh-BOOS'') ; van : furgón (''FOOR-gohn'') ; truck : camión (''kah-MYOHN'') ; trolley : cesta (''SEHS-tah'') ; tram : eléctrico (''eh-LEHK-tree-koh'') ; train : tren (''trehn'') ; subway : metro (''MEH-troh'') ; ship : buque (''BOO-keh'') ; boat : barco (''BAHR-koh'') ; helicopter : helicóptero (''eh-lee-KOHP-teh-roh'') ; airplane : avión (''ah-BYOHN'') ; airline : compañía aérea (''kohm-pah-NYAH ah-EH-reh-ah'') ; bicycle : bicicleta (''bee-thee-KLEH-tah'') ; motorcycle : motocicleta (''moh-toh-thee-KLEH-tah'') ; carriage : transporte (''trahs-POHR-teh'') ====Bus and train==== ; How much is a ticket to_____? : Canto custa o billete para_____? (''KAHN-toh KOOS-tah oh bee-LYEH-teh PAH-rah____?'') ; A single ticket to _____, please. : Un billete só de ida para_____, por favor. (''oon bee-LYEH-teh SOH deh EE-dah PAH-rah_____, pohr FAH-bohr'') ; A return ticket to_____, please. : Un billete de ida e volta para____, por favor. (''oon bee-LYEH-teh deh EE-dah eh BOHL-tah PAH-rah_____, pohr FAH-bohr'') ; Where does this train/bus go? : Para onde vai este tren/autobús? (''Pah-rah OHN-deh bai EHS-teh trehn/ow-toh-BOOS?'') ; Where is the train/bus to_____? : Onde está o tren/autobús que vai para_____? (''OHN-deh ehs-TAH oo trehn/ow-toh-BOOS keh bai PAH-rah_____?'') ; Does this train/bus stop in_____? : Este tren/autobús para en_____? (''EHS-teh trehn/ow-toh-BOOS PAH-rah ehn_____?'') ; When does the train/bus for_____ leave? : Cando marcha o tren/autobús que vai para_____? (''KAHN-doh MAHR-chah oh trehn/ow-toh-BOOS keh vai PAH-rah____?'') ; When will this train/bus arrive in_____? : Cando chega este tren/autobús a_____? (''KAHN-doh CHEH-gah EHS-teh trehn/ow-toh-BOOS ah____?'') ====Directions==== ; How do I get to _____ ? : Como vou a _____ ? (''KOH-moh BOH-oo ah____?'') ; ...the train station? : ...á estación de tren? (''AH ehs-tah-THYOHN deh trehn?'') ; ...the bus station? : ...á estación de autobuses? (''AH ehs-tah-THYOHN deh ow-toh-BOO-sehs?'') ; ...the airport? : ...ó / ao aeroporto? (''OH / AH-oh ah-eh-ROH-pohr-toh'') ; ...downtown? : ...ó / ao centro? (''OH / AH-oh THEHN-troh'') ; ...the youth hostel? : ...ó / ao albergue da xuventude? (''OH / AH-oh ahl-BEHR-geh dah zhoo-VEHN-tood'') ; ...the _____ hotel? : ...ó / ao hotel _____? (''OH / AH-oh OH-tehl_____?'') ; ...the American/Canadian/Australian/British consulate? : ...ó / ao consulado dos Estados Unidos/de Canadá/de Australia/do Reino Unido? (''OH / AH-oh konh-soo-LAH-doh dohs ehs-TAH-dohs oo-NEE-dohs/deh kah-nah-DAH/deh ows-TRAH-lyah/doh RAY-noh oo-NEE-doh?'') ; Where are there a lot of... : Onde hai moitos... (''OHN-deh ai MOY-tohs...'') ; ...hotels? : ...hoteis? (''oh-TAYS?'') ; ...restaurants? : ...restaurantes? (''rehs-tow-RAHN-tehs'') ; ...bars? : ...bares? (''BAH-rehs'') ; ...sites to see? : ...sitios para visitar? (''SEE-tyohs PAH-rah bee-SEE-tahr'') ; Can you show me on the map? : Pódesme sinalar no mapa? (''POH-dehs-meh see-NAH-lahr noh MAH-pah?'') ; street : rúa (''ROO-ah'') ; Turn left. : Vire á esquerda / Xire á esquerda. (''BEE-reh AH ehs-KEHR-dah / SHEE-reh AH ehs-KEHR-dah'') ; Turn right. : Vire á dereita / Xire á dereita. (''BEE-reh AH deh-RAY-tah / SHEE-reh AH deh-RAY-tah'') ; left : esquerda (''ehs-KEHR-dah'') ; right : dereita (''deh-RAY-tah'') ; straight ahead : recto (''REHK-toh'') ; towards the _____ : cara a _____ (''KAH-rah ah'') ; past the _____ : despois de _____ (''dehs-POYS deh'') ; before the _____ : antes de _____ (''ahn-TEHS deh'') ; Watch for the _____. : Vixía o/a/os/as _____. (''vee-ZHYAH oh/ah/ohs/ahs____'') ; intersection : intersección (''een-tehr-sehk-THYOHN'') ; north : norte (''NOHR-teh'') ; south : sur (''soor'') ; east : leste (''LEHS-teh'') ; west : oeste (''oh-EHS-teh'') ; uphill : costa arriba (''KOHS-tah ah-RREE-bah'') ; downhill : costa abaixo (''KOHS-tah ah-BAI-shoh'') ====Taxi==== ; Taxi! : Taxi! (''TAHK-see!'') ; Take me to _____, please. : Léveme a _____, por favor. (''LEH-beh-meh ah_____, pohr FAH-bohr'') ; How much does it cost to get to _____? : Canto custa chegar a _____? (''KAHN-toh KOOS-tah CHEH-gahr ah____?'') ; Take me there, please. : Léveme alá, por favor. (''LEH-beh-meh ah-LAH, pohr FAH-bohr'') ===Lodging=== ; Do you have any rooms available? : Ten algún cuarto dispoñible? (''tehn ahl-GOON KWAHR-toh dees-POH-nyee-bleh?'') ; How much is a room for one person/two people? : Canto custa un cuarto para unha/dúas persoa/persoas? (''KAHN-toh KOOS-tah oon KWAHR-toh PAH-rah OON-gah/DOO-ahs pehr-SOH-ah/pehr-SOH-ahs?'') ; Does the room come with...? : O cuarto ten...? (''oh KWAHR-toh tehn___?'') ; ...a bathroom? : ...baño? (''BAH-nyoh'') ; ...a telephone? : ...teléfono? (''teh-LEH-foh-noh?'') ; ...a TV? : ...televisión? (''teh-leh-bee-THYOHN?'') ; May I see the room first? : Podo ver o cuarto primeiro? (''POH-doh behr oh KWAHR-toh pree-MAY-roh?'') ; Do you have anything quieter? : Ten algo máis silencioso? (''tehn AHL-goh MAH-ees see-lehn-THYOH-soh?'') ; ...bigger? : ...máis grande? (''MAH-ees GRAHN-deh?'') ; ...cleaner? : ...máis limpo? (''MAH-ees LEEM-poh?'') ; ...cheaper? : ...máis barato? (''MAH-ees bah-RAH-toh?'') ; OK, I'll take it. : De acordo, quedo con ela. (''deh ah-KOHR-doh, KEH-doh kohn EH-lah'') ; I will stay for _____ night(s). : Vou quedar _____ noite(s). (''VOH-oo KEH-dahr_____NOY-teh(s)'') ; Can you suggest another hotel? : Pódeme suxerir outro hotel? (''POH-deh-meh soo-SHEH-reer oh-OO-troh OH-tehl?'') ; Do you have a safe lockers? : Ten caixa de seguridade? (''tehn KAI-shah deh seh-goo-REE-dah-deh?'') ; Is breakfast/supper included? : O almorzo está incluído? (''oh ahl-MOHR-thoh ehs-TAH een-kloo-EE-doh?'') / A cea está incluída? (''ah theah ehs-TAH een-kloo-EE-dah?'') ; What time is breakfast/supper? : Cando se almorza/cea? (''KAHN-doh seh ahl-MOHR-thah/THEH-ah'') ; Please clean my room. : Por favor, limpe o meu cuarto. (''pohr FAH-bohr, LEEM-peh oh MEH-oo KWAHR-toh'') ; Can you wake me at _____? : Pódeme espertar ás _____? (''POH-deh-meh ehs-PEHR-tahr AHS___?'') ; I want to check out. : Vou marchar. (''BOH-oo MAHR-chahr'') ===Eating=== ; A table for one person/two people, please. : Unha mesa para unha persoa/dúas persoas, por favor. (''OON-gah MEH-sah PAH-rah OON-gah pehr-SOH-ah/DOO-ahs pehr-SOH-ahs, pohr FAH-bohr'') ; Can I look at the menu, please? : Podo ver a carta / o menú, por favor? (''POH-doh behr ah KAHR-tah/oh meh-NOO, pohr FAH-bohr?'') ; Can I look in the kitchen? : Podo ver a cociña? (''POH-doh behr ah koh-THEE-nyah?'') ; Is there a house specialty? : Teñen algunha especialidade da casa? (''TEH-nyehn ahl-GOO-nyah ehs-peh-thyah-LEE-dah-deh dah KAH-sah?'') ; Is there a local specialty? : Teñen algún prato típico do país? (''TEH-nyehn ahl-GOON PRAH-toh TEE-pee-koh doh pah-EES?'') ; I'm a vegetarian. : Son vexetariano. (''sohn veh-sheh-TAH-ryah-noh'') ; I don't eat pork. : Non como porco. (''nohn KOH-moh POHR-koh'') ; I don't eat beef. : Non como carne de vaca. (''nohn KOH-moh KAHR-neh deh BAH-kah'') ; I only eat kosher food. : Só como comida kosher. (''SOH KOH-moh koh-MEE-dah KOH-shehr'') ; Can you make it "lite", please? (''less oil/butter/lard'') : Pódemo facer máis lixeiro? (''POH-deh-moh FAH-thehr MAIS lee-SHEI-roh?'') (''con menos aceite/manteiga/graxa'') ; fixed-price meal : menú do día (''meh-NOO doh DYAH'') ; à la carte : á carta (''AH KAHR-tah'') ; breakfast : almorzo (''ahl-MOHR-soh'') ; lunch : xantar (''SHAHN-tahr'') ; tea (''meal'') : merenda (''meh-REHN-dah'') ; supper : cea (''THEA'') ; I want _____. : Quero _____. (''KEH-roh'') ; I want a dish containing _____. : Quero un prato que teña _____. (''KEH-roh oon PRAH-toh keh TEH-nyah______'') ; chicken : polo (''POH-loh'') ; beef : carne de vaca (''KAHR-neh de BAH-kah'') ; fish : peixe (''PAY-sheh'') ; ham : xamón (''shah-MOHN'') ; sausages : embutidos (''ehm-boo-TEE-dohs'') ; cheese : queixo (''KAY-shoh'') ; eggs : ovos (''OH-bohs'') ; salad : ensalada (''ehn-sah-LAH-dah'') ; (fresh) vegetables : vexetais (frescos) (''beh-SHEH-tais (FREHS-kohs)'') ; (fresh) fruit : froita (fresca) (''FROY-tah (FREHS-kah)'') ; bread : pan (''pahn'') ; toast : torrada/tosta (''tohr-RAH-dah/TOHS-tah'') ; noodles : fideos (''FEE-deh-ohs'') ; rice : arroz (''AH-rrohz'') ; beans : fabas/feixóns (''FAH-bahs/fay-SHOHNS'') ; May I have a glass of _____? : Pódeme traer un vaso de _____? (''POH-deh-meh TRAH-ehr oon BAH-soh deh_____?'') ; May I have a cup of _____? : Pódeme traer unha cunca de _____? (''POH-deh-meh TRAH-ehr OO-nyah KOON-kah deh_____?'') ; May I have a bottle of _____? : Pódeme traer unha botella de _____? (''POH-deh-meh TRAH-ehr OO-nyah boh-TEH-lyah deh_______?'') ; coffee : café (''kah-FEH'') ; tea (''drink'') : té (''TEH'') ; juice : zume (''SOO-moh'') ; (bubbly) water : auga con gas (''OW-gah kohn gahs'') ; water : auga (''OW-gah'') ; beer : cervexa (''sehr-BEH-shah'') ; red/white wine : viño tinto/branco (''BEE-nyoh TEEN-toh/BRAHN-koh'') ; May I have some _____? : Pódeme traer un pouco de _____? (''POH-deh-meh TRAH-ehr oon poh-OO-koh deh____?'') ; salt : sal (''SAHL'') ; black pepper : pementa negra (''peh-MEHN-tah NEH-grah'') ; butter : manteiga (''mahn-TAY-gah'') ; Excuse me, waiter? (''getting attention of server''): Desculpe, camareiro? (''dehs-KOOL-peh, cah-mah-RAY-roh?'') ; I'm finished. : Xa rematei. (''shah reh-MAH-tay'') ; It was delicious. : Estivo moi bo. (''ehs-TEE-boh moy boh'') ; Please clear the plates. : Pode levar os pratos. (''POH-deh LEH-vahr ohs PRAH-tohs'') ; The check, please. : A conta, por favor. (''ah KOHN-tah, pohr FAH-bohr'') ===Money=== ; Do you accept American/Australian/Canadian dollars? : Aceptan dólares americanos/australianos/canadenses? (''ahk-THEHP-tahn DOH-lah-rehs ah-meh-REE-kah-nohs/ows-trah-LYAH-nohs/kah-nah-DEHN-sehs?'') ; Do you accept British pounds? : Aceptan libras esterlinas? (''ahk-THEHP-tahn LEE-brahs ehs-tehr-LEE-nahs?'') ; Do you accept credit cards? : Aceptan tarxetas de crédito? (''ahk-THEHP-tahn tahr-SHEH-tahs deh KREH-dee-toh?'') ; Can you change money for me? : Pode cambiarme/trocarme cartos/diñeiro? (''POH-deh kahm-BYAHR-meh/troh-KAHR-meh KAHR-tohs/dee-NAY-roh?'') ; Where can I get money changed? : Onde podo cambiar/trocar cartos/diñeiro? (''OHN-deh POH-doh KAHM-byahr/TROH-kahr KAHR-tohs/dee-NAY-roh?'') ; Can you change a traveler's check for me? : Pode cambiarme/trocarme cheques de viaxe? (''POH-deh kahm-BYAHR-meh/troh-KAHR-meh CHEH-kehs deh BYAH-sheh?'') ; Where can I get a traveler's check changed? : Onde podo cambiar/trocar cheques de viaxe? (''OHN-deh POH-doh KAHM-byahr/TROH-kahr CHEH-kehs deh BYAH-sheh?'') ; What is the exchange rate? : Canto é a taxa de cambio? (''KAHN-toh EH ah TAH-shah deh KAHM-byoh?'') ; Where is an automatic teller machine (ATM)? : Onde hai un caixeiro automático? (''OHN-deh eye oon kai-SHEI-roh ow-toh-MAH-tee-koh?'') ===Shopping=== ; Do you have this in my size? : Ten isto na miña talla? (''tehn EES-toh nah MEE-nyah TAH-lyah?'') ; How much is this? : Canto custa isto? (''KAHN-toh KOOS-tah EES-toh?'') ; That's too expensive. : É demasiado caro. (''EH deh-mah-SYAH-doh KAH-roh'') ; Would you take _____? : Doulle _____ (''DWOH-lyeh'') (lit. "I give you ____") ; expensive : caro (''KAH-roh'') ; cheap : barato (''bah-RAH-toh'') ; I can't afford it. : Non o podo pagar. (''nohn oh POH-doh PAH-gahr'') ; I don't want it. : Non o quero. (''nohn oh KEH-roh'') ; You're cheating me. : Estame enganando. (''ehs-TAH-meh ehn-gah-NAHN-doh'') ; I'm not interested. : Non estou interesado. (''nohn EHS-tow een-teh-reh-SAH-doh'') ; OK, I'll take it. : De acordo, lévoo. (''...'') ; Can I have a bag? : Pódeme dar unha bolsa? (''...'') ; Do you ship (overseas)? : Fan envíos (ó/ao estranxeiro)? (''...'') ; I need... : Necesito... (''...'') ; ...brush. : ...un cepillo. (''...'') ; ...comb. : ...un peite. (''...'') ; ...toothpaste. : ...pasta de dentes. (''...'') ; ...a toothbrush. : ...un cepillo de dentes. (''...'') ; ...feminine napkins. : ...compresas. (''...'') ; ...tampons. : ...tampóns. (''...'') ; ...soap. : ...xabón. (''...'') ; ...shampoo. : ...xampú. (''...'') ; ...deodorant. : ...desodorante. (''...'') ; ...perfume. : ...perfume. (''...'') ; ...pain reliever. (''e.g., aspirin or ibuprofen'') : ...unha aspirina. (''...'') ; ...cold medicine. : ...un medicamento para o constipado/arrefriado/catarro. (''...'') ; ...shaving cream. : ...crema de afeitar. (''...'') ; ...stomach medicine. : ....un medicamento para o estómago (''...'') ; ...a razor. : ...unha folla de afeitar/navalla. (''...'') ; ...an umbrella. : ...un paraugas. (''...'') ; ...sunblock lotion. : ...protector solar. (''...'') ; ...a postcard. : ...unha postal. (''OOHN-gah POHS-tahl'') ; ...postage stamps. : ...selos. (''SEH-lohs'') ; ...batteries. : ...pilas. (''PEE-lahs'') ; ...writing paper. : ...papel para escribir. (''PAH-pehl PAH-rah ehs-KREE-beer'') ; ...a pencil. : ...un lapis. (''oon LAH-pees'') ; ...a pen. : ...un bolígrafo. (''oon boh-LEE-grah-foh'') ; ...English-language books. : .. libros en inglés. (''LEE-brohs ehn een-GLEHS'') ; ...English-language magazines. : ...revistas en inglés. (''reh-BEES-tahs ehn een-GLEHS'') ; ...an English-language newspaper. : ...un xornal en inglés. (''oon SHOHR-nahl een-GLEHS'') ; ...an English-Galician dictionary. : ...un dicionario inglés-galego. (''oon deek-THYOH-nah-ryoh een-GLEHS-gah-LEH-goh'') ===Driving=== ; I want to rent a car. : Quero alugar un coche. (''...'') ; Can I get insurance? : Podo facer un seguro? (''...'') ; stop (''on a street sign'') : stop (''...'') ; one way : sentido único (''...'') ; yield/Give Way : ceda o paso (''...'') ; no parking : prohibido aparcar/prohibido estacionar (''...'') ; speed limit : límite de velocidade/velocidade máxima (''...'') ; gas (''petrol'') station : gasolineira/estación de servizo (''...'') ; petrol : gasolina (''...'') ; diesel : gasóleo/diésel (''...'') ===Authority=== ; It's his/her fault! : A culpa é del/dela! (''...'') ; Its not what its seems. : Non é o que parece. (''...'') ; I can explain it all. : Pódollo explicar todo. (''...'') ; I haven't done anything wrong. : Eu non fixen nada. (''...'') ; I swear I didn't do it Mr. Officer. : Xúrolle que non fun eu, axente. (''...'') ; It was a misunderstanding. : Foi un malentendido. (''...'') ; Where are you taking me? : Onde me leva? (''...'') ; Am I under arrest? : Estou detido? (''...'') ; I am an American/Australian/British/Canadian citizen. : Son cidadán estadounidense/australiano/británico/canadense. (''...'') ; I want to talk to the American/Australian/British/Canadian embassy. : Quero falar coa embaixada estadounidense/australiana/británica/canadense. (''...'') ; I want to talk to the American/Australian/British/Canadian consulate. : Quero falar co consulado estadounidense/australiano/británico/canadense. (''...'') ; I want to talk to a lawyer. : Quero falar cun avogado. (''...'') ; Can I just pay a fine now? : Podo pagar unha multa agora mesmo? (''...'') {{usablephrasebook}} {{phrasebookguide}} 6rzsa4gb63hb95xf8omeuisgsbjr68p 0 13107 5086649 5083262 2025-07-02T14:30:27Z Bluecoordinationfine 2327039 Improving this/moving the listings is going to take a while. 5086649 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|GR 10 WV banner.jpg|caption=View from GR 10, near Souriche, looking towards the Tourmalet, valley of Barèges, France}} The '''GR 10''' is one of the paths and trails of the extensive [[Grande Randonnée]] (or GR) network. It crosses [[France]], from the Mediterranean coast to the Atlantic coast, and runs almost entirely through the [[Pyrenees]]. While the trail is in France, much of it is near, or even on, the border with [[Spain]]. The trail can be walked in either direction, though some suggest that the west-east route is easier in the beginning, as it is both cooler and less steep that the corresponding start heading west; this may be an advantage to those not fully in shape. == Understand == [[File:Lac d'Oo (22).jpg|thumb|Lac d'Oo]] Moving from east to west, the trail begins at the Mediterranean, in the small town of [[Banyuls sur Mer]], and finishes at [[Hendaye]] on the Atlantic Ocean. Hikers will usually be able to make it to a [[France#Guesthouses and holiday rentals|gîte]] or small town every other night, and quite frequently every night. Expected time to complete the trail is around 6-7 weeks, though the majority of people only hike sections of it. == Prepare == The trail is fairly well marked with painted marks on rocks, trees, telephone poles, and even houses, walls, and street signs. If you don't see a mark for 100 Meters, you have probably taken a wrong turn, and should head back to the nearest marker. It is not realistic to navigate using the markers alone. A trail guide, at minimum, or a topologic map is required. Sunburn is a particular problem, and clothing such as long sleeved shirts and long pants should be worn as they protect from the sun, scratching branches and insects. Sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat are highly desirable. For those heading west from Banyuls sur Mer, the hike to the first gîte is particularly long compared to the following days, and should be started very early. === Equipment === One of the advantages of the GR 10 is that it can be hiked with minimal gear, as one can eat dinner and breakfast almost every day at the gîtes. Additionally the hiker can sleep outdoors on clear nights and pay for a bed in a gîte in inclement weather. On nights that only shelters (which usually have no food or staff) are available, pre-purchased food can be eaten. If one plans to eat at gîtes and buy food from supermarkets that can be eaten without cooking, the absolute minimal gear in the summer months is: * Sleeping bag or sleep sheet, and a mat for comfort. * Goretex jacket and fleece or similar for cold or wet weather * Long-sleeved shirt and pants * Short-sleeved shirt and shorts (including shorts you can wear for swimming) * Sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat * Adequate footwear. Anything less than hiking boots may prove insufficient. * Bottles for at least two litres of water, and a purification method for treating water from streams. * Toiletries and a [[Travel health kit|medical kit]] Additionally, consider a rain jacket or fleece top for wet or cold weather. If you plan to forgo the comforts and delicious food of the gites and hotels, also bring: * Tent * Cooking gear and food A note on footwear: some four fifths of the hikers wear full hiking boots and thick socks. While running sneakers may suffice (and Choco-style sandals may work for a few days), your risk of injury is higher, and much of the trail involves hopping around on possibly wet and sharp rocks. Choose conservatively, depending on the length of your hike and your experience. ==Get in== == Walk == {{Mapframe|lat=42.68287|long=0.56837|width=full|height=360|zoom=7}} {{mapshape|type=geoline|stroke=#000000|stroke-width=3}} === Hendaye-Plage - Olhette === ; Distance : 21.9 km ; Duration : 6-7¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1010 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 950 m Intermarché sells gas cartridges. Near the western trailhead a {{marker|type=buy|name=Decathlon|lat=43.36843635018845|long=-1.7798332063655435}} store geared towards watersports is available for last minute purchases, such as gas cannisters. The hike starts from the 3 km long {{marker|type=see|name=Hendaye Beach|wikidata=Q20947149}}. This is below the old casino, now known as Résidence Croisière. Nearby is the Tourist Office. Buses run from the main train station, or you can walk from {{marker|type=go|name=Gare Deux Jumeaux|wikidata=Q2802667}}. Leaving town, the route goes around the football stadium and climbs via Rue Errondenia and Rue de Pausoa. After about 3 hr you reach the summit of {{marker|type=see|name=Xoldokogaina|wikidata=Q20492776}}. The high point is at Mandale (530 m) on the Spanish border. From here, the path descends to the Col d'Ibardin (4¼ hr), a popular spot for French shoppers due to cheap alcohol and tobacco. The trail continues via Col des Poiriers and Col des Joncs before reaching Olhette. * {{listing|type=city|name=Olhette|lat=43.3360119885|long=-1.6661235970|content=65 m. No bus service; the nearest is in Ascain, 4 km away. Two gîtes: [https://www.chambre-d-hote-cote-basque-manttu.fr/ Manttu-Baïta] at the southern end of the village and Trapero Baïta (Tel. +33 5 59 54 42 59) in the center.}} * {{listing|type=city|name=Biriatou|wikidata=Q196871|content=A scenic Basque village 10 minutes from the main trail. Public toilets near the church.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Redoute de la Baïonette|lat=43.309257665|long=-1.70329930013|content=Historic fortification near Mandale, located by modern border marker 9. Offers wide views.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Basque Tourist Office|address=20 Boulevard Victor Hugo, 64500 Saint-Jean-de-Luz|lat=43.387765760|long=-1.66038856746|url=https://www.en-pays-basque.fr/en/|content=Tourist info for the wider Basque region.}} {{marker|type=buy|name=Decathlon|lat=43.36843635018845|long=-1.7798332063655435}} 43.36843635018845, -1.7798332063655435 === Olhette - Ainhoa === ; Distance : 21.1 km ; Duration : 6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 730 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 640 m The steepest climb comes right at the beginning. For most of the route, you'll be on forest trails and, after Sare, quiet paved country roads. The trail initially ascends on a good path over the Col des Trois Fontaines (1½ hr; a shelter is located 300 m away), then descends to the Col de St-Ignace, where the valley station of the cog railway to La Rhune is found. It continues to {{Marker|type=city|name=Sare|wikidata=Q274155}} (2¾ hr), a local transport hub and one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. There's an outdoor swimming pool. The stage ends in {{Marker|type=city|name=Ainhoa|wikidata=Q212962|url=https://www.en-pays-basque.fr/territoires-et-destinations/vallee-de-la-nivelle/ainhoa/}}. Also one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. The tourist information office (open 09:00-12:30, 14:00-17:30; closed weekends and holidays) is located at the side of the town hall. Local grocery stores are a bit pricey due to the village's popularity. From Col des Trois Fontaines you can ascend La Rhune (905 m) either by cog railway (35 min) or on foot (3 km, 1¼ h; ↥↧ 300 m). The prehistoric {{Marker|type=see|name=Grottes de Sare|url=https://www.grottesdesare.fr/en/index_en.php|wikidata=Q3117280}} can be visited with prior reservation through the local municipality or online. Closed annually for a month after Epiphany. This stage is part of the [[European long-distance path E9|European long-distance trail E9]]. * {{listing|counter=1|type=sleep|lat=43.30238052|long=-1.5874539771|name=Camping la Petite Rhune|phone=+33 6 15 29 36 38|url=https://www.lapetiterhune.com/en/|content=Includes a gîte d'étape. Reception hours: 08:30-12:30, 15:00-20:00; winter weekdays 09:00-12:00, 14:00-17:00.}} === Ainhoa - Bidarray === ; Distance : 21.7 km ; Duration : 8½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 880 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 850 m This is a difficult stage — exposed to the sun at first, and especially challenging due to the steep rocky descent near the end. At the old cemetery (389 m; 40 min) beside the {{Marker|type=see|name=Chapelle Notre Dame de l'Aubépine|wikidata=Q12253854}}, a dramatic crucifixion scene of the Jewish itinerant preacher Jesus of Nazareth and two other criminals has been recreated. Traditional Basque hilarri gravestones are found here. The path then continues over the Col des Trois-Croix (510 m; 1 hr 20 min). A good place to rest is at Ferme Esteben (2 hr 50 min, 580 m), a gîte d'étape with a bar-restaurant. The trail continues near the border, past Boundary Stone 77, partly on paved road. At Col des Veaux (550 m), you can take a 300-m detour into Spain to visit a venta (a small inn or shop). From here, the trail climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Méhatche|lat=43.272782275749094|long=-1.4166930371188398}} (716 m; 3¾ hr). The descent past Boundary Stones 82 and 83 is secured with cables. From Col de Méhatche, you can ascend Artzamendi (926 m), easily identified by its radar dome at the summit. The nearby {{Marker|type=see|name=Grotte le Saint-que-Sue|alt=Harpeko Saindua|lat=43.26526266671622|long=-1.3890420732224757}} can also be visited. Just before reaching {{Marker|type=city|name=Bidarray|wikidata=Q746221}}, a bypass trail offers a shortcut to the next stage. For peak baggers, this route also gives access to several summits: Errebi (between the chapel and Col des Trois-Croix), Atxulegi (a 15-min detour on the way to Col des Trois-Croix), and, in good weather, Mont Bizkayluze (701 m) and Gorospil (691 m). The village is split into two parts, 600 m apart. The GR-10 passes through the upper section (where accommodation is located), while the train station lies in the lower part. The stone “Noblia” bridge, in its current form, dates to the 17th century. Parts of the Church of the Assumption are Romanesque. Traditional hilarri gravestones can be found in the old cemetery, and the Ferme Gastetto is a protected farmhouse in classic Lower Navarrese style. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Aire Zabal|lat=43.2665469128|long=-1.34721660011|url=https://giteairezabal.fr/|content=Stage accommodation in the upper part of the village.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Amestoya|lat=43.284582665|long=-1.35372693663|url=https://camping-bidarray.fr/english/|content=Campsite along the D908, 2 km north of the upper village.}} === Bidarray - Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry === ; Distance : 18.5 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1250 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1250 m This southward stage is demanding, especially due to the complete lack of water sources along the ascent. After passing the Iparla Ridge (950 m), the trail reaches an altitude of over 1000 m for the first time on the way to the summit. It then continues along the ridge to the Pic de Tutulia before descending to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Harrieta|lat=43.21079140547837|long=-1.384120195860639}} (3¾ hr, 808 m). From the Col d'Harrieta, a side trail descends to Urdos (1¾ hr), from where it's possible to follow the road into Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry. The main trail continues across the Buztanzelhay summit (4¾ hr, 1029 m), then down to the col of the same name (843 m). Here, the GR-10 turns left and descends steeply. The path crosses the D949 road several times — this road leads from the village to the ventas on the Spanish border at the Col d'Ispéguy. You can also reach this col via the ridge, 1½ km from Col Buztanzelhay. If you want to skip entering {{Marker|type=city|name=Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry|wikidata=Q279252}} (162 moh), you can join the next stage earlier at the Nive des Aldudes (6½ h, 162 m). There's a picnic area in the park and a supermarket that stocks gas cartridges. Locals play Rebot, a type of pelota, on two courts. The Château d'Etxauz is not open to the public. On the last Sunday in April, the village hosts a traditional folklore festival known as Nafarroaren Eguna. The Nive des Aldudes valley occasionally experiences flooding and mudslides. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Municipal Irouleguy|address=Borciriette, 64430 Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry|phone=+33 5 59 37 43 96|url=https://animazioa5.wixsite.com/camping-de-baigorri|lat=43.183694680698636|long=-1.3357619163002807|content=Municipal campsite near the village.}} === Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry - Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port === ; Distance : 19.2 km ; Duration : 5-7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 990 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 980 m This stage runs mostly on gravel paths and farm tracks. About an hour in, there's an optional detour at Col d'Aharza for a 35-minute climb to Oylarandoy, where a hermitage built in 1706 stands. The GR-10 heads south to the Col d'Aharza (734 m; 2 hr), where there's a water source, then turns east and circles around the {{Marker|type=see|name=Munhoa|wikidata=Q3327853}} (1023 m; 3½ hr). The climb is fully exposed to the sun. The descent begins on the right-hand side. For campers, there are two sites before {{Marker|name=Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port|wikidata=Q270294|type=city}}: [http://www.camping-delatruite.com/ Camping de La Truite] (March 1 - Dec 15), and closer to town, [http://www.camping-narbaitz.com/ Camping Narbaitz] (mid-March - mid-September; tent spaces from June 20). Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port lies at 170 m and is where three of the four French pilgrimage routes converge before entering Spain. From here, it's possible to continue directly onto the Camino de Santiago (via Roncesvalles). * {{listing|type=go|wikidata=Q2220150|name=Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port railway station|content=Served by regional trains from Bayonne.}} * {{listing|type=buy|name=Maya-Sports|lat=43.166315301|long=-1.23308887678|address=18 Av. du Jai Alai, 64220 Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port|phone=+33 5 59 37 00 47|url=https://www.mayasport.fr/|content=Outdoor gear shop across from the train station. Open M-Sa 09:00-12:00 and 14:00-19:00.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge Municipal Ospitalia|lat=43.163722833|long=-1.23472178390|address=55 Rue de la Citadelle, 64220 Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port|phone=+33 6 17 10 31 89|content=Municipal refuge. Check-in from 14:30.}} === Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port - Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta === ; Distance : 16.2 km ; Duration : 5-5½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 870 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 420 m There are no supply points or public transport on this stage, but the walking is relatively easy. In the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Çaro|wikidata=Q842635}} (242 m), there is a public fountain next to the town hall. If you choose to end the day early after 3¾ hr in {{Marker|type=city|name=Estérençuby|wikidata=Q842724}} (231 m; two accommodation options), be aware that this adds an extra 400 m of ascent to the next day's stage. === Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta - Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty === ; Distance : 20.7 km ; Duration : 6¾-8 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1410 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m This stage is simple but offers little shade. The trail first climbs toward the Col on Ithurramburu (820 m), then continues ascending to just below the {{Marker|type=see|name=Occabe|alt=Okabe|wikidata=Q17417892}} (1456 m). On the Occabe plateau, 26 Neolithic stone circles — called Harrespil in Basque — have been found. These are believed to have been used for cremation rites. A good rest stop is the upscale {{Marker|type=eat|name=Restaurant Chalet Pedro|url=https://www.chaletpedro.com/|lat=43.03687624625582|long=-1.0746838225620772}} (4¾ hr). The associated lodge offers 10 beds. Across the stream at Le Kayolar, similar accommodation is available. From here, the trail turns sharply right after 100 m and continues uphill for 6-7 km (300 m ascent) to the stage destination. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta|url=http://kaskoleta.free.fr/|lat=43.092036845886255|long=-1.1646582066722122|content=Altitude 615 m. Offers 13 beds in 3 rooms plus a holiday apartment for 4. A scenic viewpoint with an information panel is 5 minutes away.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty|address=D19, 64560 Larrau|phone=+33 5 59 28 51 29|url=https://chalets-iraty.com/|lat=43.03659578299579|long=-1.0348125824515537|content=Key pickup and payment are handled at Col Héguichouria, 1 km before the site. There is a restaurant and bird observation post 500 m further on.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=L'aire Naturelle de Camping|lat=43.037460332099656|long=-1.0494175120345806|content=Natural campground with 50 pitches, located 3 km before the Chalets by the stream. Open June-October. Fresh bread available by reservation from 08:30.}} === Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty - Logibar === ; Distance : 16.4 km ; Duration : 5-6 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 440 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1380 m In bad weather, the route along the west side of the {{Marker|type=see|name=Pic des Escaliers|wikidata=Q31645205}} (1423 m) is not recommended. There are two alternative routes, but both are poorly marked. At the Ugatzé Ridge, the trail skirts the peak rather than summiting it. To avoid the steep descent from Pic des Escaliers, stay on the road for about 600 m after the start, then turn off after 2½ km to reach Col Ugatzé. A short side trip allows you to summit Arthanolatzégagnia (an additional 35 min ascent and descent). Trail markings are sparse for several hours. After some time following mule tracks, you'll reach a road crossing at Beloscare (1173 m; 3 hr). Logibar marks the end of the stage, but you can also continue 2 km further to {{Marker|type=city|name=Larrau|wikidata=Q608335}}, which offers three accommodation options and a campground. In bad weather, an easier alternative is to follow the paved road from Iraty directly to Larrau for a gentler descent. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge Logibar|address=Quartier Logibar, D26, 64560 Larrau|phone=+33 5 59 28 61 14|url=https://auberge-logibar.com/|lat=43.018151|long=-0.927715|content=Altitude 375 m. Dormitory beds from €17, half board from €50. Check-in from 17:00. Bus 60 serves the location.}} === Logibar - Sainte-Engrâce (Senta) === ; Distance : 26.3 km ; Duration : 7½-9¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200-1420 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 900-1170 m This stage leads through spectacular gorges. Follow signs to the Gorges d'Holzarté and ascend the trail to the 70 m long suspension bridge (50 min), which spans the dramatic Ruisseau de Olhadubi gorge 150 m above the ground. On the far side, the trail continues uphill. After 2 hours, you reach the Olhadubi stream — a possible spot for a refreshing dip. Nearby, the Cabane Cayolar d'Olhadubi (reached via a side path from the bridge) serves as an emergency shelter with space for 4-5 people. Continuing uphill, you'll reach the Abarrakia farm after just over 3 hours. The path then winds between farms, eventually reaching the point (4½ hr) where the GR-10 turns sharply to the right. The original GR-10 route bypassed the gorges entirely by heading up to the Plateau d'Adarkhotia after the Holzarté bridge. This shortcut saves 2.7 km (1¼ hr) and 150 m of elevation gain. After about 5 hours, you'll reach the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Anhaou|alt=Col de Bious|lat=42.9784|long=-0.88044}} (1383 m). From here, energetic hikers can summit nearby peaks such as Izeyto (1464 m) or Sarimendi (1484 m). The stage ends at {{Marker|type=city|name=Sainte-Engrâce|wikidata=Q197211|url=https://www.sainte-engrace.fr/index.php/en/}}. Sainte-Engrâce is home to a Romanesque church from the 11th century. From the village, a 9-km side trip (↥ 840 m, ↧ 135 m) takes you to the vast La Verna cave. Guided tours go up to 800 m deep — the main chamber is large enough to fit the Eiffel Tower. Bookings are handled through the [https://laverna.fr/en/ Espace accueil Arrakotchepia], Quartier Calla, 64560 Sainte-Engrâce (Tel. +33 6 37 88 29 05). August is often very busy. A detour south from the restaurant leads into the wild and romantic Gorges de Kakuetta. The trail is very steep and slippery, and entry tickets are (usually) sold at the restaurant. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge Elichalt|address=Next to the church|phone=+33 5 59 28 61 63|lat=42.99552859220694|long=-0.8102287239912613|content=Simple village inn located in the center of Sainte-Engrâce.}} === Sainte-Engrâce (Senta) - Refuge Jeandel === ; Distance : 11.6 km ; Duration : 4¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 160 m The trail climbs steadily from Sainte-Engrâce into the limestone highlands of the Pierre-Saint-Martin massif, marking the transition into more alpine terrain. You ascend to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Pierre-St-Martin|wikidata=Q1107451}} (1760 m; border with Spain). Since 1373, the Tributo de las Tres Vacas — a cross-border tribute of three cows — has been held here every July 13 to settle grazing rights between the two valleys. A small shop at the parking area sells goat cheese. A ski area lies just over the border on the Spanish side. There is also a small shelter near Boundary Marker 62. An optional 15-minute detour leads to the summit of Soum de Lèche (1839 m). The Grotte de la Verna, a massive cave chamber accessible by guided tour, lies 1 km (¾ hr) off the main trail and requires prior booking ([https://laverna.fr laverna.fr]). From the pass, descend to the first switchback, then turn right off the main track. The trail passes under two chairlifts and continues along the northern flank of the Pic d'Arlas. When you spot three large concrete water tanks, descend to the staffed mountain hut at Refuge Jeandel. The ski resort village of {{Marker|name=La Pierre Saint-Martin|wikidata=Q3211628|type=city}} is about 15 minutes off the trail and offers additional services. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge Jeandel|address=La Pierre Saint Martin, 64570 Arette|url=https://www.refugejeandel.com/|lat=42.97829371796861|long=-0.7493627209784663|content=Altitude 1670 m. Dormitory accommodation from €18; half-board from €42.50. Staffed in summer.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Tourist Office La Pierre Saint-Martin|address=Maison de la Pierre, 75 D332, 64570 Arette|phone=+33 5 59 66 20 09|url=https://www.lapierrestmartin.com/|lat=42.97735500762936|long=-0.744495054007273|content=Open only during the French summer holidays (mid-July to late August). Provides info on local lodging and two campervan pitches. Served by seasonal Bus 807 between Arette and Oloron-Sainte-Marie.}} === Refuge Jeandel - Lescun === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 5½-6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1200 m This is a challenging stage, but the scenery is magnificent. Several rocky mountain paths are equipped with cables for safety. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Pas de l'Osque|lat=42.9702182168491|long=-0.7089944097203539}} (1922 m), which requires a head for heights. The trail continues to the Pas d'Azuns (1873 m; 2¾ hr), and a good first rest stop with water is the spring near the Cabane du Cap de la Baitch (1689 m; 3 hr). In wet weather, descending to {{Marker|type=city|name=Lescun|wikidata=Q179737}} (895 m) via the road is recommended, as the GR-10 becomes muddy and difficult to navigate. From Lescun, the HRP route offers a very demanding variant over the Col d'Anie back toward Cabane du Cap de la Baitch. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Centre de l'Abérouat|url=http://aberouat.fr/|lat=42.95041471194407|long=-0.6658390953581508|content=Staffed hut with a bar. Offers 20 rooms (2-5 beds each). Free tent camping nearby (bathrooms in the hut available for a fee). Best suited for groups; solo walkers must book in advance.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Maison de la Montagne|lat=42.934247039|long=-0.63524507931|address=1 ruelle de la Congasse, 64490 Lescun|phone=+33 6 88 06 95 29|url=https://www.maisondelamontagne64.com/|content=Comfortable accommodation for hikers in the centre of Lescun.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping - Gîte du Lauzart|address=Bordé de Mougnague, 64490 Lescun|phone=+33 5 59 34 51 77|url=https://www.camping-gite-lescun-pyrenees.com/|lat=42.92782183157741|long=-0.6421994110320027|content=Along the D340. About 20 minutes into the next stage. Open April-September. Campsite €14 + €4 per adult. 25 dorm beds available for €16; half board €42.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Tourist Office for the Vallée |lat=42.9990368924|long=-0.60057615194|url=https://www.pyrenees-bearnaises.com/explorer/nature/|phone=+33 5 59 34 57 57|content=Located in Bedous. Provides information on the surrounding region.}} === Lescun - Etsaut === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 5½-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 850 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1150 m The trail begins easily through pastoral countryside, then enters forested terrain, passing the [https://www.gite-camping-lhers.com/ Gîte d'étape and campsite on the Plateau de Lhers] (2 hr), and climbing to the Col de Barrancq (1601 m; 3¾ hr). From the Col de Barrancq, a side trip leads to the summit of Pic de Labigouer (2175 m), which takes just under 3 hours round-trip. Lower down in the Parc d'Orce, within the commune of {{Marker|type=city|name=Borçe|wikidata=Q840474}} (5¾ hr), lives the majority of the region's ~50 brown bears. The Gîte le Communal offers accommodation here. The stage ends in {{listing|type=city|name=Etsaut|wikidata=Q765829|content=Altitude 597 m. Located on the N-134 and served by the Canfranc-Oloron-Saint-Marie bus line. The former train station now houses the Pyrenees National Park visitor center. Accommodation available in the Gîte d'étape la Garbure behind the church (53 beds).}} Just outside Etsaut, the {{Marker|type=see|name=Fort du Portalet|wikidata=Q3078387}} clings dramatically to the cliffs in two tiers, spanning a height difference of 150 m. * {{listing|type=see|name=Refuge animalier à Borce|url=https://parc-ours.fr/|lat=42.9045174060618|long=-0.5745664608466107|content=open 10:00-18:00; admission €12. It functions as an educational wildlife refuge}} === Etsaut - Gabas === ; Distance : 24 km ; Duration : 9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1640 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1210 m The trail begins with the dramatic Chemin de la Mâture, a path carved into the rock face. It is not passable in icy or snowy conditions. You reach Grange Perry (1210 m) after 2 hours. A quarter of an hour later, at a junction, keep left. After 3½ hours, you arrive at the Cabane de la Baight de St-Cours (1560 m; shepherds only, June-September), located at the border. About 4 hours in, you cross a stream on a bridge. This is the last water source before the high pass. The highest point of the stage is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Ayous|wikidata=Q2981981}} (2185 m; 5½ hr or more). On its eastern slope lie the Ayous Lakes, including the scenic Refuge d'Ayous. It's an ideal place to break this long stage. The Col d'Ayous also marks a transition point between valleys: from the Chemin de la Mâture and Baigt de Sencours in the Aspe Valley to Bious-Artigues (1540 m) in the Ossau Valley, where pony rides and canoe rentals are available on the eastern shore. The lake is 6½ km from the pass (↧ 764 m). From the pass, you can also summit Pic d'Ayous (add 30 min up and down), or detour 6 km to Lac Bersau — a longer alternative via the Vallon d'Aas is 9 km. From the lake, descend on the D231 road, which includes switchbacks that can be shortcut. (Note: Refuge de Gabas is permanently closed.) The stage ends in {{Marker|name=Gabas|wikidata=Q5515276|type=city}}, which offers two accommodations and a bar, but no grocery store. Located on bus route 806/806bis from Col de Portalet via Gabas to Laruns (15 km). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Ayous|url=https://www.refuge-ayous.fr/en-gb|lat=42.84844763797708|long=-0.4911758258903634|10 minutes off the GR10 near Lac Gentau (6½ hr). This refuge offers 47 beds and tent spaces and is open from mid-May to the first week of October.}} === Gabas - Gourette === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9-10 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1150 m This is a long and difficult stage, not suitable for children. The Corniche des Alhas section requires a head for heights. Snow may linger into summer, making it hard to follow the waymarks. Water is scarce during the first four hours. The trail follows the D934 road to the Artouste dam, then climbs through forest paths (1¼ hr). Some parts pass through cliff-side ledges carved into the rock — the Corniche des Alhas — which have fixed cables for safety. An easier alternative bypasses the Corniche via the Pont du Goua and the Gave de Soussouéou. After 1¾ hr, you reach a bridge near the Gave de Soussouéou waterfalls (1145 m). From here, a steep trail leads up to Houn de Mouscabarous (1361 m; 2¾ hr), continuing uphill to Petite Arcizette (2293 m). Snow may persist at these elevations until July. After 6½-7 hr, you arrive at the Hourquette d'Arre (2465 m). Important: The path shown on some maps to the Géougue d'Arre (2619 m) is a mountaineering route, not a hiking trail. An alternative route avoids the Hourquette d'Arre altogether: from the Cabane de Cézy, follow the red-and-white GR10 then switch to the red/yellow-marked GRP Tour de la Vallée d'Ossau, over the Col de Lurdé to Eaux-Bonnes (overnight possible) and Gourette (also served by Bus 806). The GR10 does not go directly to Lac d'Uzious, but instead heads roughly north-northeast across a plateau, before turning east to descend. After about 8 hours, you reach Lac d'Anglas (2068 m), from where the trail continues along the outflow, then branches off to the right. After over 9 hours, you arrive in the ski resort of {{Marker|type=city|name=Gourette|wikidata=Q1540224|url=https://www.gourette.com/en/}} (1350 m). Ski resort with two supermarkets; gas cartridges available at Intersport. Mostly closed outside the main season. Served in-season by Bus 806 (twice daily) from Parking Gourette Nord to Eaux-Bonnes, Laruns, and Pau. If needed, you can exit the trail early at the upper parking area (which has a bus stop) and start the next stage from there. * {{listing|type=sleep|lat=42.9595015138|long=-0.333960997149|name=Chalet-refuge CAF|phone=+33 5 59 05 10 56|url=https://chaletdegourette.ffcam.fr/|content=Mountain refuge with 32 beds in 4 dorms. €16.50/night (€8.25 for Alpine Club members) + €0.90 tourist tax.}} === Gourette - Arrens-Marsous === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m This is a relatively easy stage that crosses two mountain passes: the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Tortes|lat=42.959773462638644|long=-0.3187601158279607}} (1799 m; 1¾ hr), and later, after crossing the D918 (popular with cyclists but too busy to follow safely), the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Saucède|lat=42.95972945620746|long=-0.31869998400517197}} (1525 m; 3 hr 20 min). Ten minutes after descending from this second pass, you'll reach a restaurant and gîte de séjour at the Col de Soulor on the D918 road. From Col de Saucède, hikers can also make a short detour to summit the Pointe de Surgatte (1805 m; 90-100 minutes round trip). Near the Pont de Lapadé, you can either cross the Gave d'Arrens or continue down into the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Arrens-Marsous|wikidata=Q1110649}}. Features tourist information and public toilets at the Maison Val d'Azun (Tel. +33 5 62 97 49 49). The village also has an outdoor swimming pool. A hiking festival, [https://www.eldorando.fr/ Eldorado], is held every two years for four days in late May. Call +33 800 65 65 00 by 17:00 the day before for weekday on-demand shuttle service to Lourdes. Points of interest include the Romanesque Saint-Pierre Church (parts dating to 1200) and the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Pouey-Laün, a pilgrimage chapel located 600 m south along the D105. The area is part of both the Natura 2000 conservation network (Gabizos and the Arrens Valley) and the core zone of the Pyrenees National Park. For a longer option, you can extend this stage to Gîte les Viellettes (2¼ h further), making a total of 20.5 km (8½ hr; ↥ 1250 m, ↧ 1530 m). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=GCU Campground|address=26 Rue des Paus, 65400 Arrens-Marsous|lat=42.9573380888|long=-0.213247116377|phone=+33 5 62 97 43 06|url=https://www.gcu.asso.fr/terrains/arrens-marsous-hautes-pyrénées-65|content=Simple tent campground on the edge of town.}} === Arrens-Marsous - Refuge d'Ilhéou === ; Distance : 20 km ; Duration : 6¾-7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 500 m From Arrens-Marsous (3½ km from the previous endpoint), you can follow the official GR10 or the more scenic GR de Pays Tour du Val d'Azun. The latter is slightly shorter but includes more climbs. Both routes rejoin shortly before the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape les Viellettes|lat=42.9219519144924|long=-0.1818867608457627}} (2¼ h; 15 beds). About 700 m further on is the simple tent site La Pose (open May-September). The official GR10 route passes through {{Marker|type=city|name=Estaing|wikidata=Q589628}}, a commune that includes three Natura 2000 protected areas: “Gaves de Pau et de Cauterets,” “Moun Né de Cauterets, Pic de Cabaliros,” and “Péguère, Barbat, Cambalès.” From here, the trail enters the core zone of the Pyrenees National Park. You ascend toward Lac d'Estaing. Just before the lake is a guesthouse open Thursday-Sunday, 09:00-17:00 (summer only). On the far shore is another restaurant (open 10:00-18:00) and Camping Intercommunal. Brave hikers may try a swim in the cold waters. The trail now climbs steeply through forest to the Cabane d'Arriousec (1400 m; 4 hr). Another hour uphill takes you past the Cabanes de Barbat (left of the path), then a final climb brings you to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Ilhéou|wikidata=Q2981991}} (2242 m; 6 hr or more). Just 5 minutes below the pass, you can turn left to reach the Crête du Lys, where the Courbet cable car operates in July and August. This offers access to the ski resort Cauterets-Le Lys (with a summer luge track) or direct descent into the town of Cauterets. On foot, descend to the stream near the Cabanes d'Arras (6½-7 hr). Turn right there and cross two more streams. The path then descends to Lac d'Ilhéou. At the lake's northern shore is the staffed Refuge d'Ilhéou. A designated bivouac area (aire de bivouac) is located about 10 minutes further south along the lake. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Ilhéou (Refuge Raymond-Ritter)|url=https://www.refuge-ilheou.csvss.fr/en/home|phone=+33 5 62 92 07 18|lat=42.86604614112533|long=-0.17358356545105466|content=Altitude 1988 m. 22 beds. Open from late May to late September.}} === Refuge d'Ilhéou - Cauterets === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 2½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 75 ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m This is a leisurely downhill walk that brings you gently back to civilization in {{Marker|type=city|name=Cauterets|url=https://www.cauterets.com/en/?to_lang=en|wikidata=Q366962}}. Scenic spa town with plenty of amenities, including a historic wooden railway station (now closed), a cinema, casino, and more. The tourist office is open M-Sa from 09:00-12:30 and 14:00-18:00. A special Office de la Montagne - Terre d'Alpinisme opens during the summer season. Cauterets flourished during the late 19th and early 20th centuries thanks to its thermal springs. The municipality operates two spas: Thermes de César in the village center and Thermes des Griffons in nearby La Raillère. Accommodation options include three gîtes d'étape and Camping la Prairie. Local buses run every 30 minutes from June to October. Regional connections are available to Lourdes, Luz-Saint-Sauveur, and Gavarnie. A shuttle to Pont d'Espagne departs four times daily from the old train station. The 30 km former railway line from Pierrefitte to Cauterets has been converted into a multi-use bike and hiking path. === Cauterets - Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 100 m This is a demanding stage. From Cauterets, take the path behind the Thermes de César and head south. After 1¼ hr you reach the hamlet of La Raillère (1044 m), where there are restaurants and a sulfur spa. Cross the bridge and continue up into the Val de Jéret, passing several waterfalls. The trail leads to the Hôtellerie du Pont d'Espagne (3 hr). From there, descend briefly along the road before turning right and ascending into the valley toward Lac de Gaube (1725 m, 4 hr). The path crosses the stream three times via bridges as you continue toward the refuge. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube|wikidata=Q109042828}} === Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube - Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400 m About 50 m from the refuge, the trail begins a steady one-hour climb over rocky terrain. At a fork (65 min), stay right and continue ascending. The {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Hourquette d'Ossoue|wikidata=Q3141336}} (2734 m) marks the highest point on the entire GR10. Even in mid-summer, snow often lingers here. After 20 minutes of descent, you reach the Refuge Baysselance. '''Ascending Vignemale from here via the Glacier d'Ossoue is only for experienced mountaineers.''' From the pass, the route heads southeast, passing the Grottes de Bellevue (2420 m; 3 hr), artificial caves carved in 1880 by the explorer Henry Russell. The trail descends steeply to a stream, then follows it into a boulder field fed by glacial melt from the Glacier d'Ossoue. The descent into the valley involves frequent climbs around cliffs and waterfalls. You enter the Vallée de la Canau (5 hr or more) and pass the Cabane de Sausse-Dessus. The next hour includes more ups and downs until you reach the Cabane des Tousaus (6¾ hr or more). From there, cross a final ridge to reach the D923 road and descend to the stage endpoint, Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle. If you need more accommodation or supplies, continue to the main village of {{Marker|name=Gavarnie|wikidata=Q917894|type=city}}. From Gavarnie, you can take a day trip (or a bus from Luz-Saint-Sauveur) into the famed Cirque de Gavarnie. It's also possible to ascend Le Taillon (3146 m) from here for experienced climbers. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge Baysselance|url=https://refugebayssellance.ffcam.fr/|wikidata=Q3423105|content=(2651 m), which offers 58 beds and is staffed from mid-May to mid-October}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle|address=Route de Boucharo, 65120 Gavarnie-Gèdre|phone=+33 5 62 92 48 77|url=https://chaletlagrangedeholle.ffcam.fr/|lat=42.73944609127333|long=-0.022728732019354148|wikidata=Q98753937|content=Altitude 1480 m. Staffed hut with 62 beds.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Tourist Office|address=Le Village, 65120 Gavarnie-Gèdre|phone=+33 5 62 92 49 10|url=https://www.valleesdegavarnie.com/gavarnie-gedre/|lat=42.73535586856976|long=-0.01029304645524754|content=Open 09:00-12:00 and 14:00-17:00; closed Sundays and Thursdays.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte Le Gypaète|lat=42.7359592315|long=-0.0108405014067|phone=+33 5 62 92 40 61|content=Simple hiker accommodation in Gavarnie village.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Bergerie|address=Chemin du Cirque, 65120 Gavarnie-Gèdre|url=https://www.camping-la-bergerie-gavarnie.com/|lat=42.72774008829836|long=-0.0075991966546184704|content=Open early June to late September. Located near the entrance to the Cirque de Gavarnie.}} === Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle - Luz-Saint-Sauveur === ; Distance : 26 km ; Duration : 8-9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 700-900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1500-1660 m Starting from Gavarnie village (via the D128 road) instead of the refuge shortens the route by 3 km (approx. 1 hr). The trail first leads to the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape le Saugué|url=https://www.gite-gavarnie-pyrenees.com/|lat=42.76864577103755|long=-0.005915232017950625}}, located on the Plateau Soula de Saugue (1¾ hr). This is a good option to break up the stage — the gîte has 21 beds and is open May to October. The route winds northward, passing the Soum Haut (3¾ h), then descends gradually along the western slope of the Gavarnie Valley. After 5¾-6 hr, you reach the D921 road. Cross the Gave de Gavarnie via the Pont d'Esdouroucats and ascend again to a path above the highway. From the south, you enter {{Marker|type=city|name=Luz-Saint-Sauveur|wikidata=Q35721506|url=https://www.luz.org/en/}} via the Pont Napoléon (755 m; 7½ hr), a dramatic bridge across the gorge. Well-equipped mountain town. The town has several historic churches, as well as a campsite with a grocery store. The Prime Meridian passes about 100 m east of the center. Numerous lodgings, 6 campgrounds, 2 supermarkets, and Intersport (gas cartridges). Bus 965 connects to Cauterets, Lourdes, and Tarbes. Bus to Barèges also available. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Saint Bazerque|address=Sia|phone=+33 5 62 92 49 93|url=https://campingsaintbazerque.eatbu.com/?lang=de|lat=42.83178828384746|long=0.0015462182938111647|content=Campground with grocery shop (mountain cheese), bar, and caravan spaces. Open 08:00-17:00.}} === Luz-Saint-Sauveur - Barèges === ; Distance : 12 km ; Duration : 4½-5 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m To extend this stage, continue to Refuge d'Aygues Cluses for a total of 19 km (7½ hr; ↥ 1560 m, ↧ 140 m). Though short, this stage begins with a relatively long and steep ascent. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Ruisseau de Bolou|lat=42.858690489195055|long=0.06773411839157908}} (1460 m). On the descent, hikers can stop for refreshments at the [https://refugedelaglere.ffcam.fr/ Refuge de la Glère]. This stage ends at {{Marker|type=city|name=Barèges|wikidata=Q632058|url=https://www.mairie-bareges.fr/en/}}. Composed of the hamlets of Artigalas and Cazaous, Barèges serves as a spa and mountain village. The local river, the Bastan, is called the gave. Note: the Jardin botanique du Tourmalet and the 1930s funicular are now closed. The town's website includes an accommodation and restaurant directory * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape l'Oasis|lat=42.897422977|long=0.067278671719|address=2 Passage des Toys|phone=+33 5 62 92 69 47|url=https://www.gite-oasis.fr/|content=Open June-September, and also December-April during ski season (Barèges is part of the Domaine du Tourmalet ski area).}} === Barèges - Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : route-dependent 7¾-9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m The trail begins by climbing above the road toward the ski station at Tournaboup (1 hr). It then veers south and ascends steadily. Good stopping points include the Cabane d'Aygues and, 10 km further on, the Chalet-Hôtel d'Orédon. This stage enters the Néouvielle Nature Reserve, where dogs and wild camping are strictly forbidden. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Madamète|wikidata=Q102076283}} (2509 m). From there, the path descends between alpine lakes: {{Marker|type=see|name=Lac d'Aumar|wikidata=Q3215322}} and Lac d'Aubert (5¾ h, 2190 m). A shuttle bus runs up to this point in high season, and there's an info panel at the end of the access road. Here, the trail splits into two variants: * Variant 1: continues along Lac d'Aumar * Variant 2: detours south to the tip of Lac d'Aubert, then along the northern shore of Les Laguettes and Lac d'Orédon (6¾ h, 1856 m; camping and hotel at the south end) Both variants rejoin at the Cap d'Estoudou pass (2260 m), followed by a steep descent. A short detour from the pass allows for an ascent of Soump de Montpelat (↥ 214 m). The path continues steeply downhill to Lac de l'Oule (1821 m; 7¾ hr or more). From here, head right to reach Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Cabane d'Aygues|url=https://refugeayguescluses.wordpress.com/|lat=42.87577795732996|long=0.15008320916912823}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Chalet-Hôtel d'Orédon|url=https://www.chalet-oredon.fr/|lat=42.82616251586139|long=0.1692328508499207|content=open June 1 - Sept 30; 88 beds}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule|url=https://refugedeloule.fr/|lat=42.824769697482445|long=0.20752501478344024|content=Altitude 1819 m. Located at the dam wall. Open mid-June to mid-September. 20 beds and a bar.}} === Refuge-Hôtel de l'Oule - Vielle-Aure === ; Distance : 17-18 km ; Duration : 5-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 460 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400-1500 m From the refuge, the route follows the western shore of Lac de l'Oule. GR10C variant: After 1½ hr, there is a signed detour to the [http://refugedebastan.fr/ Cabane de Bastan]. The main trail turns directly east and climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Portet|wikidata=Q42178369}} (2215 m; 2¾ hr). From here, it continues eastward, descending gently to the Pla de Castillon, then more steeply down to the D918 road (4½ hr or more) and onward to the stage endpoint {{Marker|type=city|name=Vielle-Aure|wikidata=Q1323900|url=https://vielleaure.com/}}, an historic village with two Romanesque churches: Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Pierre (in the Agos neighbourhood), both dating to the 12th century. Bus connections to Saint-Lary-Soulan and Lannemezan (35 km). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Hôtel Aurélia|lat=42.825852030|long=0.32776424175|phone=+33 5 62 39 56 90|url=https://www.hotel-aurelia.com/|content=Simple, hiker-friendly hotel in town.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping La Mousquère|lat=42.8273932992|long=0.33590955638|address=Nougaro, Autun, 65170 Bourisp|url=https://www.campinglamousquere.com/|content=Open May 8 - last weekend of September.}} * There are three more campsites within 2 km north along the river valley. Just 1 km south, the larger and livelier {{Marker|name=Saint-Lary-Soulan|wikidata=Q1323323|type=city}} offers a broader range of shops, accommodations, and services. The tourist information office is at the roundabout in the center; the supermarket is across the street. The wooden bus stop shelter is discreetly located about 50 m away, opposite the modern church on Avenue des Thermes. === Vielle-Aure - Germ === ; Distance : 13 km ; Duration : 4¾-5¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1170 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 630-700 m This is a straightforward, though poorly marked, stage that runs parallel to the D225 up to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Azet|wikidata=Q2981982}} (1600 m). From the pass, the route continues down to [https://www.vallee-du-louron.com/fr Loudenvielle], a village with shops, an outdoor pool, and the Balnéa Spa complex (open 14:00-19:30; €21 for 2 hours). Note: during the [https://www.pyreneesbikefestival.com/ Pyrenees Bike Festival] in early September, the area is overrun with mountain bikers. The final 2-3 km involve a climb of about 220 m up to the hamlet of {{Marker|name=Germ|wikidata=Q1094205|type=city}}. Altitude 1339 m. A small village with 34 year-round residents, but many second homes and guest beds. Two old churches are worth visiting. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Centre de Montagne de Germ|lat=42.793610431|long=0.425057973260|address=D130|phone=+33 5 62 99 65 27|url=https://www.germ-louron.com/|content=Open year-round. 70 beds in a large mountain center.}} * Auberge de Germ, a guesthouse with 11 rooms (33 beds), open year-round. * {{listing|type=see|name=Peyresourde-Balestas Airfield (Aérodrome de Peyragudes)|wikidata=Q5659350|content=Also known as Altiport 007, as a James Bond film was shot here in 1997. The 470 m runway has a 15% gradient and is also used for paragliding.}} === Germ - Lac d'Oô === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 6-7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1060 m This stage and the next are strenuous. They can be divided into thirds with overnight stops at the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Granges d'Astau|lat=42.76352657695474|long=0.5024399621092607}} (open May-Oct; 26 beds) and the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Espingo|url=https://refugedespingo.ffcam.fr/|wikidata=Q104413940}} (1967 m; 44 beds, mid-May-Oct; 15 emergency shelter places off-season). Camping is allowed near the lake. Around the refuge is a “classic” mountaineering loop over the Pic des Spijeoles (3008 m), Grand Quayrat (3060 m), down to Lac du Portillon (2571 m) and the glacial Lac Glacé d'Oô (2664 m). After the initial climb out of Germ, you enter the Val d'Aube. Follow the river on the left-hand side; after 1¾ hr, across the valley (250 m away), lies the Cabane d'Ourtiga (1610 m). The route ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Couret d'Esquierry|lat=42.75523440839548|long=0.4627935235857289}} (2131 m; 3½ hr), where you cross into the Haute-Garonne department. After 4 hr, you reach the Cabane du Val d'Esquierry. From there, follow the D76 road down to the Granges d'Astau and an auberge (1139 m; 5 hr). In July and August, a morning bus runs up from Luchon and returns in the evening. The stage ends at {{Marker|type=see|name=Lac d'Oô|wikidata=Q3215352}}, a scenic 42-hectare lake situated at an altitude of 1,507 m within the Natura 2000 reserve “Vallées du Lis, de la Pique et d'Oô.” Renowned since the 19th century for its spectacular waterfall, the lake is a popular destination for its natural beauty. Due to its protected status, camping, swimming, and dogs are not permitted in the area. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Lac d'Oô|address=|phone=+33 7 84 56 55 88|lat=42.744558752|long=0.490915210685|content=Reached in about 6 hr. By the lake shore at 1504 m.}} === Lac d'Oô - Bagnères-de-Luchon === ; Distance : 19-21 km ; Duration : 7-9¼ h ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000-1130 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1900-2000 m After Refuge d'Espingo, the trail becomes more difficult, with several rocky scree sections. You skirt the northern slopes of Hourquette des Hounts-Secs (2275 m). Optional detour: From here, a 15-minute ascent (each way) leads to Cap de Bassiéret. You continue over the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Coume de Bourg|lat=42.787224318|long=0.51785762473}} (2272 m, 4¾ hr or more), which may retain snow well into the summer. Optional summit detours from the pass: * Pic Céciré, 45 minutes up and down to the north * Subescale, 40 minutes up and down to the south After 5½+ hours, you reach (1802 m) Superbagnères, a summer-only (July-August) mountain hotel serving the ski area. While it offers meals and lodging, prices are high. The massive historic building can also be reached by gondola lift from Luchon, replacing the old cog railway. The {{Marker|type=go|name=Gondola base station in Luchon|lat=42.78789198327501|long=0.5908142174347624}} is located on the western edge of town and operates daily from 08:30 to 18:00 during the summer season. If descending on foot, it is a steep 1200 m drop to reach {{Marker|name=Bagnères-de-Luchon|wikidata=Q238393|type=city}}. This spa town marks the end of the central Pyrenean segment of the GR10. Regular bus services run to Montréjeau, where you can connect by train to Toulouse. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Superbagnères|url=https://www.villagesclubsdusoleil.com/fr/nos-destinations/hiver/sejour-a-la-montagne/superbagneres|wikidata=Q844809}} === Bagnères-de-Luchon - Artigue === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 2½-3 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 50 m From the church in Luchon, head left along the footpath by the L'One river, crossing the road bridge toward Juzet-de-Luchon. Optional detour: Visit the waterfall in Juzet-de-Luchon. The trail continues via Sode to the day's highest point at the stage destination {{Marker|name=Artigue|wikidata=Q1088729|type=city}}. Altitude 1230 m. A small mountain village with a municipal gîte d'étape, open year-round, offering 12 dormitory beds and evening meals at the on-site restaurant. === Artigue - Fos === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 7½-8½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1100 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1750 m The first half of this stage is a steady climb of over 1000 meters, initially on a gravel track. After 1¼ hours, you reach the Cabane de Saunères (1660 m), a basic mountain shelter. One hour later, you arrive at the Col de Peyrehitte (1947 m). The trail continues along an exposed ridge around the Pic de Bacanère (2193 m; 3 hr or more), passing border markers 402-404. After the Col d'Aou (2093 m; 3½-4 hr), the trail descends gradually across open alpine meadows. At the Cabane d'Artigue (5 hr or more), potable water is available. Below this point, the path winds down gently through a series of switchbacks, eventually crossing a road bridge into {{Marker|name=Fos|wikidata=Q1349025|type=city}}. Altitude 544 m. Small village with weekday bus service to Melles and Saint-Gaudens (railway connections to Pau and Toulouse). Alternative route (former GR10): From the Cabane d'Artigue, you can divert to the Cabane d'Artiguessans, then descend steeply to the Ruisseau de la Batch before climbing back up to rejoin the GR10. This saves about 15 minutes and 70 m of elevation gain. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte de Fos|wikidata=Q3162431|lat=42.873845424|long=0.73442375047|phone=+33 5 61 94 98 59|content=Offers 20 dormitory beds, open year-round.}} === Fos - Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing === ; Distance : 18 km ; Duration : 6½-8 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1700 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m It's a good idea to stock up on supplies in {{Marker|name=Melles|wikidata=Q1616421|type=city}}, which you reach after about 45 minutes. From the old customs house, the trail climbs steeply. Auberge de Crabère offers a comfortable stop. * {{listing|type=see|name=Botanical Garden (À Fleur de Montagne)|wikidata=Q3162431|url=https://mairie-de-melles.wixsite.com/mairie-de-melles/le-jardin-botanique|content=Small but charming community-run garden specializing in Pyrenean alpine flora. Open in summer, 10:00-19:00.}} From Melles, a narrow road leads uphill to the last farmhouse at Labach (2¼ hr). The next 2 hours or more are mostly through forest, climbing steadily. After about 5 hours, you reach the Cabane d'Uls shelter. The path continues uphill to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Pas du Bouc}} (2170 m; 6+ h). Optional summit detour: From here, the {{Marker|type=see|name=Pic de Crabère|wikidata=Q3382364}} (2629 m) can be climbed in about 90 minutes round-trip. Brown bears have been reintroduced to this area. The highest point of the day is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Auéran|lat=42.835385392840536|long=0.860341080714231}} (2176 m), which also marks the border into the Ariège department. From here, it's a quick descent to Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing|url=http://www.refuge-araing.fr/|wikidata=Q3423195|content=Altitude 1956 m. Open June 1 to October 5. 52 beds, plus a 12-bed shelter area available off-season. Advance bookings accepted for groups on the two weekends before/after opening.}} === Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing - Eylie-d'en-Haut === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 3-4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1320 m From the lake and refuge, the trail climbs to the Serre d'Araing (2221 m; 1 hr). Optional detour: Summit of Pic de l'Har (2424 m), approximately 50 minutes round-trip. The descent into the valley follows faintly marked trails to the left of the power lines. Along the way, you'll encounter remnants of former lead mining operations. After about 2¾ hours, you cross a bridge and reach {{Marker|name=Eylie d'en Haut|wikidata=Q134078264|type=city}}, a small hamlet with a 14-bed hut, picnic area, and a basic campsite located by the Lez river. === Eylie-d'en-Haut - Maison du Valier, Pla de la Lau === ; Distance : 17 km ; Duration : 8¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1700 m A strenuous stage with no food or lodging options along the way. The trail starts by crossing the Lez river, then turns sharply left and begins to climb through open terrain. After about 50 minutes, you cross a stream and ascend through forest for just over an hour. In autumn, the woods are full of blueberries—a favourite of the brown bears reintroduced here in the 1990s. At a stone shelter (1660 m; 2½ hr), the trail forks. The GR10 continues to the right, up to the Col de l'Arech (1802 m; 3 hr or more). From there, the path turns left. Optional detours: * South to Tuc de Cagonilles (2196 m; 80 minutes round trip) * From there, to the challenging Mail de Bulard (2750 m; 3 hours round trip) After a short ridge walk, descend to the shepherd's hut Cabane d'Arech (1638 m; 3½ hr). From here, follow the access track down, then branch left down a steep, gorse-covered slope. After 4 hours, you reach a stream. About 40 minutes later, the ruins of Flouquet (1680 m) come into view. Continue to Cabane de Besset (1540 m; 6 hr or more), then ascend again for 45 minutes to Cabane Clot du Lac (1821 m; 7 hr). Passing the huts Cabane du Trapech-du-Milieu (1540 m) and Cabane de l'Artigue, you arrive at Maison du Valier. The Mont Valier massif is a protected area of interest to birdwatchers. It hosts a variety of mountain bird species, including rare birds of prey, bearded vultures, and alpine species such as ptarmigans, black grouse, and capercaillie. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Maison du Valier|lat=42.83084702593266|long=1.032510054490613|url=https://maison-valier.fr/|wikidata=|content=Altitude 927 m, located on the Pla de la Lau. Open March-October. Reception hours 16:00-19:30. 40 beds.}} === Maison du Valier, Pla de la Lau - Esbintz === ; Distance : 18 km ; Duration : 7¼-9¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200-1350 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300-1490 m A demanding stage with significant elevation gain and loss. The trail climbs from Maison du Valier, following the high northern slopes along the ridges of Cap de Lauses (1892 m), Pic de Crabère (1925 m), and the Col d'Auédole (1730 m). After more than 7 hours, you arrive at {{Marker|type=city|lat=42.85332|long=1.14584|name=Esbintz}}. === Esbintz - Refuge d'Aula === ; Distance : 19 km ; Duration : 6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 500 m This and the following stage offer spectacular scenery in good weather. From Esbintz, follow the D817 for the first 2 km to Borde de Galy. From here, you could take a detour to Seix (4 km) by continuing on the D817, then the D37, and turning right onto the D3, where you'll rejoin the GR10 near the Pont du Salat. Continue mostly downhill through the countryside, crossing the Pont du Salat to reach Moulin Lauga (550 m; 2 hr), which has a bakery and picnic area. Alternatively, you can rest 1½ h later at the Auberge des Deux Rivières. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Esbintz|url=https://www.gite-ferme-esbintz.fr/|lat=42.85315143224526|long=1.1459188949749635|content=850 m. Dormitory with 10 beds. Open May-November.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge des Deux Rivières|phone=+33 5 61 66 83 57|url=https://www.aubergedesdeuxrivieres.com/|lat=42.83210657498069|long=1.1982318103146805|content=Open late May to late September}} === Refuge d'Aula - Rouze === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 4½-5 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 700 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m Fit hikers can combine this stage with the previous one from Gîte d'étape d'Aunac (787 m), resulting in a 30 km day with 11¼ hf walking time (↥ 1750, ↧ 1580 m). From Refuge d'Aula, it's a steep but manageable 1½ hr ascent to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Bouche d'Aula|lat=42.77695825493033|long=1.1180083284724134}} (1998 m), then a descent to the Étang d'Areau, 100 m lower. Optional: The Pic des Aymesses (2036 m) can be climbed from the east side of the lake. A farm road leads down to Faup, with shortcuts along the switchbacks, for instance near the Cabane d'Areau. Slightly below the Col de Pause (1527 m; 2¼ hr), there is a parking area. The {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Camp site Rigaux Philippe|lat=42.78997920829053|long=1.178432115744275}} lies just below the hamlet of Faup. From Faup, descend along the D708 toward {{Marker|name=Couflens|wikidata=Q1142090|type=city}}, but before reaching the D3 junction, cross the bridge and climb on the opposite slope to Gîte de Rouze d'Ustou. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte de Rouze d'Ustou|lat=42.789696616|long=1.20592416901|address=Prat de la Moule, Rouze d'Ustou, 09140 Couflens|phone=+33561669545|url=https://www.ferme-de-rouze.fr/|content=16 beds. Cheese from the farm. Open mid-June to mid-September.}} === Rouze - Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou === ; Distance : 8.4 km ; Duration : 3-4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m Follow the stream uphill for about 1¾ hr to reach the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Serre du Cot}} (1546 m). Optional side trips: * To the south, ascend the Pic de la Tese (2255 m; ↥↧ 3 hr or more). * To the north, climb the Tuc de Peyre Mensongère (1711 m; ↥↧ 40 min). From the pass, descend left onto a forest path, passing a few ruined farmhouses. The route eventually reaches the D38 road and leads into {{Marker|type=city|name=Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou|wikidata=Q109571916}}. === Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou - Aulus-les-Bains === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9 hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400 m The hike begins at the southern end of Saint-Lizier. After crossing the pedestrian bridge, the trail climbs southeast to the Col de Fitté (1387 m), a former ski area. From there, it continues along the right side of the slope. One alternative route begins at {{listing|type=city|name=Bidous|lat=42.78257178128407|long=1.2700395937419484}}, following the Alet river south and then climbing steeply for over 2 hours to reach the Col de Fitté, where it rejoins the GR 10. The trail curves around the southwest side of the Picou de la Mire (1741 m) and reaches the Col d'Escots (1618 m) after 3¾ hr. The nearby Chalet de Beauregard restaurant is open from late May to September, 10:00-23:00. Afterwards, the path continues up and down along steep slopes until it reaches the Ruisseau de Fouillet valley (4½ hr). The Jasse du Fouillet crossing (1170 m) is reached after at least 5 h. For a shorter option, follow the yellow-red waymarks of the Tour du Val du Garbet. This leads to the D8F road and directly into Aulus-les-Bains (7 hr from Saint-Lizier). The main route continues toward the plateau of Souliou and the Pic du Mont Rouge (1600 m). A side trip to Étang de Guzet offers a possible bivouac site. The trail then descends toward the Ruisseau d'Ars (1485 m), crosses a bridge, and continues downward. After a second bridge (8½ hr), the path becomes easier. A final bridge, Pont de la Mouline, crosses the Garbet River just before the trail enters {{Marker|type=city|name=Aulus-les-Bains|wikidata=Q1082493|url=https://www.loubet.fr/saint-lizier.html}}, a small spa town with a mini market at the traffic circle near the bridge and a tourist office next door. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte Pyrénées AAA|lat=42.779696032|long=1.2690230044|url=https://giteslareng.net/|address=Lareng, 09140 Ustou|phone=+33967838934|content=14 places in upscale cottages for 2-4 people.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Cascade d'Ars|lat=42.762922493744796|long=1.3615038669340882|content=260 m high waterfalls in multiple tiers, located 4½ km from Aulus. Takes 3-9 hr round-trip to hike to them (↥ 530 m).}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping municipal le Coulédous|lat= 42.7940356892|long=1.3321660893|url=http://www.camping-aulus-couledous.com/|content=Also offers bungalows for 4-7 people. The gîte d'étape is a 12-person tent.}} === Aulus-les-Bains - Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès === ; Distance : 11 km ; Duration : 5 hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m The route climbs out of Aulus-les-Bains to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Port de Saleix|lat=42.78143117676052|long=1.4043285766664242}}, where you'll find the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Refuge de Carol|lat=42.7813|long=1.4146}}. From here, the ascent becomes steeper. The following section to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Port de Bassiès|lat=42.772502271037204|long=1.411691910311851}} is demanding but scenically rewarding. This area lies within the Mont-Calme nature reserve, where camping is prohibited. === Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès - Marc === ; Distance : variable ; Duration : 3½-5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1385 ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1385 This stage and the following one include several alternative routes and shortcuts that can be combined. From the refuge, the GR-10 leads southeast along a slightly rocky trail for just over three kilometers, following the chain of lakes. At the outflow of the last lake, the Étang d'Escalès, the GR-10 bends to the right. Along the stream, there's an opportunity to descend toward the main road and the village of Auzat. Another descent option to the road appears about 2 km further along the GR-10. The main trail makes a sharp turn southward. From the aqueduct (1160 m; 2¼ h4), the route maintains an elevation just below 1200 m for around 4 km, before descending the final 1½ km into the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Marc|lat=42.71687694132801|long=1.449593121067756}}, cutting across the switchbacks of the road. The Gîte Retrouvance de Mouret (12 places) is available for group bookings only. From {{listing|type=city|name=Auzat|wikidata=Q1082539}}, one can rejoin the GR-10 by heading 4 km south to Artiès and climbing back up. This avoids a significant part of the next stage. Alternatively, walking 6 km to Marc allows one to resume the full stage. To skip this stage, it is possible to go from Auzat directly to Goulier via two routes: one through Olbier (4.4 km), the other 6.1 km. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès|url=https://refugedebassies.fr/|content=1933 m. Open late May to September.|lat=42.76509|long=1.413221}} === Marc - Goulier === ; Distance : 24.3 km ; Duration : 6-9 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m From Marc, follow the path to Mounicou. A shelter is located a short way beyond, along the D8. This is where the ascent begins. After a few hundred meters, you can turn right at the {{Marker|type=go |name=Turn right|lat=42.71|long=1.4575}} marker and stay on the west side of Les Caldelets. From the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Orri de Tignalbu|lat=42.69417|long=1.46296}}, which has a water source, the path becomes very poor. The main GR-10 trail continues uphill to the Refuge de Prunadière (1615 m, 2 hr). Be sure to refill your water here. From there, it leads to a junction above the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Artiès|lat=42.7362|long=1.4793}} shelter (985 m, 3¼ hr). The path ascends steadily, passing the ruins of Pradières-d'en-bas, and arrives at Étang d'Izurt. A cable car runs to the lake. After a short climb, it's around 14 km downhill to {{Marker|type=city |name=Goulier|wikidata=Q1015676}} (moh 370 m), which is part of the Val-de-Sos commune. You can shorten the main trail from Prunadière by climbing steeply left past the buildings, gaining 450 m of elevation. About 2 hr later, you'll rejoin the GR-10 at Coumasses-Grandes. This shortcut saves roughly 8 km and bypasses Étang d'Izurt. === Goulier - Siguer === ; Distance : 13 km ; Duration : 3¼-4¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 416 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 830 m From Goulier, the trail ascends toward the Col de Risoul, then the Col de Esquérus, and continues to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de Grail|lat=42.75360457229|long=1.5321300362453}}. Near this pass is a shelter, an information board, and a water source located 250 m off the path. The route then climbs to the highest point of the day at the Col de Lercoul (1549 m). From here, the trail descends through the hamlet of Lercoul. A footpath south of the winding road leads downhill to the village of {{Marker|name=Siguer|wikidata=Q1375974|type=city}}, home to Café Rouse and several accommodations. === Siguer - Plateau de Beille === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 2400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m This demanding stage involves three steep descents and offers no accommodation along the route, only five basic shelters. From Siguer, the trail climbs steeply to Gestiès (40 min), where you should fill up on water. The path crosses the road three times on the way up. After a long ascent, you reach the Pla de Montcamp (1904 m; 3¾ hr). Past the Col du Sasc (1798 m), the trail traverses the flank of the Pic du Col Taillat. Water is again available at the Cabane de Courtal Marti, though trail markings on this high section can be vague. The trail descends to the Cabane de Balledreyt (1600 m; 2 sleeping places), reached after another 20 minutes. After about 7½ hours, the trail descends to the D520A road at 1040 m elevation. A detour to the villages of Aston (14 km, with a campground) or Les Cabannes (15.8 km, with a year-round gîte d'étape) is possible around the 4¼-hour mark. Les Cabannes has a train connection to Mérens-les-Vals or Foix. After crossing the bridge, the GR-10 climbs again via a forest trail. A water source is marked and located about two minutes off the trail, just past a large boulder reached after 9+ hours. The trail continues across a ridge to the Cabane d'Artaran (1695 m). Shortly afterward, you reach the ski area at the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Plateau de Beille|lat=42.72473998587668|long=1.6911435704342077}}, where the Cabane Beille is located. This area is accessible via the D522 road loop and popular with day hikers. === Plateau de Beille - Refuge du Rulhe === ; Distance : 14 km ; Duration : 4¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m It's recommended to start this exposed stage early in the day to avoid afternoon summer thunderstorms. The trail remains around or above 2000 m throughout. The highest point is the summit of the {{Marker|type=see |name=Crête des Isards|lat=42.65012142232325|long=1.7389568668472413}} at 2381 m. The Refuge du Rulhe lies at the junction of several long-distance trails, including the Tour de Pays des Montagnes d'Ax from Ax-les-Thermes, the GR Transfrontalier from Andorra, and two routes from the Vallée d'Aston. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Rulhe|url=https://rulhe.com/|lat=42.6379904848182|long=1.725866639541228|content=53 places. Open late May to September. €16 per night, half board €45. Tel: +33 6 74 24 50 71}} === Refuge du Rulhe - Mérens-les-Vals === ; Distance : 12 km ; Duration : 4½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 360 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1500-1600 m '''Water is scarce at high elevation.''' From the refuge, the trail ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de Calmettes|lat=42.636915754134|long=1.7404819725150908}} (2318 m), mostly over scree. Cairns also serve as markers. The path descends to Étang Bleu, where it skirts the left side of the lake and climbs again to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Crête de la Lhasse|lat=42.6398816194571|long=1.768563885207408}} (2439 m). Afterward, it continues over scree for nearly 800 m of descent to the pond called l'Estangol, with a shelter above. {{Marker|name=Mérens-les-Vals|wikidata=Q662289|type=city}} is reached after the final descent. The ruins of the old Saint-Pierre church date back to the Napoleonic Wars. The village festival takes place on July 20. The village has a train stop on the Foix - Puigcerdà line. Located on the N-20. The natural hot springs are about 45 minutes away, although they were affected by rockfall in 2022. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge du Nabre|lat=42.65611004694209|long=1.8429807373614195|address=le village d'en haut, 09110 Mérens-les-Vals|phone=+33 5 61 01 89 36|url=https://www.aubergedunabre.com/|content=Guesthouse in the upper village.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping de Mérens|lat=42.64646601527881|long=1.8310245105731093|address=600 Ville de Bau, 09110 Mérens-les-Vals|phone=+33 5 61 02 85 40|url=http://www.camping.merenslesvals.fr/de/haus/|content=Open all year, 1.3 km south of the village.}} === Mérens-les-Vals - Refuge des Bésines === ; Distance : 10 km ; Duration : 4½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 260 m This demanding stage continues through high alpine terrain, with lots of rock and scree. From Mérens, the trail leads past Le Nabre to the hot springs. Afterward, the path climbs for nearly 3 hours. First, it reaches the Estangs (2056 m), then continues to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Porteille de Bésines|lat=42.6154502407948|long=1.872190036139089}} (2333 m). From this pass, the route is clearly signposted. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bésines|wikidata=Q11945073|url=https://refugebesines.ffcam.fr/|content=2104 m. 70 beds. Open June-September. Phone: +33 5 61 05 11 77.}} === Refuge des Bésines - Refuge des Bouillouses === ; Distance : 16.7 km ; Duration : 5½-6 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 660 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 760 m This high-level stage crosses several mountain passes and offers excellent panoramic views. The route first ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Coll de Coma d'Anyell|lat=42.60880012907595|long=1.8962468691063044}}, from where it is possible to climb Pic des Bésineilles (2632 m) in about ¾ hr round trip. The path then continues through the Lansolet basin (2234 m), past the Cabane de Rozet, and climbs again to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Portella de la Grava|lat=42.59935934341172|long=1.934453711010157}}. From there, it's a gentle 3-hour descent to the lakeside refuge at Bouillouses. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bésines|lat=42.6039|long=1.86853|content=56 dormitory beds, with 16 emergency shelter spots outside the season. Open June-September.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bouillouses|lat=42.559475002653095|long=2.00351938309043|url=https://www.lesbouillouses.com/|content=2003 m. 46 beds. Open June-September. Phone: +33 4 68 04 93 88.}} === Refuge des Bouillouses - Planès === ; Distance : 19 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 230 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m The descent is easy but not always well marked. After about 2¾ hours (1740 m), the GR-10 reaches the D618. About 700 m further, a right turn leads to Superbolquère, where food and lodging are available, including a supermarket and a gîte with 28 beds. The GR-10 continues downhill to the quiet D10C near {{Marker|name=Bolquère|wikidata=Q1101891|type=city}} (1628 m, 2¾ hr), where there is a public drinking fountain and an information board. The nearby Gare de Bolquère-Eyne (1593 m) is the highest railway stop in France, on the scenic “train jaune” line. Passing through the villages of La Perche and La Cabanasse (3½ hr), the route ends at the small village of {{Marker|name=Planès|wikidata=Q524705|type=city}}. No shops in the village. The nearby Pont Gisclard, opened in 1909, is a cable-stayed bridge on the Ligne de Cerdagne crossing the Têt river. The village is a stop on the “train jaune” railway. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=L'Orri de Planès|lat=42.490995503|long=2.1382908362|address=Casas del Mitg, 66210 Planès|phone=+33 4 68 04 29 47|content=Gîte with 16 dormitory beds and private rooms.}} === Planès - Refuge du Ras de la Carança === ; Distance : 15.3 km ; Duration : 5¾-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1170 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 870 m There are no supply options along this stage. The trail begins with a gentle ascent through pine forest into the high Riberola valley. It is advisable to refill your water at the Refuge de l'Orri. Above the Cabane d'Aixques, the route becomes steep as it climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col Mitja|wikidata=Q28381301}} (2376 m). From the pass, it is possible to summit Pic de Gallinas (2624 m, ↥↧ 90 min) or Pic Redoun (2677 m, ↥↧ 1 hr). The final 1½ hours involve a descent of about 500 m to the refuge. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Ras de la Carança|wikidata=Q28380908|address=142 rue de, 66360 Fontpédrouse|phone=+33 9 88 66 73 81|url=https://www.refugelacaranca.com/|content=1840 m. Open mid-May to mid-September. 13 emergency places available off-season. Connections to other trails: 7.7 km to Prats Balaguer, 8.5 km to Ull de Ter, 13.7 km to Carança, 10 km to Thuès-les-Bains via the gorge, and 12 km to Núria.}} === Refuge du Ras de la Carança - Mantet === ; Distance : 10 km ; Duration : 4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 640 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 940 m This stage is challenging and poorly marked at higher elevations. From the refuge, follow the stream uphill for 100 m to a wooden bridge. Continue on a scree path along the left side of the valley. After passing through a gate, you reach an alpine pasture and the {{marker|type=go|name=Coll del Pal|lat=42.465650773936|long=2.258498904704664}} (2294 m). This area is a nature reserve where wild camping is forbidden. From the pass, there is an optional ascent to Pic de Serre Gallinère (2663 m; 1 hr round trip), and possibly further on to the Serre de Caret (2300 m). From the pass, descend to the {{marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Alemany|wikidata=Q120254507}} (1962 m; 8 places), located 200 m off the trail. The main path continues left, crossing first a wooden, then a concrete bridge, followed by a narrow unpaved road that ascends to the village of {{listing|type=city|name=Mantet|wikidata=Q1369164}} (1550 m). Population: 31. Most of the southern part of the commune is the protected area [https://rnn-mantet.fr/ Reserva natural de Mentet], where camping is forbidden. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=La Cavale|address=Los Miquelets, 66360 Mantet|phone=+33 4 68 05 57 59|url=http://la-cavale.fr/|lat=42.477231944228336|long=2.3092556382036555|content=Private rooms and dorms for 3-5 people.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte à la ferme Cazenove|url=http://www.gitecazenovemantet.fr/|lat=42.47702171854456|long=2.306028129535968|content=Farm gîte. Open May to September.}} === Mantet - Refuge de Mariailles === ; Distance : 14.8 km ; Duration : 5 hr 5 min ; Elevation gain : ↥ 936 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 834 m Midway along this stage is the village of {{Marker|name=Py|wikidata=Q178846|type=city}} (1023 m), which has an auberge and a gîte. From Py, follow the D6 briefly before heading northeast to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Jou|wikidata=Q47335849|lat=|long=}} (1125 m). The path turns southeast and ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Cavall Mort|wikidata=Q47335871|lat=|long=}} (1454 m), then continues upward to the Refuge de Mariailles. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge de Mariailles|alt=Refugi de Marelles|url=https://refugedemariailles.fr/|lat=42.5017361908777|long=2.4077634391340514|content=1692 m. Open from late May; shelter room available year-round.}} === Refuge de Mariailles - Refuge des Cortalets === ; Distance : 16.3 km ; Duration : 6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1030 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m This is a challenging high-mountain route around the Canigou Massif. There are no supply points along the way, and surefootedness is required. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Cortalets|url=https://refugedescortalets.ffcam.fr/|lat=42.53436454795011|long=2.465036067970792|content=2100 m. 105 places, plus 19 emergency shelter places available outside the season.}} * {{listing|type=go |name=Loop trail to the summit of Pic du Canigou|alt=Canigó|url=https://www.visit-occitanie.com/de/entdecken/top-sehenswuerdigkeiten/massif-du-canigou-katalonien/|lat=42.53692009465181|long=2.4666389025393545|content=This difficult 9.3 km loop (4½ h; ↥ 700+ m) begins 200 m beyond the refuge.}} === Refuge des Cortalets - Gîte-refuge de Batère === ; Distance : 16.8 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 270 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 920 m This stage is also part of the HRP. From the refuge to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Ras del Prat Cabrera|wikidata=Q47170860|lat=|long=}} (1739 m; 4 km), you can choose between a high-level route following the “Tour du Canigou” and a less steep path along the mountainside. From the pass to the Refuge de l'Estanyol (2¾ hr or more) the trail descends gradually, then more steeply. It climbs again briefly to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Cirère|wikidata=Q134299355|lat=|long=}} (1731 m; 4-4¾ hr). From here, you can optionally ascend the Puig Saint-Pierre (1791 m; ↥ 15 min, ↧ 15 min). Descending from the col, you pass abandoned stone quarries and mines (the Mines de la Pinosa are ruins of a former settlement), and reach your destination. Nearby you can explore the 5-day “Tour du Canigou” circuit or visit the historic abbeys of Saint-Martin du Canigou and Saint-Michel-de-Cuxa. * {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Estanyol|wikidata=Q120262655|lat=|long=}} === Gîte-refuge de Batère - Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette === ; Distance : 19.2 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 745 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m Along this long and steady descent, you pass several dolmens. Their significance may be best appreciated by specialists in archaeology. The destination is the Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette, an old mill located in the Ribera Valley. More accommodation and services are available in {{Marker|name=Arles-sur-Tech|wikidata=Q7897|type=city}}, which is connected by bus. At the southern edge of the town, you'll find Camping Riuferrer. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte-refuge de Batère|url=https://www.refugedebatere.fr/|lat=42.50176051942559|long=2.5484428644953847|address=Mines de Batère, 66150 Corsavy|phone=+33 4 68 39 12 01|content=17 dormitory beds, 20 in private rooms. Access via a 20.3-km road from Arles-sur-Tech.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette|wikidata=Q120266421|url=http://gr10-par-etapes.eklablog.com/hebergement-du-moulin-de-la-palette-a126161238|content=Simple eco-gîte in a renovated mill, located in the Ribera valley.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Riuferrer|lat=42.4551506239|long=2.6291899540|url=https://campingriuferrer.com/}} === Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette - Las Illas === ; Distance : 22 km ; Duration : 7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m From the gîte, follow the D536 for 1 km, then turn right uphill toward Montalba (543 m; 1 hr). At the cross, turn sharply right to continue climbing. You reach the ruins of the Mouli Serradou (833 m; 2½ hr). The highest point is the Coll de Sant Martí (1426 m; 4 hr or more). The trail continues through forest along the slope, passing by the Roc de France (also known as Roc de Frausa). {{Marker|name=Las Illas|wikidata=Q16508596|type=city}} has a water point and picnic area in the park. Accommodation is available in a gîte at the town hall and at the Hostal de Trabucayeres. === Las Illas - Col de l'Ouillat === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 6-7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 930 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 540 m The route has been altered several times due to terrain difficulties, so follow the current waymarking. The middle part of the trail runs along the border, just below the ridge. The dominant tree species in this area is the striking Corsican pine (Pinus nigra var. corsicana). A detour to the fortified town of Le Perthus and the Fort de Bellegarde (open May-Sep, 10:30-18:00) offers a cultural break. Note that all shops are on the Spanish side of the border. After about 3 hours, there is an optional detour to the Roman fort Panissas, built on the Via Domitia. Turn off 5 minutes after border marker 565 (2½ hr). The stage ends at {{marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de l'Ouillat|wikidata=Q11914547}} (938 m). === Col de l'Ouillat - Banyuls-sur-Mer === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 7-8¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 680 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1610 m The route stays high near the border ridge. It takes about 1 hour to reach the Pic Néulos. Water is available at the Refuge de la Tagnarède after 1½ hours. From there, the trail leads over several passes: Coll del Faig (985 m), Col de l'Orry, and Col de l'Estaque (1025 m; 2¾ hr). The Pic des Quatre-Termes (1156 m) and Pic de la Cabassère are bypassed to the north. After 4 hours, you reach the Coll del Pal (899 m). From there, continue right toward the Col des Gascons (6¼ hr or more). The final descent to the Col de Llagastèra (285 m) passes partly through vineyards towards {{Marker|name=Banyuls-sur-Mer|wikidata=Q6753|type=city}}. == Go next == * [[Pyrenean High Route]]: Crosses the Pyrenees along the mountain crests, staying higher than both the GR 10 and GR 11. * [[GR 11]] This footpath stays on the Spanish side of the Pyrenees. {{outlineitinerary}} {{Related|France}} {{Related|Pyrenees}} {{PartOfItinerary|Europe itineraries}} 7nsxyd2w4mbbbu0v75nno5yyq0tnctb 5086650 5086649 2025-07-02T14:31:06Z Bluecoordinationfine 2327039 5086650 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|GR 10 WV banner.jpg|caption=View from GR 10, near Souriche, looking towards the Tourmalet, valley of Barèges, France}} The '''GR 10''' is one of the paths and trails of the extensive [[Grande Randonnée]] (or GR) network. It crosses [[France]], from the Mediterranean coast to the Atlantic coast, and runs almost entirely through the [[Pyrenees]]. While the trail is in France, much of it is near, or even on, the border with [[Spain]]. The trail can be walked in either direction, though some suggest that the west-east route is easier in the beginning, as it is both cooler and less steep that the corresponding start heading west; this may be an advantage to those not fully in shape. == Understand == [[File:Lac d'Oo (22).jpg|thumb|Lac d'Oo]] Moving from east to west, the trail begins at the Mediterranean, in the small town of [[Banyuls sur Mer]], and finishes at [[Hendaye]] on the Atlantic Ocean. Hikers will usually be able to make it to a [[France#Guesthouses and holiday rentals|gîte]] or small town every other night, and quite frequently every night. Expected time to complete the trail is around 6-7 weeks, though the majority of people only hike sections of it. == Prepare == The trail is fairly well marked with painted marks on rocks, trees, telephone poles, and even houses, walls, and street signs. If you don't see a mark for 100 Meters, you have probably taken a wrong turn, and should head back to the nearest marker. It is not realistic to navigate using the markers alone. A trail guide, at minimum, or a topologic map is required. Sunburn is a particular problem, and clothing such as long sleeved shirts and long pants should be worn as they protect from the sun, scratching branches and insects. Sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat are highly desirable. For those heading west from Banyuls sur Mer, the hike to the first gîte is particularly long compared to the following days, and should be started very early. === Equipment === One of the advantages of the GR 10 is that it can be hiked with minimal gear, as one can eat dinner and breakfast almost every day at the gîtes. Additionally the hiker can sleep outdoors on clear nights and pay for a bed in a gîte in inclement weather. On nights that only shelters (which usually have no food or staff) are available, pre-purchased food can be eaten. If one plans to eat at gîtes and buy food from supermarkets that can be eaten without cooking, the absolute minimal gear in the summer months is: * Sleeping bag or sleep sheet, and a mat for comfort. * Goretex jacket and fleece or similar for cold or wet weather * Long-sleeved shirt and pants * Short-sleeved shirt and shorts (including shorts you can wear for swimming) * Sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat * Adequate footwear. Anything less than hiking boots may prove insufficient. * Bottles for at least two litres of water, and a purification method for treating water from streams. * Toiletries and a [[Travel health kit|medical kit]] Additionally, consider a rain jacket or fleece top for wet or cold weather. If you plan to forgo the comforts and delicious food of the gites and hotels, also bring: * Tent * Cooking gear and food A note on footwear: some four fifths of the hikers wear full hiking boots and thick socks. While running sneakers may suffice (and Choco-style sandals may work for a few days), your risk of injury is higher, and much of the trail involves hopping around on possibly wet and sharp rocks. Choose conservatively, depending on the length of your hike and your experience. ==Get in== == Walk == {{Mapframe|lat=42.68287|long=0.56837|width=full|height=360|zoom=7}} {{mapshape|type=geoline|stroke=#000000|stroke-width=3}} === Hendaye-Plage - Olhette === ; Distance : 21.9 km ; Duration : 6-7¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1010 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 950 m Intermarché sells gas cartridges. Near the western trailhead a {{marker|type=buy|name=Decathlon|lat=43.36843635018845|long=-1.7798332063655435}} store geared towards watersports is available for last minute purchases, such as gas cannisters. The hike starts from the 3 km long {{marker|type=see|name=Hendaye Beach|wikidata=Q20947149}}. This is below the old casino, now known as Résidence Croisière. Nearby is the Tourist Office. Buses run from the main train station, or you can walk from {{marker|type=go|name=Gare Deux Jumeaux|wikidata=Q2802667}}. Leaving town, the route goes around the football stadium and climbs via Rue Errondenia and Rue de Pausoa. After about 3 hr you reach the summit of {{marker|type=see|name=Xoldokogaina|wikidata=Q20492776}}. The high point is at Mandale (530 m) on the Spanish border. From here, the path descends to the Col d'Ibardin (4¼ hr), a popular spot for French shoppers due to cheap alcohol and tobacco. The trail continues via Col des Poiriers and Col des Joncs before reaching Olhette. * {{listing|type=city|name=Olhette|lat=43.3360119885|long=-1.6661235970|content=65 m. No bus service; the nearest is in Ascain, 4 km away. Two gîtes: [https://www.chambre-d-hote-cote-basque-manttu.fr/ Manttu-Baïta] at the southern end of the village and Trapero Baïta (Tel. +33 5 59 54 42 59) in the center.}} * {{listing|type=city|name=Biriatou|wikidata=Q196871|content=A scenic Basque village 10 minutes from the main trail. Public toilets near the church.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Redoute de la Baïonette|lat=43.309257665|long=-1.70329930013|content=Historic fortification near Mandale, located by modern border marker 9. Offers wide views.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Basque Tourist Office|address=20 Boulevard Victor Hugo, 64500 Saint-Jean-de-Luz|lat=43.387765760|long=-1.66038856746|url=https://www.en-pays-basque.fr/en/|content=Tourist info for the wider Basque region.}} === Olhette - Ainhoa === ; Distance : 21.1 km ; Duration : 6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 730 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 640 m The steepest climb comes right at the beginning. For most of the route, you'll be on forest trails and, after Sare, quiet paved country roads. The trail initially ascends on a good path over the Col des Trois Fontaines (1½ hr; a shelter is located 300 m away), then descends to the Col de St-Ignace, where the valley station of the cog railway to La Rhune is found. It continues to {{Marker|type=city|name=Sare|wikidata=Q274155}} (2¾ hr), a local transport hub and one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. There's an outdoor swimming pool. The stage ends in {{Marker|type=city|name=Ainhoa|wikidata=Q212962|url=https://www.en-pays-basque.fr/territoires-et-destinations/vallee-de-la-nivelle/ainhoa/}}. Also one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. The tourist information office (open 09:00-12:30, 14:00-17:30; closed weekends and holidays) is located at the side of the town hall. Local grocery stores are a bit pricey due to the village's popularity. From Col des Trois Fontaines you can ascend La Rhune (905 m) either by cog railway (35 min) or on foot (3 km, 1¼ h; ↥↧ 300 m). The prehistoric {{Marker|type=see|name=Grottes de Sare|url=https://www.grottesdesare.fr/en/index_en.php|wikidata=Q3117280}} can be visited with prior reservation through the local municipality or online. Closed annually for a month after Epiphany. This stage is part of the [[European long-distance path E9|European long-distance trail E9]]. * {{listing|counter=1|type=sleep|lat=43.30238052|long=-1.5874539771|name=Camping la Petite Rhune|phone=+33 6 15 29 36 38|url=https://www.lapetiterhune.com/en/|content=Includes a gîte d'étape. Reception hours: 08:30-12:30, 15:00-20:00; winter weekdays 09:00-12:00, 14:00-17:00.}} === Ainhoa - Bidarray === ; Distance : 21.7 km ; Duration : 8½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 880 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 850 m This is a difficult stage — exposed to the sun at first, and especially challenging due to the steep rocky descent near the end. At the old cemetery (389 m; 40 min) beside the {{Marker|type=see|name=Chapelle Notre Dame de l'Aubépine|wikidata=Q12253854}}, a dramatic crucifixion scene of the Jewish itinerant preacher Jesus of Nazareth and two other criminals has been recreated. Traditional Basque hilarri gravestones are found here. The path then continues over the Col des Trois-Croix (510 m; 1 hr 20 min). A good place to rest is at Ferme Esteben (2 hr 50 min, 580 m), a gîte d'étape with a bar-restaurant. The trail continues near the border, past Boundary Stone 77, partly on paved road. At Col des Veaux (550 m), you can take a 300-m detour into Spain to visit a venta (a small inn or shop). From here, the trail climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Méhatche|lat=43.272782275749094|long=-1.4166930371188398}} (716 m; 3¾ hr). The descent past Boundary Stones 82 and 83 is secured with cables. From Col de Méhatche, you can ascend Artzamendi (926 m), easily identified by its radar dome at the summit. The nearby {{Marker|type=see|name=Grotte le Saint-que-Sue|alt=Harpeko Saindua|lat=43.26526266671622|long=-1.3890420732224757}} can also be visited. Just before reaching {{Marker|type=city|name=Bidarray|wikidata=Q746221}}, a bypass trail offers a shortcut to the next stage. For peak baggers, this route also gives access to several summits: Errebi (between the chapel and Col des Trois-Croix), Atxulegi (a 15-min detour on the way to Col des Trois-Croix), and, in good weather, Mont Bizkayluze (701 m) and Gorospil (691 m). The village is split into two parts, 600 m apart. The GR-10 passes through the upper section (where accommodation is located), while the train station lies in the lower part. The stone “Noblia” bridge, in its current form, dates to the 17th century. Parts of the Church of the Assumption are Romanesque. Traditional hilarri gravestones can be found in the old cemetery, and the Ferme Gastetto is a protected farmhouse in classic Lower Navarrese style. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Aire Zabal|lat=43.2665469128|long=-1.34721660011|url=https://giteairezabal.fr/|content=Stage accommodation in the upper part of the village.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Amestoya|lat=43.284582665|long=-1.35372693663|url=https://camping-bidarray.fr/english/|content=Campsite along the D908, 2 km north of the upper village.}} === Bidarray - Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry === ; Distance : 18.5 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1250 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1250 m This southward stage is demanding, especially due to the complete lack of water sources along the ascent. After passing the Iparla Ridge (950 m), the trail reaches an altitude of over 1000 m for the first time on the way to the summit. It then continues along the ridge to the Pic de Tutulia before descending to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Harrieta|lat=43.21079140547837|long=-1.384120195860639}} (3¾ hr, 808 m). From the Col d'Harrieta, a side trail descends to Urdos (1¾ hr), from where it's possible to follow the road into Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry. The main trail continues across the Buztanzelhay summit (4¾ hr, 1029 m), then down to the col of the same name (843 m). Here, the GR-10 turns left and descends steeply. The path crosses the D949 road several times — this road leads from the village to the ventas on the Spanish border at the Col d'Ispéguy. You can also reach this col via the ridge, 1½ km from Col Buztanzelhay. If you want to skip entering {{Marker|type=city|name=Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry|wikidata=Q279252}} (162 moh), you can join the next stage earlier at the Nive des Aldudes (6½ h, 162 m). There's a picnic area in the park and a supermarket that stocks gas cartridges. Locals play Rebot, a type of pelota, on two courts. The Château d'Etxauz is not open to the public. On the last Sunday in April, the village hosts a traditional folklore festival known as Nafarroaren Eguna. The Nive des Aldudes valley occasionally experiences flooding and mudslides. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Municipal Irouleguy|address=Borciriette, 64430 Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry|phone=+33 5 59 37 43 96|url=https://animazioa5.wixsite.com/camping-de-baigorri|lat=43.183694680698636|long=-1.3357619163002807|content=Municipal campsite near the village.}} === Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry - Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port === ; Distance : 19.2 km ; Duration : 5-7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 990 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 980 m This stage runs mostly on gravel paths and farm tracks. About an hour in, there's an optional detour at Col d'Aharza for a 35-minute climb to Oylarandoy, where a hermitage built in 1706 stands. The GR-10 heads south to the Col d'Aharza (734 m; 2 hr), where there's a water source, then turns east and circles around the {{Marker|type=see|name=Munhoa|wikidata=Q3327853}} (1023 m; 3½ hr). The climb is fully exposed to the sun. The descent begins on the right-hand side. For campers, there are two sites before {{Marker|name=Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port|wikidata=Q270294|type=city}}: [http://www.camping-delatruite.com/ Camping de La Truite] (March 1 - Dec 15), and closer to town, [http://www.camping-narbaitz.com/ Camping Narbaitz] (mid-March - mid-September; tent spaces from June 20). Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port lies at 170 m and is where three of the four French pilgrimage routes converge before entering Spain. From here, it's possible to continue directly onto the Camino de Santiago (via Roncesvalles). * {{listing|type=go|wikidata=Q2220150|name=Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port railway station|content=Served by regional trains from Bayonne.}} * {{listing|type=buy|name=Maya-Sports|lat=43.166315301|long=-1.23308887678|address=18 Av. du Jai Alai, 64220 Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port|phone=+33 5 59 37 00 47|url=https://www.mayasport.fr/|content=Outdoor gear shop across from the train station. Open M-Sa 09:00-12:00 and 14:00-19:00.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge Municipal Ospitalia|lat=43.163722833|long=-1.23472178390|address=55 Rue de la Citadelle, 64220 Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port|phone=+33 6 17 10 31 89|content=Municipal refuge. Check-in from 14:30.}} === Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port - Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta === ; Distance : 16.2 km ; Duration : 5-5½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 870 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 420 m There are no supply points or public transport on this stage, but the walking is relatively easy. In the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Çaro|wikidata=Q842635}} (242 m), there is a public fountain next to the town hall. If you choose to end the day early after 3¾ hr in {{Marker|type=city|name=Estérençuby|wikidata=Q842724}} (231 m; two accommodation options), be aware that this adds an extra 400 m of ascent to the next day's stage. === Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta - Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty === ; Distance : 20.7 km ; Duration : 6¾-8 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1410 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m This stage is simple but offers little shade. The trail first climbs toward the Col on Ithurramburu (820 m), then continues ascending to just below the {{Marker|type=see|name=Occabe|alt=Okabe|wikidata=Q17417892}} (1456 m). On the Occabe plateau, 26 Neolithic stone circles — called Harrespil in Basque — have been found. These are believed to have been used for cremation rites. A good rest stop is the upscale {{Marker|type=eat|name=Restaurant Chalet Pedro|url=https://www.chaletpedro.com/|lat=43.03687624625582|long=-1.0746838225620772}} (4¾ hr). The associated lodge offers 10 beds. Across the stream at Le Kayolar, similar accommodation is available. From here, the trail turns sharply right after 100 m and continues uphill for 6-7 km (300 m ascent) to the stage destination. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta|url=http://kaskoleta.free.fr/|lat=43.092036845886255|long=-1.1646582066722122|content=Altitude 615 m. Offers 13 beds in 3 rooms plus a holiday apartment for 4. A scenic viewpoint with an information panel is 5 minutes away.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty|address=D19, 64560 Larrau|phone=+33 5 59 28 51 29|url=https://chalets-iraty.com/|lat=43.03659578299579|long=-1.0348125824515537|content=Key pickup and payment are handled at Col Héguichouria, 1 km before the site. There is a restaurant and bird observation post 500 m further on.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=L'aire Naturelle de Camping|lat=43.037460332099656|long=-1.0494175120345806|content=Natural campground with 50 pitches, located 3 km before the Chalets by the stream. Open June-October. Fresh bread available by reservation from 08:30.}} === Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty - Logibar === ; Distance : 16.4 km ; Duration : 5-6 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 440 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1380 m In bad weather, the route along the west side of the {{Marker|type=see|name=Pic des Escaliers|wikidata=Q31645205}} (1423 m) is not recommended. There are two alternative routes, but both are poorly marked. At the Ugatzé Ridge, the trail skirts the peak rather than summiting it. To avoid the steep descent from Pic des Escaliers, stay on the road for about 600 m after the start, then turn off after 2½ km to reach Col Ugatzé. A short side trip allows you to summit Arthanolatzégagnia (an additional 35 min ascent and descent). Trail markings are sparse for several hours. After some time following mule tracks, you'll reach a road crossing at Beloscare (1173 m; 3 hr). Logibar marks the end of the stage, but you can also continue 2 km further to {{Marker|type=city|name=Larrau|wikidata=Q608335}}, which offers three accommodation options and a campground. In bad weather, an easier alternative is to follow the paved road from Iraty directly to Larrau for a gentler descent. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge Logibar|address=Quartier Logibar, D26, 64560 Larrau|phone=+33 5 59 28 61 14|url=https://auberge-logibar.com/|lat=43.018151|long=-0.927715|content=Altitude 375 m. Dormitory beds from €17, half board from €50. Check-in from 17:00. Bus 60 serves the location.}} === Logibar - Sainte-Engrâce (Senta) === ; Distance : 26.3 km ; Duration : 7½-9¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200-1420 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 900-1170 m This stage leads through spectacular gorges. Follow signs to the Gorges d'Holzarté and ascend the trail to the 70 m long suspension bridge (50 min), which spans the dramatic Ruisseau de Olhadubi gorge 150 m above the ground. On the far side, the trail continues uphill. After 2 hours, you reach the Olhadubi stream — a possible spot for a refreshing dip. Nearby, the Cabane Cayolar d'Olhadubi (reached via a side path from the bridge) serves as an emergency shelter with space for 4-5 people. Continuing uphill, you'll reach the Abarrakia farm after just over 3 hours. The path then winds between farms, eventually reaching the point (4½ hr) where the GR-10 turns sharply to the right. The original GR-10 route bypassed the gorges entirely by heading up to the Plateau d'Adarkhotia after the Holzarté bridge. This shortcut saves 2.7 km (1¼ hr) and 150 m of elevation gain. After about 5 hours, you'll reach the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Anhaou|alt=Col de Bious|lat=42.9784|long=-0.88044}} (1383 m). From here, energetic hikers can summit nearby peaks such as Izeyto (1464 m) or Sarimendi (1484 m). The stage ends at {{Marker|type=city|name=Sainte-Engrâce|wikidata=Q197211|url=https://www.sainte-engrace.fr/index.php/en/}}. Sainte-Engrâce is home to a Romanesque church from the 11th century. From the village, a 9-km side trip (↥ 840 m, ↧ 135 m) takes you to the vast La Verna cave. Guided tours go up to 800 m deep — the main chamber is large enough to fit the Eiffel Tower. Bookings are handled through the [https://laverna.fr/en/ Espace accueil Arrakotchepia], Quartier Calla, 64560 Sainte-Engrâce (Tel. +33 6 37 88 29 05). August is often very busy. A detour south from the restaurant leads into the wild and romantic Gorges de Kakuetta. The trail is very steep and slippery, and entry tickets are (usually) sold at the restaurant. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge Elichalt|address=Next to the church|phone=+33 5 59 28 61 63|lat=42.99552859220694|long=-0.8102287239912613|content=Simple village inn located in the center of Sainte-Engrâce.}} === Sainte-Engrâce (Senta) - Refuge Jeandel === ; Distance : 11.6 km ; Duration : 4¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 160 m The trail climbs steadily from Sainte-Engrâce into the limestone highlands of the Pierre-Saint-Martin massif, marking the transition into more alpine terrain. You ascend to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Pierre-St-Martin|wikidata=Q1107451}} (1760 m; border with Spain). Since 1373, the Tributo de las Tres Vacas — a cross-border tribute of three cows — has been held here every July 13 to settle grazing rights between the two valleys. A small shop at the parking area sells goat cheese. A ski area lies just over the border on the Spanish side. There is also a small shelter near Boundary Marker 62. An optional 15-minute detour leads to the summit of Soum de Lèche (1839 m). The Grotte de la Verna, a massive cave chamber accessible by guided tour, lies 1 km (¾ hr) off the main trail and requires prior booking ([https://laverna.fr laverna.fr]). From the pass, descend to the first switchback, then turn right off the main track. The trail passes under two chairlifts and continues along the northern flank of the Pic d'Arlas. When you spot three large concrete water tanks, descend to the staffed mountain hut at Refuge Jeandel. The ski resort village of {{Marker|name=La Pierre Saint-Martin|wikidata=Q3211628|type=city}} is about 15 minutes off the trail and offers additional services. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge Jeandel|address=La Pierre Saint Martin, 64570 Arette|url=https://www.refugejeandel.com/|lat=42.97829371796861|long=-0.7493627209784663|content=Altitude 1670 m. Dormitory accommodation from €18; half-board from €42.50. Staffed in summer.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Tourist Office La Pierre Saint-Martin|address=Maison de la Pierre, 75 D332, 64570 Arette|phone=+33 5 59 66 20 09|url=https://www.lapierrestmartin.com/|lat=42.97735500762936|long=-0.744495054007273|content=Open only during the French summer holidays (mid-July to late August). Provides info on local lodging and two campervan pitches. Served by seasonal Bus 807 between Arette and Oloron-Sainte-Marie.}} === Refuge Jeandel - Lescun === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 5½-6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1200 m This is a challenging stage, but the scenery is magnificent. Several rocky mountain paths are equipped with cables for safety. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Pas de l'Osque|lat=42.9702182168491|long=-0.7089944097203539}} (1922 m), which requires a head for heights. The trail continues to the Pas d'Azuns (1873 m; 2¾ hr), and a good first rest stop with water is the spring near the Cabane du Cap de la Baitch (1689 m; 3 hr). In wet weather, descending to {{Marker|type=city|name=Lescun|wikidata=Q179737}} (895 m) via the road is recommended, as the GR-10 becomes muddy and difficult to navigate. From Lescun, the HRP route offers a very demanding variant over the Col d'Anie back toward Cabane du Cap de la Baitch. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Centre de l'Abérouat|url=http://aberouat.fr/|lat=42.95041471194407|long=-0.6658390953581508|content=Staffed hut with a bar. Offers 20 rooms (2-5 beds each). Free tent camping nearby (bathrooms in the hut available for a fee). Best suited for groups; solo walkers must book in advance.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Maison de la Montagne|lat=42.934247039|long=-0.63524507931|address=1 ruelle de la Congasse, 64490 Lescun|phone=+33 6 88 06 95 29|url=https://www.maisondelamontagne64.com/|content=Comfortable accommodation for hikers in the centre of Lescun.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping - Gîte du Lauzart|address=Bordé de Mougnague, 64490 Lescun|phone=+33 5 59 34 51 77|url=https://www.camping-gite-lescun-pyrenees.com/|lat=42.92782183157741|long=-0.6421994110320027|content=Along the D340. About 20 minutes into the next stage. Open April-September. Campsite €14 + €4 per adult. 25 dorm beds available for €16; half board €42.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Tourist Office for the Vallée |lat=42.9990368924|long=-0.60057615194|url=https://www.pyrenees-bearnaises.com/explorer/nature/|phone=+33 5 59 34 57 57|content=Located in Bedous. Provides information on the surrounding region.}} === Lescun - Etsaut === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 5½-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 850 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1150 m The trail begins easily through pastoral countryside, then enters forested terrain, passing the [https://www.gite-camping-lhers.com/ Gîte d'étape and campsite on the Plateau de Lhers] (2 hr), and climbing to the Col de Barrancq (1601 m; 3¾ hr). From the Col de Barrancq, a side trip leads to the summit of Pic de Labigouer (2175 m), which takes just under 3 hours round-trip. Lower down in the Parc d'Orce, within the commune of {{Marker|type=city|name=Borçe|wikidata=Q840474}} (5¾ hr), lives the majority of the region's ~50 brown bears. The Gîte le Communal offers accommodation here. The stage ends in {{listing|type=city|name=Etsaut|wikidata=Q765829|content=Altitude 597 m. Located on the N-134 and served by the Canfranc-Oloron-Saint-Marie bus line. The former train station now houses the Pyrenees National Park visitor center. Accommodation available in the Gîte d'étape la Garbure behind the church (53 beds).}} Just outside Etsaut, the {{Marker|type=see|name=Fort du Portalet|wikidata=Q3078387}} clings dramatically to the cliffs in two tiers, spanning a height difference of 150 m. * {{listing|type=see|name=Refuge animalier à Borce|url=https://parc-ours.fr/|lat=42.9045174060618|long=-0.5745664608466107|content=open 10:00-18:00; admission €12. It functions as an educational wildlife refuge}} === Etsaut - Gabas === ; Distance : 24 km ; Duration : 9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1640 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1210 m The trail begins with the dramatic Chemin de la Mâture, a path carved into the rock face. It is not passable in icy or snowy conditions. You reach Grange Perry (1210 m) after 2 hours. A quarter of an hour later, at a junction, keep left. After 3½ hours, you arrive at the Cabane de la Baight de St-Cours (1560 m; shepherds only, June-September), located at the border. About 4 hours in, you cross a stream on a bridge. This is the last water source before the high pass. The highest point of the stage is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Ayous|wikidata=Q2981981}} (2185 m; 5½ hr or more). On its eastern slope lie the Ayous Lakes, including the scenic Refuge d'Ayous. It's an ideal place to break this long stage. The Col d'Ayous also marks a transition point between valleys: from the Chemin de la Mâture and Baigt de Sencours in the Aspe Valley to Bious-Artigues (1540 m) in the Ossau Valley, where pony rides and canoe rentals are available on the eastern shore. The lake is 6½ km from the pass (↧ 764 m). From the pass, you can also summit Pic d'Ayous (add 30 min up and down), or detour 6 km to Lac Bersau — a longer alternative via the Vallon d'Aas is 9 km. From the lake, descend on the D231 road, which includes switchbacks that can be shortcut. (Note: Refuge de Gabas is permanently closed.) The stage ends in {{Marker|name=Gabas|wikidata=Q5515276|type=city}}, which offers two accommodations and a bar, but no grocery store. Located on bus route 806/806bis from Col de Portalet via Gabas to Laruns (15 km). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Ayous|url=https://www.refuge-ayous.fr/en-gb|lat=42.84844763797708|long=-0.4911758258903634|10 minutes off the GR10 near Lac Gentau (6½ hr). This refuge offers 47 beds and tent spaces and is open from mid-May to the first week of October.}} === Gabas - Gourette === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9-10 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1150 m This is a long and difficult stage, not suitable for children. The Corniche des Alhas section requires a head for heights. Snow may linger into summer, making it hard to follow the waymarks. Water is scarce during the first four hours. The trail follows the D934 road to the Artouste dam, then climbs through forest paths (1¼ hr). Some parts pass through cliff-side ledges carved into the rock — the Corniche des Alhas — which have fixed cables for safety. An easier alternative bypasses the Corniche via the Pont du Goua and the Gave de Soussouéou. After 1¾ hr, you reach a bridge near the Gave de Soussouéou waterfalls (1145 m). From here, a steep trail leads up to Houn de Mouscabarous (1361 m; 2¾ hr), continuing uphill to Petite Arcizette (2293 m). Snow may persist at these elevations until July. After 6½-7 hr, you arrive at the Hourquette d'Arre (2465 m). Important: The path shown on some maps to the Géougue d'Arre (2619 m) is a mountaineering route, not a hiking trail. An alternative route avoids the Hourquette d'Arre altogether: from the Cabane de Cézy, follow the red-and-white GR10 then switch to the red/yellow-marked GRP Tour de la Vallée d'Ossau, over the Col de Lurdé to Eaux-Bonnes (overnight possible) and Gourette (also served by Bus 806). The GR10 does not go directly to Lac d'Uzious, but instead heads roughly north-northeast across a plateau, before turning east to descend. After about 8 hours, you reach Lac d'Anglas (2068 m), from where the trail continues along the outflow, then branches off to the right. After over 9 hours, you arrive in the ski resort of {{Marker|type=city|name=Gourette|wikidata=Q1540224|url=https://www.gourette.com/en/}} (1350 m). Ski resort with two supermarkets; gas cartridges available at Intersport. Mostly closed outside the main season. Served in-season by Bus 806 (twice daily) from Parking Gourette Nord to Eaux-Bonnes, Laruns, and Pau. If needed, you can exit the trail early at the upper parking area (which has a bus stop) and start the next stage from there. * {{listing|type=sleep|lat=42.9595015138|long=-0.333960997149|name=Chalet-refuge CAF|phone=+33 5 59 05 10 56|url=https://chaletdegourette.ffcam.fr/|content=Mountain refuge with 32 beds in 4 dorms. €16.50/night (€8.25 for Alpine Club members) + €0.90 tourist tax.}} === Gourette - Arrens-Marsous === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m This is a relatively easy stage that crosses two mountain passes: the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Tortes|lat=42.959773462638644|long=-0.3187601158279607}} (1799 m; 1¾ hr), and later, after crossing the D918 (popular with cyclists but too busy to follow safely), the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Saucède|lat=42.95972945620746|long=-0.31869998400517197}} (1525 m; 3 hr 20 min). Ten minutes after descending from this second pass, you'll reach a restaurant and gîte de séjour at the Col de Soulor on the D918 road. From Col de Saucède, hikers can also make a short detour to summit the Pointe de Surgatte (1805 m; 90-100 minutes round trip). Near the Pont de Lapadé, you can either cross the Gave d'Arrens or continue down into the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Arrens-Marsous|wikidata=Q1110649}}. Features tourist information and public toilets at the Maison Val d'Azun (Tel. +33 5 62 97 49 49). The village also has an outdoor swimming pool. A hiking festival, [https://www.eldorando.fr/ Eldorado], is held every two years for four days in late May. Call +33 800 65 65 00 by 17:00 the day before for weekday on-demand shuttle service to Lourdes. Points of interest include the Romanesque Saint-Pierre Church (parts dating to 1200) and the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Pouey-Laün, a pilgrimage chapel located 600 m south along the D105. The area is part of both the Natura 2000 conservation network (Gabizos and the Arrens Valley) and the core zone of the Pyrenees National Park. For a longer option, you can extend this stage to Gîte les Viellettes (2¼ h further), making a total of 20.5 km (8½ hr; ↥ 1250 m, ↧ 1530 m). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=GCU Campground|address=26 Rue des Paus, 65400 Arrens-Marsous|lat=42.9573380888|long=-0.213247116377|phone=+33 5 62 97 43 06|url=https://www.gcu.asso.fr/terrains/arrens-marsous-hautes-pyrénées-65|content=Simple tent campground on the edge of town.}} === Arrens-Marsous - Refuge d'Ilhéou === ; Distance : 20 km ; Duration : 6¾-7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 500 m From Arrens-Marsous (3½ km from the previous endpoint), you can follow the official GR10 or the more scenic GR de Pays Tour du Val d'Azun. The latter is slightly shorter but includes more climbs. Both routes rejoin shortly before the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape les Viellettes|lat=42.9219519144924|long=-0.1818867608457627}} (2¼ h; 15 beds). About 700 m further on is the simple tent site La Pose (open May-September). The official GR10 route passes through {{Marker|type=city|name=Estaing|wikidata=Q589628}}, a commune that includes three Natura 2000 protected areas: “Gaves de Pau et de Cauterets,” “Moun Né de Cauterets, Pic de Cabaliros,” and “Péguère, Barbat, Cambalès.” From here, the trail enters the core zone of the Pyrenees National Park. You ascend toward Lac d'Estaing. Just before the lake is a guesthouse open Thursday-Sunday, 09:00-17:00 (summer only). On the far shore is another restaurant (open 10:00-18:00) and Camping Intercommunal. Brave hikers may try a swim in the cold waters. The trail now climbs steeply through forest to the Cabane d'Arriousec (1400 m; 4 hr). Another hour uphill takes you past the Cabanes de Barbat (left of the path), then a final climb brings you to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Ilhéou|wikidata=Q2981991}} (2242 m; 6 hr or more). Just 5 minutes below the pass, you can turn left to reach the Crête du Lys, where the Courbet cable car operates in July and August. This offers access to the ski resort Cauterets-Le Lys (with a summer luge track) or direct descent into the town of Cauterets. On foot, descend to the stream near the Cabanes d'Arras (6½-7 hr). Turn right there and cross two more streams. The path then descends to Lac d'Ilhéou. At the lake's northern shore is the staffed Refuge d'Ilhéou. A designated bivouac area (aire de bivouac) is located about 10 minutes further south along the lake. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Ilhéou (Refuge Raymond-Ritter)|url=https://www.refuge-ilheou.csvss.fr/en/home|phone=+33 5 62 92 07 18|lat=42.86604614112533|long=-0.17358356545105466|content=Altitude 1988 m. 22 beds. Open from late May to late September.}} === Refuge d'Ilhéou - Cauterets === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 2½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 75 ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m This is a leisurely downhill walk that brings you gently back to civilization in {{Marker|type=city|name=Cauterets|url=https://www.cauterets.com/en/?to_lang=en|wikidata=Q366962}}. Scenic spa town with plenty of amenities, including a historic wooden railway station (now closed), a cinema, casino, and more. The tourist office is open M-Sa from 09:00-12:30 and 14:00-18:00. A special Office de la Montagne - Terre d'Alpinisme opens during the summer season. Cauterets flourished during the late 19th and early 20th centuries thanks to its thermal springs. The municipality operates two spas: Thermes de César in the village center and Thermes des Griffons in nearby La Raillère. Accommodation options include three gîtes d'étape and Camping la Prairie. Local buses run every 30 minutes from June to October. Regional connections are available to Lourdes, Luz-Saint-Sauveur, and Gavarnie. A shuttle to Pont d'Espagne departs four times daily from the old train station. The 30 km former railway line from Pierrefitte to Cauterets has been converted into a multi-use bike and hiking path. === Cauterets - Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 100 m This is a demanding stage. From Cauterets, take the path behind the Thermes de César and head south. After 1¼ hr you reach the hamlet of La Raillère (1044 m), where there are restaurants and a sulfur spa. Cross the bridge and continue up into the Val de Jéret, passing several waterfalls. The trail leads to the Hôtellerie du Pont d'Espagne (3 hr). From there, descend briefly along the road before turning right and ascending into the valley toward Lac de Gaube (1725 m, 4 hr). The path crosses the stream three times via bridges as you continue toward the refuge. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube|wikidata=Q109042828}} === Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube - Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400 m About 50 m from the refuge, the trail begins a steady one-hour climb over rocky terrain. At a fork (65 min), stay right and continue ascending. The {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Hourquette d'Ossoue|wikidata=Q3141336}} (2734 m) marks the highest point on the entire GR10. Even in mid-summer, snow often lingers here. After 20 minutes of descent, you reach the Refuge Baysselance. '''Ascending Vignemale from here via the Glacier d'Ossoue is only for experienced mountaineers.''' From the pass, the route heads southeast, passing the Grottes de Bellevue (2420 m; 3 hr), artificial caves carved in 1880 by the explorer Henry Russell. The trail descends steeply to a stream, then follows it into a boulder field fed by glacial melt from the Glacier d'Ossoue. The descent into the valley involves frequent climbs around cliffs and waterfalls. You enter the Vallée de la Canau (5 hr or more) and pass the Cabane de Sausse-Dessus. The next hour includes more ups and downs until you reach the Cabane des Tousaus (6¾ hr or more). From there, cross a final ridge to reach the D923 road and descend to the stage endpoint, Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle. If you need more accommodation or supplies, continue to the main village of {{Marker|name=Gavarnie|wikidata=Q917894|type=city}}. From Gavarnie, you can take a day trip (or a bus from Luz-Saint-Sauveur) into the famed Cirque de Gavarnie. It's also possible to ascend Le Taillon (3146 m) from here for experienced climbers. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge Baysselance|url=https://refugebayssellance.ffcam.fr/|wikidata=Q3423105|content=(2651 m), which offers 58 beds and is staffed from mid-May to mid-October}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle|address=Route de Boucharo, 65120 Gavarnie-Gèdre|phone=+33 5 62 92 48 77|url=https://chaletlagrangedeholle.ffcam.fr/|lat=42.73944609127333|long=-0.022728732019354148|wikidata=Q98753937|content=Altitude 1480 m. Staffed hut with 62 beds.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Tourist Office|address=Le Village, 65120 Gavarnie-Gèdre|phone=+33 5 62 92 49 10|url=https://www.valleesdegavarnie.com/gavarnie-gedre/|lat=42.73535586856976|long=-0.01029304645524754|content=Open 09:00-12:00 and 14:00-17:00; closed Sundays and Thursdays.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte Le Gypaète|lat=42.7359592315|long=-0.0108405014067|phone=+33 5 62 92 40 61|content=Simple hiker accommodation in Gavarnie village.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Bergerie|address=Chemin du Cirque, 65120 Gavarnie-Gèdre|url=https://www.camping-la-bergerie-gavarnie.com/|lat=42.72774008829836|long=-0.0075991966546184704|content=Open early June to late September. Located near the entrance to the Cirque de Gavarnie.}} === Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle - Luz-Saint-Sauveur === ; Distance : 26 km ; Duration : 8-9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 700-900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1500-1660 m Starting from Gavarnie village (via the D128 road) instead of the refuge shortens the route by 3 km (approx. 1 hr). The trail first leads to the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape le Saugué|url=https://www.gite-gavarnie-pyrenees.com/|lat=42.76864577103755|long=-0.005915232017950625}}, located on the Plateau Soula de Saugue (1¾ hr). This is a good option to break up the stage — the gîte has 21 beds and is open May to October. The route winds northward, passing the Soum Haut (3¾ h), then descends gradually along the western slope of the Gavarnie Valley. After 5¾-6 hr, you reach the D921 road. Cross the Gave de Gavarnie via the Pont d'Esdouroucats and ascend again to a path above the highway. From the south, you enter {{Marker|type=city|name=Luz-Saint-Sauveur|wikidata=Q35721506|url=https://www.luz.org/en/}} via the Pont Napoléon (755 m; 7½ hr), a dramatic bridge across the gorge. Well-equipped mountain town. The town has several historic churches, as well as a campsite with a grocery store. The Prime Meridian passes about 100 m east of the center. Numerous lodgings, 6 campgrounds, 2 supermarkets, and Intersport (gas cartridges). Bus 965 connects to Cauterets, Lourdes, and Tarbes. Bus to Barèges also available. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Saint Bazerque|address=Sia|phone=+33 5 62 92 49 93|url=https://campingsaintbazerque.eatbu.com/?lang=de|lat=42.83178828384746|long=0.0015462182938111647|content=Campground with grocery shop (mountain cheese), bar, and caravan spaces. Open 08:00-17:00.}} === Luz-Saint-Sauveur - Barèges === ; Distance : 12 km ; Duration : 4½-5 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m To extend this stage, continue to Refuge d'Aygues Cluses for a total of 19 km (7½ hr; ↥ 1560 m, ↧ 140 m). Though short, this stage begins with a relatively long and steep ascent. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Ruisseau de Bolou|lat=42.858690489195055|long=0.06773411839157908}} (1460 m). On the descent, hikers can stop for refreshments at the [https://refugedelaglere.ffcam.fr/ Refuge de la Glère]. This stage ends at {{Marker|type=city|name=Barèges|wikidata=Q632058|url=https://www.mairie-bareges.fr/en/}}. Composed of the hamlets of Artigalas and Cazaous, Barèges serves as a spa and mountain village. The local river, the Bastan, is called the gave. Note: the Jardin botanique du Tourmalet and the 1930s funicular are now closed. The town's website includes an accommodation and restaurant directory * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape l'Oasis|lat=42.897422977|long=0.067278671719|address=2 Passage des Toys|phone=+33 5 62 92 69 47|url=https://www.gite-oasis.fr/|content=Open June-September, and also December-April during ski season (Barèges is part of the Domaine du Tourmalet ski area).}} === Barèges - Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : route-dependent 7¾-9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m The trail begins by climbing above the road toward the ski station at Tournaboup (1 hr). It then veers south and ascends steadily. Good stopping points include the Cabane d'Aygues and, 10 km further on, the Chalet-Hôtel d'Orédon. This stage enters the Néouvielle Nature Reserve, where dogs and wild camping are strictly forbidden. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Madamète|wikidata=Q102076283}} (2509 m). From there, the path descends between alpine lakes: {{Marker|type=see|name=Lac d'Aumar|wikidata=Q3215322}} and Lac d'Aubert (5¾ h, 2190 m). A shuttle bus runs up to this point in high season, and there's an info panel at the end of the access road. Here, the trail splits into two variants: * Variant 1: continues along Lac d'Aumar * Variant 2: detours south to the tip of Lac d'Aubert, then along the northern shore of Les Laguettes and Lac d'Orédon (6¾ h, 1856 m; camping and hotel at the south end) Both variants rejoin at the Cap d'Estoudou pass (2260 m), followed by a steep descent. A short detour from the pass allows for an ascent of Soump de Montpelat (↥ 214 m). The path continues steeply downhill to Lac de l'Oule (1821 m; 7¾ hr or more). From here, head right to reach Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Cabane d'Aygues|url=https://refugeayguescluses.wordpress.com/|lat=42.87577795732996|long=0.15008320916912823}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Chalet-Hôtel d'Orédon|url=https://www.chalet-oredon.fr/|lat=42.82616251586139|long=0.1692328508499207|content=open June 1 - Sept 30; 88 beds}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule|url=https://refugedeloule.fr/|lat=42.824769697482445|long=0.20752501478344024|content=Altitude 1819 m. Located at the dam wall. Open mid-June to mid-September. 20 beds and a bar.}} === Refuge-Hôtel de l'Oule - Vielle-Aure === ; Distance : 17-18 km ; Duration : 5-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 460 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400-1500 m From the refuge, the route follows the western shore of Lac de l'Oule. GR10C variant: After 1½ hr, there is a signed detour to the [http://refugedebastan.fr/ Cabane de Bastan]. The main trail turns directly east and climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Portet|wikidata=Q42178369}} (2215 m; 2¾ hr). From here, it continues eastward, descending gently to the Pla de Castillon, then more steeply down to the D918 road (4½ hr or more) and onward to the stage endpoint {{Marker|type=city|name=Vielle-Aure|wikidata=Q1323900|url=https://vielleaure.com/}}, an historic village with two Romanesque churches: Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Pierre (in the Agos neighbourhood), both dating to the 12th century. Bus connections to Saint-Lary-Soulan and Lannemezan (35 km). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Hôtel Aurélia|lat=42.825852030|long=0.32776424175|phone=+33 5 62 39 56 90|url=https://www.hotel-aurelia.com/|content=Simple, hiker-friendly hotel in town.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping La Mousquère|lat=42.8273932992|long=0.33590955638|address=Nougaro, Autun, 65170 Bourisp|url=https://www.campinglamousquere.com/|content=Open May 8 - last weekend of September.}} * There are three more campsites within 2 km north along the river valley. Just 1 km south, the larger and livelier {{Marker|name=Saint-Lary-Soulan|wikidata=Q1323323|type=city}} offers a broader range of shops, accommodations, and services. The tourist information office is at the roundabout in the center; the supermarket is across the street. The wooden bus stop shelter is discreetly located about 50 m away, opposite the modern church on Avenue des Thermes. === Vielle-Aure - Germ === ; Distance : 13 km ; Duration : 4¾-5¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1170 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 630-700 m This is a straightforward, though poorly marked, stage that runs parallel to the D225 up to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Azet|wikidata=Q2981982}} (1600 m). From the pass, the route continues down to [https://www.vallee-du-louron.com/fr Loudenvielle], a village with shops, an outdoor pool, and the Balnéa Spa complex (open 14:00-19:30; €21 for 2 hours). Note: during the [https://www.pyreneesbikefestival.com/ Pyrenees Bike Festival] in early September, the area is overrun with mountain bikers. The final 2-3 km involve a climb of about 220 m up to the hamlet of {{Marker|name=Germ|wikidata=Q1094205|type=city}}. Altitude 1339 m. A small village with 34 year-round residents, but many second homes and guest beds. Two old churches are worth visiting. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Centre de Montagne de Germ|lat=42.793610431|long=0.425057973260|address=D130|phone=+33 5 62 99 65 27|url=https://www.germ-louron.com/|content=Open year-round. 70 beds in a large mountain center.}} * Auberge de Germ, a guesthouse with 11 rooms (33 beds), open year-round. * {{listing|type=see|name=Peyresourde-Balestas Airfield (Aérodrome de Peyragudes)|wikidata=Q5659350|content=Also known as Altiport 007, as a James Bond film was shot here in 1997. The 470 m runway has a 15% gradient and is also used for paragliding.}} === Germ - Lac d'Oô === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 6-7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1060 m This stage and the next are strenuous. They can be divided into thirds with overnight stops at the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Granges d'Astau|lat=42.76352657695474|long=0.5024399621092607}} (open May-Oct; 26 beds) and the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Espingo|url=https://refugedespingo.ffcam.fr/|wikidata=Q104413940}} (1967 m; 44 beds, mid-May-Oct; 15 emergency shelter places off-season). Camping is allowed near the lake. Around the refuge is a “classic” mountaineering loop over the Pic des Spijeoles (3008 m), Grand Quayrat (3060 m), down to Lac du Portillon (2571 m) and the glacial Lac Glacé d'Oô (2664 m). After the initial climb out of Germ, you enter the Val d'Aube. Follow the river on the left-hand side; after 1¾ hr, across the valley (250 m away), lies the Cabane d'Ourtiga (1610 m). The route ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Couret d'Esquierry|lat=42.75523440839548|long=0.4627935235857289}} (2131 m; 3½ hr), where you cross into the Haute-Garonne department. After 4 hr, you reach the Cabane du Val d'Esquierry. From there, follow the D76 road down to the Granges d'Astau and an auberge (1139 m; 5 hr). In July and August, a morning bus runs up from Luchon and returns in the evening. The stage ends at {{Marker|type=see|name=Lac d'Oô|wikidata=Q3215352}}, a scenic 42-hectare lake situated at an altitude of 1,507 m within the Natura 2000 reserve “Vallées du Lis, de la Pique et d'Oô.” Renowned since the 19th century for its spectacular waterfall, the lake is a popular destination for its natural beauty. Due to its protected status, camping, swimming, and dogs are not permitted in the area. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Lac d'Oô|address=|phone=+33 7 84 56 55 88|lat=42.744558752|long=0.490915210685|content=Reached in about 6 hr. By the lake shore at 1504 m.}} === Lac d'Oô - Bagnères-de-Luchon === ; Distance : 19-21 km ; Duration : 7-9¼ h ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000-1130 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1900-2000 m After Refuge d'Espingo, the trail becomes more difficult, with several rocky scree sections. You skirt the northern slopes of Hourquette des Hounts-Secs (2275 m). Optional detour: From here, a 15-minute ascent (each way) leads to Cap de Bassiéret. You continue over the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Coume de Bourg|lat=42.787224318|long=0.51785762473}} (2272 m, 4¾ hr or more), which may retain snow well into the summer. Optional summit detours from the pass: * Pic Céciré, 45 minutes up and down to the north * Subescale, 40 minutes up and down to the south After 5½+ hours, you reach (1802 m) Superbagnères, a summer-only (July-August) mountain hotel serving the ski area. While it offers meals and lodging, prices are high. The massive historic building can also be reached by gondola lift from Luchon, replacing the old cog railway. The {{Marker|type=go|name=Gondola base station in Luchon|lat=42.78789198327501|long=0.5908142174347624}} is located on the western edge of town and operates daily from 08:30 to 18:00 during the summer season. If descending on foot, it is a steep 1200 m drop to reach {{Marker|name=Bagnères-de-Luchon|wikidata=Q238393|type=city}}. This spa town marks the end of the central Pyrenean segment of the GR10. Regular bus services run to Montréjeau, where you can connect by train to Toulouse. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Superbagnères|url=https://www.villagesclubsdusoleil.com/fr/nos-destinations/hiver/sejour-a-la-montagne/superbagneres|wikidata=Q844809}} === Bagnères-de-Luchon - Artigue === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 2½-3 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 50 m From the church in Luchon, head left along the footpath by the L'One river, crossing the road bridge toward Juzet-de-Luchon. Optional detour: Visit the waterfall in Juzet-de-Luchon. The trail continues via Sode to the day's highest point at the stage destination {{Marker|name=Artigue|wikidata=Q1088729|type=city}}. Altitude 1230 m. A small mountain village with a municipal gîte d'étape, open year-round, offering 12 dormitory beds and evening meals at the on-site restaurant. === Artigue - Fos === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 7½-8½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1100 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1750 m The first half of this stage is a steady climb of over 1000 meters, initially on a gravel track. After 1¼ hours, you reach the Cabane de Saunères (1660 m), a basic mountain shelter. One hour later, you arrive at the Col de Peyrehitte (1947 m). The trail continues along an exposed ridge around the Pic de Bacanère (2193 m; 3 hr or more), passing border markers 402-404. After the Col d'Aou (2093 m; 3½-4 hr), the trail descends gradually across open alpine meadows. At the Cabane d'Artigue (5 hr or more), potable water is available. Below this point, the path winds down gently through a series of switchbacks, eventually crossing a road bridge into {{Marker|name=Fos|wikidata=Q1349025|type=city}}. Altitude 544 m. Small village with weekday bus service to Melles and Saint-Gaudens (railway connections to Pau and Toulouse). Alternative route (former GR10): From the Cabane d'Artigue, you can divert to the Cabane d'Artiguessans, then descend steeply to the Ruisseau de la Batch before climbing back up to rejoin the GR10. This saves about 15 minutes and 70 m of elevation gain. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte de Fos|wikidata=Q3162431|lat=42.873845424|long=0.73442375047|phone=+33 5 61 94 98 59|content=Offers 20 dormitory beds, open year-round.}} === Fos - Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing === ; Distance : 18 km ; Duration : 6½-8 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1700 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m It's a good idea to stock up on supplies in {{Marker|name=Melles|wikidata=Q1616421|type=city}}, which you reach after about 45 minutes. From the old customs house, the trail climbs steeply. Auberge de Crabère offers a comfortable stop. * {{listing|type=see|name=Botanical Garden (À Fleur de Montagne)|wikidata=Q3162431|url=https://mairie-de-melles.wixsite.com/mairie-de-melles/le-jardin-botanique|content=Small but charming community-run garden specializing in Pyrenean alpine flora. Open in summer, 10:00-19:00.}} From Melles, a narrow road leads uphill to the last farmhouse at Labach (2¼ hr). The next 2 hours or more are mostly through forest, climbing steadily. After about 5 hours, you reach the Cabane d'Uls shelter. The path continues uphill to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Pas du Bouc}} (2170 m; 6+ h). Optional summit detour: From here, the {{Marker|type=see|name=Pic de Crabère|wikidata=Q3382364}} (2629 m) can be climbed in about 90 minutes round-trip. Brown bears have been reintroduced to this area. The highest point of the day is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Auéran|lat=42.835385392840536|long=0.860341080714231}} (2176 m), which also marks the border into the Ariège department. From here, it's a quick descent to Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing|url=http://www.refuge-araing.fr/|wikidata=Q3423195|content=Altitude 1956 m. Open June 1 to October 5. 52 beds, plus a 12-bed shelter area available off-season. Advance bookings accepted for groups on the two weekends before/after opening.}} === Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing - Eylie-d'en-Haut === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 3-4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1320 m From the lake and refuge, the trail climbs to the Serre d'Araing (2221 m; 1 hr). Optional detour: Summit of Pic de l'Har (2424 m), approximately 50 minutes round-trip. The descent into the valley follows faintly marked trails to the left of the power lines. Along the way, you'll encounter remnants of former lead mining operations. After about 2¾ hours, you cross a bridge and reach {{Marker|name=Eylie d'en Haut|wikidata=Q134078264|type=city}}, a small hamlet with a 14-bed hut, picnic area, and a basic campsite located by the Lez river. === Eylie-d'en-Haut - Maison du Valier, Pla de la Lau === ; Distance : 17 km ; Duration : 8¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1700 m A strenuous stage with no food or lodging options along the way. The trail starts by crossing the Lez river, then turns sharply left and begins to climb through open terrain. After about 50 minutes, you cross a stream and ascend through forest for just over an hour. In autumn, the woods are full of blueberries—a favourite of the brown bears reintroduced here in the 1990s. At a stone shelter (1660 m; 2½ hr), the trail forks. The GR10 continues to the right, up to the Col de l'Arech (1802 m; 3 hr or more). From there, the path turns left. Optional detours: * South to Tuc de Cagonilles (2196 m; 80 minutes round trip) * From there, to the challenging Mail de Bulard (2750 m; 3 hours round trip) After a short ridge walk, descend to the shepherd's hut Cabane d'Arech (1638 m; 3½ hr). From here, follow the access track down, then branch left down a steep, gorse-covered slope. After 4 hours, you reach a stream. About 40 minutes later, the ruins of Flouquet (1680 m) come into view. Continue to Cabane de Besset (1540 m; 6 hr or more), then ascend again for 45 minutes to Cabane Clot du Lac (1821 m; 7 hr). Passing the huts Cabane du Trapech-du-Milieu (1540 m) and Cabane de l'Artigue, you arrive at Maison du Valier. The Mont Valier massif is a protected area of interest to birdwatchers. It hosts a variety of mountain bird species, including rare birds of prey, bearded vultures, and alpine species such as ptarmigans, black grouse, and capercaillie. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Maison du Valier|lat=42.83084702593266|long=1.032510054490613|url=https://maison-valier.fr/|wikidata=|content=Altitude 927 m, located on the Pla de la Lau. Open March-October. Reception hours 16:00-19:30. 40 beds.}} === Maison du Valier, Pla de la Lau - Esbintz === ; Distance : 18 km ; Duration : 7¼-9¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200-1350 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300-1490 m A demanding stage with significant elevation gain and loss. The trail climbs from Maison du Valier, following the high northern slopes along the ridges of Cap de Lauses (1892 m), Pic de Crabère (1925 m), and the Col d'Auédole (1730 m). After more than 7 hours, you arrive at {{Marker|type=city|lat=42.85332|long=1.14584|name=Esbintz}}. === Esbintz - Refuge d'Aula === ; Distance : 19 km ; Duration : 6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 500 m This and the following stage offer spectacular scenery in good weather. From Esbintz, follow the D817 for the first 2 km to Borde de Galy. From here, you could take a detour to Seix (4 km) by continuing on the D817, then the D37, and turning right onto the D3, where you'll rejoin the GR10 near the Pont du Salat. Continue mostly downhill through the countryside, crossing the Pont du Salat to reach Moulin Lauga (550 m; 2 hr), which has a bakery and picnic area. Alternatively, you can rest 1½ h later at the Auberge des Deux Rivières. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Esbintz|url=https://www.gite-ferme-esbintz.fr/|lat=42.85315143224526|long=1.1459188949749635|content=850 m. Dormitory with 10 beds. Open May-November.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge des Deux Rivières|phone=+33 5 61 66 83 57|url=https://www.aubergedesdeuxrivieres.com/|lat=42.83210657498069|long=1.1982318103146805|content=Open late May to late September}} === Refuge d'Aula - Rouze === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 4½-5 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 700 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m Fit hikers can combine this stage with the previous one from Gîte d'étape d'Aunac (787 m), resulting in a 30 km day with 11¼ hf walking time (↥ 1750, ↧ 1580 m). From Refuge d'Aula, it's a steep but manageable 1½ hr ascent to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Bouche d'Aula|lat=42.77695825493033|long=1.1180083284724134}} (1998 m), then a descent to the Étang d'Areau, 100 m lower. Optional: The Pic des Aymesses (2036 m) can be climbed from the east side of the lake. A farm road leads down to Faup, with shortcuts along the switchbacks, for instance near the Cabane d'Areau. Slightly below the Col de Pause (1527 m; 2¼ hr), there is a parking area. The {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Camp site Rigaux Philippe|lat=42.78997920829053|long=1.178432115744275}} lies just below the hamlet of Faup. From Faup, descend along the D708 toward {{Marker|name=Couflens|wikidata=Q1142090|type=city}}, but before reaching the D3 junction, cross the bridge and climb on the opposite slope to Gîte de Rouze d'Ustou. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte de Rouze d'Ustou|lat=42.789696616|long=1.20592416901|address=Prat de la Moule, Rouze d'Ustou, 09140 Couflens|phone=+33561669545|url=https://www.ferme-de-rouze.fr/|content=16 beds. Cheese from the farm. Open mid-June to mid-September.}} === Rouze - Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou === ; Distance : 8.4 km ; Duration : 3-4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m Follow the stream uphill for about 1¾ hr to reach the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Serre du Cot}} (1546 m). Optional side trips: * To the south, ascend the Pic de la Tese (2255 m; ↥↧ 3 hr or more). * To the north, climb the Tuc de Peyre Mensongère (1711 m; ↥↧ 40 min). From the pass, descend left onto a forest path, passing a few ruined farmhouses. The route eventually reaches the D38 road and leads into {{Marker|type=city|name=Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou|wikidata=Q109571916}}. === Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou - Aulus-les-Bains === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9 hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400 m The hike begins at the southern end of Saint-Lizier. After crossing the pedestrian bridge, the trail climbs southeast to the Col de Fitté (1387 m), a former ski area. From there, it continues along the right side of the slope. One alternative route begins at {{listing|type=city|name=Bidous|lat=42.78257178128407|long=1.2700395937419484}}, following the Alet river south and then climbing steeply for over 2 hours to reach the Col de Fitté, where it rejoins the GR 10. The trail curves around the southwest side of the Picou de la Mire (1741 m) and reaches the Col d'Escots (1618 m) after 3¾ hr. The nearby Chalet de Beauregard restaurant is open from late May to September, 10:00-23:00. Afterwards, the path continues up and down along steep slopes until it reaches the Ruisseau de Fouillet valley (4½ hr). The Jasse du Fouillet crossing (1170 m) is reached after at least 5 h. For a shorter option, follow the yellow-red waymarks of the Tour du Val du Garbet. This leads to the D8F road and directly into Aulus-les-Bains (7 hr from Saint-Lizier). The main route continues toward the plateau of Souliou and the Pic du Mont Rouge (1600 m). A side trip to Étang de Guzet offers a possible bivouac site. The trail then descends toward the Ruisseau d'Ars (1485 m), crosses a bridge, and continues downward. After a second bridge (8½ hr), the path becomes easier. A final bridge, Pont de la Mouline, crosses the Garbet River just before the trail enters {{Marker|type=city|name=Aulus-les-Bains|wikidata=Q1082493|url=https://www.loubet.fr/saint-lizier.html}}, a small spa town with a mini market at the traffic circle near the bridge and a tourist office next door. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte Pyrénées AAA|lat=42.779696032|long=1.2690230044|url=https://giteslareng.net/|address=Lareng, 09140 Ustou|phone=+33967838934|content=14 places in upscale cottages for 2-4 people.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Cascade d'Ars|lat=42.762922493744796|long=1.3615038669340882|content=260 m high waterfalls in multiple tiers, located 4½ km from Aulus. Takes 3-9 hr round-trip to hike to them (↥ 530 m).}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping municipal le Coulédous|lat= 42.7940356892|long=1.3321660893|url=http://www.camping-aulus-couledous.com/|content=Also offers bungalows for 4-7 people. The gîte d'étape is a 12-person tent.}} === Aulus-les-Bains - Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès === ; Distance : 11 km ; Duration : 5 hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m The route climbs out of Aulus-les-Bains to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Port de Saleix|lat=42.78143117676052|long=1.4043285766664242}}, where you'll find the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Refuge de Carol|lat=42.7813|long=1.4146}}. From here, the ascent becomes steeper. The following section to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Port de Bassiès|lat=42.772502271037204|long=1.411691910311851}} is demanding but scenically rewarding. This area lies within the Mont-Calme nature reserve, where camping is prohibited. === Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès - Marc === ; Distance : variable ; Duration : 3½-5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1385 ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1385 This stage and the following one include several alternative routes and shortcuts that can be combined. From the refuge, the GR-10 leads southeast along a slightly rocky trail for just over three kilometers, following the chain of lakes. At the outflow of the last lake, the Étang d'Escalès, the GR-10 bends to the right. Along the stream, there's an opportunity to descend toward the main road and the village of Auzat. Another descent option to the road appears about 2 km further along the GR-10. The main trail makes a sharp turn southward. From the aqueduct (1160 m; 2¼ h4), the route maintains an elevation just below 1200 m for around 4 km, before descending the final 1½ km into the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Marc|lat=42.71687694132801|long=1.449593121067756}}, cutting across the switchbacks of the road. The Gîte Retrouvance de Mouret (12 places) is available for group bookings only. From {{listing|type=city|name=Auzat|wikidata=Q1082539}}, one can rejoin the GR-10 by heading 4 km south to Artiès and climbing back up. This avoids a significant part of the next stage. Alternatively, walking 6 km to Marc allows one to resume the full stage. To skip this stage, it is possible to go from Auzat directly to Goulier via two routes: one through Olbier (4.4 km), the other 6.1 km. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès|url=https://refugedebassies.fr/|content=1933 m. Open late May to September.|lat=42.76509|long=1.413221}} === Marc - Goulier === ; Distance : 24.3 km ; Duration : 6-9 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m From Marc, follow the path to Mounicou. A shelter is located a short way beyond, along the D8. This is where the ascent begins. After a few hundred meters, you can turn right at the {{Marker|type=go |name=Turn right|lat=42.71|long=1.4575}} marker and stay on the west side of Les Caldelets. From the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Orri de Tignalbu|lat=42.69417|long=1.46296}}, which has a water source, the path becomes very poor. The main GR-10 trail continues uphill to the Refuge de Prunadière (1615 m, 2 hr). Be sure to refill your water here. From there, it leads to a junction above the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Artiès|lat=42.7362|long=1.4793}} shelter (985 m, 3¼ hr). The path ascends steadily, passing the ruins of Pradières-d'en-bas, and arrives at Étang d'Izurt. A cable car runs to the lake. After a short climb, it's around 14 km downhill to {{Marker|type=city |name=Goulier|wikidata=Q1015676}} (moh 370 m), which is part of the Val-de-Sos commune. You can shorten the main trail from Prunadière by climbing steeply left past the buildings, gaining 450 m of elevation. About 2 hr later, you'll rejoin the GR-10 at Coumasses-Grandes. This shortcut saves roughly 8 km and bypasses Étang d'Izurt. === Goulier - Siguer === ; Distance : 13 km ; Duration : 3¼-4¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 416 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 830 m From Goulier, the trail ascends toward the Col de Risoul, then the Col de Esquérus, and continues to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de Grail|lat=42.75360457229|long=1.5321300362453}}. Near this pass is a shelter, an information board, and a water source located 250 m off the path. The route then climbs to the highest point of the day at the Col de Lercoul (1549 m). From here, the trail descends through the hamlet of Lercoul. A footpath south of the winding road leads downhill to the village of {{Marker|name=Siguer|wikidata=Q1375974|type=city}}, home to Café Rouse and several accommodations. === Siguer - Plateau de Beille === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 2400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m This demanding stage involves three steep descents and offers no accommodation along the route, only five basic shelters. From Siguer, the trail climbs steeply to Gestiès (40 min), where you should fill up on water. The path crosses the road three times on the way up. After a long ascent, you reach the Pla de Montcamp (1904 m; 3¾ hr). Past the Col du Sasc (1798 m), the trail traverses the flank of the Pic du Col Taillat. Water is again available at the Cabane de Courtal Marti, though trail markings on this high section can be vague. The trail descends to the Cabane de Balledreyt (1600 m; 2 sleeping places), reached after another 20 minutes. After about 7½ hours, the trail descends to the D520A road at 1040 m elevation. A detour to the villages of Aston (14 km, with a campground) or Les Cabannes (15.8 km, with a year-round gîte d'étape) is possible around the 4¼-hour mark. Les Cabannes has a train connection to Mérens-les-Vals or Foix. After crossing the bridge, the GR-10 climbs again via a forest trail. A water source is marked and located about two minutes off the trail, just past a large boulder reached after 9+ hours. The trail continues across a ridge to the Cabane d'Artaran (1695 m). Shortly afterward, you reach the ski area at the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Plateau de Beille|lat=42.72473998587668|long=1.6911435704342077}}, where the Cabane Beille is located. This area is accessible via the D522 road loop and popular with day hikers. === Plateau de Beille - Refuge du Rulhe === ; Distance : 14 km ; Duration : 4¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m It's recommended to start this exposed stage early in the day to avoid afternoon summer thunderstorms. The trail remains around or above 2000 m throughout. The highest point is the summit of the {{Marker|type=see |name=Crête des Isards|lat=42.65012142232325|long=1.7389568668472413}} at 2381 m. The Refuge du Rulhe lies at the junction of several long-distance trails, including the Tour de Pays des Montagnes d'Ax from Ax-les-Thermes, the GR Transfrontalier from Andorra, and two routes from the Vallée d'Aston. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Rulhe|url=https://rulhe.com/|lat=42.6379904848182|long=1.725866639541228|content=53 places. Open late May to September. €16 per night, half board €45. Tel: +33 6 74 24 50 71}} === Refuge du Rulhe - Mérens-les-Vals === ; Distance : 12 km ; Duration : 4½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 360 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1500-1600 m '''Water is scarce at high elevation.''' From the refuge, the trail ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de Calmettes|lat=42.636915754134|long=1.7404819725150908}} (2318 m), mostly over scree. Cairns also serve as markers. The path descends to Étang Bleu, where it skirts the left side of the lake and climbs again to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Crête de la Lhasse|lat=42.6398816194571|long=1.768563885207408}} (2439 m). Afterward, it continues over scree for nearly 800 m of descent to the pond called l'Estangol, with a shelter above. {{Marker|name=Mérens-les-Vals|wikidata=Q662289|type=city}} is reached after the final descent. The ruins of the old Saint-Pierre church date back to the Napoleonic Wars. The village festival takes place on July 20. The village has a train stop on the Foix - Puigcerdà line. Located on the N-20. The natural hot springs are about 45 minutes away, although they were affected by rockfall in 2022. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge du Nabre|lat=42.65611004694209|long=1.8429807373614195|address=le village d'en haut, 09110 Mérens-les-Vals|phone=+33 5 61 01 89 36|url=https://www.aubergedunabre.com/|content=Guesthouse in the upper village.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping de Mérens|lat=42.64646601527881|long=1.8310245105731093|address=600 Ville de Bau, 09110 Mérens-les-Vals|phone=+33 5 61 02 85 40|url=http://www.camping.merenslesvals.fr/de/haus/|content=Open all year, 1.3 km south of the village.}} === Mérens-les-Vals - Refuge des Bésines === ; Distance : 10 km ; Duration : 4½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 260 m This demanding stage continues through high alpine terrain, with lots of rock and scree. From Mérens, the trail leads past Le Nabre to the hot springs. Afterward, the path climbs for nearly 3 hours. First, it reaches the Estangs (2056 m), then continues to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Porteille de Bésines|lat=42.6154502407948|long=1.872190036139089}} (2333 m). From this pass, the route is clearly signposted. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bésines|wikidata=Q11945073|url=https://refugebesines.ffcam.fr/|content=2104 m. 70 beds. Open June-September. Phone: +33 5 61 05 11 77.}} === Refuge des Bésines - Refuge des Bouillouses === ; Distance : 16.7 km ; Duration : 5½-6 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 660 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 760 m This high-level stage crosses several mountain passes and offers excellent panoramic views. The route first ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Coll de Coma d'Anyell|lat=42.60880012907595|long=1.8962468691063044}}, from where it is possible to climb Pic des Bésineilles (2632 m) in about ¾ hr round trip. The path then continues through the Lansolet basin (2234 m), past the Cabane de Rozet, and climbs again to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Portella de la Grava|lat=42.59935934341172|long=1.934453711010157}}. From there, it's a gentle 3-hour descent to the lakeside refuge at Bouillouses. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bésines|lat=42.6039|long=1.86853|content=56 dormitory beds, with 16 emergency shelter spots outside the season. Open June-September.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bouillouses|lat=42.559475002653095|long=2.00351938309043|url=https://www.lesbouillouses.com/|content=2003 m. 46 beds. Open June-September. Phone: +33 4 68 04 93 88.}} === Refuge des Bouillouses - Planès === ; Distance : 19 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 230 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m The descent is easy but not always well marked. After about 2¾ hours (1740 m), the GR-10 reaches the D618. About 700 m further, a right turn leads to Superbolquère, where food and lodging are available, including a supermarket and a gîte with 28 beds. The GR-10 continues downhill to the quiet D10C near {{Marker|name=Bolquère|wikidata=Q1101891|type=city}} (1628 m, 2¾ hr), where there is a public drinking fountain and an information board. The nearby Gare de Bolquère-Eyne (1593 m) is the highest railway stop in France, on the scenic “train jaune” line. Passing through the villages of La Perche and La Cabanasse (3½ hr), the route ends at the small village of {{Marker|name=Planès|wikidata=Q524705|type=city}}. No shops in the village. The nearby Pont Gisclard, opened in 1909, is a cable-stayed bridge on the Ligne de Cerdagne crossing the Têt river. The village is a stop on the “train jaune” railway. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=L'Orri de Planès|lat=42.490995503|long=2.1382908362|address=Casas del Mitg, 66210 Planès|phone=+33 4 68 04 29 47|content=Gîte with 16 dormitory beds and private rooms.}} === Planès - Refuge du Ras de la Carança === ; Distance : 15.3 km ; Duration : 5¾-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1170 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 870 m There are no supply options along this stage. The trail begins with a gentle ascent through pine forest into the high Riberola valley. It is advisable to refill your water at the Refuge de l'Orri. Above the Cabane d'Aixques, the route becomes steep as it climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col Mitja|wikidata=Q28381301}} (2376 m). From the pass, it is possible to summit Pic de Gallinas (2624 m, ↥↧ 90 min) or Pic Redoun (2677 m, ↥↧ 1 hr). The final 1½ hours involve a descent of about 500 m to the refuge. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Ras de la Carança|wikidata=Q28380908|address=142 rue de, 66360 Fontpédrouse|phone=+33 9 88 66 73 81|url=https://www.refugelacaranca.com/|content=1840 m. Open mid-May to mid-September. 13 emergency places available off-season. Connections to other trails: 7.7 km to Prats Balaguer, 8.5 km to Ull de Ter, 13.7 km to Carança, 10 km to Thuès-les-Bains via the gorge, and 12 km to Núria.}} === Refuge du Ras de la Carança - Mantet === ; Distance : 10 km ; Duration : 4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 640 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 940 m This stage is challenging and poorly marked at higher elevations. From the refuge, follow the stream uphill for 100 m to a wooden bridge. Continue on a scree path along the left side of the valley. After passing through a gate, you reach an alpine pasture and the {{marker|type=go|name=Coll del Pal|lat=42.465650773936|long=2.258498904704664}} (2294 m). This area is a nature reserve where wild camping is forbidden. From the pass, there is an optional ascent to Pic de Serre Gallinère (2663 m; 1 hr round trip), and possibly further on to the Serre de Caret (2300 m). From the pass, descend to the {{marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Alemany|wikidata=Q120254507}} (1962 m; 8 places), located 200 m off the trail. The main path continues left, crossing first a wooden, then a concrete bridge, followed by a narrow unpaved road that ascends to the village of {{listing|type=city|name=Mantet|wikidata=Q1369164}} (1550 m). Population: 31. Most of the southern part of the commune is the protected area [https://rnn-mantet.fr/ Reserva natural de Mentet], where camping is forbidden. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=La Cavale|address=Los Miquelets, 66360 Mantet|phone=+33 4 68 05 57 59|url=http://la-cavale.fr/|lat=42.477231944228336|long=2.3092556382036555|content=Private rooms and dorms for 3-5 people.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte à la ferme Cazenove|url=http://www.gitecazenovemantet.fr/|lat=42.47702171854456|long=2.306028129535968|content=Farm gîte. Open May to September.}} === Mantet - Refuge de Mariailles === ; Distance : 14.8 km ; Duration : 5 hr 5 min ; Elevation gain : ↥ 936 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 834 m Midway along this stage is the village of {{Marker|name=Py|wikidata=Q178846|type=city}} (1023 m), which has an auberge and a gîte. From Py, follow the D6 briefly before heading northeast to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Jou|wikidata=Q47335849|lat=|long=}} (1125 m). The path turns southeast and ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Cavall Mort|wikidata=Q47335871|lat=|long=}} (1454 m), then continues upward to the Refuge de Mariailles. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge de Mariailles|alt=Refugi de Marelles|url=https://refugedemariailles.fr/|lat=42.5017361908777|long=2.4077634391340514|content=1692 m. Open from late May; shelter room available year-round.}} === Refuge de Mariailles - Refuge des Cortalets === ; Distance : 16.3 km ; Duration : 6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1030 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m This is a challenging high-mountain route around the Canigou Massif. There are no supply points along the way, and surefootedness is required. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Cortalets|url=https://refugedescortalets.ffcam.fr/|lat=42.53436454795011|long=2.465036067970792|content=2100 m. 105 places, plus 19 emergency shelter places available outside the season.}} * {{listing|type=go |name=Loop trail to the summit of Pic du Canigou|alt=Canigó|url=https://www.visit-occitanie.com/de/entdecken/top-sehenswuerdigkeiten/massif-du-canigou-katalonien/|lat=42.53692009465181|long=2.4666389025393545|content=This difficult 9.3 km loop (4½ h; ↥ 700+ m) begins 200 m beyond the refuge.}} === Refuge des Cortalets - Gîte-refuge de Batère === ; Distance : 16.8 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 270 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 920 m This stage is also part of the HRP. From the refuge to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Ras del Prat Cabrera|wikidata=Q47170860|lat=|long=}} (1739 m; 4 km), you can choose between a high-level route following the “Tour du Canigou” and a less steep path along the mountainside. From the pass to the Refuge de l'Estanyol (2¾ hr or more) the trail descends gradually, then more steeply. It climbs again briefly to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Cirère|wikidata=Q134299355|lat=|long=}} (1731 m; 4-4¾ hr). From here, you can optionally ascend the Puig Saint-Pierre (1791 m; ↥ 15 min, ↧ 15 min). Descending from the col, you pass abandoned stone quarries and mines (the Mines de la Pinosa are ruins of a former settlement), and reach your destination. Nearby you can explore the 5-day “Tour du Canigou” circuit or visit the historic abbeys of Saint-Martin du Canigou and Saint-Michel-de-Cuxa. * {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Estanyol|wikidata=Q120262655|lat=|long=}} === Gîte-refuge de Batère - Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette === ; Distance : 19.2 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 745 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m Along this long and steady descent, you pass several dolmens. Their significance may be best appreciated by specialists in archaeology. The destination is the Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette, an old mill located in the Ribera Valley. More accommodation and services are available in {{Marker|name=Arles-sur-Tech|wikidata=Q7897|type=city}}, which is connected by bus. At the southern edge of the town, you'll find Camping Riuferrer. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte-refuge de Batère|url=https://www.refugedebatere.fr/|lat=42.50176051942559|long=2.5484428644953847|address=Mines de Batère, 66150 Corsavy|phone=+33 4 68 39 12 01|content=17 dormitory beds, 20 in private rooms. Access via a 20.3-km road from Arles-sur-Tech.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette|wikidata=Q120266421|url=http://gr10-par-etapes.eklablog.com/hebergement-du-moulin-de-la-palette-a126161238|content=Simple eco-gîte in a renovated mill, located in the Ribera valley.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Riuferrer|lat=42.4551506239|long=2.6291899540|url=https://campingriuferrer.com/}} === Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette - Las Illas === ; Distance : 22 km ; Duration : 7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m From the gîte, follow the D536 for 1 km, then turn right uphill toward Montalba (543 m; 1 hr). At the cross, turn sharply right to continue climbing. You reach the ruins of the Mouli Serradou (833 m; 2½ hr). The highest point is the Coll de Sant Martí (1426 m; 4 hr or more). The trail continues through forest along the slope, passing by the Roc de France (also known as Roc de Frausa). {{Marker|name=Las Illas|wikidata=Q16508596|type=city}} has a water point and picnic area in the park. Accommodation is available in a gîte at the town hall and at the Hostal de Trabucayeres. === Las Illas - Col de l'Ouillat === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 6-7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 930 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 540 m The route has been altered several times due to terrain difficulties, so follow the current waymarking. The middle part of the trail runs along the border, just below the ridge. The dominant tree species in this area is the striking Corsican pine (Pinus nigra var. corsicana). A detour to the fortified town of Le Perthus and the Fort de Bellegarde (open May-Sep, 10:30-18:00) offers a cultural break. Note that all shops are on the Spanish side of the border. After about 3 hours, there is an optional detour to the Roman fort Panissas, built on the Via Domitia. Turn off 5 minutes after border marker 565 (2½ hr). The stage ends at {{marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de l'Ouillat|wikidata=Q11914547}} (938 m). === Col de l'Ouillat - Banyuls-sur-Mer === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 7-8¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 680 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1610 m The route stays high near the border ridge. It takes about 1 hour to reach the Pic Néulos. Water is available at the Refuge de la Tagnarède after 1½ hours. From there, the trail leads over several passes: Coll del Faig (985 m), Col de l'Orry, and Col de l'Estaque (1025 m; 2¾ hr). The Pic des Quatre-Termes (1156 m) and Pic de la Cabassère are bypassed to the north. After 4 hours, you reach the Coll del Pal (899 m). From there, continue right toward the Col des Gascons (6¼ hr or more). The final descent to the Col de Llagastèra (285 m) passes partly through vineyards towards {{Marker|name=Banyuls-sur-Mer|wikidata=Q6753|type=city}}. == Go next == * [[Pyrenean High Route]]: Crosses the Pyrenees along the mountain crests, staying higher than both the GR 10 and GR 11. * [[GR 11]] This footpath stays on the Spanish side of the Pyrenees. {{outlineitinerary}} {{Related|France}} {{Related|Pyrenees}} {{PartOfItinerary|Europe itineraries}} i9bkokoo487i20lfrmwyueshmi81zvi 5086652 5086650 2025-07-02T14:35:50Z Bluecoordinationfine 2327039 Moved over some more listings. 5086652 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|GR 10 WV banner.jpg|caption=View from GR 10, near Souriche, looking towards the Tourmalet, valley of Barèges, France}} The '''GR 10''' is one of the paths and trails of the extensive [[Grande Randonnée]] (or GR) network. It crosses [[France]], from the Mediterranean coast to the Atlantic coast, and runs almost entirely through the [[Pyrenees]]. While the trail is in France, much of it is near, or even on, the border with [[Spain]]. The trail can be walked in either direction, though some suggest that the west-east route is easier in the beginning, as it is both cooler and less steep that the corresponding start heading west; this may be an advantage to those not fully in shape. == Understand == [[File:Lac d'Oo (22).jpg|thumb|Lac d'Oo]] Moving from east to west, the trail begins at the Mediterranean, in the small town of [[Banyuls sur Mer]], and finishes at [[Hendaye]] on the Atlantic Ocean. Hikers will usually be able to make it to a [[France#Guesthouses and holiday rentals|gîte]] or small town every other night, and quite frequently every night. Expected time to complete the trail is around 6-7 weeks, though the majority of people only hike sections of it. == Prepare == The trail is fairly well marked with painted marks on rocks, trees, telephone poles, and even houses, walls, and street signs. If you don't see a mark for 100 Meters, you have probably taken a wrong turn, and should head back to the nearest marker. It is not realistic to navigate using the markers alone. A trail guide, at minimum, or a topologic map is required. Sunburn is a particular problem, and clothing such as long sleeved shirts and long pants should be worn as they protect from the sun, scratching branches and insects. Sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat are highly desirable. For those heading west from Banyuls sur Mer, the hike to the first gîte is particularly long compared to the following days, and should be started very early. === Equipment === One of the advantages of the GR 10 is that it can be hiked with minimal gear, as one can eat dinner and breakfast almost every day at the gîtes. Additionally the hiker can sleep outdoors on clear nights and pay for a bed in a gîte in inclement weather. On nights that only shelters (which usually have no food or staff) are available, pre-purchased food can be eaten. If one plans to eat at gîtes and buy food from supermarkets that can be eaten without cooking, the absolute minimal gear in the summer months is: * Sleeping bag or sleep sheet, and a mat for comfort. * Goretex jacket and fleece or similar for cold or wet weather * Long-sleeved shirt and pants * Short-sleeved shirt and shorts (including shorts you can wear for swimming) * Sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat * Adequate footwear. Anything less than hiking boots may prove insufficient. * Bottles for at least two litres of water, and a purification method for treating water from streams. * Toiletries and a [[Travel health kit|medical kit]] Additionally, consider a rain jacket or fleece top for wet or cold weather. If you plan to forgo the comforts and delicious food of the gites and hotels, also bring: * Tent * Cooking gear and food A note on footwear: some four fifths of the hikers wear full hiking boots and thick socks. While running sneakers may suffice (and Choco-style sandals may work for a few days), your risk of injury is higher, and much of the trail involves hopping around on possibly wet and sharp rocks. Choose conservatively, depending on the length of your hike and your experience. ==Get in== == Walk == {{Mapframe|lat=42.68287|long=0.56837|width=full|height=360|zoom=7}} {{mapshape|type=geoline|stroke=#000000|stroke-width=3}} === Hendaye-Plage - Olhette === ; Distance : 21.9 km ; Duration : 6-7¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1010 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 950 m Intermarché sells gas cartridges. Near the western trailhead a {{marker|type=buy|name=Decathlon|lat=43.36843635018845|long=-1.7798332063655435}} store geared towards watersports is available for last minute purchases, such as gas cannisters. The hike starts from the 3 km long {{marker|type=see|name=Hendaye Beach|wikidata=Q20947149}}. This is below the old casino, now known as Résidence Croisière. Nearby is the Tourist Office. Buses run from the main train station, or you can walk from {{marker|type=go|name=Gare Deux Jumeaux|wikidata=Q2802667}}. Leaving town, the route goes around the football stadium and climbs via Rue Errondenia and Rue de Pausoa. After about 3 hr you reach the summit of {{marker|type=see|name=Xoldokogaina|wikidata=Q20492776}}. The high point is at Mandale (530 m) on the Spanish border. From here, the path descends to the Col d'Ibardin (4¼ hr), a popular spot for French shoppers due to cheap alcohol and tobacco. The trail continues via Col des Poiriers and Col des Joncs before reaching Olhette. * {{listing|type=city|name=Olhette|lat=43.3360119885|long=-1.6661235970|content=65 m. No bus service; the nearest is in Ascain, 4 km away. Two gîtes: [https://www.chambre-d-hote-cote-basque-manttu.fr/ Manttu-Baïta] at the southern end of the village and Trapero Baïta (Tel. +33 5 59 54 42 59) in the center.}} * {{listing|type=city|name=Biriatou|wikidata=Q196871|content=A scenic Basque village 10 minutes from the main trail. Public toilets near the church.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Redoute de la Baïonette|lat=43.309257665|long=-1.70329930013|content=Historic fortification near Mandale, located by modern border marker 9. Offers wide views.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Basque Tourist Office|address=20 Boulevard Victor Hugo, 64500 Saint-Jean-de-Luz|lat=43.387765760|long=-1.66038856746|url=https://www.en-pays-basque.fr/en/|content=Tourist info for the wider Basque region.}} === Olhette - Ainhoa === ; Distance : 21.1 km ; Duration : 6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 730 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 640 m The steepest climb comes right at the beginning. For most of the route, you'll be on forest trails and, after Sare, quiet paved country roads. The trail initially ascends on a good path over the Col des Trois Fontaines (1½ hr; a shelter is located 300 m away), then descends to the Col de St-Ignace, where the valley station of the cog railway to La Rhune is found. It continues to {{Marker|type=city|name=Sare|wikidata=Q274155}} (2¾ hr), a local transport hub and one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. There's an outdoor swimming pool. The stage ends in {{Marker|type=city|name=Ainhoa|wikidata=Q212962|url=https://www.en-pays-basque.fr/territoires-et-destinations/vallee-de-la-nivelle/ainhoa/}}. Also one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. The tourist information office (open 09:00-12:30, 14:00-17:30; closed weekends and holidays) is located at the side of the town hall. Local grocery stores are a bit pricey due to the village's popularity. From Col des Trois Fontaines you can ascend La Rhune (905 m) either by cog railway (35 min) or on foot (3 km, 1¼ h; ↥↧ 300 m). The prehistoric {{Marker|type=see|name=Grottes de Sare|url=https://www.grottesdesare.fr/en/index_en.php|wikidata=Q3117280}} can be visited with prior reservation through the local municipality or online. Closed annually for a month after Epiphany. This stage is part of the [[European long-distance path E9|European long-distance trail E9]]. * {{listing|counter=1|type=sleep|lat=43.30238052|long=-1.5874539771|name=Camping la Petite Rhune|phone=+33 6 15 29 36 38|url=https://www.lapetiterhune.com/en/|content=Includes a gîte d'étape. Reception hours: 08:30-12:30, 15:00-20:00; winter weekdays 09:00-12:00, 14:00-17:00.}} === Ainhoa - Bidarray === ; Distance : 21.7 km ; Duration : 8½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 880 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 850 m This is a difficult stage — exposed to the sun at first, and especially challenging due to the steep rocky descent near the end. At the old cemetery (389 m; 40 min) beside the {{Marker|type=see|name=Chapelle Notre Dame de l'Aubépine|wikidata=Q12253854}}, a dramatic crucifixion scene of the Jewish itinerant preacher Jesus of Nazareth and two other criminals has been recreated. Traditional Basque hilarri gravestones are found here. The path then continues over the Col des Trois-Croix (510 m; 1 hr 20 min). A good place to rest is at Ferme Esteben (2 hr 50 min, 580 m), a gîte d'étape with a bar-restaurant. The trail continues near the border, past Boundary Stone 77, partly on paved road. At Col des Veaux (550 m), you can take a 300-m detour into Spain to visit a venta (a small inn or shop). From here, the trail climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Méhatche|lat=43.272782275749094|long=-1.4166930371188398}} (716 m; 3¾ hr). The descent past Boundary Stones 82 and 83 is secured with cables. From Col de Méhatche, you can ascend Artzamendi (926 m), easily identified by its radar dome at the summit. The nearby {{Marker|type=see|name=Grotte le Saint-que-Sue|alt=Harpeko Saindua|lat=43.26526266671622|long=-1.3890420732224757}} can also be visited. Just before reaching {{Marker|type=city|name=Bidarray|wikidata=Q746221}}, a bypass trail offers a shortcut to the next stage. For peak baggers, this route also gives access to several summits: Errebi (between the chapel and Col des Trois-Croix), Atxulegi (a 15-min detour on the way to Col des Trois-Croix), and, in good weather, Mont Bizkayluze (701 m) and Gorospil (691 m). The village is split into two parts, 600 m apart. The GR-10 passes through the upper section (where accommodation is located), while the train station lies in the lower part. The stone “Noblia” bridge, in its current form, dates to the 17th century. Parts of the Church of the Assumption are Romanesque. Traditional hilarri gravestones can be found in the old cemetery, and the Ferme Gastetto is a protected farmhouse in classic Lower Navarrese style. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Aire Zabal|lat=43.2665469128|long=-1.34721660011|url=https://giteairezabal.fr/|content=Stage accommodation in the upper part of the village.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Amestoya|lat=43.284582665|long=-1.35372693663|url=https://camping-bidarray.fr/english/|content=Campsite along the D908, 2 km north of the upper village.}} === Bidarray - Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry === ; Distance : 18.5 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1250 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1250 m This southward stage is demanding, especially due to the complete lack of water sources along the ascent. After passing the Iparla Ridge (950 m), the trail reaches an altitude of over 1000 m for the first time on the way to the summit. It then continues along the ridge to the Pic de Tutulia before descending to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Harrieta|lat=43.21079140547837|long=-1.384120195860639}} (3¾ hr, 808 m). From the Col d'Harrieta, a side trail descends to Urdos (1¾ hr), from where it's possible to follow the road into Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry. The main trail continues across the Buztanzelhay summit (4¾ hr, 1029 m), then down to the col of the same name (843 m). Here, the GR-10 turns left and descends steeply. The path crosses the D949 road several times — this road leads from the village to the ventas on the Spanish border at the Col d'Ispéguy. You can also reach this col via the ridge, 1½ km from Col Buztanzelhay. If you want to skip entering {{Marker|type=city|name=Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry|wikidata=Q279252}} (162 moh), you can join the next stage earlier at the Nive des Aldudes (6½ h, 162 m). There's a picnic area in the park and a supermarket that stocks gas cartridges. Locals play Rebot, a type of pelota, on two courts. The Château d'Etxauz is not open to the public. On the last Sunday in April, the village hosts a traditional folklore festival known as Nafarroaren Eguna. The Nive des Aldudes valley occasionally experiences flooding and mudslides. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Municipal Irouleguy|address=Borciriette, 64430 Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry|phone=+33 5 59 37 43 96|url=https://animazioa5.wixsite.com/camping-de-baigorri|lat=43.183694680698636|long=-1.3357619163002807|content=Municipal campsite near the village.}} === Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry - Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port === ; Distance : 19.2 km ; Duration : 5-7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 990 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 980 m This stage runs mostly on gravel paths and farm tracks. About an hour in, there's an optional detour at Col d'Aharza for a 35-minute climb to Oylarandoy, where a hermitage built in 1706 stands. The GR-10 heads south to the Col d'Aharza (734 m; 2 hr), where there's a water source, then turns east and circles around the {{Marker|type=see|name=Munhoa|wikidata=Q3327853}} (1023 m; 3½ hr). The climb is fully exposed to the sun. The descent begins on the right-hand side. For campers, there are two sites before {{Marker|name=Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port|wikidata=Q270294|type=city}}: [http://www.camping-delatruite.com/ Camping de La Truite] (March 1 - Dec 15), and closer to town, [http://www.camping-narbaitz.com/ Camping Narbaitz] (mid-March - mid-September; tent spaces from June 20). Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port lies at 170 m and is where three of the four French pilgrimage routes converge before entering Spain. From here, it's possible to continue directly onto the Camino de Santiago (via Roncesvalles). === Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port - Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta === ; Distance : 16.2 km ; Duration : 5-5½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 870 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 420 m There are no supply points or public transport on this stage, but the walking is relatively easy. In the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Çaro|wikidata=Q842635}} (242 m), there is a public fountain next to the town hall. If you choose to end the day early after 3¾ hr in {{Marker|type=city|name=Estérençuby|wikidata=Q842724}} (231 m; two accommodation options), be aware that this adds an extra 400 m of ascent to the next day's stage. === Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta - Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty === ; Distance : 20.7 km ; Duration : 6¾-8 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1410 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m This stage is simple but offers little shade. The trail first climbs toward the Col on Ithurramburu (820 m), then continues ascending to just below the {{Marker|type=see|name=Occabe|alt=Okabe|wikidata=Q17417892}} (1456 m). On the Occabe plateau, 26 Neolithic stone circles — called Harrespil in Basque — have been found. These are believed to have been used for cremation rites. A good rest stop is the upscale {{Marker|type=eat|name=Restaurant Chalet Pedro|url=https://www.chaletpedro.com/|lat=43.03687624625582|long=-1.0746838225620772}} (4¾ hr). The associated lodge offers 10 beds. Across the stream at Le Kayolar, similar accommodation is available. From here, the trail turns sharply right after 100 m and continues uphill for 6-7 km (300 m ascent) to the stage destination. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta|url=http://kaskoleta.free.fr/|lat=43.092036845886255|long=-1.1646582066722122|content=Altitude 615 m. Offers 13 beds in 3 rooms plus a holiday apartment for 4. A scenic viewpoint with an information panel is 5 minutes away.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty|address=D19, 64560 Larrau|phone=+33 5 59 28 51 29|url=https://chalets-iraty.com/|lat=43.03659578299579|long=-1.0348125824515537|content=Key pickup and payment are handled at Col Héguichouria, 1 km before the site. There is a restaurant and bird observation post 500 m further on.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=L'aire Naturelle de Camping|lat=43.037460332099656|long=-1.0494175120345806|content=Natural campground with 50 pitches, located 3 km before the Chalets by the stream. Open June-October. Fresh bread available by reservation from 08:30.}} === Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty - Logibar === ; Distance : 16.4 km ; Duration : 5-6 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 440 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1380 m In bad weather, the route along the west side of the {{Marker|type=see|name=Pic des Escaliers|wikidata=Q31645205}} (1423 m) is not recommended. There are two alternative routes, but both are poorly marked. At the Ugatzé Ridge, the trail skirts the peak rather than summiting it. To avoid the steep descent from Pic des Escaliers, stay on the road for about 600 m after the start, then turn off after 2½ km to reach Col Ugatzé. A short side trip allows you to summit Arthanolatzégagnia (an additional 35 min ascent and descent). Trail markings are sparse for several hours. After some time following mule tracks, you'll reach a road crossing at Beloscare (1173 m; 3 hr). Logibar marks the end of the stage, but you can also continue 2 km further to {{Marker|type=city|name=Larrau|wikidata=Q608335}}, which offers three accommodation options and a campground. In bad weather, an easier alternative is to follow the paved road from Iraty directly to Larrau for a gentler descent. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge Logibar|address=Quartier Logibar, D26, 64560 Larrau|phone=+33 5 59 28 61 14|url=https://auberge-logibar.com/|lat=43.018151|long=-0.927715|content=Altitude 375 m. Dormitory beds from €17, half board from €50. Check-in from 17:00. Bus 60 serves the location.}} === Logibar - Sainte-Engrâce (Senta) === ; Distance : 26.3 km ; Duration : 7½-9¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200-1420 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 900-1170 m This stage leads through spectacular gorges. Follow signs to the Gorges d'Holzarté and ascend the trail to the 70 m long suspension bridge (50 min), which spans the dramatic Ruisseau de Olhadubi gorge 150 m above the ground. On the far side, the trail continues uphill. After 2 hours, you reach the Olhadubi stream — a possible spot for a refreshing dip. Nearby, the Cabane Cayolar d'Olhadubi (reached via a side path from the bridge) serves as an emergency shelter with space for 4-5 people. Continuing uphill, you'll reach the Abarrakia farm after just over 3 hours. The path then winds between farms, eventually reaching the point (4½ hr) where the GR-10 turns sharply to the right. The original GR-10 route bypassed the gorges entirely by heading up to the Plateau d'Adarkhotia after the Holzarté bridge. This shortcut saves 2.7 km (1¼ hr) and 150 m of elevation gain. After about 5 hours, you'll reach the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Anhaou|alt=Col de Bious|lat=42.9784|long=-0.88044}} (1383 m). From here, energetic hikers can summit nearby peaks such as Izeyto (1464 m) or Sarimendi (1484 m). The stage ends at {{Marker|type=city|name=Sainte-Engrâce|wikidata=Q197211|url=https://www.sainte-engrace.fr/index.php/en/}}. Sainte-Engrâce is home to a Romanesque church from the 11th century. From the village, a 9-km side trip (↥ 840 m, ↧ 135 m) takes you to the vast La Verna cave. Guided tours go up to 800 m deep — the main chamber is large enough to fit the Eiffel Tower. Bookings are handled through the [https://laverna.fr/en/ Espace accueil Arrakotchepia], Quartier Calla, 64560 Sainte-Engrâce (Tel. +33 6 37 88 29 05). August is often very busy. A detour south from the restaurant leads into the wild and romantic Gorges de Kakuetta. The trail is very steep and slippery, and entry tickets are (usually) sold at the restaurant. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge Elichalt|address=Next to the church|phone=+33 5 59 28 61 63|lat=42.99552859220694|long=-0.8102287239912613|content=Simple village inn located in the center of Sainte-Engrâce.}} === Sainte-Engrâce (Senta) - Refuge Jeandel === ; Distance : 11.6 km ; Duration : 4¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 160 m The trail climbs steadily from Sainte-Engrâce into the limestone highlands of the Pierre-Saint-Martin massif, marking the transition into more alpine terrain. You ascend to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Pierre-St-Martin|wikidata=Q1107451}} (1760 m; border with Spain). Since 1373, the Tributo de las Tres Vacas — a cross-border tribute of three cows — has been held here every July 13 to settle grazing rights between the two valleys. A small shop at the parking area sells goat cheese. A ski area lies just over the border on the Spanish side. There is also a small shelter near Boundary Marker 62. An optional 15-minute detour leads to the summit of Soum de Lèche (1839 m). The Grotte de la Verna, a massive cave chamber accessible by guided tour, lies 1 km (¾ hr) off the main trail and requires prior booking ([https://laverna.fr laverna.fr]). From the pass, descend to the first switchback, then turn right off the main track. The trail passes under two chairlifts and continues along the northern flank of the Pic d'Arlas. When you spot three large concrete water tanks, descend to the staffed mountain hut at Refuge Jeandel. The ski resort village of {{Marker|name=La Pierre Saint-Martin|wikidata=Q3211628|type=city}} is about 15 minutes off the trail and offers additional services. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge Jeandel|address=La Pierre Saint Martin, 64570 Arette|url=https://www.refugejeandel.com/|lat=42.97829371796861|long=-0.7493627209784663|content=Altitude 1670 m. Dormitory accommodation from €18; half-board from €42.50. Staffed in summer.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Tourist Office La Pierre Saint-Martin|address=Maison de la Pierre, 75 D332, 64570 Arette|phone=+33 5 59 66 20 09|url=https://www.lapierrestmartin.com/|lat=42.97735500762936|long=-0.744495054007273|content=Open only during the French summer holidays (mid-July to late August). Provides info on local lodging and two campervan pitches. Served by seasonal Bus 807 between Arette and Oloron-Sainte-Marie.}} === Refuge Jeandel - Lescun === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 5½-6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1200 m This is a challenging stage, but the scenery is magnificent. Several rocky mountain paths are equipped with cables for safety. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Pas de l'Osque|lat=42.9702182168491|long=-0.7089944097203539}} (1922 m), which requires a head for heights. The trail continues to the Pas d'Azuns (1873 m; 2¾ hr), and a good first rest stop with water is the spring near the Cabane du Cap de la Baitch (1689 m; 3 hr). In wet weather, descending to {{Marker|type=city|name=Lescun|wikidata=Q179737}} (895 m) via the road is recommended, as the GR-10 becomes muddy and difficult to navigate. From Lescun, the HRP route offers a very demanding variant over the Col d'Anie back toward Cabane du Cap de la Baitch. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Centre de l'Abérouat|url=http://aberouat.fr/|lat=42.95041471194407|long=-0.6658390953581508|content=Staffed hut with a bar. Offers 20 rooms (2-5 beds each). Free tent camping nearby (bathrooms in the hut available for a fee). Best suited for groups; solo walkers must book in advance.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Maison de la Montagne|lat=42.934247039|long=-0.63524507931|address=1 ruelle de la Congasse, 64490 Lescun|phone=+33 6 88 06 95 29|url=https://www.maisondelamontagne64.com/|content=Comfortable accommodation for hikers in the centre of Lescun.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping - Gîte du Lauzart|address=Bordé de Mougnague, 64490 Lescun|phone=+33 5 59 34 51 77|url=https://www.camping-gite-lescun-pyrenees.com/|lat=42.92782183157741|long=-0.6421994110320027|content=Along the D340. About 20 minutes into the next stage. Open April-September. Campsite €14 + €4 per adult. 25 dorm beds available for €16; half board €42.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Tourist Office for the Vallée |lat=42.9990368924|long=-0.60057615194|url=https://www.pyrenees-bearnaises.com/explorer/nature/|phone=+33 5 59 34 57 57|content=Located in Bedous. Provides information on the surrounding region.}} === Lescun - Etsaut === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 5½-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 850 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1150 m The trail begins easily through pastoral countryside, then enters forested terrain, passing the [https://www.gite-camping-lhers.com/ Gîte d'étape and campsite on the Plateau de Lhers] (2 hr), and climbing to the Col de Barrancq (1601 m; 3¾ hr). From the Col de Barrancq, a side trip leads to the summit of Pic de Labigouer (2175 m), which takes just under 3 hours round-trip. Lower down in the Parc d'Orce, within the commune of {{Marker|type=city|name=Borçe|wikidata=Q840474}} (5¾ hr), lives the majority of the region's ~50 brown bears. The Gîte le Communal offers accommodation here. The stage ends in {{listing|type=city|name=Etsaut|wikidata=Q765829|content=Altitude 597 m. Located on the N-134 and served by the Canfranc-Oloron-Saint-Marie bus line. The former train station now houses the Pyrenees National Park visitor center. Accommodation available in the Gîte d'étape la Garbure behind the church (53 beds).}} Just outside Etsaut, the {{Marker|type=see|name=Fort du Portalet|wikidata=Q3078387}} clings dramatically to the cliffs in two tiers, spanning a height difference of 150 m. * {{listing|type=see|name=Refuge animalier à Borce|url=https://parc-ours.fr/|lat=42.9045174060618|long=-0.5745664608466107|content=open 10:00-18:00; admission €12. It functions as an educational wildlife refuge}} === Etsaut - Gabas === ; Distance : 24 km ; Duration : 9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1640 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1210 m The trail begins with the dramatic Chemin de la Mâture, a path carved into the rock face. It is not passable in icy or snowy conditions. You reach Grange Perry (1210 m) after 2 hours. A quarter of an hour later, at a junction, keep left. After 3½ hours, you arrive at the Cabane de la Baight de St-Cours (1560 m; shepherds only, June-September), located at the border. About 4 hours in, you cross a stream on a bridge. This is the last water source before the high pass. The highest point of the stage is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Ayous|wikidata=Q2981981}} (2185 m; 5½ hr or more). On its eastern slope lie the Ayous Lakes, including the scenic Refuge d'Ayous. It's an ideal place to break this long stage. The Col d'Ayous also marks a transition point between valleys: from the Chemin de la Mâture and Baigt de Sencours in the Aspe Valley to Bious-Artigues (1540 m) in the Ossau Valley, where pony rides and canoe rentals are available on the eastern shore. The lake is 6½ km from the pass (↧ 764 m). From the pass, you can also summit Pic d'Ayous (add 30 min up and down), or detour 6 km to Lac Bersau — a longer alternative via the Vallon d'Aas is 9 km. From the lake, descend on the D231 road, which includes switchbacks that can be shortcut. (Note: Refuge de Gabas is permanently closed.) The stage ends in {{Marker|name=Gabas|wikidata=Q5515276|type=city}}, which offers two accommodations and a bar, but no grocery store. Located on bus route 806/806bis from Col de Portalet via Gabas to Laruns (15 km). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Ayous|url=https://www.refuge-ayous.fr/en-gb|lat=42.84844763797708|long=-0.4911758258903634|10 minutes off the GR10 near Lac Gentau (6½ hr). This refuge offers 47 beds and tent spaces and is open from mid-May to the first week of October.}} === Gabas - Gourette === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9-10 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1150 m This is a long and difficult stage, not suitable for children. The Corniche des Alhas section requires a head for heights. Snow may linger into summer, making it hard to follow the waymarks. Water is scarce during the first four hours. The trail follows the D934 road to the Artouste dam, then climbs through forest paths (1¼ hr). Some parts pass through cliff-side ledges carved into the rock — the Corniche des Alhas — which have fixed cables for safety. An easier alternative bypasses the Corniche via the Pont du Goua and the Gave de Soussouéou. After 1¾ hr, you reach a bridge near the Gave de Soussouéou waterfalls (1145 m). From here, a steep trail leads up to Houn de Mouscabarous (1361 m; 2¾ hr), continuing uphill to Petite Arcizette (2293 m). Snow may persist at these elevations until July. After 6½-7 hr, you arrive at the Hourquette d'Arre (2465 m). Important: The path shown on some maps to the Géougue d'Arre (2619 m) is a mountaineering route, not a hiking trail. An alternative route avoids the Hourquette d'Arre altogether: from the Cabane de Cézy, follow the red-and-white GR10 then switch to the red/yellow-marked GRP Tour de la Vallée d'Ossau, over the Col de Lurdé to Eaux-Bonnes (overnight possible) and Gourette (also served by Bus 806). The GR10 does not go directly to Lac d'Uzious, but instead heads roughly north-northeast across a plateau, before turning east to descend. After about 8 hours, you reach Lac d'Anglas (2068 m), from where the trail continues along the outflow, then branches off to the right. After over 9 hours, you arrive in the ski resort of {{Marker|type=city|name=Gourette|wikidata=Q1540224|url=https://www.gourette.com/en/}} (1350 m). Ski resort with two supermarkets; gas cartridges available at Intersport. Mostly closed outside the main season. Served in-season by Bus 806 (twice daily) from Parking Gourette Nord to Eaux-Bonnes, Laruns, and Pau. If needed, you can exit the trail early at the upper parking area (which has a bus stop) and start the next stage from there. * {{listing|type=sleep|lat=42.9595015138|long=-0.333960997149|name=Chalet-refuge CAF|phone=+33 5 59 05 10 56|url=https://chaletdegourette.ffcam.fr/|content=Mountain refuge with 32 beds in 4 dorms. €16.50/night (€8.25 for Alpine Club members) + €0.90 tourist tax.}} === Gourette - Arrens-Marsous === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m This is a relatively easy stage that crosses two mountain passes: the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Tortes|lat=42.959773462638644|long=-0.3187601158279607}} (1799 m; 1¾ hr), and later, after crossing the D918 (popular with cyclists but too busy to follow safely), the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Saucède|lat=42.95972945620746|long=-0.31869998400517197}} (1525 m; 3 hr 20 min). Ten minutes after descending from this second pass, you'll reach a restaurant and gîte de séjour at the Col de Soulor on the D918 road. From Col de Saucède, hikers can also make a short detour to summit the Pointe de Surgatte (1805 m; 90-100 minutes round trip). Near the Pont de Lapadé, you can either cross the Gave d'Arrens or continue down into the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Arrens-Marsous|wikidata=Q1110649}}. Features tourist information and public toilets at the Maison Val d'Azun (Tel. +33 5 62 97 49 49). The village also has an outdoor swimming pool. A hiking festival, [https://www.eldorando.fr/ Eldorado], is held every two years for four days in late May. Call +33 800 65 65 00 by 17:00 the day before for weekday on-demand shuttle service to Lourdes. Points of interest include the Romanesque Saint-Pierre Church (parts dating to 1200) and the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Pouey-Laün, a pilgrimage chapel located 600 m south along the D105. The area is part of both the Natura 2000 conservation network (Gabizos and the Arrens Valley) and the core zone of the Pyrenees National Park. For a longer option, you can extend this stage to Gîte les Viellettes (2¼ h further), making a total of 20.5 km (8½ hr; ↥ 1250 m, ↧ 1530 m). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=GCU Campground|address=26 Rue des Paus, 65400 Arrens-Marsous|lat=42.9573380888|long=-0.213247116377|phone=+33 5 62 97 43 06|url=https://www.gcu.asso.fr/terrains/arrens-marsous-hautes-pyrénées-65|content=Simple tent campground on the edge of town.}} === Arrens-Marsous - Refuge d'Ilhéou === ; Distance : 20 km ; Duration : 6¾-7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 500 m From Arrens-Marsous (3½ km from the previous endpoint), you can follow the official GR10 or the more scenic GR de Pays Tour du Val d'Azun. The latter is slightly shorter but includes more climbs. Both routes rejoin shortly before the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape les Viellettes|lat=42.9219519144924|long=-0.1818867608457627}} (2¼ h; 15 beds). About 700 m further on is the simple tent site La Pose (open May-September). The official GR10 route passes through {{Marker|type=city|name=Estaing|wikidata=Q589628}}, a commune that includes three Natura 2000 protected areas: “Gaves de Pau et de Cauterets,” “Moun Né de Cauterets, Pic de Cabaliros,” and “Péguère, Barbat, Cambalès.” From here, the trail enters the core zone of the Pyrenees National Park. You ascend toward Lac d'Estaing. Just before the lake is a guesthouse open Thursday-Sunday, 09:00-17:00 (summer only). On the far shore is another restaurant (open 10:00-18:00) and Camping Intercommunal. Brave hikers may try a swim in the cold waters. The trail now climbs steeply through forest to the Cabane d'Arriousec (1400 m; 4 hr). Another hour uphill takes you past the Cabanes de Barbat (left of the path), then a final climb brings you to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Ilhéou|wikidata=Q2981991}} (2242 m; 6 hr or more). Just 5 minutes below the pass, you can turn left to reach the Crête du Lys, where the Courbet cable car operates in July and August. This offers access to the ski resort Cauterets-Le Lys (with a summer luge track) or direct descent into the town of Cauterets. On foot, descend to the stream near the Cabanes d'Arras (6½-7 hr). Turn right there and cross two more streams. The path then descends to Lac d'Ilhéou. At the lake's northern shore is the staffed Refuge d'Ilhéou. A designated bivouac area (aire de bivouac) is located about 10 minutes further south along the lake. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Ilhéou (Refuge Raymond-Ritter)|url=https://www.refuge-ilheou.csvss.fr/en/home|phone=+33 5 62 92 07 18|lat=42.86604614112533|long=-0.17358356545105466|content=Altitude 1988 m. 22 beds. Open from late May to late September.}} === Refuge d'Ilhéou - Cauterets === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 2½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 75 ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m This is a leisurely downhill walk that brings you gently back to civilization in {{Marker|type=city|name=Cauterets|url=https://www.cauterets.com/en/?to_lang=en|wikidata=Q366962}}. Scenic spa town with plenty of amenities, including a historic wooden railway station (now closed), a cinema, casino, and more. The tourist office is open M-Sa from 09:00-12:30 and 14:00-18:00. A special Office de la Montagne - Terre d'Alpinisme opens during the summer season. Cauterets flourished during the late 19th and early 20th centuries thanks to its thermal springs. The municipality operates two spas: Thermes de César in the village center and Thermes des Griffons in nearby La Raillère. Accommodation options include three gîtes d'étape and Camping la Prairie. Local buses run every 30 minutes from June to October. Regional connections are available to Lourdes, Luz-Saint-Sauveur, and Gavarnie. A shuttle to Pont d'Espagne departs four times daily from the old train station. The 30 km former railway line from Pierrefitte to Cauterets has been converted into a multi-use bike and hiking path. === Cauterets - Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 100 m This is a demanding stage. From Cauterets, take the path behind the Thermes de César and head south. After 1¼ hr you reach the hamlet of La Raillère (1044 m), where there are restaurants and a sulfur spa. Cross the bridge and continue up into the Val de Jéret, passing several waterfalls. The trail leads to the Hôtellerie du Pont d'Espagne (3 hr). From there, descend briefly along the road before turning right and ascending into the valley toward Lac de Gaube (1725 m, 4 hr). The path crosses the stream three times via bridges as you continue toward the refuge. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube|wikidata=Q109042828}} === Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube - Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400 m About 50 m from the refuge, the trail begins a steady one-hour climb over rocky terrain. At a fork (65 min), stay right and continue ascending. The {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Hourquette d'Ossoue|wikidata=Q3141336}} (2734 m) marks the highest point on the entire GR10. Even in mid-summer, snow often lingers here. After 20 minutes of descent, you reach the Refuge Baysselance. '''Ascending Vignemale from here via the Glacier d'Ossoue is only for experienced mountaineers.''' From the pass, the route heads southeast, passing the Grottes de Bellevue (2420 m; 3 hr), artificial caves carved in 1880 by the explorer Henry Russell. The trail descends steeply to a stream, then follows it into a boulder field fed by glacial melt from the Glacier d'Ossoue. The descent into the valley involves frequent climbs around cliffs and waterfalls. You enter the Vallée de la Canau (5 hr or more) and pass the Cabane de Sausse-Dessus. The next hour includes more ups and downs until you reach the Cabane des Tousaus (6¾ hr or more). From there, cross a final ridge to reach the D923 road and descend to the stage endpoint, Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle. If you need more accommodation or supplies, continue to the main village of {{Marker|name=Gavarnie|wikidata=Q917894|type=city}}. From Gavarnie, you can take a day trip (or a bus from Luz-Saint-Sauveur) into the famed Cirque de Gavarnie. It's also possible to ascend Le Taillon (3146 m) from here for experienced climbers. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge Baysselance|url=https://refugebayssellance.ffcam.fr/|wikidata=Q3423105|content=(2651 m), which offers 58 beds and is staffed from mid-May to mid-October}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle|address=Route de Boucharo, 65120 Gavarnie-Gèdre|phone=+33 5 62 92 48 77|url=https://chaletlagrangedeholle.ffcam.fr/|lat=42.73944609127333|long=-0.022728732019354148|wikidata=Q98753937|content=Altitude 1480 m. Staffed hut with 62 beds.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Tourist Office|address=Le Village, 65120 Gavarnie-Gèdre|phone=+33 5 62 92 49 10|url=https://www.valleesdegavarnie.com/gavarnie-gedre/|lat=42.73535586856976|long=-0.01029304645524754|content=Open 09:00-12:00 and 14:00-17:00; closed Sundays and Thursdays.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte Le Gypaète|lat=42.7359592315|long=-0.0108405014067|phone=+33 5 62 92 40 61|content=Simple hiker accommodation in Gavarnie village.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Bergerie|address=Chemin du Cirque, 65120 Gavarnie-Gèdre|url=https://www.camping-la-bergerie-gavarnie.com/|lat=42.72774008829836|long=-0.0075991966546184704|content=Open early June to late September. Located near the entrance to the Cirque de Gavarnie.}} === Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle - Luz-Saint-Sauveur === ; Distance : 26 km ; Duration : 8-9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 700-900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1500-1660 m Starting from Gavarnie village (via the D128 road) instead of the refuge shortens the route by 3 km (approx. 1 hr). The trail first leads to the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape le Saugué|url=https://www.gite-gavarnie-pyrenees.com/|lat=42.76864577103755|long=-0.005915232017950625}}, located on the Plateau Soula de Saugue (1¾ hr). This is a good option to break up the stage — the gîte has 21 beds and is open May to October. The route winds northward, passing the Soum Haut (3¾ h), then descends gradually along the western slope of the Gavarnie Valley. After 5¾-6 hr, you reach the D921 road. Cross the Gave de Gavarnie via the Pont d'Esdouroucats and ascend again to a path above the highway. From the south, you enter {{Marker|type=city|name=Luz-Saint-Sauveur|wikidata=Q35721506|url=https://www.luz.org/en/}} via the Pont Napoléon (755 m; 7½ hr), a dramatic bridge across the gorge. Well-equipped mountain town. The town has several historic churches, as well as a campsite with a grocery store. The Prime Meridian passes about 100 m east of the center. Numerous lodgings, 6 campgrounds, 2 supermarkets, and Intersport (gas cartridges). Bus 965 connects to Cauterets, Lourdes, and Tarbes. Bus to Barèges also available. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Saint Bazerque|address=Sia|phone=+33 5 62 92 49 93|url=https://campingsaintbazerque.eatbu.com/?lang=de|lat=42.83178828384746|long=0.0015462182938111647|content=Campground with grocery shop (mountain cheese), bar, and caravan spaces. Open 08:00-17:00.}} === Luz-Saint-Sauveur - Barèges === ; Distance : 12 km ; Duration : 4½-5 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m To extend this stage, continue to Refuge d'Aygues Cluses for a total of 19 km (7½ hr; ↥ 1560 m, ↧ 140 m). Though short, this stage begins with a relatively long and steep ascent. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Ruisseau de Bolou|lat=42.858690489195055|long=0.06773411839157908}} (1460 m). On the descent, hikers can stop for refreshments at the [https://refugedelaglere.ffcam.fr/ Refuge de la Glère]. This stage ends at {{Marker|type=city|name=Barèges|wikidata=Q632058|url=https://www.mairie-bareges.fr/en/}}. Composed of the hamlets of Artigalas and Cazaous, Barèges serves as a spa and mountain village. The local river, the Bastan, is called the gave. Note: the Jardin botanique du Tourmalet and the 1930s funicular are now closed. The town's website includes an accommodation and restaurant directory * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape l'Oasis|lat=42.897422977|long=0.067278671719|address=2 Passage des Toys|phone=+33 5 62 92 69 47|url=https://www.gite-oasis.fr/|content=Open June-September, and also December-April during ski season (Barèges is part of the Domaine du Tourmalet ski area).}} === Barèges - Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : route-dependent 7¾-9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m The trail begins by climbing above the road toward the ski station at Tournaboup (1 hr). It then veers south and ascends steadily. Good stopping points include the Cabane d'Aygues and, 10 km further on, the Chalet-Hôtel d'Orédon. This stage enters the Néouvielle Nature Reserve, where dogs and wild camping are strictly forbidden. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Madamète|wikidata=Q102076283}} (2509 m). From there, the path descends between alpine lakes: {{Marker|type=see|name=Lac d'Aumar|wikidata=Q3215322}} and Lac d'Aubert (5¾ h, 2190 m). A shuttle bus runs up to this point in high season, and there's an info panel at the end of the access road. Here, the trail splits into two variants: * Variant 1: continues along Lac d'Aumar * Variant 2: detours south to the tip of Lac d'Aubert, then along the northern shore of Les Laguettes and Lac d'Orédon (6¾ h, 1856 m; camping and hotel at the south end) Both variants rejoin at the Cap d'Estoudou pass (2260 m), followed by a steep descent. A short detour from the pass allows for an ascent of Soump de Montpelat (↥ 214 m). The path continues steeply downhill to Lac de l'Oule (1821 m; 7¾ hr or more). From here, head right to reach Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Cabane d'Aygues|url=https://refugeayguescluses.wordpress.com/|lat=42.87577795732996|long=0.15008320916912823}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Chalet-Hôtel d'Orédon|url=https://www.chalet-oredon.fr/|lat=42.82616251586139|long=0.1692328508499207|content=open June 1 - Sept 30; 88 beds}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule|url=https://refugedeloule.fr/|lat=42.824769697482445|long=0.20752501478344024|content=Altitude 1819 m. Located at the dam wall. Open mid-June to mid-September. 20 beds and a bar.}} === Refuge-Hôtel de l'Oule - Vielle-Aure === ; Distance : 17-18 km ; Duration : 5-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 460 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400-1500 m From the refuge, the route follows the western shore of Lac de l'Oule. GR10C variant: After 1½ hr, there is a signed detour to the [http://refugedebastan.fr/ Cabane de Bastan]. The main trail turns directly east and climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Portet|wikidata=Q42178369}} (2215 m; 2¾ hr). From here, it continues eastward, descending gently to the Pla de Castillon, then more steeply down to the D918 road (4½ hr or more) and onward to the stage endpoint {{Marker|type=city|name=Vielle-Aure|wikidata=Q1323900|url=https://vielleaure.com/}}, an historic village with two Romanesque churches: Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Pierre (in the Agos neighbourhood), both dating to the 12th century. Bus connections to Saint-Lary-Soulan and Lannemezan (35 km). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Hôtel Aurélia|lat=42.825852030|long=0.32776424175|phone=+33 5 62 39 56 90|url=https://www.hotel-aurelia.com/|content=Simple, hiker-friendly hotel in town.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping La Mousquère|lat=42.8273932992|long=0.33590955638|address=Nougaro, Autun, 65170 Bourisp|url=https://www.campinglamousquere.com/|content=Open May 8 - last weekend of September.}} * There are three more campsites within 2 km north along the river valley. Just 1 km south, the larger and livelier {{Marker|name=Saint-Lary-Soulan|wikidata=Q1323323|type=city}} offers a broader range of shops, accommodations, and services. The tourist information office is at the roundabout in the center; the supermarket is across the street. The wooden bus stop shelter is discreetly located about 50 m away, opposite the modern church on Avenue des Thermes. === Vielle-Aure - Germ === ; Distance : 13 km ; Duration : 4¾-5¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1170 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 630-700 m This is a straightforward, though poorly marked, stage that runs parallel to the D225 up to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Azet|wikidata=Q2981982}} (1600 m). From the pass, the route continues down to [https://www.vallee-du-louron.com/fr Loudenvielle], a village with shops, an outdoor pool, and the Balnéa Spa complex (open 14:00-19:30; €21 for 2 hours). Note: during the [https://www.pyreneesbikefestival.com/ Pyrenees Bike Festival] in early September, the area is overrun with mountain bikers. The final 2-3 km involve a climb of about 220 m up to the hamlet of {{Marker|name=Germ|wikidata=Q1094205|type=city}}. Altitude 1339 m. A small village with 34 year-round residents, but many second homes and guest beds. Two old churches are worth visiting. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Centre de Montagne de Germ|lat=42.793610431|long=0.425057973260|address=D130|phone=+33 5 62 99 65 27|url=https://www.germ-louron.com/|content=Open year-round. 70 beds in a large mountain center.}} * Auberge de Germ, a guesthouse with 11 rooms (33 beds), open year-round. * {{listing|type=see|name=Peyresourde-Balestas Airfield (Aérodrome de Peyragudes)|wikidata=Q5659350|content=Also known as Altiport 007, as a James Bond film was shot here in 1997. The 470 m runway has a 15% gradient and is also used for paragliding.}} === Germ - Lac d'Oô === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 6-7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1060 m This stage and the next are strenuous. They can be divided into thirds with overnight stops at the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Granges d'Astau|lat=42.76352657695474|long=0.5024399621092607}} (open May-Oct; 26 beds) and the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Espingo|url=https://refugedespingo.ffcam.fr/|wikidata=Q104413940}} (1967 m; 44 beds, mid-May-Oct; 15 emergency shelter places off-season). Camping is allowed near the lake. Around the refuge is a “classic” mountaineering loop over the Pic des Spijeoles (3008 m), Grand Quayrat (3060 m), down to Lac du Portillon (2571 m) and the glacial Lac Glacé d'Oô (2664 m). After the initial climb out of Germ, you enter the Val d'Aube. Follow the river on the left-hand side; after 1¾ hr, across the valley (250 m away), lies the Cabane d'Ourtiga (1610 m). The route ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Couret d'Esquierry|lat=42.75523440839548|long=0.4627935235857289}} (2131 m; 3½ hr), where you cross into the Haute-Garonne department. After 4 hr, you reach the Cabane du Val d'Esquierry. From there, follow the D76 road down to the Granges d'Astau and an auberge (1139 m; 5 hr). In July and August, a morning bus runs up from Luchon and returns in the evening. The stage ends at {{Marker|type=see|name=Lac d'Oô|wikidata=Q3215352}}, a scenic 42-hectare lake situated at an altitude of 1,507 m within the Natura 2000 reserve “Vallées du Lis, de la Pique et d'Oô.” Renowned since the 19th century for its spectacular waterfall, the lake is a popular destination for its natural beauty. Due to its protected status, camping, swimming, and dogs are not permitted in the area. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Lac d'Oô|address=|phone=+33 7 84 56 55 88|lat=42.744558752|long=0.490915210685|content=Reached in about 6 hr. By the lake shore at 1504 m.}} === Lac d'Oô - Bagnères-de-Luchon === ; Distance : 19-21 km ; Duration : 7-9¼ h ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000-1130 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1900-2000 m After Refuge d'Espingo, the trail becomes more difficult, with several rocky scree sections. You skirt the northern slopes of Hourquette des Hounts-Secs (2275 m). Optional detour: From here, a 15-minute ascent (each way) leads to Cap de Bassiéret. You continue over the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Coume de Bourg|lat=42.787224318|long=0.51785762473}} (2272 m, 4¾ hr or more), which may retain snow well into the summer. Optional summit detours from the pass: * Pic Céciré, 45 minutes up and down to the north * Subescale, 40 minutes up and down to the south After 5½+ hours, you reach (1802 m) Superbagnères, a summer-only (July-August) mountain hotel serving the ski area. While it offers meals and lodging, prices are high. The massive historic building can also be reached by gondola lift from Luchon, replacing the old cog railway. The {{Marker|type=go|name=Gondola base station in Luchon|lat=42.78789198327501|long=0.5908142174347624}} is located on the western edge of town and operates daily from 08:30 to 18:00 during the summer season. If descending on foot, it is a steep 1200 m drop to reach {{Marker|name=Bagnères-de-Luchon|wikidata=Q238393|type=city}}. This spa town marks the end of the central Pyrenean segment of the GR10. Regular bus services run to Montréjeau, where you can connect by train to Toulouse. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Superbagnères|url=https://www.villagesclubsdusoleil.com/fr/nos-destinations/hiver/sejour-a-la-montagne/superbagneres|wikidata=Q844809}} === Bagnères-de-Luchon - Artigue === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 2½-3 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 50 m From the church in Luchon, head left along the footpath by the L'One river, crossing the road bridge toward Juzet-de-Luchon. Optional detour: Visit the waterfall in Juzet-de-Luchon. The trail continues via Sode to the day's highest point at the stage destination {{Marker|name=Artigue|wikidata=Q1088729|type=city}}. Altitude 1230 m. A small mountain village with a municipal gîte d'étape, open year-round, offering 12 dormitory beds and evening meals at the on-site restaurant. === Artigue - Fos === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 7½-8½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1100 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1750 m The first half of this stage is a steady climb of over 1000 meters, initially on a gravel track. After 1¼ hours, you reach the Cabane de Saunères (1660 m), a basic mountain shelter. One hour later, you arrive at the Col de Peyrehitte (1947 m). The trail continues along an exposed ridge around the Pic de Bacanère (2193 m; 3 hr or more), passing border markers 402-404. After the Col d'Aou (2093 m; 3½-4 hr), the trail descends gradually across open alpine meadows. At the Cabane d'Artigue (5 hr or more), potable water is available. Below this point, the path winds down gently through a series of switchbacks, eventually crossing a road bridge into {{Marker|name=Fos|wikidata=Q1349025|type=city}}. Altitude 544 m. Small village with weekday bus service to Melles and Saint-Gaudens (railway connections to Pau and Toulouse). Alternative route (former GR10): From the Cabane d'Artigue, you can divert to the Cabane d'Artiguessans, then descend steeply to the Ruisseau de la Batch before climbing back up to rejoin the GR10. This saves about 15 minutes and 70 m of elevation gain. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte de Fos|wikidata=Q3162431|lat=42.873845424|long=0.73442375047|phone=+33 5 61 94 98 59|content=Offers 20 dormitory beds, open year-round.}} === Fos - Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing === ; Distance : 18 km ; Duration : 6½-8 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1700 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m It's a good idea to stock up on supplies in {{Marker|name=Melles|wikidata=Q1616421|type=city}}, which you reach after about 45 minutes. From the old customs house, the trail climbs steeply. Auberge de Crabère offers a comfortable stop. * {{listing|type=see|name=Botanical Garden (À Fleur de Montagne)|wikidata=Q3162431|url=https://mairie-de-melles.wixsite.com/mairie-de-melles/le-jardin-botanique|content=Small but charming community-run garden specializing in Pyrenean alpine flora. Open in summer, 10:00-19:00.}} From Melles, a narrow road leads uphill to the last farmhouse at Labach (2¼ hr). The next 2 hours or more are mostly through forest, climbing steadily. After about 5 hours, you reach the Cabane d'Uls shelter. The path continues uphill to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Pas du Bouc}} (2170 m; 6+ h). Optional summit detour: From here, the {{Marker|type=see|name=Pic de Crabère|wikidata=Q3382364}} (2629 m) can be climbed in about 90 minutes round-trip. Brown bears have been reintroduced to this area. The highest point of the day is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Auéran|lat=42.835385392840536|long=0.860341080714231}} (2176 m), which also marks the border into the Ariège department. From here, it's a quick descent to Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing|url=http://www.refuge-araing.fr/|wikidata=Q3423195|content=Altitude 1956 m. Open June 1 to October 5. 52 beds, plus a 12-bed shelter area available off-season. Advance bookings accepted for groups on the two weekends before/after opening.}} === Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing - Eylie-d'en-Haut === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 3-4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1320 m From the lake and refuge, the trail climbs to the Serre d'Araing (2221 m; 1 hr). Optional detour: Summit of Pic de l'Har (2424 m), approximately 50 minutes round-trip. The descent into the valley follows faintly marked trails to the left of the power lines. Along the way, you'll encounter remnants of former lead mining operations. After about 2¾ hours, you cross a bridge and reach {{Marker|name=Eylie d'en Haut|wikidata=Q134078264|type=city}}, a small hamlet with a 14-bed hut, picnic area, and a basic campsite located by the Lez river. === Eylie-d'en-Haut - Maison du Valier, Pla de la Lau === ; Distance : 17 km ; Duration : 8¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1700 m A strenuous stage with no food or lodging options along the way. The trail starts by crossing the Lez river, then turns sharply left and begins to climb through open terrain. After about 50 minutes, you cross a stream and ascend through forest for just over an hour. In autumn, the woods are full of blueberries—a favourite of the brown bears reintroduced here in the 1990s. At a stone shelter (1660 m; 2½ hr), the trail forks. The GR10 continues to the right, up to the Col de l'Arech (1802 m; 3 hr or more). From there, the path turns left. Optional detours: * South to Tuc de Cagonilles (2196 m; 80 minutes round trip) * From there, to the challenging Mail de Bulard (2750 m; 3 hours round trip) After a short ridge walk, descend to the shepherd's hut Cabane d'Arech (1638 m; 3½ hr). From here, follow the access track down, then branch left down a steep, gorse-covered slope. After 4 hours, you reach a stream. About 40 minutes later, the ruins of Flouquet (1680 m) come into view. Continue to Cabane de Besset (1540 m; 6 hr or more), then ascend again for 45 minutes to Cabane Clot du Lac (1821 m; 7 hr). Passing the huts Cabane du Trapech-du-Milieu (1540 m) and Cabane de l'Artigue, you arrive at Maison du Valier. The Mont Valier massif is a protected area of interest to birdwatchers. It hosts a variety of mountain bird species, including rare birds of prey, bearded vultures, and alpine species such as ptarmigans, black grouse, and capercaillie. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Maison du Valier|lat=42.83084702593266|long=1.032510054490613|url=https://maison-valier.fr/|wikidata=|content=Altitude 927 m, located on the Pla de la Lau. Open March-October. Reception hours 16:00-19:30. 40 beds.}} === Maison du Valier, Pla de la Lau - Esbintz === ; Distance : 18 km ; Duration : 7¼-9¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200-1350 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300-1490 m A demanding stage with significant elevation gain and loss. The trail climbs from Maison du Valier, following the high northern slopes along the ridges of Cap de Lauses (1892 m), Pic de Crabère (1925 m), and the Col d'Auédole (1730 m). After more than 7 hours, you arrive at {{Marker|type=city|lat=42.85332|long=1.14584|name=Esbintz}}. === Esbintz - Refuge d'Aula === ; Distance : 19 km ; Duration : 6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 500 m This and the following stage offer spectacular scenery in good weather. From Esbintz, follow the D817 for the first 2 km to Borde de Galy. From here, you could take a detour to Seix (4 km) by continuing on the D817, then the D37, and turning right onto the D3, where you'll rejoin the GR10 near the Pont du Salat. Continue mostly downhill through the countryside, crossing the Pont du Salat to reach Moulin Lauga (550 m; 2 hr), which has a bakery and picnic area. Alternatively, you can rest 1½ h later at the Auberge des Deux Rivières. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Esbintz|url=https://www.gite-ferme-esbintz.fr/|lat=42.85315143224526|long=1.1459188949749635|content=850 m. Dormitory with 10 beds. Open May-November.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge des Deux Rivières|phone=+33 5 61 66 83 57|url=https://www.aubergedesdeuxrivieres.com/|lat=42.83210657498069|long=1.1982318103146805|content=Open late May to late September}} === Refuge d'Aula - Rouze === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 4½-5 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 700 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m Fit hikers can combine this stage with the previous one from Gîte d'étape d'Aunac (787 m), resulting in a 30 km day with 11¼ hf walking time (↥ 1750, ↧ 1580 m). From Refuge d'Aula, it's a steep but manageable 1½ hr ascent to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Bouche d'Aula|lat=42.77695825493033|long=1.1180083284724134}} (1998 m), then a descent to the Étang d'Areau, 100 m lower. Optional: The Pic des Aymesses (2036 m) can be climbed from the east side of the lake. A farm road leads down to Faup, with shortcuts along the switchbacks, for instance near the Cabane d'Areau. Slightly below the Col de Pause (1527 m; 2¼ hr), there is a parking area. The {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Camp site Rigaux Philippe|lat=42.78997920829053|long=1.178432115744275}} lies just below the hamlet of Faup. From Faup, descend along the D708 toward {{Marker|name=Couflens|wikidata=Q1142090|type=city}}, but before reaching the D3 junction, cross the bridge and climb on the opposite slope to Gîte de Rouze d'Ustou. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte de Rouze d'Ustou|lat=42.789696616|long=1.20592416901|address=Prat de la Moule, Rouze d'Ustou, 09140 Couflens|phone=+33561669545|url=https://www.ferme-de-rouze.fr/|content=16 beds. Cheese from the farm. Open mid-June to mid-September.}} === Rouze - Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou === ; Distance : 8.4 km ; Duration : 3-4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m Follow the stream uphill for about 1¾ hr to reach the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Serre du Cot}} (1546 m). Optional side trips: * To the south, ascend the Pic de la Tese (2255 m; ↥↧ 3 hr or more). * To the north, climb the Tuc de Peyre Mensongère (1711 m; ↥↧ 40 min). From the pass, descend left onto a forest path, passing a few ruined farmhouses. The route eventually reaches the D38 road and leads into {{Marker|type=city|name=Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou|wikidata=Q109571916}}. === Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou - Aulus-les-Bains === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9 hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400 m The hike begins at the southern end of Saint-Lizier. After crossing the pedestrian bridge, the trail climbs southeast to the Col de Fitté (1387 m), a former ski area. From there, it continues along the right side of the slope. One alternative route begins at {{listing|type=city|name=Bidous|lat=42.78257178128407|long=1.2700395937419484}}, following the Alet river south and then climbing steeply for over 2 hours to reach the Col de Fitté, where it rejoins the GR 10. The trail curves around the southwest side of the Picou de la Mire (1741 m) and reaches the Col d'Escots (1618 m) after 3¾ hr. The nearby Chalet de Beauregard restaurant is open from late May to September, 10:00-23:00. Afterwards, the path continues up and down along steep slopes until it reaches the Ruisseau de Fouillet valley (4½ hr). The Jasse du Fouillet crossing (1170 m) is reached after at least 5 h. For a shorter option, follow the yellow-red waymarks of the Tour du Val du Garbet. This leads to the D8F road and directly into Aulus-les-Bains (7 hr from Saint-Lizier). The main route continues toward the plateau of Souliou and the Pic du Mont Rouge (1600 m). A side trip to Étang de Guzet offers a possible bivouac site. The trail then descends toward the Ruisseau d'Ars (1485 m), crosses a bridge, and continues downward. After a second bridge (8½ hr), the path becomes easier. A final bridge, Pont de la Mouline, crosses the Garbet River just before the trail enters {{Marker|type=city|name=Aulus-les-Bains|wikidata=Q1082493|url=https://www.loubet.fr/saint-lizier.html}}, a small spa town with a mini market at the traffic circle near the bridge and a tourist office next door. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte Pyrénées AAA|lat=42.779696032|long=1.2690230044|url=https://giteslareng.net/|address=Lareng, 09140 Ustou|phone=+33967838934|content=14 places in upscale cottages for 2-4 people.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Cascade d'Ars|lat=42.762922493744796|long=1.3615038669340882|content=260 m high waterfalls in multiple tiers, located 4½ km from Aulus. Takes 3-9 hr round-trip to hike to them (↥ 530 m).}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping municipal le Coulédous|lat= 42.7940356892|long=1.3321660893|url=http://www.camping-aulus-couledous.com/|content=Also offers bungalows for 4-7 people. The gîte d'étape is a 12-person tent.}} === Aulus-les-Bains - Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès === ; Distance : 11 km ; Duration : 5 hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m The route climbs out of Aulus-les-Bains to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Port de Saleix|lat=42.78143117676052|long=1.4043285766664242}}, where you'll find the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Refuge de Carol|lat=42.7813|long=1.4146}}. From here, the ascent becomes steeper. The following section to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Port de Bassiès|lat=42.772502271037204|long=1.411691910311851}} is demanding but scenically rewarding. This area lies within the Mont-Calme nature reserve, where camping is prohibited. === Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès - Marc === ; Distance : variable ; Duration : 3½-5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1385 ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1385 This stage and the following one include several alternative routes and shortcuts that can be combined. From the refuge, the GR-10 leads southeast along a slightly rocky trail for just over three kilometers, following the chain of lakes. At the outflow of the last lake, the Étang d'Escalès, the GR-10 bends to the right. Along the stream, there's an opportunity to descend toward the main road and the village of Auzat. Another descent option to the road appears about 2 km further along the GR-10. The main trail makes a sharp turn southward. From the aqueduct (1160 m; 2¼ h4), the route maintains an elevation just below 1200 m for around 4 km, before descending the final 1½ km into the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Marc|lat=42.71687694132801|long=1.449593121067756}}, cutting across the switchbacks of the road. The Gîte Retrouvance de Mouret (12 places) is available for group bookings only. From {{listing|type=city|name=Auzat|wikidata=Q1082539}}, one can rejoin the GR-10 by heading 4 km south to Artiès and climbing back up. This avoids a significant part of the next stage. Alternatively, walking 6 km to Marc allows one to resume the full stage. To skip this stage, it is possible to go from Auzat directly to Goulier via two routes: one through Olbier (4.4 km), the other 6.1 km. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès|url=https://refugedebassies.fr/|content=1933 m. Open late May to September.|lat=42.76509|long=1.413221}} === Marc - Goulier === ; Distance : 24.3 km ; Duration : 6-9 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m From Marc, follow the path to Mounicou. A shelter is located a short way beyond, along the D8. This is where the ascent begins. After a few hundred meters, you can turn right at the {{Marker|type=go |name=Turn right|lat=42.71|long=1.4575}} marker and stay on the west side of Les Caldelets. From the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Orri de Tignalbu|lat=42.69417|long=1.46296}}, which has a water source, the path becomes very poor. The main GR-10 trail continues uphill to the Refuge de Prunadière (1615 m, 2 hr). Be sure to refill your water here. From there, it leads to a junction above the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Artiès|lat=42.7362|long=1.4793}} shelter (985 m, 3¼ hr). The path ascends steadily, passing the ruins of Pradières-d'en-bas, and arrives at Étang d'Izurt. A cable car runs to the lake. After a short climb, it's around 14 km downhill to {{Marker|type=city |name=Goulier|wikidata=Q1015676}} (moh 370 m), which is part of the Val-de-Sos commune. You can shorten the main trail from Prunadière by climbing steeply left past the buildings, gaining 450 m of elevation. About 2 hr later, you'll rejoin the GR-10 at Coumasses-Grandes. This shortcut saves roughly 8 km and bypasses Étang d'Izurt. === Goulier - Siguer === ; Distance : 13 km ; Duration : 3¼-4¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 416 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 830 m From Goulier, the trail ascends toward the Col de Risoul, then the Col de Esquérus, and continues to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de Grail|lat=42.75360457229|long=1.5321300362453}}. Near this pass is a shelter, an information board, and a water source located 250 m off the path. The route then climbs to the highest point of the day at the Col de Lercoul (1549 m). From here, the trail descends through the hamlet of Lercoul. A footpath south of the winding road leads downhill to the village of {{Marker|name=Siguer|wikidata=Q1375974|type=city}}, home to Café Rouse and several accommodations. === Siguer - Plateau de Beille === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 2400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m This demanding stage involves three steep descents and offers no accommodation along the route, only five basic shelters. From Siguer, the trail climbs steeply to Gestiès (40 min), where you should fill up on water. The path crosses the road three times on the way up. After a long ascent, you reach the Pla de Montcamp (1904 m; 3¾ hr). Past the Col du Sasc (1798 m), the trail traverses the flank of the Pic du Col Taillat. Water is again available at the Cabane de Courtal Marti, though trail markings on this high section can be vague. The trail descends to the Cabane de Balledreyt (1600 m; 2 sleeping places), reached after another 20 minutes. After about 7½ hours, the trail descends to the D520A road at 1040 m elevation. A detour to the villages of Aston (14 km, with a campground) or Les Cabannes (15.8 km, with a year-round gîte d'étape) is possible around the 4¼-hour mark. Les Cabannes has a train connection to Mérens-les-Vals or Foix. After crossing the bridge, the GR-10 climbs again via a forest trail. A water source is marked and located about two minutes off the trail, just past a large boulder reached after 9+ hours. The trail continues across a ridge to the Cabane d'Artaran (1695 m). Shortly afterward, you reach the ski area at the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Plateau de Beille|lat=42.72473998587668|long=1.6911435704342077}}, where the Cabane Beille is located. This area is accessible via the D522 road loop and popular with day hikers. === Plateau de Beille - Refuge du Rulhe === ; Distance : 14 km ; Duration : 4¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m It's recommended to start this exposed stage early in the day to avoid afternoon summer thunderstorms. The trail remains around or above 2000 m throughout. The highest point is the summit of the {{Marker|type=see |name=Crête des Isards|lat=42.65012142232325|long=1.7389568668472413}} at 2381 m. The Refuge du Rulhe lies at the junction of several long-distance trails, including the Tour de Pays des Montagnes d'Ax from Ax-les-Thermes, the GR Transfrontalier from Andorra, and two routes from the Vallée d'Aston. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Rulhe|url=https://rulhe.com/|lat=42.6379904848182|long=1.725866639541228|content=53 places. Open late May to September. €16 per night, half board €45. Tel: +33 6 74 24 50 71}} === Refuge du Rulhe - Mérens-les-Vals === ; Distance : 12 km ; Duration : 4½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 360 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1500-1600 m '''Water is scarce at high elevation.''' From the refuge, the trail ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de Calmettes|lat=42.636915754134|long=1.7404819725150908}} (2318 m), mostly over scree. Cairns also serve as markers. The path descends to Étang Bleu, where it skirts the left side of the lake and climbs again to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Crête de la Lhasse|lat=42.6398816194571|long=1.768563885207408}} (2439 m). Afterward, it continues over scree for nearly 800 m of descent to the pond called l'Estangol, with a shelter above. {{Marker|name=Mérens-les-Vals|wikidata=Q662289|type=city}} is reached after the final descent. The ruins of the old Saint-Pierre church date back to the Napoleonic Wars. The village festival takes place on July 20. The village has a train stop on the Foix - Puigcerdà line. Located on the N-20. The natural hot springs are about 45 minutes away, although they were affected by rockfall in 2022. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge du Nabre|lat=42.65611004694209|long=1.8429807373614195|address=le village d'en haut, 09110 Mérens-les-Vals|phone=+33 5 61 01 89 36|url=https://www.aubergedunabre.com/|content=Guesthouse in the upper village.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping de Mérens|lat=42.64646601527881|long=1.8310245105731093|address=600 Ville de Bau, 09110 Mérens-les-Vals|phone=+33 5 61 02 85 40|url=http://www.camping.merenslesvals.fr/de/haus/|content=Open all year, 1.3 km south of the village.}} === Mérens-les-Vals - Refuge des Bésines === ; Distance : 10 km ; Duration : 4½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 260 m This demanding stage continues through high alpine terrain, with lots of rock and scree. From Mérens, the trail leads past Le Nabre to the hot springs. Afterward, the path climbs for nearly 3 hours. First, it reaches the Estangs (2056 m), then continues to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Porteille de Bésines|lat=42.6154502407948|long=1.872190036139089}} (2333 m). From this pass, the route is clearly signposted. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bésines|wikidata=Q11945073|url=https://refugebesines.ffcam.fr/|content=2104 m. 70 beds. Open June-September. Phone: +33 5 61 05 11 77.}} === Refuge des Bésines - Refuge des Bouillouses === ; Distance : 16.7 km ; Duration : 5½-6 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 660 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 760 m This high-level stage crosses several mountain passes and offers excellent panoramic views. The route first ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Coll de Coma d'Anyell|lat=42.60880012907595|long=1.8962468691063044}}, from where it is possible to climb Pic des Bésineilles (2632 m) in about ¾ hr round trip. The path then continues through the Lansolet basin (2234 m), past the Cabane de Rozet, and climbs again to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Portella de la Grava|lat=42.59935934341172|long=1.934453711010157}}. From there, it's a gentle 3-hour descent to the lakeside refuge at Bouillouses. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bésines|lat=42.6039|long=1.86853|content=56 dormitory beds, with 16 emergency shelter spots outside the season. Open June-September.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bouillouses|lat=42.559475002653095|long=2.00351938309043|url=https://www.lesbouillouses.com/|content=2003 m. 46 beds. Open June-September. Phone: +33 4 68 04 93 88.}} === Refuge des Bouillouses - Planès === ; Distance : 19 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 230 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m The descent is easy but not always well marked. After about 2¾ hours (1740 m), the GR-10 reaches the D618. About 700 m further, a right turn leads to Superbolquère, where food and lodging are available, including a supermarket and a gîte with 28 beds. The GR-10 continues downhill to the quiet D10C near {{Marker|name=Bolquère|wikidata=Q1101891|type=city}} (1628 m, 2¾ hr), where there is a public drinking fountain and an information board. The nearby Gare de Bolquère-Eyne (1593 m) is the highest railway stop in France, on the scenic “train jaune” line. Passing through the villages of La Perche and La Cabanasse (3½ hr), the route ends at the small village of {{Marker|name=Planès|wikidata=Q524705|type=city}}. No shops in the village. The nearby Pont Gisclard, opened in 1909, is a cable-stayed bridge on the Ligne de Cerdagne crossing the Têt river. The village is a stop on the “train jaune” railway. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=L'Orri de Planès|lat=42.490995503|long=2.1382908362|address=Casas del Mitg, 66210 Planès|phone=+33 4 68 04 29 47|content=Gîte with 16 dormitory beds and private rooms.}} === Planès - Refuge du Ras de la Carança === ; Distance : 15.3 km ; Duration : 5¾-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1170 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 870 m There are no supply options along this stage. The trail begins with a gentle ascent through pine forest into the high Riberola valley. It is advisable to refill your water at the Refuge de l'Orri. Above the Cabane d'Aixques, the route becomes steep as it climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col Mitja|wikidata=Q28381301}} (2376 m). From the pass, it is possible to summit Pic de Gallinas (2624 m, ↥↧ 90 min) or Pic Redoun (2677 m, ↥↧ 1 hr). The final 1½ hours involve a descent of about 500 m to the refuge. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Ras de la Carança|wikidata=Q28380908|address=142 rue de, 66360 Fontpédrouse|phone=+33 9 88 66 73 81|url=https://www.refugelacaranca.com/|content=1840 m. Open mid-May to mid-September. 13 emergency places available off-season. Connections to other trails: 7.7 km to Prats Balaguer, 8.5 km to Ull de Ter, 13.7 km to Carança, 10 km to Thuès-les-Bains via the gorge, and 12 km to Núria.}} === Refuge du Ras de la Carança - Mantet === ; Distance : 10 km ; Duration : 4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 640 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 940 m This stage is challenging and poorly marked at higher elevations. From the refuge, follow the stream uphill for 100 m to a wooden bridge. Continue on a scree path along the left side of the valley. After passing through a gate, you reach an alpine pasture and the {{marker|type=go|name=Coll del Pal|lat=42.465650773936|long=2.258498904704664}} (2294 m). This area is a nature reserve where wild camping is forbidden. From the pass, there is an optional ascent to Pic de Serre Gallinère (2663 m; 1 hr round trip), and possibly further on to the Serre de Caret (2300 m). From the pass, descend to the {{marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Alemany|wikidata=Q120254507}} (1962 m; 8 places), located 200 m off the trail. The main path continues left, crossing first a wooden, then a concrete bridge, followed by a narrow unpaved road that ascends to the village of {{listing|type=city|name=Mantet|wikidata=Q1369164}} (1550 m). Population: 31. Most of the southern part of the commune is the protected area [https://rnn-mantet.fr/ Reserva natural de Mentet], where camping is forbidden. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=La Cavale|address=Los Miquelets, 66360 Mantet|phone=+33 4 68 05 57 59|url=http://la-cavale.fr/|lat=42.477231944228336|long=2.3092556382036555|content=Private rooms and dorms for 3-5 people.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte à la ferme Cazenove|url=http://www.gitecazenovemantet.fr/|lat=42.47702171854456|long=2.306028129535968|content=Farm gîte. Open May to September.}} === Mantet - Refuge de Mariailles === ; Distance : 14.8 km ; Duration : 5 hr 5 min ; Elevation gain : ↥ 936 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 834 m Midway along this stage is the village of {{Marker|name=Py|wikidata=Q178846|type=city}} (1023 m), which has an auberge and a gîte. From Py, follow the D6 briefly before heading northeast to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Jou|wikidata=Q47335849|lat=|long=}} (1125 m). The path turns southeast and ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Cavall Mort|wikidata=Q47335871|lat=|long=}} (1454 m), then continues upward to the Refuge de Mariailles. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge de Mariailles|alt=Refugi de Marelles|url=https://refugedemariailles.fr/|lat=42.5017361908777|long=2.4077634391340514|content=1692 m. Open from late May; shelter room available year-round.}} === Refuge de Mariailles - Refuge des Cortalets === ; Distance : 16.3 km ; Duration : 6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1030 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m This is a challenging high-mountain route around the Canigou Massif. There are no supply points along the way, and surefootedness is required. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Cortalets|url=https://refugedescortalets.ffcam.fr/|lat=42.53436454795011|long=2.465036067970792|content=2100 m. 105 places, plus 19 emergency shelter places available outside the season.}} * {{listing|type=go |name=Loop trail to the summit of Pic du Canigou|alt=Canigó|url=https://www.visit-occitanie.com/de/entdecken/top-sehenswuerdigkeiten/massif-du-canigou-katalonien/|lat=42.53692009465181|long=2.4666389025393545|content=This difficult 9.3 km loop (4½ h; ↥ 700+ m) begins 200 m beyond the refuge.}} === Refuge des Cortalets - Gîte-refuge de Batère === ; Distance : 16.8 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 270 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 920 m This stage is also part of the HRP. From the refuge to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Ras del Prat Cabrera|wikidata=Q47170860|lat=|long=}} (1739 m; 4 km), you can choose between a high-level route following the “Tour du Canigou” and a less steep path along the mountainside. From the pass to the Refuge de l'Estanyol (2¾ hr or more) the trail descends gradually, then more steeply. It climbs again briefly to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Cirère|wikidata=Q134299355|lat=|long=}} (1731 m; 4-4¾ hr). From here, you can optionally ascend the Puig Saint-Pierre (1791 m; ↥ 15 min, ↧ 15 min). Descending from the col, you pass abandoned stone quarries and mines (the Mines de la Pinosa are ruins of a former settlement), and reach your destination. Nearby you can explore the 5-day “Tour du Canigou” circuit or visit the historic abbeys of Saint-Martin du Canigou and Saint-Michel-de-Cuxa. * {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Estanyol|wikidata=Q120262655|lat=|long=}} === Gîte-refuge de Batère - Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette === ; Distance : 19.2 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 745 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m Along this long and steady descent, you pass several dolmens. Their significance may be best appreciated by specialists in archaeology. The destination is the Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette, an old mill located in the Ribera Valley. More accommodation and services are available in {{Marker|name=Arles-sur-Tech|wikidata=Q7897|type=city}}, which is connected by bus. At the southern edge of the town, you'll find Camping Riuferrer. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte-refuge de Batère|url=https://www.refugedebatere.fr/|lat=42.50176051942559|long=2.5484428644953847|address=Mines de Batère, 66150 Corsavy|phone=+33 4 68 39 12 01|content=17 dormitory beds, 20 in private rooms. Access via a 20.3-km road from Arles-sur-Tech.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette|wikidata=Q120266421|url=http://gr10-par-etapes.eklablog.com/hebergement-du-moulin-de-la-palette-a126161238|content=Simple eco-gîte in a renovated mill, located in the Ribera valley.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Riuferrer|lat=42.4551506239|long=2.6291899540|url=https://campingriuferrer.com/}} === Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette - Las Illas === ; Distance : 22 km ; Duration : 7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m From the gîte, follow the D536 for 1 km, then turn right uphill toward Montalba (543 m; 1 hr). At the cross, turn sharply right to continue climbing. You reach the ruins of the Mouli Serradou (833 m; 2½ hr). The highest point is the Coll de Sant Martí (1426 m; 4 hr or more). The trail continues through forest along the slope, passing by the Roc de France (also known as Roc de Frausa). {{Marker|name=Las Illas|wikidata=Q16508596|type=city}} has a water point and picnic area in the park. Accommodation is available in a gîte at the town hall and at the Hostal de Trabucayeres. === Las Illas - Col de l'Ouillat === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 6-7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 930 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 540 m The route has been altered several times due to terrain difficulties, so follow the current waymarking. The middle part of the trail runs along the border, just below the ridge. The dominant tree species in this area is the striking Corsican pine (Pinus nigra var. corsicana). A detour to the fortified town of Le Perthus and the Fort de Bellegarde (open May-Sep, 10:30-18:00) offers a cultural break. Note that all shops are on the Spanish side of the border. After about 3 hours, there is an optional detour to the Roman fort Panissas, built on the Via Domitia. Turn off 5 minutes after border marker 565 (2½ hr). The stage ends at {{marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de l'Ouillat|wikidata=Q11914547}} (938 m). === Col de l'Ouillat - Banyuls-sur-Mer === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 7-8¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 680 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1610 m The route stays high near the border ridge. It takes about 1 hour to reach the Pic Néulos. Water is available at the Refuge de la Tagnarède after 1½ hours. From there, the trail leads over several passes: Coll del Faig (985 m), Col de l'Orry, and Col de l'Estaque (1025 m; 2¾ hr). The Pic des Quatre-Termes (1156 m) and Pic de la Cabassère are bypassed to the north. After 4 hours, you reach the Coll del Pal (899 m). From there, continue right toward the Col des Gascons (6¼ hr or more). The final descent to the Col de Llagastèra (285 m) passes partly through vineyards towards {{Marker|name=Banyuls-sur-Mer|wikidata=Q6753|type=city}}. == Go next == * [[Pyrenean High Route]]: Crosses the Pyrenees along the mountain crests, staying higher than both the GR 10 and GR 11. * [[GR 11]] This footpath stays on the Spanish side of the Pyrenees. {{outlineitinerary}} {{Related|France}} {{Related|Pyrenees}} {{PartOfItinerary|Europe itineraries}} 3hfaxkuf4d5uy1pvn6ian15hczuuue6 5086653 5086652 2025-07-02T14:39:27Z Bluecoordinationfine 2327039 Formatting 5086653 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|GR 10 WV banner.jpg|caption=View from GR 10, near Souriche, looking towards the Tourmalet, valley of Barèges, France}} The '''GR 10''' is one of the paths and trails of the extensive [[Grande Randonnée]] (or GR) network. It crosses [[France]], from the Mediterranean coast to the Atlantic coast, and runs almost entirely through the [[Pyrenees]]. While the trail is in France, much of it is near, or even on, the border with [[Spain]]. The trail can be walked in either direction, though some suggest that the west-east route is easier in the beginning, as it is both cooler and less steep that the corresponding start heading west; this may be an advantage to those not fully in shape. == Understand == [[File:Lac d'Oo (22).jpg|thumb|Lac d'Oo]] Moving from east to west, the trail begins at the Mediterranean, in the small town of [[Banyuls sur Mer]], and finishes at [[Hendaye]] on the Atlantic Ocean. Hikers will usually be able to make it to a [[France#Guesthouses and holiday rentals|gîte]] or small town every other night, and quite frequently every night. Expected time to complete the trail is around 6-7 weeks, though the majority of people only hike sections of it. == Prepare == The trail is fairly well marked with painted marks on rocks, trees, telephone poles, and even houses, walls, and street signs. If you haven’t seen a waymark for 100 metres, you’ve likely strayed off the trail. Retrace your steps to the last marker and check your route. It is not realistic to navigate using the markers alone. A trail guide, at minimum, or a topologic map is required. Sunburn is a particular problem, and clothing such as long sleeved shirts and long pants should be worn as they protect from the sun, scratching branches and insects. Sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat are highly desirable. For those heading west from Banyuls sur Mer, the hike to the first gîte is particularly long compared to the following days, and should be started very early. === Equipment === One of the advantages of the GR 10 is that it can be hiked with minimal gear, as one can eat dinner and breakfast almost every day at the gîtes. Additionally the hiker can sleep outdoors on clear nights and pay for a bed in a gîte in inclement weather. On nights that only shelters (which usually have no food or staff) are available, pre-purchased food can be eaten. If one plans to eat at gîtes and buy food from supermarkets that can be eaten without cooking, the absolute minimal gear in the summer months is: * Sleeping bag or sleep sheet, and a mat for comfort. * Goretex jacket and fleece or similar for cold or wet weather * Long-sleeved shirt and pants * Short-sleeved shirt and shorts (including shorts you can wear for swimming) * Sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat * Adequate footwear. Anything less than hiking boots may prove insufficient. * Bottles for at least two litres of water, and a purification method for treating water from streams. * Toiletries and a [[Travel health kit|medical kit]] Additionally, consider a rain jacket or fleece top for wet or cold weather. If you plan to forgo the comforts and delicious food of the gites and hotels, also bring: * Tent * Cooking gear and food A note on footwear: some four fifths of the hikers wear full hiking boots and thick socks. While running sneakers may suffice (and Choco-style sandals may work for a few days), your risk of injury is higher, and much of the trail involves hopping around on possibly wet and sharp rocks. Choose conservatively, depending on the length of your hike and your experience. ==Get in== == Walk == {{Mapframe|lat=42.68287|long=0.56837|width=full|height=360|zoom=7}} {{mapshape|type=geoline|stroke=#000000|stroke-width=3}} === Hendaye-Plage - Olhette === ; Distance : 21.9 km ; Duration : 6-7¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1010 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 950 m Intermarché sells gas cartridges. Near the western trailhead a {{marker|type=buy|name=Decathlon|lat=43.36843635018845|long=-1.7798332063655435}} store geared towards watersports is available for last minute purchases, such as gas cannisters. The hike starts from the 3 km long {{marker|type=see|name=Hendaye Beach|wikidata=Q20947149}}. This is below the old casino, now known as Résidence Croisière. Nearby is the Tourist Office. Buses run from the main train station, or you can walk from {{marker|type=go|name=Gare Deux Jumeaux|wikidata=Q2802667}}. Leaving town, the route goes around the football stadium and climbs via Rue Errondenia and Rue de Pausoa. After about 3 hr you reach the summit of {{marker|type=see|name=Xoldokogaina|wikidata=Q20492776}}. The high point is at Mandale (530 m) on the Spanish border. From here, the path descends to the Col d'Ibardin (4¼ hr), a popular spot for French shoppers due to cheap alcohol and tobacco. The trail continues via Col des Poiriers and Col des Joncs before reaching Olhette. * {{listing|type=city|name=Olhette|lat=43.3360119885|long=-1.6661235970|content=65 m. No bus service; the nearest is in Ascain, 4 km away. Two gîtes: [https://www.chambre-d-hote-cote-basque-manttu.fr/ Manttu-Baïta] at the southern end of the village and Trapero Baïta (Tel. +33 5 59 54 42 59) in the center.}} * {{listing|type=city|name=Biriatou|wikidata=Q196871|content=A scenic Basque village 10 minutes from the main trail. Public toilets near the church.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Redoute de la Baïonette|lat=43.309257665|long=-1.70329930013|content=Historic fortification near Mandale, located by modern border marker 9. Offers wide views.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Basque Tourist Office|address=20 Boulevard Victor Hugo, 64500 Saint-Jean-de-Luz|lat=43.387765760|long=-1.66038856746|url=https://www.en-pays-basque.fr/en/|content=Tourist info for the wider Basque region.}} === Olhette - Ainhoa === ; Distance : 21.1 km ; Duration : 6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 730 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 640 m The steepest climb comes right at the beginning. For most of the route, you'll be on forest trails and, after Sare, quiet paved country roads. The trail initially ascends on a good path over the Col des Trois Fontaines (1½ hr; a shelter is located 300 m away), then descends to the Col de St-Ignace, where the valley station of the cog railway to La Rhune is found. It continues to {{Marker|type=city|name=Sare|wikidata=Q274155}} (2¾ hr), a local transport hub and one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. There's an outdoor swimming pool. The stage ends in {{Marker|type=city|name=Ainhoa|wikidata=Q212962|url=https://www.en-pays-basque.fr/territoires-et-destinations/vallee-de-la-nivelle/ainhoa/}}. Also one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. The tourist information office (open 09:00-12:30, 14:00-17:30; closed weekends and holidays) is located at the side of the town hall. Local grocery stores are a bit pricey due to the village's popularity. From Col des Trois Fontaines you can ascend La Rhune (905 m) either by cog railway (35 min) or on foot (3 km, 1¼ h; ↥↧ 300 m). The prehistoric {{Marker|type=see|name=Grottes de Sare|url=https://www.grottesdesare.fr/en/index_en.php|wikidata=Q3117280}} can be visited with prior reservation through the local municipality or online. Closed annually for a month after Epiphany. This stage is part of the [[European long-distance path E9|European long-distance trail E9]]. * {{listing|counter=1|type=sleep|lat=43.30238052|long=-1.5874539771|name=Camping la Petite Rhune|phone=+33 6 15 29 36 38|url=https://www.lapetiterhune.com/en/|content=Includes a gîte d'étape. Reception hours: 08:30-12:30, 15:00-20:00; winter weekdays 09:00-12:00, 14:00-17:00.}} === Ainhoa - Bidarray === ; Distance : 21.7 km ; Duration : 8½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 880 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 850 m This is a difficult stage — exposed to the sun at first, and especially challenging due to the steep rocky descent near the end. At the old cemetery (389 m; 40 min) beside the {{Marker|type=see|name=Chapelle Notre Dame de l'Aubépine|wikidata=Q12253854}}, a dramatic crucifixion scene of the Jewish itinerant preacher Jesus of Nazareth and two other criminals has been recreated. Traditional Basque hilarri gravestones are found here. The path then continues over the Col des Trois-Croix (510 m; 1 hr 20 min). A good place to rest is at Ferme Esteben (2 hr 50 min, 580 m), a gîte d'étape with a bar-restaurant. The trail continues near the border, past Boundary Stone 77, partly on paved road. At Col des Veaux (550 m), you can take a 300-m detour into Spain to visit a venta (a small inn or shop). From here, the trail climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Méhatche|lat=43.272782275749094|long=-1.4166930371188398}} (716 m; 3¾ hr). The descent past Boundary Stones 82 and 83 is secured with cables. From Col de Méhatche, you can ascend Artzamendi (926 m), easily identified by its radar dome at the summit. The nearby {{Marker|type=see|name=Grotte le Saint-que-Sue|alt=Harpeko Saindua|lat=43.26526266671622|long=-1.3890420732224757}} can also be visited. Just before reaching {{Marker|type=city|name=Bidarray|wikidata=Q746221}}, a bypass trail offers a shortcut to the next stage. For peak baggers, this route also gives access to several summits: Errebi (between the chapel and Col des Trois-Croix), Atxulegi (a 15-min detour on the way to Col des Trois-Croix), and, in good weather, Mont Bizkayluze (701 m) and Gorospil (691 m). The village is split into two parts, 600 m apart. The GR-10 passes through the upper section (where accommodation is located), while the train station lies in the lower part. The stone “Noblia” bridge, in its current form, dates to the 17th century. Parts of the Church of the Assumption are Romanesque. Traditional hilarri gravestones can be found in the old cemetery, and the Ferme Gastetto is a protected farmhouse in classic Lower Navarrese style. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Aire Zabal|lat=43.2665469128|long=-1.34721660011|url=https://giteairezabal.fr/|content=Stage accommodation in the upper part of the village.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Amestoya|lat=43.284582665|long=-1.35372693663|url=https://camping-bidarray.fr/english/|content=Campsite along the D908, 2 km north of the upper village.}} === Bidarray - Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry === ; Distance : 18.5 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1250 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1250 m This southward stage is demanding, especially due to the complete lack of water sources along the ascent. After passing the Iparla Ridge (950 m), the trail reaches an altitude of over 1000 m for the first time on the way to the summit. It then continues along the ridge to the Pic de Tutulia before descending to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Harrieta|lat=43.21079140547837|long=-1.384120195860639}} (3¾ hr, 808 m). From the Col d'Harrieta, a side trail descends to Urdos (1¾ hr), from where it's possible to follow the road into Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry. The main trail continues across the Buztanzelhay summit (4¾ hr, 1029 m), then down to the col of the same name (843 m). Here, the GR-10 turns left and descends steeply. The path crosses the D949 road several times — this road leads from the village to the ventas on the Spanish border at the Col d'Ispéguy. You can also reach this col via the ridge, 1½ km from Col Buztanzelhay. If you want to skip entering {{Marker|type=city|name=Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry|wikidata=Q279252}} (162 moh), you can join the next stage earlier at the Nive des Aldudes (6½ h, 162 m). There's a picnic area in the park and a supermarket that stocks gas cartridges. Locals play Rebot, a type of pelota, on two courts. The Château d'Etxauz is not open to the public. On the last Sunday in April, the village hosts a traditional folklore festival known as Nafarroaren Eguna. The Nive des Aldudes valley occasionally experiences flooding and mudslides. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Municipal Irouleguy|address=Borciriette, 64430 Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry|phone=+33 5 59 37 43 96|url=https://animazioa5.wixsite.com/camping-de-baigorri|lat=43.183694680698636|long=-1.3357619163002807|content=Municipal campsite near the village.}} === Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry - Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port === ; Distance : 19.2 km ; Duration : 5-7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 990 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 980 m This stage runs mostly on gravel paths and farm tracks. About an hour in, there's an optional detour at Col d'Aharza for a 35-minute climb to Oylarandoy, where a hermitage built in 1706 stands. The GR-10 heads south to the Col d'Aharza (734 m; 2 hr), where there's a water source, then turns east and circles around the {{Marker|type=see|name=Munhoa|wikidata=Q3327853}} (1023 m; 3½ hr). The climb is fully exposed to the sun. The descent begins on the right-hand side. For campers, there are two sites before {{Marker|name=Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port|wikidata=Q270294|type=city}}: [http://www.camping-delatruite.com/ Camping de La Truite] (March 1 - Dec 15), and closer to town, [http://www.camping-narbaitz.com/ Camping Narbaitz] (mid-March - mid-September; tent spaces from June 20). Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port lies at 170 m and is where three of the four French pilgrimage routes converge before entering Spain. From here, it's possible to continue directly onto the Camino de Santiago (via Roncesvalles). === Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port - Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta === ; Distance : 16.2 km ; Duration : 5-5½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 870 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 420 m There are no supply points or public transport on this stage, but the walking is relatively easy. In the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Çaro|wikidata=Q842635}} (242 m), there is a public fountain next to the town hall. If you choose to end the day early after 3¾ hr in {{Marker|type=city|name=Estérençuby|wikidata=Q842724}} (231 m; two accommodation options), be aware that this adds an extra 400 m of ascent to the next day's stage. === Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta - Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty === ; Distance : 20.7 km ; Duration : 6¾-8 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1410 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m This stage is simple but offers little shade. The trail first climbs toward the Col on Ithurramburu (820 m), then continues ascending to just below the {{Marker|type=see|name=Occabe|alt=Okabe|wikidata=Q17417892}} (1456 m). On the Occabe plateau, 26 Neolithic stone circles — called Harrespil in Basque — have been found. These are believed to have been used for cremation rites. A good rest stop is the upscale {{Marker|type=eat|name=Restaurant Chalet Pedro|url=https://www.chaletpedro.com/|lat=43.03687624625582|long=-1.0746838225620772}} (4¾ hr). The associated lodge offers 10 beds. Across the stream at Le Kayolar, similar accommodation is available. From here, the trail turns sharply right after 100 m and continues uphill for 6-7 km (300 m ascent) to the stage destination. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta|url=http://kaskoleta.free.fr/|lat=43.092036845886255|long=-1.1646582066722122|content=Altitude 615 m. Offers 13 beds in 3 rooms plus a holiday apartment for 4. A scenic viewpoint with an information panel is 5 minutes away.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty|address=D19, 64560 Larrau|phone=+33 5 59 28 51 29|url=https://chalets-iraty.com/|lat=43.03659578299579|long=-1.0348125824515537|content=Key pickup and payment are handled at Col Héguichouria, 1 km before the site. There is a restaurant and bird observation post 500 m further on.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=L'aire Naturelle de Camping|lat=43.037460332099656|long=-1.0494175120345806|content=Natural campground with 50 pitches, located 3 km before the Chalets by the stream. Open June-October. Fresh bread available by reservation from 08:30.}} === Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty - Logibar === ; Distance : 16.4 km ; Duration : 5-6 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 440 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1380 m In bad weather, the route along the west side of the {{Marker|type=see|name=Pic des Escaliers|wikidata=Q31645205}} (1423 m) is not recommended. There are two alternative routes, but both are poorly marked. At the Ugatzé Ridge, the trail skirts the peak rather than summiting it. To avoid the steep descent from Pic des Escaliers, stay on the road for about 600 m after the start, then turn off after 2½ km to reach Col Ugatzé. A short side trip allows you to summit Arthanolatzégagnia (an additional 35 min ascent and descent). Trail markings are sparse for several hours. After some time following mule tracks, you'll reach a road crossing at Beloscare (1173 m; 3 hr). Logibar marks the end of the stage, but you can also continue 2 km further to {{Marker|type=city|name=Larrau|wikidata=Q608335}}, which offers three accommodation options and a campground. In bad weather, an easier alternative is to follow the paved road from Iraty directly to Larrau for a gentler descent. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge Logibar|address=Quartier Logibar, D26, 64560 Larrau|phone=+33 5 59 28 61 14|url=https://auberge-logibar.com/|lat=43.018151|long=-0.927715|content=Altitude 375 m. Dormitory beds from €17, half board from €50. Check-in from 17:00. Bus 60 serves the location.}} === Logibar - Sainte-Engrâce (Senta) === ; Distance : 26.3 km ; Duration : 7½-9¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200-1420 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 900-1170 m This stage leads through spectacular gorges. Follow signs to the Gorges d'Holzarté and ascend the trail to the 70 m long suspension bridge (50 min), which spans the dramatic Ruisseau de Olhadubi gorge 150 m above the ground. On the far side, the trail continues uphill. After 2 hours, you reach the Olhadubi stream — a possible spot for a refreshing dip. Nearby, the Cabane Cayolar d'Olhadubi (reached via a side path from the bridge) serves as an emergency shelter with space for 4-5 people. Continuing uphill, you'll reach the Abarrakia farm after just over 3 hours. The path then winds between farms, eventually reaching the point (4½ hr) where the GR-10 turns sharply to the right. The original GR-10 route bypassed the gorges entirely by heading up to the Plateau d'Adarkhotia after the Holzarté bridge. This shortcut saves 2.7 km (1¼ hr) and 150 m of elevation gain. After about 5 hours, you'll reach the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Anhaou|alt=Col de Bious|lat=42.9784|long=-0.88044}} (1383 m). From here, energetic hikers can summit nearby peaks such as Izeyto (1464 m) or Sarimendi (1484 m). The stage ends at {{Marker|type=city|name=Sainte-Engrâce|wikidata=Q197211|url=https://www.sainte-engrace.fr/index.php/en/}}. Sainte-Engrâce is home to a Romanesque church from the 11th century. From the village, a 9-km side trip (↥ 840 m, ↧ 135 m) takes you to the vast La Verna cave. Guided tours go up to 800 m deep — the main chamber is large enough to fit the Eiffel Tower. Bookings are handled through the [https://laverna.fr/en/ Espace accueil Arrakotchepia], Quartier Calla, 64560 Sainte-Engrâce (Tel. +33 6 37 88 29 05). August is often very busy. A detour south from the restaurant leads into the wild and romantic Gorges de Kakuetta. The trail is very steep and slippery, and entry tickets are (usually) sold at the restaurant. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge Elichalt|address=Next to the church|phone=+33 5 59 28 61 63|lat=42.99552859220694|long=-0.8102287239912613|content=Simple village inn located in the center of Sainte-Engrâce.}} === Sainte-Engrâce (Senta) - Refuge Jeandel === ; Distance : 11.6 km ; Duration : 4¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 160 m The trail climbs steadily from Sainte-Engrâce into the limestone highlands of the Pierre-Saint-Martin massif, marking the transition into more alpine terrain. You ascend to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Pierre-St-Martin|wikidata=Q1107451}} (1760 m; border with Spain). Since 1373, the Tributo de las Tres Vacas — a cross-border tribute of three cows — has been held here every July 13 to settle grazing rights between the two valleys. A small shop at the parking area sells goat cheese. A ski area lies just over the border on the Spanish side. There is also a small shelter near Boundary Marker 62. An optional 15-minute detour leads to the summit of Soum de Lèche (1839 m). The Grotte de la Verna, a massive cave chamber accessible by guided tour, lies 1 km (¾ hr) off the main trail and requires prior booking ([https://laverna.fr laverna.fr]). From the pass, descend to the first switchback, then turn right off the main track. The trail passes under two chairlifts and continues along the northern flank of the Pic d'Arlas. When you spot three large concrete water tanks, descend to the staffed mountain hut at Refuge Jeandel. The ski resort village of {{Marker|name=La Pierre Saint-Martin|wikidata=Q3211628|type=city}} is about 15 minutes off the trail and offers additional services. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge Jeandel|address=La Pierre Saint Martin, 64570 Arette|url=https://www.refugejeandel.com/|lat=42.97829371796861|long=-0.7493627209784663|content=Altitude 1670 m. Dormitory accommodation from €18; half-board from €42.50. Staffed in summer.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Tourist Office La Pierre Saint-Martin|address=Maison de la Pierre, 75 D332, 64570 Arette|phone=+33 5 59 66 20 09|url=https://www.lapierrestmartin.com/|lat=42.97735500762936|long=-0.744495054007273|content=Open only during the French summer holidays (mid-July to late August). Provides info on local lodging and two campervan pitches. Served by seasonal Bus 807 between Arette and Oloron-Sainte-Marie.}} === Refuge Jeandel - Lescun === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 5½-6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1200 m This is a challenging stage, but the scenery is magnificent. Several rocky mountain paths are equipped with cables for safety. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Pas de l'Osque|lat=42.9702182168491|long=-0.7089944097203539}} (1922 m), which requires a head for heights. The trail continues to the Pas d'Azuns (1873 m; 2¾ hr), and a good first rest stop with water is the spring near the Cabane du Cap de la Baitch (1689 m; 3 hr). In wet weather, descending to {{Marker|type=city|name=Lescun|wikidata=Q179737}} (895 m) via the road is recommended, as the GR-10 becomes muddy and difficult to navigate. From Lescun, the HRP route offers a very demanding variant over the Col d'Anie back toward Cabane du Cap de la Baitch. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Centre de l'Abérouat|url=http://aberouat.fr/|lat=42.95041471194407|long=-0.6658390953581508|content=Staffed hut with a bar. Offers 20 rooms (2-5 beds each). Free tent camping nearby (bathrooms in the hut available for a fee). Best suited for groups; solo walkers must book in advance.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Maison de la Montagne|lat=42.934247039|long=-0.63524507931|address=1 ruelle de la Congasse, 64490 Lescun|phone=+33 6 88 06 95 29|url=https://www.maisondelamontagne64.com/|content=Comfortable accommodation for hikers in the centre of Lescun.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping - Gîte du Lauzart|address=Bordé de Mougnague, 64490 Lescun|phone=+33 5 59 34 51 77|url=https://www.camping-gite-lescun-pyrenees.com/|lat=42.92782183157741|long=-0.6421994110320027|content=Along the D340. About 20 minutes into the next stage. Open April-September. Campsite €14 + €4 per adult. 25 dorm beds available for €16; half board €42.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Tourist Office for the Vallée |lat=42.9990368924|long=-0.60057615194|url=https://www.pyrenees-bearnaises.com/explorer/nature/|phone=+33 5 59 34 57 57|content=Located in Bedous. Provides information on the surrounding region.}} === Lescun - Etsaut === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 5½-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 850 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1150 m The trail begins easily through pastoral countryside, then enters forested terrain, passing the [https://www.gite-camping-lhers.com/ Gîte d'étape and campsite on the Plateau de Lhers] (2 hr), and climbing to the Col de Barrancq (1601 m; 3¾ hr). From the Col de Barrancq, a side trip leads to the summit of Pic de Labigouer (2175 m), which takes just under 3 hours round-trip. Lower down in the Parc d'Orce, within the commune of {{Marker|type=city|name=Borçe|wikidata=Q840474}} (5¾ hr), lives the majority of the region's ~50 brown bears. The Gîte le Communal offers accommodation here. The stage ends in {{listing|type=city|name=Etsaut|wikidata=Q765829|content=Altitude 597 m. Located on the N-134 and served by the Canfranc-Oloron-Saint-Marie bus line. The former train station now houses the Pyrenees National Park visitor center. Accommodation available in the Gîte d'étape la Garbure behind the church (53 beds).}} Just outside Etsaut, the {{Marker|type=see|name=Fort du Portalet|wikidata=Q3078387}} clings dramatically to the cliffs in two tiers, spanning a height difference of 150 m. * {{listing|type=see|name=Refuge animalier à Borce|url=https://parc-ours.fr/|lat=42.9045174060618|long=-0.5745664608466107|content=open 10:00-18:00; admission €12. It functions as an educational wildlife refuge}} === Etsaut - Gabas === ; Distance : 24 km ; Duration : 9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1640 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1210 m The trail begins with the dramatic Chemin de la Mâture, a path carved into the rock face. It is not passable in icy or snowy conditions. You reach Grange Perry (1210 m) after 2 hours. A quarter of an hour later, at a junction, keep left. After 3½ hours, you arrive at the Cabane de la Baight de St-Cours (1560 m; shepherds only, June-September), located at the border. About 4 hours in, you cross a stream on a bridge. This is the last water source before the high pass. The highest point of the stage is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Ayous|wikidata=Q2981981}} (2185 m; 5½ hr or more). On its eastern slope lie the Ayous Lakes, including the scenic Refuge d'Ayous. It's an ideal place to break this long stage. The Col d'Ayous also marks a transition point between valleys: from the Chemin de la Mâture and Baigt de Sencours in the Aspe Valley to Bious-Artigues (1540 m) in the Ossau Valley, where pony rides and canoe rentals are available on the eastern shore. The lake is 6½ km from the pass (↧ 764 m). From the pass, you can also summit Pic d'Ayous (add 30 min up and down), or detour 6 km to Lac Bersau — a longer alternative via the Vallon d'Aas is 9 km. From the lake, descend on the D231 road, which includes switchbacks that can be shortcut. (Note: Refuge de Gabas is permanently closed.) The stage ends in {{Marker|name=Gabas|wikidata=Q5515276|type=city}}, which offers two accommodations and a bar, but no grocery store. Located on bus route 806/806bis from Col de Portalet via Gabas to Laruns (15 km). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Ayous|url=https://www.refuge-ayous.fr/en-gb|lat=42.84844763797708|long=-0.4911758258903634|10 minutes off the GR10 near Lac Gentau (6½ hr). This refuge offers 47 beds and tent spaces and is open from mid-May to the first week of October.}} === Gabas - Gourette === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9-10 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1150 m This is a long and difficult stage, not suitable for children. The Corniche des Alhas section requires a head for heights. Snow may linger into summer, making it hard to follow the waymarks. Water is scarce during the first four hours. The trail follows the D934 road to the Artouste dam, then climbs through forest paths (1¼ hr). Some parts pass through cliff-side ledges carved into the rock — the Corniche des Alhas — which have fixed cables for safety. An easier alternative bypasses the Corniche via the Pont du Goua and the Gave de Soussouéou. After 1¾ hr, you reach a bridge near the Gave de Soussouéou waterfalls (1145 m). From here, a steep trail leads up to Houn de Mouscabarous (1361 m; 2¾ hr), continuing uphill to Petite Arcizette (2293 m). Snow may persist at these elevations until July. After 6½-7 hr, you arrive at the Hourquette d'Arre (2465 m). Important: The path shown on some maps to the Géougue d'Arre (2619 m) is a mountaineering route, not a hiking trail. An alternative route avoids the Hourquette d'Arre altogether: from the Cabane de Cézy, follow the red-and-white GR10 then switch to the red/yellow-marked GRP Tour de la Vallée d'Ossau, over the Col de Lurdé to Eaux-Bonnes (overnight possible) and Gourette (also served by Bus 806). The GR10 does not go directly to Lac d'Uzious, but instead heads roughly north-northeast across a plateau, before turning east to descend. After about 8 hours, you reach Lac d'Anglas (2068 m), from where the trail continues along the outflow, then branches off to the right. After over 9 hours, you arrive in the ski resort of {{Marker|type=city|name=Gourette|wikidata=Q1540224|url=https://www.gourette.com/en/}} (1350 m). Ski resort with two supermarkets; gas cartridges available at Intersport. Mostly closed outside the main season. Served in-season by Bus 806 (twice daily) from Parking Gourette Nord to Eaux-Bonnes, Laruns, and Pau. If needed, you can exit the trail early at the upper parking area (which has a bus stop) and start the next stage from there. * {{listing|type=sleep|lat=42.9595015138|long=-0.333960997149|name=Chalet-refuge CAF|phone=+33 5 59 05 10 56|url=https://chaletdegourette.ffcam.fr/|content=Mountain refuge with 32 beds in 4 dorms. €16.50/night (€8.25 for Alpine Club members) + €0.90 tourist tax.}} === Gourette - Arrens-Marsous === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m This is a relatively easy stage that crosses two mountain passes: the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Tortes|lat=42.959773462638644|long=-0.3187601158279607}} (1799 m; 1¾ hr), and later, after crossing the D918 (popular with cyclists but too busy to follow safely), the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Saucède|lat=42.95972945620746|long=-0.31869998400517197}} (1525 m; 3 hr 20 min). Ten minutes after descending from this second pass, you'll reach a restaurant and gîte de séjour at the Col de Soulor on the D918 road. From Col de Saucède, hikers can also make a short detour to summit the Pointe de Surgatte (1805 m; 90-100 minutes round trip). Near the Pont de Lapadé, you can either cross the Gave d'Arrens or continue down into the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Arrens-Marsous|wikidata=Q1110649}}. Features tourist information and public toilets at the Maison Val d'Azun (Tel. +33 5 62 97 49 49). The village also has an outdoor swimming pool. A hiking festival, [https://www.eldorando.fr/ Eldorado], is held every two years for four days in late May. Call +33 800 65 65 00 by 17:00 the day before for weekday on-demand shuttle service to Lourdes. Points of interest include the Romanesque Saint-Pierre Church (parts dating to 1200) and the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Pouey-Laün, a pilgrimage chapel located 600 m south along the D105. The area is part of both the Natura 2000 conservation network (Gabizos and the Arrens Valley) and the core zone of the Pyrenees National Park. For a longer option, you can extend this stage to Gîte les Viellettes (2¼ h further), making a total of 20.5 km (8½ hr; ↥ 1250 m, ↧ 1530 m). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=GCU Campground|address=26 Rue des Paus, 65400 Arrens-Marsous|lat=42.9573380888|long=-0.213247116377|phone=+33 5 62 97 43 06|url=https://www.gcu.asso.fr/terrains/arrens-marsous-hautes-pyrénées-65|content=Simple tent campground on the edge of town.}} === Arrens-Marsous - Refuge d'Ilhéou === ; Distance : 20 km ; Duration : 6¾-7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 500 m From Arrens-Marsous (3½ km from the previous endpoint), you can follow the official GR10 or the more scenic GR de Pays Tour du Val d'Azun. The latter is slightly shorter but includes more climbs. Both routes rejoin shortly before the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape les Viellettes|lat=42.9219519144924|long=-0.1818867608457627}} (2¼ h; 15 beds). About 700 m further on is the simple tent site La Pose (open May-September). The official GR10 route passes through {{Marker|type=city|name=Estaing|wikidata=Q589628}}, a commune that includes three Natura 2000 protected areas: “Gaves de Pau et de Cauterets,” “Moun Né de Cauterets, Pic de Cabaliros,” and “Péguère, Barbat, Cambalès.” From here, the trail enters the core zone of the Pyrenees National Park. You ascend toward Lac d'Estaing. Just before the lake is a guesthouse open Thursday-Sunday, 09:00-17:00 (summer only). On the far shore is another restaurant (open 10:00-18:00) and Camping Intercommunal. Brave hikers may try a swim in the cold waters. The trail now climbs steeply through forest to the Cabane d'Arriousec (1400 m; 4 hr). Another hour uphill takes you past the Cabanes de Barbat (left of the path), then a final climb brings you to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Ilhéou|wikidata=Q2981991}} (2242 m; 6 hr or more). Just 5 minutes below the pass, you can turn left to reach the Crête du Lys, where the Courbet cable car operates in July and August. This offers access to the ski resort Cauterets-Le Lys (with a summer luge track) or direct descent into the town of Cauterets. On foot, descend to the stream near the Cabanes d'Arras (6½-7 hr). Turn right there and cross two more streams. The path then descends to Lac d'Ilhéou. At the lake's northern shore is the staffed Refuge d'Ilhéou. A designated bivouac area (aire de bivouac) is located about 10 minutes further south along the lake. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Ilhéou (Refuge Raymond-Ritter)|url=https://www.refuge-ilheou.csvss.fr/en/home|phone=+33 5 62 92 07 18|lat=42.86604614112533|long=-0.17358356545105466|content=Altitude 1988 m. 22 beds. Open from late May to late September.}} === Refuge d'Ilhéou - Cauterets === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 2½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 75 ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m This is a leisurely downhill walk that brings you gently back to civilization in {{Marker|type=city|name=Cauterets|url=https://www.cauterets.com/en/?to_lang=en|wikidata=Q366962}}. Scenic spa town with plenty of amenities, including a historic wooden railway station (now closed), a cinema, casino, and more. The tourist office is open M-Sa from 09:00-12:30 and 14:00-18:00. A special Office de la Montagne - Terre d'Alpinisme opens during the summer season. Cauterets flourished during the late 19th and early 20th centuries thanks to its thermal springs. The municipality operates two spas: Thermes de César in the village center and Thermes des Griffons in nearby La Raillère. Accommodation options include three gîtes d'étape and Camping la Prairie. Local buses run every 30 minutes from June to October. Regional connections are available to Lourdes, Luz-Saint-Sauveur, and Gavarnie. A shuttle to Pont d'Espagne departs four times daily from the old train station. The 30 km former railway line from Pierrefitte to Cauterets has been converted into a multi-use bike and hiking path. === Cauterets - Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 100 m This is a demanding stage. From Cauterets, take the path behind the Thermes de César and head south. After 1¼ hr you reach the hamlet of La Raillère (1044 m), where there are restaurants and a sulfur spa. Cross the bridge and continue up into the Val de Jéret, passing several waterfalls. The trail leads to the Hôtellerie du Pont d'Espagne (3 hr). From there, descend briefly along the road before turning right and ascending into the valley toward Lac de Gaube (1725 m, 4 hr). The path crosses the stream three times via bridges as you continue toward the refuge. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube|wikidata=Q109042828}} === Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube - Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400 m About 50 m from the refuge, the trail begins a steady one-hour climb over rocky terrain. At a fork (65 min), stay right and continue ascending. The {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Hourquette d'Ossoue|wikidata=Q3141336}} (2734 m) marks the highest point on the entire GR10. Even in mid-summer, snow often lingers here. After 20 minutes of descent, you reach the Refuge Baysselance. '''Ascending Vignemale from here via the Glacier d'Ossoue is only for experienced mountaineers.''' From the pass, the route heads southeast, passing the Grottes de Bellevue (2420 m; 3 hr), artificial caves carved in 1880 by the explorer Henry Russell. The trail descends steeply to a stream, then follows it into a boulder field fed by glacial melt from the Glacier d'Ossoue. The descent into the valley involves frequent climbs around cliffs and waterfalls. You enter the Vallée de la Canau (5 hr or more) and pass the Cabane de Sausse-Dessus. The next hour includes more ups and downs until you reach the Cabane des Tousaus (6¾ hr or more). From there, cross a final ridge to reach the D923 road and descend to the stage endpoint, Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle. If you need more accommodation or supplies, continue to the main village of {{Marker|name=Gavarnie|wikidata=Q917894|type=city}}. From Gavarnie, you can take a day trip (or a bus from Luz-Saint-Sauveur) into the famed Cirque de Gavarnie. It's also possible to ascend Le Taillon (3146 m) from here for experienced climbers. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge Baysselance|url=https://refugebayssellance.ffcam.fr/|wikidata=Q3423105|content=(2651 m), which offers 58 beds and is staffed from mid-May to mid-October}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle|address=Route de Boucharo, 65120 Gavarnie-Gèdre|phone=+33 5 62 92 48 77|url=https://chaletlagrangedeholle.ffcam.fr/|lat=42.73944609127333|long=-0.022728732019354148|wikidata=Q98753937|content=Altitude 1480 m. Staffed hut with 62 beds.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Tourist Office|address=Le Village, 65120 Gavarnie-Gèdre|phone=+33 5 62 92 49 10|url=https://www.valleesdegavarnie.com/gavarnie-gedre/|lat=42.73535586856976|long=-0.01029304645524754|content=Open 09:00-12:00 and 14:00-17:00; closed Sundays and Thursdays.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte Le Gypaète|lat=42.7359592315|long=-0.0108405014067|phone=+33 5 62 92 40 61|content=Simple hiker accommodation in Gavarnie village.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Bergerie|address=Chemin du Cirque, 65120 Gavarnie-Gèdre|url=https://www.camping-la-bergerie-gavarnie.com/|lat=42.72774008829836|long=-0.0075991966546184704|content=Open early June to late September. Located near the entrance to the Cirque de Gavarnie.}} === Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle - Luz-Saint-Sauveur === ; Distance : 26 km ; Duration : 8-9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 700-900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1500-1660 m Starting from Gavarnie village (via the D128 road) instead of the refuge shortens the route by 3 km (approx. 1 hr). The trail first leads to the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape le Saugué|url=https://www.gite-gavarnie-pyrenees.com/|lat=42.76864577103755|long=-0.005915232017950625}}, located on the Plateau Soula de Saugue (1¾ hr). This is a good option to break up the stage — the gîte has 21 beds and is open May to October. The route winds northward, passing the Soum Haut (3¾ h), then descends gradually along the western slope of the Gavarnie Valley. After 5¾-6 hr, you reach the D921 road. Cross the Gave de Gavarnie via the Pont d'Esdouroucats and ascend again to a path above the highway. From the south, you enter {{Marker|type=city|name=Luz-Saint-Sauveur|wikidata=Q35721506|url=https://www.luz.org/en/}} via the Pont Napoléon (755 m; 7½ hr), a dramatic bridge across the gorge. Well-equipped mountain town. The town has several historic churches, as well as a campsite with a grocery store. The Prime Meridian passes about 100 m east of the center. Numerous lodgings, 6 campgrounds, 2 supermarkets, and Intersport (gas cartridges). Bus 965 connects to Cauterets, Lourdes, and Tarbes. Bus to Barèges also available. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Saint Bazerque|address=Sia|phone=+33 5 62 92 49 93|url=https://campingsaintbazerque.eatbu.com/?lang=de|lat=42.83178828384746|long=0.0015462182938111647|content=Campground with grocery shop (mountain cheese), bar, and caravan spaces. Open 08:00-17:00.}} === Luz-Saint-Sauveur - Barèges === ; Distance : 12 km ; Duration : 4½-5 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m To extend this stage, continue to Refuge d'Aygues Cluses for a total of 19 km (7½ hr; ↥ 1560 m, ↧ 140 m). Though short, this stage begins with a relatively long and steep ascent. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Ruisseau de Bolou|lat=42.858690489195055|long=0.06773411839157908}} (1460 m). On the descent, hikers can stop for refreshments at the [https://refugedelaglere.ffcam.fr/ Refuge de la Glère]. This stage ends at {{Marker|type=city|name=Barèges|wikidata=Q632058|url=https://www.mairie-bareges.fr/en/}}. Composed of the hamlets of Artigalas and Cazaous, Barèges serves as a spa and mountain village. The local river, the Bastan, is called the gave. Note: the Jardin botanique du Tourmalet and the 1930s funicular are now closed. The town's website includes an accommodation and restaurant directory * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape l'Oasis|lat=42.897422977|long=0.067278671719|address=2 Passage des Toys|phone=+33 5 62 92 69 47|url=https://www.gite-oasis.fr/|content=Open June-September, and also December-April during ski season (Barèges is part of the Domaine du Tourmalet ski area).}} === Barèges - Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : route-dependent 7¾-9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m The trail begins by climbing above the road toward the ski station at Tournaboup (1 hr). It then veers south and ascends steadily. Good stopping points include the Cabane d'Aygues and, 10 km further on, the Chalet-Hôtel d'Orédon. This stage enters the Néouvielle Nature Reserve, where dogs and wild camping are strictly forbidden. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Madamète|wikidata=Q102076283}} (2509 m). From there, the path descends between alpine lakes: {{Marker|type=see|name=Lac d'Aumar|wikidata=Q3215322}} and Lac d'Aubert (5¾ h, 2190 m). A shuttle bus runs up to this point in high season, and there's an info panel at the end of the access road. Here, the trail splits into two variants: * Variant 1: continues along Lac d'Aumar * Variant 2: detours south to the tip of Lac d'Aubert, then along the northern shore of Les Laguettes and Lac d'Orédon (6¾ h, 1856 m; camping and hotel at the south end) Both variants rejoin at the Cap d'Estoudou pass (2260 m), followed by a steep descent. A short detour from the pass allows for an ascent of Soump de Montpelat (↥ 214 m). The path continues steeply downhill to Lac de l'Oule (1821 m; 7¾ hr or more). From here, head right to reach Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Cabane d'Aygues|url=https://refugeayguescluses.wordpress.com/|lat=42.87577795732996|long=0.15008320916912823}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Chalet-Hôtel d'Orédon|url=https://www.chalet-oredon.fr/|lat=42.82616251586139|long=0.1692328508499207|content=open June 1 - Sept 30; 88 beds}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule|url=https://refugedeloule.fr/|lat=42.824769697482445|long=0.20752501478344024|content=Altitude 1819 m. Located at the dam wall. Open mid-June to mid-September. 20 beds and a bar.}} === Refuge-Hôtel de l'Oule - Vielle-Aure === ; Distance : 17-18 km ; Duration : 5-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 460 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400-1500 m From the refuge, the route follows the western shore of Lac de l'Oule. GR10C variant: After 1½ hr, there is a signed detour to the [http://refugedebastan.fr/ Cabane de Bastan]. The main trail turns directly east and climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Portet|wikidata=Q42178369}} (2215 m; 2¾ hr). From here, it continues eastward, descending gently to the Pla de Castillon, then more steeply down to the D918 road (4½ hr or more) and onward to the stage endpoint {{Marker|type=city|name=Vielle-Aure|wikidata=Q1323900|url=https://vielleaure.com/}}, an historic village with two Romanesque churches: Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Pierre (in the Agos neighbourhood), both dating to the 12th century. Bus connections to Saint-Lary-Soulan and Lannemezan (35 km). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Hôtel Aurélia|lat=42.825852030|long=0.32776424175|phone=+33 5 62 39 56 90|url=https://www.hotel-aurelia.com/|content=Simple, hiker-friendly hotel in town.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping La Mousquère|lat=42.8273932992|long=0.33590955638|address=Nougaro, Autun, 65170 Bourisp|url=https://www.campinglamousquere.com/|content=Open May 8 - last weekend of September.}} * There are three more campsites within 2 km north along the river valley. Just 1 km south, the larger and livelier {{Marker|name=Saint-Lary-Soulan|wikidata=Q1323323|type=city}} offers a broader range of shops, accommodations, and services. The tourist information office is at the roundabout in the center; the supermarket is across the street. The wooden bus stop shelter is discreetly located about 50 m away, opposite the modern church on Avenue des Thermes. === Vielle-Aure - Germ === ; Distance : 13 km ; Duration : 4¾-5¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1170 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 630-700 m This is a straightforward, though poorly marked, stage that runs parallel to the D225 up to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Azet|wikidata=Q2981982}} (1600 m). From the pass, the route continues down to [https://www.vallee-du-louron.com/fr Loudenvielle], a village with shops, an outdoor pool, and the Balnéa Spa complex (open 14:00-19:30; €21 for 2 hours). Note: during the [https://www.pyreneesbikefestival.com/ Pyrenees Bike Festival] in early September, the area is overrun with mountain bikers. The final 2-3 km involve a climb of about 220 m up to the hamlet of {{Marker|name=Germ|wikidata=Q1094205|type=city}}. Altitude 1339 m. A small village with 34 year-round residents, but many second homes and guest beds. Two old churches are worth visiting. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Centre de Montagne de Germ|lat=42.793610431|long=0.425057973260|address=D130|phone=+33 5 62 99 65 27|url=https://www.germ-louron.com/|content=Open year-round. 70 beds in a large mountain center.}} * Auberge de Germ, a guesthouse with 11 rooms (33 beds), open year-round. * {{listing|type=see|name=Peyresourde-Balestas Airfield (Aérodrome de Peyragudes)|wikidata=Q5659350|content=Also known as Altiport 007, as a James Bond film was shot here in 1997. The 470 m runway has a 15% gradient and is also used for paragliding.}} === Germ - Lac d'Oô === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 6-7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1060 m This stage and the next are strenuous. They can be divided into thirds with overnight stops at the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Granges d'Astau|lat=42.76352657695474|long=0.5024399621092607}} (open May-Oct; 26 beds) and the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Espingo|url=https://refugedespingo.ffcam.fr/|wikidata=Q104413940}} (1967 m; 44 beds, mid-May-Oct; 15 emergency shelter places off-season). Camping is allowed near the lake. Around the refuge is a “classic” mountaineering loop over the Pic des Spijeoles (3008 m), Grand Quayrat (3060 m), down to Lac du Portillon (2571 m) and the glacial Lac Glacé d'Oô (2664 m). After the initial climb out of Germ, you enter the Val d'Aube. Follow the river on the left-hand side; after 1¾ hr, across the valley (250 m away), lies the Cabane d'Ourtiga (1610 m). The route ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Couret d'Esquierry|lat=42.75523440839548|long=0.4627935235857289}} (2131 m; 3½ hr), where you cross into the Haute-Garonne department. After 4 hr, you reach the Cabane du Val d'Esquierry. From there, follow the D76 road down to the Granges d'Astau and an auberge (1139 m; 5 hr). In July and August, a morning bus runs up from Luchon and returns in the evening. The stage ends at {{Marker|type=see|name=Lac d'Oô|wikidata=Q3215352}}, a scenic 42-hectare lake situated at an altitude of 1,507 m within the Natura 2000 reserve “Vallées du Lis, de la Pique et d'Oô.” Renowned since the 19th century for its spectacular waterfall, the lake is a popular destination for its natural beauty. Due to its protected status, camping, swimming, and dogs are not permitted in the area. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Lac d'Oô|address=|phone=+33 7 84 56 55 88|lat=42.744558752|long=0.490915210685|content=Reached in about 6 hr. By the lake shore at 1504 m.}} === Lac d'Oô - Bagnères-de-Luchon === ; Distance : 19-21 km ; Duration : 7-9¼ h ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000-1130 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1900-2000 m After Refuge d'Espingo, the trail becomes more difficult, with several rocky scree sections. You skirt the northern slopes of Hourquette des Hounts-Secs (2275 m). Optional detour: From here, a 15-minute ascent (each way) leads to Cap de Bassiéret. You continue over the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Coume de Bourg|lat=42.787224318|long=0.51785762473}} (2272 m, 4¾ hr or more), which may retain snow well into the summer. Optional summit detours from the pass: * Pic Céciré, 45 minutes up and down to the north * Subescale, 40 minutes up and down to the south After 5½+ hours, you reach (1802 m) Superbagnères, a summer-only (July-August) mountain hotel serving the ski area. While it offers meals and lodging, prices are high. The massive historic building can also be reached by gondola lift from Luchon, replacing the old cog railway. The {{Marker|type=go|name=Gondola base station in Luchon|lat=42.78789198327501|long=0.5908142174347624}} is located on the western edge of town and operates daily from 08:30 to 18:00 during the summer season. If descending on foot, it is a steep 1200 m drop to reach {{Marker|name=Bagnères-de-Luchon|wikidata=Q238393|type=city}}. This spa town marks the end of the central Pyrenean segment of the GR10. Regular bus services run to Montréjeau, where you can connect by train to Toulouse. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Superbagnères|url=https://www.villagesclubsdusoleil.com/fr/nos-destinations/hiver/sejour-a-la-montagne/superbagneres|wikidata=Q844809}} === Bagnères-de-Luchon - Artigue === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 2½-3 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 50 m From the church in Luchon, head left along the footpath by the L'One river, crossing the road bridge toward Juzet-de-Luchon. Optional detour: Visit the waterfall in Juzet-de-Luchon. The trail continues via Sode to the day's highest point at the stage destination {{Marker|name=Artigue|wikidata=Q1088729|type=city}}. Altitude 1230 m. A small mountain village with a municipal gîte d'étape, open year-round, offering 12 dormitory beds and evening meals at the on-site restaurant. === Artigue - Fos === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 7½-8½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1100 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1750 m The first half of this stage is a steady climb of over 1000 meters, initially on a gravel track. After 1¼ hours, you reach the Cabane de Saunères (1660 m), a basic mountain shelter. One hour later, you arrive at the Col de Peyrehitte (1947 m). The trail continues along an exposed ridge around the Pic de Bacanère (2193 m; 3 hr or more), passing border markers 402-404. After the Col d'Aou (2093 m; 3½-4 hr), the trail descends gradually across open alpine meadows. At the Cabane d'Artigue (5 hr or more), potable water is available. Below this point, the path winds down gently through a series of switchbacks, eventually crossing a road bridge into {{Marker|name=Fos|wikidata=Q1349025|type=city}}. Altitude 544 m. Small village with weekday bus service to Melles and Saint-Gaudens (railway connections to Pau and Toulouse). Alternative route (former GR10): From the Cabane d'Artigue, you can divert to the Cabane d'Artiguessans, then descend steeply to the Ruisseau de la Batch before climbing back up to rejoin the GR10. This saves about 15 minutes and 70 m of elevation gain. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte de Fos|wikidata=Q3162431|lat=42.873845424|long=0.73442375047|phone=+33 5 61 94 98 59|content=Offers 20 dormitory beds, open year-round.}} === Fos - Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing === ; Distance : 18 km ; Duration : 6½-8 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1700 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m It's a good idea to stock up on supplies in {{Marker|name=Melles|wikidata=Q1616421|type=city}}, which you reach after about 45 minutes. From the old customs house, the trail climbs steeply. Auberge de Crabère offers a comfortable stop. * {{listing|type=see|name=Botanical Garden (À Fleur de Montagne)|wikidata=Q3162431|url=https://mairie-de-melles.wixsite.com/mairie-de-melles/le-jardin-botanique|content=Small but charming community-run garden specializing in Pyrenean alpine flora. Open in summer, 10:00-19:00.}} From Melles, a narrow road leads uphill to the last farmhouse at Labach (2¼ hr). The next 2 hours or more are mostly through forest, climbing steadily. After about 5 hours, you reach the Cabane d'Uls shelter. The path continues uphill to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Pas du Bouc}} (2170 m; 6+ h). Optional summit detour: From here, the {{Marker|type=see|name=Pic de Crabère|wikidata=Q3382364}} (2629 m) can be climbed in about 90 minutes round-trip. Brown bears have been reintroduced to this area. The highest point of the day is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Auéran|lat=42.835385392840536|long=0.860341080714231}} (2176 m), which also marks the border into the Ariège department. From here, it's a quick descent to Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing|url=http://www.refuge-araing.fr/|wikidata=Q3423195|content=Altitude 1956 m. Open June 1 to October 5. 52 beds, plus a 12-bed shelter area available off-season. Advance bookings accepted for groups on the two weekends before/after opening.}} === Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing - Eylie-d'en-Haut === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 3-4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1320 m From the lake and refuge, the trail climbs to the Serre d'Araing (2221 m; 1 hr). Optional detour: Summit of Pic de l'Har (2424 m), approximately 50 minutes round-trip. The descent into the valley follows faintly marked trails to the left of the power lines. Along the way, you'll encounter remnants of former lead mining operations. After about 2¾ hours, you cross a bridge and reach {{Marker|name=Eylie d'en Haut|wikidata=Q134078264|type=city}}, a small hamlet with a 14-bed hut, picnic area, and a basic campsite located by the Lez river. === Eylie-d'en-Haut - Maison du Valier, Pla de la Lau === ; Distance : 17 km ; Duration : 8¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1700 m A strenuous stage with no food or lodging options along the way. The trail starts by crossing the Lez river, then turns sharply left and begins to climb through open terrain. After about 50 minutes, you cross a stream and ascend through forest for just over an hour. In autumn, the woods are full of blueberries—a favourite of the brown bears reintroduced here in the 1990s. At a stone shelter (1660 m; 2½ hr), the trail forks. The GR10 continues to the right, up to the Col de l'Arech (1802 m; 3 hr or more). From there, the path turns left. Optional detours: * South to Tuc de Cagonilles (2196 m; 80 minutes round trip) * From there, to the challenging Mail de Bulard (2750 m; 3 hours round trip) After a short ridge walk, descend to the shepherd's hut Cabane d'Arech (1638 m; 3½ hr). From here, follow the access track down, then branch left down a steep, gorse-covered slope. After 4 hours, you reach a stream. About 40 minutes later, the ruins of Flouquet (1680 m) come into view. Continue to Cabane de Besset (1540 m; 6 hr or more), then ascend again for 45 minutes to Cabane Clot du Lac (1821 m; 7 hr). Passing the huts Cabane du Trapech-du-Milieu (1540 m) and Cabane de l'Artigue, you arrive at Maison du Valier. The Mont Valier massif is a protected area of interest to birdwatchers. It hosts a variety of mountain bird species, including rare birds of prey, bearded vultures, and alpine species such as ptarmigans, black grouse, and capercaillie. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Maison du Valier|lat=42.83084702593266|long=1.032510054490613|url=https://maison-valier.fr/|wikidata=|content=Altitude 927 m, located on the Pla de la Lau. Open March-October. Reception hours 16:00-19:30. 40 beds.}} === Maison du Valier, Pla de la Lau - Esbintz === ; Distance : 18 km ; Duration : 7¼-9¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200-1350 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300-1490 m A demanding stage with significant elevation gain and loss. The trail climbs from Maison du Valier, following the high northern slopes along the ridges of Cap de Lauses (1892 m), Pic de Crabère (1925 m), and the Col d'Auédole (1730 m). After more than 7 hours, you arrive at {{Marker|type=city|lat=42.85332|long=1.14584|name=Esbintz}}. === Esbintz - Refuge d'Aula === ; Distance : 19 km ; Duration : 6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 500 m This and the following stage offer spectacular scenery in good weather. From Esbintz, follow the D817 for the first 2 km to Borde de Galy. From here, you could take a detour to Seix (4 km) by continuing on the D817, then the D37, and turning right onto the D3, where you'll rejoin the GR10 near the Pont du Salat. Continue mostly downhill through the countryside, crossing the Pont du Salat to reach Moulin Lauga (550 m; 2 hr), which has a bakery and picnic area. Alternatively, you can rest 1½ h later at the Auberge des Deux Rivières. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Esbintz|url=https://www.gite-ferme-esbintz.fr/|lat=42.85315143224526|long=1.1459188949749635|content=850 m. Dormitory with 10 beds. Open May-November.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge des Deux Rivières|phone=+33 5 61 66 83 57|url=https://www.aubergedesdeuxrivieres.com/|lat=42.83210657498069|long=1.1982318103146805|content=Open late May to late September}} === Refuge d'Aula - Rouze === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 4½-5 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 700 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m Fit hikers can combine this stage with the previous one from Gîte d'étape d'Aunac (787 m), resulting in a 30 km day with 11¼ hf walking time (↥ 1750, ↧ 1580 m). From Refuge d'Aula, it's a steep but manageable 1½ hr ascent to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Bouche d'Aula|lat=42.77695825493033|long=1.1180083284724134}} (1998 m), then a descent to the Étang d'Areau, 100 m lower. Optional: The Pic des Aymesses (2036 m) can be climbed from the east side of the lake. A farm road leads down to Faup, with shortcuts along the switchbacks, for instance near the Cabane d'Areau. Slightly below the Col de Pause (1527 m; 2¼ hr), there is a parking area. The {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Camp site Rigaux Philippe|lat=42.78997920829053|long=1.178432115744275}} lies just below the hamlet of Faup. From Faup, descend along the D708 toward {{Marker|name=Couflens|wikidata=Q1142090|type=city}}, but before reaching the D3 junction, cross the bridge and climb on the opposite slope to Gîte de Rouze d'Ustou. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte de Rouze d'Ustou|lat=42.789696616|long=1.20592416901|address=Prat de la Moule, Rouze d'Ustou, 09140 Couflens|phone=+33561669545|url=https://www.ferme-de-rouze.fr/|content=16 beds. Cheese from the farm. Open mid-June to mid-September.}} === Rouze - Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou === ; Distance : 8.4 km ; Duration : 3-4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m Follow the stream uphill for about 1¾ hr to reach the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Serre du Cot}} (1546 m). Optional side trips: * To the south, ascend the Pic de la Tese (2255 m; ↥↧ 3 hr or more). * To the north, climb the Tuc de Peyre Mensongère (1711 m; ↥↧ 40 min). From the pass, descend left onto a forest path, passing a few ruined farmhouses. The route eventually reaches the D38 road and leads into {{Marker|type=city|name=Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou|wikidata=Q109571916}}. === Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou - Aulus-les-Bains === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9 hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400 m The hike begins at the southern end of Saint-Lizier. After crossing the pedestrian bridge, the trail climbs southeast to the Col de Fitté (1387 m), a former ski area. From there, it continues along the right side of the slope. One alternative route begins at {{listing|type=city|name=Bidous|lat=42.78257178128407|long=1.2700395937419484}}, following the Alet river south and then climbing steeply for over 2 hours to reach the Col de Fitté, where it rejoins the GR 10. The trail curves around the southwest side of the Picou de la Mire (1741 m) and reaches the Col d'Escots (1618 m) after 3¾ hr. The nearby Chalet de Beauregard restaurant is open from late May to September, 10:00-23:00. Afterwards, the path continues up and down along steep slopes until it reaches the Ruisseau de Fouillet valley (4½ hr). The Jasse du Fouillet crossing (1170 m) is reached after at least 5 h. For a shorter option, follow the yellow-red waymarks of the Tour du Val du Garbet. This leads to the D8F road and directly into Aulus-les-Bains (7 hr from Saint-Lizier). The main route continues toward the plateau of Souliou and the Pic du Mont Rouge (1600 m). A side trip to Étang de Guzet offers a possible bivouac site. The trail then descends toward the Ruisseau d'Ars (1485 m), crosses a bridge, and continues downward. After a second bridge (8½ hr), the path becomes easier. A final bridge, Pont de la Mouline, crosses the Garbet River just before the trail enters {{Marker|type=city|name=Aulus-les-Bains|wikidata=Q1082493|url=https://www.loubet.fr/saint-lizier.html}}, a small spa town with a mini market at the traffic circle near the bridge and a tourist office next door. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte Pyrénées AAA|lat=42.779696032|long=1.2690230044|url=https://giteslareng.net/|address=Lareng, 09140 Ustou|phone=+33967838934|content=14 places in upscale cottages for 2-4 people.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Cascade d'Ars|lat=42.762922493744796|long=1.3615038669340882|content=260 m high waterfalls in multiple tiers, located 4½ km from Aulus. Takes 3-9 hr round-trip to hike to them (↥ 530 m).}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping municipal le Coulédous|lat= 42.7940356892|long=1.3321660893|url=http://www.camping-aulus-couledous.com/|content=Also offers bungalows for 4-7 people. The gîte d'étape is a 12-person tent.}} === Aulus-les-Bains - Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès === ; Distance : 11 km ; Duration : 5 hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m The route climbs out of Aulus-les-Bains to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Port de Saleix|lat=42.78143117676052|long=1.4043285766664242}}, where you'll find the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Refuge de Carol|lat=42.7813|long=1.4146}}. From here, the ascent becomes steeper. The following section to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Port de Bassiès|lat=42.772502271037204|long=1.411691910311851}} is demanding but scenically rewarding. This area lies within the Mont-Calme nature reserve, where camping is prohibited. === Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès - Marc === ; Distance : variable ; Duration : 3½-5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1385 ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1385 This stage and the following one include several alternative routes and shortcuts that can be combined. From the refuge, the GR-10 leads southeast along a slightly rocky trail for just over three kilometers, following the chain of lakes. At the outflow of the last lake, the Étang d'Escalès, the GR-10 bends to the right. Along the stream, there's an opportunity to descend toward the main road and the village of Auzat. Another descent option to the road appears about 2 km further along the GR-10. The main trail makes a sharp turn southward. From the aqueduct (1160 m; 2¼ h4), the route maintains an elevation just below 1200 m for around 4 km, before descending the final 1½ km into the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Marc|lat=42.71687694132801|long=1.449593121067756}}, cutting across the switchbacks of the road. The Gîte Retrouvance de Mouret (12 places) is available for group bookings only. From {{listing|type=city|name=Auzat|wikidata=Q1082539}}, one can rejoin the GR-10 by heading 4 km south to Artiès and climbing back up. This avoids a significant part of the next stage. Alternatively, walking 6 km to Marc allows one to resume the full stage. To skip this stage, it is possible to go from Auzat directly to Goulier via two routes: one through Olbier (4.4 km), the other 6.1 km. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès|url=https://refugedebassies.fr/|content=1933 m. Open late May to September.|lat=42.76509|long=1.413221}} === Marc - Goulier === ; Distance : 24.3 km ; Duration : 6-9 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m From Marc, follow the path to Mounicou. A shelter is located a short way beyond, along the D8. This is where the ascent begins. After a few hundred meters, you can turn right at the {{Marker|type=go |name=Turn right|lat=42.71|long=1.4575}} marker and stay on the west side of Les Caldelets. From the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Orri de Tignalbu|lat=42.69417|long=1.46296}}, which has a water source, the path becomes very poor. The main GR-10 trail continues uphill to the Refuge de Prunadière (1615 m, 2 hr). Be sure to refill your water here. From there, it leads to a junction above the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Artiès|lat=42.7362|long=1.4793}} shelter (985 m, 3¼ hr). The path ascends steadily, passing the ruins of Pradières-d'en-bas, and arrives at Étang d'Izurt. A cable car runs to the lake. After a short climb, it's around 14 km downhill to {{Marker|type=city |name=Goulier|wikidata=Q1015676}} (moh 370 m), which is part of the Val-de-Sos commune. You can shorten the main trail from Prunadière by climbing steeply left past the buildings, gaining 450 m of elevation. About 2 hr later, you'll rejoin the GR-10 at Coumasses-Grandes. This shortcut saves roughly 8 km and bypasses Étang d'Izurt. === Goulier - Siguer === ; Distance : 13 km ; Duration : 3¼-4¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 416 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 830 m From Goulier, the trail ascends toward the Col de Risoul, then the Col de Esquérus, and continues to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de Grail|lat=42.75360457229|long=1.5321300362453}}. Near this pass is a shelter, an information board, and a water source located 250 m off the path. The route then climbs to the highest point of the day at the Col de Lercoul (1549 m). From here, the trail descends through the hamlet of Lercoul. A footpath south of the winding road leads downhill to the village of {{Marker|name=Siguer|wikidata=Q1375974|type=city}}, home to Café Rouse and several accommodations. === Siguer - Plateau de Beille === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 2400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m This demanding stage involves three steep descents and offers no accommodation along the route, only five basic shelters. From Siguer, the trail climbs steeply to Gestiès (40 min), where you should fill up on water. The path crosses the road three times on the way up. After a long ascent, you reach the Pla de Montcamp (1904 m; 3¾ hr). Past the Col du Sasc (1798 m), the trail traverses the flank of the Pic du Col Taillat. Water is again available at the Cabane de Courtal Marti, though trail markings on this high section can be vague. The trail descends to the Cabane de Balledreyt (1600 m; 2 sleeping places), reached after another 20 minutes. After about 7½ hours, the trail descends to the D520A road at 1040 m elevation. A detour to the villages of Aston (14 km, with a campground) or Les Cabannes (15.8 km, with a year-round gîte d'étape) is possible around the 4¼-hour mark. Les Cabannes has a train connection to Mérens-les-Vals or Foix. After crossing the bridge, the GR-10 climbs again via a forest trail. A water source is marked and located about two minutes off the trail, just past a large boulder reached after 9+ hours. The trail continues across a ridge to the Cabane d'Artaran (1695 m). Shortly afterward, you reach the ski area at the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Plateau de Beille|lat=42.72473998587668|long=1.6911435704342077}}, where the Cabane Beille is located. This area is accessible via the D522 road loop and popular with day hikers. === Plateau de Beille - Refuge du Rulhe === ; Distance : 14 km ; Duration : 4¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m It's recommended to start this exposed stage early in the day to avoid afternoon summer thunderstorms. The trail remains around or above 2000 m throughout. The highest point is the summit of the {{Marker|type=see |name=Crête des Isards|lat=42.65012142232325|long=1.7389568668472413}} at 2381 m. The Refuge du Rulhe lies at the junction of several long-distance trails, including the Tour de Pays des Montagnes d'Ax from Ax-les-Thermes, the GR Transfrontalier from Andorra, and two routes from the Vallée d'Aston. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Rulhe|url=https://rulhe.com/|lat=42.6379904848182|long=1.725866639541228|content=53 places. Open late May to September. €16 per night, half board €45. Tel: +33 6 74 24 50 71}} === Refuge du Rulhe - Mérens-les-Vals === ; Distance : 12 km ; Duration : 4½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 360 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1500-1600 m '''Water is scarce at high elevation.''' From the refuge, the trail ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de Calmettes|lat=42.636915754134|long=1.7404819725150908}} (2318 m), mostly over scree. Cairns also serve as markers. The path descends to Étang Bleu, where it skirts the left side of the lake and climbs again to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Crête de la Lhasse|lat=42.6398816194571|long=1.768563885207408}} (2439 m). Afterward, it continues over scree for nearly 800 m of descent to the pond called l'Estangol, with a shelter above. {{Marker|name=Mérens-les-Vals|wikidata=Q662289|type=city}} is reached after the final descent. The ruins of the old Saint-Pierre church date back to the Napoleonic Wars. The village festival takes place on July 20. The village has a train stop on the Foix - Puigcerdà line. Located on the N-20. The natural hot springs are about 45 minutes away, although they were affected by rockfall in 2022. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge du Nabre|lat=42.65611004694209|long=1.8429807373614195|address=le village d'en haut, 09110 Mérens-les-Vals|phone=+33 5 61 01 89 36|url=https://www.aubergedunabre.com/|content=Guesthouse in the upper village.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping de Mérens|lat=42.64646601527881|long=1.8310245105731093|address=600 Ville de Bau, 09110 Mérens-les-Vals|phone=+33 5 61 02 85 40|url=http://www.camping.merenslesvals.fr/de/haus/|content=Open all year, 1.3 km south of the village.}} === Mérens-les-Vals - Refuge des Bésines === ; Distance : 10 km ; Duration : 4½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 260 m This demanding stage continues through high alpine terrain, with lots of rock and scree. From Mérens, the trail leads past Le Nabre to the hot springs. Afterward, the path climbs for nearly 3 hours. First, it reaches the Estangs (2056 m), then continues to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Porteille de Bésines|lat=42.6154502407948|long=1.872190036139089}} (2333 m). From this pass, the route is clearly signposted. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bésines|wikidata=Q11945073|url=https://refugebesines.ffcam.fr/|content=2104 m. 70 beds. Open June-September. Phone: +33 5 61 05 11 77.}} === Refuge des Bésines - Refuge des Bouillouses === ; Distance : 16.7 km ; Duration : 5½-6 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 660 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 760 m This high-level stage crosses several mountain passes and offers excellent panoramic views. The route first ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Coll de Coma d'Anyell|lat=42.60880012907595|long=1.8962468691063044}}, from where it is possible to climb Pic des Bésineilles (2632 m) in about ¾ hr round trip. The path then continues through the Lansolet basin (2234 m), past the Cabane de Rozet, and climbs again to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Portella de la Grava|lat=42.59935934341172|long=1.934453711010157}}. From there, it's a gentle 3-hour descent to the lakeside refuge at Bouillouses. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bésines|lat=42.6039|long=1.86853|content=56 dormitory beds, with 16 emergency shelter spots outside the season. Open June-September.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bouillouses|lat=42.559475002653095|long=2.00351938309043|url=https://www.lesbouillouses.com/|content=2003 m. 46 beds. Open June-September. Phone: +33 4 68 04 93 88.}} === Refuge des Bouillouses - Planès === ; Distance : 19 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 230 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m The descent is easy but not always well marked. After about 2¾ hours (1740 m), the GR-10 reaches the D618. About 700 m further, a right turn leads to Superbolquère, where food and lodging are available, including a supermarket and a gîte with 28 beds. The GR-10 continues downhill to the quiet D10C near {{Marker|name=Bolquère|wikidata=Q1101891|type=city}} (1628 m, 2¾ hr), where there is a public drinking fountain and an information board. The nearby Gare de Bolquère-Eyne (1593 m) is the highest railway stop in France, on the scenic “train jaune” line. Passing through the villages of La Perche and La Cabanasse (3½ hr), the route ends at the small village of {{Marker|name=Planès|wikidata=Q524705|type=city}}. No shops in the village. The nearby Pont Gisclard, opened in 1909, is a cable-stayed bridge on the Ligne de Cerdagne crossing the Têt river. The village is a stop on the “train jaune” railway. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=L'Orri de Planès|lat=42.490995503|long=2.1382908362|address=Casas del Mitg, 66210 Planès|phone=+33 4 68 04 29 47|content=Gîte with 16 dormitory beds and private rooms.}} === Planès - Refuge du Ras de la Carança === ; Distance : 15.3 km ; Duration : 5¾-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1170 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 870 m There are no supply options along this stage. The trail begins with a gentle ascent through pine forest into the high Riberola valley. It is advisable to refill your water at the Refuge de l'Orri. Above the Cabane d'Aixques, the route becomes steep as it climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col Mitja|wikidata=Q28381301}} (2376 m). From the pass, it is possible to summit Pic de Gallinas (2624 m, ↥↧ 90 min) or Pic Redoun (2677 m, ↥↧ 1 hr). The final 1½ hours involve a descent of about 500 m to the refuge. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Ras de la Carança|wikidata=Q28380908|address=142 rue de, 66360 Fontpédrouse|phone=+33 9 88 66 73 81|url=https://www.refugelacaranca.com/|content=1840 m. Open mid-May to mid-September. 13 emergency places available off-season. Connections to other trails: 7.7 km to Prats Balaguer, 8.5 km to Ull de Ter, 13.7 km to Carança, 10 km to Thuès-les-Bains via the gorge, and 12 km to Núria.}} === Refuge du Ras de la Carança - Mantet === ; Distance : 10 km ; Duration : 4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 640 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 940 m This stage is challenging and poorly marked at higher elevations. From the refuge, follow the stream uphill for 100 m to a wooden bridge. Continue on a scree path along the left side of the valley. After passing through a gate, you reach an alpine pasture and the {{marker|type=go|name=Coll del Pal|lat=42.465650773936|long=2.258498904704664}} (2294 m). This area is a nature reserve where wild camping is forbidden. From the pass, there is an optional ascent to Pic de Serre Gallinère (2663 m; 1 hr round trip), and possibly further on to the Serre de Caret (2300 m). From the pass, descend to the {{marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Alemany|wikidata=Q120254507}} (1962 m; 8 places), located 200 m off the trail. The main path continues left, crossing first a wooden, then a concrete bridge, followed by a narrow unpaved road that ascends to the village of {{listing|type=city|name=Mantet|wikidata=Q1369164}} (1550 m). Population: 31. Most of the southern part of the commune is the protected area [https://rnn-mantet.fr/ Reserva natural de Mentet], where camping is forbidden. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=La Cavale|address=Los Miquelets, 66360 Mantet|phone=+33 4 68 05 57 59|url=http://la-cavale.fr/|lat=42.477231944228336|long=2.3092556382036555|content=Private rooms and dorms for 3-5 people.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte à la ferme Cazenove|url=http://www.gitecazenovemantet.fr/|lat=42.47702171854456|long=2.306028129535968|content=Farm gîte. Open May to September.}} === Mantet - Refuge de Mariailles === ; Distance : 14.8 km ; Duration : 5 hr 5 min ; Elevation gain : ↥ 936 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 834 m Midway along this stage is the village of {{Marker|name=Py|wikidata=Q178846|type=city}} (1023 m), which has an auberge and a gîte. From Py, follow the D6 briefly before heading northeast to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Jou|wikidata=Q47335849|lat=|long=}} (1125 m). The path turns southeast and ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Cavall Mort|wikidata=Q47335871|lat=|long=}} (1454 m), then continues upward to the Refuge de Mariailles. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge de Mariailles|alt=Refugi de Marelles|url=https://refugedemariailles.fr/|lat=42.5017361908777|long=2.4077634391340514|content=1692 m. Open from late May; shelter room available year-round.}} === Refuge de Mariailles - Refuge des Cortalets === ; Distance : 16.3 km ; Duration : 6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1030 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m This is a challenging high-mountain route around the Canigou Massif. There are no supply points along the way, and surefootedness is required. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Cortalets|url=https://refugedescortalets.ffcam.fr/|lat=42.53436454795011|long=2.465036067970792|content=2100 m. 105 places, plus 19 emergency shelter places available outside the season.}} * {{listing|type=go |name=Loop trail to the summit of Pic du Canigou|alt=Canigó|url=https://www.visit-occitanie.com/de/entdecken/top-sehenswuerdigkeiten/massif-du-canigou-katalonien/|lat=42.53692009465181|long=2.4666389025393545|content=This difficult 9.3 km loop (4½ h; ↥ 700+ m) begins 200 m beyond the refuge.}} === Refuge des Cortalets - Gîte-refuge de Batère === ; Distance : 16.8 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 270 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 920 m This stage is also part of the HRP. From the refuge to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Ras del Prat Cabrera|wikidata=Q47170860|lat=|long=}} (1739 m; 4 km), you can choose between a high-level route following the “Tour du Canigou” and a less steep path along the mountainside. From the pass to the Refuge de l'Estanyol (2¾ hr or more) the trail descends gradually, then more steeply. It climbs again briefly to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Cirère|wikidata=Q134299355|lat=|long=}} (1731 m; 4-4¾ hr). From here, you can optionally ascend the Puig Saint-Pierre (1791 m; ↥ 15 min, ↧ 15 min). Descending from the col, you pass abandoned stone quarries and mines (the Mines de la Pinosa are ruins of a former settlement), and reach your destination. Nearby you can explore the 5-day “Tour du Canigou” circuit or visit the historic abbeys of Saint-Martin du Canigou and Saint-Michel-de-Cuxa. * {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Estanyol|wikidata=Q120262655|lat=|long=}} === Gîte-refuge de Batère - Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette === ; Distance : 19.2 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 745 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m Along this long and steady descent, you pass several dolmens. Their significance may be best appreciated by specialists in archaeology. The destination is the Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette, an old mill located in the Ribera Valley. More accommodation and services are available in {{Marker|name=Arles-sur-Tech|wikidata=Q7897|type=city}}, which is connected by bus. At the southern edge of the town, you'll find Camping Riuferrer. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte-refuge de Batère|url=https://www.refugedebatere.fr/|lat=42.50176051942559|long=2.5484428644953847|address=Mines de Batère, 66150 Corsavy|phone=+33 4 68 39 12 01|content=17 dormitory beds, 20 in private rooms. Access via a 20.3-km road from Arles-sur-Tech.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette|wikidata=Q120266421|url=http://gr10-par-etapes.eklablog.com/hebergement-du-moulin-de-la-palette-a126161238|content=Simple eco-gîte in a renovated mill, located in the Ribera valley.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Riuferrer|lat=42.4551506239|long=2.6291899540|url=https://campingriuferrer.com/}} === Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette - Las Illas === ; Distance : 22 km ; Duration : 7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m From the gîte, follow the D536 for 1 km, then turn right uphill toward Montalba (543 m; 1 hr). At the cross, turn sharply right to continue climbing. You reach the ruins of the Mouli Serradou (833 m; 2½ hr). The highest point is the Coll de Sant Martí (1426 m; 4 hr or more). The trail continues through forest along the slope, passing by the Roc de France (also known as Roc de Frausa). {{Marker|name=Las Illas|wikidata=Q16508596|type=city}} has a water point and picnic area in the park. Accommodation is available in a gîte at the town hall and at the Hostal de Trabucayeres. === Las Illas - Col de l'Ouillat === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 6-7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 930 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 540 m The route has been altered several times due to terrain difficulties, so follow the current waymarking. The middle part of the trail runs along the border, just below the ridge. The dominant tree species in this area is the striking Corsican pine (Pinus nigra var. corsicana). A detour to the fortified town of Le Perthus and the Fort de Bellegarde (open May-Sep, 10:30-18:00) offers a cultural break. Note that all shops are on the Spanish side of the border. After about 3 hours, there is an optional detour to the Roman fort Panissas, built on the Via Domitia. Turn off 5 minutes after border marker 565 (2½ hr). The stage ends at {{marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de l'Ouillat|wikidata=Q11914547}} (938 m). === Col de l'Ouillat - Banyuls-sur-Mer === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 7-8¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 680 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1610 m The route stays high near the border ridge. It takes about 1 hour to reach the Pic Néulos. Water is available at the Refuge de la Tagnarède after 1½ hours. From there, the trail leads over several passes: Coll del Faig (985 m), Col de l'Orry, and Col de l'Estaque (1025 m; 2¾ hr). The Pic des Quatre-Termes (1156 m) and Pic de la Cabassère are bypassed to the north. After 4 hours, you reach the Coll del Pal (899 m). From there, continue right toward the Col des Gascons (6¼ hr or more). The final descent to the Col de Llagastèra (285 m) passes partly through vineyards towards {{Marker|name=Banyuls-sur-Mer|wikidata=Q6753|type=city}}. == Go next == * [[Pyrenean High Route]]: Crosses the Pyrenees along the mountain crests, staying higher than both the GR 10 and GR 11. * [[GR 11]] This footpath stays on the Spanish side of the Pyrenees. {{outlineitinerary}} {{Related|France}} {{Related|Pyrenees}} {{PartOfItinerary|Europe itineraries}} sihvet2uzncdxvpo1cfmnrnz1gbxwpl 5086654 5086653 2025-07-02T14:40:26Z Bluecoordinationfine 2327039 Formatting 5086654 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|GR 10 WV banner.jpg|caption=View from GR 10, near Souriche, looking towards the Tourmalet, valley of Barèges, France}} The '''GR 10''' is one of the paths and trails of the extensive [[Grande Randonnée]] (or GR) network. It crosses [[France]], from the Mediterranean coast to the Atlantic coast, and runs almost entirely through the [[Pyrenees]]. While the trail is in France, much of it is near, or even on, the border with [[Spain]]. The trail can be walked in either direction, though some suggest that the west-east route is easier in the beginning, as it is both cooler and less steep that the corresponding start heading west; this may be an advantage to those not fully in shape. == Understand == [[File:Lac d'Oo (22).jpg|thumb|Lac d'Oo]] Moving from east to west, the trail begins at the Mediterranean, in the small town of [[Banyuls sur Mer]], and finishes at [[Hendaye]] on the Atlantic Ocean. Hikers will usually be able to make it to a [[France#Guesthouses and holiday rentals|gîte]] or small town every other night, and quite frequently every night. Expected time to complete the trail is around 6-7 weeks, though the majority of people only hike sections of it. == Prepare == The trail is fairly well marked with painted marks on rocks, trees, telephone poles, and even houses, walls, and street signs. If you haven’t seen a waymark for 100 metres, you’ve likely strayed off the trail. Retrace your steps to the last marker and check your route. It is not realistic to navigate using the markers alone. A trail guide, at minimum, or a topologic map is required. Sunburn is a particular problem, and clothing such as long sleeved shirts and long pants should be worn as they protect from the sun, scratching branches and insects. Sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat are highly desirable. For those heading west from Banyuls sur Mer, the hike to the first gîte is particularly long compared to the following days, and should be started very early. === Equipment === One of the advantages of the GR 10 is that it can be hiked with minimal gear, as one can eat dinner and breakfast almost every day at the gîtes. Additionally the hiker can sleep outdoors on clear nights and pay for a bed in a gîte in inclement weather. On nights that only shelters (which usually have no food or staff) are available, pre-purchased food can be eaten. If one plans to eat at gîtes and buy food from supermarkets that can be eaten without cooking, the absolute minimal gear in the summer months is: * Sleeping bag or sleep sheet, and a mat for comfort. * Goretex jacket and fleece or similar for cold or wet weather * Long-sleeved shirt and pants * Short-sleeved shirt and shorts (including shorts you can wear for swimming) * Sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat * Adequate footwear. Anything less than hiking boots may prove insufficient. * Bottles for at least two litres of water, and a purification method for treating water from streams. * Toiletries and a [[Travel health kit|medical kit]] Additionally, consider a rain jacket or fleece top for wet or cold weather. If you plan to forgo the comforts and delicious food of the gites and hotels, also bring: * Tent * Cooking gear and food A note on footwear: some four fifths of the hikers wear full hiking boots and thick socks. While running sneakers may suffice (and Choco-style sandals may work for a few days), your risk of injury is higher, and much of the trail involves hopping around on possibly wet and sharp rocks. Choose conservatively, depending on the length of your hike and your experience. ==Get in== == Walk == {{Mapframe|lat=42.68287|long=0.56837|width=full|height=360|zoom=7}} {{mapshape|type=geoline|stroke=#000000|stroke-width=3}} === Hendaye-Plage - Olhette === ; Distance : 21.9 km ; Duration : 6-7¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1010 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 950 m Intermarché sells gas cartridges. Near the western trailhead a {{marker|type=buy|name=Decathlon|lat=43.36843635018845|long=-1.7798332063655435}} store geared towards watersports is available for last minute purchases, such as gas cannisters. The hike starts from the 3 km long {{marker|type=see|name=Hendaye Beach|wikidata=Q20947149}}. This is below the old casino, now known as Résidence Croisière. Nearby is the Tourist Office. Buses run from the main train station, or you can walk from {{marker|type=go|name=Gare Deux Jumeaux|wikidata=Q2802667}}. Leaving town, the route goes around the football stadium and climbs via Rue Errondenia and Rue de Pausoa. After about 3 hr you reach the summit of {{marker|type=see|name=Xoldokogaina|wikidata=Q20492776}}. The high point is at Mandale (530 m) on the Spanish border. From here, the path descends to the Col d'Ibardin (4¼ hr), a popular spot for French shoppers due to cheap alcohol and tobacco. The trail continues via Col des Poiriers and Col des Joncs before reaching Olhette. * {{listing|type=city|name=Olhette|lat=43.3360119885|long=-1.6661235970|content=65 m. No bus service; the nearest is in Ascain, 4 km away. Two gîtes: [https://www.chambre-d-hote-cote-basque-manttu.fr/ Manttu-Baïta] at the southern end of the village and Trapero Baïta (Tel. +33 5 59 54 42 59) in the center.}} * {{listing|type=city|name=Biriatou|wikidata=Q196871|content=A scenic Basque village 10 minutes from the main trail. Public toilets near the church.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Redoute de la Baïonette|lat=43.309257665|long=-1.70329930013|content=Historic fortification near Mandale, located by modern border marker 9. Offers wide views.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Basque Tourist Office|address=20 Boulevard Victor Hugo, 64500 Saint-Jean-de-Luz|lat=43.387765760|long=-1.66038856746|url=https://www.en-pays-basque.fr/en/|content=Tourist info for the wider Basque region.}} === Olhette - Ainhoa === ; Distance : 21.1 km ; Duration : 6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 730 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 640 m The steepest climb comes right at the beginning. For most of the route, you'll be on forest trails and, after Sare, quiet paved country roads. The trail initially ascends on a good path over the Col des Trois Fontaines (1½ hr; a shelter is located 300 m away), then descends to the Col de St-Ignace, where the valley station of the cog railway to La Rhune is found. It continues to {{Marker|type=city|name=Sare|wikidata=Q274155}} (2¾ hr), a local transport hub and one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. There's an outdoor swimming pool. The stage ends in {{Marker|type=city|name=Ainhoa|wikidata=Q212962|url=https://www.en-pays-basque.fr/territoires-et-destinations/vallee-de-la-nivelle/ainhoa/}}. Also one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. The tourist information office (open 09:00-12:30, 14:00-17:30; closed weekends and holidays) is located at the side of the town hall. Local grocery stores are a bit pricey due to the village's popularity. From Col des Trois Fontaines you can ascend La Rhune (905 m) either by cog railway (35 min) or on foot (3 km, 1¼ h; ↥↧ 300 m). The prehistoric {{Marker|type=see|name=Grottes de Sare|url=https://www.grottesdesare.fr/en/index_en.php|wikidata=Q3117280}} can be visited with prior reservation through the local municipality or online. Closed annually for a month after Epiphany. This stage is part of the [[European long-distance path E9|European long-distance trail E9]]. * {{listing|counter=1|type=sleep|lat=43.30238052|long=-1.5874539771|name=Camping la Petite Rhune|phone=+33 6 15 29 36 38|url=https://www.lapetiterhune.com/en/|content=Includes a gîte d'étape. Reception hours: 08:30-12:30, 15:00-20:00; winter weekdays 09:00-12:00, 14:00-17:00.}} === Ainhoa - Bidarray === ; Distance : 21.7 km ; Duration : 8½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 880 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 850 m This is a difficult stage, with little shade at the start and a particularly steep, rocky descent near the end. At the old cemetery (389 m; 40 min) beside the {{Marker|type=see|name=Chapelle Notre Dame de l'Aubépine|wikidata=Q12253854}}, a dramatic crucifixion scene of the Jewish itinerant preacher Jesus of Nazareth and two other criminals has been recreated. Traditional Basque hilarri gravestones are found here. The path then continues over the Col des Trois-Croix (510 m; 1 hr 20 min). A good place to rest is at Ferme Esteben (2 hr 50 min, 580 m), a gîte d'étape with a bar-restaurant. The trail continues near the border, past Boundary Stone 77, partly on paved road. At Col des Veaux (550 m), you can take a 300-m detour into Spain to visit a venta (a small inn or shop). From here, the trail climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Méhatche|lat=43.272782275749094|long=-1.4166930371188398}} (716 m; 3¾ hr). The descent past Boundary Stones 82 and 83 is secured with cables. From Col de Méhatche, you can ascend Artzamendi (926 m), easily identified by its radar dome at the summit. The nearby {{Marker|type=see|name=Grotte le Saint-que-Sue|alt=Harpeko Saindua|lat=43.26526266671622|long=-1.3890420732224757}} can also be visited. Just before reaching {{Marker|type=city|name=Bidarray|wikidata=Q746221}}, a bypass trail offers a shortcut to the next stage. For peak baggers, this route also gives access to several summits: Errebi (between the chapel and Col des Trois-Croix), Atxulegi (a 15-min detour on the way to Col des Trois-Croix), and, in good weather, Mont Bizkayluze (701 m) and Gorospil (691 m). The village is split into two parts, 600 m apart. The GR-10 passes through the upper section (where accommodation is located), while the train station lies in the lower part. The stone “Noblia” bridge, in its current form, dates to the 17th century. Parts of the Church of the Assumption are Romanesque. Traditional hilarri gravestones can be found in the old cemetery, and the Ferme Gastetto is a protected farmhouse in classic Lower Navarrese style. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Aire Zabal|lat=43.2665469128|long=-1.34721660011|url=https://giteairezabal.fr/|content=Stage accommodation in the upper part of the village.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Amestoya|lat=43.284582665|long=-1.35372693663|url=https://camping-bidarray.fr/english/|content=Campsite along the D908, 2 km north of the upper village.}} === Bidarray - Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry === ; Distance : 18.5 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1250 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1250 m This southward stage is demanding, especially due to the complete lack of water sources along the ascent. After passing the Iparla Ridge (950 m), the trail reaches an altitude of over 1000 m for the first time on the way to the summit. It then continues along the ridge to the Pic de Tutulia before descending to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Harrieta|lat=43.21079140547837|long=-1.384120195860639}} (3¾ hr, 808 m). From the Col d'Harrieta, a side trail descends to Urdos (1¾ hr), from where it's possible to follow the road into Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry. The main trail continues across the Buztanzelhay summit (4¾ hr, 1029 m), then down to the col of the same name (843 m). Here, the GR-10 turns left and descends steeply. The path crosses the D949 road several times — this road leads from the village to the ventas on the Spanish border at the Col d'Ispéguy. You can also reach this col via the ridge, 1½ km from Col Buztanzelhay. If you want to skip entering {{Marker|type=city|name=Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry|wikidata=Q279252}} (162 moh), you can join the next stage earlier at the Nive des Aldudes (6½ h, 162 m). There's a picnic area in the park and a supermarket that stocks gas cartridges. Locals play Rebot, a type of pelota, on two courts. The Château d'Etxauz is not open to the public. On the last Sunday in April, the village hosts a traditional folklore festival known as Nafarroaren Eguna. The Nive des Aldudes valley occasionally experiences flooding and mudslides. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Municipal Irouleguy|address=Borciriette, 64430 Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry|phone=+33 5 59 37 43 96|url=https://animazioa5.wixsite.com/camping-de-baigorri|lat=43.183694680698636|long=-1.3357619163002807|content=Municipal campsite near the village.}} === Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry - Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port === ; Distance : 19.2 km ; Duration : 5-7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 990 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 980 m This stage runs mostly on gravel paths and farm tracks. About an hour in, there's an optional detour at Col d'Aharza for a 35-minute climb to Oylarandoy, where a hermitage built in 1706 stands. The GR-10 heads south to the Col d'Aharza (734 m; 2 hr), where there's a water source, then turns east and circles around the {{Marker|type=see|name=Munhoa|wikidata=Q3327853}} (1023 m; 3½ hr). The climb is fully exposed to the sun. The descent begins on the right-hand side. For campers, there are two sites before {{Marker|name=Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port|wikidata=Q270294|type=city}}: [http://www.camping-delatruite.com/ Camping de La Truite] (March 1 - Dec 15), and closer to town, [http://www.camping-narbaitz.com/ Camping Narbaitz] (mid-March - mid-September; tent spaces from June 20). Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port lies at 170 m and is where three of the four French pilgrimage routes converge before entering Spain. From here, it's possible to continue directly onto the Camino de Santiago (via Roncesvalles). === Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port - Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta === ; Distance : 16.2 km ; Duration : 5-5½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 870 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 420 m There are no supply points or public transport on this stage, but the walking is relatively easy. In the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Çaro|wikidata=Q842635}} (242 m), there is a public fountain next to the town hall. If you choose to end the day early after 3¾ hr in {{Marker|type=city|name=Estérençuby|wikidata=Q842724}} (231 m; two accommodation options), be aware that this adds an extra 400 m of ascent to the next day's stage. === Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta - Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty === ; Distance : 20.7 km ; Duration : 6¾-8 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1410 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m This stage is simple but offers little shade. The trail first climbs toward the Col on Ithurramburu (820 m), then continues ascending to just below the {{Marker|type=see|name=Occabe|alt=Okabe|wikidata=Q17417892}} (1456 m). On the Occabe plateau, 26 Neolithic stone circles — called Harrespil in Basque — have been found. These are believed to have been used for cremation rites. A good rest stop is the upscale {{Marker|type=eat|name=Restaurant Chalet Pedro|url=https://www.chaletpedro.com/|lat=43.03687624625582|long=-1.0746838225620772}} (4¾ hr). The associated lodge offers 10 beds. Across the stream at Le Kayolar, similar accommodation is available. From here, the trail turns sharply right after 100 m and continues uphill for 6-7 km (300 m ascent) to the stage destination. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta|url=http://kaskoleta.free.fr/|lat=43.092036845886255|long=-1.1646582066722122|content=Altitude 615 m. Offers 13 beds in 3 rooms plus a holiday apartment for 4. A scenic viewpoint with an information panel is 5 minutes away.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty|address=D19, 64560 Larrau|phone=+33 5 59 28 51 29|url=https://chalets-iraty.com/|lat=43.03659578299579|long=-1.0348125824515537|content=Key pickup and payment are handled at Col Héguichouria, 1 km before the site. There is a restaurant and bird observation post 500 m further on.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=L'aire Naturelle de Camping|lat=43.037460332099656|long=-1.0494175120345806|content=Natural campground with 50 pitches, located 3 km before the Chalets by the stream. Open June-October. Fresh bread available by reservation from 08:30.}} === Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty - Logibar === ; Distance : 16.4 km ; Duration : 5-6 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 440 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1380 m In bad weather, the route along the west side of the {{Marker|type=see|name=Pic des Escaliers|wikidata=Q31645205}} (1423 m) is not recommended. There are two alternative routes, but both are poorly marked. At the Ugatzé Ridge, the trail skirts the peak rather than summiting it. To avoid the steep descent from Pic des Escaliers, stay on the road for about 600 m after the start, then turn off after 2½ km to reach Col Ugatzé. A short side trip allows you to summit Arthanolatzégagnia (an additional 35 min ascent and descent). Trail markings are sparse for several hours. After some time following mule tracks, you'll reach a road crossing at Beloscare (1173 m; 3 hr). Logibar marks the end of the stage, but you can also continue 2 km further to {{Marker|type=city|name=Larrau|wikidata=Q608335}}, which offers three accommodation options and a campground. In bad weather, an easier alternative is to follow the paved road from Iraty directly to Larrau for a gentler descent. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge Logibar|address=Quartier Logibar, D26, 64560 Larrau|phone=+33 5 59 28 61 14|url=https://auberge-logibar.com/|lat=43.018151|long=-0.927715|content=Altitude 375 m. Dormitory beds from €17, half board from €50. Check-in from 17:00. Bus 60 serves the location.}} === Logibar - Sainte-Engrâce (Senta) === ; Distance : 26.3 km ; Duration : 7½-9¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200-1420 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 900-1170 m This stage leads through spectacular gorges. Follow signs to the Gorges d'Holzarté and ascend the trail to the 70 m long suspension bridge (50 min), which spans the dramatic Ruisseau de Olhadubi gorge 150 m above the ground. On the far side, the trail continues uphill. After 2 hours, you reach the Olhadubi stream — a possible spot for a refreshing dip. Nearby, the Cabane Cayolar d'Olhadubi (reached via a side path from the bridge) serves as an emergency shelter with space for 4-5 people. Continuing uphill, you'll reach the Abarrakia farm after just over 3 hours. The path then winds between farms, eventually reaching the point (4½ hr) where the GR-10 turns sharply to the right. The original GR-10 route bypassed the gorges entirely by heading up to the Plateau d'Adarkhotia after the Holzarté bridge. This shortcut saves 2.7 km (1¼ hr) and 150 m of elevation gain. After about 5 hours, you'll reach the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Anhaou|alt=Col de Bious|lat=42.9784|long=-0.88044}} (1383 m). From here, energetic hikers can summit nearby peaks such as Izeyto (1464 m) or Sarimendi (1484 m). The stage ends at {{Marker|type=city|name=Sainte-Engrâce|wikidata=Q197211|url=https://www.sainte-engrace.fr/index.php/en/}}. Sainte-Engrâce is home to a Romanesque church from the 11th century. From the village, a 9-km side trip (↥ 840 m, ↧ 135 m) takes you to the vast La Verna cave. Guided tours go up to 800 m deep — the main chamber is large enough to fit the Eiffel Tower. Bookings are handled through the [https://laverna.fr/en/ Espace accueil Arrakotchepia], Quartier Calla, 64560 Sainte-Engrâce (Tel. +33 6 37 88 29 05). August is often very busy. A detour south from the restaurant leads into the wild and romantic Gorges de Kakuetta. The trail is very steep and slippery, and entry tickets are (usually) sold at the restaurant. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge Elichalt|address=Next to the church|phone=+33 5 59 28 61 63|lat=42.99552859220694|long=-0.8102287239912613|content=Simple village inn located in the center of Sainte-Engrâce.}} === Sainte-Engrâce (Senta) - Refuge Jeandel === ; Distance : 11.6 km ; Duration : 4¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 160 m The trail climbs steadily from Sainte-Engrâce into the limestone highlands of the Pierre-Saint-Martin massif, marking the transition into more alpine terrain. You ascend to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Pierre-St-Martin|wikidata=Q1107451}} (1760 m; border with Spain). Since 1373, the Tributo de las Tres Vacas — a cross-border tribute of three cows — has been held here every July 13 to settle grazing rights between the two valleys. A small shop at the parking area sells goat cheese. A ski area lies just over the border on the Spanish side. There is also a small shelter near Boundary Marker 62. An optional 15-minute detour leads to the summit of Soum de Lèche (1839 m). The Grotte de la Verna, a massive cave chamber accessible by guided tour, lies 1 km (¾ hr) off the main trail and requires prior booking ([https://laverna.fr laverna.fr]). From the pass, descend to the first switchback, then turn right off the main track. The trail passes under two chairlifts and continues along the northern flank of the Pic d'Arlas. When you spot three large concrete water tanks, descend to the staffed mountain hut at Refuge Jeandel. The ski resort village of {{Marker|name=La Pierre Saint-Martin|wikidata=Q3211628|type=city}} is about 15 minutes off the trail and offers additional services. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge Jeandel|address=La Pierre Saint Martin, 64570 Arette|url=https://www.refugejeandel.com/|lat=42.97829371796861|long=-0.7493627209784663|content=Altitude 1670 m. Dormitory accommodation from €18; half-board from €42.50. Staffed in summer.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Tourist Office La Pierre Saint-Martin|address=Maison de la Pierre, 75 D332, 64570 Arette|phone=+33 5 59 66 20 09|url=https://www.lapierrestmartin.com/|lat=42.97735500762936|long=-0.744495054007273|content=Open only during the French summer holidays (mid-July to late August). Provides info on local lodging and two campervan pitches. Served by seasonal Bus 807 between Arette and Oloron-Sainte-Marie.}} === Refuge Jeandel - Lescun === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 5½-6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1200 m This is a challenging stage, but the scenery is magnificent. Several rocky mountain paths are equipped with cables for safety. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Pas de l'Osque|lat=42.9702182168491|long=-0.7089944097203539}} (1922 m), which requires a head for heights. The trail continues to the Pas d'Azuns (1873 m; 2¾ hr), and a good first rest stop with water is the spring near the Cabane du Cap de la Baitch (1689 m; 3 hr). In wet weather, descending to {{Marker|type=city|name=Lescun|wikidata=Q179737}} (895 m) via the road is recommended, as the GR-10 becomes muddy and difficult to navigate. From Lescun, the HRP route offers a very demanding variant over the Col d'Anie back toward Cabane du Cap de la Baitch. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Centre de l'Abérouat|url=http://aberouat.fr/|lat=42.95041471194407|long=-0.6658390953581508|content=Staffed hut with a bar. Offers 20 rooms (2-5 beds each). Free tent camping nearby (bathrooms in the hut available for a fee). Best suited for groups; solo walkers must book in advance.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Maison de la Montagne|lat=42.934247039|long=-0.63524507931|address=1 ruelle de la Congasse, 64490 Lescun|phone=+33 6 88 06 95 29|url=https://www.maisondelamontagne64.com/|content=Comfortable accommodation for hikers in the centre of Lescun.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping - Gîte du Lauzart|address=Bordé de Mougnague, 64490 Lescun|phone=+33 5 59 34 51 77|url=https://www.camping-gite-lescun-pyrenees.com/|lat=42.92782183157741|long=-0.6421994110320027|content=Along the D340. About 20 minutes into the next stage. Open April-September. Campsite €14 + €4 per adult. 25 dorm beds available for €16; half board €42.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Tourist Office for the Vallée |lat=42.9990368924|long=-0.60057615194|url=https://www.pyrenees-bearnaises.com/explorer/nature/|phone=+33 5 59 34 57 57|content=Located in Bedous. Provides information on the surrounding region.}} === Lescun - Etsaut === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 5½-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 850 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1150 m The trail begins easily through pastoral countryside, then enters forested terrain, passing the [https://www.gite-camping-lhers.com/ Gîte d'étape and campsite on the Plateau de Lhers] (2 hr), and climbing to the Col de Barrancq (1601 m; 3¾ hr). From the Col de Barrancq, a side trip leads to the summit of Pic de Labigouer (2175 m), which takes just under 3 hours round-trip. Lower down in the Parc d'Orce, within the commune of {{Marker|type=city|name=Borçe|wikidata=Q840474}} (5¾ hr), lives the majority of the region's ~50 brown bears. The Gîte le Communal offers accommodation here. The stage ends in {{listing|type=city|name=Etsaut|wikidata=Q765829|content=Altitude 597 m. Located on the N-134 and served by the Canfranc-Oloron-Saint-Marie bus line. The former train station now houses the Pyrenees National Park visitor center. Accommodation available in the Gîte d'étape la Garbure behind the church (53 beds).}} Just outside Etsaut, the {{Marker|type=see|name=Fort du Portalet|wikidata=Q3078387}} clings dramatically to the cliffs in two tiers, spanning a height difference of 150 m. * {{listing|type=see|name=Refuge animalier à Borce|url=https://parc-ours.fr/|lat=42.9045174060618|long=-0.5745664608466107|content=open 10:00-18:00; admission €12. It functions as an educational wildlife refuge}} === Etsaut - Gabas === ; Distance : 24 km ; Duration : 9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1640 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1210 m The trail begins with the dramatic Chemin de la Mâture, a path carved into the rock face. It is not passable in icy or snowy conditions. You reach Grange Perry (1210 m) after 2 hours. A quarter of an hour later, at a junction, keep left. After 3½ hours, you arrive at the Cabane de la Baight de St-Cours (1560 m; shepherds only, June-September), located at the border. About 4 hours in, you cross a stream on a bridge. This is the last water source before the high pass. The highest point of the stage is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Ayous|wikidata=Q2981981}} (2185 m; 5½ hr or more). On its eastern slope lie the Ayous Lakes, including the scenic Refuge d'Ayous. It's an ideal place to break this long stage. The Col d'Ayous also marks a transition point between valleys: from the Chemin de la Mâture and Baigt de Sencours in the Aspe Valley to Bious-Artigues (1540 m) in the Ossau Valley, where pony rides and canoe rentals are available on the eastern shore. The lake is 6½ km from the pass (↧ 764 m). From the pass, you can also summit Pic d'Ayous (add 30 min up and down), or detour 6 km to Lac Bersau — a longer alternative via the Vallon d'Aas is 9 km. From the lake, descend on the D231 road, which includes switchbacks that can be shortcut. (Note: Refuge de Gabas is permanently closed.) The stage ends in {{Marker|name=Gabas|wikidata=Q5515276|type=city}}, which offers two accommodations and a bar, but no grocery store. Located on bus route 806/806bis from Col de Portalet via Gabas to Laruns (15 km). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Ayous|url=https://www.refuge-ayous.fr/en-gb|lat=42.84844763797708|long=-0.4911758258903634|10 minutes off the GR10 near Lac Gentau (6½ hr). This refuge offers 47 beds and tent spaces and is open from mid-May to the first week of October.}} === Gabas - Gourette === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9-10 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1150 m This is a long and difficult stage, not suitable for children. The Corniche des Alhas section requires a head for heights. Snow may linger into summer, making it hard to follow the waymarks. Water is scarce during the first four hours. The trail follows the D934 road to the Artouste dam, then climbs through forest paths (1¼ hr). Some parts pass through cliff-side ledges carved into the rock — the Corniche des Alhas — which have fixed cables for safety. An easier alternative bypasses the Corniche via the Pont du Goua and the Gave de Soussouéou. After 1¾ hr, you reach a bridge near the Gave de Soussouéou waterfalls (1145 m). From here, a steep trail leads up to Houn de Mouscabarous (1361 m; 2¾ hr), continuing uphill to Petite Arcizette (2293 m). Snow may persist at these elevations until July. After 6½-7 hr, you arrive at the Hourquette d'Arre (2465 m). Important: The path shown on some maps to the Géougue d'Arre (2619 m) is a mountaineering route, not a hiking trail. An alternative route avoids the Hourquette d'Arre altogether: from the Cabane de Cézy, follow the red-and-white GR10 then switch to the red/yellow-marked GRP Tour de la Vallée d'Ossau, over the Col de Lurdé to Eaux-Bonnes (overnight possible) and Gourette (also served by Bus 806). The GR10 does not go directly to Lac d'Uzious, but instead heads roughly north-northeast across a plateau, before turning east to descend. After about 8 hours, you reach Lac d'Anglas (2068 m), from where the trail continues along the outflow, then branches off to the right. After over 9 hours, you arrive in the ski resort of {{Marker|type=city|name=Gourette|wikidata=Q1540224|url=https://www.gourette.com/en/}} (1350 m). Ski resort with two supermarkets; gas cartridges available at Intersport. Mostly closed outside the main season. Served in-season by Bus 806 (twice daily) from Parking Gourette Nord to Eaux-Bonnes, Laruns, and Pau. If needed, you can exit the trail early at the upper parking area (which has a bus stop) and start the next stage from there. * {{listing|type=sleep|lat=42.9595015138|long=-0.333960997149|name=Chalet-refuge CAF|phone=+33 5 59 05 10 56|url=https://chaletdegourette.ffcam.fr/|content=Mountain refuge with 32 beds in 4 dorms. €16.50/night (€8.25 for Alpine Club members) + €0.90 tourist tax.}} === Gourette - Arrens-Marsous === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m This is a relatively easy stage that crosses two mountain passes: the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Tortes|lat=42.959773462638644|long=-0.3187601158279607}} (1799 m; 1¾ hr), and later, after crossing the D918 (popular with cyclists but too busy to follow safely), the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Saucède|lat=42.95972945620746|long=-0.31869998400517197}} (1525 m; 3 hr 20 min). Ten minutes after descending from this second pass, you'll reach a restaurant and gîte de séjour at the Col de Soulor on the D918 road. From Col de Saucède, hikers can also make a short detour to summit the Pointe de Surgatte (1805 m; 90-100 minutes round trip). Near the Pont de Lapadé, you can either cross the Gave d'Arrens or continue down into the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Arrens-Marsous|wikidata=Q1110649}}. Features tourist information and public toilets at the Maison Val d'Azun (Tel. +33 5 62 97 49 49). The village also has an outdoor swimming pool. A hiking festival, [https://www.eldorando.fr/ Eldorado], is held every two years for four days in late May. Call +33 800 65 65 00 by 17:00 the day before for weekday on-demand shuttle service to Lourdes. Points of interest include the Romanesque Saint-Pierre Church (parts dating to 1200) and the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Pouey-Laün, a pilgrimage chapel located 600 m south along the D105. The area is part of both the Natura 2000 conservation network (Gabizos and the Arrens Valley) and the core zone of the Pyrenees National Park. For a longer option, you can extend this stage to Gîte les Viellettes (2¼ h further), making a total of 20.5 km (8½ hr; ↥ 1250 m, ↧ 1530 m). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=GCU Campground|address=26 Rue des Paus, 65400 Arrens-Marsous|lat=42.9573380888|long=-0.213247116377|phone=+33 5 62 97 43 06|url=https://www.gcu.asso.fr/terrains/arrens-marsous-hautes-pyrénées-65|content=Simple tent campground on the edge of town.}} === Arrens-Marsous - Refuge d'Ilhéou === ; Distance : 20 km ; Duration : 6¾-7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 500 m From Arrens-Marsous (3½ km from the previous endpoint), you can follow the official GR10 or the more scenic GR de Pays Tour du Val d'Azun. The latter is slightly shorter but includes more climbs. Both routes rejoin shortly before the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape les Viellettes|lat=42.9219519144924|long=-0.1818867608457627}} (2¼ h; 15 beds). About 700 m further on is the simple tent site La Pose (open May-September). The official GR10 route passes through {{Marker|type=city|name=Estaing|wikidata=Q589628}}, a commune that includes three Natura 2000 protected areas: “Gaves de Pau et de Cauterets,” “Moun Né de Cauterets, Pic de Cabaliros,” and “Péguère, Barbat, Cambalès.” From here, the trail enters the core zone of the Pyrenees National Park. You ascend toward Lac d'Estaing. Just before the lake is a guesthouse open Thursday-Sunday, 09:00-17:00 (summer only). On the far shore is another restaurant (open 10:00-18:00) and Camping Intercommunal. Brave hikers may try a swim in the cold waters. The trail now climbs steeply through forest to the Cabane d'Arriousec (1400 m; 4 hr). Another hour uphill takes you past the Cabanes de Barbat (left of the path), then a final climb brings you to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Ilhéou|wikidata=Q2981991}} (2242 m; 6 hr or more). Just 5 minutes below the pass, you can turn left to reach the Crête du Lys, where the Courbet cable car operates in July and August. This offers access to the ski resort Cauterets-Le Lys (with a summer luge track) or direct descent into the town of Cauterets. On foot, descend to the stream near the Cabanes d'Arras (6½-7 hr). Turn right there and cross two more streams. The path then descends to Lac d'Ilhéou. At the lake's northern shore is the staffed Refuge d'Ilhéou. A designated bivouac area (aire de bivouac) is located about 10 minutes further south along the lake. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Ilhéou (Refuge Raymond-Ritter)|url=https://www.refuge-ilheou.csvss.fr/en/home|phone=+33 5 62 92 07 18|lat=42.86604614112533|long=-0.17358356545105466|content=Altitude 1988 m. 22 beds. Open from late May to late September.}} === Refuge d'Ilhéou - Cauterets === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 2½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 75 ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m This is a leisurely downhill walk that brings you gently back to civilization in {{Marker|type=city|name=Cauterets|url=https://www.cauterets.com/en/?to_lang=en|wikidata=Q366962}}. Scenic spa town with plenty of amenities, including a historic wooden railway station (now closed), a cinema, casino, and more. The tourist office is open M-Sa from 09:00-12:30 and 14:00-18:00. A special Office de la Montagne - Terre d'Alpinisme opens during the summer season. Cauterets flourished during the late 19th and early 20th centuries thanks to its thermal springs. The municipality operates two spas: Thermes de César in the village center and Thermes des Griffons in nearby La Raillère. Accommodation options include three gîtes d'étape and Camping la Prairie. Local buses run every 30 minutes from June to October. Regional connections are available to Lourdes, Luz-Saint-Sauveur, and Gavarnie. A shuttle to Pont d'Espagne departs four times daily from the old train station. The 30 km former railway line from Pierrefitte to Cauterets has been converted into a multi-use bike and hiking path. === Cauterets - Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 100 m This is a demanding stage. From Cauterets, take the path behind the Thermes de César and head south. After 1¼ hr you reach the hamlet of La Raillère (1044 m), where there are restaurants and a sulfur spa. Cross the bridge and continue up into the Val de Jéret, passing several waterfalls. The trail leads to the Hôtellerie du Pont d'Espagne (3 hr). From there, descend briefly along the road before turning right and ascending into the valley toward Lac de Gaube (1725 m, 4 hr). The path crosses the stream three times via bridges as you continue toward the refuge. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube|wikidata=Q109042828}} === Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube - Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400 m About 50 m from the refuge, the trail begins a steady one-hour climb over rocky terrain. At a fork (65 min), stay right and continue ascending. The {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Hourquette d'Ossoue|wikidata=Q3141336}} (2734 m) marks the highest point on the entire GR10. Even in mid-summer, snow often lingers here. After 20 minutes of descent, you reach the Refuge Baysselance. '''Ascending Vignemale from here via the Glacier d'Ossoue is only for experienced mountaineers.''' From the pass, the route heads southeast, passing the Grottes de Bellevue (2420 m; 3 hr), artificial caves carved in 1880 by the explorer Henry Russell. The trail descends steeply to a stream, then follows it into a boulder field fed by glacial melt from the Glacier d'Ossoue. The descent into the valley involves frequent climbs around cliffs and waterfalls. You enter the Vallée de la Canau (5 hr or more) and pass the Cabane de Sausse-Dessus. The next hour includes more ups and downs until you reach the Cabane des Tousaus (6¾ hr or more). From there, cross a final ridge to reach the D923 road and descend to the stage endpoint, Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle. If you need more accommodation or supplies, continue to the main village of {{Marker|name=Gavarnie|wikidata=Q917894|type=city}}. From Gavarnie, you can take a day trip (or a bus from Luz-Saint-Sauveur) into the famed Cirque de Gavarnie. It's also possible to ascend Le Taillon (3146 m) from here for experienced climbers. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge Baysselance|url=https://refugebayssellance.ffcam.fr/|wikidata=Q3423105|content=(2651 m), which offers 58 beds and is staffed from mid-May to mid-October}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle|address=Route de Boucharo, 65120 Gavarnie-Gèdre|phone=+33 5 62 92 48 77|url=https://chaletlagrangedeholle.ffcam.fr/|lat=42.73944609127333|long=-0.022728732019354148|wikidata=Q98753937|content=Altitude 1480 m. Staffed hut with 62 beds.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Tourist Office|address=Le Village, 65120 Gavarnie-Gèdre|phone=+33 5 62 92 49 10|url=https://www.valleesdegavarnie.com/gavarnie-gedre/|lat=42.73535586856976|long=-0.01029304645524754|content=Open 09:00-12:00 and 14:00-17:00; closed Sundays and Thursdays.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte Le Gypaète|lat=42.7359592315|long=-0.0108405014067|phone=+33 5 62 92 40 61|content=Simple hiker accommodation in Gavarnie village.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Bergerie|address=Chemin du Cirque, 65120 Gavarnie-Gèdre|url=https://www.camping-la-bergerie-gavarnie.com/|lat=42.72774008829836|long=-0.0075991966546184704|content=Open early June to late September. Located near the entrance to the Cirque de Gavarnie.}} === Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle - Luz-Saint-Sauveur === ; Distance : 26 km ; Duration : 8-9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 700-900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1500-1660 m Starting from Gavarnie village (via the D128 road) instead of the refuge shortens the route by 3 km (approx. 1 hr). The trail first leads to the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape le Saugué|url=https://www.gite-gavarnie-pyrenees.com/|lat=42.76864577103755|long=-0.005915232017950625}}, located on the Plateau Soula de Saugue (1¾ hr). This is a good option to break up the stage — the gîte has 21 beds and is open May to October. The route winds northward, passing the Soum Haut (3¾ h), then descends gradually along the western slope of the Gavarnie Valley. After 5¾-6 hr, you reach the D921 road. Cross the Gave de Gavarnie via the Pont d'Esdouroucats and ascend again to a path above the highway. From the south, you enter {{Marker|type=city|name=Luz-Saint-Sauveur|wikidata=Q35721506|url=https://www.luz.org/en/}} via the Pont Napoléon (755 m; 7½ hr), a dramatic bridge across the gorge. Well-equipped mountain town. The town has several historic churches, as well as a campsite with a grocery store. The Prime Meridian passes about 100 m east of the center. Numerous lodgings, 6 campgrounds, 2 supermarkets, and Intersport (gas cartridges). Bus 965 connects to Cauterets, Lourdes, and Tarbes. Bus to Barèges also available. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Saint Bazerque|address=Sia|phone=+33 5 62 92 49 93|url=https://campingsaintbazerque.eatbu.com/?lang=de|lat=42.83178828384746|long=0.0015462182938111647|content=Campground with grocery shop (mountain cheese), bar, and caravan spaces. Open 08:00-17:00.}} === Luz-Saint-Sauveur - Barèges === ; Distance : 12 km ; Duration : 4½-5 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m To extend this stage, continue to Refuge d'Aygues Cluses for a total of 19 km (7½ hr; ↥ 1560 m, ↧ 140 m). Though short, this stage begins with a relatively long and steep ascent. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Ruisseau de Bolou|lat=42.858690489195055|long=0.06773411839157908}} (1460 m). On the descent, hikers can stop for refreshments at the [https://refugedelaglere.ffcam.fr/ Refuge de la Glère]. This stage ends at {{Marker|type=city|name=Barèges|wikidata=Q632058|url=https://www.mairie-bareges.fr/en/}}. Composed of the hamlets of Artigalas and Cazaous, Barèges serves as a spa and mountain village. The local river, the Bastan, is called the gave. Note: the Jardin botanique du Tourmalet and the 1930s funicular are now closed. The town's website includes an accommodation and restaurant directory * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape l'Oasis|lat=42.897422977|long=0.067278671719|address=2 Passage des Toys|phone=+33 5 62 92 69 47|url=https://www.gite-oasis.fr/|content=Open June-September, and also December-April during ski season (Barèges is part of the Domaine du Tourmalet ski area).}} === Barèges - Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : route-dependent 7¾-9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m The trail begins by climbing above the road toward the ski station at Tournaboup (1 hr). It then veers south and ascends steadily. Good stopping points include the Cabane d'Aygues and, 10 km further on, the Chalet-Hôtel d'Orédon. This stage enters the Néouvielle Nature Reserve, where dogs and wild camping are strictly forbidden. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Madamète|wikidata=Q102076283}} (2509 m). From there, the path descends between alpine lakes: {{Marker|type=see|name=Lac d'Aumar|wikidata=Q3215322}} and Lac d'Aubert (5¾ h, 2190 m). A shuttle bus runs up to this point in high season, and there's an info panel at the end of the access road. Here, the trail splits into two variants: * Variant 1: continues along Lac d'Aumar * Variant 2: detours south to the tip of Lac d'Aubert, then along the northern shore of Les Laguettes and Lac d'Orédon (6¾ h, 1856 m; camping and hotel at the south end) Both variants rejoin at the Cap d'Estoudou pass (2260 m), followed by a steep descent. A short detour from the pass allows for an ascent of Soump de Montpelat (↥ 214 m). The path continues steeply downhill to Lac de l'Oule (1821 m; 7¾ hr or more). From here, head right to reach Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Cabane d'Aygues|url=https://refugeayguescluses.wordpress.com/|lat=42.87577795732996|long=0.15008320916912823}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Chalet-Hôtel d'Orédon|url=https://www.chalet-oredon.fr/|lat=42.82616251586139|long=0.1692328508499207|content=open June 1 - Sept 30; 88 beds}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule|url=https://refugedeloule.fr/|lat=42.824769697482445|long=0.20752501478344024|content=Altitude 1819 m. Located at the dam wall. Open mid-June to mid-September. 20 beds and a bar.}} === Refuge-Hôtel de l'Oule - Vielle-Aure === ; Distance : 17-18 km ; Duration : 5-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 460 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400-1500 m From the refuge, the route follows the western shore of Lac de l'Oule. GR10C variant: After 1½ hr, there is a signed detour to the [http://refugedebastan.fr/ Cabane de Bastan]. The main trail turns directly east and climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Portet|wikidata=Q42178369}} (2215 m; 2¾ hr). From here, it continues eastward, descending gently to the Pla de Castillon, then more steeply down to the D918 road (4½ hr or more) and onward to the stage endpoint {{Marker|type=city|name=Vielle-Aure|wikidata=Q1323900|url=https://vielleaure.com/}}, an historic village with two Romanesque churches: Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Pierre (in the Agos neighbourhood), both dating to the 12th century. Bus connections to Saint-Lary-Soulan and Lannemezan (35 km). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Hôtel Aurélia|lat=42.825852030|long=0.32776424175|phone=+33 5 62 39 56 90|url=https://www.hotel-aurelia.com/|content=Simple, hiker-friendly hotel in town.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping La Mousquère|lat=42.8273932992|long=0.33590955638|address=Nougaro, Autun, 65170 Bourisp|url=https://www.campinglamousquere.com/|content=Open May 8 - last weekend of September.}} * There are three more campsites within 2 km north along the river valley. Just 1 km south, the larger and livelier {{Marker|name=Saint-Lary-Soulan|wikidata=Q1323323|type=city}} offers a broader range of shops, accommodations, and services. The tourist information office is at the roundabout in the center; the supermarket is across the street. The wooden bus stop shelter is discreetly located about 50 m away, opposite the modern church on Avenue des Thermes. === Vielle-Aure - Germ === ; Distance : 13 km ; Duration : 4¾-5¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1170 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 630-700 m This is a straightforward, though poorly marked, stage that runs parallel to the D225 up to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Azet|wikidata=Q2981982}} (1600 m). From the pass, the route continues down to [https://www.vallee-du-louron.com/fr Loudenvielle], a village with shops, an outdoor pool, and the Balnéa Spa complex (open 14:00-19:30; €21 for 2 hours). Note: during the [https://www.pyreneesbikefestival.com/ Pyrenees Bike Festival] in early September, the area is overrun with mountain bikers. The final 2-3 km involve a climb of about 220 m up to the hamlet of {{Marker|name=Germ|wikidata=Q1094205|type=city}}. Altitude 1339 m. A small village with 34 year-round residents, but many second homes and guest beds. Two old churches are worth visiting. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Centre de Montagne de Germ|lat=42.793610431|long=0.425057973260|address=D130|phone=+33 5 62 99 65 27|url=https://www.germ-louron.com/|content=Open year-round. 70 beds in a large mountain center.}} * Auberge de Germ, a guesthouse with 11 rooms (33 beds), open year-round. * {{listing|type=see|name=Peyresourde-Balestas Airfield (Aérodrome de Peyragudes)|wikidata=Q5659350|content=Also known as Altiport 007, as a James Bond film was shot here in 1997. The 470 m runway has a 15% gradient and is also used for paragliding.}} === Germ - Lac d'Oô === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 6-7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1060 m This stage and the next are strenuous. They can be divided into thirds with overnight stops at the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Granges d'Astau|lat=42.76352657695474|long=0.5024399621092607}} (open May-Oct; 26 beds) and the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Espingo|url=https://refugedespingo.ffcam.fr/|wikidata=Q104413940}} (1967 m; 44 beds, mid-May-Oct; 15 emergency shelter places off-season). Camping is allowed near the lake. Around the refuge is a “classic” mountaineering loop over the Pic des Spijeoles (3008 m), Grand Quayrat (3060 m), down to Lac du Portillon (2571 m) and the glacial Lac Glacé d'Oô (2664 m). After the initial climb out of Germ, you enter the Val d'Aube. Follow the river on the left-hand side; after 1¾ hr, across the valley (250 m away), lies the Cabane d'Ourtiga (1610 m). The route ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Couret d'Esquierry|lat=42.75523440839548|long=0.4627935235857289}} (2131 m; 3½ hr), where you cross into the Haute-Garonne department. After 4 hr, you reach the Cabane du Val d'Esquierry. From there, follow the D76 road down to the Granges d'Astau and an auberge (1139 m; 5 hr). In July and August, a morning bus runs up from Luchon and returns in the evening. The stage ends at {{Marker|type=see|name=Lac d'Oô|wikidata=Q3215352}}, a scenic 42-hectare lake situated at an altitude of 1,507 m within the Natura 2000 reserve “Vallées du Lis, de la Pique et d'Oô.” Renowned since the 19th century for its spectacular waterfall, the lake is a popular destination for its natural beauty. Due to its protected status, camping, swimming, and dogs are not permitted in the area. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Lac d'Oô|address=|phone=+33 7 84 56 55 88|lat=42.744558752|long=0.490915210685|content=Reached in about 6 hr. By the lake shore at 1504 m.}} === Lac d'Oô - Bagnères-de-Luchon === ; Distance : 19-21 km ; Duration : 7-9¼ h ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000-1130 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1900-2000 m After Refuge d'Espingo, the trail becomes more difficult, with several rocky scree sections. You skirt the northern slopes of Hourquette des Hounts-Secs (2275 m). Optional detour: From here, a 15-minute ascent (each way) leads to Cap de Bassiéret. You continue over the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Coume de Bourg|lat=42.787224318|long=0.51785762473}} (2272 m, 4¾ hr or more), which may retain snow well into the summer. Optional summit detours from the pass: * Pic Céciré, 45 minutes up and down to the north * Subescale, 40 minutes up and down to the south After 5½+ hours, you reach (1802 m) Superbagnères, a summer-only (July-August) mountain hotel serving the ski area. While it offers meals and lodging, prices are high. The massive historic building can also be reached by gondola lift from Luchon, replacing the old cog railway. The {{Marker|type=go|name=Gondola base station in Luchon|lat=42.78789198327501|long=0.5908142174347624}} is located on the western edge of town and operates daily from 08:30 to 18:00 during the summer season. If descending on foot, it is a steep 1200 m drop to reach {{Marker|name=Bagnères-de-Luchon|wikidata=Q238393|type=city}}. This spa town marks the end of the central Pyrenean segment of the GR10. Regular bus services run to Montréjeau, where you can connect by train to Toulouse. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Superbagnères|url=https://www.villagesclubsdusoleil.com/fr/nos-destinations/hiver/sejour-a-la-montagne/superbagneres|wikidata=Q844809}} === Bagnères-de-Luchon - Artigue === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 2½-3 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 50 m From the church in Luchon, head left along the footpath by the L'One river, crossing the road bridge toward Juzet-de-Luchon. Optional detour: Visit the waterfall in Juzet-de-Luchon. The trail continues via Sode to the day's highest point at the stage destination {{Marker|name=Artigue|wikidata=Q1088729|type=city}}. Altitude 1230 m. A small mountain village with a municipal gîte d'étape, open year-round, offering 12 dormitory beds and evening meals at the on-site restaurant. === Artigue - Fos === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 7½-8½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1100 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1750 m The first half of this stage is a steady climb of over 1000 meters, initially on a gravel track. After 1¼ hours, you reach the Cabane de Saunères (1660 m), a basic mountain shelter. One hour later, you arrive at the Col de Peyrehitte (1947 m). The trail continues along an exposed ridge around the Pic de Bacanère (2193 m; 3 hr or more), passing border markers 402-404. After the Col d'Aou (2093 m; 3½-4 hr), the trail descends gradually across open alpine meadows. At the Cabane d'Artigue (5 hr or more), potable water is available. Below this point, the path winds down gently through a series of switchbacks, eventually crossing a road bridge into {{Marker|name=Fos|wikidata=Q1349025|type=city}}. Altitude 544 m. Small village with weekday bus service to Melles and Saint-Gaudens (railway connections to Pau and Toulouse). Alternative route (former GR10): From the Cabane d'Artigue, you can divert to the Cabane d'Artiguessans, then descend steeply to the Ruisseau de la Batch before climbing back up to rejoin the GR10. This saves about 15 minutes and 70 m of elevation gain. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte de Fos|wikidata=Q3162431|lat=42.873845424|long=0.73442375047|phone=+33 5 61 94 98 59|content=Offers 20 dormitory beds, open year-round.}} === Fos - Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing === ; Distance : 18 km ; Duration : 6½-8 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1700 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m It's a good idea to stock up on supplies in {{Marker|name=Melles|wikidata=Q1616421|type=city}}, which you reach after about 45 minutes. From the old customs house, the trail climbs steeply. Auberge de Crabère offers a comfortable stop. * {{listing|type=see|name=Botanical Garden (À Fleur de Montagne)|wikidata=Q3162431|url=https://mairie-de-melles.wixsite.com/mairie-de-melles/le-jardin-botanique|content=Small but charming community-run garden specializing in Pyrenean alpine flora. Open in summer, 10:00-19:00.}} From Melles, a narrow road leads uphill to the last farmhouse at Labach (2¼ hr). The next 2 hours or more are mostly through forest, climbing steadily. After about 5 hours, you reach the Cabane d'Uls shelter. The path continues uphill to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Pas du Bouc}} (2170 m; 6+ h). Optional summit detour: From here, the {{Marker|type=see|name=Pic de Crabère|wikidata=Q3382364}} (2629 m) can be climbed in about 90 minutes round-trip. Brown bears have been reintroduced to this area. The highest point of the day is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Auéran|lat=42.835385392840536|long=0.860341080714231}} (2176 m), which also marks the border into the Ariège department. From here, it's a quick descent to Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing|url=http://www.refuge-araing.fr/|wikidata=Q3423195|content=Altitude 1956 m. Open June 1 to October 5. 52 beds, plus a 12-bed shelter area available off-season. Advance bookings accepted for groups on the two weekends before/after opening.}} === Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing - Eylie-d'en-Haut === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 3-4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1320 m From the lake and refuge, the trail climbs to the Serre d'Araing (2221 m; 1 hr). Optional detour: Summit of Pic de l'Har (2424 m), approximately 50 minutes round-trip. The descent into the valley follows faintly marked trails to the left of the power lines. Along the way, you'll encounter remnants of former lead mining operations. After about 2¾ hours, you cross a bridge and reach {{Marker|name=Eylie d'en Haut|wikidata=Q134078264|type=city}}, a small hamlet with a 14-bed hut, picnic area, and a basic campsite located by the Lez river. === Eylie-d'en-Haut - Maison du Valier, Pla de la Lau === ; Distance : 17 km ; Duration : 8¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1700 m A strenuous stage with no food or lodging options along the way. The trail starts by crossing the Lez river, then turns sharply left and begins to climb through open terrain. After about 50 minutes, you cross a stream and ascend through forest for just over an hour. In autumn, the woods are full of blueberries—a favourite of the brown bears reintroduced here in the 1990s. At a stone shelter (1660 m; 2½ hr), the trail forks. The GR10 continues to the right, up to the Col de l'Arech (1802 m; 3 hr or more). From there, the path turns left. Optional detours: * South to Tuc de Cagonilles (2196 m; 80 minutes round trip) * From there, to the challenging Mail de Bulard (2750 m; 3 hours round trip) After a short ridge walk, descend to the shepherd's hut Cabane d'Arech (1638 m; 3½ hr). From here, follow the access track down, then branch left down a steep, gorse-covered slope. After 4 hours, you reach a stream. About 40 minutes later, the ruins of Flouquet (1680 m) come into view. Continue to Cabane de Besset (1540 m; 6 hr or more), then ascend again for 45 minutes to Cabane Clot du Lac (1821 m; 7 hr). Passing the huts Cabane du Trapech-du-Milieu (1540 m) and Cabane de l'Artigue, you arrive at Maison du Valier. The Mont Valier massif is a protected area of interest to birdwatchers. It hosts a variety of mountain bird species, including rare birds of prey, bearded vultures, and alpine species such as ptarmigans, black grouse, and capercaillie. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Maison du Valier|lat=42.83084702593266|long=1.032510054490613|url=https://maison-valier.fr/|wikidata=|content=Altitude 927 m, located on the Pla de la Lau. Open March-October. Reception hours 16:00-19:30. 40 beds.}} === Maison du Valier, Pla de la Lau - Esbintz === ; Distance : 18 km ; Duration : 7¼-9¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200-1350 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300-1490 m A demanding stage with significant elevation gain and loss. The trail climbs from Maison du Valier, following the high northern slopes along the ridges of Cap de Lauses (1892 m), Pic de Crabère (1925 m), and the Col d'Auédole (1730 m). After more than 7 hours, you arrive at {{Marker|type=city|lat=42.85332|long=1.14584|name=Esbintz}}. === Esbintz - Refuge d'Aula === ; Distance : 19 km ; Duration : 6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 500 m This and the following stage offer spectacular scenery in good weather. From Esbintz, follow the D817 for the first 2 km to Borde de Galy. From here, you could take a detour to Seix (4 km) by continuing on the D817, then the D37, and turning right onto the D3, where you'll rejoin the GR10 near the Pont du Salat. Continue mostly downhill through the countryside, crossing the Pont du Salat to reach Moulin Lauga (550 m; 2 hr), which has a bakery and picnic area. Alternatively, you can rest 1½ h later at the Auberge des Deux Rivières. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Esbintz|url=https://www.gite-ferme-esbintz.fr/|lat=42.85315143224526|long=1.1459188949749635|content=850 m. Dormitory with 10 beds. Open May-November.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge des Deux Rivières|phone=+33 5 61 66 83 57|url=https://www.aubergedesdeuxrivieres.com/|lat=42.83210657498069|long=1.1982318103146805|content=Open late May to late September}} === Refuge d'Aula - Rouze === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 4½-5 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 700 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m Fit hikers can combine this stage with the previous one from Gîte d'étape d'Aunac (787 m), resulting in a 30 km day with 11¼ hf walking time (↥ 1750, ↧ 1580 m). From Refuge d'Aula, it's a steep but manageable 1½ hr ascent to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Bouche d'Aula|lat=42.77695825493033|long=1.1180083284724134}} (1998 m), then a descent to the Étang d'Areau, 100 m lower. Optional: The Pic des Aymesses (2036 m) can be climbed from the east side of the lake. A farm road leads down to Faup, with shortcuts along the switchbacks, for instance near the Cabane d'Areau. Slightly below the Col de Pause (1527 m; 2¼ hr), there is a parking area. The {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Camp site Rigaux Philippe|lat=42.78997920829053|long=1.178432115744275}} lies just below the hamlet of Faup. From Faup, descend along the D708 toward {{Marker|name=Couflens|wikidata=Q1142090|type=city}}, but before reaching the D3 junction, cross the bridge and climb on the opposite slope to Gîte de Rouze d'Ustou. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte de Rouze d'Ustou|lat=42.789696616|long=1.20592416901|address=Prat de la Moule, Rouze d'Ustou, 09140 Couflens|phone=+33561669545|url=https://www.ferme-de-rouze.fr/|content=16 beds. Cheese from the farm. Open mid-June to mid-September.}} === Rouze - Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou === ; Distance : 8.4 km ; Duration : 3-4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m Follow the stream uphill for about 1¾ hr to reach the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Serre du Cot}} (1546 m). Optional side trips: * To the south, ascend the Pic de la Tese (2255 m; ↥↧ 3 hr or more). * To the north, climb the Tuc de Peyre Mensongère (1711 m; ↥↧ 40 min). From the pass, descend left onto a forest path, passing a few ruined farmhouses. The route eventually reaches the D38 road and leads into {{Marker|type=city|name=Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou|wikidata=Q109571916}}. === Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou - Aulus-les-Bains === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9 hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400 m The hike begins at the southern end of Saint-Lizier. After crossing the pedestrian bridge, the trail climbs southeast to the Col de Fitté (1387 m), a former ski area. From there, it continues along the right side of the slope. One alternative route begins at {{listing|type=city|name=Bidous|lat=42.78257178128407|long=1.2700395937419484}}, following the Alet river south and then climbing steeply for over 2 hours to reach the Col de Fitté, where it rejoins the GR 10. The trail curves around the southwest side of the Picou de la Mire (1741 m) and reaches the Col d'Escots (1618 m) after 3¾ hr. The nearby Chalet de Beauregard restaurant is open from late May to September, 10:00-23:00. Afterwards, the path continues up and down along steep slopes until it reaches the Ruisseau de Fouillet valley (4½ hr). The Jasse du Fouillet crossing (1170 m) is reached after at least 5 h. For a shorter option, follow the yellow-red waymarks of the Tour du Val du Garbet. This leads to the D8F road and directly into Aulus-les-Bains (7 hr from Saint-Lizier). The main route continues toward the plateau of Souliou and the Pic du Mont Rouge (1600 m). A side trip to Étang de Guzet offers a possible bivouac site. The trail then descends toward the Ruisseau d'Ars (1485 m), crosses a bridge, and continues downward. After a second bridge (8½ hr), the path becomes easier. A final bridge, Pont de la Mouline, crosses the Garbet River just before the trail enters {{Marker|type=city|name=Aulus-les-Bains|wikidata=Q1082493|url=https://www.loubet.fr/saint-lizier.html}}, a small spa town with a mini market at the traffic circle near the bridge and a tourist office next door. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte Pyrénées AAA|lat=42.779696032|long=1.2690230044|url=https://giteslareng.net/|address=Lareng, 09140 Ustou|phone=+33967838934|content=14 places in upscale cottages for 2-4 people.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Cascade d'Ars|lat=42.762922493744796|long=1.3615038669340882|content=260 m high waterfalls in multiple tiers, located 4½ km from Aulus. Takes 3-9 hr round-trip to hike to them (↥ 530 m).}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping municipal le Coulédous|lat= 42.7940356892|long=1.3321660893|url=http://www.camping-aulus-couledous.com/|content=Also offers bungalows for 4-7 people. The gîte d'étape is a 12-person tent.}} === Aulus-les-Bains - Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès === ; Distance : 11 km ; Duration : 5 hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m The route climbs out of Aulus-les-Bains to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Port de Saleix|lat=42.78143117676052|long=1.4043285766664242}}, where you'll find the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Refuge de Carol|lat=42.7813|long=1.4146}}. From here, the ascent becomes steeper. The following section to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Port de Bassiès|lat=42.772502271037204|long=1.411691910311851}} is demanding but scenically rewarding. This area lies within the Mont-Calme nature reserve, where camping is prohibited. === Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès - Marc === ; Distance : variable ; Duration : 3½-5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1385 ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1385 This stage and the following one include several alternative routes and shortcuts that can be combined. From the refuge, the GR-10 leads southeast along a slightly rocky trail for just over three kilometers, following the chain of lakes. At the outflow of the last lake, the Étang d'Escalès, the GR-10 bends to the right. Along the stream, there's an opportunity to descend toward the main road and the village of Auzat. Another descent option to the road appears about 2 km further along the GR-10. The main trail makes a sharp turn southward. From the aqueduct (1160 m; 2¼ h4), the route maintains an elevation just below 1200 m for around 4 km, before descending the final 1½ km into the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Marc|lat=42.71687694132801|long=1.449593121067756}}, cutting across the switchbacks of the road. The Gîte Retrouvance de Mouret (12 places) is available for group bookings only. From {{listing|type=city|name=Auzat|wikidata=Q1082539}}, one can rejoin the GR-10 by heading 4 km south to Artiès and climbing back up. This avoids a significant part of the next stage. Alternatively, walking 6 km to Marc allows one to resume the full stage. To skip this stage, it is possible to go from Auzat directly to Goulier via two routes: one through Olbier (4.4 km), the other 6.1 km. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès|url=https://refugedebassies.fr/|content=1933 m. Open late May to September.|lat=42.76509|long=1.413221}} === Marc - Goulier === ; Distance : 24.3 km ; Duration : 6-9 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m From Marc, follow the path to Mounicou. A shelter is located a short way beyond, along the D8. This is where the ascent begins. After a few hundred meters, you can turn right at the {{Marker|type=go |name=Turn right|lat=42.71|long=1.4575}} marker and stay on the west side of Les Caldelets. From the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Orri de Tignalbu|lat=42.69417|long=1.46296}}, which has a water source, the path becomes very poor. The main GR-10 trail continues uphill to the Refuge de Prunadière (1615 m, 2 hr). Be sure to refill your water here. From there, it leads to a junction above the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Artiès|lat=42.7362|long=1.4793}} shelter (985 m, 3¼ hr). The path ascends steadily, passing the ruins of Pradières-d'en-bas, and arrives at Étang d'Izurt. A cable car runs to the lake. After a short climb, it's around 14 km downhill to {{Marker|type=city |name=Goulier|wikidata=Q1015676}} (moh 370 m), which is part of the Val-de-Sos commune. You can shorten the main trail from Prunadière by climbing steeply left past the buildings, gaining 450 m of elevation. About 2 hr later, you'll rejoin the GR-10 at Coumasses-Grandes. This shortcut saves roughly 8 km and bypasses Étang d'Izurt. === Goulier - Siguer === ; Distance : 13 km ; Duration : 3¼-4¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 416 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 830 m From Goulier, the trail ascends toward the Col de Risoul, then the Col de Esquérus, and continues to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de Grail|lat=42.75360457229|long=1.5321300362453}}. Near this pass is a shelter, an information board, and a water source located 250 m off the path. The route then climbs to the highest point of the day at the Col de Lercoul (1549 m). From here, the trail descends through the hamlet of Lercoul. A footpath south of the winding road leads downhill to the village of {{Marker|name=Siguer|wikidata=Q1375974|type=city}}, home to Café Rouse and several accommodations. === Siguer - Plateau de Beille === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 2400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m This demanding stage involves three steep descents and offers no accommodation along the route, only five basic shelters. From Siguer, the trail climbs steeply to Gestiès (40 min), where you should fill up on water. The path crosses the road three times on the way up. After a long ascent, you reach the Pla de Montcamp (1904 m; 3¾ hr). Past the Col du Sasc (1798 m), the trail traverses the flank of the Pic du Col Taillat. Water is again available at the Cabane de Courtal Marti, though trail markings on this high section can be vague. The trail descends to the Cabane de Balledreyt (1600 m; 2 sleeping places), reached after another 20 minutes. After about 7½ hours, the trail descends to the D520A road at 1040 m elevation. A detour to the villages of Aston (14 km, with a campground) or Les Cabannes (15.8 km, with a year-round gîte d'étape) is possible around the 4¼-hour mark. Les Cabannes has a train connection to Mérens-les-Vals or Foix. After crossing the bridge, the GR-10 climbs again via a forest trail. A water source is marked and located about two minutes off the trail, just past a large boulder reached after 9+ hours. The trail continues across a ridge to the Cabane d'Artaran (1695 m). Shortly afterward, you reach the ski area at the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Plateau de Beille|lat=42.72473998587668|long=1.6911435704342077}}, where the Cabane Beille is located. This area is accessible via the D522 road loop and popular with day hikers. === Plateau de Beille - Refuge du Rulhe === ; Distance : 14 km ; Duration : 4¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m It's recommended to start this exposed stage early in the day to avoid afternoon summer thunderstorms. The trail remains around or above 2000 m throughout. The highest point is the summit of the {{Marker|type=see |name=Crête des Isards|lat=42.65012142232325|long=1.7389568668472413}} at 2381 m. The Refuge du Rulhe lies at the junction of several long-distance trails, including the Tour de Pays des Montagnes d'Ax from Ax-les-Thermes, the GR Transfrontalier from Andorra, and two routes from the Vallée d'Aston. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Rulhe|url=https://rulhe.com/|lat=42.6379904848182|long=1.725866639541228|content=53 places. Open late May to September. €16 per night, half board €45. Tel: +33 6 74 24 50 71}} === Refuge du Rulhe - Mérens-les-Vals === ; Distance : 12 km ; Duration : 4½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 360 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1500-1600 m '''Water is scarce at high elevation.''' From the refuge, the trail ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de Calmettes|lat=42.636915754134|long=1.7404819725150908}} (2318 m), mostly over scree. Cairns also serve as markers. The path descends to Étang Bleu, where it skirts the left side of the lake and climbs again to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Crête de la Lhasse|lat=42.6398816194571|long=1.768563885207408}} (2439 m). Afterward, it continues over scree for nearly 800 m of descent to the pond called l'Estangol, with a shelter above. {{Marker|name=Mérens-les-Vals|wikidata=Q662289|type=city}} is reached after the final descent. The ruins of the old Saint-Pierre church date back to the Napoleonic Wars. The village festival takes place on July 20. The village has a train stop on the Foix - Puigcerdà line. Located on the N-20. The natural hot springs are about 45 minutes away, although they were affected by rockfall in 2022. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge du Nabre|lat=42.65611004694209|long=1.8429807373614195|address=le village d'en haut, 09110 Mérens-les-Vals|phone=+33 5 61 01 89 36|url=https://www.aubergedunabre.com/|content=Guesthouse in the upper village.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping de Mérens|lat=42.64646601527881|long=1.8310245105731093|address=600 Ville de Bau, 09110 Mérens-les-Vals|phone=+33 5 61 02 85 40|url=http://www.camping.merenslesvals.fr/de/haus/|content=Open all year, 1.3 km south of the village.}} === Mérens-les-Vals - Refuge des Bésines === ; Distance : 10 km ; Duration : 4½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 260 m This demanding stage continues through high alpine terrain, with lots of rock and scree. From Mérens, the trail leads past Le Nabre to the hot springs. Afterward, the path climbs for nearly 3 hours. First, it reaches the Estangs (2056 m), then continues to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Porteille de Bésines|lat=42.6154502407948|long=1.872190036139089}} (2333 m). From this pass, the route is clearly signposted. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bésines|wikidata=Q11945073|url=https://refugebesines.ffcam.fr/|content=2104 m. 70 beds. Open June-September. Phone: +33 5 61 05 11 77.}} === Refuge des Bésines - Refuge des Bouillouses === ; Distance : 16.7 km ; Duration : 5½-6 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 660 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 760 m This high-level stage crosses several mountain passes and offers excellent panoramic views. The route first ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Coll de Coma d'Anyell|lat=42.60880012907595|long=1.8962468691063044}}, from where it is possible to climb Pic des Bésineilles (2632 m) in about ¾ hr round trip. The path then continues through the Lansolet basin (2234 m), past the Cabane de Rozet, and climbs again to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Portella de la Grava|lat=42.59935934341172|long=1.934453711010157}}. From there, it's a gentle 3-hour descent to the lakeside refuge at Bouillouses. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bésines|lat=42.6039|long=1.86853|content=56 dormitory beds, with 16 emergency shelter spots outside the season. Open June-September.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bouillouses|lat=42.559475002653095|long=2.00351938309043|url=https://www.lesbouillouses.com/|content=2003 m. 46 beds. Open June-September. Phone: +33 4 68 04 93 88.}} === Refuge des Bouillouses - Planès === ; Distance : 19 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 230 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m The descent is easy but not always well marked. After about 2¾ hours (1740 m), the GR-10 reaches the D618. About 700 m further, a right turn leads to Superbolquère, where food and lodging are available, including a supermarket and a gîte with 28 beds. The GR-10 continues downhill to the quiet D10C near {{Marker|name=Bolquère|wikidata=Q1101891|type=city}} (1628 m, 2¾ hr), where there is a public drinking fountain and an information board. The nearby Gare de Bolquère-Eyne (1593 m) is the highest railway stop in France, on the scenic “train jaune” line. Passing through the villages of La Perche and La Cabanasse (3½ hr), the route ends at the small village of {{Marker|name=Planès|wikidata=Q524705|type=city}}. No shops in the village. The nearby Pont Gisclard, opened in 1909, is a cable-stayed bridge on the Ligne de Cerdagne crossing the Têt river. The village is a stop on the “train jaune” railway. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=L'Orri de Planès|lat=42.490995503|long=2.1382908362|address=Casas del Mitg, 66210 Planès|phone=+33 4 68 04 29 47|content=Gîte with 16 dormitory beds and private rooms.}} === Planès - Refuge du Ras de la Carança === ; Distance : 15.3 km ; Duration : 5¾-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1170 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 870 m There are no supply options along this stage. The trail begins with a gentle ascent through pine forest into the high Riberola valley. It is advisable to refill your water at the Refuge de l'Orri. Above the Cabane d'Aixques, the route becomes steep as it climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col Mitja|wikidata=Q28381301}} (2376 m). From the pass, it is possible to summit Pic de Gallinas (2624 m, ↥↧ 90 min) or Pic Redoun (2677 m, ↥↧ 1 hr). The final 1½ hours involve a descent of about 500 m to the refuge. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Ras de la Carança|wikidata=Q28380908|address=142 rue de, 66360 Fontpédrouse|phone=+33 9 88 66 73 81|url=https://www.refugelacaranca.com/|content=1840 m. Open mid-May to mid-September. 13 emergency places available off-season. Connections to other trails: 7.7 km to Prats Balaguer, 8.5 km to Ull de Ter, 13.7 km to Carança, 10 km to Thuès-les-Bains via the gorge, and 12 km to Núria.}} === Refuge du Ras de la Carança - Mantet === ; Distance : 10 km ; Duration : 4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 640 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 940 m This stage is challenging and poorly marked at higher elevations. From the refuge, follow the stream uphill for 100 m to a wooden bridge. Continue on a scree path along the left side of the valley. After passing through a gate, you reach an alpine pasture and the {{marker|type=go|name=Coll del Pal|lat=42.465650773936|long=2.258498904704664}} (2294 m). This area is a nature reserve where wild camping is forbidden. From the pass, there is an optional ascent to Pic de Serre Gallinère (2663 m; 1 hr round trip), and possibly further on to the Serre de Caret (2300 m). From the pass, descend to the {{marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Alemany|wikidata=Q120254507}} (1962 m; 8 places), located 200 m off the trail. The main path continues left, crossing first a wooden, then a concrete bridge, followed by a narrow unpaved road that ascends to the village of {{listing|type=city|name=Mantet|wikidata=Q1369164}} (1550 m). Population: 31. Most of the southern part of the commune is the protected area [https://rnn-mantet.fr/ Reserva natural de Mentet], where camping is forbidden. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=La Cavale|address=Los Miquelets, 66360 Mantet|phone=+33 4 68 05 57 59|url=http://la-cavale.fr/|lat=42.477231944228336|long=2.3092556382036555|content=Private rooms and dorms for 3-5 people.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte à la ferme Cazenove|url=http://www.gitecazenovemantet.fr/|lat=42.47702171854456|long=2.306028129535968|content=Farm gîte. Open May to September.}} === Mantet - Refuge de Mariailles === ; Distance : 14.8 km ; Duration : 5 hr 5 min ; Elevation gain : ↥ 936 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 834 m Midway along this stage is the village of {{Marker|name=Py|wikidata=Q178846|type=city}} (1023 m), which has an auberge and a gîte. From Py, follow the D6 briefly before heading northeast to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Jou|wikidata=Q47335849|lat=|long=}} (1125 m). The path turns southeast and ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Cavall Mort|wikidata=Q47335871|lat=|long=}} (1454 m), then continues upward to the Refuge de Mariailles. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge de Mariailles|alt=Refugi de Marelles|url=https://refugedemariailles.fr/|lat=42.5017361908777|long=2.4077634391340514|content=1692 m. Open from late May; shelter room available year-round.}} === Refuge de Mariailles - Refuge des Cortalets === ; Distance : 16.3 km ; Duration : 6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1030 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m This is a challenging high-mountain route around the Canigou Massif. There are no supply points along the way, and surefootedness is required. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Cortalets|url=https://refugedescortalets.ffcam.fr/|lat=42.53436454795011|long=2.465036067970792|content=2100 m. 105 places, plus 19 emergency shelter places available outside the season.}} * {{listing|type=go |name=Loop trail to the summit of Pic du Canigou|alt=Canigó|url=https://www.visit-occitanie.com/de/entdecken/top-sehenswuerdigkeiten/massif-du-canigou-katalonien/|lat=42.53692009465181|long=2.4666389025393545|content=This difficult 9.3 km loop (4½ h; ↥ 700+ m) begins 200 m beyond the refuge.}} === Refuge des Cortalets - Gîte-refuge de Batère === ; Distance : 16.8 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 270 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 920 m This stage is also part of the HRP. From the refuge to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Ras del Prat Cabrera|wikidata=Q47170860|lat=|long=}} (1739 m; 4 km), you can choose between a high-level route following the “Tour du Canigou” and a less steep path along the mountainside. From the pass to the Refuge de l'Estanyol (2¾ hr or more) the trail descends gradually, then more steeply. It climbs again briefly to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Cirère|wikidata=Q134299355|lat=|long=}} (1731 m; 4-4¾ hr). From here, you can optionally ascend the Puig Saint-Pierre (1791 m; ↥ 15 min, ↧ 15 min). Descending from the col, you pass abandoned stone quarries and mines (the Mines de la Pinosa are ruins of a former settlement), and reach your destination. Nearby you can explore the 5-day “Tour du Canigou” circuit or visit the historic abbeys of Saint-Martin du Canigou and Saint-Michel-de-Cuxa. * {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Estanyol|wikidata=Q120262655|lat=|long=}} === Gîte-refuge de Batère - Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette === ; Distance : 19.2 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 745 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m Along this long and steady descent, you pass several dolmens. Their significance may be best appreciated by specialists in archaeology. The destination is the Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette, an old mill located in the Ribera Valley. More accommodation and services are available in {{Marker|name=Arles-sur-Tech|wikidata=Q7897|type=city}}, which is connected by bus. At the southern edge of the town, you'll find Camping Riuferrer. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte-refuge de Batère|url=https://www.refugedebatere.fr/|lat=42.50176051942559|long=2.5484428644953847|address=Mines de Batère, 66150 Corsavy|phone=+33 4 68 39 12 01|content=17 dormitory beds, 20 in private rooms. Access via a 20.3-km road from Arles-sur-Tech.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette|wikidata=Q120266421|url=http://gr10-par-etapes.eklablog.com/hebergement-du-moulin-de-la-palette-a126161238|content=Simple eco-gîte in a renovated mill, located in the Ribera valley.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Riuferrer|lat=42.4551506239|long=2.6291899540|url=https://campingriuferrer.com/}} === Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette - Las Illas === ; Distance : 22 km ; Duration : 7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m From the gîte, follow the D536 for 1 km, then turn right uphill toward Montalba (543 m; 1 hr). At the cross, turn sharply right to continue climbing. You reach the ruins of the Mouli Serradou (833 m; 2½ hr). The highest point is the Coll de Sant Martí (1426 m; 4 hr or more). The trail continues through forest along the slope, passing by the Roc de France (also known as Roc de Frausa). {{Marker|name=Las Illas|wikidata=Q16508596|type=city}} has a water point and picnic area in the park. Accommodation is available in a gîte at the town hall and at the Hostal de Trabucayeres. === Las Illas - Col de l'Ouillat === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 6-7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 930 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 540 m The route has been altered several times due to terrain difficulties, so follow the current waymarking. The middle part of the trail runs along the border, just below the ridge. The dominant tree species in this area is the striking Corsican pine (Pinus nigra var. corsicana). A detour to the fortified town of Le Perthus and the Fort de Bellegarde (open May-Sep, 10:30-18:00) offers a cultural break. Note that all shops are on the Spanish side of the border. After about 3 hours, there is an optional detour to the Roman fort Panissas, built on the Via Domitia. Turn off 5 minutes after border marker 565 (2½ hr). The stage ends at {{marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de l'Ouillat|wikidata=Q11914547}} (938 m). === Col de l'Ouillat - Banyuls-sur-Mer === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 7-8¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 680 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1610 m The route stays high near the border ridge. It takes about 1 hour to reach the Pic Néulos. Water is available at the Refuge de la Tagnarède after 1½ hours. From there, the trail leads over several passes: Coll del Faig (985 m), Col de l'Orry, and Col de l'Estaque (1025 m; 2¾ hr). The Pic des Quatre-Termes (1156 m) and Pic de la Cabassère are bypassed to the north. After 4 hours, you reach the Coll del Pal (899 m). From there, continue right toward the Col des Gascons (6¼ hr or more). The final descent to the Col de Llagastèra (285 m) passes partly through vineyards towards {{Marker|name=Banyuls-sur-Mer|wikidata=Q6753|type=city}}. == Go next == * [[Pyrenean High Route]]: Crosses the Pyrenees along the mountain crests, staying higher than both the GR 10 and GR 11. * [[GR 11]] This footpath stays on the Spanish side of the Pyrenees. {{outlineitinerary}} {{Related|France}} {{Related|Pyrenees}} {{PartOfItinerary|Europe itineraries}} pi8mq1vgjysezcd2csp4v27ko3m3i2o 5086657 5086654 2025-07-02T14:42:07Z Bluecoordinationfine 2327039 Formatting 5086657 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|GR 10 WV banner.jpg|caption=View from GR 10, near Souriche, looking towards the Tourmalet, valley of Barèges, France}} The '''GR 10''' is one of the paths and trails of the extensive [[Grande Randonnée]] (or GR) network. It crosses [[France]], from the Mediterranean coast to the Atlantic coast, and runs almost entirely through the [[Pyrenees]]. While the trail is in France, much of it is near, or even on, the border with [[Spain]]. The trail can be walked in either direction, though some suggest that the west-east route is easier in the beginning, as it is both cooler and less steep that the corresponding start heading west; this may be an advantage to those not fully in shape. == Understand == [[File:Lac d'Oo (22).jpg|thumb|Lac d'Oo]] Moving from east to west, the trail begins at the Mediterranean, in the small town of [[Banyuls sur Mer]], and finishes at [[Hendaye]] on the Atlantic Ocean. Hikers will usually be able to make it to a [[France#Guesthouses and holiday rentals|gîte]] or small town every other night, and quite frequently every night. Expected time to complete the trail is around 6-7 weeks, though the majority of people only hike sections of it. == Prepare == The trail is fairly well marked with painted marks on rocks, trees, telephone poles, and even houses, walls, and street signs. If you haven’t seen a waymark for 100 metres, you’ve likely strayed off the trail. Retrace your steps to the last marker and check your route. It is not realistic to navigate using the markers alone. A trail guide, at minimum, or a topologic map is required. Sunburn is a particular problem, and clothing such as long sleeved shirts and long pants should be worn as they protect from the sun, scratching branches and insects. Sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat are highly desirable. For those heading west from Banyuls sur Mer, the hike to the first gîte is particularly long compared to the following days, and should be started very early. === Equipment === One of the advantages of the GR 10 is that it can be hiked with minimal gear, as one can eat dinner and breakfast almost every day at the gîtes. Additionally the hiker can sleep outdoors on clear nights and pay for a bed in a gîte in inclement weather. On nights that only shelters (which usually have no food or staff) are available, pre-purchased food can be eaten. If one plans to eat at gîtes and buy food from supermarkets that can be eaten without cooking, the absolute minimal gear in the summer months is: * Sleeping bag or sleep sheet, and a mat for comfort. * Goretex jacket and fleece or similar for cold or wet weather * Long-sleeved shirt and pants * Short-sleeved shirt and shorts (including shorts you can wear for swimming) * Sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat * Adequate footwear. Anything less than hiking boots may prove insufficient. * Bottles for at least two litres of water, and a purification method for treating water from streams. * Toiletries and a [[Travel health kit|medical kit]] Additionally, consider a rain jacket or fleece top for wet or cold weather. If you plan to forgo the comforts and delicious food of the gites and hotels, also bring: * Tent * Cooking gear and food A note on footwear: some four fifths of the hikers wear full hiking boots and thick socks. While running sneakers may suffice (and Choco-style sandals may work for a few days), your risk of injury is higher, and much of the trail involves hopping around on possibly wet and sharp rocks. Choose conservatively, depending on the length of your hike and your experience. ==Get in== == Walk == {{Mapframe|lat=42.68287|long=0.56837|width=full|height=360|zoom=7}} {{mapshape|type=geoline|stroke=#000000|stroke-width=3}} === Hendaye-Plage - Olhette === ; Distance : 21.9 km ; Duration : 6-7¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1010 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 950 m Intermarché sells gas cartridges. Near the western trailhead a {{marker|type=buy|name=Decathlon|lat=43.36843635018845|long=-1.7798332063655435}} store geared towards watersports is available for last minute purchases, such as gas cannisters. The hike starts from the 3 km long {{marker|type=see|name=Hendaye Beach|wikidata=Q20947149}}. This is below the old casino, now known as Résidence Croisière. Nearby is the Tourist Office. Buses run from the main train station, or you can walk from {{marker|type=go|name=Gare Deux Jumeaux|wikidata=Q2802667}}. Leaving town, the route goes around the football stadium and climbs via Rue Errondenia and Rue de Pausoa. After about 3 hr you reach the summit of {{marker|type=see|name=Xoldokogaina|wikidata=Q20492776}}. The high point is at Mandale (530 m) on the Spanish border. From here, the path descends to the Col d'Ibardin (4¼ hr), a popular spot for French shoppers due to cheap alcohol and tobacco. The trail continues via Col des Poiriers and Col des Joncs before reaching Olhette. * {{listing|type=city|name=Olhette|lat=43.3360119885|long=-1.6661235970|content=65 m. No bus service; the nearest is in Ascain, 4 km away. Two gîtes: [https://www.chambre-d-hote-cote-basque-manttu.fr/ Manttu-Baïta] at the southern end of the village and Trapero Baïta (Tel. +33 5 59 54 42 59) in the center.}} * {{listing|type=city|name=Biriatou|wikidata=Q196871|content=A scenic Basque village 10 minutes from the main trail. Public toilets near the church.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Redoute de la Baïonette|lat=43.309257665|long=-1.70329930013|content=Historic fortification near Mandale, located by modern border marker 9. Offers wide views.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Basque Tourist Office|address=20 Boulevard Victor Hugo, 64500 Saint-Jean-de-Luz|lat=43.387765760|long=-1.66038856746|url=https://www.en-pays-basque.fr/en/|content=Tourist info for the wider Basque region.}} === Olhette - Ainhoa === ; Distance : 21.1 km ; Duration : 6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 730 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 640 m The steepest climb comes right at the beginning. For most of the route, you'll be on forest trails and, after Sare, quiet paved country roads. The trail initially ascends on a good path over the Col des Trois Fontaines (1½ hr; a shelter is located 300 m away), then descends to the Col de St-Ignace, where the valley station of the cog railway to La Rhune is found. It continues to {{Marker|type=city|name=Sare|wikidata=Q274155}} (2¾ hr), a local transport hub and one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. There's an outdoor swimming pool. The stage ends in {{Marker|type=city|name=Ainhoa|wikidata=Q212962|url=https://www.en-pays-basque.fr/territoires-et-destinations/vallee-de-la-nivelle/ainhoa/}}. Also one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. The tourist information office (open 09:00-12:30, 14:00-17:30; closed weekends and holidays) is located at the side of the town hall. Local grocery stores are a bit pricey due to the village's popularity. From Col des Trois Fontaines you can ascend La Rhune (905 m) either by cog railway (35 min) or on foot (3 km, 1¼ h; ↥↧ 300 m). The prehistoric {{Marker|type=see|name=Grottes de Sare|url=https://www.grottesdesare.fr/en/index_en.php|wikidata=Q3117280}} can be visited with prior reservation through the local municipality or online. Closed annually for a month after Epiphany. This stage is part of the [[European long-distance path E9|European long-distance trail E9]]. * {{listing|counter=1|type=sleep|lat=43.30238052|long=-1.5874539771|name=Camping la Petite Rhune|phone=+33 6 15 29 36 38|url=https://www.lapetiterhune.com/en/|content=Includes a gîte d'étape. Reception hours: 08:30-12:30, 15:00-20:00; winter weekdays 09:00-12:00, 14:00-17:00.}} === Ainhoa - Bidarray === ; Distance : 21.7 km ; Duration : 8½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 880 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 850 m This is a difficult stage, with little shade at the start and a particularly steep, rocky descent near the end. At the old cemetery (389 m; 40 min) beside the {{Marker|type=see|name=Chapelle Notre Dame de l'Aubépine|wikidata=Q12253854}}, a dramatic crucifixion scene of the Jewish itinerant preacher Jesus of Nazareth and two other criminals has been recreated. Traditional Basque hilarri gravestones are found here. The path then continues over the Col des Trois-Croix (510 m; 1 hr 20 min). A good place to rest is at Ferme Esteben (2 hr 50 min, 580 m), a gîte d'étape with a bar-restaurant. The trail continues near the border, past Boundary Stone 77, partly on paved road. At Col des Veaux (550 m), you can take a 300-m detour into Spain to visit a venta (a small inn or shop). From here, the trail climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Méhatche|lat=43.272782275749094|long=-1.4166930371188398}} (716 m; 3¾ hr). The descent past Boundary Stones 82 and 83 is secured with cables. From Col de Méhatche, you can ascend Artzamendi (926 m), easily identified by its radar dome at the summit. The nearby {{Marker|type=see|name=Grotte le Saint-que-Sue|alt=Harpeko Saindua|lat=43.26526266671622|long=-1.3890420732224757}} can also be visited. Just before reaching {{Marker|type=city|name=Bidarray|wikidata=Q746221}}, a bypass trail offers a shortcut to the next stage. For peak baggers, this route also gives access to several summits: Errebi (between the chapel and Col des Trois-Croix), Atxulegi (a 15-min detour on the way to Col des Trois-Croix), and, in good weather, Mont Bizkayluze (701 m) and Gorospil (691 m). The village is split into two parts, 600 m apart. The GR-10 passes through the upper section (where accommodation is located), while the train station lies in the lower part. The stone “Noblia” bridge, in its current form, dates to the 17th century. Parts of the Church of the Assumption are Romanesque. Traditional hilarri gravestones can be found in the old cemetery, and the Ferme Gastetto is a protected farmhouse in classic Lower Navarrese style. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Aire Zabal|lat=43.2665469128|long=-1.34721660011|url=https://giteairezabal.fr/|content=Stage accommodation in the upper part of the village.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Amestoya|lat=43.284582665|long=-1.35372693663|url=https://camping-bidarray.fr/english/|content=Campsite along the D908, 2 km north of the upper village.}} === Bidarray - Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry === ; Distance : 18.5 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1250 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1250 m This southward stage is demanding, especially due to the complete lack of water sources along the ascent. After passing the Iparla Ridge (950 m), the trail reaches an altitude of over 1000 m for the first time on the way to the summit. It then continues along the ridge to the Pic de Tutulia before descending to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Harrieta|lat=43.21079140547837|long=-1.384120195860639}} (3¾ hr, 808 m). From the Col d'Harrieta, a side trail descends to Urdos (1¾ hr), from where it's possible to follow the road into Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry. The main trail continues across the Buztanzelhay summit (4¾ hr, 1029 m), then down to the col of the same name (843 m). Here, the GR-10 turns left and descends steeply. The path crosses the D949 road several times — this road leads from the village to the ventas on the Spanish border at the Col d'Ispéguy. You can also reach this col via the ridge, 1½ km from Col Buztanzelhay. If you want to skip entering {{Marker|type=city|name=Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry|wikidata=Q279252}} (162 moh), you can join the next stage earlier at the Nive des Aldudes (6½ h, 162 m). There's a picnic area in the park and a supermarket that stocks gas cartridges. Locals play Rebot, a type of pelota, on two courts. The Château d'Etxauz is not open to the public. On the last Sunday in April, the village hosts a traditional folklore festival known as Nafarroaren Eguna. The Nive des Aldudes valley occasionally experiences flooding and mudslides. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Municipal Irouleguy|address=Borciriette, 64430 Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry|phone=+33 5 59 37 43 96|url=https://animazioa5.wixsite.com/camping-de-baigorri|lat=43.183694680698636|long=-1.3357619163002807|content=Municipal campsite near the village.}} === Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry - Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port === ; Distance : 19.2 km ; Duration : 5-7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 990 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 980 m This stage runs mostly on gravel paths and farm tracks. About an hour in, there's an optional detour at Col d'Aharza for a 35-minute climb to Oylarandoy, where a hermitage built in 1706 stands. The GR-10 heads south to the Col d'Aharza (734 m; 2 hr), where there's a water source, then turns east and circles around the {{Marker|type=see|name=Munhoa|wikidata=Q3327853}} (1023 m; 3½ hr). The climb is fully exposed to the sun. The descent begins on the right-hand side. For campers, there are two sites before {{Marker|name=Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port|wikidata=Q270294|type=city}}: [http://www.camping-delatruite.com/ Camping de La Truite] (March 1 - Dec 15), and closer to town, [http://www.camping-narbaitz.com/ Camping Narbaitz] (mid-March - mid-September; tent spaces from June 20). Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port lies at 170 m and is where three of the four French pilgrimage routes converge before entering Spain. From here, it's possible to continue directly onto the Camino de Santiago (via Roncesvalles). === Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port - Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta === ; Distance : 16.2 km ; Duration : 5-5½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 870 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 420 m There are no supply points or public transport on this stage, but the walking is relatively easy. In the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Çaro|wikidata=Q842635}} (242 m), there is a public fountain next to the town hall. If you choose to end the day early after 3¾ hr in {{Marker|type=city|name=Estérençuby|wikidata=Q842724}} (231 m; two accommodation options), be aware that this adds an extra 400 m of ascent to the next day's stage. === Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta - Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty === ; Distance : 20.7 km ; Duration : 6¾-8 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1410 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m This stage is simple but offers little shade. The trail first climbs toward the Col on Ithurramburu (820 m), then continues ascending to just below the {{Marker|type=see|name=Occabe|alt=Okabe|wikidata=Q17417892}} (1456 m). On the Occabe plateau, 26 Neolithic stone circles known as ''harrespil'' in Basque have been found. They are believed to have been used for cremation rites. A good rest stop is the upscale {{Marker|type=eat|name=Restaurant Chalet Pedro|url=https://www.chaletpedro.com/|lat=43.03687624625582|long=-1.0746838225620772}} (4¾ hr). The associated lodge offers 10 beds. Across the stream at Le Kayolar, similar accommodation is available. From here, the trail turns sharply right after 100 m and continues uphill for 6-7 km (300 m ascent) to the stage destination. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta|url=http://kaskoleta.free.fr/|lat=43.092036845886255|long=-1.1646582066722122|content=Altitude 615 m. Offers 13 beds in 3 rooms plus a holiday apartment for 4. A scenic viewpoint with an information panel is 5 minutes away.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty|address=D19, 64560 Larrau|phone=+33 5 59 28 51 29|url=https://chalets-iraty.com/|lat=43.03659578299579|long=-1.0348125824515537|content=Key pickup and payment are handled at Col Héguichouria, 1 km before the site. There is a restaurant and bird observation post 500 m further on.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=L'aire Naturelle de Camping|lat=43.037460332099656|long=-1.0494175120345806|content=Natural campground with 50 pitches, located 3 km before the Chalets by the stream. Open June-October. Fresh bread available by reservation from 08:30.}} === Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty - Logibar === ; Distance : 16.4 km ; Duration : 5-6 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 440 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1380 m In bad weather, the route along the west side of the {{Marker|type=see|name=Pic des Escaliers|wikidata=Q31645205}} (1423 m) is not recommended. There are two alternative routes, but both are poorly marked. At the Ugatzé Ridge, the trail skirts the peak rather than summiting it. To avoid the steep descent from Pic des Escaliers, stay on the road for about 600 m after the start, then turn off after 2½ km to reach Col Ugatzé. A short side trip allows you to summit Arthanolatzégagnia (an additional 35 min ascent and descent). Trail markings are sparse for several hours. After some time following mule tracks, you'll reach a road crossing at Beloscare (1173 m; 3 hr). Logibar marks the end of the stage, but you can also continue 2 km further to {{Marker|type=city|name=Larrau|wikidata=Q608335}}, which offers three accommodation options and a campground. In bad weather, an easier alternative is to follow the paved road from Iraty directly to Larrau for a gentler descent. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge Logibar|address=Quartier Logibar, D26, 64560 Larrau|phone=+33 5 59 28 61 14|url=https://auberge-logibar.com/|lat=43.018151|long=-0.927715|content=Altitude 375 m. Dormitory beds from €17, half board from €50. Check-in from 17:00. Bus 60 serves the location.}} === Logibar - Sainte-Engrâce (Senta) === ; Distance : 26.3 km ; Duration : 7½-9¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200-1420 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 900-1170 m This stage leads through spectacular gorges. Follow signs to the Gorges d'Holzarté and ascend the trail to the 70 m long suspension bridge (50 min), which spans the dramatic Ruisseau de Olhadubi gorge 150 m above the ground. On the far side, the trail continues uphill. After 2 hours, you reach the Olhadubi stream — a possible spot for a refreshing dip. Nearby, the Cabane Cayolar d'Olhadubi (reached via a side path from the bridge) serves as an emergency shelter with space for 4-5 people. Continuing uphill, you'll reach the Abarrakia farm after just over 3 hours. The path then winds between farms, eventually reaching the point (4½ hr) where the GR-10 turns sharply to the right. The original GR-10 route bypassed the gorges entirely by heading up to the Plateau d'Adarkhotia after the Holzarté bridge. This shortcut saves 2.7 km (1¼ hr) and 150 m of elevation gain. After about 5 hours, you'll reach the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Anhaou|alt=Col de Bious|lat=42.9784|long=-0.88044}} (1383 m). From here, energetic hikers can summit nearby peaks such as Izeyto (1464 m) or Sarimendi (1484 m). The stage ends at {{Marker|type=city|name=Sainte-Engrâce|wikidata=Q197211|url=https://www.sainte-engrace.fr/index.php/en/}}. Sainte-Engrâce is home to a Romanesque church from the 11th century. From the village, a 9-km side trip (↥ 840 m, ↧ 135 m) takes you to the vast La Verna cave. Guided tours go up to 800 m deep — the main chamber is large enough to fit the Eiffel Tower. Bookings are handled through the [https://laverna.fr/en/ Espace accueil Arrakotchepia], Quartier Calla, 64560 Sainte-Engrâce (Tel. +33 6 37 88 29 05). August is often very busy. A detour south from the restaurant leads into the wild and romantic Gorges de Kakuetta. The trail is very steep and slippery, and entry tickets are (usually) sold at the restaurant. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge Elichalt|address=Next to the church|phone=+33 5 59 28 61 63|lat=42.99552859220694|long=-0.8102287239912613|content=Simple village inn located in the center of Sainte-Engrâce.}} === Sainte-Engrâce (Senta) - Refuge Jeandel === ; Distance : 11.6 km ; Duration : 4¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 160 m The trail climbs steadily from Sainte-Engrâce into the limestone highlands of the Pierre-Saint-Martin massif, marking the transition into more alpine terrain. You ascend to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Pierre-St-Martin|wikidata=Q1107451}} (1760 m; border with Spain). Since 1373, the Tributo de las Tres Vacas — a cross-border tribute of three cows — has been held here every July 13 to settle grazing rights between the two valleys. A small shop at the parking area sells goat cheese. A ski area lies just over the border on the Spanish side. There is also a small shelter near Boundary Marker 62. An optional 15-minute detour leads to the summit of Soum de Lèche (1839 m). The Grotte de la Verna, a massive cave chamber accessible by guided tour, lies 1 km (¾ hr) off the main trail and requires prior booking ([https://laverna.fr laverna.fr]). From the pass, descend to the first switchback, then turn right off the main track. The trail passes under two chairlifts and continues along the northern flank of the Pic d'Arlas. When you spot three large concrete water tanks, descend to the staffed mountain hut at Refuge Jeandel. The ski resort village of {{Marker|name=La Pierre Saint-Martin|wikidata=Q3211628|type=city}} is about 15 minutes off the trail and offers additional services. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge Jeandel|address=La Pierre Saint Martin, 64570 Arette|url=https://www.refugejeandel.com/|lat=42.97829371796861|long=-0.7493627209784663|content=Altitude 1670 m. Dormitory accommodation from €18; half-board from €42.50. Staffed in summer.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Tourist Office La Pierre Saint-Martin|address=Maison de la Pierre, 75 D332, 64570 Arette|phone=+33 5 59 66 20 09|url=https://www.lapierrestmartin.com/|lat=42.97735500762936|long=-0.744495054007273|content=Open only during the French summer holidays (mid-July to late August). Provides info on local lodging and two campervan pitches. Served by seasonal Bus 807 between Arette and Oloron-Sainte-Marie.}} === Refuge Jeandel - Lescun === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 5½-6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1200 m This is a challenging stage, but the scenery is magnificent. Several rocky mountain paths are equipped with cables for safety. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Pas de l'Osque|lat=42.9702182168491|long=-0.7089944097203539}} (1922 m), which requires a head for heights. The trail continues to the Pas d'Azuns (1873 m; 2¾ hr), and a good first rest stop with water is the spring near the Cabane du Cap de la Baitch (1689 m; 3 hr). In wet weather, descending to {{Marker|type=city|name=Lescun|wikidata=Q179737}} (895 m) via the road is recommended, as the GR-10 becomes muddy and difficult to navigate. From Lescun, the HRP route offers a very demanding variant over the Col d'Anie back toward Cabane du Cap de la Baitch. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Centre de l'Abérouat|url=http://aberouat.fr/|lat=42.95041471194407|long=-0.6658390953581508|content=Staffed hut with a bar. Offers 20 rooms (2-5 beds each). Free tent camping nearby (bathrooms in the hut available for a fee). Best suited for groups; solo walkers must book in advance.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Maison de la Montagne|lat=42.934247039|long=-0.63524507931|address=1 ruelle de la Congasse, 64490 Lescun|phone=+33 6 88 06 95 29|url=https://www.maisondelamontagne64.com/|content=Comfortable accommodation for hikers in the centre of Lescun.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping - Gîte du Lauzart|address=Bordé de Mougnague, 64490 Lescun|phone=+33 5 59 34 51 77|url=https://www.camping-gite-lescun-pyrenees.com/|lat=42.92782183157741|long=-0.6421994110320027|content=Along the D340. About 20 minutes into the next stage. Open April-September. Campsite €14 + €4 per adult. 25 dorm beds available for €16; half board €42.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Tourist Office for the Vallée |lat=42.9990368924|long=-0.60057615194|url=https://www.pyrenees-bearnaises.com/explorer/nature/|phone=+33 5 59 34 57 57|content=Located in Bedous. Provides information on the surrounding region.}} === Lescun - Etsaut === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 5½-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 850 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1150 m The trail begins easily through pastoral countryside, then enters forested terrain, passing the [https://www.gite-camping-lhers.com/ Gîte d'étape and campsite on the Plateau de Lhers] (2 hr), and climbing to the Col de Barrancq (1601 m; 3¾ hr). From the Col de Barrancq, a side trip leads to the summit of Pic de Labigouer (2175 m), which takes just under 3 hours round-trip. Lower down in the Parc d'Orce, within the commune of {{Marker|type=city|name=Borçe|wikidata=Q840474}} (5¾ hr), lives the majority of the region's ~50 brown bears. The Gîte le Communal offers accommodation here. The stage ends in {{listing|type=city|name=Etsaut|wikidata=Q765829|content=Altitude 597 m. Located on the N-134 and served by the Canfranc-Oloron-Saint-Marie bus line. The former train station now houses the Pyrenees National Park visitor center. Accommodation available in the Gîte d'étape la Garbure behind the church (53 beds).}} Just outside Etsaut, the {{Marker|type=see|name=Fort du Portalet|wikidata=Q3078387}} clings dramatically to the cliffs in two tiers, spanning a height difference of 150 m. * {{listing|type=see|name=Refuge animalier à Borce|url=https://parc-ours.fr/|lat=42.9045174060618|long=-0.5745664608466107|content=open 10:00-18:00; admission €12. It functions as an educational wildlife refuge}} === Etsaut - Gabas === ; Distance : 24 km ; Duration : 9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1640 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1210 m The trail begins with the dramatic Chemin de la Mâture, a path carved into the rock face. It is not passable in icy or snowy conditions. You reach Grange Perry (1210 m) after 2 hours. A quarter of an hour later, at a junction, keep left. After 3½ hours, you arrive at the Cabane de la Baight de St-Cours (1560 m; shepherds only, June-September), located at the border. About 4 hours in, you cross a stream on a bridge. This is the last water source before the high pass. The highest point of the stage is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Ayous|wikidata=Q2981981}} (2185 m; 5½ hr or more). On its eastern slope lie the Ayous Lakes, including the scenic Refuge d'Ayous. It's an ideal place to break this long stage. The Col d'Ayous also marks a transition point between valleys: from the Chemin de la Mâture and Baigt de Sencours in the Aspe Valley to Bious-Artigues (1540 m) in the Ossau Valley, where pony rides and canoe rentals are available on the eastern shore. The lake is 6½ km from the pass (↧ 764 m). From the pass, you can also summit Pic d'Ayous (add 30 min up and down), or detour 6 km to Lac Bersau — a longer alternative via the Vallon d'Aas is 9 km. From the lake, descend on the D231 road, which includes switchbacks that can be shortcut. (Note: Refuge de Gabas is permanently closed.) The stage ends in {{Marker|name=Gabas|wikidata=Q5515276|type=city}}, which offers two accommodations and a bar, but no grocery store. Located on bus route 806/806bis from Col de Portalet via Gabas to Laruns (15 km). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Ayous|url=https://www.refuge-ayous.fr/en-gb|lat=42.84844763797708|long=-0.4911758258903634|10 minutes off the GR10 near Lac Gentau (6½ hr). This refuge offers 47 beds and tent spaces and is open from mid-May to the first week of October.}} === Gabas - Gourette === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9-10 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1150 m This is a long and difficult stage, not suitable for children. The Corniche des Alhas section requires a head for heights. Snow may linger into summer, making it hard to follow the waymarks. Water is scarce during the first four hours. The trail follows the D934 road to the Artouste dam, then climbs through forest paths (1¼ hr). Some parts pass through cliff-side ledges carved into the rock — the Corniche des Alhas — which have fixed cables for safety. An easier alternative bypasses the Corniche via the Pont du Goua and the Gave de Soussouéou. After 1¾ hr, you reach a bridge near the Gave de Soussouéou waterfalls (1145 m). From here, a steep trail leads up to Houn de Mouscabarous (1361 m; 2¾ hr), continuing uphill to Petite Arcizette (2293 m). Snow may persist at these elevations until July. After 6½-7 hr, you arrive at the Hourquette d'Arre (2465 m). Important: The path shown on some maps to the Géougue d'Arre (2619 m) is a mountaineering route, not a hiking trail. An alternative route avoids the Hourquette d'Arre altogether: from the Cabane de Cézy, follow the red-and-white GR10 then switch to the red/yellow-marked GRP Tour de la Vallée d'Ossau, over the Col de Lurdé to Eaux-Bonnes (overnight possible) and Gourette (also served by Bus 806). The GR10 does not go directly to Lac d'Uzious, but instead heads roughly north-northeast across a plateau, before turning east to descend. After about 8 hours, you reach Lac d'Anglas (2068 m), from where the trail continues along the outflow, then branches off to the right. After over 9 hours, you arrive in the ski resort of {{Marker|type=city|name=Gourette|wikidata=Q1540224|url=https://www.gourette.com/en/}} (1350 m). Ski resort with two supermarkets; gas cartridges available at Intersport. Mostly closed outside the main season. Served in-season by Bus 806 (twice daily) from Parking Gourette Nord to Eaux-Bonnes, Laruns, and Pau. If needed, you can exit the trail early at the upper parking area (which has a bus stop) and start the next stage from there. * {{listing|type=sleep|lat=42.9595015138|long=-0.333960997149|name=Chalet-refuge CAF|phone=+33 5 59 05 10 56|url=https://chaletdegourette.ffcam.fr/|content=Mountain refuge with 32 beds in 4 dorms. €16.50/night (€8.25 for Alpine Club members) + €0.90 tourist tax.}} === Gourette - Arrens-Marsous === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m This is a relatively easy stage that crosses two mountain passes: the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Tortes|lat=42.959773462638644|long=-0.3187601158279607}} (1799 m; 1¾ hr), and later, after crossing the D918 (popular with cyclists but too busy to follow safely), the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Saucède|lat=42.95972945620746|long=-0.31869998400517197}} (1525 m; 3 hr 20 min). Ten minutes after descending from this second pass, you'll reach a restaurant and gîte de séjour at the Col de Soulor on the D918 road. From Col de Saucède, hikers can also make a short detour to summit the Pointe de Surgatte (1805 m; 90-100 minutes round trip). Near the Pont de Lapadé, you can either cross the Gave d'Arrens or continue down into the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Arrens-Marsous|wikidata=Q1110649}}. Features tourist information and public toilets at the Maison Val d'Azun (Tel. +33 5 62 97 49 49). The village also has an outdoor swimming pool. A hiking festival, [https://www.eldorando.fr/ Eldorado], is held every two years for four days in late May. Call +33 800 65 65 00 by 17:00 the day before for weekday on-demand shuttle service to Lourdes. Points of interest include the Romanesque Saint-Pierre Church (parts dating to 1200) and the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Pouey-Laün, a pilgrimage chapel located 600 m south along the D105. The area is part of both the Natura 2000 conservation network (Gabizos and the Arrens Valley) and the core zone of the Pyrenees National Park. For a longer option, you can extend this stage to Gîte les Viellettes (2¼ h further), making a total of 20.5 km (8½ hr; ↥ 1250 m, ↧ 1530 m). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=GCU Campground|address=26 Rue des Paus, 65400 Arrens-Marsous|lat=42.9573380888|long=-0.213247116377|phone=+33 5 62 97 43 06|url=https://www.gcu.asso.fr/terrains/arrens-marsous-hautes-pyrénées-65|content=Simple tent campground on the edge of town.}} === Arrens-Marsous - Refuge d'Ilhéou === ; Distance : 20 km ; Duration : 6¾-7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 500 m From Arrens-Marsous (3½ km from the previous endpoint), you can follow the official GR10 or the more scenic GR de Pays Tour du Val d'Azun. The latter is slightly shorter but includes more climbs. Both routes rejoin shortly before the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape les Viellettes|lat=42.9219519144924|long=-0.1818867608457627}} (2¼ h; 15 beds). About 700 m further on is the simple tent site La Pose (open May-September). The official GR10 route passes through {{Marker|type=city|name=Estaing|wikidata=Q589628}}, a commune that includes three Natura 2000 protected areas: “Gaves de Pau et de Cauterets,” “Moun Né de Cauterets, Pic de Cabaliros,” and “Péguère, Barbat, Cambalès.” From here, the trail enters the core zone of the Pyrenees National Park. You ascend toward Lac d'Estaing. Just before the lake is a guesthouse open Thursday-Sunday, 09:00-17:00 (summer only). On the far shore is another restaurant (open 10:00-18:00) and Camping Intercommunal. Brave hikers may try a swim in the cold waters. The trail now climbs steeply through forest to the Cabane d'Arriousec (1400 m; 4 hr). Another hour uphill takes you past the Cabanes de Barbat (left of the path), then a final climb brings you to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Ilhéou|wikidata=Q2981991}} (2242 m; 6 hr or more). Just 5 minutes below the pass, you can turn left to reach the Crête du Lys, where the Courbet cable car operates in July and August. This offers access to the ski resort Cauterets-Le Lys (with a summer luge track) or direct descent into the town of Cauterets. On foot, descend to the stream near the Cabanes d'Arras (6½-7 hr). Turn right there and cross two more streams. The path then descends to Lac d'Ilhéou. At the lake's northern shore is the staffed Refuge d'Ilhéou. A designated bivouac area (aire de bivouac) is located about 10 minutes further south along the lake. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Ilhéou (Refuge Raymond-Ritter)|url=https://www.refuge-ilheou.csvss.fr/en/home|phone=+33 5 62 92 07 18|lat=42.86604614112533|long=-0.17358356545105466|content=Altitude 1988 m. 22 beds. Open from late May to late September.}} === Refuge d'Ilhéou - Cauterets === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 2½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 75 ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m This is a leisurely downhill walk that brings you gently back to civilization in {{Marker|type=city|name=Cauterets|url=https://www.cauterets.com/en/?to_lang=en|wikidata=Q366962}}. Scenic spa town with plenty of amenities, including a historic wooden railway station (now closed), a cinema, casino, and more. The tourist office is open M-Sa from 09:00-12:30 and 14:00-18:00. A special Office de la Montagne - Terre d'Alpinisme opens during the summer season. Cauterets flourished during the late 19th and early 20th centuries thanks to its thermal springs. The municipality operates two spas: Thermes de César in the village center and Thermes des Griffons in nearby La Raillère. Accommodation options include three gîtes d'étape and Camping la Prairie. Local buses run every 30 minutes from June to October. Regional connections are available to Lourdes, Luz-Saint-Sauveur, and Gavarnie. A shuttle to Pont d'Espagne departs four times daily from the old train station. The 30 km former railway line from Pierrefitte to Cauterets has been converted into a multi-use bike and hiking path. === Cauterets - Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 100 m This is a demanding stage. From Cauterets, take the path behind the Thermes de César and head south. After 1¼ hr you reach the hamlet of La Raillère (1044 m), where there are restaurants and a sulfur spa. Cross the bridge and continue up into the Val de Jéret, passing several waterfalls. The trail leads to the Hôtellerie du Pont d'Espagne (3 hr). From there, descend briefly along the road before turning right and ascending into the valley toward Lac de Gaube (1725 m, 4 hr). The path crosses the stream three times via bridges as you continue toward the refuge. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube|wikidata=Q109042828}} === Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube - Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400 m About 50 m from the refuge, the trail begins a steady one-hour climb over rocky terrain. At a fork (65 min), stay right and continue ascending. The {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Hourquette d'Ossoue|wikidata=Q3141336}} (2734 m) marks the highest point on the entire GR10. Even in mid-summer, snow often lingers here. After 20 minutes of descent, you reach the Refuge Baysselance. '''Ascending Vignemale from here via the Glacier d'Ossoue is only for experienced mountaineers.''' From the pass, the route heads southeast, passing the Grottes de Bellevue (2420 m; 3 hr), artificial caves carved in 1880 by the explorer Henry Russell. The trail descends steeply to a stream, then follows it into a boulder field fed by glacial melt from the Glacier d'Ossoue. The descent into the valley involves frequent climbs around cliffs and waterfalls. You enter the Vallée de la Canau (5 hr or more) and pass the Cabane de Sausse-Dessus. The next hour includes more ups and downs until you reach the Cabane des Tousaus (6¾ hr or more). From there, cross a final ridge to reach the D923 road and descend to the stage endpoint, Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle. If you need more accommodation or supplies, continue to the main village of {{Marker|name=Gavarnie|wikidata=Q917894|type=city}}. From Gavarnie, you can take a day trip (or a bus from Luz-Saint-Sauveur) into the famed Cirque de Gavarnie. It's also possible to ascend Le Taillon (3146 m) from here for experienced climbers. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge Baysselance|url=https://refugebayssellance.ffcam.fr/|wikidata=Q3423105|content=(2651 m), which offers 58 beds and is staffed from mid-May to mid-October}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle|address=Route de Boucharo, 65120 Gavarnie-Gèdre|phone=+33 5 62 92 48 77|url=https://chaletlagrangedeholle.ffcam.fr/|lat=42.73944609127333|long=-0.022728732019354148|wikidata=Q98753937|content=Altitude 1480 m. Staffed hut with 62 beds.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Tourist Office|address=Le Village, 65120 Gavarnie-Gèdre|phone=+33 5 62 92 49 10|url=https://www.valleesdegavarnie.com/gavarnie-gedre/|lat=42.73535586856976|long=-0.01029304645524754|content=Open 09:00-12:00 and 14:00-17:00; closed Sundays and Thursdays.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte Le Gypaète|lat=42.7359592315|long=-0.0108405014067|phone=+33 5 62 92 40 61|content=Simple hiker accommodation in Gavarnie village.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Bergerie|address=Chemin du Cirque, 65120 Gavarnie-Gèdre|url=https://www.camping-la-bergerie-gavarnie.com/|lat=42.72774008829836|long=-0.0075991966546184704|content=Open early June to late September. Located near the entrance to the Cirque de Gavarnie.}} === Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle - Luz-Saint-Sauveur === ; Distance : 26 km ; Duration : 8-9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 700-900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1500-1660 m Starting from Gavarnie village (via the D128 road) instead of the refuge shortens the route by 3 km (approx. 1 hr). The trail first leads to the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape le Saugué|url=https://www.gite-gavarnie-pyrenees.com/|lat=42.76864577103755|long=-0.005915232017950625}}, located on the Plateau Soula de Saugue (1¾ hr). This is a good option to break up the stage — the gîte has 21 beds and is open May to October. The route winds northward, passing the Soum Haut (3¾ h), then descends gradually along the western slope of the Gavarnie Valley. After 5¾-6 hr, you reach the D921 road. Cross the Gave de Gavarnie via the Pont d'Esdouroucats and ascend again to a path above the highway. From the south, you enter {{Marker|type=city|name=Luz-Saint-Sauveur|wikidata=Q35721506|url=https://www.luz.org/en/}} via the Pont Napoléon (755 m; 7½ hr), a dramatic bridge across the gorge. Well-equipped mountain town. The town has several historic churches, as well as a campsite with a grocery store. The Prime Meridian passes about 100 m east of the center. Numerous lodgings, 6 campgrounds, 2 supermarkets, and Intersport (gas cartridges). Bus 965 connects to Cauterets, Lourdes, and Tarbes. Bus to Barèges also available. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Saint Bazerque|address=Sia|phone=+33 5 62 92 49 93|url=https://campingsaintbazerque.eatbu.com/?lang=de|lat=42.83178828384746|long=0.0015462182938111647|content=Campground with grocery shop (mountain cheese), bar, and caravan spaces. Open 08:00-17:00.}} === Luz-Saint-Sauveur - Barèges === ; Distance : 12 km ; Duration : 4½-5 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m To extend this stage, continue to Refuge d'Aygues Cluses for a total of 19 km (7½ hr; ↥ 1560 m, ↧ 140 m). Though short, this stage begins with a relatively long and steep ascent. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Ruisseau de Bolou|lat=42.858690489195055|long=0.06773411839157908}} (1460 m). On the descent, hikers can stop for refreshments at the [https://refugedelaglere.ffcam.fr/ Refuge de la Glère]. This stage ends at {{Marker|type=city|name=Barèges|wikidata=Q632058|url=https://www.mairie-bareges.fr/en/}}. Composed of the hamlets of Artigalas and Cazaous, Barèges serves as a spa and mountain village. The local river, the Bastan, is called the gave. Note: the Jardin botanique du Tourmalet and the 1930s funicular are now closed. The town's website includes an accommodation and restaurant directory * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape l'Oasis|lat=42.897422977|long=0.067278671719|address=2 Passage des Toys|phone=+33 5 62 92 69 47|url=https://www.gite-oasis.fr/|content=Open June-September, and also December-April during ski season (Barèges is part of the Domaine du Tourmalet ski area).}} === Barèges - Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : route-dependent 7¾-9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m The trail begins by climbing above the road toward the ski station at Tournaboup (1 hr). It then veers south and ascends steadily. Good stopping points include the Cabane d'Aygues and, 10 km further on, the Chalet-Hôtel d'Orédon. This stage enters the Néouvielle Nature Reserve, where dogs and wild camping are strictly forbidden. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Madamète|wikidata=Q102076283}} (2509 m). From there, the path descends between alpine lakes: {{Marker|type=see|name=Lac d'Aumar|wikidata=Q3215322}} and Lac d'Aubert (5¾ h, 2190 m). A shuttle bus runs up to this point in high season, and there's an info panel at the end of the access road. Here, the trail splits into two variants: * Variant 1: continues along Lac d'Aumar * Variant 2: detours south to the tip of Lac d'Aubert, then along the northern shore of Les Laguettes and Lac d'Orédon (6¾ h, 1856 m; camping and hotel at the south end) Both variants rejoin at the Cap d'Estoudou pass (2260 m), followed by a steep descent. A short detour from the pass allows for an ascent of Soump de Montpelat (↥ 214 m). The path continues steeply downhill to Lac de l'Oule (1821 m; 7¾ hr or more). From here, head right to reach Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Cabane d'Aygues|url=https://refugeayguescluses.wordpress.com/|lat=42.87577795732996|long=0.15008320916912823}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Chalet-Hôtel d'Orédon|url=https://www.chalet-oredon.fr/|lat=42.82616251586139|long=0.1692328508499207|content=open June 1 - Sept 30; 88 beds}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule|url=https://refugedeloule.fr/|lat=42.824769697482445|long=0.20752501478344024|content=Altitude 1819 m. Located at the dam wall. Open mid-June to mid-September. 20 beds and a bar.}} === Refuge-Hôtel de l'Oule - Vielle-Aure === ; Distance : 17-18 km ; Duration : 5-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 460 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400-1500 m From the refuge, the route follows the western shore of Lac de l'Oule. GR10C variant: After 1½ hr, there is a signed detour to the [http://refugedebastan.fr/ Cabane de Bastan]. The main trail turns directly east and climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Portet|wikidata=Q42178369}} (2215 m; 2¾ hr). From here, it continues eastward, descending gently to the Pla de Castillon, then more steeply down to the D918 road (4½ hr or more) and onward to the stage endpoint {{Marker|type=city|name=Vielle-Aure|wikidata=Q1323900|url=https://vielleaure.com/}}, an historic village with two Romanesque churches: Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Pierre (in the Agos neighbourhood), both dating to the 12th century. Bus connections to Saint-Lary-Soulan and Lannemezan (35 km). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Hôtel Aurélia|lat=42.825852030|long=0.32776424175|phone=+33 5 62 39 56 90|url=https://www.hotel-aurelia.com/|content=Simple, hiker-friendly hotel in town.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping La Mousquère|lat=42.8273932992|long=0.33590955638|address=Nougaro, Autun, 65170 Bourisp|url=https://www.campinglamousquere.com/|content=Open May 8 - last weekend of September.}} * There are three more campsites within 2 km north along the river valley. Just 1 km south, the larger and livelier {{Marker|name=Saint-Lary-Soulan|wikidata=Q1323323|type=city}} offers a broader range of shops, accommodations, and services. The tourist information office is at the roundabout in the center; the supermarket is across the street. The wooden bus stop shelter is discreetly located about 50 m away, opposite the modern church on Avenue des Thermes. === Vielle-Aure - Germ === ; Distance : 13 km ; Duration : 4¾-5¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1170 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 630-700 m This is a straightforward, though poorly marked, stage that runs parallel to the D225 up to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Azet|wikidata=Q2981982}} (1600 m). From the pass, the route continues down to [https://www.vallee-du-louron.com/fr Loudenvielle], a village with shops, an outdoor pool, and the Balnéa Spa complex (open 14:00-19:30; €21 for 2 hours). Note: during the [https://www.pyreneesbikefestival.com/ Pyrenees Bike Festival] in early September, the area is overrun with mountain bikers. The final 2-3 km involve a climb of about 220 m up to the hamlet of {{Marker|name=Germ|wikidata=Q1094205|type=city}}. Altitude 1339 m. A small village with 34 year-round residents, but many second homes and guest beds. Two old churches are worth visiting. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Centre de Montagne de Germ|lat=42.793610431|long=0.425057973260|address=D130|phone=+33 5 62 99 65 27|url=https://www.germ-louron.com/|content=Open year-round. 70 beds in a large mountain center.}} * Auberge de Germ, a guesthouse with 11 rooms (33 beds), open year-round. * {{listing|type=see|name=Peyresourde-Balestas Airfield (Aérodrome de Peyragudes)|wikidata=Q5659350|content=Also known as Altiport 007, as a James Bond film was shot here in 1997. The 470 m runway has a 15% gradient and is also used for paragliding.}} === Germ - Lac d'Oô === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 6-7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1060 m This stage and the next are strenuous. They can be divided into thirds with overnight stops at the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Granges d'Astau|lat=42.76352657695474|long=0.5024399621092607}} (open May-Oct; 26 beds) and the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Espingo|url=https://refugedespingo.ffcam.fr/|wikidata=Q104413940}} (1967 m; 44 beds, mid-May-Oct; 15 emergency shelter places off-season). Camping is allowed near the lake. Around the refuge is a “classic” mountaineering loop over the Pic des Spijeoles (3008 m), Grand Quayrat (3060 m), down to Lac du Portillon (2571 m) and the glacial Lac Glacé d'Oô (2664 m). After the initial climb out of Germ, you enter the Val d'Aube. Follow the river on the left-hand side; after 1¾ hr, across the valley (250 m away), lies the Cabane d'Ourtiga (1610 m). The route ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Couret d'Esquierry|lat=42.75523440839548|long=0.4627935235857289}} (2131 m; 3½ hr), where you cross into the Haute-Garonne department. After 4 hr, you reach the Cabane du Val d'Esquierry. From there, follow the D76 road down to the Granges d'Astau and an auberge (1139 m; 5 hr). In July and August, a morning bus runs up from Luchon and returns in the evening. The stage ends at {{Marker|type=see|name=Lac d'Oô|wikidata=Q3215352}}, a scenic 42-hectare lake situated at an altitude of 1,507 m within the Natura 2000 reserve “Vallées du Lis, de la Pique et d'Oô.” Renowned since the 19th century for its spectacular waterfall, the lake is a popular destination for its natural beauty. Due to its protected status, camping, swimming, and dogs are not permitted in the area. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Lac d'Oô|address=|phone=+33 7 84 56 55 88|lat=42.744558752|long=0.490915210685|content=Reached in about 6 hr. By the lake shore at 1504 m.}} === Lac d'Oô - Bagnères-de-Luchon === ; Distance : 19-21 km ; Duration : 7-9¼ h ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000-1130 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1900-2000 m After Refuge d'Espingo, the trail becomes more difficult, with several rocky scree sections. You skirt the northern slopes of Hourquette des Hounts-Secs (2275 m). Optional detour: From here, a 15-minute ascent (each way) leads to Cap de Bassiéret. You continue over the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Coume de Bourg|lat=42.787224318|long=0.51785762473}} (2272 m, 4¾ hr or more), which may retain snow well into the summer. Optional summit detours from the pass: * Pic Céciré, 45 minutes up and down to the north * Subescale, 40 minutes up and down to the south After 5½+ hours, you reach (1802 m) Superbagnères, a summer-only (July-August) mountain hotel serving the ski area. While it offers meals and lodging, prices are high. The massive historic building can also be reached by gondola lift from Luchon, replacing the old cog railway. The {{Marker|type=go|name=Gondola base station in Luchon|lat=42.78789198327501|long=0.5908142174347624}} is located on the western edge of town and operates daily from 08:30 to 18:00 during the summer season. If descending on foot, it is a steep 1200 m drop to reach {{Marker|name=Bagnères-de-Luchon|wikidata=Q238393|type=city}}. This spa town marks the end of the central Pyrenean segment of the GR10. Regular bus services run to Montréjeau, where you can connect by train to Toulouse. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Superbagnères|url=https://www.villagesclubsdusoleil.com/fr/nos-destinations/hiver/sejour-a-la-montagne/superbagneres|wikidata=Q844809}} === Bagnères-de-Luchon - Artigue === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 2½-3 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 50 m From the church in Luchon, head left along the footpath by the L'One river, crossing the road bridge toward Juzet-de-Luchon. Optional detour: Visit the waterfall in Juzet-de-Luchon. The trail continues via Sode to the day's highest point at the stage destination {{Marker|name=Artigue|wikidata=Q1088729|type=city}}. Altitude 1230 m. A small mountain village with a municipal gîte d'étape, open year-round, offering 12 dormitory beds and evening meals at the on-site restaurant. === Artigue - Fos === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 7½-8½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1100 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1750 m The first half of this stage is a steady climb of over 1000 meters, initially on a gravel track. After 1¼ hours, you reach the Cabane de Saunères (1660 m), a basic mountain shelter. One hour later, you arrive at the Col de Peyrehitte (1947 m). The trail continues along an exposed ridge around the Pic de Bacanère (2193 m; 3 hr or more), passing border markers 402-404. After the Col d'Aou (2093 m; 3½-4 hr), the trail descends gradually across open alpine meadows. At the Cabane d'Artigue (5 hr or more), potable water is available. Below this point, the path winds down gently through a series of switchbacks, eventually crossing a road bridge into {{Marker|name=Fos|wikidata=Q1349025|type=city}}. Altitude 544 m. Small village with weekday bus service to Melles and Saint-Gaudens (railway connections to Pau and Toulouse). Alternative route (former GR10): From the Cabane d'Artigue, you can divert to the Cabane d'Artiguessans, then descend steeply to the Ruisseau de la Batch before climbing back up to rejoin the GR10. This saves about 15 minutes and 70 m of elevation gain. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte de Fos|wikidata=Q3162431|lat=42.873845424|long=0.73442375047|phone=+33 5 61 94 98 59|content=Offers 20 dormitory beds, open year-round.}} === Fos - Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing === ; Distance : 18 km ; Duration : 6½-8 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1700 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m It's a good idea to stock up on supplies in {{Marker|name=Melles|wikidata=Q1616421|type=city}}, which you reach after about 45 minutes. From the old customs house, the trail climbs steeply. Auberge de Crabère offers a comfortable stop. * {{listing|type=see|name=Botanical Garden (À Fleur de Montagne)|wikidata=Q3162431|url=https://mairie-de-melles.wixsite.com/mairie-de-melles/le-jardin-botanique|content=Small but charming community-run garden specializing in Pyrenean alpine flora. Open in summer, 10:00-19:00.}} From Melles, a narrow road leads uphill to the last farmhouse at Labach (2¼ hr). The next 2 hours or more are mostly through forest, climbing steadily. After about 5 hours, you reach the Cabane d'Uls shelter. The path continues uphill to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Pas du Bouc}} (2170 m; 6+ h). Optional summit detour: From here, the {{Marker|type=see|name=Pic de Crabère|wikidata=Q3382364}} (2629 m) can be climbed in about 90 minutes round-trip. Brown bears have been reintroduced to this area. The highest point of the day is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Auéran|lat=42.835385392840536|long=0.860341080714231}} (2176 m), which also marks the border into the Ariège department. From here, it's a quick descent to Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing|url=http://www.refuge-araing.fr/|wikidata=Q3423195|content=Altitude 1956 m. Open June 1 to October 5. 52 beds, plus a 12-bed shelter area available off-season. Advance bookings accepted for groups on the two weekends before/after opening.}} === Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing - Eylie-d'en-Haut === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 3-4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1320 m From the lake and refuge, the trail climbs to the Serre d'Araing (2221 m; 1 hr). Optional detour: Summit of Pic de l'Har (2424 m), approximately 50 minutes round-trip. The descent into the valley follows faintly marked trails to the left of the power lines. Along the way, you'll encounter remnants of former lead mining operations. After about 2¾ hours, you cross a bridge and reach {{Marker|name=Eylie d'en Haut|wikidata=Q134078264|type=city}}, a small hamlet with a 14-bed hut, picnic area, and a basic campsite located by the Lez river. === Eylie-d'en-Haut - Maison du Valier, Pla de la Lau === ; Distance : 17 km ; Duration : 8¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1700 m A strenuous stage with no food or lodging options along the way. The trail starts by crossing the Lez river, then turns sharply left and begins to climb through open terrain. After about 50 minutes, you cross a stream and ascend through forest for just over an hour. In autumn, the woods are full of blueberries—a favourite of the brown bears reintroduced here in the 1990s. At a stone shelter (1660 m; 2½ hr), the trail forks. The GR10 continues to the right, up to the Col de l'Arech (1802 m; 3 hr or more). From there, the path turns left. Optional detours: * South to Tuc de Cagonilles (2196 m; 80 minutes round trip) * From there, to the challenging Mail de Bulard (2750 m; 3 hours round trip) After a short ridge walk, descend to the shepherd's hut Cabane d'Arech (1638 m; 3½ hr). From here, follow the access track down, then branch left down a steep, gorse-covered slope. After 4 hours, you reach a stream. About 40 minutes later, the ruins of Flouquet (1680 m) come into view. Continue to Cabane de Besset (1540 m; 6 hr or more), then ascend again for 45 minutes to Cabane Clot du Lac (1821 m; 7 hr). Passing the huts Cabane du Trapech-du-Milieu (1540 m) and Cabane de l'Artigue, you arrive at Maison du Valier. The Mont Valier massif is a protected area of interest to birdwatchers. It hosts a variety of mountain bird species, including rare birds of prey, bearded vultures, and alpine species such as ptarmigans, black grouse, and capercaillie. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Maison du Valier|lat=42.83084702593266|long=1.032510054490613|url=https://maison-valier.fr/|wikidata=|content=Altitude 927 m, located on the Pla de la Lau. Open March-October. Reception hours 16:00-19:30. 40 beds.}} === Maison du Valier, Pla de la Lau - Esbintz === ; Distance : 18 km ; Duration : 7¼-9¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200-1350 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300-1490 m A demanding stage with significant elevation gain and loss. The trail climbs from Maison du Valier, following the high northern slopes along the ridges of Cap de Lauses (1892 m), Pic de Crabère (1925 m), and the Col d'Auédole (1730 m). After more than 7 hours, you arrive at {{Marker|type=city|lat=42.85332|long=1.14584|name=Esbintz}}. === Esbintz - Refuge d'Aula === ; Distance : 19 km ; Duration : 6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 500 m This and the following stage offer spectacular scenery in good weather. From Esbintz, follow the D817 for the first 2 km to Borde de Galy. From here, you could take a detour to Seix (4 km) by continuing on the D817, then the D37, and turning right onto the D3, where you'll rejoin the GR10 near the Pont du Salat. Continue mostly downhill through the countryside, crossing the Pont du Salat to reach Moulin Lauga (550 m; 2 hr), which has a bakery and picnic area. Alternatively, you can rest 1½ h later at the Auberge des Deux Rivières. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Esbintz|url=https://www.gite-ferme-esbintz.fr/|lat=42.85315143224526|long=1.1459188949749635|content=850 m. Dormitory with 10 beds. Open May-November.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge des Deux Rivières|phone=+33 5 61 66 83 57|url=https://www.aubergedesdeuxrivieres.com/|lat=42.83210657498069|long=1.1982318103146805|content=Open late May to late September}} === Refuge d'Aula - Rouze === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 4½-5 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 700 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m Fit hikers can combine this stage with the previous one from Gîte d'étape d'Aunac (787 m), resulting in a 30 km day with 11¼ hf walking time (↥ 1750, ↧ 1580 m). From Refuge d'Aula, it's a steep but manageable 1½ hr ascent to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Bouche d'Aula|lat=42.77695825493033|long=1.1180083284724134}} (1998 m), then a descent to the Étang d'Areau, 100 m lower. Optional: The Pic des Aymesses (2036 m) can be climbed from the east side of the lake. A farm road leads down to Faup, with shortcuts along the switchbacks, for instance near the Cabane d'Areau. Slightly below the Col de Pause (1527 m; 2¼ hr), there is a parking area. The {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Camp site Rigaux Philippe|lat=42.78997920829053|long=1.178432115744275}} lies just below the hamlet of Faup. From Faup, descend along the D708 toward {{Marker|name=Couflens|wikidata=Q1142090|type=city}}, but before reaching the D3 junction, cross the bridge and climb on the opposite slope to Gîte de Rouze d'Ustou. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte de Rouze d'Ustou|lat=42.789696616|long=1.20592416901|address=Prat de la Moule, Rouze d'Ustou, 09140 Couflens|phone=+33561669545|url=https://www.ferme-de-rouze.fr/|content=16 beds. Cheese from the farm. Open mid-June to mid-September.}} === Rouze - Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou === ; Distance : 8.4 km ; Duration : 3-4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m Follow the stream uphill for about 1¾ hr to reach the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Serre du Cot}} (1546 m). Optional side trips: * To the south, ascend the Pic de la Tese (2255 m; ↥↧ 3 hr or more). * To the north, climb the Tuc de Peyre Mensongère (1711 m; ↥↧ 40 min). From the pass, descend left onto a forest path, passing a few ruined farmhouses. The route eventually reaches the D38 road and leads into {{Marker|type=city|name=Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou|wikidata=Q109571916}}. === Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou - Aulus-les-Bains === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9 hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400 m The hike begins at the southern end of Saint-Lizier. After crossing the pedestrian bridge, the trail climbs southeast to the Col de Fitté (1387 m), a former ski area. From there, it continues along the right side of the slope. One alternative route begins at {{listing|type=city|name=Bidous|lat=42.78257178128407|long=1.2700395937419484}}, following the Alet river south and then climbing steeply for over 2 hours to reach the Col de Fitté, where it rejoins the GR 10. The trail curves around the southwest side of the Picou de la Mire (1741 m) and reaches the Col d'Escots (1618 m) after 3¾ hr. The nearby Chalet de Beauregard restaurant is open from late May to September, 10:00-23:00. Afterwards, the path continues up and down along steep slopes until it reaches the Ruisseau de Fouillet valley (4½ hr). The Jasse du Fouillet crossing (1170 m) is reached after at least 5 h. For a shorter option, follow the yellow-red waymarks of the Tour du Val du Garbet. This leads to the D8F road and directly into Aulus-les-Bains (7 hr from Saint-Lizier). The main route continues toward the plateau of Souliou and the Pic du Mont Rouge (1600 m). A side trip to Étang de Guzet offers a possible bivouac site. The trail then descends toward the Ruisseau d'Ars (1485 m), crosses a bridge, and continues downward. After a second bridge (8½ hr), the path becomes easier. A final bridge, Pont de la Mouline, crosses the Garbet River just before the trail enters {{Marker|type=city|name=Aulus-les-Bains|wikidata=Q1082493|url=https://www.loubet.fr/saint-lizier.html}}, a small spa town with a mini market at the traffic circle near the bridge and a tourist office next door. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte Pyrénées AAA|lat=42.779696032|long=1.2690230044|url=https://giteslareng.net/|address=Lareng, 09140 Ustou|phone=+33967838934|content=14 places in upscale cottages for 2-4 people.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Cascade d'Ars|lat=42.762922493744796|long=1.3615038669340882|content=260 m high waterfalls in multiple tiers, located 4½ km from Aulus. Takes 3-9 hr round-trip to hike to them (↥ 530 m).}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping municipal le Coulédous|lat= 42.7940356892|long=1.3321660893|url=http://www.camping-aulus-couledous.com/|content=Also offers bungalows for 4-7 people. The gîte d'étape is a 12-person tent.}} === Aulus-les-Bains - Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès === ; Distance : 11 km ; Duration : 5 hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m The route climbs out of Aulus-les-Bains to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Port de Saleix|lat=42.78143117676052|long=1.4043285766664242}}, where you'll find the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Refuge de Carol|lat=42.7813|long=1.4146}}. From here, the ascent becomes steeper. The following section to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Port de Bassiès|lat=42.772502271037204|long=1.411691910311851}} is demanding but scenically rewarding. This area lies within the Mont-Calme nature reserve, where camping is prohibited. === Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès - Marc === ; Distance : variable ; Duration : 3½-5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1385 ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1385 This stage and the following one include several alternative routes and shortcuts that can be combined. From the refuge, the GR-10 leads southeast along a slightly rocky trail for just over three kilometers, following the chain of lakes. At the outflow of the last lake, the Étang d'Escalès, the GR-10 bends to the right. Along the stream, there's an opportunity to descend toward the main road and the village of Auzat. Another descent option to the road appears about 2 km further along the GR-10. The main trail makes a sharp turn southward. From the aqueduct (1160 m; 2¼ h4), the route maintains an elevation just below 1200 m for around 4 km, before descending the final 1½ km into the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Marc|lat=42.71687694132801|long=1.449593121067756}}, cutting across the switchbacks of the road. The Gîte Retrouvance de Mouret (12 places) is available for group bookings only. From {{listing|type=city|name=Auzat|wikidata=Q1082539}}, one can rejoin the GR-10 by heading 4 km south to Artiès and climbing back up. This avoids a significant part of the next stage. Alternatively, walking 6 km to Marc allows one to resume the full stage. To skip this stage, it is possible to go from Auzat directly to Goulier via two routes: one through Olbier (4.4 km), the other 6.1 km. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès|url=https://refugedebassies.fr/|content=1933 m. Open late May to September.|lat=42.76509|long=1.413221}} === Marc - Goulier === ; Distance : 24.3 km ; Duration : 6-9 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m From Marc, follow the path to Mounicou. A shelter is located a short way beyond, along the D8. This is where the ascent begins. After a few hundred meters, you can turn right at the {{Marker|type=go |name=Turn right|lat=42.71|long=1.4575}} marker and stay on the west side of Les Caldelets. From the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Orri de Tignalbu|lat=42.69417|long=1.46296}}, which has a water source, the path becomes very poor. The main GR-10 trail continues uphill to the Refuge de Prunadière (1615 m, 2 hr). Be sure to refill your water here. From there, it leads to a junction above the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Artiès|lat=42.7362|long=1.4793}} shelter (985 m, 3¼ hr). The path ascends steadily, passing the ruins of Pradières-d'en-bas, and arrives at Étang d'Izurt. A cable car runs to the lake. After a short climb, it's around 14 km downhill to {{Marker|type=city |name=Goulier|wikidata=Q1015676}} (moh 370 m), which is part of the Val-de-Sos commune. You can shorten the main trail from Prunadière by climbing steeply left past the buildings, gaining 450 m of elevation. About 2 hr later, you'll rejoin the GR-10 at Coumasses-Grandes. This shortcut saves roughly 8 km and bypasses Étang d'Izurt. === Goulier - Siguer === ; Distance : 13 km ; Duration : 3¼-4¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 416 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 830 m From Goulier, the trail ascends toward the Col de Risoul, then the Col de Esquérus, and continues to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de Grail|lat=42.75360457229|long=1.5321300362453}}. Near this pass is a shelter, an information board, and a water source located 250 m off the path. The route then climbs to the highest point of the day at the Col de Lercoul (1549 m). From here, the trail descends through the hamlet of Lercoul. A footpath south of the winding road leads downhill to the village of {{Marker|name=Siguer|wikidata=Q1375974|type=city}}, home to Café Rouse and several accommodations. === Siguer - Plateau de Beille === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 2400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m This demanding stage involves three steep descents and offers no accommodation along the route, only five basic shelters. From Siguer, the trail climbs steeply to Gestiès (40 min), where you should fill up on water. The path crosses the road three times on the way up. After a long ascent, you reach the Pla de Montcamp (1904 m; 3¾ hr). Past the Col du Sasc (1798 m), the trail traverses the flank of the Pic du Col Taillat. Water is again available at the Cabane de Courtal Marti, though trail markings on this high section can be vague. The trail descends to the Cabane de Balledreyt (1600 m; 2 sleeping places), reached after another 20 minutes. After about 7½ hours, the trail descends to the D520A road at 1040 m elevation. A detour to the villages of Aston (14 km, with a campground) or Les Cabannes (15.8 km, with a year-round gîte d'étape) is possible around the 4¼-hour mark. Les Cabannes has a train connection to Mérens-les-Vals or Foix. After crossing the bridge, the GR-10 climbs again via a forest trail. A water source is marked and located about two minutes off the trail, just past a large boulder reached after 9+ hours. The trail continues across a ridge to the Cabane d'Artaran (1695 m). Shortly afterward, you reach the ski area at the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Plateau de Beille|lat=42.72473998587668|long=1.6911435704342077}}, where the Cabane Beille is located. This area is accessible via the D522 road loop and popular with day hikers. === Plateau de Beille - Refuge du Rulhe === ; Distance : 14 km ; Duration : 4¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m It's recommended to start this exposed stage early in the day to avoid afternoon summer thunderstorms. The trail remains around or above 2000 m throughout. The highest point is the summit of the {{Marker|type=see |name=Crête des Isards|lat=42.65012142232325|long=1.7389568668472413}} at 2381 m. The Refuge du Rulhe lies at the junction of several long-distance trails, including the Tour de Pays des Montagnes d'Ax from Ax-les-Thermes, the GR Transfrontalier from Andorra, and two routes from the Vallée d'Aston. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Rulhe|url=https://rulhe.com/|lat=42.6379904848182|long=1.725866639541228|content=53 places. Open late May to September. €16 per night, half board €45. Tel: +33 6 74 24 50 71}} === Refuge du Rulhe - Mérens-les-Vals === ; Distance : 12 km ; Duration : 4½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 360 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1500-1600 m '''Water is scarce at high elevation.''' From the refuge, the trail ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de Calmettes|lat=42.636915754134|long=1.7404819725150908}} (2318 m), mostly over scree. Cairns also serve as markers. The path descends to Étang Bleu, where it skirts the left side of the lake and climbs again to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Crête de la Lhasse|lat=42.6398816194571|long=1.768563885207408}} (2439 m). Afterward, it continues over scree for nearly 800 m of descent to the pond called l'Estangol, with a shelter above. {{Marker|name=Mérens-les-Vals|wikidata=Q662289|type=city}} is reached after the final descent. The ruins of the old Saint-Pierre church date back to the Napoleonic Wars. The village festival takes place on July 20. The village has a train stop on the Foix - Puigcerdà line. Located on the N-20. The natural hot springs are about 45 minutes away, although they were affected by rockfall in 2022. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge du Nabre|lat=42.65611004694209|long=1.8429807373614195|address=le village d'en haut, 09110 Mérens-les-Vals|phone=+33 5 61 01 89 36|url=https://www.aubergedunabre.com/|content=Guesthouse in the upper village.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping de Mérens|lat=42.64646601527881|long=1.8310245105731093|address=600 Ville de Bau, 09110 Mérens-les-Vals|phone=+33 5 61 02 85 40|url=http://www.camping.merenslesvals.fr/de/haus/|content=Open all year, 1.3 km south of the village.}} === Mérens-les-Vals - Refuge des Bésines === ; Distance : 10 km ; Duration : 4½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 260 m This demanding stage continues through high alpine terrain, with lots of rock and scree. From Mérens, the trail leads past Le Nabre to the hot springs. Afterward, the path climbs for nearly 3 hours. First, it reaches the Estangs (2056 m), then continues to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Porteille de Bésines|lat=42.6154502407948|long=1.872190036139089}} (2333 m). From this pass, the route is clearly signposted. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bésines|wikidata=Q11945073|url=https://refugebesines.ffcam.fr/|content=2104 m. 70 beds. Open June-September. Phone: +33 5 61 05 11 77.}} === Refuge des Bésines - Refuge des Bouillouses === ; Distance : 16.7 km ; Duration : 5½-6 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 660 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 760 m This high-level stage crosses several mountain passes and offers excellent panoramic views. The route first ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Coll de Coma d'Anyell|lat=42.60880012907595|long=1.8962468691063044}}, from where it is possible to climb Pic des Bésineilles (2632 m) in about ¾ hr round trip. The path then continues through the Lansolet basin (2234 m), past the Cabane de Rozet, and climbs again to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Portella de la Grava|lat=42.59935934341172|long=1.934453711010157}}. From there, it's a gentle 3-hour descent to the lakeside refuge at Bouillouses. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bésines|lat=42.6039|long=1.86853|content=56 dormitory beds, with 16 emergency shelter spots outside the season. Open June-September.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bouillouses|lat=42.559475002653095|long=2.00351938309043|url=https://www.lesbouillouses.com/|content=2003 m. 46 beds. Open June-September. Phone: +33 4 68 04 93 88.}} === Refuge des Bouillouses - Planès === ; Distance : 19 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 230 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m The descent is easy but not always well marked. After about 2¾ hours (1740 m), the GR-10 reaches the D618. About 700 m further, a right turn leads to Superbolquère, where food and lodging are available, including a supermarket and a gîte with 28 beds. The GR-10 continues downhill to the quiet D10C near {{Marker|name=Bolquère|wikidata=Q1101891|type=city}} (1628 m, 2¾ hr), where there is a public drinking fountain and an information board. The nearby Gare de Bolquère-Eyne (1593 m) is the highest railway stop in France, on the scenic “train jaune” line. Passing through the villages of La Perche and La Cabanasse (3½ hr), the route ends at the small village of {{Marker|name=Planès|wikidata=Q524705|type=city}}. No shops in the village. The nearby Pont Gisclard, opened in 1909, is a cable-stayed bridge on the Ligne de Cerdagne crossing the Têt river. The village is a stop on the “train jaune” railway. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=L'Orri de Planès|lat=42.490995503|long=2.1382908362|address=Casas del Mitg, 66210 Planès|phone=+33 4 68 04 29 47|content=Gîte with 16 dormitory beds and private rooms.}} === Planès - Refuge du Ras de la Carança === ; Distance : 15.3 km ; Duration : 5¾-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1170 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 870 m There are no supply options along this stage. The trail begins with a gentle ascent through pine forest into the high Riberola valley. It is advisable to refill your water at the Refuge de l'Orri. Above the Cabane d'Aixques, the route becomes steep as it climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col Mitja|wikidata=Q28381301}} (2376 m). From the pass, it is possible to summit Pic de Gallinas (2624 m, ↥↧ 90 min) or Pic Redoun (2677 m, ↥↧ 1 hr). The final 1½ hours involve a descent of about 500 m to the refuge. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Ras de la Carança|wikidata=Q28380908|address=142 rue de, 66360 Fontpédrouse|phone=+33 9 88 66 73 81|url=https://www.refugelacaranca.com/|content=1840 m. Open mid-May to mid-September. 13 emergency places available off-season. Connections to other trails: 7.7 km to Prats Balaguer, 8.5 km to Ull de Ter, 13.7 km to Carança, 10 km to Thuès-les-Bains via the gorge, and 12 km to Núria.}} === Refuge du Ras de la Carança - Mantet === ; Distance : 10 km ; Duration : 4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 640 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 940 m This stage is challenging and poorly marked at higher elevations. From the refuge, follow the stream uphill for 100 m to a wooden bridge. Continue on a scree path along the left side of the valley. After passing through a gate, you reach an alpine pasture and the {{marker|type=go|name=Coll del Pal|lat=42.465650773936|long=2.258498904704664}} (2294 m). This area is a nature reserve where wild camping is forbidden. From the pass, there is an optional ascent to Pic de Serre Gallinère (2663 m; 1 hr round trip), and possibly further on to the Serre de Caret (2300 m). From the pass, descend to the {{marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Alemany|wikidata=Q120254507}} (1962 m; 8 places), located 200 m off the trail. The main path continues left, crossing first a wooden, then a concrete bridge, followed by a narrow unpaved road that ascends to the village of {{listing|type=city|name=Mantet|wikidata=Q1369164}} (1550 m). Population: 31. Most of the southern part of the commune is the protected area [https://rnn-mantet.fr/ Reserva natural de Mentet], where camping is forbidden. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=La Cavale|address=Los Miquelets, 66360 Mantet|phone=+33 4 68 05 57 59|url=http://la-cavale.fr/|lat=42.477231944228336|long=2.3092556382036555|content=Private rooms and dorms for 3-5 people.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte à la ferme Cazenove|url=http://www.gitecazenovemantet.fr/|lat=42.47702171854456|long=2.306028129535968|content=Farm gîte. Open May to September.}} === Mantet - Refuge de Mariailles === ; Distance : 14.8 km ; Duration : 5 hr 5 min ; Elevation gain : ↥ 936 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 834 m Midway along this stage is the village of {{Marker|name=Py|wikidata=Q178846|type=city}} (1023 m), which has an auberge and a gîte. From Py, follow the D6 briefly before heading northeast to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Jou|wikidata=Q47335849|lat=|long=}} (1125 m). The path turns southeast and ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Cavall Mort|wikidata=Q47335871|lat=|long=}} (1454 m), then continues upward to the Refuge de Mariailles. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge de Mariailles|alt=Refugi de Marelles|url=https://refugedemariailles.fr/|lat=42.5017361908777|long=2.4077634391340514|content=1692 m. Open from late May; shelter room available year-round.}} === Refuge de Mariailles - Refuge des Cortalets === ; Distance : 16.3 km ; Duration : 6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1030 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m This is a challenging high-mountain route around the Canigou Massif. There are no supply points along the way, and surefootedness is required. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Cortalets|url=https://refugedescortalets.ffcam.fr/|lat=42.53436454795011|long=2.465036067970792|content=2100 m. 105 places, plus 19 emergency shelter places available outside the season.}} * {{listing|type=go |name=Loop trail to the summit of Pic du Canigou|alt=Canigó|url=https://www.visit-occitanie.com/de/entdecken/top-sehenswuerdigkeiten/massif-du-canigou-katalonien/|lat=42.53692009465181|long=2.4666389025393545|content=This difficult 9.3 km loop (4½ h; ↥ 700+ m) begins 200 m beyond the refuge.}} === Refuge des Cortalets - Gîte-refuge de Batère === ; Distance : 16.8 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 270 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 920 m This stage is also part of the HRP. From the refuge to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Ras del Prat Cabrera|wikidata=Q47170860|lat=|long=}} (1739 m; 4 km), you can choose between a high-level route following the “Tour du Canigou” and a less steep path along the mountainside. From the pass to the Refuge de l'Estanyol (2¾ hr or more) the trail descends gradually, then more steeply. It climbs again briefly to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Cirère|wikidata=Q134299355|lat=|long=}} (1731 m; 4-4¾ hr). From here, you can optionally ascend the Puig Saint-Pierre (1791 m; ↥ 15 min, ↧ 15 min). Descending from the col, you pass abandoned stone quarries and mines (the Mines de la Pinosa are ruins of a former settlement), and reach your destination. Nearby you can explore the 5-day “Tour du Canigou” circuit or visit the historic abbeys of Saint-Martin du Canigou and Saint-Michel-de-Cuxa. * {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Estanyol|wikidata=Q120262655|lat=|long=}} === Gîte-refuge de Batère - Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette === ; Distance : 19.2 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 745 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m Along this long and steady descent, you pass several dolmens. Their significance may be best appreciated by specialists in archaeology. The destination is the Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette, an old mill located in the Ribera Valley. More accommodation and services are available in {{Marker|name=Arles-sur-Tech|wikidata=Q7897|type=city}}, which is connected by bus. At the southern edge of the town, you'll find Camping Riuferrer. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte-refuge de Batère|url=https://www.refugedebatere.fr/|lat=42.50176051942559|long=2.5484428644953847|address=Mines de Batère, 66150 Corsavy|phone=+33 4 68 39 12 01|content=17 dormitory beds, 20 in private rooms. Access via a 20.3-km road from Arles-sur-Tech.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette|wikidata=Q120266421|url=http://gr10-par-etapes.eklablog.com/hebergement-du-moulin-de-la-palette-a126161238|content=Simple eco-gîte in a renovated mill, located in the Ribera valley.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Riuferrer|lat=42.4551506239|long=2.6291899540|url=https://campingriuferrer.com/}} === Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette - Las Illas === ; Distance : 22 km ; Duration : 7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m From the gîte, follow the D536 for 1 km, then turn right uphill toward Montalba (543 m; 1 hr). At the cross, turn sharply right to continue climbing. You reach the ruins of the Mouli Serradou (833 m; 2½ hr). The highest point is the Coll de Sant Martí (1426 m; 4 hr or more). The trail continues through forest along the slope, passing by the Roc de France (also known as Roc de Frausa). {{Marker|name=Las Illas|wikidata=Q16508596|type=city}} has a water point and picnic area in the park. Accommodation is available in a gîte at the town hall and at the Hostal de Trabucayeres. === Las Illas - Col de l'Ouillat === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 6-7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 930 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 540 m The route has been altered several times due to terrain difficulties, so follow the current waymarking. The middle part of the trail runs along the border, just below the ridge. The dominant tree species in this area is the striking Corsican pine (Pinus nigra var. corsicana). A detour to the fortified town of Le Perthus and the Fort de Bellegarde (open May-Sep, 10:30-18:00) offers a cultural break. Note that all shops are on the Spanish side of the border. After about 3 hours, there is an optional detour to the Roman fort Panissas, built on the Via Domitia. Turn off 5 minutes after border marker 565 (2½ hr). The stage ends at {{marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de l'Ouillat|wikidata=Q11914547}} (938 m). === Col de l'Ouillat - Banyuls-sur-Mer === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 7-8¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 680 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1610 m The route stays high near the border ridge. It takes about 1 hour to reach the Pic Néulos. Water is available at the Refuge de la Tagnarède after 1½ hours. From there, the trail leads over several passes: Coll del Faig (985 m), Col de l'Orry, and Col de l'Estaque (1025 m; 2¾ hr). The Pic des Quatre-Termes (1156 m) and Pic de la Cabassère are bypassed to the north. After 4 hours, you reach the Coll del Pal (899 m). From there, continue right toward the Col des Gascons (6¼ hr or more). The final descent to the Col de Llagastèra (285 m) passes partly through vineyards towards {{Marker|name=Banyuls-sur-Mer|wikidata=Q6753|type=city}}. == Go next == * [[Pyrenean High Route]]: Crosses the Pyrenees along the mountain crests, staying higher than both the GR 10 and GR 11. * [[GR 11]] This footpath stays on the Spanish side of the Pyrenees. {{outlineitinerary}} {{Related|France}} {{Related|Pyrenees}} {{PartOfItinerary|Europe itineraries}} 9ypktybxb8biw0i5yqaktsa9fi4y87o 5086671 5086657 2025-07-02T16:11:30Z Bluecoordinationfine 2327039 Moved listings. 5086671 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|GR 10 WV banner.jpg|caption=View from GR 10, near Souriche, looking towards the Tourmalet, valley of Barèges, France}} The '''GR 10''' is one of the paths and trails of the extensive [[Grande Randonnée]] (or GR) network. It crosses [[France]], from the Mediterranean coast to the Atlantic coast, and runs almost entirely through the [[Pyrenees]]. While the trail is in France, much of it is near, or even on, the border with [[Spain]]. The trail can be walked in either direction, though some suggest that the west-east route is easier in the beginning, as it is both cooler and less steep that the corresponding start heading west; this may be an advantage to those not fully in shape. == Understand == [[File:Lac d'Oo (22).jpg|thumb|Lac d'Oo]] Moving from east to west, the trail begins at the Mediterranean, in the small town of [[Banyuls sur Mer]], and finishes at [[Hendaye]] on the Atlantic Ocean. Hikers will usually be able to make it to a [[France#Guesthouses and holiday rentals|gîte]] or small town every other night, and quite frequently every night. Expected time to complete the trail is around 6-7 weeks, though the majority of people only hike sections of it. == Prepare == The trail is fairly well marked with painted marks on rocks, trees, telephone poles, and even houses, walls, and street signs. If you haven’t seen a waymark for 100 metres, you’ve likely strayed off the trail. Retrace your steps to the last marker and check your route. It is not realistic to navigate using the markers alone. A trail guide, at minimum, or a topologic map is required. Sunburn is a particular problem, and clothing such as long sleeved shirts and long pants should be worn as they protect from the sun, scratching branches and insects. Sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat are highly desirable. For those heading west from Banyuls sur Mer, the hike to the first gîte is particularly long compared to the following days, and should be started very early. === Equipment === One of the advantages of the GR 10 is that it can be hiked with minimal gear, as one can eat dinner and breakfast almost every day at the gîtes. Additionally the hiker can sleep outdoors on clear nights and pay for a bed in a gîte in inclement weather. On nights that only shelters (which usually have no food or staff) are available, pre-purchased food can be eaten. If one plans to eat at gîtes and buy food from supermarkets that can be eaten without cooking, the absolute minimal gear in the summer months is: * Sleeping bag or sleep sheet, and a mat for comfort. * Goretex jacket and fleece or similar for cold or wet weather * Long-sleeved shirt and pants * Short-sleeved shirt and shorts (including shorts you can wear for swimming) * Sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat * Adequate footwear. Anything less than hiking boots may prove insufficient. * Bottles for at least two litres of water, and a purification method for treating water from streams. * Toiletries and a [[Travel health kit|medical kit]] Additionally, consider a rain jacket or fleece top for wet or cold weather. If you plan to forgo the comforts and delicious food of the gites and hotels, also bring: * Tent * Cooking gear and food A note on footwear: some four fifths of the hikers wear full hiking boots and thick socks. While running sneakers may suffice (and Choco-style sandals may work for a few days), your risk of injury is higher, and much of the trail involves hopping around on possibly wet and sharp rocks. Choose conservatively, depending on the length of your hike and your experience. ==Get in== == Walk == {{Mapframe|lat=42.68287|long=0.56837|width=full|height=360|zoom=7}} {{mapshape|type=geoline|stroke=#000000|stroke-width=3}} === Hendaye-Plage - Olhette === ; Distance : 21.9 km ; Duration : 6-7¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1010 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 950 m Intermarché sells gas cartridges. Near the western trailhead a {{marker|type=buy|name=Decathlon|lat=43.36843635018845|long=-1.7798332063655435}} store geared towards watersports is available for last minute purchases, such as gas cannisters. The hike starts from the 3 km long {{marker|type=see|name=Hendaye Beach|wikidata=Q20947149}}. This is below the old casino, now known as Résidence Croisière. Nearby is the Tourist Office. Buses run from the main train station, or you can walk from {{marker|type=go|name=Gare Deux Jumeaux|wikidata=Q2802667}}. Leaving town, the route goes around the football stadium and climbs via Rue Errondenia and Rue de Pausoa. After about 3 hr you reach the summit of {{marker|type=see|name=Xoldokogaina|wikidata=Q20492776}}. The high point is at Mandale (530 m) on the Spanish border. From here, the path descends to the Col d'Ibardin (4¼ hr), a popular spot for French shoppers due to cheap alcohol and tobacco. The trail continues via Col des Poiriers and Col des Joncs before reaching Olhette. * {{listing|type=city|name=Olhette|lat=43.3360119885|long=-1.6661235970|content=65 m. No bus service; the nearest is in Ascain, 4 km away. Two gîtes: [https://www.chambre-d-hote-cote-basque-manttu.fr/ Manttu-Baïta] at the southern end of the village and Trapero Baïta (Tel. +33 5 59 54 42 59) in the center.}} * {{listing|type=city|name=Biriatou|wikidata=Q196871|content=A scenic Basque village 10 minutes from the main trail. Public toilets near the church.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Redoute de la Baïonette|lat=43.309257665|long=-1.70329930013|content=Historic fortification near Mandale, located by modern border marker 9. Offers wide views.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Basque Tourist Office|address=20 Boulevard Victor Hugo, 64500 Saint-Jean-de-Luz|lat=43.387765760|long=-1.66038856746|url=https://www.en-pays-basque.fr/en/|content=Tourist info for the wider Basque region.}} === Olhette - Ainhoa === ; Distance : 21.1 km ; Duration : 6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 730 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 640 m The steepest climb comes right at the beginning. For most of the route, you'll be on forest trails and, after Sare, quiet paved country roads. The trail initially ascends on a good path over the Col des Trois Fontaines (1½ hr; a shelter is located 300 m away), then descends to the Col de St-Ignace, where the valley station of the cog railway to La Rhune is found. It continues to {{Marker|type=city|name=Sare|wikidata=Q274155}} (2¾ hr), a local transport hub and one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. There's an outdoor swimming pool. The stage ends in {{Marker|type=city|name=Ainhoa|wikidata=Q212962|url=https://www.en-pays-basque.fr/territoires-et-destinations/vallee-de-la-nivelle/ainhoa/}}. Also one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. The tourist information office (open 09:00-12:30, 14:00-17:30; closed weekends and holidays) is located at the side of the town hall. Local grocery stores are a bit pricey due to the village's popularity. From Col des Trois Fontaines you can ascend La Rhune (905 m) either by cog railway (35 min) or on foot (3 km, 1¼ h; ↥↧ 300 m). The prehistoric {{Marker|type=see|name=Grottes de Sare|url=https://www.grottesdesare.fr/en/index_en.php|wikidata=Q3117280}} can be visited with prior reservation through the local municipality or online. Closed annually for a month after Epiphany. This stage is part of the [[European long-distance path E9|European long-distance trail E9]]. * {{listing|counter=1|type=sleep|lat=43.30238052|long=-1.5874539771|name=Camping la Petite Rhune|phone=+33 6 15 29 36 38|url=https://www.lapetiterhune.com/en/|content=Includes a gîte d'étape. Reception hours: 08:30-12:30, 15:00-20:00; winter weekdays 09:00-12:00, 14:00-17:00.}} === Ainhoa - Bidarray === ; Distance : 21.7 km ; Duration : 8½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 880 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 850 m This is a difficult stage, with little shade at the start and a particularly steep, rocky descent near the end. At the old cemetery (389 m; 40 min) beside the {{Marker|type=see|name=Chapelle Notre Dame de l'Aubépine|wikidata=Q12253854}}, a dramatic crucifixion scene of the Jewish itinerant preacher Jesus of Nazareth and two other criminals has been recreated. Traditional Basque hilarri gravestones are found here. The path then continues over the Col des Trois-Croix (510 m; 1 hr 20 min). A good place to rest is at Ferme Esteben (2 hr 50 min, 580 m), a gîte d'étape with a bar-restaurant. The trail continues near the border, past Boundary Stone 77, partly on paved road. At Col des Veaux (550 m), you can take a 300-m detour into Spain to visit a venta (a small inn or shop). From here, the trail climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Méhatche|lat=43.272782275749094|long=-1.4166930371188398}} (716 m; 3¾ hr). The descent past Boundary Stones 82 and 83 is secured with cables. From Col de Méhatche, you can ascend Artzamendi (926 m), easily identified by its radar dome at the summit. The nearby {{Marker|type=see|name=Grotte le Saint-que-Sue|alt=Harpeko Saindua|lat=43.26526266671622|long=-1.3890420732224757}} can also be visited. Just before reaching {{Marker|type=city|name=Bidarray|wikidata=Q746221}}, a bypass trail offers a shortcut to the next stage. For peak baggers, this route also gives access to several summits: Errebi (between the chapel and Col des Trois-Croix), Atxulegi (a 15-min detour on the way to Col des Trois-Croix), and, in good weather, Mont Bizkayluze (701 m) and Gorospil (691 m). The village is split into two parts, 600 m apart. The GR-10 passes through the upper section (where accommodation is located), while the train station lies in the lower part. The stone “Noblia” bridge, in its current form, dates to the 17th century. Parts of the Church of the Assumption are Romanesque. Traditional hilarri gravestones can be found in the old cemetery, and the Ferme Gastetto is a protected farmhouse in classic Lower Navarrese style. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Aire Zabal|lat=43.2665469128|long=-1.34721660011|url=https://giteairezabal.fr/|content=Stage accommodation in the upper part of the village.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Amestoya|lat=43.284582665|long=-1.35372693663|url=https://camping-bidarray.fr/english/|content=Campsite along the D908, 2 km north of the upper village.}} === Bidarray - Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry === ; Distance : 18.5 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1250 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1250 m This southward stage is demanding, especially due to the complete lack of water sources along the ascent. After passing the Iparla Ridge (950 m), the trail reaches an altitude of over 1000 m for the first time on the way to the summit. It then continues along the ridge to the Pic de Tutulia before descending to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Harrieta|lat=43.21079140547837|long=-1.384120195860639}} (3¾ hr, 808 m). From the Col d'Harrieta, a side trail descends to Urdos (1¾ hr), from where it's possible to follow the road into Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry. The main trail continues across the Buztanzelhay summit (4¾ hr, 1029 m), then down to the col of the same name (843 m). Here, the GR-10 turns left and descends steeply. The path crosses the D949 road several times — this road leads from the village to the ventas on the Spanish border at the Col d'Ispéguy. You can also reach this col via the ridge, 1½ km from Col Buztanzelhay. If you want to skip entering {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry]]|wikidata=Q279252}} (162 moh), you can join the next stage earlier at the Nive des Aldudes (6½ h, 162 m). There's a picnic area in the park and a supermarket that stocks gas cartridges. Locals play Rebot, a type of pelota, on two courts. The Château d'Etxauz is not open to the public. On the last Sunday in April, the village hosts a traditional folklore festival known as Nafarroaren Eguna. The Nive des Aldudes valley occasionally experiences flooding and mudslides. === Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry - Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port === ; Distance : 19.2 km ; Duration : 5-7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 990 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 980 m This stage runs mostly on gravel paths and farm tracks. About an hour in, there's an optional detour at Col d'Aharza for a 35-minute climb to Oylarandoy, where a hermitage built in 1706 stands. The GR-10 heads south to the Col d'Aharza (734 m; 2 hr), where there's a water source, then turns east and circles around the {{Marker|type=see|name=Munhoa|wikidata=Q3327853}} (1023 m; 3½ hr). The climb is fully exposed to the sun. The descent begins on the right-hand side. For campers, there are two sites before {{Marker|name=Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port|wikidata=Q270294|type=city}}: [http://www.camping-delatruite.com/ Camping de La Truite] (March 1 - Dec 15), and closer to town, [http://www.camping-narbaitz.com/ Camping Narbaitz] (mid-March - mid-September; tent spaces from June 20). Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port lies at 170 m and is where three of the four French pilgrimage routes converge before entering Spain. From here, it's possible to continue directly onto the Camino de Santiago (via Roncesvalles). === Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port - Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta === ; Distance : 16.2 km ; Duration : 5-5½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 870 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 420 m There are no supply points or public transport on this stage, but the walking is relatively easy. In the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Çaro|wikidata=Q842635}} (242 m), there is a public fountain next to the town hall. If you choose to end the day early after 3¾ hr in {{Marker|type=city|name=Estérençuby|wikidata=Q842724}} (231 m; two accommodation options), be aware that this adds an extra 400 m of ascent to the next day's stage. === Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta - Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty === ; Distance : 20.7 km ; Duration : 6¾-8 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1410 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m This stage is simple but offers little shade. The trail first climbs toward the Col on Ithurramburu (820 m), then continues ascending to just below the {{Marker|type=see|name=Occabe|alt=Okabe|wikidata=Q17417892}} (1456 m). On the Occabe plateau, 26 Neolithic stone circles known as ''harrespil'' in Basque have been found. They are believed to have been used for cremation rites. A good rest stop is the upscale {{Marker|type=eat|name=Restaurant Chalet Pedro|url=https://www.chaletpedro.com/|lat=43.03687624625582|long=-1.0746838225620772}} (4¾ hr). The associated lodge offers 10 beds. Across the stream at Le Kayolar, similar accommodation is available. From here, the trail turns sharply right after 100 m and continues uphill for 6-7 km (300 m ascent) to the stage destination. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta|url=http://kaskoleta.free.fr/|lat=43.092036845886255|long=-1.1646582066722122|content=Altitude 615 m. Offers 13 beds in 3 rooms plus a holiday apartment for 4. A scenic viewpoint with an information panel is 5 minutes away.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty|address=D19, 64560 Larrau|phone=+33 5 59 28 51 29|url=https://chalets-iraty.com/|lat=43.03659578299579|long=-1.0348125824515537|content=Key pickup and payment are handled at Col Héguichouria, 1 km before the site. There is a restaurant and bird observation post 500 m further on.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=L'aire Naturelle de Camping|lat=43.037460332099656|long=-1.0494175120345806|content=Natural campground with 50 pitches, located 3 km before the Chalets by the stream. Open June-October. Fresh bread available by reservation from 08:30.}} === Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty - Logibar === ; Distance : 16.4 km ; Duration : 5-6 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 440 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1380 m In bad weather, the route along the west side of the {{Marker|type=see|name=Pic des Escaliers|wikidata=Q31645205}} (1423 m) is not recommended. There are two alternative routes, but both are poorly marked. At the Ugatzé Ridge, the trail skirts the peak rather than summiting it. To avoid the steep descent from Pic des Escaliers, stay on the road for about 600 m after the start, then turn off after 2½ km to reach Col Ugatzé. A short side trip allows you to summit Arthanolatzégagnia (an additional 35 min ascent and descent). Trail markings are sparse for several hours. After some time following mule tracks, you'll reach a road crossing at Beloscare (1173 m; 3 hr). Logibar marks the end of the stage, but you can also continue 2 km further to {{Marker|type=city|name=Larrau|wikidata=Q608335}}, which offers three accommodation options and a campground. In bad weather, an easier alternative is to follow the paved road from Iraty directly to Larrau for a gentler descent. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge Logibar|address=Quartier Logibar, D26, 64560 Larrau|phone=+33 5 59 28 61 14|url=https://auberge-logibar.com/|lat=43.018151|long=-0.927715|content=Altitude 375 m. Dormitory beds from €17, half board from €50. Check-in from 17:00. Bus 60 serves the location.}} === Logibar - Sainte-Engrâce (Senta) === ; Distance : 26.3 km ; Duration : 7½-9¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200-1420 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 900-1170 m This stage leads through spectacular gorges. Follow signs to the Gorges d'Holzarté and ascend the trail to the 70 m long suspension bridge (50 min), which spans the dramatic Ruisseau de Olhadubi gorge 150 m above the ground. On the far side, the trail continues uphill. After 2 hours, you reach the Olhadubi stream — a possible spot for a refreshing dip. Nearby, the Cabane Cayolar d'Olhadubi (reached via a side path from the bridge) serves as an emergency shelter with space for 4-5 people. Continuing uphill, you'll reach the Abarrakia farm after just over 3 hours. The path then winds between farms, eventually reaching the point (4½ hr) where the GR-10 turns sharply to the right. The original GR-10 route bypassed the gorges entirely by heading up to the Plateau d'Adarkhotia after the Holzarté bridge. This shortcut saves 2.7 km (1¼ hr) and 150 m of elevation gain. After about 5 hours, you'll reach the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Anhaou|alt=Col de Bious|lat=42.9784|long=-0.88044}} (1383 m). From here, energetic hikers can summit nearby peaks such as Izeyto (1464 m) or Sarimendi (1484 m). The stage ends at {{Marker|type=city|name=Sainte-Engrâce|wikidata=Q197211|url=https://www.sainte-engrace.fr/index.php/en/}}. Sainte-Engrâce is home to a Romanesque church from the 11th century. From the village, a 9-km side trip (↥ 840 m, ↧ 135 m) takes you to the vast La Verna cave. Guided tours go up to 800 m deep — the main chamber is large enough to fit the Eiffel Tower. Bookings are handled through the [https://laverna.fr/en/ Espace accueil Arrakotchepia], Quartier Calla, 64560 Sainte-Engrâce (Tel. +33 6 37 88 29 05). August is often very busy. A detour south from the restaurant leads into the wild and romantic Gorges de Kakuetta. The trail is very steep and slippery, and entry tickets are (usually) sold at the restaurant. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge Elichalt|address=Next to the church|phone=+33 5 59 28 61 63|lat=42.99552859220694|long=-0.8102287239912613|content=Simple village inn located in the center of Sainte-Engrâce.}} === Sainte-Engrâce (Senta) - Refuge Jeandel === ; Distance : 11.6 km ; Duration : 4¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 160 m The trail climbs steadily from Sainte-Engrâce into the limestone highlands of the Pierre-Saint-Martin massif, marking the transition into more alpine terrain. You ascend to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Pierre-St-Martin|wikidata=Q1107451}} (1760 m; border with Spain). Since 1373, the Tributo de las Tres Vacas — a cross-border tribute of three cows — has been held here every July 13 to settle grazing rights between the two valleys. A small shop at the parking area sells goat cheese. A ski area lies just over the border on the Spanish side. There is also a small shelter near Boundary Marker 62. An optional 15-minute detour leads to the summit of Soum de Lèche (1839 m). The Grotte de la Verna, a massive cave chamber accessible by guided tour, lies 1 km (¾ hr) off the main trail and requires prior booking ([https://laverna.fr laverna.fr]). From the pass, descend to the first switchback, then turn right off the main track. The trail passes under two chairlifts and continues along the northern flank of the Pic d'Arlas. When you spot three large concrete water tanks, descend to the staffed mountain hut at Refuge Jeandel. The ski resort village of {{Marker|name=La Pierre Saint-Martin|wikidata=Q3211628|type=city}} is about 15 minutes off the trail and offers additional services. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge Jeandel|address=La Pierre Saint Martin, 64570 Arette|url=https://www.refugejeandel.com/|lat=42.97829371796861|long=-0.7493627209784663|content=Altitude 1670 m. Dormitory accommodation from €18; half-board from €42.50. Staffed in summer.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Tourist Office La Pierre Saint-Martin|address=Maison de la Pierre, 75 D332, 64570 Arette|phone=+33 5 59 66 20 09|url=https://www.lapierrestmartin.com/|lat=42.97735500762936|long=-0.744495054007273|content=Open only during the French summer holidays (mid-July to late August). Provides info on local lodging and two campervan pitches. Served by seasonal Bus 807 between Arette and Oloron-Sainte-Marie.}} === Refuge Jeandel - Lescun === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 5½-6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1200 m This is a challenging stage, but the scenery is magnificent. Several rocky mountain paths are equipped with cables for safety. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Pas de l'Osque|lat=42.9702182168491|long=-0.7089944097203539}} (1922 m), which requires a head for heights. The trail continues to the Pas d'Azuns (1873 m; 2¾ hr), and a good first rest stop with water is the spring near the Cabane du Cap de la Baitch (1689 m; 3 hr). In wet weather, descending to {{Marker|type=city|name=Lescun|wikidata=Q179737}} (895 m) via the road is recommended, as the GR-10 becomes muddy and difficult to navigate. From Lescun, the HRP route offers a very demanding variant over the Col d'Anie back toward Cabane du Cap de la Baitch. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Centre de l'Abérouat|url=http://aberouat.fr/|lat=42.95041471194407|long=-0.6658390953581508|content=Staffed hut with a bar. Offers 20 rooms (2-5 beds each). Free tent camping nearby (bathrooms in the hut available for a fee). Best suited for groups; solo walkers must book in advance.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Maison de la Montagne|lat=42.934247039|long=-0.63524507931|address=1 ruelle de la Congasse, 64490 Lescun|phone=+33 6 88 06 95 29|url=https://www.maisondelamontagne64.com/|content=Comfortable accommodation for hikers in the centre of Lescun.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping - Gîte du Lauzart|address=Bordé de Mougnague, 64490 Lescun|phone=+33 5 59 34 51 77|url=https://www.camping-gite-lescun-pyrenees.com/|lat=42.92782183157741|long=-0.6421994110320027|content=Along the D340. About 20 minutes into the next stage. Open April-September. Campsite €14 + €4 per adult. 25 dorm beds available for €16; half board €42.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Tourist Office for the Vallée |lat=42.9990368924|long=-0.60057615194|url=https://www.pyrenees-bearnaises.com/explorer/nature/|phone=+33 5 59 34 57 57|content=Located in Bedous. Provides information on the surrounding region.}} === Lescun - Etsaut === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 5½-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 850 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1150 m The trail begins easily through pastoral countryside, then enters forested terrain, passing the [https://www.gite-camping-lhers.com/ Gîte d'étape and campsite on the Plateau de Lhers] (2 hr), and climbing to the Col de Barrancq (1601 m; 3¾ hr). From the Col de Barrancq, a side trip leads to the summit of Pic de Labigouer (2175 m), which takes just under 3 hours round-trip. Lower down in the Parc d'Orce, within the commune of {{Marker|type=city|name=Borçe|wikidata=Q840474}} (5¾ hr), lives the majority of the region's ~50 brown bears. The Gîte le Communal offers accommodation here. The stage ends in {{listing|type=city|name=Etsaut|wikidata=Q765829|content=Altitude 597 m. Located on the N-134 and served by the Canfranc-Oloron-Saint-Marie bus line. The former train station now houses the Pyrenees National Park visitor center. Accommodation available in the Gîte d'étape la Garbure behind the church (53 beds).}} Just outside Etsaut, the {{Marker|type=see|name=Fort du Portalet|wikidata=Q3078387}} clings dramatically to the cliffs in two tiers, spanning a height difference of 150 m. * {{listing|type=see|name=Refuge animalier à Borce|url=https://parc-ours.fr/|lat=42.9045174060618|long=-0.5745664608466107|content=open 10:00-18:00; admission €12. It functions as an educational wildlife refuge}} === Etsaut - Gabas === ; Distance : 24 km ; Duration : 9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1640 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1210 m The trail begins with the dramatic Chemin de la Mâture, a path carved into the rock face. It is not passable in icy or snowy conditions. You reach Grange Perry (1210 m) after 2 hours. A quarter of an hour later, at a junction, keep left. After 3½ hours, you arrive at the Cabane de la Baight de St-Cours (1560 m; shepherds only, June-September), located at the border. About 4 hours in, you cross a stream on a bridge. This is the last water source before the high pass. The highest point of the stage is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Ayous|wikidata=Q2981981}} (2185 m; 5½ hr or more). On its eastern slope lie the Ayous Lakes, including the scenic Refuge d'Ayous. It's an ideal place to break this long stage. The Col d'Ayous also marks a transition point between valleys: from the Chemin de la Mâture and Baigt de Sencours in the Aspe Valley to Bious-Artigues (1540 m) in the Ossau Valley, where pony rides and canoe rentals are available on the eastern shore. The lake is 6½ km from the pass (↧ 764 m). From the pass, you can also summit Pic d'Ayous (add 30 min up and down), or detour 6 km to Lac Bersau — a longer alternative via the Vallon d'Aas is 9 km. From the lake, descend on the D231 road, which includes switchbacks that can be shortcut. (Note: Refuge de Gabas is permanently closed.) The stage ends in {{Marker|name=Gabas|wikidata=Q5515276|type=city}}, which offers two accommodations and a bar, but no grocery store. Located on bus route 806/806bis from Col de Portalet via Gabas to Laruns (15 km). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Ayous|url=https://www.refuge-ayous.fr/en-gb|lat=42.84844763797708|long=-0.4911758258903634|10 minutes off the GR10 near Lac Gentau (6½ hr). This refuge offers 47 beds and tent spaces and is open from mid-May to the first week of October.}} === Gabas - Gourette === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9-10 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1150 m This is a long and difficult stage, not suitable for children. The Corniche des Alhas section requires a head for heights. Snow may linger into summer, making it hard to follow the waymarks. Water is scarce during the first four hours. The trail follows the D934 road to the Artouste dam, then climbs through forest paths (1¼ hr). Some parts pass through cliff-side ledges carved into the rock — the Corniche des Alhas — which have fixed cables for safety. An easier alternative bypasses the Corniche via the Pont du Goua and the Gave de Soussouéou. After 1¾ hr, you reach a bridge near the Gave de Soussouéou waterfalls (1145 m). From here, a steep trail leads up to Houn de Mouscabarous (1361 m; 2¾ hr), continuing uphill to Petite Arcizette (2293 m). Snow may persist at these elevations until July. After 6½-7 hr, you arrive at the Hourquette d'Arre (2465 m). Important: The path shown on some maps to the Géougue d'Arre (2619 m) is a mountaineering route, not a hiking trail. An alternative route avoids the Hourquette d'Arre altogether: from the Cabane de Cézy, follow the red-and-white GR10 then switch to the red/yellow-marked GRP Tour de la Vallée d'Ossau, over the Col de Lurdé to Eaux-Bonnes (overnight possible) and Gourette (also served by Bus 806). The GR10 does not go directly to Lac d'Uzious, but instead heads roughly north-northeast across a plateau, before turning east to descend. After about 8 hours, you reach Lac d'Anglas (2068 m), from where the trail continues along the outflow, then branches off to the right. After over 9 hours, you arrive in the ski resort of {{Marker|type=city|name=Gourette|wikidata=Q1540224|url=https://www.gourette.com/en/}} (1350 m). Ski resort with two supermarkets; gas cartridges available at Intersport. Mostly closed outside the main season. Served in-season by Bus 806 (twice daily) from Parking Gourette Nord to Eaux-Bonnes, Laruns, and Pau. If needed, you can exit the trail early at the upper parking area (which has a bus stop) and start the next stage from there. * {{listing|type=sleep|lat=42.9595015138|long=-0.333960997149|name=Chalet-refuge CAF|phone=+33 5 59 05 10 56|url=https://chaletdegourette.ffcam.fr/|content=Mountain refuge with 32 beds in 4 dorms. €16.50/night (€8.25 for Alpine Club members) + €0.90 tourist tax.}} === Gourette - Arrens-Marsous === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m This is a relatively easy stage that crosses two mountain passes: the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Tortes|lat=42.959773462638644|long=-0.3187601158279607}} (1799 m; 1¾ hr), and later, after crossing the D918 (popular with cyclists but too busy to follow safely), the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Saucède|lat=42.95972945620746|long=-0.31869998400517197}} (1525 m; 3 hr 20 min). Ten minutes after descending from this second pass, you'll reach a restaurant and gîte de séjour at the Col de Soulor on the D918 road. From Col de Saucède, hikers can also make a short detour to summit the Pointe de Surgatte (1805 m; 90-100 minutes round trip). Near the Pont de Lapadé, you can either cross the Gave d'Arrens or continue down into the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Arrens-Marsous|wikidata=Q1110649}}. Features tourist information and public toilets at the Maison Val d'Azun (Tel. +33 5 62 97 49 49). The village also has an outdoor swimming pool. A hiking festival, [https://www.eldorando.fr/ Eldorado], is held every two years for four days in late May. Call +33 800 65 65 00 by 17:00 the day before for weekday on-demand shuttle service to Lourdes. Points of interest include the Romanesque Saint-Pierre Church (parts dating to 1200) and the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Pouey-Laün, a pilgrimage chapel located 600 m south along the D105. The area is part of both the Natura 2000 conservation network (Gabizos and the Arrens Valley) and the core zone of the Pyrenees National Park. For a longer option, you can extend this stage to Gîte les Viellettes (2¼ h further), making a total of 20.5 km (8½ hr; ↥ 1250 m, ↧ 1530 m). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=GCU Campground|address=26 Rue des Paus, 65400 Arrens-Marsous|lat=42.9573380888|long=-0.213247116377|phone=+33 5 62 97 43 06|url=https://www.gcu.asso.fr/terrains/arrens-marsous-hautes-pyrénées-65|content=Simple tent campground on the edge of town.}} === Arrens-Marsous - Refuge d'Ilhéou === ; Distance : 20 km ; Duration : 6¾-7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 500 m From Arrens-Marsous (3½ km from the previous endpoint), you can follow the official GR10 or the more scenic GR de Pays Tour du Val d'Azun. The latter is slightly shorter but includes more climbs. Both routes rejoin shortly before the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape les Viellettes|lat=42.9219519144924|long=-0.1818867608457627}} (2¼ h; 15 beds). About 700 m further on is the simple tent site La Pose (open May-September). The official GR10 route passes through {{Marker|type=city|name=Estaing|wikidata=Q589628}}, a commune that includes three Natura 2000 protected areas: “Gaves de Pau et de Cauterets,” “Moun Né de Cauterets, Pic de Cabaliros,” and “Péguère, Barbat, Cambalès.” From here, the trail enters the core zone of the Pyrenees National Park. You ascend toward Lac d'Estaing. Just before the lake is a guesthouse open Thursday-Sunday, 09:00-17:00 (summer only). On the far shore is another restaurant (open 10:00-18:00) and Camping Intercommunal. Brave hikers may try a swim in the cold waters. The trail now climbs steeply through forest to the Cabane d'Arriousec (1400 m; 4 hr). Another hour uphill takes you past the Cabanes de Barbat (left of the path), then a final climb brings you to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Ilhéou|wikidata=Q2981991}} (2242 m; 6 hr or more). Just 5 minutes below the pass, you can turn left to reach the Crête du Lys, where the Courbet cable car operates in July and August. This offers access to the ski resort Cauterets-Le Lys (with a summer luge track) or direct descent into the town of Cauterets. On foot, descend to the stream near the Cabanes d'Arras (6½-7 hr). Turn right there and cross two more streams. The path then descends to Lac d'Ilhéou. At the lake's northern shore is the staffed Refuge d'Ilhéou. A designated bivouac area (aire de bivouac) is located about 10 minutes further south along the lake. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Ilhéou (Refuge Raymond-Ritter)|url=https://www.refuge-ilheou.csvss.fr/en/home|phone=+33 5 62 92 07 18|lat=42.86604614112533|long=-0.17358356545105466|content=Altitude 1988 m. 22 beds. Open from late May to late September.}} === Refuge d'Ilhéou - Cauterets === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 2½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 75 ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m This is a leisurely downhill walk that brings you gently back to civilization in {{Marker|type=city|name=Cauterets|url=https://www.cauterets.com/en/?to_lang=en|wikidata=Q366962}}. Scenic spa town with plenty of amenities, including a historic wooden railway station (now closed), a cinema, casino, and more. The tourist office is open M-Sa from 09:00-12:30 and 14:00-18:00. A special Office de la Montagne - Terre d'Alpinisme opens during the summer season. Cauterets flourished during the late 19th and early 20th centuries thanks to its thermal springs. The municipality operates two spas: Thermes de César in the village center and Thermes des Griffons in nearby La Raillère. Accommodation options include three gîtes d'étape and Camping la Prairie. Local buses run every 30 minutes from June to October. Regional connections are available to Lourdes, Luz-Saint-Sauveur, and Gavarnie. A shuttle to Pont d'Espagne departs four times daily from the old train station. The 30 km former railway line from Pierrefitte to Cauterets has been converted into a multi-use bike and hiking path. === Cauterets - Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 100 m This is a demanding stage. From Cauterets, take the path behind the Thermes de César and head south. After 1¼ hr you reach the hamlet of La Raillère (1044 m), where there are restaurants and a sulfur spa. Cross the bridge and continue up into the Val de Jéret, passing several waterfalls. The trail leads to the Hôtellerie du Pont d'Espagne (3 hr). From there, descend briefly along the road before turning right and ascending into the valley toward Lac de Gaube (1725 m, 4 hr). The path crosses the stream three times via bridges as you continue toward the refuge. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube|wikidata=Q109042828}} === Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube - Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400 m About 50 m from the refuge, the trail begins a steady one-hour climb over rocky terrain. At a fork (65 min), stay right and continue ascending. The {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Hourquette d'Ossoue|wikidata=Q3141336}} (2734 m) marks the highest point on the entire GR10. Even in mid-summer, snow often lingers here. After 20 minutes of descent, you reach the Refuge Baysselance. '''Ascending Vignemale from here via the Glacier d'Ossoue is only for experienced mountaineers.''' From the pass, the route heads southeast, passing the Grottes de Bellevue (2420 m; 3 hr), artificial caves carved in 1880 by the explorer Henry Russell. The trail descends steeply to a stream, then follows it into a boulder field fed by glacial melt from the Glacier d'Ossoue. The descent into the valley involves frequent climbs around cliffs and waterfalls. You enter the Vallée de la Canau (5 hr or more) and pass the Cabane de Sausse-Dessus. The next hour includes more ups and downs until you reach the Cabane des Tousaus (6¾ hr or more). From there, cross a final ridge to reach the D923 road and descend to the stage endpoint, Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle. If you need more accommodation or supplies, continue to the main village of {{Marker|name=Gavarnie|wikidata=Q917894|type=city}}. From Gavarnie, you can take a day trip (or a bus from Luz-Saint-Sauveur) into the famed Cirque de Gavarnie. It's also possible to ascend Le Taillon (3146 m) from here for experienced climbers. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge Baysselance|url=https://refugebayssellance.ffcam.fr/|wikidata=Q3423105|content=(2651 m), which offers 58 beds and is staffed from mid-May to mid-October}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle|address=Route de Boucharo, 65120 Gavarnie-Gèdre|phone=+33 5 62 92 48 77|url=https://chaletlagrangedeholle.ffcam.fr/|lat=42.73944609127333|long=-0.022728732019354148|wikidata=Q98753937|content=Altitude 1480 m. Staffed hut with 62 beds.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Tourist Office|address=Le Village, 65120 Gavarnie-Gèdre|phone=+33 5 62 92 49 10|url=https://www.valleesdegavarnie.com/gavarnie-gedre/|lat=42.73535586856976|long=-0.01029304645524754|content=Open 09:00-12:00 and 14:00-17:00; closed Sundays and Thursdays.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte Le Gypaète|lat=42.7359592315|long=-0.0108405014067|phone=+33 5 62 92 40 61|content=Simple hiker accommodation in Gavarnie village.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Bergerie|address=Chemin du Cirque, 65120 Gavarnie-Gèdre|url=https://www.camping-la-bergerie-gavarnie.com/|lat=42.72774008829836|long=-0.0075991966546184704|content=Open early June to late September. Located near the entrance to the Cirque de Gavarnie.}} === Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle - Luz-Saint-Sauveur === ; Distance : 26 km ; Duration : 8-9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 700-900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1500-1660 m Starting from Gavarnie village (via the D128 road) instead of the refuge shortens the route by 3 km (approx. 1 hr). The trail first leads to the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape le Saugué|url=https://www.gite-gavarnie-pyrenees.com/|lat=42.76864577103755|long=-0.005915232017950625}}, located on the Plateau Soula de Saugue (1¾ hr). This is a good option to break up the stage — the gîte has 21 beds and is open May to October. The route winds northward, passing the Soum Haut (3¾ h), then descends gradually along the western slope of the Gavarnie Valley. After 5¾-6 hr, you reach the D921 road. Cross the Gave de Gavarnie via the Pont d'Esdouroucats and ascend again to a path above the highway. From the south, you enter {{Marker|type=city|name=Luz-Saint-Sauveur|wikidata=Q35721506|url=https://www.luz.org/en/}} via the Pont Napoléon (755 m; 7½ hr), a dramatic bridge across the gorge. Well-equipped mountain town. The town has several historic churches, as well as a campsite with a grocery store. The Prime Meridian passes about 100 m east of the center. Numerous lodgings, 6 campgrounds, 2 supermarkets, and Intersport (gas cartridges). Bus 965 connects to Cauterets, Lourdes, and Tarbes. Bus to Barèges also available. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Saint Bazerque|address=Sia|phone=+33 5 62 92 49 93|url=https://campingsaintbazerque.eatbu.com/?lang=de|lat=42.83178828384746|long=0.0015462182938111647|content=Campground with grocery shop (mountain cheese), bar, and caravan spaces. Open 08:00-17:00.}} === Luz-Saint-Sauveur - Barèges === ; Distance : 12 km ; Duration : 4½-5 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m To extend this stage, continue to Refuge d'Aygues Cluses for a total of 19 km (7½ hr; ↥ 1560 m, ↧ 140 m). Though short, this stage begins with a relatively long and steep ascent. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Ruisseau de Bolou|lat=42.858690489195055|long=0.06773411839157908}} (1460 m). On the descent, hikers can stop for refreshments at the [https://refugedelaglere.ffcam.fr/ Refuge de la Glère]. This stage ends at {{Marker|type=city|name=Barèges|wikidata=Q632058|url=https://www.mairie-bareges.fr/en/}}. Composed of the hamlets of Artigalas and Cazaous, Barèges serves as a spa and mountain village. The local river, the Bastan, is called the gave. Note: the Jardin botanique du Tourmalet and the 1930s funicular are now closed. The town's website includes an accommodation and restaurant directory * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape l'Oasis|lat=42.897422977|long=0.067278671719|address=2 Passage des Toys|phone=+33 5 62 92 69 47|url=https://www.gite-oasis.fr/|content=Open June-September, and also December-April during ski season (Barèges is part of the Domaine du Tourmalet ski area).}} === Barèges - Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : route-dependent 7¾-9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m The trail begins by climbing above the road toward the ski station at Tournaboup (1 hr). It then veers south and ascends steadily. Good stopping points include the Cabane d'Aygues and, 10 km further on, the Chalet-Hôtel d'Orédon. This stage enters the Néouvielle Nature Reserve, where dogs and wild camping are strictly forbidden. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Madamète|wikidata=Q102076283}} (2509 m). From there, the path descends between alpine lakes: {{Marker|type=see|name=Lac d'Aumar|wikidata=Q3215322}} and Lac d'Aubert (5¾ h, 2190 m). A shuttle bus runs up to this point in high season, and there's an info panel at the end of the access road. Here, the trail splits into two variants: * Variant 1: continues along Lac d'Aumar * Variant 2: detours south to the tip of Lac d'Aubert, then along the northern shore of Les Laguettes and Lac d'Orédon (6¾ h, 1856 m; camping and hotel at the south end) Both variants rejoin at the Cap d'Estoudou pass (2260 m), followed by a steep descent. A short detour from the pass allows for an ascent of Soump de Montpelat (↥ 214 m). The path continues steeply downhill to Lac de l'Oule (1821 m; 7¾ hr or more). From here, head right to reach Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Cabane d'Aygues|url=https://refugeayguescluses.wordpress.com/|lat=42.87577795732996|long=0.15008320916912823}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Chalet-Hôtel d'Orédon|url=https://www.chalet-oredon.fr/|lat=42.82616251586139|long=0.1692328508499207|content=open June 1 - Sept 30; 88 beds}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule|url=https://refugedeloule.fr/|lat=42.824769697482445|long=0.20752501478344024|content=Altitude 1819 m. Located at the dam wall. Open mid-June to mid-September. 20 beds and a bar.}} === Refuge-Hôtel de l'Oule - Vielle-Aure === ; Distance : 17-18 km ; Duration : 5-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 460 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400-1500 m From the refuge, the route follows the western shore of Lac de l'Oule. GR10C variant: After 1½ hr, there is a signed detour to the [http://refugedebastan.fr/ Cabane de Bastan]. The main trail turns directly east and climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Portet|wikidata=Q42178369}} (2215 m; 2¾ hr). From here, it continues eastward, descending gently to the Pla de Castillon, then more steeply down to the D918 road (4½ hr or more) and onward to the stage endpoint {{Marker|type=city|name=Vielle-Aure|wikidata=Q1323900|url=https://vielleaure.com/}}, an historic village with two Romanesque churches: Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Pierre (in the Agos neighbourhood), both dating to the 12th century. Bus connections to Saint-Lary-Soulan and Lannemezan (35 km). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Hôtel Aurélia|lat=42.825852030|long=0.32776424175|phone=+33 5 62 39 56 90|url=https://www.hotel-aurelia.com/|content=Simple, hiker-friendly hotel in town.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping La Mousquère|lat=42.8273932992|long=0.33590955638|address=Nougaro, Autun, 65170 Bourisp|url=https://www.campinglamousquere.com/|content=Open May 8 - last weekend of September.}} * There are three more campsites within 2 km north along the river valley. Just 1 km south, the larger and livelier {{Marker|name=Saint-Lary-Soulan|wikidata=Q1323323|type=city}} offers a broader range of shops, accommodations, and services. The tourist information office is at the roundabout in the center; the supermarket is across the street. The wooden bus stop shelter is discreetly located about 50 m away, opposite the modern church on Avenue des Thermes. === Vielle-Aure - Germ === ; Distance : 13 km ; Duration : 4¾-5¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1170 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 630-700 m This is a straightforward, though poorly marked, stage that runs parallel to the D225 up to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Azet|wikidata=Q2981982}} (1600 m). From the pass, the route continues down to [https://www.vallee-du-louron.com/fr Loudenvielle], a village with shops, an outdoor pool, and the Balnéa Spa complex (open 14:00-19:30; €21 for 2 hours). Note: during the [https://www.pyreneesbikefestival.com/ Pyrenees Bike Festival] in early September, the area is overrun with mountain bikers. The final 2-3 km involve a climb of about 220 m up to the hamlet of {{Marker|name=Germ|wikidata=Q1094205|type=city}}. Altitude 1339 m. A small village with 34 year-round residents, but many second homes and guest beds. Two old churches are worth visiting. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Centre de Montagne de Germ|lat=42.793610431|long=0.425057973260|address=D130|phone=+33 5 62 99 65 27|url=https://www.germ-louron.com/|content=Open year-round. 70 beds in a large mountain center.}} * Auberge de Germ, a guesthouse with 11 rooms (33 beds), open year-round. * {{listing|type=see|name=Peyresourde-Balestas Airfield (Aérodrome de Peyragudes)|wikidata=Q5659350|content=Also known as Altiport 007, as a James Bond film was shot here in 1997. The 470 m runway has a 15% gradient and is also used for paragliding.}} === Germ - Lac d'Oô === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 6-7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1060 m This stage and the next are strenuous. They can be divided into thirds with overnight stops at the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Granges d'Astau|lat=42.76352657695474|long=0.5024399621092607}} (open May-Oct; 26 beds) and the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Espingo|url=https://refugedespingo.ffcam.fr/|wikidata=Q104413940}} (1967 m; 44 beds, mid-May-Oct; 15 emergency shelter places off-season). Camping is allowed near the lake. Around the refuge is a “classic” mountaineering loop over the Pic des Spijeoles (3008 m), Grand Quayrat (3060 m), down to Lac du Portillon (2571 m) and the glacial Lac Glacé d'Oô (2664 m). After the initial climb out of Germ, you enter the Val d'Aube. Follow the river on the left-hand side; after 1¾ hr, across the valley (250 m away), lies the Cabane d'Ourtiga (1610 m). The route ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Couret d'Esquierry|lat=42.75523440839548|long=0.4627935235857289}} (2131 m; 3½ hr), where you cross into the Haute-Garonne department. After 4 hr, you reach the Cabane du Val d'Esquierry. From there, follow the D76 road down to the Granges d'Astau and an auberge (1139 m; 5 hr). In July and August, a morning bus runs up from Luchon and returns in the evening. The stage ends at {{Marker|type=see|name=Lac d'Oô|wikidata=Q3215352}}, a scenic 42-hectare lake situated at an altitude of 1,507 m within the Natura 2000 reserve “Vallées du Lis, de la Pique et d'Oô.” Renowned since the 19th century for its spectacular waterfall, the lake is a popular destination for its natural beauty. Due to its protected status, camping, swimming, and dogs are not permitted in the area. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Lac d'Oô|address=|phone=+33 7 84 56 55 88|lat=42.744558752|long=0.490915210685|content=Reached in about 6 hr. By the lake shore at 1504 m.}} === Lac d'Oô - Bagnères-de-Luchon === ; Distance : 19-21 km ; Duration : 7-9¼ h ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000-1130 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1900-2000 m After Refuge d'Espingo, the trail becomes more difficult, with several rocky scree sections. You skirt the northern slopes of Hourquette des Hounts-Secs (2275 m). Optional detour: From here, a 15-minute ascent (each way) leads to Cap de Bassiéret. You continue over the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Coume de Bourg|lat=42.787224318|long=0.51785762473}} (2272 m, 4¾ hr or more), which may retain snow well into the summer. Optional summit detours from the pass: * Pic Céciré, 45 minutes up and down to the north * Subescale, 40 minutes up and down to the south After 5½+ hours, you reach (1802 m) Superbagnères, a summer-only (July-August) mountain hotel serving the ski area. While it offers meals and lodging, prices are high. The massive historic building can also be reached by gondola lift from Luchon, replacing the old cog railway. The {{Marker|type=go|name=Gondola base station in Luchon|lat=42.78789198327501|long=0.5908142174347624}} is located on the western edge of town and operates daily from 08:30 to 18:00 during the summer season. If descending on foot, it is a steep 1200 m drop to reach {{Marker|name=Bagnères-de-Luchon|wikidata=Q238393|type=city}}. This spa town marks the end of the central Pyrenean segment of the GR10. Regular bus services run to Montréjeau, where you can connect by train to Toulouse. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Superbagnères|url=https://www.villagesclubsdusoleil.com/fr/nos-destinations/hiver/sejour-a-la-montagne/superbagneres|wikidata=Q844809}} === Bagnères-de-Luchon - Artigue === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 2½-3 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 50 m From the church in Luchon, head left along the footpath by the L'One river, crossing the road bridge toward Juzet-de-Luchon. Optional detour: Visit the waterfall in Juzet-de-Luchon. The trail continues via Sode to the day's highest point at the stage destination {{Marker|name=Artigue|wikidata=Q1088729|type=city}}. Altitude 1230 m. A small mountain village with a municipal gîte d'étape, open year-round, offering 12 dormitory beds and evening meals at the on-site restaurant. === Artigue - Fos === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 7½-8½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1100 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1750 m The first half of this stage is a steady climb of over 1000 meters, initially on a gravel track. After 1¼ hours, you reach the Cabane de Saunères (1660 m), a basic mountain shelter. One hour later, you arrive at the Col de Peyrehitte (1947 m). The trail continues along an exposed ridge around the Pic de Bacanère (2193 m; 3 hr or more), passing border markers 402-404. After the Col d'Aou (2093 m; 3½-4 hr), the trail descends gradually across open alpine meadows. At the Cabane d'Artigue (5 hr or more), potable water is available. Below this point, the path winds down gently through a series of switchbacks, eventually crossing a road bridge into {{Marker|name=Fos|wikidata=Q1349025|type=city}}. Altitude 544 m. Small village with weekday bus service to Melles and Saint-Gaudens (railway connections to Pau and Toulouse). Alternative route (former GR10): From the Cabane d'Artigue, you can divert to the Cabane d'Artiguessans, then descend steeply to the Ruisseau de la Batch before climbing back up to rejoin the GR10. This saves about 15 minutes and 70 m of elevation gain. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte de Fos|wikidata=Q3162431|lat=42.873845424|long=0.73442375047|phone=+33 5 61 94 98 59|content=Offers 20 dormitory beds, open year-round.}} === Fos - Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing === ; Distance : 18 km ; Duration : 6½-8 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1700 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m It's a good idea to stock up on supplies in {{Marker|name=Melles|wikidata=Q1616421|type=city}}, which you reach after about 45 minutes. From the old customs house, the trail climbs steeply. Auberge de Crabère offers a comfortable stop. * {{listing|type=see|name=Botanical Garden (À Fleur de Montagne)|wikidata=Q3162431|url=https://mairie-de-melles.wixsite.com/mairie-de-melles/le-jardin-botanique|content=Small but charming community-run garden specializing in Pyrenean alpine flora. Open in summer, 10:00-19:00.}} From Melles, a narrow road leads uphill to the last farmhouse at Labach (2¼ hr). The next 2 hours or more are mostly through forest, climbing steadily. After about 5 hours, you reach the Cabane d'Uls shelter. The path continues uphill to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Pas du Bouc}} (2170 m; 6+ h). Optional summit detour: From here, the {{Marker|type=see|name=Pic de Crabère|wikidata=Q3382364}} (2629 m) can be climbed in about 90 minutes round-trip. Brown bears have been reintroduced to this area. The highest point of the day is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Auéran|lat=42.835385392840536|long=0.860341080714231}} (2176 m), which also marks the border into the Ariège department. From here, it's a quick descent to Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing|url=http://www.refuge-araing.fr/|wikidata=Q3423195|content=Altitude 1956 m. Open June 1 to October 5. 52 beds, plus a 12-bed shelter area available off-season. Advance bookings accepted for groups on the two weekends before/after opening.}} === Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing - Eylie-d'en-Haut === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 3-4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1320 m From the lake and refuge, the trail climbs to the Serre d'Araing (2221 m; 1 hr). Optional detour: Summit of Pic de l'Har (2424 m), approximately 50 minutes round-trip. The descent into the valley follows faintly marked trails to the left of the power lines. Along the way, you'll encounter remnants of former lead mining operations. After about 2¾ hours, you cross a bridge and reach {{Marker|name=Eylie d'en Haut|wikidata=Q134078264|type=city}}, a small hamlet with a 14-bed hut, picnic area, and a basic campsite located by the Lez river. === Eylie-d'en-Haut - Maison du Valier, Pla de la Lau === ; Distance : 17 km ; Duration : 8¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1700 m A strenuous stage with no food or lodging options along the way. The trail starts by crossing the Lez river, then turns sharply left and begins to climb through open terrain. After about 50 minutes, you cross a stream and ascend through forest for just over an hour. In autumn, the woods are full of blueberries—a favourite of the brown bears reintroduced here in the 1990s. At a stone shelter (1660 m; 2½ hr), the trail forks. The GR10 continues to the right, up to the Col de l'Arech (1802 m; 3 hr or more). From there, the path turns left. Optional detours: * South to Tuc de Cagonilles (2196 m; 80 minutes round trip) * From there, to the challenging Mail de Bulard (2750 m; 3 hours round trip) After a short ridge walk, descend to the shepherd's hut Cabane d'Arech (1638 m; 3½ hr). From here, follow the access track down, then branch left down a steep, gorse-covered slope. After 4 hours, you reach a stream. About 40 minutes later, the ruins of Flouquet (1680 m) come into view. Continue to Cabane de Besset (1540 m; 6 hr or more), then ascend again for 45 minutes to Cabane Clot du Lac (1821 m; 7 hr). Passing the huts Cabane du Trapech-du-Milieu (1540 m) and Cabane de l'Artigue, you arrive at Maison du Valier. The Mont Valier massif is a protected area of interest to birdwatchers. It hosts a variety of mountain bird species, including rare birds of prey, bearded vultures, and alpine species such as ptarmigans, black grouse, and capercaillie. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Maison du Valier|lat=42.83084702593266|long=1.032510054490613|url=https://maison-valier.fr/|wikidata=|content=Altitude 927 m, located on the Pla de la Lau. Open March-October. Reception hours 16:00-19:30. 40 beds.}} === Maison du Valier, Pla de la Lau - Esbintz === ; Distance : 18 km ; Duration : 7¼-9¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200-1350 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300-1490 m A demanding stage with significant elevation gain and loss. The trail climbs from Maison du Valier, following the high northern slopes along the ridges of Cap de Lauses (1892 m), Pic de Crabère (1925 m), and the Col d'Auédole (1730 m). After more than 7 hours, you arrive at {{Marker|type=city|lat=42.85332|long=1.14584|name=Esbintz}}. === Esbintz - Refuge d'Aula === ; Distance : 19 km ; Duration : 6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 500 m This and the following stage offer spectacular scenery in good weather. From Esbintz, follow the D817 for the first 2 km to Borde de Galy. From here, you could take a detour to Seix (4 km) by continuing on the D817, then the D37, and turning right onto the D3, where you'll rejoin the GR10 near the Pont du Salat. Continue mostly downhill through the countryside, crossing the Pont du Salat to reach Moulin Lauga (550 m; 2 hr), which has a bakery and picnic area. Alternatively, you can rest 1½ h later at the Auberge des Deux Rivières. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Esbintz|url=https://www.gite-ferme-esbintz.fr/|lat=42.85315143224526|long=1.1459188949749635|content=850 m. Dormitory with 10 beds. Open May-November.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge des Deux Rivières|phone=+33 5 61 66 83 57|url=https://www.aubergedesdeuxrivieres.com/|lat=42.83210657498069|long=1.1982318103146805|content=Open late May to late September}} === Refuge d'Aula - Rouze === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 4½-5 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 700 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m Fit hikers can combine this stage with the previous one from Gîte d'étape d'Aunac (787 m), resulting in a 30 km day with 11¼ hf walking time (↥ 1750, ↧ 1580 m). From Refuge d'Aula, it's a steep but manageable 1½ hr ascent to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Bouche d'Aula|lat=42.77695825493033|long=1.1180083284724134}} (1998 m), then a descent to the Étang d'Areau, 100 m lower. Optional: The Pic des Aymesses (2036 m) can be climbed from the east side of the lake. A farm road leads down to Faup, with shortcuts along the switchbacks, for instance near the Cabane d'Areau. Slightly below the Col de Pause (1527 m; 2¼ hr), there is a parking area. The {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Camp site Rigaux Philippe|lat=42.78997920829053|long=1.178432115744275}} lies just below the hamlet of Faup. From Faup, descend along the D708 toward {{Marker|name=Couflens|wikidata=Q1142090|type=city}}, but before reaching the D3 junction, cross the bridge and climb on the opposite slope to Gîte de Rouze d'Ustou. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte de Rouze d'Ustou|lat=42.789696616|long=1.20592416901|address=Prat de la Moule, Rouze d'Ustou, 09140 Couflens|phone=+33561669545|url=https://www.ferme-de-rouze.fr/|content=16 beds. Cheese from the farm. Open mid-June to mid-September.}} === Rouze - Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou === ; Distance : 8.4 km ; Duration : 3-4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m Follow the stream uphill for about 1¾ hr to reach the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Serre du Cot}} (1546 m). Optional side trips: * To the south, ascend the Pic de la Tese (2255 m; ↥↧ 3 hr or more). * To the north, climb the Tuc de Peyre Mensongère (1711 m; ↥↧ 40 min). From the pass, descend left onto a forest path, passing a few ruined farmhouses. The route eventually reaches the D38 road and leads into {{Marker|type=city|name=Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou|wikidata=Q109571916}}. === Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou - Aulus-les-Bains === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9 hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400 m The hike begins at the southern end of Saint-Lizier. After crossing the pedestrian bridge, the trail climbs southeast to the Col de Fitté (1387 m), a former ski area. From there, it continues along the right side of the slope. One alternative route begins at {{listing|type=city|name=Bidous|lat=42.78257178128407|long=1.2700395937419484}}, following the Alet river south and then climbing steeply for over 2 hours to reach the Col de Fitté, where it rejoins the GR 10. The trail curves around the southwest side of the Picou de la Mire (1741 m) and reaches the Col d'Escots (1618 m) after 3¾ hr. The nearby Chalet de Beauregard restaurant is open from late May to September, 10:00-23:00. Afterwards, the path continues up and down along steep slopes until it reaches the Ruisseau de Fouillet valley (4½ hr). The Jasse du Fouillet crossing (1170 m) is reached after at least 5 h. For a shorter option, follow the yellow-red waymarks of the Tour du Val du Garbet. This leads to the D8F road and directly into Aulus-les-Bains (7 hr from Saint-Lizier). The main route continues toward the plateau of Souliou and the Pic du Mont Rouge (1600 m). A side trip to Étang de Guzet offers a possible bivouac site. The trail then descends toward the Ruisseau d'Ars (1485 m), crosses a bridge, and continues downward. After a second bridge (8½ hr), the path becomes easier. A final bridge, Pont de la Mouline, crosses the Garbet River just before the trail enters {{Marker|type=city|name=Aulus-les-Bains|wikidata=Q1082493|url=https://www.loubet.fr/saint-lizier.html}}, a small spa town with a mini market at the traffic circle near the bridge and a tourist office next door. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte Pyrénées AAA|lat=42.779696032|long=1.2690230044|url=https://giteslareng.net/|address=Lareng, 09140 Ustou|phone=+33967838934|content=14 places in upscale cottages for 2-4 people.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Cascade d'Ars|lat=42.762922493744796|long=1.3615038669340882|content=260 m high waterfalls in multiple tiers, located 4½ km from Aulus. Takes 3-9 hr round-trip to hike to them (↥ 530 m).}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping municipal le Coulédous|lat= 42.7940356892|long=1.3321660893|url=http://www.camping-aulus-couledous.com/|content=Also offers bungalows for 4-7 people. The gîte d'étape is a 12-person tent.}} === Aulus-les-Bains - Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès === ; Distance : 11 km ; Duration : 5 hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m The route climbs out of Aulus-les-Bains to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Port de Saleix|lat=42.78143117676052|long=1.4043285766664242}}, where you'll find the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Refuge de Carol|lat=42.7813|long=1.4146}}. From here, the ascent becomes steeper. The following section to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Port de Bassiès|lat=42.772502271037204|long=1.411691910311851}} is demanding but scenically rewarding. This area lies within the Mont-Calme nature reserve, where camping is prohibited. === Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès - Marc === ; Distance : variable ; Duration : 3½-5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1385 ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1385 This stage and the following one include several alternative routes and shortcuts that can be combined. From the refuge, the GR-10 leads southeast along a slightly rocky trail for just over three kilometers, following the chain of lakes. At the outflow of the last lake, the Étang d'Escalès, the GR-10 bends to the right. Along the stream, there's an opportunity to descend toward the main road and the village of Auzat. Another descent option to the road appears about 2 km further along the GR-10. The main trail makes a sharp turn southward. From the aqueduct (1160 m; 2¼ h4), the route maintains an elevation just below 1200 m for around 4 km, before descending the final 1½ km into the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Marc|lat=42.71687694132801|long=1.449593121067756}}, cutting across the switchbacks of the road. The Gîte Retrouvance de Mouret (12 places) is available for group bookings only. From {{listing|type=city|name=Auzat|wikidata=Q1082539}}, one can rejoin the GR-10 by heading 4 km south to Artiès and climbing back up. This avoids a significant part of the next stage. Alternatively, walking 6 km to Marc allows one to resume the full stage. To skip this stage, it is possible to go from Auzat directly to Goulier via two routes: one through Olbier (4.4 km), the other 6.1 km. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès|url=https://refugedebassies.fr/|content=1933 m. Open late May to September.|lat=42.76509|long=1.413221}} === Marc - Goulier === ; Distance : 24.3 km ; Duration : 6-9 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m From Marc, follow the path to Mounicou. A shelter is located a short way beyond, along the D8. This is where the ascent begins. After a few hundred meters, you can turn right at the {{Marker|type=go |name=Turn right|lat=42.71|long=1.4575}} marker and stay on the west side of Les Caldelets. From the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Orri de Tignalbu|lat=42.69417|long=1.46296}}, which has a water source, the path becomes very poor. The main GR-10 trail continues uphill to the Refuge de Prunadière (1615 m, 2 hr). Be sure to refill your water here. From there, it leads to a junction above the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Artiès|lat=42.7362|long=1.4793}} shelter (985 m, 3¼ hr). The path ascends steadily, passing the ruins of Pradières-d'en-bas, and arrives at Étang d'Izurt. A cable car runs to the lake. After a short climb, it's around 14 km downhill to {{Marker|type=city |name=Goulier|wikidata=Q1015676}} (moh 370 m), which is part of the Val-de-Sos commune. You can shorten the main trail from Prunadière by climbing steeply left past the buildings, gaining 450 m of elevation. About 2 hr later, you'll rejoin the GR-10 at Coumasses-Grandes. This shortcut saves roughly 8 km and bypasses Étang d'Izurt. === Goulier - Siguer === ; Distance : 13 km ; Duration : 3¼-4¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 416 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 830 m From Goulier, the trail ascends toward the Col de Risoul, then the Col de Esquérus, and continues to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de Grail|lat=42.75360457229|long=1.5321300362453}}. Near this pass is a shelter, an information board, and a water source located 250 m off the path. The route then climbs to the highest point of the day at the Col de Lercoul (1549 m). From here, the trail descends through the hamlet of Lercoul. A footpath south of the winding road leads downhill to the village of {{Marker|name=Siguer|wikidata=Q1375974|type=city}}, home to Café Rouse and several accommodations. === Siguer - Plateau de Beille === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 2400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m This demanding stage involves three steep descents and offers no accommodation along the route, only five basic shelters. From Siguer, the trail climbs steeply to Gestiès (40 min), where you should fill up on water. The path crosses the road three times on the way up. After a long ascent, you reach the Pla de Montcamp (1904 m; 3¾ hr). Past the Col du Sasc (1798 m), the trail traverses the flank of the Pic du Col Taillat. Water is again available at the Cabane de Courtal Marti, though trail markings on this high section can be vague. The trail descends to the Cabane de Balledreyt (1600 m; 2 sleeping places), reached after another 20 minutes. After about 7½ hours, the trail descends to the D520A road at 1040 m elevation. A detour to the villages of Aston (14 km, with a campground) or Les Cabannes (15.8 km, with a year-round gîte d'étape) is possible around the 4¼-hour mark. Les Cabannes has a train connection to Mérens-les-Vals or Foix. After crossing the bridge, the GR-10 climbs again via a forest trail. A water source is marked and located about two minutes off the trail, just past a large boulder reached after 9+ hours. The trail continues across a ridge to the Cabane d'Artaran (1695 m). Shortly afterward, you reach the ski area at the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Plateau de Beille|lat=42.72473998587668|long=1.6911435704342077}}, where the Cabane Beille is located. This area is accessible via the D522 road loop and popular with day hikers. === Plateau de Beille - Refuge du Rulhe === ; Distance : 14 km ; Duration : 4¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m It's recommended to start this exposed stage early in the day to avoid afternoon summer thunderstorms. The trail remains around or above 2000 m throughout. The highest point is the summit of the {{Marker|type=see |name=Crête des Isards|lat=42.65012142232325|long=1.7389568668472413}} at 2381 m. The Refuge du Rulhe lies at the junction of several long-distance trails, including the Tour de Pays des Montagnes d'Ax from Ax-les-Thermes, the GR Transfrontalier from Andorra, and two routes from the Vallée d'Aston. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Rulhe|url=https://rulhe.com/|lat=42.6379904848182|long=1.725866639541228|content=53 places. Open late May to September. €16 per night, half board €45. Tel: +33 6 74 24 50 71}} === Refuge du Rulhe - Mérens-les-Vals === ; Distance : 12 km ; Duration : 4½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 360 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1500-1600 m '''Water is scarce at high elevation.''' From the refuge, the trail ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de Calmettes|lat=42.636915754134|long=1.7404819725150908}} (2318 m), mostly over scree. Cairns also serve as markers. The path descends to Étang Bleu, where it skirts the left side of the lake and climbs again to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Crête de la Lhasse|lat=42.6398816194571|long=1.768563885207408}} (2439 m). Afterward, it continues over scree for nearly 800 m of descent to the pond called l'Estangol, with a shelter above. {{Marker|name=Mérens-les-Vals|wikidata=Q662289|type=city}} is reached after the final descent. The ruins of the old Saint-Pierre church date back to the Napoleonic Wars. The village festival takes place on July 20. The village has a train stop on the Foix - Puigcerdà line. Located on the N-20. The natural hot springs are about 45 minutes away, although they were affected by rockfall in 2022. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge du Nabre|lat=42.65611004694209|long=1.8429807373614195|address=le village d'en haut, 09110 Mérens-les-Vals|phone=+33 5 61 01 89 36|url=https://www.aubergedunabre.com/|content=Guesthouse in the upper village.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping de Mérens|lat=42.64646601527881|long=1.8310245105731093|address=600 Ville de Bau, 09110 Mérens-les-Vals|phone=+33 5 61 02 85 40|url=http://www.camping.merenslesvals.fr/de/haus/|content=Open all year, 1.3 km south of the village.}} === Mérens-les-Vals - Refuge des Bésines === ; Distance : 10 km ; Duration : 4½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 260 m This demanding stage continues through high alpine terrain, with lots of rock and scree. From Mérens, the trail leads past Le Nabre to the hot springs. Afterward, the path climbs for nearly 3 hours. First, it reaches the Estangs (2056 m), then continues to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Porteille de Bésines|lat=42.6154502407948|long=1.872190036139089}} (2333 m). From this pass, the route is clearly signposted. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bésines|wikidata=Q11945073|url=https://refugebesines.ffcam.fr/|content=2104 m. 70 beds. Open June-September. Phone: +33 5 61 05 11 77.}} === Refuge des Bésines - Refuge des Bouillouses === ; Distance : 16.7 km ; Duration : 5½-6 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 660 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 760 m This high-level stage crosses several mountain passes and offers excellent panoramic views. The route first ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Coll de Coma d'Anyell|lat=42.60880012907595|long=1.8962468691063044}}, from where it is possible to climb Pic des Bésineilles (2632 m) in about ¾ hr round trip. The path then continues through the Lansolet basin (2234 m), past the Cabane de Rozet, and climbs again to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Portella de la Grava|lat=42.59935934341172|long=1.934453711010157}}. From there, it's a gentle 3-hour descent to the lakeside refuge at Bouillouses. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bésines|lat=42.6039|long=1.86853|content=56 dormitory beds, with 16 emergency shelter spots outside the season. Open June-September.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bouillouses|lat=42.559475002653095|long=2.00351938309043|url=https://www.lesbouillouses.com/|content=2003 m. 46 beds. Open June-September. Phone: +33 4 68 04 93 88.}} === Refuge des Bouillouses - Planès === ; Distance : 19 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 230 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m The descent is easy but not always well marked. After about 2¾ hours (1740 m), the GR-10 reaches the D618. About 700 m further, a right turn leads to Superbolquère, where food and lodging are available, including a supermarket and a gîte with 28 beds. The GR-10 continues downhill to the quiet D10C near {{Marker|name=Bolquère|wikidata=Q1101891|type=city}} (1628 m, 2¾ hr), where there is a public drinking fountain and an information board. The nearby Gare de Bolquère-Eyne (1593 m) is the highest railway stop in France, on the scenic “train jaune” line. Passing through the villages of La Perche and La Cabanasse (3½ hr), the route ends at the small village of {{Marker|name=Planès|wikidata=Q524705|type=city}}. No shops in the village. The nearby Pont Gisclard, opened in 1909, is a cable-stayed bridge on the Ligne de Cerdagne crossing the Têt river. The village is a stop on the “train jaune” railway. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=L'Orri de Planès|lat=42.490995503|long=2.1382908362|address=Casas del Mitg, 66210 Planès|phone=+33 4 68 04 29 47|content=Gîte with 16 dormitory beds and private rooms.}} === Planès - Refuge du Ras de la Carança === ; Distance : 15.3 km ; Duration : 5¾-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1170 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 870 m There are no supply options along this stage. The trail begins with a gentle ascent through pine forest into the high Riberola valley. It is advisable to refill your water at the Refuge de l'Orri. Above the Cabane d'Aixques, the route becomes steep as it climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col Mitja|wikidata=Q28381301}} (2376 m). From the pass, it is possible to summit Pic de Gallinas (2624 m, ↥↧ 90 min) or Pic Redoun (2677 m, ↥↧ 1 hr). The final 1½ hours involve a descent of about 500 m to the refuge. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Ras de la Carança|wikidata=Q28380908|address=142 rue de, 66360 Fontpédrouse|phone=+33 9 88 66 73 81|url=https://www.refugelacaranca.com/|content=1840 m. Open mid-May to mid-September. 13 emergency places available off-season. Connections to other trails: 7.7 km to Prats Balaguer, 8.5 km to Ull de Ter, 13.7 km to Carança, 10 km to Thuès-les-Bains via the gorge, and 12 km to Núria.}} === Refuge du Ras de la Carança - Mantet === ; Distance : 10 km ; Duration : 4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 640 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 940 m This stage is challenging and poorly marked at higher elevations. From the refuge, follow the stream uphill for 100 m to a wooden bridge. Continue on a scree path along the left side of the valley. After passing through a gate, you reach an alpine pasture and the {{marker|type=go|name=Coll del Pal|lat=42.465650773936|long=2.258498904704664}} (2294 m). This area is a nature reserve where wild camping is forbidden. From the pass, there is an optional ascent to Pic de Serre Gallinère (2663 m; 1 hr round trip), and possibly further on to the Serre de Caret (2300 m). From the pass, descend to the {{marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Alemany|wikidata=Q120254507}} (1962 m; 8 places), located 200 m off the trail. The main path continues left, crossing first a wooden, then a concrete bridge, followed by a narrow unpaved road that ascends to the village of {{listing|type=city|name=Mantet|wikidata=Q1369164}} (1550 m). Population: 31. Most of the southern part of the commune is the protected area [https://rnn-mantet.fr/ Reserva natural de Mentet], where camping is forbidden. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=La Cavale|address=Los Miquelets, 66360 Mantet|phone=+33 4 68 05 57 59|url=http://la-cavale.fr/|lat=42.477231944228336|long=2.3092556382036555|content=Private rooms and dorms for 3-5 people.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte à la ferme Cazenove|url=http://www.gitecazenovemantet.fr/|lat=42.47702171854456|long=2.306028129535968|content=Farm gîte. Open May to September.}} === Mantet - Refuge de Mariailles === ; Distance : 14.8 km ; Duration : 5 hr 5 min ; Elevation gain : ↥ 936 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 834 m Midway along this stage is the village of {{Marker|name=Py|wikidata=Q178846|type=city}} (1023 m), which has an auberge and a gîte. From Py, follow the D6 briefly before heading northeast to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Jou|wikidata=Q47335849|lat=|long=}} (1125 m). The path turns southeast and ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Cavall Mort|wikidata=Q47335871|lat=|long=}} (1454 m), then continues upward to the Refuge de Mariailles. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge de Mariailles|alt=Refugi de Marelles|url=https://refugedemariailles.fr/|lat=42.5017361908777|long=2.4077634391340514|content=1692 m. Open from late May; shelter room available year-round.}} === Refuge de Mariailles - Refuge des Cortalets === ; Distance : 16.3 km ; Duration : 6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1030 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m This is a challenging high-mountain route around the Canigou Massif. There are no supply points along the way, and surefootedness is required. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Cortalets|url=https://refugedescortalets.ffcam.fr/|lat=42.53436454795011|long=2.465036067970792|content=2100 m. 105 places, plus 19 emergency shelter places available outside the season.}} * {{listing|type=go |name=Loop trail to the summit of Pic du Canigou|alt=Canigó|url=https://www.visit-occitanie.com/de/entdecken/top-sehenswuerdigkeiten/massif-du-canigou-katalonien/|lat=42.53692009465181|long=2.4666389025393545|content=This difficult 9.3 km loop (4½ h; ↥ 700+ m) begins 200 m beyond the refuge.}} === Refuge des Cortalets - Gîte-refuge de Batère === ; Distance : 16.8 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 270 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 920 m This stage is also part of the HRP. From the refuge to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Ras del Prat Cabrera|wikidata=Q47170860|lat=|long=}} (1739 m; 4 km), you can choose between a high-level route following the “Tour du Canigou” and a less steep path along the mountainside. From the pass to the Refuge de l'Estanyol (2¾ hr or more) the trail descends gradually, then more steeply. It climbs again briefly to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Cirère|wikidata=Q134299355|lat=|long=}} (1731 m; 4-4¾ hr). From here, you can optionally ascend the Puig Saint-Pierre (1791 m; ↥ 15 min, ↧ 15 min). Descending from the col, you pass abandoned stone quarries and mines (the Mines de la Pinosa are ruins of a former settlement), and reach your destination. Nearby you can explore the 5-day “Tour du Canigou” circuit or visit the historic abbeys of Saint-Martin du Canigou and Saint-Michel-de-Cuxa. * {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Estanyol|wikidata=Q120262655|lat=|long=}} === Gîte-refuge de Batère - Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette === ; Distance : 19.2 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 745 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m Along this long and steady descent, you pass several dolmens. Their significance may be best appreciated by specialists in archaeology. The destination is the Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette, an old mill located in the Ribera Valley. More accommodation and services are available in {{Marker|name=Arles-sur-Tech|wikidata=Q7897|type=city}}, which is connected by bus. At the southern edge of the town, you'll find Camping Riuferrer. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte-refuge de Batère|url=https://www.refugedebatere.fr/|lat=42.50176051942559|long=2.5484428644953847|address=Mines de Batère, 66150 Corsavy|phone=+33 4 68 39 12 01|content=17 dormitory beds, 20 in private rooms. Access via a 20.3-km road from Arles-sur-Tech.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette|wikidata=Q120266421|url=http://gr10-par-etapes.eklablog.com/hebergement-du-moulin-de-la-palette-a126161238|content=Simple eco-gîte in a renovated mill, located in the Ribera valley.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Riuferrer|lat=42.4551506239|long=2.6291899540|url=https://campingriuferrer.com/}} === Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette - Las Illas === ; Distance : 22 km ; Duration : 7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m From the gîte, follow the D536 for 1 km, then turn right uphill toward Montalba (543 m; 1 hr). At the cross, turn sharply right to continue climbing. You reach the ruins of the Mouli Serradou (833 m; 2½ hr). The highest point is the Coll de Sant Martí (1426 m; 4 hr or more). The trail continues through forest along the slope, passing by the Roc de France (also known as Roc de Frausa). {{Marker|name=Las Illas|wikidata=Q16508596|type=city}} has a water point and picnic area in the park. Accommodation is available in a gîte at the town hall and at the Hostal de Trabucayeres. === Las Illas - Col de l'Ouillat === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 6-7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 930 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 540 m The route has been altered several times due to terrain difficulties, so follow the current waymarking. The middle part of the trail runs along the border, just below the ridge. The dominant tree species in this area is the striking Corsican pine (Pinus nigra var. corsicana). A detour to the fortified town of Le Perthus and the Fort de Bellegarde (open May-Sep, 10:30-18:00) offers a cultural break. Note that all shops are on the Spanish side of the border. After about 3 hours, there is an optional detour to the Roman fort Panissas, built on the Via Domitia. Turn off 5 minutes after border marker 565 (2½ hr). The stage ends at {{marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de l'Ouillat|wikidata=Q11914547}} (938 m). === Col de l'Ouillat - Banyuls-sur-Mer === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 7-8¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 680 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1610 m The route stays high near the border ridge. It takes about 1 hour to reach the Pic Néulos. Water is available at the Refuge de la Tagnarède after 1½ hours. From there, the trail leads over several passes: Coll del Faig (985 m), Col de l'Orry, and Col de l'Estaque (1025 m; 2¾ hr). The Pic des Quatre-Termes (1156 m) and Pic de la Cabassère are bypassed to the north. After 4 hours, you reach the Coll del Pal (899 m). From there, continue right toward the Col des Gascons (6¼ hr or more). The final descent to the Col de Llagastèra (285 m) passes partly through vineyards towards {{Marker|name=Banyuls-sur-Mer|wikidata=Q6753|type=city}}. == Go next == * [[Pyrenean High Route]]: Crosses the Pyrenees along the mountain crests, staying higher than both the GR 10 and GR 11. * [[GR 11]] This footpath stays on the Spanish side of the Pyrenees. {{outlineitinerary}} {{Related|France}} {{Related|Pyrenees}} {{PartOfItinerary|Europe itineraries}} e70z4q038krkoy56kbu4j3psxi0zpsu 5086675 5086671 2025-07-02T16:15:58Z Bluecoordinationfine 2327039 Same as previous change. 5086675 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|GR 10 WV banner.jpg|caption=View from GR 10, near Souriche, looking towards the Tourmalet, valley of Barèges, France}} The '''GR 10''' is one of the paths and trails of the extensive [[Grande Randonnée]] (or GR) network. It crosses [[France]], from the Mediterranean coast to the Atlantic coast, and runs almost entirely through the [[Pyrenees]]. While the trail is in France, much of it is near, or even on, the border with [[Spain]]. The trail can be walked in either direction, though some suggest that the west-east route is easier in the beginning, as it is both cooler and less steep that the corresponding start heading west; this may be an advantage to those not fully in shape. == Understand == [[File:Lac d'Oo (22).jpg|thumb|Lac d'Oo]] Moving from east to west, the trail begins at the Mediterranean, in the small town of [[Banyuls sur Mer]], and finishes at [[Hendaye]] on the Atlantic Ocean. Hikers will usually be able to make it to a [[France#Guesthouses and holiday rentals|gîte]] or small town every other night, and quite frequently every night. Expected time to complete the trail is around 6-7 weeks, though the majority of people only hike sections of it. == Prepare == The trail is fairly well marked with painted marks on rocks, trees, telephone poles, and even houses, walls, and street signs. If you haven’t seen a waymark for 100 metres, you’ve likely strayed off the trail. Retrace your steps to the last marker and check your route. It is not realistic to navigate using the markers alone. A trail guide, at minimum, or a topologic map is required. Sunburn is a particular problem, and clothing such as long sleeved shirts and long pants should be worn as they protect from the sun, scratching branches and insects. Sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat are highly desirable. For those heading west from Banyuls sur Mer, the hike to the first gîte is particularly long compared to the following days, and should be started very early. === Equipment === One of the advantages of the GR 10 is that it can be hiked with minimal gear, as one can eat dinner and breakfast almost every day at the gîtes. Additionally the hiker can sleep outdoors on clear nights and pay for a bed in a gîte in inclement weather. On nights that only shelters (which usually have no food or staff) are available, pre-purchased food can be eaten. If one plans to eat at gîtes and buy food from supermarkets that can be eaten without cooking, the absolute minimal gear in the summer months is: * Sleeping bag or sleep sheet, and a mat for comfort. * Goretex jacket and fleece or similar for cold or wet weather * Long-sleeved shirt and pants * Short-sleeved shirt and shorts (including shorts you can wear for swimming) * Sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat * Adequate footwear. Anything less than hiking boots may prove insufficient. * Bottles for at least two litres of water, and a purification method for treating water from streams. * Toiletries and a [[Travel health kit|medical kit]] Additionally, consider a rain jacket or fleece top for wet or cold weather. If you plan to forgo the comforts and delicious food of the gites and hotels, also bring: * Tent * Cooking gear and food A note on footwear: some four fifths of the hikers wear full hiking boots and thick socks. While running sneakers may suffice (and Choco-style sandals may work for a few days), your risk of injury is higher, and much of the trail involves hopping around on possibly wet and sharp rocks. Choose conservatively, depending on the length of your hike and your experience. ==Get in== == Walk == {{Mapframe|lat=42.68287|long=0.56837|width=full|height=360|zoom=7}} {{mapshape|type=geoline|stroke=#000000|stroke-width=3}} === Hendaye-Plage - Olhette === ; Distance : 21.9 km ; Duration : 6-7¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1010 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 950 m Intermarché sells gas cartridges. Near the western trailhead a {{marker|type=buy|name=Decathlon|lat=43.36843635018845|long=-1.7798332063655435}} store geared towards watersports is available for last minute purchases, such as gas cannisters. The hike starts from the 3 km long {{marker|type=see|name=Hendaye Beach|wikidata=Q20947149}}. This is below the old casino, now known as Résidence Croisière. Nearby is the Tourist Office. Buses run from the main train station, or you can walk from {{marker|type=go|name=Gare Deux Jumeaux|wikidata=Q2802667}}. Leaving town, the route goes around the football stadium and climbs via Rue Errondenia and Rue de Pausoa, passing by {{Marker|type=city|name=Biriatou|wikidata=Q196871}}, which conveniently has public toilets available. After about 3 hr you reach the summit of {{marker|type=see|name=Xoldokogaina|wikidata=Q20492776}}. The high point is at Mandale (530 m) on the Spanish border. From here, the path descends to the Col d'Ibardin (4¼ hr), a popular spot for French shoppers due to cheap alcohol and tobacco. The trail continues via Col des Poiriers and Col des Joncs before reaching Olhette. * {{listing|type=city|name=Olhette|lat=43.3360119885|long=-1.6661235970|content=65 m. No bus service; the nearest is in Ascain, 4 km away. Two gîtes: [https://www.chambre-d-hote-cote-basque-manttu.fr/ Manttu-Baïta] at the southern end of the village and Trapero Baïta (Tel. +33 5 59 54 42 59) in the center.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Redoute de la Baïonette|lat=43.309257665|long=-1.70329930013|content=Historic fortification near Mandale, located by modern border marker 9. Offers wide views.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Basque Tourist Office|address=20 Boulevard Victor Hugo, 64500 Saint-Jean-de-Luz|lat=43.387765760|long=-1.66038856746|url=https://www.en-pays-basque.fr/en/|content=Tourist info for the wider Basque region.}} === Olhette - Ainhoa === ; Distance : 21.1 km ; Duration : 6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 730 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 640 m The steepest climb comes right at the beginning. For most of the route, you'll be on forest trails and, after Sare, quiet paved country roads. The trail initially ascends on a good path over the Col des Trois Fontaines (1½ hr; a shelter is located 300 m away), then descends to the Col de St-Ignace, where the valley station of the cog railway to La Rhune is found. It continues to {{Marker|type=city|name=Sare|wikidata=Q274155}} (2¾ hr), a local transport hub and one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. There's an outdoor swimming pool. The stage ends in {{Marker|type=city|name=Ainhoa|wikidata=Q212962|url=https://www.en-pays-basque.fr/territoires-et-destinations/vallee-de-la-nivelle/ainhoa/}}. Also one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. The tourist information office (open 09:00-12:30, 14:00-17:30; closed weekends and holidays) is located at the side of the town hall. Local grocery stores are a bit pricey due to the village's popularity. From Col des Trois Fontaines you can ascend La Rhune (905 m) either by cog railway (35 min) or on foot (3 km, 1¼ h; ↥↧ 300 m). The prehistoric {{Marker|type=see|name=Grottes de Sare|url=https://www.grottesdesare.fr/en/index_en.php|wikidata=Q3117280}} can be visited with prior reservation through the local municipality or online. Closed annually for a month after Epiphany. This stage is part of the [[European long-distance path E9|European long-distance trail E9]]. * {{listing|counter=1|type=sleep|lat=43.30238052|long=-1.5874539771|name=Camping la Petite Rhune|phone=+33 6 15 29 36 38|url=https://www.lapetiterhune.com/en/|content=Includes a gîte d'étape. Reception hours: 08:30-12:30, 15:00-20:00; winter weekdays 09:00-12:00, 14:00-17:00.}} === Ainhoa - Bidarray === ; Distance : 21.7 km ; Duration : 8½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 880 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 850 m This is a difficult stage, with little shade at the start and a particularly steep, rocky descent near the end. At the old cemetery (389 m; 40 min) beside the {{Marker|type=see|name=Chapelle Notre Dame de l'Aubépine|wikidata=Q12253854}}, a dramatic crucifixion scene of the Jewish itinerant preacher Jesus of Nazareth and two other criminals has been recreated. Traditional Basque hilarri gravestones are found here. The path then continues over the Col des Trois-Croix (510 m; 1 hr 20 min). A good place to rest is at Ferme Esteben (2 hr 50 min, 580 m), a gîte d'étape with a bar-restaurant. The trail continues near the border, past Boundary Stone 77, partly on paved road. At Col des Veaux (550 m), you can take a 300-m detour into Spain to visit a venta (a small inn or shop). From here, the trail climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Méhatche|lat=43.272782275749094|long=-1.4166930371188398}} (716 m; 3¾ hr). The descent past Boundary Stones 82 and 83 is secured with cables. From Col de Méhatche, you can ascend Artzamendi (926 m), easily identified by its radar dome at the summit. The nearby {{Marker|type=see|name=Grotte le Saint-que-Sue|alt=Harpeko Saindua|lat=43.26526266671622|long=-1.3890420732224757}} can also be visited. Just before reaching {{Marker|type=city|name=Bidarray|wikidata=Q746221}}, a bypass trail offers a shortcut to the next stage. For peak baggers, this route also gives access to several summits: Errebi (between the chapel and Col des Trois-Croix), Atxulegi (a 15-min detour on the way to Col des Trois-Croix), and, in good weather, Mont Bizkayluze (701 m) and Gorospil (691 m). The village is split into two parts, 600 m apart. The GR-10 passes through the upper section (where accommodation is located), while the train station lies in the lower part. The stone “Noblia” bridge, in its current form, dates to the 17th century. Parts of the Church of the Assumption are Romanesque. Traditional hilarri gravestones can be found in the old cemetery, and the Ferme Gastetto is a protected farmhouse in classic Lower Navarrese style. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Aire Zabal|lat=43.2665469128|long=-1.34721660011|url=https://giteairezabal.fr/|content=Stage accommodation in the upper part of the village.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Amestoya|lat=43.284582665|long=-1.35372693663|url=https://camping-bidarray.fr/english/|content=Campsite along the D908, 2 km north of the upper village.}} === Bidarray - Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry === ; Distance : 18.5 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1250 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1250 m This southward stage is demanding, especially due to the complete lack of water sources along the ascent. After passing the Iparla Ridge (950 m), the trail reaches an altitude of over 1000 m for the first time on the way to the summit. It then continues along the ridge to the Pic de Tutulia before descending to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Harrieta|lat=43.21079140547837|long=-1.384120195860639}} (3¾ hr, 808 m). From the Col d'Harrieta, a side trail descends to Urdos (1¾ hr), from where it's possible to follow the road into Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry. The main trail continues across the Buztanzelhay summit (4¾ hr, 1029 m), then down to the col of the same name (843 m). Here, the GR-10 turns left and descends steeply. The path crosses the D949 road several times — this road leads from the village to the ventas on the Spanish border at the Col d'Ispéguy. You can also reach this col via the ridge, 1½ km from Col Buztanzelhay. If you want to skip entering {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry]]|wikidata=Q279252}} (162 moh), you can join the next stage earlier at the Nive des Aldudes (6½ h, 162 m). There's a picnic area in the park and a supermarket that stocks gas cartridges. Locals play Rebot, a type of pelota, on two courts. The Château d'Etxauz is not open to the public. On the last Sunday in April, the village hosts a traditional folklore festival known as Nafarroaren Eguna. The Nive des Aldudes valley occasionally experiences flooding and mudslides. === Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry - Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port === ; Distance : 19.2 km ; Duration : 5-7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 990 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 980 m This stage runs mostly on gravel paths and farm tracks. About an hour in, there's an optional detour at Col d'Aharza for a 35-minute climb to Oylarandoy, where a hermitage built in 1706 stands. The GR-10 heads south to the Col d'Aharza (734 m; 2 hr), where there's a water source, then turns east and circles around the {{Marker|type=see|name=Munhoa|wikidata=Q3327853}} (1023 m; 3½ hr). The climb is fully exposed to the sun. The descent begins on the right-hand side. For campers, there are two sites before {{Marker|name=Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port|wikidata=Q270294|type=city}}: [http://www.camping-delatruite.com/ Camping de La Truite] (March 1 - Dec 15), and closer to town, [http://www.camping-narbaitz.com/ Camping Narbaitz] (mid-March - mid-September; tent spaces from June 20). Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port lies at 170 m and is where three of the four French pilgrimage routes converge before entering Spain. From here, it's possible to continue directly onto the Camino de Santiago (via Roncesvalles). === Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port - Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta === ; Distance : 16.2 km ; Duration : 5-5½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 870 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 420 m There are no supply points or public transport on this stage, but the walking is relatively easy. In the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Çaro|wikidata=Q842635}} (242 m), there is a public fountain next to the town hall. If you choose to end the day early after 3¾ hr in {{Marker|type=city|name=Estérençuby|wikidata=Q842724}} (231 m; two accommodation options), be aware that this adds an extra 400 m of ascent to the next day's stage. === Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta - Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty === ; Distance : 20.7 km ; Duration : 6¾-8 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1410 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m This stage is simple but offers little shade. The trail first climbs toward the Col on Ithurramburu (820 m), then continues ascending to just below the {{Marker|type=see|name=Occabe|alt=Okabe|wikidata=Q17417892}} (1456 m). On the Occabe plateau, 26 Neolithic stone circles known as ''harrespil'' in Basque have been found. They are believed to have been used for cremation rites. A good rest stop is the upscale {{Marker|type=eat|name=Restaurant Chalet Pedro|url=https://www.chaletpedro.com/|lat=43.03687624625582|long=-1.0746838225620772}} (4¾ hr). The associated lodge offers 10 beds. Across the stream at Le Kayolar, similar accommodation is available. From here, the trail turns sharply right after 100 m and continues uphill for 6-7 km (300 m ascent) to the stage destination. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta|url=http://kaskoleta.free.fr/|lat=43.092036845886255|long=-1.1646582066722122|content=Altitude 615 m. Offers 13 beds in 3 rooms plus a holiday apartment for 4. A scenic viewpoint with an information panel is 5 minutes away.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty|address=D19, 64560 Larrau|phone=+33 5 59 28 51 29|url=https://chalets-iraty.com/|lat=43.03659578299579|long=-1.0348125824515537|content=Key pickup and payment are handled at Col Héguichouria, 1 km before the site. There is a restaurant and bird observation post 500 m further on.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=L'aire Naturelle de Camping|lat=43.037460332099656|long=-1.0494175120345806|content=Natural campground with 50 pitches, located 3 km before the Chalets by the stream. Open June-October. Fresh bread available by reservation from 08:30.}} === Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty - Logibar === ; Distance : 16.4 km ; Duration : 5-6 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 440 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1380 m In bad weather, the route along the west side of the {{Marker|type=see|name=Pic des Escaliers|wikidata=Q31645205}} (1423 m) is not recommended. There are two alternative routes, but both are poorly marked. At the Ugatzé Ridge, the trail skirts the peak rather than summiting it. To avoid the steep descent from Pic des Escaliers, stay on the road for about 600 m after the start, then turn off after 2½ km to reach Col Ugatzé. A short side trip allows you to summit Arthanolatzégagnia (an additional 35 min ascent and descent). Trail markings are sparse for several hours. After some time following mule tracks, you'll reach a road crossing at Beloscare (1173 m; 3 hr). Logibar marks the end of the stage, but you can also continue 2 km further to {{Marker|type=city|name=Larrau|wikidata=Q608335}}, which offers three accommodation options and a campground. In bad weather, an easier alternative is to follow the paved road from Iraty directly to Larrau for a gentler descent. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge Logibar|address=Quartier Logibar, D26, 64560 Larrau|phone=+33 5 59 28 61 14|url=https://auberge-logibar.com/|lat=43.018151|long=-0.927715|content=Altitude 375 m. Dormitory beds from €17, half board from €50. Check-in from 17:00. Bus 60 serves the location.}} === Logibar - Sainte-Engrâce (Senta) === ; Distance : 26.3 km ; Duration : 7½-9¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200-1420 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 900-1170 m This stage leads through spectacular gorges. Follow signs to the Gorges d'Holzarté and ascend the trail to the 70 m long suspension bridge (50 min), which spans the dramatic Ruisseau de Olhadubi gorge 150 m above the ground. On the far side, the trail continues uphill. After 2 hours, you reach the Olhadubi stream — a possible spot for a refreshing dip. Nearby, the Cabane Cayolar d'Olhadubi (reached via a side path from the bridge) serves as an emergency shelter with space for 4-5 people. Continuing uphill, you'll reach the Abarrakia farm after just over 3 hours. The path then winds between farms, eventually reaching the point (4½ hr) where the GR-10 turns sharply to the right. The original GR-10 route bypassed the gorges entirely by heading up to the Plateau d'Adarkhotia after the Holzarté bridge. This shortcut saves 2.7 km (1¼ hr) and 150 m of elevation gain. After about 5 hours, you'll reach the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Anhaou|alt=Col de Bious|lat=42.9784|long=-0.88044}} (1383 m). From here, energetic hikers can summit nearby peaks such as Izeyto (1464 m) or Sarimendi (1484 m). The stage ends at {{Marker|type=city|name=Sainte-Engrâce|wikidata=Q197211|url=https://www.sainte-engrace.fr/index.php/en/}}. Sainte-Engrâce is home to a Romanesque church from the 11th century. From the village, a 9-km side trip (↥ 840 m, ↧ 135 m) takes you to the vast La Verna cave. Guided tours go up to 800 m deep — the main chamber is large enough to fit the Eiffel Tower. Bookings are handled through the [https://laverna.fr/en/ Espace accueil Arrakotchepia], Quartier Calla, 64560 Sainte-Engrâce (Tel. +33 6 37 88 29 05). August is often very busy. A detour south from the restaurant leads into the wild and romantic Gorges de Kakuetta. The trail is very steep and slippery, and entry tickets are (usually) sold at the restaurant. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge Elichalt|address=Next to the church|phone=+33 5 59 28 61 63|lat=42.99552859220694|long=-0.8102287239912613|content=Simple village inn located in the center of Sainte-Engrâce.}} === Sainte-Engrâce (Senta) - Refuge Jeandel === ; Distance : 11.6 km ; Duration : 4¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 160 m The trail climbs steadily from Sainte-Engrâce into the limestone highlands of the Pierre-Saint-Martin massif, marking the transition into more alpine terrain. You ascend to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Pierre-St-Martin|wikidata=Q1107451}} (1760 m; border with Spain). Since 1373, the Tributo de las Tres Vacas — a cross-border tribute of three cows — has been held here every July 13 to settle grazing rights between the two valleys. A small shop at the parking area sells goat cheese. A ski area lies just over the border on the Spanish side. There is also a small shelter near Boundary Marker 62. An optional 15-minute detour leads to the summit of Soum de Lèche (1839 m). The Grotte de la Verna, a massive cave chamber accessible by guided tour, lies 1 km (¾ hr) off the main trail and requires prior booking ([https://laverna.fr laverna.fr]). From the pass, descend to the first switchback, then turn right off the main track. The trail passes under two chairlifts and continues along the northern flank of the Pic d'Arlas. When you spot three large concrete water tanks, descend to the staffed mountain hut at Refuge Jeandel. The ski resort village of {{Marker|name=La Pierre Saint-Martin|wikidata=Q3211628|type=city}} is about 15 minutes off the trail and offers additional services. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge Jeandel|address=La Pierre Saint Martin, 64570 Arette|url=https://www.refugejeandel.com/|lat=42.97829371796861|long=-0.7493627209784663|content=Altitude 1670 m. Dormitory accommodation from €18; half-board from €42.50. Staffed in summer.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Tourist Office La Pierre Saint-Martin|address=Maison de la Pierre, 75 D332, 64570 Arette|phone=+33 5 59 66 20 09|url=https://www.lapierrestmartin.com/|lat=42.97735500762936|long=-0.744495054007273|content=Open only during the French summer holidays (mid-July to late August). Provides info on local lodging and two campervan pitches. Served by seasonal Bus 807 between Arette and Oloron-Sainte-Marie.}} === Refuge Jeandel - Lescun === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 5½-6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1200 m This is a challenging stage, but the scenery is magnificent. Several rocky mountain paths are equipped with cables for safety. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Pas de l'Osque|lat=42.9702182168491|long=-0.7089944097203539}} (1922 m), which requires a head for heights. The trail continues to the Pas d'Azuns (1873 m; 2¾ hr), and a good first rest stop with water is the spring near the Cabane du Cap de la Baitch (1689 m; 3 hr). In wet weather, descending to {{Marker|type=city|name=Lescun|wikidata=Q179737}} (895 m) via the road is recommended, as the GR-10 becomes muddy and difficult to navigate. From Lescun, the HRP route offers a very demanding variant over the Col d'Anie back toward Cabane du Cap de la Baitch. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Centre de l'Abérouat|url=http://aberouat.fr/|lat=42.95041471194407|long=-0.6658390953581508|content=Staffed hut with a bar. Offers 20 rooms (2-5 beds each). Free tent camping nearby (bathrooms in the hut available for a fee). Best suited for groups; solo walkers must book in advance.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Maison de la Montagne|lat=42.934247039|long=-0.63524507931|address=1 ruelle de la Congasse, 64490 Lescun|phone=+33 6 88 06 95 29|url=https://www.maisondelamontagne64.com/|content=Comfortable accommodation for hikers in the centre of Lescun.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping - Gîte du Lauzart|address=Bordé de Mougnague, 64490 Lescun|phone=+33 5 59 34 51 77|url=https://www.camping-gite-lescun-pyrenees.com/|lat=42.92782183157741|long=-0.6421994110320027|content=Along the D340. About 20 minutes into the next stage. Open April-September. Campsite €14 + €4 per adult. 25 dorm beds available for €16; half board €42.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Tourist Office for the Vallée |lat=42.9990368924|long=-0.60057615194|url=https://www.pyrenees-bearnaises.com/explorer/nature/|phone=+33 5 59 34 57 57|content=Located in Bedous. Provides information on the surrounding region.}} === Lescun - Etsaut === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 5½-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 850 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1150 m The trail begins easily through pastoral countryside, then enters forested terrain, passing the [https://www.gite-camping-lhers.com/ Gîte d'étape and campsite on the Plateau de Lhers] (2 hr), and climbing to the Col de Barrancq (1601 m; 3¾ hr). From the Col de Barrancq, a side trip leads to the summit of Pic de Labigouer (2175 m), which takes just under 3 hours round-trip. Lower down in the Parc d'Orce, within the commune of {{Marker|type=city|name=Borçe|wikidata=Q840474}} (5¾ hr), lives the majority of the region's ~50 brown bears. The Gîte le Communal offers accommodation here. The stage ends in {{listing|type=city|name=Etsaut|wikidata=Q765829|content=Altitude 597 m. Located on the N-134 and served by the Canfranc-Oloron-Saint-Marie bus line. The former train station now houses the Pyrenees National Park visitor center. Accommodation available in the Gîte d'étape la Garbure behind the church (53 beds).}} Just outside Etsaut, the {{Marker|type=see|name=Fort du Portalet|wikidata=Q3078387}} clings dramatically to the cliffs in two tiers, spanning a height difference of 150 m. * {{listing|type=see|name=Refuge animalier à Borce|url=https://parc-ours.fr/|lat=42.9045174060618|long=-0.5745664608466107|content=open 10:00-18:00; admission €12. It functions as an educational wildlife refuge}} === Etsaut - Gabas === ; Distance : 24 km ; Duration : 9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1640 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1210 m The trail begins with the dramatic Chemin de la Mâture, a path carved into the rock face. It is not passable in icy or snowy conditions. You reach Grange Perry (1210 m) after 2 hours. A quarter of an hour later, at a junction, keep left. After 3½ hours, you arrive at the Cabane de la Baight de St-Cours (1560 m; shepherds only, June-September), located at the border. About 4 hours in, you cross a stream on a bridge. This is the last water source before the high pass. The highest point of the stage is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Ayous|wikidata=Q2981981}} (2185 m; 5½ hr or more). On its eastern slope lie the Ayous Lakes, including the scenic Refuge d'Ayous. It's an ideal place to break this long stage. The Col d'Ayous also marks a transition point between valleys: from the Chemin de la Mâture and Baigt de Sencours in the Aspe Valley to Bious-Artigues (1540 m) in the Ossau Valley, where pony rides and canoe rentals are available on the eastern shore. The lake is 6½ km from the pass (↧ 764 m). From the pass, you can also summit Pic d'Ayous (add 30 min up and down), or detour 6 km to Lac Bersau — a longer alternative via the Vallon d'Aas is 9 km. From the lake, descend on the D231 road, which includes switchbacks that can be shortcut. (Note: Refuge de Gabas is permanently closed.) The stage ends in {{Marker|name=Gabas|wikidata=Q5515276|type=city}}, which offers two accommodations and a bar, but no grocery store. Located on bus route 806/806bis from Col de Portalet via Gabas to Laruns (15 km). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Ayous|url=https://www.refuge-ayous.fr/en-gb|lat=42.84844763797708|long=-0.4911758258903634|10 minutes off the GR10 near Lac Gentau (6½ hr). This refuge offers 47 beds and tent spaces and is open from mid-May to the first week of October.}} === Gabas - Gourette === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9-10 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1150 m This is a long and difficult stage, not suitable for children. The Corniche des Alhas section requires a head for heights. Snow may linger into summer, making it hard to follow the waymarks. Water is scarce during the first four hours. The trail follows the D934 road to the Artouste dam, then climbs through forest paths (1¼ hr). Some parts pass through cliff-side ledges carved into the rock — the Corniche des Alhas — which have fixed cables for safety. An easier alternative bypasses the Corniche via the Pont du Goua and the Gave de Soussouéou. After 1¾ hr, you reach a bridge near the Gave de Soussouéou waterfalls (1145 m). From here, a steep trail leads up to Houn de Mouscabarous (1361 m; 2¾ hr), continuing uphill to Petite Arcizette (2293 m). Snow may persist at these elevations until July. After 6½-7 hr, you arrive at the Hourquette d'Arre (2465 m). Important: The path shown on some maps to the Géougue d'Arre (2619 m) is a mountaineering route, not a hiking trail. An alternative route avoids the Hourquette d'Arre altogether: from the Cabane de Cézy, follow the red-and-white GR10 then switch to the red/yellow-marked GRP Tour de la Vallée d'Ossau, over the Col de Lurdé to Eaux-Bonnes (overnight possible) and Gourette (also served by Bus 806). The GR10 does not go directly to Lac d'Uzious, but instead heads roughly north-northeast across a plateau, before turning east to descend. After about 8 hours, you reach Lac d'Anglas (2068 m), from where the trail continues along the outflow, then branches off to the right. After over 9 hours, you arrive in the ski resort of {{Marker|type=city|name=Gourette|wikidata=Q1540224|url=https://www.gourette.com/en/}} (1350 m). Ski resort with two supermarkets; gas cartridges available at Intersport. Mostly closed outside the main season. Served in-season by Bus 806 (twice daily) from Parking Gourette Nord to Eaux-Bonnes, Laruns, and Pau. If needed, you can exit the trail early at the upper parking area (which has a bus stop) and start the next stage from there. * {{listing|type=sleep|lat=42.9595015138|long=-0.333960997149|name=Chalet-refuge CAF|phone=+33 5 59 05 10 56|url=https://chaletdegourette.ffcam.fr/|content=Mountain refuge with 32 beds in 4 dorms. €16.50/night (€8.25 for Alpine Club members) + €0.90 tourist tax.}} === Gourette - Arrens-Marsous === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m This is a relatively easy stage that crosses two mountain passes: the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Tortes|lat=42.959773462638644|long=-0.3187601158279607}} (1799 m; 1¾ hr), and later, after crossing the D918 (popular with cyclists but too busy to follow safely), the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Saucède|lat=42.95972945620746|long=-0.31869998400517197}} (1525 m; 3 hr 20 min). Ten minutes after descending from this second pass, you'll reach a restaurant and gîte de séjour at the Col de Soulor on the D918 road. From Col de Saucède, hikers can also make a short detour to summit the Pointe de Surgatte (1805 m; 90-100 minutes round trip). Near the Pont de Lapadé, you can either cross the Gave d'Arrens or continue down into the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Arrens-Marsous|wikidata=Q1110649}}. Features tourist information and public toilets at the Maison Val d'Azun (Tel. +33 5 62 97 49 49). The village also has an outdoor swimming pool. A hiking festival, [https://www.eldorando.fr/ Eldorado], is held every two years for four days in late May. Call +33 800 65 65 00 by 17:00 the day before for weekday on-demand shuttle service to Lourdes. Points of interest include the Romanesque Saint-Pierre Church (parts dating to 1200) and the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Pouey-Laün, a pilgrimage chapel located 600 m south along the D105. The area is part of both the Natura 2000 conservation network (Gabizos and the Arrens Valley) and the core zone of the Pyrenees National Park. For a longer option, you can extend this stage to Gîte les Viellettes (2¼ h further), making a total of 20.5 km (8½ hr; ↥ 1250 m, ↧ 1530 m). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=GCU Campground|address=26 Rue des Paus, 65400 Arrens-Marsous|lat=42.9573380888|long=-0.213247116377|phone=+33 5 62 97 43 06|url=https://www.gcu.asso.fr/terrains/arrens-marsous-hautes-pyrénées-65|content=Simple tent campground on the edge of town.}} === Arrens-Marsous - Refuge d'Ilhéou === ; Distance : 20 km ; Duration : 6¾-7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 500 m From Arrens-Marsous (3½ km from the previous endpoint), you can follow the official GR10 or the more scenic GR de Pays Tour du Val d'Azun. The latter is slightly shorter but includes more climbs. Both routes rejoin shortly before the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape les Viellettes|lat=42.9219519144924|long=-0.1818867608457627}} (2¼ h; 15 beds). About 700 m further on is the simple tent site La Pose (open May-September). The official GR10 route passes through {{Marker|type=city|name=Estaing|wikidata=Q589628}}, a commune that includes three Natura 2000 protected areas: “Gaves de Pau et de Cauterets,” “Moun Né de Cauterets, Pic de Cabaliros,” and “Péguère, Barbat, Cambalès.” From here, the trail enters the core zone of the Pyrenees National Park. You ascend toward Lac d'Estaing. Just before the lake is a guesthouse open Thursday-Sunday, 09:00-17:00 (summer only). On the far shore is another restaurant (open 10:00-18:00) and Camping Intercommunal. Brave hikers may try a swim in the cold waters. The trail now climbs steeply through forest to the Cabane d'Arriousec (1400 m; 4 hr). Another hour uphill takes you past the Cabanes de Barbat (left of the path), then a final climb brings you to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Ilhéou|wikidata=Q2981991}} (2242 m; 6 hr or more). Just 5 minutes below the pass, you can turn left to reach the Crête du Lys, where the Courbet cable car operates in July and August. This offers access to the ski resort Cauterets-Le Lys (with a summer luge track) or direct descent into the town of Cauterets. On foot, descend to the stream near the Cabanes d'Arras (6½-7 hr). Turn right there and cross two more streams. The path then descends to Lac d'Ilhéou. At the lake's northern shore is the staffed Refuge d'Ilhéou. A designated bivouac area (aire de bivouac) is located about 10 minutes further south along the lake. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Ilhéou (Refuge Raymond-Ritter)|url=https://www.refuge-ilheou.csvss.fr/en/home|phone=+33 5 62 92 07 18|lat=42.86604614112533|long=-0.17358356545105466|content=Altitude 1988 m. 22 beds. Open from late May to late September.}} === Refuge d'Ilhéou - Cauterets === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 2½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 75 ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m This is a leisurely downhill walk that brings you gently back to civilization in {{Marker|type=city|name=Cauterets|url=https://www.cauterets.com/en/?to_lang=en|wikidata=Q366962}}. Scenic spa town with plenty of amenities, including a historic wooden railway station (now closed), a cinema, casino, and more. The tourist office is open M-Sa from 09:00-12:30 and 14:00-18:00. A special Office de la Montagne - Terre d'Alpinisme opens during the summer season. Cauterets flourished during the late 19th and early 20th centuries thanks to its thermal springs. The municipality operates two spas: Thermes de César in the village center and Thermes des Griffons in nearby La Raillère. Accommodation options include three gîtes d'étape and Camping la Prairie. Local buses run every 30 minutes from June to October. Regional connections are available to Lourdes, Luz-Saint-Sauveur, and Gavarnie. A shuttle to Pont d'Espagne departs four times daily from the old train station. The 30 km former railway line from Pierrefitte to Cauterets has been converted into a multi-use bike and hiking path. === Cauterets - Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 100 m This is a demanding stage. From Cauterets, take the path behind the Thermes de César and head south. After 1¼ hr you reach the hamlet of La Raillère (1044 m), where there are restaurants and a sulfur spa. Cross the bridge and continue up into the Val de Jéret, passing several waterfalls. The trail leads to the Hôtellerie du Pont d'Espagne (3 hr). From there, descend briefly along the road before turning right and ascending into the valley toward Lac de Gaube (1725 m, 4 hr). The path crosses the stream three times via bridges as you continue toward the refuge. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube|wikidata=Q109042828}} === Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube - Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400 m About 50 m from the refuge, the trail begins a steady one-hour climb over rocky terrain. At a fork (65 min), stay right and continue ascending. The {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Hourquette d'Ossoue|wikidata=Q3141336}} (2734 m) marks the highest point on the entire GR10. Even in mid-summer, snow often lingers here. After 20 minutes of descent, you reach the Refuge Baysselance. '''Ascending Vignemale from here via the Glacier d'Ossoue is only for experienced mountaineers.''' From the pass, the route heads southeast, passing the Grottes de Bellevue (2420 m; 3 hr), artificial caves carved in 1880 by the explorer Henry Russell. The trail descends steeply to a stream, then follows it into a boulder field fed by glacial melt from the Glacier d'Ossoue. The descent into the valley involves frequent climbs around cliffs and waterfalls. You enter the Vallée de la Canau (5 hr or more) and pass the Cabane de Sausse-Dessus. The next hour includes more ups and downs until you reach the Cabane des Tousaus (6¾ hr or more). From there, cross a final ridge to reach the D923 road and descend to the stage endpoint, Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle. If you need more accommodation or supplies, continue to the main village of {{Marker|name=Gavarnie|wikidata=Q917894|type=city}}. From Gavarnie, you can take a day trip (or a bus from Luz-Saint-Sauveur) into the famed Cirque de Gavarnie. It's also possible to ascend Le Taillon (3146 m) from here for experienced climbers. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge Baysselance|url=https://refugebayssellance.ffcam.fr/|wikidata=Q3423105|content=(2651 m), which offers 58 beds and is staffed from mid-May to mid-October}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle|address=Route de Boucharo, 65120 Gavarnie-Gèdre|phone=+33 5 62 92 48 77|url=https://chaletlagrangedeholle.ffcam.fr/|lat=42.73944609127333|long=-0.022728732019354148|wikidata=Q98753937|content=Altitude 1480 m. Staffed hut with 62 beds.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Tourist Office|address=Le Village, 65120 Gavarnie-Gèdre|phone=+33 5 62 92 49 10|url=https://www.valleesdegavarnie.com/gavarnie-gedre/|lat=42.73535586856976|long=-0.01029304645524754|content=Open 09:00-12:00 and 14:00-17:00; closed Sundays and Thursdays.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte Le Gypaète|lat=42.7359592315|long=-0.0108405014067|phone=+33 5 62 92 40 61|content=Simple hiker accommodation in Gavarnie village.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Bergerie|address=Chemin du Cirque, 65120 Gavarnie-Gèdre|url=https://www.camping-la-bergerie-gavarnie.com/|lat=42.72774008829836|long=-0.0075991966546184704|content=Open early June to late September. Located near the entrance to the Cirque de Gavarnie.}} === Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle - Luz-Saint-Sauveur === ; Distance : 26 km ; Duration : 8-9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 700-900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1500-1660 m Starting from Gavarnie village (via the D128 road) instead of the refuge shortens the route by 3 km (approx. 1 hr). The trail first leads to the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape le Saugué|url=https://www.gite-gavarnie-pyrenees.com/|lat=42.76864577103755|long=-0.005915232017950625}}, located on the Plateau Soula de Saugue (1¾ hr). This is a good option to break up the stage — the gîte has 21 beds and is open May to October. The route winds northward, passing the Soum Haut (3¾ h), then descends gradually along the western slope of the Gavarnie Valley. After 5¾-6 hr, you reach the D921 road. Cross the Gave de Gavarnie via the Pont d'Esdouroucats and ascend again to a path above the highway. From the south, you enter {{Marker|type=city|name=Luz-Saint-Sauveur|wikidata=Q35721506|url=https://www.luz.org/en/}} via the Pont Napoléon (755 m; 7½ hr), a dramatic bridge across the gorge. Well-equipped mountain town. The town has several historic churches, as well as a campsite with a grocery store. The Prime Meridian passes about 100 m east of the center. Numerous lodgings, 6 campgrounds, 2 supermarkets, and Intersport (gas cartridges). Bus 965 connects to Cauterets, Lourdes, and Tarbes. Bus to Barèges also available. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Saint Bazerque|address=Sia|phone=+33 5 62 92 49 93|url=https://campingsaintbazerque.eatbu.com/?lang=de|lat=42.83178828384746|long=0.0015462182938111647|content=Campground with grocery shop (mountain cheese), bar, and caravan spaces. Open 08:00-17:00.}} === Luz-Saint-Sauveur - Barèges === ; Distance : 12 km ; Duration : 4½-5 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m To extend this stage, continue to Refuge d'Aygues Cluses for a total of 19 km (7½ hr; ↥ 1560 m, ↧ 140 m). Though short, this stage begins with a relatively long and steep ascent. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Ruisseau de Bolou|lat=42.858690489195055|long=0.06773411839157908}} (1460 m). On the descent, hikers can stop for refreshments at the [https://refugedelaglere.ffcam.fr/ Refuge de la Glère]. This stage ends at {{Marker|type=city|name=Barèges|wikidata=Q632058|url=https://www.mairie-bareges.fr/en/}}. Composed of the hamlets of Artigalas and Cazaous, Barèges serves as a spa and mountain village. The local river, the Bastan, is called the gave. Note: the Jardin botanique du Tourmalet and the 1930s funicular are now closed. The town's website includes an accommodation and restaurant directory * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape l'Oasis|lat=42.897422977|long=0.067278671719|address=2 Passage des Toys|phone=+33 5 62 92 69 47|url=https://www.gite-oasis.fr/|content=Open June-September, and also December-April during ski season (Barèges is part of the Domaine du Tourmalet ski area).}} === Barèges - Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : route-dependent 7¾-9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m The trail begins by climbing above the road toward the ski station at Tournaboup (1 hr). It then veers south and ascends steadily. Good stopping points include the Cabane d'Aygues and, 10 km further on, the Chalet-Hôtel d'Orédon. This stage enters the Néouvielle Nature Reserve, where dogs and wild camping are strictly forbidden. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Madamète|wikidata=Q102076283}} (2509 m). From there, the path descends between alpine lakes: {{Marker|type=see|name=Lac d'Aumar|wikidata=Q3215322}} and Lac d'Aubert (5¾ h, 2190 m). A shuttle bus runs up to this point in high season, and there's an info panel at the end of the access road. Here, the trail splits into two variants: * Variant 1: continues along Lac d'Aumar * Variant 2: detours south to the tip of Lac d'Aubert, then along the northern shore of Les Laguettes and Lac d'Orédon (6¾ h, 1856 m; camping and hotel at the south end) Both variants rejoin at the Cap d'Estoudou pass (2260 m), followed by a steep descent. A short detour from the pass allows for an ascent of Soump de Montpelat (↥ 214 m). The path continues steeply downhill to Lac de l'Oule (1821 m; 7¾ hr or more). From here, head right to reach Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Cabane d'Aygues|url=https://refugeayguescluses.wordpress.com/|lat=42.87577795732996|long=0.15008320916912823}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Chalet-Hôtel d'Orédon|url=https://www.chalet-oredon.fr/|lat=42.82616251586139|long=0.1692328508499207|content=open June 1 - Sept 30; 88 beds}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule|url=https://refugedeloule.fr/|lat=42.824769697482445|long=0.20752501478344024|content=Altitude 1819 m. Located at the dam wall. Open mid-June to mid-September. 20 beds and a bar.}} === Refuge-Hôtel de l'Oule - Vielle-Aure === ; Distance : 17-18 km ; Duration : 5-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 460 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400-1500 m From the refuge, the route follows the western shore of Lac de l'Oule. GR10C variant: After 1½ hr, there is a signed detour to the [http://refugedebastan.fr/ Cabane de Bastan]. The main trail turns directly east and climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Portet|wikidata=Q42178369}} (2215 m; 2¾ hr). From here, it continues eastward, descending gently to the Pla de Castillon, then more steeply down to the D918 road (4½ hr or more) and onward to the stage endpoint {{Marker|type=city|name=Vielle-Aure|wikidata=Q1323900|url=https://vielleaure.com/}}, an historic village with two Romanesque churches: Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Pierre (in the Agos neighbourhood), both dating to the 12th century. Bus connections to Saint-Lary-Soulan and Lannemezan (35 km). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Hôtel Aurélia|lat=42.825852030|long=0.32776424175|phone=+33 5 62 39 56 90|url=https://www.hotel-aurelia.com/|content=Simple, hiker-friendly hotel in town.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping La Mousquère|lat=42.8273932992|long=0.33590955638|address=Nougaro, Autun, 65170 Bourisp|url=https://www.campinglamousquere.com/|content=Open May 8 - last weekend of September.}} * There are three more campsites within 2 km north along the river valley. Just 1 km south, the larger and livelier {{Marker|name=Saint-Lary-Soulan|wikidata=Q1323323|type=city}} offers a broader range of shops, accommodations, and services. The tourist information office is at the roundabout in the center; the supermarket is across the street. The wooden bus stop shelter is discreetly located about 50 m away, opposite the modern church on Avenue des Thermes. === Vielle-Aure - Germ === ; Distance : 13 km ; Duration : 4¾-5¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1170 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 630-700 m This is a straightforward, though poorly marked, stage that runs parallel to the D225 up to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Azet|wikidata=Q2981982}} (1600 m). From the pass, the route continues down to [https://www.vallee-du-louron.com/fr Loudenvielle], a village with shops, an outdoor pool, and the Balnéa Spa complex (open 14:00-19:30; €21 for 2 hours). Note: during the [https://www.pyreneesbikefestival.com/ Pyrenees Bike Festival] in early September, the area is overrun with mountain bikers. The final 2-3 km involve a climb of about 220 m up to the hamlet of {{Marker|name=Germ|wikidata=Q1094205|type=city}}. Altitude 1339 m. A small village with 34 year-round residents, but many second homes and guest beds. Two old churches are worth visiting. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Centre de Montagne de Germ|lat=42.793610431|long=0.425057973260|address=D130|phone=+33 5 62 99 65 27|url=https://www.germ-louron.com/|content=Open year-round. 70 beds in a large mountain center.}} * Auberge de Germ, a guesthouse with 11 rooms (33 beds), open year-round. * {{listing|type=see|name=Peyresourde-Balestas Airfield (Aérodrome de Peyragudes)|wikidata=Q5659350|content=Also known as Altiport 007, as a James Bond film was shot here in 1997. The 470 m runway has a 15% gradient and is also used for paragliding.}} === Germ - Lac d'Oô === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 6-7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1060 m This stage and the next are strenuous. They can be divided into thirds with overnight stops at the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Granges d'Astau|lat=42.76352657695474|long=0.5024399621092607}} (open May-Oct; 26 beds) and the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Espingo|url=https://refugedespingo.ffcam.fr/|wikidata=Q104413940}} (1967 m; 44 beds, mid-May-Oct; 15 emergency shelter places off-season). Camping is allowed near the lake. Around the refuge is a “classic” mountaineering loop over the Pic des Spijeoles (3008 m), Grand Quayrat (3060 m), down to Lac du Portillon (2571 m) and the glacial Lac Glacé d'Oô (2664 m). After the initial climb out of Germ, you enter the Val d'Aube. Follow the river on the left-hand side; after 1¾ hr, across the valley (250 m away), lies the Cabane d'Ourtiga (1610 m). The route ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Couret d'Esquierry|lat=42.75523440839548|long=0.4627935235857289}} (2131 m; 3½ hr), where you cross into the Haute-Garonne department. After 4 hr, you reach the Cabane du Val d'Esquierry. From there, follow the D76 road down to the Granges d'Astau and an auberge (1139 m; 5 hr). In July and August, a morning bus runs up from Luchon and returns in the evening. The stage ends at {{Marker|type=see|name=Lac d'Oô|wikidata=Q3215352}}, a scenic 42-hectare lake situated at an altitude of 1,507 m within the Natura 2000 reserve “Vallées du Lis, de la Pique et d'Oô.” Renowned since the 19th century for its spectacular waterfall, the lake is a popular destination for its natural beauty. Due to its protected status, camping, swimming, and dogs are not permitted in the area. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Lac d'Oô|address=|phone=+33 7 84 56 55 88|lat=42.744558752|long=0.490915210685|content=Reached in about 6 hr. By the lake shore at 1504 m.}} === Lac d'Oô - Bagnères-de-Luchon === ; Distance : 19-21 km ; Duration : 7-9¼ h ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000-1130 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1900-2000 m After Refuge d'Espingo, the trail becomes more difficult, with several rocky scree sections. You skirt the northern slopes of Hourquette des Hounts-Secs (2275 m). Optional detour: From here, a 15-minute ascent (each way) leads to Cap de Bassiéret. You continue over the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Coume de Bourg|lat=42.787224318|long=0.51785762473}} (2272 m, 4¾ hr or more), which may retain snow well into the summer. Optional summit detours from the pass: * Pic Céciré, 45 minutes up and down to the north * Subescale, 40 minutes up and down to the south After 5½+ hours, you reach (1802 m) Superbagnères, a summer-only (July-August) mountain hotel serving the ski area. While it offers meals and lodging, prices are high. The massive historic building can also be reached by gondola lift from Luchon, replacing the old cog railway. The {{Marker|type=go|name=Gondola base station in Luchon|lat=42.78789198327501|long=0.5908142174347624}} is located on the western edge of town and operates daily from 08:30 to 18:00 during the summer season. If descending on foot, it is a steep 1200 m drop to reach {{Marker|name=Bagnères-de-Luchon|wikidata=Q238393|type=city}}. This spa town marks the end of the central Pyrenean segment of the GR10. Regular bus services run to Montréjeau, where you can connect by train to Toulouse. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Superbagnères|url=https://www.villagesclubsdusoleil.com/fr/nos-destinations/hiver/sejour-a-la-montagne/superbagneres|wikidata=Q844809}} === Bagnères-de-Luchon - Artigue === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 2½-3 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 50 m From the church in Luchon, head left along the footpath by the L'One river, crossing the road bridge toward Juzet-de-Luchon. Optional detour: Visit the waterfall in Juzet-de-Luchon. The trail continues via Sode to the day's highest point at the stage destination {{Marker|name=Artigue|wikidata=Q1088729|type=city}}. Altitude 1230 m. A small mountain village with a municipal gîte d'étape, open year-round, offering 12 dormitory beds and evening meals at the on-site restaurant. === Artigue - Fos === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 7½-8½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1100 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1750 m The first half of this stage is a steady climb of over 1000 meters, initially on a gravel track. After 1¼ hours, you reach the Cabane de Saunères (1660 m), a basic mountain shelter. One hour later, you arrive at the Col de Peyrehitte (1947 m). The trail continues along an exposed ridge around the Pic de Bacanère (2193 m; 3 hr or more), passing border markers 402-404. After the Col d'Aou (2093 m; 3½-4 hr), the trail descends gradually across open alpine meadows. At the Cabane d'Artigue (5 hr or more), potable water is available. Below this point, the path winds down gently through a series of switchbacks, eventually crossing a road bridge into {{Marker|name=Fos|wikidata=Q1349025|type=city}}. Altitude 544 m. Small village with weekday bus service to Melles and Saint-Gaudens (railway connections to Pau and Toulouse). Alternative route (former GR10): From the Cabane d'Artigue, you can divert to the Cabane d'Artiguessans, then descend steeply to the Ruisseau de la Batch before climbing back up to rejoin the GR10. This saves about 15 minutes and 70 m of elevation gain. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte de Fos|wikidata=Q3162431|lat=42.873845424|long=0.73442375047|phone=+33 5 61 94 98 59|content=Offers 20 dormitory beds, open year-round.}} === Fos - Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing === ; Distance : 18 km ; Duration : 6½-8 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1700 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m It's a good idea to stock up on supplies in {{Marker|name=Melles|wikidata=Q1616421|type=city}}, which you reach after about 45 minutes. From the old customs house, the trail climbs steeply. Auberge de Crabère offers a comfortable stop. * {{listing|type=see|name=Botanical Garden (À Fleur de Montagne)|wikidata=Q3162431|url=https://mairie-de-melles.wixsite.com/mairie-de-melles/le-jardin-botanique|content=Small but charming community-run garden specializing in Pyrenean alpine flora. Open in summer, 10:00-19:00.}} From Melles, a narrow road leads uphill to the last farmhouse at Labach (2¼ hr). The next 2 hours or more are mostly through forest, climbing steadily. After about 5 hours, you reach the Cabane d'Uls shelter. The path continues uphill to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Pas du Bouc}} (2170 m; 6+ h). Optional summit detour: From here, the {{Marker|type=see|name=Pic de Crabère|wikidata=Q3382364}} (2629 m) can be climbed in about 90 minutes round-trip. Brown bears have been reintroduced to this area. The highest point of the day is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Auéran|lat=42.835385392840536|long=0.860341080714231}} (2176 m), which also marks the border into the Ariège department. From here, it's a quick descent to Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing|url=http://www.refuge-araing.fr/|wikidata=Q3423195|content=Altitude 1956 m. Open June 1 to October 5. 52 beds, plus a 12-bed shelter area available off-season. Advance bookings accepted for groups on the two weekends before/after opening.}} === Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing - Eylie-d'en-Haut === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 3-4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1320 m From the lake and refuge, the trail climbs to the Serre d'Araing (2221 m; 1 hr). Optional detour: Summit of Pic de l'Har (2424 m), approximately 50 minutes round-trip. The descent into the valley follows faintly marked trails to the left of the power lines. Along the way, you'll encounter remnants of former lead mining operations. After about 2¾ hours, you cross a bridge and reach {{Marker|name=Eylie d'en Haut|wikidata=Q134078264|type=city}}, a small hamlet with a 14-bed hut, picnic area, and a basic campsite located by the Lez river. === Eylie-d'en-Haut - Maison du Valier, Pla de la Lau === ; Distance : 17 km ; Duration : 8¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1700 m A strenuous stage with no food or lodging options along the way. The trail starts by crossing the Lez river, then turns sharply left and begins to climb through open terrain. After about 50 minutes, you cross a stream and ascend through forest for just over an hour. In autumn, the woods are full of blueberries—a favourite of the brown bears reintroduced here in the 1990s. At a stone shelter (1660 m; 2½ hr), the trail forks. The GR10 continues to the right, up to the Col de l'Arech (1802 m; 3 hr or more). From there, the path turns left. Optional detours: * South to Tuc de Cagonilles (2196 m; 80 minutes round trip) * From there, to the challenging Mail de Bulard (2750 m; 3 hours round trip) After a short ridge walk, descend to the shepherd's hut Cabane d'Arech (1638 m; 3½ hr). From here, follow the access track down, then branch left down a steep, gorse-covered slope. After 4 hours, you reach a stream. About 40 minutes later, the ruins of Flouquet (1680 m) come into view. Continue to Cabane de Besset (1540 m; 6 hr or more), then ascend again for 45 minutes to Cabane Clot du Lac (1821 m; 7 hr). Passing the huts Cabane du Trapech-du-Milieu (1540 m) and Cabane de l'Artigue, you arrive at Maison du Valier. The Mont Valier massif is a protected area of interest to birdwatchers. It hosts a variety of mountain bird species, including rare birds of prey, bearded vultures, and alpine species such as ptarmigans, black grouse, and capercaillie. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Maison du Valier|lat=42.83084702593266|long=1.032510054490613|url=https://maison-valier.fr/|wikidata=|content=Altitude 927 m, located on the Pla de la Lau. Open March-October. Reception hours 16:00-19:30. 40 beds.}} === Maison du Valier, Pla de la Lau - Esbintz === ; Distance : 18 km ; Duration : 7¼-9¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200-1350 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300-1490 m A demanding stage with significant elevation gain and loss. The trail climbs from Maison du Valier, following the high northern slopes along the ridges of Cap de Lauses (1892 m), Pic de Crabère (1925 m), and the Col d'Auédole (1730 m). After more than 7 hours, you arrive at {{Marker|type=city|lat=42.85332|long=1.14584|name=Esbintz}}. === Esbintz - Refuge d'Aula === ; Distance : 19 km ; Duration : 6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 500 m This and the following stage offer spectacular scenery in good weather. From Esbintz, follow the D817 for the first 2 km to Borde de Galy. From here, you could take a detour to Seix (4 km) by continuing on the D817, then the D37, and turning right onto the D3, where you'll rejoin the GR10 near the Pont du Salat. Continue mostly downhill through the countryside, crossing the Pont du Salat to reach Moulin Lauga (550 m; 2 hr), which has a bakery and picnic area. Alternatively, you can rest 1½ h later at the Auberge des Deux Rivières. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Esbintz|url=https://www.gite-ferme-esbintz.fr/|lat=42.85315143224526|long=1.1459188949749635|content=850 m. Dormitory with 10 beds. Open May-November.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge des Deux Rivières|phone=+33 5 61 66 83 57|url=https://www.aubergedesdeuxrivieres.com/|lat=42.83210657498069|long=1.1982318103146805|content=Open late May to late September}} === Refuge d'Aula - Rouze === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 4½-5 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 700 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m Fit hikers can combine this stage with the previous one from Gîte d'étape d'Aunac (787 m), resulting in a 30 km day with 11¼ hf walking time (↥ 1750, ↧ 1580 m). From Refuge d'Aula, it's a steep but manageable 1½ hr ascent to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Bouche d'Aula|lat=42.77695825493033|long=1.1180083284724134}} (1998 m), then a descent to the Étang d'Areau, 100 m lower. Optional: The Pic des Aymesses (2036 m) can be climbed from the east side of the lake. A farm road leads down to Faup, with shortcuts along the switchbacks, for instance near the Cabane d'Areau. Slightly below the Col de Pause (1527 m; 2¼ hr), there is a parking area. The {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Camp site Rigaux Philippe|lat=42.78997920829053|long=1.178432115744275}} lies just below the hamlet of Faup. From Faup, descend along the D708 toward {{Marker|name=Couflens|wikidata=Q1142090|type=city}}, but before reaching the D3 junction, cross the bridge and climb on the opposite slope to Gîte de Rouze d'Ustou. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte de Rouze d'Ustou|lat=42.789696616|long=1.20592416901|address=Prat de la Moule, Rouze d'Ustou, 09140 Couflens|phone=+33561669545|url=https://www.ferme-de-rouze.fr/|content=16 beds. Cheese from the farm. Open mid-June to mid-September.}} === Rouze - Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou === ; Distance : 8.4 km ; Duration : 3-4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m Follow the stream uphill for about 1¾ hr to reach the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Serre du Cot}} (1546 m). Optional side trips: * To the south, ascend the Pic de la Tese (2255 m; ↥↧ 3 hr or more). * To the north, climb the Tuc de Peyre Mensongère (1711 m; ↥↧ 40 min). From the pass, descend left onto a forest path, passing a few ruined farmhouses. The route eventually reaches the D38 road and leads into {{Marker|type=city|name=Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou|wikidata=Q109571916}}. === Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou - Aulus-les-Bains === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9 hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400 m The hike begins at the southern end of Saint-Lizier. After crossing the pedestrian bridge, the trail climbs southeast to the Col de Fitté (1387 m), a former ski area. From there, it continues along the right side of the slope. One alternative route begins at {{listing|type=city|name=Bidous|lat=42.78257178128407|long=1.2700395937419484}}, following the Alet river south and then climbing steeply for over 2 hours to reach the Col de Fitté, where it rejoins the GR 10. The trail curves around the southwest side of the Picou de la Mire (1741 m) and reaches the Col d'Escots (1618 m) after 3¾ hr. The nearby Chalet de Beauregard restaurant is open from late May to September, 10:00-23:00. Afterwards, the path continues up and down along steep slopes until it reaches the Ruisseau de Fouillet valley (4½ hr). The Jasse du Fouillet crossing (1170 m) is reached after at least 5 h. For a shorter option, follow the yellow-red waymarks of the Tour du Val du Garbet. This leads to the D8F road and directly into Aulus-les-Bains (7 hr from Saint-Lizier). The main route continues toward the plateau of Souliou and the Pic du Mont Rouge (1600 m). A side trip to Étang de Guzet offers a possible bivouac site. The trail then descends toward the Ruisseau d'Ars (1485 m), crosses a bridge, and continues downward. After a second bridge (8½ hr), the path becomes easier. A final bridge, Pont de la Mouline, crosses the Garbet River just before the trail enters {{Marker|type=city|name=Aulus-les-Bains|wikidata=Q1082493|url=https://www.loubet.fr/saint-lizier.html}}, a small spa town with a mini market at the traffic circle near the bridge and a tourist office next door. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte Pyrénées AAA|lat=42.779696032|long=1.2690230044|url=https://giteslareng.net/|address=Lareng, 09140 Ustou|phone=+33967838934|content=14 places in upscale cottages for 2-4 people.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Cascade d'Ars|lat=42.762922493744796|long=1.3615038669340882|content=260 m high waterfalls in multiple tiers, located 4½ km from Aulus. Takes 3-9 hr round-trip to hike to them (↥ 530 m).}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping municipal le Coulédous|lat= 42.7940356892|long=1.3321660893|url=http://www.camping-aulus-couledous.com/|content=Also offers bungalows for 4-7 people. The gîte d'étape is a 12-person tent.}} === Aulus-les-Bains - Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès === ; Distance : 11 km ; Duration : 5 hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m The route climbs out of Aulus-les-Bains to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Port de Saleix|lat=42.78143117676052|long=1.4043285766664242}}, where you'll find the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Refuge de Carol|lat=42.7813|long=1.4146}}. From here, the ascent becomes steeper. The following section to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Port de Bassiès|lat=42.772502271037204|long=1.411691910311851}} is demanding but scenically rewarding. This area lies within the Mont-Calme nature reserve, where camping is prohibited. === Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès - Marc === ; Distance : variable ; Duration : 3½-5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1385 ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1385 This stage and the following one include several alternative routes and shortcuts that can be combined. From the refuge, the GR-10 leads southeast along a slightly rocky trail for just over three kilometers, following the chain of lakes. At the outflow of the last lake, the Étang d'Escalès, the GR-10 bends to the right. Along the stream, there's an opportunity to descend toward the main road and the village of Auzat. Another descent option to the road appears about 2 km further along the GR-10. The main trail makes a sharp turn southward. From the aqueduct (1160 m; 2¼ h4), the route maintains an elevation just below 1200 m for around 4 km, before descending the final 1½ km into the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Marc|lat=42.71687694132801|long=1.449593121067756}}, cutting across the switchbacks of the road. The Gîte Retrouvance de Mouret (12 places) is available for group bookings only. From {{listing|type=city|name=Auzat|wikidata=Q1082539}}, one can rejoin the GR-10 by heading 4 km south to Artiès and climbing back up. This avoids a significant part of the next stage. Alternatively, walking 6 km to Marc allows one to resume the full stage. To skip this stage, it is possible to go from Auzat directly to Goulier via two routes: one through Olbier (4.4 km), the other 6.1 km. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès|url=https://refugedebassies.fr/|content=1933 m. Open late May to September.|lat=42.76509|long=1.413221}} === Marc - Goulier === ; Distance : 24.3 km ; Duration : 6-9 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m From Marc, follow the path to Mounicou. A shelter is located a short way beyond, along the D8. This is where the ascent begins. After a few hundred meters, you can turn right at the {{Marker|type=go |name=Turn right|lat=42.71|long=1.4575}} marker and stay on the west side of Les Caldelets. From the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Orri de Tignalbu|lat=42.69417|long=1.46296}}, which has a water source, the path becomes very poor. The main GR-10 trail continues uphill to the Refuge de Prunadière (1615 m, 2 hr). Be sure to refill your water here. From there, it leads to a junction above the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Artiès|lat=42.7362|long=1.4793}} shelter (985 m, 3¼ hr). The path ascends steadily, passing the ruins of Pradières-d'en-bas, and arrives at Étang d'Izurt. A cable car runs to the lake. After a short climb, it's around 14 km downhill to {{Marker|type=city |name=Goulier|wikidata=Q1015676}} (moh 370 m), which is part of the Val-de-Sos commune. You can shorten the main trail from Prunadière by climbing steeply left past the buildings, gaining 450 m of elevation. About 2 hr later, you'll rejoin the GR-10 at Coumasses-Grandes. This shortcut saves roughly 8 km and bypasses Étang d'Izurt. === Goulier - Siguer === ; Distance : 13 km ; Duration : 3¼-4¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 416 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 830 m From Goulier, the trail ascends toward the Col de Risoul, then the Col de Esquérus, and continues to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de Grail|lat=42.75360457229|long=1.5321300362453}}. Near this pass is a shelter, an information board, and a water source located 250 m off the path. The route then climbs to the highest point of the day at the Col de Lercoul (1549 m). From here, the trail descends through the hamlet of Lercoul. A footpath south of the winding road leads downhill to the village of {{Marker|name=Siguer|wikidata=Q1375974|type=city}}, home to Café Rouse and several accommodations. === Siguer - Plateau de Beille === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 2400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m This demanding stage involves three steep descents and offers no accommodation along the route, only five basic shelters. From Siguer, the trail climbs steeply to Gestiès (40 min), where you should fill up on water. The path crosses the road three times on the way up. After a long ascent, you reach the Pla de Montcamp (1904 m; 3¾ hr). Past the Col du Sasc (1798 m), the trail traverses the flank of the Pic du Col Taillat. Water is again available at the Cabane de Courtal Marti, though trail markings on this high section can be vague. The trail descends to the Cabane de Balledreyt (1600 m; 2 sleeping places), reached after another 20 minutes. After about 7½ hours, the trail descends to the D520A road at 1040 m elevation. A detour to the villages of Aston (14 km, with a campground) or Les Cabannes (15.8 km, with a year-round gîte d'étape) is possible around the 4¼-hour mark. Les Cabannes has a train connection to Mérens-les-Vals or Foix. After crossing the bridge, the GR-10 climbs again via a forest trail. A water source is marked and located about two minutes off the trail, just past a large boulder reached after 9+ hours. The trail continues across a ridge to the Cabane d'Artaran (1695 m). Shortly afterward, you reach the ski area at the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Plateau de Beille|lat=42.72473998587668|long=1.6911435704342077}}, where the Cabane Beille is located. This area is accessible via the D522 road loop and popular with day hikers. === Plateau de Beille - Refuge du Rulhe === ; Distance : 14 km ; Duration : 4¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m It's recommended to start this exposed stage early in the day to avoid afternoon summer thunderstorms. The trail remains around or above 2000 m throughout. The highest point is the summit of the {{Marker|type=see |name=Crête des Isards|lat=42.65012142232325|long=1.7389568668472413}} at 2381 m. The Refuge du Rulhe lies at the junction of several long-distance trails, including the Tour de Pays des Montagnes d'Ax from Ax-les-Thermes, the GR Transfrontalier from Andorra, and two routes from the Vallée d'Aston. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Rulhe|url=https://rulhe.com/|lat=42.6379904848182|long=1.725866639541228|content=53 places. Open late May to September. €16 per night, half board €45. Tel: +33 6 74 24 50 71}} === Refuge du Rulhe - Mérens-les-Vals === ; Distance : 12 km ; Duration : 4½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 360 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1500-1600 m '''Water is scarce at high elevation.''' From the refuge, the trail ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de Calmettes|lat=42.636915754134|long=1.7404819725150908}} (2318 m), mostly over scree. Cairns also serve as markers. The path descends to Étang Bleu, where it skirts the left side of the lake and climbs again to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Crête de la Lhasse|lat=42.6398816194571|long=1.768563885207408}} (2439 m). Afterward, it continues over scree for nearly 800 m of descent to the pond called l'Estangol, with a shelter above. {{Marker|name=Mérens-les-Vals|wikidata=Q662289|type=city}} is reached after the final descent. The ruins of the old Saint-Pierre church date back to the Napoleonic Wars. The village festival takes place on July 20. The village has a train stop on the Foix - Puigcerdà line. Located on the N-20. The natural hot springs are about 45 minutes away, although they were affected by rockfall in 2022. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge du Nabre|lat=42.65611004694209|long=1.8429807373614195|address=le village d'en haut, 09110 Mérens-les-Vals|phone=+33 5 61 01 89 36|url=https://www.aubergedunabre.com/|content=Guesthouse in the upper village.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping de Mérens|lat=42.64646601527881|long=1.8310245105731093|address=600 Ville de Bau, 09110 Mérens-les-Vals|phone=+33 5 61 02 85 40|url=http://www.camping.merenslesvals.fr/de/haus/|content=Open all year, 1.3 km south of the village.}} === Mérens-les-Vals - Refuge des Bésines === ; Distance : 10 km ; Duration : 4½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 260 m This demanding stage continues through high alpine terrain, with lots of rock and scree. From Mérens, the trail leads past Le Nabre to the hot springs. Afterward, the path climbs for nearly 3 hours. First, it reaches the Estangs (2056 m), then continues to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Porteille de Bésines|lat=42.6154502407948|long=1.872190036139089}} (2333 m). From this pass, the route is clearly signposted. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bésines|wikidata=Q11945073|url=https://refugebesines.ffcam.fr/|content=2104 m. 70 beds. Open June-September. Phone: +33 5 61 05 11 77.}} === Refuge des Bésines - Refuge des Bouillouses === ; Distance : 16.7 km ; Duration : 5½-6 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 660 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 760 m This high-level stage crosses several mountain passes and offers excellent panoramic views. The route first ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Coll de Coma d'Anyell|lat=42.60880012907595|long=1.8962468691063044}}, from where it is possible to climb Pic des Bésineilles (2632 m) in about ¾ hr round trip. The path then continues through the Lansolet basin (2234 m), past the Cabane de Rozet, and climbs again to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Portella de la Grava|lat=42.59935934341172|long=1.934453711010157}}. From there, it's a gentle 3-hour descent to the lakeside refuge at Bouillouses. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bésines|lat=42.6039|long=1.86853|content=56 dormitory beds, with 16 emergency shelter spots outside the season. Open June-September.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bouillouses|lat=42.559475002653095|long=2.00351938309043|url=https://www.lesbouillouses.com/|content=2003 m. 46 beds. Open June-September. Phone: +33 4 68 04 93 88.}} === Refuge des Bouillouses - Planès === ; Distance : 19 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 230 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m The descent is easy but not always well marked. After about 2¾ hours (1740 m), the GR-10 reaches the D618. About 700 m further, a right turn leads to Superbolquère, where food and lodging are available, including a supermarket and a gîte with 28 beds. The GR-10 continues downhill to the quiet D10C near {{Marker|name=Bolquère|wikidata=Q1101891|type=city}} (1628 m, 2¾ hr), where there is a public drinking fountain and an information board. The nearby Gare de Bolquère-Eyne (1593 m) is the highest railway stop in France, on the scenic “train jaune” line. Passing through the villages of La Perche and La Cabanasse (3½ hr), the route ends at the small village of {{Marker|name=Planès|wikidata=Q524705|type=city}}. No shops in the village. The nearby Pont Gisclard, opened in 1909, is a cable-stayed bridge on the Ligne de Cerdagne crossing the Têt river. The village is a stop on the “train jaune” railway. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=L'Orri de Planès|lat=42.490995503|long=2.1382908362|address=Casas del Mitg, 66210 Planès|phone=+33 4 68 04 29 47|content=Gîte with 16 dormitory beds and private rooms.}} === Planès - Refuge du Ras de la Carança === ; Distance : 15.3 km ; Duration : 5¾-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1170 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 870 m There are no supply options along this stage. The trail begins with a gentle ascent through pine forest into the high Riberola valley. It is advisable to refill your water at the Refuge de l'Orri. Above the Cabane d'Aixques, the route becomes steep as it climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col Mitja|wikidata=Q28381301}} (2376 m). From the pass, it is possible to summit Pic de Gallinas (2624 m, ↥↧ 90 min) or Pic Redoun (2677 m, ↥↧ 1 hr). The final 1½ hours involve a descent of about 500 m to the refuge. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Ras de la Carança|wikidata=Q28380908|address=142 rue de, 66360 Fontpédrouse|phone=+33 9 88 66 73 81|url=https://www.refugelacaranca.com/|content=1840 m. Open mid-May to mid-September. 13 emergency places available off-season. Connections to other trails: 7.7 km to Prats Balaguer, 8.5 km to Ull de Ter, 13.7 km to Carança, 10 km to Thuès-les-Bains via the gorge, and 12 km to Núria.}} === Refuge du Ras de la Carança - Mantet === ; Distance : 10 km ; Duration : 4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 640 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 940 m This stage is challenging and poorly marked at higher elevations. From the refuge, follow the stream uphill for 100 m to a wooden bridge. Continue on a scree path along the left side of the valley. After passing through a gate, you reach an alpine pasture and the {{marker|type=go|name=Coll del Pal|lat=42.465650773936|long=2.258498904704664}} (2294 m). This area is a nature reserve where wild camping is forbidden. From the pass, there is an optional ascent to Pic de Serre Gallinère (2663 m; 1 hr round trip), and possibly further on to the Serre de Caret (2300 m). From the pass, descend to the {{marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Alemany|wikidata=Q120254507}} (1962 m; 8 places), located 200 m off the trail. The main path continues left, crossing first a wooden, then a concrete bridge, followed by a narrow unpaved road that ascends to the village of {{listing|type=city|name=Mantet|wikidata=Q1369164}} (1550 m). Population: 31. Most of the southern part of the commune is the protected area [https://rnn-mantet.fr/ Reserva natural de Mentet], where camping is forbidden. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=La Cavale|address=Los Miquelets, 66360 Mantet|phone=+33 4 68 05 57 59|url=http://la-cavale.fr/|lat=42.477231944228336|long=2.3092556382036555|content=Private rooms and dorms for 3-5 people.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte à la ferme Cazenove|url=http://www.gitecazenovemantet.fr/|lat=42.47702171854456|long=2.306028129535968|content=Farm gîte. Open May to September.}} === Mantet - Refuge de Mariailles === ; Distance : 14.8 km ; Duration : 5 hr 5 min ; Elevation gain : ↥ 936 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 834 m Midway along this stage is the village of {{Marker|name=Py|wikidata=Q178846|type=city}} (1023 m), which has an auberge and a gîte. From Py, follow the D6 briefly before heading northeast to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Jou|wikidata=Q47335849|lat=|long=}} (1125 m). The path turns southeast and ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Cavall Mort|wikidata=Q47335871|lat=|long=}} (1454 m), then continues upward to the Refuge de Mariailles. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge de Mariailles|alt=Refugi de Marelles|url=https://refugedemariailles.fr/|lat=42.5017361908777|long=2.4077634391340514|content=1692 m. Open from late May; shelter room available year-round.}} === Refuge de Mariailles - Refuge des Cortalets === ; Distance : 16.3 km ; Duration : 6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1030 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m This is a challenging high-mountain route around the Canigou Massif. There are no supply points along the way, and surefootedness is required. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Cortalets|url=https://refugedescortalets.ffcam.fr/|lat=42.53436454795011|long=2.465036067970792|content=2100 m. 105 places, plus 19 emergency shelter places available outside the season.}} * {{listing|type=go |name=Loop trail to the summit of Pic du Canigou|alt=Canigó|url=https://www.visit-occitanie.com/de/entdecken/top-sehenswuerdigkeiten/massif-du-canigou-katalonien/|lat=42.53692009465181|long=2.4666389025393545|content=This difficult 9.3 km loop (4½ h; ↥ 700+ m) begins 200 m beyond the refuge.}} === Refuge des Cortalets - Gîte-refuge de Batère === ; Distance : 16.8 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 270 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 920 m This stage is also part of the HRP. From the refuge to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Ras del Prat Cabrera|wikidata=Q47170860|lat=|long=}} (1739 m; 4 km), you can choose between a high-level route following the “Tour du Canigou” and a less steep path along the mountainside. From the pass to the Refuge de l'Estanyol (2¾ hr or more) the trail descends gradually, then more steeply. It climbs again briefly to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Cirère|wikidata=Q134299355|lat=|long=}} (1731 m; 4-4¾ hr). From here, you can optionally ascend the Puig Saint-Pierre (1791 m; ↥ 15 min, ↧ 15 min). Descending from the col, you pass abandoned stone quarries and mines (the Mines de la Pinosa are ruins of a former settlement), and reach your destination. Nearby you can explore the 5-day “Tour du Canigou” circuit or visit the historic abbeys of Saint-Martin du Canigou and Saint-Michel-de-Cuxa. * {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Estanyol|wikidata=Q120262655|lat=|long=}} === Gîte-refuge de Batère - Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette === ; Distance : 19.2 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 745 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m Along this long and steady descent, you pass several dolmens. Their significance may be best appreciated by specialists in archaeology. The destination is the Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette, an old mill located in the Ribera Valley. More accommodation and services are available in {{Marker|name=Arles-sur-Tech|wikidata=Q7897|type=city}}, which is connected by bus. At the southern edge of the town, you'll find Camping Riuferrer. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte-refuge de Batère|url=https://www.refugedebatere.fr/|lat=42.50176051942559|long=2.5484428644953847|address=Mines de Batère, 66150 Corsavy|phone=+33 4 68 39 12 01|content=17 dormitory beds, 20 in private rooms. Access via a 20.3-km road from Arles-sur-Tech.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette|wikidata=Q120266421|url=http://gr10-par-etapes.eklablog.com/hebergement-du-moulin-de-la-palette-a126161238|content=Simple eco-gîte in a renovated mill, located in the Ribera valley.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Riuferrer|lat=42.4551506239|long=2.6291899540|url=https://campingriuferrer.com/}} === Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette - Las Illas === ; Distance : 22 km ; Duration : 7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m From the gîte, follow the D536 for 1 km, then turn right uphill toward Montalba (543 m; 1 hr). At the cross, turn sharply right to continue climbing. You reach the ruins of the Mouli Serradou (833 m; 2½ hr). The highest point is the Coll de Sant Martí (1426 m; 4 hr or more). The trail continues through forest along the slope, passing by the Roc de France (also known as Roc de Frausa). {{Marker|name=Las Illas|wikidata=Q16508596|type=city}} has a water point and picnic area in the park. Accommodation is available in a gîte at the town hall and at the Hostal de Trabucayeres. === Las Illas - Col de l'Ouillat === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 6-7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 930 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 540 m The route has been altered several times due to terrain difficulties, so follow the current waymarking. The middle part of the trail runs along the border, just below the ridge. The dominant tree species in this area is the striking Corsican pine (Pinus nigra var. corsicana). A detour to the fortified town of Le Perthus and the Fort de Bellegarde (open May-Sep, 10:30-18:00) offers a cultural break. Note that all shops are on the Spanish side of the border. After about 3 hours, there is an optional detour to the Roman fort Panissas, built on the Via Domitia. Turn off 5 minutes after border marker 565 (2½ hr). The stage ends at {{marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de l'Ouillat|wikidata=Q11914547}} (938 m). === Col de l'Ouillat - Banyuls-sur-Mer === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 7-8¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 680 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1610 m The route stays high near the border ridge. It takes about 1 hour to reach the Pic Néulos. Water is available at the Refuge de la Tagnarède after 1½ hours. From there, the trail leads over several passes: Coll del Faig (985 m), Col de l'Orry, and Col de l'Estaque (1025 m; 2¾ hr). The Pic des Quatre-Termes (1156 m) and Pic de la Cabassère are bypassed to the north. After 4 hours, you reach the Coll del Pal (899 m). From there, continue right toward the Col des Gascons (6¼ hr or more). The final descent to the Col de Llagastèra (285 m) passes partly through vineyards towards {{Marker|name=Banyuls-sur-Mer|wikidata=Q6753|type=city}}. == Go next == * [[Pyrenean High Route]]: Crosses the Pyrenees along the mountain crests, staying higher than both the GR 10 and GR 11. * [[GR 11]] This footpath stays on the Spanish side of the Pyrenees. {{outlineitinerary}} {{Related|France}} {{Related|Pyrenees}} {{PartOfItinerary|Europe itineraries}} b0p2664ouz78b6e7o9vbiqh4ls9u54d 5086678 5086675 2025-07-02T16:21:46Z Bluecoordinationfine 2327039 Same as the previous change. 5086678 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|GR 10 WV banner.jpg|caption=View from GR 10, near Souriche, looking towards the Tourmalet, valley of Barèges, France}} The '''GR 10''' is one of the paths and trails of the extensive [[Grande Randonnée]] (or GR) network. It crosses [[France]], from the Mediterranean coast to the Atlantic coast, and runs almost entirely through the [[Pyrenees]]. While the trail is in France, much of it is near, or even on, the border with [[Spain]]. The trail can be walked in either direction, though some suggest that the west-east route is easier in the beginning, as it is both cooler and less steep that the corresponding start heading west; this may be an advantage to those not fully in shape. == Understand == [[File:Lac d'Oo (22).jpg|thumb|Lac d'Oo]] Moving from east to west, the trail begins at the Mediterranean, in the small town of [[Banyuls sur Mer]], and finishes at [[Hendaye]] on the Atlantic Ocean. Hikers will usually be able to make it to a [[France#Guesthouses and holiday rentals|gîte]] or small town every other night, and quite frequently every night. Expected time to complete the trail is around 6-7 weeks, though the majority of people only hike sections of it. == Prepare == The trail is fairly well marked with painted marks on rocks, trees, telephone poles, and even houses, walls, and street signs. If you haven’t seen a waymark for 100 metres, you’ve likely strayed off the trail. Retrace your steps to the last marker and check your route. It is not realistic to navigate using the markers alone. A trail guide, at minimum, or a topologic map is required. Sunburn is a particular problem, and clothing such as long sleeved shirts and long pants should be worn as they protect from the sun, scratching branches and insects. Sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat are highly desirable. For those heading west from Banyuls sur Mer, the hike to the first gîte is particularly long compared to the following days, and should be started very early. === Equipment === One of the advantages of the GR 10 is that it can be hiked with minimal gear, as one can eat dinner and breakfast almost every day at the gîtes. Additionally the hiker can sleep outdoors on clear nights and pay for a bed in a gîte in inclement weather. On nights that only shelters (which usually have no food or staff) are available, pre-purchased food can be eaten. If one plans to eat at gîtes and buy food from supermarkets that can be eaten without cooking, the absolute minimal gear in the summer months is: * Sleeping bag or sleep sheet, and a mat for comfort. * Goretex jacket and fleece or similar for cold or wet weather * Long-sleeved shirt and pants * Short-sleeved shirt and shorts (including shorts you can wear for swimming) * Sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat * Adequate footwear. Anything less than hiking boots may prove insufficient. * Bottles for at least two litres of water, and a purification method for treating water from streams. * Toiletries and a [[Travel health kit|medical kit]] Additionally, consider a rain jacket or fleece top for wet or cold weather. If you plan to forgo the comforts and delicious food of the gites and hotels, also bring: * Tent * Cooking gear and food A note on footwear: some four fifths of the hikers wear full hiking boots and thick socks. While running sneakers may suffice (and Choco-style sandals may work for a few days), your risk of injury is higher, and much of the trail involves hopping around on possibly wet and sharp rocks. Choose conservatively, depending on the length of your hike and your experience. ==Get in== == Walk == {{Mapframe|lat=42.68287|long=0.56837|width=full|height=360|zoom=7}} {{mapshape|type=geoline|stroke=#000000|stroke-width=3}} === Hendaye-Plage - Olhette === ; Distance : 21.9 km ; Duration : 6-7¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1010 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 950 m Intermarché sells gas cartridges. Near the western trailhead a {{marker|type=buy|name=Decathlon|lat=43.36843635018845|long=-1.7798332063655435}} store geared towards watersports is available for last minute purchases, such as gas cannisters. The hike starts from the 3 km long {{marker|type=see|name=Hendaye Beach|wikidata=Q20947149}}. This is below the old casino, now known as Résidence Croisière. Nearby is the Tourist Office. Buses run from the main train station, or you can walk from {{marker|type=go|name=Gare Deux Jumeaux|wikidata=Q2802667}}. Leaving town, the route goes around the football stadium and climbs via Rue Errondenia and Rue de Pausoa, passing by {{Marker|type=city|name=Biriatou|wikidata=Q196871}}, which conveniently has public toilets available. After about 3 hr you reach the summit of {{marker|type=see|name=Xoldokogaina|wikidata=Q20492776}}. The high point is at Mandale (530 m) on the Spanish border. From here, the path descends to the Col d'Ibardin (4¼ hr), a popular spot for French shoppers due to cheap alcohol and tobacco. The trail continues via Col des Poiriers and Col des Joncs before reaching Olhette. * {{listing|type=city|name=Olhette|lat=43.3360119885|long=-1.6661235970|content=65 m. No bus service; the nearest is in Ascain, 4 km away. Two gîtes: [https://www.chambre-d-hote-cote-basque-manttu.fr/ Manttu-Baïta] at the southern end of the village and Trapero Baïta (Tel. +33 5 59 54 42 59) in the center.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Redoute de la Baïonette|lat=43.309257665|long=-1.70329930013|content=Historic fortification near Mandale, located by modern border marker 9. Offers wide views.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Basque Tourist Office|address=20 Boulevard Victor Hugo, 64500 Saint-Jean-de-Luz|lat=43.387765760|long=-1.66038856746|url=https://www.en-pays-basque.fr/en/|content=Tourist info for the wider Basque region.}} === Olhette - Ainhoa === ; Distance : 21.1 km ; Duration : 6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 730 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 640 m The steepest climb comes right at the beginning. For most of the route, you'll be on forest trails and, after Sare, quiet paved country roads. The trail initially ascends on a good path over the Col des Trois Fontaines (1½ hr; a shelter is located 300 m away), then descends to the Col de St-Ignace, where the valley station of the cog railway to La Rhune is found. It continues to {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Sare]]|wikidata=Q274155}} (2¾ hr), a local transport hub and one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. There's an outdoor swimming pool. The stage ends in {{Marker|type=city|name=Ainhoa|wikidata=Q212962|url=https://www.en-pays-basque.fr/territoires-et-destinations/vallee-de-la-nivelle/ainhoa/}}. Also one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. The tourist information office (open 09:00-12:30, 14:00-17:30; closed weekends and holidays) is located at the side of the town hall. Local grocery stores are a bit pricey due to the village's popularity. From Col des Trois Fontaines you can ascend La Rhune (905 m) either by cog railway (35 min) or on foot (3 km, 1¼ h; ↥↧ 300 m). The prehistoric {{Marker|type=see|name=Grottes de Sare|wikidata=Q3117280}} can be visited with prior reservation through the local municipality or online. Closed annually for a month after Epiphany. This stage is part of the [[European long-distance path E9|European long-distance trail E9]]. === Ainhoa - Bidarray === ; Distance : 21.7 km ; Duration : 8½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 880 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 850 m This is a difficult stage, with little shade at the start and a particularly steep, rocky descent near the end. At the old cemetery (389 m; 40 min) beside the {{Marker|type=see|name=Chapelle Notre Dame de l'Aubépine|wikidata=Q12253854}}, a dramatic crucifixion scene of the Jewish itinerant preacher Jesus of Nazareth and two other criminals has been recreated. Traditional Basque hilarri gravestones are found here. The path then continues over the Col des Trois-Croix (510 m; 1 hr 20 min). A good place to rest is at Ferme Esteben (2 hr 50 min, 580 m), a gîte d'étape with a bar-restaurant. The trail continues near the border, past Boundary Stone 77, partly on paved road. At Col des Veaux (550 m), you can take a 300-m detour into Spain to visit a venta (a small inn or shop). From here, the trail climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Méhatche|lat=43.272782275749094|long=-1.4166930371188398}} (716 m; 3¾ hr). The descent past Boundary Stones 82 and 83 is secured with cables. From Col de Méhatche, you can ascend Artzamendi (926 m), easily identified by its radar dome at the summit. The nearby {{Marker|type=see|name=Grotte le Saint-que-Sue|alt=Harpeko Saindua|lat=43.26526266671622|long=-1.3890420732224757}} can also be visited. Just before reaching {{Marker|type=city|name=Bidarray|wikidata=Q746221}}, a bypass trail offers a shortcut to the next stage. For peak baggers, this route also gives access to several summits: Errebi (between the chapel and Col des Trois-Croix), Atxulegi (a 15-min detour on the way to Col des Trois-Croix), and, in good weather, Mont Bizkayluze (701 m) and Gorospil (691 m). The village is split into two parts, 600 m apart. The GR-10 passes through the upper section (where accommodation is located), while the train station lies in the lower part. The stone “Noblia” bridge, in its current form, dates to the 17th century. Parts of the Church of the Assumption are Romanesque. Traditional hilarri gravestones can be found in the old cemetery, and the Ferme Gastetto is a protected farmhouse in classic Lower Navarrese style. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Aire Zabal|lat=43.2665469128|long=-1.34721660011|url=https://giteairezabal.fr/|content=Stage accommodation in the upper part of the village.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Amestoya|lat=43.284582665|long=-1.35372693663|url=https://camping-bidarray.fr/english/|content=Campsite along the D908, 2 km north of the upper village.}} === Bidarray - Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry === ; Distance : 18.5 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1250 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1250 m This southward stage is demanding, especially due to the complete lack of water sources along the ascent. After passing the Iparla Ridge (950 m), the trail reaches an altitude of over 1000 m for the first time on the way to the summit. It then continues along the ridge to the Pic de Tutulia before descending to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Harrieta|lat=43.21079140547837|long=-1.384120195860639}} (3¾ hr, 808 m). From the Col d'Harrieta, a side trail descends to Urdos (1¾ hr), from where it's possible to follow the road into Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry. The main trail continues across the Buztanzelhay summit (4¾ hr, 1029 m), then down to the col of the same name (843 m). Here, the GR-10 turns left and descends steeply. The path crosses the D949 road several times — this road leads from the village to the ventas on the Spanish border at the Col d'Ispéguy. You can also reach this col via the ridge, 1½ km from Col Buztanzelhay. If you want to skip entering {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry]]|wikidata=Q279252}} (162 moh), you can join the next stage earlier at the Nive des Aldudes (6½ h, 162 m). There's a picnic area in the park and a supermarket that stocks gas cartridges. Locals play Rebot, a type of pelota, on two courts. The Château d'Etxauz is not open to the public. On the last Sunday in April, the village hosts a traditional folklore festival known as Nafarroaren Eguna. The Nive des Aldudes valley occasionally experiences flooding and mudslides. === Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry - Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port === ; Distance : 19.2 km ; Duration : 5-7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 990 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 980 m This stage runs mostly on gravel paths and farm tracks. About an hour in, there's an optional detour at Col d'Aharza for a 35-minute climb to Oylarandoy, where a hermitage built in 1706 stands. The GR-10 heads south to the Col d'Aharza (734 m; 2 hr), where there's a water source, then turns east and circles around the {{Marker|type=see|name=Munhoa|wikidata=Q3327853}} (1023 m; 3½ hr). The climb is fully exposed to the sun. The descent begins on the right-hand side. For campers, there are two sites before {{Marker|name=Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port|wikidata=Q270294|type=city}}: [http://www.camping-delatruite.com/ Camping de La Truite] (March 1 - Dec 15), and closer to town, [http://www.camping-narbaitz.com/ Camping Narbaitz] (mid-March - mid-September; tent spaces from June 20). Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port lies at 170 m and is where three of the four French pilgrimage routes converge before entering Spain. From here, it's possible to continue directly onto the Camino de Santiago (via Roncesvalles). === Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port - Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta === ; Distance : 16.2 km ; Duration : 5-5½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 870 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 420 m There are no supply points or public transport on this stage, but the walking is relatively easy. In the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Çaro|wikidata=Q842635}} (242 m), there is a public fountain next to the town hall. If you choose to end the day early after 3¾ hr in {{Marker|type=city|name=Estérençuby|wikidata=Q842724}} (231 m; two accommodation options), be aware that this adds an extra 400 m of ascent to the next day's stage. === Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta - Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty === ; Distance : 20.7 km ; Duration : 6¾-8 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1410 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m This stage is simple but offers little shade. The trail first climbs toward the Col on Ithurramburu (820 m), then continues ascending to just below the {{Marker|type=see|name=Occabe|alt=Okabe|wikidata=Q17417892}} (1456 m). On the Occabe plateau, 26 Neolithic stone circles known as ''harrespil'' in Basque have been found. They are believed to have been used for cremation rites. A good rest stop is the upscale {{Marker|type=eat|name=Restaurant Chalet Pedro|url=https://www.chaletpedro.com/|lat=43.03687624625582|long=-1.0746838225620772}} (4¾ hr). The associated lodge offers 10 beds. Across the stream at Le Kayolar, similar accommodation is available. From here, the trail turns sharply right after 100 m and continues uphill for 6-7 km (300 m ascent) to the stage destination. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta|url=http://kaskoleta.free.fr/|lat=43.092036845886255|long=-1.1646582066722122|content=Altitude 615 m. Offers 13 beds in 3 rooms plus a holiday apartment for 4. A scenic viewpoint with an information panel is 5 minutes away.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty|address=D19, 64560 Larrau|phone=+33 5 59 28 51 29|url=https://chalets-iraty.com/|lat=43.03659578299579|long=-1.0348125824515537|content=Key pickup and payment are handled at Col Héguichouria, 1 km before the site. There is a restaurant and bird observation post 500 m further on.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=L'aire Naturelle de Camping|lat=43.037460332099656|long=-1.0494175120345806|content=Natural campground with 50 pitches, located 3 km before the Chalets by the stream. Open June-October. Fresh bread available by reservation from 08:30.}} === Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty - Logibar === ; Distance : 16.4 km ; Duration : 5-6 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 440 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1380 m In bad weather, the route along the west side of the {{Marker|type=see|name=Pic des Escaliers|wikidata=Q31645205}} (1423 m) is not recommended. There are two alternative routes, but both are poorly marked. At the Ugatzé Ridge, the trail skirts the peak rather than summiting it. To avoid the steep descent from Pic des Escaliers, stay on the road for about 600 m after the start, then turn off after 2½ km to reach Col Ugatzé. A short side trip allows you to summit Arthanolatzégagnia (an additional 35 min ascent and descent). Trail markings are sparse for several hours. After some time following mule tracks, you'll reach a road crossing at Beloscare (1173 m; 3 hr). Logibar marks the end of the stage, but you can also continue 2 km further to {{Marker|type=city|name=Larrau|wikidata=Q608335}}, which offers three accommodation options and a campground. In bad weather, an easier alternative is to follow the paved road from Iraty directly to Larrau for a gentler descent. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge Logibar|address=Quartier Logibar, D26, 64560 Larrau|phone=+33 5 59 28 61 14|url=https://auberge-logibar.com/|lat=43.018151|long=-0.927715|content=Altitude 375 m. Dormitory beds from €17, half board from €50. Check-in from 17:00. Bus 60 serves the location.}} === Logibar - Sainte-Engrâce (Senta) === ; Distance : 26.3 km ; Duration : 7½-9¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200-1420 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 900-1170 m This stage leads through spectacular gorges. Follow signs to the Gorges d'Holzarté and ascend the trail to the 70 m long suspension bridge (50 min), which spans the dramatic Ruisseau de Olhadubi gorge 150 m above the ground. On the far side, the trail continues uphill. After 2 hours, you reach the Olhadubi stream — a possible spot for a refreshing dip. Nearby, the Cabane Cayolar d'Olhadubi (reached via a side path from the bridge) serves as an emergency shelter with space for 4-5 people. Continuing uphill, you'll reach the Abarrakia farm after just over 3 hours. The path then winds between farms, eventually reaching the point (4½ hr) where the GR-10 turns sharply to the right. The original GR-10 route bypassed the gorges entirely by heading up to the Plateau d'Adarkhotia after the Holzarté bridge. This shortcut saves 2.7 km (1¼ hr) and 150 m of elevation gain. After about 5 hours, you'll reach the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Anhaou|alt=Col de Bious|lat=42.9784|long=-0.88044}} (1383 m). From here, energetic hikers can summit nearby peaks such as Izeyto (1464 m) or Sarimendi (1484 m). The stage ends at {{Marker|type=city|name=Sainte-Engrâce|wikidata=Q197211|url=https://www.sainte-engrace.fr/index.php/en/}}. Sainte-Engrâce is home to a Romanesque church from the 11th century. From the village, a 9-km side trip (↥ 840 m, ↧ 135 m) takes you to the vast La Verna cave. Guided tours go up to 800 m deep — the main chamber is large enough to fit the Eiffel Tower. Bookings are handled through the [https://laverna.fr/en/ Espace accueil Arrakotchepia], Quartier Calla, 64560 Sainte-Engrâce (Tel. +33 6 37 88 29 05). August is often very busy. A detour south from the restaurant leads into the wild and romantic Gorges de Kakuetta. The trail is very steep and slippery, and entry tickets are (usually) sold at the restaurant. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge Elichalt|address=Next to the church|phone=+33 5 59 28 61 63|lat=42.99552859220694|long=-0.8102287239912613|content=Simple village inn located in the center of Sainte-Engrâce.}} === Sainte-Engrâce (Senta) - Refuge Jeandel === ; Distance : 11.6 km ; Duration : 4¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 160 m The trail climbs steadily from Sainte-Engrâce into the limestone highlands of the Pierre-Saint-Martin massif, marking the transition into more alpine terrain. You ascend to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Pierre-St-Martin|wikidata=Q1107451}} (1760 m; border with Spain). Since 1373, the Tributo de las Tres Vacas — a cross-border tribute of three cows — has been held here every July 13 to settle grazing rights between the two valleys. A small shop at the parking area sells goat cheese. A ski area lies just over the border on the Spanish side. There is also a small shelter near Boundary Marker 62. An optional 15-minute detour leads to the summit of Soum de Lèche (1839 m). The Grotte de la Verna, a massive cave chamber accessible by guided tour, lies 1 km (¾ hr) off the main trail and requires prior booking ([https://laverna.fr laverna.fr]). From the pass, descend to the first switchback, then turn right off the main track. The trail passes under two chairlifts and continues along the northern flank of the Pic d'Arlas. When you spot three large concrete water tanks, descend to the staffed mountain hut at Refuge Jeandel. The ski resort village of {{Marker|name=La Pierre Saint-Martin|wikidata=Q3211628|type=city}} is about 15 minutes off the trail and offers additional services. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge Jeandel|address=La Pierre Saint Martin, 64570 Arette|url=https://www.refugejeandel.com/|lat=42.97829371796861|long=-0.7493627209784663|content=Altitude 1670 m. Dormitory accommodation from €18; half-board from €42.50. Staffed in summer.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Tourist Office La Pierre Saint-Martin|address=Maison de la Pierre, 75 D332, 64570 Arette|phone=+33 5 59 66 20 09|url=https://www.lapierrestmartin.com/|lat=42.97735500762936|long=-0.744495054007273|content=Open only during the French summer holidays (mid-July to late August). Provides info on local lodging and two campervan pitches. Served by seasonal Bus 807 between Arette and Oloron-Sainte-Marie.}} === Refuge Jeandel - Lescun === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 5½-6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1200 m This is a challenging stage, but the scenery is magnificent. Several rocky mountain paths are equipped with cables for safety. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Pas de l'Osque|lat=42.9702182168491|long=-0.7089944097203539}} (1922 m), which requires a head for heights. The trail continues to the Pas d'Azuns (1873 m; 2¾ hr), and a good first rest stop with water is the spring near the Cabane du Cap de la Baitch (1689 m; 3 hr). In wet weather, descending to {{Marker|type=city|name=Lescun|wikidata=Q179737}} (895 m) via the road is recommended, as the GR-10 becomes muddy and difficult to navigate. From Lescun, the HRP route offers a very demanding variant over the Col d'Anie back toward Cabane du Cap de la Baitch. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Centre de l'Abérouat|url=http://aberouat.fr/|lat=42.95041471194407|long=-0.6658390953581508|content=Staffed hut with a bar. Offers 20 rooms (2-5 beds each). Free tent camping nearby (bathrooms in the hut available for a fee). Best suited for groups; solo walkers must book in advance.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Maison de la Montagne|lat=42.934247039|long=-0.63524507931|address=1 ruelle de la Congasse, 64490 Lescun|phone=+33 6 88 06 95 29|url=https://www.maisondelamontagne64.com/|content=Comfortable accommodation for hikers in the centre of Lescun.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping - Gîte du Lauzart|address=Bordé de Mougnague, 64490 Lescun|phone=+33 5 59 34 51 77|url=https://www.camping-gite-lescun-pyrenees.com/|lat=42.92782183157741|long=-0.6421994110320027|content=Along the D340. About 20 minutes into the next stage. Open April-September. Campsite €14 + €4 per adult. 25 dorm beds available for €16; half board €42.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Tourist Office for the Vallée |lat=42.9990368924|long=-0.60057615194|url=https://www.pyrenees-bearnaises.com/explorer/nature/|phone=+33 5 59 34 57 57|content=Located in Bedous. Provides information on the surrounding region.}} === Lescun - Etsaut === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 5½-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 850 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1150 m The trail begins easily through pastoral countryside, then enters forested terrain, passing the [https://www.gite-camping-lhers.com/ Gîte d'étape and campsite on the Plateau de Lhers] (2 hr), and climbing to the Col de Barrancq (1601 m; 3¾ hr). From the Col de Barrancq, a side trip leads to the summit of Pic de Labigouer (2175 m), which takes just under 3 hours round-trip. Lower down in the Parc d'Orce, within the commune of {{Marker|type=city|name=Borçe|wikidata=Q840474}} (5¾ hr), lives the majority of the region's ~50 brown bears. The Gîte le Communal offers accommodation here. The stage ends in {{listing|type=city|name=Etsaut|wikidata=Q765829|content=Altitude 597 m. Located on the N-134 and served by the Canfranc-Oloron-Saint-Marie bus line. The former train station now houses the Pyrenees National Park visitor center. Accommodation available in the Gîte d'étape la Garbure behind the church (53 beds).}} Just outside Etsaut, the {{Marker|type=see|name=Fort du Portalet|wikidata=Q3078387}} clings dramatically to the cliffs in two tiers, spanning a height difference of 150 m. * {{listing|type=see|name=Refuge animalier à Borce|url=https://parc-ours.fr/|lat=42.9045174060618|long=-0.5745664608466107|content=open 10:00-18:00; admission €12. It functions as an educational wildlife refuge}} === Etsaut - Gabas === ; Distance : 24 km ; Duration : 9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1640 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1210 m The trail begins with the dramatic Chemin de la Mâture, a path carved into the rock face. It is not passable in icy or snowy conditions. You reach Grange Perry (1210 m) after 2 hours. A quarter of an hour later, at a junction, keep left. After 3½ hours, you arrive at the Cabane de la Baight de St-Cours (1560 m; shepherds only, June-September), located at the border. About 4 hours in, you cross a stream on a bridge. This is the last water source before the high pass. The highest point of the stage is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Ayous|wikidata=Q2981981}} (2185 m; 5½ hr or more). On its eastern slope lie the Ayous Lakes, including the scenic Refuge d'Ayous. It's an ideal place to break this long stage. The Col d'Ayous also marks a transition point between valleys: from the Chemin de la Mâture and Baigt de Sencours in the Aspe Valley to Bious-Artigues (1540 m) in the Ossau Valley, where pony rides and canoe rentals are available on the eastern shore. The lake is 6½ km from the pass (↧ 764 m). From the pass, you can also summit Pic d'Ayous (add 30 min up and down), or detour 6 km to Lac Bersau — a longer alternative via the Vallon d'Aas is 9 km. From the lake, descend on the D231 road, which includes switchbacks that can be shortcut. (Note: Refuge de Gabas is permanently closed.) The stage ends in {{Marker|name=Gabas|wikidata=Q5515276|type=city}}, which offers two accommodations and a bar, but no grocery store. Located on bus route 806/806bis from Col de Portalet via Gabas to Laruns (15 km). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Ayous|url=https://www.refuge-ayous.fr/en-gb|lat=42.84844763797708|long=-0.4911758258903634|10 minutes off the GR10 near Lac Gentau (6½ hr). This refuge offers 47 beds and tent spaces and is open from mid-May to the first week of October.}} === Gabas - Gourette === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9-10 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1150 m This is a long and difficult stage, not suitable for children. The Corniche des Alhas section requires a head for heights. Snow may linger into summer, making it hard to follow the waymarks. Water is scarce during the first four hours. The trail follows the D934 road to the Artouste dam, then climbs through forest paths (1¼ hr). Some parts pass through cliff-side ledges carved into the rock — the Corniche des Alhas — which have fixed cables for safety. An easier alternative bypasses the Corniche via the Pont du Goua and the Gave de Soussouéou. After 1¾ hr, you reach a bridge near the Gave de Soussouéou waterfalls (1145 m). From here, a steep trail leads up to Houn de Mouscabarous (1361 m; 2¾ hr), continuing uphill to Petite Arcizette (2293 m). Snow may persist at these elevations until July. After 6½-7 hr, you arrive at the Hourquette d'Arre (2465 m). Important: The path shown on some maps to the Géougue d'Arre (2619 m) is a mountaineering route, not a hiking trail. An alternative route avoids the Hourquette d'Arre altogether: from the Cabane de Cézy, follow the red-and-white GR10 then switch to the red/yellow-marked GRP Tour de la Vallée d'Ossau, over the Col de Lurdé to Eaux-Bonnes (overnight possible) and Gourette (also served by Bus 806). The GR10 does not go directly to Lac d'Uzious, but instead heads roughly north-northeast across a plateau, before turning east to descend. After about 8 hours, you reach Lac d'Anglas (2068 m), from where the trail continues along the outflow, then branches off to the right. After over 9 hours, you arrive in the ski resort of {{Marker|type=city|name=Gourette|wikidata=Q1540224|url=https://www.gourette.com/en/}} (1350 m). Ski resort with two supermarkets; gas cartridges available at Intersport. Mostly closed outside the main season. Served in-season by Bus 806 (twice daily) from Parking Gourette Nord to Eaux-Bonnes, Laruns, and Pau. If needed, you can exit the trail early at the upper parking area (which has a bus stop) and start the next stage from there. * {{listing|type=sleep|lat=42.9595015138|long=-0.333960997149|name=Chalet-refuge CAF|phone=+33 5 59 05 10 56|url=https://chaletdegourette.ffcam.fr/|content=Mountain refuge with 32 beds in 4 dorms. €16.50/night (€8.25 for Alpine Club members) + €0.90 tourist tax.}} === Gourette - Arrens-Marsous === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m This is a relatively easy stage that crosses two mountain passes: the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Tortes|lat=42.959773462638644|long=-0.3187601158279607}} (1799 m; 1¾ hr), and later, after crossing the D918 (popular with cyclists but too busy to follow safely), the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Saucède|lat=42.95972945620746|long=-0.31869998400517197}} (1525 m; 3 hr 20 min). Ten minutes after descending from this second pass, you'll reach a restaurant and gîte de séjour at the Col de Soulor on the D918 road. From Col de Saucède, hikers can also make a short detour to summit the Pointe de Surgatte (1805 m; 90-100 minutes round trip). Near the Pont de Lapadé, you can either cross the Gave d'Arrens or continue down into the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Arrens-Marsous|wikidata=Q1110649}}. Features tourist information and public toilets at the Maison Val d'Azun (Tel. +33 5 62 97 49 49). The village also has an outdoor swimming pool. A hiking festival, [https://www.eldorando.fr/ Eldorado], is held every two years for four days in late May. Call +33 800 65 65 00 by 17:00 the day before for weekday on-demand shuttle service to Lourdes. Points of interest include the Romanesque Saint-Pierre Church (parts dating to 1200) and the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Pouey-Laün, a pilgrimage chapel located 600 m south along the D105. The area is part of both the Natura 2000 conservation network (Gabizos and the Arrens Valley) and the core zone of the Pyrenees National Park. For a longer option, you can extend this stage to Gîte les Viellettes (2¼ h further), making a total of 20.5 km (8½ hr; ↥ 1250 m, ↧ 1530 m). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=GCU Campground|address=26 Rue des Paus, 65400 Arrens-Marsous|lat=42.9573380888|long=-0.213247116377|phone=+33 5 62 97 43 06|url=https://www.gcu.asso.fr/terrains/arrens-marsous-hautes-pyrénées-65|content=Simple tent campground on the edge of town.}} === Arrens-Marsous - Refuge d'Ilhéou === ; Distance : 20 km ; Duration : 6¾-7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 500 m From Arrens-Marsous (3½ km from the previous endpoint), you can follow the official GR10 or the more scenic GR de Pays Tour du Val d'Azun. The latter is slightly shorter but includes more climbs. Both routes rejoin shortly before the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape les Viellettes|lat=42.9219519144924|long=-0.1818867608457627}} (2¼ h; 15 beds). About 700 m further on is the simple tent site La Pose (open May-September). The official GR10 route passes through {{Marker|type=city|name=Estaing|wikidata=Q589628}}, a commune that includes three Natura 2000 protected areas: “Gaves de Pau et de Cauterets,” “Moun Né de Cauterets, Pic de Cabaliros,” and “Péguère, Barbat, Cambalès.” From here, the trail enters the core zone of the Pyrenees National Park. You ascend toward Lac d'Estaing. Just before the lake is a guesthouse open Thursday-Sunday, 09:00-17:00 (summer only). On the far shore is another restaurant (open 10:00-18:00) and Camping Intercommunal. Brave hikers may try a swim in the cold waters. The trail now climbs steeply through forest to the Cabane d'Arriousec (1400 m; 4 hr). Another hour uphill takes you past the Cabanes de Barbat (left of the path), then a final climb brings you to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Ilhéou|wikidata=Q2981991}} (2242 m; 6 hr or more). Just 5 minutes below the pass, you can turn left to reach the Crête du Lys, where the Courbet cable car operates in July and August. This offers access to the ski resort Cauterets-Le Lys (with a summer luge track) or direct descent into the town of Cauterets. On foot, descend to the stream near the Cabanes d'Arras (6½-7 hr). Turn right there and cross two more streams. The path then descends to Lac d'Ilhéou. At the lake's northern shore is the staffed Refuge d'Ilhéou. A designated bivouac area (aire de bivouac) is located about 10 minutes further south along the lake. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Ilhéou (Refuge Raymond-Ritter)|url=https://www.refuge-ilheou.csvss.fr/en/home|phone=+33 5 62 92 07 18|lat=42.86604614112533|long=-0.17358356545105466|content=Altitude 1988 m. 22 beds. Open from late May to late September.}} === Refuge d'Ilhéou - Cauterets === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 2½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 75 ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m This is a leisurely downhill walk that brings you gently back to civilization in {{Marker|type=city|name=Cauterets|url=https://www.cauterets.com/en/?to_lang=en|wikidata=Q366962}}. Scenic spa town with plenty of amenities, including a historic wooden railway station (now closed), a cinema, casino, and more. The tourist office is open M-Sa from 09:00-12:30 and 14:00-18:00. A special Office de la Montagne - Terre d'Alpinisme opens during the summer season. Cauterets flourished during the late 19th and early 20th centuries thanks to its thermal springs. The municipality operates two spas: Thermes de César in the village center and Thermes des Griffons in nearby La Raillère. Accommodation options include three gîtes d'étape and Camping la Prairie. Local buses run every 30 minutes from June to October. Regional connections are available to Lourdes, Luz-Saint-Sauveur, and Gavarnie. A shuttle to Pont d'Espagne departs four times daily from the old train station. The 30 km former railway line from Pierrefitte to Cauterets has been converted into a multi-use bike and hiking path. === Cauterets - Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 100 m This is a demanding stage. From Cauterets, take the path behind the Thermes de César and head south. After 1¼ hr you reach the hamlet of La Raillère (1044 m), where there are restaurants and a sulfur spa. Cross the bridge and continue up into the Val de Jéret, passing several waterfalls. The trail leads to the Hôtellerie du Pont d'Espagne (3 hr). From there, descend briefly along the road before turning right and ascending into the valley toward Lac de Gaube (1725 m, 4 hr). The path crosses the stream three times via bridges as you continue toward the refuge. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube|wikidata=Q109042828}} === Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube - Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400 m About 50 m from the refuge, the trail begins a steady one-hour climb over rocky terrain. At a fork (65 min), stay right and continue ascending. The {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Hourquette d'Ossoue|wikidata=Q3141336}} (2734 m) marks the highest point on the entire GR10. Even in mid-summer, snow often lingers here. After 20 minutes of descent, you reach the Refuge Baysselance. '''Ascending Vignemale from here via the Glacier d'Ossoue is only for experienced mountaineers.''' From the pass, the route heads southeast, passing the Grottes de Bellevue (2420 m; 3 hr), artificial caves carved in 1880 by the explorer Henry Russell. The trail descends steeply to a stream, then follows it into a boulder field fed by glacial melt from the Glacier d'Ossoue. The descent into the valley involves frequent climbs around cliffs and waterfalls. You enter the Vallée de la Canau (5 hr or more) and pass the Cabane de Sausse-Dessus. The next hour includes more ups and downs until you reach the Cabane des Tousaus (6¾ hr or more). From there, cross a final ridge to reach the D923 road and descend to the stage endpoint, Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle. If you need more accommodation or supplies, continue to the main village of {{Marker|name=Gavarnie|wikidata=Q917894|type=city}}. From Gavarnie, you can take a day trip (or a bus from Luz-Saint-Sauveur) into the famed Cirque de Gavarnie. It's also possible to ascend Le Taillon (3146 m) from here for experienced climbers. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge Baysselance|url=https://refugebayssellance.ffcam.fr/|wikidata=Q3423105|content=(2651 m), which offers 58 beds and is staffed from mid-May to mid-October}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle|address=Route de Boucharo, 65120 Gavarnie-Gèdre|phone=+33 5 62 92 48 77|url=https://chaletlagrangedeholle.ffcam.fr/|lat=42.73944609127333|long=-0.022728732019354148|wikidata=Q98753937|content=Altitude 1480 m. Staffed hut with 62 beds.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Tourist Office|address=Le Village, 65120 Gavarnie-Gèdre|phone=+33 5 62 92 49 10|url=https://www.valleesdegavarnie.com/gavarnie-gedre/|lat=42.73535586856976|long=-0.01029304645524754|content=Open 09:00-12:00 and 14:00-17:00; closed Sundays and Thursdays.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte Le Gypaète|lat=42.7359592315|long=-0.0108405014067|phone=+33 5 62 92 40 61|content=Simple hiker accommodation in Gavarnie village.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Bergerie|address=Chemin du Cirque, 65120 Gavarnie-Gèdre|url=https://www.camping-la-bergerie-gavarnie.com/|lat=42.72774008829836|long=-0.0075991966546184704|content=Open early June to late September. Located near the entrance to the Cirque de Gavarnie.}} === Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle - Luz-Saint-Sauveur === ; Distance : 26 km ; Duration : 8-9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 700-900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1500-1660 m Starting from Gavarnie village (via the D128 road) instead of the refuge shortens the route by 3 km (approx. 1 hr). The trail first leads to the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape le Saugué|url=https://www.gite-gavarnie-pyrenees.com/|lat=42.76864577103755|long=-0.005915232017950625}}, located on the Plateau Soula de Saugue (1¾ hr). This is a good option to break up the stage — the gîte has 21 beds and is open May to October. The route winds northward, passing the Soum Haut (3¾ h), then descends gradually along the western slope of the Gavarnie Valley. After 5¾-6 hr, you reach the D921 road. Cross the Gave de Gavarnie via the Pont d'Esdouroucats and ascend again to a path above the highway. From the south, you enter {{Marker|type=city|name=Luz-Saint-Sauveur|wikidata=Q35721506|url=https://www.luz.org/en/}} via the Pont Napoléon (755 m; 7½ hr), a dramatic bridge across the gorge. Well-equipped mountain town. The town has several historic churches, as well as a campsite with a grocery store. The Prime Meridian passes about 100 m east of the center. Numerous lodgings, 6 campgrounds, 2 supermarkets, and Intersport (gas cartridges). Bus 965 connects to Cauterets, Lourdes, and Tarbes. Bus to Barèges also available. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Saint Bazerque|address=Sia|phone=+33 5 62 92 49 93|url=https://campingsaintbazerque.eatbu.com/?lang=de|lat=42.83178828384746|long=0.0015462182938111647|content=Campground with grocery shop (mountain cheese), bar, and caravan spaces. Open 08:00-17:00.}} === Luz-Saint-Sauveur - Barèges === ; Distance : 12 km ; Duration : 4½-5 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m To extend this stage, continue to Refuge d'Aygues Cluses for a total of 19 km (7½ hr; ↥ 1560 m, ↧ 140 m). Though short, this stage begins with a relatively long and steep ascent. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Ruisseau de Bolou|lat=42.858690489195055|long=0.06773411839157908}} (1460 m). On the descent, hikers can stop for refreshments at the [https://refugedelaglere.ffcam.fr/ Refuge de la Glère]. This stage ends at {{Marker|type=city|name=Barèges|wikidata=Q632058|url=https://www.mairie-bareges.fr/en/}}. Composed of the hamlets of Artigalas and Cazaous, Barèges serves as a spa and mountain village. The local river, the Bastan, is called the gave. Note: the Jardin botanique du Tourmalet and the 1930s funicular are now closed. The town's website includes an accommodation and restaurant directory * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape l'Oasis|lat=42.897422977|long=0.067278671719|address=2 Passage des Toys|phone=+33 5 62 92 69 47|url=https://www.gite-oasis.fr/|content=Open June-September, and also December-April during ski season (Barèges is part of the Domaine du Tourmalet ski area).}} === Barèges - Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : route-dependent 7¾-9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m The trail begins by climbing above the road toward the ski station at Tournaboup (1 hr). It then veers south and ascends steadily. Good stopping points include the Cabane d'Aygues and, 10 km further on, the Chalet-Hôtel d'Orédon. This stage enters the Néouvielle Nature Reserve, where dogs and wild camping are strictly forbidden. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Madamète|wikidata=Q102076283}} (2509 m). From there, the path descends between alpine lakes: {{Marker|type=see|name=Lac d'Aumar|wikidata=Q3215322}} and Lac d'Aubert (5¾ h, 2190 m). A shuttle bus runs up to this point in high season, and there's an info panel at the end of the access road. Here, the trail splits into two variants: * Variant 1: continues along Lac d'Aumar * Variant 2: detours south to the tip of Lac d'Aubert, then along the northern shore of Les Laguettes and Lac d'Orédon (6¾ h, 1856 m; camping and hotel at the south end) Both variants rejoin at the Cap d'Estoudou pass (2260 m), followed by a steep descent. A short detour from the pass allows for an ascent of Soump de Montpelat (↥ 214 m). The path continues steeply downhill to Lac de l'Oule (1821 m; 7¾ hr or more). From here, head right to reach Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Cabane d'Aygues|url=https://refugeayguescluses.wordpress.com/|lat=42.87577795732996|long=0.15008320916912823}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Chalet-Hôtel d'Orédon|url=https://www.chalet-oredon.fr/|lat=42.82616251586139|long=0.1692328508499207|content=open June 1 - Sept 30; 88 beds}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule|url=https://refugedeloule.fr/|lat=42.824769697482445|long=0.20752501478344024|content=Altitude 1819 m. Located at the dam wall. Open mid-June to mid-September. 20 beds and a bar.}} === Refuge-Hôtel de l'Oule - Vielle-Aure === ; Distance : 17-18 km ; Duration : 5-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 460 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400-1500 m From the refuge, the route follows the western shore of Lac de l'Oule. GR10C variant: After 1½ hr, there is a signed detour to the [http://refugedebastan.fr/ Cabane de Bastan]. The main trail turns directly east and climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Portet|wikidata=Q42178369}} (2215 m; 2¾ hr). From here, it continues eastward, descending gently to the Pla de Castillon, then more steeply down to the D918 road (4½ hr or more) and onward to the stage endpoint {{Marker|type=city|name=Vielle-Aure|wikidata=Q1323900|url=https://vielleaure.com/}}, an historic village with two Romanesque churches: Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Pierre (in the Agos neighbourhood), both dating to the 12th century. Bus connections to Saint-Lary-Soulan and Lannemezan (35 km). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Hôtel Aurélia|lat=42.825852030|long=0.32776424175|phone=+33 5 62 39 56 90|url=https://www.hotel-aurelia.com/|content=Simple, hiker-friendly hotel in town.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping La Mousquère|lat=42.8273932992|long=0.33590955638|address=Nougaro, Autun, 65170 Bourisp|url=https://www.campinglamousquere.com/|content=Open May 8 - last weekend of September.}} * There are three more campsites within 2 km north along the river valley. Just 1 km south, the larger and livelier {{Marker|name=Saint-Lary-Soulan|wikidata=Q1323323|type=city}} offers a broader range of shops, accommodations, and services. The tourist information office is at the roundabout in the center; the supermarket is across the street. The wooden bus stop shelter is discreetly located about 50 m away, opposite the modern church on Avenue des Thermes. === Vielle-Aure - Germ === ; Distance : 13 km ; Duration : 4¾-5¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1170 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 630-700 m This is a straightforward, though poorly marked, stage that runs parallel to the D225 up to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Azet|wikidata=Q2981982}} (1600 m). From the pass, the route continues down to [https://www.vallee-du-louron.com/fr Loudenvielle], a village with shops, an outdoor pool, and the Balnéa Spa complex (open 14:00-19:30; €21 for 2 hours). Note: during the [https://www.pyreneesbikefestival.com/ Pyrenees Bike Festival] in early September, the area is overrun with mountain bikers. The final 2-3 km involve a climb of about 220 m up to the hamlet of {{Marker|name=Germ|wikidata=Q1094205|type=city}}. Altitude 1339 m. A small village with 34 year-round residents, but many second homes and guest beds. Two old churches are worth visiting. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Centre de Montagne de Germ|lat=42.793610431|long=0.425057973260|address=D130|phone=+33 5 62 99 65 27|url=https://www.germ-louron.com/|content=Open year-round. 70 beds in a large mountain center.}} * Auberge de Germ, a guesthouse with 11 rooms (33 beds), open year-round. * {{listing|type=see|name=Peyresourde-Balestas Airfield (Aérodrome de Peyragudes)|wikidata=Q5659350|content=Also known as Altiport 007, as a James Bond film was shot here in 1997. The 470 m runway has a 15% gradient and is also used for paragliding.}} === Germ - Lac d'Oô === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 6-7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1060 m This stage and the next are strenuous. They can be divided into thirds with overnight stops at the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Granges d'Astau|lat=42.76352657695474|long=0.5024399621092607}} (open May-Oct; 26 beds) and the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Espingo|url=https://refugedespingo.ffcam.fr/|wikidata=Q104413940}} (1967 m; 44 beds, mid-May-Oct; 15 emergency shelter places off-season). Camping is allowed near the lake. Around the refuge is a “classic” mountaineering loop over the Pic des Spijeoles (3008 m), Grand Quayrat (3060 m), down to Lac du Portillon (2571 m) and the glacial Lac Glacé d'Oô (2664 m). After the initial climb out of Germ, you enter the Val d'Aube. Follow the river on the left-hand side; after 1¾ hr, across the valley (250 m away), lies the Cabane d'Ourtiga (1610 m). The route ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Couret d'Esquierry|lat=42.75523440839548|long=0.4627935235857289}} (2131 m; 3½ hr), where you cross into the Haute-Garonne department. After 4 hr, you reach the Cabane du Val d'Esquierry. From there, follow the D76 road down to the Granges d'Astau and an auberge (1139 m; 5 hr). In July and August, a morning bus runs up from Luchon and returns in the evening. The stage ends at {{Marker|type=see|name=Lac d'Oô|wikidata=Q3215352}}, a scenic 42-hectare lake situated at an altitude of 1,507 m within the Natura 2000 reserve “Vallées du Lis, de la Pique et d'Oô.” Renowned since the 19th century for its spectacular waterfall, the lake is a popular destination for its natural beauty. Due to its protected status, camping, swimming, and dogs are not permitted in the area. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Lac d'Oô|address=|phone=+33 7 84 56 55 88|lat=42.744558752|long=0.490915210685|content=Reached in about 6 hr. By the lake shore at 1504 m.}} === Lac d'Oô - Bagnères-de-Luchon === ; Distance : 19-21 km ; Duration : 7-9¼ h ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000-1130 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1900-2000 m After Refuge d'Espingo, the trail becomes more difficult, with several rocky scree sections. You skirt the northern slopes of Hourquette des Hounts-Secs (2275 m). Optional detour: From here, a 15-minute ascent (each way) leads to Cap de Bassiéret. You continue over the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Coume de Bourg|lat=42.787224318|long=0.51785762473}} (2272 m, 4¾ hr or more), which may retain snow well into the summer. Optional summit detours from the pass: * Pic Céciré, 45 minutes up and down to the north * Subescale, 40 minutes up and down to the south After 5½+ hours, you reach (1802 m) Superbagnères, a summer-only (July-August) mountain hotel serving the ski area. While it offers meals and lodging, prices are high. The massive historic building can also be reached by gondola lift from Luchon, replacing the old cog railway. The {{Marker|type=go|name=Gondola base station in Luchon|lat=42.78789198327501|long=0.5908142174347624}} is located on the western edge of town and operates daily from 08:30 to 18:00 during the summer season. If descending on foot, it is a steep 1200 m drop to reach {{Marker|name=Bagnères-de-Luchon|wikidata=Q238393|type=city}}. This spa town marks the end of the central Pyrenean segment of the GR10. Regular bus services run to Montréjeau, where you can connect by train to Toulouse. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Superbagnères|url=https://www.villagesclubsdusoleil.com/fr/nos-destinations/hiver/sejour-a-la-montagne/superbagneres|wikidata=Q844809}} === Bagnères-de-Luchon - Artigue === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 2½-3 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 50 m From the church in Luchon, head left along the footpath by the L'One river, crossing the road bridge toward Juzet-de-Luchon. Optional detour: Visit the waterfall in Juzet-de-Luchon. The trail continues via Sode to the day's highest point at the stage destination {{Marker|name=Artigue|wikidata=Q1088729|type=city}}. Altitude 1230 m. A small mountain village with a municipal gîte d'étape, open year-round, offering 12 dormitory beds and evening meals at the on-site restaurant. === Artigue - Fos === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 7½-8½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1100 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1750 m The first half of this stage is a steady climb of over 1000 meters, initially on a gravel track. After 1¼ hours, you reach the Cabane de Saunères (1660 m), a basic mountain shelter. One hour later, you arrive at the Col de Peyrehitte (1947 m). The trail continues along an exposed ridge around the Pic de Bacanère (2193 m; 3 hr or more), passing border markers 402-404. After the Col d'Aou (2093 m; 3½-4 hr), the trail descends gradually across open alpine meadows. At the Cabane d'Artigue (5 hr or more), potable water is available. Below this point, the path winds down gently through a series of switchbacks, eventually crossing a road bridge into {{Marker|name=Fos|wikidata=Q1349025|type=city}}. Altitude 544 m. Small village with weekday bus service to Melles and Saint-Gaudens (railway connections to Pau and Toulouse). Alternative route (former GR10): From the Cabane d'Artigue, you can divert to the Cabane d'Artiguessans, then descend steeply to the Ruisseau de la Batch before climbing back up to rejoin the GR10. This saves about 15 minutes and 70 m of elevation gain. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte de Fos|wikidata=Q3162431|lat=42.873845424|long=0.73442375047|phone=+33 5 61 94 98 59|content=Offers 20 dormitory beds, open year-round.}} === Fos - Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing === ; Distance : 18 km ; Duration : 6½-8 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1700 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m It's a good idea to stock up on supplies in {{Marker|name=Melles|wikidata=Q1616421|type=city}}, which you reach after about 45 minutes. From the old customs house, the trail climbs steeply. Auberge de Crabère offers a comfortable stop. * {{listing|type=see|name=Botanical Garden (À Fleur de Montagne)|wikidata=Q3162431|url=https://mairie-de-melles.wixsite.com/mairie-de-melles/le-jardin-botanique|content=Small but charming community-run garden specializing in Pyrenean alpine flora. Open in summer, 10:00-19:00.}} From Melles, a narrow road leads uphill to the last farmhouse at Labach (2¼ hr). The next 2 hours or more are mostly through forest, climbing steadily. After about 5 hours, you reach the Cabane d'Uls shelter. The path continues uphill to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Pas du Bouc}} (2170 m; 6+ h). Optional summit detour: From here, the {{Marker|type=see|name=Pic de Crabère|wikidata=Q3382364}} (2629 m) can be climbed in about 90 minutes round-trip. Brown bears have been reintroduced to this area. The highest point of the day is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Auéran|lat=42.835385392840536|long=0.860341080714231}} (2176 m), which also marks the border into the Ariège department. From here, it's a quick descent to Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing|url=http://www.refuge-araing.fr/|wikidata=Q3423195|content=Altitude 1956 m. Open June 1 to October 5. 52 beds, plus a 12-bed shelter area available off-season. Advance bookings accepted for groups on the two weekends before/after opening.}} === Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing - Eylie-d'en-Haut === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 3-4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1320 m From the lake and refuge, the trail climbs to the Serre d'Araing (2221 m; 1 hr). Optional detour: Summit of Pic de l'Har (2424 m), approximately 50 minutes round-trip. The descent into the valley follows faintly marked trails to the left of the power lines. Along the way, you'll encounter remnants of former lead mining operations. After about 2¾ hours, you cross a bridge and reach {{Marker|name=Eylie d'en Haut|wikidata=Q134078264|type=city}}, a small hamlet with a 14-bed hut, picnic area, and a basic campsite located by the Lez river. === Eylie-d'en-Haut - Maison du Valier, Pla de la Lau === ; Distance : 17 km ; Duration : 8¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1700 m A strenuous stage with no food or lodging options along the way. The trail starts by crossing the Lez river, then turns sharply left and begins to climb through open terrain. After about 50 minutes, you cross a stream and ascend through forest for just over an hour. In autumn, the woods are full of blueberries—a favourite of the brown bears reintroduced here in the 1990s. At a stone shelter (1660 m; 2½ hr), the trail forks. The GR10 continues to the right, up to the Col de l'Arech (1802 m; 3 hr or more). From there, the path turns left. Optional detours: * South to Tuc de Cagonilles (2196 m; 80 minutes round trip) * From there, to the challenging Mail de Bulard (2750 m; 3 hours round trip) After a short ridge walk, descend to the shepherd's hut Cabane d'Arech (1638 m; 3½ hr). From here, follow the access track down, then branch left down a steep, gorse-covered slope. After 4 hours, you reach a stream. About 40 minutes later, the ruins of Flouquet (1680 m) come into view. Continue to Cabane de Besset (1540 m; 6 hr or more), then ascend again for 45 minutes to Cabane Clot du Lac (1821 m; 7 hr). Passing the huts Cabane du Trapech-du-Milieu (1540 m) and Cabane de l'Artigue, you arrive at Maison du Valier. The Mont Valier massif is a protected area of interest to birdwatchers. It hosts a variety of mountain bird species, including rare birds of prey, bearded vultures, and alpine species such as ptarmigans, black grouse, and capercaillie. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Maison du Valier|lat=42.83084702593266|long=1.032510054490613|url=https://maison-valier.fr/|wikidata=|content=Altitude 927 m, located on the Pla de la Lau. Open March-October. Reception hours 16:00-19:30. 40 beds.}} === Maison du Valier, Pla de la Lau - Esbintz === ; Distance : 18 km ; Duration : 7¼-9¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200-1350 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300-1490 m A demanding stage with significant elevation gain and loss. The trail climbs from Maison du Valier, following the high northern slopes along the ridges of Cap de Lauses (1892 m), Pic de Crabère (1925 m), and the Col d'Auédole (1730 m). After more than 7 hours, you arrive at {{Marker|type=city|lat=42.85332|long=1.14584|name=Esbintz}}. === Esbintz - Refuge d'Aula === ; Distance : 19 km ; Duration : 6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 500 m This and the following stage offer spectacular scenery in good weather. From Esbintz, follow the D817 for the first 2 km to Borde de Galy. From here, you could take a detour to Seix (4 km) by continuing on the D817, then the D37, and turning right onto the D3, where you'll rejoin the GR10 near the Pont du Salat. Continue mostly downhill through the countryside, crossing the Pont du Salat to reach Moulin Lauga (550 m; 2 hr), which has a bakery and picnic area. Alternatively, you can rest 1½ h later at the Auberge des Deux Rivières. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Esbintz|url=https://www.gite-ferme-esbintz.fr/|lat=42.85315143224526|long=1.1459188949749635|content=850 m. Dormitory with 10 beds. Open May-November.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge des Deux Rivières|phone=+33 5 61 66 83 57|url=https://www.aubergedesdeuxrivieres.com/|lat=42.83210657498069|long=1.1982318103146805|content=Open late May to late September}} === Refuge d'Aula - Rouze === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 4½-5 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 700 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m Fit hikers can combine this stage with the previous one from Gîte d'étape d'Aunac (787 m), resulting in a 30 km day with 11¼ hf walking time (↥ 1750, ↧ 1580 m). From Refuge d'Aula, it's a steep but manageable 1½ hr ascent to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Bouche d'Aula|lat=42.77695825493033|long=1.1180083284724134}} (1998 m), then a descent to the Étang d'Areau, 100 m lower. Optional: The Pic des Aymesses (2036 m) can be climbed from the east side of the lake. A farm road leads down to Faup, with shortcuts along the switchbacks, for instance near the Cabane d'Areau. Slightly below the Col de Pause (1527 m; 2¼ hr), there is a parking area. The {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Camp site Rigaux Philippe|lat=42.78997920829053|long=1.178432115744275}} lies just below the hamlet of Faup. From Faup, descend along the D708 toward {{Marker|name=Couflens|wikidata=Q1142090|type=city}}, but before reaching the D3 junction, cross the bridge and climb on the opposite slope to Gîte de Rouze d'Ustou. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte de Rouze d'Ustou|lat=42.789696616|long=1.20592416901|address=Prat de la Moule, Rouze d'Ustou, 09140 Couflens|phone=+33561669545|url=https://www.ferme-de-rouze.fr/|content=16 beds. Cheese from the farm. Open mid-June to mid-September.}} === Rouze - Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou === ; Distance : 8.4 km ; Duration : 3-4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m Follow the stream uphill for about 1¾ hr to reach the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Serre du Cot}} (1546 m). Optional side trips: * To the south, ascend the Pic de la Tese (2255 m; ↥↧ 3 hr or more). * To the north, climb the Tuc de Peyre Mensongère (1711 m; ↥↧ 40 min). From the pass, descend left onto a forest path, passing a few ruined farmhouses. The route eventually reaches the D38 road and leads into {{Marker|type=city|name=Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou|wikidata=Q109571916}}. === Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou - Aulus-les-Bains === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9 hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400 m The hike begins at the southern end of Saint-Lizier. After crossing the pedestrian bridge, the trail climbs southeast to the Col de Fitté (1387 m), a former ski area. From there, it continues along the right side of the slope. One alternative route begins at {{listing|type=city|name=Bidous|lat=42.78257178128407|long=1.2700395937419484}}, following the Alet river south and then climbing steeply for over 2 hours to reach the Col de Fitté, where it rejoins the GR 10. The trail curves around the southwest side of the Picou de la Mire (1741 m) and reaches the Col d'Escots (1618 m) after 3¾ hr. The nearby Chalet de Beauregard restaurant is open from late May to September, 10:00-23:00. Afterwards, the path continues up and down along steep slopes until it reaches the Ruisseau de Fouillet valley (4½ hr). The Jasse du Fouillet crossing (1170 m) is reached after at least 5 h. For a shorter option, follow the yellow-red waymarks of the Tour du Val du Garbet. This leads to the D8F road and directly into Aulus-les-Bains (7 hr from Saint-Lizier). The main route continues toward the plateau of Souliou and the Pic du Mont Rouge (1600 m). A side trip to Étang de Guzet offers a possible bivouac site. The trail then descends toward the Ruisseau d'Ars (1485 m), crosses a bridge, and continues downward. After a second bridge (8½ hr), the path becomes easier. A final bridge, Pont de la Mouline, crosses the Garbet River just before the trail enters {{Marker|type=city|name=Aulus-les-Bains|wikidata=Q1082493|url=https://www.loubet.fr/saint-lizier.html}}, a small spa town with a mini market at the traffic circle near the bridge and a tourist office next door. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte Pyrénées AAA|lat=42.779696032|long=1.2690230044|url=https://giteslareng.net/|address=Lareng, 09140 Ustou|phone=+33967838934|content=14 places in upscale cottages for 2-4 people.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Cascade d'Ars|lat=42.762922493744796|long=1.3615038669340882|content=260 m high waterfalls in multiple tiers, located 4½ km from Aulus. Takes 3-9 hr round-trip to hike to them (↥ 530 m).}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping municipal le Coulédous|lat= 42.7940356892|long=1.3321660893|url=http://www.camping-aulus-couledous.com/|content=Also offers bungalows for 4-7 people. The gîte d'étape is a 12-person tent.}} === Aulus-les-Bains - Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès === ; Distance : 11 km ; Duration : 5 hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m The route climbs out of Aulus-les-Bains to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Port de Saleix|lat=42.78143117676052|long=1.4043285766664242}}, where you'll find the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Refuge de Carol|lat=42.7813|long=1.4146}}. From here, the ascent becomes steeper. The following section to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Port de Bassiès|lat=42.772502271037204|long=1.411691910311851}} is demanding but scenically rewarding. This area lies within the Mont-Calme nature reserve, where camping is prohibited. === Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès - Marc === ; Distance : variable ; Duration : 3½-5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1385 ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1385 This stage and the following one include several alternative routes and shortcuts that can be combined. From the refuge, the GR-10 leads southeast along a slightly rocky trail for just over three kilometers, following the chain of lakes. At the outflow of the last lake, the Étang d'Escalès, the GR-10 bends to the right. Along the stream, there's an opportunity to descend toward the main road and the village of Auzat. Another descent option to the road appears about 2 km further along the GR-10. The main trail makes a sharp turn southward. From the aqueduct (1160 m; 2¼ h4), the route maintains an elevation just below 1200 m for around 4 km, before descending the final 1½ km into the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Marc|lat=42.71687694132801|long=1.449593121067756}}, cutting across the switchbacks of the road. The Gîte Retrouvance de Mouret (12 places) is available for group bookings only. From {{listing|type=city|name=Auzat|wikidata=Q1082539}}, one can rejoin the GR-10 by heading 4 km south to Artiès and climbing back up. This avoids a significant part of the next stage. Alternatively, walking 6 km to Marc allows one to resume the full stage. To skip this stage, it is possible to go from Auzat directly to Goulier via two routes: one through Olbier (4.4 km), the other 6.1 km. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès|url=https://refugedebassies.fr/|content=1933 m. Open late May to September.|lat=42.76509|long=1.413221}} === Marc - Goulier === ; Distance : 24.3 km ; Duration : 6-9 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m From Marc, follow the path to Mounicou. A shelter is located a short way beyond, along the D8. This is where the ascent begins. After a few hundred meters, you can turn right at the {{Marker|type=go |name=Turn right|lat=42.71|long=1.4575}} marker and stay on the west side of Les Caldelets. From the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Orri de Tignalbu|lat=42.69417|long=1.46296}}, which has a water source, the path becomes very poor. The main GR-10 trail continues uphill to the Refuge de Prunadière (1615 m, 2 hr). Be sure to refill your water here. From there, it leads to a junction above the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Artiès|lat=42.7362|long=1.4793}} shelter (985 m, 3¼ hr). The path ascends steadily, passing the ruins of Pradières-d'en-bas, and arrives at Étang d'Izurt. A cable car runs to the lake. After a short climb, it's around 14 km downhill to {{Marker|type=city |name=Goulier|wikidata=Q1015676}} (moh 370 m), which is part of the Val-de-Sos commune. You can shorten the main trail from Prunadière by climbing steeply left past the buildings, gaining 450 m of elevation. About 2 hr later, you'll rejoin the GR-10 at Coumasses-Grandes. This shortcut saves roughly 8 km and bypasses Étang d'Izurt. === Goulier - Siguer === ; Distance : 13 km ; Duration : 3¼-4¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 416 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 830 m From Goulier, the trail ascends toward the Col de Risoul, then the Col de Esquérus, and continues to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de Grail|lat=42.75360457229|long=1.5321300362453}}. Near this pass is a shelter, an information board, and a water source located 250 m off the path. The route then climbs to the highest point of the day at the Col de Lercoul (1549 m). From here, the trail descends through the hamlet of Lercoul. A footpath south of the winding road leads downhill to the village of {{Marker|name=Siguer|wikidata=Q1375974|type=city}}, home to Café Rouse and several accommodations. === Siguer - Plateau de Beille === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 2400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m This demanding stage involves three steep descents and offers no accommodation along the route, only five basic shelters. From Siguer, the trail climbs steeply to Gestiès (40 min), where you should fill up on water. The path crosses the road three times on the way up. After a long ascent, you reach the Pla de Montcamp (1904 m; 3¾ hr). Past the Col du Sasc (1798 m), the trail traverses the flank of the Pic du Col Taillat. Water is again available at the Cabane de Courtal Marti, though trail markings on this high section can be vague. The trail descends to the Cabane de Balledreyt (1600 m; 2 sleeping places), reached after another 20 minutes. After about 7½ hours, the trail descends to the D520A road at 1040 m elevation. A detour to the villages of Aston (14 km, with a campground) or Les Cabannes (15.8 km, with a year-round gîte d'étape) is possible around the 4¼-hour mark. Les Cabannes has a train connection to Mérens-les-Vals or Foix. After crossing the bridge, the GR-10 climbs again via a forest trail. A water source is marked and located about two minutes off the trail, just past a large boulder reached after 9+ hours. The trail continues across a ridge to the Cabane d'Artaran (1695 m). Shortly afterward, you reach the ski area at the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Plateau de Beille|lat=42.72473998587668|long=1.6911435704342077}}, where the Cabane Beille is located. This area is accessible via the D522 road loop and popular with day hikers. === Plateau de Beille - Refuge du Rulhe === ; Distance : 14 km ; Duration : 4¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m It's recommended to start this exposed stage early in the day to avoid afternoon summer thunderstorms. The trail remains around or above 2000 m throughout. The highest point is the summit of the {{Marker|type=see |name=Crête des Isards|lat=42.65012142232325|long=1.7389568668472413}} at 2381 m. The Refuge du Rulhe lies at the junction of several long-distance trails, including the Tour de Pays des Montagnes d'Ax from Ax-les-Thermes, the GR Transfrontalier from Andorra, and two routes from the Vallée d'Aston. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Rulhe|url=https://rulhe.com/|lat=42.6379904848182|long=1.725866639541228|content=53 places. Open late May to September. €16 per night, half board €45. Tel: +33 6 74 24 50 71}} === Refuge du Rulhe - Mérens-les-Vals === ; Distance : 12 km ; Duration : 4½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 360 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1500-1600 m '''Water is scarce at high elevation.''' From the refuge, the trail ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de Calmettes|lat=42.636915754134|long=1.7404819725150908}} (2318 m), mostly over scree. Cairns also serve as markers. The path descends to Étang Bleu, where it skirts the left side of the lake and climbs again to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Crête de la Lhasse|lat=42.6398816194571|long=1.768563885207408}} (2439 m). Afterward, it continues over scree for nearly 800 m of descent to the pond called l'Estangol, with a shelter above. {{Marker|name=Mérens-les-Vals|wikidata=Q662289|type=city}} is reached after the final descent. The ruins of the old Saint-Pierre church date back to the Napoleonic Wars. The village festival takes place on July 20. The village has a train stop on the Foix - Puigcerdà line. Located on the N-20. The natural hot springs are about 45 minutes away, although they were affected by rockfall in 2022. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge du Nabre|lat=42.65611004694209|long=1.8429807373614195|address=le village d'en haut, 09110 Mérens-les-Vals|phone=+33 5 61 01 89 36|url=https://www.aubergedunabre.com/|content=Guesthouse in the upper village.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping de Mérens|lat=42.64646601527881|long=1.8310245105731093|address=600 Ville de Bau, 09110 Mérens-les-Vals|phone=+33 5 61 02 85 40|url=http://www.camping.merenslesvals.fr/de/haus/|content=Open all year, 1.3 km south of the village.}} === Mérens-les-Vals - Refuge des Bésines === ; Distance : 10 km ; Duration : 4½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 260 m This demanding stage continues through high alpine terrain, with lots of rock and scree. From Mérens, the trail leads past Le Nabre to the hot springs. Afterward, the path climbs for nearly 3 hours. First, it reaches the Estangs (2056 m), then continues to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Porteille de Bésines|lat=42.6154502407948|long=1.872190036139089}} (2333 m). From this pass, the route is clearly signposted. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bésines|wikidata=Q11945073|url=https://refugebesines.ffcam.fr/|content=2104 m. 70 beds. Open June-September. Phone: +33 5 61 05 11 77.}} === Refuge des Bésines - Refuge des Bouillouses === ; Distance : 16.7 km ; Duration : 5½-6 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 660 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 760 m This high-level stage crosses several mountain passes and offers excellent panoramic views. The route first ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Coll de Coma d'Anyell|lat=42.60880012907595|long=1.8962468691063044}}, from where it is possible to climb Pic des Bésineilles (2632 m) in about ¾ hr round trip. The path then continues through the Lansolet basin (2234 m), past the Cabane de Rozet, and climbs again to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Portella de la Grava|lat=42.59935934341172|long=1.934453711010157}}. From there, it's a gentle 3-hour descent to the lakeside refuge at Bouillouses. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bésines|lat=42.6039|long=1.86853|content=56 dormitory beds, with 16 emergency shelter spots outside the season. Open June-September.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bouillouses|lat=42.559475002653095|long=2.00351938309043|url=https://www.lesbouillouses.com/|content=2003 m. 46 beds. Open June-September. Phone: +33 4 68 04 93 88.}} === Refuge des Bouillouses - Planès === ; Distance : 19 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 230 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m The descent is easy but not always well marked. After about 2¾ hours (1740 m), the GR-10 reaches the D618. About 700 m further, a right turn leads to Superbolquère, where food and lodging are available, including a supermarket and a gîte with 28 beds. The GR-10 continues downhill to the quiet D10C near {{Marker|name=Bolquère|wikidata=Q1101891|type=city}} (1628 m, 2¾ hr), where there is a public drinking fountain and an information board. The nearby Gare de Bolquère-Eyne (1593 m) is the highest railway stop in France, on the scenic “train jaune” line. Passing through the villages of La Perche and La Cabanasse (3½ hr), the route ends at the small village of {{Marker|name=Planès|wikidata=Q524705|type=city}}. No shops in the village. The nearby Pont Gisclard, opened in 1909, is a cable-stayed bridge on the Ligne de Cerdagne crossing the Têt river. The village is a stop on the “train jaune” railway. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=L'Orri de Planès|lat=42.490995503|long=2.1382908362|address=Casas del Mitg, 66210 Planès|phone=+33 4 68 04 29 47|content=Gîte with 16 dormitory beds and private rooms.}} === Planès - Refuge du Ras de la Carança === ; Distance : 15.3 km ; Duration : 5¾-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1170 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 870 m There are no supply options along this stage. The trail begins with a gentle ascent through pine forest into the high Riberola valley. It is advisable to refill your water at the Refuge de l'Orri. Above the Cabane d'Aixques, the route becomes steep as it climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col Mitja|wikidata=Q28381301}} (2376 m). From the pass, it is possible to summit Pic de Gallinas (2624 m, ↥↧ 90 min) or Pic Redoun (2677 m, ↥↧ 1 hr). The final 1½ hours involve a descent of about 500 m to the refuge. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Ras de la Carança|wikidata=Q28380908|address=142 rue de, 66360 Fontpédrouse|phone=+33 9 88 66 73 81|url=https://www.refugelacaranca.com/|content=1840 m. Open mid-May to mid-September. 13 emergency places available off-season. Connections to other trails: 7.7 km to Prats Balaguer, 8.5 km to Ull de Ter, 13.7 km to Carança, 10 km to Thuès-les-Bains via the gorge, and 12 km to Núria.}} === Refuge du Ras de la Carança - Mantet === ; Distance : 10 km ; Duration : 4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 640 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 940 m This stage is challenging and poorly marked at higher elevations. From the refuge, follow the stream uphill for 100 m to a wooden bridge. Continue on a scree path along the left side of the valley. After passing through a gate, you reach an alpine pasture and the {{marker|type=go|name=Coll del Pal|lat=42.465650773936|long=2.258498904704664}} (2294 m). This area is a nature reserve where wild camping is forbidden. From the pass, there is an optional ascent to Pic de Serre Gallinère (2663 m; 1 hr round trip), and possibly further on to the Serre de Caret (2300 m). From the pass, descend to the {{marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Alemany|wikidata=Q120254507}} (1962 m; 8 places), located 200 m off the trail. The main path continues left, crossing first a wooden, then a concrete bridge, followed by a narrow unpaved road that ascends to the village of {{listing|type=city|name=Mantet|wikidata=Q1369164}} (1550 m). Population: 31. Most of the southern part of the commune is the protected area [https://rnn-mantet.fr/ Reserva natural de Mentet], where camping is forbidden. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=La Cavale|address=Los Miquelets, 66360 Mantet|phone=+33 4 68 05 57 59|url=http://la-cavale.fr/|lat=42.477231944228336|long=2.3092556382036555|content=Private rooms and dorms for 3-5 people.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte à la ferme Cazenove|url=http://www.gitecazenovemantet.fr/|lat=42.47702171854456|long=2.306028129535968|content=Farm gîte. Open May to September.}} === Mantet - Refuge de Mariailles === ; Distance : 14.8 km ; Duration : 5 hr 5 min ; Elevation gain : ↥ 936 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 834 m Midway along this stage is the village of {{Marker|name=Py|wikidata=Q178846|type=city}} (1023 m), which has an auberge and a gîte. From Py, follow the D6 briefly before heading northeast to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Jou|wikidata=Q47335849|lat=|long=}} (1125 m). The path turns southeast and ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Cavall Mort|wikidata=Q47335871|lat=|long=}} (1454 m), then continues upward to the Refuge de Mariailles. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge de Mariailles|alt=Refugi de Marelles|url=https://refugedemariailles.fr/|lat=42.5017361908777|long=2.4077634391340514|content=1692 m. Open from late May; shelter room available year-round.}} === Refuge de Mariailles - Refuge des Cortalets === ; Distance : 16.3 km ; Duration : 6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1030 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m This is a challenging high-mountain route around the Canigou Massif. There are no supply points along the way, and surefootedness is required. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Cortalets|url=https://refugedescortalets.ffcam.fr/|lat=42.53436454795011|long=2.465036067970792|content=2100 m. 105 places, plus 19 emergency shelter places available outside the season.}} * {{listing|type=go |name=Loop trail to the summit of Pic du Canigou|alt=Canigó|url=https://www.visit-occitanie.com/de/entdecken/top-sehenswuerdigkeiten/massif-du-canigou-katalonien/|lat=42.53692009465181|long=2.4666389025393545|content=This difficult 9.3 km loop (4½ h; ↥ 700+ m) begins 200 m beyond the refuge.}} === Refuge des Cortalets - Gîte-refuge de Batère === ; Distance : 16.8 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 270 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 920 m This stage is also part of the HRP. From the refuge to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Ras del Prat Cabrera|wikidata=Q47170860|lat=|long=}} (1739 m; 4 km), you can choose between a high-level route following the “Tour du Canigou” and a less steep path along the mountainside. From the pass to the Refuge de l'Estanyol (2¾ hr or more) the trail descends gradually, then more steeply. It climbs again briefly to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Cirère|wikidata=Q134299355|lat=|long=}} (1731 m; 4-4¾ hr). From here, you can optionally ascend the Puig Saint-Pierre (1791 m; ↥ 15 min, ↧ 15 min). Descending from the col, you pass abandoned stone quarries and mines (the Mines de la Pinosa are ruins of a former settlement), and reach your destination. Nearby you can explore the 5-day “Tour du Canigou” circuit or visit the historic abbeys of Saint-Martin du Canigou and Saint-Michel-de-Cuxa. * {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Estanyol|wikidata=Q120262655|lat=|long=}} === Gîte-refuge de Batère - Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette === ; Distance : 19.2 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 745 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m Along this long and steady descent, you pass several dolmens. Their significance may be best appreciated by specialists in archaeology. The destination is the Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette, an old mill located in the Ribera Valley. More accommodation and services are available in {{Marker|name=Arles-sur-Tech|wikidata=Q7897|type=city}}, which is connected by bus. At the southern edge of the town, you'll find Camping Riuferrer. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte-refuge de Batère|url=https://www.refugedebatere.fr/|lat=42.50176051942559|long=2.5484428644953847|address=Mines de Batère, 66150 Corsavy|phone=+33 4 68 39 12 01|content=17 dormitory beds, 20 in private rooms. Access via a 20.3-km road from Arles-sur-Tech.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette|wikidata=Q120266421|url=http://gr10-par-etapes.eklablog.com/hebergement-du-moulin-de-la-palette-a126161238|content=Simple eco-gîte in a renovated mill, located in the Ribera valley.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Riuferrer|lat=42.4551506239|long=2.6291899540|url=https://campingriuferrer.com/}} === Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette - Las Illas === ; Distance : 22 km ; Duration : 7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m From the gîte, follow the D536 for 1 km, then turn right uphill toward Montalba (543 m; 1 hr). At the cross, turn sharply right to continue climbing. You reach the ruins of the Mouli Serradou (833 m; 2½ hr). The highest point is the Coll de Sant Martí (1426 m; 4 hr or more). The trail continues through forest along the slope, passing by the Roc de France (also known as Roc de Frausa). {{Marker|name=Las Illas|wikidata=Q16508596|type=city}} has a water point and picnic area in the park. Accommodation is available in a gîte at the town hall and at the Hostal de Trabucayeres. === Las Illas - Col de l'Ouillat === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 6-7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 930 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 540 m The route has been altered several times due to terrain difficulties, so follow the current waymarking. The middle part of the trail runs along the border, just below the ridge. The dominant tree species in this area is the striking Corsican pine (Pinus nigra var. corsicana). A detour to the fortified town of Le Perthus and the Fort de Bellegarde (open May-Sep, 10:30-18:00) offers a cultural break. Note that all shops are on the Spanish side of the border. After about 3 hours, there is an optional detour to the Roman fort Panissas, built on the Via Domitia. Turn off 5 minutes after border marker 565 (2½ hr). The stage ends at {{marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de l'Ouillat|wikidata=Q11914547}} (938 m). === Col de l'Ouillat - Banyuls-sur-Mer === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 7-8¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 680 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1610 m The route stays high near the border ridge. It takes about 1 hour to reach the Pic Néulos. Water is available at the Refuge de la Tagnarède after 1½ hours. From there, the trail leads over several passes: Coll del Faig (985 m), Col de l'Orry, and Col de l'Estaque (1025 m; 2¾ hr). The Pic des Quatre-Termes (1156 m) and Pic de la Cabassère are bypassed to the north. After 4 hours, you reach the Coll del Pal (899 m). From there, continue right toward the Col des Gascons (6¼ hr or more). The final descent to the Col de Llagastèra (285 m) passes partly through vineyards towards {{Marker|name=Banyuls-sur-Mer|wikidata=Q6753|type=city}}. == Go next == * [[Pyrenean High Route]]: Crosses the Pyrenees along the mountain crests, staying higher than both the GR 10 and GR 11. * [[GR 11]] This footpath stays on the Spanish side of the Pyrenees. {{outlineitinerary}} {{Related|France}} {{Related|Pyrenees}} {{PartOfItinerary|Europe itineraries}} ioxnhblglcq4kgbz8dl2497fo6vpzj4 5086680 5086678 2025-07-02T16:28:29Z Bluecoordinationfine 2327039 Same as the previous change. 5086680 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|GR 10 WV banner.jpg|caption=View from GR 10, near Souriche, looking towards the Tourmalet, valley of Barèges, France}} The '''GR 10''' is one of the paths and trails of the extensive [[Grande Randonnée]] (or GR) network. It crosses [[France]], from the Mediterranean coast to the Atlantic coast, and runs almost entirely through the [[Pyrenees]]. While the trail is in France, much of it is near, or even on, the border with [[Spain]]. The trail can be walked in either direction, though some suggest that the west-east route is easier in the beginning, as it is both cooler and less steep that the corresponding start heading west; this may be an advantage to those not fully in shape. == Understand == [[File:Lac d'Oo (22).jpg|thumb|Lac d'Oo]] Moving from east to west, the trail begins at the Mediterranean, in the small town of [[Banyuls sur Mer]], and finishes at [[Hendaye]] on the Atlantic Ocean. Hikers will usually be able to make it to a [[France#Guesthouses and holiday rentals|gîte]] or small town every other night, and quite frequently every night. Expected time to complete the trail is around 6-7 weeks, though the majority of people only hike sections of it. == Prepare == The trail is fairly well marked with painted marks on rocks, trees, telephone poles, and even houses, walls, and street signs. If you haven’t seen a waymark for 100 metres, you’ve likely strayed off the trail. Retrace your steps to the last marker and check your route. It is not realistic to navigate using the markers alone. A trail guide, at minimum, or a topologic map is required. Sunburn is a particular problem, and clothing such as long sleeved shirts and long pants should be worn as they protect from the sun, scratching branches and insects. Sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat are highly desirable. For those heading west from Banyuls sur Mer, the hike to the first gîte is particularly long compared to the following days, and should be started very early. === Equipment === One of the advantages of the GR 10 is that it can be hiked with minimal gear, as one can eat dinner and breakfast almost every day at the gîtes. Additionally the hiker can sleep outdoors on clear nights and pay for a bed in a gîte in inclement weather. On nights that only shelters (which usually have no food or staff) are available, pre-purchased food can be eaten. If one plans to eat at gîtes and buy food from supermarkets that can be eaten without cooking, the absolute minimal gear in the summer months is: * Sleeping bag or sleep sheet, and a mat for comfort. * Goretex jacket and fleece or similar for cold or wet weather * Long-sleeved shirt and pants * Short-sleeved shirt and shorts (including shorts you can wear for swimming) * Sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat * Adequate footwear. Anything less than hiking boots may prove insufficient. * Bottles for at least two litres of water, and a purification method for treating water from streams. * Toiletries and a [[Travel health kit|medical kit]] Additionally, consider a rain jacket or fleece top for wet or cold weather. If you plan to forgo the comforts and delicious food of the gites and hotels, also bring: * Tent * Cooking gear and food A note on footwear: some four fifths of the hikers wear full hiking boots and thick socks. While running sneakers may suffice (and Choco-style sandals may work for a few days), your risk of injury is higher, and much of the trail involves hopping around on possibly wet and sharp rocks. Choose conservatively, depending on the length of your hike and your experience. ==Get in== == Walk == {{Mapframe|lat=42.68287|long=0.56837|width=full|height=360|zoom=7}} {{mapshape|type=geoline|stroke=#000000|stroke-width=3}} === Hendaye-Plage - Olhette === ; Distance : 21.9 km ; Duration : 6-7¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1010 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 950 m Intermarché sells gas cartridges. Near the western trailhead a {{marker|type=buy|name=Decathlon|lat=43.36843635018845|long=-1.7798332063655435}} store geared towards watersports is available for last minute purchases, such as gas cannisters. The hike starts from the 3 km long {{marker|type=see|name=Hendaye Beach|wikidata=Q20947149}}. This is below the old casino, now known as Résidence Croisière. Nearby is the Tourist Office. Buses run from the main train station, or you can walk from {{marker|type=go|name=Gare Deux Jumeaux|wikidata=Q2802667}}. Leaving town, the route goes around the football stadium and climbs via Rue Errondenia and Rue de Pausoa, passing by {{Marker|type=city|name=Biriatou|wikidata=Q196871}}, which conveniently has public toilets available. After about 3 hr you reach the summit of {{marker|type=see|name=Xoldokogaina|wikidata=Q20492776}}. The high point is at Mandale (530 m) on the Spanish border. From here, the path descends to the Col d'Ibardin (4¼ hr), a popular spot for French shoppers due to cheap alcohol and tobacco. The trail continues via Col des Poiriers and Col des Joncs before reaching Olhette. * {{listing|type=city|name=Olhette|lat=43.3360119885|long=-1.6661235970|content=65 m. No bus service; the nearest is in Ascain, 4 km away. Two gîtes: [https://www.chambre-d-hote-cote-basque-manttu.fr/ Manttu-Baïta] at the southern end of the village and Trapero Baïta (Tel. +33 5 59 54 42 59) in the center.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Redoute de la Baïonette|lat=43.309257665|long=-1.70329930013|content=Historic fortification near Mandale, located by modern border marker 9. Offers wide views.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Basque Tourist Office|address=20 Boulevard Victor Hugo, 64500 Saint-Jean-de-Luz|lat=43.387765760|long=-1.66038856746|url=https://www.en-pays-basque.fr/en/|content=Tourist info for the wider Basque region.}} === Olhette - Ainhoa === ; Distance : 21.1 km ; Duration : 6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 730 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 640 m The steepest climb comes right at the beginning. For most of the route, you'll be on forest trails and, after Sare, quiet paved country roads. The trail initially ascends on a good path over the Col des Trois Fontaines (1½ hr; a shelter is located 300 m away), then descends to the Col de St-Ignace, where the valley station of the cog railway to La Rhune is found. It continues to {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Sare]]|wikidata=Q274155}} (2¾ hr), a local transport hub and one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. There's an outdoor swimming pool. The stage ends in {{Marker|type=city|name=Ainhoa|wikidata=Q212962|url=https://www.en-pays-basque.fr/territoires-et-destinations/vallee-de-la-nivelle/ainhoa/}}. Also one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. The tourist information office (open 09:00-12:30, 14:00-17:30; closed weekends and holidays) is located at the side of the town hall. Local grocery stores are a bit pricey due to the village's popularity. From Col des Trois Fontaines you can ascend La Rhune (905 m) either by cog railway (35 min) or on foot (3 km, 1¼ h; ↥↧ 300 m). The prehistoric {{Marker|type=see|name=Grottes de Sare|wikidata=Q3117280}} can be visited with prior reservation through the local municipality or online. Closed annually for a month after Epiphany. This stage is part of the [[European long-distance path E9|European long-distance trail E9]]. === Ainhoa - Bidarray === ; Distance : 21.7 km ; Duration : 8½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 880 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 850 m This is a difficult stage, with little shade at the start and a particularly steep, rocky descent near the end. At the old cemetery (389 m; 40 min) beside the {{Marker|type=see|name=Chapelle Notre Dame de l'Aubépine|wikidata=Q12253854}}, a dramatic crucifixion scene of the Jewish itinerant preacher Jesus of Nazareth and two other criminals has been recreated. Traditional Basque hilarri gravestones are found here. The path then continues over the Col des Trois-Croix (510 m; 1 hr 20 min). A good place to rest is at Ferme Esteben (2 hr 50 min, 580 m), a gîte d'étape with a bar-restaurant. The trail continues near the border, past Boundary Stone 77, partly on paved road. At Col des Veaux (550 m), you can take a 300-m detour into Spain to visit a venta (a small inn or shop). From here, the trail climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Méhatche|lat=43.272782275749094|long=-1.4166930371188398}} (716 m; 3¾ hr). The descent past Boundary Stones 82 and 83 is secured with cables. From Col de Méhatche, you can ascend Artzamendi (926 m), easily identified by its radar dome at the summit. The nearby {{Marker|type=see|name=Grotte le Saint-que-Sue|alt=Harpeko Saindua|lat=43.26526266671622|long=-1.3890420732224757}} can also be visited. Just before reaching {{Marker|type=city|name=Bidarray|wikidata=Q746221}}, a bypass trail offers a shortcut to the next stage. For peak baggers, this route also gives access to several summits: Errebi (between the chapel and Col des Trois-Croix), Atxulegi (a 15-min detour on the way to Col des Trois-Croix), and, in good weather, Mont Bizkayluze (701 m) and Gorospil (691 m). The village is split into two parts, 600 m apart. The GR-10 passes through the upper section (where accommodation is located), while the train station lies in the lower part. The stone “Noblia” bridge, in its current form, dates to the 17th century. Parts of the Church of the Assumption are Romanesque. Traditional hilarri gravestones can be found in the old cemetery, and the Ferme Gastetto is a protected farmhouse in classic Lower Navarrese style. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Aire Zabal|lat=43.2665469128|long=-1.34721660011|url=https://giteairezabal.fr/|content=Stage accommodation in the upper part of the village.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Amestoya|lat=43.284582665|long=-1.35372693663|url=https://camping-bidarray.fr/english/|content=Campsite along the D908, 2 km north of the upper village.}} === Bidarray - Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry === ; Distance : 18.5 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1250 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1250 m This southward stage is demanding, especially due to the complete lack of water sources along the ascent. After passing the Iparla Ridge (950 m), the trail reaches an altitude of over 1000 m for the first time on the way to the summit. It then continues along the ridge to the Pic de Tutulia before descending to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Harrieta|lat=43.21079140547837|long=-1.384120195860639}} (3¾ hr, 808 m). From the Col d'Harrieta, a side trail descends to Urdos (1¾ hr), from where it's possible to follow the road into Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry. The main trail continues across the Buztanzelhay summit (4¾ hr, 1029 m), then down to the col of the same name (843 m). Here, the GR-10 turns left and descends steeply. The path crosses the D949 road several times — this road leads from the village to the ventas on the Spanish border at the Col d'Ispéguy. You can also reach this col via the ridge, 1½ km from Col Buztanzelhay. If you want to skip entering {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry]]|wikidata=Q279252}} (162 moh), you can join the next stage earlier at the Nive des Aldudes (6½ h, 162 m). There's a picnic area in the park and a supermarket that stocks gas cartridges. Locals play Rebot, a type of pelota, on two courts. The Château d'Etxauz is not open to the public. On the last Sunday in April, the village hosts a traditional folklore festival known as Nafarroaren Eguna. The Nive des Aldudes valley occasionally experiences flooding and mudslides. === Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry - Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port === ; Distance : 19.2 km ; Duration : 5-7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 990 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 980 m This stage runs mostly on gravel paths and farm tracks. About an hour in, there's an optional detour at Col d'Aharza for a 35-minute climb to Oylarandoy, where a hermitage built in 1706 stands. The GR-10 heads south to the Col d'Aharza (734 m; 2 hr), where there's a water source, then turns east and circles around the {{Marker|type=see|name=Munhoa|wikidata=Q3327853}} (1023 m; 3½ hr). The climb is fully exposed to the sun. The descent begins on the right-hand side. For campers, there are two sites before {{Marker|name=Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port|wikidata=Q270294|type=city}}: [http://www.camping-delatruite.com/ Camping de La Truite] (March 1 - Dec 15), and closer to town, [http://www.camping-narbaitz.com/ Camping Narbaitz] (mid-March - mid-September; tent spaces from June 20). Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port lies at 170 m and is where three of the four French pilgrimage routes converge before entering Spain. From here, it's possible to continue directly onto the Camino de Santiago (via Roncesvalles). === Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port - Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta === ; Distance : 16.2 km ; Duration : 5-5½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 870 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 420 m There are no supply points or public transport on this stage, but the walking is relatively easy. In the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Çaro|wikidata=Q842635}} (242 m), there is a public fountain next to the town hall. If you choose to end the day early after 3¾ hr in {{Marker|type=city|name=Estérençuby|wikidata=Q842724}} (231 m; two accommodation options), be aware that this adds an extra 400 m of ascent to the next day's stage. === Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta - Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty === ; Distance : 20.7 km ; Duration : 6¾-8 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1410 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m This stage is simple but offers little shade. The trail first climbs toward the Col on Ithurramburu (820 m), then continues ascending to just below the {{Marker|type=see|name=Occabe|alt=Okabe|wikidata=Q17417892}} (1456 m). On the Occabe plateau, 26 Neolithic stone circles known as ''harrespil'' in Basque have been found. They are believed to have been used for cremation rites. A good rest stop is the upscale {{Marker|type=eat|name=Restaurant Chalet Pedro|url=https://www.chaletpedro.com/|lat=43.03687624625582|long=-1.0746838225620772}} (4¾ hr). The associated lodge offers 10 beds. Across the stream at Le Kayolar, similar accommodation is available. From here, the trail turns sharply right after 100 m and continues uphill for 6-7 km (300 m ascent) to the stage destination. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta|url=http://kaskoleta.free.fr/|lat=43.092036845886255|long=-1.1646582066722122|content=Altitude 615 m. Offers 13 beds in 3 rooms plus a holiday apartment for 4. A scenic viewpoint with an information panel is 5 minutes away.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=L'aire Naturelle de Camping|lat=43.037460332099656|long=-1.0494175120345806|content=Natural campground with 50 pitches, located 3 km before the Chalets by the stream. Open June-October. Fresh bread available by reservation from 08:30.}} === Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty - Logibar === ; Distance : 16.4 km ; Duration : 5-6 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 440 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1380 m In bad weather, the route along the west side of the {{Marker|type=see|name=Pic des Escaliers|wikidata=Q31645205}} (1423 m) is not recommended. There are two alternative routes, but both are poorly marked. At the Ugatzé Ridge, the trail skirts the peak rather than summiting it. To avoid the steep descent from Pic des Escaliers, stay on the road for about 600 m after the start, then turn off after 2½ km to reach Col Ugatzé. A short side trip allows you to summit Arthanolatzégagnia (an additional 35 min ascent and descent). Trail markings are sparse for several hours. After some time following mule tracks, you'll reach a road crossing at Beloscare (1173 m; 3 hr). Logibar marks the end of the stage, but you can also continue 2 km further to {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Larrau]]|wikidata=Q608335}}, which offers three accommodation options and a campground. In bad weather, an easier alternative is to follow the paved road from Iraty directly to Larrau for a gentler descent. === Logibar - Sainte-Engrâce (Senta) === ; Distance : 26.3 km ; Duration : 7½-9¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200-1420 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 900-1170 m This stage leads through spectacular gorges. Follow signs to the Gorges d'Holzarté and ascend the trail to the 70 m long suspension bridge (50 min), which spans the dramatic Ruisseau de Olhadubi gorge 150 m above the ground. On the far side, the trail continues uphill. After 2 hours, you reach the Olhadubi stream — a possible spot for a refreshing dip. Nearby, the Cabane Cayolar d'Olhadubi (reached via a side path from the bridge) serves as an emergency shelter with space for 4-5 people. Continuing uphill, you'll reach the Abarrakia farm after just over 3 hours. The path then winds between farms, eventually reaching the point (4½ hr) where the GR-10 turns sharply to the right. The original GR-10 route bypassed the gorges entirely by heading up to the Plateau d'Adarkhotia after the Holzarté bridge. This shortcut saves 2.7 km (1¼ hr) and 150 m of elevation gain. After about 5 hours, you'll reach the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Anhaou|alt=Col de Bious|lat=42.9784|long=-0.88044}} (1383 m). From here, energetic hikers can summit nearby peaks such as Izeyto (1464 m) or Sarimendi (1484 m). The stage ends at {{Marker|type=city|name=Sainte-Engrâce|wikidata=Q197211|url=https://www.sainte-engrace.fr/index.php/en/}}. Sainte-Engrâce is home to a Romanesque church from the 11th century. From the village, a 9-km side trip (↥ 840 m, ↧ 135 m) takes you to the vast La Verna cave. Guided tours go up to 800 m deep — the main chamber is large enough to fit the Eiffel Tower. Bookings are handled through the [https://laverna.fr/en/ Espace accueil Arrakotchepia], Quartier Calla, 64560 Sainte-Engrâce (Tel. +33 6 37 88 29 05). August is often very busy. A detour south from the restaurant leads into the wild and romantic Gorges de Kakuetta. The trail is very steep and slippery, and entry tickets are (usually) sold at the restaurant. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge Elichalt|address=Next to the church|phone=+33 5 59 28 61 63|lat=42.99552859220694|long=-0.8102287239912613|content=Simple village inn located in the center of Sainte-Engrâce.}} === Sainte-Engrâce (Senta) - Refuge Jeandel === ; Distance : 11.6 km ; Duration : 4¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 160 m The trail climbs steadily from Sainte-Engrâce into the limestone highlands of the Pierre-Saint-Martin massif, marking the transition into more alpine terrain. You ascend to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Pierre-St-Martin|wikidata=Q1107451}} (1760 m; border with Spain). Since 1373, the Tributo de las Tres Vacas — a cross-border tribute of three cows — has been held here every July 13 to settle grazing rights between the two valleys. A small shop at the parking area sells goat cheese. A ski area lies just over the border on the Spanish side. There is also a small shelter near Boundary Marker 62. An optional 15-minute detour leads to the summit of Soum de Lèche (1839 m). The Grotte de la Verna, a massive cave chamber accessible by guided tour, lies 1 km (¾ hr) off the main trail and requires prior booking ([https://laverna.fr laverna.fr]). From the pass, descend to the first switchback, then turn right off the main track. The trail passes under two chairlifts and continues along the northern flank of the Pic d'Arlas. When you spot three large concrete water tanks, descend to the staffed mountain hut at Refuge Jeandel. The ski resort village of {{Marker|name=La Pierre Saint-Martin|wikidata=Q3211628|type=city}} is about 15 minutes off the trail and offers additional services. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge Jeandel|address=La Pierre Saint Martin, 64570 Arette|url=https://www.refugejeandel.com/|lat=42.97829371796861|long=-0.7493627209784663|content=Altitude 1670 m. Dormitory accommodation from €18; half-board from €42.50. Staffed in summer.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Tourist Office La Pierre Saint-Martin|address=Maison de la Pierre, 75 D332, 64570 Arette|phone=+33 5 59 66 20 09|url=https://www.lapierrestmartin.com/|lat=42.97735500762936|long=-0.744495054007273|content=Open only during the French summer holidays (mid-July to late August). Provides info on local lodging and two campervan pitches. Served by seasonal Bus 807 between Arette and Oloron-Sainte-Marie.}} === Refuge Jeandel - Lescun === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 5½-6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1200 m This is a challenging stage, but the scenery is magnificent. Several rocky mountain paths are equipped with cables for safety. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Pas de l'Osque|lat=42.9702182168491|long=-0.7089944097203539}} (1922 m), which requires a head for heights. The trail continues to the Pas d'Azuns (1873 m; 2¾ hr), and a good first rest stop with water is the spring near the Cabane du Cap de la Baitch (1689 m; 3 hr). In wet weather, descending to {{Marker|type=city|name=Lescun|wikidata=Q179737}} (895 m) via the road is recommended, as the GR-10 becomes muddy and difficult to navigate. From Lescun, the HRP route offers a very demanding variant over the Col d'Anie back toward Cabane du Cap de la Baitch. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Centre de l'Abérouat|url=http://aberouat.fr/|lat=42.95041471194407|long=-0.6658390953581508|content=Staffed hut with a bar. Offers 20 rooms (2-5 beds each). Free tent camping nearby (bathrooms in the hut available for a fee). Best suited for groups; solo walkers must book in advance.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Maison de la Montagne|lat=42.934247039|long=-0.63524507931|address=1 ruelle de la Congasse, 64490 Lescun|phone=+33 6 88 06 95 29|url=https://www.maisondelamontagne64.com/|content=Comfortable accommodation for hikers in the centre of Lescun.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping - Gîte du Lauzart|address=Bordé de Mougnague, 64490 Lescun|phone=+33 5 59 34 51 77|url=https://www.camping-gite-lescun-pyrenees.com/|lat=42.92782183157741|long=-0.6421994110320027|content=Along the D340. About 20 minutes into the next stage. Open April-September. Campsite €14 + €4 per adult. 25 dorm beds available for €16; half board €42.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Tourist Office for the Vallée |lat=42.9990368924|long=-0.60057615194|url=https://www.pyrenees-bearnaises.com/explorer/nature/|phone=+33 5 59 34 57 57|content=Located in Bedous. Provides information on the surrounding region.}} === Lescun - Etsaut === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 5½-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 850 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1150 m The trail begins easily through pastoral countryside, then enters forested terrain, passing the [https://www.gite-camping-lhers.com/ Gîte d'étape and campsite on the Plateau de Lhers] (2 hr), and climbing to the Col de Barrancq (1601 m; 3¾ hr). From the Col de Barrancq, a side trip leads to the summit of Pic de Labigouer (2175 m), which takes just under 3 hours round-trip. Lower down in the Parc d'Orce, within the commune of {{Marker|type=city|name=Borçe|wikidata=Q840474}} (5¾ hr), lives the majority of the region's ~50 brown bears. The Gîte le Communal offers accommodation here. The stage ends in {{listing|type=city|name=Etsaut|wikidata=Q765829|content=Altitude 597 m. Located on the N-134 and served by the Canfranc-Oloron-Saint-Marie bus line. The former train station now houses the Pyrenees National Park visitor center. Accommodation available in the Gîte d'étape la Garbure behind the church (53 beds).}} Just outside Etsaut, the {{Marker|type=see|name=Fort du Portalet|wikidata=Q3078387}} clings dramatically to the cliffs in two tiers, spanning a height difference of 150 m. * {{listing|type=see|name=Refuge animalier à Borce|url=https://parc-ours.fr/|lat=42.9045174060618|long=-0.5745664608466107|content=open 10:00-18:00; admission €12. It functions as an educational wildlife refuge}} === Etsaut - Gabas === ; Distance : 24 km ; Duration : 9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1640 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1210 m The trail begins with the dramatic Chemin de la Mâture, a path carved into the rock face. It is not passable in icy or snowy conditions. You reach Grange Perry (1210 m) after 2 hours. A quarter of an hour later, at a junction, keep left. After 3½ hours, you arrive at the Cabane de la Baight de St-Cours (1560 m; shepherds only, June-September), located at the border. About 4 hours in, you cross a stream on a bridge. This is the last water source before the high pass. The highest point of the stage is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Ayous|wikidata=Q2981981}} (2185 m; 5½ hr or more). On its eastern slope lie the Ayous Lakes, including the scenic Refuge d'Ayous. It's an ideal place to break this long stage. The Col d'Ayous also marks a transition point between valleys: from the Chemin de la Mâture and Baigt de Sencours in the Aspe Valley to Bious-Artigues (1540 m) in the Ossau Valley, where pony rides and canoe rentals are available on the eastern shore. The lake is 6½ km from the pass (↧ 764 m). From the pass, you can also summit Pic d'Ayous (add 30 min up and down), or detour 6 km to Lac Bersau — a longer alternative via the Vallon d'Aas is 9 km. From the lake, descend on the D231 road, which includes switchbacks that can be shortcut. (Note: Refuge de Gabas is permanently closed.) The stage ends in {{Marker|name=Gabas|wikidata=Q5515276|type=city}}, which offers two accommodations and a bar, but no grocery store. Located on bus route 806/806bis from Col de Portalet via Gabas to Laruns (15 km). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Ayous|url=https://www.refuge-ayous.fr/en-gb|lat=42.84844763797708|long=-0.4911758258903634|10 minutes off the GR10 near Lac Gentau (6½ hr). This refuge offers 47 beds and tent spaces and is open from mid-May to the first week of October.}} === Gabas - Gourette === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9-10 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1150 m This is a long and difficult stage, not suitable for children. The Corniche des Alhas section requires a head for heights. Snow may linger into summer, making it hard to follow the waymarks. Water is scarce during the first four hours. The trail follows the D934 road to the Artouste dam, then climbs through forest paths (1¼ hr). Some parts pass through cliff-side ledges carved into the rock — the Corniche des Alhas — which have fixed cables for safety. An easier alternative bypasses the Corniche via the Pont du Goua and the Gave de Soussouéou. After 1¾ hr, you reach a bridge near the Gave de Soussouéou waterfalls (1145 m). From here, a steep trail leads up to Houn de Mouscabarous (1361 m; 2¾ hr), continuing uphill to Petite Arcizette (2293 m). Snow may persist at these elevations until July. After 6½-7 hr, you arrive at the Hourquette d'Arre (2465 m). Important: The path shown on some maps to the Géougue d'Arre (2619 m) is a mountaineering route, not a hiking trail. An alternative route avoids the Hourquette d'Arre altogether: from the Cabane de Cézy, follow the red-and-white GR10 then switch to the red/yellow-marked GRP Tour de la Vallée d'Ossau, over the Col de Lurdé to Eaux-Bonnes (overnight possible) and Gourette (also served by Bus 806). The GR10 does not go directly to Lac d'Uzious, but instead heads roughly north-northeast across a plateau, before turning east to descend. After about 8 hours, you reach Lac d'Anglas (2068 m), from where the trail continues along the outflow, then branches off to the right. After over 9 hours, you arrive in the ski resort of {{Marker|type=city|name=Gourette|wikidata=Q1540224|url=https://www.gourette.com/en/}} (1350 m). Ski resort with two supermarkets; gas cartridges available at Intersport. Mostly closed outside the main season. Served in-season by Bus 806 (twice daily) from Parking Gourette Nord to Eaux-Bonnes, Laruns, and Pau. If needed, you can exit the trail early at the upper parking area (which has a bus stop) and start the next stage from there. * {{listing|type=sleep|lat=42.9595015138|long=-0.333960997149|name=Chalet-refuge CAF|phone=+33 5 59 05 10 56|url=https://chaletdegourette.ffcam.fr/|content=Mountain refuge with 32 beds in 4 dorms. €16.50/night (€8.25 for Alpine Club members) + €0.90 tourist tax.}} === Gourette - Arrens-Marsous === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m This is a relatively easy stage that crosses two mountain passes: the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Tortes|lat=42.959773462638644|long=-0.3187601158279607}} (1799 m; 1¾ hr), and later, after crossing the D918 (popular with cyclists but too busy to follow safely), the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Saucède|lat=42.95972945620746|long=-0.31869998400517197}} (1525 m; 3 hr 20 min). Ten minutes after descending from this second pass, you'll reach a restaurant and gîte de séjour at the Col de Soulor on the D918 road. From Col de Saucède, hikers can also make a short detour to summit the Pointe de Surgatte (1805 m; 90-100 minutes round trip). Near the Pont de Lapadé, you can either cross the Gave d'Arrens or continue down into the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Arrens-Marsous|wikidata=Q1110649}}. Features tourist information and public toilets at the Maison Val d'Azun (Tel. +33 5 62 97 49 49). The village also has an outdoor swimming pool. A hiking festival, [https://www.eldorando.fr/ Eldorado], is held every two years for four days in late May. Call +33 800 65 65 00 by 17:00 the day before for weekday on-demand shuttle service to Lourdes. Points of interest include the Romanesque Saint-Pierre Church (parts dating to 1200) and the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Pouey-Laün, a pilgrimage chapel located 600 m south along the D105. The area is part of both the Natura 2000 conservation network (Gabizos and the Arrens Valley) and the core zone of the Pyrenees National Park. For a longer option, you can extend this stage to Gîte les Viellettes (2¼ h further), making a total of 20.5 km (8½ hr; ↥ 1250 m, ↧ 1530 m). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=GCU Campground|address=26 Rue des Paus, 65400 Arrens-Marsous|lat=42.9573380888|long=-0.213247116377|phone=+33 5 62 97 43 06|url=https://www.gcu.asso.fr/terrains/arrens-marsous-hautes-pyrénées-65|content=Simple tent campground on the edge of town.}} === Arrens-Marsous - Refuge d'Ilhéou === ; Distance : 20 km ; Duration : 6¾-7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 500 m From Arrens-Marsous (3½ km from the previous endpoint), you can follow the official GR10 or the more scenic GR de Pays Tour du Val d'Azun. The latter is slightly shorter but includes more climbs. Both routes rejoin shortly before the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape les Viellettes|lat=42.9219519144924|long=-0.1818867608457627}} (2¼ h; 15 beds). About 700 m further on is the simple tent site La Pose (open May-September). The official GR10 route passes through {{Marker|type=city|name=Estaing|wikidata=Q589628}}, a commune that includes three Natura 2000 protected areas: “Gaves de Pau et de Cauterets,” “Moun Né de Cauterets, Pic de Cabaliros,” and “Péguère, Barbat, Cambalès.” From here, the trail enters the core zone of the Pyrenees National Park. You ascend toward Lac d'Estaing. Just before the lake is a guesthouse open Thursday-Sunday, 09:00-17:00 (summer only). On the far shore is another restaurant (open 10:00-18:00) and Camping Intercommunal. Brave hikers may try a swim in the cold waters. The trail now climbs steeply through forest to the Cabane d'Arriousec (1400 m; 4 hr). Another hour uphill takes you past the Cabanes de Barbat (left of the path), then a final climb brings you to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Ilhéou|wikidata=Q2981991}} (2242 m; 6 hr or more). Just 5 minutes below the pass, you can turn left to reach the Crête du Lys, where the Courbet cable car operates in July and August. This offers access to the ski resort Cauterets-Le Lys (with a summer luge track) or direct descent into the town of Cauterets. On foot, descend to the stream near the Cabanes d'Arras (6½-7 hr). Turn right there and cross two more streams. The path then descends to Lac d'Ilhéou. At the lake's northern shore is the staffed Refuge d'Ilhéou. A designated bivouac area (aire de bivouac) is located about 10 minutes further south along the lake. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Ilhéou (Refuge Raymond-Ritter)|url=https://www.refuge-ilheou.csvss.fr/en/home|phone=+33 5 62 92 07 18|lat=42.86604614112533|long=-0.17358356545105466|content=Altitude 1988 m. 22 beds. Open from late May to late September.}} === Refuge d'Ilhéou - Cauterets === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 2½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 75 ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m This is a leisurely downhill walk that brings you gently back to civilization in {{Marker|type=city|name=Cauterets|url=https://www.cauterets.com/en/?to_lang=en|wikidata=Q366962}}. Scenic spa town with plenty of amenities, including a historic wooden railway station (now closed), a cinema, casino, and more. The tourist office is open M-Sa from 09:00-12:30 and 14:00-18:00. A special Office de la Montagne - Terre d'Alpinisme opens during the summer season. Cauterets flourished during the late 19th and early 20th centuries thanks to its thermal springs. The municipality operates two spas: Thermes de César in the village center and Thermes des Griffons in nearby La Raillère. Accommodation options include three gîtes d'étape and Camping la Prairie. Local buses run every 30 minutes from June to October. Regional connections are available to Lourdes, Luz-Saint-Sauveur, and Gavarnie. A shuttle to Pont d'Espagne departs four times daily from the old train station. The 30 km former railway line from Pierrefitte to Cauterets has been converted into a multi-use bike and hiking path. === Cauterets - Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 100 m This is a demanding stage. From Cauterets, take the path behind the Thermes de César and head south. After 1¼ hr you reach the hamlet of La Raillère (1044 m), where there are restaurants and a sulfur spa. Cross the bridge and continue up into the Val de Jéret, passing several waterfalls. The trail leads to the Hôtellerie du Pont d'Espagne (3 hr). From there, descend briefly along the road before turning right and ascending into the valley toward Lac de Gaube (1725 m, 4 hr). The path crosses the stream three times via bridges as you continue toward the refuge. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube|wikidata=Q109042828}} === Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube - Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400 m About 50 m from the refuge, the trail begins a steady one-hour climb over rocky terrain. At a fork (65 min), stay right and continue ascending. The {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Hourquette d'Ossoue|wikidata=Q3141336}} (2734 m) marks the highest point on the entire GR10. Even in mid-summer, snow often lingers here. After 20 minutes of descent, you reach the Refuge Baysselance. '''Ascending Vignemale from here via the Glacier d'Ossoue is only for experienced mountaineers.''' From the pass, the route heads southeast, passing the Grottes de Bellevue (2420 m; 3 hr), artificial caves carved in 1880 by the explorer Henry Russell. The trail descends steeply to a stream, then follows it into a boulder field fed by glacial melt from the Glacier d'Ossoue. The descent into the valley involves frequent climbs around cliffs and waterfalls. You enter the Vallée de la Canau (5 hr or more) and pass the Cabane de Sausse-Dessus. The next hour includes more ups and downs until you reach the Cabane des Tousaus (6¾ hr or more). From there, cross a final ridge to reach the D923 road and descend to the stage endpoint, Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle. If you need more accommodation or supplies, continue to the main village of {{Marker|name=Gavarnie|wikidata=Q917894|type=city}}. From Gavarnie, you can take a day trip (or a bus from Luz-Saint-Sauveur) into the famed Cirque de Gavarnie. It's also possible to ascend Le Taillon (3146 m) from here for experienced climbers. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge Baysselance|url=https://refugebayssellance.ffcam.fr/|wikidata=Q3423105|content=(2651 m), which offers 58 beds and is staffed from mid-May to mid-October}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle|address=Route de Boucharo, 65120 Gavarnie-Gèdre|phone=+33 5 62 92 48 77|url=https://chaletlagrangedeholle.ffcam.fr/|lat=42.73944609127333|long=-0.022728732019354148|wikidata=Q98753937|content=Altitude 1480 m. Staffed hut with 62 beds.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Tourist Office|address=Le Village, 65120 Gavarnie-Gèdre|phone=+33 5 62 92 49 10|url=https://www.valleesdegavarnie.com/gavarnie-gedre/|lat=42.73535586856976|long=-0.01029304645524754|content=Open 09:00-12:00 and 14:00-17:00; closed Sundays and Thursdays.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte Le Gypaète|lat=42.7359592315|long=-0.0108405014067|phone=+33 5 62 92 40 61|content=Simple hiker accommodation in Gavarnie village.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Bergerie|address=Chemin du Cirque, 65120 Gavarnie-Gèdre|url=https://www.camping-la-bergerie-gavarnie.com/|lat=42.72774008829836|long=-0.0075991966546184704|content=Open early June to late September. Located near the entrance to the Cirque de Gavarnie.}} === Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle - Luz-Saint-Sauveur === ; Distance : 26 km ; Duration : 8-9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 700-900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1500-1660 m Starting from Gavarnie village (via the D128 road) instead of the refuge shortens the route by 3 km (approx. 1 hr). The trail first leads to the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape le Saugué|url=https://www.gite-gavarnie-pyrenees.com/|lat=42.76864577103755|long=-0.005915232017950625}}, located on the Plateau Soula de Saugue (1¾ hr). This is a good option to break up the stage — the gîte has 21 beds and is open May to October. The route winds northward, passing the Soum Haut (3¾ h), then descends gradually along the western slope of the Gavarnie Valley. After 5¾-6 hr, you reach the D921 road. Cross the Gave de Gavarnie via the Pont d'Esdouroucats and ascend again to a path above the highway. From the south, you enter {{Marker|type=city|name=Luz-Saint-Sauveur|wikidata=Q35721506|url=https://www.luz.org/en/}} via the Pont Napoléon (755 m; 7½ hr), a dramatic bridge across the gorge. Well-equipped mountain town. The town has several historic churches, as well as a campsite with a grocery store. The Prime Meridian passes about 100 m east of the center. Numerous lodgings, 6 campgrounds, 2 supermarkets, and Intersport (gas cartridges). Bus 965 connects to Cauterets, Lourdes, and Tarbes. Bus to Barèges also available. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Saint Bazerque|address=Sia|phone=+33 5 62 92 49 93|url=https://campingsaintbazerque.eatbu.com/?lang=de|lat=42.83178828384746|long=0.0015462182938111647|content=Campground with grocery shop (mountain cheese), bar, and caravan spaces. Open 08:00-17:00.}} === Luz-Saint-Sauveur - Barèges === ; Distance : 12 km ; Duration : 4½-5 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m To extend this stage, continue to Refuge d'Aygues Cluses for a total of 19 km (7½ hr; ↥ 1560 m, ↧ 140 m). Though short, this stage begins with a relatively long and steep ascent. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Ruisseau de Bolou|lat=42.858690489195055|long=0.06773411839157908}} (1460 m). On the descent, hikers can stop for refreshments at the [https://refugedelaglere.ffcam.fr/ Refuge de la Glère]. This stage ends at {{Marker|type=city|name=Barèges|wikidata=Q632058|url=https://www.mairie-bareges.fr/en/}}. Composed of the hamlets of Artigalas and Cazaous, Barèges serves as a spa and mountain village. The local river, the Bastan, is called the gave. Note: the Jardin botanique du Tourmalet and the 1930s funicular are now closed. The town's website includes an accommodation and restaurant directory * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape l'Oasis|lat=42.897422977|long=0.067278671719|address=2 Passage des Toys|phone=+33 5 62 92 69 47|url=https://www.gite-oasis.fr/|content=Open June-September, and also December-April during ski season (Barèges is part of the Domaine du Tourmalet ski area).}} === Barèges - Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : route-dependent 7¾-9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m The trail begins by climbing above the road toward the ski station at Tournaboup (1 hr). It then veers south and ascends steadily. Good stopping points include the Cabane d'Aygues and, 10 km further on, the Chalet-Hôtel d'Orédon. This stage enters the Néouvielle Nature Reserve, where dogs and wild camping are strictly forbidden. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Madamète|wikidata=Q102076283}} (2509 m). From there, the path descends between alpine lakes: {{Marker|type=see|name=Lac d'Aumar|wikidata=Q3215322}} and Lac d'Aubert (5¾ h, 2190 m). A shuttle bus runs up to this point in high season, and there's an info panel at the end of the access road. Here, the trail splits into two variants: * Variant 1: continues along Lac d'Aumar * Variant 2: detours south to the tip of Lac d'Aubert, then along the northern shore of Les Laguettes and Lac d'Orédon (6¾ h, 1856 m; camping and hotel at the south end) Both variants rejoin at the Cap d'Estoudou pass (2260 m), followed by a steep descent. A short detour from the pass allows for an ascent of Soump de Montpelat (↥ 214 m). The path continues steeply downhill to Lac de l'Oule (1821 m; 7¾ hr or more). From here, head right to reach Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Cabane d'Aygues|url=https://refugeayguescluses.wordpress.com/|lat=42.87577795732996|long=0.15008320916912823}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Chalet-Hôtel d'Orédon|url=https://www.chalet-oredon.fr/|lat=42.82616251586139|long=0.1692328508499207|content=open June 1 - Sept 30; 88 beds}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule|url=https://refugedeloule.fr/|lat=42.824769697482445|long=0.20752501478344024|content=Altitude 1819 m. Located at the dam wall. Open mid-June to mid-September. 20 beds and a bar.}} === Refuge-Hôtel de l'Oule - Vielle-Aure === ; Distance : 17-18 km ; Duration : 5-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 460 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400-1500 m From the refuge, the route follows the western shore of Lac de l'Oule. GR10C variant: After 1½ hr, there is a signed detour to the [http://refugedebastan.fr/ Cabane de Bastan]. The main trail turns directly east and climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Portet|wikidata=Q42178369}} (2215 m; 2¾ hr). From here, it continues eastward, descending gently to the Pla de Castillon, then more steeply down to the D918 road (4½ hr or more) and onward to the stage endpoint {{Marker|type=city|name=Vielle-Aure|wikidata=Q1323900|url=https://vielleaure.com/}}, an historic village with two Romanesque churches: Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Pierre (in the Agos neighbourhood), both dating to the 12th century. Bus connections to Saint-Lary-Soulan and Lannemezan (35 km). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Hôtel Aurélia|lat=42.825852030|long=0.32776424175|phone=+33 5 62 39 56 90|url=https://www.hotel-aurelia.com/|content=Simple, hiker-friendly hotel in town.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping La Mousquère|lat=42.8273932992|long=0.33590955638|address=Nougaro, Autun, 65170 Bourisp|url=https://www.campinglamousquere.com/|content=Open May 8 - last weekend of September.}} * There are three more campsites within 2 km north along the river valley. Just 1 km south, the larger and livelier {{Marker|name=Saint-Lary-Soulan|wikidata=Q1323323|type=city}} offers a broader range of shops, accommodations, and services. The tourist information office is at the roundabout in the center; the supermarket is across the street. The wooden bus stop shelter is discreetly located about 50 m away, opposite the modern church on Avenue des Thermes. === Vielle-Aure - Germ === ; Distance : 13 km ; Duration : 4¾-5¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1170 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 630-700 m This is a straightforward, though poorly marked, stage that runs parallel to the D225 up to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Azet|wikidata=Q2981982}} (1600 m). From the pass, the route continues down to [https://www.vallee-du-louron.com/fr Loudenvielle], a village with shops, an outdoor pool, and the Balnéa Spa complex (open 14:00-19:30; €21 for 2 hours). Note: during the [https://www.pyreneesbikefestival.com/ Pyrenees Bike Festival] in early September, the area is overrun with mountain bikers. The final 2-3 km involve a climb of about 220 m up to the hamlet of {{Marker|name=Germ|wikidata=Q1094205|type=city}}. Altitude 1339 m. A small village with 34 year-round residents, but many second homes and guest beds. Two old churches are worth visiting. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Centre de Montagne de Germ|lat=42.793610431|long=0.425057973260|address=D130|phone=+33 5 62 99 65 27|url=https://www.germ-louron.com/|content=Open year-round. 70 beds in a large mountain center.}} * Auberge de Germ, a guesthouse with 11 rooms (33 beds), open year-round. * {{listing|type=see|name=Peyresourde-Balestas Airfield (Aérodrome de Peyragudes)|wikidata=Q5659350|content=Also known as Altiport 007, as a James Bond film was shot here in 1997. The 470 m runway has a 15% gradient and is also used for paragliding.}} === Germ - Lac d'Oô === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 6-7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1060 m This stage and the next are strenuous. They can be divided into thirds with overnight stops at the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Granges d'Astau|lat=42.76352657695474|long=0.5024399621092607}} (open May-Oct; 26 beds) and the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Espingo|url=https://refugedespingo.ffcam.fr/|wikidata=Q104413940}} (1967 m; 44 beds, mid-May-Oct; 15 emergency shelter places off-season). Camping is allowed near the lake. Around the refuge is a “classic” mountaineering loop over the Pic des Spijeoles (3008 m), Grand Quayrat (3060 m), down to Lac du Portillon (2571 m) and the glacial Lac Glacé d'Oô (2664 m). After the initial climb out of Germ, you enter the Val d'Aube. Follow the river on the left-hand side; after 1¾ hr, across the valley (250 m away), lies the Cabane d'Ourtiga (1610 m). The route ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Couret d'Esquierry|lat=42.75523440839548|long=0.4627935235857289}} (2131 m; 3½ hr), where you cross into the Haute-Garonne department. After 4 hr, you reach the Cabane du Val d'Esquierry. From there, follow the D76 road down to the Granges d'Astau and an auberge (1139 m; 5 hr). In July and August, a morning bus runs up from Luchon and returns in the evening. The stage ends at {{Marker|type=see|name=Lac d'Oô|wikidata=Q3215352}}, a scenic 42-hectare lake situated at an altitude of 1,507 m within the Natura 2000 reserve “Vallées du Lis, de la Pique et d'Oô.” Renowned since the 19th century for its spectacular waterfall, the lake is a popular destination for its natural beauty. Due to its protected status, camping, swimming, and dogs are not permitted in the area. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Lac d'Oô|address=|phone=+33 7 84 56 55 88|lat=42.744558752|long=0.490915210685|content=Reached in about 6 hr. By the lake shore at 1504 m.}} === Lac d'Oô - Bagnères-de-Luchon === ; Distance : 19-21 km ; Duration : 7-9¼ h ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000-1130 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1900-2000 m After Refuge d'Espingo, the trail becomes more difficult, with several rocky scree sections. You skirt the northern slopes of Hourquette des Hounts-Secs (2275 m). Optional detour: From here, a 15-minute ascent (each way) leads to Cap de Bassiéret. You continue over the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Coume de Bourg|lat=42.787224318|long=0.51785762473}} (2272 m, 4¾ hr or more), which may retain snow well into the summer. Optional summit detours from the pass: * Pic Céciré, 45 minutes up and down to the north * Subescale, 40 minutes up and down to the south After 5½+ hours, you reach (1802 m) Superbagnères, a summer-only (July-August) mountain hotel serving the ski area. While it offers meals and lodging, prices are high. The massive historic building can also be reached by gondola lift from Luchon, replacing the old cog railway. The {{Marker|type=go|name=Gondola base station in Luchon|lat=42.78789198327501|long=0.5908142174347624}} is located on the western edge of town and operates daily from 08:30 to 18:00 during the summer season. If descending on foot, it is a steep 1200 m drop to reach {{Marker|name=Bagnères-de-Luchon|wikidata=Q238393|type=city}}. This spa town marks the end of the central Pyrenean segment of the GR10. Regular bus services run to Montréjeau, where you can connect by train to Toulouse. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Superbagnères|url=https://www.villagesclubsdusoleil.com/fr/nos-destinations/hiver/sejour-a-la-montagne/superbagneres|wikidata=Q844809}} === Bagnères-de-Luchon - Artigue === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 2½-3 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 50 m From the church in Luchon, head left along the footpath by the L'One river, crossing the road bridge toward Juzet-de-Luchon. Optional detour: Visit the waterfall in Juzet-de-Luchon. The trail continues via Sode to the day's highest point at the stage destination {{Marker|name=Artigue|wikidata=Q1088729|type=city}}. Altitude 1230 m. A small mountain village with a municipal gîte d'étape, open year-round, offering 12 dormitory beds and evening meals at the on-site restaurant. === Artigue - Fos === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 7½-8½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1100 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1750 m The first half of this stage is a steady climb of over 1000 meters, initially on a gravel track. After 1¼ hours, you reach the Cabane de Saunères (1660 m), a basic mountain shelter. One hour later, you arrive at the Col de Peyrehitte (1947 m). The trail continues along an exposed ridge around the Pic de Bacanère (2193 m; 3 hr or more), passing border markers 402-404. After the Col d'Aou (2093 m; 3½-4 hr), the trail descends gradually across open alpine meadows. At the Cabane d'Artigue (5 hr or more), potable water is available. Below this point, the path winds down gently through a series of switchbacks, eventually crossing a road bridge into {{Marker|name=Fos|wikidata=Q1349025|type=city}}. Altitude 544 m. Small village with weekday bus service to Melles and Saint-Gaudens (railway connections to Pau and Toulouse). Alternative route (former GR10): From the Cabane d'Artigue, you can divert to the Cabane d'Artiguessans, then descend steeply to the Ruisseau de la Batch before climbing back up to rejoin the GR10. This saves about 15 minutes and 70 m of elevation gain. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte de Fos|wikidata=Q3162431|lat=42.873845424|long=0.73442375047|phone=+33 5 61 94 98 59|content=Offers 20 dormitory beds, open year-round.}} === Fos - Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing === ; Distance : 18 km ; Duration : 6½-8 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1700 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m It's a good idea to stock up on supplies in {{Marker|name=Melles|wikidata=Q1616421|type=city}}, which you reach after about 45 minutes. From the old customs house, the trail climbs steeply. Auberge de Crabère offers a comfortable stop. * {{listing|type=see|name=Botanical Garden (À Fleur de Montagne)|wikidata=Q3162431|url=https://mairie-de-melles.wixsite.com/mairie-de-melles/le-jardin-botanique|content=Small but charming community-run garden specializing in Pyrenean alpine flora. Open in summer, 10:00-19:00.}} From Melles, a narrow road leads uphill to the last farmhouse at Labach (2¼ hr). The next 2 hours or more are mostly through forest, climbing steadily. After about 5 hours, you reach the Cabane d'Uls shelter. The path continues uphill to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Pas du Bouc}} (2170 m; 6+ h). Optional summit detour: From here, the {{Marker|type=see|name=Pic de Crabère|wikidata=Q3382364}} (2629 m) can be climbed in about 90 minutes round-trip. Brown bears have been reintroduced to this area. The highest point of the day is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Auéran|lat=42.835385392840536|long=0.860341080714231}} (2176 m), which also marks the border into the Ariège department. From here, it's a quick descent to Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing|url=http://www.refuge-araing.fr/|wikidata=Q3423195|content=Altitude 1956 m. Open June 1 to October 5. 52 beds, plus a 12-bed shelter area available off-season. Advance bookings accepted for groups on the two weekends before/after opening.}} === Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing - Eylie-d'en-Haut === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 3-4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1320 m From the lake and refuge, the trail climbs to the Serre d'Araing (2221 m; 1 hr). Optional detour: Summit of Pic de l'Har (2424 m), approximately 50 minutes round-trip. The descent into the valley follows faintly marked trails to the left of the power lines. Along the way, you'll encounter remnants of former lead mining operations. After about 2¾ hours, you cross a bridge and reach {{Marker|name=Eylie d'en Haut|wikidata=Q134078264|type=city}}, a small hamlet with a 14-bed hut, picnic area, and a basic campsite located by the Lez river. === Eylie-d'en-Haut - Maison du Valier, Pla de la Lau === ; Distance : 17 km ; Duration : 8¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1700 m A strenuous stage with no food or lodging options along the way. The trail starts by crossing the Lez river, then turns sharply left and begins to climb through open terrain. After about 50 minutes, you cross a stream and ascend through forest for just over an hour. In autumn, the woods are full of blueberries—a favourite of the brown bears reintroduced here in the 1990s. At a stone shelter (1660 m; 2½ hr), the trail forks. The GR10 continues to the right, up to the Col de l'Arech (1802 m; 3 hr or more). From there, the path turns left. Optional detours: * South to Tuc de Cagonilles (2196 m; 80 minutes round trip) * From there, to the challenging Mail de Bulard (2750 m; 3 hours round trip) After a short ridge walk, descend to the shepherd's hut Cabane d'Arech (1638 m; 3½ hr). From here, follow the access track down, then branch left down a steep, gorse-covered slope. After 4 hours, you reach a stream. About 40 minutes later, the ruins of Flouquet (1680 m) come into view. Continue to Cabane de Besset (1540 m; 6 hr or more), then ascend again for 45 minutes to Cabane Clot du Lac (1821 m; 7 hr). Passing the huts Cabane du Trapech-du-Milieu (1540 m) and Cabane de l'Artigue, you arrive at Maison du Valier. The Mont Valier massif is a protected area of interest to birdwatchers. It hosts a variety of mountain bird species, including rare birds of prey, bearded vultures, and alpine species such as ptarmigans, black grouse, and capercaillie. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Maison du Valier|lat=42.83084702593266|long=1.032510054490613|url=https://maison-valier.fr/|wikidata=|content=Altitude 927 m, located on the Pla de la Lau. Open March-October. Reception hours 16:00-19:30. 40 beds.}} === Maison du Valier, Pla de la Lau - Esbintz === ; Distance : 18 km ; Duration : 7¼-9¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200-1350 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300-1490 m A demanding stage with significant elevation gain and loss. The trail climbs from Maison du Valier, following the high northern slopes along the ridges of Cap de Lauses (1892 m), Pic de Crabère (1925 m), and the Col d'Auédole (1730 m). After more than 7 hours, you arrive at {{Marker|type=city|lat=42.85332|long=1.14584|name=Esbintz}}. === Esbintz - Refuge d'Aula === ; Distance : 19 km ; Duration : 6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 500 m This and the following stage offer spectacular scenery in good weather. From Esbintz, follow the D817 for the first 2 km to Borde de Galy. From here, you could take a detour to Seix (4 km) by continuing on the D817, then the D37, and turning right onto the D3, where you'll rejoin the GR10 near the Pont du Salat. Continue mostly downhill through the countryside, crossing the Pont du Salat to reach Moulin Lauga (550 m; 2 hr), which has a bakery and picnic area. Alternatively, you can rest 1½ h later at the Auberge des Deux Rivières. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Esbintz|url=https://www.gite-ferme-esbintz.fr/|lat=42.85315143224526|long=1.1459188949749635|content=850 m. Dormitory with 10 beds. Open May-November.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge des Deux Rivières|phone=+33 5 61 66 83 57|url=https://www.aubergedesdeuxrivieres.com/|lat=42.83210657498069|long=1.1982318103146805|content=Open late May to late September}} === Refuge d'Aula - Rouze === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 4½-5 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 700 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m Fit hikers can combine this stage with the previous one from Gîte d'étape d'Aunac (787 m), resulting in a 30 km day with 11¼ hf walking time (↥ 1750, ↧ 1580 m). From Refuge d'Aula, it's a steep but manageable 1½ hr ascent to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Bouche d'Aula|lat=42.77695825493033|long=1.1180083284724134}} (1998 m), then a descent to the Étang d'Areau, 100 m lower. Optional: The Pic des Aymesses (2036 m) can be climbed from the east side of the lake. A farm road leads down to Faup, with shortcuts along the switchbacks, for instance near the Cabane d'Areau. Slightly below the Col de Pause (1527 m; 2¼ hr), there is a parking area. The {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Camp site Rigaux Philippe|lat=42.78997920829053|long=1.178432115744275}} lies just below the hamlet of Faup. From Faup, descend along the D708 toward {{Marker|name=Couflens|wikidata=Q1142090|type=city}}, but before reaching the D3 junction, cross the bridge and climb on the opposite slope to Gîte de Rouze d'Ustou. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte de Rouze d'Ustou|lat=42.789696616|long=1.20592416901|address=Prat de la Moule, Rouze d'Ustou, 09140 Couflens|phone=+33561669545|url=https://www.ferme-de-rouze.fr/|content=16 beds. Cheese from the farm. Open mid-June to mid-September.}} === Rouze - Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou === ; Distance : 8.4 km ; Duration : 3-4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m Follow the stream uphill for about 1¾ hr to reach the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Serre du Cot}} (1546 m). Optional side trips: * To the south, ascend the Pic de la Tese (2255 m; ↥↧ 3 hr or more). * To the north, climb the Tuc de Peyre Mensongère (1711 m; ↥↧ 40 min). From the pass, descend left onto a forest path, passing a few ruined farmhouses. The route eventually reaches the D38 road and leads into {{Marker|type=city|name=Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou|wikidata=Q109571916}}. === Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou - Aulus-les-Bains === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9 hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400 m The hike begins at the southern end of Saint-Lizier. After crossing the pedestrian bridge, the trail climbs southeast to the Col de Fitté (1387 m), a former ski area. From there, it continues along the right side of the slope. One alternative route begins at {{listing|type=city|name=Bidous|lat=42.78257178128407|long=1.2700395937419484}}, following the Alet river south and then climbing steeply for over 2 hours to reach the Col de Fitté, where it rejoins the GR 10. The trail curves around the southwest side of the Picou de la Mire (1741 m) and reaches the Col d'Escots (1618 m) after 3¾ hr. The nearby Chalet de Beauregard restaurant is open from late May to September, 10:00-23:00. Afterwards, the path continues up and down along steep slopes until it reaches the Ruisseau de Fouillet valley (4½ hr). The Jasse du Fouillet crossing (1170 m) is reached after at least 5 h. For a shorter option, follow the yellow-red waymarks of the Tour du Val du Garbet. This leads to the D8F road and directly into Aulus-les-Bains (7 hr from Saint-Lizier). The main route continues toward the plateau of Souliou and the Pic du Mont Rouge (1600 m). A side trip to Étang de Guzet offers a possible bivouac site. The trail then descends toward the Ruisseau d'Ars (1485 m), crosses a bridge, and continues downward. After a second bridge (8½ hr), the path becomes easier. A final bridge, Pont de la Mouline, crosses the Garbet River just before the trail enters {{Marker|type=city|name=Aulus-les-Bains|wikidata=Q1082493|url=https://www.loubet.fr/saint-lizier.html}}, a small spa town with a mini market at the traffic circle near the bridge and a tourist office next door. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte Pyrénées AAA|lat=42.779696032|long=1.2690230044|url=https://giteslareng.net/|address=Lareng, 09140 Ustou|phone=+33967838934|content=14 places in upscale cottages for 2-4 people.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Cascade d'Ars|lat=42.762922493744796|long=1.3615038669340882|content=260 m high waterfalls in multiple tiers, located 4½ km from Aulus. Takes 3-9 hr round-trip to hike to them (↥ 530 m).}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping municipal le Coulédous|lat= 42.7940356892|long=1.3321660893|url=http://www.camping-aulus-couledous.com/|content=Also offers bungalows for 4-7 people. The gîte d'étape is a 12-person tent.}} === Aulus-les-Bains - Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès === ; Distance : 11 km ; Duration : 5 hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m The route climbs out of Aulus-les-Bains to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Port de Saleix|lat=42.78143117676052|long=1.4043285766664242}}, where you'll find the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Refuge de Carol|lat=42.7813|long=1.4146}}. From here, the ascent becomes steeper. The following section to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Port de Bassiès|lat=42.772502271037204|long=1.411691910311851}} is demanding but scenically rewarding. This area lies within the Mont-Calme nature reserve, where camping is prohibited. === Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès - Marc === ; Distance : variable ; Duration : 3½-5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1385 ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1385 This stage and the following one include several alternative routes and shortcuts that can be combined. From the refuge, the GR-10 leads southeast along a slightly rocky trail for just over three kilometers, following the chain of lakes. At the outflow of the last lake, the Étang d'Escalès, the GR-10 bends to the right. Along the stream, there's an opportunity to descend toward the main road and the village of Auzat. Another descent option to the road appears about 2 km further along the GR-10. The main trail makes a sharp turn southward. From the aqueduct (1160 m; 2¼ h4), the route maintains an elevation just below 1200 m for around 4 km, before descending the final 1½ km into the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Marc|lat=42.71687694132801|long=1.449593121067756}}, cutting across the switchbacks of the road. The Gîte Retrouvance de Mouret (12 places) is available for group bookings only. From {{listing|type=city|name=Auzat|wikidata=Q1082539}}, one can rejoin the GR-10 by heading 4 km south to Artiès and climbing back up. This avoids a significant part of the next stage. Alternatively, walking 6 km to Marc allows one to resume the full stage. To skip this stage, it is possible to go from Auzat directly to Goulier via two routes: one through Olbier (4.4 km), the other 6.1 km. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès|url=https://refugedebassies.fr/|content=1933 m. Open late May to September.|lat=42.76509|long=1.413221}} === Marc - Goulier === ; Distance : 24.3 km ; Duration : 6-9 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m From Marc, follow the path to Mounicou. A shelter is located a short way beyond, along the D8. This is where the ascent begins. After a few hundred meters, you can turn right at the {{Marker|type=go |name=Turn right|lat=42.71|long=1.4575}} marker and stay on the west side of Les Caldelets. From the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Orri de Tignalbu|lat=42.69417|long=1.46296}}, which has a water source, the path becomes very poor. The main GR-10 trail continues uphill to the Refuge de Prunadière (1615 m, 2 hr). Be sure to refill your water here. From there, it leads to a junction above the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Artiès|lat=42.7362|long=1.4793}} shelter (985 m, 3¼ hr). The path ascends steadily, passing the ruins of Pradières-d'en-bas, and arrives at Étang d'Izurt. A cable car runs to the lake. After a short climb, it's around 14 km downhill to {{Marker|type=city |name=Goulier|wikidata=Q1015676}} (moh 370 m), which is part of the Val-de-Sos commune. You can shorten the main trail from Prunadière by climbing steeply left past the buildings, gaining 450 m of elevation. About 2 hr later, you'll rejoin the GR-10 at Coumasses-Grandes. This shortcut saves roughly 8 km and bypasses Étang d'Izurt. === Goulier - Siguer === ; Distance : 13 km ; Duration : 3¼-4¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 416 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 830 m From Goulier, the trail ascends toward the Col de Risoul, then the Col de Esquérus, and continues to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de Grail|lat=42.75360457229|long=1.5321300362453}}. Near this pass is a shelter, an information board, and a water source located 250 m off the path. The route then climbs to the highest point of the day at the Col de Lercoul (1549 m). From here, the trail descends through the hamlet of Lercoul. A footpath south of the winding road leads downhill to the village of {{Marker|name=Siguer|wikidata=Q1375974|type=city}}, home to Café Rouse and several accommodations. === Siguer - Plateau de Beille === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 2400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m This demanding stage involves three steep descents and offers no accommodation along the route, only five basic shelters. From Siguer, the trail climbs steeply to Gestiès (40 min), where you should fill up on water. The path crosses the road three times on the way up. After a long ascent, you reach the Pla de Montcamp (1904 m; 3¾ hr). Past the Col du Sasc (1798 m), the trail traverses the flank of the Pic du Col Taillat. Water is again available at the Cabane de Courtal Marti, though trail markings on this high section can be vague. The trail descends to the Cabane de Balledreyt (1600 m; 2 sleeping places), reached after another 20 minutes. After about 7½ hours, the trail descends to the D520A road at 1040 m elevation. A detour to the villages of Aston (14 km, with a campground) or Les Cabannes (15.8 km, with a year-round gîte d'étape) is possible around the 4¼-hour mark. Les Cabannes has a train connection to Mérens-les-Vals or Foix. After crossing the bridge, the GR-10 climbs again via a forest trail. A water source is marked and located about two minutes off the trail, just past a large boulder reached after 9+ hours. The trail continues across a ridge to the Cabane d'Artaran (1695 m). Shortly afterward, you reach the ski area at the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Plateau de Beille|lat=42.72473998587668|long=1.6911435704342077}}, where the Cabane Beille is located. This area is accessible via the D522 road loop and popular with day hikers. === Plateau de Beille - Refuge du Rulhe === ; Distance : 14 km ; Duration : 4¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m It's recommended to start this exposed stage early in the day to avoid afternoon summer thunderstorms. The trail remains around or above 2000 m throughout. The highest point is the summit of the {{Marker|type=see |name=Crête des Isards|lat=42.65012142232325|long=1.7389568668472413}} at 2381 m. The Refuge du Rulhe lies at the junction of several long-distance trails, including the Tour de Pays des Montagnes d'Ax from Ax-les-Thermes, the GR Transfrontalier from Andorra, and two routes from the Vallée d'Aston. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Rulhe|url=https://rulhe.com/|lat=42.6379904848182|long=1.725866639541228|content=53 places. Open late May to September. €16 per night, half board €45. Tel: +33 6 74 24 50 71}} === Refuge du Rulhe - Mérens-les-Vals === ; Distance : 12 km ; Duration : 4½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 360 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1500-1600 m '''Water is scarce at high elevation.''' From the refuge, the trail ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de Calmettes|lat=42.636915754134|long=1.7404819725150908}} (2318 m), mostly over scree. Cairns also serve as markers. The path descends to Étang Bleu, where it skirts the left side of the lake and climbs again to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Crête de la Lhasse|lat=42.6398816194571|long=1.768563885207408}} (2439 m). Afterward, it continues over scree for nearly 800 m of descent to the pond called l'Estangol, with a shelter above. {{Marker|name=Mérens-les-Vals|wikidata=Q662289|type=city}} is reached after the final descent. The ruins of the old Saint-Pierre church date back to the Napoleonic Wars. The village festival takes place on July 20. The village has a train stop on the Foix - Puigcerdà line. Located on the N-20. The natural hot springs are about 45 minutes away, although they were affected by rockfall in 2022. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge du Nabre|lat=42.65611004694209|long=1.8429807373614195|address=le village d'en haut, 09110 Mérens-les-Vals|phone=+33 5 61 01 89 36|url=https://www.aubergedunabre.com/|content=Guesthouse in the upper village.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping de Mérens|lat=42.64646601527881|long=1.8310245105731093|address=600 Ville de Bau, 09110 Mérens-les-Vals|phone=+33 5 61 02 85 40|url=http://www.camping.merenslesvals.fr/de/haus/|content=Open all year, 1.3 km south of the village.}} === Mérens-les-Vals - Refuge des Bésines === ; Distance : 10 km ; Duration : 4½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 260 m This demanding stage continues through high alpine terrain, with lots of rock and scree. From Mérens, the trail leads past Le Nabre to the hot springs. Afterward, the path climbs for nearly 3 hours. First, it reaches the Estangs (2056 m), then continues to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Porteille de Bésines|lat=42.6154502407948|long=1.872190036139089}} (2333 m). From this pass, the route is clearly signposted. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bésines|wikidata=Q11945073|url=https://refugebesines.ffcam.fr/|content=2104 m. 70 beds. Open June-September. Phone: +33 5 61 05 11 77.}} === Refuge des Bésines - Refuge des Bouillouses === ; Distance : 16.7 km ; Duration : 5½-6 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 660 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 760 m This high-level stage crosses several mountain passes and offers excellent panoramic views. The route first ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Coll de Coma d'Anyell|lat=42.60880012907595|long=1.8962468691063044}}, from where it is possible to climb Pic des Bésineilles (2632 m) in about ¾ hr round trip. The path then continues through the Lansolet basin (2234 m), past the Cabane de Rozet, and climbs again to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Portella de la Grava|lat=42.59935934341172|long=1.934453711010157}}. From there, it's a gentle 3-hour descent to the lakeside refuge at Bouillouses. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bésines|lat=42.6039|long=1.86853|content=56 dormitory beds, with 16 emergency shelter spots outside the season. Open June-September.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bouillouses|lat=42.559475002653095|long=2.00351938309043|url=https://www.lesbouillouses.com/|content=2003 m. 46 beds. Open June-September. Phone: +33 4 68 04 93 88.}} === Refuge des Bouillouses - Planès === ; Distance : 19 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 230 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m The descent is easy but not always well marked. After about 2¾ hours (1740 m), the GR-10 reaches the D618. About 700 m further, a right turn leads to Superbolquère, where food and lodging are available, including a supermarket and a gîte with 28 beds. The GR-10 continues downhill to the quiet D10C near {{Marker|name=Bolquère|wikidata=Q1101891|type=city}} (1628 m, 2¾ hr), where there is a public drinking fountain and an information board. The nearby Gare de Bolquère-Eyne (1593 m) is the highest railway stop in France, on the scenic “train jaune” line. Passing through the villages of La Perche and La Cabanasse (3½ hr), the route ends at the small village of {{Marker|name=Planès|wikidata=Q524705|type=city}}. No shops in the village. The nearby Pont Gisclard, opened in 1909, is a cable-stayed bridge on the Ligne de Cerdagne crossing the Têt river. The village is a stop on the “train jaune” railway. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=L'Orri de Planès|lat=42.490995503|long=2.1382908362|address=Casas del Mitg, 66210 Planès|phone=+33 4 68 04 29 47|content=Gîte with 16 dormitory beds and private rooms.}} === Planès - Refuge du Ras de la Carança === ; Distance : 15.3 km ; Duration : 5¾-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1170 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 870 m There are no supply options along this stage. The trail begins with a gentle ascent through pine forest into the high Riberola valley. It is advisable to refill your water at the Refuge de l'Orri. Above the Cabane d'Aixques, the route becomes steep as it climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col Mitja|wikidata=Q28381301}} (2376 m). From the pass, it is possible to summit Pic de Gallinas (2624 m, ↥↧ 90 min) or Pic Redoun (2677 m, ↥↧ 1 hr). The final 1½ hours involve a descent of about 500 m to the refuge. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Ras de la Carança|wikidata=Q28380908|address=142 rue de, 66360 Fontpédrouse|phone=+33 9 88 66 73 81|url=https://www.refugelacaranca.com/|content=1840 m. Open mid-May to mid-September. 13 emergency places available off-season. Connections to other trails: 7.7 km to Prats Balaguer, 8.5 km to Ull de Ter, 13.7 km to Carança, 10 km to Thuès-les-Bains via the gorge, and 12 km to Núria.}} === Refuge du Ras de la Carança - Mantet === ; Distance : 10 km ; Duration : 4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 640 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 940 m This stage is challenging and poorly marked at higher elevations. From the refuge, follow the stream uphill for 100 m to a wooden bridge. Continue on a scree path along the left side of the valley. After passing through a gate, you reach an alpine pasture and the {{marker|type=go|name=Coll del Pal|lat=42.465650773936|long=2.258498904704664}} (2294 m). This area is a nature reserve where wild camping is forbidden. From the pass, there is an optional ascent to Pic de Serre Gallinère (2663 m; 1 hr round trip), and possibly further on to the Serre de Caret (2300 m). From the pass, descend to the {{marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Alemany|wikidata=Q120254507}} (1962 m; 8 places), located 200 m off the trail. The main path continues left, crossing first a wooden, then a concrete bridge, followed by a narrow unpaved road that ascends to the village of {{listing|type=city|name=Mantet|wikidata=Q1369164}} (1550 m). Population: 31. Most of the southern part of the commune is the protected area [https://rnn-mantet.fr/ Reserva natural de Mentet], where camping is forbidden. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=La Cavale|address=Los Miquelets, 66360 Mantet|phone=+33 4 68 05 57 59|url=http://la-cavale.fr/|lat=42.477231944228336|long=2.3092556382036555|content=Private rooms and dorms for 3-5 people.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte à la ferme Cazenove|url=http://www.gitecazenovemantet.fr/|lat=42.47702171854456|long=2.306028129535968|content=Farm gîte. Open May to September.}} === Mantet - Refuge de Mariailles === ; Distance : 14.8 km ; Duration : 5 hr 5 min ; Elevation gain : ↥ 936 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 834 m Midway along this stage is the village of {{Marker|name=Py|wikidata=Q178846|type=city}} (1023 m), which has an auberge and a gîte. From Py, follow the D6 briefly before heading northeast to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Jou|wikidata=Q47335849|lat=|long=}} (1125 m). The path turns southeast and ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Cavall Mort|wikidata=Q47335871|lat=|long=}} (1454 m), then continues upward to the Refuge de Mariailles. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge de Mariailles|alt=Refugi de Marelles|url=https://refugedemariailles.fr/|lat=42.5017361908777|long=2.4077634391340514|content=1692 m. Open from late May; shelter room available year-round.}} === Refuge de Mariailles - Refuge des Cortalets === ; Distance : 16.3 km ; Duration : 6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1030 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m This is a challenging high-mountain route around the Canigou Massif. There are no supply points along the way, and surefootedness is required. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Cortalets|url=https://refugedescortalets.ffcam.fr/|lat=42.53436454795011|long=2.465036067970792|content=2100 m. 105 places, plus 19 emergency shelter places available outside the season.}} * {{listing|type=go |name=Loop trail to the summit of Pic du Canigou|alt=Canigó|url=https://www.visit-occitanie.com/de/entdecken/top-sehenswuerdigkeiten/massif-du-canigou-katalonien/|lat=42.53692009465181|long=2.4666389025393545|content=This difficult 9.3 km loop (4½ h; ↥ 700+ m) begins 200 m beyond the refuge.}} === Refuge des Cortalets - Gîte-refuge de Batère === ; Distance : 16.8 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 270 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 920 m This stage is also part of the HRP. From the refuge to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Ras del Prat Cabrera|wikidata=Q47170860|lat=|long=}} (1739 m; 4 km), you can choose between a high-level route following the “Tour du Canigou” and a less steep path along the mountainside. From the pass to the Refuge de l'Estanyol (2¾ hr or more) the trail descends gradually, then more steeply. It climbs again briefly to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Cirère|wikidata=Q134299355|lat=|long=}} (1731 m; 4-4¾ hr). From here, you can optionally ascend the Puig Saint-Pierre (1791 m; ↥ 15 min, ↧ 15 min). Descending from the col, you pass abandoned stone quarries and mines (the Mines de la Pinosa are ruins of a former settlement), and reach your destination. Nearby you can explore the 5-day “Tour du Canigou” circuit or visit the historic abbeys of Saint-Martin du Canigou and Saint-Michel-de-Cuxa. * {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Estanyol|wikidata=Q120262655|lat=|long=}} === Gîte-refuge de Batère - Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette === ; Distance : 19.2 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 745 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m Along this long and steady descent, you pass several dolmens. Their significance may be best appreciated by specialists in archaeology. The destination is the Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette, an old mill located in the Ribera Valley. More accommodation and services are available in {{Marker|name=Arles-sur-Tech|wikidata=Q7897|type=city}}, which is connected by bus. At the southern edge of the town, you'll find Camping Riuferrer. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte-refuge de Batère|url=https://www.refugedebatere.fr/|lat=42.50176051942559|long=2.5484428644953847|address=Mines de Batère, 66150 Corsavy|phone=+33 4 68 39 12 01|content=17 dormitory beds, 20 in private rooms. Access via a 20.3-km road from Arles-sur-Tech.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette|wikidata=Q120266421|url=http://gr10-par-etapes.eklablog.com/hebergement-du-moulin-de-la-palette-a126161238|content=Simple eco-gîte in a renovated mill, located in the Ribera valley.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Riuferrer|lat=42.4551506239|long=2.6291899540|url=https://campingriuferrer.com/}} === Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette - Las Illas === ; Distance : 22 km ; Duration : 7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m From the gîte, follow the D536 for 1 km, then turn right uphill toward Montalba (543 m; 1 hr). At the cross, turn sharply right to continue climbing. You reach the ruins of the Mouli Serradou (833 m; 2½ hr). The highest point is the Coll de Sant Martí (1426 m; 4 hr or more). The trail continues through forest along the slope, passing by the Roc de France (also known as Roc de Frausa). {{Marker|name=Las Illas|wikidata=Q16508596|type=city}} has a water point and picnic area in the park. Accommodation is available in a gîte at the town hall and at the Hostal de Trabucayeres. === Las Illas - Col de l'Ouillat === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 6-7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 930 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 540 m The route has been altered several times due to terrain difficulties, so follow the current waymarking. The middle part of the trail runs along the border, just below the ridge. The dominant tree species in this area is the striking Corsican pine (Pinus nigra var. corsicana). A detour to the fortified town of Le Perthus and the Fort de Bellegarde (open May-Sep, 10:30-18:00) offers a cultural break. Note that all shops are on the Spanish side of the border. After about 3 hours, there is an optional detour to the Roman fort Panissas, built on the Via Domitia. Turn off 5 minutes after border marker 565 (2½ hr). The stage ends at {{marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de l'Ouillat|wikidata=Q11914547}} (938 m). === Col de l'Ouillat - Banyuls-sur-Mer === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 7-8¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 680 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1610 m The route stays high near the border ridge. It takes about 1 hour to reach the Pic Néulos. Water is available at the Refuge de la Tagnarède after 1½ hours. From there, the trail leads over several passes: Coll del Faig (985 m), Col de l'Orry, and Col de l'Estaque (1025 m; 2¾ hr). The Pic des Quatre-Termes (1156 m) and Pic de la Cabassère are bypassed to the north. After 4 hours, you reach the Coll del Pal (899 m). From there, continue right toward the Col des Gascons (6¼ hr or more). The final descent to the Col de Llagastèra (285 m) passes partly through vineyards towards {{Marker|name=Banyuls-sur-Mer|wikidata=Q6753|type=city}}. == Go next == * [[Pyrenean High Route]]: Crosses the Pyrenees along the mountain crests, staying higher than both the GR 10 and GR 11. * [[GR 11]] This footpath stays on the Spanish side of the Pyrenees. {{outlineitinerary}} {{Related|France}} {{Related|Pyrenees}} {{PartOfItinerary|Europe itineraries}} 0i10tlsf5fzaq13nbmxrdsz8pqrwkfx 5086683 5086680 2025-07-02T16:32:23Z Bluecoordinationfine 2327039 Same as the previous change. 5086683 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|GR 10 WV banner.jpg|caption=View from GR 10, near Souriche, looking towards the Tourmalet, valley of Barèges, France}} The '''GR 10''' is one of the paths and trails of the extensive [[Grande Randonnée]] (or GR) network. It crosses [[France]], from the Mediterranean coast to the Atlantic coast, and runs almost entirely through the [[Pyrenees]]. While the trail is in France, much of it is near, or even on, the border with [[Spain]]. The trail can be walked in either direction, though some suggest that the west-east route is easier in the beginning, as it is both cooler and less steep that the corresponding start heading west; this may be an advantage to those not fully in shape. == Understand == [[File:Lac d'Oo (22).jpg|thumb|Lac d'Oo]] Moving from east to west, the trail begins at the Mediterranean, in the small town of [[Banyuls sur Mer]], and finishes at [[Hendaye]] on the Atlantic Ocean. Hikers will usually be able to make it to a [[France#Guesthouses and holiday rentals|gîte]] or small town every other night, and quite frequently every night. Expected time to complete the trail is around 6-7 weeks, though the majority of people only hike sections of it. == Prepare == The trail is fairly well marked with painted marks on rocks, trees, telephone poles, and even houses, walls, and street signs. If you haven’t seen a waymark for 100 metres, you’ve likely strayed off the trail. Retrace your steps to the last marker and check your route. It is not realistic to navigate using the markers alone. A trail guide, at minimum, or a topologic map is required. Sunburn is a particular problem, and clothing such as long sleeved shirts and long pants should be worn as they protect from the sun, scratching branches and insects. Sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat are highly desirable. For those heading west from Banyuls sur Mer, the hike to the first gîte is particularly long compared to the following days, and should be started very early. === Equipment === One of the advantages of the GR 10 is that it can be hiked with minimal gear, as one can eat dinner and breakfast almost every day at the gîtes. Additionally the hiker can sleep outdoors on clear nights and pay for a bed in a gîte in inclement weather. On nights that only shelters (which usually have no food or staff) are available, pre-purchased food can be eaten. If one plans to eat at gîtes and buy food from supermarkets that can be eaten without cooking, the absolute minimal gear in the summer months is: * Sleeping bag or sleep sheet, and a mat for comfort. * Goretex jacket and fleece or similar for cold or wet weather * Long-sleeved shirt and pants * Short-sleeved shirt and shorts (including shorts you can wear for swimming) * Sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat * Adequate footwear. Anything less than hiking boots may prove insufficient. * Bottles for at least two litres of water, and a purification method for treating water from streams. * Toiletries and a [[Travel health kit|medical kit]] Additionally, consider a rain jacket or fleece top for wet or cold weather. If you plan to forgo the comforts and delicious food of the gites and hotels, also bring: * Tent * Cooking gear and food A note on footwear: some four fifths of the hikers wear full hiking boots and thick socks. While running sneakers may suffice (and Choco-style sandals may work for a few days), your risk of injury is higher, and much of the trail involves hopping around on possibly wet and sharp rocks. Choose conservatively, depending on the length of your hike and your experience. ==Get in== == Walk == {{Mapframe|lat=42.68287|long=0.56837|width=full|height=360|zoom=7}} {{mapshape|type=geoline|stroke=#000000|stroke-width=3}} === Hendaye-Plage - Olhette === ; Distance : 21.9 km ; Duration : 6-7¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1010 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 950 m Intermarché sells gas cartridges. Near the western trailhead a {{marker|type=buy|name=Decathlon|lat=43.36843635018845|long=-1.7798332063655435}} store geared towards watersports is available for last minute purchases, such as gas cannisters. The hike starts from the 3 km long {{marker|type=see|name=Hendaye Beach|wikidata=Q20947149}}. This is below the old casino, now known as Résidence Croisière. Nearby is the Tourist Office. Buses run from the main train station, or you can walk from {{marker|type=go|name=Gare Deux Jumeaux|wikidata=Q2802667}}. Leaving town, the route goes around the football stadium and climbs via Rue Errondenia and Rue de Pausoa, passing by {{Marker|type=city|name=Biriatou|wikidata=Q196871}}, which conveniently has public toilets available. After about 3 hr you reach the summit of {{marker|type=see|name=Xoldokogaina|wikidata=Q20492776}}. The high point is at Mandale (530 m) on the Spanish border. From here, the path descends to the Col d'Ibardin (4¼ hr), a popular spot for French shoppers due to cheap alcohol and tobacco. The trail continues via Col des Poiriers and Col des Joncs before reaching Olhette. * {{listing|type=city|name=Olhette|lat=43.3360119885|long=-1.6661235970|content=65 m. No bus service; the nearest is in Ascain, 4 km away. Two gîtes: [https://www.chambre-d-hote-cote-basque-manttu.fr/ Manttu-Baïta] at the southern end of the village and Trapero Baïta (Tel. +33 5 59 54 42 59) in the center.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Redoute de la Baïonette|lat=43.309257665|long=-1.70329930013|content=Historic fortification near Mandale, located by modern border marker 9. Offers wide views.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Basque Tourist Office|address=20 Boulevard Victor Hugo, 64500 Saint-Jean-de-Luz|lat=43.387765760|long=-1.66038856746|url=https://www.en-pays-basque.fr/en/|content=Tourist info for the wider Basque region.}} === Olhette - Ainhoa === ; Distance : 21.1 km ; Duration : 6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 730 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 640 m The steepest climb comes right at the beginning. For most of the route, you'll be on forest trails and, after Sare, quiet paved country roads. The trail initially ascends on a good path over the Col des Trois Fontaines (1½ hr; a shelter is located 300 m away), then descends to the Col de St-Ignace, where the valley station of the cog railway to La Rhune is found. It continues to {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Sare]]|wikidata=Q274155}} (2¾ hr), a local transport hub and one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. There's an outdoor swimming pool. The stage ends in {{Marker|type=city|name=Ainhoa|wikidata=Q212962|url=https://www.en-pays-basque.fr/territoires-et-destinations/vallee-de-la-nivelle/ainhoa/}}. Also one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. The tourist information office (open 09:00-12:30, 14:00-17:30; closed weekends and holidays) is located at the side of the town hall. Local grocery stores are a bit pricey due to the village's popularity. From Col des Trois Fontaines you can ascend La Rhune (905 m) either by cog railway (35 min) or on foot (3 km, 1¼ h; ↥↧ 300 m). The prehistoric {{Marker|type=see|name=Grottes de Sare|wikidata=Q3117280}} can be visited with prior reservation through the local municipality or online. Closed annually for a month after Epiphany. This stage is part of the [[European long-distance path E9|European long-distance trail E9]]. === Ainhoa - Bidarray === ; Distance : 21.7 km ; Duration : 8½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 880 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 850 m This is a difficult stage, with little shade at the start and a particularly steep, rocky descent near the end. At the old cemetery (389 m; 40 min) beside the {{Marker|type=see|name=Chapelle Notre Dame de l'Aubépine|wikidata=Q12253854}}, a dramatic crucifixion scene of the Jewish itinerant preacher Jesus of Nazareth and two other criminals has been recreated. Traditional Basque hilarri gravestones are found here. The path then continues over the Col des Trois-Croix (510 m; 1 hr 20 min). A good place to rest is at Ferme Esteben (2 hr 50 min, 580 m), a gîte d'étape with a bar-restaurant. The trail continues near the border, past Boundary Stone 77, partly on paved road. At Col des Veaux (550 m), you can take a 300-m detour into Spain to visit a venta (a small inn or shop). From here, the trail climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Méhatche|lat=43.272782275749094|long=-1.4166930371188398}} (716 m; 3¾ hr). The descent past Boundary Stones 82 and 83 is secured with cables. From Col de Méhatche, you can ascend Artzamendi (926 m), easily identified by its radar dome at the summit. The nearby {{Marker|type=see|name=Grotte le Saint-que-Sue|alt=Harpeko Saindua|lat=43.26526266671622|long=-1.3890420732224757}} can also be visited. Just before reaching {{Marker|type=city|name=Bidarray|wikidata=Q746221}}, a bypass trail offers a shortcut to the next stage. For peak baggers, this route also gives access to several summits: Errebi (between the chapel and Col des Trois-Croix), Atxulegi (a 15-min detour on the way to Col des Trois-Croix), and, in good weather, Mont Bizkayluze (701 m) and Gorospil (691 m). The village is split into two parts, 600 m apart. The GR-10 passes through the upper section (where accommodation is located), while the train station lies in the lower part. The stone “Noblia” bridge, in its current form, dates to the 17th century. Parts of the Church of the Assumption are Romanesque. Traditional hilarri gravestones can be found in the old cemetery, and the Ferme Gastetto is a protected farmhouse in classic Lower Navarrese style. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Aire Zabal|lat=43.2665469128|long=-1.34721660011|url=https://giteairezabal.fr/|content=Stage accommodation in the upper part of the village.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Amestoya|lat=43.284582665|long=-1.35372693663|url=https://camping-bidarray.fr/english/|content=Campsite along the D908, 2 km north of the upper village.}} === Bidarray - Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry === ; Distance : 18.5 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1250 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1250 m This southward stage is demanding, especially due to the complete lack of water sources along the ascent. After passing the Iparla Ridge (950 m), the trail reaches an altitude of over 1000 m for the first time on the way to the summit. It then continues along the ridge to the Pic de Tutulia before descending to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Harrieta|lat=43.21079140547837|long=-1.384120195860639}} (3¾ hr, 808 m). From the Col d'Harrieta, a side trail descends to Urdos (1¾ hr), from where it's possible to follow the road into Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry. The main trail continues across the Buztanzelhay summit (4¾ hr, 1029 m), then down to the col of the same name (843 m). Here, the GR-10 turns left and descends steeply. The path crosses the D949 road several times — this road leads from the village to the ventas on the Spanish border at the Col d'Ispéguy. You can also reach this col via the ridge, 1½ km from Col Buztanzelhay. If you want to skip entering {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry]]|wikidata=Q279252}} (162 moh), you can join the next stage earlier at the Nive des Aldudes (6½ h, 162 m). There's a picnic area in the park and a supermarket that stocks gas cartridges. Locals play Rebot, a type of pelota, on two courts. The Château d'Etxauz is not open to the public. On the last Sunday in April, the village hosts a traditional folklore festival known as Nafarroaren Eguna. The Nive des Aldudes valley occasionally experiences flooding and mudslides. === Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry - Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port === ; Distance : 19.2 km ; Duration : 5-7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 990 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 980 m This stage runs mostly on gravel paths and farm tracks. About an hour in, there's an optional detour at Col d'Aharza for a 35-minute climb to Oylarandoy, where a hermitage built in 1706 stands. The GR-10 heads south to the Col d'Aharza (734 m; 2 hr), where there's a water source, then turns east and circles around the {{Marker|type=see|name=Munhoa|wikidata=Q3327853}} (1023 m; 3½ hr). The climb is fully exposed to the sun. The descent begins on the right-hand side. For campers, there are two sites before {{Marker|name=Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port|wikidata=Q270294|type=city}}: [http://www.camping-delatruite.com/ Camping de La Truite] (March 1 - Dec 15), and closer to town, [http://www.camping-narbaitz.com/ Camping Narbaitz] (mid-March - mid-September; tent spaces from June 20). Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port lies at 170 m and is where three of the four French pilgrimage routes converge before entering Spain. From here, it's possible to continue directly onto the Camino de Santiago (via Roncesvalles). === Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port - Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta === ; Distance : 16.2 km ; Duration : 5-5½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 870 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 420 m There are no supply points or public transport on this stage, but the walking is relatively easy. In the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Çaro|wikidata=Q842635}} (242 m), there is a public fountain next to the town hall. If you choose to end the day early after 3¾ hr in {{Marker|type=city|name=Estérençuby|wikidata=Q842724}} (231 m; two accommodation options), be aware that this adds an extra 400 m of ascent to the next day's stage. === Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta - Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty === ; Distance : 20.7 km ; Duration : 6¾-8 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1410 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m This stage is simple but offers little shade. The trail first climbs toward the Col on Ithurramburu (820 m), then continues ascending to just below the {{Marker|type=see|name=Occabe|alt=Okabe|wikidata=Q17417892}} (1456 m). On the Occabe plateau, 26 Neolithic stone circles known as ''harrespil'' in Basque have been found. They are believed to have been used for cremation rites. A good rest stop is the upscale {{Marker|type=eat|name=Restaurant Chalet Pedro|url=https://www.chaletpedro.com/|lat=43.03687624625582|long=-1.0746838225620772}} (4¾ hr). The associated lodge offers 10 beds. Across the stream at Le Kayolar, similar accommodation is available. From here, the trail turns sharply right after 100 m and continues uphill for 6-7 km (300 m ascent) to the stage destination. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta|url=http://kaskoleta.free.fr/|lat=43.092036845886255|long=-1.1646582066722122|content=Altitude 615 m. Offers 13 beds in 3 rooms plus a holiday apartment for 4. A scenic viewpoint with an information panel is 5 minutes away.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=L'aire Naturelle de Camping|lat=43.037460332099656|long=-1.0494175120345806|content=Natural campground with 50 pitches, located 3 km before the Chalets by the stream. Open June-October. Fresh bread available by reservation from 08:30.}} === Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty - Logibar === ; Distance : 16.4 km ; Duration : 5-6 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 440 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1380 m In bad weather, the route along the west side of the {{Marker|type=see|name=Pic des Escaliers|wikidata=Q31645205}} (1423 m) is not recommended. There are two alternative routes, but both are poorly marked. At the Ugatzé Ridge, the trail skirts the peak rather than summiting it. To avoid the steep descent from Pic des Escaliers, stay on the road for about 600 m after the start, then turn off after 2½ km to reach Col Ugatzé. A short side trip allows you to summit Arthanolatzégagnia (an additional 35 min ascent and descent). Trail markings are sparse for several hours. After some time following mule tracks, you'll reach a road crossing at Beloscare (1173 m; 3 hr). Logibar marks the end of the stage, but you can also continue 2 km further to {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Larrau]]|wikidata=Q608335}}, which offers three accommodation options and a campground. In bad weather, an easier alternative is to follow the paved road from Iraty directly to Larrau for a gentler descent. === Logibar - Sainte-Engrâce (Senta) === ; Distance : 26.3 km ; Duration : 7½-9¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200-1420 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 900-1170 m This stage leads through spectacular gorges. Follow signs to the Gorges d'Holzarté and ascend the trail to the 70 m long suspension bridge (50 min), which spans the dramatic Ruisseau de Olhadubi gorge 150 m above the ground. On the far side, the trail continues uphill. After 2 hours, you reach the Olhadubi stream — a possible spot for a refreshing dip. Nearby, the Cabane Cayolar d'Olhadubi (reached via a side path from the bridge) serves as an emergency shelter with space for 4-5 people. Continuing uphill, you'll reach the Abarrakia farm after just over 3 hours. The path then winds between farms, eventually reaching the point (4½ hr) where the GR-10 turns sharply to the right. The original GR-10 route bypassed the gorges entirely by heading up to the Plateau d'Adarkhotia after the Holzarté bridge. This shortcut saves 2.7 km (1¼ hr) and 150 m of elevation gain. After about 5 hours, you'll reach the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Anhaou|alt=Col de Bious|lat=42.9784|long=-0.88044}} (1383 m). From here, energetic hikers can summit nearby peaks such as Izeyto (1464 m) or Sarimendi (1484 m). The stage ends at {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Sainte-Engrâce]]|wikidata=Q197211}}. Sainte-Engrâce is home to a Romanesque church from the 11th century. From the village, a 9-km side trip (↥ 840 m, ↧ 135 m) takes you to the vast La Verna cave. Guided tours go up to 800 m deep — the main chamber is large enough to fit the Eiffel Tower. Bookings are handled through the [https://laverna.fr/en/ Espace accueil Arrakotchepia], Quartier Calla, 64560 Sainte-Engrâce (Tel. +33 6 37 88 29 05). August is often very busy. A detour south from the restaurant leads into the wild and romantic Gorges de Kakuetta. The trail is very steep and slippery, and entry tickets are (usually) sold at the restaurant. === Sainte-Engrâce (Senta) - Refuge Jeandel === ; Distance : 11.6 km ; Duration : 4¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 160 m The trail climbs steadily from Sainte-Engrâce into the limestone highlands of the Pierre-Saint-Martin massif, marking the transition into more alpine terrain. You ascend to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Pierre-St-Martin|wikidata=Q1107451}} (1760 m; border with Spain). Since 1373, the Tributo de las Tres Vacas — a cross-border tribute of three cows — has been held here every July 13 to settle grazing rights between the two valleys. A small shop at the parking area sells goat cheese. A ski area lies just over the border on the Spanish side. There is also a small shelter near Boundary Marker 62. An optional 15-minute detour leads to the summit of Soum de Lèche (1839 m). The Grotte de la Verna, a massive cave chamber accessible by guided tour, lies 1 km (¾ hr) off the main trail and requires prior booking ([https://laverna.fr laverna.fr]). From the pass, descend to the first switchback, then turn right off the main track. The trail passes under two chairlifts and continues along the northern flank of the Pic d'Arlas. When you spot three large concrete water tanks, descend to the staffed mountain hut at Refuge Jeandel. The ski resort village of {{Marker|name=La Pierre Saint-Martin|wikidata=Q3211628|type=city}} is about 15 minutes off the trail and offers additional services. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge Jeandel|address=La Pierre Saint Martin, 64570 Arette|url=https://www.refugejeandel.com/|lat=42.97829371796861|long=-0.7493627209784663|content=Altitude 1670 m. Dormitory accommodation from €18; half-board from €42.50. Staffed in summer.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Tourist Office La Pierre Saint-Martin|address=Maison de la Pierre, 75 D332, 64570 Arette|phone=+33 5 59 66 20 09|url=https://www.lapierrestmartin.com/|lat=42.97735500762936|long=-0.744495054007273|content=Open only during the French summer holidays (mid-July to late August). Provides info on local lodging and two campervan pitches. Served by seasonal Bus 807 between Arette and Oloron-Sainte-Marie.}} === Refuge Jeandel - Lescun === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 5½-6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1200 m This is a challenging stage, but the scenery is magnificent. Several rocky mountain paths are equipped with cables for safety. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Pas de l'Osque|lat=42.9702182168491|long=-0.7089944097203539}} (1922 m), which requires a head for heights. The trail continues to the Pas d'Azuns (1873 m; 2¾ hr), and a good first rest stop with water is the spring near the Cabane du Cap de la Baitch (1689 m; 3 hr). In wet weather, descending to {{Marker|type=city|name=Lescun|wikidata=Q179737}} (895 m) via the road is recommended, as the GR-10 becomes muddy and difficult to navigate. From Lescun, the HRP route offers a very demanding variant over the Col d'Anie back toward Cabane du Cap de la Baitch. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Centre de l'Abérouat|url=http://aberouat.fr/|lat=42.95041471194407|long=-0.6658390953581508|content=Staffed hut with a bar. Offers 20 rooms (2-5 beds each). Free tent camping nearby (bathrooms in the hut available for a fee). Best suited for groups; solo walkers must book in advance.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Maison de la Montagne|lat=42.934247039|long=-0.63524507931|address=1 ruelle de la Congasse, 64490 Lescun|phone=+33 6 88 06 95 29|url=https://www.maisondelamontagne64.com/|content=Comfortable accommodation for hikers in the centre of Lescun.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping - Gîte du Lauzart|address=Bordé de Mougnague, 64490 Lescun|phone=+33 5 59 34 51 77|url=https://www.camping-gite-lescun-pyrenees.com/|lat=42.92782183157741|long=-0.6421994110320027|content=Along the D340. About 20 minutes into the next stage. Open April-September. Campsite €14 + €4 per adult. 25 dorm beds available for €16; half board €42.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Tourist Office for the Vallée |lat=42.9990368924|long=-0.60057615194|url=https://www.pyrenees-bearnaises.com/explorer/nature/|phone=+33 5 59 34 57 57|content=Located in Bedous. Provides information on the surrounding region.}} === Lescun - Etsaut === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 5½-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 850 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1150 m The trail begins easily through pastoral countryside, then enters forested terrain, passing the [https://www.gite-camping-lhers.com/ Gîte d'étape and campsite on the Plateau de Lhers] (2 hr), and climbing to the Col de Barrancq (1601 m; 3¾ hr). From the Col de Barrancq, a side trip leads to the summit of Pic de Labigouer (2175 m), which takes just under 3 hours round-trip. Lower down in the Parc d'Orce, within the commune of {{Marker|type=city|name=Borçe|wikidata=Q840474}} (5¾ hr), lives the majority of the region's ~50 brown bears. The Gîte le Communal offers accommodation here. The stage ends in {{listing|type=city|name=Etsaut|wikidata=Q765829|content=Altitude 597 m. Located on the N-134 and served by the Canfranc-Oloron-Saint-Marie bus line. The former train station now houses the Pyrenees National Park visitor center. Accommodation available in the Gîte d'étape la Garbure behind the church (53 beds).}} Just outside Etsaut, the {{Marker|type=see|name=Fort du Portalet|wikidata=Q3078387}} clings dramatically to the cliffs in two tiers, spanning a height difference of 150 m. * {{listing|type=see|name=Refuge animalier à Borce|url=https://parc-ours.fr/|lat=42.9045174060618|long=-0.5745664608466107|content=open 10:00-18:00; admission €12. It functions as an educational wildlife refuge}} === Etsaut - Gabas === ; Distance : 24 km ; Duration : 9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1640 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1210 m The trail begins with the dramatic Chemin de la Mâture, a path carved into the rock face. It is not passable in icy or snowy conditions. You reach Grange Perry (1210 m) after 2 hours. A quarter of an hour later, at a junction, keep left. After 3½ hours, you arrive at the Cabane de la Baight de St-Cours (1560 m; shepherds only, June-September), located at the border. About 4 hours in, you cross a stream on a bridge. This is the last water source before the high pass. The highest point of the stage is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Ayous|wikidata=Q2981981}} (2185 m; 5½ hr or more). On its eastern slope lie the Ayous Lakes, including the scenic Refuge d'Ayous. It's an ideal place to break this long stage. The Col d'Ayous also marks a transition point between valleys: from the Chemin de la Mâture and Baigt de Sencours in the Aspe Valley to Bious-Artigues (1540 m) in the Ossau Valley, where pony rides and canoe rentals are available on the eastern shore. The lake is 6½ km from the pass (↧ 764 m). From the pass, you can also summit Pic d'Ayous (add 30 min up and down), or detour 6 km to Lac Bersau — a longer alternative via the Vallon d'Aas is 9 km. From the lake, descend on the D231 road, which includes switchbacks that can be shortcut. (Note: Refuge de Gabas is permanently closed.) The stage ends in {{Marker|name=Gabas|wikidata=Q5515276|type=city}}, which offers two accommodations and a bar, but no grocery store. Located on bus route 806/806bis from Col de Portalet via Gabas to Laruns (15 km). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Ayous|url=https://www.refuge-ayous.fr/en-gb|lat=42.84844763797708|long=-0.4911758258903634|10 minutes off the GR10 near Lac Gentau (6½ hr). This refuge offers 47 beds and tent spaces and is open from mid-May to the first week of October.}} === Gabas - Gourette === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9-10 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1150 m This is a long and difficult stage, not suitable for children. The Corniche des Alhas section requires a head for heights. Snow may linger into summer, making it hard to follow the waymarks. Water is scarce during the first four hours. The trail follows the D934 road to the Artouste dam, then climbs through forest paths (1¼ hr). Some parts pass through cliff-side ledges carved into the rock — the Corniche des Alhas — which have fixed cables for safety. An easier alternative bypasses the Corniche via the Pont du Goua and the Gave de Soussouéou. After 1¾ hr, you reach a bridge near the Gave de Soussouéou waterfalls (1145 m). From here, a steep trail leads up to Houn de Mouscabarous (1361 m; 2¾ hr), continuing uphill to Petite Arcizette (2293 m). Snow may persist at these elevations until July. After 6½-7 hr, you arrive at the Hourquette d'Arre (2465 m). Important: The path shown on some maps to the Géougue d'Arre (2619 m) is a mountaineering route, not a hiking trail. An alternative route avoids the Hourquette d'Arre altogether: from the Cabane de Cézy, follow the red-and-white GR10 then switch to the red/yellow-marked GRP Tour de la Vallée d'Ossau, over the Col de Lurdé to Eaux-Bonnes (overnight possible) and Gourette (also served by Bus 806). The GR10 does not go directly to Lac d'Uzious, but instead heads roughly north-northeast across a plateau, before turning east to descend. After about 8 hours, you reach Lac d'Anglas (2068 m), from where the trail continues along the outflow, then branches off to the right. After over 9 hours, you arrive in the ski resort of {{Marker|type=city|name=Gourette|wikidata=Q1540224|url=https://www.gourette.com/en/}} (1350 m). Ski resort with two supermarkets; gas cartridges available at Intersport. Mostly closed outside the main season. Served in-season by Bus 806 (twice daily) from Parking Gourette Nord to Eaux-Bonnes, Laruns, and Pau. If needed, you can exit the trail early at the upper parking area (which has a bus stop) and start the next stage from there. * {{listing|type=sleep|lat=42.9595015138|long=-0.333960997149|name=Chalet-refuge CAF|phone=+33 5 59 05 10 56|url=https://chaletdegourette.ffcam.fr/|content=Mountain refuge with 32 beds in 4 dorms. €16.50/night (€8.25 for Alpine Club members) + €0.90 tourist tax.}} === Gourette - Arrens-Marsous === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m This is a relatively easy stage that crosses two mountain passes: the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Tortes|lat=42.959773462638644|long=-0.3187601158279607}} (1799 m; 1¾ hr), and later, after crossing the D918 (popular with cyclists but too busy to follow safely), the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Saucède|lat=42.95972945620746|long=-0.31869998400517197}} (1525 m; 3 hr 20 min). Ten minutes after descending from this second pass, you'll reach a restaurant and gîte de séjour at the Col de Soulor on the D918 road. From Col de Saucède, hikers can also make a short detour to summit the Pointe de Surgatte (1805 m; 90-100 minutes round trip). Near the Pont de Lapadé, you can either cross the Gave d'Arrens or continue down into the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Arrens-Marsous|wikidata=Q1110649}}. Features tourist information and public toilets at the Maison Val d'Azun (Tel. +33 5 62 97 49 49). The village also has an outdoor swimming pool. A hiking festival, [https://www.eldorando.fr/ Eldorado], is held every two years for four days in late May. Call +33 800 65 65 00 by 17:00 the day before for weekday on-demand shuttle service to Lourdes. Points of interest include the Romanesque Saint-Pierre Church (parts dating to 1200) and the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Pouey-Laün, a pilgrimage chapel located 600 m south along the D105. The area is part of both the Natura 2000 conservation network (Gabizos and the Arrens Valley) and the core zone of the Pyrenees National Park. For a longer option, you can extend this stage to Gîte les Viellettes (2¼ h further), making a total of 20.5 km (8½ hr; ↥ 1250 m, ↧ 1530 m). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=GCU Campground|address=26 Rue des Paus, 65400 Arrens-Marsous|lat=42.9573380888|long=-0.213247116377|phone=+33 5 62 97 43 06|url=https://www.gcu.asso.fr/terrains/arrens-marsous-hautes-pyrénées-65|content=Simple tent campground on the edge of town.}} === Arrens-Marsous - Refuge d'Ilhéou === ; Distance : 20 km ; Duration : 6¾-7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 500 m From Arrens-Marsous (3½ km from the previous endpoint), you can follow the official GR10 or the more scenic GR de Pays Tour du Val d'Azun. The latter is slightly shorter but includes more climbs. Both routes rejoin shortly before the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape les Viellettes|lat=42.9219519144924|long=-0.1818867608457627}} (2¼ h; 15 beds). About 700 m further on is the simple tent site La Pose (open May-September). The official GR10 route passes through {{Marker|type=city|name=Estaing|wikidata=Q589628}}, a commune that includes three Natura 2000 protected areas: “Gaves de Pau et de Cauterets,” “Moun Né de Cauterets, Pic de Cabaliros,” and “Péguère, Barbat, Cambalès.” From here, the trail enters the core zone of the Pyrenees National Park. You ascend toward Lac d'Estaing. Just before the lake is a guesthouse open Thursday-Sunday, 09:00-17:00 (summer only). On the far shore is another restaurant (open 10:00-18:00) and Camping Intercommunal. Brave hikers may try a swim in the cold waters. The trail now climbs steeply through forest to the Cabane d'Arriousec (1400 m; 4 hr). Another hour uphill takes you past the Cabanes de Barbat (left of the path), then a final climb brings you to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Ilhéou|wikidata=Q2981991}} (2242 m; 6 hr or more). Just 5 minutes below the pass, you can turn left to reach the Crête du Lys, where the Courbet cable car operates in July and August. This offers access to the ski resort Cauterets-Le Lys (with a summer luge track) or direct descent into the town of Cauterets. On foot, descend to the stream near the Cabanes d'Arras (6½-7 hr). Turn right there and cross two more streams. The path then descends to Lac d'Ilhéou. At the lake's northern shore is the staffed Refuge d'Ilhéou. A designated bivouac area (aire de bivouac) is located about 10 minutes further south along the lake. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Ilhéou (Refuge Raymond-Ritter)|url=https://www.refuge-ilheou.csvss.fr/en/home|phone=+33 5 62 92 07 18|lat=42.86604614112533|long=-0.17358356545105466|content=Altitude 1988 m. 22 beds. Open from late May to late September.}} === Refuge d'Ilhéou - Cauterets === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 2½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 75 ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m This is a leisurely downhill walk that brings you gently back to civilization in {{Marker|type=city|name=Cauterets|url=https://www.cauterets.com/en/?to_lang=en|wikidata=Q366962}}. Scenic spa town with plenty of amenities, including a historic wooden railway station (now closed), a cinema, casino, and more. The tourist office is open M-Sa from 09:00-12:30 and 14:00-18:00. A special Office de la Montagne - Terre d'Alpinisme opens during the summer season. Cauterets flourished during the late 19th and early 20th centuries thanks to its thermal springs. The municipality operates two spas: Thermes de César in the village center and Thermes des Griffons in nearby La Raillère. Accommodation options include three gîtes d'étape and Camping la Prairie. Local buses run every 30 minutes from June to October. Regional connections are available to Lourdes, Luz-Saint-Sauveur, and Gavarnie. A shuttle to Pont d'Espagne departs four times daily from the old train station. The 30 km former railway line from Pierrefitte to Cauterets has been converted into a multi-use bike and hiking path. === Cauterets - Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 100 m This is a demanding stage. From Cauterets, take the path behind the Thermes de César and head south. After 1¼ hr you reach the hamlet of La Raillère (1044 m), where there are restaurants and a sulfur spa. Cross the bridge and continue up into the Val de Jéret, passing several waterfalls. The trail leads to the Hôtellerie du Pont d'Espagne (3 hr). From there, descend briefly along the road before turning right and ascending into the valley toward Lac de Gaube (1725 m, 4 hr). The path crosses the stream three times via bridges as you continue toward the refuge. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube|wikidata=Q109042828}} === Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube - Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400 m About 50 m from the refuge, the trail begins a steady one-hour climb over rocky terrain. At a fork (65 min), stay right and continue ascending. The {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Hourquette d'Ossoue|wikidata=Q3141336}} (2734 m) marks the highest point on the entire GR10. Even in mid-summer, snow often lingers here. After 20 minutes of descent, you reach the Refuge Baysselance. '''Ascending Vignemale from here via the Glacier d'Ossoue is only for experienced mountaineers.''' From the pass, the route heads southeast, passing the Grottes de Bellevue (2420 m; 3 hr), artificial caves carved in 1880 by the explorer Henry Russell. The trail descends steeply to a stream, then follows it into a boulder field fed by glacial melt from the Glacier d'Ossoue. The descent into the valley involves frequent climbs around cliffs and waterfalls. You enter the Vallée de la Canau (5 hr or more) and pass the Cabane de Sausse-Dessus. The next hour includes more ups and downs until you reach the Cabane des Tousaus (6¾ hr or more). From there, cross a final ridge to reach the D923 road and descend to the stage endpoint, Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle. If you need more accommodation or supplies, continue to the main village of {{Marker|name=Gavarnie|wikidata=Q917894|type=city}}. From Gavarnie, you can take a day trip (or a bus from Luz-Saint-Sauveur) into the famed Cirque de Gavarnie. It's also possible to ascend Le Taillon (3146 m) from here for experienced climbers. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge Baysselance|url=https://refugebayssellance.ffcam.fr/|wikidata=Q3423105|content=(2651 m), which offers 58 beds and is staffed from mid-May to mid-October}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle|address=Route de Boucharo, 65120 Gavarnie-Gèdre|phone=+33 5 62 92 48 77|url=https://chaletlagrangedeholle.ffcam.fr/|lat=42.73944609127333|long=-0.022728732019354148|wikidata=Q98753937|content=Altitude 1480 m. Staffed hut with 62 beds.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Tourist Office|address=Le Village, 65120 Gavarnie-Gèdre|phone=+33 5 62 92 49 10|url=https://www.valleesdegavarnie.com/gavarnie-gedre/|lat=42.73535586856976|long=-0.01029304645524754|content=Open 09:00-12:00 and 14:00-17:00; closed Sundays and Thursdays.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte Le Gypaète|lat=42.7359592315|long=-0.0108405014067|phone=+33 5 62 92 40 61|content=Simple hiker accommodation in Gavarnie village.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Bergerie|address=Chemin du Cirque, 65120 Gavarnie-Gèdre|url=https://www.camping-la-bergerie-gavarnie.com/|lat=42.72774008829836|long=-0.0075991966546184704|content=Open early June to late September. Located near the entrance to the Cirque de Gavarnie.}} === Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle - Luz-Saint-Sauveur === ; Distance : 26 km ; Duration : 8-9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 700-900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1500-1660 m Starting from Gavarnie village (via the D128 road) instead of the refuge shortens the route by 3 km (approx. 1 hr). The trail first leads to the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape le Saugué|url=https://www.gite-gavarnie-pyrenees.com/|lat=42.76864577103755|long=-0.005915232017950625}}, located on the Plateau Soula de Saugue (1¾ hr). This is a good option to break up the stage — the gîte has 21 beds and is open May to October. The route winds northward, passing the Soum Haut (3¾ h), then descends gradually along the western slope of the Gavarnie Valley. After 5¾-6 hr, you reach the D921 road. Cross the Gave de Gavarnie via the Pont d'Esdouroucats and ascend again to a path above the highway. From the south, you enter {{Marker|type=city|name=Luz-Saint-Sauveur|wikidata=Q35721506|url=https://www.luz.org/en/}} via the Pont Napoléon (755 m; 7½ hr), a dramatic bridge across the gorge. Well-equipped mountain town. The town has several historic churches, as well as a campsite with a grocery store. The Prime Meridian passes about 100 m east of the center. Numerous lodgings, 6 campgrounds, 2 supermarkets, and Intersport (gas cartridges). Bus 965 connects to Cauterets, Lourdes, and Tarbes. Bus to Barèges also available. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Saint Bazerque|address=Sia|phone=+33 5 62 92 49 93|url=https://campingsaintbazerque.eatbu.com/?lang=de|lat=42.83178828384746|long=0.0015462182938111647|content=Campground with grocery shop (mountain cheese), bar, and caravan spaces. Open 08:00-17:00.}} === Luz-Saint-Sauveur - Barèges === ; Distance : 12 km ; Duration : 4½-5 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m To extend this stage, continue to Refuge d'Aygues Cluses for a total of 19 km (7½ hr; ↥ 1560 m, ↧ 140 m). Though short, this stage begins with a relatively long and steep ascent. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Ruisseau de Bolou|lat=42.858690489195055|long=0.06773411839157908}} (1460 m). On the descent, hikers can stop for refreshments at the [https://refugedelaglere.ffcam.fr/ Refuge de la Glère]. This stage ends at {{Marker|type=city|name=Barèges|wikidata=Q632058|url=https://www.mairie-bareges.fr/en/}}. Composed of the hamlets of Artigalas and Cazaous, Barèges serves as a spa and mountain village. The local river, the Bastan, is called the gave. Note: the Jardin botanique du Tourmalet and the 1930s funicular are now closed. The town's website includes an accommodation and restaurant directory * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape l'Oasis|lat=42.897422977|long=0.067278671719|address=2 Passage des Toys|phone=+33 5 62 92 69 47|url=https://www.gite-oasis.fr/|content=Open June-September, and also December-April during ski season (Barèges is part of the Domaine du Tourmalet ski area).}} === Barèges - Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : route-dependent 7¾-9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m The trail begins by climbing above the road toward the ski station at Tournaboup (1 hr). It then veers south and ascends steadily. Good stopping points include the Cabane d'Aygues and, 10 km further on, the Chalet-Hôtel d'Orédon. This stage enters the Néouvielle Nature Reserve, where dogs and wild camping are strictly forbidden. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Madamète|wikidata=Q102076283}} (2509 m). From there, the path descends between alpine lakes: {{Marker|type=see|name=Lac d'Aumar|wikidata=Q3215322}} and Lac d'Aubert (5¾ h, 2190 m). A shuttle bus runs up to this point in high season, and there's an info panel at the end of the access road. Here, the trail splits into two variants: * Variant 1: continues along Lac d'Aumar * Variant 2: detours south to the tip of Lac d'Aubert, then along the northern shore of Les Laguettes and Lac d'Orédon (6¾ h, 1856 m; camping and hotel at the south end) Both variants rejoin at the Cap d'Estoudou pass (2260 m), followed by a steep descent. A short detour from the pass allows for an ascent of Soump de Montpelat (↥ 214 m). The path continues steeply downhill to Lac de l'Oule (1821 m; 7¾ hr or more). From here, head right to reach Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Cabane d'Aygues|url=https://refugeayguescluses.wordpress.com/|lat=42.87577795732996|long=0.15008320916912823}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Chalet-Hôtel d'Orédon|url=https://www.chalet-oredon.fr/|lat=42.82616251586139|long=0.1692328508499207|content=open June 1 - Sept 30; 88 beds}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule|url=https://refugedeloule.fr/|lat=42.824769697482445|long=0.20752501478344024|content=Altitude 1819 m. Located at the dam wall. Open mid-June to mid-September. 20 beds and a bar.}} === Refuge-Hôtel de l'Oule - Vielle-Aure === ; Distance : 17-18 km ; Duration : 5-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 460 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400-1500 m From the refuge, the route follows the western shore of Lac de l'Oule. GR10C variant: After 1½ hr, there is a signed detour to the [http://refugedebastan.fr/ Cabane de Bastan]. The main trail turns directly east and climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Portet|wikidata=Q42178369}} (2215 m; 2¾ hr). From here, it continues eastward, descending gently to the Pla de Castillon, then more steeply down to the D918 road (4½ hr or more) and onward to the stage endpoint {{Marker|type=city|name=Vielle-Aure|wikidata=Q1323900|url=https://vielleaure.com/}}, an historic village with two Romanesque churches: Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Pierre (in the Agos neighbourhood), both dating to the 12th century. Bus connections to Saint-Lary-Soulan and Lannemezan (35 km). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Hôtel Aurélia|lat=42.825852030|long=0.32776424175|phone=+33 5 62 39 56 90|url=https://www.hotel-aurelia.com/|content=Simple, hiker-friendly hotel in town.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping La Mousquère|lat=42.8273932992|long=0.33590955638|address=Nougaro, Autun, 65170 Bourisp|url=https://www.campinglamousquere.com/|content=Open May 8 - last weekend of September.}} * There are three more campsites within 2 km north along the river valley. Just 1 km south, the larger and livelier {{Marker|name=Saint-Lary-Soulan|wikidata=Q1323323|type=city}} offers a broader range of shops, accommodations, and services. The tourist information office is at the roundabout in the center; the supermarket is across the street. The wooden bus stop shelter is discreetly located about 50 m away, opposite the modern church on Avenue des Thermes. === Vielle-Aure - Germ === ; Distance : 13 km ; Duration : 4¾-5¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1170 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 630-700 m This is a straightforward, though poorly marked, stage that runs parallel to the D225 up to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Azet|wikidata=Q2981982}} (1600 m). From the pass, the route continues down to [https://www.vallee-du-louron.com/fr Loudenvielle], a village with shops, an outdoor pool, and the Balnéa Spa complex (open 14:00-19:30; €21 for 2 hours). Note: during the [https://www.pyreneesbikefestival.com/ Pyrenees Bike Festival] in early September, the area is overrun with mountain bikers. The final 2-3 km involve a climb of about 220 m up to the hamlet of {{Marker|name=Germ|wikidata=Q1094205|type=city}}. Altitude 1339 m. A small village with 34 year-round residents, but many second homes and guest beds. Two old churches are worth visiting. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Centre de Montagne de Germ|lat=42.793610431|long=0.425057973260|address=D130|phone=+33 5 62 99 65 27|url=https://www.germ-louron.com/|content=Open year-round. 70 beds in a large mountain center.}} * Auberge de Germ, a guesthouse with 11 rooms (33 beds), open year-round. * {{listing|type=see|name=Peyresourde-Balestas Airfield (Aérodrome de Peyragudes)|wikidata=Q5659350|content=Also known as Altiport 007, as a James Bond film was shot here in 1997. The 470 m runway has a 15% gradient and is also used for paragliding.}} === Germ - Lac d'Oô === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 6-7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1060 m This stage and the next are strenuous. They can be divided into thirds with overnight stops at the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Granges d'Astau|lat=42.76352657695474|long=0.5024399621092607}} (open May-Oct; 26 beds) and the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Espingo|url=https://refugedespingo.ffcam.fr/|wikidata=Q104413940}} (1967 m; 44 beds, mid-May-Oct; 15 emergency shelter places off-season). Camping is allowed near the lake. Around the refuge is a “classic” mountaineering loop over the Pic des Spijeoles (3008 m), Grand Quayrat (3060 m), down to Lac du Portillon (2571 m) and the glacial Lac Glacé d'Oô (2664 m). After the initial climb out of Germ, you enter the Val d'Aube. Follow the river on the left-hand side; after 1¾ hr, across the valley (250 m away), lies the Cabane d'Ourtiga (1610 m). The route ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Couret d'Esquierry|lat=42.75523440839548|long=0.4627935235857289}} (2131 m; 3½ hr), where you cross into the Haute-Garonne department. After 4 hr, you reach the Cabane du Val d'Esquierry. From there, follow the D76 road down to the Granges d'Astau and an auberge (1139 m; 5 hr). In July and August, a morning bus runs up from Luchon and returns in the evening. The stage ends at {{Marker|type=see|name=Lac d'Oô|wikidata=Q3215352}}, a scenic 42-hectare lake situated at an altitude of 1,507 m within the Natura 2000 reserve “Vallées du Lis, de la Pique et d'Oô.” Renowned since the 19th century for its spectacular waterfall, the lake is a popular destination for its natural beauty. Due to its protected status, camping, swimming, and dogs are not permitted in the area. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Lac d'Oô|address=|phone=+33 7 84 56 55 88|lat=42.744558752|long=0.490915210685|content=Reached in about 6 hr. By the lake shore at 1504 m.}} === Lac d'Oô - Bagnères-de-Luchon === ; Distance : 19-21 km ; Duration : 7-9¼ h ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000-1130 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1900-2000 m After Refuge d'Espingo, the trail becomes more difficult, with several rocky scree sections. You skirt the northern slopes of Hourquette des Hounts-Secs (2275 m). Optional detour: From here, a 15-minute ascent (each way) leads to Cap de Bassiéret. You continue over the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Coume de Bourg|lat=42.787224318|long=0.51785762473}} (2272 m, 4¾ hr or more), which may retain snow well into the summer. Optional summit detours from the pass: * Pic Céciré, 45 minutes up and down to the north * Subescale, 40 minutes up and down to the south After 5½+ hours, you reach (1802 m) Superbagnères, a summer-only (July-August) mountain hotel serving the ski area. While it offers meals and lodging, prices are high. The massive historic building can also be reached by gondola lift from Luchon, replacing the old cog railway. The {{Marker|type=go|name=Gondola base station in Luchon|lat=42.78789198327501|long=0.5908142174347624}} is located on the western edge of town and operates daily from 08:30 to 18:00 during the summer season. If descending on foot, it is a steep 1200 m drop to reach {{Marker|name=Bagnères-de-Luchon|wikidata=Q238393|type=city}}. This spa town marks the end of the central Pyrenean segment of the GR10. Regular bus services run to Montréjeau, where you can connect by train to Toulouse. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Superbagnères|url=https://www.villagesclubsdusoleil.com/fr/nos-destinations/hiver/sejour-a-la-montagne/superbagneres|wikidata=Q844809}} === Bagnères-de-Luchon - Artigue === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 2½-3 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 50 m From the church in Luchon, head left along the footpath by the L'One river, crossing the road bridge toward Juzet-de-Luchon. Optional detour: Visit the waterfall in Juzet-de-Luchon. The trail continues via Sode to the day's highest point at the stage destination {{Marker|name=Artigue|wikidata=Q1088729|type=city}}. Altitude 1230 m. A small mountain village with a municipal gîte d'étape, open year-round, offering 12 dormitory beds and evening meals at the on-site restaurant. === Artigue - Fos === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 7½-8½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1100 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1750 m The first half of this stage is a steady climb of over 1000 meters, initially on a gravel track. After 1¼ hours, you reach the Cabane de Saunères (1660 m), a basic mountain shelter. One hour later, you arrive at the Col de Peyrehitte (1947 m). The trail continues along an exposed ridge around the Pic de Bacanère (2193 m; 3 hr or more), passing border markers 402-404. After the Col d'Aou (2093 m; 3½-4 hr), the trail descends gradually across open alpine meadows. At the Cabane d'Artigue (5 hr or more), potable water is available. Below this point, the path winds down gently through a series of switchbacks, eventually crossing a road bridge into {{Marker|name=Fos|wikidata=Q1349025|type=city}}. Altitude 544 m. Small village with weekday bus service to Melles and Saint-Gaudens (railway connections to Pau and Toulouse). Alternative route (former GR10): From the Cabane d'Artigue, you can divert to the Cabane d'Artiguessans, then descend steeply to the Ruisseau de la Batch before climbing back up to rejoin the GR10. This saves about 15 minutes and 70 m of elevation gain. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte de Fos|wikidata=Q3162431|lat=42.873845424|long=0.73442375047|phone=+33 5 61 94 98 59|content=Offers 20 dormitory beds, open year-round.}} === Fos - Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing === ; Distance : 18 km ; Duration : 6½-8 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1700 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m It's a good idea to stock up on supplies in {{Marker|name=Melles|wikidata=Q1616421|type=city}}, which you reach after about 45 minutes. From the old customs house, the trail climbs steeply. Auberge de Crabère offers a comfortable stop. * {{listing|type=see|name=Botanical Garden (À Fleur de Montagne)|wikidata=Q3162431|url=https://mairie-de-melles.wixsite.com/mairie-de-melles/le-jardin-botanique|content=Small but charming community-run garden specializing in Pyrenean alpine flora. Open in summer, 10:00-19:00.}} From Melles, a narrow road leads uphill to the last farmhouse at Labach (2¼ hr). The next 2 hours or more are mostly through forest, climbing steadily. After about 5 hours, you reach the Cabane d'Uls shelter. The path continues uphill to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Pas du Bouc}} (2170 m; 6+ h). Optional summit detour: From here, the {{Marker|type=see|name=Pic de Crabère|wikidata=Q3382364}} (2629 m) can be climbed in about 90 minutes round-trip. Brown bears have been reintroduced to this area. The highest point of the day is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Auéran|lat=42.835385392840536|long=0.860341080714231}} (2176 m), which also marks the border into the Ariège department. From here, it's a quick descent to Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing|url=http://www.refuge-araing.fr/|wikidata=Q3423195|content=Altitude 1956 m. Open June 1 to October 5. 52 beds, plus a 12-bed shelter area available off-season. Advance bookings accepted for groups on the two weekends before/after opening.}} === Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing - Eylie-d'en-Haut === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 3-4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1320 m From the lake and refuge, the trail climbs to the Serre d'Araing (2221 m; 1 hr). Optional detour: Summit of Pic de l'Har (2424 m), approximately 50 minutes round-trip. The descent into the valley follows faintly marked trails to the left of the power lines. Along the way, you'll encounter remnants of former lead mining operations. After about 2¾ hours, you cross a bridge and reach {{Marker|name=Eylie d'en Haut|wikidata=Q134078264|type=city}}, a small hamlet with a 14-bed hut, picnic area, and a basic campsite located by the Lez river. === Eylie-d'en-Haut - Maison du Valier, Pla de la Lau === ; Distance : 17 km ; Duration : 8¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1700 m A strenuous stage with no food or lodging options along the way. The trail starts by crossing the Lez river, then turns sharply left and begins to climb through open terrain. After about 50 minutes, you cross a stream and ascend through forest for just over an hour. In autumn, the woods are full of blueberries—a favourite of the brown bears reintroduced here in the 1990s. At a stone shelter (1660 m; 2½ hr), the trail forks. The GR10 continues to the right, up to the Col de l'Arech (1802 m; 3 hr or more). From there, the path turns left. Optional detours: * South to Tuc de Cagonilles (2196 m; 80 minutes round trip) * From there, to the challenging Mail de Bulard (2750 m; 3 hours round trip) After a short ridge walk, descend to the shepherd's hut Cabane d'Arech (1638 m; 3½ hr). From here, follow the access track down, then branch left down a steep, gorse-covered slope. After 4 hours, you reach a stream. About 40 minutes later, the ruins of Flouquet (1680 m) come into view. Continue to Cabane de Besset (1540 m; 6 hr or more), then ascend again for 45 minutes to Cabane Clot du Lac (1821 m; 7 hr). Passing the huts Cabane du Trapech-du-Milieu (1540 m) and Cabane de l'Artigue, you arrive at Maison du Valier. The Mont Valier massif is a protected area of interest to birdwatchers. It hosts a variety of mountain bird species, including rare birds of prey, bearded vultures, and alpine species such as ptarmigans, black grouse, and capercaillie. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Maison du Valier|lat=42.83084702593266|long=1.032510054490613|url=https://maison-valier.fr/|wikidata=|content=Altitude 927 m, located on the Pla de la Lau. Open March-October. Reception hours 16:00-19:30. 40 beds.}} === Maison du Valier, Pla de la Lau - Esbintz === ; Distance : 18 km ; Duration : 7¼-9¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200-1350 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300-1490 m A demanding stage with significant elevation gain and loss. The trail climbs from Maison du Valier, following the high northern slopes along the ridges of Cap de Lauses (1892 m), Pic de Crabère (1925 m), and the Col d'Auédole (1730 m). After more than 7 hours, you arrive at {{Marker|type=city|lat=42.85332|long=1.14584|name=Esbintz}}. === Esbintz - Refuge d'Aula === ; Distance : 19 km ; Duration : 6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 500 m This and the following stage offer spectacular scenery in good weather. From Esbintz, follow the D817 for the first 2 km to Borde de Galy. From here, you could take a detour to Seix (4 km) by continuing on the D817, then the D37, and turning right onto the D3, where you'll rejoin the GR10 near the Pont du Salat. Continue mostly downhill through the countryside, crossing the Pont du Salat to reach Moulin Lauga (550 m; 2 hr), which has a bakery and picnic area. Alternatively, you can rest 1½ h later at the Auberge des Deux Rivières. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Esbintz|url=https://www.gite-ferme-esbintz.fr/|lat=42.85315143224526|long=1.1459188949749635|content=850 m. Dormitory with 10 beds. Open May-November.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge des Deux Rivières|phone=+33 5 61 66 83 57|url=https://www.aubergedesdeuxrivieres.com/|lat=42.83210657498069|long=1.1982318103146805|content=Open late May to late September}} === Refuge d'Aula - Rouze === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 4½-5 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 700 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m Fit hikers can combine this stage with the previous one from Gîte d'étape d'Aunac (787 m), resulting in a 30 km day with 11¼ hf walking time (↥ 1750, ↧ 1580 m). From Refuge d'Aula, it's a steep but manageable 1½ hr ascent to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Bouche d'Aula|lat=42.77695825493033|long=1.1180083284724134}} (1998 m), then a descent to the Étang d'Areau, 100 m lower. Optional: The Pic des Aymesses (2036 m) can be climbed from the east side of the lake. A farm road leads down to Faup, with shortcuts along the switchbacks, for instance near the Cabane d'Areau. Slightly below the Col de Pause (1527 m; 2¼ hr), there is a parking area. The {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Camp site Rigaux Philippe|lat=42.78997920829053|long=1.178432115744275}} lies just below the hamlet of Faup. From Faup, descend along the D708 toward {{Marker|name=Couflens|wikidata=Q1142090|type=city}}, but before reaching the D3 junction, cross the bridge and climb on the opposite slope to Gîte de Rouze d'Ustou. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte de Rouze d'Ustou|lat=42.789696616|long=1.20592416901|address=Prat de la Moule, Rouze d'Ustou, 09140 Couflens|phone=+33561669545|url=https://www.ferme-de-rouze.fr/|content=16 beds. Cheese from the farm. Open mid-June to mid-September.}} === Rouze - Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou === ; Distance : 8.4 km ; Duration : 3-4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m Follow the stream uphill for about 1¾ hr to reach the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Serre du Cot}} (1546 m). Optional side trips: * To the south, ascend the Pic de la Tese (2255 m; ↥↧ 3 hr or more). * To the north, climb the Tuc de Peyre Mensongère (1711 m; ↥↧ 40 min). From the pass, descend left onto a forest path, passing a few ruined farmhouses. The route eventually reaches the D38 road and leads into {{Marker|type=city|name=Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou|wikidata=Q109571916}}. === Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou - Aulus-les-Bains === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9 hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400 m The hike begins at the southern end of Saint-Lizier. After crossing the pedestrian bridge, the trail climbs southeast to the Col de Fitté (1387 m), a former ski area. From there, it continues along the right side of the slope. One alternative route begins at {{listing|type=city|name=Bidous|lat=42.78257178128407|long=1.2700395937419484}}, following the Alet river south and then climbing steeply for over 2 hours to reach the Col de Fitté, where it rejoins the GR 10. The trail curves around the southwest side of the Picou de la Mire (1741 m) and reaches the Col d'Escots (1618 m) after 3¾ hr. The nearby Chalet de Beauregard restaurant is open from late May to September, 10:00-23:00. Afterwards, the path continues up and down along steep slopes until it reaches the Ruisseau de Fouillet valley (4½ hr). The Jasse du Fouillet crossing (1170 m) is reached after at least 5 h. For a shorter option, follow the yellow-red waymarks of the Tour du Val du Garbet. This leads to the D8F road and directly into Aulus-les-Bains (7 hr from Saint-Lizier). The main route continues toward the plateau of Souliou and the Pic du Mont Rouge (1600 m). A side trip to Étang de Guzet offers a possible bivouac site. The trail then descends toward the Ruisseau d'Ars (1485 m), crosses a bridge, and continues downward. After a second bridge (8½ hr), the path becomes easier. A final bridge, Pont de la Mouline, crosses the Garbet River just before the trail enters {{Marker|type=city|name=Aulus-les-Bains|wikidata=Q1082493|url=https://www.loubet.fr/saint-lizier.html}}, a small spa town with a mini market at the traffic circle near the bridge and a tourist office next door. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte Pyrénées AAA|lat=42.779696032|long=1.2690230044|url=https://giteslareng.net/|address=Lareng, 09140 Ustou|phone=+33967838934|content=14 places in upscale cottages for 2-4 people.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Cascade d'Ars|lat=42.762922493744796|long=1.3615038669340882|content=260 m high waterfalls in multiple tiers, located 4½ km from Aulus. Takes 3-9 hr round-trip to hike to them (↥ 530 m).}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping municipal le Coulédous|lat= 42.7940356892|long=1.3321660893|url=http://www.camping-aulus-couledous.com/|content=Also offers bungalows for 4-7 people. The gîte d'étape is a 12-person tent.}} === Aulus-les-Bains - Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès === ; Distance : 11 km ; Duration : 5 hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m The route climbs out of Aulus-les-Bains to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Port de Saleix|lat=42.78143117676052|long=1.4043285766664242}}, where you'll find the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Refuge de Carol|lat=42.7813|long=1.4146}}. From here, the ascent becomes steeper. The following section to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Port de Bassiès|lat=42.772502271037204|long=1.411691910311851}} is demanding but scenically rewarding. This area lies within the Mont-Calme nature reserve, where camping is prohibited. === Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès - Marc === ; Distance : variable ; Duration : 3½-5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1385 ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1385 This stage and the following one include several alternative routes and shortcuts that can be combined. From the refuge, the GR-10 leads southeast along a slightly rocky trail for just over three kilometers, following the chain of lakes. At the outflow of the last lake, the Étang d'Escalès, the GR-10 bends to the right. Along the stream, there's an opportunity to descend toward the main road and the village of Auzat. Another descent option to the road appears about 2 km further along the GR-10. The main trail makes a sharp turn southward. From the aqueduct (1160 m; 2¼ h4), the route maintains an elevation just below 1200 m for around 4 km, before descending the final 1½ km into the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Marc|lat=42.71687694132801|long=1.449593121067756}}, cutting across the switchbacks of the road. The Gîte Retrouvance de Mouret (12 places) is available for group bookings only. From {{listing|type=city|name=Auzat|wikidata=Q1082539}}, one can rejoin the GR-10 by heading 4 km south to Artiès and climbing back up. This avoids a significant part of the next stage. Alternatively, walking 6 km to Marc allows one to resume the full stage. To skip this stage, it is possible to go from Auzat directly to Goulier via two routes: one through Olbier (4.4 km), the other 6.1 km. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès|url=https://refugedebassies.fr/|content=1933 m. Open late May to September.|lat=42.76509|long=1.413221}} === Marc - Goulier === ; Distance : 24.3 km ; Duration : 6-9 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m From Marc, follow the path to Mounicou. A shelter is located a short way beyond, along the D8. This is where the ascent begins. After a few hundred meters, you can turn right at the {{Marker|type=go |name=Turn right|lat=42.71|long=1.4575}} marker and stay on the west side of Les Caldelets. From the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Orri de Tignalbu|lat=42.69417|long=1.46296}}, which has a water source, the path becomes very poor. The main GR-10 trail continues uphill to the Refuge de Prunadière (1615 m, 2 hr). Be sure to refill your water here. From there, it leads to a junction above the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Artiès|lat=42.7362|long=1.4793}} shelter (985 m, 3¼ hr). The path ascends steadily, passing the ruins of Pradières-d'en-bas, and arrives at Étang d'Izurt. A cable car runs to the lake. After a short climb, it's around 14 km downhill to {{Marker|type=city |name=Goulier|wikidata=Q1015676}} (moh 370 m), which is part of the Val-de-Sos commune. You can shorten the main trail from Prunadière by climbing steeply left past the buildings, gaining 450 m of elevation. About 2 hr later, you'll rejoin the GR-10 at Coumasses-Grandes. This shortcut saves roughly 8 km and bypasses Étang d'Izurt. === Goulier - Siguer === ; Distance : 13 km ; Duration : 3¼-4¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 416 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 830 m From Goulier, the trail ascends toward the Col de Risoul, then the Col de Esquérus, and continues to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de Grail|lat=42.75360457229|long=1.5321300362453}}. Near this pass is a shelter, an information board, and a water source located 250 m off the path. The route then climbs to the highest point of the day at the Col de Lercoul (1549 m). From here, the trail descends through the hamlet of Lercoul. A footpath south of the winding road leads downhill to the village of {{Marker|name=Siguer|wikidata=Q1375974|type=city}}, home to Café Rouse and several accommodations. === Siguer - Plateau de Beille === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 2400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m This demanding stage involves three steep descents and offers no accommodation along the route, only five basic shelters. From Siguer, the trail climbs steeply to Gestiès (40 min), where you should fill up on water. The path crosses the road three times on the way up. After a long ascent, you reach the Pla de Montcamp (1904 m; 3¾ hr). Past the Col du Sasc (1798 m), the trail traverses the flank of the Pic du Col Taillat. Water is again available at the Cabane de Courtal Marti, though trail markings on this high section can be vague. The trail descends to the Cabane de Balledreyt (1600 m; 2 sleeping places), reached after another 20 minutes. After about 7½ hours, the trail descends to the D520A road at 1040 m elevation. A detour to the villages of Aston (14 km, with a campground) or Les Cabannes (15.8 km, with a year-round gîte d'étape) is possible around the 4¼-hour mark. Les Cabannes has a train connection to Mérens-les-Vals or Foix. After crossing the bridge, the GR-10 climbs again via a forest trail. A water source is marked and located about two minutes off the trail, just past a large boulder reached after 9+ hours. The trail continues across a ridge to the Cabane d'Artaran (1695 m). Shortly afterward, you reach the ski area at the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Plateau de Beille|lat=42.72473998587668|long=1.6911435704342077}}, where the Cabane Beille is located. This area is accessible via the D522 road loop and popular with day hikers. === Plateau de Beille - Refuge du Rulhe === ; Distance : 14 km ; Duration : 4¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m It's recommended to start this exposed stage early in the day to avoid afternoon summer thunderstorms. The trail remains around or above 2000 m throughout. The highest point is the summit of the {{Marker|type=see |name=Crête des Isards|lat=42.65012142232325|long=1.7389568668472413}} at 2381 m. The Refuge du Rulhe lies at the junction of several long-distance trails, including the Tour de Pays des Montagnes d'Ax from Ax-les-Thermes, the GR Transfrontalier from Andorra, and two routes from the Vallée d'Aston. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Rulhe|url=https://rulhe.com/|lat=42.6379904848182|long=1.725866639541228|content=53 places. Open late May to September. €16 per night, half board €45. Tel: +33 6 74 24 50 71}} === Refuge du Rulhe - Mérens-les-Vals === ; Distance : 12 km ; Duration : 4½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 360 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1500-1600 m '''Water is scarce at high elevation.''' From the refuge, the trail ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de Calmettes|lat=42.636915754134|long=1.7404819725150908}} (2318 m), mostly over scree. Cairns also serve as markers. The path descends to Étang Bleu, where it skirts the left side of the lake and climbs again to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Crête de la Lhasse|lat=42.6398816194571|long=1.768563885207408}} (2439 m). Afterward, it continues over scree for nearly 800 m of descent to the pond called l'Estangol, with a shelter above. {{Marker|name=Mérens-les-Vals|wikidata=Q662289|type=city}} is reached after the final descent. The ruins of the old Saint-Pierre church date back to the Napoleonic Wars. The village festival takes place on July 20. The village has a train stop on the Foix - Puigcerdà line. Located on the N-20. The natural hot springs are about 45 minutes away, although they were affected by rockfall in 2022. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge du Nabre|lat=42.65611004694209|long=1.8429807373614195|address=le village d'en haut, 09110 Mérens-les-Vals|phone=+33 5 61 01 89 36|url=https://www.aubergedunabre.com/|content=Guesthouse in the upper village.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping de Mérens|lat=42.64646601527881|long=1.8310245105731093|address=600 Ville de Bau, 09110 Mérens-les-Vals|phone=+33 5 61 02 85 40|url=http://www.camping.merenslesvals.fr/de/haus/|content=Open all year, 1.3 km south of the village.}} === Mérens-les-Vals - Refuge des Bésines === ; Distance : 10 km ; Duration : 4½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 260 m This demanding stage continues through high alpine terrain, with lots of rock and scree. From Mérens, the trail leads past Le Nabre to the hot springs. Afterward, the path climbs for nearly 3 hours. First, it reaches the Estangs (2056 m), then continues to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Porteille de Bésines|lat=42.6154502407948|long=1.872190036139089}} (2333 m). From this pass, the route is clearly signposted. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bésines|wikidata=Q11945073|url=https://refugebesines.ffcam.fr/|content=2104 m. 70 beds. Open June-September. Phone: +33 5 61 05 11 77.}} === Refuge des Bésines - Refuge des Bouillouses === ; Distance : 16.7 km ; Duration : 5½-6 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 660 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 760 m This high-level stage crosses several mountain passes and offers excellent panoramic views. The route first ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Coll de Coma d'Anyell|lat=42.60880012907595|long=1.8962468691063044}}, from where it is possible to climb Pic des Bésineilles (2632 m) in about ¾ hr round trip. The path then continues through the Lansolet basin (2234 m), past the Cabane de Rozet, and climbs again to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Portella de la Grava|lat=42.59935934341172|long=1.934453711010157}}. From there, it's a gentle 3-hour descent to the lakeside refuge at Bouillouses. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bésines|lat=42.6039|long=1.86853|content=56 dormitory beds, with 16 emergency shelter spots outside the season. Open June-September.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bouillouses|lat=42.559475002653095|long=2.00351938309043|url=https://www.lesbouillouses.com/|content=2003 m. 46 beds. Open June-September. Phone: +33 4 68 04 93 88.}} === Refuge des Bouillouses - Planès === ; Distance : 19 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 230 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m The descent is easy but not always well marked. After about 2¾ hours (1740 m), the GR-10 reaches the D618. About 700 m further, a right turn leads to Superbolquère, where food and lodging are available, including a supermarket and a gîte with 28 beds. The GR-10 continues downhill to the quiet D10C near {{Marker|name=Bolquère|wikidata=Q1101891|type=city}} (1628 m, 2¾ hr), where there is a public drinking fountain and an information board. The nearby Gare de Bolquère-Eyne (1593 m) is the highest railway stop in France, on the scenic “train jaune” line. Passing through the villages of La Perche and La Cabanasse (3½ hr), the route ends at the small village of {{Marker|name=Planès|wikidata=Q524705|type=city}}. No shops in the village. The nearby Pont Gisclard, opened in 1909, is a cable-stayed bridge on the Ligne de Cerdagne crossing the Têt river. The village is a stop on the “train jaune” railway. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=L'Orri de Planès|lat=42.490995503|long=2.1382908362|address=Casas del Mitg, 66210 Planès|phone=+33 4 68 04 29 47|content=Gîte with 16 dormitory beds and private rooms.}} === Planès - Refuge du Ras de la Carança === ; Distance : 15.3 km ; Duration : 5¾-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1170 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 870 m There are no supply options along this stage. The trail begins with a gentle ascent through pine forest into the high Riberola valley. It is advisable to refill your water at the Refuge de l'Orri. Above the Cabane d'Aixques, the route becomes steep as it climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col Mitja|wikidata=Q28381301}} (2376 m). From the pass, it is possible to summit Pic de Gallinas (2624 m, ↥↧ 90 min) or Pic Redoun (2677 m, ↥↧ 1 hr). The final 1½ hours involve a descent of about 500 m to the refuge. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Ras de la Carança|wikidata=Q28380908|address=142 rue de, 66360 Fontpédrouse|phone=+33 9 88 66 73 81|url=https://www.refugelacaranca.com/|content=1840 m. Open mid-May to mid-September. 13 emergency places available off-season. Connections to other trails: 7.7 km to Prats Balaguer, 8.5 km to Ull de Ter, 13.7 km to Carança, 10 km to Thuès-les-Bains via the gorge, and 12 km to Núria.}} === Refuge du Ras de la Carança - Mantet === ; Distance : 10 km ; Duration : 4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 640 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 940 m This stage is challenging and poorly marked at higher elevations. From the refuge, follow the stream uphill for 100 m to a wooden bridge. Continue on a scree path along the left side of the valley. After passing through a gate, you reach an alpine pasture and the {{marker|type=go|name=Coll del Pal|lat=42.465650773936|long=2.258498904704664}} (2294 m). This area is a nature reserve where wild camping is forbidden. From the pass, there is an optional ascent to Pic de Serre Gallinère (2663 m; 1 hr round trip), and possibly further on to the Serre de Caret (2300 m). From the pass, descend to the {{marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Alemany|wikidata=Q120254507}} (1962 m; 8 places), located 200 m off the trail. The main path continues left, crossing first a wooden, then a concrete bridge, followed by a narrow unpaved road that ascends to the village of {{listing|type=city|name=Mantet|wikidata=Q1369164}} (1550 m). Population: 31. Most of the southern part of the commune is the protected area [https://rnn-mantet.fr/ Reserva natural de Mentet], where camping is forbidden. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=La Cavale|address=Los Miquelets, 66360 Mantet|phone=+33 4 68 05 57 59|url=http://la-cavale.fr/|lat=42.477231944228336|long=2.3092556382036555|content=Private rooms and dorms for 3-5 people.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte à la ferme Cazenove|url=http://www.gitecazenovemantet.fr/|lat=42.47702171854456|long=2.306028129535968|content=Farm gîte. Open May to September.}} === Mantet - Refuge de Mariailles === ; Distance : 14.8 km ; Duration : 5 hr 5 min ; Elevation gain : ↥ 936 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 834 m Midway along this stage is the village of {{Marker|name=Py|wikidata=Q178846|type=city}} (1023 m), which has an auberge and a gîte. From Py, follow the D6 briefly before heading northeast to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Jou|wikidata=Q47335849|lat=|long=}} (1125 m). The path turns southeast and ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Cavall Mort|wikidata=Q47335871|lat=|long=}} (1454 m), then continues upward to the Refuge de Mariailles. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge de Mariailles|alt=Refugi de Marelles|url=https://refugedemariailles.fr/|lat=42.5017361908777|long=2.4077634391340514|content=1692 m. Open from late May; shelter room available year-round.}} === Refuge de Mariailles - Refuge des Cortalets === ; Distance : 16.3 km ; Duration : 6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1030 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m This is a challenging high-mountain route around the Canigou Massif. There are no supply points along the way, and surefootedness is required. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Cortalets|url=https://refugedescortalets.ffcam.fr/|lat=42.53436454795011|long=2.465036067970792|content=2100 m. 105 places, plus 19 emergency shelter places available outside the season.}} * {{listing|type=go |name=Loop trail to the summit of Pic du Canigou|alt=Canigó|url=https://www.visit-occitanie.com/de/entdecken/top-sehenswuerdigkeiten/massif-du-canigou-katalonien/|lat=42.53692009465181|long=2.4666389025393545|content=This difficult 9.3 km loop (4½ h; ↥ 700+ m) begins 200 m beyond the refuge.}} === Refuge des Cortalets - Gîte-refuge de Batère === ; Distance : 16.8 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 270 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 920 m This stage is also part of the HRP. From the refuge to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Ras del Prat Cabrera|wikidata=Q47170860|lat=|long=}} (1739 m; 4 km), you can choose between a high-level route following the “Tour du Canigou” and a less steep path along the mountainside. From the pass to the Refuge de l'Estanyol (2¾ hr or more) the trail descends gradually, then more steeply. It climbs again briefly to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Cirère|wikidata=Q134299355|lat=|long=}} (1731 m; 4-4¾ hr). From here, you can optionally ascend the Puig Saint-Pierre (1791 m; ↥ 15 min, ↧ 15 min). Descending from the col, you pass abandoned stone quarries and mines (the Mines de la Pinosa are ruins of a former settlement), and reach your destination. Nearby you can explore the 5-day “Tour du Canigou” circuit or visit the historic abbeys of Saint-Martin du Canigou and Saint-Michel-de-Cuxa. * {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Estanyol|wikidata=Q120262655|lat=|long=}} === Gîte-refuge de Batère - Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette === ; Distance : 19.2 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 745 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m Along this long and steady descent, you pass several dolmens. Their significance may be best appreciated by specialists in archaeology. The destination is the Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette, an old mill located in the Ribera Valley. More accommodation and services are available in {{Marker|name=Arles-sur-Tech|wikidata=Q7897|type=city}}, which is connected by bus. At the southern edge of the town, you'll find Camping Riuferrer. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte-refuge de Batère|url=https://www.refugedebatere.fr/|lat=42.50176051942559|long=2.5484428644953847|address=Mines de Batère, 66150 Corsavy|phone=+33 4 68 39 12 01|content=17 dormitory beds, 20 in private rooms. Access via a 20.3-km road from Arles-sur-Tech.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette|wikidata=Q120266421|url=http://gr10-par-etapes.eklablog.com/hebergement-du-moulin-de-la-palette-a126161238|content=Simple eco-gîte in a renovated mill, located in the Ribera valley.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Riuferrer|lat=42.4551506239|long=2.6291899540|url=https://campingriuferrer.com/}} === Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette - Las Illas === ; Distance : 22 km ; Duration : 7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m From the gîte, follow the D536 for 1 km, then turn right uphill toward Montalba (543 m; 1 hr). At the cross, turn sharply right to continue climbing. You reach the ruins of the Mouli Serradou (833 m; 2½ hr). The highest point is the Coll de Sant Martí (1426 m; 4 hr or more). The trail continues through forest along the slope, passing by the Roc de France (also known as Roc de Frausa). {{Marker|name=Las Illas|wikidata=Q16508596|type=city}} has a water point and picnic area in the park. Accommodation is available in a gîte at the town hall and at the Hostal de Trabucayeres. === Las Illas - Col de l'Ouillat === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 6-7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 930 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 540 m The route has been altered several times due to terrain difficulties, so follow the current waymarking. The middle part of the trail runs along the border, just below the ridge. The dominant tree species in this area is the striking Corsican pine (Pinus nigra var. corsicana). A detour to the fortified town of Le Perthus and the Fort de Bellegarde (open May-Sep, 10:30-18:00) offers a cultural break. Note that all shops are on the Spanish side of the border. After about 3 hours, there is an optional detour to the Roman fort Panissas, built on the Via Domitia. Turn off 5 minutes after border marker 565 (2½ hr). The stage ends at {{marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de l'Ouillat|wikidata=Q11914547}} (938 m). === Col de l'Ouillat - Banyuls-sur-Mer === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 7-8¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 680 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1610 m The route stays high near the border ridge. It takes about 1 hour to reach the Pic Néulos. Water is available at the Refuge de la Tagnarède after 1½ hours. From there, the trail leads over several passes: Coll del Faig (985 m), Col de l'Orry, and Col de l'Estaque (1025 m; 2¾ hr). The Pic des Quatre-Termes (1156 m) and Pic de la Cabassère are bypassed to the north. After 4 hours, you reach the Coll del Pal (899 m). From there, continue right toward the Col des Gascons (6¼ hr or more). The final descent to the Col de Llagastèra (285 m) passes partly through vineyards towards {{Marker|name=Banyuls-sur-Mer|wikidata=Q6753|type=city}}. == Go next == * [[Pyrenean High Route]]: Crosses the Pyrenees along the mountain crests, staying higher than both the GR 10 and GR 11. * [[GR 11]] This footpath stays on the Spanish side of the Pyrenees. {{outlineitinerary}} {{Related|France}} {{Related|Pyrenees}} {{PartOfItinerary|Europe itineraries}} f77h97f7vxmguzh9jx9jfr84845alqf 5086688 5086683 2025-07-02T16:39:49Z Bluecoordinationfine 2327039 See previous change. 5086688 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|GR 10 WV banner.jpg|caption=View from GR 10, near Souriche, looking towards the Tourmalet, valley of Barèges, France}} The '''GR 10''' is one of the paths and trails of the extensive [[Grande Randonnée]] (or GR) network. It crosses [[France]], from the Mediterranean coast to the Atlantic coast, and runs almost entirely through the [[Pyrenees]]. While the trail is in France, much of it is near, or even on, the border with [[Spain]]. The trail can be walked in either direction, though some suggest that the west-east route is easier in the beginning, as it is both cooler and less steep that the corresponding start heading west; this may be an advantage to those not fully in shape. == Understand == [[File:Lac d'Oo (22).jpg|thumb|Lac d'Oo]] Moving from east to west, the trail begins at the Mediterranean, in the small town of [[Banyuls sur Mer]], and finishes at [[Hendaye]] on the Atlantic Ocean. Hikers will usually be able to make it to a [[France#Guesthouses and holiday rentals|gîte]] or small town every other night, and quite frequently every night. Expected time to complete the trail is around 6-7 weeks, though the majority of people only hike sections of it. == Prepare == The trail is fairly well marked with painted marks on rocks, trees, telephone poles, and even houses, walls, and street signs. If you haven’t seen a waymark for 100 metres, you’ve likely strayed off the trail. Retrace your steps to the last marker and check your route. It is not realistic to navigate using the markers alone. A trail guide, at minimum, or a topologic map is required. Sunburn is a particular problem, and clothing such as long sleeved shirts and long pants should be worn as they protect from the sun, scratching branches and insects. Sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat are highly desirable. For those heading west from Banyuls sur Mer, the hike to the first gîte is particularly long compared to the following days, and should be started very early. === Equipment === One of the advantages of the GR 10 is that it can be hiked with minimal gear, as one can eat dinner and breakfast almost every day at the gîtes. Additionally the hiker can sleep outdoors on clear nights and pay for a bed in a gîte in inclement weather. On nights that only shelters (which usually have no food or staff) are available, pre-purchased food can be eaten. If one plans to eat at gîtes and buy food from supermarkets that can be eaten without cooking, the absolute minimal gear in the summer months is: * Sleeping bag or sleep sheet, and a mat for comfort. * Goretex jacket and fleece or similar for cold or wet weather * Long-sleeved shirt and pants * Short-sleeved shirt and shorts (including shorts you can wear for swimming) * Sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat * Adequate footwear. Anything less than hiking boots may prove insufficient. * Bottles for at least two litres of water, and a purification method for treating water from streams. * Toiletries and a [[Travel health kit|medical kit]] Additionally, consider a rain jacket or fleece top for wet or cold weather. If you plan to forgo the comforts and delicious food of the gites and hotels, also bring: * Tent * Cooking gear and food A note on footwear: some four fifths of the hikers wear full hiking boots and thick socks. While running sneakers may suffice (and Choco-style sandals may work for a few days), your risk of injury is higher, and much of the trail involves hopping around on possibly wet and sharp rocks. Choose conservatively, depending on the length of your hike and your experience. ==Get in== == Walk == {{Mapframe|lat=42.68287|long=0.56837|width=full|height=360|zoom=7}} {{mapshape|type=geoline|stroke=#000000|stroke-width=3}} === Hendaye-Plage - Olhette === ; Distance : 21.9 km ; Duration : 6-7¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1010 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 950 m Intermarché sells gas cartridges. Near the western trailhead a {{marker|type=buy|name=Decathlon|lat=43.36843635018845|long=-1.7798332063655435}} store geared towards watersports is available for last minute purchases, such as gas cannisters. The hike starts from the 3 km long {{marker|type=see|name=Hendaye Beach|wikidata=Q20947149}}. This is below the old casino, now known as Résidence Croisière. Nearby is the Tourist Office. Buses run from the main train station, or you can walk from {{marker|type=go|name=Gare Deux Jumeaux|wikidata=Q2802667}}. Leaving town, the route goes around the football stadium and climbs via Rue Errondenia and Rue de Pausoa, passing by {{Marker|type=city|name=Biriatou|wikidata=Q196871}}, which conveniently has public toilets available. After about 3 hr you reach the summit of {{marker|type=see|name=Xoldokogaina|wikidata=Q20492776}}. The high point is at Mandale (530 m) on the Spanish border. From here, the path descends to the Col d'Ibardin (4¼ hr), a popular spot for French shoppers due to cheap alcohol and tobacco. The trail continues via Col des Poiriers and Col des Joncs before reaching {{Marker|type=city|name=Olhette|lat=43.3360119885|long=-1.6661235970}}. * {{listing|type=see|name=Redoute de la Baïonette|lat=43.309257665|long=-1.70329930013|content=Historic fortification near Mandale, located by modern border marker 9. Offers wide views.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Basque Tourist Office|address=20 Boulevard Victor Hugo, 64500 Saint-Jean-de-Luz|lat=43.387765760|long=-1.66038856746|url=https://www.en-pays-basque.fr/en/|content=Tourist info for the wider Basque region.}} === Olhette - Ainhoa === ; Distance : 21.1 km ; Duration : 6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 730 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 640 m The steepest climb comes right at the beginning. For most of the route, you'll be on forest trails and, after Sare, quiet paved country roads. The trail initially ascends on a good path over the Col des Trois Fontaines (1½ hr; a shelter is located 300 m away), then descends to the Col de St-Ignace, where the valley station of the cog railway to La Rhune is found. It continues to {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Sare]]|wikidata=Q274155}} (2¾ hr), a local transport hub and one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. There's an outdoor swimming pool. The stage ends in {{Marker|type=city|name=Ainhoa|wikidata=Q212962|url=https://www.en-pays-basque.fr/territoires-et-destinations/vallee-de-la-nivelle/ainhoa/}}. Also one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. The tourist information office (open 09:00-12:30, 14:00-17:30; closed weekends and holidays) is located at the side of the town hall. Local grocery stores are a bit pricey due to the village's popularity. From Col des Trois Fontaines you can ascend La Rhune (905 m) either by cog railway (35 min) or on foot (3 km, 1¼ h; ↥↧ 300 m). The prehistoric {{Marker|type=see|name=Grottes de Sare|wikidata=Q3117280}} can be visited with prior reservation through the local municipality or online. Closed annually for a month after Epiphany. This stage is part of the [[European long-distance path E9|European long-distance trail E9]]. === Ainhoa - Bidarray === ; Distance : 21.7 km ; Duration : 8½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 880 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 850 m This is a difficult stage, with little shade at the start and a particularly steep, rocky descent near the end. At the old cemetery (389 m; 40 min) beside the {{Marker|type=see|name=Chapelle Notre Dame de l'Aubépine|wikidata=Q12253854}}, a dramatic crucifixion scene of the Jewish itinerant preacher Jesus of Nazareth and two other criminals has been recreated. Traditional Basque hilarri gravestones are found here. The path then continues over the Col des Trois-Croix (510 m; 1 hr 20 min). A good place to rest is at Ferme Esteben (2 hr 50 min, 580 m), a gîte d'étape with a bar-restaurant. The trail continues near the border, past Boundary Stone 77, partly on paved road. At Col des Veaux (550 m), you can take a 300-m detour into Spain to visit a venta (a small inn or shop). From here, the trail climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Méhatche|lat=43.272782275749094|long=-1.4166930371188398}} (716 m; 3¾ hr). The descent past Boundary Stones 82 and 83 is secured with cables. From Col de Méhatche, you can ascend Artzamendi (926 m), easily identified by its radar dome at the summit. The nearby {{Marker|type=see|name=Grotte le Saint-que-Sue|alt=Harpeko Saindua|lat=43.26526266671622|long=-1.3890420732224757}} can also be visited. Just before reaching {{Marker|type=city|name=Bidarray|wikidata=Q746221}}, a bypass trail offers a shortcut to the next stage. For peak baggers, this route also gives access to several summits: Errebi (between the chapel and Col des Trois-Croix), Atxulegi (a 15-min detour on the way to Col des Trois-Croix), and, in good weather, Mont Bizkayluze (701 m) and Gorospil (691 m). The village is split into two parts, 600 m apart. The GR-10 passes through the upper section (where accommodation is located), while the train station lies in the lower part. The stone “Noblia” bridge, in its current form, dates to the 17th century. Parts of the Church of the Assumption are Romanesque. Traditional hilarri gravestones can be found in the old cemetery, and the Ferme Gastetto is a protected farmhouse in classic Lower Navarrese style. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Aire Zabal|lat=43.2665469128|long=-1.34721660011|url=https://giteairezabal.fr/|content=Stage accommodation in the upper part of the village.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Amestoya|lat=43.284582665|long=-1.35372693663|url=https://camping-bidarray.fr/english/|content=Campsite along the D908, 2 km north of the upper village.}} === Bidarray - Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry === ; Distance : 18.5 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1250 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1250 m This southward stage is demanding, especially due to the complete lack of water sources along the ascent. After passing the Iparla Ridge (950 m), the trail reaches an altitude of over 1000 m for the first time on the way to the summit. It then continues along the ridge to the Pic de Tutulia before descending to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Harrieta|lat=43.21079140547837|long=-1.384120195860639}} (3¾ hr, 808 m). From the Col d'Harrieta, a side trail descends to Urdos (1¾ hr), from where it's possible to follow the road into Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry. The main trail continues across the Buztanzelhay summit (4¾ hr, 1029 m), then down to the col of the same name (843 m). Here, the GR-10 turns left and descends steeply. The path crosses the D949 road several times — this road leads from the village to the ventas on the Spanish border at the Col d'Ispéguy. You can also reach this col via the ridge, 1½ km from Col Buztanzelhay. If you want to skip entering {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry]]|wikidata=Q279252}} (162 moh), you can join the next stage earlier at the Nive des Aldudes (6½ h, 162 m). There's a picnic area in the park and a supermarket that stocks gas cartridges. Locals play Rebot, a type of pelota, on two courts. The Château d'Etxauz is not open to the public. On the last Sunday in April, the village hosts a traditional folklore festival known as Nafarroaren Eguna. The Nive des Aldudes valley occasionally experiences flooding and mudslides. === Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry - Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port === ; Distance : 19.2 km ; Duration : 5-7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 990 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 980 m This stage runs mostly on gravel paths and farm tracks. About an hour in, there's an optional detour at Col d'Aharza for a 35-minute climb to Oylarandoy, where a hermitage built in 1706 stands. The GR-10 heads south to the Col d'Aharza (734 m; 2 hr), where there's a water source, then turns east and circles around the {{Marker|type=see|name=Munhoa|wikidata=Q3327853}} (1023 m; 3½ hr). The climb is fully exposed to the sun. The descent begins on the right-hand side. {{Marker|name=[[Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port]]|wikidata=Q270294|type=city}} lies at 170 m and is where three of the four French pilgrimage routes converge before entering Spain. From here, it's possible to continue directly onto the Camino de Santiago (via Roncesvalles). === Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port - Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta === ; Distance : 16.2 km ; Duration : 5-5½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 870 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 420 m There are no supply points or public transport on this stage, but the walking is relatively easy. In the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Çaro|wikidata=Q842635}} (242 m), there is a public fountain next to the town hall. If you choose to end the day early after 3¾ hr in {{Marker|type=city|name=Estérençuby|wikidata=Q842724}} (231 m; two accommodation options), be aware that this adds an extra 400 m of ascent to the next day's stage. === Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta - Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty === ; Distance : 20.7 km ; Duration : 6¾-8 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1410 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m This stage is simple but offers little shade. The trail first climbs toward the Col on Ithurramburu (820 m), then continues ascending to just below the {{Marker|type=see|name=Occabe|alt=Okabe|wikidata=Q17417892}} (1456 m). On the Occabe plateau, 26 Neolithic stone circles known as ''harrespil'' in Basque have been found. They are believed to have been used for cremation rites. A good rest stop is the upscale {{Marker|type=eat|name=Restaurant Chalet Pedro|url=https://www.chaletpedro.com/|lat=43.03687624625582|long=-1.0746838225620772}} (4¾ hr). The associated lodge offers 10 beds. Across the stream at Le Kayolar, similar accommodation is available. From here, the trail turns sharply right after 100 m and continues uphill for 6-7 km (300 m ascent) to the stage destination. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta|url=http://kaskoleta.free.fr/|lat=43.092036845886255|long=-1.1646582066722122|content=Altitude 615 m. Offers 13 beds in 3 rooms plus a holiday apartment for 4. A scenic viewpoint with an information panel is 5 minutes away.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=L'aire Naturelle de Camping|lat=43.037460332099656|long=-1.0494175120345806|content=Natural campground with 50 pitches, located 3 km before the Chalets by the stream. Open June-October. Fresh bread available by reservation from 08:30.}} === Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty - Logibar === ; Distance : 16.4 km ; Duration : 5-6 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 440 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1380 m In bad weather, the route along the west side of the {{Marker|type=see|name=Pic des Escaliers|wikidata=Q31645205}} (1423 m) is not recommended. There are two alternative routes, but both are poorly marked. At the Ugatzé Ridge, the trail skirts the peak rather than summiting it. To avoid the steep descent from Pic des Escaliers, stay on the road for about 600 m after the start, then turn off after 2½ km to reach Col Ugatzé. A short side trip allows you to summit Arthanolatzégagnia (an additional 35 min ascent and descent). Trail markings are sparse for several hours. After some time following mule tracks, you'll reach a road crossing at Beloscare (1173 m; 3 hr). Logibar marks the end of the stage, but you can also continue 2 km further to {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Larrau]]|wikidata=Q608335}}, which offers three accommodation options and a campground. In bad weather, an easier alternative is to follow the paved road from Iraty directly to Larrau for a gentler descent. === Logibar - Sainte-Engrâce (Senta) === ; Distance : 26.3 km ; Duration : 7½-9¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200-1420 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 900-1170 m This stage leads through spectacular gorges. Follow signs to the Gorges d'Holzarté and ascend the trail to the 70 m long suspension bridge (50 min), which spans the dramatic Ruisseau de Olhadubi gorge 150 m above the ground. On the far side, the trail continues uphill. After 2 hours, you reach the Olhadubi stream — a possible spot for a refreshing dip. Nearby, the Cabane Cayolar d'Olhadubi (reached via a side path from the bridge) serves as an emergency shelter with space for 4-5 people. Continuing uphill, you'll reach the Abarrakia farm after just over 3 hours. The path then winds between farms, eventually reaching the point (4½ hr) where the GR-10 turns sharply to the right. The original GR-10 route bypassed the gorges entirely by heading up to the Plateau d'Adarkhotia after the Holzarté bridge. This shortcut saves 2.7 km (1¼ hr) and 150 m of elevation gain. After about 5 hours, you'll reach the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Anhaou|alt=Col de Bious|lat=42.9784|long=-0.88044}} (1383 m). From here, energetic hikers can summit nearby peaks such as Izeyto (1464 m) or Sarimendi (1484 m). The stage ends at {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Sainte-Engrâce]]|wikidata=Q197211}}. Sainte-Engrâce is home to a Romanesque church from the 11th century. From the village, a 9-km side trip (↥ 840 m, ↧ 135 m) takes you to the vast La Verna cave. Guided tours go up to 800 m deep — the main chamber is large enough to fit the Eiffel Tower. Bookings are handled through the [https://laverna.fr/en/ Espace accueil Arrakotchepia], Quartier Calla, 64560 Sainte-Engrâce (Tel. +33 6 37 88 29 05). August is often very busy. A detour south from the restaurant leads into the wild and romantic Gorges de Kakuetta. The trail is very steep and slippery, and entry tickets are (usually) sold at the restaurant. === Sainte-Engrâce (Senta) - Refuge Jeandel === ; Distance : 11.6 km ; Duration : 4¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 160 m The trail climbs steadily from Sainte-Engrâce into the limestone highlands of the Pierre-Saint-Martin massif, marking the transition into more alpine terrain. You ascend to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Pierre-St-Martin|wikidata=Q1107451}} (1760 m; border with Spain). Since 1373, the Tributo de las Tres Vacas — a cross-border tribute of three cows — has been held here every July 13 to settle grazing rights between the two valleys. A small shop at the parking area sells goat cheese. A ski area lies just over the border on the Spanish side. There is also a small shelter near Boundary Marker 62. An optional 15-minute detour leads to the summit of Soum de Lèche (1839 m). The Grotte de la Verna, a massive cave chamber accessible by guided tour, lies 1 km (¾ hr) off the main trail and requires prior booking ([https://laverna.fr laverna.fr]). From the pass, descend to the first switchback, then turn right off the main track. The trail passes under two chairlifts and continues along the northern flank of the Pic d'Arlas. When you spot three large concrete water tanks, descend to the staffed mountain hut at Refuge Jeandel. The ski resort village of {{Marker|name=La Pierre Saint-Martin|wikidata=Q3211628|type=city}} is about 15 minutes off the trail and offers additional services. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge Jeandel|address=La Pierre Saint Martin, 64570 Arette|url=https://www.refugejeandel.com/|lat=42.97829371796861|long=-0.7493627209784663|content=Altitude 1670 m. Dormitory accommodation from €18; half-board from €42.50. Staffed in summer.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Tourist Office La Pierre Saint-Martin|address=Maison de la Pierre, 75 D332, 64570 Arette|phone=+33 5 59 66 20 09|url=https://www.lapierrestmartin.com/|lat=42.97735500762936|long=-0.744495054007273|content=Open only during the French summer holidays (mid-July to late August). Provides info on local lodging and two campervan pitches. Served by seasonal Bus 807 between Arette and Oloron-Sainte-Marie.}} === Refuge Jeandel - Lescun === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 5½-6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1200 m This is a challenging stage, but the scenery is magnificent. Several rocky mountain paths are equipped with cables for safety. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Pas de l'Osque|lat=42.9702182168491|long=-0.7089944097203539}} (1922 m), which requires a head for heights. The trail continues to the Pas d'Azuns (1873 m; 2¾ hr), and a good first rest stop with water is the spring near the Cabane du Cap de la Baitch (1689 m; 3 hr). In wet weather, descending to {{Marker|type=city|name=Lescun|wikidata=Q179737}} (895 m) via the road is recommended, as the GR-10 becomes muddy and difficult to navigate. From Lescun, the HRP route offers a very demanding variant over the Col d'Anie back toward Cabane du Cap de la Baitch. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Centre de l'Abérouat|url=http://aberouat.fr/|lat=42.95041471194407|long=-0.6658390953581508|content=Staffed hut with a bar. Offers 20 rooms (2-5 beds each). Free tent camping nearby (bathrooms in the hut available for a fee). Best suited for groups; solo walkers must book in advance.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Maison de la Montagne|lat=42.934247039|long=-0.63524507931|address=1 ruelle de la Congasse, 64490 Lescun|phone=+33 6 88 06 95 29|url=https://www.maisondelamontagne64.com/|content=Comfortable accommodation for hikers in the centre of Lescun.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping - Gîte du Lauzart|address=Bordé de Mougnague, 64490 Lescun|phone=+33 5 59 34 51 77|url=https://www.camping-gite-lescun-pyrenees.com/|lat=42.92782183157741|long=-0.6421994110320027|content=Along the D340. About 20 minutes into the next stage. Open April-September. Campsite €14 + €4 per adult. 25 dorm beds available for €16; half board €42.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Tourist Office for the Vallée |lat=42.9990368924|long=-0.60057615194|url=https://www.pyrenees-bearnaises.com/explorer/nature/|phone=+33 5 59 34 57 57|content=Located in Bedous. Provides information on the surrounding region.}} === Lescun - Etsaut === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 5½-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 850 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1150 m The trail begins easily through pastoral countryside, then enters forested terrain, passing the [https://www.gite-camping-lhers.com/ Gîte d'étape and campsite on the Plateau de Lhers] (2 hr), and climbing to the Col de Barrancq (1601 m; 3¾ hr). From the Col de Barrancq, a side trip leads to the summit of Pic de Labigouer (2175 m), which takes just under 3 hours round-trip. Lower down in the Parc d'Orce, within the commune of {{Marker|type=city|name=Borçe|wikidata=Q840474}} (5¾ hr), lives the majority of the region's ~50 brown bears. The Gîte le Communal offers accommodation here. The stage ends in {{listing|type=city|name=Etsaut|wikidata=Q765829|content=Altitude 597 m. Located on the N-134 and served by the Canfranc-Oloron-Saint-Marie bus line. The former train station now houses the Pyrenees National Park visitor center. Accommodation available in the Gîte d'étape la Garbure behind the church (53 beds).}} Just outside Etsaut, the {{Marker|type=see|name=Fort du Portalet|wikidata=Q3078387}} clings dramatically to the cliffs in two tiers, spanning a height difference of 150 m. * {{listing|type=see|name=Refuge animalier à Borce|url=https://parc-ours.fr/|lat=42.9045174060618|long=-0.5745664608466107|content=open 10:00-18:00; admission €12. It functions as an educational wildlife refuge}} === Etsaut - Gabas === ; Distance : 24 km ; Duration : 9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1640 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1210 m The trail begins with the dramatic Chemin de la Mâture, a path carved into the rock face. It is not passable in icy or snowy conditions. You reach Grange Perry (1210 m) after 2 hours. A quarter of an hour later, at a junction, keep left. After 3½ hours, you arrive at the Cabane de la Baight de St-Cours (1560 m; shepherds only, June-September), located at the border. About 4 hours in, you cross a stream on a bridge. This is the last water source before the high pass. The highest point of the stage is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Ayous|wikidata=Q2981981}} (2185 m; 5½ hr or more). On its eastern slope lie the Ayous Lakes, including the scenic Refuge d'Ayous. It's an ideal place to break this long stage. The Col d'Ayous also marks a transition point between valleys: from the Chemin de la Mâture and Baigt de Sencours in the Aspe Valley to Bious-Artigues (1540 m) in the Ossau Valley, where pony rides and canoe rentals are available on the eastern shore. The lake is 6½ km from the pass (↧ 764 m). From the pass, you can also summit Pic d'Ayous (add 30 min up and down), or detour 6 km to Lac Bersau — a longer alternative via the Vallon d'Aas is 9 km. From the lake, descend on the D231 road, which includes switchbacks that can be shortcut. (Note: Refuge de Gabas is permanently closed.) The stage ends in {{Marker|name=Gabas|wikidata=Q5515276|type=city}}, which offers two accommodations and a bar, but no grocery store. Located on bus route 806/806bis from Col de Portalet via Gabas to Laruns (15 km). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Ayous|url=https://www.refuge-ayous.fr/en-gb|lat=42.84844763797708|long=-0.4911758258903634|10 minutes off the GR10 near Lac Gentau (6½ hr). This refuge offers 47 beds and tent spaces and is open from mid-May to the first week of October.}} === Gabas - Gourette === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9-10 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1150 m This is a long and difficult stage, not suitable for children. The Corniche des Alhas section requires a head for heights. Snow may linger into summer, making it hard to follow the waymarks. Water is scarce during the first four hours. The trail follows the D934 road to the Artouste dam, then climbs through forest paths (1¼ hr). Some parts pass through cliff-side ledges carved into the rock — the Corniche des Alhas — which have fixed cables for safety. An easier alternative bypasses the Corniche via the Pont du Goua and the Gave de Soussouéou. After 1¾ hr, you reach a bridge near the Gave de Soussouéou waterfalls (1145 m). From here, a steep trail leads up to Houn de Mouscabarous (1361 m; 2¾ hr), continuing uphill to Petite Arcizette (2293 m). Snow may persist at these elevations until July. After 6½-7 hr, you arrive at the Hourquette d'Arre (2465 m). Important: The path shown on some maps to the Géougue d'Arre (2619 m) is a mountaineering route, not a hiking trail. An alternative route avoids the Hourquette d'Arre altogether: from the Cabane de Cézy, follow the red-and-white GR10 then switch to the red/yellow-marked GRP Tour de la Vallée d'Ossau, over the Col de Lurdé to Eaux-Bonnes (overnight possible) and Gourette (also served by Bus 806). The GR10 does not go directly to Lac d'Uzious, but instead heads roughly north-northeast across a plateau, before turning east to descend. After about 8 hours, you reach Lac d'Anglas (2068 m), from where the trail continues along the outflow, then branches off to the right. After over 9 hours, you arrive in the ski resort of {{Marker|type=city|name=Gourette|wikidata=Q1540224|url=https://www.gourette.com/en/}} (1350 m). Ski resort with two supermarkets; gas cartridges available at Intersport. Mostly closed outside the main season. Served in-season by Bus 806 (twice daily) from Parking Gourette Nord to Eaux-Bonnes, Laruns, and Pau. If needed, you can exit the trail early at the upper parking area (which has a bus stop) and start the next stage from there. * {{listing|type=sleep|lat=42.9595015138|long=-0.333960997149|name=Chalet-refuge CAF|phone=+33 5 59 05 10 56|url=https://chaletdegourette.ffcam.fr/|content=Mountain refuge with 32 beds in 4 dorms. €16.50/night (€8.25 for Alpine Club members) + €0.90 tourist tax.}} === Gourette - Arrens-Marsous === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m This is a relatively easy stage that crosses two mountain passes: the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Tortes|lat=42.959773462638644|long=-0.3187601158279607}} (1799 m; 1¾ hr), and later, after crossing the D918 (popular with cyclists but too busy to follow safely), the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Saucède|lat=42.95972945620746|long=-0.31869998400517197}} (1525 m; 3 hr 20 min). Ten minutes after descending from this second pass, you'll reach a restaurant and gîte de séjour at the Col de Soulor on the D918 road. From Col de Saucède, hikers can also make a short detour to summit the Pointe de Surgatte (1805 m; 90-100 minutes round trip). Near the Pont de Lapadé, you can either cross the Gave d'Arrens or continue down into the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Arrens-Marsous|wikidata=Q1110649}}. Features tourist information and public toilets at the Maison Val d'Azun (Tel. +33 5 62 97 49 49). The village also has an outdoor swimming pool. A hiking festival, [https://www.eldorando.fr/ Eldorado], is held every two years for four days in late May. Call +33 800 65 65 00 by 17:00 the day before for weekday on-demand shuttle service to Lourdes. Points of interest include the Romanesque Saint-Pierre Church (parts dating to 1200) and the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Pouey-Laün, a pilgrimage chapel located 600 m south along the D105. The area is part of both the Natura 2000 conservation network (Gabizos and the Arrens Valley) and the core zone of the Pyrenees National Park. For a longer option, you can extend this stage to Gîte les Viellettes (2¼ h further), making a total of 20.5 km (8½ hr; ↥ 1250 m, ↧ 1530 m). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=GCU Campground|address=26 Rue des Paus, 65400 Arrens-Marsous|lat=42.9573380888|long=-0.213247116377|phone=+33 5 62 97 43 06|url=https://www.gcu.asso.fr/terrains/arrens-marsous-hautes-pyrénées-65|content=Simple tent campground on the edge of town.}} === Arrens-Marsous - Refuge d'Ilhéou === ; Distance : 20 km ; Duration : 6¾-7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 500 m From Arrens-Marsous (3½ km from the previous endpoint), you can follow the official GR10 or the more scenic GR de Pays Tour du Val d'Azun. The latter is slightly shorter but includes more climbs. Both routes rejoin shortly before the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape les Viellettes|lat=42.9219519144924|long=-0.1818867608457627}} (2¼ h; 15 beds). About 700 m further on is the simple tent site La Pose (open May-September). The official GR10 route passes through {{Marker|type=city|name=Estaing|wikidata=Q589628}}, a commune that includes three Natura 2000 protected areas: “Gaves de Pau et de Cauterets,” “Moun Né de Cauterets, Pic de Cabaliros,” and “Péguère, Barbat, Cambalès.” From here, the trail enters the core zone of the Pyrenees National Park. You ascend toward Lac d'Estaing. Just before the lake is a guesthouse open Thursday-Sunday, 09:00-17:00 (summer only). On the far shore is another restaurant (open 10:00-18:00) and Camping Intercommunal. Brave hikers may try a swim in the cold waters. The trail now climbs steeply through forest to the Cabane d'Arriousec (1400 m; 4 hr). Another hour uphill takes you past the Cabanes de Barbat (left of the path), then a final climb brings you to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Ilhéou|wikidata=Q2981991}} (2242 m; 6 hr or more). Just 5 minutes below the pass, you can turn left to reach the Crête du Lys, where the Courbet cable car operates in July and August. This offers access to the ski resort Cauterets-Le Lys (with a summer luge track) or direct descent into the town of Cauterets. On foot, descend to the stream near the Cabanes d'Arras (6½-7 hr). Turn right there and cross two more streams. The path then descends to Lac d'Ilhéou. At the lake's northern shore is the staffed Refuge d'Ilhéou. A designated bivouac area (aire de bivouac) is located about 10 minutes further south along the lake. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Ilhéou (Refuge Raymond-Ritter)|url=https://www.refuge-ilheou.csvss.fr/en/home|phone=+33 5 62 92 07 18|lat=42.86604614112533|long=-0.17358356545105466|content=Altitude 1988 m. 22 beds. Open from late May to late September.}} === Refuge d'Ilhéou - Cauterets === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 2½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 75 ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m This is a leisurely downhill walk that brings you gently back to civilization in {{Marker|type=city|name=Cauterets|url=https://www.cauterets.com/en/?to_lang=en|wikidata=Q366962}}. Scenic spa town with plenty of amenities, including a historic wooden railway station (now closed), a cinema, casino, and more. The tourist office is open M-Sa from 09:00-12:30 and 14:00-18:00. A special Office de la Montagne - Terre d'Alpinisme opens during the summer season. Cauterets flourished during the late 19th and early 20th centuries thanks to its thermal springs. The municipality operates two spas: Thermes de César in the village center and Thermes des Griffons in nearby La Raillère. Accommodation options include three gîtes d'étape and Camping la Prairie. Local buses run every 30 minutes from June to October. Regional connections are available to Lourdes, Luz-Saint-Sauveur, and Gavarnie. A shuttle to Pont d'Espagne departs four times daily from the old train station. The 30 km former railway line from Pierrefitte to Cauterets has been converted into a multi-use bike and hiking path. === Cauterets - Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 100 m This is a demanding stage. From Cauterets, take the path behind the Thermes de César and head south. After 1¼ hr you reach the hamlet of La Raillère (1044 m), where there are restaurants and a sulfur spa. Cross the bridge and continue up into the Val de Jéret, passing several waterfalls. The trail leads to the Hôtellerie du Pont d'Espagne (3 hr). From there, descend briefly along the road before turning right and ascending into the valley toward Lac de Gaube (1725 m, 4 hr). The path crosses the stream three times via bridges as you continue toward the refuge. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube|wikidata=Q109042828}} === Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube - Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400 m About 50 m from the refuge, the trail begins a steady one-hour climb over rocky terrain. At a fork (65 min), stay right and continue ascending. The {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Hourquette d'Ossoue|wikidata=Q3141336}} (2734 m) marks the highest point on the entire GR10. Even in mid-summer, snow often lingers here. After 20 minutes of descent, you reach the Refuge Baysselance. '''Ascending Vignemale from here via the Glacier d'Ossoue is only for experienced mountaineers.''' From the pass, the route heads southeast, passing the Grottes de Bellevue (2420 m; 3 hr), artificial caves carved in 1880 by the explorer Henry Russell. The trail descends steeply to a stream, then follows it into a boulder field fed by glacial melt from the Glacier d'Ossoue. The descent into the valley involves frequent climbs around cliffs and waterfalls. You enter the Vallée de la Canau (5 hr or more) and pass the Cabane de Sausse-Dessus. The next hour includes more ups and downs until you reach the Cabane des Tousaus (6¾ hr or more). From there, cross a final ridge to reach the D923 road and descend to the stage endpoint, Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle. If you need more accommodation or supplies, continue to the main village of {{Marker|name=Gavarnie|wikidata=Q917894|type=city}}. From Gavarnie, you can take a day trip (or a bus from Luz-Saint-Sauveur) into the famed Cirque de Gavarnie. It's also possible to ascend Le Taillon (3146 m) from here for experienced climbers. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge Baysselance|url=https://refugebayssellance.ffcam.fr/|wikidata=Q3423105|content=(2651 m), which offers 58 beds and is staffed from mid-May to mid-October}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle|address=Route de Boucharo, 65120 Gavarnie-Gèdre|phone=+33 5 62 92 48 77|url=https://chaletlagrangedeholle.ffcam.fr/|lat=42.73944609127333|long=-0.022728732019354148|wikidata=Q98753937|content=Altitude 1480 m. Staffed hut with 62 beds.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Tourist Office|address=Le Village, 65120 Gavarnie-Gèdre|phone=+33 5 62 92 49 10|url=https://www.valleesdegavarnie.com/gavarnie-gedre/|lat=42.73535586856976|long=-0.01029304645524754|content=Open 09:00-12:00 and 14:00-17:00; closed Sundays and Thursdays.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte Le Gypaète|lat=42.7359592315|long=-0.0108405014067|phone=+33 5 62 92 40 61|content=Simple hiker accommodation in Gavarnie village.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Bergerie|address=Chemin du Cirque, 65120 Gavarnie-Gèdre|url=https://www.camping-la-bergerie-gavarnie.com/|lat=42.72774008829836|long=-0.0075991966546184704|content=Open early June to late September. Located near the entrance to the Cirque de Gavarnie.}} === Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle - Luz-Saint-Sauveur === ; Distance : 26 km ; Duration : 8-9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 700-900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1500-1660 m Starting from Gavarnie village (via the D128 road) instead of the refuge shortens the route by 3 km (approx. 1 hr). The trail first leads to the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape le Saugué|url=https://www.gite-gavarnie-pyrenees.com/|lat=42.76864577103755|long=-0.005915232017950625}}, located on the Plateau Soula de Saugue (1¾ hr). This is a good option to break up the stage — the gîte has 21 beds and is open May to October. The route winds northward, passing the Soum Haut (3¾ h), then descends gradually along the western slope of the Gavarnie Valley. After 5¾-6 hr, you reach the D921 road. Cross the Gave de Gavarnie via the Pont d'Esdouroucats and ascend again to a path above the highway. From the south, you enter {{Marker|type=city|name=Luz-Saint-Sauveur|wikidata=Q35721506|url=https://www.luz.org/en/}} via the Pont Napoléon (755 m; 7½ hr), a dramatic bridge across the gorge. Well-equipped mountain town. The town has several historic churches, as well as a campsite with a grocery store. The Prime Meridian passes about 100 m east of the center. Numerous lodgings, 6 campgrounds, 2 supermarkets, and Intersport (gas cartridges). Bus 965 connects to Cauterets, Lourdes, and Tarbes. Bus to Barèges also available. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Saint Bazerque|address=Sia|phone=+33 5 62 92 49 93|url=https://campingsaintbazerque.eatbu.com/?lang=de|lat=42.83178828384746|long=0.0015462182938111647|content=Campground with grocery shop (mountain cheese), bar, and caravan spaces. Open 08:00-17:00.}} === Luz-Saint-Sauveur - Barèges === ; Distance : 12 km ; Duration : 4½-5 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m To extend this stage, continue to Refuge d'Aygues Cluses for a total of 19 km (7½ hr; ↥ 1560 m, ↧ 140 m). Though short, this stage begins with a relatively long and steep ascent. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Ruisseau de Bolou|lat=42.858690489195055|long=0.06773411839157908}} (1460 m). On the descent, hikers can stop for refreshments at the [https://refugedelaglere.ffcam.fr/ Refuge de la Glère]. This stage ends at {{Marker|type=city|name=Barèges|wikidata=Q632058|url=https://www.mairie-bareges.fr/en/}}. Composed of the hamlets of Artigalas and Cazaous, Barèges serves as a spa and mountain village. The local river, the Bastan, is called the gave. Note: the Jardin botanique du Tourmalet and the 1930s funicular are now closed. The town's website includes an accommodation and restaurant directory * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape l'Oasis|lat=42.897422977|long=0.067278671719|address=2 Passage des Toys|phone=+33 5 62 92 69 47|url=https://www.gite-oasis.fr/|content=Open June-September, and also December-April during ski season (Barèges is part of the Domaine du Tourmalet ski area).}} === Barèges - Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : route-dependent 7¾-9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m The trail begins by climbing above the road toward the ski station at Tournaboup (1 hr). It then veers south and ascends steadily. Good stopping points include the Cabane d'Aygues and, 10 km further on, the Chalet-Hôtel d'Orédon. This stage enters the Néouvielle Nature Reserve, where dogs and wild camping are strictly forbidden. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Madamète|wikidata=Q102076283}} (2509 m). From there, the path descends between alpine lakes: {{Marker|type=see|name=Lac d'Aumar|wikidata=Q3215322}} and Lac d'Aubert (5¾ h, 2190 m). A shuttle bus runs up to this point in high season, and there's an info panel at the end of the access road. Here, the trail splits into two variants: * Variant 1: continues along Lac d'Aumar * Variant 2: detours south to the tip of Lac d'Aubert, then along the northern shore of Les Laguettes and Lac d'Orédon (6¾ h, 1856 m; camping and hotel at the south end) Both variants rejoin at the Cap d'Estoudou pass (2260 m), followed by a steep descent. A short detour from the pass allows for an ascent of Soump de Montpelat (↥ 214 m). The path continues steeply downhill to Lac de l'Oule (1821 m; 7¾ hr or more). From here, head right to reach Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Cabane d'Aygues|url=https://refugeayguescluses.wordpress.com/|lat=42.87577795732996|long=0.15008320916912823}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Chalet-Hôtel d'Orédon|url=https://www.chalet-oredon.fr/|lat=42.82616251586139|long=0.1692328508499207|content=open June 1 - Sept 30; 88 beds}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule|url=https://refugedeloule.fr/|lat=42.824769697482445|long=0.20752501478344024|content=Altitude 1819 m. Located at the dam wall. Open mid-June to mid-September. 20 beds and a bar.}} === Refuge-Hôtel de l'Oule - Vielle-Aure === ; Distance : 17-18 km ; Duration : 5-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 460 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400-1500 m From the refuge, the route follows the western shore of Lac de l'Oule. GR10C variant: After 1½ hr, there is a signed detour to the [http://refugedebastan.fr/ Cabane de Bastan]. The main trail turns directly east and climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Portet|wikidata=Q42178369}} (2215 m; 2¾ hr). From here, it continues eastward, descending gently to the Pla de Castillon, then more steeply down to the D918 road (4½ hr or more) and onward to the stage endpoint {{Marker|type=city|name=Vielle-Aure|wikidata=Q1323900|url=https://vielleaure.com/}}, an historic village with two Romanesque churches: Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Pierre (in the Agos neighbourhood), both dating to the 12th century. Bus connections to Saint-Lary-Soulan and Lannemezan (35 km). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Hôtel Aurélia|lat=42.825852030|long=0.32776424175|phone=+33 5 62 39 56 90|url=https://www.hotel-aurelia.com/|content=Simple, hiker-friendly hotel in town.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping La Mousquère|lat=42.8273932992|long=0.33590955638|address=Nougaro, Autun, 65170 Bourisp|url=https://www.campinglamousquere.com/|content=Open May 8 - last weekend of September.}} * There are three more campsites within 2 km north along the river valley. Just 1 km south, the larger and livelier {{Marker|name=Saint-Lary-Soulan|wikidata=Q1323323|type=city}} offers a broader range of shops, accommodations, and services. The tourist information office is at the roundabout in the center; the supermarket is across the street. The wooden bus stop shelter is discreetly located about 50 m away, opposite the modern church on Avenue des Thermes. === Vielle-Aure - Germ === ; Distance : 13 km ; Duration : 4¾-5¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1170 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 630-700 m This is a straightforward, though poorly marked, stage that runs parallel to the D225 up to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Azet|wikidata=Q2981982}} (1600 m). From the pass, the route continues down to [https://www.vallee-du-louron.com/fr Loudenvielle], a village with shops, an outdoor pool, and the Balnéa Spa complex (open 14:00-19:30; €21 for 2 hours). Note: during the [https://www.pyreneesbikefestival.com/ Pyrenees Bike Festival] in early September, the area is overrun with mountain bikers. The final 2-3 km involve a climb of about 220 m up to the hamlet of {{Marker|name=Germ|wikidata=Q1094205|type=city}}. Altitude 1339 m. A small village with 34 year-round residents, but many second homes and guest beds. Two old churches are worth visiting. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Centre de Montagne de Germ|lat=42.793610431|long=0.425057973260|address=D130|phone=+33 5 62 99 65 27|url=https://www.germ-louron.com/|content=Open year-round. 70 beds in a large mountain center.}} * Auberge de Germ, a guesthouse with 11 rooms (33 beds), open year-round. * {{listing|type=see|name=Peyresourde-Balestas Airfield (Aérodrome de Peyragudes)|wikidata=Q5659350|content=Also known as Altiport 007, as a James Bond film was shot here in 1997. The 470 m runway has a 15% gradient and is also used for paragliding.}} === Germ - Lac d'Oô === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 6-7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1060 m This stage and the next are strenuous. They can be divided into thirds with overnight stops at the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Granges d'Astau|lat=42.76352657695474|long=0.5024399621092607}} (open May-Oct; 26 beds) and the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Espingo|url=https://refugedespingo.ffcam.fr/|wikidata=Q104413940}} (1967 m; 44 beds, mid-May-Oct; 15 emergency shelter places off-season). Camping is allowed near the lake. Around the refuge is a “classic” mountaineering loop over the Pic des Spijeoles (3008 m), Grand Quayrat (3060 m), down to Lac du Portillon (2571 m) and the glacial Lac Glacé d'Oô (2664 m). After the initial climb out of Germ, you enter the Val d'Aube. Follow the river on the left-hand side; after 1¾ hr, across the valley (250 m away), lies the Cabane d'Ourtiga (1610 m). The route ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Couret d'Esquierry|lat=42.75523440839548|long=0.4627935235857289}} (2131 m; 3½ hr), where you cross into the Haute-Garonne department. After 4 hr, you reach the Cabane du Val d'Esquierry. From there, follow the D76 road down to the Granges d'Astau and an auberge (1139 m; 5 hr). In July and August, a morning bus runs up from Luchon and returns in the evening. The stage ends at {{Marker|type=see|name=Lac d'Oô|wikidata=Q3215352}}, a scenic 42-hectare lake situated at an altitude of 1,507 m within the Natura 2000 reserve “Vallées du Lis, de la Pique et d'Oô.” Renowned since the 19th century for its spectacular waterfall, the lake is a popular destination for its natural beauty. Due to its protected status, camping, swimming, and dogs are not permitted in the area. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Lac d'Oô|address=|phone=+33 7 84 56 55 88|lat=42.744558752|long=0.490915210685|content=Reached in about 6 hr. By the lake shore at 1504 m.}} === Lac d'Oô - Bagnères-de-Luchon === ; Distance : 19-21 km ; Duration : 7-9¼ h ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000-1130 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1900-2000 m After Refuge d'Espingo, the trail becomes more difficult, with several rocky scree sections. You skirt the northern slopes of Hourquette des Hounts-Secs (2275 m). Optional detour: From here, a 15-minute ascent (each way) leads to Cap de Bassiéret. You continue over the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Coume de Bourg|lat=42.787224318|long=0.51785762473}} (2272 m, 4¾ hr or more), which may retain snow well into the summer. Optional summit detours from the pass: * Pic Céciré, 45 minutes up and down to the north * Subescale, 40 minutes up and down to the south After 5½+ hours, you reach (1802 m) Superbagnères, a summer-only (July-August) mountain hotel serving the ski area. While it offers meals and lodging, prices are high. The massive historic building can also be reached by gondola lift from Luchon, replacing the old cog railway. The {{Marker|type=go|name=Gondola base station in Luchon|lat=42.78789198327501|long=0.5908142174347624}} is located on the western edge of town and operates daily from 08:30 to 18:00 during the summer season. If descending on foot, it is a steep 1200 m drop to reach {{Marker|name=Bagnères-de-Luchon|wikidata=Q238393|type=city}}. This spa town marks the end of the central Pyrenean segment of the GR10. Regular bus services run to Montréjeau, where you can connect by train to Toulouse. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Superbagnères|url=https://www.villagesclubsdusoleil.com/fr/nos-destinations/hiver/sejour-a-la-montagne/superbagneres|wikidata=Q844809}} === Bagnères-de-Luchon - Artigue === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 2½-3 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 50 m From the church in Luchon, head left along the footpath by the L'One river, crossing the road bridge toward Juzet-de-Luchon. Optional detour: Visit the waterfall in Juzet-de-Luchon. The trail continues via Sode to the day's highest point at the stage destination {{Marker|name=Artigue|wikidata=Q1088729|type=city}}. Altitude 1230 m. A small mountain village with a municipal gîte d'étape, open year-round, offering 12 dormitory beds and evening meals at the on-site restaurant. === Artigue - Fos === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 7½-8½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1100 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1750 m The first half of this stage is a steady climb of over 1000 meters, initially on a gravel track. After 1¼ hours, you reach the Cabane de Saunères (1660 m), a basic mountain shelter. One hour later, you arrive at the Col de Peyrehitte (1947 m). The trail continues along an exposed ridge around the Pic de Bacanère (2193 m; 3 hr or more), passing border markers 402-404. After the Col d'Aou (2093 m; 3½-4 hr), the trail descends gradually across open alpine meadows. At the Cabane d'Artigue (5 hr or more), potable water is available. Below this point, the path winds down gently through a series of switchbacks, eventually crossing a road bridge into {{Marker|name=Fos|wikidata=Q1349025|type=city}}. Altitude 544 m. Small village with weekday bus service to Melles and Saint-Gaudens (railway connections to Pau and Toulouse). Alternative route (former GR10): From the Cabane d'Artigue, you can divert to the Cabane d'Artiguessans, then descend steeply to the Ruisseau de la Batch before climbing back up to rejoin the GR10. This saves about 15 minutes and 70 m of elevation gain. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte de Fos|wikidata=Q3162431|lat=42.873845424|long=0.73442375047|phone=+33 5 61 94 98 59|content=Offers 20 dormitory beds, open year-round.}} === Fos - Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing === ; Distance : 18 km ; Duration : 6½-8 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1700 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m It's a good idea to stock up on supplies in {{Marker|name=Melles|wikidata=Q1616421|type=city}}, which you reach after about 45 minutes. From the old customs house, the trail climbs steeply. Auberge de Crabère offers a comfortable stop. * {{listing|type=see|name=Botanical Garden (À Fleur de Montagne)|wikidata=Q3162431|url=https://mairie-de-melles.wixsite.com/mairie-de-melles/le-jardin-botanique|content=Small but charming community-run garden specializing in Pyrenean alpine flora. Open in summer, 10:00-19:00.}} From Melles, a narrow road leads uphill to the last farmhouse at Labach (2¼ hr). The next 2 hours or more are mostly through forest, climbing steadily. After about 5 hours, you reach the Cabane d'Uls shelter. The path continues uphill to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Pas du Bouc}} (2170 m; 6+ h). Optional summit detour: From here, the {{Marker|type=see|name=Pic de Crabère|wikidata=Q3382364}} (2629 m) can be climbed in about 90 minutes round-trip. Brown bears have been reintroduced to this area. The highest point of the day is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Auéran|lat=42.835385392840536|long=0.860341080714231}} (2176 m), which also marks the border into the Ariège department. From here, it's a quick descent to Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing|url=http://www.refuge-araing.fr/|wikidata=Q3423195|content=Altitude 1956 m. Open June 1 to October 5. 52 beds, plus a 12-bed shelter area available off-season. Advance bookings accepted for groups on the two weekends before/after opening.}} === Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing - Eylie-d'en-Haut === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 3-4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1320 m From the lake and refuge, the trail climbs to the Serre d'Araing (2221 m; 1 hr). Optional detour: Summit of Pic de l'Har (2424 m), approximately 50 minutes round-trip. The descent into the valley follows faintly marked trails to the left of the power lines. Along the way, you'll encounter remnants of former lead mining operations. After about 2¾ hours, you cross a bridge and reach {{Marker|name=Eylie d'en Haut|wikidata=Q134078264|type=city}}, a small hamlet with a 14-bed hut, picnic area, and a basic campsite located by the Lez river. === Eylie-d'en-Haut - Maison du Valier, Pla de la Lau === ; Distance : 17 km ; Duration : 8¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1700 m A strenuous stage with no food or lodging options along the way. The trail starts by crossing the Lez river, then turns sharply left and begins to climb through open terrain. After about 50 minutes, you cross a stream and ascend through forest for just over an hour. In autumn, the woods are full of blueberries—a favourite of the brown bears reintroduced here in the 1990s. At a stone shelter (1660 m; 2½ hr), the trail forks. The GR10 continues to the right, up to the Col de l'Arech (1802 m; 3 hr or more). From there, the path turns left. Optional detours: * South to Tuc de Cagonilles (2196 m; 80 minutes round trip) * From there, to the challenging Mail de Bulard (2750 m; 3 hours round trip) After a short ridge walk, descend to the shepherd's hut Cabane d'Arech (1638 m; 3½ hr). From here, follow the access track down, then branch left down a steep, gorse-covered slope. After 4 hours, you reach a stream. About 40 minutes later, the ruins of Flouquet (1680 m) come into view. Continue to Cabane de Besset (1540 m; 6 hr or more), then ascend again for 45 minutes to Cabane Clot du Lac (1821 m; 7 hr). Passing the huts Cabane du Trapech-du-Milieu (1540 m) and Cabane de l'Artigue, you arrive at Maison du Valier. The Mont Valier massif is a protected area of interest to birdwatchers. It hosts a variety of mountain bird species, including rare birds of prey, bearded vultures, and alpine species such as ptarmigans, black grouse, and capercaillie. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Maison du Valier|lat=42.83084702593266|long=1.032510054490613|url=https://maison-valier.fr/|wikidata=|content=Altitude 927 m, located on the Pla de la Lau. Open March-October. Reception hours 16:00-19:30. 40 beds.}} === Maison du Valier, Pla de la Lau - Esbintz === ; Distance : 18 km ; Duration : 7¼-9¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200-1350 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300-1490 m A demanding stage with significant elevation gain and loss. The trail climbs from Maison du Valier, following the high northern slopes along the ridges of Cap de Lauses (1892 m), Pic de Crabère (1925 m), and the Col d'Auédole (1730 m). After more than 7 hours, you arrive at {{Marker|type=city|lat=42.85332|long=1.14584|name=Esbintz}}. === Esbintz - Refuge d'Aula === ; Distance : 19 km ; Duration : 6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 500 m This and the following stage offer spectacular scenery in good weather. From Esbintz, follow the D817 for the first 2 km to Borde de Galy. From here, you could take a detour to Seix (4 km) by continuing on the D817, then the D37, and turning right onto the D3, where you'll rejoin the GR10 near the Pont du Salat. Continue mostly downhill through the countryside, crossing the Pont du Salat to reach Moulin Lauga (550 m; 2 hr), which has a bakery and picnic area. Alternatively, you can rest 1½ h later at the Auberge des Deux Rivières. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Esbintz|url=https://www.gite-ferme-esbintz.fr/|lat=42.85315143224526|long=1.1459188949749635|content=850 m. Dormitory with 10 beds. Open May-November.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge des Deux Rivières|phone=+33 5 61 66 83 57|url=https://www.aubergedesdeuxrivieres.com/|lat=42.83210657498069|long=1.1982318103146805|content=Open late May to late September}} === Refuge d'Aula - Rouze === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 4½-5 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 700 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m Fit hikers can combine this stage with the previous one from Gîte d'étape d'Aunac (787 m), resulting in a 30 km day with 11¼ hf walking time (↥ 1750, ↧ 1580 m). From Refuge d'Aula, it's a steep but manageable 1½ hr ascent to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Bouche d'Aula|lat=42.77695825493033|long=1.1180083284724134}} (1998 m), then a descent to the Étang d'Areau, 100 m lower. Optional: The Pic des Aymesses (2036 m) can be climbed from the east side of the lake. A farm road leads down to Faup, with shortcuts along the switchbacks, for instance near the Cabane d'Areau. Slightly below the Col de Pause (1527 m; 2¼ hr), there is a parking area. The {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Camp site Rigaux Philippe|lat=42.78997920829053|long=1.178432115744275}} lies just below the hamlet of Faup. From Faup, descend along the D708 toward {{Marker|name=Couflens|wikidata=Q1142090|type=city}}, but before reaching the D3 junction, cross the bridge and climb on the opposite slope to Gîte de Rouze d'Ustou. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte de Rouze d'Ustou|lat=42.789696616|long=1.20592416901|address=Prat de la Moule, Rouze d'Ustou, 09140 Couflens|phone=+33561669545|url=https://www.ferme-de-rouze.fr/|content=16 beds. Cheese from the farm. Open mid-June to mid-September.}} === Rouze - Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou === ; Distance : 8.4 km ; Duration : 3-4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m Follow the stream uphill for about 1¾ hr to reach the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Serre du Cot}} (1546 m). Optional side trips: * To the south, ascend the Pic de la Tese (2255 m; ↥↧ 3 hr or more). * To the north, climb the Tuc de Peyre Mensongère (1711 m; ↥↧ 40 min). From the pass, descend left onto a forest path, passing a few ruined farmhouses. The route eventually reaches the D38 road and leads into {{Marker|type=city|name=Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou|wikidata=Q109571916}}. === Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou - Aulus-les-Bains === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9 hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400 m The hike begins at the southern end of Saint-Lizier. After crossing the pedestrian bridge, the trail climbs southeast to the Col de Fitté (1387 m), a former ski area. From there, it continues along the right side of the slope. One alternative route begins at {{listing|type=city|name=Bidous|lat=42.78257178128407|long=1.2700395937419484}}, following the Alet river south and then climbing steeply for over 2 hours to reach the Col de Fitté, where it rejoins the GR 10. The trail curves around the southwest side of the Picou de la Mire (1741 m) and reaches the Col d'Escots (1618 m) after 3¾ hr. The nearby Chalet de Beauregard restaurant is open from late May to September, 10:00-23:00. Afterwards, the path continues up and down along steep slopes until it reaches the Ruisseau de Fouillet valley (4½ hr). The Jasse du Fouillet crossing (1170 m) is reached after at least 5 h. For a shorter option, follow the yellow-red waymarks of the Tour du Val du Garbet. This leads to the D8F road and directly into Aulus-les-Bains (7 hr from Saint-Lizier). The main route continues toward the plateau of Souliou and the Pic du Mont Rouge (1600 m). A side trip to Étang de Guzet offers a possible bivouac site. The trail then descends toward the Ruisseau d'Ars (1485 m), crosses a bridge, and continues downward. After a second bridge (8½ hr), the path becomes easier. A final bridge, Pont de la Mouline, crosses the Garbet River just before the trail enters {{Marker|type=city|name=Aulus-les-Bains|wikidata=Q1082493|url=https://www.loubet.fr/saint-lizier.html}}, a small spa town with a mini market at the traffic circle near the bridge and a tourist office next door. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte Pyrénées AAA|lat=42.779696032|long=1.2690230044|url=https://giteslareng.net/|address=Lareng, 09140 Ustou|phone=+33967838934|content=14 places in upscale cottages for 2-4 people.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Cascade d'Ars|lat=42.762922493744796|long=1.3615038669340882|content=260 m high waterfalls in multiple tiers, located 4½ km from Aulus. Takes 3-9 hr round-trip to hike to them (↥ 530 m).}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping municipal le Coulédous|lat= 42.7940356892|long=1.3321660893|url=http://www.camping-aulus-couledous.com/|content=Also offers bungalows for 4-7 people. The gîte d'étape is a 12-person tent.}} === Aulus-les-Bains - Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès === ; Distance : 11 km ; Duration : 5 hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m The route climbs out of Aulus-les-Bains to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Port de Saleix|lat=42.78143117676052|long=1.4043285766664242}}, where you'll find the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Refuge de Carol|lat=42.7813|long=1.4146}}. From here, the ascent becomes steeper. The following section to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Port de Bassiès|lat=42.772502271037204|long=1.411691910311851}} is demanding but scenically rewarding. This area lies within the Mont-Calme nature reserve, where camping is prohibited. === Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès - Marc === ; Distance : variable ; Duration : 3½-5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1385 ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1385 This stage and the following one include several alternative routes and shortcuts that can be combined. From the refuge, the GR-10 leads southeast along a slightly rocky trail for just over three kilometers, following the chain of lakes. At the outflow of the last lake, the Étang d'Escalès, the GR-10 bends to the right. Along the stream, there's an opportunity to descend toward the main road and the village of Auzat. Another descent option to the road appears about 2 km further along the GR-10. The main trail makes a sharp turn southward. From the aqueduct (1160 m; 2¼ h4), the route maintains an elevation just below 1200 m for around 4 km, before descending the final 1½ km into the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Marc|lat=42.71687694132801|long=1.449593121067756}}, cutting across the switchbacks of the road. The Gîte Retrouvance de Mouret (12 places) is available for group bookings only. From {{listing|type=city|name=Auzat|wikidata=Q1082539}}, one can rejoin the GR-10 by heading 4 km south to Artiès and climbing back up. This avoids a significant part of the next stage. Alternatively, walking 6 km to Marc allows one to resume the full stage. To skip this stage, it is possible to go from Auzat directly to Goulier via two routes: one through Olbier (4.4 km), the other 6.1 km. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès|url=https://refugedebassies.fr/|content=1933 m. Open late May to September.|lat=42.76509|long=1.413221}} === Marc - Goulier === ; Distance : 24.3 km ; Duration : 6-9 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m From Marc, follow the path to Mounicou. A shelter is located a short way beyond, along the D8. This is where the ascent begins. After a few hundred meters, you can turn right at the {{Marker|type=go |name=Turn right|lat=42.71|long=1.4575}} marker and stay on the west side of Les Caldelets. From the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Orri de Tignalbu|lat=42.69417|long=1.46296}}, which has a water source, the path becomes very poor. The main GR-10 trail continues uphill to the Refuge de Prunadière (1615 m, 2 hr). Be sure to refill your water here. From there, it leads to a junction above the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Artiès|lat=42.7362|long=1.4793}} shelter (985 m, 3¼ hr). The path ascends steadily, passing the ruins of Pradières-d'en-bas, and arrives at Étang d'Izurt. A cable car runs to the lake. After a short climb, it's around 14 km downhill to {{Marker|type=city |name=Goulier|wikidata=Q1015676}} (moh 370 m), which is part of the Val-de-Sos commune. You can shorten the main trail from Prunadière by climbing steeply left past the buildings, gaining 450 m of elevation. About 2 hr later, you'll rejoin the GR-10 at Coumasses-Grandes. This shortcut saves roughly 8 km and bypasses Étang d'Izurt. === Goulier - Siguer === ; Distance : 13 km ; Duration : 3¼-4¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 416 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 830 m From Goulier, the trail ascends toward the Col de Risoul, then the Col de Esquérus, and continues to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de Grail|lat=42.75360457229|long=1.5321300362453}}. Near this pass is a shelter, an information board, and a water source located 250 m off the path. The route then climbs to the highest point of the day at the Col de Lercoul (1549 m). From here, the trail descends through the hamlet of Lercoul. A footpath south of the winding road leads downhill to the village of {{Marker|name=Siguer|wikidata=Q1375974|type=city}}, home to Café Rouse and several accommodations. === Siguer - Plateau de Beille === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 2400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m This demanding stage involves three steep descents and offers no accommodation along the route, only five basic shelters. From Siguer, the trail climbs steeply to Gestiès (40 min), where you should fill up on water. The path crosses the road three times on the way up. After a long ascent, you reach the Pla de Montcamp (1904 m; 3¾ hr). Past the Col du Sasc (1798 m), the trail traverses the flank of the Pic du Col Taillat. Water is again available at the Cabane de Courtal Marti, though trail markings on this high section can be vague. The trail descends to the Cabane de Balledreyt (1600 m; 2 sleeping places), reached after another 20 minutes. After about 7½ hours, the trail descends to the D520A road at 1040 m elevation. A detour to the villages of Aston (14 km, with a campground) or Les Cabannes (15.8 km, with a year-round gîte d'étape) is possible around the 4¼-hour mark. Les Cabannes has a train connection to Mérens-les-Vals or Foix. After crossing the bridge, the GR-10 climbs again via a forest trail. A water source is marked and located about two minutes off the trail, just past a large boulder reached after 9+ hours. The trail continues across a ridge to the Cabane d'Artaran (1695 m). Shortly afterward, you reach the ski area at the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Plateau de Beille|lat=42.72473998587668|long=1.6911435704342077}}, where the Cabane Beille is located. This area is accessible via the D522 road loop and popular with day hikers. === Plateau de Beille - Refuge du Rulhe === ; Distance : 14 km ; Duration : 4¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m It's recommended to start this exposed stage early in the day to avoid afternoon summer thunderstorms. The trail remains around or above 2000 m throughout. The highest point is the summit of the {{Marker|type=see |name=Crête des Isards|lat=42.65012142232325|long=1.7389568668472413}} at 2381 m. The Refuge du Rulhe lies at the junction of several long-distance trails, including the Tour de Pays des Montagnes d'Ax from Ax-les-Thermes, the GR Transfrontalier from Andorra, and two routes from the Vallée d'Aston. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Rulhe|url=https://rulhe.com/|lat=42.6379904848182|long=1.725866639541228|content=53 places. Open late May to September. €16 per night, half board €45. Tel: +33 6 74 24 50 71}} === Refuge du Rulhe - Mérens-les-Vals === ; Distance : 12 km ; Duration : 4½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 360 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1500-1600 m '''Water is scarce at high elevation.''' From the refuge, the trail ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de Calmettes|lat=42.636915754134|long=1.7404819725150908}} (2318 m), mostly over scree. Cairns also serve as markers. The path descends to Étang Bleu, where it skirts the left side of the lake and climbs again to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Crête de la Lhasse|lat=42.6398816194571|long=1.768563885207408}} (2439 m). Afterward, it continues over scree for nearly 800 m of descent to the pond called l'Estangol, with a shelter above. {{Marker|name=Mérens-les-Vals|wikidata=Q662289|type=city}} is reached after the final descent. The ruins of the old Saint-Pierre church date back to the Napoleonic Wars. The village festival takes place on July 20. The village has a train stop on the Foix - Puigcerdà line. Located on the N-20. The natural hot springs are about 45 minutes away, although they were affected by rockfall in 2022. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge du Nabre|lat=42.65611004694209|long=1.8429807373614195|address=le village d'en haut, 09110 Mérens-les-Vals|phone=+33 5 61 01 89 36|url=https://www.aubergedunabre.com/|content=Guesthouse in the upper village.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping de Mérens|lat=42.64646601527881|long=1.8310245105731093|address=600 Ville de Bau, 09110 Mérens-les-Vals|phone=+33 5 61 02 85 40|url=http://www.camping.merenslesvals.fr/de/haus/|content=Open all year, 1.3 km south of the village.}} === Mérens-les-Vals - Refuge des Bésines === ; Distance : 10 km ; Duration : 4½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 260 m This demanding stage continues through high alpine terrain, with lots of rock and scree. From Mérens, the trail leads past Le Nabre to the hot springs. Afterward, the path climbs for nearly 3 hours. First, it reaches the Estangs (2056 m), then continues to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Porteille de Bésines|lat=42.6154502407948|long=1.872190036139089}} (2333 m). From this pass, the route is clearly signposted. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bésines|wikidata=Q11945073|url=https://refugebesines.ffcam.fr/|content=2104 m. 70 beds. Open June-September. Phone: +33 5 61 05 11 77.}} === Refuge des Bésines - Refuge des Bouillouses === ; Distance : 16.7 km ; Duration : 5½-6 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 660 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 760 m This high-level stage crosses several mountain passes and offers excellent panoramic views. The route first ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Coll de Coma d'Anyell|lat=42.60880012907595|long=1.8962468691063044}}, from where it is possible to climb Pic des Bésineilles (2632 m) in about ¾ hr round trip. The path then continues through the Lansolet basin (2234 m), past the Cabane de Rozet, and climbs again to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Portella de la Grava|lat=42.59935934341172|long=1.934453711010157}}. From there, it's a gentle 3-hour descent to the lakeside refuge at Bouillouses. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bésines|lat=42.6039|long=1.86853|content=56 dormitory beds, with 16 emergency shelter spots outside the season. Open June-September.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bouillouses|lat=42.559475002653095|long=2.00351938309043|url=https://www.lesbouillouses.com/|content=2003 m. 46 beds. Open June-September. Phone: +33 4 68 04 93 88.}} === Refuge des Bouillouses - Planès === ; Distance : 19 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 230 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m The descent is easy but not always well marked. After about 2¾ hours (1740 m), the GR-10 reaches the D618. About 700 m further, a right turn leads to Superbolquère, where food and lodging are available, including a supermarket and a gîte with 28 beds. The GR-10 continues downhill to the quiet D10C near {{Marker|name=Bolquère|wikidata=Q1101891|type=city}} (1628 m, 2¾ hr), where there is a public drinking fountain and an information board. The nearby Gare de Bolquère-Eyne (1593 m) is the highest railway stop in France, on the scenic “train jaune” line. Passing through the villages of La Perche and La Cabanasse (3½ hr), the route ends at the small village of {{Marker|name=Planès|wikidata=Q524705|type=city}}. No shops in the village. The nearby Pont Gisclard, opened in 1909, is a cable-stayed bridge on the Ligne de Cerdagne crossing the Têt river. The village is a stop on the “train jaune” railway. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=L'Orri de Planès|lat=42.490995503|long=2.1382908362|address=Casas del Mitg, 66210 Planès|phone=+33 4 68 04 29 47|content=Gîte with 16 dormitory beds and private rooms.}} === Planès - Refuge du Ras de la Carança === ; Distance : 15.3 km ; Duration : 5¾-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1170 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 870 m There are no supply options along this stage. The trail begins with a gentle ascent through pine forest into the high Riberola valley. It is advisable to refill your water at the Refuge de l'Orri. Above the Cabane d'Aixques, the route becomes steep as it climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col Mitja|wikidata=Q28381301}} (2376 m). From the pass, it is possible to summit Pic de Gallinas (2624 m, ↥↧ 90 min) or Pic Redoun (2677 m, ↥↧ 1 hr). The final 1½ hours involve a descent of about 500 m to the refuge. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Ras de la Carança|wikidata=Q28380908|address=142 rue de, 66360 Fontpédrouse|phone=+33 9 88 66 73 81|url=https://www.refugelacaranca.com/|content=1840 m. Open mid-May to mid-September. 13 emergency places available off-season. Connections to other trails: 7.7 km to Prats Balaguer, 8.5 km to Ull de Ter, 13.7 km to Carança, 10 km to Thuès-les-Bains via the gorge, and 12 km to Núria.}} === Refuge du Ras de la Carança - Mantet === ; Distance : 10 km ; Duration : 4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 640 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 940 m This stage is challenging and poorly marked at higher elevations. From the refuge, follow the stream uphill for 100 m to a wooden bridge. Continue on a scree path along the left side of the valley. After passing through a gate, you reach an alpine pasture and the {{marker|type=go|name=Coll del Pal|lat=42.465650773936|long=2.258498904704664}} (2294 m). This area is a nature reserve where wild camping is forbidden. From the pass, there is an optional ascent to Pic de Serre Gallinère (2663 m; 1 hr round trip), and possibly further on to the Serre de Caret (2300 m). From the pass, descend to the {{marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Alemany|wikidata=Q120254507}} (1962 m; 8 places), located 200 m off the trail. The main path continues left, crossing first a wooden, then a concrete bridge, followed by a narrow unpaved road that ascends to the village of {{listing|type=city|name=Mantet|wikidata=Q1369164}} (1550 m). Population: 31. Most of the southern part of the commune is the protected area [https://rnn-mantet.fr/ Reserva natural de Mentet], where camping is forbidden. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=La Cavale|address=Los Miquelets, 66360 Mantet|phone=+33 4 68 05 57 59|url=http://la-cavale.fr/|lat=42.477231944228336|long=2.3092556382036555|content=Private rooms and dorms for 3-5 people.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte à la ferme Cazenove|url=http://www.gitecazenovemantet.fr/|lat=42.47702171854456|long=2.306028129535968|content=Farm gîte. Open May to September.}} === Mantet - Refuge de Mariailles === ; Distance : 14.8 km ; Duration : 5 hr 5 min ; Elevation gain : ↥ 936 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 834 m Midway along this stage is the village of {{Marker|name=Py|wikidata=Q178846|type=city}} (1023 m), which has an auberge and a gîte. From Py, follow the D6 briefly before heading northeast to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Jou|wikidata=Q47335849|lat=|long=}} (1125 m). The path turns southeast and ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Cavall Mort|wikidata=Q47335871|lat=|long=}} (1454 m), then continues upward to the Refuge de Mariailles. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge de Mariailles|alt=Refugi de Marelles|url=https://refugedemariailles.fr/|lat=42.5017361908777|long=2.4077634391340514|content=1692 m. Open from late May; shelter room available year-round.}} === Refuge de Mariailles - Refuge des Cortalets === ; Distance : 16.3 km ; Duration : 6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1030 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m This is a challenging high-mountain route around the Canigou Massif. There are no supply points along the way, and surefootedness is required. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Cortalets|url=https://refugedescortalets.ffcam.fr/|lat=42.53436454795011|long=2.465036067970792|content=2100 m. 105 places, plus 19 emergency shelter places available outside the season.}} * {{listing|type=go |name=Loop trail to the summit of Pic du Canigou|alt=Canigó|url=https://www.visit-occitanie.com/de/entdecken/top-sehenswuerdigkeiten/massif-du-canigou-katalonien/|lat=42.53692009465181|long=2.4666389025393545|content=This difficult 9.3 km loop (4½ h; ↥ 700+ m) begins 200 m beyond the refuge.}} === Refuge des Cortalets - Gîte-refuge de Batère === ; Distance : 16.8 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 270 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 920 m This stage is also part of the HRP. From the refuge to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Ras del Prat Cabrera|wikidata=Q47170860|lat=|long=}} (1739 m; 4 km), you can choose between a high-level route following the “Tour du Canigou” and a less steep path along the mountainside. From the pass to the Refuge de l'Estanyol (2¾ hr or more) the trail descends gradually, then more steeply. It climbs again briefly to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Cirère|wikidata=Q134299355|lat=|long=}} (1731 m; 4-4¾ hr). From here, you can optionally ascend the Puig Saint-Pierre (1791 m; ↥ 15 min, ↧ 15 min). Descending from the col, you pass abandoned stone quarries and mines (the Mines de la Pinosa are ruins of a former settlement), and reach your destination. Nearby you can explore the 5-day “Tour du Canigou” circuit or visit the historic abbeys of Saint-Martin du Canigou and Saint-Michel-de-Cuxa. * {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Estanyol|wikidata=Q120262655|lat=|long=}} === Gîte-refuge de Batère - Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette === ; Distance : 19.2 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 745 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m Along this long and steady descent, you pass several dolmens. Their significance may be best appreciated by specialists in archaeology. The destination is the Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette, an old mill located in the Ribera Valley. More accommodation and services are available in {{Marker|name=Arles-sur-Tech|wikidata=Q7897|type=city}}, which is connected by bus. At the southern edge of the town, you'll find Camping Riuferrer. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte-refuge de Batère|url=https://www.refugedebatere.fr/|lat=42.50176051942559|long=2.5484428644953847|address=Mines de Batère, 66150 Corsavy|phone=+33 4 68 39 12 01|content=17 dormitory beds, 20 in private rooms. Access via a 20.3-km road from Arles-sur-Tech.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette|wikidata=Q120266421|url=http://gr10-par-etapes.eklablog.com/hebergement-du-moulin-de-la-palette-a126161238|content=Simple eco-gîte in a renovated mill, located in the Ribera valley.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Riuferrer|lat=42.4551506239|long=2.6291899540|url=https://campingriuferrer.com/}} === Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette - Las Illas === ; Distance : 22 km ; Duration : 7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m From the gîte, follow the D536 for 1 km, then turn right uphill toward Montalba (543 m; 1 hr). At the cross, turn sharply right to continue climbing. You reach the ruins of the Mouli Serradou (833 m; 2½ hr). The highest point is the Coll de Sant Martí (1426 m; 4 hr or more). The trail continues through forest along the slope, passing by the Roc de France (also known as Roc de Frausa). {{Marker|name=Las Illas|wikidata=Q16508596|type=city}} has a water point and picnic area in the park. Accommodation is available in a gîte at the town hall and at the Hostal de Trabucayeres. === Las Illas - Col de l'Ouillat === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 6-7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 930 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 540 m The route has been altered several times due to terrain difficulties, so follow the current waymarking. The middle part of the trail runs along the border, just below the ridge. The dominant tree species in this area is the striking Corsican pine (Pinus nigra var. corsicana). A detour to the fortified town of Le Perthus and the Fort de Bellegarde (open May-Sep, 10:30-18:00) offers a cultural break. Note that all shops are on the Spanish side of the border. After about 3 hours, there is an optional detour to the Roman fort Panissas, built on the Via Domitia. Turn off 5 minutes after border marker 565 (2½ hr). The stage ends at {{marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de l'Ouillat|wikidata=Q11914547}} (938 m). === Col de l'Ouillat - Banyuls-sur-Mer === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 7-8¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 680 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1610 m The route stays high near the border ridge. It takes about 1 hour to reach the Pic Néulos. Water is available at the Refuge de la Tagnarède after 1½ hours. From there, the trail leads over several passes: Coll del Faig (985 m), Col de l'Orry, and Col de l'Estaque (1025 m; 2¾ hr). The Pic des Quatre-Termes (1156 m) and Pic de la Cabassère are bypassed to the north. After 4 hours, you reach the Coll del Pal (899 m). From there, continue right toward the Col des Gascons (6¼ hr or more). The final descent to the Col de Llagastèra (285 m) passes partly through vineyards towards {{Marker|name=Banyuls-sur-Mer|wikidata=Q6753|type=city}}. == Go next == * [[Pyrenean High Route]]: Crosses the Pyrenees along the mountain crests, staying higher than both the GR 10 and GR 11. * [[GR 11]] This footpath stays on the Spanish side of the Pyrenees. {{outlineitinerary}} {{Related|France}} {{Related|Pyrenees}} {{PartOfItinerary|Europe itineraries}} 4ojf0nzt1v4xkfdmk8j0qyygwns7llk 5086694 5086688 2025-07-02T16:53:26Z Bluecoordinationfine 2327039 Small changes. 5086694 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|GR 10 WV banner.jpg|caption=View from GR 10, near Souriche, looking towards the Tourmalet, valley of Barèges, France}} The '''GR 10''' is one of the paths and trails of the extensive [[Grande Randonnée]] (or GR) network. It crosses [[France]], from the Mediterranean coast to the Atlantic coast, and runs almost entirely through the [[Pyrenees]]. While the trail is in France, much of it is near, or even on, the border with [[Spain]]. The trail can be walked in either direction, though some suggest that the west-east route is easier in the beginning, as it is both cooler and less steep that the corresponding start heading west; this may be an advantage to those not fully in shape. == Understand == [[File:Lac d'Oo (22).jpg|thumb|Lac d'Oo]] Moving from east to west, the trail begins at the Mediterranean, in the small town of [[Banyuls sur Mer]], and finishes at [[Hendaye]] on the Atlantic Ocean. Hikers will usually be able to make it to a [[France#Guesthouses and holiday rentals|gîte]] or small town every other night, and quite frequently every night. Expected time to complete the trail is around 6-7 weeks, though the majority of people only hike sections of it. == Prepare == The trail is fairly well marked with painted marks on rocks, trees, telephone poles, and even houses, walls, and street signs. If you haven’t seen a waymark for 100 metres, you’ve likely strayed off the trail. Retrace your steps to the last marker and check your route. It is not realistic to navigate using the markers alone. A trail guide, at minimum, or a topologic map is required. Sunburn is a particular problem, and clothing such as long sleeved shirts and long pants should be worn as they protect from the sun, scratching branches and insects. Sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat are highly desirable. For those heading west from Banyuls sur Mer, the hike to the first gîte is particularly long compared to the following days, and should be started very early. === Equipment === One of the advantages of the GR 10 is that it can be hiked with minimal gear, as one can eat dinner and breakfast almost every day at the gîtes. Additionally the hiker can sleep outdoors on clear nights and pay for a bed in a gîte in inclement weather. On nights that only shelters (which usually have no food or staff) are available, pre-purchased food can be eaten. If one plans to eat at gîtes and buy food from supermarkets that can be eaten without cooking, the absolute minimal gear in the summer months is: * Sleeping bag or sleep sheet, and a mat for comfort. * Goretex jacket and fleece or similar for cold or wet weather * Long-sleeved shirt and pants * Short-sleeved shirt and shorts (including shorts you can wear for swimming) * Sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat * Adequate footwear. Anything less than hiking boots may prove insufficient. * Bottles for at least two litres of water, and a purification method for treating water from streams. * Toiletries and a [[Travel health kit|medical kit]] Additionally, consider a rain jacket or fleece top for wet or cold weather. If you plan to forgo the comforts and delicious food of the gites and hotels, also bring: * Tent * Cooking gear and food A note on footwear: some four fifths of the hikers wear full hiking boots and thick socks. While running sneakers may suffice (and Choco-style sandals may work for a few days), your risk of injury is higher, and much of the trail involves hopping around on possibly wet and sharp rocks. Choose conservatively, depending on the length of your hike and your experience. ==Get in== == Walk == {{Mapframe|lat=42.68287|long=0.56837|width=full|height=360|zoom=7}} {{mapshape|type=geoline|stroke=#000000|stroke-width=3}} === Hendaye-Plage - Olhette === ; Distance : 21.9 km ; Duration : 6-7¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1010 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 950 m Intermarché sells gas cartridges. Near the western trailhead a {{marker|type=buy|name=Decathlon|lat=43.36843635018845|long=-1.7798332063655435}} store geared towards watersports is available for last minute purchases, such as gas cannisters. The hike starts from the 3 km long {{marker|type=see|name=Hendaye Beach|wikidata=Q20947149}}. This is below the old casino, now known as Résidence Croisière. Nearby is the Tourist Office. Buses run from the main train station, or you can walk from {{marker|type=go|name=Gare Deux Jumeaux|wikidata=Q2802667}}. Leaving town, the route goes around the football stadium and climbs via Rue Errondenia and Rue de Pausoa, passing by {{Marker|type=city|name=Biriatou|wikidata=Q196871}}, which conveniently has public toilets available. After about 3 hr you reach the summit of {{marker|type=see|name=Xoldokogaina|wikidata=Q20492776}}. The high point is at Mandale (530 m) on the Spanish border. From here, the path descends to the Col d'Ibardin (4¼ hr), a popular spot for French shoppers due to cheap alcohol and tobacco. The trail continues via Col des Poiriers and Col des Joncs before reaching {{Marker|type=city|name=Olhette|lat=43.3360119885|long=-1.6661235970}}. * {{listing|type=see|name=Redoute de la Baïonette|lat=43.309257665|long=-1.70329930013|content=Historic fortification near Mandale, located by modern border marker 9. Offers wide views.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Basque Tourist Office|address=20 Boulevard Victor Hugo, 64500 Saint-Jean-de-Luz|lat=43.387765760|long=-1.66038856746|url=https://www.en-pays-basque.fr/en/|content=Tourist info for the wider Basque region.}} === Olhette - Ainhoa === ; Distance : 21.1 km ; Duration : 6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 730 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 640 m The steepest climb comes right at the beginning. For most of the route, you'll be on forest trails and, after Sare, quiet paved country roads. The trail initially ascends on a good path over the Col des Trois Fontaines (1½ hr; a shelter is located 300 m away), then descends to the Col de St-Ignace, where the valley station of the cog railway to La Rhune is found. It continues to {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Sare]]|wikidata=Q274155}} (2¾ hr), a local transport hub and one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. There's an outdoor swimming pool. The stage ends in {{Marker|type=city|name=Ainhoa|wikidata=Q212962}}. Also one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. The tourist information office (open 09:00-12:30, 14:00-17:30; closed weekends and holidays) is located at the side of the town hall. Local grocery stores are a bit pricey due to the village's popularity. From Col des Trois Fontaines you can ascend La Rhune (905 m) either by cog railway (35 min) or on foot (3 km, 1¼ h; ↥↧ 300 m). The prehistoric {{Marker|type=see|name=Grottes de Sare|wikidata=Q3117280}} can be visited with prior reservation through the local municipality or online. Closed annually for a month after Epiphany. This stage is part of the [[European long-distance path E9|European long-distance trail E9]]. === Ainhoa - Bidarray === ; Distance : 21.7 km ; Duration : 8½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 880 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 850 m This is a difficult stage, with little shade at the start and a particularly steep, rocky descent near the end. At the old cemetery (389 m; 40 min) beside the {{Marker|type=see|name=Chapelle Notre Dame de l'Aubépine|wikidata=Q12253854}}, a dramatic crucifixion scene of the Jewish itinerant preacher Jesus of Nazareth and two other criminals has been recreated. Traditional Basque hilarri gravestones are found here. The path then continues over the Col des Trois-Croix (510 m; 1 hr 20 min). A good place to rest is at Ferme Esteben (2 hr 50 min, 580 m), a gîte d'étape with a bar-restaurant. The trail continues near the border, past Boundary Stone 77, partly on paved road. At Col des Veaux (550 m), you can take a 300-m detour into Spain to visit a venta (a small inn or shop). From here, the trail climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Méhatche|lat=43.272782275749094|long=-1.4166930371188398}} (716 m; 3¾ hr). The descent past Boundary Stones 82 and 83 is secured with cables. From Col de Méhatche, you can ascend Artzamendi (926 m), easily identified by its radar dome at the summit. The nearby {{Marker|type=see|name=Grotte le Saint-que-Sue|alt=Harpeko Saindua|lat=43.26526266671622|long=-1.3890420732224757}} can also be visited. Just before reaching {{Marker|type=city|name=Bidarray|wikidata=Q746221}}, a bypass trail offers a shortcut to the next stage. For peak baggers, this route also gives access to several summits: Errebi (between the chapel and Col des Trois-Croix), Atxulegi (a 15-min detour on the way to Col des Trois-Croix), and, in good weather, Mont Bizkayluze (701 m) and Gorospil (691 m). The village is split into two parts, 600 m apart. The GR-10 passes through the upper section (where accommodation is located), while the train station lies in the lower part. The stone “Noblia” bridge, in its current form, dates to the 17th century. Parts of the Church of the Assumption are Romanesque. Traditional hilarri gravestones can be found in the old cemetery, and the Ferme Gastetto is a protected farmhouse in classic Lower Navarrese style. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Aire Zabal|lat=43.2665469128|long=-1.34721660011|url=https://giteairezabal.fr/|content=Stage accommodation in the upper part of the village.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Amestoya|lat=43.284582665|long=-1.35372693663|url=https://camping-bidarray.fr/english/|content=Campsite along the D908, 2 km north of the upper village.}} === Bidarray - Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry === ; Distance : 18.5 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1250 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1250 m This southward stage is demanding, especially due to the complete lack of water sources along the ascent. After passing the Iparla Ridge (950 m), the trail reaches an altitude of over 1000 m for the first time on the way to the summit. It then continues along the ridge to the Pic de Tutulia before descending to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Harrieta|lat=43.21079140547837|long=-1.384120195860639}} (3¾ hr, 808 m). From the Col d'Harrieta, a side trail descends to Urdos (1¾ hr), from where it's possible to follow the road into Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry. The main trail continues across the Buztanzelhay summit (4¾ hr, 1029 m), then down to the col of the same name (843 m). Here, the GR-10 turns left and descends steeply. The path crosses the D949 road several times — this road leads from the village to the ventas on the Spanish border at the Col d'Ispéguy. You can also reach this col via the ridge, 1½ km from Col Buztanzelhay. If you want to skip entering {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry]]|wikidata=Q279252}} (162 moh), you can join the next stage earlier at the Nive des Aldudes (6½ h, 162 m). There's a picnic area in the park and a supermarket that stocks gas cartridges. Locals play Rebot, a type of pelota, on two courts. The Château d'Etxauz is not open to the public. On the last Sunday in April, the village hosts a traditional folklore festival known as Nafarroaren Eguna. The Nive des Aldudes valley occasionally experiences flooding and mudslides. === Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry - Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port === ; Distance : 19.2 km ; Duration : 5-7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 990 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 980 m This stage runs mostly on gravel paths and farm tracks. About an hour in, there's an optional detour at Col d'Aharza for a 35-minute climb to Oylarandoy, where a hermitage built in 1706 stands. The GR-10 heads south to the Col d'Aharza (734 m; 2 hr), where there's a water source, then turns east and circles around the {{Marker|type=see|name=Munhoa|wikidata=Q3327853}} (1023 m; 3½ hr). The climb is fully exposed to the sun. The descent begins on the right-hand side. {{Marker|name=[[Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port]]|wikidata=Q270294|type=city}} lies at 170 m and is where three of the four French pilgrimage routes converge before entering Spain. From here, it's possible to continue directly onto the Camino de Santiago (via Roncesvalles). === Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port - Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta === ; Distance : 16.2 km ; Duration : 5-5½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 870 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 420 m There are no supply points or public transport on this stage, but the walking is relatively easy. In the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Çaro|wikidata=Q842635}} (242 m), there is a public fountain next to the town hall. If you choose to end the day early after 3¾ hr in {{Marker|type=city|name=Estérençuby|wikidata=Q842724}} (231 m; two accommodation options), be aware that this adds an extra 400 m of ascent to the next day's stage. === Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta - Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty === ; Distance : 20.7 km ; Duration : 6¾-8 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1410 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m This stage is simple but offers little shade. The trail first climbs toward the Col on Ithurramburu (820 m), then continues ascending to just below the {{Marker|type=see|name=Occabe|alt=Okabe|wikidata=Q17417892}} (1456 m). On the Occabe plateau, 26 Neolithic stone circles known as ''harrespil'' in Basque have been found. They are believed to have been used for cremation rites. A good rest stop is the upscale {{Marker|type=eat|name=Restaurant Chalet Pedro|url=https://www.chaletpedro.com/|lat=43.03687624625582|long=-1.0746838225620772}} (4¾ hr). The associated lodge offers 10 beds. Across the stream at Le Kayolar, similar accommodation is available. From here, the trail turns sharply right after 100 m and continues uphill for 6-7 km (300 m ascent) to the stage destination. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta|url=http://kaskoleta.free.fr/|lat=43.092036845886255|long=-1.1646582066722122|content=Altitude 615 m. Offers 13 beds in 3 rooms plus a holiday apartment for 4. A scenic viewpoint with an information panel is 5 minutes away.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=L'aire Naturelle de Camping|lat=43.037460332099656|long=-1.0494175120345806|content=Natural campground with 50 pitches, located 3 km before the Chalets by the stream. Open June-October. Fresh bread available by reservation from 08:30.}} === Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty - Logibar === ; Distance : 16.4 km ; Duration : 5-6 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 440 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1380 m In bad weather, the route along the west side of the {{Marker|type=see|name=Pic des Escaliers|wikidata=Q31645205}} (1423 m) is not recommended. There are two alternative routes, but both are poorly marked. At the Ugatzé Ridge, the trail skirts the peak rather than summiting it. To avoid the steep descent from Pic des Escaliers, stay on the road for about 600 m after the start, then turn off after 2½ km to reach Col Ugatzé. A short side trip allows you to summit Arthanolatzégagnia (an additional 35 min ascent and descent). Trail markings are sparse for several hours. After some time following mule tracks, you'll reach a road crossing at Beloscare (1173 m; 3 hr). Logibar marks the end of the stage, but you can also continue 2 km further to {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Larrau]]|wikidata=Q608335}}, which offers three accommodation options and a campground. In bad weather, an easier alternative is to follow the paved road from Iraty directly to Larrau for a gentler descent. === Logibar - Sainte-Engrâce (Senta) === ; Distance : 26.3 km ; Duration : 7½-9¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200-1420 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 900-1170 m This stage leads through spectacular gorges. Follow signs to the Gorges d'Holzarté and ascend the trail to the 70 m long suspension bridge (50 min), which spans the dramatic Ruisseau de Olhadubi gorge 150 m above the ground. On the far side, the trail continues uphill. After 2 hours, you reach the Olhadubi stream — a possible spot for a refreshing dip. Nearby, the Cabane Cayolar d'Olhadubi (reached via a side path from the bridge) serves as an emergency shelter with space for 4-5 people. Continuing uphill, you'll reach the Abarrakia farm after just over 3 hours. The path then winds between farms, eventually reaching the point (4½ hr) where the GR-10 turns sharply to the right. The original GR-10 route bypassed the gorges entirely by heading up to the Plateau d'Adarkhotia after the Holzarté bridge. This shortcut saves 2.7 km (1¼ hr) and 150 m of elevation gain. After about 5 hours, you'll reach the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Anhaou|alt=Col de Bious|lat=42.9784|long=-0.88044}} (1383 m). From here, energetic hikers can summit nearby peaks such as Izeyto (1464 m) or Sarimendi (1484 m). The stage ends at {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Sainte-Engrâce]]|wikidata=Q197211}}. Sainte-Engrâce is home to a Romanesque church from the 11th century. From the village, a 9-km side trip (↥ 840 m, ↧ 135 m) takes you to the vast La Verna cave. Guided tours go up to 800 m deep — the main chamber is large enough to fit the Eiffel Tower. Bookings are handled through the [https://laverna.fr/en/ Espace accueil Arrakotchepia], Quartier Calla, 64560 Sainte-Engrâce (Tel. +33 6 37 88 29 05). August is often very busy. A detour south from the restaurant leads into the wild and romantic Gorges de Kakuetta. The trail is very steep and slippery, and entry tickets are (usually) sold at the restaurant. === Sainte-Engrâce (Senta) - Refuge Jeandel === ; Distance : 11.6 km ; Duration : 4¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 160 m The trail climbs steadily from Sainte-Engrâce into the limestone highlands of the Pierre-Saint-Martin massif, marking the transition into more alpine terrain. You ascend to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Pierre-St-Martin|wikidata=Q1107451}} (1760 m; border with Spain). Since 1373, the Tributo de las Tres Vacas — a cross-border tribute of three cows — has been held here every July 13 to settle grazing rights between the two valleys. A small shop at the parking area sells goat cheese. A ski area lies just over the border on the Spanish side. There is also a small shelter near Boundary Marker 62. An optional 15-minute detour leads to the summit of Soum de Lèche (1839 m). The Grotte de la Verna, a massive cave chamber accessible by guided tour, lies 1 km (¾ hr) off the main trail and requires prior booking ([https://laverna.fr laverna.fr]). From the pass, descend to the first switchback, then turn right off the main track. The trail passes under two chairlifts and continues along the northern flank of the Pic d'Arlas. When you spot three large concrete water tanks, descend to the staffed mountain hut at Refuge Jeandel. The ski resort village of {{Marker|name=La Pierre Saint-Martin|wikidata=Q3211628|type=city}} is about 15 minutes off the trail and offers additional services. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge Jeandel|address=La Pierre Saint Martin, 64570 Arette|url=https://www.refugejeandel.com/|lat=42.97829371796861|long=-0.7493627209784663|content=Altitude 1670 m. Dormitory accommodation from €18; half-board from €42.50. Staffed in summer.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Tourist Office La Pierre Saint-Martin|address=Maison de la Pierre, 75 D332, 64570 Arette|phone=+33 5 59 66 20 09|url=https://www.lapierrestmartin.com/|lat=42.97735500762936|long=-0.744495054007273|content=Open only during the French summer holidays (mid-July to late August). Provides info on local lodging and two campervan pitches. Served by seasonal Bus 807 between Arette and Oloron-Sainte-Marie.}} === Refuge Jeandel - Lescun === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 5½-6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1200 m This is a challenging stage, but the scenery is magnificent. Several rocky mountain paths are equipped with cables for safety. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Pas de l'Osque|lat=42.9702182168491|long=-0.7089944097203539}} (1922 m), which requires a head for heights. The trail continues to the Pas d'Azuns (1873 m; 2¾ hr), and a good first rest stop with water is the spring near the Cabane du Cap de la Baitch (1689 m; 3 hr). In wet weather, descending to {{Marker|type=city|name=Lescun|wikidata=Q179737}} (895 m) via the road is recommended, as the GR-10 becomes muddy and difficult to navigate. From Lescun, the HRP route offers a very demanding variant over the Col d'Anie back toward Cabane du Cap de la Baitch. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Centre de l'Abérouat|url=http://aberouat.fr/|lat=42.95041471194407|long=-0.6658390953581508|content=Staffed hut with a bar. Offers 20 rooms (2-5 beds each). Free tent camping nearby (bathrooms in the hut available for a fee). Best suited for groups; solo walkers must book in advance.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Maison de la Montagne|lat=42.934247039|long=-0.63524507931|address=1 ruelle de la Congasse, 64490 Lescun|phone=+33 6 88 06 95 29|url=https://www.maisondelamontagne64.com/|content=Comfortable accommodation for hikers in the centre of Lescun.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping - Gîte du Lauzart|address=Bordé de Mougnague, 64490 Lescun|phone=+33 5 59 34 51 77|url=https://www.camping-gite-lescun-pyrenees.com/|lat=42.92782183157741|long=-0.6421994110320027|content=Along the D340. About 20 minutes into the next stage. Open April-September. Campsite €14 + €4 per adult. 25 dorm beds available for €16; half board €42.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Tourist Office for the Vallée |lat=42.9990368924|long=-0.60057615194|url=https://www.pyrenees-bearnaises.com/explorer/nature/|phone=+33 5 59 34 57 57|content=Located in Bedous. Provides information on the surrounding region.}} === Lescun - Etsaut === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 5½-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 850 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1150 m The trail begins easily through pastoral countryside, then enters forested terrain, passing the [https://www.gite-camping-lhers.com/ Gîte d'étape and campsite on the Plateau de Lhers] (2 hr), and climbing to the Col de Barrancq (1601 m; 3¾ hr). From the Col de Barrancq, a side trip leads to the summit of Pic de Labigouer (2175 m), which takes just under 3 hours round-trip. Lower down in the Parc d'Orce, within the commune of {{Marker|type=city|name=Borçe|wikidata=Q840474}} (5¾ hr), lives the majority of the region's ~50 brown bears. The Gîte le Communal offers accommodation here. The stage ends in {{listing|type=city|name=Etsaut|wikidata=Q765829|content=Altitude 597 m. Located on the N-134 and served by the Canfranc-Oloron-Saint-Marie bus line. The former train station now houses the Pyrenees National Park visitor center. Accommodation available in the Gîte d'étape la Garbure behind the church (53 beds).}} Just outside Etsaut, the {{Marker|type=see|name=Fort du Portalet|wikidata=Q3078387}} clings dramatically to the cliffs in two tiers, spanning a height difference of 150 m. * {{listing|type=see|name=Refuge animalier à Borce|url=https://parc-ours.fr/|lat=42.9045174060618|long=-0.5745664608466107|content=open 10:00-18:00; admission €12. It functions as an educational wildlife refuge}} === Etsaut - Gabas === ; Distance : 24 km ; Duration : 9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1640 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1210 m The trail begins with the dramatic Chemin de la Mâture, a path carved into the rock face. It is not passable in icy or snowy conditions. You reach Grange Perry (1210 m) after 2 hours. A quarter of an hour later, at a junction, keep left. After 3½ hours, you arrive at the Cabane de la Baight de St-Cours (1560 m; shepherds only, June-September), located at the border. About 4 hours in, you cross a stream on a bridge. This is the last water source before the high pass. The highest point of the stage is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Ayous|wikidata=Q2981981}} (2185 m; 5½ hr or more). On its eastern slope lie the Ayous Lakes, including the scenic Refuge d'Ayous. It's an ideal place to break this long stage. The Col d'Ayous also marks a transition point between valleys: from the Chemin de la Mâture and Baigt de Sencours in the Aspe Valley to Bious-Artigues (1540 m) in the Ossau Valley, where pony rides and canoe rentals are available on the eastern shore. The lake is 6½ km from the pass (↧ 764 m). From the pass, you can also summit Pic d'Ayous (add 30 min up and down), or detour 6 km to Lac Bersau — a longer alternative via the Vallon d'Aas is 9 km. From the lake, descend on the D231 road, which includes switchbacks that can be shortcut. (Note: Refuge de Gabas is permanently closed.) The stage ends in {{Marker|name=Gabas|wikidata=Q5515276|type=city}}, which offers two accommodations and a bar, but no grocery store. Located on bus route 806/806bis from Col de Portalet via Gabas to Laruns (15 km). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Ayous|url=https://www.refuge-ayous.fr/en-gb|lat=42.84844763797708|long=-0.4911758258903634|10 minutes off the GR10 near Lac Gentau (6½ hr). This refuge offers 47 beds and tent spaces and is open from mid-May to the first week of October.}} === Gabas - Gourette === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9-10 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1150 m This is a long and difficult stage, not suitable for children. The Corniche des Alhas section requires a head for heights. Snow may linger into summer, making it hard to follow the waymarks. Water is scarce during the first four hours. The trail follows the D934 road to the Artouste dam, then climbs through forest paths (1¼ hr). Some parts pass through cliff-side ledges carved into the rock — the Corniche des Alhas — which have fixed cables for safety. An easier alternative bypasses the Corniche via the Pont du Goua and the Gave de Soussouéou. After 1¾ hr, you reach a bridge near the Gave de Soussouéou waterfalls (1145 m). From here, a steep trail leads up to Houn de Mouscabarous (1361 m; 2¾ hr), continuing uphill to Petite Arcizette (2293 m). Snow may persist at these elevations until July. After 6½-7 hr, you arrive at the Hourquette d'Arre (2465 m). Important: The path shown on some maps to the Géougue d'Arre (2619 m) is a mountaineering route, not a hiking trail. An alternative route avoids the Hourquette d'Arre altogether: from the Cabane de Cézy, follow the red-and-white GR10 then switch to the red/yellow-marked GRP Tour de la Vallée d'Ossau, over the Col de Lurdé to Eaux-Bonnes (overnight possible) and Gourette (also served by Bus 806). The GR10 does not go directly to Lac d'Uzious, but instead heads roughly north-northeast across a plateau, before turning east to descend. After about 8 hours, you reach Lac d'Anglas (2068 m), from where the trail continues along the outflow, then branches off to the right. After over 9 hours, you arrive in the ski resort of {{Marker|type=city|name=Gourette|wikidata=Q1540224|url=https://www.gourette.com/en/}} (1350 m). Ski resort with two supermarkets; gas cartridges available at Intersport. Mostly closed outside the main season. Served in-season by Bus 806 (twice daily) from Parking Gourette Nord to Eaux-Bonnes, Laruns, and Pau. If needed, you can exit the trail early at the upper parking area (which has a bus stop) and start the next stage from there. * {{listing|type=sleep|lat=42.9595015138|long=-0.333960997149|name=Chalet-refuge CAF|phone=+33 5 59 05 10 56|url=https://chaletdegourette.ffcam.fr/|content=Mountain refuge with 32 beds in 4 dorms. €16.50/night (€8.25 for Alpine Club members) + €0.90 tourist tax.}} === Gourette - Arrens-Marsous === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m This is a relatively easy stage that crosses two mountain passes: the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Tortes|lat=42.959773462638644|long=-0.3187601158279607}} (1799 m; 1¾ hr), and later, after crossing the D918 (popular with cyclists but too busy to follow safely), the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Saucède|lat=42.95972945620746|long=-0.31869998400517197}} (1525 m; 3 hr 20 min). Ten minutes after descending from this second pass, you'll reach a restaurant and gîte de séjour at the Col de Soulor on the D918 road. From Col de Saucède, hikers can also make a short detour to summit the Pointe de Surgatte (1805 m; 90-100 minutes round trip). Near the Pont de Lapadé, you can either cross the Gave d'Arrens or continue down into the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Arrens-Marsous|wikidata=Q1110649}}. Features tourist information and public toilets at the Maison Val d'Azun (Tel. +33 5 62 97 49 49). The village also has an outdoor swimming pool. A hiking festival, [https://www.eldorando.fr/ Eldorado], is held every two years for four days in late May. Call +33 800 65 65 00 by 17:00 the day before for weekday on-demand shuttle service to Lourdes. Points of interest include the Romanesque Saint-Pierre Church (parts dating to 1200) and the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Pouey-Laün, a pilgrimage chapel located 600 m south along the D105. The area is part of both the Natura 2000 conservation network (Gabizos and the Arrens Valley) and the core zone of the Pyrenees National Park. For a longer option, you can extend this stage to Gîte les Viellettes (2¼ h further), making a total of 20.5 km (8½ hr; ↥ 1250 m, ↧ 1530 m). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=GCU Campground|address=26 Rue des Paus, 65400 Arrens-Marsous|lat=42.9573380888|long=-0.213247116377|phone=+33 5 62 97 43 06|url=https://www.gcu.asso.fr/terrains/arrens-marsous-hautes-pyrénées-65|content=Simple tent campground on the edge of town.}} === Arrens-Marsous - Refuge d'Ilhéou === ; Distance : 20 km ; Duration : 6¾-7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 500 m From Arrens-Marsous (3½ km from the previous endpoint), you can follow the official GR10 or the more scenic GR de Pays Tour du Val d'Azun. The latter is slightly shorter but includes more climbs. Both routes rejoin shortly before the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape les Viellettes|lat=42.9219519144924|long=-0.1818867608457627}} (2¼ h; 15 beds). About 700 m further on is the simple tent site La Pose (open May-September). The official GR10 route passes through {{Marker|type=city|name=Estaing|wikidata=Q589628}}, a commune that includes three Natura 2000 protected areas: “Gaves de Pau et de Cauterets,” “Moun Né de Cauterets, Pic de Cabaliros,” and “Péguère, Barbat, Cambalès.” From here, the trail enters the core zone of the Pyrenees National Park. You ascend toward Lac d'Estaing. Just before the lake is a guesthouse open Thursday-Sunday, 09:00-17:00 (summer only). On the far shore is another restaurant (open 10:00-18:00) and Camping Intercommunal. Brave hikers may try a swim in the cold waters. The trail now climbs steeply through forest to the Cabane d'Arriousec (1400 m; 4 hr). Another hour uphill takes you past the Cabanes de Barbat (left of the path), then a final climb brings you to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Ilhéou|wikidata=Q2981991}} (2242 m; 6 hr or more). Just 5 minutes below the pass, you can turn left to reach the Crête du Lys, where the Courbet cable car operates in July and August. This offers access to the ski resort Cauterets-Le Lys (with a summer luge track) or direct descent into the town of Cauterets. On foot, descend to the stream near the Cabanes d'Arras (6½-7 hr). Turn right there and cross two more streams. The path then descends to Lac d'Ilhéou. At the lake's northern shore is the staffed Refuge d'Ilhéou. A designated bivouac area (aire de bivouac) is located about 10 minutes further south along the lake. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Ilhéou (Refuge Raymond-Ritter)|url=https://www.refuge-ilheou.csvss.fr/en/home|phone=+33 5 62 92 07 18|lat=42.86604614112533|long=-0.17358356545105466|content=Altitude 1988 m. 22 beds. Open from late May to late September.}} === Refuge d'Ilhéou - Cauterets === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 2½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 75 ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m This is a leisurely downhill walk that brings you gently back to civilization in {{Marker|type=city|name=Cauterets|url=https://www.cauterets.com/en/?to_lang=en|wikidata=Q366962}}. Scenic spa town with plenty of amenities, including a historic wooden railway station (now closed), a cinema, casino, and more. The tourist office is open M-Sa from 09:00-12:30 and 14:00-18:00. A special Office de la Montagne - Terre d'Alpinisme opens during the summer season. Cauterets flourished during the late 19th and early 20th centuries thanks to its thermal springs. The municipality operates two spas: Thermes de César in the village center and Thermes des Griffons in nearby La Raillère. Accommodation options include three gîtes d'étape and Camping la Prairie. Local buses run every 30 minutes from June to October. Regional connections are available to Lourdes, Luz-Saint-Sauveur, and Gavarnie. A shuttle to Pont d'Espagne departs four times daily from the old train station. The 30 km former railway line from Pierrefitte to Cauterets has been converted into a multi-use bike and hiking path. === Cauterets - Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 100 m This is a demanding stage. From Cauterets, take the path behind the Thermes de César and head south. After 1¼ hr you reach the hamlet of La Raillère (1044 m), where there are restaurants and a sulfur spa. Cross the bridge and continue up into the Val de Jéret, passing several waterfalls. The trail leads to the Hôtellerie du Pont d'Espagne (3 hr). From there, descend briefly along the road before turning right and ascending into the valley toward Lac de Gaube (1725 m, 4 hr). The path crosses the stream three times via bridges as you continue toward the refuge. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube|wikidata=Q109042828}} === Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube - Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400 m About 50 m from the refuge, the trail begins a steady one-hour climb over rocky terrain. At a fork (65 min), stay right and continue ascending. The {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Hourquette d'Ossoue|wikidata=Q3141336}} (2734 m) marks the highest point on the entire GR10. Even in mid-summer, snow often lingers here. After 20 minutes of descent, you reach the Refuge Baysselance. '''Ascending Vignemale from here via the Glacier d'Ossoue is only for experienced mountaineers.''' From the pass, the route heads southeast, passing the Grottes de Bellevue (2420 m; 3 hr), artificial caves carved in 1880 by the explorer Henry Russell. The trail descends steeply to a stream, then follows it into a boulder field fed by glacial melt from the Glacier d'Ossoue. The descent into the valley involves frequent climbs around cliffs and waterfalls. You enter the Vallée de la Canau (5 hr or more) and pass the Cabane de Sausse-Dessus. The next hour includes more ups and downs until you reach the Cabane des Tousaus (6¾ hr or more). From there, cross a final ridge to reach the D923 road and descend to the stage endpoint, Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle. If you need more accommodation or supplies, continue to the main village of {{Marker|name=Gavarnie|wikidata=Q917894|type=city}}. From Gavarnie, you can take a day trip (or a bus from Luz-Saint-Sauveur) into the famed Cirque de Gavarnie. It's also possible to ascend Le Taillon (3146 m) from here for experienced climbers. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge Baysselance|url=https://refugebayssellance.ffcam.fr/|wikidata=Q3423105|content=(2651 m), which offers 58 beds and is staffed from mid-May to mid-October}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle|address=Route de Boucharo, 65120 Gavarnie-Gèdre|phone=+33 5 62 92 48 77|url=https://chaletlagrangedeholle.ffcam.fr/|lat=42.73944609127333|long=-0.022728732019354148|wikidata=Q98753937|content=Altitude 1480 m. Staffed hut with 62 beds.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Tourist Office|address=Le Village, 65120 Gavarnie-Gèdre|phone=+33 5 62 92 49 10|url=https://www.valleesdegavarnie.com/gavarnie-gedre/|lat=42.73535586856976|long=-0.01029304645524754|content=Open 09:00-12:00 and 14:00-17:00; closed Sundays and Thursdays.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte Le Gypaète|lat=42.7359592315|long=-0.0108405014067|phone=+33 5 62 92 40 61|content=Simple hiker accommodation in Gavarnie village.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Bergerie|address=Chemin du Cirque, 65120 Gavarnie-Gèdre|url=https://www.camping-la-bergerie-gavarnie.com/|lat=42.72774008829836|long=-0.0075991966546184704|content=Open early June to late September. Located near the entrance to the Cirque de Gavarnie.}} === Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle - Luz-Saint-Sauveur === ; Distance : 26 km ; Duration : 8-9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 700-900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1500-1660 m Starting from Gavarnie village (via the D128 road) instead of the refuge shortens the route by 3 km (approx. 1 hr). The trail first leads to the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape le Saugué|url=https://www.gite-gavarnie-pyrenees.com/|lat=42.76864577103755|long=-0.005915232017950625}}, located on the Plateau Soula de Saugue (1¾ hr). This is a good option to break up the stage — the gîte has 21 beds and is open May to October. The route winds northward, passing the Soum Haut (3¾ h), then descends gradually along the western slope of the Gavarnie Valley. After 5¾-6 hr, you reach the D921 road. Cross the Gave de Gavarnie via the Pont d'Esdouroucats and ascend again to a path above the highway. From the south, you enter {{Marker|type=city|name=Luz-Saint-Sauveur|wikidata=Q35721506|url=https://www.luz.org/en/}} via the Pont Napoléon (755 m; 7½ hr), a dramatic bridge across the gorge. Well-equipped mountain town. The town has several historic churches, as well as a campsite with a grocery store. The Prime Meridian passes about 100 m east of the center. Numerous lodgings, 6 campgrounds, 2 supermarkets, and Intersport (gas cartridges). Bus 965 connects to Cauterets, Lourdes, and Tarbes. Bus to Barèges also available. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Saint Bazerque|address=Sia|phone=+33 5 62 92 49 93|url=https://campingsaintbazerque.eatbu.com/?lang=de|lat=42.83178828384746|long=0.0015462182938111647|content=Campground with grocery shop (mountain cheese), bar, and caravan spaces. Open 08:00-17:00.}} === Luz-Saint-Sauveur - Barèges === ; Distance : 12 km ; Duration : 4½-5 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m To extend this stage, continue to Refuge d'Aygues Cluses for a total of 19 km (7½ hr; ↥ 1560 m, ↧ 140 m). Though short, this stage begins with a relatively long and steep ascent. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Ruisseau de Bolou|lat=42.858690489195055|long=0.06773411839157908}} (1460 m). On the descent, hikers can stop for refreshments at the [https://refugedelaglere.ffcam.fr/ Refuge de la Glère]. This stage ends at {{Marker|type=city|name=Barèges|wikidata=Q632058|url=https://www.mairie-bareges.fr/en/}}. Composed of the hamlets of Artigalas and Cazaous, Barèges serves as a spa and mountain village. The local river, the Bastan, is called the gave. Note: the Jardin botanique du Tourmalet and the 1930s funicular are now closed. The town's website includes an accommodation and restaurant directory * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape l'Oasis|lat=42.897422977|long=0.067278671719|address=2 Passage des Toys|phone=+33 5 62 92 69 47|url=https://www.gite-oasis.fr/|content=Open June-September, and also December-April during ski season (Barèges is part of the Domaine du Tourmalet ski area).}} === Barèges - Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : route-dependent 7¾-9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m The trail begins by climbing above the road toward the ski station at Tournaboup (1 hr). It then veers south and ascends steadily. Good stopping points include the Cabane d'Aygues and, 10 km further on, the Chalet-Hôtel d'Orédon. This stage enters the Néouvielle Nature Reserve, where dogs and wild camping are strictly forbidden. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Madamète|wikidata=Q102076283}} (2509 m). From there, the path descends between alpine lakes: {{Marker|type=see|name=Lac d'Aumar|wikidata=Q3215322}} and Lac d'Aubert (5¾ h, 2190 m). A shuttle bus runs up to this point in high season, and there's an info panel at the end of the access road. Here, the trail splits into two variants: * Variant 1: continues along Lac d'Aumar * Variant 2: detours south to the tip of Lac d'Aubert, then along the northern shore of Les Laguettes and Lac d'Orédon (6¾ h, 1856 m; camping and hotel at the south end) Both variants rejoin at the Cap d'Estoudou pass (2260 m), followed by a steep descent. A short detour from the pass allows for an ascent of Soump de Montpelat (↥ 214 m). The path continues steeply downhill to Lac de l'Oule (1821 m; 7¾ hr or more). From here, head right to reach Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Cabane d'Aygues|url=https://refugeayguescluses.wordpress.com/|lat=42.87577795732996|long=0.15008320916912823}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Chalet-Hôtel d'Orédon|url=https://www.chalet-oredon.fr/|lat=42.82616251586139|long=0.1692328508499207|content=open June 1 - Sept 30; 88 beds}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule|url=https://refugedeloule.fr/|lat=42.824769697482445|long=0.20752501478344024|content=Altitude 1819 m. Located at the dam wall. Open mid-June to mid-September. 20 beds and a bar.}} === Refuge-Hôtel de l'Oule - Vielle-Aure === ; Distance : 17-18 km ; Duration : 5-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 460 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400-1500 m From the refuge, the route follows the western shore of Lac de l'Oule. GR10C variant: After 1½ hr, there is a signed detour to the [http://refugedebastan.fr/ Cabane de Bastan]. The main trail turns directly east and climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Portet|wikidata=Q42178369}} (2215 m; 2¾ hr). From here, it continues eastward, descending gently to the Pla de Castillon, then more steeply down to the D918 road (4½ hr or more) and onward to the stage endpoint {{Marker|type=city|name=Vielle-Aure|wikidata=Q1323900|url=https://vielleaure.com/}}, an historic village with two Romanesque churches: Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Pierre (in the Agos neighbourhood), both dating to the 12th century. Bus connections to Saint-Lary-Soulan and Lannemezan (35 km). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Hôtel Aurélia|lat=42.825852030|long=0.32776424175|phone=+33 5 62 39 56 90|url=https://www.hotel-aurelia.com/|content=Simple, hiker-friendly hotel in town.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping La Mousquère|lat=42.8273932992|long=0.33590955638|address=Nougaro, Autun, 65170 Bourisp|url=https://www.campinglamousquere.com/|content=Open May 8 - last weekend of September.}} * There are three more campsites within 2 km north along the river valley. Just 1 km south, the larger and livelier {{Marker|name=Saint-Lary-Soulan|wikidata=Q1323323|type=city}} offers a broader range of shops, accommodations, and services. The tourist information office is at the roundabout in the center; the supermarket is across the street. The wooden bus stop shelter is discreetly located about 50 m away, opposite the modern church on Avenue des Thermes. === Vielle-Aure - Germ === ; Distance : 13 km ; Duration : 4¾-5¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1170 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 630-700 m This is a straightforward, though poorly marked, stage that runs parallel to the D225 up to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Azet|wikidata=Q2981982}} (1600 m). From the pass, the route continues down to [https://www.vallee-du-louron.com/fr Loudenvielle], a village with shops, an outdoor pool, and the Balnéa Spa complex (open 14:00-19:30; €21 for 2 hours). Note: during the [https://www.pyreneesbikefestival.com/ Pyrenees Bike Festival] in early September, the area is overrun with mountain bikers. The final 2-3 km involve a climb of about 220 m up to the hamlet of {{Marker|name=Germ|wikidata=Q1094205|type=city}}. Altitude 1339 m. A small village with 34 year-round residents, but many second homes and guest beds. Two old churches are worth visiting. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Centre de Montagne de Germ|lat=42.793610431|long=0.425057973260|address=D130|phone=+33 5 62 99 65 27|url=https://www.germ-louron.com/|content=Open year-round. 70 beds in a large mountain center.}} * Auberge de Germ, a guesthouse with 11 rooms (33 beds), open year-round. * {{listing|type=see|name=Peyresourde-Balestas Airfield (Aérodrome de Peyragudes)|wikidata=Q5659350|content=Also known as Altiport 007, as a James Bond film was shot here in 1997. The 470 m runway has a 15% gradient and is also used for paragliding.}} === Germ - Lac d'Oô === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 6-7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1060 m This stage and the next are strenuous. They can be divided into thirds with overnight stops at the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Granges d'Astau|lat=42.76352657695474|long=0.5024399621092607}} (open May-Oct; 26 beds) and the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Espingo|url=https://refugedespingo.ffcam.fr/|wikidata=Q104413940}} (1967 m; 44 beds, mid-May-Oct; 15 emergency shelter places off-season). Camping is allowed near the lake. Around the refuge is a “classic” mountaineering loop over the Pic des Spijeoles (3008 m), Grand Quayrat (3060 m), down to Lac du Portillon (2571 m) and the glacial Lac Glacé d'Oô (2664 m). After the initial climb out of Germ, you enter the Val d'Aube. Follow the river on the left-hand side; after 1¾ hr, across the valley (250 m away), lies the Cabane d'Ourtiga (1610 m). The route ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Couret d'Esquierry|lat=42.75523440839548|long=0.4627935235857289}} (2131 m; 3½ hr), where you cross into the Haute-Garonne department. After 4 hr, you reach the Cabane du Val d'Esquierry. From there, follow the D76 road down to the Granges d'Astau and an auberge (1139 m; 5 hr). In July and August, a morning bus runs up from Luchon and returns in the evening. The stage ends at {{Marker|type=see|name=Lac d'Oô|wikidata=Q3215352}}, a scenic 42-hectare lake situated at an altitude of 1,507 m within the Natura 2000 reserve “Vallées du Lis, de la Pique et d'Oô.” Renowned since the 19th century for its spectacular waterfall, the lake is a popular destination for its natural beauty. Due to its protected status, camping, swimming, and dogs are not permitted in the area. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Lac d'Oô|address=|phone=+33 7 84 56 55 88|lat=42.744558752|long=0.490915210685|content=Reached in about 6 hr. By the lake shore at 1504 m.}} === Lac d'Oô - Bagnères-de-Luchon === ; Distance : 19-21 km ; Duration : 7-9¼ h ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000-1130 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1900-2000 m After Refuge d'Espingo, the trail becomes more difficult, with several rocky scree sections. You skirt the northern slopes of Hourquette des Hounts-Secs (2275 m). Optional detour: From here, a 15-minute ascent (each way) leads to Cap de Bassiéret. You continue over the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Coume de Bourg|lat=42.787224318|long=0.51785762473}} (2272 m, 4¾ hr or more), which may retain snow well into the summer. Optional summit detours from the pass: * Pic Céciré, 45 minutes up and down to the north * Subescale, 40 minutes up and down to the south After 5½+ hours, you reach (1802 m) Superbagnères, a summer-only (July-August) mountain hotel serving the ski area. While it offers meals and lodging, prices are high. The massive historic building can also be reached by gondola lift from Luchon, replacing the old cog railway. The {{Marker|type=go|name=Gondola base station in Luchon|lat=42.78789198327501|long=0.5908142174347624}} is located on the western edge of town and operates daily from 08:30 to 18:00 during the summer season. If descending on foot, it is a steep 1200 m drop to reach {{Marker|name=Bagnères-de-Luchon|wikidata=Q238393|type=city}}. This spa town marks the end of the central Pyrenean segment of the GR10. Regular bus services run to Montréjeau, where you can connect by train to Toulouse. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Superbagnères|url=https://www.villagesclubsdusoleil.com/fr/nos-destinations/hiver/sejour-a-la-montagne/superbagneres|wikidata=Q844809}} === Bagnères-de-Luchon - Artigue === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 2½-3 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 50 m From the church in Luchon, head left along the footpath by the L'One river, crossing the road bridge toward Juzet-de-Luchon. Optional detour: Visit the waterfall in Juzet-de-Luchon. The trail continues via Sode to the day's highest point at the stage destination {{Marker|name=Artigue|wikidata=Q1088729|type=city}}. Altitude 1230 m. A small mountain village with a municipal gîte d'étape, open year-round, offering 12 dormitory beds and evening meals at the on-site restaurant. === Artigue - Fos === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 7½-8½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1100 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1750 m The first half of this stage is a steady climb of over 1000 meters, initially on a gravel track. After 1¼ hours, you reach the Cabane de Saunères (1660 m), a basic mountain shelter. One hour later, you arrive at the Col de Peyrehitte (1947 m). The trail continues along an exposed ridge around the Pic de Bacanère (2193 m; 3 hr or more), passing border markers 402-404. After the Col d'Aou (2093 m; 3½-4 hr), the trail descends gradually across open alpine meadows. At the Cabane d'Artigue (5 hr or more), potable water is available. Below this point, the path winds down gently through a series of switchbacks, eventually crossing a road bridge into {{Marker|name=Fos|wikidata=Q1349025|type=city}}. Altitude 544 m. Small village with weekday bus service to Melles and Saint-Gaudens (railway connections to Pau and Toulouse). Alternative route (former GR10): From the Cabane d'Artigue, you can divert to the Cabane d'Artiguessans, then descend steeply to the Ruisseau de la Batch before climbing back up to rejoin the GR10. This saves about 15 minutes and 70 m of elevation gain. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte de Fos|wikidata=Q3162431|lat=42.873845424|long=0.73442375047|phone=+33 5 61 94 98 59|content=Offers 20 dormitory beds, open year-round.}} === Fos - Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing === ; Distance : 18 km ; Duration : 6½-8 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1700 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m It's a good idea to stock up on supplies in {{Marker|name=Melles|wikidata=Q1616421|type=city}}, which you reach after about 45 minutes. From the old customs house, the trail climbs steeply. Auberge de Crabère offers a comfortable stop. * {{listing|type=see|name=Botanical Garden (À Fleur de Montagne)|wikidata=Q3162431|url=https://mairie-de-melles.wixsite.com/mairie-de-melles/le-jardin-botanique|content=Small but charming community-run garden specializing in Pyrenean alpine flora. Open in summer, 10:00-19:00.}} From Melles, a narrow road leads uphill to the last farmhouse at Labach (2¼ hr). The next 2 hours or more are mostly through forest, climbing steadily. After about 5 hours, you reach the Cabane d'Uls shelter. The path continues uphill to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Pas du Bouc}} (2170 m; 6+ h). Optional summit detour: From here, the {{Marker|type=see|name=Pic de Crabère|wikidata=Q3382364}} (2629 m) can be climbed in about 90 minutes round-trip. Brown bears have been reintroduced to this area. The highest point of the day is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Auéran|lat=42.835385392840536|long=0.860341080714231}} (2176 m), which also marks the border into the Ariège department. From here, it's a quick descent to Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing|url=http://www.refuge-araing.fr/|wikidata=Q3423195|content=Altitude 1956 m. Open June 1 to October 5. 52 beds, plus a 12-bed shelter area available off-season. Advance bookings accepted for groups on the two weekends before/after opening.}} === Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing - Eylie-d'en-Haut === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 3-4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1320 m From the lake and refuge, the trail climbs to the Serre d'Araing (2221 m; 1 hr). Optional detour: Summit of Pic de l'Har (2424 m), approximately 50 minutes round-trip. The descent into the valley follows faintly marked trails to the left of the power lines. Along the way, you'll encounter remnants of former lead mining operations. After about 2¾ hours, you cross a bridge and reach {{Marker|name=Eylie d'en Haut|wikidata=Q134078264|type=city}}, a small hamlet with a 14-bed hut, picnic area, and a basic campsite located by the Lez river. === Eylie-d'en-Haut - Maison du Valier, Pla de la Lau === ; Distance : 17 km ; Duration : 8¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1700 m A strenuous stage with no food or lodging options along the way. The trail starts by crossing the Lez river, then turns sharply left and begins to climb through open terrain. After about 50 minutes, you cross a stream and ascend through forest for just over an hour. In autumn, the woods are full of blueberries—a favourite of the brown bears reintroduced here in the 1990s. At a stone shelter (1660 m; 2½ hr), the trail forks. The GR10 continues to the right, up to the Col de l'Arech (1802 m; 3 hr or more). From there, the path turns left. Optional detours: * South to Tuc de Cagonilles (2196 m; 80 minutes round trip) * From there, to the challenging Mail de Bulard (2750 m; 3 hours round trip) After a short ridge walk, descend to the shepherd's hut Cabane d'Arech (1638 m; 3½ hr). From here, follow the access track down, then branch left down a steep, gorse-covered slope. After 4 hours, you reach a stream. About 40 minutes later, the ruins of Flouquet (1680 m) come into view. Continue to Cabane de Besset (1540 m; 6 hr or more), then ascend again for 45 minutes to Cabane Clot du Lac (1821 m; 7 hr). Passing the huts Cabane du Trapech-du-Milieu (1540 m) and Cabane de l'Artigue, you arrive at Maison du Valier. The Mont Valier massif is a protected area of interest to birdwatchers. It hosts a variety of mountain bird species, including rare birds of prey, bearded vultures, and alpine species such as ptarmigans, black grouse, and capercaillie. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Maison du Valier|lat=42.83084702593266|long=1.032510054490613|url=https://maison-valier.fr/|wikidata=|content=Altitude 927 m, located on the Pla de la Lau. Open March-October. Reception hours 16:00-19:30. 40 beds.}} === Maison du Valier, Pla de la Lau - Esbintz === ; Distance : 18 km ; Duration : 7¼-9¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200-1350 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300-1490 m A demanding stage with significant elevation gain and loss. The trail climbs from Maison du Valier, following the high northern slopes along the ridges of Cap de Lauses (1892 m), Pic de Crabère (1925 m), and the Col d'Auédole (1730 m). After more than 7 hours, you arrive at {{Marker|type=city|lat=42.85332|long=1.14584|name=Esbintz}}. === Esbintz - Refuge d'Aula === ; Distance : 19 km ; Duration : 6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 500 m This and the following stage offer spectacular scenery in good weather. From Esbintz, follow the D817 for the first 2 km to Borde de Galy. From here, you could take a detour to Seix (4 km) by continuing on the D817, then the D37, and turning right onto the D3, where you'll rejoin the GR10 near the Pont du Salat. Continue mostly downhill through the countryside, crossing the Pont du Salat to reach Moulin Lauga (550 m; 2 hr), which has a bakery and picnic area. Alternatively, you can rest 1½ h later at the Auberge des Deux Rivières. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Esbintz|url=https://www.gite-ferme-esbintz.fr/|lat=42.85315143224526|long=1.1459188949749635|content=850 m. Dormitory with 10 beds. Open May-November.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge des Deux Rivières|phone=+33 5 61 66 83 57|url=https://www.aubergedesdeuxrivieres.com/|lat=42.83210657498069|long=1.1982318103146805|content=Open late May to late September}} === Refuge d'Aula - Rouze === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 4½-5 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 700 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m Fit hikers can combine this stage with the previous one from Gîte d'étape d'Aunac (787 m), resulting in a 30 km day with 11¼ hf walking time (↥ 1750, ↧ 1580 m). From Refuge d'Aula, it's a steep but manageable 1½ hr ascent to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Bouche d'Aula|lat=42.77695825493033|long=1.1180083284724134}} (1998 m), then a descent to the Étang d'Areau, 100 m lower. Optional: The Pic des Aymesses (2036 m) can be climbed from the east side of the lake. A farm road leads down to Faup, with shortcuts along the switchbacks, for instance near the Cabane d'Areau. Slightly below the Col de Pause (1527 m; 2¼ hr), there is a parking area. The {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Camp site Rigaux Philippe|lat=42.78997920829053|long=1.178432115744275}} lies just below the hamlet of Faup. From Faup, descend along the D708 toward {{Marker|name=Couflens|wikidata=Q1142090|type=city}}, but before reaching the D3 junction, cross the bridge and climb on the opposite slope to Gîte de Rouze d'Ustou. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte de Rouze d'Ustou|lat=42.789696616|long=1.20592416901|address=Prat de la Moule, Rouze d'Ustou, 09140 Couflens|phone=+33561669545|url=https://www.ferme-de-rouze.fr/|content=16 beds. Cheese from the farm. Open mid-June to mid-September.}} === Rouze - Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou === ; Distance : 8.4 km ; Duration : 3-4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m Follow the stream uphill for about 1¾ hr to reach the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Serre du Cot}} (1546 m). Optional side trips: * To the south, ascend the Pic de la Tese (2255 m; ↥↧ 3 hr or more). * To the north, climb the Tuc de Peyre Mensongère (1711 m; ↥↧ 40 min). From the pass, descend left onto a forest path, passing a few ruined farmhouses. The route eventually reaches the D38 road and leads into {{Marker|type=city|name=Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou|wikidata=Q109571916}}. === Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou - Aulus-les-Bains === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9 hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400 m The hike begins at the southern end of Saint-Lizier. After crossing the pedestrian bridge, the trail climbs southeast to the Col de Fitté (1387 m), a former ski area. From there, it continues along the right side of the slope. One alternative route begins at {{listing|type=city|name=Bidous|lat=42.78257178128407|long=1.2700395937419484}}, following the Alet river south and then climbing steeply for over 2 hours to reach the Col de Fitté, where it rejoins the GR 10. The trail curves around the southwest side of the Picou de la Mire (1741 m) and reaches the Col d'Escots (1618 m) after 3¾ hr. The nearby Chalet de Beauregard restaurant is open from late May to September, 10:00-23:00. Afterwards, the path continues up and down along steep slopes until it reaches the Ruisseau de Fouillet valley (4½ hr). The Jasse du Fouillet crossing (1170 m) is reached after at least 5 h. For a shorter option, follow the yellow-red waymarks of the Tour du Val du Garbet. This leads to the D8F road and directly into Aulus-les-Bains (7 hr from Saint-Lizier). The main route continues toward the plateau of Souliou and the Pic du Mont Rouge (1600 m). A side trip to Étang de Guzet offers a possible bivouac site. The trail then descends toward the Ruisseau d'Ars (1485 m), crosses a bridge, and continues downward. After a second bridge (8½ hr), the path becomes easier. A final bridge, Pont de la Mouline, crosses the Garbet River just before the trail enters {{Marker|type=city|name=Aulus-les-Bains|wikidata=Q1082493|url=https://www.loubet.fr/saint-lizier.html}}, a small spa town with a mini market at the traffic circle near the bridge and a tourist office next door. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte Pyrénées AAA|lat=42.779696032|long=1.2690230044|url=https://giteslareng.net/|address=Lareng, 09140 Ustou|phone=+33967838934|content=14 places in upscale cottages for 2-4 people.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Cascade d'Ars|lat=42.762922493744796|long=1.3615038669340882|content=260 m high waterfalls in multiple tiers, located 4½ km from Aulus. Takes 3-9 hr round-trip to hike to them (↥ 530 m).}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping municipal le Coulédous|lat= 42.7940356892|long=1.3321660893|url=http://www.camping-aulus-couledous.com/|content=Also offers bungalows for 4-7 people. The gîte d'étape is a 12-person tent.}} === Aulus-les-Bains - Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès === ; Distance : 11 km ; Duration : 5 hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m The route climbs out of Aulus-les-Bains to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Port de Saleix|lat=42.78143117676052|long=1.4043285766664242}}, where you'll find the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Refuge de Carol|lat=42.7813|long=1.4146}}. From here, the ascent becomes steeper. The following section to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Port de Bassiès|lat=42.772502271037204|long=1.411691910311851}} is demanding but scenically rewarding. This area lies within the Mont-Calme nature reserve, where camping is prohibited. === Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès - Marc === ; Distance : variable ; Duration : 3½-5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1385 ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1385 This stage and the following one include several alternative routes and shortcuts that can be combined. From the refuge, the GR-10 leads southeast along a slightly rocky trail for just over three kilometers, following the chain of lakes. At the outflow of the last lake, the Étang d'Escalès, the GR-10 bends to the right. Along the stream, there's an opportunity to descend toward the main road and the village of Auzat. Another descent option to the road appears about 2 km further along the GR-10. The main trail makes a sharp turn southward. From the aqueduct (1160 m; 2¼ h4), the route maintains an elevation just below 1200 m for around 4 km, before descending the final 1½ km into the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Marc|lat=42.71687694132801|long=1.449593121067756}}, cutting across the switchbacks of the road. The Gîte Retrouvance de Mouret (12 places) is available for group bookings only. From {{listing|type=city|name=Auzat|wikidata=Q1082539}}, one can rejoin the GR-10 by heading 4 km south to Artiès and climbing back up. This avoids a significant part of the next stage. Alternatively, walking 6 km to Marc allows one to resume the full stage. To skip this stage, it is possible to go from Auzat directly to Goulier via two routes: one through Olbier (4.4 km), the other 6.1 km. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès|url=https://refugedebassies.fr/|content=1933 m. Open late May to September.|lat=42.76509|long=1.413221}} === Marc - Goulier === ; Distance : 24.3 km ; Duration : 6-9 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m From Marc, follow the path to Mounicou. A shelter is located a short way beyond, along the D8. This is where the ascent begins. After a few hundred meters, you can turn right at the {{Marker|type=go |name=Turn right|lat=42.71|long=1.4575}} marker and stay on the west side of Les Caldelets. From the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Orri de Tignalbu|lat=42.69417|long=1.46296}}, which has a water source, the path becomes very poor. The main GR-10 trail continues uphill to the Refuge de Prunadière (1615 m, 2 hr). Be sure to refill your water here. From there, it leads to a junction above the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Artiès|lat=42.7362|long=1.4793}} shelter (985 m, 3¼ hr). The path ascends steadily, passing the ruins of Pradières-d'en-bas, and arrives at Étang d'Izurt. A cable car runs to the lake. After a short climb, it's around 14 km downhill to {{Marker|type=city |name=Goulier|wikidata=Q1015676}} (moh 370 m), which is part of the Val-de-Sos commune. You can shorten the main trail from Prunadière by climbing steeply left past the buildings, gaining 450 m of elevation. About 2 hr later, you'll rejoin the GR-10 at Coumasses-Grandes. This shortcut saves roughly 8 km and bypasses Étang d'Izurt. === Goulier - Siguer === ; Distance : 13 km ; Duration : 3¼-4¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 416 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 830 m From Goulier, the trail ascends toward the Col de Risoul, then the Col de Esquérus, and continues to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de Grail|lat=42.75360457229|long=1.5321300362453}}. Near this pass is a shelter, an information board, and a water source located 250 m off the path. The route then climbs to the highest point of the day at the Col de Lercoul (1549 m). From here, the trail descends through the hamlet of Lercoul. A footpath south of the winding road leads downhill to the village of {{Marker|name=Siguer|wikidata=Q1375974|type=city}}, home to Café Rouse and several accommodations. === Siguer - Plateau de Beille === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 2400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m This demanding stage involves three steep descents and offers no accommodation along the route, only five basic shelters. From Siguer, the trail climbs steeply to Gestiès (40 min), where you should fill up on water. The path crosses the road three times on the way up. After a long ascent, you reach the Pla de Montcamp (1904 m; 3¾ hr). Past the Col du Sasc (1798 m), the trail traverses the flank of the Pic du Col Taillat. Water is again available at the Cabane de Courtal Marti, though trail markings on this high section can be vague. The trail descends to the Cabane de Balledreyt (1600 m; 2 sleeping places), reached after another 20 minutes. After about 7½ hours, the trail descends to the D520A road at 1040 m elevation. A detour to the villages of Aston (14 km, with a campground) or Les Cabannes (15.8 km, with a year-round gîte d'étape) is possible around the 4¼-hour mark. Les Cabannes has a train connection to Mérens-les-Vals or Foix. After crossing the bridge, the GR-10 climbs again via a forest trail. A water source is marked and located about two minutes off the trail, just past a large boulder reached after 9+ hours. The trail continues across a ridge to the Cabane d'Artaran (1695 m). Shortly afterward, you reach the ski area at the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Plateau de Beille|lat=42.72473998587668|long=1.6911435704342077}}, where the Cabane Beille is located. This area is accessible via the D522 road loop and popular with day hikers. === Plateau de Beille - Refuge du Rulhe === ; Distance : 14 km ; Duration : 4¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m It's recommended to start this exposed stage early in the day to avoid afternoon summer thunderstorms. The trail remains around or above 2000 m throughout. The highest point is the summit of the {{Marker|type=see |name=Crête des Isards|lat=42.65012142232325|long=1.7389568668472413}} at 2381 m. The Refuge du Rulhe lies at the junction of several long-distance trails, including the Tour de Pays des Montagnes d'Ax from Ax-les-Thermes, the GR Transfrontalier from Andorra, and two routes from the Vallée d'Aston. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Rulhe|url=https://rulhe.com/|lat=42.6379904848182|long=1.725866639541228|content=53 places. Open late May to September. €16 per night, half board €45. Tel: +33 6 74 24 50 71}} === Refuge du Rulhe - Mérens-les-Vals === ; Distance : 12 km ; Duration : 4½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 360 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1500-1600 m '''Water is scarce at high elevation.''' From the refuge, the trail ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de Calmettes|lat=42.636915754134|long=1.7404819725150908}} (2318 m), mostly over scree. Cairns also serve as markers. The path descends to Étang Bleu, where it skirts the left side of the lake and climbs again to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Crête de la Lhasse|lat=42.6398816194571|long=1.768563885207408}} (2439 m). Afterward, it continues over scree for nearly 800 m of descent to the pond called l'Estangol, with a shelter above. {{Marker|name=Mérens-les-Vals|wikidata=Q662289|type=city}} is reached after the final descent. The ruins of the old Saint-Pierre church date back to the Napoleonic Wars. The village festival takes place on July 20. The village has a train stop on the Foix - Puigcerdà line. Located on the N-20. The natural hot springs are about 45 minutes away, although they were affected by rockfall in 2022. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge du Nabre|lat=42.65611004694209|long=1.8429807373614195|address=le village d'en haut, 09110 Mérens-les-Vals|phone=+33 5 61 01 89 36|url=https://www.aubergedunabre.com/|content=Guesthouse in the upper village.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping de Mérens|lat=42.64646601527881|long=1.8310245105731093|address=600 Ville de Bau, 09110 Mérens-les-Vals|phone=+33 5 61 02 85 40|url=http://www.camping.merenslesvals.fr/de/haus/|content=Open all year, 1.3 km south of the village.}} === Mérens-les-Vals - Refuge des Bésines === ; Distance : 10 km ; Duration : 4½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 260 m This demanding stage continues through high alpine terrain, with lots of rock and scree. From Mérens, the trail leads past Le Nabre to the hot springs. Afterward, the path climbs for nearly 3 hours. First, it reaches the Estangs (2056 m), then continues to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Porteille de Bésines|lat=42.6154502407948|long=1.872190036139089}} (2333 m). From this pass, the route is clearly signposted. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bésines|wikidata=Q11945073|url=https://refugebesines.ffcam.fr/|content=2104 m. 70 beds. Open June-September. Phone: +33 5 61 05 11 77.}} === Refuge des Bésines - Refuge des Bouillouses === ; Distance : 16.7 km ; Duration : 5½-6 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 660 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 760 m This high-level stage crosses several mountain passes and offers excellent panoramic views. The route first ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Coll de Coma d'Anyell|lat=42.60880012907595|long=1.8962468691063044}}, from where it is possible to climb Pic des Bésineilles (2632 m) in about ¾ hr round trip. The path then continues through the Lansolet basin (2234 m), past the Cabane de Rozet, and climbs again to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Portella de la Grava|lat=42.59935934341172|long=1.934453711010157}}. From there, it's a gentle 3-hour descent to the lakeside refuge at Bouillouses. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bésines|lat=42.6039|long=1.86853|content=56 dormitory beds, with 16 emergency shelter spots outside the season. Open June-September.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bouillouses|lat=42.559475002653095|long=2.00351938309043|url=https://www.lesbouillouses.com/|content=2003 m. 46 beds. Open June-September. Phone: +33 4 68 04 93 88.}} === Refuge des Bouillouses - Planès === ; Distance : 19 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 230 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m The descent is easy but not always well marked. After about 2¾ hours (1740 m), the GR-10 reaches the D618. About 700 m further, a right turn leads to Superbolquère, where food and lodging are available, including a supermarket and a gîte with 28 beds. The GR-10 continues downhill to the quiet D10C near {{Marker|name=Bolquère|wikidata=Q1101891|type=city}} (1628 m, 2¾ hr), where there is a public drinking fountain and an information board. The nearby Gare de Bolquère-Eyne (1593 m) is the highest railway stop in France, on the scenic “train jaune” line. Passing through the villages of La Perche and La Cabanasse (3½ hr), the route ends at the small village of {{Marker|name=Planès|wikidata=Q524705|type=city}}. No shops in the village. The nearby Pont Gisclard, opened in 1909, is a cable-stayed bridge on the Ligne de Cerdagne crossing the Têt river. The village is a stop on the “train jaune” railway. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=L'Orri de Planès|lat=42.490995503|long=2.1382908362|address=Casas del Mitg, 66210 Planès|phone=+33 4 68 04 29 47|content=Gîte with 16 dormitory beds and private rooms.}} === Planès - Refuge du Ras de la Carança === ; Distance : 15.3 km ; Duration : 5¾-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1170 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 870 m There are no supply options along this stage. The trail begins with a gentle ascent through pine forest into the high Riberola valley. It is advisable to refill your water at the Refuge de l'Orri. Above the Cabane d'Aixques, the route becomes steep as it climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col Mitja|wikidata=Q28381301}} (2376 m). From the pass, it is possible to summit Pic de Gallinas (2624 m, ↥↧ 90 min) or Pic Redoun (2677 m, ↥↧ 1 hr). The final 1½ hours involve a descent of about 500 m to the refuge. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Ras de la Carança|wikidata=Q28380908|address=142 rue de, 66360 Fontpédrouse|phone=+33 9 88 66 73 81|url=https://www.refugelacaranca.com/|content=1840 m. Open mid-May to mid-September. 13 emergency places available off-season. Connections to other trails: 7.7 km to Prats Balaguer, 8.5 km to Ull de Ter, 13.7 km to Carança, 10 km to Thuès-les-Bains via the gorge, and 12 km to Núria.}} === Refuge du Ras de la Carança - Mantet === ; Distance : 10 km ; Duration : 4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 640 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 940 m This stage is challenging and poorly marked at higher elevations. From the refuge, follow the stream uphill for 100 m to a wooden bridge. Continue on a scree path along the left side of the valley. After passing through a gate, you reach an alpine pasture and the {{marker|type=go|name=Coll del Pal|lat=42.465650773936|long=2.258498904704664}} (2294 m). This area is a nature reserve where wild camping is forbidden. From the pass, there is an optional ascent to Pic de Serre Gallinère (2663 m; 1 hr round trip), and possibly further on to the Serre de Caret (2300 m). From the pass, descend to the {{marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Alemany|wikidata=Q120254507}} (1962 m; 8 places), located 200 m off the trail. The main path continues left, crossing first a wooden, then a concrete bridge, followed by a narrow unpaved road that ascends to the village of {{listing|type=city|name=Mantet|wikidata=Q1369164}} (1550 m). Population: 31. Most of the southern part of the commune is the protected area [https://rnn-mantet.fr/ Reserva natural de Mentet], where camping is forbidden. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=La Cavale|address=Los Miquelets, 66360 Mantet|phone=+33 4 68 05 57 59|url=http://la-cavale.fr/|lat=42.477231944228336|long=2.3092556382036555|content=Private rooms and dorms for 3-5 people.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte à la ferme Cazenove|url=http://www.gitecazenovemantet.fr/|lat=42.47702171854456|long=2.306028129535968|content=Farm gîte. Open May to September.}} === Mantet - Refuge de Mariailles === ; Distance : 14.8 km ; Duration : 5 hr 5 min ; Elevation gain : ↥ 936 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 834 m Midway along this stage is the village of {{Marker|name=Py|wikidata=Q178846|type=city}} (1023 m), which has an auberge and a gîte. From Py, follow the D6 briefly before heading northeast to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Jou|wikidata=Q47335849|lat=|long=}} (1125 m). The path turns southeast and ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Cavall Mort|wikidata=Q47335871|lat=|long=}} (1454 m), then continues upward to the Refuge de Mariailles. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge de Mariailles|alt=Refugi de Marelles|url=https://refugedemariailles.fr/|lat=42.5017361908777|long=2.4077634391340514|content=1692 m. Open from late May; shelter room available year-round.}} === Refuge de Mariailles - Refuge des Cortalets === ; Distance : 16.3 km ; Duration : 6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1030 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m This is a challenging high-mountain route around the Canigou Massif. There are no supply points along the way, and surefootedness is required. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Cortalets|url=https://refugedescortalets.ffcam.fr/|lat=42.53436454795011|long=2.465036067970792|content=2100 m. 105 places, plus 19 emergency shelter places available outside the season.}} * {{listing|type=go |name=Loop trail to the summit of Pic du Canigou|alt=Canigó|url=https://www.visit-occitanie.com/de/entdecken/top-sehenswuerdigkeiten/massif-du-canigou-katalonien/|lat=42.53692009465181|long=2.4666389025393545|content=This difficult 9.3 km loop (4½ h; ↥ 700+ m) begins 200 m beyond the refuge.}} === Refuge des Cortalets - Gîte-refuge de Batère === ; Distance : 16.8 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 270 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 920 m This stage is also part of the HRP. From the refuge to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Ras del Prat Cabrera|wikidata=Q47170860|lat=|long=}} (1739 m; 4 km), you can choose between a high-level route following the “Tour du Canigou” and a less steep path along the mountainside. From the pass to the Refuge de l'Estanyol (2¾ hr or more) the trail descends gradually, then more steeply. It climbs again briefly to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Cirère|wikidata=Q134299355|lat=|long=}} (1731 m; 4-4¾ hr). From here, you can optionally ascend the Puig Saint-Pierre (1791 m; ↥ 15 min, ↧ 15 min). Descending from the col, you pass abandoned stone quarries and mines (the Mines de la Pinosa are ruins of a former settlement), and reach your destination. Nearby you can explore the 5-day “Tour du Canigou” circuit or visit the historic abbeys of Saint-Martin du Canigou and Saint-Michel-de-Cuxa. * {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Estanyol|wikidata=Q120262655|lat=|long=}} === Gîte-refuge de Batère - Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette === ; Distance : 19.2 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 745 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m Along this long and steady descent, you pass several dolmens. Their significance may be best appreciated by specialists in archaeology. The destination is the Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette, an old mill located in the Ribera Valley. More accommodation and services are available in {{Marker|name=Arles-sur-Tech|wikidata=Q7897|type=city}}, which is connected by bus. At the southern edge of the town, you'll find Camping Riuferrer. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte-refuge de Batère|url=https://www.refugedebatere.fr/|lat=42.50176051942559|long=2.5484428644953847|address=Mines de Batère, 66150 Corsavy|phone=+33 4 68 39 12 01|content=17 dormitory beds, 20 in private rooms. Access via a 20.3-km road from Arles-sur-Tech.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette|wikidata=Q120266421|url=http://gr10-par-etapes.eklablog.com/hebergement-du-moulin-de-la-palette-a126161238|content=Simple eco-gîte in a renovated mill, located in the Ribera valley.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Riuferrer|lat=42.4551506239|long=2.6291899540|url=https://campingriuferrer.com/}} === Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette - Las Illas === ; Distance : 22 km ; Duration : 7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m From the gîte, follow the D536 for 1 km, then turn right uphill toward Montalba (543 m; 1 hr). At the cross, turn sharply right to continue climbing. You reach the ruins of the Mouli Serradou (833 m; 2½ hr). The highest point is the Coll de Sant Martí (1426 m; 4 hr or more). The trail continues through forest along the slope, passing by the Roc de France (also known as Roc de Frausa). {{Marker|name=Las Illas|wikidata=Q16508596|type=city}} has a water point and picnic area in the park. Accommodation is available in a gîte at the town hall and at the Hostal de Trabucayeres. === Las Illas - Col de l'Ouillat === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 6-7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 930 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 540 m The route has been altered several times due to terrain difficulties, so follow the current waymarking. The middle part of the trail runs along the border, just below the ridge. The dominant tree species in this area is the striking Corsican pine (Pinus nigra var. corsicana). A detour to the fortified town of Le Perthus and the Fort de Bellegarde (open May-Sep, 10:30-18:00) offers a cultural break. Note that all shops are on the Spanish side of the border. After about 3 hours, there is an optional detour to the Roman fort Panissas, built on the Via Domitia. Turn off 5 minutes after border marker 565 (2½ hr). The stage ends at {{marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de l'Ouillat|wikidata=Q11914547}} (938 m). === Col de l'Ouillat - Banyuls-sur-Mer === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 7-8¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 680 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1610 m The route stays high near the border ridge. It takes about 1 hour to reach the Pic Néulos. Water is available at the Refuge de la Tagnarède after 1½ hours. From there, the trail leads over several passes: Coll del Faig (985 m), Col de l'Orry, and Col de l'Estaque (1025 m; 2¾ hr). The Pic des Quatre-Termes (1156 m) and Pic de la Cabassère are bypassed to the north. After 4 hours, you reach the Coll del Pal (899 m). From there, continue right toward the Col des Gascons (6¼ hr or more). The final descent to the Col de Llagastèra (285 m) passes partly through vineyards towards {{Marker|name=Banyuls-sur-Mer|wikidata=Q6753|type=city}}. == Go next == * [[Pyrenean High Route]]: Crosses the Pyrenees along the mountain crests, staying higher than both the GR 10 and GR 11. * [[GR 11]] This footpath stays on the Spanish side of the Pyrenees. {{outlineitinerary}} {{Related|France}} {{Related|Pyrenees}} {{PartOfItinerary|Europe itineraries}} c9bf0sojgaykpp7ph1k4v23ogpk95lg 5086699 5086694 2025-07-02T17:02:34Z Bluecoordinationfine 2327039 Same as previous changes. 5086699 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|GR 10 WV banner.jpg|caption=View from GR 10, near Souriche, looking towards the Tourmalet, valley of Barèges, France}} The '''GR 10''' is one of the paths and trails of the extensive [[Grande Randonnée]] (or GR) network. It crosses [[France]], from the Mediterranean coast to the Atlantic coast, and runs almost entirely through the [[Pyrenees]]. While the trail is in France, much of it is near, or even on, the border with [[Spain]]. The trail can be walked in either direction, though some suggest that the west-east route is easier in the beginning, as it is both cooler and less steep that the corresponding start heading west; this may be an advantage to those not fully in shape. == Understand == [[File:Lac d'Oo (22).jpg|thumb|Lac d'Oo]] Moving from east to west, the trail begins at the Mediterranean, in the small town of [[Banyuls sur Mer]], and finishes at [[Hendaye]] on the Atlantic Ocean. Hikers will usually be able to make it to a [[France#Guesthouses and holiday rentals|gîte]] or small town every other night, and quite frequently every night. Expected time to complete the trail is around 6-7 weeks, though the majority of people only hike sections of it. == Prepare == The trail is fairly well marked with painted marks on rocks, trees, telephone poles, and even houses, walls, and street signs. If you haven’t seen a waymark for 100 metres, you’ve likely strayed off the trail. Retrace your steps to the last marker and check your route. It is not realistic to navigate using the markers alone. A trail guide, at minimum, or a topologic map is required. Sunburn is a particular problem, and clothing such as long sleeved shirts and long pants should be worn as they protect from the sun, scratching branches and insects. Sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat are highly desirable. For those heading west from Banyuls sur Mer, the hike to the first gîte is particularly long compared to the following days, and should be started very early. === Equipment === One of the advantages of the GR 10 is that it can be hiked with minimal gear, as one can eat dinner and breakfast almost every day at the gîtes. Additionally the hiker can sleep outdoors on clear nights and pay for a bed in a gîte in inclement weather. On nights that only shelters (which usually have no food or staff) are available, pre-purchased food can be eaten. If one plans to eat at gîtes and buy food from supermarkets that can be eaten without cooking, the absolute minimal gear in the summer months is: * Sleeping bag or sleep sheet, and a mat for comfort. * Goretex jacket and fleece or similar for cold or wet weather * Long-sleeved shirt and pants * Short-sleeved shirt and shorts (including shorts you can wear for swimming) * Sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat * Adequate footwear. Anything less than hiking boots may prove insufficient. * Bottles for at least two litres of water, and a purification method for treating water from streams. * Toiletries and a [[Travel health kit|medical kit]] Additionally, consider a rain jacket or fleece top for wet or cold weather. If you plan to forgo the comforts and delicious food of the gites and hotels, also bring: * Tent * Cooking gear and food A note on footwear: some four fifths of the hikers wear full hiking boots and thick socks. While running sneakers may suffice (and Choco-style sandals may work for a few days), your risk of injury is higher, and much of the trail involves hopping around on possibly wet and sharp rocks. Choose conservatively, depending on the length of your hike and your experience. ==Get in== == Walk == {{Mapframe|lat=42.68287|long=0.56837|width=full|height=360|zoom=7}} {{mapshape|type=geoline|stroke=#000000|stroke-width=3}} === Hendaye-Plage - Olhette === ; Distance : 21.9 km ; Duration : 6-7¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1010 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 950 m Intermarché sells gas cartridges. Near the western trailhead a {{marker|type=buy|name=Decathlon|lat=43.36843635018845|long=-1.7798332063655435}} store geared towards watersports is available for last minute purchases, such as gas cannisters. The hike starts from the 3 km long {{marker|type=see|name=Hendaye Beach|wikidata=Q20947149}}. This is below the old casino, now known as Résidence Croisière. Nearby is the Tourist Office. Buses run from the main train station, or you can walk from {{marker|type=go|name=Gare Deux Jumeaux|wikidata=Q2802667}}. Leaving town, the route goes around the football stadium and climbs via Rue Errondenia and Rue de Pausoa, passing by {{Marker|type=city|name=Biriatou|wikidata=Q196871}}, which conveniently has public toilets available. After about 3 hr you reach the summit of {{marker|type=see|name=Xoldokogaina|wikidata=Q20492776}}. The high point is at Mandale (530 m) on the Spanish border. From here, the path descends to the Col d'Ibardin (4¼ hr), a popular spot for French shoppers due to cheap alcohol and tobacco. The trail continues via Col des Poiriers and Col des Joncs before reaching {{Marker|type=city|name=Olhette|lat=43.3360119885|long=-1.6661235970}}. * {{listing|type=see|name=Redoute de la Baïonette|lat=43.309257665|long=-1.70329930013|content=Historic fortification near Mandale, located by modern border marker 9. Offers wide views.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Basque Tourist Office|address=20 Boulevard Victor Hugo, 64500 Saint-Jean-de-Luz|lat=43.387765760|long=-1.66038856746|url=https://www.en-pays-basque.fr/en/|content=Tourist info for the wider Basque region.}} === Olhette - Ainhoa === ; Distance : 21.1 km ; Duration : 6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 730 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 640 m The steepest climb comes right at the beginning. For most of the route, you'll be on forest trails and, after Sare, quiet paved country roads. The trail initially ascends on a good path over the Col des Trois Fontaines (1½ hr; a shelter is located 300 m away), then descends to the Col de St-Ignace, where the valley station of the cog railway to La Rhune is found. It continues to {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Sare]]|wikidata=Q274155}} (2¾ hr), a local transport hub and one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. There's an outdoor swimming pool. The stage ends in {{Marker|type=city|name=Ainhoa|wikidata=Q212962}}. Also one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. The tourist information office (open 09:00-12:30, 14:00-17:30; closed weekends and holidays) is located at the side of the town hall. Local grocery stores are a bit pricey due to the village's popularity. From Col des Trois Fontaines you can ascend La Rhune (905 m) either by cog railway (35 min) or on foot (3 km, 1¼ h; ↥↧ 300 m). The prehistoric {{Marker|type=see|name=Grottes de Sare|wikidata=Q3117280}} can be visited with prior reservation through the local municipality or online. Closed annually for a month after Epiphany. This stage is part of the [[European long-distance path E9|European long-distance trail E9]]. === Ainhoa - Bidarray === ; Distance : 21.7 km ; Duration : 8½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 880 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 850 m This is a difficult stage, with little shade at the start and a particularly steep, rocky descent near the end. At the old cemetery (389 m; 40 min) beside the {{Marker|type=see|name=Chapelle Notre Dame de l'Aubépine|wikidata=Q12253854}}, a dramatic crucifixion scene of the Jewish itinerant preacher Jesus of Nazareth and two other criminals has been recreated. Traditional Basque hilarri gravestones are found here. The path then continues over the Col des Trois-Croix (510 m; 1 hr 20 min). A good place to rest is at Ferme Esteben (2 hr 50 min, 580 m), a gîte d'étape with a bar-restaurant. The trail continues near the border, past Boundary Stone 77, partly on paved road. At Col des Veaux (550 m), you can take a 300-m detour into Spain to visit a venta (a small inn or shop). From here, the trail climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Méhatche|lat=43.272782275749094|long=-1.4166930371188398}} (716 m; 3¾ hr). The descent past Boundary Stones 82 and 83 is secured with cables. From Col de Méhatche, you can ascend Artzamendi (926 m), easily identified by its radar dome at the summit. The nearby {{Marker|type=see|name=Grotte le Saint-que-Sue|alt=Harpeko Saindua|lat=43.26526266671622|long=-1.3890420732224757}} can also be visited. Just before reaching {{Marker|type=city|name=Bidarray|wikidata=Q746221}}, a bypass trail offers a shortcut to the next stage. For peak baggers, this route also gives access to several summits: Errebi (between the chapel and Col des Trois-Croix), Atxulegi (a 15-min detour on the way to Col des Trois-Croix), and, in good weather, Mont Bizkayluze (701 m) and Gorospil (691 m). The village is split into two parts, 600 m apart. The GR-10 passes through the upper section (where accommodation is located), while the train station lies in the lower part. The stone “Noblia” bridge, in its current form, dates to the 17th century. Parts of the Church of the Assumption are Romanesque. Traditional hilarri gravestones can be found in the old cemetery, and the Ferme Gastetto is a protected farmhouse in classic Lower Navarrese style. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Aire Zabal|lat=43.2665469128|long=-1.34721660011|url=https://giteairezabal.fr/|content=Stage accommodation in the upper part of the village.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Amestoya|lat=43.284582665|long=-1.35372693663|url=https://camping-bidarray.fr/english/|content=Campsite along the D908, 2 km north of the upper village.}} === Bidarray - Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry === ; Distance : 18.5 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1250 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1250 m This southward stage is demanding, especially due to the complete lack of water sources along the ascent. After passing the Iparla Ridge (950 m), the trail reaches an altitude of over 1000 m for the first time on the way to the summit. It then continues along the ridge to the Pic de Tutulia before descending to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Harrieta|lat=43.21079140547837|long=-1.384120195860639}} (3¾ hr, 808 m). From the Col d'Harrieta, a side trail descends to Urdos (1¾ hr), from where it's possible to follow the road into Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry. The main trail continues across the Buztanzelhay summit (4¾ hr, 1029 m), then down to the col of the same name (843 m). Here, the GR-10 turns left and descends steeply. The path crosses the D949 road several times — this road leads from the village to the ventas on the Spanish border at the Col d'Ispéguy. You can also reach this col via the ridge, 1½ km from Col Buztanzelhay. If you want to skip entering {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry]]|wikidata=Q279252}} (162 moh), you can join the next stage earlier at the Nive des Aldudes (6½ h, 162 m). There's a picnic area in the park and a supermarket that stocks gas cartridges. Locals play Rebot, a type of pelota, on two courts. The Château d'Etxauz is not open to the public. On the last Sunday in April, the village hosts a traditional folklore festival known as Nafarroaren Eguna. The Nive des Aldudes valley occasionally experiences flooding and mudslides. === Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry - Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port === ; Distance : 19.2 km ; Duration : 5-7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 990 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 980 m This stage runs mostly on gravel paths and farm tracks. About an hour in, there's an optional detour at Col d'Aharza for a 35-minute climb to Oylarandoy, where a hermitage built in 1706 stands. The GR-10 heads south to the Col d'Aharza (734 m; 2 hr), where there's a water source, then turns east and circles around the {{Marker|type=see|name=Munhoa|wikidata=Q3327853}} (1023 m; 3½ hr). The climb is fully exposed to the sun. The descent begins on the right-hand side. {{Marker|name=[[Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port]]|wikidata=Q270294|type=city}} lies at 170 m and is where three of the four French pilgrimage routes converge before entering Spain. From here, it's possible to continue directly onto the Camino de Santiago (via Roncesvalles). === Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port - Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta === ; Distance : 16.2 km ; Duration : 5-5½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 870 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 420 m There are no supply points or public transport on this stage, but the walking is relatively easy. In the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Çaro|wikidata=Q842635}} (242 m), there is a public fountain next to the town hall. If you choose to end the day early after 3¾ hr in {{Marker|type=city|name=Estérençuby|wikidata=Q842724}} (231 m; two accommodation options), be aware that this adds an extra 400 m of ascent to the next day's stage. === Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta - Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty === ; Distance : 20.7 km ; Duration : 6¾-8 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1410 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m This stage is simple but offers little shade. The trail first climbs toward the Col on Ithurramburu (820 m), then continues ascending to just below the {{Marker|type=see|name=Occabe|alt=Okabe|wikidata=Q17417892}} (1456 m). On the Occabe plateau, 26 Neolithic stone circles known as ''harrespil'' in Basque have been found. They are believed to have been used for cremation rites. A good rest stop is the upscale {{Marker|type=eat|name=Restaurant Chalet Pedro|url=https://www.chaletpedro.com/|lat=43.03687624625582|long=-1.0746838225620772}} (4¾ hr). The associated lodge offers 10 beds. Across the stream at Le Kayolar, similar accommodation is available. From here, the trail turns sharply right after 100 m and continues uphill for 6-7 km (300 m ascent) to the stage destination. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta|url=http://kaskoleta.free.fr/|lat=43.092036845886255|long=-1.1646582066722122|content=Altitude 615 m. Offers 13 beds in 3 rooms plus a holiday apartment for 4. A scenic viewpoint with an information panel is 5 minutes away.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=L'aire Naturelle de Camping|lat=43.037460332099656|long=-1.0494175120345806|content=Natural campground with 50 pitches, located 3 km before the Chalets by the stream. Open June-October. Fresh bread available by reservation from 08:30.}} === Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty - Logibar === ; Distance : 16.4 km ; Duration : 5-6 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 440 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1380 m In bad weather, the route along the west side of the {{Marker|type=see|name=Pic des Escaliers|wikidata=Q31645205}} (1423 m) is not recommended. There are two alternative routes, but both are poorly marked. At the Ugatzé Ridge, the trail skirts the peak rather than summiting it. To avoid the steep descent from Pic des Escaliers, stay on the road for about 600 m after the start, then turn off after 2½ km to reach Col Ugatzé. A short side trip allows you to summit Arthanolatzégagnia (an additional 35 min ascent and descent). Trail markings are sparse for several hours. After some time following mule tracks, you'll reach a road crossing at Beloscare (1173 m; 3 hr). Logibar marks the end of the stage, but you can also continue 2 km further to {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Larrau]]|wikidata=Q608335}}, which offers three accommodation options and a campground. In bad weather, an easier alternative is to follow the paved road from Iraty directly to Larrau for a gentler descent. === Logibar - Sainte-Engrâce (Senta) === ; Distance : 26.3 km ; Duration : 7½-9¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200-1420 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 900-1170 m This stage leads through spectacular gorges. Follow signs to the Gorges d'Holzarté and ascend the trail to the 70 m long suspension bridge (50 min), which spans the dramatic Ruisseau de Olhadubi gorge 150 m above the ground. On the far side, the trail continues uphill. After 2 hours, you reach the Olhadubi stream — a possible spot for a refreshing dip. Nearby, the Cabane Cayolar d'Olhadubi (reached via a side path from the bridge) serves as an emergency shelter with space for 4-5 people. Continuing uphill, you'll reach the Abarrakia farm after just over 3 hours. The path then winds between farms, eventually reaching the point (4½ hr) where the GR-10 turns sharply to the right. The original GR-10 route bypassed the gorges entirely by heading up to the Plateau d'Adarkhotia after the Holzarté bridge. This shortcut saves 2.7 km (1¼ hr) and 150 m of elevation gain. After about 5 hours, you'll reach the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Anhaou|alt=Col de Bious|lat=42.9784|long=-0.88044}} (1383 m). From here, energetic hikers can summit nearby peaks such as Izeyto (1464 m) or Sarimendi (1484 m). The stage ends at {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Sainte-Engrâce]]|wikidata=Q197211}}. Sainte-Engrâce is home to a Romanesque church from the 11th century. From the village, a 9-km side trip (↥ 840 m, ↧ 135 m) takes you to the vast La Verna cave. Guided tours go up to 800 m deep — the main chamber is large enough to fit the Eiffel Tower. Bookings are handled through the [https://laverna.fr/en/ Espace accueil Arrakotchepia], Quartier Calla, 64560 Sainte-Engrâce (Tel. +33 6 37 88 29 05). August is often very busy. A detour south from the restaurant leads into the wild and romantic Gorges de Kakuetta. The trail is very steep and slippery, and entry tickets are (usually) sold at the restaurant. === Sainte-Engrâce (Senta) - Refuge Jeandel === ; Distance : 11.6 km ; Duration : 4¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 160 m The trail climbs steadily from Sainte-Engrâce into the limestone highlands of the Pierre-Saint-Martin massif, marking the transition into more alpine terrain. You ascend to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Pierre-St-Martin|wikidata=Q1107451}} (1760 m; border with Spain). Since 1373, the Tributo de las Tres Vacas — a cross-border tribute of three cows — has been held here every July 13 to settle grazing rights between the two valleys. A small shop at the parking area sells goat cheese. A ski area lies just over the border on the Spanish side. There is also a small shelter near Boundary Marker 62. An optional 15-minute detour leads to the summit of Soum de Lèche (1839 m). The Grotte de la Verna, a massive cave chamber accessible by guided tour, lies 1 km (¾ hr) off the main trail and requires prior booking ([https://laverna.fr laverna.fr]). From the pass, descend to the first switchback, then turn right off the main track. The trail passes under two chairlifts and continues along the northern flank of the Pic d'Arlas. When you spot three large concrete water tanks, descend to the staffed mountain hut at Refuge Jeandel. The ski resort village of {{Marker|name=La Pierre Saint-Martin|wikidata=Q3211628|type=city}} is about 15 minutes off the trail and offers additional services. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge Jeandel|address=La Pierre Saint Martin, 64570 Arette|url=https://www.refugejeandel.com/|lat=42.97829371796861|long=-0.7493627209784663|content=Altitude 1670 m. Dormitory accommodation from €18; half-board from €42.50. Staffed in summer.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Tourist Office La Pierre Saint-Martin|address=Maison de la Pierre, 75 D332, 64570 Arette|phone=+33 5 59 66 20 09|url=https://www.lapierrestmartin.com/|lat=42.97735500762936|long=-0.744495054007273|content=Open only during the French summer holidays (mid-July to late August). Provides info on local lodging and two campervan pitches. Served by seasonal Bus 807 between Arette and Oloron-Sainte-Marie.}} === Refuge Jeandel - Lescun === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 5½-6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1200 m This is a challenging stage, but the scenery is magnificent. Several rocky mountain paths are equipped with cables for safety. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Pas de l'Osque|lat=42.9702182168491|long=-0.7089944097203539}} (1922 m), which requires a head for heights. The trail continues to the Pas d'Azuns (1873 m; 2¾ hr), and a good first rest stop with water is the spring near the Cabane du Cap de la Baitch (1689 m; 3 hr). In wet weather, descending to {{Marker|type=city|name=Lescun|wikidata=Q179737}} (895 m) via the road is recommended, as the GR-10 becomes muddy and difficult to navigate. From Lescun, the HRP route offers a very demanding variant over the Col d'Anie back toward Cabane du Cap de la Baitch. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Centre de l'Abérouat|url=http://aberouat.fr/|lat=42.95041471194407|long=-0.6658390953581508|content=Staffed hut with a bar. Offers 20 rooms (2-5 beds each). Free tent camping nearby (bathrooms in the hut available for a fee). Best suited for groups; solo walkers must book in advance.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Maison de la Montagne|lat=42.934247039|long=-0.63524507931|address=1 ruelle de la Congasse, 64490 Lescun|phone=+33 6 88 06 95 29|url=https://www.maisondelamontagne64.com/|content=Comfortable accommodation for hikers in the centre of Lescun.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping - Gîte du Lauzart|address=Bordé de Mougnague, 64490 Lescun|phone=+33 5 59 34 51 77|url=https://www.camping-gite-lescun-pyrenees.com/|lat=42.92782183157741|long=-0.6421994110320027|content=Along the D340. About 20 minutes into the next stage. Open April-September. Campsite €14 + €4 per adult. 25 dorm beds available for €16; half board €42.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Tourist Office for the Vallée |lat=42.9990368924|long=-0.60057615194|url=https://www.pyrenees-bearnaises.com/explorer/nature/|phone=+33 5 59 34 57 57|content=Located in Bedous. Provides information on the surrounding region.}} === Lescun - Etsaut === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 5½-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 850 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1150 m The trail begins easily through pastoral countryside, then enters forested terrain, passing the [https://www.gite-camping-lhers.com/ Gîte d'étape and campsite on the Plateau de Lhers] (2 hr), and climbing to the Col de Barrancq (1601 m; 3¾ hr). From the Col de Barrancq, a side trip leads to the summit of Pic de Labigouer (2175 m), which takes just under 3 hours round-trip. Lower down in the Parc d'Orce, within the commune of {{Marker|type=city|name=Borçe|wikidata=Q840474}} (5¾ hr), lives the majority of the region's ~50 brown bears. The Gîte le Communal offers accommodation here. The stage ends in {{listing|type=city|name=Etsaut|wikidata=Q765829|content=Altitude 597 m. Located on the N-134 and served by the Canfranc-Oloron-Saint-Marie bus line. The former train station now houses the Pyrenees National Park visitor center. Accommodation available in the Gîte d'étape la Garbure behind the church (53 beds).}} Just outside Etsaut, the {{Marker|type=see|name=Fort du Portalet|wikidata=Q3078387}} clings dramatically to the cliffs in two tiers, spanning a height difference of 150 m. * {{listing|type=see|name=Refuge animalier à Borce|url=https://parc-ours.fr/|lat=42.9045174060618|long=-0.5745664608466107|content=open 10:00-18:00; admission €12. It functions as an educational wildlife refuge}} === Etsaut - Gabas === ; Distance : 24 km ; Duration : 9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1640 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1210 m The trail begins with the dramatic Chemin de la Mâture, a path carved into the rock face. It is not passable in icy or snowy conditions. You reach Grange Perry (1210 m) after 2 hours. A quarter of an hour later, at a junction, keep left. After 3½ hours, you arrive at the Cabane de la Baight de St-Cours (1560 m; shepherds only, June-September), located at the border. About 4 hours in, you cross a stream on a bridge. This is the last water source before the high pass. The highest point of the stage is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Ayous|wikidata=Q2981981}} (2185 m; 5½ hr or more). On its eastern slope lie the Ayous Lakes, including the scenic Refuge d'Ayous. It's an ideal place to break this long stage. The Col d'Ayous also marks a transition point between valleys: from the Chemin de la Mâture and Baigt de Sencours in the Aspe Valley to Bious-Artigues (1540 m) in the Ossau Valley, where pony rides and canoe rentals are available on the eastern shore. The lake is 6½ km from the pass (↧ 764 m). From the pass, you can also summit Pic d'Ayous (add 30 min up and down), or detour 6 km to Lac Bersau — a longer alternative via the Vallon d'Aas is 9 km. From the lake, descend on the D231 road, which includes switchbacks that can be shortcut. (Note: Refuge de Gabas is permanently closed.) The stage ends in {{Marker|name=Gabas|wikidata=Q5515276|type=city}}, which offers two accommodations and a bar, but no grocery store. Located on bus route 806/806bis from Col de Portalet via Gabas to Laruns (15 km). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Ayous|url=https://www.refuge-ayous.fr/en-gb|lat=42.84844763797708|long=-0.4911758258903634|10 minutes off the GR10 near Lac Gentau (6½ hr). This refuge offers 47 beds and tent spaces and is open from mid-May to the first week of October.}} === Gabas - Gourette === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9-10 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1150 m This is a long and difficult stage, not suitable for children. The Corniche des Alhas section requires a head for heights. Snow may linger into summer, making it hard to follow the waymarks. Water is scarce during the first four hours. The trail follows the D934 road to the Artouste dam, then climbs through forest paths (1¼ hr). Some parts pass through cliff-side ledges carved into the rock — the Corniche des Alhas — which have fixed cables for safety. An easier alternative bypasses the Corniche via the Pont du Goua and the Gave de Soussouéou. After 1¾ hr, you reach a bridge near the Gave de Soussouéou waterfalls (1145 m). From here, a steep trail leads up to Houn de Mouscabarous (1361 m; 2¾ hr), continuing uphill to Petite Arcizette (2293 m). Snow may persist at these elevations until July. After 6½-7 hr, you arrive at the Hourquette d'Arre (2465 m). Important: The path shown on some maps to the Géougue d'Arre (2619 m) is a mountaineering route, not a hiking trail. An alternative route avoids the Hourquette d'Arre altogether: from the Cabane de Cézy, follow the red-and-white GR10 then switch to the red/yellow-marked GRP Tour de la Vallée d'Ossau, over the Col de Lurdé to Eaux-Bonnes (overnight possible) and Gourette (also served by Bus 806). The GR10 does not go directly to Lac d'Uzious, but instead heads roughly north-northeast across a plateau, before turning east to descend. After about 8 hours, you reach Lac d'Anglas (2068 m), from where the trail continues along the outflow, then branches off to the right. After over 9 hours, you arrive in the ski resort of {{Marker|type=city|name=Gourette|wikidata=Q1540224|url=https://www.gourette.com/en/}} (1350 m). Ski resort with two supermarkets; gas cartridges available at Intersport. Mostly closed outside the main season. Served in-season by Bus 806 (twice daily) from Parking Gourette Nord to Eaux-Bonnes, Laruns, and Pau. If needed, you can exit the trail early at the upper parking area (which has a bus stop) and start the next stage from there. * {{listing|type=sleep|lat=42.9595015138|long=-0.333960997149|name=Chalet-refuge CAF|phone=+33 5 59 05 10 56|url=https://chaletdegourette.ffcam.fr/|content=Mountain refuge with 32 beds in 4 dorms. €16.50/night (€8.25 for Alpine Club members) + €0.90 tourist tax.}} === Gourette - Arrens-Marsous === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m This is a relatively easy stage that crosses two mountain passes: the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Tortes|lat=42.959773462638644|long=-0.3187601158279607}} (1799 m; 1¾ hr), and later, after crossing the D918 (popular with cyclists but too busy to follow safely), the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Saucède|lat=42.95972945620746|long=-0.31869998400517197}} (1525 m; 3 hr 20 min). Ten minutes after descending from this second pass, you'll reach a restaurant and gîte de séjour at the Col de Soulor on the D918 road. From Col de Saucède, hikers can also make a short detour to summit the Pointe de Surgatte (1805 m; 90-100 minutes round trip). Near the Pont de Lapadé, you can either cross the Gave d'Arrens or continue down into the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Arrens-Marsous|wikidata=Q1110649}}. Features tourist information and public toilets at the Maison Val d'Azun (Tel. +33 5 62 97 49 49). The village also has an outdoor swimming pool. A hiking festival, [https://www.eldorando.fr/ Eldorado], is held every two years for four days in late May. Call +33 800 65 65 00 by 17:00 the day before for weekday on-demand shuttle service to Lourdes. Points of interest include the Romanesque Saint-Pierre Church (parts dating to 1200) and the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Pouey-Laün, a pilgrimage chapel located 600 m south along the D105. The area is part of both the Natura 2000 conservation network (Gabizos and the Arrens Valley) and the core zone of the Pyrenees National Park. For a longer option, you can extend this stage to Gîte les Viellettes (2¼ h further), making a total of 20.5 km (8½ hr; ↥ 1250 m, ↧ 1530 m). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=GCU Campground|address=26 Rue des Paus, 65400 Arrens-Marsous|lat=42.9573380888|long=-0.213247116377|phone=+33 5 62 97 43 06|url=https://www.gcu.asso.fr/terrains/arrens-marsous-hautes-pyrénées-65|content=Simple tent campground on the edge of town.}} === Arrens-Marsous - Refuge d'Ilhéou === ; Distance : 20 km ; Duration : 6¾-7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 500 m From Arrens-Marsous (3½ km from the previous endpoint), you can follow the official GR10 or the more scenic GR de Pays Tour du Val d'Azun. The latter is slightly shorter but includes more climbs. Both routes rejoin shortly before the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape les Viellettes|lat=42.9219519144924|long=-0.1818867608457627}} (2¼ h; 15 beds). About 700 m further on is the simple tent site La Pose (open May-September). The official GR10 route passes through {{Marker|type=city|name=Estaing|wikidata=Q589628}}, a commune that includes three Natura 2000 protected areas: “Gaves de Pau et de Cauterets,” “Moun Né de Cauterets, Pic de Cabaliros,” and “Péguère, Barbat, Cambalès.” From here, the trail enters the core zone of the Pyrenees National Park. You ascend toward Lac d'Estaing. Just before the lake is a guesthouse open Thursday-Sunday, 09:00-17:00 (summer only). On the far shore is another restaurant (open 10:00-18:00) and Camping Intercommunal. Brave hikers may try a swim in the cold waters. The trail now climbs steeply through forest to the Cabane d'Arriousec (1400 m; 4 hr). Another hour uphill takes you past the Cabanes de Barbat (left of the path), then a final climb brings you to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Ilhéou|wikidata=Q2981991}} (2242 m; 6 hr or more). Just 5 minutes below the pass, you can turn left to reach the Crête du Lys, where the Courbet cable car operates in July and August. This offers access to the ski resort Cauterets-Le Lys (with a summer luge track) or direct descent into the town of Cauterets. On foot, descend to the stream near the Cabanes d'Arras (6½-7 hr). Turn right there and cross two more streams. The path then descends to Lac d'Ilhéou. At the lake's northern shore is the staffed Refuge d'Ilhéou. A designated bivouac area (aire de bivouac) is located about 10 minutes further south along the lake. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Ilhéou (Refuge Raymond-Ritter)|url=https://www.refuge-ilheou.csvss.fr/en/home|phone=+33 5 62 92 07 18|lat=42.86604614112533|long=-0.17358356545105466|content=Altitude 1988 m. 22 beds. Open from late May to late September.}} === Refuge d'Ilhéou - Cauterets === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 2½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 75 ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m This is a leisurely downhill walk that brings you gently back to civilization in {{Marker|type=city|name=Cauterets|url=https://www.cauterets.com/en/?to_lang=en|wikidata=Q366962}}. Scenic spa town with plenty of amenities, including a historic wooden railway station (now closed), a cinema, casino, and more. The tourist office is open M-Sa from 09:00-12:30 and 14:00-18:00. A special Office de la Montagne - Terre d'Alpinisme opens during the summer season. Cauterets flourished during the late 19th and early 20th centuries thanks to its thermal springs. The municipality operates two spas: Thermes de César in the village center and Thermes des Griffons in nearby La Raillère. Accommodation options include three gîtes d'étape and Camping la Prairie. Local buses run every 30 minutes from June to October. Regional connections are available to Lourdes, Luz-Saint-Sauveur, and Gavarnie. A shuttle to Pont d'Espagne departs four times daily from the old train station. The 30 km former railway line from Pierrefitte to Cauterets has been converted into a multi-use bike and hiking path. === Cauterets - Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 100 m This is a demanding stage. From Cauterets, take the path behind the Thermes de César and head south. After 1¼ hr you reach the hamlet of La Raillère (1044 m), where there are restaurants and a sulfur spa. Cross the bridge and continue up into the Val de Jéret, passing several waterfalls. The trail leads to the Hôtellerie du Pont d'Espagne (3 hr). From there, descend briefly along the road before turning right and ascending into the valley toward Lac de Gaube (1725 m, 4 hr). The path crosses the stream three times via bridges as you continue toward the refuge. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube|wikidata=Q109042828}} === Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube - Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400 m About 50 m from the refuge, the trail begins a steady one-hour climb over rocky terrain. At a fork (65 min), stay right and continue ascending. The {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Hourquette d'Ossoue|wikidata=Q3141336}} (2734 m) marks the highest point on the entire GR10. Even in mid-summer, snow often lingers here. After 20 minutes of descent, you reach the Refuge Baysselance. '''Ascending Vignemale from here via the Glacier d'Ossoue is only for experienced mountaineers.''' From the pass, the route heads southeast, passing the Grottes de Bellevue (2420 m; 3 hr), artificial caves carved in 1880 by the explorer Henry Russell. The trail descends steeply to a stream, then follows it into a boulder field fed by glacial melt from the Glacier d'Ossoue. The descent into the valley involves frequent climbs around cliffs and waterfalls. You enter the Vallée de la Canau (5 hr or more) and pass the Cabane de Sausse-Dessus. The next hour includes more ups and downs until you reach the Cabane des Tousaus (6¾ hr or more). From there, cross a final ridge to reach the D923 road and descend to the stage endpoint, Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle. If you need more accommodation or supplies, continue to the main village of {{Marker|name=Gavarnie|wikidata=Q917894|type=city}}. From Gavarnie, you can take a day trip (or a bus from Luz-Saint-Sauveur) into the famed Cirque de Gavarnie. It's also possible to ascend Le Taillon (3146 m) from here for experienced climbers. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge Baysselance|url=https://refugebayssellance.ffcam.fr/|wikidata=Q3423105|content=(2651 m), which offers 58 beds and is staffed from mid-May to mid-October}} === Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle - Luz-Saint-Sauveur === ; Distance : 26 km ; Duration : 8-9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 700-900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1500-1660 m Starting from Gavarnie village (via the D128 road) instead of the refuge shortens the route by 3 km (approx. 1 hr). The trail first leads to the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape le Saugué|url=https://www.gite-gavarnie-pyrenees.com/|lat=42.76864577103755|long=-0.005915232017950625}}, located on the Plateau Soula de Saugue (1¾ hr). This is a good option to break up the stage — the gîte has 21 beds and is open May to October. The route winds northward, passing the Soum Haut (3¾ h), then descends gradually along the western slope of the Gavarnie Valley. After 5¾-6 hr, you reach the D921 road. Cross the Gave de Gavarnie via the Pont d'Esdouroucats and ascend again to a path above the highway. From the south, you enter {{Marker|type=city|name=Luz-Saint-Sauveur|wikidata=Q35721506|url=https://www.luz.org/en/}} via the Pont Napoléon (755 m; 7½ hr), a dramatic bridge across the gorge. Well-equipped mountain town. The town has several historic churches, as well as a campsite with a grocery store. The Prime Meridian passes about 100 m east of the center. Numerous lodgings, 6 campgrounds, 2 supermarkets, and Intersport (gas cartridges). Bus 965 connects to Cauterets, Lourdes, and Tarbes. Bus to Barèges also available. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Saint Bazerque|address=Sia|phone=+33 5 62 92 49 93|url=https://campingsaintbazerque.eatbu.com/?lang=de|lat=42.83178828384746|long=0.0015462182938111647|content=Campground with grocery shop (mountain cheese), bar, and caravan spaces. Open 08:00-17:00.}} === Luz-Saint-Sauveur - Barèges === ; Distance : 12 km ; Duration : 4½-5 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m To extend this stage, continue to Refuge d'Aygues Cluses for a total of 19 km (7½ hr; ↥ 1560 m, ↧ 140 m). Though short, this stage begins with a relatively long and steep ascent. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Ruisseau de Bolou|lat=42.858690489195055|long=0.06773411839157908}} (1460 m). On the descent, hikers can stop for refreshments at the [https://refugedelaglere.ffcam.fr/ Refuge de la Glère]. This stage ends at {{Marker|type=city|name=Barèges|wikidata=Q632058|url=https://www.mairie-bareges.fr/en/}}. Composed of the hamlets of Artigalas and Cazaous, Barèges serves as a spa and mountain village. The local river, the Bastan, is called the gave. Note: the Jardin botanique du Tourmalet and the 1930s funicular are now closed. The town's website includes an accommodation and restaurant directory * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape l'Oasis|lat=42.897422977|long=0.067278671719|address=2 Passage des Toys|phone=+33 5 62 92 69 47|url=https://www.gite-oasis.fr/|content=Open June-September, and also December-April during ski season (Barèges is part of the Domaine du Tourmalet ski area).}} === Barèges - Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : route-dependent 7¾-9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m The trail begins by climbing above the road toward the ski station at Tournaboup (1 hr). It then veers south and ascends steadily. Good stopping points include the Cabane d'Aygues and, 10 km further on, the Chalet-Hôtel d'Orédon. This stage enters the Néouvielle Nature Reserve, where dogs and wild camping are strictly forbidden. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Madamète|wikidata=Q102076283}} (2509 m). From there, the path descends between alpine lakes: {{Marker|type=see|name=Lac d'Aumar|wikidata=Q3215322}} and Lac d'Aubert (5¾ h, 2190 m). A shuttle bus runs up to this point in high season, and there's an info panel at the end of the access road. Here, the trail splits into two variants: * Variant 1: continues along Lac d'Aumar * Variant 2: detours south to the tip of Lac d'Aubert, then along the northern shore of Les Laguettes and Lac d'Orédon (6¾ h, 1856 m; camping and hotel at the south end) Both variants rejoin at the Cap d'Estoudou pass (2260 m), followed by a steep descent. A short detour from the pass allows for an ascent of Soump de Montpelat (↥ 214 m). The path continues steeply downhill to Lac de l'Oule (1821 m; 7¾ hr or more). From here, head right to reach Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Cabane d'Aygues|url=https://refugeayguescluses.wordpress.com/|lat=42.87577795732996|long=0.15008320916912823}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Chalet-Hôtel d'Orédon|url=https://www.chalet-oredon.fr/|lat=42.82616251586139|long=0.1692328508499207|content=open June 1 - Sept 30; 88 beds}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule|url=https://refugedeloule.fr/|lat=42.824769697482445|long=0.20752501478344024|content=Altitude 1819 m. Located at the dam wall. Open mid-June to mid-September. 20 beds and a bar.}} === Refuge-Hôtel de l'Oule - Vielle-Aure === ; Distance : 17-18 km ; Duration : 5-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 460 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400-1500 m From the refuge, the route follows the western shore of Lac de l'Oule. GR10C variant: After 1½ hr, there is a signed detour to the [http://refugedebastan.fr/ Cabane de Bastan]. The main trail turns directly east and climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Portet|wikidata=Q42178369}} (2215 m; 2¾ hr). From here, it continues eastward, descending gently to the Pla de Castillon, then more steeply down to the D918 road (4½ hr or more) and onward to the stage endpoint {{Marker|type=city|name=Vielle-Aure|wikidata=Q1323900|url=https://vielleaure.com/}}, an historic village with two Romanesque churches: Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Pierre (in the Agos neighbourhood), both dating to the 12th century. Bus connections to Saint-Lary-Soulan and Lannemezan (35 km). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Hôtel Aurélia|lat=42.825852030|long=0.32776424175|phone=+33 5 62 39 56 90|url=https://www.hotel-aurelia.com/|content=Simple, hiker-friendly hotel in town.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping La Mousquère|lat=42.8273932992|long=0.33590955638|address=Nougaro, Autun, 65170 Bourisp|url=https://www.campinglamousquere.com/|content=Open May 8 - last weekend of September.}} * There are three more campsites within 2 km north along the river valley. Just 1 km south, the larger and livelier {{Marker|name=Saint-Lary-Soulan|wikidata=Q1323323|type=city}} offers a broader range of shops, accommodations, and services. The tourist information office is at the roundabout in the center; the supermarket is across the street. The wooden bus stop shelter is discreetly located about 50 m away, opposite the modern church on Avenue des Thermes. === Vielle-Aure - Germ === ; Distance : 13 km ; Duration : 4¾-5¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1170 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 630-700 m This is a straightforward, though poorly marked, stage that runs parallel to the D225 up to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Azet|wikidata=Q2981982}} (1600 m). From the pass, the route continues down to [https://www.vallee-du-louron.com/fr Loudenvielle], a village with shops, an outdoor pool, and the Balnéa Spa complex (open 14:00-19:30; €21 for 2 hours). Note: during the [https://www.pyreneesbikefestival.com/ Pyrenees Bike Festival] in early September, the area is overrun with mountain bikers. The final 2-3 km involve a climb of about 220 m up to the hamlet of {{Marker|name=Germ|wikidata=Q1094205|type=city}}. Altitude 1339 m. A small village with 34 year-round residents, but many second homes and guest beds. Two old churches are worth visiting. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Centre de Montagne de Germ|lat=42.793610431|long=0.425057973260|address=D130|phone=+33 5 62 99 65 27|url=https://www.germ-louron.com/|content=Open year-round. 70 beds in a large mountain center.}} * Auberge de Germ, a guesthouse with 11 rooms (33 beds), open year-round. * {{listing|type=see|name=Peyresourde-Balestas Airfield (Aérodrome de Peyragudes)|wikidata=Q5659350|content=Also known as Altiport 007, as a James Bond film was shot here in 1997. The 470 m runway has a 15% gradient and is also used for paragliding.}} === Germ - Lac d'Oô === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 6-7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1060 m This stage and the next are strenuous. They can be divided into thirds with overnight stops at the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Granges d'Astau|lat=42.76352657695474|long=0.5024399621092607}} (open May-Oct; 26 beds) and the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Espingo|url=https://refugedespingo.ffcam.fr/|wikidata=Q104413940}} (1967 m; 44 beds, mid-May-Oct; 15 emergency shelter places off-season). Camping is allowed near the lake. Around the refuge is a “classic” mountaineering loop over the Pic des Spijeoles (3008 m), Grand Quayrat (3060 m), down to Lac du Portillon (2571 m) and the glacial Lac Glacé d'Oô (2664 m). After the initial climb out of Germ, you enter the Val d'Aube. Follow the river on the left-hand side; after 1¾ hr, across the valley (250 m away), lies the Cabane d'Ourtiga (1610 m). The route ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Couret d'Esquierry|lat=42.75523440839548|long=0.4627935235857289}} (2131 m; 3½ hr), where you cross into the Haute-Garonne department. After 4 hr, you reach the Cabane du Val d'Esquierry. From there, follow the D76 road down to the Granges d'Astau and an auberge (1139 m; 5 hr). In July and August, a morning bus runs up from Luchon and returns in the evening. The stage ends at {{Marker|type=see|name=Lac d'Oô|wikidata=Q3215352}}, a scenic 42-hectare lake situated at an altitude of 1,507 m within the Natura 2000 reserve “Vallées du Lis, de la Pique et d'Oô.” Renowned since the 19th century for its spectacular waterfall, the lake is a popular destination for its natural beauty. Due to its protected status, camping, swimming, and dogs are not permitted in the area. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Lac d'Oô|address=|phone=+33 7 84 56 55 88|lat=42.744558752|long=0.490915210685|content=Reached in about 6 hr. By the lake shore at 1504 m.}} === Lac d'Oô - Bagnères-de-Luchon === ; Distance : 19-21 km ; Duration : 7-9¼ h ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000-1130 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1900-2000 m After Refuge d'Espingo, the trail becomes more difficult, with several rocky scree sections. You skirt the northern slopes of Hourquette des Hounts-Secs (2275 m). Optional detour: From here, a 15-minute ascent (each way) leads to Cap de Bassiéret. You continue over the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Coume de Bourg|lat=42.787224318|long=0.51785762473}} (2272 m, 4¾ hr or more), which may retain snow well into the summer. Optional summit detours from the pass: * Pic Céciré, 45 minutes up and down to the north * Subescale, 40 minutes up and down to the south After 5½+ hours, you reach (1802 m) Superbagnères, a summer-only (July-August) mountain hotel serving the ski area. While it offers meals and lodging, prices are high. The massive historic building can also be reached by gondola lift from Luchon, replacing the old cog railway. The {{Marker|type=go|name=Gondola base station in Luchon|lat=42.78789198327501|long=0.5908142174347624}} is located on the western edge of town and operates daily from 08:30 to 18:00 during the summer season. If descending on foot, it is a steep 1200 m drop to reach {{Marker|name=Bagnères-de-Luchon|wikidata=Q238393|type=city}}. This spa town marks the end of the central Pyrenean segment of the GR10. Regular bus services run to Montréjeau, where you can connect by train to Toulouse. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Superbagnères|url=https://www.villagesclubsdusoleil.com/fr/nos-destinations/hiver/sejour-a-la-montagne/superbagneres|wikidata=Q844809}} === Bagnères-de-Luchon - Artigue === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 2½-3 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 50 m From the church in Luchon, head left along the footpath by the L'One river, crossing the road bridge toward Juzet-de-Luchon. Optional detour: Visit the waterfall in Juzet-de-Luchon. The trail continues via Sode to the day's highest point at the stage destination {{Marker|name=Artigue|wikidata=Q1088729|type=city}}. Altitude 1230 m. A small mountain village with a municipal gîte d'étape, open year-round, offering 12 dormitory beds and evening meals at the on-site restaurant. === Artigue - Fos === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 7½-8½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1100 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1750 m The first half of this stage is a steady climb of over 1000 meters, initially on a gravel track. After 1¼ hours, you reach the Cabane de Saunères (1660 m), a basic mountain shelter. One hour later, you arrive at the Col de Peyrehitte (1947 m). The trail continues along an exposed ridge around the Pic de Bacanère (2193 m; 3 hr or more), passing border markers 402-404. After the Col d'Aou (2093 m; 3½-4 hr), the trail descends gradually across open alpine meadows. At the Cabane d'Artigue (5 hr or more), potable water is available. Below this point, the path winds down gently through a series of switchbacks, eventually crossing a road bridge into {{Marker|name=Fos|wikidata=Q1349025|type=city}}. Altitude 544 m. Small village with weekday bus service to Melles and Saint-Gaudens (railway connections to Pau and Toulouse). Alternative route (former GR10): From the Cabane d'Artigue, you can divert to the Cabane d'Artiguessans, then descend steeply to the Ruisseau de la Batch before climbing back up to rejoin the GR10. This saves about 15 minutes and 70 m of elevation gain. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte de Fos|wikidata=Q3162431|lat=42.873845424|long=0.73442375047|phone=+33 5 61 94 98 59|content=Offers 20 dormitory beds, open year-round.}} === Fos - Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing === ; Distance : 18 km ; Duration : 6½-8 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1700 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m It's a good idea to stock up on supplies in {{Marker|name=Melles|wikidata=Q1616421|type=city}}, which you reach after about 45 minutes. From the old customs house, the trail climbs steeply. Auberge de Crabère offers a comfortable stop. * {{listing|type=see|name=Botanical Garden (À Fleur de Montagne)|wikidata=Q3162431|url=https://mairie-de-melles.wixsite.com/mairie-de-melles/le-jardin-botanique|content=Small but charming community-run garden specializing in Pyrenean alpine flora. Open in summer, 10:00-19:00.}} From Melles, a narrow road leads uphill to the last farmhouse at Labach (2¼ hr). The next 2 hours or more are mostly through forest, climbing steadily. After about 5 hours, you reach the Cabane d'Uls shelter. The path continues uphill to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Pas du Bouc}} (2170 m; 6+ h). Optional summit detour: From here, the {{Marker|type=see|name=Pic de Crabère|wikidata=Q3382364}} (2629 m) can be climbed in about 90 minutes round-trip. Brown bears have been reintroduced to this area. The highest point of the day is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Auéran|lat=42.835385392840536|long=0.860341080714231}} (2176 m), which also marks the border into the Ariège department. From here, it's a quick descent to Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing|url=http://www.refuge-araing.fr/|wikidata=Q3423195|content=Altitude 1956 m. Open June 1 to October 5. 52 beds, plus a 12-bed shelter area available off-season. Advance bookings accepted for groups on the two weekends before/after opening.}} === Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing - Eylie-d'en-Haut === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 3-4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1320 m From the lake and refuge, the trail climbs to the Serre d'Araing (2221 m; 1 hr). Optional detour: Summit of Pic de l'Har (2424 m), approximately 50 minutes round-trip. The descent into the valley follows faintly marked trails to the left of the power lines. Along the way, you'll encounter remnants of former lead mining operations. After about 2¾ hours, you cross a bridge and reach {{Marker|name=Eylie d'en Haut|wikidata=Q134078264|type=city}}, a small hamlet with a 14-bed hut, picnic area, and a basic campsite located by the Lez river. === Eylie-d'en-Haut - Maison du Valier, Pla de la Lau === ; Distance : 17 km ; Duration : 8¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1700 m A strenuous stage with no food or lodging options along the way. The trail starts by crossing the Lez river, then turns sharply left and begins to climb through open terrain. After about 50 minutes, you cross a stream and ascend through forest for just over an hour. In autumn, the woods are full of blueberries—a favourite of the brown bears reintroduced here in the 1990s. At a stone shelter (1660 m; 2½ hr), the trail forks. The GR10 continues to the right, up to the Col de l'Arech (1802 m; 3 hr or more). From there, the path turns left. Optional detours: * South to Tuc de Cagonilles (2196 m; 80 minutes round trip) * From there, to the challenging Mail de Bulard (2750 m; 3 hours round trip) After a short ridge walk, descend to the shepherd's hut Cabane d'Arech (1638 m; 3½ hr). From here, follow the access track down, then branch left down a steep, gorse-covered slope. After 4 hours, you reach a stream. About 40 minutes later, the ruins of Flouquet (1680 m) come into view. Continue to Cabane de Besset (1540 m; 6 hr or more), then ascend again for 45 minutes to Cabane Clot du Lac (1821 m; 7 hr). Passing the huts Cabane du Trapech-du-Milieu (1540 m) and Cabane de l'Artigue, you arrive at Maison du Valier. The Mont Valier massif is a protected area of interest to birdwatchers. It hosts a variety of mountain bird species, including rare birds of prey, bearded vultures, and alpine species such as ptarmigans, black grouse, and capercaillie. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Maison du Valier|lat=42.83084702593266|long=1.032510054490613|url=https://maison-valier.fr/|wikidata=|content=Altitude 927 m, located on the Pla de la Lau. Open March-October. Reception hours 16:00-19:30. 40 beds.}} === Maison du Valier, Pla de la Lau - Esbintz === ; Distance : 18 km ; Duration : 7¼-9¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200-1350 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300-1490 m A demanding stage with significant elevation gain and loss. The trail climbs from Maison du Valier, following the high northern slopes along the ridges of Cap de Lauses (1892 m), Pic de Crabère (1925 m), and the Col d'Auédole (1730 m). After more than 7 hours, you arrive at {{Marker|type=city|lat=42.85332|long=1.14584|name=Esbintz}}. === Esbintz - Refuge d'Aula === ; Distance : 19 km ; Duration : 6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 500 m This and the following stage offer spectacular scenery in good weather. From Esbintz, follow the D817 for the first 2 km to Borde de Galy. From here, you could take a detour to Seix (4 km) by continuing on the D817, then the D37, and turning right onto the D3, where you'll rejoin the GR10 near the Pont du Salat. Continue mostly downhill through the countryside, crossing the Pont du Salat to reach Moulin Lauga (550 m; 2 hr), which has a bakery and picnic area. Alternatively, you can rest 1½ h later at the Auberge des Deux Rivières. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Esbintz|url=https://www.gite-ferme-esbintz.fr/|lat=42.85315143224526|long=1.1459188949749635|content=850 m. Dormitory with 10 beds. Open May-November.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge des Deux Rivières|phone=+33 5 61 66 83 57|url=https://www.aubergedesdeuxrivieres.com/|lat=42.83210657498069|long=1.1982318103146805|content=Open late May to late September}} === Refuge d'Aula - Rouze === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 4½-5 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 700 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m Fit hikers can combine this stage with the previous one from Gîte d'étape d'Aunac (787 m), resulting in a 30 km day with 11¼ hf walking time (↥ 1750, ↧ 1580 m). From Refuge d'Aula, it's a steep but manageable 1½ hr ascent to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Bouche d'Aula|lat=42.77695825493033|long=1.1180083284724134}} (1998 m), then a descent to the Étang d'Areau, 100 m lower. Optional: The Pic des Aymesses (2036 m) can be climbed from the east side of the lake. A farm road leads down to Faup, with shortcuts along the switchbacks, for instance near the Cabane d'Areau. Slightly below the Col de Pause (1527 m; 2¼ hr), there is a parking area. The {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Camp site Rigaux Philippe|lat=42.78997920829053|long=1.178432115744275}} lies just below the hamlet of Faup. From Faup, descend along the D708 toward {{Marker|name=Couflens|wikidata=Q1142090|type=city}}, but before reaching the D3 junction, cross the bridge and climb on the opposite slope to Gîte de Rouze d'Ustou. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte de Rouze d'Ustou|lat=42.789696616|long=1.20592416901|address=Prat de la Moule, Rouze d'Ustou, 09140 Couflens|phone=+33561669545|url=https://www.ferme-de-rouze.fr/|content=16 beds. Cheese from the farm. Open mid-June to mid-September.}} === Rouze - Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou === ; Distance : 8.4 km ; Duration : 3-4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m Follow the stream uphill for about 1¾ hr to reach the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Serre du Cot}} (1546 m). Optional side trips: * To the south, ascend the Pic de la Tese (2255 m; ↥↧ 3 hr or more). * To the north, climb the Tuc de Peyre Mensongère (1711 m; ↥↧ 40 min). From the pass, descend left onto a forest path, passing a few ruined farmhouses. The route eventually reaches the D38 road and leads into {{Marker|type=city|name=Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou|wikidata=Q109571916}}. === Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou - Aulus-les-Bains === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9 hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400 m The hike begins at the southern end of Saint-Lizier. After crossing the pedestrian bridge, the trail climbs southeast to the Col de Fitté (1387 m), a former ski area. From there, it continues along the right side of the slope. One alternative route begins at {{listing|type=city|name=Bidous|lat=42.78257178128407|long=1.2700395937419484}}, following the Alet river south and then climbing steeply for over 2 hours to reach the Col de Fitté, where it rejoins the GR 10. The trail curves around the southwest side of the Picou de la Mire (1741 m) and reaches the Col d'Escots (1618 m) after 3¾ hr. The nearby Chalet de Beauregard restaurant is open from late May to September, 10:00-23:00. Afterwards, the path continues up and down along steep slopes until it reaches the Ruisseau de Fouillet valley (4½ hr). The Jasse du Fouillet crossing (1170 m) is reached after at least 5 h. For a shorter option, follow the yellow-red waymarks of the Tour du Val du Garbet. This leads to the D8F road and directly into Aulus-les-Bains (7 hr from Saint-Lizier). The main route continues toward the plateau of Souliou and the Pic du Mont Rouge (1600 m). A side trip to Étang de Guzet offers a possible bivouac site. The trail then descends toward the Ruisseau d'Ars (1485 m), crosses a bridge, and continues downward. After a second bridge (8½ hr), the path becomes easier. A final bridge, Pont de la Mouline, crosses the Garbet River just before the trail enters {{Marker|type=city|name=Aulus-les-Bains|wikidata=Q1082493|url=https://www.loubet.fr/saint-lizier.html}}, a small spa town with a mini market at the traffic circle near the bridge and a tourist office next door. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte Pyrénées AAA|lat=42.779696032|long=1.2690230044|url=https://giteslareng.net/|address=Lareng, 09140 Ustou|phone=+33967838934|content=14 places in upscale cottages for 2-4 people.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Cascade d'Ars|lat=42.762922493744796|long=1.3615038669340882|content=260 m high waterfalls in multiple tiers, located 4½ km from Aulus. Takes 3-9 hr round-trip to hike to them (↥ 530 m).}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping municipal le Coulédous|lat= 42.7940356892|long=1.3321660893|url=http://www.camping-aulus-couledous.com/|content=Also offers bungalows for 4-7 people. The gîte d'étape is a 12-person tent.}} === Aulus-les-Bains - Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès === ; Distance : 11 km ; Duration : 5 hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m The route climbs out of Aulus-les-Bains to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Port de Saleix|lat=42.78143117676052|long=1.4043285766664242}}, where you'll find the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Refuge de Carol|lat=42.7813|long=1.4146}}. From here, the ascent becomes steeper. The following section to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Port de Bassiès|lat=42.772502271037204|long=1.411691910311851}} is demanding but scenically rewarding. This area lies within the Mont-Calme nature reserve, where camping is prohibited. === Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès - Marc === ; Distance : variable ; Duration : 3½-5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1385 ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1385 This stage and the following one include several alternative routes and shortcuts that can be combined. From the refuge, the GR-10 leads southeast along a slightly rocky trail for just over three kilometers, following the chain of lakes. At the outflow of the last lake, the Étang d'Escalès, the GR-10 bends to the right. Along the stream, there's an opportunity to descend toward the main road and the village of Auzat. Another descent option to the road appears about 2 km further along the GR-10. The main trail makes a sharp turn southward. From the aqueduct (1160 m; 2¼ h4), the route maintains an elevation just below 1200 m for around 4 km, before descending the final 1½ km into the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Marc|lat=42.71687694132801|long=1.449593121067756}}, cutting across the switchbacks of the road. The Gîte Retrouvance de Mouret (12 places) is available for group bookings only. From {{listing|type=city|name=Auzat|wikidata=Q1082539}}, one can rejoin the GR-10 by heading 4 km south to Artiès and climbing back up. This avoids a significant part of the next stage. Alternatively, walking 6 km to Marc allows one to resume the full stage. To skip this stage, it is possible to go from Auzat directly to Goulier via two routes: one through Olbier (4.4 km), the other 6.1 km. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès|url=https://refugedebassies.fr/|content=1933 m. Open late May to September.|lat=42.76509|long=1.413221}} === Marc - Goulier === ; Distance : 24.3 km ; Duration : 6-9 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m From Marc, follow the path to Mounicou. A shelter is located a short way beyond, along the D8. This is where the ascent begins. After a few hundred meters, you can turn right at the {{Marker|type=go |name=Turn right|lat=42.71|long=1.4575}} marker and stay on the west side of Les Caldelets. From the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Orri de Tignalbu|lat=42.69417|long=1.46296}}, which has a water source, the path becomes very poor. The main GR-10 trail continues uphill to the Refuge de Prunadière (1615 m, 2 hr). Be sure to refill your water here. From there, it leads to a junction above the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Artiès|lat=42.7362|long=1.4793}} shelter (985 m, 3¼ hr). The path ascends steadily, passing the ruins of Pradières-d'en-bas, and arrives at Étang d'Izurt. A cable car runs to the lake. After a short climb, it's around 14 km downhill to {{Marker|type=city |name=Goulier|wikidata=Q1015676}} (moh 370 m), which is part of the Val-de-Sos commune. You can shorten the main trail from Prunadière by climbing steeply left past the buildings, gaining 450 m of elevation. About 2 hr later, you'll rejoin the GR-10 at Coumasses-Grandes. This shortcut saves roughly 8 km and bypasses Étang d'Izurt. === Goulier - Siguer === ; Distance : 13 km ; Duration : 3¼-4¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 416 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 830 m From Goulier, the trail ascends toward the Col de Risoul, then the Col de Esquérus, and continues to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de Grail|lat=42.75360457229|long=1.5321300362453}}. Near this pass is a shelter, an information board, and a water source located 250 m off the path. The route then climbs to the highest point of the day at the Col de Lercoul (1549 m). From here, the trail descends through the hamlet of Lercoul. A footpath south of the winding road leads downhill to the village of {{Marker|name=Siguer|wikidata=Q1375974|type=city}}, home to Café Rouse and several accommodations. === Siguer - Plateau de Beille === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 2400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m This demanding stage involves three steep descents and offers no accommodation along the route, only five basic shelters. From Siguer, the trail climbs steeply to Gestiès (40 min), where you should fill up on water. The path crosses the road three times on the way up. After a long ascent, you reach the Pla de Montcamp (1904 m; 3¾ hr). Past the Col du Sasc (1798 m), the trail traverses the flank of the Pic du Col Taillat. Water is again available at the Cabane de Courtal Marti, though trail markings on this high section can be vague. The trail descends to the Cabane de Balledreyt (1600 m; 2 sleeping places), reached after another 20 minutes. After about 7½ hours, the trail descends to the D520A road at 1040 m elevation. A detour to the villages of Aston (14 km, with a campground) or Les Cabannes (15.8 km, with a year-round gîte d'étape) is possible around the 4¼-hour mark. Les Cabannes has a train connection to Mérens-les-Vals or Foix. After crossing the bridge, the GR-10 climbs again via a forest trail. A water source is marked and located about two minutes off the trail, just past a large boulder reached after 9+ hours. The trail continues across a ridge to the Cabane d'Artaran (1695 m). Shortly afterward, you reach the ski area at the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Plateau de Beille|lat=42.72473998587668|long=1.6911435704342077}}, where the Cabane Beille is located. This area is accessible via the D522 road loop and popular with day hikers. === Plateau de Beille - Refuge du Rulhe === ; Distance : 14 km ; Duration : 4¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m It's recommended to start this exposed stage early in the day to avoid afternoon summer thunderstorms. The trail remains around or above 2000 m throughout. The highest point is the summit of the {{Marker|type=see |name=Crête des Isards|lat=42.65012142232325|long=1.7389568668472413}} at 2381 m. The Refuge du Rulhe lies at the junction of several long-distance trails, including the Tour de Pays des Montagnes d'Ax from Ax-les-Thermes, the GR Transfrontalier from Andorra, and two routes from the Vallée d'Aston. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Rulhe|url=https://rulhe.com/|lat=42.6379904848182|long=1.725866639541228|content=53 places. Open late May to September. €16 per night, half board €45. Tel: +33 6 74 24 50 71}} === Refuge du Rulhe - Mérens-les-Vals === ; Distance : 12 km ; Duration : 4½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 360 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1500-1600 m '''Water is scarce at high elevation.''' From the refuge, the trail ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de Calmettes|lat=42.636915754134|long=1.7404819725150908}} (2318 m), mostly over scree. Cairns also serve as markers. The path descends to Étang Bleu, where it skirts the left side of the lake and climbs again to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Crête de la Lhasse|lat=42.6398816194571|long=1.768563885207408}} (2439 m). Afterward, it continues over scree for nearly 800 m of descent to the pond called l'Estangol, with a shelter above. {{Marker|name=Mérens-les-Vals|wikidata=Q662289|type=city}} is reached after the final descent. The ruins of the old Saint-Pierre church date back to the Napoleonic Wars. The village festival takes place on July 20. The village has a train stop on the Foix - Puigcerdà line. Located on the N-20. The natural hot springs are about 45 minutes away, although they were affected by rockfall in 2022. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge du Nabre|lat=42.65611004694209|long=1.8429807373614195|address=le village d'en haut, 09110 Mérens-les-Vals|phone=+33 5 61 01 89 36|url=https://www.aubergedunabre.com/|content=Guesthouse in the upper village.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping de Mérens|lat=42.64646601527881|long=1.8310245105731093|address=600 Ville de Bau, 09110 Mérens-les-Vals|phone=+33 5 61 02 85 40|url=http://www.camping.merenslesvals.fr/de/haus/|content=Open all year, 1.3 km south of the village.}} === Mérens-les-Vals - Refuge des Bésines === ; Distance : 10 km ; Duration : 4½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 260 m This demanding stage continues through high alpine terrain, with lots of rock and scree. From Mérens, the trail leads past Le Nabre to the hot springs. Afterward, the path climbs for nearly 3 hours. First, it reaches the Estangs (2056 m), then continues to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Porteille de Bésines|lat=42.6154502407948|long=1.872190036139089}} (2333 m). From this pass, the route is clearly signposted. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bésines|wikidata=Q11945073|url=https://refugebesines.ffcam.fr/|content=2104 m. 70 beds. Open June-September. Phone: +33 5 61 05 11 77.}} === Refuge des Bésines - Refuge des Bouillouses === ; Distance : 16.7 km ; Duration : 5½-6 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 660 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 760 m This high-level stage crosses several mountain passes and offers excellent panoramic views. The route first ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Coll de Coma d'Anyell|lat=42.60880012907595|long=1.8962468691063044}}, from where it is possible to climb Pic des Bésineilles (2632 m) in about ¾ hr round trip. The path then continues through the Lansolet basin (2234 m), past the Cabane de Rozet, and climbs again to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Portella de la Grava|lat=42.59935934341172|long=1.934453711010157}}. From there, it's a gentle 3-hour descent to the lakeside refuge at Bouillouses. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bésines|lat=42.6039|long=1.86853|content=56 dormitory beds, with 16 emergency shelter spots outside the season. Open June-September.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bouillouses|lat=42.559475002653095|long=2.00351938309043|url=https://www.lesbouillouses.com/|content=2003 m. 46 beds. Open June-September. Phone: +33 4 68 04 93 88.}} === Refuge des Bouillouses - Planès === ; Distance : 19 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 230 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m The descent is easy but not always well marked. After about 2¾ hours (1740 m), the GR-10 reaches the D618. About 700 m further, a right turn leads to Superbolquère, where food and lodging are available, including a supermarket and a gîte with 28 beds. The GR-10 continues downhill to the quiet D10C near {{Marker|name=Bolquère|wikidata=Q1101891|type=city}} (1628 m, 2¾ hr), where there is a public drinking fountain and an information board. The nearby Gare de Bolquère-Eyne (1593 m) is the highest railway stop in France, on the scenic “train jaune” line. Passing through the villages of La Perche and La Cabanasse (3½ hr), the route ends at the small village of {{Marker|name=Planès|wikidata=Q524705|type=city}}. No shops in the village. The nearby Pont Gisclard, opened in 1909, is a cable-stayed bridge on the Ligne de Cerdagne crossing the Têt river. The village is a stop on the “train jaune” railway. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=L'Orri de Planès|lat=42.490995503|long=2.1382908362|address=Casas del Mitg, 66210 Planès|phone=+33 4 68 04 29 47|content=Gîte with 16 dormitory beds and private rooms.}} === Planès - Refuge du Ras de la Carança === ; Distance : 15.3 km ; Duration : 5¾-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1170 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 870 m There are no supply options along this stage. The trail begins with a gentle ascent through pine forest into the high Riberola valley. It is advisable to refill your water at the Refuge de l'Orri. Above the Cabane d'Aixques, the route becomes steep as it climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col Mitja|wikidata=Q28381301}} (2376 m). From the pass, it is possible to summit Pic de Gallinas (2624 m, ↥↧ 90 min) or Pic Redoun (2677 m, ↥↧ 1 hr). The final 1½ hours involve a descent of about 500 m to the refuge. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Ras de la Carança|wikidata=Q28380908|address=142 rue de, 66360 Fontpédrouse|phone=+33 9 88 66 73 81|url=https://www.refugelacaranca.com/|content=1840 m. Open mid-May to mid-September. 13 emergency places available off-season. Connections to other trails: 7.7 km to Prats Balaguer, 8.5 km to Ull de Ter, 13.7 km to Carança, 10 km to Thuès-les-Bains via the gorge, and 12 km to Núria.}} === Refuge du Ras de la Carança - Mantet === ; Distance : 10 km ; Duration : 4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 640 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 940 m This stage is challenging and poorly marked at higher elevations. From the refuge, follow the stream uphill for 100 m to a wooden bridge. Continue on a scree path along the left side of the valley. After passing through a gate, you reach an alpine pasture and the {{marker|type=go|name=Coll del Pal|lat=42.465650773936|long=2.258498904704664}} (2294 m). This area is a nature reserve where wild camping is forbidden. From the pass, there is an optional ascent to Pic de Serre Gallinère (2663 m; 1 hr round trip), and possibly further on to the Serre de Caret (2300 m). From the pass, descend to the {{marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Alemany|wikidata=Q120254507}} (1962 m; 8 places), located 200 m off the trail. The main path continues left, crossing first a wooden, then a concrete bridge, followed by a narrow unpaved road that ascends to the village of {{listing|type=city|name=Mantet|wikidata=Q1369164}} (1550 m). Population: 31. Most of the southern part of the commune is the protected area [https://rnn-mantet.fr/ Reserva natural de Mentet], where camping is forbidden. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=La Cavale|address=Los Miquelets, 66360 Mantet|phone=+33 4 68 05 57 59|url=http://la-cavale.fr/|lat=42.477231944228336|long=2.3092556382036555|content=Private rooms and dorms for 3-5 people.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte à la ferme Cazenove|url=http://www.gitecazenovemantet.fr/|lat=42.47702171854456|long=2.306028129535968|content=Farm gîte. Open May to September.}} === Mantet - Refuge de Mariailles === ; Distance : 14.8 km ; Duration : 5 hr 5 min ; Elevation gain : ↥ 936 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 834 m Midway along this stage is the village of {{Marker|name=Py|wikidata=Q178846|type=city}} (1023 m), which has an auberge and a gîte. From Py, follow the D6 briefly before heading northeast to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Jou|wikidata=Q47335849|lat=|long=}} (1125 m). The path turns southeast and ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Cavall Mort|wikidata=Q47335871|lat=|long=}} (1454 m), then continues upward to the Refuge de Mariailles. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge de Mariailles|alt=Refugi de Marelles|url=https://refugedemariailles.fr/|lat=42.5017361908777|long=2.4077634391340514|content=1692 m. Open from late May; shelter room available year-round.}} === Refuge de Mariailles - Refuge des Cortalets === ; Distance : 16.3 km ; Duration : 6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1030 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m This is a challenging high-mountain route around the Canigou Massif. There are no supply points along the way, and surefootedness is required. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Cortalets|url=https://refugedescortalets.ffcam.fr/|lat=42.53436454795011|long=2.465036067970792|content=2100 m. 105 places, plus 19 emergency shelter places available outside the season.}} * {{listing|type=go |name=Loop trail to the summit of Pic du Canigou|alt=Canigó|url=https://www.visit-occitanie.com/de/entdecken/top-sehenswuerdigkeiten/massif-du-canigou-katalonien/|lat=42.53692009465181|long=2.4666389025393545|content=This difficult 9.3 km loop (4½ h; ↥ 700+ m) begins 200 m beyond the refuge.}} === Refuge des Cortalets - Gîte-refuge de Batère === ; Distance : 16.8 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 270 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 920 m This stage is also part of the HRP. From the refuge to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Ras del Prat Cabrera|wikidata=Q47170860|lat=|long=}} (1739 m; 4 km), you can choose between a high-level route following the “Tour du Canigou” and a less steep path along the mountainside. From the pass to the Refuge de l'Estanyol (2¾ hr or more) the trail descends gradually, then more steeply. It climbs again briefly to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Cirère|wikidata=Q134299355|lat=|long=}} (1731 m; 4-4¾ hr). From here, you can optionally ascend the Puig Saint-Pierre (1791 m; ↥ 15 min, ↧ 15 min). Descending from the col, you pass abandoned stone quarries and mines (the Mines de la Pinosa are ruins of a former settlement), and reach your destination. Nearby you can explore the 5-day “Tour du Canigou” circuit or visit the historic abbeys of Saint-Martin du Canigou and Saint-Michel-de-Cuxa. * {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Estanyol|wikidata=Q120262655|lat=|long=}} === Gîte-refuge de Batère - Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette === ; Distance : 19.2 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 745 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m Along this long and steady descent, you pass several dolmens. Their significance may be best appreciated by specialists in archaeology. The destination is the Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette, an old mill located in the Ribera Valley. More accommodation and services are available in {{Marker|name=Arles-sur-Tech|wikidata=Q7897|type=city}}, which is connected by bus. At the southern edge of the town, you'll find Camping Riuferrer. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte-refuge de Batère|url=https://www.refugedebatere.fr/|lat=42.50176051942559|long=2.5484428644953847|address=Mines de Batère, 66150 Corsavy|phone=+33 4 68 39 12 01|content=17 dormitory beds, 20 in private rooms. Access via a 20.3-km road from Arles-sur-Tech.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette|wikidata=Q120266421|url=http://gr10-par-etapes.eklablog.com/hebergement-du-moulin-de-la-palette-a126161238|content=Simple eco-gîte in a renovated mill, located in the Ribera valley.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Riuferrer|lat=42.4551506239|long=2.6291899540|url=https://campingriuferrer.com/}} === Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette - Las Illas === ; Distance : 22 km ; Duration : 7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m From the gîte, follow the D536 for 1 km, then turn right uphill toward Montalba (543 m; 1 hr). At the cross, turn sharply right to continue climbing. You reach the ruins of the Mouli Serradou (833 m; 2½ hr). The highest point is the Coll de Sant Martí (1426 m; 4 hr or more). The trail continues through forest along the slope, passing by the Roc de France (also known as Roc de Frausa). {{Marker|name=Las Illas|wikidata=Q16508596|type=city}} has a water point and picnic area in the park. Accommodation is available in a gîte at the town hall and at the Hostal de Trabucayeres. === Las Illas - Col de l'Ouillat === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 6-7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 930 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 540 m The route has been altered several times due to terrain difficulties, so follow the current waymarking. The middle part of the trail runs along the border, just below the ridge. The dominant tree species in this area is the striking Corsican pine (Pinus nigra var. corsicana). A detour to the fortified town of Le Perthus and the Fort de Bellegarde (open May-Sep, 10:30-18:00) offers a cultural break. Note that all shops are on the Spanish side of the border. After about 3 hours, there is an optional detour to the Roman fort Panissas, built on the Via Domitia. Turn off 5 minutes after border marker 565 (2½ hr). The stage ends at {{marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de l'Ouillat|wikidata=Q11914547}} (938 m). === Col de l'Ouillat - Banyuls-sur-Mer === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 7-8¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 680 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1610 m The route stays high near the border ridge. It takes about 1 hour to reach the Pic Néulos. Water is available at the Refuge de la Tagnarède after 1½ hours. From there, the trail leads over several passes: Coll del Faig (985 m), Col de l'Orry, and Col de l'Estaque (1025 m; 2¾ hr). The Pic des Quatre-Termes (1156 m) and Pic de la Cabassère are bypassed to the north. After 4 hours, you reach the Coll del Pal (899 m). From there, continue right toward the Col des Gascons (6¼ hr or more). The final descent to the Col de Llagastèra (285 m) passes partly through vineyards towards {{Marker|name=Banyuls-sur-Mer|wikidata=Q6753|type=city}}. == Go next == * [[Pyrenean High Route]]: Crosses the Pyrenees along the mountain crests, staying higher than both the GR 10 and GR 11. * [[GR 11]] This footpath stays on the Spanish side of the Pyrenees. {{outlineitinerary}} {{Related|France}} {{Related|Pyrenees}} {{PartOfItinerary|Europe itineraries}} 9i8ugyqqr48735lbiqpet7o8ttyb5ir 5086708 5086699 2025-07-02T17:09:23Z Bluecoordinationfine 2327039 Same as previous change. 5086708 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|GR 10 WV banner.jpg|caption=View from GR 10, near Souriche, looking towards the Tourmalet, valley of Barèges, France}} The '''GR 10''' is one of the paths and trails of the extensive [[Grande Randonnée]] (or GR) network. It crosses [[France]], from the Mediterranean coast to the Atlantic coast, and runs almost entirely through the [[Pyrenees]]. While the trail is in France, much of it is near, or even on, the border with [[Spain]]. The trail can be walked in either direction, though some suggest that the west-east route is easier in the beginning, as it is both cooler and less steep that the corresponding start heading west; this may be an advantage to those not fully in shape. == Understand == [[File:Lac d'Oo (22).jpg|thumb|Lac d'Oo]] Moving from east to west, the trail begins at the Mediterranean, in the small town of [[Banyuls sur Mer]], and finishes at [[Hendaye]] on the Atlantic Ocean. Hikers will usually be able to make it to a [[France#Guesthouses and holiday rentals|gîte]] or small town every other night, and quite frequently every night. Expected time to complete the trail is around 6-7 weeks, though the majority of people only hike sections of it. == Prepare == The trail is fairly well marked with painted marks on rocks, trees, telephone poles, and even houses, walls, and street signs. If you haven’t seen a waymark for 100 metres, you’ve likely strayed off the trail. Retrace your steps to the last marker and check your route. It is not realistic to navigate using the markers alone. A trail guide, at minimum, or a topologic map is required. Sunburn is a particular problem, and clothing such as long sleeved shirts and long pants should be worn as they protect from the sun, scratching branches and insects. Sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat are highly desirable. For those heading west from Banyuls sur Mer, the hike to the first gîte is particularly long compared to the following days, and should be started very early. === Equipment === One of the advantages of the GR 10 is that it can be hiked with minimal gear, as one can eat dinner and breakfast almost every day at the gîtes. Additionally the hiker can sleep outdoors on clear nights and pay for a bed in a gîte in inclement weather. On nights that only shelters (which usually have no food or staff) are available, pre-purchased food can be eaten. If one plans to eat at gîtes and buy food from supermarkets that can be eaten without cooking, the absolute minimal gear in the summer months is: * Sleeping bag or sleep sheet, and a mat for comfort. * Goretex jacket and fleece or similar for cold or wet weather * Long-sleeved shirt and pants * Short-sleeved shirt and shorts (including shorts you can wear for swimming) * Sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat * Adequate footwear. Anything less than hiking boots may prove insufficient. * Bottles for at least two litres of water, and a purification method for treating water from streams. * Toiletries and a [[Travel health kit|medical kit]] Additionally, consider a rain jacket or fleece top for wet or cold weather. If you plan to forgo the comforts and delicious food of the gites and hotels, also bring: * Tent * Cooking gear and food A note on footwear: some four fifths of the hikers wear full hiking boots and thick socks. While running sneakers may suffice (and Choco-style sandals may work for a few days), your risk of injury is higher, and much of the trail involves hopping around on possibly wet and sharp rocks. Choose conservatively, depending on the length of your hike and your experience. ==Get in== == Walk == {{Mapframe|lat=42.68287|long=0.56837|width=full|height=360|zoom=7}} {{mapshape|type=geoline|stroke=#000000|stroke-width=3}} === Hendaye-Plage - Olhette === ; Distance : 21.9 km ; Duration : 6-7¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1010 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 950 m Intermarché sells gas cartridges. Near the western trailhead a {{marker|type=buy|name=Decathlon|lat=43.36843635018845|long=-1.7798332063655435}} store geared towards watersports is available for last minute purchases, such as gas cannisters. The hike starts from the 3 km long {{marker|type=see|name=Hendaye Beach|wikidata=Q20947149}}. This is below the old casino, now known as Résidence Croisière. Nearby is the Tourist Office. Buses run from the main train station, or you can walk from {{marker|type=go|name=Gare Deux Jumeaux|wikidata=Q2802667}}. Leaving town, the route goes around the football stadium and climbs via Rue Errondenia and Rue de Pausoa, passing by {{Marker|type=city|name=Biriatou|wikidata=Q196871}}, which conveniently has public toilets available. After about 3 hr you reach the summit of {{marker|type=see|name=Xoldokogaina|wikidata=Q20492776}}. The high point is at Mandale (530 m) on the Spanish border. From here, the path descends past {{Marker|type=see|name=Redoute de la Baïonette|lat=43.309257665|long=-1.70329930013}}, a fortification near Mandale, located by modern border marker 9, to the Col d'Ibardin (4¼ hr), a popular spot for French shoppers due to cheap alcohol and tobacco. The trail continues via Col des Poiriers and Col des Joncs before reaching {{Marker|type=city|name=Olhette|lat=43.3360119885|long=-1.6661235970}}. === Olhette - Ainhoa === ; Distance : 21.1 km ; Duration : 6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 730 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 640 m The steepest climb comes right at the beginning. For most of the route, you'll be on forest trails and, after Sare, quiet paved country roads. The trail initially ascends on a good path over the Col des Trois Fontaines (1½ hr; a shelter is located 300 m away), then descends to the Col de St-Ignace, where the valley station of the cog railway to La Rhune is found. It continues to {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Sare]]|wikidata=Q274155}} (2¾ hr), a local transport hub and one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. There's an outdoor swimming pool. The stage ends in {{Marker|type=city|name=Ainhoa|wikidata=Q212962}}. Also one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. The tourist information office (open 09:00-12:30, 14:00-17:30; closed weekends and holidays) is located at the side of the town hall. Local grocery stores are a bit pricey due to the village's popularity. From Col des Trois Fontaines you can ascend La Rhune (905 m) either by cog railway (35 min) or on foot (3 km, 1¼ h; ↥↧ 300 m). The prehistoric {{Marker|type=see|name=Grottes de Sare|wikidata=Q3117280}} can be visited with prior reservation through the local municipality or online. Closed annually for a month after Epiphany. This stage is part of the [[European long-distance path E9|European long-distance trail E9]]. === Ainhoa - Bidarray === ; Distance : 21.7 km ; Duration : 8½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 880 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 850 m This is a difficult stage, with little shade at the start and a particularly steep, rocky descent near the end. At the old cemetery (389 m; 40 min) beside the {{Marker|type=see|name=Chapelle Notre Dame de l'Aubépine|wikidata=Q12253854}}, a dramatic crucifixion scene of the Jewish itinerant preacher Jesus of Nazareth and two other criminals has been recreated. Traditional Basque hilarri gravestones are found here. The path then continues over the Col des Trois-Croix (510 m; 1 hr 20 min). A good place to rest is at Ferme Esteben (2 hr 50 min, 580 m), a gîte d'étape with a bar-restaurant. The trail continues near the border, past Boundary Stone 77, partly on paved road. At Col des Veaux (550 m), you can take a 300-m detour into Spain to visit a venta (a small inn or shop). From here, the trail climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Méhatche|lat=43.272782275749094|long=-1.4166930371188398}} (716 m; 3¾ hr). The descent past Boundary Stones 82 and 83 is secured with cables. From Col de Méhatche, you can ascend Artzamendi (926 m), easily identified by its radar dome at the summit. The nearby {{Marker|type=see|name=Grotte le Saint-que-Sue|alt=Harpeko Saindua|lat=43.26526266671622|long=-1.3890420732224757}} can also be visited. Just before reaching {{Marker|type=city|name=Bidarray|wikidata=Q746221}}, a bypass trail offers a shortcut to the next stage. For peak baggers, this route also gives access to several summits: Errebi (between the chapel and Col des Trois-Croix), Atxulegi (a 15-min detour on the way to Col des Trois-Croix), and, in good weather, Mont Bizkayluze (701 m) and Gorospil (691 m). The village is split into two parts, 600 m apart. The GR-10 passes through the upper section (where accommodation is located), while the train station lies in the lower part. The stone “Noblia” bridge, in its current form, dates to the 17th century. Parts of the Church of the Assumption are Romanesque. Traditional hilarri gravestones can be found in the old cemetery, and the Ferme Gastetto is a protected farmhouse in classic Lower Navarrese style. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Aire Zabal|lat=43.2665469128|long=-1.34721660011|url=https://giteairezabal.fr/|content=Stage accommodation in the upper part of the village.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Amestoya|lat=43.284582665|long=-1.35372693663|url=https://camping-bidarray.fr/english/|content=Campsite along the D908, 2 km north of the upper village.}} === Bidarray - Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry === ; Distance : 18.5 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1250 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1250 m This southward stage is demanding, especially due to the complete lack of water sources along the ascent. After passing the Iparla Ridge (950 m), the trail reaches an altitude of over 1000 m for the first time on the way to the summit. It then continues along the ridge to the Pic de Tutulia before descending to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Harrieta|lat=43.21079140547837|long=-1.384120195860639}} (3¾ hr, 808 m). From the Col d'Harrieta, a side trail descends to Urdos (1¾ hr), from where it's possible to follow the road into Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry. The main trail continues across the Buztanzelhay summit (4¾ hr, 1029 m), then down to the col of the same name (843 m). Here, the GR-10 turns left and descends steeply. The path crosses the D949 road several times — this road leads from the village to the ventas on the Spanish border at the Col d'Ispéguy. You can also reach this col via the ridge, 1½ km from Col Buztanzelhay. If you want to skip entering {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry]]|wikidata=Q279252}} (162 moh), you can join the next stage earlier at the Nive des Aldudes (6½ h, 162 m). There's a picnic area in the park and a supermarket that stocks gas cartridges. Locals play Rebot, a type of pelota, on two courts. The Château d'Etxauz is not open to the public. On the last Sunday in April, the village hosts a traditional folklore festival known as Nafarroaren Eguna. The Nive des Aldudes valley occasionally experiences flooding and mudslides. === Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry - Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port === ; Distance : 19.2 km ; Duration : 5-7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 990 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 980 m This stage runs mostly on gravel paths and farm tracks. About an hour in, there's an optional detour at Col d'Aharza for a 35-minute climb to Oylarandoy, where a hermitage built in 1706 stands. The GR-10 heads south to the Col d'Aharza (734 m; 2 hr), where there's a water source, then turns east and circles around the {{Marker|type=see|name=Munhoa|wikidata=Q3327853}} (1023 m; 3½ hr). The climb is fully exposed to the sun. The descent begins on the right-hand side. {{Marker|name=[[Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port]]|wikidata=Q270294|type=city}} lies at 170 m and is where three of the four French pilgrimage routes converge before entering Spain. From here, it's possible to continue directly onto the Camino de Santiago (via Roncesvalles). === Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port - Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta === ; Distance : 16.2 km ; Duration : 5-5½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 870 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 420 m There are no supply points or public transport on this stage, but the walking is relatively easy. In the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Çaro|wikidata=Q842635}} (242 m), there is a public fountain next to the town hall. If you choose to end the day early after 3¾ hr in {{Marker|type=city|name=Estérençuby|wikidata=Q842724}} (231 m; two accommodation options), be aware that this adds an extra 400 m of ascent to the next day's stage. === Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta - Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty === ; Distance : 20.7 km ; Duration : 6¾-8 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1410 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m This stage is simple but offers little shade. The trail first climbs toward the Col on Ithurramburu (820 m), then continues ascending to just below the {{Marker|type=see|name=Occabe|alt=Okabe|wikidata=Q17417892}} (1456 m). On the Occabe plateau, 26 Neolithic stone circles known as ''harrespil'' in Basque have been found. They are believed to have been used for cremation rites. A good rest stop is the upscale {{Marker|type=eat|name=Restaurant Chalet Pedro|url=https://www.chaletpedro.com/|lat=43.03687624625582|long=-1.0746838225620772}} (4¾ hr). The associated lodge offers 10 beds. Across the stream at Le Kayolar, similar accommodation is available. From here, the trail turns sharply right after 100 m and continues uphill for 6-7 km (300 m ascent) to the stage destination. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta|url=http://kaskoleta.free.fr/|lat=43.092036845886255|long=-1.1646582066722122|content=Altitude 615 m. Offers 13 beds in 3 rooms plus a holiday apartment for 4. A scenic viewpoint with an information panel is 5 minutes away.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=L'aire Naturelle de Camping|lat=43.037460332099656|long=-1.0494175120345806|content=Natural campground with 50 pitches, located 3 km before the Chalets by the stream. Open June-October. Fresh bread available by reservation from 08:30.}} === Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty - Logibar === ; Distance : 16.4 km ; Duration : 5-6 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 440 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1380 m In bad weather, the route along the west side of the {{Marker|type=see|name=Pic des Escaliers|wikidata=Q31645205}} (1423 m) is not recommended. There are two alternative routes, but both are poorly marked. At the Ugatzé Ridge, the trail skirts the peak rather than summiting it. To avoid the steep descent from Pic des Escaliers, stay on the road for about 600 m after the start, then turn off after 2½ km to reach Col Ugatzé. A short side trip allows you to summit Arthanolatzégagnia (an additional 35 min ascent and descent). Trail markings are sparse for several hours. After some time following mule tracks, you'll reach a road crossing at Beloscare (1173 m; 3 hr). Logibar marks the end of the stage, but you can also continue 2 km further to {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Larrau]]|wikidata=Q608335}}, which offers three accommodation options and a campground. In bad weather, an easier alternative is to follow the paved road from Iraty directly to Larrau for a gentler descent. === Logibar - Sainte-Engrâce (Senta) === ; Distance : 26.3 km ; Duration : 7½-9¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200-1420 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 900-1170 m This stage leads through spectacular gorges. Follow signs to the Gorges d'Holzarté and ascend the trail to the 70 m long suspension bridge (50 min), which spans the dramatic Ruisseau de Olhadubi gorge 150 m above the ground. On the far side, the trail continues uphill. After 2 hours, you reach the Olhadubi stream — a possible spot for a refreshing dip. Nearby, the Cabane Cayolar d'Olhadubi (reached via a side path from the bridge) serves as an emergency shelter with space for 4-5 people. Continuing uphill, you'll reach the Abarrakia farm after just over 3 hours. The path then winds between farms, eventually reaching the point (4½ hr) where the GR-10 turns sharply to the right. The original GR-10 route bypassed the gorges entirely by heading up to the Plateau d'Adarkhotia after the Holzarté bridge. This shortcut saves 2.7 km (1¼ hr) and 150 m of elevation gain. After about 5 hours, you'll reach the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Anhaou|alt=Col de Bious|lat=42.9784|long=-0.88044}} (1383 m). From here, energetic hikers can summit nearby peaks such as Izeyto (1464 m) or Sarimendi (1484 m). The stage ends at {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Sainte-Engrâce]]|wikidata=Q197211}}. Sainte-Engrâce is home to a Romanesque church from the 11th century. From the village, a 9-km side trip (↥ 840 m, ↧ 135 m) takes you to the vast La Verna cave. Guided tours go up to 800 m deep — the main chamber is large enough to fit the Eiffel Tower. Bookings are handled through the [https://laverna.fr/en/ Espace accueil Arrakotchepia], Quartier Calla, 64560 Sainte-Engrâce (Tel. +33 6 37 88 29 05). August is often very busy. A detour south from the restaurant leads into the wild and romantic Gorges de Kakuetta. The trail is very steep and slippery, and entry tickets are (usually) sold at the restaurant. === Sainte-Engrâce (Senta) - Refuge Jeandel === ; Distance : 11.6 km ; Duration : 4¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 160 m The trail climbs steadily from Sainte-Engrâce into the limestone highlands of the Pierre-Saint-Martin massif, marking the transition into more alpine terrain. You ascend to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Pierre-St-Martin|wikidata=Q1107451}} (1760 m; border with Spain). Since 1373, the Tributo de las Tres Vacas — a cross-border tribute of three cows — has been held here every July 13 to settle grazing rights between the two valleys. A small shop at the parking area sells goat cheese. A ski area lies just over the border on the Spanish side. There is also a small shelter near Boundary Marker 62. An optional 15-minute detour leads to the summit of Soum de Lèche (1839 m). The Grotte de la Verna, a massive cave chamber accessible by guided tour, lies 1 km (¾ hr) off the main trail and requires prior booking ([https://laverna.fr laverna.fr]). From the pass, descend to the first switchback, then turn right off the main track. The trail passes under two chairlifts and continues along the northern flank of the Pic d'Arlas. When you spot three large concrete water tanks, descend to the staffed mountain hut at Refuge Jeandel. The ski resort village of {{Marker|name=La Pierre Saint-Martin|wikidata=Q3211628|type=city}} is about 15 minutes off the trail and offers additional services. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge Jeandel|address=La Pierre Saint Martin, 64570 Arette|url=https://www.refugejeandel.com/|lat=42.97829371796861|long=-0.7493627209784663|content=Altitude 1670 m. Dormitory accommodation from €18; half-board from €42.50. Staffed in summer.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Tourist Office La Pierre Saint-Martin|address=Maison de la Pierre, 75 D332, 64570 Arette|phone=+33 5 59 66 20 09|url=https://www.lapierrestmartin.com/|lat=42.97735500762936|long=-0.744495054007273|content=Open only during the French summer holidays (mid-July to late August). Provides info on local lodging and two campervan pitches. Served by seasonal Bus 807 between Arette and Oloron-Sainte-Marie.}} === Refuge Jeandel - Lescun === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 5½-6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1200 m This is a challenging stage, but the scenery is magnificent. Several rocky mountain paths are equipped with cables for safety. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Pas de l'Osque|lat=42.9702182168491|long=-0.7089944097203539}} (1922 m), which requires a head for heights. The trail continues to the Pas d'Azuns (1873 m; 2¾ hr), and a good first rest stop with water is the spring near the Cabane du Cap de la Baitch (1689 m; 3 hr). In wet weather, descending to {{Marker|type=city|name=Lescun|wikidata=Q179737}} (895 m) via the road is recommended, as the GR-10 becomes muddy and difficult to navigate. From Lescun, the HRP route offers a very demanding variant over the Col d'Anie back toward Cabane du Cap de la Baitch. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Centre de l'Abérouat|url=http://aberouat.fr/|lat=42.95041471194407|long=-0.6658390953581508|content=Staffed hut with a bar. Offers 20 rooms (2-5 beds each). Free tent camping nearby (bathrooms in the hut available for a fee). Best suited for groups; solo walkers must book in advance.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Maison de la Montagne|lat=42.934247039|long=-0.63524507931|address=1 ruelle de la Congasse, 64490 Lescun|phone=+33 6 88 06 95 29|url=https://www.maisondelamontagne64.com/|content=Comfortable accommodation for hikers in the centre of Lescun.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping - Gîte du Lauzart|address=Bordé de Mougnague, 64490 Lescun|phone=+33 5 59 34 51 77|url=https://www.camping-gite-lescun-pyrenees.com/|lat=42.92782183157741|long=-0.6421994110320027|content=Along the D340. About 20 minutes into the next stage. Open April-September. Campsite €14 + €4 per adult. 25 dorm beds available for €16; half board €42.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Tourist Office for the Vallée |lat=42.9990368924|long=-0.60057615194|url=https://www.pyrenees-bearnaises.com/explorer/nature/|phone=+33 5 59 34 57 57|content=Located in Bedous. Provides information on the surrounding region.}} === Lescun - Etsaut === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 5½-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 850 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1150 m The trail begins easily through pastoral countryside, then enters forested terrain, passing the [https://www.gite-camping-lhers.com/ Gîte d'étape and campsite on the Plateau de Lhers] (2 hr), and climbing to the Col de Barrancq (1601 m; 3¾ hr). From the Col de Barrancq, a side trip leads to the summit of Pic de Labigouer (2175 m), which takes just under 3 hours round-trip. Lower down in the Parc d'Orce, within the commune of {{Marker|type=city|name=Borçe|wikidata=Q840474}} (5¾ hr), lives the majority of the region's ~50 brown bears. The Gîte le Communal offers accommodation here. The stage ends in {{listing|type=city|name=Etsaut|wikidata=Q765829|content=Altitude 597 m. Located on the N-134 and served by the Canfranc-Oloron-Saint-Marie bus line. The former train station now houses the Pyrenees National Park visitor center. Accommodation available in the Gîte d'étape la Garbure behind the church (53 beds).}} Just outside Etsaut, the {{Marker|type=see|name=Fort du Portalet|wikidata=Q3078387}} clings dramatically to the cliffs in two tiers, spanning a height difference of 150 m. * {{listing|type=see|name=Refuge animalier à Borce|url=https://parc-ours.fr/|lat=42.9045174060618|long=-0.5745664608466107|content=open 10:00-18:00; admission €12. It functions as an educational wildlife refuge}} === Etsaut - Gabas === ; Distance : 24 km ; Duration : 9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1640 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1210 m The trail begins with the dramatic Chemin de la Mâture, a path carved into the rock face. It is not passable in icy or snowy conditions. You reach Grange Perry (1210 m) after 2 hours. A quarter of an hour later, at a junction, keep left. After 3½ hours, you arrive at the Cabane de la Baight de St-Cours (1560 m; shepherds only, June-September), located at the border. About 4 hours in, you cross a stream on a bridge. This is the last water source before the high pass. The highest point of the stage is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Ayous|wikidata=Q2981981}} (2185 m; 5½ hr or more). On its eastern slope lie the Ayous Lakes, including the scenic Refuge d'Ayous. It's an ideal place to break this long stage. The Col d'Ayous also marks a transition point between valleys: from the Chemin de la Mâture and Baigt de Sencours in the Aspe Valley to Bious-Artigues (1540 m) in the Ossau Valley, where pony rides and canoe rentals are available on the eastern shore. The lake is 6½ km from the pass (↧ 764 m). From the pass, you can also summit Pic d'Ayous (add 30 min up and down), or detour 6 km to Lac Bersau — a longer alternative via the Vallon d'Aas is 9 km. From the lake, descend on the D231 road, which includes switchbacks that can be shortcut. (Note: Refuge de Gabas is permanently closed.) The stage ends in {{Marker|name=Gabas|wikidata=Q5515276|type=city}}, which offers two accommodations and a bar, but no grocery store. Located on bus route 806/806bis from Col de Portalet via Gabas to Laruns (15 km). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Ayous|url=https://www.refuge-ayous.fr/en-gb|lat=42.84844763797708|long=-0.4911758258903634|10 minutes off the GR10 near Lac Gentau (6½ hr). This refuge offers 47 beds and tent spaces and is open from mid-May to the first week of October.}} === Gabas - Gourette === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9-10 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1150 m This is a long and difficult stage, not suitable for children. The Corniche des Alhas section requires a head for heights. Snow may linger into summer, making it hard to follow the waymarks. Water is scarce during the first four hours. The trail follows the D934 road to the Artouste dam, then climbs through forest paths (1¼ hr). Some parts pass through cliff-side ledges carved into the rock — the Corniche des Alhas — which have fixed cables for safety. An easier alternative bypasses the Corniche via the Pont du Goua and the Gave de Soussouéou. After 1¾ hr, you reach a bridge near the Gave de Soussouéou waterfalls (1145 m). From here, a steep trail leads up to Houn de Mouscabarous (1361 m; 2¾ hr), continuing uphill to Petite Arcizette (2293 m). Snow may persist at these elevations until July. After 6½-7 hr, you arrive at the Hourquette d'Arre (2465 m). Important: The path shown on some maps to the Géougue d'Arre (2619 m) is a mountaineering route, not a hiking trail. An alternative route avoids the Hourquette d'Arre altogether: from the Cabane de Cézy, follow the red-and-white GR10 then switch to the red/yellow-marked GRP Tour de la Vallée d'Ossau, over the Col de Lurdé to Eaux-Bonnes (overnight possible) and Gourette (also served by Bus 806). The GR10 does not go directly to Lac d'Uzious, but instead heads roughly north-northeast across a plateau, before turning east to descend. After about 8 hours, you reach Lac d'Anglas (2068 m), from where the trail continues along the outflow, then branches off to the right. After over 9 hours, you arrive in the ski resort of {{Marker|type=city|name=Gourette|wikidata=Q1540224|url=https://www.gourette.com/en/}} (1350 m). Ski resort with two supermarkets; gas cartridges available at Intersport. Mostly closed outside the main season. Served in-season by Bus 806 (twice daily) from Parking Gourette Nord to Eaux-Bonnes, Laruns, and Pau. If needed, you can exit the trail early at the upper parking area (which has a bus stop) and start the next stage from there. * {{listing|type=sleep|lat=42.9595015138|long=-0.333960997149|name=Chalet-refuge CAF|phone=+33 5 59 05 10 56|url=https://chaletdegourette.ffcam.fr/|content=Mountain refuge with 32 beds in 4 dorms. €16.50/night (€8.25 for Alpine Club members) + €0.90 tourist tax.}} === Gourette - Arrens-Marsous === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m This is a relatively easy stage that crosses two mountain passes: the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Tortes|lat=42.959773462638644|long=-0.3187601158279607}} (1799 m; 1¾ hr), and later, after crossing the D918 (popular with cyclists but too busy to follow safely), the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Saucède|lat=42.95972945620746|long=-0.31869998400517197}} (1525 m; 3 hr 20 min). Ten minutes after descending from this second pass, you'll reach a restaurant and gîte de séjour at the Col de Soulor on the D918 road. From Col de Saucède, hikers can also make a short detour to summit the Pointe de Surgatte (1805 m; 90-100 minutes round trip). Near the Pont de Lapadé, you can either cross the Gave d'Arrens or continue down into the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Arrens-Marsous|wikidata=Q1110649}}. Features tourist information and public toilets at the Maison Val d'Azun (Tel. +33 5 62 97 49 49). The village also has an outdoor swimming pool. A hiking festival, [https://www.eldorando.fr/ Eldorado], is held every two years for four days in late May. Call +33 800 65 65 00 by 17:00 the day before for weekday on-demand shuttle service to Lourdes. Points of interest include the Romanesque Saint-Pierre Church (parts dating to 1200) and the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Pouey-Laün, a pilgrimage chapel located 600 m south along the D105. The area is part of both the Natura 2000 conservation network (Gabizos and the Arrens Valley) and the core zone of the Pyrenees National Park. For a longer option, you can extend this stage to Gîte les Viellettes (2¼ h further), making a total of 20.5 km (8½ hr; ↥ 1250 m, ↧ 1530 m). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=GCU Campground|address=26 Rue des Paus, 65400 Arrens-Marsous|lat=42.9573380888|long=-0.213247116377|phone=+33 5 62 97 43 06|url=https://www.gcu.asso.fr/terrains/arrens-marsous-hautes-pyrénées-65|content=Simple tent campground on the edge of town.}} === Arrens-Marsous - Refuge d'Ilhéou === ; Distance : 20 km ; Duration : 6¾-7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 500 m From Arrens-Marsous (3½ km from the previous endpoint), you can follow the official GR10 or the more scenic GR de Pays Tour du Val d'Azun. The latter is slightly shorter but includes more climbs. Both routes rejoin shortly before the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape les Viellettes|lat=42.9219519144924|long=-0.1818867608457627}} (2¼ h; 15 beds). About 700 m further on is the simple tent site La Pose (open May-September). The official GR10 route passes through {{Marker|type=city|name=Estaing|wikidata=Q589628}}, a commune that includes three Natura 2000 protected areas: “Gaves de Pau et de Cauterets,” “Moun Né de Cauterets, Pic de Cabaliros,” and “Péguère, Barbat, Cambalès.” From here, the trail enters the core zone of the Pyrenees National Park. You ascend toward Lac d'Estaing. Just before the lake is a guesthouse open Thursday-Sunday, 09:00-17:00 (summer only). On the far shore is another restaurant (open 10:00-18:00) and Camping Intercommunal. Brave hikers may try a swim in the cold waters. The trail now climbs steeply through forest to the Cabane d'Arriousec (1400 m; 4 hr). Another hour uphill takes you past the Cabanes de Barbat (left of the path), then a final climb brings you to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Ilhéou|wikidata=Q2981991}} (2242 m; 6 hr or more). Just 5 minutes below the pass, you can turn left to reach the Crête du Lys, where the Courbet cable car operates in July and August. This offers access to the ski resort Cauterets-Le Lys (with a summer luge track) or direct descent into the town of Cauterets. On foot, descend to the stream near the Cabanes d'Arras (6½-7 hr). Turn right there and cross two more streams. The path then descends to Lac d'Ilhéou. At the lake's northern shore is the staffed Refuge d'Ilhéou. A designated bivouac area (aire de bivouac) is located about 10 minutes further south along the lake. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Ilhéou (Refuge Raymond-Ritter)|url=https://www.refuge-ilheou.csvss.fr/en/home|phone=+33 5 62 92 07 18|lat=42.86604614112533|long=-0.17358356545105466|content=Altitude 1988 m. 22 beds. Open from late May to late September.}} === Refuge d'Ilhéou - Cauterets === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 2½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 75 ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m This is a leisurely downhill walk that brings you gently back to civilization in {{Marker|type=city|name=Cauterets|url=https://www.cauterets.com/en/?to_lang=en|wikidata=Q366962}}. Scenic spa town with plenty of amenities, including a historic wooden railway station (now closed), a cinema, casino, and more. The tourist office is open M-Sa from 09:00-12:30 and 14:00-18:00. A special Office de la Montagne - Terre d'Alpinisme opens during the summer season. Cauterets flourished during the late 19th and early 20th centuries thanks to its thermal springs. The municipality operates two spas: Thermes de César in the village center and Thermes des Griffons in nearby La Raillère. Accommodation options include three gîtes d'étape and Camping la Prairie. Local buses run every 30 minutes from June to October. Regional connections are available to Lourdes, Luz-Saint-Sauveur, and Gavarnie. A shuttle to Pont d'Espagne departs four times daily from the old train station. The 30 km former railway line from Pierrefitte to Cauterets has been converted into a multi-use bike and hiking path. === Cauterets - Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 100 m This is a demanding stage. From Cauterets, take the path behind the Thermes de César and head south. After 1¼ hr you reach the hamlet of La Raillère (1044 m), where there are restaurants and a sulfur spa. Cross the bridge and continue up into the Val de Jéret, passing several waterfalls. The trail leads to the Hôtellerie du Pont d'Espagne (3 hr). From there, descend briefly along the road before turning right and ascending into the valley toward Lac de Gaube (1725 m, 4 hr). The path crosses the stream three times via bridges as you continue toward the refuge. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube|wikidata=Q109042828}} === Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube - Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400 m About 50 m from the refuge, the trail begins a steady one-hour climb over rocky terrain. At a fork (65 min), stay right and continue ascending. The {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Hourquette d'Ossoue|wikidata=Q3141336}} (2734 m) marks the highest point on the entire GR10. Even in mid-summer, snow often lingers here. After 20 minutes of descent, you reach the Refuge Baysselance. '''Ascending Vignemale from here via the Glacier d'Ossoue is only for experienced mountaineers.''' From the pass, the route heads southeast, passing the Grottes de Bellevue (2420 m; 3 hr), artificial caves carved in 1880 by the explorer Henry Russell. The trail descends steeply to a stream, then follows it into a boulder field fed by glacial melt from the Glacier d'Ossoue. The descent into the valley involves frequent climbs around cliffs and waterfalls. You enter the Vallée de la Canau (5 hr or more) and pass the Cabane de Sausse-Dessus. The next hour includes more ups and downs until you reach the Cabane des Tousaus (6¾ hr or more). From there, cross a final ridge to reach the D923 road and descend to the stage endpoint, Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle. If you need more accommodation or supplies, continue to the main village of {{Marker|name=Gavarnie|wikidata=Q917894|type=city}}. From Gavarnie, you can take a day trip (or a bus from Luz-Saint-Sauveur) into the famed Cirque de Gavarnie. It's also possible to ascend Le Taillon (3146 m) from here for experienced climbers. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge Baysselance|url=https://refugebayssellance.ffcam.fr/|wikidata=Q3423105|content=(2651 m), which offers 58 beds and is staffed from mid-May to mid-October}} === Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle - Luz-Saint-Sauveur === ; Distance : 26 km ; Duration : 8-9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 700-900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1500-1660 m Starting from Gavarnie village (via the D128 road) instead of the refuge shortens the route by 3 km (approx. 1 hr). The trail first leads to the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape le Saugué|url=https://www.gite-gavarnie-pyrenees.com/|lat=42.76864577103755|long=-0.005915232017950625}}, located on the Plateau Soula de Saugue (1¾ hr). This is a good option to break up the stage — the gîte has 21 beds and is open May to October. The route winds northward, passing the Soum Haut (3¾ h), then descends gradually along the western slope of the Gavarnie Valley. After 5¾-6 hr, you reach the D921 road. Cross the Gave de Gavarnie via the Pont d'Esdouroucats and ascend again to a path above the highway. From the south, you enter {{Marker|type=city|name=Luz-Saint-Sauveur|wikidata=Q35721506|url=https://www.luz.org/en/}} via the Pont Napoléon (755 m; 7½ hr), a dramatic bridge across the gorge. Well-equipped mountain town. The town has several historic churches, as well as a campsite with a grocery store. The Prime Meridian passes about 100 m east of the center. Numerous lodgings, 6 campgrounds, 2 supermarkets, and Intersport (gas cartridges). Bus 965 connects to Cauterets, Lourdes, and Tarbes. Bus to Barèges also available. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Saint Bazerque|address=Sia|phone=+33 5 62 92 49 93|url=https://campingsaintbazerque.eatbu.com/?lang=de|lat=42.83178828384746|long=0.0015462182938111647|content=Campground with grocery shop (mountain cheese), bar, and caravan spaces. Open 08:00-17:00.}} === Luz-Saint-Sauveur - Barèges === ; Distance : 12 km ; Duration : 4½-5 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m To extend this stage, continue to Refuge d'Aygues Cluses for a total of 19 km (7½ hr; ↥ 1560 m, ↧ 140 m). Though short, this stage begins with a relatively long and steep ascent. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Ruisseau de Bolou|lat=42.858690489195055|long=0.06773411839157908}} (1460 m). On the descent, hikers can stop for refreshments at the [https://refugedelaglere.ffcam.fr/ Refuge de la Glère]. This stage ends at {{Marker|type=city|name=Barèges|wikidata=Q632058|url=https://www.mairie-bareges.fr/en/}}. Composed of the hamlets of Artigalas and Cazaous, Barèges serves as a spa and mountain village. The local river, the Bastan, is called the gave. Note: the Jardin botanique du Tourmalet and the 1930s funicular are now closed. The town's website includes an accommodation and restaurant directory * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape l'Oasis|lat=42.897422977|long=0.067278671719|address=2 Passage des Toys|phone=+33 5 62 92 69 47|url=https://www.gite-oasis.fr/|content=Open June-September, and also December-April during ski season (Barèges is part of the Domaine du Tourmalet ski area).}} === Barèges - Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : route-dependent 7¾-9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m The trail begins by climbing above the road toward the ski station at Tournaboup (1 hr). It then veers south and ascends steadily. Good stopping points include the Cabane d'Aygues and, 10 km further on, the Chalet-Hôtel d'Orédon. This stage enters the Néouvielle Nature Reserve, where dogs and wild camping are strictly forbidden. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Madamète|wikidata=Q102076283}} (2509 m). From there, the path descends between alpine lakes: {{Marker|type=see|name=Lac d'Aumar|wikidata=Q3215322}} and Lac d'Aubert (5¾ h, 2190 m). A shuttle bus runs up to this point in high season, and there's an info panel at the end of the access road. Here, the trail splits into two variants: * Variant 1: continues along Lac d'Aumar * Variant 2: detours south to the tip of Lac d'Aubert, then along the northern shore of Les Laguettes and Lac d'Orédon (6¾ h, 1856 m; camping and hotel at the south end) Both variants rejoin at the Cap d'Estoudou pass (2260 m), followed by a steep descent. A short detour from the pass allows for an ascent of Soump de Montpelat (↥ 214 m). The path continues steeply downhill to Lac de l'Oule (1821 m; 7¾ hr or more). From here, head right to reach Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Cabane d'Aygues|url=https://refugeayguescluses.wordpress.com/|lat=42.87577795732996|long=0.15008320916912823}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Chalet-Hôtel d'Orédon|url=https://www.chalet-oredon.fr/|lat=42.82616251586139|long=0.1692328508499207|content=open June 1 - Sept 30; 88 beds}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule|url=https://refugedeloule.fr/|lat=42.824769697482445|long=0.20752501478344024|content=Altitude 1819 m. Located at the dam wall. Open mid-June to mid-September. 20 beds and a bar.}} === Refuge-Hôtel de l'Oule - Vielle-Aure === ; Distance : 17-18 km ; Duration : 5-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 460 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400-1500 m From the refuge, the route follows the western shore of Lac de l'Oule. GR10C variant: After 1½ hr, there is a signed detour to the [http://refugedebastan.fr/ Cabane de Bastan]. The main trail turns directly east and climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Portet|wikidata=Q42178369}} (2215 m; 2¾ hr). From here, it continues eastward, descending gently to the Pla de Castillon, then more steeply down to the D918 road (4½ hr or more) and onward to the stage endpoint {{Marker|type=city|name=Vielle-Aure|wikidata=Q1323900|url=https://vielleaure.com/}}, an historic village with two Romanesque churches: Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Pierre (in the Agos neighbourhood), both dating to the 12th century. Bus connections to Saint-Lary-Soulan and Lannemezan (35 km). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Hôtel Aurélia|lat=42.825852030|long=0.32776424175|phone=+33 5 62 39 56 90|url=https://www.hotel-aurelia.com/|content=Simple, hiker-friendly hotel in town.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping La Mousquère|lat=42.8273932992|long=0.33590955638|address=Nougaro, Autun, 65170 Bourisp|url=https://www.campinglamousquere.com/|content=Open May 8 - last weekend of September.}} * There are three more campsites within 2 km north along the river valley. Just 1 km south, the larger and livelier {{Marker|name=Saint-Lary-Soulan|wikidata=Q1323323|type=city}} offers a broader range of shops, accommodations, and services. The tourist information office is at the roundabout in the center; the supermarket is across the street. The wooden bus stop shelter is discreetly located about 50 m away, opposite the modern church on Avenue des Thermes. === Vielle-Aure - Germ === ; Distance : 13 km ; Duration : 4¾-5¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1170 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 630-700 m This is a straightforward, though poorly marked, stage that runs parallel to the D225 up to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Azet|wikidata=Q2981982}} (1600 m). From the pass, the route continues down to [https://www.vallee-du-louron.com/fr Loudenvielle], a village with shops, an outdoor pool, and the Balnéa Spa complex (open 14:00-19:30; €21 for 2 hours). Note: during the [https://www.pyreneesbikefestival.com/ Pyrenees Bike Festival] in early September, the area is overrun with mountain bikers. The final 2-3 km involve a climb of about 220 m up to the hamlet of {{Marker|name=Germ|wikidata=Q1094205|type=city}}. Altitude 1339 m. A small village with 34 year-round residents, but many second homes and guest beds. Two old churches are worth visiting. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Centre de Montagne de Germ|lat=42.793610431|long=0.425057973260|address=D130|phone=+33 5 62 99 65 27|url=https://www.germ-louron.com/|content=Open year-round. 70 beds in a large mountain center.}} * Auberge de Germ, a guesthouse with 11 rooms (33 beds), open year-round. * {{listing|type=see|name=Peyresourde-Balestas Airfield (Aérodrome de Peyragudes)|wikidata=Q5659350|content=Also known as Altiport 007, as a James Bond film was shot here in 1997. The 470 m runway has a 15% gradient and is also used for paragliding.}} === Germ - Lac d'Oô === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 6-7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1060 m This stage and the next are strenuous. They can be divided into thirds with overnight stops at the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Granges d'Astau|lat=42.76352657695474|long=0.5024399621092607}} (open May-Oct; 26 beds) and the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Espingo|url=https://refugedespingo.ffcam.fr/|wikidata=Q104413940}} (1967 m; 44 beds, mid-May-Oct; 15 emergency shelter places off-season). Camping is allowed near the lake. Around the refuge is a “classic” mountaineering loop over the Pic des Spijeoles (3008 m), Grand Quayrat (3060 m), down to Lac du Portillon (2571 m) and the glacial Lac Glacé d'Oô (2664 m). After the initial climb out of Germ, you enter the Val d'Aube. Follow the river on the left-hand side; after 1¾ hr, across the valley (250 m away), lies the Cabane d'Ourtiga (1610 m). The route ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Couret d'Esquierry|lat=42.75523440839548|long=0.4627935235857289}} (2131 m; 3½ hr), where you cross into the Haute-Garonne department. After 4 hr, you reach the Cabane du Val d'Esquierry. From there, follow the D76 road down to the Granges d'Astau and an auberge (1139 m; 5 hr). In July and August, a morning bus runs up from Luchon and returns in the evening. The stage ends at {{Marker|type=see|name=Lac d'Oô|wikidata=Q3215352}}, a scenic 42-hectare lake situated at an altitude of 1,507 m within the Natura 2000 reserve “Vallées du Lis, de la Pique et d'Oô.” Renowned since the 19th century for its spectacular waterfall, the lake is a popular destination for its natural beauty. Due to its protected status, camping, swimming, and dogs are not permitted in the area. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Lac d'Oô|address=|phone=+33 7 84 56 55 88|lat=42.744558752|long=0.490915210685|content=Reached in about 6 hr. By the lake shore at 1504 m.}} === Lac d'Oô - Bagnères-de-Luchon === ; Distance : 19-21 km ; Duration : 7-9¼ h ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000-1130 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1900-2000 m After Refuge d'Espingo, the trail becomes more difficult, with several rocky scree sections. You skirt the northern slopes of Hourquette des Hounts-Secs (2275 m). Optional detour: From here, a 15-minute ascent (each way) leads to Cap de Bassiéret. You continue over the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Coume de Bourg|lat=42.787224318|long=0.51785762473}} (2272 m, 4¾ hr or more), which may retain snow well into the summer. Optional summit detours from the pass: * Pic Céciré, 45 minutes up and down to the north * Subescale, 40 minutes up and down to the south After 5½+ hours, you reach (1802 m) Superbagnères, a summer-only (July-August) mountain hotel serving the ski area. While it offers meals and lodging, prices are high. The massive historic building can also be reached by gondola lift from Luchon, replacing the old cog railway. The {{Marker|type=go|name=Gondola base station in Luchon|lat=42.78789198327501|long=0.5908142174347624}} is located on the western edge of town and operates daily from 08:30 to 18:00 during the summer season. If descending on foot, it is a steep 1200 m drop to reach {{Marker|name=Bagnères-de-Luchon|wikidata=Q238393|type=city}}. This spa town marks the end of the central Pyrenean segment of the GR10. Regular bus services run to Montréjeau, where you can connect by train to Toulouse. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Superbagnères|url=https://www.villagesclubsdusoleil.com/fr/nos-destinations/hiver/sejour-a-la-montagne/superbagneres|wikidata=Q844809}} === Bagnères-de-Luchon - Artigue === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 2½-3 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 50 m From the church in Luchon, head left along the footpath by the L'One river, crossing the road bridge toward Juzet-de-Luchon. Optional detour: Visit the waterfall in Juzet-de-Luchon. The trail continues via Sode to the day's highest point at the stage destination {{Marker|name=Artigue|wikidata=Q1088729|type=city}}. Altitude 1230 m. A small mountain village with a municipal gîte d'étape, open year-round, offering 12 dormitory beds and evening meals at the on-site restaurant. === Artigue - Fos === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 7½-8½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1100 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1750 m The first half of this stage is a steady climb of over 1000 meters, initially on a gravel track. After 1¼ hours, you reach the Cabane de Saunères (1660 m), a basic mountain shelter. One hour later, you arrive at the Col de Peyrehitte (1947 m). The trail continues along an exposed ridge around the Pic de Bacanère (2193 m; 3 hr or more), passing border markers 402-404. After the Col d'Aou (2093 m; 3½-4 hr), the trail descends gradually across open alpine meadows. At the Cabane d'Artigue (5 hr or more), potable water is available. Below this point, the path winds down gently through a series of switchbacks, eventually crossing a road bridge into {{Marker|name=Fos|wikidata=Q1349025|type=city}}. Altitude 544 m. Small village with weekday bus service to Melles and Saint-Gaudens (railway connections to Pau and Toulouse). Alternative route (former GR10): From the Cabane d'Artigue, you can divert to the Cabane d'Artiguessans, then descend steeply to the Ruisseau de la Batch before climbing back up to rejoin the GR10. This saves about 15 minutes and 70 m of elevation gain. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte de Fos|wikidata=Q3162431|lat=42.873845424|long=0.73442375047|phone=+33 5 61 94 98 59|content=Offers 20 dormitory beds, open year-round.}} === Fos - Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing === ; Distance : 18 km ; Duration : 6½-8 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1700 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m It's a good idea to stock up on supplies in {{Marker|name=Melles|wikidata=Q1616421|type=city}}, which you reach after about 45 minutes. From the old customs house, the trail climbs steeply. Auberge de Crabère offers a comfortable stop. * {{listing|type=see|name=Botanical Garden (À Fleur de Montagne)|wikidata=Q3162431|url=https://mairie-de-melles.wixsite.com/mairie-de-melles/le-jardin-botanique|content=Small but charming community-run garden specializing in Pyrenean alpine flora. Open in summer, 10:00-19:00.}} From Melles, a narrow road leads uphill to the last farmhouse at Labach (2¼ hr). The next 2 hours or more are mostly through forest, climbing steadily. After about 5 hours, you reach the Cabane d'Uls shelter. The path continues uphill to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Pas du Bouc}} (2170 m; 6+ h). Optional summit detour: From here, the {{Marker|type=see|name=Pic de Crabère|wikidata=Q3382364}} (2629 m) can be climbed in about 90 minutes round-trip. Brown bears have been reintroduced to this area. The highest point of the day is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Auéran|lat=42.835385392840536|long=0.860341080714231}} (2176 m), which also marks the border into the Ariège department. From here, it's a quick descent to Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing|url=http://www.refuge-araing.fr/|wikidata=Q3423195|content=Altitude 1956 m. Open June 1 to October 5. 52 beds, plus a 12-bed shelter area available off-season. Advance bookings accepted for groups on the two weekends before/after opening.}} === Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing - Eylie-d'en-Haut === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 3-4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1320 m From the lake and refuge, the trail climbs to the Serre d'Araing (2221 m; 1 hr). Optional detour: Summit of Pic de l'Har (2424 m), approximately 50 minutes round-trip. The descent into the valley follows faintly marked trails to the left of the power lines. Along the way, you'll encounter remnants of former lead mining operations. After about 2¾ hours, you cross a bridge and reach {{Marker|name=Eylie d'en Haut|wikidata=Q134078264|type=city}}, a small hamlet with a 14-bed hut, picnic area, and a basic campsite located by the Lez river. === Eylie-d'en-Haut - Maison du Valier, Pla de la Lau === ; Distance : 17 km ; Duration : 8¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1700 m A strenuous stage with no food or lodging options along the way. The trail starts by crossing the Lez river, then turns sharply left and begins to climb through open terrain. After about 50 minutes, you cross a stream and ascend through forest for just over an hour. In autumn, the woods are full of blueberries—a favourite of the brown bears reintroduced here in the 1990s. At a stone shelter (1660 m; 2½ hr), the trail forks. The GR10 continues to the right, up to the Col de l'Arech (1802 m; 3 hr or more). From there, the path turns left. Optional detours: * South to Tuc de Cagonilles (2196 m; 80 minutes round trip) * From there, to the challenging Mail de Bulard (2750 m; 3 hours round trip) After a short ridge walk, descend to the shepherd's hut Cabane d'Arech (1638 m; 3½ hr). From here, follow the access track down, then branch left down a steep, gorse-covered slope. After 4 hours, you reach a stream. About 40 minutes later, the ruins of Flouquet (1680 m) come into view. Continue to Cabane de Besset (1540 m; 6 hr or more), then ascend again for 45 minutes to Cabane Clot du Lac (1821 m; 7 hr). Passing the huts Cabane du Trapech-du-Milieu (1540 m) and Cabane de l'Artigue, you arrive at Maison du Valier. The Mont Valier massif is a protected area of interest to birdwatchers. It hosts a variety of mountain bird species, including rare birds of prey, bearded vultures, and alpine species such as ptarmigans, black grouse, and capercaillie. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Maison du Valier|lat=42.83084702593266|long=1.032510054490613|url=https://maison-valier.fr/|wikidata=|content=Altitude 927 m, located on the Pla de la Lau. Open March-October. Reception hours 16:00-19:30. 40 beds.}} === Maison du Valier, Pla de la Lau - Esbintz === ; Distance : 18 km ; Duration : 7¼-9¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200-1350 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300-1490 m A demanding stage with significant elevation gain and loss. The trail climbs from Maison du Valier, following the high northern slopes along the ridges of Cap de Lauses (1892 m), Pic de Crabère (1925 m), and the Col d'Auédole (1730 m). After more than 7 hours, you arrive at {{Marker|type=city|lat=42.85332|long=1.14584|name=Esbintz}}. === Esbintz - Refuge d'Aula === ; Distance : 19 km ; Duration : 6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 500 m This and the following stage offer spectacular scenery in good weather. From Esbintz, follow the D817 for the first 2 km to Borde de Galy. From here, you could take a detour to Seix (4 km) by continuing on the D817, then the D37, and turning right onto the D3, where you'll rejoin the GR10 near the Pont du Salat. Continue mostly downhill through the countryside, crossing the Pont du Salat to reach Moulin Lauga (550 m; 2 hr), which has a bakery and picnic area. Alternatively, you can rest 1½ h later at the Auberge des Deux Rivières. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Esbintz|url=https://www.gite-ferme-esbintz.fr/|lat=42.85315143224526|long=1.1459188949749635|content=850 m. Dormitory with 10 beds. Open May-November.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge des Deux Rivières|phone=+33 5 61 66 83 57|url=https://www.aubergedesdeuxrivieres.com/|lat=42.83210657498069|long=1.1982318103146805|content=Open late May to late September}} === Refuge d'Aula - Rouze === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 4½-5 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 700 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m Fit hikers can combine this stage with the previous one from Gîte d'étape d'Aunac (787 m), resulting in a 30 km day with 11¼ hf walking time (↥ 1750, ↧ 1580 m). From Refuge d'Aula, it's a steep but manageable 1½ hr ascent to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Bouche d'Aula|lat=42.77695825493033|long=1.1180083284724134}} (1998 m), then a descent to the Étang d'Areau, 100 m lower. Optional: The Pic des Aymesses (2036 m) can be climbed from the east side of the lake. A farm road leads down to Faup, with shortcuts along the switchbacks, for instance near the Cabane d'Areau. Slightly below the Col de Pause (1527 m; 2¼ hr), there is a parking area. The {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Camp site Rigaux Philippe|lat=42.78997920829053|long=1.178432115744275}} lies just below the hamlet of Faup. From Faup, descend along the D708 toward {{Marker|name=Couflens|wikidata=Q1142090|type=city}}, but before reaching the D3 junction, cross the bridge and climb on the opposite slope to Gîte de Rouze d'Ustou. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte de Rouze d'Ustou|lat=42.789696616|long=1.20592416901|address=Prat de la Moule, Rouze d'Ustou, 09140 Couflens|phone=+33561669545|url=https://www.ferme-de-rouze.fr/|content=16 beds. Cheese from the farm. Open mid-June to mid-September.}} === Rouze - Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou === ; Distance : 8.4 km ; Duration : 3-4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m Follow the stream uphill for about 1¾ hr to reach the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Serre du Cot}} (1546 m). Optional side trips: * To the south, ascend the Pic de la Tese (2255 m; ↥↧ 3 hr or more). * To the north, climb the Tuc de Peyre Mensongère (1711 m; ↥↧ 40 min). From the pass, descend left onto a forest path, passing a few ruined farmhouses. The route eventually reaches the D38 road and leads into {{Marker|type=city|name=Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou|wikidata=Q109571916}}. === Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou - Aulus-les-Bains === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9 hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400 m The hike begins at the southern end of Saint-Lizier. After crossing the pedestrian bridge, the trail climbs southeast to the Col de Fitté (1387 m), a former ski area. From there, it continues along the right side of the slope. One alternative route begins at {{listing|type=city|name=Bidous|lat=42.78257178128407|long=1.2700395937419484}}, following the Alet river south and then climbing steeply for over 2 hours to reach the Col de Fitté, where it rejoins the GR 10. The trail curves around the southwest side of the Picou de la Mire (1741 m) and reaches the Col d'Escots (1618 m) after 3¾ hr. The nearby Chalet de Beauregard restaurant is open from late May to September, 10:00-23:00. Afterwards, the path continues up and down along steep slopes until it reaches the Ruisseau de Fouillet valley (4½ hr). The Jasse du Fouillet crossing (1170 m) is reached after at least 5 h. For a shorter option, follow the yellow-red waymarks of the Tour du Val du Garbet. This leads to the D8F road and directly into Aulus-les-Bains (7 hr from Saint-Lizier). The main route continues toward the plateau of Souliou and the Pic du Mont Rouge (1600 m). A side trip to Étang de Guzet offers a possible bivouac site. The trail then descends toward the Ruisseau d'Ars (1485 m), crosses a bridge, and continues downward. After a second bridge (8½ hr), the path becomes easier. A final bridge, Pont de la Mouline, crosses the Garbet River just before the trail enters {{Marker|type=city|name=Aulus-les-Bains|wikidata=Q1082493|url=https://www.loubet.fr/saint-lizier.html}}, a small spa town with a mini market at the traffic circle near the bridge and a tourist office next door. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte Pyrénées AAA|lat=42.779696032|long=1.2690230044|url=https://giteslareng.net/|address=Lareng, 09140 Ustou|phone=+33967838934|content=14 places in upscale cottages for 2-4 people.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Cascade d'Ars|lat=42.762922493744796|long=1.3615038669340882|content=260 m high waterfalls in multiple tiers, located 4½ km from Aulus. Takes 3-9 hr round-trip to hike to them (↥ 530 m).}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping municipal le Coulédous|lat= 42.7940356892|long=1.3321660893|url=http://www.camping-aulus-couledous.com/|content=Also offers bungalows for 4-7 people. The gîte d'étape is a 12-person tent.}} === Aulus-les-Bains - Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès === ; Distance : 11 km ; Duration : 5 hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m The route climbs out of Aulus-les-Bains to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Port de Saleix|lat=42.78143117676052|long=1.4043285766664242}}, where you'll find the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Refuge de Carol|lat=42.7813|long=1.4146}}. From here, the ascent becomes steeper. The following section to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Port de Bassiès|lat=42.772502271037204|long=1.411691910311851}} is demanding but scenically rewarding. This area lies within the Mont-Calme nature reserve, where camping is prohibited. === Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès - Marc === ; Distance : variable ; Duration : 3½-5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1385 ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1385 This stage and the following one include several alternative routes and shortcuts that can be combined. From the refuge, the GR-10 leads southeast along a slightly rocky trail for just over three kilometers, following the chain of lakes. At the outflow of the last lake, the Étang d'Escalès, the GR-10 bends to the right. Along the stream, there's an opportunity to descend toward the main road and the village of Auzat. Another descent option to the road appears about 2 km further along the GR-10. The main trail makes a sharp turn southward. From the aqueduct (1160 m; 2¼ h4), the route maintains an elevation just below 1200 m for around 4 km, before descending the final 1½ km into the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Marc|lat=42.71687694132801|long=1.449593121067756}}, cutting across the switchbacks of the road. The Gîte Retrouvance de Mouret (12 places) is available for group bookings only. From {{listing|type=city|name=Auzat|wikidata=Q1082539}}, one can rejoin the GR-10 by heading 4 km south to Artiès and climbing back up. This avoids a significant part of the next stage. Alternatively, walking 6 km to Marc allows one to resume the full stage. To skip this stage, it is possible to go from Auzat directly to Goulier via two routes: one through Olbier (4.4 km), the other 6.1 km. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès|url=https://refugedebassies.fr/|content=1933 m. Open late May to September.|lat=42.76509|long=1.413221}} === Marc - Goulier === ; Distance : 24.3 km ; Duration : 6-9 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m From Marc, follow the path to Mounicou. A shelter is located a short way beyond, along the D8. This is where the ascent begins. After a few hundred meters, you can turn right at the {{Marker|type=go |name=Turn right|lat=42.71|long=1.4575}} marker and stay on the west side of Les Caldelets. From the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Orri de Tignalbu|lat=42.69417|long=1.46296}}, which has a water source, the path becomes very poor. The main GR-10 trail continues uphill to the Refuge de Prunadière (1615 m, 2 hr). Be sure to refill your water here. From there, it leads to a junction above the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Artiès|lat=42.7362|long=1.4793}} shelter (985 m, 3¼ hr). The path ascends steadily, passing the ruins of Pradières-d'en-bas, and arrives at Étang d'Izurt. A cable car runs to the lake. After a short climb, it's around 14 km downhill to {{Marker|type=city |name=Goulier|wikidata=Q1015676}} (moh 370 m), which is part of the Val-de-Sos commune. You can shorten the main trail from Prunadière by climbing steeply left past the buildings, gaining 450 m of elevation. About 2 hr later, you'll rejoin the GR-10 at Coumasses-Grandes. This shortcut saves roughly 8 km and bypasses Étang d'Izurt. === Goulier - Siguer === ; Distance : 13 km ; Duration : 3¼-4¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 416 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 830 m From Goulier, the trail ascends toward the Col de Risoul, then the Col de Esquérus, and continues to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de Grail|lat=42.75360457229|long=1.5321300362453}}. Near this pass is a shelter, an information board, and a water source located 250 m off the path. The route then climbs to the highest point of the day at the Col de Lercoul (1549 m). From here, the trail descends through the hamlet of Lercoul. A footpath south of the winding road leads downhill to the village of {{Marker|name=Siguer|wikidata=Q1375974|type=city}}, home to Café Rouse and several accommodations. === Siguer - Plateau de Beille === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 2400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m This demanding stage involves three steep descents and offers no accommodation along the route, only five basic shelters. From Siguer, the trail climbs steeply to Gestiès (40 min), where you should fill up on water. The path crosses the road three times on the way up. After a long ascent, you reach the Pla de Montcamp (1904 m; 3¾ hr). Past the Col du Sasc (1798 m), the trail traverses the flank of the Pic du Col Taillat. Water is again available at the Cabane de Courtal Marti, though trail markings on this high section can be vague. The trail descends to the Cabane de Balledreyt (1600 m; 2 sleeping places), reached after another 20 minutes. After about 7½ hours, the trail descends to the D520A road at 1040 m elevation. A detour to the villages of Aston (14 km, with a campground) or Les Cabannes (15.8 km, with a year-round gîte d'étape) is possible around the 4¼-hour mark. Les Cabannes has a train connection to Mérens-les-Vals or Foix. After crossing the bridge, the GR-10 climbs again via a forest trail. A water source is marked and located about two minutes off the trail, just past a large boulder reached after 9+ hours. The trail continues across a ridge to the Cabane d'Artaran (1695 m). Shortly afterward, you reach the ski area at the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Plateau de Beille|lat=42.72473998587668|long=1.6911435704342077}}, where the Cabane Beille is located. This area is accessible via the D522 road loop and popular with day hikers. === Plateau de Beille - Refuge du Rulhe === ; Distance : 14 km ; Duration : 4¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m It's recommended to start this exposed stage early in the day to avoid afternoon summer thunderstorms. The trail remains around or above 2000 m throughout. The highest point is the summit of the {{Marker|type=see |name=Crête des Isards|lat=42.65012142232325|long=1.7389568668472413}} at 2381 m. The Refuge du Rulhe lies at the junction of several long-distance trails, including the Tour de Pays des Montagnes d'Ax from Ax-les-Thermes, the GR Transfrontalier from Andorra, and two routes from the Vallée d'Aston. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Rulhe|url=https://rulhe.com/|lat=42.6379904848182|long=1.725866639541228|content=53 places. Open late May to September. €16 per night, half board €45. Tel: +33 6 74 24 50 71}} === Refuge du Rulhe - Mérens-les-Vals === ; Distance : 12 km ; Duration : 4½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 360 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1500-1600 m '''Water is scarce at high elevation.''' From the refuge, the trail ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de Calmettes|lat=42.636915754134|long=1.7404819725150908}} (2318 m), mostly over scree. Cairns also serve as markers. The path descends to Étang Bleu, where it skirts the left side of the lake and climbs again to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Crête de la Lhasse|lat=42.6398816194571|long=1.768563885207408}} (2439 m). Afterward, it continues over scree for nearly 800 m of descent to the pond called l'Estangol, with a shelter above. {{Marker|name=Mérens-les-Vals|wikidata=Q662289|type=city}} is reached after the final descent. The ruins of the old Saint-Pierre church date back to the Napoleonic Wars. The village festival takes place on July 20. The village has a train stop on the Foix - Puigcerdà line. Located on the N-20. The natural hot springs are about 45 minutes away, although they were affected by rockfall in 2022. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge du Nabre|lat=42.65611004694209|long=1.8429807373614195|address=le village d'en haut, 09110 Mérens-les-Vals|phone=+33 5 61 01 89 36|url=https://www.aubergedunabre.com/|content=Guesthouse in the upper village.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping de Mérens|lat=42.64646601527881|long=1.8310245105731093|address=600 Ville de Bau, 09110 Mérens-les-Vals|phone=+33 5 61 02 85 40|url=http://www.camping.merenslesvals.fr/de/haus/|content=Open all year, 1.3 km south of the village.}} === Mérens-les-Vals - Refuge des Bésines === ; Distance : 10 km ; Duration : 4½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 260 m This demanding stage continues through high alpine terrain, with lots of rock and scree. From Mérens, the trail leads past Le Nabre to the hot springs. Afterward, the path climbs for nearly 3 hours. First, it reaches the Estangs (2056 m), then continues to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Porteille de Bésines|lat=42.6154502407948|long=1.872190036139089}} (2333 m). From this pass, the route is clearly signposted. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bésines|wikidata=Q11945073|url=https://refugebesines.ffcam.fr/|content=2104 m. 70 beds. Open June-September. Phone: +33 5 61 05 11 77.}} === Refuge des Bésines - Refuge des Bouillouses === ; Distance : 16.7 km ; Duration : 5½-6 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 660 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 760 m This high-level stage crosses several mountain passes and offers excellent panoramic views. The route first ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Coll de Coma d'Anyell|lat=42.60880012907595|long=1.8962468691063044}}, from where it is possible to climb Pic des Bésineilles (2632 m) in about ¾ hr round trip. The path then continues through the Lansolet basin (2234 m), past the Cabane de Rozet, and climbs again to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Portella de la Grava|lat=42.59935934341172|long=1.934453711010157}}. From there, it's a gentle 3-hour descent to the lakeside refuge at Bouillouses. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bésines|lat=42.6039|long=1.86853|content=56 dormitory beds, with 16 emergency shelter spots outside the season. Open June-September.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bouillouses|lat=42.559475002653095|long=2.00351938309043|url=https://www.lesbouillouses.com/|content=2003 m. 46 beds. Open June-September. Phone: +33 4 68 04 93 88.}} === Refuge des Bouillouses - Planès === ; Distance : 19 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 230 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m The descent is easy but not always well marked. After about 2¾ hours (1740 m), the GR-10 reaches the D618. About 700 m further, a right turn leads to Superbolquère, where food and lodging are available, including a supermarket and a gîte with 28 beds. The GR-10 continues downhill to the quiet D10C near {{Marker|name=Bolquère|wikidata=Q1101891|type=city}} (1628 m, 2¾ hr), where there is a public drinking fountain and an information board. The nearby Gare de Bolquère-Eyne (1593 m) is the highest railway stop in France, on the scenic “train jaune” line. Passing through the villages of La Perche and La Cabanasse (3½ hr), the route ends at the small village of {{Marker|name=Planès|wikidata=Q524705|type=city}}. No shops in the village. The nearby Pont Gisclard, opened in 1909, is a cable-stayed bridge on the Ligne de Cerdagne crossing the Têt river. The village is a stop on the “train jaune” railway. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=L'Orri de Planès|lat=42.490995503|long=2.1382908362|address=Casas del Mitg, 66210 Planès|phone=+33 4 68 04 29 47|content=Gîte with 16 dormitory beds and private rooms.}} === Planès - Refuge du Ras de la Carança === ; Distance : 15.3 km ; Duration : 5¾-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1170 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 870 m There are no supply options along this stage. The trail begins with a gentle ascent through pine forest into the high Riberola valley. It is advisable to refill your water at the Refuge de l'Orri. Above the Cabane d'Aixques, the route becomes steep as it climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col Mitja|wikidata=Q28381301}} (2376 m). From the pass, it is possible to summit Pic de Gallinas (2624 m, ↥↧ 90 min) or Pic Redoun (2677 m, ↥↧ 1 hr). The final 1½ hours involve a descent of about 500 m to the refuge. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Ras de la Carança|wikidata=Q28380908|address=142 rue de, 66360 Fontpédrouse|phone=+33 9 88 66 73 81|url=https://www.refugelacaranca.com/|content=1840 m. Open mid-May to mid-September. 13 emergency places available off-season. Connections to other trails: 7.7 km to Prats Balaguer, 8.5 km to Ull de Ter, 13.7 km to Carança, 10 km to Thuès-les-Bains via the gorge, and 12 km to Núria.}} === Refuge du Ras de la Carança - Mantet === ; Distance : 10 km ; Duration : 4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 640 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 940 m This stage is challenging and poorly marked at higher elevations. From the refuge, follow the stream uphill for 100 m to a wooden bridge. Continue on a scree path along the left side of the valley. After passing through a gate, you reach an alpine pasture and the {{marker|type=go|name=Coll del Pal|lat=42.465650773936|long=2.258498904704664}} (2294 m). This area is a nature reserve where wild camping is forbidden. From the pass, there is an optional ascent to Pic de Serre Gallinère (2663 m; 1 hr round trip), and possibly further on to the Serre de Caret (2300 m). From the pass, descend to the {{marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Alemany|wikidata=Q120254507}} (1962 m; 8 places), located 200 m off the trail. The main path continues left, crossing first a wooden, then a concrete bridge, followed by a narrow unpaved road that ascends to the village of {{listing|type=city|name=Mantet|wikidata=Q1369164}} (1550 m). Population: 31. Most of the southern part of the commune is the protected area [https://rnn-mantet.fr/ Reserva natural de Mentet], where camping is forbidden. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=La Cavale|address=Los Miquelets, 66360 Mantet|phone=+33 4 68 05 57 59|url=http://la-cavale.fr/|lat=42.477231944228336|long=2.3092556382036555|content=Private rooms and dorms for 3-5 people.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte à la ferme Cazenove|url=http://www.gitecazenovemantet.fr/|lat=42.47702171854456|long=2.306028129535968|content=Farm gîte. Open May to September.}} === Mantet - Refuge de Mariailles === ; Distance : 14.8 km ; Duration : 5 hr 5 min ; Elevation gain : ↥ 936 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 834 m Midway along this stage is the village of {{Marker|name=Py|wikidata=Q178846|type=city}} (1023 m), which has an auberge and a gîte. From Py, follow the D6 briefly before heading northeast to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Jou|wikidata=Q47335849|lat=|long=}} (1125 m). The path turns southeast and ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Cavall Mort|wikidata=Q47335871|lat=|long=}} (1454 m), then continues upward to the Refuge de Mariailles. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge de Mariailles|alt=Refugi de Marelles|url=https://refugedemariailles.fr/|lat=42.5017361908777|long=2.4077634391340514|content=1692 m. Open from late May; shelter room available year-round.}} === Refuge de Mariailles - Refuge des Cortalets === ; Distance : 16.3 km ; Duration : 6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1030 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m This is a challenging high-mountain route around the Canigou Massif. There are no supply points along the way, and surefootedness is required. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Cortalets|url=https://refugedescortalets.ffcam.fr/|lat=42.53436454795011|long=2.465036067970792|content=2100 m. 105 places, plus 19 emergency shelter places available outside the season.}} * {{listing|type=go |name=Loop trail to the summit of Pic du Canigou|alt=Canigó|url=https://www.visit-occitanie.com/de/entdecken/top-sehenswuerdigkeiten/massif-du-canigou-katalonien/|lat=42.53692009465181|long=2.4666389025393545|content=This difficult 9.3 km loop (4½ h; ↥ 700+ m) begins 200 m beyond the refuge.}} === Refuge des Cortalets - Gîte-refuge de Batère === ; Distance : 16.8 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 270 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 920 m This stage is also part of the HRP. From the refuge to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Ras del Prat Cabrera|wikidata=Q47170860|lat=|long=}} (1739 m; 4 km), you can choose between a high-level route following the “Tour du Canigou” and a less steep path along the mountainside. From the pass to the Refuge de l'Estanyol (2¾ hr or more) the trail descends gradually, then more steeply. It climbs again briefly to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Cirère|wikidata=Q134299355|lat=|long=}} (1731 m; 4-4¾ hr). From here, you can optionally ascend the Puig Saint-Pierre (1791 m; ↥ 15 min, ↧ 15 min). Descending from the col, you pass abandoned stone quarries and mines (the Mines de la Pinosa are ruins of a former settlement), and reach your destination. Nearby you can explore the 5-day “Tour du Canigou” circuit or visit the historic abbeys of Saint-Martin du Canigou and Saint-Michel-de-Cuxa. * {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Estanyol|wikidata=Q120262655|lat=|long=}} === Gîte-refuge de Batère - Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette === ; Distance : 19.2 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 745 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m Along this long and steady descent, you pass several dolmens. Their significance may be best appreciated by specialists in archaeology. The destination is the Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette, an old mill located in the Ribera Valley. More accommodation and services are available in {{Marker|name=Arles-sur-Tech|wikidata=Q7897|type=city}}, which is connected by bus. At the southern edge of the town, you'll find Camping Riuferrer. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte-refuge de Batère|url=https://www.refugedebatere.fr/|lat=42.50176051942559|long=2.5484428644953847|address=Mines de Batère, 66150 Corsavy|phone=+33 4 68 39 12 01|content=17 dormitory beds, 20 in private rooms. Access via a 20.3-km road from Arles-sur-Tech.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette|wikidata=Q120266421|url=http://gr10-par-etapes.eklablog.com/hebergement-du-moulin-de-la-palette-a126161238|content=Simple eco-gîte in a renovated mill, located in the Ribera valley.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Riuferrer|lat=42.4551506239|long=2.6291899540|url=https://campingriuferrer.com/}} === Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette - Las Illas === ; Distance : 22 km ; Duration : 7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m From the gîte, follow the D536 for 1 km, then turn right uphill toward Montalba (543 m; 1 hr). At the cross, turn sharply right to continue climbing. You reach the ruins of the Mouli Serradou (833 m; 2½ hr). The highest point is the Coll de Sant Martí (1426 m; 4 hr or more). The trail continues through forest along the slope, passing by the Roc de France (also known as Roc de Frausa). {{Marker|name=Las Illas|wikidata=Q16508596|type=city}} has a water point and picnic area in the park. Accommodation is available in a gîte at the town hall and at the Hostal de Trabucayeres. === Las Illas - Col de l'Ouillat === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 6-7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 930 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 540 m The route has been altered several times due to terrain difficulties, so follow the current waymarking. The middle part of the trail runs along the border, just below the ridge. The dominant tree species in this area is the striking Corsican pine (Pinus nigra var. corsicana). A detour to the fortified town of Le Perthus and the Fort de Bellegarde (open May-Sep, 10:30-18:00) offers a cultural break. Note that all shops are on the Spanish side of the border. After about 3 hours, there is an optional detour to the Roman fort Panissas, built on the Via Domitia. Turn off 5 minutes after border marker 565 (2½ hr). The stage ends at {{marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de l'Ouillat|wikidata=Q11914547}} (938 m). === Col de l'Ouillat - Banyuls-sur-Mer === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 7-8¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 680 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1610 m The route stays high near the border ridge. It takes about 1 hour to reach the Pic Néulos. Water is available at the Refuge de la Tagnarède after 1½ hours. From there, the trail leads over several passes: Coll del Faig (985 m), Col de l'Orry, and Col de l'Estaque (1025 m; 2¾ hr). The Pic des Quatre-Termes (1156 m) and Pic de la Cabassère are bypassed to the north. After 4 hours, you reach the Coll del Pal (899 m). From there, continue right toward the Col des Gascons (6¼ hr or more). The final descent to the Col de Llagastèra (285 m) passes partly through vineyards towards {{Marker|name=Banyuls-sur-Mer|wikidata=Q6753|type=city}}. == Go next == * [[Pyrenean High Route]]: Crosses the Pyrenees along the mountain crests, staying higher than both the GR 10 and GR 11. * [[GR 11]] This footpath stays on the Spanish side of the Pyrenees. {{outlineitinerary}} {{Related|France}} {{Related|Pyrenees}} {{PartOfItinerary|Europe itineraries}} s5ht4xjqwgpahnlm6i11tecav8ob9on 5086710 5086708 2025-07-02T17:18:06Z Bluecoordinationfine 2327039 Some more improvements here. 5086710 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|GR 10 WV banner.jpg|caption=View from GR 10, near Souriche, looking towards the Tourmalet, valley of Barèges, France}} The '''GR 10''' is one of the paths and trails of the extensive [[Grande Randonnée]] (or GR) network. It crosses [[France]], from the Mediterranean coast to the Atlantic coast, and runs almost entirely through the [[Pyrenees]]. While the trail is in France, much of it is near, or even on, the border with [[Spain]]. The trail can be walked in either direction, though some suggest that the west-east route is easier in the beginning, as it is both cooler and less steep that the corresponding start heading west; this may be an advantage to those not fully in shape. == Understand == [[File:Lac d'Oo (22).jpg|thumb|Lac d'Oo]] Moving from east to west, the trail begins at the Mediterranean, in the small town of [[Banyuls sur Mer]], and finishes at [[Hendaye]] on the Atlantic Ocean. Hikers will usually be able to make it to a [[France#Guesthouses and holiday rentals|gîte]] or small town every other night, and quite frequently every night. Expected time to complete the trail is around 6-7 weeks, though the majority of people only hike sections of it. == Prepare == The trail is fairly well marked with painted marks on rocks, trees, telephone poles, and even houses, walls, and street signs. If you haven’t seen a waymark for 100 metres, you’ve likely strayed off the trail. Retrace your steps to the last marker and check your route. It is not realistic to navigate using the markers alone. A trail guide, at minimum, or a topologic map is required. Sunburn is a particular problem, and clothing such as long sleeved shirts and long pants should be worn as they protect from the sun, scratching branches and insects. Sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat are highly desirable. For those heading west from Banyuls sur Mer, the hike to the first gîte is particularly long compared to the following days, and should be started very early. === Equipment === One of the advantages of the GR 10 is that it can be hiked with minimal gear, as one can eat dinner and breakfast almost every day at the gîtes. Additionally the hiker can sleep outdoors on clear nights and pay for a bed in a gîte in inclement weather. On nights that only shelters (which usually have no food or staff) are available, pre-purchased food can be eaten. If one plans to eat at gîtes and buy food from supermarkets that can be eaten without cooking, the absolute minimal gear in the summer months is: * Sleeping bag or sleep sheet, and a mat for comfort. * Goretex jacket and fleece or similar for cold or wet weather * Long-sleeved shirt and pants * Short-sleeved shirt and shorts (including shorts you can wear for swimming) * Sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat * Adequate footwear. Anything less than hiking boots may prove insufficient. * Bottles for at least two litres of water, and a purification method for treating water from streams. * Toiletries and a [[Travel health kit|medical kit]] Additionally, consider a rain jacket or fleece top for wet or cold weather. If you plan to forgo the comforts and delicious food of the gites and hotels, also bring: * Tent * Cooking gear and food A note on footwear: some four fifths of the hikers wear full hiking boots and thick socks. While running sneakers may suffice (and Choco-style sandals may work for a few days), your risk of injury is higher, and much of the trail involves hopping around on possibly wet and sharp rocks. Choose conservatively, depending on the length of your hike and your experience. ==Get in== == Walk == {{Mapframe|lat=42.68287|long=0.56837|width=full|height=360|zoom=7}} {{mapshape|type=geoline|stroke=#000000|stroke-width=3}} === Hendaye-Plage - Olhette === ; Distance : 21.9 km ; Duration : 6-7¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1010 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 950 m Intermarché sells gas cartridges. Near the western trailhead a {{marker|type=buy|name=Decathlon|lat=43.36843635018845|long=-1.7798332063655435}} store geared towards watersports is available for last minute purchases, such as gas cannisters. The hike starts from the 3 km long {{marker|type=see|name=Hendaye Beach|wikidata=Q20947149}}. This is below the old casino, now known as Résidence Croisière. Nearby is the Tourist Office. Buses run from the main train station, or you can walk from {{marker|type=go|name=Gare Deux Jumeaux|wikidata=Q2802667}}. Leaving town, the route goes around the football stadium and climbs via Rue Errondenia and Rue de Pausoa, passing by {{Marker|type=city|name=Biriatou|wikidata=Q196871}}, which conveniently has public toilets available. After about 3 hr you reach the summit of {{marker|type=see|name=Xoldokogaina|wikidata=Q20492776}}. The high point is at Mandale (530 m) on the Spanish border. From here, the path descends past {{Marker|type=see|name=Redoute de la Baïonette|lat=43.309257665|long=-1.70329930013}}, a fortification near Mandale, located by modern border marker 9, to the Col d'Ibardin (4¼ hr), a popular spot for French shoppers due to cheap alcohol and tobacco. The trail continues via Col des Poiriers and Col des Joncs before reaching {{Marker|type=city|name=Olhette|lat=43.3360119885|long=-1.6661235970}}. === Olhette - Ainhoa === ; Distance : 21.1 km ; Duration : 6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 730 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 640 m The steepest climb comes right at the beginning. For most of the route, you'll be on forest trails and, after Sare, quiet paved country roads. The trail initially ascends on a good path over the Col des Trois Fontaines (1½ hr; a shelter is located 300 m away), then descends to the Col de St-Ignace, where the valley station of the cog railway to La Rhune is found. It continues to {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Sare]]|wikidata=Q274155}} (2¾ hr), a local transport hub and one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. There's an outdoor swimming pool. The stage ends in {{Marker|type=city|name=Ainhoa|wikidata=Q212962}}. Also one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. The tourist information office (open 09:00-12:30, 14:00-17:30; closed weekends and holidays) is located at the side of the town hall. Local grocery stores are a bit pricey due to the village's popularity. From Col des Trois Fontaines you can ascend La Rhune (905 m) either by cog railway (35 min) or on foot (3 km, 1¼ h; ↥↧ 300 m). The prehistoric {{Marker|type=see|name=Grottes de Sare|wikidata=Q3117280}} can be visited with prior reservation through the local municipality or online. Closed annually for a month after Epiphany. This stage is part of the [[European long-distance path E9|European long-distance trail E9]]. === Ainhoa - Bidarray === ; Distance : 21.7 km ; Duration : 8½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 880 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 850 m This is a difficult stage, with little shade at the start and a particularly steep, rocky descent near the end. At the old cemetery (389 m; 40 min) beside the {{Marker|type=see|name=Chapelle Notre Dame de l'Aubépine|wikidata=Q12253854}}, a dramatic crucifixion scene of the Jewish itinerant preacher Jesus of Nazareth and two other criminals has been recreated. Traditional Basque hilarri gravestones are found here. The path then continues over the Col des Trois-Croix (510 m; 1 hr 20 min). A good place to rest is at Ferme Esteben (2 hr 50 min, 580 m), a gîte d'étape with a bar-restaurant. The trail continues near the border, past Boundary Stone 77, partly on paved road. At Col des Veaux (550 m), you can take a 300-m detour into Spain to visit a venta (a small inn or shop). From here, the trail climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Méhatche|lat=43.272782275749094|long=-1.4166930371188398}} (716 m; 3¾ hr). The descent past Boundary Stones 82 and 83 is secured with cables. From Col de Méhatche, you can ascend Artzamendi (926 m), easily identified by its radar dome at the summit. The nearby {{Marker|type=see|name=Grotte le Saint-que-Sue|alt=Harpeko Saindua|lat=43.26526266671622|long=-1.3890420732224757}} can also be visited. Just before reaching {{Marker|type=city|name=Bidarray|wikidata=Q746221}}, a bypass trail offers a shortcut to the next stage. For peak baggers, this route also gives access to several summits: Errebi (between the chapel and Col des Trois-Croix), Atxulegi (a 15-min detour on the way to Col des Trois-Croix), and, in good weather, Mont Bizkayluze (701 m) and Gorospil (691 m). The village is split into two parts, 600 m apart. The GR-10 passes through the upper section (where accommodation is located), while the train station lies in the lower part. The stone “Noblia” bridge, in its current form, dates to the 17th century. Parts of the Church of the Assumption are Romanesque. Traditional hilarri gravestones can be found in the old cemetery, and the Ferme Gastetto is a protected farmhouse in classic Lower Navarrese style. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Aire Zabal|lat=43.2665469128|long=-1.34721660011|url=https://giteairezabal.fr/|content=Stage accommodation in the upper part of the village.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Amestoya|lat=43.284582665|long=-1.35372693663|url=https://camping-bidarray.fr/english/|content=Campsite along the D908, 2 km north of the upper village.}} === Bidarray - Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry === ; Distance : 18.5 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1250 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1250 m This southward stage is demanding, especially due to the complete lack of water sources along the ascent. After passing the Iparla Ridge (950 m), the trail reaches an altitude of over 1000 m for the first time on the way to the summit. It then continues along the ridge to the Pic de Tutulia before descending to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Harrieta|lat=43.21079140547837|long=-1.384120195860639}} (3¾ hr, 808 m). From the Col d'Harrieta, a side trail descends to Urdos (1¾ hr), from where it's possible to follow the road into Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry. The main trail continues across the Buztanzelhay summit (4¾ hr, 1029 m), then down to the col of the same name (843 m). Here, the GR-10 turns left and descends steeply. The path crosses the D949 road several times — this road leads from the village to the ventas on the Spanish border at the Col d'Ispéguy. You can also reach this col via the ridge, 1½ km from Col Buztanzelhay. If you want to skip entering {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry]]|wikidata=Q279252}} (162 moh), you can join the next stage earlier at the Nive des Aldudes (6½ h, 162 m). There's a picnic area in the park and a supermarket that stocks gas cartridges. Locals play Rebot, a type of pelota, on two courts. The Château d'Etxauz is not open to the public. On the last Sunday in April, the village hosts a traditional folklore festival known as Nafarroaren Eguna. The Nive des Aldudes valley occasionally experiences flooding and mudslides. === Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry - Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port === ; Distance : 19.2 km ; Duration : 5-7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 990 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 980 m This stage runs mostly on gravel paths and farm tracks. About an hour in, there's an optional detour at Col d'Aharza for a 35-minute climb to Oylarandoy, where a hermitage built in 1706 stands. The GR-10 heads south to the Col d'Aharza (734 m; 2 hr), where there's a water source, then turns east and circles around the {{Marker|type=see|name=Munhoa|wikidata=Q3327853}} (1023 m; 3½ hr). The climb is fully exposed to the sun. The descent begins on the right-hand side. {{Marker|name=[[Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port]]|wikidata=Q270294|type=city}} lies at 170 m and is where three of the four French pilgrimage routes converge before entering Spain. From here, it's possible to continue directly onto the Camino de Santiago (via Roncesvalles). === Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port - Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta === ; Distance : 16.2 km ; Duration : 5-5½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 870 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 420 m There are no supply points or public transport on this stage, but the walking is relatively easy. In the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Çaro|wikidata=Q842635}} (242 m), there is a public fountain next to the town hall. If you choose to end the day early after 3¾ hr in {{Marker|type=city|name=Estérençuby|wikidata=Q842724}} (231 m; two accommodation options), be aware that this adds an extra 400 m of ascent to the next day's stage. === Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta - Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty === ; Distance : 20.7 km ; Duration : 6¾-8 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1410 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m This stage is simple but offers little shade. The trail first climbs toward the Col on Ithurramburu (820 m), then continues ascending to just below the {{Marker|type=see|name=Occabe|alt=Okabe|wikidata=Q17417892}} (1456 m). On the Occabe plateau, 26 Neolithic stone circles known as ''harrespil'' in Basque have been found. They are believed to have been used for cremation rites. A good rest stop is the upscale {{Marker|type=eat|name=Restaurant Chalet Pedro|url=https://www.chaletpedro.com/|lat=43.03687624625582|long=-1.0746838225620772}} (4¾ hr). The associated lodge offers 10 beds. Across the stream at Le Kayolar, similar accommodation is available. From here, the trail turns sharply right after 100 m and continues uphill for 6-7 km (300 m ascent) to the stage destination. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta|url=http://kaskoleta.free.fr/|lat=43.092036845886255|long=-1.1646582066722122|content=Altitude 615 m. Offers 13 beds in 3 rooms plus a holiday apartment for 4. A scenic viewpoint with an information panel is 5 minutes away.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=L'aire Naturelle de Camping|lat=43.037460332099656|long=-1.0494175120345806|content=Natural campground with 50 pitches, located 3 km before the Chalets by the stream. Open June-October. Fresh bread available by reservation from 08:30.}} === Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty - Logibar === ; Distance : 16.4 km ; Duration : 5-6 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 440 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1380 m In bad weather, the route along the west side of the {{Marker|type=see|name=Pic des Escaliers|wikidata=Q31645205}} (1423 m) is not recommended. There are two alternative routes, but both are poorly marked. At the Ugatzé Ridge, the trail skirts the peak rather than summiting it. To avoid the steep descent from Pic des Escaliers, stay on the road for about 600 m after the start, then turn off after 2½ km to reach Col Ugatzé. A short side trip allows you to summit Arthanolatzégagnia (an additional 35 min ascent and descent). Trail markings are sparse for several hours. After some time following mule tracks, you'll reach a road crossing at Beloscare (1173 m; 3 hr). Logibar marks the end of the stage, but you can also continue 2 km further to {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Larrau]]|wikidata=Q608335}}, which offers three accommodation options and a campground. In bad weather, an easier alternative is to follow the paved road from Iraty directly to Larrau for a gentler descent. === Logibar - Sainte-Engrâce (Senta) === ; Distance : 26.3 km ; Duration : 7½-9¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200-1420 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 900-1170 m This stage leads through spectacular gorges. Follow signs to the Gorges d'Holzarté and ascend the trail to the 70 m long suspension bridge (50 min), which spans the dramatic Ruisseau de Olhadubi gorge 150 m above the ground. On the far side, the trail continues uphill. After 2 hours, you reach the Olhadubi stream — a possible spot for a refreshing dip. Nearby, the Cabane Cayolar d'Olhadubi (reached via a side path from the bridge) serves as an emergency shelter with space for 4-5 people. Continuing uphill, you'll reach the Abarrakia farm after just over 3 hours. The path then winds between farms, eventually reaching the point (4½ hr) where the GR-10 turns sharply to the right. The original GR-10 route bypassed the gorges entirely by heading up to the Plateau d'Adarkhotia after the Holzarté bridge. This shortcut saves 2.7 km (1¼ hr) and 150 m of elevation gain. After about 5 hours, you'll reach the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Anhaou|alt=Col de Bious|lat=42.9784|long=-0.88044}} (1383 m). From here, energetic hikers can summit nearby peaks such as Izeyto (1464 m) or Sarimendi (1484 m). The stage ends at {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Sainte-Engrâce]]|wikidata=Q197211}}. Sainte-Engrâce is home to a Romanesque church from the 11th century. From the village, a 9-km side trip (↥ 840 m, ↧ 135 m) takes you to the vast La Verna cave. Guided tours go up to 800 m deep — the main chamber is large enough to fit the Eiffel Tower. Bookings are handled through the [https://laverna.fr/en/ Espace accueil Arrakotchepia], Quartier Calla, 64560 Sainte-Engrâce (Tel. +33 6 37 88 29 05). August is often very busy. A detour south from the restaurant leads into the wild and romantic Gorges de Kakuetta. The trail is very steep and slippery, and entry tickets are (usually) sold at the restaurant. === Sainte-Engrâce (Senta) - Refuge Jeandel === ; Distance : 11.6 km ; Duration : 4¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 160 m The trail climbs steadily from Sainte-Engrâce into the limestone highlands of the Pierre-Saint-Martin massif, marking the transition into more alpine terrain. You ascend to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Pierre-St-Martin|wikidata=Q1107451}} (1760 m; border with Spain). Since 1373, the Tributo de las Tres Vacas — a cross-border tribute of three cows — has been held here every July 13 to settle grazing rights between the two valleys. A small shop at the parking area sells goat cheese. A ski area lies just over the border on the Spanish side. There is also a small shelter near Boundary Marker 62. An optional 15-minute detour leads to the summit of Soum de Lèche (1839 m). The Grotte de la Verna, a massive cave chamber accessible by guided tour, lies 1 km (¾ hr) off the main trail and requires prior booking ([https://laverna.fr laverna.fr]). From the pass, descend to the first switchback, then turn right off the main track. The trail passes under two chairlifts and continues along the northern flank of the Pic d'Arlas. When you spot three large concrete water tanks, descend to the staffed mountain hut at Refuge Jeandel. The ski resort village of {{Marker|name=La Pierre Saint-Martin|wikidata=Q3211628|type=city}} is about 15 minutes off the trail and offers additional services. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge Jeandel|address=La Pierre Saint Martin, 64570 Arette|url=https://www.refugejeandel.com/|lat=42.97829371796861|long=-0.7493627209784663|content=Altitude 1670 m. Dormitory accommodation from €18; half-board from €42.50. Staffed in summer.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Tourist Office La Pierre Saint-Martin|address=Maison de la Pierre, 75 D332, 64570 Arette|phone=+33 5 59 66 20 09|url=https://www.lapierrestmartin.com/|lat=42.97735500762936|long=-0.744495054007273|content=Open only during the French summer holidays (mid-July to late August). Provides info on local lodging and two campervan pitches. Served by seasonal Bus 807 between Arette and Oloron-Sainte-Marie.}} === Refuge Jeandel - Lescun === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 5½-6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1200 m This is a challenging stage, but the scenery is magnificent. Several rocky mountain paths are equipped with cables for safety. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Pas de l'Osque|lat=42.9702182168491|long=-0.7089944097203539}} (1922 m), which requires a head for heights. The trail continues to the Pas d'Azuns (1873 m; 2¾ hr), and a good first rest stop with water is the spring near the Cabane du Cap de la Baitch (1689 m; 3 hr). In wet weather, descending to {{Marker|type=city|name=Lescun|wikidata=Q179737}} (895 m) via the road is recommended, as the GR-10 becomes muddy and difficult to navigate. From Lescun, the HRP route offers a very demanding variant over the Col d'Anie back toward Cabane du Cap de la Baitch. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Centre de l'Abérouat|url=http://aberouat.fr/|lat=42.95041471194407|long=-0.6658390953581508|content=Staffed hut with a bar. Offers 20 rooms (2-5 beds each). Free tent camping nearby (bathrooms in the hut available for a fee). Best suited for groups; solo walkers must book in advance.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Maison de la Montagne|lat=42.934247039|long=-0.63524507931|address=1 ruelle de la Congasse, 64490 Lescun|phone=+33 6 88 06 95 29|url=https://www.maisondelamontagne64.com/|content=Comfortable accommodation for hikers in the centre of Lescun.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping - Gîte du Lauzart|address=Bordé de Mougnague, 64490 Lescun|phone=+33 5 59 34 51 77|url=https://www.camping-gite-lescun-pyrenees.com/|lat=42.92782183157741|long=-0.6421994110320027|content=Along the D340. About 20 minutes into the next stage. Open April-September. Campsite €14 + €4 per adult. 25 dorm beds available for €16; half board €42.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Tourist Office for the Vallée |lat=42.9990368924|long=-0.60057615194|url=https://www.pyrenees-bearnaises.com/explorer/nature/|phone=+33 5 59 34 57 57|content=Located in Bedous. Provides information on the surrounding region.}} === Lescun - Etsaut === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 5½-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 850 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1150 m The trail begins easily through pastoral countryside, then enters forested terrain, passing the [https://www.gite-camping-lhers.com/ Gîte d'étape and campsite on the Plateau de Lhers] (2 hr), and climbing to the Col de Barrancq (1601 m; 3¾ hr). From the Col de Barrancq, a side trip leads to the summit of Pic de Labigouer (2175 m), which takes just under 3 hours round-trip. Lower down in the Parc d'Orce, within the commune of {{Marker|type=city|name=Borçe|wikidata=Q840474}} (5¾ hr), lives the majority of the region's ~50 brown bears. The Gîte le Communal offers accommodation here. The stage ends in {{listing|type=city|name=Etsaut|wikidata=Q765829|content=Altitude 597 m. Located on the N-134 and served by the Canfranc-Oloron-Saint-Marie bus line. The former train station now houses the Pyrenees National Park visitor center. Accommodation available in the Gîte d'étape la Garbure behind the church (53 beds).}} Just outside Etsaut, the {{Marker|type=see|name=Fort du Portalet|wikidata=Q3078387}} clings dramatically to the cliffs in two tiers, spanning a height difference of 150 m. * {{listing|type=see|name=Refuge animalier à Borce|url=https://parc-ours.fr/|lat=42.9045174060618|long=-0.5745664608466107|content=open 10:00-18:00; admission €12. It functions as an educational wildlife refuge}} === Etsaut - Gabas === ; Distance : 24 km ; Duration : 9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1640 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1210 m The trail begins with the dramatic Chemin de la Mâture, a path carved into the rock face. It is not passable in icy or snowy conditions. You reach Grange Perry (1210 m) after 2 hours. A quarter of an hour later, at a junction, keep left. After 3½ hours, you arrive at the Cabane de la Baight de St-Cours (1560 m; shepherds only, June-September), located at the border. About 4 hours in, you cross a stream on a bridge. This is the last water source before the high pass. The highest point of the stage is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Ayous|wikidata=Q2981981}} (2185 m; 5½ hr or more). On its eastern slope lie the Ayous Lakes, including the scenic Refuge d'Ayous. It's an ideal place to break this long stage. The Col d'Ayous also marks a transition point between valleys: from the Chemin de la Mâture and Baigt de Sencours in the Aspe Valley to Bious-Artigues (1540 m) in the Ossau Valley, where pony rides and canoe rentals are available on the eastern shore. The lake is 6½ km from the pass (↧ 764 m). From the pass, you can also summit Pic d'Ayous (add 30 min up and down), or detour 6 km to Lac Bersau — a longer alternative via the Vallon d'Aas is 9 km. From the lake, descend on the D231 road, which includes switchbacks that can be shortcut. (Note: Refuge de Gabas is permanently closed.) The stage ends in {{Marker|name=Gabas|wikidata=Q5515276|type=city}}, which offers two accommodations and a bar, but no grocery store. Located on bus route 806/806bis from Col de Portalet via Gabas to Laruns (15 km). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Ayous|url=https://www.refuge-ayous.fr/en-gb|lat=42.84844763797708|long=-0.4911758258903634|10 minutes off the GR10 near Lac Gentau (6½ hr). This refuge offers 47 beds and tent spaces and is open from mid-May to the first week of October.}} === Gabas - Gourette === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9-10 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1150 m This is a long and difficult stage, not suitable for children. The Corniche des Alhas section requires a head for heights. Snow may linger into summer, making it hard to follow the waymarks. Water is scarce during the first four hours. The trail follows the D934 road to the Artouste dam, then climbs through forest paths (1¼ hr). Some parts pass through cliff-side ledges carved into the rock — the Corniche des Alhas — which have fixed cables for safety. An easier alternative bypasses the Corniche via the Pont du Goua and the Gave de Soussouéou. After 1¾ hr, you reach a bridge near the Gave de Soussouéou waterfalls (1145 m). From here, a steep trail leads up to Houn de Mouscabarous (1361 m; 2¾ hr), continuing uphill to Petite Arcizette (2293 m). Snow may persist at these elevations until July. After 6½-7 hr, you arrive at the Hourquette d'Arre (2465 m). Important: The path shown on some maps to the Géougue d'Arre (2619 m) is a mountaineering route, not a hiking trail. An alternative route avoids the Hourquette d'Arre altogether: from the Cabane de Cézy, follow the red-and-white GR10 then switch to the red/yellow-marked GRP Tour de la Vallée d'Ossau, over the Col de Lurdé to Eaux-Bonnes (overnight possible) and Gourette (also served by Bus 806). The GR10 does not go directly to Lac d'Uzious, but instead heads roughly north-northeast across a plateau, before turning east to descend. After about 8 hours, you reach Lac d'Anglas (2068 m), from where the trail continues along the outflow, then branches off to the right. After over 9 hours, you arrive in the ski resort of {{Marker|type=city|name=Gourette|wikidata=Q1540224|url=https://www.gourette.com/en/}} (1350 m). Ski resort with two supermarkets; gas cartridges available at Intersport. Mostly closed outside the main season. Served in-season by Bus 806 (twice daily) from Parking Gourette Nord to Eaux-Bonnes, Laruns, and Pau. If needed, you can exit the trail early at the upper parking area (which has a bus stop) and start the next stage from there. * {{listing|type=sleep|lat=42.9595015138|long=-0.333960997149|name=Chalet-refuge CAF|phone=+33 5 59 05 10 56|url=https://chaletdegourette.ffcam.fr/|content=Mountain refuge with 32 beds in 4 dorms. €16.50/night (€8.25 for Alpine Club members) + €0.90 tourist tax.}} === Gourette - Arrens-Marsous === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m This is a relatively easy stage that crosses two mountain passes: the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Tortes|lat=42.959773462638644|long=-0.3187601158279607}} (1799 m; 1¾ hr), and later, after crossing the D918 (popular with cyclists but too busy to follow safely), the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Saucède|lat=42.95972945620746|long=-0.31869998400517197}} (1525 m; 3 hr 20 min). Ten minutes after descending from this second pass, you'll reach a restaurant and gîte de séjour at the Col de Soulor on the D918 road. From Col de Saucède, hikers can also make a short detour to summit the Pointe de Surgatte (1805 m; 90-100 minutes round trip). Near the Pont de Lapadé, you can either cross the Gave d'Arrens or continue down into the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Arrens-Marsous|wikidata=Q1110649}}. Features tourist information and public toilets at the Maison Val d'Azun (Tel. +33 5 62 97 49 49). The village also has an outdoor swimming pool. A hiking festival, [https://www.eldorando.fr/ Eldorado], is held every two years for four days in late May. Call +33 800 65 65 00 by 17:00 the day before for weekday on-demand shuttle service to Lourdes. Points of interest include the Romanesque Saint-Pierre Church (parts dating to 1200) and the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Pouey-Laün, a pilgrimage chapel located 600 m south along the D105. The area is part of both the Natura 2000 conservation network (Gabizos and the Arrens Valley) and the core zone of the Pyrenees National Park. For a longer option, you can extend this stage to Gîte les Viellettes (2¼ h further), making a total of 20.5 km (8½ hr; ↥ 1250 m, ↧ 1530 m). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=GCU Campground|address=26 Rue des Paus, 65400 Arrens-Marsous|lat=42.9573380888|long=-0.213247116377|phone=+33 5 62 97 43 06|url=https://www.gcu.asso.fr/terrains/arrens-marsous-hautes-pyrénées-65|content=Simple tent campground on the edge of town.}} === Arrens-Marsous - Refuge d'Ilhéou === ; Distance : 20 km ; Duration : 6¾-7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 500 m From Arrens-Marsous (3½ km from the previous endpoint), you can follow the official GR10 or the more scenic GR de Pays Tour du Val d'Azun. The latter is slightly shorter but includes more climbs. Both routes rejoin shortly before the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape les Viellettes|lat=42.9219519144924|long=-0.1818867608457627}} (2¼ h; 15 beds). About 700 m further on is the simple tent site La Pose (open May-September). The official GR10 route passes through {{Marker|type=city|name=Estaing|wikidata=Q589628}}, a commune that includes three Natura 2000 protected areas: “Gaves de Pau et de Cauterets,” “Moun Né de Cauterets, Pic de Cabaliros,” and “Péguère, Barbat, Cambalès.” From here, the trail enters the core zone of the Pyrenees National Park. You ascend toward Lac d'Estaing. Just before the lake is a guesthouse open Thursday-Sunday, 09:00-17:00 (summer only). On the far shore is another restaurant (open 10:00-18:00) and Camping Intercommunal. Brave hikers may try a swim in the cold waters. The trail now climbs steeply through forest to the Cabane d'Arriousec (1400 m; 4 hr). Another hour uphill takes you past the Cabanes de Barbat (left of the path), then a final climb brings you to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Ilhéou|wikidata=Q2981991}} (2242 m; 6 hr or more). Just 5 minutes below the pass, you can turn left to reach the Crête du Lys, where the Courbet cable car operates in July and August. This offers access to the ski resort Cauterets-Le Lys (with a summer luge track) or direct descent into the town of Cauterets. On foot, descend to the stream near the Cabanes d'Arras (6½-7 hr). Turn right there and cross two more streams. The path then descends to Lac d'Ilhéou. At the lake's northern shore is the staffed Refuge d'Ilhéou. A designated bivouac area (aire de bivouac) is located about 10 minutes further south along the lake. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Ilhéou (Refuge Raymond-Ritter)|url=https://www.refuge-ilheou.csvss.fr/en/home|phone=+33 5 62 92 07 18|lat=42.86604614112533|long=-0.17358356545105466|content=Altitude 1988 m. 22 beds. Open from late May to late September.}} === Refuge d'Ilhéou - Cauterets === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 2½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 75 ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m This is a leisurely downhill walk that brings you gently back to civilization in {{Marker|type=city|name=Cauterets|url=https://www.cauterets.com/en/?to_lang=en|wikidata=Q366962}}. Scenic spa town with plenty of amenities, including a historic wooden railway station (now closed), a cinema, casino, and more. The tourist office is open M-Sa from 09:00-12:30 and 14:00-18:00. A special Office de la Montagne - Terre d'Alpinisme opens during the summer season. Cauterets flourished during the late 19th and early 20th centuries thanks to its thermal springs. The municipality operates two spas: Thermes de César in the village center and Thermes des Griffons in nearby La Raillère. Accommodation options include three gîtes d'étape and Camping la Prairie. Local buses run every 30 minutes from June to October. Regional connections are available to Lourdes, Luz-Saint-Sauveur, and Gavarnie. A shuttle to Pont d'Espagne departs four times daily from the old train station. The 30 km former railway line from Pierrefitte to Cauterets has been converted into a multi-use bike and hiking path. === Cauterets - Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 100 m This is a demanding stage. From Cauterets, take the path behind the Thermes de César and head south. After 1¼ hr you reach the hamlet of La Raillère (1044 m), where there are restaurants and a sulfur spa. Cross the bridge and continue up into the Val de Jéret, passing several waterfalls. The trail leads to the Hôtellerie du Pont d'Espagne (3 hr). From there, descend briefly along the road before turning right and ascending into the valley toward Lac de Gaube (1725 m, 4 hr). The path crosses the stream three times via bridges as you continue toward the refuge. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube|wikidata=Q109042828}} === Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube - Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400 m About 50 m from the refuge, the trail begins a steady one-hour climb over rocky terrain. At a fork (65 min), stay right and continue ascending. The {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Hourquette d'Ossoue|wikidata=Q3141336}} (2734 m) marks the highest point on the entire GR10. Even in mid-summer, snow often lingers here. After 20 minutes of descent, you reach the Refuge Baysselance. '''Ascending Vignemale from here via the Glacier d'Ossoue is only for experienced mountaineers.''' From the pass, the route heads southeast, passing the Grottes de Bellevue (2420 m; 3 hr), artificial caves carved in 1880 by the explorer Henry Russell. The trail descends steeply to a stream, then follows it into a boulder field fed by glacial melt from the Glacier d'Ossoue. The descent into the valley involves frequent climbs around cliffs and waterfalls. You enter the Vallée de la Canau (5 hr or more) and pass the Cabane de Sausse-Dessus. The next hour includes more ups and downs until you reach the Cabane des Tousaus (6¾ hr or more). From there, cross a final ridge to reach the D923 road and descend to the stage endpoint, Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle. If you need more accommodation or supplies, continue to the main village of {{Marker|name=Gavarnie|wikidata=Q917894|type=city}}. From Gavarnie, you can take a day trip (or a bus from Luz-Saint-Sauveur) into the famed Cirque de Gavarnie. It's also possible to ascend Le Taillon (3146 m) from here for experienced climbers. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge Baysselance|url=https://refugebayssellance.ffcam.fr/|wikidata=Q3423105|content=(2651 m), which offers 58 beds and is staffed from mid-May to mid-October}} === Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle - Luz-Saint-Sauveur === ; Distance : 26 km ; Duration : 8-9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 700-900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1500-1660 m Starting from Gavarnie village (via the D128 road) instead of the refuge shortens the route by 3 km (approx. 1 hr). The trail first leads to the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape le Saugué|url=https://www.gite-gavarnie-pyrenees.com/|lat=42.76864577103755|long=-0.005915232017950625}}, located on the Plateau Soula de Saugue (1¾ hr). This is a good option to break up the stage — the gîte has 21 beds and is open May to October. The route winds northward, passing the Soum Haut (3¾ h), then descends gradually along the western slope of the Gavarnie Valley. After 5¾-6 hr, you reach the D921 road. Cross the Gave de Gavarnie via the Pont d'Esdouroucats and ascend again to a path above the highway. From the south, you enter {{Marker|type=city|name=Luz-Saint-Sauveur|wikidata=Q35721506|url=https://www.luz.org/en/}} via the Pont Napoléon (755 m; 7½ hr), a dramatic bridge across the gorge. Well-equipped mountain town. The town has several historic churches, as well as a campsite with a grocery store. The Prime Meridian passes about 100 m east of the center. Numerous lodgings, 6 campgrounds, 2 supermarkets, and Intersport (gas cartridges). Bus 965 connects to Cauterets, Lourdes, and Tarbes. Bus to Barèges also available. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Saint Bazerque|address=Sia|phone=+33 5 62 92 49 93|url=https://campingsaintbazerque.eatbu.com/?lang=de|lat=42.83178828384746|long=0.0015462182938111647|content=Campground with grocery shop (mountain cheese), bar, and caravan spaces. Open 08:00-17:00.}} === Luz-Saint-Sauveur - Barèges === ; Distance : 12 km ; Duration : 4½-5 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m To extend this stage, continue to Refuge d'Aygues Cluses for a total of 19 km (7½ hr; ↥ 1560 m, ↧ 140 m). Though short, this stage begins with a relatively long and steep ascent. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Ruisseau de Bolou|lat=42.858690489195055|long=0.06773411839157908}} (1460 m). On the descent, hikers can stop for refreshments at the [https://refugedelaglere.ffcam.fr/ Refuge de la Glère]. This stage ends at {{Marker|type=city|name=Barèges|wikidata=Q632058|url=https://www.mairie-bareges.fr/en/}}. Composed of the hamlets of Artigalas and Cazaous, Barèges serves as a spa and mountain village. The local river, the Bastan, is called the gave. Note: the Jardin botanique du Tourmalet and the 1930s funicular are now closed. The town's website includes an accommodation and restaurant directory * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape l'Oasis|lat=42.897422977|long=0.067278671719|address=2 Passage des Toys|phone=+33 5 62 92 69 47|url=https://www.gite-oasis.fr/|content=Open June-September, and also December-April during ski season (Barèges is part of the Domaine du Tourmalet ski area).}} === Barèges - Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : route-dependent 7¾-9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m The trail begins by climbing above the road toward the ski station at Tournaboup (1 hr). It then veers south and ascends steadily. Good stopping points include the Cabane d'Aygues and, 10 km further on, the Chalet-Hôtel d'Orédon. This stage enters the Néouvielle Nature Reserve, where dogs and wild camping are strictly forbidden. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Madamète|wikidata=Q102076283}} (2509 m). From there, the path descends between alpine lakes: {{Marker|type=see|name=Lac d'Aumar|wikidata=Q3215322}} and Lac d'Aubert (5¾ h, 2190 m). A shuttle bus runs up to this point in high season, and there's an info panel at the end of the access road. Here, the trail splits into two variants: * Variant 1: continues along Lac d'Aumar * Variant 2: detours south to the tip of Lac d'Aubert, then along the northern shore of Les Laguettes and Lac d'Orédon (6¾ h, 1856 m; camping and hotel at the south end) Both variants rejoin at the Cap d'Estoudou pass (2260 m), followed by a steep descent. A short detour from the pass allows for an ascent of Soump de Montpelat (↥ 214 m). The path continues steeply downhill to Lac de l'Oule (1821 m; 7¾ hr or more). From here, head right to reach Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Cabane d'Aygues|url=https://refugeayguescluses.wordpress.com/|lat=42.87577795732996|long=0.15008320916912823}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Chalet-Hôtel d'Orédon|url=https://www.chalet-oredon.fr/|lat=42.82616251586139|long=0.1692328508499207|content=open June 1 - Sept 30; 88 beds}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule|url=https://refugedeloule.fr/|lat=42.824769697482445|long=0.20752501478344024|content=Altitude 1819 m. Located at the dam wall. Open mid-June to mid-September. 20 beds and a bar.}} === Refuge-Hôtel de l'Oule - Vielle-Aure === ; Distance : 17-18 km ; Duration : 5-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 460 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400-1500 m From the refuge, the route follows the western shore of Lac de l'Oule. GR10C variant: After 1½ hr, there is a signed detour to the [http://refugedebastan.fr/ Cabane de Bastan]. The main trail turns directly east and climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Portet|wikidata=Q42178369}} (2215 m; 2¾ hr). From here, it continues eastward, descending gently to the Pla de Castillon, then more steeply down to the D918 road (4½ hr or more) and onward to the stage endpoint {{Marker|type=city|name=Vielle-Aure|wikidata=Q1323900|url=https://vielleaure.com/}}, an historic village with two Romanesque churches: Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Pierre (in the Agos neighbourhood), both dating to the 12th century. Bus connections to Saint-Lary-Soulan and Lannemezan (35 km). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Hôtel Aurélia|lat=42.825852030|long=0.32776424175|phone=+33 5 62 39 56 90|url=https://www.hotel-aurelia.com/|content=Simple, hiker-friendly hotel in town.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping La Mousquère|lat=42.8273932992|long=0.33590955638|address=Nougaro, Autun, 65170 Bourisp|url=https://www.campinglamousquere.com/|content=Open May 8 - last weekend of September.}} * There are three more campsites within 2 km north along the river valley. Just 1 km south, the larger and livelier {{Marker|name=Saint-Lary-Soulan|wikidata=Q1323323|type=city}} offers a broader range of shops, accommodations, and services. The tourist information office is at the roundabout in the center; the supermarket is across the street. The wooden bus stop shelter is discreetly located about 50 m away, opposite the modern church on Avenue des Thermes. === Vielle-Aure - Germ === ; Distance : 13 km ; Duration : 4¾-5¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1170 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 630-700 m This is a straightforward, though poorly marked, stage that runs parallel to the D225 up to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Azet|wikidata=Q2981982}} (1600 m). From the pass, the route continues down to [https://www.vallee-du-louron.com/fr Loudenvielle], a village with shops, an outdoor pool, and the Balnéa Spa complex (open 14:00-19:30; €21 for 2 hours). Note: during the [https://www.pyreneesbikefestival.com/ Pyrenees Bike Festival] in early September, the area is overrun with mountain bikers. The final 2-3 km involve a climb of about 220 m up to the hamlet of {{Marker|name=Germ|wikidata=Q1094205|type=city}}. Altitude 1339 m. A small village with 34 year-round residents, but many second homes and guest beds. Two old churches are worth visiting. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Centre de Montagne de Germ|lat=42.793610431|long=0.425057973260|address=D130|phone=+33 5 62 99 65 27|url=https://www.germ-louron.com/|content=Open year-round. 70 beds in a large mountain center.}} * Auberge de Germ, a guesthouse with 11 rooms (33 beds), open year-round. * {{listing|type=see|name=Peyresourde-Balestas Airfield (Aérodrome de Peyragudes)|wikidata=Q5659350|content=Also known as Altiport 007, as a James Bond film was shot here in 1997. The 470 m runway has a 15% gradient and is also used for paragliding.}} === Germ - Lac d'Oô === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 6-7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1060 m This stage and the next are strenuous. They can be divided into thirds with overnight stops at the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Granges d'Astau|lat=42.76352657695474|long=0.5024399621092607}} (open May-Oct; 26 beds) and the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Espingo|url=https://refugedespingo.ffcam.fr/|wikidata=Q104413940}} (1967 m; 44 beds, mid-May-Oct; 15 emergency shelter places off-season). Camping is allowed near the lake. Around the refuge is a “classic” mountaineering loop over the Pic des Spijeoles (3008 m), Grand Quayrat (3060 m), down to Lac du Portillon (2571 m) and the glacial Lac Glacé d'Oô (2664 m). After the initial climb out of Germ, you enter the Val d'Aube. Follow the river on the left-hand side; after 1¾ hr, across the valley (250 m away), lies the Cabane d'Ourtiga (1610 m). The route ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Couret d'Esquierry|lat=42.75523440839548|long=0.4627935235857289}} (2131 m; 3½ hr), where you cross into the Haute-Garonne department. After 4 hr, you reach the Cabane du Val d'Esquierry. From there, follow the D76 road down to the Granges d'Astau and an auberge (1139 m; 5 hr). In July and August, a morning bus runs up from Luchon and returns in the evening. The stage ends at {{Marker|type=see|name=Lac d'Oô|wikidata=Q3215352}}, a scenic 42-hectare lake situated at an altitude of 1,507 m within the Natura 2000 reserve “Vallées du Lis, de la Pique et d'Oô.” Renowned since the 19th century for its spectacular waterfall, the lake is a popular destination for its natural beauty. Due to its protected status, camping, swimming, and dogs are not permitted in the area. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Lac d'Oô|address=|phone=+33 7 84 56 55 88|lat=42.744558752|long=0.490915210685|content=Reached in about 6 hr. By the lake shore at 1504 m.}} === Lac d'Oô - Bagnères-de-Luchon === ; Distance : 19-21 km ; Duration : 7-9¼ h ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000-1130 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1900-2000 m After Refuge d'Espingo, the trail becomes more difficult, with several rocky scree sections. You skirt the northern slopes of Hourquette des Hounts-Secs (2275 m). Optional detour: From here, a 15-minute ascent (each way) leads to Cap de Bassiéret. You continue over the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Coume de Bourg|lat=42.787224318|long=0.51785762473}} (2272 m, 4¾ hr or more), which may retain snow well into the summer. Optional summit detours from the pass: * Pic Céciré, 45 minutes up and down to the north * Subescale, 40 minutes up and down to the south After 5½+ hours, you reach (1802 m) Superbagnères, a summer-only (July-August) mountain hotel serving the ski area. While it offers meals and lodging, prices are high. The massive historic building can also be reached by gondola lift from Luchon, replacing the old cog railway. The {{Marker|type=go|name=Gondola base station in Luchon|lat=42.78789198327501|long=0.5908142174347624}} is located on the western edge of town and operates daily from 08:30 to 18:00 during the summer season. If descending on foot, it is a steep 1200 m drop to reach {{Marker|name=Bagnères-de-Luchon|wikidata=Q238393|type=city}}. This spa town marks the end of the central Pyrenean segment of the GR10. Regular bus services run to Montréjeau, where you can connect by train to Toulouse. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Superbagnères|url=https://www.villagesclubsdusoleil.com/fr/nos-destinations/hiver/sejour-a-la-montagne/superbagneres|wikidata=Q844809}} === Bagnères-de-Luchon - Artigue === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 2½-3 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 50 m From the church in Luchon, head left along the footpath by the L'One river, crossing the road bridge toward Juzet-de-Luchon. As an optional detour, you can visit the {{Marker|name=Cascade Juzet-de-Luchon|wikidata= Q135191106 |type=see}} waterfall. The trail continues via Sode to the day's highest point at the stage destination {{Marker|name=Artigue|wikidata=Q1088729|type=city}}. Altitude 1230 m. A small mountain village with a municipal gîte d'étape, open year-round, offering 12 dormitory beds and evening meals at the on-site restaurant. === Artigue - Fos === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 7½-8½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1100 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1750 m The first half of this stage is a steady climb of over 1000 meters, initially on a gravel track. After 1¼ hours, you reach the Cabane de Saunères (1660 m), a basic mountain shelter. One hour later, you arrive at the Col de Peyrehitte (1947 m). The trail continues along an exposed ridge around the Pic de Bacanère (2193 m; 3 hr or more), passing border markers 402-404. After the Col d'Aou (2093 m; 3½-4 hr), the trail descends gradually across open alpine meadows. At the Cabane d'Artigue (5 hr or more), potable water is available. Below this point, the path winds down gently through a series of switchbacks, eventually crossing a road bridge into {{Marker|name=Fos|wikidata=Q1349025|type=city}}. Altitude 544 m. Small village with weekday bus service to Melles and Saint-Gaudens (railway connections to Pau and Toulouse). Alternative route (former GR10): From the Cabane d'Artigue, you can divert to the Cabane d'Artiguessans, then descend steeply to the Ruisseau de la Batch before climbing back up to rejoin the GR10. This saves about 15 minutes and 70 m of elevation gain. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte de Fos|wikidata=Q3162431|lat=42.873845424|long=0.73442375047|phone=+33 5 61 94 98 59|content=Offers 20 dormitory beds, open year-round.}} === Fos - Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing === ; Distance : 18 km ; Duration : 6½-8 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1700 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m It's a good idea to stock up on supplies in {{Marker|name=Melles|wikidata=Q1616421|type=city}}, which you reach after about 45 minutes. From the old customs house, the trail climbs steeply. Auberge de Crabère offers a comfortable stop. * {{listing|type=see|name=Botanical Garden (À Fleur de Montagne)|wikidata=Q3162431|url=https://mairie-de-melles.wixsite.com/mairie-de-melles/le-jardin-botanique|content=Small but charming community-run garden specializing in Pyrenean alpine flora. Open in summer, 10:00-19:00.}} From Melles, a narrow road leads uphill to the last farmhouse at Labach (2¼ hr). The next 2 hours or more are mostly through forest, climbing steadily. After about 5 hours, you reach the Cabane d'Uls shelter. The path continues uphill to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Pas du Bouc}} (2170 m; 6+ h). Optional summit detour: From here, the {{Marker|type=see|name=Pic de Crabère|wikidata=Q3382364}} (2629 m) can be climbed in about 90 minutes round-trip. Brown bears have been reintroduced to this area. The highest point of the day is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Auéran|lat=42.835385392840536|long=0.860341080714231}} (2176 m), which also marks the border into the Ariège department. From here, it's a quick descent to Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing|url=http://www.refuge-araing.fr/|wikidata=Q3423195|content=Altitude 1956 m. Open June 1 to October 5. 52 beds, plus a 12-bed shelter area available off-season. Advance bookings accepted for groups on the two weekends before/after opening.}} === Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing - Eylie-d'en-Haut === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 3-4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1320 m From the lake and refuge, the trail climbs to the Serre d'Araing (2221 m; 1 hr). Optional detour: Summit of Pic de l'Har (2424 m), approximately 50 minutes round-trip. The descent into the valley follows faintly marked trails to the left of the power lines. Along the way, you'll encounter remnants of former lead mining operations. After about 2¾ hours, you cross a bridge and reach {{Marker|name=Eylie d'en Haut|wikidata=Q134078264|type=city}}, a small hamlet with a 14-bed hut, picnic area, and a basic campsite located by the Lez river. === Eylie-d'en-Haut - Maison du Valier, Pla de la Lau === ; Distance : 17 km ; Duration : 8¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1700 m A strenuous stage with no food or lodging options along the way. The trail starts by crossing the Lez river, then turns sharply left and begins to climb through open terrain. After about 50 minutes, you cross a stream and ascend through forest for just over an hour. In autumn, the woods are full of blueberries—a favourite of the brown bears reintroduced here in the 1990s. At a stone shelter (1660 m; 2½ hr), the trail forks. The GR10 continues to the right, up to the Col de l'Arech (1802 m; 3 hr or more). From there, the path turns left. Optional detours: * South to Tuc de Cagonilles (2196 m; 80 minutes round trip) * From there, to the challenging Mail de Bulard (2750 m; 3 hours round trip) After a short ridge walk, descend to the shepherd's hut Cabane d'Arech (1638 m; 3½ hr). From here, follow the access track down, then branch left down a steep, gorse-covered slope. After 4 hours, you reach a stream. About 40 minutes later, the ruins of Flouquet (1680 m) come into view. Continue to Cabane de Besset (1540 m; 6 hr or more), then ascend again for 45 minutes to Cabane Clot du Lac (1821 m; 7 hr). Passing the huts Cabane du Trapech-du-Milieu (1540 m) and Cabane de l'Artigue, you arrive at Maison du Valier. The Mont Valier massif is a protected area of interest to birdwatchers. It hosts a variety of mountain bird species, including rare birds of prey, bearded vultures, and alpine species such as ptarmigans, black grouse, and capercaillie. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Maison du Valier|lat=42.83084702593266|long=1.032510054490613|url=https://maison-valier.fr/|wikidata=|content=Altitude 927 m, located on the Pla de la Lau. Open March-October. Reception hours 16:00-19:30. 40 beds.}} === Maison du Valier, Pla de la Lau - Esbintz === ; Distance : 18 km ; Duration : 7¼-9¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200-1350 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300-1490 m A demanding stage with significant elevation gain and loss. The trail climbs from Maison du Valier, following the high northern slopes along the ridges of Cap de Lauses (1892 m), Pic de Crabère (1925 m), and the Col d'Auédole (1730 m). After more than 7 hours, you arrive at {{Marker|type=city|lat=42.85332|long=1.14584|name=Esbintz}}. === Esbintz - Refuge d'Aula === ; Distance : 19 km ; Duration : 6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 500 m This and the following stage offer spectacular scenery in good weather. From Esbintz, follow the D817 for the first 2 km to Borde de Galy. From here, you could take a detour to Seix (4 km) by continuing on the D817, then the D37, and turning right onto the D3, where you'll rejoin the GR10 near the Pont du Salat. Continue mostly downhill through the countryside, crossing the Pont du Salat to reach Moulin Lauga (550 m; 2 hr), which has a bakery and picnic area. Alternatively, you can rest 1½ h later at the Auberge des Deux Rivières. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Esbintz|url=https://www.gite-ferme-esbintz.fr/|lat=42.85315143224526|long=1.1459188949749635|content=850 m. Dormitory with 10 beds. Open May-November.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge des Deux Rivières|phone=+33 5 61 66 83 57|url=https://www.aubergedesdeuxrivieres.com/|lat=42.83210657498069|long=1.1982318103146805|content=Open late May to late September}} === Refuge d'Aula - Rouze === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 4½-5 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 700 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m Fit hikers can combine this stage with the previous one from Gîte d'étape d'Aunac (787 m), resulting in a 30 km day with 11¼ hf walking time (↥ 1750, ↧ 1580 m). From Refuge d'Aula, it's a steep but manageable 1½ hr ascent to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Bouche d'Aula|lat=42.77695825493033|long=1.1180083284724134}} (1998 m), then a descent to the Étang d'Areau, 100 m lower. Optional: The Pic des Aymesses (2036 m) can be climbed from the east side of the lake. A farm road leads down to Faup, with shortcuts along the switchbacks, for instance near the Cabane d'Areau. Slightly below the Col de Pause (1527 m; 2¼ hr), there is a parking area. The {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Camp site Rigaux Philippe|lat=42.78997920829053|long=1.178432115744275}} lies just below the hamlet of Faup. From Faup, descend along the D708 toward {{Marker|name=Couflens|wikidata=Q1142090|type=city}}, but before reaching the D3 junction, cross the bridge and climb on the opposite slope to Gîte de Rouze d'Ustou. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte de Rouze d'Ustou|lat=42.789696616|long=1.20592416901|address=Prat de la Moule, Rouze d'Ustou, 09140 Couflens|phone=+33561669545|url=https://www.ferme-de-rouze.fr/|content=16 beds. Cheese from the farm. Open mid-June to mid-September.}} === Rouze - Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou === ; Distance : 8.4 km ; Duration : 3-4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m Follow the stream uphill for about 1¾ hr to reach the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Serre du Cot}} (1546 m). Optional side trips: * To the south, ascend the Pic de la Tese (2255 m; ↥↧ 3 hr or more). * To the north, climb the Tuc de Peyre Mensongère (1711 m; ↥↧ 40 min). From the pass, descend left onto a forest path, passing a few ruined farmhouses. The route eventually reaches the D38 road and leads into {{Marker|type=city|name=Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou|wikidata=Q109571916}}. === Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou - Aulus-les-Bains === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9 hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400 m The hike begins at the southern end of Saint-Lizier. After crossing the pedestrian bridge, the trail climbs southeast to the Col de Fitté (1387 m), a former ski area. From there, it continues along the right side of the slope. One alternative route begins at {{listing|type=city|name=Bidous|lat=42.78257178128407|long=1.2700395937419484}}, following the Alet river south and then climbing steeply for over 2 hours to reach the Col de Fitté, where it rejoins the GR 10. The trail curves around the southwest side of the Picou de la Mire (1741 m) and reaches the Col d'Escots (1618 m) after 3¾ hr. The nearby Chalet de Beauregard restaurant is open from late May to September, 10:00-23:00. Afterwards, the path continues up and down along steep slopes until it reaches the Ruisseau de Fouillet valley (4½ hr). The Jasse du Fouillet crossing (1170 m) is reached after at least 5 h. For a shorter option, follow the yellow-red waymarks of the Tour du Val du Garbet. This leads to the D8F road and directly into Aulus-les-Bains (7 hr from Saint-Lizier). The main route continues toward the plateau of Souliou and the Pic du Mont Rouge (1600 m). A side trip to Étang de Guzet offers a possible bivouac site. The trail then descends toward the Ruisseau d'Ars (1485 m), crosses a bridge, and continues downward. After a second bridge (8½ hr), the path becomes easier. A final bridge, Pont de la Mouline, crosses the Garbet River just before the trail enters {{Marker|type=city|name=Aulus-les-Bains|wikidata=Q1082493|url=https://www.loubet.fr/saint-lizier.html}}, a small spa town with a mini market at the traffic circle near the bridge and a tourist office next door. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte Pyrénées AAA|lat=42.779696032|long=1.2690230044|url=https://giteslareng.net/|address=Lareng, 09140 Ustou|phone=+33967838934|content=14 places in upscale cottages for 2-4 people.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Cascade d'Ars|lat=42.762922493744796|long=1.3615038669340882|content=260 m high waterfalls in multiple tiers, located 4½ km from Aulus. Takes 3-9 hr round-trip to hike to them (↥ 530 m).}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping municipal le Coulédous|lat= 42.7940356892|long=1.3321660893|url=http://www.camping-aulus-couledous.com/|content=Also offers bungalows for 4-7 people. The gîte d'étape is a 12-person tent.}} === Aulus-les-Bains - Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès === ; Distance : 11 km ; Duration : 5 hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m The route climbs out of Aulus-les-Bains to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Port de Saleix|lat=42.78143117676052|long=1.4043285766664242}}, where you'll find the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Refuge de Carol|lat=42.7813|long=1.4146}}. From here, the ascent becomes steeper. The following section to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Port de Bassiès|lat=42.772502271037204|long=1.411691910311851}} is demanding but scenically rewarding. This area lies within the Mont-Calme nature reserve, where camping is prohibited. === Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès - Marc === ; Distance : variable ; Duration : 3½-5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1385 ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1385 This stage and the following one include several alternative routes and shortcuts that can be combined. From the refuge, the GR-10 leads southeast along a slightly rocky trail for just over three kilometers, following the chain of lakes. At the outflow of the last lake, the Étang d'Escalès, the GR-10 bends to the right. Along the stream, there's an opportunity to descend toward the main road and the village of Auzat. Another descent option to the road appears about 2 km further along the GR-10. The main trail makes a sharp turn southward. From the aqueduct (1160 m; 2¼ h4), the route maintains an elevation just below 1200 m for around 4 km, before descending the final 1½ km into the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Marc|lat=42.71687694132801|long=1.449593121067756}}, cutting across the switchbacks of the road. The Gîte Retrouvance de Mouret (12 places) is available for group bookings only. From {{listing|type=city|name=Auzat|wikidata=Q1082539}}, one can rejoin the GR-10 by heading 4 km south to Artiès and climbing back up. This avoids a significant part of the next stage. Alternatively, walking 6 km to Marc allows one to resume the full stage. To skip this stage, it is possible to go from Auzat directly to Goulier via two routes: one through Olbier (4.4 km), the other 6.1 km. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès|url=https://refugedebassies.fr/|content=1933 m. Open late May to September.|lat=42.76509|long=1.413221}} === Marc - Goulier === ; Distance : 24.3 km ; Duration : 6-9 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m From Marc, follow the path to Mounicou. A shelter is located a short way beyond, along the D8. This is where the ascent begins. After a few hundred meters, you can turn right at the {{Marker|type=go |name=Turn right|lat=42.71|long=1.4575}} marker and stay on the west side of Les Caldelets. From the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Orri de Tignalbu|lat=42.69417|long=1.46296}}, which has a water source, the path becomes very poor. The main GR-10 trail continues uphill to the Refuge de Prunadière (1615 m, 2 hr). Be sure to refill your water here. From there, it leads to a junction above the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Artiès|lat=42.7362|long=1.4793}} shelter (985 m, 3¼ hr). The path ascends steadily, passing the ruins of Pradières-d'en-bas, and arrives at Étang d'Izurt. A cable car runs to the lake. After a short climb, it's around 14 km downhill to {{Marker|type=city |name=Goulier|wikidata=Q1015676}} (moh 370 m), which is part of the Val-de-Sos commune. You can shorten the main trail from Prunadière by climbing steeply left past the buildings, gaining 450 m of elevation. About 2 hr later, you'll rejoin the GR-10 at Coumasses-Grandes. This shortcut saves roughly 8 km and bypasses Étang d'Izurt. === Goulier - Siguer === ; Distance : 13 km ; Duration : 3¼-4¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 416 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 830 m From Goulier, the trail ascends toward the Col de Risoul, then the Col de Esquérus, and continues to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de Grail|lat=42.75360457229|long=1.5321300362453}}. Near this pass is a shelter, an information board, and a water source located 250 m off the path. The route then climbs to the highest point of the day at the Col de Lercoul (1549 m). From here, the trail descends through the hamlet of Lercoul. A footpath south of the winding road leads downhill to the village of {{Marker|name=Siguer|wikidata=Q1375974|type=city}}, home to Café Rouse and several accommodations. === Siguer - Plateau de Beille === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 2400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m This demanding stage involves three steep descents and offers no accommodation along the route, only five basic shelters. From Siguer, the trail climbs steeply to Gestiès (40 min), where you should fill up on water. The path crosses the road three times on the way up. After a long ascent, you reach the Pla de Montcamp (1904 m; 3¾ hr). Past the Col du Sasc (1798 m), the trail traverses the flank of the Pic du Col Taillat. Water is again available at the Cabane de Courtal Marti, though trail markings on this high section can be vague. The trail descends to the Cabane de Balledreyt (1600 m; 2 sleeping places), reached after another 20 minutes. After about 7½ hours, the trail descends to the D520A road at 1040 m elevation. A detour to the villages of Aston (14 km, with a campground) or Les Cabannes (15.8 km, with a year-round gîte d'étape) is possible around the 4¼-hour mark. Les Cabannes has a train connection to Mérens-les-Vals or Foix. After crossing the bridge, the GR-10 climbs again via a forest trail. A water source is marked and located about two minutes off the trail, just past a large boulder reached after 9+ hours. The trail continues across a ridge to the Cabane d'Artaran (1695 m). Shortly afterward, you reach the ski area at the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Plateau de Beille|lat=42.72473998587668|long=1.6911435704342077}}, where the Cabane Beille is located. This area is accessible via the D522 road loop and popular with day hikers. === Plateau de Beille - Refuge du Rulhe === ; Distance : 14 km ; Duration : 4¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m It's recommended to start this exposed stage early in the day to avoid afternoon summer thunderstorms. The trail remains around or above 2000 m throughout. The highest point is the summit of the {{Marker|type=see |name=Crête des Isards|lat=42.65012142232325|long=1.7389568668472413}} at 2381 m. The Refuge du Rulhe lies at the junction of several long-distance trails, including the Tour de Pays des Montagnes d'Ax from Ax-les-Thermes, the GR Transfrontalier from Andorra, and two routes from the Vallée d'Aston. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Rulhe|url=https://rulhe.com/|lat=42.6379904848182|long=1.725866639541228|content=53 places. Open late May to September. €16 per night, half board €45. Tel: +33 6 74 24 50 71}} === Refuge du Rulhe - Mérens-les-Vals === ; Distance : 12 km ; Duration : 4½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 360 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1500-1600 m '''Water is scarce at high elevation.''' From the refuge, the trail ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de Calmettes|lat=42.636915754134|long=1.7404819725150908}} (2318 m), mostly over scree. Cairns also serve as markers. The path descends to Étang Bleu, where it skirts the left side of the lake and climbs again to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Crête de la Lhasse|lat=42.6398816194571|long=1.768563885207408}} (2439 m). Afterward, it continues over scree for nearly 800 m of descent to the pond called l'Estangol, with a shelter above. {{Marker|name=Mérens-les-Vals|wikidata=Q662289|type=city}} is reached after the final descent. The ruins of the old Saint-Pierre church date back to the Napoleonic Wars. The village festival takes place on July 20. The village has a train stop on the Foix - Puigcerdà line. Located on the N-20. The natural hot springs are about 45 minutes away, although they were affected by rockfall in 2022. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge du Nabre|lat=42.65611004694209|long=1.8429807373614195|address=le village d'en haut, 09110 Mérens-les-Vals|phone=+33 5 61 01 89 36|url=https://www.aubergedunabre.com/|content=Guesthouse in the upper village.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping de Mérens|lat=42.64646601527881|long=1.8310245105731093|address=600 Ville de Bau, 09110 Mérens-les-Vals|phone=+33 5 61 02 85 40|url=http://www.camping.merenslesvals.fr/de/haus/|content=Open all year, 1.3 km south of the village.}} === Mérens-les-Vals - Refuge des Bésines === ; Distance : 10 km ; Duration : 4½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 260 m This demanding stage continues through high alpine terrain, with lots of rock and scree. From Mérens, the trail leads past Le Nabre to the hot springs. Afterward, the path climbs for nearly 3 hours. First, it reaches the Estangs (2056 m), then continues to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Porteille de Bésines|lat=42.6154502407948|long=1.872190036139089}} (2333 m). From this pass, the route is clearly signposted. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bésines|wikidata=Q11945073|url=https://refugebesines.ffcam.fr/|content=2104 m. 70 beds. Open June-September. Phone: +33 5 61 05 11 77.}} === Refuge des Bésines - Refuge des Bouillouses === ; Distance : 16.7 km ; Duration : 5½-6 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 660 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 760 m This high-level stage crosses several mountain passes and offers excellent panoramic views. The route first ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Coll de Coma d'Anyell|lat=42.60880012907595|long=1.8962468691063044}}, from where it is possible to climb Pic des Bésineilles (2632 m) in about ¾ hr round trip. The path then continues through the Lansolet basin (2234 m), past the Cabane de Rozet, and climbs again to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Portella de la Grava|lat=42.59935934341172|long=1.934453711010157}}. From there, it's a gentle 3-hour descent to the lakeside refuge at Bouillouses. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bésines|lat=42.6039|long=1.86853|content=56 dormitory beds, with 16 emergency shelter spots outside the season. Open June-September.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bouillouses|lat=42.559475002653095|long=2.00351938309043|url=https://www.lesbouillouses.com/|content=2003 m. 46 beds. Open June-September. Phone: +33 4 68 04 93 88.}} === Refuge des Bouillouses - Planès === ; Distance : 19 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 230 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m The descent is easy but not always well marked. After about 2¾ hours (1740 m), the GR-10 reaches the D618. About 700 m further, a right turn leads to Superbolquère, where food and lodging are available, including a supermarket and a gîte with 28 beds. The GR-10 continues downhill to the quiet D10C near {{Marker|name=Bolquère|wikidata=Q1101891|type=city}} (1628 m, 2¾ hr), where there is a public drinking fountain and an information board. The nearby Gare de Bolquère-Eyne (1593 m) is the highest railway stop in France, on the scenic “train jaune” line. Passing through the villages of La Perche and La Cabanasse (3½ hr), the route ends at the small village of {{Marker|name=Planès|wikidata=Q524705|type=city}}. No shops in the village. The nearby Pont Gisclard, opened in 1909, is a cable-stayed bridge on the Ligne de Cerdagne crossing the Têt river. The village is a stop on the “train jaune” railway. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=L'Orri de Planès|lat=42.490995503|long=2.1382908362|address=Casas del Mitg, 66210 Planès|phone=+33 4 68 04 29 47|content=Gîte with 16 dormitory beds and private rooms.}} === Planès - Refuge du Ras de la Carança === ; Distance : 15.3 km ; Duration : 5¾-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1170 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 870 m There are no supply options along this stage. The trail begins with a gentle ascent through pine forest into the high Riberola valley. It is advisable to refill your water at the Refuge de l'Orri. Above the Cabane d'Aixques, the route becomes steep as it climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col Mitja|wikidata=Q28381301}} (2376 m). From the pass, it is possible to summit Pic de Gallinas (2624 m, ↥↧ 90 min) or Pic Redoun (2677 m, ↥↧ 1 hr). The final 1½ hours involve a descent of about 500 m to the refuge. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Ras de la Carança|wikidata=Q28380908|address=142 rue de, 66360 Fontpédrouse|phone=+33 9 88 66 73 81|url=https://www.refugelacaranca.com/|content=1840 m. Open mid-May to mid-September. 13 emergency places available off-season. Connections to other trails: 7.7 km to Prats Balaguer, 8.5 km to Ull de Ter, 13.7 km to Carança, 10 km to Thuès-les-Bains via the gorge, and 12 km to Núria.}} === Refuge du Ras de la Carança - Mantet === ; Distance : 10 km ; Duration : 4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 640 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 940 m This stage is challenging and poorly marked at higher elevations. From the refuge, follow the stream uphill for 100 m to a wooden bridge. Continue on a scree path along the left side of the valley. After passing through a gate, you reach an alpine pasture and the {{marker|type=go|name=Coll del Pal|lat=42.465650773936|long=2.258498904704664}} (2294 m). This area is a nature reserve where wild camping is forbidden. From the pass, there is an optional ascent to Pic de Serre Gallinère (2663 m; 1 hr round trip), and possibly further on to the Serre de Caret (2300 m). From the pass, descend to the {{marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Alemany|wikidata=Q120254507}} (1962 m; 8 places), located 200 m off the trail. The main path continues left, crossing first a wooden, then a concrete bridge, followed by a narrow unpaved road that ascends to the village of {{listing|type=city|name=Mantet|wikidata=Q1369164}} (1550 m). Population: 31. Most of the southern part of the commune is the protected area [https://rnn-mantet.fr/ Reserva natural de Mentet], where camping is forbidden. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=La Cavale|address=Los Miquelets, 66360 Mantet|phone=+33 4 68 05 57 59|url=http://la-cavale.fr/|lat=42.477231944228336|long=2.3092556382036555|content=Private rooms and dorms for 3-5 people.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte à la ferme Cazenove|url=http://www.gitecazenovemantet.fr/|lat=42.47702171854456|long=2.306028129535968|content=Farm gîte. Open May to September.}} === Mantet - Refuge de Mariailles === ; Distance : 14.8 km ; Duration : 5 hr 5 min ; Elevation gain : ↥ 936 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 834 m Midway along this stage is the village of {{Marker|name=Py|wikidata=Q178846|type=city}} (1023 m), which has an auberge and a gîte. From Py, follow the D6 briefly before heading northeast to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Jou|wikidata=Q47335849|lat=|long=}} (1125 m). The path turns southeast and ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Cavall Mort|wikidata=Q47335871|lat=|long=}} (1454 m), then continues upward to the Refuge de Mariailles. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge de Mariailles|alt=Refugi de Marelles|url=https://refugedemariailles.fr/|lat=42.5017361908777|long=2.4077634391340514|content=1692 m. Open from late May; shelter room available year-round.}} === Refuge de Mariailles - Refuge des Cortalets === ; Distance : 16.3 km ; Duration : 6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1030 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m This is a challenging high-mountain route around the Canigou Massif. There are no supply points along the way, and surefootedness is required. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Cortalets|url=https://refugedescortalets.ffcam.fr/|lat=42.53436454795011|long=2.465036067970792|content=2100 m. 105 places, plus 19 emergency shelter places available outside the season.}} * {{listing|type=go |name=Loop trail to the summit of Pic du Canigou|alt=Canigó|url=https://www.visit-occitanie.com/de/entdecken/top-sehenswuerdigkeiten/massif-du-canigou-katalonien/|lat=42.53692009465181|long=2.4666389025393545|content=This difficult 9.3 km loop (4½ h; ↥ 700+ m) begins 200 m beyond the refuge.}} === Refuge des Cortalets - Gîte-refuge de Batère === ; Distance : 16.8 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 270 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 920 m This stage is also part of the HRP. From the refuge to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Ras del Prat Cabrera|wikidata=Q47170860|lat=|long=}} (1739 m; 4 km), you can choose between a high-level route following the “Tour du Canigou” and a less steep path along the mountainside. From the pass to the Refuge de l'Estanyol (2¾ hr or more) the trail descends gradually, then more steeply. It climbs again briefly to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Cirère|wikidata=Q134299355|lat=|long=}} (1731 m; 4-4¾ hr). From here, you can optionally ascend the Puig Saint-Pierre (1791 m; ↥ 15 min, ↧ 15 min). Descending from the col, you pass abandoned stone quarries and mines (the Mines de la Pinosa are ruins of a former settlement), and reach your destination. Nearby you can explore the 5-day “Tour du Canigou” circuit or visit the historic abbeys of Saint-Martin du Canigou and Saint-Michel-de-Cuxa. * {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Estanyol|wikidata=Q120262655|lat=|long=}} === Gîte-refuge de Batère - Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette === ; Distance : 19.2 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 745 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m Along this long and steady descent, you pass several dolmens. Their significance may be best appreciated by specialists in archaeology. The destination is the Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette, an old mill located in the Ribera Valley. More accommodation and services are available in {{Marker|name=Arles-sur-Tech|wikidata=Q7897|type=city}}, which is connected by bus. At the southern edge of the town, you'll find Camping Riuferrer. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte-refuge de Batère|url=https://www.refugedebatere.fr/|lat=42.50176051942559|long=2.5484428644953847|address=Mines de Batère, 66150 Corsavy|phone=+33 4 68 39 12 01|content=17 dormitory beds, 20 in private rooms. Access via a 20.3-km road from Arles-sur-Tech.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette|wikidata=Q120266421|url=http://gr10-par-etapes.eklablog.com/hebergement-du-moulin-de-la-palette-a126161238|content=Simple eco-gîte in a renovated mill, located in the Ribera valley.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Riuferrer|lat=42.4551506239|long=2.6291899540|url=https://campingriuferrer.com/}} === Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette - Las Illas === ; Distance : 22 km ; Duration : 7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m From the gîte, follow the D536 for 1 km, then turn right uphill toward Montalba (543 m; 1 hr). At the cross, turn sharply right to continue climbing. You reach the ruins of the Mouli Serradou (833 m; 2½ hr). The highest point is the Coll de Sant Martí (1426 m; 4 hr or more). The trail continues through forest along the slope, passing by the Roc de France (also known as Roc de Frausa). {{Marker|name=Las Illas|wikidata=Q16508596|type=city}} has a water point and picnic area in the park. Accommodation is available in a gîte at the town hall and at the Hostal de Trabucayeres. === Las Illas - Col de l'Ouillat === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 6-7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 930 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 540 m The route has been altered several times due to terrain difficulties, so follow the current waymarking. The middle part of the trail runs along the border, just below the ridge. The dominant tree species in this area is the striking Corsican pine (Pinus nigra var. corsicana). A detour to the fortified town of Le Perthus and the Fort de Bellegarde (open May-Sep, 10:30-18:00) offers a cultural break. Note that all shops are on the Spanish side of the border. After about 3 hours, there is an optional detour to the Roman fort Panissas, built on the Via Domitia. Turn off 5 minutes after border marker 565 (2½ hr). The stage ends at {{marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de l'Ouillat|wikidata=Q11914547}} (938 m). === Col de l'Ouillat - Banyuls-sur-Mer === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 7-8¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 680 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1610 m The route stays high near the border ridge. It takes about 1 hour to reach the Pic Néulos. Water is available at the Refuge de la Tagnarède after 1½ hours. From there, the trail leads over several passes: Coll del Faig (985 m), Col de l'Orry, and Col de l'Estaque (1025 m; 2¾ hr). The Pic des Quatre-Termes (1156 m) and Pic de la Cabassère are bypassed to the north. After 4 hours, you reach the Coll del Pal (899 m). From there, continue right toward the Col des Gascons (6¼ hr or more). The final descent to the Col de Llagastèra (285 m) passes partly through vineyards towards {{Marker|name=Banyuls-sur-Mer|wikidata=Q6753|type=city}}. == Go next == * [[Pyrenean High Route]]: Crosses the Pyrenees along the mountain crests, staying higher than both the GR 10 and GR 11. * [[GR 11]] This footpath stays on the Spanish side of the Pyrenees. {{outlineitinerary}} {{Related|France}} {{Related|Pyrenees}} {{PartOfItinerary|Europe itineraries}} k6qtz078c2yf631u3jo9vtu7e12pgkw 5086719 5086710 2025-07-02T17:43:35Z Bluecoordinationfine 2327039 This article still contains a lot of listing-like information in the text as well. It will take a bit more time to clean it up. 5086719 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|GR 10 WV banner.jpg|caption=View from GR 10, near Souriche, looking towards the Tourmalet, valley of Barèges, France}} The '''GR 10''' is one of the paths and trails of the extensive [[Grande Randonnée]] (or GR) network. It crosses [[France]], from the Mediterranean coast to the Atlantic coast, and runs almost entirely through the [[Pyrenees]]. While the trail is in France, much of it is near, or even on, the border with [[Spain]]. The trail can be walked in either direction, though some suggest that the west-east route is easier in the beginning, as it is both cooler and less steep that the corresponding start heading west; this may be an advantage to those not fully in shape. == Understand == [[File:Lac d'Oo (22).jpg|thumb|Lac d'Oo]] Moving from east to west, the trail begins at the Mediterranean, in the small town of [[Banyuls sur Mer]], and finishes at [[Hendaye]] on the Atlantic Ocean. Hikers will usually be able to make it to a [[France#Guesthouses and holiday rentals|gîte]] or small town every other night, and quite frequently every night. Expected time to complete the trail is around 6-7 weeks, though the majority of people only hike sections of it. == Prepare == The trail is fairly well marked with painted marks on rocks, trees, telephone poles, and even houses, walls, and street signs. If you haven’t seen a waymark for 100 metres, you’ve likely strayed off the trail. Retrace your steps to the last marker and check your route. It is not realistic to navigate using the markers alone. A trail guide, at minimum, or a topologic map is required. Sunburn is a particular problem, and clothing such as long sleeved shirts and long pants should be worn as they protect from the sun, scratching branches and insects. Sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat are highly desirable. For those heading west from Banyuls sur Mer, the hike to the first gîte is particularly long compared to the following days, and should be started very early. === Equipment === One of the advantages of the GR 10 is that it can be hiked with minimal gear, as one can eat dinner and breakfast almost every day at the gîtes. Additionally the hiker can sleep outdoors on clear nights and pay for a bed in a gîte in inclement weather. On nights that only shelters (which usually have no food or staff) are available, pre-purchased food can be eaten. If one plans to eat at gîtes and buy food from supermarkets that can be eaten without cooking, the absolute minimal gear in the summer months is: * Sleeping bag or sleep sheet, and a mat for comfort. * Goretex jacket and fleece or similar for cold or wet weather * Long-sleeved shirt and pants * Short-sleeved shirt and shorts (including shorts you can wear for swimming) * Sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat * Adequate footwear. Anything less than hiking boots may prove insufficient. * Bottles for at least two litres of water, and a purification method for treating water from streams. * Toiletries and a [[Travel health kit|medical kit]] Additionally, consider a rain jacket or fleece top for wet or cold weather. If you plan to forgo the comforts and delicious food of the gites and hotels, also bring: * Tent * Cooking gear and food A note on footwear: some four fifths of the hikers wear full hiking boots and thick socks. While running sneakers may suffice (and Choco-style sandals may work for a few days), your risk of injury is higher, and much of the trail involves hopping around on possibly wet and sharp rocks. Choose conservatively, depending on the length of your hike and your experience. ==Get in== == Walk == {{Mapframe|lat=42.68287|long=0.56837|width=full|height=360|zoom=7}} {{mapshape|type=geoline|stroke=#000000|stroke-width=3}} === Hendaye-Plage - Olhette === ; Distance : 21.9 km ; Duration : 6-7¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1010 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 950 m Intermarché sells gas cartridges. Near the western trailhead a {{marker|type=buy|name=Decathlon|lat=43.36843635018845|long=-1.7798332063655435}} store geared towards watersports is available for last minute purchases, such as gas cannisters. The hike starts from the 3 km long {{marker|type=see|name=Hendaye Beach|wikidata=Q20947149}}. This is below the old casino, now known as Résidence Croisière. Nearby is the Tourist Office. Buses run from the main train station, or you can walk from {{marker|type=go|name=Gare Deux Jumeaux|wikidata=Q2802667}}. Leaving town, the route goes around the football stadium and climbs via Rue Errondenia and Rue de Pausoa, passing by {{Marker|type=city|name=Biriatou|wikidata=Q196871}}, which conveniently has public toilets available. After about 3 hr you reach the summit of {{marker|type=see|name=Xoldokogaina|wikidata=Q20492776}}. The high point is at Mandale on the Spanish border, with an altitude of {{m|530}}. From here, the path descends past {{Marker|type=see|name=Redoute de la Baïonette|lat=43.309257665|long=-1.70329930013}}, a fortification near Mandale, located by modern border marker 9, to the Col d'Ibardin, a journey of 4¼ hours. The col is a popular spot for French shoppers due to cheap alcohol and tobacco. The trail continues via Col des Poiriers and Col des Joncs before reaching {{Marker|type=city|name=Olhette|lat=43.3360119885|long=-1.6661235970}}. === Olhette - Ainhoa === ; Distance : 21.1 km ; Duration : 6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 730 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 640 m The steepest climb comes right at the beginning. For most of the route, you'll be on forest trails and, after Sare, quiet paved country roads. The trail initially ascends on a good path to the Col des Trois Fontaines, a journey of 1½ hours. A shelter is located 300 m from the col. The path then descends to the Col de St-Ignace, where the valley station of the cog railway to La Rhune is found. It continues to {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Sare]]|wikidata=Q274155}}, bringing the total walking time to 2¾ hours. Sare is a local transport hub, an outdoor swimming pool is available, and it is listed as one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. The stage ends in {{Marker|type=city|name=Ainhoa|wikidata=Q212962}}, which is also one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. From Col des Trois Fontaines you can ascend La Rhune, which has an altitude of {{m|905}}. The ascent can be made either by cog railway, a trip that takes 35 minutes, or on foot. The walk is a 3 km journey that takes 1¼ hours and involves an ascent and descent of 300 m. The prehistoric {{Marker|type=see|name=Grottes de Sare|wikidata=Q3117280}} can be visited with prior reservation made through the local municipality or online. These caves are closed annually for one month following Epiphany. This stage is part of the [[European long-distance path E9|European long-distance trail E9]]. === Ainhoa - Bidarray === ; Distance : 21.7 km ; Duration : 8½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 880 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 850 m This is a difficult stage, with little shade at the start and a particularly steep, rocky descent near the end. At the old cemetery (389 m; 40 min) beside the {{Marker|type=see|name=Chapelle Notre Dame de l'Aubépine|wikidata=Q12253854}}, a dramatic crucifixion scene of the Jewish itinerant preacher Jesus of Nazareth and two other criminals has been recreated. Traditional Basque hilarri gravestones are found here. The path then continues over the Col des Trois-Croix (510 m; 1 hr 20 min). A good place to rest is at Ferme Esteben (2 hr 50 min, 580 m), a gîte d'étape with a bar-restaurant. The trail continues near the border, past Boundary Stone 77, partly on paved road. At Col des Veaux (550 m), you can take a 300-m detour into Spain to visit a venta (a small inn or shop). From here, the trail climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Méhatche|lat=43.272782275749094|long=-1.4166930371188398}} (716 m; 3¾ hr). The descent past Boundary Stones 82 and 83 is secured with cables. From Col de Méhatche, you can ascend Artzamendi (926 m), easily identified by its radar dome at the summit. The nearby {{Marker|type=see|name=Grotte le Saint-que-Sue|alt=Harpeko Saindua|lat=43.26526266671622|long=-1.3890420732224757}} can also be visited. Just before reaching {{Marker|type=city|name=Bidarray|wikidata=Q746221}}, a bypass trail offers a shortcut to the next stage. For peak baggers, this route also gives access to several summits: Errebi (between the chapel and Col des Trois-Croix), Atxulegi (a 15-min detour on the way to Col des Trois-Croix), and, in good weather, Mont Bizkayluze (701 m) and Gorospil (691 m). The village is split into two parts, 600 m apart. The GR-10 passes through the upper section (where accommodation is located), while the train station lies in the lower part. The stone “Noblia” bridge, in its current form, dates to the 17th century. Parts of the Church of the Assumption are Romanesque. Traditional hilarri gravestones can be found in the old cemetery, and the Ferme Gastetto is a protected farmhouse in classic Lower Navarrese style. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Aire Zabal|lat=43.2665469128|long=-1.34721660011|url=https://giteairezabal.fr/|content=Stage accommodation in the upper part of the village.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Amestoya|lat=43.284582665|long=-1.35372693663|url=https://camping-bidarray.fr/english/|content=Campsite along the D908, 2 km north of the upper village.}} === Bidarray - Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry === ; Distance : 18.5 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1250 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1250 m This southward stage is demanding, especially due to the complete lack of water sources along the ascent. After passing the Iparla Ridge at an altitude of {{m|950}}, the trail reaches over 1000 m for the first time on the way to the summit. It then continues along the ridge to the Pic de Tutulia before descending to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Harrieta|lat=43.21079140547837|long=-1.384120195860639}}. This point is reached after 3¾ hours and sits at an altitude of {{m|808}}. From the Col d'Harrieta, a side trail descends to Urdos in a walk of 1¾ hours, from where it is possible to follow the road into Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry. The main trail continues across the Buztanzelhay summit, which is reached in 4¾ hours at an altitude of {{m|1029}}. The trail then leads down to the col of the same name at {{m|843}}. Here, the GR-10 turns left and descends steeply. The path crosses the D949 road several times; this road leads from the village to the ventas on the Spanish border at the Col d'Ispéguy. You can also reach this col via the ridge, a distance of 1½ km from Col Buztanzelhay. If you want to skip entering {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry]]|wikidata=Q279252}}, a village situated at {{m|162}}, you can join the next stage earlier at the Nive des Aldudes. This location can be reached in 6½ hours and is at an altitude of {{m|162}}. In the village park, there is a picnic area, and a supermarket stocks gas cartridges. Locals play Rebot, a type of pelota, on two courts. The Château d'Etxauz is not open to the public. The village hosts a traditional folklore festival known as Nafarroaren Eguna on the last Sunday in April. The Nive des Aldudes valley occasionally experiences flooding and mudslides. === Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry - Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port === ; Distance : 19.2 km ; Duration : 5-7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 990 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 980 m This stage runs mostly on gravel paths and farm tracks. About an hour into the walk, there is an optional detour at Col d'Aharza for a 35-minute climb to Oylarandoy, where a hermitage built in 1706 stands. The GR-10 heads south to the Col d'Aharza, which is at an altitude of {{m|734}} and reached in two hours. A water source is available at the col. The trail then turns east and circles around {{Marker|type=see|name=Munhoa|wikidata=Q3327853}}. This summit is at {{m|1023}} and is reached after a total of 3½ hours. The climb is fully exposed to the sun. The descent begins on the right-hand side. {{Marker|name=[[Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port]]|wikidata=Q270294|type=city}} lies at an altitude of {{m|170}} and is where three of the four French pilgrimage routes converge before entering Spain. From here, it is possible to continue directly onto the Camino de Santiago towards Roncesvalles. === Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port - Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta === ; Distance : 16.2 km ; Duration : 5-5½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 870 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 420 m There are no supply points or public transport on this stage, but the walking is relatively easy. In the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Çaro|wikidata=Q842635}}, at an altitude of {{m|242}}, there is a public fountain next to the town hall. If you choose to end the day early after 3¾ hours in {{Marker|type=city|name=Estérençuby|wikidata=Q842724}}, be aware that this adds an extra 400 m of ascent to the next day's stage. The village lies at an altitude of {{m|231}} and offers two accommodation options. === Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta - Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty === ; Distance : 20.7 km ; Duration : 6¾-8 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1410 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m This stage is simple but offers little shade. The trail first climbs toward the Col on Ithurramburu, which is at an altitude of {{m|820}}. It then continues ascending to just below {{Marker|type=see|name=Occabe|alt=Okabe|wikidata=Q17417892}} at {{m|1456}}. On the Occabe plateau, 26 Neolithic stone circles have been found. Known as ''harrespil'' in Basque, they are believed to have been used for cremation rites. A good rest stop, reached after 4¾ hours, is the upscale {{Marker|type=eat|name=Restaurant Chalet Pedro|url=https://www.chaletpedro.com/|lat=43.03687624625582|long=-1.0746838225620772}}. The associated lodge offers 10 beds. Across the stream at Le Kayolar, similar accommodation is available. From here, the trail turns sharply right after 100 m and continues uphill for another 6-7 km to the stage destination, a final ascent of 300 m. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta|url=http://kaskoleta.free.fr/|lat=43.092036845886255|long=-1.1646582066722122|content=Altitude 615 m. Offers 13 beds in 3 rooms plus a holiday apartment for 4. A scenic viewpoint with an information panel is 5 minutes away.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=L'aire Naturelle de Camping|lat=43.037460332099656|long=-1.0494175120345806|content=Natural campground with 50 pitches, located 3 km before the Chalets by the stream. Open June-October. Fresh bread available by reservation from 08:30.}} === Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty - Logibar === ; Distance : 16.4 km ; Duration : 5-6 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 440 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1380 m In bad weather, the route along the west side of the {{Marker|type=see|name=Pic des Escaliers|wikidata=Q31645205}}, which has an altitude of {{m|1423}}, is not recommended. There are two alternative routes, but both are poorly marked. At the Ugatzé Ridge, the trail skirts the peak rather than summiting it. To avoid the steep descent from Pic des Escaliers, stay on the road for about 600 m after the start, then turn off after 2½ km to reach Col Ugatzé. A short side trip allows you to summit Arthanolatzégagnia, which requires an additional 35 minutes for the ascent and descent. For several hours, trail markings are sparse. After some time following mule tracks, you'll reach a road crossing at Beloscare, which is at an altitude of {{m|1173}} and is reached after three hours. Logibar marks the end of the stage, but you can also continue 2 km further to {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Larrau]]|wikidata=Q608335}}, which offers three accommodation options and a campground. In bad weather, an easier alternative is to follow the paved road from Iraty directly to Larrau for a gentler descent. === Logibar - Sainte-Engrâce (Senta) === ; Distance : 26.3 km ; Duration : 7½-9¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200-1420 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 900-1170 m This stage leads through spectacular gorges. Follow signs to the Gorges d'Holzarté and ascend the trail to the 70 m long suspension bridge, a walk of 50 minutes. The bridge spans the dramatic Ruisseau de Olhadubi gorge 150 m above the ground. On the far side, the trail continues uphill. After two hours, you reach the Olhadubi stream, which is a possible spot for a refreshing dip. Nearby is the Cabane Cayolar d'Olhadubi, reached via a side path from the bridge. It serves as an emergency shelter with space for 4-5 people. Continuing uphill, you'll reach the Abarrakia farm after just over three hours. The path then winds between farms, eventually reaching the point where the GR-10 turns sharply to the right, a journey of 4½ hours from the start. The original GR-10 route bypassed the gorges entirely by heading up to the Plateau d'Adarkhotia after the Holzarté bridge. This shortcut saves 2.7 km, takes 1¼ hours, and avoids 150 m of elevation gain. After about five hours, you'll reach the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Anhaou|alt=Col de Bious|lat=42.9784|long=-0.88044}} at an altitude of {{m|1383}}. From here, energetic hikers can summit nearby peaks such as Izeyto at {{m|1464}} or Sarimendi at {{m|1484}}. The stage ends at {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Sainte-Engrâce]]|wikidata=Q197211}}. Sainte-Engrâce is home to a Romanesque church from the 11th century. From the village, a 9-km side trip with an ascent of 840 m and descent of 135 m takes you to the vast La Verna cave. Guided tours go up to 800 m deep; the main chamber is large enough to fit the Eiffel Tower. Bookings are handled through the Espace accueil Arrakotchepia, located at Quartier Calla, 64560 Sainte-Engrâce. The telephone number is +33 6 37 88 29 05 and their website is [https://laverna.fr/en/](https://laverna.fr/en/). August is often very busy. A detour south from the restaurant leads into the wild and romantic Gorges de Kakuetta. The trail is very steep and slippery, and entry tickets are sold at the restaurant. === Sainte-Engrâce (Senta) - Refuge Jeandel === ; Distance : 11.6 km ; Duration : 4¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 160 m The trail climbs steadily from Sainte-Engrâce into the limestone highlands of the Pierre-Saint-Martin massif, marking the transition into more alpine terrain. You ascend to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Pierre-St-Martin|wikidata=Q1107451}} (1760 m; border with Spain). Since 1373, the Tributo de las Tres Vacas — a cross-border tribute of three cows — has been held here every July 13 to settle grazing rights between the two valleys. A small shop at the parking area sells goat cheese. A ski area lies just over the border on the Spanish side. There is also a small shelter near Boundary Marker 62. An optional 15-minute detour leads to the summit of Soum de Lèche (1839 m). The Grotte de la Verna, a massive cave chamber accessible by guided tour, lies 1 km (¾ hr) off the main trail and requires prior booking ([https://laverna.fr laverna.fr]). From the pass, descend to the first switchback, then turn right off the main track. The trail passes under two chairlifts and continues along the northern flank of the Pic d'Arlas. When you spot three large concrete water tanks, descend to the staffed mountain hut at Refuge Jeandel. The ski resort village of {{Marker|name=La Pierre Saint-Martin|wikidata=Q3211628|type=city}} is about 15 minutes off the trail and offers additional services. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge Jeandel|address=La Pierre Saint Martin, 64570 Arette|url=https://www.refugejeandel.com/|lat=42.97829371796861|long=-0.7493627209784663|content=Altitude 1670 m. Dormitory accommodation from €18; half-board from €42.50. Staffed in summer.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Tourist Office La Pierre Saint-Martin|address=Maison de la Pierre, 75 D332, 64570 Arette|phone=+33 5 59 66 20 09|url=https://www.lapierrestmartin.com/|lat=42.97735500762936|long=-0.744495054007273|content=Open only during the French summer holidays (mid-July to late August). Provides info on local lodging and two campervan pitches. Served by seasonal Bus 807 between Arette and Oloron-Sainte-Marie.}} === Refuge Jeandel - Lescun === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 5½-6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1200 m This is a challenging stage, but the scenery is magnificent. Several rocky mountain paths are equipped with cables for safety. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Pas de l'Osque|lat=42.9702182168491|long=-0.7089944097203539}} (1922 m), which requires a head for heights. The trail continues to the Pas d'Azuns (1873 m; 2¾ hr), and a good first rest stop with water is the spring near the Cabane du Cap de la Baitch (1689 m; 3 hr). In wet weather, descending to {{Marker|type=city|name=Lescun|wikidata=Q179737}} (895 m) via the road is recommended, as the GR-10 becomes muddy and difficult to navigate. From Lescun, the HRP route offers a very demanding variant over the Col d'Anie back toward Cabane du Cap de la Baitch. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Centre de l'Abérouat|url=http://aberouat.fr/|lat=42.95041471194407|long=-0.6658390953581508|content=Staffed hut with a bar. Offers 20 rooms (2-5 beds each). Free tent camping nearby (bathrooms in the hut available for a fee). Best suited for groups; solo walkers must book in advance.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Maison de la Montagne|lat=42.934247039|long=-0.63524507931|address=1 ruelle de la Congasse, 64490 Lescun|phone=+33 6 88 06 95 29|url=https://www.maisondelamontagne64.com/|content=Comfortable accommodation for hikers in the centre of Lescun.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping - Gîte du Lauzart|address=Bordé de Mougnague, 64490 Lescun|phone=+33 5 59 34 51 77|url=https://www.camping-gite-lescun-pyrenees.com/|lat=42.92782183157741|long=-0.6421994110320027|content=Along the D340. About 20 minutes into the next stage. Open April-September. Campsite €14 + €4 per adult. 25 dorm beds available for €16; half board €42.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Tourist Office for the Vallée |lat=42.9990368924|long=-0.60057615194|url=https://www.pyrenees-bearnaises.com/explorer/nature/|phone=+33 5 59 34 57 57|content=Located in Bedous. Provides information on the surrounding region.}} === Lescun - Etsaut === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 5½-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 850 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1150 m The trail begins easily through pastoral countryside, then enters forested terrain, passing the [https://www.gite-camping-lhers.com/ Gîte d'étape and campsite on the Plateau de Lhers] (2 hr), and climbing to the Col de Barrancq (1601 m; 3¾ hr). From the Col de Barrancq, a side trip leads to the summit of Pic de Labigouer (2175 m), which takes just under 3 hours round-trip. Lower down in the Parc d'Orce, within the commune of {{Marker|type=city|name=Borçe|wikidata=Q840474}} (5¾ hr), lives the majority of the region's ~50 brown bears. The Gîte le Communal offers accommodation here. The stage ends in {{listing|type=city|name=Etsaut|wikidata=Q765829|content=Altitude 597 m. Located on the N-134 and served by the Canfranc-Oloron-Saint-Marie bus line. The former train station now houses the Pyrenees National Park visitor center. Accommodation available in the Gîte d'étape la Garbure behind the church (53 beds).}} Just outside Etsaut, the {{Marker|type=see|name=Fort du Portalet|wikidata=Q3078387}} clings dramatically to the cliffs in two tiers, spanning a height difference of 150 m. * {{listing|type=see|name=Refuge animalier à Borce|url=https://parc-ours.fr/|lat=42.9045174060618|long=-0.5745664608466107|content=open 10:00-18:00; admission €12. It functions as an educational wildlife refuge}} === Etsaut - Gabas === ; Distance : 24 km ; Duration : 9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1640 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1210 m The trail begins with the dramatic Chemin de la Mâture, a path carved into the rock face. It is not passable in icy or snowy conditions. You reach Grange Perry (1210 m) after 2 hours. A quarter of an hour later, at a junction, keep left. After 3½ hours, you arrive at the Cabane de la Baight de St-Cours (1560 m; shepherds only, June-September), located at the border. About 4 hours in, you cross a stream on a bridge. This is the last water source before the high pass. The highest point of the stage is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Ayous|wikidata=Q2981981}} (2185 m; 5½ hr or more). On its eastern slope lie the Ayous Lakes, including the scenic Refuge d'Ayous. It's an ideal place to break this long stage. The Col d'Ayous also marks a transition point between valleys: from the Chemin de la Mâture and Baigt de Sencours in the Aspe Valley to Bious-Artigues (1540 m) in the Ossau Valley, where pony rides and canoe rentals are available on the eastern shore. The lake is 6½ km from the pass (↧ 764 m). From the pass, you can also summit Pic d'Ayous (add 30 min up and down), or detour 6 km to Lac Bersau — a longer alternative via the Vallon d'Aas is 9 km. From the lake, descend on the D231 road, which includes switchbacks that can be shortcut. (Note: Refuge de Gabas is permanently closed.) The stage ends in {{Marker|name=Gabas|wikidata=Q5515276|type=city}}, which offers two accommodations and a bar, but no grocery store. Located on bus route 806/806bis from Col de Portalet via Gabas to Laruns (15 km). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Ayous|url=https://www.refuge-ayous.fr/en-gb|lat=42.84844763797708|long=-0.4911758258903634|10 minutes off the GR10 near Lac Gentau (6½ hr). This refuge offers 47 beds and tent spaces and is open from mid-May to the first week of October.}} === Gabas - Gourette === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9-10 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1150 m This is a long and difficult stage, not suitable for children. The Corniche des Alhas section requires a head for heights. Snow may linger into summer, making it hard to follow the waymarks. Water is scarce during the first four hours. The trail follows the D934 road to the Artouste dam, then climbs through forest paths (1¼ hr). Some parts pass through cliff-side ledges carved into the rock — the Corniche des Alhas — which have fixed cables for safety. An easier alternative bypasses the Corniche via the Pont du Goua and the Gave de Soussouéou. After 1¾ hr, you reach a bridge near the Gave de Soussouéou waterfalls (1145 m). From here, a steep trail leads up to Houn de Mouscabarous (1361 m; 2¾ hr), continuing uphill to Petite Arcizette (2293 m). Snow may persist at these elevations until July. After 6½-7 hr, you arrive at the Hourquette d'Arre (2465 m). Important: The path shown on some maps to the Géougue d'Arre (2619 m) is a mountaineering route, not a hiking trail. An alternative route avoids the Hourquette d'Arre altogether: from the Cabane de Cézy, follow the red-and-white GR10 then switch to the red/yellow-marked GRP Tour de la Vallée d'Ossau, over the Col de Lurdé to Eaux-Bonnes (overnight possible) and Gourette (also served by Bus 806). The GR10 does not go directly to Lac d'Uzious, but instead heads roughly north-northeast across a plateau, before turning east to descend. After about 8 hours, you reach Lac d'Anglas (2068 m), from where the trail continues along the outflow, then branches off to the right. After over 9 hours, you arrive in the ski resort of {{Marker|type=city|name=Gourette|wikidata=Q1540224|url=https://www.gourette.com/en/}} (1350 m). Ski resort with two supermarkets; gas cartridges available at Intersport. Mostly closed outside the main season. Served in-season by Bus 806 (twice daily) from Parking Gourette Nord to Eaux-Bonnes, Laruns, and Pau. If needed, you can exit the trail early at the upper parking area (which has a bus stop) and start the next stage from there. * {{listing|type=sleep|lat=42.9595015138|long=-0.333960997149|name=Chalet-refuge CAF|phone=+33 5 59 05 10 56|url=https://chaletdegourette.ffcam.fr/|content=Mountain refuge with 32 beds in 4 dorms. €16.50/night (€8.25 for Alpine Club members) + €0.90 tourist tax.}} === Gourette - Arrens-Marsous === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m This is a relatively easy stage that crosses two mountain passes: the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Tortes|lat=42.959773462638644|long=-0.3187601158279607}} (1799 m; 1¾ hr), and later, after crossing the D918 (popular with cyclists but too busy to follow safely), the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Saucède|lat=42.95972945620746|long=-0.31869998400517197}} (1525 m; 3 hr 20 min). Ten minutes after descending from this second pass, you'll reach a restaurant and gîte de séjour at the Col de Soulor on the D918 road. From Col de Saucède, hikers can also make a short detour to summit the Pointe de Surgatte (1805 m; 90-100 minutes round trip). Near the Pont de Lapadé, you can either cross the Gave d'Arrens or continue down into the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Arrens-Marsous|wikidata=Q1110649}}. Features tourist information and public toilets at the Maison Val d'Azun (Tel. +33 5 62 97 49 49). The village also has an outdoor swimming pool. A hiking festival, [https://www.eldorando.fr/ Eldorado], is held every two years for four days in late May. Call +33 800 65 65 00 by 17:00 the day before for weekday on-demand shuttle service to Lourdes. Points of interest include the Romanesque Saint-Pierre Church (parts dating to 1200) and the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Pouey-Laün, a pilgrimage chapel located 600 m south along the D105. The area is part of both the Natura 2000 conservation network (Gabizos and the Arrens Valley) and the core zone of the Pyrenees National Park. For a longer option, you can extend this stage to Gîte les Viellettes (2¼ h further), making a total of 20.5 km (8½ hr; ↥ 1250 m, ↧ 1530 m). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=GCU Campground|address=26 Rue des Paus, 65400 Arrens-Marsous|lat=42.9573380888|long=-0.213247116377|phone=+33 5 62 97 43 06|url=https://www.gcu.asso.fr/terrains/arrens-marsous-hautes-pyrénées-65|content=Simple tent campground on the edge of town.}} === Arrens-Marsous - Refuge d'Ilhéou === ; Distance : 20 km ; Duration : 6¾-7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 500 m From Arrens-Marsous (3½ km from the previous endpoint), you can follow the official GR10 or the more scenic GR de Pays Tour du Val d'Azun. The latter is slightly shorter but includes more climbs. Both routes rejoin shortly before the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape les Viellettes|lat=42.9219519144924|long=-0.1818867608457627}} (2¼ h; 15 beds). About 700 m further on is the simple tent site La Pose (open May-September). The official GR10 route passes through {{Marker|type=city|name=Estaing|wikidata=Q589628}}, a commune that includes three Natura 2000 protected areas: “Gaves de Pau et de Cauterets,” “Moun Né de Cauterets, Pic de Cabaliros,” and “Péguère, Barbat, Cambalès.” From here, the trail enters the core zone of the Pyrenees National Park. You ascend toward Lac d'Estaing. Just before the lake is a guesthouse open Thursday-Sunday, 09:00-17:00 (summer only). On the far shore is another restaurant (open 10:00-18:00) and Camping Intercommunal. Brave hikers may try a swim in the cold waters. The trail now climbs steeply through forest to the Cabane d'Arriousec (1400 m; 4 hr). Another hour uphill takes you past the Cabanes de Barbat (left of the path), then a final climb brings you to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Ilhéou|wikidata=Q2981991}} (2242 m; 6 hr or more). Just 5 minutes below the pass, you can turn left to reach the Crête du Lys, where the Courbet cable car operates in July and August. This offers access to the ski resort Cauterets-Le Lys (with a summer luge track) or direct descent into the town of Cauterets. On foot, descend to the stream near the Cabanes d'Arras (6½-7 hr). Turn right there and cross two more streams. The path then descends to Lac d'Ilhéou. At the lake's northern shore is the staffed Refuge d'Ilhéou. A designated bivouac area (aire de bivouac) is located about 10 minutes further south along the lake. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Ilhéou (Refuge Raymond-Ritter)|url=https://www.refuge-ilheou.csvss.fr/en/home|phone=+33 5 62 92 07 18|lat=42.86604614112533|long=-0.17358356545105466|content=Altitude 1988 m. 22 beds. Open from late May to late September.}} === Refuge d'Ilhéou - Cauterets === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 2½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 75 ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m This is a leisurely downhill walk that brings you gently back to civilization in {{Marker|type=city|name=Cauterets|url=https://www.cauterets.com/en/?to_lang=en|wikidata=Q366962}}. Scenic spa town with plenty of amenities, including a historic wooden railway station (now closed), a cinema, casino, and more. The tourist office is open M-Sa from 09:00-12:30 and 14:00-18:00. A special Office de la Montagne - Terre d'Alpinisme opens during the summer season. Cauterets flourished during the late 19th and early 20th centuries thanks to its thermal springs. The municipality operates two spas: Thermes de César in the village center and Thermes des Griffons in nearby La Raillère. Accommodation options include three gîtes d'étape and Camping la Prairie. Local buses run every 30 minutes from June to October. Regional connections are available to Lourdes, Luz-Saint-Sauveur, and Gavarnie. A shuttle to Pont d'Espagne departs four times daily from the old train station. The 30 km former railway line from Pierrefitte to Cauterets has been converted into a multi-use bike and hiking path. === Cauterets - Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 100 m This is a demanding stage. From Cauterets, take the path behind the Thermes de César and head south. After 1¼ hr you reach the hamlet of La Raillère (1044 m), where there are restaurants and a sulfur spa. Cross the bridge and continue up into the Val de Jéret, passing several waterfalls. The trail leads to the Hôtellerie du Pont d'Espagne (3 hr). From there, descend briefly along the road before turning right and ascending into the valley toward Lac de Gaube (1725 m, 4 hr). The path crosses the stream three times via bridges as you continue toward the refuge. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube|wikidata=Q109042828}} === Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube - Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400 m About 50 m from the refuge, the trail begins a steady one-hour climb over rocky terrain. At a fork (65 min), stay right and continue ascending. The {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Hourquette d'Ossoue|wikidata=Q3141336}} (2734 m) marks the highest point on the entire GR10. Even in mid-summer, snow often lingers here. After 20 minutes of descent, you reach the Refuge Baysselance. '''Ascending Vignemale from here via the Glacier d'Ossoue is only for experienced mountaineers.''' From the pass, the route heads southeast, passing the Grottes de Bellevue (2420 m; 3 hr), artificial caves carved in 1880 by the explorer Henry Russell. The trail descends steeply to a stream, then follows it into a boulder field fed by glacial melt from the Glacier d'Ossoue. The descent into the valley involves frequent climbs around cliffs and waterfalls. You enter the Vallée de la Canau (5 hr or more) and pass the Cabane de Sausse-Dessus. The next hour includes more ups and downs until you reach the Cabane des Tousaus (6¾ hr or more). From there, cross a final ridge to reach the D923 road and descend to the stage endpoint, Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle. If you need more accommodation or supplies, continue to the main village of {{Marker|name=Gavarnie|wikidata=Q917894|type=city}}. From Gavarnie, you can take a day trip (or a bus from Luz-Saint-Sauveur) into the famed Cirque de Gavarnie. It's also possible to ascend Le Taillon (3146 m) from here for experienced climbers. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge Baysselance|url=https://refugebayssellance.ffcam.fr/|wikidata=Q3423105|content=(2651 m), which offers 58 beds and is staffed from mid-May to mid-October}} === Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle - Luz-Saint-Sauveur === ; Distance : 26 km ; Duration : 8-9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 700-900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1500-1660 m Starting from Gavarnie village (via the D128 road) instead of the refuge shortens the route by 3 km (approx. 1 hr). The trail first leads to the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape le Saugué|url=https://www.gite-gavarnie-pyrenees.com/|lat=42.76864577103755|long=-0.005915232017950625}}, located on the Plateau Soula de Saugue (1¾ hr). This is a good option to break up the stage — the gîte has 21 beds and is open May to October. The route winds northward, passing the Soum Haut (3¾ h), then descends gradually along the western slope of the Gavarnie Valley. After 5¾-6 hr, you reach the D921 road. Cross the Gave de Gavarnie via the Pont d'Esdouroucats and ascend again to a path above the highway. From the south, you enter {{Marker|type=city|name=Luz-Saint-Sauveur|wikidata=Q35721506|url=https://www.luz.org/en/}} via the Pont Napoléon (755 m; 7½ hr), a dramatic bridge across the gorge. Well-equipped mountain town. The town has several historic churches, as well as a campsite with a grocery store. The Prime Meridian passes about 100 m east of the center. Numerous lodgings, 6 campgrounds, 2 supermarkets, and Intersport (gas cartridges). Bus 965 connects to Cauterets, Lourdes, and Tarbes. Bus to Barèges also available. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Saint Bazerque|address=Sia|phone=+33 5 62 92 49 93|url=https://campingsaintbazerque.eatbu.com/?lang=de|lat=42.83178828384746|long=0.0015462182938111647|content=Campground with grocery shop (mountain cheese), bar, and caravan spaces. Open 08:00-17:00.}} === Luz-Saint-Sauveur - Barèges === ; Distance : 12 km ; Duration : 4½-5 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m To extend this stage, continue to Refuge d'Aygues Cluses for a total of 19 km (7½ hr; ↥ 1560 m, ↧ 140 m). Though short, this stage begins with a relatively long and steep ascent. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Ruisseau de Bolou|lat=42.858690489195055|long=0.06773411839157908}} (1460 m). On the descent, hikers can stop for refreshments at the [https://refugedelaglere.ffcam.fr/ Refuge de la Glère]. This stage ends at {{Marker|type=city|name=Barèges|wikidata=Q632058|url=https://www.mairie-bareges.fr/en/}}. Composed of the hamlets of Artigalas and Cazaous, Barèges serves as a spa and mountain village. The local river, the Bastan, is called the gave. Note: the Jardin botanique du Tourmalet and the 1930s funicular are now closed. The town's website includes an accommodation and restaurant directory * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape l'Oasis|lat=42.897422977|long=0.067278671719|address=2 Passage des Toys|phone=+33 5 62 92 69 47|url=https://www.gite-oasis.fr/|content=Open June-September, and also December-April during ski season (Barèges is part of the Domaine du Tourmalet ski area).}} === Barèges - Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : route-dependent 7¾-9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m The trail begins by climbing above the road toward the ski station at Tournaboup (1 hr). It then veers south and ascends steadily. Good stopping points include the Cabane d'Aygues and, 10 km further on, the Chalet-Hôtel d'Orédon. This stage enters the Néouvielle Nature Reserve, where dogs and wild camping are strictly forbidden. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Madamète|wikidata=Q102076283}} (2509 m). From there, the path descends between alpine lakes: {{Marker|type=see|name=Lac d'Aumar|wikidata=Q3215322}} and Lac d'Aubert (5¾ h, 2190 m). A shuttle bus runs up to this point in high season, and there's an info panel at the end of the access road. Here, the trail splits into two variants: * Variant 1: continues along Lac d'Aumar * Variant 2: detours south to the tip of Lac d'Aubert, then along the northern shore of Les Laguettes and Lac d'Orédon (6¾ h, 1856 m; camping and hotel at the south end) Both variants rejoin at the Cap d'Estoudou pass (2260 m), followed by a steep descent. A short detour from the pass allows for an ascent of Soump de Montpelat (↥ 214 m). The path continues steeply downhill to Lac de l'Oule (1821 m; 7¾ hr or more). From here, head right to reach Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Cabane d'Aygues|url=https://refugeayguescluses.wordpress.com/|lat=42.87577795732996|long=0.15008320916912823}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Chalet-Hôtel d'Orédon|url=https://www.chalet-oredon.fr/|lat=42.82616251586139|long=0.1692328508499207|content=open June 1 - Sept 30; 88 beds}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule|url=https://refugedeloule.fr/|lat=42.824769697482445|long=0.20752501478344024|content=Altitude 1819 m. Located at the dam wall. Open mid-June to mid-September. 20 beds and a bar.}} === Refuge-Hôtel de l'Oule - Vielle-Aure === ; Distance : 17-18 km ; Duration : 5-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 460 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400-1500 m From the refuge, the route follows the western shore of Lac de l'Oule. GR10C variant: After 1½ hr, there is a signed detour to the [http://refugedebastan.fr/ Cabane de Bastan]. The main trail turns directly east and climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Portet|wikidata=Q42178369}} (2215 m; 2¾ hr). From here, it continues eastward, descending gently to the Pla de Castillon, then more steeply down to the D918 road (4½ hr or more) and onward to the stage endpoint {{Marker|type=city|name=Vielle-Aure|wikidata=Q1323900|url=https://vielleaure.com/}}, an historic village with two Romanesque churches: Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Pierre (in the Agos neighbourhood), both dating to the 12th century. Bus connections to Saint-Lary-Soulan and Lannemezan (35 km). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Hôtel Aurélia|lat=42.825852030|long=0.32776424175|phone=+33 5 62 39 56 90|url=https://www.hotel-aurelia.com/|content=Simple, hiker-friendly hotel in town.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping La Mousquère|lat=42.8273932992|long=0.33590955638|address=Nougaro, Autun, 65170 Bourisp|url=https://www.campinglamousquere.com/|content=Open May 8 - last weekend of September.}} * There are three more campsites within 2 km north along the river valley. Just 1 km south, the larger and livelier {{Marker|name=Saint-Lary-Soulan|wikidata=Q1323323|type=city}} offers a broader range of shops, accommodations, and services. The tourist information office is at the roundabout in the center; the supermarket is across the street. The wooden bus stop shelter is discreetly located about 50 m away, opposite the modern church on Avenue des Thermes. === Vielle-Aure - Germ === ; Distance : 13 km ; Duration : 4¾-5¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1170 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 630-700 m This is a straightforward, though poorly marked, stage that runs parallel to the D225 up to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Azet|wikidata=Q2981982}} (1600 m). From the pass, the route continues down to [https://www.vallee-du-louron.com/fr Loudenvielle], a village with shops, an outdoor pool, and the Balnéa Spa complex (open 14:00-19:30; €21 for 2 hours). Note: during the [https://www.pyreneesbikefestival.com/ Pyrenees Bike Festival] in early September, the area is overrun with mountain bikers. The final 2-3 km involve a climb of about 220 m up to the hamlet of {{Marker|name=Germ|wikidata=Q1094205|type=city}}. Altitude 1339 m. A small village with 34 year-round residents, but many second homes and guest beds. Two old churches are worth visiting. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Centre de Montagne de Germ|lat=42.793610431|long=0.425057973260|address=D130|phone=+33 5 62 99 65 27|url=https://www.germ-louron.com/|content=Open year-round. 70 beds in a large mountain center.}} * Auberge de Germ, a guesthouse with 11 rooms (33 beds), open year-round. * {{listing|type=see|name=Peyresourde-Balestas Airfield (Aérodrome de Peyragudes)|wikidata=Q5659350|content=Also known as Altiport 007, as a James Bond film was shot here in 1997. The 470 m runway has a 15% gradient and is also used for paragliding.}} === Germ - Lac d'Oô === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 6-7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1060 m This stage and the next are strenuous. They can be divided into thirds with overnight stops at the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Granges d'Astau|lat=42.76352657695474|long=0.5024399621092607}} (open May-Oct; 26 beds) and the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Espingo|url=https://refugedespingo.ffcam.fr/|wikidata=Q104413940}} (1967 m; 44 beds, mid-May-Oct; 15 emergency shelter places off-season). Camping is allowed near the lake. Around the refuge is a “classic” mountaineering loop over the Pic des Spijeoles (3008 m), Grand Quayrat (3060 m), down to Lac du Portillon (2571 m) and the glacial Lac Glacé d'Oô (2664 m). After the initial climb out of Germ, you enter the Val d'Aube. Follow the river on the left-hand side; after 1¾ hr, across the valley (250 m away), lies the Cabane d'Ourtiga (1610 m). The route ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Couret d'Esquierry|lat=42.75523440839548|long=0.4627935235857289}} (2131 m; 3½ hr), where you cross into the Haute-Garonne department. After 4 hr, you reach the Cabane du Val d'Esquierry. From there, follow the D76 road down to the Granges d'Astau and an auberge (1139 m; 5 hr). In July and August, a morning bus runs up from Luchon and returns in the evening. The stage ends at {{Marker|type=see|name=Lac d'Oô|wikidata=Q3215352}}, a scenic 42-hectare lake situated at an altitude of 1,507 m within the Natura 2000 reserve “Vallées du Lis, de la Pique et d'Oô.” Renowned since the 19th century for its spectacular waterfall, the lake is a popular destination for its natural beauty. Due to its protected status, camping, swimming, and dogs are not permitted in the area. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Lac d'Oô|address=|phone=+33 7 84 56 55 88|lat=42.744558752|long=0.490915210685|content=Reached in about 6 hr. By the lake shore at 1504 m.}} === Lac d'Oô - Bagnères-de-Luchon === ; Distance : 19-21 km ; Duration : 7-9¼ h ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000-1130 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1900-2000 m After Refuge d'Espingo, the trail becomes more difficult, with several rocky scree sections. You skirt the northern slopes of Hourquette des Hounts-Secs (2275 m). Optional detour: From here, a 15-minute ascent (each way) leads to Cap de Bassiéret. You continue over the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Coume de Bourg|lat=42.787224318|long=0.51785762473}} (2272 m, 4¾ hr or more), which may retain snow well into the summer. Optional summit detours from the pass: * Pic Céciré, 45 minutes up and down to the north * Subescale, 40 minutes up and down to the south After 5½+ hours, you reach (1802 m) Superbagnères, a summer-only (July-August) mountain hotel serving the ski area. While it offers meals and lodging, prices are high. The massive historic building can also be reached by gondola lift from Luchon, replacing the old cog railway. The {{Marker|type=go|name=Gondola base station in Luchon|lat=42.78789198327501|long=0.5908142174347624}} is located on the western edge of town and operates daily from 08:30 to 18:00 during the summer season. If descending on foot, it is a steep 1200 m drop to reach {{Marker|name=Bagnères-de-Luchon|wikidata=Q238393|type=city}}. This spa town marks the end of the central Pyrenean segment of the GR10. Regular bus services run to Montréjeau, where you can connect by train to Toulouse. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Superbagnères|url=https://www.villagesclubsdusoleil.com/fr/nos-destinations/hiver/sejour-a-la-montagne/superbagneres|wikidata=Q844809}} === Bagnères-de-Luchon - Artigue === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 2½-3 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 50 m From the church in Luchon, head left along the footpath by the L'One river, crossing the road bridge toward Juzet-de-Luchon. As an optional detour, you can visit the {{Marker|name=Cascade Juzet-de-Luchon|wikidata= Q135191106 |type=see}} waterfall. The trail continues via Sode to the day's highest point at the stage destination {{Marker|name=Artigue|wikidata=Q1088729|type=city}}. Altitude 1230 m. A small mountain village with a municipal gîte d'étape, open year-round, offering 12 dormitory beds and evening meals at the on-site restaurant. === Artigue - Fos === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 7½-8½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1100 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1750 m The first half of this stage is a steady climb of over 1000 meters, initially on a gravel track. After 1¼ hours, you reach the Cabane de Saunères (1660 m), a basic mountain shelter. One hour later, you arrive at the Col de Peyrehitte (1947 m). The trail continues along an exposed ridge around the Pic de Bacanère (2193 m; 3 hr or more), passing border markers 402-404. After the Col d'Aou (2093 m; 3½-4 hr), the trail descends gradually across open alpine meadows. At the Cabane d'Artigue (5 hr or more), potable water is available. Below this point, the path winds down gently through a series of switchbacks, eventually crossing a road bridge into {{Marker|name=Fos|wikidata=Q1349025|type=city}}. Altitude 544 m. Small village with weekday bus service to Melles and Saint-Gaudens (railway connections to Pau and Toulouse). Alternative route (former GR10): From the Cabane d'Artigue, you can divert to the Cabane d'Artiguessans, then descend steeply to the Ruisseau de la Batch before climbing back up to rejoin the GR10. This saves about 15 minutes and 70 m of elevation gain. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte de Fos|wikidata=Q3162431|lat=42.873845424|long=0.73442375047|phone=+33 5 61 94 98 59|content=Offers 20 dormitory beds, open year-round.}} === Fos - Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing === ; Distance : 18 km ; Duration : 6½-8 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1700 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m It's a good idea to stock up on supplies in {{Marker|name=Melles|wikidata=Q1616421|type=city}}, which you reach after about 45 minutes. From the old customs house, the trail climbs steeply. Auberge de Crabère offers a comfortable stop. * {{listing|type=see|name=Botanical Garden (À Fleur de Montagne)|wikidata=Q3162431|url=https://mairie-de-melles.wixsite.com/mairie-de-melles/le-jardin-botanique|content=Small but charming community-run garden specializing in Pyrenean alpine flora. Open in summer, 10:00-19:00.}} From Melles, a narrow road leads uphill to the last farmhouse at Labach (2¼ hr). The next 2 hours or more are mostly through forest, climbing steadily. After about 5 hours, you reach the Cabane d'Uls shelter. The path continues uphill to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Pas du Bouc}} (2170 m; 6+ h). Optional summit detour: From here, the {{Marker|type=see|name=Pic de Crabère|wikidata=Q3382364}} (2629 m) can be climbed in about 90 minutes round-trip. Brown bears have been reintroduced to this area. The highest point of the day is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Auéran|lat=42.835385392840536|long=0.860341080714231}} (2176 m), which also marks the border into the Ariège department. From here, it's a quick descent to Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing|url=http://www.refuge-araing.fr/|wikidata=Q3423195|content=Altitude 1956 m. Open June 1 to October 5. 52 beds, plus a 12-bed shelter area available off-season. Advance bookings accepted for groups on the two weekends before/after opening.}} === Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing - Eylie-d'en-Haut === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 3-4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1320 m From the lake and refuge, the trail climbs to the Serre d'Araing (2221 m; 1 hr). Optional detour: Summit of Pic de l'Har (2424 m), approximately 50 minutes round-trip. The descent into the valley follows faintly marked trails to the left of the power lines. Along the way, you'll encounter remnants of former lead mining operations. After about 2¾ hours, you cross a bridge and reach {{Marker|name=Eylie d'en Haut|wikidata=Q134078264|type=city}}, a small hamlet with a 14-bed hut, picnic area, and a basic campsite located by the Lez river. === Eylie-d'en-Haut - Maison du Valier, Pla de la Lau === ; Distance : 17 km ; Duration : 8¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1700 m A strenuous stage with no food or lodging options along the way. The trail starts by crossing the Lez river, then turns sharply left and begins to climb through open terrain. After about 50 minutes, you cross a stream and ascend through forest for just over an hour. In autumn, the woods are full of blueberries—a favourite of the brown bears reintroduced here in the 1990s. At a stone shelter (1660 m; 2½ hr), the trail forks. The GR10 continues to the right, up to the Col de l'Arech (1802 m; 3 hr or more). From there, the path turns left. Optional detours: * South to Tuc de Cagonilles (2196 m; 80 minutes round trip) * From there, to the challenging Mail de Bulard (2750 m; 3 hours round trip) After a short ridge walk, descend to the shepherd's hut Cabane d'Arech (1638 m; 3½ hr). From here, follow the access track down, then branch left down a steep, gorse-covered slope. After 4 hours, you reach a stream. About 40 minutes later, the ruins of Flouquet (1680 m) come into view. Continue to Cabane de Besset (1540 m; 6 hr or more), then ascend again for 45 minutes to Cabane Clot du Lac (1821 m; 7 hr). Passing the huts Cabane du Trapech-du-Milieu (1540 m) and Cabane de l'Artigue, you arrive at Maison du Valier. The Mont Valier massif is a protected area of interest to birdwatchers. It hosts a variety of mountain bird species, including rare birds of prey, bearded vultures, and alpine species such as ptarmigans, black grouse, and capercaillie. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Maison du Valier|lat=42.83084702593266|long=1.032510054490613|url=https://maison-valier.fr/|wikidata=|content=Altitude 927 m, located on the Pla de la Lau. Open March-October. Reception hours 16:00-19:30. 40 beds.}} === Maison du Valier, Pla de la Lau - Esbintz === ; Distance : 18 km ; Duration : 7¼-9¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200-1350 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300-1490 m A demanding stage with significant elevation gain and loss. The trail climbs from Maison du Valier, following the high northern slopes along the ridges of Cap de Lauses (1892 m), Pic de Crabère (1925 m), and the Col d'Auédole (1730 m). After more than 7 hours, you arrive at {{Marker|type=city|lat=42.85332|long=1.14584|name=Esbintz}}. === Esbintz - Refuge d'Aula === ; Distance : 19 km ; Duration : 6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 500 m This and the following stage offer spectacular scenery in good weather. From Esbintz, follow the D817 for the first 2 km to Borde de Galy. From here, you could take a detour to Seix (4 km) by continuing on the D817, then the D37, and turning right onto the D3, where you'll rejoin the GR10 near the Pont du Salat. Continue mostly downhill through the countryside, crossing the Pont du Salat to reach Moulin Lauga (550 m; 2 hr), which has a bakery and picnic area. Alternatively, you can rest 1½ h later at the Auberge des Deux Rivières. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Esbintz|url=https://www.gite-ferme-esbintz.fr/|lat=42.85315143224526|long=1.1459188949749635|content=850 m. Dormitory with 10 beds. Open May-November.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge des Deux Rivières|phone=+33 5 61 66 83 57|url=https://www.aubergedesdeuxrivieres.com/|lat=42.83210657498069|long=1.1982318103146805|content=Open late May to late September}} === Refuge d'Aula - Rouze === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 4½-5 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 700 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m Fit hikers can combine this stage with the previous one from Gîte d'étape d'Aunac (787 m), resulting in a 30 km day with 11¼ hf walking time (↥ 1750, ↧ 1580 m). From Refuge d'Aula, it's a steep but manageable 1½ hr ascent to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Bouche d'Aula|lat=42.77695825493033|long=1.1180083284724134}} (1998 m), then a descent to the Étang d'Areau, 100 m lower. Optional: The Pic des Aymesses (2036 m) can be climbed from the east side of the lake. A farm road leads down to Faup, with shortcuts along the switchbacks, for instance near the Cabane d'Areau. Slightly below the Col de Pause (1527 m; 2¼ hr), there is a parking area. The {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Camp site Rigaux Philippe|lat=42.78997920829053|long=1.178432115744275}} lies just below the hamlet of Faup. From Faup, descend along the D708 toward {{Marker|name=Couflens|wikidata=Q1142090|type=city}}, but before reaching the D3 junction, cross the bridge and climb on the opposite slope to Gîte de Rouze d'Ustou. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte de Rouze d'Ustou|lat=42.789696616|long=1.20592416901|address=Prat de la Moule, Rouze d'Ustou, 09140 Couflens|phone=+33561669545|url=https://www.ferme-de-rouze.fr/|content=16 beds. Cheese from the farm. Open mid-June to mid-September.}} === Rouze - Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou === ; Distance : 8.4 km ; Duration : 3-4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m Follow the stream uphill for about 1¾ hr to reach the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Serre du Cot}} (1546 m). Optional side trips: * To the south, ascend the Pic de la Tese (2255 m; ↥↧ 3 hr or more). * To the north, climb the Tuc de Peyre Mensongère (1711 m; ↥↧ 40 min). From the pass, descend left onto a forest path, passing a few ruined farmhouses. The route eventually reaches the D38 road and leads into {{Marker|type=city|name=Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou|wikidata=Q109571916}}. === Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou - Aulus-les-Bains === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9 hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400 m The hike begins at the southern end of Saint-Lizier. After crossing the pedestrian bridge, the trail climbs southeast to the Col de Fitté (1387 m), a former ski area. From there, it continues along the right side of the slope. One alternative route begins at {{listing|type=city|name=Bidous|lat=42.78257178128407|long=1.2700395937419484}}, following the Alet river south and then climbing steeply for over 2 hours to reach the Col de Fitté, where it rejoins the GR 10. The trail curves around the southwest side of the Picou de la Mire (1741 m) and reaches the Col d'Escots (1618 m) after 3¾ hr. The nearby Chalet de Beauregard restaurant is open from late May to September, 10:00-23:00. Afterwards, the path continues up and down along steep slopes until it reaches the Ruisseau de Fouillet valley (4½ hr). The Jasse du Fouillet crossing (1170 m) is reached after at least 5 h. For a shorter option, follow the yellow-red waymarks of the Tour du Val du Garbet. This leads to the D8F road and directly into Aulus-les-Bains (7 hr from Saint-Lizier). The main route continues toward the plateau of Souliou and the Pic du Mont Rouge (1600 m). A side trip to Étang de Guzet offers a possible bivouac site. The trail then descends toward the Ruisseau d'Ars (1485 m), crosses a bridge, and continues downward. After a second bridge (8½ hr), the path becomes easier. A final bridge, Pont de la Mouline, crosses the Garbet River just before the trail enters {{Marker|type=city|name=Aulus-les-Bains|wikidata=Q1082493|url=https://www.loubet.fr/saint-lizier.html}}, a small spa town with a mini market at the traffic circle near the bridge and a tourist office next door. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte Pyrénées AAA|lat=42.779696032|long=1.2690230044|url=https://giteslareng.net/|address=Lareng, 09140 Ustou|phone=+33967838934|content=14 places in upscale cottages for 2-4 people.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Cascade d'Ars|lat=42.762922493744796|long=1.3615038669340882|content=260 m high waterfalls in multiple tiers, located 4½ km from Aulus. Takes 3-9 hr round-trip to hike to them (↥ 530 m).}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping municipal le Coulédous|lat= 42.7940356892|long=1.3321660893|url=http://www.camping-aulus-couledous.com/|content=Also offers bungalows for 4-7 people. The gîte d'étape is a 12-person tent.}} === Aulus-les-Bains - Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès === ; Distance : 11 km ; Duration : 5 hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m The route climbs out of Aulus-les-Bains to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Port de Saleix|lat=42.78143117676052|long=1.4043285766664242}}, where you'll find the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Refuge de Carol|lat=42.7813|long=1.4146}}. From here, the ascent becomes steeper. The following section to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Port de Bassiès|lat=42.772502271037204|long=1.411691910311851}} is demanding but scenically rewarding. This area lies within the Mont-Calme nature reserve, where camping is prohibited. === Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès - Marc === ; Distance : variable ; Duration : 3½-5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1385 ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1385 This stage and the following one include several alternative routes and shortcuts that can be combined. From the refuge, the GR-10 leads southeast along a slightly rocky trail for just over three kilometers, following the chain of lakes. At the outflow of the last lake, the Étang d'Escalès, the GR-10 bends to the right. Along the stream, there's an opportunity to descend toward the main road and the village of Auzat. Another descent option to the road appears about 2 km further along the GR-10. The main trail makes a sharp turn southward. From the aqueduct (1160 m; 2¼ h4), the route maintains an elevation just below 1200 m for around 4 km, before descending the final 1½ km into the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Marc|lat=42.71687694132801|long=1.449593121067756}}, cutting across the switchbacks of the road. The Gîte Retrouvance de Mouret (12 places) is available for group bookings only. From {{listing|type=city|name=Auzat|wikidata=Q1082539}}, one can rejoin the GR-10 by heading 4 km south to Artiès and climbing back up. This avoids a significant part of the next stage. Alternatively, walking 6 km to Marc allows one to resume the full stage. To skip this stage, it is possible to go from Auzat directly to Goulier via two routes: one through Olbier (4.4 km), the other 6.1 km. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès|url=https://refugedebassies.fr/|content=1933 m. Open late May to September.|lat=42.76509|long=1.413221}} === Marc - Goulier === ; Distance : 24.3 km ; Duration : 6-9 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m From Marc, follow the path to Mounicou. A shelter is located a short way beyond, along the D8. This is where the ascent begins. After a few hundred meters, you can turn right at the {{Marker|type=go |name=Turn right|lat=42.71|long=1.4575}} marker and stay on the west side of Les Caldelets. From the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Orri de Tignalbu|lat=42.69417|long=1.46296}}, which has a water source, the path becomes very poor. The main GR-10 trail continues uphill to the Refuge de Prunadière (1615 m, 2 hr). Be sure to refill your water here. From there, it leads to a junction above the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Artiès|lat=42.7362|long=1.4793}} shelter (985 m, 3¼ hr). The path ascends steadily, passing the ruins of Pradières-d'en-bas, and arrives at Étang d'Izurt. A cable car runs to the lake. After a short climb, it's around 14 km downhill to {{Marker|type=city |name=Goulier|wikidata=Q1015676}} (moh 370 m), which is part of the Val-de-Sos commune. You can shorten the main trail from Prunadière by climbing steeply left past the buildings, gaining 450 m of elevation. About 2 hr later, you'll rejoin the GR-10 at Coumasses-Grandes. This shortcut saves roughly 8 km and bypasses Étang d'Izurt. === Goulier - Siguer === ; Distance : 13 km ; Duration : 3¼-4¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 416 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 830 m From Goulier, the trail ascends toward the Col de Risoul, then the Col de Esquérus, and continues to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de Grail|lat=42.75360457229|long=1.5321300362453}}. Near this pass is a shelter, an information board, and a water source located 250 m off the path. The route then climbs to the highest point of the day at the Col de Lercoul (1549 m). From here, the trail descends through the hamlet of Lercoul. A footpath south of the winding road leads downhill to the village of {{Marker|name=Siguer|wikidata=Q1375974|type=city}}, home to Café Rouse and several accommodations. === Siguer - Plateau de Beille === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 2400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m This demanding stage involves three steep descents and offers no accommodation along the route, only five basic shelters. From Siguer, the trail climbs steeply to Gestiès (40 min), where you should fill up on water. The path crosses the road three times on the way up. After a long ascent, you reach the Pla de Montcamp (1904 m; 3¾ hr). Past the Col du Sasc (1798 m), the trail traverses the flank of the Pic du Col Taillat. Water is again available at the Cabane de Courtal Marti, though trail markings on this high section can be vague. The trail descends to the Cabane de Balledreyt (1600 m; 2 sleeping places), reached after another 20 minutes. After about 7½ hours, the trail descends to the D520A road at 1040 m elevation. A detour to the villages of Aston (14 km, with a campground) or Les Cabannes (15.8 km, with a year-round gîte d'étape) is possible around the 4¼-hour mark. Les Cabannes has a train connection to Mérens-les-Vals or Foix. After crossing the bridge, the GR-10 climbs again via a forest trail. A water source is marked and located about two minutes off the trail, just past a large boulder reached after 9+ hours. The trail continues across a ridge to the Cabane d'Artaran (1695 m). Shortly afterward, you reach the ski area at the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Plateau de Beille|lat=42.72473998587668|long=1.6911435704342077}}, where the Cabane Beille is located. This area is accessible via the D522 road loop and popular with day hikers. === Plateau de Beille - Refuge du Rulhe === ; Distance : 14 km ; Duration : 4¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m It's recommended to start this exposed stage early in the day to avoid afternoon summer thunderstorms. The trail remains around or above 2000 m throughout. The highest point is the summit of the {{Marker|type=see |name=Crête des Isards|lat=42.65012142232325|long=1.7389568668472413}} at 2381 m. The Refuge du Rulhe lies at the junction of several long-distance trails, including the Tour de Pays des Montagnes d'Ax from Ax-les-Thermes, the GR Transfrontalier from Andorra, and two routes from the Vallée d'Aston. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Rulhe|url=https://rulhe.com/|lat=42.6379904848182|long=1.725866639541228|content=53 places. Open late May to September. €16 per night, half board €45. Tel: +33 6 74 24 50 71}} === Refuge du Rulhe - Mérens-les-Vals === ; Distance : 12 km ; Duration : 4½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 360 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1500-1600 m '''Water is scarce at high elevation.''' From the refuge, the trail ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de Calmettes|lat=42.636915754134|long=1.7404819725150908}} (2318 m), mostly over scree. Cairns also serve as markers. The path descends to Étang Bleu, where it skirts the left side of the lake and climbs again to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Crête de la Lhasse|lat=42.6398816194571|long=1.768563885207408}} (2439 m). Afterward, it continues over scree for nearly 800 m of descent to the pond called l'Estangol, with a shelter above. {{Marker|name=Mérens-les-Vals|wikidata=Q662289|type=city}} is reached after the final descent. The ruins of the old Saint-Pierre church date back to the Napoleonic Wars. The village festival takes place on July 20. The village has a train stop on the Foix - Puigcerdà line. Located on the N-20. The natural hot springs are about 45 minutes away, although they were affected by rockfall in 2022. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge du Nabre|lat=42.65611004694209|long=1.8429807373614195|address=le village d'en haut, 09110 Mérens-les-Vals|phone=+33 5 61 01 89 36|url=https://www.aubergedunabre.com/|content=Guesthouse in the upper village.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping de Mérens|lat=42.64646601527881|long=1.8310245105731093|address=600 Ville de Bau, 09110 Mérens-les-Vals|phone=+33 5 61 02 85 40|url=http://www.camping.merenslesvals.fr/de/haus/|content=Open all year, 1.3 km south of the village.}} === Mérens-les-Vals - Refuge des Bésines === ; Distance : 10 km ; Duration : 4½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 260 m This demanding stage continues through high alpine terrain, with lots of rock and scree. From Mérens, the trail leads past Le Nabre to the hot springs. Afterward, the path climbs for nearly 3 hours. First, it reaches the Estangs (2056 m), then continues to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Porteille de Bésines|lat=42.6154502407948|long=1.872190036139089}} (2333 m). From this pass, the route is clearly signposted. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bésines|wikidata=Q11945073|url=https://refugebesines.ffcam.fr/|content=2104 m. 70 beds. Open June-September. Phone: +33 5 61 05 11 77.}} === Refuge des Bésines - Refuge des Bouillouses === ; Distance : 16.7 km ; Duration : 5½-6 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 660 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 760 m This high-level stage crosses several mountain passes and offers excellent panoramic views. The route first ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Coll de Coma d'Anyell|lat=42.60880012907595|long=1.8962468691063044}}, from where it is possible to climb Pic des Bésineilles (2632 m) in about ¾ hr round trip. The path then continues through the Lansolet basin (2234 m), past the Cabane de Rozet, and climbs again to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Portella de la Grava|lat=42.59935934341172|long=1.934453711010157}}. From there, it's a gentle 3-hour descent to the lakeside refuge at Bouillouses. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bésines|lat=42.6039|long=1.86853|content=56 dormitory beds, with 16 emergency shelter spots outside the season. Open June-September.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bouillouses|lat=42.559475002653095|long=2.00351938309043|url=https://www.lesbouillouses.com/|content=2003 m. 46 beds. Open June-September. Phone: +33 4 68 04 93 88.}} === Refuge des Bouillouses - Planès === ; Distance : 19 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 230 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m The descent is easy but not always well marked. After about 2¾ hours (1740 m), the GR-10 reaches the D618. About 700 m further, a right turn leads to Superbolquère, where food and lodging are available, including a supermarket and a gîte with 28 beds. The GR-10 continues downhill to the quiet D10C near {{Marker|name=Bolquère|wikidata=Q1101891|type=city}} (1628 m, 2¾ hr), where there is a public drinking fountain and an information board. The nearby Gare de Bolquère-Eyne (1593 m) is the highest railway stop in France, on the scenic “train jaune” line. Passing through the villages of La Perche and La Cabanasse (3½ hr), the route ends at the small village of {{Marker|name=Planès|wikidata=Q524705|type=city}}. No shops in the village. The nearby Pont Gisclard, opened in 1909, is a cable-stayed bridge on the Ligne de Cerdagne crossing the Têt river. The village is a stop on the “train jaune” railway. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=L'Orri de Planès|lat=42.490995503|long=2.1382908362|address=Casas del Mitg, 66210 Planès|phone=+33 4 68 04 29 47|content=Gîte with 16 dormitory beds and private rooms.}} === Planès - Refuge du Ras de la Carança === ; Distance : 15.3 km ; Duration : 5¾-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1170 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 870 m There are no supply options along this stage. The trail begins with a gentle ascent through pine forest into the high Riberola valley. It is advisable to refill your water at the Refuge de l'Orri. Above the Cabane d'Aixques, the route becomes steep as it climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col Mitja|wikidata=Q28381301}} (2376 m). From the pass, it is possible to summit Pic de Gallinas (2624 m, ↥↧ 90 min) or Pic Redoun (2677 m, ↥↧ 1 hr). The final 1½ hours involve a descent of about 500 m to the refuge. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Ras de la Carança|wikidata=Q28380908|address=142 rue de, 66360 Fontpédrouse|phone=+33 9 88 66 73 81|url=https://www.refugelacaranca.com/|content=1840 m. Open mid-May to mid-September. 13 emergency places available off-season. Connections to other trails: 7.7 km to Prats Balaguer, 8.5 km to Ull de Ter, 13.7 km to Carança, 10 km to Thuès-les-Bains via the gorge, and 12 km to Núria.}} === Refuge du Ras de la Carança - Mantet === ; Distance : 10 km ; Duration : 4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 640 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 940 m This stage is challenging and poorly marked at higher elevations. From the refuge, follow the stream uphill for 100 m to a wooden bridge. Continue on a scree path along the left side of the valley. After passing through a gate, you reach an alpine pasture and the {{marker|type=go|name=Coll del Pal|lat=42.465650773936|long=2.258498904704664}} (2294 m). This area is a nature reserve where wild camping is forbidden. From the pass, there is an optional ascent to Pic de Serre Gallinère (2663 m; 1 hr round trip), and possibly further on to the Serre de Caret (2300 m). From the pass, descend to the {{marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Alemany|wikidata=Q120254507}} (1962 m; 8 places), located 200 m off the trail. The main path continues left, crossing first a wooden, then a concrete bridge, followed by a narrow unpaved road that ascends to the village of {{listing|type=city|name=Mantet|wikidata=Q1369164}} (1550 m). Population: 31. Most of the southern part of the commune is the protected area [https://rnn-mantet.fr/ Reserva natural de Mentet], where camping is forbidden. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=La Cavale|address=Los Miquelets, 66360 Mantet|phone=+33 4 68 05 57 59|url=http://la-cavale.fr/|lat=42.477231944228336|long=2.3092556382036555|content=Private rooms and dorms for 3-5 people.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte à la ferme Cazenove|url=http://www.gitecazenovemantet.fr/|lat=42.47702171854456|long=2.306028129535968|content=Farm gîte. Open May to September.}} === Mantet - Refuge de Mariailles === ; Distance : 14.8 km ; Duration : 5 hr 5 min ; Elevation gain : ↥ 936 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 834 m Midway along this stage is the village of {{Marker|name=Py|wikidata=Q178846|type=city}} (1023 m), which has an auberge and a gîte. From Py, follow the D6 briefly before heading northeast to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Jou|wikidata=Q47335849|lat=|long=}} (1125 m). The path turns southeast and ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Cavall Mort|wikidata=Q47335871|lat=|long=}} (1454 m), then continues upward to the Refuge de Mariailles. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge de Mariailles|alt=Refugi de Marelles|url=https://refugedemariailles.fr/|lat=42.5017361908777|long=2.4077634391340514|content=1692 m. Open from late May; shelter room available year-round.}} === Refuge de Mariailles - Refuge des Cortalets === ; Distance : 16.3 km ; Duration : 6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1030 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m This is a challenging high-mountain route around the Canigou Massif. There are no supply points along the way, and surefootedness is required. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Cortalets|url=https://refugedescortalets.ffcam.fr/|lat=42.53436454795011|long=2.465036067970792|content=2100 m. 105 places, plus 19 emergency shelter places available outside the season.}} * {{listing|type=go |name=Loop trail to the summit of Pic du Canigou|alt=Canigó|url=https://www.visit-occitanie.com/de/entdecken/top-sehenswuerdigkeiten/massif-du-canigou-katalonien/|lat=42.53692009465181|long=2.4666389025393545|content=This difficult 9.3 km loop (4½ h; ↥ 700+ m) begins 200 m beyond the refuge.}} === Refuge des Cortalets - Gîte-refuge de Batère === ; Distance : 16.8 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 270 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 920 m This stage is also part of the HRP. From the refuge to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Ras del Prat Cabrera|wikidata=Q47170860|lat=|long=}} (1739 m; 4 km), you can choose between a high-level route following the “Tour du Canigou” and a less steep path along the mountainside. From the pass to the Refuge de l'Estanyol (2¾ hr or more) the trail descends gradually, then more steeply. It climbs again briefly to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Cirère|wikidata=Q134299355|lat=|long=}} (1731 m; 4-4¾ hr). From here, you can optionally ascend the Puig Saint-Pierre (1791 m; ↥ 15 min, ↧ 15 min). Descending from the col, you pass abandoned stone quarries and mines (the Mines de la Pinosa are ruins of a former settlement), and reach your destination. Nearby you can explore the 5-day “Tour du Canigou” circuit or visit the historic abbeys of Saint-Martin du Canigou and Saint-Michel-de-Cuxa. * {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Estanyol|wikidata=Q120262655|lat=|long=}} === Gîte-refuge de Batère - Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette === ; Distance : 19.2 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 745 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m Along this long and steady descent, you pass several dolmens. Their significance may be best appreciated by specialists in archaeology. The destination is the Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette, an old mill located in the Ribera Valley. More accommodation and services are available in {{Marker|name=Arles-sur-Tech|wikidata=Q7897|type=city}}, which is connected by bus. At the southern edge of the town, you'll find Camping Riuferrer. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte-refuge de Batère|url=https://www.refugedebatere.fr/|lat=42.50176051942559|long=2.5484428644953847|address=Mines de Batère, 66150 Corsavy|phone=+33 4 68 39 12 01|content=17 dormitory beds, 20 in private rooms. Access via a 20.3-km road from Arles-sur-Tech.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette|wikidata=Q120266421|url=http://gr10-par-etapes.eklablog.com/hebergement-du-moulin-de-la-palette-a126161238|content=Simple eco-gîte in a renovated mill, located in the Ribera valley.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Riuferrer|lat=42.4551506239|long=2.6291899540|url=https://campingriuferrer.com/}} === Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette - Las Illas === ; Distance : 22 km ; Duration : 7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m From the gîte, follow the D536 for 1 km, then turn right uphill toward Montalba (543 m; 1 hr). At the cross, turn sharply right to continue climbing. You reach the ruins of the Mouli Serradou (833 m; 2½ hr). The highest point is the Coll de Sant Martí (1426 m; 4 hr or more). The trail continues through forest along the slope, passing by the Roc de France (also known as Roc de Frausa). {{Marker|name=Las Illas|wikidata=Q16508596|type=city}} has a water point and picnic area in the park. Accommodation is available in a gîte at the town hall and at the Hostal de Trabucayeres. === Las Illas - Col de l'Ouillat === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 6-7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 930 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 540 m The route has been altered several times due to terrain difficulties, so follow the current waymarking. The middle part of the trail runs along the border, just below the ridge. The dominant tree species in this area is the striking Corsican pine (Pinus nigra var. corsicana). A detour to the fortified town of Le Perthus and the Fort de Bellegarde (open May-Sep, 10:30-18:00) offers a cultural break. Note that all shops are on the Spanish side of the border. After about 3 hours, there is an optional detour to the Roman fort Panissas, built on the Via Domitia. Turn off 5 minutes after border marker 565 (2½ hr). The stage ends at {{marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de l'Ouillat|wikidata=Q11914547}} (938 m). === Col de l'Ouillat - Banyuls-sur-Mer === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 7-8¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 680 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1610 m The route stays high near the border ridge. It takes about 1 hour to reach the Pic Néulos. Water is available at the Refuge de la Tagnarède after 1½ hours. From there, the trail leads over several passes: Coll del Faig (985 m), Col de l'Orry, and Col de l'Estaque (1025 m; 2¾ hr). The Pic des Quatre-Termes (1156 m) and Pic de la Cabassère are bypassed to the north. After 4 hours, you reach the Coll del Pal (899 m). From there, continue right toward the Col des Gascons (6¼ hr or more). The final descent to the Col de Llagastèra (285 m) passes partly through vineyards towards {{Marker|name=Banyuls-sur-Mer|wikidata=Q6753|type=city}}. == Go next == * [[Pyrenean High Route]]: Crosses the Pyrenees along the mountain crests, staying higher than both the GR 10 and GR 11. * [[GR 11]] This footpath stays on the Spanish side of the Pyrenees. {{outlineitinerary}} {{Related|France}} {{Related|Pyrenees}} {{PartOfItinerary|Europe itineraries}} iwe9rdgy8d9d7hzuh93v2x2tck3fr0r 5086724 5086719 2025-07-02T18:00:12Z Bluecoordinationfine 2327039 Formatting changes. 5086724 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|GR 10 WV banner.jpg|caption=View from GR 10, near Souriche, looking towards the Tourmalet, valley of Barèges, France}} The '''GR 10''' is one of the paths and trails of the extensive [[Grande Randonnée]] (or GR) network. It crosses [[France]], from the Mediterranean coast to the Atlantic coast, and runs almost entirely through the [[Pyrenees]]. While the trail is in France, much of it is near, or even on, the border with [[Spain]]. The trail can be walked in either direction, though some suggest that the west-east route is easier in the beginning, as it is both cooler and less steep that the corresponding start heading west; this may be an advantage to those not fully in shape. == Understand == [[File:Lac d'Oo (22).jpg|thumb|Lac d'Oo]] Moving from east to west, the trail begins at the Mediterranean, in the small town of [[Banyuls sur Mer]], and finishes at [[Hendaye]] on the Atlantic Ocean. Hikers will usually be able to make it to a [[France#Guesthouses and holiday rentals|gîte]] or small town every other night, and quite frequently every night. Expected time to complete the trail is around 6-7 weeks, though the majority of people only hike sections of it. == Prepare == The trail is fairly well marked with painted marks on rocks, trees, telephone poles, and even houses, walls, and street signs. If you haven’t seen a waymark for 100 metres, you’ve likely strayed off the trail. Retrace your steps to the last marker and check your route. It is not realistic to navigate using the markers alone. A trail guide, at minimum, or a topologic map is required. Sunburn is a particular problem, and clothing such as long sleeved shirts and long pants should be worn as they protect from the sun, scratching branches and insects. Sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat are highly desirable. For those heading west from Banyuls sur Mer, the hike to the first gîte is particularly long compared to the following days, and should be started very early. === Equipment === One of the advantages of the GR 10 is that it can be hiked with minimal gear, as one can eat dinner and breakfast almost every day at the gîtes. Additionally the hiker can sleep outdoors on clear nights and pay for a bed in a gîte in inclement weather. On nights that only shelters (which usually have no food or staff) are available, pre-purchased food can be eaten. If one plans to eat at gîtes and buy food from supermarkets that can be eaten without cooking, the absolute minimal gear in the summer months is: * Sleeping bag or sleep sheet, and a mat for comfort. * Goretex jacket and fleece or similar for cold or wet weather * Long-sleeved shirt and pants * Short-sleeved shirt and shorts (including shorts you can wear for swimming) * Sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat * Adequate footwear. Anything less than hiking boots may prove insufficient. * Bottles for at least two litres of water, and a purification method for treating water from streams. * Toiletries and a [[Travel health kit|medical kit]] Additionally, consider a rain jacket or fleece top for wet or cold weather. If you plan to forgo the comforts and delicious food of the gites and hotels, also bring: * Tent * Cooking gear and food A note on footwear: some four fifths of the hikers wear full hiking boots and thick socks. While running sneakers may suffice (and Choco-style sandals may work for a few days), your risk of injury is higher, and much of the trail involves hopping around on possibly wet and sharp rocks. Choose conservatively, depending on the length of your hike and your experience. ==Get in== == Walk == {{Mapframe|lat=42.68287|long=0.56837|width=full|height=360|zoom=7}} {{mapshape|type=geoline|stroke=#000000|stroke-width=3}} === Hendaye-Plage - Olhette === ; Distance : 21.9 km ; Duration : 6-7¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1010 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 950 m Intermarché sells gas cartridges. Near the western trailhead a {{marker|type=buy|name=Decathlon|lat=43.36843635018845|long=-1.7798332063655435}} store geared towards watersports is available for last minute purchases, such as gas cannisters. The hike starts from the 3 km long {{marker|type=see|name=Hendaye Beach|wikidata=Q20947149}}. This is below the old casino, now known as Résidence Croisière. Nearby is the Tourist Office. Buses run from the main train station, or you can walk from {{marker|type=go|name=Gare Deux Jumeaux|wikidata=Q2802667}}. Leaving town, the route goes around the football stadium and climbs via Rue Errondenia and Rue de Pausoa, passing by {{Marker|type=city|name=Biriatou|wikidata=Q196871}}, which conveniently has public toilets available. After about 3 hr you reach the summit of {{marker|type=see|name=Xoldokogaina|wikidata=Q20492776}}. The high point is at Mandale on the Spanish border, with an altitude of {{m|530}}. From here, the path descends past {{Marker|type=see|name=Redoute de la Baïonette|lat=43.309257665|long=-1.70329930013}}, a fortification near Mandale, located by modern border marker 9, to the Col d'Ibardin, a journey of 4¼ hours. The col is a popular spot for French shoppers due to cheap alcohol and tobacco. The trail continues via Col des Poiriers and Col des Joncs before reaching {{Marker|type=city|name=Olhette|lat=43.3360119885|long=-1.6661235970}}. === Olhette - Ainhoa === ; Distance : 21.1 km ; Duration : 6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 730 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 640 m The steepest climb comes right at the beginning. For most of the route, you'll be on forest trails and, after Sare, quiet paved country roads. The trail initially ascends on a good path to the Col des Trois Fontaines, a journey of 1½ hours. A shelter is located 300 m from the col. The path then descends to the Col de St-Ignace, where the valley station of the cog railway to La Rhune is found. It continues to {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Sare]]|wikidata=Q274155}}, bringing the total walking time to 2¾ hours. Sare is a local transport hub, an outdoor swimming pool is available, and it is listed as one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. The stage ends in {{Marker|type=city|name=Ainhoa|wikidata=Q212962}}, which is also one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. From Col des Trois Fontaines you can ascend La Rhune, which has an altitude of {{m|905}}. The ascent can be made either by cog railway, a trip that takes 35 minutes, or on foot. The walk is a 3 km journey that takes 1¼ hours and involves an ascent and descent of 300 m. The prehistoric {{Marker|type=see|name=Grottes de Sare|wikidata=Q3117280}} can be visited with prior reservation made through the local municipality or online. These caves are closed annually for one month following Epiphany. This stage is part of the [[European long-distance path E9|European long-distance trail E9]]. === Ainhoa - Bidarray === ; Distance : 21.7 km ; Duration : 8½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 880 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 850 m This is a difficult stage, with little shade at the start and a particularly steep, rocky descent near the end. After about 40 minutes, you will reach the old cemetery at an altitude of {{m|389}}. It is located beside the {{Marker|type=see|name=Chapelle Notre Dame de l'Aubépine|wikidata=Q12253854}}, where a dramatic crucifixion scene featuring the Jewish itinerant preacher Jesus of Nazareth and two other criminals has been recreated. You can also find traditional Basque hilarri gravestones here. The path then continues over the Col des Trois-Croix, reaching an altitude of {{m|510}} after about 1 hour and 20 minutes from the start. Ferme Esteben is a good place to rest. You will reach this gîte d'étape with a bar-restaurant after about 2 hours and 50 minutes, at an altitude of {{m|580}}. The trail continues near the border, past Boundary Stone 77, partly on a paved road. At Col des Veaux, at an altitude of {{m|550}}, you can take a 300-m detour into Spain to visit a venta, which is a small inn or shop. From here, the trail climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Méhatche|lat=43.272782275749094|long=-1.4166930371188398}}, which is at an altitude of {{m|716}} and takes about 3¾ hours to reach. The descent past Boundary Stones 82 and 83 is secured with cables. From Col de Méhatche, you can ascend Artzamendi, which has a summit at {{m|926}} and is easily identified by the radar dome on top. The nearby {{Marker|type=see|name=Grotte le Saint-que-Sue|alt=Harpeko Saindua|lat=43.26526266671622|long=-1.3890420732224757}} can also be visited. Just before reaching {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Bidarray]]|wikidata=Q746221}}, a bypass trail offers a shortcut to the next stage. This route is also ideal for peak baggers, as it gives access to several summits. These include Errebi, located between the chapel and Col des Trois-Croix, and Atxulegi, which requires a 15-minute detour on the way to Col des Trois-Croix. When the weather is good, you can also access Mont Bizkayluze at {{m|701}} and Gorospil at {{m|691}}. === Bidarray - Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry === ; Distance : 18.5 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1250 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1250 m This southward stage is demanding, especially due to the complete lack of water sources along the ascent. After passing the Iparla Ridge at an altitude of {{m|950}}, the trail reaches over 1000 m for the first time on the way to the summit. It then continues along the ridge to the Pic de Tutulia before descending to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Harrieta|lat=43.21079140547837|long=-1.384120195860639}}. This point is reached after 3¾ hours and sits at an altitude of {{m|808}}. From the Col d'Harrieta, a side trail descends to Urdos in a walk of 1¾ hours, from where it is possible to follow the road into Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry. The main trail continues across the Buztanzelhay summit, which is reached in 4¾ hours at an altitude of {{m|1029}}. The trail then leads down to the col of the same name at {{m|843}}. Here, the GR-10 turns left and descends steeply. The path crosses the D949 road several times; this road leads from the village to the ventas on the Spanish border at the Col d'Ispéguy. You can also reach this col via the ridge, a distance of 1½ km from Col Buztanzelhay. If you want to skip entering {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry]]|wikidata=Q279252}}, a village situated at {{m|162}}, you can join the next stage earlier at the Nive des Aldudes. This location can be reached in 6½ hours and is at an altitude of {{m|162}}. In the village park, there is a picnic area, and a supermarket stocks gas cartridges. Locals play Rebot, a type of pelota, on two courts. The Château d'Etxauz is not open to the public. The village hosts a traditional folklore festival known as Nafarroaren Eguna on the last Sunday in April. The Nive des Aldudes valley occasionally experiences flooding and mudslides. === Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry - Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port === ; Distance : 19.2 km ; Duration : 5-7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 990 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 980 m This stage runs mostly on gravel paths and farm tracks. About an hour into the walk, there is an optional detour at Col d'Aharza for a 35-minute climb to Oylarandoy, where a hermitage built in 1706 stands. The GR-10 heads south to the Col d'Aharza, which is at an altitude of {{m|734}} and reached in two hours. A water source is available at the col. The trail then turns east and circles around {{Marker|type=see|name=Munhoa|wikidata=Q3327853}}. This summit is at {{m|1023}} and is reached after a total of 3½ hours. The climb is fully exposed to the sun. The descent begins on the right-hand side. {{Marker|name=[[Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port]]|wikidata=Q270294|type=city}} lies at an altitude of {{m|170}} and is where three of the four French pilgrimage routes converge before entering Spain. From here, it is possible to continue directly onto the Camino de Santiago towards Roncesvalles. === Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port - Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta === ; Distance : 16.2 km ; Duration : 5-5½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 870 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 420 m There are no supply points or public transport on this stage, but the walking is relatively easy. In the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Çaro|wikidata=Q842635}}, at an altitude of {{m|242}}, there is a public fountain next to the town hall. If you choose to end the day early after 3¾ hours in {{Marker|type=city|name=Estérençuby|wikidata=Q842724}}, be aware that this adds an extra 400 m of ascent to the next day's stage. The village lies at an altitude of {{m|231}} and offers two accommodation options. === Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta - Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty === ; Distance : 20.7 km ; Duration : 6¾-8 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1410 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m This stage is simple but offers little shade. The trail first climbs toward the Col on Ithurramburu, which is at an altitude of {{m|820}}. It then continues ascending to just below {{Marker|type=see|name=Occabe|alt=Okabe|wikidata=Q17417892}} at {{m|1456}}. On the Occabe plateau, 26 Neolithic stone circles have been found. Known as ''harrespil'' in Basque, they are believed to have been used for cremation rites. A good rest stop, reached after 4¾ hours, is the upscale {{Marker|type=eat|name=Restaurant Chalet Pedro|url=https://www.chaletpedro.com/|lat=43.03687624625582|long=-1.0746838225620772}}. The associated lodge offers 10 beds. Across the stream at Le Kayolar, similar accommodation is available. From here, the trail turns sharply right after 100 m and continues uphill for another 6-7 km to the stage destination, a final ascent of 300 m. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta|url=http://kaskoleta.free.fr/|lat=43.092036845886255|long=-1.1646582066722122|content=Altitude 615 m. Offers 13 beds in 3 rooms plus a holiday apartment for 4. A scenic viewpoint with an information panel is 5 minutes away.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=L'aire Naturelle de Camping|lat=43.037460332099656|long=-1.0494175120345806|content=Natural campground with 50 pitches, located 3 km before the Chalets by the stream. Open June-October. Fresh bread available by reservation from 08:30.}} === Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty - Logibar === ; Distance : 16.4 km ; Duration : 5-6 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 440 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1380 m In bad weather, the route along the west side of the {{Marker|type=see|name=Pic des Escaliers|wikidata=Q31645205}}, which has an altitude of {{m|1423}}, is not recommended. There are two alternative routes, but both are poorly marked. At the Ugatzé Ridge, the trail skirts the peak rather than summiting it. To avoid the steep descent from Pic des Escaliers, stay on the road for about 600 m after the start, then turn off after 2½ km to reach Col Ugatzé. A short side trip allows you to summit Arthanolatzégagnia, which requires an additional 35 minutes for the ascent and descent. For several hours, trail markings are sparse. After some time following mule tracks, you'll reach a road crossing at Beloscare, which is at an altitude of {{m|1173}} and is reached after three hours. Logibar marks the end of the stage, but you can also continue 2 km further to {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Larrau]]|wikidata=Q608335}}, which offers three accommodation options and a campground. In bad weather, an easier alternative is to follow the paved road from Iraty directly to Larrau for a gentler descent. === Logibar - Sainte-Engrâce (Senta) === ; Distance : 26.3 km ; Duration : 7½-9¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200-1420 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 900-1170 m This stage leads through spectacular gorges. Follow signs to the Gorges d'Holzarté and ascend the trail to the 70 m long suspension bridge, a walk of 50 minutes. The bridge spans the dramatic Ruisseau de Olhadubi gorge 150 m above the ground. On the far side, the trail continues uphill. After two hours, you reach the Olhadubi stream, which is a possible spot for a refreshing dip. Nearby is the Cabane Cayolar d'Olhadubi, reached via a side path from the bridge. It serves as an emergency shelter with space for 4-5 people. Continuing uphill, you'll reach the Abarrakia farm after just over three hours. The path then winds between farms, eventually reaching the point where the GR-10 turns sharply to the right, a journey of 4½ hours from the start. The original GR-10 route bypassed the gorges entirely by heading up to the Plateau d'Adarkhotia after the Holzarté bridge. This shortcut saves 2.7 km, takes 1¼ hours, and avoids 150 m of elevation gain. After about five hours, you'll reach the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Anhaou|alt=Col de Bious|lat=42.9784|long=-0.88044}} at an altitude of {{m|1383}}. From here, energetic hikers can summit nearby peaks such as Izeyto at {{m|1464}} or Sarimendi at {{m|1484}}. The stage ends at {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Sainte-Engrâce]]|wikidata=Q197211}}. Sainte-Engrâce is home to a Romanesque church from the 11th century. From the village, a 9-km side trip with an ascent of 840 m and descent of 135 m takes you to the vast La Verna cave, which has guided tours. A detour south from the restaurant leads into the wild and romantic Gorges de Kakuetta. The trail is very steep and slippery, and entry tickets are sold at the restaurant. === Sainte-Engrâce (Senta) - Refuge Jeandel === ; Distance : 11.6 km ; Duration : 4¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 160 m Here is the revised text, with the formatting and phrasing updated as you requested: The trail climbs steadily from Sainte-Engrâce into the limestone highlands of the Pierre-Saint-Martin massif, marking the transition into more alpine terrain. You ascend to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Pierre-St-Martin|wikidata=Q1107451}} at an altitude of {{m|1760}}, which marks the border with Spain. Since 1373, the Tributo de las Tres Vacas, a cross-border tribute of three cows, has been held here every July 13 to settle grazing rights between the two valleys. A small shop at the parking area sells goat cheese. A ski area lies just over the border on the Spanish side. There is also a small shelter near Boundary Marker 62. An optional 15-minute detour leads to the summit of Soum de Lèche, which has an altitude of {{m|1839}}. The Grotte de la Verna, a massive cave chamber accessible by pre-booked guided tour, lies 1 km off the main trail. From the pass, descend to the first switchback, then turn right off the main track. The trail passes under two chairlifts and continues along the northern flank of the Pic d'Arlas. When you spot three large concrete water tanks, descend to the staffed mountain hut at Refuge Jeandel. The ski resort village of {{Marker|name=La Pierre Saint-Martin|wikidata=Q3211628|type=city}} is about 15 minutes off the trail and offers additional services. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge Jeandel|address=La Pierre Saint Martin, 64570 Arette|url=https://www.refugejeandel.com/|lat=42.97829371796861|long=-0.7493627209784663|content=Altitude 1670 m. Dormitory accommodation from €18; half-board from €42.50. Staffed in summer.}} === Refuge Jeandel - Lescun === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 5½-6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1200 m This is a challenging stage, but the scenery is magnificent. Several rocky mountain paths are equipped with cables for safety. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Pas de l'Osque|lat=42.9702182168491|long=-0.7089944097203539}} at an altitude of {{m|1922}}, which requires a head for heights. The trail continues to the Pas d'Azuns at {{m|1873}}, reached in about 2¾ hours. A good first rest stop with water is the spring near the Cabane du Cap de la Baitch, located at {{m|1689}} and reached after about 3 hours. In wet weather, descending to {{Marker|type=city|name=Lescun|wikidata=Q179737}} at an altitude of {{m|895}} via the road is recommended, as the GR-10 becomes muddy and difficult to navigate. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Centre de l'Abérouat|url=http://aberouat.fr/|lat=42.95041471194407|long=-0.6658390953581508|content=Staffed hut with a bar. Offers 20 rooms (2-5 beds each). Free tent camping nearby (bathrooms in the hut available for a fee). Best suited for groups; solo walkers must book in advance.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Maison de la Montagne|lat=42.934247039|long=-0.63524507931|address=1 ruelle de la Congasse, 64490 Lescun|phone=+33 6 88 06 95 29|url=https://www.maisondelamontagne64.com/|content=Comfortable accommodation for hikers in the centre of Lescun.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping - Gîte du Lauzart|address=Bordé de Mougnague, 64490 Lescun|phone=+33 5 59 34 51 77|url=https://www.camping-gite-lescun-pyrenees.com/|lat=42.92782183157741|long=-0.6421994110320027|content=Along the D340. About 20 minutes into the next stage. Open April-September. Campsite €14 + €4 per adult. 25 dorm beds available for €16; half board €42.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Tourist Office for the Vallée |lat=42.9990368924|long=-0.60057615194|url=https://www.pyrenees-bearnaises.com/explorer/nature/|phone=+33 5 59 34 57 57|content=Located in Bedous. Provides information on the surrounding region.}} === Lescun - Etsaut === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 5½-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 850 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1150 m The trail begins easily through pastoral countryside, then enters forested terrain, passing the [https://www.gite-camping-lhers.com/ Gîte d'étape and campsite on the Plateau de Lhers] (2 hr), and climbing to the Col de Barrancq (1601 m; 3¾ hr). From the Col de Barrancq, a side trip leads to the summit of Pic de Labigouer (2175 m), which takes just under 3 hours round-trip. Lower down in the Parc d'Orce, within the commune of {{Marker|type=city|name=Borçe|wikidata=Q840474}} (5¾ hr), lives the majority of the region's ~50 brown bears. The Gîte le Communal offers accommodation here. The stage ends in {{listing|type=city|name=Etsaut|wikidata=Q765829|content=Altitude 597 m. Located on the N-134 and served by the Canfranc-Oloron-Saint-Marie bus line. The former train station now houses the Pyrenees National Park visitor center. Accommodation available in the Gîte d'étape la Garbure behind the church (53 beds).}} Just outside Etsaut, the {{Marker|type=see|name=Fort du Portalet|wikidata=Q3078387}} clings dramatically to the cliffs in two tiers, spanning a height difference of 150 m. * {{listing|type=see|name=Refuge animalier à Borce|url=https://parc-ours.fr/|lat=42.9045174060618|long=-0.5745664608466107|content=open 10:00-18:00; admission €12. It functions as an educational wildlife refuge}} === Etsaut - Gabas === ; Distance : 24 km ; Duration : 9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1640 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1210 m The trail begins with the dramatic Chemin de la Mâture, a path carved into the rock face. It is not passable in icy or snowy conditions. You reach Grange Perry (1210 m) after 2 hours. A quarter of an hour later, at a junction, keep left. After 3½ hours, you arrive at the Cabane de la Baight de St-Cours (1560 m; shepherds only, June-September), located at the border. About 4 hours in, you cross a stream on a bridge. This is the last water source before the high pass. The highest point of the stage is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Ayous|wikidata=Q2981981}} (2185 m; 5½ hr or more). On its eastern slope lie the Ayous Lakes, including the scenic Refuge d'Ayous. It's an ideal place to break this long stage. The Col d'Ayous also marks a transition point between valleys: from the Chemin de la Mâture and Baigt de Sencours in the Aspe Valley to Bious-Artigues (1540 m) in the Ossau Valley, where pony rides and canoe rentals are available on the eastern shore. The lake is 6½ km from the pass (↧ 764 m). From the pass, you can also summit Pic d'Ayous (add 30 min up and down), or detour 6 km to Lac Bersau — a longer alternative via the Vallon d'Aas is 9 km. From the lake, descend on the D231 road, which includes switchbacks that can be shortcut. (Note: Refuge de Gabas is permanently closed.) The stage ends in {{Marker|name=Gabas|wikidata=Q5515276|type=city}}, which offers two accommodations and a bar, but no grocery store. Located on bus route 806/806bis from Col de Portalet via Gabas to Laruns (15 km). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Ayous|url=https://www.refuge-ayous.fr/en-gb|lat=42.84844763797708|long=-0.4911758258903634|10 minutes off the GR10 near Lac Gentau (6½ hr). This refuge offers 47 beds and tent spaces and is open from mid-May to the first week of October.}} === Gabas - Gourette === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9-10 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1150 m This is a long and difficult stage, not suitable for children. The Corniche des Alhas section requires a head for heights. Snow may linger into summer, making it hard to follow the waymarks. Water is scarce during the first four hours. The trail follows the D934 road to the Artouste dam, then climbs through forest paths (1¼ hr). Some parts pass through cliff-side ledges carved into the rock — the Corniche des Alhas — which have fixed cables for safety. An easier alternative bypasses the Corniche via the Pont du Goua and the Gave de Soussouéou. After 1¾ hr, you reach a bridge near the Gave de Soussouéou waterfalls (1145 m). From here, a steep trail leads up to Houn de Mouscabarous (1361 m; 2¾ hr), continuing uphill to Petite Arcizette (2293 m). Snow may persist at these elevations until July. After 6½-7 hr, you arrive at the Hourquette d'Arre (2465 m). Important: The path shown on some maps to the Géougue d'Arre (2619 m) is a mountaineering route, not a hiking trail. An alternative route avoids the Hourquette d'Arre altogether: from the Cabane de Cézy, follow the red-and-white GR10 then switch to the red/yellow-marked GRP Tour de la Vallée d'Ossau, over the Col de Lurdé to Eaux-Bonnes (overnight possible) and Gourette (also served by Bus 806). The GR10 does not go directly to Lac d'Uzious, but instead heads roughly north-northeast across a plateau, before turning east to descend. After about 8 hours, you reach Lac d'Anglas (2068 m), from where the trail continues along the outflow, then branches off to the right. After over 9 hours, you arrive in the ski resort of {{Marker|type=city|name=Gourette|wikidata=Q1540224|url=https://www.gourette.com/en/}} (1350 m). Ski resort with two supermarkets; gas cartridges available at Intersport. Mostly closed outside the main season. Served in-season by Bus 806 (twice daily) from Parking Gourette Nord to Eaux-Bonnes, Laruns, and Pau. If needed, you can exit the trail early at the upper parking area (which has a bus stop) and start the next stage from there. * {{listing|type=sleep|lat=42.9595015138|long=-0.333960997149|name=Chalet-refuge CAF|phone=+33 5 59 05 10 56|url=https://chaletdegourette.ffcam.fr/|content=Mountain refuge with 32 beds in 4 dorms. €16.50/night (€8.25 for Alpine Club members) + €0.90 tourist tax.}} === Gourette - Arrens-Marsous === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m This is a relatively easy stage that crosses two mountain passes: the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Tortes|lat=42.959773462638644|long=-0.3187601158279607}} (1799 m; 1¾ hr), and later, after crossing the D918 (popular with cyclists but too busy to follow safely), the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Saucède|lat=42.95972945620746|long=-0.31869998400517197}} (1525 m; 3 hr 20 min). Ten minutes after descending from this second pass, you'll reach a restaurant and gîte de séjour at the Col de Soulor on the D918 road. From Col de Saucède, hikers can also make a short detour to summit the Pointe de Surgatte (1805 m; 90-100 minutes round trip). Near the Pont de Lapadé, you can either cross the Gave d'Arrens or continue down into the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Arrens-Marsous|wikidata=Q1110649}}. Features tourist information and public toilets at the Maison Val d'Azun (Tel. +33 5 62 97 49 49). The village also has an outdoor swimming pool. A hiking festival, [https://www.eldorando.fr/ Eldorado], is held every two years for four days in late May. Call +33 800 65 65 00 by 17:00 the day before for weekday on-demand shuttle service to Lourdes. Points of interest include the Romanesque Saint-Pierre Church (parts dating to 1200) and the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Pouey-Laün, a pilgrimage chapel located 600 m south along the D105. The area is part of both the Natura 2000 conservation network (Gabizos and the Arrens Valley) and the core zone of the Pyrenees National Park. For a longer option, you can extend this stage to Gîte les Viellettes (2¼ h further), making a total of 20.5 km (8½ hr; ↥ 1250 m, ↧ 1530 m). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=GCU Campground|address=26 Rue des Paus, 65400 Arrens-Marsous|lat=42.9573380888|long=-0.213247116377|phone=+33 5 62 97 43 06|url=https://www.gcu.asso.fr/terrains/arrens-marsous-hautes-pyrénées-65|content=Simple tent campground on the edge of town.}} === Arrens-Marsous - Refuge d'Ilhéou === ; Distance : 20 km ; Duration : 6¾-7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 500 m From Arrens-Marsous (3½ km from the previous endpoint), you can follow the official GR10 or the more scenic GR de Pays Tour du Val d'Azun. The latter is slightly shorter but includes more climbs. Both routes rejoin shortly before the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape les Viellettes|lat=42.9219519144924|long=-0.1818867608457627}} (2¼ h; 15 beds). About 700 m further on is the simple tent site La Pose (open May-September). The official GR10 route passes through {{Marker|type=city|name=Estaing|wikidata=Q589628}}, a commune that includes three Natura 2000 protected areas: “Gaves de Pau et de Cauterets,” “Moun Né de Cauterets, Pic de Cabaliros,” and “Péguère, Barbat, Cambalès.” From here, the trail enters the core zone of the Pyrenees National Park. You ascend toward Lac d'Estaing. Just before the lake is a guesthouse open Thursday-Sunday, 09:00-17:00 (summer only). On the far shore is another restaurant (open 10:00-18:00) and Camping Intercommunal. Brave hikers may try a swim in the cold waters. The trail now climbs steeply through forest to the Cabane d'Arriousec (1400 m; 4 hr). Another hour uphill takes you past the Cabanes de Barbat (left of the path), then a final climb brings you to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Ilhéou|wikidata=Q2981991}} (2242 m; 6 hr or more). Just 5 minutes below the pass, you can turn left to reach the Crête du Lys, where the Courbet cable car operates in July and August. This offers access to the ski resort Cauterets-Le Lys (with a summer luge track) or direct descent into the town of Cauterets. On foot, descend to the stream near the Cabanes d'Arras (6½-7 hr). Turn right there and cross two more streams. The path then descends to Lac d'Ilhéou. At the lake's northern shore is the staffed Refuge d'Ilhéou. A designated bivouac area (aire de bivouac) is located about 10 minutes further south along the lake. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Ilhéou (Refuge Raymond-Ritter)|url=https://www.refuge-ilheou.csvss.fr/en/home|phone=+33 5 62 92 07 18|lat=42.86604614112533|long=-0.17358356545105466|content=Altitude 1988 m. 22 beds. Open from late May to late September.}} === Refuge d'Ilhéou - Cauterets === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 2½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 75 ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m This is a leisurely downhill walk that brings you gently back to civilization in {{Marker|type=city|name=Cauterets|url=https://www.cauterets.com/en/?to_lang=en|wikidata=Q366962}}. Scenic spa town with plenty of amenities, including a historic wooden railway station (now closed), a cinema, casino, and more. The tourist office is open M-Sa from 09:00-12:30 and 14:00-18:00. A special Office de la Montagne - Terre d'Alpinisme opens during the summer season. Cauterets flourished during the late 19th and early 20th centuries thanks to its thermal springs. The municipality operates two spas: Thermes de César in the village center and Thermes des Griffons in nearby La Raillère. Accommodation options include three gîtes d'étape and Camping la Prairie. Local buses run every 30 minutes from June to October. Regional connections are available to Lourdes, Luz-Saint-Sauveur, and Gavarnie. A shuttle to Pont d'Espagne departs four times daily from the old train station. The 30 km former railway line from Pierrefitte to Cauterets has been converted into a multi-use bike and hiking path. === Cauterets - Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 100 m This is a demanding stage. From Cauterets, take the path behind the Thermes de César and head south. After 1¼ hr you reach the hamlet of La Raillère (1044 m), where there are restaurants and a sulfur spa. Cross the bridge and continue up into the Val de Jéret, passing several waterfalls. The trail leads to the Hôtellerie du Pont d'Espagne (3 hr). From there, descend briefly along the road before turning right and ascending into the valley toward Lac de Gaube (1725 m, 4 hr). The path crosses the stream three times via bridges as you continue toward the refuge. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube|wikidata=Q109042828}} === Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube - Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400 m About 50 m from the refuge, the trail begins a steady one-hour climb over rocky terrain. At a fork (65 min), stay right and continue ascending. The {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Hourquette d'Ossoue|wikidata=Q3141336}} (2734 m) marks the highest point on the entire GR10. Even in mid-summer, snow often lingers here. After 20 minutes of descent, you reach the Refuge Baysselance. '''Ascending Vignemale from here via the Glacier d'Ossoue is only for experienced mountaineers.''' From the pass, the route heads southeast, passing the Grottes de Bellevue (2420 m; 3 hr), artificial caves carved in 1880 by the explorer Henry Russell. The trail descends steeply to a stream, then follows it into a boulder field fed by glacial melt from the Glacier d'Ossoue. The descent into the valley involves frequent climbs around cliffs and waterfalls. You enter the Vallée de la Canau (5 hr or more) and pass the Cabane de Sausse-Dessus. The next hour includes more ups and downs until you reach the Cabane des Tousaus (6¾ hr or more). From there, cross a final ridge to reach the D923 road and descend to the stage endpoint, Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle. If you need more accommodation or supplies, continue to the main village of {{Marker|name=Gavarnie|wikidata=Q917894|type=city}}. From Gavarnie, you can take a day trip (or a bus from Luz-Saint-Sauveur) into the famed Cirque de Gavarnie. It's also possible to ascend Le Taillon (3146 m) from here for experienced climbers. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge Baysselance|url=https://refugebayssellance.ffcam.fr/|wikidata=Q3423105|content=(2651 m), which offers 58 beds and is staffed from mid-May to mid-October}} === Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle - Luz-Saint-Sauveur === ; Distance : 26 km ; Duration : 8-9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 700-900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1500-1660 m Starting from Gavarnie village (via the D128 road) instead of the refuge shortens the route by 3 km (approx. 1 hr). The trail first leads to the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape le Saugué|url=https://www.gite-gavarnie-pyrenees.com/|lat=42.76864577103755|long=-0.005915232017950625}}, located on the Plateau Soula de Saugue (1¾ hr). This is a good option to break up the stage — the gîte has 21 beds and is open May to October. The route winds northward, passing the Soum Haut (3¾ h), then descends gradually along the western slope of the Gavarnie Valley. After 5¾-6 hr, you reach the D921 road. Cross the Gave de Gavarnie via the Pont d'Esdouroucats and ascend again to a path above the highway. From the south, you enter {{Marker|type=city|name=Luz-Saint-Sauveur|wikidata=Q35721506|url=https://www.luz.org/en/}} via the Pont Napoléon (755 m; 7½ hr), a dramatic bridge across the gorge. Well-equipped mountain town. The town has several historic churches, as well as a campsite with a grocery store. The Prime Meridian passes about 100 m east of the center. Numerous lodgings, 6 campgrounds, 2 supermarkets, and Intersport (gas cartridges). Bus 965 connects to Cauterets, Lourdes, and Tarbes. Bus to Barèges also available. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Saint Bazerque|address=Sia|phone=+33 5 62 92 49 93|url=https://campingsaintbazerque.eatbu.com/?lang=de|lat=42.83178828384746|long=0.0015462182938111647|content=Campground with grocery shop (mountain cheese), bar, and caravan spaces. Open 08:00-17:00.}} === Luz-Saint-Sauveur - Barèges === ; Distance : 12 km ; Duration : 4½-5 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m To extend this stage, continue to Refuge d'Aygues Cluses for a total of 19 km (7½ hr; ↥ 1560 m, ↧ 140 m). Though short, this stage begins with a relatively long and steep ascent. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Ruisseau de Bolou|lat=42.858690489195055|long=0.06773411839157908}} (1460 m). On the descent, hikers can stop for refreshments at the [https://refugedelaglere.ffcam.fr/ Refuge de la Glère]. This stage ends at {{Marker|type=city|name=Barèges|wikidata=Q632058|url=https://www.mairie-bareges.fr/en/}}. Composed of the hamlets of Artigalas and Cazaous, Barèges serves as a spa and mountain village. The local river, the Bastan, is called the gave. Note: the Jardin botanique du Tourmalet and the 1930s funicular are now closed. The town's website includes an accommodation and restaurant directory * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape l'Oasis|lat=42.897422977|long=0.067278671719|address=2 Passage des Toys|phone=+33 5 62 92 69 47|url=https://www.gite-oasis.fr/|content=Open June-September, and also December-April during ski season (Barèges is part of the Domaine du Tourmalet ski area).}} === Barèges - Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : route-dependent 7¾-9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m The trail begins by climbing above the road toward the ski station at Tournaboup (1 hr). It then veers south and ascends steadily. Good stopping points include the Cabane d'Aygues and, 10 km further on, the Chalet-Hôtel d'Orédon. This stage enters the Néouvielle Nature Reserve, where dogs and wild camping are strictly forbidden. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Madamète|wikidata=Q102076283}} (2509 m). From there, the path descends between alpine lakes: {{Marker|type=see|name=Lac d'Aumar|wikidata=Q3215322}} and Lac d'Aubert (5¾ h, 2190 m). A shuttle bus runs up to this point in high season, and there's an info panel at the end of the access road. Here, the trail splits into two variants: * Variant 1: continues along Lac d'Aumar * Variant 2: detours south to the tip of Lac d'Aubert, then along the northern shore of Les Laguettes and Lac d'Orédon (6¾ h, 1856 m; camping and hotel at the south end) Both variants rejoin at the Cap d'Estoudou pass (2260 m), followed by a steep descent. A short detour from the pass allows for an ascent of Soump de Montpelat (↥ 214 m). The path continues steeply downhill to Lac de l'Oule (1821 m; 7¾ hr or more). From here, head right to reach Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Cabane d'Aygues|url=https://refugeayguescluses.wordpress.com/|lat=42.87577795732996|long=0.15008320916912823}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Chalet-Hôtel d'Orédon|url=https://www.chalet-oredon.fr/|lat=42.82616251586139|long=0.1692328508499207|content=open June 1 - Sept 30; 88 beds}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule|url=https://refugedeloule.fr/|lat=42.824769697482445|long=0.20752501478344024|content=Altitude 1819 m. Located at the dam wall. Open mid-June to mid-September. 20 beds and a bar.}} === Refuge-Hôtel de l'Oule - Vielle-Aure === ; Distance : 17-18 km ; Duration : 5-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 460 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400-1500 m From the refuge, the route follows the western shore of Lac de l'Oule. GR10C variant: After 1½ hr, there is a signed detour to the [http://refugedebastan.fr/ Cabane de Bastan]. The main trail turns directly east and climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Portet|wikidata=Q42178369}} (2215 m; 2¾ hr). From here, it continues eastward, descending gently to the Pla de Castillon, then more steeply down to the D918 road (4½ hr or more) and onward to the stage endpoint {{Marker|type=city|name=Vielle-Aure|wikidata=Q1323900|url=https://vielleaure.com/}}, an historic village with two Romanesque churches: Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Pierre (in the Agos neighbourhood), both dating to the 12th century. Bus connections to Saint-Lary-Soulan and Lannemezan (35 km). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Hôtel Aurélia|lat=42.825852030|long=0.32776424175|phone=+33 5 62 39 56 90|url=https://www.hotel-aurelia.com/|content=Simple, hiker-friendly hotel in town.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping La Mousquère|lat=42.8273932992|long=0.33590955638|address=Nougaro, Autun, 65170 Bourisp|url=https://www.campinglamousquere.com/|content=Open May 8 - last weekend of September.}} * There are three more campsites within 2 km north along the river valley. Just 1 km south, the larger and livelier {{Marker|name=Saint-Lary-Soulan|wikidata=Q1323323|type=city}} offers a broader range of shops, accommodations, and services. The tourist information office is at the roundabout in the center; the supermarket is across the street. The wooden bus stop shelter is discreetly located about 50 m away, opposite the modern church on Avenue des Thermes. === Vielle-Aure - Germ === ; Distance : 13 km ; Duration : 4¾-5¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1170 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 630-700 m This is a straightforward, though poorly marked, stage that runs parallel to the D225 up to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Azet|wikidata=Q2981982}} (1600 m). From the pass, the route continues down to [https://www.vallee-du-louron.com/fr Loudenvielle], a village with shops, an outdoor pool, and the Balnéa Spa complex (open 14:00-19:30; €21 for 2 hours). Note: during the [https://www.pyreneesbikefestival.com/ Pyrenees Bike Festival] in early September, the area is overrun with mountain bikers. The final 2-3 km involve a climb of about 220 m up to the hamlet of {{Marker|name=Germ|wikidata=Q1094205|type=city}}. Altitude 1339 m. A small village with 34 year-round residents, but many second homes and guest beds. Two old churches are worth visiting. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Centre de Montagne de Germ|lat=42.793610431|long=0.425057973260|address=D130|phone=+33 5 62 99 65 27|url=https://www.germ-louron.com/|content=Open year-round. 70 beds in a large mountain center.}} * Auberge de Germ, a guesthouse with 11 rooms (33 beds), open year-round. * {{listing|type=see|name=Peyresourde-Balestas Airfield (Aérodrome de Peyragudes)|wikidata=Q5659350|content=Also known as Altiport 007, as a James Bond film was shot here in 1997. The 470 m runway has a 15% gradient and is also used for paragliding.}} === Germ - Lac d'Oô === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 6-7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1060 m This stage and the next are strenuous. They can be divided into thirds with overnight stops at the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Granges d'Astau|lat=42.76352657695474|long=0.5024399621092607}} (open May-Oct; 26 beds) and the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Espingo|url=https://refugedespingo.ffcam.fr/|wikidata=Q104413940}} (1967 m; 44 beds, mid-May-Oct; 15 emergency shelter places off-season). Camping is allowed near the lake. Around the refuge is a “classic” mountaineering loop over the Pic des Spijeoles (3008 m), Grand Quayrat (3060 m), down to Lac du Portillon (2571 m) and the glacial Lac Glacé d'Oô (2664 m). After the initial climb out of Germ, you enter the Val d'Aube. Follow the river on the left-hand side; after 1¾ hr, across the valley (250 m away), lies the Cabane d'Ourtiga (1610 m). The route ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Couret d'Esquierry|lat=42.75523440839548|long=0.4627935235857289}} (2131 m; 3½ hr), where you cross into the Haute-Garonne department. After 4 hr, you reach the Cabane du Val d'Esquierry. From there, follow the D76 road down to the Granges d'Astau and an auberge (1139 m; 5 hr). In July and August, a morning bus runs up from Luchon and returns in the evening. The stage ends at {{Marker|type=see|name=Lac d'Oô|wikidata=Q3215352}}, a scenic 42-hectare lake situated at an altitude of 1,507 m within the Natura 2000 reserve “Vallées du Lis, de la Pique et d'Oô.” Renowned since the 19th century for its spectacular waterfall, the lake is a popular destination for its natural beauty. Due to its protected status, camping, swimming, and dogs are not permitted in the area. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Lac d'Oô|address=|phone=+33 7 84 56 55 88|lat=42.744558752|long=0.490915210685|content=Reached in about 6 hr. By the lake shore at 1504 m.}} === Lac d'Oô - Bagnères-de-Luchon === ; Distance : 19-21 km ; Duration : 7-9¼ h ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000-1130 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1900-2000 m After Refuge d'Espingo, the trail becomes more difficult, with several rocky scree sections. You skirt the northern slopes of Hourquette des Hounts-Secs (2275 m). Optional detour: From here, a 15-minute ascent (each way) leads to Cap de Bassiéret. You continue over the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Coume de Bourg|lat=42.787224318|long=0.51785762473}} (2272 m, 4¾ hr or more), which may retain snow well into the summer. Optional summit detours from the pass: * Pic Céciré, 45 minutes up and down to the north * Subescale, 40 minutes up and down to the south After 5½+ hours, you reach (1802 m) Superbagnères, a summer-only (July-August) mountain hotel serving the ski area. While it offers meals and lodging, prices are high. The massive historic building can also be reached by gondola lift from Luchon, replacing the old cog railway. The {{Marker|type=go|name=Gondola base station in Luchon|lat=42.78789198327501|long=0.5908142174347624}} is located on the western edge of town and operates daily from 08:30 to 18:00 during the summer season. If descending on foot, it is a steep 1200 m drop to reach {{Marker|name=Bagnères-de-Luchon|wikidata=Q238393|type=city}}. This spa town marks the end of the central Pyrenean segment of the GR10. Regular bus services run to Montréjeau, where you can connect by train to Toulouse. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Superbagnères|url=https://www.villagesclubsdusoleil.com/fr/nos-destinations/hiver/sejour-a-la-montagne/superbagneres|wikidata=Q844809}} === Bagnères-de-Luchon - Artigue === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 2½-3 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 50 m From the church in Luchon, head left along the footpath by the L'One river, crossing the road bridge toward Juzet-de-Luchon. As an optional detour, you can visit the {{Marker|name=Cascade Juzet-de-Luchon|wikidata= Q135191106 |type=see}} waterfall. The trail continues via Sode to the day's highest point at the stage destination {{Marker|name=Artigue|wikidata=Q1088729|type=city}}. Altitude 1230 m. A small mountain village with a municipal gîte d'étape, open year-round, offering 12 dormitory beds and evening meals at the on-site restaurant. === Artigue - Fos === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 7½-8½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1100 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1750 m The first half of this stage is a steady climb of over 1000 meters, initially on a gravel track. After 1¼ hours, you reach the Cabane de Saunères (1660 m), a basic mountain shelter. One hour later, you arrive at the Col de Peyrehitte (1947 m). The trail continues along an exposed ridge around the Pic de Bacanère (2193 m; 3 hr or more), passing border markers 402-404. After the Col d'Aou (2093 m; 3½-4 hr), the trail descends gradually across open alpine meadows. At the Cabane d'Artigue (5 hr or more), potable water is available. Below this point, the path winds down gently through a series of switchbacks, eventually crossing a road bridge into {{Marker|name=Fos|wikidata=Q1349025|type=city}}. Altitude 544 m. Small village with weekday bus service to Melles and Saint-Gaudens (railway connections to Pau and Toulouse). Alternative route (former GR10): From the Cabane d'Artigue, you can divert to the Cabane d'Artiguessans, then descend steeply to the Ruisseau de la Batch before climbing back up to rejoin the GR10. This saves about 15 minutes and 70 m of elevation gain. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte de Fos|wikidata=Q3162431|lat=42.873845424|long=0.73442375047|phone=+33 5 61 94 98 59|content=Offers 20 dormitory beds, open year-round.}} === Fos - Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing === ; Distance : 18 km ; Duration : 6½-8 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1700 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m It's a good idea to stock up on supplies in {{Marker|name=Melles|wikidata=Q1616421|type=city}}, which you reach after about 45 minutes. From the old customs house, the trail climbs steeply. Auberge de Crabère offers a comfortable stop. * {{listing|type=see|name=Botanical Garden (À Fleur de Montagne)|wikidata=Q3162431|url=https://mairie-de-melles.wixsite.com/mairie-de-melles/le-jardin-botanique|content=Small but charming community-run garden specializing in Pyrenean alpine flora. Open in summer, 10:00-19:00.}} From Melles, a narrow road leads uphill to the last farmhouse at Labach (2¼ hr). The next 2 hours or more are mostly through forest, climbing steadily. After about 5 hours, you reach the Cabane d'Uls shelter. The path continues uphill to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Pas du Bouc}} (2170 m; 6+ h). Optional summit detour: From here, the {{Marker|type=see|name=Pic de Crabère|wikidata=Q3382364}} (2629 m) can be climbed in about 90 minutes round-trip. Brown bears have been reintroduced to this area. The highest point of the day is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Auéran|lat=42.835385392840536|long=0.860341080714231}} (2176 m), which also marks the border into the Ariège department. From here, it's a quick descent to Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing|url=http://www.refuge-araing.fr/|wikidata=Q3423195|content=Altitude 1956 m. Open June 1 to October 5. 52 beds, plus a 12-bed shelter area available off-season. Advance bookings accepted for groups on the two weekends before/after opening.}} === Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing - Eylie-d'en-Haut === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 3-4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1320 m From the lake and refuge, the trail climbs to the Serre d'Araing (2221 m; 1 hr). Optional detour: Summit of Pic de l'Har (2424 m), approximately 50 minutes round-trip. The descent into the valley follows faintly marked trails to the left of the power lines. Along the way, you'll encounter remnants of former lead mining operations. After about 2¾ hours, you cross a bridge and reach {{Marker|name=Eylie d'en Haut|wikidata=Q134078264|type=city}}, a small hamlet with a 14-bed hut, picnic area, and a basic campsite located by the Lez river. === Eylie-d'en-Haut - Maison du Valier, Pla de la Lau === ; Distance : 17 km ; Duration : 8¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1700 m A strenuous stage with no food or lodging options along the way. The trail starts by crossing the Lez river, then turns sharply left and begins to climb through open terrain. After about 50 minutes, you cross a stream and ascend through forest for just over an hour. In autumn, the woods are full of blueberries—a favourite of the brown bears reintroduced here in the 1990s. At a stone shelter (1660 m; 2½ hr), the trail forks. The GR10 continues to the right, up to the Col de l'Arech (1802 m; 3 hr or more). From there, the path turns left. Optional detours: * South to Tuc de Cagonilles (2196 m; 80 minutes round trip) * From there, to the challenging Mail de Bulard (2750 m; 3 hours round trip) After a short ridge walk, descend to the shepherd's hut Cabane d'Arech (1638 m; 3½ hr). From here, follow the access track down, then branch left down a steep, gorse-covered slope. After 4 hours, you reach a stream. About 40 minutes later, the ruins of Flouquet (1680 m) come into view. Continue to Cabane de Besset (1540 m; 6 hr or more), then ascend again for 45 minutes to Cabane Clot du Lac (1821 m; 7 hr). Passing the huts Cabane du Trapech-du-Milieu (1540 m) and Cabane de l'Artigue, you arrive at Maison du Valier. The Mont Valier massif is a protected area of interest to birdwatchers. It hosts a variety of mountain bird species, including rare birds of prey, bearded vultures, and alpine species such as ptarmigans, black grouse, and capercaillie. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Maison du Valier|lat=42.83084702593266|long=1.032510054490613|url=https://maison-valier.fr/|wikidata=|content=Altitude 927 m, located on the Pla de la Lau. Open March-October. Reception hours 16:00-19:30. 40 beds.}} === Maison du Valier, Pla de la Lau - Esbintz === ; Distance : 18 km ; Duration : 7¼-9¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200-1350 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300-1490 m A demanding stage with significant elevation gain and loss. The trail climbs from Maison du Valier, following the high northern slopes along the ridges of Cap de Lauses (1892 m), Pic de Crabère (1925 m), and the Col d'Auédole (1730 m). After more than 7 hours, you arrive at {{Marker|type=city|lat=42.85332|long=1.14584|name=Esbintz}}. === Esbintz - Refuge d'Aula === ; Distance : 19 km ; Duration : 6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 500 m This and the following stage offer spectacular scenery in good weather. From Esbintz, follow the D817 for the first 2 km to Borde de Galy. From here, you could take a detour to Seix (4 km) by continuing on the D817, then the D37, and turning right onto the D3, where you'll rejoin the GR10 near the Pont du Salat. Continue mostly downhill through the countryside, crossing the Pont du Salat to reach Moulin Lauga (550 m; 2 hr), which has a bakery and picnic area. Alternatively, you can rest 1½ h later at the Auberge des Deux Rivières. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Esbintz|url=https://www.gite-ferme-esbintz.fr/|lat=42.85315143224526|long=1.1459188949749635|content=850 m. Dormitory with 10 beds. Open May-November.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge des Deux Rivières|phone=+33 5 61 66 83 57|url=https://www.aubergedesdeuxrivieres.com/|lat=42.83210657498069|long=1.1982318103146805|content=Open late May to late September}} === Refuge d'Aula - Rouze === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 4½-5 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 700 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m Fit hikers can combine this stage with the previous one from Gîte d'étape d'Aunac (787 m), resulting in a 30 km day with 11¼ hf walking time (↥ 1750, ↧ 1580 m). From Refuge d'Aula, it's a steep but manageable 1½ hr ascent to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Bouche d'Aula|lat=42.77695825493033|long=1.1180083284724134}} (1998 m), then a descent to the Étang d'Areau, 100 m lower. Optional: The Pic des Aymesses (2036 m) can be climbed from the east side of the lake. A farm road leads down to Faup, with shortcuts along the switchbacks, for instance near the Cabane d'Areau. Slightly below the Col de Pause (1527 m; 2¼ hr), there is a parking area. The {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Camp site Rigaux Philippe|lat=42.78997920829053|long=1.178432115744275}} lies just below the hamlet of Faup. From Faup, descend along the D708 toward {{Marker|name=Couflens|wikidata=Q1142090|type=city}}, but before reaching the D3 junction, cross the bridge and climb on the opposite slope to Gîte de Rouze d'Ustou. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte de Rouze d'Ustou|lat=42.789696616|long=1.20592416901|address=Prat de la Moule, Rouze d'Ustou, 09140 Couflens|phone=+33561669545|url=https://www.ferme-de-rouze.fr/|content=16 beds. Cheese from the farm. Open mid-June to mid-September.}} === Rouze - Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou === ; Distance : 8.4 km ; Duration : 3-4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m Follow the stream uphill for about 1¾ hr to reach the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Serre du Cot}} (1546 m). Optional side trips: * To the south, ascend the Pic de la Tese (2255 m; ↥↧ 3 hr or more). * To the north, climb the Tuc de Peyre Mensongère (1711 m; ↥↧ 40 min). From the pass, descend left onto a forest path, passing a few ruined farmhouses. The route eventually reaches the D38 road and leads into {{Marker|type=city|name=Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou|wikidata=Q109571916}}. === Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou - Aulus-les-Bains === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9 hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400 m The hike begins at the southern end of Saint-Lizier. After crossing the pedestrian bridge, the trail climbs southeast to the Col de Fitté (1387 m), a former ski area. From there, it continues along the right side of the slope. One alternative route begins at {{listing|type=city|name=Bidous|lat=42.78257178128407|long=1.2700395937419484}}, following the Alet river south and then climbing steeply for over 2 hours to reach the Col de Fitté, where it rejoins the GR 10. The trail curves around the southwest side of the Picou de la Mire (1741 m) and reaches the Col d'Escots (1618 m) after 3¾ hr. The nearby Chalet de Beauregard restaurant is open from late May to September, 10:00-23:00. Afterwards, the path continues up and down along steep slopes until it reaches the Ruisseau de Fouillet valley (4½ hr). The Jasse du Fouillet crossing (1170 m) is reached after at least 5 h. For a shorter option, follow the yellow-red waymarks of the Tour du Val du Garbet. This leads to the D8F road and directly into Aulus-les-Bains (7 hr from Saint-Lizier). The main route continues toward the plateau of Souliou and the Pic du Mont Rouge (1600 m). A side trip to Étang de Guzet offers a possible bivouac site. The trail then descends toward the Ruisseau d'Ars (1485 m), crosses a bridge, and continues downward. After a second bridge (8½ hr), the path becomes easier. A final bridge, Pont de la Mouline, crosses the Garbet River just before the trail enters {{Marker|type=city|name=Aulus-les-Bains|wikidata=Q1082493|url=https://www.loubet.fr/saint-lizier.html}}, a small spa town with a mini market at the traffic circle near the bridge and a tourist office next door. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte Pyrénées AAA|lat=42.779696032|long=1.2690230044|url=https://giteslareng.net/|address=Lareng, 09140 Ustou|phone=+33967838934|content=14 places in upscale cottages for 2-4 people.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Cascade d'Ars|lat=42.762922493744796|long=1.3615038669340882|content=260 m high waterfalls in multiple tiers, located 4½ km from Aulus. Takes 3-9 hr round-trip to hike to them (↥ 530 m).}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping municipal le Coulédous|lat= 42.7940356892|long=1.3321660893|url=http://www.camping-aulus-couledous.com/|content=Also offers bungalows for 4-7 people. The gîte d'étape is a 12-person tent.}} === Aulus-les-Bains - Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès === ; Distance : 11 km ; Duration : 5 hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m The route climbs out of Aulus-les-Bains to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Port de Saleix|lat=42.78143117676052|long=1.4043285766664242}}, where you'll find the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Refuge de Carol|lat=42.7813|long=1.4146}}. From here, the ascent becomes steeper. The following section to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Port de Bassiès|lat=42.772502271037204|long=1.411691910311851}} is demanding but scenically rewarding. This area lies within the Mont-Calme nature reserve, where camping is prohibited. === Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès - Marc === ; Distance : variable ; Duration : 3½-5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1385 ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1385 This stage and the following one include several alternative routes and shortcuts that can be combined. From the refuge, the GR-10 leads southeast along a slightly rocky trail for just over three kilometers, following the chain of lakes. At the outflow of the last lake, the Étang d'Escalès, the GR-10 bends to the right. Along the stream, there's an opportunity to descend toward the main road and the village of Auzat. Another descent option to the road appears about 2 km further along the GR-10. The main trail makes a sharp turn southward. From the aqueduct (1160 m; 2¼ h4), the route maintains an elevation just below 1200 m for around 4 km, before descending the final 1½ km into the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Marc|lat=42.71687694132801|long=1.449593121067756}}, cutting across the switchbacks of the road. The Gîte Retrouvance de Mouret (12 places) is available for group bookings only. From {{listing|type=city|name=Auzat|wikidata=Q1082539}}, one can rejoin the GR-10 by heading 4 km south to Artiès and climbing back up. This avoids a significant part of the next stage. Alternatively, walking 6 km to Marc allows one to resume the full stage. To skip this stage, it is possible to go from Auzat directly to Goulier via two routes: one through Olbier (4.4 km), the other 6.1 km. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès|url=https://refugedebassies.fr/|content=1933 m. Open late May to September.|lat=42.76509|long=1.413221}} === Marc - Goulier === ; Distance : 24.3 km ; Duration : 6-9 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m From Marc, follow the path to Mounicou. A shelter is located a short way beyond, along the D8. This is where the ascent begins. After a few hundred meters, you can turn right at the {{Marker|type=go |name=Turn right|lat=42.71|long=1.4575}} marker and stay on the west side of Les Caldelets. From the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Orri de Tignalbu|lat=42.69417|long=1.46296}}, which has a water source, the path becomes very poor. The main GR-10 trail continues uphill to the Refuge de Prunadière (1615 m, 2 hr). Be sure to refill your water here. From there, it leads to a junction above the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Artiès|lat=42.7362|long=1.4793}} shelter (985 m, 3¼ hr). The path ascends steadily, passing the ruins of Pradières-d'en-bas, and arrives at Étang d'Izurt. A cable car runs to the lake. After a short climb, it's around 14 km downhill to {{Marker|type=city |name=Goulier|wikidata=Q1015676}} (moh 370 m), which is part of the Val-de-Sos commune. You can shorten the main trail from Prunadière by climbing steeply left past the buildings, gaining 450 m of elevation. About 2 hr later, you'll rejoin the GR-10 at Coumasses-Grandes. This shortcut saves roughly 8 km and bypasses Étang d'Izurt. === Goulier - Siguer === ; Distance : 13 km ; Duration : 3¼-4¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 416 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 830 m From Goulier, the trail ascends toward the Col de Risoul, then the Col de Esquérus, and continues to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de Grail|lat=42.75360457229|long=1.5321300362453}}. Near this pass is a shelter, an information board, and a water source located 250 m off the path. The route then climbs to the highest point of the day at the Col de Lercoul (1549 m). From here, the trail descends through the hamlet of Lercoul. A footpath south of the winding road leads downhill to the village of {{Marker|name=Siguer|wikidata=Q1375974|type=city}}, home to Café Rouse and several accommodations. === Siguer - Plateau de Beille === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 2400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m This demanding stage involves three steep descents and offers no accommodation along the route, only five basic shelters. From Siguer, the trail climbs steeply to Gestiès (40 min), where you should fill up on water. The path crosses the road three times on the way up. After a long ascent, you reach the Pla de Montcamp (1904 m; 3¾ hr). Past the Col du Sasc (1798 m), the trail traverses the flank of the Pic du Col Taillat. Water is again available at the Cabane de Courtal Marti, though trail markings on this high section can be vague. The trail descends to the Cabane de Balledreyt (1600 m; 2 sleeping places), reached after another 20 minutes. After about 7½ hours, the trail descends to the D520A road at 1040 m elevation. A detour to the villages of Aston (14 km, with a campground) or Les Cabannes (15.8 km, with a year-round gîte d'étape) is possible around the 4¼-hour mark. Les Cabannes has a train connection to Mérens-les-Vals or Foix. After crossing the bridge, the GR-10 climbs again via a forest trail. A water source is marked and located about two minutes off the trail, just past a large boulder reached after 9+ hours. The trail continues across a ridge to the Cabane d'Artaran (1695 m). Shortly afterward, you reach the ski area at the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Plateau de Beille|lat=42.72473998587668|long=1.6911435704342077}}, where the Cabane Beille is located. This area is accessible via the D522 road loop and popular with day hikers. === Plateau de Beille - Refuge du Rulhe === ; Distance : 14 km ; Duration : 4¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m It's recommended to start this exposed stage early in the day to avoid afternoon summer thunderstorms. The trail remains around or above 2000 m throughout. The highest point is the summit of the {{Marker|type=see |name=Crête des Isards|lat=42.65012142232325|long=1.7389568668472413}} at 2381 m. The Refuge du Rulhe lies at the junction of several long-distance trails, including the Tour de Pays des Montagnes d'Ax from Ax-les-Thermes, the GR Transfrontalier from Andorra, and two routes from the Vallée d'Aston. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Rulhe|url=https://rulhe.com/|lat=42.6379904848182|long=1.725866639541228|content=53 places. Open late May to September. €16 per night, half board €45. Tel: +33 6 74 24 50 71}} === Refuge du Rulhe - Mérens-les-Vals === ; Distance : 12 km ; Duration : 4½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 360 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1500-1600 m '''Water is scarce at high elevation.''' From the refuge, the trail ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de Calmettes|lat=42.636915754134|long=1.7404819725150908}} (2318 m), mostly over scree. Cairns also serve as markers. The path descends to Étang Bleu, where it skirts the left side of the lake and climbs again to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Crête de la Lhasse|lat=42.6398816194571|long=1.768563885207408}} (2439 m). Afterward, it continues over scree for nearly 800 m of descent to the pond called l'Estangol, with a shelter above. {{Marker|name=Mérens-les-Vals|wikidata=Q662289|type=city}} is reached after the final descent. The ruins of the old Saint-Pierre church date back to the Napoleonic Wars. The village festival takes place on July 20. The village has a train stop on the Foix - Puigcerdà line. Located on the N-20. The natural hot springs are about 45 minutes away, although they were affected by rockfall in 2022. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge du Nabre|lat=42.65611004694209|long=1.8429807373614195|address=le village d'en haut, 09110 Mérens-les-Vals|phone=+33 5 61 01 89 36|url=https://www.aubergedunabre.com/|content=Guesthouse in the upper village.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping de Mérens|lat=42.64646601527881|long=1.8310245105731093|address=600 Ville de Bau, 09110 Mérens-les-Vals|phone=+33 5 61 02 85 40|url=http://www.camping.merenslesvals.fr/de/haus/|content=Open all year, 1.3 km south of the village.}} === Mérens-les-Vals - Refuge des Bésines === ; Distance : 10 km ; Duration : 4½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 260 m This demanding stage continues through high alpine terrain, with lots of rock and scree. From Mérens, the trail leads past Le Nabre to the hot springs. Afterward, the path climbs for nearly 3 hours. First, it reaches the Estangs (2056 m), then continues to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Porteille de Bésines|lat=42.6154502407948|long=1.872190036139089}} (2333 m). From this pass, the route is clearly signposted. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bésines|wikidata=Q11945073|url=https://refugebesines.ffcam.fr/|content=2104 m. 70 beds. Open June-September. Phone: +33 5 61 05 11 77.}} === Refuge des Bésines - Refuge des Bouillouses === ; Distance : 16.7 km ; Duration : 5½-6 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 660 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 760 m This high-level stage crosses several mountain passes and offers excellent panoramic views. The route first ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Coll de Coma d'Anyell|lat=42.60880012907595|long=1.8962468691063044}}, from where it is possible to climb Pic des Bésineilles (2632 m) in about ¾ hr round trip. The path then continues through the Lansolet basin (2234 m), past the Cabane de Rozet, and climbs again to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Portella de la Grava|lat=42.59935934341172|long=1.934453711010157}}. From there, it's a gentle 3-hour descent to the lakeside refuge at Bouillouses. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bésines|lat=42.6039|long=1.86853|content=56 dormitory beds, with 16 emergency shelter spots outside the season. Open June-September.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bouillouses|lat=42.559475002653095|long=2.00351938309043|url=https://www.lesbouillouses.com/|content=2003 m. 46 beds. Open June-September. Phone: +33 4 68 04 93 88.}} === Refuge des Bouillouses - Planès === ; Distance : 19 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 230 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m The descent is easy but not always well marked. After about 2¾ hours (1740 m), the GR-10 reaches the D618. About 700 m further, a right turn leads to Superbolquère, where food and lodging are available, including a supermarket and a gîte with 28 beds. The GR-10 continues downhill to the quiet D10C near {{Marker|name=Bolquère|wikidata=Q1101891|type=city}} (1628 m, 2¾ hr), where there is a public drinking fountain and an information board. The nearby Gare de Bolquère-Eyne (1593 m) is the highest railway stop in France, on the scenic “train jaune” line. Passing through the villages of La Perche and La Cabanasse (3½ hr), the route ends at the small village of {{Marker|name=Planès|wikidata=Q524705|type=city}}. No shops in the village. The nearby Pont Gisclard, opened in 1909, is a cable-stayed bridge on the Ligne de Cerdagne crossing the Têt river. The village is a stop on the “train jaune” railway. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=L'Orri de Planès|lat=42.490995503|long=2.1382908362|address=Casas del Mitg, 66210 Planès|phone=+33 4 68 04 29 47|content=Gîte with 16 dormitory beds and private rooms.}} === Planès - Refuge du Ras de la Carança === ; Distance : 15.3 km ; Duration : 5¾-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1170 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 870 m There are no supply options along this stage. The trail begins with a gentle ascent through pine forest into the high Riberola valley. It is advisable to refill your water at the Refuge de l'Orri. Above the Cabane d'Aixques, the route becomes steep as it climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col Mitja|wikidata=Q28381301}} (2376 m). From the pass, it is possible to summit Pic de Gallinas (2624 m, ↥↧ 90 min) or Pic Redoun (2677 m, ↥↧ 1 hr). The final 1½ hours involve a descent of about 500 m to the refuge. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Ras de la Carança|wikidata=Q28380908|address=142 rue de, 66360 Fontpédrouse|phone=+33 9 88 66 73 81|url=https://www.refugelacaranca.com/|content=1840 m. Open mid-May to mid-September. 13 emergency places available off-season. Connections to other trails: 7.7 km to Prats Balaguer, 8.5 km to Ull de Ter, 13.7 km to Carança, 10 km to Thuès-les-Bains via the gorge, and 12 km to Núria.}} === Refuge du Ras de la Carança - Mantet === ; Distance : 10 km ; Duration : 4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 640 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 940 m This stage is challenging and poorly marked at higher elevations. From the refuge, follow the stream uphill for 100 m to a wooden bridge. Continue on a scree path along the left side of the valley. After passing through a gate, you reach an alpine pasture and the {{marker|type=go|name=Coll del Pal|lat=42.465650773936|long=2.258498904704664}} (2294 m). This area is a nature reserve where wild camping is forbidden. From the pass, there is an optional ascent to Pic de Serre Gallinère (2663 m; 1 hr round trip), and possibly further on to the Serre de Caret (2300 m). From the pass, descend to the {{marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Alemany|wikidata=Q120254507}} (1962 m; 8 places), located 200 m off the trail. The main path continues left, crossing first a wooden, then a concrete bridge, followed by a narrow unpaved road that ascends to the village of {{listing|type=city|name=Mantet|wikidata=Q1369164}} (1550 m). Population: 31. Most of the southern part of the commune is the protected area [https://rnn-mantet.fr/ Reserva natural de Mentet], where camping is forbidden. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=La Cavale|address=Los Miquelets, 66360 Mantet|phone=+33 4 68 05 57 59|url=http://la-cavale.fr/|lat=42.477231944228336|long=2.3092556382036555|content=Private rooms and dorms for 3-5 people.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte à la ferme Cazenove|url=http://www.gitecazenovemantet.fr/|lat=42.47702171854456|long=2.306028129535968|content=Farm gîte. Open May to September.}} === Mantet - Refuge de Mariailles === ; Distance : 14.8 km ; Duration : 5 hr 5 min ; Elevation gain : ↥ 936 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 834 m Midway along this stage is the village of {{Marker|name=Py|wikidata=Q178846|type=city}} (1023 m), which has an auberge and a gîte. From Py, follow the D6 briefly before heading northeast to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Jou|wikidata=Q47335849|lat=|long=}} (1125 m). The path turns southeast and ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Cavall Mort|wikidata=Q47335871|lat=|long=}} (1454 m), then continues upward to the Refuge de Mariailles. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge de Mariailles|alt=Refugi de Marelles|url=https://refugedemariailles.fr/|lat=42.5017361908777|long=2.4077634391340514|content=1692 m. Open from late May; shelter room available year-round.}} === Refuge de Mariailles - Refuge des Cortalets === ; Distance : 16.3 km ; Duration : 6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1030 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m This is a challenging high-mountain route around the Canigou Massif. There are no supply points along the way, and surefootedness is required. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Cortalets|url=https://refugedescortalets.ffcam.fr/|lat=42.53436454795011|long=2.465036067970792|content=2100 m. 105 places, plus 19 emergency shelter places available outside the season.}} * {{listing|type=go |name=Loop trail to the summit of Pic du Canigou|alt=Canigó|url=https://www.visit-occitanie.com/de/entdecken/top-sehenswuerdigkeiten/massif-du-canigou-katalonien/|lat=42.53692009465181|long=2.4666389025393545|content=This difficult 9.3 km loop (4½ h; ↥ 700+ m) begins 200 m beyond the refuge.}} === Refuge des Cortalets - Gîte-refuge de Batère === ; Distance : 16.8 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 270 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 920 m This stage is also part of the HRP. From the refuge to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Ras del Prat Cabrera|wikidata=Q47170860|lat=|long=}} (1739 m; 4 km), you can choose between a high-level route following the “Tour du Canigou” and a less steep path along the mountainside. From the pass to the Refuge de l'Estanyol (2¾ hr or more) the trail descends gradually, then more steeply. It climbs again briefly to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Cirère|wikidata=Q134299355|lat=|long=}} (1731 m; 4-4¾ hr). From here, you can optionally ascend the Puig Saint-Pierre (1791 m; ↥ 15 min, ↧ 15 min). Descending from the col, you pass abandoned stone quarries and mines (the Mines de la Pinosa are ruins of a former settlement), and reach your destination. Nearby you can explore the 5-day “Tour du Canigou” circuit or visit the historic abbeys of Saint-Martin du Canigou and Saint-Michel-de-Cuxa. * {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Estanyol|wikidata=Q120262655|lat=|long=}} === Gîte-refuge de Batère - Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette === ; Distance : 19.2 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 745 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m Along this long and steady descent, you pass several dolmens. Their significance may be best appreciated by specialists in archaeology. The destination is the Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette, an old mill located in the Ribera Valley. More accommodation and services are available in {{Marker|name=Arles-sur-Tech|wikidata=Q7897|type=city}}, which is connected by bus. At the southern edge of the town, you'll find Camping Riuferrer. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte-refuge de Batère|url=https://www.refugedebatere.fr/|lat=42.50176051942559|long=2.5484428644953847|address=Mines de Batère, 66150 Corsavy|phone=+33 4 68 39 12 01|content=17 dormitory beds, 20 in private rooms. Access via a 20.3-km road from Arles-sur-Tech.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette|wikidata=Q120266421|url=http://gr10-par-etapes.eklablog.com/hebergement-du-moulin-de-la-palette-a126161238|content=Simple eco-gîte in a renovated mill, located in the Ribera valley.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Riuferrer|lat=42.4551506239|long=2.6291899540|url=https://campingriuferrer.com/}} === Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette - Las Illas === ; Distance : 22 km ; Duration : 7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m From the gîte, follow the D536 for 1 km, then turn right uphill toward Montalba (543 m; 1 hr). At the cross, turn sharply right to continue climbing. You reach the ruins of the Mouli Serradou (833 m; 2½ hr). The highest point is the Coll de Sant Martí (1426 m; 4 hr or more). The trail continues through forest along the slope, passing by the Roc de France (also known as Roc de Frausa). {{Marker|name=Las Illas|wikidata=Q16508596|type=city}} has a water point and picnic area in the park. Accommodation is available in a gîte at the town hall and at the Hostal de Trabucayeres. === Las Illas - Col de l'Ouillat === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 6-7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 930 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 540 m The route has been altered several times due to terrain difficulties, so follow the current waymarking. The middle part of the trail runs along the border, just below the ridge. The dominant tree species in this area is the striking Corsican pine (Pinus nigra var. corsicana). A detour to the fortified town of Le Perthus and the Fort de Bellegarde (open May-Sep, 10:30-18:00) offers a cultural break. Note that all shops are on the Spanish side of the border. After about 3 hours, there is an optional detour to the Roman fort Panissas, built on the Via Domitia. Turn off 5 minutes after border marker 565 (2½ hr). The stage ends at {{marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de l'Ouillat|wikidata=Q11914547}} (938 m). === Col de l'Ouillat - Banyuls-sur-Mer === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 7-8¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 680 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1610 m The route stays high near the border ridge. It takes about 1 hour to reach the Pic Néulos. Water is available at the Refuge de la Tagnarède after 1½ hours. From there, the trail leads over several passes: Coll del Faig (985 m), Col de l'Orry, and Col de l'Estaque (1025 m; 2¾ hr). The Pic des Quatre-Termes (1156 m) and Pic de la Cabassère are bypassed to the north. After 4 hours, you reach the Coll del Pal (899 m). From there, continue right toward the Col des Gascons (6¼ hr or more). The final descent to the Col de Llagastèra (285 m) passes partly through vineyards towards {{Marker|name=Banyuls-sur-Mer|wikidata=Q6753|type=city}}. == Go next == * [[Pyrenean High Route]]: Crosses the Pyrenees along the mountain crests, staying higher than both the GR 10 and GR 11. * [[GR 11]] This footpath stays on the Spanish side of the Pyrenees. {{outlineitinerary}} {{Related|France}} {{Related|Pyrenees}} {{PartOfItinerary|Europe itineraries}} ehf4j326r1p77y1w5yjbtmq1pyd1rld 5086725 5086724 2025-07-02T18:01:00Z Bluecoordinationfine 2327039 5086725 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|GR 10 WV banner.jpg|caption=View from GR 10, near Souriche, looking towards the Tourmalet, valley of Barèges, France}} The '''GR 10''' is one of the paths and trails of the extensive [[Grande Randonnée]] (or GR) network. It crosses [[France]], from the Mediterranean coast to the Atlantic coast, and runs almost entirely through the [[Pyrenees]]. While the trail is in France, much of it is near, or even on, the border with [[Spain]]. The trail can be walked in either direction, though some suggest that the west-east route is easier in the beginning, as it is both cooler and less steep that the corresponding start heading west; this may be an advantage to those not fully in shape. == Understand == [[File:Lac d'Oo (22).jpg|thumb|Lac d'Oo]] Moving from east to west, the trail begins at the Mediterranean, in the small town of [[Banyuls sur Mer]], and finishes at [[Hendaye]] on the Atlantic Ocean. Hikers will usually be able to make it to a [[France#Guesthouses and holiday rentals|gîte]] or small town every other night, and quite frequently every night. Expected time to complete the trail is around 6-7 weeks, though the majority of people only hike sections of it. == Prepare == The trail is fairly well marked with painted marks on rocks, trees, telephone poles, and even houses, walls, and street signs. If you haven’t seen a waymark for 100 metres, you’ve likely strayed off the trail. Retrace your steps to the last marker and check your route. It is not realistic to navigate using the markers alone. A trail guide, at minimum, or a topologic map is required. Sunburn is a particular problem, and clothing such as long sleeved shirts and long pants should be worn as they protect from the sun, scratching branches and insects. Sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat are highly desirable. For those heading west from Banyuls sur Mer, the hike to the first gîte is particularly long compared to the following days, and should be started very early. === Equipment === One of the advantages of the GR 10 is that it can be hiked with minimal gear, as one can eat dinner and breakfast almost every day at the gîtes. Additionally the hiker can sleep outdoors on clear nights and pay for a bed in a gîte in inclement weather. On nights that only shelters (which usually have no food or staff) are available, pre-purchased food can be eaten. If one plans to eat at gîtes and buy food from supermarkets that can be eaten without cooking, the absolute minimal gear in the summer months is: * Sleeping bag or sleep sheet, and a mat for comfort. * Goretex jacket and fleece or similar for cold or wet weather * Long-sleeved shirt and pants * Short-sleeved shirt and shorts (including shorts you can wear for swimming) * Sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat * Adequate footwear. Anything less than hiking boots may prove insufficient. * Bottles for at least two litres of water, and a purification method for treating water from streams. * Toiletries and a [[Travel health kit|medical kit]] Additionally, consider a rain jacket or fleece top for wet or cold weather. If you plan to forgo the comforts and delicious food of the gites and hotels, also bring: * Tent * Cooking gear and food A note on footwear: some four fifths of the hikers wear full hiking boots and thick socks. While running sneakers may suffice (and Choco-style sandals may work for a few days), your risk of injury is higher, and much of the trail involves hopping around on possibly wet and sharp rocks. Choose conservatively, depending on the length of your hike and your experience. ==Get in== == Walk == {{Mapframe|lat=42.68287|long=0.56837|width=full|height=360|zoom=7}} {{mapshape|type=geoline|stroke=#000000|stroke-width=3}} === Hendaye-Plage - Olhette === ; Distance : 21.9 km ; Duration : 6-7¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1010 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 950 m Intermarché sells gas cartridges. Near the western trailhead a {{marker|type=buy|name=Decathlon|lat=43.36843635018845|long=-1.7798332063655435}} store geared towards watersports is available for last minute purchases, such as gas cannisters. The hike starts from the 3 km long {{marker|type=see|name=Hendaye Beach|wikidata=Q20947149}}. This is below the old casino, now known as Résidence Croisière. Nearby is the Tourist Office. Buses run from the main train station, or you can walk from {{marker|type=go|name=Gare Deux Jumeaux|wikidata=Q2802667}}. Leaving town, the route goes around the football stadium and climbs via Rue Errondenia and Rue de Pausoa, passing by {{Marker|type=city|name=Biriatou|wikidata=Q196871}}, which conveniently has public toilets available. After about 3 hr you reach the summit of {{marker|type=see|name=Xoldokogaina|wikidata=Q20492776}}. The high point is at Mandale on the Spanish border, with an altitude of {{m|530}}. From here, the path descends past {{Marker|type=see|name=Redoute de la Baïonette|lat=43.309257665|long=-1.70329930013}}, a fortification near Mandale, located by modern border marker 9, to the Col d'Ibardin, a journey of 4¼ hours. The col is a popular spot for French shoppers due to cheap alcohol and tobacco. The trail continues via Col des Poiriers and Col des Joncs before reaching {{Marker|type=city|name=Olhette|lat=43.3360119885|long=-1.6661235970}}. === Olhette - Ainhoa === ; Distance : 21.1 km ; Duration : 6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 730 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 640 m The steepest climb comes right at the beginning. For most of the route, you'll be on forest trails and, after Sare, quiet paved country roads. The trail initially ascends on a good path to the Col des Trois Fontaines, a journey of 1½ hours. A shelter is located 300 m from the col. The path then descends to the Col de St-Ignace, where the valley station of the cog railway to La Rhune is found. It continues to {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Sare]]|wikidata=Q274155}}, bringing the total walking time to 2¾ hours. Sare is a local transport hub, an outdoor swimming pool is available, and it is listed as one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. The stage ends in {{Marker|type=city|name=Ainhoa|wikidata=Q212962}}, which is also one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. From Col des Trois Fontaines you can ascend La Rhune, which has an altitude of {{m|905}}. The ascent can be made either by cog railway, a trip that takes 35 minutes, or on foot. The walk is a 3 km journey that takes 1¼ hours and involves an ascent and descent of 300 m. The prehistoric {{Marker|type=see|name=Grottes de Sare|wikidata=Q3117280}} can be visited with prior reservation made through the local municipality or online. These caves are closed annually for one month following Epiphany. This stage is part of the [[European long-distance path E9|European long-distance trail E9]]. === Ainhoa - Bidarray === ; Distance : 21.7 km ; Duration : 8½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 880 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 850 m This is a difficult stage, with little shade at the start and a particularly steep, rocky descent near the end. After about 40 minutes, you will reach the old cemetery at an altitude of {{m|389}}. It is located beside the {{Marker|type=see|name=Chapelle Notre Dame de l'Aubépine|wikidata=Q12253854}}, where a dramatic crucifixion scene featuring the Jewish itinerant preacher Jesus of Nazareth and two other criminals has been recreated. You can also find traditional Basque hilarri gravestones here. The path then continues over the Col des Trois-Croix, reaching an altitude of {{m|510}} after about 1 hour and 20 minutes from the start. Ferme Esteben is a good place to rest. You will reach this gîte d'étape with a bar-restaurant after about 2 hours and 50 minutes, at an altitude of {{m|580}}. The trail continues near the border, past Boundary Stone 77, partly on a paved road. At Col des Veaux, at an altitude of {{m|550}}, you can take a 300-m detour into Spain to visit a venta, which is a small inn or shop. From here, the trail climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Méhatche|lat=43.272782275749094|long=-1.4166930371188398}}, which is at an altitude of {{m|716}} and takes about 3¾ hours to reach. The descent past Boundary Stones 82 and 83 is secured with cables. From Col de Méhatche, you can ascend Artzamendi, which has a summit at {{m|926}} and is easily identified by the radar dome on top. The nearby {{Marker|type=see|name=Grotte le Saint-que-Sue|alt=Harpeko Saindua|lat=43.26526266671622|long=-1.3890420732224757}} can also be visited. Just before reaching {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Bidarray]]|wikidata=Q746221}}, a bypass trail offers a shortcut to the next stage. This route is also ideal for peak baggers, as it gives access to several summits. These include Errebi, located between the chapel and Col des Trois-Croix, and Atxulegi, which requires a 15-minute detour on the way to Col des Trois-Croix. When the weather is good, you can also access Mont Bizkayluze at {{m|701}} and Gorospil at {{m|691}}. === Bidarray - Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry === ; Distance : 18.5 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1250 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1250 m This southward stage is demanding, especially due to the complete lack of water sources along the ascent. After passing the Iparla Ridge at an altitude of {{m|950}}, the trail reaches over 1000 m for the first time on the way to the summit. It then continues along the ridge to the Pic de Tutulia before descending to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Harrieta|lat=43.21079140547837|long=-1.384120195860639}}. This point is reached after 3¾ hours and sits at an altitude of {{m|808}}. From the Col d'Harrieta, a side trail descends to Urdos in a walk of 1¾ hours, from where it is possible to follow the road into Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry. The main trail continues across the Buztanzelhay summit, which is reached in 4¾ hours at an altitude of {{m|1029}}. The trail then leads down to the col of the same name at {{m|843}}. Here, the GR-10 turns left and descends steeply. The path crosses the D949 road several times; this road leads from the village to the ventas on the Spanish border at the Col d'Ispéguy. You can also reach this col via the ridge, a distance of 1½ km from Col Buztanzelhay. If you want to skip entering {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry]]|wikidata=Q279252}}, a village situated at {{m|162}}, you can join the next stage earlier at the Nive des Aldudes. This location can be reached in 6½ hours and is at an altitude of {{m|162}}. In the village park, there is a picnic area, and a supermarket stocks gas cartridges. Locals play Rebot, a type of pelota, on two courts. The Château d'Etxauz is not open to the public. The village hosts a traditional folklore festival known as Nafarroaren Eguna on the last Sunday in April. The Nive des Aldudes valley occasionally experiences flooding and mudslides. === Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry - Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port === ; Distance : 19.2 km ; Duration : 5-7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 990 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 980 m This stage runs mostly on gravel paths and farm tracks. About an hour into the walk, there is an optional detour at Col d'Aharza for a 35-minute climb to Oylarandoy, where a hermitage built in 1706 stands. The GR-10 heads south to the Col d'Aharza, which is at an altitude of {{m|734}} and reached in two hours. A water source is available at the col. The trail then turns east and circles around {{Marker|type=see|name=Munhoa|wikidata=Q3327853}}. This summit is at {{m|1023}} and is reached after a total of 3½ hours. The climb is fully exposed to the sun. The descent begins on the right-hand side. {{Marker|name=[[Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port]]|wikidata=Q270294|type=city}} lies at an altitude of {{m|170}} and is where three of the four French pilgrimage routes converge before entering Spain. From here, it is possible to continue directly onto the Camino de Santiago towards Roncesvalles. === Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port - Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta === ; Distance : 16.2 km ; Duration : 5-5½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 870 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 420 m There are no supply points or public transport on this stage, but the walking is relatively easy. In the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Çaro|wikidata=Q842635}}, at an altitude of {{m|242}}, there is a public fountain next to the town hall. If you choose to end the day early after 3¾ hours in {{Marker|type=city|name=Estérençuby|wikidata=Q842724}}, be aware that this adds an extra 400 m of ascent to the next day's stage. The village lies at an altitude of {{m|231}} and offers two accommodation options. === Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta - Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty === ; Distance : 20.7 km ; Duration : 6¾-8 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1410 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m This stage is simple but offers little shade. The trail first climbs toward the Col on Ithurramburu, which is at an altitude of {{m|820}}. It then continues ascending to just below {{Marker|type=see|name=Occabe|alt=Okabe|wikidata=Q17417892}} at {{m|1456}}. On the Occabe plateau, 26 Neolithic stone circles have been found. Known as ''harrespil'' in Basque, they are believed to have been used for cremation rites. A good rest stop, reached after 4¾ hours, is the upscale {{Marker|type=eat|name=Restaurant Chalet Pedro|url=https://www.chaletpedro.com/|lat=43.03687624625582|long=-1.0746838225620772}}. The associated lodge offers 10 beds. Across the stream at Le Kayolar, similar accommodation is available. From here, the trail turns sharply right after 100 m and continues uphill for another 6-7 km to the stage destination, a final ascent of 300 m. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta|url=http://kaskoleta.free.fr/|lat=43.092036845886255|long=-1.1646582066722122|content=Altitude 615 m. Offers 13 beds in 3 rooms plus a holiday apartment for 4. A scenic viewpoint with an information panel is 5 minutes away.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=L'aire Naturelle de Camping|lat=43.037460332099656|long=-1.0494175120345806|content=Natural campground with 50 pitches, located 3 km before the Chalets by the stream. Open June-October. Fresh bread available by reservation from 08:30.}} === Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty - Logibar === ; Distance : 16.4 km ; Duration : 5-6 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 440 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1380 m In bad weather, the route along the west side of the {{Marker|type=see|name=Pic des Escaliers|wikidata=Q31645205}}, which has an altitude of {{m|1423}}, is not recommended. There are two alternative routes, but both are poorly marked. At the Ugatzé Ridge, the trail skirts the peak rather than summiting it. To avoid the steep descent from Pic des Escaliers, stay on the road for about 600 m after the start, then turn off after 2½ km to reach Col Ugatzé. A short side trip allows you to summit Arthanolatzégagnia, which requires an additional 35 minutes for the ascent and descent. For several hours, trail markings are sparse. After some time following mule tracks, you'll reach a road crossing at Beloscare, which is at an altitude of {{m|1173}} and is reached after three hours. Logibar marks the end of the stage, but you can also continue 2 km further to {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Larrau]]|wikidata=Q608335}}, which offers three accommodation options and a campground. In bad weather, an easier alternative is to follow the paved road from Iraty directly to Larrau for a gentler descent. === Logibar - Sainte-Engrâce (Senta) === ; Distance : 26.3 km ; Duration : 7½-9¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200-1420 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 900-1170 m This stage leads through spectacular gorges. Follow signs to the Gorges d'Holzarté and ascend the trail to the 70 m long suspension bridge, a walk of 50 minutes. The bridge spans the dramatic Ruisseau de Olhadubi gorge 150 m above the ground. On the far side, the trail continues uphill. After two hours, you reach the Olhadubi stream, which is a possible spot for a refreshing dip. Nearby is the Cabane Cayolar d'Olhadubi, reached via a side path from the bridge. It serves as an emergency shelter with space for 4-5 people. Continuing uphill, you'll reach the Abarrakia farm after just over three hours. The path then winds between farms, eventually reaching the point where the GR-10 turns sharply to the right, a journey of 4½ hours from the start. The original GR-10 route bypassed the gorges entirely by heading up to the Plateau d'Adarkhotia after the Holzarté bridge. This shortcut saves 2.7 km, takes 1¼ hours, and avoids 150 m of elevation gain. After about five hours, you'll reach the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Anhaou|alt=Col de Bious|lat=42.9784|long=-0.88044}} at an altitude of {{m|1383}}. From here, energetic hikers can summit nearby peaks such as Izeyto at {{m|1464}} or Sarimendi at {{m|1484}}. The stage ends at {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Sainte-Engrâce]]|wikidata=Q197211}}. Sainte-Engrâce is home to a Romanesque church from the 11th century. From the village, a 9-km side trip with an ascent of 840 m and descent of 135 m takes you to the vast La Verna cave, which has guided tours. A detour south from the restaurant leads into the wild and romantic Gorges de Kakuetta. The trail is very steep and slippery, and entry tickets are sold at the restaurant. === Sainte-Engrâce (Senta) - Refuge Jeandel === ; Distance : 11.6 km ; Duration : 4¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 160 m The trail climbs steadily from Sainte-Engrâce into the limestone highlands of the Pierre-Saint-Martin massif, marking the transition into more alpine terrain. You ascend to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Pierre-St-Martin|wikidata=Q1107451}} at an altitude of {{m|1760}}, which marks the border with Spain. Since 1373, the Tributo de las Tres Vacas, a cross-border tribute of three cows, has been held here every July 13 to settle grazing rights between the two valleys. A small shop at the parking area sells goat cheese. A ski area lies just over the border on the Spanish side. There is also a small shelter near Boundary Marker 62. An optional 15-minute detour leads to the summit of Soum de Lèche, which has an altitude of {{m|1839}}. The Grotte de la Verna, a massive cave chamber accessible by pre-booked guided tour, lies 1 km off the main trail. From the pass, descend to the first switchback, then turn right off the main track. The trail passes under two chairlifts and continues along the northern flank of the Pic d'Arlas. When you spot three large concrete water tanks, descend to the staffed mountain hut at Refuge Jeandel. The ski resort village of {{Marker|name=La Pierre Saint-Martin|wikidata=Q3211628|type=city}} is about 15 minutes off the trail and offers additional services. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge Jeandel|address=La Pierre Saint Martin, 64570 Arette|url=https://www.refugejeandel.com/|lat=42.97829371796861|long=-0.7493627209784663|content=Altitude 1670 m. Dormitory accommodation from €18; half-board from €42.50. Staffed in summer.}} === Refuge Jeandel - Lescun === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 5½-6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1200 m This is a challenging stage, but the scenery is magnificent. Several rocky mountain paths are equipped with cables for safety. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Pas de l'Osque|lat=42.9702182168491|long=-0.7089944097203539}} at an altitude of {{m|1922}}, which requires a head for heights. The trail continues to the Pas d'Azuns at {{m|1873}}, reached in about 2¾ hours. A good first rest stop with water is the spring near the Cabane du Cap de la Baitch, located at {{m|1689}} and reached after about 3 hours. In wet weather, descending to {{Marker|type=city|name=Lescun|wikidata=Q179737}} at an altitude of {{m|895}} via the road is recommended, as the GR-10 becomes muddy and difficult to navigate. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Centre de l'Abérouat|url=http://aberouat.fr/|lat=42.95041471194407|long=-0.6658390953581508|content=Staffed hut with a bar. Offers 20 rooms (2-5 beds each). Free tent camping nearby (bathrooms in the hut available for a fee). Best suited for groups; solo walkers must book in advance.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Maison de la Montagne|lat=42.934247039|long=-0.63524507931|address=1 ruelle de la Congasse, 64490 Lescun|phone=+33 6 88 06 95 29|url=https://www.maisondelamontagne64.com/|content=Comfortable accommodation for hikers in the centre of Lescun.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping - Gîte du Lauzart|address=Bordé de Mougnague, 64490 Lescun|phone=+33 5 59 34 51 77|url=https://www.camping-gite-lescun-pyrenees.com/|lat=42.92782183157741|long=-0.6421994110320027|content=Along the D340. About 20 minutes into the next stage. Open April-September. Campsite €14 + €4 per adult. 25 dorm beds available for €16; half board €42.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Tourist Office for the Vallée |lat=42.9990368924|long=-0.60057615194|url=https://www.pyrenees-bearnaises.com/explorer/nature/|phone=+33 5 59 34 57 57|content=Located in Bedous. Provides information on the surrounding region.}} === Lescun - Etsaut === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 5½-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 850 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1150 m The trail begins easily through pastoral countryside, then enters forested terrain, passing the [https://www.gite-camping-lhers.com/ Gîte d'étape and campsite on the Plateau de Lhers] (2 hr), and climbing to the Col de Barrancq (1601 m; 3¾ hr). From the Col de Barrancq, a side trip leads to the summit of Pic de Labigouer (2175 m), which takes just under 3 hours round-trip. Lower down in the Parc d'Orce, within the commune of {{Marker|type=city|name=Borçe|wikidata=Q840474}} (5¾ hr), lives the majority of the region's ~50 brown bears. The Gîte le Communal offers accommodation here. The stage ends in {{listing|type=city|name=Etsaut|wikidata=Q765829|content=Altitude 597 m. Located on the N-134 and served by the Canfranc-Oloron-Saint-Marie bus line. The former train station now houses the Pyrenees National Park visitor center. Accommodation available in the Gîte d'étape la Garbure behind the church (53 beds).}} Just outside Etsaut, the {{Marker|type=see|name=Fort du Portalet|wikidata=Q3078387}} clings dramatically to the cliffs in two tiers, spanning a height difference of 150 m. * {{listing|type=see|name=Refuge animalier à Borce|url=https://parc-ours.fr/|lat=42.9045174060618|long=-0.5745664608466107|content=open 10:00-18:00; admission €12. It functions as an educational wildlife refuge}} === Etsaut - Gabas === ; Distance : 24 km ; Duration : 9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1640 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1210 m The trail begins with the dramatic Chemin de la Mâture, a path carved into the rock face. It is not passable in icy or snowy conditions. You reach Grange Perry (1210 m) after 2 hours. A quarter of an hour later, at a junction, keep left. After 3½ hours, you arrive at the Cabane de la Baight de St-Cours (1560 m; shepherds only, June-September), located at the border. About 4 hours in, you cross a stream on a bridge. This is the last water source before the high pass. The highest point of the stage is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Ayous|wikidata=Q2981981}} (2185 m; 5½ hr or more). On its eastern slope lie the Ayous Lakes, including the scenic Refuge d'Ayous. It's an ideal place to break this long stage. The Col d'Ayous also marks a transition point between valleys: from the Chemin de la Mâture and Baigt de Sencours in the Aspe Valley to Bious-Artigues (1540 m) in the Ossau Valley, where pony rides and canoe rentals are available on the eastern shore. The lake is 6½ km from the pass (↧ 764 m). From the pass, you can also summit Pic d'Ayous (add 30 min up and down), or detour 6 km to Lac Bersau — a longer alternative via the Vallon d'Aas is 9 km. From the lake, descend on the D231 road, which includes switchbacks that can be shortcut. (Note: Refuge de Gabas is permanently closed.) The stage ends in {{Marker|name=Gabas|wikidata=Q5515276|type=city}}, which offers two accommodations and a bar, but no grocery store. Located on bus route 806/806bis from Col de Portalet via Gabas to Laruns (15 km). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Ayous|url=https://www.refuge-ayous.fr/en-gb|lat=42.84844763797708|long=-0.4911758258903634|10 minutes off the GR10 near Lac Gentau (6½ hr). This refuge offers 47 beds and tent spaces and is open from mid-May to the first week of October.}} === Gabas - Gourette === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9-10 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1150 m This is a long and difficult stage, not suitable for children. The Corniche des Alhas section requires a head for heights. Snow may linger into summer, making it hard to follow the waymarks. Water is scarce during the first four hours. The trail follows the D934 road to the Artouste dam, then climbs through forest paths (1¼ hr). Some parts pass through cliff-side ledges carved into the rock — the Corniche des Alhas — which have fixed cables for safety. An easier alternative bypasses the Corniche via the Pont du Goua and the Gave de Soussouéou. After 1¾ hr, you reach a bridge near the Gave de Soussouéou waterfalls (1145 m). From here, a steep trail leads up to Houn de Mouscabarous (1361 m; 2¾ hr), continuing uphill to Petite Arcizette (2293 m). Snow may persist at these elevations until July. After 6½-7 hr, you arrive at the Hourquette d'Arre (2465 m). Important: The path shown on some maps to the Géougue d'Arre (2619 m) is a mountaineering route, not a hiking trail. An alternative route avoids the Hourquette d'Arre altogether: from the Cabane de Cézy, follow the red-and-white GR10 then switch to the red/yellow-marked GRP Tour de la Vallée d'Ossau, over the Col de Lurdé to Eaux-Bonnes (overnight possible) and Gourette (also served by Bus 806). The GR10 does not go directly to Lac d'Uzious, but instead heads roughly north-northeast across a plateau, before turning east to descend. After about 8 hours, you reach Lac d'Anglas (2068 m), from where the trail continues along the outflow, then branches off to the right. After over 9 hours, you arrive in the ski resort of {{Marker|type=city|name=Gourette|wikidata=Q1540224|url=https://www.gourette.com/en/}} (1350 m). Ski resort with two supermarkets; gas cartridges available at Intersport. Mostly closed outside the main season. Served in-season by Bus 806 (twice daily) from Parking Gourette Nord to Eaux-Bonnes, Laruns, and Pau. If needed, you can exit the trail early at the upper parking area (which has a bus stop) and start the next stage from there. * {{listing|type=sleep|lat=42.9595015138|long=-0.333960997149|name=Chalet-refuge CAF|phone=+33 5 59 05 10 56|url=https://chaletdegourette.ffcam.fr/|content=Mountain refuge with 32 beds in 4 dorms. €16.50/night (€8.25 for Alpine Club members) + €0.90 tourist tax.}} === Gourette - Arrens-Marsous === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m This is a relatively easy stage that crosses two mountain passes: the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Tortes|lat=42.959773462638644|long=-0.3187601158279607}} (1799 m; 1¾ hr), and later, after crossing the D918 (popular with cyclists but too busy to follow safely), the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Saucède|lat=42.95972945620746|long=-0.31869998400517197}} (1525 m; 3 hr 20 min). Ten minutes after descending from this second pass, you'll reach a restaurant and gîte de séjour at the Col de Soulor on the D918 road. From Col de Saucède, hikers can also make a short detour to summit the Pointe de Surgatte (1805 m; 90-100 minutes round trip). Near the Pont de Lapadé, you can either cross the Gave d'Arrens or continue down into the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Arrens-Marsous|wikidata=Q1110649}}. Features tourist information and public toilets at the Maison Val d'Azun (Tel. +33 5 62 97 49 49). The village also has an outdoor swimming pool. A hiking festival, [https://www.eldorando.fr/ Eldorado], is held every two years for four days in late May. Call +33 800 65 65 00 by 17:00 the day before for weekday on-demand shuttle service to Lourdes. Points of interest include the Romanesque Saint-Pierre Church (parts dating to 1200) and the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Pouey-Laün, a pilgrimage chapel located 600 m south along the D105. The area is part of both the Natura 2000 conservation network (Gabizos and the Arrens Valley) and the core zone of the Pyrenees National Park. For a longer option, you can extend this stage to Gîte les Viellettes (2¼ h further), making a total of 20.5 km (8½ hr; ↥ 1250 m, ↧ 1530 m). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=GCU Campground|address=26 Rue des Paus, 65400 Arrens-Marsous|lat=42.9573380888|long=-0.213247116377|phone=+33 5 62 97 43 06|url=https://www.gcu.asso.fr/terrains/arrens-marsous-hautes-pyrénées-65|content=Simple tent campground on the edge of town.}} === Arrens-Marsous - Refuge d'Ilhéou === ; Distance : 20 km ; Duration : 6¾-7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 500 m From Arrens-Marsous (3½ km from the previous endpoint), you can follow the official GR10 or the more scenic GR de Pays Tour du Val d'Azun. The latter is slightly shorter but includes more climbs. Both routes rejoin shortly before the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape les Viellettes|lat=42.9219519144924|long=-0.1818867608457627}} (2¼ h; 15 beds). About 700 m further on is the simple tent site La Pose (open May-September). The official GR10 route passes through {{Marker|type=city|name=Estaing|wikidata=Q589628}}, a commune that includes three Natura 2000 protected areas: “Gaves de Pau et de Cauterets,” “Moun Né de Cauterets, Pic de Cabaliros,” and “Péguère, Barbat, Cambalès.” From here, the trail enters the core zone of the Pyrenees National Park. You ascend toward Lac d'Estaing. Just before the lake is a guesthouse open Thursday-Sunday, 09:00-17:00 (summer only). On the far shore is another restaurant (open 10:00-18:00) and Camping Intercommunal. Brave hikers may try a swim in the cold waters. The trail now climbs steeply through forest to the Cabane d'Arriousec (1400 m; 4 hr). Another hour uphill takes you past the Cabanes de Barbat (left of the path), then a final climb brings you to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Ilhéou|wikidata=Q2981991}} (2242 m; 6 hr or more). Just 5 minutes below the pass, you can turn left to reach the Crête du Lys, where the Courbet cable car operates in July and August. This offers access to the ski resort Cauterets-Le Lys (with a summer luge track) or direct descent into the town of Cauterets. On foot, descend to the stream near the Cabanes d'Arras (6½-7 hr). Turn right there and cross two more streams. The path then descends to Lac d'Ilhéou. At the lake's northern shore is the staffed Refuge d'Ilhéou. A designated bivouac area (aire de bivouac) is located about 10 minutes further south along the lake. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Ilhéou (Refuge Raymond-Ritter)|url=https://www.refuge-ilheou.csvss.fr/en/home|phone=+33 5 62 92 07 18|lat=42.86604614112533|long=-0.17358356545105466|content=Altitude 1988 m. 22 beds. Open from late May to late September.}} === Refuge d'Ilhéou - Cauterets === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 2½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 75 ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m This is a leisurely downhill walk that brings you gently back to civilization in {{Marker|type=city|name=Cauterets|url=https://www.cauterets.com/en/?to_lang=en|wikidata=Q366962}}. Scenic spa town with plenty of amenities, including a historic wooden railway station (now closed), a cinema, casino, and more. The tourist office is open M-Sa from 09:00-12:30 and 14:00-18:00. A special Office de la Montagne - Terre d'Alpinisme opens during the summer season. Cauterets flourished during the late 19th and early 20th centuries thanks to its thermal springs. The municipality operates two spas: Thermes de César in the village center and Thermes des Griffons in nearby La Raillère. Accommodation options include three gîtes d'étape and Camping la Prairie. Local buses run every 30 minutes from June to October. Regional connections are available to Lourdes, Luz-Saint-Sauveur, and Gavarnie. A shuttle to Pont d'Espagne departs four times daily from the old train station. The 30 km former railway line from Pierrefitte to Cauterets has been converted into a multi-use bike and hiking path. === Cauterets - Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 100 m This is a demanding stage. From Cauterets, take the path behind the Thermes de César and head south. After 1¼ hr you reach the hamlet of La Raillère (1044 m), where there are restaurants and a sulfur spa. Cross the bridge and continue up into the Val de Jéret, passing several waterfalls. The trail leads to the Hôtellerie du Pont d'Espagne (3 hr). From there, descend briefly along the road before turning right and ascending into the valley toward Lac de Gaube (1725 m, 4 hr). The path crosses the stream three times via bridges as you continue toward the refuge. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube|wikidata=Q109042828}} === Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube - Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400 m About 50 m from the refuge, the trail begins a steady one-hour climb over rocky terrain. At a fork (65 min), stay right and continue ascending. The {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Hourquette d'Ossoue|wikidata=Q3141336}} (2734 m) marks the highest point on the entire GR10. Even in mid-summer, snow often lingers here. After 20 minutes of descent, you reach the Refuge Baysselance. '''Ascending Vignemale from here via the Glacier d'Ossoue is only for experienced mountaineers.''' From the pass, the route heads southeast, passing the Grottes de Bellevue (2420 m; 3 hr), artificial caves carved in 1880 by the explorer Henry Russell. The trail descends steeply to a stream, then follows it into a boulder field fed by glacial melt from the Glacier d'Ossoue. The descent into the valley involves frequent climbs around cliffs and waterfalls. You enter the Vallée de la Canau (5 hr or more) and pass the Cabane de Sausse-Dessus. The next hour includes more ups and downs until you reach the Cabane des Tousaus (6¾ hr or more). From there, cross a final ridge to reach the D923 road and descend to the stage endpoint, Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle. If you need more accommodation or supplies, continue to the main village of {{Marker|name=Gavarnie|wikidata=Q917894|type=city}}. From Gavarnie, you can take a day trip (or a bus from Luz-Saint-Sauveur) into the famed Cirque de Gavarnie. It's also possible to ascend Le Taillon (3146 m) from here for experienced climbers. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge Baysselance|url=https://refugebayssellance.ffcam.fr/|wikidata=Q3423105|content=(2651 m), which offers 58 beds and is staffed from mid-May to mid-October}} === Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle - Luz-Saint-Sauveur === ; Distance : 26 km ; Duration : 8-9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 700-900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1500-1660 m Starting from Gavarnie village (via the D128 road) instead of the refuge shortens the route by 3 km (approx. 1 hr). The trail first leads to the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape le Saugué|url=https://www.gite-gavarnie-pyrenees.com/|lat=42.76864577103755|long=-0.005915232017950625}}, located on the Plateau Soula de Saugue (1¾ hr). This is a good option to break up the stage — the gîte has 21 beds and is open May to October. The route winds northward, passing the Soum Haut (3¾ h), then descends gradually along the western slope of the Gavarnie Valley. After 5¾-6 hr, you reach the D921 road. Cross the Gave de Gavarnie via the Pont d'Esdouroucats and ascend again to a path above the highway. From the south, you enter {{Marker|type=city|name=Luz-Saint-Sauveur|wikidata=Q35721506|url=https://www.luz.org/en/}} via the Pont Napoléon (755 m; 7½ hr), a dramatic bridge across the gorge. Well-equipped mountain town. The town has several historic churches, as well as a campsite with a grocery store. The Prime Meridian passes about 100 m east of the center. Numerous lodgings, 6 campgrounds, 2 supermarkets, and Intersport (gas cartridges). Bus 965 connects to Cauterets, Lourdes, and Tarbes. Bus to Barèges also available. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Saint Bazerque|address=Sia|phone=+33 5 62 92 49 93|url=https://campingsaintbazerque.eatbu.com/?lang=de|lat=42.83178828384746|long=0.0015462182938111647|content=Campground with grocery shop (mountain cheese), bar, and caravan spaces. Open 08:00-17:00.}} === Luz-Saint-Sauveur - Barèges === ; Distance : 12 km ; Duration : 4½-5 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m To extend this stage, continue to Refuge d'Aygues Cluses for a total of 19 km (7½ hr; ↥ 1560 m, ↧ 140 m). Though short, this stage begins with a relatively long and steep ascent. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Ruisseau de Bolou|lat=42.858690489195055|long=0.06773411839157908}} (1460 m). On the descent, hikers can stop for refreshments at the [https://refugedelaglere.ffcam.fr/ Refuge de la Glère]. This stage ends at {{Marker|type=city|name=Barèges|wikidata=Q632058|url=https://www.mairie-bareges.fr/en/}}. Composed of the hamlets of Artigalas and Cazaous, Barèges serves as a spa and mountain village. The local river, the Bastan, is called the gave. Note: the Jardin botanique du Tourmalet and the 1930s funicular are now closed. The town's website includes an accommodation and restaurant directory * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape l'Oasis|lat=42.897422977|long=0.067278671719|address=2 Passage des Toys|phone=+33 5 62 92 69 47|url=https://www.gite-oasis.fr/|content=Open June-September, and also December-April during ski season (Barèges is part of the Domaine du Tourmalet ski area).}} === Barèges - Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : route-dependent 7¾-9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m The trail begins by climbing above the road toward the ski station at Tournaboup (1 hr). It then veers south and ascends steadily. Good stopping points include the Cabane d'Aygues and, 10 km further on, the Chalet-Hôtel d'Orédon. This stage enters the Néouvielle Nature Reserve, where dogs and wild camping are strictly forbidden. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Madamète|wikidata=Q102076283}} (2509 m). From there, the path descends between alpine lakes: {{Marker|type=see|name=Lac d'Aumar|wikidata=Q3215322}} and Lac d'Aubert (5¾ h, 2190 m). A shuttle bus runs up to this point in high season, and there's an info panel at the end of the access road. Here, the trail splits into two variants: * Variant 1: continues along Lac d'Aumar * Variant 2: detours south to the tip of Lac d'Aubert, then along the northern shore of Les Laguettes and Lac d'Orédon (6¾ h, 1856 m; camping and hotel at the south end) Both variants rejoin at the Cap d'Estoudou pass (2260 m), followed by a steep descent. A short detour from the pass allows for an ascent of Soump de Montpelat (↥ 214 m). The path continues steeply downhill to Lac de l'Oule (1821 m; 7¾ hr or more). From here, head right to reach Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Cabane d'Aygues|url=https://refugeayguescluses.wordpress.com/|lat=42.87577795732996|long=0.15008320916912823}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Chalet-Hôtel d'Orédon|url=https://www.chalet-oredon.fr/|lat=42.82616251586139|long=0.1692328508499207|content=open June 1 - Sept 30; 88 beds}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule|url=https://refugedeloule.fr/|lat=42.824769697482445|long=0.20752501478344024|content=Altitude 1819 m. Located at the dam wall. Open mid-June to mid-September. 20 beds and a bar.}} === Refuge-Hôtel de l'Oule - Vielle-Aure === ; Distance : 17-18 km ; Duration : 5-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 460 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400-1500 m From the refuge, the route follows the western shore of Lac de l'Oule. GR10C variant: After 1½ hr, there is a signed detour to the [http://refugedebastan.fr/ Cabane de Bastan]. The main trail turns directly east and climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Portet|wikidata=Q42178369}} (2215 m; 2¾ hr). From here, it continues eastward, descending gently to the Pla de Castillon, then more steeply down to the D918 road (4½ hr or more) and onward to the stage endpoint {{Marker|type=city|name=Vielle-Aure|wikidata=Q1323900|url=https://vielleaure.com/}}, an historic village with two Romanesque churches: Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Pierre (in the Agos neighbourhood), both dating to the 12th century. Bus connections to Saint-Lary-Soulan and Lannemezan (35 km). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Hôtel Aurélia|lat=42.825852030|long=0.32776424175|phone=+33 5 62 39 56 90|url=https://www.hotel-aurelia.com/|content=Simple, hiker-friendly hotel in town.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping La Mousquère|lat=42.8273932992|long=0.33590955638|address=Nougaro, Autun, 65170 Bourisp|url=https://www.campinglamousquere.com/|content=Open May 8 - last weekend of September.}} * There are three more campsites within 2 km north along the river valley. Just 1 km south, the larger and livelier {{Marker|name=Saint-Lary-Soulan|wikidata=Q1323323|type=city}} offers a broader range of shops, accommodations, and services. The tourist information office is at the roundabout in the center; the supermarket is across the street. The wooden bus stop shelter is discreetly located about 50 m away, opposite the modern church on Avenue des Thermes. === Vielle-Aure - Germ === ; Distance : 13 km ; Duration : 4¾-5¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1170 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 630-700 m This is a straightforward, though poorly marked, stage that runs parallel to the D225 up to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Azet|wikidata=Q2981982}} (1600 m). From the pass, the route continues down to [https://www.vallee-du-louron.com/fr Loudenvielle], a village with shops, an outdoor pool, and the Balnéa Spa complex (open 14:00-19:30; €21 for 2 hours). Note: during the [https://www.pyreneesbikefestival.com/ Pyrenees Bike Festival] in early September, the area is overrun with mountain bikers. The final 2-3 km involve a climb of about 220 m up to the hamlet of {{Marker|name=Germ|wikidata=Q1094205|type=city}}. Altitude 1339 m. A small village with 34 year-round residents, but many second homes and guest beds. Two old churches are worth visiting. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Centre de Montagne de Germ|lat=42.793610431|long=0.425057973260|address=D130|phone=+33 5 62 99 65 27|url=https://www.germ-louron.com/|content=Open year-round. 70 beds in a large mountain center.}} * Auberge de Germ, a guesthouse with 11 rooms (33 beds), open year-round. * {{listing|type=see|name=Peyresourde-Balestas Airfield (Aérodrome de Peyragudes)|wikidata=Q5659350|content=Also known as Altiport 007, as a James Bond film was shot here in 1997. The 470 m runway has a 15% gradient and is also used for paragliding.}} === Germ - Lac d'Oô === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 6-7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1060 m This stage and the next are strenuous. They can be divided into thirds with overnight stops at the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Granges d'Astau|lat=42.76352657695474|long=0.5024399621092607}} (open May-Oct; 26 beds) and the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Espingo|url=https://refugedespingo.ffcam.fr/|wikidata=Q104413940}} (1967 m; 44 beds, mid-May-Oct; 15 emergency shelter places off-season). Camping is allowed near the lake. Around the refuge is a “classic” mountaineering loop over the Pic des Spijeoles (3008 m), Grand Quayrat (3060 m), down to Lac du Portillon (2571 m) and the glacial Lac Glacé d'Oô (2664 m). After the initial climb out of Germ, you enter the Val d'Aube. Follow the river on the left-hand side; after 1¾ hr, across the valley (250 m away), lies the Cabane d'Ourtiga (1610 m). The route ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Couret d'Esquierry|lat=42.75523440839548|long=0.4627935235857289}} (2131 m; 3½ hr), where you cross into the Haute-Garonne department. After 4 hr, you reach the Cabane du Val d'Esquierry. From there, follow the D76 road down to the Granges d'Astau and an auberge (1139 m; 5 hr). In July and August, a morning bus runs up from Luchon and returns in the evening. The stage ends at {{Marker|type=see|name=Lac d'Oô|wikidata=Q3215352}}, a scenic 42-hectare lake situated at an altitude of 1,507 m within the Natura 2000 reserve “Vallées du Lis, de la Pique et d'Oô.” Renowned since the 19th century for its spectacular waterfall, the lake is a popular destination for its natural beauty. Due to its protected status, camping, swimming, and dogs are not permitted in the area. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Lac d'Oô|address=|phone=+33 7 84 56 55 88|lat=42.744558752|long=0.490915210685|content=Reached in about 6 hr. By the lake shore at 1504 m.}} === Lac d'Oô - Bagnères-de-Luchon === ; Distance : 19-21 km ; Duration : 7-9¼ h ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000-1130 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1900-2000 m After Refuge d'Espingo, the trail becomes more difficult, with several rocky scree sections. You skirt the northern slopes of Hourquette des Hounts-Secs (2275 m). Optional detour: From here, a 15-minute ascent (each way) leads to Cap de Bassiéret. You continue over the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Coume de Bourg|lat=42.787224318|long=0.51785762473}} (2272 m, 4¾ hr or more), which may retain snow well into the summer. Optional summit detours from the pass: * Pic Céciré, 45 minutes up and down to the north * Subescale, 40 minutes up and down to the south After 5½+ hours, you reach (1802 m) Superbagnères, a summer-only (July-August) mountain hotel serving the ski area. While it offers meals and lodging, prices are high. The massive historic building can also be reached by gondola lift from Luchon, replacing the old cog railway. The {{Marker|type=go|name=Gondola base station in Luchon|lat=42.78789198327501|long=0.5908142174347624}} is located on the western edge of town and operates daily from 08:30 to 18:00 during the summer season. If descending on foot, it is a steep 1200 m drop to reach {{Marker|name=Bagnères-de-Luchon|wikidata=Q238393|type=city}}. This spa town marks the end of the central Pyrenean segment of the GR10. Regular bus services run to Montréjeau, where you can connect by train to Toulouse. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Superbagnères|url=https://www.villagesclubsdusoleil.com/fr/nos-destinations/hiver/sejour-a-la-montagne/superbagneres|wikidata=Q844809}} === Bagnères-de-Luchon - Artigue === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 2½-3 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 50 m From the church in Luchon, head left along the footpath by the L'One river, crossing the road bridge toward Juzet-de-Luchon. As an optional detour, you can visit the {{Marker|name=Cascade Juzet-de-Luchon|wikidata= Q135191106 |type=see}} waterfall. The trail continues via Sode to the day's highest point at the stage destination {{Marker|name=Artigue|wikidata=Q1088729|type=city}}. Altitude 1230 m. A small mountain village with a municipal gîte d'étape, open year-round, offering 12 dormitory beds and evening meals at the on-site restaurant. === Artigue - Fos === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 7½-8½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1100 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1750 m The first half of this stage is a steady climb of over 1000 meters, initially on a gravel track. After 1¼ hours, you reach the Cabane de Saunères (1660 m), a basic mountain shelter. One hour later, you arrive at the Col de Peyrehitte (1947 m). The trail continues along an exposed ridge around the Pic de Bacanère (2193 m; 3 hr or more), passing border markers 402-404. After the Col d'Aou (2093 m; 3½-4 hr), the trail descends gradually across open alpine meadows. At the Cabane d'Artigue (5 hr or more), potable water is available. Below this point, the path winds down gently through a series of switchbacks, eventually crossing a road bridge into {{Marker|name=Fos|wikidata=Q1349025|type=city}}. Altitude 544 m. Small village with weekday bus service to Melles and Saint-Gaudens (railway connections to Pau and Toulouse). Alternative route (former GR10): From the Cabane d'Artigue, you can divert to the Cabane d'Artiguessans, then descend steeply to the Ruisseau de la Batch before climbing back up to rejoin the GR10. This saves about 15 minutes and 70 m of elevation gain. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte de Fos|wikidata=Q3162431|lat=42.873845424|long=0.73442375047|phone=+33 5 61 94 98 59|content=Offers 20 dormitory beds, open year-round.}} === Fos - Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing === ; Distance : 18 km ; Duration : 6½-8 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1700 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m It's a good idea to stock up on supplies in {{Marker|name=Melles|wikidata=Q1616421|type=city}}, which you reach after about 45 minutes. From the old customs house, the trail climbs steeply. Auberge de Crabère offers a comfortable stop. * {{listing|type=see|name=Botanical Garden (À Fleur de Montagne)|wikidata=Q3162431|url=https://mairie-de-melles.wixsite.com/mairie-de-melles/le-jardin-botanique|content=Small but charming community-run garden specializing in Pyrenean alpine flora. Open in summer, 10:00-19:00.}} From Melles, a narrow road leads uphill to the last farmhouse at Labach (2¼ hr). The next 2 hours or more are mostly through forest, climbing steadily. After about 5 hours, you reach the Cabane d'Uls shelter. The path continues uphill to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Pas du Bouc}} (2170 m; 6+ h). Optional summit detour: From here, the {{Marker|type=see|name=Pic de Crabère|wikidata=Q3382364}} (2629 m) can be climbed in about 90 minutes round-trip. Brown bears have been reintroduced to this area. The highest point of the day is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Auéran|lat=42.835385392840536|long=0.860341080714231}} (2176 m), which also marks the border into the Ariège department. From here, it's a quick descent to Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing|url=http://www.refuge-araing.fr/|wikidata=Q3423195|content=Altitude 1956 m. Open June 1 to October 5. 52 beds, plus a 12-bed shelter area available off-season. Advance bookings accepted for groups on the two weekends before/after opening.}} === Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing - Eylie-d'en-Haut === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 3-4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1320 m From the lake and refuge, the trail climbs to the Serre d'Araing (2221 m; 1 hr). Optional detour: Summit of Pic de l'Har (2424 m), approximately 50 minutes round-trip. The descent into the valley follows faintly marked trails to the left of the power lines. Along the way, you'll encounter remnants of former lead mining operations. After about 2¾ hours, you cross a bridge and reach {{Marker|name=Eylie d'en Haut|wikidata=Q134078264|type=city}}, a small hamlet with a 14-bed hut, picnic area, and a basic campsite located by the Lez river. === Eylie-d'en-Haut - Maison du Valier, Pla de la Lau === ; Distance : 17 km ; Duration : 8¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1700 m A strenuous stage with no food or lodging options along the way. The trail starts by crossing the Lez river, then turns sharply left and begins to climb through open terrain. After about 50 minutes, you cross a stream and ascend through forest for just over an hour. In autumn, the woods are full of blueberries—a favourite of the brown bears reintroduced here in the 1990s. At a stone shelter (1660 m; 2½ hr), the trail forks. The GR10 continues to the right, up to the Col de l'Arech (1802 m; 3 hr or more). From there, the path turns left. Optional detours: * South to Tuc de Cagonilles (2196 m; 80 minutes round trip) * From there, to the challenging Mail de Bulard (2750 m; 3 hours round trip) After a short ridge walk, descend to the shepherd's hut Cabane d'Arech (1638 m; 3½ hr). From here, follow the access track down, then branch left down a steep, gorse-covered slope. After 4 hours, you reach a stream. About 40 minutes later, the ruins of Flouquet (1680 m) come into view. Continue to Cabane de Besset (1540 m; 6 hr or more), then ascend again for 45 minutes to Cabane Clot du Lac (1821 m; 7 hr). Passing the huts Cabane du Trapech-du-Milieu (1540 m) and Cabane de l'Artigue, you arrive at Maison du Valier. The Mont Valier massif is a protected area of interest to birdwatchers. It hosts a variety of mountain bird species, including rare birds of prey, bearded vultures, and alpine species such as ptarmigans, black grouse, and capercaillie. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Maison du Valier|lat=42.83084702593266|long=1.032510054490613|url=https://maison-valier.fr/|wikidata=|content=Altitude 927 m, located on the Pla de la Lau. Open March-October. Reception hours 16:00-19:30. 40 beds.}} === Maison du Valier, Pla de la Lau - Esbintz === ; Distance : 18 km ; Duration : 7¼-9¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200-1350 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300-1490 m A demanding stage with significant elevation gain and loss. The trail climbs from Maison du Valier, following the high northern slopes along the ridges of Cap de Lauses (1892 m), Pic de Crabère (1925 m), and the Col d'Auédole (1730 m). After more than 7 hours, you arrive at {{Marker|type=city|lat=42.85332|long=1.14584|name=Esbintz}}. === Esbintz - Refuge d'Aula === ; Distance : 19 km ; Duration : 6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 500 m This and the following stage offer spectacular scenery in good weather. From Esbintz, follow the D817 for the first 2 km to Borde de Galy. From here, you could take a detour to Seix (4 km) by continuing on the D817, then the D37, and turning right onto the D3, where you'll rejoin the GR10 near the Pont du Salat. Continue mostly downhill through the countryside, crossing the Pont du Salat to reach Moulin Lauga (550 m; 2 hr), which has a bakery and picnic area. Alternatively, you can rest 1½ h later at the Auberge des Deux Rivières. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Esbintz|url=https://www.gite-ferme-esbintz.fr/|lat=42.85315143224526|long=1.1459188949749635|content=850 m. Dormitory with 10 beds. Open May-November.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge des Deux Rivières|phone=+33 5 61 66 83 57|url=https://www.aubergedesdeuxrivieres.com/|lat=42.83210657498069|long=1.1982318103146805|content=Open late May to late September}} === Refuge d'Aula - Rouze === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 4½-5 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 700 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m Fit hikers can combine this stage with the previous one from Gîte d'étape d'Aunac (787 m), resulting in a 30 km day with 11¼ hf walking time (↥ 1750, ↧ 1580 m). From Refuge d'Aula, it's a steep but manageable 1½ hr ascent to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Bouche d'Aula|lat=42.77695825493033|long=1.1180083284724134}} (1998 m), then a descent to the Étang d'Areau, 100 m lower. Optional: The Pic des Aymesses (2036 m) can be climbed from the east side of the lake. A farm road leads down to Faup, with shortcuts along the switchbacks, for instance near the Cabane d'Areau. Slightly below the Col de Pause (1527 m; 2¼ hr), there is a parking area. The {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Camp site Rigaux Philippe|lat=42.78997920829053|long=1.178432115744275}} lies just below the hamlet of Faup. From Faup, descend along the D708 toward {{Marker|name=Couflens|wikidata=Q1142090|type=city}}, but before reaching the D3 junction, cross the bridge and climb on the opposite slope to Gîte de Rouze d'Ustou. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte de Rouze d'Ustou|lat=42.789696616|long=1.20592416901|address=Prat de la Moule, Rouze d'Ustou, 09140 Couflens|phone=+33561669545|url=https://www.ferme-de-rouze.fr/|content=16 beds. Cheese from the farm. Open mid-June to mid-September.}} === Rouze - Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou === ; Distance : 8.4 km ; Duration : 3-4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m Follow the stream uphill for about 1¾ hr to reach the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Serre du Cot}} (1546 m). Optional side trips: * To the south, ascend the Pic de la Tese (2255 m; ↥↧ 3 hr or more). * To the north, climb the Tuc de Peyre Mensongère (1711 m; ↥↧ 40 min). From the pass, descend left onto a forest path, passing a few ruined farmhouses. The route eventually reaches the D38 road and leads into {{Marker|type=city|name=Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou|wikidata=Q109571916}}. === Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou - Aulus-les-Bains === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9 hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400 m The hike begins at the southern end of Saint-Lizier. After crossing the pedestrian bridge, the trail climbs southeast to the Col de Fitté (1387 m), a former ski area. From there, it continues along the right side of the slope. One alternative route begins at {{listing|type=city|name=Bidous|lat=42.78257178128407|long=1.2700395937419484}}, following the Alet river south and then climbing steeply for over 2 hours to reach the Col de Fitté, where it rejoins the GR 10. The trail curves around the southwest side of the Picou de la Mire (1741 m) and reaches the Col d'Escots (1618 m) after 3¾ hr. The nearby Chalet de Beauregard restaurant is open from late May to September, 10:00-23:00. Afterwards, the path continues up and down along steep slopes until it reaches the Ruisseau de Fouillet valley (4½ hr). The Jasse du Fouillet crossing (1170 m) is reached after at least 5 h. For a shorter option, follow the yellow-red waymarks of the Tour du Val du Garbet. This leads to the D8F road and directly into Aulus-les-Bains (7 hr from Saint-Lizier). The main route continues toward the plateau of Souliou and the Pic du Mont Rouge (1600 m). A side trip to Étang de Guzet offers a possible bivouac site. The trail then descends toward the Ruisseau d'Ars (1485 m), crosses a bridge, and continues downward. After a second bridge (8½ hr), the path becomes easier. A final bridge, Pont de la Mouline, crosses the Garbet River just before the trail enters {{Marker|type=city|name=Aulus-les-Bains|wikidata=Q1082493|url=https://www.loubet.fr/saint-lizier.html}}, a small spa town with a mini market at the traffic circle near the bridge and a tourist office next door. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte Pyrénées AAA|lat=42.779696032|long=1.2690230044|url=https://giteslareng.net/|address=Lareng, 09140 Ustou|phone=+33967838934|content=14 places in upscale cottages for 2-4 people.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Cascade d'Ars|lat=42.762922493744796|long=1.3615038669340882|content=260 m high waterfalls in multiple tiers, located 4½ km from Aulus. Takes 3-9 hr round-trip to hike to them (↥ 530 m).}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping municipal le Coulédous|lat= 42.7940356892|long=1.3321660893|url=http://www.camping-aulus-couledous.com/|content=Also offers bungalows for 4-7 people. The gîte d'étape is a 12-person tent.}} === Aulus-les-Bains - Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès === ; Distance : 11 km ; Duration : 5 hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m The route climbs out of Aulus-les-Bains to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Port de Saleix|lat=42.78143117676052|long=1.4043285766664242}}, where you'll find the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Refuge de Carol|lat=42.7813|long=1.4146}}. From here, the ascent becomes steeper. The following section to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Port de Bassiès|lat=42.772502271037204|long=1.411691910311851}} is demanding but scenically rewarding. This area lies within the Mont-Calme nature reserve, where camping is prohibited. === Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès - Marc === ; Distance : variable ; Duration : 3½-5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1385 ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1385 This stage and the following one include several alternative routes and shortcuts that can be combined. From the refuge, the GR-10 leads southeast along a slightly rocky trail for just over three kilometers, following the chain of lakes. At the outflow of the last lake, the Étang d'Escalès, the GR-10 bends to the right. Along the stream, there's an opportunity to descend toward the main road and the village of Auzat. Another descent option to the road appears about 2 km further along the GR-10. The main trail makes a sharp turn southward. From the aqueduct (1160 m; 2¼ h4), the route maintains an elevation just below 1200 m for around 4 km, before descending the final 1½ km into the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Marc|lat=42.71687694132801|long=1.449593121067756}}, cutting across the switchbacks of the road. The Gîte Retrouvance de Mouret (12 places) is available for group bookings only. From {{listing|type=city|name=Auzat|wikidata=Q1082539}}, one can rejoin the GR-10 by heading 4 km south to Artiès and climbing back up. This avoids a significant part of the next stage. Alternatively, walking 6 km to Marc allows one to resume the full stage. To skip this stage, it is possible to go from Auzat directly to Goulier via two routes: one through Olbier (4.4 km), the other 6.1 km. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès|url=https://refugedebassies.fr/|content=1933 m. Open late May to September.|lat=42.76509|long=1.413221}} === Marc - Goulier === ; Distance : 24.3 km ; Duration : 6-9 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m From Marc, follow the path to Mounicou. A shelter is located a short way beyond, along the D8. This is where the ascent begins. After a few hundred meters, you can turn right at the {{Marker|type=go |name=Turn right|lat=42.71|long=1.4575}} marker and stay on the west side of Les Caldelets. From the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Orri de Tignalbu|lat=42.69417|long=1.46296}}, which has a water source, the path becomes very poor. The main GR-10 trail continues uphill to the Refuge de Prunadière (1615 m, 2 hr). Be sure to refill your water here. From there, it leads to a junction above the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Artiès|lat=42.7362|long=1.4793}} shelter (985 m, 3¼ hr). The path ascends steadily, passing the ruins of Pradières-d'en-bas, and arrives at Étang d'Izurt. A cable car runs to the lake. After a short climb, it's around 14 km downhill to {{Marker|type=city |name=Goulier|wikidata=Q1015676}} (moh 370 m), which is part of the Val-de-Sos commune. You can shorten the main trail from Prunadière by climbing steeply left past the buildings, gaining 450 m of elevation. About 2 hr later, you'll rejoin the GR-10 at Coumasses-Grandes. This shortcut saves roughly 8 km and bypasses Étang d'Izurt. === Goulier - Siguer === ; Distance : 13 km ; Duration : 3¼-4¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 416 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 830 m From Goulier, the trail ascends toward the Col de Risoul, then the Col de Esquérus, and continues to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de Grail|lat=42.75360457229|long=1.5321300362453}}. Near this pass is a shelter, an information board, and a water source located 250 m off the path. The route then climbs to the highest point of the day at the Col de Lercoul (1549 m). From here, the trail descends through the hamlet of Lercoul. A footpath south of the winding road leads downhill to the village of {{Marker|name=Siguer|wikidata=Q1375974|type=city}}, home to Café Rouse and several accommodations. === Siguer - Plateau de Beille === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 2400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m This demanding stage involves three steep descents and offers no accommodation along the route, only five basic shelters. From Siguer, the trail climbs steeply to Gestiès (40 min), where you should fill up on water. The path crosses the road three times on the way up. After a long ascent, you reach the Pla de Montcamp (1904 m; 3¾ hr). Past the Col du Sasc (1798 m), the trail traverses the flank of the Pic du Col Taillat. Water is again available at the Cabane de Courtal Marti, though trail markings on this high section can be vague. The trail descends to the Cabane de Balledreyt (1600 m; 2 sleeping places), reached after another 20 minutes. After about 7½ hours, the trail descends to the D520A road at 1040 m elevation. A detour to the villages of Aston (14 km, with a campground) or Les Cabannes (15.8 km, with a year-round gîte d'étape) is possible around the 4¼-hour mark. Les Cabannes has a train connection to Mérens-les-Vals or Foix. After crossing the bridge, the GR-10 climbs again via a forest trail. A water source is marked and located about two minutes off the trail, just past a large boulder reached after 9+ hours. The trail continues across a ridge to the Cabane d'Artaran (1695 m). Shortly afterward, you reach the ski area at the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Plateau de Beille|lat=42.72473998587668|long=1.6911435704342077}}, where the Cabane Beille is located. This area is accessible via the D522 road loop and popular with day hikers. === Plateau de Beille - Refuge du Rulhe === ; Distance : 14 km ; Duration : 4¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m It's recommended to start this exposed stage early in the day to avoid afternoon summer thunderstorms. The trail remains around or above 2000 m throughout. The highest point is the summit of the {{Marker|type=see |name=Crête des Isards|lat=42.65012142232325|long=1.7389568668472413}} at 2381 m. The Refuge du Rulhe lies at the junction of several long-distance trails, including the Tour de Pays des Montagnes d'Ax from Ax-les-Thermes, the GR Transfrontalier from Andorra, and two routes from the Vallée d'Aston. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Rulhe|url=https://rulhe.com/|lat=42.6379904848182|long=1.725866639541228|content=53 places. Open late May to September. €16 per night, half board €45. Tel: +33 6 74 24 50 71}} === Refuge du Rulhe - Mérens-les-Vals === ; Distance : 12 km ; Duration : 4½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 360 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1500-1600 m '''Water is scarce at high elevation.''' From the refuge, the trail ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de Calmettes|lat=42.636915754134|long=1.7404819725150908}} (2318 m), mostly over scree. Cairns also serve as markers. The path descends to Étang Bleu, where it skirts the left side of the lake and climbs again to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Crête de la Lhasse|lat=42.6398816194571|long=1.768563885207408}} (2439 m). Afterward, it continues over scree for nearly 800 m of descent to the pond called l'Estangol, with a shelter above. {{Marker|name=Mérens-les-Vals|wikidata=Q662289|type=city}} is reached after the final descent. The ruins of the old Saint-Pierre church date back to the Napoleonic Wars. The village festival takes place on July 20. The village has a train stop on the Foix - Puigcerdà line. Located on the N-20. The natural hot springs are about 45 minutes away, although they were affected by rockfall in 2022. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge du Nabre|lat=42.65611004694209|long=1.8429807373614195|address=le village d'en haut, 09110 Mérens-les-Vals|phone=+33 5 61 01 89 36|url=https://www.aubergedunabre.com/|content=Guesthouse in the upper village.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping de Mérens|lat=42.64646601527881|long=1.8310245105731093|address=600 Ville de Bau, 09110 Mérens-les-Vals|phone=+33 5 61 02 85 40|url=http://www.camping.merenslesvals.fr/de/haus/|content=Open all year, 1.3 km south of the village.}} === Mérens-les-Vals - Refuge des Bésines === ; Distance : 10 km ; Duration : 4½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 260 m This demanding stage continues through high alpine terrain, with lots of rock and scree. From Mérens, the trail leads past Le Nabre to the hot springs. Afterward, the path climbs for nearly 3 hours. First, it reaches the Estangs (2056 m), then continues to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Porteille de Bésines|lat=42.6154502407948|long=1.872190036139089}} (2333 m). From this pass, the route is clearly signposted. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bésines|wikidata=Q11945073|url=https://refugebesines.ffcam.fr/|content=2104 m. 70 beds. Open June-September. Phone: +33 5 61 05 11 77.}} === Refuge des Bésines - Refuge des Bouillouses === ; Distance : 16.7 km ; Duration : 5½-6 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 660 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 760 m This high-level stage crosses several mountain passes and offers excellent panoramic views. The route first ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Coll de Coma d'Anyell|lat=42.60880012907595|long=1.8962468691063044}}, from where it is possible to climb Pic des Bésineilles (2632 m) in about ¾ hr round trip. The path then continues through the Lansolet basin (2234 m), past the Cabane de Rozet, and climbs again to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Portella de la Grava|lat=42.59935934341172|long=1.934453711010157}}. From there, it's a gentle 3-hour descent to the lakeside refuge at Bouillouses. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bésines|lat=42.6039|long=1.86853|content=56 dormitory beds, with 16 emergency shelter spots outside the season. Open June-September.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bouillouses|lat=42.559475002653095|long=2.00351938309043|url=https://www.lesbouillouses.com/|content=2003 m. 46 beds. Open June-September. Phone: +33 4 68 04 93 88.}} === Refuge des Bouillouses - Planès === ; Distance : 19 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 230 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m The descent is easy but not always well marked. After about 2¾ hours (1740 m), the GR-10 reaches the D618. About 700 m further, a right turn leads to Superbolquère, where food and lodging are available, including a supermarket and a gîte with 28 beds. The GR-10 continues downhill to the quiet D10C near {{Marker|name=Bolquère|wikidata=Q1101891|type=city}} (1628 m, 2¾ hr), where there is a public drinking fountain and an information board. The nearby Gare de Bolquère-Eyne (1593 m) is the highest railway stop in France, on the scenic “train jaune” line. Passing through the villages of La Perche and La Cabanasse (3½ hr), the route ends at the small village of {{Marker|name=Planès|wikidata=Q524705|type=city}}. No shops in the village. The nearby Pont Gisclard, opened in 1909, is a cable-stayed bridge on the Ligne de Cerdagne crossing the Têt river. The village is a stop on the “train jaune” railway. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=L'Orri de Planès|lat=42.490995503|long=2.1382908362|address=Casas del Mitg, 66210 Planès|phone=+33 4 68 04 29 47|content=Gîte with 16 dormitory beds and private rooms.}} === Planès - Refuge du Ras de la Carança === ; Distance : 15.3 km ; Duration : 5¾-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1170 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 870 m There are no supply options along this stage. The trail begins with a gentle ascent through pine forest into the high Riberola valley. It is advisable to refill your water at the Refuge de l'Orri. Above the Cabane d'Aixques, the route becomes steep as it climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col Mitja|wikidata=Q28381301}} (2376 m). From the pass, it is possible to summit Pic de Gallinas (2624 m, ↥↧ 90 min) or Pic Redoun (2677 m, ↥↧ 1 hr). The final 1½ hours involve a descent of about 500 m to the refuge. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Ras de la Carança|wikidata=Q28380908|address=142 rue de, 66360 Fontpédrouse|phone=+33 9 88 66 73 81|url=https://www.refugelacaranca.com/|content=1840 m. Open mid-May to mid-September. 13 emergency places available off-season. Connections to other trails: 7.7 km to Prats Balaguer, 8.5 km to Ull de Ter, 13.7 km to Carança, 10 km to Thuès-les-Bains via the gorge, and 12 km to Núria.}} === Refuge du Ras de la Carança - Mantet === ; Distance : 10 km ; Duration : 4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 640 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 940 m This stage is challenging and poorly marked at higher elevations. From the refuge, follow the stream uphill for 100 m to a wooden bridge. Continue on a scree path along the left side of the valley. After passing through a gate, you reach an alpine pasture and the {{marker|type=go|name=Coll del Pal|lat=42.465650773936|long=2.258498904704664}} (2294 m). This area is a nature reserve where wild camping is forbidden. From the pass, there is an optional ascent to Pic de Serre Gallinère (2663 m; 1 hr round trip), and possibly further on to the Serre de Caret (2300 m). From the pass, descend to the {{marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Alemany|wikidata=Q120254507}} (1962 m; 8 places), located 200 m off the trail. The main path continues left, crossing first a wooden, then a concrete bridge, followed by a narrow unpaved road that ascends to the village of {{listing|type=city|name=Mantet|wikidata=Q1369164}} (1550 m). Population: 31. Most of the southern part of the commune is the protected area [https://rnn-mantet.fr/ Reserva natural de Mentet], where camping is forbidden. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=La Cavale|address=Los Miquelets, 66360 Mantet|phone=+33 4 68 05 57 59|url=http://la-cavale.fr/|lat=42.477231944228336|long=2.3092556382036555|content=Private rooms and dorms for 3-5 people.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte à la ferme Cazenove|url=http://www.gitecazenovemantet.fr/|lat=42.47702171854456|long=2.306028129535968|content=Farm gîte. Open May to September.}} === Mantet - Refuge de Mariailles === ; Distance : 14.8 km ; Duration : 5 hr 5 min ; Elevation gain : ↥ 936 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 834 m Midway along this stage is the village of {{Marker|name=Py|wikidata=Q178846|type=city}} (1023 m), which has an auberge and a gîte. From Py, follow the D6 briefly before heading northeast to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Jou|wikidata=Q47335849|lat=|long=}} (1125 m). The path turns southeast and ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Cavall Mort|wikidata=Q47335871|lat=|long=}} (1454 m), then continues upward to the Refuge de Mariailles. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge de Mariailles|alt=Refugi de Marelles|url=https://refugedemariailles.fr/|lat=42.5017361908777|long=2.4077634391340514|content=1692 m. Open from late May; shelter room available year-round.}} === Refuge de Mariailles - Refuge des Cortalets === ; Distance : 16.3 km ; Duration : 6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1030 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m This is a challenging high-mountain route around the Canigou Massif. There are no supply points along the way, and surefootedness is required. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Cortalets|url=https://refugedescortalets.ffcam.fr/|lat=42.53436454795011|long=2.465036067970792|content=2100 m. 105 places, plus 19 emergency shelter places available outside the season.}} * {{listing|type=go |name=Loop trail to the summit of Pic du Canigou|alt=Canigó|url=https://www.visit-occitanie.com/de/entdecken/top-sehenswuerdigkeiten/massif-du-canigou-katalonien/|lat=42.53692009465181|long=2.4666389025393545|content=This difficult 9.3 km loop (4½ h; ↥ 700+ m) begins 200 m beyond the refuge.}} === Refuge des Cortalets - Gîte-refuge de Batère === ; Distance : 16.8 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 270 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 920 m This stage is also part of the HRP. From the refuge to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Ras del Prat Cabrera|wikidata=Q47170860|lat=|long=}} (1739 m; 4 km), you can choose between a high-level route following the “Tour du Canigou” and a less steep path along the mountainside. From the pass to the Refuge de l'Estanyol (2¾ hr or more) the trail descends gradually, then more steeply. It climbs again briefly to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Cirère|wikidata=Q134299355|lat=|long=}} (1731 m; 4-4¾ hr). From here, you can optionally ascend the Puig Saint-Pierre (1791 m; ↥ 15 min, ↧ 15 min). Descending from the col, you pass abandoned stone quarries and mines (the Mines de la Pinosa are ruins of a former settlement), and reach your destination. Nearby you can explore the 5-day “Tour du Canigou” circuit or visit the historic abbeys of Saint-Martin du Canigou and Saint-Michel-de-Cuxa. * {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Estanyol|wikidata=Q120262655|lat=|long=}} === Gîte-refuge de Batère - Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette === ; Distance : 19.2 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 745 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m Along this long and steady descent, you pass several dolmens. Their significance may be best appreciated by specialists in archaeology. The destination is the Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette, an old mill located in the Ribera Valley. More accommodation and services are available in {{Marker|name=Arles-sur-Tech|wikidata=Q7897|type=city}}, which is connected by bus. At the southern edge of the town, you'll find Camping Riuferrer. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte-refuge de Batère|url=https://www.refugedebatere.fr/|lat=42.50176051942559|long=2.5484428644953847|address=Mines de Batère, 66150 Corsavy|phone=+33 4 68 39 12 01|content=17 dormitory beds, 20 in private rooms. Access via a 20.3-km road from Arles-sur-Tech.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette|wikidata=Q120266421|url=http://gr10-par-etapes.eklablog.com/hebergement-du-moulin-de-la-palette-a126161238|content=Simple eco-gîte in a renovated mill, located in the Ribera valley.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Riuferrer|lat=42.4551506239|long=2.6291899540|url=https://campingriuferrer.com/}} === Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette - Las Illas === ; Distance : 22 km ; Duration : 7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m From the gîte, follow the D536 for 1 km, then turn right uphill toward Montalba (543 m; 1 hr). At the cross, turn sharply right to continue climbing. You reach the ruins of the Mouli Serradou (833 m; 2½ hr). The highest point is the Coll de Sant Martí (1426 m; 4 hr or more). The trail continues through forest along the slope, passing by the Roc de France (also known as Roc de Frausa). {{Marker|name=Las Illas|wikidata=Q16508596|type=city}} has a water point and picnic area in the park. Accommodation is available in a gîte at the town hall and at the Hostal de Trabucayeres. === Las Illas - Col de l'Ouillat === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 6-7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 930 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 540 m The route has been altered several times due to terrain difficulties, so follow the current waymarking. The middle part of the trail runs along the border, just below the ridge. The dominant tree species in this area is the striking Corsican pine (Pinus nigra var. corsicana). A detour to the fortified town of Le Perthus and the Fort de Bellegarde (open May-Sep, 10:30-18:00) offers a cultural break. Note that all shops are on the Spanish side of the border. After about 3 hours, there is an optional detour to the Roman fort Panissas, built on the Via Domitia. Turn off 5 minutes after border marker 565 (2½ hr). The stage ends at {{marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de l'Ouillat|wikidata=Q11914547}} (938 m). === Col de l'Ouillat - Banyuls-sur-Mer === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 7-8¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 680 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1610 m The route stays high near the border ridge. It takes about 1 hour to reach the Pic Néulos. Water is available at the Refuge de la Tagnarède after 1½ hours. From there, the trail leads over several passes: Coll del Faig (985 m), Col de l'Orry, and Col de l'Estaque (1025 m; 2¾ hr). The Pic des Quatre-Termes (1156 m) and Pic de la Cabassère are bypassed to the north. After 4 hours, you reach the Coll del Pal (899 m). From there, continue right toward the Col des Gascons (6¼ hr or more). The final descent to the Col de Llagastèra (285 m) passes partly through vineyards towards {{Marker|name=Banyuls-sur-Mer|wikidata=Q6753|type=city}}. == Go next == * [[Pyrenean High Route]]: Crosses the Pyrenees along the mountain crests, staying higher than both the GR 10 and GR 11. * [[GR 11]] This footpath stays on the Spanish side of the Pyrenees. {{outlineitinerary}} {{Related|France}} {{Related|Pyrenees}} {{PartOfItinerary|Europe itineraries}} 6hy070p8h59kpsgez8ug5qxbmhpyn5u 5086728 5086725 2025-07-02T18:05:16Z Bluecoordinationfine 2327039 Removed a strange sentence here. 5086728 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|GR 10 WV banner.jpg|caption=View from GR 10, near Souriche, looking towards the Tourmalet, valley of Barèges, France}} The '''GR 10''' is one of the paths and trails of the extensive [[Grande Randonnée]] (or GR) network. It crosses [[France]], from the Mediterranean coast to the Atlantic coast, and runs almost entirely through the [[Pyrenees]]. While the trail is in France, much of it is near, or even on, the border with [[Spain]]. The trail can be walked in either direction, though some suggest that the west-east route is easier in the beginning, as it is both cooler and less steep that the corresponding start heading west; this may be an advantage to those not fully in shape. == Understand == [[File:Lac d'Oo (22).jpg|thumb|Lac d'Oo]] Moving from east to west, the trail begins at the Mediterranean, in the small town of [[Banyuls sur Mer]], and finishes at [[Hendaye]] on the Atlantic Ocean. Hikers will usually be able to make it to a [[France#Guesthouses and holiday rentals|gîte]] or small town every other night, and quite frequently every night. Expected time to complete the trail is around 6-7 weeks, though the majority of people only hike sections of it. == Prepare == The trail is fairly well marked with painted marks on rocks, trees, telephone poles, and even houses, walls, and street signs. If you haven’t seen a waymark for 100 metres, you’ve likely strayed off the trail. Retrace your steps to the last marker and check your route. It is not realistic to navigate using the markers alone. A trail guide, at minimum, or a topologic map is required. Sunburn is a particular problem, and clothing such as long sleeved shirts and long pants should be worn as they protect from the sun, scratching branches and insects. Sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat are highly desirable. For those heading west from Banyuls sur Mer, the hike to the first gîte is particularly long compared to the following days, and should be started very early. === Equipment === One of the advantages of the GR 10 is that it can be hiked with minimal gear, as one can eat dinner and breakfast almost every day at the gîtes. Additionally the hiker can sleep outdoors on clear nights and pay for a bed in a gîte in inclement weather. On nights that only shelters (which usually have no food or staff) are available, pre-purchased food can be eaten. If one plans to eat at gîtes and buy food from supermarkets that can be eaten without cooking, the absolute minimal gear in the summer months is: * Sleeping bag or sleep sheet, and a mat for comfort. * Goretex jacket and fleece or similar for cold or wet weather * Long-sleeved shirt and pants * Short-sleeved shirt and shorts (including shorts you can wear for swimming) * Sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat * Adequate footwear. Anything less than hiking boots may prove insufficient. * Bottles for at least two litres of water, and a purification method for treating water from streams. * Toiletries and a [[Travel health kit|medical kit]] Additionally, consider a rain jacket or fleece top for wet or cold weather. If you plan to forgo the comforts and delicious food of the gites and hotels, also bring: * Tent * Cooking gear and food A note on footwear: some four fifths of the hikers wear full hiking boots and thick socks. While running sneakers may suffice (and Choco-style sandals may work for a few days), your risk of injury is higher, and much of the trail involves hopping around on possibly wet and sharp rocks. Choose conservatively, depending on the length of your hike and your experience. ==Get in== == Walk == {{Mapframe|lat=42.68287|long=0.56837|width=full|height=360|zoom=7}} {{mapshape|type=geoline|stroke=#000000|stroke-width=3}} === Hendaye-Plage - Olhette === ; Distance : 21.9 km ; Duration : 6-7¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1010 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 950 m Intermarché sells gas cartridges. Near the western trailhead a {{marker|type=buy|name=Decathlon|lat=43.36843635018845|long=-1.7798332063655435}} store geared towards watersports is available for last minute purchases, such as gas cannisters. The hike starts from the 3 km long {{marker|type=see|name=Hendaye Beach|wikidata=Q20947149}}. This is below the old casino, now known as Résidence Croisière. Nearby is the Tourist Office. Buses run from the main train station, or you can walk from {{marker|type=go|name=Gare Deux Jumeaux|wikidata=Q2802667}}. Leaving town, the route goes around the football stadium and climbs via Rue Errondenia and Rue de Pausoa, passing by {{Marker|type=city|name=Biriatou|wikidata=Q196871}}, which conveniently has public toilets available. After about 3 hr you reach the summit of {{marker|type=see|name=Xoldokogaina|wikidata=Q20492776}}. The high point is at Mandale on the Spanish border, with an altitude of {{m|530}}. From here, the path descends past {{Marker|type=see|name=Redoute de la Baïonette|lat=43.309257665|long=-1.70329930013}}, a fortification near Mandale, located by modern border marker 9, to the Col d'Ibardin, a journey of 4¼ hours. The col is a popular spot for French shoppers due to cheap alcohol and tobacco. The trail continues via Col des Poiriers and Col des Joncs before reaching {{Marker|type=city|name=Olhette|lat=43.3360119885|long=-1.6661235970}}. === Olhette - Ainhoa === ; Distance : 21.1 km ; Duration : 6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 730 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 640 m The steepest climb comes right at the beginning. For most of the route, you'll be on forest trails and, after Sare, quiet paved country roads. The trail initially ascends on a good path to the Col des Trois Fontaines, a journey of 1½ hours. A shelter is located 300 m from the col. The path then descends to the Col de St-Ignace, where the valley station of the cog railway to La Rhune is found. It continues to {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Sare]]|wikidata=Q274155}}, bringing the total walking time to 2¾ hours. Sare is a local transport hub, an outdoor swimming pool is available, and it is listed as one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. The stage ends in {{Marker|type=city|name=Ainhoa|wikidata=Q212962}}, which is also one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. From Col des Trois Fontaines you can ascend La Rhune, which has an altitude of {{m|905}}. The ascent can be made either by cog railway, a trip that takes 35 minutes, or on foot. The walk is a 3 km journey that takes 1¼ hours and involves an ascent and descent of 300 m. The prehistoric {{Marker|type=see|name=Grottes de Sare|wikidata=Q3117280}} can be visited with prior reservation made through the local municipality or online. These caves are closed annually for one month following Epiphany. This stage is part of the [[European long-distance path E9|European long-distance trail E9]]. === Ainhoa - Bidarray === ; Distance : 21.7 km ; Duration : 8½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 880 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 850 m This is a difficult stage, with little shade at the start and a particularly steep, rocky descent near the end. After about 40 minutes, you will reach the old cemetery at an altitude of {{m|389}}. It is located beside the {{Marker|type=see|name=Chapelle Notre Dame de l'Aubépine|wikidata=Q12253854}}. You can also find traditional Basque hilarri gravestones here. The path then continues over the Col des Trois-Croix, reaching an altitude of {{m|510}} after about 1 hour and 20 minutes from the start. Ferme Esteben is a good place to rest. You will reach this gîte d'étape with a bar-restaurant after about 2 hours and 50 minutes, at an altitude of {{m|580}}. The trail continues near the border, past Boundary Stone 77, partly on a paved road. At Col des Veaux, at an altitude of {{m|550}}, you can take a 300-m detour into Spain to visit a venta, which is a small inn or shop. From here, the trail climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Méhatche|lat=43.272782275749094|long=-1.4166930371188398}}, which is at an altitude of {{m|716}} and takes about 3¾ hours to reach. The descent past Boundary Stones 82 and 83 is secured with cables. From Col de Méhatche, you can ascend Artzamendi, which has a summit at {{m|926}} and is easily identified by the radar dome on top. The nearby {{Marker|type=see|name=Grotte le Saint-que-Sue|alt=Harpeko Saindua|lat=43.26526266671622|long=-1.3890420732224757}} can also be visited. Just before reaching {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Bidarray]]|wikidata=Q746221}}, a bypass trail offers a shortcut to the next stage. This route is also ideal for peak baggers, as it gives access to several summits. These include Errebi, located between the chapel and Col des Trois-Croix, and Atxulegi, which requires a 15-minute detour on the way to Col des Trois-Croix. When the weather is good, you can also access Mont Bizkayluze at {{m|701}} and Gorospil at {{m|691}}. === Bidarray - Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry === ; Distance : 18.5 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1250 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1250 m This southward stage is demanding, especially due to the complete lack of water sources along the ascent. After passing the Iparla Ridge at an altitude of {{m|950}}, the trail reaches over 1000 m for the first time on the way to the summit. It then continues along the ridge to the Pic de Tutulia before descending to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Harrieta|lat=43.21079140547837|long=-1.384120195860639}}. This point is reached after 3¾ hours and sits at an altitude of {{m|808}}. From the Col d'Harrieta, a side trail descends to Urdos in a walk of 1¾ hours, from where it is possible to follow the road into Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry. The main trail continues across the Buztanzelhay summit, which is reached in 4¾ hours at an altitude of {{m|1029}}. The trail then leads down to the col of the same name at {{m|843}}. Here, the GR-10 turns left and descends steeply. The path crosses the D949 road several times; this road leads from the village to the ventas on the Spanish border at the Col d'Ispéguy. You can also reach this col via the ridge, a distance of 1½ km from Col Buztanzelhay. If you want to skip entering {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry]]|wikidata=Q279252}}, a village situated at {{m|162}}, you can join the next stage earlier at the Nive des Aldudes. This location can be reached in 6½ hours and is at an altitude of {{m|162}}. In the village park, there is a picnic area, and a supermarket stocks gas cartridges. Locals play Rebot, a type of pelota, on two courts. The Château d'Etxauz is not open to the public. The village hosts a traditional folklore festival known as Nafarroaren Eguna on the last Sunday in April. The Nive des Aldudes valley occasionally experiences flooding and mudslides. === Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry - Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port === ; Distance : 19.2 km ; Duration : 5-7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 990 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 980 m This stage runs mostly on gravel paths and farm tracks. About an hour into the walk, there is an optional detour at Col d'Aharza for a 35-minute climb to Oylarandoy, where a hermitage built in 1706 stands. The GR-10 heads south to the Col d'Aharza, which is at an altitude of {{m|734}} and reached in two hours. A water source is available at the col. The trail then turns east and circles around {{Marker|type=see|name=Munhoa|wikidata=Q3327853}}. This summit is at {{m|1023}} and is reached after a total of 3½ hours. The climb is fully exposed to the sun. The descent begins on the right-hand side. {{Marker|name=[[Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port]]|wikidata=Q270294|type=city}} lies at an altitude of {{m|170}} and is where three of the four French pilgrimage routes converge before entering Spain. From here, it is possible to continue directly onto the Camino de Santiago towards Roncesvalles. === Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port - Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta === ; Distance : 16.2 km ; Duration : 5-5½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 870 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 420 m There are no supply points or public transport on this stage, but the walking is relatively easy. In the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Çaro|wikidata=Q842635}}, at an altitude of {{m|242}}, there is a public fountain next to the town hall. If you choose to end the day early after 3¾ hours in {{Marker|type=city|name=Estérençuby|wikidata=Q842724}}, be aware that this adds an extra 400 m of ascent to the next day's stage. The village lies at an altitude of {{m|231}} and offers two accommodation options. === Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta - Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty === ; Distance : 20.7 km ; Duration : 6¾-8 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1410 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m This stage is simple but offers little shade. The trail first climbs toward the Col on Ithurramburu, which is at an altitude of {{m|820}}. It then continues ascending to just below {{Marker|type=see|name=Occabe|alt=Okabe|wikidata=Q17417892}} at {{m|1456}}. On the Occabe plateau, 26 Neolithic stone circles have been found. Known as ''harrespil'' in Basque, they are believed to have been used for cremation rites. A good rest stop, reached after 4¾ hours, is the upscale {{Marker|type=eat|name=Restaurant Chalet Pedro|url=https://www.chaletpedro.com/|lat=43.03687624625582|long=-1.0746838225620772}}. The associated lodge offers 10 beds. Across the stream at Le Kayolar, similar accommodation is available. From here, the trail turns sharply right after 100 m and continues uphill for another 6-7 km to the stage destination, a final ascent of 300 m. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta|url=http://kaskoleta.free.fr/|lat=43.092036845886255|long=-1.1646582066722122|content=Altitude 615 m. Offers 13 beds in 3 rooms plus a holiday apartment for 4. A scenic viewpoint with an information panel is 5 minutes away.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=L'aire Naturelle de Camping|lat=43.037460332099656|long=-1.0494175120345806|content=Natural campground with 50 pitches, located 3 km before the Chalets by the stream. Open June-October. Fresh bread available by reservation from 08:30.}} === Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty - Logibar === ; Distance : 16.4 km ; Duration : 5-6 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 440 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1380 m In bad weather, the route along the west side of the {{Marker|type=see|name=Pic des Escaliers|wikidata=Q31645205}}, which has an altitude of {{m|1423}}, is not recommended. There are two alternative routes, but both are poorly marked. At the Ugatzé Ridge, the trail skirts the peak rather than summiting it. To avoid the steep descent from Pic des Escaliers, stay on the road for about 600 m after the start, then turn off after 2½ km to reach Col Ugatzé. A short side trip allows you to summit Arthanolatzégagnia, which requires an additional 35 minutes for the ascent and descent. For several hours, trail markings are sparse. After some time following mule tracks, you'll reach a road crossing at Beloscare, which is at an altitude of {{m|1173}} and is reached after three hours. Logibar marks the end of the stage, but you can also continue 2 km further to {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Larrau]]|wikidata=Q608335}}, which offers three accommodation options and a campground. In bad weather, an easier alternative is to follow the paved road from Iraty directly to Larrau for a gentler descent. === Logibar - Sainte-Engrâce (Senta) === ; Distance : 26.3 km ; Duration : 7½-9¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200-1420 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 900-1170 m This stage leads through spectacular gorges. Follow signs to the Gorges d'Holzarté and ascend the trail to the 70 m long suspension bridge, a walk of 50 minutes. The bridge spans the dramatic Ruisseau de Olhadubi gorge 150 m above the ground. On the far side, the trail continues uphill. After two hours, you reach the Olhadubi stream, which is a possible spot for a refreshing dip. Nearby is the Cabane Cayolar d'Olhadubi, reached via a side path from the bridge. It serves as an emergency shelter with space for 4-5 people. Continuing uphill, you'll reach the Abarrakia farm after just over three hours. The path then winds between farms, eventually reaching the point where the GR-10 turns sharply to the right, a journey of 4½ hours from the start. The original GR-10 route bypassed the gorges entirely by heading up to the Plateau d'Adarkhotia after the Holzarté bridge. This shortcut saves 2.7 km, takes 1¼ hours, and avoids 150 m of elevation gain. After about five hours, you'll reach the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Anhaou|alt=Col de Bious|lat=42.9784|long=-0.88044}} at an altitude of {{m|1383}}. From here, energetic hikers can summit nearby peaks such as Izeyto at {{m|1464}} or Sarimendi at {{m|1484}}. The stage ends at {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Sainte-Engrâce]]|wikidata=Q197211}}. Sainte-Engrâce is home to a Romanesque church from the 11th century. From the village, a 9-km side trip with an ascent of 840 m and descent of 135 m takes you to the vast La Verna cave, which has guided tours. A detour south from the restaurant leads into the wild and romantic Gorges de Kakuetta. The trail is very steep and slippery, and entry tickets are sold at the restaurant. === Sainte-Engrâce (Senta) - Refuge Jeandel === ; Distance : 11.6 km ; Duration : 4¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 160 m The trail climbs steadily from Sainte-Engrâce into the limestone highlands of the Pierre-Saint-Martin massif, marking the transition into more alpine terrain. You ascend to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Pierre-St-Martin|wikidata=Q1107451}} at an altitude of {{m|1760}}, which marks the border with Spain. Since 1373, the Tributo de las Tres Vacas, a cross-border tribute of three cows, has been held here every July 13 to settle grazing rights between the two valleys. A small shop at the parking area sells goat cheese. A ski area lies just over the border on the Spanish side. There is also a small shelter near Boundary Marker 62. An optional 15-minute detour leads to the summit of Soum de Lèche, which has an altitude of {{m|1839}}. The Grotte de la Verna, a massive cave chamber accessible by pre-booked guided tour, lies 1 km off the main trail. From the pass, descend to the first switchback, then turn right off the main track. The trail passes under two chairlifts and continues along the northern flank of the Pic d'Arlas. When you spot three large concrete water tanks, descend to the staffed mountain hut at Refuge Jeandel. The ski resort village of {{Marker|name=La Pierre Saint-Martin|wikidata=Q3211628|type=city}} is about 15 minutes off the trail and offers additional services. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge Jeandel|address=La Pierre Saint Martin, 64570 Arette|url=https://www.refugejeandel.com/|lat=42.97829371796861|long=-0.7493627209784663|content=Altitude 1670 m. Dormitory accommodation from €18; half-board from €42.50. Staffed in summer.}} === Refuge Jeandel - Lescun === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 5½-6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1200 m This is a challenging stage, but the scenery is magnificent. Several rocky mountain paths are equipped with cables for safety. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Pas de l'Osque|lat=42.9702182168491|long=-0.7089944097203539}} at an altitude of {{m|1922}}, which requires a head for heights. The trail continues to the Pas d'Azuns at {{m|1873}}, reached in about 2¾ hours. A good first rest stop with water is the spring near the Cabane du Cap de la Baitch, located at {{m|1689}} and reached after about 3 hours. In wet weather, descending to {{Marker|type=city|name=Lescun|wikidata=Q179737}} at an altitude of {{m|895}} via the road is recommended, as the GR-10 becomes muddy and difficult to navigate. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Centre de l'Abérouat|url=http://aberouat.fr/|lat=42.95041471194407|long=-0.6658390953581508|content=Staffed hut with a bar. Offers 20 rooms (2-5 beds each). Free tent camping nearby (bathrooms in the hut available for a fee). Best suited for groups; solo walkers must book in advance.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Maison de la Montagne|lat=42.934247039|long=-0.63524507931|address=1 ruelle de la Congasse, 64490 Lescun|phone=+33 6 88 06 95 29|url=https://www.maisondelamontagne64.com/|content=Comfortable accommodation for hikers in the centre of Lescun.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping - Gîte du Lauzart|address=Bordé de Mougnague, 64490 Lescun|phone=+33 5 59 34 51 77|url=https://www.camping-gite-lescun-pyrenees.com/|lat=42.92782183157741|long=-0.6421994110320027|content=Along the D340. About 20 minutes into the next stage. Open April-September. Campsite €14 + €4 per adult. 25 dorm beds available for €16; half board €42.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Tourist Office for the Vallée |lat=42.9990368924|long=-0.60057615194|url=https://www.pyrenees-bearnaises.com/explorer/nature/|phone=+33 5 59 34 57 57|content=Located in Bedous. Provides information on the surrounding region.}} === Lescun - Etsaut === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 5½-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 850 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1150 m The trail begins easily through pastoral countryside, then enters forested terrain, passing the [https://www.gite-camping-lhers.com/ Gîte d'étape and campsite on the Plateau de Lhers] (2 hr), and climbing to the Col de Barrancq (1601 m; 3¾ hr). From the Col de Barrancq, a side trip leads to the summit of Pic de Labigouer (2175 m), which takes just under 3 hours round-trip. Lower down in the Parc d'Orce, within the commune of {{Marker|type=city|name=Borçe|wikidata=Q840474}} (5¾ hr), lives the majority of the region's ~50 brown bears. The Gîte le Communal offers accommodation here. The stage ends in {{listing|type=city|name=Etsaut|wikidata=Q765829|content=Altitude 597 m. Located on the N-134 and served by the Canfranc-Oloron-Saint-Marie bus line. The former train station now houses the Pyrenees National Park visitor center. Accommodation available in the Gîte d'étape la Garbure behind the church (53 beds).}} Just outside Etsaut, the {{Marker|type=see|name=Fort du Portalet|wikidata=Q3078387}} clings dramatically to the cliffs in two tiers, spanning a height difference of 150 m. * {{listing|type=see|name=Refuge animalier à Borce|url=https://parc-ours.fr/|lat=42.9045174060618|long=-0.5745664608466107|content=open 10:00-18:00; admission €12. It functions as an educational wildlife refuge}} === Etsaut - Gabas === ; Distance : 24 km ; Duration : 9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1640 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1210 m The trail begins with the dramatic Chemin de la Mâture, a path carved into the rock face. It is not passable in icy or snowy conditions. You reach Grange Perry (1210 m) after 2 hours. A quarter of an hour later, at a junction, keep left. After 3½ hours, you arrive at the Cabane de la Baight de St-Cours (1560 m; shepherds only, June-September), located at the border. About 4 hours in, you cross a stream on a bridge. This is the last water source before the high pass. The highest point of the stage is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Ayous|wikidata=Q2981981}} (2185 m; 5½ hr or more). On its eastern slope lie the Ayous Lakes, including the scenic Refuge d'Ayous. It's an ideal place to break this long stage. The Col d'Ayous also marks a transition point between valleys: from the Chemin de la Mâture and Baigt de Sencours in the Aspe Valley to Bious-Artigues (1540 m) in the Ossau Valley, where pony rides and canoe rentals are available on the eastern shore. The lake is 6½ km from the pass (↧ 764 m). From the pass, you can also summit Pic d'Ayous (add 30 min up and down), or detour 6 km to Lac Bersau — a longer alternative via the Vallon d'Aas is 9 km. From the lake, descend on the D231 road, which includes switchbacks that can be shortcut. (Note: Refuge de Gabas is permanently closed.) The stage ends in {{Marker|name=Gabas|wikidata=Q5515276|type=city}}, which offers two accommodations and a bar, but no grocery store. Located on bus route 806/806bis from Col de Portalet via Gabas to Laruns (15 km). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Ayous|url=https://www.refuge-ayous.fr/en-gb|lat=42.84844763797708|long=-0.4911758258903634|10 minutes off the GR10 near Lac Gentau (6½ hr). This refuge offers 47 beds and tent spaces and is open from mid-May to the first week of October.}} === Gabas - Gourette === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9-10 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1150 m This is a long and difficult stage, not suitable for children. The Corniche des Alhas section requires a head for heights. Snow may linger into summer, making it hard to follow the waymarks. Water is scarce during the first four hours. The trail follows the D934 road to the Artouste dam, then climbs through forest paths (1¼ hr). Some parts pass through cliff-side ledges carved into the rock — the Corniche des Alhas — which have fixed cables for safety. An easier alternative bypasses the Corniche via the Pont du Goua and the Gave de Soussouéou. After 1¾ hr, you reach a bridge near the Gave de Soussouéou waterfalls (1145 m). From here, a steep trail leads up to Houn de Mouscabarous (1361 m; 2¾ hr), continuing uphill to Petite Arcizette (2293 m). Snow may persist at these elevations until July. After 6½-7 hr, you arrive at the Hourquette d'Arre (2465 m). Important: The path shown on some maps to the Géougue d'Arre (2619 m) is a mountaineering route, not a hiking trail. An alternative route avoids the Hourquette d'Arre altogether: from the Cabane de Cézy, follow the red-and-white GR10 then switch to the red/yellow-marked GRP Tour de la Vallée d'Ossau, over the Col de Lurdé to Eaux-Bonnes (overnight possible) and Gourette (also served by Bus 806). The GR10 does not go directly to Lac d'Uzious, but instead heads roughly north-northeast across a plateau, before turning east to descend. After about 8 hours, you reach Lac d'Anglas (2068 m), from where the trail continues along the outflow, then branches off to the right. After over 9 hours, you arrive in the ski resort of {{Marker|type=city|name=Gourette|wikidata=Q1540224|url=https://www.gourette.com/en/}} (1350 m). Ski resort with two supermarkets; gas cartridges available at Intersport. Mostly closed outside the main season. Served in-season by Bus 806 (twice daily) from Parking Gourette Nord to Eaux-Bonnes, Laruns, and Pau. If needed, you can exit the trail early at the upper parking area (which has a bus stop) and start the next stage from there. * {{listing|type=sleep|lat=42.9595015138|long=-0.333960997149|name=Chalet-refuge CAF|phone=+33 5 59 05 10 56|url=https://chaletdegourette.ffcam.fr/|content=Mountain refuge with 32 beds in 4 dorms. €16.50/night (€8.25 for Alpine Club members) + €0.90 tourist tax.}} === Gourette - Arrens-Marsous === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m This is a relatively easy stage that crosses two mountain passes: the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Tortes|lat=42.959773462638644|long=-0.3187601158279607}} (1799 m; 1¾ hr), and later, after crossing the D918 (popular with cyclists but too busy to follow safely), the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Saucède|lat=42.95972945620746|long=-0.31869998400517197}} (1525 m; 3 hr 20 min). Ten minutes after descending from this second pass, you'll reach a restaurant and gîte de séjour at the Col de Soulor on the D918 road. From Col de Saucède, hikers can also make a short detour to summit the Pointe de Surgatte (1805 m; 90-100 minutes round trip). Near the Pont de Lapadé, you can either cross the Gave d'Arrens or continue down into the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Arrens-Marsous|wikidata=Q1110649}}. Features tourist information and public toilets at the Maison Val d'Azun (Tel. +33 5 62 97 49 49). The village also has an outdoor swimming pool. A hiking festival, [https://www.eldorando.fr/ Eldorado], is held every two years for four days in late May. Call +33 800 65 65 00 by 17:00 the day before for weekday on-demand shuttle service to Lourdes. Points of interest include the Romanesque Saint-Pierre Church (parts dating to 1200) and the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Pouey-Laün, a pilgrimage chapel located 600 m south along the D105. The area is part of both the Natura 2000 conservation network (Gabizos and the Arrens Valley) and the core zone of the Pyrenees National Park. For a longer option, you can extend this stage to Gîte les Viellettes (2¼ h further), making a total of 20.5 km (8½ hr; ↥ 1250 m, ↧ 1530 m). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=GCU Campground|address=26 Rue des Paus, 65400 Arrens-Marsous|lat=42.9573380888|long=-0.213247116377|phone=+33 5 62 97 43 06|url=https://www.gcu.asso.fr/terrains/arrens-marsous-hautes-pyrénées-65|content=Simple tent campground on the edge of town.}} === Arrens-Marsous - Refuge d'Ilhéou === ; Distance : 20 km ; Duration : 6¾-7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 500 m From Arrens-Marsous (3½ km from the previous endpoint), you can follow the official GR10 or the more scenic GR de Pays Tour du Val d'Azun. The latter is slightly shorter but includes more climbs. Both routes rejoin shortly before the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape les Viellettes|lat=42.9219519144924|long=-0.1818867608457627}} (2¼ h; 15 beds). About 700 m further on is the simple tent site La Pose (open May-September). The official GR10 route passes through {{Marker|type=city|name=Estaing|wikidata=Q589628}}, a commune that includes three Natura 2000 protected areas: “Gaves de Pau et de Cauterets,” “Moun Né de Cauterets, Pic de Cabaliros,” and “Péguère, Barbat, Cambalès.” From here, the trail enters the core zone of the Pyrenees National Park. You ascend toward Lac d'Estaing. Just before the lake is a guesthouse open Thursday-Sunday, 09:00-17:00 (summer only). On the far shore is another restaurant (open 10:00-18:00) and Camping Intercommunal. Brave hikers may try a swim in the cold waters. The trail now climbs steeply through forest to the Cabane d'Arriousec (1400 m; 4 hr). Another hour uphill takes you past the Cabanes de Barbat (left of the path), then a final climb brings you to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Ilhéou|wikidata=Q2981991}} (2242 m; 6 hr or more). Just 5 minutes below the pass, you can turn left to reach the Crête du Lys, where the Courbet cable car operates in July and August. This offers access to the ski resort Cauterets-Le Lys (with a summer luge track) or direct descent into the town of Cauterets. On foot, descend to the stream near the Cabanes d'Arras (6½-7 hr). Turn right there and cross two more streams. The path then descends to Lac d'Ilhéou. At the lake's northern shore is the staffed Refuge d'Ilhéou. A designated bivouac area (aire de bivouac) is located about 10 minutes further south along the lake. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Ilhéou (Refuge Raymond-Ritter)|url=https://www.refuge-ilheou.csvss.fr/en/home|phone=+33 5 62 92 07 18|lat=42.86604614112533|long=-0.17358356545105466|content=Altitude 1988 m. 22 beds. Open from late May to late September.}} === Refuge d'Ilhéou - Cauterets === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 2½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 75 ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m This is a leisurely downhill walk that brings you gently back to civilization in {{Marker|type=city|name=Cauterets|url=https://www.cauterets.com/en/?to_lang=en|wikidata=Q366962}}. Scenic spa town with plenty of amenities, including a historic wooden railway station (now closed), a cinema, casino, and more. The tourist office is open M-Sa from 09:00-12:30 and 14:00-18:00. A special Office de la Montagne - Terre d'Alpinisme opens during the summer season. Cauterets flourished during the late 19th and early 20th centuries thanks to its thermal springs. The municipality operates two spas: Thermes de César in the village center and Thermes des Griffons in nearby La Raillère. Accommodation options include three gîtes d'étape and Camping la Prairie. Local buses run every 30 minutes from June to October. Regional connections are available to Lourdes, Luz-Saint-Sauveur, and Gavarnie. A shuttle to Pont d'Espagne departs four times daily from the old train station. The 30 km former railway line from Pierrefitte to Cauterets has been converted into a multi-use bike and hiking path. === Cauterets - Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 100 m This is a demanding stage. From Cauterets, take the path behind the Thermes de César and head south. After 1¼ hr you reach the hamlet of La Raillère (1044 m), where there are restaurants and a sulfur spa. Cross the bridge and continue up into the Val de Jéret, passing several waterfalls. The trail leads to the Hôtellerie du Pont d'Espagne (3 hr). From there, descend briefly along the road before turning right and ascending into the valley toward Lac de Gaube (1725 m, 4 hr). The path crosses the stream three times via bridges as you continue toward the refuge. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube|wikidata=Q109042828}} === Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube - Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400 m About 50 m from the refuge, the trail begins a steady one-hour climb over rocky terrain. At a fork (65 min), stay right and continue ascending. The {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Hourquette d'Ossoue|wikidata=Q3141336}} (2734 m) marks the highest point on the entire GR10. Even in mid-summer, snow often lingers here. After 20 minutes of descent, you reach the Refuge Baysselance. '''Ascending Vignemale from here via the Glacier d'Ossoue is only for experienced mountaineers.''' From the pass, the route heads southeast, passing the Grottes de Bellevue (2420 m; 3 hr), artificial caves carved in 1880 by the explorer Henry Russell. The trail descends steeply to a stream, then follows it into a boulder field fed by glacial melt from the Glacier d'Ossoue. The descent into the valley involves frequent climbs around cliffs and waterfalls. You enter the Vallée de la Canau (5 hr or more) and pass the Cabane de Sausse-Dessus. The next hour includes more ups and downs until you reach the Cabane des Tousaus (6¾ hr or more). From there, cross a final ridge to reach the D923 road and descend to the stage endpoint, Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle. If you need more accommodation or supplies, continue to the main village of {{Marker|name=Gavarnie|wikidata=Q917894|type=city}}. From Gavarnie, you can take a day trip (or a bus from Luz-Saint-Sauveur) into the famed Cirque de Gavarnie. It's also possible to ascend Le Taillon (3146 m) from here for experienced climbers. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge Baysselance|url=https://refugebayssellance.ffcam.fr/|wikidata=Q3423105|content=(2651 m), which offers 58 beds and is staffed from mid-May to mid-October}} === Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle - Luz-Saint-Sauveur === ; Distance : 26 km ; Duration : 8-9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 700-900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1500-1660 m Starting from Gavarnie village (via the D128 road) instead of the refuge shortens the route by 3 km (approx. 1 hr). The trail first leads to the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape le Saugué|url=https://www.gite-gavarnie-pyrenees.com/|lat=42.76864577103755|long=-0.005915232017950625}}, located on the Plateau Soula de Saugue (1¾ hr). This is a good option to break up the stage — the gîte has 21 beds and is open May to October. The route winds northward, passing the Soum Haut (3¾ h), then descends gradually along the western slope of the Gavarnie Valley. After 5¾-6 hr, you reach the D921 road. Cross the Gave de Gavarnie via the Pont d'Esdouroucats and ascend again to a path above the highway. From the south, you enter {{Marker|type=city|name=Luz-Saint-Sauveur|wikidata=Q35721506|url=https://www.luz.org/en/}} via the Pont Napoléon (755 m; 7½ hr), a dramatic bridge across the gorge. Well-equipped mountain town. The town has several historic churches, as well as a campsite with a grocery store. The Prime Meridian passes about 100 m east of the center. Numerous lodgings, 6 campgrounds, 2 supermarkets, and Intersport (gas cartridges). Bus 965 connects to Cauterets, Lourdes, and Tarbes. Bus to Barèges also available. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Saint Bazerque|address=Sia|phone=+33 5 62 92 49 93|url=https://campingsaintbazerque.eatbu.com/?lang=de|lat=42.83178828384746|long=0.0015462182938111647|content=Campground with grocery shop (mountain cheese), bar, and caravan spaces. Open 08:00-17:00.}} === Luz-Saint-Sauveur - Barèges === ; Distance : 12 km ; Duration : 4½-5 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m To extend this stage, continue to Refuge d'Aygues Cluses for a total of 19 km (7½ hr; ↥ 1560 m, ↧ 140 m). Though short, this stage begins with a relatively long and steep ascent. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Ruisseau de Bolou|lat=42.858690489195055|long=0.06773411839157908}} (1460 m). On the descent, hikers can stop for refreshments at the [https://refugedelaglere.ffcam.fr/ Refuge de la Glère]. This stage ends at {{Marker|type=city|name=Barèges|wikidata=Q632058|url=https://www.mairie-bareges.fr/en/}}. Composed of the hamlets of Artigalas and Cazaous, Barèges serves as a spa and mountain village. The local river, the Bastan, is called the gave. Note: the Jardin botanique du Tourmalet and the 1930s funicular are now closed. The town's website includes an accommodation and restaurant directory * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape l'Oasis|lat=42.897422977|long=0.067278671719|address=2 Passage des Toys|phone=+33 5 62 92 69 47|url=https://www.gite-oasis.fr/|content=Open June-September, and also December-April during ski season (Barèges is part of the Domaine du Tourmalet ski area).}} === Barèges - Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : route-dependent 7¾-9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m The trail begins by climbing above the road toward the ski station at Tournaboup (1 hr). It then veers south and ascends steadily. Good stopping points include the Cabane d'Aygues and, 10 km further on, the Chalet-Hôtel d'Orédon. This stage enters the Néouvielle Nature Reserve, where dogs and wild camping are strictly forbidden. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Madamète|wikidata=Q102076283}} (2509 m). From there, the path descends between alpine lakes: {{Marker|type=see|name=Lac d'Aumar|wikidata=Q3215322}} and Lac d'Aubert (5¾ h, 2190 m). A shuttle bus runs up to this point in high season, and there's an info panel at the end of the access road. Here, the trail splits into two variants: * Variant 1: continues along Lac d'Aumar * Variant 2: detours south to the tip of Lac d'Aubert, then along the northern shore of Les Laguettes and Lac d'Orédon (6¾ h, 1856 m; camping and hotel at the south end) Both variants rejoin at the Cap d'Estoudou pass (2260 m), followed by a steep descent. A short detour from the pass allows for an ascent of Soump de Montpelat (↥ 214 m). The path continues steeply downhill to Lac de l'Oule (1821 m; 7¾ hr or more). From here, head right to reach Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Cabane d'Aygues|url=https://refugeayguescluses.wordpress.com/|lat=42.87577795732996|long=0.15008320916912823}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Chalet-Hôtel d'Orédon|url=https://www.chalet-oredon.fr/|lat=42.82616251586139|long=0.1692328508499207|content=open June 1 - Sept 30; 88 beds}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule|url=https://refugedeloule.fr/|lat=42.824769697482445|long=0.20752501478344024|content=Altitude 1819 m. Located at the dam wall. Open mid-June to mid-September. 20 beds and a bar.}} === Refuge-Hôtel de l'Oule - Vielle-Aure === ; Distance : 17-18 km ; Duration : 5-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 460 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400-1500 m From the refuge, the route follows the western shore of Lac de l'Oule. GR10C variant: After 1½ hr, there is a signed detour to the [http://refugedebastan.fr/ Cabane de Bastan]. The main trail turns directly east and climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Portet|wikidata=Q42178369}} (2215 m; 2¾ hr). From here, it continues eastward, descending gently to the Pla de Castillon, then more steeply down to the D918 road (4½ hr or more) and onward to the stage endpoint {{Marker|type=city|name=Vielle-Aure|wikidata=Q1323900|url=https://vielleaure.com/}}, an historic village with two Romanesque churches: Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Pierre (in the Agos neighbourhood), both dating to the 12th century. Bus connections to Saint-Lary-Soulan and Lannemezan (35 km). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Hôtel Aurélia|lat=42.825852030|long=0.32776424175|phone=+33 5 62 39 56 90|url=https://www.hotel-aurelia.com/|content=Simple, hiker-friendly hotel in town.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping La Mousquère|lat=42.8273932992|long=0.33590955638|address=Nougaro, Autun, 65170 Bourisp|url=https://www.campinglamousquere.com/|content=Open May 8 - last weekend of September.}} * There are three more campsites within 2 km north along the river valley. Just 1 km south, the larger and livelier {{Marker|name=Saint-Lary-Soulan|wikidata=Q1323323|type=city}} offers a broader range of shops, accommodations, and services. The tourist information office is at the roundabout in the center; the supermarket is across the street. The wooden bus stop shelter is discreetly located about 50 m away, opposite the modern church on Avenue des Thermes. === Vielle-Aure - Germ === ; Distance : 13 km ; Duration : 4¾-5¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1170 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 630-700 m This is a straightforward, though poorly marked, stage that runs parallel to the D225 up to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Azet|wikidata=Q2981982}} (1600 m). From the pass, the route continues down to [https://www.vallee-du-louron.com/fr Loudenvielle], a village with shops, an outdoor pool, and the Balnéa Spa complex (open 14:00-19:30; €21 for 2 hours). Note: during the [https://www.pyreneesbikefestival.com/ Pyrenees Bike Festival] in early September, the area is overrun with mountain bikers. The final 2-3 km involve a climb of about 220 m up to the hamlet of {{Marker|name=Germ|wikidata=Q1094205|type=city}}. Altitude 1339 m. A small village with 34 year-round residents, but many second homes and guest beds. Two old churches are worth visiting. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Centre de Montagne de Germ|lat=42.793610431|long=0.425057973260|address=D130|phone=+33 5 62 99 65 27|url=https://www.germ-louron.com/|content=Open year-round. 70 beds in a large mountain center.}} * Auberge de Germ, a guesthouse with 11 rooms (33 beds), open year-round. * {{listing|type=see|name=Peyresourde-Balestas Airfield (Aérodrome de Peyragudes)|wikidata=Q5659350|content=Also known as Altiport 007, as a James Bond film was shot here in 1997. The 470 m runway has a 15% gradient and is also used for paragliding.}} === Germ - Lac d'Oô === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 6-7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1060 m This stage and the next are strenuous. They can be divided into thirds with overnight stops at the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Granges d'Astau|lat=42.76352657695474|long=0.5024399621092607}} (open May-Oct; 26 beds) and the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Espingo|url=https://refugedespingo.ffcam.fr/|wikidata=Q104413940}} (1967 m; 44 beds, mid-May-Oct; 15 emergency shelter places off-season). Camping is allowed near the lake. Around the refuge is a “classic” mountaineering loop over the Pic des Spijeoles (3008 m), Grand Quayrat (3060 m), down to Lac du Portillon (2571 m) and the glacial Lac Glacé d'Oô (2664 m). After the initial climb out of Germ, you enter the Val d'Aube. Follow the river on the left-hand side; after 1¾ hr, across the valley (250 m away), lies the Cabane d'Ourtiga (1610 m). The route ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Couret d'Esquierry|lat=42.75523440839548|long=0.4627935235857289}} (2131 m; 3½ hr), where you cross into the Haute-Garonne department. After 4 hr, you reach the Cabane du Val d'Esquierry. From there, follow the D76 road down to the Granges d'Astau and an auberge (1139 m; 5 hr). In July and August, a morning bus runs up from Luchon and returns in the evening. The stage ends at {{Marker|type=see|name=Lac d'Oô|wikidata=Q3215352}}, a scenic 42-hectare lake situated at an altitude of 1,507 m within the Natura 2000 reserve “Vallées du Lis, de la Pique et d'Oô.” Renowned since the 19th century for its spectacular waterfall, the lake is a popular destination for its natural beauty. Due to its protected status, camping, swimming, and dogs are not permitted in the area. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Lac d'Oô|address=|phone=+33 7 84 56 55 88|lat=42.744558752|long=0.490915210685|content=Reached in about 6 hr. By the lake shore at 1504 m.}} === Lac d'Oô - Bagnères-de-Luchon === ; Distance : 19-21 km ; Duration : 7-9¼ h ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000-1130 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1900-2000 m After Refuge d'Espingo, the trail becomes more difficult, with several rocky scree sections. You skirt the northern slopes of Hourquette des Hounts-Secs (2275 m). Optional detour: From here, a 15-minute ascent (each way) leads to Cap de Bassiéret. You continue over the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Coume de Bourg|lat=42.787224318|long=0.51785762473}} (2272 m, 4¾ hr or more), which may retain snow well into the summer. Optional summit detours from the pass: * Pic Céciré, 45 minutes up and down to the north * Subescale, 40 minutes up and down to the south After 5½+ hours, you reach (1802 m) Superbagnères, a summer-only (July-August) mountain hotel serving the ski area. While it offers meals and lodging, prices are high. The massive historic building can also be reached by gondola lift from Luchon, replacing the old cog railway. The {{Marker|type=go|name=Gondola base station in Luchon|lat=42.78789198327501|long=0.5908142174347624}} is located on the western edge of town and operates daily from 08:30 to 18:00 during the summer season. If descending on foot, it is a steep 1200 m drop to reach {{Marker|name=Bagnères-de-Luchon|wikidata=Q238393|type=city}}. This spa town marks the end of the central Pyrenean segment of the GR10. Regular bus services run to Montréjeau, where you can connect by train to Toulouse. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Superbagnères|url=https://www.villagesclubsdusoleil.com/fr/nos-destinations/hiver/sejour-a-la-montagne/superbagneres|wikidata=Q844809}} === Bagnères-de-Luchon - Artigue === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 2½-3 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 50 m From the church in Luchon, head left along the footpath by the L'One river, crossing the road bridge toward Juzet-de-Luchon. As an optional detour, you can visit the {{Marker|name=Cascade Juzet-de-Luchon|wikidata= Q135191106 |type=see}} waterfall. The trail continues via Sode to the day's highest point at the stage destination {{Marker|name=Artigue|wikidata=Q1088729|type=city}}. Altitude 1230 m. A small mountain village with a municipal gîte d'étape, open year-round, offering 12 dormitory beds and evening meals at the on-site restaurant. === Artigue - Fos === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 7½-8½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1100 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1750 m The first half of this stage is a steady climb of over 1000 meters, initially on a gravel track. After 1¼ hours, you reach the Cabane de Saunères (1660 m), a basic mountain shelter. One hour later, you arrive at the Col de Peyrehitte (1947 m). The trail continues along an exposed ridge around the Pic de Bacanère (2193 m; 3 hr or more), passing border markers 402-404. After the Col d'Aou (2093 m; 3½-4 hr), the trail descends gradually across open alpine meadows. At the Cabane d'Artigue (5 hr or more), potable water is available. Below this point, the path winds down gently through a series of switchbacks, eventually crossing a road bridge into {{Marker|name=Fos|wikidata=Q1349025|type=city}}. Altitude 544 m. Small village with weekday bus service to Melles and Saint-Gaudens (railway connections to Pau and Toulouse). Alternative route (former GR10): From the Cabane d'Artigue, you can divert to the Cabane d'Artiguessans, then descend steeply to the Ruisseau de la Batch before climbing back up to rejoin the GR10. This saves about 15 minutes and 70 m of elevation gain. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte de Fos|wikidata=Q3162431|lat=42.873845424|long=0.73442375047|phone=+33 5 61 94 98 59|content=Offers 20 dormitory beds, open year-round.}} === Fos - Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing === ; Distance : 18 km ; Duration : 6½-8 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1700 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m It's a good idea to stock up on supplies in {{Marker|name=Melles|wikidata=Q1616421|type=city}}, which you reach after about 45 minutes. From the old customs house, the trail climbs steeply. Auberge de Crabère offers a comfortable stop. * {{listing|type=see|name=Botanical Garden (À Fleur de Montagne)|wikidata=Q3162431|url=https://mairie-de-melles.wixsite.com/mairie-de-melles/le-jardin-botanique|content=Small but charming community-run garden specializing in Pyrenean alpine flora. Open in summer, 10:00-19:00.}} From Melles, a narrow road leads uphill to the last farmhouse at Labach (2¼ hr). The next 2 hours or more are mostly through forest, climbing steadily. After about 5 hours, you reach the Cabane d'Uls shelter. The path continues uphill to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Pas du Bouc}} (2170 m; 6+ h). Optional summit detour: From here, the {{Marker|type=see|name=Pic de Crabère|wikidata=Q3382364}} (2629 m) can be climbed in about 90 minutes round-trip. Brown bears have been reintroduced to this area. The highest point of the day is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Auéran|lat=42.835385392840536|long=0.860341080714231}} (2176 m), which also marks the border into the Ariège department. From here, it's a quick descent to Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing|url=http://www.refuge-araing.fr/|wikidata=Q3423195|content=Altitude 1956 m. Open June 1 to October 5. 52 beds, plus a 12-bed shelter area available off-season. Advance bookings accepted for groups on the two weekends before/after opening.}} === Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing - Eylie-d'en-Haut === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 3-4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1320 m From the lake and refuge, the trail climbs to the Serre d'Araing (2221 m; 1 hr). Optional detour: Summit of Pic de l'Har (2424 m), approximately 50 minutes round-trip. The descent into the valley follows faintly marked trails to the left of the power lines. Along the way, you'll encounter remnants of former lead mining operations. After about 2¾ hours, you cross a bridge and reach {{Marker|name=Eylie d'en Haut|wikidata=Q134078264|type=city}}, a small hamlet with a 14-bed hut, picnic area, and a basic campsite located by the Lez river. === Eylie-d'en-Haut - Maison du Valier, Pla de la Lau === ; Distance : 17 km ; Duration : 8¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1700 m A strenuous stage with no food or lodging options along the way. The trail starts by crossing the Lez river, then turns sharply left and begins to climb through open terrain. After about 50 minutes, you cross a stream and ascend through forest for just over an hour. In autumn, the woods are full of blueberries—a favourite of the brown bears reintroduced here in the 1990s. At a stone shelter (1660 m; 2½ hr), the trail forks. The GR10 continues to the right, up to the Col de l'Arech (1802 m; 3 hr or more). From there, the path turns left. Optional detours: * South to Tuc de Cagonilles (2196 m; 80 minutes round trip) * From there, to the challenging Mail de Bulard (2750 m; 3 hours round trip) After a short ridge walk, descend to the shepherd's hut Cabane d'Arech (1638 m; 3½ hr). From here, follow the access track down, then branch left down a steep, gorse-covered slope. After 4 hours, you reach a stream. About 40 minutes later, the ruins of Flouquet (1680 m) come into view. Continue to Cabane de Besset (1540 m; 6 hr or more), then ascend again for 45 minutes to Cabane Clot du Lac (1821 m; 7 hr). Passing the huts Cabane du Trapech-du-Milieu (1540 m) and Cabane de l'Artigue, you arrive at Maison du Valier. The Mont Valier massif is a protected area of interest to birdwatchers. It hosts a variety of mountain bird species, including rare birds of prey, bearded vultures, and alpine species such as ptarmigans, black grouse, and capercaillie. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Maison du Valier|lat=42.83084702593266|long=1.032510054490613|url=https://maison-valier.fr/|wikidata=|content=Altitude 927 m, located on the Pla de la Lau. Open March-October. Reception hours 16:00-19:30. 40 beds.}} === Maison du Valier, Pla de la Lau - Esbintz === ; Distance : 18 km ; Duration : 7¼-9¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200-1350 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300-1490 m A demanding stage with significant elevation gain and loss. The trail climbs from Maison du Valier, following the high northern slopes along the ridges of Cap de Lauses (1892 m), Pic de Crabère (1925 m), and the Col d'Auédole (1730 m). After more than 7 hours, you arrive at {{Marker|type=city|lat=42.85332|long=1.14584|name=Esbintz}}. === Esbintz - Refuge d'Aula === ; Distance : 19 km ; Duration : 6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 500 m This and the following stage offer spectacular scenery in good weather. From Esbintz, follow the D817 for the first 2 km to Borde de Galy. From here, you could take a detour to Seix (4 km) by continuing on the D817, then the D37, and turning right onto the D3, where you'll rejoin the GR10 near the Pont du Salat. Continue mostly downhill through the countryside, crossing the Pont du Salat to reach Moulin Lauga (550 m; 2 hr), which has a bakery and picnic area. Alternatively, you can rest 1½ h later at the Auberge des Deux Rivières. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Esbintz|url=https://www.gite-ferme-esbintz.fr/|lat=42.85315143224526|long=1.1459188949749635|content=850 m. Dormitory with 10 beds. Open May-November.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge des Deux Rivières|phone=+33 5 61 66 83 57|url=https://www.aubergedesdeuxrivieres.com/|lat=42.83210657498069|long=1.1982318103146805|content=Open late May to late September}} === Refuge d'Aula - Rouze === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 4½-5 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 700 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m Fit hikers can combine this stage with the previous one from Gîte d'étape d'Aunac (787 m), resulting in a 30 km day with 11¼ hf walking time (↥ 1750, ↧ 1580 m). From Refuge d'Aula, it's a steep but manageable 1½ hr ascent to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Bouche d'Aula|lat=42.77695825493033|long=1.1180083284724134}} (1998 m), then a descent to the Étang d'Areau, 100 m lower. Optional: The Pic des Aymesses (2036 m) can be climbed from the east side of the lake. A farm road leads down to Faup, with shortcuts along the switchbacks, for instance near the Cabane d'Areau. Slightly below the Col de Pause (1527 m; 2¼ hr), there is a parking area. The {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Camp site Rigaux Philippe|lat=42.78997920829053|long=1.178432115744275}} lies just below the hamlet of Faup. From Faup, descend along the D708 toward {{Marker|name=Couflens|wikidata=Q1142090|type=city}}, but before reaching the D3 junction, cross the bridge and climb on the opposite slope to Gîte de Rouze d'Ustou. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte de Rouze d'Ustou|lat=42.789696616|long=1.20592416901|address=Prat de la Moule, Rouze d'Ustou, 09140 Couflens|phone=+33561669545|url=https://www.ferme-de-rouze.fr/|content=16 beds. Cheese from the farm. Open mid-June to mid-September.}} === Rouze - Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou === ; Distance : 8.4 km ; Duration : 3-4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m Follow the stream uphill for about 1¾ hr to reach the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Serre du Cot}} (1546 m). Optional side trips: * To the south, ascend the Pic de la Tese (2255 m; ↥↧ 3 hr or more). * To the north, climb the Tuc de Peyre Mensongère (1711 m; ↥↧ 40 min). From the pass, descend left onto a forest path, passing a few ruined farmhouses. The route eventually reaches the D38 road and leads into {{Marker|type=city|name=Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou|wikidata=Q109571916}}. === Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou - Aulus-les-Bains === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9 hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400 m The hike begins at the southern end of Saint-Lizier. After crossing the pedestrian bridge, the trail climbs southeast to the Col de Fitté (1387 m), a former ski area. From there, it continues along the right side of the slope. One alternative route begins at {{listing|type=city|name=Bidous|lat=42.78257178128407|long=1.2700395937419484}}, following the Alet river south and then climbing steeply for over 2 hours to reach the Col de Fitté, where it rejoins the GR 10. The trail curves around the southwest side of the Picou de la Mire (1741 m) and reaches the Col d'Escots (1618 m) after 3¾ hr. The nearby Chalet de Beauregard restaurant is open from late May to September, 10:00-23:00. Afterwards, the path continues up and down along steep slopes until it reaches the Ruisseau de Fouillet valley (4½ hr). The Jasse du Fouillet crossing (1170 m) is reached after at least 5 h. For a shorter option, follow the yellow-red waymarks of the Tour du Val du Garbet. This leads to the D8F road and directly into Aulus-les-Bains (7 hr from Saint-Lizier). The main route continues toward the plateau of Souliou and the Pic du Mont Rouge (1600 m). A side trip to Étang de Guzet offers a possible bivouac site. The trail then descends toward the Ruisseau d'Ars (1485 m), crosses a bridge, and continues downward. After a second bridge (8½ hr), the path becomes easier. A final bridge, Pont de la Mouline, crosses the Garbet River just before the trail enters {{Marker|type=city|name=Aulus-les-Bains|wikidata=Q1082493|url=https://www.loubet.fr/saint-lizier.html}}, a small spa town with a mini market at the traffic circle near the bridge and a tourist office next door. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte Pyrénées AAA|lat=42.779696032|long=1.2690230044|url=https://giteslareng.net/|address=Lareng, 09140 Ustou|phone=+33967838934|content=14 places in upscale cottages for 2-4 people.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Cascade d'Ars|lat=42.762922493744796|long=1.3615038669340882|content=260 m high waterfalls in multiple tiers, located 4½ km from Aulus. Takes 3-9 hr round-trip to hike to them (↥ 530 m).}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping municipal le Coulédous|lat= 42.7940356892|long=1.3321660893|url=http://www.camping-aulus-couledous.com/|content=Also offers bungalows for 4-7 people. The gîte d'étape is a 12-person tent.}} === Aulus-les-Bains - Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès === ; Distance : 11 km ; Duration : 5 hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m The route climbs out of Aulus-les-Bains to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Port de Saleix|lat=42.78143117676052|long=1.4043285766664242}}, where you'll find the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Refuge de Carol|lat=42.7813|long=1.4146}}. From here, the ascent becomes steeper. The following section to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Port de Bassiès|lat=42.772502271037204|long=1.411691910311851}} is demanding but scenically rewarding. This area lies within the Mont-Calme nature reserve, where camping is prohibited. === Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès - Marc === ; Distance : variable ; Duration : 3½-5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1385 ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1385 This stage and the following one include several alternative routes and shortcuts that can be combined. From the refuge, the GR-10 leads southeast along a slightly rocky trail for just over three kilometers, following the chain of lakes. At the outflow of the last lake, the Étang d'Escalès, the GR-10 bends to the right. Along the stream, there's an opportunity to descend toward the main road and the village of Auzat. Another descent option to the road appears about 2 km further along the GR-10. The main trail makes a sharp turn southward. From the aqueduct (1160 m; 2¼ h4), the route maintains an elevation just below 1200 m for around 4 km, before descending the final 1½ km into the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Marc|lat=42.71687694132801|long=1.449593121067756}}, cutting across the switchbacks of the road. The Gîte Retrouvance de Mouret (12 places) is available for group bookings only. From {{listing|type=city|name=Auzat|wikidata=Q1082539}}, one can rejoin the GR-10 by heading 4 km south to Artiès and climbing back up. This avoids a significant part of the next stage. Alternatively, walking 6 km to Marc allows one to resume the full stage. To skip this stage, it is possible to go from Auzat directly to Goulier via two routes: one through Olbier (4.4 km), the other 6.1 km. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès|url=https://refugedebassies.fr/|content=1933 m. Open late May to September.|lat=42.76509|long=1.413221}} === Marc - Goulier === ; Distance : 24.3 km ; Duration : 6-9 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m From Marc, follow the path to Mounicou. A shelter is located a short way beyond, along the D8. This is where the ascent begins. After a few hundred meters, you can turn right at the {{Marker|type=go |name=Turn right|lat=42.71|long=1.4575}} marker and stay on the west side of Les Caldelets. From the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Orri de Tignalbu|lat=42.69417|long=1.46296}}, which has a water source, the path becomes very poor. The main GR-10 trail continues uphill to the Refuge de Prunadière (1615 m, 2 hr). Be sure to refill your water here. From there, it leads to a junction above the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Artiès|lat=42.7362|long=1.4793}} shelter (985 m, 3¼ hr). The path ascends steadily, passing the ruins of Pradières-d'en-bas, and arrives at Étang d'Izurt. A cable car runs to the lake. After a short climb, it's around 14 km downhill to {{Marker|type=city |name=Goulier|wikidata=Q1015676}} (moh 370 m), which is part of the Val-de-Sos commune. You can shorten the main trail from Prunadière by climbing steeply left past the buildings, gaining 450 m of elevation. About 2 hr later, you'll rejoin the GR-10 at Coumasses-Grandes. This shortcut saves roughly 8 km and bypasses Étang d'Izurt. === Goulier - Siguer === ; Distance : 13 km ; Duration : 3¼-4¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 416 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 830 m From Goulier, the trail ascends toward the Col de Risoul, then the Col de Esquérus, and continues to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de Grail|lat=42.75360457229|long=1.5321300362453}}. Near this pass is a shelter, an information board, and a water source located 250 m off the path. The route then climbs to the highest point of the day at the Col de Lercoul (1549 m). From here, the trail descends through the hamlet of Lercoul. A footpath south of the winding road leads downhill to the village of {{Marker|name=Siguer|wikidata=Q1375974|type=city}}, home to Café Rouse and several accommodations. === Siguer - Plateau de Beille === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 2400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m This demanding stage involves three steep descents and offers no accommodation along the route, only five basic shelters. From Siguer, the trail climbs steeply to Gestiès (40 min), where you should fill up on water. The path crosses the road three times on the way up. After a long ascent, you reach the Pla de Montcamp (1904 m; 3¾ hr). Past the Col du Sasc (1798 m), the trail traverses the flank of the Pic du Col Taillat. Water is again available at the Cabane de Courtal Marti, though trail markings on this high section can be vague. The trail descends to the Cabane de Balledreyt (1600 m; 2 sleeping places), reached after another 20 minutes. After about 7½ hours, the trail descends to the D520A road at 1040 m elevation. A detour to the villages of Aston (14 km, with a campground) or Les Cabannes (15.8 km, with a year-round gîte d'étape) is possible around the 4¼-hour mark. Les Cabannes has a train connection to Mérens-les-Vals or Foix. After crossing the bridge, the GR-10 climbs again via a forest trail. A water source is marked and located about two minutes off the trail, just past a large boulder reached after 9+ hours. The trail continues across a ridge to the Cabane d'Artaran (1695 m). Shortly afterward, you reach the ski area at the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Plateau de Beille|lat=42.72473998587668|long=1.6911435704342077}}, where the Cabane Beille is located. This area is accessible via the D522 road loop and popular with day hikers. === Plateau de Beille - Refuge du Rulhe === ; Distance : 14 km ; Duration : 4¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m It's recommended to start this exposed stage early in the day to avoid afternoon summer thunderstorms. The trail remains around or above 2000 m throughout. The highest point is the summit of the {{Marker|type=see |name=Crête des Isards|lat=42.65012142232325|long=1.7389568668472413}} at 2381 m. The Refuge du Rulhe lies at the junction of several long-distance trails, including the Tour de Pays des Montagnes d'Ax from Ax-les-Thermes, the GR Transfrontalier from Andorra, and two routes from the Vallée d'Aston. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Rulhe|url=https://rulhe.com/|lat=42.6379904848182|long=1.725866639541228|content=53 places. Open late May to September. €16 per night, half board €45. Tel: +33 6 74 24 50 71}} === Refuge du Rulhe - Mérens-les-Vals === ; Distance : 12 km ; Duration : 4½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 360 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1500-1600 m '''Water is scarce at high elevation.''' From the refuge, the trail ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de Calmettes|lat=42.636915754134|long=1.7404819725150908}} (2318 m), mostly over scree. Cairns also serve as markers. The path descends to Étang Bleu, where it skirts the left side of the lake and climbs again to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Crête de la Lhasse|lat=42.6398816194571|long=1.768563885207408}} (2439 m). Afterward, it continues over scree for nearly 800 m of descent to the pond called l'Estangol, with a shelter above. {{Marker|name=Mérens-les-Vals|wikidata=Q662289|type=city}} is reached after the final descent. The ruins of the old Saint-Pierre church date back to the Napoleonic Wars. The village festival takes place on July 20. The village has a train stop on the Foix - Puigcerdà line. Located on the N-20. The natural hot springs are about 45 minutes away, although they were affected by rockfall in 2022. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge du Nabre|lat=42.65611004694209|long=1.8429807373614195|address=le village d'en haut, 09110 Mérens-les-Vals|phone=+33 5 61 01 89 36|url=https://www.aubergedunabre.com/|content=Guesthouse in the upper village.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping de Mérens|lat=42.64646601527881|long=1.8310245105731093|address=600 Ville de Bau, 09110 Mérens-les-Vals|phone=+33 5 61 02 85 40|url=http://www.camping.merenslesvals.fr/de/haus/|content=Open all year, 1.3 km south of the village.}} === Mérens-les-Vals - Refuge des Bésines === ; Distance : 10 km ; Duration : 4½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 260 m This demanding stage continues through high alpine terrain, with lots of rock and scree. From Mérens, the trail leads past Le Nabre to the hot springs. Afterward, the path climbs for nearly 3 hours. First, it reaches the Estangs (2056 m), then continues to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Porteille de Bésines|lat=42.6154502407948|long=1.872190036139089}} (2333 m). From this pass, the route is clearly signposted. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bésines|wikidata=Q11945073|url=https://refugebesines.ffcam.fr/|content=2104 m. 70 beds. Open June-September. Phone: +33 5 61 05 11 77.}} === Refuge des Bésines - Refuge des Bouillouses === ; Distance : 16.7 km ; Duration : 5½-6 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 660 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 760 m This high-level stage crosses several mountain passes and offers excellent panoramic views. The route first ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Coll de Coma d'Anyell|lat=42.60880012907595|long=1.8962468691063044}}, from where it is possible to climb Pic des Bésineilles (2632 m) in about ¾ hr round trip. The path then continues through the Lansolet basin (2234 m), past the Cabane de Rozet, and climbs again to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Portella de la Grava|lat=42.59935934341172|long=1.934453711010157}}. From there, it's a gentle 3-hour descent to the lakeside refuge at Bouillouses. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bésines|lat=42.6039|long=1.86853|content=56 dormitory beds, with 16 emergency shelter spots outside the season. Open June-September.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bouillouses|lat=42.559475002653095|long=2.00351938309043|url=https://www.lesbouillouses.com/|content=2003 m. 46 beds. Open June-September. Phone: +33 4 68 04 93 88.}} === Refuge des Bouillouses - Planès === ; Distance : 19 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 230 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m The descent is easy but not always well marked. After about 2¾ hours (1740 m), the GR-10 reaches the D618. About 700 m further, a right turn leads to Superbolquère, where food and lodging are available, including a supermarket and a gîte with 28 beds. The GR-10 continues downhill to the quiet D10C near {{Marker|name=Bolquère|wikidata=Q1101891|type=city}} (1628 m, 2¾ hr), where there is a public drinking fountain and an information board. The nearby Gare de Bolquère-Eyne (1593 m) is the highest railway stop in France, on the scenic “train jaune” line. Passing through the villages of La Perche and La Cabanasse (3½ hr), the route ends at the small village of {{Marker|name=Planès|wikidata=Q524705|type=city}}. No shops in the village. The nearby Pont Gisclard, opened in 1909, is a cable-stayed bridge on the Ligne de Cerdagne crossing the Têt river. The village is a stop on the “train jaune” railway. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=L'Orri de Planès|lat=42.490995503|long=2.1382908362|address=Casas del Mitg, 66210 Planès|phone=+33 4 68 04 29 47|content=Gîte with 16 dormitory beds and private rooms.}} === Planès - Refuge du Ras de la Carança === ; Distance : 15.3 km ; Duration : 5¾-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1170 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 870 m There are no supply options along this stage. The trail begins with a gentle ascent through pine forest into the high Riberola valley. It is advisable to refill your water at the Refuge de l'Orri. Above the Cabane d'Aixques, the route becomes steep as it climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col Mitja|wikidata=Q28381301}} (2376 m). From the pass, it is possible to summit Pic de Gallinas (2624 m, ↥↧ 90 min) or Pic Redoun (2677 m, ↥↧ 1 hr). The final 1½ hours involve a descent of about 500 m to the refuge. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Ras de la Carança|wikidata=Q28380908|address=142 rue de, 66360 Fontpédrouse|phone=+33 9 88 66 73 81|url=https://www.refugelacaranca.com/|content=1840 m. Open mid-May to mid-September. 13 emergency places available off-season. Connections to other trails: 7.7 km to Prats Balaguer, 8.5 km to Ull de Ter, 13.7 km to Carança, 10 km to Thuès-les-Bains via the gorge, and 12 km to Núria.}} === Refuge du Ras de la Carança - Mantet === ; Distance : 10 km ; Duration : 4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 640 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 940 m This stage is challenging and poorly marked at higher elevations. From the refuge, follow the stream uphill for 100 m to a wooden bridge. Continue on a scree path along the left side of the valley. After passing through a gate, you reach an alpine pasture and the {{marker|type=go|name=Coll del Pal|lat=42.465650773936|long=2.258498904704664}} (2294 m). This area is a nature reserve where wild camping is forbidden. From the pass, there is an optional ascent to Pic de Serre Gallinère (2663 m; 1 hr round trip), and possibly further on to the Serre de Caret (2300 m). From the pass, descend to the {{marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Alemany|wikidata=Q120254507}} (1962 m; 8 places), located 200 m off the trail. The main path continues left, crossing first a wooden, then a concrete bridge, followed by a narrow unpaved road that ascends to the village of {{listing|type=city|name=Mantet|wikidata=Q1369164}} (1550 m). Population: 31. Most of the southern part of the commune is the protected area [https://rnn-mantet.fr/ Reserva natural de Mentet], where camping is forbidden. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=La Cavale|address=Los Miquelets, 66360 Mantet|phone=+33 4 68 05 57 59|url=http://la-cavale.fr/|lat=42.477231944228336|long=2.3092556382036555|content=Private rooms and dorms for 3-5 people.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte à la ferme Cazenove|url=http://www.gitecazenovemantet.fr/|lat=42.47702171854456|long=2.306028129535968|content=Farm gîte. Open May to September.}} === Mantet - Refuge de Mariailles === ; Distance : 14.8 km ; Duration : 5 hr 5 min ; Elevation gain : ↥ 936 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 834 m Midway along this stage is the village of {{Marker|name=Py|wikidata=Q178846|type=city}} (1023 m), which has an auberge and a gîte. From Py, follow the D6 briefly before heading northeast to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Jou|wikidata=Q47335849|lat=|long=}} (1125 m). The path turns southeast and ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Cavall Mort|wikidata=Q47335871|lat=|long=}} (1454 m), then continues upward to the Refuge de Mariailles. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge de Mariailles|alt=Refugi de Marelles|url=https://refugedemariailles.fr/|lat=42.5017361908777|long=2.4077634391340514|content=1692 m. Open from late May; shelter room available year-round.}} === Refuge de Mariailles - Refuge des Cortalets === ; Distance : 16.3 km ; Duration : 6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1030 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m This is a challenging high-mountain route around the Canigou Massif. There are no supply points along the way, and surefootedness is required. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Cortalets|url=https://refugedescortalets.ffcam.fr/|lat=42.53436454795011|long=2.465036067970792|content=2100 m. 105 places, plus 19 emergency shelter places available outside the season.}} * {{listing|type=go |name=Loop trail to the summit of Pic du Canigou|alt=Canigó|url=https://www.visit-occitanie.com/de/entdecken/top-sehenswuerdigkeiten/massif-du-canigou-katalonien/|lat=42.53692009465181|long=2.4666389025393545|content=This difficult 9.3 km loop (4½ h; ↥ 700+ m) begins 200 m beyond the refuge.}} === Refuge des Cortalets - Gîte-refuge de Batère === ; Distance : 16.8 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 270 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 920 m This stage is also part of the HRP. From the refuge to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Ras del Prat Cabrera|wikidata=Q47170860|lat=|long=}} (1739 m; 4 km), you can choose between a high-level route following the “Tour du Canigou” and a less steep path along the mountainside. From the pass to the Refuge de l'Estanyol (2¾ hr or more) the trail descends gradually, then more steeply. It climbs again briefly to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Cirère|wikidata=Q134299355|lat=|long=}} (1731 m; 4-4¾ hr). From here, you can optionally ascend the Puig Saint-Pierre (1791 m; ↥ 15 min, ↧ 15 min). Descending from the col, you pass abandoned stone quarries and mines (the Mines de la Pinosa are ruins of a former settlement), and reach your destination. Nearby you can explore the 5-day “Tour du Canigou” circuit or visit the historic abbeys of Saint-Martin du Canigou and Saint-Michel-de-Cuxa. * {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Estanyol|wikidata=Q120262655|lat=|long=}} === Gîte-refuge de Batère - Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette === ; Distance : 19.2 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 745 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m Along this long and steady descent, you pass several dolmens. Their significance may be best appreciated by specialists in archaeology. The destination is the Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette, an old mill located in the Ribera Valley. More accommodation and services are available in {{Marker|name=Arles-sur-Tech|wikidata=Q7897|type=city}}, which is connected by bus. At the southern edge of the town, you'll find Camping Riuferrer. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte-refuge de Batère|url=https://www.refugedebatere.fr/|lat=42.50176051942559|long=2.5484428644953847|address=Mines de Batère, 66150 Corsavy|phone=+33 4 68 39 12 01|content=17 dormitory beds, 20 in private rooms. Access via a 20.3-km road from Arles-sur-Tech.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette|wikidata=Q120266421|url=http://gr10-par-etapes.eklablog.com/hebergement-du-moulin-de-la-palette-a126161238|content=Simple eco-gîte in a renovated mill, located in the Ribera valley.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Riuferrer|lat=42.4551506239|long=2.6291899540|url=https://campingriuferrer.com/}} === Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette - Las Illas === ; Distance : 22 km ; Duration : 7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m From the gîte, follow the D536 for 1 km, then turn right uphill toward Montalba (543 m; 1 hr). At the cross, turn sharply right to continue climbing. You reach the ruins of the Mouli Serradou (833 m; 2½ hr). The highest point is the Coll de Sant Martí (1426 m; 4 hr or more). The trail continues through forest along the slope, passing by the Roc de France (also known as Roc de Frausa). {{Marker|name=Las Illas|wikidata=Q16508596|type=city}} has a water point and picnic area in the park. Accommodation is available in a gîte at the town hall and at the Hostal de Trabucayeres. === Las Illas - Col de l'Ouillat === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 6-7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 930 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 540 m The route has been altered several times due to terrain difficulties, so follow the current waymarking. The middle part of the trail runs along the border, just below the ridge. The dominant tree species in this area is the striking Corsican pine (Pinus nigra var. corsicana). A detour to the fortified town of Le Perthus and the Fort de Bellegarde (open May-Sep, 10:30-18:00) offers a cultural break. Note that all shops are on the Spanish side of the border. After about 3 hours, there is an optional detour to the Roman fort Panissas, built on the Via Domitia. Turn off 5 minutes after border marker 565 (2½ hr). The stage ends at {{marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de l'Ouillat|wikidata=Q11914547}} (938 m). === Col de l'Ouillat - Banyuls-sur-Mer === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 7-8¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 680 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1610 m The route stays high near the border ridge. It takes about 1 hour to reach the Pic Néulos. Water is available at the Refuge de la Tagnarède after 1½ hours. From there, the trail leads over several passes: Coll del Faig (985 m), Col de l'Orry, and Col de l'Estaque (1025 m; 2¾ hr). The Pic des Quatre-Termes (1156 m) and Pic de la Cabassère are bypassed to the north. After 4 hours, you reach the Coll del Pal (899 m). From there, continue right toward the Col des Gascons (6¼ hr or more). The final descent to the Col de Llagastèra (285 m) passes partly through vineyards towards {{Marker|name=Banyuls-sur-Mer|wikidata=Q6753|type=city}}. == Go next == * [[Pyrenean High Route]]: Crosses the Pyrenees along the mountain crests, staying higher than both the GR 10 and GR 11. * [[GR 11]] This footpath stays on the Spanish side of the Pyrenees. {{outlineitinerary}} {{Related|France}} {{Related|Pyrenees}} {{PartOfItinerary|Europe itineraries}} ea8mdm75rtesykck3t82uewpm45h2df 5086736 5086728 2025-07-02T18:18:59Z Bluecoordinationfine 2327039 Small changes. 5086736 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|GR 10 WV banner.jpg|caption=View from GR 10, near Souriche, looking towards the Tourmalet, valley of Barèges, France}} The '''GR 10''' is one of the paths and trails of the extensive [[Grande Randonnée]] (or GR) network. It crosses [[France]], from the Mediterranean coast to the Atlantic coast, and runs almost entirely through the [[Pyrenees]]. While the trail is in France, much of it is near, or even on, the border with [[Spain]]. The trail can be walked in either direction, though some suggest that the west-east route is easier in the beginning, as it is both cooler and less steep that the corresponding start heading west; this may be an advantage to those not fully in shape. == Understand == [[File:Lac d'Oo (22).jpg|thumb|Lac d'Oo]] Moving from east to west, the trail begins at the Mediterranean, in the small town of [[Banyuls sur Mer]], and finishes at [[Hendaye]] on the Atlantic Ocean. Hikers will usually be able to make it to a [[France#Guesthouses and holiday rentals|gîte]] or small town every other night, and quite frequently every night. Expected time to complete the trail is around 6-7 weeks, though the majority of people only hike sections of it. == Prepare == The trail is fairly well marked with painted marks on rocks, trees, telephone poles, and even houses, walls, and street signs. If you haven’t seen a waymark for 100 metres, you’ve likely strayed off the trail. Retrace your steps to the last marker and check your route. It is not realistic to navigate using the markers alone. A trail guide, at minimum, or a topologic map is required. Sunburn is a particular problem, and clothing such as long sleeved shirts and long pants should be worn as they protect from the sun, scratching branches and insects. Sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat are highly desirable. For those heading west from Banyuls sur Mer, the hike to the first gîte is particularly long compared to the following days, and should be started very early. === Equipment === One of the advantages of the GR 10 is that it can be hiked with minimal gear, as one can eat dinner and breakfast almost every day at the gîtes. Additionally the hiker can sleep outdoors on clear nights and pay for a bed in a gîte in inclement weather. On nights that only shelters (which usually have no food or staff) are available, pre-purchased food can be eaten. If one plans to eat at gîtes and buy food from supermarkets that can be eaten without cooking, the absolute minimal gear in the summer months is: * Sleeping bag or sleep sheet, and a mat for comfort. * Goretex jacket and fleece or similar for cold or wet weather * Long-sleeved shirt and pants * Short-sleeved shirt and shorts (including shorts you can wear for swimming) * Sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat * Adequate footwear. Anything less than hiking boots may prove insufficient. * Bottles for at least two litres of water, and a purification method for treating water from streams. * Toiletries and a [[Travel health kit|medical kit]] Additionally, consider a rain jacket or fleece top for wet or cold weather. If you plan to forgo the comforts and delicious food of the gites and hotels, also bring: * Tent * Cooking gear and food A note on footwear: some four fifths of the hikers wear full hiking boots and thick socks. While running sneakers may suffice (and Choco-style sandals may work for a few days), your risk of injury is higher, and much of the trail involves hopping around on possibly wet and sharp rocks. Choose conservatively, depending on the length of your hike and your experience. ==Get in== == Walk == {{Mapframe|lat=42.68287|long=0.56837|width=full|height=360|zoom=7}} {{mapshape|type=geoline|stroke=#000000|stroke-width=3}} === Hendaye-Plage - Olhette === ; Distance : 21.9 km ; Duration : 6-7¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1010 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 950 m The hike starts from the 3 km long {{marker|type=see|name=Hendaye Beach|wikidata=Q20947149}}. This is below the old casino, now known as Résidence Croisière. Buses run from the main train station, or you can walk from {{marker|type=go|name=Gare Deux Jumeaux|wikidata=Q2802667}}. A {{marker|type=buy|name=Decathlon|lat=43.36843635018845|long=-1.7798332063655435}} store geared towards watersports is available for last minute purchases, such as gas cannisters. The route leaves town, passing by {{Marker|type=city|name=Biriatou|wikidata=Q196871}}, which conveniently has public toilets available. After about 3 hr you reach the summit of {{marker|type=see|name=Xoldokogaina|wikidata=Q20492776}}. The high point is at Mandale on the Spanish border, with an altitude of {{m|530}}. From here, the path descends past {{Marker|type=see|name=Redoute de la Baïonette|lat=43.309257665|long=-1.70329930013}}, a fortification near Mandale, located by modern border marker 9, to the Col d'Ibardin, a journey of 4¼ hours. The col is a popular spot for French shoppers due to cheap alcohol and tobacco. The trail continues via Col des Poiriers and Col des Joncs before reaching {{Marker|type=city|name=Olhette|lat=43.3360119885|long=-1.6661235970}}. === Olhette - Ainhoa === ; Distance : 21.1 km ; Duration : 6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 730 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 640 m The steepest climb comes right at the beginning. For most of the route, you'll be on forest trails and, after Sare, quiet paved country roads. The trail initially ascends on a good path to the Col des Trois Fontaines, a journey of 1½ hours. A shelter is located 300 m from the col. The path then descends to the Col de St-Ignace, where the valley station of the cog railway to La Rhune is found. It continues to {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Sare]]|wikidata=Q274155}}, bringing the total walking time to 2¾ hours. Sare is a local transport hub, an outdoor swimming pool is available, and it is listed as one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. The stage ends in {{Marker|type=city|name=Ainhoa|wikidata=Q212962}}, which is also one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. From Col des Trois Fontaines you can ascend La Rhune, which has an altitude of {{m|905}}. The ascent can be made either by cog railway, a trip that takes 35 minutes, or on foot. The walk is a 3 km journey that takes 1¼ hours and involves an ascent and descent of 300 m. The prehistoric {{Marker|type=see|name=Grottes de Sare|wikidata=Q3117280}} can be visited with prior reservation made through the local municipality or online. These caves are closed annually for one month following Epiphany. This stage is part of the [[European long-distance path E9|European long-distance trail E9]]. === Ainhoa - Bidarray === ; Distance : 21.7 km ; Duration : 8½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 880 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 850 m This is a difficult stage, with little shade at the start and a particularly steep, rocky descent near the end. After about 40 minutes, you will reach the old cemetery at an altitude of {{m|389}}. It is located beside the {{Marker|type=see|name=Chapelle Notre Dame de l'Aubépine|wikidata=Q12253854}}. You can also find traditional Basque hilarri gravestones here. The path then continues over the Col des Trois-Croix, reaching an altitude of {{m|510}} after about 1 hour and 20 minutes from the start. Ferme Esteben is a good place to rest. You will reach this gîte d'étape with a bar-restaurant after about 2 hours and 50 minutes, at an altitude of {{m|580}}. The trail continues near the border, past Boundary Stone 77, partly on a paved road. At Col des Veaux, at an altitude of {{m|550}}, you can take a 300-m detour into Spain to visit a venta, which is a small inn or shop. From here, the trail climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Méhatche|lat=43.272782275749094|long=-1.4166930371188398}}, which is at an altitude of {{m|716}} and takes about 3¾ hours to reach. The descent past Boundary Stones 82 and 83 is secured with cables. From Col de Méhatche, you can ascend Artzamendi, which has a summit at {{m|926}} and is easily identified by the radar dome on top. The nearby {{Marker|type=see|name=Grotte le Saint-que-Sue|alt=Harpeko Saindua|lat=43.26526266671622|long=-1.3890420732224757}} can also be visited. Just before reaching {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Bidarray]]|wikidata=Q746221}}, a bypass trail offers a shortcut to the next stage. This route is also ideal for peak baggers, as it gives access to several summits. These include Errebi, located between the chapel and Col des Trois-Croix, and Atxulegi, which requires a 15-minute detour on the way to Col des Trois-Croix. When the weather is good, you can also access Mont Bizkayluze at {{m|701}} and Gorospil at {{m|691}}. === Bidarray - Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry === ; Distance : 18.5 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1250 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1250 m This southward stage is demanding, especially due to the complete lack of water sources along the ascent. After passing the Iparla Ridge at an altitude of {{m|950}}, the trail reaches over 1000 m for the first time on the way to the summit. It then continues along the ridge to the Pic de Tutulia before descending to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Harrieta|lat=43.21079140547837|long=-1.384120195860639}}. This point is reached after 3¾ hours and sits at an altitude of {{m|808}}. From the Col d'Harrieta, a side trail descends to Urdos in a walk of 1¾ hours, from where it is possible to follow the road into Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry. The main trail continues across the Buztanzelhay summit, which is reached in 4¾ hours at an altitude of {{m|1029}}. The trail then leads down to the col of the same name at {{m|843}}. Here, the GR-10 turns left and descends steeply. The path crosses the D949 road several times; this road leads from the village to the ventas on the Spanish border at the Col d'Ispéguy. You can also reach this col via the ridge, a distance of 1½ km from Col Buztanzelhay. If you want to skip entering {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry]]|wikidata=Q279252}}, a village situated at {{m|162}}, you can join the next stage earlier at the Nive des Aldudes. This location can be reached in 6½ hours and is at an altitude of {{m|162}}. In the village park, there is a picnic area, and a supermarket stocks gas cartridges. Locals play Rebot, a type of pelota, on two courts. The Château d'Etxauz is not open to the public. The village hosts a traditional folklore festival known as Nafarroaren Eguna on the last Sunday in April. The Nive des Aldudes valley occasionally experiences flooding and mudslides. === Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry - Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port === ; Distance : 19.2 km ; Duration : 5-7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 990 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 980 m This stage runs mostly on gravel paths and farm tracks. About an hour into the walk, there is an optional detour at Col d'Aharza for a 35-minute climb to Oylarandoy, where a hermitage built in 1706 stands. The GR-10 heads south to the Col d'Aharza, which is at an altitude of {{m|734}} and reached in two hours. A water source is available at the col. The trail then turns east and circles around {{Marker|type=see|name=Munhoa|wikidata=Q3327853}}. This summit is at {{m|1023}} and is reached after a total of 3½ hours. The climb is fully exposed to the sun. The descent begins on the right-hand side. {{Marker|name=[[Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port]]|wikidata=Q270294|type=city}} lies at an altitude of {{m|170}} and is where three of the four French pilgrimage routes converge before entering Spain. From here, it is possible to continue directly onto the Camino de Santiago towards Roncesvalles. === Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port - Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta === ; Distance : 16.2 km ; Duration : 5-5½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 870 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 420 m There are no supply points or public transport on this stage, but the walking is relatively easy. In the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Çaro|wikidata=Q842635}}, at an altitude of {{m|242}}, there is a public fountain next to the town hall. If you choose to end the day early after 3¾ hours in {{Marker|type=city|name=Estérençuby|wikidata=Q842724}}, be aware that this adds an extra 400 m of ascent to the next day's stage. The village lies at an altitude of {{m|231}} and offers two accommodation options. === Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta - Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty === ; Distance : 20.7 km ; Duration : 6¾-8 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1410 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m This stage is simple but offers little shade. The trail first climbs toward the Col on Ithurramburu, which is at an altitude of {{m|820}}. It then continues ascending to just below {{Marker|type=see|name=Occabe|alt=Okabe|wikidata=Q17417892}} at {{m|1456}}. On the Occabe plateau, 26 Neolithic stone circles have been found. Known as ''harrespil'' in Basque, they are believed to have been used for cremation rites. A good rest stop, reached after 4¾ hours, is the upscale {{Marker|type=eat|name=Restaurant Chalet Pedro|url=https://www.chaletpedro.com/|lat=43.03687624625582|long=-1.0746838225620772}}. The associated lodge offers 10 beds. Across the stream at Le Kayolar, similar accommodation is available. From here, the trail turns sharply right after 100 m and continues uphill for another 6-7 km to the stage destination, a final ascent of 300 m. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta|url=http://kaskoleta.free.fr/|lat=43.092036845886255|long=-1.1646582066722122|content=Altitude 615 m. Offers 13 beds in 3 rooms plus a holiday apartment for 4. A scenic viewpoint with an information panel is 5 minutes away.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=L'aire Naturelle de Camping|lat=43.037460332099656|long=-1.0494175120345806|content=Natural campground with 50 pitches, located 3 km before the Chalets by the stream. Open June-October. Fresh bread available by reservation from 08:30.}} === Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty - Logibar === ; Distance : 16.4 km ; Duration : 5-6 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 440 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1380 m In bad weather, the route along the west side of the {{Marker|type=see|name=Pic des Escaliers|wikidata=Q31645205}}, which has an altitude of {{m|1423}}, is not recommended. There are two alternative routes, but both are poorly marked. At the Ugatzé Ridge, the trail skirts the peak rather than summiting it. To avoid the steep descent from Pic des Escaliers, stay on the road for about 600 m after the start, then turn off after 2½ km to reach Col Ugatzé. A short side trip allows you to summit Arthanolatzégagnia, which requires an additional 35 minutes for the ascent and descent. For several hours, trail markings are sparse. After some time following mule tracks, you'll reach a road crossing at Beloscare, which is at an altitude of {{m|1173}} and is reached after three hours. Logibar marks the end of the stage, but you can also continue 2 km further to {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Larrau]]|wikidata=Q608335}}, which offers three accommodation options and a campground. In bad weather, an easier alternative is to follow the paved road from Iraty directly to Larrau for a gentler descent. === Logibar - Sainte-Engrâce (Senta) === ; Distance : 26.3 km ; Duration : 7½-9¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200-1420 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 900-1170 m This stage leads through spectacular gorges. Follow signs to the Gorges d'Holzarté and ascend the trail to the 70 m long suspension bridge, a walk of 50 minutes. The bridge spans the dramatic Ruisseau de Olhadubi gorge 150 m above the ground. On the far side, the trail continues uphill. After two hours, you reach the Olhadubi stream, which is a possible spot for a refreshing dip. Nearby is the Cabane Cayolar d'Olhadubi, reached via a side path from the bridge. It serves as an emergency shelter with space for 4-5 people. Continuing uphill, you'll reach the Abarrakia farm after just over three hours. The path then winds between farms, eventually reaching the point where the GR-10 turns sharply to the right, a journey of 4½ hours from the start. The original GR-10 route bypassed the gorges entirely by heading up to the Plateau d'Adarkhotia after the Holzarté bridge. This shortcut saves 2.7 km, takes 1¼ hours, and avoids 150 m of elevation gain. After about five hours, you'll reach the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Anhaou|alt=Col de Bious|lat=42.9784|long=-0.88044}} at an altitude of {{m|1383}}. From here, energetic hikers can summit nearby peaks such as Izeyto at {{m|1464}} or Sarimendi at {{m|1484}}. The stage ends at {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Sainte-Engrâce]]|wikidata=Q197211}}. Sainte-Engrâce is home to a Romanesque church from the 11th century. From the village, a 9-km side trip with an ascent of 840 m and descent of 135 m takes you to the vast La Verna cave, which has guided tours. A detour south from the restaurant leads into the wild and romantic Gorges de Kakuetta. The trail is very steep and slippery, and entry tickets are sold at the restaurant. === Sainte-Engrâce (Senta) - Refuge Jeandel === ; Distance : 11.6 km ; Duration : 4¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 160 m The trail climbs steadily from Sainte-Engrâce into the limestone highlands of the Pierre-Saint-Martin massif, marking the transition into more alpine terrain. You ascend to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Pierre-St-Martin|wikidata=Q1107451}} at an altitude of {{m|1760}}, which marks the border with Spain. Since 1373, the Tributo de las Tres Vacas, a cross-border tribute of three cows, has been held here every July 13 to settle grazing rights between the two valleys. A small shop at the parking area sells goat cheese. A ski area lies just over the border on the Spanish side. There is also a small shelter near Boundary Marker 62. An optional 15-minute detour leads to the summit of Soum de Lèche, which has an altitude of {{m|1839}}. The Grotte de la Verna, a massive cave chamber accessible by pre-booked guided tour, lies 1 km off the main trail. From the pass, descend to the first switchback, then turn right off the main track. The trail passes under two chairlifts and continues along the northern flank of the Pic d'Arlas. When you spot three large concrete water tanks, descend to the staffed mountain hut at Refuge Jeandel. The ski resort village of {{Marker|name=La Pierre Saint-Martin|wikidata=Q3211628|type=city}} is about 15 minutes off the trail and offers additional services. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge Jeandel|address=La Pierre Saint Martin, 64570 Arette|url=https://www.refugejeandel.com/|lat=42.97829371796861|long=-0.7493627209784663|content=Altitude 1670 m. Dormitory accommodation from €18; half-board from €42.50. Staffed in summer.}} === Refuge Jeandel - Lescun === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 5½-6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1200 m This is a challenging stage, but the scenery is magnificent. Several rocky mountain paths are equipped with cables for safety. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Pas de l'Osque|lat=42.9702182168491|long=-0.7089944097203539}} at an altitude of {{m|1922}}, which requires a head for heights. The trail continues to the Pas d'Azuns at {{m|1873}}, reached in about 2¾ hours. A good first rest stop with water is the spring near the Cabane du Cap de la Baitch, located at {{m|1689}} and reached after about 3 hours. In wet weather, descending to {{Marker|type=city|name=Lescun|wikidata=Q179737}} at an altitude of {{m|895}} via the road is recommended, as the GR-10 becomes muddy and difficult to navigate. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Centre de l'Abérouat|url=http://aberouat.fr/|lat=42.95041471194407|long=-0.6658390953581508|content=Staffed hut with a bar. Offers 20 rooms (2-5 beds each). Free tent camping nearby (bathrooms in the hut available for a fee). Best suited for groups; solo walkers must book in advance.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Maison de la Montagne|lat=42.934247039|long=-0.63524507931|address=1 ruelle de la Congasse, 64490 Lescun|phone=+33 6 88 06 95 29|url=https://www.maisondelamontagne64.com/|content=Comfortable accommodation for hikers in the centre of Lescun.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping - Gîte du Lauzart|address=Bordé de Mougnague, 64490 Lescun|phone=+33 5 59 34 51 77|url=https://www.camping-gite-lescun-pyrenees.com/|lat=42.92782183157741|long=-0.6421994110320027|content=Along the D340. About 20 minutes into the next stage. Open April-September. Campsite €14 + €4 per adult. 25 dorm beds available for €16; half board €42.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Tourist Office for the Vallée |lat=42.9990368924|long=-0.60057615194|url=https://www.pyrenees-bearnaises.com/explorer/nature/|phone=+33 5 59 34 57 57|content=Located in Bedous. Provides information on the surrounding region.}} === Lescun - Etsaut === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 5½-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 850 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1150 m The trail begins easily through pastoral countryside, then enters forested terrain, passing the [https://www.gite-camping-lhers.com/ Gîte d'étape and campsite on the Plateau de Lhers] (2 hr), and climbing to the Col de Barrancq (1601 m; 3¾ hr). From the Col de Barrancq, a side trip leads to the summit of Pic de Labigouer (2175 m), which takes just under 3 hours round-trip. Lower down in the Parc d'Orce, within the commune of {{Marker|type=city|name=Borçe|wikidata=Q840474}} (5¾ hr), lives the majority of the region's ~50 brown bears. The Gîte le Communal offers accommodation here. The stage ends in {{listing|type=city|name=Etsaut|wikidata=Q765829|content=Altitude 597 m. Located on the N-134 and served by the Canfranc-Oloron-Saint-Marie bus line. The former train station now houses the Pyrenees National Park visitor center. Accommodation available in the Gîte d'étape la Garbure behind the church (53 beds).}} Just outside Etsaut, the {{Marker|type=see|name=Fort du Portalet|wikidata=Q3078387}} clings dramatically to the cliffs in two tiers, spanning a height difference of 150 m. * {{listing|type=see|name=Refuge animalier à Borce|url=https://parc-ours.fr/|lat=42.9045174060618|long=-0.5745664608466107|content=open 10:00-18:00; admission €12. It functions as an educational wildlife refuge}} === Etsaut - Gabas === ; Distance : 24 km ; Duration : 9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1640 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1210 m The trail begins with the dramatic Chemin de la Mâture, a path carved into the rock face. It is not passable in icy or snowy conditions. You reach Grange Perry (1210 m) after 2 hours. A quarter of an hour later, at a junction, keep left. After 3½ hours, you arrive at the Cabane de la Baight de St-Cours (1560 m; shepherds only, June-September), located at the border. About 4 hours in, you cross a stream on a bridge. This is the last water source before the high pass. The highest point of the stage is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Ayous|wikidata=Q2981981}} (2185 m; 5½ hr or more). On its eastern slope lie the Ayous Lakes, including the scenic Refuge d'Ayous. It's an ideal place to break this long stage. The Col d'Ayous also marks a transition point between valleys: from the Chemin de la Mâture and Baigt de Sencours in the Aspe Valley to Bious-Artigues (1540 m) in the Ossau Valley, where pony rides and canoe rentals are available on the eastern shore. The lake is 6½ km from the pass (↧ 764 m). From the pass, you can also summit Pic d'Ayous (add 30 min up and down), or detour 6 km to Lac Bersau — a longer alternative via the Vallon d'Aas is 9 km. From the lake, descend on the D231 road, which includes switchbacks that can be shortcut. (Note: Refuge de Gabas is permanently closed.) The stage ends in {{Marker|name=Gabas|wikidata=Q5515276|type=city}}, which offers two accommodations and a bar, but no grocery store. Located on bus route 806/806bis from Col de Portalet via Gabas to Laruns (15 km). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Ayous|url=https://www.refuge-ayous.fr/en-gb|lat=42.84844763797708|long=-0.4911758258903634|10 minutes off the GR10 near Lac Gentau (6½ hr). This refuge offers 47 beds and tent spaces and is open from mid-May to the first week of October.}} === Gabas - Gourette === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9-10 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1150 m This is a long and difficult stage, not suitable for children. The Corniche des Alhas section requires a head for heights. Snow may linger into summer, making it hard to follow the waymarks. Water is scarce during the first four hours. The trail follows the D934 road to the Artouste dam, then climbs through forest paths (1¼ hr). Some parts pass through cliff-side ledges carved into the rock — the Corniche des Alhas — which have fixed cables for safety. An easier alternative bypasses the Corniche via the Pont du Goua and the Gave de Soussouéou. After 1¾ hr, you reach a bridge near the Gave de Soussouéou waterfalls (1145 m). From here, a steep trail leads up to Houn de Mouscabarous (1361 m; 2¾ hr), continuing uphill to Petite Arcizette (2293 m). Snow may persist at these elevations until July. After 6½-7 hr, you arrive at the Hourquette d'Arre (2465 m). Important: The path shown on some maps to the Géougue d'Arre (2619 m) is a mountaineering route, not a hiking trail. An alternative route avoids the Hourquette d'Arre altogether: from the Cabane de Cézy, follow the red-and-white GR10 then switch to the red/yellow-marked GRP Tour de la Vallée d'Ossau, over the Col de Lurdé to Eaux-Bonnes (overnight possible) and Gourette (also served by Bus 806). The GR10 does not go directly to Lac d'Uzious, but instead heads roughly north-northeast across a plateau, before turning east to descend. After about 8 hours, you reach Lac d'Anglas (2068 m), from where the trail continues along the outflow, then branches off to the right. After over 9 hours, you arrive in the ski resort of {{Marker|type=city|name=Gourette|wikidata=Q1540224|url=https://www.gourette.com/en/}} (1350 m). Ski resort with two supermarkets; gas cartridges available at Intersport. Mostly closed outside the main season. Served in-season by Bus 806 (twice daily) from Parking Gourette Nord to Eaux-Bonnes, Laruns, and Pau. If needed, you can exit the trail early at the upper parking area (which has a bus stop) and start the next stage from there. * {{listing|type=sleep|lat=42.9595015138|long=-0.333960997149|name=Chalet-refuge CAF|phone=+33 5 59 05 10 56|url=https://chaletdegourette.ffcam.fr/|content=Mountain refuge with 32 beds in 4 dorms. €16.50/night (€8.25 for Alpine Club members) + €0.90 tourist tax.}} === Gourette - Arrens-Marsous === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m This is a relatively easy stage that crosses two mountain passes: the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Tortes|lat=42.959773462638644|long=-0.3187601158279607}} (1799 m; 1¾ hr), and later, after crossing the D918 (popular with cyclists but too busy to follow safely), the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Saucède|lat=42.95972945620746|long=-0.31869998400517197}} (1525 m; 3 hr 20 min). Ten minutes after descending from this second pass, you'll reach a restaurant and gîte de séjour at the Col de Soulor on the D918 road. From Col de Saucède, hikers can also make a short detour to summit the Pointe de Surgatte (1805 m; 90-100 minutes round trip). Near the Pont de Lapadé, you can either cross the Gave d'Arrens or continue down into the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Arrens-Marsous|wikidata=Q1110649}}. Features tourist information and public toilets at the Maison Val d'Azun (Tel. +33 5 62 97 49 49). The village also has an outdoor swimming pool. A hiking festival, [https://www.eldorando.fr/ Eldorado], is held every two years for four days in late May. Call +33 800 65 65 00 by 17:00 the day before for weekday on-demand shuttle service to Lourdes. Points of interest include the Romanesque Saint-Pierre Church (parts dating to 1200) and the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Pouey-Laün, a pilgrimage chapel located 600 m south along the D105. The area is part of both the Natura 2000 conservation network (Gabizos and the Arrens Valley) and the core zone of the Pyrenees National Park. For a longer option, you can extend this stage to Gîte les Viellettes (2¼ h further), making a total of 20.5 km (8½ hr; ↥ 1250 m, ↧ 1530 m). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=GCU Campground|address=26 Rue des Paus, 65400 Arrens-Marsous|lat=42.9573380888|long=-0.213247116377|phone=+33 5 62 97 43 06|url=https://www.gcu.asso.fr/terrains/arrens-marsous-hautes-pyrénées-65|content=Simple tent campground on the edge of town.}} === Arrens-Marsous - Refuge d'Ilhéou === ; Distance : 20 km ; Duration : 6¾-7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 500 m From Arrens-Marsous (3½ km from the previous endpoint), you can follow the official GR10 or the more scenic GR de Pays Tour du Val d'Azun. The latter is slightly shorter but includes more climbs. Both routes rejoin shortly before the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape les Viellettes|lat=42.9219519144924|long=-0.1818867608457627}} (2¼ h; 15 beds). About 700 m further on is the simple tent site La Pose (open May-September). The official GR10 route passes through {{Marker|type=city|name=Estaing|wikidata=Q589628}}, a commune that includes three Natura 2000 protected areas: “Gaves de Pau et de Cauterets,” “Moun Né de Cauterets, Pic de Cabaliros,” and “Péguère, Barbat, Cambalès.” From here, the trail enters the core zone of the Pyrenees National Park. You ascend toward Lac d'Estaing. Just before the lake is a guesthouse open Thursday-Sunday, 09:00-17:00 (summer only). On the far shore is another restaurant (open 10:00-18:00) and Camping Intercommunal. Brave hikers may try a swim in the cold waters. The trail now climbs steeply through forest to the Cabane d'Arriousec (1400 m; 4 hr). Another hour uphill takes you past the Cabanes de Barbat (left of the path), then a final climb brings you to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Ilhéou|wikidata=Q2981991}} (2242 m; 6 hr or more). Just 5 minutes below the pass, you can turn left to reach the Crête du Lys, where the Courbet cable car operates in July and August. This offers access to the ski resort Cauterets-Le Lys (with a summer luge track) or direct descent into the town of Cauterets. On foot, descend to the stream near the Cabanes d'Arras (6½-7 hr). Turn right there and cross two more streams. The path then descends to Lac d'Ilhéou. At the lake's northern shore is the staffed Refuge d'Ilhéou. A designated bivouac area (aire de bivouac) is located about 10 minutes further south along the lake. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Ilhéou (Refuge Raymond-Ritter)|url=https://www.refuge-ilheou.csvss.fr/en/home|phone=+33 5 62 92 07 18|lat=42.86604614112533|long=-0.17358356545105466|content=Altitude 1988 m. 22 beds. Open from late May to late September.}} === Refuge d'Ilhéou - Cauterets === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 2½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 75 ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m This is a leisurely downhill walk that brings you gently back to civilization in {{Marker|type=city|name=Cauterets|url=https://www.cauterets.com/en/?to_lang=en|wikidata=Q366962}}. Scenic spa town with plenty of amenities, including a historic wooden railway station (now closed), a cinema, casino, and more. The tourist office is open M-Sa from 09:00-12:30 and 14:00-18:00. A special Office de la Montagne - Terre d'Alpinisme opens during the summer season. Cauterets flourished during the late 19th and early 20th centuries thanks to its thermal springs. The municipality operates two spas: Thermes de César in the village center and Thermes des Griffons in nearby La Raillère. Accommodation options include three gîtes d'étape and Camping la Prairie. Local buses run every 30 minutes from June to October. Regional connections are available to Lourdes, Luz-Saint-Sauveur, and Gavarnie. A shuttle to Pont d'Espagne departs four times daily from the old train station. The 30 km former railway line from Pierrefitte to Cauterets has been converted into a multi-use bike and hiking path. === Cauterets - Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 100 m This is a demanding stage. From Cauterets, take the path behind the Thermes de César and head south. After 1¼ hr you reach the hamlet of La Raillère (1044 m), where there are restaurants and a sulfur spa. Cross the bridge and continue up into the Val de Jéret, passing several waterfalls. The trail leads to the Hôtellerie du Pont d'Espagne (3 hr). From there, descend briefly along the road before turning right and ascending into the valley toward Lac de Gaube (1725 m, 4 hr). The path crosses the stream three times via bridges as you continue toward the refuge. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube|wikidata=Q109042828}} === Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube - Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400 m About 50 m from the refuge, the trail begins a steady one-hour climb over rocky terrain. At a fork (65 min), stay right and continue ascending. The {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Hourquette d'Ossoue|wikidata=Q3141336}} (2734 m) marks the highest point on the entire GR10. Even in mid-summer, snow often lingers here. After 20 minutes of descent, you reach the Refuge Baysselance. '''Ascending Vignemale from here via the Glacier d'Ossoue is only for experienced mountaineers.''' From the pass, the route heads southeast, passing the Grottes de Bellevue (2420 m; 3 hr), artificial caves carved in 1880 by the explorer Henry Russell. The trail descends steeply to a stream, then follows it into a boulder field fed by glacial melt from the Glacier d'Ossoue. The descent into the valley involves frequent climbs around cliffs and waterfalls. You enter the Vallée de la Canau (5 hr or more) and pass the Cabane de Sausse-Dessus. The next hour includes more ups and downs until you reach the Cabane des Tousaus (6¾ hr or more). From there, cross a final ridge to reach the D923 road and descend to the stage endpoint, Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle. If you need more accommodation or supplies, continue to the main village of {{Marker|name=Gavarnie|wikidata=Q917894|type=city}}. From Gavarnie, you can take a day trip (or a bus from Luz-Saint-Sauveur) into the famed Cirque de Gavarnie. It's also possible to ascend Le Taillon (3146 m) from here for experienced climbers. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge Baysselance|url=https://refugebayssellance.ffcam.fr/|wikidata=Q3423105|content=(2651 m), which offers 58 beds and is staffed from mid-May to mid-October}} === Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle - Luz-Saint-Sauveur === ; Distance : 26 km ; Duration : 8-9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 700-900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1500-1660 m Starting from Gavarnie village (via the D128 road) instead of the refuge shortens the route by 3 km (approx. 1 hr). The trail first leads to the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape le Saugué|url=https://www.gite-gavarnie-pyrenees.com/|lat=42.76864577103755|long=-0.005915232017950625}}, located on the Plateau Soula de Saugue (1¾ hr). This is a good option to break up the stage — the gîte has 21 beds and is open May to October. The route winds northward, passing the Soum Haut (3¾ h), then descends gradually along the western slope of the Gavarnie Valley. After 5¾-6 hr, you reach the D921 road. Cross the Gave de Gavarnie via the Pont d'Esdouroucats and ascend again to a path above the highway. From the south, you enter {{Marker|type=city|name=Luz-Saint-Sauveur|wikidata=Q35721506|url=https://www.luz.org/en/}} via the Pont Napoléon (755 m; 7½ hr), a dramatic bridge across the gorge. Well-equipped mountain town. The town has several historic churches, as well as a campsite with a grocery store. The Prime Meridian passes about 100 m east of the center. Numerous lodgings, 6 campgrounds, 2 supermarkets, and Intersport (gas cartridges). Bus 965 connects to Cauterets, Lourdes, and Tarbes. Bus to Barèges also available. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Saint Bazerque|address=Sia|phone=+33 5 62 92 49 93|url=https://campingsaintbazerque.eatbu.com/?lang=de|lat=42.83178828384746|long=0.0015462182938111647|content=Campground with grocery shop (mountain cheese), bar, and caravan spaces. Open 08:00-17:00.}} === Luz-Saint-Sauveur - Barèges === ; Distance : 12 km ; Duration : 4½-5 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m To extend this stage, continue to Refuge d'Aygues Cluses for a total of 19 km (7½ hr; ↥ 1560 m, ↧ 140 m). Though short, this stage begins with a relatively long and steep ascent. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Ruisseau de Bolou|lat=42.858690489195055|long=0.06773411839157908}} (1460 m). On the descent, hikers can stop for refreshments at the [https://refugedelaglere.ffcam.fr/ Refuge de la Glère]. This stage ends at {{Marker|type=city|name=Barèges|wikidata=Q632058|url=https://www.mairie-bareges.fr/en/}}. Composed of the hamlets of Artigalas and Cazaous, Barèges serves as a spa and mountain village. The local river, the Bastan, is called the gave. Note: the Jardin botanique du Tourmalet and the 1930s funicular are now closed. The town's website includes an accommodation and restaurant directory * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape l'Oasis|lat=42.897422977|long=0.067278671719|address=2 Passage des Toys|phone=+33 5 62 92 69 47|url=https://www.gite-oasis.fr/|content=Open June-September, and also December-April during ski season (Barèges is part of the Domaine du Tourmalet ski area).}} === Barèges - Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : route-dependent 7¾-9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m The trail begins by climbing above the road toward the ski station at Tournaboup (1 hr). It then veers south and ascends steadily. Good stopping points include the Cabane d'Aygues and, 10 km further on, the Chalet-Hôtel d'Orédon. This stage enters the Néouvielle Nature Reserve, where dogs and wild camping are strictly forbidden. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Madamète|wikidata=Q102076283}} (2509 m). From there, the path descends between alpine lakes: {{Marker|type=see|name=Lac d'Aumar|wikidata=Q3215322}} and Lac d'Aubert (5¾ h, 2190 m). A shuttle bus runs up to this point in high season, and there's an info panel at the end of the access road. Here, the trail splits into two variants: * Variant 1: continues along Lac d'Aumar * Variant 2: detours south to the tip of Lac d'Aubert, then along the northern shore of Les Laguettes and Lac d'Orédon (6¾ h, 1856 m; camping and hotel at the south end) Both variants rejoin at the Cap d'Estoudou pass (2260 m), followed by a steep descent. A short detour from the pass allows for an ascent of Soump de Montpelat (↥ 214 m). The path continues steeply downhill to Lac de l'Oule (1821 m; 7¾ hr or more). From here, head right to reach Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Cabane d'Aygues|url=https://refugeayguescluses.wordpress.com/|lat=42.87577795732996|long=0.15008320916912823}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Chalet-Hôtel d'Orédon|url=https://www.chalet-oredon.fr/|lat=42.82616251586139|long=0.1692328508499207|content=open June 1 - Sept 30; 88 beds}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule|url=https://refugedeloule.fr/|lat=42.824769697482445|long=0.20752501478344024|content=Altitude 1819 m. Located at the dam wall. Open mid-June to mid-September. 20 beds and a bar.}} === Refuge-Hôtel de l'Oule - Vielle-Aure === ; Distance : 17-18 km ; Duration : 5-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 460 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400-1500 m From the refuge, the route follows the western shore of Lac de l'Oule. GR10C variant: After 1½ hr, there is a signed detour to the [http://refugedebastan.fr/ Cabane de Bastan]. The main trail turns directly east and climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Portet|wikidata=Q42178369}} (2215 m; 2¾ hr). From here, it continues eastward, descending gently to the Pla de Castillon, then more steeply down to the D918 road (4½ hr or more) and onward to the stage endpoint {{Marker|type=city|name=Vielle-Aure|wikidata=Q1323900|url=https://vielleaure.com/}}, an historic village with two Romanesque churches: Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Pierre (in the Agos neighbourhood), both dating to the 12th century. Bus connections to Saint-Lary-Soulan and Lannemezan (35 km). * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Hôtel Aurélia|lat=42.825852030|long=0.32776424175|phone=+33 5 62 39 56 90|url=https://www.hotel-aurelia.com/|content=Simple, hiker-friendly hotel in town.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping La Mousquère|lat=42.8273932992|long=0.33590955638|address=Nougaro, Autun, 65170 Bourisp|url=https://www.campinglamousquere.com/|content=Open May 8 - last weekend of September.}} * There are three more campsites within 2 km north along the river valley. Just 1 km south, the larger and livelier {{Marker|name=Saint-Lary-Soulan|wikidata=Q1323323|type=city}} offers a broader range of shops, accommodations, and services. The tourist information office is at the roundabout in the center; the supermarket is across the street. The wooden bus stop shelter is discreetly located about 50 m away, opposite the modern church on Avenue des Thermes. === Vielle-Aure - Germ === ; Distance : 13 km ; Duration : 4¾-5¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1170 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 630-700 m This is a straightforward, though poorly marked, stage that runs parallel to the D225 up to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Azet|wikidata=Q2981982}} (1600 m). From the pass, the route continues down to [https://www.vallee-du-louron.com/fr Loudenvielle], a village with shops, an outdoor pool, and the Balnéa Spa complex (open 14:00-19:30; €21 for 2 hours). Note: during the [https://www.pyreneesbikefestival.com/ Pyrenees Bike Festival] in early September, the area is overrun with mountain bikers. The final 2-3 km involve a climb of about 220 m up to the hamlet of {{Marker|name=Germ|wikidata=Q1094205|type=city}}. Altitude 1339 m. A small village with 34 year-round residents, but many second homes and guest beds. Two old churches are worth visiting. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Centre de Montagne de Germ|lat=42.793610431|long=0.425057973260|address=D130|phone=+33 5 62 99 65 27|url=https://www.germ-louron.com/|content=Open year-round. 70 beds in a large mountain center.}} * Auberge de Germ, a guesthouse with 11 rooms (33 beds), open year-round. * {{listing|type=see|name=Peyresourde-Balestas Airfield (Aérodrome de Peyragudes)|wikidata=Q5659350|content=Also known as Altiport 007, as a James Bond film was shot here in 1997. The 470 m runway has a 15% gradient and is also used for paragliding.}} === Germ - Lac d'Oô === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 6-7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1060 m This stage and the next are strenuous. They can be divided into thirds with overnight stops at the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Granges d'Astau|lat=42.76352657695474|long=0.5024399621092607}} (open May-Oct; 26 beds) and the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Espingo|url=https://refugedespingo.ffcam.fr/|wikidata=Q104413940}} (1967 m; 44 beds, mid-May-Oct; 15 emergency shelter places off-season). Camping is allowed near the lake. Around the refuge is a “classic” mountaineering loop over the Pic des Spijeoles (3008 m), Grand Quayrat (3060 m), down to Lac du Portillon (2571 m) and the glacial Lac Glacé d'Oô (2664 m). After the initial climb out of Germ, you enter the Val d'Aube. Follow the river on the left-hand side; after 1¾ hr, across the valley (250 m away), lies the Cabane d'Ourtiga (1610 m). The route ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Couret d'Esquierry|lat=42.75523440839548|long=0.4627935235857289}} (2131 m; 3½ hr), where you cross into the Haute-Garonne department. After 4 hr, you reach the Cabane du Val d'Esquierry. From there, follow the D76 road down to the Granges d'Astau and an auberge (1139 m; 5 hr). In July and August, a morning bus runs up from Luchon and returns in the evening. The stage ends at {{Marker|type=see|name=Lac d'Oô|wikidata=Q3215352}}, a scenic 42-hectare lake situated at an altitude of 1,507 m within the Natura 2000 reserve “Vallées du Lis, de la Pique et d'Oô.” Renowned since the 19th century for its spectacular waterfall, the lake is a popular destination for its natural beauty. Due to its protected status, camping, swimming, and dogs are not permitted in the area. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Lac d'Oô|address=|phone=+33 7 84 56 55 88|lat=42.744558752|long=0.490915210685|content=Reached in about 6 hr. By the lake shore at 1504 m.}} === Lac d'Oô - Bagnères-de-Luchon === ; Distance : 19-21 km ; Duration : 7-9¼ h ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000-1130 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1900-2000 m After Refuge d'Espingo, the trail becomes more difficult, with several rocky scree sections. You skirt the northern slopes of Hourquette des Hounts-Secs (2275 m). Optional detour: From here, a 15-minute ascent (each way) leads to Cap de Bassiéret. You continue over the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Coume de Bourg|lat=42.787224318|long=0.51785762473}} (2272 m, 4¾ hr or more), which may retain snow well into the summer. Optional summit detours from the pass: * Pic Céciré, 45 minutes up and down to the north * Subescale, 40 minutes up and down to the south After 5½+ hours, you reach (1802 m) Superbagnères, a summer-only (July-August) mountain hotel serving the ski area. While it offers meals and lodging, prices are high. The massive historic building can also be reached by gondola lift from Luchon, replacing the old cog railway. The {{Marker|type=go|name=Gondola base station in Luchon|lat=42.78789198327501|long=0.5908142174347624}} is located on the western edge of town and operates daily from 08:30 to 18:00 during the summer season. If descending on foot, it is a steep 1200 m drop to reach {{Marker|name=Bagnères-de-Luchon|wikidata=Q238393|type=city}}. This spa town marks the end of the central Pyrenean segment of the GR10. Regular bus services run to Montréjeau, where you can connect by train to Toulouse. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Superbagnères|url=https://www.villagesclubsdusoleil.com/fr/nos-destinations/hiver/sejour-a-la-montagne/superbagneres|wikidata=Q844809}} === Bagnères-de-Luchon - Artigue === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 2½-3 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 50 m From the church in Luchon, head left along the footpath by the L'One river, crossing the road bridge toward Juzet-de-Luchon. As an optional detour, you can visit the {{Marker|name=Cascade Juzet-de-Luchon|wikidata= Q135191106 |type=see}} waterfall. The trail continues via Sode to the day's highest point at the stage destination {{Marker|name=Artigue|wikidata=Q1088729|type=city}}. Altitude 1230 m. A small mountain village with a municipal gîte d'étape, open year-round, offering 12 dormitory beds and evening meals at the on-site restaurant. === Artigue - Fos === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 7½-8½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1100 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1750 m The first half of this stage is a steady climb of over 1000 meters, initially on a gravel track. After 1¼ hours, you reach the Cabane de Saunères (1660 m), a basic mountain shelter. One hour later, you arrive at the Col de Peyrehitte (1947 m). The trail continues along an exposed ridge around the Pic de Bacanère (2193 m; 3 hr or more), passing border markers 402-404. After the Col d'Aou (2093 m; 3½-4 hr), the trail descends gradually across open alpine meadows. At the Cabane d'Artigue (5 hr or more), potable water is available. Below this point, the path winds down gently through a series of switchbacks, eventually crossing a road bridge into {{Marker|name=Fos|wikidata=Q1349025|type=city}}. Altitude 544 m. Small village with weekday bus service to Melles and Saint-Gaudens (railway connections to Pau and Toulouse). Alternative route (former GR10): From the Cabane d'Artigue, you can divert to the Cabane d'Artiguessans, then descend steeply to the Ruisseau de la Batch before climbing back up to rejoin the GR10. This saves about 15 minutes and 70 m of elevation gain. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte de Fos|wikidata=Q3162431|lat=42.873845424|long=0.73442375047|phone=+33 5 61 94 98 59|content=Offers 20 dormitory beds, open year-round.}} === Fos - Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing === ; Distance : 18 km ; Duration : 6½-8 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1700 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m It's a good idea to stock up on supplies in {{Marker|name=Melles|wikidata=Q1616421|type=city}}, which you reach after about 45 minutes. From the old customs house, the trail climbs steeply. Auberge de Crabère offers a comfortable stop. * {{listing|type=see|name=Botanical Garden (À Fleur de Montagne)|wikidata=Q3162431|url=https://mairie-de-melles.wixsite.com/mairie-de-melles/le-jardin-botanique|content=Small but charming community-run garden specializing in Pyrenean alpine flora. Open in summer, 10:00-19:00.}} From Melles, a narrow road leads uphill to the last farmhouse at Labach (2¼ hr). The next 2 hours or more are mostly through forest, climbing steadily. After about 5 hours, you reach the Cabane d'Uls shelter. The path continues uphill to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Pas du Bouc}} (2170 m; 6+ h). Optional summit detour: From here, the {{Marker|type=see|name=Pic de Crabère|wikidata=Q3382364}} (2629 m) can be climbed in about 90 minutes round-trip. Brown bears have been reintroduced to this area. The highest point of the day is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Auéran|lat=42.835385392840536|long=0.860341080714231}} (2176 m), which also marks the border into the Ariège department. From here, it's a quick descent to Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing|url=http://www.refuge-araing.fr/|wikidata=Q3423195|content=Altitude 1956 m. Open June 1 to October 5. 52 beds, plus a 12-bed shelter area available off-season. Advance bookings accepted for groups on the two weekends before/after opening.}} === Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing - Eylie-d'en-Haut === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 3-4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1320 m From the lake and refuge, the trail climbs to the Serre d'Araing (2221 m; 1 hr). Optional detour: Summit of Pic de l'Har (2424 m), approximately 50 minutes round-trip. The descent into the valley follows faintly marked trails to the left of the power lines. Along the way, you'll encounter remnants of former lead mining operations. After about 2¾ hours, you cross a bridge and reach {{Marker|name=Eylie d'en Haut|wikidata=Q134078264|type=city}}, a small hamlet with a 14-bed hut, picnic area, and a basic campsite located by the Lez river. === Eylie-d'en-Haut - Maison du Valier, Pla de la Lau === ; Distance : 17 km ; Duration : 8¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1700 m A strenuous stage with no food or lodging options along the way. The trail starts by crossing the Lez river, then turns sharply left and begins to climb through open terrain. After about 50 minutes, you cross a stream and ascend through forest for just over an hour. In autumn, the woods are full of blueberries—a favourite of the brown bears reintroduced here in the 1990s. At a stone shelter (1660 m; 2½ hr), the trail forks. The GR10 continues to the right, up to the Col de l'Arech (1802 m; 3 hr or more). From there, the path turns left. Optional detours: * South to Tuc de Cagonilles (2196 m; 80 minutes round trip) * From there, to the challenging Mail de Bulard (2750 m; 3 hours round trip) After a short ridge walk, descend to the shepherd's hut Cabane d'Arech (1638 m; 3½ hr). From here, follow the access track down, then branch left down a steep, gorse-covered slope. After 4 hours, you reach a stream. About 40 minutes later, the ruins of Flouquet (1680 m) come into view. Continue to Cabane de Besset (1540 m; 6 hr or more), then ascend again for 45 minutes to Cabane Clot du Lac (1821 m; 7 hr). Passing the huts Cabane du Trapech-du-Milieu (1540 m) and Cabane de l'Artigue, you arrive at Maison du Valier. The Mont Valier massif is a protected area of interest to birdwatchers. It hosts a variety of mountain bird species, including rare birds of prey, bearded vultures, and alpine species such as ptarmigans, black grouse, and capercaillie. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Maison du Valier|lat=42.83084702593266|long=1.032510054490613|url=https://maison-valier.fr/|wikidata=|content=Altitude 927 m, located on the Pla de la Lau. Open March-October. Reception hours 16:00-19:30. 40 beds.}} === Maison du Valier, Pla de la Lau - Esbintz === ; Distance : 18 km ; Duration : 7¼-9¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200-1350 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300-1490 m A demanding stage with significant elevation gain and loss. The trail climbs from Maison du Valier, following the high northern slopes along the ridges of Cap de Lauses (1892 m), Pic de Crabère (1925 m), and the Col d'Auédole (1730 m). After more than 7 hours, you arrive at {{Marker|type=city|lat=42.85332|long=1.14584|name=Esbintz}}. === Esbintz - Refuge d'Aula === ; Distance : 19 km ; Duration : 6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 500 m This and the following stage offer spectacular scenery in good weather. From Esbintz, follow the D817 for the first 2 km to Borde de Galy. From here, you could take a detour to Seix (4 km) by continuing on the D817, then the D37, and turning right onto the D3, where you'll rejoin the GR10 near the Pont du Salat. Continue mostly downhill through the countryside, crossing the Pont du Salat to reach Moulin Lauga (550 m; 2 hr), which has a bakery and picnic area. Alternatively, you can rest 1½ h later at the Auberge des Deux Rivières. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Esbintz|url=https://www.gite-ferme-esbintz.fr/|lat=42.85315143224526|long=1.1459188949749635|content=850 m. Dormitory with 10 beds. Open May-November.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge des Deux Rivières|phone=+33 5 61 66 83 57|url=https://www.aubergedesdeuxrivieres.com/|lat=42.83210657498069|long=1.1982318103146805|content=Open late May to late September}} === Refuge d'Aula - Rouze === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 4½-5 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 700 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m Fit hikers can combine this stage with the previous one from Gîte d'étape d'Aunac (787 m), resulting in a 30 km day with 11¼ hf walking time (↥ 1750, ↧ 1580 m). From Refuge d'Aula, it's a steep but manageable 1½ hr ascent to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Bouche d'Aula|lat=42.77695825493033|long=1.1180083284724134}} (1998 m), then a descent to the Étang d'Areau, 100 m lower. Optional: The Pic des Aymesses (2036 m) can be climbed from the east side of the lake. A farm road leads down to Faup, with shortcuts along the switchbacks, for instance near the Cabane d'Areau. Slightly below the Col de Pause (1527 m; 2¼ hr), there is a parking area. The {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Camp site Rigaux Philippe|lat=42.78997920829053|long=1.178432115744275}} lies just below the hamlet of Faup. From Faup, descend along the D708 toward {{Marker|name=Couflens|wikidata=Q1142090|type=city}}, but before reaching the D3 junction, cross the bridge and climb on the opposite slope to Gîte de Rouze d'Ustou. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte de Rouze d'Ustou|lat=42.789696616|long=1.20592416901|address=Prat de la Moule, Rouze d'Ustou, 09140 Couflens|phone=+33561669545|url=https://www.ferme-de-rouze.fr/|content=16 beds. Cheese from the farm. Open mid-June to mid-September.}} === Rouze - Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou === ; Distance : 8.4 km ; Duration : 3-4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m Follow the stream uphill for about 1¾ hr to reach the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Serre du Cot}} (1546 m). Optional side trips: * To the south, ascend the Pic de la Tese (2255 m; ↥↧ 3 hr or more). * To the north, climb the Tuc de Peyre Mensongère (1711 m; ↥↧ 40 min). From the pass, descend left onto a forest path, passing a few ruined farmhouses. The route eventually reaches the D38 road and leads into {{Marker|type=city|name=Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou|wikidata=Q109571916}}. === Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou - Aulus-les-Bains === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9 hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400 m The hike begins at the southern end of Saint-Lizier. After crossing the pedestrian bridge, the trail climbs southeast to the Col de Fitté (1387 m), a former ski area. From there, it continues along the right side of the slope. One alternative route begins at {{listing|type=city|name=Bidous|lat=42.78257178128407|long=1.2700395937419484}}, following the Alet river south and then climbing steeply for over 2 hours to reach the Col de Fitté, where it rejoins the GR 10. The trail curves around the southwest side of the Picou de la Mire (1741 m) and reaches the Col d'Escots (1618 m) after 3¾ hr. The nearby Chalet de Beauregard restaurant is open from late May to September, 10:00-23:00. Afterwards, the path continues up and down along steep slopes until it reaches the Ruisseau de Fouillet valley (4½ hr). The Jasse du Fouillet crossing (1170 m) is reached after at least 5 h. For a shorter option, follow the yellow-red waymarks of the Tour du Val du Garbet. This leads to the D8F road and directly into Aulus-les-Bains (7 hr from Saint-Lizier). The main route continues toward the plateau of Souliou and the Pic du Mont Rouge (1600 m). A side trip to Étang de Guzet offers a possible bivouac site. The trail then descends toward the Ruisseau d'Ars (1485 m), crosses a bridge, and continues downward. After a second bridge (8½ hr), the path becomes easier. A final bridge, Pont de la Mouline, crosses the Garbet River just before the trail enters {{Marker|type=city|name=Aulus-les-Bains|wikidata=Q1082493|url=https://www.loubet.fr/saint-lizier.html}}, a small spa town with a mini market at the traffic circle near the bridge and a tourist office next door. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte Pyrénées AAA|lat=42.779696032|long=1.2690230044|url=https://giteslareng.net/|address=Lareng, 09140 Ustou|phone=+33967838934|content=14 places in upscale cottages for 2-4 people.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Cascade d'Ars|lat=42.762922493744796|long=1.3615038669340882|content=260 m high waterfalls in multiple tiers, located 4½ km from Aulus. Takes 3-9 hr round-trip to hike to them (↥ 530 m).}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping municipal le Coulédous|lat= 42.7940356892|long=1.3321660893|url=http://www.camping-aulus-couledous.com/|content=Also offers bungalows for 4-7 people. The gîte d'étape is a 12-person tent.}} === Aulus-les-Bains - Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès === ; Distance : 11 km ; Duration : 5 hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m The route climbs out of Aulus-les-Bains to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Port de Saleix|lat=42.78143117676052|long=1.4043285766664242}}, where you'll find the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Refuge de Carol|lat=42.7813|long=1.4146}}. From here, the ascent becomes steeper. The following section to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Port de Bassiès|lat=42.772502271037204|long=1.411691910311851}} is demanding but scenically rewarding. This area lies within the Mont-Calme nature reserve, where camping is prohibited. === Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès - Marc === ; Distance : variable ; Duration : 3½-5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1385 ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1385 This stage and the following one include several alternative routes and shortcuts that can be combined. From the refuge, the GR-10 leads southeast along a slightly rocky trail for just over three kilometers, following the chain of lakes. At the outflow of the last lake, the Étang d'Escalès, the GR-10 bends to the right. Along the stream, there's an opportunity to descend toward the main road and the village of Auzat. Another descent option to the road appears about 2 km further along the GR-10. The main trail makes a sharp turn southward. From the aqueduct (1160 m; 2¼ h4), the route maintains an elevation just below 1200 m for around 4 km, before descending the final 1½ km into the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Marc|lat=42.71687694132801|long=1.449593121067756}}, cutting across the switchbacks of the road. The Gîte Retrouvance de Mouret (12 places) is available for group bookings only. From {{listing|type=city|name=Auzat|wikidata=Q1082539}}, one can rejoin the GR-10 by heading 4 km south to Artiès and climbing back up. This avoids a significant part of the next stage. Alternatively, walking 6 km to Marc allows one to resume the full stage. To skip this stage, it is possible to go from Auzat directly to Goulier via two routes: one through Olbier (4.4 km), the other 6.1 km. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès|url=https://refugedebassies.fr/|content=1933 m. Open late May to September.|lat=42.76509|long=1.413221}} === Marc - Goulier === ; Distance : 24.3 km ; Duration : 6-9 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m From Marc, follow the path to Mounicou. A shelter is located a short way beyond, along the D8. This is where the ascent begins. After a few hundred meters, you can turn right at the {{Marker|type=go |name=Turn right|lat=42.71|long=1.4575}} marker and stay on the west side of Les Caldelets. From the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Orri de Tignalbu|lat=42.69417|long=1.46296}}, which has a water source, the path becomes very poor. The main GR-10 trail continues uphill to the Refuge de Prunadière (1615 m, 2 hr). Be sure to refill your water here. From there, it leads to a junction above the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Artiès|lat=42.7362|long=1.4793}} shelter (985 m, 3¼ hr). The path ascends steadily, passing the ruins of Pradières-d'en-bas, and arrives at Étang d'Izurt. A cable car runs to the lake. After a short climb, it's around 14 km downhill to {{Marker|type=city |name=Goulier|wikidata=Q1015676}} (moh 370 m), which is part of the Val-de-Sos commune. You can shorten the main trail from Prunadière by climbing steeply left past the buildings, gaining 450 m of elevation. About 2 hr later, you'll rejoin the GR-10 at Coumasses-Grandes. This shortcut saves roughly 8 km and bypasses Étang d'Izurt. === Goulier - Siguer === ; Distance : 13 km ; Duration : 3¼-4¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 416 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 830 m From Goulier, the trail ascends toward the Col de Risoul, then the Col de Esquérus, and continues to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de Grail|lat=42.75360457229|long=1.5321300362453}}. Near this pass is a shelter, an information board, and a water source located 250 m off the path. The route then climbs to the highest point of the day at the Col de Lercoul (1549 m). From here, the trail descends through the hamlet of Lercoul. A footpath south of the winding road leads downhill to the village of {{Marker|name=Siguer|wikidata=Q1375974|type=city}}, home to Café Rouse and several accommodations. === Siguer - Plateau de Beille === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 2400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m This demanding stage involves three steep descents and offers no accommodation along the route, only five basic shelters. From Siguer, the trail climbs steeply to Gestiès (40 min), where you should fill up on water. The path crosses the road three times on the way up. After a long ascent, you reach the Pla de Montcamp (1904 m; 3¾ hr). Past the Col du Sasc (1798 m), the trail traverses the flank of the Pic du Col Taillat. Water is again available at the Cabane de Courtal Marti, though trail markings on this high section can be vague. The trail descends to the Cabane de Balledreyt (1600 m; 2 sleeping places), reached after another 20 minutes. After about 7½ hours, the trail descends to the D520A road at 1040 m elevation. A detour to the villages of Aston (14 km, with a campground) or Les Cabannes (15.8 km, with a year-round gîte d'étape) is possible around the 4¼-hour mark. Les Cabannes has a train connection to Mérens-les-Vals or Foix. After crossing the bridge, the GR-10 climbs again via a forest trail. A water source is marked and located about two minutes off the trail, just past a large boulder reached after 9+ hours. The trail continues across a ridge to the Cabane d'Artaran (1695 m). Shortly afterward, you reach the ski area at the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Plateau de Beille|lat=42.72473998587668|long=1.6911435704342077}}, where the Cabane Beille is located. This area is accessible via the D522 road loop and popular with day hikers. === Plateau de Beille - Refuge du Rulhe === ; Distance : 14 km ; Duration : 4¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m It's recommended to start this exposed stage early in the day to avoid afternoon summer thunderstorms. The trail remains around or above 2000 m throughout. The highest point is the summit of the {{Marker|type=see |name=Crête des Isards|lat=42.65012142232325|long=1.7389568668472413}} at 2381 m. The Refuge du Rulhe lies at the junction of several long-distance trails, including the Tour de Pays des Montagnes d'Ax from Ax-les-Thermes, the GR Transfrontalier from Andorra, and two routes from the Vallée d'Aston. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Rulhe|url=https://rulhe.com/|lat=42.6379904848182|long=1.725866639541228|content=53 places. Open late May to September. €16 per night, half board €45. Tel: +33 6 74 24 50 71}} === Refuge du Rulhe - Mérens-les-Vals === ; Distance : 12 km ; Duration : 4½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 360 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1500-1600 m '''Water is scarce at high elevation.''' From the refuge, the trail ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de Calmettes|lat=42.636915754134|long=1.7404819725150908}} (2318 m), mostly over scree. Cairns also serve as markers. The path descends to Étang Bleu, where it skirts the left side of the lake and climbs again to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Crête de la Lhasse|lat=42.6398816194571|long=1.768563885207408}} (2439 m). Afterward, it continues over scree for nearly 800 m of descent to the pond called l'Estangol, with a shelter above. {{Marker|name=Mérens-les-Vals|wikidata=Q662289|type=city}} is reached after the final descent. The ruins of the old Saint-Pierre church date back to the Napoleonic Wars. The village festival takes place on July 20. The village has a train stop on the Foix - Puigcerdà line. Located on the N-20. The natural hot springs are about 45 minutes away, although they were affected by rockfall in 2022. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge du Nabre|lat=42.65611004694209|long=1.8429807373614195|address=le village d'en haut, 09110 Mérens-les-Vals|phone=+33 5 61 01 89 36|url=https://www.aubergedunabre.com/|content=Guesthouse in the upper village.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping de Mérens|lat=42.64646601527881|long=1.8310245105731093|address=600 Ville de Bau, 09110 Mérens-les-Vals|phone=+33 5 61 02 85 40|url=http://www.camping.merenslesvals.fr/de/haus/|content=Open all year, 1.3 km south of the village.}} === Mérens-les-Vals - Refuge des Bésines === ; Distance : 10 km ; Duration : 4½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 260 m This demanding stage continues through high alpine terrain, with lots of rock and scree. From Mérens, the trail leads past Le Nabre to the hot springs. Afterward, the path climbs for nearly 3 hours. First, it reaches the Estangs (2056 m), then continues to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Porteille de Bésines|lat=42.6154502407948|long=1.872190036139089}} (2333 m). From this pass, the route is clearly signposted. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bésines|wikidata=Q11945073|url=https://refugebesines.ffcam.fr/|content=2104 m. 70 beds. Open June-September. Phone: +33 5 61 05 11 77.}} === Refuge des Bésines - Refuge des Bouillouses === ; Distance : 16.7 km ; Duration : 5½-6 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 660 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 760 m This high-level stage crosses several mountain passes and offers excellent panoramic views. The route first ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Coll de Coma d'Anyell|lat=42.60880012907595|long=1.8962468691063044}}, from where it is possible to climb Pic des Bésineilles (2632 m) in about ¾ hr round trip. The path then continues through the Lansolet basin (2234 m), past the Cabane de Rozet, and climbs again to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Portella de la Grava|lat=42.59935934341172|long=1.934453711010157}}. From there, it's a gentle 3-hour descent to the lakeside refuge at Bouillouses. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bésines|lat=42.6039|long=1.86853|content=56 dormitory beds, with 16 emergency shelter spots outside the season. Open June-September.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bouillouses|lat=42.559475002653095|long=2.00351938309043|url=https://www.lesbouillouses.com/|content=2003 m. 46 beds. Open June-September. Phone: +33 4 68 04 93 88.}} === Refuge des Bouillouses - Planès === ; Distance : 19 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 230 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m The descent is easy but not always well marked. After about 2¾ hours (1740 m), the GR-10 reaches the D618. About 700 m further, a right turn leads to Superbolquère, where food and lodging are available, including a supermarket and a gîte with 28 beds. The GR-10 continues downhill to the quiet D10C near {{Marker|name=Bolquère|wikidata=Q1101891|type=city}} (1628 m, 2¾ hr), where there is a public drinking fountain and an information board. The nearby Gare de Bolquère-Eyne (1593 m) is the highest railway stop in France, on the scenic “train jaune” line. Passing through the villages of La Perche and La Cabanasse (3½ hr), the route ends at the small village of {{Marker|name=Planès|wikidata=Q524705|type=city}}. No shops in the village. The nearby Pont Gisclard, opened in 1909, is a cable-stayed bridge on the Ligne de Cerdagne crossing the Têt river. The village is a stop on the “train jaune” railway. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=L'Orri de Planès|lat=42.490995503|long=2.1382908362|address=Casas del Mitg, 66210 Planès|phone=+33 4 68 04 29 47|content=Gîte with 16 dormitory beds and private rooms.}} === Planès - Refuge du Ras de la Carança === ; Distance : 15.3 km ; Duration : 5¾-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1170 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 870 m There are no supply options along this stage. The trail begins with a gentle ascent through pine forest into the high Riberola valley. It is advisable to refill your water at the Refuge de l'Orri. Above the Cabane d'Aixques, the route becomes steep as it climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col Mitja|wikidata=Q28381301}} (2376 m). From the pass, it is possible to summit Pic de Gallinas (2624 m, ↥↧ 90 min) or Pic Redoun (2677 m, ↥↧ 1 hr). The final 1½ hours involve a descent of about 500 m to the refuge. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Ras de la Carança|wikidata=Q28380908|address=142 rue de, 66360 Fontpédrouse|phone=+33 9 88 66 73 81|url=https://www.refugelacaranca.com/|content=1840 m. Open mid-May to mid-September. 13 emergency places available off-season. Connections to other trails: 7.7 km to Prats Balaguer, 8.5 km to Ull de Ter, 13.7 km to Carança, 10 km to Thuès-les-Bains via the gorge, and 12 km to Núria.}} === Refuge du Ras de la Carança - Mantet === ; Distance : 10 km ; Duration : 4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 640 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 940 m This stage is challenging and poorly marked at higher elevations. From the refuge, follow the stream uphill for 100 m to a wooden bridge. Continue on a scree path along the left side of the valley. After passing through a gate, you reach an alpine pasture and the {{marker|type=go|name=Coll del Pal|lat=42.465650773936|long=2.258498904704664}} (2294 m). This area is a nature reserve where wild camping is forbidden. From the pass, there is an optional ascent to Pic de Serre Gallinère (2663 m; 1 hr round trip), and possibly further on to the Serre de Caret (2300 m). From the pass, descend to the {{marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Alemany|wikidata=Q120254507}} (1962 m; 8 places), located 200 m off the trail. The main path continues left, crossing first a wooden, then a concrete bridge, followed by a narrow unpaved road that ascends to the village of {{listing|type=city|name=Mantet|wikidata=Q1369164}} (1550 m). Population: 31. Most of the southern part of the commune is the protected area [https://rnn-mantet.fr/ Reserva natural de Mentet], where camping is forbidden. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=La Cavale|address=Los Miquelets, 66360 Mantet|phone=+33 4 68 05 57 59|url=http://la-cavale.fr/|lat=42.477231944228336|long=2.3092556382036555|content=Private rooms and dorms for 3-5 people.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte à la ferme Cazenove|url=http://www.gitecazenovemantet.fr/|lat=42.47702171854456|long=2.306028129535968|content=Farm gîte. Open May to September.}} === Mantet - Refuge de Mariailles === ; Distance : 14.8 km ; Duration : 5 hr 5 min ; Elevation gain : ↥ 936 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 834 m Midway along this stage is the village of {{Marker|name=Py|wikidata=Q178846|type=city}} (1023 m), which has an auberge and a gîte. From Py, follow the D6 briefly before heading northeast to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Jou|wikidata=Q47335849|lat=|long=}} (1125 m). The path turns southeast and ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Cavall Mort|wikidata=Q47335871|lat=|long=}} (1454 m), then continues upward to the Refuge de Mariailles. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge de Mariailles|alt=Refugi de Marelles|url=https://refugedemariailles.fr/|lat=42.5017361908777|long=2.4077634391340514|content=1692 m. Open from late May; shelter room available year-round.}} === Refuge de Mariailles - Refuge des Cortalets === ; Distance : 16.3 km ; Duration : 6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1030 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m This is a challenging high-mountain route around the Canigou Massif. There are no supply points along the way, and surefootedness is required. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Cortalets|url=https://refugedescortalets.ffcam.fr/|lat=42.53436454795011|long=2.465036067970792|content=2100 m. 105 places, plus 19 emergency shelter places available outside the season.}} * {{listing|type=go |name=Loop trail to the summit of Pic du Canigou|alt=Canigó|url=https://www.visit-occitanie.com/de/entdecken/top-sehenswuerdigkeiten/massif-du-canigou-katalonien/|lat=42.53692009465181|long=2.4666389025393545|content=This difficult 9.3 km loop (4½ h; ↥ 700+ m) begins 200 m beyond the refuge.}} === Refuge des Cortalets - Gîte-refuge de Batère === ; Distance : 16.8 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 270 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 920 m This stage is also part of the HRP. From the refuge to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Ras del Prat Cabrera|wikidata=Q47170860|lat=|long=}} (1739 m; 4 km), you can choose between a high-level route following the “Tour du Canigou” and a less steep path along the mountainside. From the pass to the Refuge de l'Estanyol (2¾ hr or more) the trail descends gradually, then more steeply. It climbs again briefly to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Cirère|wikidata=Q134299355|lat=|long=}} (1731 m; 4-4¾ hr). From here, you can optionally ascend the Puig Saint-Pierre (1791 m; ↥ 15 min, ↧ 15 min). Descending from the col, you pass abandoned stone quarries and mines (the Mines de la Pinosa are ruins of a former settlement), and reach your destination. Nearby you can explore the 5-day “Tour du Canigou” circuit or visit the historic abbeys of Saint-Martin du Canigou and Saint-Michel-de-Cuxa. * {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Estanyol|wikidata=Q120262655|lat=|long=}} === Gîte-refuge de Batère - Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette === ; Distance : 19.2 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 745 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m Along this long and steady descent, you pass several dolmens. Their significance may be best appreciated by specialists in archaeology. The destination is the Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette, an old mill located in the Ribera Valley. More accommodation and services are available in {{Marker|name=Arles-sur-Tech|wikidata=Q7897|type=city}}, which is connected by bus. At the southern edge of the town, you'll find Camping Riuferrer. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte-refuge de Batère|url=https://www.refugedebatere.fr/|lat=42.50176051942559|long=2.5484428644953847|address=Mines de Batère, 66150 Corsavy|phone=+33 4 68 39 12 01|content=17 dormitory beds, 20 in private rooms. Access via a 20.3-km road from Arles-sur-Tech.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette|wikidata=Q120266421|url=http://gr10-par-etapes.eklablog.com/hebergement-du-moulin-de-la-palette-a126161238|content=Simple eco-gîte in a renovated mill, located in the Ribera valley.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Riuferrer|lat=42.4551506239|long=2.6291899540|url=https://campingriuferrer.com/}} === Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette - Las Illas === ; Distance : 22 km ; Duration : 7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m From the gîte, follow the D536 for 1 km, then turn right uphill toward Montalba (543 m; 1 hr). At the cross, turn sharply right to continue climbing. You reach the ruins of the Mouli Serradou (833 m; 2½ hr). The highest point is the Coll de Sant Martí (1426 m; 4 hr or more). The trail continues through forest along the slope, passing by the Roc de France (also known as Roc de Frausa). {{Marker|name=Las Illas|wikidata=Q16508596|type=city}} has a water point and picnic area in the park. Accommodation is available in a gîte at the town hall and at the Hostal de Trabucayeres. === Las Illas - Col de l'Ouillat === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 6-7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 930 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 540 m The route has been altered several times due to terrain difficulties, so follow the current waymarking. The middle part of the trail runs along the border, just below the ridge. The dominant tree species in this area is the striking Corsican pine (Pinus nigra var. corsicana). A detour to the fortified town of Le Perthus and the Fort de Bellegarde (open May-Sep, 10:30-18:00) offers a cultural break. Note that all shops are on the Spanish side of the border. After about 3 hours, there is an optional detour to the Roman fort Panissas, built on the Via Domitia. Turn off 5 minutes after border marker 565 (2½ hr). The stage ends at {{marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de l'Ouillat|wikidata=Q11914547}} (938 m). === Col de l'Ouillat - Banyuls-sur-Mer === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 7-8¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 680 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1610 m The route stays high near the border ridge. It takes about 1 hour to reach the Pic Néulos. Water is available at the Refuge de la Tagnarède after 1½ hours. From there, the trail leads over several passes: Coll del Faig (985 m), Col de l'Orry, and Col de l'Estaque (1025 m; 2¾ hr). The Pic des Quatre-Termes (1156 m) and Pic de la Cabassère are bypassed to the north. After 4 hours, you reach the Coll del Pal (899 m). From there, continue right toward the Col des Gascons (6¼ hr or more). The final descent to the Col de Llagastèra (285 m) passes partly through vineyards towards {{Marker|name=Banyuls-sur-Mer|wikidata=Q6753|type=city}}. == Go next == * [[Pyrenean High Route]]: Crosses the Pyrenees along the mountain crests, staying higher than both the GR 10 and GR 11. * [[GR 11]] This footpath stays on the Spanish side of the Pyrenees. {{outlineitinerary}} {{Related|France}} {{Related|Pyrenees}} {{PartOfItinerary|Europe itineraries}} 59mxgmhq04pg7q61fwuqhl4fw0rgy5r 5086761 5086736 2025-07-02T19:34:19Z LPfi 79572 let's be consistent with the directions; linked [[Outdoor cooking]]; I don't think we need mm (or pm!) precision; c/e 5086761 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|GR 10 WV banner.jpg|caption=View from GR 10, near Souriche, looking towards the Tourmalet, valley of Barèges, France}} The '''GR 10''' is one of the paths and trails of the extensive [[Grande Randonnée]] (or GR) network. It crosses [[France]], from the Mediterranean coast to the Atlantic coast, and runs almost entirely through the [[Pyrenees]]. While the trail is in France, much of it is near, or even on, the border with [[Spain]]. The trail can be walked in either direction, though some suggest that the west-east route is easier in the beginning, as it is both cooler and less steep that the corresponding start heading west; this may be an advantage to those not fully in shape. == Understand == [[File:Lac d'Oô (22).jpg|thumb|Lac d'Oo]] Moving from west to east, the trail begins in [[Hendaye]] on the Atlantic Ocean, and finishes on the Mediterranean, in the small town of [[Banyuls sur Mer]]. Hikers will usually be able to make it to a [[France#Guesthouses and holiday rentals|gîte]] or small town every other night, and quite frequently every night. Expected time to complete the trail is around 6-7 weeks, though the majority of people only hike sections of it. == Prepare == The trail is fairly well marked with painted marks on rocks, trees, telephone poles, and even houses, walls, and street signs. If you haven’t seen a waymark for 100 metres, you’ve likely strayed off the trail. Retrace your steps to the last marker and check your route. It is not realistic to navigate using the markers alone. A trail guide, at minimum, or a topologic map is required. Sunburn is a particular problem, and clothing such as long sleeved shirts and long pants should be worn as they protect from the sun, scratching branches and insects. Sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat are highly desirable. For those heading west from Banyuls sur Mer, the hike to the first gîte is particularly long compared to the following days, and should be started very early. === Equipment === One of the advantages of the GR 10 is that it can be hiked with minimal gear, as one can eat dinner and breakfast almost every day at the gîtes. Additionally the hiker can sleep outdoors on clear nights and pay for a bed in a gîte in inclement weather. On nights that only shelters (which usually have no food or staff) are available, pre-purchased food can be eaten. If one plans to eat at gîtes and buy food from supermarkets that can be eaten without cooking, the absolute minimal gear in the summer months is: * Sleeping bag or sleep sheet, and a mat for comfort. * Goretex jacket and fleece or similar for cold or wet weather * Long-sleeved shirt and pants * Short-sleeved shirt and shorts (including shorts you can wear for swimming) * Sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat * Adequate footwear. Anything less than hiking boots may prove insufficient. * Bottles for at least two litres of water, and a purification method for treating water from streams. * Toiletries and a [[Travel health kit|medical kit]] Additionally, consider a rain jacket or fleece top for wet or cold weather. If you plan to forgo the comforts and delicious food of the gites and hotels, also bring: * Tent * [[Outdoor cooking|Cooking gear]] and food A note on footwear: some four fifths of the hikers wear full hiking boots and thick socks. While running sneakers may suffice (and Choco-style sandals may work for a few days), your risk of injury is higher, and much of the trail involves hopping around on possibly wet and sharp rocks. Choose conservatively, depending on the length of your hike and your experience. ==Get in== == Walk == {{Mapframe|lat=42.68287|long=0.56837|width=full|height=360|zoom=7}} {{mapshape|type=geoline|stroke=#000000|stroke-width=3}} === Hendaye-Plage - Olhette === ; Distance : 21.9 km ; Duration : 6–7¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1010 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 950 m The hike starts from the 3 km long {{marker|type=see|name=Hendaye Beach|wikidata=Q20947149}}. This is below the old casino, now known as Résidence Croisière. Buses run from the main train station, or you can walk from {{marker|type=go|name=Gare Deux Jumeaux|wikidata=Q2802667}}. A {{marker|type=buy|name=Decathlon|lat=43.36843635018845|long=-1.7798332063655435}} store geared towards watersports is available for last minute purchases, such as gas cannisters. The route leaves town, passing by {{Marker|type=city|name=Biriatou|wikidata=Q196871}}, which conveniently has public toilets available. After about 3 hr you reach the summit of {{marker|type=see|name=Xoldokogaina|wikidata=Q20492776}}. The high point is at Mandale on the Spanish border, with an altitude of {{m|530}}. From here, the path descends past {{Marker|type=see|name=Redoute de la Baïonette|lat=43.3092|long=-1.70330}}, a fortification near Mandale, located by modern border marker 9, to the Col d'Ibardin, a journey of 4¼ hours. The col is a popular spot for French shoppers due to cheap alcohol and tobacco. The trail continues via Col des Poiriers and Col des Joncs before reaching {{Marker|type=city|name=Olhette|lat=43.3360|long=-1.6661}}. === Olhette - Ainhoa === ; Distance : 21.1 km ; Duration : 6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 730 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 640 m The steepest climb comes right at the beginning. For most of the route, you'll be on forest trails and, after Sare, quiet paved country roads. The trail initially ascends on a good path to the Col des Trois Fontaines, a journey of 1½ hours. A shelter is located 300 m from the col. The path then descends to the Col de St-Ignace, where the valley station of the cog railway to La Rhune is found. It continues to {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Sare]]|wikidata=Q274155}}, bringing the total walking time to 2¾ hours. Sare is a local transport hub, an outdoor swimming pool is available, and it is listed as one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. The stage ends in {{Marker|type=city|name=Ainhoa|wikidata=Q212962}}, which is also one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. From Col des Trois Fontaines you can ascend La Rhune, which has an altitude of {{m|905}}. The ascent can be made either by cog railway, a trip that takes 35 minutes, or on foot. The walk is a 3 km journey that takes 1¼ hours and involves an ascent and descent of 300 m. The prehistoric {{Marker|type=see|name=Grottes de Sare|wikidata=Q3117280}} can be visited with prior reservation made through the local municipality or online. These caves are closed annually for one month following Epiphany. This stage is part of the [[European long-distance path E9|European long-distance trail E9]]. === Ainhoa - Bidarray === ; Distance : 21.7 km ; Duration : 8½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 880 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 850 m This is a difficult stage, with little shade at the start and a particularly steep, rocky descent near the end. After about 40 minutes, you will reach the old cemetery at an altitude of {{m|389}}. It is located beside the {{Marker|type=see|name=Chapelle Notre Dame de l'Aubépine|wikidata=Q12253854}}. You can also find traditional Basque hilarri gravestones here. The path then continues over the Col des Trois-Croix, reaching an altitude of {{m|510}} after about 1 hour and 20 minutes from the start. Ferme Esteben is a good place to rest. You will reach this gîte d'étape with a bar-restaurant after about 2 hours and 50 minutes, at an altitude of {{m|580}}. The trail continues near the border, past Boundary Stone 77, partly on a paved road. At Col des Veaux, at an altitude of {{m|550}}, you can take a 300-m detour into Spain to visit a venta, which is a small inn or shop. From here, the trail climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Méhatche|lat=43.272782275749094|long=-1.4166930371188398}}, which is at an altitude of {{m|716}} and takes about 3¾ hours to reach. The descent past Boundary Stones 82 and 83 is secured with cables. From Col de Méhatche, you can ascend Artzamendi, which has a summit at {{m|926}} and is easily identified by the radar dome on top. The nearby {{Marker|type=see|name=Grotte le Saint-que-Sue|alt=Harpeko Saindua|lat=43.26526|long=-1.38904}} can also be visited. Just before reaching {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Bidarray]]|wikidata=Q746221}}, a bypass trail offers a shortcut to the next stage. This route is also ideal for peak baggers, as it gives access to several summits. These include Errebi, located between the chapel and Col des Trois-Croix, and Atxulegi, which requires a 15-minute detour on the way to Col des Trois-Croix. When the weather is good, you can also access Mont Bizkayluze at {{m|701}} and Gorospil at {{m|691}}. === Bidarray - Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry === ; Distance : 18.5 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1250 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1250 m This southward stage is demanding, especially due to the complete lack of water sources along the ascent. After passing the Iparla Ridge at an altitude of {{m|950}}, the trail reaches over 1000 m for the first time on the way to the summit. It then continues along the ridge to the Pic de Tutulia before descending to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Harrieta|lat=43.21079140547837|long=-1.384120195860639}}. This point is reached after 3¾ hours and sits at an altitude of {{m|808}}. From the Col d'Harrieta, a side trail descends to Urdos in a walk of 1¾ hours, from where it is possible to follow the road into Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry. The main trail continues across the Buztanzelhay summit, which is reached in 4¾ hours at an altitude of {{m|1029}}. The trail then leads down to the col of the same name at {{m|843}}. Here, the GR-10 turns left and descends steeply. The path crosses the D949 road several times; this road leads from the village to the ventas on the Spanish border at the Col d'Ispéguy. You can also reach this col via the ridge, a distance of 1½ km from Col Buztanzelhay. If you want to skip entering {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry]]|wikidata=Q279252}}, a village situated at {{m|162}}, you can join the next stage earlier at the Nive des Aldudes. This location can be reached in 6½ hours and is at an altitude of {{m|162}}. In the village park, there is a picnic area, and a supermarket stocks gas cartridges. Locals play Rebot, a type of pelota, on two courts. The Château d'Etxauz is not open to the public. The village hosts a traditional folklore festival known as Nafarroaren Eguna on the last Sunday in April. The Nive des Aldudes valley occasionally experiences flooding and mudslides. === Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry - Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port === ; Distance : 19.2 km ; Duration : 5-7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 990 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 980 m This stage runs mostly on gravel paths and farm tracks. About an hour into the walk, there is an optional detour at Col d'Aharza for a 35-minute climb to Oylarandoy, where a hermitage built in 1706 stands. The GR-10 heads south to the Col d'Aharza, which is at an altitude of {{m|734}} and reached in two hours. A water source is available at the col. The trail then turns east and circles around {{Marker|type=see|name=Munhoa|wikidata=Q3327853}}. This summit is at {{m|1023}} and is reached after a total of 3½ hours. The climb is fully exposed to the sun. The descent begins on the right-hand side. {{Marker|name=[[Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port]]|wikidata=Q270294|type=city}} lies at an altitude of {{m|170}} and is where three of the four French pilgrimage routes converge before entering Spain. From here, it is possible to continue directly onto the Camino de Santiago towards Roncesvalles. === Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port - Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta === ; Distance : 16.2 km ; Duration : 5-5½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 870 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 420 m There are no supply points or public transport on this stage, but the walking is relatively easy. In the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Çaro|wikidata=Q842635}}, at an altitude of {{m|242}}, there is a public fountain next to the town hall. If you choose to end the day early after 3¾ hours in {{Marker|type=city|name=Estérençuby|wikidata=Q842724}}, be aware that this adds an extra 400 m of ascent to the next day's stage. The village lies at an altitude of {{m|231}} and offers two accommodation options. === Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta - Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty === ; Distance : 20.7 km ; Duration : 6¾-8 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1410 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m This stage is simple but offers little shade. The trail first climbs toward the Col on Ithurramburu, which is at an altitude of {{m|820}}. It then continues ascending to just below {{Marker|type=see|name=Occabe|alt=Okabe|wikidata=Q17417892}} at {{m|1456}}. On the Occabe plateau, 26 Neolithic stone circles have been found. Known as ''harrespil'' in Basque, they are believed to have been used for cremation rites. A good rest stop, reached after 4¾ hours, is the upscale {{Marker|type=eat|name=Restaurant Chalet Pedro|url=https://www.chaletpedro.com|lat=43.03688|long=-1.07468}}. The associated lodge offers 10 beds. Across the stream at Le Kayolar, similar accommodation is available. From here, the trail turns sharply right after 100 m and continues uphill for another 6-7 km to the stage destination, a final ascent of 300 m. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta|url=http://kaskoleta.free.fr/|lat=43.09204|long=-1.16466|content=Altitude 615 m. Offers 13 beds in 3 rooms plus a holiday apartment for 4. A scenic viewpoint with an information panel is 5 minutes away.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=L'aire Naturelle de Camping|lat=43.03746|long=-1.04942|content=Natural campground with 50 pitches, located 3 km before the Chalets by the stream. Open June-October. Fresh bread available by reservation from 08:30.}} === Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty - Logibar === ; Distance : 16.4 km ; Duration : 5-6 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 440 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1380 m In bad weather, the route along the west side of the {{Marker|type=see|name=Pic des Escaliers|wikidata=Q31645205}}, which has an altitude of {{m|1423}}, is not recommended. There are two alternative routes, but both are poorly marked. At the Ugatzé Ridge, the trail skirts the peak rather than summiting it. To avoid the steep descent from Pic des Escaliers, stay on the road for about 600 m after the start, then turn off after 2½ km to reach Col Ugatzé. A short side trip allows you to summit Arthanolatzégagnia, which requires an additional 35 minutes for the ascent and descent. For several hours, trail markings are sparse. After some time following mule tracks, you'll reach a road crossing at Beloscare, which is at an altitude of {{m|1173}} and is reached after three hours. Logibar marks the end of the stage, but you can also continue 2 km further to {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Larrau]]|wikidata=Q608335}}, which offers three accommodation options and a campground. In bad weather, an easier alternative is to follow the paved road from Iraty directly to Larrau for a gentler descent. === Logibar - Sainte-Engrâce (Senta) === ; Distance : 26.3 km ; Duration : 7½-9¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200-1420 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 900-1170 m This stage leads through spectacular gorges. Follow signs to the Gorges d'Holzarté and ascend the trail to the 70 m long suspension bridge, a walk of 50 minutes. The bridge spans the dramatic Ruisseau de Olhadubi gorge 150 m above the ground. On the far side, the trail continues uphill. After two hours, you reach the Olhadubi stream, which is a possible spot for a refreshing dip. Nearby is the Cabane Cayolar d'Olhadubi, reached via a side path from the bridge. It serves as an emergency shelter with space for 4-5 people. Continuing uphill, you'll reach the Abarrakia farm after just over three hours. The path then winds between farms, eventually reaching the point where the GR-10 turns sharply to the right, a journey of 4½ hours from the start. The original GR-10 route bypassed the gorges entirely by heading up to the Plateau d'Adarkhotia after the Holzarté bridge. This shortcut saves 2.7 km, takes 1¼ hours, and avoids 150 m of elevation gain. After about five hours, you'll reach the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Anhaou|alt=Col de Bious|lat=42.9784|long=-0.88044}} at an altitude of {{m|1383}}. From here, energetic hikers can summit nearby peaks such as Izeyto at {{m|1464}} or Sarimendi at {{m|1484}}. The stage ends at {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Sainte-Engrâce]]|wikidata=Q197211}}. Sainte-Engrâce is home to a Romanesque church from the 11th century. From the village, a 9-km side trip with an ascent of 840 m and descent of 135 m takes you to the vast La Verna cave, which has guided tours. A detour south from the restaurant leads into the wild and romantic Gorges de Kakuetta. The trail is very steep and slippery, and entry tickets are sold at the restaurant. === Sainte-Engrâce (Senta) - Refuge Jeandel === ; Distance : 11.6 km ; Duration : 4¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 160 m The trail climbs steadily from Sainte-Engrâce into the limestone highlands of the Pierre-Saint-Martin massif, marking the transition into more alpine terrain. You ascend to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Pierre-St-Martin|wikidata=Q1107451}} at an altitude of {{m|1760}}, which marks the border with Spain. Since 1373, the Tributo de las Tres Vacas, a cross-border tribute of three cows, has been held here every July 13 to settle grazing rights between the two valleys. A small shop at the parking area sells goat cheese. A ski area lies just over the border on the Spanish side. There is also a small shelter near Boundary Marker 62. An optional 15-minute detour leads to the summit of Soum de Lèche, which has an altitude of {{m|1839}}. The Grotte de la Verna, a massive cave chamber accessible by pre-booked guided tour, lies 1 km off the main trail. From the pass, descend to the first switchback, then turn right off the main track. The trail passes under two chairlifts and continues along the northern flank of the Pic d'Arlas. When you spot three large concrete water tanks, descend to the staffed mountain hut at Refuge Jeandel. The ski resort village of {{Marker|name=La Pierre Saint-Martin|wikidata=Q3211628|type=city}} is about 15 minutes off the trail and offers additional services. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge Jeandel|address=La Pierre Saint Martin, 64570 Arette|url=https://www.refugejeandel.com/|lat=42.9783|long=-0.7494|content=Altitude 1670 m. Dormitory accommodation from €18; half-board from €42.50. Staffed in summer.}} === Refuge Jeandel - Lescun === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 5½-6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1200 m This is a challenging stage, but the scenery is magnificent. Several rocky mountain paths are equipped with cables for safety. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Pas de l'Osque|lat=42.970218|long=-0.708994}} at an altitude of {{m|1922}}, which requires a head for heights. The trail continues to the Pas d'Azuns at {{m|1873}}, reached in about 2¾ hours. A good first rest stop with water is the spring near the Cabane du Cap de la Baitch, located at {{m|1689}} and reached after about 3 hours. In wet weather, descending to {{Marker|type=city|name=Lescun|wikidata=Q179737}} at an altitude of {{m|895}} via the road is recommended, as the GR-10 becomes muddy and difficult to navigate. * {{sleep|name=Centre de l'Abérouat|url=http://aberouat.fr|lat=42.9504|long=-0.6658|content=Staffed hut with a bar. Offers 20 rooms (2–5 beds each). Free tent camping nearby (bathrooms in the hut available for a fee). Best suited for groups; solo walkers must book in advance. }} * {{sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Maison de la Montagne|lat=42.9342|long=-0.6352|address=1 ruelle de la Congasse, 64490 Lescun|phone=+33 6 88 06 95 29|url=https://www.maisondelamontagne64.com|content=Comfortable accommodation for hikers in the centre of Lescun. }} * {{sleep|name=Camping - Gîte du Lauzart|address=Bordé de Mougnague, 64490 Lescun|phone=+33 5 59 34 51 77|url=https://www.camping-gite-lescun-pyrenees.com/|lat=42.9278|long=-0.6422|content=Along the D340. About 20 minutes into the next stage. Open April-September. Campsite €14 + €4 per adult. 25 dorm beds available for €16; half board €42.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Tourist Office for the Vallée |lat=42.9990|long=-0.6006|url=https://www.pyrenees-bearnaises.com/explorer/nature/|phone=+33 5 59 34 57 57|content=Located in Bedous. Provides information on the surrounding region. }} === Lescun - Etsaut === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 5½-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 850 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1150 m The trail begins easily through pastoral countryside, then enters forested terrain, passing the {{marker|type=sleep|url=https://www.gite-camping-lhers.com |name=Gîte d'étape and campsite on the Plateau de Lhers}} (2 hr), and climbing to the Col de Barrancq (1601 m; 3¾ hr). From the Col de Barrancq, a side trip leads to the summit of Pic de Labigouer (2175 m), which takes just under 3 hours round-trip. Lower down in the Parc d'Orce, within the commune of {{Marker|type=city|name=Borçe|wikidata=Q840474}} (5¾ hr), lives the majority of the region's ~50 brown bears. The Gîte le Communal offers accommodation here. The stage ends in {{listing|type=city|name=Etsaut|wikidata=Q765829|content=Altitude 597 m. Located on the N-134 and served by the Canfranc-Oloron-Saint-Marie bus line. The former train station now houses the Pyrenees National Park visitor center. Accommodation available in the Gîte d'étape la Garbure behind the church (53 beds).}} Just outside Etsaut, the {{Marker|type=see|name=Fort du Portalet|wikidata=Q3078387}} clings dramatically to the cliffs in two tiers, spanning a height difference of 150 m. * {{see|name=Refuge animalier à Borce|url=https://parc-ours.fr/|lat=42.9045|long=-0.5746|content=open 10:00–18:00; admission €12. It functions as an educational wildlife refuge }} === Etsaut - Gabas === ; Distance : 24 km ; Duration : 9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1640 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1210 m The trail begins with the dramatic Chemin de la Mâture, a path carved into the rock face. It is not passable in icy or snowy conditions. You reach Grange Perry (1210 m) after 2 hours. A quarter of an hour later, at a junction, keep left. After 3½ hours, you arrive at the Cabane de la Baight de St-Cours (1560 m; shepherds only, Jun–Sep), located at the border. About 4 hours in, you cross a stream on a bridge. This is the last water source before the high pass. The highest point of the stage is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Ayous|wikidata=Q2981981}} (2185 m; 5½ hr or more). On its eastern slope lie the Ayous Lakes, including the scenic Refuge d'Ayous. It's an ideal place to break this long stage. The Col d'Ayous also marks a transition point between valleys: from the Chemin de la Mâture and Baigt de Sencours in the Aspe Valley to Bious-Artigues (1540 m) in the Ossau Valley, where pony rides and canoe rentals are available on the eastern shore. The lake is 6½ km from the pass (↧ 764 m). From the pass, you can also summit Pic d'Ayous (add 30 min up and down), or detour 6 km to Lac Bersau — a longer alternative via the Vallon d'Aas is 9 km. From the lake, descend on the D231 road, which includes switchbacks that can be shortcut. (Note: Refuge de Gabas is permanently closed.) The stage ends in {{Marker|name=Gabas|wikidata=Q5515276|type=city}}, which offers two accommodations and a bar, but no grocery store. Located on bus route 806/806bis from Col de Portalet via Gabas to Laruns (15 km). * {{sleep|name=Refuge d'Ayous|url=https://www.refuge-ayous.fr/en-gb|lat=42.8485|long=-0.4912|content=10 minutes off the GR10 near Lac Gentau (6½ hr), this refuge offers 47 beds and tent spaces and is open from mid-May to the first week of October. }} === Gabas - Gourette === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9-10 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1150 m This is a long and difficult stage, not suitable for children. The Corniche des Alhas section requires a head for heights. Snow may linger into summer, making it hard to follow the waymarks. Water is scarce during the first four hours. The trail follows the D934 road to the Artouste dam, then climbs through forest paths (1¼ hr). Some parts pass through cliff-side ledges carved into the rock — the Corniche des Alhas — which have fixed cables for safety. An easier alternative bypasses the Corniche via the Pont du Goua and the Gave de Soussouéou. After 1¾ hr, you reach a bridge near the Gave de Soussouéou waterfalls (1145 m). From here, a steep trail leads up to Houn de Mouscabarous (1361 m; 2¾ hr), continuing uphill to Petite Arcizette (2293 m). Snow may persist at these elevations until July. After 6½–7 hr, you arrive at the Hourquette d'Arre (2465 m). Important: The path shown on some maps to the Géougue d'Arre (2619 m) is a mountaineering route, not a hiking trail. An alternative route avoids the Hourquette d'Arre altogether: from the Cabane de Cézy, follow the red-and-white GR10 then switch to the red/yellow-marked GRP Tour de la Vallée d'Ossau, over the Col de Lurdé to Eaux-Bonnes (overnight possible) and Gourette (also served by Bus 806). The GR10 does not go directly to Lac d'Uzious, but instead heads roughly north-northeast across a plateau, before turning east to descend. After about 8 hours, you reach Lac d'Anglas (2068 m), from where the trail continues along the outflow, then branches off to the right. After over 9 hours, you arrive in the ski resort of {{Marker|type=city|name=Gourette|wikidata=Q1540224|url=https://www.gourette.com/en/}} (1350 m). Ski resort with two supermarkets; gas cartridges available at Intersport. Mostly closed outside the main season. Served in-season by Bus 806 (twice daily) from Parking Gourette Nord to Eaux-Bonnes, Laruns, and Pau. If needed, you can exit the trail early at the upper parking area (which has a bus stop) and start the next stage from there. * {{sleep|lat=42.9595|long=-0.3340|name=Chalet-refuge CAF|phone=+33 5 59 05 10 56|url=https://chaletdegourette.ffcam.fr/|content=Mountain refuge with 32 beds in 4 dorms. €16.50/night (€8.25 for Alpine Club members) + €0.90 tourist tax. }} === Gourette - Arrens-Marsous === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m This is a relatively easy stage that crosses two mountain passes: the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Tortes|lat=42.9598|long=-0.3188}} (1799 m; 1¾ hr), and later, after crossing the D918 (popular with cyclists but too busy to follow safely), the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Saucède|lat=42.9597|long=-0.3187}} (1525 m; 3 hr 20 min). Ten minutes after descending from this second pass, you'll reach a restaurant and gîte de séjour at the Col de Soulor on the D918 road. From Col de Saucède, hikers can also make a short detour to summit the Pointe de Surgatte (1805 m; 90-100 minutes round trip). Near the Pont de Lapadé, you can either cross the Gave d'Arrens or continue down into the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Arrens-Marsous|wikidata=Q1110649}}. Features tourist information and public toilets at the Maison Val d'Azun (Tel. +33 5 62 97 49 49). The village also has an outdoor swimming pool. A hiking festival, [https://www.eldorando.fr/ Eldorado], is held every two years for four days in late May. Call +33 800 65 65 00 by 17:00 the day before for weekday on-demand shuttle service to Lourdes. Points of interest include the Romanesque Saint-Pierre Church (parts dating to 1200) and the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Pouey-Laün, a pilgrimage chapel located 600 m south along the D105. The area is part of both the Natura 2000 conservation network (Gabizos and the Arrens Valley) and the core zone of the Pyrenees National Park. For a longer option, you can extend this stage to Gîte les Viellettes (2¼ h further), making a total of 20.5 km (8½ hr; ↥ 1250 m, ↧ 1530 m). * {{sleep|name=GCU Campground|address=26 Rue des Paus, 65400 Arrens-Marsous|lat=42.9573|long=-0.2132|phone=+33 5 62 97 43 06|url=https://www.gcu.asso.fr/terrains/arrens-marsous-hautes-pyrénées-65|content=Simple tent campground on the edge of town. }} === Arrens-Marsous - Refuge d'Ilhéou === ; Distance : 20 km ; Duration : 6¾-7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 500 m From Arrens-Marsous (3½ km from the previous endpoint), you can follow the official GR10 or the more scenic GR de Pays Tour du Val d'Azun. The latter is slightly shorter but includes more climbs. Both routes rejoin shortly before the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape les Viellettes|lat=42.9220|long=-0.1819}} (2¼ h; 15 beds). About 700 m further on is the simple tent site La Pose (open May-September). The official GR10 route passes through {{Marker|type=city|name=Estaing|wikidata=Q589628}}, a commune that includes three Natura 2000 protected areas: “Gaves de Pau et de Cauterets,” “Moun Né de Cauterets, Pic de Cabaliros,” and “Péguère, Barbat, Cambalès.” From here, the trail enters the core zone of the Pyrenees National Park. You ascend toward Lac d'Estaing. Just before the lake is a guesthouse open Th–Su, 09:00–17:00 (summer only). On the far shore is another restaurant (open 10:00–18:00) and Camping Intercommunal. Brave hikers may try a swim in the cold waters. The trail now climbs steeply through forest to the Cabane d'Arriousec (1400 m; 4 hr). Another hour uphill takes you past the Cabanes de Barbat (left of the path), then a final climb brings you to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Ilhéou|wikidata=Q2981991}} (2242 m; 6 hr or more). Just 5 minutes below the pass, you can turn left to reach the Crête du Lys, where the Courbet cable car operates in July and August. This offers access to the ski resort Cauterets-Le Lys (with a summer luge track) or direct descent into the town of Cauterets. On foot, descend to the stream near the Cabanes d'Arras (6½-7 hr). Turn right there and cross two more streams. The path then descends to Lac d'Ilhéou. At the lake's northern shore is the staffed Refuge d'Ilhéou. A designated bivouac area (aire de bivouac) is located about 10 minutes further south along the lake. * {{sleep|name=Refuge d'Ilhéou (Refuge Raymond-Ritter)|url=https://www.refuge-ilheou.csvss.fr/en/home|phone=+33 5 62 92 07 18|lat=42.86605|long=-0.17358|content=Altitude 1988 m. 22 beds.|hours=late May to late Sep }} === Refuge d'Ilhéou - Cauterets === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 2½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 75 ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m This is a leisurely downhill walk that brings you gently back to civilization in {{Marker|type=city|name=Cauterets|url=https://www.cauterets.com/en/?to_lang=en|wikidata=Q366962}}. Scenic spa town with plenty of amenities, including a historic wooden railway station (now closed), a cinema, casino, and more. The tourist office is open M–Sa 09:00–12:30 and 14:00–18:00. A special Office de la Montagne – Terre d'Alpinisme – opens during the summer season. Cauterets flourished during the late 19th and early 20th centuries thanks to its thermal springs. The municipality operates two spas: Thermes de César in the village center and Thermes des Griffons in nearby La Raillère. Accommodation options include three gîtes d'étape and Camping la Prairie. Local buses run every 30 minutes from June to October. Regional connections are available to Lourdes, Luz-Saint-Sauveur, and Gavarnie. A shuttle to Pont d'Espagne departs four times daily from the old train station. The 30 km former railway line from Pierrefitte to Cauterets has been converted into a multi-use bike and hiking path. === Cauterets - Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 100 m This is a demanding stage. From Cauterets, take the path behind the Thermes de César and head south. After 1¼ hr you reach the hamlet of La Raillère (1044 m), where there are restaurants and a sulfur spa. Cross the bridge and continue up into the Val de Jéret, passing several waterfalls. The trail leads to the Hôtellerie du Pont d'Espagne (3 hr). From there, descend briefly along the road before turning right and ascending into the valley toward Lac de Gaube (1725 m, 4 hr). The path crosses the stream three times via bridges as you continue toward the refuge. * {{sleep|name=Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube|wikidata=Q109042828 }} === Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube - Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400 m About 50 m from the refuge, the trail begins a steady one-hour climb over rocky terrain. At a fork (65 min), stay right and continue ascending. The {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Hourquette d'Ossoue|wikidata=Q3141336}} (2734 m) marks the highest point on the entire GR10. Even in mid-summer, snow often lingers here. After 20 minutes of descent, you reach the Refuge Baysselance. '''Ascending Vignemale from here via the Glacier d'Ossoue is only for experienced mountaineers.''' From the pass, the route heads south-east, passing the Grottes de Bellevue (2420 m; 3 hr), artificial caves carved in 1880 by the explorer Henry Russell. The trail descends steeply to a stream, then follows it into a boulder field fed by glacial melt from the Glacier d'Ossoue. The descent into the valley involves frequent climbs around cliffs and waterfalls. You enter the Vallée de la Canau (5 hr or more) and pass the Cabane de Sausse-Dessus. The next hour includes more ups and downs until you reach the Cabane des Tousaus (6¾ hr or more). From there, cross a final ridge to reach the D923 road and descend to the stage endpoint, Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle. If you need more accommodation or supplies, continue to the main village of {{Marker|name=Gavarnie|wikidata=Q917894|type=city}}. From Gavarnie, you can take a day trip (or a bus from Luz-Saint-Sauveur) into the famed Cirque de Gavarnie. It's also possible to ascend Le Taillon (3146 m) from here for experienced climbers. * {{sleep|name=Refuge Baysselance|url=https://refugebayssellance.ffcam.fr |wikidata=Q3423105 |content=(2651 m), which offers 58 beds and is staffed from mid-May to mid-October. }} === Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle - Luz-Saint-Sauveur === ; Distance : 26 km ; Duration : 8-9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 700-900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1500-1660 m Starting from Gavarnie village (via the D128 road) instead of the refuge shortens the route by 3 km (approx. 1 hr). The trail first leads to the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape le Saugué|url=https://www.gite-gavarnie-pyrenees.com/|lat=42.7686|long=-0.0059}}, located on the Plateau Soula de Saugue (1¾ hr). This is a good option to break up the stage — the gîte has 21 beds and is open May to October. The route winds northward, passing the Soum Haut (3¾ h), then descends gradually along the western slope of the Gavarnie Valley. After 5¾-6 hr, you reach the D921 road. Cross the Gave de Gavarnie via the Pont d'Esdouroucats and ascend again to a path above the highway. From the south, you enter {{Marker|type=city|name=Luz-Saint-Sauveur|wikidata=Q35721506|url=https://www.luz.org/en/}} via the Pont Napoléon (755 m; 7½ hr), a dramatic bridge across the gorge. Well-equipped mountain town. The town has several historic churches, as well as a campsite with a grocery store. The Prime Meridian passes about 100 m east of the center. Numerous lodgings, 6 campgrounds, 2 supermarkets, and Intersport (gas cartridges). Bus 965 connects to Cauterets, Lourdes, and Tarbes. Bus to Barèges also available. * {{sleep|name=Camping Saint Bazerque|address=Sia|phone=+33 5 62 92 49 93 |url=https://campingsaintbazerque.eatbu.com/?lang=de|lat=42.8318|long=0.0015 | content=Campground with grocery shop (mountain cheese), bar, and caravan spaces. Open 08:00–17:00. }} === Luz-Saint-Sauveur - Barèges === ; Distance : 12 km ; Duration : 4½-5 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m To extend this stage, continue to Refuge d'Aygues Cluses for a total of 19 km (7½ hr; ↥ 1560 m, ↧ 140 m). Though short, this stage begins with a relatively long and steep ascent. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Ruisseau de Bolou |lat=42.85869|long=0.06773}} (1460 m). On the descent, hikers can stop for refreshments at the {{marker |url=https://refugedelaglere.ffcam.fr |name=Refuge de la Glère}}. This stage ends at {{Marker|type=city |name=Barèges|wikidata=Q632058 |url=https://www.mairie-bareges.fr/en/}}. Composed of the hamlets of Artigalas and Cazaous, Barèges serves as a spa and mountain village. The local river, the Bastan, is called the gave. Note: the Jardin botanique du Tourmalet and the 1930s funicular are now closed. The town's website includes an accommodation and restaurant directory * {{sleep|name=Gîte d'étape l'Oasis|lat=42.8974|long=0.0673|address=2 Passage des Toys|phone=+33 5 62 92 69 47|url=https://www.gite-oasis.fr|content=Open Jun–Sep, and also Dec–Apr during ski season (Barèges is part of the Domaine du Tourmalet ski area). }} === Barèges - Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : route-dependent 7¾-9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m The trail begins by climbing above the road toward the ski station at Tournaboup (1 hr). It then veers south and ascends steadily. Good stopping points include the Cabane d'Aygues and, 10 km further on, the Chalet-Hôtel d'Orédon. This stage enters the Néouvielle Nature Reserve, where dogs and wild camping are strictly forbidden. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Madamète|wikidata=Q102076283}} (2509 m). From there, the path descends between alpine lakes: {{Marker|type=see|name=Lac d'Aumar|wikidata=Q3215322}} and Lac d'Aubert (5¾ h, 2190 m). A shuttle bus runs up to this point in high season, and there's an info panel at the end of the access road. Here, the trail splits into two variants: * Variant 1: continues along Lac d'Aumar * Variant 2: detours south to the tip of Lac d'Aubert, then along the northern shore of Les Laguettes and Lac d'Orédon (6¾ h, 1856 m; camping and hotel at the south end) Both variants rejoin at the Cap d'Estoudou pass (2260 m), followed by a steep descent. A short detour from the pass allows for an ascent of Soump de Montpelat (↥ 214 m). The path continues steeply downhill to Lac de l'Oule (1821 m; 7¾ hr or more). From here, head right to reach Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule. * {{sleep|name=Cabane d'Aygues|url=https://refugeayguescluses.wordpress.com |lat=42.8758|long=0.15001 }} * {{sleep|name=Chalet-Hôtel d'Orédon|url=https://www.chalet-oredon.fr |lat=42.8262|long=0.1692|hours=Open Jun–Sep|content=88 beds. }} * {{sleep|name=Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule|url=https://refugedeloule.fr | lat=42.8248|long=0.2075 | hours=Open mid-June to mid-September | content=Altitude 1819 m. Located at the dam wall. 20 beds and a bar. }} === Refuge-Hôtel de l'Oule - Vielle-Aure === ; Distance : 17-18 km ; Duration : 5-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 460 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400-1500 m From the refuge, the route follows the western shore of Lac de l'Oule. GR10C variant: After 1½ hr, there is a signed detour to the [http://refugedebastan.fr/ Cabane de Bastan]. The main trail turns directly east and climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Portet|wikidata=Q42178369}} (2215 m; 2¾ hr). From here, it continues eastward, descending gently to the Pla de Castillon, then more steeply down to the D918 road (4½ hr or more) and onward to the stage endpoint {{Marker|type=city|name=Vielle-Aure |wikidata=Q1323900 |url=https://vielleaure.com}}, an historic village with two Romanesque churches: Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Pierre (in the Agos neighbourhood), both dating to the 12th century. Bus connections to Saint-Lary-Soulan and Lannemezan (35 km). * {{sleep|name=Hôtel Aurélia|lat=42.8259|long=0.3278|phone=+33 5 62 39 56 90 |url=https://www.hotel-aurelia.com/ | content=Simple, hiker-friendly hotel in town. }} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping La Mousquère |lat=42.8274|long=0.3359 |address=Nougaro, Autun, 65170 Bourisp |url=https://www.campinglamousquere.com/|hours=Open May 8–last weekend of September }} * There are three more campsites within 2 km north along the river valley. Just 1 km south, the larger and livelier {{Marker|name=Saint-Lary-Soulan|wikidata=Q1323323|type=city}} offers a broader range of shops, accommodations, and services. The tourist information office is at the roundabout in the center; the supermarket is across the street. The wooden bus stop shelter is discreetly located about 50 m away, opposite the modern church on Avenue des Thermes. === Vielle-Aure - Germ === ; Distance : 13 km ; Duration : 4¾-5¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1170 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 630-700 m This is a straightforward, though poorly marked, stage that runs parallel to the D225 up to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Azet|wikidata=Q2981982}} (1600 m). From the pass, the route continues down to [https://www.vallee-du-louron.com/fr Loudenvielle], a village with shops, an outdoor pool, and the Balnéa Spa complex (open 14:00-19:30; €21 for 2 hours). Note: during the [https://www.pyreneesbikefestival.com/ Pyrenees Bike Festival] in early September, the area is overrun with mountain bikers. The final 2–3 km involve a climb of about 220 m up to the hamlet of {{Marker|name=Germ|wikidata=Q1094205|type=city}}. Altitude 1339 m. A small village with 34 year-round residents, but many second homes and guest beds. Two old churches are worth visiting. * {{sleep|name=Centre de Montagne de Germ |lat=42.7936|long=0.4251 |address=D130|phone=+33 5 62 99 65 27 |url=https://www.germ-louron.com | content=Open year-round. 70 beds in a large mountain centre. }} * '''Auberge de Germ''', a guesthouse with 11 rooms (33 beds), open year-round. * {{see|name=Peyresourde-Balestas Airfield (Aérodrome de Peyragudes)|wikidata=Q5659350 | content=Also known as Altiport 007, as a James Bond film was shot here in 1997. The 470 m runway has a 15% gradient and is also used for paragliding. }} === Germ - Lac d'Oô === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 6–7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1060 m This stage and the next are strenuous. They can be divided into thirds with overnight stops at the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Granges d'Astau |lat=42.7635|long=0.5024}} (open May–Oct; 26 beds) and the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Espingo |url=https://refugedespingo.ffcam.fr |wikidata=Q104413940}} (1967 m; 44 beds, mid-May–Oct; 15 emergency shelter places off-season). Camping is allowed near the lake. Around the refuge is a “classic” mountaineering loop over the Pic des Spijeoles (3008 m), Grand Quayrat (3060 m), down to Lac du Portillon (2571 m) and the glacial Lac Glacé d'Oô (2664 m). After the initial climb out of Germ, you enter the Val d'Aube. Follow the river on the left-hand side; after 1¾ hr, across the valley (250 m away), lies the Cabane d'Ourtiga (1610 m). The route ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Couret d'Esquierry |lat=42.75523|long=0.46279}} (2131 m; 3½ hr), where you cross into the Haute-Garonne department. After 4 hr, you reach the Cabane du Val d'Esquierry. From there, follow the D76 road down to the Granges d'Astau and an auberge (1139 m; 5 hr). In July and August, a morning bus runs up from Luchon and returns in the evening. The stage ends at {{Marker|type=see|name=Lac d'Oô|wikidata=Q3215352}}, a scenic 42-hectare lake situated at an altitude of 1,507 m within the Natura 2000 reserve “Vallées du Lis, de la Pique et d'Oô.” Renowned since the 19th century for its spectacular waterfall, the lake is a popular destination for its natural beauty. Due to its protected status, camping, swimming, and dogs are not permitted in the area. * {{sleep|name=Refuge du Lac d'Oô|address=|phone=+33 7 84 56 55 88 |lat=42.7446|long=0.4909 |content=Reached in about 6 hr. By the lake shore at 1504 m. }} === Lac d'Oô - Bagnères-de-Luchon === ; Distance : 19–21 km ; Duration : 7–9¼ h ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000–1130 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1900–2000 m After Refuge d'Espingo, the trail becomes more difficult, with several rocky scree sections. You skirt the northern slopes of Hourquette des Hounts-Secs (2275 m). Optional detour: From here, a 15-minute ascent (each way) leads to Cap de Bassiéret. You continue over the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Coume de Bourg|lat=42.78722|long=0.5179}} (2272 m, 4¾ hr or more), which may retain snow well into the summer. Optional summit detours from the pass: * Pic Céciré, 45 minutes up and down to the north * Subescale, 40 minutes up and down to the south After 5½+ hours, you reach (1802 m) Superbagnères, a summer-only (Jul–Aug) mountain hotel serving the ski area. While it offers meals and lodging, prices are high. The massive historic building can also be reached by gondola lift from Luchon, replacing the old cog railway. The {{Marker|type=go|name=Gondola base station in Luchon|lat=42.7879|long=0.5908}} is located on the western edge of town and operates daily from 08:30 to 18:00 during the summer season. If descending on foot, it is a steep 1200 m drop to reach {{Marker|name=Bagnères-de-Luchon|wikidata=Q238393|type=city}}. This spa town marks the end of the central Pyrenean segment of the GR10. Regular bus services run to Montréjeau, where you can connect by train to Toulouse. * {{sleep|name=Superbagnères|url=https://www.villagesclubsdusoleil.com/fr/nos-destinations/hiver/sejour-a-la-montagne/superbagneres |wikidata=Q844809 }} === Bagnères-de-Luchon - Artigue === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 2½-3 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 50 m From the church in Luchon, head left along the footpath by the L'One river, crossing the road bridge toward Juzet-de-Luchon. As an optional detour, you can visit the {{Marker|name=Cascade Juzet-de-Luchon|wikidata= Q135191106 |type=see}} waterfall. The trail continues via Sode to the day's highest point at the stage destination {{Marker|name=Artigue|wikidata=Q1088729|type=city}}. Altitude 1230 m. A small mountain village with a municipal gîte d'étape, open year-round, offering 12 dormitory beds and evening meals at the on-site restaurant. === Artigue - Fos === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 7½–8½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1100 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1750 m The first half of this stage is a steady climb of over 1000 meters, initially on a gravel track. After 1¼ hours, you reach the Cabane de Saunères (1660 m), a basic mountain shelter. One hour later, you arrive at the Col de Peyrehitte (1947 m). The trail continues along an exposed ridge around the Pic de Bacanère (2193 m; 3 hr or more), passing border markers 402–404. After the Col d'Aou (2093 m; 3½–4 hr), the trail descends gradually across open alpine meadows. At the Cabane d'Artigue (5 hr or more), potable water is available. Below this point, the path winds down gently through a series of switchbacks, eventually crossing a road bridge into {{Marker|name=Fos|wikidata=Q1349025|type=city}}. Altitude 544 m. Small village with weekday bus service to Melles and Saint-Gaudens (railway connections to Pau and Toulouse). Alternative route (former GR10): From the Cabane d'Artigue, you can divert to the Cabane d'Artiguessans, then descend steeply to the Ruisseau de la Batch before climbing back up to rejoin the GR10. This saves about 15 minutes and 70 m of elevation gain. * {{sleep|name=Gîte de Fos |wikidata=Q3162431 |lat=42.8738|long=0.7344 |phone=+33 5 61 94 98 59 | content=Offers 20 dormitory beds, open year-round. }} === Fos - Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing === ; Distance : 18 km ; Duration : 6½–8 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1700 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m It's a good idea to stock up on supplies in {{Marker|name=Melles|wikidata=Q1616421|type=city}}, which you reach after about 45 minutes. From the old customs house, the trail climbs steeply. Auberge de Crabère offers a comfortable stop. * {{see|name=Botanical Garden |alt=À Fleur de Montagne |wikidata=Q3162431 |url=https://mairie-de-melles.wixsite.com/mairie-de-melles/le-jardin-botanique | content=Small but charming community-run garden specializing in Pyrenean alpine flora. | hours=Open in summer, 10:00–19:00 }} From Melles, a narrow road leads uphill to the last farmhouse at Labach (2¼ hr). The next 2 hours or more are mostly through forest, climbing steadily. After about 5 hours, you reach the Cabane d'Uls shelter. The path continues uphill to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Pas du Bouc}} (2170 m; 6+ h). Optional summit detour: From here, the {{Marker|type=see|name=Pic de Crabère |wikidata=Q3382364}} (2629 m) can be climbed in about 90 minutes round-trip. Brown bears have been reintroduced to this area. The highest point of the day is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Auéran|lat=42.8354|long=0.8603}} (2176 m), which also marks the border into the Ariège department. From here, it's a quick descent to Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing. * {{sleep|name=Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing|url=http://www.refuge-araing.fr |wikidata=Q3423195 | hours=Open 1 June to 5 October | content=Altitude 1956 m. 52 beds, plus a 12-bed shelter area available off-season. Advance bookings accepted for groups on the two weekends before/after opening. }} === Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing - Eylie-d'en-Haut === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 3-4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1320 m From the lake and refuge, the trail climbs to the Serre d'Araing (2221 m; 1 hr). Optional detour: Summit of Pic de l'Har (2424 m), approximately 50 minutes round-trip. The descent into the valley follows faintly marked trails to the left of the power lines. Along the way, you'll encounter remnants of former lead mining operations. After about 2¾ hours, you cross a bridge and reach {{Marker|name=Eylie d'en Haut|wikidata=Q134078264|type=city}}, a small hamlet with a 14-bed hut, picnic area, and a basic campsite located by the Lez river. === Eylie-d'en-Haut - Maison du Valier, Pla de la Lau === ; Distance : 17 km ; Duration : 8¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1700 m A strenuous stage with no food or lodging options along the way. The trail starts by crossing the Lez river, then turns sharply left and begins to climb through open terrain. After about 50 minutes, you cross a stream and ascend through forest for just over an hour. In autumn, the woods are full of blueberries—a favourite of the brown bears reintroduced here in the 1990s. At a stone shelter (1660 m; 2½ hr), the trail forks. The GR10 continues to the right, up to the Col de l'Arech (1802 m; 3 hr or more). From there, the path turns left. Optional detours: * South to Tuc de Cagonilles (2196 m; 80 minutes round trip) * From there, to the challenging Mail de Bulard (2750 m; 3 hours round trip) After a short ridge walk, descend to the shepherd's hut Cabane d'Arech (1638 m; 3½ hr). From here, follow the access track down, then branch left down a steep, gorse-covered slope. After 4 hours, you reach a stream. About 40 minutes later, the ruins of Flouquet (1680 m) come into view. Continue to Cabane de Besset (1540 m; 6 hr or more), then ascend again for 45 minutes to Cabane Clot du Lac (1821 m; 7 hr). Passing the huts Cabane du Trapech-du-Milieu (1540 m) and Cabane de l'Artigue, you arrive at Maison du Valier. The Mont Valier massif is a protected area of interest to birdwatchers. It hosts a variety of mountain bird species, including rare birds of prey, bearded vultures, and alpine species such as ptarmigans, black grouse, and capercaillie. * {{sleep|name=Maison du Valier|lat=42.8308|long=1.0325 |url=https://maison-valier.fr |wikidata= | content=Altitude 927 m, located on the Pla de la Lau. Open March-October. Reception hours 16:00-19:30. 40 beds. }} === Maison du Valier, Pla de la Lau - Esbintz === ; Distance : 18 km ; Duration : 7¼-9¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200-1350 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300-1490 m A demanding stage with significant elevation gain and loss. The trail climbs from Maison du Valier, following the high northern slopes along the ridges of Cap de Lauses (1892 m), Pic de Crabère (1925 m), and the Col d'Auédole (1730 m). After more than 7 hours, you arrive at {{Marker|type=city|lat=42.85332|long=1.14584|name=Esbintz}}. === Esbintz - Refuge d'Aula === ; Distance : 19 km ; Duration : 6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 500 m This and the following stage offer spectacular scenery in good weather. From Esbintz, follow the D817 for the first 2 km to Borde de Galy. From here, you could take a detour to Seix (4 km) by continuing on the D817, then the D37, and turning right onto the D3, where you'll rejoin the GR10 near the Pont du Salat. Continue mostly downhill through the countryside, crossing the Pont du Salat to reach Moulin Lauga (550 m; 2 hr), which has a bakery and picnic area. Alternatively, you can rest 1½ h later at the Auberge des Deux Rivières. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Esbintz|url=https://www.gite-ferme-esbintz.fr/|lat=42.85315143224526|long=1.1459188949749635|content=850 m. Dormitory with 10 beds. Open May-November.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge des Deux Rivières|phone=+33 5 61 66 83 57|url=https://www.aubergedesdeuxrivieres.com/|lat=42.83210657498069|long=1.1982318103146805|content=Open late May to late September}} === Refuge d'Aula - Rouze === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 4½-5 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 700 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m Fit hikers can combine this stage with the previous one from Gîte d'étape d'Aunac (787 m), resulting in a 30 km day with 11¼ hf walking time (↥ 1750, ↧ 1580 m). From Refuge d'Aula, it's a steep but manageable 1½ hr ascent to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Bouche d'Aula|lat=42.77695825493033|long=1.1180083284724134}} (1998 m), then a descent to the Étang d'Areau, 100 m lower. Optional: The Pic des Aymesses (2036 m) can be climbed from the east side of the lake. A farm road leads down to Faup, with shortcuts along the switchbacks, for instance near the Cabane d'Areau. Slightly below the Col de Pause (1527 m; 2¼ hr), there is a parking area. The {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Camp site Rigaux Philippe|lat=42.78997920829053|long=1.178432115744275}} lies just below the hamlet of Faup. From Faup, descend along the D708 toward {{Marker|name=Couflens|wikidata=Q1142090|type=city}}, but before reaching the D3 junction, cross the bridge and climb on the opposite slope to Gîte de Rouze d'Ustou. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte de Rouze d'Ustou|lat=42.789696616|long=1.20592416901|address=Prat de la Moule, Rouze d'Ustou, 09140 Couflens|phone=+33561669545|url=https://www.ferme-de-rouze.fr/|content=16 beds. Cheese from the farm. Open mid-June to mid-September.}} === Rouze - Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou === ; Distance : 8.4 km ; Duration : 3-4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m Follow the stream uphill for about 1¾ hr to reach the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Serre du Cot}} (1546 m). Optional side trips: * To the south, ascend the Pic de la Tese (2255 m; ↥↧ 3 hr or more). * To the north, climb the Tuc de Peyre Mensongère (1711 m; ↥↧ 40 min). From the pass, descend left onto a forest path, passing a few ruined farmhouses. The route eventually reaches the D38 road and leads into {{Marker|type=city|name=Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou|wikidata=Q109571916}}. === Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou - Aulus-les-Bains === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9 hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400 m The hike begins at the southern end of Saint-Lizier. After crossing the pedestrian bridge, the trail climbs southeast to the Col de Fitté (1387 m), a former ski area. From there, it continues along the right side of the slope. One alternative route begins at {{listing|type=city|name=Bidous|lat=42.78257178128407|long=1.2700395937419484}}, following the Alet river south and then climbing steeply for over 2 hours to reach the Col de Fitté, where it rejoins the GR 10. The trail curves around the southwest side of the Picou de la Mire (1741 m) and reaches the Col d'Escots (1618 m) after 3¾ hr. The nearby Chalet de Beauregard restaurant is open from late May to September, 10:00-23:00. Afterwards, the path continues up and down along steep slopes until it reaches the Ruisseau de Fouillet valley (4½ hr). The Jasse du Fouillet crossing (1170 m) is reached after at least 5 h. For a shorter option, follow the yellow-red waymarks of the Tour du Val du Garbet. This leads to the D8F road and directly into Aulus-les-Bains (7 hr from Saint-Lizier). The main route continues toward the plateau of Souliou and the Pic du Mont Rouge (1600 m). A side trip to Étang de Guzet offers a possible bivouac site. The trail then descends toward the Ruisseau d'Ars (1485 m), crosses a bridge, and continues downward. After a second bridge (8½ hr), the path becomes easier. A final bridge, Pont de la Mouline, crosses the Garbet River just before the trail enters {{Marker|type=city|name=Aulus-les-Bains|wikidata=Q1082493|url=https://www.loubet.fr/saint-lizier.html}}, a small spa town with a mini market at the traffic circle near the bridge and a tourist office next door. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte Pyrénées AAA|lat=42.779696032|long=1.2690230044|url=https://giteslareng.net/|address=Lareng, 09140 Ustou|phone=+33967838934|content=14 places in upscale cottages for 2-4 people.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Cascade d'Ars|lat=42.762922493744796|long=1.3615038669340882|content=260 m high waterfalls in multiple tiers, located 4½ km from Aulus. Takes 3-9 hr round-trip to hike to them (↥ 530 m).}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping municipal le Coulédous|lat= 42.7940356892|long=1.3321660893|url=http://www.camping-aulus-couledous.com/|content=Also offers bungalows for 4-7 people. The gîte d'étape is a 12-person tent.}} === Aulus-les-Bains - Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès === ; Distance : 11 km ; Duration : 5 hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m The route climbs out of Aulus-les-Bains to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Port de Saleix|lat=42.78143117676052|long=1.4043285766664242}}, where you'll find the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Refuge de Carol|lat=42.7813|long=1.4146}}. From here, the ascent becomes steeper. The following section to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Port de Bassiès|lat=42.772502271037204|long=1.411691910311851}} is demanding but scenically rewarding. This area lies within the Mont-Calme nature reserve, where camping is prohibited. === Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès - Marc === ; Distance : variable ; Duration : 3½-5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1385 ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1385 This stage and the following one include several alternative routes and shortcuts that can be combined. From the refuge, the GR-10 leads southeast along a slightly rocky trail for just over three kilometers, following the chain of lakes. At the outflow of the last lake, the Étang d'Escalès, the GR-10 bends to the right. Along the stream, there's an opportunity to descend toward the main road and the village of Auzat. Another descent option to the road appears about 2 km further along the GR-10. The main trail makes a sharp turn southward. From the aqueduct (1160 m; 2¼ h4), the route maintains an elevation just below 1200 m for around 4 km, before descending the final 1½ km into the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Marc|lat=42.71687694132801|long=1.449593121067756}}, cutting across the switchbacks of the road. The Gîte Retrouvance de Mouret (12 places) is available for group bookings only. From {{listing|type=city|name=Auzat|wikidata=Q1082539}}, one can rejoin the GR-10 by heading 4 km south to Artiès and climbing back up. This avoids a significant part of the next stage. Alternatively, walking 6 km to Marc allows one to resume the full stage. To skip this stage, it is possible to go from Auzat directly to Goulier via two routes: one through Olbier (4.4 km), the other 6.1 km. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès|url=https://refugedebassies.fr/|content=1933 m. Open late May to September.|lat=42.76509|long=1.413221}} === Marc - Goulier === ; Distance : 24.3 km ; Duration : 6-9 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m From Marc, follow the path to Mounicou. A shelter is located a short way beyond, along the D8. This is where the ascent begins. After a few hundred meters, you can turn right at the {{Marker|type=go |name=Turn right|lat=42.71|long=1.4575}} marker and stay on the west side of Les Caldelets. From the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Orri de Tignalbu|lat=42.69417|long=1.46296}}, which has a water source, the path becomes very poor. The main GR-10 trail continues uphill to the Refuge de Prunadière (1615 m, 2 hr). Be sure to refill your water here. From there, it leads to a junction above the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Artiès|lat=42.7362|long=1.4793}} shelter (985 m, 3¼ hr). The path ascends steadily, passing the ruins of Pradières-d'en-bas, and arrives at Étang d'Izurt. A cable car runs to the lake. After a short climb, it's around 14 km downhill to {{Marker|type=city |name=Goulier|wikidata=Q1015676}} (moh 370 m), which is part of the Val-de-Sos commune. You can shorten the main trail from Prunadière by climbing steeply left past the buildings, gaining 450 m of elevation. About 2 hr later, you'll rejoin the GR-10 at Coumasses-Grandes. This shortcut saves roughly 8 km and bypasses Étang d'Izurt. === Goulier - Siguer === ; Distance : 13 km ; Duration : 3¼-4¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 416 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 830 m From Goulier, the trail ascends toward the Col de Risoul, then the Col de Esquérus, and continues to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de Grail|lat=42.75360457229|long=1.5321300362453}}. Near this pass is a shelter, an information board, and a water source located 250 m off the path. The route then climbs to the highest point of the day at the Col de Lercoul (1549 m). From here, the trail descends through the hamlet of Lercoul. A footpath south of the winding road leads downhill to the village of {{Marker|name=Siguer|wikidata=Q1375974|type=city}}, home to Café Rouse and several accommodations. === Siguer - Plateau de Beille === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 2400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m This demanding stage involves three steep descents and offers no accommodation along the route, only five basic shelters. From Siguer, the trail climbs steeply to Gestiès (40 min), where you should fill up on water. The path crosses the road three times on the way up. After a long ascent, you reach the Pla de Montcamp (1904 m; 3¾ hr). Past the Col du Sasc (1798 m), the trail traverses the flank of the Pic du Col Taillat. Water is again available at the Cabane de Courtal Marti, though trail markings on this high section can be vague. The trail descends to the Cabane de Balledreyt (1600 m; 2 sleeping places), reached after another 20 minutes. After about 7½ hours, the trail descends to the D520A road at 1040 m elevation. A detour to the villages of Aston (14 km, with a campground) or Les Cabannes (15.8 km, with a year-round gîte d'étape) is possible around the 4¼-hour mark. Les Cabannes has a train connection to Mérens-les-Vals or Foix. After crossing the bridge, the GR-10 climbs again via a forest trail. A water source is marked and located about two minutes off the trail, just past a large boulder reached after 9+ hours. The trail continues across a ridge to the Cabane d'Artaran (1695 m). Shortly afterward, you reach the ski area at the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Plateau de Beille|lat=42.72473998587668|long=1.6911435704342077}}, where the Cabane Beille is located. This area is accessible via the D522 road loop and popular with day hikers. === Plateau de Beille - Refuge du Rulhe === ; Distance : 14 km ; Duration : 4¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m It's recommended to start this exposed stage early in the day to avoid afternoon summer thunderstorms. The trail remains around or above 2000 m throughout. The highest point is the summit of the {{Marker|type=see |name=Crête des Isards|lat=42.65012142232325|long=1.7389568668472413}} at 2381 m. The Refuge du Rulhe lies at the junction of several long-distance trails, including the Tour de Pays des Montagnes d'Ax from Ax-les-Thermes, the GR Transfrontalier from Andorra, and two routes from the Vallée d'Aston. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Rulhe|url=https://rulhe.com/|lat=42.6379904848182|long=1.725866639541228|content=53 places. Open late May to September. €16 per night, half board €45. Tel: +33 6 74 24 50 71}} === Refuge du Rulhe - Mérens-les-Vals === ; Distance : 12 km ; Duration : 4½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 360 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1500-1600 m '''Water is scarce at high elevation.''' From the refuge, the trail ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de Calmettes|lat=42.636915754134|long=1.7404819725150908}} (2318 m), mostly over scree. Cairns also serve as markers. The path descends to Étang Bleu, where it skirts the left side of the lake and climbs again to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Crête de la Lhasse|lat=42.6398816194571|long=1.768563885207408}} (2439 m). Afterward, it continues over scree for nearly 800 m of descent to the pond called l'Estangol, with a shelter above. {{Marker|name=Mérens-les-Vals|wikidata=Q662289|type=city}} is reached after the final descent. The ruins of the old Saint-Pierre church date back to the Napoleonic Wars. The village festival takes place on July 20. The village has a train stop on the Foix - Puigcerdà line. Located on the N-20. The natural hot springs are about 45 minutes away, although they were affected by rockfall in 2022. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge du Nabre|lat=42.65611004694209|long=1.8429807373614195|address=le village d'en haut, 09110 Mérens-les-Vals|phone=+33 5 61 01 89 36|url=https://www.aubergedunabre.com/|content=Guesthouse in the upper village.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping de Mérens|lat=42.64646601527881|long=1.8310245105731093|address=600 Ville de Bau, 09110 Mérens-les-Vals|phone=+33 5 61 02 85 40|url=http://www.camping.merenslesvals.fr/de/haus/|content=Open all year, 1.3 km south of the village.}} === Mérens-les-Vals - Refuge des Bésines === ; Distance : 10 km ; Duration : 4½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 260 m This demanding stage continues through high alpine terrain, with lots of rock and scree. From Mérens, the trail leads past Le Nabre to the hot springs. Afterward, the path climbs for nearly 3 hours. First, it reaches the Estangs (2056 m), then continues to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Porteille de Bésines|lat=42.6154502407948|long=1.872190036139089}} (2333 m). From this pass, the route is clearly signposted. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bésines|wikidata=Q11945073|url=https://refugebesines.ffcam.fr/|content=2104 m. 70 beds. Open June-September. Phone: +33 5 61 05 11 77.}} === Refuge des Bésines - Refuge des Bouillouses === ; Distance : 16.7 km ; Duration : 5½-6 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 660 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 760 m This high-level stage crosses several mountain passes and offers excellent panoramic views. The route first ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Coll de Coma d'Anyell|lat=42.60880012907595|long=1.8962468691063044}}, from where it is possible to climb Pic des Bésineilles (2632 m) in about ¾ hr round trip. The path then continues through the Lansolet basin (2234 m), past the Cabane de Rozet, and climbs again to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Portella de la Grava|lat=42.59935934341172|long=1.934453711010157}}. From there, it's a gentle 3-hour descent to the lakeside refuge at Bouillouses. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bésines|lat=42.6039|long=1.86853|content=56 dormitory beds, with 16 emergency shelter spots outside the season. Open June-September.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bouillouses|lat=42.559475002653095|long=2.00351938309043|url=https://www.lesbouillouses.com/|content=2003 m. 46 beds. Open June-September. Phone: +33 4 68 04 93 88.}} === Refuge des Bouillouses - Planès === ; Distance : 19 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 230 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m The descent is easy but not always well marked. After about 2¾ hours (1740 m), the GR-10 reaches the D618. About 700 m further, a right turn leads to Superbolquère, where food and lodging are available, including a supermarket and a gîte with 28 beds. The GR-10 continues downhill to the quiet D10C near {{Marker|name=Bolquère|wikidata=Q1101891|type=city}} (1628 m, 2¾ hr), where there is a public drinking fountain and an information board. The nearby Gare de Bolquère-Eyne (1593 m) is the highest railway stop in France, on the scenic “train jaune” line. Passing through the villages of La Perche and La Cabanasse (3½ hr), the route ends at the small village of {{Marker|name=Planès|wikidata=Q524705|type=city}}. No shops in the village. The nearby Pont Gisclard, opened in 1909, is a cable-stayed bridge on the Ligne de Cerdagne crossing the Têt river. The village is a stop on the “train jaune” railway. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=L'Orri de Planès|lat=42.490995503|long=2.1382908362|address=Casas del Mitg, 66210 Planès|phone=+33 4 68 04 29 47|content=Gîte with 16 dormitory beds and private rooms.}} === Planès - Refuge du Ras de la Carança === ; Distance : 15.3 km ; Duration : 5¾-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1170 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 870 m There are no supply options along this stage. The trail begins with a gentle ascent through pine forest into the high Riberola valley. It is advisable to refill your water at the Refuge de l'Orri. Above the Cabane d'Aixques, the route becomes steep as it climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col Mitja|wikidata=Q28381301}} (2376 m). From the pass, it is possible to summit Pic de Gallinas (2624 m, ↥↧ 90 min) or Pic Redoun (2677 m, ↥↧ 1 hr). The final 1½ hours involve a descent of about 500 m to the refuge. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Ras de la Carança|wikidata=Q28380908|address=142 rue de, 66360 Fontpédrouse|phone=+33 9 88 66 73 81|url=https://www.refugelacaranca.com/|content=1840 m. Open mid-May to mid-September. 13 emergency places available off-season. Connections to other trails: 7.7 km to Prats Balaguer, 8.5 km to Ull de Ter, 13.7 km to Carança, 10 km to Thuès-les-Bains via the gorge, and 12 km to Núria.}} === Refuge du Ras de la Carança - Mantet === ; Distance : 10 km ; Duration : 4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 640 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 940 m This stage is challenging and poorly marked at higher elevations. From the refuge, follow the stream uphill for 100 m to a wooden bridge. Continue on a scree path along the left side of the valley. After passing through a gate, you reach an alpine pasture and the {{marker|type=go|name=Coll del Pal|lat=42.465650773936|long=2.258498904704664}} (2294 m). This area is a nature reserve where wild camping is forbidden. From the pass, there is an optional ascent to Pic de Serre Gallinère (2663 m; 1 hr round trip), and possibly further on to the Serre de Caret (2300 m). From the pass, descend to the {{marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Alemany|wikidata=Q120254507}} (1962 m; 8 places), located 200 m off the trail. The main path continues left, crossing first a wooden, then a concrete bridge, followed by a narrow unpaved road that ascends to the village of {{listing|type=city|name=Mantet|wikidata=Q1369164}} (1550 m). Population: 31. Most of the southern part of the commune is the protected area [https://rnn-mantet.fr/ Reserva natural de Mentet], where camping is forbidden. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=La Cavale|address=Los Miquelets, 66360 Mantet|phone=+33 4 68 05 57 59|url=http://la-cavale.fr/|lat=42.477231944228336|long=2.3092556382036555|content=Private rooms and dorms for 3-5 people.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte à la ferme Cazenove|url=http://www.gitecazenovemantet.fr/|lat=42.47702171854456|long=2.306028129535968|content=Farm gîte. Open May to September.}} === Mantet - Refuge de Mariailles === ; Distance : 14.8 km ; Duration : 5 hr 5 min ; Elevation gain : ↥ 936 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 834 m Midway along this stage is the village of {{Marker|name=Py|wikidata=Q178846|type=city}} (1023 m), which has an auberge and a gîte. From Py, follow the D6 briefly before heading northeast to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Jou|wikidata=Q47335849|lat=|long=}} (1125 m). The path turns southeast and ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Cavall Mort|wikidata=Q47335871|lat=|long=}} (1454 m), then continues upward to the Refuge de Mariailles. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge de Mariailles|alt=Refugi de Marelles|url=https://refugedemariailles.fr/|lat=42.5017361908777|long=2.4077634391340514|content=1692 m. Open from late May; shelter room available year-round.}} === Refuge de Mariailles - Refuge des Cortalets === ; Distance : 16.3 km ; Duration : 6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1030 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m This is a challenging high-mountain route around the Canigou Massif. There are no supply points along the way, and surefootedness is required. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Cortalets|url=https://refugedescortalets.ffcam.fr/|lat=42.53436454795011|long=2.465036067970792|content=2100 m. 105 places, plus 19 emergency shelter places available outside the season.}} * {{listing|type=go |name=Loop trail to the summit of Pic du Canigou|alt=Canigó|url=https://www.visit-occitanie.com/de/entdecken/top-sehenswuerdigkeiten/massif-du-canigou-katalonien/|lat=42.53692009465181|long=2.4666389025393545|content=This difficult 9.3 km loop (4½ h; ↥ 700+ m) begins 200 m beyond the refuge.}} === Refuge des Cortalets - Gîte-refuge de Batère === ; Distance : 16.8 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 270 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 920 m This stage is also part of the HRP. From the refuge to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Ras del Prat Cabrera|wikidata=Q47170860|lat=|long=}} (1739 m; 4 km), you can choose between a high-level route following the “Tour du Canigou” and a less steep path along the mountainside. From the pass to the Refuge de l'Estanyol (2¾ hr or more) the trail descends gradually, then more steeply. It climbs again briefly to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Cirère|wikidata=Q134299355|lat=|long=}} (1731 m; 4-4¾ hr). From here, you can optionally ascend the Puig Saint-Pierre (1791 m; ↥ 15 min, ↧ 15 min). Descending from the col, you pass abandoned stone quarries and mines (the Mines de la Pinosa are ruins of a former settlement), and reach your destination. Nearby you can explore the 5-day “Tour du Canigou” circuit or visit the historic abbeys of Saint-Martin du Canigou and Saint-Michel-de-Cuxa. * {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Estanyol|wikidata=Q120262655|lat=|long=}} === Gîte-refuge de Batère - Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette === ; Distance : 19.2 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 745 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m Along this long and steady descent, you pass several dolmens. Their significance may be best appreciated by specialists in archaeology. The destination is the Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette, an old mill located in the Ribera Valley. More accommodation and services are available in {{Marker|name=Arles-sur-Tech|wikidata=Q7897|type=city}}, which is connected by bus. At the southern edge of the town, you'll find Camping Riuferrer. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte-refuge de Batère|url=https://www.refugedebatere.fr/|lat=42.50176051942559|long=2.5484428644953847|address=Mines de Batère, 66150 Corsavy|phone=+33 4 68 39 12 01|content=17 dormitory beds, 20 in private rooms. Access via a 20.3-km road from Arles-sur-Tech.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette|wikidata=Q120266421|url=http://gr10-par-etapes.eklablog.com/hebergement-du-moulin-de-la-palette-a126161238|content=Simple eco-gîte in a renovated mill, located in the Ribera valley.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Riuferrer|lat=42.4551506239|long=2.6291899540|url=https://campingriuferrer.com/}} === Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette - Las Illas === ; Distance : 22 km ; Duration : 7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m From the gîte, follow the D536 for 1 km, then turn right uphill toward Montalba (543 m; 1 hr). At the cross, turn sharply right to continue climbing. You reach the ruins of the Mouli Serradou (833 m; 2½ hr). The highest point is the Coll de Sant Martí (1426 m; 4 hr or more). The trail continues through forest along the slope, passing by the Roc de France (also known as Roc de Frausa). {{Marker|name=Las Illas|wikidata=Q16508596|type=city}} has a water point and picnic area in the park. Accommodation is available in a gîte at the town hall and at the Hostal de Trabucayeres. === Las Illas - Col de l'Ouillat === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 6-7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 930 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 540 m The route has been altered several times due to terrain difficulties, so follow the current waymarking. The middle part of the trail runs along the border, just below the ridge. The dominant tree species in this area is the striking Corsican pine (Pinus nigra var. corsicana). A detour to the fortified town of Le Perthus and the Fort de Bellegarde (open May-Sep, 10:30-18:00) offers a cultural break. Note that all shops are on the Spanish side of the border. After about 3 hours, there is an optional detour to the Roman fort Panissas, built on the Via Domitia. Turn off 5 minutes after border marker 565 (2½ hr). The stage ends at {{marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de l'Ouillat|wikidata=Q11914547}} (938 m). === Col de l'Ouillat - Banyuls-sur-Mer === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 7-8¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 680 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1610 m The route stays high near the border ridge. It takes about 1 hour to reach the Pic Néulos. Water is available at the Refuge de la Tagnarède after 1½ hours. From there, the trail leads over several passes: Coll del Faig (985 m), Col de l'Orry, and Col de l'Estaque (1025 m; 2¾ hr). The Pic des Quatre-Termes (1156 m) and Pic de la Cabassère are bypassed to the north. After 4 hours, you reach the Coll del Pal (899 m). From there, continue right toward the Col des Gascons (6¼ hr or more). The final descent to the Col de Llagastèra (285 m) passes partly through vineyards towards {{Marker|name=Banyuls-sur-Mer|wikidata=Q6753|type=city}}. == Go next == * [[Pyrenean High Route]]: Crosses the Pyrenees along the mountain crests, staying higher than both the GR 10 and GR 11. * [[GR 11]] This footpath stays on the Spanish side of the Pyrenees. {{outlineitinerary}} {{Related|France}} {{Related|Pyrenees}} {{PartOfItinerary|Europe itineraries}} tq6tm3igl6lsgbs7lmsgejwlnsfdcg3 5086780 5086761 2025-07-02T20:14:57Z Bluecoordinationfine 2327039 More small changes 5086780 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|GR 10 WV banner.jpg|caption=View from GR 10, near Souriche, looking towards the Tourmalet, valley of Barèges, France}} The '''GR 10''' is one of the paths and trails of the extensive [[Grande Randonnée]] (or GR) network. It crosses [[France]], from the Mediterranean coast to the Atlantic coast, and runs almost entirely through the [[Pyrenees]]. While the trail is in France, much of it is near, or even on, the border with [[Spain]]. The trail can be walked in either direction, though some suggest that the west-east route is easier in the beginning, as it is both cooler and less steep that the corresponding start heading west; this may be an advantage to those not fully in shape. == Understand == [[File:Lac d'Oô (22).jpg|thumb|Lac d'Oo]] Moving from west to east, the trail begins in [[Hendaye]] on the Atlantic Ocean, and finishes on the Mediterranean, in the small town of [[Banyuls sur Mer]]. Hikers will usually be able to make it to a [[France#Guesthouses and holiday rentals|gîte]] or small town every other night, and quite frequently every night. Expected time to complete the trail is around 6-7 weeks, though the majority of people only hike sections of it. == Prepare == The trail is fairly well marked with painted marks on rocks, trees, telephone poles, and even houses, walls, and street signs. If you haven’t seen a waymark for 100 metres, you’ve likely strayed off the trail. Retrace your steps to the last marker and check your route. It is not realistic to navigate using the markers alone. A trail guide, at minimum, or a topologic map is required. Sunburn is a particular problem, and clothing such as long sleeved shirts and long pants should be worn as they protect from the sun, scratching branches and insects. Sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat are highly desirable. For those heading west from Banyuls sur Mer, the hike to the first gîte is particularly long compared to the following days, and should be started very early. === Equipment === One of the advantages of the GR 10 is that it can be hiked with minimal gear, as one can eat dinner and breakfast almost every day at the gîtes. Additionally the hiker can sleep outdoors on clear nights and pay for a bed in a gîte in inclement weather. On nights that only shelters (which usually have no food or staff) are available, pre-purchased food can be eaten. If one plans to eat at gîtes and buy food from supermarkets that can be eaten without cooking, the absolute minimal gear in the summer months is: * Sleeping bag or sleep sheet, and a mat for comfort. * Goretex jacket and fleece or similar for cold or wet weather * Long-sleeved shirt and pants * Short-sleeved shirt and shorts (including shorts you can wear for swimming) * Sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat * Adequate footwear. Anything less than hiking boots may prove insufficient. * Bottles for at least two litres of water, and a purification method for treating water from streams. * Toiletries and a [[Travel health kit|medical kit]] Additionally, consider a rain jacket or fleece top for wet or cold weather. If you plan to forgo the comforts and delicious food of the gites and hotels, also bring: * Tent * [[Outdoor cooking|Cooking gear]] and food A note on footwear: some four fifths of the hikers wear full hiking boots and thick socks. While running sneakers may suffice (and Choco-style sandals may work for a few days), your risk of injury is higher, and much of the trail involves hopping around on possibly wet and sharp rocks. Choose conservatively, depending on the length of your hike and your experience. ==Get in== == Walk == {{Mapframe|lat=42.68287|long=0.56837|width=full|height=360|zoom=7}} {{mapshape|type=geoline|stroke=#000000|stroke-width=3}} === Hendaye-Plage - Olhette === ; Distance : 21.9 km ; Duration : 6–7¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1010 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 950 m The hike starts from the 3 km long {{marker|type=see|name=Hendaye Beach|wikidata=Q20947149}}. This is below the old casino, now known as Résidence Croisière. Buses run from the main train station, or you can walk from {{marker|type=go|name=Gare Deux Jumeaux|wikidata=Q2802667}}. A {{marker|type=buy|name=Decathlon|lat=43.36843635018845|long=-1.7798332063655435}} store geared towards watersports is available for last minute purchases, such as gas cannisters. The route leaves town, passing by {{Marker|type=city|name=Biriatou|wikidata=Q196871}}, which conveniently has public toilets available. After about 3 hr you reach the summit of {{marker|type=see|name=Xoldokogaina|wikidata=Q20492776}}. The high point is at Mandale on the Spanish border, with an altitude of {{m|530}}. From here, the path descends past {{Marker|type=see|name=Redoute de la Baïonette|lat=43.3092|long=-1.70330}}, a fortification near Mandale, located by modern border marker 9, to the Col d'Ibardin, a journey of 4¼ hours. The col is a popular spot for French shoppers due to cheap alcohol and tobacco. The trail continues via Col des Poiriers and Col des Joncs before reaching {{Marker|type=city|name=Olhette|lat=43.3360|long=-1.6661}}. === Olhette - Ainhoa === ; Distance : 21.1 km ; Duration : 6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 730 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 640 m The steepest climb comes right at the beginning. For most of the route, you'll be on forest trails and, after Sare, quiet paved country roads. The trail initially ascends on a good path to the Col des Trois Fontaines, a journey of 1½ hours. A shelter is located 300 m from the col. The path then descends to the Col de St-Ignace, where the valley station of the cog railway to La Rhune is found. It continues to {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Sare]]|wikidata=Q274155}}, bringing the total walking time to 2¾ hours. Sare is a local transport hub, an outdoor swimming pool is available, and it is listed as one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. The stage ends in {{Marker|type=city|name=Ainhoa|wikidata=Q212962}}, which is also one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. From Col des Trois Fontaines you can ascend La Rhune, which has an altitude of {{m|905}}. The ascent can be made either by cog railway, a trip that takes 35 minutes, or on foot. The walk is a 3 km journey that takes 1¼ hours and involves an ascent and descent of 300 m. The prehistoric {{Marker|type=see|name=Grottes de Sare|wikidata=Q3117280}} can be visited with prior reservation made through the local municipality or online. These caves are closed annually for one month following Epiphany. This stage is part of the [[European long-distance path E9|European long-distance trail E9]]. === Ainhoa - Bidarray === ; Distance : 21.7 km ; Duration : 8½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 880 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 850 m This is a difficult stage, with little shade at the start and a particularly steep, rocky descent near the end. After about 40 minutes, you will reach the old cemetery at an altitude of {{m|389}}. It is located beside the {{Marker|type=see|name=Chapelle Notre Dame de l'Aubépine|wikidata=Q12253854}}. You can also find traditional Basque hilarri gravestones here. The path then continues over the Col des Trois-Croix, reaching an altitude of {{m|510}} after about 1 hour and 20 minutes from the start. Ferme Esteben is a good place to rest. You will reach this gîte d'étape with a bar-restaurant after about 2 hours and 50 minutes, at an altitude of {{m|580}}. The trail continues near the border, past Boundary Stone 77, partly on a paved road. At Col des Veaux, at an altitude of {{m|550}}, you can take a 300-m detour into Spain to visit a venta, which is a small inn or shop. From here, the trail climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Méhatche|lat=43.272782275749094|long=-1.4166930371188398}}, which is at an altitude of {{m|716}} and takes about 3¾ hours to reach. The descent past Boundary Stones 82 and 83 is secured with cables. From Col de Méhatche, you can ascend Artzamendi, which has a summit at {{m|926}} and is easily identified by the radar dome on top. The nearby {{Marker|type=see|name=Grotte le Saint-que-Sue|alt=Harpeko Saindua|lat=43.26526|long=-1.38904}} can also be visited. Just before reaching {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Bidarray]]|wikidata=Q746221}}, a bypass trail offers a shortcut to the next stage. This route is also ideal for peak baggers, as it gives access to several summits. These include Errebi, located between the chapel and Col des Trois-Croix, and Atxulegi, which requires a 15-minute detour on the way to Col des Trois-Croix. When the weather is good, you can also access Mont Bizkayluze at {{m|701}} and Gorospil at {{m|691}}. === Bidarray - Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry === ; Distance : 18.5 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1250 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1250 m This southward stage is demanding, especially due to the complete lack of water sources along the ascent. After passing the Iparla Ridge at an altitude of {{m|950}}, the trail reaches over 1000 m for the first time on the way to the summit. It then continues along the ridge to the Pic de Tutulia before descending to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Harrieta|lat=43.21079140547837|long=-1.384120195860639}}. This point is reached after 3¾ hours and sits at an altitude of {{m|808}}. The main trail continues across the Buztanzelhay summit, which is reached in 4¾ hours at an altitude of {{m|1029}}. The trail then leads down to the col of the same name at {{m|843}}. Here, the GR-10 turns left and descends steeply. The path crosses the D949 road several times; this road leads from the village to the ventas on the Spanish border at the Col d'Ispéguy. You can also reach this col via the ridge, a distance of 1½ km from Col Buztanzelhay. If you want to skip entering {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry]]|wikidata=Q279252}}, a village situated at {{m|162}}, you can join the next stage earlier at the Nive des Aldudes. This location can be reached in 6½ hours and is at an altitude of {{m|162}}. In the village park, there is a picnic area, and a supermarket stocks gas cartridges. Locals play Rebot, a type of pelota, on two courts. The Château d'Etxauz is not open to the public. The village hosts a traditional folklore festival known as Nafarroaren Eguna on the last Sunday in April. The Nive des Aldudes valley occasionally experiences flooding and mudslides. === Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry - Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port === ; Distance : 19.2 km ; Duration : 5-7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 990 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 980 m This stage runs mostly on gravel paths and farm tracks. About an hour into the walk, there is an optional detour at Col d'Aharza for a 35-minute climb to Oylarandoy, where a hermitage built in 1706 stands. The GR-10 heads south to the Col d'Aharza, which is at an altitude of {{m|734}} and reached in two hours. A water source is available at the col. The trail then turns east and circles around {{Marker|type=see|name=Munhoa|wikidata=Q3327853}}. This summit is at {{m|1023}} and is reached after a total of 3½ hours. The climb is fully exposed to the sun. The descent begins on the right-hand side. {{Marker|name=[[Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port]]|wikidata=Q270294|type=city}} lies at an altitude of {{m|170}} and is where three of the four French pilgrimage routes converge before entering Spain. From here, it is possible to continue directly onto the Camino de Santiago towards Roncesvalles. === Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port - Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta === ; Distance : 16.2 km ; Duration : 5-5½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 870 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 420 m There are no supply points or public transport on this stage, but the walking is relatively easy. In the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Çaro|wikidata=Q842635}}, at an altitude of {{m|242}}, there is a public fountain next to the town hall. If you choose to end the day early after 3¾ hours in {{Marker|type=city|name=Estérençuby|wikidata=Q842724}}, be aware that this adds an extra 400 m of ascent to the next day's stage. The village lies at an altitude of {{m|231}} and offers two accommodation options. === Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta - Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty === ; Distance : 20.7 km ; Duration : 6¾-8 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1410 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m This stage is simple but offers little shade. The trail first climbs toward the Col on Ithurramburu, which is at an altitude of {{m|820}}. It then continues ascending to just below {{Marker|type=see|name=Occabe|alt=Okabe|wikidata=Q17417892}} at {{m|1456}}. On the Occabe plateau, 26 Neolithic stone circles have been found. Known as ''harrespil'' in Basque, they are believed to have been used for cremation rites. A good rest stop, reached after 4¾ hours, is the upscale {{Marker|type=eat|name=Restaurant Chalet Pedro|url=https://www.chaletpedro.com|lat=43.03688|long=-1.07468}}. The associated lodge offers 10 beds. Across the stream at Le Kayolar, similar accommodation is available. From here, the trail turns sharply right after 100 m and continues uphill for another 6-7 km to the stage destination, a final ascent of 300 m. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta|url=http://kaskoleta.free.fr/|lat=43.09204|long=-1.16466|content=Altitude 615 m. Offers 13 beds in 3 rooms plus a holiday apartment for 4. A scenic viewpoint with an information panel is 5 minutes away.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=L'aire Naturelle de Camping|lat=43.03746|long=-1.04942|content=Natural campground with 50 pitches, located 3 km before the Chalets by the stream. Open June-October. Fresh bread available by reservation from 08:30.}} === Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty - Logibar === ; Distance : 16.4 km ; Duration : 5-6 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 440 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1380 m In bad weather, the route along the west side of the {{Marker|type=see|name=Pic des Escaliers|wikidata=Q31645205}}, which has an altitude of {{m|1423}}, is not recommended. There are two alternative routes, but both are poorly marked. At the Ugatzé Ridge, the trail skirts the peak rather than summiting it. To avoid the steep descent from Pic des Escaliers, stay on the road for about 600 m after the start, then turn off after 2½ km to reach Col Ugatzé. A short side trip allows you to summit Arthanolatzégagnia, which requires an additional 35 minutes for the ascent and descent. For several hours, trail markings are sparse. After some time following mule tracks, you'll reach a road crossing at Beloscare, which is at an altitude of {{m|1173}} and is reached after three hours. {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Auberge Logibar|wikidata=Q12262540}} marks the end of the stage, but you can also continue 2 km further to {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Larrau]]|wikidata=Q608335}}, which offers three accommodation options and a campground. In bad weather, an easier alternative is to follow the paved road from Iraty directly to Larrau for a gentler descent. === Logibar - Sainte-Engrâce (Senta) === ; Distance : 26.3 km ; Duration : 7½-9¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200-1420 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 900-1170 m This stage leads through spectacular gorges. Follow signs to the Gorges d'Holzarté and ascend the trail to the 70 m long suspension bridge, a walk of 50 minutes. The bridge spans the dramatic Ruisseau de Olhadubi gorge 150 m above the ground. On the far side, the trail continues uphill. After two hours, you reach the Olhadubi stream, which is a possible spot for a refreshing dip. Nearby is the Cabane Cayolar d'Olhadubi, reached via a side path from the bridge. It serves as an emergency shelter with space for 4-5 people. Continuing uphill, you'll reach the Abarrakia farm after just over three hours. The path then winds between farms, eventually reaching the point where the GR-10 turns sharply to the right, a journey of 4½ hours from the start. The original GR-10 route bypassed the gorges entirely by heading up to the Plateau d'Adarkhotia after the Holzarté bridge. This shortcut saves 2.7 km, takes 1¼ hours, and avoids 150 m of elevation gain. After about five hours, you'll reach the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Anhaou|alt=Col de Bious|lat=42.9784|long=-0.88044}} at an altitude of {{m|1383}}. From here, energetic hikers can summit nearby peaks such as Izeyto at {{m|1464}} or Sarimendi at {{m|1484}}. The stage ends at {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Sainte-Engrâce]]|wikidata=Q197211}}. Sainte-Engrâce is home to a Romanesque church from the 11th century. From the village, a 9-km side trip with an ascent of 840 m and descent of 135 m takes you to the vast La Verna cave, which has guided tours. A detour south from the restaurant leads into the wild and romantic Gorges de Kakuetta. The trail is very steep and slippery, and entry tickets are sold at the restaurant. === Sainte-Engrâce (Senta) - Refuge Jeandel === ; Distance : 11.6 km ; Duration : 4¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 160 m The trail climbs steadily from Sainte-Engrâce into the limestone highlands of the Pierre-Saint-Martin massif, marking the transition into more alpine terrain. You ascend to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Pierre-St-Martin|wikidata=Q1107451}} at an altitude of {{m|1760}}, which marks the border with Spain. Since 1373, the Tributo de las Tres Vacas, a cross-border tribute of three cows, has been held here every July 13 to settle grazing rights between the two valleys. A small shop at the parking area sells goat cheese. A ski area lies just over the border on the Spanish side. There is also a small shelter near Boundary Marker 62. An optional 15-minute detour leads to the summit of Soum de Lèche, which has an altitude of {{m|1839}}. The Grotte de la Verna, a massive cave chamber accessible by pre-booked guided tour, lies 1 km off the main trail. From the pass, descend to the first switchback, then turn right off the main track. The trail passes under two chairlifts and continues along the northern flank of the Pic d'Arlas. When you spot three large concrete water tanks, descend to the staffed mountain hut at Refuge Jeandel. The ski resort village of {{Marker|name=La Pierre Saint-Martin|wikidata=Q3211628|type=city}} is about 15 minutes off the trail and offers additional services. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge Jeandel|address=La Pierre Saint Martin, 64570 Arette|url=https://www.refugejeandel.com/|lat=42.9783|long=-0.7494|content=Altitude 1670 m. Dormitory accommodation from €18; half-board from €42.50. Staffed in summer.}} === Refuge Jeandel - Lescun === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 5½-6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1200 m This is a challenging stage, but the scenery is magnificent. Several rocky mountain paths are equipped with cables for safety. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Pas de l'Osque|lat=42.970218|long=-0.708994}} at an altitude of {{m|1922}}, which requires a head for heights. The trail continues to the Pas d'Azuns at {{m|1873}}, reached in about 2¾ hours. A good first rest stop with water is the spring near the Cabane du Cap de la Baitch, located at {{m|1689}} and reached after about 3 hours. In wet weather, descending to {{Marker|type=city|name=Lescun|wikidata=Q179737}} at an altitude of {{m|895}} via the road is recommended, as the GR-10 becomes muddy and difficult to navigate. * {{sleep|name=Centre de l'Abérouat|url=http://aberouat.fr|lat=42.9504|long=-0.6658|content=Staffed hut with a bar. Offers 20 rooms (2–5 beds each). Free tent camping nearby (bathrooms in the hut available for a fee). Best suited for groups; solo walkers must book in advance. }} * {{sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Maison de la Montagne|lat=42.9342|long=-0.6352|address=1 ruelle de la Congasse, 64490 Lescun|phone=+33 6 88 06 95 29|url=https://www.maisondelamontagne64.com|content=Comfortable accommodation for hikers in the centre of Lescun. }} * {{sleep|name=Camping - Gîte du Lauzart|address=Bordé de Mougnague, 64490 Lescun|phone=+33 5 59 34 51 77|url=https://www.camping-gite-lescun-pyrenees.com/|lat=42.9278|long=-0.6422|content=Along the D340. About 20 minutes into the next stage. Open April-September. Campsite €14 + €4 per adult. 25 dorm beds available for €16; half board €42.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Tourist Office for the Vallée |lat=42.9990|long=-0.6006|url=https://www.pyrenees-bearnaises.com/explorer/nature/|phone=+33 5 59 34 57 57|content=Located in Bedous. Provides information on the surrounding region. }} === Lescun - Etsaut === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 5½-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 850 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1150 m The trail begins easily through pastoral countryside, then enters forested terrain, passing the {{marker|type=sleep|url=https://www.gite-camping-lhers.com |name=Gîte d'étape and campsite on the Plateau de Lhers}} (2 hr), and climbing to the Col de Barrancq (1601 m; 3¾ hr). From the Col de Barrancq, a side trip leads to the summit of Pic de Labigouer (2175 m), which takes just under 3 hours round-trip. Lower down in the Parc d'Orce, within the commune of {{Marker|type=city|name=Borçe|wikidata=Q840474}} (5¾ hr), lives the majority of the region's ~50 brown bears. The Gîte le Communal offers accommodation here. The stage ends in {{listing|type=city|name=Etsaut|wikidata=Q765829|content=Altitude 597 m. Located on the N-134 and served by the Canfranc-Oloron-Saint-Marie bus line. The former train station now houses the Pyrenees National Park visitor center. Accommodation available in the Gîte d'étape la Garbure behind the church (53 beds).}} Just outside Etsaut, the {{Marker|type=see|name=Fort du Portalet|wikidata=Q3078387}} clings dramatically to the cliffs in two tiers, spanning a height difference of 150 m. * {{see|name=Refuge animalier à Borce|url=https://parc-ours.fr/|lat=42.9045|long=-0.5746|content=open 10:00–18:00; admission €12. It functions as an educational wildlife refuge }} === Etsaut - Gabas === ; Distance : 24 km ; Duration : 9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1640 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1210 m The trail begins with the dramatic Chemin de la Mâture, a path carved into the rock face. It is not passable in icy or snowy conditions. You reach Grange Perry (1210 m) after 2 hours. A quarter of an hour later, at a junction, keep left. After 3½ hours, you arrive at the Cabane de la Baight de St-Cours (1560 m; shepherds only, Jun–Sep), located at the border. About 4 hours in, you cross a stream on a bridge. This is the last water source before the high pass. The highest point of the stage is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Ayous|wikidata=Q2981981}} (2185 m; 5½ hr or more). On its eastern slope lie the Ayous Lakes, including the scenic Refuge d'Ayous. It's an ideal place to break this long stage. The Col d'Ayous also marks a transition point between valleys: from the Chemin de la Mâture and Baigt de Sencours in the Aspe Valley to Bious-Artigues (1540 m) in the Ossau Valley, where pony rides and canoe rentals are available on the eastern shore. The lake is 6½ km from the pass (↧ 764 m). From the pass, you can also summit Pic d'Ayous (add 30 min up and down), or detour 6 km to Lac Bersau — a longer alternative via the Vallon d'Aas is 9 km. From the lake, descend on the D231 road, which includes switchbacks that can be shortcut. (Note: Refuge de Gabas is permanently closed.) The stage ends in {{Marker|name=Gabas|wikidata=Q5515276|type=city}}, which offers two accommodations and a bar, but no grocery store. Located on bus route 806/806bis from Col de Portalet via Gabas to Laruns (15 km). * {{sleep|name=Refuge d'Ayous|url=https://www.refuge-ayous.fr/en-gb|lat=42.8485|long=-0.4912|content=10 minutes off the GR10 near Lac Gentau (6½ hr), this refuge offers 47 beds and tent spaces and is open from mid-May to the first week of October. }} === Gabas - Gourette === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9-10 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1150 m This is a long and difficult stage, not suitable for children. The Corniche des Alhas section requires a head for heights. Snow may linger into summer, making it hard to follow the waymarks. Water is scarce during the first four hours. The trail follows the D934 road to the Artouste dam, then climbs through forest paths (1¼ hr). Some parts pass through cliff-side ledges carved into the rock — the Corniche des Alhas — which have fixed cables for safety. An easier alternative bypasses the Corniche via the Pont du Goua and the Gave de Soussouéou. After 1¾ hr, you reach a bridge near the Gave de Soussouéou waterfalls (1145 m). From here, a steep trail leads up to Houn de Mouscabarous (1361 m; 2¾ hr), continuing uphill to Petite Arcizette (2293 m). Snow may persist at these elevations until July. After 6½–7 hr, you arrive at the Hourquette d'Arre (2465 m). Important: The path shown on some maps to the Géougue d'Arre (2619 m) is a mountaineering route, not a hiking trail. An alternative route avoids the Hourquette d'Arre altogether: from the Cabane de Cézy, follow the red-and-white GR10 then switch to the red/yellow-marked GRP Tour de la Vallée d'Ossau, over the Col de Lurdé to Eaux-Bonnes (overnight possible) and Gourette (also served by Bus 806). The GR10 does not go directly to Lac d'Uzious, but instead heads roughly north-northeast across a plateau, before turning east to descend. After about 8 hours, you reach Lac d'Anglas (2068 m), from where the trail continues along the outflow, then branches off to the right. After over 9 hours, you arrive in the ski resort of {{Marker|type=city|name=Gourette|wikidata=Q1540224|url=https://www.gourette.com/en/}} (1350 m). Ski resort with two supermarkets; gas cartridges available at Intersport. Mostly closed outside the main season. Served in-season by Bus 806 (twice daily) from Parking Gourette Nord to Eaux-Bonnes, Laruns, and Pau. If needed, you can exit the trail early at the upper parking area (which has a bus stop) and start the next stage from there. * {{sleep|lat=42.9595|long=-0.3340|name=Chalet-refuge CAF|phone=+33 5 59 05 10 56|url=https://chaletdegourette.ffcam.fr/|content=Mountain refuge with 32 beds in 4 dorms. €16.50/night (€8.25 for Alpine Club members) + €0.90 tourist tax. }} === Gourette - Arrens-Marsous === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m This is a relatively easy stage that crosses two mountain passes: the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Tortes|lat=42.9598|long=-0.3188}} (1799 m; 1¾ hr), and later, after crossing the D918 (popular with cyclists but too busy to follow safely), the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Saucède|lat=42.9597|long=-0.3187}} (1525 m; 3 hr 20 min). Ten minutes after descending from this second pass, you'll reach a restaurant and gîte de séjour at the Col de Soulor on the D918 road. From Col de Saucède, hikers can also make a short detour to summit the Pointe de Surgatte (1805 m; 90-100 minutes round trip). Near the Pont de Lapadé, you can either cross the Gave d'Arrens or continue down into the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Arrens-Marsous|wikidata=Q1110649}}. Features tourist information and public toilets at the Maison Val d'Azun (Tel. +33 5 62 97 49 49). The village also has an outdoor swimming pool. A hiking festival, [https://www.eldorando.fr/ Eldorado], is held every two years for four days in late May. Call +33 800 65 65 00 by 17:00 the day before for weekday on-demand shuttle service to Lourdes. Points of interest include the Romanesque Saint-Pierre Church (parts dating to 1200) and the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Pouey-Laün, a pilgrimage chapel located 600 m south along the D105. The area is part of both the Natura 2000 conservation network (Gabizos and the Arrens Valley) and the core zone of the Pyrenees National Park. For a longer option, you can extend this stage to Gîte les Viellettes (2¼ h further), making a total of 20.5 km (8½ hr; ↥ 1250 m, ↧ 1530 m). * {{sleep|name=GCU Campground|address=26 Rue des Paus, 65400 Arrens-Marsous|lat=42.9573|long=-0.2132|phone=+33 5 62 97 43 06|url=https://www.gcu.asso.fr/terrains/arrens-marsous-hautes-pyrénées-65|content=Simple tent campground on the edge of town. }} === Arrens-Marsous - Refuge d'Ilhéou === ; Distance : 20 km ; Duration : 6¾-7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 500 m From Arrens-Marsous (3½ km from the previous endpoint), you can follow the official GR10 or the more scenic GR de Pays Tour du Val d'Azun. The latter is slightly shorter but includes more climbs. Both routes rejoin shortly before the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape les Viellettes|lat=42.9220|long=-0.1819}} (2¼ h; 15 beds). About 700 m further on is the simple tent site La Pose (open May-September). The official GR10 route passes through {{Marker|type=city|name=Estaing|wikidata=Q589628}}, a commune that includes three Natura 2000 protected areas: “Gaves de Pau et de Cauterets,” “Moun Né de Cauterets, Pic de Cabaliros,” and “Péguère, Barbat, Cambalès.” From here, the trail enters the core zone of the Pyrenees National Park. You ascend toward Lac d'Estaing. Just before the lake is a guesthouse open Th–Su, 09:00–17:00 (summer only). On the far shore is another restaurant (open 10:00–18:00) and Camping Intercommunal. Brave hikers may try a swim in the cold waters. The trail now climbs steeply through forest to the Cabane d'Arriousec (1400 m; 4 hr). Another hour uphill takes you past the Cabanes de Barbat (left of the path), then a final climb brings you to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Ilhéou|wikidata=Q2981991}} (2242 m; 6 hr or more). Just 5 minutes below the pass, you can turn left to reach the Crête du Lys, where the Courbet cable car operates in July and August. This offers access to the ski resort Cauterets-Le Lys (with a summer luge track) or direct descent into the town of Cauterets. On foot, descend to the stream near the Cabanes d'Arras (6½-7 hr). Turn right there and cross two more streams. The path then descends to Lac d'Ilhéou. At the lake's northern shore is the staffed Refuge d'Ilhéou. A designated bivouac area (aire de bivouac) is located about 10 minutes further south along the lake. * {{sleep|name=Refuge d'Ilhéou (Refuge Raymond-Ritter)|url=https://www.refuge-ilheou.csvss.fr/en/home|phone=+33 5 62 92 07 18|lat=42.86605|long=-0.17358|content=Altitude 1988 m. 22 beds.|hours=late May to late Sep }} === Refuge d'Ilhéou - Cauterets === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 2½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 75 ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m This is a leisurely downhill walk that brings you gently back to civilization in {{Marker|type=city|name=Cauterets|url=https://www.cauterets.com/en/?to_lang=en|wikidata=Q366962}}. Scenic spa town with plenty of amenities, including a historic wooden railway station (now closed), a cinema, casino, and more. The tourist office is open M–Sa 09:00–12:30 and 14:00–18:00. A special Office de la Montagne – Terre d'Alpinisme – opens during the summer season. Cauterets flourished during the late 19th and early 20th centuries thanks to its thermal springs. The municipality operates two spas: Thermes de César in the village center and Thermes des Griffons in nearby La Raillère. Accommodation options include three gîtes d'étape and Camping la Prairie. Local buses run every 30 minutes from June to October. Regional connections are available to Lourdes, Luz-Saint-Sauveur, and Gavarnie. A shuttle to Pont d'Espagne departs four times daily from the old train station. The 30 km former railway line from Pierrefitte to Cauterets has been converted into a multi-use bike and hiking path. === Cauterets - Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube === ; Distance : 15 km ; Duration : 6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 100 m This is a demanding stage. From Cauterets, take the path behind the Thermes de César and head south. After 1¼ hr you reach the hamlet of La Raillère (1044 m), where there are restaurants and a sulfur spa. Cross the bridge and continue up into the Val de Jéret, passing several waterfalls. The trail leads to the Hôtellerie du Pont d'Espagne (3 hr). From there, descend briefly along the road before turning right and ascending into the valley toward Lac de Gaube (1725 m, 4 hr). The path crosses the stream three times via bridges as you continue toward the refuge. * {{sleep|name=Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube|wikidata=Q109042828 }} === Refuge des Oulètes de Gaube - Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400 m About 50 m from the refuge, the trail begins a steady one-hour climb over rocky terrain. At a fork (65 min), stay right and continue ascending. The {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Hourquette d'Ossoue|wikidata=Q3141336}} (2734 m) marks the highest point on the entire GR10. Even in mid-summer, snow often lingers here. After 20 minutes of descent, you reach the Refuge Baysselance. '''Ascending Vignemale from here via the Glacier d'Ossoue is only for experienced mountaineers.''' From the pass, the route heads south-east, passing the Grottes de Bellevue (2420 m; 3 hr), artificial caves carved in 1880 by the explorer Henry Russell. The trail descends steeply to a stream, then follows it into a boulder field fed by glacial melt from the Glacier d'Ossoue. The descent into the valley involves frequent climbs around cliffs and waterfalls. You enter the Vallée de la Canau (5 hr or more) and pass the Cabane de Sausse-Dessus. The next hour includes more ups and downs until you reach the Cabane des Tousaus (6¾ hr or more). From there, cross a final ridge to reach the D923 road and descend to the stage endpoint, Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle. If you need more accommodation or supplies, continue to the main village of {{Marker|name=Gavarnie|wikidata=Q917894|type=city}}. From Gavarnie, you can take a day trip (or a bus from Luz-Saint-Sauveur) into the famed Cirque de Gavarnie. It's also possible to ascend Le Taillon (3146 m) from here for experienced climbers. * {{sleep|name=Refuge Baysselance|url=https://refugebayssellance.ffcam.fr |wikidata=Q3423105 |content=(2651 m), which offers 58 beds and is staffed from mid-May to mid-October. }} === Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle - Luz-Saint-Sauveur === ; Distance : 26 km ; Duration : 8-9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 700-900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1500-1660 m Starting from Gavarnie village (via the D128 road) instead of the refuge shortens the route by 3 km (approx. 1 hr). The trail first leads to the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape le Saugué|url=https://www.gite-gavarnie-pyrenees.com/|lat=42.7686|long=-0.0059}}, located on the Plateau Soula de Saugue (1¾ hr). This is a good option to break up the stage — the gîte has 21 beds and is open May to October. The route winds northward, passing the Soum Haut (3¾ h), then descends gradually along the western slope of the Gavarnie Valley. After 5¾-6 hr, you reach the D921 road. Cross the Gave de Gavarnie via the Pont d'Esdouroucats and ascend again to a path above the highway. From the south, you enter {{Marker|type=city|name=Luz-Saint-Sauveur|wikidata=Q35721506|url=https://www.luz.org/en/}} via the Pont Napoléon (755 m; 7½ hr), a dramatic bridge across the gorge. Well-equipped mountain town. The town has several historic churches, as well as a campsite with a grocery store. The Prime Meridian passes about 100 m east of the center. Numerous lodgings, 6 campgrounds, 2 supermarkets, and Intersport (gas cartridges). Bus 965 connects to Cauterets, Lourdes, and Tarbes. Bus to Barèges also available. * {{sleep|name=Camping Saint Bazerque|address=Sia|phone=+33 5 62 92 49 93 |url=https://campingsaintbazerque.eatbu.com/?lang=de|lat=42.8318|long=0.0015 | content=Campground with grocery shop (mountain cheese), bar, and caravan spaces. Open 08:00–17:00. }} === Luz-Saint-Sauveur - Barèges === ; Distance : 12 km ; Duration : 4½-5 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m To extend this stage, continue to Refuge d'Aygues Cluses for a total of 19 km (7½ hr; ↥ 1560 m, ↧ 140 m). Though short, this stage begins with a relatively long and steep ascent. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Ruisseau de Bolou |lat=42.85869|long=0.06773}} (1460 m). On the descent, hikers can stop for refreshments at the {{marker |url=https://refugedelaglere.ffcam.fr |name=Refuge de la Glère}}. This stage ends at {{Marker|type=city |name=Barèges|wikidata=Q632058 |url=https://www.mairie-bareges.fr/en/}}. Composed of the hamlets of Artigalas and Cazaous, Barèges serves as a spa and mountain village. The local river, the Bastan, is called the gave. Note: the Jardin botanique du Tourmalet and the 1930s funicular are now closed. The town's website includes an accommodation and restaurant directory * {{sleep|name=Gîte d'étape l'Oasis|lat=42.8974|long=0.0673|address=2 Passage des Toys|phone=+33 5 62 92 69 47|url=https://www.gite-oasis.fr|content=Open Jun–Sep, and also Dec–Apr during ski season (Barèges is part of the Domaine du Tourmalet ski area). }} === Barèges - Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : route-dependent 7¾-9½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m The trail begins by climbing above the road toward the ski station at Tournaboup (1 hr). It then veers south and ascends steadily. Good stopping points include the Cabane d'Aygues and, 10 km further on, the Chalet-Hôtel d'Orédon. This stage enters the Néouvielle Nature Reserve, where dogs and wild camping are strictly forbidden. The highest point is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Madamète|wikidata=Q102076283}} (2509 m). From there, the path descends between alpine lakes: {{Marker|type=see|name=Lac d'Aumar|wikidata=Q3215322}} and Lac d'Aubert (5¾ h, 2190 m). A shuttle bus runs up to this point in high season, and there's an info panel at the end of the access road. Here, the trail splits into two variants: * Variant 1: continues along Lac d'Aumar * Variant 2: detours south to the tip of Lac d'Aubert, then along the northern shore of Les Laguettes and Lac d'Orédon (6¾ h, 1856 m; camping and hotel at the south end) Both variants rejoin at the Cap d'Estoudou pass (2260 m), followed by a steep descent. A short detour from the pass allows for an ascent of Soump de Montpelat (↥ 214 m). The path continues steeply downhill to Lac de l'Oule (1821 m; 7¾ hr or more). From here, head right to reach Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule. * {{sleep|name=Cabane d'Aygues|url=https://refugeayguescluses.wordpress.com |lat=42.8758|long=0.15001 }} * {{sleep|name=Chalet-Hôtel d'Orédon|url=https://www.chalet-oredon.fr |lat=42.8262|long=0.1692|hours=Open Jun–Sep|content=88 beds. }} * {{sleep|name=Refuge-Hotel de l'Oule|url=https://refugedeloule.fr | lat=42.8248|long=0.2075 | hours=Open mid-June to mid-September | content=Altitude 1819 m. Located at the dam wall. 20 beds and a bar. }} === Refuge-Hôtel de l'Oule - Vielle-Aure === ; Distance : 17-18 km ; Duration : 5-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 460 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400-1500 m From the refuge, the route follows the western shore of Lac de l'Oule. GR10C variant: After 1½ hr, there is a signed detour to the [http://refugedebastan.fr/ Cabane de Bastan]. The main trail turns directly east and climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Portet|wikidata=Q42178369}} (2215 m; 2¾ hr). From here, it continues eastward, descending gently to the Pla de Castillon, then more steeply down to the D918 road (4½ hr or more) and onward to the stage endpoint {{Marker|type=city|name=Vielle-Aure |wikidata=Q1323900 |url=https://vielleaure.com}}, an historic village with two Romanesque churches: Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Pierre (in the Agos neighbourhood), both dating to the 12th century. Bus connections to Saint-Lary-Soulan and Lannemezan (35 km). * {{sleep|name=Hôtel Aurélia|lat=42.8259|long=0.3278|phone=+33 5 62 39 56 90 |url=https://www.hotel-aurelia.com/ | content=Simple, hiker-friendly hotel in town. }} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping La Mousquère |lat=42.8274|long=0.3359 |address=Nougaro, Autun, 65170 Bourisp |url=https://www.campinglamousquere.com/|hours=Open May 8–last weekend of September }} * There are three more campsites within 2 km north along the river valley. Just 1 km south, the larger and livelier {{Marker|name=Saint-Lary-Soulan|wikidata=Q1323323|type=city}} offers a broader range of shops, accommodations, and services. The tourist information office is at the roundabout in the center; the supermarket is across the street. The wooden bus stop shelter is discreetly located about 50 m away, opposite the modern church on Avenue des Thermes. === Vielle-Aure - Germ === ; Distance : 13 km ; Duration : 4¾-5¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1170 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 630-700 m This is a straightforward, though poorly marked, stage that runs parallel to the D225 up to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Azet|wikidata=Q2981982}} (1600 m). From the pass, the route continues down to [https://www.vallee-du-louron.com/fr Loudenvielle], a village with shops, an outdoor pool, and the Balnéa Spa complex (open 14:00-19:30; €21 for 2 hours). Note: during the [https://www.pyreneesbikefestival.com/ Pyrenees Bike Festival] in early September, the area is overrun with mountain bikers. The final 2–3 km involve a climb of about 220 m up to the hamlet of {{Marker|name=Germ|wikidata=Q1094205|type=city}}. Altitude 1339 m. A small village with 34 year-round residents, but many second homes and guest beds. Two old churches are worth visiting. * {{sleep|name=Centre de Montagne de Germ |lat=42.7936|long=0.4251 |address=D130|phone=+33 5 62 99 65 27 |url=https://www.germ-louron.com | content=Open year-round. 70 beds in a large mountain centre. }} * '''Auberge de Germ''', a guesthouse with 11 rooms (33 beds), open year-round. * {{see|name=Peyresourde-Balestas Airfield (Aérodrome de Peyragudes)|wikidata=Q5659350 | content=Also known as Altiport 007, as a James Bond film was shot here in 1997. The 470 m runway has a 15% gradient and is also used for paragliding. }} === Germ - Lac d'Oô === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 6–7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1060 m This stage and the next are strenuous. They can be divided into thirds with overnight stops at the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Granges d'Astau |lat=42.7635|long=0.5024}} (open May–Oct; 26 beds) and the {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge d'Espingo |url=https://refugedespingo.ffcam.fr |wikidata=Q104413940}} (1967 m; 44 beds, mid-May–Oct; 15 emergency shelter places off-season). Camping is allowed near the lake. Around the refuge is a “classic” mountaineering loop over the Pic des Spijeoles (3008 m), Grand Quayrat (3060 m), down to Lac du Portillon (2571 m) and the glacial Lac Glacé d'Oô (2664 m). After the initial climb out of Germ, you enter the Val d'Aube. Follow the river on the left-hand side; after 1¾ hr, across the valley (250 m away), lies the Cabane d'Ourtiga (1610 m). The route ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Couret d'Esquierry |lat=42.75523|long=0.46279}} (2131 m; 3½ hr), where you cross into the Haute-Garonne department. After 4 hr, you reach the Cabane du Val d'Esquierry. From there, follow the D76 road down to the Granges d'Astau and an auberge (1139 m; 5 hr). In July and August, a morning bus runs up from Luchon and returns in the evening. The stage ends at {{Marker|type=see|name=Lac d'Oô|wikidata=Q3215352}}, a scenic 42-hectare lake situated at an altitude of 1,507 m within the Natura 2000 reserve “Vallées du Lis, de la Pique et d'Oô.” Renowned since the 19th century for its spectacular waterfall, the lake is a popular destination for its natural beauty. Due to its protected status, camping, swimming, and dogs are not permitted in the area. * {{sleep|name=Refuge du Lac d'Oô|address=|phone=+33 7 84 56 55 88 |lat=42.7446|long=0.4909 |content=Reached in about 6 hr. By the lake shore at 1504 m. }} === Lac d'Oô - Bagnères-de-Luchon === ; Distance : 19–21 km ; Duration : 7–9¼ h ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000–1130 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1900–2000 m After Refuge d'Espingo, the trail becomes more difficult, with several rocky scree sections. You skirt the northern slopes of Hourquette des Hounts-Secs (2275 m). Optional detour: From here, a 15-minute ascent (each way) leads to Cap de Bassiéret. You continue over the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Coume de Bourg|lat=42.78722|long=0.5179}} (2272 m, 4¾ hr or more), which may retain snow well into the summer. Optional summit detours from the pass: * Pic Céciré, 45 minutes up and down to the north * Subescale, 40 minutes up and down to the south After 5½+ hours, you reach (1802 m) Superbagnères, a summer-only (Jul–Aug) mountain hotel serving the ski area. While it offers meals and lodging, prices are high. The massive historic building can also be reached by gondola lift from Luchon, replacing the old cog railway. The {{Marker|type=go|name=Gondola base station in Luchon|lat=42.7879|long=0.5908}} is located on the western edge of town and operates daily from 08:30 to 18:00 during the summer season. If descending on foot, it is a steep 1200 m drop to reach {{Marker|name=Bagnères-de-Luchon|wikidata=Q238393|type=city}}. This spa town marks the end of the central Pyrenean segment of the GR10. Regular bus services run to Montréjeau, where you can connect by train to Toulouse. * {{sleep|name=Superbagnères|url=https://www.villagesclubsdusoleil.com/fr/nos-destinations/hiver/sejour-a-la-montagne/superbagneres |wikidata=Q844809 }} === Bagnères-de-Luchon - Artigue === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 2½-3 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 50 m From the church in Luchon, head left along the footpath by the L'One river, crossing the road bridge toward Juzet-de-Luchon. As an optional detour, you can visit the {{Marker|name=Cascade Juzet-de-Luchon|wikidata= Q135191106 |type=see}} waterfall. The trail continues via Sode to the day's highest point at the stage destination {{Marker|name=Artigue|wikidata=Q1088729|type=city}}. Altitude 1230 m. A small mountain village with a municipal gîte d'étape, open year-round, offering 12 dormitory beds and evening meals at the on-site restaurant. === Artigue - Fos === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 7½–8½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1100 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1750 m The first half of this stage is a steady climb of over 1000 meters, initially on a gravel track. After 1¼ hours, you reach the Cabane de Saunères (1660 m), a basic mountain shelter. One hour later, you arrive at the Col de Peyrehitte (1947 m). The trail continues along an exposed ridge around the Pic de Bacanère (2193 m; 3 hr or more), passing border markers 402–404. After the Col d'Aou (2093 m; 3½–4 hr), the trail descends gradually across open alpine meadows. At the Cabane d'Artigue (5 hr or more), potable water is available. Below this point, the path winds down gently through a series of switchbacks, eventually crossing a road bridge into {{Marker|name=Fos|wikidata=Q1349025|type=city}}. Altitude 544 m. Small village with weekday bus service to Melles and Saint-Gaudens (railway connections to Pau and Toulouse). Alternative route (former GR10): From the Cabane d'Artigue, you can divert to the Cabane d'Artiguessans, then descend steeply to the Ruisseau de la Batch before climbing back up to rejoin the GR10. This saves about 15 minutes and 70 m of elevation gain. * {{sleep|name=Gîte de Fos |wikidata=Q3162431 |lat=42.8738|long=0.7344 |phone=+33 5 61 94 98 59 | content=Offers 20 dormitory beds, open year-round. }} === Fos - Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing === ; Distance : 18 km ; Duration : 6½–8 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1700 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m It's a good idea to stock up on supplies in {{Marker|name=Melles|wikidata=Q1616421|type=city}}, which you reach after about 45 minutes. From the old customs house, the trail climbs steeply. Auberge de Crabère offers a comfortable stop. * {{see|name=Botanical Garden |alt=À Fleur de Montagne |wikidata=Q3162431 |url=https://mairie-de-melles.wixsite.com/mairie-de-melles/le-jardin-botanique | content=Small but charming community-run garden specializing in Pyrenean alpine flora. | hours=Open in summer, 10:00–19:00 }} From Melles, a narrow road leads uphill to the last farmhouse at Labach (2¼ hr). The next 2 hours or more are mostly through forest, climbing steadily. After about 5 hours, you reach the Cabane d'Uls shelter. The path continues uphill to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Pas du Bouc}} (2170 m; 6+ h). Optional summit detour: From here, the {{Marker|type=see|name=Pic de Crabère |wikidata=Q3382364}} (2629 m) can be climbed in about 90 minutes round-trip. Brown bears have been reintroduced to this area. The highest point of the day is the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col d'Auéran|lat=42.8354|long=0.8603}} (2176 m), which also marks the border into the Ariège department. From here, it's a quick descent to Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing. * {{sleep|name=Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing|url=http://www.refuge-araing.fr |wikidata=Q3423195 | hours=Open 1 June to 5 October | content=Altitude 1956 m. 52 beds, plus a 12-bed shelter area available off-season. Advance bookings accepted for groups on the two weekends before/after opening. }} === Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing - Eylie-d'en-Haut === ; Distance : 8 km ; Duration : 3-4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1320 m From the lake and refuge, the trail climbs to the Serre d'Araing (2221 m; 1 hr). Optional detour: Summit of Pic de l'Har (2424 m), approximately 50 minutes round-trip. The descent into the valley follows faintly marked trails to the left of the power lines. Along the way, you'll encounter remnants of former lead mining operations. After about 2¾ hours, you cross a bridge and reach {{Marker|name=Eylie d'en Haut|wikidata=Q134078264|type=city}}, a small hamlet with a 14-bed hut, picnic area, and a basic campsite located by the Lez river. === Eylie-d'en-Haut - Maison du Valier, Pla de la Lau === ; Distance : 17 km ; Duration : 8¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1600 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1700 m A strenuous stage with no food or lodging options along the way. The trail starts by crossing the Lez river, then turns sharply left and begins to climb through open terrain. After about 50 minutes, you cross a stream and ascend through forest for just over an hour. In autumn, the woods are full of blueberries—a favourite of the brown bears reintroduced here in the 1990s. At a stone shelter (1660 m; 2½ hr), the trail forks. The GR10 continues to the right, up to the Col de l'Arech (1802 m; 3 hr or more). From there, the path turns left. Optional detours: * South to Tuc de Cagonilles (2196 m; 80 minutes round trip) * From there, to the challenging Mail de Bulard (2750 m; 3 hours round trip) After a short ridge walk, descend to the shepherd's hut Cabane d'Arech (1638 m; 3½ hr). From here, follow the access track down, then branch left down a steep, gorse-covered slope. After 4 hours, you reach a stream. About 40 minutes later, the ruins of Flouquet (1680 m) come into view. Continue to Cabane de Besset (1540 m; 6 hr or more), then ascend again for 45 minutes to Cabane Clot du Lac (1821 m; 7 hr). Passing the huts Cabane du Trapech-du-Milieu (1540 m) and Cabane de l'Artigue, you arrive at Maison du Valier. The Mont Valier massif is a protected area of interest to birdwatchers. It hosts a variety of mountain bird species, including rare birds of prey, bearded vultures, and alpine species such as ptarmigans, black grouse, and capercaillie. * {{sleep|name=Maison du Valier|lat=42.8308|long=1.0325 |url=https://maison-valier.fr |wikidata= | content=Altitude 927 m, located on the Pla de la Lau. Open March-October. Reception hours 16:00-19:30. 40 beds. }} === Maison du Valier, Pla de la Lau - Esbintz === ; Distance : 18 km ; Duration : 7¼-9¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200-1350 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300-1490 m A demanding stage with significant elevation gain and loss. The trail climbs from Maison du Valier, following the high northern slopes along the ridges of Cap de Lauses (1892 m), Pic de Crabère (1925 m), and the Col d'Auédole (1730 m). After more than 7 hours, you arrive at {{Marker|type=city|lat=42.85332|long=1.14584|name=Esbintz}}. === Esbintz - Refuge d'Aula === ; Distance : 19 km ; Duration : 6¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 500 m This and the following stage offer spectacular scenery in good weather. From Esbintz, follow the D817 for the first 2 km to Borde de Galy. From here, you could take a detour to Seix (4 km) by continuing on the D817, then the D37, and turning right onto the D3, where you'll rejoin the GR10 near the Pont du Salat. Continue mostly downhill through the countryside, crossing the Pont du Salat to reach Moulin Lauga (550 m; 2 hr), which has a bakery and picnic area. Alternatively, you can rest 1½ h later at the Auberge des Deux Rivières. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Esbintz|url=https://www.gite-ferme-esbintz.fr/|lat=42.85315143224526|long=1.1459188949749635|content=850 m. Dormitory with 10 beds. Open May-November.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge des Deux Rivières|phone=+33 5 61 66 83 57|url=https://www.aubergedesdeuxrivieres.com/|lat=42.83210657498069|long=1.1982318103146805|content=Open late May to late September}} === Refuge d'Aula - Rouze === ; Distance : 16 km ; Duration : 4½-5 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 700 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m Fit hikers can combine this stage with the previous one from Gîte d'étape d'Aunac (787 m), resulting in a 30 km day with 11¼ hf walking time (↥ 1750, ↧ 1580 m). From Refuge d'Aula, it's a steep but manageable 1½ hr ascent to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Bouche d'Aula|lat=42.77695825493033|long=1.1180083284724134}} (1998 m), then a descent to the Étang d'Areau, 100 m lower. Optional: The Pic des Aymesses (2036 m) can be climbed from the east side of the lake. A farm road leads down to Faup, with shortcuts along the switchbacks, for instance near the Cabane d'Areau. Slightly below the Col de Pause (1527 m; 2¼ hr), there is a parking area. The {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Camp site Rigaux Philippe|lat=42.78997920829053|long=1.178432115744275}} lies just below the hamlet of Faup. From Faup, descend along the D708 toward {{Marker|name=Couflens|wikidata=Q1142090|type=city}}, but before reaching the D3 junction, cross the bridge and climb on the opposite slope to Gîte de Rouze d'Ustou. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte de Rouze d'Ustou|lat=42.789696616|long=1.20592416901|address=Prat de la Moule, Rouze d'Ustou, 09140 Couflens|phone=+33561669545|url=https://www.ferme-de-rouze.fr/|content=16 beds. Cheese from the farm. Open mid-June to mid-September.}} === Rouze - Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou === ; Distance : 8.4 km ; Duration : 3-4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 800 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m Follow the stream uphill for about 1¾ hr to reach the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Serre du Cot}} (1546 m). Optional side trips: * To the south, ascend the Pic de la Tese (2255 m; ↥↧ 3 hr or more). * To the north, climb the Tuc de Peyre Mensongère (1711 m; ↥↧ 40 min). From the pass, descend left onto a forest path, passing a few ruined farmhouses. The route eventually reaches the D38 road and leads into {{Marker|type=city|name=Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou|wikidata=Q109571916}}. === Saint-Lizier-d'Ustou - Aulus-les-Bains === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9 hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1400 m The hike begins at the southern end of Saint-Lizier. After crossing the pedestrian bridge, the trail climbs southeast to the Col de Fitté (1387 m), a former ski area. From there, it continues along the right side of the slope. One alternative route begins at {{listing|type=city|name=Bidous|lat=42.78257178128407|long=1.2700395937419484}}, following the Alet river south and then climbing steeply for over 2 hours to reach the Col de Fitté, where it rejoins the GR 10. The trail curves around the southwest side of the Picou de la Mire (1741 m) and reaches the Col d'Escots (1618 m) after 3¾ hr. The nearby Chalet de Beauregard restaurant is open from late May to September, 10:00-23:00. Afterwards, the path continues up and down along steep slopes until it reaches the Ruisseau de Fouillet valley (4½ hr). The Jasse du Fouillet crossing (1170 m) is reached after at least 5 h. For a shorter option, follow the yellow-red waymarks of the Tour du Val du Garbet. This leads to the D8F road and directly into Aulus-les-Bains (7 hr from Saint-Lizier). The main route continues toward the plateau of Souliou and the Pic du Mont Rouge (1600 m). A side trip to Étang de Guzet offers a possible bivouac site. The trail then descends toward the Ruisseau d'Ars (1485 m), crosses a bridge, and continues downward. After a second bridge (8½ hr), the path becomes easier. A final bridge, Pont de la Mouline, crosses the Garbet River just before the trail enters {{Marker|type=city|name=Aulus-les-Bains|wikidata=Q1082493|url=https://www.loubet.fr/saint-lizier.html}}, a small spa town with a mini market at the traffic circle near the bridge and a tourist office next door. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte Pyrénées AAA|lat=42.779696032|long=1.2690230044|url=https://giteslareng.net/|address=Lareng, 09140 Ustou|phone=+33967838934|content=14 places in upscale cottages for 2-4 people.}} * {{listing|type=see|name=Cascade d'Ars|lat=42.762922493744796|long=1.3615038669340882|content=260 m high waterfalls in multiple tiers, located 4½ km from Aulus. Takes 3-9 hr round-trip to hike to them (↥ 530 m).}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping municipal le Coulédous|lat= 42.7940356892|long=1.3321660893|url=http://www.camping-aulus-couledous.com/|content=Also offers bungalows for 4-7 people. The gîte d'étape is a 12-person tent.}} === Aulus-les-Bains - Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès === ; Distance : 11 km ; Duration : 5 hr or more ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1200 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 300 m The route climbs out of Aulus-les-Bains to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Port de Saleix|lat=42.78143117676052|long=1.4043285766664242}}, where you'll find the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Refuge de Carol|lat=42.7813|long=1.4146}}. From here, the ascent becomes steeper. The following section to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Port de Bassiès|lat=42.772502271037204|long=1.411691910311851}} is demanding but scenically rewarding. This area lies within the Mont-Calme nature reserve, where camping is prohibited. === Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès - Marc === ; Distance : variable ; Duration : 3½-5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1385 ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1385 This stage and the following one include several alternative routes and shortcuts that can be combined. From the refuge, the GR-10 leads southeast along a slightly rocky trail for just over three kilometers, following the chain of lakes. At the outflow of the last lake, the Étang d'Escalès, the GR-10 bends to the right. Along the stream, there's an opportunity to descend toward the main road and the village of Auzat. Another descent option to the road appears about 2 km further along the GR-10. The main trail makes a sharp turn southward. From the aqueduct (1160 m; 2¼ h4), the route maintains an elevation just below 1200 m for around 4 km, before descending the final 1½ km into the village of {{Marker|type=city|name=Marc|lat=42.71687694132801|long=1.449593121067756}}, cutting across the switchbacks of the road. The Gîte Retrouvance de Mouret (12 places) is available for group bookings only. From {{listing|type=city|name=Auzat|wikidata=Q1082539}}, one can rejoin the GR-10 by heading 4 km south to Artiès and climbing back up. This avoids a significant part of the next stage. Alternatively, walking 6 km to Marc allows one to resume the full stage. To skip this stage, it is possible to go from Auzat directly to Goulier via two routes: one through Olbier (4.4 km), the other 6.1 km. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Étangs de Bassiès|url=https://refugedebassies.fr/|content=1933 m. Open late May to September.|lat=42.76509|long=1.413221}} === Marc - Goulier === ; Distance : 24.3 km ; Duration : 6-9 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 900 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m From Marc, follow the path to Mounicou. A shelter is located a short way beyond, along the D8. This is where the ascent begins. After a few hundred meters, you can turn right at the {{Marker|type=go |name=Turn right|lat=42.71|long=1.4575}} marker and stay on the west side of Les Caldelets. From the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Orri de Tignalbu|lat=42.69417|long=1.46296}}, which has a water source, the path becomes very poor. The main GR-10 trail continues uphill to the Refuge de Prunadière (1615 m, 2 hr). Be sure to refill your water here. From there, it leads to a junction above the {{Marker|type=sleep |name=Artiès|lat=42.7362|long=1.4793}} shelter (985 m, 3¼ hr). The path ascends steadily, passing the ruins of Pradières-d'en-bas, and arrives at Étang d'Izurt. A cable car runs to the lake. After a short climb, it's around 14 km downhill to {{Marker|type=city |name=Goulier|wikidata=Q1015676}} (moh 370 m), which is part of the Val-de-Sos commune. You can shorten the main trail from Prunadière by climbing steeply left past the buildings, gaining 450 m of elevation. About 2 hr later, you'll rejoin the GR-10 at Coumasses-Grandes. This shortcut saves roughly 8 km and bypasses Étang d'Izurt. === Goulier - Siguer === ; Distance : 13 km ; Duration : 3¼-4¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 416 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 830 m From Goulier, the trail ascends toward the Col de Risoul, then the Col de Esquérus, and continues to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de Grail|lat=42.75360457229|long=1.5321300362453}}. Near this pass is a shelter, an information board, and a water source located 250 m off the path. The route then climbs to the highest point of the day at the Col de Lercoul (1549 m). From here, the trail descends through the hamlet of Lercoul. A footpath south of the winding road leads downhill to the village of {{Marker|name=Siguer|wikidata=Q1375974|type=city}}, home to Café Rouse and several accommodations. === Siguer - Plateau de Beille === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 9 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 2400 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m This demanding stage involves three steep descents and offers no accommodation along the route, only five basic shelters. From Siguer, the trail climbs steeply to Gestiès (40 min), where you should fill up on water. The path crosses the road three times on the way up. After a long ascent, you reach the Pla de Montcamp (1904 m; 3¾ hr). Past the Col du Sasc (1798 m), the trail traverses the flank of the Pic du Col Taillat. Water is again available at the Cabane de Courtal Marti, though trail markings on this high section can be vague. The trail descends to the Cabane de Balledreyt (1600 m; 2 sleeping places), reached after another 20 minutes. After about 7½ hours, the trail descends to the D520A road at 1040 m elevation. A detour to the villages of Aston (14 km, with a campground) or Les Cabannes (15.8 km, with a year-round gîte d'étape) is possible around the 4¼-hour mark. Les Cabannes has a train connection to Mérens-les-Vals or Foix. After crossing the bridge, the GR-10 climbs again via a forest trail. A water source is marked and located about two minutes off the trail, just past a large boulder reached after 9+ hours. The trail continues across a ridge to the Cabane d'Artaran (1695 m). Shortly afterward, you reach the ski area at the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Plateau de Beille|lat=42.72473998587668|long=1.6911435704342077}}, where the Cabane Beille is located. This area is accessible via the D522 road loop and popular with day hikers. === Plateau de Beille - Refuge du Rulhe === ; Distance : 14 km ; Duration : 4¾ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m It's recommended to start this exposed stage early in the day to avoid afternoon summer thunderstorms. The trail remains around or above 2000 m throughout. The highest point is the summit of the {{Marker|type=see |name=Crête des Isards|lat=42.65012142232325|long=1.7389568668472413}} at 2381 m. The Refuge du Rulhe lies at the junction of several long-distance trails, including the Tour de Pays des Montagnes d'Ax from Ax-les-Thermes, the GR Transfrontalier from Andorra, and two routes from the Vallée d'Aston. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Rulhe|url=https://rulhe.com/|lat=42.6379904848182|long=1.725866639541228|content=53 places. Open late May to September. €16 per night, half board €45. Tel: +33 6 74 24 50 71}} === Refuge du Rulhe - Mérens-les-Vals === ; Distance : 12 km ; Duration : 4½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 360 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1500-1600 m '''Water is scarce at high elevation.''' From the refuge, the trail ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de Calmettes|lat=42.636915754134|long=1.7404819725150908}} (2318 m), mostly over scree. Cairns also serve as markers. The path descends to Étang Bleu, where it skirts the left side of the lake and climbs again to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Crête de la Lhasse|lat=42.6398816194571|long=1.768563885207408}} (2439 m). Afterward, it continues over scree for nearly 800 m of descent to the pond called l'Estangol, with a shelter above. {{Marker|name=Mérens-les-Vals|wikidata=Q662289|type=city}} is reached after the final descent. The ruins of the old Saint-Pierre church date back to the Napoleonic Wars. The village festival takes place on July 20. The village has a train stop on the Foix - Puigcerdà line. Located on the N-20. The natural hot springs are about 45 minutes away, although they were affected by rockfall in 2022. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge du Nabre|lat=42.65611004694209|long=1.8429807373614195|address=le village d'en haut, 09110 Mérens-les-Vals|phone=+33 5 61 01 89 36|url=https://www.aubergedunabre.com/|content=Guesthouse in the upper village.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping de Mérens|lat=42.64646601527881|long=1.8310245105731093|address=600 Ville de Bau, 09110 Mérens-les-Vals|phone=+33 5 61 02 85 40|url=http://www.camping.merenslesvals.fr/de/haus/|content=Open all year, 1.3 km south of the village.}} === Mérens-les-Vals - Refuge des Bésines === ; Distance : 10 km ; Duration : 4½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1300 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 260 m This demanding stage continues through high alpine terrain, with lots of rock and scree. From Mérens, the trail leads past Le Nabre to the hot springs. Afterward, the path climbs for nearly 3 hours. First, it reaches the Estangs (2056 m), then continues to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Porteille de Bésines|lat=42.6154502407948|long=1.872190036139089}} (2333 m). From this pass, the route is clearly signposted. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bésines|wikidata=Q11945073|url=https://refugebesines.ffcam.fr/|content=2104 m. 70 beds. Open June-September. Phone: +33 5 61 05 11 77.}} === Refuge des Bésines - Refuge des Bouillouses === ; Distance : 16.7 km ; Duration : 5½-6 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 660 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 760 m This high-level stage crosses several mountain passes and offers excellent panoramic views. The route first ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Coll de Coma d'Anyell|lat=42.60880012907595|long=1.8962468691063044}}, from where it is possible to climb Pic des Bésineilles (2632 m) in about ¾ hr round trip. The path then continues through the Lansolet basin (2234 m), past the Cabane de Rozet, and climbs again to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Portella de la Grava|lat=42.59935934341172|long=1.934453711010157}}. From there, it's a gentle 3-hour descent to the lakeside refuge at Bouillouses. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bésines|lat=42.6039|long=1.86853|content=56 dormitory beds, with 16 emergency shelter spots outside the season. Open June-September.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Bouillouses|lat=42.559475002653095|long=2.00351938309043|url=https://www.lesbouillouses.com/|content=2003 m. 46 beds. Open June-September. Phone: +33 4 68 04 93 88.}} === Refuge des Bouillouses - Planès === ; Distance : 19 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 230 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 700 m The descent is easy but not always well marked. After about 2¾ hours (1740 m), the GR-10 reaches the D618. About 700 m further, a right turn leads to Superbolquère, where food and lodging are available, including a supermarket and a gîte with 28 beds. The GR-10 continues downhill to the quiet D10C near {{Marker|name=Bolquère|wikidata=Q1101891|type=city}} (1628 m, 2¾ hr), where there is a public drinking fountain and an information board. The nearby Gare de Bolquère-Eyne (1593 m) is the highest railway stop in France, on the scenic “train jaune” line. Passing through the villages of La Perche and La Cabanasse (3½ hr), the route ends at the small village of {{Marker|name=Planès|wikidata=Q524705|type=city}}. No shops in the village. The nearby Pont Gisclard, opened in 1909, is a cable-stayed bridge on the Ligne de Cerdagne crossing the Têt river. The village is a stop on the “train jaune” railway. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=L'Orri de Planès|lat=42.490995503|long=2.1382908362|address=Casas del Mitg, 66210 Planès|phone=+33 4 68 04 29 47|content=Gîte with 16 dormitory beds and private rooms.}} === Planès - Refuge du Ras de la Carança === ; Distance : 15.3 km ; Duration : 5¾-6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1170 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 870 m There are no supply options along this stage. The trail begins with a gentle ascent through pine forest into the high Riberola valley. It is advisable to refill your water at the Refuge de l'Orri. Above the Cabane d'Aixques, the route becomes steep as it climbs to the {{Marker|type=vicinity |name=Col Mitja|wikidata=Q28381301}} (2376 m). From the pass, it is possible to summit Pic de Gallinas (2624 m, ↥↧ 90 min) or Pic Redoun (2677 m, ↥↧ 1 hr). The final 1½ hours involve a descent of about 500 m to the refuge. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge du Ras de la Carança|wikidata=Q28380908|address=142 rue de, 66360 Fontpédrouse|phone=+33 9 88 66 73 81|url=https://www.refugelacaranca.com/|content=1840 m. Open mid-May to mid-September. 13 emergency places available off-season. Connections to other trails: 7.7 km to Prats Balaguer, 8.5 km to Ull de Ter, 13.7 km to Carança, 10 km to Thuès-les-Bains via the gorge, and 12 km to Núria.}} === Refuge du Ras de la Carança - Mantet === ; Distance : 10 km ; Duration : 4 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 640 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 940 m This stage is challenging and poorly marked at higher elevations. From the refuge, follow the stream uphill for 100 m to a wooden bridge. Continue on a scree path along the left side of the valley. After passing through a gate, you reach an alpine pasture and the {{marker|type=go|name=Coll del Pal|lat=42.465650773936|long=2.258498904704664}} (2294 m). This area is a nature reserve where wild camping is forbidden. From the pass, there is an optional ascent to Pic de Serre Gallinère (2663 m; 1 hr round trip), and possibly further on to the Serre de Caret (2300 m). From the pass, descend to the {{marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Alemany|wikidata=Q120254507}} (1962 m; 8 places), located 200 m off the trail. The main path continues left, crossing first a wooden, then a concrete bridge, followed by a narrow unpaved road that ascends to the village of {{listing|type=city|name=Mantet|wikidata=Q1369164}} (1550 m). Population: 31. Most of the southern part of the commune is the protected area [https://rnn-mantet.fr/ Reserva natural de Mentet], where camping is forbidden. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=La Cavale|address=Los Miquelets, 66360 Mantet|phone=+33 4 68 05 57 59|url=http://la-cavale.fr/|lat=42.477231944228336|long=2.3092556382036555|content=Private rooms and dorms for 3-5 people.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte à la ferme Cazenove|url=http://www.gitecazenovemantet.fr/|lat=42.47702171854456|long=2.306028129535968|content=Farm gîte. Open May to September.}} === Mantet - Refuge de Mariailles === ; Distance : 14.8 km ; Duration : 5 hr 5 min ; Elevation gain : ↥ 936 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 834 m Midway along this stage is the village of {{Marker|name=Py|wikidata=Q178846|type=city}} (1023 m), which has an auberge and a gîte. From Py, follow the D6 briefly before heading northeast to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Jou|wikidata=Q47335849|lat=|long=}} (1125 m). The path turns southeast and ascends to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de Cavall Mort|wikidata=Q47335871|lat=|long=}} (1454 m), then continues upward to the Refuge de Mariailles. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge de Mariailles|alt=Refugi de Marelles|url=https://refugedemariailles.fr/|lat=42.5017361908777|long=2.4077634391340514|content=1692 m. Open from late May; shelter room available year-round.}} === Refuge de Mariailles - Refuge des Cortalets === ; Distance : 16.3 km ; Duration : 6½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1030 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 600 m This is a challenging high-mountain route around the Canigou Massif. There are no supply points along the way, and surefootedness is required. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Refuge des Cortalets|url=https://refugedescortalets.ffcam.fr/|lat=42.53436454795011|long=2.465036067970792|content=2100 m. 105 places, plus 19 emergency shelter places available outside the season.}} * {{listing|type=go |name=Loop trail to the summit of Pic du Canigou|alt=Canigó|url=https://www.visit-occitanie.com/de/entdecken/top-sehenswuerdigkeiten/massif-du-canigou-katalonien/|lat=42.53692009465181|long=2.4666389025393545|content=This difficult 9.3 km loop (4½ h; ↥ 700+ m) begins 200 m beyond the refuge.}} === Refuge des Cortalets - Gîte-refuge de Batère === ; Distance : 16.8 km ; Duration : 5¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 270 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 920 m This stage is also part of the HRP. From the refuge to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Ras del Prat Cabrera|wikidata=Q47170860|lat=|long=}} (1739 m; 4 km), you can choose between a high-level route following the “Tour du Canigou” and a less steep path along the mountainside. From the pass to the Refuge de l'Estanyol (2¾ hr or more) the trail descends gradually, then more steeply. It climbs again briefly to the {{Marker|type=vicinity|name=Col de la Cirère|wikidata=Q134299355|lat=|long=}} (1731 m; 4-4¾ hr). From here, you can optionally ascend the Puig Saint-Pierre (1791 m; ↥ 15 min, ↧ 15 min). Descending from the col, you pass abandoned stone quarries and mines (the Mines de la Pinosa are ruins of a former settlement), and reach your destination. Nearby you can explore the 5-day “Tour du Canigou” circuit or visit the historic abbeys of Saint-Martin du Canigou and Saint-Michel-de-Cuxa. * {{Marker|type=sleep|name=Refuge de l'Estanyol|wikidata=Q120262655|lat=|long=}} === Gîte-refuge de Batère - Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette === ; Distance : 19.2 km ; Duration : 7½ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 745 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1300 m Along this long and steady descent, you pass several dolmens. Their significance may be best appreciated by specialists in archaeology. The destination is the Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette, an old mill located in the Ribera Valley. More accommodation and services are available in {{Marker|name=Arles-sur-Tech|wikidata=Q7897|type=city}}, which is connected by bus. At the southern edge of the town, you'll find Camping Riuferrer. * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte-refuge de Batère|url=https://www.refugedebatere.fr/|lat=42.50176051942559|long=2.5484428644953847|address=Mines de Batère, 66150 Corsavy|phone=+33 4 68 39 12 01|content=17 dormitory beds, 20 in private rooms. Access via a 20.3-km road from Arles-sur-Tech.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette|wikidata=Q120266421|url=http://gr10-par-etapes.eklablog.com/hebergement-du-moulin-de-la-palette-a126161238|content=Simple eco-gîte in a renovated mill, located in the Ribera valley.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Riuferrer|lat=42.4551506239|long=2.6291899540|url=https://campingriuferrer.com/}} === Gîte d'étape l'Ecogîte de la Palette - Las Illas === ; Distance : 22 km ; Duration : 7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 1000 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1100 m From the gîte, follow the D536 for 1 km, then turn right uphill toward Montalba (543 m; 1 hr). At the cross, turn sharply right to continue climbing. You reach the ruins of the Mouli Serradou (833 m; 2½ hr). The highest point is the Coll de Sant Martí (1426 m; 4 hr or more). The trail continues through forest along the slope, passing by the Roc de France (also known as Roc de Frausa). {{Marker|name=Las Illas|wikidata=Q16508596|type=city}} has a water point and picnic area in the park. Accommodation is available in a gîte at the town hall and at the Hostal de Trabucayeres. === Las Illas - Col de l'Ouillat === ; Distance : 21 km ; Duration : 6-7 hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 930 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 540 m The route has been altered several times due to terrain difficulties, so follow the current waymarking. The middle part of the trail runs along the border, just below the ridge. The dominant tree species in this area is the striking Corsican pine (Pinus nigra var. corsicana). A detour to the fortified town of Le Perthus and the Fort de Bellegarde (open May-Sep, 10:30-18:00) offers a cultural break. Note that all shops are on the Spanish side of the border. After about 3 hours, there is an optional detour to the Roman fort Panissas, built on the Via Domitia. Turn off 5 minutes after border marker 565 (2½ hr). The stage ends at {{marker|type=vicinity |name=Col de l'Ouillat|wikidata=Q11914547}} (938 m). === Col de l'Ouillat - Banyuls-sur-Mer === ; Distance : 23 km ; Duration : 7-8¼ hr ; Elevation gain : ↥ 680 m ; Elevation loss : ↧ 1610 m The route stays high near the border ridge. It takes about 1 hour to reach the Pic Néulos. Water is available at the Refuge de la Tagnarède after 1½ hours. From there, the trail leads over several passes: Coll del Faig (985 m), Col de l'Orry, and Col de l'Estaque (1025 m; 2¾ hr). The Pic des Quatre-Termes (1156 m) and Pic de la Cabassère are bypassed to the north. After 4 hours, you reach the Coll del Pal (899 m). From there, continue right toward the Col des Gascons (6¼ hr or more). The final descent to the Col de Llagastèra (285 m) passes partly through vineyards towards {{Marker|name=Banyuls-sur-Mer|wikidata=Q6753|type=city}}. == Go next == * [[Pyrenean High Route]]: Crosses the Pyrenees along the mountain crests, staying higher than both the GR 10 and GR 11. * [[GR 11]] This footpath stays on the Spanish side of the Pyrenees. {{outlineitinerary}} {{Related|France}} {{Related|Pyrenees}} {{PartOfItinerary|Europe itineraries}} 15pew6hwrb1bisjietlma3j9kyfs8bc 0 13356 5087128 5086217 2025-07-03T11:56:09Z HerrGutmannsWiki 2301912 5087128 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Leros banner 2.jpg}} '''Greek''' (Ελληνικά) is one of the oldest attested Indo-European languages, known from 1400 BCE in inscriptions in a syllabary of Minoan origin. The present alphabet was introduced by a Phoenician called Qadmu (Κάδμος) about 800 BCE and has been in use continuously since then, with a few letters added and removed along the way. The 24-letter alphabet used in Classical Greek is the same one used today. Greek forms its own isolated branch within the Indo-European language family. Thus it is not related closely to any other Indo-European language. Greek is the official language of both [[Greece]] and [[Cyprus]], but is only spoken in the south of the latter. Many Greek words have been borrowed into other languages, so you will find a lot of these words familiar, such as ''τραύμα'' (''trauma'', "injury") and ''σοφία'' (''sofia'' "wisdom, knowledge"). Originally they were borrowed into Latin, which became the Romance languages. The changes Greek words underwent in Latin are different from those they underwent in Greek. For instance, in a rare case of someone actually returning a word he borrowed, κίνημα (''kinema'', motion) was borrowed into Latin as ''cinema'', which in French acquired the meaning "movie", and was returned to Greek as σινεμά (''sinema''). Greek has changed less in the last two thousand years than English has in the last five hundred. It still has three genders, five cases, and movable ν. Although the dative dropped out of use in Greek before the dative merged with the accusative in English, one can still form the dative of ''μπαγλαμάς'' (a stringed instrument smaller than the ''μπουζούκι''), even though it belongs to a new declension. So if you know some Attic or Koine Greek and pronounce it as Modern Greek, though you will sound archaic, you will probably be understood. ==Letters and Pronunciation== Following are the uppercase and lowercase versions of each letter, followed by its name in English (Latin) and Greek. (You can also see how the transliteration works) ===Vowel Sounds=== ; Α/α alpha (άλφα) : as in p'''a'''t ; Ε/ε epsilon (έψιλον) : as in p'''e'''t ; Η/η eeta (ήτα) : as in r''ee''d ; Ι/ι iota (ιώτα) : as in r''ee''d, though when followed by a vowel it can often be pronounced like '''y''' - example: its very name, it's either said as iota or yota. ; Ο/ο omicron (όμικρον) : as in p'''o'''t ; Υ/υ eepsilon (ύψιλον) : as in r''ee''d ; Ω/ω omega (ωμέγα) : as in p'''o'''t ; ΑΙ/αι alpha-iota : as in p'''e'''t; If you want to pronounce AI as in British English "'''i'''con" use the ϊ; the same rule applies to all other diphthongs with the I letter. ; ΕΙ/ει epsilon-iota : as in wh'''ea'''t ; ΟΙ/οι omicron-iota : as in wh'''ea'''t ; ΥΙ/υι eepsilon-iota : as in wh'''ea'''t ; ΟΥ/ου omicron-eepsilon: as in p'''oo'''l ; ΑΥ/αυ alpha-eepsilon ; ΕΥ/ευ epsilon-eepsilon : For the last two diphthongs: when followed by a voiceless consonant or a vowel or nothing (end of the word), the upsilon is pronounced as '''f''' resulting to ''''af'''' and ''''ef''''; though, when followed by a voiced consonant the '''f''' is voiced as well making it a '''v'''.. so we have ''''av'''' and ''''ev''''. (example: 'aura' and 'tau' in Greek are pronounced as 'avra' and 'taf'. ===Consonants and such Clusters=== ; Β/β veeta (βήτα) : V/v ; Γ/γ gamma (γάμμα) : a voiced version of chi, as w in woman, but stronger. Before epsilon (γε) and iota (γι), as in '''ye'''t and '''yi'''ddish. Also see consonant clusters. ; Δ/δ thelta (δέλτα) : as in '''th'''ose / Spanish ni'''d'''o / Icelandic Ð/ð ; Ζ/ζ zeeta (ζήτα) : as in '''zone''' ; Θ/θ theeta (θήτα) : th as in '''th'''orn / Icelandic Þ/þ ; Κ/κ kappa (κάππα) : as in '''k'''ineti'''c''' ; Λ/λ lamtha (λάμδα) : L/l ; Μ/μ mee (μι) : M/m ; Ν/ν nee (νι) : N/n ; Ξ/ξ ksee (ξι) : X/x as in a'''x''' ; Π/π pee (πι) : P/p as in a'''p'''e ; Ρ/ρ rho (ρο) : Spanish/Scottish R/r ; Σ/σ/ς sigma (σίγμα) : S/s as in '''s'''ome. Before voiced consonants it gets voiced to '''z''' ; Τ/τ taf (ταυ) : T/t ; Φ/φ fee (φι) : F/f ; Χ/χ hee (χι) : Scottish ch [lo'''ch'''] / like an H/h but with the tongue touching the palate ; Ψ/ψ psi (ψι) : as in li'''ps''' ; Γκ/γκ gamma-kappa : as in '''g'''o'''ng''' ; γγ gamma-gamma : as in '''g'''o'''ng''' ; γχ gamma-hee : n+hee / like ngh in Buckingham: Μπάκιγχαμ ; Μπ/μπ mee-pee : as in '''bumbl'''e / B/b. At the beginning of the word is read just as b. Inside the word is pronounced like mb ; Ντ/ντ nee-taf : as in '''d'''a'''nd'''er / D/d. At the beginning of the word is read just as d. Inside the word is pronounced like nd ''All the above 5 diphthongs can be nasalized more or less depending to the speaker''. ; Any other consonant combination is pronounced like their English counterparts. : Just remember which is the proper letter in English! ===Notes on sounds, accents etc.=== The accent (similar in usage as in Spanish), if written, is placed on the vowel of the tonic syllable, or onto the second vowel if there's a diphthong. If there's an accent at the first vowel of a diphthong, or a diaeresis on the second, then it isn't an actual diphthong and the two vowels are pronounced separately. The former occasion is the most common, but since words written in capital letters never get accents, the diaeresis is the only way to note the broken diphthong at all-caps phrases - English such example: naïve. (diairesis = two dots on top of iota or upsilon, Ϊ/ϊ - Ϋ/ϋ) All vowels have the same short length. So yes, there are 2 ways to write 'e', 6 to write 'i' and 2 letters to write 'o'! Diphthongs 'γγ' and 'γχ' are never found at the start of a word. Vowel diphthong 'υι' is very rare, virtually only in a couple words. Greek language lacks a 'sh' sound. Consequently there are only simple unaspirated s, z, ts, j, x 's (no '''sh'''ame, plea'''s'''ure, lu'''x'''urious, '''ch'''in etc.). Also, "ς" is the form of Sigma used only when it is the last letter of a word. Graphically it looks like English s. The capital letters are more or less the same as those of the English alphabet. Although the small letters seem entirely different (and some of them are indeed) in people's handwriting they can be extremely close to English. Note also that Greek punctuation differs a little: The Greek question mark (ερωτηματικό) is just like the Latin semi-colon ''';''' . While the Greek semi-colon (άνω τελεία) is like the full stop "flying" just above the line '''•'''. Greek people know they have a difficult language (for foreigners) and don't expect any tourist to know more than a couple words. And even while they think it's easy phonetically, they understand the problems foreigners have pronouncing it. You can say gamma as a hard 'g', chi as 'h', and rho as an unrolled English 'r', you can also say "au" or "eu" instead of "av" and "ev" and you'll be totally understood. People in no way expect you to be proficient in any aspect of Greek, so by studying a bit before visiting you can really impress people and win their hearts! Of course, it will require serious effort and dedication to learn to speak Greek fluently, as Greek grammar is admittedly more complex than it is in most other languages (much more demanding than German, for example, which is a language with relatively complex grammar). But still, you can master relatively easily the fundaments of communication and get your meaning across. And even if you don't, don't despair: almost all Greeks (but the oldest) can understand and speak English. ==Phrase list== === Basics === {{Infobox|Common signs|; OPEN : Ανοιχτό (''ah-neekh-TO'') ; CLOSED : Κλειστό (''klee-STO'') ; OPENING HOURS : Ώρες λειτουργίας (''O-res lee-toor-GHEE-as'') ; ENTRANCE : Είσοδος (''EE-so-dhos'') ; EXIT : Έξοδος (''EXO-dos'') (a cognate to ''Exodus'' in Bible.) ; PUSH : Σπρώξτε (''SPRO-x-teh'') ; PULL : Τραβήξτε (''tra-VEE-x-teh'') ; TOILET : Τουαλέτα (''too-a-LE-ta'') ; MEN : Άνδρες (''AN-dres'') ; WOMEN : Γυναίκες (''yee-NEH-kes'')}} ; Hello. : Γεια σας. (''YAH sahss'') (means literally "your health") ; Hello. (''informal'') : Γεια σου. (''YAH soo'') ; How are you? : Τι κάνετε; (''tee KAH-neh-teh?'') ; Fine, thank you. (And you?) : Καλά, ευχαριστώ. (Και εσείς;) (''kah-LAH ef-khah-rees-TOH (keh eh-SEES?)'') ; What is your name? : Πώς σε λένε; (''pohs seh LEH-neh?'') ; My name is ______ . : Με λένε ______ . / Ονομάζομαι _____ .(''Με LE-neh _____ . / Ono-MAH-zo-meh ____ .'') ; Nice to meet you. : Χάρηκα / Χαίρω πολύ. (''HA-ree-ka / ΗEH-ro po-LEE'') ; Please. : Παρακαλώ. (''pah-rah-kah-LOH'') ; Thank you (very much). : Ευχαριστώ (πολύ). (''ef-hah-rees-TOH po-LEE'') ; You're welcome. : Παρακαλώ. (''Pah-rah-kah-LOH'') ; Yes. : Ναι / Μάλιστα (polite) . (''neh / MAH-li-sta'') ; No. : Όχι. (''OH-hee'') ; Excuse me. (''getting attention'') : Συγγνώμη / Με συγχωρείτε . (''See-GHNO-mee'' / ''Meh seen-ho-REE-teh'') ; Excuse me. (''begging pardon'') : Συγγνώμη. (''See-GHNO-mee'') ; I'm sorry. : Λυπάμαι. (''lee-PAH-meh'') ; See you later. : Τα λέμε. (''Ta LE-me'') ; Goodbye. : Αντίο. (''AHN-dee-oh'') ; I can't speak Greek [well]. : Δεν μιλώ (καλά) ελληνικά. (''dhen mee-LOH KAH-lah eh-lee-nee-KAH'') ; Do you speak English? : Μιλάτε αγγλικά; (''mee-LAH-teh ang-glee-KAH?'') ; Is there someone here who speaks English? : Μιλάει κανείς εδώ αγγλικά; (''Mee-LAH-ee ka-NEES e-DHO ang-glee-KAH?'') ; Help! : Βοήθεια! (''Voh-EE-thee-yah!'') ; Good day. / Good morning. : Καλημέρα. (''kah-lee-MEH-rah'') ; Good evening. : Καλησπέρα. (''kah-lee-SPEH-rah'') ; Good night. : Καληνύχτα. (''kah-lee-NEEKΗ-tah'') ; I don't understand. : Δεν καταλαβαίνω. (''dhen kah-tah-lah-VEH-no'') ; Where is the toilet? : Που είναι η τουαλέτα; (''poo ΕΕ-ne ee too-ah-LEH-tah?'') ; I love you: Σ'αγαπώ (''sa-gha-POH'') ; You are beautiful/handsome: Είσαι όμορφη/όμορφος. (''EE-seh OH-mor-fee/OH-mor-fos'') ; You have nice eyes : Έχεις ωραία μάτια. (''E-khees or-EH-ah MA-tiah'') ===Problems=== ; Leave me alone. : Αφήστε με ήσυχο (male)/ ήσυχη (female). (''a-FIS-te me EE-si-kho / EE-si-khee'') ; Don't touch me! : Μην με αγγίζεις! (''meen meh ang-GEEH-zees'') ; I'll call the police. : Θα καλέσω την αστυνομία. (''Tha kah-LEH-soh teen ah-stih-noh-MIH-ah'') ; Police! : Αστυνομία! (''ah-stih-noh-MIH-ah'') ; Stop! Thief! : Σταματήστε τον κλέφτη! (''Stah-mah-TIH-steh ton KLEH-ftee!'') ; I need your help. : Χρειάζομαι την βοήθειά σας. (''hreeh-AH-zoh-meh teen voh-EEH-thih-AH sas'') ; It's an emergency. : Είναι επείγον. (''EEH-neh eh-PEEH-ghon'') ; I'm lost. : Έχω χαθεί. (''EH-hoh hah-THEEH'') ; I lost my bag. : Έχασα την τσάντα μου. (''EH-hah-sah teen TSAHN-dah mooh'') ; I lost my wallet. : Έχασα το πορτοφόλι μου. (''EH-hah-sah toh por-toh-FOH-leeh mooh'') ; I'm sick. : Είμαι άρρωστος/τη . (''EE-me hah-ROHS-tos/tee'' ) ; I've been injured. : Είμαι τραυματισμένος/νη. (''EEH-meh trav-mah-tees-MEH-nos/nee'') ; I need a doctor. : Χρειάζομαι γιατρό. (''hree-AH-zoh-meh yiah-TROH'') ; Can I use your phone? : Μπορώ να χρησιμοποιήσω το τηλέφωνό σας; (''mboh-ROH nah khree-see-moh-pee-EEH-soh toh tee-LEH-foh-NOH sahs?'') ===Numbers=== The different forms of 1, 2-4, 13, 14, 21, 23, 1000, are used with nouns of different genders. ; 1 : ένας/μία/ένα (''EH-nahs / MEE-ah / EH-nah'') ; 2 : δύο (''DHEE-oh'') ; 3 : τρεις/τρία (''trees / TREE-ah'') ; 4 : τέσσερις/τέσσερα (''TESS-a-reess / TESS-a-rah'') ; 5 : πέντε (''PEN-deh'') ; 6 : έξι (''EH-xee'') ; 7 : επτά (''ep-TAH'') ; 8 : οκτώ (''okh-TOH'') ; 9 : εννέα (''en-EH-ah'') ; 10 : δέκα (''DHEH-kah'') ; 11 : έντεκα (''EN-deh-kah'') ; 12 : δώδεκα (''DHOH-dheh-kah'') ; 13 : δεκατρείς/δεκατρία (''dheh-kah-TREES / dheh-kah-TREE-ah'') ; 14 : δεκατέσσερις/δεκατέσσερα (''dheh-kah-TESS-eh-rees / dheh-kah-TESS-eh-ra'') ; 15 : δεκαπέντε (''dheh-kah-PEN-deh'') ; 16 : δεκαέξι (''dheh-kah-EX-ee'') ; 17 : δεκαεπτά (''dheh-kah-ep-TAH'') ; 18 : δεκαοχτώ (''dheh-kah-okh-TOH'') ; 19 : δεκαεννέα (''dheh-kah-en-EH-ah'') ; 20 : είκοσι (''EE-koss-ee'') ; 21 : εικοσιένας/εικοσιμία/εικοσιένα (''ee-koss-ee-EN-ahs / ee-koss-ee-MEE-ah / ee-koss-ee-EH-nah'') ; 22 : εικοσιδύο (''ee-koss-ee-DHEE-oh'') ; 23 : εικοσιτρείς/εικοσιτρία (''ee-koss-ee-TREES / ee-koss-ee-TREE-ah'') ; 30 : τριάντα (''tree-AHN-dah'') ; 40 : σαράντα (''sah-RAHN-dah'') ; 50 : πενήντα (''peh-NEEN-dah'') ; 60 : εξήντα (''ex-EEN-dah'') ; 70 : εβδομήντα (''ev-dhoh-MEEN-dah'') ; 80 : ογδόντα (''ogh-DHON-dah'') ; 90 : ενενήντα (''en-en-EEN-dah'') ; 100 : εκατό (''eh-kah-TO'') ; 200 : διακόσιοι/διακόσιες/διακόσια (''dhyah-KOH-syah'') ; 300 : τριακόσιοι/τριακόσιες/τριακόσια (''tryah-KOH-syah'') ; 1000 : χίλιοι/χίλιες/χίλια (''KHEE-lee-ee / KHEE-lyehs / KHEE-lyah'') ; 2000 : δύο χιλιάδες (''DHEE-oh khee-lyAH-dhes'') ; 10,000 : δέκα χιλιάδες (''DHEH-kah khee-lyAH-dhes'') ; 1,000,000 : ένα εκατομμύριο (''EH-nah eh-kah-to-MEE-ryoh'') ; number _____ (''train, bus, etc.'') : αριθμός _____ (''ah-rith-MOS'') ; half : μισός/μισή/μισό (''mee-SSOHS / mee-SSEE / mee-SSOH'') ; less : λιγότερος/πιο λίγος/λιγότερη/πιο λίγη/λιγότερο/πιο λίγο (''lee-GHO-teh-rohs / lee-GHO-teh-ree / lee-GHO-teh-roh'') ; more : περισσότερος/πιο πολύς/περισσότερη/πιο πολλή/περισσότερο/πιο πολύ (''peh-ree-SSOH-teh-rohs / peh-ree-SSOH-teh-ree / peh-ree-SSOH-teh-ro'') ===Time=== ; now : τώρα (''TOH-rah'') ; later : αργότερα (''ar-GHOH-teh-rah'') ; before : πριν (''preen'') ; morning : πρωί (''proh-EE'') ; afternoon : απόγευμα (''a-POH-yev-ma'') ; evening : βράδυ (''VRAH-thee'') ; night : νύχτα (''NEE-htah'') ====Clock time==== ; one o'clock AM : μία η ώρα το πρωί(''...'') ; two o'clock AM : δύο η ώρα το πρωί(''...'') ; noon : το μεσημέρι (''toh mess-ee-MEHR-ee'') ; one o'clock PM : μία η ώρα το απόγευμα(''...'') ; two o'clock PM : δύο η ώρα το απόγευμα(''...'') ; midnight : τα μεσάνυχτα (''tah meh-SAH-neekh-tah'') ; noon : μεσημέρι (12.00 : δώδεκα το μεσημέρι, δώδεκα το βράδυ/τα μεσάνυχτα) ====Duration==== ; _____ minute(s) : _____ λεπτό/λεπτά (''lep-TOH/TAH'') ; _____ hour(s) : _____ ώρα/ώρες (''OH-rah/res'') ; _____ day(s) : _____ μέρα/μέρες (''MEH-rah/res'') ; _____ week(s) : _____ εβδομάδα/δες (''ev-dhoh-MAH-dhah/dhes'') ; _____ month(s) : _____ μήνας/μήνες (''MEEN / MEE-nes'') ; _____ year(s) : _____ έτος/χρόνος/χρονιά/έτη/χρόνοι/χρονιές ====Days==== ; today : σήμερα (''SEE-meh-ra'') ; yesterday : χτες (''khtes'') ; tomorrow : αύριο (''AHV-ree-oh'') ; this week : αυτή την εβδομάδα (''...'') ; last week : την προηγούμενη εβδομάδα (''...'') ; next week : την επόμενη εβδομάδα (''...'') ; Sunday : Κυριακή (''kee-ree-ah-KEE'') ; Monday : Δευτέρα (''dhef-TEH-rah'') ; Tuesday : Τρίτη (''TREE-tee'') ; Wednesday : Τετάρτη (''teh-TAR-tee'') ; Thursday : Πέμπτη (''PEM-tee'') ; Friday : Παρασκευή (''pah-rah-skeh-VEE'') ; Saturday : Σάββατο (''SAH-vah-toh'') ====Months==== ; January : Ιανουάριος (''Eea-NOOAH-reeos'') ; February : Φεβρουάριος (''fe-VROOAH-reeos'') ; March : Μάρτιος (''MAHR-teeos'') ; April : Απρίλιος (''ah-PREE-leeos'') ; May : Μάϊος (''MAH-yos'') ; June : Ιούνιος (''ee-OOH-neeos'') ; July : Ιούλιος (''ee-OOH-leeos'') ; August : Αύγουστος (''AHV-ghoo-stos'') ; September : Σεπτέμβριος (''sep-TEHM-vreeos'') ; October : Οκτώβριος (''ok-TOH-vreeos'') ; November : Νοέμβριος (''noh-EM-vreeos'') ; December : Δεκέμβριος (''the-KHEM-vreeos'') ====Writing Time and Date==== ;'''Date''' The date in Greek is written in the form of DD/MM/YY. For example Christmas Day of 2009 is written 25.12.09 or 25-12-09 or 25/12/09. Having said that, 9/11 in Greek means the 9th day of November. ;'''Time''' Time is written and said either in twelve hour clock form in everyday speech or in twenty-four hour clock especially in timetables. AM is πμ (π(ρο) μ(μεσημβρίας)) and PM is μμ (μ(ετά) μ(εσημβρίας)) ===Measurement=== Greeks prefer all-Greek words to mixed Greek-and-Latin words. "Meter", "liter", and "gram" being Greek, they don't use Latin prefixes like "milli" with them. Instead they use the following: ; deci : δεκατο (dekato) ; centi : εκατοστο (ekatosto) ; milli : χιλιοστο (hiliοsto) Μικρο (micro) and νανο (nano), being Greek words, are used the same The word λεπτο means both a euro cent and a minute of time. A second is δευτερολεπτο, δευτερο meaning second (the ordinal). ===Colors=== ; black : μαύρος/η/ο or μέλαν/μέλασα/μέλαν [archaic] (''MAHV-ros/ri/roh or MEH-lan'') ; white : άσπρος or λευκός (''AHS-prohs or leh-FKOS'') ; gray : γκρι or φαιός [archaic] (''gree or feh-OHS'') ; red : κόκκινος/η/ο (''KOH-kih-noh'') ; red (blood) : ερυθρός/ά/ό [archaic] (''eh-ree-thrOHs'') ; red (fire) : πυρρός (not used as an expression) (''peer-ROHS'') ; blue : μπλε or κυανός/ή/ούν [archaic] (''bleh or kyah-NOHS'') ; yellow : κίτρινος/η/ο (''KIT-ree-noh'') ; green : πράσινο (''PRAH-si-no'') ; orange : πορτοκαλής/ή/ί(''por-toh-kah-LEE'') ; purple : μωβ or ιώδης/ης/ες/ [archaic] (''mov or yOH-thes'') ; brown : καφέ (''kah-FEH'') ===Transportation=== ====Bus and Train==== ; How much is a ticket to _____? : Πόσο κάνει ένα εισιτήριο για _____; (''...'') ; One ticket to _____, please. : Ένα εισιτήριο για _____, παρακαλώ. (''...'') ; Where does this train/bus go? : Που πάει αυτό το τραίνο/λεωφορείο; (''...'') ; Where is the train/bus to _____? : Που είναι το τραίνο/λεωφορείο _____; (''...'') ; Does this train/bus stop in _____? : Σταματάει το τραίνο στο _____; (''...'') ; When does the train/bus for _____ leave? : Πότε φεύγει το τραίνο/λεωφορείο για _____; (''...'') ; When will this train/bus arrive in _____? : Πότε θα φτάσει το τραίνο/λεωφορείο στο _____; (''...'') ; I want to rent a car. : Θέλω να νοικιάσω ένα αυτοκίνητο. ====Directions==== ; How do I get to _____ ? : Πώς πηγαίνω στο/στην/στον(depending on gender) _____ ; (''pos pi-GEH-no sto/stin/ston'') ; ...the train station? : ...σιδηροδρομικό σταθμό; (''...'') ; ...the bus station? : ...στάση του λεωφορείου; (''...'') ; ...the airport? : ...αεροδρόμιο; (''...'') ; ...downtown? : ...κέντρο; (''...'') ; ...the youth hostel? : ...ξενώνα για νέους; (''...'') ; ...the _____ hotel? : ...το _____ ξενοδοχείο; (''...'') ; ...the American/Canadian/Australian/British consulate? : ...τον Αμερικανό/Καναδό/Αυστραλό/Βρετανό πρόξενο; (''...'') ; Where are there a lot of... : Πού υπάρχουν πολλά ... (''...'') ; ...hotels? : ...ξενοδοχεία; (''...'') ; ...restaurants? : ...εστιατόρια; (''...'') ; ...bars? : ...μπαρ; (''...'') ; ...sites to see? : ...αξιοθέατα; (''...'') ; Can you show me on the map? : Μπορείτε να μου δείξετε στον χάρτη; (''...'') ; street : οδό (''...'') ; Turn left. : Στρίψτε αριστερά. (''STREEP-steh ah-riss-teh-RAH'') ; Turn right. : Στρίψτε δεξιά. (''STREEP-steh dheh-xee-AH'') ; left : αριστερά (''ah-riss-teh-RAH'') ; right : δεξιά (''dheh-xee-AH'') ; straight ahead : ευθεία (''eh-fthee-ah'') ; towards the _____ : προς το/τον/την _____ (''...'') ; past the _____ : μετά από _____ (''...'') ; before the _____ : πριν από _____ (''...'') ; Watch for the _____. : Προσέξτε το _____. (''...'') ; intersection : διασταύρωσις (''...'') ; north : βορράς (''vor-RAHS'') ; south : νότος (''NOH-toss'') ; east : ανατολή (''ah-nah-TOH-lee'') ; west : δύση (''DHEE-see'') ; uphill : προς τα πάνω (''...'') ; downhill : προς τα κάτω (''...'') ====Taxi==== ; Taxi! : Ταξί! (''Ta-XI'') ; Take me to _____, please. : Πηγαινέ με στο/στην/στον _____, παρακαλώ. (''...'') ; How much does it cost to get to _____? : Πόσο θα μού στοιχίσει για να πάω στο _____? (''...'') ; Take me there, please. : Πήγαινέ με εκεί παρακαλώ. (''...'') ===Lodging=== ; Do you have any rooms available? : Έχετε δωμάτια διαθέσιμα? (''...'') ; How much is a room for one person/two people? : Πόσο έχει το μονόκλινο/δίκλινο; (''...'') ; Does the room come with... : Στο δωμάτιο συμπεριλαμβάνεται και ... (''...'') ; ...bedsheets? : ...σεντόνια; (''...'') ; ...a bathroom? : ...ένα μπάνιο; (''...'') ; ...a telephone? : ...τηλέφωνο; (''...'') ; ...a TV? : ...τηλεόραση; (''...'') ; May I see the room first? : Μπορώ να δω πρώτα το δωμάτιο; (''...'') ; Do you have anything quieter? : Έχετε κάτι ποιο ήσυχο; (''...'') ; ...bigger? : ...μεγαλύτερο; (''...'') ; ...cleaner? : ...καθαρότερο; (''...'') ; ...cheaper? : ...φθηνότερο; (''...'') ; OK, I'll take it. : Εντάξει, θα το πάρω. (''...'') ; I will stay for _____ night(s). : Θα μείνω για _____ νύχτα(ες). (''...'') ; Can you suggest another hotel? : Μπορείτε να μου συστήσετε ένα άλλο ξενοδοχείο; (''...'') ; Do you have a safe? : Έχετε χρηματοκιβώτιο; (''...'') ; ...lockers? : ...θυρίδες; (''...'') ; Is breakfast/supper included? : Συμπεριλαμβάνεται πρωινό/γεύμα; (''...'') ; What time is breakfast/supper? : Τι ώρα ειναι το πρωινό/γεύμα; (''...'') ; Please clean my room. : Παρακαλώ καθαρίστε το δωμάτιό μου. (''...'') ; Can you wake me at _____? | Μπορείτε να με ξυπνήσετε στις _____; (''...'') ; I want to check out. : Θέλω να φύγω. (''...'') ===Money=== ; Do you accept American/Australian/Canadian dollars? : Δέχεσθε αμερικανικά/αυστραλιανά/καναδικά δολάρια; (''...'') ; Do you accept British pounds? : Δέχεσθε βρατανικές λίρες; (''...'') ; Do you accept credit cards? : Δέχεσθε πιστωτικές κάρτες; (''...'') ; Can you change money for me? : Μπορείτε να μου χαλάσετε/αλλάξετε χρήματα; (''...'') ; Where can I get money changed? : Πού μπορώ να χαλάσω/αλλάξω χρήματα; (''...'') ; Can you change a traveler's check for me? : Μπορείτε να μου χαλάσετε μια ταξιδιωτική επιταγή; (''...'') ; Where can I get a traveler's check changed? : Πού μπορώ να χαλάσω μια ταξιδιωτική επιταγή; (''...'') ; What is the exchange rate? : Ποια είναι η τιμή συναλλάγματος; (''...'') ; Where is an automatic teller machine (ATM)? : Πού υπάρχει μια Αυτόματη Ταμειακή Μηχανή (ATM); (''...'') ===Eating=== ; A table for one person/two people, please. : Ένα τραπέζι για ένα άτομο/δύο άτομα, παρακαλώ. (''...'') ; Can I look at the menu, please? : Μπορώ να έχω έναν κατάλογο, παρακαλώ; (''...'') ; Can I look in the kitchen? : Μπορώ να επισκεφθώ την κουζίνα; (''...'') ; Is there a house specialty? : Yπάρχει καμιά σπιτική σπεσιαλιτέ; (''...'') ; Is there a local specialty? : Υπάρχει καμιά τοπική σπεσιαλιτέ; (''...'') ; I'm a vegetarian. : Είμαι χορτοφάγος. (''...'') ; I don't eat pork. : Δεν τρώω χοιρινό. (''...'') ; I only eat kosher food. : Ακολουθώ εβραϊκή διατροφή. (''...'') ; Can you make it "lite", please? (''less oil/butter/lard'') : Μπορείτε να το μαγειρέψετε ελαφρά, παρακαλώ; (''...'') ; fixed-price meal : γεύμα συγκεκριμένης τιμής (not used as an expression) (''...'') ; à la carte : à la carte (''...'') ; breakfast : πρωινό (''...'') ; lunch : μεσημεριανό (''...'') ; tea (''meal'') : απογευματινό (?) (not used as an expression) (''...'') ; supper : βραδυνό (''...'') ; I want _____. : Θέλω _____. (''...'') ; I want a dish containing _____. : Θέλω ένα πιάτο που να περιέχει _____. (''...'') ; chicken : κοτόπουλο (''...'') ; beef : βοδινό (''...'') ; fish : ψάρι (''...'') ; ham : ζαμπόν (''...'') ; sausage : λουκάνικο (''...'') ; cheese : τυρι (''tee-REE'') ; eggs : αυγά (''ahv-GHAH'') ; salad : σαλατα (''sah-LAH-tah'') ; (fresh) vegetables : (φρέσκα) λαχανικά (''FREH-ska'') lah-ha-ni-KA ; (fresh) fruit : (fresh) fruit (''...'') ; bread : αρτος (''AHR-toss''), ψωμι (''psoh-MEE'') ; toast : φρυγανιά (''...'') ; noodles : φιδές (''...'') ; rice : ρύζι (''oh-REE-zah'') ; beans : φασόλια (''fah-SOH-lia'') ; May I have a glass of _____? : Μπορώ να έχω ένα ποτήρι _____; (''...'') ; May I have a cup of _____? : Μπορώ να έχω ένα φλυτζάνι _____; (''...'') ; May I have a bottle of _____? : Μπορώ να έχω ένα μπουκάλι _____; (''...'') ; coffee : καφές (''...'') ; tea (''drink'') : τσάι (''...'') ; juice : χυμός (''...'') ; (bubbly) water : ανθρακούχο νερό (''...'') ; water : νερο (''neh-ROH'') ; beer : μπύρα (''...'') ; red/white wine : κόκκινο/λευκό κρασί (''...'') ; May I have some _____? : Μπορώ να έχω λίγο _____; (''...'') ; salt : αλάτι (''...'') ; black pepper : μαύρο πιπέρι (''...'') ; butter : βουτυρο (''VOO-tee-roh'') ; Excuse me, waiter? (''getting attention of server'') : Συγνώμη, σερβιτόρε; (''...'') ; I'm finished. : Τελείωσα. (''...'') ; It was delicious. : Ήταν εξαιρετικό. (''...'') ; Please clear the plates. : Παρακαλώ αδειάστε τα πιάτα. (''...'') ; The check, please. : Το λογαριασμό, παρακαλώ. (''...'') ===Bars=== ; Do you serve alcohol? : Σερβίρετε οινοπνευματώδη; (''...'') ; Is there table service? : Υπάρχουν σερβιτόροι; (''...'') ; A beer/two beers, please. : Μία μπύρα/δύο μπύρες, παρακαλώ. (''...'') ; A glass of red/white wine, please. : Ένα ποτήρι κόκκινο/λευκό κρασί, παρακαλώ. (''...'') ; A pint, please. : Pint does not exist in Greece ; A bottle, please. : Ένα μπουκάλι, παρακαλώ. (''...'') ; _____ (''hard liquor'') and _____ (''mixer''), please. : _____ and _____, please. (''...'') ; whiskey : ουίσκι (''...'') ; vodka : βότκα (''v-O-tka'') ; rum : ρούμι (''ro-E-mi'') ; water : νερό (''neh-rO'') ; club soda : σόδα (''sO-da'') ; tonic water : tonic water (''...'') ; orange juice : χυμός πορτοκάλι (''...'') ; Coke (''soda'') : Κόκα Κόλα (''kOka kOla'') ; Do you have any bar snacks? : Έχετε bar snacks; (''...'') ; One more, please. : Ένα ακόμα, παρακαλώ. (''e-na akOma, para-ka-lO'') ; Another round, please. : Μια από τα ίδια, παρακαλώ. (''...'') ; When is closing time? : Πότε κλείνετε; (''pO-te ...'') ===Shopping=== ; Do you have this in my size? : To έχετε αυτό στο δικό μου νούμερο; (''...'') ; How much is this? : Πόσο κάνει αυτό? (''...'') ; That's too expensive. : Αυτό είναι πολύ ακριβό. (''...'') ; Would you take _____? : Δέχεστε _____; (''...'') ; expensive : ακριβός/ή/ό (depending on gender)(''...'') ; cheap : φθηνός/ή/ό (''...'') ; I can't afford it. : Είναι υπερβολικά ακριβό για εμένα. (''...'') ; I don't want it. : Δεν το θέλω. (''...'') ; You're cheating me. : Με εξαπατάτε. (''...'') ; I'm not interested. : Δεν ενδιαφέρομαι. (..) ; OK, I'll take it. : Καλώς, θα το πάρω. (''...'') ; Can I have a bag? : Μπορώ να έχω μία τσάντα; (''...'') ; Do you ship (overseas)? : Κάνετε αποστολές (στο εξωτερικό); (''...'') ; I need... : Χρειάζομαι... (''...'') ; ...toothpaste. : ...οδοντόκρεμα. (''...'') ; ...a toothbrush. : ...οδοντόβουρτσα. (''...'') ; ...tampons. : ...σερβιέτες. (''...'') ; ...soap. : ...σαπούνι. (''...'') ; ...shampoo. : ...σαμπουάν. (''...'') ; ...pain reliever. (''e.g., aspirin or ibuprofen'') : ...παυσίπονο. (''...'') ; ...cold medicine. : ...φάρμακο για κρύωμα. (''...'') ; ...stomach medicine. : ...φάρμακο για το στομάχι. (''...'') ; ...a razor. : ... ξυραφάκι. (''...'') ; ...an umbrella. : ...ομπρέλα. (''...'') ; ...sunblock lotion. : ...αντιηλιακό. (''...'') ; ...a postcard. : ...καρτ-ποστάλ. (''...'') ; ...postage stamps. : ...γραμματόσημα. (''...'') ; ...batteries. : ...μπαταρίες. (''...'') ; ...writing paper. : ...χαρτί. (''...'') ; ...a pen. : ...ένα στυλό. (''...'') ; ...English-language books. : ...Αγγλόφωνα βιβλία. (''...'') ; ...English-language magazines. : ...Αγγλόφωνα περιοδικά. (''...'') ; ...an English-language newspaper. : ...αγγλόφωνη εφημερίδα. (''...'') ; ...an English-Greek dictionary. : ...ελληνικο-αγγλικο λεξικο. (''eh-lee-nee-KOH ang-glee-KOH LEX-ee-koh'') ===Driving=== ; Ι want to rent a car. : Θέλω να ενοικιάσω ένα αυτοκίνητο. (''...'') ; Can I get insurance? : Μπορώ να έχω ασφάλεια? (''...'') ; stop (''on a street sign'') : stop (''...'') ; one way : μονόδρομος (''...'') ; yield : παραχώρηση προτεραιότητος (''...'') ; no parking : Απαγορεύεται η στάθμευση (''...'') ; speed limit : όριο ταχύτητας (''...'') ; gas (''petrol'') station : πρατήριο βενζίνης (''...'') ; petrol : βενζίνη (''...'') ; diesel : diesel (''...'') ===Authority=== ; I haven't done anything wrong. : Δεν έκανα τίποτα επιλήψιμο. (''...'') ; It was a misunderstanding. : Ήταν μια παρεξήγηση. (''...'') ; Where are you taking me? : Που με πηγαίνετε? (''...'') ; Am I under arrest? : Συνελήφθην? (''...'') ; I am an American/Australian/British/Canadian citizen. : Είμαι Αμερικανός/Αυστραλός/Βρετανός/Καναδός πολίτης. (''...'') ; I want to talk to the American/Australian/British/Canadian embassy/consulate. : Πρέπει να μιλήσω με τον American/Australian/British/Canadian πρέσβη/πρόξενο. (''...'') ; I want to talk to a lawyer. : Θέλω να μιλήσω σε δικηγόρο. (''...'') ; Can I just pay a fine now? : Μπορώ απλά να πληρώσω ένα πρόστιμο? (''...'') {{usablephrasebook}} {{phrasebookguide}} 6fbhdubus6vd03bxejeidoyqmgoyjpi 0 13978 5086860 5075005 2025-07-03T00:12:46Z 162 etc. 2252661 /* By bus */ update 5086860 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Hamilton banner.jpg|pgname=Hamilton|dotm=yes}} '''[https://tourismhamilton.com/ Hamilton]''' is a port city in [[Ontario]] with a population around 520,000, at the westernmost end of Lake Ontario&mdash;the city wraps around the lake and continues towards the Niagara Escarpment, referred to by locals as "the mountain". ==Understand== [[File:HamiltonOntarioSkylineC.JPG|thumb|300px|right|Hamilton, Ontario skyline]] Conceived by George Hamilton when he purchased the Durand farm shortly after the War of 1812, Hamilton has become the centre of a densely populated and industrialized region at the west end of Lake Ontario known as the Golden Horseshoe. The city limits of Hamilton used to be bounded by approximately Horning Road in the west and Centennial Parkway in the east, but a continuous urban or suburban area had grown around the city, in the towns of Dundas, Ancaster, Stoney Creek and the community of Greensville in the town of Flamborough. In 2001 the new City of Hamilton was formed through amalgamation of the former City with the constituent towns of the Hamilton-Wentworth Regional Municipality. Residents of the city are known as Hamiltonians. Since 1981, the metropolitan area has been listed as the ninth largest in Canada and the third largest in Ontario. Traditionally, the local economy has been led by the steel and heavy manufacturing industries. Within the last decade, there has been a shift towards the service sector, particularly health sciences. The Hamilton Health Sciences corporation employs nearly 10,000 staff and serves approximately 2.2 million people in the region. Hamilton is home to the Royal Botanical Gardens, the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, the Bruce Trail, McMaster University and several colleges. The Canadian Football League's Hamilton Tiger-Cats play at Tim Hortons Field. The same venue is also home to Forge FC, the city's pro soccer team that started play in 2019 as a founding member of the Canadian Premier League. Partly because of its diverse locations, numerous TV and film productions have been filmed in Hamilton, regulated by the Hamilton Film and Television Office. There is a growing arts and culture sector including local art galleries, recording studios and independent film production. ===Visitor information=== '''[http://www.tourismhamilton.com/ Tourism Hamilton]''' is the city's official tourism website, with a free "Experience Hamilton" Visitor’s Guide and current info on local events and attractions. ===Climate=== {{Climate| units = Metric | janhigh =-1.4 | febhigh =-.9 | marhigh =4.7 | aprhigh =11.8 | mayhigh =18.9 | junhigh =24.2 | julhigh =26.6 | aughigh =25.6 | sephigh =21.7 | octhigh =14.5 | novhigh =7.7 | dechigh =1.5 | janlow =-9.1 | feblow =-9.2 | marlow =-4.4 | aprlow =1.3 | maylow =7.3 | junlow =12.8 | jullow =15.2 | auglow =14.5 | seplow =10.5 | octlow =4.8 | novlow =-.2 | declow =-5.4 | janprecip =72.9 | febprecip =53.4 | marprecip =68.7 | aprprecip =81.3 | mayprecip =81.0 | junprecip =77.6 | julprecip =97.5 | augprecip =66.8 | sepprecip =73.5 | octprecip =84.2 | novprecip =78.1 | decprecip =67.3 | jansnow =40.8 | febsnow =35.1 | marsnow =26.5 | aprsnow =8.4 | maysnow =0 | junsnow =0 | julsnow =0 | augsnow =0 | sepsnow =0 | octsnow =0.7 | novsnow =11.0 | decsnow =33.5 | description =Source:[[:w:Hamilton,_Ontario#Climate]] }} Hamilton's climate is humid-continental. Winters are cold and snowy. Summers are warm, with average highs of {{c|27}} and nighttime lows of {{c|18}}. Particularly hot days during heat waves can bring humidity and send temperatures upwards to {{c|33}} and nighttime lows of {{c|22}}. The sun is up from 5:45AM to 9PM in the summer months and 7:45AM to 4:45PM in the winter months. ==Get in== ===By plane=== * {{go | name=John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport | alt={{IATA|YHM}} | url=http://www.hamiltonairport.com | email= | address= | lat=43.173611 | long=-79.935 | directions= | phone=+1 905-679-1999 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport | wikidata=Q1431444 | content=Accommodates major air carriers and tour operators, offering frequent flights to Canadian, American, Caribbean and European destinations. Hamilton Airport is fast and efficient due to its relatively small size. The single terminal building can be navigated in two minutes and there is very little chance of confusion for passengers boarding or disembarking. A tactic employed by many Hamiltonians, Torontonians and other nearby Ontario residents is to use Hamilton Airport instead of Pearson in Toronto. Doing so can potentially save a busy traveller valuable time while parking, and promises far less of a headache during boarding procedures. A single baggage turnstile makes retrieving luggage painless.{{pbri}}[https://landline.com/aircanada/ Air Canada flights can be booked to YHM], with a bus connection from [[Toronto Pearson Airport]]. }} There is a [http://flyhamilton.ca/passenger/passenger-services/transportation/ ground transportation page] for Hamilton Airport. Here are some options: *{{listing | type=listing | name=A-Line Express | alt=HSR route 20 | url=https://www.hamilton.ca/hsr-bus-schedules-fares/schedule-routes-maps/pdf-bus-schedules | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Service runs from early morning to midnight weekdays; with reduced service on weekends| price= | lastedit=2019-05-10 | content=The [[#Hamilton Street Railway|HSR]]'s route 20 A Line Express is an express bus providing rapid service between Hamilton Airport and the downtown core. The route passes by Hamilton GO Centre and West Harbour GO where one can transfer to [[GO Transit]] to [[Toronto]]. Total trip time just over 30 minutes and costs a regular HSR fare ($3.25). }} * '''Taxis''' between downtown Hamilton and the airport cost about $25. ===By train=== [[File:HamiltonGoTransitStation.JPG|thumb|The Hamilton GO Centre]] * {{go | name=Aldershot GO | alt= | url=https://www.gotransit.com/en/stations-stops-parking/find-a-station-or-stop/results?stationCode=AL | email= | address=1199 Waterdown Rd, Burlington | lat=43.3128 | long=-79.855 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Aldershot GO Station | wikidata=Q3095608 | lastedit=2021-08-06 | content= }} ::'''[https://www.viarail.ca/ Via Rail]''' service from [[Windsor (Ontario)|Windsor]], [[London (Ontario)|London]], [[Niagara Falls (Ontario)|Niagara Falls]], and [[Toronto]]. '''[https://www.gotransit.com GO trains]''' run from Toronto to Aldershot every half hour (or better) everyday including weekends, holidays and evenings. ::Hamilton's main intercity train station is unfortunately not in Hamilton. To get downtown, GO bus 18 (Hamilton Train Meet Service) connects to Hamilton GO Centre, while 11 stops at Hamilton GO Centre before continuing on to West Harbour GO. * {{go | name=Hamilton GO Centre | alt= | url=https://www.gotransit.com/en/stations-stops-parking/find-a-station-or-stop/results?stationCode=00141 | email= | address=36 Hunter St E | lat=43.253 | long=-79.8692 | directions=at Hughson St S | phone=+1 416-869-3200 | tollfree=+1 888-438-6646 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Hamilton GO Centre | wikidata=Q5267822 | lastedit=2021-08-06 | content= }} ::Hamilton's downtown GO station is mostly a bus service hub (see '''By bus''' below.) Train service is limited to four rush-hour, peak-direction '''GO Transit''' trains from Toronto. Within the station, GO Transit has fare vending machines, and the [[#Hamilton Street Railway|'''Hamilton Street Railway''']] (local buses) has its Customer Service Centre. * {{go | name=West Harbour GO | alt= | url=https://www.gotransit.com/en/stations-stops-parking/find-a-station-or-stop/results?stationCode=WHBR&sharedLink=true | email= | address=353 James St N | lat=43.26654 | long=-79.866243 | directions=entrance off MacNab St N near Stuart St | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=West Harbour GO Station | wikidata=Q14875214 | lastedit=2021-08-06 | content= }} ::West Harbour GO station hosts hourly, 7-day-per-week '''GO Transit''' train service from Toronto to Hamilton. This is often more convenient than making a transfer at Aldershot. There is also once-a-day GO train service here from [[St. Catharines]] and [[Niagara Falls (Ontario)|Niagara Falls]]. ===By bus=== * {{listing | name=GO Transit | alt= | url=http://www.gotransit.com/publicroot/en/default.aspx | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-869-3200 | tollfree=+1 888-438-6646 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=GO Transit | wikidata=Q1357727 | content=GO fares can be paid by [[Presto card]]. }} **From Toronto Union Station (Route 16, express, 1-1.5 hours), to Hamilton GO Centre. **From [[Richmond Hill]], [[Vaughan]], Toronto Pearson International Airport, and [[Mississauga]] (Route 40), to Hamilton GO Centre. **From [[Kitchener]]-[[Waterloo (Ontario)|Waterloo]] and [[Guelph]] (Route 17), to Hamilton GO Centre. **From [[Brantford]] (Route 15) to McMaster University. **From St. Catharines (Route 11) to West Harbour GO and Hamilton GO Centre. **From Niagara Falls (Route 12) to {{go| name=Confederation GO| lat=43.241667| long=-79.759167}} * {{listing | name=FlixBus | alt= | url=https://www.flixbus.ca/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=FlixBus | wikidata=Q15712258 | lastedit=2022-08-16 | content=Service from [[Detroit]], [[Windsor (Ontario)|Windsor]], [[St. Thomas (Ontario)|St. Thomas]], [[London (Ontario)|London]], [[Chatham-Kent]], [[Brantford]], [[Ottawa]], and [[Toronto]]. Seasonal service from [[St. Catharines]], and [[Niagara Falls (Ontario)|Niagara Falls]]. }} <!-- * {{listing | name=P.A. Systm Transit Lines | alt=| url=https://www.pasystmtours.ca/transit | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-07-21 | content=Bus service from [[Niagara Falls (Ontario)|Niagara Falls]] and [[London (Ontario)|London]]. Buses stop in front of City Hall, 71 Main St W. }} --> * {{listing | name= CampusBus| alt= | url=https://www.campusbus.ca/| email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-10-14 | content= Bus service from [[Toronto]] and [[London (Ontario)|London]]. Buses stop at McMaster University. }} *{{listing | name=Landline Canada | alt= | url=https://ca.landline.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-04-22 | content=Bus service from [[Toronto Pearson Airport]] to John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport. }} * {{listing | name=Rider Express | alt= | url=https://riderexpress.ca/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= |wikidata=| lastedit=2025-08-16 | content=Service from [[Toronto]], [[Niagara Falls (Ontario)|Niagara Falls]], and [[St. Catharines]]. }} *{{listing | name=Southern Ontario Transit | alt= | url=https://sotransit.ca/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | lastedit=2024-04-22 | content=Bus service from [[Caledonia (Ontario)|Caledonia]]. }} ===By car=== Main thoroughfares into Hamilton include the Queen Elizabeth Way, Highway 403, and Highway 6. Hamilton is roughly 1 hour from [[Toronto]] and from [[Niagara Falls (Ontario)|Niagara Falls]]. ===By boat=== When approaching Hamilton Harbour from the east- Lake Ontario- remember that the lift bridge opens every half hour on the hour. ===Hitchhiking=== It is illegal for a pedestrian to enter any 400 series highway or the QEW. It is also very unsafe due to the high velocity and dense volume of traffic. If you should choose to do so anyway you can expect the police to pick you up and remove you within a short time. A safe and legal alternative is to hitchhike on the on-ramp, providing there is sufficient space for a vehicle to pull over without endangering the driver or passing traffic. Hitchhiking on other roads in Hamilton (and Ontario) is legal so long as you do not stand in the roadway. ==Get around== {{mapframe|zoom=11|43.2490|-79.8695|layer=W}} {{mapshapes|Q28971910}} <!--GO Trains--> {{mapshapes|Q20379}} <!--Toronto Subway--> {{mapshape}} ===By car=== Hamilton is divided into two main sections&mdash;"The Mountain" and downtown. The Mountain refers to anything on the escarpment&mdash;access to the mountain is limited to a few roads, which often arrive on a different street than when you started. If you're going up the mountain, take a second to learn which access you need to take. [[Winter driving|Driving on the mountain accesses in the winter can be treacherous]], and even many locals avoid it if possible due to icy road conditions. During severe storms many and sometimes even all of the accesses can be closed by the city, making travel between the two major districts nearly impossible. The Sherman Access changes to one-way traffic during rush hour, to get traffic down the mountain in the morning and up the mountain in the afternoon. If you aren't aware of this, it can mean having to take a long detour if you've committed to taking the Sherman but can't. Even outside of rush hour the signage on this access can be confusing. Hamilton has many one-way streets throughout its downtown core. Be aware of what intersection you're heading for, and what streets precede it, or you may overshoot. Rush hour traffic can be problematic like in any other large city. Try to avoid driving down Upper James Street in the mornings or between 4-6PM unless you're content to watch pedestrians overtake you on the sidewalks. The nearby street of West 5th (next major street to the west of Upper James) generally has a far lower volume of traffic and can save you upwards of 10 minutes of driving time. It also sports a mountain access that can get you down to (lower) James Street in no time at all. The Lincoln Alexander Expressway (known locally as the Linc or Link) is a city by-pass that runs across the mountain from Ancaster to Stoney Creek. If you're trying to get past the city be sure to avoid the major roads (Mohawk, Fennell, Stone Church or Rymal) at all costs and take the Linc, which will save you ample time and gas. There are some duplicate street names between Hamilton and the surrounding areas it amalgamated with; for example, there is a King Street in Dundas, Hamilton, and Stoney Creek. ===By bus=== {{listing | name=Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) | alt= | url=https://www.hamilton.ca/home-neighbourhood/hsr | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 905-546-2489 | tollfree= | hours= | price=[https://www.hamilton.ca/home-neighbourhood/hsr/fares/fares-photo-ids Fares] As of September 1, 2024: Cash $3.50 (ages 6 and up); [[Presto card]]: $2.80 adults (ages 20 to 64 years old), $2.35 youth (ages 13 to 19 years old) and seniors (ages 65+); children ages 6 to 12 can ride HSR buses fare-free with a valid "child" Presto card, unlike the other surrounding transit agencies such as GO Transit or Burlington Transit that offer similar free-fare programs for children in this aforementioned age group (on which they can ride fare-free and in many cases, they do not require a "child" Presto card when travelling with a fare-paying adult), however on HSR buses the free-fare for children ages 6-12 only applies to those that are travelling with their own valid "child" Presto card - regardless if they are travelling alone or with an accompanying adult -, if they do not have a Presto card, they could be charged the full cash fare. Children ages 0 to 5 are allowed to ride fare-free - with an accompanying fare-paying adult - and do not require a Presto card (as is the case with all GTA transit agencies). Riders may also pay by tapping a credit or debit card on the Presto reader in which case the cash fare will be charged. | lastedit=2025-02-03 | content=The HSR operates public transit buses in the city and the surrounding suburbs. Service is more frequent downtown than in outlying areas. On Sundays and holidays, many routes have 30-60 minute frequencies. }} A fare is valid for two hours of travel on HSR buses including transfers to/from Burlington Transit. If paying by cash, ask the driver for a "transfer" as a receipt to show the driver when changing buses. If paying by Presto, credit or debit card, the transfer info is electronically recorded on your card when you tap on. [[Burlington (Ontario)#Burlington Transit|Burlington Transit]] routes 1/1X serve the [[Burlington (Ontario)#Royal Botanical Gardens|Royal Botanical Gardens]] from King & James streets (BT Stop #679) and King & Bay streets (BT Stop #827). For Presto, credit and debit card holders: If transferring between [[GO Transit]] (GO) and HSR to complete a trip, your HSR fare will be free. Just tap your Presto, credit or debit card on the Presto fare device on both transit systems to get the free HSR fare. When transferring from HSR to GO, the HSR fare will be refunded to your Presto, credit or debit card after completing your trip. * {{listing |type=go | name=HSR Frank A. Cooke Bus Terminal | alt= | url= | address=1 MacNab St S | lat=43.256317 | long=-79.870881 | directions=between King St W and Main St W | phone= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-02-03 | content=The main hub for the HSR has several bus platforms serving routes 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 35. The hub is about 400 metres from the Hamilton GO Centre. }} Historical note: Despite having terminated all streetcar service by 1951, the Hamilton Street Railway has retained its quaint name to this day. Today, the HSR operates no rail services, but there is a plan to construct a light rail line in downtown Hamilton in future. ===By taxi=== * {{listing |type=go | name=Blue Line Taxi | alt= | url=http://525blue.com/ | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 905-525-0000 | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | lastedit=2019-11-08 | content= }} * {{listing |type=go | name=Hamilton Cab | alt= | url=https://www.hamiltoncab.com/#/booking/ | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 905-777-7777 | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | lastedit=2019-11-08 | content= }} === By ride hailing === * {{Listing|name=Lyft|url=https://www.lyft.com/rider/cities/greater-toronto-area-on|lastedit=2022-08-01}} * {{Listing|name=Uber|url=https://www.uber.com/global/en/cities/hamilton/|lastedit=2022-08-01}} ==See== ===Museums=== [[File:Getting a Closer Look (25617609747).jpg|thumb|Visitor getting a closer look in the Art Gallery]] * {{see | name=The Art Gallery of Hamilton | alt= | url=http://www.artgalleryofhamilton.com/ | email= | address=123 King Street West | lat=43.257119 | long=-79.872494 | directions= | phone=+1 905-527-6610 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Free | wikipedia=Art Gallery of Hamilton | wikidata=Q4796830 | lastedit=2020-08-10 | content=Founded in 1914, AGH is Ontario's third largest public art gallery, and boasts one of the country's finest collections. Its emphasis is on 19th-century European, Historical Canadian, and Contemporary Canadian art. The AGH revamped gallery, designed by Hamilton-born and raised architect Bruce Kuwabara, opened in 2005 and includes a {{ft|2,500}} glass pavilion and Sculpture Atrium. }} * {{see | name=Battlefield House Museum | alt= | url=http://www.battlefieldhouse.ca | email= | address=77 King St. W., Stoney Creek | lat=43.21763 | long=-79.76604 | directions=just east of Centennial Parkway | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$10 | wikipedia=Battlefield House (Stoney Creek) | content=At the site of the Battle of Stoney Creek (June 5&ndash;6, 1813) is a rural Upper Canada home dating from around 1796 and featuring staff in period costume, demonstrating the lifestyle of day. Every June a military re-enactment of the War of 1812/Battle of Stoney Creek is held. | wikidata=Q4025929}} * {{see | name=Canadian Football Hall of Fame | alt= | url=http://www.cfhof.ca/ | email= | address=4th level, 64 Melrose Ave N. | lat=43.2552112 | long=-79.8722247 | directions=Tim Hortons Field | phone=+1 905-528-7566 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Sa 9AM-noon, W 4PM-7PM, and one hour after each Hamilton Tiger-Cats home game | price=Free | wikipedia=Canadian Football Hall of Fame | image=Statue touchdown cfhof.jpg | wikidata=Q3517653 | lastedit=2018-06-16 | content=Has interactive programs, displays, a library, archives and is home to the Grey Cup. Enter through Gate 3 in the middle of the west stands off of Melrose Ave. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum | alt= | url=http://www.warplane.com/ | email=museum@warplane.com | address=9280 Airport Road, Mount Hope | lat=43.15990 | long=-79.92483 | directions=beside Hamilton International Airport | phone=+1 905-679-4183 | tollfree=+1-877-347-3359 | hours=9AM-5PM | price=Adult $12, seniors/students $11, youth $8, children free | wikipedia=Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum | image=Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum Exterior 1.jpg | wikidata=Q5030675 | content=A living museum featuring the aircraft used by Canadians or Canada's military from the beginning of World War II to the present. Home of one of the world's two remaining flying Lancaster bombers. Those who dare can experience an open cockpit ride in a bi-plane through the [http://www.warplane.com/pages/services_rideprogram.html Legends Flight program]. }} * {{see | name=Dundas Museum & Archives | alt= | url=https://dundasmuseum.ca/ | address=139 Park St W, Dundas | lat=43.268275 | long=-79.959445 | directions= | phone=+1 905-627-7412 | hours=Tu W F 10AM-4:30PM, Th 10AM-8PM, Sa 1-4PM | price= | lastedit=2019-12-14 | content=Local history of the community of Dundas. }} [[File:Dundurn_Castle,_Hamilton..,21.jpg|thumb|Dundurn Castle, Hamilton.]] * {{see | name=Dundurn Castle | alt= | url=https://www.hamilton.ca/attractions/hamilton-civic-museums/dundurn-national-historic-site | email=dundurn@hamilton.ca | address=610 York Blvd | lat=43.269481 | long=-79.884649 | directions= | phone=+1 905-546-2872 | tollfree= | hours=Canada Day to Labour Day: Daily 10AM-4PM; Labour Day to Canada Day: Tu-Su noon-4PM | price=Full-price ticket includes admission to Dundurn Castle, the Historic Kitchen Garden (June to October) and the Hamilton Military Museum: $14 for adults ages 18 to 59, $12 for seniors ages 60 and above, $12 for students ages 13 to 17, $8 for children ages 6 to 12, children five years old or younger visit for free, $37 for a family of two adults and unlimited dependent children under 18 years old | wikipedia=Dundurn Castle | image=DundurnCastleSummer.JPG | wikidata=Q5314924 | lastedit=2020-08-10 | content=One of Hamilton's most-recognized landmarks, Dundurn Castle is a National Historic site, illustrating the life and times of Sir Allan Napier MacNab (1798&ndash;1862). More of a stately home than a "castle", the still-impressive structure was completed in 1835. Features year-round programming, tours, restaurant and an on-site military museum. The museum is only partially wheelchair accessible. Call for more details. }} * {{see | name=Fieldcote Memorial Park & Museum | alt= | url=https://www.hamilton.ca/attractions/hamilton-civic-museums/fieldcote-memorial-park-museum | address=64 Sulphur Springs Rd, Ancaster | lat=43.226494 | long=-79.979331 | directions= | phone=+1 905-648-8144 | hours=Tu-Sa noon-4PM | price=Adults $4 | lastedit=2019-12-14 | content=Local history of the community of Ancaster. }} * {{see | name=Hamilton Children's Museum | alt= | url=https://www.hamilton.ca/attractions/hamilton-civic-museums/hamilton-childrens-museum | address=1072 Main St E | lat=43.243714 | long=-79.825985 | directions= | phone=+1 905-546-4848 | hours=W-Sa 9:30AM-3:30PM, Su 11AM-4PM | price=Adults $2.50, children 1-12 $4.50 | lastedit=2019-12-14 | content=Hands-on exhibits for children. }} * {{see | name=Hamilton Military Museum | alt= | url=https://www.hamilton.ca/attractions/hamilton-civic-museums/hamilton-military-museum | address=610 York Blvd | lat=43.268164 | long=-79.884698 | directions= | phone=+1 905-546-2872 | hours=Tu-Su noon-4PM | price=Adults $4.50 | lastedit=2019-12-14 | content=Military exhibits located in a former gate house built in the 1830s. }} * {{see | name=Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology | alt= | url=https://www.hamilton.ca/attractions/hamilton-civic-museums/hamilton-museum-steam-technology-national-historic-site | email= | address=900 Woodward Av | lat=43.256657 | long=-79.772190 | directions=At the QEW | phone=+1 905-546-4797 | tollfree= | hours=June 1 to Labour Day: Tu-Su 11AM-4PM; Labour Day to May 31: Tu-Su noon-4PM | price= | content=A fine example of 19th-century public works architecture, and the only surviving facility of its time in North America, this National Historic Site houses the two 14 m (45-foot) high, 63.5-tonne (70-ton) steam engines which pumped the first clean water to the city over 140 years ago. Features various exhibits and events, including daily engine demonstrations. }} [[File:HMCSHaidaHamiltonA.JPG|thumb|HMCS ''Haida'']] * {{see | name=HMCS ''Haida'' | alt= | url=https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/on/haida | email=haida.Info@pc.gc.ca | address=Pier 9, 658 Catharine St N | lat=43.27531 | long=-79.85538 | directions=take Highway 403 to Main St W, go west to James St N, go north to Leander Dr, go west to Dock Service Road, go north to HMCS ''Haida'' | phone=+1 905-526-6742 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$3.90, senior $3.40, youth (17 and under) free | wikipedia=HMCS Haida | image=HMCSHaidaHamiltonA.JPG | wikidata=Q931718 | lastedit=2018-02-11 | content=At Pier 9, visit the HMCS ''Haida'', the "Fightingest Ship in the Royal Canada Navy" - a World War II destroyer that is maintained faithfully and can be explored in its entirety, either by a self-guided tour or simply by wandering around. }} * {{see | name=McMaster Museum of Art | alt= | url=http://www.mcmaster.ca/museum/ | email= | address=University Av at Sterling St (''Lee building'') | lat=43.26264 | long=-79.91806 | directions= | phone=+1 905-525-9140 ext 23081 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu W F 11AM-5PM, Th 11AM-7PM, Sa noon-5PM | price= | wikipedia=McMaster Museum of Art | content=Houses a nationally significant collection of more than 6,000 works of art, featuring a permanent collection and contemporary exhibitions, lectures and events. | wikidata=Q1519050}} * {{see | name=Westfield Heritage Village | alt= | url=http://www.westfieldheritage.ca/ | email= | address=1049 Kirkwall Rd, Rockton | lat=43.3198088 | long=-80.1428933 | directions= | phone=+1 519-621-8851 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Westfield Heritage Centre | content=Surrounded by 131 ha (324 acres) of unspoiled woods and meadows, this living history museum spans various time periods in more than 35 historic buildings, plus a steam locomotive. Much of the TV series ''Anne of Green Gables'' was filmed here. | wikidata=Q7988688}} * {{listing | type=see | name=Whitehern Historic House and Garden | alt= | url=https://www.hamilton.ca/attractions/hamilton-civic-museums/whitehern-historic-house-garden-national-historic-site | email= | address=41 Jackson St W | lat=43.254601 | long=-79.872158 | directions= | phone=+1 905-546-2018 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Su noon-4PM | price=Adults $7.50 | wikidata=Q3884244 | lastedit=2019-12-14 | content=Guided tours of a Victorian home }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Workers Arts and Heritage Centre | alt= | url=http://www.wahc-museum.ca | email= | address=51 Stuart St | lat=43.26639 | long=-79.8677 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM-4PM | price=Free | content=Preserving, honouring, and promoting the culture and history of all working people. Their mandate points in the social justice direction, the union direction and the community activism path. }} ===Parks and views=== * {{see | name=Gage Park Greenhouse | alt=Gage Park | url=https://www.hamilton.ca/attractions/culture/gage-park-greenhouse | email= | address=1000 Main St E | lat=43.2417 | long=-79.8287 | directions=at Gage Ave, about 4KM from downtown Hamilton | phone= | tollfree= | hours=9AM-5PM | price=Free | wikipedia=Gage Park, Hamilton | wikidata=Q105085963 | lastedit=2019-12-22 | content=This {{convert|14000|sqft|abbr=on|order=flip|adj=on}} greenhouse features tropical plants, waterfalls and ponds. The greenhouse stands in Gage Park which also has a band stand and a rose garden. }} * {{see | name=Ferguson Station | alt=Ferguson Station Park | url= | email= | address=244 King St E | lat=43.2543 | long=-79.862 | directions=at Ferguson Ave S | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ferguson Avenue (Hamilton, Ontario) | wikidata=Q5444224 | lastedit=2019-12-22 | content=This former Grand Trunk Railway station sits in a small park with some simulated railway tracks to provide atmosphere. The park is in an area with older downtown buildings. }} * {{see | name=Princess Point | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=43.2755725 | long=-79.8966389 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-07-26 | content=At the very end of Lake Ontario, Princess Point is one of the most beautiful sections of Hamilton. Bike or rollerblade along excellently maintained paths encircling the lake, or relax at the adjacent park. Harbour cruises are also available. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Waterfront | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=NA | long=NA | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-06-14 | content=Hamilton is, as of summer 2020, in the midst of a major waterfront reclamation project, and has already restored the beautiful Pier 4 Park at the bottom of Bay St. This continues to the west with a waterfront trail to Princess Point, and to the east with a beautiful marina, waterfront cafe, boat and trolley tours, and a lovely playground. }} :* {{see | name=Bayfront Park | alt= | url= | address=200 Harbour Front Dr | lat=43.271421 | long=-79.872620 | directions= | phone= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | lastedit=2019-12-22 | content=Park built on a peninsula jutting into the harbour with a grass amphitheater and picnic facilities. }} :* {{see | name=Pier 4 Park | alt= | url=https://www.hamilton.ca/city-initiatives/our-harbour/bayfront-park-pier-4-park-and-waterfront-trail | address=64 Leander Dr | lat=43.274034 | long=-79.867339 | directions= | phone= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | lastedit=2019-12-22 | content=Beach, playground, boardwalk. }} * {{see | name=The view from the escarpment | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=NA | long=NA | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-07-26 | content=There are many beautiful views of the city to be found from the escarpment. Especially when looking west, it is difficult to see streets or the roofs of houses under the thick canopy of trees (although it is easier to see these in winter). If you are driving around Hamilton, Mountain Brow Boulevard is a good place to stop for a look down. The [[Bruce Trail]] offers many excellent views, such as that at Dundas Peak, and continues along the escarpment toward Grimsby or Burlington for a longer hike. }} ===Waterfalls=== [[File:AlbionFallsHamilton.JPG|thumbnail|right|Albion Falls, Hamilton]] {{see | name=Waterfalls | alt= | url=http://www.waterfalls.hamilton.ca/ | email= | address= | lat=NA | long=NA | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The combination of many creeks and the Niagara Escarpment makes Hamilton, now sometimes referred to as "The City of Waterfalls", an excellent place for seeing waterfalls. Over 100 waterfalls and cascades are known (several were found in 2008 and there's likely some that haven't been discovered yet). The one drawback of Hamilton's waterfalls is that half of them do dry up in dry seasons. The good news is that most are on or near the Bruce Trail as it winds through the Niagara Escarpment (a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve) in Hamilton. Some of the more popular ones are: }} *{{listing | type=see | name=Albion Falls | alt= | url= | email= | address=Mountain Brow Blvd | lat=43.2003 | long=-79.82027 | directions=HSR bus 21 | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q37889 | lastedit=2020-05-21 | content=A scenic 19-m cascade waterfall, blasting for 12 months a year. It took over thousands of years of freezing, melting, growth, decay and tidal changes to create the Niagara Escarpment region. Named after the former village of Mount Albion in which it resides. }} *{{listing | type=see | name=Borer's Falls | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rock Chapel Rd., Dundas | lat=43.2937313 | long=-79.9367398 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q37511 | content=A relatively small but picturesque waterfall in Borer's Falls Conservation Area. The escarpment in this area is quite scenic as well. }} *{{see | name=Devil's Punch Bowl | alt= | url=https://conservationhamilton.ca/conservation-areas-2/devils-punchbowl/ | email= | address=Ridge Rd., Stoney Creek | lat=43.21150 | long=-79.75689 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=One of the taller waterfalls in the area. It's in Devil's Punch Bowl Conservation Area. }} * {{see | name=Felker's Falls | alt=Felker's Falls Conservation Area | url=http://www.waterfalls.hamilton.ca/default.asp?walk=7 | address=Ackland St, Stoney Creek | lat=43.202812 | long=-79.791207 | directions=HSR bus 43 | phone= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | lastedit=2019-12-14 | content={{convert|22|m|abbr=on|}} terraced waterfall. }} *{{listing | type=see | name=Tew's Falls | alt= | url=https://conservationhamilton.ca/spencer-gorgewebsters-falls/ | email= | address=Harvest Rd., Greensville | lat=43.280911 | long=-79.978106 | directions=in Spencer Gorge/Webster's Falls Conservation Area along with Webster's Falls | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=$5 per person, $10 per car | wikidata=Q37825 | content=The tallest waterfall in the city, at 41 metres only slightly shorter than Niagara Falls (although the volume of water going over Tew's Falls is much smaller and shrinks to a trickle in the summer; spring is a better viewing time). }} *{{see | name=Tiffany Falls | alt= | url= | email= | address=Wilson St. E., Ancaster | lat=43.2380152 | long=-79.9582075 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Tiffany Falls is a 21-m ribbon waterfall. It is just off the former Highway 2. }} *{{listing | type=see | name=Webster's Falls | alt= | url= | email= | address=Fallsview Rd., Greensville | lat=43.276191 | long=-79.980835 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=$5 per person, $10 per car | wikidata=Q37381 | content=Among the most beautiful waterfall in Hamilton, at 30 m wide it is the widest in the city. The surrounding area in Spencer Gorge/Webster's Falls Conservation Area is a popular picnic spot in the summer. The staircase down to the base of the falls is treacherous but the view from down there is beautiful. While you are there, check out the cobblestone arch bridge near the falls. You can walk to Tew's Fall. }} ===Miscellaneous=== * {{see | name=Downtown Neighbourhoods | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=NA | long=NA | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-07-26 | content=Like many cities, Hamilton is home to many traditional neighbourhoods, including Locke South, Concession St., James St. South, James S. North, International Village BIA, and Ottawa Street. James North has an exploding arts scene, with several galleries opened in the past few years. }} ==Do== ===Theatres=== * {{listing | type=do | name=The Westdale Theatre | alt= | url=https://www.thewestdale.ca/ | email= | address=1014 King St W | lat=43.262330 | long=-79.905601 | directions=at Marion Ave N | phone=+1 905-577-0074 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-03-03 | content=The Westdale is a non-profit movie theatre built in 1935 and reopened in 2019 after an expensive restoration largely financed by donations. Its main attraction (other than the movies) is its beautifully restored Art Deco interior. }} * {{listing | type=do | name=Theatre Aquarius | alt= | url=https://theatreaquarius.org/ | email= | address= | lat=43.2552645 | long=-79.861731 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-07-26 | content=Usually puts on many good plays and musicals. Starring local talent, it generally offers quality entertainment at an affordable price. The surrounding area provides several dining opportunities. }} ===Annual events=== *{{listing | type=do | name=Canadian International Military Tattoo | alt=Copps Coliseum | url=https://www.facebook.com/canintattoo | email= | address=101 York Blvd | lat=43.25910 | long=-79.87177 | directions= | phone=+1 905-546-3100 | tollfree=+1-888-523-1753 | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Held annually each June in Hamilton. Started in 1992, to celebrate the 125th birthday of Canada, the Region of Hamilton-Wentworth presented The Greater Hamilton Tattoo. }} * {{listing | type=do | name=Doors Open Hamilton | alt= | url=http://www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/Events/Hamilton.aspx | email= | address= | lat=NA | long=NA | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=usually held on the first weekend in May | price= | lastedit=2016-07-26 | content=It offers an intimate experience of various historic landmarks around the city normally off limits to visitors and tourists: various place of worship, estates, museums, wineries and government buildings. A division of '''[http://www.doorsopenontario.on.ca Doors Open Ontario]''', it is an annual opportunity to discover the City, the Province of Ontario, and Canadian Heritage. }} * {{do | name=Dundas Cactus Festival | alt= | url=http://dundascactusfestival.ca | address=King St, Dundas | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | hours=Third weekend in August | price= | lastedit=2019-12-14 | content=The Castus Festival is an annual street festival in the community of Dundas. It was inspired by a cactus greenhouse business founded in Dundas by a Dutch immigrant that closed in 2009. }} ===Outdoor activities=== * {{do | name=Parks and trails | alt= | url=http://www.hamiltonwaterfront.com| email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-07-26 | content=Despite its commonly-held industrial image, Hamilton has some 1,077 hectares (2,662 acres) of parkland, 549 ha (1,356 acres) of natural areas and 137 km (85 miles) of trails. The Bruce Trail runs right through the city. Bayfront, Pier 4 Park, and the Waterfront Trail offer panoramic views of the Hamilton Harbour and northwest shoreline. }} * '''[https://www.hamilton.ca/golf-hamilton Golf]''' at one of Hamilton's 18-hole public courses: {{Marker|type=do|lat=43.2490 | long=-79.9025|name=Chedoke}} or {{Marker|type=do|lat=43.2149 | long=-79.8095|name=King's Forest}}. There are numerous private courses including the 2003, 2006, 2012, 2019, and 2024 homes to the Canadian Open, the top rated {{Marker|type=do|lat=43.2164 | long=-79.9739|url=http://www.hgcc.ca/|name=Hamilton Golf and Country Club}}, in Ancaster. The Hamilton Golf and Country Club is an exclusive club that dates back to Hamilton's industrial glory days. Unless you know a member, or someone that knows a member, forget playing here. [[File:Confederation Park (37508297656).jpg|thumb|Confederation Park]] * {{do | name=Confederation Park | alt= | url=http://conservationhamilton.ca/conservation-areas-2/confederation-park/ | email= | address= | lat=43.2486 | long=-79.7518 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q55137879 | lastedit=2020-06-15 | content=Offers lakefront camping, a '''[http://wild-waterworks.com/ waterpark]''' with wave pool and tube rides, and '''[http://www.adventure-village.com Adventure Village]''' with go-karts, batting cages, mini golf, etc. }} *{{do | name=Christie Lake Conservation Area | alt= | url=http://conservationhamilton.ca/conservation-areas-2/christie-lake/ | email=christie@conservationhamilton.ca | address=1000 Highway 5 West, Flamborough | lat=43.2785 | long=-80.0291 | directions=near Greensville | phone=+1 905-628-3060 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=sunrise–sunset | price=$5/person, additional $5 if bringing a vehicle | content=Centred on the beautiful Christie Reservoir, this conservation area features a 360-m long beach and a chlorinated swimming area separate from the reservoir. Also contains several ponds stocked with fish and large natural areas accessible by hiking trails. }} *{{do | name=Crooks Hollow Historical Trail | url= | email= | address=Crooks Hollow Road, Greensville | lat=43.2773 | long=-80.0027 | directions=park at Crooks Hollow Conservation Area, Crooks Hollow Rd. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This trail traverses the site of Crooks Hollow, once the largest industrial community in Upper Canada but now a ghost town. Many of the buildings are now just grassy fields, but the Darnley Grist Mill is a spectacular ruin. A few buildings, now private residences, also still stand. Connects with the Optimist Park walking trail, which winds along the picturesque Spencer Creek and passes near Greensville Falls as well as more ruins, ending near the Spencer Gorge/Webster's Falls Conservation Area. }} ===Tours=== *{{do | name=Haunted Hamilton Ghost Walks | url=http://www.ghostwalks.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Explores the dark alleys and haunted buildings where voices of the past are said to still linger to this day. Haunted Walks of Downtown Hamilton, the Historic Customs House, the Hermitage Ruins in the Dundas Valley Conservation Area (Ancaster), as well as a historical tour of Hamilton's Dark Past, are done regularly throughout the year. }} ==Buy== ===Shopping districts=== Hamilton has numerous shopping districts along attractive streets lined with small shops and eateries. While fewer brand-name retail items are available in Hamilton than in neighbouring Toronto, several districts host a successful spot for antiques, art and specialty boutiques. [[File:OttawaNHamiltonA.JPG|thumb|Shops along Ottawa Street]] * {{listing | type=buy | name=King Street | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6412088 | lastedit=2019-12-14 | content=The city's main urban destination for restaurants, cafes, and of course, shops. }} * {{buy | name=James Street North | alt= | url=http://www.jamesstreetnorth.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A redeveloped sector in the city's core, James Street North is widely-praised for its flourishing art galleries, various restaurants and cafes. The street hosts an Art Crawl on the second Friday of every month. }} * {{buy | name=Locke Street South | alt= | url=https://www.lockestreetshops.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Just west of downtown, Locke Street is home to a large number of antique shops. Prices tend to be lower than in Toronto. }} * {{buy | name=Ottawa Street | alt= | url=http://www.shopottawastreet.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7109251 | content=Home to innumerable fabric, home decor and furnishings stores. The street had fallen on hard times earlier in the decade, but is undergoing a resurgence and has become one of the city's most popular destinations for antiques, fabric and home furnishings. }} * {{buy | name=Old Ancaster | alt= | url= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-12-14 | content=On Hamilton Mountain, at the west-most section of the city, Old Ancaster has several specialty boutiques and historical monuments. }} * {{buy | name=Dundas | alt= | url= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-12-14 | content=As west as Ancaster, but down the mountain, Dundas is a small heritage town with a European feel that offers most of the good shopping opportunities in Hamilton such a [https://www.piconefinefood.ca/ Picone Fine Food], a 100-year-old grocery store that sells fresh produce and high-end food items. Dundas has a great drive-in park that is popular amongst locals for summer picnics. Dundas is home to numerous festivals throughout the year. }} * {{listing | type=buy | name=Concession Street | alt= | url=http://www.concessionstreet.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5158596 | content=At the beginning of the 20th century, it was an African-American neighbourhood. Many slaves escaping the U.S. via the Underground Railway settled in this urban neighbourhood at the edge of the escarpment. It boasts the best views of the lower city and features many parks, some with fantastic vistas overlooking the downtown and heavy industrial areas. The neighbourhood offers many shopping, dining and entertainment opportunities. The housing is an eclectic mix of million-dollar estates and 1920s cottages. Stairs to the lower city are available on Mountain Avenue, traversing the 91-m (300-foot) escarpment. Many buses travel along Concession, making it one of the most public transit accessible areas of the city. Once considered run-down, it may be one of the most underrated areas of the city. A 1920s movie house has been renovated and is showing first-run and art films. }} * {{buy | name=Westdale | alt= | url=http://www.westdalevillage.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Adjacent McMaster University keeps this neighbourhood healthy, with its many boutiques, groceries, eateries, pubs and bakeries and even a movie cinema specializing in foreign and art films. Westdale Village is accessible by bus and is walking distance to McMaster University and Hospital. It was Hamilton's first master-planned community in the 1920s. }} *{{buy | name=Upper James Street | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=From downtown, take the Claremont Access from Victoria Ave S. Alternately, take the off-ramp from the Lincoln Alexander Parkway. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Upper James is a lengthy street that was at one time known locally as "Oilcan Alley" due to a prevalence of autobody shops and car dealerships. Most of the major dealerships in Hamilton are still located on Upper James around the Ryckmans Corners area between Stone Church and 20 Road. A huge number of stores and family restaurants exist to service the needs of most shoppers, including a Walmart Supercentre at Fennell Avenue. Beware of traffic during rush-hour periods. }} ===Shopping malls=== * {{listing | type=buy | name=CF Lime Ridge Mall | alt= | url=https://www.cfshops.com/lime-ridge.html | email= | address=999 Upper Wentworth St | lat=43.216498 | long=-79.86204 | directions=just south of Mohawk Road, adjacent to the Lincoln Alexander Parkway | phone=+1 905-387-4455 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 10AM - 9PM; Sa 9:30AM - 6PM; Su 11AM - 5PM | price= | wikidata=Q6549133 | content=Over 200 shops and services. Easily on-par with most major malls in larger Canadian cities. It's the most popular hang-out spot on the mountain for younger and older people alike, partly due to the total absence of a night life outside of downtown. }} * {{buy | name=Hamilton Farmers Market | alt= | url=http://hamiltonfarmersmarket.ca/ | email= | address=35 York Blvd | lat=43.258925 | long=-79.870249 | directions=at MacNab St inside Jackson Square Mall | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Tu Th F 8AM-6PM, Sa 7AM-5PM | price= | wikipedia=Hamilton Farmer's Market | wikidata=Q14875165 | content=Founded in 1837, it has since moved indoors. It features the usual mix of local farm produce and ethnic specialties. It is older than the city and is one of the best farmers markets in Ontario. }} ==Eat== {{eatpricerange|$3-8|$9-19|$20 and over}} It's not difficult to find a superb variety of foods in Hamilton. Having a large minority and immigrant population, many people in Hamilton can and do take the opportunity to eat exotic cuisines. ===Budget=== Besides the listings below, there is a multicultural business community along James Street North between King and Murray streets offering affordable restaurants serving food from multiple nationalities. * {{eat | name=Vida-la-Pita | alt= | url=http://vidalapita.com/ | email= | address=217 King Street West | lat=43.25835 | long=-79.87611 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Small basic eatery. Amazing chicken shawarmas, inexpensive, and fast/friendly service. }} * {{eat | name=Bronzie's Place | alt= | url=http://bronzies.ca/ | email= | address=201 James St. S | lat=43.25058 | long=-79.87145 | directions=just north of St. Joseph's Hospital | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Small basic Italian eatery. Large portions, inexpensive, and fast/friendly service. Nearly everyone goes home with another meal's worth in a doggybag. }} * {{eat | name=Steve's Open Kitchen | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/Steves-Open-Kitchen-134583266568674/ | email= | address=149 James St. S | lat=43.25232 | long=-79.87073 | directions= | phone=+1 905-529-9913 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Since 1975. A nice little hole-in-the-wall breakfast diner where you can watch the friendly chefs prepare your meal. Will set you back the change in your pocket - most meals are around five bucks. Not particularly healthy, but few good breakfasts are. }} * {{eat | name=Westdale Delicatessen | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/pages/Westdale-Delicatessen/151662891518346 | email= | address=893 King St. W | lat=43.2630 | long=-79.9014 | directions= | phone=+1 905-529-2605 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Traditional Jewish deli. Hamilton's only kosher restaurant. Closed during Passover. }} ===Mid-range=== [[File:TimHortonsHamiltonA.JPG|thumb|Canada's most famous café chain Tim Hortons started on 65 Ottawa Street in Hamilton, and there's still a Tim Horton's on that location though in a new building]] Hamilton is a large city and therefore enjoys almost every mid-range dining chain. Examples include Kelsey's, Montana's, and The Keg. Hess Street, in addition to housing some newer upper-scale establishments, has several mid-range places that offer fantastic food (Ceilidh House being an example). * {{eat | name=Bangkok Spoon | alt= | url=http://www.bangkokspoon.com/ | email= | address=57 King St W, Dundas | lat=43.26649 | long=-79.95591 | directions= | phone=+1 905-628-1681 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Dundas. Authentic Thai cuisine in the beautiful downtown valley of Dundas. }} * {{eat | name=Hutch's | alt= | url=http://www.hutchs.ca/ | email= | address=325 Bay St N | lat=43.26759 | long=-79.86804 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Offers what many consider the best fish and chips in town and, like its sister restaurant (a 1950s diner on Van Wagners Beach), offers a scenic location to munch them. Hutch's is a famous local institution which once could vie for having the best hamburgers in Canada. Urban renewal has forced Hutch's beach strip location into a boring government building. Cruise nights often held here in the summer. On the beach trail, so you can walk off your Sportsmanburger. }} * {{eat | name=Tea Hut | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/TeaHutHamilton | email= | address=100 Main St E | lat=43.25407 | long=-79.86515 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=In the Landmark Place building (tallest building in the city, hard to miss). Tea Hut is a Taiwanese restaurant known for its bubble tea. A popular hangout for the local Chinese community, and has very friendly staff and owners who will welcome you. Excellent food at affordable prices, and a huge selection of bubble tea. Enjoy a game of XiangQi (Chinese chess) or Jenga, or relax on your laptop with their free wi-fi. }} * {{eat | name=Capri | alt= | url=http://www.capriristorante.ca/ | email= | address=25 John St N | lat=43.256680 | long=-79.866486 | directions= | phone=+1 905-525-7811 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Downtown. Italian. First restaurant to serve pizza in Hamilton. Gangster movies filmed here. Real gangsters ate here too. Like the mafia in Hamilton, this restaurant is now somewhat faded. Try the pizza bianco. }} * {{eat | name=Black Forest Inn | alt= | url=http://www.blackforestinn.ca/ | email= | address=255 King St E | lat=43.254393 | long=-79.861599 | directions= | phone=+1 905-528-3538 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Downtown. German. The Black Forest is another Hamilton institution. Full of cuckoo clocks, this restaurant.and its army of servers in Bavarian costume move the crowds through with Germanic precision. Eat there and you'll find out why Hamiltonians keep coming back. }} * {{eat | name=My Thai | alt= | url=http://www.mythai.ca/ | email= | address=21 John St N | lat=43.256597 | long=-79.866494 | directions=at King William St | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A stellar Thai restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Golden Grain Bakery & Deli | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/pages/Golden-Grain-Bakery-Deli/783330385102424 | address=367 Hamilton Regional Rd 8, Stoney Creek | lat=43.219454 | long=-79.726099 | directions= | phone= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-12-14 | content=A large variety of imported foods and European baked goods. }} * {{eat | name=Sapporo Japanese Restaurant | alt= | url=https://sapporohamilton.ca/ | email= | address=96 Main St E | lat=43.254274 | long=-79.866368 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=In the same complex as Slainte. Possibly the best Japanese food in Hamilton, and the only Japanese restaurant that isn't a sushi bar. }} * {{eat | name=The Powerhouse | alt= | url=http://thepowerhouse.ca/ | email= | address=21 Jones St | lat=43.216989 | long=-79.7540817 | directions= | phone=+1 905-664-5900 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Stoney Creek. Casual fine dining is unique in any of the six historic dining venues offered at this historic site. }} * {{eat | name=B.Love | alt= | url=http://blove.ca/ | email=info@blove.ca | address=29 King St W, Dundas | lat=43.267183 | long=-79.954141 | directions=in Dundas, a bit west of Hamilton proper | phone=+1 905-818-351 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–Sa 10:30AM–5:30PM, Su M closed | price=entrées $9-15 | lastedit=2018-07-13 | content=Raw and vegan cuisine. Meals and snacks. }} * {{eat | name=Boon Burger | alt= | url=http://boonburger.ca/ | email=hamilton@boonburger.ca | address=295 Ottawa St N | lat=43.250472 | long=-79.816694 | directions= | phone=+1 289-246-9222 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 11AM–9PM | price= | lastedit=2018-07-13 | content=100% vegan burgers, poutine, salad, and desserts. Part of a chain with outlets elsewhere in the GTA and in [[Winnipeg]]. }} * {{eat | name=The Hearty Hooligan | alt= | url=https://www.theheartyhooligan.com/ | email= | address=292 Ottawa St N | lat=43.2 | long=-79.8| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 10:30AM-7:30PM, Su noon - 4PM | price= | lastedit=2018-07-14 | content=Vegan café. Offers vegan calzones, baked goods, and shakes, in addition to coffee and tea. }} ===Splurge=== * {{eat | name=Ancaster Mill | alt= | url=http://www.ancastermill.ca/ | email= | address=548 Old Dundas Road, Ancaster | lat=43.23391 | long=-79.97381 | directions= | phone=+1 905-648-1828 | tollfree= | fax=+1 905-648-1098 | hours= | price= | content=With its historic stone buildings, natural panoramas and waterfall, this is a picturesque spot for Sunday brunch and what it bills as "contemporary Canadian Cuisine". Family run. }} * {{eat | name=Claudio's Ristorante | alt= | url= | email= | address=92 Jackson St. E | lat=43.253449 | long=-79.866358 | directions= | phone=+1 289-389-6699 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Upscale Italian dining. Professional and detail oriented staff. Downtown, close to Hunter St. GO Station. }} * {{eat | name=Edgewater Manor | alt= | url=http://edgewatermanor.com/ | email= | address=518 Fruitland Rd, Stoney Creek | lat=43.23535 | long=-79.69433 | directions= | phone=+1 905-643-9332 | tollfree= | fax=+1 905-643-8477 | hours= | price= | content=Features fine dining in a 1920s-era mansion located stunningly on the shores of Lake Ontario. Expensive. }} * {{eat | name=La Cantina | alt= | url=http://www.lacantinahamilton.ca/ | email= | address=60 Walnut St South | lat=43.25321 | long=-79.86407 | directions= | phone=+1 905-521-8989 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Upscale Italian dining. Professional and detail oriented staff. Authentic delicious Italian food. }} * {{eat | name=Mandarin Buffet | alt= | url=http://www.mandarinrestaurant.com/home | email= | address=1508 Upper James St | lat=43.2059 | long=-79.89328 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Local edition of an Ontario chain of massive buffets with a huge variety of Chinese cuisine. Nice decor and courteous staff. Dinner buffet runs about $25 per person, making it a bit above mid-range (but just barely). Reservations not required, but advised for larger parties. }} * {{eat | name=Shakespeare's | alt= | url=http://www.shakespeares.ca/ | email= | address=181 Main St. E | lat=43.25366 | long=-79.86237 | directions= | phone=+1 905-528-0689 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Lunch M-F, dinner M-Sa from 5PM | price= | content=Family-owned & -operated. Fabulous steak, seafood and wild game. Amazing wines. }} * {{eat | name=My Little Asia | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/MyLittleAsiaHamilton/ | email= | address=36 King St E, Dundas | lat=43.26555 | long=-79.95089 | directions= | phone=+1 905-628-0133 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-11-08 | content=Sushi restaurant. }} ==Drink== [[File:HessVillage.jpg|thumb|Hess Village]] * {{drink | name=Hess Village | alt= | url=https://hessvillage.ca/ | email= | address= | lat=43.258145 | long=-79.8777445 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Hess Street (Hamilton, Ontario) | lastedit=2016-07-26 | content=A "bar" in the classic sense, Hess is a couple blocks of pubs and eateries. Highlights include the Gown and Gavel, Che Burrito Bar, Sizzle/Koi, and The Lazy Flamingo. Located roughly between King and Main Street, on Hess Street. Typically pub-type bars and night clubs, but it runs the gamut. Hess Village is where the patio action is in Hamilton on warm summer nights. Dance clubs have opened in neighbourhood, adding to the entertainment mix. This is the summer place to be in Hamilton. One of the best bar and nightclubs in Hess Village with the best music fantastic accommodations is Sizzle's Ultra Lounge. | wikidata=Q17022184}} * {{drink | name=Augusta's Winking Judge | alt= | url=http://www.winkingjudge.com/welcome.html | email= | address=25 Augusta St | lat=43.252062 | long=-79.869956 | directions=Augusta Street right behind the GO Transit station | phone=+1 905-524-5626 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-11-13 | content=This is the best place in Hamilton to get a tasty pint. With over 20 taps dedicated to microbreweries, they're sure to have something you like. This bar does not sell popular, mass-produced beers like Molson, Labatt, or Sleeman. This was original location of the Winking Judge, which later moved to Hess Village. }} * {{drink | name=The Coach and Lantern | url=http://www.coachandlantern.ca/ | email= | address=384 Wilson St E, Ancaster | lat=43.227948 | long=-79.975353 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Dating from 1823, the former "Union Hotel" has survived various incarnations and even a 1878 fire in its stables. During the War of 1812, it was purportedly the site of the Bloody Assize, and the spot where four traitors were condemned to hang outside Dundurn Castle. It's rumoured to be haunted, and not just by the Ancaster set. Has a good selection of draft beers and single malt scotches, typical pub grub, and nightly entertainment of the karaoke/trivia/open mic sort. Atmosphere is as you'd expect: exposed stone walls, beams, dark, cluttered and windowless, but it has a cobbled courtyard the claustrophobic may enjoy in the summer. }} * {{drink | name=Collins Brewhouse | alt= | url=https://collinsbrewhouse.ca/ | email= | address=33 King St. West, Dundas | lat=43.266608 | long=-79.955101 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Serving locals since 1841, this "food and beverage warehouse" has 12 beers on draft, including its own Brewhouse Red and Lager. Specializes in Cajun fare. Unique decor includes plank flooring, galvanized steel, 6-seater booths, garage doors opening to a patio and a concrete bar top. Live bands, poker tournament and other shenanigans make this a popular spot for all ages. Attracts a younger crowd, particularly Mac students. This is the oldest tavern in Ontario. }} * {{drink | name=Phoenix Bar & Grill | url=https://www.phoenixmcmaster.com/ | email= | address=1280 Main St. W | lat=43.262912 | long=-79.921162 | directions=2nd floor of Wentworth House | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11:30AM - 2AM | price= | content=This is McMaster University's graduate student-run pub. It is an excellent place to meet local students and to enjoy microbrewed beers. They also have an excellent selection of pub food at reasonable prices. In the spring and summer their huge outdoor patio is very popular for students and faculty at lunch and the end of the day. }} * {{drink | name=Pheasant Plucker | url=http://www.pheasantplucker.ca/ | email= | address=20 Augusta St | lat=43.251849 | long=-79.870294 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Pub, also serving pub food - salads, sandwiches, chicken wings, hamburgers, fish and chips and the like. }} * {{drink | name=Casbah Lounge | url=http://www.casbahlounge.ca | email= | address=306 King St W | lat=43.259576 | long=-79.878378 | directions=at Queen St | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Best mid-sized live music venue in the city. A large selection of craft beers are available in both rooms. Friendly atmosphere everynight. }} ==Sleep== [[File:Landmark Place Hamilton.JPG|thumb|Main Street in the evening]] In addition to the ones below, [[Burlington (Ontario)|Burlington]] just north of Hamilton has some more places to sleep. ===Budget=== *{{sleep | name=Super 8 Motel | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/super-8/mount-hope-ontario/super8-mt-hope-hamilton-intl-arpt-on/overview?CID=LC:SE::GGL:RIO:National:08259&iata=00093796 | email= | address=2975 Homestead Drive, Mount Hope | lat=43.16173 | long=-79.91062 | directions=at corner of Upper James | phone=+1 905-679-3355 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Affordable rates ideal for overnight stays. This is the closest hotel to Hamilton Airport and right on the direct route into the city core. Also provides easy access to nearby Caledonia and the Region of Haldimand Norfolk. }} <!-- * {{sleep | name=Arrival Inn | alt= | url= | address=175 Main St W | lat=43.257040 | long=-79.877127 | directions=at the corner of Caroline St | phone=+1 905-528-0611 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-12-14 | content=A 1-star hotel that has seen [http://theinletonline.com/look-back-arrival-inn/ better days]. }} The hotel has received terrifying reviews on Yelp, Tripadvisor and Google. Plus some 5/5 reviews without any text - "interesting"! --> * {{sleep | name=Days Inn by Wyndham | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/en-ca/days-inn/hamilton-ontario/days-inn-hamilton-on/overview | email= | address=210 Main St E | lat=43.252965 | long=-79.861463 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Affordable rooms without much in the way of luxury. Good for overnight stays. Rates from $72 per night. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Hamilton Guesthouse at the Pring | alt= | url=http://hamiltonguesthouse.ca/ | email=info@hamiltonguesthouse.ca | address=158 Mary St |lat=43.25960 | long=-79.86193 | directions= | phone=+1 289-440-8035 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=dormitories from $28/person per night, rooms from $50/night | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-06-15 | content=Hostel accommodation with two four-bed dormitories, and three rooms. They have free Wi-Fi, kitchen for guest use, shared bathrooms and free lockers. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Sandman Hotel Hamilton | alt= | url=https://www.sandmanhotels.com/locations/ontario/hamilton/hotels/hamilton-ham | email=reservations@sandman.ca | address=560 Centennial Pkwy N | lat=43.24420 | long=-79.75529| directions= | phone=+1 289-389-7203 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=rates from $98 | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-06-15 | content=Free Wi-Fi and parking. Restaurant and fitness facilities. Rooms have TV, fridge, microwave and private bathrooms, some rooms have balconies. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Comfort Inn | alt= | url=http://www.hamiltoncomfortinn.com/ | email= | address=183 Centennial Pkwy N | lat=43.234981 | long=-79.762096 | directions=at Eastgate Ct | phone=+1 905-560-4500| tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Rooms from $100 per night. Good central location allowing easy access to most of Hamilton's attractions. }} * {{sleep | name=Staybridge Suites | alt= | url=https://www.ihg.com/staybridge/hotels/gb/en/hamilton/yhmha/hoteldetail | email= | address=20 Caroline St S | lat=43.258082 | long=-79.876412 | directions= | phone=+1 905-527-1001 | tollfree=+1-877-660-8550 | fax=+1 905-527-3001 | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=$150-170 | content=129 suites including kitchen facilities and spacious room. Fairly new, and the facility is clean and friendly. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Four Points by Sheraton Hamilton - Stoney Creek | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/yhmfp-four-points-hamilton-stoney-creek/ | email= | address=49 Goderich Rd | lat=43.24432 | long=-79.75930 | directions= | phone=+1 905-578-1212 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=rates from $129 | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-06-15 | content=138 "mid-range"-equipped rooms. Restaurant, fitness centre, indoor pool, two meeting rooms. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Visitors Inn | alt= | url=http://www.visitorsinn.com/ | email=reservations@visitorsinn.com | address=649 Main St W | lat=43.2600 | long=-79.8966 | directions= | phone=+1 905-529-6979 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=rates from $149 | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-06-15 | content=Rooms with mid-range amenities. Free parking. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Best Western Premier C Hotel by Carmens| alt= | url=https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotels-in-hamilton/best-western-premier-c-hotel-by-carmen-s/propertyCode.66107.html| email= | address=1530 Stone Church Rd E | lat=43.19392 | long=-79.82308 | directions= | phone=+1 905-381-9898 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=rates from $146 | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-06-15 | content=Rooms with mid-range amenities. The hotel also has a restaurant, cocktail bar and a gym. }} ===Splurge=== *{{sleep | name=Crowne Plaza Hamilton | alt= | url=http://www.cphamilton.com | email= | address=150 King Street East | lat=43.25497 | long=-79.86498 | directions= | phone=+1 905-528-3451 | tollfree=+1-888-528-3451 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=214 guestrooms including 9 luxury suites and {{ft2|30,000}} of convention space, 2 magnificent ballrooms, 370-seat theatre. }} * {{sleep | name=Sheraton Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.sheratonhamilton.com/ | email= | address=116 King Street West | lat=43.25792 | long=-79.87209 | directions= | phone=+1 905-529-5515 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$150 | priceextra=weekend double occupancy | content=A relatively fancy hotel with nice rooms and great service. No free parking. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Courtyard by Marriott Hamilton | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/yhmcy-courtyard-hamilton | email= | address=1224 Upper James St, Hamilton | lat=43.2156 | long=-79.8889 | directions= | phone=+1 905-383-7772 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=standard rates from $146 | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-06-15 | content=136 rooms. Free Wi-Fi. The hotel has a restaurant, a fitness centre and a swimming pool. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Homewood Suites by Hilton Hamilton | alt= | url=https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/yhmhwhw-homewood-suites-hamilton-ontario-canada/ | email= | address=40 Bay St S | lat=43.25710 | long=-79.87466 | directions= | phone=+1 905-667-1200 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=rates from $139-212 | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-06-15 | content=Big rooms, generally with space for 4-6 guests, fully equipped kitchens and otherwise are something between hotel rooms and apartments. Rates include breakfast. Free Wi-Fi. The hotel has a fitness centre and a pool. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=The Barracks Inn | alt= | url=http://www.thebarracksinn.com/ | email=reservations@thebarracksinn.com | address=425 Wilson St E |lat=43.22963 | long=-79.97524 | directions=Ancaster, a few km west of Downtown | phone=+1 289-445-1234 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=rates from $200 | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-06-15 | content=A "luxury boutique hotel" in a historical building with the rooms looking a bit more expensive than at average hotels. Breakfast included in the rates. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Serenity Ranch Bed & Breakfast | alt= | url=https://serenity-ranch-bed-breakfast.business.site/ | email= | address=2171 Wilson St W | lat=43.1888 | long=-80.0642 | directions=Jerseyville | phone=+1 905-920-2447 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$225 | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-06-15 | content=Luxurious bed and breakfast with five rooms, a bit outside Hamilton. }} ==Stay safe== Hamilton resides on a highly polluted area of Lake Ontario. High levels of E. Coli bacteria usually prevent the beach from being open for swimming season. In addition, the city suffers from high [https://weather.gc.ca/airquality/pages/onaq-009_e.html air pollution] including fine particulate matter, consistent with most of Southern Ontario from Windsor through Oshawa. Like most cities, there are unsafe areas which should be avoided. Some of the areas that may be problematic after dark due to black market activities (i.e. sex trade and illegal narcotics) are Barton Street from around Lottridge to James Street and Cannon and Wilson Streets between Wentworth and Victoria, along with the general downtown area including Gore Park and Jackson Square, but again, only at night. Additionally, Ferguson Avenue between Cannon and Barton is home to a large transient population, as is the rest of the Beasley neighbourhood. Hess Village can and does experience the usual amount of drunken bar fights (typically outside of the bars), but this is no different from any other large city. Several uniformed police officers typically patrol the small area on busier nights. [[Stay safe|Use common sense]] and avoid walking around alone at night. Police presence is usually infrequent in less-busy neighbouroods, so it can be best to avoid them unless you have business. The rate of violent crime is moderate compared to other similarly-sized Canadian cities. The beautiful trails along the Niagara Escarpment can sometimes run quite close to unfenced, unmarked cliff edges. Stay on the trail and use caution and you'll be fine. ===Emergency services=== *'''Police, fire, ambulance''': 911 ===Hamilton Police=== *'''[https://hamiltonpolice.on.ca/ Hamilton Police Services]''', {{phone|+1 905-546-4935}} (Non-emergency switchboard). ==Connect== All branches of the [http://www.hpl.ca/ Hamilton Public Library] offer free internet and free wi-fi. The [http://www.hpl.ca/branches/central-library Central Library] at 55 York Blvd also has an accessible computer with a screen reader. ==Go next== *[[Burlington (Ontario)|Burlington]] - the vast '''Royal Botanical Gardens''' await you just over the city line *[[Kitchener]]/[[Waterloo (Ontario)|Waterloo]] - About an hour's drive north-west. This is an old German community with a ton of nice old buildings. A variety of unique shopping and dining experiences make this a promising day-trip out of Hamilton. Nearby [[Cambridge (Ontario)|Cambridge]] is home to the '''African Lion Safari''': guard your cars well against roving bands of outlaw baboons in this family-friendly, drive-through safari park. *[[Niagara Falls (Ontario)|Niagara Falls]] - for the Falls, of course *[[Niagara-on-the-Lake]] - quaint, historic town with great little shops, restaurants, and (in the summer) the Shaw Festival *[[Toronto]] - all the big-city thrills you could want in Canada's largest metropolis {{routebox | image1=Ontario QEW.svg | imagesize1=20 | directionl1=NE | majorl1=[[Toronto]] | minorl1=[[Burlington (Ontario)|Burlington]] | directionr1=SE | majorr1=[[Niagara Falls (Ontario)|Niagara Falls]] | minorr1=[[Grimsby (Ontario)|Grimsby]] | image2=Ontario 403.svg | imagesize2=20 | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[London (Ontario)|London]] | minorl2=[[Brantford]] | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[Brampton]] | minorr2=[[Burlington (Ontario)|Burlington]] | image3=Ontario 6.svg | imagesize3=20 | directionl3=N | majorl3=[[Owen Sound]] | minorl3='''[[Guelph]]''' | directionr3=S | majorr3=END | minorr3='''[[Port Dover]]''' | image4=Hamilton Ontario Road 8 Shield.svg | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=W | majorl4=[[Kitchener]] | minorl4=[[Cambridge (Ontario)|Cambridge]] ← becomes [[File:Ontario 8.svg|16px]] | directionr4=E | majorr4=[[Niagara-on-the-Lake]] | minorr4=becomes [[File:Niagara Regional Road 81.svg|18px]] → [[Grimsby (Ontario)|Grimsby]] | image5=GO Transit Lakeshore West icon.png | imagesize5=100 | directionl5=N | majorl5=[[Toronto/Entertainment and Financial Districts|Toronto]] | minorl5=[[Burlington (Ontario)|Burlington]] | directionr5=S | majorr5=[[Niagara Falls (Ontario)|Niagara Falls]] | minorr5=[[St. Catharines]] }} {{isPartOf|Niagara Peninsula}} {{geo|43.260990|-79.888455}} {{guidecity}} a3m071vxh9r7b6z3t5oev1nndq0yteq 0 14044 5087066 5071011 2025-07-03T10:11:02Z Pantegral 943432 5087066 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Hanoi Banner.jpg|dotm=yes|unesco=yes}} '''Hanoi''' ([[Vietnamese phrasebook|Vietnamese]]: ''Hà Nội''), the capital of [[Vietnam]] and its second-largest city, is a fascinating blend of East and West, with Chinese influence from centuries of dominance, and French ''je ne sais quoi'' from its colonial past. It was largely unspoiled by the modern architecture of the 1970s and 80s, and is now undergoing a rapid transformation that makes it a rising star in [[Southeast Asia]]. ==Understand== [[Image: Hanoi Opera House, 24 December 2016.jpg|thumb|300px|Hanoi Opera House]][[Image: Hanoi Temple of Literature.jpg|thumb|300px|Hanoi's Temple of Literature]] Invading forces from every direction agree: Hanoi makes a fine capital. It has held that title for more than a thousand years, through several invasions, occupations, restorations, and name changes. The Chinese conquered the imperial city of Đại La in 1408 and renamed it Tống Bình. Le Loi repelled the invaders in 1428 and applied the name of Lê Thái Tổ (黎太祖). For his efforts, he received the crown and a slew of legends about his heroic exploits, many centred around '''Hoan Kiem Lake'''. The Nguyen Dynasty gave the city its modern name of Ha Noi in 1831, but they had transferred power to [[Hue]] by then. Hue remained the capital until 1887, when the French made Hanoi the capital of all Indochina. It changed hands again in 1954, when it was ceded to Ho Chi Minh and the Viet Minh after almost a decade of fighting, and it became the capital of North Vietnam. Upon reunification in 1975, it assumed that title for the entire country. (''See also: [[Indochina Wars]]''). Hanoi retains much of its older colonial charm, despite the battles that have raged over it. Conflict had the effect of making it largely oblivious to modern architecture, and as a result, few buildings in the city center are higher than five stories. The '''Old Quarter''', the area around and north of Hoan Kiem Lake, is second only to [[Hoi An]] for uninterrupted stretches of colonial and pre-colonial architecture, well-preserved on dense warrens of narrow, wonderfully atmospheric streets. The first Western-style universities in Vietnam were founded in Hanoi, and today, it is the leading centre of scientific study and research in the country. It trades the commercial boom and sprawl of [[Ho Chi Minh City]] in the south for a more understated charm, worth enjoying for an extra day or two; and with countless transport options and travel agents, it makes a perfect base for exploration of the North. As you walk along the street, you may find that people start talking to you. It is a cultural norm there to make conversation with strangers. They might ask you where you are from and other general questions. But if you are a man, be cautious if a comely young lady approaches you and initiates a conversation - she is likely after something. It may take a while to get used to such overt friendliness, but it is worth enjoying it for the cultural experience that travel permits. * {{listing | name=Tourist Information Centre | alt = | url = | email = | address=Đinh Tiên Hoàng St. | lat = | long = | directions=just north of Hoan Kiem Lake | phone=+84 24 3926-3366 | tollfree = | hours = | price = | wikipedia = | wikidata = | lastedit=2025-03-05 | content=Can provide a fairly useful map (bewilderingly, the blow-up of the old town is missing) and other English-language advice, as well as limited free Internet. }} There are self-help information booths around the Old Quarter, but their purpose mostly is give the impression that Vietnam "has arrived" technologically. ===Climate=== {{Climate| units = Metric | janhigh = 19.8 | febhigh = 20.6 | marhigh = 23.2 | aprhigh = 27.7 | mayhigh = 31.9 | junhigh = 33.4 | julhigh = 33.4 | aughigh = 32.6 | sephigh = 31.5 | octhigh = 29.2 | novhigh = 25.7 | dechigh = 22.0 | janlow = 14.5 | feblow = 15.8 | marlow = 18.4 | aprlow = 21.9 | maylow = 24.8 | junlow = 26.4 | jullow = 26.5 | auglow = 26.1 | seplow = 25.2 | octlow = 22.8 | novlow = 19.3 | declow = 15.8 | janprecip = 22.5 | febprecip = 24.6 | marprecip = 47.0 | aprprecip = 91.8 | mayprecip = 185.4 | junprecip = 253.3 | julprecip = 280.2 | augprecip = 309.4 | sepprecip = 228.3 | octprecip = 140.7 | novprecip = 66.7 | decprecip = 20.2 | jansun = 2.2 | febsun = 1.6 | marsun = 1.4 | aprsun = 2.7 | maysun = 5.3 | junsun = 5.2 | julsun = 5.9 | augsun = 5.3 | sepsun = 5.4 | octsun = 5.3 | novsun = 4.2 | decsun = 3.5 | description=Sources: [http://worldweather.wmo.int/en/city.html?cityId=308 WMO]. See weather forecast at [https://nchmf.gov.vn/KttvsiteE/en-US/2/index.html National Hydro-meteorological Service of Vietnam]}} The Tết holiday (Lunar New Year) is in the spring. Flowers are most beautiful during this time of the year. The weather warms up, with occasional light rain during the week. Locals believe that these light rains bring prosperity and luck in the new year. Summer, on the other hand, borders on intolerable. The heat alone would be alright, but it's coupled with oppressive humidity and frequent rainstorms. At this time, visitors should be wary of mosquitoes as they abound. Hanoi has a perfect climate for the proliferation of insects. There is something unique about Hanoi’s autumn. The weather is perfect, with less humidity in the air. The temperature drops, allowing people a chance to flaunt their sweaters and jackets. Milkwood trees (''"cây hoa sữa"''), which only flowers in autumn, commonly lines many streets. The flower has a very distinct scent; if you visit Hanoi during the fall, ask locals about this tree and where you might sniff its distinct aroma. Winter can be uncomfortable because it's not only cold, but also humid. Winter in Hanoi feels even colder than it is because Vietnamese houses lack central heating; many houses have no heating at all. However, the winter months of December and January are also the driest months of the year with comparatively less rainfall, with the rains gradually picking up from the middle of February onwards. Pollution is unfortunately worst in winter, thanks to rampant waste burning, seasonal lack of rainfall, and the surrounding mountains trapping dirty air in the low-lying capital - Hanoi has frequently ranked among the top 5 most-polluted cities in the world in the past few years. ==Get in== ===By plane=== [[File:InsideSecurityHanoi.jpg|thumb|A list of some of the airlines that have a counter inside security at the Noi Bai International Airport]] * {{go | name=Nội Bài International Airport | alt={{IATA|HAN}} | url=https://noibaiairport.vn/en | email= | address= | lat=21.22111 | long=105.80722 | directions=35 km north of the city center | phone=+84 1900 636535 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-03-06 | image=NoiBaioutside.jpg |wikipedia=Noi Bai International Airport| wikidata=Q844098 | content=You can transfer through Nội Bài to other international destinations without a visa as long as you do not leave the terminal. International flights use Terminal 2, opened in 2015 and modern and spacious. There is a shuttle bus between the domestic and international terminals, or it can be walked in about 15-20 minutes. As of March 2025, Terminal 2 is undergoing large-scale expansion works; construction is planned to be finished by December 2025. }} There are direct international flights from all major South East Asian capitals, most major Chinese, Taiwanese and Japanese cities, and also from [[Bali]], [[Sydney]], [[Melbourne]], [[Delhi]], [[Mumbai]], [[Dubai]], [[Abu Dhabi]], [[Doha]], [[Istanbul]], [[Munich]], [[Frankfurt]], [[Paris]], and [[London]]. Direct flights from [[Milan]] will commence on 1 July 2025. No direct flights from North America for now – [[Ho Chi Minh City]], [[Taipei]], [[Seoul]] or [[Tokyo]] will usually be the most convenient interchange. Domestic flights, by [http://vietnamairlines.com/ Vietnam Airlines], [https://www.bambooairways.com/ Bamboo Airways] and [https://www.vietjetair.com/ Vietjet Air], serve Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hue, Nha Trang, Da Lat, Can Tho, Vinh, Dien Bien Phu, and Phu Quoc island. '''Getting there and away''': Public and express buses depart from the arrivals level at the International Terminal, second road, at pillar 2 (turn left after exiting the terminal). From the Domestic Terminal they leave from between the Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air terminals. * '''By public bus''' – Bus 07 (8,000 dong) runs 05:00–22:00 every 15 min and takes 60-90 min. It crosses the Thang Long Bridge and goes to the Daewoo Hotel in the west of Hanoi, from where it is 1 hr on foot to the Old Quarter of Hanoi. You might have to walk about 1 km west of the airport to catch bus 07 if it does not leave in front of the terminal. * '''By express bus''' — [https://www.facebook.com/BusExpress86/ Bus 86] (45,000 dong) runs 06:20–22:00 every 25 min and takes 45 min. It takes the expressway non-stop to the Tay Ho area, continuing limited stop to the Long Bien bus station, near the Old Quarter, the Opera House, Melía Hotel and the railway station. Towards the airport, buses run 05:05-21:40 from a booth at the south end of the main railway station. * '''By shuttle bus''' – (It is not clear if these are still running as of June 2022.) Hourly between the airport and the {{go | name=Vietnam Airlines Downtown Office | url=https://vietnamairlines.com | address=25 Tràng Thi / 1 Quang Trung | lat= | long= | directions=a bit south of the old quarter but conveniently stocked with taxis and motorbike drivers | phone=+84 24 3934-9660 }} Tickets at the airport are sold in the building in front of which the minibuses park, or you can give the fare directly to the driver. The cost is more for foreigners than for Vietnamese (which includes ethnic Vietnamese from overseas) for insurance reasons. The prices are indicated on the sticker fixed to the bus's body. The driver may give you trouble if you have additional bags, but if you push, you will get the same rate. * '''By taxi''' – There are taxi stands just outside arrivals; turn right from the Domestic Terminal (T1), or left from International (T2). Avoid the touts in the arrival and just head straight for the taxi stand; the taxis they will try to get you in are most likely illegal, and you are likely to get ripped off. Official taxis are provided by various taxi companies, and all should run on the meter; '''Mai Linh''' and '''Taxi Group''' are generally the safest taxi companies to use. Have the address you want to go to ready and written down in Vietnamese — the chances of you speaking it in a way the driver will understand are slim. Maybe print out a map beforehand, since every street in Hanoi has clearly visible street signs at both ends, you should be able to discern which street you are in. :A ride into the Old Quarter should cost 300,000—350,000 dong (Mai Linh taxi, July 2015) and come up somewhere around 27-28 km in distance on the meter. The French Quarter or south side of Hoan Kiem lake might be a little more, but still under 400,000 dong. Many taxis, including [https://taxigroup.com.vn/ Taxi Group] and ABC, accept credit cards — ask first and show them the credit card. You might also get offered a fixed price of US$20 by the driver, which works out as about a 25% premium. :Some drivers will ask something like 800,000 dong, especially if they see 3-4 foreigners — just ignore them. Make sure that the meter starts shortly after the taxi moves off, and if you want to be sure the meter's not running fast, then from the International Terminal it should have reached about 0.7 km by the time you reach the airport toll booths (taxis don't pay the toll), and around 2 km by the time you pass the Domestic Terminal (the distance will be displayed in km, often along with the speed). A ride into the city should take about 30-40 minutes on the new highway depending on traffic. :Downloading Grab app (local Uber) helps a lot. Fares around 300,000 dong to the city center, depending on demand, or about half of that by motorcycle, if you feel adventurous and only have a backpack. * '''By pre-arranged transfer''' – If you already have a hotel booked, you might ask the hotel to dispatch a driver. The nicer hotels will do this and put the steep fare on your room bill. '''Stay safe''': Taxi or shuttle bus drivers might try the 'typhoon in Ha Long Bay' scam whereby they take you to a street where you cannot see the hotel name and tell you that the Ha Long Bay guests are still in the hotel and they will take you to their other hotel for the same price. This place is a complete dive facing the highway. You should also beware taxi drivers trying to offer you a ride to your hotel for an inflated price, claiming the Old Quarter is 5&nbsp;km from the office — it is much cheaper to go to the Vietnam Airlines office and switch to a taxi (or walk, it's a maximum of 2&nbsp;km to anywhere in the Old Quarter). The taxi will not cost more than the price difference and if it does, you should refuse to pay as the driver has somehow cheated you. ===By train=== ==== Domestic trains ==== The '''Reunification Express''' goes all the way to [[Ho Chi Minh City]] ("Saigon"), although there is very little 'express' about it. There are ten trains a day to HCMC taking 31-38 hours, but five of them are slow and are overtaken by faster trains — only use them for destinations north of Da Nang. There are also train services to the northwest (including [[Lao Cai]], from which you reach [[Sapa]]). To board trains bound for these destinations, you have to enter the railway station compound through the "backdoor" at '''Tran Quy Cap station'''. In high season, buy your tickets as early as possible, especially since sleeper tickets can be sold out several days in advance. If you can't get a ticket anymore, try a travel agent who still might have stock. You may also try your luck in the station just before boarding time — agents still holding tickets will be eager to sell as the departure draws near. Nevertheless, travel agencies in Hanoi are known for their bad business practices. Some of them will try to overcharge you up to 300%, so it is better go to the train station by yourself and find out about the prices before you agree on any deal. Tickets for all destinations are sold online at '''[https://dsvn.vn/#/timve Vietnam Railways],''' or at main stations. There have been reports of scams against tourists within and around the train station, so be wary of people trying to help you book. It's often better to buy tickets online or directly at the ticket counter. ==== From China ==== There is an overnight service from [[Nanning]] at 18:05 Chinese time via [[Pingxiang (Guangxi)|Pingxiang]] and [[Dong Dang|Đồng Đăng]]. Tickets are sold at Nanning station, [[Guilin]] North station, [[Chongzuo]] station and [[Pingxiang_(Guangxi)|Pingxiang]] station. ==== Railway stations ==== Most trains use the main Hanoi train station for daily services from cities in the south including [[Hue]] and [[Nha Trang]], while a few trains from northern cities as well as the international train from China terminates at Gia Lâm railway station. * {{go | name=Hanoi railway station | alt=Ga Hà Nội | url= | email= | address=Ga Hàng Cỏ, 120 Lê Duẩn St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+84 24 3825-3949 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1207323 | lastedit=2025-05-24 | content= }} * {{go | name=Gia Lâm railway station | alt=Ga Gia Lâm | url= | email= | address=Phường Gia Thụy | lat= | long= | directions=5 km northeast of Hanoi downtown | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5557794 | lastedit=2025-05-24 | content= }} ===By bus=== For buses within Hanoi there is '''[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.t7.busmap BusMap]''' and '''[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.t7.busmaphn BusMap Ha Noi]'''; long distance buses there is '''[https://vexere.com/en-US VeXeRe.com]''' and its [https://play.google.com/store/search?q=vexere+app&c=apps '''app version''']. Long distance buses arrive at My Dinh bus station (Bến Xe Mỹ Đình) and many other places depending on the bus company. Public buses from southern destinations (e.g., [[Ninh Binh]], 2 hr, 70,000 dong) arrive at Giap Bat bus station. To get from the Giap Bat bus station to the old quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake, leave aside all the hassle of taxi and motorbike drivers and take public Bus 8 towards Đông Mỹ (7,000 dong, pay on the bus). To find it head towards the main road inside Giap Bat station, you will see signs with numbers indicating the stops of different bus lines. Most of the "open-tour" bus itineraries either begin or end in Hanoi, with [[Hue]] the next (or previous) stop (12-14 hr), and from there to [[Hoi An]], [[Nha Trang]], [[Dalat]], [[Mui Ne]], [[Ho Chi Minh City]], and other cities in [[Vietnam]], depending on the bus company. Most seem to stop at their office which could be right next to the old district and most backpacker hotels. Check when booking ticket. Many of the same companies also sell tickets to [[Vientiane]] and [[Savannakhet]] in [[Laos]]. Do some research before you buy a ticket, as rattle-trap scam buses abound on this route. See [[Ho Chi Minh City to Shanghai overland]] if you're interested in crossing over to [[China]] by bus or train. ===== From China ===== Apec Travel runs several daily buses from Nanning in China to its office at 55 Trần Khát Chân St., on the south side of Hanoi's city center. Journey time is around 8 hours, including a change of bus and the usual formalities at the border. ==Get around== ===By metro=== [[File:Line 2A Hanoi Metro - 2.jpg|thumb|Hanoi Metro Line 2A ]]Line 2A connects Cát Linh (west of the Old Quarter) to Yên Nghĩa in the southwestern suburbs. Line 3 connects Cầu Giấy to Nhổn in the northwestern suburbs. The lines are not connected but this will change when the underground stretch between Cầu Giấy and Hanoi Station opens around 2027. Line 2A is useful for getting to Vincom Mega Mall Royal City, one of Hanoi's largest shopping malls, which is within walking distance of Thượng Đình station. ===By bus=== Scam-free, cheap but a bit difficult to comprehend at first, the '''buses''' in Hanoi are relatively fast, air-conditioned and surprisingly comfortable. Find you way: * Download the '''BusMap Hà Nội''' mobile app ([https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.t7.busmaphn Google Play], [https://apps.apple.com/us/app/busmap-h%C3%A0-n%E1%BB%99i/id6447824891https://apps.apple.com/us/app/busmap-h%C3%A0-n%E1%BB%99i/id6447824891 Apple Store]) for directions and live time estimates (not very accurate). * Pick up a '''physical map''' with printed bus lines at the Trang Tien street (the book street by the Opera house). Find your bus stop (there are usually blue signs) and wait for the bus to arrive. Go and sit in the bus, the bus assistant will come to you. The fare varies between 7,000 dong and 9,000 dong (price is fixed and depends on the line) (as of June 2024). If necessary, they should have enough cash for change (but it might be better to avoid paying with larger bills). Locals with Vietnamese banks can also pay with their phones. If you are unfamiliar with the city, make sure to inform the mostly helpful conductor where you want to get off. Or, use your phone's GPS and Google Maps - it works well with most bus lines, just keep in mind that traffic jams make schedules unreliable. Here is also some information about '''[https://xe-buyt.com/ga-ha-noi-bo-ho-san-bay-noi-bai.html airport bus route 86]'''; in Old Quarter, the bus stops at other stops along the route in addition to those marked. Find a bus stop on Hàng Tre, Hàng Vôi, or Đinh Tiên Hoàng (marked with standard bus signs), wait for a 86 bus, and flag it down to board. ===By taxi=== The easiest way to get around is by using '''Grab''' (Android, iOS). The English user interface makes navigation a cinch, fares are fixed and typically cheaper, and you can pay by cash or credit card. ==== By metered taxi ==== Taxis proper are small cars seating 4 or larger cars seating 7. Within the city, three companies are generally reliable: ''CP Taxi'' and ''Hanoi Taxi'' are two brands of ''Taxi Group'', in white cars, and ''Mai Linh'' are in green cars. ''Taxi Nội Bài'' specialise in airport transfers. Your hotel will call a reliable firm, and leave them in no doubt where they are supposed to be taking you. Unless you ordered by app, use the meter, flag-fall will be 20,000 dong for the first 2 km. Tips are not expected, but they are appreciated. Good-spirited haggling, and a bit of language confusion, are part of the experience. Scams are more serious: these include crooked meters, roundabout routes, stealing part of your luggage and outright robbery. And even the nicest driver somehow never has change for your big bill: always hoard small bills. ====By motorbike taxi==== Motorbike taxis can be found on virtually every corner, especially in the Old Quarter: don't look for them, they'll accost you, so show only faint interest at first. You ''must'' haggle and firmly fix a fare in advance. Always write down the fare (with all the zeroes) and get an unequivocal "okay" from the driver. A 10-min ride (say from Hoan Kiem lake to Ho Chi Minh's tomb) should not exceed 20,000 dong; US dollars are often accepted. The driver has a second helmet for you. [[Common scams]] here include (when you re-emerge from the tomb in reverent thought) claiming that you'd asked him to wait, that'll be two million dong please. ====By cyclo taxi==== Negotiate first or avoid using the cyclo services. At the end of the journey, a few men will come over to translate, and they will pretend to help and later insist that you pay the demanded amount. ===By car=== Hanoi's traffic is extremely chaotic, with seemingly perpetual traffic jams, and a large number of almost suicidal motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians. Vietnamese drivers are among the most aggressive in the world, and lanes are effectively non-existent. As such, driving yourself around is not recommended, and you should leave your transportation needs in the hands of professionals. ===By motorbike=== {{Seealso|Vietnam by motorcycle}} Motorcycles can be rented for around US$6–7 a day, and can be arranged by most hotels. This is good for making lots of trips around the city for individuals or duos, but be careful: Hanoi traffic is very difficult place to sharpen motorbike skills. Park on the pavement with other bikes, and be sure to lock the front wheel. Locals will help arrange the bikes near their stores. Many shops that have bike attendants will give you a ticket in exchange for parking your bike. This may or may not come with a fee. The ticket will either have your license plate number written on it, or the ticket itself will be numbered, with that number subsequently chalked somewhere on your bike. In such cases, where you've been given a ticket, the attendants may ask that you not lock the steering column or front wheel of your bike so that they can rearrange the bikes as customers come and go. Keep your ticket&mdash;it is not heard of that people try to charge tourists twice. If you intend to go further out of the city, you may want to conceal this fact when renting the motorbike. Out-of-city rentals can be up to twice as expensive as the in-city charge, even if you rent longer since it takes you longer. === By foot === This is the best way to traverse the maze of little streets in the old quarter and Hoan Kiem lakeside (which is traffic-free at weekends). From there it's a 1.5-km stroll to the Ho Chi Minh complex, 2 km to West Lake; follow usual local rules on traffic safety. Of the two bridges across the Red River, the southern (Chương Dương) is for vehicles only and has no sidewalk. The northern (Long Biên) is for trains, bikes, motorbikes and pedestrians. This impressive century-old structure is almost 2 km long, and also serves a river islet of small plantations. It was a frequent target of bombing runs during the America-Vietnam War, but was rapidly repaired each time, becoming a national symbol of resilience. It is now a rusting hulk that would have been replaced long ago if not for its historical significance; the sidewalks are composed of thin concrete plates with slits that one can see the river below through. Walking across is not for the faint of heart. ==See== {{Mapframe|21.04|105.83|zoom=12}} {{mapshapes|Q1934701}} ===Museums=== [[File: Presidential Palace of Vietnam.jpg|thumb|The Presidential Palace, formerly home to the Governors-General of French Indochina]] ====Near the city center==== *{{see | name=Fine Arts Museum | alt=Bảo Tàng Mỹ Thuật | url=http://www.vnfam.vn/ | email= | address=66 Nguyen Thai Hoc St | lat=21.0306 | long=105.837 | directions=opposite Temple of Literature | phone=+84 24 3733-2131 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 08:30-17:00 | price=Adult 40,000 dong | wikipedia=Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts | image=Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts, Hanoi, Vietnam - 20131030-03.JPG | wikidata=Q3654706 | lastedit=2018-12-06 | content=Only party-approved art is shown here with information in English and Vietnamese. On three floors of a colonial building, with another three galleries in the west wing. Pieces include soldiers on boats depicted on prehistoric bronze drums, Buddhist art, and revolutionary art of the 20th century wars. Also some interesting lacquer and silk paintings. }} *{{see | name=Hồ Chí Minh Mausoleum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=21.036667 | long=105.834722 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-Th Sa Su 08:00-11:30 | price=Free | wikipedia=Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum | image=Ho chi minh mausoleum.jpg | wikidata=Q874234 | lastedit=2018-08-31 | content=The city down south may have his name, but only Hanoi has the man himself, entombed in distinctly [[Moscow#Main sites|Lenin-esque]] fashion. Against his wishes, but that's how it goes. No talking, revealing clothing (shorts should be knee length and no exposed shoulders), or other signs of disrespect allowed while viewing; photos are allowed only from outside, in the grand Ba Dinh Square. Purses are allowed into the tomb, but expect them to be searched by several bored soldiers along the way. Left luggage is handled in a complicated scheme: there is an office near the street for large bags, with separate windows for Vietnamese and foreigners, and a further office for cameras, which will be transported to a ''third'' office right outside the exit of the mausoleum. Items checked in at the first office, however, will stay there. The mausoleum is closed for a couple months around the end of the year, when the body is taken abroad for maintenance. It is closed in the afternoons for maintenance. }} *{{see | name=Hồ Chí Minh Museum | alt= | url= | email=bthochiminh@hn.vnn.vn | address=19 Ngoc Ha St, Ba Dinh | lat=21.035693 | long=105.832624 | directions= | phone=+84 24 3846-3572 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 08:00-11:30, and Tu-Th Sa Su 14:00-16:00 | price=40,000 dong | wikipedia=Ho Chi Minh Museum | image=Ho Chi Minh museum, Hanoi 2.jpg | wikidata=Q1055897 | lastedit=2017-05-09 | content=This gleaming white museum and its gloriously ham-handed iconography is the perfect chaser to the solemnity of the mausoleum. The building, completed in 1990, is intended to evoke a white lotus. Some photos and old letters are on display on the second floor, but the main exhibition space is on the third floor. It includes cars crashing through walls to represent the chaos of post-war American capitalism, soldiers charging around with bombs that looked like electric plugs, a cave hideout re-imagined as the inside of Ho Chi Minh's brain, and several other postmodern confections integrated with the detailed main story of the man's life and his country's struggle. There are plenty of photographs, prison documents and newspaper cuttings tracing his life along the way. The tour ends with a burnt bridge signifying the separation of Vietnam, followed by a reconstructed bridge showing the unification of Vietnam after the war. One of the more informative museums in Vietnam. Free guides are available in English, French, Chinese and Russian. The displays are labelled in English and French. }} *{{see | name=Hồ Chí Minh's Vestige in the Presidential Palace Area | alt= | url= | email= | address=1 Bach Thao, Ba Dinh | lat=21.037901 | long=105.833547 | directions= | phone=+84 4 0804 4529 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Summer 07:30-11:00, 14:00-16:00; Winter 08:00-11:00, 13:30-16:00, closed M F afternoons | price=40,000 dong | wikipedia=Presidential Palace Historical Site | image=Ho Chi Minh House 1463237026 5317a7aaed.jpg | wikidata=Q5370392 | lastedit=2017-05-09 | content=The exit from the mausoleum takes you right into the grounds of the, uh, vestige, where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked from 1954 until his death in 1969. The nicely landscaped complex includes Ho Chi Minh's two homes (one a small one-story house, the other a traditional stilt house), kept shiny and "as he left them" by the authorities, as well as a garage with two of Ho's presidential cars and a carp-filled pond. You also get to see Ho Chi Minh's work room and Politburo meeting room. The Presidential Palace is nearby, but it's not open to visitors. Pamphlets are available in English, Chinese, French and Korean. Guided tours are usually available if you wait. }} [[File:Hanoi Flag Tower.jpg|thumb|The Flag Tower of Hanoi]] * {{see | name=National Museum of Vietnamese History | alt=Bảo tàng Cách mạng Việt Nam | url=http://www.baotanglichsu.vn/subportal/ | email= | address=No 1 Trang Tien Street and 216 Tran Quang Khai Street | lat=21.0253 | long=105.8589 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 08:00-12:00 and 13:30-17:00, except first Monday of month | price=40,000 dong for both | wikidata=Q5370414 | lastedit=2018-08-28 | content=Actually two museums: one covers Vietnam from prehistoric times to 1945 and the other covers 1945 to present. This museum gives a very informed and detailed account of the Vietnamese struggle against first the French (starting in 1858—on the first floor), then against the US, ending on 30 Apr 1975 (on the ground floor). It is housed in a colonial French building which was completed in 1932. The building, designed by the architect Ernest Hébrard is considered as a successful blend between the colonial French architecture and traditional Vietnamese architecture, called Indochina architecture. He created double-walls and balconies for a natural ventilation system and protection from sunshine. }} *{{see | name=Vietnamese Women's Museum | alt=Bảo Tàng Phụ nữ Việt Nam | url=http://www.baotangphunu.org.vn/ | email=info@baotangphunu.org.vn | address=36 Ly Thuong Kiet St, Hoan Kiem District | lat=21.023463 | long=105.851619 | directions=Central Hanoi, 1 km S of Hoan Kiem Lake | phone=+84 24 3825-9938 | tollfree= | fax=+84 24 3825-9129 | hours=Daily 08:00-17:00 | price=40,000 dong (80,000 dong with audioguide) | wikipedia=Vietnamese Women’s Museum | image=Vietnamese Women's Museum, Women's Fashion section.JPG | wikidata=Q10743287 | lastedit=2025-02-13 | content=This often overlooked museum has benefited from an extensive renovation of its permanent exhibitions. The modernised interior is well laid out with information in Vietnamese, English and French, and contains a huge amount of information on the fearsome female heroines of Vietnamese history. There are also exhibitions on the rituals and traditions surrounding women in family, as well as a beautifully presented collection of intricate hand-made ethnic costumes. A highlight is the regularly updated special exhibitions on a diverse range of subjects, from contemporary issues such as single mothers and street vendors to traditional medicine and Mother Goddess worship. English language tours are available on request. }} ====Further out==== [[File:Bảo tàng Lịch sử Quân sự Việt Nam, 12-01-2025.jpg|thumb|300x300px|The newly-relocated Military History Museum]] *{{see | name=Vietnam Military History Museum | alt=Bảo tàng Lịch sử Quân sự Việt Nam | url=https://baotanglichsuquansu.vn/en-gb/ | email= | address=Km6+500, CT03, Tây Mỗ Ward, Nam Từ Liêm Dist | lat=21.0100 | long=105.7541 | directions= | phone=+84 24 6253 1367 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Th Sa Su 08:00-11:30 & 13:00-16:30; closed M F | price=Entry fee 40,000 dong; free for under-16s, over-80s, soldiers, veterans, military academy cadets and contributors to the Revolution | wikipedia=Vietnam Military History Museum | wikidata=Q1048785 |lastedit=2025-05-04| content=Originally a modest museum located next to the Flag Tower, the Military History Museum and all its 150,000 artifacts has been relocated in 2024 to an enormous 39-hectare compound in the city's outskirts, 12 km from its original location. Now the largest and most modern museum in all of Vietnam, the imposing main building covers the country's military history extending back some two millennia. All museum exhibits and videos are captioned in Vietnamese and English. The vast courtyard houses dozens of military vehicles, aircraft and artillery; many of which are French, American and South Vietnamese assets captured in the Indochina wars. Extremely popular with locals, the museum is usually completely packed on weekends, with dozens of tour buses ferrying out-of-town visitors to the site. Peak queuing times can exceed an hour as a result, so try to visit early on a weekday if possible; give the museum a call beforehand to check how busy it is. }} *{{see | name=Museum of Ethnology | alt=Bảo tàng Dân tộc học Việt Nam | url=http://www.vme.org.vn/ | email= | address=Nguyen Van Huyen St, Cau Giay District | lat=21.0406 | long=105.799 | directions=Bus 14 from Hoan Kiem Lake - ask the conductor when to stop, and take a 500 m walk towards the museum (backtrack a little from the bus stop, and when you see a large street perpendicular to the street that you dropped off, take that street and walk down the street until you see the Museum of Ethnology to your left). Bus 38 goes from right outside the Temple of Literature to the street the museum is on | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-Su 08:30-17:30 | price=40,000 dong for foreigners, extra 50,000 dong for photography. | wikipedia=Vietnam Museum of Ethnology | image=Dan toc hoc 1.jpg | wikidata=Q1048345 | lastedit=2018-08-28 | content=Exhibitions cover mainly the culture and ritual practices of the various ethnic groups in the whole of Vietnam. One of the key attractions of the museum is the open-air exhibition, which has reconstructions of traditional houses from multiple ethnic groups, which even comes with inhabitants in costumes. The museum features actual explanations of the exhibits in Vietnamese, French and English. There is an excellent café on the premises. }} * {{see | name=Hanoi Museum | alt=Bảo tàng Hà Nội | url= | email= | address=Pham Hung St, Cau Giay District | lat=21.011 | long=105.786 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Su 08:00-11:30 & 13:30-17:00 | price=Free | wikidata=Q1835176 | lastedit=2019-01-03 | content=Local natural and human history down the ages. }} * {{see | name=Air Force Museum | alt=Bảo Tàng Không Quân | url= | email= | address=Truong Chinh St | lat=20.9998 | long=105.83 | directions=SW of city centre | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7928536 | content=There's a UH-1 helicopter, Soviet-built MiG fighters, a huge Mi-6 helicopter and other aircraft. Unfortunately they've been exposed to the elements for some time and local children climb over them. }} ===Parks=== *{{see | name=Hoàn Kiếm Lake | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=21.028889 | long=105.8525 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Park is free; 30,000 dong admission to the island temple (玉山祠). | wikipedia=Hoàn Kiếm Lake | image=Hoan Kiem.jpg | wikidata=Q1151254 |lastedit=2025-03-03| content=A pleasant park in the centre of town, an easy walk from anywhere in the Old Quarter. This is the locals' favorite leisure spot; especially during weekends, when the lakeside streets are closed to traffic and becomes a pedestrian-only area. A great place to watch people practising ''tai chi'' in the morning or to sit and read in the afternoon. At weekends the park becomes even more popular as the normally busy road around it is pedestrianised, and instead filled with children driving electric cars or riding hoverboards. ''Hoàn Kiếm'' means "returned sword", and the name comes from a legend in which King Lê Lợi was given a magical sword by the gods, which he used to drive out the invading Chinese. Later, while boating on the lake, he encountered a giant turtle, which grabbed the sword and carried it down to its depths, returning it to the gods from whom it had come. (You can see a version of the legend at the Water Puppet Theatre.) The giant soft-shell turtles, whom Vietnamese biologists assigned to a separate species, ''Rafetus leloii'', resided in the lake until the early 21st century. One of them, who died in 1968, has been preserved by the wonders of taxidermy, and can be viewed in a glass box (sarcophagus?) in a pavilion adjacent to Ngọc Sơn Temple on the island in the lake. }}[[Image: Thap Rua.jpg|thumb|300px|Hoan Kiem lake in the city center]] *{{see | name=Lý Thái Tổ Statue & Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=21.0257 | long=105.8531 | directions=SE corner of lake | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-05-09 | content=The park faces Hoàn Kiếm lake, with a beautiful view of the busy Hang Bai St. and the serenity of the willows on the bank of the lake. Many locals view this mini-park as their favourite place because it is a symbol of the integration of modernity and tradition. One might encounter a group of youths practising hip-hop, breakdancing, or playing foot-badminton, while at the same time seeing a three-generation family enjoying a walk in the park. }} *{{see | name=Hồ Tây | alt=West Lake | url= | email= | address= | lat=21.055 | long=105.82 | directions=NW of the city | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=West Lake (Hanoi) | image=West Lake (Hanoi).jpg | wikidata=Q1187394 | content=Mostly a residential hub of the well-to-do. The InterContinental West Lake, Sheraton Hanoi and Pan Pacific Hanoi are on this lake front. }} *{{see | name=Lenin Statue & Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=21.0317 | long=105.8394 | directions=Dien Bien Phu St, across from the Army Museum | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q10752053 | content=You can always feel the diversity and liveliness of Hanoi here. In the morning, there are low-energy aerobics class for elders and aerobics class for the young in the morning. During the day, one can enjoy the tranquility in the park since everybody is either at work or in school. In the afternoon, it becomes a playground for children, students, soccer teams, and badminton players. }} ===Temples=== [[File:Temple of Literature - main gate.jpg|thumb|Temple of Literature]] *{{see | name=One-Pillar Pagoda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=21.035745 | long=105.833428 | directions=tucked away between the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | wikipedia=One Pillar Pagoda | image=One Pillar Pagoda Hanoi Vietnam.jpg | wikidata=Q1186292 | lastedit=2017-05-09 | content=Visitors find this either charming and lovely or utterly pointless, depending on how many tour groups are crammed into the small grounds at the time of their visit. It has a long history attached to it. Regarded as one of Vietnam's iconic temples, it was built by Emperor Lý Thái Tông. The emperor was childless and dreamt that he met the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, who handed him a baby son while seated on a lotus flower. He then married a peasant girl that he had met and she bore him a son. The emperor constructed the temple in gratitude for this in 1049 having been told by a monk to build the temple, by erecting a pillar in the middle of a lotus pond, similar to the one he saw in the dream. Before the pagoda was opened, prayers were held for the longevity of the monarch. The temple is built of wood on a single stone pillar 1.25 m in diameter, and it is designed to resemble a lotus blossom, which is a Buddhist symbol of purity, since a lotus blossoms in a muddy pond. In 1954, the French Union forces destroyed the pagoda before withdrawing from Vietnam after the First Indochina War, it was rebuilt afterwards. }} * {{see | name=Ngọc Sơn Temple | alt=玉山寺 | url= | email= | address= | lat=21.0307 | long=105.852 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Temple of the Jade Mountain | image=Tháp Bút ở Hồ Gươm.jpg | wikidata=Q3517494 |lastedit=2025-01-05| content=Located on a small island in the Hoan Kiem Lake, connected with the mainland by a bridge. With small but attractive grounds, the temple displays on Vietnamese history and, more memorably, displays on the giant turtles, including a mummified specimen (who died in 1968). The two on-site gift shops vend a variety of souvenirs, many of them turtle-themed. Entry fee: 50.000 Dong }} * {{see | name=Temple of Literature | alt=Văn Miếu / 文庙 | url=http://vanmieu.gov.vn/vi/ | email= | address=Quốc Tử Giám St | lat=21.0291 | long=105.8361 | directions=a few blocks south of the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 08:00-18:00 | price=Adult 30,000 dong; student, senior or disabled person 15,000 dong; child under 15 free | Wikipedia= | wikidata=Q1202019 | lastedit=2020-04-07 | content=The Temple was founded in 1070 and became the country's first university six years later. The overall design is somewhat similar to the "original" Confucian Temple in [[Qufu]], with 5 courtyards. Most of the architecture is named with titles indicating reverence to literature and language. The showpiece of the complex is the third courtyard with eighty-odd stone tablets, each mounted on the back of a tortoise (known as ''bixi'' in Chinese), inscribed with the names of graduates. Another courtyard is full of gift shops, which also sell stamps, coins, and books. A reduced-size replica of the famous giant softshell turtle (the original being at the Ngoc Son Temple at the Lake of the Returned Sword) can be seen in one of the pavilions as well; it was made by Vietnamese artisans out of ceramic, and gold-plated. The fourth courtyard contains a temple and statues devoted to Confucius and his four disciples. The fifth and last courtyard, which was destroyed by the French in 1946 and rebuilt in 2000, contains a mini-museum showcasing information on Emperor Lý Thánh Tông and his successors who built and renovated the temple. You may find a Vietnamese band playing local instrumental music in front of this museum. There are explanatory wall-hangings in English and French all along the way, and you don't need a guide. }} * {{see | name=Quán Sứ Pagoda | alt=Chùa Quán Sứ | url=https://chuaquansu.org/ | email= | address=73 P. Quán Sứ | lat=21.02449 | long=105.845258 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Daily 07:30-11:30, 13:30-17:30 | price= | wikidata=Q7273080 | lastedit=2024-01-11 | content=The headquarters of Vietnamese Buddhism. }} * {{see | name=Trấn Quốc Pagoda | alt=Chùa Trấn Quốc | url= | email= | address=46 Đ. Thanh Niên, Trúc Bạch, Tây Hồ | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | Wikipedia= | wikidata=Q864770 | lastedit=2024-01-12 | content=The oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi, on an island near the southeastern shore of West Lake. }} ====Four Sacred Temples==== The Four Sacred Temples (Thăng Long Tứ Trấn) were built at the four cardinal points of the Imperial City of Thăng Long to guard it from evil spirits. Although most of the city wall is long gone, all four temples survive to this day. * {{see | name=Bạch Mã Temple | alt=Đền Bạch Mã | url= | email= | address=76 Hang Buom St, Hoan Kiem District | lat=21.035752 | long=105.851032 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q10841667 | content=The eastern temple, dedicated to Long Đỗ, the thành hoàng (city god) of Thăng Long (now Hà Nội), and represented in the temple as a white horse (Bạch Mã in Vietnamese, hence its name). }} * {{see | name=Quán Thánh Temple | alt=Đền Quán Thánh | url= | email= | address=Đ. Thanh Niên, Quán Thánh, Ba Đình | lat=21.043113 | long=105.836508 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5370148 | content=The northern temple, dedicated to the Taoist god Xuanwu, known in Vietnamese as Trấn Vũ, with a large bronze statue of him at the main altar. }} * {{see | name=Voi Phục Temple | alt=Đền Voi Phục | url= | email= | address=306B Kim Ma St, Ngoc Khanh Ward, Ba Dinh District | lat=21.030636 | long=105.804138 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q10841709 | content=The western temple, dedicated to Prince Linh Lang, a son of King Lý Thái Tông and his 9th concubine Dương Thị Quang, who was killed in action at the Battle of Như Nguyệt River in a war with China's Song Dynasty. The name Voi Phục means "kneeling elephant", and you can see two statues of elephants in a kneeling position at the front of the temple, hence its name. }} * {{see | name=Kim Liên Shrine | alt=Đền Kim Liên | url= | email= | address=148 P. Kim Hoa, Phương Liên, Đống Đa | lat=21.010765 | long=105.838271 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q10840590 | content=The southern temple, dedicated to Cao Sơn Đại Vương, a Vietnamese mountain god who is said to be a son of King Lạc Long Quân of the ancient Hồng Bàng dynasty and his wife, the immortal mountain snow goddess Âu Cơ. }} ====Chinese assembly halls==== While Hanoi no longer has a Chinatown today, as most of the ethnic Chinese community was expelled to China in the wake of the 1979 Sino-Vietnamese War, two Chinese assembly halls remain in the former Chinatown area as a reminder of that lost community. They had been converted into schools for local children and long been hidden behind unsightly walls and fences, but were painstaking restored to their former glory in the 2010s. * {{see | name=Fujian Assembly Hall | alt=Hội Quán Phúc Kiến / 福建會館 | url= | email= | address=40 P. Lãn Ông | lat=21.035419608397067 | long=105.84869089748511 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | image= | wikidata= | content=Former assembly hall of the Chinese from Fujian province. It was converted to a primary school after the 1979 Sino-Vietnamese War, but was restored to its former glory in 2015, and is today used for some public functions. }} * {{see | name=Canton Assembly Hall | alt=Hội Quán Quảng Đông / 粵東會館 | url= | email= | address=22 P. Hàng Buồm | lat=21.036125635464696 | long=105.85227548968119 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | image= | wikidata= | content=Former assembly hall of the Chinese from Guangdong province. It was converted to a kindergarten after the 1979 Sino-Vietnamese War, but was restored to its former glory in 2021, and is now an exhibition space open to the public. }} ===Miscellaneous=== * {{see | name=Hanoi Citadel | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=21.037407 | long=105.840428 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Hanoi Citadel | image=Dien_Kinh_Thien_001.jpg | wikidata=Q4568216 | content=Built as a residence for the Vietnamese king, the citadel was mostly destroyed by the French, used as a military headquarters during the Vietnam War. It is now a {{UNESCO}} as "Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long - Hanoi". }} * {{see | name=Hanoi Train Street | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Buildings press up nearly to the railroad ties of the railway through central Hanoi, creating a narrow corridor for trains to pass through. Two stretches of rail corridor, just to the north and the south of Hanoi Station, are lined by restaurants and cafes. Several times a day, trains quickly pass close to the cafe seating. You'll have to buy a coffee, juice or a beer, but prices are reasonable. Safety concerns prompt occasional closures. }} ** {{see | name=Hanoi Train Street (North) | alt= | url= | email= | address=5 Trần Phú, Hàng Bông, Hoàn Kiếm | lat=21.029478 | long=105.843149 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q85788921 | lastedit=2025-04-05 | content=Because of stupid tourists posing for selfies in front of oncoming trains, there are now police posted at the entrance to order people away. Cafe owners can bring you in through passageways nearby, however, so wander around to look for an invitation. Trains pass around 15:00 and 19:00 daily. }} ** {{see | name=Hanoi Train Street (South) | alt= | url= | email= | address=Ng. 222 Đ.Lê Duẩn, Khâm Thiên, Đống Đa | lat=21.01768 | long=105.84093 | directions=between Khâm Thiên and Ng. 222 Đ.Lê Duẩn | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-04-05 | content=Trains pass several times daily, typically around 10:30, 15:00, and 19:00. }} * {{see | name=St. Joseph's Cathedral | alt= | url=https://www.tonggiaophanhanoi.org/ | email= | address=Nha Tho, Hoàn Kiếm District | lat=21.0286 | long=105.849 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 08:00-11:00, 14:00-17:00; Su 07:00-10:30, 15:00-21:00| price= | wikipedia=St. Joseph's Cathedral, Hanoi | image=Statue of our Lady, St. Joseph's Cathedral, Hanoi.jpg | wikidata=Q1923783 | lastedit=2025-03-03 | content=A late 19th-century Gothic Revival church that serves as the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Hanoi. Built by the French in 1886, the exterior is gaunt and grey, but the interior is light and peaceful. Mass is held several times a day, and for Sunday evening mass at 18:00 the crowds are huge: the service is broadcast to those outside who can't get in. Major renovation works to maintain the cathedral's structural integrity and restore its exterior paintwork were completed in 2022. }} * {{see | name=Presidential Palace | alt= | url= | email= | address=2 Hùng Vương, Ngọc Hồ, Ba Đình | lat=21.039286 | long=105.834586 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Presidential Palace, Hanoi | image=Presidential Palace of Vietnam.jpg | wikidata=Q864758 | lastedit= | content=Completed in 1906 as the residence of the French Governor-General of Indochina. It became the official residence of the President of North Vietnam following independence in 1954, and later of the President of Vietnam following reunification in 1975. Ho Chi Minh was said to have refused to live in the palace for symbolic reasons, though he used it to receive state guests. The building is not open to the public, but you can view it from the outside and take photographs. }} ===Wartime sites=== * {{see | name=B-52 Lake | alt=Huu Tiep Lake | url= | email= | address=Ngoc Ha Precinct, Ba Dinh District | lat=21.037947 | long=105.826996 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Until 19 Dec 1972, this was just a small brackish pond just off Hoàng Hoa Thám St., about 1 km west of the mausoleum. On that day, in a twisted retelling of the Hoan Kiem legend, Vietnamese anti-aircraft missiles blasted the enemy's eight-engine, 100-ton aircraft and sent it to the shallow bottom of the lake, where it remains today. }} [[File:John McCain shot down, Truc Bach lake, Hanoi - panoramio.jpg|thumb|John McCain shot down, Truc Bach lake, Hanoi]] * {{see | name=Downed Aircraft Memorial | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=21.046856 | long=105.836830 | directions=Along Thanh Nien St on Truc Bach Lake | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A stone plaque commemorating the shooting down of a US Navy (not "USAF" as depicted) aircraft in 1967. Read the Vietnamese script and you can pick out the name of ''John McCain'', the late U.S. senator, one of the airmen. }} [[File:HoaloHaNoi070720091322.jpg|thumb|Hoa Lo, "The Hanoi Hilton"]] *{{see | name=Hỏa Lò Prison | alt=Hanoi Hilton | url= | email= | address=1 Hỏa Lò, Hoan Kiem | lat=21.025278 | long=105.846389 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 08:30-12:00, 14:00-16:30 (M & F from 08:00) | price=50,000 dong | wikipedia=Hỏa Lò Prison | image=HanoiHilton.jpg | wikidata=Q1359941 | lastedit= | content=This prison was built by the French at the turn of the 20th century, in classical French prison design. Two thirds of the prison was torn down to make way for the Hanoi Towers, and the rest was converted into a museum. This is where the French imprisoned and executed Vietnamese freedom fighters. The museum exhibits the plight of jailed political revolutionaries under the French colonial regime and the struggle of the Vietnamese people against imperialism in chilling detail. Later, during the America-Vietnam War, the prison held US prisoners of war that sarcastically referred to it as the "Hanoi Hilton". This period is not emphasized, except to present the official narrative of how humanely the POWs were treated, such as showing photos only of prisoners being treated well and playing basketball and playing chess. The museum claims to have the flight suit of John McCain, the most notable POW held here, from when his plane was shot down. Most of the exhibits have detailed English information, but you can also get an audioguide for 50,000 dong. }} == Do == *[https://flavorsofhanoi.com/ '''Flavors of Hanoi'''], 25 Hang Be, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, ☏ +84 967 258 586, ✉ hello@flavorsofhanoi.com. 09:00-21:00. A local foodie experiences provider, they offer personal street food tours to help visitors explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter and French Quarter through their taste buds. ===Cinemas=== * {{do | name=August Movie Theater | alt=Rap Thang 8 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=On Hang Bai St, 5 min away from Trang Tien Plaza and the commercial area, such as Pho Hue, Hai Ba Trung and Trang Tien St | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-22 | content=Renovated into a Nightclub }} * {{do | name=CGV Cinemas (formerly Megastar) | alt= | url=https://www.cgv.vn/en/theaters/cinema/index/city/vn-04/name/cgv-vincom-center-ba-trieu | email= | address=191 Ba Trieu | lat= | long= | directions=on the 6th floor of the Vincom City Towers | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=70,000-115,000 dong for 2D movies depending on day and time. 90,000-230,000 dong for 3D movies | lastedit=2017-03-20 | content=The movies are relatively new, perhaps one or two months later than in the US. The movies are not dubbed although there are subtitles so both non-Vietnamese speakers and locals can enjoy them. }} ===Cooking classes=== * {{do | name=EZ Cooking Class | alt= | url= http://www.daynauan.vn | email= | address=49 Lane, 49 Huynh Thuc Khang St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=}} * {{do | name=EDUMA | alt= | url= http://daynauan.info/ | email= | address=94 Lane, 49 Lo Duc St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=}} *{{do | name=Hanoi Cooking Centre | url=http://hanoicookingcentre.com/ | email= | address=44 Chau Long St | lat= | long= | directions=close to Truc Bac lake | phone=+84 24 3715-0088 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Cooking school, retail outlet and beautiful courtyard cafe with an excellent menu of Asian and Western favourites. Hands-on cooking classes and short courses in a relaxed atmosphere.}} * {{do | name=Hidden Hanoi | alt= | url=http://hiddenhanoi.vn/ | email=info@hiddenhanoi.com.vn | address=137 Nghi Tam Rd (aka Duong An Duong Vuong), Tay Ho | lat= | long= | directions=on the bund road in the Tay Ho District | phone= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Hidden Hanoi runs walking tours and cooking classes. There are many options including the 1-hr walking tour of the local market, followed by the 3-hr cooking class. Cooking class menus change daily, and there are other walking tours available. They also run language classes, and there is a dance school in the same building.}} * {{do | name=Vietnam Culinary School| alt= | url= | email=hanoiculinaryclass@gmail.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Fully equipped facilities to learn Vietnamese cooking. A typical day will commence with a visit to the morning market accompanied by an instructor to select ingredients for your cooking lesson. The class will be followed by a meal in a restaurant sampling your own cooking as well as traditional Vietnamese dishes.}} * {{do | name=Học Viện Ẩm Thực | alt= | url=http://www.hocvienamthuc.com/ | email= | address=60 Tran Nhan Tong | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-01-13 | content= }} ===Pampering=== *{{do | name=SF Salon and Spa | url= | email= | address=30 Cua Dong, Hoan Kiem | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+84 24 3926-2032 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Nice, not too expensive spa with a range of services, including massages, manicures/pedicures, facials. They will pay for your one-way taxi fare to the spa. Friendly staff.}} ===Rock climbing=== * {{do | name=VietClimb | alt= | url=http://vietclimb.vn/ | email= | address=So 40 Ngo 76 An Duong | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+84 914 548 903 | fax= | hours=Tu-Su 14:00-22:00 | price= | content=200-m² climbing surface, a 50-m² café & terrace to chill out, and a climbing pro-shop. Also a great place for finding out where to climb immediately outside of Hanoi.}} ===Theatre=== * {{do | name=Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre | alt= | url=http://thanglongwaterpuppet.org | email= | address=57 Dinh Tien Hoang St | lat= | long= | directions=across from Hoan Kiem Lake | phone=+84 24 3824-9494 | tollfree= | fax=+84 4 824 5117 | hours= | price=Camera passes are an extra 20,000 dong |lastedit=2016-11-08| content=Musicians accompany folk legends from Vietnamese history, told with wooden men, women, and dragons, dancing and splashing on the face of the water. The narratives are sung in Vietnamese, but lyrics are available in several languages. Or just ignore the dialogue and narration and focus on the special effects. There are several performances throughout the day. Don't worry about getting wet, but the seats are very small, and visitors with above-average height will have to squirm a bit.}} * {{do | name=Hồng Hà Theater | alt=Vietnam Tuồng Theatre | url= | email=honghatheatre@gmail.com | address=51 Duong Thanh Street (inside Old Quarter) | lat= | long= | directions=walk: from northern tip of Hoan Kiem Lake go along Hang gai street to the west about 500 m then turn right at Duong Thanh street, the theater is on the right at number 51; by bus: take bus 01 stop at bus stop 30 Duong Thanh then walk about 30 m toward the north | phone=+84 984 545 228 | tollfree= | hours=M Th 18:00-19:00 | price=150,000 dong | lastedit=2018-09-18 | content=Hát tuồng (Hanoi: [háːt tûəŋ]) or hát bội (Saigon: [háːk ɓôjˀ]) is a form of Vietnamese theatre. Hát tuồng is often referred to as classical "Vietnamese opera" influenced by Chinese opera which combines acting, singing, and dancing. Tuồng employs the use of stock characters who are recognizable from their make-up and costumes, which are typically very elaborate and extravagant. Usually, a character's personalities can be revealed through three features: the color of the face, the eyebrows, and the beard.<br />In this 1 hour show, the artists will perform most interesting, unique and typical recitals from famous Tuongs (which typically last 1-2 hours). The show starts at 18:00 but from 17:30 the theater is open so the guests can interact with the artists, observe the performance preparation and try to sing, dance, play drum with the artists and enjoy traditional royal tea. The English leaflets will be provided for every guest which will introduce the content of each recital throughout the show. }} * {{do | name=Công Nhân Theater | alt=Tu Phu (Four Palaces Show) | url=https://viettheatre.com/en | email=ticket@viettheatre.com | address=42 Trang Tien street | lat= | long= | directions=from the Opera House walk down Trang Tien street 1 block, the Theater is on the right; from southern side of Hoan kiem lake, walk toward Trang tien street for 2 blocks, the theater is on the left | phone=+84 902 195 650 (Vietnamese), +84 907 033 553 (English) | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Th Sa 18:00-18:45, 19:30-20:15 | price=USD5.49-12.95 | lastedit=2018-09-18 | content="Four Palaces” refers to the belief in the worship of Four Mother Goddesses, including Mother Goddess of Heaven, Mother Goddess of Forest, Mother Goddess of Water and Mother Goddess of Earth.The late 19th and early 20th centuries were the most flourishing periods of Mother Goddess religion in Viet folklore. There are times when Mother Goddess religion is considered as a manifestation of superstition and thus prohibited. However, the rituals of “Tứ Phủ” (Four Palaces), known by several other names, for instance, Tứ Phủ Công Đồng or Four Palaces Council, hát văn, chầu thánh, etc., still have a remarkable presence and strong reflection in Viet folk arts for several reasons:<br />1. Four Palaces is considered as a medium of lively communication of humans with Gods or Saints, divine beings who are familiar to Vietnamese both spiritually and in real life. The communications are organized as rituals by psychics or mediums who play roles of middlemen connecting people to divines. As such, it connected with Vietnamese in general.<br />2. Four Palaces is a lively form of art which collected many materials of folk arts, for example, hát chầu văn or chầu thánh (a traditional folk art which combines trance singing and dancing) and rites (ceremonies) as well as music with drum, flute and folk instruments; ritual dancing, rites of hầu đồng (hiển thánh) or ritual dress of sorceresses, etc. You can buy ticket online via website. }} * {{do | name=Hanoi Chèo Theatre | alt=Show "Long Thanh Dien Xuong" | url=http://nhahatcheovietnam.vn/ | email= | address=1 Giang Văn Minh | lat= | long= | directions=across street from Kim Son Pagoda | phone=+84 24 3845-7403 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Th 17:30-18:30 | price=150,000 dong | lastedit=2018-09-18 | content=Chèo (Vietnamese: [cɛ̂w]) is a form of generally satirical musical theatre, often encompassing dance, traditionally performed by Vietnamese peasants in northern Vietnam. It is usually performed outdoors by semi-amateur touring groups, stereotypically in a village square or the courtyard of a public building, although it is today increasingly also performed indoors and by professional performers. Chèo stage art is one of the great cultural heritage of the Vietnamese folk treasure. Chèo has been a popular art form of the Vietnamese people for many generations and has fostered the national spirit through its lyrical content. Show Long Thanh Dien Xuong introduces to the visitors different types of folk arts/performances which used to be common in the history, when Hanoi was the royal capital of Viet Kingdom: cheo, ca tru, chau van, xam, water puppet. }} * {{do | name=Hanoi Opera House | alt= | url=http://hanoioperahouse.org.vn/ | email=hnopera@hanoioperahouse.org.vn | address=01 Tràng Tiền | lat=21.024167 | long=105.857778 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1186043 | content=Built by the French during the colonial period, today it usually hosts classical music concerts and local Vietnamese plays and pop concerts rather than operas. }} ==Buy== ===Money=== '''Money exchange''' can be done at jewellery shops, which usually offer better rates than banks. The most popular ones are located along Ha Trung Rd (5-min walk from Hoan Kiem Lake) and Hang Bac. Just walk into the shop and ask them if they change money. Ask 5 or more shops to see which one gives the best rate. Hotels also often provide currency exchange service, but at terrible rates. Don't exchange money with people in the street, as the risk of getting counterfeit notes from them is high. ===Markets=== * {{buy | name=Chợ Hôm | alt=The equivalent meaning in English would be "Evening Market"| url= | email= | address=Pho Hue | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2024-07-22| content=A huge range of goods, and famous for the fabric market on the second floor. There are many kiosks selling different types of fabrics ranging from cheap, affordable to best quality with a high price. When shopping, take your time and never rush into buying anything. Sellers often quote a very high price that you can bargain down considerably.}} * {{buy | name=Chợ Đồng Xuân | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1094375 | lastedit=2025-04-05 | content=Famous for being the market for wholesalers. They have school supplies, stuffed animals, clothing. It is quite an experience to spend some time in the market observing the sellers and buyers.}} * {{buy | name=Chợ Hàng Da | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-08-29 | content=A 6-storey building to house the market is under construction. All the kiosks are now in the neighbouring area, either on Phùng Hưng (second-hand clothing), Đường Thành, or Lý Nam Đế Streets. Sell a huge range of goods including pets, groceries, prepared foods and fabrics. It is now mostly empty. }} * {{buy | name=Night Market | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Weekends from 19:00 | price= | lastedit= | content=The major north-south street in the Old Quarter, from Hoàn Kiếm Lake almost to the train overpass, becomes a crowded walking street with everything from pirated DVDs to traditional ornaments. Prices are [[Bargaining|negotiable]], but "foreigner pricing" is fairly common. Thankfully many shops nowadays offer fixed prices with big "no bargaining" signs. }} ===Bookstores=== * {{buy | name=Bookworm Hanoi | url=http://www.bookwormhanoi.com/ | email= | address=44 Chau Long (Hanoi Cooking Center) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+84 24 3715-3711, +84 912 561 800 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=New and used books.}} * Small Vietnamese bookstores (''nhà sách'') line Phố Đinh Lễ St, just south of the large post office east of Hoan Kiem Lake. Most of them stock a variety of bilingual dictionaries, but hardly any books in English. Among them, as of 2016, Nhà Sách Lam seemed to have the best selection of maps (both Hanoi City and Vietnam regional). * Most of the numerous souvenir shops inside the Temple of Literature (see under [[#Museums|Museums]]; admission fee needs to be paid to get in) also carry a selection of books about Vietnam in English and other foreign languages (French, Spanish, Japanese), as well as culture- and history-oriented books in Vietnamese. Not a good place to shop for dictionaries or maps, though. ===Supermarkets=== Although most grocery shopping still happens in street markets (see above), supermarkets and convenience stores are becoming more common. As well as local mid-level and luxury brands, many supermarkets stock imported products such as California pistachios and almonds, European cheese, chocolates and wine, Korean kim chi, or Japanese seaweed snacks. Consumer staples, such as fresh produce or tofu may be considerably more expensive than in traditional markets. * '''Vinmart''' is a fast growing chain of convenience stores and by far the most common brand in Hanoi, offering a selection of fresh products (including the "clean" Vineco range with less pesticides) as well as the staples you'd expect at similar stores worldwide. Western goods importer '''L's Place''' has a few branches, including one just south of the Hoa Lo prison on Ly Thuong Kiet and focuses on the expat market. * '''Aeon Fivimart''' is a large supermarket with a central branch east of Hoan Kiem Lake (27A Ly Thai To, at Tran Nguyen Han). The similarly named but separately owned '''Aeon Citimart''' is in Hanoi Towers on the site of the former Hoa Lo prison. Meanwhile, the huge but further afield '''Lotte Mart''', located in the basement of the Lotte Center (Hanoi's second-tallest building; at the corner of Đào Tấn and Liễu Giai, a few blocks south of West Lake - the word "Lotte" on the tower makes it easy to find), may be one of the best of the breed, with a good bakery and cafeteria section. Open 08:00-22:00. * If you've a particular desire to spend double the usual price on a selection of boutique imported Western goods (French Comte cheese, Iberico ham, British ale), '''Annam Gourmet''' have a store in the Syrena Centre at 51 Xuân Diệu St. in Tây Hồ. Largest selection of imported cheeses in town. ===Discriminatory pricing=== Most shops quote much higher prices for tourists (including Vietnamese people from other regions) than for locals, and the belief that tourists are rich and hence should pay more than locals is firmly entrenched in the local culture. As such, most vendors will insist that as a tourist, you pay the tourist price and will refuse to let you bargain the price down to the local price even if you know what it is. If you have a trusted local friend, you can save a fair bit of money by getting your friend to buy the item you want in your absence. ==Eat== Hanoi's most famous (and prevalent) dish is ''phở'' soup: "phở gà" (chicken noodle soup), "phở bò" (beef noodle soup), or "phở chay" (tofu noodle soup). Another local specialty is ''bún chả'', grilled fatty pork over a plate of white rice noodles and herbs with dipping sauce. There are hundreds of [[Street food|street restaurants]] in small kiosks on the sidewalk, with plastic tables and chairs on the pavement. Eating at these restaurants is a great way to experience the local food and culture. It is worth mentioning that food quality, freshness, and hygiene can vary greatly. On average, a bowl of noodle soup goes for 40-60,000 dong (June 2024) and market food stalls offer fruit portions, sausages, doughnuts and other foods. Check your change as a few vendors seem to forget to give it, and learn a little Vietnamese because vendors often will not speak any or much English (e.g. "bao nhiêu&nbsp;?", meaning "how much?"). ===Exotic treats=== Next to Beijing, Hanoi is probably the second in the running to the world's exotic food paradise. * {{eat | name=Snake Restaurants | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=about ten minutes across the river from the city centre, take Bus 10, 15 or 17 and get off at the large mall" just beyond Gia Lâm station, and walk 500 m down the road at the right of the mall | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The suburb of Le Mat (aka Snake Village) has numerous restaurants specializing in '''cobra foodstuffs.''' Live cobras are stored on the premises much the same way one would find live lobsters at a Western seafood restaurant. If one orders cobra blood wine from the menu, the waiter will take a live cobra, kill it on the spot, drain the blood into a shot glass of rice wine and top it off with the cobra's still beating heart for you to gulp down. Not for animal lovers or the ecologically-minded. Cobras are not cheap, but one snake becomes a dozen unique dishes, and enough to share between 3-4 people. ''Rượu rắn'' is cobra steeped whole in rice wine – or, especially in tourist areas, perhaps a cheaper, non-poisonous snake with similar coloring whose body has been stretched to give it the expected shape. Carefully investigate customs restrictions before deciding to bring a few bottles home, as some of the snakes used are endangered species.}} A local delicacy in the Hanoi area is '''dog meat''' (''thịt chó''), which is especially popular in the winter. There are a number of dog restaurants in the Tay Ho district. Another exotic regional taste is ''cà cuống'', an extract from the ''belostomatid'' or '''giant water bug'''. Just a few drops are added to noodles for the unique aroma. Boiled '''duck foetus eggs''' (''trứng vịt lộn'') are sold by pedlars almost everywhere. The experience consists of the vendor cracking the egg in front of you, and peeling the shell and dropping the contents in a plastic bowl, then garnished with julienned ginger, Vietnamese coriander (''rau răm'') and sprinkled with chili sauce. You can see the severed head and beak of your chick that fell off if you are lucky enough to have your first bite from a different spot. ===Street Food=== ====Around the Beer Street==== * {{eat | name=Bánh Mì Dân Tổ | alt= | url= | email= | address=32 Đ. Trần Nhật Duật | lat=21.0386153 | long= 105.8517403 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-08-01 | content=The sandwich is very delicious and crispy. Pretty crowded. You can also eat there at 3am and it will feel delicious. }} ===Budget=== ====Around the Beer Street==== * {{eat | name=Bun Cha Ta Hanoi | alt= | url= | email= | address=21 Nguyễn Hữu Huân | lat=21.034340 | long=105.854423 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-08-01 | content=Highly recommended if you are looking for authentic North Vietnamese Bun Cha. The food is great, bursting with flavour. Very cosy place. }} * {{eat | name=Bánh Mì 25 | alt= | url= | email= | address=25 P. Hàng Cá | lat= 21.0361231 | long= 105.8486061 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-08-01 | content=Vietnamese Sandwiches. This is a good restaurant for a quick bite to eat near Dong Xuan Market. Lovely place and mouth watering food. }} * {{eat | name=Little Hanoi Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address= 16 P. Hàng Bè| lat= 21.0334463 | long= 105.8537653 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-08-01 | content=Simple Vietnamese home-cooked food. Also amazing vegan food. The fried tofu in tomato sauce and grilled eggplant are delicious. Also a cute date spot. }} * {{eat | name=Banh Mi Hoi An | alt= | url= | email= | address=98 P. Hàng Bạc | lat=21.0341854 | long= 105.8514097 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-08-01 | content=Vietnamese Sandwiches. This place is open from early morning and serves great bahn mi. Nice staff with good English skills. }} * {{eat | name=Quán Cơm Bình Dân | url= | email= | address=20 P. Bảo Linh | lat=21.0371467 | long=105.8544691 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11:00-14:00| price= | lastedit=2022-04-01 | content=Inexpensive, home-cooked Vietnamese meals. Delicious and nutritious rice, clean restaurant. }} ====Around the Hoan Kiem Lake==== * {{eat | name=Bún Chả Đắc Kim | url=http://bunchahangmanh.vn/ | email= | address=1 Hang Manh | lat=21.0320587| long=105.8482303 | directions=Old Quarter near Hang Da Market | phone=+84 915 177 766, +84 24 3828-5022, +84 16 9777 6666 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=08:00-19:00 | price= | lastedit= | content=Some rate this as one of the best examples of bún chả in Hanoi, and therefore Vietnam (apparently in the south, bún chả is specifically advertised as Hanoi-style). For 100,000 dong each, you'll get a bowl full of tiny minced-pork rissoles that have been chargrilled over an open flame and a massive plate of pork rice paper rolls that have been fried in oil twice. You also get a phenomenal dipping sauce (fish sauce, made from sugar, garlic, peppers usually), a massive plate of greens and herbs and more bun (rice noodle) than you can handle. It is now more touristy than it used to be. Great food, but expect rude service. There is another {{marker | type=eat | name= Bún Chả Đắc Kim | lat=21.0308085 | long=105.8472955 }} in 67 Đường Thành. }} * {{eat | name=Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su | url= | email= | address=10 P. Lý Quốc Sư | lat=21.0305287 | long= 105.8488220 | directions=On the corner of Nha Chung and Chan Cam | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-08-01 | content=Serve delicious beef rice noodle, fried bread stick is crispy and delicious. The place is so clean and nice. All of the soups and sides include beef (bo), so this isn't for vegetarians. }} * {{eat | name=Pho Tu Lun (Au Trieu) | url= | email= | address=34 P. Ấu Triệu | lat=21.0288704 | long=105.8486071 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-08-01 | content=Many pho varieties. Store is only open in the morning. Locals crowd the place, so you know it must be good. }} ====Near the city center==== * {{eat | name=Com Chay Nang Tam Vegetarian Restaurant | alt= | url=http://nangtam.com.vn/ | email=comchaynangtam.hanoi@gmail.com | address=79A Pho Tran Hung Dao | lat=21.0221166 | long=105.8471668 | directions=a few streets S of the lake | phone=+84 936 424 140, +84 24 3942-4140 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 10:00-21:00 | price= | lastedit=2022-08-01 | content=This excellent restaurant is a good vegetarian option, and will please both vegetarians and non-vegetarians with its wide range of innovative dishes, which include fake meat dishes. Restaurant is comfortable with good ambience, and is good value. Well worth the short walk out of the old town. }} ====Outside the city center==== * {{eat | name=Au Lac Vegetarian Restaurant | url= | email= | address=277 Ng. Văn Chương| lat=21.0205821 | long= 105.8364483| directions=take Le Duan S, past train tracks, turn into alley after #114 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily, 07:00-20:30 | price= | lastedit=2022-08-01 | content=Typical local vegetarian restaurant like you'll find everywhere in Vietnam except Hanoi, a little off the beaten track in an atmospheric alleyway.}} ===Mid-range=== ====Around the Hoan Kiem Lake==== * {{eat | name=Huyen Huong Restaurant | url= | email= | address=20 Bao Khanh | lat=21.0300962 | long= 105.8504421 | directions= | phone=+84 24 3828-8430 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=from 80,000 dong | lastedit= | content=Choose from a wide variety of seafood dishes (many of which are swimming around in tanks) and other Vietnamese specialities. Friendly staff complements the tasty food.}} * {{eat | name=Kaiser Kaffee Restaurant | url= | email= | address=34A Ba Trieu | lat=21.0239555 | long=105.8509926 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-08-01 | content=Interesting little place which has excellent Vietnamese and Western food.}} * {{eat | name=Little Hanoi | url= | email= | address=16 P. Hàng Bè| lat=21.0334782 | long=105.8536477 | directions= | phone=+84 24 3928-5333 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-08-01 | content=Upscale cafe serving mainly Westerners in a pleasantly lit restaurant.}} * {{eat | name=Mediterraneo | url= | email= | address=23 Nhà Thờ St., Hoàn Kiếm | lat=21.0287822 | long=105.8497494 | directions=between La Salsa and Paris Deli | phone=+84 24 3826-6288 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 10:00-22:00 | price=Mains from 195K to 490K dong (Aug 2021) | lastedit=2022-08-01 | content=Authentic Italian food, probably the best you'll get in Hanoi. Prices are steep and portions small.}} * {{eat | name=Moka Café | url= | email= | address=P. Nhà Thờ | lat= 21.0291289| long=105.8500595 | directions=Nha Tho St close to the cathedral | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-08-01 | content=Excellent selection of Western and Vietnamese food served in a coffee shop environment.}} * {{eat | name=Pepperoni's | url= | email= | address=98 P. Hàng Trống | lat=21.0296738 | long= 105.8502188 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-08-01 | content=Part of a small international chain of pizza restaurants. Locally run, they do regular special offers such as free desserts, eat-all-you-can buffets and loyalty schemes, whereby collecting tokens with each take-out entitles you to a free pizza. Pizzas, burgers, ice cream and apple crumble.}} * {{eat | name=01 -wan- Tantan Ramen | url=https://www.facebook.com/01wantantanramen | email= | address=63 Lãn Ông St., Hoàn Kiếm | lat=21.03531 | long= 105.84858 | directions= | phone=+84 766 645 001 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 11:00-22:00 | price=Ramen bowls from 180-200k dong | lastedit=2025-03-06 | content=Two-floor ramen shop owned by a Japanese chef, specialising in excellent tantanmen with creamy, Sichuan-inspired "numbing spicy" mala broth.}} ====At the West Lake==== * {{eat | name=Dalcheeni | url=http://www.dalcheenivn.com/ | email=dalcheenivn@gmail.com | address=100 Xuân Diệu St., Tây Hồ | lat=21.062803838352092 | long=105.82987682566491 | directions= | phone=+84 24 3266-8453 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 10:30-14:30, 17:30-22:30 | price= Mains from 100K to 350K dong (Aug 2021) | lastedit=2022-08-01 | content=Authentic Indian restaurant with classy interior and good view of West Lake, frequented by Indian expats; restaurant manager is a Goa native. All meat served is halal, with extensive vegetarian options available. Highly recommend the tandoor-grilled chicken, lamb and broccoli dishes. Reservations recommended.}} ====Around the Train Street==== * {{eat | name=Quán Ăn Ngon | alt=Delicious | url= | email= | address=18 Phan Boi Chau St | lat=21.0262886 | long= 105.8434553 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-08-01 | content=Wide range of choices of dishes from everywhere in Vietnam at reasonable prices. Limited seating and many customers, so a wait is certain. They have a large seating area so customers do not have to wait long. Serves both lunch and dinner.}} ====Outside the city center==== * {{eat | name=Ramen Haron | url=https://www.facebook.com/ramenharon/ | email= | address=40 Linh Lang St, Ba Đình | lat=21.036651937885466 | long=105.81049883068165 | directions=just inside Alley 2, immediately after 40 Linh Lang | phone=+84 832 543 165 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 11:30-13:45, 17:30-22:00 | price=Ramen bowls from 150K-170K dong (Aug 2021) | lastedit=2022-08-01 | content=Hole-in-the-wall ramen joint in Hanoi's "Japantown", frequented by Japanese expats; some staff speaks Japanese. Excellent quality and variety of ramen at very reasonable prices. Reservations recommended due to limited seating; takeaway and home deliveries also available.}} * {{eat | name=Tầm Vị | url=https://www.facebook.com/nhahangtamvi/ | email= | address=4B Yên Thế St, Ba Đình | lat=21.02946 | long=105.83960 | directions=In an alley just off Nguyễn Thái Học street | phone=+84 966 323 131 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 11:00-14:00, 17:00-21:00 | price=200-300k dong per person | lastedit=2025-03-06 | content=Vietnamese restaurant in well-preserved heritage villa, serving traditional Northern cuisine at reasonable prices. Excellent choice for first-time visitors who want authentic home-style cooking in a more upscale dining space. Inexplicably awarded a Michelin star in 2023 despite not at all being a fine dining destination, but forget about the star and you'll have a good time. To the restaurant's credit, their low prices have remained mostly unchanged since; but prior reservations are now essential.}} * {{eat | name= Cửa Hàng Ăn uống Mậu dịch số 37 | alt=State-Run Food Shop No. 37 | url=https://www.facebook.com/CuaHangMauDich | email= | address=Floor B1, Epic Tower, 19 Duy Tân St, Nam Từ Liêm Ward, Cầu Giấy Dist | lat= 21.03049 | long=105.78145 | directions= | phone=+84 24 3715 4336 | tollfree= | hours= Daily: 10:00-14:00, 17:00-21:00| price=100-200k dong per person | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=A kitschy throwback to Vietnam's impoverished subsidy era, emulating the government-subsidised eateries of the 1970s; the interior is lined from top to bottom with period artifacts, while food is served in historically-accurate cheap tin bowls. A tad pricier than what you'd expect for such rustic food, but the overall experience makes up for it. Order the signature ''cơm cháy mắm tép'' (scorched rice with shrimp paste) and ''tóp mỡ'' (pork crackling). }} ===Splurge=== * {{eat | name=dragonCELLO | url=https://dragoncello.vn/ | email=restaurant@dragoncello.info | address=201 Vệ Hồ St., Tây Hồ | lat=21.06688950907696 | long=105.81124055450013 | directions=three-storey building painted bright yellow; very hard to miss | phone=+84 24 3266-8453 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 11:00-23:00 | price= Mains 215K-680K dong | lastedit=2021-08-01 | content=Italian restaurant in grand colonial-style mansion, with commanding lakefront views of West Lake. Ground floor counter also offers extensive selection of Italian cured meats and cheese for takeaway. Risottos are especially good. Reservations recommended; home deliveries also available.}} * {{eat | name=Etēsia | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/etesiahanoi/ | email= | address= 14B Lò Sũ St., Hoàn Kiếm | lat=21.03157333897927 | long=105.85554899682907 | directions= | phone=+84 986 868 042 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily: 17:00-21:00 | price=Mains 190K-890K dong | lastedit=2021-07-27 | content=Excellent contemporary European wine bar and bistro, with intimate countertop seating and dedicated cocktail bar on second floor. French head chef formerly sous chef at Michelin-starred Parisian restaurant. No tables, only 18 counter seats. Reservations recommended due to limited seating, but walk-ins also welcome. }} * {{eat | name=Gia | alt= | url=https://gia-hanoi.com/ | email=reservations@gia-hanoi.com | address= 61 Văn Miếu St., Đống Đa| lat=21.02750924501968 | long=105.83582416614739 | directions=opposite the Temple of Literature's eastern wall | phone=+84 896 682 996 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Lunch: F Sa 11:30–14:30; dinner: Tu-Sa 18:00–23:00 | price=Tasting menu only: 10-course lunch from 1,800K dong, 12-course dinner from 2,590K dong | lastedit=2025-02-11 | content=Fine dining fixed-course experience, awarded one Michelin star in 2023. Atmospheric decor and friendly, knowledgeable staff serving modern reinventions of traditional Vietnamese cuisine using local produce. Reservations essential. }} * {{eat | name=JW Café| alt= | url=https://portal.marriott.com/hanjw-dining/jw-cafe | email=mhrs.hanjw.fb.marketing.coordinator@marriott.com | address= 8 Đỗ Đức Dục St., Mễ Trì, Nam Từ Liêm| lat=21.00729984722665 | long=105.78310589815355 | directions=on ground floor of the JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi | phone=+84 24 3833-5588 (ext. 1125) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= Daily 06:00-22:00 | price=Breakfast 690K dong, lunch 590-790K dong, dinner: 1,100-1,350K dong, Sunday brunch 1,690K dong | lastedit=2021-08-01 | content=Luxury buffet restaurant. Immense triple-height dining room with panoramic views of adjacent lake and National Convention Center complex. Six live stations serve Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Indian, Mediterranean, BBQ, carved meat and fresh seafood selection; Sunday brunch has unlimited abalone, lobsters, French oysters and foie gras. Attached "Chocolate Lab" makes fresh, handmade truffles on site. Reservations essential. }} * {{eat | name=LABRI Bistro | alt= | url=http://www.labribistro.com/ | email=labrihanoi@gmail.com | address= 113 Bùi Thị Xuân St., Hai Bà Trưng | lat=21.014779631474013 | long=105.84995120231929 | directions=2nd floor of innocuous building, no external signage; ground floor is motorbike garage | phone=+84 931 353 113 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 17:00-22:00 | price=Mains 380K-680K | lastedit=2021-08-01 | content=Out-of-the-way modern French bistro with Korean touches in casual, minimalist dining room. Excellent cooking, though portions are a tad small. Korean head chef formerly worked at Michelin-starred restaurant in Osaka. Reservations recommended. }} * {{eat | name=Lý Club | alt= | url=http://www.lyclub.vn/hanoi/ | email=info@lyclub.vn | address=4 Le Phung Hieu, Hoan Kiem | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+84 24 3936-3069 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 11:00-23:00 | price=Starters 150,000 dong, mains 350,000 dong | lastedit=2018-12-06 | content=Top-notch Vietnamese and European cuisine in a French colonial mansion. On the expensive side for Hanoi, but the atmosphere and good quality of food make up for it. A pianist alternates with piped music. }} * {{eat | name=Pane e Vino Italian Restaurant and Wine Shop | alt= | url=https://panevino.vn/ | email= | address=3 Nguyen Khac Can & 98 Hang Trong | lat= | long= | directions=100 m east of Hoan Kiem Lake | phone=+84 24 3826-9080, +84 24 3928-6329 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 09:00-23:45 | price=Pizza 150,000 dong, mains 450,000 dong | lastedit=2018-12-06 | content=Serves a wide range of traditional regional Italian dishes. An extensive wine list with Italian wines from Veneto, Tuscany, Puglia, Sicilia, and Piedmont. Friendly service. A great place to relax and get recover after a long walking and shopping day. A/C within, extensive seating outside. }} * {{eat | name=Press Club | alt= | url=http://www.hanoi-pressclub.com | email=hongngoc@hanoi-pressclub.com | address=3rd floor, 59A Ly Thai To St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+84 24 3972-0888 | tollfree= | fax=+84 24 3934-0899 | hours=Daily 11:30-14:30, 18:00-23:30 | price=Mains from 900K dong | lastedit=2018-12-06 | content=Fine dining with Western cuisine and a good selection of wines. 70-seat restaurant, private wine room for 12, and another cosy private room for 4. A combination of old and contemporary features with a classically trained chef. }} * {{eat | name=Stellar Steakhouse | alt= | url=https://landmark72.intercontinental.com/stellar-steakhouse | email=hanoilandmark72@ihg.com | address=62nd Floor, Keangnam Hanoi Landmark Tower, Mễ Trì, Nam Từ Liêm | lat=21.01719379424889 | long=105.78435076135911 | directions=located on 62nd floor of the InterContinental Hanoi Landmark 72 | phone=+84 24 3698-8888 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 18:00-22:30 | price=Steaks 900K-3,600K dong | lastedit=2021-08-01 | content=Fine American steakhouse serving a wide range of aged meats, including authentic Japanese Kobe; named Asia's Best Luxury Steakhouse in the 2019 World Luxury Restaurant Awards. Glitzy Art Deco dining room with panoramic views of the city. Large private rooms, dedicated wine & cheese tasting room, and upstairs whisky & sake lounge. Attached mezzanine-floor Stellar Teppanyaki serves its own tasting menus. Reservations recommended. }} * {{eat | name=Sushi Uminohana | alt=Teppan Shu | url=https://www.facebook.com/%E9%AE%A8%E6%B5%B7%E3%81%AE%E8%8F%AF-Sushi-Uminohana-Restaurant-102101471696602/ | email= | address=70 Phan Kế Bính, Cống Vị, Ba Đình | lat=21.03612146201183 | long=105.81009963806743 | phone=+84 933 671 131 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 10:00-13:00, 17:00-23:00 | price=Lunch donburi and omasake from 750K-1,650K dong; Dinner omasake from 1,300K-2,500K dong; Teppan Shu beef from 2,500K-3,450K dong | lastedit=2021-12-05 | content=Authentic omasake restaurant in Hanoi's "Japantown", serving traditional sushi, sashimi and donburi; all seafood and Wagyu beef flown fresh from Japan multiple times per week. A favourite of local Japanese expats, head chef have decade's worth of experience in Japan and speaks fluent Japanese. No tables, only 12 counter seats. Second-floor Teppan Shu exclusively serves grilled Ozaki beef. Reservations essential. }} * {{eat | name=T.U.N.G Dining | alt= | url=https://www.tungdining.com/ | email=info@tungdining.com | address=2C Quang Trung St., Hoàn Kiếm | lat=21.026948131667922 | long=105.850009946659 | directions= | phone=+84 859 933 970 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 18:00-22:00 | price=20-course tasting menu 1,390K-1,790K dong | lastedit=2021-07-27 | content=Hanoi's first high-end tasting menu experience. Cozy second-floor dining room, serving inventive and technically accomplished Modern Scandinavian cuisine. Reservations essential. }} ===Sweet=== * {{eat | name=Kem Tràng Tiền | url= | email= | address=54 Phố Tràng Tiền | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Popular spot for ice cream on a hot day. Beware of motorbikes when entering the establishment, since it is sort of a drive-thru/drive-in ice cream shop. Recommended is the local cóm or đậu xanh flavours.}} ==Drink== [[Vietnam#Beer|Bia hơi]] is abundant in the streets of the Old Quarter. At the crossing of ''Ta Hien'' and ''Luong Ngoc Quyen'', commonly known as '''Beer Street''', five separate venues fill up with travellers in the evenings. You can get more local atmosphere on some of the side streets. Hanoi is a lively city on the weekends, but the Old Quarter closes relatively early (at midnight) on weekdays, so you might want to start your night early. Other places outside the Old Quarter stay open later and vary in closing times. Local young people gather around the cathedral located in Ly Quoc Su to have lemon ice tea (tra chanh) and sunflower seeds in street bars. After dark it gets quite crowded. Sit on a plastic chair in front of one of the bia hoi (fresh beer) establishments which are invariably on the corners of many of Hanoi's Old Quarter streets. This preservative-free light beer is the perfect drink to sip as you watch the city's frenetic bustle. The beer costs less than 5,000 dong and gives you an excuse to relax and take photos of the passing local characters: should not be missed. In the Old Quarter, you will find that almost every corner is filled with stalls selling pho (Vietnamese noodle) and cafe (the name is not limited only to coffee, but also tea, sweets and grocery items, and even to pho). On ''T&ocirc; Tich'', a small street connecting ''Hang Quat'' and ''Hang Gai'', you can help yourself to a refreshing fruit milkshake (''sinh tố'') at one of the stalls. ===Breweries=== If you are looking for something less watery than Bia Hoi, excellent freshly brewed Czech or German-style beer is available at several breweries, including: Hoa Vien (Czech), Goldmalt (Czech), Legend beer (German), with several branches around the city; prices are around 45,000-60,000 dong for 0.5 L. The craft beer revolution that's been simmering in Ho Chi Minh City since 2014 has been slow to reach Hanoi, but a few breweries are now coming online, although prices are higher still and 100,000 dong might not even get you 0.5 L. * {{drink | name=Hoa Vien | alt= | url=http://www.hoavien.vn/webapp/home.php | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-06-10 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Goldmalt | alt= | url=http://www.goldmalt.com.vn/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-06-10 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Legend Beer | alt= | url=http://legendbeer.vn/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-06-10 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Furbrew | alt= | url=http://www.furbrew.com | email= | address=8b, Ngo 52 To Ngoc Van | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=16:00-23:00 | price=80,000-100,000 dong/beer | lastedit=2017-02-09 | content=Danish-owned, Danish-style craft brewery. }} ===Bars=== * {{drink | name=Green Lake (Ho Guom Xanh) | alt= | url= | email= | address=32 Le Thai To | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A crowded bar with weekly performances by popular local singers. A place for the definitive Vietnamese entertainment scene. Has a cover charge on the weekends. Seems to combine part live singing with drag performances and a host club. }} *{{drink | name=Mao's Red Lounge | url= | email= | address=30 Ta Hien, Hoan Kiem | lat= | long= | directions=down the street from Tet and Cheeky Quarter | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Small, but lively bar in the heart of the Old Quarter. Has two levels, the top floor which is usually packed with Westerners smoking loads of cigarettes. Mao himself is usually in presence, playing all kinds of music from his iPod. He's extremely friendly and will strike up a conversation with anyone willing to listen.}} * {{drink | name=Minh's Jazz Club | alt= | url=http://minhjazzvietnam.com/ | email= | address=1 Trang Tien, Ha Noi | lat= | long= | directions=alley behind the opera house | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-10-22 | content=This longtime institution of the Hanoi music scene is still run by the same Mr Quyen Van Minh. It seems to move venue every couple of years, so worth checking in advance. In 2015 it was in an alley behind the opera house. No cover charge, beers get more expensive (around 75,000 dong) shortly before the music starts at 21:00, but cocktails are the same price (around 100,000 dong). Offers food. }} * {{drink | name=Standing Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address=170 Trấn Vũ, Trúc Bạch | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=16:00-00:00 | price= | lastedit=2017-02-09 | content=Wide variety of Vietnamese craft beer, mostly from the south, but with a limited selection from the local Long Bien brewery. Despite the name, seats are available upstairs. }} * {{drink | name=Top of Hanoi | alt= | url=https://www.lottehotel.com/hanoi-hotel/en/dining/restaurant-top-of-hanoi.html | email=topofhanoi@lotte.net | address=54 Liễu Giai St., Ba Đình | lat=21.032157508200076 | long=105.81260096417076 | directions= | phone=+84 24 3333-3016 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=17:00-00:00 | price= | lastedit=2021-08-01 | content=Large outdoor rooftop bar & brasserie on the Lotte Center's 65th floor, with 128 seats. One of the highest bars in the world at 272 m, with commanding 360-degree views of the entire city, live DJs on Tu-Su, and open kitchen. Best visited at sunset for Golden Hour ambiance; can get quite chilly at night due to high altitude, especially during winter, so bring outerwear if necessary. Noticeably pricier than the average bar, as to be expected. }} ===Coffee=== The usual Vietnamese coffee is widely available in Hanoi, but make sure you also try the local specialty '''Cà Phê Trứng''' (egg coffee), coffee topped with a foam of egg yolks whipped with sugar and condensed milk. *{{drink | name=Highlands Coffee | alt= | url=http://www.highlandscoffee.com.vn | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=opposite KFC | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=On the 3rd floor in a ship-shaped 5-storey building (which is about to be demolished, so be quick) overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake and Vietnam's "Piccadilly Circus". Great spot to relax in scenic location where you can watch all the traffic and pedestrians go about their business below you along their outside balcony or stay inside their comfy air conditioned interior. They also serve food and beer. }} * {{drink | name=Cong Caphe | alt= | url=http://www.congcaphe.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-10-15 | content=Several locations across the city, although the most central is probably the one at 54 Ma May. Serves various coffees, chocolates and teas including their speciality coconut coffee smoothie (around 45,000 dong). Popular with a young and relatively hip but well off crowd, and open late. }} ==Sleep== === Budget === See '''[[common scams]]'''; they're more prevalent at the budget end of the market, but no more in Hanoi than in other cities. ====Old Quarter North of Hoan Kiem Lake==== The heart of the Old Quarter - potentially noisy and busy - but closest to the bars on Ma May and Ta Hien. Ta Hien is Hanoi's unofficial backpacker street, and there are numerous backpackers' hostels nearby to cater to that market. * {{sleep | name=Hotel du Centre Ville | alt=formerly Hanoi Legend | url= | email=centrevillehotel@gmail.com | address=No 47 Luong Ngoc Quyen St, Hoan Kiem | lat= | long= | directions=20 m from the corner of Bia Hoi | phone=+84 24 3826-8459 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=08:00 | checkout=12:00 | price=USD12-25, breakfast included | lastedit=2018-12-07 | content=Central 3-star. The rooms are spacious, safe, and renovated. Some rooms have wardrobes. The floors are hard tiled and very clean. LCD TV and refrigerator. Also a heater/air conditioner (the hot water 24/7); ironing boards, hair-dryers; Wi-Fi throughout; free Internet computers in the lobby and a wonderful breakfast. Like most hotels in this area, they lock the doors late. The staff is very friendly. But for English (or French) and negotiating, you need to ask for Tuan: he is a floating manager who can be easily summoned and is a knowledgeable concierge. Booking in advance is advisable. Note two properties at this address, the other is very basic. }} * {{sleep | name=Sweet Family Guesthouse | alt= | url= | email=info@hanoiguesthouse.com | address=14 Bat Su St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+84 24 3824-5732 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double USD 22 | lastedit=2018-12-07 | content=A small hotel very popular with backpackers. Friendly and reliable staff. All rooms air-con with en suite toilet and shower. Has a sister establishment, Hanoi Guesthouse 2. }} * {{sleep | name=Hanoi Rendezvous Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.hanoirendezvoushotel.com | email=bookings@hanoirendezvoushotel.com | address=31 Hang Dieu St, Hoan Kiem | lat= | long= | directions=200 m NW of lake | phone=+84 24 3828-5777 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-07 | content=Run by an Australian couple. Private en suite rooms and shared rooms. Air-con, cable TV. Fully informed and equipped travel service for all destinations in Vietnam. Friendly English speaking staff. Free beer and spring rolls on Thursday nights. Laundry service. Good music in cafe. Free Internet PCs and free Wi-Fi in rooms. }} * {{sleep | name=My Youth Hostel | alt=formerly Hanoi Youth Hostel | url= | email= | address=5 Luong Ngoc Quyen, Hoan Kiem | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+84 971 608 966 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-07 | content=17 rooms and dormitory with city view, air-con, satellite TV, telephone, minibar, en suite bath with tub and shower. Relaxation room on the 1st floor complete with a pool table, a dart board and a library. Free Wi-Fi, free beer, free tea, free coffee, free breakfast. }} * {{sleep | name=Kangaroo Hotel | alt= | url= | email=vnhnvn@gmail.com | address=Hang Luoc St 71 | lat= | long= | directions=600 m north of Hoan Kiem Lake | phone=+84 24 3825-8044 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout=12:00 | price= | lastedit=2018-12-07 | content=Basic 2-star in tall, ramshackle building with no lift. The rooms have comfortable beds, good hot water pressure for showers and air-con/fan combos. Amenities include satellite TV, free Internet and bathtub. Helpful staff with good English. }} * {{sleep | name=Little Hanoi DX2 Hostel | alt= | url=http://littlehanoihostel.com/ | email= | address=46 Hang Ga St, Hoan Kiem | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+84 382 739 618, +84 24 3828-4461, +84 976 681 596 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-07 | content=Rooms are clean and furnished with air conditioning, TV, sofa chairs, a minibar, a dresser, and a bathroom with hot and cold taps and a bath tub. High-speed Wi-Fi is available as well. The English speaking staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and can help you book tours. }} * {{sleep | name=Stars Hotel | alt= | url= | email=sales@tuntravel.com | address=26 Bat Su | lat= | long= | directions=Old Quarter | phone=+84 24 3828-1911, +84 24 3828-1912 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-07 | content=Clean rooms with bath. Breakfast available. A few min by walk to Dong Xuan Market and Hoan Kiem Lake. Free Internet in some rooms and also at dining room at ground level. }} *{{sleep | name=Hanoi 3B hotel | alt= | url=http://www.hanoi3bhotel.com/ | email=booking@hanoi3bhotel.com | address=99 Ma May St, Hoan Kiem Dist | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+84 24 3935-1080 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-07 | content=In the heart of the old town, clean rooms, helpful staff with a good level of English. They can also arrange transportation and tours. }} * {{sleep | name=Little Charm Hanoi Hostel | alt= | url=http://littlecharmhanoihostel.com/ | email=booking@littlecharmhanoihostel.com | address=44 Hàng Bồ, Hoàn Kiếm | lat=21.033980 | long=105.849370 | directions= | phone=+84 914 872 497 | tollfree= | checkin=14:00 | checkout=11:00 | price=From USD7 | lastedit=2019-07-31 | content=Swimming pool and rooms with air-conditioning and soundproofing. Each bed has 2 lockers, reading light and other amenities. Bike rental, luggage storage, laundry services. }} ==== Around the Cathedral ==== The narrow streets around St. Joseph's Cathedral offer a (relatively!) quieter and less hectic option than the main part of the Old Quarter, which is still only a five- to ten-minute walk. * {{sleep | name=Especen Hotel | alt= | url=https://especenhotel.business.site | email=especen@gmail.com | address=28-38 Tho Xuong & 41 Ngo Huyen St, Hoan Kiem | lat=21.029094 | long=105.848511 | directions=30 m from St Joseph's Church on a quiet alley off of Au Trieu St | phone=+84 24 3824-4401 | tollfree= | fax=+84 4 3825 9460 | checkin=12:00 | checkout=12:00 | price=Doubles from 300,000 dong | lastedit=2018-12-07 | content=Rooms are new, clean, bright, quiet, friendly staff. }} * {{sleep | name=Vietnam Backpackers' (Original) Hostel | alt= | url=http://www.vietnambackpackerhostels.com/eat-and-sleep/hanoi-the-original | email=info@hanoibackpackershostel.com | address=48 Ngo Huyen St, Hoan Kiem | lat= | long= | directions=taxi to St Joseph's Cathedral, lane is one block north too narrow for vehicles | phone=+84 24 3828-5372 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=24 hr | checkout=24 hr | price=Dorm USD7.50, double USD30, breakfast included | content=Run by two Australians who have lived there for many years. Clean air-con rooms (including female-only dorms plus double rooms), hot showers, tri-weekly BBQs on the rooftop, free Wi-Fi. All dorm beds have a large personal locker (no extra fee), shelf, and nightlight. Book in advance in high season. }} * {{sleep | name=Central Backpackers (Original) Hostel | alt= | url=http://centralbackpackershostel.com/ | email= | address=16 Ly Quoc Su | lat= | long= | directions=half a block N of the church on Ly Quic Su, in the alley next to June Fashion | phone=+84 24 3938-1849 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=24 hr | checkout=noon | price= | lastedit=2018-12-06 | content=Local friendly staff. Free Internet. Some guests report questionable hygiene. Free beer every night. They have a similar "Old Quarter" hostel at 14-16 Thanh Ha Street. }} * {{sleep | name=Victor Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=24C Lý Quốc Sư | lat= | long= | directions=200 m west of Hoan Kiem Lake | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Rooms from USD20 | lastedit=2018-12-06 | content=Dorms have air-con, free computer use, breakfast can be added for USD1. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Hanoi Guest House Royal | alt= | url=http://hanoiguesthouseroyal.com/ | email=booking@hanoiguesthouseroyal.com | address=26 Phat Loc, Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem | lat=21.034698 | long=105.853977 | directions= | phone=+84 948 617 179 | tollfree= | checkin=14:00 | checkout=12:00 | price=+30$ | lastedit=2019-07-31 | content=24-hour front desk and a restaurant for complimentary daily breakfast. Featuring Victorian-inspired decor, air-conditionaled rooms come with a smart TV. Fan is additionally provided. In-room safe, fast Wi-Fi, minibar and electric kettle, complimentary coffee, tea, snack are also included. All rooms have natural light and views of the Hanoi Old Town. The ensuite bathrooms come with bathtub or glass wall, hair dryer, and hot shower. }} * {{sleep | name=Hanoi Club Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.thehanoiclub.com/ | email=enquiries@hanoi-club.com | address=76 Yen Phu St, Ho Tay | lat= | long= | directions=by West Lake near Sofitel Plaza | phone=+84 24 3823-8115 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-06 | content=A recreational club with 75 hotel rooms. Tennis courts, squash courts, fully equipped gym, 25m pool, 48 bay golf driving range, Chinese restaurant, lounge, and cafe. Peaceful with hardly any sounds of traffic. Rooms are modern with some rooms facing the lake. Complimentary Wi-Fi in rooms. }} * {{sleep | name=Hanoi Eclipse Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.hanoieclipsehotel.com/ | email=sales@hanoieclipsehotel.com | address=24 Hang Quat St, Hoan Kiem | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+84 24 3824-3423 | tollfree= | fax=+84 24 3824-6144 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-06 | content=Boutique hotel with clean and spacious rooms. Friendly staff speak English. }} *{{sleep | name=Hanoi Emotion Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.hanoi-emotion.com/default.aspx | email=info@hanoi-emotion.com | address=26 Hang Bot St, Dong Da | lat= | long= | directions=just west of Temple of Literature | phone=+84 24 3848-9848 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-06 | content=Large bath, rooftop restaurant, bar with city view. The hotel is especially good for business travel as the surroundings are very quiet and well-sited. }} *{{sleep | name=Hanoi Eternity Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.eternityhotel.vn/ | email=info@eternityhotel.vn | address=32 Yet Kieu St, Hoan Kiem | lat=21.023 | long=105.843 | directions= | phone=+84 24 3941-2262 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=14:00 | checkout=12:00 | price= | lastedit=2018-12-06 | content=Business boutique hotel with 28 rooms, next to Hanoi train station. }} * {{sleep | name=Au Co Art Classic Hotel & Spa | alt= | url=http://www.aucoartclassichotel.com/ | email=hanoihibiscushotel@gmail.com | address=52 Ngo Huyen St, Hoan Kiem District | lat= | long= | directions=200 m east of Hoan Kiem lake | phone=+84 24 3938-6143 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=USD54 | lastedit= | content=3-star going on 2. Free Wi-Fi and TV. En suite all rooms, breakfast included and travel services available. }} * '''Hanoi Legacy Hotel''' 108 Hang Bac St: good comfy place in the midst of old town. From 40 US$. * {{sleep | name=Hanoi Royal Palace Hotel 2 | alt= | url=http://www.royalpalacehotelhanoi.com | email=booking@royalpalacehotelhanoi.com | address=95 Hang Bong, Hoan Kiem | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+84 24 3824-7443 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-06 | content=The first incarnation was at 18A Quan Su St, now it's moved across the intersection. Quiet location. A boutique hotel with modern facilities and professional staff. TV, fan, air-con, hot shower, bathtub or Jacuzzi, and optional breakfast. In-room computer with Internet is included. }} * {{sleep | name=Hanoi View 2 Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.hanoiviewhotel.com/ | email=hanoiview2hotel@yahoo.com | address=48 Ngo Si Lien Alley, Dong Da District | lat= | long= | directions=just north of railway station | phone=+84 24 6267-9888 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From USD20 | lastedit=2018-12-06 | content=2-star, basic but clean. All rooms have air-con, cable TV and Internet. Restaurant, sauna, travel agency and massage service. }} * {{sleep | name=Indochina Queen Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.indochinaqueenhotel.com | email=info@indochinaqueenhotel.com | address=67 Pho Thuoc Bac St, Hoan Kiem | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+84 24 3923-3993, +84 24 3923-3996 | tollfree= | fax=+84 24 3923-3966 | checkin= | checkout= | price=From USD20 | lastedit=2018-12-06 | content=Rooms with satellite TV, air-con, safe, tea & coffee maker, and en suite baths. An on-site restaurant serves breakfast. Bar, car park, bicycle rental and babysitting are available. }} * {{sleep | name=Lucky Hotels | alt= | url=http://www.hanoiluckyhotelgroup.com/ | email= | address=12 Hang Trong St, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem District | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+84 24 3825-1029 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-06 | content=Three hotels in the Old Quarter, all clean and spacious. Staff skillful with good English and courteous. Walking distance to Hoan Kiem Lake. Minibar/refrigerator, LCD cable TV and air-con. Free Internet access and Wi-Fi, restaurant and 24-hr room service. }} *{{sleep | name=Moon View 2 Hotel | alt=formerly Hanoi Viet Hotel | url=http://www.moonviewhotel.com | email= | address=61 Hang Than St, Hoan Kiem District | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+84 24 3927-4705 | tollfree= | fax=+84 24 3927-4707 | checkin=12:30 | checkout=11:30 | price=USD45 | lastedit=2018-12-06 | content=3-star with 38 rooms and suites with private balconies. }} * {{sleep | name=Thaison Palace | alt= | url=http://www.thaisonpalacehotel.com/ | email=infothaison1@thaisonhotel.com | address=7-9 Hang Voi, Hoan Kiem | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+84 24 3935-1666, +84 24 3935-1612 | tollfree= | fax=+84 24 3935-1611 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-06 | content=Clean, spacious rooms. Hotel staff is courteous, friendly and warm. Renovated & name change in summer 2018, previous reviews were abysmal. }} * {{sleep | name=Trung Nam Hai Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.trungnamhaihotel.com/ | email=booking@trungnamhaihotel.com | address=27 Phu Doan, Hoan Kiem | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+84 24 3928-8228 | tollfree= | fax=+84 24 3928-8268 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-06 | content=In Old Quarter, all bedrooms have en suite bath with tub and shower, air conditioning and heating, mini bar, free Wi-Fi, safe, flat screen TV with cable television, hairdryer. All floors can be reached by an elevator. }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi | alt= | url=https://www.sofitel-legend-metropole-hanoi.com/ | email=h1555@sofitel.com | address=15 Ngô Quyền St., Hoàn Kiếm| lat=21.025594624296357 | long=105.85553844529719 | directions=front entrance on Ngô Quyền St., back entrance on Lý Thái Tổ St. | phone=+84 24 3826-6919 | tollfree= | fax=+84 24 3826-6920 | checkin=14:00 | checkout=12:00 | price=Rooms from USD 250 to 400; Suites from USD 650 to 3,750 | wikipedia= Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi |wikidata=Q7553773 | lastedit=2021-08-01 | content=Hanoi's very first modern hotel, a grand French colonial institution opened in 1901; now part of Accor Group. Patronised by mostly older European travelers. Five restaurants serve tasty and fresh (if very expensive) French, European and Vietnamese cuisine. }} * {{sleep | name=Capella Hanoi | alt= | url=https://www.capellahotels.com/en/capella-hanoi | email=info.hanoi@capellahotels.com | address=11 Lê Phụng Hiểu, Tràng Tiền, Hoàn Kiếm | lat=21.025839422171895 | long=105.85670742386783 | directions=opposite the Sofitel Metropole's Lý Thái Tổ entrance | phone=+84 24 3987-8888 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Standard room USD 350; Suites from USD 500 to 4,000 | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-08-01 | content=Glamorous Art Deco boutique hotel designed by starchitect hotelier Bill Bensley; latest addition to the ultraluxe Capella chain. Incredible interior and exterior decor, gorgeous artwork and marble murals, underground swimming pool and spa, colorfully plush rooms - and predictably sky-high prices (actually ''more'' expensive than the Metropole next door, which is quite the achievement). Worth a visit for the architecture alone, even if you're not staying here; the staff will be happy to show you around. }} * {{sleep | name=Meliá Hanoi Hotel | alt= | url=http://meliahanoi.com/ | email= | address=44B Ly Thuong Kiet St | lat=21.0244171 | long=105.8486661 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-06 | content=Rooms are big and offer views of the city. }} *{{sleep | name=Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi Centre | alt= | url=https://movenpick.accor.com/en/asia/vietnam/hanoi/hotel-hanoi.html | email=hotel.hanoi@movenpick.com | address=83A Lý Thường Kiệt St., Hoàn Kiếm Dist. | lat=21.02514 | long=105.84385 | directions= | phone=+84 24 3822-2800 | tollfree= | fax=+84 24 3822-2776 | checkin=14:00 | checkout=12:00 | price=Rooms from USD 175 to 300 | lastedit=2025-03-06 | content=Beautifully renovated and modernised in 2024. 155 rooms and suites, 93 of which are non-smoking rooms and 20 connecting rooms. All rooms are equipped with LCD flat screen, wide selection of international cable TV channels. Minibar, IDD telephone, personal safe, tea and coffee making provided. Broadband cable and Wi-Fi is accessible in all rooms and throughout the public areas of the hotel. }} *{{sleep | name=Somerset Grand Hanoi | alt= | url=https://www.somerset.com/en/vietnam/hanoi/somerset-grand-hanoi/index.html | email=enquiry.hanoi@the-ascott.com | address=49 Hai Ba Trung St | lat=21.025761 | long=105.846484 | directions= | phone=+84 24 3934-2342 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2017-11-20 | content=185 apartments that range from one- to three-bedroom layouts, and a three-bedroom penthouse. Each apartment has a kitchen, IDD telephone with a private number, and furnishings. }} *{{sleep | name=InterContinental Hanoi Westlake | alt= | url=http://intercontinental.com/hanoi | email=Res.Hanoi@ihg.com | address=1A Nghi Tam, Tay Ho District | lat=21.059246080612745| long=105.83184120738578 | directions=North end of lake, 15-min taxi ride to downtown | phone=+84 24 6270-8888 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Rooms from USD 100 to 200; Suites from USD 210 to 1,600 | lastedit=2021-08-01 | content=Hotel of 359 rooms and overwater pavilions with private balconies, built on stilts atop West Lake. Styled as a modernised adaptation of traditional Vietnamese architecture. }} *{{sleep | name=Sheraton Hanoi Hotel | alt= | url=http://starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1484 | email= | address=K5 Nghi Tam, 11 Xuan Dieu Rd, Tay Ho District | lat=21.0598708 | long=105.8317256 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From USD100 | lastedit=2018-12-06 | content=Large gardens and courtyards. Rooms are furnished with traditional décor and modern amenities. }} *{{sleep | name=Pan Pacific Hanoi | alt=formerly and still widely-known among locals as Sofitel Plaza | url=https://www.panpacific.com/en/hotels-resorts/vietnam/hanoi.html | email= | address=1 Thanh Nien Rd, Ba Dinh District | lat=21.0499877 | long=105.8398718 | directions=Near SE corner of West Lake | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From USD 130 | lastedit=2018-12-06 | content=5-star with 317 rooms. Renowned as the most scenic hotel in Hanoi with a zigzag façade and stepped architecture. Hotel is spotless and well-maintained with very friendly staff, gets consistently good reviews. }} *{{sleep | name=Lotte Hotel Hanoi | alt= | url=https://www.lottehotel.com/hanoi-hotel/en.html | email= | address=54 Liễu Giai, Ba Đình | lat=21.032065732459277 | long=105.81309194539607 | directions=33rd to 64th floor of the Lotte Center, opposite the Hanoi Daewoo Hotel | phone=+84 24 3333-1000 | tollfree= | fax=+84 24 3333-1100 | checkin=14:00 | checkout=12:00 | price=Rooms from USD 175 to 275; Suites from USD 300 to 750 | lastedit=2021-08-01 | content=Modern and well-equipped Korean hotel, located atop the Lotte Center: a residential-commercial skyscraper complex with integrated luxury shopping mall and supermarket, two dozen restaurants, observation deck, and an outdoor rooftop bar. Nearby Linh Lang area is home to both the Japanese Embassy and Hanoi's Japanese expat community, with high-quality Japanese restaurants of all stripes aplenty. 15-min drive to Sword Lake. }} *{{sleep | name=Hanoi Daewoo Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.daewoohotel.com/en | email= | address=360 Kim Ma St, Ba Dinh District | lat=21.03092 | long=105.81204 | directions=3 km west of centre near zoo, 15 min by taxi from the centre of town | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-06 | content=Luxury hotel, part of a larger apartment and business complex that includes 7 restaurants and cafés, 2 banks and a dance club. There is a large pool, exercise room, business centre with translation services and free Internet in the rooms. }} *{{sleep | name=JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/hanjw-jw-marriott-hotel-hanoi/ | email=mhrs.hanjw.fb.marketing.coordinator@marriott.com | address=8 Đỗ Đức Dục St., Mễ Trì Ward, Nam Từ Liêm Dist. | lat=21.00794 | long=105.78263 | directions=adjacent to National Convention Center complex, behind the Hanoi Museum. | phone=+84 24 3833-5588 | tollfree= | fax=+84 24 3833-5599 | checkin= | checkout= | price=Rooms from USD 150 to 200; Suites from USD 300 to 6,500 | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-08-01 | content=Enormous contemporary business hotel, with excellent selection of fine-dining restaurants (French, Chinese, fusion Japanese and buffet). Mainly serves corporate and events clientele, being located in the commercial Mỹ Đình area; is otherwise a long way from any major attractions (30-min drive to Sword Lake). }} ==Stay safe== [[Image:hanoimonks.jpg|thumb|240px|Monks crossing the street]] ===Traffic=== The simple act of walking can be intimidating, especially in the narrow streets around the Old Quarter. As is the case everywhere in Vietnam, traffic in Hanoi is dominated by an incredible number of motorbikes, all of which seem to be making a mad, desperate dash for something just out of reach, all of the time. There is no such thing as one-directional traffic in Vietnam. When you leave the curb, look not only left and right, but to the front and back. Even up and down would not be amiss. Take each step deliberately but resolutely. Patiently allow the motorbikes to pass. Don't rush and don't make any erratic movements. Stop in place if necessary but ''never'' walk backwards. This way the drivers are aware of you, and can anticipate your behavior (along with all of the other motorbikes). As a rule of thumb, motorbikes will swerve around you, but cars and trucks will run you over. It may look chaotic, but be patient and pay attention and you'll be fine. ===Hustles and scams=== Be vigilant when taking a taxi. Drivers have been known to jump out at the destination and remove most of the bags from the trunk. While the passenger is busy putting on a rucksack the driver takes off with the remaining bags. Ask your hotel what taxi companies are reliable. Be careful of hustler hawkers. In Vietnam, there is a two-tier pricing system, for locals and for foreigners. No other place in Vietnam is this practised more emphatically than in Hanoi (and in Ho Chi Minh City's Ben Thanh Market) where vendors charge differently according to how they gauge your net worth. ===Pickpockets=== You've read warnings about pickpockets a hundred times, but it's rarely as true as for Hanoi's busy and narrow Old Quarter or the Dong Xuan Night Market. The crowd, the loads of tourists, the distraction of heavy traffic and the narrow confines guarantee opportunities for thieves. And the general belief that tourists have too much money creates a moral climate in which thieves abound. Even if you're attentive, you'll get some pockets of your backpack opened, maybe even twice a day. Expect female pickpockets. Don't let them surround you. Approaching you with "Hello, I'm a student" seems to be a quite popular pick-up line for them. == Stay healthy == Public hospitals are generally poorly equipped and overcrowded, and staff tend to speak little to no English. As such, foreigners are highly advised to rely on private hospitals instead. * {{listing | name=Hanoi French Hospital | alt= | url=https://www.hfh.com.vn/en/home | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Hanoi's first private hospital, with staff who are able to speak French and English. }} * {{listing | name=Vinmec Times City International Hospital | alt= | url=https://www.vinmec.com/en/benh-vien-da-khoa-quoc-te-vinmec-times-city-17265/da-khoa | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=First location of the Vinmec chain of private hospitals throughout Vietnam. }} ==Connect== === Telephone === * Hanoi code: area code changed from "4" to "24", and a "3" has been added in front of all 7-digit local numbers. Examples: :* Old dialling style: 1234567 (from within the city) or 04 1234567 (inter-provincial) or +84 4 1234567 (from overseas) :* New dialling style: 3 1234567 (from within the city) or 024 3 1234567 (inter-provincial) or +84 24 3 1234567 (from overseas) === Internet === Most regular restaurants and cafés have free Wi-Fi. It is culturally accepted to go to a coffee shop, order a drink and study/work there for a few hours. There are also many places in the city where free public Wi-Fi is available. ==Cope== ===Gyms=== * {{do | name=No Name | alt= | url= | email= | address=88 Hang Buom St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=If you want to do some mild weight training on a budget. The gym is in very poor condition: the floor is hazardous and no one will spot you while benching so ensure your last rep you are able to place the bar back or go with a friend. The front of the gym is full of scooters and the rear wall has pictures of Uncle Ho exercising.}} * {{do | name=X-Men Gym | alt= | url=https://xmengroup.vn/ | email= | address=91 P. Phùng Hưng | lat=21.036035 | long=105.846132 | directions=In the Old Quarter. On the fourth floor | phone= | tollfree= | hours=06:00-21:00 | price=50.000 dong for drop in | lastedit=2023-11-24 | content=Free weights and lots of old-school equipment that works well. }} ===Embassies=== * {{flag|Argentina}} {{listing | name=Argentina | url= | email= | address=4F, Sentinel Pl, 41A Ly Thai To St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+84 24 3831-5262 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=}} * {{flag|Armenia}} {{listing | name=Armenia | url=https://vietnam.mfa.am | email= | address=N679, 73 D5C Vuon Dao, Phu Thuong Ward, Tay Ho District | lat=21.07243 | long=105.81179 | directions= | phone=+84 24 3758-5228 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=}} * {{flag|Australia}} {{listing | name=Australia | url=http://vietnam.embassy.gov.au | email= | address=8 Dao Tan St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+84 24 3774-0100 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=}} * {{flag|Canada}} {{listing | name=Canada | alt= | url=https://www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/vietnam/hanoi.aspx?lang=eng | email=hanoi@international.gc.ca | address=31 Hung Vuong St | lat=21.034359 | long=105.832409 | directions= | phone=+84 24 3734-5000 | tollfree= | fax=+84 24 3734-5049 | hours=Weekdays 08:00 - 12:00 13:00 - 16:30 | price= | content= }} * {{flag|China}} {{listing | name=China | url=http://vn.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/ | email=chinaemb_vn@mfa.gov.cn | address=46 Hoang Dieu Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+84 24 3845-3736 | tollfree= | fax=+84 24 3823-2826 | hours= | price= | content=For visa applications visit [https://www.visaforchina.cn/HAN2_EN/ CVASC] ([mailto:hanoicenter@visaforchina.org E-mail])}} * {{flag|Czech Republic}} {{listing | name=Czech Republic | url=http://www.mzv.cz/hanoi/en/index.html | email= | address=13 Chu Van An St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+84 24 3845-4131 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=}} * {{flag|Denmark}} {{listing | name=Denmark | url=http://vietnam.um.dk | email= | address=19 Dien Bien Phu St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+84 24 3823-1888 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=}} * {{flag|Egypt}} {{listing | name=Egypt | url=http://www.mfa.gov.eg/english/embassies/Egyptian_Embassy_Vietnam/Pages/default.aspx | email=egyembhanoi@yahoo.com | address=63 To Ngoc Van St, Tay Ho | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+84 24 3829-4999 | tollfree= | fax=+84 24 3829-4997 | hours=09:00-16:00 | price= | content=}} * {{flag|Finland}} {{listing | name=Finland | url=http://www.finland.org.vn| email=sanomat.han@formin.fi | address=Central Building, 31 Hai Ba Trung | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+84 24 3826-6788 | tollfree= | fax=+84 24 3826-6766 | hours=M-Th 08:00-12:00, 13:00-17:00, F 08:00-13:00 | price= | content=}} * {{flag|France}} {{listing | name=France | url=http://ambafrance-vn.org | email= | address=57 Tran Hung Dao St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+84 24 3944-5700 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=}} * {{flag|Germany}} {{listing | name=Germany | url=http://www.hanoi.diplo.de/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=}} * {{flag|Greece}} {{listing | name=Greece | url= | email= | address=28 Thanh Nien Rd, Tay Ho District | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+84 24 3715-2254, +84 24 3715-2263 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=}} * {{flag|India}} {{listing | name=India | url= | email= | address=58-60, Tran Hung Dao | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+84 4 253409, +84 4 252310 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=}} * {{flag|Indonesia}} {{listing | name=Indonesia | url=http://www.kemlu.go.id/hanoi/id/default.aspx | email= | address=50 Ngo Quyen St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+84 24 3825-3353, +84 24 3825-7969 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=}} * {{flag|Italy}} {{listing | name=Italy | url=http://www.ambhanoi.esteri.it/ambasciata_hanoi/it/ | email= | address=9 Le Phung Hieu | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+84 24 3825-6256 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=}} * {{flag|Japan}} {{listing | name=Japan | url=http://www.vn.emb-japan.go.jp/ | email= | address=27 Lieu Giai, Ba Dinh District | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+84 24 3846-3000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=}} * {{flag|Laos}} {{listing | name=Laos | url= | email= | address=40 Quang Trung, Trần Hưng Đạo, Hoàn Kiếm | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 8:30–11:30, 13:00-16:00. | price= | content=Visas available for most nationalities in 1-3 days from consular section on Phố Nguyễn Gia Thiều Street.|alt=|wikidata=|lastedit=2019-11-23}} * {{flag|Malaysia}}{{listing | name=Malaysia | url= | email= | address=43-45 Dien Bien Phu | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+84 24 3734-3849 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=}} * {{flag|Netherlands}} {{listing | name=Netherlands | url=http://netherlands-embassy.org.vn | email= | address=6F, Daeha Office Tower, 360 Kim Ma St | lat=21.030851 | long=105.812567 | directions= | phone=+84 24 3831-5650 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=}} * {{flag|Norway}} {{listing | name=Norway | url=http://norway.org.vn/ | email= | address=10F, Vincom City Towers, 191 Ba Trieu St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+84 24 3974-8900 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=}} *{{flag|Pakistan}} {{listing | name=Pakistan | url= | email=parep-hanoi@hn.vnn.vn | address=Villa 44/2, Van Bao Street, Van Phuc Diplomatic Compound | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+84 24 3756-2251 | tollfree= | fax=+84 24 3756-2253 | hours=M-F 0900-1700 | price= | content=}} *{{flag|Poland}} {{listing | name=Poland | alt= | url=http://www.hanoi.msz.gov.pl/pl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Romania}} {{listing | name=Romania | alt= | url=http://hanoi.mae.ro/en | email=hanoi@mae.ro | address=5 Le Hong Phong St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+84 24 3734-1148 | tollfree= | fax=+84 24 3843-0922 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-03 | content=Also covers as the embassy of Romania for [[Cambodia]]. }} *{{flag|Russia}} {{listing | name=Russia | alt= | url=https://vietnam.mid.ru/ | email= | address=191 La Thanh St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+84 24 3833-6991 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Visa application for foreigners on long-term visa only (3 months+). }} * {{flag|Singapore}} {{listing | name=Singapore | url=http://mfa.gov.sg/hanoi | email= | address=41-43 Tran Phu St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+84 24 3848-9168 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=}} * {{flag|Spain}} {{listing | name=Spain | alt= | url=http://www.exteriores.gob.es/embajadas/hanoi/es/Paginas/inicio.aspx | email= | address=4 Le Hong Phong, Ba Dinh District | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+84 24 3771-5207, +84 24 3771-5208, +84 24 3771-5209 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-05-03 | content= }} * {{flag|Sweden}} {{listing | name=Sweden | url=http://swedenabroad.com/hanoi | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=}} * {{flag|Switzerland}} {{listing | name=Switzerland | url=http://www.eda.admin.ch/hanoi | email= | address=15F Hanoi Central Office Bldg, 44B Ly Thuong Kiet St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+84 24 3934-6589 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=}} * {{flag|Taiwan}} {{listing | name=Taiwan | alt=Taipei Economic and Cultural Office | url=https://www.roc-taiwan.org/vn_en/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+84 24 3833-5501 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Thailand}} {{listing | name=Thailand | url=http://hanoi.thaiembassy.org/ | email=thaiemhn@netnam.org.vn | address=63-65 Hoang Dieu St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+84 24 3823-5092 | tollfree= | fax=+84 24 3823-5088 | hours= | price= | content=}} * {{flag|Ukraine}} {{listing | name=Ukraine | url=http://www.mfa.gov.ua/vietnam | email=emb_vn@mfa.gov.ua | address=6 Le Hong Phong St, Ba Dinh District | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+84 24 3734-4484 | tollfree= | fax=+84 24 3734-4497 | hours= | price= | content=}} *{{flag|United Kingdom}} {{listing | name=United Kingdom | url= | email= | address=Central Bldg, 31 Hai Ba Trung | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+84 24 3936-0550 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=}} *{{flag|United States}} {{listing | name=United States | alt= | url=https://vn.usembassy.gov/ | email= | address=7 Lang Ha Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+84 24 3850-5000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ===Immigration office=== *{{listing | name=Immigration Department | alt= | url= | email= | address=40A Hang Bai | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+84 24 3826-6200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=For visa extensions.}} ==Go next== If you are the adventurous type or simply bored temporarily of the city atmosphere, then consider a circuit through the northern countryside. A round trip will take you to a lot of charming villages and through hills and valleys with charming views. Main roads are generally in good condition and you can easily do a couple of hundred kilometers a day. The villages and provinces are generally safe at night, and you get to see a lot of Vietnamese culture such as various tribespeople. While bus services are available (albeit not always reliable), a recommended alternative is to rent a bike or car and make the trip on your own. Motorbikes in decent quality can be rented and many places have suggestions for routes. * [[Ha Long Bay]]'s spectacular ocean karst topography is the most popular side-trip from Hanoi. * The [[Sapa]] mountain region close to the Chinese border, home to ethnic minorities, gorgeous mountain scenery, and trekking paths connecting many tiny mountain villages, is the second-most popular trip. 320 km northwest from the capital, Sapa is accessible by direct private bus services from Hanoi, which now only takes 5h30 thanks to excellent new highways; or by 8-hour train journey from Hanoi Station to [[Lao Cai]], then onward by minibus or hired motorbike. [[Image: VN Chua Huong1 tango7174.JPG|thumb|200px|Pilgrimage boats toward the Perfume Pagoda]] * {{listing | name=Perfume Pagoda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=can be reached by public transport (bus); tours are available anywhere in Hanoi | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=An ancient Buddhist pilgrimage site about 60&nbsp;km southwest of Hanoi. A full-day excursion that involves a boat trip to the main site, where you will hike (30-45 min) or take a cable car up a mountain. Near the top is a large limestone cave containing Buddhist shrines and statues. There are various other temples and grottoes along the way. }} * [[Bat Trang]], a village famous for its pottery, 9&nbsp;km southeast of Hanoi. It is accessible by taking Bus 47, which originates at Long Bien. Just hop on (the bus will be clearly labelled with the number 47 and the text "Long Bien - Bat Trang". Take it to the last stop, which is directly opposite the pottery market (haggle for lower prices, and insist on paying in dong). Head back up the street to the factories to the products being made. * [[Cao Bang]], featuring the beautiful Ban Gioc Waterfall, is five hours away by bus, near the Chinese border. * [[Cuc Phuong National Park]], is the largest national park in Vietnam and an easy day-trip from Hanoi. * [[Co Loa]] is the oldest ancient capital in the region; a little-visited site slightly northeast of Hanoi. * Tam Coc/Hoa Lu in [[Ninh Binh]] Province, is a day trip is combining heritage tourism and natural landscape tourism. Hoa Lu is the site of the first capital of Vietnam in the 10th century, and was home to two kings, Dinh Bo Linh (Dinh Tien Hoang) and Le Hoan. There are now two shrines dedicated to these two kings. About 30 min away from Hoa Lu is Tam Coc [three grottoes], also known as Halong Bay on land. It features karst landforms surrounded by paddy fields, and is accessed by little wooden boats. Boats take about one hour. This is an excellent alternative to Halong Bay for those who have short attention spans, as the boat trip takes a mere hour versus Halong Bay tourist boats which take 5 hours. One minor annoyance involves peddlers on boats hawking their wares, and your boat rower trying to sell you embroidery. * [[Dong Hoi]], the first major beach city before [[Hue]] going south, sleepy but with all the necessary infrastructure; laid back, authentic and genuinely friendly, with at least half a dozen hostels, and convenient for accessing [[Phong Nha-Ke Bang|Phong Nha Ke Bang]] national park. * [[Laos]], long haul buses to Laos leave from Hanoi daily and can be booked at any travel agent or even online. Buses to Vientiane, 24 hours; Luang Prabang, 27-30 hours; Vang Vieng, 27-30 hours. You will be on the same bus as Luang Prabang, but changes buses at a small town in Lao. Going directly to Vang Vieng is a good choice for travellers looking to skip Vientiane, and just go to Luang Prabang and then onto Thailand. Buses to Southern Laos are available as well. * [[China]], the daily MR1 international train runs overnight from Gia Lâm station to [[Nanning]] between 21:20-10:06; the returning MR2 train runs the other way between 18:05-05:30. Adult tickets are priced around 1 million VND; children aged 4-12 gets half off, while under-4s travels for free. Groups of 6 and above gets 25% discount. Immigration checks at [[Dong Dang|Đồng Đăng]] and [[Pingxiang (Guangxi)|Pingxiang]] station, respectively; a Chinese visa is required. Foreigners who entered Vietnam with an e-visa may not be allowed to buy this train route's tickets; check with Vietnam Railways for confirmation. {{geo|21.0333|105.8500}} {{IsPartOf|Northern Vietnam}} {{guidecity}} babsdetkyu1j3fv0ukkq3yh515az9w2 0 14475 5086648 4805946 2025-07-02T14:29:02Z Bluecoordinationfine 2327039 Moved listings from the GR 10 article into this article. 5086648 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Hendaye Jumeaux banner.jpg}} '''[http://www.visithendaye.com/en Hendaye] {{dead link|October 2017|December 2020}}''' (''Hendaia in [[Basque_phrasebook|Basque]]'') is the furthest point in the South West of [[France]] you can go, a frontier town with [[Hondarribia]], [[Spain]] and confined on the edge of both the Atlantic Ocean and Pyrenees Mountains. ==Get in== ===By train=== Hendaye is the last station of the South-Western line of the French Railways. [http://www.sncf.fr/indexe.htm SNCF] {{dead link|October 2017|December 2020}} runs several daily TGV trains from [[Paris]] (about 6 hours, full-price ticket {{EUR|85}}) and local (TER) trains from [[Bordeaux]] (3 hours, full-price ticket around {{EUR|30}}) The town is also the last station of the [http://www.euskotren.es/ Euskotren], which serves the [[Basque Country]] with frequent trains to [[San Sebastian]] (''Donastia in Basque'') (one-way ticket costs {{EUR|1.70}}), with connecting services to [[Bilbao]]. The station name on the maps are in Basque. These services cannot be reserved, and often do not show up on European train timetables. In Hendaye the SNCF and Euskotren stations are adjacent, and changing between services is straightforward. === By plane === '''[http://www.biarritz.aeroport.fr/ Biarritz-Anglet-Bayonne International Airport]''' is located 25 km from Hendaye. Flights from [[Bruxelles]], [[Rotterdam]], [[Geneva]], [[Dublin]], [[London]], [[Lyon]], [[Nice]] and [[Paris]]. The '''[http://www.aena-aeropuertos.es/csee/Satellite/Aeropuerto-San-Sebastian/en/ San Sebastian airport] {{dead link|October 2017|December 2020}}''' is located in Hondarribia, just across the border. It has direct flights from [[Madrid]], [[Barcelona]] and [[Bruxelles]]. ==Get around== {{mapframe|43.3667|-1.7667|zoom=10}} A free shuttle runs on two routes every day but Sunday every hour from 08:00 to 19:00, with a two-hour break for lunch. Taxis are available. ==See== Hendaye is split between the old medieval Basque Town on the hilltop, and the beach area, around two kilometres apart. The old town commands good views of the Bay of Chingoudy and the river Bidassoa estuary below to the North & West, with the impressive scenery of the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains to the West, South and East. This is where you find most of the shops, the Mairie, Pelote Basque etc. The beach area is located on a peninsula formed by the Atlantic and the beach to the north and the bay and river to the south & west. This part of Hendaye is relatively modern and it is here that you will find the Marina (on the bay side), Hotels, Casino and the Serge Blanco Thalasso Center (Serge is one the best former French International Rugby team Players). * {{see | name=Observatory Castle of Abbadia | alt= | url=https://www.chateau-abbadia.fr/en | email= | address= | lat=43.3775 | long=-1.749167 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2093924 | content= }} * {{listing|type=see|name=Tourist Office|url=https://www.hendaye-tourisme.fr/en/|lat=43.37336276567105|long=-1.7722616998473608|content=Tourist information office. Toilets available.}} ==Do== The large bay provides good sheltered facilities for [[water sports]], [[windsurfing]] etc. at the Club Nautique and all types of facilities for boats, while the Atlantic beach has some excellent surf. ==Buy== ==Eat== * '''Churros''' ==Drink== ==Sleep== In Hendaye, there is a good choice of hotels, guest houses and camping. *{{sleep | name=Campanile Hendaye | url=http://www.louvrehotels.com/ | email= | address= 102B Rue de Béhobie | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= €60-€120 | content=Distant from the beach and on the edge of the residential area, this comfortable chain hotel has free parking on site, and easy access by road. Different room and bedding configurations that can be confirmed online. }} *{{sleep | name=Résidence Maeva Le Sokoburu | url=http://www.pv-holidays.com/scripts/fiche_produit.php?id_ofr=154&id_sai_passe=1&date=2009-03-03&duree=7&code=SKS12 | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=This 3-floor luxury residence has a swimming-pool. It is in an exceptional location between the magnificent beach and the yachting marine, facing Fuenterrabia and adjoining the Serge Blanco Thalassotherapy Centre. }} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Hendaye Ametza|address=156 Bd de l'Empereur, 64700 Hendaye|phone=+33 5 59 20 07 05|url=https://www.camping-ametza.com/de/|lat=43.372065059735746|long=-1.754460036025376|content=Family-friendly campsite near the beach.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Eskualduna|address=Rte de la Corniche, 64700 Hendaye|phone=+33 5 59 20 04 64|url=https://www.camping-eskualduna.fr/|lat=43.37531169533883|long=-1.7382868883807954|content=Well-equipped with sea views and a pool.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Dorrondeguy|address=Rue de la Glacière, 64700 Hendaye|phone=+33 5 59 20 26 16|url=https://www.camping-dorrondeguy.com/|lat=43.36860907459624|long=-1.747462449479492|content=Affordable option within walking distance of the beach.}} ==Go next== Hendaye as stated above is a border town, with easy access to Spain. Cheaper shopping in [[Irun]] and [[Hondarribia]] that are accessible by car or the Euskotren and a ferry boat crosses the river on a regular service from Hendaye Marina to Fonterrabia. [[San Sebastian]] is an easy daytrip, and from there onwards to [[Bilbao]]. {{routebox | image1=Autoroute française 63.svg | imagesize1=50 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Bilbao]] | minorl1=[[San Sebastián]] ← [[image:Tabliczka E5.svg|30px]] continues as [[Image:ESP AP-1.svg|30px]] {{flag|Spain}} | directionr1=NE | majorr1=[[Bayonne (France)|Bayonne]] → [[Bordeaux]] | minorr1=[[Saint-Jean-de-Luz]] | caption1=Autoroute de la Côte Basque }} {{geo|43.3667|-1.7667}} {{IsPartOf|Pyrénées-Atlantiques}} {{outlinecity}} bbmx47xzqggpcmtxa4t7x60c8d7f475 0 15018 5086874 5080665 2025-07-03T01:27:28Z Vaticidalprophet 2170423 /* Commercial */ ce 5086874 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Homestay Accommodation On Rail Trail (cropped).jpg}} '''Hospitality Exchange''' is a form of accommodation whereby visitors stay in a house or apartment of a local of their destination. It is altruistic in nature. '''Homestay''' is a broader notion encompassing hospitality exchange and equivalent forms for accommodation that are not free. The key aspect of non-altruistic homestay which differentiates it from the usual '''renting''' is that the host is very near (typically lives in the same house, apartment, etc.), and is not a hospitality professional or a commercial entity. Nowadays many apartments advertised on the homestay networks are bought or rented for the purpose of '''short-term rental''', with the host not living there, at least not regularly. The operator competes for apartments on the long-term housing market, where in popular cities 30–70% of rental apartments may be on the short-term market in the tourist season, which drives up prices and can cause anger among locals. For the traveller, however, they can be a convenient option. Hospitality exchanges, homestays for money, and short-term rentals are all widely advertised online, and are mainly accessed from '''intermediary sites'''. Commercial homestay sites act as brokers and charge a service fee or a commission; the providers of lodgings charge for the lodging itself. These options are very often indistinguishable from renting and may be legally treated as renting (subjected to relevant regulations and taxed likewise), but they are also covered in this article, since there's a lot of overlap. ==Understand== With the Internet, new kinds of hospitality exchange have emerged. They can be a side income for hosts, or a hobby. Some exchanges have also attracted commercial actors, who may even be the majority in some regions. The stay can be for free, in exchange for money, in exchange for a stay at the guest's property either simultaneously or at another time (home swapping) While this article will not concentrate on opportunities in exchange for help on the host's property, this topic is covered extensively under '''[[Volunteer travel]]'''. A ''hospitality exchange network'' is the organization that connects travelers with locals in the cities they are going to visit. Joining such a network usually just requires filling out an online form; although some networks offer or require additional verification. A listing of available hosts is then provided either in print and/or online, sometimes with references and reviews by other travelers. Each network has its own niche: free, commercial, some cater to older travelers while some attract younger students, some encourage more social interaction between host and guest, while others are more of a financial transaction. Some are focused on home-for-home swapping. Most networks listed here operate worldwide. Hospitality exchange can provide several positive '''advantages''' to guests: * Savings on accommodation costs, especially if for free * Personal connections and interactions with people from a different culture and/or social class, thereby strengthening intercultural understanding and reducing prejudices and intolerance * Local perspective and information about the city that is not easily found in guidebooks * A deeper understanding of the life of the locals * A close-up experience of genuine residential [[architecture]] and interior [[design]] * Opportunities to stay in areas under-served by hotels or hostels * Opportunities to stay in unique properties such as igloos, cabins, and castles Hospitality exchange on the other hand may also have '''disadvantages''' over hotel/hostel accommodation: * A paid hospitality exchange is not automatically cheaper than a hotel or serviced apartment; for one, hotels are economically efficient by having many rooms. * The exchange may require additional planning before travel * Last minute changes or cancellations by either the host or the guest may inconvenience others * Accommodation and sleeping surfaces may be less comfortable and/or have less privacy * Guests may be required to adhere to a schedule or follow rules set by a host, which restrict freedom * Accommodation may not be close to tourist attractions * If the guest and host do not get along, the home stay can make a visit to an otherwise pleasant city unbearable However, '''it always depends''' on a case by case basis whether a home stay is superior over a regular hotel or hostel. A generalisation is difficult and travelers must decide on a case by case basis whether to prefer a hospitality exchange or a regular commercial accommodation like hotel, hostel, motel, etc., specifically: * Standards vary independently of commercial or non-commercial provider. * A marketing facade does not say anything about the service in real life. ==Overview== The following are the major hospitality exchange networks, classified by commercial grade. Follow the link to get more details on a specific network below. ===Free (or minor flat fee)=== {| class='wikitable' ! Name / Link !! No. of listings/hosts !! Registration necessary? !! Cost/fees? !! Business model / financing !! Other services |- | [[#1Nite Tent|1Nite Tent]] [https://1nitetent.com/ ↗] || 1,000 (Apr 2023) || No || free || volunteers, donation || |- | [[#BeWelcome|BeWelcome]] [https://www.bewelcome.org ↗] || 214,000 (Sept 2022) || Yes || free || volunteers, donation || social network, event sharing |- | [[#Couchsurfing|Couchsurfing]] [https://www.couchsurfing.com ↗] || unknown || Yes || US$3/month or US$15/year; free for people from some lower-income countries || monthly/annual fee, verification fee || social network, event sharing |- | [[#Global Freeloaders|Global Freeloaders]] [https://globalfreeloaders.com ↗]{{Dead link|date=June 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} || 115,000 (supposedly active) || Yes || free || donation || |- | [[#Pasporta Servo|Pasporta Servo]] [https://pasportaservo.org ↗] || 1,350 || || || || |- | [[#Servas|Servas]] [http://www.servas.org ↗] || 14,000 || || || || |- | [[#Trustroots|Trustroots]] [http://www.trustroots.org ↗] || 8,500 || Yes || free || volunteers, donation || |- | [[#Warmshowers|Warmshowers]] [https://www.warmshowers.org ↗] || 71,281 (active) || Yes || free || volunteers, donation || |- |[[Hospitality exchange#Host A Sister|Host A Sister]] [https://www.facebook.com/groups/hostasister/ ↗] |300,000 (members) |Yes |free |volunteers | |- |[[Hospitality exchange#Travel Ladies|Travel Ladies]] [https://travelladies.app/ ↗] |10,000 (users) |Yes |free |volunteers |social network |} ===Exchange=== {| class='wikitable' ! Name / Link !! No. of listings/hosts !! Registration necessary? !! Cost/fees? !! Business model / financing !! Other services |- | [[#Green Theme International|Green Theme International]] [https://www.gti-home-exchange.com ↗] || 1,575 || Yes || 3 months US$17, 6 months US$25, 1 year US$35 || flat fee || |- |[[Hospitality exchange#The Jolly Guest|The Jolly Guest]] [https://www.thejollyguest.com ↗] |1,500 |Yes |Free | | |- | [[#Home Exchange|Home Exchange]] [https://www.homeexchange.com ↗] || 65,000 || Yes || US$150/year, €130/year || flat fee, affiliation || |- | [[#Home Link|Home Link]] [https://homelink.org ↗] || thousands of home exchanges || Yes || €140/year || || |- | [[#HomeForSwap.com|HomeForSwap.com]] [http://HomeForSwap.com ↗]{{Dead link|date=May 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} || 9,000 || Yes || US$70/year || flat fee || |- | [[#Intervac|Intervac]] [https://us.intervac-homeexchange.com ↗] || 4,017 || Yes || US$115/year, €110/year + potential rental fee || flat fee, service fee/commission || |- | [[#Staydu.com|Staydu.com]] [http://www.staydu.com ↗] || 3,619 || || || || |- | [[#Switch|Switch]] [https://switchhomes.net/ ↗]{{Dead link|date=March 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} || 2,000 || Yes || free || volunteers || |} ===Commercial=== {| class='wikitable' ! Name / Link !! No. of listings/hosts !! Registration necessary? !! Cost/fees? !! Business model / financing !! Other services |- | [[#9flats|9flats]] [https://www.9flats.com ↗] || 6,000,000 || Yes (ad-hoc) || || service fee/commission || |- | [[#Affordable Travel Club|Affordable Travel Club]] [http://www.affordabletravelclub.net ↗] || 2,400+ || Yes || US$65/year, US$15/night/single - $20/couple || flat fee ||Home Exchange House/Pet Sitting |- | [[#Airbnb|Airbnb]] [https://www.airbnb.com ↗] || 4,000,000 (incl. hotels, hostels, etc.) || Yes (ad-hoc) || || service fee/commission, venture capital || event sharing |- | [[#Booking.com|Booking.com]] || 5,720,034 vacation rentals, 628,066 apartments, 145,094 guest houses, 79,349 BnBs || No (email required) || || service fee/commission, advertisement, affiliation || |- | [[#Evergreen Bed & Breakfast Club|Evergreen Bed & Breakfast Club]] [http://www.EvergreenClub.com ↗] || 2,000 || || || || |- | [[#Google Maps|Google Maps]] [https://maps.google.com ↗] || countless || No || No (for direct contacts) || advertisement, user data || |- | [[#Innclusive.com|Innclusive.com]] [https://www.innclusive.com ↗]{{Dead link|date=May 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} || || || || || |- | [[#Knok|Knok]] [http://www.knok.com ↗] || || || || || |- | [[#Mennonite Your Way|Mennonite Your Way]] [http://www.mennoniteyourway.com ↗]{{Dead link|date=May 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} || 1,700+ || No || US$30 for host list, US$10/night/person, US$2/meal (all recommended) || donation || |- | [[#Misterbnb|Misterbnb]] [https://www.misterbandb.com ↗] || 210,000 || Yes || || service fee/commission, venture capital || social network |- | [[#Noirbnb.com|Noirbnb.com]] [http://noirbnb.com ↗] || || || || || |- | [[#Obunia.com|Obunia.com]] [http://www.obunia.com ↗]{{Dead link|date=June 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} || || || || || |- | [[#WorldEscape|WorldEscape]] [http://www.worldescape.com ↗]{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} || || || || || |} ==Hospitality exchange networks== In the following, all networks, again classified by commercial grade, in order of size or reach (website), respectively. ===Free (or minor flat fee)=== This chapter focuses on accommodation which is free, but the related service/website needs to cover maintenance costs and may be commercial. ====BeWelcome==== '''# of hosts: 120,000 (Jun 2019)''' [http://www.bewelcome.org BeWelcome] was founded in early 2007 and is grouped in the non-profit [http://www.bevolunteer.org/ BeVolunteer organization]. It is based on the free and open source [https://github.com/BeWelcome/rox BW Rox]. BeWelcome is a website run by BeVolunteer, a non-profit association legally registered in [[Rennes]], [[France]]. Members of BeWelcome do not have to be members of BeVolunteer. BeWelcome is similar to the Couchsurfing community, but free to use, add free, run by volunteers and has all the same main features. All features of the website and stays are free (a must). Travelers can contact each other via the website with accommodation requests and leave references for each other after they meet. The website also includes a forum, contacts management, map search, and allows for set up of events. t also has a [https://www.bewelcome.org/trips TRIPS] feature, which allows you to post your travel itinerary and dates, so that hosts can see your plan and offer accommodation. BeWelcome has also been translated into other languages to make finding a host easier. The website is financed by [https://www.bewelcome.org/donate donations] of approximately €1,000 per year and has annual operating expenses of around €700 per year. As of September 2021, the platform has 215,000 members. ====Trustroots==== '''# of hosts (yes/maybe): 13,000''' '''# of members: 67,986 (Dec 2021)''' [https://www.trustroots.org Trustroots] is the ''new kid in town''. It was launched in December 2014 targeting hitchhikers and other more alternative niche groups, though it's open to everyone. As of November 2018 you can only search by map, and the website is very usable on mobile phones, and there's an app for Android. The software is open source and the network is run by a UK non-profit foundation. It is comparable to BeWelcome with a nicer website but might not work everywhere. It is best to register with both and just choose the right one depending on the region. ====Warmshowers==== '''# of hosts: 71,281''' [https://www.warmshowers.org Warmshowers] is an online hospitality exchange organization exclusively for touring bicyclists that want either indoor accommodation or just a break from cycling and a warm shower. In case you are planning to [[hitchhiking|hitchhike]], it can be a good option to bring a foldable bicycle along to bike part of the journey and take advantage of Warmshowers. This community is very welcoming but a little closed to no-bicycle outsiders. ====Couchsurfing==== '''# of active hosts: unknown''' [http://www.couchsurfing.com Couchsurfing] was once easily the largest free hospitality exchange platform, with both a website and mobile app. Though, it now charges a monthly (US$3) or annual fee (US$15) for access (with exceptions for users from lower-income countries). Therefore, many users have left for BeWelcome or Trustroots. The site's gradual commercialization has been controversial among its members, many of whom originally volunteered to help build the site under the understanding that it was strictly not-for-profit. ====Global Freeloaders==== '''# of (supposedly active) hosts: 115,000''' (Alexa rank below Trustroots) [http://www.globalfreeloaders.com Global Freeloaders] is based on the concept of getting a free place to stay and "seeing the world from a local's perspective". It predates CouchSurfing, having been founded in 2001, but has much fewer users. Members do not send individual requests for accommodation; they blast a request to several hosts at once. According to the website, one should only register if planning to host within the next 6 month, in an attempt to guarantee an active host community. In reality however this fact is not validated. One thing that distinguishes Global Freeloaders from similar networks is that it specifically asks members to host just as often as they are hosted by others. ====Servas==== '''# of members: over 14,000 hosts''' [http://www.servas.org Servas] was created in 1949 by Bob Luitweiler, an American who lived in [[Denmark]]. Servas recommends that guest apply at least 4 weeks in advance of travel. Participation in Servas requires 2 letters of reference and paying a membership fee, which varies by country, and a personal interview with a local Servas coordinator. After the interview, the traveler gets a "letter of introduction" that's good for one year of travel, and a list of hosts in the countries he or she is visiting. Travellers contact prospective hosts in advance (lead time varies as defined by each host), giving estimated dates of travel, and they may be asked to reconfirm one or two days in advance of visit. They can stay with hosts for up to 3 days and 2 nights. Hosts provide sleeping space. Meals may be provided as well as assistance in visiting the city or area. At the end of their trip, Servas travellers are expected to provide a report to the local coordinator with any information that may be useful. ====Pasporta Servo==== '''# of members: 1,350''' [https://pasportaservo.org Pasporta Servo] ("passport service") is a home stay network for speakers of Esperanto, an international auxiliary language. It's sponsored by TEJO, the World Organization of Young Esperantists, who publish a book each year listing thousands of hosts in 80 countries. The information is also available at the website. Travelers may pay a fee for the yearly host list in print or use the online version for free. Hosts ask no fee for rooms, but each sets their own requirements for duration, number of visitors, contact ahead of time, and whether or not food is offered. Some hosts ask for compensation for food. Hosts receive the host list for free. All travelers are expected to communicate with their hosts in Esperanto. Coordination with the service is in Esperanto, and the host list is in Esperanto. ==== Host A Sister ==== '''# of members: 300,000''' [https://www.facebook.com/groups/hostasister/ Host A Sister] is Facebook group offering free accommodation for women as part of cultural exchange. ==== Travel Ladies ==== '''# of members: 10,000''' [https://travelladies.app/ Travel Ladies] is a free travel app (iOS/Android) for women offering hospitality exchange for its users. ====1Nite Tent==== '''# of hosts: 1,000''' [https://1nitetent.com/ 1Nite Tent] offers free camp sites at other people's places, like lawns, backyards, etc. This sometimes includes toilet, and access to water and sometimes kitchen. The concept is mostly functional in Germany, but has potential. ===Exchange=== This chapter focuses on accommodation in exchange for your work or your home. Usually, a minor service fee is required for the associated website, see the [[#Summary|Summary]] below. ====Home Exchange==== '''# of listings: 65,000''' [https://www.homeexchange.com Home Exchange] facilitates home-for-home exchanges of various types around the world. Members, who are then eligible to exchange homes, pay an annual fee. The website has several international affiliates, like https://www.haustauschferien.com{{Dead link|date=December 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} in Germany. ====Home Link==== '''#: "thousands of home exchanges"''' [https://homelink.org/ Home Link] was started in 1953 as a way for teachers in different cities to swap homes for the summer. It facilitates home-for-home exchanges of various types. ====Intervac==== '''# of listings: 4,017''' [https://us.intervac-homeexchange.com Intervac] dates back to 1953 facilitates home-for-home exchanges and discounted home rentals. Annual membership fee. ====Staydu.com==== '''# of hosts: 3,619''' [http://www.staydu.com Staydu.com] was created by two German students who had the vision that everybody should be able to travel without spending a lot of money. Everyone can use staydu, but the focus is on low-budget travelers who are looking for a long-term stay. Hosts can offer their accommodation for three categories: for work, for money, or for free. However, the website seems to be badly maintained and not up to date. ====HomeForSwap.com==== '''# of listings: 9,000''' [http://HomeForSwap.com HomeForSwap.com]{{Dead link|date=May 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} is a facilitator of home-for-home exchanges. The service requires an annual membership fee. ====Switch==== '''# of members: 2,000''' [https://switchhomes.net Switch]{{Dead link|date=March 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} is a facilitator of home-for-home exchanges. The site is free. ====Green Theme International==== '''# of members: 1,575''' [https://www.gti-home-exchange.com Green Theme International] facilities reciprocal home exchange, like HomeExchange, whereby members exchange their house for a short or long period of time with someone else. It puts a focus on eco-friendliness and had a yearly membership fee. ====The Jolly Guest==== '''# of listings: 1,500''' [https://www.thejollyguest.com The Jolly Guest] is a home "exchange community in which human sentiment, trust and generosity prevail over any other value". Members can gather JollyKeys in exchange for providing accommodation at their home, which in turn they can use to stay at other people's homes. Hence, this system can be a simple home exchange or an altruistic hosting like BeWelcome or TrustRoots. ===Commercial=== This chapter focuses on accommodation which the host will earn money with (per night). Often a commission and sometimes even an annual flat fee is charged by the website. For all costs, see the [[#Commercial|Summary]] above. Many of the apartments are rented fully commercially, with the host living elsewhere. ====Google Maps==== '''# of listings: Zillions of guest houses, BnBs, and homestays besides the ones from Booking.com (as affiliate) and Airbnb''' [https:///maps.google.com Google Maps] is actually a map application but supports searching and finding countless hospitality places. The advantage of using Google Maps is that for many places you will find direct contact information like a website, email address or a phone number (for WhatsApp). If you use Google, you are potentially tracked and exposed to commercials, but direct contact to a hospitality place makes things much more personal and should be less expensive in general. And like Booking.com and Airbnb, places are often rated and reviewed on Google Maps. ====Booking.com==== '''# of listings: 5,720,034 vacation rentals, 628,066 apartments, 145,094 guest houses, 79,349 BnBs''' Booking.com is mainly a hotel reservation website for commercial purposes. However, it also offers many listings of private people, like vacation rentals, apartments, guest houses, and BnBs. Especially in remote regions, it can be of advantage over other websites offering similar places. Often places are listed on several places concurrently, like hostels on Booking.com but also on Airbnb, or private apartments on Airbnb but also on Booking.com. ====9flats==== '''# of listings: 6,000,000''' [https://www.9flats.com 9flats] is a website for finding and renting other people's apartments in 104 countries around the world. It was founded in 2010 by a former executive of lastminute.com and has an active host community. ====Airbnb==== '''# of listings: 4,000,000''' [https://www.airbnb.com Airbnb] was founded after two San Francisco locals rented out their airbed during a conference that made it hard to find accommodation. The service enables members to rent out their spare house, apartment, room(s), or couch in exchange for monetary compensation. Members can read reviews left for other members and their accommodation. Accommodation can be searched for based on several parameters including specific neighborhoods, privacy, and price. The amount of interaction between the host and the guest varies: in some cases the host will spend a lot of time with their guests and in other cases, they will never meet at all. Airbnb collects service fees from both the host and the guest from every booking. If the guest damages the property of the host, the host may be eligible for reimbursement from Airbnb under its $1,000,000 guarantee. Many hotels, hostels and guesthouses use Airbnb, which makes it harder to distinguish between a "real" host and a hospitality business entity. ====Misterbnb==== '''# of listings: 210,000''' [https://www.misterbandb.com Misterb&b] was envisioned as a LGBT-friendly alternative to Airbnb. Co-founder Matthieu Jost had used services like Airbnb in the past with mixed results. After several uncomfortable experiences, Jost looked into starting his own alternative. The site is modeled on Airbnb. The main function of the website is to match prospective LGBT travellers with LGBT-friendly hosts in numerous cities throughout the world. The website encourages its hosts to make their apartments or rooms available during major LGBT events in their city. It also acts as a social networking service, travel guide, and community for gay travellers throughout the world. ====Innclusive.com==== '''# of members: unknown''' (Alexa ranking higher that ATC) [https://www.innclusive.com Innclusive.com]{{Dead link|date=May 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}, formerly Noirebnb.com, also aims to address issues of discrimination on other home-style platforms. ====Affordable Travel Club==== '''# of members: 2,400+''' [http://www.affordabletravelclub.net Affordable Travel Club] is a bed and breakfast hospitality exchange club founded in 1992. It is for people over the age of 40. It has members all across the US and Canada, as well as Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Africa, and South America. The annual membership fee is US$65, and guests pay their host a nominal gratuity of US$15 (single) or US$20 (double) per night. Registration is online and members receive online access, where they can search for hosts in locations they want to travel to and interact with Google Maps to help plan trips. Home Exchanges and House/Pet sitting are also available through the club. ATC is a community-oriented club with regular events. It is supported by a small staff. ====Evergreen Bed & Breakfast Club==== '''# of members: 2,000''' [http://www.EvergreenClub.com Evergreen Bed & Breakfast Club] is a hospitality exchange network for people over the age of 50 and is mostly active in the [[United States]] and [[Canada]]. There is an annual membership fee of US$75 and guests pay their host a nominal gratuity of under US$20/night. Registration is online. Members receive online access where they can search for hosts in locations they want to travel to and interact with Google Maps to help plan trips. There is also a Member Lounge for blogs, managing accounts and profile and classified ads such as Home Exchanges. The Club has paid staff and a toll-free number. ====Mennonite Your Way==== '''# of hosts: 1,700+''' [http://www.mennoniteyourway.com Mennonite Your Way]{{Dead link|date=May 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} is focused on Mennonites, although members do not need to be Christian to join. Hosts offer guests accommodation on a donation basis, but donations are recommended. The offline lists of hosts can be obtained by a recommended donation. ====Noirbnb.com==== '''# of members: unknown''' [http://noirbnb.com Noirbnb.com] aims to find a solution to the racial discrimination experienced while using other home-sharing platforms. However, the activity and volume of the website seems to be rather limited. ====Knok==== '''# of members: unknown''' [http://www.knok.com Knok] facilitates home exchange and apartment rental for families traveling with children. New members pay a listing fee of $29/year. ====Obunia.com==== '''# of members: unknown''' [http://www.obunia.com Obunia.com]{{Dead link|date=June 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} aggregates vacation rentals listed on other sites such as HomeAway and RoomORama. ====WorldEscape==== '''# of members: unknown''' [http://www.worldescape.com WorldEscape]{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} offers peer-to-peer short-term rentals focusing on unique and stylish accommodations in 40 cities around the world. Properties are hand-picked by WorldEscape representatives before being entered in a database organized by city. Booking service is very hands-on with WorldEscape managers on the ground in each of the cities that support both guests and property owners in person 24 hr a day, 365 days a year. This makes a huge difference on those rare occasions when things go wrong. ==See also== * [[Au pair]] * [[Volunteer travel]] (often including accommodation) {{usabletopic}} {{PartOfTopic|Sleep}} <!-- Dmoz links don't seem to work for non-Regions Dmoz:http://dmoz.org/Recreation/Travel/Lodging/Hospitality_Clubs/ --> nd9udrxnmvdlyq0jk8s7rkam528oub2 0 15059 5086759 4842653 2025-07-02T19:29:36Z Mrkstvns 144844 /* Do */ - update details for Shell Energy Stadium 5086759 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|WV banner East Houston Clayton Homes.jpg}} Rough-and-tumble '''East Houston''' is the city's beating, industrial heart - along with '''William P. Hobby Airport''', you'll find the Houston Ship Channel and working-class neighborhoods (as made famous by John Travolta in the film ''Urban Cowboy'') in the shadow of the somewhat alien landscape of oil refineries that line the shores. On closer inspection, though, East Houston is not so easily defined - here is also rich Hispanic culture (and eats!), Houston's namesake university (with surprisingly good student-run hotel and restaurant!), and off-the-wall live theater (bring the kids!). '''EaDo''' (short for "East Downtown") and '''East End''' are two historic districts located just east of downtown [[Houston]]. EaDo is a trendy name given to several blocks of former warehouses and upscale townhomes centered around a newly-built Major League Soccer stadium. East End is a quieter, older suburb that hosts a racially diverse community. Two extensions to the METRO light rail system connect this area to Downtown. ==Get in== * {{go | name=Hobby Airport | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=29.65429 | long=-95.27577 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q771340|wikipedia=William P. Hobby Airport | lastedit=2017-07-24 | content=The smaller of Houston's two airports, dominated by discount carrier Southwest Airlines, and serving mostly domestic flights. Public transportation to the airport consists of several bus routes. }} ==Get around== ===By bike=== Several BCycle bicycle rental stations have popped up around the city, one of which is at the George R Brown convention center just across the freeway from EaDo. ==See== {{mapframe}} {{mapshapes|Q586193}} * {{see | name=San Jacinto Battleground Monument | alt= | url=http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/battleship_texas/ | email= | address= | lat=29.75165 | long=-95.08585 | directions=in San Jacinto State Park, Battleground Rd., La Porte (From IH-610 east, take SH-225 east for 11 miles to Battleground Road (SH-134), continue north approximately 2 miles. Turn right on Park Road 1836 for the Monument.) | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily (closed for major holidays): battleship 10AM-5PM, monument 8AM-6PM | price=Adults $5, children (6-18) $3, children (5 and under) free. Senior discounts. | content=San Jacinto Monument is free. Before 2022, you could tour a World War II battleship, but the USS ''Texas'' was removed from the park at that time for repairs, and the head of the foundation that oversees the ship has stated that when she is reopened for tours in 2025, she will be at a different location (possibly Baytown, Beaumont, or Galveston). The monument commemorates the battle at which Texas won its independence from Mexico. }} *{{see | name=Linh Son Pagoda | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=in [[Santa Fe (Texas)]] | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Has a 50-ft (15-m) high brilliant white statue of the Buddha, North America's largest. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=1940 Air Terminal Museum | alt= | url=http://www.1940airterminal.org/ | email= | address=8325 Travelair St | lat=29.647113 | long=-95.286615 | directions= | phone=+1 713 454-1940 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-02-01 | content=Located in the west side of Hobby Airport is the original Houston Municial Airport Terminal. Opened in 1940, the art deco style terminal building has been restored and houses exhibits from Houston's general and commercial air travel past. Several aircraft and flight simulators are also on display. $5.00 Adults, $2.00 Children under 12. }} ==Do== [[File:BBVA Compass Stadium Midfield Panoramic.JPG|thumb|BBVA Compass Stadium (now re-branded as Shell Energy Stadium) is home of the Houston Dynamo]] * {{do | name=The Orange Show | alt= | url=http://orangeshow.org/ | email=oranges@orangeshow.org | address=2402 Munger St | lat= | long= | directions=IH-45 South (Gulf Freeway to SH-35 (Telephone Rd) exit | phone=+1 713 926-6368 | tollfree= | fax=+1 713 926-1506 | hours=Sa Su 10AM-5PM | price=$1 | content=One-of-a-kind attraction dedicated to the eccentric, artistic and scientific. Features the Beer Can House and annual Art Car Parade. }} * {{do | name=Houston Ship Channel Boat Tour | url=http://boattours.poha.com/boattour/default.aspx {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu W F Sa 10:30AM and 2:30PM, Th Su 2:30PM | price=Free, reservations required. | content=See one of the busiest ports in the world. Advance reservations required. }} * {{do | name=Shell Energy Stadium | url=https://houstondynamofc.com/shell-energy-stadium | alt=BBVA Compass Stadium | email= | address=2200 Texas Ave. | lat=29.752355166126506 | long=-95.35187390826152 | directions= | phone=+17135473000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Friday, Saturday game days | price=Varies | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content=Houston's home of professional soccer where the Houston Dynamo play as well as the women's team, Houston Dash. Tickets don't usually sell out and are available at the door. }} ==Buy== ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Frank's Grill | alt= | url= | email= | address=4702 Telephone Rd | lat=29.692983 | long=-95.299280 | directions= | phone=+1 713 649-3296 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=One of the city's best places for a great breakfast on a budget. Texas size pancakes, a heaping plate of grits and the best bacon around. }} * {{eat | name=Taqueria Del Sol | url=http://www.ilovedelsol.com/ | email= | address=8114 Park Place Blvd | lat=29.685862 | long=-95.276798 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Authentic Mexican food. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Kanomwan | alt= | url= | email= | address=736 1/2 Telephone Rd | lat=29.734082 | long=-95.330974 | directions= | phone=+1 713-923-4236 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Wonderful Thai restaurant in historic 3rd Ward; home of the "Thai Nazi" (a la ''[[Seinfeld Tour|Seinfeld]]''). }} * {{eat | name=Kim Son | url=http://www.kimson.com/ | email=info@kimson.com | address=2001 Jefferson St | lat= 29.745780 | long= -95.360258 | directions= | phone=+1 713-222-2461 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=F Sa 11AM-midnight, Su-Th 11AM-11PM | price= | content=Houston's biggest Vietnamese restaurant that has several other locations in town. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Original Ninfa's on Navigation | alt= | url=https://ninfas.com/ | email= | address=2704 Navigation Blvd | lat=29.757063 | long=-95.342490 | directions= | phone=+1 713-228-1175 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-02-04 | content=An old and popular standby founded in 1973 by Maria Ninfa Rodriguez Laurenzo that serves both Tex-Mex and Mexican cuisine. This restaurant is widely credited with popularizing the fajita among Houstonians. Many celebrities including Aerosmith, George H.W. Bush, Michael Douglas, John Travolta, and ZZ Top ate at Ninfa's. }} ==Drink== *{{drink | name=Moon Tower Inn | url=http://www.damngoodfoodcoldassbeer.com/ | email= | address=3004 Canal St | lat=29.754444 | long=-95.340957 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A kitchen built from shipping crates serves an outdoor area of picnic tables. Lots of craft beer and gourmet hot dogs. }} * {{drink | name=Super Happy Fun Land | alt= | url=http://www.superhappyfunland.com/ | email= | address=3801 Polk St | lat=29.741231 | long=-95.342451 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Houston's venue for experimental electronic music, underground jazz, and outsider art! }} *{{drink | name=Lucky's Pub | url=http://www.luckyspub.com | email= | address=801 St. Emanuel | lat=29.752489 | long=-95.354414 | directions= | phone=+1 713 522-2010 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This sports bar is quite large and offers plenty of room for you and a large group of friends to go and watch your favorite sporting events. Anytime a Houston team is playing, this place gets packed with fans. They have plenty of beer on tap. Their food is also not bad for a sports bar. }} *{{drink | name=Little Woodrows | url=http://www.littlewoodrows.com/ | email= | address=2019 Walker St. | lat=29.752179 | long=-95.354840 | directions= | phone=+1 713 222-2224 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A branch of Big Woodrows which is Uptown. With a wide selection of beer and an excellent patio, this is a great place to go with friends to enjoy a cool autumn night. }} * {{listing | type=Coffee roaster | name=Xela Coffee Roasters | alt= | url=https://www.instagram.com/xelacoffeeroasters | email= | address=4409 Canal St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 713 640-5189 | tollfree= |fax=| hours=8AM-2PM (closed Tuesday) | price=Black coffee: $2.00; single origin pour over for 2 people: $5.00; breakfast tacos $2.50 |wikidata=| lastedit=2019-12-01 | content=Coffee roaster serving freshly roasted coffee via batch brew and pour overs (single origins) as well as espresso drinks. Front porch and back patio make it a great place to enjoy a fresh drink when the weather allows for it. }} ==Sleep== ==Connect== {{outlinedistrict}} {{IsPartOf|Houston}} {{geo|29.773|-95.123}} o305owuexiezcyy84mpx291huybygiv 5086795 5086759 2025-07-02T20:55:21Z Mrkstvns 144844 add foto 5086795 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|WV banner East Houston Clayton Homes.jpg}} Rough-and-tumble '''East Houston''' is the city's beating, industrial heart - along with '''William P. Hobby Airport''', you'll find the Houston Ship Channel and working-class neighborhoods (as made famous by John Travolta in the film ''Urban Cowboy'') in the shadow of the somewhat alien landscape of oil refineries that line the shores. On closer inspection, though, East Houston is not so easily defined - here is also rich Hispanic culture (and eats!), Houston's namesake university (with surprisingly good student-run hotel and restaurant!), and off-the-wall live theater (bring the kids!). [[File:Residential buildings in East Downtown Houston.jpg|thumb|EADO, as locals call East Houston]] '''EaDo''' (short for "East Downtown") and '''East End''' are two historic districts located just east of downtown [[Houston]]. EaDo is a trendy name given to several blocks of former warehouses and upscale townhomes centered around a newly-built Major League Soccer stadium. East End is a quieter, older suburb that hosts a racially diverse community. Two extensions to the METRO light rail system connect this area to Downtown. ==Get in== * {{go | name=Hobby Airport | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=29.65429 | long=-95.27577 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q771340|wikipedia=William P. Hobby Airport | lastedit=2017-07-24 | content=The smaller of Houston's two airports, dominated by discount carrier Southwest Airlines, and serving mostly domestic flights. Public transportation to the airport consists of several bus routes. }} ==Get around== ===By bike=== Several BCycle bicycle rental stations have popped up around the city, one of which is at the George R Brown convention center just across the freeway from EaDo. ==See== {{mapframe}} {{mapshapes|Q586193}} * {{see | name=San Jacinto Battleground Monument | alt= | url=http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/battleship_texas/ | email= | address= | lat=29.75165 | long=-95.08585 | directions=in San Jacinto State Park, Battleground Rd., La Porte (From IH-610 east, take SH-225 east for 11 miles to Battleground Road (SH-134), continue north approximately 2 miles. Turn right on Park Road 1836 for the Monument.) | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily (closed for major holidays): battleship 10AM-5PM, monument 8AM-6PM | price=Adults $5, children (6-18) $3, children (5 and under) free. Senior discounts. | content=San Jacinto Monument is free. Before 2022, you could tour a World War II battleship, but the USS ''Texas'' was removed from the park at that time for repairs, and the head of the foundation that oversees the ship has stated that when she is reopened for tours in 2025, she will be at a different location (possibly Baytown, Beaumont, or Galveston). The monument commemorates the battle at which Texas won its independence from Mexico. }} *{{see | name=Linh Son Pagoda | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=in [[Santa Fe (Texas)]] | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Has a 50-ft (15-m) high brilliant white statue of the Buddha, North America's largest. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=1940 Air Terminal Museum | alt= | url=http://www.1940airterminal.org/ | email= | address=8325 Travelair St | lat=29.647113 | long=-95.286615 | directions= | phone=+1 713 454-1940 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-02-01 | content=Located in the west side of Hobby Airport is the original Houston Municial Airport Terminal. Opened in 1940, the art deco style terminal building has been restored and houses exhibits from Houston's general and commercial air travel past. Several aircraft and flight simulators are also on display. $5.00 Adults, $2.00 Children under 12. }} ==Do== [[File:BBVA Compass Stadium Midfield Panoramic.JPG|thumb|BBVA Compass Stadium (now re-branded as Shell Energy Stadium) is home of the Houston Dynamo]] * {{do | name=The Orange Show | alt= | url=http://orangeshow.org/ | email=oranges@orangeshow.org | address=2402 Munger St | lat= | long= | directions=IH-45 South (Gulf Freeway to SH-35 (Telephone Rd) exit | phone=+1 713 926-6368 | tollfree= | fax=+1 713 926-1506 | hours=Sa Su 10AM-5PM | price=$1 | content=One-of-a-kind attraction dedicated to the eccentric, artistic and scientific. Features the Beer Can House and annual Art Car Parade. }} * {{do | name=Houston Ship Channel Boat Tour | url=http://boattours.poha.com/boattour/default.aspx {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu W F Sa 10:30AM and 2:30PM, Th Su 2:30PM | price=Free, reservations required. | content=See one of the busiest ports in the world. Advance reservations required. }} * {{do | name=Shell Energy Stadium | url=https://houstondynamofc.com/shell-energy-stadium | alt=BBVA Compass Stadium | email= | address=2200 Texas Ave. | lat=29.752355166126506 | long=-95.35187390826152 | directions= | phone=+17135473000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Friday, Saturday game days | price=Varies | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content=Houston's home of professional soccer where the Houston Dynamo play as well as the women's team, Houston Dash. Tickets don't usually sell out and are available at the door. }} ==Buy== ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Frank's Grill | alt= | url= | email= | address=4702 Telephone Rd | lat=29.692983 | long=-95.299280 | directions= | phone=+1 713 649-3296 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=One of the city's best places for a great breakfast on a budget. Texas size pancakes, a heaping plate of grits and the best bacon around. }} * {{eat | name=Taqueria Del Sol | url=http://www.ilovedelsol.com/ | email= | address=8114 Park Place Blvd | lat=29.685862 | long=-95.276798 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Authentic Mexican food. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Kanomwan | alt= | url= | email= | address=736 1/2 Telephone Rd | lat=29.734082 | long=-95.330974 | directions= | phone=+1 713-923-4236 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Wonderful Thai restaurant in historic 3rd Ward; home of the "Thai Nazi" (a la ''[[Seinfeld Tour|Seinfeld]]''). }} * {{eat | name=Kim Son | url=http://www.kimson.com/ | email=info@kimson.com | address=2001 Jefferson St | lat= 29.745780 | long= -95.360258 | directions= | phone=+1 713-222-2461 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=F Sa 11AM-midnight, Su-Th 11AM-11PM | price= | content=Houston's biggest Vietnamese restaurant that has several other locations in town. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Original Ninfa's on Navigation | alt= | url=https://ninfas.com/ | email= | address=2704 Navigation Blvd | lat=29.757063 | long=-95.342490 | directions= | phone=+1 713-228-1175 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-02-04 | content=An old and popular standby founded in 1973 by Maria Ninfa Rodriguez Laurenzo that serves both Tex-Mex and Mexican cuisine. This restaurant is widely credited with popularizing the fajita among Houstonians. Many celebrities including Aerosmith, George H.W. Bush, Michael Douglas, John Travolta, and ZZ Top ate at Ninfa's. }} ==Drink== *{{drink | name=Moon Tower Inn | url=http://www.damngoodfoodcoldassbeer.com/ | email= | address=3004 Canal St | lat=29.754444 | long=-95.340957 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A kitchen built from shipping crates serves an outdoor area of picnic tables. Lots of craft beer and gourmet hot dogs. }} * {{drink | name=Super Happy Fun Land | alt= | url=http://www.superhappyfunland.com/ | email= | address=3801 Polk St | lat=29.741231 | long=-95.342451 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Houston's venue for experimental electronic music, underground jazz, and outsider art! }} *{{drink | name=Lucky's Pub | url=http://www.luckyspub.com | email= | address=801 St. Emanuel | lat=29.752489 | long=-95.354414 | directions= | phone=+1 713 522-2010 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This sports bar is quite large and offers plenty of room for you and a large group of friends to go and watch your favorite sporting events. Anytime a Houston team is playing, this place gets packed with fans. They have plenty of beer on tap. Their food is also not bad for a sports bar. }} *{{drink | name=Little Woodrows | url=http://www.littlewoodrows.com/ | email= | address=2019 Walker St. | lat=29.752179 | long=-95.354840 | directions= | phone=+1 713 222-2224 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A branch of Big Woodrows which is Uptown. With a wide selection of beer and an excellent patio, this is a great place to go with friends to enjoy a cool autumn night. }} * {{listing | type=Coffee roaster | name=Xela Coffee Roasters | alt= | url=https://www.instagram.com/xelacoffeeroasters | email= | address=4409 Canal St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 713 640-5189 | tollfree= |fax=| hours=8AM-2PM (closed Tuesday) | price=Black coffee: $2.00; single origin pour over for 2 people: $5.00; breakfast tacos $2.50 |wikidata=| lastedit=2019-12-01 | content=Coffee roaster serving freshly roasted coffee via batch brew and pour overs (single origins) as well as espresso drinks. Front porch and back patio make it a great place to enjoy a fresh drink when the weather allows for it. }} ==Sleep== ==Connect== {{outlinedistrict}} {{IsPartOf|Houston}} {{geo|29.773|-95.123}} st51wqtt7jikh72easylztojwscw9b6 0 15060 5086763 4493193 2025-07-02T19:38:13Z Mrkstvns 144844 Added listing for Heights Theatre 5086763 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|WV banner Houston Greater Heights Street view.jpg}} The '''Greater Heights''' area includes some of Houston's most pleasant neighborhoods as well as a burgeoning restaurant and nightlife scene, especially on the Washington Street corridor. {{mapframe}} {{mapshapes|Q586193}} ==Understand== Houston's first suburb, built around a streetcar line, '''The Heights''' today is centrally located compared to the far flung modern suburbs. It is a large district of gingerbread Victorian homes as well as early 20th-century bungalows. ==Get in== ==See== *{{see | name=Art Car Museum | alt= | url=http://www.artcarmuseum.com | email= | address=140 Heights Blvd | lat=29.77202 | long=-95.39704 | directions= | phone=+1 713-861-5526 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Donation only | content=Changing exhibits of art cars, art, and whatever else the curator wants to show off. }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Heights Theatre | alt= | url=https://theheightstheater.com/ | email= | address=339 W. 19th Street | lat=29.803389 | long=-95.402547 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content=Houston's hip intellectuals hang out at the Heights Theatre, a classy [[Art Deco architecture|Art Deco]] movie theatre that's been restored and now hosts concerts, lectures, and other events. }} ==Buy== *{{buy | name=Marine Layer | alt= | url=https://www.marinelayer.com | email=help@marinelayer.com | address=645 Heights Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 832-831-2053 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 10AM-7PM, Su noon-6PM | price= | content=A clothing store selling mostly casual shirts, specializing in soft clothing. }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Rainbow Lodge | url=http://www.rainbow-lodge.com | email= | address=2011 Ella Blvd | lat=29.804510 | long=-95.429765 | directions= | phone=+1 713-861-8666 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-03-06 | content=Raindow Lodge serves wild game dishes and seafood selections in a 100-year-old log cabin perfect for the dining experience. Reservations required. }} *{{eat | name=Porch Swing Pub | url=http://www.porchswingpub.com/ | email= | address=69 Heights Blvd | lat=29.770043 | long=-95.397673 | directions= | phone=+1 713-880-8700 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-03-06 | content=With a huge out door patio and ample seating inside, Porch Swing is a favorite among residents of The Heights to go and watch a football game with friends or to celebrate a birthday in a large crowd. The atmosphere is very laid back. And yes, there is a porch swing out front you and about three or friends can sit on and take pictures on. }} * {{eat | name=Max's Wine Dive | alt= | url=https://maxswinedive.com/locations/hou-washington-ave/ | email= | address=4720 Washington Avenue | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 713-880 8737 | tollfree= | hours=M–Th 3–10PM, F Sa 11AM-midnight, Su 11AM–10PM | price= | lastedit=2022-07-30 | content=Wine specials by the glass or bottle, great comfort food. }} ==Drink== *{{drink | name=Waldo's Coffee House | url=http://www.myspace.com/waldoscoffee | email= | address=1030 Heights Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 713-769-0700 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Great place to sip coffee, play a board game, or work on your laptop. They have live music on Saturday nights, too. }} *{{drink | name=Pearl Bar | alt= | url=http://www.pearlhouston.com/ | email= | address=4216 Washington Ave. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 713-868-5337 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Pearl Bar's probably best known for two things which seem to almost be exact opposites. It's happening' dance floor complete with talented DJs and it's laid back out door patio where you can play a pick-up game of beer pong or challenge somebody to a hula hoop contest. One thing is certain: you're bound to have a good time at the Pearl. }} *{{drink | name=The Dubliner | url= | email= | address=4219 Washington Ave. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 713-861-2300 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Located across the street from Pearl Bar, The Dubliner offers a laid back atmosphere with an ample juke box. It's small inside which makes it all the more intimate and it's a nice retreat from the hustle of Washington Ave. }} * {{drink | name=Karbach Brewing Company | alt= | url=https://www.karbachbrewing.com/brewery/ | email= | address=2032 Karbach Street | lat= | long= | directions=Take US 290 and exit Dacoma | phone=+1 713-680 2739 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 2:30-9:30PM, Su noon-5:30PM | price= | lastedit=2022-07-06 | content=Large craft brewery, now owned by Anheuser-Busch/InBev. Outdoor patio area, occasional live music, brewery tours, full-service restaurant with indoor and patio dining. Hopadillo (IPA), Love Street (Kolsch), Crawford Bock (Texas bock), etc. }} ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Modo Inn | alt= | url=https://www.modoinnhouston.us | email= | address=1040 Freeport St | lat=29.775662 | long=-95.178157 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$37 | lastedit=2021-11-08 | content=At the motel, each room is equipped with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. The nearest airport is William P. Hobby Airport, 18 miles from the accommodation. }} ==Connect== {{outlinedistrict}} {{IsPartOf|Houston}} {{geo|29.798|-95.378}} iq4vyihoafyg2f0bgbbvq08dq3ffigi 5086764 5086763 2025-07-02T19:39:09Z Mrkstvns 144844 /* Do */ - Heights Theatre 5086764 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|WV banner Houston Greater Heights Street view.jpg}} The '''Greater Heights''' area includes some of Houston's most pleasant neighborhoods as well as a burgeoning restaurant and nightlife scene, especially on the Washington Street corridor. {{mapframe}} {{mapshapes|Q586193}} ==Understand== Houston's first suburb, built around a streetcar line, '''The Heights''' today is centrally located compared to the far flung modern suburbs. It is a large district of gingerbread Victorian homes as well as early 20th-century bungalows. ==Get in== ==See== *{{see | name=Art Car Museum | alt= | url=http://www.artcarmuseum.com | email= | address=140 Heights Blvd | lat=29.77202 | long=-95.39704 | directions= | phone=+1 713-861-5526 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Donation only | content=Changing exhibits of art cars, art, and whatever else the curator wants to show off. }} ==Do== [[File:Heights Theater Houston, TX.JPG|thumb|Heights Theatre]] * {{do | name=Heights Theatre | alt= | url=https://theheightstheater.com/ | email= | address=339 W. 19th Street | lat=29.803389 | long=-95.402547 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content=Houston's hip intellectuals gravitate to the Heights Theatre, a classy [[Art Deco architecture|Art Deco]] movie theatre that's been restored and now hosts concerts, lectures, and other events. }} ==Buy== *{{buy | name=Marine Layer | alt= | url=https://www.marinelayer.com | email=help@marinelayer.com | address=645 Heights Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 832-831-2053 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 10AM-7PM, Su noon-6PM | price= | content=A clothing store selling mostly casual shirts, specializing in soft clothing. }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Rainbow Lodge | url=http://www.rainbow-lodge.com | email= | address=2011 Ella Blvd | lat=29.804510 | long=-95.429765 | directions= | phone=+1 713-861-8666 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-03-06 | content=Raindow Lodge serves wild game dishes and seafood selections in a 100-year-old log cabin perfect for the dining experience. Reservations required. }} *{{eat | name=Porch Swing Pub | url=http://www.porchswingpub.com/ | email= | address=69 Heights Blvd | lat=29.770043 | long=-95.397673 | directions= | phone=+1 713-880-8700 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-03-06 | content=With a huge out door patio and ample seating inside, Porch Swing is a favorite among residents of The Heights to go and watch a football game with friends or to celebrate a birthday in a large crowd. The atmosphere is very laid back. And yes, there is a porch swing out front you and about three or friends can sit on and take pictures on. }} * {{eat | name=Max's Wine Dive | alt= | url=https://maxswinedive.com/locations/hou-washington-ave/ | email= | address=4720 Washington Avenue | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 713-880 8737 | tollfree= | hours=M–Th 3–10PM, F Sa 11AM-midnight, Su 11AM–10PM | price= | lastedit=2022-07-30 | content=Wine specials by the glass or bottle, great comfort food. }} ==Drink== *{{drink | name=Waldo's Coffee House | url=http://www.myspace.com/waldoscoffee | email= | address=1030 Heights Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 713-769-0700 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Great place to sip coffee, play a board game, or work on your laptop. They have live music on Saturday nights, too. }} *{{drink | name=Pearl Bar | alt= | url=http://www.pearlhouston.com/ | email= | address=4216 Washington Ave. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 713-868-5337 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Pearl Bar's probably best known for two things which seem to almost be exact opposites. It's happening' dance floor complete with talented DJs and it's laid back out door patio where you can play a pick-up game of beer pong or challenge somebody to a hula hoop contest. One thing is certain: you're bound to have a good time at the Pearl. }} *{{drink | name=The Dubliner | url= | email= | address=4219 Washington Ave. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 713-861-2300 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Located across the street from Pearl Bar, The Dubliner offers a laid back atmosphere with an ample juke box. It's small inside which makes it all the more intimate and it's a nice retreat from the hustle of Washington Ave. }} * {{drink | name=Karbach Brewing Company | alt= | url=https://www.karbachbrewing.com/brewery/ | email= | address=2032 Karbach Street | lat= | long= | directions=Take US 290 and exit Dacoma | phone=+1 713-680 2739 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 2:30-9:30PM, Su noon-5:30PM | price= | lastedit=2022-07-06 | content=Large craft brewery, now owned by Anheuser-Busch/InBev. Outdoor patio area, occasional live music, brewery tours, full-service restaurant with indoor and patio dining. Hopadillo (IPA), Love Street (Kolsch), Crawford Bock (Texas bock), etc. }} ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Modo Inn | alt= | url=https://www.modoinnhouston.us | email= | address=1040 Freeport St | lat=29.775662 | long=-95.178157 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$37 | lastedit=2021-11-08 | content=At the motel, each room is equipped with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. The nearest airport is William P. Hobby Airport, 18 miles from the accommodation. }} ==Connect== {{outlinedistrict}} {{IsPartOf|Houston}} {{geo|29.798|-95.378}} 1t0suw7ek7trp9y0s5ng94or7fgoemx 5086766 5086764 2025-07-02T19:45:51Z Mrkstvns 144844 /* Do */ Added listing for Opera in the Heights 5086766 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|WV banner Houston Greater Heights Street view.jpg}} The '''Greater Heights''' area includes some of Houston's most pleasant neighborhoods as well as a burgeoning restaurant and nightlife scene, especially on the Washington Street corridor. {{mapframe}} {{mapshapes|Q586193}} ==Understand== Houston's first suburb, built around a streetcar line, '''The Heights''' today is centrally located compared to the far flung modern suburbs. It is a large district of gingerbread Victorian homes as well as early 20th-century bungalows. ==Get in== ==See== *{{see | name=Art Car Museum | alt= | url=http://www.artcarmuseum.com | email= | address=140 Heights Blvd | lat=29.77202 | long=-95.39704 | directions= | phone=+1 713-861-5526 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Donation only | content=Changing exhibits of art cars, art, and whatever else the curator wants to show off. }} ==Do== [[File:Heights Theater Houston, TX.JPG|thumb|Heights Theatre]] * {{do | name=Heights Theatre | alt= | url=https://theheightstheater.com/ | email= | address=339 W. 19th Street | lat=29.803389 | long=-95.402547 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content=Houston's hip intellectuals gravitate to the Heights Theatre, a classy [[Art Deco architecture|Art Deco]] movie theatre that's been restored and now hosts concerts, lectures, and other events. }} * {{do | name=Opera in the Heights | alt= | url=http://www.operaintheheights.org/ | email= | address=Lambert Hall, 1703 Heights Blvd | lat=29.801429 | long=-95.398265 | directions= | phone=+1 713 861 5303 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Opera in the Heights | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content=Community opera company staging several operas each season in the historic Lambert Hall (formerly a church). }} ==Buy== *{{buy | name=Marine Layer | alt= | url=https://www.marinelayer.com | email=help@marinelayer.com | address=645 Heights Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 832-831-2053 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 10AM-7PM, Su noon-6PM | price= | content=A clothing store selling mostly casual shirts, specializing in soft clothing. }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Rainbow Lodge | url=http://www.rainbow-lodge.com | email= | address=2011 Ella Blvd | lat=29.804510 | long=-95.429765 | directions= | phone=+1 713-861-8666 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-03-06 | content=Raindow Lodge serves wild game dishes and seafood selections in a 100-year-old log cabin perfect for the dining experience. Reservations required. }} *{{eat | name=Porch Swing Pub | url=http://www.porchswingpub.com/ | email= | address=69 Heights Blvd | lat=29.770043 | long=-95.397673 | directions= | phone=+1 713-880-8700 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-03-06 | content=With a huge out door patio and ample seating inside, Porch Swing is a favorite among residents of The Heights to go and watch a football game with friends or to celebrate a birthday in a large crowd. The atmosphere is very laid back. And yes, there is a porch swing out front you and about three or friends can sit on and take pictures on. }} * {{eat | name=Max's Wine Dive | alt= | url=https://maxswinedive.com/locations/hou-washington-ave/ | email= | address=4720 Washington Avenue | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 713-880 8737 | tollfree= | hours=M–Th 3–10PM, F Sa 11AM-midnight, Su 11AM–10PM | price= | lastedit=2022-07-30 | content=Wine specials by the glass or bottle, great comfort food. }} ==Drink== *{{drink | name=Waldo's Coffee House | url=http://www.myspace.com/waldoscoffee | email= | address=1030 Heights Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 713-769-0700 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Great place to sip coffee, play a board game, or work on your laptop. They have live music on Saturday nights, too. }} *{{drink | name=Pearl Bar | alt= | url=http://www.pearlhouston.com/ | email= | address=4216 Washington Ave. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 713-868-5337 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Pearl Bar's probably best known for two things which seem to almost be exact opposites. It's happening' dance floor complete with talented DJs and it's laid back out door patio where you can play a pick-up game of beer pong or challenge somebody to a hula hoop contest. One thing is certain: you're bound to have a good time at the Pearl. }} *{{drink | name=The Dubliner | url= | email= | address=4219 Washington Ave. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 713-861-2300 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Located across the street from Pearl Bar, The Dubliner offers a laid back atmosphere with an ample juke box. It's small inside which makes it all the more intimate and it's a nice retreat from the hustle of Washington Ave. }} * {{drink | name=Karbach Brewing Company | alt= | url=https://www.karbachbrewing.com/brewery/ | email= | address=2032 Karbach Street | lat= | long= | directions=Take US 290 and exit Dacoma | phone=+1 713-680 2739 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 2:30-9:30PM, Su noon-5:30PM | price= | lastedit=2022-07-06 | content=Large craft brewery, now owned by Anheuser-Busch/InBev. Outdoor patio area, occasional live music, brewery tours, full-service restaurant with indoor and patio dining. Hopadillo (IPA), Love Street (Kolsch), Crawford Bock (Texas bock), etc. }} ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Modo Inn | alt= | url=https://www.modoinnhouston.us | email= | address=1040 Freeport St | lat=29.775662 | long=-95.178157 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$37 | lastedit=2021-11-08 | content=At the motel, each room is equipped with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. The nearest airport is William P. Hobby Airport, 18 miles from the accommodation. }} ==Connect== {{outlinedistrict}} {{IsPartOf|Houston}} {{geo|29.798|-95.378}} jezi4qjgu59bdx0lqscm53dfhcl4xcq 0 15064 5086729 5066894 2025-07-02T18:06:42Z Mrkstvns 144844 add foto 5086729 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Neartown''' is a general name for the lively area that encompasses the neighborhoods just west of Downtown. It is bounded by I-69/US-59 to the south, I-45 to the east, and Allen Parkway (adjacent to Buffalo Bayou Park) to the north. The western boundary is approximately Shepherd Drive. [[File:Broken Obelisk in front of the Rothko Chapel -- Houston, Texas.jpg|thumb|[[Sculpture|Sculpture]] of "Broken Obelisk" at Rothko Chapel]] ==Understand== Both a street name and a neighborhood, '''Montrose''' is Houston's longtime home to a large portion of its LGBT community. Due mainly to gentrification, Montrose has slowly transformed from a quirky, artsy, affordable cluster of 1920s bungalows to a more upscale, commercial, artsy neighborhood (although there are still plenty of quirkiness and bungalows!). Montrose is one of the few places in the city where walking is common, but with an August average afternoon high temperature of 92 °F with 54% humidity, one might find a car the better solution during the summer. '''Midtown''' experienced serious redevelopment in the 1990s and is now home to many of Houston's young professionals, newer restaurants and bars/clubs. The nightlife here is hip and very vibrant. ==Get in== ==See== {{Mapframe|29.7470|-95.3909|zoom=13}} {{mapshapes|Q586193}} *{{see | name=Buffalo Soldiers National Museum (BSNM) | alt= | url=https://www.buffalosoldiermuseum.com/ | email=info@buffalosoldiermuseum.com | address=3816 Caroline St | lat=29.736 | long=-95.3781 | directions=off Alabama St, NW of I-69 and Hwy 288 junction | phone=+1 713-942-8920 | tollfree= | hours=Tu W F Sa 10AM–4PM, Th 10AM–5PM | price=$10; students, seniors, military $5; free Thursday afternoons | wikidata=Q96742033 | lastedit=2023-02-09 | content=Located in the historic Light Guard Armory, the BSNM is dedicated to the brave Black men and women who courageously served in every great American war and military campaign, offering a complete look at African-American military history from 1770 to 2000 (the Revolutionary War to the Persian Gulf War) with interactive multimedia exhibits. The BSNM is an active participant in National Veteran projects, such as the Veterans' Registry Program. }} * {{see | name=Diverse Works | alt= | url=http://www.diverseworks.org/ | email=tickets@diverseworks.org | address=3400 Main St | lat=29.7403 | long=-95.3787 | directions=METRORail Ensemble/HCC station | phone=+1 713-223-8346 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Varies, some free | lastedit=2023-02-09 | content=Alternative artwork center. Check the calendar for current exhibits and their hours. }} * {{see | name=Menil Collection | alt= | url=https://www.menil.org/ | email= | address=1515 Sul Ross | lat=29.73728 | long=-95.39846 | directions= | phone=+1 713-525-9400 | tollfree= | hours=W-Su 11AM-7PM | price=Free admission | content=The private family collection of John and Dominique de Menil, consisting of 20th-century modern masterpieces. The museum building is the centerpiece of a neighborhood featuring satellite gallery spaces and related cultural institutions set in a park-like setting. It boasts a large group of surrealist works and includes a special room devoted to the objects that the Surrealists themselves collected, which inspired many of the works on view. }} *{{see | name=Rothko Chapel | alt= | url=https://www.rothkochapel.org/ | email= | address=1409 Sul Ross | lat=29.7377 | long=-95.3962 | directions= | phone=+1 713-524-9839 | tollfree= | hours=Tu–Sa 10AM–6PM; grounds open daily dawn to dusk | price=Free | lastedit=2023-02-09 | content=The Rothko Chapel, founded by John and Dominique de Menil, was dedicated in 1971 as an intimate sanctuary available to people of every belief. A quiet, modern, meditative environment inspired by the mural canvasses of American abstract expressionist Mark Rothko, the Chapel welcomes thousands of visitors each year, people of every faith and from all parts of the world. Leashed dogs permitted outdoors; only trained service dogs permitted indoors. }} * {{see | name=Chapel of St. Basil, St. Thomas University | alt= | url= | email= | address=1100 West Alabama | lat=29.738687 | long=-95.392714 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Built in 1997 by architect Philip Johnson, this is a very unusual building, with a big golden dome and a black belfry built into a wall. There is a labyrinth next to the building. Generally, the campus area is not especially rich for architectural gems but is green and cheerful. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Houston Center for Photography | alt= | url=https://hcponline.org/ | email= | address=1441 W. Alabama | lat=29.738493 | long=-95.397362 | directions= | phone=+1 713-529-4755 | tollfree= | hours=W Th 11AM-9PM, F 11AM-5PM, Sa Su 11AM-7PM | price=Free | lastedit=2020-02-01 | content=Gallery with neat exhibitions of local photographers. In the back room there's a small library with a diverse collection of photography books that is open to visitors. }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Aurora Picture Show | alt= | url=http://www.aurorapictureshow.org/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A non-profit microcinema housed in a former church building. }} * {{do | name=Buffalo Bayou Park | alt= | url= | email= | address=18-3600 Allen Parkway and Memorial Drive | lat=29.76225 | long=-95.39050 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=With downtown's skyline as its backdrop, Houston's premier greenbelt of 124 acres winds from Shepherd Drive on the west to Bagby Street on the East End. Eleanor Tinsley Park, located within this greenway (Taft-Sabine), is the site of major Houston festivals and events, including the city's Fourth of July Fireworks. Bike and jogging trails run from Shepherd Dr. through downtown. }} * {{do | name=Great Day Houston | alt= | url=http://www.greatdayhouston.com/ | email= | address=1945 Allen Parkway | lat=29.76039 | long=-95.38763 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Be part of the Great Day Houston Live studio audience. }} * {{do | name=Waugh Drive Bat Colony | alt=Bat Bridge | url=https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/species/bats/bat-watching-sites/waugh-drive-bridge.phtml | email= | address=Waugh Drive and Allen Parkway | lat= | long= | directions=look for AIG tower | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Dusk | price=Free | lastedit=2022-07-06 | content=Summer evenings at dusk, a quarter million bats fly out from their perches beneath the Waugh Drive bridge over Buffalo Bayou, emerging like a dark cloud for an evening of dining on fresh mosquitos. }} ===Events & festivals=== * {{do | name=Greek Festival | alt= | url=http://www.greekfestival.org/ | email= | address=3511 Yoakum Boulevard | lat=29.74099 | long=-95.39309 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Held yearly in October. Includes children's activities, an Athenian playground, food and entertainment. }} ==Buy== Walk along Westheimer Blvd between Montrose Blvd. and Shepherd Dr. and browse the fashion resale shops, antique stores, and variety of eateries and watering holes. Empire Cafe is a popular brunch spot for local residents. Cafe Brasil serves salads, pizzas, coffees, alcoholic beverages in more in an urban European style cafe. In reality, 'true' lower Westheimer embodies the now run down section of Westheimer between Montrose and Bagby (i.e., downtown). *{{buy | name=Magick Cauldron | url=http://www.magickcauldron.com/ | email= | address=2424 Montrose Blvd | lat= | long= | directions=on Montrose Blvd. between Hyde Park and Fairview. | phone=+1 713-523-0069 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 10AM-7PM, Su noon-6PM | price= | content=A one-stop shop for incense, crystals, magic candles, herbs, spell ingredients, pagan jewelry, and anything else regarding the supernatural one might need. Even if you're don't practice any magick you can still find a plethora of interesting things. Limited parking available. }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Houston Crawfish & Seafood | alt= | url=https://houstoncrawfishseafood.com/ | email=info@houstoncrawfishseafood.com | address=13192 Veterans Memorial Dr | lat=29.979764 | long=-95.493193 | directions= | phone=+1 832-446-3488 | tollfree= | hours=11AM-8PM | price= | lastedit=2021-07-10 | content=Combining Asian & Cajun influences, with a fusion menu of special and traditional dishes, cajun crawfish, fresh seafood, Thai food, and Vietnamese food. }} ===Budget=== * {{eat | name=Amy's Ice Cream | url=http://www.amysicecream.com/ | email= | address=3816 Farnham (off Shepherd, just north of US-59) | lat=29.732791 | long= -95.412632| directions= | phone=+1 713-526-2697 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= Su-Th 11:30AM-midnight, F Sa 11:30AM-1AM | price=$5 | content=Texas' own super premium, all natural ice cream. }} <!-- pending re-opening in late spring/summer 2023 * {{eat | name=Baba Yega's | alt= | url=http://www.babayega.com/ | email= | address=2607 Grant St | lat=29.746246 | long= -95.390305| directions= | phone=+1 713-522-0042 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This cozy cafe, named after a Slavic witch, has been a favorite in the Montrose area since 1975. This converted bungalow has several indoor & outdoor areas for semi-private dining. Baba Yega has been honored repeatedly by local patrons and neighborhood publications for "the prettiest patio", "best vegetarian", "best sandwich", "best burger" & "best brunch". Sunday brunch always draw a large crowd. }} --> * {{eat | name=Barnaby's | alt= | url= | email= | address=604 Fairview St | lat=29.748261 | long=-95.388375 | directions= | phone=+1 713-522-0106 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This local restaurant features some incredible, and TEXAS sized, salads as well as mouthwatering burgers and other entrees. Brunch menu on Sundays. }} * {{eat | name=Katz's | alt= | url=http://www.ilovekatzs.com/ | email= | address=616 Westheimer Rd | lat=29.744692 | long=-95.389518 | directions= | phone=+1 713-521-3838 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Crave blintzes at midnight or corned beef and cabbage at sunrise? This is your place. Cops from next door rub shoulders with families, politicos and all walks of colorful Montrose life at this brick-paved double-decker. Complete with subway artifacts and Grand Central Station-style handrails, it's city slick and open 24 hours a day. }} * {{eat | name=Mai's | url=http://maishouston.com | email= | address=3403 Milam | lat=29.741189 | long=-95.379853 | directions= | phone=+1 713-520-7648 | tollfree= | fax=+1 713-523-9043 | hours=M-Th 10AM-3AM, F Sa 10AM-4AM | price=Pho or bùn $11-15 | lastedit=2019-05-08 | content=Vietnamese food, popular with the late night crowd. }} * {{eat | name=Niko Niko's | url=http://www.nikonikos.com/ | email= | address=2520 Montrose | lat=29.746467 | long=-95.392114 | directions= | phone=+1 713-528-4976 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= M-Th 10AM-10PM, F Sa 10AM-11PM, Su 11AM-9PM | price= | content=Authentic and tasty Greek food. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=The Breakfast Klub | alt= | url=https://thebreakfastklub.com/ | email= | address=3711 Travis St, | lat=29.738451 | long=-95.380447 | directions= | phone=+1 713-528-8561 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-02-01 | content=Hotspot for diner-style American eats & stick-to-your-ribs soul food including chicken & waffles. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Chapultepec Lupita | alt= | url= | email= | address=813 Richmond Ave, | lat=29.734422 | long=-95.389450 | directions= | phone=+1 713-522-2365 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-02-01 | content=Cozy Tex-Mex joint open 24/7 Thursday through Monday, known for bargain prices & dozens of tequilas. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Ono Poke | alt= | url=http://www.onopokehouston.com/ | email= | address=607 Richmond Ave, | lat=29.734370 | long=-95.387456 | directions= | phone=+1 832-831-9453 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-02-01 | content=Bright, cozy counter serve offering Hawaiian poke bowls in set & customized combinations. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Gloria's Latin Cuisine | alt= | url=https://gloriascuisine.com/locations/houston.html | email= | address=2616 Louisiana St, | lat=29.746516 | long=-95.377159 | directions= | phone=+1 832-360-1710 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-02-02 | content=Family-friendly chain featuring Salvadoran & Tex-Mex favorites, plus mojitos & margaritas. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Pho Saigon | alt= | url=http://www.phosaigonnoodlehouse.com/ | email= | address=2808 Milam St D, | lat=29.745125 | long=-95.377404 | directions= | phone=+1 713-524-3734 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-02-02 | content=Informal eatery serving a variety of beef noodle soups (pho) & other classic Vietnamese fare. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Cali Sandwich & Pho | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=29.743504 | long=-95.376983 | directions=2900 Travis St, | phone=+1 713-520-0710 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-02-02 | content=Snug, no-frills eatery featuring Vietnamese sandwiches, noodle soups & other traditional dishes. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=Dolce Vita | alt= | url= | email= | address=500 Westheimer Rd | lat= 29.744699 | long= -95.387429| directions= | phone=+1 713-520-8222 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Marco Wiles (Da Marco restaurant) brings his penchant for pizza to this casual, welcoming restaurant. The simple yet intriguing menu is based on authentic thin-crust Neapolitan pizzas and Italian antipasti. From a rocket-hot wood-burning oven handmade in Rome, the pizzas arrive crispy and slightly charred around the edges. Close to 20 kinds of pizzas are offered, with toppings like proscuitto, arugula, wild mushrooms and fresh herbs. A varied list of small dishes rounds out the menu. }} * {{eat | name=El Tiempo 1308 Cantina | alt= | url=http://www.eltiempocantina.com/ | email= | address=1308 Montrose Blvd | lat=29.755112 | long=-95.392465 | directions= | phone=+1 713-807-8996 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The tasty, cooked from scratch Mexican food has been handed down, generation to generation in the Laurenzo family and is a staple in the Houston food scene. Great Grandmother Ninfa Laurenzo came to Houston in 1948 and started cooking almost immediately, spawning the huge chain of Ninfa's restaurants. 1308 Cantina puts together all of the best for an incredible taste of Tex-Mex cooking sure to leave your mouth watering. The fajitas and margaritas have been amazing the Montrose since the Cantina opened. }} * {{eat | name=Feast | url=http://sites.google.com/site/feasthouston/ | email= | address=219 Westheimer Rd. | lat=29.744525 | long=-95.383717 | directions= | phone=+1 713-529-7788 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=F Sa 11AM-2:30PM, M W-Sa 5PM-10PM, Su 5PM-9PM | price=$18-25 (Lunch $13-16 prix-fixe) | content=Feast is "Rustic European Fare" served in a cozy house (with a nice upstairs patio). The Brit owners and servers are friendly, the continental wine list is varied and interesting, and the ever-changing menu veers from adventurous (breaded pig tails with dipping sauce, anyone?) to comfy (lamb stew with dumplings). The 2- or 3-course prix-fixe lunch is a fantastic deal for what you get (dinner-sized portions!); there's also a "roast" lunch by reservation every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Kura Revolving Sushi Bar | alt= | url=https://kurasushi.com/ | email= | address=3510 Main St Suite A, | lat=29.739726 | long=-95.378768 | directions=near Ensemble/HCC METRORAIL Station | phone=+1 713-636-2696 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-01-28 | content=A conveyer belt sushi restaurant chain. They also have two other locations in the Houston area. }} * {{eat | name=Osaka | alt= | url= | email= | address=515 Westheimer Rd | lat=29.744312 | long=-95.388194 | directions= | phone=+1 713-533-9098 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Some of the tastiest sushi in Houston can be found here at Osaka. The portions are generous and you may be happily surprised with something on the house. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Indika | alt= | url=http://indikausa.com/ | email= | address=516 Westheimer Rd, | lat=29.744704 | long=-95.387861 | directions= | phone=+1 713-524-2170 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-02-01 | content=Well known option for innovative Indian dishes & handcrafted cocktails in modern, airy environs. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ | alt= | url=https://www.gyu-kaku.com/houston | email= | address=510 Gray St, | lat=29.750742 | long=-95.375237 | directions= | phone=+1 713-750-9520 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-02-04 | content=Japanese chain where diners cook meat, seafood & veggies on individual tabletop grills. }} ===Splurge=== * {{eat | name=Da Marco | url=http://www.damarcohouston.com/ | email= | address=1520 Westheimer Rd | lat=29.743011 | long=-95.397837 | directions= | phone=+1 713-807-8857 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=One of Houston's best restaurants--known for great wine and Italian fare. Reservations required. }} * {{eat | name=Tony's | url=http://www.tonyshouston.com/ | email= | address=3755 Richmond Ave | lat=29.732166 | long=-95.436012 | directions= | phone=+1 713-622-6778 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Parisian chef Olivier Ciesielski interprets contemporary cuisine with classic French care. Reservations required. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Brennan's of Houston | alt= | url=https://www.brennanshouston.com/ | email= | address=3300 Smith St, | lat=29.742941 | long=-95.381243 | directions= | phone=+1 713-522-9711 | tollfree= | hours=11AM–2PM & 5:45–10PM | price= | lastedit=2020-02-06 | content=New Orleans character & cuisine shine at this decadent eatery serving turtle soup, oysters. }} ==Drink== * {{drink | name=JR's | alt= | url= | email= | address=808 Pacific St | lat=29.746855 | long=-95.390143 | directions= | phone=+1 713-521-2519 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=JR's is one of Houston's most established and popular gay bars. Located next to SouthBeach, many patrons begin their night here before heading to SouthBeach. The bar continues to be a favorite of Houston's gay community. }} * {{drink | name=Meteor | alt= | url= | email= | address=2306 Genesee St | lat= 29.748587 | long=-95.384159 | directions= | phone=+1 713-521-0123 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Meteor is a gay video bar in Montrose near Midtown. The crowd tends to be well dressed, a mixture of young and formerly young, and fun. }} * {{drink | name=Rudyard's | alt= | url=http://rudyards.s425.sureserver.com | email= | address=2010 Waugh Dr | lat=29.750004 | long=-95.396577 | directions= | phone=+1 713-521-0521 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Live music on most nights, this British pub in the heart of Montrose attracts a diverse and fun crowd embodying the nighborhood in which it is located. }} * {{drink | name=Scott Gertner's Sky Bar | alt= | url=http://www.scottgertner.com/welcome1.html | email= | address=3400 Montrose Blvd | lat=29.742010 | long=-95.391730 | directions= | phone=+1 713-520-9688 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This penthouse club is a hot spot in Houston's club scene, located at the top of a mid-rise in Montrose. }} * {{drink | name=South Beach | alt= | url=http://www.southbeachthenightclub.com/club_info/index.shtml | email= | address=810 Pacific St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 713-529-7623 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=SouthBeach is Houston's premier gay dance club. World renowned DJs and special events pack the crowds into the late night hours, dancing to the hottest tracks in the gay club scene. }} * {{drink | name=West Alabama Icehouse | url= | email= | address=1919 West Alabama | lat=29.738444 | long=-95.407826 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Open since 1928, the Icehouse is a bar that provides outdoor seating and free hot dogs. Because of the outdoor seating, people are allowed to bring their dogs, play horseshoes, and basketball. There is usually live country music on Friday nights. }} *{{drink | name=Poison Girl | url= | email= | address=1641 Westheimer Rd | lat=29.742718 | long=-95.401072 | directions= | phone=+1 713-527-9929 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Poison Girl is off of Westheimer Rd. near the Dunlavy St. intersection. It has a dive bar atmosphere and offers quality drinks and great prices. The perfect place to go and hang out with friends. }} *{{drink | name=Anvil Bar and Refuge | url=http://www.anvilhouston.com/ | email= | address=1424 Westheimer Rd. | lat=29.743085 | long=-95.396874 | directions= | phone=+1 713-523-1622 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Anvil is one of the best bars in Houston. Their drinks are inspired by prohibition era concoctions. The mixologists (not bartenders) are talented at what they do and can create a drink with almost any flavor that you like. }} *{{drink | name=Boondocks | url= | email= | address=1417 Westheimer Rd. | lat=29.742645 | long=-95.396686 | directions= | phone=+1 713-522-8500 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Boondocks is a fun dive bar/dance club that plays music from recent top 40s hits to disco! }} *{{drink | name=Etro Lounge | url=http://www.etrolounge.com {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=1424 Westheimer Rd., Ste A | lat=29.743132 | long=-95.396864 | directions= | phone=+1 713-521-3876 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=If you like 1980s music and you like to dance, this "dive lounge" is the perfect place to go and jam out with friends on the laser lit dance floor. Etro is located directly behind Anvil Bar and Refuge. }} *{{drink | name=Royal Oak Bar and Grill | url=http://www.royaloakhouston.com/ | email= | address=1318 Westheimer Rd. | lat=29.743845 | long=-95.395268 | directions= | phone=+1 281-974-4752 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This laid back bar has a rustic interior and an excellent patio scene in front and out back. Valet parking is available or you can self park across the street. This is the perfect place to enjoy cold beers on a warm spring night or watch a game with friends. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Howl at the Moon | alt= | url=https://www.howlatthemoon.com/houston/ | email= | address=612 Hadley St, | lat=29.749029 | long=-95.375681 | directions= | phone=+1 713-658-9700 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-02-02 | content=Lively bar with a party vibe featuring dueling piano shows & novelty bucket drinks. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Pub Fiction | alt= | url=https://pubfiction.com/ | email= | address=2303 Smith St #100, | lat=29.749024 | long=-95.376185 | directions= | phone=+1 713-400-8400 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-02-02 | content=Chill spot for drinks & sports on TV, along with outdoor patio seating & occasional live music. }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Lodgeur Midtown | alt=Lodgeur | url=https://www.lodgeur.com/ | email=guests@lodgeur.com | address=3550 Main Street | lat=29.74 | long=-95.3793 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-855-LODGEUR | checkin=11AM | checkout=3PM | price=From $90/night | wikidata=Q134553186 | lastedit=2025-05-23 | content=Furnished studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments for short-term stays and extended visits. The apartments are located next to the METRORail’s Ensemble/HCC Station. Each unit includes a full kitchen, in-unit laundry, and garage parking. }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=La Colombe d'Or | url=http://www.lacolombedor.com | email= | address=3410 Montrose Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 713-524-8923 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Intimately small luxury hotel in a 1920s-era mansion. For travelers without budgetary constraints. }} *{{sleep | name=modern b&b | url=http://modernbb.com/ | email= | address=4003 Hazard St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 832-279-6367 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$100 - 225 | content=This dramatic four-story bed and breakfast is a unique alternative with fab rooms, artists' works on walls, exercise equipment and shaded verandas that present panoramic views above the tree line. The innkeeper speaks English, German and Spanish. }} ==Connect== {{usabledistrict}} {{IsPartOf|Houston}} {{geo|29.763|-95.383}} t14ukok828jd6nbrof0wd85ici4z27p 0 15070 5086722 5067954 2025-07-02T17:57:01Z Mrkstvns 144844 /* Do */ - add foto 5086722 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Houston South Inner Loop banner.jpg|caption=Rice University|pgname=South Inner Loop of Houston}} South and west of [[Houston/Downtown|downtown]], '''South Inner Loop''' is home to the Museum District, Hermann Park, the main campus of the University of Houston, Rice University, the Texas Medical Center, and NRG Stadium. This district is bounded by freeways I-45 on the east, I-69 on the north, and I-610 (the "loop") on the south and west. ==Understand== ==Get in== {{Mapframe|29.711409|-95.397157|zoom=13|width=350}} {{mapshapes|Q586193}} Best ways to reach this part of Houston are Metro light rail trains, Metro city buses, and by car. ===Train=== Houston's [http://www.ridemetro.org/ Metro light rail system] is an easy, comfortable way to get to the Medical Center, Rice University, and Museum District. Trains run down the center of Main Street beginning as early as 4:30AM and running as late as 2:15AM. ===Bus=== Several Houston Metrobus routes run through this part of the city. Use bus lines 1, 8, 34, 65, 87, 292, and 298. There is also a local trolley service for the Medical Center. Bus lines for this area connect to the Metro light rail train line at the TMC Transit Center at Fannin and Pressler. Bus stop locations and schedules are on the Houston Metro web site. ===Car=== Houston is a sprawling city in which everyone drives everywhere. The Medical Center/Rice/Museum District area lies in between the Southwest Freeway (U.S. 59) and the South Freeway (TX 288). * From U.S. 59 southbound, exit Fannin, then head left * From U.S. 59 northbound, exit Greenbrier, then head right * From TX 288 either direction, exit McGregor * From I-610, exit Fannin and either head north, or use the Park and Ride lot and ride Metro Street parking is available in much of this area, and there are public parking lots at the major museums, in Hermann Park, and around the Medical Center (the latter are most expensive). ==See== ===Museums=== *{{see | name=Children's Museum of Houston | alt= | url=http://www.cmhouston.org | email= | address=1500 Binz St | lat=29.722682 | long=-95.385113 | directions= | phone=+1 713-522-1138 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-W 9AM-6PM, Th 10AM-8PM, F-Sa 9AM-6PM, Su noon-6pm | price=$12, Th 5PM-8PM free | lastedit=2016-03-28 | content=Fun, educational, hands-on museum featuring a whimsical courtyard with a rail caboose and a bayou river, and indoor exhibits with both a cultural and a scientific element. }} *{{see | name=Contemporary Arts Museum Houston | alt= | url=http://www.camh.org/ | email=info@camh.org | address=5216 Montrose Blvd | lat=29.726392 | long=-95.391507 | directions= | phone=+1 713-284-8250 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-W 10A-7PM, Th 10AM-9PM, F 10AM-7PM, Sa 10AM-6PM, Su noon-6PM | price=Free | lastedit=2016-03-28 | content=Non-collecting museum with rotating exhibits focusing on the ever-changing landscape of today's visual arts. }} *{{see | name=The Health Museum | alt= | url=http://www.mhms.org | email=info@thehealthmuseum.org | address=1515 Hermann Dr | lat=29.721709 | long=-95.385996 | directions= | phone=+1 713 521-1515 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-W 9AM-5PM, Th 9AM-7PM, F-Sa 9AM-5PM, Su noon-5PM | price=$9 adults, $7 kids 3-12 and seniors, Th 2PM-7PM free | lastedit=2016-03-28 | content=Formerly known as the "Museum of Health and Medical Sciences", this museum is affiliated with the Texas Medical Center. Explore human anatomy, the life of a germ, the human genome, and more. }} * {{see | name=Holocaust Museum Houston | alt= | url=http://www.hmh.org/ | email=info@hmh.org | address=5401 Caroline St | lat=29.725129 | long=-95.385634 | directions= | phone=+1 713 942-8000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 9AM-5PM, Sa 10AM-5PM, Su Noon-5PM, Th 2PM-5PM free | price=$12 | lastedit=2016-03-28 | content=Holocaust Museum Houston is dedicated to educating people about the Holocaust, remembering the 6 million Jews and millions of other innocent victims and honoring the survivors' legacy. Using the lessons of the Holocaust and other genocides, the Museum teaches the dangers of hatred, prejudice and apathy to tens of thousands of people worldwide each year. Not recommended for children under the age of 10. }} * {{see | name=Houston Museum of Natural Science | alt= | url=http://www.hmns.org/ | email=webmaster@hmns.org | address=5555 Hermann Park Dr. | lat=29.721395 | long=-95.389344 | directions= | phone=+1 713 639-4629 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=9AM-5PM | price=Adult $25, Child $15, Thursday 2PM-5PM free, additional fees for shows and special exhibits | lastedit=2016-03-28 | content=Permanent venues include the butterfly center, exhibit halls, planetarium, and IMAX theater, others vary by availability. }} * {{see | name=Museum of Fine Arts Houston | alt= | url=http://www.mfah.org | email=guestservices@mfah.org | address=1001 Bissonnet St | lat=29.725680 | long=-95.390482 | directions= | phone=+1 713 639-7300 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-W 10AM-5PM, Th 10AM-9PM, F-Sa 10AM-7PM, Su 12.15PM-7PM, M closed | price=Adult $15, youth (13-18) $7.50, 12 and under free, Thursdays free | lastedit=2016-03-29 | content= }} *{{see | name=Houston Maritime Museum | alt= | url=http://www.houstonmaritimemuseum.org | email=contact@houstonmaritimemuseum.org | address=2204 Dorrington St. | lat=29.705627 | long=-95.409764 | directions= | phone=+1 713 666-1910 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-Sa 9AM-5PM | price=13 and older $5, 3-12 $3, 2 and under free | lastedit=2016-03-29 | content=Great museum in a converted house. Lots of maritime history from the Spanish Conquest onward. Must see for history or sailing buffs. }} * {{see | name=Menil Collection | alt= | url=https://www.menil.org | email= | address=1533 Sul Ross | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 713 525 9400 | tollfree= | hours=11am-7pm, closed Monday and Tuesday | price=Free | lastedit=2022-07-06 | content=Eclectic and diverse collection of art and artifacts. The collection consists of about 17,000 works spanning all time periods and geographies. Popular cafe across the street. The lawns invite picnic relaxation under the towering magnolia trees. }} ===Other sites=== * {{see | name=Hermann Park | alt= | url=http://www.hermannpark.org/ | email= | address= | lat=29.71811 | long=-95.39103 | directions= | phone=+1 713-524-5876 | tollfree= | fax=+1 713-524-5887 | hours= | price= | content=Approximately 455 acres (about half the size of Central Park in New York City). George Hermann gave the parkland to the City of Houston in 1914. It is accessible via the MetroRail. Encompasses the Miller Outdoor Theater, the Houston Zoo, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, and the Hermann Park Golf Course. }} * {{see | name=Hermann Park Railroad | alt= | url=http://www.hermannpark.org/visit/train-pedal-boats/ | email= | address=6102 Hermann Park Dr | lat=29.716956 | long=-95.389596 | directions= | phone=+1 713 526-2183 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM-5PM | price=$3.25 | lastedit=2016-03-29 | content=The Hermann Park Railroad takes a two-mile, 18 minute journey around Hermann Park with three stops along the way. }} * {{see | name=Houston Zoo | alt= | url=http://www.houstonzoo.org/ | email=zooinfo@houstonzoo.org | address=1513 N. MacGregor Dr | lat=29.716237 | long=-95.388988 | directions= | phone=+1 713-533-6500 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=9AM-7PM | price=Adult $17, Child $13, 1st Tu of month Sept-May free | lastedit=2016-03-28 | content=Mid-size zoo with several large animal exhibits worth visiting such as the gorillas and elephants. Visiting early in the day is advised as most of the zoo-keeper talks are before noon and the animals go into hiding if the day is hot. }} * {{see | name=Hermann Park Golf Course | alt= | url=http://www.houstontx.gov/municipalgolf/hermann.html | email= | address=2155 N. MacGregor Way | lat=29.713822 | long=-95.382312 | directions= | phone=+1 713 526-0077 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=M-Th $ 18, F-Su $28 | lastedit=2016-03-29 | content= }} * {{see | name=Japanese Garden | alt= | url=https://www.hermannpark.org/poi/24/ | email= | address=Main St & Sunset Blvd, Hermann Park | lat=29.718751 | long=-95.391396 | directions=at the south end of the Reflection Pool | phone=+1 713-284-8300 | tollfree= | hours=Mar 1-Oct 31: 9AM–6PM, Nov 1-Feb 28: 9AM–5PM | price=free | lastedit=2016-03-29 | content=Designed by world-renowned Japanese landscape architect, Ken Nakajima, the garden was built to symbolize the friendship between the United States and Japan, and to recognize Houston's thriving Japanese community. }} * {{see | name=Texas Medical Center | alt= | url=http://www.tmc.edu/ | email= | address= | lat=29.70876 | long=-95.39394 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A sprawling medical complex which is home to some of the world's best hospitals. }} ==Do== [[File:Hermann Park, Houston, ducks at McGovern Lake.JPG|thumb|Getting your ducks in a row at Hermann Park]] * {{do | name=Houston Texans | alt= | url=http://www.houstontexans.com | email= | address=Two NRG Park | lat=29.68514 | long=-95.41214 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1 866 46-839267 (+1-866-GO-TEXANS) | fax=+1 832-667-2191 | hours= | price= | content=Houston's [[American Football|National Football League]] (NFL) team plays at NRG Stadium in the South Loop area, next to the now-vacant Astrodome. }} * {{do | name=Houston Cougars | alt= | url=https://uhcougars.com | email= | address=| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Sports teams of the University of Houston, playing NCAA Division I sports mostly in the Big 12 Conference. As with most major universities, the hot-button sports are football and basketball, with men's basketball having periods of national prominence in the 1980s and 2020s. The most prominent venues are {{Marker|type=do|lat=29.721944 |long=-95.349167 |name=TDECU Stadium}} (football) and {{Marker|type=do|lat=29.724722 |long=-95.346944 |name=Fertitta Center}} (basketball). }} * {{do | name=Rice Owls | alt= | url=https://riceowls.com | email= | address=| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Sports teams of Rice University, playing NCAA Division I sports mostly in the American Athletic Conference. Due largely to Rice's very high academic standards, football and basketball have been generally mediocre over the last few decades; baseball has been the most nationally competitive sport during that time. {{Marker|type=do|lat=29.716389 |long=-95.409167 |name=Rice Stadium}} not only hosts Owls football in the fall, but also the '''Houston Roughnecks''' of the United Football League in the spring. The stadium also has a place in the history of the US space program, as John F. Kennedy made his famous "We choose to go to the Moon" speech here in 1962. Other significant venues are {{Marker|type=do|lat=29.715102 |long=-95.403895 |name=Tudor Fieldhouse}} (basketball) and {{Marker|type=do|lat=29.713333 |long=-95.404167 |name=Reckling Park}} (baseball). }} * {{do | name=Miller Outdoor Theater | alt= | url=http://www.milleroutdoortheatre.com/ | email= | address=6000 Hermann Park Drive, in Hermann Park | lat=29.719181 | long=-95.388761 | directions= | phone=+1 832 487-7102 | tollfree= | fax=+1 713 942-0863 | hours=vary | price=Hillside (lawn) seating is always free, some shows have ticket seating under the pavilion, varies by show | lastedit=2016-03-29 | content=Free professional theater offering a wide variety of shows in warmer months (which in Houston, span April through November). }} *{{do | name=ZaSpa | alt= | url=http://www.hotelzaza.com/#houston/zaspa | email=sjones@hotelzaza.com | address=5701 Main St | lat=29.724260 | long=-95.390235 | directions= | phone=+1 713-639-4566 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 10AM-8PM Sa 9AM-8PM Su 9AM-7PM | price=$60-295 | lastedit=2016-03-29 | content=A secluded, luxury spa located on the private 2nd floor of Hotel ZaZa Houston offering a variety of spa treatments for both men and women. Facilities include a pool and spa café. }} * {{do | name=Pedal Boats | alt= | url=http://www.hermannpark.org/visit/train-pedal-boats/ | email= | address=6102 Hermann Park Dr | lat=29.716956 | long=-95.389596 | directions= | phone=+1 713 526-2183 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=F-Su 11AM-4PM | price=$10 per boat for 30 minutes | lastedit=2016-03-29 | content=Pedal your way around the lake in Hermann Park. }} ===Events & Festivals=== *{{do | name=Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo | alt= | url=http://www.rodeohouston.com | email=questions@rodeohouston.com | address=1 Reliant Parkway | lat=29.685072 | long=-95.411089 | directions=NRG Park | phone=+1 832 667-1000 | tollfree= | hours=Month of March | price= | lastedit=2016-03-29 | content=NRG Stadium and NRG Park. Annually in March. The world's largest rodeo and includes rodeo events, calf scramble, and music concerts. It is known for its big-name music acts as much as it is for the rodeo. The livestock show attracts professional breeders who bring in their world-class livestock to be judged. There is also a carnival on the grounds. }} * {{do | name=International Literature Festival Houston | alt= | url=https://www.everfest.com/e/international-literature-festival-houston-houston-tx | email= | address=5216 Montrose Boulevard | lat=29.72638 | long=-95.39127 | directions=Contemporary Art Museum of Houston & Rice University | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Hosts a world class array of panels, authors, celebrities and entertainment for your enjoyment and enlightenment. Focuses on Hispanic literature. Held in October. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Rice Village | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=29.71616 | long=-95.41622 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-07-21 | content=Some of Houston's most eclectic shopping is in the small businesses of Rice Village, roughly between Kirby and Greenbrier and around Rice Blvd. and University Blvd. }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Benjy's | alt= | url=http://www.benjys.com/ | email=village@benjys.com | address=2424 Dunstan Rd | lat=29.719556 | long=-95.416350 | directions= | phone=+1 713 522-7602 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su-M 10:45AM-9PM, Tu-Th 10:45AM-10PM, F-Sa 10:45AM-11PM | price= | lastedit=2016-03-30 | content=Modern American dining. This is a favorite of many locals. }} *{{eat | name=Bombay Brasserie | alt= | url=http://www.thebombaybrasserie.com/ | email=info@thebombaybrasserie.com | address=2414 University Blvd | lat=29.715619 | long=-95.416263 | directions= | phone=+1 713-355-2000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Lunch: M-F 11AM-2:30PM, Sa-Su 11AM-3PM, Dinner: M-Th, Su 5:30PM-10AM F-Sa 5:30PM-10:30PM | price= | lastedit=2016-03-30 | content=Indian cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Croissant Brioche | url= | email= | address=2435 Rice Blvd | lat=29.717361 | long=-95.416258 | directions= | phone=+1 713-526-9188 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=French bakery. }} *{{eat | name=El Meson | alt= | url=http://elmeson.com/ | email=info@elmeson.com | address=2525 University Blvd | lat=29.714822 | long=-95.417719 | directions= | phone=+1 713 522-9306 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su noon-9PM, M-Th and Sa 11AM-10PM, F 11AM-11PM | price= | lastedit=2016-03-30 | content=Great choice when you're hungry for ropa vieja or any classic Cuban dish. }} * {{eat | name=Monarch Restaurant & Lounge | alt= | url=http://www.hotelzaza.com/#houston/monarch | email= | address=5701 Main St | lat=29.724304 | long=-95.390276 | directions= | phone=+1 713-527-1800 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-03-30 | content=A fine dining option at Hotel ZaZa Houston serving seafood and steak entrees with Mediterranean flair. The Lounge is available for dancing and Monarch Terrace overlooks Main Street & Mecom Fountains. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Lucille's | alt= | url=http://www.lucilleshouston.com/ | email= | address=5512 La Branch St, | lat=29.723775 | long=-95.384945 | directions= | phone=+1 713 568-2505 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-02-01 | content=Modern takes on Southern classics by a classically trained chef served in a cozy, vintage house. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Bodegas Taco Shop | alt= | url=https://bodegastacoshop.com/ | email= | address=1200 Binz St #160 | lat=29.723710 | long=-95.387582 | directions= | phone=+1 713 528-6102 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-02-01 | content=Tex-Mex spot for build-your-own burritos, tostadas, tacos & salads, with a tequila bar & patio. }} ==Drink== *{{drink | name=Kelvin Arms | alt= | url=http://www.kelvinarmspub.com/ {{dead link|August 2018|December 2020}} | email=kelvin.arms@live.com | address=2424 Dunstan Rd | lat=29.719556 | long=-95.416350 | directions= | phone=+1 713 528-5002 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-03-30 | content=Traditional Scottish pub atmosphere. Good variety of draft beers (including Belhaven), though their strong point is their outstanding selection of fine single-malt Scotch whisky. }} *{{drink | name=The Ginger Man | alt= | url=http://www.gingermanpub.com | email=gm-houston@thegingerman.com | address=5607 Morningside Dr | lat=29.715869 | long=-95.414635 | directions= | phone=+1 713 526-2770 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 2PM-2AM Sa-Su 1PM-2AM | price= | lastedit=2016-03-30 | content=Fun, casual pub atmosphere with an outstanding selection of microbrewed, regional, and import beers. Where else are you likely to find Youngs ales on tap alongside a Belgian kriek? Nothing beats relaxing out in the Ginger Man's courtyard with a chilly beverage on a warm Houston evening. }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Houston International Hostel | alt= | url=http://www.houstonhostel.com | email=resv@houstonhostel.com | address=5302 Crawford St | lat=29.724729 | long=-95.383243 | directions= | phone=+1 713 523-1009 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2016-03-30 | content=More of a large family house than a hostel, with bedrooms containing bunk beds for travelers. The house is in the downtown museum district so there is a lot to do within walking distance (Thursday is free museum day!) but it's in a residential area, so shops and restaurants are not immediately nearby. The bathrooms are shared and the facilities are clean. Hostel customs are observed at the hostel. }} ===Mid-range=== *{{sleep | name=Holiday Inn - NRG Area Medical Center | alt= | url=http://www.hinrgareahotel.com/ | email= | address=8111 Kirby Dr | lat=29.69029 | long=-95.41141 | directions= | phone=+1 713 790-1900 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Offers complimentary internet access. }} * {{sleep | name=Hilton Houston Plaza / Medical Center | alt= | url= | email= | address=6633 Travis St | lat=29.70990 | long=-95.40337 | directions= | phone=+1 713-313-4000 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Location in the midst of the Texas Medical Center. 80% suites. 100% non-smoking. }} * {{sleep | name=MainStay Suites Texas Medical Center/Reliant Park | alt= | url=http://www.mainstaysuites.com/hotel-houston-texas-TX933 | email= | address=3134 Old Spanish Trail | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 832-201-3131 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Offers free wireless high-speed Internet access. }} * {{sleep | name=Houston Marriott at the Texas Medical Center | alt= | url= | email= | address=6580 Fannin St | lat=29.71026 | long=-95.40107 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Adjacent to several hospitals of the Texas Medical Center and connected to Methodist Hospital via the skywalk. }} * {{sleep | name=Lodgeur Med Center | alt=Lodgeur | url=https://www.lodgeur.com/ | email=guests@lodgeur.com | address=7010 Staffordshire | lat=29.7076 | long=-95.4004 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-855-LODGEUR | checkin=11am | checkout=3pm | price=From $90/night | lastedit=2025-05-23 | content=Furnished one-bedroom apartments available for short-term and extended stays. Located at 7010 Staffordshire, within walking distance of MD Anderson Cancer Center, the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, and NRG Park. Convenient for medical visits or attending events like the Houston Rodeo. Each unit includes a full kitchen, in-unit laundry, and garage parking. Suitable for patients, caregivers, and professionals. }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Hotel ZaZa | alt= | url= | email= | address=5701 Main St | lat=29.72424 | long=-95.39015 | directions= | phone=+1 713-526-1991 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Upscale boutique hotel with an outstanding location next to Hermann Park and the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, with easy Metro access, elegantly appointed rooms, and an atmosphere of pampered luxury. }} ==Connect== {{usabledistrict}} {{IsPartOf|Houston}} {{geo|29.698|-95.388}} 7rafj6nsl72z28ao11kawywc68lkuoy 0 15074 5086758 4859160 2025-07-02T19:21:15Z Mrkstvns 144844 /* See */ - add foto 5086758 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Panorama of Uptown Houston from Greenway Plaza-wikivoyage.jpg}} '''Uptown''' is in [[Houston]], though nobody in Houston has used that term since about 1970 - it's generally referred to as "The Galleria", or to motorists at I-610 and U.S. 59 as the highway to avoid. ==Get in== ==See== {{mapframe|zoom=14|29.7443|-95.4630|width=300|height=600}} {{mapshapes|Q586193}} [[File:WiliamsTowerFromStreet.jpg|thumb|Williams Tower]] * {{see | name=Williams Tower | alt= | url=http://www.hines.com/property/detail.aspx?id=264 | email= | address=2800 Post Oak | lat=29.73733 | long=-95.46127 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1357650 | content=The 3rd-largest skyscraper in Houston, and largest in the world outside of a downtown or central business district. A short walk from the Galleria, also check out the ever-romantic Water Wall. You used to be able to visit an observation deck on a high floor, but no longer. }} * {{see | name=The Waterwall | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=29.73581 | long=-95.46128 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park | lastedit=2024-01-15 | content=Sculptural fountain with park. }} ==Do== *{{do | name=St. Arnolds Brewery | alt= | url=http://www.saintarnold.com | email= | address=2000 Lyons Ave | lat=29.77098 | long=-95.34846 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Weekdays: 3PM, Saturday: 11AM | price=$7.00 per person (includes tasting glass) | content=Houstonians looking for a fun Saturday afternoon head to Saint Arnolds at 11AM when they do their weekly brewery tour and open up the taps for the thirsty locals. Great local vibe! Weekday tours are offered at 3PM. }} * {{do | name=Rooftop Cinema Club | alt= | url= | email= | address=1700 Post Oak Blvd 5th Level | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-01-16 | content= }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=The Galleria | alt= | url=http://www.galleriahouston.com | email= | address=Westheimer at Post Oak | lat=29.73898 | long=-95.46385 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Huge shopping mall filled with high end retail stores and restaurants, several hotels and even includes an indoor year-round ice skating rink used by Tara Lipinski. Free parking (if you find the right lots). }} * {{buy | name=Marq*E | alt= | url=http://www.marqehouston.com/ | email= | address= | lat=29.78591 | long=-95.46464 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Outdoor shopping mall with many attractions including a giant movie theater. }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=America's Restaurant | url=http://www.restauranteur.com/americas/index.htm {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=1800 Post Oak Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The menu draws from the foods and cooking techniques of North, Central and South America, to make one New World Cuisine; as you pass under its Mayan-inspired door, you quickly realize that nothing about this place is ordinary. }} * {{eat | name=Cafe Annie | url=http://www.cafe-annie.com/ {{dead link|June 2020|December 2020}} | email= | address=1728 Post Oak Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 713-840-1111 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Insanely expensive prices, but very good American cuisine. Reservations required. }} * {{eat | name=Mystery Cafe | url=http://www.mysterycafehouston.com/ | email= | address=2400 West Loop South (Sheraton, IH-610 at Westheimer) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 713-944-2583 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$52.95/person | content="Where MURDER is always on the menu!" }} *{{eat | name=Ragin' Cajun | alt= | url= | email= | address=4302 Richmond Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 713-623-6321 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=This is the world's best Cajun kitchen that hasn't been destroyed by a hurricane. Gumbo, jambalaya, and crawdads are served up in a funky, downhome casual restaurant where the zydeco music never stops. }} * {{do | name=The Murder Mystery Company in Houston | alt= | url=http://murdermysterydinnerhouston.com/ | email= | address=7620 Katy Fwy #100 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-888-643-2583 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-01-16 | content=Live, interactive murder mystery shows in Houston. }} * {{eat | name=Whole Foods Market | alt=Whole Foods | url=https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/ | email= | address=1700 Post Oak Blvd | lat=29.74986 | long=-95.46252 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-01-14 | content=Wide range of prepared foods and meals that are custom prepared. Coffee bar, micro-brewery, sushi bar, taco bar, sandwich bar, juice/smoothie bar, salad bar, buffet, pizza oven, burger bar, bakery. }} * {{eat | name=The Original Ninfa's Uptown Houston | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=29.74986 | long=-95.46252 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-01-15 | content=TexMex. }} ==Drink== * {{drink | name=The Tasting Room | alt= | url= | email= | address=1101 Uptown Park Blvd | lat=29.75556 | long=-95.45707 | directions= | phone=+1 713 993-9800 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=With more seating then any other bar in Houston, the Tasting Room is a unique experience and is an ideal spot for a great night out. Choose from over 200 wines priced from the reasonable $15 per bottle to the indulgent $1,000 per bottle. }} * {{drink | name=Wild West | url= | email= | address=6101 Richmond Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 713 266-3455 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Courtyard - Galleria | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/hougc-courtyard-houston-by-the-galleria/ | email= | address=2900 Sage Road | lat=29.73681 | long=-95.46798 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Fairfield Inn - Galleria | alt= | url=http://houston-galleria-fairfieldinn.felcor.com/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=3131 West Loop S | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Houston Marriott Westchase | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/houwm-houston-marriott-westchase/ | email= | address=2900 Briarpark Dr | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Hyatt House - Houston Galleria | alt= | url=https://houstongalleria.house.hyatt.com/ | email= | address=3440 Sage Rd | lat=29.72920 | long=-95.46730 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Pet-friendly, all-suite hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=TownePlace Suites Houston Galleria Area | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/houll-towneplace-suites-houston-galleria-area | email= | address=5315 S Rice Ave | lat=29.72421 | long=-95.46664 | directions= | phone=+1 713-664-7494 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2017-01-09 | content=Pet friendly, all suites, full kitchens, free parking, and free breakfast. }} * {{sleep | name=Houston Marriott West Loop by The Galleria | alt= | url= | email= | address=1750 West Loop South | lat=29.74977 | long=-95.45706 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2024-01-15 | content= }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Granduca Houston | alt= | url=http://www.granducahouston.com/ | email= | address=1080 Uptown Park Blvd | lat=29.75757 | long=-95.45830 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-888-472-6382 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Luxury hotel offering the ambiance of an Italian palace along with the upscale touches of a five-star hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Derek | alt= | url=http://www.hotelderek.com/ | email= | address=2525 W. Loop South | lat=29.74155 | long=-95.45684 | directions= | phone=+1 713 961-3000 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=The Houstonian | alt= | url=http://www.houstonian.com/ | email= | address=111 North Post Oak Ln | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 713 680-2626 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Located on a wooded 18-acre site, the hotel includes a fitness club and full-service spa. }} * {{sleep | name=Omni Houston Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.omnihotels.com/FindAHotel/Houston.aspx | email= | address=4 Riverway | lat=29.76121 | long=-95.45918 | directions= | phone=+1 713 871-8181 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} ==Connect== {{usabledistrict}} {{IsPartOf|Houston}} {{geo|29.732|-95.460}} q8a7a2npajv6hxezt2gu1b48c1d07bh 0 15076 5086723 5075141 2025-07-02T17:59:49Z Mrkstvns 144844 /* Sleep */ Updated listing for Four Points Sheraton Houston West - re-branded 5086723 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|WV banner West Houston Street signs in Chinatown.jpg}} '''West Houston''', at first glance, seems to be no more than urban sprawl at its worst: strip malls, gridlock, billboards, and more strip malls. Yet one need not travel far from the interstate to discover a trove of hidden gems: tranquil parks, the absolute highs and lows in both upscale and bargain shopping, and an endless variety of exotic, authentic eateries - as proof, look no further than '''New Chinatown'''. ==Understand== Despite a plethora of rundown apartment complexes and a reputation for crime, '''Southwest Houston''' was the center of much of the city's suburban development from the 1940s through the 1970s, today it is one of its most diverse quarters and is also home to some of the city's most desirable neighborhoods, including Meyerland and the charming City of Bellaire. This area is almost completely outside of the 610 Loop, although the City of Bellaire is partially inside the 610. '''New Chinatown''' (AKA Little Saigon or Asiatown) would be the largest Chinatown in the world area-wise, but the term Chinatown is misleading due to the fact that the majority of the shops and restaurants cater to Houston's large Vietnamese population. This area is outside the 610 Loop and near the Beltway, Houston's outer freeway loop. '''The Mahatma Gandhi District''' located along Harwin Drive between U.S. Highway 59 (Southwest Freeway) to the south and the Westpark Tollway to the north has a large concentration of Indian and Pakistani shops and restaurants. The area is known for its many import shops and bargain emporiums. '''Westchase''' is home to gleaming office towers housing tech companies and oil service firms. Located around Westheimer and the Sam Houston (Beltway 8), it's a busy area with shopping, restaurants, and garden apartment complexes. '''City Center''' is a mixed use concept development at I-10 and the Sam Houston (exit Town and Country or Memorial). Shops, restaurants, hotels, and apartments fill this busy corner of town. ==Get in== {{mapframe}} {{mapshapes|Q586193}} [[File:CAP Gippsland GA8 Airvan at West Houston Airport.jpg|thumb|West Houston Airport]] ===By car=== West Houston is best reached by car. Major highways passing through this district include: * '''Sam Houston Tollway''' (Beltway 8) * '''Katy Freeway''' (I-10) * '''Westpark Tollway''' ===By plane=== Owners of private aircraft can arrive at West Houston Airport ({{IATA|IWS}}). ==See== ==Do== * {{do | name=WorldFest-Houston Film Festival | alt= | url=http://www.worldfest.org/ | email= | address= | lat=29.73195 | long=-95.51144 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4819644 | content=Totally dedicated to Independent Film screenings. All Screenings at the AMC Studio 30 on Dunvale, the HQ Hotel is The Renaissance Hotel, Greenway Plaza. Featuring 55 new international feature films and 100 new short films, all introduced by their directors with a Q&A after the screening. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Hong Kong City Mall |alt=| url=https://www.hkcitymall.com/ | email= | address=11205 Bellaire Blvd | lat=29.702370 | long=-95.577501 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2020-01-30| content=A very large grocery store/shopping center in this area. }} * {{buy | name=Memorial City Mall | alt= | url=http://www.memorialcitymall.com/ | email=welcome@memorialcitymall.com | address=303 Memorial City (IH-10 West at Gessner) | lat=29.78100 | long=-95.54116 | directions= | phone=+1 713-464-8640 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Has many department stores and also an indoor ice skating rink. }} *{{buy | name=Traders Village | url= | email= | address=7979 N. Eldridge Rd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A giant outdoor flea market with all sorts of wares. Deals are to be sought here. Unlike in the rest of the US, you can actually try to bargain in flea markets like this. Should not be missed by those looking to shop. }} * {{listing | type=buy | name=CityCentre | alt= | url=http://citycentrehouston.com/ | email= | address=800 Town and Country Blvd | lat=29.780810 | long=-95.560469 | directions=(at the SW corner of the) Katy Freeway and Beltway 8 Interchange | phone=+1 713-629-5200 | tollfree= |fax=| hours= | price= |wikidata=| lastedit=2020-01-30 | content=A new mixed use development built on the former site of the Town & Country Mall featuring several retail stores including Z Gallerie, J. Crew, Urban Outfitters, H&M, Anthropologie, etc. }} * {{listing | type=buy | name=PlazAmericas | alt= | url=http://www.plazamericas.com | email=information@plazamericas.com | address=7500 Bellaire Blvd | lat=29.706767 | long=-95.516532 | directions=(Southwest Freeway at Bellaire) | phone=+1 713-777-1111 | tollfree= |fax=| hours= | price= |wikidata=| lastedit=2020-01-30 | content=Formerly known as Sharpstown Mall, it was renovated and remodeled with a Latin American theme and nowadays caters to the Hispanic and Latino American community in the surrounding area. }} * {{buy | name=Phoenicia Specialty Food Market | alt= | url=http://www.phoeniciafoods.com/locations/westheimer-market/ | email= | address=12141 Westheimer Road | lat= | long= | directions=Located in a retail center on the south side of Westheimer, just past Kirkwood Road | phone=+1 281-558-8225 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-01-30 | content=This market has the largest selection of Mediterranean food and specialty items in Houston. The 55,000 square foot market has an amazing selection of foods and spices from the Middle East and Southern Europe. If you just want to eat they have a ready made food deli and bakery. }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Taste of Texas | url=http://www.tasteoftexas.com/ | email= | address=10505 Katy Freeway (IH-10 between BW-8 and Gessner) | lat=29.783161 | long=-95.556832 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The finest steaks and prime rib (only certified Angus Beef) money can buy. Award-winning wine list, lobster, freshly baked breads, etc. Menu is translated into 12 different languages. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Pho VN 21 | alt= | url= | email= | address=5800 Bellaire Blvd Ste 101 | lat=29.705931 | long=-95.484327 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-01-30 | content=Vietnamese restaurant known for their pho. Be sure to try the white meat pho ga. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Pepper Soup Cafe | alt= | url=http://www.peppersoupcafe.com {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=10010 Bissonnet St | lat=29.675722 | long=-95.554387 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-01-30 | content=Restaurant serving Nigerian cuisine. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Original Marini's Empanada House | alt= | url=http://www.theoriginalmarinis.com | email= | address=10001 Westheimer Rd | lat=29.735818 | long=-95.550836 | directions= | phone=+1 713-266-2729 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-01-30 | content=Restaurant specializing in authentic Argentinean cuisine. They are especially known for their empanadas. They will even ship out frozen empanadas for those living outside the Houston area. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Mi Pueblito | alt= | url=http://www.mipueblitohouston.com/EG_home.htm {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=9425 Richmond Avenue | lat=29.728464 | long=-95.531425 | directions= | phone=+1 713-334-4594 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-01-30 | content=One of the most authentic Colombian restaurants in Houston with menus in both Spanish and English. Be sure to try the Bandeja Paisa. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Korean Noodle House | alt= | url= | email= | address=1415 Murray Bay St | lat=29.794448 | long=-95.538218 | directions= | phone=+1 713-463-8870 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-01-30 | content=Korean restaurant known for their kimchi, noodles, and jeon (seafood pancakes). }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Kim Chau Restaurant | alt= | url=http://www.kimchaurestaurant.com/ | email= | address=11210 Bellaire Blvd. Suite #125 | lat=29.704538 | long=-95.576304 | directions= | phone=+1 281-498-9888 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-01-30 | content=Hole in the wall Vietnamese restaurant. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Honduras Maya Cafe and Bar | alt= | url=http://hondurasmayacafeybar.com/home.htm {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=5945 Bellaire Blvd Ste B | lat=29.705132 | long=-95.486555 | directions= | phone=+1 713-668-5002 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-01-30 | content=One of the most authentic Honduran restaurants in Houston with menus in both Spanish and English. They also have karaoke on Friday nights. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Fung's Kitchen | alt= | url=http://eatatfungs.com/ | email= | address=7320 Southwest Fwy #115 | lat=29.702700 | long=-95.516347 | directions= | phone=+1 713-779-2288 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-01-30 | content=Chinese restaurant known for their dim sum. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Go Hyang Korean Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=1400 Blalock Rd Ste E | lat=29.794396 | long=-95.522468 | directions= | phone=+1 713-464-6653 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-01-30 | content=Korean restaurant known for their Korean style barbeque. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Blue Nile | alt= | url=http://www.bluenilerestaurant.com/ | email= | address=9400 Richmond Ave | lat=29.729511 | long=-95.530875 | directions= | phone=+1 713-782-6882 | tollfree= |fax=| hours= | price= |wikidata=| lastedit=2020-01-30 | content=One of the most authentic Ethiopian restaurants in Houston. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Hong Kong Cafe | alt= | url= | email= | address=9108 Bellaire Blvd Ste A | lat=29.705606 | long=-95.543749 | directions= | phone=+1 713-772-9633 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-01-30 | content=Chinese restaurant known for their BBQ Pork and BBQ Duck. They only accept cash. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Cafe Pita+ | alt= | url=http://cafepita.weebly.com/ | email= | address=10852 Westheimer Rd | lat=29.737782 | long=-95.568444 | directions= | phone=+1 713 953-7237 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-01-30 | content=Although the decor isn't much to look at, this mom-and-pop in West Houston offers affordable, hearty Bosnian cuisine. Try the meza platter, cevap sandwich or one of the pizzas. Cafe Pita+ was once featured on an episode of Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. BYOB. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Café Byblos | alt= | url=http://cafebybloshouston.com/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=6134 Richmond | lat=29.732515 | long=-95.487691 | directions= | phone=+1 832-251-0505 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-01-30 | content=Mediterranean restaurant specializing in Lebanese fare. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Crawfish & Noodles | alt= | url=http://www.crawfishandnoodle.com/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=11360 Bellaire Blvd | lat=29.704810 | long=-95.580747 | directions= | phone=+1 281-988-8098 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-01-30 | content=Fusion restaurant that is known for combining elements of Vietnamese and Cajun cuisine. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Bijan | alt= | url=http://bijangrill.com/ | email= | address=5922 Hillcroft Ave | lat=29.717601 | long=-95.500512 | directions= | phone=+1 832 242-1500 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-02-06 | content=Straightforward restaurant featuring authentic Persian cuisine & kebabs, plus hookah pipes. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Shri Balaji Bhavan | alt= | url= | email= | address=5655 Hillcroft St | lat=29.721269 | long=-95.500776 | directions= | phone=+1 713 783-1126 | tollfree= | hours=11AM–9:30PM | price= | lastedit=2020-02-06 | content=Restaurant serving spicy South Indian vegetarian fare. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Darband Shishkabob | alt= | url=https://www.darbandshishkabob.com/ | email= | address=5670 Hillcroft Ave | lat=29.721676 | long=-95.501526 | directions= | phone=+1 713 975-8350 | tollfree= | hours=11AM–10PM | price= | lastedit=2020-02-06 | content=Stop for quick Persian standards such as the namesake kebabs, served in a kitschy dining room. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Banana Leaf | alt= | url=http://www6.bananaleafhouston.com/?tdfs=1&s_token=1582391787.0030717978&uuid=1582391787.0030717978&kw=restaurant&term=Restaurant%20Digital%20Menu&term=Restaurant%20Customer%20Rewards%20Program&term=Restaurant%20Online%20Ordering%20Platform&term=Restaurant%20Job%20Posting%20Board&term=Restaurant%20Reservation%20System%20for%20Website&backfill=0 | email= | address=9889 Bellaire Blvd #311 | lat=29.702673 | long=-95.553206 | directions=Located in: Dun Huang Plaza | phone=+1 713 771-8118 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-02-22 | content=Small eatery serving a large menu of traditional Malaysian cuisine. }} ==Drink== * {{drink | name=Vine Wine Room | alt= | url=http://vinewineroom.com/ | email= | address=12420 Memorial Dr | lat=29.766932 | long=-95.549833 | directions=In the Wick Lane Shopping Center | phone=+1 713 463-8463 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This cozy wine bar and wine retail shop offers wine by the glass and bottle, selected beers, and wine-friendly snacks and pizzas. There are wine tastings every Saturday at 3PM, often showcasing wines new to the establishment. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Cafe Thanh Quynh | alt= | url= | email= | address=10804 Bellaire Blvd Ste H | lat=29.704714 | long=-95.570382 | directions= | phone=+1 281-530-8488 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-01-30 | content=Vietnamese coffee shop known for their scantily clad waitresses. This place serves Vietnamese condense milk coffee (with iced tea), bac xui, and smoothie: avocado, soursop, and durian. Smoking is also allowed on premises. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Cafe Window | alt= | url= | email= | address=6230 Wilcrest Dr | lat=29.713194 | long=-95.571909 | directions= | phone=+1 281-530-8787 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-01-30 | content=Guan Nhau or Vietnamese sports bar with karaoke and a full bar. Smoking is also allowed on premises. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Watson's House of Ales | alt= | url=http://www.sherlockspubco.com | email= | address=14656 Grisby Rd | lat=29.782687 | long=-95.643479 | directions= | phone=+1 281-920-2929 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-01-30 | content=Features a full menu and full service bar, state-of-the-art audio and video systems, live music several nights a week, and traditional games of skill such as billiards and English steel tip darts. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Bear and Bull Tavern and Eatery | alt= | url=http://www.thebullandbear-tavernandeatery.com/ | email= | address=11980 Westheimer Road | lat=29.737693 | long=-95.591207 | directions=Located at the back of the retail center at the southeast corner of Westheimer and Kirkwood. | phone=+1 281-496-6655 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-01-30 | content=The Bear and Bull is popular with British expats and Soccer fans. The food is good with daily lunch specials and 30 domestic and imported beers on tap. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=The Colorado Sports Bar & Grill | alt= | url=https://thecoloradobarandgrill.com | email= | address=6710 Southwest Fwy, | lat=29.715802 | long=-95.501087 | directions= | phone=+1 713 781-1122 | tollfree= | hours=11:30AM–3AM | price= | lastedit=2020-02-06 | content=Gentlemans club known for their food and drink specials. }} ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Hyatt Regency Houston West | alt=Formerly Omni Westside | url=https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/texas/hyatt-regency-houston-west/houro | email= | address=13210 Katy Freeway | lat=29.786359 | long=-95.618604 | directions=Take I-10 West and exit north at Eldridge Parkway | phone=+1 281 558-8338 | tollfree= | fax=+1 281-558-4028 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-06 | content=Features an atrium lobby with indoor lakes and waterfalls, tropical fish and glass elevators. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Residence Inn Houston West/Energy Corridor | alt= | url=http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/houhw-residence-inn-houston-west-energy-corridor/ | email= | address=1150 Eldridge Parkway | lat=29.767028 | long=-95.624654 | directions= | phone=+1 281-293-8787 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2020-01-30 | content=Free Wi-Fi and fully equipped kitchens. The hotel is pet friendly and provides a free shuttle that will take guests to businesses and attractions within a 5-mile radius. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Wyndham Houston West Energy Corridor | alt= | url=http://www.wyndhamhoustonwest.com/ | email= | address=14703 Park Row | lat=29.787744 | long=-95.643527 | directions= | phone=+1 281-558-5580 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2020-01-30 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Four Points Sheraton Houston West | alt= | url=http://www.sheratonhoustonwest.com | email= | address=11191 Clay Road | lat=29.831581 | long=-95.560635 | directions= | phone=+1 281-501-4200 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content=128 rooms. Pet friendly. Free Wi-Fi }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Hotel Zaza - Memorial City | alt= | url=https://www.hotelzaza.com/memorial-city | email=houstonmemorial@hotelzaza.com | address=9787 Katy Freeway | lat=29.782971 | long=-95.534261 | directions=near Memorial City Mall | phone=+1 713-465-9292 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2020-02-06 | content=Has a spa, resort pool, and onsite restaurant. }} * {{sleep | name=Hilton Westchase | alt= | url= | email= | address=9999 Westheimer Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1 855 605 0316 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-06 | content=Modern mid-range hotel along the bustling Westheimer strip, just inside the Sam Houston beltway. }} * {{sleep | name=Marriott Westchase | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/houwm-houston-marriott-westchase/overview/ | email= | address=2900 Briarpark Dr | lat= | long= | directions=Take the Sam Houston Tollway (Beltway 8) to Westheimer and exit east, turn right on Briarpark | phone=+1 713-978-7400 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-06 | content=Large modern hotel. Indoor and outdoor pools, fitness center. }} * {{sleep | name=Lodgeur Energy Corridor | alt=Lodgeur | url=https://www.lodgeur.com/ | email=guests@lodgeur.com | address=18036 Park Row Blvd, Houston, TX 77084 | lat=29.7975 | long=-95.6846 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-855-LODGEUR | checkin=11am | checkout=3pm | price=From $90/night | lastedit=2025-05-23 | content=Furnished one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments available for short-term and extended stays. Located steps from Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus in TMC West Campus and Houston’s Energy Corridor. Each unit includes a full kitchen, in-unit laundry, and garage parking. Community amenities include a gym, pool, coworking space, and a small playground. Suitable for medical stays, travel nurses, and relocations. }} ==Connect== {{usabledistrict}} {{IsPartOf|Houston}} {{geo|29.811|-95.761}} 4w29hsrxhdbhx6ax1w06w4f42pla4e8 0 15077 5086751 4811735 2025-07-02T19:08:11Z Mrkstvns 144844 /* Do */ - add foto 5086751 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|WV banner Houston West Inner Loop Bayou Bend garden.jpg}} The '''West Inner Loop''' encompasses many of the poshest, most upscale neighborhoods and business areas in Houston. ==Understand== Long known as Houston's most exclusive neighborhood, '''River Oaks''' is home to a large collection of eye-popping mansions. ==Get in== This affluent neighborhood is easily accessible from Kirby, Willowick, Inwood, and River Oaks Blvd. ==See== {{Mapframe|29.7440|-95.4274|zoom=13}} {{mapshapes|Q586193}} * {{listing | type=see | name=Bayou Bend | alt= | url=https://www.mfah.org/visit/bayou-bend-collection-and-gardens/ | email=bayoubend@mfah.org | address=6003 Memorial Drive | lat=29.7575 | long=-95.420556 | directions= | phone=+1 713-639-7750 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 1-5PM, M closed (except holidays) | price= | wikidata=Q2892295 | content=A branch of MFAH (Museum of Fine Arts Houston), housing American art, in a 14-acre landscaped garden. }} *{{see | name=Memorial Park | alt= | url=http://www.memorialparkconservancy.org | email= | address=6501 Memorial Dr | lat=29.7648 | long=-95.441 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=6AM-11PM | price=Free | wikidata=Q3305507 | lastedit=2023-01-24 | content=Memorial Park is Houston's premier urban park. The park's 2.88-mile jogging trail is very popular with runners and walkers year-round. The park also has miles of mountain bike trails, several tennis courts, and other options for outdoor recreation. There's an arboretum, a nature center, picnic areas, and sports fields. Located just inside the I-610 Loop along Memorial Drive. }} ==Do== [[File:Joggers along the Seymour Lieberman Exer-Trail at Memorial Park in Houston.NRCS photo by Beverly Moseley. (25116673655).jpg|thumb|Joggers in Memorial Park]] *{{listing | type=do | name=River Oaks Theatre | alt= | url=https://www.landmarktheatres.com/houston/river-oaks-theatre | email= | address=2009 W Gray St | lat=29.7528 | long=-95.4091 | directions= | phone=+1 713-524-2175 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7337675 | content=Houston historical landmark theatre. }} *{{listing | type=do | name=River Oaks Country Club | alt= | url=https://www.riveroakscc.net/ | email= | address=1800 River Oaks Blvd | lat=29.7531 | long=-95.4239 | directions= | phone=+1 713-529-4321 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7337669 | content=Very, very exclusive club. If you can meet and resident that is willing to take you, there is golf, tennis, fine dining, and swimming. You cannot get in alone. You either have to be a member or have someone who lives in River Oaks sponsor you for membership. }} * {{do | name=Running Complex | alt= | url=https://www.memorialparkconservancy.org/discover/master-plan/running-complex/ | email= | address= | lat=29.76696 | long=-95.44788 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-01-19 | content=South of the Memorial Park. Trail runs, track, 4.7km running loop. Possibility to shower, rent towels and sports drinks. }} * {{do | name=Picnic Loop and North Picnic Area | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=29.7625 | long=-95.43726 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-01-19 | content=American style Picnic Area. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=River Oaks Shopping Center | alt= | url=https://www.riveroaksshoppingcenter.com/ | email= | address=W Gray St & Shepherd Drive, Texas | lat=29.74235 | long=-95.45327 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-01-19 | content=One of America's first suburban shopping districts and a great display of Art Deco architecture. IPIC Houston movie complex. }} * {{buy | name=Highland Village Shopping District | alt= | url=http://www.shophighlandvillage.com/ | email= | address= | lat=29.74191 | long=-95.44538 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Upscale shops and restaurants. }} ==Eat== ===Budget=== * {{eat | name=100% Taquito | url=http://www.100taquito.com/ {{dead link|August 2018|December 2020}} | email= | address=3245 IH-59 (Southwest Fwy. at Buffalo Spwy.) | lat=29.728749 | long=-95.430983 | directions= | phone=+1 713-665-2900 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Trendy, authentic Mexico City-type taco joint. }} * {{eat | name=Goode Company Barbeque | url= | email= | address=5109 Kirby Dr | lat=29.727011 | long=-95.418408 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$5-10 | content=One of the city's most reputed barbeque restaurants. }} *{{eat | name=House of Pies | url=http://www.houseofpies.com/ | email= | address=3112 Kirby | lat=29.737056 | long=-95.419080 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=24 hours | price= | content=The best diner in town. Always open, it is a great option for late night eats serving delicious breakfast, hot coffee, and of course a vast array of pies. }} * {{eat | name=Ragin' Cajun | alt= | url=https://ragin-cajun.com/ | email= | address=4302 Richmond Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 713 623-6321 | tollfree= | hours=11am-9pm, Sun 12-9 | price= | lastedit=2022-07-06 | content=A slice of Louisiana for the Bayou City. Authentic down-home Cajun cooking. Order a bucket of crawfish and get messy at one of the many picnic tables, indoors or out. Gumbo, etouffee, boudain, hush puppies and dirty rice round out the menu. Awesomely funky dining room where there's always zydeco on the juke. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=Chuy's | url=http://www.chuys.com/ | email= | address=2706 Westheimer Rd | lat=29.742565 | long=-95.420397 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Tex-Mex with flair. }} *{{eat | name=Epicure Cafe | url=http://www.epicure-cafe.com/ | email= | address=2005 W Gray St # C | lat=29.752946 | long=-95.408890 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Tasty European food in a small European like cafe. }} * {{eat | name=Mission Burritos | url= | email= | address=2245 West Alabama | lat=29.738300 | long=-95.414854 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A few (two?) locations, but 2245 West Alabama has more charm. Biggest, best burritos in town; they always have a 'Burrito of the Month' that is a sure bet. }} * {{eat | name=The Original Ninfa's Uptown | alt= | url=https://www.ninfas.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-02-01 | content=Tex-Mex restaurant, which claims to have invented fajitas in the 1970s. }} ===Splurge=== *{{eat | name=Churrasco's | url= | email= | address=2055 Westheimer Rd | lat=29.742542 | long=-95.408945 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Expensive and delicious South American and Brazilian food. }} *{{eat | name=La Griglia | url= | email= | address=2002 W Gray St | lat=29.753458 | long=-95.408500 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=River Oak's favorite place to eat lunch and have a fine dinner. }} *{{eat | name=Smith & Wollensky | url= | email= | address=4007 Westheimer Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Some of Houston's best steaks. Extremely fine dining. }} ==Drink== * {{drink | name=McGonigal's Mucky Duck | url=http://mcgonigels.com/ | email=theduck@mcgonigels.com | address=2425 Norfolk (Near Shepherd and US-59) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 713-528-5999 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$4/pt | content=Local bar, probably the best bet to find a variety of special and cask ales. }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== ===Mid-range=== ===Splurge=== *{{listing | type=sleep | name=The St. Regis Houston | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/houxr-the-st-regis-houston/ | email= | address=1919 Briar Oaks Ln | lat=29.74755 | long=-95.45051 | directions= | phone=+1 713-840-7600 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price= | content= }} ==Connect== {{usabledistrict}} {{IsPartOf|Houston}} {{geo|29.764|-95.427}} 6o1u5jrphilq2a0b37ksnvmz1zzerrt 5086753 5086751 2025-07-02T19:11:17Z Mrkstvns 144844 /* Budget */ Updated listing for Ragin' Cajun - add geo coords 5086753 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|WV banner Houston West Inner Loop Bayou Bend garden.jpg}} The '''West Inner Loop''' encompasses many of the poshest, most upscale neighborhoods and business areas in Houston. ==Understand== Long known as Houston's most exclusive neighborhood, '''River Oaks''' is home to a large collection of eye-popping mansions. ==Get in== This affluent neighborhood is easily accessible from Kirby, Willowick, Inwood, and River Oaks Blvd. ==See== {{Mapframe|29.7440|-95.4274|zoom=13}} {{mapshapes|Q586193}} * {{listing | type=see | name=Bayou Bend | alt= | url=https://www.mfah.org/visit/bayou-bend-collection-and-gardens/ | email=bayoubend@mfah.org | address=6003 Memorial Drive | lat=29.7575 | long=-95.420556 | directions= | phone=+1 713-639-7750 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 1-5PM, M closed (except holidays) | price= | wikidata=Q2892295 | content=A branch of MFAH (Museum of Fine Arts Houston), housing American art, in a 14-acre landscaped garden. }} *{{see | name=Memorial Park | alt= | url=http://www.memorialparkconservancy.org | email= | address=6501 Memorial Dr | lat=29.7648 | long=-95.441 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=6AM-11PM | price=Free | wikidata=Q3305507 | lastedit=2023-01-24 | content=Memorial Park is Houston's premier urban park. The park's 2.88-mile jogging trail is very popular with runners and walkers year-round. The park also has miles of mountain bike trails, several tennis courts, and other options for outdoor recreation. There's an arboretum, a nature center, picnic areas, and sports fields. Located just inside the I-610 Loop along Memorial Drive. }} ==Do== [[File:Joggers along the Seymour Lieberman Exer-Trail at Memorial Park in Houston.NRCS photo by Beverly Moseley. (25116673655).jpg|thumb|Joggers in Memorial Park]] *{{listing | type=do | name=River Oaks Theatre | alt= | url=https://www.landmarktheatres.com/houston/river-oaks-theatre | email= | address=2009 W Gray St | lat=29.7528 | long=-95.4091 | directions= | phone=+1 713-524-2175 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7337675 | content=Houston historical landmark theatre. }} *{{listing | type=do | name=River Oaks Country Club | alt= | url=https://www.riveroakscc.net/ | email= | address=1800 River Oaks Blvd | lat=29.7531 | long=-95.4239 | directions= | phone=+1 713-529-4321 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7337669 | content=Very, very exclusive club. If you can meet and resident that is willing to take you, there is golf, tennis, fine dining, and swimming. You cannot get in alone. You either have to be a member or have someone who lives in River Oaks sponsor you for membership. }} * {{do | name=Running Complex | alt= | url=https://www.memorialparkconservancy.org/discover/master-plan/running-complex/ | email= | address= | lat=29.76696 | long=-95.44788 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-01-19 | content=South of the Memorial Park. Trail runs, track, 4.7km running loop. Possibility to shower, rent towels and sports drinks. }} * {{do | name=Picnic Loop and North Picnic Area | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=29.7625 | long=-95.43726 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-01-19 | content=American style Picnic Area. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=River Oaks Shopping Center | alt= | url=https://www.riveroaksshoppingcenter.com/ | email= | address=W Gray St & Shepherd Drive, Texas | lat=29.74235 | long=-95.45327 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-01-19 | content=One of America's first suburban shopping districts and a great display of Art Deco architecture. IPIC Houston movie complex. }} * {{buy | name=Highland Village Shopping District | alt= | url=http://www.shophighlandvillage.com/ | email= | address= | lat=29.74191 | long=-95.44538 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Upscale shops and restaurants. }} ==Eat== ===Budget=== * {{eat | name=100% Taquito | url=http://www.100taquito.com/ {{dead link|August 2018|December 2020}} | email= | address=3245 IH-59 (Southwest Fwy. at Buffalo Spwy.) | lat=29.728749 | long=-95.430983 | directions= | phone=+1 713-665-2900 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Trendy, authentic Mexico City-type taco joint. }} * {{eat | name=Goode Company Barbeque | url= | email= | address=5109 Kirby Dr | lat=29.727011 | long=-95.418408 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$5-10 | content=One of the city's most reputed barbeque restaurants. }} *{{eat | name=House of Pies | url=http://www.houseofpies.com/ | email= | address=3112 Kirby | lat=29.737056 | long=-95.419080 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=24 hours | price= | content=The best diner in town. Always open, it is a great option for late night eats serving delicious breakfast, hot coffee, and of course a vast array of pies. }} * {{eat | name=Ragin' Cajun | alt= | url=https://ragin-cajun.com/ | email= | address=4302 Richmond Ave | lat=29.733056 | long=-95.449069 | directions= | phone=+1 713 623-6321 | tollfree= | hours=11am-9pm, Sun 12-9 | price= | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content=A slice of Louisiana for the Bayou City. Authentic down-home Cajun cooking. Order a bucket of crawfish and get messy at one of the many picnic tables, indoors or out. Gumbo, etouffee, boudain, hush puppies and dirty rice round out the menu. Awesomely funky dining room where there's always zydeco on the juke. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=Chuy's | url=http://www.chuys.com/ | email= | address=2706 Westheimer Rd | lat=29.742565 | long=-95.420397 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Tex-Mex with flair. }} *{{eat | name=Epicure Cafe | url=http://www.epicure-cafe.com/ | email= | address=2005 W Gray St # C | lat=29.752946 | long=-95.408890 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Tasty European food in a small European like cafe. }} * {{eat | name=Mission Burritos | url= | email= | address=2245 West Alabama | lat=29.738300 | long=-95.414854 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A few (two?) locations, but 2245 West Alabama has more charm. Biggest, best burritos in town; they always have a 'Burrito of the Month' that is a sure bet. }} * {{eat | name=The Original Ninfa's Uptown | alt= | url=https://www.ninfas.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-02-01 | content=Tex-Mex restaurant, which claims to have invented fajitas in the 1970s. }} ===Splurge=== *{{eat | name=Churrasco's | url= | email= | address=2055 Westheimer Rd | lat=29.742542 | long=-95.408945 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Expensive and delicious South American and Brazilian food. }} *{{eat | name=La Griglia | url= | email= | address=2002 W Gray St | lat=29.753458 | long=-95.408500 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=River Oak's favorite place to eat lunch and have a fine dinner. }} *{{eat | name=Smith & Wollensky | url= | email= | address=4007 Westheimer Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Some of Houston's best steaks. Extremely fine dining. }} ==Drink== * {{drink | name=McGonigal's Mucky Duck | url=http://mcgonigels.com/ | email=theduck@mcgonigels.com | address=2425 Norfolk (Near Shepherd and US-59) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 713-528-5999 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$4/pt | content=Local bar, probably the best bet to find a variety of special and cask ales. }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== ===Mid-range=== ===Splurge=== *{{listing | type=sleep | name=The St. Regis Houston | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/houxr-the-st-regis-houston/ | email= | address=1919 Briar Oaks Ln | lat=29.74755 | long=-95.45051 | directions= | phone=+1 713-840-7600 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price= | content= }} ==Connect== {{usabledistrict}} {{IsPartOf|Houston}} {{geo|29.764|-95.427}} jo5gf84hrw6ofx0h6at5o5yhy027wr2 5086754 5086753 2025-07-02T19:12:39Z Mrkstvns 144844 /* Splurge */ - remove Smith & Wollensky (closed) 5086754 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|WV banner Houston West Inner Loop Bayou Bend garden.jpg}} The '''West Inner Loop''' encompasses many of the poshest, most upscale neighborhoods and business areas in Houston. ==Understand== Long known as Houston's most exclusive neighborhood, '''River Oaks''' is home to a large collection of eye-popping mansions. ==Get in== This affluent neighborhood is easily accessible from Kirby, Willowick, Inwood, and River Oaks Blvd. ==See== {{Mapframe|29.7440|-95.4274|zoom=13}} {{mapshapes|Q586193}} * {{listing | type=see | name=Bayou Bend | alt= | url=https://www.mfah.org/visit/bayou-bend-collection-and-gardens/ | email=bayoubend@mfah.org | address=6003 Memorial Drive | lat=29.7575 | long=-95.420556 | directions= | phone=+1 713-639-7750 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 1-5PM, M closed (except holidays) | price= | wikidata=Q2892295 | content=A branch of MFAH (Museum of Fine Arts Houston), housing American art, in a 14-acre landscaped garden. }} *{{see | name=Memorial Park | alt= | url=http://www.memorialparkconservancy.org | email= | address=6501 Memorial Dr | lat=29.7648 | long=-95.441 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=6AM-11PM | price=Free | wikidata=Q3305507 | lastedit=2023-01-24 | content=Memorial Park is Houston's premier urban park. The park's 2.88-mile jogging trail is very popular with runners and walkers year-round. The park also has miles of mountain bike trails, several tennis courts, and other options for outdoor recreation. There's an arboretum, a nature center, picnic areas, and sports fields. Located just inside the I-610 Loop along Memorial Drive. }} ==Do== [[File:Joggers along the Seymour Lieberman Exer-Trail at Memorial Park in Houston.NRCS photo by Beverly Moseley. (25116673655).jpg|thumb|Joggers in Memorial Park]] *{{listing | type=do | name=River Oaks Theatre | alt= | url=https://www.landmarktheatres.com/houston/river-oaks-theatre | email= | address=2009 W Gray St | lat=29.7528 | long=-95.4091 | directions= | phone=+1 713-524-2175 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7337675 | content=Houston historical landmark theatre. }} *{{listing | type=do | name=River Oaks Country Club | alt= | url=https://www.riveroakscc.net/ | email= | address=1800 River Oaks Blvd | lat=29.7531 | long=-95.4239 | directions= | phone=+1 713-529-4321 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7337669 | content=Very, very exclusive club. If you can meet and resident that is willing to take you, there is golf, tennis, fine dining, and swimming. You cannot get in alone. You either have to be a member or have someone who lives in River Oaks sponsor you for membership. }} * {{do | name=Running Complex | alt= | url=https://www.memorialparkconservancy.org/discover/master-plan/running-complex/ | email= | address= | lat=29.76696 | long=-95.44788 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-01-19 | content=South of the Memorial Park. Trail runs, track, 4.7km running loop. Possibility to shower, rent towels and sports drinks. }} * {{do | name=Picnic Loop and North Picnic Area | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=29.7625 | long=-95.43726 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-01-19 | content=American style Picnic Area. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=River Oaks Shopping Center | alt= | url=https://www.riveroaksshoppingcenter.com/ | email= | address=W Gray St & Shepherd Drive, Texas | lat=29.74235 | long=-95.45327 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-01-19 | content=One of America's first suburban shopping districts and a great display of Art Deco architecture. IPIC Houston movie complex. }} * {{buy | name=Highland Village Shopping District | alt= | url=http://www.shophighlandvillage.com/ | email= | address= | lat=29.74191 | long=-95.44538 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Upscale shops and restaurants. }} ==Eat== ===Budget=== * {{eat | name=100% Taquito | url=http://www.100taquito.com/ {{dead link|August 2018|December 2020}} | email= | address=3245 IH-59 (Southwest Fwy. at Buffalo Spwy.) | lat=29.728749 | long=-95.430983 | directions= | phone=+1 713-665-2900 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Trendy, authentic Mexico City-type taco joint. }} * {{eat | name=Goode Company Barbeque | url= | email= | address=5109 Kirby Dr | lat=29.727011 | long=-95.418408 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$5-10 | content=One of the city's most reputed barbeque restaurants. }} *{{eat | name=House of Pies | url=http://www.houseofpies.com/ | email= | address=3112 Kirby | lat=29.737056 | long=-95.419080 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=24 hours | price= | content=The best diner in town. Always open, it is a great option for late night eats serving delicious breakfast, hot coffee, and of course a vast array of pies. }} * {{eat | name=Ragin' Cajun | alt= | url=https://ragin-cajun.com/ | email= | address=4302 Richmond Ave | lat=29.733056 | long=-95.449069 | directions= | phone=+1 713 623-6321 | tollfree= | hours=11am-9pm, Sun 12-9 | price= | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content=A slice of Louisiana for the Bayou City. Authentic down-home Cajun cooking. Order a bucket of crawfish and get messy at one of the many picnic tables, indoors or out. Gumbo, etouffee, boudain, hush puppies and dirty rice round out the menu. Awesomely funky dining room where there's always zydeco on the juke. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=Chuy's | url=http://www.chuys.com/ | email= | address=2706 Westheimer Rd | lat=29.742565 | long=-95.420397 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Tex-Mex with flair. }} *{{eat | name=Epicure Cafe | url=http://www.epicure-cafe.com/ | email= | address=2005 W Gray St # C | lat=29.752946 | long=-95.408890 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Tasty European food in a small European like cafe. }} * {{eat | name=Mission Burritos | url= | email= | address=2245 West Alabama | lat=29.738300 | long=-95.414854 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A few (two?) locations, but 2245 West Alabama has more charm. Biggest, best burritos in town; they always have a 'Burrito of the Month' that is a sure bet. }} * {{eat | name=The Original Ninfa's Uptown | alt= | url=https://www.ninfas.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-02-01 | content=Tex-Mex restaurant, which claims to have invented fajitas in the 1970s. }} ===Splurge=== *{{eat | name=Churrasco's | url= | email= | address=2055 Westheimer Rd | lat=29.742542 | long=-95.408945 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Expensive and delicious South American and Brazilian food. }} *{{eat | name=La Griglia | url= | email= | address=2002 W Gray St | lat=29.753458 | long=-95.408500 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=River Oak's favorite place to eat lunch and have a fine dinner. }} ==Drink== * {{drink | name=McGonigal's Mucky Duck | url=http://mcgonigels.com/ | email=theduck@mcgonigels.com | address=2425 Norfolk (Near Shepherd and US-59) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 713-528-5999 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$4/pt | content=Local bar, probably the best bet to find a variety of special and cask ales. }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== ===Mid-range=== ===Splurge=== *{{listing | type=sleep | name=The St. Regis Houston | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/houxr-the-st-regis-houston/ | email= | address=1919 Briar Oaks Ln | lat=29.74755 | long=-95.45051 | directions= | phone=+1 713-840-7600 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price= | content= }} ==Connect== {{usabledistrict}} {{IsPartOf|Houston}} {{geo|29.764|-95.427}} 3ef6do2mc8808jihycnbisw0saxoshe 5086755 5086754 2025-07-02T19:15:28Z Mrkstvns 144844 /* Drink */ Updated listing for McGonigal's Mucky Duck - add geo coords 5086755 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|WV banner Houston West Inner Loop Bayou Bend garden.jpg}} The '''West Inner Loop''' encompasses many of the poshest, most upscale neighborhoods and business areas in Houston. ==Understand== Long known as Houston's most exclusive neighborhood, '''River Oaks''' is home to a large collection of eye-popping mansions. ==Get in== This affluent neighborhood is easily accessible from Kirby, Willowick, Inwood, and River Oaks Blvd. ==See== {{Mapframe|29.7440|-95.4274|zoom=13}} {{mapshapes|Q586193}} * {{listing | type=see | name=Bayou Bend | alt= | url=https://www.mfah.org/visit/bayou-bend-collection-and-gardens/ | email=bayoubend@mfah.org | address=6003 Memorial Drive | lat=29.7575 | long=-95.420556 | directions= | phone=+1 713-639-7750 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 1-5PM, M closed (except holidays) | price= | wikidata=Q2892295 | content=A branch of MFAH (Museum of Fine Arts Houston), housing American art, in a 14-acre landscaped garden. }} *{{see | name=Memorial Park | alt= | url=http://www.memorialparkconservancy.org | email= | address=6501 Memorial Dr | lat=29.7648 | long=-95.441 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=6AM-11PM | price=Free | wikidata=Q3305507 | lastedit=2023-01-24 | content=Memorial Park is Houston's premier urban park. The park's 2.88-mile jogging trail is very popular with runners and walkers year-round. The park also has miles of mountain bike trails, several tennis courts, and other options for outdoor recreation. There's an arboretum, a nature center, picnic areas, and sports fields. Located just inside the I-610 Loop along Memorial Drive. }} ==Do== [[File:Joggers along the Seymour Lieberman Exer-Trail at Memorial Park in Houston.NRCS photo by Beverly Moseley. (25116673655).jpg|thumb|Joggers in Memorial Park]] *{{listing | type=do | name=River Oaks Theatre | alt= | url=https://www.landmarktheatres.com/houston/river-oaks-theatre | email= | address=2009 W Gray St | lat=29.7528 | long=-95.4091 | directions= | phone=+1 713-524-2175 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7337675 | content=Houston historical landmark theatre. }} *{{listing | type=do | name=River Oaks Country Club | alt= | url=https://www.riveroakscc.net/ | email= | address=1800 River Oaks Blvd | lat=29.7531 | long=-95.4239 | directions= | phone=+1 713-529-4321 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7337669 | content=Very, very exclusive club. If you can meet and resident that is willing to take you, there is golf, tennis, fine dining, and swimming. You cannot get in alone. You either have to be a member or have someone who lives in River Oaks sponsor you for membership. }} * {{do | name=Running Complex | alt= | url=https://www.memorialparkconservancy.org/discover/master-plan/running-complex/ | email= | address= | lat=29.76696 | long=-95.44788 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-01-19 | content=South of the Memorial Park. Trail runs, track, 4.7km running loop. Possibility to shower, rent towels and sports drinks. }} * {{do | name=Picnic Loop and North Picnic Area | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=29.7625 | long=-95.43726 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-01-19 | content=American style Picnic Area. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=River Oaks Shopping Center | alt= | url=https://www.riveroaksshoppingcenter.com/ | email= | address=W Gray St & Shepherd Drive, Texas | lat=29.74235 | long=-95.45327 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-01-19 | content=One of America's first suburban shopping districts and a great display of Art Deco architecture. IPIC Houston movie complex. }} * {{buy | name=Highland Village Shopping District | alt= | url=http://www.shophighlandvillage.com/ | email= | address= | lat=29.74191 | long=-95.44538 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Upscale shops and restaurants. }} ==Eat== ===Budget=== * {{eat | name=100% Taquito | url=http://www.100taquito.com/ {{dead link|August 2018|December 2020}} | email= | address=3245 IH-59 (Southwest Fwy. at Buffalo Spwy.) | lat=29.728749 | long=-95.430983 | directions= | phone=+1 713-665-2900 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Trendy, authentic Mexico City-type taco joint. }} * {{eat | name=Goode Company Barbeque | url= | email= | address=5109 Kirby Dr | lat=29.727011 | long=-95.418408 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$5-10 | content=One of the city's most reputed barbeque restaurants. }} *{{eat | name=House of Pies | url=http://www.houseofpies.com/ | email= | address=3112 Kirby | lat=29.737056 | long=-95.419080 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=24 hours | price= | content=The best diner in town. Always open, it is a great option for late night eats serving delicious breakfast, hot coffee, and of course a vast array of pies. }} * {{eat | name=Ragin' Cajun | alt= | url=https://ragin-cajun.com/ | email= | address=4302 Richmond Ave | lat=29.733056 | long=-95.449069 | directions= | phone=+1 713 623-6321 | tollfree= | hours=11am-9pm, Sun 12-9 | price= | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content=A slice of Louisiana for the Bayou City. Authentic down-home Cajun cooking. Order a bucket of crawfish and get messy at one of the many picnic tables, indoors or out. Gumbo, etouffee, boudain, hush puppies and dirty rice round out the menu. Awesomely funky dining room where there's always zydeco on the juke. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=Chuy's | url=http://www.chuys.com/ | email= | address=2706 Westheimer Rd | lat=29.742565 | long=-95.420397 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Tex-Mex with flair. }} *{{eat | name=Epicure Cafe | url=http://www.epicure-cafe.com/ | email= | address=2005 W Gray St # C | lat=29.752946 | long=-95.408890 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Tasty European food in a small European like cafe. }} * {{eat | name=Mission Burritos | url= | email= | address=2245 West Alabama | lat=29.738300 | long=-95.414854 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A few (two?) locations, but 2245 West Alabama has more charm. Biggest, best burritos in town; they always have a 'Burrito of the Month' that is a sure bet. }} * {{eat | name=The Original Ninfa's Uptown | alt= | url=https://www.ninfas.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-02-01 | content=Tex-Mex restaurant, which claims to have invented fajitas in the 1970s. }} ===Splurge=== *{{eat | name=Churrasco's | url= | email= | address=2055 Westheimer Rd | lat=29.742542 | long=-95.408945 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Expensive and delicious South American and Brazilian food. }} *{{eat | name=La Griglia | url= | email= | address=2002 W Gray St | lat=29.753458 | long=-95.408500 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=River Oak's favorite place to eat lunch and have a fine dinner. }} ==Drink== * {{drink | name=McGonigal's Mucky Duck | alt= | url=http://mcgonigels.com/ | email=theduck@mcgonigels.com | address=2425 Norfolk (Near Shepherd and US-59) | lat=29.732922 | long=-95.417143 | directions= | phone=+1 713-528-5999 | tollfree= | hours= | price=$4/pt | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content=Local bar, probably the best bet to find a variety of special and cask ales. Frequent live music. }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== ===Mid-range=== ===Splurge=== *{{listing | type=sleep | name=The St. Regis Houston | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/houxr-the-st-regis-houston/ | email= | address=1919 Briar Oaks Ln | lat=29.74755 | long=-95.45051 | directions= | phone=+1 713-840-7600 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price= | content= }} ==Connect== {{usabledistrict}} {{IsPartOf|Houston}} {{geo|29.764|-95.427}} rs43uuh67995hfoa4hj9jylau6sg1jd 0 15540 5086660 5077507 2025-07-02T14:45:15Z CasazzaH 2328858 /* Operators */ 5086660 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|BannerInca.jpg|unesco=yes|ftt=yes}} [[File:IncaTrail.JPG|thumb|A section of the Inca trail]] The '''Inca trail''' to [[Machu Picchu]], the "Lost City of the Incas", is a world-famous trek in [[Peru]]. It's the best known part of the Inca road system, which was listed as a [[UNESCO World Heritage site]] in 2014. The hike takes you past staggering mountain scenery and many impressive Inca ruins, through ecosystems ranging from mossy forests to stark peaks. For much of the trail, you're walking on the very stone paths laid by the Incas hundreds of years ago. Treks vary significantly in style, from budget backpacking to high-end glamping, but typically consist of 4 days and 3 nights on the trail itself. While the main route is fixed, timing and campsites vary. The trail requires reservations months in advance, and all trekkers must be part of a tour group, which includes porters and a guide. In addition to keeping you safe, organized, and on schedule, guides have extensive knowledge of the ruins, their history, and the variety of plants and animals that can be found along the trail. Visits generally start from [[Cusco]], the capital of the Incas. Due to the need to acclimatize to the altitude for a few days, the trek itself must be part of a longer trip, usually a few days in Cusco and the [[Sacred Valley]]; see [[Inca Highlands]]. == Understand == [[File:Peru Wiñay Wayna.jpg|thumb|Inca ruins on the trail, open for exploration and way less crowded than Machu Picchu]] [[File:WildlifeAlpaka.jpg|thumb|Animals seen along the Salkantay / Inca trail]] Many countries have mountain ranges with beautiful scenery and Peru itself is richly blessed in this respect with many other areas for hiking. However the scenery is only one of the elements responsible for the magic of the Inca Trail. Can there be any walk anywhere in the world with such a combination of natural beauty, history and sheer mystery and with such an awe-inspiring destination? The various Inca ruins along the way serve to heighten the hiker's sense of anticipation as he or she approaches what would surely find a place in any new list of archaeological wonders of the world - Machu Picchu. The ruins on the trail are all many times less crowded than Machu Picchu, and most are open for exploration without the ropes and blocked-off areas at your final destination. If you're lucky, you'll also see colorful flowers and birds, and possibly even other animals on the trail. At the height of the Inca Empire, their road system was the most extensive transportation system in South America, stretching from what is now [[Colombia]] all the way to central [[Chile]]. The branching network of roads, many of them paved with stones, totaled close to 40,000 kilometers. Unfortunately, with the conquest of the Inca Empire by the Spanish in the 1500s, most of the roads have been destroyed or left to deteriorate. Many of the surviving portions are unmapped and little explored, but a few sections have been cleaned up and restored. The most famous of these is the Inca Trail, which allows you to walk in the footsteps of the Incas, on the same stone paths that they laid and used to get to Machu Picchu hundreds of years ago. The trail is 45 km/26 miles from start to finish, but it feels like more: you gain and lose hundreds of meters of altitude multiple times, and much of the trek is above 3,000 meters where oxygen is noticeably thinner. Acclimation to the altitude is a must, and good physical condition advised. The journey winds through the valleys and hills of the surrounding area, taking you through the scenic landscape, from high alpine to cloud forests. The trail is '''physically demanding, but doable by any fit person''', barring specific health problems. If you have any concerns, check with a doctor. If you can walk and use stairs easily, you should be able to do it. No hiking experience is necessary, though the more used to hiking you are, the easier it will be. There are very few evacuations and deaths on the trail: the most likely risk is spraining your ankle and needing to be carried out. Many find the physical demands make the trip more rewarding, from the exertion and sense of accomplishment. If you are physically unable or concerned about your ability, you can also do a shorter 1-day or 2-day trek to Machu Picchu, take an easier trek like the valley trek to Machu Picchu, or go directly to Machu Picchu by rail. The trail, particularly the descent, is ideally suited to '''trekking poles''', which significantly reduce stress on your knees. Rubber tips are required, to protect the steps, and duct taping the tips on is highly recommended, otherwise they come off easily from impact or mud. You can buy new ones at home, rent good ones in town for cheap, or buy broomsticks, which are cheap and adequate, but not great. You cannot use local branches, as too many trees were being cut down, and these aren’t much good anyway. Consider shock-absorbing poles to further minimize stress. Many agencies operating from Cusco offer organised hikes along the trail, providing most of the equipment (tents, etc.) and people to carry it. Also, don't forget that the trail ends at Machu Picchu. Most Inca Trail hikers descend from the Sun Gate (Intipunko) at dawn and see Machu Picchu before the busloads of tourists show up around 10AM. '''Meals on the trail''' are often impressively delicious! If you're an experienced wilderness backpacker, you may be surprised by how luxurious the food is. Some tour companies can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary restrictions. The Inca Trail is part of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary, a protected area of 32,592 hectares, managed by the National State Protected Natural Areas Service, SERNANP. Every visitor must obey park regulations prohibiting littering, cutting or damaging trees, removing or damaging stones of ruins and the Trail, removing plants, killing animals, lighting open fires or camping in the archeological sites (Only authorized campsites can be used). ===Porters=== [[File:Crossing the bridge (3006028381).jpg|thumb|Porters at the beginning of the Inca Trail]] The trek is demanding enough without having to carry camping gear or clothes: use a porter (for camping gear) and a half (for change of clothes) and just carry your day pack. (This gives a job to a poor local farmer!) The Inca Trail is one of the relatively few treks globally that features porters: pack animals are not allowed on the trail because their hooves damage it. Porters are local Quechua farmers, typically poor and uneducated, and this is a major source of income for them. Most will not speak English or even much [[Spanish]]; knowing a few phrases of Quechua is a nice touch; see [[Quechua phrasebook]]. A guide is required, though porters are not, so you can backpack the trail, carrying all your own equipment. However, porters are widely used and recommended, since it's hard enough to hike with a day pack. Porters need to arrive much earlier than trekkers, to set up camp, so please be aware of porters running past you and give way. Beware of poor treatment of porters, notably inadequate equipment, food, or shelter, and excess loading: a heavily-loaded porter wearing plastic sandals is not tough, he is being exploited. Conditions have improved, but ill-treatment is still common, particularly on cut-rate treks. Please use an operator that treats its porters well, and consider learning more and getting involved in improving conditions. A documentary chronicling a year in the life of an Inca Trail porter, ''[http://www.michacrafilm.com Mi Chacra]{{Dead link|date=June 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}'', won the Grand Prize at the 2010 Banff Mountain Film Festival. [[File:We finally make it to the bottom of the Gringo Killer steps to witness this marvel of engineering, an Inca farming site perched on the side of the steep mountain (9657411176).jpg|thumb]] [[File:Wayllabamba Puesto de Vigilancia sign.jpg|thumb|Outline of the Inca Trail]] === When to go === May is best – start of dry season, so dry, sunny, and lush vegetation from the rains, and before high season and depths of winter. Weather is best May to September: fairly dry and sunny. June through August is high season (summer vacation in Northern Hemisphere), and hence books up far in advance, but is winter here (because Southern Hemisphere), so a bit cold at night. Thus, May and September are ideal. Fringe months of April and October are also OK, but more risk of rain. If hoping to see the sunrise, June and July are driest and best, but May and August (into early September) are often OK. November to March are the rainy season, so avoid if possible: cloudy skies (worse views), and rain, which soaks you, makes the rocks slick, and runs the risk of landslides, both on the trail and on roads. Less crowded though. The wettest months are January to April, when roads are often closed by landslides or flooding. The trail is closed in February to clean up the garbage left behind. '''Weather on the trail year-round''' features warm, comfortable days (around 20℃) and cold nights (often 5℃ or below), dropping to below freezing in the winter (June, July, August). Sun during the day and clouds at night increase the effective heat and cold. Accordingly, dress in layers. Pack warm clothes in your duffel (alpaca hat, gloves, and socks are cozy), and make sure you have a warm sleeping bag. Also, flip-flops to rest your feet at the end of the day will leave you with cold feet: bring light, loose, ''closed'' sandals instead. The air is dry, and dry''ing'': the low pressure means water evaporates more quickly. Drink plenty of water, and use moisturizer if desired. == Prepare == [[File:Camino-inca-dia2-c04.jpg|thumb|Day 2 of the trek, near Dead Woman's Pass]] === Book tickets === Tickets '''must be booked in advance''', far in advance for the high season, through an authorized local tour operator, as it is not allowed to organize your own trip. For the high season, tickets must be booked immediately when they become available: it's wise to book six months in advance or more. Get these trail tickets ''before'' your plane tickets. If booked up, consider rescheduling your trip, or taking one of the [[Inca Highlands#Alternative treks|alternative treks]] in the area, none of which require booking so far in advance. Don't expect to pick up last-minute cancellations, as tour organizers must register client passport numbers with the government, and they are strictly checked at control points on the trail. A '''passport''' is required both for reserving tickets, and for admission to the trail (copy ''not'' accepted), so you need to bring it in your day pack! It is easiest if you have the same passport when reserving your ticket as when you show up, so avoid renewing your passport or changing your name in the meantime: renew if necessary before, change name before or after. Tickets are by season: reservations are accepted from mid-January, for the season from March 1st to the following January 31st. Some agencies will accept pre-reservations and then book immediately when tickets become available. There are 500 permits available per day for the 4-, 5- and 7-day treks and 250 for the 2-day trek. This includes both trekkers and tour employees (guides and porters). Since there are about 1.5 employees per trekker, that leaves 40% for trekkers, so about 200 trekkers per day. You can check official availability of tickets at the [http://www.machupicchu.gob.pe ''Boletaje Virtual''] (Virtual Ticket) website. Beware that this is the ''total'' number left (trekkers and employees), so out of 500, and that days can book up in big chunks, due to booking a group (a group of 12 trekkers entail about 30 tickets total), so don't delay. Tickets for Machu Picchu should be included in your tour. Tickets are also required for '''Huayna Picchu''' (a large mountain nearby which you can hike up for magnificent views of Machu Picchu). Huayna Picchu is optional, and thus might be forgotten: make sure to get tickets in advance if interested! === Which tour? === [[File:Camino-inca-dia4-c06.jpg|thumb|Day 4 of a 4-day tour, descending to Machu Picchu]] There are two tour lengths: 4 days and 5 days. They both sleep 3 nights on the trail, and follow the same path, but have different schedules, and stop at different camp sites. It is also possible to take a short 2-day trek on a slightly different route, or visit Machu Picchu without the Inca Trail. The 4 day/3 night trek is the classic: on the last day you get into Machu Picchu early, see the sun rise, visit Machu Picchu, then go back to Cusco. The 5 day/4 night version is more leisurely, getting into Machu Picchu late on the fourth day for a brief look after most tourists have left; then you spend the night at [[Aguas Calientes]] and see Machu Picchu the next day. If you're tight on time or money, or you're a fast hiker, do the 4-day, otherwise do the 5-day: it's less rushed and crowded. The classic 4-day tour takes less time and is a bit faster and more demanding, particularly days 3 and 4: you have long days and relatively less sleep. It means you see the sun rise when you first get to Machu Picchu (assuming clear weather), but you'll likely be a bit tired, and may not be up to Huayna Picchu. You also may have a rushed day at Machu Picchu, and will need to plan your train back carefully if you want a full day at Machu Picchu, particularly to avoid the crowds. If you want, you can do the 4-day (arriving early) and then spend the night in Aguas Calientes, and see as much of Machu Picchu as you like, basically doing a fast-paced 5-day (with sunrise, and rest at the end). The 5-day tour is more leisurely: it misses the sunrise, and takes an extra day, but is otherwise more pleasant: you see Machu Picchu after the crowds have left (on the first day) and before most crowds arrive (on the second day), with nice dusk/dawn light (golden hour, good for photos), you can be rested for Huayna Picchu, and the campsites are less crowded, because most people are on the 4-day schedule. === Choose tour operator === You must use a local authorized tour operator, of which there are many. You can book with a tour operator directly, or use a travel agent in your country. Some operators, notably high-end ones, only work through agencies. Beware that being authorized is no guarantee of quality, and many agencies are fly-by-night operations run out a storefront in Cusco. It is safest to use an established, reputable agency: research agencies and their reviews online. However, there are some newer companies that you might take a chance on if you find their story or reviews compelling. When choosing an operator, consider what they offer—budget backpacking or high-end glamping? How big are the groups (or do you want a more expensive private tour)? Do you want to take a 4-day or 5-day (or 2-day) tour? Some operators only offer one. Will they arrange travel to/from Cusco? Which train service? And of course, operators and tours vary in price. Many operators treat porters very poorly; check reviews and story (touting social responsibility is no guarantee, but it's a hint). Beware that cut-rate operators invariably cut corners at the expense of porters, but some good value operators treat porters well, and being expensive is no guarantee that porters are treated well. Also, due to intermediaries, paying a high price to a travel agency may not result in the tour operator getting much of it. ==== Operators ==== <!-- Operators listed because *required* for trail. --> An operator is ''required''. Out of the about 200 companies, many are bad. Check reviews, guidebooks, and the companies’ own websites to decide, or rely on a travel agent to choose for you. Here are 15 well-respected companies, though there are other good ones. <!-- what do the years mean? Please clarify--> * [http://www.perutreks.com Peru Treks] (2002, Inca Trail Peru Treks S.A.C.): 4-day only, every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, socially responsible, small family company. Specialized: only does this trek, so very competent, but inflexible. * [http://www.llamapath.com Llama Path] (2004): various treks * [http://www.alpacaexpeditions.com Alpaca Expeditions] (2011): Provides full tours of Peru and a leader on treks to Machu Picchu with a license for the Inca Trail. * [http://www.unitedmice.com United Mice]{{Dead link|date=January 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} (1987): adventure travel throughout area, socially conscious (helps street children) * [http://www.sastravelperu.com SAS] (1990): Largest trail operator, full selection, award-winning; also offers other adventure tours (white-water rafting etc.). * [http://www.waykitrek.net Wayki Trek] * [http://www.andinatravel.com Andina Travel]{{Dead link|date=September 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} * [https://adventureinperu.com/ Adventure in Peru] {{Dead link|date=March 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} (2016)Provides full tours in Cusco day tours and multiple day tour to Machu Picchu * [https://trexperienceperu.com TreXperience] (2017): A top local operator offering group, private, and luxury Inca Trail tours to Machu Picchu. * XtremeTourbulencia (2025). We are 100% Peruvian tour operators and we offer tours along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. High-end * [http://www.enigmaperu.com Enigma] (2002): good porter treatment * [http://www.andeantreks.com Andean Treks] {{dead link|August 2018|December 2020}} (1970s, Inca Tours And Travel Adventure S.A.C): 5-day, South America-wide. * [http://www.explorandes.com Explorandes] (1975): 5-day, large Peru-wide company, environmentally conscious. * [http://www.gapadventures.com Grandes Aventuras del Peru (GAP)]: various offerings * [http://www.amazonas-explorer.com Amazonas Explorer]: 5-day, expensive, luxury * [http://www.apumayo.com Apumayo Expediciones] (1995): private/group tours only, very established and decorated, luxury options, wheelchair/accessible tours, various other offerings ==== Porters ==== There seem to be about 1½ porters per client on the trail, and you'll spend a fair amount of time getting out of their way as they hump all your gear to the next camp. Fortunately, the government has restricted the amount of gear tour operators can pile on each porter to 25 kg (including their personal stuff). You are allowed to pack only 6 kg for the porter to carry so choose carefully. On many tours you can pay extra for a personal porter to carry most of your things, although you will always want a daypack for water, snacks, and clothing. Consider hiring the extra porter, which allows you to carry 7 kg extra (from 7 kg to 14 kg). To be clear, the extra porter you hire is not just for you - he will carry an equal share of the whole set of gear to be transported, including everyone else's food, kitchen tent, etc. The tips for 'your porter' are part of the shared pool as well - so it's not really the case that you are paying for a porter for yourself. === Get fit === [[File:Inca Trail 2016.jpg|thumb|Stairs on the Inca Trail—tread carefully, especially if they're wet.]] You do not need to be particularly athletic to travel the Inca trail – so long as you are generally fit and can walk up and down stairs, you should be able to do it – but it helps make it safer and more enjoyable. Walking, hiking, using the stair machine, and doing weights for leg muscles all help you be specifically prepared for the trek, and make it easier. A half hour on a stair machine a few times before the trek is adequate, but further conditioning helps. Check with a doctor or trainer before engaging on a demanding exercise program. ;3 to 6 months beforehand – build muscles Muscles take time to build, and help with stability and endurance. Get training if any exercises are new to you. Squats are the best exercise for your legs and general stability; leg presses or quad extensions are acceptable alternatives. Dips are ideal preparation for pole use, as the movement (particularly downhill) is virtually identical. Triceps extensions are an acceptable alternative. ;3+ months beforehand – cardiovascular fitness Any regular cardiovascular exercise is acceptable, though walking or running are the easiest option for most people. Hiking, particularly rough terrain at altitude, is best, if possible. ;1 month beforehand – muscular endurance Muscular endurance decays quickly, so do shortly before departure. An hour on a stair machine 3 times or more per week is ideal, though steppers, sloped treadmills, or climbing actual stairs is also ok. === Arrange gear === Packing is a complicated tradeoff: bring enough to be comfortable, but minimize weight, and split between day pack and duffel. It also depends on the type of trek (will water be provided?) * Passport * First aid kit [[File:Petzl tikka xp.jpg|thumb|Headlamp (or flashlight) necessary at night, and possibly for early-morning hiking]] * Headlamp/flashlight * Warm top/bottom for the evenings * Hiking boots; runners are possible if you don't mind them getting thrashed by the rocky trail and you have strong ankles * Wash kit, 2L water bottle and water purifying tablets * Sunblock (SPF 30+), UV-blocking sunglasses, and sun-blocking lip balm – you're outdoors, at altitude, by the equator: the sun is ''very'' strong, and clouds don't block it * Hat, preferably something covering your neck to protect from the high-altitude sun * Cash to tip porters and guides and buy snacks along the way, including a handful of one-sol coins for the bathrooms on the first day and at Machu Picchu * Long pants or slacks * Long-sleeved shirts * Several T-shirts * Rain wear (you never know when it will rain even if it's the dry season) * Camera. * Insect repellent * Personal toiletries * A light backpack * Gloves, scarf, warm socks * A towel and toilet paper * Maybe earplugs – your companions are likely to snore; this is partly periodic breathing, part of acclimatization to altitude (see [[altitude sickness]]) * Possibly an inflatable mattresses – at US$25 per person, renting one of these means you get two mattresses, a normal one and in addition an inflatable one on top, making it exceedingly and maybe excessively comfortable === Acclimatize === [[File:Inca Trail Altitude Graph.jpeg|thumb|Altitude on the Inca Trail. The highest point is Dead Woman's Pass at 4200 m.]] At its highest, the trail reaches 4200 m above sea level, so you should spend at least 2 days in [[Cusco]] acclimatizing before you start the trek. If you don't, [[altitude sickness]] could make your first few days pretty uncomfortable. Be aware that at 3400 m altitude, there's a risk for altitude sickness in Cusco too, so ideally, start with a day or two in the Sacred Valley, to acclimatize gradually to altitude before your trek. See [[Inca Highlands]] for what to do before your trek. == Get in == See [[Inca Highlands]]. You first need to spend a few nights in Cusco (and before that, preferably a night or two in the [[Sacred Valley]]) to acclimatize to the altitude. From Cusco, you can take a train, bus, or private car to the trailhead. This will likely be arranged by your tour group, so you just need to get to Cusco. Some tour companies may also be able to pick you up from [[Ollantaytambo]] or [[Urubamba]] instead of Cusco. Since these are closer to the trailhead, this option lets you get a couple extra hours of sleep before starting the trail. == Costs == Around US$400 at least. If you are paying less than US$350 for the 4 day trip, something is fishy, and porters are probably being treated very poorly. Make sure your tour includes the entrance ticket to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu (US$85) and the Vistadome train (US$71) back to Cusco. '''Tipping''' is expected, and a significant portion of the income, especially for porters. Verify exact composition of crew, expected tip amount, and protocol before the trek, and prepare tips. Use clean bills, given on either on last morning on the trail (for 5-day trek), or last night (for 4-day, due to early start), since porters return home early the last day. Please tip in soles, not foreign currency, to avoid giving porters the inconvenience of finding a currency exchange place and paying their (probably significant) fees. ==Go== {{mapframe| -13.205 | -72.469 |zoom=12|width=600|name=Map of the Inca Trail}} {{mapshape|type=geoline|wikidata=Q6014019|stroke=#000000|stroke-width=3|title=Inca Trail}} The following roughly describes a typical 4-day trip along the Inca Trail. Everyone takes the same route, but your timing and campsites will depend on your tour operator, the speed of your group, and other considerations. Your ability to tour and explore the ruins will also depend on your particular tour: the 5-day tours include plenty of time for all the ruins, but many 4-day tours end up rushing past some of them without a chance to look around. In particular, Runkuracay and Wiñay Wayna are likely to be skipped on some versions of the trek that put them close to the end of a long day of hiking. The trail has stairs, most of which were put in by the Incas. The rocks are rough and uneven, and very slippery when wet. It is very easy to sprain your ankle, particularly when descending. Use trekking poles for balance, tread carefully, and be very careful when wet. Don’t rush, particularly on the 2nd day climbing up to Warmiwañusqa (Dead Woman’s Pass) – you have to climb down afterwards, after all. Slow and steady is better than rushing ahead and getting sweaty and winded. More subtly, climb ''down'' slowly, using poles – your knees will thank you. Toilets are found every couple of hours along the trail. On the first day they are sit-down toilets that cost S/1 to use; after that they are free squat toilets. They are filthy and lack toilet paper. Bring toilet paper and hand sanitizer or soap (benzalkonium chloride is best for the dry season, as it does not dry out your already-dry hands; soap is fine, though water may not always be available). ===Day 1: Cusco to Wayllabamba=== [[File:Llactapata.jpg|thumb|Llactapata]] Your operator will probably pick you up early in the morning at your hotel in {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Cusco]]|lat=-13.525|long=-71.972222|image=Plaza de Armas - Cusco.jpg}} for a drive to the trailhead. On the way, you might stop in {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Urubamba]]|lat=-13.304167|long=-72.116667|image=Urubambatown.jpg}} or {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Ollantaytambo]]|lat=-13.258056|long=-72.263333|image=Town of Ollantaytambo.jpg}} for supplies or breakfast. When you reach the trailhead at {{marker|type=other|name=Piscachuco|lat=-13.214213|long=-72.380648|image=Bridge, Inca Trail - Day 1.jpg}}, you can buy a few last-minute supplies like toilet paper, coca leaves, and mosquito repellent. Then you'll go through a control checkpoint and set off by crossing a bridge across the river. From a distance, you'll see the ruins of {{marker|type=other|name=Qhanabamba|lat=-13.2310964|long=-72.40655|image=Qhanabamba.jpg}} and then the former large Inca settlement of {{marker|type=other|name=Llactapata|lat=-13.2349773|long=-72.4218254|image=Llactapata.jpg}} (aka Patallacta), both in the valley below you. You should then get a chance to explore the Inca fort of {{marker|type=other|name=Huillca Raccay|lat=-13.235554|long=-72.423446|image=Huillca Raccay - ruin on the Inca Trail.jpg}}, located on the trail overlooking Llactapata—this hill fort, which mostly consists of rows of small Inca buildings, is where many of the inhabitants of Llactapata worked. If you're feeling like this day was easier than you expected, don't get cocky – day two is much harder. Settle in for the night at {{marker|type=other|name=Wayllabamba|lat=-13.263747|long=-72.446291|image=Wayllabamba, village on the Inca Trail.jpg}} and rest up for the hardest day of the trek. Wayllabamba, by the way, is actually a village rather than just a campground, and you can buy drinks and snacks here. The kids who live here have to commute all the way along the trail you've just taken and then take a bus to Ollantaytambo just to go to school. ===Day 2: Dead Woman's Pass=== [[File:Dead Woman's Pass.jpg|thumb|Dead Woman's Pass, so named because from this angle part of it is said to resemble a woman's face looking up]] Day 1 of the Inca Trail is said to be the easy day. Day 3 is the long day. Day 2? This is the hard day. You won't be spending your time touring ruins today—instead, your main goal is the difficult slog up and down the trail's highest mountain pass. Your guide may give you something to help with the altitude; even if not, some coca tea or leaves to chew can help. After another early wake-up call, you'll pass the campsites of {{marker|type=other|name=Ayapata|lat=-13.258310|long=-72.461437|image=Ayapata campsite on the Inca Trail.jpg}} and {{marker|type=other|name=Llulluchapampa|lat=-13.250164|long=-72.472271|image=Food and drinks for sale at Llulluchapampa.jpg}} (your final opportunities to buy any last essentials, like water, snacks, toilet paper, or wine). Then comes the steep and difficult ascent to {{marker|type=other|name=Dead Woman's Pass|lat=-13.243081|long=-72.483972|image=Dead Woman's Pass from above.jpg}} ('''Warmiwañusqa'''/'''Huarmihuañusca''') at 4200m, the highest point of the trek. For most trekkers, the last chunk is especially tough because of the altitude, so take it slow. Take breaks as often as you need to, and don't try to compete with other hikers. When you do reach the pass, take in the breathtaking views while you celebrate your accomplishment—you've just completed the hardest section of the trail. Then descend to your campsite at {{marker|type=other|name=Pacaymayu|lat=-13.233803|long=-72.498212|image=Pacaymayu campsite on the Inca Trail.jpg}} for some well-deserved rest. Make sure to have a jacket on hand for this day—temperatures can drop drastically with altitude. The campsite is quite high up too, at about 3600m, and it gets cold at night. ===Day 3: Phuyupatamarca and Wiñay Wayna=== [[File:Phuyupatamarca (cloud-level town).jpg|thumb|Phuyupatamarca]] Set off early (are you sensing a pattern?) for another full day of hiking. Day 3 will take you past several impressive Inca ruins. Start by seeing the ruins of {{marker|type=other|name=Runkuracay|lat=-13.228336|long=-72.501400|image=Ruins Of Rest-hut, Inca Trail.jpg}}, a semicircular Inca watchtower where sentries once looked out over the valley below, and crossing the 4000m {{marker|type=other|name=Runkuracay Pass|lat=-13.226694|long=-72.505344|image=Runkuracay Pass.jpg}}. At this pass there are a couple of small side trails you can take for views of the valleys on either side. Then you'll pass the "inaccessible town" of {{marker|type=other|name=Sayacmarka|lat=-13.227973|long=-72.516731|image=Sayacmarka.jpg}}, a large set of ruins which despite its nickname is open for exploring. Sayacmarka is the biggest archeological site so far and includes both a residential area and a sun temple. Down below Sayacmarka is the much smaller site of {{marker|type=other|name=Qonchamarka|lat=-13.2270931|long=-72.5172729|image=Conchamarka (cooking stove spot).jpg}}, which you'll see from afar and then walk past, but are not allowed to enter. Now that you're past the second pass, you'll notice a striking difference in climate and wildlife – suddenly you're in a lush, moist forest with colorful plants. This area, known as a cloud forest, looks almost like a mountainside rainforest, and it's hard to believe it can exist so close to the austere peaks and grassy scrubland you've just passed. [[File:Epidendrum secundum Winaywayna.jpg|thumb|Colorful orchids can be found along the trail. This one is seen in front of the ruins of Wiñay Wayna.]] Then come three more ruins that you can explore, assuming your group walks fast enough to give you time! First is {{marker|type=other| name=Phuyupatamarca|lat=-13.2063638|long=-72.5318159|image=Phuyupatamarca (cloud-level town).jpg}}—"Town in the Clouds", an appropriate name given how often it's shrouded in fog. Located at an altitude of 3600 m, this is an impressive and well-preserved set of ruins, including agricultural terraces and ceremonial baths. Look for the water channels that connect the baths, a surviving demonstration of high-quality Inca engineering. Next is {{marker|type=other|name=Intipata|lat=-13.185638|long=-72.541273|image=Inca trail intipata.jpg}}, a truly huge set of agricultural terraces with amazing views of the mountains—if you're lucky you might have the time and energy to wear yourself out walking up and down the long flights of stairs between the terraces. Finally, make your way to {{marker|type=other|name=Wiñay Wayna|lat=-13.192149|long=-72.536551|image=Wiñay Wayna ruins on the Inca Trail.jpg}}, the largest set of ruins on the trail (aside from Machu Picchu, of course). Wiñay Wayna includes ruins of residential buildings, several storehouses, and terraces where food was grown to be sent to Machu Picchu. For most tours, this is also near the location of your last campsite. Note: your campsite for this day may be somewhat unpredictable—while the Wiñay Wayna campsite is the most popular because of its proximity to Machu Picchu, space considerations sometimes mean that groups are allocated space at the farther away Phuyupatamarca campsite instead, especially in the high season. Space is allocated by the government, so this is outside the tour operators' control. If your operator plans to camp at Wiñay Wayna, you probably will, but they can't guarantee it 100%. ===Day 4: Machu Picchu=== [[File:Peru Machu Picchu Sunrise 2.jpg|thumb|Sunrise at Machu Picchu]] This is one of the world's most rewarding day-hikes. Wake up ''very'' early for a hike in darkness of just a few kilometers to reach your destination before sunrise. You will find that the Trail is fairly easy until you have to go up the steep "gringo killer" stairs. The final climb brings you to {{marker|type=other|name=Inti Punku|lat=-13.169662|long=-72.533888|image=Tourists at Inti Punku.jpg}}, the '''Sun Gate''', where you achieve your first and most picturesque view of {{marker|type=other|name=[[Machu Picchu]]|lat=-13.164808|long=-72.543623|image=Machu Picchu, Perú, 2015-07-30, DD 40.JPG}}. Now there's another hour or so of hiking, during which you'll pass a couple of smaller ruins and watch the main part of the ruins slowly get closer and closer. Finally, you'll make it: one of the most famous sets of ruins in the world, and with good reason. It's spectacular, huge, and very well preserved and restored, full of Inca houses, temples, streets, terraces, and so on. The ruins you saw on the way were just a shadow of the impressive engineering on display here, in the form of systems of running water and temple walls composed of huge, perfectly cut boulders. It's true that Machu Picchu is crowded, especially compared to the sites you saw on the trail, but the crowds are worth it for an unparalleled look at what remains from the height of Inca civilization. Depending on your exact itinerary, you'll be at Machu Picchu either in the morning (6AM–noon) or the afternoon (noon–5:30PM). If you have a morning ticket, you won't be kicked out at noon, but you won't be allowed to re-enter if you leave to use the toilets, which are outside the gate. Machu Picchu is most crowded at midday and clears out by 4PM, when the last train heads back to Cusco, so take your time finishing the hike. Late afternoon is the prettiest time to wander through the intricate stonework. The last bus down to {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Aguas Calientes]]|lat=-13.154833|long=-72.525333|image=Machu Picchu, Peru - Laslovarga (27).jpg}}, at the foot of Machu Picchu, departs shortly after the gates close in the afternoon. After touring Machu Picchu, you can choose to take a hike to {{marker|type=vicinity|name=Huayna Picchu|lat=-13.1575|long=-72.547222|image=Wayna Picchu, Peru-27Oct2009.jpg}} to see the beautiful views of the site. This may cost extra. ==Getting out== === Which train to take === Beware: if you are not spending the night in Aguas Calientes (4-day/3-night trip), then you only have part of one day in Machu Picchu, and thus your return train ticket from Machu Picchu will have a large impact on how much time you can spend there and whether or not you have time to climb Huayna Picchu at all. If you are spending this night, this isn't an issue. When you are booking an Inca Trail ticket from home, you may think the time of your train is a very low priority item. You are probably assuming that someone else made sure you have enough time to spend at Machu Picchu. But the reality is that trains get booked and your trail operator may buy you a train ticket out of Aguas Calientes at 1PM. To make it to this train, you will have to be at the train station at 12:30, which means you have to leave Machu Picchu by no later than noon, which means that you will be there only briefly, and have to leave it when it is the most crowded. Machu Picchu is the best in the first half hour after opening and during the last two hours before closing. Most people are gone after 3PM, and the light till 5PM is gorgeous, the heat a little gentler, and you can sit on a patch of grass and soak in the place. You do not want to miss this. It will make Machu Picchu yours. At 10AM Machu Picchu is crowded, loud, and bustling. You will be running around to not lose track of your tour group. At 4PM you can really see it at your own pace, and hang out with the resident chinchillas and llamas. But to do that, you have to take a later train. ==Stay safe== Statistics on hazards on the Inca trail are not available, and probably do not exist: injuries and petty crimes are not reported, so all information is anecdotal. With proper precautions, and a bit of luck, you'll be fine, and major problems are rare, but more minor problems are common. At the end of the trail, beware of falls at Machu Picchu, especially at Huayna Picchu. The most common issues on the Inca trail are: altitude sickness, lack of potable water, filthy bathrooms, sprains and broken bones, and petty theft. More serious issues are heart attacks, falling off the trail, landslides, lack of medical facilities, difficulty in rescue and evacuation, and lack of police. Deaths are quite rare (a handful or fewer per year, out of tens of thousands of trekkers), and typically make news. Similarly, serious crimes (murder, rape) are rare, though rape attempts of single women are reported at Wiñay Wayna, particularly when using toilet late at night: safest is to always be in a pair or group at night. The tap water in Peru is not potable. Do not drink it. You must either boil water for five full minutes or drink bottled water. Your tour operator will have plans for what to do about [[water]] during the trek, so ask what you should bring. In any case, it's a good idea to have '''water purification tablets''' on hand in case of emergency. Because you are visiting Andean areas, don't forget to take precautions to avoid [[altitude sickness]] if you are prone to it. Be sure to try a hot tea or an infusion of coca leaves on arrival at altitude. During your first day move slowly and eat lightly, resting the first couple of hours. At night you may be woken by the screams of a panicking trekker who is suffering an acute case of altitude sickness, and requires oxygen (particularly at Paqaymayu, the largest and usually highest campsite). Don't be scared, but acclimatize properly so this isn't you. Sample altitudes above sea level: *Cusco: 3,360 m (11,000 ft) *Machu Picchu: 2,400 m (7,800 ft) *Urubamba Valley: 2,850m (9,300 ft) *highest point on the trail: 4,200 m (13,600 ft) ===Theft=== Theft is common, primarily of unattended items at camp, and occurs particularly at meal time, when washing or using the toilet, and when sleeping: even experienced tour operators suffer theft. This is especially a problem at crowded campsites, notably Paqaymayu and Wiñay Wayna, which are crawling with people and virtually impossible to secure. More aggressive theft (armed robbery, tent slashing) is now rare, however. Prime targets include sunglasses, cell phones, cameras, lenses (camera and sunglasses), money, trekking poles, head lamps, and beer. Thieves are primarily porters (from your own group or another) or locals, who are very poor: there is no need to be overtly suspicious, but never let your guard down. You cannot realistically protect everything perfectly, but you can minimize risk. As a precaution, avoid bringing valuables. Leave jewelry at home, and consider bringing a smaller, cheaper camera. Unfortunately, you must bring your passport and tip money on the trail, and much gear is expensive. Whatever valuable items you do bring should be kept on your person at all times. Your passport is the most serious, since this is disastrous if stolen. Fortunately, this and money are easy to secure, if awkward: use a money belt, even at night. Do ''not'' use a neck pouch at night, due to strangulation risk. Safest is to give these to someone when washing. Leave nothing unattended, especially at meal time. Safest is to have multi-person tents, with someone always there, and either eat in your tent or bring your bags to meal. This is a bit paranoid, and you can generally leave bulky items (clothes, trail shoes) in your tent. Don't leave anything outside the tent, even shoes or clothes, especially at night (not just to because of theft but also in case of rain and dew). Leave nothing valuable inside tent entrance or in easy-access pockets. Hide bulkier items mixed with other items in bags inside of bags inside of deep pockets Backpack pockets, pant pockets, shirt pockets, etc. are easily searched. The more layers (bags, zippers, etc.), the less likely a rushed thief is to risk opening all of them or risk taking a large item. This provides added protection for items such as sunglasses, cameras, and lenses. Hide valuables when approaching campsite, if possible. ===Injuries, evacuation, and death=== [[File:Inca trail, Peru.jpg|thumb]] Serious injuries and death are very rare, but possible. Medical emergencies are very dangerous, due to the remoteness. Medical facilities on the trail are limited, and evacuation and rescue are slow and difficult. The closest major facilities are in Cusco, many hours away. If you are at risk of a medical emergency that would need a hospital, you risk death. Prior to Warmiwañusqa, you can turn back. Once you pass Warmiwañusqa, there’s no turning back: the fastest and safest way out is onward to Machu Picchu. If you are injured, you will need to walk out or be carried out (if you cannot walk); horse are available for the first day, but not afterwards. Helicopter evacuation is possible from Machu Picchu, but not from the trail itself. Usual evacuation proceeds via Aguas Calientes (if past Warmiwañusqa), Ullantaytampu, then to Cusco. If you fall off the trail, you will likely be seriously injured or die: off a sheer drop you will likely die, while if you fall into vegetation you will likely not be able to climb back up (mountainsides are scree covered with thick vegetation), and need to be rescued by a team with machetes and a basket stretcher, which can take hours. It is safest to not be alone on the trail: if something happens, it can be some time before you are found, and if you fall off out of sight, it may be hours or days before you are found. Be aware of the language problem: English is often limited, and porters may only speak [[Quechua]]. Please document and learn to state any medical conditions in [[Spanish]]. ==Go next== * [[Machu Picchu]], of course. * [[Aguas Calientes]], if spending the night. * [[Ollantaytambo]], other major Inca ruin, and on the train back * Other sights in and around the [[Sacred Valley]] and [[Cusco]]. ===Other treks=== Many alternative treks in the area, some also ending at Machu Picchu, are run by some of the same companies. * Keep hiking, by long, demanding hike to [[Choquequirao]] (similar ruin to Machu Picchu, much less-known), then short (2-day) hike down to [[Cachora]] and bus back to Cusco. * [[Salkantay Trek]], passing by the staggeringly tall Salkantay peak on the way to Machu Picchu * Two-day Inca Trail, where you only hike past a few ruins, for people who want a taste of the Inca Trail but aren't ready for a big four-day trek {{geo|-13.27|-71.87|zoom=9}} {{Related|Inca Highlands}} {{Related|Sacred Valley of the Incas}} {{guideitinerary}} {{PartOfItinerary|South America itineraries}} qjd53m3c3y7ch34wh9mfys0hdn3d66p 5086661 5086660 2025-07-02T14:46:37Z CasazzaH 2328858 5086661 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|BannerInca.jpg|unesco=yes|ftt=yes}} [[File:IncaTrail.JPG|thumb|A section of the Inca trail]] The '''Inca trail''' to [[Machu Picchu]], the "Lost City of the Incas", is a world-famous trek in [[Peru]]. It's the best known part of the Inca road system, which was listed as a [[UNESCO World Heritage site]] in 2014. The hike takes you past staggering mountain scenery and many impressive Inca ruins, through ecosystems ranging from mossy forests to stark peaks. For much of the trail, you're walking on the very stone paths laid by the Incas hundreds of years ago. Treks vary significantly in style, from budget backpacking to high-end glamping, but typically consist of 4 days and 3 nights on the trail itself. While the main route is fixed, timing and campsites vary. The trail requires reservations months in advance, and all trekkers must be part of a tour group, which includes porters and a guide. In addition to keeping you safe, organized, and on schedule, guides have extensive knowledge of the ruins, their history, and the variety of plants and animals that can be found along the trail. Visits generally start from [[Cusco]], the capital of the Incas. Due to the need to acclimatize to the altitude for a few days, the trek itself must be part of a longer trip, usually a few days in Cusco and the [[Sacred Valley]]; see [[Inca Highlands]]. == Understand == [[File:Peru Wiñay Wayna.jpg|thumb|Inca ruins on the trail, open for exploration and way less crowded than Machu Picchu]] [[File:WildlifeAlpaka.jpg|thumb|Animals seen along the Salkantay / Inca trail]] Many countries have mountain ranges with beautiful scenery and Peru itself is richly blessed in this respect with many other areas for hiking. However the scenery is only one of the elements responsible for the magic of the Inca Trail. Can there be any walk anywhere in the world with such a combination of natural beauty, history and sheer mystery and with such an awe-inspiring destination? The various Inca ruins along the way serve to heighten the hiker's sense of anticipation as he or she approaches what would surely find a place in any new list of archaeological wonders of the world - Machu Picchu. The ruins on the trail are all many times less crowded than Machu Picchu, and most are open for exploration without the ropes and blocked-off areas at your final destination. If you're lucky, you'll also see colorful flowers and birds, and possibly even other animals on the trail. At the height of the Inca Empire, their road system was the most extensive transportation system in South America, stretching from what is now [[Colombia]] all the way to central [[Chile]]. The branching network of roads, many of them paved with stones, totaled close to 40,000 kilometers. Unfortunately, with the conquest of the Inca Empire by the Spanish in the 1500s, most of the roads have been destroyed or left to deteriorate. Many of the surviving portions are unmapped and little explored, but a few sections have been cleaned up and restored. The most famous of these is the Inca Trail, which allows you to walk in the footsteps of the Incas, on the same stone paths that they laid and used to get to Machu Picchu hundreds of years ago. The trail is 45 km/26 miles from start to finish, but it feels like more: you gain and lose hundreds of meters of altitude multiple times, and much of the trek is above 3,000 meters where oxygen is noticeably thinner. Acclimation to the altitude is a must, and good physical condition advised. The journey winds through the valleys and hills of the surrounding area, taking you through the scenic landscape, from high alpine to cloud forests. The trail is '''physically demanding, but doable by any fit person''', barring specific health problems. If you have any concerns, check with a doctor. If you can walk and use stairs easily, you should be able to do it. No hiking experience is necessary, though the more used to hiking you are, the easier it will be. There are very few evacuations and deaths on the trail: the most likely risk is spraining your ankle and needing to be carried out. Many find the physical demands make the trip more rewarding, from the exertion and sense of accomplishment. If you are physically unable or concerned about your ability, you can also do a shorter 1-day or 2-day trek to Machu Picchu, take an easier trek like the valley trek to Machu Picchu, or go directly to Machu Picchu by rail. The trail, particularly the descent, is ideally suited to '''trekking poles''', which significantly reduce stress on your knees. Rubber tips are required, to protect the steps, and duct taping the tips on is highly recommended, otherwise they come off easily from impact or mud. You can buy new ones at home, rent good ones in town for cheap, or buy broomsticks, which are cheap and adequate, but not great. You cannot use local branches, as too many trees were being cut down, and these aren’t much good anyway. Consider shock-absorbing poles to further minimize stress. Many agencies operating from Cusco offer organised hikes along the trail, providing most of the equipment (tents, etc.) and people to carry it. Also, don't forget that the trail ends at Machu Picchu. Most Inca Trail hikers descend from the Sun Gate (Intipunko) at dawn and see Machu Picchu before the busloads of tourists show up around 10AM. '''Meals on the trail''' are often impressively delicious! If you're an experienced wilderness backpacker, you may be surprised by how luxurious the food is. Some tour companies can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary restrictions. The Inca Trail is part of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary, a protected area of 32,592 hectares, managed by the National State Protected Natural Areas Service, SERNANP. Every visitor must obey park regulations prohibiting littering, cutting or damaging trees, removing or damaging stones of ruins and the Trail, removing plants, killing animals, lighting open fires or camping in the archeological sites (Only authorized campsites can be used). ===Porters=== [[File:Crossing the bridge (3006028381).jpg|thumb|Porters at the beginning of the Inca Trail]] The trek is demanding enough without having to carry camping gear or clothes: use a porter (for camping gear) and a half (for change of clothes) and just carry your day pack. (This gives a job to a poor local farmer!) The Inca Trail is one of the relatively few treks globally that features porters: pack animals are not allowed on the trail because their hooves damage it. Porters are local Quechua farmers, typically poor and uneducated, and this is a major source of income for them. Most will not speak English or even much [[Spanish]]; knowing a few phrases of Quechua is a nice touch; see [[Quechua phrasebook]]. A guide is required, though porters are not, so you can backpack the trail, carrying all your own equipment. However, porters are widely used and recommended, since it's hard enough to hike with a day pack. Porters need to arrive much earlier than trekkers, to set up camp, so please be aware of porters running past you and give way. Beware of poor treatment of porters, notably inadequate equipment, food, or shelter, and excess loading: a heavily-loaded porter wearing plastic sandals is not tough, he is being exploited. Conditions have improved, but ill-treatment is still common, particularly on cut-rate treks. Please use an operator that treats its porters well, and consider learning more and getting involved in improving conditions. A documentary chronicling a year in the life of an Inca Trail porter, ''[http://www.michacrafilm.com Mi Chacra]{{Dead link|date=June 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}'', won the Grand Prize at the 2010 Banff Mountain Film Festival. [[File:We finally make it to the bottom of the Gringo Killer steps to witness this marvel of engineering, an Inca farming site perched on the side of the steep mountain (9657411176).jpg|thumb]] [[File:Wayllabamba Puesto de Vigilancia sign.jpg|thumb|Outline of the Inca Trail]] === When to go === May is best – start of dry season, so dry, sunny, and lush vegetation from the rains, and before high season and depths of winter. Weather is best May to September: fairly dry and sunny. June through August is high season (summer vacation in Northern Hemisphere), and hence books up far in advance, but is winter here (because Southern Hemisphere), so a bit cold at night. Thus, May and September are ideal. Fringe months of April and October are also OK, but more risk of rain. If hoping to see the sunrise, June and July are driest and best, but May and August (into early September) are often OK. November to March are the rainy season, so avoid if possible: cloudy skies (worse views), and rain, which soaks you, makes the rocks slick, and runs the risk of landslides, both on the trail and on roads. Less crowded though. The wettest months are January to April, when roads are often closed by landslides or flooding. The trail is closed in February to clean up the garbage left behind. '''Weather on the trail year-round''' features warm, comfortable days (around 20℃) and cold nights (often 5℃ or below), dropping to below freezing in the winter (June, July, August). Sun during the day and clouds at night increase the effective heat and cold. Accordingly, dress in layers. Pack warm clothes in your duffel (alpaca hat, gloves, and socks are cozy), and make sure you have a warm sleeping bag. Also, flip-flops to rest your feet at the end of the day will leave you with cold feet: bring light, loose, ''closed'' sandals instead. The air is dry, and dry''ing'': the low pressure means water evaporates more quickly. Drink plenty of water, and use moisturizer if desired. == Prepare == [[File:Camino-inca-dia2-c04.jpg|thumb|Day 2 of the trek, near Dead Woman's Pass]] === Book tickets === Tickets '''must be booked in advance''', far in advance for the high season, through an authorized local tour operator, as it is not allowed to organize your own trip. For the high season, tickets must be booked immediately when they become available: it's wise to book six months in advance or more. Get these trail tickets ''before'' your plane tickets. If booked up, consider rescheduling your trip, or taking one of the [[Inca Highlands#Alternative treks|alternative treks]] in the area, none of which require booking so far in advance. Don't expect to pick up last-minute cancellations, as tour organizers must register client passport numbers with the government, and they are strictly checked at control points on the trail. A '''passport''' is required both for reserving tickets, and for admission to the trail (copy ''not'' accepted), so you need to bring it in your day pack! It is easiest if you have the same passport when reserving your ticket as when you show up, so avoid renewing your passport or changing your name in the meantime: renew if necessary before, change name before or after. Tickets are by season: reservations are accepted from mid-January, for the season from March 1st to the following January 31st. Some agencies will accept pre-reservations and then book immediately when tickets become available. There are 500 permits available per day for the 4-, 5- and 7-day treks and 250 for the 2-day trek. This includes both trekkers and tour employees (guides and porters). Since there are about 1.5 employees per trekker, that leaves 40% for trekkers, so about 200 trekkers per day. You can check official availability of tickets at the [http://www.machupicchu.gob.pe ''Boletaje Virtual''] (Virtual Ticket) website. Beware that this is the ''total'' number left (trekkers and employees), so out of 500, and that days can book up in big chunks, due to booking a group (a group of 12 trekkers entail about 30 tickets total), so don't delay. Tickets for Machu Picchu should be included in your tour. Tickets are also required for '''Huayna Picchu''' (a large mountain nearby which you can hike up for magnificent views of Machu Picchu). Huayna Picchu is optional, and thus might be forgotten: make sure to get tickets in advance if interested! === Which tour? === [[File:Camino-inca-dia4-c06.jpg|thumb|Day 4 of a 4-day tour, descending to Machu Picchu]] There are two tour lengths: 4 days and 5 days. They both sleep 3 nights on the trail, and follow the same path, but have different schedules, and stop at different camp sites. It is also possible to take a short 2-day trek on a slightly different route, or visit Machu Picchu without the Inca Trail. The 4 day/3 night trek is the classic: on the last day you get into Machu Picchu early, see the sun rise, visit Machu Picchu, then go back to Cusco. The 5 day/4 night version is more leisurely, getting into Machu Picchu late on the fourth day for a brief look after most tourists have left; then you spend the night at [[Aguas Calientes]] and see Machu Picchu the next day. If you're tight on time or money, or you're a fast hiker, do the 4-day, otherwise do the 5-day: it's less rushed and crowded. The classic 4-day tour takes less time and is a bit faster and more demanding, particularly days 3 and 4: you have long days and relatively less sleep. It means you see the sun rise when you first get to Machu Picchu (assuming clear weather), but you'll likely be a bit tired, and may not be up to Huayna Picchu. You also may have a rushed day at Machu Picchu, and will need to plan your train back carefully if you want a full day at Machu Picchu, particularly to avoid the crowds. If you want, you can do the 4-day (arriving early) and then spend the night in Aguas Calientes, and see as much of Machu Picchu as you like, basically doing a fast-paced 5-day (with sunrise, and rest at the end). The 5-day tour is more leisurely: it misses the sunrise, and takes an extra day, but is otherwise more pleasant: you see Machu Picchu after the crowds have left (on the first day) and before most crowds arrive (on the second day), with nice dusk/dawn light (golden hour, good for photos), you can be rested for Huayna Picchu, and the campsites are less crowded, because most people are on the 4-day schedule. === Choose tour operator === You must use a local authorized tour operator, of which there are many. You can book with a tour operator directly, or use a travel agent in your country. Some operators, notably high-end ones, only work through agencies. Beware that being authorized is no guarantee of quality, and many agencies are fly-by-night operations run out a storefront in Cusco. It is safest to use an established, reputable agency: research agencies and their reviews online. However, there are some newer companies that you might take a chance on if you find their story or reviews compelling. When choosing an operator, consider what they offer—budget backpacking or high-end glamping? How big are the groups (or do you want a more expensive private tour)? Do you want to take a 4-day or 5-day (or 2-day) tour? Some operators only offer one. Will they arrange travel to/from Cusco? Which train service? And of course, operators and tours vary in price. Many operators treat porters very poorly; check reviews and story (touting social responsibility is no guarantee, but it's a hint). Beware that cut-rate operators invariably cut corners at the expense of porters, but some good value operators treat porters well, and being expensive is no guarantee that porters are treated well. Also, due to intermediaries, paying a high price to a travel agency may not result in the tour operator getting much of it. ==== Operators ==== <!-- Operators listed because *required* for trail. --> An operator is ''required''. Out of the about 200 companies, many are bad. Check reviews, guidebooks, and the companies’ own websites to decide, or rely on a travel agent to choose for you. Here are 15 well-respected companies, though there are other good ones. <!-- what do the years mean? Please clarify--> * [http://www.perutreks.com Peru Treks] (2002, Inca Trail Peru Treks S.A.C.): 4-day only, every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, socially responsible, small family company. Specialized: only does this trek, so very competent, but inflexible. * [http://www.llamapath.com Llama Path] (2004): various treks * [http://www.alpacaexpeditions.com Alpaca Expeditions] (2011): Provides full tours of Peru and a leader on treks to Machu Picchu with a license for the Inca Trail. * [http://www.unitedmice.com United Mice]{{Dead link|date=January 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} (1987): adventure travel throughout area, socially conscious (helps street children) * [http://www.sastravelperu.com SAS] (1990): Largest trail operator, full selection, award-winning; also offers other adventure tours (white-water rafting etc.). * [http://www.waykitrek.net Wayki Trek] * [http://www.andinatravel.com Andina Travel]{{Dead link|date=September 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} * [https://adventureinperu.com/ Adventure in Peru] {{Dead link|date=March 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} (2016)Provides full tours in Cusco day tours and multiple day tour to Machu Picchu * [https://trexperienceperu.com TreXperience] (2017): A top local operator offering group, private, and luxury Inca Trail tours to Machu Picchu. * [https://x-tremetourbulencia.com/ Xtreme Tourbulencia] (2025). We are 100% Peruvian tour operators and we offer tours along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. High-end * [http://www.enigmaperu.com Enigma] (2002): good porter treatment * [http://www.andeantreks.com Andean Treks] {{dead link|August 2018|December 2020}} (1970s, Inca Tours And Travel Adventure S.A.C): 5-day, South America-wide. * [http://www.explorandes.com Explorandes] (1975): 5-day, large Peru-wide company, environmentally conscious. * [http://www.gapadventures.com Grandes Aventuras del Peru (GAP)]: various offerings * [http://www.amazonas-explorer.com Amazonas Explorer]: 5-day, expensive, luxury * [http://www.apumayo.com Apumayo Expediciones] (1995): private/group tours only, very established and decorated, luxury options, wheelchair/accessible tours, various other offerings ==== Porters ==== There seem to be about 1½ porters per client on the trail, and you'll spend a fair amount of time getting out of their way as they hump all your gear to the next camp. Fortunately, the government has restricted the amount of gear tour operators can pile on each porter to 25 kg (including their personal stuff). You are allowed to pack only 6 kg for the porter to carry so choose carefully. On many tours you can pay extra for a personal porter to carry most of your things, although you will always want a daypack for water, snacks, and clothing. Consider hiring the extra porter, which allows you to carry 7 kg extra (from 7 kg to 14 kg). To be clear, the extra porter you hire is not just for you - he will carry an equal share of the whole set of gear to be transported, including everyone else's food, kitchen tent, etc. The tips for 'your porter' are part of the shared pool as well - so it's not really the case that you are paying for a porter for yourself. === Get fit === [[File:Inca Trail 2016.jpg|thumb|Stairs on the Inca Trail—tread carefully, especially if they're wet.]] You do not need to be particularly athletic to travel the Inca trail – so long as you are generally fit and can walk up and down stairs, you should be able to do it – but it helps make it safer and more enjoyable. Walking, hiking, using the stair machine, and doing weights for leg muscles all help you be specifically prepared for the trek, and make it easier. A half hour on a stair machine a few times before the trek is adequate, but further conditioning helps. Check with a doctor or trainer before engaging on a demanding exercise program. ;3 to 6 months beforehand – build muscles Muscles take time to build, and help with stability and endurance. Get training if any exercises are new to you. Squats are the best exercise for your legs and general stability; leg presses or quad extensions are acceptable alternatives. Dips are ideal preparation for pole use, as the movement (particularly downhill) is virtually identical. Triceps extensions are an acceptable alternative. ;3+ months beforehand – cardiovascular fitness Any regular cardiovascular exercise is acceptable, though walking or running are the easiest option for most people. Hiking, particularly rough terrain at altitude, is best, if possible. ;1 month beforehand – muscular endurance Muscular endurance decays quickly, so do shortly before departure. An hour on a stair machine 3 times or more per week is ideal, though steppers, sloped treadmills, or climbing actual stairs is also ok. === Arrange gear === Packing is a complicated tradeoff: bring enough to be comfortable, but minimize weight, and split between day pack and duffel. It also depends on the type of trek (will water be provided?) * Passport * First aid kit [[File:Petzl tikka xp.jpg|thumb|Headlamp (or flashlight) necessary at night, and possibly for early-morning hiking]] * Headlamp/flashlight * Warm top/bottom for the evenings * Hiking boots; runners are possible if you don't mind them getting thrashed by the rocky trail and you have strong ankles * Wash kit, 2L water bottle and water purifying tablets * Sunblock (SPF 30+), UV-blocking sunglasses, and sun-blocking lip balm – you're outdoors, at altitude, by the equator: the sun is ''very'' strong, and clouds don't block it * Hat, preferably something covering your neck to protect from the high-altitude sun * Cash to tip porters and guides and buy snacks along the way, including a handful of one-sol coins for the bathrooms on the first day and at Machu Picchu * Long pants or slacks * Long-sleeved shirts * Several T-shirts * Rain wear (you never know when it will rain even if it's the dry season) * Camera. * Insect repellent * Personal toiletries * A light backpack * Gloves, scarf, warm socks * A towel and toilet paper * Maybe earplugs – your companions are likely to snore; this is partly periodic breathing, part of acclimatization to altitude (see [[altitude sickness]]) * Possibly an inflatable mattresses – at US$25 per person, renting one of these means you get two mattresses, a normal one and in addition an inflatable one on top, making it exceedingly and maybe excessively comfortable === Acclimatize === [[File:Inca Trail Altitude Graph.jpeg|thumb|Altitude on the Inca Trail. The highest point is Dead Woman's Pass at 4200 m.]] At its highest, the trail reaches 4200 m above sea level, so you should spend at least 2 days in [[Cusco]] acclimatizing before you start the trek. If you don't, [[altitude sickness]] could make your first few days pretty uncomfortable. Be aware that at 3400 m altitude, there's a risk for altitude sickness in Cusco too, so ideally, start with a day or two in the Sacred Valley, to acclimatize gradually to altitude before your trek. See [[Inca Highlands]] for what to do before your trek. == Get in == See [[Inca Highlands]]. You first need to spend a few nights in Cusco (and before that, preferably a night or two in the [[Sacred Valley]]) to acclimatize to the altitude. From Cusco, you can take a train, bus, or private car to the trailhead. This will likely be arranged by your tour group, so you just need to get to Cusco. Some tour companies may also be able to pick you up from [[Ollantaytambo]] or [[Urubamba]] instead of Cusco. Since these are closer to the trailhead, this option lets you get a couple extra hours of sleep before starting the trail. == Costs == Around US$400 at least. If you are paying less than US$350 for the 4 day trip, something is fishy, and porters are probably being treated very poorly. Make sure your tour includes the entrance ticket to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu (US$85) and the Vistadome train (US$71) back to Cusco. '''Tipping''' is expected, and a significant portion of the income, especially for porters. Verify exact composition of crew, expected tip amount, and protocol before the trek, and prepare tips. Use clean bills, given on either on last morning on the trail (for 5-day trek), or last night (for 4-day, due to early start), since porters return home early the last day. Please tip in soles, not foreign currency, to avoid giving porters the inconvenience of finding a currency exchange place and paying their (probably significant) fees. ==Go== {{mapframe| -13.205 | -72.469 |zoom=12|width=600|name=Map of the Inca Trail}} {{mapshape|type=geoline|wikidata=Q6014019|stroke=#000000|stroke-width=3|title=Inca Trail}} The following roughly describes a typical 4-day trip along the Inca Trail. Everyone takes the same route, but your timing and campsites will depend on your tour operator, the speed of your group, and other considerations. Your ability to tour and explore the ruins will also depend on your particular tour: the 5-day tours include plenty of time for all the ruins, but many 4-day tours end up rushing past some of them without a chance to look around. In particular, Runkuracay and Wiñay Wayna are likely to be skipped on some versions of the trek that put them close to the end of a long day of hiking. The trail has stairs, most of which were put in by the Incas. The rocks are rough and uneven, and very slippery when wet. It is very easy to sprain your ankle, particularly when descending. Use trekking poles for balance, tread carefully, and be very careful when wet. Don’t rush, particularly on the 2nd day climbing up to Warmiwañusqa (Dead Woman’s Pass) – you have to climb down afterwards, after all. Slow and steady is better than rushing ahead and getting sweaty and winded. More subtly, climb ''down'' slowly, using poles – your knees will thank you. Toilets are found every couple of hours along the trail. On the first day they are sit-down toilets that cost S/1 to use; after that they are free squat toilets. They are filthy and lack toilet paper. Bring toilet paper and hand sanitizer or soap (benzalkonium chloride is best for the dry season, as it does not dry out your already-dry hands; soap is fine, though water may not always be available). ===Day 1: Cusco to Wayllabamba=== [[File:Llactapata.jpg|thumb|Llactapata]] Your operator will probably pick you up early in the morning at your hotel in {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Cusco]]|lat=-13.525|long=-71.972222|image=Plaza de Armas - Cusco.jpg}} for a drive to the trailhead. On the way, you might stop in {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Urubamba]]|lat=-13.304167|long=-72.116667|image=Urubambatown.jpg}} or {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Ollantaytambo]]|lat=-13.258056|long=-72.263333|image=Town of Ollantaytambo.jpg}} for supplies or breakfast. When you reach the trailhead at {{marker|type=other|name=Piscachuco|lat=-13.214213|long=-72.380648|image=Bridge, Inca Trail - Day 1.jpg}}, you can buy a few last-minute supplies like toilet paper, coca leaves, and mosquito repellent. Then you'll go through a control checkpoint and set off by crossing a bridge across the river. From a distance, you'll see the ruins of {{marker|type=other|name=Qhanabamba|lat=-13.2310964|long=-72.40655|image=Qhanabamba.jpg}} and then the former large Inca settlement of {{marker|type=other|name=Llactapata|lat=-13.2349773|long=-72.4218254|image=Llactapata.jpg}} (aka Patallacta), both in the valley below you. You should then get a chance to explore the Inca fort of {{marker|type=other|name=Huillca Raccay|lat=-13.235554|long=-72.423446|image=Huillca Raccay - ruin on the Inca Trail.jpg}}, located on the trail overlooking Llactapata—this hill fort, which mostly consists of rows of small Inca buildings, is where many of the inhabitants of Llactapata worked. If you're feeling like this day was easier than you expected, don't get cocky – day two is much harder. Settle in for the night at {{marker|type=other|name=Wayllabamba|lat=-13.263747|long=-72.446291|image=Wayllabamba, village on the Inca Trail.jpg}} and rest up for the hardest day of the trek. Wayllabamba, by the way, is actually a village rather than just a campground, and you can buy drinks and snacks here. The kids who live here have to commute all the way along the trail you've just taken and then take a bus to Ollantaytambo just to go to school. ===Day 2: Dead Woman's Pass=== [[File:Dead Woman's Pass.jpg|thumb|Dead Woman's Pass, so named because from this angle part of it is said to resemble a woman's face looking up]] Day 1 of the Inca Trail is said to be the easy day. Day 3 is the long day. Day 2? This is the hard day. You won't be spending your time touring ruins today—instead, your main goal is the difficult slog up and down the trail's highest mountain pass. Your guide may give you something to help with the altitude; even if not, some coca tea or leaves to chew can help. After another early wake-up call, you'll pass the campsites of {{marker|type=other|name=Ayapata|lat=-13.258310|long=-72.461437|image=Ayapata campsite on the Inca Trail.jpg}} and {{marker|type=other|name=Llulluchapampa|lat=-13.250164|long=-72.472271|image=Food and drinks for sale at Llulluchapampa.jpg}} (your final opportunities to buy any last essentials, like water, snacks, toilet paper, or wine). Then comes the steep and difficult ascent to {{marker|type=other|name=Dead Woman's Pass|lat=-13.243081|long=-72.483972|image=Dead Woman's Pass from above.jpg}} ('''Warmiwañusqa'''/'''Huarmihuañusca''') at 4200m, the highest point of the trek. For most trekkers, the last chunk is especially tough because of the altitude, so take it slow. Take breaks as often as you need to, and don't try to compete with other hikers. When you do reach the pass, take in the breathtaking views while you celebrate your accomplishment—you've just completed the hardest section of the trail. Then descend to your campsite at {{marker|type=other|name=Pacaymayu|lat=-13.233803|long=-72.498212|image=Pacaymayu campsite on the Inca Trail.jpg}} for some well-deserved rest. Make sure to have a jacket on hand for this day—temperatures can drop drastically with altitude. The campsite is quite high up too, at about 3600m, and it gets cold at night. ===Day 3: Phuyupatamarca and Wiñay Wayna=== [[File:Phuyupatamarca (cloud-level town).jpg|thumb|Phuyupatamarca]] Set off early (are you sensing a pattern?) for another full day of hiking. Day 3 will take you past several impressive Inca ruins. Start by seeing the ruins of {{marker|type=other|name=Runkuracay|lat=-13.228336|long=-72.501400|image=Ruins Of Rest-hut, Inca Trail.jpg}}, a semicircular Inca watchtower where sentries once looked out over the valley below, and crossing the 4000m {{marker|type=other|name=Runkuracay Pass|lat=-13.226694|long=-72.505344|image=Runkuracay Pass.jpg}}. At this pass there are a couple of small side trails you can take for views of the valleys on either side. Then you'll pass the "inaccessible town" of {{marker|type=other|name=Sayacmarka|lat=-13.227973|long=-72.516731|image=Sayacmarka.jpg}}, a large set of ruins which despite its nickname is open for exploring. Sayacmarka is the biggest archeological site so far and includes both a residential area and a sun temple. Down below Sayacmarka is the much smaller site of {{marker|type=other|name=Qonchamarka|lat=-13.2270931|long=-72.5172729|image=Conchamarka (cooking stove spot).jpg}}, which you'll see from afar and then walk past, but are not allowed to enter. Now that you're past the second pass, you'll notice a striking difference in climate and wildlife – suddenly you're in a lush, moist forest with colorful plants. This area, known as a cloud forest, looks almost like a mountainside rainforest, and it's hard to believe it can exist so close to the austere peaks and grassy scrubland you've just passed. [[File:Epidendrum secundum Winaywayna.jpg|thumb|Colorful orchids can be found along the trail. This one is seen in front of the ruins of Wiñay Wayna.]] Then come three more ruins that you can explore, assuming your group walks fast enough to give you time! First is {{marker|type=other| name=Phuyupatamarca|lat=-13.2063638|long=-72.5318159|image=Phuyupatamarca (cloud-level town).jpg}}—"Town in the Clouds", an appropriate name given how often it's shrouded in fog. Located at an altitude of 3600 m, this is an impressive and well-preserved set of ruins, including agricultural terraces and ceremonial baths. Look for the water channels that connect the baths, a surviving demonstration of high-quality Inca engineering. Next is {{marker|type=other|name=Intipata|lat=-13.185638|long=-72.541273|image=Inca trail intipata.jpg}}, a truly huge set of agricultural terraces with amazing views of the mountains—if you're lucky you might have the time and energy to wear yourself out walking up and down the long flights of stairs between the terraces. Finally, make your way to {{marker|type=other|name=Wiñay Wayna|lat=-13.192149|long=-72.536551|image=Wiñay Wayna ruins on the Inca Trail.jpg}}, the largest set of ruins on the trail (aside from Machu Picchu, of course). Wiñay Wayna includes ruins of residential buildings, several storehouses, and terraces where food was grown to be sent to Machu Picchu. For most tours, this is also near the location of your last campsite. Note: your campsite for this day may be somewhat unpredictable—while the Wiñay Wayna campsite is the most popular because of its proximity to Machu Picchu, space considerations sometimes mean that groups are allocated space at the farther away Phuyupatamarca campsite instead, especially in the high season. Space is allocated by the government, so this is outside the tour operators' control. If your operator plans to camp at Wiñay Wayna, you probably will, but they can't guarantee it 100%. ===Day 4: Machu Picchu=== [[File:Peru Machu Picchu Sunrise 2.jpg|thumb|Sunrise at Machu Picchu]] This is one of the world's most rewarding day-hikes. Wake up ''very'' early for a hike in darkness of just a few kilometers to reach your destination before sunrise. You will find that the Trail is fairly easy until you have to go up the steep "gringo killer" stairs. The final climb brings you to {{marker|type=other|name=Inti Punku|lat=-13.169662|long=-72.533888|image=Tourists at Inti Punku.jpg}}, the '''Sun Gate''', where you achieve your first and most picturesque view of {{marker|type=other|name=[[Machu Picchu]]|lat=-13.164808|long=-72.543623|image=Machu Picchu, Perú, 2015-07-30, DD 40.JPG}}. Now there's another hour or so of hiking, during which you'll pass a couple of smaller ruins and watch the main part of the ruins slowly get closer and closer. Finally, you'll make it: one of the most famous sets of ruins in the world, and with good reason. It's spectacular, huge, and very well preserved and restored, full of Inca houses, temples, streets, terraces, and so on. The ruins you saw on the way were just a shadow of the impressive engineering on display here, in the form of systems of running water and temple walls composed of huge, perfectly cut boulders. It's true that Machu Picchu is crowded, especially compared to the sites you saw on the trail, but the crowds are worth it for an unparalleled look at what remains from the height of Inca civilization. Depending on your exact itinerary, you'll be at Machu Picchu either in the morning (6AM–noon) or the afternoon (noon–5:30PM). If you have a morning ticket, you won't be kicked out at noon, but you won't be allowed to re-enter if you leave to use the toilets, which are outside the gate. Machu Picchu is most crowded at midday and clears out by 4PM, when the last train heads back to Cusco, so take your time finishing the hike. Late afternoon is the prettiest time to wander through the intricate stonework. The last bus down to {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Aguas Calientes]]|lat=-13.154833|long=-72.525333|image=Machu Picchu, Peru - Laslovarga (27).jpg}}, at the foot of Machu Picchu, departs shortly after the gates close in the afternoon. After touring Machu Picchu, you can choose to take a hike to {{marker|type=vicinity|name=Huayna Picchu|lat=-13.1575|long=-72.547222|image=Wayna Picchu, Peru-27Oct2009.jpg}} to see the beautiful views of the site. This may cost extra. ==Getting out== === Which train to take === Beware: if you are not spending the night in Aguas Calientes (4-day/3-night trip), then you only have part of one day in Machu Picchu, and thus your return train ticket from Machu Picchu will have a large impact on how much time you can spend there and whether or not you have time to climb Huayna Picchu at all. If you are spending this night, this isn't an issue. When you are booking an Inca Trail ticket from home, you may think the time of your train is a very low priority item. You are probably assuming that someone else made sure you have enough time to spend at Machu Picchu. But the reality is that trains get booked and your trail operator may buy you a train ticket out of Aguas Calientes at 1PM. To make it to this train, you will have to be at the train station at 12:30, which means you have to leave Machu Picchu by no later than noon, which means that you will be there only briefly, and have to leave it when it is the most crowded. Machu Picchu is the best in the first half hour after opening and during the last two hours before closing. Most people are gone after 3PM, and the light till 5PM is gorgeous, the heat a little gentler, and you can sit on a patch of grass and soak in the place. You do not want to miss this. It will make Machu Picchu yours. At 10AM Machu Picchu is crowded, loud, and bustling. You will be running around to not lose track of your tour group. At 4PM you can really see it at your own pace, and hang out with the resident chinchillas and llamas. But to do that, you have to take a later train. ==Stay safe== Statistics on hazards on the Inca trail are not available, and probably do not exist: injuries and petty crimes are not reported, so all information is anecdotal. With proper precautions, and a bit of luck, you'll be fine, and major problems are rare, but more minor problems are common. At the end of the trail, beware of falls at Machu Picchu, especially at Huayna Picchu. The most common issues on the Inca trail are: altitude sickness, lack of potable water, filthy bathrooms, sprains and broken bones, and petty theft. More serious issues are heart attacks, falling off the trail, landslides, lack of medical facilities, difficulty in rescue and evacuation, and lack of police. Deaths are quite rare (a handful or fewer per year, out of tens of thousands of trekkers), and typically make news. Similarly, serious crimes (murder, rape) are rare, though rape attempts of single women are reported at Wiñay Wayna, particularly when using toilet late at night: safest is to always be in a pair or group at night. The tap water in Peru is not potable. Do not drink it. You must either boil water for five full minutes or drink bottled water. Your tour operator will have plans for what to do about [[water]] during the trek, so ask what you should bring. In any case, it's a good idea to have '''water purification tablets''' on hand in case of emergency. Because you are visiting Andean areas, don't forget to take precautions to avoid [[altitude sickness]] if you are prone to it. Be sure to try a hot tea or an infusion of coca leaves on arrival at altitude. During your first day move slowly and eat lightly, resting the first couple of hours. At night you may be woken by the screams of a panicking trekker who is suffering an acute case of altitude sickness, and requires oxygen (particularly at Paqaymayu, the largest and usually highest campsite). Don't be scared, but acclimatize properly so this isn't you. Sample altitudes above sea level: *Cusco: 3,360 m (11,000 ft) *Machu Picchu: 2,400 m (7,800 ft) *Urubamba Valley: 2,850m (9,300 ft) *highest point on the trail: 4,200 m (13,600 ft) ===Theft=== Theft is common, primarily of unattended items at camp, and occurs particularly at meal time, when washing or using the toilet, and when sleeping: even experienced tour operators suffer theft. This is especially a problem at crowded campsites, notably Paqaymayu and Wiñay Wayna, which are crawling with people and virtually impossible to secure. More aggressive theft (armed robbery, tent slashing) is now rare, however. Prime targets include sunglasses, cell phones, cameras, lenses (camera and sunglasses), money, trekking poles, head lamps, and beer. Thieves are primarily porters (from your own group or another) or locals, who are very poor: there is no need to be overtly suspicious, but never let your guard down. You cannot realistically protect everything perfectly, but you can minimize risk. As a precaution, avoid bringing valuables. Leave jewelry at home, and consider bringing a smaller, cheaper camera. Unfortunately, you must bring your passport and tip money on the trail, and much gear is expensive. Whatever valuable items you do bring should be kept on your person at all times. Your passport is the most serious, since this is disastrous if stolen. Fortunately, this and money are easy to secure, if awkward: use a money belt, even at night. Do ''not'' use a neck pouch at night, due to strangulation risk. Safest is to give these to someone when washing. Leave nothing unattended, especially at meal time. Safest is to have multi-person tents, with someone always there, and either eat in your tent or bring your bags to meal. This is a bit paranoid, and you can generally leave bulky items (clothes, trail shoes) in your tent. Don't leave anything outside the tent, even shoes or clothes, especially at night (not just to because of theft but also in case of rain and dew). Leave nothing valuable inside tent entrance or in easy-access pockets. Hide bulkier items mixed with other items in bags inside of bags inside of deep pockets Backpack pockets, pant pockets, shirt pockets, etc. are easily searched. The more layers (bags, zippers, etc.), the less likely a rushed thief is to risk opening all of them or risk taking a large item. This provides added protection for items such as sunglasses, cameras, and lenses. Hide valuables when approaching campsite, if possible. ===Injuries, evacuation, and death=== [[File:Inca trail, Peru.jpg|thumb]] Serious injuries and death are very rare, but possible. Medical emergencies are very dangerous, due to the remoteness. Medical facilities on the trail are limited, and evacuation and rescue are slow and difficult. The closest major facilities are in Cusco, many hours away. If you are at risk of a medical emergency that would need a hospital, you risk death. Prior to Warmiwañusqa, you can turn back. Once you pass Warmiwañusqa, there’s no turning back: the fastest and safest way out is onward to Machu Picchu. If you are injured, you will need to walk out or be carried out (if you cannot walk); horse are available for the first day, but not afterwards. Helicopter evacuation is possible from Machu Picchu, but not from the trail itself. Usual evacuation proceeds via Aguas Calientes (if past Warmiwañusqa), Ullantaytampu, then to Cusco. If you fall off the trail, you will likely be seriously injured or die: off a sheer drop you will likely die, while if you fall into vegetation you will likely not be able to climb back up (mountainsides are scree covered with thick vegetation), and need to be rescued by a team with machetes and a basket stretcher, which can take hours. It is safest to not be alone on the trail: if something happens, it can be some time before you are found, and if you fall off out of sight, it may be hours or days before you are found. Be aware of the language problem: English is often limited, and porters may only speak [[Quechua]]. Please document and learn to state any medical conditions in [[Spanish]]. ==Go next== * [[Machu Picchu]], of course. * [[Aguas Calientes]], if spending the night. * [[Ollantaytambo]], other major Inca ruin, and on the train back * Other sights in and around the [[Sacred Valley]] and [[Cusco]]. ===Other treks=== Many alternative treks in the area, some also ending at Machu Picchu, are run by some of the same companies. * Keep hiking, by long, demanding hike to [[Choquequirao]] (similar ruin to Machu Picchu, much less-known), then short (2-day) hike down to [[Cachora]] and bus back to Cusco. * [[Salkantay Trek]], passing by the staggeringly tall Salkantay peak on the way to Machu Picchu * Two-day Inca Trail, where you only hike past a few ruins, for people who want a taste of the Inca Trail but aren't ready for a big four-day trek {{geo|-13.27|-71.87|zoom=9}} {{Related|Inca Highlands}} {{Related|Sacred Valley of the Incas}} {{guideitinerary}} {{PartOfItinerary|South America itineraries}} 1cjbjuuzlrivl86cbtvply4bw3ubu6n 5086704 5086661 2025-07-02T17:07:37Z Ikan Kekek 36420 Reverted edits by [[Special:Contributions/CasazzaH|CasazzaH]] ([[User talk:CasazzaH|talk]]) to last version by [[User:InternetArchiveBot|InternetArchiveBot]] 5077507 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|BannerInca.jpg|unesco=yes|ftt=yes}} [[File:IncaTrail.JPG|thumb|A section of the Inca trail]] The '''Inca trail''' to [[Machu Picchu]], the "Lost City of the Incas", is a world-famous trek in [[Peru]]. It's the best known part of the Inca road system, which was listed as a [[UNESCO World Heritage site]] in 2014. The hike takes you past staggering mountain scenery and many impressive Inca ruins, through ecosystems ranging from mossy forests to stark peaks. For much of the trail, you're walking on the very stone paths laid by the Incas hundreds of years ago. Treks vary significantly in style, from budget backpacking to high-end glamping, but typically consist of 4 days and 3 nights on the trail itself. While the main route is fixed, timing and campsites vary. The trail requires reservations months in advance, and all trekkers must be part of a tour group, which includes porters and a guide. In addition to keeping you safe, organized, and on schedule, guides have extensive knowledge of the ruins, their history, and the variety of plants and animals that can be found along the trail. Visits generally start from [[Cusco]], the capital of the Incas. Due to the need to acclimatize to the altitude for a few days, the trek itself must be part of a longer trip, usually a few days in Cusco and the [[Sacred Valley]]; see [[Inca Highlands]]. == Understand == [[File:Peru Wiñay Wayna.jpg|thumb|Inca ruins on the trail, open for exploration and way less crowded than Machu Picchu]] [[File:WildlifeAlpaka.jpg|thumb|Animals seen along the Salkantay / Inca trail]] Many countries have mountain ranges with beautiful scenery and Peru itself is richly blessed in this respect with many other areas for hiking. However the scenery is only one of the elements responsible for the magic of the Inca Trail. Can there be any walk anywhere in the world with such a combination of natural beauty, history and sheer mystery and with such an awe-inspiring destination? The various Inca ruins along the way serve to heighten the hiker's sense of anticipation as he or she approaches what would surely find a place in any new list of archaeological wonders of the world - Machu Picchu. The ruins on the trail are all many times less crowded than Machu Picchu, and most are open for exploration without the ropes and blocked-off areas at your final destination. If you're lucky, you'll also see colorful flowers and birds, and possibly even other animals on the trail. At the height of the Inca Empire, their road system was the most extensive transportation system in South America, stretching from what is now [[Colombia]] all the way to central [[Chile]]. The branching network of roads, many of them paved with stones, totaled close to 40,000 kilometers. Unfortunately, with the conquest of the Inca Empire by the Spanish in the 1500s, most of the roads have been destroyed or left to deteriorate. Many of the surviving portions are unmapped and little explored, but a few sections have been cleaned up and restored. The most famous of these is the Inca Trail, which allows you to walk in the footsteps of the Incas, on the same stone paths that they laid and used to get to Machu Picchu hundreds of years ago. The trail is 45 km/26 miles from start to finish, but it feels like more: you gain and lose hundreds of meters of altitude multiple times, and much of the trek is above 3,000 meters where oxygen is noticeably thinner. Acclimation to the altitude is a must, and good physical condition advised. The journey winds through the valleys and hills of the surrounding area, taking you through the scenic landscape, from high alpine to cloud forests. The trail is '''physically demanding, but doable by any fit person''', barring specific health problems. If you have any concerns, check with a doctor. If you can walk and use stairs easily, you should be able to do it. No hiking experience is necessary, though the more used to hiking you are, the easier it will be. There are very few evacuations and deaths on the trail: the most likely risk is spraining your ankle and needing to be carried out. Many find the physical demands make the trip more rewarding, from the exertion and sense of accomplishment. If you are physically unable or concerned about your ability, you can also do a shorter 1-day or 2-day trek to Machu Picchu, take an easier trek like the valley trek to Machu Picchu, or go directly to Machu Picchu by rail. The trail, particularly the descent, is ideally suited to '''trekking poles''', which significantly reduce stress on your knees. Rubber tips are required, to protect the steps, and duct taping the tips on is highly recommended, otherwise they come off easily from impact or mud. You can buy new ones at home, rent good ones in town for cheap, or buy broomsticks, which are cheap and adequate, but not great. You cannot use local branches, as too many trees were being cut down, and these aren’t much good anyway. Consider shock-absorbing poles to further minimize stress. Many agencies operating from Cusco offer organised hikes along the trail, providing most of the equipment (tents, etc.) and people to carry it. Also, don't forget that the trail ends at Machu Picchu. Most Inca Trail hikers descend from the Sun Gate (Intipunko) at dawn and see Machu Picchu before the busloads of tourists show up around 10AM. '''Meals on the trail''' are often impressively delicious! If you're an experienced wilderness backpacker, you may be surprised by how luxurious the food is. Some tour companies can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary restrictions. The Inca Trail is part of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary, a protected area of 32,592 hectares, managed by the National State Protected Natural Areas Service, SERNANP. Every visitor must obey park regulations prohibiting littering, cutting or damaging trees, removing or damaging stones of ruins and the Trail, removing plants, killing animals, lighting open fires or camping in the archeological sites (Only authorized campsites can be used). ===Porters=== [[File:Crossing the bridge (3006028381).jpg|thumb|Porters at the beginning of the Inca Trail]] The trek is demanding enough without having to carry camping gear or clothes: use a porter (for camping gear) and a half (for change of clothes) and just carry your day pack. (This gives a job to a poor local farmer!) The Inca Trail is one of the relatively few treks globally that features porters: pack animals are not allowed on the trail because their hooves damage it. Porters are local Quechua farmers, typically poor and uneducated, and this is a major source of income for them. Most will not speak English or even much [[Spanish]]; knowing a few phrases of Quechua is a nice touch; see [[Quechua phrasebook]]. A guide is required, though porters are not, so you can backpack the trail, carrying all your own equipment. However, porters are widely used and recommended, since it's hard enough to hike with a day pack. Porters need to arrive much earlier than trekkers, to set up camp, so please be aware of porters running past you and give way. Beware of poor treatment of porters, notably inadequate equipment, food, or shelter, and excess loading: a heavily-loaded porter wearing plastic sandals is not tough, he is being exploited. Conditions have improved, but ill-treatment is still common, particularly on cut-rate treks. Please use an operator that treats its porters well, and consider learning more and getting involved in improving conditions. A documentary chronicling a year in the life of an Inca Trail porter, ''[http://www.michacrafilm.com Mi Chacra]{{Dead link|date=June 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}'', won the Grand Prize at the 2010 Banff Mountain Film Festival. [[File:We finally make it to the bottom of the Gringo Killer steps to witness this marvel of engineering, an Inca farming site perched on the side of the steep mountain (9657411176).jpg|thumb]] [[File:Wayllabamba Puesto de Vigilancia sign.jpg|thumb|Outline of the Inca Trail]] === When to go === May is best – start of dry season, so dry, sunny, and lush vegetation from the rains, and before high season and depths of winter. Weather is best May to September: fairly dry and sunny. June through August is high season (summer vacation in Northern Hemisphere), and hence books up far in advance, but is winter here (because Southern Hemisphere), so a bit cold at night. Thus, May and September are ideal. Fringe months of April and October are also OK, but more risk of rain. If hoping to see the sunrise, June and July are driest and best, but May and August (into early September) are often OK. November to March are the rainy season, so avoid if possible: cloudy skies (worse views), and rain, which soaks you, makes the rocks slick, and runs the risk of landslides, both on the trail and on roads. Less crowded though. The wettest months are January to April, when roads are often closed by landslides or flooding. The trail is closed in February to clean up the garbage left behind. '''Weather on the trail year-round''' features warm, comfortable days (around 20℃) and cold nights (often 5℃ or below), dropping to below freezing in the winter (June, July, August). Sun during the day and clouds at night increase the effective heat and cold. Accordingly, dress in layers. Pack warm clothes in your duffel (alpaca hat, gloves, and socks are cozy), and make sure you have a warm sleeping bag. Also, flip-flops to rest your feet at the end of the day will leave you with cold feet: bring light, loose, ''closed'' sandals instead. The air is dry, and dry''ing'': the low pressure means water evaporates more quickly. Drink plenty of water, and use moisturizer if desired. == Prepare == [[File:Camino-inca-dia2-c04.jpg|thumb|Day 2 of the trek, near Dead Woman's Pass]] === Book tickets === Tickets '''must be booked in advance''', far in advance for the high season, through an authorized local tour operator, as it is not allowed to organize your own trip. For the high season, tickets must be booked immediately when they become available: it's wise to book six months in advance or more. Get these trail tickets ''before'' your plane tickets. If booked up, consider rescheduling your trip, or taking one of the [[Inca Highlands#Alternative treks|alternative treks]] in the area, none of which require booking so far in advance. Don't expect to pick up last-minute cancellations, as tour organizers must register client passport numbers with the government, and they are strictly checked at control points on the trail. A '''passport''' is required both for reserving tickets, and for admission to the trail (copy ''not'' accepted), so you need to bring it in your day pack! It is easiest if you have the same passport when reserving your ticket as when you show up, so avoid renewing your passport or changing your name in the meantime: renew if necessary before, change name before or after. Tickets are by season: reservations are accepted from mid-January, for the season from March 1st to the following January 31st. Some agencies will accept pre-reservations and then book immediately when tickets become available. There are 500 permits available per day for the 4-, 5- and 7-day treks and 250 for the 2-day trek. This includes both trekkers and tour employees (guides and porters). Since there are about 1.5 employees per trekker, that leaves 40% for trekkers, so about 200 trekkers per day. You can check official availability of tickets at the [http://www.machupicchu.gob.pe ''Boletaje Virtual''] (Virtual Ticket) website. Beware that this is the ''total'' number left (trekkers and employees), so out of 500, and that days can book up in big chunks, due to booking a group (a group of 12 trekkers entail about 30 tickets total), so don't delay. Tickets for Machu Picchu should be included in your tour. Tickets are also required for '''Huayna Picchu''' (a large mountain nearby which you can hike up for magnificent views of Machu Picchu). Huayna Picchu is optional, and thus might be forgotten: make sure to get tickets in advance if interested! === Which tour? === [[File:Camino-inca-dia4-c06.jpg|thumb|Day 4 of a 4-day tour, descending to Machu Picchu]] There are two tour lengths: 4 days and 5 days. They both sleep 3 nights on the trail, and follow the same path, but have different schedules, and stop at different camp sites. It is also possible to take a short 2-day trek on a slightly different route, or visit Machu Picchu without the Inca Trail. The 4 day/3 night trek is the classic: on the last day you get into Machu Picchu early, see the sun rise, visit Machu Picchu, then go back to Cusco. The 5 day/4 night version is more leisurely, getting into Machu Picchu late on the fourth day for a brief look after most tourists have left; then you spend the night at [[Aguas Calientes]] and see Machu Picchu the next day. If you're tight on time or money, or you're a fast hiker, do the 4-day, otherwise do the 5-day: it's less rushed and crowded. The classic 4-day tour takes less time and is a bit faster and more demanding, particularly days 3 and 4: you have long days and relatively less sleep. It means you see the sun rise when you first get to Machu Picchu (assuming clear weather), but you'll likely be a bit tired, and may not be up to Huayna Picchu. You also may have a rushed day at Machu Picchu, and will need to plan your train back carefully if you want a full day at Machu Picchu, particularly to avoid the crowds. If you want, you can do the 4-day (arriving early) and then spend the night in Aguas Calientes, and see as much of Machu Picchu as you like, basically doing a fast-paced 5-day (with sunrise, and rest at the end). The 5-day tour is more leisurely: it misses the sunrise, and takes an extra day, but is otherwise more pleasant: you see Machu Picchu after the crowds have left (on the first day) and before most crowds arrive (on the second day), with nice dusk/dawn light (golden hour, good for photos), you can be rested for Huayna Picchu, and the campsites are less crowded, because most people are on the 4-day schedule. === Choose tour operator === You must use a local authorized tour operator, of which there are many. You can book with a tour operator directly, or use a travel agent in your country. Some operators, notably high-end ones, only work through agencies. Beware that being authorized is no guarantee of quality, and many agencies are fly-by-night operations run out a storefront in Cusco. It is safest to use an established, reputable agency: research agencies and their reviews online. However, there are some newer companies that you might take a chance on if you find their story or reviews compelling. When choosing an operator, consider what they offer—budget backpacking or high-end glamping? How big are the groups (or do you want a more expensive private tour)? Do you want to take a 4-day or 5-day (or 2-day) tour? Some operators only offer one. Will they arrange travel to/from Cusco? Which train service? And of course, operators and tours vary in price. Many operators treat porters very poorly; check reviews and story (touting social responsibility is no guarantee, but it's a hint). Beware that cut-rate operators invariably cut corners at the expense of porters, but some good value operators treat porters well, and being expensive is no guarantee that porters are treated well. Also, due to intermediaries, paying a high price to a travel agency may not result in the tour operator getting much of it. ==== Operators ==== <!-- Operators listed because *required* for trail. --> An operator is ''required''. Out of the about 200 companies, many are bad. Check reviews, guidebooks, and the companies’ own websites to decide, or rely on a travel agent to choose for you. Here are 15 well-respected companies, though there are other good ones. <!-- what do the years mean? Please clarify--> * [http://www.perutreks.com Peru Treks] (2002, Inca Trail Peru Treks S.A.C.): 4-day only, every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, socially responsible, small family company. Specialized: only does this trek, so very competent, but inflexible. * [http://www.llamapath.com Llama Path] (2004): various treks * [http://www.alpacaexpeditions.com Alpaca Expeditions] (2011): Provides full tours of Peru and a leader on treks to Machu Picchu with a license for the Inca Trail. * [http://www.unitedmice.com United Mice]{{Dead link|date=January 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} (1987): adventure travel throughout area, socially conscious (helps street children) * [http://www.sastravelperu.com SAS] (1990): Largest trail operator, full selection, award-winning; also offers other adventure tours (white-water rafting etc.). * [http://www.waykitrek.net Wayki Trek] * [http://www.andinatravel.com Andina Travel]{{Dead link|date=September 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} * [https://adventureinperu.com/ Adventure in Peru] {{Dead link|date=March 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} (2016)Provides full tours in Cusco day tours and multiple day tour to Machu Picchu * [https://trexperienceperu.com TreXperience] (2017): A top local operator offering group, private, and luxury Inca Trail tours to Machu Picchu. High-end * [http://www.enigmaperu.com Enigma] (2002): good porter treatment * [http://www.andeantreks.com Andean Treks] {{dead link|August 2018|December 2020}} (1970s, Inca Tours And Travel Adventure S.A.C): 5-day, South America-wide. * [http://www.explorandes.com Explorandes] (1975): 5-day, large Peru-wide company, environmentally conscious. * [http://www.gapadventures.com Grandes Aventuras del Peru (GAP)]: various offerings * [http://www.amazonas-explorer.com Amazonas Explorer]: 5-day, expensive, luxury * [http://www.apumayo.com Apumayo Expediciones] (1995): private/group tours only, very established and decorated, luxury options, wheelchair/accessible tours, various other offerings ==== Porters ==== There seem to be about 1½ porters per client on the trail, and you'll spend a fair amount of time getting out of their way as they hump all your gear to the next camp. Fortunately, the government has restricted the amount of gear tour operators can pile on each porter to 25 kg (including their personal stuff). You are allowed to pack only 6 kg for the porter to carry so choose carefully. On many tours you can pay extra for a personal porter to carry most of your things, although you will always want a daypack for water, snacks, and clothing. Consider hiring the extra porter, which allows you to carry 7 kg extra (from 7 kg to 14 kg). To be clear, the extra porter you hire is not just for you - he will carry an equal share of the whole set of gear to be transported, including everyone else's food, kitchen tent, etc. The tips for 'your porter' are part of the shared pool as well - so it's not really the case that you are paying for a porter for yourself. === Get fit === [[File:Inca Trail 2016.jpg|thumb|Stairs on the Inca Trail—tread carefully, especially if they're wet.]] You do not need to be particularly athletic to travel the Inca trail – so long as you are generally fit and can walk up and down stairs, you should be able to do it – but it helps make it safer and more enjoyable. Walking, hiking, using the stair machine, and doing weights for leg muscles all help you be specifically prepared for the trek, and make it easier. A half hour on a stair machine a few times before the trek is adequate, but further conditioning helps. Check with a doctor or trainer before engaging on a demanding exercise program. ;3 to 6 months beforehand – build muscles Muscles take time to build, and help with stability and endurance. Get training if any exercises are new to you. Squats are the best exercise for your legs and general stability; leg presses or quad extensions are acceptable alternatives. Dips are ideal preparation for pole use, as the movement (particularly downhill) is virtually identical. Triceps extensions are an acceptable alternative. ;3+ months beforehand – cardiovascular fitness Any regular cardiovascular exercise is acceptable, though walking or running are the easiest option for most people. Hiking, particularly rough terrain at altitude, is best, if possible. ;1 month beforehand – muscular endurance Muscular endurance decays quickly, so do shortly before departure. An hour on a stair machine 3 times or more per week is ideal, though steppers, sloped treadmills, or climbing actual stairs is also ok. === Arrange gear === Packing is a complicated tradeoff: bring enough to be comfortable, but minimize weight, and split between day pack and duffel. It also depends on the type of trek (will water be provided?) * Passport * First aid kit [[File:Petzl tikka xp.jpg|thumb|Headlamp (or flashlight) necessary at night, and possibly for early-morning hiking]] * Headlamp/flashlight * Warm top/bottom for the evenings * Hiking boots; runners are possible if you don't mind them getting thrashed by the rocky trail and you have strong ankles * Wash kit, 2L water bottle and water purifying tablets * Sunblock (SPF 30+), UV-blocking sunglasses, and sun-blocking lip balm – you're outdoors, at altitude, by the equator: the sun is ''very'' strong, and clouds don't block it * Hat, preferably something covering your neck to protect from the high-altitude sun * Cash to tip porters and guides and buy snacks along the way, including a handful of one-sol coins for the bathrooms on the first day and at Machu Picchu * Long pants or slacks * Long-sleeved shirts * Several T-shirts * Rain wear (you never know when it will rain even if it's the dry season) * Camera. * Insect repellent * Personal toiletries * A light backpack * Gloves, scarf, warm socks * A towel and toilet paper * Maybe earplugs – your companions are likely to snore; this is partly periodic breathing, part of acclimatization to altitude (see [[altitude sickness]]) * Possibly an inflatable mattresses – at US$25 per person, renting one of these means you get two mattresses, a normal one and in addition an inflatable one on top, making it exceedingly and maybe excessively comfortable === Acclimatize === [[File:Inca Trail Altitude Graph.jpeg|thumb|Altitude on the Inca Trail. The highest point is Dead Woman's Pass at 4200 m.]] At its highest, the trail reaches 4200 m above sea level, so you should spend at least 2 days in [[Cusco]] acclimatizing before you start the trek. If you don't, [[altitude sickness]] could make your first few days pretty uncomfortable. Be aware that at 3400 m altitude, there's a risk for altitude sickness in Cusco too, so ideally, start with a day or two in the Sacred Valley, to acclimatize gradually to altitude before your trek. See [[Inca Highlands]] for what to do before your trek. == Get in == See [[Inca Highlands]]. You first need to spend a few nights in Cusco (and before that, preferably a night or two in the [[Sacred Valley]]) to acclimatize to the altitude. From Cusco, you can take a train, bus, or private car to the trailhead. This will likely be arranged by your tour group, so you just need to get to Cusco. Some tour companies may also be able to pick you up from [[Ollantaytambo]] or [[Urubamba]] instead of Cusco. Since these are closer to the trailhead, this option lets you get a couple extra hours of sleep before starting the trail. == Costs == Around US$400 at least. If you are paying less than US$350 for the 4 day trip, something is fishy, and porters are probably being treated very poorly. Make sure your tour includes the entrance ticket to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu (US$85) and the Vistadome train (US$71) back to Cusco. '''Tipping''' is expected, and a significant portion of the income, especially for porters. Verify exact composition of crew, expected tip amount, and protocol before the trek, and prepare tips. Use clean bills, given on either on last morning on the trail (for 5-day trek), or last night (for 4-day, due to early start), since porters return home early the last day. Please tip in soles, not foreign currency, to avoid giving porters the inconvenience of finding a currency exchange place and paying their (probably significant) fees. ==Go== {{mapframe| -13.205 | -72.469 |zoom=12|width=600|name=Map of the Inca Trail}} {{mapshape|type=geoline|wikidata=Q6014019|stroke=#000000|stroke-width=3|title=Inca Trail}} The following roughly describes a typical 4-day trip along the Inca Trail. Everyone takes the same route, but your timing and campsites will depend on your tour operator, the speed of your group, and other considerations. Your ability to tour and explore the ruins will also depend on your particular tour: the 5-day tours include plenty of time for all the ruins, but many 4-day tours end up rushing past some of them without a chance to look around. In particular, Runkuracay and Wiñay Wayna are likely to be skipped on some versions of the trek that put them close to the end of a long day of hiking. The trail has stairs, most of which were put in by the Incas. The rocks are rough and uneven, and very slippery when wet. It is very easy to sprain your ankle, particularly when descending. Use trekking poles for balance, tread carefully, and be very careful when wet. Don’t rush, particularly on the 2nd day climbing up to Warmiwañusqa (Dead Woman’s Pass) – you have to climb down afterwards, after all. Slow and steady is better than rushing ahead and getting sweaty and winded. More subtly, climb ''down'' slowly, using poles – your knees will thank you. Toilets are found every couple of hours along the trail. On the first day they are sit-down toilets that cost S/1 to use; after that they are free squat toilets. They are filthy and lack toilet paper. Bring toilet paper and hand sanitizer or soap (benzalkonium chloride is best for the dry season, as it does not dry out your already-dry hands; soap is fine, though water may not always be available). ===Day 1: Cusco to Wayllabamba=== [[File:Llactapata.jpg|thumb|Llactapata]] Your operator will probably pick you up early in the morning at your hotel in {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Cusco]]|lat=-13.525|long=-71.972222|image=Plaza de Armas - Cusco.jpg}} for a drive to the trailhead. On the way, you might stop in {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Urubamba]]|lat=-13.304167|long=-72.116667|image=Urubambatown.jpg}} or {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Ollantaytambo]]|lat=-13.258056|long=-72.263333|image=Town of Ollantaytambo.jpg}} for supplies or breakfast. When you reach the trailhead at {{marker|type=other|name=Piscachuco|lat=-13.214213|long=-72.380648|image=Bridge, Inca Trail - Day 1.jpg}}, you can buy a few last-minute supplies like toilet paper, coca leaves, and mosquito repellent. Then you'll go through a control checkpoint and set off by crossing a bridge across the river. From a distance, you'll see the ruins of {{marker|type=other|name=Qhanabamba|lat=-13.2310964|long=-72.40655|image=Qhanabamba.jpg}} and then the former large Inca settlement of {{marker|type=other|name=Llactapata|lat=-13.2349773|long=-72.4218254|image=Llactapata.jpg}} (aka Patallacta), both in the valley below you. You should then get a chance to explore the Inca fort of {{marker|type=other|name=Huillca Raccay|lat=-13.235554|long=-72.423446|image=Huillca Raccay - ruin on the Inca Trail.jpg}}, located on the trail overlooking Llactapata—this hill fort, which mostly consists of rows of small Inca buildings, is where many of the inhabitants of Llactapata worked. If you're feeling like this day was easier than you expected, don't get cocky – day two is much harder. Settle in for the night at {{marker|type=other|name=Wayllabamba|lat=-13.263747|long=-72.446291|image=Wayllabamba, village on the Inca Trail.jpg}} and rest up for the hardest day of the trek. Wayllabamba, by the way, is actually a village rather than just a campground, and you can buy drinks and snacks here. The kids who live here have to commute all the way along the trail you've just taken and then take a bus to Ollantaytambo just to go to school. ===Day 2: Dead Woman's Pass=== [[File:Dead Woman's Pass.jpg|thumb|Dead Woman's Pass, so named because from this angle part of it is said to resemble a woman's face looking up]] Day 1 of the Inca Trail is said to be the easy day. Day 3 is the long day. Day 2? This is the hard day. You won't be spending your time touring ruins today—instead, your main goal is the difficult slog up and down the trail's highest mountain pass. Your guide may give you something to help with the altitude; even if not, some coca tea or leaves to chew can help. After another early wake-up call, you'll pass the campsites of {{marker|type=other|name=Ayapata|lat=-13.258310|long=-72.461437|image=Ayapata campsite on the Inca Trail.jpg}} and {{marker|type=other|name=Llulluchapampa|lat=-13.250164|long=-72.472271|image=Food and drinks for sale at Llulluchapampa.jpg}} (your final opportunities to buy any last essentials, like water, snacks, toilet paper, or wine). Then comes the steep and difficult ascent to {{marker|type=other|name=Dead Woman's Pass|lat=-13.243081|long=-72.483972|image=Dead Woman's Pass from above.jpg}} ('''Warmiwañusqa'''/'''Huarmihuañusca''') at 4200m, the highest point of the trek. For most trekkers, the last chunk is especially tough because of the altitude, so take it slow. Take breaks as often as you need to, and don't try to compete with other hikers. When you do reach the pass, take in the breathtaking views while you celebrate your accomplishment—you've just completed the hardest section of the trail. Then descend to your campsite at {{marker|type=other|name=Pacaymayu|lat=-13.233803|long=-72.498212|image=Pacaymayu campsite on the Inca Trail.jpg}} for some well-deserved rest. Make sure to have a jacket on hand for this day—temperatures can drop drastically with altitude. The campsite is quite high up too, at about 3600m, and it gets cold at night. ===Day 3: Phuyupatamarca and Wiñay Wayna=== [[File:Phuyupatamarca (cloud-level town).jpg|thumb|Phuyupatamarca]] Set off early (are you sensing a pattern?) for another full day of hiking. Day 3 will take you past several impressive Inca ruins. Start by seeing the ruins of {{marker|type=other|name=Runkuracay|lat=-13.228336|long=-72.501400|image=Ruins Of Rest-hut, Inca Trail.jpg}}, a semicircular Inca watchtower where sentries once looked out over the valley below, and crossing the 4000m {{marker|type=other|name=Runkuracay Pass|lat=-13.226694|long=-72.505344|image=Runkuracay Pass.jpg}}. At this pass there are a couple of small side trails you can take for views of the valleys on either side. Then you'll pass the "inaccessible town" of {{marker|type=other|name=Sayacmarka|lat=-13.227973|long=-72.516731|image=Sayacmarka.jpg}}, a large set of ruins which despite its nickname is open for exploring. Sayacmarka is the biggest archeological site so far and includes both a residential area and a sun temple. Down below Sayacmarka is the much smaller site of {{marker|type=other|name=Qonchamarka|lat=-13.2270931|long=-72.5172729|image=Conchamarka (cooking stove spot).jpg}}, which you'll see from afar and then walk past, but are not allowed to enter. Now that you're past the second pass, you'll notice a striking difference in climate and wildlife – suddenly you're in a lush, moist forest with colorful plants. This area, known as a cloud forest, looks almost like a mountainside rainforest, and it's hard to believe it can exist so close to the austere peaks and grassy scrubland you've just passed. [[File:Epidendrum secundum Winaywayna.jpg|thumb|Colorful orchids can be found along the trail. This one is seen in front of the ruins of Wiñay Wayna.]] Then come three more ruins that you can explore, assuming your group walks fast enough to give you time! First is {{marker|type=other| name=Phuyupatamarca|lat=-13.2063638|long=-72.5318159|image=Phuyupatamarca (cloud-level town).jpg}}—"Town in the Clouds", an appropriate name given how often it's shrouded in fog. Located at an altitude of 3600 m, this is an impressive and well-preserved set of ruins, including agricultural terraces and ceremonial baths. Look for the water channels that connect the baths, a surviving demonstration of high-quality Inca engineering. Next is {{marker|type=other|name=Intipata|lat=-13.185638|long=-72.541273|image=Inca trail intipata.jpg}}, a truly huge set of agricultural terraces with amazing views of the mountains—if you're lucky you might have the time and energy to wear yourself out walking up and down the long flights of stairs between the terraces. Finally, make your way to {{marker|type=other|name=Wiñay Wayna|lat=-13.192149|long=-72.536551|image=Wiñay Wayna ruins on the Inca Trail.jpg}}, the largest set of ruins on the trail (aside from Machu Picchu, of course). Wiñay Wayna includes ruins of residential buildings, several storehouses, and terraces where food was grown to be sent to Machu Picchu. For most tours, this is also near the location of your last campsite. Note: your campsite for this day may be somewhat unpredictable—while the Wiñay Wayna campsite is the most popular because of its proximity to Machu Picchu, space considerations sometimes mean that groups are allocated space at the farther away Phuyupatamarca campsite instead, especially in the high season. Space is allocated by the government, so this is outside the tour operators' control. If your operator plans to camp at Wiñay Wayna, you probably will, but they can't guarantee it 100%. ===Day 4: Machu Picchu=== [[File:Peru Machu Picchu Sunrise 2.jpg|thumb|Sunrise at Machu Picchu]] This is one of the world's most rewarding day-hikes. Wake up ''very'' early for a hike in darkness of just a few kilometers to reach your destination before sunrise. You will find that the Trail is fairly easy until you have to go up the steep "gringo killer" stairs. The final climb brings you to {{marker|type=other|name=Inti Punku|lat=-13.169662|long=-72.533888|image=Tourists at Inti Punku.jpg}}, the '''Sun Gate''', where you achieve your first and most picturesque view of {{marker|type=other|name=[[Machu Picchu]]|lat=-13.164808|long=-72.543623|image=Machu Picchu, Perú, 2015-07-30, DD 40.JPG}}. Now there's another hour or so of hiking, during which you'll pass a couple of smaller ruins and watch the main part of the ruins slowly get closer and closer. Finally, you'll make it: one of the most famous sets of ruins in the world, and with good reason. It's spectacular, huge, and very well preserved and restored, full of Inca houses, temples, streets, terraces, and so on. The ruins you saw on the way were just a shadow of the impressive engineering on display here, in the form of systems of running water and temple walls composed of huge, perfectly cut boulders. It's true that Machu Picchu is crowded, especially compared to the sites you saw on the trail, but the crowds are worth it for an unparalleled look at what remains from the height of Inca civilization. Depending on your exact itinerary, you'll be at Machu Picchu either in the morning (6AM–noon) or the afternoon (noon–5:30PM). If you have a morning ticket, you won't be kicked out at noon, but you won't be allowed to re-enter if you leave to use the toilets, which are outside the gate. Machu Picchu is most crowded at midday and clears out by 4PM, when the last train heads back to Cusco, so take your time finishing the hike. Late afternoon is the prettiest time to wander through the intricate stonework. The last bus down to {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Aguas Calientes]]|lat=-13.154833|long=-72.525333|image=Machu Picchu, Peru - Laslovarga (27).jpg}}, at the foot of Machu Picchu, departs shortly after the gates close in the afternoon. After touring Machu Picchu, you can choose to take a hike to {{marker|type=vicinity|name=Huayna Picchu|lat=-13.1575|long=-72.547222|image=Wayna Picchu, Peru-27Oct2009.jpg}} to see the beautiful views of the site. This may cost extra. ==Getting out== === Which train to take === Beware: if you are not spending the night in Aguas Calientes (4-day/3-night trip), then you only have part of one day in Machu Picchu, and thus your return train ticket from Machu Picchu will have a large impact on how much time you can spend there and whether or not you have time to climb Huayna Picchu at all. If you are spending this night, this isn't an issue. When you are booking an Inca Trail ticket from home, you may think the time of your train is a very low priority item. You are probably assuming that someone else made sure you have enough time to spend at Machu Picchu. But the reality is that trains get booked and your trail operator may buy you a train ticket out of Aguas Calientes at 1PM. To make it to this train, you will have to be at the train station at 12:30, which means you have to leave Machu Picchu by no later than noon, which means that you will be there only briefly, and have to leave it when it is the most crowded. Machu Picchu is the best in the first half hour after opening and during the last two hours before closing. Most people are gone after 3PM, and the light till 5PM is gorgeous, the heat a little gentler, and you can sit on a patch of grass and soak in the place. You do not want to miss this. It will make Machu Picchu yours. At 10AM Machu Picchu is crowded, loud, and bustling. You will be running around to not lose track of your tour group. At 4PM you can really see it at your own pace, and hang out with the resident chinchillas and llamas. But to do that, you have to take a later train. ==Stay safe== Statistics on hazards on the Inca trail are not available, and probably do not exist: injuries and petty crimes are not reported, so all information is anecdotal. With proper precautions, and a bit of luck, you'll be fine, and major problems are rare, but more minor problems are common. At the end of the trail, beware of falls at Machu Picchu, especially at Huayna Picchu. The most common issues on the Inca trail are: altitude sickness, lack of potable water, filthy bathrooms, sprains and broken bones, and petty theft. More serious issues are heart attacks, falling off the trail, landslides, lack of medical facilities, difficulty in rescue and evacuation, and lack of police. Deaths are quite rare (a handful or fewer per year, out of tens of thousands of trekkers), and typically make news. Similarly, serious crimes (murder, rape) are rare, though rape attempts of single women are reported at Wiñay Wayna, particularly when using toilet late at night: safest is to always be in a pair or group at night. The tap water in Peru is not potable. Do not drink it. You must either boil water for five full minutes or drink bottled water. Your tour operator will have plans for what to do about [[water]] during the trek, so ask what you should bring. In any case, it's a good idea to have '''water purification tablets''' on hand in case of emergency. Because you are visiting Andean areas, don't forget to take precautions to avoid [[altitude sickness]] if you are prone to it. Be sure to try a hot tea or an infusion of coca leaves on arrival at altitude. During your first day move slowly and eat lightly, resting the first couple of hours. At night you may be woken by the screams of a panicking trekker who is suffering an acute case of altitude sickness, and requires oxygen (particularly at Paqaymayu, the largest and usually highest campsite). Don't be scared, but acclimatize properly so this isn't you. Sample altitudes above sea level: *Cusco: 3,360 m (11,000 ft) *Machu Picchu: 2,400 m (7,800 ft) *Urubamba Valley: 2,850m (9,300 ft) *highest point on the trail: 4,200 m (13,600 ft) ===Theft=== Theft is common, primarily of unattended items at camp, and occurs particularly at meal time, when washing or using the toilet, and when sleeping: even experienced tour operators suffer theft. This is especially a problem at crowded campsites, notably Paqaymayu and Wiñay Wayna, which are crawling with people and virtually impossible to secure. More aggressive theft (armed robbery, tent slashing) is now rare, however. Prime targets include sunglasses, cell phones, cameras, lenses (camera and sunglasses), money, trekking poles, head lamps, and beer. Thieves are primarily porters (from your own group or another) or locals, who are very poor: there is no need to be overtly suspicious, but never let your guard down. You cannot realistically protect everything perfectly, but you can minimize risk. As a precaution, avoid bringing valuables. Leave jewelry at home, and consider bringing a smaller, cheaper camera. Unfortunately, you must bring your passport and tip money on the trail, and much gear is expensive. Whatever valuable items you do bring should be kept on your person at all times. Your passport is the most serious, since this is disastrous if stolen. Fortunately, this and money are easy to secure, if awkward: use a money belt, even at night. Do ''not'' use a neck pouch at night, due to strangulation risk. Safest is to give these to someone when washing. Leave nothing unattended, especially at meal time. Safest is to have multi-person tents, with someone always there, and either eat in your tent or bring your bags to meal. This is a bit paranoid, and you can generally leave bulky items (clothes, trail shoes) in your tent. Don't leave anything outside the tent, even shoes or clothes, especially at night (not just to because of theft but also in case of rain and dew). Leave nothing valuable inside tent entrance or in easy-access pockets. Hide bulkier items mixed with other items in bags inside of bags inside of deep pockets Backpack pockets, pant pockets, shirt pockets, etc. are easily searched. The more layers (bags, zippers, etc.), the less likely a rushed thief is to risk opening all of them or risk taking a large item. This provides added protection for items such as sunglasses, cameras, and lenses. Hide valuables when approaching campsite, if possible. ===Injuries, evacuation, and death=== [[File:Inca trail, Peru.jpg|thumb]] Serious injuries and death are very rare, but possible. Medical emergencies are very dangerous, due to the remoteness. Medical facilities on the trail are limited, and evacuation and rescue are slow and difficult. The closest major facilities are in Cusco, many hours away. If you are at risk of a medical emergency that would need a hospital, you risk death. Prior to Warmiwañusqa, you can turn back. Once you pass Warmiwañusqa, there’s no turning back: the fastest and safest way out is onward to Machu Picchu. If you are injured, you will need to walk out or be carried out (if you cannot walk); horse are available for the first day, but not afterwards. Helicopter evacuation is possible from Machu Picchu, but not from the trail itself. Usual evacuation proceeds via Aguas Calientes (if past Warmiwañusqa), Ullantaytampu, then to Cusco. If you fall off the trail, you will likely be seriously injured or die: off a sheer drop you will likely die, while if you fall into vegetation you will likely not be able to climb back up (mountainsides are scree covered with thick vegetation), and need to be rescued by a team with machetes and a basket stretcher, which can take hours. It is safest to not be alone on the trail: if something happens, it can be some time before you are found, and if you fall off out of sight, it may be hours or days before you are found. Be aware of the language problem: English is often limited, and porters may only speak [[Quechua]]. Please document and learn to state any medical conditions in [[Spanish]]. ==Go next== * [[Machu Picchu]], of course. * [[Aguas Calientes]], if spending the night. * [[Ollantaytambo]], other major Inca ruin, and on the train back * Other sights in and around the [[Sacred Valley]] and [[Cusco]]. ===Other treks=== Many alternative treks in the area, some also ending at Machu Picchu, are run by some of the same companies. * Keep hiking, by long, demanding hike to [[Choquequirao]] (similar ruin to Machu Picchu, much less-known), then short (2-day) hike down to [[Cachora]] and bus back to Cusco. * [[Salkantay Trek]], passing by the staggeringly tall Salkantay peak on the way to Machu Picchu * Two-day Inca Trail, where you only hike past a few ruins, for people who want a taste of the Inca Trail but aren't ready for a big four-day trek {{geo|-13.27|-71.87|zoom=9}} {{Related|Inca Highlands}} {{Related|Sacred Valley of the Incas}} {{guideitinerary}} {{PartOfItinerary|South America itineraries}} qtlgqoz76vkl2yx7u1ekez2p0mqj9kg 5086800 5086704 2025-07-02T21:12:56Z 2001:1388:5E20:7FD:493C:613B:7694:95B8 /* Operators */ 5086800 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|BannerInca.jpg|unesco=yes|ftt=yes}} [[File:IncaTrail.JPG|thumb|A section of the Inca trail]] The '''Inca trail''' to [[Machu Picchu]], the "Lost City of the Incas", is a world-famous trek in [[Peru]]. It's the best known part of the Inca road system, which was listed as a [[UNESCO World Heritage site]] in 2014. The hike takes you past staggering mountain scenery and many impressive Inca ruins, through ecosystems ranging from mossy forests to stark peaks. For much of the trail, you're walking on the very stone paths laid by the Incas hundreds of years ago. Treks vary significantly in style, from budget backpacking to high-end glamping, but typically consist of 4 days and 3 nights on the trail itself. While the main route is fixed, timing and campsites vary. The trail requires reservations months in advance, and all trekkers must be part of a tour group, which includes porters and a guide. In addition to keeping you safe, organized, and on schedule, guides have extensive knowledge of the ruins, their history, and the variety of plants and animals that can be found along the trail. Visits generally start from [[Cusco]], the capital of the Incas. Due to the need to acclimatize to the altitude for a few days, the trek itself must be part of a longer trip, usually a few days in Cusco and the [[Sacred Valley]]; see [[Inca Highlands]]. == Understand == [[File:Peru Wiñay Wayna.jpg|thumb|Inca ruins on the trail, open for exploration and way less crowded than Machu Picchu]] [[File:WildlifeAlpaka.jpg|thumb|Animals seen along the Salkantay / Inca trail]] Many countries have mountain ranges with beautiful scenery and Peru itself is richly blessed in this respect with many other areas for hiking. However the scenery is only one of the elements responsible for the magic of the Inca Trail. Can there be any walk anywhere in the world with such a combination of natural beauty, history and sheer mystery and with such an awe-inspiring destination? The various Inca ruins along the way serve to heighten the hiker's sense of anticipation as he or she approaches what would surely find a place in any new list of archaeological wonders of the world - Machu Picchu. The ruins on the trail are all many times less crowded than Machu Picchu, and most are open for exploration without the ropes and blocked-off areas at your final destination. If you're lucky, you'll also see colorful flowers and birds, and possibly even other animals on the trail. At the height of the Inca Empire, their road system was the most extensive transportation system in South America, stretching from what is now [[Colombia]] all the way to central [[Chile]]. The branching network of roads, many of them paved with stones, totaled close to 40,000 kilometers. Unfortunately, with the conquest of the Inca Empire by the Spanish in the 1500s, most of the roads have been destroyed or left to deteriorate. Many of the surviving portions are unmapped and little explored, but a few sections have been cleaned up and restored. The most famous of these is the Inca Trail, which allows you to walk in the footsteps of the Incas, on the same stone paths that they laid and used to get to Machu Picchu hundreds of years ago. The trail is 45 km/26 miles from start to finish, but it feels like more: you gain and lose hundreds of meters of altitude multiple times, and much of the trek is above 3,000 meters where oxygen is noticeably thinner. Acclimation to the altitude is a must, and good physical condition advised. The journey winds through the valleys and hills of the surrounding area, taking you through the scenic landscape, from high alpine to cloud forests. The trail is '''physically demanding, but doable by any fit person''', barring specific health problems. If you have any concerns, check with a doctor. If you can walk and use stairs easily, you should be able to do it. No hiking experience is necessary, though the more used to hiking you are, the easier it will be. There are very few evacuations and deaths on the trail: the most likely risk is spraining your ankle and needing to be carried out. Many find the physical demands make the trip more rewarding, from the exertion and sense of accomplishment. If you are physically unable or concerned about your ability, you can also do a shorter 1-day or 2-day trek to Machu Picchu, take an easier trek like the valley trek to Machu Picchu, or go directly to Machu Picchu by rail. The trail, particularly the descent, is ideally suited to '''trekking poles''', which significantly reduce stress on your knees. Rubber tips are required, to protect the steps, and duct taping the tips on is highly recommended, otherwise they come off easily from impact or mud. You can buy new ones at home, rent good ones in town for cheap, or buy broomsticks, which are cheap and adequate, but not great. You cannot use local branches, as too many trees were being cut down, and these aren’t much good anyway. Consider shock-absorbing poles to further minimize stress. Many agencies operating from Cusco offer organised hikes along the trail, providing most of the equipment (tents, etc.) and people to carry it. Also, don't forget that the trail ends at Machu Picchu. Most Inca Trail hikers descend from the Sun Gate (Intipunko) at dawn and see Machu Picchu before the busloads of tourists show up around 10AM. '''Meals on the trail''' are often impressively delicious! If you're an experienced wilderness backpacker, you may be surprised by how luxurious the food is. Some tour companies can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary restrictions. The Inca Trail is part of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary, a protected area of 32,592 hectares, managed by the National State Protected Natural Areas Service, SERNANP. Every visitor must obey park regulations prohibiting littering, cutting or damaging trees, removing or damaging stones of ruins and the Trail, removing plants, killing animals, lighting open fires or camping in the archeological sites (Only authorized campsites can be used). ===Porters=== [[File:Crossing the bridge (3006028381).jpg|thumb|Porters at the beginning of the Inca Trail]] The trek is demanding enough without having to carry camping gear or clothes: use a porter (for camping gear) and a half (for change of clothes) and just carry your day pack. (This gives a job to a poor local farmer!) The Inca Trail is one of the relatively few treks globally that features porters: pack animals are not allowed on the trail because their hooves damage it. Porters are local Quechua farmers, typically poor and uneducated, and this is a major source of income for them. Most will not speak English or even much [[Spanish]]; knowing a few phrases of Quechua is a nice touch; see [[Quechua phrasebook]]. A guide is required, though porters are not, so you can backpack the trail, carrying all your own equipment. However, porters are widely used and recommended, since it's hard enough to hike with a day pack. Porters need to arrive much earlier than trekkers, to set up camp, so please be aware of porters running past you and give way. Beware of poor treatment of porters, notably inadequate equipment, food, or shelter, and excess loading: a heavily-loaded porter wearing plastic sandals is not tough, he is being exploited. Conditions have improved, but ill-treatment is still common, particularly on cut-rate treks. Please use an operator that treats its porters well, and consider learning more and getting involved in improving conditions. A documentary chronicling a year in the life of an Inca Trail porter, ''[http://www.michacrafilm.com Mi Chacra]{{Dead link|date=June 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}'', won the Grand Prize at the 2010 Banff Mountain Film Festival. [[File:We finally make it to the bottom of the Gringo Killer steps to witness this marvel of engineering, an Inca farming site perched on the side of the steep mountain (9657411176).jpg|thumb]] [[File:Wayllabamba Puesto de Vigilancia sign.jpg|thumb|Outline of the Inca Trail]] === When to go === May is best – start of dry season, so dry, sunny, and lush vegetation from the rains, and before high season and depths of winter. Weather is best May to September: fairly dry and sunny. June through August is high season (summer vacation in Northern Hemisphere), and hence books up far in advance, but is winter here (because Southern Hemisphere), so a bit cold at night. Thus, May and September are ideal. Fringe months of April and October are also OK, but more risk of rain. If hoping to see the sunrise, June and July are driest and best, but May and August (into early September) are often OK. November to March are the rainy season, so avoid if possible: cloudy skies (worse views), and rain, which soaks you, makes the rocks slick, and runs the risk of landslides, both on the trail and on roads. Less crowded though. The wettest months are January to April, when roads are often closed by landslides or flooding. The trail is closed in February to clean up the garbage left behind. '''Weather on the trail year-round''' features warm, comfortable days (around 20℃) and cold nights (often 5℃ or below), dropping to below freezing in the winter (June, July, August). Sun during the day and clouds at night increase the effective heat and cold. Accordingly, dress in layers. Pack warm clothes in your duffel (alpaca hat, gloves, and socks are cozy), and make sure you have a warm sleeping bag. Also, flip-flops to rest your feet at the end of the day will leave you with cold feet: bring light, loose, ''closed'' sandals instead. The air is dry, and dry''ing'': the low pressure means water evaporates more quickly. Drink plenty of water, and use moisturizer if desired. == Prepare == [[File:Camino-inca-dia2-c04.jpg|thumb|Day 2 of the trek, near Dead Woman's Pass]] === Book tickets === Tickets '''must be booked in advance''', far in advance for the high season, through an authorized local tour operator, as it is not allowed to organize your own trip. For the high season, tickets must be booked immediately when they become available: it's wise to book six months in advance or more. Get these trail tickets ''before'' your plane tickets. If booked up, consider rescheduling your trip, or taking one of the [[Inca Highlands#Alternative treks|alternative treks]] in the area, none of which require booking so far in advance. Don't expect to pick up last-minute cancellations, as tour organizers must register client passport numbers with the government, and they are strictly checked at control points on the trail. A '''passport''' is required both for reserving tickets, and for admission to the trail (copy ''not'' accepted), so you need to bring it in your day pack! It is easiest if you have the same passport when reserving your ticket as when you show up, so avoid renewing your passport or changing your name in the meantime: renew if necessary before, change name before or after. Tickets are by season: reservations are accepted from mid-January, for the season from March 1st to the following January 31st. Some agencies will accept pre-reservations and then book immediately when tickets become available. There are 500 permits available per day for the 4-, 5- and 7-day treks and 250 for the 2-day trek. This includes both trekkers and tour employees (guides and porters). Since there are about 1.5 employees per trekker, that leaves 40% for trekkers, so about 200 trekkers per day. You can check official availability of tickets at the [http://www.machupicchu.gob.pe ''Boletaje Virtual''] (Virtual Ticket) website. Beware that this is the ''total'' number left (trekkers and employees), so out of 500, and that days can book up in big chunks, due to booking a group (a group of 12 trekkers entail about 30 tickets total), so don't delay. Tickets for Machu Picchu should be included in your tour. Tickets are also required for '''Huayna Picchu''' (a large mountain nearby which you can hike up for magnificent views of Machu Picchu). Huayna Picchu is optional, and thus might be forgotten: make sure to get tickets in advance if interested! === Which tour? === [[File:Camino-inca-dia4-c06.jpg|thumb|Day 4 of a 4-day tour, descending to Machu Picchu]] There are two tour lengths: 4 days and 5 days. They both sleep 3 nights on the trail, and follow the same path, but have different schedules, and stop at different camp sites. It is also possible to take a short 2-day trek on a slightly different route, or visit Machu Picchu without the Inca Trail. The 4 day/3 night trek is the classic: on the last day you get into Machu Picchu early, see the sun rise, visit Machu Picchu, then go back to Cusco. The 5 day/4 night version is more leisurely, getting into Machu Picchu late on the fourth day for a brief look after most tourists have left; then you spend the night at [[Aguas Calientes]] and see Machu Picchu the next day. If you're tight on time or money, or you're a fast hiker, do the 4-day, otherwise do the 5-day: it's less rushed and crowded. The classic 4-day tour takes less time and is a bit faster and more demanding, particularly days 3 and 4: you have long days and relatively less sleep. It means you see the sun rise when you first get to Machu Picchu (assuming clear weather), but you'll likely be a bit tired, and may not be up to Huayna Picchu. You also may have a rushed day at Machu Picchu, and will need to plan your train back carefully if you want a full day at Machu Picchu, particularly to avoid the crowds. If you want, you can do the 4-day (arriving early) and then spend the night in Aguas Calientes, and see as much of Machu Picchu as you like, basically doing a fast-paced 5-day (with sunrise, and rest at the end). The 5-day tour is more leisurely: it misses the sunrise, and takes an extra day, but is otherwise more pleasant: you see Machu Picchu after the crowds have left (on the first day) and before most crowds arrive (on the second day), with nice dusk/dawn light (golden hour, good for photos), you can be rested for Huayna Picchu, and the campsites are less crowded, because most people are on the 4-day schedule. === Choose tour operator === You must use a local authorized tour operator, of which there are many. You can book with a tour operator directly, or use a travel agent in your country. Some operators, notably high-end ones, only work through agencies. Beware that being authorized is no guarantee of quality, and many agencies are fly-by-night operations run out a storefront in Cusco. It is safest to use an established, reputable agency: research agencies and their reviews online. However, there are some newer companies that you might take a chance on if you find their story or reviews compelling. When choosing an operator, consider what they offer—budget backpacking or high-end glamping? How big are the groups (or do you want a more expensive private tour)? Do you want to take a 4-day or 5-day (or 2-day) tour? Some operators only offer one. Will they arrange travel to/from Cusco? Which train service? And of course, operators and tours vary in price. Many operators treat porters very poorly; check reviews and story (touting social responsibility is no guarantee, but it's a hint). Beware that cut-rate operators invariably cut corners at the expense of porters, but some good value operators treat porters well, and being expensive is no guarantee that porters are treated well. Also, due to intermediaries, paying a high price to a travel agency may not result in the tour operator getting much of it. ==== Operators ==== <!-- Operators listed because *required* for trail. --> An operator is ''required''. Out of the about 200 companies, many are bad. Check reviews, guidebooks, and the companies’ own websites to decide, or rely on a travel agent to choose for you. Here are 15 well-respected companies, though there are other good ones. <!-- what do the years mean? Please clarify--> * [http://www.perutreks.com Peru Treks] (2002, Inca Trail Peru Treks S.A.C.): 4-day only, every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, socially responsible, small family company. Specialized: only does this trek, so very competent, but inflexible. * [http://www.llamapath.com Llama Path] (2004): various treks * [http://www.alpacaexpeditions.com Alpaca Expeditions] (2011): Provides full tours of Peru and a leader on treks to Machu Picchu with a license for the Inca Trail. * [http://www.unitedmice.com United Mice]{{Dead link|date=January 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} (1987): adventure travel throughout area, socially conscious (helps street children) * [http://www.sastravelperu.com SAS] (1990): Largest trail operator, full selection, award-winning; also offers other adventure tours (white-water rafting etc.). * [http://www.waykitrek.net Wayki Trek] * [http://www.andinatravel.com Andina Travel]{{Dead link|date=September 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} * [https://adventureinperu.com/ Adventure in Peru] {{Dead link|date=March 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} (2016)Provides full tours in Cusco day tours and multiple day tour to Machu Picchu * [https://trexperienceperu.com TreXperience] (2017): A top local operator offering group, private, and luxury Inca Trail tours to Machu Picchu. High-end * [http://www.enigmaperu.com Enigma] (2002): good porter treatment * [http://www.andeantreks.com Andean Treks] {{dead link|August 2018|December 2020}} (1970s, Inca Tours And Travel Adventure S.A.C): 5-day, South America-wide. * [http://www.explorandes.com Explorandes] (1975): 5-day, large Peru-wide company, environmentally conscious. * [http://www.gapadventures.com Grandes Aventuras del Peru (GAP)]: various offerings * [http://www.amazonas-explorer.com Amazonas Explorer]: 5-day, expensive, luxury * [http://www.apumayo.com Apumayo Expediciones] (1995): private/group tours only, very established and decorated, luxury options, wheelchair/accessible tours, various other offerings * [https://dreamy.tours/ Dreamy Tours] (2015): At Dreamy Tours, we offer unique experiences in Peru and Bolivia, from trekking routes like the Inca Trail to exclusive honeymoon trips and luxury getaways. * [https://grouptravelperu.com/ Group Travel Peru] (2017): Peruvian tourism agency that turns dreams into unforgettable adventures. We offer comprehensive and personalized solutions for exploring Peru and Bolivia. ==== Porters ==== There seem to be about 1½ porters per client on the trail, and you'll spend a fair amount of time getting out of their way as they hump all your gear to the next camp. Fortunately, the government has restricted the amount of gear tour operators can pile on each porter to 25 kg (including their personal stuff). You are allowed to pack only 6 kg for the porter to carry so choose carefully. On many tours you can pay extra for a personal porter to carry most of your things, although you will always want a daypack for water, snacks, and clothing. Consider hiring the extra porter, which allows you to carry 7 kg extra (from 7 kg to 14 kg). To be clear, the extra porter you hire is not just for you - he will carry an equal share of the whole set of gear to be transported, including everyone else's food, kitchen tent, etc. The tips for 'your porter' are part of the shared pool as well - so it's not really the case that you are paying for a porter for yourself. === Get fit === [[File:Inca Trail 2016.jpg|thumb|Stairs on the Inca Trail—tread carefully, especially if they're wet.]] You do not need to be particularly athletic to travel the Inca trail – so long as you are generally fit and can walk up and down stairs, you should be able to do it – but it helps make it safer and more enjoyable. Walking, hiking, using the stair machine, and doing weights for leg muscles all help you be specifically prepared for the trek, and make it easier. A half hour on a stair machine a few times before the trek is adequate, but further conditioning helps. Check with a doctor or trainer before engaging on a demanding exercise program. ;3 to 6 months beforehand – build muscles Muscles take time to build, and help with stability and endurance. Get training if any exercises are new to you. Squats are the best exercise for your legs and general stability; leg presses or quad extensions are acceptable alternatives. Dips are ideal preparation for pole use, as the movement (particularly downhill) is virtually identical. Triceps extensions are an acceptable alternative. ;3+ months beforehand – cardiovascular fitness Any regular cardiovascular exercise is acceptable, though walking or running are the easiest option for most people. Hiking, particularly rough terrain at altitude, is best, if possible. ;1 month beforehand – muscular endurance Muscular endurance decays quickly, so do shortly before departure. An hour on a stair machine 3 times or more per week is ideal, though steppers, sloped treadmills, or climbing actual stairs is also ok. === Arrange gear === Packing is a complicated tradeoff: bring enough to be comfortable, but minimize weight, and split between day pack and duffel. It also depends on the type of trek (will water be provided?) * Passport * First aid kit [[File:Petzl tikka xp.jpg|thumb|Headlamp (or flashlight) necessary at night, and possibly for early-morning hiking]] * Headlamp/flashlight * Warm top/bottom for the evenings * Hiking boots; runners are possible if you don't mind them getting thrashed by the rocky trail and you have strong ankles * Wash kit, 2L water bottle and water purifying tablets * Sunblock (SPF 30+), UV-blocking sunglasses, and sun-blocking lip balm – you're outdoors, at altitude, by the equator: the sun is ''very'' strong, and clouds don't block it * Hat, preferably something covering your neck to protect from the high-altitude sun * Cash to tip porters and guides and buy snacks along the way, including a handful of one-sol coins for the bathrooms on the first day and at Machu Picchu * Long pants or slacks * Long-sleeved shirts * Several T-shirts * Rain wear (you never know when it will rain even if it's the dry season) * Camera. * Insect repellent * Personal toiletries * A light backpack * Gloves, scarf, warm socks * A towel and toilet paper * Maybe earplugs – your companions are likely to snore; this is partly periodic breathing, part of acclimatization to altitude (see [[altitude sickness]]) * Possibly an inflatable mattresses – at US$25 per person, renting one of these means you get two mattresses, a normal one and in addition an inflatable one on top, making it exceedingly and maybe excessively comfortable === Acclimatize === [[File:Inca Trail Altitude Graph.jpeg|thumb|Altitude on the Inca Trail. The highest point is Dead Woman's Pass at 4200 m.]] At its highest, the trail reaches 4200 m above sea level, so you should spend at least 2 days in [[Cusco]] acclimatizing before you start the trek. If you don't, [[altitude sickness]] could make your first few days pretty uncomfortable. Be aware that at 3400 m altitude, there's a risk for altitude sickness in Cusco too, so ideally, start with a day or two in the Sacred Valley, to acclimatize gradually to altitude before your trek. See [[Inca Highlands]] for what to do before your trek. == Get in == See [[Inca Highlands]]. You first need to spend a few nights in Cusco (and before that, preferably a night or two in the [[Sacred Valley]]) to acclimatize to the altitude. From Cusco, you can take a train, bus, or private car to the trailhead. This will likely be arranged by your tour group, so you just need to get to Cusco. Some tour companies may also be able to pick you up from [[Ollantaytambo]] or [[Urubamba]] instead of Cusco. Since these are closer to the trailhead, this option lets you get a couple extra hours of sleep before starting the trail. == Costs == Around US$400 at least. If you are paying less than US$350 for the 4 day trip, something is fishy, and porters are probably being treated very poorly. Make sure your tour includes the entrance ticket to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu (US$85) and the Vistadome train (US$71) back to Cusco. '''Tipping''' is expected, and a significant portion of the income, especially for porters. Verify exact composition of crew, expected tip amount, and protocol before the trek, and prepare tips. Use clean bills, given on either on last morning on the trail (for 5-day trek), or last night (for 4-day, due to early start), since porters return home early the last day. Please tip in soles, not foreign currency, to avoid giving porters the inconvenience of finding a currency exchange place and paying their (probably significant) fees. ==Go== {{mapframe| -13.205 | -72.469 |zoom=12|width=600|name=Map of the Inca Trail}} {{mapshape|type=geoline|wikidata=Q6014019|stroke=#000000|stroke-width=3|title=Inca Trail}} The following roughly describes a typical 4-day trip along the Inca Trail. Everyone takes the same route, but your timing and campsites will depend on your tour operator, the speed of your group, and other considerations. Your ability to tour and explore the ruins will also depend on your particular tour: the 5-day tours include plenty of time for all the ruins, but many 4-day tours end up rushing past some of them without a chance to look around. In particular, Runkuracay and Wiñay Wayna are likely to be skipped on some versions of the trek that put them close to the end of a long day of hiking. The trail has stairs, most of which were put in by the Incas. The rocks are rough and uneven, and very slippery when wet. It is very easy to sprain your ankle, particularly when descending. Use trekking poles for balance, tread carefully, and be very careful when wet. Don’t rush, particularly on the 2nd day climbing up to Warmiwañusqa (Dead Woman’s Pass) – you have to climb down afterwards, after all. Slow and steady is better than rushing ahead and getting sweaty and winded. More subtly, climb ''down'' slowly, using poles – your knees will thank you. Toilets are found every couple of hours along the trail. On the first day they are sit-down toilets that cost S/1 to use; after that they are free squat toilets. They are filthy and lack toilet paper. Bring toilet paper and hand sanitizer or soap (benzalkonium chloride is best for the dry season, as it does not dry out your already-dry hands; soap is fine, though water may not always be available). ===Day 1: Cusco to Wayllabamba=== [[File:Llactapata.jpg|thumb|Llactapata]] Your operator will probably pick you up early in the morning at your hotel in {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Cusco]]|lat=-13.525|long=-71.972222|image=Plaza de Armas - Cusco.jpg}} for a drive to the trailhead. On the way, you might stop in {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Urubamba]]|lat=-13.304167|long=-72.116667|image=Urubambatown.jpg}} or {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Ollantaytambo]]|lat=-13.258056|long=-72.263333|image=Town of Ollantaytambo.jpg}} for supplies or breakfast. When you reach the trailhead at {{marker|type=other|name=Piscachuco|lat=-13.214213|long=-72.380648|image=Bridge, Inca Trail - Day 1.jpg}}, you can buy a few last-minute supplies like toilet paper, coca leaves, and mosquito repellent. Then you'll go through a control checkpoint and set off by crossing a bridge across the river. From a distance, you'll see the ruins of {{marker|type=other|name=Qhanabamba|lat=-13.2310964|long=-72.40655|image=Qhanabamba.jpg}} and then the former large Inca settlement of {{marker|type=other|name=Llactapata|lat=-13.2349773|long=-72.4218254|image=Llactapata.jpg}} (aka Patallacta), both in the valley below you. You should then get a chance to explore the Inca fort of {{marker|type=other|name=Huillca Raccay|lat=-13.235554|long=-72.423446|image=Huillca Raccay - ruin on the Inca Trail.jpg}}, located on the trail overlooking Llactapata—this hill fort, which mostly consists of rows of small Inca buildings, is where many of the inhabitants of Llactapata worked. If you're feeling like this day was easier than you expected, don't get cocky – day two is much harder. Settle in for the night at {{marker|type=other|name=Wayllabamba|lat=-13.263747|long=-72.446291|image=Wayllabamba, village on the Inca Trail.jpg}} and rest up for the hardest day of the trek. Wayllabamba, by the way, is actually a village rather than just a campground, and you can buy drinks and snacks here. The kids who live here have to commute all the way along the trail you've just taken and then take a bus to Ollantaytambo just to go to school. ===Day 2: Dead Woman's Pass=== [[File:Dead Woman's Pass.jpg|thumb|Dead Woman's Pass, so named because from this angle part of it is said to resemble a woman's face looking up]] Day 1 of the Inca Trail is said to be the easy day. Day 3 is the long day. Day 2? This is the hard day. You won't be spending your time touring ruins today—instead, your main goal is the difficult slog up and down the trail's highest mountain pass. Your guide may give you something to help with the altitude; even if not, some coca tea or leaves to chew can help. After another early wake-up call, you'll pass the campsites of {{marker|type=other|name=Ayapata|lat=-13.258310|long=-72.461437|image=Ayapata campsite on the Inca Trail.jpg}} and {{marker|type=other|name=Llulluchapampa|lat=-13.250164|long=-72.472271|image=Food and drinks for sale at Llulluchapampa.jpg}} (your final opportunities to buy any last essentials, like water, snacks, toilet paper, or wine). Then comes the steep and difficult ascent to {{marker|type=other|name=Dead Woman's Pass|lat=-13.243081|long=-72.483972|image=Dead Woman's Pass from above.jpg}} ('''Warmiwañusqa'''/'''Huarmihuañusca''') at 4200m, the highest point of the trek. For most trekkers, the last chunk is especially tough because of the altitude, so take it slow. Take breaks as often as you need to, and don't try to compete with other hikers. When you do reach the pass, take in the breathtaking views while you celebrate your accomplishment—you've just completed the hardest section of the trail. Then descend to your campsite at {{marker|type=other|name=Pacaymayu|lat=-13.233803|long=-72.498212|image=Pacaymayu campsite on the Inca Trail.jpg}} for some well-deserved rest. Make sure to have a jacket on hand for this day—temperatures can drop drastically with altitude. The campsite is quite high up too, at about 3600m, and it gets cold at night. ===Day 3: Phuyupatamarca and Wiñay Wayna=== [[File:Phuyupatamarca (cloud-level town).jpg|thumb|Phuyupatamarca]] Set off early (are you sensing a pattern?) for another full day of hiking. Day 3 will take you past several impressive Inca ruins. Start by seeing the ruins of {{marker|type=other|name=Runkuracay|lat=-13.228336|long=-72.501400|image=Ruins Of Rest-hut, Inca Trail.jpg}}, a semicircular Inca watchtower where sentries once looked out over the valley below, and crossing the 4000m {{marker|type=other|name=Runkuracay Pass|lat=-13.226694|long=-72.505344|image=Runkuracay Pass.jpg}}. At this pass there are a couple of small side trails you can take for views of the valleys on either side. Then you'll pass the "inaccessible town" of {{marker|type=other|name=Sayacmarka|lat=-13.227973|long=-72.516731|image=Sayacmarka.jpg}}, a large set of ruins which despite its nickname is open for exploring. Sayacmarka is the biggest archeological site so far and includes both a residential area and a sun temple. Down below Sayacmarka is the much smaller site of {{marker|type=other|name=Qonchamarka|lat=-13.2270931|long=-72.5172729|image=Conchamarka (cooking stove spot).jpg}}, which you'll see from afar and then walk past, but are not allowed to enter. Now that you're past the second pass, you'll notice a striking difference in climate and wildlife – suddenly you're in a lush, moist forest with colorful plants. This area, known as a cloud forest, looks almost like a mountainside rainforest, and it's hard to believe it can exist so close to the austere peaks and grassy scrubland you've just passed. [[File:Epidendrum secundum Winaywayna.jpg|thumb|Colorful orchids can be found along the trail. This one is seen in front of the ruins of Wiñay Wayna.]] Then come three more ruins that you can explore, assuming your group walks fast enough to give you time! First is {{marker|type=other| name=Phuyupatamarca|lat=-13.2063638|long=-72.5318159|image=Phuyupatamarca (cloud-level town).jpg}}—"Town in the Clouds", an appropriate name given how often it's shrouded in fog. Located at an altitude of 3600 m, this is an impressive and well-preserved set of ruins, including agricultural terraces and ceremonial baths. Look for the water channels that connect the baths, a surviving demonstration of high-quality Inca engineering. Next is {{marker|type=other|name=Intipata|lat=-13.185638|long=-72.541273|image=Inca trail intipata.jpg}}, a truly huge set of agricultural terraces with amazing views of the mountains—if you're lucky you might have the time and energy to wear yourself out walking up and down the long flights of stairs between the terraces. Finally, make your way to {{marker|type=other|name=Wiñay Wayna|lat=-13.192149|long=-72.536551|image=Wiñay Wayna ruins on the Inca Trail.jpg}}, the largest set of ruins on the trail (aside from Machu Picchu, of course). Wiñay Wayna includes ruins of residential buildings, several storehouses, and terraces where food was grown to be sent to Machu Picchu. For most tours, this is also near the location of your last campsite. Note: your campsite for this day may be somewhat unpredictable—while the Wiñay Wayna campsite is the most popular because of its proximity to Machu Picchu, space considerations sometimes mean that groups are allocated space at the farther away Phuyupatamarca campsite instead, especially in the high season. Space is allocated by the government, so this is outside the tour operators' control. If your operator plans to camp at Wiñay Wayna, you probably will, but they can't guarantee it 100%. ===Day 4: Machu Picchu=== [[File:Peru Machu Picchu Sunrise 2.jpg|thumb|Sunrise at Machu Picchu]] This is one of the world's most rewarding day-hikes. Wake up ''very'' early for a hike in darkness of just a few kilometers to reach your destination before sunrise. You will find that the Trail is fairly easy until you have to go up the steep "gringo killer" stairs. The final climb brings you to {{marker|type=other|name=Inti Punku|lat=-13.169662|long=-72.533888|image=Tourists at Inti Punku.jpg}}, the '''Sun Gate''', where you achieve your first and most picturesque view of {{marker|type=other|name=[[Machu Picchu]]|lat=-13.164808|long=-72.543623|image=Machu Picchu, Perú, 2015-07-30, DD 40.JPG}}. Now there's another hour or so of hiking, during which you'll pass a couple of smaller ruins and watch the main part of the ruins slowly get closer and closer. Finally, you'll make it: one of the most famous sets of ruins in the world, and with good reason. It's spectacular, huge, and very well preserved and restored, full of Inca houses, temples, streets, terraces, and so on. The ruins you saw on the way were just a shadow of the impressive engineering on display here, in the form of systems of running water and temple walls composed of huge, perfectly cut boulders. It's true that Machu Picchu is crowded, especially compared to the sites you saw on the trail, but the crowds are worth it for an unparalleled look at what remains from the height of Inca civilization. Depending on your exact itinerary, you'll be at Machu Picchu either in the morning (6AM–noon) or the afternoon (noon–5:30PM). If you have a morning ticket, you won't be kicked out at noon, but you won't be allowed to re-enter if you leave to use the toilets, which are outside the gate. Machu Picchu is most crowded at midday and clears out by 4PM, when the last train heads back to Cusco, so take your time finishing the hike. Late afternoon is the prettiest time to wander through the intricate stonework. The last bus down to {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Aguas Calientes]]|lat=-13.154833|long=-72.525333|image=Machu Picchu, Peru - Laslovarga (27).jpg}}, at the foot of Machu Picchu, departs shortly after the gates close in the afternoon. After touring Machu Picchu, you can choose to take a hike to {{marker|type=vicinity|name=Huayna Picchu|lat=-13.1575|long=-72.547222|image=Wayna Picchu, Peru-27Oct2009.jpg}} to see the beautiful views of the site. This may cost extra. ==Getting out== === Which train to take === Beware: if you are not spending the night in Aguas Calientes (4-day/3-night trip), then you only have part of one day in Machu Picchu, and thus your return train ticket from Machu Picchu will have a large impact on how much time you can spend there and whether or not you have time to climb Huayna Picchu at all. If you are spending this night, this isn't an issue. When you are booking an Inca Trail ticket from home, you may think the time of your train is a very low priority item. You are probably assuming that someone else made sure you have enough time to spend at Machu Picchu. But the reality is that trains get booked and your trail operator may buy you a train ticket out of Aguas Calientes at 1PM. To make it to this train, you will have to be at the train station at 12:30, which means you have to leave Machu Picchu by no later than noon, which means that you will be there only briefly, and have to leave it when it is the most crowded. Machu Picchu is the best in the first half hour after opening and during the last two hours before closing. Most people are gone after 3PM, and the light till 5PM is gorgeous, the heat a little gentler, and you can sit on a patch of grass and soak in the place. You do not want to miss this. It will make Machu Picchu yours. At 10AM Machu Picchu is crowded, loud, and bustling. You will be running around to not lose track of your tour group. At 4PM you can really see it at your own pace, and hang out with the resident chinchillas and llamas. But to do that, you have to take a later train. ==Stay safe== Statistics on hazards on the Inca trail are not available, and probably do not exist: injuries and petty crimes are not reported, so all information is anecdotal. With proper precautions, and a bit of luck, you'll be fine, and major problems are rare, but more minor problems are common. At the end of the trail, beware of falls at Machu Picchu, especially at Huayna Picchu. The most common issues on the Inca trail are: altitude sickness, lack of potable water, filthy bathrooms, sprains and broken bones, and petty theft. More serious issues are heart attacks, falling off the trail, landslides, lack of medical facilities, difficulty in rescue and evacuation, and lack of police. Deaths are quite rare (a handful or fewer per year, out of tens of thousands of trekkers), and typically make news. Similarly, serious crimes (murder, rape) are rare, though rape attempts of single women are reported at Wiñay Wayna, particularly when using toilet late at night: safest is to always be in a pair or group at night. The tap water in Peru is not potable. Do not drink it. You must either boil water for five full minutes or drink bottled water. Your tour operator will have plans for what to do about [[water]] during the trek, so ask what you should bring. In any case, it's a good idea to have '''water purification tablets''' on hand in case of emergency. Because you are visiting Andean areas, don't forget to take precautions to avoid [[altitude sickness]] if you are prone to it. Be sure to try a hot tea or an infusion of coca leaves on arrival at altitude. During your first day move slowly and eat lightly, resting the first couple of hours. At night you may be woken by the screams of a panicking trekker who is suffering an acute case of altitude sickness, and requires oxygen (particularly at Paqaymayu, the largest and usually highest campsite). Don't be scared, but acclimatize properly so this isn't you. Sample altitudes above sea level: *Cusco: 3,360 m (11,000 ft) *Machu Picchu: 2,400 m (7,800 ft) *Urubamba Valley: 2,850m (9,300 ft) *highest point on the trail: 4,200 m (13,600 ft) ===Theft=== Theft is common, primarily of unattended items at camp, and occurs particularly at meal time, when washing or using the toilet, and when sleeping: even experienced tour operators suffer theft. This is especially a problem at crowded campsites, notably Paqaymayu and Wiñay Wayna, which are crawling with people and virtually impossible to secure. More aggressive theft (armed robbery, tent slashing) is now rare, however. Prime targets include sunglasses, cell phones, cameras, lenses (camera and sunglasses), money, trekking poles, head lamps, and beer. Thieves are primarily porters (from your own group or another) or locals, who are very poor: there is no need to be overtly suspicious, but never let your guard down. You cannot realistically protect everything perfectly, but you can minimize risk. As a precaution, avoid bringing valuables. Leave jewelry at home, and consider bringing a smaller, cheaper camera. Unfortunately, you must bring your passport and tip money on the trail, and much gear is expensive. Whatever valuable items you do bring should be kept on your person at all times. Your passport is the most serious, since this is disastrous if stolen. Fortunately, this and money are easy to secure, if awkward: use a money belt, even at night. Do ''not'' use a neck pouch at night, due to strangulation risk. Safest is to give these to someone when washing. Leave nothing unattended, especially at meal time. Safest is to have multi-person tents, with someone always there, and either eat in your tent or bring your bags to meal. This is a bit paranoid, and you can generally leave bulky items (clothes, trail shoes) in your tent. Don't leave anything outside the tent, even shoes or clothes, especially at night (not just to because of theft but also in case of rain and dew). Leave nothing valuable inside tent entrance or in easy-access pockets. Hide bulkier items mixed with other items in bags inside of bags inside of deep pockets Backpack pockets, pant pockets, shirt pockets, etc. are easily searched. The more layers (bags, zippers, etc.), the less likely a rushed thief is to risk opening all of them or risk taking a large item. This provides added protection for items such as sunglasses, cameras, and lenses. Hide valuables when approaching campsite, if possible. ===Injuries, evacuation, and death=== [[File:Inca trail, Peru.jpg|thumb]] Serious injuries and death are very rare, but possible. Medical emergencies are very dangerous, due to the remoteness. Medical facilities on the trail are limited, and evacuation and rescue are slow and difficult. The closest major facilities are in Cusco, many hours away. If you are at risk of a medical emergency that would need a hospital, you risk death. Prior to Warmiwañusqa, you can turn back. Once you pass Warmiwañusqa, there’s no turning back: the fastest and safest way out is onward to Machu Picchu. If you are injured, you will need to walk out or be carried out (if you cannot walk); horse are available for the first day, but not afterwards. Helicopter evacuation is possible from Machu Picchu, but not from the trail itself. Usual evacuation proceeds via Aguas Calientes (if past Warmiwañusqa), Ullantaytampu, then to Cusco. If you fall off the trail, you will likely be seriously injured or die: off a sheer drop you will likely die, while if you fall into vegetation you will likely not be able to climb back up (mountainsides are scree covered with thick vegetation), and need to be rescued by a team with machetes and a basket stretcher, which can take hours. It is safest to not be alone on the trail: if something happens, it can be some time before you are found, and if you fall off out of sight, it may be hours or days before you are found. Be aware of the language problem: English is often limited, and porters may only speak [[Quechua]]. Please document and learn to state any medical conditions in [[Spanish]]. ==Go next== * [[Machu Picchu]], of course. * [[Aguas Calientes]], if spending the night. * [[Ollantaytambo]], other major Inca ruin, and on the train back * Other sights in and around the [[Sacred Valley]] and [[Cusco]]. ===Other treks=== Many alternative treks in the area, some also ending at Machu Picchu, are run by some of the same companies. * Keep hiking, by long, demanding hike to [[Choquequirao]] (similar ruin to Machu Picchu, much less-known), then short (2-day) hike down to [[Cachora]] and bus back to Cusco. * [[Salkantay Trek]], passing by the staggeringly tall Salkantay peak on the way to Machu Picchu * Two-day Inca Trail, where you only hike past a few ruins, for people who want a taste of the Inca Trail but aren't ready for a big four-day trek {{geo|-13.27|-71.87|zoom=9}} {{Related|Inca Highlands}} {{Related|Sacred Valley of the Incas}} {{guideitinerary}} {{PartOfItinerary|South America itineraries}} dc0udwafy0l0r3zq4rrhdhi3c0b7aq7 5086812 5086800 2025-07-02T22:03:39Z Ground Zero 1423298 No touting per [[wv:tout]] 5086812 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|BannerInca.jpg|unesco=yes|ftt=yes}} [[File:IncaTrail.JPG|thumb|A section of the Inca trail]] The '''Inca trail''' to [[Machu Picchu]], the "Lost City of the Incas", is a world-famous trek in [[Peru]]. It's the best known part of the Inca road system, which was listed as a [[UNESCO World Heritage site]] in 2014. The hike takes you past staggering mountain scenery and many impressive Inca ruins, through ecosystems ranging from mossy forests to stark peaks. For much of the trail, you're walking on the very stone paths laid by the Incas hundreds of years ago. Treks vary significantly in style, from budget backpacking to high-end glamping, but typically consist of 4 days and 3 nights on the trail itself. While the main route is fixed, timing and campsites vary. The trail requires reservations months in advance, and all trekkers must be part of a tour group, which includes porters and a guide. In addition to keeping you safe, organized, and on schedule, guides have extensive knowledge of the ruins, their history, and the variety of plants and animals that can be found along the trail. Visits generally start from [[Cusco]], the capital of the Incas. Due to the need to acclimatize to the altitude for a few days, the trek itself must be part of a longer trip, usually a few days in Cusco and the [[Sacred Valley]]; see [[Inca Highlands]]. == Understand == [[File:Peru Wiñay Wayna.jpg|thumb|Inca ruins on the trail, open for exploration and way less crowded than Machu Picchu]] [[File:WildlifeAlpaka.jpg|thumb|Animals seen along the Salkantay / Inca trail]] Many countries have mountain ranges with beautiful scenery and Peru itself is richly blessed in this respect with many other areas for hiking. However the scenery is only one of the elements responsible for the magic of the Inca Trail. Can there be any walk anywhere in the world with such a combination of natural beauty, history and sheer mystery and with such an awe-inspiring destination? The various Inca ruins along the way serve to heighten the hiker's sense of anticipation as he or she approaches what would surely find a place in any new list of archaeological wonders of the world - Machu Picchu. The ruins on the trail are all many times less crowded than Machu Picchu, and most are open for exploration without the ropes and blocked-off areas at your final destination. If you're lucky, you'll also see colorful flowers and birds, and possibly even other animals on the trail. At the height of the Inca Empire, their road system was the most extensive transportation system in South America, stretching from what is now [[Colombia]] all the way to central [[Chile]]. The branching network of roads, many of them paved with stones, totaled close to 40,000 kilometers. Unfortunately, with the conquest of the Inca Empire by the Spanish in the 1500s, most of the roads have been destroyed or left to deteriorate. Many of the surviving portions are unmapped and little explored, but a few sections have been cleaned up and restored. The most famous of these is the Inca Trail, which allows you to walk in the footsteps of the Incas, on the same stone paths that they laid and used to get to Machu Picchu hundreds of years ago. The trail is 45 km/26 miles from start to finish, but it feels like more: you gain and lose hundreds of meters of altitude multiple times, and much of the trek is above 3,000 meters where oxygen is noticeably thinner. Acclimation to the altitude is a must, and good physical condition advised. The journey winds through the valleys and hills of the surrounding area, taking you through the scenic landscape, from high alpine to cloud forests. The trail is '''physically demanding, but doable by any fit person''', barring specific health problems. If you have any concerns, check with a doctor. If you can walk and use stairs easily, you should be able to do it. No hiking experience is necessary, though the more used to hiking you are, the easier it will be. There are very few evacuations and deaths on the trail: the most likely risk is spraining your ankle and needing to be carried out. Many find the physical demands make the trip more rewarding, from the exertion and sense of accomplishment. If you are physically unable or concerned about your ability, you can also do a shorter 1-day or 2-day trek to Machu Picchu, take an easier trek like the valley trek to Machu Picchu, or go directly to Machu Picchu by rail. The trail, particularly the descent, is ideally suited to '''trekking poles''', which significantly reduce stress on your knees. Rubber tips are required, to protect the steps, and duct taping the tips on is highly recommended, otherwise they come off easily from impact or mud. You can buy new ones at home, rent good ones in town for cheap, or buy broomsticks, which are cheap and adequate, but not great. You cannot use local branches, as too many trees were being cut down, and these aren’t much good anyway. Consider shock-absorbing poles to further minimize stress. Many agencies operating from Cusco offer organised hikes along the trail, providing most of the equipment (tents, etc.) and people to carry it. Also, don't forget that the trail ends at Machu Picchu. Most Inca Trail hikers descend from the Sun Gate (Intipunko) at dawn and see Machu Picchu before the busloads of tourists show up around 10AM. '''Meals on the trail''' are often impressively delicious! If you're an experienced wilderness backpacker, you may be surprised by how luxurious the food is. Some tour companies can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary restrictions. The Inca Trail is part of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary, a protected area of 32,592 hectares, managed by the National State Protected Natural Areas Service, SERNANP. Every visitor must obey park regulations prohibiting littering, cutting or damaging trees, removing or damaging stones of ruins and the Trail, removing plants, killing animals, lighting open fires or camping in the archeological sites (Only authorized campsites can be used). ===Porters=== [[File:Crossing the bridge (3006028381).jpg|thumb|Porters at the beginning of the Inca Trail]] The trek is demanding enough without having to carry camping gear or clothes: use a porter (for camping gear) and a half (for change of clothes) and just carry your day pack. (This gives a job to a poor local farmer!) The Inca Trail is one of the relatively few treks globally that features porters: pack animals are not allowed on the trail because their hooves damage it. Porters are local Quechua farmers, typically poor and uneducated, and this is a major source of income for them. Most will not speak English or even much [[Spanish]]; knowing a few phrases of Quechua is a nice touch; see [[Quechua phrasebook]]. A guide is required, though porters are not, so you can backpack the trail, carrying all your own equipment. However, porters are widely used and recommended, since it's hard enough to hike with a day pack. Porters need to arrive much earlier than trekkers, to set up camp, so please be aware of porters running past you and give way. Beware of poor treatment of porters, notably inadequate equipment, food, or shelter, and excess loading: a heavily-loaded porter wearing plastic sandals is not tough, he is being exploited. Conditions have improved, but ill-treatment is still common, particularly on cut-rate treks. Please use an operator that treats its porters well, and consider learning more and getting involved in improving conditions. A documentary chronicling a year in the life of an Inca Trail porter, ''[http://www.michacrafilm.com Mi Chacra]{{Dead link|date=June 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}'', won the Grand Prize at the 2010 Banff Mountain Film Festival. [[File:We finally make it to the bottom of the Gringo Killer steps to witness this marvel of engineering, an Inca farming site perched on the side of the steep mountain (9657411176).jpg|thumb]] [[File:Wayllabamba Puesto de Vigilancia sign.jpg|thumb|Outline of the Inca Trail]] === When to go === May is best – start of dry season, so dry, sunny, and lush vegetation from the rains, and before high season and depths of winter. Weather is best May to September: fairly dry and sunny. June through August is high season (summer vacation in Northern Hemisphere), and hence books up far in advance, but is winter here (because Southern Hemisphere), so a bit cold at night. Thus, May and September are ideal. Fringe months of April and October are also OK, but more risk of rain. If hoping to see the sunrise, June and July are driest and best, but May and August (into early September) are often OK. November to March are the rainy season, so avoid if possible: cloudy skies (worse views), and rain, which soaks you, makes the rocks slick, and runs the risk of landslides, both on the trail and on roads. Less crowded though. The wettest months are January to April, when roads are often closed by landslides or flooding. The trail is closed in February to clean up the garbage left behind. '''Weather on the trail year-round''' features warm, comfortable days (around 20℃) and cold nights (often 5℃ or below), dropping to below freezing in the winter (June, July, August). Sun during the day and clouds at night increase the effective heat and cold. Accordingly, dress in layers. Pack warm clothes in your duffel (alpaca hat, gloves, and socks are cozy), and make sure you have a warm sleeping bag. Also, flip-flops to rest your feet at the end of the day will leave you with cold feet: bring light, loose, ''closed'' sandals instead. The air is dry, and dry''ing'': the low pressure means water evaporates more quickly. Drink plenty of water, and use moisturizer if desired. == Prepare == [[File:Camino-inca-dia2-c04.jpg|thumb|Day 2 of the trek, near Dead Woman's Pass]] === Book tickets === Tickets '''must be booked in advance''', far in advance for the high season, through an authorized local tour operator, as it is not allowed to organize your own trip. For the high season, tickets must be booked immediately when they become available: it's wise to book six months in advance or more. Get these trail tickets ''before'' your plane tickets. If booked up, consider rescheduling your trip, or taking one of the [[Inca Highlands#Alternative treks|alternative treks]] in the area, none of which require booking so far in advance. Don't expect to pick up last-minute cancellations, as tour organizers must register client passport numbers with the government, and they are strictly checked at control points on the trail. A '''passport''' is required both for reserving tickets, and for admission to the trail (copy ''not'' accepted), so you need to bring it in your day pack! It is easiest if you have the same passport when reserving your ticket as when you show up, so avoid renewing your passport or changing your name in the meantime: renew if necessary before, change name before or after. Tickets are by season: reservations are accepted from mid-January, for the season from March 1st to the following January 31st. Some agencies will accept pre-reservations and then book immediately when tickets become available. There are 500 permits available per day for the 4-, 5- and 7-day treks and 250 for the 2-day trek. This includes both trekkers and tour employees (guides and porters). Since there are about 1.5 employees per trekker, that leaves 40% for trekkers, so about 200 trekkers per day. You can check official availability of tickets at the [http://www.machupicchu.gob.pe ''Boletaje Virtual''] (Virtual Ticket) website. Beware that this is the ''total'' number left (trekkers and employees), so out of 500, and that days can book up in big chunks, due to booking a group (a group of 12 trekkers entail about 30 tickets total), so don't delay. Tickets for Machu Picchu should be included in your tour. Tickets are also required for '''Huayna Picchu''' (a large mountain nearby which you can hike up for magnificent views of Machu Picchu). Huayna Picchu is optional, and thus might be forgotten: make sure to get tickets in advance if interested! === Which tour? === [[File:Camino-inca-dia4-c06.jpg|thumb|Day 4 of a 4-day tour, descending to Machu Picchu]] There are two tour lengths: 4 days and 5 days. They both sleep 3 nights on the trail, and follow the same path, but have different schedules, and stop at different camp sites. It is also possible to take a short 2-day trek on a slightly different route, or visit Machu Picchu without the Inca Trail. The 4 day/3 night trek is the classic: on the last day you get into Machu Picchu early, see the sun rise, visit Machu Picchu, then go back to Cusco. The 5 day/4 night version is more leisurely, getting into Machu Picchu late on the fourth day for a brief look after most tourists have left; then you spend the night at [[Aguas Calientes]] and see Machu Picchu the next day. If you're tight on time or money, or you're a fast hiker, do the 4-day, otherwise do the 5-day: it's less rushed and crowded. The classic 4-day tour takes less time and is a bit faster and more demanding, particularly days 3 and 4: you have long days and relatively less sleep. It means you see the sun rise when you first get to Machu Picchu (assuming clear weather), but you'll likely be a bit tired, and may not be up to Huayna Picchu. You also may have a rushed day at Machu Picchu, and will need to plan your train back carefully if you want a full day at Machu Picchu, particularly to avoid the crowds. If you want, you can do the 4-day (arriving early) and then spend the night in Aguas Calientes, and see as much of Machu Picchu as you like, basically doing a fast-paced 5-day (with sunrise, and rest at the end). The 5-day tour is more leisurely: it misses the sunrise, and takes an extra day, but is otherwise more pleasant: you see Machu Picchu after the crowds have left (on the first day) and before most crowds arrive (on the second day), with nice dusk/dawn light (golden hour, good for photos), you can be rested for Huayna Picchu, and the campsites are less crowded, because most people are on the 4-day schedule. === Choose tour operator === You must use a local authorized tour operator, of which there are many. You can book with a tour operator directly, or use a travel agent in your country. Some operators, notably high-end ones, only work through agencies. Beware that being authorized is no guarantee of quality, and many agencies are fly-by-night operations run out a storefront in Cusco. It is safest to use an established, reputable agency: research agencies and their reviews online. However, there are some newer companies that you might take a chance on if you find their story or reviews compelling. When choosing an operator, consider what they offer—budget backpacking or high-end glamping? How big are the groups (or do you want a more expensive private tour)? Do you want to take a 4-day or 5-day (or 2-day) tour? Some operators only offer one. Will they arrange travel to/from Cusco? Which train service? And of course, operators and tours vary in price. Many operators treat porters very poorly; check reviews and story (touting social responsibility is no guarantee, but it's a hint). Beware that cut-rate operators invariably cut corners at the expense of porters, but some good value operators treat porters well, and being expensive is no guarantee that porters are treated well. Also, due to intermediaries, paying a high price to a travel agency may not result in the tour operator getting much of it. ==== Operators ==== <!-- Operators listed because *required* for trail. --> An operator is ''required''. Out of the about 200 companies, many are bad. Check reviews, guidebooks, and the companies’ own websites to decide, or rely on a travel agent to choose for you. Here are 15 well-respected companies, though there are other good ones. <!-- what do the years mean? Please clarify--> * [http://www.perutreks.com Peru Treks] (2002, Inca Trail Peru Treks S.A.C.): 4-day only, every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, socially responsible, small family company. Specialized: only does this trek, so very competent, but inflexible. * [http://www.llamapath.com Llama Path] (2004): various treks * [http://www.alpacaexpeditions.com Alpaca Expeditions] (2011): Provides full tours of Peru and a leader on treks to Machu Picchu with a license for the Inca Trail. * [http://www.unitedmice.com United Mice]{{Dead link|date=January 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} (1987): adventure travel throughout area, socially conscious (helps street children) * [http://www.sastravelperu.com SAS] (1990): Largest trail operator, full selection, award-winning; also offers other adventure tours (white-water rafting etc.). * [http://www.waykitrek.net Wayki Trek] * [http://www.andinatravel.com Andina Travel]{{Dead link|date=September 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} * [https://adventureinperu.com/ Adventure in Peru] {{Dead link|date=March 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} (2016)Provides full tours in Cusco day tours and multiple day tour to Machu Picchu * [https://trexperienceperu.com TreXperience] (2017): A top local operator offering group, private, and luxury Inca Trail tours to Machu Picchu. High-end * [http://www.enigmaperu.com Enigma] (2002): good porter treatment * [http://www.andeantreks.com Andean Treks] {{dead link|August 2018|December 2020}} (1970s, Inca Tours And Travel Adventure S.A.C): 5-day, South America-wide. * [http://www.explorandes.com Explorandes] (1975): 5-day, large Peru-wide company, environmentally conscious. * [http://www.gapadventures.com Grandes Aventuras del Peru (GAP)]: various offerings * [http://www.amazonas-explorer.com Amazonas Explorer]: 5-day, expensive, luxury * [http://www.apumayo.com Apumayo Expediciones] (1995): private/group tours only, very established and decorated, luxury options, wheelchair/accessible tours, various other offerings ==== Porters ==== There seem to be about 1½ porters per client on the trail, and you'll spend a fair amount of time getting out of their way as they hump all your gear to the next camp. Fortunately, the government has restricted the amount of gear tour operators can pile on each porter to 25 kg (including their personal stuff). You are allowed to pack only 6 kg for the porter to carry so choose carefully. On many tours you can pay extra for a personal porter to carry most of your things, although you will always want a daypack for water, snacks, and clothing. Consider hiring the extra porter, which allows you to carry 7 kg extra (from 7 kg to 14 kg). To be clear, the extra porter you hire is not just for you - he will carry an equal share of the whole set of gear to be transported, including everyone else's food, kitchen tent, etc. The tips for 'your porter' are part of the shared pool as well - so it's not really the case that you are paying for a porter for yourself. === Get fit === [[File:Inca Trail 2016.jpg|thumb|Stairs on the Inca Trail—tread carefully, especially if they're wet.]] You do not need to be particularly athletic to travel the Inca trail – so long as you are generally fit and can walk up and down stairs, you should be able to do it – but it helps make it safer and more enjoyable. Walking, hiking, using the stair machine, and doing weights for leg muscles all help you be specifically prepared for the trek, and make it easier. A half hour on a stair machine a few times before the trek is adequate, but further conditioning helps. Check with a doctor or trainer before engaging on a demanding exercise program. ;3 to 6 months beforehand – build muscles Muscles take time to build, and help with stability and endurance. Get training if any exercises are new to you. Squats are the best exercise for your legs and general stability; leg presses or quad extensions are acceptable alternatives. Dips are ideal preparation for pole use, as the movement (particularly downhill) is virtually identical. Triceps extensions are an acceptable alternative. ;3+ months beforehand – cardiovascular fitness Any regular cardiovascular exercise is acceptable, though walking or running are the easiest option for most people. Hiking, particularly rough terrain at altitude, is best, if possible. ;1 month beforehand – muscular endurance Muscular endurance decays quickly, so do shortly before departure. An hour on a stair machine 3 times or more per week is ideal, though steppers, sloped treadmills, or climbing actual stairs is also ok. === Arrange gear === Packing is a complicated tradeoff: bring enough to be comfortable, but minimize weight, and split between day pack and duffel. It also depends on the type of trek (will water be provided?) * Passport * First aid kit [[File:Petzl tikka xp.jpg|thumb|Headlamp (or flashlight) necessary at night, and possibly for early-morning hiking]] * Headlamp/flashlight * Warm top/bottom for the evenings * Hiking boots; runners are possible if you don't mind them getting thrashed by the rocky trail and you have strong ankles * Wash kit, 2L water bottle and water purifying tablets * Sunblock (SPF 30+), UV-blocking sunglasses, and sun-blocking lip balm – you're outdoors, at altitude, by the equator: the sun is ''very'' strong, and clouds don't block it * Hat, preferably something covering your neck to protect from the high-altitude sun * Cash to tip porters and guides and buy snacks along the way, including a handful of one-sol coins for the bathrooms on the first day and at Machu Picchu * Long pants or slacks * Long-sleeved shirts * Several T-shirts * Rain wear (you never know when it will rain even if it's the dry season) * Camera. * Insect repellent * Personal toiletries * A light backpack * Gloves, scarf, warm socks * A towel and toilet paper * Maybe earplugs – your companions are likely to snore; this is partly periodic breathing, part of acclimatization to altitude (see [[altitude sickness]]) * Possibly an inflatable mattresses – at US$25 per person, renting one of these means you get two mattresses, a normal one and in addition an inflatable one on top, making it exceedingly and maybe excessively comfortable === Acclimatize === [[File:Inca Trail Altitude Graph.jpeg|thumb|Altitude on the Inca Trail. The highest point is Dead Woman's Pass at 4200 m.]] At its highest, the trail reaches 4200 m above sea level, so you should spend at least 2 days in [[Cusco]] acclimatizing before you start the trek. If you don't, [[altitude sickness]] could make your first few days pretty uncomfortable. Be aware that at 3400 m altitude, there's a risk for altitude sickness in Cusco too, so ideally, start with a day or two in the Sacred Valley, to acclimatize gradually to altitude before your trek. See [[Inca Highlands]] for what to do before your trek. == Get in == See [[Inca Highlands]]. You first need to spend a few nights in Cusco (and before that, preferably a night or two in the [[Sacred Valley]]) to acclimatize to the altitude. From Cusco, you can take a train, bus, or private car to the trailhead. This will likely be arranged by your tour group, so you just need to get to Cusco. Some tour companies may also be able to pick you up from [[Ollantaytambo]] or [[Urubamba]] instead of Cusco. Since these are closer to the trailhead, this option lets you get a couple extra hours of sleep before starting the trail. == Costs == Around US$400 at least. If you are paying less than US$350 for the 4 day trip, something is fishy, and porters are probably being treated very poorly. Make sure your tour includes the entrance ticket to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu (US$85) and the Vistadome train (US$71) back to Cusco. '''Tipping''' is expected, and a significant portion of the income, especially for porters. Verify exact composition of crew, expected tip amount, and protocol before the trek, and prepare tips. Use clean bills, given on either on last morning on the trail (for 5-day trek), or last night (for 4-day, due to early start), since porters return home early the last day. Please tip in soles, not foreign currency, to avoid giving porters the inconvenience of finding a currency exchange place and paying their (probably significant) fees. ==Go== {{mapframe| -13.205 | -72.469 |zoom=12|width=600|name=Map of the Inca Trail}} {{mapshape|type=geoline|wikidata=Q6014019|stroke=#000000|stroke-width=3|title=Inca Trail}} The following roughly describes a typical 4-day trip along the Inca Trail. Everyone takes the same route, but your timing and campsites will depend on your tour operator, the speed of your group, and other considerations. Your ability to tour and explore the ruins will also depend on your particular tour: the 5-day tours include plenty of time for all the ruins, but many 4-day tours end up rushing past some of them without a chance to look around. In particular, Runkuracay and Wiñay Wayna are likely to be skipped on some versions of the trek that put them close to the end of a long day of hiking. The trail has stairs, most of which were put in by the Incas. The rocks are rough and uneven, and very slippery when wet. It is very easy to sprain your ankle, particularly when descending. Use trekking poles for balance, tread carefully, and be very careful when wet. Don’t rush, particularly on the 2nd day climbing up to Warmiwañusqa (Dead Woman’s Pass) – you have to climb down afterwards, after all. Slow and steady is better than rushing ahead and getting sweaty and winded. More subtly, climb ''down'' slowly, using poles – your knees will thank you. Toilets are found every couple of hours along the trail. On the first day they are sit-down toilets that cost S/1 to use; after that they are free squat toilets. They are filthy and lack toilet paper. Bring toilet paper and hand sanitizer or soap (benzalkonium chloride is best for the dry season, as it does not dry out your already-dry hands; soap is fine, though water may not always be available). ===Day 1: Cusco to Wayllabamba=== [[File:Llactapata.jpg|thumb|Llactapata]] Your operator will probably pick you up early in the morning at your hotel in {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Cusco]]|lat=-13.525|long=-71.972222|image=Plaza de Armas - Cusco.jpg}} for a drive to the trailhead. On the way, you might stop in {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Urubamba]]|lat=-13.304167|long=-72.116667|image=Urubambatown.jpg}} or {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Ollantaytambo]]|lat=-13.258056|long=-72.263333|image=Town of Ollantaytambo.jpg}} for supplies or breakfast. When you reach the trailhead at {{marker|type=other|name=Piscachuco|lat=-13.214213|long=-72.380648|image=Bridge, Inca Trail - Day 1.jpg}}, you can buy a few last-minute supplies like toilet paper, coca leaves, and mosquito repellent. Then you'll go through a control checkpoint and set off by crossing a bridge across the river. From a distance, you'll see the ruins of {{marker|type=other|name=Qhanabamba|lat=-13.2310964|long=-72.40655|image=Qhanabamba.jpg}} and then the former large Inca settlement of {{marker|type=other|name=Llactapata|lat=-13.2349773|long=-72.4218254|image=Llactapata.jpg}} (aka Patallacta), both in the valley below you. You should then get a chance to explore the Inca fort of {{marker|type=other|name=Huillca Raccay|lat=-13.235554|long=-72.423446|image=Huillca Raccay - ruin on the Inca Trail.jpg}}, located on the trail overlooking Llactapata—this hill fort, which mostly consists of rows of small Inca buildings, is where many of the inhabitants of Llactapata worked. If you're feeling like this day was easier than you expected, don't get cocky – day two is much harder. Settle in for the night at {{marker|type=other|name=Wayllabamba|lat=-13.263747|long=-72.446291|image=Wayllabamba, village on the Inca Trail.jpg}} and rest up for the hardest day of the trek. Wayllabamba, by the way, is actually a village rather than just a campground, and you can buy drinks and snacks here. The kids who live here have to commute all the way along the trail you've just taken and then take a bus to Ollantaytambo just to go to school. ===Day 2: Dead Woman's Pass=== [[File:Dead Woman's Pass.jpg|thumb|Dead Woman's Pass, so named because from this angle part of it is said to resemble a woman's face looking up]] Day 1 of the Inca Trail is said to be the easy day. Day 3 is the long day. Day 2? This is the hard day. You won't be spending your time touring ruins today—instead, your main goal is the difficult slog up and down the trail's highest mountain pass. Your guide may give you something to help with the altitude; even if not, some coca tea or leaves to chew can help. After another early wake-up call, you'll pass the campsites of {{marker|type=other|name=Ayapata|lat=-13.258310|long=-72.461437|image=Ayapata campsite on the Inca Trail.jpg}} and {{marker|type=other|name=Llulluchapampa|lat=-13.250164|long=-72.472271|image=Food and drinks for sale at Llulluchapampa.jpg}} (your final opportunities to buy any last essentials, like water, snacks, toilet paper, or wine). Then comes the steep and difficult ascent to {{marker|type=other|name=Dead Woman's Pass|lat=-13.243081|long=-72.483972|image=Dead Woman's Pass from above.jpg}} ('''Warmiwañusqa'''/'''Huarmihuañusca''') at 4200m, the highest point of the trek. For most trekkers, the last chunk is especially tough because of the altitude, so take it slow. Take breaks as often as you need to, and don't try to compete with other hikers. When you do reach the pass, take in the breathtaking views while you celebrate your accomplishment—you've just completed the hardest section of the trail. Then descend to your campsite at {{marker|type=other|name=Pacaymayu|lat=-13.233803|long=-72.498212|image=Pacaymayu campsite on the Inca Trail.jpg}} for some well-deserved rest. Make sure to have a jacket on hand for this day—temperatures can drop drastically with altitude. The campsite is quite high up too, at about 3600m, and it gets cold at night. ===Day 3: Phuyupatamarca and Wiñay Wayna=== [[File:Phuyupatamarca (cloud-level town).jpg|thumb|Phuyupatamarca]] Set off early (are you sensing a pattern?) for another full day of hiking. Day 3 will take you past several impressive Inca ruins. Start by seeing the ruins of {{marker|type=other|name=Runkuracay|lat=-13.228336|long=-72.501400|image=Ruins Of Rest-hut, Inca Trail.jpg}}, a semicircular Inca watchtower where sentries once looked out over the valley below, and crossing the 4000m {{marker|type=other|name=Runkuracay Pass|lat=-13.226694|long=-72.505344|image=Runkuracay Pass.jpg}}. At this pass there are a couple of small side trails you can take for views of the valleys on either side. Then you'll pass the "inaccessible town" of {{marker|type=other|name=Sayacmarka|lat=-13.227973|long=-72.516731|image=Sayacmarka.jpg}}, a large set of ruins which despite its nickname is open for exploring. Sayacmarka is the biggest archeological site so far and includes both a residential area and a sun temple. Down below Sayacmarka is the much smaller site of {{marker|type=other|name=Qonchamarka|lat=-13.2270931|long=-72.5172729|image=Conchamarka (cooking stove spot).jpg}}, which you'll see from afar and then walk past, but are not allowed to enter. Now that you're past the second pass, you'll notice a striking difference in climate and wildlife – suddenly you're in a lush, moist forest with colorful plants. This area, known as a cloud forest, looks almost like a mountainside rainforest, and it's hard to believe it can exist so close to the austere peaks and grassy scrubland you've just passed. [[File:Epidendrum secundum Winaywayna.jpg|thumb|Colorful orchids can be found along the trail. This one is seen in front of the ruins of Wiñay Wayna.]] Then come three more ruins that you can explore, assuming your group walks fast enough to give you time! First is {{marker|type=other| name=Phuyupatamarca|lat=-13.2063638|long=-72.5318159|image=Phuyupatamarca (cloud-level town).jpg}}—"Town in the Clouds", an appropriate name given how often it's shrouded in fog. Located at an altitude of 3600 m, this is an impressive and well-preserved set of ruins, including agricultural terraces and ceremonial baths. Look for the water channels that connect the baths, a surviving demonstration of high-quality Inca engineering. Next is {{marker|type=other|name=Intipata|lat=-13.185638|long=-72.541273|image=Inca trail intipata.jpg}}, a truly huge set of agricultural terraces with amazing views of the mountains—if you're lucky you might have the time and energy to wear yourself out walking up and down the long flights of stairs between the terraces. Finally, make your way to {{marker|type=other|name=Wiñay Wayna|lat=-13.192149|long=-72.536551|image=Wiñay Wayna ruins on the Inca Trail.jpg}}, the largest set of ruins on the trail (aside from Machu Picchu, of course). Wiñay Wayna includes ruins of residential buildings, several storehouses, and terraces where food was grown to be sent to Machu Picchu. For most tours, this is also near the location of your last campsite. Note: your campsite for this day may be somewhat unpredictable—while the Wiñay Wayna campsite is the most popular because of its proximity to Machu Picchu, space considerations sometimes mean that groups are allocated space at the farther away Phuyupatamarca campsite instead, especially in the high season. Space is allocated by the government, so this is outside the tour operators' control. If your operator plans to camp at Wiñay Wayna, you probably will, but they can't guarantee it 100%. ===Day 4: Machu Picchu=== [[File:Peru Machu Picchu Sunrise 2.jpg|thumb|Sunrise at Machu Picchu]] This is one of the world's most rewarding day-hikes. Wake up ''very'' early for a hike in darkness of just a few kilometers to reach your destination before sunrise. You will find that the Trail is fairly easy until you have to go up the steep "gringo killer" stairs. The final climb brings you to {{marker|type=other|name=Inti Punku|lat=-13.169662|long=-72.533888|image=Tourists at Inti Punku.jpg}}, the '''Sun Gate''', where you achieve your first and most picturesque view of {{marker|type=other|name=[[Machu Picchu]]|lat=-13.164808|long=-72.543623|image=Machu Picchu, Perú, 2015-07-30, DD 40.JPG}}. Now there's another hour or so of hiking, during which you'll pass a couple of smaller ruins and watch the main part of the ruins slowly get closer and closer. Finally, you'll make it: one of the most famous sets of ruins in the world, and with good reason. It's spectacular, huge, and very well preserved and restored, full of Inca houses, temples, streets, terraces, and so on. The ruins you saw on the way were just a shadow of the impressive engineering on display here, in the form of systems of running water and temple walls composed of huge, perfectly cut boulders. It's true that Machu Picchu is crowded, especially compared to the sites you saw on the trail, but the crowds are worth it for an unparalleled look at what remains from the height of Inca civilization. Depending on your exact itinerary, you'll be at Machu Picchu either in the morning (6AM–noon) or the afternoon (noon–5:30PM). If you have a morning ticket, you won't be kicked out at noon, but you won't be allowed to re-enter if you leave to use the toilets, which are outside the gate. Machu Picchu is most crowded at midday and clears out by 4PM, when the last train heads back to Cusco, so take your time finishing the hike. Late afternoon is the prettiest time to wander through the intricate stonework. The last bus down to {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Aguas Calientes]]|lat=-13.154833|long=-72.525333|image=Machu Picchu, Peru - Laslovarga (27).jpg}}, at the foot of Machu Picchu, departs shortly after the gates close in the afternoon. After touring Machu Picchu, you can choose to take a hike to {{marker|type=vicinity|name=Huayna Picchu|lat=-13.1575|long=-72.547222|image=Wayna Picchu, Peru-27Oct2009.jpg}} to see the beautiful views of the site. This may cost extra. ==Getting out== === Which train to take === Beware: if you are not spending the night in Aguas Calientes (4-day/3-night trip), then you only have part of one day in Machu Picchu, and thus your return train ticket from Machu Picchu will have a large impact on how much time you can spend there and whether or not you have time to climb Huayna Picchu at all. If you are spending this night, this isn't an issue. When you are booking an Inca Trail ticket from home, you may think the time of your train is a very low priority item. You are probably assuming that someone else made sure you have enough time to spend at Machu Picchu. But the reality is that trains get booked and your trail operator may buy you a train ticket out of Aguas Calientes at 1PM. To make it to this train, you will have to be at the train station at 12:30, which means you have to leave Machu Picchu by no later than noon, which means that you will be there only briefly, and have to leave it when it is the most crowded. Machu Picchu is the best in the first half hour after opening and during the last two hours before closing. Most people are gone after 3PM, and the light till 5PM is gorgeous, the heat a little gentler, and you can sit on a patch of grass and soak in the place. You do not want to miss this. It will make Machu Picchu yours. At 10AM Machu Picchu is crowded, loud, and bustling. You will be running around to not lose track of your tour group. At 4PM you can really see it at your own pace, and hang out with the resident chinchillas and llamas. But to do that, you have to take a later train. ==Stay safe== Statistics on hazards on the Inca trail are not available, and probably do not exist: injuries and petty crimes are not reported, so all information is anecdotal. With proper precautions, and a bit of luck, you'll be fine, and major problems are rare, but more minor problems are common. At the end of the trail, beware of falls at Machu Picchu, especially at Huayna Picchu. The most common issues on the Inca trail are: altitude sickness, lack of potable water, filthy bathrooms, sprains and broken bones, and petty theft. More serious issues are heart attacks, falling off the trail, landslides, lack of medical facilities, difficulty in rescue and evacuation, and lack of police. Deaths are quite rare (a handful or fewer per year, out of tens of thousands of trekkers), and typically make news. Similarly, serious crimes (murder, rape) are rare, though rape attempts of single women are reported at Wiñay Wayna, particularly when using toilet late at night: safest is to always be in a pair or group at night. The tap water in Peru is not potable. Do not drink it. You must either boil water for five full minutes or drink bottled water. Your tour operator will have plans for what to do about [[water]] during the trek, so ask what you should bring. In any case, it's a good idea to have '''water purification tablets''' on hand in case of emergency. Because you are visiting Andean areas, don't forget to take precautions to avoid [[altitude sickness]] if you are prone to it. Be sure to try a hot tea or an infusion of coca leaves on arrival at altitude. During your first day move slowly and eat lightly, resting the first couple of hours. At night you may be woken by the screams of a panicking trekker who is suffering an acute case of altitude sickness, and requires oxygen (particularly at Paqaymayu, the largest and usually highest campsite). Don't be scared, but acclimatize properly so this isn't you. Sample altitudes above sea level: *Cusco: 3,360 m (11,000 ft) *Machu Picchu: 2,400 m (7,800 ft) *Urubamba Valley: 2,850m (9,300 ft) *highest point on the trail: 4,200 m (13,600 ft) ===Theft=== Theft is common, primarily of unattended items at camp, and occurs particularly at meal time, when washing or using the toilet, and when sleeping: even experienced tour operators suffer theft. This is especially a problem at crowded campsites, notably Paqaymayu and Wiñay Wayna, which are crawling with people and virtually impossible to secure. More aggressive theft (armed robbery, tent slashing) is now rare, however. Prime targets include sunglasses, cell phones, cameras, lenses (camera and sunglasses), money, trekking poles, head lamps, and beer. Thieves are primarily porters (from your own group or another) or locals, who are very poor: there is no need to be overtly suspicious, but never let your guard down. You cannot realistically protect everything perfectly, but you can minimize risk. As a precaution, avoid bringing valuables. Leave jewelry at home, and consider bringing a smaller, cheaper camera. Unfortunately, you must bring your passport and tip money on the trail, and much gear is expensive. Whatever valuable items you do bring should be kept on your person at all times. Your passport is the most serious, since this is disastrous if stolen. Fortunately, this and money are easy to secure, if awkward: use a money belt, even at night. Do ''not'' use a neck pouch at night, due to strangulation risk. Safest is to give these to someone when washing. Leave nothing unattended, especially at meal time. Safest is to have multi-person tents, with someone always there, and either eat in your tent or bring your bags to meal. This is a bit paranoid, and you can generally leave bulky items (clothes, trail shoes) in your tent. Don't leave anything outside the tent, even shoes or clothes, especially at night (not just to because of theft but also in case of rain and dew). Leave nothing valuable inside tent entrance or in easy-access pockets. Hide bulkier items mixed with other items in bags inside of bags inside of deep pockets Backpack pockets, pant pockets, shirt pockets, etc. are easily searched. The more layers (bags, zippers, etc.), the less likely a rushed thief is to risk opening all of them or risk taking a large item. This provides added protection for items such as sunglasses, cameras, and lenses. Hide valuables when approaching campsite, if possible. ===Injuries, evacuation, and death=== [[File:Inca trail, Peru.jpg|thumb]] Serious injuries and death are very rare, but possible. Medical emergencies are very dangerous, due to the remoteness. Medical facilities on the trail are limited, and evacuation and rescue are slow and difficult. The closest major facilities are in Cusco, many hours away. If you are at risk of a medical emergency that would need a hospital, you risk death. Prior to Warmiwañusqa, you can turn back. Once you pass Warmiwañusqa, there’s no turning back: the fastest and safest way out is onward to Machu Picchu. If you are injured, you will need to walk out or be carried out (if you cannot walk); horse are available for the first day, but not afterwards. Helicopter evacuation is possible from Machu Picchu, but not from the trail itself. Usual evacuation proceeds via Aguas Calientes (if past Warmiwañusqa), Ullantaytampu, then to Cusco. If you fall off the trail, you will likely be seriously injured or die: off a sheer drop you will likely die, while if you fall into vegetation you will likely not be able to climb back up (mountainsides are scree covered with thick vegetation), and need to be rescued by a team with machetes and a basket stretcher, which can take hours. It is safest to not be alone on the trail: if something happens, it can be some time before you are found, and if you fall off out of sight, it may be hours or days before you are found. Be aware of the language problem: English is often limited, and porters may only speak [[Quechua]]. Please document and learn to state any medical conditions in [[Spanish]]. ==Go next== * [[Machu Picchu]], of course. * [[Aguas Calientes]], if spending the night. * [[Ollantaytambo]], other major Inca ruin, and on the train back * Other sights in and around the [[Sacred Valley]] and [[Cusco]]. ===Other treks=== Many alternative treks in the area, some also ending at Machu Picchu, are run by some of the same companies. * Keep hiking, by long, demanding hike to [[Choquequirao]] (similar ruin to Machu Picchu, much less-known), then short (2-day) hike down to [[Cachora]] and bus back to Cusco. * [[Salkantay Trek]], passing by the staggeringly tall Salkantay peak on the way to Machu Picchu * Two-day Inca Trail, where you only hike past a few ruins, for people who want a taste of the Inca Trail but aren't ready for a big four-day trek {{geo|-13.27|-71.87|zoom=9}} {{Related|Inca Highlands}} {{Related|Sacred Valley of the Incas}} {{guideitinerary}} {{PartOfItinerary|South America itineraries}} qtlgqoz76vkl2yx7u1ekez2p0mqj9kg 5086814 5086812 2025-07-02T22:13:52Z Lynn Sophi 2328881 /* Operators */ 5086814 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|BannerInca.jpg|unesco=yes|ftt=yes}} [[File:IncaTrail.JPG|thumb|A section of the Inca trail]] The '''Inca trail''' to [[Machu Picchu]], the "Lost City of the Incas", is a world-famous trek in [[Peru]]. It's the best known part of the Inca road system, which was listed as a [[UNESCO World Heritage site]] in 2014. The hike takes you past staggering mountain scenery and many impressive Inca ruins, through ecosystems ranging from mossy forests to stark peaks. For much of the trail, you're walking on the very stone paths laid by the Incas hundreds of years ago. Treks vary significantly in style, from budget backpacking to high-end glamping, but typically consist of 4 days and 3 nights on the trail itself. While the main route is fixed, timing and campsites vary. The trail requires reservations months in advance, and all trekkers must be part of a tour group, which includes porters and a guide. In addition to keeping you safe, organized, and on schedule, guides have extensive knowledge of the ruins, their history, and the variety of plants and animals that can be found along the trail. Visits generally start from [[Cusco]], the capital of the Incas. Due to the need to acclimatize to the altitude for a few days, the trek itself must be part of a longer trip, usually a few days in Cusco and the [[Sacred Valley]]; see [[Inca Highlands]]. == Understand == [[File:Peru Wiñay Wayna.jpg|thumb|Inca ruins on the trail, open for exploration and way less crowded than Machu Picchu]] [[File:WildlifeAlpaka.jpg|thumb|Animals seen along the Salkantay / Inca trail]] Many countries have mountain ranges with beautiful scenery and Peru itself is richly blessed in this respect with many other areas for hiking. However the scenery is only one of the elements responsible for the magic of the Inca Trail. Can there be any walk anywhere in the world with such a combination of natural beauty, history and sheer mystery and with such an awe-inspiring destination? The various Inca ruins along the way serve to heighten the hiker's sense of anticipation as he or she approaches what would surely find a place in any new list of archaeological wonders of the world - Machu Picchu. The ruins on the trail are all many times less crowded than Machu Picchu, and most are open for exploration without the ropes and blocked-off areas at your final destination. If you're lucky, you'll also see colorful flowers and birds, and possibly even other animals on the trail. At the height of the Inca Empire, their road system was the most extensive transportation system in South America, stretching from what is now [[Colombia]] all the way to central [[Chile]]. The branching network of roads, many of them paved with stones, totaled close to 40,000 kilometers. Unfortunately, with the conquest of the Inca Empire by the Spanish in the 1500s, most of the roads have been destroyed or left to deteriorate. Many of the surviving portions are unmapped and little explored, but a few sections have been cleaned up and restored. The most famous of these is the Inca Trail, which allows you to walk in the footsteps of the Incas, on the same stone paths that they laid and used to get to Machu Picchu hundreds of years ago. The trail is 45 km/26 miles from start to finish, but it feels like more: you gain and lose hundreds of meters of altitude multiple times, and much of the trek is above 3,000 meters where oxygen is noticeably thinner. Acclimation to the altitude is a must, and good physical condition advised. The journey winds through the valleys and hills of the surrounding area, taking you through the scenic landscape, from high alpine to cloud forests. The trail is '''physically demanding, but doable by any fit person''', barring specific health problems. If you have any concerns, check with a doctor. If you can walk and use stairs easily, you should be able to do it. No hiking experience is necessary, though the more used to hiking you are, the easier it will be. There are very few evacuations and deaths on the trail: the most likely risk is spraining your ankle and needing to be carried out. Many find the physical demands make the trip more rewarding, from the exertion and sense of accomplishment. If you are physically unable or concerned about your ability, you can also do a shorter 1-day or 2-day trek to Machu Picchu, take an easier trek like the valley trek to Machu Picchu, or go directly to Machu Picchu by rail. The trail, particularly the descent, is ideally suited to '''trekking poles''', which significantly reduce stress on your knees. Rubber tips are required, to protect the steps, and duct taping the tips on is highly recommended, otherwise they come off easily from impact or mud. You can buy new ones at home, rent good ones in town for cheap, or buy broomsticks, which are cheap and adequate, but not great. You cannot use local branches, as too many trees were being cut down, and these aren’t much good anyway. Consider shock-absorbing poles to further minimize stress. Many agencies operating from Cusco offer organised hikes along the trail, providing most of the equipment (tents, etc.) and people to carry it. Also, don't forget that the trail ends at Machu Picchu. Most Inca Trail hikers descend from the Sun Gate (Intipunko) at dawn and see Machu Picchu before the busloads of tourists show up around 10AM. '''Meals on the trail''' are often impressively delicious! If you're an experienced wilderness backpacker, you may be surprised by how luxurious the food is. Some tour companies can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary restrictions. The Inca Trail is part of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary, a protected area of 32,592 hectares, managed by the National State Protected Natural Areas Service, SERNANP. Every visitor must obey park regulations prohibiting littering, cutting or damaging trees, removing or damaging stones of ruins and the Trail, removing plants, killing animals, lighting open fires or camping in the archeological sites (Only authorized campsites can be used). ===Porters=== [[File:Crossing the bridge (3006028381).jpg|thumb|Porters at the beginning of the Inca Trail]] The trek is demanding enough without having to carry camping gear or clothes: use a porter (for camping gear) and a half (for change of clothes) and just carry your day pack. (This gives a job to a poor local farmer!) The Inca Trail is one of the relatively few treks globally that features porters: pack animals are not allowed on the trail because their hooves damage it. Porters are local Quechua farmers, typically poor and uneducated, and this is a major source of income for them. Most will not speak English or even much [[Spanish]]; knowing a few phrases of Quechua is a nice touch; see [[Quechua phrasebook]]. A guide is required, though porters are not, so you can backpack the trail, carrying all your own equipment. However, porters are widely used and recommended, since it's hard enough to hike with a day pack. Porters need to arrive much earlier than trekkers, to set up camp, so please be aware of porters running past you and give way. Beware of poor treatment of porters, notably inadequate equipment, food, or shelter, and excess loading: a heavily-loaded porter wearing plastic sandals is not tough, he is being exploited. Conditions have improved, but ill-treatment is still common, particularly on cut-rate treks. Please use an operator that treats its porters well, and consider learning more and getting involved in improving conditions. A documentary chronicling a year in the life of an Inca Trail porter, ''[http://www.michacrafilm.com Mi Chacra]{{Dead link|date=June 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}'', won the Grand Prize at the 2010 Banff Mountain Film Festival. [[File:We finally make it to the bottom of the Gringo Killer steps to witness this marvel of engineering, an Inca farming site perched on the side of the steep mountain (9657411176).jpg|thumb]] [[File:Wayllabamba Puesto de Vigilancia sign.jpg|thumb|Outline of the Inca Trail]] === When to go === May is best – start of dry season, so dry, sunny, and lush vegetation from the rains, and before high season and depths of winter. Weather is best May to September: fairly dry and sunny. June through August is high season (summer vacation in Northern Hemisphere), and hence books up far in advance, but is winter here (because Southern Hemisphere), so a bit cold at night. Thus, May and September are ideal. Fringe months of April and October are also OK, but more risk of rain. If hoping to see the sunrise, June and July are driest and best, but May and August (into early September) are often OK. November to March are the rainy season, so avoid if possible: cloudy skies (worse views), and rain, which soaks you, makes the rocks slick, and runs the risk of landslides, both on the trail and on roads. Less crowded though. The wettest months are January to April, when roads are often closed by landslides or flooding. The trail is closed in February to clean up the garbage left behind. '''Weather on the trail year-round''' features warm, comfortable days (around 20℃) and cold nights (often 5℃ or below), dropping to below freezing in the winter (June, July, August). Sun during the day and clouds at night increase the effective heat and cold. Accordingly, dress in layers. Pack warm clothes in your duffel (alpaca hat, gloves, and socks are cozy), and make sure you have a warm sleeping bag. Also, flip-flops to rest your feet at the end of the day will leave you with cold feet: bring light, loose, ''closed'' sandals instead. The air is dry, and dry''ing'': the low pressure means water evaporates more quickly. Drink plenty of water, and use moisturizer if desired. == Prepare == [[File:Camino-inca-dia2-c04.jpg|thumb|Day 2 of the trek, near Dead Woman's Pass]] === Book tickets === Tickets '''must be booked in advance''', far in advance for the high season, through an authorized local tour operator, as it is not allowed to organize your own trip. For the high season, tickets must be booked immediately when they become available: it's wise to book six months in advance or more. Get these trail tickets ''before'' your plane tickets. If booked up, consider rescheduling your trip, or taking one of the [[Inca Highlands#Alternative treks|alternative treks]] in the area, none of which require booking so far in advance. Don't expect to pick up last-minute cancellations, as tour organizers must register client passport numbers with the government, and they are strictly checked at control points on the trail. A '''passport''' is required both for reserving tickets, and for admission to the trail (copy ''not'' accepted), so you need to bring it in your day pack! It is easiest if you have the same passport when reserving your ticket as when you show up, so avoid renewing your passport or changing your name in the meantime: renew if necessary before, change name before or after. Tickets are by season: reservations are accepted from mid-January, for the season from March 1st to the following January 31st. Some agencies will accept pre-reservations and then book immediately when tickets become available. There are 500 permits available per day for the 4-, 5- and 7-day treks and 250 for the 2-day trek. This includes both trekkers and tour employees (guides and porters). Since there are about 1.5 employees per trekker, that leaves 40% for trekkers, so about 200 trekkers per day. You can check official availability of tickets at the [http://www.machupicchu.gob.pe ''Boletaje Virtual''] (Virtual Ticket) website. Beware that this is the ''total'' number left (trekkers and employees), so out of 500, and that days can book up in big chunks, due to booking a group (a group of 12 trekkers entail about 30 tickets total), so don't delay. Tickets for Machu Picchu should be included in your tour. Tickets are also required for '''Huayna Picchu''' (a large mountain nearby which you can hike up for magnificent views of Machu Picchu). Huayna Picchu is optional, and thus might be forgotten: make sure to get tickets in advance if interested! === Which tour? === [[File:Camino-inca-dia4-c06.jpg|thumb|Day 4 of a 4-day tour, descending to Machu Picchu]] There are two tour lengths: 4 days and 5 days. They both sleep 3 nights on the trail, and follow the same path, but have different schedules, and stop at different camp sites. It is also possible to take a short 2-day trek on a slightly different route, or visit Machu Picchu without the Inca Trail. The 4 day/3 night trek is the classic: on the last day you get into Machu Picchu early, see the sun rise, visit Machu Picchu, then go back to Cusco. The 5 day/4 night version is more leisurely, getting into Machu Picchu late on the fourth day for a brief look after most tourists have left; then you spend the night at [[Aguas Calientes]] and see Machu Picchu the next day. If you're tight on time or money, or you're a fast hiker, do the 4-day, otherwise do the 5-day: it's less rushed and crowded. The classic 4-day tour takes less time and is a bit faster and more demanding, particularly days 3 and 4: you have long days and relatively less sleep. It means you see the sun rise when you first get to Machu Picchu (assuming clear weather), but you'll likely be a bit tired, and may not be up to Huayna Picchu. You also may have a rushed day at Machu Picchu, and will need to plan your train back carefully if you want a full day at Machu Picchu, particularly to avoid the crowds. If you want, you can do the 4-day (arriving early) and then spend the night in Aguas Calientes, and see as much of Machu Picchu as you like, basically doing a fast-paced 5-day (with sunrise, and rest at the end). The 5-day tour is more leisurely: it misses the sunrise, and takes an extra day, but is otherwise more pleasant: you see Machu Picchu after the crowds have left (on the first day) and before most crowds arrive (on the second day), with nice dusk/dawn light (golden hour, good for photos), you can be rested for Huayna Picchu, and the campsites are less crowded, because most people are on the 4-day schedule. === Choose tour operator === You must use a local authorized tour operator, of which there are many. You can book with a tour operator directly, or use a travel agent in your country. Some operators, notably high-end ones, only work through agencies. Beware that being authorized is no guarantee of quality, and many agencies are fly-by-night operations run out a storefront in Cusco. It is safest to use an established, reputable agency: research agencies and their reviews online. However, there are some newer companies that you might take a chance on if you find their story or reviews compelling. When choosing an operator, consider what they offer—budget backpacking or high-end glamping? How big are the groups (or do you want a more expensive private tour)? Do you want to take a 4-day or 5-day (or 2-day) tour? Some operators only offer one. Will they arrange travel to/from Cusco? Which train service? And of course, operators and tours vary in price. Many operators treat porters very poorly; check reviews and story (touting social responsibility is no guarantee, but it's a hint). Beware that cut-rate operators invariably cut corners at the expense of porters, but some good value operators treat porters well, and being expensive is no guarantee that porters are treated well. Also, due to intermediaries, paying a high price to a travel agency may not result in the tour operator getting much of it. ==== Operators ==== <!-- Operators listed because *required* for trail. --> An operator is ''required''. Out of the about 200 companies, many are bad. Check reviews, guidebooks, and the companies’ own websites to decide, or rely on a travel agent to choose for you. Here are 15 well-respected companies, though there are other good ones. <!-- what do the years mean? Please clarify--> * [http://www.perutreks.com Peru Treks] (2002, Inca Trail Peru Treks S.A.C.): 4-day only, every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, socially responsible, small family company. Specialized: only does this trek, so very competent, but inflexible. * [http://www.llamapath.com Llama Path] (2004): various treks * [http://www.alpacaexpeditions.com Alpaca Expeditions] (2011): Provides full tours of Peru and a leader on treks to Machu Picchu with a license for the Inca Trail. * [http://www.unitedmice.com United Mice]{{Dead link|date=January 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} (1987): adventure travel throughout area, socially conscious (helps street children) * [http://www.sastravelperu.com SAS] (1990): Largest trail operator, full selection, award-winning; also offers other adventure tours (white-water rafting etc.). * [http://www.waykitrek.net Wayki Trek] * [http://www.andinatravel.com Andina Travel]{{Dead link|date=September 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} * [https://adventureinperu.com/ Adventure in Peru] {{Dead link|date=March 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} (2016)Provides full tours in Cusco day tours and multiple day tour to Machu Picchu * [https://trexperienceperu.com TreXperience] (2017): A top local operator offering group, private, and luxury Inca Trail tours to Machu Picchu. High-end * [http://www.enigmaperu.com Enigma] (2002): good porter treatment * [http://www.andeantreks.com Andean Treks] {{dead link|August 2018|December 2020}} (1970s, Inca Tours And Travel Adventure S.A.C): 5-day, South America-wide. * [http://www.explorandes.com Explorandes] (1975): 5-day, large Peru-wide company, environmentally conscious. * [http://www.gapadventures.com Grandes Aventuras del Peru (GAP)]: various offerings * [http://www.amazonas-explorer.com Amazonas Explorer]: 5-day, expensive, luxury * [http://www.apumayo.com Apumayo Expediciones] (1995): private/group tours only, very established and decorated, luxury options, wheelchair/accessible tours, various other offerings * [https://dreamy.tours/ Dreamy Tours] (2017): Dreamy Tours offers unique experiences in Peru and Bolivia, from trekking routes like the Inca Trail to exclusive honeymoon trips and luxury getaways. * [https://grouptravelperu.com/ Group Travel Peru] (2019) : aquetes turísticos en Perú y Bolivia: tours guiados, aventuras, cultura, transporte, entradas y alojamiento. Especialistas en viajes a Machu Picchu y destinos top. ==== Porters ==== There seem to be about 1½ porters per client on the trail, and you'll spend a fair amount of time getting out of their way as they hump all your gear to the next camp. Fortunately, the government has restricted the amount of gear tour operators can pile on each porter to 25 kg (including their personal stuff). You are allowed to pack only 6 kg for the porter to carry so choose carefully. On many tours you can pay extra for a personal porter to carry most of your things, although you will always want a daypack for water, snacks, and clothing. Consider hiring the extra porter, which allows you to carry 7 kg extra (from 7 kg to 14 kg). To be clear, the extra porter you hire is not just for you - he will carry an equal share of the whole set of gear to be transported, including everyone else's food, kitchen tent, etc. The tips for 'your porter' are part of the shared pool as well - so it's not really the case that you are paying for a porter for yourself. === Get fit === [[File:Inca Trail 2016.jpg|thumb|Stairs on the Inca Trail—tread carefully, especially if they're wet.]] You do not need to be particularly athletic to travel the Inca trail – so long as you are generally fit and can walk up and down stairs, you should be able to do it – but it helps make it safer and more enjoyable. Walking, hiking, using the stair machine, and doing weights for leg muscles all help you be specifically prepared for the trek, and make it easier. A half hour on a stair machine a few times before the trek is adequate, but further conditioning helps. Check with a doctor or trainer before engaging on a demanding exercise program. ;3 to 6 months beforehand – build muscles Muscles take time to build, and help with stability and endurance. Get training if any exercises are new to you. Squats are the best exercise for your legs and general stability; leg presses or quad extensions are acceptable alternatives. Dips are ideal preparation for pole use, as the movement (particularly downhill) is virtually identical. Triceps extensions are an acceptable alternative. ;3+ months beforehand – cardiovascular fitness Any regular cardiovascular exercise is acceptable, though walking or running are the easiest option for most people. Hiking, particularly rough terrain at altitude, is best, if possible. ;1 month beforehand – muscular endurance Muscular endurance decays quickly, so do shortly before departure. An hour on a stair machine 3 times or more per week is ideal, though steppers, sloped treadmills, or climbing actual stairs is also ok. === Arrange gear === Packing is a complicated tradeoff: bring enough to be comfortable, but minimize weight, and split between day pack and duffel. It also depends on the type of trek (will water be provided?) * Passport * First aid kit [[File:Petzl tikka xp.jpg|thumb|Headlamp (or flashlight) necessary at night, and possibly for early-morning hiking]] * Headlamp/flashlight * Warm top/bottom for the evenings * Hiking boots; runners are possible if you don't mind them getting thrashed by the rocky trail and you have strong ankles * Wash kit, 2L water bottle and water purifying tablets * Sunblock (SPF 30+), UV-blocking sunglasses, and sun-blocking lip balm – you're outdoors, at altitude, by the equator: the sun is ''very'' strong, and clouds don't block it * Hat, preferably something covering your neck to protect from the high-altitude sun * Cash to tip porters and guides and buy snacks along the way, including a handful of one-sol coins for the bathrooms on the first day and at Machu Picchu * Long pants or slacks * Long-sleeved shirts * Several T-shirts * Rain wear (you never know when it will rain even if it's the dry season) * Camera. * Insect repellent * Personal toiletries * A light backpack * Gloves, scarf, warm socks * A towel and toilet paper * Maybe earplugs – your companions are likely to snore; this is partly periodic breathing, part of acclimatization to altitude (see [[altitude sickness]]) * Possibly an inflatable mattresses – at US$25 per person, renting one of these means you get two mattresses, a normal one and in addition an inflatable one on top, making it exceedingly and maybe excessively comfortable === Acclimatize === [[File:Inca Trail Altitude Graph.jpeg|thumb|Altitude on the Inca Trail. The highest point is Dead Woman's Pass at 4200 m.]] At its highest, the trail reaches 4200 m above sea level, so you should spend at least 2 days in [[Cusco]] acclimatizing before you start the trek. If you don't, [[altitude sickness]] could make your first few days pretty uncomfortable. Be aware that at 3400 m altitude, there's a risk for altitude sickness in Cusco too, so ideally, start with a day or two in the Sacred Valley, to acclimatize gradually to altitude before your trek. See [[Inca Highlands]] for what to do before your trek. == Get in == See [[Inca Highlands]]. You first need to spend a few nights in Cusco (and before that, preferably a night or two in the [[Sacred Valley]]) to acclimatize to the altitude. From Cusco, you can take a train, bus, or private car to the trailhead. This will likely be arranged by your tour group, so you just need to get to Cusco. Some tour companies may also be able to pick you up from [[Ollantaytambo]] or [[Urubamba]] instead of Cusco. Since these are closer to the trailhead, this option lets you get a couple extra hours of sleep before starting the trail. == Costs == Around US$400 at least. If you are paying less than US$350 for the 4 day trip, something is fishy, and porters are probably being treated very poorly. Make sure your tour includes the entrance ticket to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu (US$85) and the Vistadome train (US$71) back to Cusco. '''Tipping''' is expected, and a significant portion of the income, especially for porters. Verify exact composition of crew, expected tip amount, and protocol before the trek, and prepare tips. Use clean bills, given on either on last morning on the trail (for 5-day trek), or last night (for 4-day, due to early start), since porters return home early the last day. Please tip in soles, not foreign currency, to avoid giving porters the inconvenience of finding a currency exchange place and paying their (probably significant) fees. ==Go== {{mapframe| -13.205 | -72.469 |zoom=12|width=600|name=Map of the Inca Trail}} {{mapshape|type=geoline|wikidata=Q6014019|stroke=#000000|stroke-width=3|title=Inca Trail}} The following roughly describes a typical 4-day trip along the Inca Trail. Everyone takes the same route, but your timing and campsites will depend on your tour operator, the speed of your group, and other considerations. Your ability to tour and explore the ruins will also depend on your particular tour: the 5-day tours include plenty of time for all the ruins, but many 4-day tours end up rushing past some of them without a chance to look around. In particular, Runkuracay and Wiñay Wayna are likely to be skipped on some versions of the trek that put them close to the end of a long day of hiking. The trail has stairs, most of which were put in by the Incas. The rocks are rough and uneven, and very slippery when wet. It is very easy to sprain your ankle, particularly when descending. Use trekking poles for balance, tread carefully, and be very careful when wet. Don’t rush, particularly on the 2nd day climbing up to Warmiwañusqa (Dead Woman’s Pass) – you have to climb down afterwards, after all. Slow and steady is better than rushing ahead and getting sweaty and winded. More subtly, climb ''down'' slowly, using poles – your knees will thank you. Toilets are found every couple of hours along the trail. On the first day they are sit-down toilets that cost S/1 to use; after that they are free squat toilets. They are filthy and lack toilet paper. Bring toilet paper and hand sanitizer or soap (benzalkonium chloride is best for the dry season, as it does not dry out your already-dry hands; soap is fine, though water may not always be available). ===Day 1: Cusco to Wayllabamba=== [[File:Llactapata.jpg|thumb|Llactapata]] Your operator will probably pick you up early in the morning at your hotel in {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Cusco]]|lat=-13.525|long=-71.972222|image=Plaza de Armas - Cusco.jpg}} for a drive to the trailhead. On the way, you might stop in {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Urubamba]]|lat=-13.304167|long=-72.116667|image=Urubambatown.jpg}} or {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Ollantaytambo]]|lat=-13.258056|long=-72.263333|image=Town of Ollantaytambo.jpg}} for supplies or breakfast. When you reach the trailhead at {{marker|type=other|name=Piscachuco|lat=-13.214213|long=-72.380648|image=Bridge, Inca Trail - Day 1.jpg}}, you can buy a few last-minute supplies like toilet paper, coca leaves, and mosquito repellent. Then you'll go through a control checkpoint and set off by crossing a bridge across the river. From a distance, you'll see the ruins of {{marker|type=other|name=Qhanabamba|lat=-13.2310964|long=-72.40655|image=Qhanabamba.jpg}} and then the former large Inca settlement of {{marker|type=other|name=Llactapata|lat=-13.2349773|long=-72.4218254|image=Llactapata.jpg}} (aka Patallacta), both in the valley below you. You should then get a chance to explore the Inca fort of {{marker|type=other|name=Huillca Raccay|lat=-13.235554|long=-72.423446|image=Huillca Raccay - ruin on the Inca Trail.jpg}}, located on the trail overlooking Llactapata—this hill fort, which mostly consists of rows of small Inca buildings, is where many of the inhabitants of Llactapata worked. If you're feeling like this day was easier than you expected, don't get cocky – day two is much harder. Settle in for the night at {{marker|type=other|name=Wayllabamba|lat=-13.263747|long=-72.446291|image=Wayllabamba, village on the Inca Trail.jpg}} and rest up for the hardest day of the trek. Wayllabamba, by the way, is actually a village rather than just a campground, and you can buy drinks and snacks here. The kids who live here have to commute all the way along the trail you've just taken and then take a bus to Ollantaytambo just to go to school. ===Day 2: Dead Woman's Pass=== [[File:Dead Woman's Pass.jpg|thumb|Dead Woman's Pass, so named because from this angle part of it is said to resemble a woman's face looking up]] Day 1 of the Inca Trail is said to be the easy day. Day 3 is the long day. Day 2? This is the hard day. You won't be spending your time touring ruins today—instead, your main goal is the difficult slog up and down the trail's highest mountain pass. Your guide may give you something to help with the altitude; even if not, some coca tea or leaves to chew can help. After another early wake-up call, you'll pass the campsites of {{marker|type=other|name=Ayapata|lat=-13.258310|long=-72.461437|image=Ayapata campsite on the Inca Trail.jpg}} and {{marker|type=other|name=Llulluchapampa|lat=-13.250164|long=-72.472271|image=Food and drinks for sale at Llulluchapampa.jpg}} (your final opportunities to buy any last essentials, like water, snacks, toilet paper, or wine). Then comes the steep and difficult ascent to {{marker|type=other|name=Dead Woman's Pass|lat=-13.243081|long=-72.483972|image=Dead Woman's Pass from above.jpg}} ('''Warmiwañusqa'''/'''Huarmihuañusca''') at 4200m, the highest point of the trek. For most trekkers, the last chunk is especially tough because of the altitude, so take it slow. Take breaks as often as you need to, and don't try to compete with other hikers. When you do reach the pass, take in the breathtaking views while you celebrate your accomplishment—you've just completed the hardest section of the trail. Then descend to your campsite at {{marker|type=other|name=Pacaymayu|lat=-13.233803|long=-72.498212|image=Pacaymayu campsite on the Inca Trail.jpg}} for some well-deserved rest. Make sure to have a jacket on hand for this day—temperatures can drop drastically with altitude. The campsite is quite high up too, at about 3600m, and it gets cold at night. ===Day 3: Phuyupatamarca and Wiñay Wayna=== [[File:Phuyupatamarca (cloud-level town).jpg|thumb|Phuyupatamarca]] Set off early (are you sensing a pattern?) for another full day of hiking. Day 3 will take you past several impressive Inca ruins. Start by seeing the ruins of {{marker|type=other|name=Runkuracay|lat=-13.228336|long=-72.501400|image=Ruins Of Rest-hut, Inca Trail.jpg}}, a semicircular Inca watchtower where sentries once looked out over the valley below, and crossing the 4000m {{marker|type=other|name=Runkuracay Pass|lat=-13.226694|long=-72.505344|image=Runkuracay Pass.jpg}}. At this pass there are a couple of small side trails you can take for views of the valleys on either side. Then you'll pass the "inaccessible town" of {{marker|type=other|name=Sayacmarka|lat=-13.227973|long=-72.516731|image=Sayacmarka.jpg}}, a large set of ruins which despite its nickname is open for exploring. Sayacmarka is the biggest archeological site so far and includes both a residential area and a sun temple. Down below Sayacmarka is the much smaller site of {{marker|type=other|name=Qonchamarka|lat=-13.2270931|long=-72.5172729|image=Conchamarka (cooking stove spot).jpg}}, which you'll see from afar and then walk past, but are not allowed to enter. Now that you're past the second pass, you'll notice a striking difference in climate and wildlife – suddenly you're in a lush, moist forest with colorful plants. This area, known as a cloud forest, looks almost like a mountainside rainforest, and it's hard to believe it can exist so close to the austere peaks and grassy scrubland you've just passed. [[File:Epidendrum secundum Winaywayna.jpg|thumb|Colorful orchids can be found along the trail. This one is seen in front of the ruins of Wiñay Wayna.]] Then come three more ruins that you can explore, assuming your group walks fast enough to give you time! First is {{marker|type=other| name=Phuyupatamarca|lat=-13.2063638|long=-72.5318159|image=Phuyupatamarca (cloud-level town).jpg}}—"Town in the Clouds", an appropriate name given how often it's shrouded in fog. Located at an altitude of 3600 m, this is an impressive and well-preserved set of ruins, including agricultural terraces and ceremonial baths. Look for the water channels that connect the baths, a surviving demonstration of high-quality Inca engineering. Next is {{marker|type=other|name=Intipata|lat=-13.185638|long=-72.541273|image=Inca trail intipata.jpg}}, a truly huge set of agricultural terraces with amazing views of the mountains—if you're lucky you might have the time and energy to wear yourself out walking up and down the long flights of stairs between the terraces. Finally, make your way to {{marker|type=other|name=Wiñay Wayna|lat=-13.192149|long=-72.536551|image=Wiñay Wayna ruins on the Inca Trail.jpg}}, the largest set of ruins on the trail (aside from Machu Picchu, of course). Wiñay Wayna includes ruins of residential buildings, several storehouses, and terraces where food was grown to be sent to Machu Picchu. For most tours, this is also near the location of your last campsite. Note: your campsite for this day may be somewhat unpredictable—while the Wiñay Wayna campsite is the most popular because of its proximity to Machu Picchu, space considerations sometimes mean that groups are allocated space at the farther away Phuyupatamarca campsite instead, especially in the high season. Space is allocated by the government, so this is outside the tour operators' control. If your operator plans to camp at Wiñay Wayna, you probably will, but they can't guarantee it 100%. ===Day 4: Machu Picchu=== [[File:Peru Machu Picchu Sunrise 2.jpg|thumb|Sunrise at Machu Picchu]] This is one of the world's most rewarding day-hikes. Wake up ''very'' early for a hike in darkness of just a few kilometers to reach your destination before sunrise. You will find that the Trail is fairly easy until you have to go up the steep "gringo killer" stairs. The final climb brings you to {{marker|type=other|name=Inti Punku|lat=-13.169662|long=-72.533888|image=Tourists at Inti Punku.jpg}}, the '''Sun Gate''', where you achieve your first and most picturesque view of {{marker|type=other|name=[[Machu Picchu]]|lat=-13.164808|long=-72.543623|image=Machu Picchu, Perú, 2015-07-30, DD 40.JPG}}. Now there's another hour or so of hiking, during which you'll pass a couple of smaller ruins and watch the main part of the ruins slowly get closer and closer. Finally, you'll make it: one of the most famous sets of ruins in the world, and with good reason. It's spectacular, huge, and very well preserved and restored, full of Inca houses, temples, streets, terraces, and so on. The ruins you saw on the way were just a shadow of the impressive engineering on display here, in the form of systems of running water and temple walls composed of huge, perfectly cut boulders. It's true that Machu Picchu is crowded, especially compared to the sites you saw on the trail, but the crowds are worth it for an unparalleled look at what remains from the height of Inca civilization. Depending on your exact itinerary, you'll be at Machu Picchu either in the morning (6AM–noon) or the afternoon (noon–5:30PM). If you have a morning ticket, you won't be kicked out at noon, but you won't be allowed to re-enter if you leave to use the toilets, which are outside the gate. Machu Picchu is most crowded at midday and clears out by 4PM, when the last train heads back to Cusco, so take your time finishing the hike. Late afternoon is the prettiest time to wander through the intricate stonework. The last bus down to {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Aguas Calientes]]|lat=-13.154833|long=-72.525333|image=Machu Picchu, Peru - Laslovarga (27).jpg}}, at the foot of Machu Picchu, departs shortly after the gates close in the afternoon. After touring Machu Picchu, you can choose to take a hike to {{marker|type=vicinity|name=Huayna Picchu|lat=-13.1575|long=-72.547222|image=Wayna Picchu, Peru-27Oct2009.jpg}} to see the beautiful views of the site. This may cost extra. ==Getting out== === Which train to take === Beware: if you are not spending the night in Aguas Calientes (4-day/3-night trip), then you only have part of one day in Machu Picchu, and thus your return train ticket from Machu Picchu will have a large impact on how much time you can spend there and whether or not you have time to climb Huayna Picchu at all. If you are spending this night, this isn't an issue. When you are booking an Inca Trail ticket from home, you may think the time of your train is a very low priority item. You are probably assuming that someone else made sure you have enough time to spend at Machu Picchu. But the reality is that trains get booked and your trail operator may buy you a train ticket out of Aguas Calientes at 1PM. To make it to this train, you will have to be at the train station at 12:30, which means you have to leave Machu Picchu by no later than noon, which means that you will be there only briefly, and have to leave it when it is the most crowded. Machu Picchu is the best in the first half hour after opening and during the last two hours before closing. Most people are gone after 3PM, and the light till 5PM is gorgeous, the heat a little gentler, and you can sit on a patch of grass and soak in the place. You do not want to miss this. It will make Machu Picchu yours. At 10AM Machu Picchu is crowded, loud, and bustling. You will be running around to not lose track of your tour group. At 4PM you can really see it at your own pace, and hang out with the resident chinchillas and llamas. But to do that, you have to take a later train. ==Stay safe== Statistics on hazards on the Inca trail are not available, and probably do not exist: injuries and petty crimes are not reported, so all information is anecdotal. With proper precautions, and a bit of luck, you'll be fine, and major problems are rare, but more minor problems are common. At the end of the trail, beware of falls at Machu Picchu, especially at Huayna Picchu. The most common issues on the Inca trail are: altitude sickness, lack of potable water, filthy bathrooms, sprains and broken bones, and petty theft. More serious issues are heart attacks, falling off the trail, landslides, lack of medical facilities, difficulty in rescue and evacuation, and lack of police. Deaths are quite rare (a handful or fewer per year, out of tens of thousands of trekkers), and typically make news. Similarly, serious crimes (murder, rape) are rare, though rape attempts of single women are reported at Wiñay Wayna, particularly when using toilet late at night: safest is to always be in a pair or group at night. The tap water in Peru is not potable. Do not drink it. You must either boil water for five full minutes or drink bottled water. Your tour operator will have plans for what to do about [[water]] during the trek, so ask what you should bring. In any case, it's a good idea to have '''water purification tablets''' on hand in case of emergency. Because you are visiting Andean areas, don't forget to take precautions to avoid [[altitude sickness]] if you are prone to it. Be sure to try a hot tea or an infusion of coca leaves on arrival at altitude. During your first day move slowly and eat lightly, resting the first couple of hours. At night you may be woken by the screams of a panicking trekker who is suffering an acute case of altitude sickness, and requires oxygen (particularly at Paqaymayu, the largest and usually highest campsite). Don't be scared, but acclimatize properly so this isn't you. Sample altitudes above sea level: *Cusco: 3,360 m (11,000 ft) *Machu Picchu: 2,400 m (7,800 ft) *Urubamba Valley: 2,850m (9,300 ft) *highest point on the trail: 4,200 m (13,600 ft) ===Theft=== Theft is common, primarily of unattended items at camp, and occurs particularly at meal time, when washing or using the toilet, and when sleeping: even experienced tour operators suffer theft. This is especially a problem at crowded campsites, notably Paqaymayu and Wiñay Wayna, which are crawling with people and virtually impossible to secure. More aggressive theft (armed robbery, tent slashing) is now rare, however. Prime targets include sunglasses, cell phones, cameras, lenses (camera and sunglasses), money, trekking poles, head lamps, and beer. Thieves are primarily porters (from your own group or another) or locals, who are very poor: there is no need to be overtly suspicious, but never let your guard down. You cannot realistically protect everything perfectly, but you can minimize risk. As a precaution, avoid bringing valuables. Leave jewelry at home, and consider bringing a smaller, cheaper camera. Unfortunately, you must bring your passport and tip money on the trail, and much gear is expensive. Whatever valuable items you do bring should be kept on your person at all times. Your passport is the most serious, since this is disastrous if stolen. Fortunately, this and money are easy to secure, if awkward: use a money belt, even at night. Do ''not'' use a neck pouch at night, due to strangulation risk. Safest is to give these to someone when washing. Leave nothing unattended, especially at meal time. Safest is to have multi-person tents, with someone always there, and either eat in your tent or bring your bags to meal. This is a bit paranoid, and you can generally leave bulky items (clothes, trail shoes) in your tent. Don't leave anything outside the tent, even shoes or clothes, especially at night (not just to because of theft but also in case of rain and dew). Leave nothing valuable inside tent entrance or in easy-access pockets. Hide bulkier items mixed with other items in bags inside of bags inside of deep pockets Backpack pockets, pant pockets, shirt pockets, etc. are easily searched. The more layers (bags, zippers, etc.), the less likely a rushed thief is to risk opening all of them or risk taking a large item. This provides added protection for items such as sunglasses, cameras, and lenses. Hide valuables when approaching campsite, if possible. ===Injuries, evacuation, and death=== [[File:Inca trail, Peru.jpg|thumb]] Serious injuries and death are very rare, but possible. Medical emergencies are very dangerous, due to the remoteness. Medical facilities on the trail are limited, and evacuation and rescue are slow and difficult. The closest major facilities are in Cusco, many hours away. If you are at risk of a medical emergency that would need a hospital, you risk death. Prior to Warmiwañusqa, you can turn back. Once you pass Warmiwañusqa, there’s no turning back: the fastest and safest way out is onward to Machu Picchu. If you are injured, you will need to walk out or be carried out (if you cannot walk); horse are available for the first day, but not afterwards. Helicopter evacuation is possible from Machu Picchu, but not from the trail itself. Usual evacuation proceeds via Aguas Calientes (if past Warmiwañusqa), Ullantaytampu, then to Cusco. If you fall off the trail, you will likely be seriously injured or die: off a sheer drop you will likely die, while if you fall into vegetation you will likely not be able to climb back up (mountainsides are scree covered with thick vegetation), and need to be rescued by a team with machetes and a basket stretcher, which can take hours. It is safest to not be alone on the trail: if something happens, it can be some time before you are found, and if you fall off out of sight, it may be hours or days before you are found. Be aware of the language problem: English is often limited, and porters may only speak [[Quechua]]. Please document and learn to state any medical conditions in [[Spanish]]. ==Go next== * [[Machu Picchu]], of course. * [[Aguas Calientes]], if spending the night. * [[Ollantaytambo]], other major Inca ruin, and on the train back * Other sights in and around the [[Sacred Valley]] and [[Cusco]]. ===Other treks=== Many alternative treks in the area, some also ending at Machu Picchu, are run by some of the same companies. * Keep hiking, by long, demanding hike to [[Choquequirao]] (similar ruin to Machu Picchu, much less-known), then short (2-day) hike down to [[Cachora]] and bus back to Cusco. * [[Salkantay Trek]], passing by the staggeringly tall Salkantay peak on the way to Machu Picchu * Two-day Inca Trail, where you only hike past a few ruins, for people who want a taste of the Inca Trail but aren't ready for a big four-day trek {{geo|-13.27|-71.87|zoom=9}} {{Related|Inca Highlands}} {{Related|Sacred Valley of the Incas}} {{guideitinerary}} {{PartOfItinerary|South America itineraries}} 1vabx6gf9v7etqafr5d6nfl7ndntkju 5086815 5086814 2025-07-02T22:20:46Z Ikan Kekek 36420 Reverted and copy edited per [[don't tout]]; one listing in Spanish. 5086815 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|BannerInca.jpg|unesco=yes|ftt=yes}} [[File:IncaTrail.JPG|thumb|A section of the Inca trail]] The '''Inca trail''' to [[Machu Picchu]], the "Lost City of the Incas", is a world-famous trek in [[Peru]]. It's the best known part of the Inca road system, which was listed as a [[UNESCO World Heritage site]] in 2014. The hike takes you past staggering mountain scenery and many impressive Inca ruins, through ecosystems ranging from mossy forests to stark peaks. For much of the trail, you're walking on the very stone paths laid by the Incas hundreds of years ago. Treks vary significantly in style, from budget backpacking to high-end glamping, but typically consist of 4 days and 3 nights on the trail itself. While the main route is fixed, timing and campsites vary. The trail requires reservations months in advance, and all trekkers must be part of a tour group, which includes porters and a guide. In addition to keeping you safe, organized, and on schedule, guides have extensive knowledge of the ruins, their history, and the variety of plants and animals that can be found along the trail. Visits generally start from [[Cusco]], the capital of the Incas. Due to the need to acclimatize to the altitude for a few days, the trek itself must be part of a longer trip, usually a few days in Cusco and the [[Sacred Valley]]; see [[Inca Highlands]]. == Understand == [[File:Peru Wiñay Wayna.jpg|thumb|Inca ruins on the trail, open for exploration and way less crowded than Machu Picchu]] [[File:WildlifeAlpaka.jpg|thumb|Animals seen along the Salkantay / Inca trail]] Many countries have mountain ranges with beautiful scenery and Peru itself is richly blessed in this respect with many other areas for hiking. However the scenery is only one of the elements responsible for the magic of the Inca Trail. Can there be any walk anywhere in the world with such a combination of natural beauty, history and sheer mystery and with such an awe-inspiring destination? The various Inca ruins along the way serve to heighten the hiker's sense of anticipation as he or she approaches what would surely find a place in any new list of archaeological wonders of the world - Machu Picchu. The ruins on the trail are all many times less crowded than Machu Picchu, and most are open for exploration without the ropes and blocked-off areas at your final destination. If you're lucky, you'll also see colorful flowers and birds, and possibly even other animals on the trail. At the height of the Inca Empire, their road system was the most extensive transportation system in South America, stretching from what is now [[Colombia]] all the way to central [[Chile]]. The branching network of roads, many of them paved with stones, totaled close to 40,000 kilometers. Unfortunately, with the conquest of the Inca Empire by the Spanish in the 1500s, most of the roads have been destroyed or left to deteriorate. Many of the surviving portions are unmapped and little explored, but a few sections have been cleaned up and restored. The most famous of these is the Inca Trail, which allows you to walk in the footsteps of the Incas, on the same stone paths that they laid and used to get to Machu Picchu hundreds of years ago. The trail is 45 km/26 miles from start to finish, but it feels like more: you gain and lose hundreds of meters of altitude multiple times, and much of the trek is above 3,000 meters where oxygen is noticeably thinner. Acclimation to the altitude is a must, and good physical condition advised. The journey winds through the valleys and hills of the surrounding area, taking you through the scenic landscape, from high alpine to cloud forests. The trail is '''physically demanding, but doable by any fit person''', barring specific health problems. If you have any concerns, check with a doctor. If you can walk and use stairs easily, you should be able to do it. No hiking experience is necessary, though the more used to hiking you are, the easier it will be. There are very few evacuations and deaths on the trail: the most likely risk is spraining your ankle and needing to be carried out. Many find the physical demands make the trip more rewarding, from the exertion and sense of accomplishment. If you are physically unable or concerned about your ability, you can also do a shorter 1-day or 2-day trek to Machu Picchu, take an easier trek like the valley trek to Machu Picchu, or go directly to Machu Picchu by rail. The trail, particularly the descent, is ideally suited to '''trekking poles''', which significantly reduce stress on your knees. Rubber tips are required, to protect the steps, and duct taping the tips on is highly recommended, otherwise they come off easily from impact or mud. You can buy new ones at home, rent good ones in town for cheap, or buy broomsticks, which are cheap and adequate, but not great. You cannot use local branches, as too many trees were being cut down, and these aren’t much good anyway. Consider shock-absorbing poles to further minimize stress. Many agencies operating from Cusco offer organised hikes along the trail, providing most of the equipment (tents, etc.) and people to carry it. Also, don't forget that the trail ends at Machu Picchu. Most Inca Trail hikers descend from the Sun Gate (Intipunko) at dawn and see Machu Picchu before the busloads of tourists show up around 10AM. '''Meals on the trail''' are often impressively delicious! If you're an experienced wilderness backpacker, you may be surprised by how luxurious the food is. Some tour companies can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary restrictions. The Inca Trail is part of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary, a protected area of 32,592 hectares, managed by the National State Protected Natural Areas Service, SERNANP. Every visitor must obey park regulations prohibiting littering, cutting or damaging trees, removing or damaging stones of ruins and the Trail, removing plants, killing animals, lighting open fires or camping in the archeological sites (Only authorized campsites can be used). ===Porters=== [[File:Crossing the bridge (3006028381).jpg|thumb|Porters at the beginning of the Inca Trail]] The trek is demanding enough without having to carry camping gear or clothes: use a porter (for camping gear) and a half (for change of clothes) and just carry your day pack. (This gives a job to a poor local farmer!) The Inca Trail is one of the relatively few treks globally that features porters: pack animals are not allowed on the trail because their hooves damage it. Porters are local Quechua farmers, typically poor and uneducated, and this is a major source of income for them. Most will not speak English or even much [[Spanish]]; knowing a few phrases of Quechua is a nice touch; see [[Quechua phrasebook]]. A guide is required, though porters are not, so you can backpack the trail, carrying all your own equipment. However, porters are widely used and recommended, since it's hard enough to hike with a day pack. Porters need to arrive much earlier than trekkers, to set up camp, so please be aware of porters running past you and give way. Beware of poor treatment of porters, notably inadequate equipment, food, or shelter, and excess loading: a heavily-loaded porter wearing plastic sandals is not tough, he is being exploited. Conditions have improved, but ill-treatment is still common, particularly on cut-rate treks. Please use an operator that treats its porters well, and consider learning more and getting involved in improving conditions. A documentary chronicling a year in the life of an Inca Trail porter, ''[http://www.michacrafilm.com Mi Chacra]{{Dead link|date=June 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}'', won the Grand Prize at the 2010 Banff Mountain Film Festival. [[File:We finally make it to the bottom of the Gringo Killer steps to witness this marvel of engineering, an Inca farming site perched on the side of the steep mountain (9657411176).jpg|thumb]] [[File:Wayllabamba Puesto de Vigilancia sign.jpg|thumb|Outline of the Inca Trail]] === When to go === May is best – start of dry season, so dry, sunny, and lush vegetation from the rains, and before high season and depths of winter. Weather is best May to September: fairly dry and sunny. June through August is high season (summer vacation in Northern Hemisphere), and hence books up far in advance, but is winter here (because Southern Hemisphere), so a bit cold at night. Thus, May and September are ideal. Fringe months of April and October are also OK, but more risk of rain. If hoping to see the sunrise, June and July are driest and best, but May and August (into early September) are often OK. November to March are the rainy season, so avoid if possible: cloudy skies (worse views), and rain, which soaks you, makes the rocks slick, and runs the risk of landslides, both on the trail and on roads. Less crowded though. The wettest months are January to April, when roads are often closed by landslides or flooding. The trail is closed in February to clean up the garbage left behind. '''Weather on the trail year-round''' features warm, comfortable days (around 20℃) and cold nights (often 5℃ or below), dropping to below freezing in the winter (June, July, August). Sun during the day and clouds at night increase the effective heat and cold. Accordingly, dress in layers. Pack warm clothes in your duffel (alpaca hat, gloves, and socks are cozy), and make sure you have a warm sleeping bag. Also, flip-flops to rest your feet at the end of the day will leave you with cold feet: bring light, loose, ''closed'' sandals instead. The air is dry, and dry''ing'': the low pressure means water evaporates more quickly. Drink plenty of water, and use moisturizer if desired. == Prepare == [[File:Camino-inca-dia2-c04.jpg|thumb|Day 2 of the trek, near Dead Woman's Pass]] === Book tickets === Tickets '''must be booked in advance''', far in advance for the high season, through an authorized local tour operator, as it is not allowed to organize your own trip. For the high season, tickets must be booked immediately when they become available: it's wise to book six months in advance or more. Get these trail tickets ''before'' your plane tickets. If booked up, consider rescheduling your trip, or taking one of the [[Inca Highlands#Alternative treks|alternative treks]] in the area, none of which require booking so far in advance. Don't expect to pick up last-minute cancellations, as tour organizers must register client passport numbers with the government, and they are strictly checked at control points on the trail. A '''passport''' is required both for reserving tickets, and for admission to the trail (copy ''not'' accepted), so you need to bring it in your day pack! It is easiest if you have the same passport when reserving your ticket as when you show up, so avoid renewing your passport or changing your name in the meantime: renew if necessary before, change name before or after. Tickets are by season: reservations are accepted from mid-January, for the season from March 1st to the following January 31st. Some agencies will accept pre-reservations and then book immediately when tickets become available. There are 500 permits available per day for the 4-, 5- and 7-day treks and 250 for the 2-day trek. This includes both trekkers and tour employees (guides and porters). Since there are about 1.5 employees per trekker, that leaves 40% for trekkers, so about 200 trekkers per day. You can check official availability of tickets at the [http://www.machupicchu.gob.pe ''Boletaje Virtual''] (Virtual Ticket) website. Beware that this is the ''total'' number left (trekkers and employees), so out of 500, and that days can book up in big chunks, due to booking a group (a group of 12 trekkers entail about 30 tickets total), so don't delay. Tickets for Machu Picchu should be included in your tour. Tickets are also required for '''Huayna Picchu''' (a large mountain nearby which you can hike up for magnificent views of Machu Picchu). Huayna Picchu is optional, and thus might be forgotten: make sure to get tickets in advance if interested! === Which tour? === [[File:Camino-inca-dia4-c06.jpg|thumb|Day 4 of a 4-day tour, descending to Machu Picchu]] There are two tour lengths: 4 days and 5 days. They both sleep 3 nights on the trail, and follow the same path, but have different schedules, and stop at different camp sites. It is also possible to take a short 2-day trek on a slightly different route, or visit Machu Picchu without the Inca Trail. The 4 day/3 night trek is the classic: on the last day you get into Machu Picchu early, see the sun rise, visit Machu Picchu, then go back to Cusco. The 5 day/4 night version is more leisurely, getting into Machu Picchu late on the fourth day for a brief look after most tourists have left; then you spend the night at [[Aguas Calientes]] and see Machu Picchu the next day. If you're tight on time or money, or you're a fast hiker, do the 4-day, otherwise do the 5-day: it's less rushed and crowded. The classic 4-day tour takes less time and is a bit faster and more demanding, particularly days 3 and 4: you have long days and relatively less sleep. It means you see the sun rise when you first get to Machu Picchu (assuming clear weather), but you'll likely be a bit tired, and may not be up to Huayna Picchu. You also may have a rushed day at Machu Picchu, and will need to plan your train back carefully if you want a full day at Machu Picchu, particularly to avoid the crowds. If you want, you can do the 4-day (arriving early) and then spend the night in Aguas Calientes, and see as much of Machu Picchu as you like, basically doing a fast-paced 5-day (with sunrise, and rest at the end). The 5-day tour is more leisurely: it misses the sunrise, and takes an extra day, but is otherwise more pleasant: you see Machu Picchu after the crowds have left (on the first day) and before most crowds arrive (on the second day), with nice dusk/dawn light (golden hour, good for photos), you can be rested for Huayna Picchu, and the campsites are less crowded, because most people are on the 4-day schedule. === Choose tour operator === You must use a local authorized tour operator, of which there are many. You can book with a tour operator directly, or use a travel agent in your country. Some operators, notably high-end ones, only work through agencies. Beware that being authorized is no guarantee of quality, and many agencies are fly-by-night operations run out a storefront in Cusco. It is safest to use an established, reputable agency: research agencies and their reviews online. However, there are some newer companies that you might take a chance on if you find their story or reviews compelling. When choosing an operator, consider what they offer—budget backpacking or high-end glamping? How big are the groups (or do you want a more expensive private tour)? Do you want to take a 4-day or 5-day (or 2-day) tour? Some operators only offer one. Will they arrange travel to/from Cusco? Which train service? And of course, operators and tours vary in price. Many operators treat porters very poorly; check reviews and story (touting social responsibility is no guarantee, but it's a hint). Beware that cut-rate operators invariably cut corners at the expense of porters, but some good value operators treat porters well, and being expensive is no guarantee that porters are treated well. Also, due to intermediaries, paying a high price to a travel agency may not result in the tour operator getting much of it. ==== Operators ==== <!-- Operators listed because *required* for trail. --> An operator is ''required''. Out of the about 200 companies, many are bad. Check reviews, guidebooks, and the companies’ own websites to decide, or rely on a travel agent to choose for you. Here are 15 well-respected companies, though there are other good ones. <!-- what do the years mean? Please clarify--> * [http://www.perutreks.com Peru Treks] (2002, Inca Trail Peru Treks S.A.C.): 4-day only, every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, socially responsible, small family company. Specialized: only does this trek, so very competent, but inflexible. * [http://www.llamapath.com Llama Path] (2004): various treks * [http://www.alpacaexpeditions.com Alpaca Expeditions] (2011): Provides full tours of Peru and a leader on treks to Machu Picchu with a license for the Inca Trail. * [http://www.unitedmice.com United Mice]{{Dead link|date=January 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} (1987): adventure travel throughout area, socially conscious (helps street children) * [http://www.sastravelperu.com SAS] (1990): Largest trail operator, full selection, award-winning; also offers other adventure tours (white-water rafting etc.). * [http://www.waykitrek.net Wayki Trek] * [http://www.andinatravel.com Andina Travel]{{Dead link|date=September 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} * [https://adventureinperu.com/ Adventure in Peru] {{Dead link|date=March 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} (2016)Provides full tours in Cusco day tours and multiple day tour to Machu Picchu * [https://trexperienceperu.com TreXperience] (2017): A top local operator offering group, private, and luxury Inca Trail tours to Machu Picchu. High-end * [http://www.enigmaperu.com Enigma] (2002): good porter treatment * [http://www.andeantreks.com Andean Treks] {{dead link|August 2018|December 2020}} (1970s, Inca Tours And Travel Adventure S.A.C): 5-day, South America-wide. * [http://www.explorandes.com Explorandes] (1975): 5-day, large Peru-wide company, environmentally conscious. * [http://www.gapadventures.com Grandes Aventuras del Peru (GAP)]: various offerings * [http://www.amazonas-explorer.com Amazonas Explorer]: 5-day, expensive, luxury * [http://www.apumayo.com Apumayo Expediciones] (1995): private/group tours only, luxury options, wheelchair/accessible tours, various other offerings ==== Porters ==== There seem to be about 1½ porters per client on the trail, and you'll spend a fair amount of time getting out of their way as they hump all your gear to the next camp. Fortunately, the government has restricted the amount of gear tour operators can pile on each porter to 25 kg (including their personal stuff). You are allowed to pack only 6 kg for the porter to carry so choose carefully. On many tours you can pay extra for a personal porter to carry most of your things, although you will always want a daypack for water, snacks, and clothing. Consider hiring the extra porter, which allows you to carry 7 kg extra (from 7 kg to 14 kg). To be clear, the extra porter you hire is not just for you - he will carry an equal share of the whole set of gear to be transported, including everyone else's food, kitchen tent, etc. The tips for 'your porter' are part of the shared pool as well - so it's not really the case that you are paying for a porter for yourself. === Get fit === [[File:Inca Trail 2016.jpg|thumb|Stairs on the Inca Trail—tread carefully, especially if they're wet.]] You do not need to be particularly athletic to travel the Inca trail – so long as you are generally fit and can walk up and down stairs, you should be able to do it – but it helps make it safer and more enjoyable. Walking, hiking, using the stair machine, and doing weights for leg muscles all help you be specifically prepared for the trek, and make it easier. A half hour on a stair machine a few times before the trek is adequate, but further conditioning helps. Check with a doctor or trainer before engaging on a demanding exercise program. ;3 to 6 months beforehand – build muscles Muscles take time to build, and help with stability and endurance. Get training if any exercises are new to you. Squats are the best exercise for your legs and general stability; leg presses or quad extensions are acceptable alternatives. Dips are ideal preparation for pole use, as the movement (particularly downhill) is virtually identical. Triceps extensions are an acceptable alternative. ;3+ months beforehand – cardiovascular fitness Any regular cardiovascular exercise is acceptable, though walking or running are the easiest option for most people. Hiking, particularly rough terrain at altitude, is best, if possible. ;1 month beforehand – muscular endurance Muscular endurance decays quickly, so do shortly before departure. An hour on a stair machine 3 times or more per week is ideal, though steppers, sloped treadmills, or climbing actual stairs is also ok. === Arrange gear === Packing is a complicated tradeoff: bring enough to be comfortable, but minimize weight, and split between day pack and duffel. It also depends on the type of trek (will water be provided?) * Passport * First aid kit [[File:Petzl tikka xp.jpg|thumb|Headlamp (or flashlight) necessary at night, and possibly for early-morning hiking]] * Headlamp/flashlight * Warm top/bottom for the evenings * Hiking boots; runners are possible if you don't mind them getting thrashed by the rocky trail and you have strong ankles * Wash kit, 2L water bottle and water purifying tablets * Sunblock (SPF 30+), UV-blocking sunglasses, and sun-blocking lip balm – you're outdoors, at altitude, by the equator: the sun is ''very'' strong, and clouds don't block it * Hat, preferably something covering your neck to protect from the high-altitude sun * Cash to tip porters and guides and buy snacks along the way, including a handful of one-sol coins for the bathrooms on the first day and at Machu Picchu * Long pants or slacks * Long-sleeved shirts * Several T-shirts * Rain wear (you never know when it will rain even if it's the dry season) * Camera. * Insect repellent * Personal toiletries * A light backpack * Gloves, scarf, warm socks * A towel and toilet paper * Maybe earplugs – your companions are likely to snore; this is partly periodic breathing, part of acclimatization to altitude (see [[altitude sickness]]) * Possibly an inflatable mattresses – at US$25 per person, renting one of these means you get two mattresses, a normal one and in addition an inflatable one on top, making it exceedingly and maybe excessively comfortable === Acclimatize === [[File:Inca Trail Altitude Graph.jpeg|thumb|Altitude on the Inca Trail. The highest point is Dead Woman's Pass at 4200 m.]] At its highest, the trail reaches 4200 m above sea level, so you should spend at least 2 days in [[Cusco]] acclimatizing before you start the trek. If you don't, [[altitude sickness]] could make your first few days pretty uncomfortable. Be aware that at 3400 m altitude, there's a risk for altitude sickness in Cusco too, so ideally, start with a day or two in the Sacred Valley, to acclimatize gradually to altitude before your trek. See [[Inca Highlands]] for what to do before your trek. == Get in == See [[Inca Highlands]]. You first need to spend a few nights in Cusco (and before that, preferably a night or two in the [[Sacred Valley]]) to acclimatize to the altitude. From Cusco, you can take a train, bus, or private car to the trailhead. This will likely be arranged by your tour group, so you just need to get to Cusco. Some tour companies may also be able to pick you up from [[Ollantaytambo]] or [[Urubamba]] instead of Cusco. Since these are closer to the trailhead, this option lets you get a couple extra hours of sleep before starting the trail. == Costs == Around US$400 at least. If you are paying less than US$350 for the 4 day trip, something is fishy, and porters are probably being treated very poorly. Make sure your tour includes the entrance ticket to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu (US$85) and the Vistadome train (US$71) back to Cusco. '''Tipping''' is expected, and a significant portion of the income, especially for porters. Verify exact composition of crew, expected tip amount, and protocol before the trek, and prepare tips. Use clean bills, given on either on last morning on the trail (for 5-day trek), or last night (for 4-day, due to early start), since porters return home early the last day. Please tip in soles, not foreign currency, to avoid giving porters the inconvenience of finding a currency exchange place and paying their (probably significant) fees. ==Go== {{mapframe| -13.205 | -72.469 |zoom=12|width=600|name=Map of the Inca Trail}} {{mapshape|type=geoline|wikidata=Q6014019|stroke=#000000|stroke-width=3|title=Inca Trail}} The following roughly describes a typical 4-day trip along the Inca Trail. Everyone takes the same route, but your timing and campsites will depend on your tour operator, the speed of your group, and other considerations. Your ability to tour and explore the ruins will also depend on your particular tour: the 5-day tours include plenty of time for all the ruins, but many 4-day tours end up rushing past some of them without a chance to look around. In particular, Runkuracay and Wiñay Wayna are likely to be skipped on some versions of the trek that put them close to the end of a long day of hiking. The trail has stairs, most of which were put in by the Incas. The rocks are rough and uneven, and very slippery when wet. It is very easy to sprain your ankle, particularly when descending. Use trekking poles for balance, tread carefully, and be very careful when wet. Don’t rush, particularly on the 2nd day climbing up to Warmiwañusqa (Dead Woman’s Pass) – you have to climb down afterwards, after all. Slow and steady is better than rushing ahead and getting sweaty and winded. More subtly, climb ''down'' slowly, using poles – your knees will thank you. Toilets are found every couple of hours along the trail. On the first day they are sit-down toilets that cost S/1 to use; after that they are free squat toilets. They are filthy and lack toilet paper. Bring toilet paper and hand sanitizer or soap (benzalkonium chloride is best for the dry season, as it does not dry out your already-dry hands; soap is fine, though water may not always be available). ===Day 1: Cusco to Wayllabamba=== [[File:Llactapata.jpg|thumb|Llactapata]] Your operator will probably pick you up early in the morning at your hotel in {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Cusco]]|lat=-13.525|long=-71.972222|image=Plaza de Armas - Cusco.jpg}} for a drive to the trailhead. On the way, you might stop in {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Urubamba]]|lat=-13.304167|long=-72.116667|image=Urubambatown.jpg}} or {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Ollantaytambo]]|lat=-13.258056|long=-72.263333|image=Town of Ollantaytambo.jpg}} for supplies or breakfast. When you reach the trailhead at {{marker|type=other|name=Piscachuco|lat=-13.214213|long=-72.380648|image=Bridge, Inca Trail - Day 1.jpg}}, you can buy a few last-minute supplies like toilet paper, coca leaves, and mosquito repellent. Then you'll go through a control checkpoint and set off by crossing a bridge across the river. From a distance, you'll see the ruins of {{marker|type=other|name=Qhanabamba|lat=-13.2310964|long=-72.40655|image=Qhanabamba.jpg}} and then the former large Inca settlement of {{marker|type=other|name=Llactapata|lat=-13.2349773|long=-72.4218254|image=Llactapata.jpg}} (aka Patallacta), both in the valley below you. You should then get a chance to explore the Inca fort of {{marker|type=other|name=Huillca Raccay|lat=-13.235554|long=-72.423446|image=Huillca Raccay - ruin on the Inca Trail.jpg}}, located on the trail overlooking Llactapata—this hill fort, which mostly consists of rows of small Inca buildings, is where many of the inhabitants of Llactapata worked. If you're feeling like this day was easier than you expected, don't get cocky – day two is much harder. Settle in for the night at {{marker|type=other|name=Wayllabamba|lat=-13.263747|long=-72.446291|image=Wayllabamba, village on the Inca Trail.jpg}} and rest up for the hardest day of the trek. Wayllabamba, by the way, is actually a village rather than just a campground, and you can buy drinks and snacks here. The kids who live here have to commute all the way along the trail you've just taken and then take a bus to Ollantaytambo just to go to school. ===Day 2: Dead Woman's Pass=== [[File:Dead Woman's Pass.jpg|thumb|Dead Woman's Pass, so named because from this angle part of it is said to resemble a woman's face looking up]] Day 1 of the Inca Trail is said to be the easy day. Day 3 is the long day. Day 2? This is the hard day. You won't be spending your time touring ruins today—instead, your main goal is the difficult slog up and down the trail's highest mountain pass. Your guide may give you something to help with the altitude; even if not, some coca tea or leaves to chew can help. After another early wake-up call, you'll pass the campsites of {{marker|type=other|name=Ayapata|lat=-13.258310|long=-72.461437|image=Ayapata campsite on the Inca Trail.jpg}} and {{marker|type=other|name=Llulluchapampa|lat=-13.250164|long=-72.472271|image=Food and drinks for sale at Llulluchapampa.jpg}} (your final opportunities to buy any last essentials, like water, snacks, toilet paper, or wine). Then comes the steep and difficult ascent to {{marker|type=other|name=Dead Woman's Pass|lat=-13.243081|long=-72.483972|image=Dead Woman's Pass from above.jpg}} ('''Warmiwañusqa'''/'''Huarmihuañusca''') at 4200m, the highest point of the trek. For most trekkers, the last chunk is especially tough because of the altitude, so take it slow. Take breaks as often as you need to, and don't try to compete with other hikers. When you do reach the pass, take in the breathtaking views while you celebrate your accomplishment—you've just completed the hardest section of the trail. Then descend to your campsite at {{marker|type=other|name=Pacaymayu|lat=-13.233803|long=-72.498212|image=Pacaymayu campsite on the Inca Trail.jpg}} for some well-deserved rest. Make sure to have a jacket on hand for this day—temperatures can drop drastically with altitude. The campsite is quite high up too, at about 3600m, and it gets cold at night. ===Day 3: Phuyupatamarca and Wiñay Wayna=== [[File:Phuyupatamarca (cloud-level town).jpg|thumb|Phuyupatamarca]] Set off early (are you sensing a pattern?) for another full day of hiking. Day 3 will take you past several impressive Inca ruins. Start by seeing the ruins of {{marker|type=other|name=Runkuracay|lat=-13.228336|long=-72.501400|image=Ruins Of Rest-hut, Inca Trail.jpg}}, a semicircular Inca watchtower where sentries once looked out over the valley below, and crossing the 4000m {{marker|type=other|name=Runkuracay Pass|lat=-13.226694|long=-72.505344|image=Runkuracay Pass.jpg}}. At this pass there are a couple of small side trails you can take for views of the valleys on either side. Then you'll pass the "inaccessible town" of {{marker|type=other|name=Sayacmarka|lat=-13.227973|long=-72.516731|image=Sayacmarka.jpg}}, a large set of ruins which despite its nickname is open for exploring. Sayacmarka is the biggest archeological site so far and includes both a residential area and a sun temple. Down below Sayacmarka is the much smaller site of {{marker|type=other|name=Qonchamarka|lat=-13.2270931|long=-72.5172729|image=Conchamarka (cooking stove spot).jpg}}, which you'll see from afar and then walk past, but are not allowed to enter. Now that you're past the second pass, you'll notice a striking difference in climate and wildlife – suddenly you're in a lush, moist forest with colorful plants. This area, known as a cloud forest, looks almost like a mountainside rainforest, and it's hard to believe it can exist so close to the austere peaks and grassy scrubland you've just passed. [[File:Epidendrum secundum Winaywayna.jpg|thumb|Colorful orchids can be found along the trail. This one is seen in front of the ruins of Wiñay Wayna.]] Then come three more ruins that you can explore, assuming your group walks fast enough to give you time! First is {{marker|type=other| name=Phuyupatamarca|lat=-13.2063638|long=-72.5318159|image=Phuyupatamarca (cloud-level town).jpg}}—"Town in the Clouds", an appropriate name given how often it's shrouded in fog. Located at an altitude of 3600 m, this is an impressive and well-preserved set of ruins, including agricultural terraces and ceremonial baths. Look for the water channels that connect the baths, a surviving demonstration of high-quality Inca engineering. Next is {{marker|type=other|name=Intipata|lat=-13.185638|long=-72.541273|image=Inca trail intipata.jpg}}, a truly huge set of agricultural terraces with amazing views of the mountains—if you're lucky you might have the time and energy to wear yourself out walking up and down the long flights of stairs between the terraces. Finally, make your way to {{marker|type=other|name=Wiñay Wayna|lat=-13.192149|long=-72.536551|image=Wiñay Wayna ruins on the Inca Trail.jpg}}, the largest set of ruins on the trail (aside from Machu Picchu, of course). Wiñay Wayna includes ruins of residential buildings, several storehouses, and terraces where food was grown to be sent to Machu Picchu. For most tours, this is also near the location of your last campsite. Note: your campsite for this day may be somewhat unpredictable—while the Wiñay Wayna campsite is the most popular because of its proximity to Machu Picchu, space considerations sometimes mean that groups are allocated space at the farther away Phuyupatamarca campsite instead, especially in the high season. Space is allocated by the government, so this is outside the tour operators' control. If your operator plans to camp at Wiñay Wayna, you probably will, but they can't guarantee it 100%. ===Day 4: Machu Picchu=== [[File:Peru Machu Picchu Sunrise 2.jpg|thumb|Sunrise at Machu Picchu]] This is one of the world's most rewarding day-hikes. Wake up ''very'' early for a hike in darkness of just a few kilometers to reach your destination before sunrise. You will find that the Trail is fairly easy until you have to go up the steep "gringo killer" stairs. The final climb brings you to {{marker|type=other|name=Inti Punku|lat=-13.169662|long=-72.533888|image=Tourists at Inti Punku.jpg}}, the '''Sun Gate''', where you achieve your first and most picturesque view of {{marker|type=other|name=[[Machu Picchu]]|lat=-13.164808|long=-72.543623|image=Machu Picchu, Perú, 2015-07-30, DD 40.JPG}}. Now there's another hour or so of hiking, during which you'll pass a couple of smaller ruins and watch the main part of the ruins slowly get closer and closer. Finally, you'll make it: one of the most famous sets of ruins in the world, and with good reason. It's spectacular, huge, and very well preserved and restored, full of Inca houses, temples, streets, terraces, and so on. The ruins you saw on the way were just a shadow of the impressive engineering on display here, in the form of systems of running water and temple walls composed of huge, perfectly cut boulders. It's true that Machu Picchu is crowded, especially compared to the sites you saw on the trail, but the crowds are worth it for an unparalleled look at what remains from the height of Inca civilization. Depending on your exact itinerary, you'll be at Machu Picchu either in the morning (6AM–noon) or the afternoon (noon–5:30PM). If you have a morning ticket, you won't be kicked out at noon, but you won't be allowed to re-enter if you leave to use the toilets, which are outside the gate. Machu Picchu is most crowded at midday and clears out by 4PM, when the last train heads back to Cusco, so take your time finishing the hike. Late afternoon is the prettiest time to wander through the intricate stonework. The last bus down to {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Aguas Calientes]]|lat=-13.154833|long=-72.525333|image=Machu Picchu, Peru - Laslovarga (27).jpg}}, at the foot of Machu Picchu, departs shortly after the gates close in the afternoon. After touring Machu Picchu, you can choose to take a hike to {{marker|type=vicinity|name=Huayna Picchu|lat=-13.1575|long=-72.547222|image=Wayna Picchu, Peru-27Oct2009.jpg}} to see the beautiful views of the site. This may cost extra. ==Getting out== === Which train to take === Beware: if you are not spending the night in Aguas Calientes (4-day/3-night trip), then you only have part of one day in Machu Picchu, and thus your return train ticket from Machu Picchu will have a large impact on how much time you can spend there and whether or not you have time to climb Huayna Picchu at all. If you are spending this night, this isn't an issue. When you are booking an Inca Trail ticket from home, you may think the time of your train is a very low priority item. You are probably assuming that someone else made sure you have enough time to spend at Machu Picchu. But the reality is that trains get booked and your trail operator may buy you a train ticket out of Aguas Calientes at 1PM. To make it to this train, you will have to be at the train station at 12:30, which means you have to leave Machu Picchu by no later than noon, which means that you will be there only briefly, and have to leave it when it is the most crowded. Machu Picchu is the best in the first half hour after opening and during the last two hours before closing. Most people are gone after 3PM, and the light till 5PM is gorgeous, the heat a little gentler, and you can sit on a patch of grass and soak in the place. You do not want to miss this. It will make Machu Picchu yours. At 10AM Machu Picchu is crowded, loud, and bustling. You will be running around to not lose track of your tour group. At 4PM you can really see it at your own pace, and hang out with the resident chinchillas and llamas. But to do that, you have to take a later train. ==Stay safe== Statistics on hazards on the Inca trail are not available, and probably do not exist: injuries and petty crimes are not reported, so all information is anecdotal. With proper precautions, and a bit of luck, you'll be fine, and major problems are rare, but more minor problems are common. At the end of the trail, beware of falls at Machu Picchu, especially at Huayna Picchu. The most common issues on the Inca trail are: altitude sickness, lack of potable water, filthy bathrooms, sprains and broken bones, and petty theft. More serious issues are heart attacks, falling off the trail, landslides, lack of medical facilities, difficulty in rescue and evacuation, and lack of police. Deaths are quite rare (a handful or fewer per year, out of tens of thousands of trekkers), and typically make news. Similarly, serious crimes (murder, rape) are rare, though rape attempts of single women are reported at Wiñay Wayna, particularly when using toilet late at night: safest is to always be in a pair or group at night. The tap water in Peru is not potable. Do not drink it. You must either boil water for five full minutes or drink bottled water. Your tour operator will have plans for what to do about [[water]] during the trek, so ask what you should bring. In any case, it's a good idea to have '''water purification tablets''' on hand in case of emergency. Because you are visiting Andean areas, don't forget to take precautions to avoid [[altitude sickness]] if you are prone to it. Be sure to try a hot tea or an infusion of coca leaves on arrival at altitude. During your first day move slowly and eat lightly, resting the first couple of hours. At night you may be woken by the screams of a panicking trekker who is suffering an acute case of altitude sickness, and requires oxygen (particularly at Paqaymayu, the largest and usually highest campsite). Don't be scared, but acclimatize properly so this isn't you. Sample altitudes above sea level: *Cusco: 3,360 m (11,000 ft) *Machu Picchu: 2,400 m (7,800 ft) *Urubamba Valley: 2,850m (9,300 ft) *highest point on the trail: 4,200 m (13,600 ft) ===Theft=== Theft is common, primarily of unattended items at camp, and occurs particularly at meal time, when washing or using the toilet, and when sleeping: even experienced tour operators suffer theft. This is especially a problem at crowded campsites, notably Paqaymayu and Wiñay Wayna, which are crawling with people and virtually impossible to secure. More aggressive theft (armed robbery, tent slashing) is now rare, however. Prime targets include sunglasses, cell phones, cameras, lenses (camera and sunglasses), money, trekking poles, head lamps, and beer. Thieves are primarily porters (from your own group or another) or locals, who are very poor: there is no need to be overtly suspicious, but never let your guard down. You cannot realistically protect everything perfectly, but you can minimize risk. As a precaution, avoid bringing valuables. Leave jewelry at home, and consider bringing a smaller, cheaper camera. Unfortunately, you must bring your passport and tip money on the trail, and much gear is expensive. Whatever valuable items you do bring should be kept on your person at all times. Your passport is the most serious, since this is disastrous if stolen. Fortunately, this and money are easy to secure, if awkward: use a money belt, even at night. Do ''not'' use a neck pouch at night, due to strangulation risk. Safest is to give these to someone when washing. Leave nothing unattended, especially at meal time. Safest is to have multi-person tents, with someone always there, and either eat in your tent or bring your bags to meal. This is a bit paranoid, and you can generally leave bulky items (clothes, trail shoes) in your tent. Don't leave anything outside the tent, even shoes or clothes, especially at night (not just to because of theft but also in case of rain and dew). Leave nothing valuable inside tent entrance or in easy-access pockets. Hide bulkier items mixed with other items in bags inside of bags inside of deep pockets Backpack pockets, pant pockets, shirt pockets, etc. are easily searched. The more layers (bags, zippers, etc.), the less likely a rushed thief is to risk opening all of them or risk taking a large item. This provides added protection for items such as sunglasses, cameras, and lenses. Hide valuables when approaching campsite, if possible. ===Injuries, evacuation, and death=== [[File:Inca trail, Peru.jpg|thumb]] Serious injuries and death are very rare, but possible. Medical emergencies are very dangerous, due to the remoteness. Medical facilities on the trail are limited, and evacuation and rescue are slow and difficult. The closest major facilities are in Cusco, many hours away. If you are at risk of a medical emergency that would need a hospital, you risk death. Prior to Warmiwañusqa, you can turn back. Once you pass Warmiwañusqa, there’s no turning back: the fastest and safest way out is onward to Machu Picchu. If you are injured, you will need to walk out or be carried out (if you cannot walk); horse are available for the first day, but not afterwards. Helicopter evacuation is possible from Machu Picchu, but not from the trail itself. Usual evacuation proceeds via Aguas Calientes (if past Warmiwañusqa), Ullantaytampu, then to Cusco. If you fall off the trail, you will likely be seriously injured or die: off a sheer drop you will likely die, while if you fall into vegetation you will likely not be able to climb back up (mountainsides are scree covered with thick vegetation), and need to be rescued by a team with machetes and a basket stretcher, which can take hours. It is safest to not be alone on the trail: if something happens, it can be some time before you are found, and if you fall off out of sight, it may be hours or days before you are found. Be aware of the language problem: English is often limited, and porters may only speak [[Quechua]]. Please document and learn to state any medical conditions in [[Spanish]]. ==Go next== * [[Machu Picchu]], of course. * [[Aguas Calientes]], if spending the night. * [[Ollantaytambo]], other major Inca ruin, and on the train back * Other sights in and around the [[Sacred Valley]] and [[Cusco]]. ===Other treks=== Many alternative treks in the area, some also ending at Machu Picchu, are run by some of the same companies. * Keep hiking, by long, demanding hike to [[Choquequirao]] (similar ruin to Machu Picchu, much less-known), then short (2-day) hike down to [[Cachora]] and bus back to Cusco. * [[Salkantay Trek]], passing by the staggeringly tall Salkantay peak on the way to Machu Picchu * Two-day Inca Trail, where you only hike past a few ruins, for people who want a taste of the Inca Trail but aren't ready for a big four-day trek {{geo|-13.27|-71.87|zoom=9}} {{Related|Inca Highlands}} {{Related|Sacred Valley of the Incas}} {{guideitinerary}} {{PartOfItinerary|South America itineraries}} r12js54zxo8y9zy1wac6l3xiyolu1je 0 15557 5086715 5083270 2025-07-02T17:31:32Z 81.101.9.96 /* Stay safe*/ Made bold key parts 5086715 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|TajMahal Banner.jpg|caption=Taj Mahal|origin=0,0}} '''India''' ([[Hindi phrasebook|Hindi]]: भारत or ''Bhārat''), the largest country in [[South Asia]], has many of the world's highest mountains, most populated cities, and longest rivers. As one of the great civilisations of the ancient world, India's heritage and culture is a rich amalgam of the past and present. This vast country, the most populous in the world, offers the traveller a view of fascinating religions and ethnography, a smorgasbord of languages, diverse food, and architectural masterpieces that were built millennia ago and remain intact today. As the nation opens up to a globalised world, India still has a depth of history and intensity of culture that awe and fascinate the many who visit there. ==Regions== India is administratively divided into 28 states and 8 union territories. The states are broadly demarcated on linguistic lines. They vary in size; the larger ones are bigger and more diverse than some countries of [[Europe]]. The union territories are usually much smaller than the states—sometimes they are just one city—and they have much less autonomy. India has two island chains off the mainland – the [[Andaman and Nicobar Islands]] in the Bay of Bengal and the [[Lakshadweep]] in the Arabian Sea. The states and union territories are grouped by convention into the following regions: {{Regionlist | regionmap=Map of India.png | regionmaptext=Map of India's regions and states | regionInteractiveMap=map1 | regionmapsize=350px | region1name=[[Himalayan North]] | region1color=#d5b66b | region1items=[[Jammu and Kashmir]], [[Ladakh]], [[Himachal Pradesh]], [[Uttarakhand]] | region1description=Mountainous and beautiful, a tourist destination for the adventurous and the spiritual. This region contains some of India's most visited hill stations and religious places. | region2name=[[Plains (India)|The Plains]] | region2color=#d5dc76 | region2items=[[Bihar]], [[Chandigarh]], [[Delhi]], [[Haryana]], [[Madhya Pradesh]], [[Punjab (India)|Punjab]], [[Uttar Pradesh]] | region2description=The plains, India's breadbasket, are watered by the holy rivers Ganges and Yamuna and their tributaries. The region also features the country's capital, Delhi, [[Agra]] of Taj Mahal fame and the holy cities of [[Mathura]], [[Prayagraj]], [[Varanasi]] and [[Bodh Gaya]]. Many of the events that shaped India's history took place in this region. | region3name=[[Western India]] | region3color=#71b37b | region3items=[[Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu]], [[Goa]], [[Gujarat]], [[Maharashtra]], [[Rajasthan]] | region3description= Home to the vast Thar Desert; the colourful palaces, forts and cities of Rajasthan; the country's most vibrant and biggest city, [[Mumbai]]; the mesmerising rock-cut caves of Ajanta and Ellora in Maharashtra; pristine forests; the wonderful beaches of Goa; the Asiatic lions of Gujarat in Gir jungles; and the rapidly developing cities of [[Ahmedabad]], [[Surat]], [[Jaipur]] and [[Pune]]. | region4name=[[Southern India]] | region4color=#b383b3 | region4items=[[Andaman and Nicobar]], [[Andhra Pradesh]], [[Karnataka]], [[Kerala]], [[Lakshadweep]], [[Pondicherry]], [[Tamil Nadu]], [[Telangana]] | region4description=Features famous and historical temples, tropical forests, backwaters, beaches, hill stations, and three big cities of [[Bangalore]], [[Chennai]], [[Hyderabad]] and other smaller cities. The city of [[Mysore]] is world-renowned for its palaces, especially the Mysore Palace. The island groups of Andaman and Nicobar (on the east) and Lakshadweep on the west, included in this region for convenience, are far from the mainland and have their unique characteristics. | region5name=[[Eastern India]] | region5color=#4da9c4 | region5items=[[Chhattisgarh]], [[Jharkhand]], [[Odisha]], [[Sikkim]], [[West Bengal]] | region5description=Economically less developed, but culturally rich and perhaps the most welcoming to outsiders. Features [[Kolkata]], once the capital of British India, and the temple cities of [[Puri]], [[Bhubaneswar]] and [[Konark]]. The region stretches from the mountains to the coast, resulting in fascinating variations in climate. It is also the mineral storehouse of India, having the country's largest and richest mines. | region6name=[[North-Eastern India]] | region6color=#d56d76 | region6items=[[Arunachal Pradesh]], [[Assam]], [[Manipur]], [[Meghalaya]], [[Mizoram]], [[Nagaland]], [[Tripura]] | region6description=Insular and relatively virgin, this is the country's tribal corner, with lush, beautiful landscapes, endemic flora and fauna of the Indo-Malayan group and famed tea gardens. Consists of seven states popularly known as the "Seven Sisters". The world's oldest polo ground, the world's only floating national park, the world's only women-run market and the world's tallest topiary plant can be seen in [[Manipur]]. The state of Meghalaya is depicted as the "Scotland of India" because of its mesmerising environment. }} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#d5b66b|title=[[Himalayan North]]|wikidata=Q1180,Q1177,Q1499,Q200667,Q66278313|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#d5dc76|title=[[Plains (India)|The Plains]]|wikidata=Q22424,Q1174,Q1498,Q1165,Q43433,Q9357528,Q1188|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#71b37b|title=[[Western India]]|wikidata=Q1437,Q1061,Q1191,Q1171|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#b383b3|title=[[Southern India]]|wikidata=Q1159,Q677037,Q1186,Q1445,Q1185,Q40888,Q26927|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#4da9c4|title=[[Eastern India]]|wikidata=Q1168,Q22048,Q1356,Q1505,Q1184|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#d56d76|title=[[North-Eastern India]]|wikidata=Q1162,Q1164,Q1193,Q1195,Q1502,Q1599,Q1363|stroke-opacity=0.1}} ==Cities== <!--Cities and Other destinations lists are limited to 9 items. Please first discuss proposed changes on this page's talk page.--> These are some of India's most notable cities. Other cities can be found under their specific regions. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Delhi]]|wikidata=Q1353}} — the capital of India and the heart of Northern India *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Bangalore]]|wikidata=Q1355}} (''Bengaluru'') — the beautiful garden city, once the sleepy home of pensioners, now transformed into an IT hub for high-technology companies and sprouting pubs. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Chennai]]|wikidata=Q1352}} (''Madras'') — the main port in Southern India, cultural centre, automobile capital of India *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Hyderabad]]|wikidata=Q1361}} — known for pearl and diamond trading, and for the classic Indian rice dish biryani, now with major manufacturing and financial institutions *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Jaipur]]|wikidata=Q66485}} — the Pink City, a major exhibit of the Hindu Rajput culture of medieval Northern India *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Kolkata]]|wikidata=Q1348}} (''Calcutta'') — the cultural capital of India, known as the City of Joy, and home to numerous colonial buildings *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Mumbai]]|wikidata=Q1156}} (''Bombay'') — the largest city and the financial capital of India, the city that never sleeps, home of "Bollywood", the Hindi film industry *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Shimla]]|wikidata=Q83786}} — capital of Himachal Pradesh, perched high on the Himalayas, more than 2 km above sea level *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Varanasi]]|wikidata=Q79980}} (''Banaras'') — considered the most sacred Hindu city, on the banks of the Ganges, one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world <!--Cities and Other destinations lists are limited to 9 items. Please first discuss proposed changes on this page's talk page.--> ==Other destinations== <!--Cities and Other destinations lists are limited to 9 items. Please first discuss proposed changes on this page's talk page.--> India has many outstanding landmarks and areas of outstanding beauty. Here are some of the most notable. *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Bodh Gaya]]|wikidata=Q176767}} — the main temple complex, which includes the Mahabodhi temple, is the place where the Buddha Sakyamuni attained enlightenment *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Ellora]]|wikidata=Q189616}} and {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Ajanta]]|wikidata=Q184427}} — spectacular rock-cut cave monasteries and temples, holy place for the Buddhists, Jains and Hindus *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Amritsar#Golden Temple|Golden Temple]]|wikidata=Q180422}} — Sikh holy site in [[Amritsar]] *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Hampi]]|wikidata=Q26732}} — the awesome ruins of the empire of Vijayanagara *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Khajuraho]]|wikidata=Q178948}} — temple complexes famed for their erotic sculptures *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Konark]]|wikidata=Q749189}} — Sun Temple, a unique example of Kalingan architecture, which is a [[UNESCO World Heritage]] site *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Madurai#Meenakshi Amman Temple|Meenakshi Temple]]|wikidata=Q1424358}} — a spectacular Hindu temple in [[Madurai]] *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Agra#Taj Mahal|Taj Mahal]]|wikidata=Q9141}} — the incomparable marble tomb in [[Agra]], one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World <!--Cities and Other destinations lists are limited to 9 items. Please first discuss proposed changes on this page's talk page.--> See also: * {{marker|name=[[Forts and palaces of India]]|wikidata=}} * {{marker|name=[[Indian national parks and wildlife sanctuaries]]|wikidata=Q1125269}} * {{marker|name=[[Indian zoos and botanical gardens]]|wikidata=Q20892053}} * {{marker|name=[[Natural wonders of India]]|wikidata=Q28913858}} * {{marker|name=[[Sacred sites of the Indian subcontinent]]|wikidata=Q1372264}} * {{marker|name=[[Hill stations in India]]|wikidata=Q1372264}} * {{marker|name=[[UNESCO World Heritage List (India)]]|wikidata=}} ==Understand== {{quickbar|location=LocationIndia.png|capital=New Delhi}} One thing that foreign visitors need to know is that India is, in many ways, heterogeneous. If they experience one set of behaviours from the locals in one part of the country, it does not mean that the same behaviour is common in another area. To give a very simple example, a taxi driver in [[Mumbai]] will without saying a word drop their meter flag and return the exact change, while in [[Delhi]] you have to tell the driver to use the meter and hope you get your change, and in other areas taxi drivers don't even have meters and have fixed the rates for even short distances, and you just pay the amount demanded; if you do get an honest driver, consider yourself lucky. India shows extreme variation in most things, and one needs patience and luck to find the best. Never assume you know everything about any aspect of India; be prepared to see completely new things every day. Indian civilisation has been hugely influential throughout history, and many of the cultures of [[Southeast Asia]] exhibit strong Indian influences. Some Indian influences have also seeped into the cultures of [[East Asia]] through the spread of Buddhism. ===History=== {{see also|South Asian history}} [[File:Varanasikedarghat.JPG|thumb|240px|Hindu pilgrims bathing in the Ganges at [[Varanasi]]]] Humans are thought to have first migrated into the [[Indian subcontinent]] around 70,000 BCE, and there are some [[archaeological sites]] for Stone Age India. One important one is at [[Mehrgarh]] (Pakistan), with the oldest known evidence of agriculture in the subcontinent, around 7000 BCE. The '''[[Indus Valley Civilisation]]''' (3300-1300&nbsp;BCE) was one of the world's first Bronze Age civilisations and very advanced for its time. At its peak (2600-1900&nbsp;BCE), it covered most of what is now [[Pakistan]], plus some of northern India and eastern [[Afghanistan]]. The two biggest archaeological sites, both in Pakistan, are [[Mohenjo-daro]] and [[Harappa]]. Some time after 2000 BCE, the '''Aryans''', herdsmen from somewhere to the northwest, migrated into the region. At about the same time, related groups invaded [[Greece]] (Hellenic Greeks displacing Minoans), Anatolia or [[Turkey]] (the Hittites), [[Persia]] and other areas. It is believed that all these tribes spoke related languages and many modern languages, including most of those spoken in northern India, Europe and some in Central Asia, are descended from them. Linguists classify them all in the Indo-European language family. The '''Vedic Period''' is dated to roughly 1500-500 BCE. This was the period when the '''Vedas''', the oldest and holiest books of '''[[Hinduism]]''', were compiled. They were in an Indo-Aryan language, Vedic Sanskrit. Although few details and archaeological findings are available for this period, many rituals of Hinduism took shape during that period. The Vedic civilisation influences India to this day through the dharmic religions. Present-day Hinduism traces its roots to the Vedas, but is also heavily influenced by literature that came afterwards, ranging from the '''Upanishads''' and '''Puranas''' to the great epics — '''Ramayana''' and '''Mahabharata'''. By tradition, these texts are claimed to only expand and distil the knowledge that is already present in the Vedas. A section of the Mahabharata called the '''Bhagavad Gita''' is among the most widely read works. The Gita is said to be a concise summary of the four Vedas of Hinduism.  Kaal (Kshar Brahm) is said to have described the knowledge of the Gita in 700 verses of 18 chapters after entering Krishna's body. It is a dialogue, just before a great battle at [[Kurukshetra]] between the hero Arjuna and the God Krishna, who serves as his charioteer. Today, Kurukshetra is a destination for both pilgrimage and tourism. In the 1st millennium BCE, various schools of philosophical thought developed, enriching Hinduism greatly. Most of them claimed to derive from the Vedas. However, some of these schools, two of which were '''[[Buddhism]]''' and '''[[Jainism]]''', questioned the authority of the Vedas, and they are now recognised as separate religions. Many great empires arose between 500 BCE and 590 CE. Notable among them were the '''[[Maurya Empire|Mauryas]]''' and the '''Guptas''', both with their capital in the city of Pataliputra, now called [[Patna]]. The Gupta Empire (3rd century CE to 590 CE) is often called the '''Golden Age of India'''. Further west, the Gandharan civilisation (an independent kingdom, later part of the Maurya Empire) ruled much of what are now [[Pakistan]] and [[Afghanistan]]. Their city [[Taxila]] was a great centre of Buddhist and other learning. Over time, there was a gradual decline of Buddhism and Jainism. The practice of Buddhism, in particular, disappeared from India's heartland, though Buddha himself was incorporated into the Hindu pantheon. Jainism continues to be practised by a significant minority who are ambivalent about whether they consider themselves Hindus or not. Hinduism itself went through major changes. Vedic deities such as Indra and Agni became less important while Puranic deities such as Vishnu, Shiva, their various Avatars and family members gained prominence. [[File:Jama Masjid, Delhi, morning view.jpg|thumb|Jama Masjid, [[Delhi]]]] [[Islam]]ic incursions started in the 8th century. Gradually, the raiders started staying as rulers, and soon much of North India was ruled by Muslims. The most important Muslim rulers were the [[Mughal Empire]] that at its peak covered almost the entire subcontinent (save the southern and northeastern extremities), while the major Hindu force that survived in the North were the '''Rajputs'''. The bravery of the Rajputs in resisting an invasion of their land is legendary and celebrated in ballads all over the forts of [[Rajasthan]]. Prominent among the Rajputs was '''Maha Rana Pratap''', the ruler of [[Chittorgarh]], who spent years in exile fighting '''Akbar''', the third of the Mughals. Eventually, however, the Rajputs were subdued. Some Mughal armies had a high proportion of Rajput officers, although some Rajput rebellions still occurred during the reign of Jahangir, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb. This period of North India produced the monumental gems of Rajasthan and the Taj Mahal. Hindi and Urdu also took root in medieval North India. During the Islamic period, there were Hindus who converted to Islam, often forcibly, or to avoid the Jizya tax, as told by Muslim chroniclers. Today, around 15% of India's population follows Islam. '''[[Sikhism]]''', another major religion, was established in [[Punjab]] during the Mughal period. Relations between Sikhism and the Mughals varied over time. The '''Golden Temple''' at [[Amritsar]] was built and recognised all over the world as Sikhism's foremost pilgrimage centre. By the time of its tenth Guru however, '''Guru Gobind Singh''', relations were hostile, primarily due to the antagonism of '''Aurangzeb''', the most intolerant, brutal and bigoted of the Mughals. Conflict between the Sikhs and the Mughals was one of the causes for the eventual decline of the Mughal Empire. Another reason was the rise of the '''Maratha Empire''' in [[Maharashtra]], which was started by '''Shivaji''' and carried on by the '''Peshwas'''. The Marathas established a short-lived confederacy that was almost as large as the Mughal Empire. Marathas lost their command over India after the third battle of Panipat, which in turn paved the way for British colonialism. [[File:ShoreTemple Approach2.JPG|thumb|Shore Temple (c. 700 CE), [[Mamallapuram]]]] South India followed a different trajectory, being less affected by Islamic rule. The period from 500 to 1600 CE is called the classical period and was dominated by great South Indian kingdoms. The most prominent empires included the '''Chalukyas''', '''Rashtrakutas''' and '''Vijayanagara''' who ruled from present day Karnataka and the '''Pallavas''', '''Cheras''', '''Pandyas''' and '''Cholas''' who ruled from present day Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Among them, the Cholas, who ruled from various capital cities including [[Thanjavur]] and [[Gangaikonda Cholapuram]], are widely recognised to be the most powerful of the South Indian kingdoms, with their territory stretching as far north as Pataliputra and their influence spreading as far east as Sumatra, western Borneo and southern Vietnam at the height of their power. Some of the grandest Hindu and Jain monuments that exist in India were built during this time in South and East India. Northeast India was also fairly isolated from the rest of the country until the colonial period. The largest and longest kingdom to rule over the Northeast were the '''Ningthouja dynasty (33–1891 AD)''' of [[Manipur]], followed by the '''[[Ahom Kingdom|Ahoms]]''' who, from the 13th to 19th centuries, successfully defended [[Assam]] and neighbouring regions from Mughal expansion. European traders started visiting India beginning in the late 16th century. Prominent among these were the British, Dutch, French and Portuguese. The British East India Company made [[Calcutta]] their headquarters in 1772. They also established subsidiary cities like [[Bombay]] and [[Madras]]. Calcutta later went on to become 'the second city of the empire after [[London]]'. By the 19th century, the British had, one way or the other, assumed political control of virtually all of India, though the Portuguese, the Dutch and the French too had their enclaves along the coast. The British would send Indian labourers, policemen and soldiers all over the Empire, resulting in the establishment of Indian diaspora communities, the most notable ones in [[Myanmar]], [[Malaysia]], [[Singapore]], [[Hong Kong]], [[Fiji]], [[South Africa]], [[Mauritius]], [[Kenya]], [[Guyana]], [[Trinidad and Tobago]] and the [[United Kingdom]] itself. There was an uprising by Indian rulers in 1857, which was suppressed, but which prompted the British government to take over from the Company and make India a part of the empire. This period of rule by the crown, 1858–1947, was called the [[British Raj]]. It was a period in which some Indians converted to Christianity, though forcible conversions ended in British India after 1859, and Queen Victoria's proclamation promised to respect the religious faiths of Indians. [[Indian independence movement|Non-violent resistance to British colonialism]] led by '''Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi''' led to independence on 15 August 1947. However, independence was simultaneously granted to the secular Hindu-majority state of India and the smaller Muslim-majority state of [[Pakistan]], and the orgy of Hindu-Muslim bloodletting that followed '''Partition''' led to the deaths of at least half a million and the migration of 12–14 million people. India achieved self-sufficiency in food grains by the 1970s, ensuring that the large-scale famines that had been common are now history. However, these policies also led to shortages, slow growth and large-scale corruption. After a balance-of-payments crisis in 1991, the country adopted free-market reforms, which have continued at a steady pace ever since, fueling strong growth. The IT, Business Process Outsourcing and other industries have been the drivers for the growth, while manufacturing and agriculture, which have not experienced reforms, are lagging. About 60% of Indians live on agriculture and around 36% remain in poverty. Relations with Pakistan have been frosty. The two countries have fought four wars, three of them over the status of [[Kashmir]]. The third war between the two countries in 1971 resulted in East Pakistan becoming Bangladesh. India continues to experience occasional terrorist attacks, many of which are widely believed to originate in Pakistan and be ordered or assisted by its military-intelligence complex. China and India went to war in 1962 over a Himalayan border dispute. Current relations are largely peaceful but tense. There are no land crossings allowed between the two countries, though one border crossing between [[Sikkim]] and [[Tibet]] was re-opened in 2006 for trade. Security concerns over Pakistan and China prompted India to test '''nuclear weapons''' twice (including the 1974 tests described as "peaceful explosions"). India wants to be accepted as a legitimate nuclear power and is campaigning for a permanent Security Council seat. India is proud of its democratic record. Constitutional government and democratic freedoms have been safeguarded for most of its time as an independent country. Current concerns in India include corruption, poverty, overpopulation, pollution and forms of environmental degradation, ongoing border disputes with Pakistan and China, cross-border terrorism, and ethnic, political and religious strife, which occurs from time to time. India's current obsession, at least among the educated elite, is over whether India will be able to overtake China in economic growth and be an economic and military superpower. Today, many Indians regard their country to be the voice and leader of the entire Global South in international politics. ===Politics=== [[File:Back view of Rashtrapati Bhavan.jpg|thumb|The Rashtrapati Bhavan (literally the "President House") in New Delhi]] India is a parliamentary republic and democracy modelled on the British Westminster system. The president, indirectly elected, is the head of state, but this position, while not entirely ceremonial, has limited powers. The prime minister runs the government with a cabinet of ministers, and in practice wields the most authority in government. The parliament is bicameral. The Lok Sabha (House of the People), the lower house, is directly elected by universal adult franchise, while the Rajya Sabha (Council of States), or the upper house, is indirectly elected. The Lok Sabha is the more powerful of the two, primarily because a majority in the Lok Sabha is required to form a government and pass budgets, and the prime minister, by convention, is always a member of the Lok Sabha. India is also a federation, divided into states and union territories. Each of these has its own legislature, with a government run by a chief minister and a cabinet. Each state or union territory is divided into multiple districts, which are in turn divided into multiple smaller divisions, depending on the state or union territory in question. There are two types of local government in India: the '''urban local bodies''' (ULBs) for cities and towns, and the '''panchayati raj''' (literally the "rule of five officials") for the remaining countryside. The urban local bodies include municipalities, municipal corporations, cantonments, nagar/town panchayats, notified area councils etc. The panchayati raj is divided into three levels or tiers: '''gram panchayats''' for individual villages, '''panchayat samitis''' for groups of villages, and '''zila panchayats''' (or zila parishads) for districts. India has a vast number of political parties. The Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) forms the government, and the centre-left Indian National Congress (INC, simply known as "Congress") is the main opposition party. India has a strong and independent judiciary and a free press. Street demonstrations, protests and agitations occur, as they do in any democracy. There are also occasional low levels of political violence, in which a visitor has an extremely small chance of getting caught. ===Time zone=== Indian Standard Time (IST) is 5 hours and 30 minutes ahead of Co-ordinated Universal Time (UTC+5.5). Daylight Saving Time is not observed in India. ===Geography=== [[File:Loktak Lake Boat people Moirang Manipur India.jpg|thumb|[[Loktak lake]], the world's only floating lake.]] India covers an area of {{convert|3,287,263|km2|sqmi|0}}, making it the world's seventh-largest country, the third-largest country in [[Asia]] (if you count [[Russia]]), and the largest country in [[South Asia]]. India is three times smaller than the [[United States]], half the size of [[Australia]], and nearly 11,000 times larger than Asia's smallest country, the [[Maldives]]. Mountains, jungles, deserts and beaches, India has it all. It is bounded to the north and northeast by the '''snow-capped Himalayas''', the tallest mountain range in the world. In addition to protecting the country from invaders, they also feed the perennial rivers '''Ganga''' (Ganges), '''Yamuna''' (Jamuna) and '''Sindhu''' (Indus) on whose plains India's civilization flourished. Though most of the Sindhu is in Pakistan now, three of its tributaries flow through [[Punjab (India)|Punjab]]. The Ganga has two distributaries, of which the '''Bhagirathi-Hooghly''' runs over India and is the lifeline of [[West Bengal]]. Both distributaries eventually meet at the Bay of Bengal, forming both the largest river delta and the largest mangrove forest in the world. The other Himalayan river, the '''Brahmaputra''', flows through the northeast, mostly through [[Assam]], where it is known by different names. The '''Manipur River''', originating in [[Manipur]], joins the Chindwin-Irrawaddy River System of Myanmar. South of Punjab lies the '''Aravalli''' range, which cuts [[Rajasthan]] into two. The western half of Rajasthan is occupied by the '''Thar''' desert. The '''Vindhyas''' cut across Central India, particularly through [[Madhya Pradesh]] and signify the start of the '''Deccan''' plateau, which covers almost the whole of the southern peninsula. The Deccan plateau is bounded by the '''Western Ghats''' range (which is called '''Sahyadri''' in Maharashtra) to the west and the '''Eastern Ghats''' to the east. The plateau is more arid than the plains, as the rivers that feed the area, such as the '''Narmada''', '''Godavari''' and the '''Kaveri''', run dry during the summer. Towards the northeast of the Deccan plateau is what used to be a thickly forested area that covers the states of [[Chhattisgarh]], [[Jharkhand]], the eastern edge of [[Maharashtra]] and the northern tip of [[Andhra Pradesh]]. This area is still forested, poverty stricken and populated by tribal people. This forest acted as a barrier to the invasion of South India. The '''world's only floating lake''' is [[Loktak Lake]] in the central bowl like plain of [[Manipur]]. It is remarkably known for its unique circular floating biomasses ([[Manipuri phrasebook|Manipuri]]: Phumdi). India has a long '''coastline'''. The west coast borders the '''Arabian Sea''' and the east coast the '''Bay of Bengal''', both parts of the Indian Ocean. ===Climate=== [[File:A beach side resort at Kadmat Island, Lakshadweep.jpg|thumb|Lakshadweep Islands]] [[File:Jammu and Kashmir 3.JPG|thumb|Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir]] In India, it rains only during a specific time of the year. The season as well as the phenomenon that causes it is called the '''monsoon'''. There are two of them, the '''Southwest''' and the '''Northeast''', both named after the directions the winds come from. The Southwest monsoon is the more important one, as it causes rains over most parts of the country, and is the crucial variable that decides how the crops will do. It lasts from June to September. The Southwest monsoon hits the west coast the most, as crossing the Western Ghats and reaching the rest of India is an uphill task for the winds. The western coastline is therefore much '''greener''' than the interior. The Northeast monsoon hits the east coast between October and February, mostly in the form of occasional '''cyclones''' that cause much devastation every year. The only region that gets rains from both monsoons is North-Eastern India, which consequently experiences the '''highest rainfall in the world'''. India experiences at least three seasons a year, '''Summer''', '''Rainy Season''' (or "Monsoon") and '''Winter''', though in the '''tropical South''' calling the 25°C (77°F) weather "Winter" would be stretching the concept. The North experiences some extremes of heat in Summer and cold in Winter, but except in the Himalayan regions, snow is almost unheard of. November to January is the winter season and April and May are the hot months when everyone eagerly awaits the rains. There is also a brief spring in February and March, especially in North India. Opinions are divided on whether any part of India experiences an '''Autumn''', but the ancients had certainly identified such a season among the '''six seasons''' (or ''ritus'' - ''Vasanta'' - Spring, ''Greeshma'' - Summer, ''Varsha'' - Rainy, ''Sharat'' - Autumn, ''Hemanta'' - "Mild Winter"/"late autumn", ''Sheet'' - Winter) they had divided the year into. ===Culture=== {{infobox|Culture shock|Many visitors expecting maharajas and fabulous palaces are shocked when their first impressions are dominated by poverty instead. Prepare for the following: * '''Attention''' – Some people will unabashedly stare at foreign tourists, who can also be magnets for persistent touts and beggars. People may shove their mobile phone in your face and take pictures; just turn your head. Beggars, especially malnourished children and the badly deformed, can be particularly disturbing. * '''Crowds''' – Many of India's streets, markets and bazaars are jam-packed with people, vehicles and at certain times, animals, and streets tend to be narrow. If you ever travel the cheapest class in buses or trains, these will also get packed a lot, which might be exhausting. * '''Dogs''' – [[Aggressive dogs|Stray dogs]] can be found everywhere in India. Their behaviour can be anything from lying around not caring about people or aggressively barking at them. Sometimes they roam the streets in packs. Either way, it is best to stay away from them, even if they seem friendly. There are no countrywide rabies vaccination programs for dogs in India and you never know their health status. * '''Filth''' – Dirt, refuse and insects abound in the cities. The roadside can sometimes be a urinal. Roads are also often dusty because the asphalt is missing in some parts, so if travelling by bus, be quick in closing the window if it is the right time. * '''Noise''' – Drivers lean on horns, radios and TVs blare Bollywood tracks, and even temples, mosques and churches use loudspeakers to spread their message. The function of using the horn while driving is to make yourself noticed to the other drivers or to pedestrians — Indians will often enter the road without looking right or left, they will just expect someone to sound the horn if there is danger. * '''Pollution''' – Most North Indian cities—especially New Delhi—suffer badly. Exhaust combined with dust can make the drier seasons a nightmare for asthma sufferers. Most visitors quickly get inured to these things that are pitfalls of urbanisation and start seeing the good sides too, but take it easy on your first few days and schedule some time to get away from it all.}} India's rich and multi-layered cultures are dominated by religious and spiritual themes. While it is a mistake to assume that there is a single unified Indian culture, there are certainly unifying themes that link the various cultures. India's cultural heritage is expressed through its myriad of languages in which much great literature and poetry has been written. It can be seen in its music, both in its classical (Carnatic and Hindustani) forms and in modern Bollywood music. India also has a vast tradition of classical and folk dances. Art and theatre flourish amongst the bustling cities of the country, against the backdrop of the ever-expanding western influences. Indians greatly value their family system. Typically, an Indian family encompasses what would be called the extended family in the West. It is routine for Indians to live as part of the paternal family unit throughout their lives, i.e. sons live together with their parents all their lives, and daughters live with their parents till they get married. The relationship is mutually self-supporting. Parents may support their children for longer than is common in the West, brothers and sisters may support each other, and sons are expected to take care of their parents in their old age. "Living with parents" does not carry the same stigma as it does in parts of the West. Naturally, the arrangements are not perfect and there are strains and breakups, especially by the time the third generation grows up. Also, it has now become common for children to move away from the parental house for education and employment. Nonetheless, it is fair to say that the extended family is still seen as the norm and an ideal to aspire to, and Indians continue to care about their family's honour, achievements and failures even while they are not living together. Despite the weakening of the caste system (which has officially been outlawed by the Indian government), India remains a fairly stratified society. Indians care more about a person's background and position in society than is the norm in the individualist West. This attitude, when combined with the legacy of colonial rule, results in some rather interesting, if unfortunate consequences. People with white skin are placed high on the societal totem pole, and they may find that Indians are obsequious towards them to the point of embarrassment. People with dark skin, however, may find that they are discriminated against. If it is any consolation, Indians display similar prejudices based on skin colour and ethnicity among themselves and not just towards foreigners. See more in the [[#Stay Safe]] and [[#Respect]] sections. There is also a community known as the Siddis, who are believed to be descended from East African slaves brought to India by the Arab Slave Trade, and mainly found in remote rural villages. Although they speak Indian instead of African languages these days, they still retain many African customs including African dance and music. Although they are Indian citizens, due to a lack of awareness from the general Indian population of their existence, they continue to face much discrimination, and are often presumed to be illegal immigrants from Africa. British colonisation also gave rise to a mixed-raced population known as the Anglo-Indians, and while most of them migrated to Western countries following independence, pockets of these communities remain in India's major cities. ===Holidays and festivals=== There are three national holidays: '''Republic Day''' (26 January), '''Independence Day''' (15 August), and '''Gandhi's Birthday,''' generally called '''Gandhi Jayanti''' (2 October) which follow the Western calendar and occur on the same day every year. Hindu religious festivals, because they follow the lunisolar calendar, occur on different days every year, but around the same time of the year every time. The major religious festivals of Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism and Zoroastrianism are also celebrated. Central government offices are closed for holidays around 17 days a year for these festivals and observances. The significance of these festivals differs across different regions of India. State government offices will have a different holiday schedule based on which festivals are important in that state. Generally, the day on which the state was formed will also be a holiday in that state. Some of the major Indian festivals are: [[File:Diwali Lighting Mini Lamps 2011.jpg|thumb|250px|Diwali lighting]] *'''Diwali''' (Deepavali), Oct-Nov — The festival of lights, celebrates the return of the Hindu God Rama to the capital of his kingdom, [[Ayodhya]] after an exile of 14 years and victory of justice over injustice when Narakasura was killed by Satyabhama with the help of Krishna. Probably the most lavish festival in the country, reminiscent of Christmas in Europe or Thanksgiving in the US. Houses are decorated, there is glitter everywhere, and if you wander the streets on Diwali night, there will be firecrackers going off everywhere including sometimes under your feet. *'''Ugadhi,''' [sometimes also called 'Yugadhi' and various other names] is one of the main festivals, which is mainly celebrated as the 1st day of the Hindu Calendar New Year. Which is one of the main festivals and is quite widely followed in South India. [[File:Durga Puja DS.jpg|thumb|right|250px|[[Durga Puja]]]] *'''[[Durga Puja|Durga Puja / Navaratri / Dussehara]]''', Sep-Oct — A nine-day festival culminating in the holy day of Dussehra, when locals worship the deity Durga. Workers are given sweets, cash bonuses, gifts and new clothes. It is also a new year for businesspeople when they are supposed to start new account books. In some places like [[West Bengal]] and [[Odisha]], Durga Puja is ''the'' most important festival. In the north ''Dussehra'' celebrations take place and the slaying of Ravana by Lord Rama is ceremonially reenacted as ''Ram Lila''. In [[Gujarat]] and [[South India]], it is celebrated as Navaratri where the festival is celebrated by dancing to devotional songs and religious observances like fasts extended for nine nights. *'''Holi''', in March — The festival of colour is a major festival celebrated mainly in North, East and Western India. On the first day, people go to temples and light bonfires, but on the second, it's a water fight combined with '''showers of coloured powder'''. This is not a spectator sport: as a visible foreigner, you're a magnet for attention, so you'll either have to barricade yourself inside, or put on your most disposable clothes and join the fray. Alcohol and ''bhang'' (cannabis) are often involved and crowds can get rowdy as the evening wears on. [[File:DagduHalwai2013.jpg|thumb|right|Dagdusheth Halwai Ganesha Idol during Ganesh Chaturthi 2013]] *'''Ganesh Chaturthi''', is celebrated all over India. Ganesh Chaturthi is the festival of Lord Ganesha. Ganesh Chaturthi is most enjoyed in [[Maharashtra]]. It is the best time to visit cities like [[Mumbai]], [[Pune]], [[Nagpur]]. * '''Christmas''' and '''New Year's Day''' are public holidays across the country and Bank Holidays as well. Christmas is a major festival in the regions of Kerala and Goa. * '''Eid-al-Fitr''', '''Eid-al-Adha''', '''Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi''', '''Yawm-e-Aashoora''' and '''Ramadan''' are widely celebrated and observed as public holidays across the country. Apart from these, each state has its major national festival like '''Onam''' in [[Kerala]], '''Makar Sankranti''' and '''Ugadi''' in Andhra Pradesh, ''Utarayan'' in Gujarat, '''Pongal''' in [[Tamil Nadu]], '''Baisakhi''' for Punjab, Bihu for Assam, ''Rathayatra'' (car festival for Lord Jagannath) in Odisha, ''Nuakhai'' for Western Odisha. India is a diverse nation, and festivals are a significant part of life for the locals, they provide holidays for about a week. Religious holidays occur on different days each year because the Hindu and Islamic festivals are based on their respective calendars and not on the Gregorian calendar. Most of them are celebrated only locally, so check the state or city you are visiting for information on whether there will be closures. Different regions might give somewhat different names to the same festival. To cater to varying religious practices, offices have a list of '''optional holidays''' (called '''restricted holidays''' by the government) from which employees are allowed to pick two, in addition to the list of fixed holidays. This may mean thin attendance and delayed service even when the office is officially open. ===Read=== {{infobox|Kashmir dispute|India and Pakistan have a bitter dispute over Kashmir; each government claims territory that is under the control of the other. They have fought wars over this three times since independence in 1947. China also claims portions of Kashmir and fought two wars with India over the dispute in 1962 and 1967. Wikivoyage, however, deals ''only'' with the current situation on the ground; our maps show and our text describes that without taking sides on the disputes. If you can go there with a Pakistani visa today then we treat it as being in Pakistan, and if you need an Indian visa, we treat it as being in India. This is the most important distinction for travellers. Visitors should exercise considerable caution in these areas. Both governments consider them highly sensitive, keep large military forces along the border, and restrict travel to border areas.}} *''An Era of Darkness'' by Shashi Tharoor. Thought provoking account of how the British Raj impoverished the country and caused humanitarian crises. *''Midnight's Children'', Salman Rushdie's allegory about Independence. It was awarded the "Booker of Bookers" Prize and the best all-time prize winners to celebrate the Booker Prize 25th and 40th anniversary. It was also adapted into a film by Indo-Canadian film director Deepa Mehta (2012). *''The India they saw : foreign accounts'', by Meenakshi Jain (2011). A compilation of intriguing travel tales and excerpts from travelogues by travellers, writers, pilgrims and missionaries. *''A Goddess in the Stones: Travels in India'' by Norman Lewis (Cape 1991; US: Holt 1992), In "Goddess in the Stones", influential journalist and author Norman Lewis undertakes a journey of 2500 miles in search of the old India. *''India: A History'', John Keay; "A superb one-volume history of a land that defies reduction into simple narrative ... Without peer among general studies, a history that is intelligent, incisive, and eminently readable." ({{ISBN|0802137970}}) *''India: A Million Mutinies Now'', V.S. Naipaul; "With this book he may well have written his own enduring monument, in prose at once stirring and intensely personal, distinguished both by style and critical acumen" ({{ISBN|0670837024}}) *''In Spite of the Gods'', Edward Luce; an exceptionally insightful and readable book on the unlikely rise of modern India. ({{ISBN|0316729817}}) *''No Full Stops In India'', Mark Tully; "India's Westernised elite, cut off from local traditions, want to write a full stop in a land where there are no full stops. From that striking insight, Mark Tully has woven a superb series of stories that explore everything from communal conflict in Ahmedabad to communism in Kolkata, from the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad (probably the biggest religious festival in the world) to the televising of a Hindu epic." ({{ISBN|0140104801}}) *''Mother Pious Lady'', Santosh Desai; An excellent account of middle-class beliefs and customs from the pre-liberalisation era till date. For anyone who wants to understand the culture of present India, this is a must-read where the author cuts through the chaos and confusion letting you see things more clearly. ({{ISBN|9788172238643}}) *''Indian journals, March 1962-May 1963: Notebooks, diary, blank pages, writings.'' Ginsberg, A. (1970). San Francisco: Dave Haselwood Books. Travel diary written by the famous beat poet Allen Ginsberg. *''Lion: A Long Way Home'', a book by Saroo Brierley. *''Spiritual India handbook: A guide to temples, holy sites festivals and traditions'' by Stephen Knapp (2013). Useful for the pilgrim who wants to get the most out of his or her spiritual adventure and experience in India. See also the Wikivoyage article [[On the trail of Kipling's Kim]]. ===Tourist information === * [https://www.incredibleindia.org Incredible India] tourism website ==Talk== [[File:Trilingual signboard in the Imphal International Airport (Tulihal International Airport) displaying in Meitei, Hindi and English languages.jpg|thumb|A trilingual sign in Meitei, Hindi, and English in [[Manipur]]]] At the federal level, the official languages of India are '''[[Hindi phrasebook|Hindi]]''' and '''[[English language varieties|English]].''' Most Indians are multilingual, with many being proficient in more than one language. Other languages that are official to some degree (often at state level) are '''[[Assamese phrasebook|Assamese]]''', '''[[Bengali phrasebook|Bengali]]''', '''[[Bodo phrasebook|Bodo]]''', '''[[Dogri phrasebook|Dogri]]''', '''[[Gujarati phrasebook|Gujarati]]''', '''[[Kannada phrasebook|Kannada]]''', '''[[Kashmiri phrasebook|Kashmiri]]''', '''[[Konkani phrasebook|Konkani]]''', '''[[Maithili phrasebook|Maithili]]''', '''[[Malayalam phrasebook|Malayalam]]''', '''[[Manipuri phrasebook|Manipuri]]''' (also known as Meitei), '''[[Marathi phrasebook|Marathi]]''', '''[[Nepali phrasebook|Nepali]]''', '''[[Odia phrasebook|Odia]]''' (also known as Oriya), '''[[Punjabi phrasebook|Punjabi]]''', '''[[Sanskrit phrasebook|Sanskrit]]''', '''[[Santhali phrasebook|Santhali]]''', '''[[Sindhi phrasebook|Sindhi]]''', '''[[Tamil phrasebook|Tamil]]''', '''[[Telugu phrasebook|Telugu]]''' and '''[[Urdu phrasebook|Urdu]].''' There are also hundreds of less prominent languages like [[Tulu phrasebook|'''Tulu''']], [[Bhojpuri phrasebook|'''Bhojpuri''']] and [[Ladakhi phrasebook|'''Ladakhi''']]. '''Hindi''' is spoken by 40–50% of the population and serves as the "lingua franca" of [[Northern India]]. However, its use at the national level is sometimes a point of contention due to India's linguistic diversity. Very little Hindi is generally spoken in [[Southern India|Southern]] and [[North-Eastern India|North-Eastern]] India. There are also over 120 Hindi dialects in India. One of them is Haryanvi, which is a common dialect around Haryana and the Delhi area. '''English''' is spoken in urban areas, and is the main language in higher education and business. It serves as the de facto lingua franca of the country. Indian English is generally based on British English, but has also acquired a uniquely Indian flavour. Perhaps the most common jibe about the dialect is its use of "improper" grammar, which can sound strange to English speakers from other countries. Indian English is often spoken with a strong accent, which varies depending on the speaker's native language, and incorporates several words from the local languages that are not used in other English dialects, which can make it tricky for non-native English speakers from elsewhere to understand. Learning the basics of Hindi and/or the local language is useful when travelling to rural areas, as English proficiency is limited there. Some features of Indian English: * The most commonly used tag question is ''"isn't it"'', which can be used to indicate a genuine question (e.g. ''He is from Tamil Nadu, isn't it?''), sarcasm, bewilderment, and so on. * Nouns are commonly pluralised (e.g. ''A room full of furnitures'', ''stuffs for eating'' as opposed to ''A room full of furniture'' or ''stuff for eating'') * Verbs conjugate differently (e.g. ''I knowed about it'' or ''I buyed it'' as opposed to ''I knew about it'' or ''I bought it'') * Colloquialisms, slang words and idioms, some of which may be perceived as rude or impolite by non-Indians, are common (e.g. ''Hello, what you want?'' as opposed to ''Hello, what do you want?'') * Prepositions and articles are often dropped or combined strangely (e.g. ''I want computer'' as opposed to ''I want a computer'') * The use of some vocabulary and expressions not used with the same meaning elsewhere (e.g. ''vote bank'', which means a group of people that supports a particular political party) English-language TV shows and movies are common, and the number of English TV channels outnumber the number of Indian-language TV channels. Some shows may be dubbed in another language depending on where you are. Cable TV channels often have an option to select from multiple audio languages. '''Sanskrit''' is the language in which much of ancient Indian literature and religious texts are written. Today Sanskrit survives primarily as a liturgical language; few if any people speak Sanskrit as a native language, but quite a few scholars or lay-persons know it or are learning it. Many modern Indian languages are descended from Sanskrit, and even those unrelated to Sanskrit have been strongly influenced by it. While most north Indian languages, including Hindi, are descended from Sanskrit, the main languages of the south – [[Telugu phrasebook|Telugu]], [[Tamil phrasebook|Tamil]], [[Kannada phrasebook|Kannada]] and [[Malayalam phrasebook|Malayalam]] – originate from a different ancestral language and are called the Dravidian languages. Ironically, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam are far more Sanskritic than Hindi due to the relative absence of Islamic rule in those regions. In North Eastern India, [[Manipuri phrasebook|Manipuri]] or Meitei is a language of the Sino-Tibetan family, related to Chinese, Burmese and Tibetan, making it distinct from other Indian languages. However, you are better off picking up as many words as you can of the local language of the place you are going to – people are proud of their state's (or region's) culture and language and will appreciate it if an outsider makes an attempt to communicate in it. Code-switching between English and the local language is common among the urban youth, although most educated people would speak standard English (British) when talking to foreigners. Many Indian languages lack a word for please, just like the Scandinavian languages. Instead, verbs have many forms denoting levels of politeness and formality. As there is no such distinction in English, Indians may also seem commanding to a westerner. You may hear phrases like ''come here'' which may sound commanding to Anglophones from Western cultures, but this is not intended to be rude. '''Non-verbal communication''' is also important. Much has been made of the confusing Indian head nod for yes and no, but the only important thing to understand is that Indians have '''different nods for yes, ok and no.''' * If they are nodding their head '''up and down''', they mean '''yes''' or '''I agree''', as in a standard nod. * If they are shaking their head in a '''tilting motion''' from right to left and back, they mean '''I understand''' or '''I get what you said'''. * If they shake their head sideways (left to right to left), they mean '''no'''. * There are differences in the way these signs are used in northern and southern India. The back to forth is yes and a vigorous left-right shift is no in northern India, though the latter may be construed for yes in southern states like Tamil Nadu. Look for verbal cues that accompany these sounds (like 'aaan' for yes) in southern India to get the correct meaning. ==Get in== {{VisaRestriction|Certain states in India require permits to visit. Citizens and former citizens of [[Afghanistan]], [[Bangladesh]], [[Pakistan]], [[China]] (including [[Hong Kong]] and [[Macau]]), and [[Myanmar]] are usually not eligible for them unless they have special permission from the Home Ministry. * A Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is required to enter parts of the [[Andaman and Nicobar Islands]], and parts of [[Sikkim]]. Citizens and former citizens of Afghanistan, China and Pakistan are required to get a RAP to visit any part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. * A Protected Area Permit (PAP) is required to enter [[Arunachal Pradesh]], and parts of [[Himachal Pradesh]], [[Jammu and Kashmir]], [[Ladakh]], [[Rajasthan]], [[Sikkim]], and [[Uttarakhand]]. * An Inner Line Permit (ILP) is required to enter [[Mizoram]], [[Manipur]], [[Arunachal Pradesh]], or [[Nagaland]] if you are a citizen of India. Most foreigners can visit without the permit but must register with the local police on arrival. In addition, an ILP is required for all visitors to [[Sikkim]] regardless of citizenship, but foreigners can usually get one at the border. If you are planning to visit any of these areas, you should request the relevant permit when applying for your Indian visa, and it will be added to your visa if approved. This however is not possible with the easily obtainable ETA/e-Visa, but just with regular visas. |lastedit=permanent }} {{VisaRestriction|Chinese (including Hong Kong and Macau) citizens are not permitted to travel to India except for diplomatic purposes. Hong Kong citizens may visit India only if they have a British National (Overseas) passport; a Hong Kong SAR passport is not valid for travel to India. |lastedit=permanent }} {{VisaRestriction|All existing valid visas (except for long-term visas and diplomatic and official visas) issued by India to Pakistani nationals stand revoked with effect from 27 April 2025. Medical visas issued to Pakistani nationals will be valid only till 29 April 2025. All Pakistani nationals who are in India must leave India before the expiry of visas |lastedit=2025-05-01}} ===Entry requirements=== ====Visa==== India's once notoriously convoluted visa system has been drastically simplified with the introduction of the '''e-visa''', which is now available to citizens of 166 countries including all the usual suspects, and is covered in detail below. Notable exceptions include the following: '''Holders of an Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) document''' are permitted to stay in India indefinitely and have the same rights as any Indian citizen, enjoying the prices of Indian citizen at tourist attractions. However, they must apply for permits to visit certain areas in India, cannot buy agricultural land and cannot vote in any election. The OCI certificate is not under any circumstances a proof of Indian citizenship, and the country that you are a passport holder of is still able to offer consular assistance. Citizens of '''[[Nepal]]''' and '''[[Bhutan]]''' may enter and live in India indefinitely without a visa. Citizens of '''[[Maldives]]''' may stay up to 90 days without a visa. Citizens of '''[[Japan]], [[South Korea]], and the [[United Arab Emirates]]''' are eligible for visas on arrival and may stay for up to 60 days. Citizens (current or former) of '''[[Afghanistan]]''', '''[[North Korea]]''' and '''[[Iran]]''' require a minimum of 4 weeks waiting time for their visa. A '''business visa''' may be required if you intend to do anything work related in India (OCIs are exempt from a business visa). The ETA does permit "casual business visits" and will be easier to obtain. If you do need a business visa, then be prepared to provide a great deal of documentation about your company in your home country as well as the company you are visiting in India. This will include (but may not be limited to) an invitation letter from the company that you are visiting as well as business registration documents and possibly tax returns and other sensitive documents. It may be worth applying for a short-term visa (such as 6 months) since the criteria may be less in your case. A special 10-year visa is available to nationals of certain countries, including U.S. citizens (US$100). Regular visa applications for U.S. citizens (for travellers not eligible for ETA) begin at '''[https://services.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind/ VFS Global]''' before being submitted to a visa application centre either by FedEx or in person. It is always good to ask for a '''multiple-entry''' visa even if you are not planning to use it—they cost the same, are handed out pretty liberally and come in handy if you decide last minute to dip into one of the neighbouring countries. Regular visas can be applied for through the [https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/index.html Government of India website]. ===== Pakistani citizens ===== {{VisaRestriction|All existing valid visas (except for long-term visas and diplomatic and official visas) issued by India to Pakistani nationals stand revoked with effect from 27 April 2025. Medical visas issued to Pakistani nationals will be valid only till 29 April 2025. All Pakistani nationals who are in India must leave India before the expiry of visas |lastedit=2025-05-11}} <!--{{disclaimerbox|More information on the visa application process for Pakistani nationals can be [https://www.mha.gov.in/PDF_Other/AnnexV_01022018.pdf found here]. }}--> <!--If you are considered a Pakistani citizen – for example, being a dual citizen of Pakistan, being born in Pakistan, or having a parent who was born in Pakistan – by the Indian authorities, a visa will not be granted to you unless the Ministry of Home Affairs in [[New Delhi]] approves. The approval process is '''notoriously lengthy and highly selective'''; many endure months or even years of waiting, only to face potential disappointment. In addition, dual citizens cannot use another country's passport to apply for an Indian visa. Pakistani citizens are not granted Indian tourist visas and are not allowed to study commerce, humanities, and science courses at Indian universities. Pakistani citizens over the age of 65 are eligible for a visa on arrival, but they are ineligible for the scheme if they've been denied an Indian visa in the past. In addition, they must enter India through [[Wagah]].--> If you have renounced your Pakistani citizenship, you are eligible to apply for an Indian tourist visa, but you must submit the original copy of your certificate of renunciation when applying for your visa, and you will be limited to only a single-entry 3-month visa. ====ETA / e-Visa==== {{VisaRestriction|If you, or any of your parents or grandparents has ever been a citizen or permanent resident of Pakistan, you are not eligible for the ETA, and must apply for a visa in person at an Indian diplomatic mission.|lastedit=2020-03-12}} An ''Electronic Travel Authorization'' (ETA) aka e-Visa is the easiest way to obtain a visa for India. It can only be applied for and granted online, i.e. completion of all your details, upload of a recent photo (JPG, a good quality selfie is fine) and a passport copy (PDF, max. 300kB), as well as payment of the (non-refundable) processing fee (see below) can only be done online via the dedicated '''[https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html Government of India ETA website]'''. Most ETA can be applied for 4–120 days before arrival, just the '''30 days e-Tourist Visa''' is limited to 4–30 days before arrival. Payment can be done by credit/debit card (+2.5% bank fee) via SBIePay (State Bank of India) or Axis Bank—the latter seems more reliable, or by PayPal (+3.5% bank fee). In case of any payment failure, wait for some hours to not send the amount twice. After successful payment the ETA application process starts. It can take up to 72 hr until decision, even though in many cases it just takes 24 hr. The ETA is only available to the citizens of the countries listed under "'''Processing fees'''" below—166 different countries all together. It cannot be obtained at or used for land or rail border crossings into India—leaving by land or rail is possible though (see below). Entry and exit with a new passport is allowed if you carry along your old passport on which the original ETA was issued. '''Note''', there are also commercial websites that offer the same ETAs and e-Visas, for an additional fee of US$35–80. They promise to re-check and validate your application before submitting it, to make sure it is really granted. But this service is usually not worth the money and they don't usually give any success guarantees. The above-mentioned Government of India ETA website is straight forward enough to complete the application successfully—save your money and only go through the official website! The following types of ETA are available: * '''e-Tourist Visa''': :* 30 days – double entry, valid from the first entry :* 1 or 5 years – multiple entry, valid from the date of ETA grant, max. 90 days at once, max. 180 days per calendar year * '''e-Business Visa''' – 1 year, multiple entry, valid from the date of ETA grant, max. 180 days at once * '''e-Conference Visa''' – single entry, valid 30 days from the first entry * '''e-Medical Visa''' – triple entry, valid 60 days from the first entry * '''e-Medical Attendant Visa''' – triple entry, valid 60 days from the first entry, max. 2 attendants per patient '''Entry points''' into India on an ETA are the following 29 airports or 5 seaports only: * Airports – Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bagdogra (Siliguri), Bengaluru, Bhubaneshwar, Calicut, Chennai, Chandigarh, Cochin, Coimbatore, Delhi, Gaya, Goa, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kannur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Madurai, Mangalore, Mumbai, Nagpur, Port Blair, Pune, Tiruchirapalli (Trichy), Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), Varanasi, Visakhapatnam * Seaports – Chennai, Cochin, Goa, Mangalore, Mumbai '''Exit points''' to leave India on an ETA can be any of the latter entry ports, plus also the following ports and border crossings (aka Integrated Check Points (ICPs)): * Airports – Patna, Srinagar, Surat, Tirupati, Vijaiwada * Seaports – Alang, Bedi Bunder, Bhavnagar, Calicut, Cuddalore, Kakinada, Kandla, Kolkata, Mandvi, Nagapattinum, Nhava Sheva, Paradeep, Porbandar, Port Blair, Tuticorin, Vishakapatnam, Vizhinjam, Agati and Minicoy Island Lakshdwip UT, Vallarpadam, Mundra, Krishnapatnam, Dhubri, Pandu, Nagaon, Karimganj, Kattupalli * Land ICPs – Attari Road, Akhaura, Banbasa, Changrabandha, Dalu, Dawki, Dhalaighat, Gauriphanta, Ghojadanga, Haridaspur, Hili, Jaigaon, Jogbani, Kailashahar, Karimgang, Khowal, Lalgolaghat, Mahadipur, Mankachar, Moreh, Muhurighat, Radhikapur, Ragna, Ranigunj, Raxaul, Rupaidiha, Sabroom, Sonouli, Srimantapur, Sutarkandi, Phulbari, Kawarpuchia, Zorinpuri, Zokhawthar * Rail ICPs – Attari, Chitpur, Gede (rail and road), Haridaspur, Munabao The declared entry and exit points on the ETA application are non-binding. '''Processing fees''' (and eligibility) for [https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/images/Etourist_fee_final.pdf e-Tourist Visa] as well as [https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/images/eTV_revised_fee_final.pdf all other e-Visa] are as follows (as of 2023): {| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="margin: auto;" |+ {{nowrap|e-Tourist Visa}} ! Fee !! &nbsp;&nbsp;30&nbsp;days&nbsp;&nbsp;<br/>(Apr-Jun) !! &nbsp;&nbsp;30&nbsp;days&nbsp;&nbsp;<br/>(Jul-Mar) !! 1&nbsp;year !! 5&nbsp;years !! &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Country&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; |- | US$ || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || Argentina, Cook Islands, Fiji, Jamaica, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Micronesia, Myanmar, Nauru, Niue Island, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uruguay, Vanuatu |- | US$ || 10 || 25 || 25 || 25 || Japan, Singapore, Sri Lanka |- | US$ || 10 || 25 || 40 || 80 || Afghanistan, Albania, Andorra, Angola, Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Canada, Cayman Island, Chile, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lesotho, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Malta, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Mozambique, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger Republic, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Palestine, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uzbekistan, Vatican City (Holy See), Venezuela, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe |} {| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="margin: auto;" |+ {{nowrap|e-Business Visa}} ! Fee<br/>(US$) !! &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Country&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; |- | 0 || Angola, Argentina, Benin, Burundi, Cambodia, Comoros, Cook Islands, Djibouti, East Timor, Eritrea, Fiji, Gambia, Guinea, Jamaica, Kiribati, Laos, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Micronesia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nauru, Niger Republic, Niue Island, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Samoa, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Tanzania, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Zambia |- | 25 || Japan, Singapore, Sri Lanka |- | 80 || Afghanistan, Albania, Andorra, Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Canada, Cayman Island, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Palestine, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vatican City (Holy See), Venezuela, Vietnam, Zimbabwe |- | 100 || Russia, United Kingdom, Ukraine, United States of America |} {| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="margin: auto;" |+ {{nowrap|e-Conference Visa, e-Medical Visa, e-Medical Attendant Visa}} ! Fee<br/>(US$) !! &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Country&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; |- | 0 || Argentina, Cook Islands, Fiji, Jamaica, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Micronesia, Myanmar, Nauru, Niue Island, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uruguay, Vanuatu |- | 25 || Japan, Singapore, Sri Lanka |- | 80 || Afghanistan, Albania, Andorra, Angola, Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Canada, Cayman Island, Chile, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lesotho, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger Republic, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Palestine, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, Rwanda, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Tajikistan, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vatican City (Holy See), Venezuela, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe |- | 100 || Benin, Mozambique, United Kingdom, Russia, Ukraine, United States of America |} The ETA replaced the former limited '''visa-on-arrival''' scheme—there are no longer any visa-on-arrival facilities in India. ====Other information==== There are other categories for specialised purposes. The '''missionary visa''' is mandatory for anyone who is visiting India "primarily to take part in religious activities". This rule is meant to combat religious conversion, particularly of Hindus to Christianity. There have been cases where preachers have been deported for addressing religious congregations while on a tourist visa. You need not be worried if you are just on a religious tour of churches in India. If you are on a Student, Employment, Research or Missionary visa, you '''need to register''' within 14 days of arrival with the [https://mea.gov.in/foreigners-registration.htm '''Foreigners Regional Registration Office'''] where you will be staying. If the place you are staying at doesn't have one, you need to register at the local police station. All visitors who intend to stay '''more than 180 days''' also need to be registered. '''Overstaying''' a visa is to be avoided at all costs as you will be prevented from leaving the country until you have paid a hefty fine and presented a large amount of paperwork to either the local immigration office or police station. This process is quite likely to involve some bizarre bureaucratic requirements. In the worst case, the Indian Government can also take legal action for exceptionally long overstays including prison term for 5 years. Penalties for [https://indianfrro.gov.in/frro/Financial_Penalty.pdf overstaying] an Indian visa: * For Overstays or non-registration for up to 90 days, penalty is US$300. * For Overstays from 91 days to 2 years, penalty is US$400. * For Overstays more than 2 years, penalty is US$500. Penalties for overstay in India may differ for persons belonging to minority communities from nearby countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan: * For Overstays or non-registration for up to 90 days, penalty is ₹100 * For Overstays from 91 days to 2 years, penalty is ₹200 * For Overstays more than 2 years, penalty is ₹500 ====Customs and immigration==== Citizens of Yellow Fever affected countries or travellers arriving from any of these countries must carry a '''Yellow Fever Vaccination Card''' at the time of arrival in India, otherwise they may be quarantined for 6 days. Clearing customs can be a bit of a hassle, though it has improved vastly over the last decade. In general, avoid the touts who will offer to ease your baggage through customs. There are various rules regarding duty-free allowances — there are differing rules for Indian citizens, foreign "tourists", citizens of Nepal, Bhutan and Pakistan, non-citizens of Indian origin and people moving to India. Use the website of the [https://www.cbic.gov.in/ Central Board of Excise and Customs] for information about what you can bring in. Foreign tourists other than Nepalis, Bhutanese and Pakistanis and those entering through Nepal, Bhutan or Pakistan, are entitled to bring in their "used personal effects and travel souvenirs" and ₹4,000 worth of articles for "gifts". If you are an Indian citizen or are of Indian origin, you are entitled to ₹25,000 worth of articles (provided you aren't entering through Nepal, Bhutan or Pakistan). The other rules are on the web site. If you are bringing any new packaged items, it is a good idea to carry the invoices for them to show their value. You are also allowed to bring in 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 g of tobacco and 1L (2L for Indians) of alcohol duty-free. If you do not have anything to declare, you can go through the '''green channel''' clearly marked at various airports and generally you will not be harassed. Importing and exporting Indian rupees is '''strictly forbidden''' for foreigners, and limited to ₹25,000 for Indian citizens. Details can be found in the [https://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/notification/PDFs/CR3105F871DDFD343407BA1BC640B96AFB21A.PDF official statement of the Reserve Bank of India]. There are currency exchange counters at international airports where you are required to change all your excess Indian rupees to foreign currency before leaving. ===By plane=== [[File:Sculpture of hasta mudras at Indira Gandhi International Airport.jpg|thumb|[[Indira Gandhi International Airport]] serves [[Delhi]] and is one of the most important entry points to India.]] The major points of entry are [[Mumbai]] ({{IATA|BOM}}) and [[Delhi]] ({{IATA|DEL}}). There are also international flights to [[Bangalore]] ({{IATA|BLR}}), [[Kolkata]] ({{IATA|CCU}}), [[Hyderabad]] ({{IATA|HYD}}), [[Chennai]] ({{IATA|MAA}}) and other cities. The airports at these cities are either new or undergoing development. The Hyderabad airport is rated as one of the top five airports in the 10-15 million passenger category. There are many nonstop, direct and connecting choices to these cities from Europe, North America, Middle East, Africa and Australia. Secondary points of entry include [[Goa]] and the [[Malabar]] coast. There are many connections from the Middle East to Malabar coast cities such as [[Kochi]], [[Kozhikode]] and [[Thiruvananthapuram]]. Most of the major Middle Eastern carriers offer one-stop connections to the coast from their Gulf hubs. Goa is a favourite European tourist destination and thus is connected by many European charter operators like Condor, Edelweiss and Thomson Airways. [[File:Air India Boeing 777-200LR Worldliner.jpg|thumb|An Air India Boeing 777]]The Indian airlines that operate international flights include * '''[https://www.airindia.com/ Air India],''' India’s flag carrier owned by the Tata Group and is a member of the Star Alliance * '''[https://www.goindigo.in IndiGo],''' A low cost airline that serves 34 international airports with a fleet of Airbus A320s * '''[https://www.spicejet.com/ SpiceJet],''' A low cost airline that serves 13 international destinations * '''Akasa [http://www.akasaair.com/ Air],''' A low cost airline that serves 5 international destinations. It is the most on-time airline in the Indian airline industry. These airlines offer daily flights to major hubs around the world. You must carry a printed air ticket in order to take many domestic flights. Most Indian airlines have a very unfriendly policy towards upgrading weight allowance and changing dates of flights, and so if you feel that you may need to change anything regarding your flight, it is best to check the company's policy before making a booking. From the United States, [https://www.united.com United Airlines]{{Dead link|date=May 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} offers non-stop daily service from [[Newark Liberty International Airport|Newark]] to Delhi and Mumbai; Air India offers daily non-stop service to Delhi from [[John F. Kennedy International Airport|New York–JFK]], Newark, [[Dulles Airport|Washington–Dulles]], [[San Francisco International Airport|San Francisco]] and [[O'Hare International Airport|Chicago O'Hare]] and to Mumbai from Newark (and soon JFK). Various European airlines offer connecting service through their European hubs from most major U.S. cities and various Asian airlines offer connecting service from West Coast cities through their Asian hubs. [[File:IndiGo A320neo (VT-ITZ) @ GAU, Sept 2019 (02).jpg|thumb|IndiGo is a popular low-cost carrier]] Entries from Europe and North America are possible using many European airlines such as [https://www.lufthansa.com Lufthansa]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}, [https://www.finnair.com Finnair], [https://www.britishairways.com British Airways], [https://www.klm.com KLM], [https://www.airfrance.com Air France]{{Dead link|date=July 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} and [https://www.virginatlantic.com Virgin Atlantic]. For long-term visitors (3–12 months), [https://www.swiss.com Swiss Airlines] often have good deals from Switzerland with connecting flights from major European and some American cities as well. To save on ticket prices, consider connecting via Gulf countries, with [https://www.airarabia.com Air Arabia] ([[Sharjah]]-based low cost carrier with some connections to Europe), [https://www.etihadairways.com Etihad] (especially if you need a one-way ticket or are going back to Europe from another Asian country) via [[Abu Dhabi]], [https://www.emirates.com Emirates] via [[Dubai]] or [https://www.qatarairways.com Qatar Airways] via [[Doha]]. These airlines are also the easiest way to come from the Gulf countries, along with Indian carriers, Air India, Air India Express, Indigo and SpiceJet. In 2023, one-way prices between the Gulf countries and India were US$70–110, and one-way prices between Europe ([[London]], [[Rome]], [[Istanbul]], [[Tel Aviv]]) and the Gulf countries were €50–120, even just 1–2 weeks before flights—Abu Dhabi has cheap accommodation from €10–15. From East Asia and Australia, [[Singapore]] (which is served by Air India, its low-cost subsidiary [https://www.airindiaexpress.in Air India Express], [https://www.singaporeair.com Singapore Airlines] and its low-cost subsidiary [https://www.flyscoot.com Scoot]) has excellent connections with flights to all the major cities and many smaller ones. As for the cheap way from [[Southeast Asia]], Malaysian low-cost carrier [https://www.airasia.com AirAsia] is often the best choice (if booked well in advance, one-way ticket price is normally below US$100, sometimes being less than US$50, they have connections from China, [[Australia]] and most South-east Asian countries). They fly from [[Kuala Lumpur]] into New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Kochi and Tiruchirapalli. If you're going from [[Thailand]], Air India Express flies from Chennai and Kolkata to Bangkok. Air India and [https://www.thaiairways.com/en/index.page Thai Airways] fly from there to a range of Indian cities as well. IndiGo, an Indian low-cost-carrier, also offers attractive fares to Singapore and Bangkok. As of March 2025, the Indian government has banned all direct flights between India and [[China]] (except [[Hong Kong]]). You must connect via Hong Kong or a Southeast Asian hub such as [[Bangkok]], [[Kuala Lumpur]] or [[Singapore]]. Be sure to hold on to your boarding pass, as it will be checked on arrival in India. Some Indian airports, like Delhi, offer wifi access with a passport scan, and offer short–term tourist SIM cards, but the majority offer no wifi or SIM card options. Also read on [[#Check-in|check-in]] below, for procedures when leaving India again. ===By boat=== The only scheduled international passenger ship to India is the [https://www.kpvs.in/ KPVS] ferry service from Kankesanthurai in [[Jaffna]], [[Sri Lanka]] to [[Nagapattinam]], [[Tamil Nadu]]. It runs every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday from Nagapattinam at 7 am and it reaches Kankesanthurai by 11 am. The return service from Kankesanthurai is at 2 pm, and it reaches Nagapattinam by 5 pm. A one way trip costs Rs6500 and includes one piece of luggage up to 50&nbsp;kg. For booking call or WhatsApp (preferred) +919789879971. You will need a paper visa sticker or a ''previously used'' e-visa to enter India via this route: newly issued e-visas are not accepted. India has several international ports. Mumbai, Goa and Chennai are the main ones handling passenger traffic, while the rest mainly handle cargo. However, due to the profusion of cheap flights, there no longer appear to be any scheduled ferry services from India to the Middle East. The southern island of [[Minicoy]] in [[Lakshadweep]] islands is now a permitted entry point. Some cruise lines that travel to India include Indian Oceans Eden II and Grand Voyage Seychelles-Dubai. ===By train=== <!-- There are two links from [[Pakistan]]. The ''Samjhauta Express'' runs from [[Lahore]] to [[Attari]] near [[Amritsar]] in [[Punjab (India)|Punjab]]. The ''Thar Express'', restarted in February 2006 after 40 years out of service, runs from Munabao in the Indian state of [[Rajasthan]] to Khokrapar in Pakistan's [[Sindh]] province; however, this crossing is '''not open to foreign tourists'''. Neither train is the fastest, safest or the most practical way to go between India and Pakistan due to the long delay to clear customs and immigration (although the trains are sights in their own right and make for a fascinating trip). Ths Samjhauta express was the victim of a terrorist strike in February 2007, when bombs were set off killing many people. Should you want to get from one country to the other as quickly as possible, walk across at [[Attari]]/[[Wagah]]. --><!-- All are suspended since 2019 --> From [[Nepal]], trains run between [[Khajuri]] in [[Dhanusa]] district of [[Nepal]] and Jainagar in [[Bihar]], operated by Nepal Railways. Neither is of much interest for travellers and there are no onward connections into Nepal, so most travellers opt for the bus or plane instead. Train services from [[Bangladesh]] were suspended for 42 years, but the ''Maitree Express'' started running again between [[Dhaka]] and [[Kolkata]] in April 2008. The service is biweekly: A Bangledeshi train leaves Dhaka every Saturday, returning on Sunday, while an Indian train leaves Kolkata on Saturdays and returns the next day. Besides, there are ''Bandhan Express'' ([[Khulna]]–Kolkata) and ''Mitali Express'' (Dhaka–[[New Jalpaiguri]]) services between the two countries. You can see what trains are available between stations at the following sites: http://www.indianrail.gov.in. However, for booking of rail tickets through the internet you should use the Government of India's website http://www.irctc.co.in{{Dead link|date=February 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. For booking through this site, you have to register (which is free) and you need a credit/debit card. You can also take the services of many travel agents that charge a nominal service fee for booking train tickets. ===By land=== [[File:Wagah Border2014.jpg|thumb|Flag lowering ceremony at the Wagah border crossing]] ====Nepal==== From [[Nepal]] buses cross the border daily, usually with connections to [[Delhi]], [[Lucknow]], [[Patna]], [[Siliguri]] and [[Varanasi]]. However, it's cheaper and more reliable to take one bus to the border crossing and another from there on. The border crossings are (India/Nepal side) Sunauli/Bhairawa for Varanasi, Raxaul/Birganj for [[Patna]], Kolkata, [[Kakarbhitta]] for Siliguri and [[Darjeeling]], and Mahendrenagar-Banbassa for Delhi. Buses depart [[Kathmandu]] Kakarbhitta in Nepal (close to Siliguri) (10 hours) from 3-6PM. There's a direct Kathmandu deluxe bus service to Siliguri on alternate days, and NBSTC service Tu Th Sa depart ₹1,500 for the 11-hour journey and also a Kathmandu to [[Dhaka]] deluxe service that halts in Siliguri. ====Bhutan==== The Royal Bhutanese Government runs a service to/from [[Phuentsholing]]. These buses depart from Kolkata's [[Esplanade Bus Terminus]] at 7PM on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and from the Phuentsholing Bhutan Post office at 3PM on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The journey takes around 18 hours and costs ₹300. There is frequent service between [[Siliguri]] and Phuentsholing. Buses depart for Phuentsholing at 7:30AM and 1:30PM every day from opposite Golden Plaza on Burdwan Road (behind Air View More). Tickets are sold at a counter near the bus. There are more frequent Indian buses to the border town of Jaigaon from Siliguri Bus Station on Hill Cart Road. People who are not citizens of Bhutan or India are required to get their passport stamped at the Indian immigration office, which is located next to the cinema hall (there is a fork in the road when entering the town – marked by a statue – immigration is a short way up the road on the left) before entering and after exiting Bhutan. '''Your passport will not be stamped at the border''', which is customary elsewhere. Indians can get a permit to visit Thimphu or other parts of Bhutan by submitting proof of identities, such as an election card or passport, at the Bhutanese immigration office. ====Myanmar==== Entering from [[Myanmar]] is apparently possible at [[Moreh]]/[[Tamu]]—see [[Myanmar#India|Myanmar article]] for more details. Regarding Indo-Myanmar connection, [[Manipur]] is the most advanced and the only developed route inside India, to pass to and from between the two nations. ====Pakistan==== You cannot enter through Wagah/Attari land border crossing. It is now shut to all travellers passing through this way, because of security concerns by India <!--From [[Pakistan]] the only land crossing is from [[Lahore]] to [[Amritsar]] via the [[Attari]]/[[Wagah]] border crossing. Despite tensions between the two countries, there is a steady trickle of travellers passing this way. The immigration procedures are fairly straightforward, but neither [[Pakistan]] nor India issue visas at the border. Expect to take most of the day to go between Lahore and Amritsar on local buses. Normally it's possible to get a direct bus from Amritsar to the border, walk to the other side and catch a direct bus to Lahore, although you may need to change at some point on route. Amritsar and Lahore are both fairly close to the border (about 30–40 minutes drive), so taxis are a faster and easier option. The direct Delhi-Lahore service has restarted, though it is far more costly than local buses/trains, not any faster, and would mean you miss seeing [[Amritsar]]. You will also be stuck at the border for '''much''' longer while the bus is searched and all of the passengers go through immigration. There is now a bus service across the 'Line of control' between Indian and Pakistani Kashmir; however, it is '''not open to foreign tourists'''. For going '''by car''' also see [[Istanbul to New Delhi over land]]. You will need a [[Carnet de Passage]] if crossing with your own vehicle. The process is not particularly lengthy - crossing with your own vehicle from/to Pakistan should take a maximum of 3 hours to clear both borders for you and your vehicle.--> ====Bangladesh==== =====Haridaspur–Benapole crossing===== From [[Bangladesh]] there are a number of land entry points to India. The most common way is the regular air-conditioned and comfortable bus services from Dhaka to Kolkata via Haridaspur–Benapole border post near [[Bangaon]]. Private bus companies '''[http://www.shohagh.com/group/ Shohagh]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''', '''[http://www.greenlineparibahan.com/ Green Line]''','''[http://shyamolibusservice.com/ Shyamoli]{{Dead link|date=June 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' and others operate daily bus services on this route. Government organisations like West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC) and '''[http://www.brtc.gov.bd/ Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation]''' (BRTC) operate buses from Kolkata every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 5:30AM and 8:30AM, and 12:30PM while from Dhaka they leave on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7AM and 7:30AM. The normal journey time is around 12 hours with a one-way fare of ₹400-450 or Tk600-800, roughly US$8–10. If you're only headed to Haridaspur the fare is ₹86 (2½ hours). Several travel agencies around this area also sell tickets for these buses, but at very inflated prices. At the border, it's best to change money on the Indian side, but count it carefully and double-check the maths on their calculator. On the Bangladesh side there are some bus stands just behind the border, or you can catch a flat-bed cycle-rickshaw for 5 Bangladeshi takas for the 2-km trip to the bus stand for onward travel, or you can walk, but expect the hopeful rickshaw-wallahs to follow you at least half way. The Indian side is fairly normal as far as land border crossings are concerned. Your passport will change hands several times, and should finally result in a stamp, which doesn't take too long. The Bangladeshi side, however, is another story. Staff seem to have been hired an hour before you arrive - try not to laugh when they ask which visa in your passport is the Bangladesh one. On either side you may be asked for baksheesh by the passport stamper or a boy who grabs your passport and shuttles it between the various officials or the many men who offer to fill your forms in for you. This is not normal for an Indian border crossing, and is entirely avoidable - present your passport yourself, and say 'no' firmly if asked for a bribe. If you're on one of the A/C direct buses then the bus company collects all passenger's passports before the border and facilitates the stamping. The process is better than it once was. The Bangladesh side is simpler than the Indian side where you wind you way through a complex building to get the various stamps. On the Bangladesh side, you will enter one office, be asked to sit while you passport is examined and stamped. While leaving Bangladesh by road, you have to pay a departure tax of Tk300. If you are travelling by one of the direct buses, the bus company will usually collect the amount from you and pay it for you. If you are travelling independently, pay it at the little branch of Sonali Bank next to the immigration office. It seems to be open as long as the border crossing is open. If you arrived by air to Bangladesh, make sure that you have a "change of port" certificate which allows you to leave by land, otherwise you will find yourself being turned back at the border. Change of port certificates are available from the visa office in Dhaka and take about 4 hours to produce. Sometimes you might need to insist here that the office really does provide these certificates and demand that you need one. =====Other crossings===== Another daily bus service by 'Shyamoli' and others under the BRTC label from [[Dhaka]] connects Siliguri, but the buses in this route do not cross the Changrabanda/Burimari or Burungamari border post. Rather, passengers reaching the border have to clear customs, walk a few hundred yards to cross the border and board the awaiting connecting buses on the other end for the final destination. Ticket for Dhaka-Siliguri-Dhaka route costs BDT 1,600, roughly US$20–25 depending on conversion rates. Tickets are purchased either in Dhaka or in Siliguri. There is also a regular bus service between Dhaka and Agartala, capital of Tripura. Two BRTC buses daily from Dhaka and the [https://tsu.trp.nic.in/transport/ Tripura Road Transport Corporation] plying its vehicles six days a week with a round fare costing US$10 connect the two cities. There is only one halt at Ashuganj in Bangladesh during the journey. Other entry points from Bangladesh are Hili, Chilahati/Haldibari, Banglaband border posts for entry to West Bengal; Tamabil border post for a route to [[Shillong]] in Meghalaya, and some others with lesser known routes to north-eastern Indian regions. ====China==== The Nathu La pass in [[Sikkim]], which borders [[Tibet]] in [[China]] is the only border crossing between India and China. This border is not open to tourists; only local traders are allowed to cross. Special permits are required to visit the pass from either side, and foreigners are not permitted to visit the Indian side of the border. ==Get around== India is '''big''' and there are lots of interesting ways to travel around it, most of which could not very well be described as efficient or punctual. Allow considerable buffer time for any journey with a fixed deadline (e.g. your flight back), and try to remember that getting there should be half the fun. Travelling to much of the [[North-East India|North-East]] (with the notable exception of Assam), the [[Andaman and Nicobar Islands]], [[Sikkim]] and parts of [[Jammu and Kashmir]], [[Ladakh]], [[Lakshadweep]], [[Rajasthan]], [[Himachal Pradesh]] and [[Uttarakhand]] will require obtaining a '''Protected Area Permit''' (PAP) or '''Inner Line Permit''' (ILP) — see [[#Inner Line permit|below]]. For foreigners on a regular visa, the easiest way to get these permits would be to request for one when applying for your Indian visa, and it will be added to your visa — not possible with ETA/e-Visa. Otherwise, you will need to hunt down a local Ministry of Home Affairs office (aka DC Magistrate Office) and grapple with bureaucracy. Also, local travel agents can obtain these permits for you, but it might be contingent on booking a tour with them. Indian citizens can apply for these permits online. ===By plane=== [[File:Airports and seaports map.png|thumb|400px|Map of airports in India]] India's large size and uncertain roads make '''flying''' a viable option, especially as prices have tumbled in the last few years. Even India's offshore islands and remote mountain states are served by flights. Due to the aviation boom over the last few years, airports have not been able to keep up with the air traffic. Most Indian airports continue to function with one runway and a handful of boarding gates. Check-in and security queues can be quite long, especially in Delhi and Mumbai. India has built two new international airports in Hyderabad and Bangalore, which are modern and well-equipped. Delhi airport's newly constructed Terminal 3 is the 8th largest terminal in the world. In northern India, particularly Delhi, '''heavy winter fog''' can wreak havoc on schedules, especially during Christmas Season and January, leading to massive delays across the country. Flights to small airports up in the mountains, especially to [[Leh]] in Ladakh (which is reachable only by plane for most of the year), are erratic at the best of times. ====Airlines==== At one time, domestic flights were the monopoly of the government-owned Indian Airlines, but things have changed dramatically and now there are quite a few competitors, often offering excellent value. The main operators are: '''Mainline:''' *'''[https://www.airindia.com/ Air India]:''' The flag carrier owned by Tata Group. Air India has a wide network in the country and provides excellent regional connectivity. It is a member of the Star Alliance. Vistara has now merged with Air India completely. * '''[https://www.airindiaexpress.in/ Air India Express]:''' Low-cost subsidiary of Air India carrier which flies mainly on trunk routes and to international destinations in the Gulf and Southeastern Asia. AIX Connect has now merged with Air India completely. <!-- * [https://www.airasia.co.in/home '''Air Asia India'''] – Another Tata-owned low-cost carrier. --> * [https://www.goindigo.in/ '''IndiGo''']: A low-cost airline, connecting 88 cities throughout the country. They fly a young fleet of Airbus A320s and ATR regional aircraft. <!-- *'''[https://www.flygofirst.com/ Go First]''' – Another low-cost carrier connecting around 22 cities across the country. Mostly flies from their Mumbai base. --> * [https://www.spicejet.com/ '''SpiceJet''']: A third low-cost airline, serves around 34 domestic destinations. * '''[https://www.akasaair.com/ Akasa Air]:''' A low cost airline serving 20 domestic destinations with a fleet of Boeing 737 Max aircraft. It is the most on-time airline in the Indian airline industry. ===Regional and commuter=== * '''[https://www.allianceair.in/ Alliance Air]:''' India’s state-owned airline that flies small aircraft to obscure places * '''[http://www.starair.in/ Star Air]:''' A low-cost regional commuter airline owned by the Sanjay Godhawat Group which serves 23 destinations with a fleet of Embraer E175 and Embraer ER145 LR aircraft. * '''[https://fly91.in/ Fly91]:''' A low- cost regional airline based in Goa, serving 8 destinations with a fleet of ATR-72 aircraft, connecting towns and cities. * '''[https://flybig.in/ flybig]:''' A regional airline flying to 24 destinations across north and north-west India with a fleet of DHC-6-400 Twin Otter aircraft * '''[https://indiaoneair.com/ IndiaOne Air]:''' A regional airline based in Ahmedabad with a hub in Bhubaneshwar flying to 9 destinations with a fleet of 208B Grand Caravan X connecting tier-2 and tier-3 cities. ====Fares==== Prices are relatively low and stable, since destinations are often served by several airlines. It doesn't hurt though to check prices a few times on different days during the week. You will hear a lot about air tickets at ₹500, but those are promotional rates for limited seats which are sold out within seconds. In some other cases, the advertised fare may not include charges such as passenger service fees, air fuel surcharge and taxes which will be added subsequently. Nonetheless, you do get good rates from budget airlines. Tickets for small cities will cost more than those for the metros, because of the spotty coverage noted above. Indian ticket pricing has not attained the bewildering complexity that the Americans and European have achieved, but they are moving there. You don't have to worry about higher prices on weekends, lower prices for round-trips, lower prices for travel ''around'' weekends. There are two complications for non-Indians trying to buy plane tickets: # Many airlines have '''higher fares for foreigners (non-OCI holders)''' than for Indians (OCI holders included). Foreigners ("non-residents") will be charged in US dollars, whereas Indians will be charged in rupees. In practice, you can simply pretend to be Indian when booking online as the check-in desk will rarely if ever care, but you are still running a small risk if you do this. When possible it's best to patronise those airlines that do not follow this practice. # Many online booking sites and some of the low-cost carriers '''might reject non-Indian credit cards'''. Read the small print before you start booking, or book directly with the airline or through a bricks-and-mortar travel agency instead. ====Check-in==== [[File:TRZ Check In Counters.jpg|thumb|Check-in at Tiruchirappalli International Airport]] Checking in at Indian airports tends to be slow, involving lots of queues and multiple security checks. A few pointers to smooth your way: * Arrive '''at least two hours before departure''' if travelling from the major airports. (For domestic flights from minor airports, 60 or 90 minutes before is fine.) The new rule dictates that check-in closes 45 minutes before departure time and the boarding gate closes 25 minutes before departure. Though the original boarding might take longer, this rule is now being strictly implemented widely to avoid delays in flight departures. * While in the past, airports only allowed passengers to enter the airport a few hours before their flight, this rule has been relaxed and you can often stay overnight in the airport in case you have an early morning flight * '''Bring a print-out of your ticket or a soft copy of your ticket''' and a '''government-issued ID''' (available for both domestic and international flights- ignore if using digiyatra)or else you are not allowed to enter the airport. They are checked and matched compulsorily at the airport entry gate by security guards. If you possess neither a printout or a soft copy, you can get a copy at the airline offices just outside the airport entry gate. Some airlines have started to charge for this privilege. * Some airports have '''Digiyatra''' available (only for domestic flights), which verifies passenger identities at various checkpoints, such as check-in, security, and boarding gates, without the need for physical documents. Specific queues when entering the airport, check-ins and security have been set up in 15 airports (Delhi T1 and T3, Kolkata, Jaipur, Mumbai T1 and T2, Hyderabad, Varanasi, Lucknow, Pune, Vijayawada, Bengaluru, Guwahati, Kochi) for passengers who have registered through the Digi Yatra app. To register for digiyatra, you need an ''Aadhaar card''. * Most older airports and many Tier-2 and Tier-3 city airports require that you screen your checked bags before check-in, usually at a stand near the entrance. In high-security airports like Jammu, Srinagar or anywhere in the Northeast, even carry-on baggage needs to be screened. All carry on baggage will be screened by an X-ray scanner and at the discretion of the security personnel, physically too. * '''Once inside the check-in hall, you cannot leave the airport again unless your flight is delayed or cancelled.''' Make sure to have completed all your "business" before entering the airport. Also, in case you arrive many hours before the flight to be on the safe side, be sure to know how to keep yourself busy once inside the airport. * '''Pick up a tag for every item of your carry-on baggage and attach it to it.''' The staff at the security checkpoint will stamp your boarding pass as well as the tags of your carry-on baggage. Do not put your boarding pass on the X-ray belt, bring it with you when you go through the metal detector. Make sure you received all these stamps before leaving the security check area. Without a stamped boarding pass you will not be allowed to board the plane. You will not be allowed to take any items onboard without a stamped tag attached. Don't hesitate to ask someone if you are unsure about anything. Most staff in airports are very helpful to passengers usually understanding English and will take pains to ensure you catch your flight. There are separate queues for passengers travelling light (without check-in baggage) and these queues are usually less crowded. Different airlines have different standards for what they allow as cabin baggage, so check with your airline’s website on the side of caution, especially if you are travelling by a low-cost airline. Usually, the allowed free baggage limit is 15&nbsp;kg on most airlines. ===By train=== [[File:Vande Bharat Express around Mumbai.jpg|thumb|Vande Bharat Express, the second fastest Indian train in service]] {{see also|Rail travel in India}} India boasts one of the biggest rail networks in the world, and the rail system is very efficient, if rarely on schedule. Travelling on Indian Railways allows you to discover the landscape and beauty of India, and is generally more economical than flying domestically. With classes ranging from luxurious to regular, it's the best way to get to know the country and its people. Most train passengers will be curious about you and happy to pass the time with a chat. While taking an overnight sleeper train will save the money you would otherwise spend on a hotel, your sleep may not be as comfortable as some routes are known for being overcrowded. '''Commuter trains''' It is recommended to avoid ‘local trains’ as they are often overcrowded, platforms on the stations are also often overcrowded. If travelling on a local train, be wary of your surroundings as there may be pickpockets in stations and trains. However, metro and light rail services are relatively safe and well policed, with CCTV cameras on trains and stations, and well-trained staff. ====Regular trains==== Trains come in many varieties. Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Vande Bharat trains are the most luxurious and fastest trains of the Indian Railways. They are completely air-conditioned and have breakfast, lunch, evening tea and dinner included in your ticket price. The food is served at your seat during travel. Vande Bharat Express, the second fastest Indian train in service, is equipped with onboard Wi-Fi, infotainment, reading lights and electric outlets. Garib Rath (literally the "chariot of the poor") is a good option for those who want to use good facilities at low cost. ====Luxury trains==== There are 5 trains offering 12 signature journeys between major tourist destinations in India. By far the most popular of the five are the '''[https://www.palaceonwheels.in/ Palace on Wheels]''' and the '''[https://www.the-maharajas.com/ Maharajas' Express]'''. They offer a wonderful way to experience the sights in India without having to worry about the hassles of travel and accommodation. Journeys on board these trains are all inclusive of accommodation, dining, sightseeing, transportation and porter charges. Each of these luxury trains is equipped with amenities such as live television, individual climate control, restaurant, bar, lounges and cabins with electronic safe and attached bathrooms. The downside is that they are extremely expensive, and would make even business class airtickets look cheap. ====Classes==== India has seven classes of train travel to choose from. Not all classes are available on all trains: for example, Chair Cars are usually found only on short-distance daytime trains, while sleeper classes are only found on overnight journeys. Full information about these classes is [[Rail travel in India#Classes|here]]. ====Train fare==== The average fare for a '''200 km distance''' for different classes is given below (as of 2015): * First Class AC: ₹1,200 * Two Tier AC: ₹617 * Three Tier AC: ₹430 * AC Chair Car: ₹203 * Sleeper Class: ₹120 * Second class seat in Express train: ₹70 * Second class seat in Passenger train: ₹30 ====Ticketing==== Trains tend to fill up early. Tickets can be reserved up to 4 months in advance. School summer vacation time — mid-April to mid-June — is peak season for the railways, which means that you may need to book well in advance. Other festival days, long weekends or holidays may see a similar rush. Tickets can be booked from the [http://www.irctc.co.in/ railway website]{{Dead link|date=November 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. Tickets are also available from counters at most railway stations. Details of facility available for tourists from abroad are available at [https://contents.irctc.co.in/en/ForeignTouristQuotaBooking.pdf IRCTC website] and [http://www.indianrail.gov.in/enquiry/StaticPages/StaticEnquiry.jsp?locale=en&StaticPage=international_Tourist.html Indian Railway Website]. Other authorized ticketing agencies provide a much better user experience, though however you want to book, you will need an IRCTC account. If you have issues paying when booking via IRCTC, try some of these other sites like [https://www.confirmtkt.com/ confirmtkt] and [https://www.indiantrain.in/ IndianTrain]. [[File:India - Indian Railways Kitchen coach - 0989.jpg|thumb|Sandwiches at the kitchen coach]] One day before the departure date of a train at 10AM, the '''Tatkal''' quota seats become available. Tatkal accounts for about 10% of the total number of seats. This allows tourists who like to plan a trip as they go to book seats closer to the day of departure, for an extra fee. It is sometimes difficult to book Tatkal tickets online because of the excess amount of traffic on Indian railway website. The E-wallet facility enables users to keep money on Indian railway website for faster booking of tickets. This facility reduces the time of ticket booking because users skip the payment gateway processing time. You can pay using your debit cards, credit cards, or internet banking. ==== Meals ==== Most long-distance night trains have a '''pantry car''' and if you are in the sleeper or air-con classes, you can buy meals on board the train. The pantry staff will visit your seat to take your order. However, most pantry car meals aren't really good in quality or taste. Bring enough food for the journey including delays. You can purchase drinks, packaged snacks or biscuits from the pantry staff who circulate from one coach to another. At most stations, hawkers selling tea, peanuts, and snack food and complete meals will go up and down the train. You can also get down on the station platform to look for food, but make sure you know the stoppage timing of the train at that station. In the most luxurious 'Rajdhani' & 'Shatabdi' trains, meals are included in your ticket price and served at your seat during travel. There are no dining cars in the Indian Railways except in select luxury trains and in [[w:en:Deccan_Queen|Deccan Queen]] - a daily train which runs between Mumbai and Pune. ===By taxi or ride-hailing=== [[File:Ola car parking near Bhubaneswar railway station (January 2019).jpg|thumb|A line of Ola cabs parked near [[Bhubaneswar]] railway station, 2019]] {{infobox |Farewell to the King |Once upon a time, virtually all Indian taxis were trusty Hindustan Ambassadors, a locally manufactured copy of the 1950s-vintage Morris Oxford, but these days the King of Indian Roads is a critically endangered species. |image=ہندوستان موٹر کی بنائی پیلی ایمبیسڈر۔.jpg |caption=[[Kolkata]]'s iconic yellow Ambassador taxi that ruled the city till 2025 }} There was a time when the metered taxi was unheard of outside India's largest cities, and when it could be found, getting one that would take you to your destination and charge you the right rate was a rare event. This situation has undergone a drastic change for the better in the past few years, with many online companies offering taxi services. The two largest players are '''[http://www.olacabs.com Ola Cabs]''' and '''[https://www.uber.com/in/en/ Uber]''', which operate in all major Indian cities and have ranks at major airports. There are also local companies offering ride-hailing services within their cities. Both pickup and dropoff points can be entered in English, minimising hassle. Besides, companies like '''Rapido''' offer two-wheeler motorcycle rides if you're comfortable with such vehicles, and motorcycles are useful to navigate the more congested areas. Fares are affordable by Western standards, with most city rides under ₹200, although surge pricing can be expensive. However, the very cheapest categories (UberX and Ola Micro/Mini, respectively) often have tiny, run-down cars, so paying the small premium for the next class up (Uber Comfort and Ola Prime) may be worth it. If ride-hailing isn't an option, central locations of big cities like airports or stations have pre-paid taxi services managed by local traffic police officials. However, beware of touts who claim to be running pre-paid taxis. Always collect the receipt from the counter first. The receipt has two parts: one part is for your reference, and the other part you will need to hand to the taxi driver only after you reach your desired destination. The taxi driver will receive their payment by submitting or producing this other part to the pre-paid taxi counter. The taxi driver may not know how to get to your destination, and will not tell you this beforehand. This may result in the taxi stopping at various points during the journey as the driver gets out to ask for directions. Insist on being taken to your original destination, and not a substitute offered by the driver (e.g. a different hotel). Regular metered taxis are also common and can usually be hailed on the street. While they're supposed to use the meter, tales of "broken" meters and hapless fleeced tourists are common, so try to have an idea of the fare before you set off. ===By bus=== [[File:Pathankot Bus.JPG|thumb|240px|Ordinary-class Himachal Road Transport Co bus in [[Dharamsala]]]] While you cannot take a cross-country bus journey across India, buses are the second most-popular way of travelling across states and the only cheap way of reaching many places not on the main rail network, such as Dharamsala, Leh, Srinagar, or Gangtok. For short distances, just wait at the road that obviously goes into your direction. Unless you are in the middle of nowhere, there are many buses plying along Indian roads. If in doubt, just ask someone local. Every state has its own '''public bus''' service, usually named "''X'' Road Transport Corporation" (''X''RTC), "''X'' State Transport Corporation" (''X''STC) or "''X'' Transport Corporation" (''X''TC) which primarily connects intrastate routes, but will also have services to neighbouring states. There are usually multiple classes of buses. The '''ordinary''' buses (called differently in different states, e.g. "service bus") are extremely crowded with even standing room rarely available (unless you're among the first on board) as reservations are not possible and they tend to stop at too many places. On the upside, they're ''very'' cheap. Many public transport companies have their own website to find the schedule and prices, but also to book tickets. If searching for connections, the website will sometimes not accept smaller villages along the way and you have to select or search for the next larger town or city, just in case your search is unsuccessful. '''Private buses''' may or may not be available in the area you are travelling to, and even if they are, the quality could vary a lot. Be warned that many of the private buses, especially long-distance lines, play music and/or videos at ear-splitting volume. Even with earplugs it can be nerve-wracking. Restrooms are available in large bus stations but are crowded. The bus industry is '''extremely fragmented''' and there are few operators who offer services in more than 2 or 3 neighbouring states. Travel agents usually ''only'' offer seats on private buses. '''Flixbus''' operates in India. As of April 2024 they offer rides in the north and north-west of India and intend to serve the whole country. Prices between public and private buses do not differ much. The advantage of public buses is that you will get a proper ticket indicating the origin and destination of your journey. Private buses will only give you a paper ticket with a price written on it by the conductor. For buses serving smaller villages there might not even be any ticket at all for private buses — if the other Indian passengers also don't get a ticket, then that's just the way. In general, you can expect to pay as little as ₹1/km in the plains (Punjab) and ₹2-2.30/km in more mountainous areas (Himachal Pradesh) with public and private buses. After a short while you will figure out what is the going local rate. Anything way beyond that rate, especially in private buses, is an indication that the conductor is trying to rip you off. Stand your ground and don't give in, potentially demand your money back and leave the bus. In addition to ordinary public and private buses, there are '''luxury''' or '''express''' buses available, often called "Volvo" buses, and most have air-conditioning these days. These better class "express" or "luxury" buses have assured seating (book in advance), and have limited stops, making them well worth the slight extra expense. But even these better-class buses rarely have toilets and make occasional snack and toilet breaks. Regardless of the class of travel, all buses have to contend with the poor state of Indian highways and the havoc of Indian traffic which usually makes them slower, less comfortable and less safe than trains. Night buses are particularly hazardous, and for long-distance travel it is wise to opt for sleeper train services instead. For major private (Volvo) bus connections, schedules, prices and tickets, try one of the following websites: * [https://www.redbus.in redBus] * [https://www.zingbus.com zingbus] * [https://tickets.paytm.com/bus/ Paytm] * [https://www.makemytrip.com MakeMyTrip]{{Dead link|date=May 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} ===By car=== {{main|Driving in India}} Our itinerary article [[Grand Trunk Road]] describes one of India's major roads, running east–west through the Ganges valley and west across northern Pakistan to [[Kabul]]. Regular license plates in India are white. Yellow license plates indicate a permit for doing business with that car. Green license plates indicate an electric car. This can be tourism, transport or just office stuff. On all plates the licensing state is indicated by the first two letters, e.g. ''HP'' for Himachal Pradesh, or ''PB'' for Punjab. This rule doesn't apply to cars with the Bharat Series license plates, where the first two numbers indicate the year of registration. ====Driving on your own==== In India driving is on the '''left''' of the road — at least most of the time. You can drive in India if you have a local licence or an International Driving Permit, but unless you are accustomed to driving on extremely chaotic streets, you probably will not want to. In the past decade, the Central government has embarked on an ambitious project to upgrade the highways and the conditions of Indian roads has vastly improved, with smooth '''Expressways''' all across the country. '''National Highways''' are also good, with four to eight laned roads. However, improving the quality of the roads does not improve the way in which people drive and it is very dangerous to drive on the roads in India as people drive as they like without regard to any rules (rules do exist but are not enforced properly). ====Hiring driver with car==== [[File:Road in India (5472802655).jpg|thumb|View from a car in India]] It's quite easy and common to rent a car with a driver in India. If you travel in summer, it is recommended to take a car with air-conditioning. Sometimes you will need to haggle to get a reasonable price, especially for a several days tour. Otherwise, rates for taxis are quoted in rupees per kilometre, and you will have to pay for both ways even if you are going only one way. The driver's salary is so low that it adds little to the cost of renting the car. The driver will find their own accommodation and food wherever you are travelling, although it is customary to give him some money to buy some food when you stop somewhere to eat. Rates vary by size and quality of the car. There are numerous advantages to having a car and driver. * A good local driver is the safest means of car travel. * You can keep your bags and shopping goods with you securely wherever you go. * The driver will often have some knowledge of local tourist destinations. However, be aware that the driver will try to make some money on the side and drive you to some shops of relatives, just to get a cut. So, do not trust him too much. Inquire information and then decide what to do for yourself. * The car is at your disposal. You don't need to spend any time finding further transport, or [[haggling]] over price. It is rare to find a driver that speaks more than a few words of English. As a result, misunderstandings are common. Keep sentences short. Use the present tense. Use single words and hand gestures to convey meaning. Also, when haggling about the price make sure the driver fully understands the final price and that it is for the whole tour and not per day or per passenger — potentially write down the price, date of payment and "all included" on a piece of paper and get his signature to be on the safe side. Some drivers will exploit your innocence and pretend that the agreement was different. Make sure you can trust your driver before you leave your goods with him — potentially getting a photo of his ID and definitely a photo of his licence plate. Also, memorise your driver's face and write down his phone number (verify!). If he shows any suspicious behaviour, make sure you keep your bags with you. In any case, it is generally always a good idea to have all your valuables with you. Your driver may in some cases act as a tout, offering to take you to businesses from which he gets a sort of commission. This isn't necessarily a bad thing – the driver may help you find just what you're looking for, and add to his income at the same time. On the other hand, always evaluate for yourself whether you are being sold on a higher-cost or poorer quality product than you want. Avoid touts on the road posing as guides that your driver may stop for because he gets a commission from them; supporting them only promotes this unpleasant practice. The driver might ''ask'' for a tip at the end of the trip. Pay him some amount (₹500/day is generally sufficient) and don't let him guilt-trip you into paying too much. Touts at tourist areas will also try to mislead you into getting into the wrong car when you leave; if you fall for this you will certainly be ripped off, your car may be stolen and you may be sexually assaulted. Be wary of reckless driving when renting a car with a driver. Do not be afraid to tell the driver that you have time to see around and that you are not in a hurry. Make sure also that your driver gets enough rest time and time to eat. In general, as you visit restaurants, the driver may eat at the same time (either separately at the same restaurant or at some other nearby place). They may be willing to work non-stop for you as you are the "boss", but your life depends on their ability to concentrate, so ensure that your driving demands are reasonable; for example, if you decide to carry your own food with you on the road, be sure to offer your driver time to get a lunch himself. ===By motorcycle=== [[File:Royal Enfield 7.jpg|thumb|Royal Enfield motorcycle]] Some people argue that '''the best way to experience India is on a motorbike'''. Riding a motorbike and travelling across India you get a closer look and feel of India along with all the smells and sounds. However, this story seems to be mostly popular among the new emerging Indian middle class, who ply popular Indian travel destinations with their bikes, like [[Ladakh]]. For Westerners it is important to note the state of Indian roads and the chaotic traffic, which has already been mentioned under [[#By car]]. There are many companies which organise package tours or tailor-made tours for enthusiastic bikers and the adventurous, or a safer motorbike experience of India. They will take care of luggage and maintenance of the bike. Another choice, popular with people who like taking risks, is to '''buy a motorcycle'''. Not for the faint of heart or inexperienced rider. India boasts the highest motor vehicle accident rate in the world. The Royal Enfield is a popular (some would say, the only) choice for its classic looks and macho mystique. This is despite its high petrol consumption, 25&nbsp;km/litre to 30&nbsp;km/litre, supposed low reliability (it is "classic" 1940s engineering after all and requires regular service adjustment; you can find an Enfield mechanic with decades of experience in every town in India, who will perform miracles at about ₹100 an hour labour cost), and claimed difficulty to handle (it is quite heavy and the seat can be high for some). You don't want to be riding roads at 4,000-5,000 m in Ladakh and suddenly the bike breaking down — here it will be quite difficult to find a mechanic. Alternatively, one can opt for a smaller yet quicker, more fuel efficient and more versatile bikes like "Hero", "Bajaj" or "Honda". They can range from 100 cc to the newly launched 220 cc bikes. The smaller variants (100–125 cc) can give you a mileage exceeding 50&nbsp;km/litre on the road, while giving less power if one is opting to drive with pillion on the highways. The bigger variants (150–220 cc) are more powerful and one can get a feel of the power especially on highways — the mileage is lesser for these bikes anywhere between 35&nbsp;km/litre to 45&nbsp;km/litre. Preferably tourists should go for second hand bikes rather than purchasing new ones. The smaller 100 cc variants can be purchased for anywhere between ₹15,000–25,000 depending on the year of make and condition of vehicle. The bigger ones can be brought from ₹30,000 onwards. But some people have even travelled the country on a scooter. Note that there might be restrictions in place on crossing from one state to the other—not all license plates may be allowed in all states. ===By thumb=== Hitchhiking in India, especially in remote regions, is very easy due to the enormous number of cargo trucks and local traffic on every highway and road. Most drivers do not speak English or any other international language; however, most have a very keen sense of where the cities and villages are along the road. It is rare for any of them to expect payment. Hitchhiking in cities, highways and crowded places is safe, but refrain from hitchhiking on deserted places, less populated areas, forest roads, etc. However, this rule really also depends on the region. Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh can generally be considered to be safe for hitch-hiking. However, in Bihar, one of the poorest states of India, it is probably not a good idea. Also, it is better to stick to day time travel. When hitchhiking it is important to understand the system of vehicle licence plates in India. There are yellow (commercial) and white (private) ones. White ones are generally always safe for hitch-hiking for free, because these are local people in their own car. For yellow licence plates, it depends, regular cars, vans, mini-buses and Jeeps will mostly always be taxis, and it doesn't make sense to hail them. However, pickup trucks, cargo trucks, and anything that looks like made for transporting goods, is safe to hail. They shouldn't demand any money, but if so, just tell them that they are no taxis but cargo vehicles. ===By rickshaw=== [[File:Havelock Autorickshaw.JPG|thumb|A typical Indian autorickshaw, [[Andaman Islands]]]] The auto-rickshaw, usually abbreviated and referred to as '''auto''' and sometimes as '''rickshaw''', is the most common means of hired transport in India. They are very handy for short-distance travel in cities, especially since they can weave their way through small alleys to bypass larger cars stuck in travel jams, but are not very suitable for long distances. Most are green and yellow, due to the new CNG gas laws, and some may be yellow and black in colour, with one wheel in the front and two in the back, with a leather or soft plastic top. The E-rickshaw, is electric and often also now an increasingly common means of hired transport in India, being eco-friendly and very cheap. They serve the same purpose as autos, but travel at a lower speed than autos, and are not allowed on some roads. The E-Rickshaw can fit as many as 6 people in 1 vehicle, with some safety features. The cycle-rickshaw is expensive and becoming a luxurious means of hired transportation. Often riders are very poor and they often do not wear shoes so respect the riders. When getting a rickshaw, you can either negotiate the fare or go by the meter. In almost all cases it is better to use the meter—a negotiated fare means that you are being charged a higher than normal rate. A metered fare starts around ₹13 (different for different areas), and includes the first 1 to 2 kilometres of travel. '''Never''' get in an auto-rickshaw or E-rickshaw without either the meter being turned on, or the fare negotiated in advance. In nearly all cases the driver will ask an exorbitant sum (for Indian standards) from you later. A normal fare would be ₹11-12 for the first km and ₹7-8 per km after that. In most cities, auto-rickshaw drivers are provided with a rate card that elaborately describes the fares on per kilometre basis. A careful tourist must verify the meter reading against the rate card before making a payment. Auto-rickshaws and E-rickshaws carry either digital or analog meters wherein the analog meters may have been tampered with. It may be a better option to go for a negotiated fare when the auto-rickshaw or E-rickshaw has an analogue meter. Ideally, you should talk with a local to find out what the fare for any estimated route will be. Higher rates may apply at night, and for special destinations such as airports. Finally, factor in that rickshaw drivers may have to pay bribes to join the queue for customers at premium locations such as expensive hotels. The bribe will be factored in the fare. Make sure that the driver knows where they are going. Many rickshaw drivers will claim to know the destination without really having any clue as to where it is. If you know something about the location, quiz them on it to screen out the liars. If you do not know much about the location, make them tell you in no uncertain terms that they know where it is. This is because after they get lost and drive all over the place, they will often demand extra payment for their own mistake. You can then tell them that they lied to you, and wasted your time, so they should be happy to get the agreed-upon fee. ===By boat=== India is known for its multitude of rivers and there are numerous boats and ferries to cross certain rivers. However, boat transport is less important for many budget travellers since they will cross most rivers with bridges anyway. That said, boats are still necessary to access certain islands, like the [[Andaman and Nicobar Islands]], the [[Lakshadweep Islands]], Mumbai's [[Elephanta Island]] and West Bengal's [[Sagar Island|Sagar Island.]] You may also take a luxurious river cruise to visit the cities and towns along Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers. Known as '''Ganga Vilas''' (literally 'Ganga Luxury'), the cruise runs from [[Varanasi]] in [[Uttar Pradesh]] to [[Dibrugarh]] in [[Assam]], with stops at [[Patna]], [[Farakka]], [[Jangipur]], [[Murshidabad]], [[Ambika Kalna]], [[Chandannagar]], [[Kolkata]] and [[Dhaka]]. The river cruise also provides amazing views of the [[Sundarbans]]. ===Addresses=== If you need to get anywhere, call in advance and ask for detailed directions. Bear in mind that street signs in India tend to be rare or nonexistent outside the cities. Postal addresses will often carry landmark details "Opp. Prithvi theatre" or "Behind Maruti Showroom" or "near temple / church / mosque / bank branch / police station / school" to ease the search. Unlike the western system of address, the Indian system uses plot number or house number, street, road followed by landmark and the location pin code instead of street name and block number. Finding a place will usually involve some searching, but you will always find someone around the area willing to guide you. Unlike many other countries, Indians ask passers-by, nearby shopkeepers or cops for guidance on street addresses. So you may do the same, people would be happy to help. Using Google Maps with GPS works well most of the time in major cities but at times may not be accurate due to incorrect spelling of road or incorrect positioning on map. ===Inner Line permit=== Inner Line Permit is an official travel document issued by the Government of India to allow inward travel of an Indian citizen into a protected/restricted area for a limited period. It is obligatory for Indian citizens from outside those states to obtain a permit for entering into the protected state. The document is an effort by the Government to regulate movement to certain areas near the international border of India. This is a security measure and it is applicable for the following states: * [[Arunachal Pradesh]] — permits are issued by the Secretary of the Government of Arunachal Pradesh. The permits are required for entering the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh through any of the check gates across the inter-state border with Assam or Nagaland. Permits are obtained at Arunachal Bhavan in all major cities. Permits are given to specific districts and therefore plan the itinerary before applying for district entry permits. Checkpoints at every district border only allow locals and permit holders. * [[Manipur]], [[Mizoram]] and [[Nagaland]] — permits are issued by the respective state governments to allow inward travel of an Indian citizen into the state for a limited period to avoid uncontrollable influx. Most foreign tourists do not require the permit, but must register with the police within 24 hours of arrival; your hotel will usually handle this for you but check to be sure. Citizens and former citizens of Afghanistan, China and Pakistan need special approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs to visit. * [[Sikkim]] — a permit required for the '[[Nathu La]]' Pass which was an important passage of the silk route in medieval era and now a part of the border between India and China. Foreigners are not eligible for the permits. Only Indian citizens are allowed to visit the pass. Further permits for high altitude regions like '[[Lachung]]-[[Lachen]]' along with a high altitude lake called '[[Gurudongmar Lake]]' can be obtained from Gangtok directly. Foreigners may be allowed. Another point known as 'Zero Point' also requires permits. * [[Andaman and Nicobar Islands]] — non-Indians need a Restricted Area Permit to visit the islands, but these are now issued on arrival at the Port Blair airport; if you plan to arrive by sea, you'll need to arrange your permit before arrival, either in Chennai or when applying for your Indian visa. Indian nationals do not require a permit to visit the Andamans, but permits are required to visit Nicobar Islands and other tribal areas, and are rarely given. ==See== To see all the places worth visiting in India, even a 6-month visit is arguably inadequate. There are more tourist destinations in India than can be mentioned in a full-length book, let alone a summary. Almost every state in India has over ten major tourist destinations and there are cities which can barely be tasted in a full week. Many Indian states by themselves are bigger and more populous than most of the countries in the world, and there are 28 states and 8 Union Territories in India, including two island chains outside the Mainland. That said, below are some highlights. ===Historical monuments and forts=== Probably the most famous single attraction in India is the '''[[Agra|Taj Mahal]]''', which is widely recognised as the jewel of Islamic art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the [[UNESCO World Heritage List|world's heritage]]. [[File:RedFort.jpg|thumb|260px|Red Fort, Delhi]] The '''Qutb Minar''' and the impressive '''Red Fort''' are the two most prominent historical monuments in [[Delhi]]. [[Jaipur]], the capital of the [[Western India|western]] state of [[Rajasthan]], is incredibly rich in forts and palaces, including the tremendous '''Amber Fort''', beautiful '''Jal Mahal''' (Water Palace) and unique '''Hawa Mahal'''. [[Nalanda]] in [[Bihar]] has the remains of a university of Buddhism that was established in 450 CE. For a rather different and more modern kind of historical monument, the '''Gandhi Ashram''' in [[Ahmedabad]], founded by the Mahatma himself, is a repository of all things Gandhi. ===Houses of worship=== No visit to India would be complete without a trip to some of the country's fantastic temples. All regions of the country are replete with temples. The city of [[Jammu]], the winter capital of [[Jammu and Kashmir]], has so many temples that it's called the '''"City of Temples"''' and is a major draw for Hindu pilgrims. [[Bishnupur (Rarh)|Bishnupur]] in [[West Bengal]] is home to famous '''terracotta temples'''. The '''Sri Venkateswara Temple''' in [[Tirupati]], [[Andhra Pradesh]], is dedicated to Vishnu and is also a major draw for pilgrims. The '''Tantric temple complexes of [[Khajuraho]]''' in [[Madhya Pradesh]] are much beloved for their thousand-year-old sacred erotic wall carvings, considered by some art historians to be the pinnacle of erotic art. The '''Meenakshi Amman Temple''' in [[Madurai]], [[Tamil Nadu]], is a centre of worship of Parvati, the consort of Shiva. The city of [[Thanjavur]] in Tamil Nadu known for its grand Chola-era temples. Hinduism is not the only religion represented among the great temples of India. The world headquarters of the Sikh religion are in the '''Golden Temple''' in [[Amritsar]], [[Punjab (India)|Punjab]]. [[Leh]] and environs, in the union territory of [[Ladakh]], are one of a number of areas that have '''splendid Buddhist temples or monasteries'''. The '''Ranakpur Temple''' in the small Rajasthani town of [[Ranakpur]] is an impressive and historic Jain temple. India's second-largest religion in adherents after Hinduism is Islam, and many parts of India were ruled by Muslim dynasties for hundreds of years, so it's not surprising that India is also home to many magnificent mosques. Some of them, like the mosque in the Taj, are part of historical monuments. One impressive mosque that's very much in use to this day is the lovely 17th-century '''Jama Masjid''' in Old [[Delhi]]. [[Hyderabad]] in [[Southern India|the south]] has several historical mosques, including '''Charminar Masjid''' and '''Mecca Masjid'''. There are also notable churches in various Indian cities. ===Geographical=== [[File:Varanasi Munshi Ghat3.jpg|thumb|Munshi Ghat along the Ganges in Varanasi]] India is a very geographically varied country. In the north of the country, one can see the '''Himalayas''', the Earth's highest mountain range. There are hilly areas in many non-Himalayan states, too. In India, '''hill stations''' — towns in the cooler areas in foothills or high valleys surrounded by mountains, which were favored by rajas, then the British and now Indian tourists in the hot summer months — are considered sights and experiences in themselves. The largest of them is Jammu and Kashmir's summer capital, [[Srinagar]], but [[Darjeeling]], in view of Mount Kangchenjunga in northern [[West Bengal]], is very famous for its tea. Other famous hill stations include [[Shimla]], [[Ooty]] and [[Gangtok]], and there are many others — most states have some. India is also a country of numerous rivers. Several of them are traditionally considered holy, but especially the '''Ganges''', locally known as Ganga, which brings life to the [[Plains (India)|Indian Plains]], India's breadbasket, and is not just an impressive body of water but a centre of ritual ablutions, prayer and cremation. There are several holy cities along the river that have many temples, but they are often less places of pilgrimage to specific temples than holy cities whose temples have grown because of the ghats (steps leading down to the holy river) and most interesting to visit for the overall experience of observing or partaking in the way of life and death along the river. Foremost among these holy cities is [[Varanasi]], [[Uttar Pradesh]], where some 5,000-year-old rituals are still practised; other cities worth visiting to experience the Ganges include [[Rishikesh]] and [[Haridwar]], much further upstream. India also has a long coastline. The '''beaches''' of [[Goa]], also an interesting former Portuguese colony and the [[Andaman Islands]] are among the most appreciated by domestic and foreign visitors. Finally, India has a vast desert, the '''Thar Desert''' in [[Rajasthan]]. Several Rajasthani cities including [[Jaisalmer]] are good bases for camel safaris. ===Wildlife=== {{see also|Wildlife in South and Southeast Asia|Indian national parks and wildlife sanctuaries}} India is famous for its wildlife, including the Bengal tigers, Asiatic lions and elephants. * [[Keibul Lamjao National Park]] in [[Manipur]] is the world's only floating national park, floating on the mirror like [[Loktak lake]], where the world's only dancing deer species, Brow antlered deer ([[Manipuri phrasebook|Manipuri]]: Sangai) is found. Another one, the [[Sirohi National Park]] is the world's only habitat for the world's only terrestrial lily, the Shirui Lily (Lilium macklineae), which can't be grown in any part of the earth except in the Shirui NP in [[Manipur]], despite innumerable serious experiments of numerous scientists. * [[Bandhavgarh National Park]] in [[Madhya Pradesh]] and [[Ranthambhore National Park]] in [[Rajasthan]] are the most likely places for you to spot an Indian tiger in the wild, though you will still have to have some luck and persistence. * [[Gir Forest National Park]] in [[Gujarat]] is dedicated to the preservation of Asiatic lions. * The [[Sundarbans (West Bengal)|Sundarbans]], on the border with [[Bangladesh]] is the largest mangrove forest and delta in the world, home to the famous Royal Bengal tigers and estuarine crocodiles but also fascinating as an overall ecosystem. * [[Pench National Park]] in Madhya Pradesh is one of the places that may have inspired Rudyard Kipling's ''Jungle Book''. * [[Kaziranga National Park]] in Assam is home to the world's largest population of one-horned rhinoceros. ==Do== ===Fairs and festivals=== [[File:Holi Bonfire Udaipur.jpg|thumb|Holi bonfire in [[Udaipur]]]] '''Goa Fair''' (carnival). February heralds the carnival at [[Goa]]. For three days and nights the streets come alive with colour. Held in mid February the week-long event is a time for lively processions, floats, the strumming of guitars, graceful dances and of non-stop festivity. One of the more famous of Indian carnivals, the Goa Festival is a complete sell out in terms of tourism capacities. '''Surajkund Mela''' (1–15 February). As spring glides in, full of warmth and vibrancy, leaving the grey winter behind, Surajkund adorns itself with colourful traditional crafts of India. Craftsmen from all over the country assemble at Surajkund during the first fortnight of February to participate in the annual celebration that is the Surajkund Crafts Mela. '''Holi'''. The Spring Festival of India, Holi is a festival of colours. Celebrated in March or April, according to the Hindu calendar, it was meant to welcome spring and win the blessings of Gods for good harvests and fertility of the land. As with all Hindu festivals, there are many interesting legends attached to Holi, the most popular being that of Prince Prahlad, who was a devout follower of Lord Vishnu. It is the second most important festival of India after Diwali. Holi in India is a festival of fun and frolic and has been associated with the immortal love of Krishna and Radha. The exuberance and the festivity of the season are remarkable. '''Diwali'''. The festival of lights, Diwali, illuminates the darkness of the New Year's moon, and is said to strengthen close friendships and knowledge with a self-realisation. Diwali is celebrated on a nation-wide scale on Amavasya – the 15th day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu month of Ashwin (Oct/Nov) every year. It symbolises that age-old culture of India which teaches to vanquish ignorance that subdues humanity and to drive away darkness that engulfs the light of knowledge. The festival of lights still today projects the rich and glorious past of India. '''Pushkar Mela'''. Every November the sleepy little township of [[Pushkar]] in Rajasthan comes alive in a riot of colours and a frenzied burst of activity during the Pushkar Fair. Few fairs in the world can match the liveliness of Pushkar. It includes the world's largest camel fair, but is much more than that. ===Sports=== [[File:Eden gardens.jpg|thumb|A cricket match at the Eden Gardens, [[Kolkata]]]] *'''[[Cricket]]''' — India is a cricket-obsessed country and cricket is in the blood of most Indians. India plays an important role in world cricket and has been world champion twice in the ICC Cricket World Cup, in 1983 beating the mighty West Indies in the final, and Sri Lanka in 2011. India also emerged triumphant in the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup in 2007 held in South Africa beating arch-rival Pakistan in a nail-biting final, as well as in the ICC T20 World Cup in 2024 held in the USA and the West Indies beating South Africa in thrilling final, winning all their matches. The popularity of cricket in India is second to no other game, so seeing children playing cricket in parks and alleys with rubber balls and makeshift wickets is very common. Until 2008, Indian cricket was all about the national team playing against other countries in one-day matches or epic five-day Test marathons, but the advent of the [http://www.iplt20.com/ Indian Premier League] (IPL) has, for better or worse, brought fast-paced, commercialised "Twenty20" cricket to the fore, complete with cheerleaders and massive salaries. In international matches, while Australia typically poses the strongest challenge to Indian supremacy, the most intense rivalry by far is with neighbouring Pakistan, and matches between the two sides are often a very charged affair. About half-a dozen Indian stadiums have a capacity of over 45,000 and watching a cricket match can be quite an experience. The Eden Gardens in central [[Kolkata]] is India's most iconic cricket stadium with 66,349 seating capacity and is the oldest cricket stadium in the Indian subcontinent, established in 1865, and is comparable to the stadiums of Lords' in London and the MCG in Melbourne. The atmosphere of most matches is electrifying. ''Nearly all'' international matches have sellout crowds, and it is quite normal for fans to bribe officials and make their way in. Starting ticket prices are quite cheap; they can be as low as ₹250–300. India and Pakistan are all-time arch rivals, and cricket matches between the two nations attract up to a billion TV viewers, including many people who are otherwise not cricket fans. *'''[[Association football|Football]]''' (soccer) — You can come across young boys playing with a football on any open space that is available, as with cricket. Club football is very popular, especially among youth and you will find people getting into heated arguments in public places over their favourite teams. Many people also support national teams other than India, but it usually depends on the nationality of their favourite players. Also, many large restaurants and bars offer a view of important European club matches and the World Cup matches. The most famous and electrifying rivalry is the ''Kolkata Derby'' between Mohun Bagan Athletic Club (established 1889) and East Bengal Football club (established 1920) held at Salt Lake Stadium (the second-largest non-auto racing stadium in the world) in eastern [[Kolkata]], the football capital of India and a tremendously football crazy city. This rivalry is widely regarded to be the oldest and most intense football rivalry in Asia. *'''[[Field hockey|Hockey]]''' (field hockey) – The national game of India, hockey retains a prominent position in the hearts of many Indians, despite the craze for cricket and football. Although the viewership has dwindled significantly (as compared to the golden era before cricket came to the fore in the mid-1980s), it hasn't vanished completely. It still has a significant fan base, especially in North India, some eastern parts like Jharkhand, Odisha and the Northeastern states. The introduction of the Premier Hockey League has helped restore its popularity. Speakers of U.S./Canadian English should also note that 'hockey' refers to field hockey, not ice hockey. *'''Polo''' — Polo's origins can be traced to origins in Manipur state around 3100 BC, when it was played as Sagol Kangjei. It was adopted by the Europeans during the 19th century and spread around the globe. The polo ground in [[Imphal]] is the world's oldest. *'''Kabaddi''' — A sport unique to the Indian subcontinent, it is a contact team sport that involves attempting to tag out your opponents' player before returning to your own half. ==Learn== There are many things to learn that interest foreigners all over India, but there are a few destinations that have become particularly well known for certain things: *'''Yoga''' is popular in [[Haridwar]], [[Rishikesh]] and [[Mysore]]. *'''Ayurveda''' is popular in [[Kerala]]. The region also boasts of many dance and dramatic forms. *'''[[Hindi phrasebook|Hindi]]''' in [[Delhi]] and [[Varanasi]]. *'''Classical musical instruments''' in not only the ancient city of [[Varanasi]] but many parts of India, especially in Southern States, where they form the most integral part of Core Classicals. *'''Classical vocal music''' and '''classical dance forms''' in [[Tamil Nadu]] or [[Manipur]] or [[Karnataka]]. *'''Sanskrit''' at 'Samskrita Bharati' in areas of [[Udupi]], [[Bangalore]] and [[Delhi]]. *'''Buddhism''' in [[Dharamsala]] and [[Bir]] in [[Himachal Pradesh]] as well as in [[Bodh Gaya]] in [[Bihar]]. *'''Cooking''' classes are also popular. The most well-known exported type of Indian food are the cuisines such as Idly, Dosa, Biryanis, Dals etc. and regional cuisines such as Thalis, South Indian, and [[Punjab (India)|Punjab]]i, as the Sikhs have been the most successful in spreading Indian restaurants throughout the western world. However, styles vary a lot throughout the country, so if you have the time and appetite it's worth checking out courses in a variety of areas such as [[Karnataka]], [[Kerala]], [[Tamil Nadu]], and [[West Bengal]]. There are many universities imparting education but at the helm are '''Indian Institutes of Technology''' (IITs) for technical undergraduates, '''Indian Institutes of Management''' (IIMs) for management postgraduates and '''National Law Universities/Schools''' (NLUs) which are world class institutes. Most of the ambitious students who want to get a good high level education strive to get into these institutes through the fiendishly difficult admission processes, both due to nature of test and the prevailing competition. Admissions to the top 7 IITs - [[Delhi]], [[Mumbai|Bombay]], [[Chennai|Madras]], [[Kanpur]], [[Kharagpur]], [[Roorkee]] and [[Guwahati]] - are so competitive that it is harder for an Indian student to get into one of them than it is for an American student to get into an Ivy League college, or a British student to get into Oxbridge. The 6 top IIMs (Including the 4 oldest - [[Ahmedabad]], [[Kolkata]], [[Bangalore]] and [[Lucknow]] plus newly established Indore and Kozhikode) together select only about 1,200 students from 350,000 students who appear for CAT exam. But still students have a great desire to get into these institutes. These institutes also offer degrees to foreign students. Apart from undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral courses, there are many training and diploma-level institutes and polytechnics that cater to the growing demand for skill-based and vocational education. Besides conventional educational institutes, foreigners might also be interested to study with Pandits to learn Hindi and Sanskrit in genuine settings as well as with Mullahs to study Urdu, Persian, and Arabic. They might also like to live with famed Ustads to study traditional Indian music. Whether people are interested in philosophy or religion, cuisine or dance, India will have the right opportunity for them. ==Work== Foreigners need a work permit to be employed in India. A work permit is granted if an application is made to the local Indian embassy along with proof of potential employment and supporting documents. There are many expatriates working in India, mostly for multinational companies. India has always had an expatriate community of reasonable size, and there are many avenues for finding employment, including popular job-hunting websites. Citizens of '''[[Nepal]]''' and '''[[Bhutan]]''' can live and work freely in India, and do not require work permits. There are many volunteer opportunities around the country including teaching. India has a reasonable presence of foreign Christian missionaries, who for the most part form the non-local religious workers, since the other major religions of the world either grew out of India or have had a long-term presence. A living can be made in the traveller scenes by providing some kind of service such as baking Western cakes, tattooing or massage. Previously, an AIDS test result was required as part of the work visa application process. It is highly recommended that applicants obtain test results in their home country beforehand if possible. ==Buy== ===Money=== {{exchange rates | currency=Indian rupees | currencyCode=₹ | date= January 2025 | USD=85 | EUR=88 | GBP=107 | CAD=59 | SGD=62 | KRW=57 | JPY=54 | source=[https://www.xe.com/currency/inr-indian-rupee XE.com] }} {{infobox|The money that was|On November 8, 2016, the old yellow ₹500 and red ₹1000 banknotes were demonetised (made invalid) at very short notice in a ham-fisted attempt to fight corruption. The new ₹500 note is grey, and there is no ₹1000 note at all. If you have any of the old notes lying around, they are no longer legal tender and they are impossible to exchange. '''Don't accept these''' if somebody tries to palm any off to you: [[File:India 500 INR, MG series, 2014, obverse.jpg|x117px]] [[File:India 1000 INR, MG series, 2006, obverse.jpg|x117px]] }} The currency in India is the Indian '''rupee''' (sign: ₹; code: '''INR''') (रुपया — ''rupaya'' in Hindi and similarly named in most Indian languages, but ''ṭaka'' in Maithili, ''ṭākā'' in Bengali and ''ṭakā'' in Assamese). The rupee is subdivided into 100 paise (singular: paisa). "5 rupees 50 paise" would normally be written as "₹5.50". The new rupee symbol ₹ was introduced in July 2010 to bring the rupee's symbol in line with other major currencies. Previously, "Rs" was used (or "Re" for the singular rupee). It is very likely you will continue to see the previous nomenclature in your Indian travels, especially with smaller businesses and street vendors, as well as prices written like 500/- (with a slash and hyphen at the end). Indian banknotes or bills come in denominations of ₹1 (rare), ₹5 (green, printing discontinued), ₹10 (orange and violet/chocolate brown), ₹20 (reddish-orange/greenish yellow), ₹50 (violet/fluorescent blue), ₹100 (greenish blue/lavender), ₹200 (bright yellow) and ₹500 (stone grey). There are two versions of ₹10, ₹20, ₹50 and ₹100 banknotes due to the introduction of a new series of the currency by the government in 2016 following the demonetisation. A magenta ₹2000 banknote exists and remains legal tender, but was withdrawn from circulation in 2023. The coins in circulation are 50p (rare), ₹1, ₹2, ₹5, ₹10 (yellow ring with steel center) and ₹20 (steel ring with yellowish gold center). Coins are useful for buying tea (₹5), for bus fares (₹2 to ₹10), and for giving exact change for an auto-rickshaw. Indians commonly use '''lakh''' and '''crore''' for 100,000 and 10,000,000 respectively. Though these terms come from Sanskrit, they have been adopted so deeply into Indian English that most people are not aware that they are non-existent in other English dialects. You may also find non-standard, although standard in India, placement of commas while writing numerals. One crore rupees would be written as ₹1,00,00,000, so first time you place a comma after three numerals, then after every two numerals. This format may puzzle you till you start thinking in terms of lakhs and crores, after which it will seem natural. {| class="wikitable" |- ! Number !! Western Format !! Indian Format (In English) !! Indian Format (In Hindi) |- | 100 || Hundred || Hundred || Sau |- | 1000 || Thousand || Thousand || Hazār |- | 1,00,000 || Hundred Thousand || One Lakh || Ek Lākh |- | 10,00,000 || Million || Ten Lakhs || Das Lākh |- | 1,00,00,000 || Ten Million || One Crore || Ek Karoṛ |} ====Change==== It is always good to have a number of small bills on hand, as merchants and food stalls are notoriously short on change and cash in general, even if your food was ₹250. Giving a ₹500 note, and they often will be stuck. It is best to ask before whether they have change. This is due to most small shops accepting cashless payment, or just to have as little money in the shops as possible, for safety. The best way to get small change is with bus conductors or other official places, they will readily accept large notes. Also, it seems fruit and vegetable vendors have change. In general, it is best to keep smaller bills (₹10-50) and larger bills separate. Then, it will not be obvious how much money you have. Some shops don't accept bills and coins of very low denominations like ₹1 and ₹5 bills, and 50p, ₹1 and ₹2 coins, despite being legal tenders. So, it is best to change these for larger denominations commonly used instead of arguing with shopkeepers. Also, do not accept any bills that are ripped, taped or look in any way unacceptable. Generally, vendors, etc. will readily give you a better note. But some might struggle to find any cash at all, as mentioned before. Stand your ground, otherwise next time you try to spend such a note it will be your problem and Indians are very selective. '''UPI (Unified Payment Interface)''' In India, you can now pay on phone using UPI. Using your UPI enabled mobile app, you scan a QR Code from your vendor, type in a set amount of money and the money can send. Foreigners can now make UPI payments as well. ====ATMs==== Most ATMs will pay out a maximum of ₹10,000 per transaction. Notes are often ₹500 only, so you will have to choose a multiple of this for withdrawals. State Bank of India (SBI) is the biggest bank in India and has the most ATMs. ICICI bank has the second largest network of ATMs and accepts most of the international cards at a nominal charge. International banks like Citibank, HSBC, Barclays, Deutsche Bank, ABN Amro and Standard Chartered have a significant presence in major Indian cities. Either way, it is always worthwhile to have bank cards or credit cards from at least two different providers to ensure that you have a backup available in case one card is suspended by your bank or simply does not work work at a particular ATM. Decline any offer of [[Money#Dynamic_currency_conversion|dynamic currency conversion (DCC)]], unless you cannot, or you can verify that the conversion is indeed in your favour – it rarely is. It is often off the market rate by 7% or more, whereas your bank's rate is typically only off 1–3%. While your bank may also charge a fixed fee for its conversion, the exchange rate dominates in typical withdrawals. The ATMs of the State Bank of India (SBI), Punjab National Bank (PNB), Canara, Union, HDFC, Baroda, Central, IDBI, DCB and HSBC banks may not charge a withdrawal fee (listed in order from most to fewest branches). The fee charged can vary depending on your card type, where your bank is and sometimes even the specific ATM you're using. Check fees when using an ATM you haven't used before, or the same ATM with a different card. If one of these ATMs is not nearby then check this table to help find a favourable alternative: {| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="margin-left: 1em; text-align:right" |+ {{nowrap|Fees and limits}} {{nowrap|(as of Nov 2024)}} <!-- Table default sort order: 1. Ascending on the fee that would apply to a 10000 INR withdrawal (~100 USD) 2. Ascending on the bank name --> ! Bank !! Fee !! Transaction limit!! DCC |- ! Bank of Baroda | None || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! Central Bank | None || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! Canara Bank | {{INR|0-200}} || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! DCB Bank | None || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! HDFC Bank | {{INR|0-200}} || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! HSBC Bank | None || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! IDBI Bank | None || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! Punjab National Bank (PNB) | {{INR|0-150}} || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! State Bank of India (SBI) | {{INR|0-250}} || {{INR|10000}} | 8% declinable |- ! Union Bank of India | None || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! Citibank | {{INR|200}} || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! ICICI Bank | {{INR|200}} || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! IndusInd Bank | {{INR|200}} || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! Kotak Mahindra Bank | {{INR|200}} || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! Federal Bank | {{INR|238}} || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! Axis Bank | {{INR|300}} || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! Standard Chartered | {{INR|335}} || {{INR|10000}} | |} ====Credit cards and mobile payments==== In many cities and towns, credit cards are accepted at retail chain stores and other restaurants and stores. Small businesses and family-run stores almost never accept credit cards, so it is useful to keep a moderate amount of cash on hand. Mobile payment apps including PhonePe, Paytm, and Google Pay use the UPI BHIM standard and are increasingly popular across India, these apps require Indian phone numbers and bank accounts but there are several apps that provide UPI for tourists and visitors, including Mony, Cheq and Namaspay. Apple Pay is not supported in India. You will have to scan a QR code and then money will be transferred to the recipient. UPI apps for tourists work with the QR codes. Most UPI apps can be downloaded from the app stores before travelling, but they require in-person identification before working. Most UPI for tourists apps provide scheduling a meeting at hotel via whatsapp or meeting at their offices. Many shops, even the tiniest food shed, will accept cashless payment. This is also the reason why they are notoriously short in cash. ====Money exchange==== [[File:SardarMarket Fabrics.JPG|thumb|Rajasthani fabric for sale, [[Jodhpur]]]] You can change foreign currencies into rupees at any one of the numerous foreign exchange conversion units including banks. The Indian rupee is officially not convertible; foreigners are '''not allowed''' to bring Indian rupees into or out of India, while Indian citizens are restricted to carrying '''up to ₹25,000''' when exiting or entering India. Rates for exchanging rupees overseas are often poor, although places with large Indian populations (e.g. Dubai, Singapore) can give decent rates. ===Costs=== Costs in India can vary widely from region to region, and even in the same city, depending on the quality of service or product, brand, etc. But usually, India is '''very inexpensive''' for Western travellers. ====Budget travellers==== Budget travel around India is surprisingly easy, with the savvy backpacker being able to get by on as little as US$10 per day—but allow US$15–25 for any extra comfort (beer, rickshaws, etc.). It is generally cheaper than South East Asia with a night in a hotel costing as little as ₹200–800—though there will be probably no AC at the lower end. Hostel beds start at ₹150, and generally are ₹300-500. Beach huts in the cheaper places of Goa can cost around ₹800 per night. A meal can be bought from a street trader for as little as ₹30, Samosas and alike go for ₹10–20 per piece, though in a restaurant expect to pay around ₹100-200 for a meal. Overnight buses and trains can cost anywhere from ₹600-1,000 dependent on distance and locations, though an uncomfortable government bus (benches only) may be half of that. Regular bus transport will cost approximately ₹2/km—if you pay considerably more, something is off. Short-distance bus routes of 3–4 hr are seldomly more than ₹200. Otherwise, just exploring places on foot saves a lot of money. Also, many sights are for free and just hanging out at a temple and reading a book is as cheap as it can get. A simple day in Rishikesh or Amritsar could look like this: * Accommodation: ₹0–200 (Temple vs. Hostel) * Food: ₹350 (2 full meals, fruits) * Chai, water, soft drink: ₹100 * Transport: ₹100–200 *'''Total''': ₹400–800 for one person ====Mid-range to splurge travellers==== Add traveling by taxi, staying in 3+-star hotels, and dinning in classy locations, and your daily bill will quickly go up to US$50–100 (per person). A decent room is ₹2,000–5,000 in a good hotel offering PayTV, AC, and sometimes refrigerator. Food will cost at least ₹400 for a decent meal, but the sky is the limit. A taxi or rickshaw may cost ₹20–30/km. There are radio taxis that are available at ₹20–25/km in key Indian cities which have GPS navigation, AC and accept debit/credit cards for payments. So, the total for one day would be about as below: * Hotel: US$30–60 per room for a good place per day * Food: US$15 for a good meal per day * Travel: US$20 taxi and bus together * '''Total''': US$90 for a couple, or US$60 for one person alone ===Discriminatory pricing=== Foreign visitors will quickly encounter the '''special foreigners' rates''' that they are charged in some places in India. This applies to many tourist attractions, such as museums and historical sites. The difference in pricing is because the Indian government subsidises entry fees for local people, to make these attractions more affordable for taxpayers. While this may seem discriminatory, it is practised in most developing countries in Asia and Africa and helps make these attractions more accessible to local people. Some tourist attractions that are run by the Archaeological Survey of India have different rates for Indians and foreigners. These rates are prominently posted at the entrance and ticketing booths. The rates for foreigners may be as many as five to ten times those for Indians. Likewise, if you are reserving a hotel room or an airline ticket over the internet, you may find that paying in euros or US dollars costs significantly more. You can get an Indian friend to book in rupees and in most cases, no one will question you at the time of check in. ===Tipping=== In India there has traditionally been little or no tipping, and today tipping is unusual outside of fancier restaurants where up to 10% is appropriate. The fancier restaurants may also levy a service charge of up to 15% apart from government taxes. Some restaurants have also have started placing jars at the cashier for people to drop in some change if they feel so, but this is a rather rare phenomenon. Most clubs in India have a complete ban on its members from tipping. Usually no service industry except the food services industry expects a tip. In India, it is unlawful for taxi or rickshaw drivers to charge anything above the meter. ===Shopping=== [[File:Delhi main bazaar.jpg|thumb|At the main bazaar in Delhi]] In India, you are '''''expected'' to negotiate the price''' with street hawkers but not in department stores and the like. If not, you risk overpaying many times, which can be okay if you think that it is cheaper than at home. In most of the big cities and even smaller towns retail chain stores are popping up where the shopping experience is essentially identical to similar stores in the West. There are also some government-run stores like the '''Cottage Emporium''' in New Delhi, where you can sample wares from all across the country in air-conditioned comfort. Although you will pay a little more at these stores, you can be sure that what you are getting is not a cheap knockoff. The harder you [[bargaining|bargain]], the more you save money. A few tries later, you will realise that it is fun. Often, the more time you spend in a shop, the better deals you will get. It is worth spending time getting to know the owner, asking questions, and getting him to show you other products (if you are interested). Once the owner feels that they will make a sufficient profit from you, they will often give you additional goods at a rate close to cost, rather than the common "foreigner rate". You will get better prices and service by buying many items in one store than by bargaining in multiple stores individually. If you see local people buying in a store, you should be able to find out the real Indian prices. Ask someone around you quietly, "How much would you pay for this?" Also, very often you will meet a "friend" in the street inviting you to visit their family's shop. That almost always means that you pay twice as much as when you had been in the shop without your newly found friend. ''Baksheesh'' was originally a Persian word for charity, but it has spread to many languages including most of those in India. Depending on context, its English translation might be any of donation, gift, tip, bribe, alms or commission. Having Indians you deal with want baksheesh is a fairly common phenomenon. While this is sometimes a problem, doing it can ease certain problems and clear some hurdles. Baksheesh is also the term used by beggars when they want money from you and may refer to tips given those who provide you a service. Packaged goods show the '''Maximum Retail Price (MRP)''' on the package. This includes taxes. Retailers are not supposed to charge more than this. Though this rule is adhered to at most places, at tourist destinations or remote places, you may be charged more. This is especially true for cold drinks like Coke or Pepsi, where a bottle (300 ml) costs around ₹33-35 when the actual price is ₹30. Also, keep in mind that a surprising number of things do not come in packaged form. Do check for the authenticity of the MRP, as shopkeepers may put up their own sticker to charge more from you. ===What to look for/buy=== *'''Wood Carvings''' – India produces a striking variety of carved wood products that can be bought at very low prices. Examples include decorative wooden plates, bowls, artwork, furniture and miscellaneous items that will surprise you. Check the regulations of your home country before attempting to import wooden items. *'''Clothing''' – It depends on the state/region you are visiting. Most of the states have their speciality to offer. For example, go for silk sarees if you are visiting Varanasi; Block prints if you are in Jaipur. *'''Paintings''' – Paintings come on a wide variety of media, such as cotton, silk, or with frame included. Gemstone paintings incorporate semi-precious stone dust, so they have a glittering appearance to them. *'''Marble and stone carvings''' – Common carved items include elephants, Hindu gods/goddesses. Compare several of the same kind. If they look too similar bargain hard as they are probably machine made. *'''Jewellery''' – Beautiful necklaces, bracelets and other jewellery are very inexpensive in India. *'''Pillow covers, bedsets''' – Striking and rich designs are common for pillows and bed covers. *'''Carpets''' – India has a long [[Carpets#Indian subcontinent|history]] of carpet production and makes many today for both domestic and export markets. Designer brands like Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, Zara, A & F, all are available in upmarket stores in malls especially in the larger cities. ==Eat== {{see also|South Asian cuisine}} Indian cuisine takes its place among the great cuisines of the world. There is a good chance that you have tasted "Indian food" in your country, especially if you are a traveller from the West. But what India has exported abroad is just one part of its extraordinary range of culinary diversity. Indian food can be spicy: Potent fresh green chillies or red chilli powder will bring tears to the eyes of the uninitiated, and can be found in unexpected places like sweet cornflakes (a snack, not breakfast) or even candies. The degree of spiciness varies widely throughout the country: [[Andhra Pradesh|Andhra]] food is famously fiery, while [[Gujarat]]i cuisine is quite mild in taste with the exception of Surti food (from [[Surat]]). To enjoy the local food, start slowly. Don't try everything at once. After a few weeks, you can get accustomed to spicy food. If you would like to order your dish not spicy, simply say so. Most visitors are tempted to try at least some of the spicy concoctions, and most discover that the sting is worth the trouble. Remember, too, that while "spicy" is a convenient short-hand for "chilli-laden", the spiciness of food in India doesn't always mean lots of chilli: Indian cuisines often use a multitude of different spices and other aromatic ingredients in highly creative and flavourful ways, like ginger and garlic. ===Cuisine=== Cuisine in India varies greatly from region to region. ====North Indian==== [[File:Chuni Roti.jpg|thumb|Chuni roti]] '''[[Northern India]]''' is a wheat-growing area, so you have '''Indian breads''' (known as ''roti''), including ''chapatti'' (unleavened bread), ''paratha'' (pan-fried layered roti), ''naan'' (cooked in a clay ''tandoor'' oven), ''puri'' (deep-fried and puffed up bread) and many more. A typical meal consists of one or more gravy dishes along with rotis, to be eaten by breaking off a piece of roti, dipping it in the gravy and eating them together. Most of the Hindi heartland of India survives on roti, rice, and '''lentils''' (''dal''), which are prepared in several different ways and made spicy to taste. Served on the side, you will usually find spiced yogurt (''raita'') and either fresh chutney or a tiny piece of exceedingly pungent pickle (''achar'') — very much an acquired taste for most visitors. Try mixing it with curry, not eating it plain. A variety of regional cuisines can be found throughout the North. ''Tandoori'' chicken, prepared in a clay oven called a ''tandoor'', is probably the best-known North Indian dish, innovated by a Punjabi immigrant from present-day Pakistan during the Partition. For a taste of traditional Punjabi folk cooking, try ''dal makhani'' (stewed black lentils and kidney beans in a buttery gravy), or ''sarson da saag'', a yummy gravy dish made with stewed mustard greens, served with ''makke di roti'' (flatbread made from maize). There are also the hearty textures and robust flavours of [[Rajasthan]]i food, the meat-heavy [[Kashmir]]i dishes from the valley of Kashmir, or the mild yet ingratiating [[Himalayan North|Himalayan]] (''pahari'') cuisine found in the higher reaches. North India also has of a variety of snacks like ''samosa'' (vegetables encased in thin pastry of a triangular shape) and ''kachori'' (either vegetable or pulses encased in thin pastry). There is also a vast constellation of sweet desserts like ''jalebi'' (deep-fried pretzel with sugar syrup- shaped like a spiral), ''rasmalai'' (balls of curds soaked in condensed milk) and ''halwa''. Dry fruits and nuts like almonds, cashews and pistachios are used a lot, often in the desserts, but sometimes also in the main meal. Authentic Mughal-style cooking, the royal cuisine of the Mughal Empire, can still be found and savoured in some parts of India, most notably the old Mughal cities of Delhi, [[Agra]] and [[Lucknow]] in [[Uttar Pradesh]], and [[Hyderabad]] in [[Telangana]]. It is a refined blend of [[Iran|Persian]], [[Central Asia|Turkic]] and [[Indian subcontinent|Subcontinent]] cooking, and makes heavy use of meat and spices. The names of some Mughal dishes bear the prefix of ''shahi'' as a sign of its prestige and royal status from a bygone era. Famous Mughal specialties include ''biryani'' (layered meat and rice casserole), ''pulao'' (rice cooked in a meat or vegetable broth), ''kebab'' (grilled meat), ''kofta'' (balls of mincemeat), ''korma'', ''rumali roti'' (flatbread whirled into paper-thin consistency) and ''shahi tukray'' (saffron and cardamom-scented bread pudding). '''Thali''' is a general meal dish often including dal, vegetables, raita, rice, roti. Dal, vegetables and sometimes raita can often be had several times, 4 rotis are generally included (₹10 for additional). They go for ₹100-150. ====South Indian==== [[File:Meal BananaLeaf.JPG|thumb|240px|A typically south Indian banana leaf meal]] {{see also|Southern India#Eat}} In '''[[Southern India]]''', the food is mostly '''rice-based'''. A typical meal includes ''sambhar'' (a thick vegetable and lentil chowder) with rice, ''rasam'' (a thin, peppery soup), or ''avial'' (mixed vegetables) with rice, traditionally served on a banana leaf as a plate. Seasoning in South India differs from northern regions by its ubiquitous use of mustard seeds, curry leaves, pulses, fenugreek seeds, and a variety of souring agents such as tamarind and kokum. There are regional variations too — the coastal regions make greater use of coconut and fish. In the State of [[Kerala]], it is common to use grated coconut in everything and coconut oil for cooking. The South also has some great breakfast dishes like ''idli'' (a steamed cake of lentils and rice), ''dosa'', a thin, crispy pancake often stuffed with spiced potatoes to make ''masala dosa'', ''vada'', a savoury Indian donut, and ''uttapam'', a fried pancake made from a rice and lentil batter with onions and other vegetables mixed in. All of these can be eaten with ''dahi'', plain yogurt, and '''chutney''', a condiment that can be made from practically anything. Try the ever popular masala dosa, which originated from Udupi in [[Karnataka]], in one of the old restaurants of [[Bangalore]]. Seafood is very popular in [[Kerala]] and the [[Mangalore]]an coast of Karnataka. [[Tamil Nadu|Chettinad]] and Hyderabad cuisines use meat heavily, and are a lot spicier. Coffee tends to be the preferred drink to tea in South India. ====Others==== In '''[[Western India]]''', you will find some great cuisine groups. '''[[Gujarat]]i''' cuisine is somewhat similar to Rajastani cooking with the heavy use of dairy products, but differs in that it is predominantly vegetarian, and often sweetened with jaggery or sugar. Gujaratis make some of the best snack items such as the '''Dhokla''' and the '''Muthia'''. [[Mumbai]] is famous for its chaat, as well as the food of the small but visible Irani and Parsi communities concentrated in and around the city. The adjacent states of [[Maharashtra]] and Goa are renowned for their seafood, often simply grilled, fried or poached in coconut milk. A notable feature of Goan cooking is that pork and vinegar is used, a rare sight in the rest of India. Vindaloo originated in Goa and is traditionally cooked with pork. Despite its apparent popularity in Indian restaurants abroad, it is not common in India itself. [[File:A scene from traditional Odia kitchen.jpg|thumb|A traditional Odia kitchen]] The food in '''[[Eastern India]]''' makes heavy use of rice and fish due to the vast river channels and ocean coastline in the region. [[West Bengal|Bengali]] cooking is known for its complexity of flavour and bittersweet balance. Mustard oil is often used in cooking and adds a pungent, slightly sweet flavour and intense heat. Bengalis prefer freshwater fish, in particular the iconic hilsa or ''ilish'': it can be smoked, fried, steamed, baked in young plantain leaves, cooked with curd, aubergine and cumin seeds. It is said that ilish can be prepared in more than 50 ways. Typical Bengali dishes include ''mācher jhāl'', a brothy fish stew which means "fish in sauce", and ''shorshe ilish'' (cooked in a gravy made from mustard seed paste). Eastern India is also famous for its desserts and sweets. Rasgulla is a famous variant of the better-known gulab jamun, a spherical morsel made from cow's milk and soaked in a clear sugar syrup. It's excellent if consumed fresh or within a day after it is made. ''Sandesh'' is another excellent milk-based sweet, best described as the dry equivalent of ras malai. A lot of food has also filtered in from other countries. '''Indian Chinese''' (or ''Chindian'') is far and away the most common adaptation. Most Chinese would barely recognise the stuff, but dishes like "veg manchurian" (deep-fried vegetable balls in a chilli-soy-ginger sauce) and "chilli chicken" are very much a part of the Indian cultural landscape and worth a try. The British left fish and chips and some fusion dishes like mulligatawny soup, while [[Tibet]]an and [[Nepal]]i food, especially ''momo'' dumplings, are not uncommon in northern India. Pizza and pasta have entered India in a big way, and the chains such as Pizza Hut and Domino's have Indianised the pizza and introduced adaptations like paneer-tikka pizza. There is an Indian chain called Smokin Joe's, based in Mumbai, which has mixed Thai curry with pizzas. However, often ready-made sauces with lots of additives and spices are used. Also, the cheese is sometimes of questionable type (some feta-style type) in normal restaurants. So, you are better off asking exactly what ingredients they use, if you don't want to be surprised negatively. It is, of course, impossible to do full justice to the range and diversity of Indian food in this brief section. Not only does every region of India have a distinctive cuisine, but you will also find that even within a region, castes and ethnic communities have different styles of cooking and often have their signature recipes, which you will probably not find in restaurants. The adventurous traveller is advised to wangle invitations to homes, try various bylanes of the city and look for food in unlikely places like temples and Gurudwaras in search of culinary nirvana. ===Fruits=== While a wide variety of fruits are native to India, including the ''chikoo'' and the ''jackfruit'', nothing is closer to an Indian's heart than a juicy ripe mango. Hundreds of varieties are found across most of its regions. In fact, India is the largest producer, growing more than half the world's output. '''Mangoes''' are in season at the hottest part of the year, usually between May and July, and range from small (as big as a fist) to some as big as a small cantaloupe. They can be consumed in their ripe, unripe and also a baby form (the last 2 predominantly in pickles). The best mango (the "King of Mangoes", as Indians call it) is the "Alphonso" or Haapoos (in Marathi), in season in April and May along the western coast of Maharashtra. Buy it from a good fruit shop in Mumbai or Mahatma Phule market (formerly Crawford market) in South Mumbai. Dushheri Mangoes are also popular in North India. Other fruits widely available (depending on the season) are '''bananas, oranges, papayas, guavas, lychees, apples, pineapples, pomegranates, apricots, melons, coconuts, grapes, plums, peaches and berries'''. European fruits like apples and pears can be dull and unjuicy, because they are not perfectly adjusted to the local environment and sometimes suffer from mildew. Papayas are often harvested when they still green, because the fruit vendor will of course not want to be in the situation where he has to sell them all at once. Instead they get ripe each separately after a while. However, this is of course not good for the taste, and it can be hard to find a good and sweet papaya. In general, also note the remarks on fruits and vegetables under [[#Stay healthy]]. But your best bet are probably bananas and mangos. ===Vegetarian=== {{infobox|Know your vegetarians|[[File:Current FSSAI Veg and Non-veg Labels.svg|noframe|150px|right]] Most Indians who practise vegetarianism do so for religious or cultural reasons — though cultural taboos have their roots in ethical concerns. Indians' dietary restrictions come in all shapes and sizes and the two symbols (see right) do not capture the full range. The green dot means pure vegetarian. red triangle means non-vegetarian, including only eggs (as in a fruit-egg cake). Here is a quick guide: * '''Veganism''' is practically unknown in many parts of India, because milk and honey are enthusiastically consumed by virtually everyone. But some restaurants in major cities, such as Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore increasingly cater for vegans. Foods like tofu, soy chunks (branded Nutrela) and soy milk are readily available in major cities, as well as some minor ones. **Eggs are considered non-vegetarian by most, though you may encounter people who are otherwise vegetarian eating eggs. These people are often referred to as '''eggetarians'''. That said, there are a number of foods that are vegan by default in India, including standard restaurant dishes such as aloo gobi, channa masala, various types of dal, dosas, and the vast majority of Indo-Chinese dishes. **Dishes made with dairy products are usually denoted as such (referencing their use of butter or ghee, in particular). Most restaurants will accommodate dietary restrictions and it is advisable to ask if a dish contains milk, butter, cream, yogurt or ghee. Virtually all Indian desserts, however, are non-vegan, with the exception of jalebi, an orange-coloured fried dough commonly found in western and northern India. * The strictest vegetarians are some '''Jains and some Brahmin sects'''. They not only abjure all kinds of meat and eggs, they also refuse to eat onions, potatoes or anything grown under the soil. * Even meat-eating Hindus often follow special diets during religious days or during '''fasts'''. Hindu fasts do not involve giving up all food, just eating a restricted diet, some take only fruits. * A very small group of Indians are, or used to be '''pescatarians''', i.e. they count fish as vegetarian. Among these are Bengali and Konkani Brahmins. Such people are increasingly rare as most have taken to meat-eating.}} Visiting vegetarians will discover a culinary treasure that is found nowhere else in the world. Owing to a large number of strictly vegetarian Hindu Brahmins and Jains, Indian cuisine has evolved an astonishingly rich menu that uses no meat or eggs. Jains in particular practise a strict form of vegetarianism based on the principles of non-violence and peaceful co-operative co-existence. Jains do not consume root vegetables such as potatoes, garlic, onions, carrots, radishes, cassava, sweet potatoes and turnips, as the plant needs to be killed prior to its end of normal life cycle, in the process of accessing these. At least half the menus of most restaurants are devoted to vegetarian dishes, and by law all packaged food products in India are tagged with a green dot (vegetarian) or red dot (non-veg). Veganism however is not a well-understood concept in India, and vegans may face a tougher time: milk products like cheese (''paneer''), yogurt (''dahi'') and clarified butter (''ghee'') are used extensively (in particular, ghee can be hard to spot as it can be mixed into curries before they are served), and honey is also commonly used as a sweetener. Milk in India is generally ''not'' pasteurised, and must be boiled before consumption. Even non-vegetarians will soon note that due to the Hindu taboo, '''beef''' is generally not served (except in the Muslim, Christian and Parsi communities, [[Goa]], [[Kerala]] and the [[Northeast India|North-Eastern states]]), and '''pork''' is also uncommon due to the Muslim population. Chicken and mutton are thus by far the most common meats used, although "buff" (water buffalo) is occasionally served in backpacker establishments. Seafood is of course ubiquitous in the coastal regions of India, and a few regional cuisines do use duck, venison and other game meats in traditional dishes. ===Kosher and halal=== '''Halal''' meat is easy to find among the Muslim minorities in India (and mostly cannot be found elsewhere in the country). Outside areas with a noticeable Muslim community, halal-certified restaurants are scarce. '''Kosher''' food is largely unknown, and ''certified'' kosher establishments are also extremely limited. While contacting [https://www.chabadindia.org/ Chabad India] a few days in advance is an option, it is not the most convenient option unlike most other Asian countries. Surprising to many, while ''explicitly'' certified options remain extremely limited, food compliant with these diets is easy to find anywhere in India unlike most other Asian countries outside the [[Middle East]]. As many non-vegetarians in the country abjure mixing meat and dairy, and because most milk is from cows or buffalos, nearly all dairy in India is actually both halal and kosher although not certified accordingly. Your best bet at finding halal/kosher food is purely vegetarian restaurants, which avoid cross-contamination and can be found nearly everywhere across the country even in coastal areas. However, restaurants in India that also serve meat are almost ''never'' halal/kosher. ===Etiquette=== In India eating with your hand (instead of cutlery like forks and spoons) is very common. There's one basic rule of etiquette to observe, particularly in non-urban India: '''Use only your right hand'''. The left hand is reserved for unhygienic uses. Don't stick either hand into communal serving dishes. Instead, use the spatula with your left hand to serve yourself and then dig in. For all types of breads, the basic technique is to hold down the item with your forefinger and use your middle-finger and thumb to tear off pieces. The pieces can then be dipped in sauce, curry or used to pick up bits before you stuff them in your mouth. Rice is more challenging, but the basic idea is to use four fingers to mix the rice in curry and pack a little ball, before you pop it in your mouth by pushing it with your thumb. Most of the restaurants do provide cutlery and it's pretty safe to use them instead of your hand. Eating by hand is frowned on in some "classier" places. If you are provided with cutlery and nobody else around you seems to be doing it, then take the hint. ===Restaurants=== {{infobox|Menus in English... well, almost|Menus in Indian restaurants are usually written in English, but using Hindi names. Here is a quick decoder key that goes a long way for understanding common dishes like ''aloo gobi'' and ''muttar paneer''. <!-- please don't repeat words already covered above. --> * ''aloo'' or ''aalu'' — potato * ''baigan'' or ''baingan'' — eggplant/aubergine * ''bhindi'' — okra * ''chana'' — chickpeas * ''dal'' — lentils * ''gobi'' — cauliflower (or other cabbage) * ''machli'' — fish * ''makkhan'' — butter * ''matar'' — green peas * ''mirch'' — chilli pepper * ''murgh'' or ''murg'' — chicken * ''palak'' or ''saag'' — spinach (or other greens) * ''paneer'' — Indian cottage cheese * ''subzi'' — vegetable}} Indian restaurants run the gamut from roadside shacks (''dhabas'') to classy five-star places where the experience is comparable to places anywhere in the world. Away from the big cities and tourist haunts, mid-level restaurants are scarce, and food choices will be limited to the local cuisine, Punjabi/Mughlai, "Chinese"/"Indo-Chinese" and occasionally South Indian. The credit for popularising Punjabi cuisine all over the country goes to the ''dhabas'' that line India's highways. Their patrons are usually the truckers, who happen to be overwhelmingly Punjabi. The authentic dhaba serves up simple yet tasty seasonal dishes like roti and dal with onions. Hygiene can be an issue in many dhabas, so if one's not up to your standards try another. In rural areas, dhabas are usually the only option. In Southern India, a "hotel" is a local restaurant serving South Indian food, usually prepared meals or a ''thali'' or ''plate meal'' — a full plate of food that usually includes a kind of bread and/or rice and an assortment of meat or vegetarian dishes. Although you may be often be handed an extensive menu, most dishes are served only during specific hours, if at all. ==Drink== One of the sweetest and safest beverages you can get is young coconut water (''nariyal paani''). You can almost always find it in any beach or other tourist destinations in the south. In summer (Mar-Jul), you can get fresh sugarcane juice in many places and even a lot of fresh fruit juice varieties. India is famous for its Alphonso variety of mangoes, generally regarded as the King of Mangoes among connoisseurs. ''Frooti'', in its famous tetra-pack, is the most popular processed drink, followed by ''Maaza'' (bottled by Coca-Cola) or ''Slice'' (bottled by PepsiCo), both of which contain about 15% Alphonso mango pulp. Both cost about ₹30-50 for a 600 ml bottle. As for bottled water, make sure that the cap's seal has not been broken; otherwise, it is a tell-tale sign of tampering or that unscrupulous vendors reuse old bottles and fill them with tap water, which is generally unsafe for foreign tourists to drink without prior boiling. Bottled water brands like ''Aquafina'' (by PepsiCo) and ''Kinley'' (by Coca-Cola) are widely available. Local brands like ''Bisleri'', ''Himalayan, Bailley, Evian, Aquafina, Patanjali, Tata and Nestle'' are reputed brands as well. Taste may vary due to the individual brands' mineral contents. In semi-urban or rural areas, it may be appropriate to ask for boiled water as well. ===Tea=== [[File:Indian chai tea - Haridwar - India.jpg|thumb|Making chai]] One can get tea (''chai'' in most North Indian languages) of one variety or the other everywhere in India. The most common method of preparing chai is by brewing tea leaves, milk, and sugar altogether in a pot and keeping it hot until it's all sold. It is sweet and uniquely refreshing once you get the taste for it. '''Masala chai''' will have, added to the above mix, spices such as cardamom, ginger or cinnamon etc. For some people, that takes some getting used to. While masala chai is popular in Northern and Central India, people in Eastern and North-Eastern India ([[West Bengal]] and [[Assam]]) generally consume tea without spices, the English way. This is also the part of India where most tea is grown. ===Coffee=== In South India, '''filter coffee''', rather than tea, is the standard beverage. This is different to Western filter coffee due to the use of frothed and boiled milk, finely ground coffee powder, and a traditional Indian filter. ===Alcohol=== [[File:Labels of Indian beer Kingfisher.jpg|thumb|Kingfisher beer]] {{infobox|Drinking & driving|Driving under the influence of alcohol is considered as a serious offence in India. In the event of an accident the law deals with drink-drive offenders with severity. The punishment is a fine and/or imprisonment for up to 6 months. The driving license is suspended for at least six months.}} Drinking alcohol can either be frowned upon or openly accepted, depending on the region and religion of the area within which you are drinking. For example, Goa, Punjab and [[Pondicherry]] tend to be more free-wheeling (and have low taxes on alcohol), while a few southern areas like Chennai are less tolerant of alcohol, and may even charge excessive taxes on it. Some states such as Gujarat and Bihar are legally "dry" states and alcohol cannot be bought openly there, although there is a substantial bootlegging industry. Bootleg alcohol is unregulated and could kill you or make you sick, and you could also be in legal trouble if you are caught while drunk in a dry state. Favourite Indian tipples include beer and rum. Nowadays beer sold is mostly Tuborg, at around ₹180 for a large bottle of 750 mL in the liquor store. '''Old Monk''' is a popular rum brand. Prices vary by state, especially for hard liquor, but you can expect to pay anywhere between ₹500-₹800 for a 750 mL bottle of Old Monk. Mumbai tends to be the most expensive, due to local taxes, which can be three-times as much as Meghalaya. [[File:Wine barrels at Sula Vineyards.jpg|thumb|Wine barrels at Sula Vineyards]] Indian wines, long a bit of a joke, have improved remarkably and there's a booming wine industry in the hills of [[Maharashtra]]. The good stuff is not particularly cheap (expect to pay around ₹500 a bottle) and selections are mostly limited to white wines, but look out for labels by '''Chateau Indage''' or [https://sulavineyards.com/ '''Sula''']. Illegal moonshine, called ''tharra'' when made from sugar cane and ''toddy'' when made from coconuts, is widely available in some states. It's cheap and strong, but '''very dangerous''' as it may contain toxic methanol. Quality control is nonexistent, and best avoided entirely. In the former Portuguese colony of Goa you can obtain an extremely pungent liquor called ''fenny'' or ''feni'', typically made from cashew fruits or coconuts. As of April 2017 it is illegal to sell alcohol within 500 m of a highway. This is controversial as it has hit restaurants, bars and hotels hard. If your hotel does not have alcoholic drinks, this may well be the reason. ===Cannabis=== [[File:Bhang shop in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India on June 6, 2006.jpg|thumb|240px|Government-authorised ''bhang'' shop, [[Jaisalmer]]]] [[Cannabis]] in its many forms, especially ''ganja'' (weed) and ''charas'' (hash), is widely available throughout India, but are all '''illegal''' in the vast majority of the country. The law states that simple possession may mean fines or years in prison, depending on the quantity possessed. However, in some states (notably Uttar Pradesh, [[Bihar]], [[Rajasthan]], [[Madhya Pradesh]], [[Uttarakhand]] and [[Odisha]]) the one legal and socially accepted way to consume cannabis is as '''''bhang''''', a low-grade preparation sold at government-licensed shops that is not only smoked, but also made into cookies, chocolate and the infamous ''bhang lassi'', a herb-laced version of the normally innocuous yogurt drink. ''Bhang lassi'' is usually available at varying strengths, so use caution if opting for the stronger versions. It's also occasionally sold as "special lassi", but is usually easily spotted by the ₹30-50 price tag (several times higher than the non-special kinds). Remember that the effects of "Bhang" are slow and heighten when consumed with something sweet. Also, first-time users may want to wait a while before consuming too much in an effort to judge their tolerance. ==Sleep== Make sure to bring your passport and visa/OCI wherever you go, as most hotels will not rent out rooms without a valid passport and visa/OCI. Two important factors to keep in mind when choosing a place to stay are safety and cleanliness. [[Malaria]] and [[Dengue fever]] is present in most areas of India. One way to combat malaria and dengue fever is to choose lodgings with air conditioning and sealed windows. An insect-repellent spray containing DEET will also help, or consider [[Permethrin-treated fabrics]]. Many '''hotels''' listed on western booking websites (Booking.com etc.) are also set at the "tourist price"; try local booking sites like [https://www.goibibo.com/ Goibibo],[https://www.redbus.in/ redBus] or [https://www.makemytrip.com/ MakeMyTrip]{{Dead link|date=May 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}, as these have much better coverage of local hotels and in rural areas. Alternatively, you can also use Google Maps in combination with WhatsApp to inquire the price beforehand. Booking.com will only really work in very touristy places like Dharamsala, Manali, Goa, Pushkar, etc. If you are sure that there are more than enough places around where you are heading, just walking around and asking for the price can be sufficient. But note, overcharging of foreigners is widespread and you will have to [[bargain]] hard. Some cities like Chandigarh have weird regulations for foreigners and walking around inquiring the price with hotels might be frustrating, since many will not accept foreigners. Also, making a reservation through Booking.com in Chandigarh can leave you with an unpleasant surprise, namely the receptionist telling you that they don't accept foreigners, which can be fatal late at night. So, it is always best to check the ratings and reviews of the place you intend to stay in. Accommodation choices vary widely depending on budget and location. Cheap travellers' hotels are available for around ₹300-500. Rooms at guest-houses with a double bed (and often a bathroom) can be found in many tourist places for around ₹1,000 — this seems to be the going rate for most budget accommodations in more frequented places nowadays. Bed and breakfast service providers are coming up offering standard services that can be expected from B&Bs outside India. The basics include: air-conditioner or fan, free food, and free Wi-Fi. '''[[Hostels]]''' are available for as little as ₹200. They generally have a very high standard; clean beds, nice common rooms, etc., since most are new and oriented towards Western style. Most hostels have their own restaurant, and it is their way to make extra money from their guests — they might even be surprised and show it to you if you don't dine with them. Be aware that most people travelling in India nowadays are Indians and they will mostly always outnumber foreigners in hostels and dorms. This can be a problem, because the Indian society is one where publicly the individual comes first, with often no consideration for the needs of their fellow human being. This can lead to situations in dorms where Indian guests call their family or friends in the middle of the night, wake up loudly at 6AM, consume high-odour food in their beds, watch videos on their mobiles without headphones, but also just consider the dorm a social place where they speak loudly with their friends until late. Of course, there is always the option to kindly ask them for some consideration and to be more respectful of the other people in the room. But you can ask yourself, how long before that really gets onto your nerves. So, hostels are not an obvious budget friendly choice for Westerners in India anymore. If you intend to stay longer in one place, there are often places specialised on tourist that offer long term rent for around ₹10,000 per month, including kitchen and bathroom. Most Indian train stations have rooms or dormitories, just ask the railway officials or reserve it online on the railway website — reserving is highly recommended. If you just show up, the only option left might be the AC waiting room for ₹10/hr. Rooms and dorms are cheap (around ₹800 and ₹300 respectively), relatively well maintained (the beds, sheets, not the showers) and secure. There are also the added bonus of not being accosted by the rickshaw mafia, getting the bags off quickly and, for the adventurous, high likelihood to jump on a cheap public bus back to the train station. Keep in mind you must have an arrival or departure train ticket from the station where you intend to sleep, and there could be a limit on how many nights you may stay. Midrange options are plentiful in the larger cities and expanding fast into second-tier cities as well, and prices vary from ₹1,000-4,000 per night. Local, unbranded hotels can be found in any city, but quality varies widely. [[File:Taj hotel mumbai india.jpg|thumb|Hotel Taj Mahal, one of the most famous landmarks of [[Mumbai]]]] If the wallet allows it, you can try staying like royalty in a maharaja's palace in places like [[Udaipur]] or modern five-star hotels which are now found pretty much all over the country. The top-end of Indian luxury rests with hotel chains like [http://www.oberoihotels.com/ Oberoi], [http://www.tajhotels.com/ Taj], and [https://www.theleela.com/en_us/ The Leela]. The usual international chains also run major 5-star hotels in most Indian metropolises, but due to India's economic boom availability is tight and prices can be crazy — it's not uncommon to be quoted over US$300/night for what would in other countries be a distinctly ordinary business hotel going for a third of the price. Also beware that some jurisdictions including [[Delhi]] and Bangalore charge stiff luxury taxes on the ''rack rate'' of the room, which can lead to nasty surprises at check-out time. One way of meeting interesting Indian travellers is by staying at an Dak bungalow. Also, called travellers' bungalows or inspection bungalows, they were built by the British to accommodate travelling officials and are now used by the Central and state governments for the same purpose. They exist in many towns and some rural locations. Most will take tourists at a moderate fee if they have room. They are clean, comfortable and usually in good locations, but plain with ceiling fans rather than air conditioning, shower but no bath. Typically the staff includes a pensioned-off soldier as night watchman and perhaps another as gardener; often the gardens are lovely. Sometimes there may be a cook; his or her services will be free but you should buy ingredients. A similar accommodation are the '''PWD Tourist Rest Houses''', they can also be found in many towns and cities, are mostly for people from the "public workers department" but also accept tourists if not completely booked. ==Stay safe== [[File:Holy Cow (7438681490).jpg|thumb|A holy cow in [[Pushkar]]]] In addition to the issues handled here, some regions have '''specific severe security concerns'''. '''See the warnings in region articles relevant to you.''' As a rule India is quite safe for foreigners, apart from instances of petty crime and theft common to any developing country, as long as certain basic precautions and common sense are observed (i.e. women should be cautious travelling alone at night). While hospitality is important in India, it is not common to see people '''offering to share food''' or cookies while they eat. Some such offers are genuine and some are not. If you are travelling by train and you are offered food by a family group, it is usually safe to take a bite. But if you are offered something by a group of men or even a couple, you should decline, even if they also it of it, as the part offered might be laced with sedatives. You can politely say no with a smile; those who offer food genuinely won't take it personally. '''Don't trust strangers''' offering assistance or services. Be particularly wary of frauds at tourist attractions such as the temples of [[Kanchipuram]], where they prey on those unfamiliar with local customs. If a priest or guide offers to treat you to a religious ceremony, find out what it will cost you first, and do not allow yourself to be pressured into making "donations" of thousands of rupees — simply walk away if you feel uncomfortable. However, don't get ''too'' paranoid: foreigners on the train, or Indian families who want to take your picture on ''their own'' camera, for example, are often just genuinely curious. '''Same-sex intercourse''' was decriminalised by a court ruling in 2018. There is a vibrant gay nightlife in metropolitan areas and a few openly gay celebrities. There are movements to legalise same-sex marriage. On the other hand, heterosexual Indian men often walk hand-in-hand in the streets, don't take this as a sign of anything but friendship. '''Travellers of African heritage''' may encounter prejudices from the police and the general public about being drug dealers. This reaction stems from the fact that more often than not, foreign drug peddlers in India are of Nigerian nationality. Indians find it hard to differentiate between Nigerians and other Africans, others of African descent or even their own Siddi community (Indians of sub-Saharan African descent), so anybody who looks African may be targeted. If that includes you, you may want to keep passports handy at all times, avoid going to areas notorious for illegal activities and maintain contact with respective embassies and, if possible, with other support groups that can vouch for you. '''The cow''' is considered to be a holy animal in Hinduism, and in many Indian states, it is '''illegal''' to consume or possess beef or buffalo meat. Non-Hindus suspected of slaughtering cattle or eating beef are also known to have been lynched by fundamentalist Hindu mobs. Prominent exceptions to this taboo are the state of Kerala and the north-eastern parts of the country, where the meat of water buffaloes is widely consumed, but beef remains rare. You should check with your embassy or ask for local advice before heading to the Himalayan areas, especially [[Jammu and Kashmir]], [[Ladakh]] and [[North-Eastern India]]. These areas have had serious law-and-order problems for a long time. The same applies while travelling to what used to be a thickly forested area in East-Central India, which covers the states of [[Chhattisgarh]], [[Jharkhand]], the eastern edge of [[Maharashtra]] and the northern tip of [[Telangana]]. The problems affects certain areas in these states; other destinations there may be perfectly safe. ===India Syndrome=== {{see also|Culture shock}} Some people coming to India for the first time suddenly feel their lives shifting and start believing in reincarnation and other wonderful ideas available throughout India. This is called ''[https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2022/jan/13/india-syndrome-lost-in-the-valley-of-death-harley-rustad The India Syndrome]''. While certain teachings in Indian culture can of course be new and overwhelming, the immediate acceptance of them and following of their principles can be cause for concern. No holy person has ever been enlightened within a few weeks without proper pre-work or pre-existing experiences. Be careful with self-proclaimed ''sādhus'' that wander from temple to temple looking for food and money. While in the past most were authentic holy men, nowadays for many it is just a way to beg. Don't wander off into the woods with such "holy" men just because you suddenly believe in a new reality, especially if you are on your own. They can be dangerous, especially if drugs are involved. And sometimes even the police cannot "touch" them, even in cases of murder. There have been some high-profile disappearances of Westerners in India in connection with sādhus. If you want to explore your newly discovered view of the world and the universe, a better option is through official schools (like Sanskrit, Ayurveda, etc.), meditation and yoga centres, or in a group setting where you trust the other people. On the opposite side, there are also travellers that get overwhelmed by India so much that they will start showing signs of panic or paranoia. Indian culture is so ruthless that people can find themselves in situations where they feel the whole world is against them, or they feel they cannot trust anyone any more. Or even worse, they suddenly become superstitious and believe in all sorts of negative things happening to them due to some arbitrary reasons. At worst, scammer, touts and thieves will try to exploit this situations of yours. These psychological reactions are mostly a threat to younger travellers, those who haven't seen much of the world, and those who don't have their feet planted firmly on the ground. Also the involvement of weed or other drugs, which are popular in certain tourist regions of India, can lead to these issue. For both sides of these problems it is always good to: * let your friends and family regularly know where you are, * call home from time to time to stay in touch with reality, * don't travel on your own, but find a travel buddy or group to go with (not a local scammer though), * avoid the Indian hassle from time to time, there are many comfortable oases in India where Indian problems seem far far away, * don't be a first-time weed smoker in India, especially not with people you just met, this is not the right setting to have a first and pleasant trip in, * in the event of a crisis, seek the help of an uninvolved fellow (Western) traveller, which often has more connection to you than any Indian will ever have. ===Touts=== Touts are ubiquitous, as in many developing countries, and you should assume that anyone 'proactively' trying to help you has a hidden agenda to part you from your money. However, in areas hardly or not at all visited by tourists, it is not at all uncommon for people to go out of their way to 'proactively' help you when you approach, without expecting anything in return. During your travels in India, you will be deluged with touts trying to get you to buy something or patronise particular establishments. There are a myriad of [[common scams]], which range from telling you your hotel has gone out of business (of course, they'll know of one that's open with vacancies), to giving wrong directions to a government rail ticket booking office (the directions will be to their friend's tour office), to trying to get you to take diamonds back to your home country (the diamonds are worthless crystal), to 'poor students' giving you sightseeing for hours and then with pity make you buy school books for them (tremendously overpriced from a bookstore with whom they are affiliated). There will also be more obvious touts who 'know a very good place for dinner' or want to sell you a chess set on the street. Faced with such an assault, it's very easy to get into a siege mentality where all of India is against you and out to squeeze you dry. This mentality may affect any true appreciation of the country. Dealing with touts is simple: assume anyone offering surprising information (such as "your hotel is shut down") is a tout. Never be afraid to get a second or third answer to a question. To get rid of touts: * Completely ignore them and go about your business until they go away. This may take quite a while, but patience is key to managing India. * Tell them "no", very firmly, and repeatedly. It is also beneficial to have a firm Indian friend whom you can trust. If they show you around, they will act to help you ward off such touts. ===Theft and scams=== [[File:India - Kolkata street beggar - 3246.jpg|thumb|A beggar in Kolkata]] Unfortunately, '''theft''' is quite common in places visited by tourists, but violent thefts hardly ever occur. More likely a thief will [[pickpockets|pickpocket]] or break into your room. Take precautions to firmly lock the door while indoors, and be on guard while outside. Many first-time travellers to India find themselves falling victim to [[Common scams|scams and touts]]. Be on guard for anybody trying to help you by giving you unsolicited directions or travel advice. Do not blindly rely on the advice of taxi and auto drivers. If this is your first time to India, do not openly admit it, as this will make you more vulnerable to touts. Carry your cash, passport and cards in a secure money belt, with only enough cash for a few hours at a time in your wallet or other accessible place. While travelling in public transport, do not accept any food or drink from any local fellow passenger even if they are very friendly or polite. There have been instances in which very friendly fellow passengers offered food or drinks including tea or coffee that contained substances that put the victim to sleep whilst all their possessions, including even their clothing, were stolen. Some people handling your cash will try to '''shortchange you or rip you off'''. In Delhi particularly, this is a universal rule adhered to by all who handle westerners' cash. This does not exclude official ticket sellers at tourist sites, employees at prepaid taxi stands, or merchants in all but the most upscale businesses. Count your cash before handing it over, and ensure receiving the correct change. Overseas visitors are often magnets for [[begging|beggars]], frauds and touts. Beggars will often go as far as touching you and following you, tugging on your sleeve. It does little good to get angry or to say "No" loudly. The best response is to look unconcerned and ignore the behaviour. The more attention you pay to a beggar or a tout, positive or negative, the longer they will follow you hoping for a donation. Begging is criminalised in cities such as Mumbai and Delhi. It is however common in many cities, and in pilgrim cities, there are sadhus who live an ascetic lifestyle of the seeker that requires them to adopt bhiksha-charya (begging vows) only for sustaining the body. It is advisable or better to agree on the fare before getting inside an auto or a taxi. This avoids any further unpleasant fare-related arguments. If you can take the advice of a local friend or someone manning your hotel's front desk to know how much it should cost to travel between two destinations, you will be a smart traveller. ===Driving=== [[File:Crashed Taxi - Multiple Car Accident - Rabindra Sadan Area - Kolkata 2012-06-13 01323.jpg|thumb|A car crash in Kolkata]] As a former British colony, India drives on the '''left''' side of the road. Driving in India can be dangerous. Irresponsible driving habits, insufficient highway infrastructure development, wandering livestock and other hazards make travelling on the country's roads a sometimes nerve-wracking undertaking. More than 150,000 people died on Indian roads in 2019, the highest figure in the world, and that's despite having only 44 cars per 1,000 people. The first encounter with a typical Indian highway will no doubt feature a traffic mix of lumbering trucks, speeding maniacs, blithely wandering cows and suicidal pedestrians, all weaving across a narrow, potholed strip of tarmac. To minimise your risk of becoming a grim statistic, use trains instead of buses, use government bus services instead of private ones (which are more likely to force their drivers into inhuman shifts), use taxis instead of auto-rickshaws, avoid travelling at night, and don't hesitate to change taxis or cars if you feel your driver is unsafe. Of significant concern is that much of the road network is significantly underdeveloped. Most roads are very poorly built and they are full of rubble, large cracks and potholes. Most road signs are not very reliable in the country, and in most cases provide drivers with confusing or inaccurate information. If you are in doubt, ask the locals, normally they are very helpful and willingly provide people with appropriate guidance to a location. Of course, the quality of information and willingness to provide it varies, especially in the larger cities. ===Female travellers=== [[File:Busy Indore night traffic (5104223286).jpg|thumb|Night-time in [[Indore]]]] The sad truth is that female travellers in India, particularly those travelling solo, are often subjected to sexual harassment or worse. Women should avoid travelling to India alone if at all possible, but if you really have to, be on your guard, avoid making friendly gestures towards men that could be misinterpreted, and be particularly cautious in larger cities (esp. Delhi) at night. * White and East Asian females may receive some extra attention, usually in the form of stares, from the locals, and many locals might even want to take photographs with you. In most cases, these people are from rural areas, and have had little to no contact with foreigners, but some may harass you. If so, don't be afraid to create a scene and don't feel the need to be polite. * Try to avoid being overly friendly and appreciative to Indian men; it could get them to think you are romantically interested in them. If a man and a woman are seen together or talk to each other quite often, locals may assume that there's something going on between the man and the woman. Make it clear that you are friends or acquaintances; that will usually ward people off. * Outside of the larger cities, it is unusual for people of the opposite sex to touch each other. Even couples (married or otherwise) refrain from public displays of affection. Therefore, it is advised that you do not shake hands with a person of the opposite sex unless the other person extends their hand first. The greeting by a Hindu is to bring their palms together in front of their chest, or simply saying '''namaste''' or '''namaskar''' or '''namaskaram''' in most Indic languages (Indo-Aryan and Dravidian) and '''khurumjari''' in [[Manipuri phrasebook|Manipuri]] (Meitei). Both forms are equally polite and correct if a little formal. Almost all people (even if they don't know English) do understand a "hi" or a "Hello". In most parts of northern India and cities, it is quite acceptable to offer a "hello" or "good day" followed by a handshake, regardless of gender. * Outside of trendy places or high society, women generally do not smoke. In some rural or tribal areas women do smoke, but discreetly. * Places such as discos and dance clubs are less conservative areas. Should you want to visit such places, leave your possessions in your hotel safe, and only carry as much change as you think you would require; it is easy to lose your wallet or passport in these places. * Women should '''dress conservatively''' and '''avoid revealing or tight-fitting clothing''' such as tank tops and miniskirts as they can attract unwanted attention. * People are generally modestly clothed even at the beaches. Bikinis are acceptable at tourist-oriented beaches, but not at those primarily visited by locals. Wearing one beyond the beach is inappropriate no matter where you are. There are a few beaches where women (mostly foreigners) sunbathe topless, but make sure that it is safe and accepted before you do so. * It's not so safe to walk in isolated places if you are a solo female. Women should also avoid going out alone at night, and be cautious when taking a taxi or auto-rickshaw. There have been some rapes of foreign women and highly publicised rapes of Indian women, some of whom have been murdered, and a large number of rapes go unreported. The willingness to report rape has increased after several incidents received widespread media attention and triggered widespread public protest. The Indian government has also reformed its penal code in relation to crimes of rape and sexual assault. * Avoid staying at cheaper hotels unless you are travelling with a trusted male companion; hotel staff have been known to sexually harass female guests. * In local and suburban trains, there are usually cars reserved for women and designated as such on their front. In Delhi Metro trains, it is the first compartment. * In most buses (private and public) a few seats at the front or at one side of the bus are reserved for women. Usually, these seats will be occupied by men and, very often, they vacate the place when a female stands near gesturing her intention to sit there. In many parts of the country, women will not share a seat with a man other than her spouse. If you sit near a man, he may stand up from the seat and give his seat also to you; this is a sign of respect, ''not'' rudeness. * Street parties for holidays are usually filled with crowds of inebriated men. During festivals such as Holi, New Year's Eve, and even Christmas Eve, women can be subjected to groping and sexually aggressive behaviour from a certain section hiding in these crowds. In such an event, scream or make a scene pointing your finger at the person. People will come to your help. If possible, avoid attending these festivities alone, and go in a group. * So-called Eve teasing is a common term used in Indian English to refer to anything from unwanted verbal advances to physical sexual assault. Anything overt should be treated in a firm manner and if needed, ask the local populace (women in particular) to try and get the message across. Avoid confrontation if at all possible. Sticking to such an area is not recommended. It's not disrespectful for a woman to tell a man eager to talk to her that she doesn't want to talk: so if a man's behaviour makes you uncomfortable, say so firmly. If he doesn't seem to get the hint, just quietly excuse yourself. * Befriending Indian women can be a wonderful experience for female visitors, although you might have to initiate conversation. An easy topic to get things going is to talk about clothes or food. * Dressing in traditional Indian clothes, such as ''salwaar kameez'' (comfortable) or ''saree'' (more formal and difficult to wear) will often garner Western women more respect in the eyes of locals. The idea is to portray yourself as a normal person, instead of a distanced tourist. Easy clothing is to wear a kurta paired up with jeans or a salwar. They are very comfortable and most of the women do the same. * Body searches (such as at the airport) by officers of the opposite sex are not allowed in India. Airport security is sex segregated. ===Police and other emergency services=== [[File:India - Varanasi policemen - 0691.jpg|thumb|Police officers in Varanasi]] * Like other federal countries, law enforcement is dealt with by various agencies in India: ** General policing is responsible for the states and union territories, under various state and union territory police forces. ** Large cities like [[Mumbai]], [[Kolkata]] or [[Bangalore]] may also have their own police departments, often operating independently from state police forces. ** The Central government also maintain federal law-enforcement agencies responsible for specific duties, such as railway policing (Railway Protection Force- RPF), transport security (Highway police) and border patrol. * Unfortunately, corruption and inefficiency are present in all Indian police forces, and the quality of the police force varies by officer. For emergencies, throughout most of India, you can dial '''100''' for police assistance. Try to speak the words slowly so that the police officer on phone does not have a problem in comprehending your foreign English accent. For non-emergency crimes, go down to the police station to report them, and insist on getting a receipt of your complaint. * You should insist the police to make a '''first information report''' (FIR) and receive a copy of it if you are reporting any serious crimes, as it is a legal requirement for them to do so. The police will only start the investigation after the FIR is made. * The emergency contact numbers for most of India are: 100 (Police), 101 (Fire and rescue), and 102 (Emergency medical service). Dialling to neighbouring major hospitals may also work in case of medical emergencies. In Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and several other cities throughout India, you can dial '''108''' for all emergencies. ===Terrorism=== The India-Pakistan conflict, simmering for decades, has manifested in terrorist attacks on India's main cities: since 2007, there have been bombings in Delhi, Mumbai and other big cities. The targets have varied widely, but attacks have usually been aimed at locals rather than visitors. The exception was in 2008, when a shooting spree targeted and killed many foreigners along with Indians, in Mumbai's posh hotels and railway station, etc. All the terrorists involved in this were from Pakistan and were killed in action except one who was captured alive and later hanged. There is little you can do to avoid such random attacks, but keep an eye on the national news and any travel advisories from your embassy. ===Outdoor adventures=== There are many companies in India offering various outdoor activities like paragliding, white water rafting, ballooning, and trekking. For example, the road between Manali and Kullu has dozens of white water and paragliding operators. Be aware though that it is sometimes questionable on how these companies and operators, especially their staff, obtained their licences to offer these activities. Especially the number of companies offering these kinds of activities is an indication, that it seems to be not that hard to start such a business. But for things like tandem paragliding, which can potentially be lethal, it is probably a bad idea to have to rely on someone that got his licence under questionable circumstances. And even if he did a course with an official body, the standards in India are still comparably lower than Western ones. So, it is very important that you verify the company you go with fully, search for ratings and reviews, verify their licences, and only if you fully trust them to go with them. ==Stay healthy== Going to India, you have to adapt to a different climate and food. However, with precautions the chance and severity of any illness can be minimised. Don't stress yourself too much at the beginning of your journey to allow your body to acclimatise to the country. For example, take a day of rest upon arrival, at least on your first visit. Many travellers get ill for wanting to do too much in too little time. Be careful with spicy food if you're not used to it. Five quick tips for avoiding the Delhi belly: * '''Go vegetarian''' – At least for the first week or two. Meat spoils quickly. * '''Avoid raw leafy vegetables''' – They are hard to clean properly. * '''Avoid ice and unbottled water''' – Both the water in it and the way it's transported are suspect. Try to use only commercially available sealed bottled water. * '''Wash hands before eating''' – Always use soap or hand sanitiser, otherwise the dirt of India's streets will find its way onto your ''chapatis'' and into your mouth. In addition, keep nails cut short and clean. That of course will not prevent a food vendor touching your food, so think twice which kind of meal you decide for. In any case, you can always watch how food is prepared. Indians mostly never use soap, plain water seems to be their "magic cure". * '''Prefer metal dishes and cups''' – Stainless steel is more germ-resistant than plastic. So, any restaurant with stainless cutlery, dishes, cups and water container is safer than one with plastic cups and water container, or one-time use dishes. '''Toilets''' can be found for free in most temples, just in case it is urgent. '''Litter''' can be a problem in some cities in India. Many efforts have been made in the 21st century to clean up the country but there is still a long way to go because most people use the many waterways as garbage dumps. It would be unwise to swim in most of the rivers and downright senseless in a lake. If you have '''asthma''', carry enough medication as dust, pollen or pollution may cause trouble. If you venture to forests in India, you may encounter '''venomous snakes'''. If bitten, try to note the markings of the snake so that the snake can be identified and the correct antidote given. In any event, immediately seek medical care. ===Air quality=== [[Air pollution]] is a huge problem in India, particularly in the northern plains during the winter (November to January), when farmers burning fields, coal and dung fires for heating and lack of rain and wind combine to blanket the Gangetic Plains in toxic murk. [[Delhi]] has ranked the most polluted capital in the world every year since 2018, with an ''average'' AQI of nearly 100. In addition to being a health hazard, flights are often delayed or cancelled when visibility drops to near-zero. Avoid travel in the North at this time of year if you can. If you have no choice, wearing an N95 mask and minimizing time spent outdoors can help. Many cities and villages in India, not particularly in any region, have sanitation and pollution issues. You might find people dumping and burning garbage in the open. Check the air quality of a city before venturing. ===Drinking water=== '''[[Tap water]]''' is normally not safe for drinking. However, some establishments (for example many temples) have water filters/purifiers installed, in which case the water should be safe to drink from them. Otherwise, the water in the mountains is generally clean, just ask your accommodation staff. Packed drinking water (popularly called "mineral water" throughout India) is a good choice. Bisleri, Kinley, Aquafina and Health Plus are popular and safe brands. But if the seal has been tampered with, or if the bottle seems crushed, it could be tap water being illegally sold. So always make sure that seal is intact before buying. In Indian Railway stations, a low-priced mineral water brand of Indian Railways is generally available, known as "Rail Neer". For most foreigners, tap water in India is not even safe for brushing your teeth, and you should stick to bottled mineral water even for that. ===Fruits, vegetables and food=== Everything that can be peeled such as apples and bananas, as well as packaged snacks, are always a safe option. Wash any fruit with uncontaminated water and soap before eating it, even if you peel it — while peeling, touching the skin could still deliver bacteria onto the inner fruit. Also avoid cold food from shelves (samosa, sweets, etc.) that is directly touched prepared and handed out. Most Indians don't use soap and simply water seems to be their magic cure. In general, the regulation of the use of pesticides is very lax in India, because farmers have a high standing in Indian society — they are often the mean for political campaigns. So, the underlying quality of fruits and vegetables is doubtful, even if locals claim them to be "green" — they often don't understand the meaning of "green". With some fruits you will even notice a weird side taste, like tangerines. It is often in doubt where and how they were grown — it might have been next to a large landfill and you wouldn't know. Also, you may notice the dirtiness of Indian bodies of waters and rivers — this is the very same water that is used to water fruit and vegetable plants in the Indian plains. Fruits and vegetables from more hilly or mountainous regions are probably safe from that latter problem. While Indian food is often freshly prepared with fresh fruits and fresh vegetable, it doesn't mean it is automatically healthy (due to the latter reasons). Also, restaurants often use ready-made sauces and ingredients containing questionable additives and preservatives — not to mention that standard tomato sauce will barely ever contain much tomato, but carrot pulp instead. So, while in the past, Indian food was probably one of the best in the world, commercialisation in the food industry and lax regulation in the agricultural industry have done their parts in making it a doubtful adventure and one should be cautious. ===Diarrhoea and dehydration=== {{see also|Travellers' diarrhea|Dehydration}} [[Diarrhea|Diarrhoea]] and [[dehydration]] are common, and can have many different causes. Dehydration brings along '''dizziness and concentration issue''', sometimes muscle and joint pain. Dehydration doesn't just mean a lack of water, but also a lack of necessary minerals the body needs to function. It can be caused by a too one-sided diet, the wrong drinking water or even exhaustive hiking and travelling. Filtered and purified water (e.g. from temples) often has the disadvantage of also the necessary minerals being filtered out. So, best bring a standard first-aid kit, plus extra over-the-counter medicine for diarrhoea and stomach upset. A rehydration kit can also be helpful, rehydration solution is widely available at pharmacies for about ₹25 per pack for 1L of water. In case it is not available, remember the salt/sugar/water ratio for oral rehydration: 1 tsp salt, 8 tsp sugar, for 1L of water — however this will still lack some other minerals, so the rehydration packs from the pharmacy are best. Also, in case you are consuming local drinking water from the tap (in mountain areas) or in restaurants, if your body shows signs of dehydration, it is better to get the ''Bisleri'' water bottles from the shop with the green bandage — they have minerals added. Also other brands have added minerals. Indians often have resistance to native bacteria and parasites that visitors do not have. If you have had serious diarrhoea for more than a day or two, it is best to visit a private hospital. Parasites such as Giardia are a common cause of diarrhoea, and may not get better without treatment. Instead of drinking water while having diarrhoea, some people trust in Coke as a quick treatment. And in some cases it seems to prevent further fluid loss in small amounts. ===Vaccinations and tropical diseases=== [[File:Force Traveller Kuoni ambulance, 2008.JPG|thumb|An ambulance in India]] No '''vaccinations''' are required for entry to India, except for yellow fever if you are coming from an infected area such as [[Africa]]. However, Hepatitis (both A and B, depending on your individual circumstances), meningitis and typhoid shots are recommended, as is a booster shot for tetanus. '''[[Malaria]]''' is endemic throughout India. [http://www.cdc.gov/travel/regionalmalaria/indianrg.htm CDC] states that risk exists in all areas, including the cities of Delhi and Mumbai, and at altitudes of less than 2,000 m in [[Himachal Pradesh]], [[Jammu and Kashmir]] and [[Sikkim]]; however, the risk of infection is considered low in Delhi and the [[Plains (India)|Plains]]. Get expert advice on malaria preventatives, and take adequate precautions to prevent [[mosquito]] bites. Use a mosquito repellent when going outside (particularly during the evenings) and also when sleeping in trains and hotels without air conditioning. A local mosquito repellent used by Indians is Odomos which is available over-the-counter at most medical stores. Note, Malaria symptoms can be very similar to a flu or cold, however if you don't have any fever but still feel dizzy and have muscle and joint pain, it could also just be a case of dehydration — see above. ===Stray dogs=== It is very important to stay away from the many [[Aggressive dogs|stray dogs and cats]] in India, as India has the highest rate of '''rabies''' in the world. If you are bitten it is extremely urgent to get to a hospital in a major urban area capable of dealing with rabies. You can get treatment at any major hospital. It is very important to get the rabies vaccine within 24 hr of any contact with animals, including contact with saliva or blood. Rabies vaccines only work if the full course is given '''prior''' to symptoms. The disease is almost invariably fatal otherwise. ===Healthcare=== The level of medical care in India varies wildly. Public hospitals tend to be unsanitary, overcrowded, understaffed and underequipped. Private hospitals, on the other hand, are usually of an excellent standard and among the best in the world, making India a popular destination for medical tourism. Large corporate hospital chains like Fortis, Max, Apollo and similar places are your best bet for emergency medical care in larger cities, and they have better hygiene and generally well-trained doctors, some from UK and US institutions. The downside is that they are generally much more expensive than public hospitals, though still reasonably priced by Western standards. Many private hospitals accept international health insurance; check with the hospital before you go. Virtually all Indian doctors speak English fluently and are highly qualified. For smaller ailments, private medical practices are common throughout the country and are readily more accessible than hospitals. Hotels can also arrange a doctor to come visit, at a price of course. For travel vaccinations, visit the [http://www.istm.org International Society for Travel Medicine] to find travel health clinics. ==Respect== {{infobox|Kissing in India|India can trace kissing back thousands of years in its literature. Indeed, the well-known ''Kama Sutra'' has an entire chapter devoted to kissing. However, in most cultures of the Subcontinent, public kissing has traditionally been discouraged. Visitors have been surprised to get into serious trouble for kissing in public, regardless of the nature of their relationship or marriage or their nationality. Opposition to public kissing is not a universal opinion in India; many Indians find kissing acceptable, but because of those who don't, it is best to avoid kissing (even on cheeks) in public while you are there. None of this applies to parents and children kissing each other, though; that's universally acceptable in India. }} ===Etiquette=== <!--[[File:Kamya Panjabi at Disney princess' promotion in Mumbai.jpg|thumb|In bigger Indian cities, wearing of shorts by women is generally accepted. Picture shows an Indian woman with her daughter in [[Mumbai]].]] this image violates the image policy as watermarks are not allowed --> * Indians, by and large, are '''neutral communicators'''. Although Indians try to be respectful and courteous in social situations, words are often taken at face value. It's important to be explicitly clear and upfront about what you intend to say as euphemisms, idiomatic language, and the like may be misunderstood. * Direct '''personal questions''' (based on your personal life, salary, education, and lifestyle) are commonly asked. To Indians, it's not considered impolite, but rather it's a way to get to know someone fully. In some cases, you may find others giving you advice on whatever it is you're doing, either warranted or unwarranted. Don't feel annoyed or irritated by this as Indians don't intend to patronise or pull you down in any way. If you feel the question was too personal, simply give an indirect answer and move along. * Indians '''respect their elders''' and it would be seen as rude to directly challenge a statement said by someone older than you. You should always try to address people you don't know as 'ma'am' or 'sir', especially if they're older than you, and always act in a mature, sensible fashion around them. * '''Family values''' are highly revered by many Indians, and most Indians still live with their extended families, with three to four generations living under the same roof. Passing unwarranted comments about someone's family life won't win you friends or praise. * Indian women generally '''dress conservatively''', although in metropolitan cities more liberal attire can be seen. Women may attract unwanted attention from men depending on how they're dressed. * Whereas Indian men can be really eager to talk to foreigners, '''many Indian women avoid interacting with men outside their own families'''. If you are a man and approach an Indian woman even for an innocuous purpose like asking for directions, you are usually putting her on the defensive, especially if she is dressed traditionally. It is best to ask a man if one is available (there usually will be), or be extra respectful if you really need to ask a woman. However, in Ladakh, the relation between sexes is much more equal and nobody will bat an eyelid if you ask a woman for directions. * It is better to avoid going out '''on the roads alone''', especially in remote places or lanes and by-lanes without many people at night. Keeping some company is always advisable. * Indians will consider themselves obliged to go out of the way to fulfil a '''guest's request''' and will insist very strongly that it is no inconvenience to do so, even if it is not true. This of course means that there is a reciprocal obligation on you as a guest to take extra care not to be a burden. * Most Indians are not aware that the term "'''Negro'''" is considered offensive in some other parts of the world, and they may use it with no intent to offend. Also, some Indians will come up with topics like Hitler, Aryans and other weird stuff — while half of the time this is uneducated and innocent interest, the other half of the time they will know exactly what they are talking about and it is best not to engage on such topics or to make your position very clear. * Note '''dietary restrictions''' when inviting Indian friends for a meal. Pork is forbidden to Muslims, while beef is forbidden to Hindus. Although in some states, like Kerala, beef is consumed liberally by Christians and Muslims. Also about 30% of Indians are vegetarian, including all Jains. In some places, people are pescatarians. So, It is better to ask people what they don't eat beforehand. * It is customary to put up a token friendly argument with your host or any other member of the group '''when paying bills''' at restaurant or while making purchases. The etiquette for this is somewhat complicated. ** In a business lunch or dinner, it is usually clear upfront who is supposed to pay, and there is no need to fight. But if you are someone's personal guest and they take you out to a restaurant, you should offer to pay anyway, and you should insist a lot. Sometimes these fights get a little funny, with each side trying to snatch the bill away from the other, all the time laughing politely. If you don't have experience in these things, chances are, you will lose the chance the first time, but in that case, make sure that you pay the next time. (and try to make sure that there is a next time.) Unless the bill amount is very large do not offer to share it, and only as a second resort after they have refused to let you pay it all. ** The same rule applies when you are making a purchase. If you are purchasing something for yourself, your hosts might still offer to pay for it if the amount is not very high, and sometimes, even if it is. In this situation, unless the amount is very low, you should never lose the fight. (If the amount is ridiculously low, say less than ₹10, then don't insult your hosts by putting up a fight.) Even if by chance you lose the fight to pay the shopkeeper, it is customary to practically thrust (in a nice way, of course) the money into your host's hands. ** These rules do not apply if the host has made it clear beforehand that it is his or her treat, especially for some specific occasion. {{infobox|Naming conventions |* Most Indians follow the naming convention of a given name followed by a family name. <br /> * '''Tamil''' names, however are an exception to this rule. Tamil names generally follow the convention of given name + father's name, or father's initial + given name. Therefore, someone called Ramasamy Govindasamy would have Ramasamy as his given name, with Govindasamy being his father's name. Alternatively, he might be known as G. Ramasamy. Due to the patronymic nature of the last names, first names are always used when addressing individuals, so the above person would be addressed as Mr Ramasamy. *'''Meitei''' names are also exception to the general rules of naming in India. Meitei names generally follow the convention of family name + given name + name of the respective "salai". Salai means clan and it is different from family. There are 7 salais in Meitei ethnicity (Manipuri ethnicity). Each salai has many families within it. So, salai is just like a group or aggregation of many families. For instance, a person named "Albert" belongs to the "Oinam" family of the "Khuman" salai. Then, his name will be like this: "Oinam Albert Khuman". In Meitei nomenclature, father's names are not used. *Most '''Telugu''' names (other than those of Muslims) are family name (surname) first, like Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese names.<!--Source: {{cite book|author=Vēlcēru Nārāyaṇarāvu|title=Hibiscus on the Lake Twentieth-century Telugu Poetry from India|publisher=[[University of Wisconsin Press]]|year=2003|isbn=9780299177041 (older: 0299177041)|page=[https://www.google.com/books/edition/Hibiscus_on_the_Lake/pjxyfqOmOKMC?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=Telugu+names+family+name+last&pg=PR19&printsec=frontcover xix]}}--> *The foolproof method, therefore, is to ''ask'' how the person would like to be addressed. }} ===Religious etiquette=== As India has great diversity, people follow different religions, the largest being of course Hinduism. * '''Take off your shoes''' when visiting a temple, mosque, or someone's home. * Christians are a minority in India, but going to church and following your faith are always appreciated. There are different denominations and they differ in their practices. * It is disrespectful to touch people or things with your feet. If done accidentally, you will find that Indians will make a quick gesture of apology that involves touching the offended person with the right hand, and then moving the hand to the chest and to the eyes. It is a good idea to emulate that. * The head is considered to be the holiest part of the body, '''so avoid touching people on the head''', including young children, as this is very offensive to Hindus. * '''The left hand''' is considered unclean in both Hinduism and Islam. Be sure to handle sacred objects and perform religious rituals using only your right hand. * '''Books and written materials are treated with respect''', as they are treated as concrete/physical forms of the Hindu goddess of knowledge, Saraswati. Hindus typically avoid stepping on them. * '''Anything associated with wealth is treated with respect''' as it is treated as a concrete/physical form of the Hindu goddess of wealth, Lakshmi. * '''The swastika''' is a common and quite ancient symbol in India. It is also fairly common for Indian parents to name their daughters "Swastika". There is no connection of this symbol to the Nazis. Jewish people have lived in India for thousands of years and have never faced any significant antisemitism. Drawing parallels between the Swastika and Nazism will not be appreciated and is considered cultural appropriation. Many Indians have liberal, open-minded attitudes towards religion, although there are some who have rigid, radical viewpoints, and fundamentalist Hinduism has seen growing support in the 21st century. It's not considered impolite to discuss your religious convictions with someone; for the most part, many Indians are open about talking about it. This said, '''do not impose''' your religious beliefs upon someone. Anything hinting at '''proselytisation''' will not be appreciated. * Contrary to popular belief, India is '''not a vegetarian nation'''. However, vegetarians are a very large minority in India, comprising 20-30% of the population, and many northern and western states are majority vegetarian. Jains, a staunchly vegetarian religious group, are approximately 1% of the population. That said, some ardently religious groups and people often try to demonise non-vegetarianism. Many of the more well-aware Indians feel it is a part of a concerted attempt to codify a monolithic idea of Indian culture and do not like it. These vegetarian sentiments are more common in Northern India, but in other places, such as [[Southern India]] and [[North-Eastern India]], people tend to be more liberal and less sensitive towards other beliefs, and don't really mind as much. If visiting someone's house, it's always wise to ask if the person is a vegetarian or a non-vegetarian. '''Do not impose your food preferences upon anyone'''; it is frowned upon. * '''Atheism is not taboo''' in India. This said, you should be careful when discussing religion with those who have rigid, radical viewpoints; some atheists in India have been attacked by radical groups for openly criticising religion. ===Politics=== * Indians, in general, are ardently political, and politics is a very popular conversational subject amongst many Indians, including the older generation. Many Indians have a breadth of political opinions, including that of their own country; often they express frustration with the government. As always, it is better to listen than to express firm opinions. * The '''Kashmir conflict''' is a highly emotional subject that can very quickly elicit strong reactions from Indian people. The Indian view is that the whole of Kashmir, including [[Azad Kashmir]] and [[Gilgit Baltistan]], the two regions of Kashmir under Pakistani control, ''legally belongs'' to India. * India is made up of 28 states and 8 union territories. Some people in some provinces ([[Punjab]], [[Kashmir]], [[Nagaland]], and [[Assam]]) are sympathetic to full autonomy or '''secession from India'''. Whilst nowhere near as sensitive or divisive as in other parts of the world, try not to bring up such subjects. * Attempting to compliment or say anything that could be perceived as positive about '''[[Pakistan]]''' can evoke a strong response from some Indians. Referring to someone as a "Pakistani" is often used as an insult in India. * Try to avoid being overly enthusiastic about '''[[China]]'''. India's diplomatic relationship with China is tense and '''anti-China sentiments''' are common among the population. The '''1962 Sino-Indian War''' and '''2020 Galwan Valley Clash''' are still very much open wounds the Indian national consciousness. Some '''Chinese products''' are illegal to possess in India and the mere sight of Chinese products can evoke a strong response from some Indians. * Tread carefully when discussing the history of '''Mughal rule'''. Many Hindu nationalists consider the Mughals to be foreign occupiers akin to the British. * The '''partition of India''' is a sensitive issue. A few may convey bitterness against the British Empire, and some who lived through the horrors of the partition may let this reflect on their view of people from the [[United Kingdom]]. Former British prime minister Winston Churchill is widely regarded as a villain in India due to the Bengal famine in 1943. Nevertheless, the two countries enjoy a positive relationship, and Indians are the largest immigrant group in the UK. Rishi Sunak, who is of Indian descent, even became prime minister of the UK. === Other things to watch out for === * Indians tend to have a strong sense of '''national pride''', in part due to the success enjoyed by the Indian diaspora abroad. If you have Indian roots, even if you were born and raised overseas, be careful with divulging your opinions on the country and the culture: some may expect you to follow Indian norms and nuances, and won't take kindly to negative feedback. It is common for Indians to express a deep sense of pride in the success of their fellow countrymen on the world stage, such as Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Google CEO Sundar Pichai and World Bank President Ajay Banga. * Families tend to be close-knit. Tread very carefully '''if you have Indian roots''', even if you were born and raised overseas, or if you are in an intimate relationship with an Indian person: You're often expected to align your views with your or their family, and not doing so would result in you being shunned. Living with extended family (i.e. including grandparents and first cousins) is still the norm in India. * Attitudes towards the LGBT community have been changing since the 2000s. In 2018, homosexuality (which was once punishable by life imprisonment) was decriminalised, and since then there have been strong political movements in favour of LGBT rights. While this may seem impressive, '''many Indians still have conservative opinions on homosexuality''' and do not fully understand it. Try not to reveal your sexuality in public as you may invite unwanted comments or stares. * Reputation is a key aspect of Indian culture, and like in much of Asia "saving face" is a major value in Indian culture. To be polite you should avoid pointing out other people's mistakes or voicing disagreement with someone in public. Doing so can cause a severe blow to another person's reputation, and so to avoid doing so and causing embarrassment, ignore small mistakes. If you must point out someone else's mistake do so in a private setting, and as politely as applicable to the situation. * '''Business cards''' should be given and received using only your '''right hand'''. As the left hand is considered unclean, handling someone's business card with the left hand is very disrespectful. ==Connect== ===By phone=== The country code for India is '''+91'''. In India, area codes are called '''STD''' '''codes''' (Subscriber Trunk Dialing - national long distance) and international dialing is called '''ISD''' (International Subscriber Dialing - international long distance). Local phone numbers can be anywhere from 5-8 digits long. But when the STD code is included, all landline phone numbers in India are 10 digits long. Mobile phone numbers are always 10 digits long and usually start with '9', '8', '7' or '6'. The following table explains how to dial: {| class="wikitable" align="right" ! Calling from || Price || Syntax || Example |- | Same STD code || Local || align=right| ''number'' || align=right| 12345678 |- | Mobile phone || Local || align=right| ''STD code of the town you are in number'' || align=right| 011-12345678 |- | Mobile phone || STD to mobile phone|| align=right| ''number'' || align=right| 012345678 |- | Different STD code|| STD || align=right| '''0'''-''area code''-''number'' || align=right| 022-12345678 |- | Overseas || ISD || align=right| '''+91'''-''area code''-''number'' || align=right| +91-22-12345678 |} Toll-free numbers start with '''1-800''', but are usually ''operator-dependent'': you can't call a BSNL/MTNL toll-free number from an Airtel landline, and vice versa. Often, the numbers may not work from your cellular phone. Other National Numbers that start with '''18xx''' or '''19xx''' may attract special charges. To dial outside the country from India, prefix the country code with 00, e.g. a US number will be dialed as 00-1-555-555-5555. Calling the Canada/UK/US over the normal telephone line will cost you about ₹7.20 per minute. Calls to other countries, particularly to the Middle East, can be more expensive. Payphones, called '''public call offices''' or '''PCOs''' are now increasingly rare with the ubiquitous availability of mobile phones. Where they exist, they are usually staffed, and you dial yourself but pay to the attendant after the call is over. Metering is done per pulse and a service charge of ₹2 is added to the bill. Larger cities also have Western-style unmanned public phones, which are usually red in colour and accept one rupee coins. ====Mobile==== '''[https://www.airtel.in/ Airtel]''', '''[https://www.myvi.in/ Vodafone Idea]''', '''[https://www.jio.com/ Reliance Jio]''' and '''[https://www.bsnl.co.in/ BSNL]-MTNL''' are mobile service providers in India. All of these provide services to the whole of India. Since providers are state-specific, you need to activate roaming, so you can stay connected with the same provider if being in a different state than from where you got the SIM card. No extra costs apply for this kind of roaming within India. As restrictions on internet use increase in India, many mobile stores refuse to sell SIM cards to foreigners (or anyone without local ID)—though you may find an Indian resident or hotel employee willing to buy one under their name if suitably motivated (i.e. rupees). Also, Jio mobile store owners seem to be sufficiently motivated to sell you a SIM and an initial package for a 20% surcharge if you look reliable enough. To get a SIM card alone as a foreigner, you are recommended to visit the telecom operator's exclusive store. To make calls, send text, or use data, you will always require a (monthly) package or validity plan. Packages start at ₹239 for 28 days, e.g. Jio with 1.5GB/day data, unlimited calls, and 100 SMS. With Airtel the same package was around ₹450. All operators provide unlimited domestic phone calls with their packages. Calling overseas can cost quite a bit and will depend on the location you are calling to. In contrast, the other way round (calling to India from elsewhere) is cheap. You can buy a keypad mobile for ₹500, and touch mobiles retail from ₹4,000. ====Mobile internet==== It is very cheap, especially with the proliferation of low-cost operator Reliance Jio, which has forced the mainstream operators such as Airtel and Vodafone Idea to follow suit. Prices for packages including mobile internet are mentioned above. You can use 4G and 4G VoLTE services everywhere. 4G (LTE and VoLTE) networks cover 98% of the population of India and 5G networks in India now cover 52% of the population. 3G is available only in some remote locations and in most locations 3G or below is unavailable. If you use the train, you may occasionally find pocket regions where the internet drops to 2G or goes away completely. ====Messaging==== WhatsApp is the main messaging gateway. SMS is only used for things like OTPs (One Time Passwords, for WiFi) or contract information. ===By internet=== * '''Wi-Fi hotspots''' in India are, for the most part, limited. All airports and railway stations do offer free high speed Wi-Fi. Delhi, Bangalore, Pune and Mumbai are the only cities with decent Wi-Fi coverage. Many free Wi-Fi services will require entering a One time password (OTP) sent to an Indian cell phone number and are usually operated by Airtel or Jio. * '''Internet cafes''' are common and they charge as little as ₹10-20/hr. Many will ask for your passport or ID. Beware of using your credit cards online as there have been many cases of credit cards thefts using ''keyloggers''. * '''Public libraries''' have PCs with broadband for public use. Most libraries require a membership but government-operated libraries only require a quick registration with the verification of your ID. Internet censorship in India is considered “selective”. There are occasional random, inexplicable and arbitrary attemptso by the government to block some sites it considers as carrying hateful propaganda, but enforcement is spotty and the decisions are often forgotten after a few month of being made. The site which are blocked by the courts remain strictly blocked and is different from the vague blocks by the government. For travelers, the most important sites that are blocked are popular Chinese services like TikTok and WeChat, as well as games such as Pubg. Also, major Pakistani websites, accounts and channels have been blocked on social media, and on the internet. However, you may use a VPN to access other servers. ===By mail=== [[File:India - Varanasi post office - 1584.jpg|thumb|A post office in Varanasi]] Addressing mail with a properly-formatted address will expedite its journey with government owned [https://www.indiapost.gov.in/VAS/Pages/IndiaPosthome.aspx India Post]. The PIN code (postal index number) is important, and you can look up PIN codes and correct address formats on India Post's website. A 6-digit PIN code identifies the post office of a district; a 4-digit Post box number (recommended but optional) may narrow this to one business or an individual building. Addresses should be written in three to four lines with the name of recipient, house number and suite or apartment or building number, street name, city or town, state name, PIN code, e.g.: <blockquote>United Nations House<br/>55/73 Lodhi Estate<br/>New Delhi, Delhi-110003</blockquote> First class mail travels by air within India. International first class mail has a maximum limit of 20 kg. Prices vary from country to country. A full list related to the pricing can be found in [https://www.indiapost.gov.in/MBE/pages/content/international-air-parcels.aspx India Post's website]. All locations with a PIN code are considered domestic. Military mail is operated by the Army Postal Service through its APOs and FPOs. The rate for domestic post is ₹15/50 g. Private international courier companies like FedEx, DHL and UPS also operate though all major cities. ==Cope== For immediate emergency assistance, you can call '''112'''.<br> The Ministry of Tourism has a 24-hour helpline for tourists in need. You can call the helpline number at '''1800-11-1363''' or just '''1363'''. ===Consular assistance=== All major cities have international consular assistance which include high commissions, embassies and consulates. More information can be found in respective city articles. Here are links to consular assistance in some cities: * [[Delhi#Embassies & High Commissions|Delhi]] * [[Mumbai#Foreign missions|Mumbai]] * [[Kolkata#Consulates|Kolkata]] * [[Chennai#Consulates|Chennai]] === Television === India has a variety of local Indian news channels in English such as [https://www.doordarshan.gov.in/ Doordarshan] India’s state broadcasting network owned by the Indian government; India [https://www.indiatoday.in/ Today]; NDTV [https://www.ndtv.com/ 24x7]; CNN-[http://www.news18.com/ News18]; Republic [http://www.republicworld.com/ TV]; Times [http://www.timesnownews.com/ Now]; Mirror [https://www.timesnownews.com/mirror-now Now]; [https://www.newsx.com/ NewsX]; [http://wionews.com/ WION]. There are also foreign news channels available such as BBC (World Service),CNN (International South Asia), France 24; Russia Today; ABC Australia; Bloomberg Television; CNA; Al Jazeera English; Deutsche Welle; NHK (World); Push TV. There are also many Hindi news channels, as well as regional news channels in their respective local languages. Sport can be viewed live on DD Sport, Eurosport, Sony Sport Network, Sports18 and Star Sports. There are also many Hindi, English and Regional movies and series channels, children’s and music channels (English, Hindi and regional), lifestyle and teleshopping available on TV networks using cable or satellite These channels can be found on TV using networks such as TataPlay, Airtel and Jio. Netflix India, ZEE5 and Prime Video is available for streaming in India. ===Newspapers=== Local Indian English newspapers can be handy and reliable sources for day-to-day updates about the country. India has a number of English newspapers and magazines. Some of the major newspapers are ''Business Standard'', ''Daily News and Analysis'', ''Deccan Herald'', ''The Hindu'', ''The Statesman'', ''The Telegraph'', ''The Times of India'', ''The Tribune'' and many more. Some popular magazines are ''Filmfare'', ''Down to Earth'', ''India Today'', ''Forbes India'' and ''Vogue''. There are also local regional newspapers which are either often in English or the local regional language. ===Radio=== * '''AIR FM Rainbow''' offers hourly news broadcasts at '''102.6MHZ'''. * '''AIR FM Gold''' offers hourly news broadcasts at '''100.1MHZ''' * '''Radio One''' offers modern and retro song broadcasts at '''94.3MHZ'''. * '''Red FM''' offers public talks and entertainment at '''93.5MHZ''' {{geo|22.8|83|zoom=5}} {{isPartOf|South Asia}}There are also many regional radios on their respective frequencies. {{usablecountry}} {{related|Forts_and_Palaces_of_India}} {{related|Indian_National_Parks_and_Wildlife_Sanctuaries}} {{related|Indian_Zoos_and_Botanical_Gardens}} {{related|Natural Wonders of India}} {{related|Sacred_sites_of_the_Indian_sub-continent}} {{related|UNESCO_World_Heritage_List_(India)}} 4agtpttrpq6ltidoe7id6re7vd8mpm6 5086717 5086715 2025-07-02T17:40:00Z 81.101.9.96 /* Pakistani citizens */ 5086717 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|TajMahal Banner.jpg|caption=Taj Mahal|origin=0,0}} '''India''' ([[Hindi phrasebook|Hindi]]: भारत or ''Bhārat''), the largest country in [[South Asia]], has many of the world's highest mountains, most populated cities, and longest rivers. As one of the great civilisations of the ancient world, India's heritage and culture is a rich amalgam of the past and present. This vast country, the most populous in the world, offers the traveller a view of fascinating religions and ethnography, a smorgasbord of languages, diverse food, and architectural masterpieces that were built millennia ago and remain intact today. As the nation opens up to a globalised world, India still has a depth of history and intensity of culture that awe and fascinate the many who visit there. ==Regions== India is administratively divided into 28 states and 8 union territories. The states are broadly demarcated on linguistic lines. They vary in size; the larger ones are bigger and more diverse than some countries of [[Europe]]. The union territories are usually much smaller than the states—sometimes they are just one city—and they have much less autonomy. India has two island chains off the mainland – the [[Andaman and Nicobar Islands]] in the Bay of Bengal and the [[Lakshadweep]] in the Arabian Sea. The states and union territories are grouped by convention into the following regions: {{Regionlist | regionmap=Map of India.png | regionmaptext=Map of India's regions and states | regionInteractiveMap=map1 | regionmapsize=350px | region1name=[[Himalayan North]] | region1color=#d5b66b | region1items=[[Jammu and Kashmir]], [[Ladakh]], [[Himachal Pradesh]], [[Uttarakhand]] | region1description=Mountainous and beautiful, a tourist destination for the adventurous and the spiritual. This region contains some of India's most visited hill stations and religious places. | region2name=[[Plains (India)|The Plains]] | region2color=#d5dc76 | region2items=[[Bihar]], [[Chandigarh]], [[Delhi]], [[Haryana]], [[Madhya Pradesh]], [[Punjab (India)|Punjab]], [[Uttar Pradesh]] | region2description=The plains, India's breadbasket, are watered by the holy rivers Ganges and Yamuna and their tributaries. The region also features the country's capital, Delhi, [[Agra]] of Taj Mahal fame and the holy cities of [[Mathura]], [[Prayagraj]], [[Varanasi]] and [[Bodh Gaya]]. Many of the events that shaped India's history took place in this region. | region3name=[[Western India]] | region3color=#71b37b | region3items=[[Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu]], [[Goa]], [[Gujarat]], [[Maharashtra]], [[Rajasthan]] | region3description= Home to the vast Thar Desert; the colourful palaces, forts and cities of Rajasthan; the country's most vibrant and biggest city, [[Mumbai]]; the mesmerising rock-cut caves of Ajanta and Ellora in Maharashtra; pristine forests; the wonderful beaches of Goa; the Asiatic lions of Gujarat in Gir jungles; and the rapidly developing cities of [[Ahmedabad]], [[Surat]], [[Jaipur]] and [[Pune]]. | region4name=[[Southern India]] | region4color=#b383b3 | region4items=[[Andaman and Nicobar]], [[Andhra Pradesh]], [[Karnataka]], [[Kerala]], [[Lakshadweep]], [[Pondicherry]], [[Tamil Nadu]], [[Telangana]] | region4description=Features famous and historical temples, tropical forests, backwaters, beaches, hill stations, and three big cities of [[Bangalore]], [[Chennai]], [[Hyderabad]] and other smaller cities. The city of [[Mysore]] is world-renowned for its palaces, especially the Mysore Palace. The island groups of Andaman and Nicobar (on the east) and Lakshadweep on the west, included in this region for convenience, are far from the mainland and have their unique characteristics. | region5name=[[Eastern India]] | region5color=#4da9c4 | region5items=[[Chhattisgarh]], [[Jharkhand]], [[Odisha]], [[Sikkim]], [[West Bengal]] | region5description=Economically less developed, but culturally rich and perhaps the most welcoming to outsiders. Features [[Kolkata]], once the capital of British India, and the temple cities of [[Puri]], [[Bhubaneswar]] and [[Konark]]. The region stretches from the mountains to the coast, resulting in fascinating variations in climate. It is also the mineral storehouse of India, having the country's largest and richest mines. | region6name=[[North-Eastern India]] | region6color=#d56d76 | region6items=[[Arunachal Pradesh]], [[Assam]], [[Manipur]], [[Meghalaya]], [[Mizoram]], [[Nagaland]], [[Tripura]] | region6description=Insular and relatively virgin, this is the country's tribal corner, with lush, beautiful landscapes, endemic flora and fauna of the Indo-Malayan group and famed tea gardens. Consists of seven states popularly known as the "Seven Sisters". The world's oldest polo ground, the world's only floating national park, the world's only women-run market and the world's tallest topiary plant can be seen in [[Manipur]]. The state of Meghalaya is depicted as the "Scotland of India" because of its mesmerising environment. }} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#d5b66b|title=[[Himalayan North]]|wikidata=Q1180,Q1177,Q1499,Q200667,Q66278313|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#d5dc76|title=[[Plains (India)|The Plains]]|wikidata=Q22424,Q1174,Q1498,Q1165,Q43433,Q9357528,Q1188|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#71b37b|title=[[Western India]]|wikidata=Q1437,Q1061,Q1191,Q1171|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#b383b3|title=[[Southern India]]|wikidata=Q1159,Q677037,Q1186,Q1445,Q1185,Q40888,Q26927|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#4da9c4|title=[[Eastern India]]|wikidata=Q1168,Q22048,Q1356,Q1505,Q1184|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#d56d76|title=[[North-Eastern India]]|wikidata=Q1162,Q1164,Q1193,Q1195,Q1502,Q1599,Q1363|stroke-opacity=0.1}} ==Cities== <!--Cities and Other destinations lists are limited to 9 items. Please first discuss proposed changes on this page's talk page.--> These are some of India's most notable cities. Other cities can be found under their specific regions. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Delhi]]|wikidata=Q1353}} — the capital of India and the heart of Northern India *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Bangalore]]|wikidata=Q1355}} (''Bengaluru'') — the beautiful garden city, once the sleepy home of pensioners, now transformed into an IT hub for high-technology companies and sprouting pubs. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Chennai]]|wikidata=Q1352}} (''Madras'') — the main port in Southern India, cultural centre, automobile capital of India *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Hyderabad]]|wikidata=Q1361}} — known for pearl and diamond trading, and for the classic Indian rice dish biryani, now with major manufacturing and financial institutions *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Jaipur]]|wikidata=Q66485}} — the Pink City, a major exhibit of the Hindu Rajput culture of medieval Northern India *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Kolkata]]|wikidata=Q1348}} (''Calcutta'') — the cultural capital of India, known as the City of Joy, and home to numerous colonial buildings *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Mumbai]]|wikidata=Q1156}} (''Bombay'') — the largest city and the financial capital of India, the city that never sleeps, home of "Bollywood", the Hindi film industry *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Shimla]]|wikidata=Q83786}} — capital of Himachal Pradesh, perched high on the Himalayas, more than 2 km above sea level *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Varanasi]]|wikidata=Q79980}} (''Banaras'') — considered the most sacred Hindu city, on the banks of the Ganges, one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world <!--Cities and Other destinations lists are limited to 9 items. Please first discuss proposed changes on this page's talk page.--> ==Other destinations== <!--Cities and Other destinations lists are limited to 9 items. Please first discuss proposed changes on this page's talk page.--> India has many outstanding landmarks and areas of outstanding beauty. Here are some of the most notable. *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Bodh Gaya]]|wikidata=Q176767}} — the main temple complex, which includes the Mahabodhi temple, is the place where the Buddha Sakyamuni attained enlightenment *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Ellora]]|wikidata=Q189616}} and {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Ajanta]]|wikidata=Q184427}} — spectacular rock-cut cave monasteries and temples, holy place for the Buddhists, Jains and Hindus *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Amritsar#Golden Temple|Golden Temple]]|wikidata=Q180422}} — Sikh holy site in [[Amritsar]] *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Hampi]]|wikidata=Q26732}} — the awesome ruins of the empire of Vijayanagara *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Khajuraho]]|wikidata=Q178948}} — temple complexes famed for their erotic sculptures *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Konark]]|wikidata=Q749189}} — Sun Temple, a unique example of Kalingan architecture, which is a [[UNESCO World Heritage]] site *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Madurai#Meenakshi Amman Temple|Meenakshi Temple]]|wikidata=Q1424358}} — a spectacular Hindu temple in [[Madurai]] *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Agra#Taj Mahal|Taj Mahal]]|wikidata=Q9141}} — the incomparable marble tomb in [[Agra]], one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World <!--Cities and Other destinations lists are limited to 9 items. Please first discuss proposed changes on this page's talk page.--> See also: * {{marker|name=[[Forts and palaces of India]]|wikidata=}} * {{marker|name=[[Indian national parks and wildlife sanctuaries]]|wikidata=Q1125269}} * {{marker|name=[[Indian zoos and botanical gardens]]|wikidata=Q20892053}} * {{marker|name=[[Natural wonders of India]]|wikidata=Q28913858}} * {{marker|name=[[Sacred sites of the Indian subcontinent]]|wikidata=Q1372264}} * {{marker|name=[[Hill stations in India]]|wikidata=Q1372264}} * {{marker|name=[[UNESCO World Heritage List (India)]]|wikidata=}} ==Understand== {{quickbar|location=LocationIndia.png|capital=New Delhi}} One thing that foreign visitors need to know is that India is, in many ways, heterogeneous. If they experience one set of behaviours from the locals in one part of the country, it does not mean that the same behaviour is common in another area. To give a very simple example, a taxi driver in [[Mumbai]] will without saying a word drop their meter flag and return the exact change, while in [[Delhi]] you have to tell the driver to use the meter and hope you get your change, and in other areas taxi drivers don't even have meters and have fixed the rates for even short distances, and you just pay the amount demanded; if you do get an honest driver, consider yourself lucky. India shows extreme variation in most things, and one needs patience and luck to find the best. Never assume you know everything about any aspect of India; be prepared to see completely new things every day. Indian civilisation has been hugely influential throughout history, and many of the cultures of [[Southeast Asia]] exhibit strong Indian influences. Some Indian influences have also seeped into the cultures of [[East Asia]] through the spread of Buddhism. ===History=== {{see also|South Asian history}} [[File:Varanasikedarghat.JPG|thumb|240px|Hindu pilgrims bathing in the Ganges at [[Varanasi]]]] Humans are thought to have first migrated into the [[Indian subcontinent]] around 70,000 BCE, and there are some [[archaeological sites]] for Stone Age India. One important one is at [[Mehrgarh]] (Pakistan), with the oldest known evidence of agriculture in the subcontinent, around 7000 BCE. The '''[[Indus Valley Civilisation]]''' (3300-1300&nbsp;BCE) was one of the world's first Bronze Age civilisations and very advanced for its time. At its peak (2600-1900&nbsp;BCE), it covered most of what is now [[Pakistan]], plus some of northern India and eastern [[Afghanistan]]. The two biggest archaeological sites, both in Pakistan, are [[Mohenjo-daro]] and [[Harappa]]. Some time after 2000 BCE, the '''Aryans''', herdsmen from somewhere to the northwest, migrated into the region. At about the same time, related groups invaded [[Greece]] (Hellenic Greeks displacing Minoans), Anatolia or [[Turkey]] (the Hittites), [[Persia]] and other areas. It is believed that all these tribes spoke related languages and many modern languages, including most of those spoken in northern India, Europe and some in Central Asia, are descended from them. Linguists classify them all in the Indo-European language family. The '''Vedic Period''' is dated to roughly 1500-500 BCE. This was the period when the '''Vedas''', the oldest and holiest books of '''[[Hinduism]]''', were compiled. They were in an Indo-Aryan language, Vedic Sanskrit. Although few details and archaeological findings are available for this period, many rituals of Hinduism took shape during that period. The Vedic civilisation influences India to this day through the dharmic religions. Present-day Hinduism traces its roots to the Vedas, but is also heavily influenced by literature that came afterwards, ranging from the '''Upanishads''' and '''Puranas''' to the great epics — '''Ramayana''' and '''Mahabharata'''. By tradition, these texts are claimed to only expand and distil the knowledge that is already present in the Vedas. A section of the Mahabharata called the '''Bhagavad Gita''' is among the most widely read works. The Gita is said to be a concise summary of the four Vedas of Hinduism.  Kaal (Kshar Brahm) is said to have described the knowledge of the Gita in 700 verses of 18 chapters after entering Krishna's body. It is a dialogue, just before a great battle at [[Kurukshetra]] between the hero Arjuna and the God Krishna, who serves as his charioteer. Today, Kurukshetra is a destination for both pilgrimage and tourism. In the 1st millennium BCE, various schools of philosophical thought developed, enriching Hinduism greatly. Most of them claimed to derive from the Vedas. However, some of these schools, two of which were '''[[Buddhism]]''' and '''[[Jainism]]''', questioned the authority of the Vedas, and they are now recognised as separate religions. Many great empires arose between 500 BCE and 590 CE. Notable among them were the '''[[Maurya Empire|Mauryas]]''' and the '''Guptas''', both with their capital in the city of Pataliputra, now called [[Patna]]. The Gupta Empire (3rd century CE to 590 CE) is often called the '''Golden Age of India'''. Further west, the Gandharan civilisation (an independent kingdom, later part of the Maurya Empire) ruled much of what are now [[Pakistan]] and [[Afghanistan]]. Their city [[Taxila]] was a great centre of Buddhist and other learning. Over time, there was a gradual decline of Buddhism and Jainism. The practice of Buddhism, in particular, disappeared from India's heartland, though Buddha himself was incorporated into the Hindu pantheon. Jainism continues to be practised by a significant minority who are ambivalent about whether they consider themselves Hindus or not. Hinduism itself went through major changes. Vedic deities such as Indra and Agni became less important while Puranic deities such as Vishnu, Shiva, their various Avatars and family members gained prominence. [[File:Jama Masjid, Delhi, morning view.jpg|thumb|Jama Masjid, [[Delhi]]]] [[Islam]]ic incursions started in the 8th century. Gradually, the raiders started staying as rulers, and soon much of North India was ruled by Muslims. The most important Muslim rulers were the [[Mughal Empire]] that at its peak covered almost the entire subcontinent (save the southern and northeastern extremities), while the major Hindu force that survived in the North were the '''Rajputs'''. The bravery of the Rajputs in resisting an invasion of their land is legendary and celebrated in ballads all over the forts of [[Rajasthan]]. Prominent among the Rajputs was '''Maha Rana Pratap''', the ruler of [[Chittorgarh]], who spent years in exile fighting '''Akbar''', the third of the Mughals. Eventually, however, the Rajputs were subdued. Some Mughal armies had a high proportion of Rajput officers, although some Rajput rebellions still occurred during the reign of Jahangir, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb. This period of North India produced the monumental gems of Rajasthan and the Taj Mahal. Hindi and Urdu also took root in medieval North India. During the Islamic period, there were Hindus who converted to Islam, often forcibly, or to avoid the Jizya tax, as told by Muslim chroniclers. Today, around 15% of India's population follows Islam. '''[[Sikhism]]''', another major religion, was established in [[Punjab]] during the Mughal period. Relations between Sikhism and the Mughals varied over time. The '''Golden Temple''' at [[Amritsar]] was built and recognised all over the world as Sikhism's foremost pilgrimage centre. By the time of its tenth Guru however, '''Guru Gobind Singh''', relations were hostile, primarily due to the antagonism of '''Aurangzeb''', the most intolerant, brutal and bigoted of the Mughals. Conflict between the Sikhs and the Mughals was one of the causes for the eventual decline of the Mughal Empire. Another reason was the rise of the '''Maratha Empire''' in [[Maharashtra]], which was started by '''Shivaji''' and carried on by the '''Peshwas'''. The Marathas established a short-lived confederacy that was almost as large as the Mughal Empire. Marathas lost their command over India after the third battle of Panipat, which in turn paved the way for British colonialism. [[File:ShoreTemple Approach2.JPG|thumb|Shore Temple (c. 700 CE), [[Mamallapuram]]]] South India followed a different trajectory, being less affected by Islamic rule. The period from 500 to 1600 CE is called the classical period and was dominated by great South Indian kingdoms. The most prominent empires included the '''Chalukyas''', '''Rashtrakutas''' and '''Vijayanagara''' who ruled from present day Karnataka and the '''Pallavas''', '''Cheras''', '''Pandyas''' and '''Cholas''' who ruled from present day Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Among them, the Cholas, who ruled from various capital cities including [[Thanjavur]] and [[Gangaikonda Cholapuram]], are widely recognised to be the most powerful of the South Indian kingdoms, with their territory stretching as far north as Pataliputra and their influence spreading as far east as Sumatra, western Borneo and southern Vietnam at the height of their power. Some of the grandest Hindu and Jain monuments that exist in India were built during this time in South and East India. Northeast India was also fairly isolated from the rest of the country until the colonial period. The largest and longest kingdom to rule over the Northeast were the '''Ningthouja dynasty (33–1891 AD)''' of [[Manipur]], followed by the '''[[Ahom Kingdom|Ahoms]]''' who, from the 13th to 19th centuries, successfully defended [[Assam]] and neighbouring regions from Mughal expansion. European traders started visiting India beginning in the late 16th century. Prominent among these were the British, Dutch, French and Portuguese. The British East India Company made [[Calcutta]] their headquarters in 1772. They also established subsidiary cities like [[Bombay]] and [[Madras]]. Calcutta later went on to become 'the second city of the empire after [[London]]'. By the 19th century, the British had, one way or the other, assumed political control of virtually all of India, though the Portuguese, the Dutch and the French too had their enclaves along the coast. The British would send Indian labourers, policemen and soldiers all over the Empire, resulting in the establishment of Indian diaspora communities, the most notable ones in [[Myanmar]], [[Malaysia]], [[Singapore]], [[Hong Kong]], [[Fiji]], [[South Africa]], [[Mauritius]], [[Kenya]], [[Guyana]], [[Trinidad and Tobago]] and the [[United Kingdom]] itself. There was an uprising by Indian rulers in 1857, which was suppressed, but which prompted the British government to take over from the Company and make India a part of the empire. This period of rule by the crown, 1858–1947, was called the [[British Raj]]. It was a period in which some Indians converted to Christianity, though forcible conversions ended in British India after 1859, and Queen Victoria's proclamation promised to respect the religious faiths of Indians. [[Indian independence movement|Non-violent resistance to British colonialism]] led by '''Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi''' led to independence on 15 August 1947. However, independence was simultaneously granted to the secular Hindu-majority state of India and the smaller Muslim-majority state of [[Pakistan]], and the orgy of Hindu-Muslim bloodletting that followed '''Partition''' led to the deaths of at least half a million and the migration of 12–14 million people. India achieved self-sufficiency in food grains by the 1970s, ensuring that the large-scale famines that had been common are now history. However, these policies also led to shortages, slow growth and large-scale corruption. After a balance-of-payments crisis in 1991, the country adopted free-market reforms, which have continued at a steady pace ever since, fueling strong growth. The IT, Business Process Outsourcing and other industries have been the drivers for the growth, while manufacturing and agriculture, which have not experienced reforms, are lagging. About 60% of Indians live on agriculture and around 36% remain in poverty. Relations with Pakistan have been frosty. The two countries have fought four wars, three of them over the status of [[Kashmir]]. The third war between the two countries in 1971 resulted in East Pakistan becoming Bangladesh. India continues to experience occasional terrorist attacks, many of which are widely believed to originate in Pakistan and be ordered or assisted by its military-intelligence complex. China and India went to war in 1962 over a Himalayan border dispute. Current relations are largely peaceful but tense. There are no land crossings allowed between the two countries, though one border crossing between [[Sikkim]] and [[Tibet]] was re-opened in 2006 for trade. Security concerns over Pakistan and China prompted India to test '''nuclear weapons''' twice (including the 1974 tests described as "peaceful explosions"). India wants to be accepted as a legitimate nuclear power and is campaigning for a permanent Security Council seat. India is proud of its democratic record. Constitutional government and democratic freedoms have been safeguarded for most of its time as an independent country. Current concerns in India include corruption, poverty, overpopulation, pollution and forms of environmental degradation, ongoing border disputes with Pakistan and China, cross-border terrorism, and ethnic, political and religious strife, which occurs from time to time. India's current obsession, at least among the educated elite, is over whether India will be able to overtake China in economic growth and be an economic and military superpower. Today, many Indians regard their country to be the voice and leader of the entire Global South in international politics. ===Politics=== [[File:Back view of Rashtrapati Bhavan.jpg|thumb|The Rashtrapati Bhavan (literally the "President House") in New Delhi]] India is a parliamentary republic and democracy modelled on the British Westminster system. The president, indirectly elected, is the head of state, but this position, while not entirely ceremonial, has limited powers. The prime minister runs the government with a cabinet of ministers, and in practice wields the most authority in government. The parliament is bicameral. The Lok Sabha (House of the People), the lower house, is directly elected by universal adult franchise, while the Rajya Sabha (Council of States), or the upper house, is indirectly elected. The Lok Sabha is the more powerful of the two, primarily because a majority in the Lok Sabha is required to form a government and pass budgets, and the prime minister, by convention, is always a member of the Lok Sabha. India is also a federation, divided into states and union territories. Each of these has its own legislature, with a government run by a chief minister and a cabinet. Each state or union territory is divided into multiple districts, which are in turn divided into multiple smaller divisions, depending on the state or union territory in question. There are two types of local government in India: the '''urban local bodies''' (ULBs) for cities and towns, and the '''panchayati raj''' (literally the "rule of five officials") for the remaining countryside. The urban local bodies include municipalities, municipal corporations, cantonments, nagar/town panchayats, notified area councils etc. The panchayati raj is divided into three levels or tiers: '''gram panchayats''' for individual villages, '''panchayat samitis''' for groups of villages, and '''zila panchayats''' (or zila parishads) for districts. India has a vast number of political parties. The Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) forms the government, and the centre-left Indian National Congress (INC, simply known as "Congress") is the main opposition party. India has a strong and independent judiciary and a free press. Street demonstrations, protests and agitations occur, as they do in any democracy. There are also occasional low levels of political violence, in which a visitor has an extremely small chance of getting caught. ===Time zone=== Indian Standard Time (IST) is 5 hours and 30 minutes ahead of Co-ordinated Universal Time (UTC+5.5). Daylight Saving Time is not observed in India. ===Geography=== [[File:Loktak Lake Boat people Moirang Manipur India.jpg|thumb|[[Loktak lake]], the world's only floating lake.]] India covers an area of {{convert|3,287,263|km2|sqmi|0}}, making it the world's seventh-largest country, the third-largest country in [[Asia]] (if you count [[Russia]]), and the largest country in [[South Asia]]. India is three times smaller than the [[United States]], half the size of [[Australia]], and nearly 11,000 times larger than Asia's smallest country, the [[Maldives]]. Mountains, jungles, deserts and beaches, India has it all. It is bounded to the north and northeast by the '''snow-capped Himalayas''', the tallest mountain range in the world. In addition to protecting the country from invaders, they also feed the perennial rivers '''Ganga''' (Ganges), '''Yamuna''' (Jamuna) and '''Sindhu''' (Indus) on whose plains India's civilization flourished. Though most of the Sindhu is in Pakistan now, three of its tributaries flow through [[Punjab (India)|Punjab]]. The Ganga has two distributaries, of which the '''Bhagirathi-Hooghly''' runs over India and is the lifeline of [[West Bengal]]. Both distributaries eventually meet at the Bay of Bengal, forming both the largest river delta and the largest mangrove forest in the world. The other Himalayan river, the '''Brahmaputra''', flows through the northeast, mostly through [[Assam]], where it is known by different names. The '''Manipur River''', originating in [[Manipur]], joins the Chindwin-Irrawaddy River System of Myanmar. South of Punjab lies the '''Aravalli''' range, which cuts [[Rajasthan]] into two. The western half of Rajasthan is occupied by the '''Thar''' desert. The '''Vindhyas''' cut across Central India, particularly through [[Madhya Pradesh]] and signify the start of the '''Deccan''' plateau, which covers almost the whole of the southern peninsula. The Deccan plateau is bounded by the '''Western Ghats''' range (which is called '''Sahyadri''' in Maharashtra) to the west and the '''Eastern Ghats''' to the east. The plateau is more arid than the plains, as the rivers that feed the area, such as the '''Narmada''', '''Godavari''' and the '''Kaveri''', run dry during the summer. Towards the northeast of the Deccan plateau is what used to be a thickly forested area that covers the states of [[Chhattisgarh]], [[Jharkhand]], the eastern edge of [[Maharashtra]] and the northern tip of [[Andhra Pradesh]]. This area is still forested, poverty stricken and populated by tribal people. This forest acted as a barrier to the invasion of South India. The '''world's only floating lake''' is [[Loktak Lake]] in the central bowl like plain of [[Manipur]]. It is remarkably known for its unique circular floating biomasses ([[Manipuri phrasebook|Manipuri]]: Phumdi). India has a long '''coastline'''. The west coast borders the '''Arabian Sea''' and the east coast the '''Bay of Bengal''', both parts of the Indian Ocean. ===Climate=== [[File:A beach side resort at Kadmat Island, Lakshadweep.jpg|thumb|Lakshadweep Islands]] [[File:Jammu and Kashmir 3.JPG|thumb|Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir]] In India, it rains only during a specific time of the year. The season as well as the phenomenon that causes it is called the '''monsoon'''. There are two of them, the '''Southwest''' and the '''Northeast''', both named after the directions the winds come from. The Southwest monsoon is the more important one, as it causes rains over most parts of the country, and is the crucial variable that decides how the crops will do. It lasts from June to September. The Southwest monsoon hits the west coast the most, as crossing the Western Ghats and reaching the rest of India is an uphill task for the winds. The western coastline is therefore much '''greener''' than the interior. The Northeast monsoon hits the east coast between October and February, mostly in the form of occasional '''cyclones''' that cause much devastation every year. The only region that gets rains from both monsoons is North-Eastern India, which consequently experiences the '''highest rainfall in the world'''. India experiences at least three seasons a year, '''Summer''', '''Rainy Season''' (or "Monsoon") and '''Winter''', though in the '''tropical South''' calling the 25°C (77°F) weather "Winter" would be stretching the concept. The North experiences some extremes of heat in Summer and cold in Winter, but except in the Himalayan regions, snow is almost unheard of. November to January is the winter season and April and May are the hot months when everyone eagerly awaits the rains. There is also a brief spring in February and March, especially in North India. Opinions are divided on whether any part of India experiences an '''Autumn''', but the ancients had certainly identified such a season among the '''six seasons''' (or ''ritus'' - ''Vasanta'' - Spring, ''Greeshma'' - Summer, ''Varsha'' - Rainy, ''Sharat'' - Autumn, ''Hemanta'' - "Mild Winter"/"late autumn", ''Sheet'' - Winter) they had divided the year into. ===Culture=== {{infobox|Culture shock|Many visitors expecting maharajas and fabulous palaces are shocked when their first impressions are dominated by poverty instead. Prepare for the following: * '''Attention''' – Some people will unabashedly stare at foreign tourists, who can also be magnets for persistent touts and beggars. People may shove their mobile phone in your face and take pictures; just turn your head. Beggars, especially malnourished children and the badly deformed, can be particularly disturbing. * '''Crowds''' – Many of India's streets, markets and bazaars are jam-packed with people, vehicles and at certain times, animals, and streets tend to be narrow. If you ever travel the cheapest class in buses or trains, these will also get packed a lot, which might be exhausting. * '''Dogs''' – [[Aggressive dogs|Stray dogs]] can be found everywhere in India. Their behaviour can be anything from lying around not caring about people or aggressively barking at them. Sometimes they roam the streets in packs. Either way, it is best to stay away from them, even if they seem friendly. There are no countrywide rabies vaccination programs for dogs in India and you never know their health status. * '''Filth''' – Dirt, refuse and insects abound in the cities. The roadside can sometimes be a urinal. Roads are also often dusty because the asphalt is missing in some parts, so if travelling by bus, be quick in closing the window if it is the right time. * '''Noise''' – Drivers lean on horns, radios and TVs blare Bollywood tracks, and even temples, mosques and churches use loudspeakers to spread their message. The function of using the horn while driving is to make yourself noticed to the other drivers or to pedestrians — Indians will often enter the road without looking right or left, they will just expect someone to sound the horn if there is danger. * '''Pollution''' – Most North Indian cities—especially New Delhi—suffer badly. Exhaust combined with dust can make the drier seasons a nightmare for asthma sufferers. Most visitors quickly get inured to these things that are pitfalls of urbanisation and start seeing the good sides too, but take it easy on your first few days and schedule some time to get away from it all.}} India's rich and multi-layered cultures are dominated by religious and spiritual themes. While it is a mistake to assume that there is a single unified Indian culture, there are certainly unifying themes that link the various cultures. India's cultural heritage is expressed through its myriad of languages in which much great literature and poetry has been written. It can be seen in its music, both in its classical (Carnatic and Hindustani) forms and in modern Bollywood music. India also has a vast tradition of classical and folk dances. Art and theatre flourish amongst the bustling cities of the country, against the backdrop of the ever-expanding western influences. Indians greatly value their family system. Typically, an Indian family encompasses what would be called the extended family in the West. It is routine for Indians to live as part of the paternal family unit throughout their lives, i.e. sons live together with their parents all their lives, and daughters live with their parents till they get married. The relationship is mutually self-supporting. Parents may support their children for longer than is common in the West, brothers and sisters may support each other, and sons are expected to take care of their parents in their old age. "Living with parents" does not carry the same stigma as it does in parts of the West. Naturally, the arrangements are not perfect and there are strains and breakups, especially by the time the third generation grows up. Also, it has now become common for children to move away from the parental house for education and employment. Nonetheless, it is fair to say that the extended family is still seen as the norm and an ideal to aspire to, and Indians continue to care about their family's honour, achievements and failures even while they are not living together. Despite the weakening of the caste system (which has officially been outlawed by the Indian government), India remains a fairly stratified society. Indians care more about a person's background and position in society than is the norm in the individualist West. This attitude, when combined with the legacy of colonial rule, results in some rather interesting, if unfortunate consequences. People with white skin are placed high on the societal totem pole, and they may find that Indians are obsequious towards them to the point of embarrassment. People with dark skin, however, may find that they are discriminated against. If it is any consolation, Indians display similar prejudices based on skin colour and ethnicity among themselves and not just towards foreigners. See more in the [[#Stay Safe]] and [[#Respect]] sections. There is also a community known as the Siddis, who are believed to be descended from East African slaves brought to India by the Arab Slave Trade, and mainly found in remote rural villages. Although they speak Indian instead of African languages these days, they still retain many African customs including African dance and music. Although they are Indian citizens, due to a lack of awareness from the general Indian population of their existence, they continue to face much discrimination, and are often presumed to be illegal immigrants from Africa. British colonisation also gave rise to a mixed-raced population known as the Anglo-Indians, and while most of them migrated to Western countries following independence, pockets of these communities remain in India's major cities. ===Holidays and festivals=== There are three national holidays: '''Republic Day''' (26 January), '''Independence Day''' (15 August), and '''Gandhi's Birthday,''' generally called '''Gandhi Jayanti''' (2 October) which follow the Western calendar and occur on the same day every year. Hindu religious festivals, because they follow the lunisolar calendar, occur on different days every year, but around the same time of the year every time. The major religious festivals of Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism and Zoroastrianism are also celebrated. Central government offices are closed for holidays around 17 days a year for these festivals and observances. The significance of these festivals differs across different regions of India. State government offices will have a different holiday schedule based on which festivals are important in that state. Generally, the day on which the state was formed will also be a holiday in that state. Some of the major Indian festivals are: [[File:Diwali Lighting Mini Lamps 2011.jpg|thumb|250px|Diwali lighting]] *'''Diwali''' (Deepavali), Oct-Nov — The festival of lights, celebrates the return of the Hindu God Rama to the capital of his kingdom, [[Ayodhya]] after an exile of 14 years and victory of justice over injustice when Narakasura was killed by Satyabhama with the help of Krishna. Probably the most lavish festival in the country, reminiscent of Christmas in Europe or Thanksgiving in the US. Houses are decorated, there is glitter everywhere, and if you wander the streets on Diwali night, there will be firecrackers going off everywhere including sometimes under your feet. *'''Ugadhi,''' [sometimes also called 'Yugadhi' and various other names] is one of the main festivals, which is mainly celebrated as the 1st day of the Hindu Calendar New Year. Which is one of the main festivals and is quite widely followed in South India. [[File:Durga Puja DS.jpg|thumb|right|250px|[[Durga Puja]]]] *'''[[Durga Puja|Durga Puja / Navaratri / Dussehara]]''', Sep-Oct — A nine-day festival culminating in the holy day of Dussehra, when locals worship the deity Durga. Workers are given sweets, cash bonuses, gifts and new clothes. It is also a new year for businesspeople when they are supposed to start new account books. In some places like [[West Bengal]] and [[Odisha]], Durga Puja is ''the'' most important festival. In the north ''Dussehra'' celebrations take place and the slaying of Ravana by Lord Rama is ceremonially reenacted as ''Ram Lila''. In [[Gujarat]] and [[South India]], it is celebrated as Navaratri where the festival is celebrated by dancing to devotional songs and religious observances like fasts extended for nine nights. *'''Holi''', in March — The festival of colour is a major festival celebrated mainly in North, East and Western India. On the first day, people go to temples and light bonfires, but on the second, it's a water fight combined with '''showers of coloured powder'''. This is not a spectator sport: as a visible foreigner, you're a magnet for attention, so you'll either have to barricade yourself inside, or put on your most disposable clothes and join the fray. Alcohol and ''bhang'' (cannabis) are often involved and crowds can get rowdy as the evening wears on. [[File:DagduHalwai2013.jpg|thumb|right|Dagdusheth Halwai Ganesha Idol during Ganesh Chaturthi 2013]] *'''Ganesh Chaturthi''', is celebrated all over India. Ganesh Chaturthi is the festival of Lord Ganesha. Ganesh Chaturthi is most enjoyed in [[Maharashtra]]. It is the best time to visit cities like [[Mumbai]], [[Pune]], [[Nagpur]]. * '''Christmas''' and '''New Year's Day''' are public holidays across the country and Bank Holidays as well. Christmas is a major festival in the regions of Kerala and Goa. * '''Eid-al-Fitr''', '''Eid-al-Adha''', '''Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi''', '''Yawm-e-Aashoora''' and '''Ramadan''' are widely celebrated and observed as public holidays across the country. Apart from these, each state has its major national festival like '''Onam''' in [[Kerala]], '''Makar Sankranti''' and '''Ugadi''' in Andhra Pradesh, ''Utarayan'' in Gujarat, '''Pongal''' in [[Tamil Nadu]], '''Baisakhi''' for Punjab, Bihu for Assam, ''Rathayatra'' (car festival for Lord Jagannath) in Odisha, ''Nuakhai'' for Western Odisha. India is a diverse nation, and festivals are a significant part of life for the locals, they provide holidays for about a week. Religious holidays occur on different days each year because the Hindu and Islamic festivals are based on their respective calendars and not on the Gregorian calendar. Most of them are celebrated only locally, so check the state or city you are visiting for information on whether there will be closures. Different regions might give somewhat different names to the same festival. To cater to varying religious practices, offices have a list of '''optional holidays''' (called '''restricted holidays''' by the government) from which employees are allowed to pick two, in addition to the list of fixed holidays. This may mean thin attendance and delayed service even when the office is officially open. ===Read=== {{infobox|Kashmir dispute|India and Pakistan have a bitter dispute over Kashmir; each government claims territory that is under the control of the other. They have fought wars over this three times since independence in 1947. China also claims portions of Kashmir and fought two wars with India over the dispute in 1962 and 1967. Wikivoyage, however, deals ''only'' with the current situation on the ground; our maps show and our text describes that without taking sides on the disputes. If you can go there with a Pakistani visa today then we treat it as being in Pakistan, and if you need an Indian visa, we treat it as being in India. This is the most important distinction for travellers. Visitors should exercise considerable caution in these areas. Both governments consider them highly sensitive, keep large military forces along the border, and restrict travel to border areas.}} *''An Era of Darkness'' by Shashi Tharoor. Thought provoking account of how the British Raj impoverished the country and caused humanitarian crises. *''Midnight's Children'', Salman Rushdie's allegory about Independence. It was awarded the "Booker of Bookers" Prize and the best all-time prize winners to celebrate the Booker Prize 25th and 40th anniversary. It was also adapted into a film by Indo-Canadian film director Deepa Mehta (2012). *''The India they saw : foreign accounts'', by Meenakshi Jain (2011). A compilation of intriguing travel tales and excerpts from travelogues by travellers, writers, pilgrims and missionaries. *''A Goddess in the Stones: Travels in India'' by Norman Lewis (Cape 1991; US: Holt 1992), In "Goddess in the Stones", influential journalist and author Norman Lewis undertakes a journey of 2500 miles in search of the old India. *''India: A History'', John Keay; "A superb one-volume history of a land that defies reduction into simple narrative ... Without peer among general studies, a history that is intelligent, incisive, and eminently readable." ({{ISBN|0802137970}}) *''India: A Million Mutinies Now'', V.S. Naipaul; "With this book he may well have written his own enduring monument, in prose at once stirring and intensely personal, distinguished both by style and critical acumen" ({{ISBN|0670837024}}) *''In Spite of the Gods'', Edward Luce; an exceptionally insightful and readable book on the unlikely rise of modern India. ({{ISBN|0316729817}}) *''No Full Stops In India'', Mark Tully; "India's Westernised elite, cut off from local traditions, want to write a full stop in a land where there are no full stops. From that striking insight, Mark Tully has woven a superb series of stories that explore everything from communal conflict in Ahmedabad to communism in Kolkata, from the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad (probably the biggest religious festival in the world) to the televising of a Hindu epic." ({{ISBN|0140104801}}) *''Mother Pious Lady'', Santosh Desai; An excellent account of middle-class beliefs and customs from the pre-liberalisation era till date. For anyone who wants to understand the culture of present India, this is a must-read where the author cuts through the chaos and confusion letting you see things more clearly. ({{ISBN|9788172238643}}) *''Indian journals, March 1962-May 1963: Notebooks, diary, blank pages, writings.'' Ginsberg, A. (1970). San Francisco: Dave Haselwood Books. Travel diary written by the famous beat poet Allen Ginsberg. *''Lion: A Long Way Home'', a book by Saroo Brierley. *''Spiritual India handbook: A guide to temples, holy sites festivals and traditions'' by Stephen Knapp (2013). Useful for the pilgrim who wants to get the most out of his or her spiritual adventure and experience in India. See also the Wikivoyage article [[On the trail of Kipling's Kim]]. ===Tourist information === * [https://www.incredibleindia.org Incredible India] tourism website ==Talk== [[File:Trilingual signboard in the Imphal International Airport (Tulihal International Airport) displaying in Meitei, Hindi and English languages.jpg|thumb|A trilingual sign in Meitei, Hindi, and English in [[Manipur]]]] At the federal level, the official languages of India are '''[[Hindi phrasebook|Hindi]]''' and '''[[English language varieties|English]].''' Most Indians are multilingual, with many being proficient in more than one language. Other languages that are official to some degree (often at state level) are '''[[Assamese phrasebook|Assamese]]''', '''[[Bengali phrasebook|Bengali]]''', '''[[Bodo phrasebook|Bodo]]''', '''[[Dogri phrasebook|Dogri]]''', '''[[Gujarati phrasebook|Gujarati]]''', '''[[Kannada phrasebook|Kannada]]''', '''[[Kashmiri phrasebook|Kashmiri]]''', '''[[Konkani phrasebook|Konkani]]''', '''[[Maithili phrasebook|Maithili]]''', '''[[Malayalam phrasebook|Malayalam]]''', '''[[Manipuri phrasebook|Manipuri]]''' (also known as Meitei), '''[[Marathi phrasebook|Marathi]]''', '''[[Nepali phrasebook|Nepali]]''', '''[[Odia phrasebook|Odia]]''' (also known as Oriya), '''[[Punjabi phrasebook|Punjabi]]''', '''[[Sanskrit phrasebook|Sanskrit]]''', '''[[Santhali phrasebook|Santhali]]''', '''[[Sindhi phrasebook|Sindhi]]''', '''[[Tamil phrasebook|Tamil]]''', '''[[Telugu phrasebook|Telugu]]''' and '''[[Urdu phrasebook|Urdu]].''' There are also hundreds of less prominent languages like [[Tulu phrasebook|'''Tulu''']], [[Bhojpuri phrasebook|'''Bhojpuri''']] and [[Ladakhi phrasebook|'''Ladakhi''']]. '''Hindi''' is spoken by 40–50% of the population and serves as the "lingua franca" of [[Northern India]]. However, its use at the national level is sometimes a point of contention due to India's linguistic diversity. Very little Hindi is generally spoken in [[Southern India|Southern]] and [[North-Eastern India|North-Eastern]] India. There are also over 120 Hindi dialects in India. One of them is Haryanvi, which is a common dialect around Haryana and the Delhi area. '''English''' is spoken in urban areas, and is the main language in higher education and business. It serves as the de facto lingua franca of the country. Indian English is generally based on British English, but has also acquired a uniquely Indian flavour. Perhaps the most common jibe about the dialect is its use of "improper" grammar, which can sound strange to English speakers from other countries. Indian English is often spoken with a strong accent, which varies depending on the speaker's native language, and incorporates several words from the local languages that are not used in other English dialects, which can make it tricky for non-native English speakers from elsewhere to understand. Learning the basics of Hindi and/or the local language is useful when travelling to rural areas, as English proficiency is limited there. Some features of Indian English: * The most commonly used tag question is ''"isn't it"'', which can be used to indicate a genuine question (e.g. ''He is from Tamil Nadu, isn't it?''), sarcasm, bewilderment, and so on. * Nouns are commonly pluralised (e.g. ''A room full of furnitures'', ''stuffs for eating'' as opposed to ''A room full of furniture'' or ''stuff for eating'') * Verbs conjugate differently (e.g. ''I knowed about it'' or ''I buyed it'' as opposed to ''I knew about it'' or ''I bought it'') * Colloquialisms, slang words and idioms, some of which may be perceived as rude or impolite by non-Indians, are common (e.g. ''Hello, what you want?'' as opposed to ''Hello, what do you want?'') * Prepositions and articles are often dropped or combined strangely (e.g. ''I want computer'' as opposed to ''I want a computer'') * The use of some vocabulary and expressions not used with the same meaning elsewhere (e.g. ''vote bank'', which means a group of people that supports a particular political party) English-language TV shows and movies are common, and the number of English TV channels outnumber the number of Indian-language TV channels. Some shows may be dubbed in another language depending on where you are. Cable TV channels often have an option to select from multiple audio languages. '''Sanskrit''' is the language in which much of ancient Indian literature and religious texts are written. Today Sanskrit survives primarily as a liturgical language; few if any people speak Sanskrit as a native language, but quite a few scholars or lay-persons know it or are learning it. Many modern Indian languages are descended from Sanskrit, and even those unrelated to Sanskrit have been strongly influenced by it. While most north Indian languages, including Hindi, are descended from Sanskrit, the main languages of the south – [[Telugu phrasebook|Telugu]], [[Tamil phrasebook|Tamil]], [[Kannada phrasebook|Kannada]] and [[Malayalam phrasebook|Malayalam]] – originate from a different ancestral language and are called the Dravidian languages. Ironically, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam are far more Sanskritic than Hindi due to the relative absence of Islamic rule in those regions. In North Eastern India, [[Manipuri phrasebook|Manipuri]] or Meitei is a language of the Sino-Tibetan family, related to Chinese, Burmese and Tibetan, making it distinct from other Indian languages. However, you are better off picking up as many words as you can of the local language of the place you are going to – people are proud of their state's (or region's) culture and language and will appreciate it if an outsider makes an attempt to communicate in it. Code-switching between English and the local language is common among the urban youth, although most educated people would speak standard English (British) when talking to foreigners. Many Indian languages lack a word for please, just like the Scandinavian languages. Instead, verbs have many forms denoting levels of politeness and formality. As there is no such distinction in English, Indians may also seem commanding to a westerner. You may hear phrases like ''come here'' which may sound commanding to Anglophones from Western cultures, but this is not intended to be rude. '''Non-verbal communication''' is also important. Much has been made of the confusing Indian head nod for yes and no, but the only important thing to understand is that Indians have '''different nods for yes, ok and no.''' * If they are nodding their head '''up and down''', they mean '''yes''' or '''I agree''', as in a standard nod. * If they are shaking their head in a '''tilting motion''' from right to left and back, they mean '''I understand''' or '''I get what you said'''. * If they shake their head sideways (left to right to left), they mean '''no'''. * There are differences in the way these signs are used in northern and southern India. The back to forth is yes and a vigorous left-right shift is no in northern India, though the latter may be construed for yes in southern states like Tamil Nadu. Look for verbal cues that accompany these sounds (like 'aaan' for yes) in southern India to get the correct meaning. ==Get in== {{VisaRestriction|Certain states in India require permits to visit. Citizens and former citizens of [[Afghanistan]], [[Bangladesh]], [[Pakistan]], [[China]] (including [[Hong Kong]] and [[Macau]]), and [[Myanmar]] are usually not eligible for them unless they have special permission from the Home Ministry. * A Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is required to enter parts of the [[Andaman and Nicobar Islands]], and parts of [[Sikkim]]. Citizens and former citizens of Afghanistan, China and Pakistan are required to get a RAP to visit any part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. * A Protected Area Permit (PAP) is required to enter [[Arunachal Pradesh]], and parts of [[Himachal Pradesh]], [[Jammu and Kashmir]], [[Ladakh]], [[Rajasthan]], [[Sikkim]], and [[Uttarakhand]]. * An Inner Line Permit (ILP) is required to enter [[Mizoram]], [[Manipur]], [[Arunachal Pradesh]], or [[Nagaland]] if you are a citizen of India. Most foreigners can visit without the permit but must register with the local police on arrival. In addition, an ILP is required for all visitors to [[Sikkim]] regardless of citizenship, but foreigners can usually get one at the border. If you are planning to visit any of these areas, you should request the relevant permit when applying for your Indian visa, and it will be added to your visa if approved. This however is not possible with the easily obtainable ETA/e-Visa, but just with regular visas. |lastedit=permanent }} {{VisaRestriction|Chinese (including Hong Kong and Macau) citizens are not permitted to travel to India except for diplomatic purposes. Hong Kong citizens may visit India only if they have a British National (Overseas) passport; a Hong Kong SAR passport is not valid for travel to India. |lastedit=permanent }} {{VisaRestriction|All existing valid visas (except for long-term visas and diplomatic and official visas) issued by India to Pakistani nationals stand revoked with effect from 27 April 2025. Medical visas issued to Pakistani nationals will be valid only till 29 April 2025. All Pakistani nationals who are in India must leave India before the expiry of visas |lastedit=2025-05-01}} ===Entry requirements=== ====Visa==== India's once notoriously convoluted visa system has been drastically simplified with the introduction of the '''e-visa''', which is now available to citizens of 166 countries including all the usual suspects, and is covered in detail below. Notable exceptions include the following: '''Holders of an Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) document''' are permitted to stay in India indefinitely and have the same rights as any Indian citizen, enjoying the prices of Indian citizen at tourist attractions. However, they must apply for permits to visit certain areas in India, cannot buy agricultural land and cannot vote in any election. The OCI certificate is not under any circumstances a proof of Indian citizenship, and the country that you are a passport holder of is still able to offer consular assistance. Citizens of '''[[Nepal]]''' and '''[[Bhutan]]''' may enter and live in India indefinitely without a visa. Citizens of '''[[Maldives]]''' may stay up to 90 days without a visa. Citizens of '''[[Japan]], [[South Korea]], and the [[United Arab Emirates]]''' are eligible for visas on arrival and may stay for up to 60 days. Citizens (current or former) of '''[[Afghanistan]]''', '''[[North Korea]]''' and '''[[Iran]]''' require a minimum of 4 weeks waiting time for their visa. A '''business visa''' may be required if you intend to do anything work related in India (OCIs are exempt from a business visa). The ETA does permit "casual business visits" and will be easier to obtain. If you do need a business visa, then be prepared to provide a great deal of documentation about your company in your home country as well as the company you are visiting in India. This will include (but may not be limited to) an invitation letter from the company that you are visiting as well as business registration documents and possibly tax returns and other sensitive documents. It may be worth applying for a short-term visa (such as 6 months) since the criteria may be less in your case. A special 10-year visa is available to nationals of certain countries, including U.S. citizens (US$100). Regular visa applications for U.S. citizens (for travellers not eligible for ETA) begin at '''[https://services.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind/ VFS Global]''' before being submitted to a visa application centre either by FedEx or in person. It is always good to ask for a '''multiple-entry''' visa even if you are not planning to use it—they cost the same, are handed out pretty liberally and come in handy if you decide last minute to dip into one of the neighbouring countries. Regular visas can be applied for through the [https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/index.html Government of India website]. ===== Pakistani citizens ===== {{VisaRestriction|All existing valid visas (except for long-term visas and diplomatic and official visas) issued by India to Pakistani nationals stand revoked with effect from 27 April 2025. Medical visas issued to Pakistani nationals will be valid only till 29 April 2025. All Pakistani nationals who are in India must leave India before the expiry of visas |lastedit=2025-05-11}} <!--{{disclaimerbox|More information on the visa application process for Pakistani nationals can be [https://www.mha.gov.in/PDF_Other/AnnexV_01022018.pdf found here]. }}--> <!--If you are considered a Pakistani citizen – for example, being a dual citizen of Pakistan, being born in Pakistan, or having a parent who was born in Pakistan – by the Indian authorities, a visa will not be granted to you unless the Ministry of Home Affairs in [[New Delhi]] approves. The approval process is '''notoriously lengthy and highly selective'''; many endure months or even years of waiting, only to face potential disappointment. In addition, dual citizens cannot use another country's passport to apply for an Indian visa. Pakistani citizens are not granted Indian tourist visas and are not allowed to study commerce, humanities, and science courses at Indian universities. Pakistani citizens over the age of 65 are eligible for a visa on arrival, but they are ineligible for the scheme if they've been denied an Indian visa in the past. In addition, they must enter India through [[Wagah]].--> If you have renounced your Pakistani citizenship, you are eligible to apply for an Indian tourist visa, but you must submit the original copy of your certificate of renunciation when applying for your visa, and you will be limited to only a single-entry 3-month visa. ====ETA / e-Visa==== {{VisaRestriction|If you, or any of your parents or grandparents has ever been a citizen or permanent resident of Pakistan, you are not eligible for the ETA, and must apply for a visa in person at an Indian diplomatic mission.|lastedit=2020-03-12}} An ''Electronic Travel Authorization'' (ETA) aka e-Visa is the easiest way to obtain a visa for India. It can only be applied for and granted online, i.e. completion of all your details, upload of a recent photo (JPG, a good quality selfie is fine) and a passport copy (PDF, max. 300kB), as well as payment of the (non-refundable) processing fee (see below) can only be done online via the dedicated '''[https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html Government of India ETA website]'''. Most ETA can be applied for 4–120 days before arrival, just the '''30 days e-Tourist Visa''' is limited to 4–30 days before arrival. Payment can be done by credit/debit card (+2.5% bank fee) via SBIePay (State Bank of India) or Axis Bank—the latter seems more reliable, or by PayPal (+3.5% bank fee). In case of any payment failure, wait for some hours to not send the amount twice. After successful payment the ETA application process starts. It can take up to 72 hr until decision, even though in many cases it just takes 24 hr. The ETA is only available to the citizens of the countries listed under "'''Processing fees'''" below—166 different countries all together. It cannot be obtained at or used for land or rail border crossings into India—leaving by land or rail is possible though (see below). Entry and exit with a new passport is allowed if you carry along your old passport on which the original ETA was issued. '''Note''', there are also commercial websites that offer the same ETAs and e-Visas, for an additional fee of US$35–80. They promise to re-check and validate your application before submitting it, to make sure it is really granted. But this service is usually not worth the money and they don't usually give any success guarantees. The above-mentioned Government of India ETA website is straight forward enough to complete the application successfully—save your money and only go through the official website! The following types of ETA are available: * '''e-Tourist Visa''': :* 30 days – double entry, valid from the first entry :* 1 or 5 years – multiple entry, valid from the date of ETA grant, max. 90 days at once, max. 180 days per calendar year * '''e-Business Visa''' – 1 year, multiple entry, valid from the date of ETA grant, max. 180 days at once * '''e-Conference Visa''' – single entry, valid 30 days from the first entry * '''e-Medical Visa''' – triple entry, valid 60 days from the first entry * '''e-Medical Attendant Visa''' – triple entry, valid 60 days from the first entry, max. 2 attendants per patient '''Entry points''' into India on an ETA are the following 29 airports or 5 seaports only: * Airports – Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bagdogra (Siliguri), Bengaluru, Bhubaneshwar, Calicut, Chennai, Chandigarh, Cochin, Coimbatore, Delhi, Gaya, Goa, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kannur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Madurai, Mangalore, Mumbai, Nagpur, Port Blair, Pune, Tiruchirapalli (Trichy), Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), Varanasi, Visakhapatnam * Seaports – Chennai, Cochin, Goa, Mangalore, Mumbai '''Exit points''' to leave India on an ETA can be any of the latter entry ports, plus also the following ports and border crossings (aka Integrated Check Points (ICPs)): * Airports – Patna, Srinagar, Surat, Tirupati, Vijaiwada * Seaports – Alang, Bedi Bunder, Bhavnagar, Calicut, Cuddalore, Kakinada, Kandla, Kolkata, Mandvi, Nagapattinum, Nhava Sheva, Paradeep, Porbandar, Port Blair, Tuticorin, Vishakapatnam, Vizhinjam, Agati and Minicoy Island Lakshdwip UT, Vallarpadam, Mundra, Krishnapatnam, Dhubri, Pandu, Nagaon, Karimganj, Kattupalli * Land ICPs – Attari Road, Akhaura, Banbasa, Changrabandha, Dalu, Dawki, Dhalaighat, Gauriphanta, Ghojadanga, Haridaspur, Hili, Jaigaon, Jogbani, Kailashahar, Karimgang, Khowal, Lalgolaghat, Mahadipur, Mankachar, Moreh, Muhurighat, Radhikapur, Ragna, Ranigunj, Raxaul, Rupaidiha, Sabroom, Sonouli, Srimantapur, Sutarkandi, Phulbari, Kawarpuchia, Zorinpuri, Zokhawthar * Rail ICPs – Attari, Chitpur, Gede (rail and road), Haridaspur, Munabao The declared entry and exit points on the ETA application are non-binding. '''Processing fees''' (and eligibility) for [https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/images/Etourist_fee_final.pdf e-Tourist Visa] as well as [https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/images/eTV_revised_fee_final.pdf all other e-Visa] are as follows (as of 2023): {| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="margin: auto;" |+ {{nowrap|e-Tourist Visa}} ! Fee !! &nbsp;&nbsp;30&nbsp;days&nbsp;&nbsp;<br/>(Apr-Jun) !! &nbsp;&nbsp;30&nbsp;days&nbsp;&nbsp;<br/>(Jul-Mar) !! 1&nbsp;year !! 5&nbsp;years !! &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Country&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; |- | US$ || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || Argentina, Cook Islands, Fiji, Jamaica, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Micronesia, Myanmar, Nauru, Niue Island, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uruguay, Vanuatu |- | US$ || 10 || 25 || 25 || 25 || Japan, Singapore, Sri Lanka |- | US$ || 10 || 25 || 40 || 80 || Afghanistan, Albania, Andorra, Angola, Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Canada, Cayman Island, Chile, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lesotho, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Malta, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Mozambique, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger Republic, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Palestine, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uzbekistan, Vatican City (Holy See), Venezuela, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe |} {| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="margin: auto;" |+ {{nowrap|e-Business Visa}} ! Fee<br/>(US$) !! &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Country&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; |- | 0 || Angola, Argentina, Benin, Burundi, Cambodia, Comoros, Cook Islands, Djibouti, East Timor, Eritrea, Fiji, Gambia, Guinea, Jamaica, Kiribati, Laos, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Micronesia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nauru, Niger Republic, Niue Island, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Samoa, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Tanzania, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Zambia |- | 25 || Japan, Singapore, Sri Lanka |- | 80 || Afghanistan, Albania, Andorra, Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Canada, Cayman Island, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Palestine, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vatican City (Holy See), Venezuela, Vietnam, Zimbabwe |- | 100 || Russia, United Kingdom, Ukraine, United States of America |} {| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="margin: auto;" |+ {{nowrap|e-Conference Visa, e-Medical Visa, e-Medical Attendant Visa}} ! Fee<br/>(US$) !! &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Country&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; |- | 0 || Argentina, Cook Islands, Fiji, Jamaica, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Micronesia, Myanmar, Nauru, Niue Island, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uruguay, Vanuatu |- | 25 || Japan, Singapore, Sri Lanka |- | 80 || Afghanistan, Albania, Andorra, Angola, Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Canada, Cayman Island, Chile, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lesotho, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger Republic, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Palestine, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, Rwanda, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Tajikistan, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vatican City (Holy See), Venezuela, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe |- | 100 || Benin, Mozambique, United Kingdom, Russia, Ukraine, United States of America |} The ETA replaced the former limited '''visa-on-arrival''' scheme—there are no longer any visa-on-arrival facilities in India. ====Other information==== There are other categories for specialised purposes. The '''missionary visa''' is mandatory for anyone who is visiting India "primarily to take part in religious activities". This rule is meant to combat religious conversion, particularly of Hindus to Christianity. There have been cases where preachers have been deported for addressing religious congregations while on a tourist visa. You need not be worried if you are just on a religious tour of churches in India. If you are on a Student, Employment, Research or Missionary visa, you '''need to register''' within 14 days of arrival with the [https://mea.gov.in/foreigners-registration.htm '''Foreigners Regional Registration Office'''] where you will be staying. If the place you are staying at doesn't have one, you need to register at the local police station. All visitors who intend to stay '''more than 180 days''' also need to be registered. '''Overstaying''' a visa is to be avoided at all costs as you will be prevented from leaving the country until you have paid a hefty fine and presented a large amount of paperwork to either the local immigration office or police station. This process is quite likely to involve some bizarre bureaucratic requirements. In the worst case, the Indian Government can also take legal action for exceptionally long overstays including prison term for 5 years. Penalties for [https://indianfrro.gov.in/frro/Financial_Penalty.pdf overstaying] an Indian visa: * For Overstays or non-registration for up to 90 days, penalty is US$300. * For Overstays from 91 days to 2 years, penalty is US$400. * For Overstays more than 2 years, penalty is US$500. Penalties for overstay in India may differ for persons belonging to minority communities from nearby countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan: * For Overstays or non-registration for up to 90 days, penalty is ₹100 * For Overstays from 91 days to 2 years, penalty is ₹200 * For Overstays more than 2 years, penalty is ₹500 ====Customs and immigration==== Citizens of Yellow Fever affected countries or travellers arriving from any of these countries must carry a '''Yellow Fever Vaccination Card''' at the time of arrival in India, otherwise they may be quarantined for 6 days. Clearing customs can be a bit of a hassle, though it has improved vastly over the last decade. In general, avoid the touts who will offer to ease your baggage through customs. There are various rules regarding duty-free allowances — there are differing rules for Indian citizens, foreign "tourists", citizens of Nepal, Bhutan and Pakistan, non-citizens of Indian origin and people moving to India. Use the website of the [https://www.cbic.gov.in/ Central Board of Excise and Customs] for information about what you can bring in. Foreign tourists other than Nepalis, Bhutanese and Pakistanis and those entering through Nepal, Bhutan or Pakistan, are entitled to bring in their "used personal effects and travel souvenirs" and ₹4,000 worth of articles for "gifts". If you are an Indian citizen or are of Indian origin, you are entitled to ₹25,000 worth of articles (provided you aren't entering through Nepal, Bhutan or Pakistan). The other rules are on the web site. If you are bringing any new packaged items, it is a good idea to carry the invoices for them to show their value. You are also allowed to bring in 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 g of tobacco and 1L (2L for Indians) of alcohol duty-free. If you do not have anything to declare, you can go through the '''green channel''' clearly marked at various airports and generally you will not be harassed. Importing and exporting Indian rupees is '''strictly forbidden''' for foreigners, and limited to ₹25,000 for Indian citizens. Details can be found in the [https://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/notification/PDFs/CR3105F871DDFD343407BA1BC640B96AFB21A.PDF official statement of the Reserve Bank of India]. There are currency exchange counters at international airports where you are required to change all your excess Indian rupees to foreign currency before leaving. ===By plane=== [[File:Sculpture of hasta mudras at Indira Gandhi International Airport.jpg|thumb|[[Indira Gandhi International Airport]] serves [[Delhi]] and is one of the most important entry points to India.]] The major points of entry are [[Mumbai]] ({{IATA|BOM}}) and [[Delhi]] ({{IATA|DEL}}). There are also international flights to [[Bangalore]] ({{IATA|BLR}}), [[Kolkata]] ({{IATA|CCU}}), [[Hyderabad]] ({{IATA|HYD}}), [[Chennai]] ({{IATA|MAA}}) and other cities. The airports at these cities are either new or undergoing development. The Hyderabad airport is rated as one of the top five airports in the 10-15 million passenger category. There are many nonstop, direct and connecting choices to these cities from Europe, North America, Middle East, Africa and Australia. Secondary points of entry include [[Goa]] and the [[Malabar]] coast. There are many connections from the Middle East to Malabar coast cities such as [[Kochi]], [[Kozhikode]] and [[Thiruvananthapuram]]. Most of the major Middle Eastern carriers offer one-stop connections to the coast from their Gulf hubs. Goa is a favourite European tourist destination and thus is connected by many European charter operators like Condor, Edelweiss and Thomson Airways. [[File:Air India Boeing 777-200LR Worldliner.jpg|thumb|An Air India Boeing 777]]The Indian airlines that operate international flights include * '''[https://www.airindia.com/ Air India],''' India’s flag carrier owned by the Tata Group and is a member of the Star Alliance * '''[https://www.goindigo.in IndiGo],''' A low cost airline that serves 34 international airports with a fleet of Airbus A320s * '''[https://www.spicejet.com/ SpiceJet],''' A low cost airline that serves 13 international destinations * '''Akasa [http://www.akasaair.com/ Air],''' A low cost airline that serves 5 international destinations. It is the most on-time airline in the Indian airline industry. These airlines offer daily flights to major hubs around the world. You must carry a printed air ticket in order to take many domestic flights. Most Indian airlines have a very unfriendly policy towards upgrading weight allowance and changing dates of flights, and so if you feel that you may need to change anything regarding your flight, it is best to check the company's policy before making a booking. From the United States, [https://www.united.com United Airlines]{{Dead link|date=May 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} offers non-stop daily service from [[Newark Liberty International Airport|Newark]] to Delhi and Mumbai; Air India offers daily non-stop service to Delhi from [[John F. Kennedy International Airport|New York–JFK]], Newark, [[Dulles Airport|Washington–Dulles]], [[San Francisco International Airport|San Francisco]] and [[O'Hare International Airport|Chicago O'Hare]] and to Mumbai from Newark (and soon JFK). Various European airlines offer connecting service through their European hubs from most major U.S. cities and various Asian airlines offer connecting service from West Coast cities through their Asian hubs. [[File:IndiGo A320neo (VT-ITZ) @ GAU, Sept 2019 (02).jpg|thumb|IndiGo is a popular low-cost carrier]] Entries from Europe and North America are possible using many European airlines such as [https://www.lufthansa.com Lufthansa]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}, [https://www.finnair.com Finnair], [https://www.britishairways.com British Airways], [https://www.klm.com KLM], [https://www.airfrance.com Air France]{{Dead link|date=July 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} and [https://www.virginatlantic.com Virgin Atlantic]. For long-term visitors (3–12 months), [https://www.swiss.com Swiss Airlines] often have good deals from Switzerland with connecting flights from major European and some American cities as well. To save on ticket prices, consider connecting via Gulf countries, with [https://www.airarabia.com Air Arabia] ([[Sharjah]]-based low cost carrier with some connections to Europe), [https://www.etihadairways.com Etihad] (especially if you need a one-way ticket or are going back to Europe from another Asian country) via [[Abu Dhabi]], [https://www.emirates.com Emirates] via [[Dubai]] or [https://www.qatarairways.com Qatar Airways] via [[Doha]]. These airlines are also the easiest way to come from the Gulf countries, along with Indian carriers, Air India, Air India Express, Indigo and SpiceJet. In 2023, one-way prices between the Gulf countries and India were US$70–110, and one-way prices between Europe ([[London]], [[Rome]], [[Istanbul]], [[Tel Aviv]]) and the Gulf countries were €50–120, even just 1–2 weeks before flights—Abu Dhabi has cheap accommodation from €10–15. From East Asia and Australia, [[Singapore]] (which is served by Air India, its low-cost subsidiary [https://www.airindiaexpress.in Air India Express], [https://www.singaporeair.com Singapore Airlines] and its low-cost subsidiary [https://www.flyscoot.com Scoot]) has excellent connections with flights to all the major cities and many smaller ones. As for the cheap way from [[Southeast Asia]], Malaysian low-cost carrier [https://www.airasia.com AirAsia] is often the best choice (if booked well in advance, one-way ticket price is normally below US$100, sometimes being less than US$50, they have connections from China, [[Australia]] and most South-east Asian countries). They fly from [[Kuala Lumpur]] into New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Kochi and Tiruchirapalli. If you're going from [[Thailand]], Air India Express flies from Chennai and Kolkata to Bangkok. Air India and [https://www.thaiairways.com/en/index.page Thai Airways] fly from there to a range of Indian cities as well. IndiGo, an Indian low-cost-carrier, also offers attractive fares to Singapore and Bangkok. As of March 2025, the Indian government has banned all direct flights between India and [[China]] (except [[Hong Kong]]). You must connect via Hong Kong or a Southeast Asian hub such as [[Bangkok]], [[Kuala Lumpur]] or [[Singapore]]. Be sure to hold on to your boarding pass, as it will be checked on arrival in India. Some Indian airports, like Delhi, offer wifi access with a passport scan, and offer short–term tourist SIM cards, but the majority offer no wifi or SIM card options. Also read on [[#Check-in|check-in]] below, for procedures when leaving India again. ===By boat=== The only scheduled international passenger ship to India is the [https://www.kpvs.in/ KPVS] ferry service from Kankesanthurai in [[Jaffna]], [[Sri Lanka]] to [[Nagapattinam]], [[Tamil Nadu]]. It runs every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday from Nagapattinam at 7 am and it reaches Kankesanthurai by 11 am. The return service from Kankesanthurai is at 2 pm, and it reaches Nagapattinam by 5 pm. A one way trip costs Rs6500 and includes one piece of luggage up to 50&nbsp;kg. For booking call or WhatsApp (preferred) +919789879971. You will need a paper visa sticker or a ''previously used'' e-visa to enter India via this route: newly issued e-visas are not accepted. India has several international ports. Mumbai, Goa and Chennai are the main ones handling passenger traffic, while the rest mainly handle cargo. However, due to the profusion of cheap flights, there no longer appear to be any scheduled ferry services from India to the Middle East. The southern island of [[Minicoy]] in [[Lakshadweep]] islands is now a permitted entry point. Some cruise lines that travel to India include Indian Oceans Eden II and Grand Voyage Seychelles-Dubai. ===By train=== <!-- There are two links from [[Pakistan]]. The ''Samjhauta Express'' runs from [[Lahore]] to [[Attari]] near [[Amritsar]] in [[Punjab (India)|Punjab]]. The ''Thar Express'', restarted in February 2006 after 40 years out of service, runs from Munabao in the Indian state of [[Rajasthan]] to Khokrapar in Pakistan's [[Sindh]] province; however, this crossing is '''not open to foreign tourists'''. Neither train is the fastest, safest or the most practical way to go between India and Pakistan due to the long delay to clear customs and immigration (although the trains are sights in their own right and make for a fascinating trip). Ths Samjhauta express was the victim of a terrorist strike in February 2007, when bombs were set off killing many people. Should you want to get from one country to the other as quickly as possible, walk across at [[Attari]]/[[Wagah]]. --><!-- All are suspended since 2019 --> From [[Nepal]], trains run between [[Khajuri]] in [[Dhanusa]] district of [[Nepal]] and Jainagar in [[Bihar]], operated by Nepal Railways. Neither is of much interest for travellers and there are no onward connections into Nepal, so most travellers opt for the bus or plane instead. Train services from [[Bangladesh]] were suspended for 42 years, but the ''Maitree Express'' started running again between [[Dhaka]] and [[Kolkata]] in April 2008. The service is biweekly: A Bangledeshi train leaves Dhaka every Saturday, returning on Sunday, while an Indian train leaves Kolkata on Saturdays and returns the next day. Besides, there are ''Bandhan Express'' ([[Khulna]]–Kolkata) and ''Mitali Express'' (Dhaka–[[New Jalpaiguri]]) services between the two countries. You can see what trains are available between stations at the following sites: http://www.indianrail.gov.in. However, for booking of rail tickets through the internet you should use the Government of India's website http://www.irctc.co.in{{Dead link|date=February 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. For booking through this site, you have to register (which is free) and you need a credit/debit card. You can also take the services of many travel agents that charge a nominal service fee for booking train tickets. ===By land=== [[File:Wagah Border2014.jpg|thumb|Flag lowering ceremony at the Wagah border crossing]] ====Nepal==== From [[Nepal]] buses cross the border daily, usually with connections to [[Delhi]], [[Lucknow]], [[Patna]], [[Siliguri]] and [[Varanasi]]. However, it's cheaper and more reliable to take one bus to the border crossing and another from there on. The border crossings are (India/Nepal side) Sunauli/Bhairawa for Varanasi, Raxaul/Birganj for [[Patna]], Kolkata, [[Kakarbhitta]] for Siliguri and [[Darjeeling]], and Mahendrenagar-Banbassa for Delhi. Buses depart [[Kathmandu]] Kakarbhitta in Nepal (close to Siliguri) (10 hours) from 3-6PM. There's a direct Kathmandu deluxe bus service to Siliguri on alternate days, and NBSTC service Tu Th Sa depart ₹1,500 for the 11-hour journey and also a Kathmandu to [[Dhaka]] deluxe service that halts in Siliguri. ====Bhutan==== The Royal Bhutanese Government runs a service to/from [[Phuentsholing]]. These buses depart from Kolkata's [[Esplanade Bus Terminus]] at 7PM on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and from the Phuentsholing Bhutan Post office at 3PM on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The journey takes around 18 hours and costs ₹300. There is frequent service between [[Siliguri]] and Phuentsholing. Buses depart for Phuentsholing at 7:30AM and 1:30PM every day from opposite Golden Plaza on Burdwan Road (behind Air View More). Tickets are sold at a counter near the bus. There are more frequent Indian buses to the border town of Jaigaon from Siliguri Bus Station on Hill Cart Road. People who are not citizens of Bhutan or India are required to get their passport stamped at the Indian immigration office, which is located next to the cinema hall (there is a fork in the road when entering the town – marked by a statue – immigration is a short way up the road on the left) before entering and after exiting Bhutan. '''Your passport will not be stamped at the border''', which is customary elsewhere. Indians can get a permit to visit Thimphu or other parts of Bhutan by submitting proof of identities, such as an election card or passport, at the Bhutanese immigration office. ====Myanmar==== Entering from [[Myanmar]] is apparently possible at [[Moreh]]/[[Tamu]]—see [[Myanmar#India|Myanmar article]] for more details. Regarding Indo-Myanmar connection, [[Manipur]] is the most advanced and the only developed route inside India, to pass to and from between the two nations. ====Pakistan==== You cannot enter through Wagah/Attari land border crossing. It is now shut to all travellers passing through this way, because of security concerns by India. <!--From [[Pakistan]] the only land crossing is from [[Lahore]] to [[Amritsar]] via the [[Attari]]/[[Wagah]] border crossing. Despite tensions between the two countries, there is a steady trickle of travellers passing this way. The immigration procedures are fairly straightforward, but neither [[Pakistan]] nor India issue visas at the border. Expect to take most of the day to go between Lahore and Amritsar on local buses. Normally it's possible to get a direct bus from Amritsar to the border, walk to the other side and catch a direct bus to Lahore, although you may need to change at some point on route. Amritsar and Lahore are both fairly close to the border (about 30–40 minutes drive), so taxis are a faster and easier option. The direct Delhi-Lahore service has restarted, though it is far more costly than local buses/trains, not any faster, and would mean you miss seeing [[Amritsar]]. You will also be stuck at the border for '''much''' longer while the bus is searched and all of the passengers go through immigration. There is now a bus service across the 'Line of control' between Indian and Pakistani Kashmir; however, it is '''not open to foreign tourists'''. For going '''by car''' also see [[Istanbul to New Delhi over land]]. You will need a [[Carnet de Passage]] if crossing with your own vehicle. The process is not particularly lengthy - crossing with your own vehicle from/to Pakistan should take a maximum of 3 hours to clear both borders for you and your vehicle.--> ====Bangladesh==== =====Haridaspur–Benapole crossing===== From [[Bangladesh]] there are a number of land entry points to India. The most common way is the regular air-conditioned and comfortable bus services from Dhaka to Kolkata via Haridaspur–Benapole border post near [[Bangaon]]. Private bus companies '''[http://www.shohagh.com/group/ Shohagh]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''', '''[http://www.greenlineparibahan.com/ Green Line]''','''[http://shyamolibusservice.com/ Shyamoli]{{Dead link|date=June 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' and others operate daily bus services on this route. Government organisations like West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC) and '''[http://www.brtc.gov.bd/ Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation]''' (BRTC) operate buses from Kolkata every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 5:30AM and 8:30AM, and 12:30PM while from Dhaka they leave on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7AM and 7:30AM. The normal journey time is around 12 hours with a one-way fare of ₹400-450 or Tk600-800, roughly US$8–10. If you're only headed to Haridaspur the fare is ₹86 (2½ hours). Several travel agencies around this area also sell tickets for these buses, but at very inflated prices. At the border, it's best to change money on the Indian side, but count it carefully and double-check the maths on their calculator. On the Bangladesh side there are some bus stands just behind the border, or you can catch a flat-bed cycle-rickshaw for 5 Bangladeshi takas for the 2-km trip to the bus stand for onward travel, or you can walk, but expect the hopeful rickshaw-wallahs to follow you at least half way. The Indian side is fairly normal as far as land border crossings are concerned. Your passport will change hands several times, and should finally result in a stamp, which doesn't take too long. The Bangladeshi side, however, is another story. Staff seem to have been hired an hour before you arrive - try not to laugh when they ask which visa in your passport is the Bangladesh one. On either side you may be asked for baksheesh by the passport stamper or a boy who grabs your passport and shuttles it between the various officials or the many men who offer to fill your forms in for you. This is not normal for an Indian border crossing, and is entirely avoidable - present your passport yourself, and say 'no' firmly if asked for a bribe. If you're on one of the A/C direct buses then the bus company collects all passenger's passports before the border and facilitates the stamping. The process is better than it once was. The Bangladesh side is simpler than the Indian side where you wind you way through a complex building to get the various stamps. On the Bangladesh side, you will enter one office, be asked to sit while you passport is examined and stamped. While leaving Bangladesh by road, you have to pay a departure tax of Tk300. If you are travelling by one of the direct buses, the bus company will usually collect the amount from you and pay it for you. If you are travelling independently, pay it at the little branch of Sonali Bank next to the immigration office. It seems to be open as long as the border crossing is open. If you arrived by air to Bangladesh, make sure that you have a "change of port" certificate which allows you to leave by land, otherwise you will find yourself being turned back at the border. Change of port certificates are available from the visa office in Dhaka and take about 4 hours to produce. Sometimes you might need to insist here that the office really does provide these certificates and demand that you need one. =====Other crossings===== Another daily bus service by 'Shyamoli' and others under the BRTC label from [[Dhaka]] connects Siliguri, but the buses in this route do not cross the Changrabanda/Burimari or Burungamari border post. Rather, passengers reaching the border have to clear customs, walk a few hundred yards to cross the border and board the awaiting connecting buses on the other end for the final destination. Ticket for Dhaka-Siliguri-Dhaka route costs BDT 1,600, roughly US$20–25 depending on conversion rates. Tickets are purchased either in Dhaka or in Siliguri. There is also a regular bus service between Dhaka and Agartala, capital of Tripura. Two BRTC buses daily from Dhaka and the [https://tsu.trp.nic.in/transport/ Tripura Road Transport Corporation] plying its vehicles six days a week with a round fare costing US$10 connect the two cities. There is only one halt at Ashuganj in Bangladesh during the journey. Other entry points from Bangladesh are Hili, Chilahati/Haldibari, Banglaband border posts for entry to West Bengal; Tamabil border post for a route to [[Shillong]] in Meghalaya, and some others with lesser known routes to north-eastern Indian regions. ====China==== The Nathu La pass in [[Sikkim]], which borders [[Tibet]] in [[China]] is the only border crossing between India and China. This border is not open to tourists; only local traders are allowed to cross. Special permits are required to visit the pass from either side, and foreigners are not permitted to visit the Indian side of the border. ==Get around== India is '''big''' and there are lots of interesting ways to travel around it, most of which could not very well be described as efficient or punctual. Allow considerable buffer time for any journey with a fixed deadline (e.g. your flight back), and try to remember that getting there should be half the fun. Travelling to much of the [[North-East India|North-East]] (with the notable exception of Assam), the [[Andaman and Nicobar Islands]], [[Sikkim]] and parts of [[Jammu and Kashmir]], [[Ladakh]], [[Lakshadweep]], [[Rajasthan]], [[Himachal Pradesh]] and [[Uttarakhand]] will require obtaining a '''Protected Area Permit''' (PAP) or '''Inner Line Permit''' (ILP) — see [[#Inner Line permit|below]]. For foreigners on a regular visa, the easiest way to get these permits would be to request for one when applying for your Indian visa, and it will be added to your visa — not possible with ETA/e-Visa. Otherwise, you will need to hunt down a local Ministry of Home Affairs office (aka DC Magistrate Office) and grapple with bureaucracy. Also, local travel agents can obtain these permits for you, but it might be contingent on booking a tour with them. Indian citizens can apply for these permits online. ===By plane=== [[File:Airports and seaports map.png|thumb|400px|Map of airports in India]] India's large size and uncertain roads make '''flying''' a viable option, especially as prices have tumbled in the last few years. Even India's offshore islands and remote mountain states are served by flights. Due to the aviation boom over the last few years, airports have not been able to keep up with the air traffic. Most Indian airports continue to function with one runway and a handful of boarding gates. Check-in and security queues can be quite long, especially in Delhi and Mumbai. India has built two new international airports in Hyderabad and Bangalore, which are modern and well-equipped. Delhi airport's newly constructed Terminal 3 is the 8th largest terminal in the world. In northern India, particularly Delhi, '''heavy winter fog''' can wreak havoc on schedules, especially during Christmas Season and January, leading to massive delays across the country. Flights to small airports up in the mountains, especially to [[Leh]] in Ladakh (which is reachable only by plane for most of the year), are erratic at the best of times. ====Airlines==== At one time, domestic flights were the monopoly of the government-owned Indian Airlines, but things have changed dramatically and now there are quite a few competitors, often offering excellent value. The main operators are: '''Mainline:''' *'''[https://www.airindia.com/ Air India]:''' The flag carrier owned by Tata Group. Air India has a wide network in the country and provides excellent regional connectivity. It is a member of the Star Alliance. Vistara has now merged with Air India completely. * '''[https://www.airindiaexpress.in/ Air India Express]:''' Low-cost subsidiary of Air India carrier which flies mainly on trunk routes and to international destinations in the Gulf and Southeastern Asia. AIX Connect has now merged with Air India completely. <!-- * [https://www.airasia.co.in/home '''Air Asia India'''] – Another Tata-owned low-cost carrier. --> * [https://www.goindigo.in/ '''IndiGo''']: A low-cost airline, connecting 88 cities throughout the country. They fly a young fleet of Airbus A320s and ATR regional aircraft. <!-- *'''[https://www.flygofirst.com/ Go First]''' – Another low-cost carrier connecting around 22 cities across the country. Mostly flies from their Mumbai base. --> * [https://www.spicejet.com/ '''SpiceJet''']: A third low-cost airline, serves around 34 domestic destinations. * '''[https://www.akasaair.com/ Akasa Air]:''' A low cost airline serving 20 domestic destinations with a fleet of Boeing 737 Max aircraft. It is the most on-time airline in the Indian airline industry. ===Regional and commuter=== * '''[https://www.allianceair.in/ Alliance Air]:''' India’s state-owned airline that flies small aircraft to obscure places * '''[http://www.starair.in/ Star Air]:''' A low-cost regional commuter airline owned by the Sanjay Godhawat Group which serves 23 destinations with a fleet of Embraer E175 and Embraer ER145 LR aircraft. * '''[https://fly91.in/ Fly91]:''' A low- cost regional airline based in Goa, serving 8 destinations with a fleet of ATR-72 aircraft, connecting towns and cities. * '''[https://flybig.in/ flybig]:''' A regional airline flying to 24 destinations across north and north-west India with a fleet of DHC-6-400 Twin Otter aircraft * '''[https://indiaoneair.com/ IndiaOne Air]:''' A regional airline based in Ahmedabad with a hub in Bhubaneshwar flying to 9 destinations with a fleet of 208B Grand Caravan X connecting tier-2 and tier-3 cities. ====Fares==== Prices are relatively low and stable, since destinations are often served by several airlines. It doesn't hurt though to check prices a few times on different days during the week. You will hear a lot about air tickets at ₹500, but those are promotional rates for limited seats which are sold out within seconds. In some other cases, the advertised fare may not include charges such as passenger service fees, air fuel surcharge and taxes which will be added subsequently. Nonetheless, you do get good rates from budget airlines. Tickets for small cities will cost more than those for the metros, because of the spotty coverage noted above. Indian ticket pricing has not attained the bewildering complexity that the Americans and European have achieved, but they are moving there. You don't have to worry about higher prices on weekends, lower prices for round-trips, lower prices for travel ''around'' weekends. There are two complications for non-Indians trying to buy plane tickets: # Many airlines have '''higher fares for foreigners (non-OCI holders)''' than for Indians (OCI holders included). Foreigners ("non-residents") will be charged in US dollars, whereas Indians will be charged in rupees. In practice, you can simply pretend to be Indian when booking online as the check-in desk will rarely if ever care, but you are still running a small risk if you do this. When possible it's best to patronise those airlines that do not follow this practice. # Many online booking sites and some of the low-cost carriers '''might reject non-Indian credit cards'''. Read the small print before you start booking, or book directly with the airline or through a bricks-and-mortar travel agency instead. ====Check-in==== [[File:TRZ Check In Counters.jpg|thumb|Check-in at Tiruchirappalli International Airport]] Checking in at Indian airports tends to be slow, involving lots of queues and multiple security checks. A few pointers to smooth your way: * Arrive '''at least two hours before departure''' if travelling from the major airports. (For domestic flights from minor airports, 60 or 90 minutes before is fine.) The new rule dictates that check-in closes 45 minutes before departure time and the boarding gate closes 25 minutes before departure. Though the original boarding might take longer, this rule is now being strictly implemented widely to avoid delays in flight departures. * While in the past, airports only allowed passengers to enter the airport a few hours before their flight, this rule has been relaxed and you can often stay overnight in the airport in case you have an early morning flight * '''Bring a print-out of your ticket or a soft copy of your ticket''' and a '''government-issued ID''' (available for domestic and required for international flights- ignore if using digiyatra)or else you are not allowed to enter the airport. They are checked and matched compulsorily at the airport entry gate by security guards. If you possess neither a printout or a soft copy, you can get a copy at the airline offices just outside the airport entry gate. Some airlines have started to charge for this privilege. * Some airports have '''Digiyatra''' available (available only for domestic flights from select destinations), which verifies passenger identities at various checkpoints, such as check-in, security, and boarding gates, without the need for physical documents. Specific queues when entering the airport, check-ins and security have been set up in 15 airports (Delhi T1 and T3, Kolkata, Jaipur, Mumbai all terminals, Hyderabad, Varanasi, Lucknow, Pune, Vijayawada, Bengaluru, Guwahati, Kochi) for passengers who have registered through the Digi Yatra app. To register for digiyatra, you need an ''Aadhaar card''. * Most older airports and many Tier-2 and Tier-3 city airports require that you screen your checked bags before check-in, usually at a stand near the entrance. In high-security airports like Jammu, Srinagar or anywhere in the Northeast, even carry-on baggage needs to be screened. All carry on baggage will be screened by an X-ray scanner and at the discretion of the security personnel, physically too. * '''Once inside the check-in hall, you cannot leave the airport again unless your flight is delayed or cancelled.''' Make sure to have completed all your "business" before entering the airport. Also, in case you arrive many hours before the flight to be on the safe side, be sure to know how to keep yourself busy once inside the airport. * '''Pick up a tag for every item of your carry-on baggage and attach it to it.''' The staff at the security checkpoint will stamp your boarding pass as well as the tags of your carry-on baggage. Do not put your boarding pass on the X-ray belt, bring it with you when you go through the metal detector. Make sure you received all these stamps before leaving the security check area. Without a stamped boarding pass you will not be allowed to board the plane. You will not be allowed to take any items onboard without a stamped tag attached. Don't hesitate to ask someone if you are unsure about anything. Most staff in airports are very helpful to passengers usually understanding English and will take pains to ensure you catch your flight. There are separate queues for passengers travelling light (without check-in baggage) and these queues are usually less crowded. Different airlines have different standards for what they allow as cabin baggage, so check with your airline’s website on the side of caution, especially if you are travelling by a low-cost airline. Usually, the allowed free baggage limit is 15&nbsp;kg on most airlines. ===By train=== [[File:Vande Bharat Express around Mumbai.jpg|thumb|Vande Bharat Express, the second fastest Indian train in service]] {{see also|Rail travel in India}} India boasts one of the biggest rail networks in the world, and the rail system is very efficient, if rarely on schedule. Travelling on Indian Railways allows you to discover the landscape and beauty of India, and is generally more economical than flying domestically. With classes ranging from luxurious to regular, it's the best way to get to know the country and its people. Most train passengers will be curious about you and happy to pass the time with a chat. While taking an overnight sleeper train will save the money you would otherwise spend on a hotel, your sleep may not be as comfortable as some routes are known for being overcrowded. '''Commuter trains''' It is recommended to avoid ‘local trains’ as they are often overcrowded, platforms on the stations are also often overcrowded. If travelling on a local train, be wary of your surroundings as there may be pickpockets in stations and trains. However, metro and light rail services are relatively safe and well policed, with CCTV cameras on trains and stations, and well-trained staff. ====Regular trains==== Trains come in many varieties. Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Vande Bharat trains are the most luxurious and fastest trains of the Indian Railways. They are completely air-conditioned and have breakfast, lunch, evening tea and dinner included in your ticket price. The food is served at your seat during travel. Vande Bharat Express, the second fastest Indian train in service, is equipped with onboard Wi-Fi, infotainment, reading lights and electric outlets. Garib Rath (literally the "chariot of the poor") is a good option for those who want to use good facilities at low cost. ====Luxury trains==== There are 5 trains offering 12 signature journeys between major tourist destinations in India. By far the most popular of the five are the '''[https://www.palaceonwheels.in/ Palace on Wheels]''' and the '''[https://www.the-maharajas.com/ Maharajas' Express]'''. They offer a wonderful way to experience the sights in India without having to worry about the hassles of travel and accommodation. Journeys on board these trains are all inclusive of accommodation, dining, sightseeing, transportation and porter charges. Each of these luxury trains is equipped with amenities such as live television, individual climate control, restaurant, bar, lounges and cabins with electronic safe and attached bathrooms. The downside is that they are extremely expensive, and would make even business class airtickets look cheap. ====Classes==== India has seven classes of train travel to choose from. Not all classes are available on all trains: for example, Chair Cars are usually found only on short-distance daytime trains, while sleeper classes are only found on overnight journeys. Full information about these classes is [[Rail travel in India#Classes|here]]. ====Train fare==== The average fare for a '''200 km distance''' for different classes is given below (as of 2015): * First Class AC: ₹1,200 * Two Tier AC: ₹617 * Three Tier AC: ₹430 * AC Chair Car: ₹203 * Sleeper Class: ₹120 * Second class seat in Express train: ₹70 * Second class seat in Passenger train: ₹30 ====Ticketing==== Trains tend to fill up early. Tickets can be reserved up to 4 months in advance. School summer vacation time — mid-April to mid-June — is peak season for the railways, which means that you may need to book well in advance. Other festival days, long weekends or holidays may see a similar rush. Tickets can be booked from the [http://www.irctc.co.in/ railway website]{{Dead link|date=November 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. Tickets are also available from counters at most railway stations. Details of facility available for tourists from abroad are available at [https://contents.irctc.co.in/en/ForeignTouristQuotaBooking.pdf IRCTC website] and [http://www.indianrail.gov.in/enquiry/StaticPages/StaticEnquiry.jsp?locale=en&StaticPage=international_Tourist.html Indian Railway Website]. Other authorized ticketing agencies provide a much better user experience, though however you want to book, you will need an IRCTC account. If you have issues paying when booking via IRCTC, try some of these other sites like [https://www.confirmtkt.com/ confirmtkt] and [https://www.indiantrain.in/ IndianTrain]. [[File:India - Indian Railways Kitchen coach - 0989.jpg|thumb|Sandwiches at the kitchen coach]] One day before the departure date of a train at 10AM, the '''Tatkal''' quota seats become available. Tatkal accounts for about 10% of the total number of seats. This allows tourists who like to plan a trip as they go to book seats closer to the day of departure, for an extra fee. It is sometimes difficult to book Tatkal tickets online because of the excess amount of traffic on Indian railway website. The E-wallet facility enables users to keep money on Indian railway website for faster booking of tickets. This facility reduces the time of ticket booking because users skip the payment gateway processing time. You can pay using your debit cards, credit cards, or internet banking. ==== Meals ==== Most long-distance night trains have a '''pantry car''' and if you are in the sleeper or air-con classes, you can buy meals on board the train. The pantry staff will visit your seat to take your order. However, most pantry car meals aren't really good in quality or taste. Bring enough food for the journey including delays. You can purchase drinks, packaged snacks or biscuits from the pantry staff who circulate from one coach to another. At most stations, hawkers selling tea, peanuts, and snack food and complete meals will go up and down the train. You can also get down on the station platform to look for food, but make sure you know the stoppage timing of the train at that station. In the most luxurious 'Rajdhani' & 'Shatabdi' trains, meals are included in your ticket price and served at your seat during travel. There are no dining cars in the Indian Railways except in select luxury trains and in [[w:en:Deccan_Queen|Deccan Queen]] - a daily train which runs between Mumbai and Pune. ===By taxi or ride-hailing=== [[File:Ola car parking near Bhubaneswar railway station (January 2019).jpg|thumb|A line of Ola cabs parked near [[Bhubaneswar]] railway station, 2019]] {{infobox |Farewell to the King |Once upon a time, virtually all Indian taxis were trusty Hindustan Ambassadors, a locally manufactured copy of the 1950s-vintage Morris Oxford, but these days the King of Indian Roads is a critically endangered species. |image=ہندوستان موٹر کی بنائی پیلی ایمبیسڈر۔.jpg |caption=[[Kolkata]]'s iconic yellow Ambassador taxi that ruled the city till 2025 }} There was a time when the metered taxi was unheard of outside India's largest cities, and when it could be found, getting one that would take you to your destination and charge you the right rate was a rare event. This situation has undergone a drastic change for the better in the past few years, with many online companies offering taxi services. The two largest players are '''[http://www.olacabs.com Ola Cabs]''' and '''[https://www.uber.com/in/en/ Uber]''', which operate in all major Indian cities and have ranks at major airports. There are also local companies offering ride-hailing services within their cities. Both pickup and dropoff points can be entered in English, minimising hassle. Besides, companies like '''Rapido''' offer two-wheeler motorcycle rides if you're comfortable with such vehicles, and motorcycles are useful to navigate the more congested areas. Fares are affordable by Western standards, with most city rides under ₹200, although surge pricing can be expensive. However, the very cheapest categories (UberX and Ola Micro/Mini, respectively) often have tiny, run-down cars, so paying the small premium for the next class up (Uber Comfort and Ola Prime) may be worth it. If ride-hailing isn't an option, central locations of big cities like airports or stations have pre-paid taxi services managed by local traffic police officials. However, beware of touts who claim to be running pre-paid taxis. Always collect the receipt from the counter first. The receipt has two parts: one part is for your reference, and the other part you will need to hand to the taxi driver only after you reach your desired destination. The taxi driver will receive their payment by submitting or producing this other part to the pre-paid taxi counter. The taxi driver may not know how to get to your destination, and will not tell you this beforehand. This may result in the taxi stopping at various points during the journey as the driver gets out to ask for directions. Insist on being taken to your original destination, and not a substitute offered by the driver (e.g. a different hotel). Regular metered taxis are also common and can usually be hailed on the street. While they're supposed to use the meter, tales of "broken" meters and hapless fleeced tourists are common, so try to have an idea of the fare before you set off. ===By bus=== [[File:Pathankot Bus.JPG|thumb|240px|Ordinary-class Himachal Road Transport Co bus in [[Dharamsala]]]] While you cannot take a cross-country bus journey across India, buses are the second most-popular way of travelling across states and the only cheap way of reaching many places not on the main rail network, such as Dharamsala, Leh, Srinagar, or Gangtok. For short distances, just wait at the road that obviously goes into your direction. Unless you are in the middle of nowhere, there are many buses plying along Indian roads. If in doubt, just ask someone local. Every state has its own '''public bus''' service, usually named "''X'' Road Transport Corporation" (''X''RTC), "''X'' State Transport Corporation" (''X''STC) or "''X'' Transport Corporation" (''X''TC) which primarily connects intrastate routes, but will also have services to neighbouring states. There are usually multiple classes of buses. The '''ordinary''' buses (called differently in different states, e.g. "service bus") are extremely crowded with even standing room rarely available (unless you're among the first on board) as reservations are not possible and they tend to stop at too many places. On the upside, they're ''very'' cheap. Many public transport companies have their own website to find the schedule and prices, but also to book tickets. If searching for connections, the website will sometimes not accept smaller villages along the way and you have to select or search for the next larger town or city, just in case your search is unsuccessful. '''Private buses''' may or may not be available in the area you are travelling to, and even if they are, the quality could vary a lot. Be warned that many of the private buses, especially long-distance lines, play music and/or videos at ear-splitting volume. Even with earplugs it can be nerve-wracking. Restrooms are available in large bus stations but are crowded. The bus industry is '''extremely fragmented''' and there are few operators who offer services in more than 2 or 3 neighbouring states. Travel agents usually ''only'' offer seats on private buses. '''Flixbus''' operates in India. As of April 2024 they offer rides in the north and north-west of India and intend to serve the whole country. Prices between public and private buses do not differ much. The advantage of public buses is that you will get a proper ticket indicating the origin and destination of your journey. Private buses will only give you a paper ticket with a price written on it by the conductor. For buses serving smaller villages there might not even be any ticket at all for private buses — if the other Indian passengers also don't get a ticket, then that's just the way. In general, you can expect to pay as little as ₹1/km in the plains (Punjab) and ₹2-2.30/km in more mountainous areas (Himachal Pradesh) with public and private buses. After a short while you will figure out what is the going local rate. Anything way beyond that rate, especially in private buses, is an indication that the conductor is trying to rip you off. Stand your ground and don't give in, potentially demand your money back and leave the bus. In addition to ordinary public and private buses, there are '''luxury''' or '''express''' buses available, often called "Volvo" buses, and most have air-conditioning these days. These better class "express" or "luxury" buses have assured seating (book in advance), and have limited stops, making them well worth the slight extra expense. But even these better-class buses rarely have toilets and make occasional snack and toilet breaks. Regardless of the class of travel, all buses have to contend with the poor state of Indian highways and the havoc of Indian traffic which usually makes them slower, less comfortable and less safe than trains. Night buses are particularly hazardous, and for long-distance travel it is wise to opt for sleeper train services instead. For major private (Volvo) bus connections, schedules, prices and tickets, try one of the following websites: * [https://www.redbus.in redBus] * [https://www.zingbus.com zingbus] * [https://tickets.paytm.com/bus/ Paytm] * [https://www.makemytrip.com MakeMyTrip]{{Dead link|date=May 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} ===By car=== {{main|Driving in India}} Our itinerary article [[Grand Trunk Road]] describes one of India's major roads, running east–west through the Ganges valley and west across northern Pakistan to [[Kabul]]. Regular license plates in India are white. Yellow license plates indicate a permit for doing business with that car. Green license plates indicate an electric car. This can be tourism, transport or just office stuff. On all plates the licensing state is indicated by the first two letters, e.g. ''HP'' for Himachal Pradesh, or ''PB'' for Punjab. This rule doesn't apply to cars with the Bharat Series license plates, where the first two numbers indicate the year of registration. ====Driving on your own==== In India driving is on the '''left''' of the road — at least most of the time. You can drive in India if you have a local licence or an International Driving Permit, but unless you are accustomed to driving on extremely chaotic streets, you probably will not want to. In the past decade, the Central government has embarked on an ambitious project to upgrade the highways and the conditions of Indian roads has vastly improved, with smooth '''Expressways''' all across the country. '''National Highways''' are also good, with four to eight laned roads. However, improving the quality of the roads does not improve the way in which people drive and it is very dangerous to drive on the roads in India as people drive as they like without regard to any rules (rules do exist but are not enforced properly). ====Hiring driver with car==== [[File:Road in India (5472802655).jpg|thumb|View from a car in India]] It's quite easy and common to rent a car with a driver in India. If you travel in summer, it is recommended to take a car with air-conditioning. Sometimes you will need to haggle to get a reasonable price, especially for a several days tour. Otherwise, rates for taxis are quoted in rupees per kilometre, and you will have to pay for both ways even if you are going only one way. The driver's salary is so low that it adds little to the cost of renting the car. The driver will find their own accommodation and food wherever you are travelling, although it is customary to give him some money to buy some food when you stop somewhere to eat. Rates vary by size and quality of the car. There are numerous advantages to having a car and driver. * A good local driver is the safest means of car travel. * You can keep your bags and shopping goods with you securely wherever you go. * The driver will often have some knowledge of local tourist destinations. However, be aware that the driver will try to make some money on the side and drive you to some shops of relatives, just to get a cut. So, do not trust him too much. Inquire information and then decide what to do for yourself. * The car is at your disposal. You don't need to spend any time finding further transport, or [[haggling]] over price. It is rare to find a driver that speaks more than a few words of English. As a result, misunderstandings are common. Keep sentences short. Use the present tense. Use single words and hand gestures to convey meaning. Also, when haggling about the price make sure the driver fully understands the final price and that it is for the whole tour and not per day or per passenger — potentially write down the price, date of payment and "all included" on a piece of paper and get his signature to be on the safe side. Some drivers will exploit your innocence and pretend that the agreement was different. Make sure you can trust your driver before you leave your goods with him — potentially getting a photo of his ID and definitely a photo of his licence plate. Also, memorise your driver's face and write down his phone number (verify!). If he shows any suspicious behaviour, make sure you keep your bags with you. In any case, it is generally always a good idea to have all your valuables with you. Your driver may in some cases act as a tout, offering to take you to businesses from which he gets a sort of commission. This isn't necessarily a bad thing – the driver may help you find just what you're looking for, and add to his income at the same time. On the other hand, always evaluate for yourself whether you are being sold on a higher-cost or poorer quality product than you want. Avoid touts on the road posing as guides that your driver may stop for because he gets a commission from them; supporting them only promotes this unpleasant practice. The driver might ''ask'' for a tip at the end of the trip. Pay him some amount (₹500/day is generally sufficient) and don't let him guilt-trip you into paying too much. Touts at tourist areas will also try to mislead you into getting into the wrong car when you leave; if you fall for this you will certainly be ripped off, your car may be stolen and you may be sexually assaulted. Be wary of reckless driving when renting a car with a driver. Do not be afraid to tell the driver that you have time to see around and that you are not in a hurry. Make sure also that your driver gets enough rest time and time to eat. In general, as you visit restaurants, the driver may eat at the same time (either separately at the same restaurant or at some other nearby place). They may be willing to work non-stop for you as you are the "boss", but your life depends on their ability to concentrate, so ensure that your driving demands are reasonable; for example, if you decide to carry your own food with you on the road, be sure to offer your driver time to get a lunch himself. ===By motorcycle=== [[File:Royal Enfield 7.jpg|thumb|Royal Enfield motorcycle]] Some people argue that '''the best way to experience India is on a motorbike'''. Riding a motorbike and travelling across India you get a closer look and feel of India along with all the smells and sounds. However, this story seems to be mostly popular among the new emerging Indian middle class, who ply popular Indian travel destinations with their bikes, like [[Ladakh]]. For Westerners it is important to note the state of Indian roads and the chaotic traffic, which has already been mentioned under [[#By car]]. There are many companies which organise package tours or tailor-made tours for enthusiastic bikers and the adventurous, or a safer motorbike experience of India. They will take care of luggage and maintenance of the bike. Another choice, popular with people who like taking risks, is to '''buy a motorcycle'''. Not for the faint of heart or inexperienced rider. India boasts the highest motor vehicle accident rate in the world. The Royal Enfield is a popular (some would say, the only) choice for its classic looks and macho mystique. This is despite its high petrol consumption, 25&nbsp;km/litre to 30&nbsp;km/litre, supposed low reliability (it is "classic" 1940s engineering after all and requires regular service adjustment; you can find an Enfield mechanic with decades of experience in every town in India, who will perform miracles at about ₹100 an hour labour cost), and claimed difficulty to handle (it is quite heavy and the seat can be high for some). You don't want to be riding roads at 4,000-5,000 m in Ladakh and suddenly the bike breaking down — here it will be quite difficult to find a mechanic. Alternatively, one can opt for a smaller yet quicker, more fuel efficient and more versatile bikes like "Hero", "Bajaj" or "Honda". They can range from 100 cc to the newly launched 220 cc bikes. The smaller variants (100–125 cc) can give you a mileage exceeding 50&nbsp;km/litre on the road, while giving less power if one is opting to drive with pillion on the highways. The bigger variants (150–220 cc) are more powerful and one can get a feel of the power especially on highways — the mileage is lesser for these bikes anywhere between 35&nbsp;km/litre to 45&nbsp;km/litre. Preferably tourists should go for second hand bikes rather than purchasing new ones. The smaller 100 cc variants can be purchased for anywhere between ₹15,000–25,000 depending on the year of make and condition of vehicle. The bigger ones can be brought from ₹30,000 onwards. But some people have even travelled the country on a scooter. Note that there might be restrictions in place on crossing from one state to the other—not all license plates may be allowed in all states. ===By thumb=== Hitchhiking in India, especially in remote regions, is very easy due to the enormous number of cargo trucks and local traffic on every highway and road. Most drivers do not speak English or any other international language; however, most have a very keen sense of where the cities and villages are along the road. It is rare for any of them to expect payment. Hitchhiking in cities, highways and crowded places is safe, but refrain from hitchhiking on deserted places, less populated areas, forest roads, etc. However, this rule really also depends on the region. Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh can generally be considered to be safe for hitch-hiking. However, in Bihar, one of the poorest states of India, it is probably not a good idea. Also, it is better to stick to day time travel. When hitchhiking it is important to understand the system of vehicle licence plates in India. There are yellow (commercial) and white (private) ones. White ones are generally always safe for hitch-hiking for free, because these are local people in their own car. For yellow licence plates, it depends, regular cars, vans, mini-buses and Jeeps will mostly always be taxis, and it doesn't make sense to hail them. However, pickup trucks, cargo trucks, and anything that looks like made for transporting goods, is safe to hail. They shouldn't demand any money, but if so, just tell them that they are no taxis but cargo vehicles. ===By rickshaw=== [[File:Havelock Autorickshaw.JPG|thumb|A typical Indian autorickshaw, [[Andaman Islands]]]] The auto-rickshaw, usually abbreviated and referred to as '''auto''' and sometimes as '''rickshaw''', is the most common means of hired transport in India. They are very handy for short-distance travel in cities, especially since they can weave their way through small alleys to bypass larger cars stuck in travel jams, but are not very suitable for long distances. Most are green and yellow, due to the new CNG gas laws, and some may be yellow and black in colour, with one wheel in the front and two in the back, with a leather or soft plastic top. The E-rickshaw, is electric and often also now an increasingly common means of hired transport in India, being eco-friendly and very cheap. They serve the same purpose as autos, but travel at a lower speed than autos, and are not allowed on some roads. The E-Rickshaw can fit as many as 6 people in 1 vehicle, with some safety features. The cycle-rickshaw is expensive and becoming a luxurious means of hired transportation. Often riders are very poor and they often do not wear shoes so respect the riders. When getting a rickshaw, you can either negotiate the fare or go by the meter. In almost all cases it is better to use the meter—a negotiated fare means that you are being charged a higher than normal rate. A metered fare starts around ₹13 (different for different areas), and includes the first 1 to 2 kilometres of travel. '''Never''' get in an auto-rickshaw or E-rickshaw without either the meter being turned on, or the fare negotiated in advance. In nearly all cases the driver will ask an exorbitant sum (for Indian standards) from you later. A normal fare would be ₹11-12 for the first km and ₹7-8 per km after that. In most cities, auto-rickshaw drivers are provided with a rate card that elaborately describes the fares on per kilometre basis. A careful tourist must verify the meter reading against the rate card before making a payment. Auto-rickshaws and E-rickshaws carry either digital or analog meters wherein the analog meters may have been tampered with. It may be a better option to go for a negotiated fare when the auto-rickshaw or E-rickshaw has an analogue meter. Ideally, you should talk with a local to find out what the fare for any estimated route will be. Higher rates may apply at night, and for special destinations such as airports. Finally, factor in that rickshaw drivers may have to pay bribes to join the queue for customers at premium locations such as expensive hotels. The bribe will be factored in the fare. Make sure that the driver knows where they are going. Many rickshaw drivers will claim to know the destination without really having any clue as to where it is. If you know something about the location, quiz them on it to screen out the liars. If you do not know much about the location, make them tell you in no uncertain terms that they know where it is. This is because after they get lost and drive all over the place, they will often demand extra payment for their own mistake. You can then tell them that they lied to you, and wasted your time, so they should be happy to get the agreed-upon fee. ===By boat=== India is known for its multitude of rivers and there are numerous boats and ferries to cross certain rivers. However, boat transport is less important for many budget travellers since they will cross most rivers with bridges anyway. That said, boats are still necessary to access certain islands, like the [[Andaman and Nicobar Islands]], the [[Lakshadweep Islands]], Mumbai's [[Elephanta Island]] and West Bengal's [[Sagar Island|Sagar Island.]] You may also take a luxurious river cruise to visit the cities and towns along Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers. Known as '''Ganga Vilas''' (literally 'Ganga Luxury'), the cruise runs from [[Varanasi]] in [[Uttar Pradesh]] to [[Dibrugarh]] in [[Assam]], with stops at [[Patna]], [[Farakka]], [[Jangipur]], [[Murshidabad]], [[Ambika Kalna]], [[Chandannagar]], [[Kolkata]] and [[Dhaka]]. The river cruise also provides amazing views of the [[Sundarbans]]. ===Addresses=== If you need to get anywhere, call in advance and ask for detailed directions. Bear in mind that street signs in India tend to be rare or nonexistent outside the cities. Postal addresses will often carry landmark details "Opp. Prithvi theatre" or "Behind Maruti Showroom" or "near temple / church / mosque / bank branch / police station / school" to ease the search. Unlike the western system of address, the Indian system uses plot number or house number, street, road followed by landmark and the location pin code instead of street name and block number. Finding a place will usually involve some searching, but you will always find someone around the area willing to guide you. Unlike many other countries, Indians ask passers-by, nearby shopkeepers or cops for guidance on street addresses. So you may do the same, people would be happy to help. Using Google Maps with GPS works well most of the time in major cities but at times may not be accurate due to incorrect spelling of road or incorrect positioning on map. ===Inner Line permit=== Inner Line Permit is an official travel document issued by the Government of India to allow inward travel of an Indian citizen into a protected/restricted area for a limited period. It is obligatory for Indian citizens from outside those states to obtain a permit for entering into the protected state. The document is an effort by the Government to regulate movement to certain areas near the international border of India. This is a security measure and it is applicable for the following states: * [[Arunachal Pradesh]] — permits are issued by the Secretary of the Government of Arunachal Pradesh. The permits are required for entering the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh through any of the check gates across the inter-state border with Assam or Nagaland. Permits are obtained at Arunachal Bhavan in all major cities. Permits are given to specific districts and therefore plan the itinerary before applying for district entry permits. Checkpoints at every district border only allow locals and permit holders. * [[Manipur]], [[Mizoram]] and [[Nagaland]] — permits are issued by the respective state governments to allow inward travel of an Indian citizen into the state for a limited period to avoid uncontrollable influx. Most foreign tourists do not require the permit, but must register with the police within 24 hours of arrival; your hotel will usually handle this for you but check to be sure. Citizens and former citizens of Afghanistan, China and Pakistan need special approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs to visit. * [[Sikkim]] — a permit required for the '[[Nathu La]]' Pass which was an important passage of the silk route in medieval era and now a part of the border between India and China. Foreigners are not eligible for the permits. Only Indian citizens are allowed to visit the pass. Further permits for high altitude regions like '[[Lachung]]-[[Lachen]]' along with a high altitude lake called '[[Gurudongmar Lake]]' can be obtained from Gangtok directly. Foreigners may be allowed. Another point known as 'Zero Point' also requires permits. * [[Andaman and Nicobar Islands]] — non-Indians need a Restricted Area Permit to visit the islands, but these are now issued on arrival at the Port Blair airport; if you plan to arrive by sea, you'll need to arrange your permit before arrival, either in Chennai or when applying for your Indian visa. Indian nationals do not require a permit to visit the Andamans, but permits are required to visit Nicobar Islands and other tribal areas, and are rarely given. ==See== To see all the places worth visiting in India, even a 6-month visit is arguably inadequate. There are more tourist destinations in India than can be mentioned in a full-length book, let alone a summary. Almost every state in India has over ten major tourist destinations and there are cities which can barely be tasted in a full week. Many Indian states by themselves are bigger and more populous than most of the countries in the world, and there are 28 states and 8 Union Territories in India, including two island chains outside the Mainland. That said, below are some highlights. ===Historical monuments and forts=== Probably the most famous single attraction in India is the '''[[Agra|Taj Mahal]]''', which is widely recognised as the jewel of Islamic art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the [[UNESCO World Heritage List|world's heritage]]. [[File:RedFort.jpg|thumb|260px|Red Fort, Delhi]] The '''Qutb Minar''' and the impressive '''Red Fort''' are the two most prominent historical monuments in [[Delhi]]. [[Jaipur]], the capital of the [[Western India|western]] state of [[Rajasthan]], is incredibly rich in forts and palaces, including the tremendous '''Amber Fort''', beautiful '''Jal Mahal''' (Water Palace) and unique '''Hawa Mahal'''. [[Nalanda]] in [[Bihar]] has the remains of a university of Buddhism that was established in 450 CE. For a rather different and more modern kind of historical monument, the '''Gandhi Ashram''' in [[Ahmedabad]], founded by the Mahatma himself, is a repository of all things Gandhi. ===Houses of worship=== No visit to India would be complete without a trip to some of the country's fantastic temples. All regions of the country are replete with temples. The city of [[Jammu]], the winter capital of [[Jammu and Kashmir]], has so many temples that it's called the '''"City of Temples"''' and is a major draw for Hindu pilgrims. [[Bishnupur (Rarh)|Bishnupur]] in [[West Bengal]] is home to famous '''terracotta temples'''. The '''Sri Venkateswara Temple''' in [[Tirupati]], [[Andhra Pradesh]], is dedicated to Vishnu and is also a major draw for pilgrims. The '''Tantric temple complexes of [[Khajuraho]]''' in [[Madhya Pradesh]] are much beloved for their thousand-year-old sacred erotic wall carvings, considered by some art historians to be the pinnacle of erotic art. The '''Meenakshi Amman Temple''' in [[Madurai]], [[Tamil Nadu]], is a centre of worship of Parvati, the consort of Shiva. The city of [[Thanjavur]] in Tamil Nadu known for its grand Chola-era temples. Hinduism is not the only religion represented among the great temples of India. The world headquarters of the Sikh religion are in the '''Golden Temple''' in [[Amritsar]], [[Punjab (India)|Punjab]]. [[Leh]] and environs, in the union territory of [[Ladakh]], are one of a number of areas that have '''splendid Buddhist temples or monasteries'''. The '''Ranakpur Temple''' in the small Rajasthani town of [[Ranakpur]] is an impressive and historic Jain temple. India's second-largest religion in adherents after Hinduism is Islam, and many parts of India were ruled by Muslim dynasties for hundreds of years, so it's not surprising that India is also home to many magnificent mosques. Some of them, like the mosque in the Taj, are part of historical monuments. One impressive mosque that's very much in use to this day is the lovely 17th-century '''Jama Masjid''' in Old [[Delhi]]. [[Hyderabad]] in [[Southern India|the south]] has several historical mosques, including '''Charminar Masjid''' and '''Mecca Masjid'''. There are also notable churches in various Indian cities. ===Geographical=== [[File:Varanasi Munshi Ghat3.jpg|thumb|Munshi Ghat along the Ganges in Varanasi]] India is a very geographically varied country. In the north of the country, one can see the '''Himalayas''', the Earth's highest mountain range. There are hilly areas in many non-Himalayan states, too. In India, '''hill stations''' — towns in the cooler areas in foothills or high valleys surrounded by mountains, which were favored by rajas, then the British and now Indian tourists in the hot summer months — are considered sights and experiences in themselves. The largest of them is Jammu and Kashmir's summer capital, [[Srinagar]], but [[Darjeeling]], in view of Mount Kangchenjunga in northern [[West Bengal]], is very famous for its tea. Other famous hill stations include [[Shimla]], [[Ooty]] and [[Gangtok]], and there are many others — most states have some. India is also a country of numerous rivers. Several of them are traditionally considered holy, but especially the '''Ganges''', locally known as Ganga, which brings life to the [[Plains (India)|Indian Plains]], India's breadbasket, and is not just an impressive body of water but a centre of ritual ablutions, prayer and cremation. There are several holy cities along the river that have many temples, but they are often less places of pilgrimage to specific temples than holy cities whose temples have grown because of the ghats (steps leading down to the holy river) and most interesting to visit for the overall experience of observing or partaking in the way of life and death along the river. Foremost among these holy cities is [[Varanasi]], [[Uttar Pradesh]], where some 5,000-year-old rituals are still practised; other cities worth visiting to experience the Ganges include [[Rishikesh]] and [[Haridwar]], much further upstream. India also has a long coastline. The '''beaches''' of [[Goa]], also an interesting former Portuguese colony and the [[Andaman Islands]] are among the most appreciated by domestic and foreign visitors. Finally, India has a vast desert, the '''Thar Desert''' in [[Rajasthan]]. Several Rajasthani cities including [[Jaisalmer]] are good bases for camel safaris. ===Wildlife=== {{see also|Wildlife in South and Southeast Asia|Indian national parks and wildlife sanctuaries}} India is famous for its wildlife, including the Bengal tigers, Asiatic lions and elephants. * [[Keibul Lamjao National Park]] in [[Manipur]] is the world's only floating national park, floating on the mirror like [[Loktak lake]], where the world's only dancing deer species, Brow antlered deer ([[Manipuri phrasebook|Manipuri]]: Sangai) is found. Another one, the [[Sirohi National Park]] is the world's only habitat for the world's only terrestrial lily, the Shirui Lily (Lilium macklineae), which can't be grown in any part of the earth except in the Shirui NP in [[Manipur]], despite innumerable serious experiments of numerous scientists. * [[Bandhavgarh National Park]] in [[Madhya Pradesh]] and [[Ranthambhore National Park]] in [[Rajasthan]] are the most likely places for you to spot an Indian tiger in the wild, though you will still have to have some luck and persistence. * [[Gir Forest National Park]] in [[Gujarat]] is dedicated to the preservation of Asiatic lions. * The [[Sundarbans (West Bengal)|Sundarbans]], on the border with [[Bangladesh]] is the largest mangrove forest and delta in the world, home to the famous Royal Bengal tigers and estuarine crocodiles but also fascinating as an overall ecosystem. * [[Pench National Park]] in Madhya Pradesh is one of the places that may have inspired Rudyard Kipling's ''Jungle Book''. * [[Kaziranga National Park]] in Assam is home to the world's largest population of one-horned rhinoceros. ==Do== ===Fairs and festivals=== [[File:Holi Bonfire Udaipur.jpg|thumb|Holi bonfire in [[Udaipur]]]] '''Goa Fair''' (carnival). February heralds the carnival at [[Goa]]. For three days and nights the streets come alive with colour. Held in mid February the week-long event is a time for lively processions, floats, the strumming of guitars, graceful dances and of non-stop festivity. One of the more famous of Indian carnivals, the Goa Festival is a complete sell out in terms of tourism capacities. '''Surajkund Mela''' (1–15 February). As spring glides in, full of warmth and vibrancy, leaving the grey winter behind, Surajkund adorns itself with colourful traditional crafts of India. Craftsmen from all over the country assemble at Surajkund during the first fortnight of February to participate in the annual celebration that is the Surajkund Crafts Mela. '''Holi'''. The Spring Festival of India, Holi is a festival of colours. Celebrated in March or April, according to the Hindu calendar, it was meant to welcome spring and win the blessings of Gods for good harvests and fertility of the land. As with all Hindu festivals, there are many interesting legends attached to Holi, the most popular being that of Prince Prahlad, who was a devout follower of Lord Vishnu. It is the second most important festival of India after Diwali. Holi in India is a festival of fun and frolic and has been associated with the immortal love of Krishna and Radha. The exuberance and the festivity of the season are remarkable. '''Diwali'''. The festival of lights, Diwali, illuminates the darkness of the New Year's moon, and is said to strengthen close friendships and knowledge with a self-realisation. Diwali is celebrated on a nation-wide scale on Amavasya – the 15th day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu month of Ashwin (Oct/Nov) every year. It symbolises that age-old culture of India which teaches to vanquish ignorance that subdues humanity and to drive away darkness that engulfs the light of knowledge. The festival of lights still today projects the rich and glorious past of India. '''Pushkar Mela'''. Every November the sleepy little township of [[Pushkar]] in Rajasthan comes alive in a riot of colours and a frenzied burst of activity during the Pushkar Fair. Few fairs in the world can match the liveliness of Pushkar. It includes the world's largest camel fair, but is much more than that. ===Sports=== [[File:Eden gardens.jpg|thumb|A cricket match at the Eden Gardens, [[Kolkata]]]] *'''[[Cricket]]''' — India is a cricket-obsessed country and cricket is in the blood of most Indians. India plays an important role in world cricket and has been world champion twice in the ICC Cricket World Cup, in 1983 beating the mighty West Indies in the final, and Sri Lanka in 2011. India also emerged triumphant in the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup in 2007 held in South Africa beating arch-rival Pakistan in a nail-biting final, as well as in the ICC T20 World Cup in 2024 held in the USA and the West Indies beating South Africa in thrilling final, winning all their matches. The popularity of cricket in India is second to no other game, so seeing children playing cricket in parks and alleys with rubber balls and makeshift wickets is very common. Until 2008, Indian cricket was all about the national team playing against other countries in one-day matches or epic five-day Test marathons, but the advent of the [http://www.iplt20.com/ Indian Premier League] (IPL) has, for better or worse, brought fast-paced, commercialised "Twenty20" cricket to the fore, complete with cheerleaders and massive salaries. In international matches, while Australia typically poses the strongest challenge to Indian supremacy, the most intense rivalry by far is with neighbouring Pakistan, and matches between the two sides are often a very charged affair. About half-a dozen Indian stadiums have a capacity of over 45,000 and watching a cricket match can be quite an experience. The Eden Gardens in central [[Kolkata]] is India's most iconic cricket stadium with 66,349 seating capacity and is the oldest cricket stadium in the Indian subcontinent, established in 1865, and is comparable to the stadiums of Lords' in London and the MCG in Melbourne. The atmosphere of most matches is electrifying. ''Nearly all'' international matches have sellout crowds, and it is quite normal for fans to bribe officials and make their way in. Starting ticket prices are quite cheap; they can be as low as ₹250–300. India and Pakistan are all-time arch rivals, and cricket matches between the two nations attract up to a billion TV viewers, including many people who are otherwise not cricket fans. *'''[[Association football|Football]]''' (soccer) — You can come across young boys playing with a football on any open space that is available, as with cricket. Club football is very popular, especially among youth and you will find people getting into heated arguments in public places over their favourite teams. Many people also support national teams other than India, but it usually depends on the nationality of their favourite players. Also, many large restaurants and bars offer a view of important European club matches and the World Cup matches. The most famous and electrifying rivalry is the ''Kolkata Derby'' between Mohun Bagan Athletic Club (established 1889) and East Bengal Football club (established 1920) held at Salt Lake Stadium (the second-largest non-auto racing stadium in the world) in eastern [[Kolkata]], the football capital of India and a tremendously football crazy city. This rivalry is widely regarded to be the oldest and most intense football rivalry in Asia. *'''[[Field hockey|Hockey]]''' (field hockey) – The national game of India, hockey retains a prominent position in the hearts of many Indians, despite the craze for cricket and football. Although the viewership has dwindled significantly (as compared to the golden era before cricket came to the fore in the mid-1980s), it hasn't vanished completely. It still has a significant fan base, especially in North India, some eastern parts like Jharkhand, Odisha and the Northeastern states. The introduction of the Premier Hockey League has helped restore its popularity. Speakers of U.S./Canadian English should also note that 'hockey' refers to field hockey, not ice hockey. *'''Polo''' — Polo's origins can be traced to origins in Manipur state around 3100 BC, when it was played as Sagol Kangjei. It was adopted by the Europeans during the 19th century and spread around the globe. The polo ground in [[Imphal]] is the world's oldest. *'''Kabaddi''' — A sport unique to the Indian subcontinent, it is a contact team sport that involves attempting to tag out your opponents' player before returning to your own half. ==Learn== There are many things to learn that interest foreigners all over India, but there are a few destinations that have become particularly well known for certain things: *'''Yoga''' is popular in [[Haridwar]], [[Rishikesh]] and [[Mysore]]. *'''Ayurveda''' is popular in [[Kerala]]. The region also boasts of many dance and dramatic forms. *'''[[Hindi phrasebook|Hindi]]''' in [[Delhi]] and [[Varanasi]]. *'''Classical musical instruments''' in not only the ancient city of [[Varanasi]] but many parts of India, especially in Southern States, where they form the most integral part of Core Classicals. *'''Classical vocal music''' and '''classical dance forms''' in [[Tamil Nadu]] or [[Manipur]] or [[Karnataka]]. *'''Sanskrit''' at 'Samskrita Bharati' in areas of [[Udupi]], [[Bangalore]] and [[Delhi]]. *'''Buddhism''' in [[Dharamsala]] and [[Bir]] in [[Himachal Pradesh]] as well as in [[Bodh Gaya]] in [[Bihar]]. *'''Cooking''' classes are also popular. The most well-known exported type of Indian food are the cuisines such as Idly, Dosa, Biryanis, Dals etc. and regional cuisines such as Thalis, South Indian, and [[Punjab (India)|Punjab]]i, as the Sikhs have been the most successful in spreading Indian restaurants throughout the western world. However, styles vary a lot throughout the country, so if you have the time and appetite it's worth checking out courses in a variety of areas such as [[Karnataka]], [[Kerala]], [[Tamil Nadu]], and [[West Bengal]]. There are many universities imparting education but at the helm are '''Indian Institutes of Technology''' (IITs) for technical undergraduates, '''Indian Institutes of Management''' (IIMs) for management postgraduates and '''National Law Universities/Schools''' (NLUs) which are world class institutes. Most of the ambitious students who want to get a good high level education strive to get into these institutes through the fiendishly difficult admission processes, both due to nature of test and the prevailing competition. Admissions to the top 7 IITs - [[Delhi]], [[Mumbai|Bombay]], [[Chennai|Madras]], [[Kanpur]], [[Kharagpur]], [[Roorkee]] and [[Guwahati]] - are so competitive that it is harder for an Indian student to get into one of them than it is for an American student to get into an Ivy League college, or a British student to get into Oxbridge. The 6 top IIMs (Including the 4 oldest - [[Ahmedabad]], [[Kolkata]], [[Bangalore]] and [[Lucknow]] plus newly established Indore and Kozhikode) together select only about 1,200 students from 350,000 students who appear for CAT exam. But still students have a great desire to get into these institutes. These institutes also offer degrees to foreign students. Apart from undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral courses, there are many training and diploma-level institutes and polytechnics that cater to the growing demand for skill-based and vocational education. Besides conventional educational institutes, foreigners might also be interested to study with Pandits to learn Hindi and Sanskrit in genuine settings as well as with Mullahs to study Urdu, Persian, and Arabic. They might also like to live with famed Ustads to study traditional Indian music. Whether people are interested in philosophy or religion, cuisine or dance, India will have the right opportunity for them. ==Work== Foreigners need a work permit to be employed in India. A work permit is granted if an application is made to the local Indian embassy along with proof of potential employment and supporting documents. There are many expatriates working in India, mostly for multinational companies. India has always had an expatriate community of reasonable size, and there are many avenues for finding employment, including popular job-hunting websites. Citizens of '''[[Nepal]]''' and '''[[Bhutan]]''' can live and work freely in India, and do not require work permits. There are many volunteer opportunities around the country including teaching. India has a reasonable presence of foreign Christian missionaries, who for the most part form the non-local religious workers, since the other major religions of the world either grew out of India or have had a long-term presence. A living can be made in the traveller scenes by providing some kind of service such as baking Western cakes, tattooing or massage. Previously, an AIDS test result was required as part of the work visa application process. It is highly recommended that applicants obtain test results in their home country beforehand if possible. ==Buy== ===Money=== {{exchange rates | currency=Indian rupees | currencyCode=₹ | date= January 2025 | USD=85 | EUR=88 | GBP=107 | CAD=59 | SGD=62 | KRW=57 | JPY=54 | source=[https://www.xe.com/currency/inr-indian-rupee XE.com] }} {{infobox|The money that was|On November 8, 2016, the old yellow ₹500 and red ₹1000 banknotes were demonetised (made invalid) at very short notice in a ham-fisted attempt to fight corruption. The new ₹500 note is grey, and there is no ₹1000 note at all. If you have any of the old notes lying around, they are no longer legal tender and they are impossible to exchange. '''Don't accept these''' if somebody tries to palm any off to you: [[File:India 500 INR, MG series, 2014, obverse.jpg|x117px]] [[File:India 1000 INR, MG series, 2006, obverse.jpg|x117px]] }} The currency in India is the Indian '''rupee''' (sign: ₹; code: '''INR''') (रुपया — ''rupaya'' in Hindi and similarly named in most Indian languages, but ''ṭaka'' in Maithili, ''ṭākā'' in Bengali and ''ṭakā'' in Assamese). The rupee is subdivided into 100 paise (singular: paisa). "5 rupees 50 paise" would normally be written as "₹5.50". The new rupee symbol ₹ was introduced in July 2010 to bring the rupee's symbol in line with other major currencies. Previously, "Rs" was used (or "Re" for the singular rupee). It is very likely you will continue to see the previous nomenclature in your Indian travels, especially with smaller businesses and street vendors, as well as prices written like 500/- (with a slash and hyphen at the end). Indian banknotes or bills come in denominations of ₹1 (rare), ₹5 (green, printing discontinued), ₹10 (orange and violet/chocolate brown), ₹20 (reddish-orange/greenish yellow), ₹50 (violet/fluorescent blue), ₹100 (greenish blue/lavender), ₹200 (bright yellow) and ₹500 (stone grey). There are two versions of ₹10, ₹20, ₹50 and ₹100 banknotes due to the introduction of a new series of the currency by the government in 2016 following the demonetisation. A magenta ₹2000 banknote exists and remains legal tender, but was withdrawn from circulation in 2023. The coins in circulation are 50p (rare), ₹1, ₹2, ₹5, ₹10 (yellow ring with steel center) and ₹20 (steel ring with yellowish gold center). Coins are useful for buying tea (₹5), for bus fares (₹2 to ₹10), and for giving exact change for an auto-rickshaw. Indians commonly use '''lakh''' and '''crore''' for 100,000 and 10,000,000 respectively. Though these terms come from Sanskrit, they have been adopted so deeply into Indian English that most people are not aware that they are non-existent in other English dialects. You may also find non-standard, although standard in India, placement of commas while writing numerals. One crore rupees would be written as ₹1,00,00,000, so first time you place a comma after three numerals, then after every two numerals. This format may puzzle you till you start thinking in terms of lakhs and crores, after which it will seem natural. {| class="wikitable" |- ! Number !! Western Format !! Indian Format (In English) !! Indian Format (In Hindi) |- | 100 || Hundred || Hundred || Sau |- | 1000 || Thousand || Thousand || Hazār |- | 1,00,000 || Hundred Thousand || One Lakh || Ek Lākh |- | 10,00,000 || Million || Ten Lakhs || Das Lākh |- | 1,00,00,000 || Ten Million || One Crore || Ek Karoṛ |} ====Change==== It is always good to have a number of small bills on hand, as merchants and food stalls are notoriously short on change and cash in general, even if your food was ₹250. Giving a ₹500 note, and they often will be stuck. It is best to ask before whether they have change. This is due to most small shops accepting cashless payment, or just to have as little money in the shops as possible, for safety. The best way to get small change is with bus conductors or other official places, they will readily accept large notes. Also, it seems fruit and vegetable vendors have change. In general, it is best to keep smaller bills (₹10-50) and larger bills separate. Then, it will not be obvious how much money you have. Some shops don't accept bills and coins of very low denominations like ₹1 and ₹5 bills, and 50p, ₹1 and ₹2 coins, despite being legal tenders. So, it is best to change these for larger denominations commonly used instead of arguing with shopkeepers. Also, do not accept any bills that are ripped, taped or look in any way unacceptable. Generally, vendors, etc. will readily give you a better note. But some might struggle to find any cash at all, as mentioned before. Stand your ground, otherwise next time you try to spend such a note it will be your problem and Indians are very selective. '''UPI (Unified Payment Interface)''' In India, you can now pay on phone using UPI. Using your UPI enabled mobile app, you scan a QR Code from your vendor, type in a set amount of money and the money can send. Foreigners can now make UPI payments as well. ====ATMs==== Most ATMs will pay out a maximum of ₹10,000 per transaction. Notes are often ₹500 only, so you will have to choose a multiple of this for withdrawals. State Bank of India (SBI) is the biggest bank in India and has the most ATMs. ICICI bank has the second largest network of ATMs and accepts most of the international cards at a nominal charge. International banks like Citibank, HSBC, Barclays, Deutsche Bank, ABN Amro and Standard Chartered have a significant presence in major Indian cities. Either way, it is always worthwhile to have bank cards or credit cards from at least two different providers to ensure that you have a backup available in case one card is suspended by your bank or simply does not work work at a particular ATM. Decline any offer of [[Money#Dynamic_currency_conversion|dynamic currency conversion (DCC)]], unless you cannot, or you can verify that the conversion is indeed in your favour – it rarely is. It is often off the market rate by 7% or more, whereas your bank's rate is typically only off 1–3%. While your bank may also charge a fixed fee for its conversion, the exchange rate dominates in typical withdrawals. The ATMs of the State Bank of India (SBI), Punjab National Bank (PNB), Canara, Union, HDFC, Baroda, Central, IDBI, DCB and HSBC banks may not charge a withdrawal fee (listed in order from most to fewest branches). The fee charged can vary depending on your card type, where your bank is and sometimes even the specific ATM you're using. Check fees when using an ATM you haven't used before, or the same ATM with a different card. If one of these ATMs is not nearby then check this table to help find a favourable alternative: {| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="margin-left: 1em; text-align:right" |+ {{nowrap|Fees and limits}} {{nowrap|(as of Nov 2024)}} <!-- Table default sort order: 1. Ascending on the fee that would apply to a 10000 INR withdrawal (~100 USD) 2. Ascending on the bank name --> ! Bank !! Fee !! Transaction limit!! DCC |- ! Bank of Baroda | None || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! Central Bank | None || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! Canara Bank | {{INR|0-200}} || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! DCB Bank | None || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! HDFC Bank | {{INR|0-200}} || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! HSBC Bank | None || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! IDBI Bank | None || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! Punjab National Bank (PNB) | {{INR|0-150}} || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! State Bank of India (SBI) | {{INR|0-250}} || {{INR|10000}} | 8% declinable |- ! Union Bank of India | None || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! Citibank | {{INR|200}} || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! ICICI Bank | {{INR|200}} || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! IndusInd Bank | {{INR|200}} || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! Kotak Mahindra Bank | {{INR|200}} || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! Federal Bank | {{INR|238}} || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! Axis Bank | {{INR|300}} || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! Standard Chartered | {{INR|335}} || {{INR|10000}} | |} ====Credit cards and mobile payments==== In many cities and towns, credit cards are accepted at retail chain stores and other restaurants and stores. Small businesses and family-run stores almost never accept credit cards, so it is useful to keep a moderate amount of cash on hand. Mobile payment apps including PhonePe, Paytm, and Google Pay use the UPI BHIM standard and are increasingly popular across India, these apps require Indian phone numbers and bank accounts but there are several apps that provide UPI for tourists and visitors, including Mony, Cheq and Namaspay. Apple Pay is not supported in India. You will have to scan a QR code and then money will be transferred to the recipient. UPI apps for tourists work with the QR codes. Most UPI apps can be downloaded from the app stores before travelling, but they require in-person identification before working. Most UPI for tourists apps provide scheduling a meeting at hotel via whatsapp or meeting at their offices. Many shops, even the tiniest food shed, will accept cashless payment. This is also the reason why they are notoriously short in cash. ====Money exchange==== [[File:SardarMarket Fabrics.JPG|thumb|Rajasthani fabric for sale, [[Jodhpur]]]] You can change foreign currencies into rupees at any one of the numerous foreign exchange conversion units including banks. The Indian rupee is officially not convertible; foreigners are '''not allowed''' to bring Indian rupees into or out of India, while Indian citizens are restricted to carrying '''up to ₹25,000''' when exiting or entering India. Rates for exchanging rupees overseas are often poor, although places with large Indian populations (e.g. Dubai, Singapore) can give decent rates. ===Costs=== Costs in India can vary widely from region to region, and even in the same city, depending on the quality of service or product, brand, etc. But usually, India is '''very inexpensive''' for Western travellers. ====Budget travellers==== Budget travel around India is surprisingly easy, with the savvy backpacker being able to get by on as little as US$10 per day—but allow US$15–25 for any extra comfort (beer, rickshaws, etc.). It is generally cheaper than South East Asia with a night in a hotel costing as little as ₹200–800—though there will be probably no AC at the lower end. Hostel beds start at ₹150, and generally are ₹300-500. Beach huts in the cheaper places of Goa can cost around ₹800 per night. A meal can be bought from a street trader for as little as ₹30, Samosas and alike go for ₹10–20 per piece, though in a restaurant expect to pay around ₹100-200 for a meal. Overnight buses and trains can cost anywhere from ₹600-1,000 dependent on distance and locations, though an uncomfortable government bus (benches only) may be half of that. Regular bus transport will cost approximately ₹2/km—if you pay considerably more, something is off. Short-distance bus routes of 3–4 hr are seldomly more than ₹200. Otherwise, just exploring places on foot saves a lot of money. Also, many sights are for free and just hanging out at a temple and reading a book is as cheap as it can get. A simple day in Rishikesh or Amritsar could look like this: * Accommodation: ₹0–200 (Temple vs. Hostel) * Food: ₹350 (2 full meals, fruits) * Chai, water, soft drink: ₹100 * Transport: ₹100–200 *'''Total''': ₹400–800 for one person ====Mid-range to splurge travellers==== Add traveling by taxi, staying in 3+-star hotels, and dinning in classy locations, and your daily bill will quickly go up to US$50–100 (per person). A decent room is ₹2,000–5,000 in a good hotel offering PayTV, AC, and sometimes refrigerator. Food will cost at least ₹400 for a decent meal, but the sky is the limit. A taxi or rickshaw may cost ₹20–30/km. There are radio taxis that are available at ₹20–25/km in key Indian cities which have GPS navigation, AC and accept debit/credit cards for payments. So, the total for one day would be about as below: * Hotel: US$30–60 per room for a good place per day * Food: US$15 for a good meal per day * Travel: US$20 taxi and bus together * '''Total''': US$90 for a couple, or US$60 for one person alone ===Discriminatory pricing=== Foreign visitors will quickly encounter the '''special foreigners' rates''' that they are charged in some places in India. This applies to many tourist attractions, such as museums and historical sites. The difference in pricing is because the Indian government subsidises entry fees for local people, to make these attractions more affordable for taxpayers. While this may seem discriminatory, it is practised in most developing countries in Asia and Africa and helps make these attractions more accessible to local people. Some tourist attractions that are run by the Archaeological Survey of India have different rates for Indians and foreigners. These rates are prominently posted at the entrance and ticketing booths. The rates for foreigners may be as many as five to ten times those for Indians. Likewise, if you are reserving a hotel room or an airline ticket over the internet, you may find that paying in euros or US dollars costs significantly more. You can get an Indian friend to book in rupees and in most cases, no one will question you at the time of check in. ===Tipping=== In India there has traditionally been little or no tipping, and today tipping is unusual outside of fancier restaurants where up to 10% is appropriate. The fancier restaurants may also levy a service charge of up to 15% apart from government taxes. Some restaurants have also have started placing jars at the cashier for people to drop in some change if they feel so, but this is a rather rare phenomenon. Most clubs in India have a complete ban on its members from tipping. Usually no service industry except the food services industry expects a tip. In India, it is unlawful for taxi or rickshaw drivers to charge anything above the meter. ===Shopping=== [[File:Delhi main bazaar.jpg|thumb|At the main bazaar in Delhi]] In India, you are '''''expected'' to negotiate the price''' with street hawkers but not in department stores and the like. If not, you risk overpaying many times, which can be okay if you think that it is cheaper than at home. In most of the big cities and even smaller towns retail chain stores are popping up where the shopping experience is essentially identical to similar stores in the West. There are also some government-run stores like the '''Cottage Emporium''' in New Delhi, where you can sample wares from all across the country in air-conditioned comfort. Although you will pay a little more at these stores, you can be sure that what you are getting is not a cheap knockoff. The harder you [[bargaining|bargain]], the more you save money. A few tries later, you will realise that it is fun. Often, the more time you spend in a shop, the better deals you will get. It is worth spending time getting to know the owner, asking questions, and getting him to show you other products (if you are interested). Once the owner feels that they will make a sufficient profit from you, they will often give you additional goods at a rate close to cost, rather than the common "foreigner rate". You will get better prices and service by buying many items in one store than by bargaining in multiple stores individually. If you see local people buying in a store, you should be able to find out the real Indian prices. Ask someone around you quietly, "How much would you pay for this?" Also, very often you will meet a "friend" in the street inviting you to visit their family's shop. That almost always means that you pay twice as much as when you had been in the shop without your newly found friend. ''Baksheesh'' was originally a Persian word for charity, but it has spread to many languages including most of those in India. Depending on context, its English translation might be any of donation, gift, tip, bribe, alms or commission. Having Indians you deal with want baksheesh is a fairly common phenomenon. While this is sometimes a problem, doing it can ease certain problems and clear some hurdles. Baksheesh is also the term used by beggars when they want money from you and may refer to tips given those who provide you a service. Packaged goods show the '''Maximum Retail Price (MRP)''' on the package. This includes taxes. Retailers are not supposed to charge more than this. Though this rule is adhered to at most places, at tourist destinations or remote places, you may be charged more. This is especially true for cold drinks like Coke or Pepsi, where a bottle (300 ml) costs around ₹33-35 when the actual price is ₹30. Also, keep in mind that a surprising number of things do not come in packaged form. Do check for the authenticity of the MRP, as shopkeepers may put up their own sticker to charge more from you. ===What to look for/buy=== *'''Wood Carvings''' – India produces a striking variety of carved wood products that can be bought at very low prices. Examples include decorative wooden plates, bowls, artwork, furniture and miscellaneous items that will surprise you. Check the regulations of your home country before attempting to import wooden items. *'''Clothing''' – It depends on the state/region you are visiting. Most of the states have their speciality to offer. For example, go for silk sarees if you are visiting Varanasi; Block prints if you are in Jaipur. *'''Paintings''' – Paintings come on a wide variety of media, such as cotton, silk, or with frame included. Gemstone paintings incorporate semi-precious stone dust, so they have a glittering appearance to them. *'''Marble and stone carvings''' – Common carved items include elephants, Hindu gods/goddesses. Compare several of the same kind. If they look too similar bargain hard as they are probably machine made. *'''Jewellery''' – Beautiful necklaces, bracelets and other jewellery are very inexpensive in India. *'''Pillow covers, bedsets''' – Striking and rich designs are common for pillows and bed covers. *'''Carpets''' – India has a long [[Carpets#Indian subcontinent|history]] of carpet production and makes many today for both domestic and export markets. Designer brands like Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, Zara, A & F, all are available in upmarket stores in malls especially in the larger cities. ==Eat== {{see also|South Asian cuisine}} Indian cuisine takes its place among the great cuisines of the world. There is a good chance that you have tasted "Indian food" in your country, especially if you are a traveller from the West. But what India has exported abroad is just one part of its extraordinary range of culinary diversity. Indian food can be spicy: Potent fresh green chillies or red chilli powder will bring tears to the eyes of the uninitiated, and can be found in unexpected places like sweet cornflakes (a snack, not breakfast) or even candies. The degree of spiciness varies widely throughout the country: [[Andhra Pradesh|Andhra]] food is famously fiery, while [[Gujarat]]i cuisine is quite mild in taste with the exception of Surti food (from [[Surat]]). To enjoy the local food, start slowly. Don't try everything at once. After a few weeks, you can get accustomed to spicy food. If you would like to order your dish not spicy, simply say so. Most visitors are tempted to try at least some of the spicy concoctions, and most discover that the sting is worth the trouble. Remember, too, that while "spicy" is a convenient short-hand for "chilli-laden", the spiciness of food in India doesn't always mean lots of chilli: Indian cuisines often use a multitude of different spices and other aromatic ingredients in highly creative and flavourful ways, like ginger and garlic. ===Cuisine=== Cuisine in India varies greatly from region to region. ====North Indian==== [[File:Chuni Roti.jpg|thumb|Chuni roti]] '''[[Northern India]]''' is a wheat-growing area, so you have '''Indian breads''' (known as ''roti''), including ''chapatti'' (unleavened bread), ''paratha'' (pan-fried layered roti), ''naan'' (cooked in a clay ''tandoor'' oven), ''puri'' (deep-fried and puffed up bread) and many more. A typical meal consists of one or more gravy dishes along with rotis, to be eaten by breaking off a piece of roti, dipping it in the gravy and eating them together. Most of the Hindi heartland of India survives on roti, rice, and '''lentils''' (''dal''), which are prepared in several different ways and made spicy to taste. Served on the side, you will usually find spiced yogurt (''raita'') and either fresh chutney or a tiny piece of exceedingly pungent pickle (''achar'') — very much an acquired taste for most visitors. Try mixing it with curry, not eating it plain. A variety of regional cuisines can be found throughout the North. ''Tandoori'' chicken, prepared in a clay oven called a ''tandoor'', is probably the best-known North Indian dish, innovated by a Punjabi immigrant from present-day Pakistan during the Partition. For a taste of traditional Punjabi folk cooking, try ''dal makhani'' (stewed black lentils and kidney beans in a buttery gravy), or ''sarson da saag'', a yummy gravy dish made with stewed mustard greens, served with ''makke di roti'' (flatbread made from maize). There are also the hearty textures and robust flavours of [[Rajasthan]]i food, the meat-heavy [[Kashmir]]i dishes from the valley of Kashmir, or the mild yet ingratiating [[Himalayan North|Himalayan]] (''pahari'') cuisine found in the higher reaches. North India also has of a variety of snacks like ''samosa'' (vegetables encased in thin pastry of a triangular shape) and ''kachori'' (either vegetable or pulses encased in thin pastry). There is also a vast constellation of sweet desserts like ''jalebi'' (deep-fried pretzel with sugar syrup- shaped like a spiral), ''rasmalai'' (balls of curds soaked in condensed milk) and ''halwa''. Dry fruits and nuts like almonds, cashews and pistachios are used a lot, often in the desserts, but sometimes also in the main meal. Authentic Mughal-style cooking, the royal cuisine of the Mughal Empire, can still be found and savoured in some parts of India, most notably the old Mughal cities of Delhi, [[Agra]] and [[Lucknow]] in [[Uttar Pradesh]], and [[Hyderabad]] in [[Telangana]]. It is a refined blend of [[Iran|Persian]], [[Central Asia|Turkic]] and [[Indian subcontinent|Subcontinent]] cooking, and makes heavy use of meat and spices. The names of some Mughal dishes bear the prefix of ''shahi'' as a sign of its prestige and royal status from a bygone era. Famous Mughal specialties include ''biryani'' (layered meat and rice casserole), ''pulao'' (rice cooked in a meat or vegetable broth), ''kebab'' (grilled meat), ''kofta'' (balls of mincemeat), ''korma'', ''rumali roti'' (flatbread whirled into paper-thin consistency) and ''shahi tukray'' (saffron and cardamom-scented bread pudding). '''Thali''' is a general meal dish often including dal, vegetables, raita, rice, roti. Dal, vegetables and sometimes raita can often be had several times, 4 rotis are generally included (₹10 for additional). They go for ₹100-150. ====South Indian==== [[File:Meal BananaLeaf.JPG|thumb|240px|A typically south Indian banana leaf meal]] {{see also|Southern India#Eat}} In '''[[Southern India]]''', the food is mostly '''rice-based'''. A typical meal includes ''sambhar'' (a thick vegetable and lentil chowder) with rice, ''rasam'' (a thin, peppery soup), or ''avial'' (mixed vegetables) with rice, traditionally served on a banana leaf as a plate. Seasoning in South India differs from northern regions by its ubiquitous use of mustard seeds, curry leaves, pulses, fenugreek seeds, and a variety of souring agents such as tamarind and kokum. There are regional variations too — the coastal regions make greater use of coconut and fish. In the State of [[Kerala]], it is common to use grated coconut in everything and coconut oil for cooking. The South also has some great breakfast dishes like ''idli'' (a steamed cake of lentils and rice), ''dosa'', a thin, crispy pancake often stuffed with spiced potatoes to make ''masala dosa'', ''vada'', a savoury Indian donut, and ''uttapam'', a fried pancake made from a rice and lentil batter with onions and other vegetables mixed in. All of these can be eaten with ''dahi'', plain yogurt, and '''chutney''', a condiment that can be made from practically anything. Try the ever popular masala dosa, which originated from Udupi in [[Karnataka]], in one of the old restaurants of [[Bangalore]]. Seafood is very popular in [[Kerala]] and the [[Mangalore]]an coast of Karnataka. [[Tamil Nadu|Chettinad]] and Hyderabad cuisines use meat heavily, and are a lot spicier. Coffee tends to be the preferred drink to tea in South India. ====Others==== In '''[[Western India]]''', you will find some great cuisine groups. '''[[Gujarat]]i''' cuisine is somewhat similar to Rajastani cooking with the heavy use of dairy products, but differs in that it is predominantly vegetarian, and often sweetened with jaggery or sugar. Gujaratis make some of the best snack items such as the '''Dhokla''' and the '''Muthia'''. [[Mumbai]] is famous for its chaat, as well as the food of the small but visible Irani and Parsi communities concentrated in and around the city. The adjacent states of [[Maharashtra]] and Goa are renowned for their seafood, often simply grilled, fried or poached in coconut milk. A notable feature of Goan cooking is that pork and vinegar is used, a rare sight in the rest of India. Vindaloo originated in Goa and is traditionally cooked with pork. Despite its apparent popularity in Indian restaurants abroad, it is not common in India itself. [[File:A scene from traditional Odia kitchen.jpg|thumb|A traditional Odia kitchen]] The food in '''[[Eastern India]]''' makes heavy use of rice and fish due to the vast river channels and ocean coastline in the region. [[West Bengal|Bengali]] cooking is known for its complexity of flavour and bittersweet balance. Mustard oil is often used in cooking and adds a pungent, slightly sweet flavour and intense heat. Bengalis prefer freshwater fish, in particular the iconic hilsa or ''ilish'': it can be smoked, fried, steamed, baked in young plantain leaves, cooked with curd, aubergine and cumin seeds. It is said that ilish can be prepared in more than 50 ways. Typical Bengali dishes include ''mācher jhāl'', a brothy fish stew which means "fish in sauce", and ''shorshe ilish'' (cooked in a gravy made from mustard seed paste). Eastern India is also famous for its desserts and sweets. Rasgulla is a famous variant of the better-known gulab jamun, a spherical morsel made from cow's milk and soaked in a clear sugar syrup. It's excellent if consumed fresh or within a day after it is made. ''Sandesh'' is another excellent milk-based sweet, best described as the dry equivalent of ras malai. A lot of food has also filtered in from other countries. '''Indian Chinese''' (or ''Chindian'') is far and away the most common adaptation. Most Chinese would barely recognise the stuff, but dishes like "veg manchurian" (deep-fried vegetable balls in a chilli-soy-ginger sauce) and "chilli chicken" are very much a part of the Indian cultural landscape and worth a try. The British left fish and chips and some fusion dishes like mulligatawny soup, while [[Tibet]]an and [[Nepal]]i food, especially ''momo'' dumplings, are not uncommon in northern India. Pizza and pasta have entered India in a big way, and the chains such as Pizza Hut and Domino's have Indianised the pizza and introduced adaptations like paneer-tikka pizza. There is an Indian chain called Smokin Joe's, based in Mumbai, which has mixed Thai curry with pizzas. However, often ready-made sauces with lots of additives and spices are used. Also, the cheese is sometimes of questionable type (some feta-style type) in normal restaurants. So, you are better off asking exactly what ingredients they use, if you don't want to be surprised negatively. It is, of course, impossible to do full justice to the range and diversity of Indian food in this brief section. Not only does every region of India have a distinctive cuisine, but you will also find that even within a region, castes and ethnic communities have different styles of cooking and often have their signature recipes, which you will probably not find in restaurants. The adventurous traveller is advised to wangle invitations to homes, try various bylanes of the city and look for food in unlikely places like temples and Gurudwaras in search of culinary nirvana. ===Fruits=== While a wide variety of fruits are native to India, including the ''chikoo'' and the ''jackfruit'', nothing is closer to an Indian's heart than a juicy ripe mango. Hundreds of varieties are found across most of its regions. In fact, India is the largest producer, growing more than half the world's output. '''Mangoes''' are in season at the hottest part of the year, usually between May and July, and range from small (as big as a fist) to some as big as a small cantaloupe. They can be consumed in their ripe, unripe and also a baby form (the last 2 predominantly in pickles). The best mango (the "King of Mangoes", as Indians call it) is the "Alphonso" or Haapoos (in Marathi), in season in April and May along the western coast of Maharashtra. Buy it from a good fruit shop in Mumbai or Mahatma Phule market (formerly Crawford market) in South Mumbai. Dushheri Mangoes are also popular in North India. Other fruits widely available (depending on the season) are '''bananas, oranges, papayas, guavas, lychees, apples, pineapples, pomegranates, apricots, melons, coconuts, grapes, plums, peaches and berries'''. European fruits like apples and pears can be dull and unjuicy, because they are not perfectly adjusted to the local environment and sometimes suffer from mildew. Papayas are often harvested when they still green, because the fruit vendor will of course not want to be in the situation where he has to sell them all at once. Instead they get ripe each separately after a while. However, this is of course not good for the taste, and it can be hard to find a good and sweet papaya. In general, also note the remarks on fruits and vegetables under [[#Stay healthy]]. But your best bet are probably bananas and mangos. ===Vegetarian=== {{infobox|Know your vegetarians|[[File:Current FSSAI Veg and Non-veg Labels.svg|noframe|150px|right]] Most Indians who practise vegetarianism do so for religious or cultural reasons — though cultural taboos have their roots in ethical concerns. Indians' dietary restrictions come in all shapes and sizes and the two symbols (see right) do not capture the full range. The green dot means pure vegetarian. red triangle means non-vegetarian, including only eggs (as in a fruit-egg cake). Here is a quick guide: * '''Veganism''' is practically unknown in many parts of India, because milk and honey are enthusiastically consumed by virtually everyone. But some restaurants in major cities, such as Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore increasingly cater for vegans. Foods like tofu, soy chunks (branded Nutrela) and soy milk are readily available in major cities, as well as some minor ones. **Eggs are considered non-vegetarian by most, though you may encounter people who are otherwise vegetarian eating eggs. These people are often referred to as '''eggetarians'''. That said, there are a number of foods that are vegan by default in India, including standard restaurant dishes such as aloo gobi, channa masala, various types of dal, dosas, and the vast majority of Indo-Chinese dishes. **Dishes made with dairy products are usually denoted as such (referencing their use of butter or ghee, in particular). Most restaurants will accommodate dietary restrictions and it is advisable to ask if a dish contains milk, butter, cream, yogurt or ghee. Virtually all Indian desserts, however, are non-vegan, with the exception of jalebi, an orange-coloured fried dough commonly found in western and northern India. * The strictest vegetarians are some '''Jains and some Brahmin sects'''. They not only abjure all kinds of meat and eggs, they also refuse to eat onions, potatoes or anything grown under the soil. * Even meat-eating Hindus often follow special diets during religious days or during '''fasts'''. Hindu fasts do not involve giving up all food, just eating a restricted diet, some take only fruits. * A very small group of Indians are, or used to be '''pescatarians''', i.e. they count fish as vegetarian. Among these are Bengali and Konkani Brahmins. Such people are increasingly rare as most have taken to meat-eating.}} Visiting vegetarians will discover a culinary treasure that is found nowhere else in the world. Owing to a large number of strictly vegetarian Hindu Brahmins and Jains, Indian cuisine has evolved an astonishingly rich menu that uses no meat or eggs. Jains in particular practise a strict form of vegetarianism based on the principles of non-violence and peaceful co-operative co-existence. Jains do not consume root vegetables such as potatoes, garlic, onions, carrots, radishes, cassava, sweet potatoes and turnips, as the plant needs to be killed prior to its end of normal life cycle, in the process of accessing these. At least half the menus of most restaurants are devoted to vegetarian dishes, and by law all packaged food products in India are tagged with a green dot (vegetarian) or red dot (non-veg). Veganism however is not a well-understood concept in India, and vegans may face a tougher time: milk products like cheese (''paneer''), yogurt (''dahi'') and clarified butter (''ghee'') are used extensively (in particular, ghee can be hard to spot as it can be mixed into curries before they are served), and honey is also commonly used as a sweetener. Milk in India is generally ''not'' pasteurised, and must be boiled before consumption. Even non-vegetarians will soon note that due to the Hindu taboo, '''beef''' is generally not served (except in the Muslim, Christian and Parsi communities, [[Goa]], [[Kerala]] and the [[Northeast India|North-Eastern states]]), and '''pork''' is also uncommon due to the Muslim population. Chicken and mutton are thus by far the most common meats used, although "buff" (water buffalo) is occasionally served in backpacker establishments. Seafood is of course ubiquitous in the coastal regions of India, and a few regional cuisines do use duck, venison and other game meats in traditional dishes. ===Kosher and halal=== '''Halal''' meat is easy to find among the Muslim minorities in India (and mostly cannot be found elsewhere in the country). Outside areas with a noticeable Muslim community, halal-certified restaurants are scarce. '''Kosher''' food is largely unknown, and ''certified'' kosher establishments are also extremely limited. While contacting [https://www.chabadindia.org/ Chabad India] a few days in advance is an option, it is not the most convenient option unlike most other Asian countries. Surprising to many, while ''explicitly'' certified options remain extremely limited, food compliant with these diets is easy to find anywhere in India unlike most other Asian countries outside the [[Middle East]]. As many non-vegetarians in the country abjure mixing meat and dairy, and because most milk is from cows or buffalos, nearly all dairy in India is actually both halal and kosher although not certified accordingly. Your best bet at finding halal/kosher food is purely vegetarian restaurants, which avoid cross-contamination and can be found nearly everywhere across the country even in coastal areas. However, restaurants in India that also serve meat are almost ''never'' halal/kosher. ===Etiquette=== In India eating with your hand (instead of cutlery like forks and spoons) is very common. There's one basic rule of etiquette to observe, particularly in non-urban India: '''Use only your right hand'''. The left hand is reserved for unhygienic uses. Don't stick either hand into communal serving dishes. Instead, use the spatula with your left hand to serve yourself and then dig in. For all types of breads, the basic technique is to hold down the item with your forefinger and use your middle-finger and thumb to tear off pieces. The pieces can then be dipped in sauce, curry or used to pick up bits before you stuff them in your mouth. Rice is more challenging, but the basic idea is to use four fingers to mix the rice in curry and pack a little ball, before you pop it in your mouth by pushing it with your thumb. Most of the restaurants do provide cutlery and it's pretty safe to use them instead of your hand. Eating by hand is frowned on in some "classier" places. If you are provided with cutlery and nobody else around you seems to be doing it, then take the hint. ===Restaurants=== {{infobox|Menus in English... well, almost|Menus in Indian restaurants are usually written in English, but using Hindi names. Here is a quick decoder key that goes a long way for understanding common dishes like ''aloo gobi'' and ''muttar paneer''. <!-- please don't repeat words already covered above. --> * ''aloo'' or ''aalu'' — potato * ''baigan'' or ''baingan'' — eggplant/aubergine * ''bhindi'' — okra * ''chana'' — chickpeas * ''dal'' — lentils * ''gobi'' — cauliflower (or other cabbage) * ''machli'' — fish * ''makkhan'' — butter * ''matar'' — green peas * ''mirch'' — chilli pepper * ''murgh'' or ''murg'' — chicken * ''palak'' or ''saag'' — spinach (or other greens) * ''paneer'' — Indian cottage cheese * ''subzi'' — vegetable}} Indian restaurants run the gamut from roadside shacks (''dhabas'') to classy five-star places where the experience is comparable to places anywhere in the world. Away from the big cities and tourist haunts, mid-level restaurants are scarce, and food choices will be limited to the local cuisine, Punjabi/Mughlai, "Chinese"/"Indo-Chinese" and occasionally South Indian. The credit for popularising Punjabi cuisine all over the country goes to the ''dhabas'' that line India's highways. Their patrons are usually the truckers, who happen to be overwhelmingly Punjabi. The authentic dhaba serves up simple yet tasty seasonal dishes like roti and dal with onions. Hygiene can be an issue in many dhabas, so if one's not up to your standards try another. In rural areas, dhabas are usually the only option. In Southern India, a "hotel" is a local restaurant serving South Indian food, usually prepared meals or a ''thali'' or ''plate meal'' — a full plate of food that usually includes a kind of bread and/or rice and an assortment of meat or vegetarian dishes. Although you may be often be handed an extensive menu, most dishes are served only during specific hours, if at all. ==Drink== One of the sweetest and safest beverages you can get is young coconut water (''nariyal paani''). You can almost always find it in any beach or other tourist destinations in the south. In summer (Mar-Jul), you can get fresh sugarcane juice in many places and even a lot of fresh fruit juice varieties. India is famous for its Alphonso variety of mangoes, generally regarded as the King of Mangoes among connoisseurs. ''Frooti'', in its famous tetra-pack, is the most popular processed drink, followed by ''Maaza'' (bottled by Coca-Cola) or ''Slice'' (bottled by PepsiCo), both of which contain about 15% Alphonso mango pulp. Both cost about ₹30-50 for a 600 ml bottle. As for bottled water, make sure that the cap's seal has not been broken; otherwise, it is a tell-tale sign of tampering or that unscrupulous vendors reuse old bottles and fill them with tap water, which is generally unsafe for foreign tourists to drink without prior boiling. Bottled water brands like ''Aquafina'' (by PepsiCo) and ''Kinley'' (by Coca-Cola) are widely available. Local brands like ''Bisleri'', ''Himalayan, Bailley, Evian, Aquafina, Patanjali, Tata and Nestle'' are reputed brands as well. Taste may vary due to the individual brands' mineral contents. In semi-urban or rural areas, it may be appropriate to ask for boiled water as well. ===Tea=== [[File:Indian chai tea - Haridwar - India.jpg|thumb|Making chai]] One can get tea (''chai'' in most North Indian languages) of one variety or the other everywhere in India. The most common method of preparing chai is by brewing tea leaves, milk, and sugar altogether in a pot and keeping it hot until it's all sold. It is sweet and uniquely refreshing once you get the taste for it. '''Masala chai''' will have, added to the above mix, spices such as cardamom, ginger or cinnamon etc. For some people, that takes some getting used to. While masala chai is popular in Northern and Central India, people in Eastern and North-Eastern India ([[West Bengal]] and [[Assam]]) generally consume tea without spices, the English way. This is also the part of India where most tea is grown. ===Coffee=== In South India, '''filter coffee''', rather than tea, is the standard beverage. This is different to Western filter coffee due to the use of frothed and boiled milk, finely ground coffee powder, and a traditional Indian filter. ===Alcohol=== [[File:Labels of Indian beer Kingfisher.jpg|thumb|Kingfisher beer]] {{infobox|Drinking & driving|Driving under the influence of alcohol is considered as a serious offence in India. In the event of an accident the law deals with drink-drive offenders with severity. The punishment is a fine and/or imprisonment for up to 6 months. The driving license is suspended for at least six months.}} Drinking alcohol can either be frowned upon or openly accepted, depending on the region and religion of the area within which you are drinking. For example, Goa, Punjab and [[Pondicherry]] tend to be more free-wheeling (and have low taxes on alcohol), while a few southern areas like Chennai are less tolerant of alcohol, and may even charge excessive taxes on it. Some states such as Gujarat and Bihar are legally "dry" states and alcohol cannot be bought openly there, although there is a substantial bootlegging industry. Bootleg alcohol is unregulated and could kill you or make you sick, and you could also be in legal trouble if you are caught while drunk in a dry state. Favourite Indian tipples include beer and rum. Nowadays beer sold is mostly Tuborg, at around ₹180 for a large bottle of 750 mL in the liquor store. '''Old Monk''' is a popular rum brand. Prices vary by state, especially for hard liquor, but you can expect to pay anywhere between ₹500-₹800 for a 750 mL bottle of Old Monk. Mumbai tends to be the most expensive, due to local taxes, which can be three-times as much as Meghalaya. [[File:Wine barrels at Sula Vineyards.jpg|thumb|Wine barrels at Sula Vineyards]] Indian wines, long a bit of a joke, have improved remarkably and there's a booming wine industry in the hills of [[Maharashtra]]. The good stuff is not particularly cheap (expect to pay around ₹500 a bottle) and selections are mostly limited to white wines, but look out for labels by '''Chateau Indage''' or [https://sulavineyards.com/ '''Sula''']. Illegal moonshine, called ''tharra'' when made from sugar cane and ''toddy'' when made from coconuts, is widely available in some states. It's cheap and strong, but '''very dangerous''' as it may contain toxic methanol. Quality control is nonexistent, and best avoided entirely. In the former Portuguese colony of Goa you can obtain an extremely pungent liquor called ''fenny'' or ''feni'', typically made from cashew fruits or coconuts. As of April 2017 it is illegal to sell alcohol within 500 m of a highway. This is controversial as it has hit restaurants, bars and hotels hard. If your hotel does not have alcoholic drinks, this may well be the reason. ===Cannabis=== [[File:Bhang shop in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India on June 6, 2006.jpg|thumb|240px|Government-authorised ''bhang'' shop, [[Jaisalmer]]]] [[Cannabis]] in its many forms, especially ''ganja'' (weed) and ''charas'' (hash), is widely available throughout India, but are all '''illegal''' in the vast majority of the country. The law states that simple possession may mean fines or years in prison, depending on the quantity possessed. However, in some states (notably Uttar Pradesh, [[Bihar]], [[Rajasthan]], [[Madhya Pradesh]], [[Uttarakhand]] and [[Odisha]]) the one legal and socially accepted way to consume cannabis is as '''''bhang''''', a low-grade preparation sold at government-licensed shops that is not only smoked, but also made into cookies, chocolate and the infamous ''bhang lassi'', a herb-laced version of the normally innocuous yogurt drink. ''Bhang lassi'' is usually available at varying strengths, so use caution if opting for the stronger versions. It's also occasionally sold as "special lassi", but is usually easily spotted by the ₹30-50 price tag (several times higher than the non-special kinds). Remember that the effects of "Bhang" are slow and heighten when consumed with something sweet. Also, first-time users may want to wait a while before consuming too much in an effort to judge their tolerance. ==Sleep== Make sure to bring your passport and visa/OCI wherever you go, as most hotels will not rent out rooms without a valid passport and visa/OCI. Two important factors to keep in mind when choosing a place to stay are safety and cleanliness. [[Malaria]] and [[Dengue fever]] is present in most areas of India. One way to combat malaria and dengue fever is to choose lodgings with air conditioning and sealed windows. An insect-repellent spray containing DEET will also help, or consider [[Permethrin-treated fabrics]]. Many '''hotels''' listed on western booking websites (Booking.com etc.) are also set at the "tourist price"; try local booking sites like [https://www.goibibo.com/ Goibibo],[https://www.redbus.in/ redBus] or [https://www.makemytrip.com/ MakeMyTrip]{{Dead link|date=May 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}, as these have much better coverage of local hotels and in rural areas. Alternatively, you can also use Google Maps in combination with WhatsApp to inquire the price beforehand. Booking.com will only really work in very touristy places like Dharamsala, Manali, Goa, Pushkar, etc. If you are sure that there are more than enough places around where you are heading, just walking around and asking for the price can be sufficient. But note, overcharging of foreigners is widespread and you will have to [[bargain]] hard. Some cities like Chandigarh have weird regulations for foreigners and walking around inquiring the price with hotels might be frustrating, since many will not accept foreigners. Also, making a reservation through Booking.com in Chandigarh can leave you with an unpleasant surprise, namely the receptionist telling you that they don't accept foreigners, which can be fatal late at night. So, it is always best to check the ratings and reviews of the place you intend to stay in. Accommodation choices vary widely depending on budget and location. Cheap travellers' hotels are available for around ₹300-500. Rooms at guest-houses with a double bed (and often a bathroom) can be found in many tourist places for around ₹1,000 — this seems to be the going rate for most budget accommodations in more frequented places nowadays. Bed and breakfast service providers are coming up offering standard services that can be expected from B&Bs outside India. The basics include: air-conditioner or fan, free food, and free Wi-Fi. '''[[Hostels]]''' are available for as little as ₹200. They generally have a very high standard; clean beds, nice common rooms, etc., since most are new and oriented towards Western style. Most hostels have their own restaurant, and it is their way to make extra money from their guests — they might even be surprised and show it to you if you don't dine with them. Be aware that most people travelling in India nowadays are Indians and they will mostly always outnumber foreigners in hostels and dorms. This can be a problem, because the Indian society is one where publicly the individual comes first, with often no consideration for the needs of their fellow human being. This can lead to situations in dorms where Indian guests call their family or friends in the middle of the night, wake up loudly at 6AM, consume high-odour food in their beds, watch videos on their mobiles without headphones, but also just consider the dorm a social place where they speak loudly with their friends until late. Of course, there is always the option to kindly ask them for some consideration and to be more respectful of the other people in the room. But you can ask yourself, how long before that really gets onto your nerves. So, hostels are not an obvious budget friendly choice for Westerners in India anymore. If you intend to stay longer in one place, there are often places specialised on tourist that offer long term rent for around ₹10,000 per month, including kitchen and bathroom. Most Indian train stations have rooms or dormitories, just ask the railway officials or reserve it online on the railway website — reserving is highly recommended. If you just show up, the only option left might be the AC waiting room for ₹10/hr. Rooms and dorms are cheap (around ₹800 and ₹300 respectively), relatively well maintained (the beds, sheets, not the showers) and secure. There are also the added bonus of not being accosted by the rickshaw mafia, getting the bags off quickly and, for the adventurous, high likelihood to jump on a cheap public bus back to the train station. Keep in mind you must have an arrival or departure train ticket from the station where you intend to sleep, and there could be a limit on how many nights you may stay. Midrange options are plentiful in the larger cities and expanding fast into second-tier cities as well, and prices vary from ₹1,000-4,000 per night. Local, unbranded hotels can be found in any city, but quality varies widely. [[File:Taj hotel mumbai india.jpg|thumb|Hotel Taj Mahal, one of the most famous landmarks of [[Mumbai]]]] If the wallet allows it, you can try staying like royalty in a maharaja's palace in places like [[Udaipur]] or modern five-star hotels which are now found pretty much all over the country. The top-end of Indian luxury rests with hotel chains like [http://www.oberoihotels.com/ Oberoi], [http://www.tajhotels.com/ Taj], and [https://www.theleela.com/en_us/ The Leela]. The usual international chains also run major 5-star hotels in most Indian metropolises, but due to India's economic boom availability is tight and prices can be crazy — it's not uncommon to be quoted over US$300/night for what would in other countries be a distinctly ordinary business hotel going for a third of the price. Also beware that some jurisdictions including [[Delhi]] and Bangalore charge stiff luxury taxes on the ''rack rate'' of the room, which can lead to nasty surprises at check-out time. One way of meeting interesting Indian travellers is by staying at an Dak bungalow. Also, called travellers' bungalows or inspection bungalows, they were built by the British to accommodate travelling officials and are now used by the Central and state governments for the same purpose. They exist in many towns and some rural locations. Most will take tourists at a moderate fee if they have room. They are clean, comfortable and usually in good locations, but plain with ceiling fans rather than air conditioning, shower but no bath. Typically the staff includes a pensioned-off soldier as night watchman and perhaps another as gardener; often the gardens are lovely. Sometimes there may be a cook; his or her services will be free but you should buy ingredients. A similar accommodation are the '''PWD Tourist Rest Houses''', they can also be found in many towns and cities, are mostly for people from the "public workers department" but also accept tourists if not completely booked. ==Stay safe== [[File:Holy Cow (7438681490).jpg|thumb|A holy cow in [[Pushkar]]]] In addition to the issues handled here, some regions have '''specific severe security concerns'''. '''See the warnings in region articles relevant to you.''' As a rule India is quite safe for foreigners, apart from instances of petty crime and theft common to any developing country, as long as certain basic precautions and common sense are observed (i.e. women should be cautious travelling alone at night). While hospitality is important in India, it is not common to see people '''offering to share food''' or cookies while they eat. Some such offers are genuine and some are not. If you are travelling by train and you are offered food by a family group, it is usually safe to take a bite. But if you are offered something by a group of men or even a couple, you should decline, even if they also it of it, as the part offered might be laced with sedatives. You can politely say no with a smile; those who offer food genuinely won't take it personally. '''Don't trust strangers''' offering assistance or services. Be particularly wary of frauds at tourist attractions such as the temples of [[Kanchipuram]], where they prey on those unfamiliar with local customs. If a priest or guide offers to treat you to a religious ceremony, find out what it will cost you first, and do not allow yourself to be pressured into making "donations" of thousands of rupees — simply walk away if you feel uncomfortable. However, don't get ''too'' paranoid: foreigners on the train, or Indian families who want to take your picture on ''their own'' camera, for example, are often just genuinely curious. '''Same-sex intercourse''' was decriminalised by a court ruling in 2018. There is a vibrant gay nightlife in metropolitan areas and a few openly gay celebrities. There are movements to legalise same-sex marriage. On the other hand, heterosexual Indian men often walk hand-in-hand in the streets, don't take this as a sign of anything but friendship. '''Travellers of African heritage''' may encounter prejudices from the police and the general public about being drug dealers. This reaction stems from the fact that more often than not, foreign drug peddlers in India are of Nigerian nationality. Indians find it hard to differentiate between Nigerians and other Africans, others of African descent or even their own Siddi community (Indians of sub-Saharan African descent), so anybody who looks African may be targeted. If that includes you, you may want to keep passports handy at all times, avoid going to areas notorious for illegal activities and maintain contact with respective embassies and, if possible, with other support groups that can vouch for you. '''The cow''' is considered to be a holy animal in Hinduism, and in many Indian states, it is '''illegal''' to consume or possess beef or buffalo meat. Non-Hindus suspected of slaughtering cattle or eating beef are also known to have been lynched by fundamentalist Hindu mobs. Prominent exceptions to this taboo are the state of Kerala and the north-eastern parts of the country, where the meat of water buffaloes is widely consumed, but beef remains rare. You should check with your embassy or ask for local advice before heading to the Himalayan areas, especially [[Jammu and Kashmir]], [[Ladakh]] and [[North-Eastern India]]. These areas have had serious law-and-order problems for a long time. The same applies while travelling to what used to be a thickly forested area in East-Central India, which covers the states of [[Chhattisgarh]], [[Jharkhand]], the eastern edge of [[Maharashtra]] and the northern tip of [[Telangana]]. The problems affects certain areas in these states; other destinations there may be perfectly safe. ===India Syndrome=== {{see also|Culture shock}} Some people coming to India for the first time suddenly feel their lives shifting and start believing in reincarnation and other wonderful ideas available throughout India. This is called ''[https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2022/jan/13/india-syndrome-lost-in-the-valley-of-death-harley-rustad The India Syndrome]''. While certain teachings in Indian culture can of course be new and overwhelming, the immediate acceptance of them and following of their principles can be cause for concern. No holy person has ever been enlightened within a few weeks without proper pre-work or pre-existing experiences. Be careful with self-proclaimed ''sādhus'' that wander from temple to temple looking for food and money. While in the past most were authentic holy men, nowadays for many it is just a way to beg. Don't wander off into the woods with such "holy" men just because you suddenly believe in a new reality, especially if you are on your own. They can be dangerous, especially if drugs are involved. And sometimes even the police cannot "touch" them, even in cases of murder. There have been some high-profile disappearances of Westerners in India in connection with sādhus. If you want to explore your newly discovered view of the world and the universe, a better option is through official schools (like Sanskrit, Ayurveda, etc.), meditation and yoga centres, or in a group setting where you trust the other people. On the opposite side, there are also travellers that get overwhelmed by India so much that they will start showing signs of panic or paranoia. Indian culture is so ruthless that people can find themselves in situations where they feel the whole world is against them, or they feel they cannot trust anyone any more. Or even worse, they suddenly become superstitious and believe in all sorts of negative things happening to them due to some arbitrary reasons. At worst, scammer, touts and thieves will try to exploit this situations of yours. These psychological reactions are mostly a threat to younger travellers, those who haven't seen much of the world, and those who don't have their feet planted firmly on the ground. Also the involvement of weed or other drugs, which are popular in certain tourist regions of India, can lead to these issue. For both sides of these problems it is always good to: * let your friends and family regularly know where you are, * call home from time to time to stay in touch with reality, * don't travel on your own, but find a travel buddy or group to go with (not a local scammer though), * avoid the Indian hassle from time to time, there are many comfortable oases in India where Indian problems seem far far away, * don't be a first-time weed smoker in India, especially not with people you just met, this is not the right setting to have a first and pleasant trip in, * in the event of a crisis, seek the help of an uninvolved fellow (Western) traveller, which often has more connection to you than any Indian will ever have. ===Touts=== Touts are ubiquitous, as in many developing countries, and you should assume that anyone 'proactively' trying to help you has a hidden agenda to part you from your money. However, in areas hardly or not at all visited by tourists, it is not at all uncommon for people to go out of their way to 'proactively' help you when you approach, without expecting anything in return. During your travels in India, you will be deluged with touts trying to get you to buy something or patronise particular establishments. There are a myriad of [[common scams]], which range from telling you your hotel has gone out of business (of course, they'll know of one that's open with vacancies), to giving wrong directions to a government rail ticket booking office (the directions will be to their friend's tour office), to trying to get you to take diamonds back to your home country (the diamonds are worthless crystal), to 'poor students' giving you sightseeing for hours and then with pity make you buy school books for them (tremendously overpriced from a bookstore with whom they are affiliated). There will also be more obvious touts who 'know a very good place for dinner' or want to sell you a chess set on the street. Faced with such an assault, it's very easy to get into a siege mentality where all of India is against you and out to squeeze you dry. This mentality may affect any true appreciation of the country. Dealing with touts is simple: assume anyone offering surprising information (such as "your hotel is shut down") is a tout. Never be afraid to get a second or third answer to a question. To get rid of touts: * Completely ignore them and go about your business until they go away. This may take quite a while, but patience is key to managing India. * Tell them "no", very firmly, and repeatedly. It is also beneficial to have a firm Indian friend whom you can trust. If they show you around, they will act to help you ward off such touts. ===Theft and scams=== [[File:India - Kolkata street beggar - 3246.jpg|thumb|A beggar in Kolkata]] Unfortunately, '''theft''' is quite common in places visited by tourists, but violent thefts hardly ever occur. More likely a thief will [[pickpockets|pickpocket]] or break into your room. Take precautions to firmly lock the door while indoors, and be on guard while outside. Many first-time travellers to India find themselves falling victim to [[Common scams|scams and touts]]. Be on guard for anybody trying to help you by giving you unsolicited directions or travel advice. Do not blindly rely on the advice of taxi and auto drivers. If this is your first time to India, do not openly admit it, as this will make you more vulnerable to touts. Carry your cash, passport and cards in a secure money belt, with only enough cash for a few hours at a time in your wallet or other accessible place. While travelling in public transport, do not accept any food or drink from any local fellow passenger even if they are very friendly or polite. There have been instances in which very friendly fellow passengers offered food or drinks including tea or coffee that contained substances that put the victim to sleep whilst all their possessions, including even their clothing, were stolen. Some people handling your cash will try to '''shortchange you or rip you off'''. In Delhi particularly, this is a universal rule adhered to by all who handle westerners' cash. This does not exclude official ticket sellers at tourist sites, employees at prepaid taxi stands, or merchants in all but the most upscale businesses. Count your cash before handing it over, and ensure receiving the correct change. Overseas visitors are often magnets for [[begging|beggars]], frauds and touts. Beggars will often go as far as touching you and following you, tugging on your sleeve. It does little good to get angry or to say "No" loudly. The best response is to look unconcerned and ignore the behaviour. The more attention you pay to a beggar or a tout, positive or negative, the longer they will follow you hoping for a donation. Begging is criminalised in cities such as Mumbai and Delhi. It is however common in many cities, and in pilgrim cities, there are sadhus who live an ascetic lifestyle of the seeker that requires them to adopt bhiksha-charya (begging vows) only for sustaining the body. It is advisable or better to agree on the fare before getting inside an auto or a taxi. This avoids any further unpleasant fare-related arguments. If you can take the advice of a local friend or someone manning your hotel's front desk to know how much it should cost to travel between two destinations, you will be a smart traveller. ===Driving=== [[File:Crashed Taxi - Multiple Car Accident - Rabindra Sadan Area - Kolkata 2012-06-13 01323.jpg|thumb|A car crash in Kolkata]] As a former British colony, India drives on the '''left''' side of the road. Driving in India can be dangerous. Irresponsible driving habits, insufficient highway infrastructure development, wandering livestock and other hazards make travelling on the country's roads a sometimes nerve-wracking undertaking. More than 150,000 people died on Indian roads in 2019, the highest figure in the world, and that's despite having only 44 cars per 1,000 people. The first encounter with a typical Indian highway will no doubt feature a traffic mix of lumbering trucks, speeding maniacs, blithely wandering cows and suicidal pedestrians, all weaving across a narrow, potholed strip of tarmac. To minimise your risk of becoming a grim statistic, use trains instead of buses, use government bus services instead of private ones (which are more likely to force their drivers into inhuman shifts), use taxis instead of auto-rickshaws, avoid travelling at night, and don't hesitate to change taxis or cars if you feel your driver is unsafe. Of significant concern is that much of the road network is significantly underdeveloped. Most roads are very poorly built and they are full of rubble, large cracks and potholes. Most road signs are not very reliable in the country, and in most cases provide drivers with confusing or inaccurate information. If you are in doubt, ask the locals, normally they are very helpful and willingly provide people with appropriate guidance to a location. Of course, the quality of information and willingness to provide it varies, especially in the larger cities. ===Female travellers=== [[File:Busy Indore night traffic (5104223286).jpg|thumb|Night-time in [[Indore]]]] The sad truth is that female travellers in India, particularly those travelling solo, are often subjected to sexual harassment or worse. Women should avoid travelling to India alone if at all possible, but if you really have to, be on your guard, avoid making friendly gestures towards men that could be misinterpreted, and be particularly cautious in larger cities (esp. Delhi) at night. * White and East Asian females may receive some extra attention, usually in the form of stares, from the locals, and many locals might even want to take photographs with you. In most cases, these people are from rural areas, and have had little to no contact with foreigners, but some may harass you. If so, don't be afraid to create a scene and don't feel the need to be polite. * Try to avoid being overly friendly and appreciative to Indian men; it could get them to think you are romantically interested in them. If a man and a woman are seen together or talk to each other quite often, locals may assume that there's something going on between the man and the woman. Make it clear that you are friends or acquaintances; that will usually ward people off. * Outside of the larger cities, it is unusual for people of the opposite sex to touch each other. Even couples (married or otherwise) refrain from public displays of affection. Therefore, it is advised that you do not shake hands with a person of the opposite sex unless the other person extends their hand first. The greeting by a Hindu is to bring their palms together in front of their chest, or simply saying '''namaste''' or '''namaskar''' or '''namaskaram''' in most Indic languages (Indo-Aryan and Dravidian) and '''khurumjari''' in [[Manipuri phrasebook|Manipuri]] (Meitei). Both forms are equally polite and correct if a little formal. Almost all people (even if they don't know English) do understand a "hi" or a "Hello". In most parts of northern India and cities, it is quite acceptable to offer a "hello" or "good day" followed by a handshake, regardless of gender. * Outside of trendy places or high society, women generally do not smoke. In some rural or tribal areas women do smoke, but discreetly. * Places such as discos and dance clubs are less conservative areas. Should you want to visit such places, leave your possessions in your hotel safe, and only carry as much change as you think you would require; it is easy to lose your wallet or passport in these places. * Women should '''dress conservatively''' and '''avoid revealing or tight-fitting clothing''' such as tank tops and miniskirts as they can attract unwanted attention. * People are generally modestly clothed even at the beaches. Bikinis are acceptable at tourist-oriented beaches, but not at those primarily visited by locals. Wearing one beyond the beach is inappropriate no matter where you are. There are a few beaches where women (mostly foreigners) sunbathe topless, but make sure that it is safe and accepted before you do so. * It's not so safe to walk in isolated places if you are a solo female. Women should also avoid going out alone at night, and be cautious when taking a taxi or auto-rickshaw. There have been some rapes of foreign women and highly publicised rapes of Indian women, some of whom have been murdered, and a large number of rapes go unreported. The willingness to report rape has increased after several incidents received widespread media attention and triggered widespread public protest. The Indian government has also reformed its penal code in relation to crimes of rape and sexual assault. * Avoid staying at cheaper hotels unless you are travelling with a trusted male companion; hotel staff have been known to sexually harass female guests. * In local and suburban trains, there are usually cars reserved for women and designated as such on their front. In Delhi Metro trains, it is the first compartment. * In most buses (private and public) a few seats at the front or at one side of the bus are reserved for women. Usually, these seats will be occupied by men and, very often, they vacate the place when a female stands near gesturing her intention to sit there. In many parts of the country, women will not share a seat with a man other than her spouse. If you sit near a man, he may stand up from the seat and give his seat also to you; this is a sign of respect, ''not'' rudeness. * Street parties for holidays are usually filled with crowds of inebriated men. During festivals such as Holi, New Year's Eve, and even Christmas Eve, women can be subjected to groping and sexually aggressive behaviour from a certain section hiding in these crowds. In such an event, scream or make a scene pointing your finger at the person. People will come to your help. If possible, avoid attending these festivities alone, and go in a group. * So-called Eve teasing is a common term used in Indian English to refer to anything from unwanted verbal advances to physical sexual assault. Anything overt should be treated in a firm manner and if needed, ask the local populace (women in particular) to try and get the message across. Avoid confrontation if at all possible. Sticking to such an area is not recommended. It's not disrespectful for a woman to tell a man eager to talk to her that she doesn't want to talk: so if a man's behaviour makes you uncomfortable, say so firmly. If he doesn't seem to get the hint, just quietly excuse yourself. * Befriending Indian women can be a wonderful experience for female visitors, although you might have to initiate conversation. An easy topic to get things going is to talk about clothes or food. * Dressing in traditional Indian clothes, such as ''salwaar kameez'' (comfortable) or ''saree'' (more formal and difficult to wear) will often garner Western women more respect in the eyes of locals. The idea is to portray yourself as a normal person, instead of a distanced tourist. Easy clothing is to wear a kurta paired up with jeans or a salwar. They are very comfortable and most of the women do the same. * Body searches (such as at the airport) by officers of the opposite sex are not allowed in India. Airport security is sex segregated. ===Police and other emergency services=== [[File:India - Varanasi policemen - 0691.jpg|thumb|Police officers in Varanasi]] * Like other federal countries, law enforcement is dealt with by various agencies in India: ** General policing is responsible for the states and union territories, under various state and union territory police forces. ** Large cities like [[Mumbai]], [[Kolkata]] or [[Bangalore]] may also have their own police departments, often operating independently from state police forces. ** The Central government also maintain federal law-enforcement agencies responsible for specific duties, such as railway policing (Railway Protection Force- RPF), transport security (Highway police) and border patrol. * Unfortunately, corruption and inefficiency are present in all Indian police forces, and the quality of the police force varies by officer. For emergencies, throughout most of India, you can dial '''100''' for police assistance. Try to speak the words slowly so that the police officer on phone does not have a problem in comprehending your foreign English accent. For non-emergency crimes, go down to the police station to report them, and insist on getting a receipt of your complaint. * You should insist the police to make a '''first information report''' (FIR) and receive a copy of it if you are reporting any serious crimes, as it is a legal requirement for them to do so. The police will only start the investigation after the FIR is made. * The emergency contact numbers for most of India are: 100 (Police), 101 (Fire and rescue), and 102 (Emergency medical service). Dialling to neighbouring major hospitals may also work in case of medical emergencies. In Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and several other cities throughout India, you can dial '''108''' for all emergencies. ===Terrorism=== The India-Pakistan conflict, simmering for decades, has manifested in terrorist attacks on India's main cities: since 2007, there have been bombings in Delhi, Mumbai and other big cities. The targets have varied widely, but attacks have usually been aimed at locals rather than visitors. The exception was in 2008, when a shooting spree targeted and killed many foreigners along with Indians, in Mumbai's posh hotels and railway station, etc. All the terrorists involved in this were from Pakistan and were killed in action except one who was captured alive and later hanged. There is little you can do to avoid such random attacks, but keep an eye on the national news and any travel advisories from your embassy. ===Outdoor adventures=== There are many companies in India offering various outdoor activities like paragliding, white water rafting, ballooning, and trekking. For example, the road between Manali and Kullu has dozens of white water and paragliding operators. Be aware though that it is sometimes questionable on how these companies and operators, especially their staff, obtained their licences to offer these activities. Especially the number of companies offering these kinds of activities is an indication, that it seems to be not that hard to start such a business. But for things like tandem paragliding, which can potentially be lethal, it is probably a bad idea to have to rely on someone that got his licence under questionable circumstances. And even if he did a course with an official body, the standards in India are still comparably lower than Western ones. So, it is very important that you verify the company you go with fully, search for ratings and reviews, verify their licences, and only if you fully trust them to go with them. ==Stay healthy== Going to India, you have to adapt to a different climate and food. However, with precautions the chance and severity of any illness can be minimised. Don't stress yourself too much at the beginning of your journey to allow your body to acclimatise to the country. For example, take a day of rest upon arrival, at least on your first visit. Many travellers get ill for wanting to do too much in too little time. Be careful with spicy food if you're not used to it. Five quick tips for avoiding the Delhi belly: * '''Go vegetarian''' – At least for the first week or two. Meat spoils quickly. * '''Avoid raw leafy vegetables''' – They are hard to clean properly. * '''Avoid ice and unbottled water''' – Both the water in it and the way it's transported are suspect. Try to use only commercially available sealed bottled water. * '''Wash hands before eating''' – Always use soap or hand sanitiser, otherwise the dirt of India's streets will find its way onto your ''chapatis'' and into your mouth. In addition, keep nails cut short and clean. That of course will not prevent a food vendor touching your food, so think twice which kind of meal you decide for. In any case, you can always watch how food is prepared. Indians mostly never use soap, plain water seems to be their "magic cure". * '''Prefer metal dishes and cups''' – Stainless steel is more germ-resistant than plastic. So, any restaurant with stainless cutlery, dishes, cups and water container is safer than one with plastic cups and water container, or one-time use dishes. '''Toilets''' can be found for free in most temples, just in case it is urgent. '''Litter''' can be a problem in some cities in India. Many efforts have been made in the 21st century to clean up the country but there is still a long way to go because most people use the many waterways as garbage dumps. It would be unwise to swim in most of the rivers and downright senseless in a lake. If you have '''asthma''', carry enough medication as dust, pollen or pollution may cause trouble. If you venture to forests in India, you may encounter '''venomous snakes'''. If bitten, try to note the markings of the snake so that the snake can be identified and the correct antidote given. In any event, immediately seek medical care. ===Air quality=== [[Air pollution]] is a huge problem in India, particularly in the northern plains during the winter (November to January), when farmers burning fields, coal and dung fires for heating and lack of rain and wind combine to blanket the Gangetic Plains in toxic murk. [[Delhi]] has ranked the most polluted capital in the world every year since 2018, with an ''average'' AQI of nearly 100. In addition to being a health hazard, flights are often delayed or cancelled when visibility drops to near-zero. Avoid travel in the North at this time of year if you can. If you have no choice, wearing an N95 mask and minimizing time spent outdoors can help. Many cities and villages in India, not particularly in any region, have sanitation and pollution issues. You might find people dumping and burning garbage in the open. Check the air quality of a city before venturing. ===Drinking water=== '''[[Tap water]]''' is normally not safe for drinking. However, some establishments (for example many temples) have water filters/purifiers installed, in which case the water should be safe to drink from them. Otherwise, the water in the mountains is generally clean, just ask your accommodation staff. Packed drinking water (popularly called "mineral water" throughout India) is a good choice. Bisleri, Kinley, Aquafina and Health Plus are popular and safe brands. But if the seal has been tampered with, or if the bottle seems crushed, it could be tap water being illegally sold. So always make sure that seal is intact before buying. In Indian Railway stations, a low-priced mineral water brand of Indian Railways is generally available, known as "Rail Neer". For most foreigners, tap water in India is not even safe for brushing your teeth, and you should stick to bottled mineral water even for that. ===Fruits, vegetables and food=== Everything that can be peeled such as apples and bananas, as well as packaged snacks, are always a safe option. Wash any fruit with uncontaminated water and soap before eating it, even if you peel it — while peeling, touching the skin could still deliver bacteria onto the inner fruit. Also avoid cold food from shelves (samosa, sweets, etc.) that is directly touched prepared and handed out. Most Indians don't use soap and simply water seems to be their magic cure. In general, the regulation of the use of pesticides is very lax in India, because farmers have a high standing in Indian society — they are often the mean for political campaigns. So, the underlying quality of fruits and vegetables is doubtful, even if locals claim them to be "green" — they often don't understand the meaning of "green". With some fruits you will even notice a weird side taste, like tangerines. It is often in doubt where and how they were grown — it might have been next to a large landfill and you wouldn't know. Also, you may notice the dirtiness of Indian bodies of waters and rivers — this is the very same water that is used to water fruit and vegetable plants in the Indian plains. Fruits and vegetables from more hilly or mountainous regions are probably safe from that latter problem. While Indian food is often freshly prepared with fresh fruits and fresh vegetable, it doesn't mean it is automatically healthy (due to the latter reasons). Also, restaurants often use ready-made sauces and ingredients containing questionable additives and preservatives — not to mention that standard tomato sauce will barely ever contain much tomato, but carrot pulp instead. So, while in the past, Indian food was probably one of the best in the world, commercialisation in the food industry and lax regulation in the agricultural industry have done their parts in making it a doubtful adventure and one should be cautious. ===Diarrhoea and dehydration=== {{see also|Travellers' diarrhea|Dehydration}} [[Diarrhea|Diarrhoea]] and [[dehydration]] are common, and can have many different causes. Dehydration brings along '''dizziness and concentration issue''', sometimes muscle and joint pain. Dehydration doesn't just mean a lack of water, but also a lack of necessary minerals the body needs to function. It can be caused by a too one-sided diet, the wrong drinking water or even exhaustive hiking and travelling. Filtered and purified water (e.g. from temples) often has the disadvantage of also the necessary minerals being filtered out. So, best bring a standard first-aid kit, plus extra over-the-counter medicine for diarrhoea and stomach upset. A rehydration kit can also be helpful, rehydration solution is widely available at pharmacies for about ₹25 per pack for 1L of water. In case it is not available, remember the salt/sugar/water ratio for oral rehydration: 1 tsp salt, 8 tsp sugar, for 1L of water — however this will still lack some other minerals, so the rehydration packs from the pharmacy are best. Also, in case you are consuming local drinking water from the tap (in mountain areas) or in restaurants, if your body shows signs of dehydration, it is better to get the ''Bisleri'' water bottles from the shop with the green bandage — they have minerals added. Also other brands have added minerals. Indians often have resistance to native bacteria and parasites that visitors do not have. If you have had serious diarrhoea for more than a day or two, it is best to visit a private hospital. Parasites such as Giardia are a common cause of diarrhoea, and may not get better without treatment. Instead of drinking water while having diarrhoea, some people trust in Coke as a quick treatment. And in some cases it seems to prevent further fluid loss in small amounts. ===Vaccinations and tropical diseases=== [[File:Force Traveller Kuoni ambulance, 2008.JPG|thumb|An ambulance in India]] No '''vaccinations''' are required for entry to India, except for yellow fever if you are coming from an infected area such as [[Africa]]. However, Hepatitis (both A and B, depending on your individual circumstances), meningitis and typhoid shots are recommended, as is a booster shot for tetanus. '''[[Malaria]]''' is endemic throughout India. [http://www.cdc.gov/travel/regionalmalaria/indianrg.htm CDC] states that risk exists in all areas, including the cities of Delhi and Mumbai, and at altitudes of less than 2,000 m in [[Himachal Pradesh]], [[Jammu and Kashmir]] and [[Sikkim]]; however, the risk of infection is considered low in Delhi and the [[Plains (India)|Plains]]. Get expert advice on malaria preventatives, and take adequate precautions to prevent [[mosquito]] bites. Use a mosquito repellent when going outside (particularly during the evenings) and also when sleeping in trains and hotels without air conditioning. A local mosquito repellent used by Indians is Odomos which is available over-the-counter at most medical stores. Note, Malaria symptoms can be very similar to a flu or cold, however if you don't have any fever but still feel dizzy and have muscle and joint pain, it could also just be a case of dehydration — see above. ===Stray dogs=== It is very important to stay away from the many [[Aggressive dogs|stray dogs and cats]] in India, as India has the highest rate of '''rabies''' in the world. If you are bitten it is extremely urgent to get to a hospital in a major urban area capable of dealing with rabies. You can get treatment at any major hospital. It is very important to get the rabies vaccine within 24 hr of any contact with animals, including contact with saliva or blood. Rabies vaccines only work if the full course is given '''prior''' to symptoms. The disease is almost invariably fatal otherwise. ===Healthcare=== The level of medical care in India varies wildly. Public hospitals tend to be unsanitary, overcrowded, understaffed and underequipped. Private hospitals, on the other hand, are usually of an excellent standard and among the best in the world, making India a popular destination for medical tourism. Large corporate hospital chains like Fortis, Max, Apollo and similar places are your best bet for emergency medical care in larger cities, and they have better hygiene and generally well-trained doctors, some from UK and US institutions. The downside is that they are generally much more expensive than public hospitals, though still reasonably priced by Western standards. Many private hospitals accept international health insurance; check with the hospital before you go. Virtually all Indian doctors speak English fluently and are highly qualified. For smaller ailments, private medical practices are common throughout the country and are readily more accessible than hospitals. Hotels can also arrange a doctor to come visit, at a price of course. For travel vaccinations, visit the [http://www.istm.org International Society for Travel Medicine] to find travel health clinics. ==Respect== {{infobox|Kissing in India|India can trace kissing back thousands of years in its literature. Indeed, the well-known ''Kama Sutra'' has an entire chapter devoted to kissing. However, in most cultures of the Subcontinent, public kissing has traditionally been discouraged. Visitors have been surprised to get into serious trouble for kissing in public, regardless of the nature of their relationship or marriage or their nationality. Opposition to public kissing is not a universal opinion in India; many Indians find kissing acceptable, but because of those who don't, it is best to avoid kissing (even on cheeks) in public while you are there. None of this applies to parents and children kissing each other, though; that's universally acceptable in India. }} ===Etiquette=== <!--[[File:Kamya Panjabi at Disney princess' promotion in Mumbai.jpg|thumb|In bigger Indian cities, wearing of shorts by women is generally accepted. Picture shows an Indian woman with her daughter in [[Mumbai]].]] this image violates the image policy as watermarks are not allowed --> * Indians, by and large, are '''neutral communicators'''. Although Indians try to be respectful and courteous in social situations, words are often taken at face value. It's important to be explicitly clear and upfront about what you intend to say as euphemisms, idiomatic language, and the like may be misunderstood. * Direct '''personal questions''' (based on your personal life, salary, education, and lifestyle) are commonly asked. To Indians, it's not considered impolite, but rather it's a way to get to know someone fully. In some cases, you may find others giving you advice on whatever it is you're doing, either warranted or unwarranted. Don't feel annoyed or irritated by this as Indians don't intend to patronise or pull you down in any way. If you feel the question was too personal, simply give an indirect answer and move along. * Indians '''respect their elders''' and it would be seen as rude to directly challenge a statement said by someone older than you. You should always try to address people you don't know as 'ma'am' or 'sir', especially if they're older than you, and always act in a mature, sensible fashion around them. * '''Family values''' are highly revered by many Indians, and most Indians still live with their extended families, with three to four generations living under the same roof. Passing unwarranted comments about someone's family life won't win you friends or praise. * Indian women generally '''dress conservatively''', although in metropolitan cities more liberal attire can be seen. Women may attract unwanted attention from men depending on how they're dressed. * Whereas Indian men can be really eager to talk to foreigners, '''many Indian women avoid interacting with men outside their own families'''. If you are a man and approach an Indian woman even for an innocuous purpose like asking for directions, you are usually putting her on the defensive, especially if she is dressed traditionally. It is best to ask a man if one is available (there usually will be), or be extra respectful if you really need to ask a woman. However, in Ladakh, the relation between sexes is much more equal and nobody will bat an eyelid if you ask a woman for directions. * It is better to avoid going out '''on the roads alone''', especially in remote places or lanes and by-lanes without many people at night. Keeping some company is always advisable. * Indians will consider themselves obliged to go out of the way to fulfil a '''guest's request''' and will insist very strongly that it is no inconvenience to do so, even if it is not true. This of course means that there is a reciprocal obligation on you as a guest to take extra care not to be a burden. * Most Indians are not aware that the term "'''Negro'''" is considered offensive in some other parts of the world, and they may use it with no intent to offend. Also, some Indians will come up with topics like Hitler, Aryans and other weird stuff — while half of the time this is uneducated and innocent interest, the other half of the time they will know exactly what they are talking about and it is best not to engage on such topics or to make your position very clear. * Note '''dietary restrictions''' when inviting Indian friends for a meal. Pork is forbidden to Muslims, while beef is forbidden to Hindus. Although in some states, like Kerala, beef is consumed liberally by Christians and Muslims. Also about 30% of Indians are vegetarian, including all Jains. In some places, people are pescatarians. So, It is better to ask people what they don't eat beforehand. * It is customary to put up a token friendly argument with your host or any other member of the group '''when paying bills''' at restaurant or while making purchases. The etiquette for this is somewhat complicated. ** In a business lunch or dinner, it is usually clear upfront who is supposed to pay, and there is no need to fight. But if you are someone's personal guest and they take you out to a restaurant, you should offer to pay anyway, and you should insist a lot. Sometimes these fights get a little funny, with each side trying to snatch the bill away from the other, all the time laughing politely. If you don't have experience in these things, chances are, you will lose the chance the first time, but in that case, make sure that you pay the next time. (and try to make sure that there is a next time.) Unless the bill amount is very large do not offer to share it, and only as a second resort after they have refused to let you pay it all. ** The same rule applies when you are making a purchase. If you are purchasing something for yourself, your hosts might still offer to pay for it if the amount is not very high, and sometimes, even if it is. In this situation, unless the amount is very low, you should never lose the fight. (If the amount is ridiculously low, say less than ₹10, then don't insult your hosts by putting up a fight.) Even if by chance you lose the fight to pay the shopkeeper, it is customary to practically thrust (in a nice way, of course) the money into your host's hands. ** These rules do not apply if the host has made it clear beforehand that it is his or her treat, especially for some specific occasion. {{infobox|Naming conventions |* Most Indians follow the naming convention of a given name followed by a family name. <br /> * '''Tamil''' names, however are an exception to this rule. Tamil names generally follow the convention of given name + father's name, or father's initial + given name. Therefore, someone called Ramasamy Govindasamy would have Ramasamy as his given name, with Govindasamy being his father's name. Alternatively, he might be known as G. Ramasamy. Due to the patronymic nature of the last names, first names are always used when addressing individuals, so the above person would be addressed as Mr Ramasamy. *'''Meitei''' names are also exception to the general rules of naming in India. Meitei names generally follow the convention of family name + given name + name of the respective "salai". Salai means clan and it is different from family. There are 7 salais in Meitei ethnicity (Manipuri ethnicity). Each salai has many families within it. So, salai is just like a group or aggregation of many families. For instance, a person named "Albert" belongs to the "Oinam" family of the "Khuman" salai. Then, his name will be like this: "Oinam Albert Khuman". In Meitei nomenclature, father's names are not used. *Most '''Telugu''' names (other than those of Muslims) are family name (surname) first, like Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese names.<!--Source: {{cite book|author=Vēlcēru Nārāyaṇarāvu|title=Hibiscus on the Lake Twentieth-century Telugu Poetry from India|publisher=[[University of Wisconsin Press]]|year=2003|isbn=9780299177041 (older: 0299177041)|page=[https://www.google.com/books/edition/Hibiscus_on_the_Lake/pjxyfqOmOKMC?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=Telugu+names+family+name+last&pg=PR19&printsec=frontcover xix]}}--> *The foolproof method, therefore, is to ''ask'' how the person would like to be addressed. }} ===Religious etiquette=== As India has great diversity, people follow different religions, the largest being of course Hinduism. * '''Take off your shoes''' when visiting a temple, mosque, or someone's home. * Christians are a minority in India, but going to church and following your faith are always appreciated. There are different denominations and they differ in their practices. * It is disrespectful to touch people or things with your feet. If done accidentally, you will find that Indians will make a quick gesture of apology that involves touching the offended person with the right hand, and then moving the hand to the chest and to the eyes. It is a good idea to emulate that. * The head is considered to be the holiest part of the body, '''so avoid touching people on the head''', including young children, as this is very offensive to Hindus. * '''The left hand''' is considered unclean in both Hinduism and Islam. Be sure to handle sacred objects and perform religious rituals using only your right hand. * '''Books and written materials are treated with respect''', as they are treated as concrete/physical forms of the Hindu goddess of knowledge, Saraswati. Hindus typically avoid stepping on them. * '''Anything associated with wealth is treated with respect''' as it is treated as a concrete/physical form of the Hindu goddess of wealth, Lakshmi. * '''The swastika''' is a common and quite ancient symbol in India. It is also fairly common for Indian parents to name their daughters "Swastika". There is no connection of this symbol to the Nazis. Jewish people have lived in India for thousands of years and have never faced any significant antisemitism. Drawing parallels between the Swastika and Nazism will not be appreciated and is considered cultural appropriation. Many Indians have liberal, open-minded attitudes towards religion, although there are some who have rigid, radical viewpoints, and fundamentalist Hinduism has seen growing support in the 21st century. It's not considered impolite to discuss your religious convictions with someone; for the most part, many Indians are open about talking about it. This said, '''do not impose''' your religious beliefs upon someone. Anything hinting at '''proselytisation''' will not be appreciated. * Contrary to popular belief, India is '''not a vegetarian nation'''. However, vegetarians are a very large minority in India, comprising 20-30% of the population, and many northern and western states are majority vegetarian. Jains, a staunchly vegetarian religious group, are approximately 1% of the population. That said, some ardently religious groups and people often try to demonise non-vegetarianism. Many of the more well-aware Indians feel it is a part of a concerted attempt to codify a monolithic idea of Indian culture and do not like it. These vegetarian sentiments are more common in Northern India, but in other places, such as [[Southern India]] and [[North-Eastern India]], people tend to be more liberal and less sensitive towards other beliefs, and don't really mind as much. If visiting someone's house, it's always wise to ask if the person is a vegetarian or a non-vegetarian. '''Do not impose your food preferences upon anyone'''; it is frowned upon. * '''Atheism is not taboo''' in India. This said, you should be careful when discussing religion with those who have rigid, radical viewpoints; some atheists in India have been attacked by radical groups for openly criticising religion. ===Politics=== * Indians, in general, are ardently political, and politics is a very popular conversational subject amongst many Indians, including the older generation. Many Indians have a breadth of political opinions, including that of their own country; often they express frustration with the government. As always, it is better to listen than to express firm opinions. * The '''Kashmir conflict''' is a highly emotional subject that can very quickly elicit strong reactions from Indian people. The Indian view is that the whole of Kashmir, including [[Azad Kashmir]] and [[Gilgit Baltistan]], the two regions of Kashmir under Pakistani control, ''legally belongs'' to India. * India is made up of 28 states and 8 union territories. Some people in some provinces ([[Punjab]], [[Kashmir]], [[Nagaland]], and [[Assam]]) are sympathetic to full autonomy or '''secession from India'''. Whilst nowhere near as sensitive or divisive as in other parts of the world, try not to bring up such subjects. * Attempting to compliment or say anything that could be perceived as positive about '''[[Pakistan]]''' can evoke a strong response from some Indians. Referring to someone as a "Pakistani" is often used as an insult in India. * Try to avoid being overly enthusiastic about '''[[China]]'''. India's diplomatic relationship with China is tense and '''anti-China sentiments''' are common among the population. The '''1962 Sino-Indian War''' and '''2020 Galwan Valley Clash''' are still very much open wounds the Indian national consciousness. Some '''Chinese products''' are illegal to possess in India and the mere sight of Chinese products can evoke a strong response from some Indians. * Tread carefully when discussing the history of '''Mughal rule'''. Many Hindu nationalists consider the Mughals to be foreign occupiers akin to the British. * The '''partition of India''' is a sensitive issue. A few may convey bitterness against the British Empire, and some who lived through the horrors of the partition may let this reflect on their view of people from the [[United Kingdom]]. Former British prime minister Winston Churchill is widely regarded as a villain in India due to the Bengal famine in 1943. Nevertheless, the two countries enjoy a positive relationship, and Indians are the largest immigrant group in the UK. Rishi Sunak, who is of Indian descent, even became prime minister of the UK. === Other things to watch out for === * Indians tend to have a strong sense of '''national pride''', in part due to the success enjoyed by the Indian diaspora abroad. If you have Indian roots, even if you were born and raised overseas, be careful with divulging your opinions on the country and the culture: some may expect you to follow Indian norms and nuances, and won't take kindly to negative feedback. It is common for Indians to express a deep sense of pride in the success of their fellow countrymen on the world stage, such as Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Google CEO Sundar Pichai and World Bank President Ajay Banga. * Families tend to be close-knit. Tread very carefully '''if you have Indian roots''', even if you were born and raised overseas, or if you are in an intimate relationship with an Indian person: You're often expected to align your views with your or their family, and not doing so would result in you being shunned. Living with extended family (i.e. including grandparents and first cousins) is still the norm in India. * Attitudes towards the LGBT community have been changing since the 2000s. In 2018, homosexuality (which was once punishable by life imprisonment) was decriminalised, and since then there have been strong political movements in favour of LGBT rights. While this may seem impressive, '''many Indians still have conservative opinions on homosexuality''' and do not fully understand it. Try not to reveal your sexuality in public as you may invite unwanted comments or stares. * Reputation is a key aspect of Indian culture, and like in much of Asia "saving face" is a major value in Indian culture. To be polite you should avoid pointing out other people's mistakes or voicing disagreement with someone in public. Doing so can cause a severe blow to another person's reputation, and so to avoid doing so and causing embarrassment, ignore small mistakes. If you must point out someone else's mistake do so in a private setting, and as politely as applicable to the situation. * '''Business cards''' should be given and received using only your '''right hand'''. As the left hand is considered unclean, handling someone's business card with the left hand is very disrespectful. ==Connect== ===By phone=== The country code for India is '''+91'''. In India, area codes are called '''STD''' '''codes''' (Subscriber Trunk Dialing - national long distance) and international dialing is called '''ISD''' (International Subscriber Dialing - international long distance). Local phone numbers can be anywhere from 5-8 digits long. But when the STD code is included, all landline phone numbers in India are 10 digits long. Mobile phone numbers are always 10 digits long and usually start with '9', '8', '7' or '6'. The following table explains how to dial: {| class="wikitable" align="right" ! Calling from || Price || Syntax || Example |- | Same STD code || Local || align=right| ''number'' || align=right| 12345678 |- | Mobile phone || Local || align=right| ''STD code of the town you are in number'' || align=right| 011-12345678 |- | Mobile phone || STD to mobile phone|| align=right| ''number'' || align=right| 012345678 |- | Different STD code|| STD || align=right| '''0'''-''area code''-''number'' || align=right| 022-12345678 |- | Overseas || ISD || align=right| '''+91'''-''area code''-''number'' || align=right| +91-22-12345678 |} Toll-free numbers start with '''1-800''', but are usually ''operator-dependent'': you can't call a BSNL/MTNL toll-free number from an Airtel landline, and vice versa. Often, the numbers may not work from your cellular phone. Other National Numbers that start with '''18xx''' or '''19xx''' may attract special charges. To dial outside the country from India, prefix the country code with 00, e.g. a US number will be dialed as 00-1-555-555-5555. Calling the Canada/UK/US over the normal telephone line will cost you about ₹7.20 per minute. Calls to other countries, particularly to the Middle East, can be more expensive. Payphones, called '''public call offices''' or '''PCOs''' are now increasingly rare with the ubiquitous availability of mobile phones. Where they exist, they are usually staffed, and you dial yourself but pay to the attendant after the call is over. Metering is done per pulse and a service charge of ₹2 is added to the bill. Larger cities also have Western-style unmanned public phones, which are usually red in colour and accept one rupee coins. ====Mobile==== '''[https://www.airtel.in/ Airtel]''', '''[https://www.myvi.in/ Vodafone Idea]''', '''[https://www.jio.com/ Reliance Jio]''' and '''[https://www.bsnl.co.in/ BSNL]-MTNL''' are mobile service providers in India. All of these provide services to the whole of India. Since providers are state-specific, you need to activate roaming, so you can stay connected with the same provider if being in a different state than from where you got the SIM card. No extra costs apply for this kind of roaming within India. As restrictions on internet use increase in India, many mobile stores refuse to sell SIM cards to foreigners (or anyone without local ID)—though you may find an Indian resident or hotel employee willing to buy one under their name if suitably motivated (i.e. rupees). Also, Jio mobile store owners seem to be sufficiently motivated to sell you a SIM and an initial package for a 20% surcharge if you look reliable enough. To get a SIM card alone as a foreigner, you are recommended to visit the telecom operator's exclusive store. To make calls, send text, or use data, you will always require a (monthly) package or validity plan. Packages start at ₹239 for 28 days, e.g. Jio with 1.5GB/day data, unlimited calls, and 100 SMS. With Airtel the same package was around ₹450. All operators provide unlimited domestic phone calls with their packages. Calling overseas can cost quite a bit and will depend on the location you are calling to. In contrast, the other way round (calling to India from elsewhere) is cheap. You can buy a keypad mobile for ₹500, and touch mobiles retail from ₹4,000. ====Mobile internet==== It is very cheap, especially with the proliferation of low-cost operator Reliance Jio, which has forced the mainstream operators such as Airtel and Vodafone Idea to follow suit. Prices for packages including mobile internet are mentioned above. You can use 4G and 4G VoLTE services everywhere. 4G (LTE and VoLTE) networks cover 98% of the population of India and 5G networks in India now cover 52% of the population. 3G is available only in some remote locations and in most locations 3G or below is unavailable. If you use the train, you may occasionally find pocket regions where the internet drops to 2G or goes away completely. ====Messaging==== WhatsApp is the main messaging gateway. SMS is only used for things like OTPs (One Time Passwords, for WiFi) or contract information. ===By internet=== * '''Wi-Fi hotspots''' in India are, for the most part, limited. All airports and railway stations do offer free high speed Wi-Fi. Delhi, Bangalore, Pune and Mumbai are the only cities with decent Wi-Fi coverage. Many free Wi-Fi services will require entering a One time password (OTP) sent to an Indian cell phone number and are usually operated by Airtel or Jio. * '''Internet cafes''' are common and they charge as little as ₹10-20/hr. Many will ask for your passport or ID. Beware of using your credit cards online as there have been many cases of credit cards thefts using ''keyloggers''. * '''Public libraries''' have PCs with broadband for public use. Most libraries require a membership but government-operated libraries only require a quick registration with the verification of your ID. Internet censorship in India is considered “selective”. There are occasional random, inexplicable and arbitrary attemptso by the government to block some sites it considers as carrying hateful propaganda, but enforcement is spotty and the decisions are often forgotten after a few month of being made. The site which are blocked by the courts remain strictly blocked and is different from the vague blocks by the government. For travelers, the most important sites that are blocked are popular Chinese services like TikTok and WeChat, as well as games such as Pubg. Also, major Pakistani websites, accounts and channels have been blocked on social media, and on the internet. However, you may use a VPN to access other servers. ===By mail=== [[File:India - Varanasi post office - 1584.jpg|thumb|A post office in Varanasi]] Addressing mail with a properly-formatted address will expedite its journey with government owned [https://www.indiapost.gov.in/VAS/Pages/IndiaPosthome.aspx India Post]. The PIN code (postal index number) is important, and you can look up PIN codes and correct address formats on India Post's website. A 6-digit PIN code identifies the post office of a district; a 4-digit Post box number (recommended but optional) may narrow this to one business or an individual building. Addresses should be written in three to four lines with the name of recipient, house number and suite or apartment or building number, street name, city or town, state name, PIN code, e.g.: <blockquote>United Nations House<br/>55/73 Lodhi Estate<br/>New Delhi, Delhi-110003</blockquote> First class mail travels by air within India. International first class mail has a maximum limit of 20 kg. Prices vary from country to country. A full list related to the pricing can be found in [https://www.indiapost.gov.in/MBE/pages/content/international-air-parcels.aspx India Post's website]. All locations with a PIN code are considered domestic. Military mail is operated by the Army Postal Service through its APOs and FPOs. The rate for domestic post is ₹15/50 g. Private international courier companies like FedEx, DHL and UPS also operate though all major cities. ==Cope== For immediate emergency assistance, you can call '''112'''.<br> The Ministry of Tourism has a 24-hour helpline for tourists in need. You can call the helpline number at '''1800-11-1363''' or just '''1363'''. ===Consular assistance=== All major cities have international consular assistance which include high commissions, embassies and consulates. More information can be found in respective city articles. Here are links to consular assistance in some cities: * [[Delhi#Embassies & High Commissions|Delhi]] * [[Mumbai#Foreign missions|Mumbai]] * [[Kolkata#Consulates|Kolkata]] * [[Chennai#Consulates|Chennai]] === Television === India has a variety of local Indian news channels in English such as [https://www.doordarshan.gov.in/ Doordarshan] India’s state broadcasting network owned by the Indian government; India [https://www.indiatoday.in/ Today]; NDTV [https://www.ndtv.com/ 24x7]; CNN-[http://www.news18.com/ News18]; Republic [http://www.republicworld.com/ TV]; Times [http://www.timesnownews.com/ Now]; Mirror [https://www.timesnownews.com/mirror-now Now]; [https://www.newsx.com/ NewsX]; [http://wionews.com/ WION]. There are also foreign news channels available such as BBC (World Service),CNN (International South Asia), France 24; Russia Today; ABC Australia; Bloomberg Television; CNA; Al Jazeera English; Deutsche Welle; NHK (World); Push TV. There are also many Hindi news channels, as well as regional news channels in their respective local languages. Sport can be viewed live on DD Sport, Eurosport, Sony Sport Network, Sports18 and Star Sports. There are also many Hindi, English and Regional movies and series channels, children’s and music channels (English, Hindi and regional), lifestyle and teleshopping available on TV networks using cable or satellite These channels can be found on TV using networks such as TataPlay, Airtel and Jio. Netflix India, ZEE5 and Prime Video is available for streaming in India. ===Newspapers=== Local Indian English newspapers can be handy and reliable sources for day-to-day updates about the country. India has a number of English newspapers and magazines. Some of the major newspapers are ''Business Standard'', ''Daily News and Analysis'', ''Deccan Herald'', ''The Hindu'', ''The Statesman'', ''The Telegraph'', ''The Times of India'', ''The Tribune'' and many more. Some popular magazines are ''Filmfare'', ''Down to Earth'', ''India Today'', ''Forbes India'' and ''Vogue''. There are also local regional newspapers which are either often in English or the local regional language. ===Radio=== * '''AIR FM Rainbow''' offers hourly news broadcasts at '''102.6MHZ'''. * '''AIR FM Gold''' offers hourly news broadcasts at '''100.1MHZ''' * '''Radio One''' offers modern and retro song broadcasts at '''94.3MHZ'''. * '''Red FM''' offers public talks and entertainment at '''93.5MHZ''' {{geo|22.8|83|zoom=5}} {{isPartOf|South Asia}}There are also many regional radios on their respective frequencies. {{usablecountry}} {{related|Forts_and_Palaces_of_India}} {{related|Indian_National_Parks_and_Wildlife_Sanctuaries}} {{related|Indian_Zoos_and_Botanical_Gardens}} {{related|Natural Wonders of India}} {{related|Sacred_sites_of_the_Indian_sub-continent}} {{related|UNESCO_World_Heritage_List_(India)}} osypqx8qr8twfethttn68kk7xc40mvf 5086797 5086717 2025-07-02T21:06:54Z LPfi 79572 /* Stay safe */ less bolding 5086797 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|TajMahal Banner.jpg|caption=Taj Mahal|origin=0,0}} '''India''' ([[Hindi phrasebook|Hindi]]: भारत or ''Bhārat''), the largest country in [[South Asia]], has many of the world's highest mountains, most populated cities, and longest rivers. As one of the great civilisations of the ancient world, India's heritage and culture is a rich amalgam of the past and present. This vast country, the most populous in the world, offers the traveller a view of fascinating religions and ethnography, a smorgasbord of languages, diverse food, and architectural masterpieces that were built millennia ago and remain intact today. As the nation opens up to a globalised world, India still has a depth of history and intensity of culture that awe and fascinate the many who visit there. ==Regions== India is administratively divided into 28 states and 8 union territories. The states are broadly demarcated on linguistic lines. They vary in size; the larger ones are bigger and more diverse than some countries of [[Europe]]. The union territories are usually much smaller than the states—sometimes they are just one city—and they have much less autonomy. India has two island chains off the mainland – the [[Andaman and Nicobar Islands]] in the Bay of Bengal and the [[Lakshadweep]] in the Arabian Sea. The states and union territories are grouped by convention into the following regions: {{Regionlist | regionmap=Map of India.png | regionmaptext=Map of India's regions and states | regionInteractiveMap=map1 | regionmapsize=350px | region1name=[[Himalayan North]] | region1color=#d5b66b | region1items=[[Jammu and Kashmir]], [[Ladakh]], [[Himachal Pradesh]], [[Uttarakhand]] | region1description=Mountainous and beautiful, a tourist destination for the adventurous and the spiritual. This region contains some of India's most visited hill stations and religious places. | region2name=[[Plains (India)|The Plains]] | region2color=#d5dc76 | region2items=[[Bihar]], [[Chandigarh]], [[Delhi]], [[Haryana]], [[Madhya Pradesh]], [[Punjab (India)|Punjab]], [[Uttar Pradesh]] | region2description=The plains, India's breadbasket, are watered by the holy rivers Ganges and Yamuna and their tributaries. The region also features the country's capital, Delhi, [[Agra]] of Taj Mahal fame and the holy cities of [[Mathura]], [[Prayagraj]], [[Varanasi]] and [[Bodh Gaya]]. Many of the events that shaped India's history took place in this region. | region3name=[[Western India]] | region3color=#71b37b | region3items=[[Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu]], [[Goa]], [[Gujarat]], [[Maharashtra]], [[Rajasthan]] | region3description= Home to the vast Thar Desert; the colourful palaces, forts and cities of Rajasthan; the country's most vibrant and biggest city, [[Mumbai]]; the mesmerising rock-cut caves of Ajanta and Ellora in Maharashtra; pristine forests; the wonderful beaches of Goa; the Asiatic lions of Gujarat in Gir jungles; and the rapidly developing cities of [[Ahmedabad]], [[Surat]], [[Jaipur]] and [[Pune]]. | region4name=[[Southern India]] | region4color=#b383b3 | region4items=[[Andaman and Nicobar]], [[Andhra Pradesh]], [[Karnataka]], [[Kerala]], [[Lakshadweep]], [[Pondicherry]], [[Tamil Nadu]], [[Telangana]] | region4description=Features famous and historical temples, tropical forests, backwaters, beaches, hill stations, and three big cities of [[Bangalore]], [[Chennai]], [[Hyderabad]] and other smaller cities. The city of [[Mysore]] is world-renowned for its palaces, especially the Mysore Palace. The island groups of Andaman and Nicobar (on the east) and Lakshadweep on the west, included in this region for convenience, are far from the mainland and have their unique characteristics. | region5name=[[Eastern India]] | region5color=#4da9c4 | region5items=[[Chhattisgarh]], [[Jharkhand]], [[Odisha]], [[Sikkim]], [[West Bengal]] | region5description=Economically less developed, but culturally rich and perhaps the most welcoming to outsiders. Features [[Kolkata]], once the capital of British India, and the temple cities of [[Puri]], [[Bhubaneswar]] and [[Konark]]. The region stretches from the mountains to the coast, resulting in fascinating variations in climate. It is also the mineral storehouse of India, having the country's largest and richest mines. | region6name=[[North-Eastern India]] | region6color=#d56d76 | region6items=[[Arunachal Pradesh]], [[Assam]], [[Manipur]], [[Meghalaya]], [[Mizoram]], [[Nagaland]], [[Tripura]] | region6description=Insular and relatively virgin, this is the country's tribal corner, with lush, beautiful landscapes, endemic flora and fauna of the Indo-Malayan group and famed tea gardens. Consists of seven states popularly known as the "Seven Sisters". The world's oldest polo ground, the world's only floating national park, the world's only women-run market and the world's tallest topiary plant can be seen in [[Manipur]]. The state of Meghalaya is depicted as the "Scotland of India" because of its mesmerising environment. }} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#d5b66b|title=[[Himalayan North]]|wikidata=Q1180,Q1177,Q1499,Q200667,Q66278313|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#d5dc76|title=[[Plains (India)|The Plains]]|wikidata=Q22424,Q1174,Q1498,Q1165,Q43433,Q9357528,Q1188|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#71b37b|title=[[Western India]]|wikidata=Q1437,Q1061,Q1191,Q1171|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#b383b3|title=[[Southern India]]|wikidata=Q1159,Q677037,Q1186,Q1445,Q1185,Q40888,Q26927|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#4da9c4|title=[[Eastern India]]|wikidata=Q1168,Q22048,Q1356,Q1505,Q1184|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#d56d76|title=[[North-Eastern India]]|wikidata=Q1162,Q1164,Q1193,Q1195,Q1502,Q1599,Q1363|stroke-opacity=0.1}} ==Cities== <!--Cities and Other destinations lists are limited to 9 items. Please first discuss proposed changes on this page's talk page.--> These are some of India's most notable cities. Other cities can be found under their specific regions. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Delhi]]|wikidata=Q1353}} — the capital of India and the heart of Northern India *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Bangalore]]|wikidata=Q1355}} (''Bengaluru'') — the beautiful garden city, once the sleepy home of pensioners, now transformed into an IT hub for high-technology companies and sprouting pubs. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Chennai]]|wikidata=Q1352}} (''Madras'') — the main port in Southern India, cultural centre, automobile capital of India *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Hyderabad]]|wikidata=Q1361}} — known for pearl and diamond trading, and for the classic Indian rice dish biryani, now with major manufacturing and financial institutions *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Jaipur]]|wikidata=Q66485}} — the Pink City, a major exhibit of the Hindu Rajput culture of medieval Northern India *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Kolkata]]|wikidata=Q1348}} (''Calcutta'') — the cultural capital of India, known as the City of Joy, and home to numerous colonial buildings *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Mumbai]]|wikidata=Q1156}} (''Bombay'') — the largest city and the financial capital of India, the city that never sleeps, home of "Bollywood", the Hindi film industry *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Shimla]]|wikidata=Q83786}} — capital of Himachal Pradesh, perched high on the Himalayas, more than 2 km above sea level *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Varanasi]]|wikidata=Q79980}} (''Banaras'') — considered the most sacred Hindu city, on the banks of the Ganges, one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world <!--Cities and Other destinations lists are limited to 9 items. Please first discuss proposed changes on this page's talk page.--> ==Other destinations== <!--Cities and Other destinations lists are limited to 9 items. Please first discuss proposed changes on this page's talk page.--> India has many outstanding landmarks and areas of outstanding beauty. Here are some of the most notable. *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Bodh Gaya]]|wikidata=Q176767}} — the main temple complex, which includes the Mahabodhi temple, is the place where the Buddha Sakyamuni attained enlightenment *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Ellora]]|wikidata=Q189616}} and {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Ajanta]]|wikidata=Q184427}} — spectacular rock-cut cave monasteries and temples, holy place for the Buddhists, Jains and Hindus *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Amritsar#Golden Temple|Golden Temple]]|wikidata=Q180422}} — Sikh holy site in [[Amritsar]] *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Hampi]]|wikidata=Q26732}} — the awesome ruins of the empire of Vijayanagara *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Khajuraho]]|wikidata=Q178948}} — temple complexes famed for their erotic sculptures *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Konark]]|wikidata=Q749189}} — Sun Temple, a unique example of Kalingan architecture, which is a [[UNESCO World Heritage]] site *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Madurai#Meenakshi Amman Temple|Meenakshi Temple]]|wikidata=Q1424358}} — a spectacular Hindu temple in [[Madurai]] *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Agra#Taj Mahal|Taj Mahal]]|wikidata=Q9141}} — the incomparable marble tomb in [[Agra]], one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World <!--Cities and Other destinations lists are limited to 9 items. Please first discuss proposed changes on this page's talk page.--> See also: * {{marker|name=[[Forts and palaces of India]]|wikidata=}} * {{marker|name=[[Indian national parks and wildlife sanctuaries]]|wikidata=Q1125269}} * {{marker|name=[[Indian zoos and botanical gardens]]|wikidata=Q20892053}} * {{marker|name=[[Natural wonders of India]]|wikidata=Q28913858}} * {{marker|name=[[Sacred sites of the Indian subcontinent]]|wikidata=Q1372264}} * {{marker|name=[[Hill stations in India]]|wikidata=Q1372264}} * {{marker|name=[[UNESCO World Heritage List (India)]]|wikidata=}} ==Understand== {{quickbar|location=LocationIndia.png|capital=New Delhi}} One thing that foreign visitors need to know is that India is, in many ways, heterogeneous. If they experience one set of behaviours from the locals in one part of the country, it does not mean that the same behaviour is common in another area. To give a very simple example, a taxi driver in [[Mumbai]] will without saying a word drop their meter flag and return the exact change, while in [[Delhi]] you have to tell the driver to use the meter and hope you get your change, and in other areas taxi drivers don't even have meters and have fixed the rates for even short distances, and you just pay the amount demanded; if you do get an honest driver, consider yourself lucky. India shows extreme variation in most things, and one needs patience and luck to find the best. Never assume you know everything about any aspect of India; be prepared to see completely new things every day. Indian civilisation has been hugely influential throughout history, and many of the cultures of [[Southeast Asia]] exhibit strong Indian influences. Some Indian influences have also seeped into the cultures of [[East Asia]] through the spread of Buddhism. ===History=== {{see also|South Asian history}} [[File:Varanasikedarghat.JPG|thumb|240px|Hindu pilgrims bathing in the Ganges at [[Varanasi]]]] Humans are thought to have first migrated into the [[Indian subcontinent]] around 70,000 BCE, and there are some [[archaeological sites]] for Stone Age India. One important one is at [[Mehrgarh]] (Pakistan), with the oldest known evidence of agriculture in the subcontinent, around 7000 BCE. The '''[[Indus Valley Civilisation]]''' (3300-1300&nbsp;BCE) was one of the world's first Bronze Age civilisations and very advanced for its time. At its peak (2600-1900&nbsp;BCE), it covered most of what is now [[Pakistan]], plus some of northern India and eastern [[Afghanistan]]. The two biggest archaeological sites, both in Pakistan, are [[Mohenjo-daro]] and [[Harappa]]. Some time after 2000 BCE, the '''Aryans''', herdsmen from somewhere to the northwest, migrated into the region. At about the same time, related groups invaded [[Greece]] (Hellenic Greeks displacing Minoans), Anatolia or [[Turkey]] (the Hittites), [[Persia]] and other areas. It is believed that all these tribes spoke related languages and many modern languages, including most of those spoken in northern India, Europe and some in Central Asia, are descended from them. Linguists classify them all in the Indo-European language family. The '''Vedic Period''' is dated to roughly 1500-500 BCE. This was the period when the '''Vedas''', the oldest and holiest books of '''[[Hinduism]]''', were compiled. They were in an Indo-Aryan language, Vedic Sanskrit. Although few details and archaeological findings are available for this period, many rituals of Hinduism took shape during that period. The Vedic civilisation influences India to this day through the dharmic religions. Present-day Hinduism traces its roots to the Vedas, but is also heavily influenced by literature that came afterwards, ranging from the '''Upanishads''' and '''Puranas''' to the great epics — '''Ramayana''' and '''Mahabharata'''. By tradition, these texts are claimed to only expand and distil the knowledge that is already present in the Vedas. A section of the Mahabharata called the '''Bhagavad Gita''' is among the most widely read works. The Gita is said to be a concise summary of the four Vedas of Hinduism.  Kaal (Kshar Brahm) is said to have described the knowledge of the Gita in 700 verses of 18 chapters after entering Krishna's body. It is a dialogue, just before a great battle at [[Kurukshetra]] between the hero Arjuna and the God Krishna, who serves as his charioteer. Today, Kurukshetra is a destination for both pilgrimage and tourism. In the 1st millennium BCE, various schools of philosophical thought developed, enriching Hinduism greatly. Most of them claimed to derive from the Vedas. However, some of these schools, two of which were '''[[Buddhism]]''' and '''[[Jainism]]''', questioned the authority of the Vedas, and they are now recognised as separate religions. Many great empires arose between 500 BCE and 590 CE. Notable among them were the '''[[Maurya Empire|Mauryas]]''' and the '''Guptas''', both with their capital in the city of Pataliputra, now called [[Patna]]. The Gupta Empire (3rd century CE to 590 CE) is often called the '''Golden Age of India'''. Further west, the Gandharan civilisation (an independent kingdom, later part of the Maurya Empire) ruled much of what are now [[Pakistan]] and [[Afghanistan]]. Their city [[Taxila]] was a great centre of Buddhist and other learning. Over time, there was a gradual decline of Buddhism and Jainism. The practice of Buddhism, in particular, disappeared from India's heartland, though Buddha himself was incorporated into the Hindu pantheon. Jainism continues to be practised by a significant minority who are ambivalent about whether they consider themselves Hindus or not. Hinduism itself went through major changes. Vedic deities such as Indra and Agni became less important while Puranic deities such as Vishnu, Shiva, their various Avatars and family members gained prominence. [[File:Jama Masjid, Delhi, morning view.jpg|thumb|Jama Masjid, [[Delhi]]]] [[Islam]]ic incursions started in the 8th century. Gradually, the raiders started staying as rulers, and soon much of North India was ruled by Muslims. The most important Muslim rulers were the [[Mughal Empire]] that at its peak covered almost the entire subcontinent (save the southern and northeastern extremities), while the major Hindu force that survived in the North were the '''Rajputs'''. The bravery of the Rajputs in resisting an invasion of their land is legendary and celebrated in ballads all over the forts of [[Rajasthan]]. Prominent among the Rajputs was '''Maha Rana Pratap''', the ruler of [[Chittorgarh]], who spent years in exile fighting '''Akbar''', the third of the Mughals. Eventually, however, the Rajputs were subdued. Some Mughal armies had a high proportion of Rajput officers, although some Rajput rebellions still occurred during the reign of Jahangir, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb. This period of North India produced the monumental gems of Rajasthan and the Taj Mahal. Hindi and Urdu also took root in medieval North India. During the Islamic period, there were Hindus who converted to Islam, often forcibly, or to avoid the Jizya tax, as told by Muslim chroniclers. Today, around 15% of India's population follows Islam. '''[[Sikhism]]''', another major religion, was established in [[Punjab]] during the Mughal period. Relations between Sikhism and the Mughals varied over time. The '''Golden Temple''' at [[Amritsar]] was built and recognised all over the world as Sikhism's foremost pilgrimage centre. By the time of its tenth Guru however, '''Guru Gobind Singh''', relations were hostile, primarily due to the antagonism of '''Aurangzeb''', the most intolerant, brutal and bigoted of the Mughals. Conflict between the Sikhs and the Mughals was one of the causes for the eventual decline of the Mughal Empire. Another reason was the rise of the '''Maratha Empire''' in [[Maharashtra]], which was started by '''Shivaji''' and carried on by the '''Peshwas'''. The Marathas established a short-lived confederacy that was almost as large as the Mughal Empire. Marathas lost their command over India after the third battle of Panipat, which in turn paved the way for British colonialism. [[File:ShoreTemple Approach2.JPG|thumb|Shore Temple (c. 700 CE), [[Mamallapuram]]]] South India followed a different trajectory, being less affected by Islamic rule. The period from 500 to 1600 CE is called the classical period and was dominated by great South Indian kingdoms. The most prominent empires included the '''Chalukyas''', '''Rashtrakutas''' and '''Vijayanagara''' who ruled from present day Karnataka and the '''Pallavas''', '''Cheras''', '''Pandyas''' and '''Cholas''' who ruled from present day Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Among them, the Cholas, who ruled from various capital cities including [[Thanjavur]] and [[Gangaikonda Cholapuram]], are widely recognised to be the most powerful of the South Indian kingdoms, with their territory stretching as far north as Pataliputra and their influence spreading as far east as Sumatra, western Borneo and southern Vietnam at the height of their power. Some of the grandest Hindu and Jain monuments that exist in India were built during this time in South and East India. Northeast India was also fairly isolated from the rest of the country until the colonial period. The largest and longest kingdom to rule over the Northeast were the '''Ningthouja dynasty (33–1891 AD)''' of [[Manipur]], followed by the '''[[Ahom Kingdom|Ahoms]]''' who, from the 13th to 19th centuries, successfully defended [[Assam]] and neighbouring regions from Mughal expansion. European traders started visiting India beginning in the late 16th century. Prominent among these were the British, Dutch, French and Portuguese. The British East India Company made [[Calcutta]] their headquarters in 1772. They also established subsidiary cities like [[Bombay]] and [[Madras]]. Calcutta later went on to become 'the second city of the empire after [[London]]'. By the 19th century, the British had, one way or the other, assumed political control of virtually all of India, though the Portuguese, the Dutch and the French too had their enclaves along the coast. The British would send Indian labourers, policemen and soldiers all over the Empire, resulting in the establishment of Indian diaspora communities, the most notable ones in [[Myanmar]], [[Malaysia]], [[Singapore]], [[Hong Kong]], [[Fiji]], [[South Africa]], [[Mauritius]], [[Kenya]], [[Guyana]], [[Trinidad and Tobago]] and the [[United Kingdom]] itself. There was an uprising by Indian rulers in 1857, which was suppressed, but which prompted the British government to take over from the Company and make India a part of the empire. This period of rule by the crown, 1858–1947, was called the [[British Raj]]. It was a period in which some Indians converted to Christianity, though forcible conversions ended in British India after 1859, and Queen Victoria's proclamation promised to respect the religious faiths of Indians. [[Indian independence movement|Non-violent resistance to British colonialism]] led by '''Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi''' led to independence on 15 August 1947. However, independence was simultaneously granted to the secular Hindu-majority state of India and the smaller Muslim-majority state of [[Pakistan]], and the orgy of Hindu-Muslim bloodletting that followed '''Partition''' led to the deaths of at least half a million and the migration of 12–14 million people. India achieved self-sufficiency in food grains by the 1970s, ensuring that the large-scale famines that had been common are now history. However, these policies also led to shortages, slow growth and large-scale corruption. After a balance-of-payments crisis in 1991, the country adopted free-market reforms, which have continued at a steady pace ever since, fueling strong growth. The IT, Business Process Outsourcing and other industries have been the drivers for the growth, while manufacturing and agriculture, which have not experienced reforms, are lagging. About 60% of Indians live on agriculture and around 36% remain in poverty. Relations with Pakistan have been frosty. The two countries have fought four wars, three of them over the status of [[Kashmir]]. The third war between the two countries in 1971 resulted in East Pakistan becoming Bangladesh. India continues to experience occasional terrorist attacks, many of which are widely believed to originate in Pakistan and be ordered or assisted by its military-intelligence complex. China and India went to war in 1962 over a Himalayan border dispute. Current relations are largely peaceful but tense. There are no land crossings allowed between the two countries, though one border crossing between [[Sikkim]] and [[Tibet]] was re-opened in 2006 for trade. Security concerns over Pakistan and China prompted India to test '''nuclear weapons''' twice (including the 1974 tests described as "peaceful explosions"). India wants to be accepted as a legitimate nuclear power and is campaigning for a permanent Security Council seat. India is proud of its democratic record. Constitutional government and democratic freedoms have been safeguarded for most of its time as an independent country. Current concerns in India include corruption, poverty, overpopulation, pollution and forms of environmental degradation, ongoing border disputes with Pakistan and China, cross-border terrorism, and ethnic, political and religious strife, which occurs from time to time. India's current obsession, at least among the educated elite, is over whether India will be able to overtake China in economic growth and be an economic and military superpower. Today, many Indians regard their country to be the voice and leader of the entire Global South in international politics. ===Politics=== [[File:Back view of Rashtrapati Bhavan.jpg|thumb|The Rashtrapati Bhavan (literally the "President House") in New Delhi]] India is a parliamentary republic and democracy modelled on the British Westminster system. The president, indirectly elected, is the head of state, but this position, while not entirely ceremonial, has limited powers. The prime minister runs the government with a cabinet of ministers, and in practice wields the most authority in government. The parliament is bicameral. The Lok Sabha (House of the People), the lower house, is directly elected by universal adult franchise, while the Rajya Sabha (Council of States), or the upper house, is indirectly elected. The Lok Sabha is the more powerful of the two, primarily because a majority in the Lok Sabha is required to form a government and pass budgets, and the prime minister, by convention, is always a member of the Lok Sabha. India is also a federation, divided into states and union territories. Each of these has its own legislature, with a government run by a chief minister and a cabinet. Each state or union territory is divided into multiple districts, which are in turn divided into multiple smaller divisions, depending on the state or union territory in question. There are two types of local government in India: the '''urban local bodies''' (ULBs) for cities and towns, and the '''panchayati raj''' (literally the "rule of five officials") for the remaining countryside. The urban local bodies include municipalities, municipal corporations, cantonments, nagar/town panchayats, notified area councils etc. The panchayati raj is divided into three levels or tiers: '''gram panchayats''' for individual villages, '''panchayat samitis''' for groups of villages, and '''zila panchayats''' (or zila parishads) for districts. India has a vast number of political parties. The Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) forms the government, and the centre-left Indian National Congress (INC, simply known as "Congress") is the main opposition party. India has a strong and independent judiciary and a free press. Street demonstrations, protests and agitations occur, as they do in any democracy. There are also occasional low levels of political violence, in which a visitor has an extremely small chance of getting caught. ===Time zone=== Indian Standard Time (IST) is 5 hours and 30 minutes ahead of Co-ordinated Universal Time (UTC+5.5). Daylight Saving Time is not observed in India. ===Geography=== [[File:Loktak Lake Boat people Moirang Manipur India.jpg|thumb|[[Loktak lake]], the world's only floating lake.]] India covers an area of {{convert|3,287,263|km2|sqmi|0}}, making it the world's seventh-largest country, the third-largest country in [[Asia]] (if you count [[Russia]]), and the largest country in [[South Asia]]. India is three times smaller than the [[United States]], half the size of [[Australia]], and nearly 11,000 times larger than Asia's smallest country, the [[Maldives]]. Mountains, jungles, deserts and beaches, India has it all. It is bounded to the north and northeast by the '''snow-capped Himalayas''', the tallest mountain range in the world. In addition to protecting the country from invaders, they also feed the perennial rivers '''Ganga''' (Ganges), '''Yamuna''' (Jamuna) and '''Sindhu''' (Indus) on whose plains India's civilization flourished. Though most of the Sindhu is in Pakistan now, three of its tributaries flow through [[Punjab (India)|Punjab]]. The Ganga has two distributaries, of which the '''Bhagirathi-Hooghly''' runs over India and is the lifeline of [[West Bengal]]. Both distributaries eventually meet at the Bay of Bengal, forming both the largest river delta and the largest mangrove forest in the world. The other Himalayan river, the '''Brahmaputra''', flows through the northeast, mostly through [[Assam]], where it is known by different names. The '''Manipur River''', originating in [[Manipur]], joins the Chindwin-Irrawaddy River System of Myanmar. South of Punjab lies the '''Aravalli''' range, which cuts [[Rajasthan]] into two. The western half of Rajasthan is occupied by the '''Thar''' desert. The '''Vindhyas''' cut across Central India, particularly through [[Madhya Pradesh]] and signify the start of the '''Deccan''' plateau, which covers almost the whole of the southern peninsula. The Deccan plateau is bounded by the '''Western Ghats''' range (which is called '''Sahyadri''' in Maharashtra) to the west and the '''Eastern Ghats''' to the east. The plateau is more arid than the plains, as the rivers that feed the area, such as the '''Narmada''', '''Godavari''' and the '''Kaveri''', run dry during the summer. Towards the northeast of the Deccan plateau is what used to be a thickly forested area that covers the states of [[Chhattisgarh]], [[Jharkhand]], the eastern edge of [[Maharashtra]] and the northern tip of [[Andhra Pradesh]]. This area is still forested, poverty stricken and populated by tribal people. This forest acted as a barrier to the invasion of South India. The '''world's only floating lake''' is [[Loktak Lake]] in the central bowl like plain of [[Manipur]]. It is remarkably known for its unique circular floating biomasses ([[Manipuri phrasebook|Manipuri]]: Phumdi). India has a long '''coastline'''. The west coast borders the '''Arabian Sea''' and the east coast the '''Bay of Bengal''', both parts of the Indian Ocean. ===Climate=== [[File:A beach side resort at Kadmat Island, Lakshadweep.jpg|thumb|Lakshadweep Islands]] [[File:Jammu and Kashmir 3.JPG|thumb|Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir]] In India, it rains only during a specific time of the year. The season as well as the phenomenon that causes it is called the '''monsoon'''. There are two of them, the '''Southwest''' and the '''Northeast''', both named after the directions the winds come from. The Southwest monsoon is the more important one, as it causes rains over most parts of the country, and is the crucial variable that decides how the crops will do. It lasts from June to September. The Southwest monsoon hits the west coast the most, as crossing the Western Ghats and reaching the rest of India is an uphill task for the winds. The western coastline is therefore much '''greener''' than the interior. The Northeast monsoon hits the east coast between October and February, mostly in the form of occasional '''cyclones''' that cause much devastation every year. The only region that gets rains from both monsoons is North-Eastern India, which consequently experiences the '''highest rainfall in the world'''. India experiences at least three seasons a year, '''Summer''', '''Rainy Season''' (or "Monsoon") and '''Winter''', though in the '''tropical South''' calling the 25°C (77°F) weather "Winter" would be stretching the concept. The North experiences some extremes of heat in Summer and cold in Winter, but except in the Himalayan regions, snow is almost unheard of. November to January is the winter season and April and May are the hot months when everyone eagerly awaits the rains. There is also a brief spring in February and March, especially in North India. Opinions are divided on whether any part of India experiences an '''Autumn''', but the ancients had certainly identified such a season among the '''six seasons''' (or ''ritus'' - ''Vasanta'' - Spring, ''Greeshma'' - Summer, ''Varsha'' - Rainy, ''Sharat'' - Autumn, ''Hemanta'' - "Mild Winter"/"late autumn", ''Sheet'' - Winter) they had divided the year into. ===Culture=== {{infobox|Culture shock|Many visitors expecting maharajas and fabulous palaces are shocked when their first impressions are dominated by poverty instead. Prepare for the following: * '''Attention''' – Some people will unabashedly stare at foreign tourists, who can also be magnets for persistent touts and beggars. People may shove their mobile phone in your face and take pictures; just turn your head. Beggars, especially malnourished children and the badly deformed, can be particularly disturbing. * '''Crowds''' – Many of India's streets, markets and bazaars are jam-packed with people, vehicles and at certain times, animals, and streets tend to be narrow. If you ever travel the cheapest class in buses or trains, these will also get packed a lot, which might be exhausting. * '''Dogs''' – [[Aggressive dogs|Stray dogs]] can be found everywhere in India. Their behaviour can be anything from lying around not caring about people or aggressively barking at them. Sometimes they roam the streets in packs. Either way, it is best to stay away from them, even if they seem friendly. There are no countrywide rabies vaccination programs for dogs in India and you never know their health status. * '''Filth''' – Dirt, refuse and insects abound in the cities. The roadside can sometimes be a urinal. Roads are also often dusty because the asphalt is missing in some parts, so if travelling by bus, be quick in closing the window if it is the right time. * '''Noise''' – Drivers lean on horns, radios and TVs blare Bollywood tracks, and even temples, mosques and churches use loudspeakers to spread their message. The function of using the horn while driving is to make yourself noticed to the other drivers or to pedestrians — Indians will often enter the road without looking right or left, they will just expect someone to sound the horn if there is danger. * '''Pollution''' – Most North Indian cities—especially New Delhi—suffer badly. Exhaust combined with dust can make the drier seasons a nightmare for asthma sufferers. Most visitors quickly get inured to these things that are pitfalls of urbanisation and start seeing the good sides too, but take it easy on your first few days and schedule some time to get away from it all.}} India's rich and multi-layered cultures are dominated by religious and spiritual themes. While it is a mistake to assume that there is a single unified Indian culture, there are certainly unifying themes that link the various cultures. India's cultural heritage is expressed through its myriad of languages in which much great literature and poetry has been written. It can be seen in its music, both in its classical (Carnatic and Hindustani) forms and in modern Bollywood music. India also has a vast tradition of classical and folk dances. Art and theatre flourish amongst the bustling cities of the country, against the backdrop of the ever-expanding western influences. Indians greatly value their family system. Typically, an Indian family encompasses what would be called the extended family in the West. It is routine for Indians to live as part of the paternal family unit throughout their lives, i.e. sons live together with their parents all their lives, and daughters live with their parents till they get married. The relationship is mutually self-supporting. Parents may support their children for longer than is common in the West, brothers and sisters may support each other, and sons are expected to take care of their parents in their old age. "Living with parents" does not carry the same stigma as it does in parts of the West. Naturally, the arrangements are not perfect and there are strains and breakups, especially by the time the third generation grows up. Also, it has now become common for children to move away from the parental house for education and employment. Nonetheless, it is fair to say that the extended family is still seen as the norm and an ideal to aspire to, and Indians continue to care about their family's honour, achievements and failures even while they are not living together. Despite the weakening of the caste system (which has officially been outlawed by the Indian government), India remains a fairly stratified society. Indians care more about a person's background and position in society than is the norm in the individualist West. This attitude, when combined with the legacy of colonial rule, results in some rather interesting, if unfortunate consequences. People with white skin are placed high on the societal totem pole, and they may find that Indians are obsequious towards them to the point of embarrassment. People with dark skin, however, may find that they are discriminated against. If it is any consolation, Indians display similar prejudices based on skin colour and ethnicity among themselves and not just towards foreigners. See more in the [[#Stay Safe]] and [[#Respect]] sections. There is also a community known as the Siddis, who are believed to be descended from East African slaves brought to India by the Arab Slave Trade, and mainly found in remote rural villages. Although they speak Indian instead of African languages these days, they still retain many African customs including African dance and music. Although they are Indian citizens, due to a lack of awareness from the general Indian population of their existence, they continue to face much discrimination, and are often presumed to be illegal immigrants from Africa. British colonisation also gave rise to a mixed-raced population known as the Anglo-Indians, and while most of them migrated to Western countries following independence, pockets of these communities remain in India's major cities. ===Holidays and festivals=== There are three national holidays: '''Republic Day''' (26 January), '''Independence Day''' (15 August), and '''Gandhi's Birthday,''' generally called '''Gandhi Jayanti''' (2 October) which follow the Western calendar and occur on the same day every year. Hindu religious festivals, because they follow the lunisolar calendar, occur on different days every year, but around the same time of the year every time. The major religious festivals of Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism and Zoroastrianism are also celebrated. Central government offices are closed for holidays around 17 days a year for these festivals and observances. The significance of these festivals differs across different regions of India. State government offices will have a different holiday schedule based on which festivals are important in that state. Generally, the day on which the state was formed will also be a holiday in that state. Some of the major Indian festivals are: [[File:Diwali Lighting Mini Lamps 2011.jpg|thumb|250px|Diwali lighting]] *'''Diwali''' (Deepavali), Oct-Nov — The festival of lights, celebrates the return of the Hindu God Rama to the capital of his kingdom, [[Ayodhya]] after an exile of 14 years and victory of justice over injustice when Narakasura was killed by Satyabhama with the help of Krishna. Probably the most lavish festival in the country, reminiscent of Christmas in Europe or Thanksgiving in the US. Houses are decorated, there is glitter everywhere, and if you wander the streets on Diwali night, there will be firecrackers going off everywhere including sometimes under your feet. *'''Ugadhi,''' [sometimes also called 'Yugadhi' and various other names] is one of the main festivals, which is mainly celebrated as the 1st day of the Hindu Calendar New Year. Which is one of the main festivals and is quite widely followed in South India. [[File:Durga Puja DS.jpg|thumb|right|250px|[[Durga Puja]]]] *'''[[Durga Puja|Durga Puja / Navaratri / Dussehara]]''', Sep-Oct — A nine-day festival culminating in the holy day of Dussehra, when locals worship the deity Durga. Workers are given sweets, cash bonuses, gifts and new clothes. It is also a new year for businesspeople when they are supposed to start new account books. In some places like [[West Bengal]] and [[Odisha]], Durga Puja is ''the'' most important festival. In the north ''Dussehra'' celebrations take place and the slaying of Ravana by Lord Rama is ceremonially reenacted as ''Ram Lila''. In [[Gujarat]] and [[South India]], it is celebrated as Navaratri where the festival is celebrated by dancing to devotional songs and religious observances like fasts extended for nine nights. *'''Holi''', in March — The festival of colour is a major festival celebrated mainly in North, East and Western India. On the first day, people go to temples and light bonfires, but on the second, it's a water fight combined with '''showers of coloured powder'''. This is not a spectator sport: as a visible foreigner, you're a magnet for attention, so you'll either have to barricade yourself inside, or put on your most disposable clothes and join the fray. Alcohol and ''bhang'' (cannabis) are often involved and crowds can get rowdy as the evening wears on. [[File:DagduHalwai2013.jpg|thumb|right|Dagdusheth Halwai Ganesha Idol during Ganesh Chaturthi 2013]] *'''Ganesh Chaturthi''', is celebrated all over India. Ganesh Chaturthi is the festival of Lord Ganesha. Ganesh Chaturthi is most enjoyed in [[Maharashtra]]. It is the best time to visit cities like [[Mumbai]], [[Pune]], [[Nagpur]]. * '''Christmas''' and '''New Year's Day''' are public holidays across the country and Bank Holidays as well. Christmas is a major festival in the regions of Kerala and Goa. * '''Eid-al-Fitr''', '''Eid-al-Adha''', '''Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi''', '''Yawm-e-Aashoora''' and '''Ramadan''' are widely celebrated and observed as public holidays across the country. Apart from these, each state has its major national festival like '''Onam''' in [[Kerala]], '''Makar Sankranti''' and '''Ugadi''' in Andhra Pradesh, ''Utarayan'' in Gujarat, '''Pongal''' in [[Tamil Nadu]], '''Baisakhi''' for Punjab, Bihu for Assam, ''Rathayatra'' (car festival for Lord Jagannath) in Odisha, ''Nuakhai'' for Western Odisha. India is a diverse nation, and festivals are a significant part of life for the locals, they provide holidays for about a week. Religious holidays occur on different days each year because the Hindu and Islamic festivals are based on their respective calendars and not on the Gregorian calendar. Most of them are celebrated only locally, so check the state or city you are visiting for information on whether there will be closures. Different regions might give somewhat different names to the same festival. To cater to varying religious practices, offices have a list of '''optional holidays''' (called '''restricted holidays''' by the government) from which employees are allowed to pick two, in addition to the list of fixed holidays. This may mean thin attendance and delayed service even when the office is officially open. ===Read=== {{infobox|Kashmir dispute|India and Pakistan have a bitter dispute over Kashmir; each government claims territory that is under the control of the other. They have fought wars over this three times since independence in 1947. China also claims portions of Kashmir and fought two wars with India over the dispute in 1962 and 1967. Wikivoyage, however, deals ''only'' with the current situation on the ground; our maps show and our text describes that without taking sides on the disputes. If you can go there with a Pakistani visa today then we treat it as being in Pakistan, and if you need an Indian visa, we treat it as being in India. This is the most important distinction for travellers. Visitors should exercise considerable caution in these areas. Both governments consider them highly sensitive, keep large military forces along the border, and restrict travel to border areas.}} *''An Era of Darkness'' by Shashi Tharoor. Thought provoking account of how the British Raj impoverished the country and caused humanitarian crises. *''Midnight's Children'', Salman Rushdie's allegory about Independence. It was awarded the "Booker of Bookers" Prize and the best all-time prize winners to celebrate the Booker Prize 25th and 40th anniversary. It was also adapted into a film by Indo-Canadian film director Deepa Mehta (2012). *''The India they saw : foreign accounts'', by Meenakshi Jain (2011). A compilation of intriguing travel tales and excerpts from travelogues by travellers, writers, pilgrims and missionaries. *''A Goddess in the Stones: Travels in India'' by Norman Lewis (Cape 1991; US: Holt 1992), In "Goddess in the Stones", influential journalist and author Norman Lewis undertakes a journey of 2500 miles in search of the old India. *''India: A History'', John Keay; "A superb one-volume history of a land that defies reduction into simple narrative ... Without peer among general studies, a history that is intelligent, incisive, and eminently readable." ({{ISBN|0802137970}}) *''India: A Million Mutinies Now'', V.S. Naipaul; "With this book he may well have written his own enduring monument, in prose at once stirring and intensely personal, distinguished both by style and critical acumen" ({{ISBN|0670837024}}) *''In Spite of the Gods'', Edward Luce; an exceptionally insightful and readable book on the unlikely rise of modern India. ({{ISBN|0316729817}}) *''No Full Stops In India'', Mark Tully; "India's Westernised elite, cut off from local traditions, want to write a full stop in a land where there are no full stops. From that striking insight, Mark Tully has woven a superb series of stories that explore everything from communal conflict in Ahmedabad to communism in Kolkata, from the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad (probably the biggest religious festival in the world) to the televising of a Hindu epic." ({{ISBN|0140104801}}) *''Mother Pious Lady'', Santosh Desai; An excellent account of middle-class beliefs and customs from the pre-liberalisation era till date. For anyone who wants to understand the culture of present India, this is a must-read where the author cuts through the chaos and confusion letting you see things more clearly. ({{ISBN|9788172238643}}) *''Indian journals, March 1962-May 1963: Notebooks, diary, blank pages, writings.'' Ginsberg, A. (1970). San Francisco: Dave Haselwood Books. Travel diary written by the famous beat poet Allen Ginsberg. *''Lion: A Long Way Home'', a book by Saroo Brierley. *''Spiritual India handbook: A guide to temples, holy sites festivals and traditions'' by Stephen Knapp (2013). Useful for the pilgrim who wants to get the most out of his or her spiritual adventure and experience in India. See also the Wikivoyage article [[On the trail of Kipling's Kim]]. ===Tourist information === * [https://www.incredibleindia.org Incredible India] tourism website ==Talk== [[File:Trilingual signboard in the Imphal International Airport (Tulihal International Airport) displaying in Meitei, Hindi and English languages.jpg|thumb|A trilingual sign in Meitei, Hindi, and English in [[Manipur]]]] At the federal level, the official languages of India are '''[[Hindi phrasebook|Hindi]]''' and '''[[English language varieties|English]].''' Most Indians are multilingual, with many being proficient in more than one language. Other languages that are official to some degree (often at state level) are '''[[Assamese phrasebook|Assamese]]''', '''[[Bengali phrasebook|Bengali]]''', '''[[Bodo phrasebook|Bodo]]''', '''[[Dogri phrasebook|Dogri]]''', '''[[Gujarati phrasebook|Gujarati]]''', '''[[Kannada phrasebook|Kannada]]''', '''[[Kashmiri phrasebook|Kashmiri]]''', '''[[Konkani phrasebook|Konkani]]''', '''[[Maithili phrasebook|Maithili]]''', '''[[Malayalam phrasebook|Malayalam]]''', '''[[Manipuri phrasebook|Manipuri]]''' (also known as Meitei), '''[[Marathi phrasebook|Marathi]]''', '''[[Nepali phrasebook|Nepali]]''', '''[[Odia phrasebook|Odia]]''' (also known as Oriya), '''[[Punjabi phrasebook|Punjabi]]''', '''[[Sanskrit phrasebook|Sanskrit]]''', '''[[Santhali phrasebook|Santhali]]''', '''[[Sindhi phrasebook|Sindhi]]''', '''[[Tamil phrasebook|Tamil]]''', '''[[Telugu phrasebook|Telugu]]''' and '''[[Urdu phrasebook|Urdu]].''' There are also hundreds of less prominent languages like [[Tulu phrasebook|'''Tulu''']], [[Bhojpuri phrasebook|'''Bhojpuri''']] and [[Ladakhi phrasebook|'''Ladakhi''']]. '''Hindi''' is spoken by 40–50% of the population and serves as the "lingua franca" of [[Northern India]]. However, its use at the national level is sometimes a point of contention due to India's linguistic diversity. Very little Hindi is generally spoken in [[Southern India|Southern]] and [[North-Eastern India|North-Eastern]] India. There are also over 120 Hindi dialects in India. One of them is Haryanvi, which is a common dialect around Haryana and the Delhi area. '''English''' is spoken in urban areas, and is the main language in higher education and business. It serves as the de facto lingua franca of the country. Indian English is generally based on British English, but has also acquired a uniquely Indian flavour. Perhaps the most common jibe about the dialect is its use of "improper" grammar, which can sound strange to English speakers from other countries. Indian English is often spoken with a strong accent, which varies depending on the speaker's native language, and incorporates several words from the local languages that are not used in other English dialects, which can make it tricky for non-native English speakers from elsewhere to understand. Learning the basics of Hindi and/or the local language is useful when travelling to rural areas, as English proficiency is limited there. Some features of Indian English: * The most commonly used tag question is ''"isn't it"'', which can be used to indicate a genuine question (e.g. ''He is from Tamil Nadu, isn't it?''), sarcasm, bewilderment, and so on. * Nouns are commonly pluralised (e.g. ''A room full of furnitures'', ''stuffs for eating'' as opposed to ''A room full of furniture'' or ''stuff for eating'') * Verbs conjugate differently (e.g. ''I knowed about it'' or ''I buyed it'' as opposed to ''I knew about it'' or ''I bought it'') * Colloquialisms, slang words and idioms, some of which may be perceived as rude or impolite by non-Indians, are common (e.g. ''Hello, what you want?'' as opposed to ''Hello, what do you want?'') * Prepositions and articles are often dropped or combined strangely (e.g. ''I want computer'' as opposed to ''I want a computer'') * The use of some vocabulary and expressions not used with the same meaning elsewhere (e.g. ''vote bank'', which means a group of people that supports a particular political party) English-language TV shows and movies are common, and the number of English TV channels outnumber the number of Indian-language TV channels. Some shows may be dubbed in another language depending on where you are. Cable TV channels often have an option to select from multiple audio languages. '''Sanskrit''' is the language in which much of ancient Indian literature and religious texts are written. Today Sanskrit survives primarily as a liturgical language; few if any people speak Sanskrit as a native language, but quite a few scholars or lay-persons know it or are learning it. Many modern Indian languages are descended from Sanskrit, and even those unrelated to Sanskrit have been strongly influenced by it. While most north Indian languages, including Hindi, are descended from Sanskrit, the main languages of the south – [[Telugu phrasebook|Telugu]], [[Tamil phrasebook|Tamil]], [[Kannada phrasebook|Kannada]] and [[Malayalam phrasebook|Malayalam]] – originate from a different ancestral language and are called the Dravidian languages. Ironically, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam are far more Sanskritic than Hindi due to the relative absence of Islamic rule in those regions. In North Eastern India, [[Manipuri phrasebook|Manipuri]] or Meitei is a language of the Sino-Tibetan family, related to Chinese, Burmese and Tibetan, making it distinct from other Indian languages. However, you are better off picking up as many words as you can of the local language of the place you are going to – people are proud of their state's (or region's) culture and language and will appreciate it if an outsider makes an attempt to communicate in it. Code-switching between English and the local language is common among the urban youth, although most educated people would speak standard English (British) when talking to foreigners. Many Indian languages lack a word for please, just like the Scandinavian languages. Instead, verbs have many forms denoting levels of politeness and formality. As there is no such distinction in English, Indians may also seem commanding to a westerner. You may hear phrases like ''come here'' which may sound commanding to Anglophones from Western cultures, but this is not intended to be rude. '''Non-verbal communication''' is also important. Much has been made of the confusing Indian head nod for yes and no, but the only important thing to understand is that Indians have '''different nods for yes, ok and no.''' * If they are nodding their head '''up and down''', they mean '''yes''' or '''I agree''', as in a standard nod. * If they are shaking their head in a '''tilting motion''' from right to left and back, they mean '''I understand''' or '''I get what you said'''. * If they shake their head sideways (left to right to left), they mean '''no'''. * There are differences in the way these signs are used in northern and southern India. The back to forth is yes and a vigorous left-right shift is no in northern India, though the latter may be construed for yes in southern states like Tamil Nadu. Look for verbal cues that accompany these sounds (like 'aaan' for yes) in southern India to get the correct meaning. ==Get in== {{VisaRestriction|Certain states in India require permits to visit. Citizens and former citizens of [[Afghanistan]], [[Bangladesh]], [[Pakistan]], [[China]] (including [[Hong Kong]] and [[Macau]]), and [[Myanmar]] are usually not eligible for them unless they have special permission from the Home Ministry. * A Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is required to enter parts of the [[Andaman and Nicobar Islands]], and parts of [[Sikkim]]. Citizens and former citizens of Afghanistan, China and Pakistan are required to get a RAP to visit any part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. * A Protected Area Permit (PAP) is required to enter [[Arunachal Pradesh]], and parts of [[Himachal Pradesh]], [[Jammu and Kashmir]], [[Ladakh]], [[Rajasthan]], [[Sikkim]], and [[Uttarakhand]]. * An Inner Line Permit (ILP) is required to enter [[Mizoram]], [[Manipur]], [[Arunachal Pradesh]], or [[Nagaland]] if you are a citizen of India. Most foreigners can visit without the permit but must register with the local police on arrival. In addition, an ILP is required for all visitors to [[Sikkim]] regardless of citizenship, but foreigners can usually get one at the border. If you are planning to visit any of these areas, you should request the relevant permit when applying for your Indian visa, and it will be added to your visa if approved. This however is not possible with the easily obtainable ETA/e-Visa, but just with regular visas. |lastedit=permanent }} {{VisaRestriction|Chinese (including Hong Kong and Macau) citizens are not permitted to travel to India except for diplomatic purposes. Hong Kong citizens may visit India only if they have a British National (Overseas) passport; a Hong Kong SAR passport is not valid for travel to India. |lastedit=permanent }} {{VisaRestriction|All existing valid visas (except for long-term visas and diplomatic and official visas) issued by India to Pakistani nationals stand revoked with effect from 27 April 2025. Medical visas issued to Pakistani nationals will be valid only till 29 April 2025. All Pakistani nationals who are in India must leave India before the expiry of visas |lastedit=2025-05-01}} ===Entry requirements=== ====Visa==== India's once notoriously convoluted visa system has been drastically simplified with the introduction of the '''e-visa''', which is now available to citizens of 166 countries including all the usual suspects, and is covered in detail below. Notable exceptions include the following: '''Holders of an Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) document''' are permitted to stay in India indefinitely and have the same rights as any Indian citizen, enjoying the prices of Indian citizen at tourist attractions. However, they must apply for permits to visit certain areas in India, cannot buy agricultural land and cannot vote in any election. The OCI certificate is not under any circumstances a proof of Indian citizenship, and the country that you are a passport holder of is still able to offer consular assistance. Citizens of '''[[Nepal]]''' and '''[[Bhutan]]''' may enter and live in India indefinitely without a visa. Citizens of '''[[Maldives]]''' may stay up to 90 days without a visa. Citizens of '''[[Japan]], [[South Korea]], and the [[United Arab Emirates]]''' are eligible for visas on arrival and may stay for up to 60 days. Citizens (current or former) of '''[[Afghanistan]]''', '''[[North Korea]]''' and '''[[Iran]]''' require a minimum of 4 weeks waiting time for their visa. A '''business visa''' may be required if you intend to do anything work related in India (OCIs are exempt from a business visa). The ETA does permit "casual business visits" and will be easier to obtain. If you do need a business visa, then be prepared to provide a great deal of documentation about your company in your home country as well as the company you are visiting in India. This will include (but may not be limited to) an invitation letter from the company that you are visiting as well as business registration documents and possibly tax returns and other sensitive documents. It may be worth applying for a short-term visa (such as 6 months) since the criteria may be less in your case. A special 10-year visa is available to nationals of certain countries, including U.S. citizens (US$100). Regular visa applications for U.S. citizens (for travellers not eligible for ETA) begin at '''[https://services.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind/ VFS Global]''' before being submitted to a visa application centre either by FedEx or in person. It is always good to ask for a '''multiple-entry''' visa even if you are not planning to use it—they cost the same, are handed out pretty liberally and come in handy if you decide last minute to dip into one of the neighbouring countries. Regular visas can be applied for through the [https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/index.html Government of India website]. ===== Pakistani citizens ===== {{VisaRestriction|All existing valid visas (except for long-term visas and diplomatic and official visas) issued by India to Pakistani nationals stand revoked with effect from 27 April 2025. Medical visas issued to Pakistani nationals will be valid only till 29 April 2025. All Pakistani nationals who are in India must leave India before the expiry of visas |lastedit=2025-05-11}} <!--{{disclaimerbox|More information on the visa application process for Pakistani nationals can be [https://www.mha.gov.in/PDF_Other/AnnexV_01022018.pdf found here]. }}--> <!--If you are considered a Pakistani citizen – for example, being a dual citizen of Pakistan, being born in Pakistan, or having a parent who was born in Pakistan – by the Indian authorities, a visa will not be granted to you unless the Ministry of Home Affairs in [[New Delhi]] approves. The approval process is '''notoriously lengthy and highly selective'''; many endure months or even years of waiting, only to face potential disappointment. In addition, dual citizens cannot use another country's passport to apply for an Indian visa. Pakistani citizens are not granted Indian tourist visas and are not allowed to study commerce, humanities, and science courses at Indian universities. Pakistani citizens over the age of 65 are eligible for a visa on arrival, but they are ineligible for the scheme if they've been denied an Indian visa in the past. In addition, they must enter India through [[Wagah]].--> If you have renounced your Pakistani citizenship, you are eligible to apply for an Indian tourist visa, but you must submit the original copy of your certificate of renunciation when applying for your visa, and you will be limited to only a single-entry 3-month visa. ====ETA / e-Visa==== {{VisaRestriction|If you, or any of your parents or grandparents has ever been a citizen or permanent resident of Pakistan, you are not eligible for the ETA, and must apply for a visa in person at an Indian diplomatic mission.|lastedit=2020-03-12}} An ''Electronic Travel Authorization'' (ETA) aka e-Visa is the easiest way to obtain a visa for India. It can only be applied for and granted online, i.e. completion of all your details, upload of a recent photo (JPG, a good quality selfie is fine) and a passport copy (PDF, max. 300kB), as well as payment of the (non-refundable) processing fee (see below) can only be done online via the dedicated '''[https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html Government of India ETA website]'''. Most ETA can be applied for 4–120 days before arrival, just the '''30 days e-Tourist Visa''' is limited to 4–30 days before arrival. Payment can be done by credit/debit card (+2.5% bank fee) via SBIePay (State Bank of India) or Axis Bank—the latter seems more reliable, or by PayPal (+3.5% bank fee). In case of any payment failure, wait for some hours to not send the amount twice. After successful payment the ETA application process starts. It can take up to 72 hr until decision, even though in many cases it just takes 24 hr. The ETA is only available to the citizens of the countries listed under "'''Processing fees'''" below—166 different countries all together. It cannot be obtained at or used for land or rail border crossings into India—leaving by land or rail is possible though (see below). Entry and exit with a new passport is allowed if you carry along your old passport on which the original ETA was issued. '''Note''', there are also commercial websites that offer the same ETAs and e-Visas, for an additional fee of US$35–80. They promise to re-check and validate your application before submitting it, to make sure it is really granted. But this service is usually not worth the money and they don't usually give any success guarantees. The above-mentioned Government of India ETA website is straight forward enough to complete the application successfully—save your money and only go through the official website! The following types of ETA are available: * '''e-Tourist Visa''': :* 30 days – double entry, valid from the first entry :* 1 or 5 years – multiple entry, valid from the date of ETA grant, max. 90 days at once, max. 180 days per calendar year * '''e-Business Visa''' – 1 year, multiple entry, valid from the date of ETA grant, max. 180 days at once * '''e-Conference Visa''' – single entry, valid 30 days from the first entry * '''e-Medical Visa''' – triple entry, valid 60 days from the first entry * '''e-Medical Attendant Visa''' – triple entry, valid 60 days from the first entry, max. 2 attendants per patient '''Entry points''' into India on an ETA are the following 29 airports or 5 seaports only: * Airports – Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bagdogra (Siliguri), Bengaluru, Bhubaneshwar, Calicut, Chennai, Chandigarh, Cochin, Coimbatore, Delhi, Gaya, Goa, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kannur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Madurai, Mangalore, Mumbai, Nagpur, Port Blair, Pune, Tiruchirapalli (Trichy), Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), Varanasi, Visakhapatnam * Seaports – Chennai, Cochin, Goa, Mangalore, Mumbai '''Exit points''' to leave India on an ETA can be any of the latter entry ports, plus also the following ports and border crossings (aka Integrated Check Points (ICPs)): * Airports – Patna, Srinagar, Surat, Tirupati, Vijaiwada * Seaports – Alang, Bedi Bunder, Bhavnagar, Calicut, Cuddalore, Kakinada, Kandla, Kolkata, Mandvi, Nagapattinum, Nhava Sheva, Paradeep, Porbandar, Port Blair, Tuticorin, Vishakapatnam, Vizhinjam, Agati and Minicoy Island Lakshdwip UT, Vallarpadam, Mundra, Krishnapatnam, Dhubri, Pandu, Nagaon, Karimganj, Kattupalli * Land ICPs – Attari Road, Akhaura, Banbasa, Changrabandha, Dalu, Dawki, Dhalaighat, Gauriphanta, Ghojadanga, Haridaspur, Hili, Jaigaon, Jogbani, Kailashahar, Karimgang, Khowal, Lalgolaghat, Mahadipur, Mankachar, Moreh, Muhurighat, Radhikapur, Ragna, Ranigunj, Raxaul, Rupaidiha, Sabroom, Sonouli, Srimantapur, Sutarkandi, Phulbari, Kawarpuchia, Zorinpuri, Zokhawthar * Rail ICPs – Attari, Chitpur, Gede (rail and road), Haridaspur, Munabao The declared entry and exit points on the ETA application are non-binding. '''Processing fees''' (and eligibility) for [https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/images/Etourist_fee_final.pdf e-Tourist Visa] as well as [https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/images/eTV_revised_fee_final.pdf all other e-Visa] are as follows (as of 2023): {| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="margin: auto;" |+ {{nowrap|e-Tourist Visa}} ! Fee !! &nbsp;&nbsp;30&nbsp;days&nbsp;&nbsp;<br/>(Apr-Jun) !! &nbsp;&nbsp;30&nbsp;days&nbsp;&nbsp;<br/>(Jul-Mar) !! 1&nbsp;year !! 5&nbsp;years !! &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Country&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; |- | US$ || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || Argentina, Cook Islands, Fiji, Jamaica, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Micronesia, Myanmar, Nauru, Niue Island, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uruguay, Vanuatu |- | US$ || 10 || 25 || 25 || 25 || Japan, Singapore, Sri Lanka |- | US$ || 10 || 25 || 40 || 80 || Afghanistan, Albania, Andorra, Angola, Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Canada, Cayman Island, Chile, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lesotho, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Malta, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Mozambique, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger Republic, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Palestine, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uzbekistan, Vatican City (Holy See), Venezuela, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe |} {| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="margin: auto;" |+ {{nowrap|e-Business Visa}} ! Fee<br/>(US$) !! &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Country&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; |- | 0 || Angola, Argentina, Benin, Burundi, Cambodia, Comoros, Cook Islands, Djibouti, East Timor, Eritrea, Fiji, Gambia, Guinea, Jamaica, Kiribati, Laos, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Micronesia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nauru, Niger Republic, Niue Island, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Samoa, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Tanzania, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Zambia |- | 25 || Japan, Singapore, Sri Lanka |- | 80 || Afghanistan, Albania, Andorra, Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Canada, Cayman Island, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Palestine, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vatican City (Holy See), Venezuela, Vietnam, Zimbabwe |- | 100 || Russia, United Kingdom, Ukraine, United States of America |} {| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="margin: auto;" |+ {{nowrap|e-Conference Visa, e-Medical Visa, e-Medical Attendant Visa}} ! Fee<br/>(US$) !! &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Country&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; |- | 0 || Argentina, Cook Islands, Fiji, Jamaica, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Micronesia, Myanmar, Nauru, Niue Island, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uruguay, Vanuatu |- | 25 || Japan, Singapore, Sri Lanka |- | 80 || Afghanistan, Albania, Andorra, Angola, Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Canada, Cayman Island, Chile, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lesotho, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger Republic, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Palestine, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, Rwanda, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Tajikistan, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vatican City (Holy See), Venezuela, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe |- | 100 || Benin, Mozambique, United Kingdom, Russia, Ukraine, United States of America |} The ETA replaced the former limited '''visa-on-arrival''' scheme—there are no longer any visa-on-arrival facilities in India. ====Other information==== There are other categories for specialised purposes. The '''missionary visa''' is mandatory for anyone who is visiting India "primarily to take part in religious activities". This rule is meant to combat religious conversion, particularly of Hindus to Christianity. There have been cases where preachers have been deported for addressing religious congregations while on a tourist visa. You need not be worried if you are just on a religious tour of churches in India. If you are on a Student, Employment, Research or Missionary visa, you '''need to register''' within 14 days of arrival with the [https://mea.gov.in/foreigners-registration.htm '''Foreigners Regional Registration Office'''] where you will be staying. If the place you are staying at doesn't have one, you need to register at the local police station. All visitors who intend to stay '''more than 180 days''' also need to be registered. '''Overstaying''' a visa is to be avoided at all costs as you will be prevented from leaving the country until you have paid a hefty fine and presented a large amount of paperwork to either the local immigration office or police station. This process is quite likely to involve some bizarre bureaucratic requirements. In the worst case, the Indian Government can also take legal action for exceptionally long overstays including prison term for 5 years. Penalties for [https://indianfrro.gov.in/frro/Financial_Penalty.pdf overstaying] an Indian visa: * For Overstays or non-registration for up to 90 days, penalty is US$300. * For Overstays from 91 days to 2 years, penalty is US$400. * For Overstays more than 2 years, penalty is US$500. Penalties for overstay in India may differ for persons belonging to minority communities from nearby countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan: * For Overstays or non-registration for up to 90 days, penalty is ₹100 * For Overstays from 91 days to 2 years, penalty is ₹200 * For Overstays more than 2 years, penalty is ₹500 ====Customs and immigration==== Citizens of Yellow Fever affected countries or travellers arriving from any of these countries must carry a '''Yellow Fever Vaccination Card''' at the time of arrival in India, otherwise they may be quarantined for 6 days. Clearing customs can be a bit of a hassle, though it has improved vastly over the last decade. In general, avoid the touts who will offer to ease your baggage through customs. There are various rules regarding duty-free allowances — there are differing rules for Indian citizens, foreign "tourists", citizens of Nepal, Bhutan and Pakistan, non-citizens of Indian origin and people moving to India. Use the website of the [https://www.cbic.gov.in/ Central Board of Excise and Customs] for information about what you can bring in. Foreign tourists other than Nepalis, Bhutanese and Pakistanis and those entering through Nepal, Bhutan or Pakistan, are entitled to bring in their "used personal effects and travel souvenirs" and ₹4,000 worth of articles for "gifts". If you are an Indian citizen or are of Indian origin, you are entitled to ₹25,000 worth of articles (provided you aren't entering through Nepal, Bhutan or Pakistan). The other rules are on the web site. If you are bringing any new packaged items, it is a good idea to carry the invoices for them to show their value. You are also allowed to bring in 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 g of tobacco and 1L (2L for Indians) of alcohol duty-free. If you do not have anything to declare, you can go through the '''green channel''' clearly marked at various airports and generally you will not be harassed. Importing and exporting Indian rupees is '''strictly forbidden''' for foreigners, and limited to ₹25,000 for Indian citizens. Details can be found in the [https://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/notification/PDFs/CR3105F871DDFD343407BA1BC640B96AFB21A.PDF official statement of the Reserve Bank of India]. There are currency exchange counters at international airports where you are required to change all your excess Indian rupees to foreign currency before leaving. ===By plane=== [[File:Sculpture of hasta mudras at Indira Gandhi International Airport.jpg|thumb|[[Indira Gandhi International Airport]] serves [[Delhi]] and is one of the most important entry points to India.]] The major points of entry are [[Mumbai]] ({{IATA|BOM}}) and [[Delhi]] ({{IATA|DEL}}). There are also international flights to [[Bangalore]] ({{IATA|BLR}}), [[Kolkata]] ({{IATA|CCU}}), [[Hyderabad]] ({{IATA|HYD}}), [[Chennai]] ({{IATA|MAA}}) and other cities. The airports at these cities are either new or undergoing development. The Hyderabad airport is rated as one of the top five airports in the 10-15 million passenger category. There are many nonstop, direct and connecting choices to these cities from Europe, North America, Middle East, Africa and Australia. Secondary points of entry include [[Goa]] and the [[Malabar]] coast. There are many connections from the Middle East to Malabar coast cities such as [[Kochi]], [[Kozhikode]] and [[Thiruvananthapuram]]. Most of the major Middle Eastern carriers offer one-stop connections to the coast from their Gulf hubs. Goa is a favourite European tourist destination and thus is connected by many European charter operators like Condor, Edelweiss and Thomson Airways. [[File:Air India Boeing 777-200LR Worldliner.jpg|thumb|An Air India Boeing 777]]The Indian airlines that operate international flights include * '''[https://www.airindia.com/ Air India],''' India’s flag carrier owned by the Tata Group and is a member of the Star Alliance * '''[https://www.goindigo.in IndiGo],''' A low cost airline that serves 34 international airports with a fleet of Airbus A320s * '''[https://www.spicejet.com/ SpiceJet],''' A low cost airline that serves 13 international destinations * '''Akasa [http://www.akasaair.com/ Air],''' A low cost airline that serves 5 international destinations. It is the most on-time airline in the Indian airline industry. These airlines offer daily flights to major hubs around the world. You must carry a printed air ticket in order to take many domestic flights. Most Indian airlines have a very unfriendly policy towards upgrading weight allowance and changing dates of flights, and so if you feel that you may need to change anything regarding your flight, it is best to check the company's policy before making a booking. From the United States, [https://www.united.com United Airlines]{{Dead link|date=May 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} offers non-stop daily service from [[Newark Liberty International Airport|Newark]] to Delhi and Mumbai; Air India offers daily non-stop service to Delhi from [[John F. Kennedy International Airport|New York–JFK]], Newark, [[Dulles Airport|Washington–Dulles]], [[San Francisco International Airport|San Francisco]] and [[O'Hare International Airport|Chicago O'Hare]] and to Mumbai from Newark (and soon JFK). Various European airlines offer connecting service through their European hubs from most major U.S. cities and various Asian airlines offer connecting service from West Coast cities through their Asian hubs. [[File:IndiGo A320neo (VT-ITZ) @ GAU, Sept 2019 (02).jpg|thumb|IndiGo is a popular low-cost carrier]] Entries from Europe and North America are possible using many European airlines such as [https://www.lufthansa.com Lufthansa]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}, [https://www.finnair.com Finnair], [https://www.britishairways.com British Airways], [https://www.klm.com KLM], [https://www.airfrance.com Air France]{{Dead link|date=July 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} and [https://www.virginatlantic.com Virgin Atlantic]. For long-term visitors (3–12 months), [https://www.swiss.com Swiss Airlines] often have good deals from Switzerland with connecting flights from major European and some American cities as well. To save on ticket prices, consider connecting via Gulf countries, with [https://www.airarabia.com Air Arabia] ([[Sharjah]]-based low cost carrier with some connections to Europe), [https://www.etihadairways.com Etihad] (especially if you need a one-way ticket or are going back to Europe from another Asian country) via [[Abu Dhabi]], [https://www.emirates.com Emirates] via [[Dubai]] or [https://www.qatarairways.com Qatar Airways] via [[Doha]]. These airlines are also the easiest way to come from the Gulf countries, along with Indian carriers, Air India, Air India Express, Indigo and SpiceJet. In 2023, one-way prices between the Gulf countries and India were US$70–110, and one-way prices between Europe ([[London]], [[Rome]], [[Istanbul]], [[Tel Aviv]]) and the Gulf countries were €50–120, even just 1–2 weeks before flights—Abu Dhabi has cheap accommodation from €10–15. From East Asia and Australia, [[Singapore]] (which is served by Air India, its low-cost subsidiary [https://www.airindiaexpress.in Air India Express], [https://www.singaporeair.com Singapore Airlines] and its low-cost subsidiary [https://www.flyscoot.com Scoot]) has excellent connections with flights to all the major cities and many smaller ones. As for the cheap way from [[Southeast Asia]], Malaysian low-cost carrier [https://www.airasia.com AirAsia] is often the best choice (if booked well in advance, one-way ticket price is normally below US$100, sometimes being less than US$50, they have connections from China, [[Australia]] and most South-east Asian countries). They fly from [[Kuala Lumpur]] into New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Kochi and Tiruchirapalli. If you're going from [[Thailand]], Air India Express flies from Chennai and Kolkata to Bangkok. Air India and [https://www.thaiairways.com/en/index.page Thai Airways] fly from there to a range of Indian cities as well. IndiGo, an Indian low-cost-carrier, also offers attractive fares to Singapore and Bangkok. As of March 2025, the Indian government has banned all direct flights between India and [[China]] (except [[Hong Kong]]). You must connect via Hong Kong or a Southeast Asian hub such as [[Bangkok]], [[Kuala Lumpur]] or [[Singapore]]. Be sure to hold on to your boarding pass, as it will be checked on arrival in India. Some Indian airports, like Delhi, offer wifi access with a passport scan, and offer short–term tourist SIM cards, but the majority offer no wifi or SIM card options. Also read on [[#Check-in|check-in]] below, for procedures when leaving India again. ===By boat=== The only scheduled international passenger ship to India is the [https://www.kpvs.in/ KPVS] ferry service from Kankesanthurai in [[Jaffna]], [[Sri Lanka]] to [[Nagapattinam]], [[Tamil Nadu]]. It runs every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday from Nagapattinam at 7 am and it reaches Kankesanthurai by 11 am. The return service from Kankesanthurai is at 2 pm, and it reaches Nagapattinam by 5 pm. A one way trip costs Rs6500 and includes one piece of luggage up to 50&nbsp;kg. For booking call or WhatsApp (preferred) +919789879971. You will need a paper visa sticker or a ''previously used'' e-visa to enter India via this route: newly issued e-visas are not accepted. India has several international ports. Mumbai, Goa and Chennai are the main ones handling passenger traffic, while the rest mainly handle cargo. However, due to the profusion of cheap flights, there no longer appear to be any scheduled ferry services from India to the Middle East. The southern island of [[Minicoy]] in [[Lakshadweep]] islands is now a permitted entry point. Some cruise lines that travel to India include Indian Oceans Eden II and Grand Voyage Seychelles-Dubai. ===By train=== <!-- There are two links from [[Pakistan]]. The ''Samjhauta Express'' runs from [[Lahore]] to [[Attari]] near [[Amritsar]] in [[Punjab (India)|Punjab]]. The ''Thar Express'', restarted in February 2006 after 40 years out of service, runs from Munabao in the Indian state of [[Rajasthan]] to Khokrapar in Pakistan's [[Sindh]] province; however, this crossing is '''not open to foreign tourists'''. Neither train is the fastest, safest or the most practical way to go between India and Pakistan due to the long delay to clear customs and immigration (although the trains are sights in their own right and make for a fascinating trip). Ths Samjhauta express was the victim of a terrorist strike in February 2007, when bombs were set off killing many people. Should you want to get from one country to the other as quickly as possible, walk across at [[Attari]]/[[Wagah]]. --><!-- All are suspended since 2019 --> From [[Nepal]], trains run between [[Khajuri]] in [[Dhanusa]] district of [[Nepal]] and Jainagar in [[Bihar]], operated by Nepal Railways. Neither is of much interest for travellers and there are no onward connections into Nepal, so most travellers opt for the bus or plane instead. Train services from [[Bangladesh]] were suspended for 42 years, but the ''Maitree Express'' started running again between [[Dhaka]] and [[Kolkata]] in April 2008. The service is biweekly: A Bangledeshi train leaves Dhaka every Saturday, returning on Sunday, while an Indian train leaves Kolkata on Saturdays and returns the next day. Besides, there are ''Bandhan Express'' ([[Khulna]]–Kolkata) and ''Mitali Express'' (Dhaka–[[New Jalpaiguri]]) services between the two countries. You can see what trains are available between stations at the following sites: http://www.indianrail.gov.in. However, for booking of rail tickets through the internet you should use the Government of India's website http://www.irctc.co.in{{Dead link|date=February 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. For booking through this site, you have to register (which is free) and you need a credit/debit card. You can also take the services of many travel agents that charge a nominal service fee for booking train tickets. ===By land=== [[File:Wagah Border2014.jpg|thumb|Flag lowering ceremony at the Wagah border crossing]] ====Nepal==== From [[Nepal]] buses cross the border daily, usually with connections to [[Delhi]], [[Lucknow]], [[Patna]], [[Siliguri]] and [[Varanasi]]. However, it's cheaper and more reliable to take one bus to the border crossing and another from there on. The border crossings are (India/Nepal side) Sunauli/Bhairawa for Varanasi, Raxaul/Birganj for [[Patna]], Kolkata, [[Kakarbhitta]] for Siliguri and [[Darjeeling]], and Mahendrenagar-Banbassa for Delhi. Buses depart [[Kathmandu]] Kakarbhitta in Nepal (close to Siliguri) (10 hours) from 3-6PM. There's a direct Kathmandu deluxe bus service to Siliguri on alternate days, and NBSTC service Tu Th Sa depart ₹1,500 for the 11-hour journey and also a Kathmandu to [[Dhaka]] deluxe service that halts in Siliguri. ====Bhutan==== The Royal Bhutanese Government runs a service to/from [[Phuentsholing]]. These buses depart from Kolkata's [[Esplanade Bus Terminus]] at 7PM on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and from the Phuentsholing Bhutan Post office at 3PM on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The journey takes around 18 hours and costs ₹300. There is frequent service between [[Siliguri]] and Phuentsholing. Buses depart for Phuentsholing at 7:30AM and 1:30PM every day from opposite Golden Plaza on Burdwan Road (behind Air View More). Tickets are sold at a counter near the bus. There are more frequent Indian buses to the border town of Jaigaon from Siliguri Bus Station on Hill Cart Road. People who are not citizens of Bhutan or India are required to get their passport stamped at the Indian immigration office, which is located next to the cinema hall (there is a fork in the road when entering the town – marked by a statue – immigration is a short way up the road on the left) before entering and after exiting Bhutan. '''Your passport will not be stamped at the border''', which is customary elsewhere. Indians can get a permit to visit Thimphu or other parts of Bhutan by submitting proof of identities, such as an election card or passport, at the Bhutanese immigration office. ====Myanmar==== Entering from [[Myanmar]] is apparently possible at [[Moreh]]/[[Tamu]]—see [[Myanmar#India|Myanmar article]] for more details. Regarding Indo-Myanmar connection, [[Manipur]] is the most advanced and the only developed route inside India, to pass to and from between the two nations. ====Pakistan==== You cannot enter through Wagah/Attari land border crossing. It is now shut to all travellers passing through this way, because of security concerns by India. <!--From [[Pakistan]] the only land crossing is from [[Lahore]] to [[Amritsar]] via the [[Attari]]/[[Wagah]] border crossing. Despite tensions between the two countries, there is a steady trickle of travellers passing this way. The immigration procedures are fairly straightforward, but neither [[Pakistan]] nor India issue visas at the border. Expect to take most of the day to go between Lahore and Amritsar on local buses. Normally it's possible to get a direct bus from Amritsar to the border, walk to the other side and catch a direct bus to Lahore, although you may need to change at some point on route. Amritsar and Lahore are both fairly close to the border (about 30–40 minutes drive), so taxis are a faster and easier option. The direct Delhi-Lahore service has restarted, though it is far more costly than local buses/trains, not any faster, and would mean you miss seeing [[Amritsar]]. You will also be stuck at the border for '''much''' longer while the bus is searched and all of the passengers go through immigration. There is now a bus service across the 'Line of control' between Indian and Pakistani Kashmir; however, it is '''not open to foreign tourists'''. For going '''by car''' also see [[Istanbul to New Delhi over land]]. You will need a [[Carnet de Passage]] if crossing with your own vehicle. The process is not particularly lengthy - crossing with your own vehicle from/to Pakistan should take a maximum of 3 hours to clear both borders for you and your vehicle.--> ====Bangladesh==== =====Haridaspur–Benapole crossing===== From [[Bangladesh]] there are a number of land entry points to India. The most common way is the regular air-conditioned and comfortable bus services from Dhaka to Kolkata via Haridaspur–Benapole border post near [[Bangaon]]. Private bus companies '''[http://www.shohagh.com/group/ Shohagh]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''', '''[http://www.greenlineparibahan.com/ Green Line]''','''[http://shyamolibusservice.com/ Shyamoli]{{Dead link|date=June 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' and others operate daily bus services on this route. Government organisations like West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC) and '''[http://www.brtc.gov.bd/ Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation]''' (BRTC) operate buses from Kolkata every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 5:30AM and 8:30AM, and 12:30PM while from Dhaka they leave on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7AM and 7:30AM. The normal journey time is around 12 hours with a one-way fare of ₹400-450 or Tk600-800, roughly US$8–10. If you're only headed to Haridaspur the fare is ₹86 (2½ hours). Several travel agencies around this area also sell tickets for these buses, but at very inflated prices. At the border, it's best to change money on the Indian side, but count it carefully and double-check the maths on their calculator. On the Bangladesh side there are some bus stands just behind the border, or you can catch a flat-bed cycle-rickshaw for 5 Bangladeshi takas for the 2-km trip to the bus stand for onward travel, or you can walk, but expect the hopeful rickshaw-wallahs to follow you at least half way. The Indian side is fairly normal as far as land border crossings are concerned. Your passport will change hands several times, and should finally result in a stamp, which doesn't take too long. The Bangladeshi side, however, is another story. Staff seem to have been hired an hour before you arrive - try not to laugh when they ask which visa in your passport is the Bangladesh one. On either side you may be asked for baksheesh by the passport stamper or a boy who grabs your passport and shuttles it between the various officials or the many men who offer to fill your forms in for you. This is not normal for an Indian border crossing, and is entirely avoidable - present your passport yourself, and say 'no' firmly if asked for a bribe. If you're on one of the A/C direct buses then the bus company collects all passenger's passports before the border and facilitates the stamping. The process is better than it once was. The Bangladesh side is simpler than the Indian side where you wind you way through a complex building to get the various stamps. On the Bangladesh side, you will enter one office, be asked to sit while you passport is examined and stamped. While leaving Bangladesh by road, you have to pay a departure tax of Tk300. If you are travelling by one of the direct buses, the bus company will usually collect the amount from you and pay it for you. If you are travelling independently, pay it at the little branch of Sonali Bank next to the immigration office. It seems to be open as long as the border crossing is open. If you arrived by air to Bangladesh, make sure that you have a "change of port" certificate which allows you to leave by land, otherwise you will find yourself being turned back at the border. Change of port certificates are available from the visa office in Dhaka and take about 4 hours to produce. Sometimes you might need to insist here that the office really does provide these certificates and demand that you need one. =====Other crossings===== Another daily bus service by 'Shyamoli' and others under the BRTC label from [[Dhaka]] connects Siliguri, but the buses in this route do not cross the Changrabanda/Burimari or Burungamari border post. Rather, passengers reaching the border have to clear customs, walk a few hundred yards to cross the border and board the awaiting connecting buses on the other end for the final destination. Ticket for Dhaka-Siliguri-Dhaka route costs BDT 1,600, roughly US$20–25 depending on conversion rates. Tickets are purchased either in Dhaka or in Siliguri. There is also a regular bus service between Dhaka and Agartala, capital of Tripura. Two BRTC buses daily from Dhaka and the [https://tsu.trp.nic.in/transport/ Tripura Road Transport Corporation] plying its vehicles six days a week with a round fare costing US$10 connect the two cities. There is only one halt at Ashuganj in Bangladesh during the journey. Other entry points from Bangladesh are Hili, Chilahati/Haldibari, Banglaband border posts for entry to West Bengal; Tamabil border post for a route to [[Shillong]] in Meghalaya, and some others with lesser known routes to north-eastern Indian regions. ====China==== The Nathu La pass in [[Sikkim]], which borders [[Tibet]] in [[China]] is the only border crossing between India and China. This border is not open to tourists; only local traders are allowed to cross. Special permits are required to visit the pass from either side, and foreigners are not permitted to visit the Indian side of the border. ==Get around== India is '''big''' and there are lots of interesting ways to travel around it, most of which could not very well be described as efficient or punctual. Allow considerable buffer time for any journey with a fixed deadline (e.g. your flight back), and try to remember that getting there should be half the fun. Travelling to much of the [[North-East India|North-East]] (with the notable exception of Assam), the [[Andaman and Nicobar Islands]], [[Sikkim]] and parts of [[Jammu and Kashmir]], [[Ladakh]], [[Lakshadweep]], [[Rajasthan]], [[Himachal Pradesh]] and [[Uttarakhand]] will require obtaining a '''Protected Area Permit''' (PAP) or '''Inner Line Permit''' (ILP) — see [[#Inner Line permit|below]]. For foreigners on a regular visa, the easiest way to get these permits would be to request for one when applying for your Indian visa, and it will be added to your visa — not possible with ETA/e-Visa. Otherwise, you will need to hunt down a local Ministry of Home Affairs office (aka DC Magistrate Office) and grapple with bureaucracy. Also, local travel agents can obtain these permits for you, but it might be contingent on booking a tour with them. Indian citizens can apply for these permits online. ===By plane=== [[File:Airports and seaports map.png|thumb|400px|Map of airports in India]] India's large size and uncertain roads make '''flying''' a viable option, especially as prices have tumbled in the last few years. Even India's offshore islands and remote mountain states are served by flights. Due to the aviation boom over the last few years, airports have not been able to keep up with the air traffic. Most Indian airports continue to function with one runway and a handful of boarding gates. Check-in and security queues can be quite long, especially in Delhi and Mumbai. India has built two new international airports in Hyderabad and Bangalore, which are modern and well-equipped. Delhi airport's newly constructed Terminal 3 is the 8th largest terminal in the world. In northern India, particularly Delhi, '''heavy winter fog''' can wreak havoc on schedules, especially during Christmas Season and January, leading to massive delays across the country. Flights to small airports up in the mountains, especially to [[Leh]] in Ladakh (which is reachable only by plane for most of the year), are erratic at the best of times. ====Airlines==== At one time, domestic flights were the monopoly of the government-owned Indian Airlines, but things have changed dramatically and now there are quite a few competitors, often offering excellent value. The main operators are: '''Mainline:''' *'''[https://www.airindia.com/ Air India]:''' The flag carrier owned by Tata Group. Air India has a wide network in the country and provides excellent regional connectivity. It is a member of the Star Alliance. Vistara has now merged with Air India completely. * '''[https://www.airindiaexpress.in/ Air India Express]:''' Low-cost subsidiary of Air India carrier which flies mainly on trunk routes and to international destinations in the Gulf and Southeastern Asia. AIX Connect has now merged with Air India completely. <!-- * [https://www.airasia.co.in/home '''Air Asia India'''] – Another Tata-owned low-cost carrier. --> * [https://www.goindigo.in/ '''IndiGo''']: A low-cost airline, connecting 88 cities throughout the country. They fly a young fleet of Airbus A320s and ATR regional aircraft. <!-- *'''[https://www.flygofirst.com/ Go First]''' – Another low-cost carrier connecting around 22 cities across the country. Mostly flies from their Mumbai base. --> * [https://www.spicejet.com/ '''SpiceJet''']: A third low-cost airline, serves around 34 domestic destinations. * '''[https://www.akasaair.com/ Akasa Air]:''' A low cost airline serving 20 domestic destinations with a fleet of Boeing 737 Max aircraft. It is the most on-time airline in the Indian airline industry. ===Regional and commuter=== * '''[https://www.allianceair.in/ Alliance Air]:''' India’s state-owned airline that flies small aircraft to obscure places * '''[http://www.starair.in/ Star Air]:''' A low-cost regional commuter airline owned by the Sanjay Godhawat Group which serves 23 destinations with a fleet of Embraer E175 and Embraer ER145 LR aircraft. * '''[https://fly91.in/ Fly91]:''' A low- cost regional airline based in Goa, serving 8 destinations with a fleet of ATR-72 aircraft, connecting towns and cities. * '''[https://flybig.in/ flybig]:''' A regional airline flying to 24 destinations across north and north-west India with a fleet of DHC-6-400 Twin Otter aircraft * '''[https://indiaoneair.com/ IndiaOne Air]:''' A regional airline based in Ahmedabad with a hub in Bhubaneshwar flying to 9 destinations with a fleet of 208B Grand Caravan X connecting tier-2 and tier-3 cities. ====Fares==== Prices are relatively low and stable, since destinations are often served by several airlines. It doesn't hurt though to check prices a few times on different days during the week. You will hear a lot about air tickets at ₹500, but those are promotional rates for limited seats which are sold out within seconds. In some other cases, the advertised fare may not include charges such as passenger service fees, air fuel surcharge and taxes which will be added subsequently. Nonetheless, you do get good rates from budget airlines. Tickets for small cities will cost more than those for the metros, because of the spotty coverage noted above. Indian ticket pricing has not attained the bewildering complexity that the Americans and European have achieved, but they are moving there. You don't have to worry about higher prices on weekends, lower prices for round-trips, lower prices for travel ''around'' weekends. There are two complications for non-Indians trying to buy plane tickets: # Many airlines have '''higher fares for foreigners (non-OCI holders)''' than for Indians (OCI holders included). Foreigners ("non-residents") will be charged in US dollars, whereas Indians will be charged in rupees. In practice, you can simply pretend to be Indian when booking online as the check-in desk will rarely if ever care, but you are still running a small risk if you do this. When possible it's best to patronise those airlines that do not follow this practice. # Many online booking sites and some of the low-cost carriers '''might reject non-Indian credit cards'''. Read the small print before you start booking, or book directly with the airline or through a bricks-and-mortar travel agency instead. ====Check-in==== [[File:TRZ Check In Counters.jpg|thumb|Check-in at Tiruchirappalli International Airport]] Checking in at Indian airports tends to be slow, involving lots of queues and multiple security checks. A few pointers to smooth your way: * Arrive '''at least two hours before departure''' if travelling from the major airports. (For domestic flights from minor airports, 60 or 90 minutes before is fine.) The new rule dictates that check-in closes 45 minutes before departure time and the boarding gate closes 25 minutes before departure. Though the original boarding might take longer, this rule is now being strictly implemented widely to avoid delays in flight departures. * While in the past, airports only allowed passengers to enter the airport a few hours before their flight, this rule has been relaxed and you can often stay overnight in the airport in case you have an early morning flight * '''Bring a print-out of your ticket or a soft copy of your ticket''' and a '''government-issued ID''' (available for domestic and required for international flights- ignore if using digiyatra)or else you are not allowed to enter the airport. They are checked and matched compulsorily at the airport entry gate by security guards. If you possess neither a printout or a soft copy, you can get a copy at the airline offices just outside the airport entry gate. Some airlines have started to charge for this privilege. * Some airports have '''Digiyatra''' available (available only for domestic flights from select destinations), which verifies passenger identities at various checkpoints, such as check-in, security, and boarding gates, without the need for physical documents. Specific queues when entering the airport, check-ins and security have been set up in 15 airports (Delhi T1 and T3, Kolkata, Jaipur, Mumbai all terminals, Hyderabad, Varanasi, Lucknow, Pune, Vijayawada, Bengaluru, Guwahati, Kochi) for passengers who have registered through the Digi Yatra app. To register for digiyatra, you need an ''Aadhaar card''. * Most older airports and many Tier-2 and Tier-3 city airports require that you screen your checked bags before check-in, usually at a stand near the entrance. In high-security airports like Jammu, Srinagar or anywhere in the Northeast, even carry-on baggage needs to be screened. All carry on baggage will be screened by an X-ray scanner and at the discretion of the security personnel, physically too. * '''Once inside the check-in hall, you cannot leave the airport again unless your flight is delayed or cancelled.''' Make sure to have completed all your "business" before entering the airport. Also, in case you arrive many hours before the flight to be on the safe side, be sure to know how to keep yourself busy once inside the airport. * '''Pick up a tag for every item of your carry-on baggage and attach it to it.''' The staff at the security checkpoint will stamp your boarding pass as well as the tags of your carry-on baggage. Do not put your boarding pass on the X-ray belt, bring it with you when you go through the metal detector. Make sure you received all these stamps before leaving the security check area. Without a stamped boarding pass you will not be allowed to board the plane. You will not be allowed to take any items onboard without a stamped tag attached. Don't hesitate to ask someone if you are unsure about anything. Most staff in airports are very helpful to passengers usually understanding English and will take pains to ensure you catch your flight. There are separate queues for passengers travelling light (without check-in baggage) and these queues are usually less crowded. Different airlines have different standards for what they allow as cabin baggage, so check with your airline’s website on the side of caution, especially if you are travelling by a low-cost airline. Usually, the allowed free baggage limit is 15&nbsp;kg on most airlines. ===By train=== [[File:Vande Bharat Express around Mumbai.jpg|thumb|Vande Bharat Express, the second fastest Indian train in service]] {{see also|Rail travel in India}} India boasts one of the biggest rail networks in the world, and the rail system is very efficient, if rarely on schedule. Travelling on Indian Railways allows you to discover the landscape and beauty of India, and is generally more economical than flying domestically. With classes ranging from luxurious to regular, it's the best way to get to know the country and its people. Most train passengers will be curious about you and happy to pass the time with a chat. While taking an overnight sleeper train will save the money you would otherwise spend on a hotel, your sleep may not be as comfortable as some routes are known for being overcrowded. '''Commuter trains''' It is recommended to avoid ‘local trains’ as they are often overcrowded, platforms on the stations are also often overcrowded. If travelling on a local train, be wary of your surroundings as there may be pickpockets in stations and trains. However, metro and light rail services are relatively safe and well policed, with CCTV cameras on trains and stations, and well-trained staff. ====Regular trains==== Trains come in many varieties. Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Vande Bharat trains are the most luxurious and fastest trains of the Indian Railways. They are completely air-conditioned and have breakfast, lunch, evening tea and dinner included in your ticket price. The food is served at your seat during travel. Vande Bharat Express, the second fastest Indian train in service, is equipped with onboard Wi-Fi, infotainment, reading lights and electric outlets. Garib Rath (literally the "chariot of the poor") is a good option for those who want to use good facilities at low cost. ====Luxury trains==== There are 5 trains offering 12 signature journeys between major tourist destinations in India. By far the most popular of the five are the '''[https://www.palaceonwheels.in/ Palace on Wheels]''' and the '''[https://www.the-maharajas.com/ Maharajas' Express]'''. They offer a wonderful way to experience the sights in India without having to worry about the hassles of travel and accommodation. Journeys on board these trains are all inclusive of accommodation, dining, sightseeing, transportation and porter charges. Each of these luxury trains is equipped with amenities such as live television, individual climate control, restaurant, bar, lounges and cabins with electronic safe and attached bathrooms. The downside is that they are extremely expensive, and would make even business class airtickets look cheap. ====Classes==== India has seven classes of train travel to choose from. Not all classes are available on all trains: for example, Chair Cars are usually found only on short-distance daytime trains, while sleeper classes are only found on overnight journeys. Full information about these classes is [[Rail travel in India#Classes|here]]. ====Train fare==== The average fare for a '''200 km distance''' for different classes is given below (as of 2015): * First Class AC: ₹1,200 * Two Tier AC: ₹617 * Three Tier AC: ₹430 * AC Chair Car: ₹203 * Sleeper Class: ₹120 * Second class seat in Express train: ₹70 * Second class seat in Passenger train: ₹30 ====Ticketing==== Trains tend to fill up early. Tickets can be reserved up to 4 months in advance. School summer vacation time — mid-April to mid-June — is peak season for the railways, which means that you may need to book well in advance. Other festival days, long weekends or holidays may see a similar rush. Tickets can be booked from the [http://www.irctc.co.in/ railway website]{{Dead link|date=November 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. Tickets are also available from counters at most railway stations. Details of facility available for tourists from abroad are available at [https://contents.irctc.co.in/en/ForeignTouristQuotaBooking.pdf IRCTC website] and [http://www.indianrail.gov.in/enquiry/StaticPages/StaticEnquiry.jsp?locale=en&StaticPage=international_Tourist.html Indian Railway Website]. Other authorized ticketing agencies provide a much better user experience, though however you want to book, you will need an IRCTC account. If you have issues paying when booking via IRCTC, try some of these other sites like [https://www.confirmtkt.com/ confirmtkt] and [https://www.indiantrain.in/ IndianTrain]. [[File:India - Indian Railways Kitchen coach - 0989.jpg|thumb|Sandwiches at the kitchen coach]] One day before the departure date of a train at 10AM, the '''Tatkal''' quota seats become available. Tatkal accounts for about 10% of the total number of seats. This allows tourists who like to plan a trip as they go to book seats closer to the day of departure, for an extra fee. It is sometimes difficult to book Tatkal tickets online because of the excess amount of traffic on Indian railway website. The E-wallet facility enables users to keep money on Indian railway website for faster booking of tickets. This facility reduces the time of ticket booking because users skip the payment gateway processing time. You can pay using your debit cards, credit cards, or internet banking. ==== Meals ==== Most long-distance night trains have a '''pantry car''' and if you are in the sleeper or air-con classes, you can buy meals on board the train. The pantry staff will visit your seat to take your order. However, most pantry car meals aren't really good in quality or taste. Bring enough food for the journey including delays. You can purchase drinks, packaged snacks or biscuits from the pantry staff who circulate from one coach to another. At most stations, hawkers selling tea, peanuts, and snack food and complete meals will go up and down the train. You can also get down on the station platform to look for food, but make sure you know the stoppage timing of the train at that station. In the most luxurious 'Rajdhani' & 'Shatabdi' trains, meals are included in your ticket price and served at your seat during travel. There are no dining cars in the Indian Railways except in select luxury trains and in [[w:en:Deccan_Queen|Deccan Queen]] - a daily train which runs between Mumbai and Pune. ===By taxi or ride-hailing=== [[File:Ola car parking near Bhubaneswar railway station (January 2019).jpg|thumb|A line of Ola cabs parked near [[Bhubaneswar]] railway station, 2019]] {{infobox |Farewell to the King |Once upon a time, virtually all Indian taxis were trusty Hindustan Ambassadors, a locally manufactured copy of the 1950s-vintage Morris Oxford, but these days the King of Indian Roads is a critically endangered species. |image=ہندوستان موٹر کی بنائی پیلی ایمبیسڈر۔.jpg |caption=[[Kolkata]]'s iconic yellow Ambassador taxi that ruled the city till 2025 }} There was a time when the metered taxi was unheard of outside India's largest cities, and when it could be found, getting one that would take you to your destination and charge you the right rate was a rare event. This situation has undergone a drastic change for the better in the past few years, with many online companies offering taxi services. The two largest players are '''[http://www.olacabs.com Ola Cabs]''' and '''[https://www.uber.com/in/en/ Uber]''', which operate in all major Indian cities and have ranks at major airports. There are also local companies offering ride-hailing services within their cities. Both pickup and dropoff points can be entered in English, minimising hassle. Besides, companies like '''Rapido''' offer two-wheeler motorcycle rides if you're comfortable with such vehicles, and motorcycles are useful to navigate the more congested areas. Fares are affordable by Western standards, with most city rides under ₹200, although surge pricing can be expensive. However, the very cheapest categories (UberX and Ola Micro/Mini, respectively) often have tiny, run-down cars, so paying the small premium for the next class up (Uber Comfort and Ola Prime) may be worth it. If ride-hailing isn't an option, central locations of big cities like airports or stations have pre-paid taxi services managed by local traffic police officials. However, beware of touts who claim to be running pre-paid taxis. Always collect the receipt from the counter first. The receipt has two parts: one part is for your reference, and the other part you will need to hand to the taxi driver only after you reach your desired destination. The taxi driver will receive their payment by submitting or producing this other part to the pre-paid taxi counter. The taxi driver may not know how to get to your destination, and will not tell you this beforehand. This may result in the taxi stopping at various points during the journey as the driver gets out to ask for directions. Insist on being taken to your original destination, and not a substitute offered by the driver (e.g. a different hotel). Regular metered taxis are also common and can usually be hailed on the street. While they're supposed to use the meter, tales of "broken" meters and hapless fleeced tourists are common, so try to have an idea of the fare before you set off. ===By bus=== [[File:Pathankot Bus.JPG|thumb|240px|Ordinary-class Himachal Road Transport Co bus in [[Dharamsala]]]] While you cannot take a cross-country bus journey across India, buses are the second most-popular way of travelling across states and the only cheap way of reaching many places not on the main rail network, such as Dharamsala, Leh, Srinagar, or Gangtok. For short distances, just wait at the road that obviously goes into your direction. Unless you are in the middle of nowhere, there are many buses plying along Indian roads. If in doubt, just ask someone local. Every state has its own '''public bus''' service, usually named "''X'' Road Transport Corporation" (''X''RTC), "''X'' State Transport Corporation" (''X''STC) or "''X'' Transport Corporation" (''X''TC) which primarily connects intrastate routes, but will also have services to neighbouring states. There are usually multiple classes of buses. The '''ordinary''' buses (called differently in different states, e.g. "service bus") are extremely crowded with even standing room rarely available (unless you're among the first on board) as reservations are not possible and they tend to stop at too many places. On the upside, they're ''very'' cheap. Many public transport companies have their own website to find the schedule and prices, but also to book tickets. If searching for connections, the website will sometimes not accept smaller villages along the way and you have to select or search for the next larger town or city, just in case your search is unsuccessful. '''Private buses''' may or may not be available in the area you are travelling to, and even if they are, the quality could vary a lot. Be warned that many of the private buses, especially long-distance lines, play music and/or videos at ear-splitting volume. Even with earplugs it can be nerve-wracking. Restrooms are available in large bus stations but are crowded. The bus industry is '''extremely fragmented''' and there are few operators who offer services in more than 2 or 3 neighbouring states. Travel agents usually ''only'' offer seats on private buses. '''Flixbus''' operates in India. As of April 2024 they offer rides in the north and north-west of India and intend to serve the whole country. Prices between public and private buses do not differ much. The advantage of public buses is that you will get a proper ticket indicating the origin and destination of your journey. Private buses will only give you a paper ticket with a price written on it by the conductor. For buses serving smaller villages there might not even be any ticket at all for private buses — if the other Indian passengers also don't get a ticket, then that's just the way. In general, you can expect to pay as little as ₹1/km in the plains (Punjab) and ₹2-2.30/km in more mountainous areas (Himachal Pradesh) with public and private buses. After a short while you will figure out what is the going local rate. Anything way beyond that rate, especially in private buses, is an indication that the conductor is trying to rip you off. Stand your ground and don't give in, potentially demand your money back and leave the bus. In addition to ordinary public and private buses, there are '''luxury''' or '''express''' buses available, often called "Volvo" buses, and most have air-conditioning these days. These better class "express" or "luxury" buses have assured seating (book in advance), and have limited stops, making them well worth the slight extra expense. But even these better-class buses rarely have toilets and make occasional snack and toilet breaks. Regardless of the class of travel, all buses have to contend with the poor state of Indian highways and the havoc of Indian traffic which usually makes them slower, less comfortable and less safe than trains. Night buses are particularly hazardous, and for long-distance travel it is wise to opt for sleeper train services instead. For major private (Volvo) bus connections, schedules, prices and tickets, try one of the following websites: * [https://www.redbus.in redBus] * [https://www.zingbus.com zingbus] * [https://tickets.paytm.com/bus/ Paytm] * [https://www.makemytrip.com MakeMyTrip]{{Dead link|date=May 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} ===By car=== {{main|Driving in India}} Our itinerary article [[Grand Trunk Road]] describes one of India's major roads, running east–west through the Ganges valley and west across northern Pakistan to [[Kabul]]. Regular license plates in India are white. Yellow license plates indicate a permit for doing business with that car. Green license plates indicate an electric car. This can be tourism, transport or just office stuff. On all plates the licensing state is indicated by the first two letters, e.g. ''HP'' for Himachal Pradesh, or ''PB'' for Punjab. This rule doesn't apply to cars with the Bharat Series license plates, where the first two numbers indicate the year of registration. ====Driving on your own==== In India driving is on the '''left''' of the road — at least most of the time. You can drive in India if you have a local licence or an International Driving Permit, but unless you are accustomed to driving on extremely chaotic streets, you probably will not want to. In the past decade, the Central government has embarked on an ambitious project to upgrade the highways and the conditions of Indian roads has vastly improved, with smooth '''Expressways''' all across the country. '''National Highways''' are also good, with four to eight laned roads. However, improving the quality of the roads does not improve the way in which people drive and it is very dangerous to drive on the roads in India as people drive as they like without regard to any rules (rules do exist but are not enforced properly). ====Hiring driver with car==== [[File:Road in India (5472802655).jpg|thumb|View from a car in India]] It's quite easy and common to rent a car with a driver in India. If you travel in summer, it is recommended to take a car with air-conditioning. Sometimes you will need to haggle to get a reasonable price, especially for a several days tour. Otherwise, rates for taxis are quoted in rupees per kilometre, and you will have to pay for both ways even if you are going only one way. The driver's salary is so low that it adds little to the cost of renting the car. The driver will find their own accommodation and food wherever you are travelling, although it is customary to give him some money to buy some food when you stop somewhere to eat. Rates vary by size and quality of the car. There are numerous advantages to having a car and driver. * A good local driver is the safest means of car travel. * You can keep your bags and shopping goods with you securely wherever you go. * The driver will often have some knowledge of local tourist destinations. However, be aware that the driver will try to make some money on the side and drive you to some shops of relatives, just to get a cut. So, do not trust him too much. Inquire information and then decide what to do for yourself. * The car is at your disposal. You don't need to spend any time finding further transport, or [[haggling]] over price. It is rare to find a driver that speaks more than a few words of English. As a result, misunderstandings are common. Keep sentences short. Use the present tense. Use single words and hand gestures to convey meaning. Also, when haggling about the price make sure the driver fully understands the final price and that it is for the whole tour and not per day or per passenger — potentially write down the price, date of payment and "all included" on a piece of paper and get his signature to be on the safe side. Some drivers will exploit your innocence and pretend that the agreement was different. Make sure you can trust your driver before you leave your goods with him — potentially getting a photo of his ID and definitely a photo of his licence plate. Also, memorise your driver's face and write down his phone number (verify!). If he shows any suspicious behaviour, make sure you keep your bags with you. In any case, it is generally always a good idea to have all your valuables with you. Your driver may in some cases act as a tout, offering to take you to businesses from which he gets a sort of commission. This isn't necessarily a bad thing – the driver may help you find just what you're looking for, and add to his income at the same time. On the other hand, always evaluate for yourself whether you are being sold on a higher-cost or poorer quality product than you want. Avoid touts on the road posing as guides that your driver may stop for because he gets a commission from them; supporting them only promotes this unpleasant practice. The driver might ''ask'' for a tip at the end of the trip. Pay him some amount (₹500/day is generally sufficient) and don't let him guilt-trip you into paying too much. Touts at tourist areas will also try to mislead you into getting into the wrong car when you leave; if you fall for this you will certainly be ripped off, your car may be stolen and you may be sexually assaulted. Be wary of reckless driving when renting a car with a driver. Do not be afraid to tell the driver that you have time to see around and that you are not in a hurry. Make sure also that your driver gets enough rest time and time to eat. In general, as you visit restaurants, the driver may eat at the same time (either separately at the same restaurant or at some other nearby place). They may be willing to work non-stop for you as you are the "boss", but your life depends on their ability to concentrate, so ensure that your driving demands are reasonable; for example, if you decide to carry your own food with you on the road, be sure to offer your driver time to get a lunch himself. ===By motorcycle=== [[File:Royal Enfield 7.jpg|thumb|Royal Enfield motorcycle]] Some people argue that '''the best way to experience India is on a motorbike'''. Riding a motorbike and travelling across India you get a closer look and feel of India along with all the smells and sounds. However, this story seems to be mostly popular among the new emerging Indian middle class, who ply popular Indian travel destinations with their bikes, like [[Ladakh]]. For Westerners it is important to note the state of Indian roads and the chaotic traffic, which has already been mentioned under [[#By car]]. There are many companies which organise package tours or tailor-made tours for enthusiastic bikers and the adventurous, or a safer motorbike experience of India. They will take care of luggage and maintenance of the bike. Another choice, popular with people who like taking risks, is to '''buy a motorcycle'''. Not for the faint of heart or inexperienced rider. India boasts the highest motor vehicle accident rate in the world. The Royal Enfield is a popular (some would say, the only) choice for its classic looks and macho mystique. This is despite its high petrol consumption, 25&nbsp;km/litre to 30&nbsp;km/litre, supposed low reliability (it is "classic" 1940s engineering after all and requires regular service adjustment; you can find an Enfield mechanic with decades of experience in every town in India, who will perform miracles at about ₹100 an hour labour cost), and claimed difficulty to handle (it is quite heavy and the seat can be high for some). You don't want to be riding roads at 4,000-5,000 m in Ladakh and suddenly the bike breaking down — here it will be quite difficult to find a mechanic. Alternatively, one can opt for a smaller yet quicker, more fuel efficient and more versatile bikes like "Hero", "Bajaj" or "Honda". They can range from 100 cc to the newly launched 220 cc bikes. The smaller variants (100–125 cc) can give you a mileage exceeding 50&nbsp;km/litre on the road, while giving less power if one is opting to drive with pillion on the highways. The bigger variants (150–220 cc) are more powerful and one can get a feel of the power especially on highways — the mileage is lesser for these bikes anywhere between 35&nbsp;km/litre to 45&nbsp;km/litre. Preferably tourists should go for second hand bikes rather than purchasing new ones. The smaller 100 cc variants can be purchased for anywhere between ₹15,000–25,000 depending on the year of make and condition of vehicle. The bigger ones can be brought from ₹30,000 onwards. But some people have even travelled the country on a scooter. Note that there might be restrictions in place on crossing from one state to the other—not all license plates may be allowed in all states. ===By thumb=== Hitchhiking in India, especially in remote regions, is very easy due to the enormous number of cargo trucks and local traffic on every highway and road. Most drivers do not speak English or any other international language; however, most have a very keen sense of where the cities and villages are along the road. It is rare for any of them to expect payment. Hitchhiking in cities, highways and crowded places is safe, but refrain from hitchhiking on deserted places, less populated areas, forest roads, etc. However, this rule really also depends on the region. Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh can generally be considered to be safe for hitch-hiking. However, in Bihar, one of the poorest states of India, it is probably not a good idea. Also, it is better to stick to day time travel. When hitchhiking it is important to understand the system of vehicle licence plates in India. There are yellow (commercial) and white (private) ones. White ones are generally always safe for hitch-hiking for free, because these are local people in their own car. For yellow licence plates, it depends, regular cars, vans, mini-buses and Jeeps will mostly always be taxis, and it doesn't make sense to hail them. However, pickup trucks, cargo trucks, and anything that looks like made for transporting goods, is safe to hail. They shouldn't demand any money, but if so, just tell them that they are no taxis but cargo vehicles. ===By rickshaw=== [[File:Havelock Autorickshaw.JPG|thumb|A typical Indian autorickshaw, [[Andaman Islands]]]] The auto-rickshaw, usually abbreviated and referred to as '''auto''' and sometimes as '''rickshaw''', is the most common means of hired transport in India. They are very handy for short-distance travel in cities, especially since they can weave their way through small alleys to bypass larger cars stuck in travel jams, but are not very suitable for long distances. Most are green and yellow, due to the new CNG gas laws, and some may be yellow and black in colour, with one wheel in the front and two in the back, with a leather or soft plastic top. The E-rickshaw, is electric and often also now an increasingly common means of hired transport in India, being eco-friendly and very cheap. They serve the same purpose as autos, but travel at a lower speed than autos, and are not allowed on some roads. The E-Rickshaw can fit as many as 6 people in 1 vehicle, with some safety features. The cycle-rickshaw is expensive and becoming a luxurious means of hired transportation. Often riders are very poor and they often do not wear shoes so respect the riders. When getting a rickshaw, you can either negotiate the fare or go by the meter. In almost all cases it is better to use the meter—a negotiated fare means that you are being charged a higher than normal rate. A metered fare starts around ₹13 (different for different areas), and includes the first 1 to 2 kilometres of travel. '''Never''' get in an auto-rickshaw or E-rickshaw without either the meter being turned on, or the fare negotiated in advance. In nearly all cases the driver will ask an exorbitant sum (for Indian standards) from you later. A normal fare would be ₹11-12 for the first km and ₹7-8 per km after that. In most cities, auto-rickshaw drivers are provided with a rate card that elaborately describes the fares on per kilometre basis. A careful tourist must verify the meter reading against the rate card before making a payment. Auto-rickshaws and E-rickshaws carry either digital or analog meters wherein the analog meters may have been tampered with. It may be a better option to go for a negotiated fare when the auto-rickshaw or E-rickshaw has an analogue meter. Ideally, you should talk with a local to find out what the fare for any estimated route will be. Higher rates may apply at night, and for special destinations such as airports. Finally, factor in that rickshaw drivers may have to pay bribes to join the queue for customers at premium locations such as expensive hotels. The bribe will be factored in the fare. Make sure that the driver knows where they are going. Many rickshaw drivers will claim to know the destination without really having any clue as to where it is. If you know something about the location, quiz them on it to screen out the liars. If you do not know much about the location, make them tell you in no uncertain terms that they know where it is. This is because after they get lost and drive all over the place, they will often demand extra payment for their own mistake. You can then tell them that they lied to you, and wasted your time, so they should be happy to get the agreed-upon fee. ===By boat=== India is known for its multitude of rivers and there are numerous boats and ferries to cross certain rivers. However, boat transport is less important for many budget travellers since they will cross most rivers with bridges anyway. That said, boats are still necessary to access certain islands, like the [[Andaman and Nicobar Islands]], the [[Lakshadweep Islands]], Mumbai's [[Elephanta Island]] and West Bengal's [[Sagar Island|Sagar Island.]] You may also take a luxurious river cruise to visit the cities and towns along Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers. Known as '''Ganga Vilas''' (literally 'Ganga Luxury'), the cruise runs from [[Varanasi]] in [[Uttar Pradesh]] to [[Dibrugarh]] in [[Assam]], with stops at [[Patna]], [[Farakka]], [[Jangipur]], [[Murshidabad]], [[Ambika Kalna]], [[Chandannagar]], [[Kolkata]] and [[Dhaka]]. The river cruise also provides amazing views of the [[Sundarbans]]. ===Addresses=== If you need to get anywhere, call in advance and ask for detailed directions. Bear in mind that street signs in India tend to be rare or nonexistent outside the cities. Postal addresses will often carry landmark details "Opp. Prithvi theatre" or "Behind Maruti Showroom" or "near temple / church / mosque / bank branch / police station / school" to ease the search. Unlike the western system of address, the Indian system uses plot number or house number, street, road followed by landmark and the location pin code instead of street name and block number. Finding a place will usually involve some searching, but you will always find someone around the area willing to guide you. Unlike many other countries, Indians ask passers-by, nearby shopkeepers or cops for guidance on street addresses. So you may do the same, people would be happy to help. Using Google Maps with GPS works well most of the time in major cities but at times may not be accurate due to incorrect spelling of road or incorrect positioning on map. ===Inner Line permit=== Inner Line Permit is an official travel document issued by the Government of India to allow inward travel of an Indian citizen into a protected/restricted area for a limited period. It is obligatory for Indian citizens from outside those states to obtain a permit for entering into the protected state. The document is an effort by the Government to regulate movement to certain areas near the international border of India. This is a security measure and it is applicable for the following states: * [[Arunachal Pradesh]] — permits are issued by the Secretary of the Government of Arunachal Pradesh. The permits are required for entering the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh through any of the check gates across the inter-state border with Assam or Nagaland. Permits are obtained at Arunachal Bhavan in all major cities. Permits are given to specific districts and therefore plan the itinerary before applying for district entry permits. Checkpoints at every district border only allow locals and permit holders. * [[Manipur]], [[Mizoram]] and [[Nagaland]] — permits are issued by the respective state governments to allow inward travel of an Indian citizen into the state for a limited period to avoid uncontrollable influx. Most foreign tourists do not require the permit, but must register with the police within 24 hours of arrival; your hotel will usually handle this for you but check to be sure. Citizens and former citizens of Afghanistan, China and Pakistan need special approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs to visit. * [[Sikkim]] — a permit required for the '[[Nathu La]]' Pass which was an important passage of the silk route in medieval era and now a part of the border between India and China. Foreigners are not eligible for the permits. Only Indian citizens are allowed to visit the pass. Further permits for high altitude regions like '[[Lachung]]-[[Lachen]]' along with a high altitude lake called '[[Gurudongmar Lake]]' can be obtained from Gangtok directly. Foreigners may be allowed. Another point known as 'Zero Point' also requires permits. * [[Andaman and Nicobar Islands]] — non-Indians need a Restricted Area Permit to visit the islands, but these are now issued on arrival at the Port Blair airport; if you plan to arrive by sea, you'll need to arrange your permit before arrival, either in Chennai or when applying for your Indian visa. Indian nationals do not require a permit to visit the Andamans, but permits are required to visit Nicobar Islands and other tribal areas, and are rarely given. ==See== To see all the places worth visiting in India, even a 6-month visit is arguably inadequate. There are more tourist destinations in India than can be mentioned in a full-length book, let alone a summary. Almost every state in India has over ten major tourist destinations and there are cities which can barely be tasted in a full week. Many Indian states by themselves are bigger and more populous than most of the countries in the world, and there are 28 states and 8 Union Territories in India, including two island chains outside the Mainland. That said, below are some highlights. ===Historical monuments and forts=== Probably the most famous single attraction in India is the '''[[Agra|Taj Mahal]]''', which is widely recognised as the jewel of Islamic art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the [[UNESCO World Heritage List|world's heritage]]. [[File:RedFort.jpg|thumb|260px|Red Fort, Delhi]] The '''Qutb Minar''' and the impressive '''Red Fort''' are the two most prominent historical monuments in [[Delhi]]. [[Jaipur]], the capital of the [[Western India|western]] state of [[Rajasthan]], is incredibly rich in forts and palaces, including the tremendous '''Amber Fort''', beautiful '''Jal Mahal''' (Water Palace) and unique '''Hawa Mahal'''. [[Nalanda]] in [[Bihar]] has the remains of a university of Buddhism that was established in 450 CE. For a rather different and more modern kind of historical monument, the '''Gandhi Ashram''' in [[Ahmedabad]], founded by the Mahatma himself, is a repository of all things Gandhi. ===Houses of worship=== No visit to India would be complete without a trip to some of the country's fantastic temples. All regions of the country are replete with temples. The city of [[Jammu]], the winter capital of [[Jammu and Kashmir]], has so many temples that it's called the '''"City of Temples"''' and is a major draw for Hindu pilgrims. [[Bishnupur (Rarh)|Bishnupur]] in [[West Bengal]] is home to famous '''terracotta temples'''. The '''Sri Venkateswara Temple''' in [[Tirupati]], [[Andhra Pradesh]], is dedicated to Vishnu and is also a major draw for pilgrims. The '''Tantric temple complexes of [[Khajuraho]]''' in [[Madhya Pradesh]] are much beloved for their thousand-year-old sacred erotic wall carvings, considered by some art historians to be the pinnacle of erotic art. The '''Meenakshi Amman Temple''' in [[Madurai]], [[Tamil Nadu]], is a centre of worship of Parvati, the consort of Shiva. The city of [[Thanjavur]] in Tamil Nadu known for its grand Chola-era temples. Hinduism is not the only religion represented among the great temples of India. The world headquarters of the Sikh religion are in the '''Golden Temple''' in [[Amritsar]], [[Punjab (India)|Punjab]]. [[Leh]] and environs, in the union territory of [[Ladakh]], are one of a number of areas that have '''splendid Buddhist temples or monasteries'''. The '''Ranakpur Temple''' in the small Rajasthani town of [[Ranakpur]] is an impressive and historic Jain temple. India's second-largest religion in adherents after Hinduism is Islam, and many parts of India were ruled by Muslim dynasties for hundreds of years, so it's not surprising that India is also home to many magnificent mosques. Some of them, like the mosque in the Taj, are part of historical monuments. One impressive mosque that's very much in use to this day is the lovely 17th-century '''Jama Masjid''' in Old [[Delhi]]. [[Hyderabad]] in [[Southern India|the south]] has several historical mosques, including '''Charminar Masjid''' and '''Mecca Masjid'''. There are also notable churches in various Indian cities. ===Geographical=== [[File:Varanasi Munshi Ghat3.jpg|thumb|Munshi Ghat along the Ganges in Varanasi]] India is a very geographically varied country. In the north of the country, one can see the '''Himalayas''', the Earth's highest mountain range. There are hilly areas in many non-Himalayan states, too. In India, '''hill stations''' — towns in the cooler areas in foothills or high valleys surrounded by mountains, which were favored by rajas, then the British and now Indian tourists in the hot summer months — are considered sights and experiences in themselves. The largest of them is Jammu and Kashmir's summer capital, [[Srinagar]], but [[Darjeeling]], in view of Mount Kangchenjunga in northern [[West Bengal]], is very famous for its tea. Other famous hill stations include [[Shimla]], [[Ooty]] and [[Gangtok]], and there are many others — most states have some. India is also a country of numerous rivers. Several of them are traditionally considered holy, but especially the '''Ganges''', locally known as Ganga, which brings life to the [[Plains (India)|Indian Plains]], India's breadbasket, and is not just an impressive body of water but a centre of ritual ablutions, prayer and cremation. There are several holy cities along the river that have many temples, but they are often less places of pilgrimage to specific temples than holy cities whose temples have grown because of the ghats (steps leading down to the holy river) and most interesting to visit for the overall experience of observing or partaking in the way of life and death along the river. Foremost among these holy cities is [[Varanasi]], [[Uttar Pradesh]], where some 5,000-year-old rituals are still practised; other cities worth visiting to experience the Ganges include [[Rishikesh]] and [[Haridwar]], much further upstream. India also has a long coastline. The '''beaches''' of [[Goa]], also an interesting former Portuguese colony and the [[Andaman Islands]] are among the most appreciated by domestic and foreign visitors. Finally, India has a vast desert, the '''Thar Desert''' in [[Rajasthan]]. Several Rajasthani cities including [[Jaisalmer]] are good bases for camel safaris. ===Wildlife=== {{see also|Wildlife in South and Southeast Asia|Indian national parks and wildlife sanctuaries}} India is famous for its wildlife, including the Bengal tigers, Asiatic lions and elephants. * [[Keibul Lamjao National Park]] in [[Manipur]] is the world's only floating national park, floating on the mirror like [[Loktak lake]], where the world's only dancing deer species, Brow antlered deer ([[Manipuri phrasebook|Manipuri]]: Sangai) is found. Another one, the [[Sirohi National Park]] is the world's only habitat for the world's only terrestrial lily, the Shirui Lily (Lilium macklineae), which can't be grown in any part of the earth except in the Shirui NP in [[Manipur]], despite innumerable serious experiments of numerous scientists. * [[Bandhavgarh National Park]] in [[Madhya Pradesh]] and [[Ranthambhore National Park]] in [[Rajasthan]] are the most likely places for you to spot an Indian tiger in the wild, though you will still have to have some luck and persistence. * [[Gir Forest National Park]] in [[Gujarat]] is dedicated to the preservation of Asiatic lions. * The [[Sundarbans (West Bengal)|Sundarbans]], on the border with [[Bangladesh]] is the largest mangrove forest and delta in the world, home to the famous Royal Bengal tigers and estuarine crocodiles but also fascinating as an overall ecosystem. * [[Pench National Park]] in Madhya Pradesh is one of the places that may have inspired Rudyard Kipling's ''Jungle Book''. * [[Kaziranga National Park]] in Assam is home to the world's largest population of one-horned rhinoceros. ==Do== ===Fairs and festivals=== [[File:Holi Bonfire Udaipur.jpg|thumb|Holi bonfire in [[Udaipur]]]] '''Goa Fair''' (carnival). February heralds the carnival at [[Goa]]. For three days and nights the streets come alive with colour. Held in mid February the week-long event is a time for lively processions, floats, the strumming of guitars, graceful dances and of non-stop festivity. One of the more famous of Indian carnivals, the Goa Festival is a complete sell out in terms of tourism capacities. '''Surajkund Mela''' (1–15 February). As spring glides in, full of warmth and vibrancy, leaving the grey winter behind, Surajkund adorns itself with colourful traditional crafts of India. Craftsmen from all over the country assemble at Surajkund during the first fortnight of February to participate in the annual celebration that is the Surajkund Crafts Mela. '''Holi'''. The Spring Festival of India, Holi is a festival of colours. Celebrated in March or April, according to the Hindu calendar, it was meant to welcome spring and win the blessings of Gods for good harvests and fertility of the land. As with all Hindu festivals, there are many interesting legends attached to Holi, the most popular being that of Prince Prahlad, who was a devout follower of Lord Vishnu. It is the second most important festival of India after Diwali. Holi in India is a festival of fun and frolic and has been associated with the immortal love of Krishna and Radha. The exuberance and the festivity of the season are remarkable. '''Diwali'''. The festival of lights, Diwali, illuminates the darkness of the New Year's moon, and is said to strengthen close friendships and knowledge with a self-realisation. Diwali is celebrated on a nation-wide scale on Amavasya – the 15th day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu month of Ashwin (Oct/Nov) every year. It symbolises that age-old culture of India which teaches to vanquish ignorance that subdues humanity and to drive away darkness that engulfs the light of knowledge. The festival of lights still today projects the rich and glorious past of India. '''Pushkar Mela'''. Every November the sleepy little township of [[Pushkar]] in Rajasthan comes alive in a riot of colours and a frenzied burst of activity during the Pushkar Fair. Few fairs in the world can match the liveliness of Pushkar. It includes the world's largest camel fair, but is much more than that. ===Sports=== [[File:Eden gardens.jpg|thumb|A cricket match at the Eden Gardens, [[Kolkata]]]] *'''[[Cricket]]''' — India is a cricket-obsessed country and cricket is in the blood of most Indians. India plays an important role in world cricket and has been world champion twice in the ICC Cricket World Cup, in 1983 beating the mighty West Indies in the final, and Sri Lanka in 2011. India also emerged triumphant in the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup in 2007 held in South Africa beating arch-rival Pakistan in a nail-biting final, as well as in the ICC T20 World Cup in 2024 held in the USA and the West Indies beating South Africa in thrilling final, winning all their matches. The popularity of cricket in India is second to no other game, so seeing children playing cricket in parks and alleys with rubber balls and makeshift wickets is very common. Until 2008, Indian cricket was all about the national team playing against other countries in one-day matches or epic five-day Test marathons, but the advent of the [http://www.iplt20.com/ Indian Premier League] (IPL) has, for better or worse, brought fast-paced, commercialised "Twenty20" cricket to the fore, complete with cheerleaders and massive salaries. In international matches, while Australia typically poses the strongest challenge to Indian supremacy, the most intense rivalry by far is with neighbouring Pakistan, and matches between the two sides are often a very charged affair. About half-a dozen Indian stadiums have a capacity of over 45,000 and watching a cricket match can be quite an experience. The Eden Gardens in central [[Kolkata]] is India's most iconic cricket stadium with 66,349 seating capacity and is the oldest cricket stadium in the Indian subcontinent, established in 1865, and is comparable to the stadiums of Lords' in London and the MCG in Melbourne. The atmosphere of most matches is electrifying. ''Nearly all'' international matches have sellout crowds, and it is quite normal for fans to bribe officials and make their way in. Starting ticket prices are quite cheap; they can be as low as ₹250–300. India and Pakistan are all-time arch rivals, and cricket matches between the two nations attract up to a billion TV viewers, including many people who are otherwise not cricket fans. *'''[[Association football|Football]]''' (soccer) — You can come across young boys playing with a football on any open space that is available, as with cricket. Club football is very popular, especially among youth and you will find people getting into heated arguments in public places over their favourite teams. Many people also support national teams other than India, but it usually depends on the nationality of their favourite players. Also, many large restaurants and bars offer a view of important European club matches and the World Cup matches. The most famous and electrifying rivalry is the ''Kolkata Derby'' between Mohun Bagan Athletic Club (established 1889) and East Bengal Football club (established 1920) held at Salt Lake Stadium (the second-largest non-auto racing stadium in the world) in eastern [[Kolkata]], the football capital of India and a tremendously football crazy city. This rivalry is widely regarded to be the oldest and most intense football rivalry in Asia. *'''[[Field hockey|Hockey]]''' (field hockey) – The national game of India, hockey retains a prominent position in the hearts of many Indians, despite the craze for cricket and football. Although the viewership has dwindled significantly (as compared to the golden era before cricket came to the fore in the mid-1980s), it hasn't vanished completely. It still has a significant fan base, especially in North India, some eastern parts like Jharkhand, Odisha and the Northeastern states. The introduction of the Premier Hockey League has helped restore its popularity. Speakers of U.S./Canadian English should also note that 'hockey' refers to field hockey, not ice hockey. *'''Polo''' — Polo's origins can be traced to origins in Manipur state around 3100 BC, when it was played as Sagol Kangjei. It was adopted by the Europeans during the 19th century and spread around the globe. The polo ground in [[Imphal]] is the world's oldest. *'''Kabaddi''' — A sport unique to the Indian subcontinent, it is a contact team sport that involves attempting to tag out your opponents' player before returning to your own half. ==Learn== There are many things to learn that interest foreigners all over India, but there are a few destinations that have become particularly well known for certain things: *'''Yoga''' is popular in [[Haridwar]], [[Rishikesh]] and [[Mysore]]. *'''Ayurveda''' is popular in [[Kerala]]. The region also boasts of many dance and dramatic forms. *'''[[Hindi phrasebook|Hindi]]''' in [[Delhi]] and [[Varanasi]]. *'''Classical musical instruments''' in not only the ancient city of [[Varanasi]] but many parts of India, especially in Southern States, where they form the most integral part of Core Classicals. *'''Classical vocal music''' and '''classical dance forms''' in [[Tamil Nadu]] or [[Manipur]] or [[Karnataka]]. *'''Sanskrit''' at 'Samskrita Bharati' in areas of [[Udupi]], [[Bangalore]] and [[Delhi]]. *'''Buddhism''' in [[Dharamsala]] and [[Bir]] in [[Himachal Pradesh]] as well as in [[Bodh Gaya]] in [[Bihar]]. *'''Cooking''' classes are also popular. The most well-known exported type of Indian food are the cuisines such as Idly, Dosa, Biryanis, Dals etc. and regional cuisines such as Thalis, South Indian, and [[Punjab (India)|Punjab]]i, as the Sikhs have been the most successful in spreading Indian restaurants throughout the western world. However, styles vary a lot throughout the country, so if you have the time and appetite it's worth checking out courses in a variety of areas such as [[Karnataka]], [[Kerala]], [[Tamil Nadu]], and [[West Bengal]]. There are many universities imparting education but at the helm are '''Indian Institutes of Technology''' (IITs) for technical undergraduates, '''Indian Institutes of Management''' (IIMs) for management postgraduates and '''National Law Universities/Schools''' (NLUs) which are world class institutes. Most of the ambitious students who want to get a good high level education strive to get into these institutes through the fiendishly difficult admission processes, both due to nature of test and the prevailing competition. Admissions to the top 7 IITs - [[Delhi]], [[Mumbai|Bombay]], [[Chennai|Madras]], [[Kanpur]], [[Kharagpur]], [[Roorkee]] and [[Guwahati]] - are so competitive that it is harder for an Indian student to get into one of them than it is for an American student to get into an Ivy League college, or a British student to get into Oxbridge. The 6 top IIMs (Including the 4 oldest - [[Ahmedabad]], [[Kolkata]], [[Bangalore]] and [[Lucknow]] plus newly established Indore and Kozhikode) together select only about 1,200 students from 350,000 students who appear for CAT exam. But still students have a great desire to get into these institutes. These institutes also offer degrees to foreign students. Apart from undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral courses, there are many training and diploma-level institutes and polytechnics that cater to the growing demand for skill-based and vocational education. Besides conventional educational institutes, foreigners might also be interested to study with Pandits to learn Hindi and Sanskrit in genuine settings as well as with Mullahs to study Urdu, Persian, and Arabic. They might also like to live with famed Ustads to study traditional Indian music. Whether people are interested in philosophy or religion, cuisine or dance, India will have the right opportunity for them. ==Work== Foreigners need a work permit to be employed in India. A work permit is granted if an application is made to the local Indian embassy along with proof of potential employment and supporting documents. There are many expatriates working in India, mostly for multinational companies. India has always had an expatriate community of reasonable size, and there are many avenues for finding employment, including popular job-hunting websites. Citizens of '''[[Nepal]]''' and '''[[Bhutan]]''' can live and work freely in India, and do not require work permits. There are many volunteer opportunities around the country including teaching. India has a reasonable presence of foreign Christian missionaries, who for the most part form the non-local religious workers, since the other major religions of the world either grew out of India or have had a long-term presence. A living can be made in the traveller scenes by providing some kind of service such as baking Western cakes, tattooing or massage. Previously, an AIDS test result was required as part of the work visa application process. It is highly recommended that applicants obtain test results in their home country beforehand if possible. ==Buy== ===Money=== {{exchange rates | currency=Indian rupees | currencyCode=₹ | date= January 2025 | USD=85 | EUR=88 | GBP=107 | CAD=59 | SGD=62 | KRW=57 | JPY=54 | source=[https://www.xe.com/currency/inr-indian-rupee XE.com] }} {{infobox|The money that was|On November 8, 2016, the old yellow ₹500 and red ₹1000 banknotes were demonetised (made invalid) at very short notice in a ham-fisted attempt to fight corruption. The new ₹500 note is grey, and there is no ₹1000 note at all. If you have any of the old notes lying around, they are no longer legal tender and they are impossible to exchange. '''Don't accept these''' if somebody tries to palm any off to you: [[File:India 500 INR, MG series, 2014, obverse.jpg|x117px]] [[File:India 1000 INR, MG series, 2006, obverse.jpg|x117px]] }} The currency in India is the Indian '''rupee''' (sign: ₹; code: '''INR''') (रुपया — ''rupaya'' in Hindi and similarly named in most Indian languages, but ''ṭaka'' in Maithili, ''ṭākā'' in Bengali and ''ṭakā'' in Assamese). The rupee is subdivided into 100 paise (singular: paisa). "5 rupees 50 paise" would normally be written as "₹5.50". The new rupee symbol ₹ was introduced in July 2010 to bring the rupee's symbol in line with other major currencies. Previously, "Rs" was used (or "Re" for the singular rupee). It is very likely you will continue to see the previous nomenclature in your Indian travels, especially with smaller businesses and street vendors, as well as prices written like 500/- (with a slash and hyphen at the end). Indian banknotes or bills come in denominations of ₹1 (rare), ₹5 (green, printing discontinued), ₹10 (orange and violet/chocolate brown), ₹20 (reddish-orange/greenish yellow), ₹50 (violet/fluorescent blue), ₹100 (greenish blue/lavender), ₹200 (bright yellow) and ₹500 (stone grey). There are two versions of ₹10, ₹20, ₹50 and ₹100 banknotes due to the introduction of a new series of the currency by the government in 2016 following the demonetisation. A magenta ₹2000 banknote exists and remains legal tender, but was withdrawn from circulation in 2023. The coins in circulation are 50p (rare), ₹1, ₹2, ₹5, ₹10 (yellow ring with steel center) and ₹20 (steel ring with yellowish gold center). Coins are useful for buying tea (₹5), for bus fares (₹2 to ₹10), and for giving exact change for an auto-rickshaw. Indians commonly use '''lakh''' and '''crore''' for 100,000 and 10,000,000 respectively. Though these terms come from Sanskrit, they have been adopted so deeply into Indian English that most people are not aware that they are non-existent in other English dialects. You may also find non-standard, although standard in India, placement of commas while writing numerals. One crore rupees would be written as ₹1,00,00,000, so first time you place a comma after three numerals, then after every two numerals. This format may puzzle you till you start thinking in terms of lakhs and crores, after which it will seem natural. {| class="wikitable" |- ! Number !! Western Format !! Indian Format (In English) !! Indian Format (In Hindi) |- | 100 || Hundred || Hundred || Sau |- | 1000 || Thousand || Thousand || Hazār |- | 1,00,000 || Hundred Thousand || One Lakh || Ek Lākh |- | 10,00,000 || Million || Ten Lakhs || Das Lākh |- | 1,00,00,000 || Ten Million || One Crore || Ek Karoṛ |} ====Change==== It is always good to have a number of small bills on hand, as merchants and food stalls are notoriously short on change and cash in general, even if your food was ₹250. Giving a ₹500 note, and they often will be stuck. It is best to ask before whether they have change. This is due to most small shops accepting cashless payment, or just to have as little money in the shops as possible, for safety. The best way to get small change is with bus conductors or other official places, they will readily accept large notes. Also, it seems fruit and vegetable vendors have change. In general, it is best to keep smaller bills (₹10-50) and larger bills separate. Then, it will not be obvious how much money you have. Some shops don't accept bills and coins of very low denominations like ₹1 and ₹5 bills, and 50p, ₹1 and ₹2 coins, despite being legal tenders. So, it is best to change these for larger denominations commonly used instead of arguing with shopkeepers. Also, do not accept any bills that are ripped, taped or look in any way unacceptable. Generally, vendors, etc. will readily give you a better note. But some might struggle to find any cash at all, as mentioned before. Stand your ground, otherwise next time you try to spend such a note it will be your problem and Indians are very selective. '''UPI (Unified Payment Interface)''' In India, you can now pay on phone using UPI. Using your UPI enabled mobile app, you scan a QR Code from your vendor, type in a set amount of money and the money can send. Foreigners can now make UPI payments as well. ====ATMs==== Most ATMs will pay out a maximum of ₹10,000 per transaction. Notes are often ₹500 only, so you will have to choose a multiple of this for withdrawals. State Bank of India (SBI) is the biggest bank in India and has the most ATMs. ICICI bank has the second largest network of ATMs and accepts most of the international cards at a nominal charge. International banks like Citibank, HSBC, Barclays, Deutsche Bank, ABN Amro and Standard Chartered have a significant presence in major Indian cities. Either way, it is always worthwhile to have bank cards or credit cards from at least two different providers to ensure that you have a backup available in case one card is suspended by your bank or simply does not work work at a particular ATM. Decline any offer of [[Money#Dynamic_currency_conversion|dynamic currency conversion (DCC)]], unless you cannot, or you can verify that the conversion is indeed in your favour – it rarely is. It is often off the market rate by 7% or more, whereas your bank's rate is typically only off 1–3%. While your bank may also charge a fixed fee for its conversion, the exchange rate dominates in typical withdrawals. The ATMs of the State Bank of India (SBI), Punjab National Bank (PNB), Canara, Union, HDFC, Baroda, Central, IDBI, DCB and HSBC banks may not charge a withdrawal fee (listed in order from most to fewest branches). The fee charged can vary depending on your card type, where your bank is and sometimes even the specific ATM you're using. Check fees when using an ATM you haven't used before, or the same ATM with a different card. If one of these ATMs is not nearby then check this table to help find a favourable alternative: {| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="margin-left: 1em; text-align:right" |+ {{nowrap|Fees and limits}} {{nowrap|(as of Nov 2024)}} <!-- Table default sort order: 1. Ascending on the fee that would apply to a 10000 INR withdrawal (~100 USD) 2. Ascending on the bank name --> ! Bank !! Fee !! Transaction limit!! DCC |- ! Bank of Baroda | None || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! Central Bank | None || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! Canara Bank | {{INR|0-200}} || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! DCB Bank | None || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! HDFC Bank | {{INR|0-200}} || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! HSBC Bank | None || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! IDBI Bank | None || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! Punjab National Bank (PNB) | {{INR|0-150}} || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! State Bank of India (SBI) | {{INR|0-250}} || {{INR|10000}} | 8% declinable |- ! Union Bank of India | None || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! Citibank | {{INR|200}} || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! ICICI Bank | {{INR|200}} || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! IndusInd Bank | {{INR|200}} || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! Kotak Mahindra Bank | {{INR|200}} || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! Federal Bank | {{INR|238}} || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! Axis Bank | {{INR|300}} || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! Standard Chartered | {{INR|335}} || {{INR|10000}} | |} ====Credit cards and mobile payments==== In many cities and towns, credit cards are accepted at retail chain stores and other restaurants and stores. Small businesses and family-run stores almost never accept credit cards, so it is useful to keep a moderate amount of cash on hand. Mobile payment apps including PhonePe, Paytm, and Google Pay use the UPI BHIM standard and are increasingly popular across India, these apps require Indian phone numbers and bank accounts but there are several apps that provide UPI for tourists and visitors, including Mony, Cheq and Namaspay. Apple Pay is not supported in India. You will have to scan a QR code and then money will be transferred to the recipient. UPI apps for tourists work with the QR codes. Most UPI apps can be downloaded from the app stores before travelling, but they require in-person identification before working. Most UPI for tourists apps provide scheduling a meeting at hotel via whatsapp or meeting at their offices. Many shops, even the tiniest food shed, will accept cashless payment. This is also the reason why they are notoriously short in cash. ====Money exchange==== [[File:SardarMarket Fabrics.JPG|thumb|Rajasthani fabric for sale, [[Jodhpur]]]] You can change foreign currencies into rupees at any one of the numerous foreign exchange conversion units including banks. The Indian rupee is officially not convertible; foreigners are '''not allowed''' to bring Indian rupees into or out of India, while Indian citizens are restricted to carrying '''up to ₹25,000''' when exiting or entering India. Rates for exchanging rupees overseas are often poor, although places with large Indian populations (e.g. Dubai, Singapore) can give decent rates. ===Costs=== Costs in India can vary widely from region to region, and even in the same city, depending on the quality of service or product, brand, etc. But usually, India is '''very inexpensive''' for Western travellers. ====Budget travellers==== Budget travel around India is surprisingly easy, with the savvy backpacker being able to get by on as little as US$10 per day—but allow US$15–25 for any extra comfort (beer, rickshaws, etc.). It is generally cheaper than South East Asia with a night in a hotel costing as little as ₹200–800—though there will be probably no AC at the lower end. Hostel beds start at ₹150, and generally are ₹300-500. Beach huts in the cheaper places of Goa can cost around ₹800 per night. A meal can be bought from a street trader for as little as ₹30, Samosas and alike go for ₹10–20 per piece, though in a restaurant expect to pay around ₹100-200 for a meal. Overnight buses and trains can cost anywhere from ₹600-1,000 dependent on distance and locations, though an uncomfortable government bus (benches only) may be half of that. Regular bus transport will cost approximately ₹2/km—if you pay considerably more, something is off. Short-distance bus routes of 3–4 hr are seldomly more than ₹200. Otherwise, just exploring places on foot saves a lot of money. Also, many sights are for free and just hanging out at a temple and reading a book is as cheap as it can get. A simple day in Rishikesh or Amritsar could look like this: * Accommodation: ₹0–200 (Temple vs. Hostel) * Food: ₹350 (2 full meals, fruits) * Chai, water, soft drink: ₹100 * Transport: ₹100–200 *'''Total''': ₹400–800 for one person ====Mid-range to splurge travellers==== Add traveling by taxi, staying in 3+-star hotels, and dinning in classy locations, and your daily bill will quickly go up to US$50–100 (per person). A decent room is ₹2,000–5,000 in a good hotel offering PayTV, AC, and sometimes refrigerator. Food will cost at least ₹400 for a decent meal, but the sky is the limit. A taxi or rickshaw may cost ₹20–30/km. There are radio taxis that are available at ₹20–25/km in key Indian cities which have GPS navigation, AC and accept debit/credit cards for payments. So, the total for one day would be about as below: * Hotel: US$30–60 per room for a good place per day * Food: US$15 for a good meal per day * Travel: US$20 taxi and bus together * '''Total''': US$90 for a couple, or US$60 for one person alone ===Discriminatory pricing=== Foreign visitors will quickly encounter the '''special foreigners' rates''' that they are charged in some places in India. This applies to many tourist attractions, such as museums and historical sites. The difference in pricing is because the Indian government subsidises entry fees for local people, to make these attractions more affordable for taxpayers. While this may seem discriminatory, it is practised in most developing countries in Asia and Africa and helps make these attractions more accessible to local people. Some tourist attractions that are run by the Archaeological Survey of India have different rates for Indians and foreigners. These rates are prominently posted at the entrance and ticketing booths. The rates for foreigners may be as many as five to ten times those for Indians. Likewise, if you are reserving a hotel room or an airline ticket over the internet, you may find that paying in euros or US dollars costs significantly more. You can get an Indian friend to book in rupees and in most cases, no one will question you at the time of check in. ===Tipping=== In India there has traditionally been little or no tipping, and today tipping is unusual outside of fancier restaurants where up to 10% is appropriate. The fancier restaurants may also levy a service charge of up to 15% apart from government taxes. Some restaurants have also have started placing jars at the cashier for people to drop in some change if they feel so, but this is a rather rare phenomenon. Most clubs in India have a complete ban on its members from tipping. Usually no service industry except the food services industry expects a tip. In India, it is unlawful for taxi or rickshaw drivers to charge anything above the meter. ===Shopping=== [[File:Delhi main bazaar.jpg|thumb|At the main bazaar in Delhi]] In India, you are '''''expected'' to negotiate the price''' with street hawkers but not in department stores and the like. If not, you risk overpaying many times, which can be okay if you think that it is cheaper than at home. In most of the big cities and even smaller towns retail chain stores are popping up where the shopping experience is essentially identical to similar stores in the West. There are also some government-run stores like the '''Cottage Emporium''' in New Delhi, where you can sample wares from all across the country in air-conditioned comfort. Although you will pay a little more at these stores, you can be sure that what you are getting is not a cheap knockoff. The harder you [[bargaining|bargain]], the more you save money. A few tries later, you will realise that it is fun. Often, the more time you spend in a shop, the better deals you will get. It is worth spending time getting to know the owner, asking questions, and getting him to show you other products (if you are interested). Once the owner feels that they will make a sufficient profit from you, they will often give you additional goods at a rate close to cost, rather than the common "foreigner rate". You will get better prices and service by buying many items in one store than by bargaining in multiple stores individually. If you see local people buying in a store, you should be able to find out the real Indian prices. Ask someone around you quietly, "How much would you pay for this?" Also, very often you will meet a "friend" in the street inviting you to visit their family's shop. That almost always means that you pay twice as much as when you had been in the shop without your newly found friend. ''Baksheesh'' was originally a Persian word for charity, but it has spread to many languages including most of those in India. Depending on context, its English translation might be any of donation, gift, tip, bribe, alms or commission. Having Indians you deal with want baksheesh is a fairly common phenomenon. While this is sometimes a problem, doing it can ease certain problems and clear some hurdles. Baksheesh is also the term used by beggars when they want money from you and may refer to tips given those who provide you a service. Packaged goods show the '''Maximum Retail Price (MRP)''' on the package. This includes taxes. Retailers are not supposed to charge more than this. Though this rule is adhered to at most places, at tourist destinations or remote places, you may be charged more. This is especially true for cold drinks like Coke or Pepsi, where a bottle (300 ml) costs around ₹33-35 when the actual price is ₹30. Also, keep in mind that a surprising number of things do not come in packaged form. Do check for the authenticity of the MRP, as shopkeepers may put up their own sticker to charge more from you. ===What to look for/buy=== *'''Wood Carvings''' – India produces a striking variety of carved wood products that can be bought at very low prices. Examples include decorative wooden plates, bowls, artwork, furniture and miscellaneous items that will surprise you. Check the regulations of your home country before attempting to import wooden items. *'''Clothing''' – It depends on the state/region you are visiting. Most of the states have their speciality to offer. For example, go for silk sarees if you are visiting Varanasi; Block prints if you are in Jaipur. *'''Paintings''' – Paintings come on a wide variety of media, such as cotton, silk, or with frame included. Gemstone paintings incorporate semi-precious stone dust, so they have a glittering appearance to them. *'''Marble and stone carvings''' – Common carved items include elephants, Hindu gods/goddesses. Compare several of the same kind. If they look too similar bargain hard as they are probably machine made. *'''Jewellery''' – Beautiful necklaces, bracelets and other jewellery are very inexpensive in India. *'''Pillow covers, bedsets''' – Striking and rich designs are common for pillows and bed covers. *'''Carpets''' – India has a long [[Carpets#Indian subcontinent|history]] of carpet production and makes many today for both domestic and export markets. Designer brands like Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, Zara, A & F, all are available in upmarket stores in malls especially in the larger cities. ==Eat== {{see also|South Asian cuisine}} Indian cuisine takes its place among the great cuisines of the world. There is a good chance that you have tasted "Indian food" in your country, especially if you are a traveller from the West. But what India has exported abroad is just one part of its extraordinary range of culinary diversity. Indian food can be spicy: Potent fresh green chillies or red chilli powder will bring tears to the eyes of the uninitiated, and can be found in unexpected places like sweet cornflakes (a snack, not breakfast) or even candies. The degree of spiciness varies widely throughout the country: [[Andhra Pradesh|Andhra]] food is famously fiery, while [[Gujarat]]i cuisine is quite mild in taste with the exception of Surti food (from [[Surat]]). To enjoy the local food, start slowly. Don't try everything at once. After a few weeks, you can get accustomed to spicy food. If you would like to order your dish not spicy, simply say so. Most visitors are tempted to try at least some of the spicy concoctions, and most discover that the sting is worth the trouble. Remember, too, that while "spicy" is a convenient short-hand for "chilli-laden", the spiciness of food in India doesn't always mean lots of chilli: Indian cuisines often use a multitude of different spices and other aromatic ingredients in highly creative and flavourful ways, like ginger and garlic. ===Cuisine=== Cuisine in India varies greatly from region to region. ====North Indian==== [[File:Chuni Roti.jpg|thumb|Chuni roti]] '''[[Northern India]]''' is a wheat-growing area, so you have '''Indian breads''' (known as ''roti''), including ''chapatti'' (unleavened bread), ''paratha'' (pan-fried layered roti), ''naan'' (cooked in a clay ''tandoor'' oven), ''puri'' (deep-fried and puffed up bread) and many more. A typical meal consists of one or more gravy dishes along with rotis, to be eaten by breaking off a piece of roti, dipping it in the gravy and eating them together. Most of the Hindi heartland of India survives on roti, rice, and '''lentils''' (''dal''), which are prepared in several different ways and made spicy to taste. Served on the side, you will usually find spiced yogurt (''raita'') and either fresh chutney or a tiny piece of exceedingly pungent pickle (''achar'') — very much an acquired taste for most visitors. Try mixing it with curry, not eating it plain. A variety of regional cuisines can be found throughout the North. ''Tandoori'' chicken, prepared in a clay oven called a ''tandoor'', is probably the best-known North Indian dish, innovated by a Punjabi immigrant from present-day Pakistan during the Partition. For a taste of traditional Punjabi folk cooking, try ''dal makhani'' (stewed black lentils and kidney beans in a buttery gravy), or ''sarson da saag'', a yummy gravy dish made with stewed mustard greens, served with ''makke di roti'' (flatbread made from maize). There are also the hearty textures and robust flavours of [[Rajasthan]]i food, the meat-heavy [[Kashmir]]i dishes from the valley of Kashmir, or the mild yet ingratiating [[Himalayan North|Himalayan]] (''pahari'') cuisine found in the higher reaches. North India also has of a variety of snacks like ''samosa'' (vegetables encased in thin pastry of a triangular shape) and ''kachori'' (either vegetable or pulses encased in thin pastry). There is also a vast constellation of sweet desserts like ''jalebi'' (deep-fried pretzel with sugar syrup- shaped like a spiral), ''rasmalai'' (balls of curds soaked in condensed milk) and ''halwa''. Dry fruits and nuts like almonds, cashews and pistachios are used a lot, often in the desserts, but sometimes also in the main meal. Authentic Mughal-style cooking, the royal cuisine of the Mughal Empire, can still be found and savoured in some parts of India, most notably the old Mughal cities of Delhi, [[Agra]] and [[Lucknow]] in [[Uttar Pradesh]], and [[Hyderabad]] in [[Telangana]]. It is a refined blend of [[Iran|Persian]], [[Central Asia|Turkic]] and [[Indian subcontinent|Subcontinent]] cooking, and makes heavy use of meat and spices. The names of some Mughal dishes bear the prefix of ''shahi'' as a sign of its prestige and royal status from a bygone era. Famous Mughal specialties include ''biryani'' (layered meat and rice casserole), ''pulao'' (rice cooked in a meat or vegetable broth), ''kebab'' (grilled meat), ''kofta'' (balls of mincemeat), ''korma'', ''rumali roti'' (flatbread whirled into paper-thin consistency) and ''shahi tukray'' (saffron and cardamom-scented bread pudding). '''Thali''' is a general meal dish often including dal, vegetables, raita, rice, roti. Dal, vegetables and sometimes raita can often be had several times, 4 rotis are generally included (₹10 for additional). They go for ₹100-150. ====South Indian==== [[File:Meal BananaLeaf.JPG|thumb|240px|A typically south Indian banana leaf meal]] {{see also|Southern India#Eat}} In '''[[Southern India]]''', the food is mostly '''rice-based'''. A typical meal includes ''sambhar'' (a thick vegetable and lentil chowder) with rice, ''rasam'' (a thin, peppery soup), or ''avial'' (mixed vegetables) with rice, traditionally served on a banana leaf as a plate. Seasoning in South India differs from northern regions by its ubiquitous use of mustard seeds, curry leaves, pulses, fenugreek seeds, and a variety of souring agents such as tamarind and kokum. There are regional variations too — the coastal regions make greater use of coconut and fish. In the State of [[Kerala]], it is common to use grated coconut in everything and coconut oil for cooking. The South also has some great breakfast dishes like ''idli'' (a steamed cake of lentils and rice), ''dosa'', a thin, crispy pancake often stuffed with spiced potatoes to make ''masala dosa'', ''vada'', a savoury Indian donut, and ''uttapam'', a fried pancake made from a rice and lentil batter with onions and other vegetables mixed in. All of these can be eaten with ''dahi'', plain yogurt, and '''chutney''', a condiment that can be made from practically anything. Try the ever popular masala dosa, which originated from Udupi in [[Karnataka]], in one of the old restaurants of [[Bangalore]]. Seafood is very popular in [[Kerala]] and the [[Mangalore]]an coast of Karnataka. [[Tamil Nadu|Chettinad]] and Hyderabad cuisines use meat heavily, and are a lot spicier. Coffee tends to be the preferred drink to tea in South India. ====Others==== In '''[[Western India]]''', you will find some great cuisine groups. '''[[Gujarat]]i''' cuisine is somewhat similar to Rajastani cooking with the heavy use of dairy products, but differs in that it is predominantly vegetarian, and often sweetened with jaggery or sugar. Gujaratis make some of the best snack items such as the '''Dhokla''' and the '''Muthia'''. [[Mumbai]] is famous for its chaat, as well as the food of the small but visible Irani and Parsi communities concentrated in and around the city. The adjacent states of [[Maharashtra]] and Goa are renowned for their seafood, often simply grilled, fried or poached in coconut milk. A notable feature of Goan cooking is that pork and vinegar is used, a rare sight in the rest of India. Vindaloo originated in Goa and is traditionally cooked with pork. Despite its apparent popularity in Indian restaurants abroad, it is not common in India itself. [[File:A scene from traditional Odia kitchen.jpg|thumb|A traditional Odia kitchen]] The food in '''[[Eastern India]]''' makes heavy use of rice and fish due to the vast river channels and ocean coastline in the region. [[West Bengal|Bengali]] cooking is known for its complexity of flavour and bittersweet balance. Mustard oil is often used in cooking and adds a pungent, slightly sweet flavour and intense heat. Bengalis prefer freshwater fish, in particular the iconic hilsa or ''ilish'': it can be smoked, fried, steamed, baked in young plantain leaves, cooked with curd, aubergine and cumin seeds. It is said that ilish can be prepared in more than 50 ways. Typical Bengali dishes include ''mācher jhāl'', a brothy fish stew which means "fish in sauce", and ''shorshe ilish'' (cooked in a gravy made from mustard seed paste). Eastern India is also famous for its desserts and sweets. Rasgulla is a famous variant of the better-known gulab jamun, a spherical morsel made from cow's milk and soaked in a clear sugar syrup. It's excellent if consumed fresh or within a day after it is made. ''Sandesh'' is another excellent milk-based sweet, best described as the dry equivalent of ras malai. A lot of food has also filtered in from other countries. '''Indian Chinese''' (or ''Chindian'') is far and away the most common adaptation. Most Chinese would barely recognise the stuff, but dishes like "veg manchurian" (deep-fried vegetable balls in a chilli-soy-ginger sauce) and "chilli chicken" are very much a part of the Indian cultural landscape and worth a try. The British left fish and chips and some fusion dishes like mulligatawny soup, while [[Tibet]]an and [[Nepal]]i food, especially ''momo'' dumplings, are not uncommon in northern India. Pizza and pasta have entered India in a big way, and the chains such as Pizza Hut and Domino's have Indianised the pizza and introduced adaptations like paneer-tikka pizza. There is an Indian chain called Smokin Joe's, based in Mumbai, which has mixed Thai curry with pizzas. However, often ready-made sauces with lots of additives and spices are used. Also, the cheese is sometimes of questionable type (some feta-style type) in normal restaurants. So, you are better off asking exactly what ingredients they use, if you don't want to be surprised negatively. It is, of course, impossible to do full justice to the range and diversity of Indian food in this brief section. Not only does every region of India have a distinctive cuisine, but you will also find that even within a region, castes and ethnic communities have different styles of cooking and often have their signature recipes, which you will probably not find in restaurants. The adventurous traveller is advised to wangle invitations to homes, try various bylanes of the city and look for food in unlikely places like temples and Gurudwaras in search of culinary nirvana. ===Fruits=== While a wide variety of fruits are native to India, including the ''chikoo'' and the ''jackfruit'', nothing is closer to an Indian's heart than a juicy ripe mango. Hundreds of varieties are found across most of its regions. In fact, India is the largest producer, growing more than half the world's output. '''Mangoes''' are in season at the hottest part of the year, usually between May and July, and range from small (as big as a fist) to some as big as a small cantaloupe. They can be consumed in their ripe, unripe and also a baby form (the last 2 predominantly in pickles). The best mango (the "King of Mangoes", as Indians call it) is the "Alphonso" or Haapoos (in Marathi), in season in April and May along the western coast of Maharashtra. Buy it from a good fruit shop in Mumbai or Mahatma Phule market (formerly Crawford market) in South Mumbai. Dushheri Mangoes are also popular in North India. Other fruits widely available (depending on the season) are '''bananas, oranges, papayas, guavas, lychees, apples, pineapples, pomegranates, apricots, melons, coconuts, grapes, plums, peaches and berries'''. European fruits like apples and pears can be dull and unjuicy, because they are not perfectly adjusted to the local environment and sometimes suffer from mildew. Papayas are often harvested when they still green, because the fruit vendor will of course not want to be in the situation where he has to sell them all at once. Instead they get ripe each separately after a while. However, this is of course not good for the taste, and it can be hard to find a good and sweet papaya. In general, also note the remarks on fruits and vegetables under [[#Stay healthy]]. But your best bet are probably bananas and mangos. ===Vegetarian=== {{infobox|Know your vegetarians|[[File:Current FSSAI Veg and Non-veg Labels.svg|noframe|150px|right]] Most Indians who practise vegetarianism do so for religious or cultural reasons — though cultural taboos have their roots in ethical concerns. Indians' dietary restrictions come in all shapes and sizes and the two symbols (see right) do not capture the full range. The green dot means pure vegetarian. red triangle means non-vegetarian, including only eggs (as in a fruit-egg cake). Here is a quick guide: * '''Veganism''' is practically unknown in many parts of India, because milk and honey are enthusiastically consumed by virtually everyone. But some restaurants in major cities, such as Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore increasingly cater for vegans. Foods like tofu, soy chunks (branded Nutrela) and soy milk are readily available in major cities, as well as some minor ones. **Eggs are considered non-vegetarian by most, though you may encounter people who are otherwise vegetarian eating eggs. These people are often referred to as '''eggetarians'''. That said, there are a number of foods that are vegan by default in India, including standard restaurant dishes such as aloo gobi, channa masala, various types of dal, dosas, and the vast majority of Indo-Chinese dishes. **Dishes made with dairy products are usually denoted as such (referencing their use of butter or ghee, in particular). Most restaurants will accommodate dietary restrictions and it is advisable to ask if a dish contains milk, butter, cream, yogurt or ghee. Virtually all Indian desserts, however, are non-vegan, with the exception of jalebi, an orange-coloured fried dough commonly found in western and northern India. * The strictest vegetarians are some '''Jains and some Brahmin sects'''. They not only abjure all kinds of meat and eggs, they also refuse to eat onions, potatoes or anything grown under the soil. * Even meat-eating Hindus often follow special diets during religious days or during '''fasts'''. Hindu fasts do not involve giving up all food, just eating a restricted diet, some take only fruits. * A very small group of Indians are, or used to be '''pescatarians''', i.e. they count fish as vegetarian. Among these are Bengali and Konkani Brahmins. Such people are increasingly rare as most have taken to meat-eating.}} Visiting vegetarians will discover a culinary treasure that is found nowhere else in the world. Owing to a large number of strictly vegetarian Hindu Brahmins and Jains, Indian cuisine has evolved an astonishingly rich menu that uses no meat or eggs. Jains in particular practise a strict form of vegetarianism based on the principles of non-violence and peaceful co-operative co-existence. Jains do not consume root vegetables such as potatoes, garlic, onions, carrots, radishes, cassava, sweet potatoes and turnips, as the plant needs to be killed prior to its end of normal life cycle, in the process of accessing these. At least half the menus of most restaurants are devoted to vegetarian dishes, and by law all packaged food products in India are tagged with a green dot (vegetarian) or red dot (non-veg). Veganism however is not a well-understood concept in India, and vegans may face a tougher time: milk products like cheese (''paneer''), yogurt (''dahi'') and clarified butter (''ghee'') are used extensively (in particular, ghee can be hard to spot as it can be mixed into curries before they are served), and honey is also commonly used as a sweetener. Milk in India is generally ''not'' pasteurised, and must be boiled before consumption. Even non-vegetarians will soon note that due to the Hindu taboo, '''beef''' is generally not served (except in the Muslim, Christian and Parsi communities, [[Goa]], [[Kerala]] and the [[Northeast India|North-Eastern states]]), and '''pork''' is also uncommon due to the Muslim population. Chicken and mutton are thus by far the most common meats used, although "buff" (water buffalo) is occasionally served in backpacker establishments. Seafood is of course ubiquitous in the coastal regions of India, and a few regional cuisines do use duck, venison and other game meats in traditional dishes. ===Kosher and halal=== '''Halal''' meat is easy to find among the Muslim minorities in India (and mostly cannot be found elsewhere in the country). Outside areas with a noticeable Muslim community, halal-certified restaurants are scarce. '''Kosher''' food is largely unknown, and ''certified'' kosher establishments are also extremely limited. While contacting [https://www.chabadindia.org/ Chabad India] a few days in advance is an option, it is not the most convenient option unlike most other Asian countries. Surprising to many, while ''explicitly'' certified options remain extremely limited, food compliant with these diets is easy to find anywhere in India unlike most other Asian countries outside the [[Middle East]]. As many non-vegetarians in the country abjure mixing meat and dairy, and because most milk is from cows or buffalos, nearly all dairy in India is actually both halal and kosher although not certified accordingly. Your best bet at finding halal/kosher food is purely vegetarian restaurants, which avoid cross-contamination and can be found nearly everywhere across the country even in coastal areas. However, restaurants in India that also serve meat are almost ''never'' halal/kosher. ===Etiquette=== In India eating with your hand (instead of cutlery like forks and spoons) is very common. There's one basic rule of etiquette to observe, particularly in non-urban India: '''Use only your right hand'''. The left hand is reserved for unhygienic uses. Don't stick either hand into communal serving dishes. Instead, use the spatula with your left hand to serve yourself and then dig in. For all types of breads, the basic technique is to hold down the item with your forefinger and use your middle-finger and thumb to tear off pieces. The pieces can then be dipped in sauce, curry or used to pick up bits before you stuff them in your mouth. Rice is more challenging, but the basic idea is to use four fingers to mix the rice in curry and pack a little ball, before you pop it in your mouth by pushing it with your thumb. Most of the restaurants do provide cutlery and it's pretty safe to use them instead of your hand. Eating by hand is frowned on in some "classier" places. If you are provided with cutlery and nobody else around you seems to be doing it, then take the hint. ===Restaurants=== {{infobox|Menus in English... well, almost|Menus in Indian restaurants are usually written in English, but using Hindi names. Here is a quick decoder key that goes a long way for understanding common dishes like ''aloo gobi'' and ''muttar paneer''. <!-- please don't repeat words already covered above. --> * ''aloo'' or ''aalu'' — potato * ''baigan'' or ''baingan'' — eggplant/aubergine * ''bhindi'' — okra * ''chana'' — chickpeas * ''dal'' — lentils * ''gobi'' — cauliflower (or other cabbage) * ''machli'' — fish * ''makkhan'' — butter * ''matar'' — green peas * ''mirch'' — chilli pepper * ''murgh'' or ''murg'' — chicken * ''palak'' or ''saag'' — spinach (or other greens) * ''paneer'' — Indian cottage cheese * ''subzi'' — vegetable}} Indian restaurants run the gamut from roadside shacks (''dhabas'') to classy five-star places where the experience is comparable to places anywhere in the world. Away from the big cities and tourist haunts, mid-level restaurants are scarce, and food choices will be limited to the local cuisine, Punjabi/Mughlai, "Chinese"/"Indo-Chinese" and occasionally South Indian. The credit for popularising Punjabi cuisine all over the country goes to the ''dhabas'' that line India's highways. Their patrons are usually the truckers, who happen to be overwhelmingly Punjabi. The authentic dhaba serves up simple yet tasty seasonal dishes like roti and dal with onions. Hygiene can be an issue in many dhabas, so if one's not up to your standards try another. In rural areas, dhabas are usually the only option. In Southern India, a "hotel" is a local restaurant serving South Indian food, usually prepared meals or a ''thali'' or ''plate meal'' — a full plate of food that usually includes a kind of bread and/or rice and an assortment of meat or vegetarian dishes. Although you may be often be handed an extensive menu, most dishes are served only during specific hours, if at all. ==Drink== One of the sweetest and safest beverages you can get is young coconut water (''nariyal paani''). You can almost always find it in any beach or other tourist destinations in the south. In summer (Mar-Jul), you can get fresh sugarcane juice in many places and even a lot of fresh fruit juice varieties. India is famous for its Alphonso variety of mangoes, generally regarded as the King of Mangoes among connoisseurs. ''Frooti'', in its famous tetra-pack, is the most popular processed drink, followed by ''Maaza'' (bottled by Coca-Cola) or ''Slice'' (bottled by PepsiCo), both of which contain about 15% Alphonso mango pulp. Both cost about ₹30-50 for a 600 ml bottle. As for bottled water, make sure that the cap's seal has not been broken; otherwise, it is a tell-tale sign of tampering or that unscrupulous vendors reuse old bottles and fill them with tap water, which is generally unsafe for foreign tourists to drink without prior boiling. Bottled water brands like ''Aquafina'' (by PepsiCo) and ''Kinley'' (by Coca-Cola) are widely available. Local brands like ''Bisleri'', ''Himalayan, Bailley, Evian, Aquafina, Patanjali, Tata and Nestle'' are reputed brands as well. Taste may vary due to the individual brands' mineral contents. In semi-urban or rural areas, it may be appropriate to ask for boiled water as well. ===Tea=== [[File:Indian chai tea - Haridwar - India.jpg|thumb|Making chai]] One can get tea (''chai'' in most North Indian languages) of one variety or the other everywhere in India. The most common method of preparing chai is by brewing tea leaves, milk, and sugar altogether in a pot and keeping it hot until it's all sold. It is sweet and uniquely refreshing once you get the taste for it. '''Masala chai''' will have, added to the above mix, spices such as cardamom, ginger or cinnamon etc. For some people, that takes some getting used to. While masala chai is popular in Northern and Central India, people in Eastern and North-Eastern India ([[West Bengal]] and [[Assam]]) generally consume tea without spices, the English way. This is also the part of India where most tea is grown. ===Coffee=== In South India, '''filter coffee''', rather than tea, is the standard beverage. This is different to Western filter coffee due to the use of frothed and boiled milk, finely ground coffee powder, and a traditional Indian filter. ===Alcohol=== [[File:Labels of Indian beer Kingfisher.jpg|thumb|Kingfisher beer]] {{infobox|Drinking & driving|Driving under the influence of alcohol is considered as a serious offence in India. In the event of an accident the law deals with drink-drive offenders with severity. The punishment is a fine and/or imprisonment for up to 6 months. The driving license is suspended for at least six months.}} Drinking alcohol can either be frowned upon or openly accepted, depending on the region and religion of the area within which you are drinking. For example, Goa, Punjab and [[Pondicherry]] tend to be more free-wheeling (and have low taxes on alcohol), while a few southern areas like Chennai are less tolerant of alcohol, and may even charge excessive taxes on it. Some states such as Gujarat and Bihar are legally "dry" states and alcohol cannot be bought openly there, although there is a substantial bootlegging industry. Bootleg alcohol is unregulated and could kill you or make you sick, and you could also be in legal trouble if you are caught while drunk in a dry state. Favourite Indian tipples include beer and rum. Nowadays beer sold is mostly Tuborg, at around ₹180 for a large bottle of 750 mL in the liquor store. '''Old Monk''' is a popular rum brand. Prices vary by state, especially for hard liquor, but you can expect to pay anywhere between ₹500-₹800 for a 750 mL bottle of Old Monk. Mumbai tends to be the most expensive, due to local taxes, which can be three-times as much as Meghalaya. [[File:Wine barrels at Sula Vineyards.jpg|thumb|Wine barrels at Sula Vineyards]] Indian wines, long a bit of a joke, have improved remarkably and there's a booming wine industry in the hills of [[Maharashtra]]. The good stuff is not particularly cheap (expect to pay around ₹500 a bottle) and selections are mostly limited to white wines, but look out for labels by '''Chateau Indage''' or [https://sulavineyards.com/ '''Sula''']. Illegal moonshine, called ''tharra'' when made from sugar cane and ''toddy'' when made from coconuts, is widely available in some states. It's cheap and strong, but '''very dangerous''' as it may contain toxic methanol. Quality control is nonexistent, and best avoided entirely. In the former Portuguese colony of Goa you can obtain an extremely pungent liquor called ''fenny'' or ''feni'', typically made from cashew fruits or coconuts. As of April 2017 it is illegal to sell alcohol within 500 m of a highway. This is controversial as it has hit restaurants, bars and hotels hard. If your hotel does not have alcoholic drinks, this may well be the reason. ===Cannabis=== [[File:Bhang shop in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India on June 6, 2006.jpg|thumb|240px|Government-authorised ''bhang'' shop, [[Jaisalmer]]]] [[Cannabis]] in its many forms, especially ''ganja'' (weed) and ''charas'' (hash), is widely available throughout India, but are all '''illegal''' in the vast majority of the country. The law states that simple possession may mean fines or years in prison, depending on the quantity possessed. However, in some states (notably Uttar Pradesh, [[Bihar]], [[Rajasthan]], [[Madhya Pradesh]], [[Uttarakhand]] and [[Odisha]]) the one legal and socially accepted way to consume cannabis is as '''''bhang''''', a low-grade preparation sold at government-licensed shops that is not only smoked, but also made into cookies, chocolate and the infamous ''bhang lassi'', a herb-laced version of the normally innocuous yogurt drink. ''Bhang lassi'' is usually available at varying strengths, so use caution if opting for the stronger versions. It's also occasionally sold as "special lassi", but is usually easily spotted by the ₹30-50 price tag (several times higher than the non-special kinds). Remember that the effects of "Bhang" are slow and heighten when consumed with something sweet. Also, first-time users may want to wait a while before consuming too much in an effort to judge their tolerance. ==Sleep== Make sure to bring your passport and visa/OCI wherever you go, as most hotels will not rent out rooms without a valid passport and visa/OCI. Two important factors to keep in mind when choosing a place to stay are safety and cleanliness. [[Malaria]] and [[Dengue fever]] is present in most areas of India. One way to combat malaria and dengue fever is to choose lodgings with air conditioning and sealed windows. An insect-repellent spray containing DEET will also help, or consider [[Permethrin-treated fabrics]]. Many '''hotels''' listed on western booking websites (Booking.com etc.) are also set at the "tourist price"; try local booking sites like [https://www.goibibo.com/ Goibibo],[https://www.redbus.in/ redBus] or [https://www.makemytrip.com/ MakeMyTrip]{{Dead link|date=May 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}, as these have much better coverage of local hotels and in rural areas. Alternatively, you can also use Google Maps in combination with WhatsApp to inquire the price beforehand. Booking.com will only really work in very touristy places like Dharamsala, Manali, Goa, Pushkar, etc. If you are sure that there are more than enough places around where you are heading, just walking around and asking for the price can be sufficient. But note, overcharging of foreigners is widespread and you will have to [[bargain]] hard. Some cities like Chandigarh have weird regulations for foreigners and walking around inquiring the price with hotels might be frustrating, since many will not accept foreigners. Also, making a reservation through Booking.com in Chandigarh can leave you with an unpleasant surprise, namely the receptionist telling you that they don't accept foreigners, which can be fatal late at night. So, it is always best to check the ratings and reviews of the place you intend to stay in. Accommodation choices vary widely depending on budget and location. Cheap travellers' hotels are available for around ₹300-500. Rooms at guest-houses with a double bed (and often a bathroom) can be found in many tourist places for around ₹1,000 — this seems to be the going rate for most budget accommodations in more frequented places nowadays. Bed and breakfast service providers are coming up offering standard services that can be expected from B&Bs outside India. The basics include: air-conditioner or fan, free food, and free Wi-Fi. '''[[Hostels]]''' are available for as little as ₹200. They generally have a very high standard; clean beds, nice common rooms, etc., since most are new and oriented towards Western style. Most hostels have their own restaurant, and it is their way to make extra money from their guests — they might even be surprised and show it to you if you don't dine with them. Be aware that most people travelling in India nowadays are Indians and they will mostly always outnumber foreigners in hostels and dorms. This can be a problem, because the Indian society is one where publicly the individual comes first, with often no consideration for the needs of their fellow human being. This can lead to situations in dorms where Indian guests call their family or friends in the middle of the night, wake up loudly at 6AM, consume high-odour food in their beds, watch videos on their mobiles without headphones, but also just consider the dorm a social place where they speak loudly with their friends until late. Of course, there is always the option to kindly ask them for some consideration and to be more respectful of the other people in the room. But you can ask yourself, how long before that really gets onto your nerves. So, hostels are not an obvious budget friendly choice for Westerners in India anymore. If you intend to stay longer in one place, there are often places specialised on tourist that offer long term rent for around ₹10,000 per month, including kitchen and bathroom. Most Indian train stations have rooms or dormitories, just ask the railway officials or reserve it online on the railway website — reserving is highly recommended. If you just show up, the only option left might be the AC waiting room for ₹10/hr. Rooms and dorms are cheap (around ₹800 and ₹300 respectively), relatively well maintained (the beds, sheets, not the showers) and secure. There are also the added bonus of not being accosted by the rickshaw mafia, getting the bags off quickly and, for the adventurous, high likelihood to jump on a cheap public bus back to the train station. Keep in mind you must have an arrival or departure train ticket from the station where you intend to sleep, and there could be a limit on how many nights you may stay. Midrange options are plentiful in the larger cities and expanding fast into second-tier cities as well, and prices vary from ₹1,000-4,000 per night. Local, unbranded hotels can be found in any city, but quality varies widely. [[File:Taj hotel mumbai india.jpg|thumb|Hotel Taj Mahal, one of the most famous landmarks of [[Mumbai]]]] If the wallet allows it, you can try staying like royalty in a maharaja's palace in places like [[Udaipur]] or modern five-star hotels which are now found pretty much all over the country. The top-end of Indian luxury rests with hotel chains like [http://www.oberoihotels.com/ Oberoi], [http://www.tajhotels.com/ Taj], and [https://www.theleela.com/en_us/ The Leela]. The usual international chains also run major 5-star hotels in most Indian metropolises, but due to India's economic boom availability is tight and prices can be crazy — it's not uncommon to be quoted over US$300/night for what would in other countries be a distinctly ordinary business hotel going for a third of the price. Also beware that some jurisdictions including [[Delhi]] and Bangalore charge stiff luxury taxes on the ''rack rate'' of the room, which can lead to nasty surprises at check-out time. One way of meeting interesting Indian travellers is by staying at an Dak bungalow. Also, called travellers' bungalows or inspection bungalows, they were built by the British to accommodate travelling officials and are now used by the Central and state governments for the same purpose. They exist in many towns and some rural locations. Most will take tourists at a moderate fee if they have room. They are clean, comfortable and usually in good locations, but plain with ceiling fans rather than air conditioning, shower but no bath. Typically the staff includes a pensioned-off soldier as night watchman and perhaps another as gardener; often the gardens are lovely. Sometimes there may be a cook; his or her services will be free but you should buy ingredients. A similar accommodation are the '''PWD Tourist Rest Houses''', they can also be found in many towns and cities, are mostly for people from the "public workers department" but also accept tourists if not completely booked. ==Stay safe== [[File:Holy Cow (7438681490).jpg|thumb|A holy cow in [[Pushkar]]]] In addition to the issues handled here, some regions have specific severe security concerns. See the '''warnings in region articles''' relevant to you. As a rule India is quite safe for foreigners, apart from instances of petty crime and theft common to any developing country, as long as certain basic precautions and common sense are observed (i.e. women should be cautious travelling alone at night). While hospitality is important in India, it is not common to see people '''offering to share food''' or cookies while they eat. Some such offers are genuine and some are not. If you are travelling by train and you are offered food by a family group, it is usually safe to take a bite. But if you are offered something by a group of men or even a couple, you should decline, even if they also it of it, as the part offered might be laced with sedatives. You can politely say no with a smile; those who offer food genuinely won't take it personally. '''Don't trust strangers''' offering assistance or services. Be particularly wary of frauds at tourist attractions such as the temples of [[Kanchipuram]], where they prey on those unfamiliar with local customs. If a priest or guide offers to treat you to a religious ceremony, find out what it will cost you first, and do not allow yourself to be pressured into making "donations" of thousands of rupees — simply walk away if you feel uncomfortable. However, don't get ''too'' paranoid: foreigners on the train, or Indian families who want to take your picture on ''their own'' camera, for example, are often just genuinely curious. '''Same-sex intercourse''' was decriminalised by a court ruling in 2018. There is a vibrant gay nightlife in metropolitan areas and a few openly gay celebrities. There are movements to legalise same-sex marriage. On the other hand, heterosexual Indian men often walk hand-in-hand in the streets, don't take this as a sign of anything but friendship. '''Travellers of African heritage''' may encounter prejudices from the police and the general public about being drug dealers. This reaction stems from the fact that more often than not, foreign drug peddlers in India are of Nigerian nationality. Indians find it hard to differentiate between Nigerians and other Africans, others of African descent or even their own Siddi community (Indians of sub-Saharan African descent), so anybody who looks African may be targeted. If that includes you, you may want to keep passports handy at all times, avoid going to areas notorious for illegal activities and maintain contact with respective embassies and, if possible, with other support groups that can vouch for you. '''The cow''' is considered to be a holy animal in Hinduism, and in many Indian states, it is '''illegal''' to consume or possess beef or buffalo meat. Non-Hindus suspected of slaughtering cattle or eating beef are also known to have been lynched by fundamentalist Hindu mobs. Prominent exceptions to this taboo are the state of Kerala and the north-eastern parts of the country, where the meat of water buffaloes is widely consumed, but beef remains rare. You should check with your embassy or ask for local advice before heading to the Himalayan areas, especially [[Jammu and Kashmir]], [[Ladakh]] and [[North-Eastern India]]. These areas have had serious law-and-order problems for a long time. The same applies while travelling to what used to be a thickly forested area in East-Central India, which covers the states of [[Chhattisgarh]], [[Jharkhand]], the eastern edge of [[Maharashtra]] and the northern tip of [[Telangana]]. The problems affects certain areas in these states; other destinations there may be perfectly safe. ===India Syndrome=== {{see also|Culture shock}} Some people coming to India for the first time suddenly feel their lives shifting and start believing in reincarnation and other wonderful ideas available throughout India. This is called ''[https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2022/jan/13/india-syndrome-lost-in-the-valley-of-death-harley-rustad The India Syndrome]''. While certain teachings in Indian culture can of course be new and overwhelming, the immediate acceptance of them and following of their principles can be cause for concern. No holy person has ever been enlightened within a few weeks without proper pre-work or pre-existing experiences. Be careful with self-proclaimed ''sādhus'' that wander from temple to temple looking for food and money. While in the past most were authentic holy men, nowadays for many it is just a way to beg. Don't wander off into the woods with such "holy" men just because you suddenly believe in a new reality, especially if you are on your own. They can be dangerous, especially if drugs are involved. And sometimes even the police cannot "touch" them, even in cases of murder. There have been some high-profile disappearances of Westerners in India in connection with sādhus. If you want to explore your newly discovered view of the world and the universe, a better option is through official schools (like Sanskrit, Ayurveda, etc.), meditation and yoga centres, or in a group setting where you trust the other people. On the opposite side, there are also travellers that get overwhelmed by India so much that they will start showing signs of panic or paranoia. Indian culture is so ruthless that people can find themselves in situations where they feel the whole world is against them, or they feel they cannot trust anyone any more. Or even worse, they suddenly become superstitious and believe in all sorts of negative things happening to them due to some arbitrary reasons. At worst, scammer, touts and thieves will try to exploit this situations of yours. These psychological reactions are mostly a threat to younger travellers, those who haven't seen much of the world, and those who don't have their feet planted firmly on the ground. Also the involvement of weed or other drugs, which are popular in certain tourist regions of India, can lead to these issue. For both sides of these problems it is always good to: * let your friends and family regularly know where you are, * call home from time to time to stay in touch with reality, * don't travel on your own, but find a travel buddy or group to go with (not a local scammer though), * avoid the Indian hassle from time to time, there are many comfortable oases in India where Indian problems seem far far away, * don't be a first-time weed smoker in India, especially not with people you just met, this is not the right setting to have a first and pleasant trip in, * in the event of a crisis, seek the help of an uninvolved fellow (Western) traveller, which often has more connection to you than any Indian will ever have. ===Touts=== Touts are ubiquitous, as in many developing countries, and you should assume that anyone 'proactively' trying to help you has a hidden agenda to part you from your money. However, in areas hardly or not at all visited by tourists, it is not at all uncommon for people to go out of their way to 'proactively' help you when you approach, without expecting anything in return. During your travels in India, you will be deluged with touts trying to get you to buy something or patronise particular establishments. There are a myriad of [[common scams]], which range from telling you your hotel has gone out of business (of course, they'll know of one that's open with vacancies), to giving wrong directions to a government rail ticket booking office (the directions will be to their friend's tour office), to trying to get you to take diamonds back to your home country (the diamonds are worthless crystal), to 'poor students' giving you sightseeing for hours and then with pity make you buy school books for them (tremendously overpriced from a bookstore with whom they are affiliated). There will also be more obvious touts who 'know a very good place for dinner' or want to sell you a chess set on the street. Faced with such an assault, it's very easy to get into a siege mentality where all of India is against you and out to squeeze you dry. This mentality may affect any true appreciation of the country. Dealing with touts is simple: assume anyone offering surprising information (such as "your hotel is shut down") is a tout. Never be afraid to get a second or third answer to a question. To get rid of touts: * Completely ignore them and go about your business until they go away. This may take quite a while, but patience is key to managing India. * Tell them "no", very firmly, and repeatedly. It is also beneficial to have a firm Indian friend whom you can trust. If they show you around, they will act to help you ward off such touts. ===Theft and scams=== [[File:India - Kolkata street beggar - 3246.jpg|thumb|A beggar in Kolkata]] Unfortunately, '''theft''' is quite common in places visited by tourists, but violent thefts hardly ever occur. More likely a thief will [[pickpockets|pickpocket]] or break into your room. Take precautions to firmly lock the door while indoors, and be on guard while outside. Many first-time travellers to India find themselves falling victim to [[Common scams|scams and touts]]. Be on guard for anybody trying to help you by giving you unsolicited directions or travel advice. Do not blindly rely on the advice of taxi and auto drivers. If this is your first time to India, do not openly admit it, as this will make you more vulnerable to touts. Carry your cash, passport and cards in a secure money belt, with only enough cash for a few hours at a time in your wallet or other accessible place. While travelling in public transport, do not accept any food or drink from any local fellow passenger even if they are very friendly or polite. There have been instances in which very friendly fellow passengers offered food or drinks including tea or coffee that contained substances that put the victim to sleep whilst all their possessions, including even their clothing, were stolen. Some people handling your cash will try to '''shortchange you or rip you off'''. In Delhi particularly, this is a universal rule adhered to by all who handle westerners' cash. This does not exclude official ticket sellers at tourist sites, employees at prepaid taxi stands, or merchants in all but the most upscale businesses. Count your cash before handing it over, and ensure receiving the correct change. Overseas visitors are often magnets for [[begging|beggars]], frauds and touts. Beggars will often go as far as touching you and following you, tugging on your sleeve. It does little good to get angry or to say "No" loudly. The best response is to look unconcerned and ignore the behaviour. The more attention you pay to a beggar or a tout, positive or negative, the longer they will follow you hoping for a donation. Begging is criminalised in cities such as Mumbai and Delhi. It is however common in many cities, and in pilgrim cities, there are sadhus who live an ascetic lifestyle of the seeker that requires them to adopt bhiksha-charya (begging vows) only for sustaining the body. It is advisable or better to agree on the fare before getting inside an auto or a taxi. This avoids any further unpleasant fare-related arguments. If you can take the advice of a local friend or someone manning your hotel's front desk to know how much it should cost to travel between two destinations, you will be a smart traveller. ===Driving=== [[File:Crashed Taxi - Multiple Car Accident - Rabindra Sadan Area - Kolkata 2012-06-13 01323.jpg|thumb|A car crash in Kolkata]] As a former British colony, India drives on the '''left''' side of the road. Driving in India can be dangerous. Irresponsible driving habits, insufficient highway infrastructure development, wandering livestock and other hazards make travelling on the country's roads a sometimes nerve-wracking undertaking. More than 150,000 people died on Indian roads in 2019, the highest figure in the world, and that's despite having only 44 cars per 1,000 people. The first encounter with a typical Indian highway will no doubt feature a traffic mix of lumbering trucks, speeding maniacs, blithely wandering cows and suicidal pedestrians, all weaving across a narrow, potholed strip of tarmac. To minimise your risk of becoming a grim statistic, use trains instead of buses, use government bus services instead of private ones (which are more likely to force their drivers into inhuman shifts), use taxis instead of auto-rickshaws, avoid travelling at night, and don't hesitate to change taxis or cars if you feel your driver is unsafe. Of significant concern is that much of the road network is significantly underdeveloped. Most roads are very poorly built and they are full of rubble, large cracks and potholes. Most road signs are not very reliable in the country, and in most cases provide drivers with confusing or inaccurate information. If you are in doubt, ask the locals, normally they are very helpful and willingly provide people with appropriate guidance to a location. Of course, the quality of information and willingness to provide it varies, especially in the larger cities. ===Female travellers=== [[File:Busy Indore night traffic (5104223286).jpg|thumb|Night-time in [[Indore]]]] The sad truth is that female travellers in India, particularly those travelling solo, are often subjected to sexual harassment or worse. Women should avoid travelling to India alone if at all possible, but if you really have to, be on your guard, avoid making friendly gestures towards men that could be misinterpreted, and be particularly cautious in larger cities (esp. Delhi) at night. * White and East Asian females may receive some extra attention, usually in the form of stares, from the locals, and many locals might even want to take photographs with you. In most cases, these people are from rural areas, and have had little to no contact with foreigners, but some may harass you. If so, don't be afraid to create a scene and don't feel the need to be polite. * Try to avoid being overly friendly and appreciative to Indian men; it could get them to think you are romantically interested in them. If a man and a woman are seen together or talk to each other quite often, locals may assume that there's something going on between the man and the woman. Make it clear that you are friends or acquaintances; that will usually ward people off. * Outside of the larger cities, it is unusual for people of the opposite sex to touch each other. Even couples (married or otherwise) refrain from public displays of affection. Therefore, it is advised that you do not shake hands with a person of the opposite sex unless the other person extends their hand first. The greeting by a Hindu is to bring their palms together in front of their chest, or simply saying '''namaste''' or '''namaskar''' or '''namaskaram''' in most Indic languages (Indo-Aryan and Dravidian) and '''khurumjari''' in [[Manipuri phrasebook|Manipuri]] (Meitei). Both forms are equally polite and correct if a little formal. Almost all people (even if they don't know English) do understand a "hi" or a "Hello". In most parts of northern India and cities, it is quite acceptable to offer a "hello" or "good day" followed by a handshake, regardless of gender. * Outside of trendy places or high society, women generally do not smoke. In some rural or tribal areas women do smoke, but discreetly. * Places such as discos and dance clubs are less conservative areas. Should you want to visit such places, leave your possessions in your hotel safe, and only carry as much change as you think you would require; it is easy to lose your wallet or passport in these places. * Women should '''dress conservatively''' and '''avoid revealing or tight-fitting clothing''' such as tank tops and miniskirts as they can attract unwanted attention. * People are generally modestly clothed even at the beaches. Bikinis are acceptable at tourist-oriented beaches, but not at those primarily visited by locals. Wearing one beyond the beach is inappropriate no matter where you are. There are a few beaches where women (mostly foreigners) sunbathe topless, but make sure that it is safe and accepted before you do so. * It's not so safe to walk in isolated places if you are a solo female. Women should also avoid going out alone at night, and be cautious when taking a taxi or auto-rickshaw. There have been some rapes of foreign women and highly publicised rapes of Indian women, some of whom have been murdered, and a large number of rapes go unreported. The willingness to report rape has increased after several incidents received widespread media attention and triggered widespread public protest. The Indian government has also reformed its penal code in relation to crimes of rape and sexual assault. * Avoid staying at cheaper hotels unless you are travelling with a trusted male companion; hotel staff have been known to sexually harass female guests. * In local and suburban trains, there are usually cars reserved for women and designated as such on their front. In Delhi Metro trains, it is the first compartment. * In most buses (private and public) a few seats at the front or at one side of the bus are reserved for women. Usually, these seats will be occupied by men and, very often, they vacate the place when a female stands near gesturing her intention to sit there. In many parts of the country, women will not share a seat with a man other than her spouse. If you sit near a man, he may stand up from the seat and give his seat also to you; this is a sign of respect, ''not'' rudeness. * Street parties for holidays are usually filled with crowds of inebriated men. During festivals such as Holi, New Year's Eve, and even Christmas Eve, women can be subjected to groping and sexually aggressive behaviour from a certain section hiding in these crowds. In such an event, scream or make a scene pointing your finger at the person. People will come to your help. If possible, avoid attending these festivities alone, and go in a group. * So-called Eve teasing is a common term used in Indian English to refer to anything from unwanted verbal advances to physical sexual assault. Anything overt should be treated in a firm manner and if needed, ask the local populace (women in particular) to try and get the message across. Avoid confrontation if at all possible. Sticking to such an area is not recommended. It's not disrespectful for a woman to tell a man eager to talk to her that she doesn't want to talk: so if a man's behaviour makes you uncomfortable, say so firmly. If he doesn't seem to get the hint, just quietly excuse yourself. * Befriending Indian women can be a wonderful experience for female visitors, although you might have to initiate conversation. An easy topic to get things going is to talk about clothes or food. * Dressing in traditional Indian clothes, such as ''salwaar kameez'' (comfortable) or ''saree'' (more formal and difficult to wear) will often garner Western women more respect in the eyes of locals. The idea is to portray yourself as a normal person, instead of a distanced tourist. Easy clothing is to wear a kurta paired up with jeans or a salwar. They are very comfortable and most of the women do the same. * Body searches (such as at the airport) by officers of the opposite sex are not allowed in India. Airport security is sex segregated. ===Police and other emergency services=== [[File:India - Varanasi policemen - 0691.jpg|thumb|Police officers in Varanasi]] * Like other federal countries, law enforcement is dealt with by various agencies in India: ** General policing is responsible for the states and union territories, under various state and union territory police forces. ** Large cities like [[Mumbai]], [[Kolkata]] or [[Bangalore]] may also have their own police departments, often operating independently from state police forces. ** The Central government also maintain federal law-enforcement agencies responsible for specific duties, such as railway policing (Railway Protection Force- RPF), transport security (Highway police) and border patrol. * Unfortunately, corruption and inefficiency are present in all Indian police forces, and the quality of the police force varies by officer. For emergencies, throughout most of India, you can dial '''100''' for police assistance. Try to speak the words slowly so that the police officer on phone does not have a problem in comprehending your foreign English accent. For non-emergency crimes, go down to the police station to report them, and insist on getting a receipt of your complaint. * You should insist the police to make a '''first information report''' (FIR) and receive a copy of it if you are reporting any serious crimes, as it is a legal requirement for them to do so. The police will only start the investigation after the FIR is made. * The emergency contact numbers for most of India are: 100 (Police), 101 (Fire and rescue), and 102 (Emergency medical service). Dialling to neighbouring major hospitals may also work in case of medical emergencies. In Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and several other cities throughout India, you can dial '''108''' for all emergencies. ===Terrorism=== The India-Pakistan conflict, simmering for decades, has manifested in terrorist attacks on India's main cities: since 2007, there have been bombings in Delhi, Mumbai and other big cities. The targets have varied widely, but attacks have usually been aimed at locals rather than visitors. The exception was in 2008, when a shooting spree targeted and killed many foreigners along with Indians, in Mumbai's posh hotels and railway station, etc. All the terrorists involved in this were from Pakistan and were killed in action except one who was captured alive and later hanged. There is little you can do to avoid such random attacks, but keep an eye on the national news and any travel advisories from your embassy. ===Outdoor adventures=== There are many companies in India offering various outdoor activities like paragliding, white water rafting, ballooning, and trekking. For example, the road between Manali and Kullu has dozens of white water and paragliding operators. Be aware though that it is sometimes questionable on how these companies and operators, especially their staff, obtained their licences to offer these activities. Especially the number of companies offering these kinds of activities is an indication, that it seems to be not that hard to start such a business. But for things like tandem paragliding, which can potentially be lethal, it is probably a bad idea to have to rely on someone that got his licence under questionable circumstances. And even if he did a course with an official body, the standards in India are still comparably lower than Western ones. So, it is very important that you verify the company you go with fully, search for ratings and reviews, verify their licences, and only if you fully trust them to go with them. ==Stay healthy== Going to India, you have to adapt to a different climate and food. However, with precautions the chance and severity of any illness can be minimised. Don't stress yourself too much at the beginning of your journey to allow your body to acclimatise to the country. For example, take a day of rest upon arrival, at least on your first visit. Many travellers get ill for wanting to do too much in too little time. Be careful with spicy food if you're not used to it. Five quick tips for avoiding the Delhi belly: * '''Go vegetarian''' – At least for the first week or two. Meat spoils quickly. * '''Avoid raw leafy vegetables''' – They are hard to clean properly. * '''Avoid ice and unbottled water''' – Both the water in it and the way it's transported are suspect. Try to use only commercially available sealed bottled water. * '''Wash hands before eating''' – Always use soap or hand sanitiser, otherwise the dirt of India's streets will find its way onto your ''chapatis'' and into your mouth. In addition, keep nails cut short and clean. That of course will not prevent a food vendor touching your food, so think twice which kind of meal you decide for. In any case, you can always watch how food is prepared. Indians mostly never use soap, plain water seems to be their "magic cure". * '''Prefer metal dishes and cups''' – Stainless steel is more germ-resistant than plastic. So, any restaurant with stainless cutlery, dishes, cups and water container is safer than one with plastic cups and water container, or one-time use dishes. '''Toilets''' can be found for free in most temples, just in case it is urgent. '''Litter''' can be a problem in some cities in India. Many efforts have been made in the 21st century to clean up the country but there is still a long way to go because most people use the many waterways as garbage dumps. It would be unwise to swim in most of the rivers and downright senseless in a lake. If you have '''asthma''', carry enough medication as dust, pollen or pollution may cause trouble. If you venture to forests in India, you may encounter '''venomous snakes'''. If bitten, try to note the markings of the snake so that the snake can be identified and the correct antidote given. In any event, immediately seek medical care. ===Air quality=== [[Air pollution]] is a huge problem in India, particularly in the northern plains during the winter (November to January), when farmers burning fields, coal and dung fires for heating and lack of rain and wind combine to blanket the Gangetic Plains in toxic murk. [[Delhi]] has ranked the most polluted capital in the world every year since 2018, with an ''average'' AQI of nearly 100. In addition to being a health hazard, flights are often delayed or cancelled when visibility drops to near-zero. Avoid travel in the North at this time of year if you can. If you have no choice, wearing an N95 mask and minimizing time spent outdoors can help. Many cities and villages in India, not particularly in any region, have sanitation and pollution issues. You might find people dumping and burning garbage in the open. Check the air quality of a city before venturing. ===Drinking water=== '''[[Tap water]]''' is normally not safe for drinking. However, some establishments (for example many temples) have water filters/purifiers installed, in which case the water should be safe to drink from them. Otherwise, the water in the mountains is generally clean, just ask your accommodation staff. Packed drinking water (popularly called "mineral water" throughout India) is a good choice. Bisleri, Kinley, Aquafina and Health Plus are popular and safe brands. But if the seal has been tampered with, or if the bottle seems crushed, it could be tap water being illegally sold. So always make sure that seal is intact before buying. In Indian Railway stations, a low-priced mineral water brand of Indian Railways is generally available, known as "Rail Neer". For most foreigners, tap water in India is not even safe for brushing your teeth, and you should stick to bottled mineral water even for that. ===Fruits, vegetables and food=== Everything that can be peeled such as apples and bananas, as well as packaged snacks, are always a safe option. Wash any fruit with uncontaminated water and soap before eating it, even if you peel it — while peeling, touching the skin could still deliver bacteria onto the inner fruit. Also avoid cold food from shelves (samosa, sweets, etc.) that is directly touched prepared and handed out. Most Indians don't use soap and simply water seems to be their magic cure. In general, the regulation of the use of pesticides is very lax in India, because farmers have a high standing in Indian society — they are often the mean for political campaigns. So, the underlying quality of fruits and vegetables is doubtful, even if locals claim them to be "green" — they often don't understand the meaning of "green". With some fruits you will even notice a weird side taste, like tangerines. It is often in doubt where and how they were grown — it might have been next to a large landfill and you wouldn't know. Also, you may notice the dirtiness of Indian bodies of waters and rivers — this is the very same water that is used to water fruit and vegetable plants in the Indian plains. Fruits and vegetables from more hilly or mountainous regions are probably safe from that latter problem. While Indian food is often freshly prepared with fresh fruits and fresh vegetable, it doesn't mean it is automatically healthy (due to the latter reasons). Also, restaurants often use ready-made sauces and ingredients containing questionable additives and preservatives — not to mention that standard tomato sauce will barely ever contain much tomato, but carrot pulp instead. So, while in the past, Indian food was probably one of the best in the world, commercialisation in the food industry and lax regulation in the agricultural industry have done their parts in making it a doubtful adventure and one should be cautious. ===Diarrhoea and dehydration=== {{see also|Travellers' diarrhea|Dehydration}} [[Diarrhea|Diarrhoea]] and [[dehydration]] are common, and can have many different causes. Dehydration brings along '''dizziness and concentration issue''', sometimes muscle and joint pain. Dehydration doesn't just mean a lack of water, but also a lack of necessary minerals the body needs to function. It can be caused by a too one-sided diet, the wrong drinking water or even exhaustive hiking and travelling. Filtered and purified water (e.g. from temples) often has the disadvantage of also the necessary minerals being filtered out. So, best bring a standard first-aid kit, plus extra over-the-counter medicine for diarrhoea and stomach upset. A rehydration kit can also be helpful, rehydration solution is widely available at pharmacies for about ₹25 per pack for 1L of water. In case it is not available, remember the salt/sugar/water ratio for oral rehydration: 1 tsp salt, 8 tsp sugar, for 1L of water — however this will still lack some other minerals, so the rehydration packs from the pharmacy are best. Also, in case you are consuming local drinking water from the tap (in mountain areas) or in restaurants, if your body shows signs of dehydration, it is better to get the ''Bisleri'' water bottles from the shop with the green bandage — they have minerals added. Also other brands have added minerals. Indians often have resistance to native bacteria and parasites that visitors do not have. If you have had serious diarrhoea for more than a day or two, it is best to visit a private hospital. Parasites such as Giardia are a common cause of diarrhoea, and may not get better without treatment. Instead of drinking water while having diarrhoea, some people trust in Coke as a quick treatment. And in some cases it seems to prevent further fluid loss in small amounts. ===Vaccinations and tropical diseases=== [[File:Force Traveller Kuoni ambulance, 2008.JPG|thumb|An ambulance in India]] No '''vaccinations''' are required for entry to India, except for yellow fever if you are coming from an infected area such as [[Africa]]. However, Hepatitis (both A and B, depending on your individual circumstances), meningitis and typhoid shots are recommended, as is a booster shot for tetanus. '''[[Malaria]]''' is endemic throughout India. [http://www.cdc.gov/travel/regionalmalaria/indianrg.htm CDC] states that risk exists in all areas, including the cities of Delhi and Mumbai, and at altitudes of less than 2,000 m in [[Himachal Pradesh]], [[Jammu and Kashmir]] and [[Sikkim]]; however, the risk of infection is considered low in Delhi and the [[Plains (India)|Plains]]. Get expert advice on malaria preventatives, and take adequate precautions to prevent [[mosquito]] bites. Use a mosquito repellent when going outside (particularly during the evenings) and also when sleeping in trains and hotels without air conditioning. A local mosquito repellent used by Indians is Odomos which is available over-the-counter at most medical stores. Note, Malaria symptoms can be very similar to a flu or cold, however if you don't have any fever but still feel dizzy and have muscle and joint pain, it could also just be a case of dehydration — see above. ===Stray dogs=== It is very important to stay away from the many [[Aggressive dogs|stray dogs and cats]] in India, as India has the highest rate of '''rabies''' in the world. If you are bitten it is extremely urgent to get to a hospital in a major urban area capable of dealing with rabies. You can get treatment at any major hospital. It is very important to get the rabies vaccine within 24 hr of any contact with animals, including contact with saliva or blood. Rabies vaccines only work if the full course is given '''prior''' to symptoms. The disease is almost invariably fatal otherwise. ===Healthcare=== The level of medical care in India varies wildly. Public hospitals tend to be unsanitary, overcrowded, understaffed and underequipped. Private hospitals, on the other hand, are usually of an excellent standard and among the best in the world, making India a popular destination for medical tourism. Large corporate hospital chains like Fortis, Max, Apollo and similar places are your best bet for emergency medical care in larger cities, and they have better hygiene and generally well-trained doctors, some from UK and US institutions. The downside is that they are generally much more expensive than public hospitals, though still reasonably priced by Western standards. Many private hospitals accept international health insurance; check with the hospital before you go. Virtually all Indian doctors speak English fluently and are highly qualified. For smaller ailments, private medical practices are common throughout the country and are readily more accessible than hospitals. Hotels can also arrange a doctor to come visit, at a price of course. For travel vaccinations, visit the [http://www.istm.org International Society for Travel Medicine] to find travel health clinics. ==Respect== {{infobox|Kissing in India|India can trace kissing back thousands of years in its literature. Indeed, the well-known ''Kama Sutra'' has an entire chapter devoted to kissing. However, in most cultures of the Subcontinent, public kissing has traditionally been discouraged. Visitors have been surprised to get into serious trouble for kissing in public, regardless of the nature of their relationship or marriage or their nationality. Opposition to public kissing is not a universal opinion in India; many Indians find kissing acceptable, but because of those who don't, it is best to avoid kissing (even on cheeks) in public while you are there. None of this applies to parents and children kissing each other, though; that's universally acceptable in India. }} ===Etiquette=== <!--[[File:Kamya Panjabi at Disney princess' promotion in Mumbai.jpg|thumb|In bigger Indian cities, wearing of shorts by women is generally accepted. Picture shows an Indian woman with her daughter in [[Mumbai]].]] this image violates the image policy as watermarks are not allowed --> * Indians, by and large, are '''neutral communicators'''. Although Indians try to be respectful and courteous in social situations, words are often taken at face value. It's important to be explicitly clear and upfront about what you intend to say as euphemisms, idiomatic language, and the like may be misunderstood. * Direct '''personal questions''' (based on your personal life, salary, education, and lifestyle) are commonly asked. To Indians, it's not considered impolite, but rather it's a way to get to know someone fully. In some cases, you may find others giving you advice on whatever it is you're doing, either warranted or unwarranted. Don't feel annoyed or irritated by this as Indians don't intend to patronise or pull you down in any way. If you feel the question was too personal, simply give an indirect answer and move along. * Indians '''respect their elders''' and it would be seen as rude to directly challenge a statement said by someone older than you. You should always try to address people you don't know as 'ma'am' or 'sir', especially if they're older than you, and always act in a mature, sensible fashion around them. * '''Family values''' are highly revered by many Indians, and most Indians still live with their extended families, with three to four generations living under the same roof. Passing unwarranted comments about someone's family life won't win you friends or praise. * Indian women generally '''dress conservatively''', although in metropolitan cities more liberal attire can be seen. Women may attract unwanted attention from men depending on how they're dressed. * Whereas Indian men can be really eager to talk to foreigners, '''many Indian women avoid interacting with men outside their own families'''. If you are a man and approach an Indian woman even for an innocuous purpose like asking for directions, you are usually putting her on the defensive, especially if she is dressed traditionally. It is best to ask a man if one is available (there usually will be), or be extra respectful if you really need to ask a woman. However, in Ladakh, the relation between sexes is much more equal and nobody will bat an eyelid if you ask a woman for directions. * It is better to avoid going out '''on the roads alone''', especially in remote places or lanes and by-lanes without many people at night. Keeping some company is always advisable. * Indians will consider themselves obliged to go out of the way to fulfil a '''guest's request''' and will insist very strongly that it is no inconvenience to do so, even if it is not true. This of course means that there is a reciprocal obligation on you as a guest to take extra care not to be a burden. * Most Indians are not aware that the term "'''Negro'''" is considered offensive in some other parts of the world, and they may use it with no intent to offend. Also, some Indians will come up with topics like Hitler, Aryans and other weird stuff — while half of the time this is uneducated and innocent interest, the other half of the time they will know exactly what they are talking about and it is best not to engage on such topics or to make your position very clear. * Note '''dietary restrictions''' when inviting Indian friends for a meal. Pork is forbidden to Muslims, while beef is forbidden to Hindus. Although in some states, like Kerala, beef is consumed liberally by Christians and Muslims. Also about 30% of Indians are vegetarian, including all Jains. In some places, people are pescatarians. So, It is better to ask people what they don't eat beforehand. * It is customary to put up a token friendly argument with your host or any other member of the group '''when paying bills''' at restaurant or while making purchases. The etiquette for this is somewhat complicated. ** In a business lunch or dinner, it is usually clear upfront who is supposed to pay, and there is no need to fight. But if you are someone's personal guest and they take you out to a restaurant, you should offer to pay anyway, and you should insist a lot. Sometimes these fights get a little funny, with each side trying to snatch the bill away from the other, all the time laughing politely. If you don't have experience in these things, chances are, you will lose the chance the first time, but in that case, make sure that you pay the next time. (and try to make sure that there is a next time.) Unless the bill amount is very large do not offer to share it, and only as a second resort after they have refused to let you pay it all. ** The same rule applies when you are making a purchase. If you are purchasing something for yourself, your hosts might still offer to pay for it if the amount is not very high, and sometimes, even if it is. In this situation, unless the amount is very low, you should never lose the fight. (If the amount is ridiculously low, say less than ₹10, then don't insult your hosts by putting up a fight.) Even if by chance you lose the fight to pay the shopkeeper, it is customary to practically thrust (in a nice way, of course) the money into your host's hands. ** These rules do not apply if the host has made it clear beforehand that it is his or her treat, especially for some specific occasion. {{infobox|Naming conventions |* Most Indians follow the naming convention of a given name followed by a family name. <br /> * '''Tamil''' names, however are an exception to this rule. Tamil names generally follow the convention of given name + father's name, or father's initial + given name. Therefore, someone called Ramasamy Govindasamy would have Ramasamy as his given name, with Govindasamy being his father's name. Alternatively, he might be known as G. Ramasamy. Due to the patronymic nature of the last names, first names are always used when addressing individuals, so the above person would be addressed as Mr Ramasamy. *'''Meitei''' names are also exception to the general rules of naming in India. Meitei names generally follow the convention of family name + given name + name of the respective "salai". Salai means clan and it is different from family. There are 7 salais in Meitei ethnicity (Manipuri ethnicity). Each salai has many families within it. So, salai is just like a group or aggregation of many families. For instance, a person named "Albert" belongs to the "Oinam" family of the "Khuman" salai. Then, his name will be like this: "Oinam Albert Khuman". In Meitei nomenclature, father's names are not used. *Most '''Telugu''' names (other than those of Muslims) are family name (surname) first, like Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese names.<!--Source: {{cite book|author=Vēlcēru Nārāyaṇarāvu|title=Hibiscus on the Lake Twentieth-century Telugu Poetry from India|publisher=[[University of Wisconsin Press]]|year=2003|isbn=9780299177041 (older: 0299177041)|page=[https://www.google.com/books/edition/Hibiscus_on_the_Lake/pjxyfqOmOKMC?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=Telugu+names+family+name+last&pg=PR19&printsec=frontcover xix]}}--> *The foolproof method, therefore, is to ''ask'' how the person would like to be addressed. }} ===Religious etiquette=== As India has great diversity, people follow different religions, the largest being of course Hinduism. * '''Take off your shoes''' when visiting a temple, mosque, or someone's home. * Christians are a minority in India, but going to church and following your faith are always appreciated. There are different denominations and they differ in their practices. * It is disrespectful to touch people or things with your feet. If done accidentally, you will find that Indians will make a quick gesture of apology that involves touching the offended person with the right hand, and then moving the hand to the chest and to the eyes. It is a good idea to emulate that. * The head is considered to be the holiest part of the body, '''so avoid touching people on the head''', including young children, as this is very offensive to Hindus. * '''The left hand''' is considered unclean in both Hinduism and Islam. Be sure to handle sacred objects and perform religious rituals using only your right hand. * '''Books and written materials are treated with respect''', as they are treated as concrete/physical forms of the Hindu goddess of knowledge, Saraswati. Hindus typically avoid stepping on them. * '''Anything associated with wealth is treated with respect''' as it is treated as a concrete/physical form of the Hindu goddess of wealth, Lakshmi. * '''The swastika''' is a common and quite ancient symbol in India. It is also fairly common for Indian parents to name their daughters "Swastika". There is no connection of this symbol to the Nazis. Jewish people have lived in India for thousands of years and have never faced any significant antisemitism. Drawing parallels between the Swastika and Nazism will not be appreciated and is considered cultural appropriation. Many Indians have liberal, open-minded attitudes towards religion, although there are some who have rigid, radical viewpoints, and fundamentalist Hinduism has seen growing support in the 21st century. It's not considered impolite to discuss your religious convictions with someone; for the most part, many Indians are open about talking about it. This said, '''do not impose''' your religious beliefs upon someone. Anything hinting at '''proselytisation''' will not be appreciated. * Contrary to popular belief, India is '''not a vegetarian nation'''. However, vegetarians are a very large minority in India, comprising 20-30% of the population, and many northern and western states are majority vegetarian. Jains, a staunchly vegetarian religious group, are approximately 1% of the population. That said, some ardently religious groups and people often try to demonise non-vegetarianism. Many of the more well-aware Indians feel it is a part of a concerted attempt to codify a monolithic idea of Indian culture and do not like it. These vegetarian sentiments are more common in Northern India, but in other places, such as [[Southern India]] and [[North-Eastern India]], people tend to be more liberal and less sensitive towards other beliefs, and don't really mind as much. If visiting someone's house, it's always wise to ask if the person is a vegetarian or a non-vegetarian. '''Do not impose your food preferences upon anyone'''; it is frowned upon. * '''Atheism is not taboo''' in India. This said, you should be careful when discussing religion with those who have rigid, radical viewpoints; some atheists in India have been attacked by radical groups for openly criticising religion. ===Politics=== * Indians, in general, are ardently political, and politics is a very popular conversational subject amongst many Indians, including the older generation. Many Indians have a breadth of political opinions, including that of their own country; often they express frustration with the government. As always, it is better to listen than to express firm opinions. * The '''Kashmir conflict''' is a highly emotional subject that can very quickly elicit strong reactions from Indian people. The Indian view is that the whole of Kashmir, including [[Azad Kashmir]] and [[Gilgit Baltistan]], the two regions of Kashmir under Pakistani control, ''legally belongs'' to India. * India is made up of 28 states and 8 union territories. Some people in some provinces ([[Punjab]], [[Kashmir]], [[Nagaland]], and [[Assam]]) are sympathetic to full autonomy or '''secession from India'''. Whilst nowhere near as sensitive or divisive as in other parts of the world, try not to bring up such subjects. * Attempting to compliment or say anything that could be perceived as positive about '''[[Pakistan]]''' can evoke a strong response from some Indians. Referring to someone as a "Pakistani" is often used as an insult in India. * Try to avoid being overly enthusiastic about '''[[China]]'''. India's diplomatic relationship with China is tense and '''anti-China sentiments''' are common among the population. The '''1962 Sino-Indian War''' and '''2020 Galwan Valley Clash''' are still very much open wounds the Indian national consciousness. Some '''Chinese products''' are illegal to possess in India and the mere sight of Chinese products can evoke a strong response from some Indians. * Tread carefully when discussing the history of '''Mughal rule'''. Many Hindu nationalists consider the Mughals to be foreign occupiers akin to the British. * The '''partition of India''' is a sensitive issue. A few may convey bitterness against the British Empire, and some who lived through the horrors of the partition may let this reflect on their view of people from the [[United Kingdom]]. Former British prime minister Winston Churchill is widely regarded as a villain in India due to the Bengal famine in 1943. Nevertheless, the two countries enjoy a positive relationship, and Indians are the largest immigrant group in the UK. Rishi Sunak, who is of Indian descent, even became prime minister of the UK. === Other things to watch out for === * Indians tend to have a strong sense of '''national pride''', in part due to the success enjoyed by the Indian diaspora abroad. If you have Indian roots, even if you were born and raised overseas, be careful with divulging your opinions on the country and the culture: some may expect you to follow Indian norms and nuances, and won't take kindly to negative feedback. It is common for Indians to express a deep sense of pride in the success of their fellow countrymen on the world stage, such as Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Google CEO Sundar Pichai and World Bank President Ajay Banga. * Families tend to be close-knit. Tread very carefully '''if you have Indian roots''', even if you were born and raised overseas, or if you are in an intimate relationship with an Indian person: You're often expected to align your views with your or their family, and not doing so would result in you being shunned. Living with extended family (i.e. including grandparents and first cousins) is still the norm in India. * Attitudes towards the LGBT community have been changing since the 2000s. In 2018, homosexuality (which was once punishable by life imprisonment) was decriminalised, and since then there have been strong political movements in favour of LGBT rights. While this may seem impressive, '''many Indians still have conservative opinions on homosexuality''' and do not fully understand it. Try not to reveal your sexuality in public as you may invite unwanted comments or stares. * Reputation is a key aspect of Indian culture, and like in much of Asia "saving face" is a major value in Indian culture. To be polite you should avoid pointing out other people's mistakes or voicing disagreement with someone in public. Doing so can cause a severe blow to another person's reputation, and so to avoid doing so and causing embarrassment, ignore small mistakes. If you must point out someone else's mistake do so in a private setting, and as politely as applicable to the situation. * '''Business cards''' should be given and received using only your '''right hand'''. As the left hand is considered unclean, handling someone's business card with the left hand is very disrespectful. ==Connect== ===By phone=== The country code for India is '''+91'''. In India, area codes are called '''STD''' '''codes''' (Subscriber Trunk Dialing - national long distance) and international dialing is called '''ISD''' (International Subscriber Dialing - international long distance). Local phone numbers can be anywhere from 5-8 digits long. But when the STD code is included, all landline phone numbers in India are 10 digits long. Mobile phone numbers are always 10 digits long and usually start with '9', '8', '7' or '6'. The following table explains how to dial: {| class="wikitable" align="right" ! Calling from || Price || Syntax || Example |- | Same STD code || Local || align=right| ''number'' || align=right| 12345678 |- | Mobile phone || Local || align=right| ''STD code of the town you are in number'' || align=right| 011-12345678 |- | Mobile phone || STD to mobile phone|| align=right| ''number'' || align=right| 012345678 |- | Different STD code|| STD || align=right| '''0'''-''area code''-''number'' || align=right| 022-12345678 |- | Overseas || ISD || align=right| '''+91'''-''area code''-''number'' || align=right| +91-22-12345678 |} Toll-free numbers start with '''1-800''', but are usually ''operator-dependent'': you can't call a BSNL/MTNL toll-free number from an Airtel landline, and vice versa. Often, the numbers may not work from your cellular phone. Other National Numbers that start with '''18xx''' or '''19xx''' may attract special charges. To dial outside the country from India, prefix the country code with 00, e.g. a US number will be dialed as 00-1-555-555-5555. Calling the Canada/UK/US over the normal telephone line will cost you about ₹7.20 per minute. Calls to other countries, particularly to the Middle East, can be more expensive. Payphones, called '''public call offices''' or '''PCOs''' are now increasingly rare with the ubiquitous availability of mobile phones. Where they exist, they are usually staffed, and you dial yourself but pay to the attendant after the call is over. Metering is done per pulse and a service charge of ₹2 is added to the bill. Larger cities also have Western-style unmanned public phones, which are usually red in colour and accept one rupee coins. ====Mobile==== '''[https://www.airtel.in/ Airtel]''', '''[https://www.myvi.in/ Vodafone Idea]''', '''[https://www.jio.com/ Reliance Jio]''' and '''[https://www.bsnl.co.in/ BSNL]-MTNL''' are mobile service providers in India. All of these provide services to the whole of India. Since providers are state-specific, you need to activate roaming, so you can stay connected with the same provider if being in a different state than from where you got the SIM card. No extra costs apply for this kind of roaming within India. As restrictions on internet use increase in India, many mobile stores refuse to sell SIM cards to foreigners (or anyone without local ID)—though you may find an Indian resident or hotel employee willing to buy one under their name if suitably motivated (i.e. rupees). Also, Jio mobile store owners seem to be sufficiently motivated to sell you a SIM and an initial package for a 20% surcharge if you look reliable enough. To get a SIM card alone as a foreigner, you are recommended to visit the telecom operator's exclusive store. To make calls, send text, or use data, you will always require a (monthly) package or validity plan. Packages start at ₹239 for 28 days, e.g. Jio with 1.5GB/day data, unlimited calls, and 100 SMS. With Airtel the same package was around ₹450. All operators provide unlimited domestic phone calls with their packages. Calling overseas can cost quite a bit and will depend on the location you are calling to. In contrast, the other way round (calling to India from elsewhere) is cheap. You can buy a keypad mobile for ₹500, and touch mobiles retail from ₹4,000. ====Mobile internet==== It is very cheap, especially with the proliferation of low-cost operator Reliance Jio, which has forced the mainstream operators such as Airtel and Vodafone Idea to follow suit. Prices for packages including mobile internet are mentioned above. You can use 4G and 4G VoLTE services everywhere. 4G (LTE and VoLTE) networks cover 98% of the population of India and 5G networks in India now cover 52% of the population. 3G is available only in some remote locations and in most locations 3G or below is unavailable. If you use the train, you may occasionally find pocket regions where the internet drops to 2G or goes away completely. ====Messaging==== WhatsApp is the main messaging gateway. SMS is only used for things like OTPs (One Time Passwords, for WiFi) or contract information. ===By internet=== * '''Wi-Fi hotspots''' in India are, for the most part, limited. All airports and railway stations do offer free high speed Wi-Fi. Delhi, Bangalore, Pune and Mumbai are the only cities with decent Wi-Fi coverage. Many free Wi-Fi services will require entering a One time password (OTP) sent to an Indian cell phone number and are usually operated by Airtel or Jio. * '''Internet cafes''' are common and they charge as little as ₹10-20/hr. Many will ask for your passport or ID. Beware of using your credit cards online as there have been many cases of credit cards thefts using ''keyloggers''. * '''Public libraries''' have PCs with broadband for public use. Most libraries require a membership but government-operated libraries only require a quick registration with the verification of your ID. Internet censorship in India is considered “selective”. There are occasional random, inexplicable and arbitrary attemptso by the government to block some sites it considers as carrying hateful propaganda, but enforcement is spotty and the decisions are often forgotten after a few month of being made. The site which are blocked by the courts remain strictly blocked and is different from the vague blocks by the government. For travelers, the most important sites that are blocked are popular Chinese services like TikTok and WeChat, as well as games such as Pubg. Also, major Pakistani websites, accounts and channels have been blocked on social media, and on the internet. However, you may use a VPN to access other servers. ===By mail=== [[File:India - Varanasi post office - 1584.jpg|thumb|A post office in Varanasi]] Addressing mail with a properly-formatted address will expedite its journey with government owned [https://www.indiapost.gov.in/VAS/Pages/IndiaPosthome.aspx India Post]. The PIN code (postal index number) is important, and you can look up PIN codes and correct address formats on India Post's website. A 6-digit PIN code identifies the post office of a district; a 4-digit Post box number (recommended but optional) may narrow this to one business or an individual building. Addresses should be written in three to four lines with the name of recipient, house number and suite or apartment or building number, street name, city or town, state name, PIN code, e.g.: <blockquote>United Nations House<br/>55/73 Lodhi Estate<br/>New Delhi, Delhi-110003</blockquote> First class mail travels by air within India. International first class mail has a maximum limit of 20 kg. Prices vary from country to country. A full list related to the pricing can be found in [https://www.indiapost.gov.in/MBE/pages/content/international-air-parcels.aspx India Post's website]. All locations with a PIN code are considered domestic. Military mail is operated by the Army Postal Service through its APOs and FPOs. The rate for domestic post is ₹15/50 g. Private international courier companies like FedEx, DHL and UPS also operate though all major cities. ==Cope== For immediate emergency assistance, you can call '''112'''.<br> The Ministry of Tourism has a 24-hour helpline for tourists in need. You can call the helpline number at '''1800-11-1363''' or just '''1363'''. ===Consular assistance=== All major cities have international consular assistance which include high commissions, embassies and consulates. More information can be found in respective city articles. Here are links to consular assistance in some cities: * [[Delhi#Embassies & High Commissions|Delhi]] * [[Mumbai#Foreign missions|Mumbai]] * [[Kolkata#Consulates|Kolkata]] * [[Chennai#Consulates|Chennai]] === Television === India has a variety of local Indian news channels in English such as [https://www.doordarshan.gov.in/ Doordarshan] India’s state broadcasting network owned by the Indian government; India [https://www.indiatoday.in/ Today]; NDTV [https://www.ndtv.com/ 24x7]; CNN-[http://www.news18.com/ News18]; Republic [http://www.republicworld.com/ TV]; Times [http://www.timesnownews.com/ Now]; Mirror [https://www.timesnownews.com/mirror-now Now]; [https://www.newsx.com/ NewsX]; [http://wionews.com/ WION]. There are also foreign news channels available such as BBC (World Service),CNN (International South Asia), France 24; Russia Today; ABC Australia; Bloomberg Television; CNA; Al Jazeera English; Deutsche Welle; NHK (World); Push TV. There are also many Hindi news channels, as well as regional news channels in their respective local languages. Sport can be viewed live on DD Sport, Eurosport, Sony Sport Network, Sports18 and Star Sports. There are also many Hindi, English and Regional movies and series channels, children’s and music channels (English, Hindi and regional), lifestyle and teleshopping available on TV networks using cable or satellite These channels can be found on TV using networks such as TataPlay, Airtel and Jio. Netflix India, ZEE5 and Prime Video is available for streaming in India. ===Newspapers=== Local Indian English newspapers can be handy and reliable sources for day-to-day updates about the country. India has a number of English newspapers and magazines. Some of the major newspapers are ''Business Standard'', ''Daily News and Analysis'', ''Deccan Herald'', ''The Hindu'', ''The Statesman'', ''The Telegraph'', ''The Times of India'', ''The Tribune'' and many more. Some popular magazines are ''Filmfare'', ''Down to Earth'', ''India Today'', ''Forbes India'' and ''Vogue''. There are also local regional newspapers which are either often in English or the local regional language. ===Radio=== * '''AIR FM Rainbow''' offers hourly news broadcasts at '''102.6MHZ'''. * '''AIR FM Gold''' offers hourly news broadcasts at '''100.1MHZ''' * '''Radio One''' offers modern and retro song broadcasts at '''94.3MHZ'''. * '''Red FM''' offers public talks and entertainment at '''93.5MHZ''' {{geo|22.8|83|zoom=5}} {{isPartOf|South Asia}}There are also many regional radios on their respective frequencies. {{usablecountry}} {{related|Forts_and_Palaces_of_India}} {{related|Indian_National_Parks_and_Wildlife_Sanctuaries}} {{related|Indian_Zoos_and_Botanical_Gardens}} {{related|Natural Wonders of India}} {{related|Sacred_sites_of_the_Indian_sub-continent}} {{related|UNESCO_World_Heritage_List_(India)}} fhu5kk7oz07ycsn1cwhwfrlsnpv4j9o 5087030 5086797 2025-07-03T08:33:13Z Rangan Datta Wiki 124323 /* Other destinations */ 5087030 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|TajMahal Banner.jpg|caption=Taj Mahal|origin=0,0}} '''India''' ([[Hindi phrasebook|Hindi]]: भारत or ''Bhārat''), the largest country in [[South Asia]], has many of the world's highest mountains, most populated cities, and longest rivers. As one of the great civilisations of the ancient world, India's heritage and culture is a rich amalgam of the past and present. This vast country, the most populous in the world, offers the traveller a view of fascinating religions and ethnography, a smorgasbord of languages, diverse food, and architectural masterpieces that were built millennia ago and remain intact today. As the nation opens up to a globalised world, India still has a depth of history and intensity of culture that awe and fascinate the many who visit there. ==Regions== India is administratively divided into 28 states and 8 union territories. The states are broadly demarcated on linguistic lines. They vary in size; the larger ones are bigger and more diverse than some countries of [[Europe]]. The union territories are usually much smaller than the states—sometimes they are just one city—and they have much less autonomy. India has two island chains off the mainland – the [[Andaman and Nicobar Islands]] in the Bay of Bengal and the [[Lakshadweep]] in the Arabian Sea. The states and union territories are grouped by convention into the following regions: {{Regionlist | regionmap=Map of India.png | regionmaptext=Map of India's regions and states | regionInteractiveMap=map1 | regionmapsize=350px | region1name=[[Himalayan North]] | region1color=#d5b66b | region1items=[[Jammu and Kashmir]], [[Ladakh]], [[Himachal Pradesh]], [[Uttarakhand]] | region1description=Mountainous and beautiful, a tourist destination for the adventurous and the spiritual. This region contains some of India's most visited hill stations and religious places. | region2name=[[Plains (India)|The Plains]] | region2color=#d5dc76 | region2items=[[Bihar]], [[Chandigarh]], [[Delhi]], [[Haryana]], [[Madhya Pradesh]], [[Punjab (India)|Punjab]], [[Uttar Pradesh]] | region2description=The plains, India's breadbasket, are watered by the holy rivers Ganges and Yamuna and their tributaries. The region also features the country's capital, Delhi, [[Agra]] of Taj Mahal fame and the holy cities of [[Mathura]], [[Prayagraj]], [[Varanasi]] and [[Bodh Gaya]]. Many of the events that shaped India's history took place in this region. | region3name=[[Western India]] | region3color=#71b37b | region3items=[[Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu]], [[Goa]], [[Gujarat]], [[Maharashtra]], [[Rajasthan]] | region3description= Home to the vast Thar Desert; the colourful palaces, forts and cities of Rajasthan; the country's most vibrant and biggest city, [[Mumbai]]; the mesmerising rock-cut caves of Ajanta and Ellora in Maharashtra; pristine forests; the wonderful beaches of Goa; the Asiatic lions of Gujarat in Gir jungles; and the rapidly developing cities of [[Ahmedabad]], [[Surat]], [[Jaipur]] and [[Pune]]. | region4name=[[Southern India]] | region4color=#b383b3 | region4items=[[Andaman and Nicobar]], [[Andhra Pradesh]], [[Karnataka]], [[Kerala]], [[Lakshadweep]], [[Pondicherry]], [[Tamil Nadu]], [[Telangana]] | region4description=Features famous and historical temples, tropical forests, backwaters, beaches, hill stations, and three big cities of [[Bangalore]], [[Chennai]], [[Hyderabad]] and other smaller cities. The city of [[Mysore]] is world-renowned for its palaces, especially the Mysore Palace. The island groups of Andaman and Nicobar (on the east) and Lakshadweep on the west, included in this region for convenience, are far from the mainland and have their unique characteristics. | region5name=[[Eastern India]] | region5color=#4da9c4 | region5items=[[Chhattisgarh]], [[Jharkhand]], [[Odisha]], [[Sikkim]], [[West Bengal]] | region5description=Economically less developed, but culturally rich and perhaps the most welcoming to outsiders. Features [[Kolkata]], once the capital of British India, and the temple cities of [[Puri]], [[Bhubaneswar]] and [[Konark]]. The region stretches from the mountains to the coast, resulting in fascinating variations in climate. It is also the mineral storehouse of India, having the country's largest and richest mines. | region6name=[[North-Eastern India]] | region6color=#d56d76 | region6items=[[Arunachal Pradesh]], [[Assam]], [[Manipur]], [[Meghalaya]], [[Mizoram]], [[Nagaland]], [[Tripura]] | region6description=Insular and relatively virgin, this is the country's tribal corner, with lush, beautiful landscapes, endemic flora and fauna of the Indo-Malayan group and famed tea gardens. Consists of seven states popularly known as the "Seven Sisters". The world's oldest polo ground, the world's only floating national park, the world's only women-run market and the world's tallest topiary plant can be seen in [[Manipur]]. The state of Meghalaya is depicted as the "Scotland of India" because of its mesmerising environment. }} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#d5b66b|title=[[Himalayan North]]|wikidata=Q1180,Q1177,Q1499,Q200667,Q66278313|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#d5dc76|title=[[Plains (India)|The Plains]]|wikidata=Q22424,Q1174,Q1498,Q1165,Q43433,Q9357528,Q1188|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#71b37b|title=[[Western India]]|wikidata=Q1437,Q1061,Q1191,Q1171|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#b383b3|title=[[Southern India]]|wikidata=Q1159,Q677037,Q1186,Q1445,Q1185,Q40888,Q26927|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#4da9c4|title=[[Eastern India]]|wikidata=Q1168,Q22048,Q1356,Q1505,Q1184|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#d56d76|title=[[North-Eastern India]]|wikidata=Q1162,Q1164,Q1193,Q1195,Q1502,Q1599,Q1363|stroke-opacity=0.1}} ==Cities== <!--Cities and Other destinations lists are limited to 9 items. Please first discuss proposed changes on this page's talk page.--> These are some of India's most notable cities. Other cities can be found under their specific regions. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Delhi]]|wikidata=Q1353}} — the capital of India and the heart of Northern India *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Bangalore]]|wikidata=Q1355}} (''Bengaluru'') — the beautiful garden city, once the sleepy home of pensioners, now transformed into an IT hub for high-technology companies and sprouting pubs. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Chennai]]|wikidata=Q1352}} (''Madras'') — the main port in Southern India, cultural centre, automobile capital of India *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Hyderabad]]|wikidata=Q1361}} — known for pearl and diamond trading, and for the classic Indian rice dish biryani, now with major manufacturing and financial institutions *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Jaipur]]|wikidata=Q66485}} — the Pink City, a major exhibit of the Hindu Rajput culture of medieval Northern India *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Kolkata]]|wikidata=Q1348}} (''Calcutta'') — the cultural capital of India, known as the City of Joy, and home to numerous colonial buildings *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Mumbai]]|wikidata=Q1156}} (''Bombay'') — the largest city and the financial capital of India, the city that never sleeps, home of "Bollywood", the Hindi film industry *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Shimla]]|wikidata=Q83786}} — capital of Himachal Pradesh, perched high on the Himalayas, more than 2 km above sea level *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Varanasi]]|wikidata=Q79980}} (''Banaras'') — considered the most sacred Hindu city, on the banks of the Ganges, one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world <!--Cities and Other destinations lists are limited to 9 items. Please first discuss proposed changes on this page's talk page.--> ==Other destinations== <!--Cities and Other destinations lists are limited to 9 items. Please first discuss proposed changes on this page's talk page.--> India has many outstanding landmarks and areas of outstanding beauty. Here are some of the most notable. *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Bodh Gaya]]|wikidata=Q176767}} — the main temple complex, which includes the Mahabodhi temple, is the place where the Buddha Sakyamuni attained enlightenment *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Ellora]]|wikidata=Q189616}} and {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Ajanta]]|wikidata=Q184427}} — spectacular rock-cut cave monasteries and temples, holy place for the Buddhists, Jains and Hindus *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Amritsar#Golden Temple|Golden Temple]]|wikidata=Q180422}} — Sikh holy site in [[Amritsar]] *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Hampi]]|wikidata=Q26732}} — the awesome ruins of the empire of Vijayanagara *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Khajuraho]]|wikidata=Q178948}} — temple complexes famed for their erotic sculptures *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Konark]]|wikidata=Q749189}} — Sun Temple, a unique example of Kalingan architecture, which is a [[UNESCO World Heritage]] site *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Madurai#Meenakshi Amman Temple|Meenakshi Temple]]|wikidata=Q1424358}} — a spectacular Hindu temple in [[Madurai]] *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Agra#Taj Mahal|Taj Mahal]]|wikidata=Q9141}} — the incomparable marble tomb in [[Agra]], one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World <!--Cities and Other destinations lists are limited to 9 items. Please first discuss proposed changes on this page's talk page.--> See also: * {{marker|name=[[Forts and palaces of India]]|wikidata=}} * {{marker|name=[[Indian national parks and wildlife sanctuaries]]|wikidata=Q1125269}} * {{marker|name=[[Indian zoos and botanical gardens]]|wikidata=Q20892053}} * {{marker|name=[[Natural wonders of India]]|wikidata=Q28913858}} * {{marker|name=[[Sacred sites of the Indian subcontinent]]|wikidata=Q1372264}} * {{marker|name=[[Hill stations in India]]|wikidata=Q1372264}} * {{marker|name=[[UNESCO World Heritage List (India)]]|wikidata=Q1975374}} ==Understand== {{quickbar|location=LocationIndia.png|capital=New Delhi}} One thing that foreign visitors need to know is that India is, in many ways, heterogeneous. If they experience one set of behaviours from the locals in one part of the country, it does not mean that the same behaviour is common in another area. To give a very simple example, a taxi driver in [[Mumbai]] will without saying a word drop their meter flag and return the exact change, while in [[Delhi]] you have to tell the driver to use the meter and hope you get your change, and in other areas taxi drivers don't even have meters and have fixed the rates for even short distances, and you just pay the amount demanded; if you do get an honest driver, consider yourself lucky. India shows extreme variation in most things, and one needs patience and luck to find the best. Never assume you know everything about any aspect of India; be prepared to see completely new things every day. Indian civilisation has been hugely influential throughout history, and many of the cultures of [[Southeast Asia]] exhibit strong Indian influences. Some Indian influences have also seeped into the cultures of [[East Asia]] through the spread of Buddhism. ===History=== {{see also|South Asian history}} [[File:Varanasikedarghat.JPG|thumb|240px|Hindu pilgrims bathing in the Ganges at [[Varanasi]]]] Humans are thought to have first migrated into the [[Indian subcontinent]] around 70,000 BCE, and there are some [[archaeological sites]] for Stone Age India. One important one is at [[Mehrgarh]] (Pakistan), with the oldest known evidence of agriculture in the subcontinent, around 7000 BCE. The '''[[Indus Valley Civilisation]]''' (3300-1300&nbsp;BCE) was one of the world's first Bronze Age civilisations and very advanced for its time. At its peak (2600-1900&nbsp;BCE), it covered most of what is now [[Pakistan]], plus some of northern India and eastern [[Afghanistan]]. The two biggest archaeological sites, both in Pakistan, are [[Mohenjo-daro]] and [[Harappa]]. Some time after 2000 BCE, the '''Aryans''', herdsmen from somewhere to the northwest, migrated into the region. At about the same time, related groups invaded [[Greece]] (Hellenic Greeks displacing Minoans), Anatolia or [[Turkey]] (the Hittites), [[Persia]] and other areas. It is believed that all these tribes spoke related languages and many modern languages, including most of those spoken in northern India, Europe and some in Central Asia, are descended from them. Linguists classify them all in the Indo-European language family. The '''Vedic Period''' is dated to roughly 1500-500 BCE. This was the period when the '''Vedas''', the oldest and holiest books of '''[[Hinduism]]''', were compiled. They were in an Indo-Aryan language, Vedic Sanskrit. Although few details and archaeological findings are available for this period, many rituals of Hinduism took shape during that period. The Vedic civilisation influences India to this day through the dharmic religions. Present-day Hinduism traces its roots to the Vedas, but is also heavily influenced by literature that came afterwards, ranging from the '''Upanishads''' and '''Puranas''' to the great epics — '''Ramayana''' and '''Mahabharata'''. By tradition, these texts are claimed to only expand and distil the knowledge that is already present in the Vedas. A section of the Mahabharata called the '''Bhagavad Gita''' is among the most widely read works. The Gita is said to be a concise summary of the four Vedas of Hinduism.  Kaal (Kshar Brahm) is said to have described the knowledge of the Gita in 700 verses of 18 chapters after entering Krishna's body. It is a dialogue, just before a great battle at [[Kurukshetra]] between the hero Arjuna and the God Krishna, who serves as his charioteer. Today, Kurukshetra is a destination for both pilgrimage and tourism. In the 1st millennium BCE, various schools of philosophical thought developed, enriching Hinduism greatly. Most of them claimed to derive from the Vedas. However, some of these schools, two of which were '''[[Buddhism]]''' and '''[[Jainism]]''', questioned the authority of the Vedas, and they are now recognised as separate religions. Many great empires arose between 500 BCE and 590 CE. Notable among them were the '''[[Maurya Empire|Mauryas]]''' and the '''Guptas''', both with their capital in the city of Pataliputra, now called [[Patna]]. The Gupta Empire (3rd century CE to 590 CE) is often called the '''Golden Age of India'''. Further west, the Gandharan civilisation (an independent kingdom, later part of the Maurya Empire) ruled much of what are now [[Pakistan]] and [[Afghanistan]]. Their city [[Taxila]] was a great centre of Buddhist and other learning. Over time, there was a gradual decline of Buddhism and Jainism. The practice of Buddhism, in particular, disappeared from India's heartland, though Buddha himself was incorporated into the Hindu pantheon. Jainism continues to be practised by a significant minority who are ambivalent about whether they consider themselves Hindus or not. Hinduism itself went through major changes. Vedic deities such as Indra and Agni became less important while Puranic deities such as Vishnu, Shiva, their various Avatars and family members gained prominence. [[File:Jama Masjid, Delhi, morning view.jpg|thumb|Jama Masjid, [[Delhi]]]] [[Islam]]ic incursions started in the 8th century. Gradually, the raiders started staying as rulers, and soon much of North India was ruled by Muslims. The most important Muslim rulers were the [[Mughal Empire]] that at its peak covered almost the entire subcontinent (save the southern and northeastern extremities), while the major Hindu force that survived in the North were the '''Rajputs'''. The bravery of the Rajputs in resisting an invasion of their land is legendary and celebrated in ballads all over the forts of [[Rajasthan]]. Prominent among the Rajputs was '''Maha Rana Pratap''', the ruler of [[Chittorgarh]], who spent years in exile fighting '''Akbar''', the third of the Mughals. Eventually, however, the Rajputs were subdued. Some Mughal armies had a high proportion of Rajput officers, although some Rajput rebellions still occurred during the reign of Jahangir, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb. This period of North India produced the monumental gems of Rajasthan and the Taj Mahal. Hindi and Urdu also took root in medieval North India. During the Islamic period, there were Hindus who converted to Islam, often forcibly, or to avoid the Jizya tax, as told by Muslim chroniclers. Today, around 15% of India's population follows Islam. '''[[Sikhism]]''', another major religion, was established in [[Punjab]] during the Mughal period. Relations between Sikhism and the Mughals varied over time. The '''Golden Temple''' at [[Amritsar]] was built and recognised all over the world as Sikhism's foremost pilgrimage centre. By the time of its tenth Guru however, '''Guru Gobind Singh''', relations were hostile, primarily due to the antagonism of '''Aurangzeb''', the most intolerant, brutal and bigoted of the Mughals. Conflict between the Sikhs and the Mughals was one of the causes for the eventual decline of the Mughal Empire. Another reason was the rise of the '''Maratha Empire''' in [[Maharashtra]], which was started by '''Shivaji''' and carried on by the '''Peshwas'''. The Marathas established a short-lived confederacy that was almost as large as the Mughal Empire. Marathas lost their command over India after the third battle of Panipat, which in turn paved the way for British colonialism. [[File:ShoreTemple Approach2.JPG|thumb|Shore Temple (c. 700 CE), [[Mamallapuram]]]] South India followed a different trajectory, being less affected by Islamic rule. The period from 500 to 1600 CE is called the classical period and was dominated by great South Indian kingdoms. The most prominent empires included the '''Chalukyas''', '''Rashtrakutas''' and '''Vijayanagara''' who ruled from present day Karnataka and the '''Pallavas''', '''Cheras''', '''Pandyas''' and '''Cholas''' who ruled from present day Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Among them, the Cholas, who ruled from various capital cities including [[Thanjavur]] and [[Gangaikonda Cholapuram]], are widely recognised to be the most powerful of the South Indian kingdoms, with their territory stretching as far north as Pataliputra and their influence spreading as far east as Sumatra, western Borneo and southern Vietnam at the height of their power. Some of the grandest Hindu and Jain monuments that exist in India were built during this time in South and East India. Northeast India was also fairly isolated from the rest of the country until the colonial period. The largest and longest kingdom to rule over the Northeast were the '''Ningthouja dynasty (33–1891 AD)''' of [[Manipur]], followed by the '''[[Ahom Kingdom|Ahoms]]''' who, from the 13th to 19th centuries, successfully defended [[Assam]] and neighbouring regions from Mughal expansion. European traders started visiting India beginning in the late 16th century. Prominent among these were the British, Dutch, French and Portuguese. The British East India Company made [[Calcutta]] their headquarters in 1772. They also established subsidiary cities like [[Bombay]] and [[Madras]]. Calcutta later went on to become 'the second city of the empire after [[London]]'. By the 19th century, the British had, one way or the other, assumed political control of virtually all of India, though the Portuguese, the Dutch and the French too had their enclaves along the coast. The British would send Indian labourers, policemen and soldiers all over the Empire, resulting in the establishment of Indian diaspora communities, the most notable ones in [[Myanmar]], [[Malaysia]], [[Singapore]], [[Hong Kong]], [[Fiji]], [[South Africa]], [[Mauritius]], [[Kenya]], [[Guyana]], [[Trinidad and Tobago]] and the [[United Kingdom]] itself. There was an uprising by Indian rulers in 1857, which was suppressed, but which prompted the British government to take over from the Company and make India a part of the empire. This period of rule by the crown, 1858–1947, was called the [[British Raj]]. It was a period in which some Indians converted to Christianity, though forcible conversions ended in British India after 1859, and Queen Victoria's proclamation promised to respect the religious faiths of Indians. [[Indian independence movement|Non-violent resistance to British colonialism]] led by '''Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi''' led to independence on 15 August 1947. However, independence was simultaneously granted to the secular Hindu-majority state of India and the smaller Muslim-majority state of [[Pakistan]], and the orgy of Hindu-Muslim bloodletting that followed '''Partition''' led to the deaths of at least half a million and the migration of 12–14 million people. India achieved self-sufficiency in food grains by the 1970s, ensuring that the large-scale famines that had been common are now history. However, these policies also led to shortages, slow growth and large-scale corruption. After a balance-of-payments crisis in 1991, the country adopted free-market reforms, which have continued at a steady pace ever since, fueling strong growth. The IT, Business Process Outsourcing and other industries have been the drivers for the growth, while manufacturing and agriculture, which have not experienced reforms, are lagging. About 60% of Indians live on agriculture and around 36% remain in poverty. Relations with Pakistan have been frosty. The two countries have fought four wars, three of them over the status of [[Kashmir]]. The third war between the two countries in 1971 resulted in East Pakistan becoming Bangladesh. India continues to experience occasional terrorist attacks, many of which are widely believed to originate in Pakistan and be ordered or assisted by its military-intelligence complex. China and India went to war in 1962 over a Himalayan border dispute. Current relations are largely peaceful but tense. There are no land crossings allowed between the two countries, though one border crossing between [[Sikkim]] and [[Tibet]] was re-opened in 2006 for trade. Security concerns over Pakistan and China prompted India to test '''nuclear weapons''' twice (including the 1974 tests described as "peaceful explosions"). India wants to be accepted as a legitimate nuclear power and is campaigning for a permanent Security Council seat. India is proud of its democratic record. Constitutional government and democratic freedoms have been safeguarded for most of its time as an independent country. Current concerns in India include corruption, poverty, overpopulation, pollution and forms of environmental degradation, ongoing border disputes with Pakistan and China, cross-border terrorism, and ethnic, political and religious strife, which occurs from time to time. India's current obsession, at least among the educated elite, is over whether India will be able to overtake China in economic growth and be an economic and military superpower. Today, many Indians regard their country to be the voice and leader of the entire Global South in international politics. ===Politics=== [[File:Back view of Rashtrapati Bhavan.jpg|thumb|The Rashtrapati Bhavan (literally the "President House") in New Delhi]] India is a parliamentary republic and democracy modelled on the British Westminster system. The president, indirectly elected, is the head of state, but this position, while not entirely ceremonial, has limited powers. The prime minister runs the government with a cabinet of ministers, and in practice wields the most authority in government. The parliament is bicameral. The Lok Sabha (House of the People), the lower house, is directly elected by universal adult franchise, while the Rajya Sabha (Council of States), or the upper house, is indirectly elected. The Lok Sabha is the more powerful of the two, primarily because a majority in the Lok Sabha is required to form a government and pass budgets, and the prime minister, by convention, is always a member of the Lok Sabha. India is also a federation, divided into states and union territories. Each of these has its own legislature, with a government run by a chief minister and a cabinet. Each state or union territory is divided into multiple districts, which are in turn divided into multiple smaller divisions, depending on the state or union territory in question. There are two types of local government in India: the '''urban local bodies''' (ULBs) for cities and towns, and the '''panchayati raj''' (literally the "rule of five officials") for the remaining countryside. The urban local bodies include municipalities, municipal corporations, cantonments, nagar/town panchayats, notified area councils etc. The panchayati raj is divided into three levels or tiers: '''gram panchayats''' for individual villages, '''panchayat samitis''' for groups of villages, and '''zila panchayats''' (or zila parishads) for districts. India has a vast number of political parties. The Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) forms the government, and the centre-left Indian National Congress (INC, simply known as "Congress") is the main opposition party. India has a strong and independent judiciary and a free press. Street demonstrations, protests and agitations occur, as they do in any democracy. There are also occasional low levels of political violence, in which a visitor has an extremely small chance of getting caught. ===Time zone=== Indian Standard Time (IST) is 5 hours and 30 minutes ahead of Co-ordinated Universal Time (UTC+5.5). Daylight Saving Time is not observed in India. ===Geography=== [[File:Loktak Lake Boat people Moirang Manipur India.jpg|thumb|[[Loktak lake]], the world's only floating lake.]] India covers an area of {{convert|3,287,263|km2|sqmi|0}}, making it the world's seventh-largest country, the third-largest country in [[Asia]] (if you count [[Russia]]), and the largest country in [[South Asia]]. India is three times smaller than the [[United States]], half the size of [[Australia]], and nearly 11,000 times larger than Asia's smallest country, the [[Maldives]]. Mountains, jungles, deserts and beaches, India has it all. It is bounded to the north and northeast by the '''snow-capped Himalayas''', the tallest mountain range in the world. In addition to protecting the country from invaders, they also feed the perennial rivers '''Ganga''' (Ganges), '''Yamuna''' (Jamuna) and '''Sindhu''' (Indus) on whose plains India's civilization flourished. Though most of the Sindhu is in Pakistan now, three of its tributaries flow through [[Punjab (India)|Punjab]]. The Ganga has two distributaries, of which the '''Bhagirathi-Hooghly''' runs over India and is the lifeline of [[West Bengal]]. Both distributaries eventually meet at the Bay of Bengal, forming both the largest river delta and the largest mangrove forest in the world. The other Himalayan river, the '''Brahmaputra''', flows through the northeast, mostly through [[Assam]], where it is known by different names. The '''Manipur River''', originating in [[Manipur]], joins the Chindwin-Irrawaddy River System of Myanmar. South of Punjab lies the '''Aravalli''' range, which cuts [[Rajasthan]] into two. The western half of Rajasthan is occupied by the '''Thar''' desert. The '''Vindhyas''' cut across Central India, particularly through [[Madhya Pradesh]] and signify the start of the '''Deccan''' plateau, which covers almost the whole of the southern peninsula. The Deccan plateau is bounded by the '''Western Ghats''' range (which is called '''Sahyadri''' in Maharashtra) to the west and the '''Eastern Ghats''' to the east. The plateau is more arid than the plains, as the rivers that feed the area, such as the '''Narmada''', '''Godavari''' and the '''Kaveri''', run dry during the summer. Towards the northeast of the Deccan plateau is what used to be a thickly forested area that covers the states of [[Chhattisgarh]], [[Jharkhand]], the eastern edge of [[Maharashtra]] and the northern tip of [[Andhra Pradesh]]. This area is still forested, poverty stricken and populated by tribal people. This forest acted as a barrier to the invasion of South India. The '''world's only floating lake''' is [[Loktak Lake]] in the central bowl like plain of [[Manipur]]. It is remarkably known for its unique circular floating biomasses ([[Manipuri phrasebook|Manipuri]]: Phumdi). India has a long '''coastline'''. The west coast borders the '''Arabian Sea''' and the east coast the '''Bay of Bengal''', both parts of the Indian Ocean. ===Climate=== [[File:A beach side resort at Kadmat Island, Lakshadweep.jpg|thumb|Lakshadweep Islands]] [[File:Jammu and Kashmir 3.JPG|thumb|Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir]] In India, it rains only during a specific time of the year. The season as well as the phenomenon that causes it is called the '''monsoon'''. There are two of them, the '''Southwest''' and the '''Northeast''', both named after the directions the winds come from. The Southwest monsoon is the more important one, as it causes rains over most parts of the country, and is the crucial variable that decides how the crops will do. It lasts from June to September. The Southwest monsoon hits the west coast the most, as crossing the Western Ghats and reaching the rest of India is an uphill task for the winds. The western coastline is therefore much '''greener''' than the interior. The Northeast monsoon hits the east coast between October and February, mostly in the form of occasional '''cyclones''' that cause much devastation every year. The only region that gets rains from both monsoons is North-Eastern India, which consequently experiences the '''highest rainfall in the world'''. India experiences at least three seasons a year, '''Summer''', '''Rainy Season''' (or "Monsoon") and '''Winter''', though in the '''tropical South''' calling the 25°C (77°F) weather "Winter" would be stretching the concept. The North experiences some extremes of heat in Summer and cold in Winter, but except in the Himalayan regions, snow is almost unheard of. November to January is the winter season and April and May are the hot months when everyone eagerly awaits the rains. There is also a brief spring in February and March, especially in North India. Opinions are divided on whether any part of India experiences an '''Autumn''', but the ancients had certainly identified such a season among the '''six seasons''' (or ''ritus'' - ''Vasanta'' - Spring, ''Greeshma'' - Summer, ''Varsha'' - Rainy, ''Sharat'' - Autumn, ''Hemanta'' - "Mild Winter"/"late autumn", ''Sheet'' - Winter) they had divided the year into. ===Culture=== {{infobox|Culture shock|Many visitors expecting maharajas and fabulous palaces are shocked when their first impressions are dominated by poverty instead. Prepare for the following: * '''Attention''' – Some people will unabashedly stare at foreign tourists, who can also be magnets for persistent touts and beggars. People may shove their mobile phone in your face and take pictures; just turn your head. Beggars, especially malnourished children and the badly deformed, can be particularly disturbing. * '''Crowds''' – Many of India's streets, markets and bazaars are jam-packed with people, vehicles and at certain times, animals, and streets tend to be narrow. If you ever travel the cheapest class in buses or trains, these will also get packed a lot, which might be exhausting. * '''Dogs''' – [[Aggressive dogs|Stray dogs]] can be found everywhere in India. Their behaviour can be anything from lying around not caring about people or aggressively barking at them. Sometimes they roam the streets in packs. Either way, it is best to stay away from them, even if they seem friendly. There are no countrywide rabies vaccination programs for dogs in India and you never know their health status. * '''Filth''' – Dirt, refuse and insects abound in the cities. The roadside can sometimes be a urinal. Roads are also often dusty because the asphalt is missing in some parts, so if travelling by bus, be quick in closing the window if it is the right time. * '''Noise''' – Drivers lean on horns, radios and TVs blare Bollywood tracks, and even temples, mosques and churches use loudspeakers to spread their message. The function of using the horn while driving is to make yourself noticed to the other drivers or to pedestrians — Indians will often enter the road without looking right or left, they will just expect someone to sound the horn if there is danger. * '''Pollution''' – Most North Indian cities—especially New Delhi—suffer badly. Exhaust combined with dust can make the drier seasons a nightmare for asthma sufferers. Most visitors quickly get inured to these things that are pitfalls of urbanisation and start seeing the good sides too, but take it easy on your first few days and schedule some time to get away from it all.}} India's rich and multi-layered cultures are dominated by religious and spiritual themes. While it is a mistake to assume that there is a single unified Indian culture, there are certainly unifying themes that link the various cultures. India's cultural heritage is expressed through its myriad of languages in which much great literature and poetry has been written. It can be seen in its music, both in its classical (Carnatic and Hindustani) forms and in modern Bollywood music. India also has a vast tradition of classical and folk dances. Art and theatre flourish amongst the bustling cities of the country, against the backdrop of the ever-expanding western influences. Indians greatly value their family system. Typically, an Indian family encompasses what would be called the extended family in the West. It is routine for Indians to live as part of the paternal family unit throughout their lives, i.e. sons live together with their parents all their lives, and daughters live with their parents till they get married. The relationship is mutually self-supporting. Parents may support their children for longer than is common in the West, brothers and sisters may support each other, and sons are expected to take care of their parents in their old age. "Living with parents" does not carry the same stigma as it does in parts of the West. Naturally, the arrangements are not perfect and there are strains and breakups, especially by the time the third generation grows up. Also, it has now become common for children to move away from the parental house for education and employment. Nonetheless, it is fair to say that the extended family is still seen as the norm and an ideal to aspire to, and Indians continue to care about their family's honour, achievements and failures even while they are not living together. Despite the weakening of the caste system (which has officially been outlawed by the Indian government), India remains a fairly stratified society. Indians care more about a person's background and position in society than is the norm in the individualist West. This attitude, when combined with the legacy of colonial rule, results in some rather interesting, if unfortunate consequences. People with white skin are placed high on the societal totem pole, and they may find that Indians are obsequious towards them to the point of embarrassment. People with dark skin, however, may find that they are discriminated against. If it is any consolation, Indians display similar prejudices based on skin colour and ethnicity among themselves and not just towards foreigners. See more in the [[#Stay Safe]] and [[#Respect]] sections. There is also a community known as the Siddis, who are believed to be descended from East African slaves brought to India by the Arab Slave Trade, and mainly found in remote rural villages. Although they speak Indian instead of African languages these days, they still retain many African customs including African dance and music. Although they are Indian citizens, due to a lack of awareness from the general Indian population of their existence, they continue to face much discrimination, and are often presumed to be illegal immigrants from Africa. British colonisation also gave rise to a mixed-raced population known as the Anglo-Indians, and while most of them migrated to Western countries following independence, pockets of these communities remain in India's major cities. ===Holidays and festivals=== There are three national holidays: '''Republic Day''' (26 January), '''Independence Day''' (15 August), and '''Gandhi's Birthday,''' generally called '''Gandhi Jayanti''' (2 October) which follow the Western calendar and occur on the same day every year. Hindu religious festivals, because they follow the lunisolar calendar, occur on different days every year, but around the same time of the year every time. The major religious festivals of Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism and Zoroastrianism are also celebrated. Central government offices are closed for holidays around 17 days a year for these festivals and observances. The significance of these festivals differs across different regions of India. State government offices will have a different holiday schedule based on which festivals are important in that state. Generally, the day on which the state was formed will also be a holiday in that state. Some of the major Indian festivals are: [[File:Diwali Lighting Mini Lamps 2011.jpg|thumb|250px|Diwali lighting]] *'''Diwali''' (Deepavali), Oct-Nov — The festival of lights, celebrates the return of the Hindu God Rama to the capital of his kingdom, [[Ayodhya]] after an exile of 14 years and victory of justice over injustice when Narakasura was killed by Satyabhama with the help of Krishna. Probably the most lavish festival in the country, reminiscent of Christmas in Europe or Thanksgiving in the US. Houses are decorated, there is glitter everywhere, and if you wander the streets on Diwali night, there will be firecrackers going off everywhere including sometimes under your feet. *'''Ugadhi,''' [sometimes also called 'Yugadhi' and various other names] is one of the main festivals, which is mainly celebrated as the 1st day of the Hindu Calendar New Year. Which is one of the main festivals and is quite widely followed in South India. [[File:Durga Puja DS.jpg|thumb|right|250px|[[Durga Puja]]]] *'''[[Durga Puja|Durga Puja / Navaratri / Dussehara]]''', Sep-Oct — A nine-day festival culminating in the holy day of Dussehra, when locals worship the deity Durga. Workers are given sweets, cash bonuses, gifts and new clothes. It is also a new year for businesspeople when they are supposed to start new account books. In some places like [[West Bengal]] and [[Odisha]], Durga Puja is ''the'' most important festival. In the north ''Dussehra'' celebrations take place and the slaying of Ravana by Lord Rama is ceremonially reenacted as ''Ram Lila''. In [[Gujarat]] and [[South India]], it is celebrated as Navaratri where the festival is celebrated by dancing to devotional songs and religious observances like fasts extended for nine nights. *'''Holi''', in March — The festival of colour is a major festival celebrated mainly in North, East and Western India. On the first day, people go to temples and light bonfires, but on the second, it's a water fight combined with '''showers of coloured powder'''. This is not a spectator sport: as a visible foreigner, you're a magnet for attention, so you'll either have to barricade yourself inside, or put on your most disposable clothes and join the fray. Alcohol and ''bhang'' (cannabis) are often involved and crowds can get rowdy as the evening wears on. [[File:DagduHalwai2013.jpg|thumb|right|Dagdusheth Halwai Ganesha Idol during Ganesh Chaturthi 2013]] *'''Ganesh Chaturthi''', is celebrated all over India. Ganesh Chaturthi is the festival of Lord Ganesha. Ganesh Chaturthi is most enjoyed in [[Maharashtra]]. It is the best time to visit cities like [[Mumbai]], [[Pune]], [[Nagpur]]. * '''Christmas''' and '''New Year's Day''' are public holidays across the country and Bank Holidays as well. Christmas is a major festival in the regions of Kerala and Goa. * '''Eid-al-Fitr''', '''Eid-al-Adha''', '''Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi''', '''Yawm-e-Aashoora''' and '''Ramadan''' are widely celebrated and observed as public holidays across the country. Apart from these, each state has its major national festival like '''Onam''' in [[Kerala]], '''Makar Sankranti''' and '''Ugadi''' in Andhra Pradesh, ''Utarayan'' in Gujarat, '''Pongal''' in [[Tamil Nadu]], '''Baisakhi''' for Punjab, Bihu for Assam, ''Rathayatra'' (car festival for Lord Jagannath) in Odisha, ''Nuakhai'' for Western Odisha. India is a diverse nation, and festivals are a significant part of life for the locals, they provide holidays for about a week. Religious holidays occur on different days each year because the Hindu and Islamic festivals are based on their respective calendars and not on the Gregorian calendar. Most of them are celebrated only locally, so check the state or city you are visiting for information on whether there will be closures. Different regions might give somewhat different names to the same festival. To cater to varying religious practices, offices have a list of '''optional holidays''' (called '''restricted holidays''' by the government) from which employees are allowed to pick two, in addition to the list of fixed holidays. This may mean thin attendance and delayed service even when the office is officially open. ===Read=== {{infobox|Kashmir dispute|India and Pakistan have a bitter dispute over Kashmir; each government claims territory that is under the control of the other. They have fought wars over this three times since independence in 1947. China also claims portions of Kashmir and fought two wars with India over the dispute in 1962 and 1967. Wikivoyage, however, deals ''only'' with the current situation on the ground; our maps show and our text describes that without taking sides on the disputes. If you can go there with a Pakistani visa today then we treat it as being in Pakistan, and if you need an Indian visa, we treat it as being in India. This is the most important distinction for travellers. Visitors should exercise considerable caution in these areas. Both governments consider them highly sensitive, keep large military forces along the border, and restrict travel to border areas.}} *''An Era of Darkness'' by Shashi Tharoor. Thought provoking account of how the British Raj impoverished the country and caused humanitarian crises. *''Midnight's Children'', Salman Rushdie's allegory about Independence. It was awarded the "Booker of Bookers" Prize and the best all-time prize winners to celebrate the Booker Prize 25th and 40th anniversary. It was also adapted into a film by Indo-Canadian film director Deepa Mehta (2012). *''The India they saw : foreign accounts'', by Meenakshi Jain (2011). A compilation of intriguing travel tales and excerpts from travelogues by travellers, writers, pilgrims and missionaries. *''A Goddess in the Stones: Travels in India'' by Norman Lewis (Cape 1991; US: Holt 1992), In "Goddess in the Stones", influential journalist and author Norman Lewis undertakes a journey of 2500 miles in search of the old India. *''India: A History'', John Keay; "A superb one-volume history of a land that defies reduction into simple narrative ... Without peer among general studies, a history that is intelligent, incisive, and eminently readable." ({{ISBN|0802137970}}) *''India: A Million Mutinies Now'', V.S. Naipaul; "With this book he may well have written his own enduring monument, in prose at once stirring and intensely personal, distinguished both by style and critical acumen" ({{ISBN|0670837024}}) *''In Spite of the Gods'', Edward Luce; an exceptionally insightful and readable book on the unlikely rise of modern India. ({{ISBN|0316729817}}) *''No Full Stops In India'', Mark Tully; "India's Westernised elite, cut off from local traditions, want to write a full stop in a land where there are no full stops. From that striking insight, Mark Tully has woven a superb series of stories that explore everything from communal conflict in Ahmedabad to communism in Kolkata, from the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad (probably the biggest religious festival in the world) to the televising of a Hindu epic." ({{ISBN|0140104801}}) *''Mother Pious Lady'', Santosh Desai; An excellent account of middle-class beliefs and customs from the pre-liberalisation era till date. For anyone who wants to understand the culture of present India, this is a must-read where the author cuts through the chaos and confusion letting you see things more clearly. ({{ISBN|9788172238643}}) *''Indian journals, March 1962-May 1963: Notebooks, diary, blank pages, writings.'' Ginsberg, A. (1970). San Francisco: Dave Haselwood Books. Travel diary written by the famous beat poet Allen Ginsberg. *''Lion: A Long Way Home'', a book by Saroo Brierley. *''Spiritual India handbook: A guide to temples, holy sites festivals and traditions'' by Stephen Knapp (2013). Useful for the pilgrim who wants to get the most out of his or her spiritual adventure and experience in India. See also the Wikivoyage article [[On the trail of Kipling's Kim]]. ===Tourist information === * [https://www.incredibleindia.org Incredible India] tourism website ==Talk== [[File:Trilingual signboard in the Imphal International Airport (Tulihal International Airport) displaying in Meitei, Hindi and English languages.jpg|thumb|A trilingual sign in Meitei, Hindi, and English in [[Manipur]]]] At the federal level, the official languages of India are '''[[Hindi phrasebook|Hindi]]''' and '''[[English language varieties|English]].''' Most Indians are multilingual, with many being proficient in more than one language. Other languages that are official to some degree (often at state level) are '''[[Assamese phrasebook|Assamese]]''', '''[[Bengali phrasebook|Bengali]]''', '''[[Bodo phrasebook|Bodo]]''', '''[[Dogri phrasebook|Dogri]]''', '''[[Gujarati phrasebook|Gujarati]]''', '''[[Kannada phrasebook|Kannada]]''', '''[[Kashmiri phrasebook|Kashmiri]]''', '''[[Konkani phrasebook|Konkani]]''', '''[[Maithili phrasebook|Maithili]]''', '''[[Malayalam phrasebook|Malayalam]]''', '''[[Manipuri phrasebook|Manipuri]]''' (also known as Meitei), '''[[Marathi phrasebook|Marathi]]''', '''[[Nepali phrasebook|Nepali]]''', '''[[Odia phrasebook|Odia]]''' (also known as Oriya), '''[[Punjabi phrasebook|Punjabi]]''', '''[[Sanskrit phrasebook|Sanskrit]]''', '''[[Santhali phrasebook|Santhali]]''', '''[[Sindhi phrasebook|Sindhi]]''', '''[[Tamil phrasebook|Tamil]]''', '''[[Telugu phrasebook|Telugu]]''' and '''[[Urdu phrasebook|Urdu]].''' There are also hundreds of less prominent languages like [[Tulu phrasebook|'''Tulu''']], [[Bhojpuri phrasebook|'''Bhojpuri''']] and [[Ladakhi phrasebook|'''Ladakhi''']]. '''Hindi''' is spoken by 40–50% of the population and serves as the "lingua franca" of [[Northern India]]. However, its use at the national level is sometimes a point of contention due to India's linguistic diversity. Very little Hindi is generally spoken in [[Southern India|Southern]] and [[North-Eastern India|North-Eastern]] India. There are also over 120 Hindi dialects in India. One of them is Haryanvi, which is a common dialect around Haryana and the Delhi area. '''English''' is spoken in urban areas, and is the main language in higher education and business. It serves as the de facto lingua franca of the country. Indian English is generally based on British English, but has also acquired a uniquely Indian flavour. Perhaps the most common jibe about the dialect is its use of "improper" grammar, which can sound strange to English speakers from other countries. Indian English is often spoken with a strong accent, which varies depending on the speaker's native language, and incorporates several words from the local languages that are not used in other English dialects, which can make it tricky for non-native English speakers from elsewhere to understand. Learning the basics of Hindi and/or the local language is useful when travelling to rural areas, as English proficiency is limited there. Some features of Indian English: * The most commonly used tag question is ''"isn't it"'', which can be used to indicate a genuine question (e.g. ''He is from Tamil Nadu, isn't it?''), sarcasm, bewilderment, and so on. * Nouns are commonly pluralised (e.g. ''A room full of furnitures'', ''stuffs for eating'' as opposed to ''A room full of furniture'' or ''stuff for eating'') * Verbs conjugate differently (e.g. ''I knowed about it'' or ''I buyed it'' as opposed to ''I knew about it'' or ''I bought it'') * Colloquialisms, slang words and idioms, some of which may be perceived as rude or impolite by non-Indians, are common (e.g. ''Hello, what you want?'' as opposed to ''Hello, what do you want?'') * Prepositions and articles are often dropped or combined strangely (e.g. ''I want computer'' as opposed to ''I want a computer'') * The use of some vocabulary and expressions not used with the same meaning elsewhere (e.g. ''vote bank'', which means a group of people that supports a particular political party) English-language TV shows and movies are common, and the number of English TV channels outnumber the number of Indian-language TV channels. Some shows may be dubbed in another language depending on where you are. Cable TV channels often have an option to select from multiple audio languages. '''Sanskrit''' is the language in which much of ancient Indian literature and religious texts are written. Today Sanskrit survives primarily as a liturgical language; few if any people speak Sanskrit as a native language, but quite a few scholars or lay-persons know it or are learning it. Many modern Indian languages are descended from Sanskrit, and even those unrelated to Sanskrit have been strongly influenced by it. While most north Indian languages, including Hindi, are descended from Sanskrit, the main languages of the south – [[Telugu phrasebook|Telugu]], [[Tamil phrasebook|Tamil]], [[Kannada phrasebook|Kannada]] and [[Malayalam phrasebook|Malayalam]] – originate from a different ancestral language and are called the Dravidian languages. Ironically, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam are far more Sanskritic than Hindi due to the relative absence of Islamic rule in those regions. In North Eastern India, [[Manipuri phrasebook|Manipuri]] or Meitei is a language of the Sino-Tibetan family, related to Chinese, Burmese and Tibetan, making it distinct from other Indian languages. However, you are better off picking up as many words as you can of the local language of the place you are going to – people are proud of their state's (or region's) culture and language and will appreciate it if an outsider makes an attempt to communicate in it. Code-switching between English and the local language is common among the urban youth, although most educated people would speak standard English (British) when talking to foreigners. Many Indian languages lack a word for please, just like the Scandinavian languages. Instead, verbs have many forms denoting levels of politeness and formality. As there is no such distinction in English, Indians may also seem commanding to a westerner. You may hear phrases like ''come here'' which may sound commanding to Anglophones from Western cultures, but this is not intended to be rude. '''Non-verbal communication''' is also important. Much has been made of the confusing Indian head nod for yes and no, but the only important thing to understand is that Indians have '''different nods for yes, ok and no.''' * If they are nodding their head '''up and down''', they mean '''yes''' or '''I agree''', as in a standard nod. * If they are shaking their head in a '''tilting motion''' from right to left and back, they mean '''I understand''' or '''I get what you said'''. * If they shake their head sideways (left to right to left), they mean '''no'''. * There are differences in the way these signs are used in northern and southern India. The back to forth is yes and a vigorous left-right shift is no in northern India, though the latter may be construed for yes in southern states like Tamil Nadu. Look for verbal cues that accompany these sounds (like 'aaan' for yes) in southern India to get the correct meaning. ==Get in== {{VisaRestriction|Certain states in India require permits to visit. Citizens and former citizens of [[Afghanistan]], [[Bangladesh]], [[Pakistan]], [[China]] (including [[Hong Kong]] and [[Macau]]), and [[Myanmar]] are usually not eligible for them unless they have special permission from the Home Ministry. * A Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is required to enter parts of the [[Andaman and Nicobar Islands]], and parts of [[Sikkim]]. Citizens and former citizens of Afghanistan, China and Pakistan are required to get a RAP to visit any part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. * A Protected Area Permit (PAP) is required to enter [[Arunachal Pradesh]], and parts of [[Himachal Pradesh]], [[Jammu and Kashmir]], [[Ladakh]], [[Rajasthan]], [[Sikkim]], and [[Uttarakhand]]. * An Inner Line Permit (ILP) is required to enter [[Mizoram]], [[Manipur]], [[Arunachal Pradesh]], or [[Nagaland]] if you are a citizen of India. Most foreigners can visit without the permit but must register with the local police on arrival. In addition, an ILP is required for all visitors to [[Sikkim]] regardless of citizenship, but foreigners can usually get one at the border. If you are planning to visit any of these areas, you should request the relevant permit when applying for your Indian visa, and it will be added to your visa if approved. This however is not possible with the easily obtainable ETA/e-Visa, but just with regular visas. |lastedit=permanent }} {{VisaRestriction|Chinese (including Hong Kong and Macau) citizens are not permitted to travel to India except for diplomatic purposes. Hong Kong citizens may visit India only if they have a British National (Overseas) passport; a Hong Kong SAR passport is not valid for travel to India. |lastedit=permanent }} {{VisaRestriction|All existing valid visas (except for long-term visas and diplomatic and official visas) issued by India to Pakistani nationals stand revoked with effect from 27 April 2025. Medical visas issued to Pakistani nationals will be valid only till 29 April 2025. All Pakistani nationals who are in India must leave India before the expiry of visas |lastedit=2025-05-01}} ===Entry requirements=== ====Visa==== India's once notoriously convoluted visa system has been drastically simplified with the introduction of the '''e-visa''', which is now available to citizens of 166 countries including all the usual suspects, and is covered in detail below. Notable exceptions include the following: '''Holders of an Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) document''' are permitted to stay in India indefinitely and have the same rights as any Indian citizen, enjoying the prices of Indian citizen at tourist attractions. However, they must apply for permits to visit certain areas in India, cannot buy agricultural land and cannot vote in any election. The OCI certificate is not under any circumstances a proof of Indian citizenship, and the country that you are a passport holder of is still able to offer consular assistance. Citizens of '''[[Nepal]]''' and '''[[Bhutan]]''' may enter and live in India indefinitely without a visa. Citizens of '''[[Maldives]]''' may stay up to 90 days without a visa. Citizens of '''[[Japan]], [[South Korea]], and the [[United Arab Emirates]]''' are eligible for visas on arrival and may stay for up to 60 days. Citizens (current or former) of '''[[Afghanistan]]''', '''[[North Korea]]''' and '''[[Iran]]''' require a minimum of 4 weeks waiting time for their visa. A '''business visa''' may be required if you intend to do anything work related in India (OCIs are exempt from a business visa). The ETA does permit "casual business visits" and will be easier to obtain. If you do need a business visa, then be prepared to provide a great deal of documentation about your company in your home country as well as the company you are visiting in India. This will include (but may not be limited to) an invitation letter from the company that you are visiting as well as business registration documents and possibly tax returns and other sensitive documents. It may be worth applying for a short-term visa (such as 6 months) since the criteria may be less in your case. A special 10-year visa is available to nationals of certain countries, including U.S. citizens (US$100). Regular visa applications for U.S. citizens (for travellers not eligible for ETA) begin at '''[https://services.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind/ VFS Global]''' before being submitted to a visa application centre either by FedEx or in person. It is always good to ask for a '''multiple-entry''' visa even if you are not planning to use it—they cost the same, are handed out pretty liberally and come in handy if you decide last minute to dip into one of the neighbouring countries. Regular visas can be applied for through the [https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/index.html Government of India website]. ===== Pakistani citizens ===== {{VisaRestriction|All existing valid visas (except for long-term visas and diplomatic and official visas) issued by India to Pakistani nationals stand revoked with effect from 27 April 2025. Medical visas issued to Pakistani nationals will be valid only till 29 April 2025. All Pakistani nationals who are in India must leave India before the expiry of visas |lastedit=2025-05-11}} <!--{{disclaimerbox|More information on the visa application process for Pakistani nationals can be [https://www.mha.gov.in/PDF_Other/AnnexV_01022018.pdf found here]. }}--> <!--If you are considered a Pakistani citizen – for example, being a dual citizen of Pakistan, being born in Pakistan, or having a parent who was born in Pakistan – by the Indian authorities, a visa will not be granted to you unless the Ministry of Home Affairs in [[New Delhi]] approves. The approval process is '''notoriously lengthy and highly selective'''; many endure months or even years of waiting, only to face potential disappointment. In addition, dual citizens cannot use another country's passport to apply for an Indian visa. Pakistani citizens are not granted Indian tourist visas and are not allowed to study commerce, humanities, and science courses at Indian universities. Pakistani citizens over the age of 65 are eligible for a visa on arrival, but they are ineligible for the scheme if they've been denied an Indian visa in the past. In addition, they must enter India through [[Wagah]].--> If you have renounced your Pakistani citizenship, you are eligible to apply for an Indian tourist visa, but you must submit the original copy of your certificate of renunciation when applying for your visa, and you will be limited to only a single-entry 3-month visa. ====ETA / e-Visa==== {{VisaRestriction|If you, or any of your parents or grandparents has ever been a citizen or permanent resident of Pakistan, you are not eligible for the ETA, and must apply for a visa in person at an Indian diplomatic mission.|lastedit=2020-03-12}} An ''Electronic Travel Authorization'' (ETA) aka e-Visa is the easiest way to obtain a visa for India. It can only be applied for and granted online, i.e. completion of all your details, upload of a recent photo (JPG, a good quality selfie is fine) and a passport copy (PDF, max. 300kB), as well as payment of the (non-refundable) processing fee (see below) can only be done online via the dedicated '''[https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html Government of India ETA website]'''. Most ETA can be applied for 4–120 days before arrival, just the '''30 days e-Tourist Visa''' is limited to 4–30 days before arrival. Payment can be done by credit/debit card (+2.5% bank fee) via SBIePay (State Bank of India) or Axis Bank—the latter seems more reliable, or by PayPal (+3.5% bank fee). In case of any payment failure, wait for some hours to not send the amount twice. After successful payment the ETA application process starts. It can take up to 72 hr until decision, even though in many cases it just takes 24 hr. The ETA is only available to the citizens of the countries listed under "'''Processing fees'''" below—166 different countries all together. It cannot be obtained at or used for land or rail border crossings into India—leaving by land or rail is possible though (see below). Entry and exit with a new passport is allowed if you carry along your old passport on which the original ETA was issued. '''Note''', there are also commercial websites that offer the same ETAs and e-Visas, for an additional fee of US$35–80. They promise to re-check and validate your application before submitting it, to make sure it is really granted. But this service is usually not worth the money and they don't usually give any success guarantees. The above-mentioned Government of India ETA website is straight forward enough to complete the application successfully—save your money and only go through the official website! The following types of ETA are available: * '''e-Tourist Visa''': :* 30 days – double entry, valid from the first entry :* 1 or 5 years – multiple entry, valid from the date of ETA grant, max. 90 days at once, max. 180 days per calendar year * '''e-Business Visa''' – 1 year, multiple entry, valid from the date of ETA grant, max. 180 days at once * '''e-Conference Visa''' – single entry, valid 30 days from the first entry * '''e-Medical Visa''' – triple entry, valid 60 days from the first entry * '''e-Medical Attendant Visa''' – triple entry, valid 60 days from the first entry, max. 2 attendants per patient '''Entry points''' into India on an ETA are the following 29 airports or 5 seaports only: * Airports – Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bagdogra (Siliguri), Bengaluru, Bhubaneshwar, Calicut, Chennai, Chandigarh, Cochin, Coimbatore, Delhi, Gaya, Goa, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kannur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Madurai, Mangalore, Mumbai, Nagpur, Port Blair, Pune, Tiruchirapalli (Trichy), Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), Varanasi, Visakhapatnam * Seaports – Chennai, Cochin, Goa, Mangalore, Mumbai '''Exit points''' to leave India on an ETA can be any of the latter entry ports, plus also the following ports and border crossings (aka Integrated Check Points (ICPs)): * Airports – Patna, Srinagar, Surat, Tirupati, Vijaiwada * Seaports – Alang, Bedi Bunder, Bhavnagar, Calicut, Cuddalore, Kakinada, Kandla, Kolkata, Mandvi, Nagapattinum, Nhava Sheva, Paradeep, Porbandar, Port Blair, Tuticorin, Vishakapatnam, Vizhinjam, Agati and Minicoy Island Lakshdwip UT, Vallarpadam, Mundra, Krishnapatnam, Dhubri, Pandu, Nagaon, Karimganj, Kattupalli * Land ICPs – Attari Road, Akhaura, Banbasa, Changrabandha, Dalu, Dawki, Dhalaighat, Gauriphanta, Ghojadanga, Haridaspur, Hili, Jaigaon, Jogbani, Kailashahar, Karimgang, Khowal, Lalgolaghat, Mahadipur, Mankachar, Moreh, Muhurighat, Radhikapur, Ragna, Ranigunj, Raxaul, Rupaidiha, Sabroom, Sonouli, Srimantapur, Sutarkandi, Phulbari, Kawarpuchia, Zorinpuri, Zokhawthar * Rail ICPs – Attari, Chitpur, Gede (rail and road), Haridaspur, Munabao The declared entry and exit points on the ETA application are non-binding. '''Processing fees''' (and eligibility) for [https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/images/Etourist_fee_final.pdf e-Tourist Visa] as well as [https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/images/eTV_revised_fee_final.pdf all other e-Visa] are as follows (as of 2023): {| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="margin: auto;" |+ {{nowrap|e-Tourist Visa}} ! Fee !! &nbsp;&nbsp;30&nbsp;days&nbsp;&nbsp;<br/>(Apr-Jun) !! &nbsp;&nbsp;30&nbsp;days&nbsp;&nbsp;<br/>(Jul-Mar) !! 1&nbsp;year !! 5&nbsp;years !! &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Country&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; |- | US$ || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || Argentina, Cook Islands, Fiji, Jamaica, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Micronesia, Myanmar, Nauru, Niue Island, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uruguay, Vanuatu |- | US$ || 10 || 25 || 25 || 25 || Japan, Singapore, Sri Lanka |- | US$ || 10 || 25 || 40 || 80 || Afghanistan, Albania, Andorra, Angola, Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Canada, Cayman Island, Chile, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lesotho, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Malta, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Mozambique, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger Republic, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Palestine, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uzbekistan, Vatican City (Holy See), Venezuela, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe |} {| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="margin: auto;" |+ {{nowrap|e-Business Visa}} ! Fee<br/>(US$) !! &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Country&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; |- | 0 || Angola, Argentina, Benin, Burundi, Cambodia, Comoros, Cook Islands, Djibouti, East Timor, Eritrea, Fiji, Gambia, Guinea, Jamaica, Kiribati, Laos, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Micronesia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nauru, Niger Republic, Niue Island, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Samoa, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Tanzania, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Zambia |- | 25 || Japan, Singapore, Sri Lanka |- | 80 || Afghanistan, Albania, Andorra, Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Canada, Cayman Island, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Palestine, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vatican City (Holy See), Venezuela, Vietnam, Zimbabwe |- | 100 || Russia, United Kingdom, Ukraine, United States of America |} {| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="margin: auto;" |+ {{nowrap|e-Conference Visa, e-Medical Visa, e-Medical Attendant Visa}} ! Fee<br/>(US$) !! &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Country&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; |- | 0 || Argentina, Cook Islands, Fiji, Jamaica, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Micronesia, Myanmar, Nauru, Niue Island, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uruguay, Vanuatu |- | 25 || Japan, Singapore, Sri Lanka |- | 80 || Afghanistan, Albania, Andorra, Angola, Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Canada, Cayman Island, Chile, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lesotho, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger Republic, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Palestine, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, Rwanda, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Tajikistan, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vatican City (Holy See), Venezuela, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe |- | 100 || Benin, Mozambique, United Kingdom, Russia, Ukraine, United States of America |} The ETA replaced the former limited '''visa-on-arrival''' scheme—there are no longer any visa-on-arrival facilities in India. ====Other information==== There are other categories for specialised purposes. The '''missionary visa''' is mandatory for anyone who is visiting India "primarily to take part in religious activities". This rule is meant to combat religious conversion, particularly of Hindus to Christianity. There have been cases where preachers have been deported for addressing religious congregations while on a tourist visa. You need not be worried if you are just on a religious tour of churches in India. If you are on a Student, Employment, Research or Missionary visa, you '''need to register''' within 14 days of arrival with the [https://mea.gov.in/foreigners-registration.htm '''Foreigners Regional Registration Office'''] where you will be staying. If the place you are staying at doesn't have one, you need to register at the local police station. All visitors who intend to stay '''more than 180 days''' also need to be registered. '''Overstaying''' a visa is to be avoided at all costs as you will be prevented from leaving the country until you have paid a hefty fine and presented a large amount of paperwork to either the local immigration office or police station. This process is quite likely to involve some bizarre bureaucratic requirements. In the worst case, the Indian Government can also take legal action for exceptionally long overstays including prison term for 5 years. Penalties for [https://indianfrro.gov.in/frro/Financial_Penalty.pdf overstaying] an Indian visa: * For Overstays or non-registration for up to 90 days, penalty is US$300. * For Overstays from 91 days to 2 years, penalty is US$400. * For Overstays more than 2 years, penalty is US$500. Penalties for overstay in India may differ for persons belonging to minority communities from nearby countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan: * For Overstays or non-registration for up to 90 days, penalty is ₹100 * For Overstays from 91 days to 2 years, penalty is ₹200 * For Overstays more than 2 years, penalty is ₹500 ====Customs and immigration==== Citizens of Yellow Fever affected countries or travellers arriving from any of these countries must carry a '''Yellow Fever Vaccination Card''' at the time of arrival in India, otherwise they may be quarantined for 6 days. Clearing customs can be a bit of a hassle, though it has improved vastly over the last decade. In general, avoid the touts who will offer to ease your baggage through customs. There are various rules regarding duty-free allowances — there are differing rules for Indian citizens, foreign "tourists", citizens of Nepal, Bhutan and Pakistan, non-citizens of Indian origin and people moving to India. Use the website of the [https://www.cbic.gov.in/ Central Board of Excise and Customs] for information about what you can bring in. Foreign tourists other than Nepalis, Bhutanese and Pakistanis and those entering through Nepal, Bhutan or Pakistan, are entitled to bring in their "used personal effects and travel souvenirs" and ₹4,000 worth of articles for "gifts". If you are an Indian citizen or are of Indian origin, you are entitled to ₹25,000 worth of articles (provided you aren't entering through Nepal, Bhutan or Pakistan). The other rules are on the web site. If you are bringing any new packaged items, it is a good idea to carry the invoices for them to show their value. You are also allowed to bring in 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 g of tobacco and 1L (2L for Indians) of alcohol duty-free. If you do not have anything to declare, you can go through the '''green channel''' clearly marked at various airports and generally you will not be harassed. Importing and exporting Indian rupees is '''strictly forbidden''' for foreigners, and limited to ₹25,000 for Indian citizens. Details can be found in the [https://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/notification/PDFs/CR3105F871DDFD343407BA1BC640B96AFB21A.PDF official statement of the Reserve Bank of India]. There are currency exchange counters at international airports where you are required to change all your excess Indian rupees to foreign currency before leaving. ===By plane=== [[File:Sculpture of hasta mudras at Indira Gandhi International Airport.jpg|thumb|[[Indira Gandhi International Airport]] serves [[Delhi]] and is one of the most important entry points to India.]] The major points of entry are [[Mumbai]] ({{IATA|BOM}}) and [[Delhi]] ({{IATA|DEL}}). There are also international flights to [[Bangalore]] ({{IATA|BLR}}), [[Kolkata]] ({{IATA|CCU}}), [[Hyderabad]] ({{IATA|HYD}}), [[Chennai]] ({{IATA|MAA}}) and other cities. The airports at these cities are either new or undergoing development. The Hyderabad airport is rated as one of the top five airports in the 10-15 million passenger category. There are many nonstop, direct and connecting choices to these cities from Europe, North America, Middle East, Africa and Australia. Secondary points of entry include [[Goa]] and the [[Malabar]] coast. There are many connections from the Middle East to Malabar coast cities such as [[Kochi]], [[Kozhikode]] and [[Thiruvananthapuram]]. Most of the major Middle Eastern carriers offer one-stop connections to the coast from their Gulf hubs. Goa is a favourite European tourist destination and thus is connected by many European charter operators like Condor, Edelweiss and Thomson Airways. [[File:Air India Boeing 777-200LR Worldliner.jpg|thumb|An Air India Boeing 777]]The Indian airlines that operate international flights include * '''[https://www.airindia.com/ Air India],''' India’s flag carrier owned by the Tata Group and is a member of the Star Alliance * '''[https://www.goindigo.in IndiGo],''' A low cost airline that serves 34 international airports with a fleet of Airbus A320s * '''[https://www.spicejet.com/ SpiceJet],''' A low cost airline that serves 13 international destinations * '''Akasa [http://www.akasaair.com/ Air],''' A low cost airline that serves 5 international destinations. It is the most on-time airline in the Indian airline industry. These airlines offer daily flights to major hubs around the world. You must carry a printed air ticket in order to take many domestic flights. Most Indian airlines have a very unfriendly policy towards upgrading weight allowance and changing dates of flights, and so if you feel that you may need to change anything regarding your flight, it is best to check the company's policy before making a booking. From the United States, [https://www.united.com United Airlines]{{Dead link|date=May 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} offers non-stop daily service from [[Newark Liberty International Airport|Newark]] to Delhi and Mumbai; Air India offers daily non-stop service to Delhi from [[John F. Kennedy International Airport|New York–JFK]], Newark, [[Dulles Airport|Washington–Dulles]], [[San Francisco International Airport|San Francisco]] and [[O'Hare International Airport|Chicago O'Hare]] and to Mumbai from Newark (and soon JFK). Various European airlines offer connecting service through their European hubs from most major U.S. cities and various Asian airlines offer connecting service from West Coast cities through their Asian hubs. [[File:IndiGo A320neo (VT-ITZ) @ GAU, Sept 2019 (02).jpg|thumb|IndiGo is a popular low-cost carrier]] Entries from Europe and North America are possible using many European airlines such as [https://www.lufthansa.com Lufthansa]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}, [https://www.finnair.com Finnair], [https://www.britishairways.com British Airways], [https://www.klm.com KLM], [https://www.airfrance.com Air France]{{Dead link|date=July 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} and [https://www.virginatlantic.com Virgin Atlantic]. For long-term visitors (3–12 months), [https://www.swiss.com Swiss Airlines] often have good deals from Switzerland with connecting flights from major European and some American cities as well. To save on ticket prices, consider connecting via Gulf countries, with [https://www.airarabia.com Air Arabia] ([[Sharjah]]-based low cost carrier with some connections to Europe), [https://www.etihadairways.com Etihad] (especially if you need a one-way ticket or are going back to Europe from another Asian country) via [[Abu Dhabi]], [https://www.emirates.com Emirates] via [[Dubai]] or [https://www.qatarairways.com Qatar Airways] via [[Doha]]. These airlines are also the easiest way to come from the Gulf countries, along with Indian carriers, Air India, Air India Express, Indigo and SpiceJet. In 2023, one-way prices between the Gulf countries and India were US$70–110, and one-way prices between Europe ([[London]], [[Rome]], [[Istanbul]], [[Tel Aviv]]) and the Gulf countries were €50–120, even just 1–2 weeks before flights—Abu Dhabi has cheap accommodation from €10–15. From East Asia and Australia, [[Singapore]] (which is served by Air India, its low-cost subsidiary [https://www.airindiaexpress.in Air India Express], [https://www.singaporeair.com Singapore Airlines] and its low-cost subsidiary [https://www.flyscoot.com Scoot]) has excellent connections with flights to all the major cities and many smaller ones. As for the cheap way from [[Southeast Asia]], Malaysian low-cost carrier [https://www.airasia.com AirAsia] is often the best choice (if booked well in advance, one-way ticket price is normally below US$100, sometimes being less than US$50, they have connections from China, [[Australia]] and most South-east Asian countries). They fly from [[Kuala Lumpur]] into New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Kochi and Tiruchirapalli. If you're going from [[Thailand]], Air India Express flies from Chennai and Kolkata to Bangkok. Air India and [https://www.thaiairways.com/en/index.page Thai Airways] fly from there to a range of Indian cities as well. IndiGo, an Indian low-cost-carrier, also offers attractive fares to Singapore and Bangkok. As of March 2025, the Indian government has banned all direct flights between India and [[China]] (except [[Hong Kong]]). You must connect via Hong Kong or a Southeast Asian hub such as [[Bangkok]], [[Kuala Lumpur]] or [[Singapore]]. Be sure to hold on to your boarding pass, as it will be checked on arrival in India. Some Indian airports, like Delhi, offer wifi access with a passport scan, and offer short–term tourist SIM cards, but the majority offer no wifi or SIM card options. Also read on [[#Check-in|check-in]] below, for procedures when leaving India again. ===By boat=== The only scheduled international passenger ship to India is the [https://www.kpvs.in/ KPVS] ferry service from Kankesanthurai in [[Jaffna]], [[Sri Lanka]] to [[Nagapattinam]], [[Tamil Nadu]]. It runs every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday from Nagapattinam at 7 am and it reaches Kankesanthurai by 11 am. The return service from Kankesanthurai is at 2 pm, and it reaches Nagapattinam by 5 pm. A one way trip costs Rs6500 and includes one piece of luggage up to 50&nbsp;kg. For booking call or WhatsApp (preferred) +919789879971. You will need a paper visa sticker or a ''previously used'' e-visa to enter India via this route: newly issued e-visas are not accepted. India has several international ports. Mumbai, Goa and Chennai are the main ones handling passenger traffic, while the rest mainly handle cargo. However, due to the profusion of cheap flights, there no longer appear to be any scheduled ferry services from India to the Middle East. The southern island of [[Minicoy]] in [[Lakshadweep]] islands is now a permitted entry point. Some cruise lines that travel to India include Indian Oceans Eden II and Grand Voyage Seychelles-Dubai. ===By train=== <!-- There are two links from [[Pakistan]]. The ''Samjhauta Express'' runs from [[Lahore]] to [[Attari]] near [[Amritsar]] in [[Punjab (India)|Punjab]]. The ''Thar Express'', restarted in February 2006 after 40 years out of service, runs from Munabao in the Indian state of [[Rajasthan]] to Khokrapar in Pakistan's [[Sindh]] province; however, this crossing is '''not open to foreign tourists'''. Neither train is the fastest, safest or the most practical way to go between India and Pakistan due to the long delay to clear customs and immigration (although the trains are sights in their own right and make for a fascinating trip). Ths Samjhauta express was the victim of a terrorist strike in February 2007, when bombs were set off killing many people. Should you want to get from one country to the other as quickly as possible, walk across at [[Attari]]/[[Wagah]]. --><!-- All are suspended since 2019 --> From [[Nepal]], trains run between [[Khajuri]] in [[Dhanusa]] district of [[Nepal]] and Jainagar in [[Bihar]], operated by Nepal Railways. Neither is of much interest for travellers and there are no onward connections into Nepal, so most travellers opt for the bus or plane instead. Train services from [[Bangladesh]] were suspended for 42 years, but the ''Maitree Express'' started running again between [[Dhaka]] and [[Kolkata]] in April 2008. The service is biweekly: A Bangledeshi train leaves Dhaka every Saturday, returning on Sunday, while an Indian train leaves Kolkata on Saturdays and returns the next day. Besides, there are ''Bandhan Express'' ([[Khulna]]–Kolkata) and ''Mitali Express'' (Dhaka–[[New Jalpaiguri]]) services between the two countries. You can see what trains are available between stations at the following sites: http://www.indianrail.gov.in. However, for booking of rail tickets through the internet you should use the Government of India's website http://www.irctc.co.in{{Dead link|date=February 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. For booking through this site, you have to register (which is free) and you need a credit/debit card. You can also take the services of many travel agents that charge a nominal service fee for booking train tickets. ===By land=== [[File:Wagah Border2014.jpg|thumb|Flag lowering ceremony at the Wagah border crossing]] ====Nepal==== From [[Nepal]] buses cross the border daily, usually with connections to [[Delhi]], [[Lucknow]], [[Patna]], [[Siliguri]] and [[Varanasi]]. However, it's cheaper and more reliable to take one bus to the border crossing and another from there on. The border crossings are (India/Nepal side) Sunauli/Bhairawa for Varanasi, Raxaul/Birganj for [[Patna]], Kolkata, [[Kakarbhitta]] for Siliguri and [[Darjeeling]], and Mahendrenagar-Banbassa for Delhi. Buses depart [[Kathmandu]] Kakarbhitta in Nepal (close to Siliguri) (10 hours) from 3-6PM. There's a direct Kathmandu deluxe bus service to Siliguri on alternate days, and NBSTC service Tu Th Sa depart ₹1,500 for the 11-hour journey and also a Kathmandu to [[Dhaka]] deluxe service that halts in Siliguri. ====Bhutan==== The Royal Bhutanese Government runs a service to/from [[Phuentsholing]]. These buses depart from Kolkata's [[Esplanade Bus Terminus]] at 7PM on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and from the Phuentsholing Bhutan Post office at 3PM on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The journey takes around 18 hours and costs ₹300. There is frequent service between [[Siliguri]] and Phuentsholing. Buses depart for Phuentsholing at 7:30AM and 1:30PM every day from opposite Golden Plaza on Burdwan Road (behind Air View More). Tickets are sold at a counter near the bus. There are more frequent Indian buses to the border town of Jaigaon from Siliguri Bus Station on Hill Cart Road. People who are not citizens of Bhutan or India are required to get their passport stamped at the Indian immigration office, which is located next to the cinema hall (there is a fork in the road when entering the town – marked by a statue – immigration is a short way up the road on the left) before entering and after exiting Bhutan. '''Your passport will not be stamped at the border''', which is customary elsewhere. Indians can get a permit to visit Thimphu or other parts of Bhutan by submitting proof of identities, such as an election card or passport, at the Bhutanese immigration office. ====Myanmar==== Entering from [[Myanmar]] is apparently possible at [[Moreh]]/[[Tamu]]—see [[Myanmar#India|Myanmar article]] for more details. Regarding Indo-Myanmar connection, [[Manipur]] is the most advanced and the only developed route inside India, to pass to and from between the two nations. ====Pakistan==== You cannot enter through Wagah/Attari land border crossing. It is now shut to all travellers passing through this way, because of security concerns by India. <!--From [[Pakistan]] the only land crossing is from [[Lahore]] to [[Amritsar]] via the [[Attari]]/[[Wagah]] border crossing. Despite tensions between the two countries, there is a steady trickle of travellers passing this way. The immigration procedures are fairly straightforward, but neither [[Pakistan]] nor India issue visas at the border. Expect to take most of the day to go between Lahore and Amritsar on local buses. Normally it's possible to get a direct bus from Amritsar to the border, walk to the other side and catch a direct bus to Lahore, although you may need to change at some point on route. Amritsar and Lahore are both fairly close to the border (about 30–40 minutes drive), so taxis are a faster and easier option. The direct Delhi-Lahore service has restarted, though it is far more costly than local buses/trains, not any faster, and would mean you miss seeing [[Amritsar]]. You will also be stuck at the border for '''much''' longer while the bus is searched and all of the passengers go through immigration. There is now a bus service across the 'Line of control' between Indian and Pakistani Kashmir; however, it is '''not open to foreign tourists'''. For going '''by car''' also see [[Istanbul to New Delhi over land]]. You will need a [[Carnet de Passage]] if crossing with your own vehicle. The process is not particularly lengthy - crossing with your own vehicle from/to Pakistan should take a maximum of 3 hours to clear both borders for you and your vehicle.--> ====Bangladesh==== =====Haridaspur–Benapole crossing===== From [[Bangladesh]] there are a number of land entry points to India. The most common way is the regular air-conditioned and comfortable bus services from Dhaka to Kolkata via Haridaspur–Benapole border post near [[Bangaon]]. Private bus companies '''[http://www.shohagh.com/group/ Shohagh]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''', '''[http://www.greenlineparibahan.com/ Green Line]''','''[http://shyamolibusservice.com/ Shyamoli]{{Dead link|date=June 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' and others operate daily bus services on this route. Government organisations like West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC) and '''[http://www.brtc.gov.bd/ Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation]''' (BRTC) operate buses from Kolkata every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 5:30AM and 8:30AM, and 12:30PM while from Dhaka they leave on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7AM and 7:30AM. The normal journey time is around 12 hours with a one-way fare of ₹400-450 or Tk600-800, roughly US$8–10. If you're only headed to Haridaspur the fare is ₹86 (2½ hours). Several travel agencies around this area also sell tickets for these buses, but at very inflated prices. At the border, it's best to change money on the Indian side, but count it carefully and double-check the maths on their calculator. On the Bangladesh side there are some bus stands just behind the border, or you can catch a flat-bed cycle-rickshaw for 5 Bangladeshi takas for the 2-km trip to the bus stand for onward travel, or you can walk, but expect the hopeful rickshaw-wallahs to follow you at least half way. The Indian side is fairly normal as far as land border crossings are concerned. Your passport will change hands several times, and should finally result in a stamp, which doesn't take too long. The Bangladeshi side, however, is another story. Staff seem to have been hired an hour before you arrive - try not to laugh when they ask which visa in your passport is the Bangladesh one. On either side you may be asked for baksheesh by the passport stamper or a boy who grabs your passport and shuttles it between the various officials or the many men who offer to fill your forms in for you. This is not normal for an Indian border crossing, and is entirely avoidable - present your passport yourself, and say 'no' firmly if asked for a bribe. If you're on one of the A/C direct buses then the bus company collects all passenger's passports before the border and facilitates the stamping. The process is better than it once was. The Bangladesh side is simpler than the Indian side where you wind you way through a complex building to get the various stamps. On the Bangladesh side, you will enter one office, be asked to sit while you passport is examined and stamped. While leaving Bangladesh by road, you have to pay a departure tax of Tk300. If you are travelling by one of the direct buses, the bus company will usually collect the amount from you and pay it for you. If you are travelling independently, pay it at the little branch of Sonali Bank next to the immigration office. It seems to be open as long as the border crossing is open. If you arrived by air to Bangladesh, make sure that you have a "change of port" certificate which allows you to leave by land, otherwise you will find yourself being turned back at the border. Change of port certificates are available from the visa office in Dhaka and take about 4 hours to produce. Sometimes you might need to insist here that the office really does provide these certificates and demand that you need one. =====Other crossings===== Another daily bus service by 'Shyamoli' and others under the BRTC label from [[Dhaka]] connects Siliguri, but the buses in this route do not cross the Changrabanda/Burimari or Burungamari border post. Rather, passengers reaching the border have to clear customs, walk a few hundred yards to cross the border and board the awaiting connecting buses on the other end for the final destination. Ticket for Dhaka-Siliguri-Dhaka route costs BDT 1,600, roughly US$20–25 depending on conversion rates. Tickets are purchased either in Dhaka or in Siliguri. There is also a regular bus service between Dhaka and Agartala, capital of Tripura. Two BRTC buses daily from Dhaka and the [https://tsu.trp.nic.in/transport/ Tripura Road Transport Corporation] plying its vehicles six days a week with a round fare costing US$10 connect the two cities. There is only one halt at Ashuganj in Bangladesh during the journey. Other entry points from Bangladesh are Hili, Chilahati/Haldibari, Banglaband border posts for entry to West Bengal; Tamabil border post for a route to [[Shillong]] in Meghalaya, and some others with lesser known routes to north-eastern Indian regions. ====China==== The Nathu La pass in [[Sikkim]], which borders [[Tibet]] in [[China]] is the only border crossing between India and China. This border is not open to tourists; only local traders are allowed to cross. Special permits are required to visit the pass from either side, and foreigners are not permitted to visit the Indian side of the border. ==Get around== India is '''big''' and there are lots of interesting ways to travel around it, most of which could not very well be described as efficient or punctual. Allow considerable buffer time for any journey with a fixed deadline (e.g. your flight back), and try to remember that getting there should be half the fun. Travelling to much of the [[North-East India|North-East]] (with the notable exception of Assam), the [[Andaman and Nicobar Islands]], [[Sikkim]] and parts of [[Jammu and Kashmir]], [[Ladakh]], [[Lakshadweep]], [[Rajasthan]], [[Himachal Pradesh]] and [[Uttarakhand]] will require obtaining a '''Protected Area Permit''' (PAP) or '''Inner Line Permit''' (ILP) — see [[#Inner Line permit|below]]. For foreigners on a regular visa, the easiest way to get these permits would be to request for one when applying for your Indian visa, and it will be added to your visa — not possible with ETA/e-Visa. Otherwise, you will need to hunt down a local Ministry of Home Affairs office (aka DC Magistrate Office) and grapple with bureaucracy. Also, local travel agents can obtain these permits for you, but it might be contingent on booking a tour with them. Indian citizens can apply for these permits online. ===By plane=== [[File:Airports and seaports map.png|thumb|400px|Map of airports in India]] India's large size and uncertain roads make '''flying''' a viable option, especially as prices have tumbled in the last few years. Even India's offshore islands and remote mountain states are served by flights. Due to the aviation boom over the last few years, airports have not been able to keep up with the air traffic. Most Indian airports continue to function with one runway and a handful of boarding gates. Check-in and security queues can be quite long, especially in Delhi and Mumbai. India has built two new international airports in Hyderabad and Bangalore, which are modern and well-equipped. Delhi airport's newly constructed Terminal 3 is the 8th largest terminal in the world. In northern India, particularly Delhi, '''heavy winter fog''' can wreak havoc on schedules, especially during Christmas Season and January, leading to massive delays across the country. Flights to small airports up in the mountains, especially to [[Leh]] in Ladakh (which is reachable only by plane for most of the year), are erratic at the best of times. ====Airlines==== At one time, domestic flights were the monopoly of the government-owned Indian Airlines, but things have changed dramatically and now there are quite a few competitors, often offering excellent value. The main operators are: '''Mainline:''' *'''[https://www.airindia.com/ Air India]:''' The flag carrier owned by Tata Group. Air India has a wide network in the country and provides excellent regional connectivity. It is a member of the Star Alliance. Vistara has now merged with Air India completely. * '''[https://www.airindiaexpress.in/ Air India Express]:''' Low-cost subsidiary of Air India carrier which flies mainly on trunk routes and to international destinations in the Gulf and Southeastern Asia. AIX Connect has now merged with Air India completely. <!-- * [https://www.airasia.co.in/home '''Air Asia India'''] – Another Tata-owned low-cost carrier. --> * [https://www.goindigo.in/ '''IndiGo''']: A low-cost airline, connecting 88 cities throughout the country. They fly a young fleet of Airbus A320s and ATR regional aircraft. <!-- *'''[https://www.flygofirst.com/ Go First]''' – Another low-cost carrier connecting around 22 cities across the country. Mostly flies from their Mumbai base. --> * [https://www.spicejet.com/ '''SpiceJet''']: A third low-cost airline, serves around 34 domestic destinations. * '''[https://www.akasaair.com/ Akasa Air]:''' A low cost airline serving 20 domestic destinations with a fleet of Boeing 737 Max aircraft. It is the most on-time airline in the Indian airline industry. ===Regional and commuter=== * '''[https://www.allianceair.in/ Alliance Air]:''' India’s state-owned airline that flies small aircraft to obscure places * '''[http://www.starair.in/ Star Air]:''' A low-cost regional commuter airline owned by the Sanjay Godhawat Group which serves 23 destinations with a fleet of Embraer E175 and Embraer ER145 LR aircraft. * '''[https://fly91.in/ Fly91]:''' A low- cost regional airline based in Goa, serving 8 destinations with a fleet of ATR-72 aircraft, connecting towns and cities. * '''[https://flybig.in/ flybig]:''' A regional airline flying to 24 destinations across north and north-west India with a fleet of DHC-6-400 Twin Otter aircraft * '''[https://indiaoneair.com/ IndiaOne Air]:''' A regional airline based in Ahmedabad with a hub in Bhubaneshwar flying to 9 destinations with a fleet of 208B Grand Caravan X connecting tier-2 and tier-3 cities. ====Fares==== Prices are relatively low and stable, since destinations are often served by several airlines. It doesn't hurt though to check prices a few times on different days during the week. You will hear a lot about air tickets at ₹500, but those are promotional rates for limited seats which are sold out within seconds. In some other cases, the advertised fare may not include charges such as passenger service fees, air fuel surcharge and taxes which will be added subsequently. Nonetheless, you do get good rates from budget airlines. Tickets for small cities will cost more than those for the metros, because of the spotty coverage noted above. Indian ticket pricing has not attained the bewildering complexity that the Americans and European have achieved, but they are moving there. You don't have to worry about higher prices on weekends, lower prices for round-trips, lower prices for travel ''around'' weekends. There are two complications for non-Indians trying to buy plane tickets: # Many airlines have '''higher fares for foreigners (non-OCI holders)''' than for Indians (OCI holders included). Foreigners ("non-residents") will be charged in US dollars, whereas Indians will be charged in rupees. In practice, you can simply pretend to be Indian when booking online as the check-in desk will rarely if ever care, but you are still running a small risk if you do this. When possible it's best to patronise those airlines that do not follow this practice. # Many online booking sites and some of the low-cost carriers '''might reject non-Indian credit cards'''. Read the small print before you start booking, or book directly with the airline or through a bricks-and-mortar travel agency instead. ====Check-in==== [[File:TRZ Check In Counters.jpg|thumb|Check-in at Tiruchirappalli International Airport]] Checking in at Indian airports tends to be slow, involving lots of queues and multiple security checks. A few pointers to smooth your way: * Arrive '''at least two hours before departure''' if travelling from the major airports. (For domestic flights from minor airports, 60 or 90 minutes before is fine.) The new rule dictates that check-in closes 45 minutes before departure time and the boarding gate closes 25 minutes before departure. Though the original boarding might take longer, this rule is now being strictly implemented widely to avoid delays in flight departures. * While in the past, airports only allowed passengers to enter the airport a few hours before their flight, this rule has been relaxed and you can often stay overnight in the airport in case you have an early morning flight * '''Bring a print-out of your ticket or a soft copy of your ticket''' and a '''government-issued ID''' (available for domestic and required for international flights- ignore if using digiyatra)or else you are not allowed to enter the airport. They are checked and matched compulsorily at the airport entry gate by security guards. If you possess neither a printout or a soft copy, you can get a copy at the airline offices just outside the airport entry gate. Some airlines have started to charge for this privilege. * Some airports have '''Digiyatra''' available (available only for domestic flights from select destinations), which verifies passenger identities at various checkpoints, such as check-in, security, and boarding gates, without the need for physical documents. Specific queues when entering the airport, check-ins and security have been set up in 15 airports (Delhi T1 and T3, Kolkata, Jaipur, Mumbai all terminals, Hyderabad, Varanasi, Lucknow, Pune, Vijayawada, Bengaluru, Guwahati, Kochi) for passengers who have registered through the Digi Yatra app. To register for digiyatra, you need an ''Aadhaar card''. * Most older airports and many Tier-2 and Tier-3 city airports require that you screen your checked bags before check-in, usually at a stand near the entrance. In high-security airports like Jammu, Srinagar or anywhere in the Northeast, even carry-on baggage needs to be screened. All carry on baggage will be screened by an X-ray scanner and at the discretion of the security personnel, physically too. * '''Once inside the check-in hall, you cannot leave the airport again unless your flight is delayed or cancelled.''' Make sure to have completed all your "business" before entering the airport. Also, in case you arrive many hours before the flight to be on the safe side, be sure to know how to keep yourself busy once inside the airport. * '''Pick up a tag for every item of your carry-on baggage and attach it to it.''' The staff at the security checkpoint will stamp your boarding pass as well as the tags of your carry-on baggage. Do not put your boarding pass on the X-ray belt, bring it with you when you go through the metal detector. Make sure you received all these stamps before leaving the security check area. Without a stamped boarding pass you will not be allowed to board the plane. You will not be allowed to take any items onboard without a stamped tag attached. Don't hesitate to ask someone if you are unsure about anything. Most staff in airports are very helpful to passengers usually understanding English and will take pains to ensure you catch your flight. There are separate queues for passengers travelling light (without check-in baggage) and these queues are usually less crowded. Different airlines have different standards for what they allow as cabin baggage, so check with your airline’s website on the side of caution, especially if you are travelling by a low-cost airline. Usually, the allowed free baggage limit is 15&nbsp;kg on most airlines. ===By train=== [[File:Vande Bharat Express around Mumbai.jpg|thumb|Vande Bharat Express, the second fastest Indian train in service]] {{see also|Rail travel in India}} India boasts one of the biggest rail networks in the world, and the rail system is very efficient, if rarely on schedule. Travelling on Indian Railways allows you to discover the landscape and beauty of India, and is generally more economical than flying domestically. With classes ranging from luxurious to regular, it's the best way to get to know the country and its people. Most train passengers will be curious about you and happy to pass the time with a chat. While taking an overnight sleeper train will save the money you would otherwise spend on a hotel, your sleep may not be as comfortable as some routes are known for being overcrowded. '''Commuter trains''' It is recommended to avoid ‘local trains’ as they are often overcrowded, platforms on the stations are also often overcrowded. If travelling on a local train, be wary of your surroundings as there may be pickpockets in stations and trains. However, metro and light rail services are relatively safe and well policed, with CCTV cameras on trains and stations, and well-trained staff. ====Regular trains==== Trains come in many varieties. Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Vande Bharat trains are the most luxurious and fastest trains of the Indian Railways. They are completely air-conditioned and have breakfast, lunch, evening tea and dinner included in your ticket price. The food is served at your seat during travel. Vande Bharat Express, the second fastest Indian train in service, is equipped with onboard Wi-Fi, infotainment, reading lights and electric outlets. Garib Rath (literally the "chariot of the poor") is a good option for those who want to use good facilities at low cost. ====Luxury trains==== There are 5 trains offering 12 signature journeys between major tourist destinations in India. By far the most popular of the five are the '''[https://www.palaceonwheels.in/ Palace on Wheels]''' and the '''[https://www.the-maharajas.com/ Maharajas' Express]'''. They offer a wonderful way to experience the sights in India without having to worry about the hassles of travel and accommodation. Journeys on board these trains are all inclusive of accommodation, dining, sightseeing, transportation and porter charges. Each of these luxury trains is equipped with amenities such as live television, individual climate control, restaurant, bar, lounges and cabins with electronic safe and attached bathrooms. The downside is that they are extremely expensive, and would make even business class airtickets look cheap. ====Classes==== India has seven classes of train travel to choose from. Not all classes are available on all trains: for example, Chair Cars are usually found only on short-distance daytime trains, while sleeper classes are only found on overnight journeys. Full information about these classes is [[Rail travel in India#Classes|here]]. ====Train fare==== The average fare for a '''200 km distance''' for different classes is given below (as of 2015): * First Class AC: ₹1,200 * Two Tier AC: ₹617 * Three Tier AC: ₹430 * AC Chair Car: ₹203 * Sleeper Class: ₹120 * Second class seat in Express train: ₹70 * Second class seat in Passenger train: ₹30 ====Ticketing==== Trains tend to fill up early. Tickets can be reserved up to 4 months in advance. School summer vacation time — mid-April to mid-June — is peak season for the railways, which means that you may need to book well in advance. Other festival days, long weekends or holidays may see a similar rush. Tickets can be booked from the [http://www.irctc.co.in/ railway website]{{Dead link|date=November 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. Tickets are also available from counters at most railway stations. Details of facility available for tourists from abroad are available at [https://contents.irctc.co.in/en/ForeignTouristQuotaBooking.pdf IRCTC website] and [http://www.indianrail.gov.in/enquiry/StaticPages/StaticEnquiry.jsp?locale=en&StaticPage=international_Tourist.html Indian Railway Website]. Other authorized ticketing agencies provide a much better user experience, though however you want to book, you will need an IRCTC account. If you have issues paying when booking via IRCTC, try some of these other sites like [https://www.confirmtkt.com/ confirmtkt] and [https://www.indiantrain.in/ IndianTrain]. [[File:India - Indian Railways Kitchen coach - 0989.jpg|thumb|Sandwiches at the kitchen coach]] One day before the departure date of a train at 10AM, the '''Tatkal''' quota seats become available. Tatkal accounts for about 10% of the total number of seats. This allows tourists who like to plan a trip as they go to book seats closer to the day of departure, for an extra fee. It is sometimes difficult to book Tatkal tickets online because of the excess amount of traffic on Indian railway website. The E-wallet facility enables users to keep money on Indian railway website for faster booking of tickets. This facility reduces the time of ticket booking because users skip the payment gateway processing time. You can pay using your debit cards, credit cards, or internet banking. ==== Meals ==== Most long-distance night trains have a '''pantry car''' and if you are in the sleeper or air-con classes, you can buy meals on board the train. The pantry staff will visit your seat to take your order. However, most pantry car meals aren't really good in quality or taste. Bring enough food for the journey including delays. You can purchase drinks, packaged snacks or biscuits from the pantry staff who circulate from one coach to another. At most stations, hawkers selling tea, peanuts, and snack food and complete meals will go up and down the train. You can also get down on the station platform to look for food, but make sure you know the stoppage timing of the train at that station. In the most luxurious 'Rajdhani' & 'Shatabdi' trains, meals are included in your ticket price and served at your seat during travel. There are no dining cars in the Indian Railways except in select luxury trains and in [[w:en:Deccan_Queen|Deccan Queen]] - a daily train which runs between Mumbai and Pune. ===By taxi or ride-hailing=== [[File:Ola car parking near Bhubaneswar railway station (January 2019).jpg|thumb|A line of Ola cabs parked near [[Bhubaneswar]] railway station, 2019]] {{infobox |Farewell to the King |Once upon a time, virtually all Indian taxis were trusty Hindustan Ambassadors, a locally manufactured copy of the 1950s-vintage Morris Oxford, but these days the King of Indian Roads is a critically endangered species. |image=ہندوستان موٹر کی بنائی پیلی ایمبیسڈر۔.jpg |caption=[[Kolkata]]'s iconic yellow Ambassador taxi that ruled the city till 2025 }} There was a time when the metered taxi was unheard of outside India's largest cities, and when it could be found, getting one that would take you to your destination and charge you the right rate was a rare event. This situation has undergone a drastic change for the better in the past few years, with many online companies offering taxi services. The two largest players are '''[http://www.olacabs.com Ola Cabs]''' and '''[https://www.uber.com/in/en/ Uber]''', which operate in all major Indian cities and have ranks at major airports. There are also local companies offering ride-hailing services within their cities. Both pickup and dropoff points can be entered in English, minimising hassle. Besides, companies like '''Rapido''' offer two-wheeler motorcycle rides if you're comfortable with such vehicles, and motorcycles are useful to navigate the more congested areas. Fares are affordable by Western standards, with most city rides under ₹200, although surge pricing can be expensive. However, the very cheapest categories (UberX and Ola Micro/Mini, respectively) often have tiny, run-down cars, so paying the small premium for the next class up (Uber Comfort and Ola Prime) may be worth it. If ride-hailing isn't an option, central locations of big cities like airports or stations have pre-paid taxi services managed by local traffic police officials. However, beware of touts who claim to be running pre-paid taxis. Always collect the receipt from the counter first. The receipt has two parts: one part is for your reference, and the other part you will need to hand to the taxi driver only after you reach your desired destination. The taxi driver will receive their payment by submitting or producing this other part to the pre-paid taxi counter. The taxi driver may not know how to get to your destination, and will not tell you this beforehand. This may result in the taxi stopping at various points during the journey as the driver gets out to ask for directions. Insist on being taken to your original destination, and not a substitute offered by the driver (e.g. a different hotel). Regular metered taxis are also common and can usually be hailed on the street. While they're supposed to use the meter, tales of "broken" meters and hapless fleeced tourists are common, so try to have an idea of the fare before you set off. ===By bus=== [[File:Pathankot Bus.JPG|thumb|240px|Ordinary-class Himachal Road Transport Co bus in [[Dharamsala]]]] While you cannot take a cross-country bus journey across India, buses are the second most-popular way of travelling across states and the only cheap way of reaching many places not on the main rail network, such as Dharamsala, Leh, Srinagar, or Gangtok. For short distances, just wait at the road that obviously goes into your direction. Unless you are in the middle of nowhere, there are many buses plying along Indian roads. If in doubt, just ask someone local. Every state has its own '''public bus''' service, usually named "''X'' Road Transport Corporation" (''X''RTC), "''X'' State Transport Corporation" (''X''STC) or "''X'' Transport Corporation" (''X''TC) which primarily connects intrastate routes, but will also have services to neighbouring states. There are usually multiple classes of buses. The '''ordinary''' buses (called differently in different states, e.g. "service bus") are extremely crowded with even standing room rarely available (unless you're among the first on board) as reservations are not possible and they tend to stop at too many places. On the upside, they're ''very'' cheap. Many public transport companies have their own website to find the schedule and prices, but also to book tickets. If searching for connections, the website will sometimes not accept smaller villages along the way and you have to select or search for the next larger town or city, just in case your search is unsuccessful. '''Private buses''' may or may not be available in the area you are travelling to, and even if they are, the quality could vary a lot. Be warned that many of the private buses, especially long-distance lines, play music and/or videos at ear-splitting volume. Even with earplugs it can be nerve-wracking. Restrooms are available in large bus stations but are crowded. The bus industry is '''extremely fragmented''' and there are few operators who offer services in more than 2 or 3 neighbouring states. Travel agents usually ''only'' offer seats on private buses. '''Flixbus''' operates in India. As of April 2024 they offer rides in the north and north-west of India and intend to serve the whole country. Prices between public and private buses do not differ much. The advantage of public buses is that you will get a proper ticket indicating the origin and destination of your journey. Private buses will only give you a paper ticket with a price written on it by the conductor. For buses serving smaller villages there might not even be any ticket at all for private buses — if the other Indian passengers also don't get a ticket, then that's just the way. In general, you can expect to pay as little as ₹1/km in the plains (Punjab) and ₹2-2.30/km in more mountainous areas (Himachal Pradesh) with public and private buses. After a short while you will figure out what is the going local rate. Anything way beyond that rate, especially in private buses, is an indication that the conductor is trying to rip you off. Stand your ground and don't give in, potentially demand your money back and leave the bus. In addition to ordinary public and private buses, there are '''luxury''' or '''express''' buses available, often called "Volvo" buses, and most have air-conditioning these days. These better class "express" or "luxury" buses have assured seating (book in advance), and have limited stops, making them well worth the slight extra expense. But even these better-class buses rarely have toilets and make occasional snack and toilet breaks. Regardless of the class of travel, all buses have to contend with the poor state of Indian highways and the havoc of Indian traffic which usually makes them slower, less comfortable and less safe than trains. Night buses are particularly hazardous, and for long-distance travel it is wise to opt for sleeper train services instead. For major private (Volvo) bus connections, schedules, prices and tickets, try one of the following websites: * [https://www.redbus.in redBus] * [https://www.zingbus.com zingbus] * [https://tickets.paytm.com/bus/ Paytm] * [https://www.makemytrip.com MakeMyTrip]{{Dead link|date=May 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} ===By car=== {{main|Driving in India}} Our itinerary article [[Grand Trunk Road]] describes one of India's major roads, running east–west through the Ganges valley and west across northern Pakistan to [[Kabul]]. Regular license plates in India are white. Yellow license plates indicate a permit for doing business with that car. Green license plates indicate an electric car. This can be tourism, transport or just office stuff. On all plates the licensing state is indicated by the first two letters, e.g. ''HP'' for Himachal Pradesh, or ''PB'' for Punjab. This rule doesn't apply to cars with the Bharat Series license plates, where the first two numbers indicate the year of registration. ====Driving on your own==== In India driving is on the '''left''' of the road — at least most of the time. You can drive in India if you have a local licence or an International Driving Permit, but unless you are accustomed to driving on extremely chaotic streets, you probably will not want to. In the past decade, the Central government has embarked on an ambitious project to upgrade the highways and the conditions of Indian roads has vastly improved, with smooth '''Expressways''' all across the country. '''National Highways''' are also good, with four to eight laned roads. However, improving the quality of the roads does not improve the way in which people drive and it is very dangerous to drive on the roads in India as people drive as they like without regard to any rules (rules do exist but are not enforced properly). ====Hiring driver with car==== [[File:Road in India (5472802655).jpg|thumb|View from a car in India]] It's quite easy and common to rent a car with a driver in India. If you travel in summer, it is recommended to take a car with air-conditioning. Sometimes you will need to haggle to get a reasonable price, especially for a several days tour. Otherwise, rates for taxis are quoted in rupees per kilometre, and you will have to pay for both ways even if you are going only one way. The driver's salary is so low that it adds little to the cost of renting the car. The driver will find their own accommodation and food wherever you are travelling, although it is customary to give him some money to buy some food when you stop somewhere to eat. Rates vary by size and quality of the car. There are numerous advantages to having a car and driver. * A good local driver is the safest means of car travel. * You can keep your bags and shopping goods with you securely wherever you go. * The driver will often have some knowledge of local tourist destinations. However, be aware that the driver will try to make some money on the side and drive you to some shops of relatives, just to get a cut. So, do not trust him too much. Inquire information and then decide what to do for yourself. * The car is at your disposal. You don't need to spend any time finding further transport, or [[haggling]] over price. It is rare to find a driver that speaks more than a few words of English. As a result, misunderstandings are common. Keep sentences short. Use the present tense. Use single words and hand gestures to convey meaning. Also, when haggling about the price make sure the driver fully understands the final price and that it is for the whole tour and not per day or per passenger — potentially write down the price, date of payment and "all included" on a piece of paper and get his signature to be on the safe side. Some drivers will exploit your innocence and pretend that the agreement was different. Make sure you can trust your driver before you leave your goods with him — potentially getting a photo of his ID and definitely a photo of his licence plate. Also, memorise your driver's face and write down his phone number (verify!). If he shows any suspicious behaviour, make sure you keep your bags with you. In any case, it is generally always a good idea to have all your valuables with you. Your driver may in some cases act as a tout, offering to take you to businesses from which he gets a sort of commission. This isn't necessarily a bad thing – the driver may help you find just what you're looking for, and add to his income at the same time. On the other hand, always evaluate for yourself whether you are being sold on a higher-cost or poorer quality product than you want. Avoid touts on the road posing as guides that your driver may stop for because he gets a commission from them; supporting them only promotes this unpleasant practice. The driver might ''ask'' for a tip at the end of the trip. Pay him some amount (₹500/day is generally sufficient) and don't let him guilt-trip you into paying too much. Touts at tourist areas will also try to mislead you into getting into the wrong car when you leave; if you fall for this you will certainly be ripped off, your car may be stolen and you may be sexually assaulted. Be wary of reckless driving when renting a car with a driver. Do not be afraid to tell the driver that you have time to see around and that you are not in a hurry. Make sure also that your driver gets enough rest time and time to eat. In general, as you visit restaurants, the driver may eat at the same time (either separately at the same restaurant or at some other nearby place). They may be willing to work non-stop for you as you are the "boss", but your life depends on their ability to concentrate, so ensure that your driving demands are reasonable; for example, if you decide to carry your own food with you on the road, be sure to offer your driver time to get a lunch himself. ===By motorcycle=== [[File:Royal Enfield 7.jpg|thumb|Royal Enfield motorcycle]] Some people argue that '''the best way to experience India is on a motorbike'''. Riding a motorbike and travelling across India you get a closer look and feel of India along with all the smells and sounds. However, this story seems to be mostly popular among the new emerging Indian middle class, who ply popular Indian travel destinations with their bikes, like [[Ladakh]]. For Westerners it is important to note the state of Indian roads and the chaotic traffic, which has already been mentioned under [[#By car]]. There are many companies which organise package tours or tailor-made tours for enthusiastic bikers and the adventurous, or a safer motorbike experience of India. They will take care of luggage and maintenance of the bike. Another choice, popular with people who like taking risks, is to '''buy a motorcycle'''. Not for the faint of heart or inexperienced rider. India boasts the highest motor vehicle accident rate in the world. The Royal Enfield is a popular (some would say, the only) choice for its classic looks and macho mystique. This is despite its high petrol consumption, 25&nbsp;km/litre to 30&nbsp;km/litre, supposed low reliability (it is "classic" 1940s engineering after all and requires regular service adjustment; you can find an Enfield mechanic with decades of experience in every town in India, who will perform miracles at about ₹100 an hour labour cost), and claimed difficulty to handle (it is quite heavy and the seat can be high for some). You don't want to be riding roads at 4,000-5,000 m in Ladakh and suddenly the bike breaking down — here it will be quite difficult to find a mechanic. Alternatively, one can opt for a smaller yet quicker, more fuel efficient and more versatile bikes like "Hero", "Bajaj" or "Honda". They can range from 100 cc to the newly launched 220 cc bikes. The smaller variants (100–125 cc) can give you a mileage exceeding 50&nbsp;km/litre on the road, while giving less power if one is opting to drive with pillion on the highways. The bigger variants (150–220 cc) are more powerful and one can get a feel of the power especially on highways — the mileage is lesser for these bikes anywhere between 35&nbsp;km/litre to 45&nbsp;km/litre. Preferably tourists should go for second hand bikes rather than purchasing new ones. The smaller 100 cc variants can be purchased for anywhere between ₹15,000–25,000 depending on the year of make and condition of vehicle. The bigger ones can be brought from ₹30,000 onwards. But some people have even travelled the country on a scooter. Note that there might be restrictions in place on crossing from one state to the other—not all license plates may be allowed in all states. ===By thumb=== Hitchhiking in India, especially in remote regions, is very easy due to the enormous number of cargo trucks and local traffic on every highway and road. Most drivers do not speak English or any other international language; however, most have a very keen sense of where the cities and villages are along the road. It is rare for any of them to expect payment. Hitchhiking in cities, highways and crowded places is safe, but refrain from hitchhiking on deserted places, less populated areas, forest roads, etc. However, this rule really also depends on the region. Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh can generally be considered to be safe for hitch-hiking. However, in Bihar, one of the poorest states of India, it is probably not a good idea. Also, it is better to stick to day time travel. When hitchhiking it is important to understand the system of vehicle licence plates in India. There are yellow (commercial) and white (private) ones. White ones are generally always safe for hitch-hiking for free, because these are local people in their own car. For yellow licence plates, it depends, regular cars, vans, mini-buses and Jeeps will mostly always be taxis, and it doesn't make sense to hail them. However, pickup trucks, cargo trucks, and anything that looks like made for transporting goods, is safe to hail. They shouldn't demand any money, but if so, just tell them that they are no taxis but cargo vehicles. ===By rickshaw=== [[File:Havelock Autorickshaw.JPG|thumb|A typical Indian autorickshaw, [[Andaman Islands]]]] The auto-rickshaw, usually abbreviated and referred to as '''auto''' and sometimes as '''rickshaw''', is the most common means of hired transport in India. They are very handy for short-distance travel in cities, especially since they can weave their way through small alleys to bypass larger cars stuck in travel jams, but are not very suitable for long distances. Most are green and yellow, due to the new CNG gas laws, and some may be yellow and black in colour, with one wheel in the front and two in the back, with a leather or soft plastic top. The E-rickshaw, is electric and often also now an increasingly common means of hired transport in India, being eco-friendly and very cheap. They serve the same purpose as autos, but travel at a lower speed than autos, and are not allowed on some roads. The E-Rickshaw can fit as many as 6 people in 1 vehicle, with some safety features. The cycle-rickshaw is expensive and becoming a luxurious means of hired transportation. Often riders are very poor and they often do not wear shoes so respect the riders. When getting a rickshaw, you can either negotiate the fare or go by the meter. In almost all cases it is better to use the meter—a negotiated fare means that you are being charged a higher than normal rate. A metered fare starts around ₹13 (different for different areas), and includes the first 1 to 2 kilometres of travel. '''Never''' get in an auto-rickshaw or E-rickshaw without either the meter being turned on, or the fare negotiated in advance. In nearly all cases the driver will ask an exorbitant sum (for Indian standards) from you later. A normal fare would be ₹11-12 for the first km and ₹7-8 per km after that. In most cities, auto-rickshaw drivers are provided with a rate card that elaborately describes the fares on per kilometre basis. A careful tourist must verify the meter reading against the rate card before making a payment. Auto-rickshaws and E-rickshaws carry either digital or analog meters wherein the analog meters may have been tampered with. It may be a better option to go for a negotiated fare when the auto-rickshaw or E-rickshaw has an analogue meter. Ideally, you should talk with a local to find out what the fare for any estimated route will be. Higher rates may apply at night, and for special destinations such as airports. Finally, factor in that rickshaw drivers may have to pay bribes to join the queue for customers at premium locations such as expensive hotels. The bribe will be factored in the fare. Make sure that the driver knows where they are going. Many rickshaw drivers will claim to know the destination without really having any clue as to where it is. If you know something about the location, quiz them on it to screen out the liars. If you do not know much about the location, make them tell you in no uncertain terms that they know where it is. This is because after they get lost and drive all over the place, they will often demand extra payment for their own mistake. You can then tell them that they lied to you, and wasted your time, so they should be happy to get the agreed-upon fee. ===By boat=== India is known for its multitude of rivers and there are numerous boats and ferries to cross certain rivers. However, boat transport is less important for many budget travellers since they will cross most rivers with bridges anyway. That said, boats are still necessary to access certain islands, like the [[Andaman and Nicobar Islands]], the [[Lakshadweep Islands]], Mumbai's [[Elephanta Island]] and West Bengal's [[Sagar Island|Sagar Island.]] You may also take a luxurious river cruise to visit the cities and towns along Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers. Known as '''Ganga Vilas''' (literally 'Ganga Luxury'), the cruise runs from [[Varanasi]] in [[Uttar Pradesh]] to [[Dibrugarh]] in [[Assam]], with stops at [[Patna]], [[Farakka]], [[Jangipur]], [[Murshidabad]], [[Ambika Kalna]], [[Chandannagar]], [[Kolkata]] and [[Dhaka]]. The river cruise also provides amazing views of the [[Sundarbans]]. ===Addresses=== If you need to get anywhere, call in advance and ask for detailed directions. Bear in mind that street signs in India tend to be rare or nonexistent outside the cities. Postal addresses will often carry landmark details "Opp. Prithvi theatre" or "Behind Maruti Showroom" or "near temple / church / mosque / bank branch / police station / school" to ease the search. Unlike the western system of address, the Indian system uses plot number or house number, street, road followed by landmark and the location pin code instead of street name and block number. Finding a place will usually involve some searching, but you will always find someone around the area willing to guide you. Unlike many other countries, Indians ask passers-by, nearby shopkeepers or cops for guidance on street addresses. So you may do the same, people would be happy to help. Using Google Maps with GPS works well most of the time in major cities but at times may not be accurate due to incorrect spelling of road or incorrect positioning on map. ===Inner Line permit=== Inner Line Permit is an official travel document issued by the Government of India to allow inward travel of an Indian citizen into a protected/restricted area for a limited period. It is obligatory for Indian citizens from outside those states to obtain a permit for entering into the protected state. The document is an effort by the Government to regulate movement to certain areas near the international border of India. This is a security measure and it is applicable for the following states: * [[Arunachal Pradesh]] — permits are issued by the Secretary of the Government of Arunachal Pradesh. The permits are required for entering the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh through any of the check gates across the inter-state border with Assam or Nagaland. Permits are obtained at Arunachal Bhavan in all major cities. Permits are given to specific districts and therefore plan the itinerary before applying for district entry permits. Checkpoints at every district border only allow locals and permit holders. * [[Manipur]], [[Mizoram]] and [[Nagaland]] — permits are issued by the respective state governments to allow inward travel of an Indian citizen into the state for a limited period to avoid uncontrollable influx. Most foreign tourists do not require the permit, but must register with the police within 24 hours of arrival; your hotel will usually handle this for you but check to be sure. Citizens and former citizens of Afghanistan, China and Pakistan need special approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs to visit. * [[Sikkim]] — a permit required for the '[[Nathu La]]' Pass which was an important passage of the silk route in medieval era and now a part of the border between India and China. Foreigners are not eligible for the permits. Only Indian citizens are allowed to visit the pass. Further permits for high altitude regions like '[[Lachung]]-[[Lachen]]' along with a high altitude lake called '[[Gurudongmar Lake]]' can be obtained from Gangtok directly. Foreigners may be allowed. Another point known as 'Zero Point' also requires permits. * [[Andaman and Nicobar Islands]] — non-Indians need a Restricted Area Permit to visit the islands, but these are now issued on arrival at the Port Blair airport; if you plan to arrive by sea, you'll need to arrange your permit before arrival, either in Chennai or when applying for your Indian visa. Indian nationals do not require a permit to visit the Andamans, but permits are required to visit Nicobar Islands and other tribal areas, and are rarely given. ==See== To see all the places worth visiting in India, even a 6-month visit is arguably inadequate. There are more tourist destinations in India than can be mentioned in a full-length book, let alone a summary. Almost every state in India has over ten major tourist destinations and there are cities which can barely be tasted in a full week. Many Indian states by themselves are bigger and more populous than most of the countries in the world, and there are 28 states and 8 Union Territories in India, including two island chains outside the Mainland. That said, below are some highlights. ===Historical monuments and forts=== Probably the most famous single attraction in India is the '''[[Agra|Taj Mahal]]''', which is widely recognised as the jewel of Islamic art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the [[UNESCO World Heritage List|world's heritage]]. [[File:RedFort.jpg|thumb|260px|Red Fort, Delhi]] The '''Qutb Minar''' and the impressive '''Red Fort''' are the two most prominent historical monuments in [[Delhi]]. [[Jaipur]], the capital of the [[Western India|western]] state of [[Rajasthan]], is incredibly rich in forts and palaces, including the tremendous '''Amber Fort''', beautiful '''Jal Mahal''' (Water Palace) and unique '''Hawa Mahal'''. [[Nalanda]] in [[Bihar]] has the remains of a university of Buddhism that was established in 450 CE. For a rather different and more modern kind of historical monument, the '''Gandhi Ashram''' in [[Ahmedabad]], founded by the Mahatma himself, is a repository of all things Gandhi. ===Houses of worship=== No visit to India would be complete without a trip to some of the country's fantastic temples. All regions of the country are replete with temples. The city of [[Jammu]], the winter capital of [[Jammu and Kashmir]], has so many temples that it's called the '''"City of Temples"''' and is a major draw for Hindu pilgrims. [[Bishnupur (Rarh)|Bishnupur]] in [[West Bengal]] is home to famous '''terracotta temples'''. The '''Sri Venkateswara Temple''' in [[Tirupati]], [[Andhra Pradesh]], is dedicated to Vishnu and is also a major draw for pilgrims. The '''Tantric temple complexes of [[Khajuraho]]''' in [[Madhya Pradesh]] are much beloved for their thousand-year-old sacred erotic wall carvings, considered by some art historians to be the pinnacle of erotic art. The '''Meenakshi Amman Temple''' in [[Madurai]], [[Tamil Nadu]], is a centre of worship of Parvati, the consort of Shiva. The city of [[Thanjavur]] in Tamil Nadu known for its grand Chola-era temples. Hinduism is not the only religion represented among the great temples of India. The world headquarters of the Sikh religion are in the '''Golden Temple''' in [[Amritsar]], [[Punjab (India)|Punjab]]. [[Leh]] and environs, in the union territory of [[Ladakh]], are one of a number of areas that have '''splendid Buddhist temples or monasteries'''. The '''Ranakpur Temple''' in the small Rajasthani town of [[Ranakpur]] is an impressive and historic Jain temple. India's second-largest religion in adherents after Hinduism is Islam, and many parts of India were ruled by Muslim dynasties for hundreds of years, so it's not surprising that India is also home to many magnificent mosques. Some of them, like the mosque in the Taj, are part of historical monuments. One impressive mosque that's very much in use to this day is the lovely 17th-century '''Jama Masjid''' in Old [[Delhi]]. [[Hyderabad]] in [[Southern India|the south]] has several historical mosques, including '''Charminar Masjid''' and '''Mecca Masjid'''. There are also notable churches in various Indian cities. ===Geographical=== [[File:Varanasi Munshi Ghat3.jpg|thumb|Munshi Ghat along the Ganges in Varanasi]] India is a very geographically varied country. In the north of the country, one can see the '''Himalayas''', the Earth's highest mountain range. There are hilly areas in many non-Himalayan states, too. In India, '''hill stations''' — towns in the cooler areas in foothills or high valleys surrounded by mountains, which were favored by rajas, then the British and now Indian tourists in the hot summer months — are considered sights and experiences in themselves. The largest of them is Jammu and Kashmir's summer capital, [[Srinagar]], but [[Darjeeling]], in view of Mount Kangchenjunga in northern [[West Bengal]], is very famous for its tea. Other famous hill stations include [[Shimla]], [[Ooty]] and [[Gangtok]], and there are many others — most states have some. India is also a country of numerous rivers. Several of them are traditionally considered holy, but especially the '''Ganges''', locally known as Ganga, which brings life to the [[Plains (India)|Indian Plains]], India's breadbasket, and is not just an impressive body of water but a centre of ritual ablutions, prayer and cremation. There are several holy cities along the river that have many temples, but they are often less places of pilgrimage to specific temples than holy cities whose temples have grown because of the ghats (steps leading down to the holy river) and most interesting to visit for the overall experience of observing or partaking in the way of life and death along the river. Foremost among these holy cities is [[Varanasi]], [[Uttar Pradesh]], where some 5,000-year-old rituals are still practised; other cities worth visiting to experience the Ganges include [[Rishikesh]] and [[Haridwar]], much further upstream. India also has a long coastline. The '''beaches''' of [[Goa]], also an interesting former Portuguese colony and the [[Andaman Islands]] are among the most appreciated by domestic and foreign visitors. Finally, India has a vast desert, the '''Thar Desert''' in [[Rajasthan]]. Several Rajasthani cities including [[Jaisalmer]] are good bases for camel safaris. ===Wildlife=== {{see also|Wildlife in South and Southeast Asia|Indian national parks and wildlife sanctuaries}} India is famous for its wildlife, including the Bengal tigers, Asiatic lions and elephants. * [[Keibul Lamjao National Park]] in [[Manipur]] is the world's only floating national park, floating on the mirror like [[Loktak lake]], where the world's only dancing deer species, Brow antlered deer ([[Manipuri phrasebook|Manipuri]]: Sangai) is found. Another one, the [[Sirohi National Park]] is the world's only habitat for the world's only terrestrial lily, the Shirui Lily (Lilium macklineae), which can't be grown in any part of the earth except in the Shirui NP in [[Manipur]], despite innumerable serious experiments of numerous scientists. * [[Bandhavgarh National Park]] in [[Madhya Pradesh]] and [[Ranthambhore National Park]] in [[Rajasthan]] are the most likely places for you to spot an Indian tiger in the wild, though you will still have to have some luck and persistence. * [[Gir Forest National Park]] in [[Gujarat]] is dedicated to the preservation of Asiatic lions. * The [[Sundarbans (West Bengal)|Sundarbans]], on the border with [[Bangladesh]] is the largest mangrove forest and delta in the world, home to the famous Royal Bengal tigers and estuarine crocodiles but also fascinating as an overall ecosystem. * [[Pench National Park]] in Madhya Pradesh is one of the places that may have inspired Rudyard Kipling's ''Jungle Book''. * [[Kaziranga National Park]] in Assam is home to the world's largest population of one-horned rhinoceros. ==Do== ===Fairs and festivals=== [[File:Holi Bonfire Udaipur.jpg|thumb|Holi bonfire in [[Udaipur]]]] '''Goa Fair''' (carnival). February heralds the carnival at [[Goa]]. For three days and nights the streets come alive with colour. Held in mid February the week-long event is a time for lively processions, floats, the strumming of guitars, graceful dances and of non-stop festivity. One of the more famous of Indian carnivals, the Goa Festival is a complete sell out in terms of tourism capacities. '''Surajkund Mela''' (1–15 February). As spring glides in, full of warmth and vibrancy, leaving the grey winter behind, Surajkund adorns itself with colourful traditional crafts of India. Craftsmen from all over the country assemble at Surajkund during the first fortnight of February to participate in the annual celebration that is the Surajkund Crafts Mela. '''Holi'''. The Spring Festival of India, Holi is a festival of colours. Celebrated in March or April, according to the Hindu calendar, it was meant to welcome spring and win the blessings of Gods for good harvests and fertility of the land. As with all Hindu festivals, there are many interesting legends attached to Holi, the most popular being that of Prince Prahlad, who was a devout follower of Lord Vishnu. It is the second most important festival of India after Diwali. Holi in India is a festival of fun and frolic and has been associated with the immortal love of Krishna and Radha. The exuberance and the festivity of the season are remarkable. '''Diwali'''. The festival of lights, Diwali, illuminates the darkness of the New Year's moon, and is said to strengthen close friendships and knowledge with a self-realisation. Diwali is celebrated on a nation-wide scale on Amavasya – the 15th day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu month of Ashwin (Oct/Nov) every year. It symbolises that age-old culture of India which teaches to vanquish ignorance that subdues humanity and to drive away darkness that engulfs the light of knowledge. The festival of lights still today projects the rich and glorious past of India. '''Pushkar Mela'''. Every November the sleepy little township of [[Pushkar]] in Rajasthan comes alive in a riot of colours and a frenzied burst of activity during the Pushkar Fair. Few fairs in the world can match the liveliness of Pushkar. It includes the world's largest camel fair, but is much more than that. ===Sports=== [[File:Eden gardens.jpg|thumb|A cricket match at the Eden Gardens, [[Kolkata]]]] *'''[[Cricket]]''' — India is a cricket-obsessed country and cricket is in the blood of most Indians. India plays an important role in world cricket and has been world champion twice in the ICC Cricket World Cup, in 1983 beating the mighty West Indies in the final, and Sri Lanka in 2011. India also emerged triumphant in the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup in 2007 held in South Africa beating arch-rival Pakistan in a nail-biting final, as well as in the ICC T20 World Cup in 2024 held in the USA and the West Indies beating South Africa in thrilling final, winning all their matches. The popularity of cricket in India is second to no other game, so seeing children playing cricket in parks and alleys with rubber balls and makeshift wickets is very common. Until 2008, Indian cricket was all about the national team playing against other countries in one-day matches or epic five-day Test marathons, but the advent of the [http://www.iplt20.com/ Indian Premier League] (IPL) has, for better or worse, brought fast-paced, commercialised "Twenty20" cricket to the fore, complete with cheerleaders and massive salaries. In international matches, while Australia typically poses the strongest challenge to Indian supremacy, the most intense rivalry by far is with neighbouring Pakistan, and matches between the two sides are often a very charged affair. About half-a dozen Indian stadiums have a capacity of over 45,000 and watching a cricket match can be quite an experience. The Eden Gardens in central [[Kolkata]] is India's most iconic cricket stadium with 66,349 seating capacity and is the oldest cricket stadium in the Indian subcontinent, established in 1865, and is comparable to the stadiums of Lords' in London and the MCG in Melbourne. The atmosphere of most matches is electrifying. ''Nearly all'' international matches have sellout crowds, and it is quite normal for fans to bribe officials and make their way in. Starting ticket prices are quite cheap; they can be as low as ₹250–300. India and Pakistan are all-time arch rivals, and cricket matches between the two nations attract up to a billion TV viewers, including many people who are otherwise not cricket fans. *'''[[Association football|Football]]''' (soccer) — You can come across young boys playing with a football on any open space that is available, as with cricket. Club football is very popular, especially among youth and you will find people getting into heated arguments in public places over their favourite teams. Many people also support national teams other than India, but it usually depends on the nationality of their favourite players. Also, many large restaurants and bars offer a view of important European club matches and the World Cup matches. The most famous and electrifying rivalry is the ''Kolkata Derby'' between Mohun Bagan Athletic Club (established 1889) and East Bengal Football club (established 1920) held at Salt Lake Stadium (the second-largest non-auto racing stadium in the world) in eastern [[Kolkata]], the football capital of India and a tremendously football crazy city. This rivalry is widely regarded to be the oldest and most intense football rivalry in Asia. *'''[[Field hockey|Hockey]]''' (field hockey) – The national game of India, hockey retains a prominent position in the hearts of many Indians, despite the craze for cricket and football. Although the viewership has dwindled significantly (as compared to the golden era before cricket came to the fore in the mid-1980s), it hasn't vanished completely. It still has a significant fan base, especially in North India, some eastern parts like Jharkhand, Odisha and the Northeastern states. The introduction of the Premier Hockey League has helped restore its popularity. Speakers of U.S./Canadian English should also note that 'hockey' refers to field hockey, not ice hockey. *'''Polo''' — Polo's origins can be traced to origins in Manipur state around 3100 BC, when it was played as Sagol Kangjei. It was adopted by the Europeans during the 19th century and spread around the globe. The polo ground in [[Imphal]] is the world's oldest. *'''Kabaddi''' — A sport unique to the Indian subcontinent, it is a contact team sport that involves attempting to tag out your opponents' player before returning to your own half. ==Learn== There are many things to learn that interest foreigners all over India, but there are a few destinations that have become particularly well known for certain things: *'''Yoga''' is popular in [[Haridwar]], [[Rishikesh]] and [[Mysore]]. *'''Ayurveda''' is popular in [[Kerala]]. The region also boasts of many dance and dramatic forms. *'''[[Hindi phrasebook|Hindi]]''' in [[Delhi]] and [[Varanasi]]. *'''Classical musical instruments''' in not only the ancient city of [[Varanasi]] but many parts of India, especially in Southern States, where they form the most integral part of Core Classicals. *'''Classical vocal music''' and '''classical dance forms''' in [[Tamil Nadu]] or [[Manipur]] or [[Karnataka]]. *'''Sanskrit''' at 'Samskrita Bharati' in areas of [[Udupi]], [[Bangalore]] and [[Delhi]]. *'''Buddhism''' in [[Dharamsala]] and [[Bir]] in [[Himachal Pradesh]] as well as in [[Bodh Gaya]] in [[Bihar]]. *'''Cooking''' classes are also popular. The most well-known exported type of Indian food are the cuisines such as Idly, Dosa, Biryanis, Dals etc. and regional cuisines such as Thalis, South Indian, and [[Punjab (India)|Punjab]]i, as the Sikhs have been the most successful in spreading Indian restaurants throughout the western world. However, styles vary a lot throughout the country, so if you have the time and appetite it's worth checking out courses in a variety of areas such as [[Karnataka]], [[Kerala]], [[Tamil Nadu]], and [[West Bengal]]. There are many universities imparting education but at the helm are '''Indian Institutes of Technology''' (IITs) for technical undergraduates, '''Indian Institutes of Management''' (IIMs) for management postgraduates and '''National Law Universities/Schools''' (NLUs) which are world class institutes. Most of the ambitious students who want to get a good high level education strive to get into these institutes through the fiendishly difficult admission processes, both due to nature of test and the prevailing competition. Admissions to the top 7 IITs - [[Delhi]], [[Mumbai|Bombay]], [[Chennai|Madras]], [[Kanpur]], [[Kharagpur]], [[Roorkee]] and [[Guwahati]] - are so competitive that it is harder for an Indian student to get into one of them than it is for an American student to get into an Ivy League college, or a British student to get into Oxbridge. The 6 top IIMs (Including the 4 oldest - [[Ahmedabad]], [[Kolkata]], [[Bangalore]] and [[Lucknow]] plus newly established Indore and Kozhikode) together select only about 1,200 students from 350,000 students who appear for CAT exam. But still students have a great desire to get into these institutes. These institutes also offer degrees to foreign students. Apart from undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral courses, there are many training and diploma-level institutes and polytechnics that cater to the growing demand for skill-based and vocational education. Besides conventional educational institutes, foreigners might also be interested to study with Pandits to learn Hindi and Sanskrit in genuine settings as well as with Mullahs to study Urdu, Persian, and Arabic. They might also like to live with famed Ustads to study traditional Indian music. Whether people are interested in philosophy or religion, cuisine or dance, India will have the right opportunity for them. ==Work== Foreigners need a work permit to be employed in India. A work permit is granted if an application is made to the local Indian embassy along with proof of potential employment and supporting documents. There are many expatriates working in India, mostly for multinational companies. India has always had an expatriate community of reasonable size, and there are many avenues for finding employment, including popular job-hunting websites. Citizens of '''[[Nepal]]''' and '''[[Bhutan]]''' can live and work freely in India, and do not require work permits. There are many volunteer opportunities around the country including teaching. India has a reasonable presence of foreign Christian missionaries, who for the most part form the non-local religious workers, since the other major religions of the world either grew out of India or have had a long-term presence. A living can be made in the traveller scenes by providing some kind of service such as baking Western cakes, tattooing or massage. Previously, an AIDS test result was required as part of the work visa application process. It is highly recommended that applicants obtain test results in their home country beforehand if possible. ==Buy== ===Money=== {{exchange rates | currency=Indian rupees | currencyCode=₹ | date= January 2025 | USD=85 | EUR=88 | GBP=107 | CAD=59 | SGD=62 | KRW=57 | JPY=54 | source=[https://www.xe.com/currency/inr-indian-rupee XE.com] }} {{infobox|The money that was|On November 8, 2016, the old yellow ₹500 and red ₹1000 banknotes were demonetised (made invalid) at very short notice in a ham-fisted attempt to fight corruption. The new ₹500 note is grey, and there is no ₹1000 note at all. If you have any of the old notes lying around, they are no longer legal tender and they are impossible to exchange. '''Don't accept these''' if somebody tries to palm any off to you: [[File:India 500 INR, MG series, 2014, obverse.jpg|x117px]] [[File:India 1000 INR, MG series, 2006, obverse.jpg|x117px]] }} The currency in India is the Indian '''rupee''' (sign: ₹; code: '''INR''') (रुपया — ''rupaya'' in Hindi and similarly named in most Indian languages, but ''ṭaka'' in Maithili, ''ṭākā'' in Bengali and ''ṭakā'' in Assamese). The rupee is subdivided into 100 paise (singular: paisa). "5 rupees 50 paise" would normally be written as "₹5.50". The new rupee symbol ₹ was introduced in July 2010 to bring the rupee's symbol in line with other major currencies. Previously, "Rs" was used (or "Re" for the singular rupee). It is very likely you will continue to see the previous nomenclature in your Indian travels, especially with smaller businesses and street vendors, as well as prices written like 500/- (with a slash and hyphen at the end). Indian banknotes or bills come in denominations of ₹1 (rare), ₹5 (green, printing discontinued), ₹10 (orange and violet/chocolate brown), ₹20 (reddish-orange/greenish yellow), ₹50 (violet/fluorescent blue), ₹100 (greenish blue/lavender), ₹200 (bright yellow) and ₹500 (stone grey). There are two versions of ₹10, ₹20, ₹50 and ₹100 banknotes due to the introduction of a new series of the currency by the government in 2016 following the demonetisation. A magenta ₹2000 banknote exists and remains legal tender, but was withdrawn from circulation in 2023. The coins in circulation are 50p (rare), ₹1, ₹2, ₹5, ₹10 (yellow ring with steel center) and ₹20 (steel ring with yellowish gold center). Coins are useful for buying tea (₹5), for bus fares (₹2 to ₹10), and for giving exact change for an auto-rickshaw. Indians commonly use '''lakh''' and '''crore''' for 100,000 and 10,000,000 respectively. Though these terms come from Sanskrit, they have been adopted so deeply into Indian English that most people are not aware that they are non-existent in other English dialects. You may also find non-standard, although standard in India, placement of commas while writing numerals. One crore rupees would be written as ₹1,00,00,000, so first time you place a comma after three numerals, then after every two numerals. This format may puzzle you till you start thinking in terms of lakhs and crores, after which it will seem natural. {| class="wikitable" |- ! Number !! Western Format !! Indian Format (In English) !! Indian Format (In Hindi) |- | 100 || Hundred || Hundred || Sau |- | 1000 || Thousand || Thousand || Hazār |- | 1,00,000 || Hundred Thousand || One Lakh || Ek Lākh |- | 10,00,000 || Million || Ten Lakhs || Das Lākh |- | 1,00,00,000 || Ten Million || One Crore || Ek Karoṛ |} ====Change==== It is always good to have a number of small bills on hand, as merchants and food stalls are notoriously short on change and cash in general, even if your food was ₹250. Giving a ₹500 note, and they often will be stuck. It is best to ask before whether they have change. This is due to most small shops accepting cashless payment, or just to have as little money in the shops as possible, for safety. The best way to get small change is with bus conductors or other official places, they will readily accept large notes. Also, it seems fruit and vegetable vendors have change. In general, it is best to keep smaller bills (₹10-50) and larger bills separate. Then, it will not be obvious how much money you have. Some shops don't accept bills and coins of very low denominations like ₹1 and ₹5 bills, and 50p, ₹1 and ₹2 coins, despite being legal tenders. So, it is best to change these for larger denominations commonly used instead of arguing with shopkeepers. Also, do not accept any bills that are ripped, taped or look in any way unacceptable. Generally, vendors, etc. will readily give you a better note. But some might struggle to find any cash at all, as mentioned before. Stand your ground, otherwise next time you try to spend such a note it will be your problem and Indians are very selective. '''UPI (Unified Payment Interface)''' In India, you can now pay on phone using UPI. Using your UPI enabled mobile app, you scan a QR Code from your vendor, type in a set amount of money and the money can send. Foreigners can now make UPI payments as well. ====ATMs==== Most ATMs will pay out a maximum of ₹10,000 per transaction. Notes are often ₹500 only, so you will have to choose a multiple of this for withdrawals. State Bank of India (SBI) is the biggest bank in India and has the most ATMs. ICICI bank has the second largest network of ATMs and accepts most of the international cards at a nominal charge. International banks like Citibank, HSBC, Barclays, Deutsche Bank, ABN Amro and Standard Chartered have a significant presence in major Indian cities. Either way, it is always worthwhile to have bank cards or credit cards from at least two different providers to ensure that you have a backup available in case one card is suspended by your bank or simply does not work work at a particular ATM. Decline any offer of [[Money#Dynamic_currency_conversion|dynamic currency conversion (DCC)]], unless you cannot, or you can verify that the conversion is indeed in your favour – it rarely is. It is often off the market rate by 7% or more, whereas your bank's rate is typically only off 1–3%. While your bank may also charge a fixed fee for its conversion, the exchange rate dominates in typical withdrawals. The ATMs of the State Bank of India (SBI), Punjab National Bank (PNB), Canara, Union, HDFC, Baroda, Central, IDBI, DCB and HSBC banks may not charge a withdrawal fee (listed in order from most to fewest branches). The fee charged can vary depending on your card type, where your bank is and sometimes even the specific ATM you're using. Check fees when using an ATM you haven't used before, or the same ATM with a different card. If one of these ATMs is not nearby then check this table to help find a favourable alternative: {| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="margin-left: 1em; text-align:right" |+ {{nowrap|Fees and limits}} {{nowrap|(as of Nov 2024)}} <!-- Table default sort order: 1. Ascending on the fee that would apply to a 10000 INR withdrawal (~100 USD) 2. Ascending on the bank name --> ! Bank !! Fee !! Transaction limit!! DCC |- ! Bank of Baroda | None || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! Central Bank | None || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! Canara Bank | {{INR|0-200}} || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! DCB Bank | None || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! HDFC Bank | {{INR|0-200}} || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! HSBC Bank | None || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! IDBI Bank | None || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! Punjab National Bank (PNB) | {{INR|0-150}} || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! State Bank of India (SBI) | {{INR|0-250}} || {{INR|10000}} | 8% declinable |- ! Union Bank of India | None || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! Citibank | {{INR|200}} || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! ICICI Bank | {{INR|200}} || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! IndusInd Bank | {{INR|200}} || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! Kotak Mahindra Bank | {{INR|200}} || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! Federal Bank | {{INR|238}} || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! Axis Bank | {{INR|300}} || {{INR|10000}} | |- ! Standard Chartered | {{INR|335}} || {{INR|10000}} | |} ====Credit cards and mobile payments==== In many cities and towns, credit cards are accepted at retail chain stores and other restaurants and stores. Small businesses and family-run stores almost never accept credit cards, so it is useful to keep a moderate amount of cash on hand. Mobile payment apps including PhonePe, Paytm, and Google Pay use the UPI BHIM standard and are increasingly popular across India, these apps require Indian phone numbers and bank accounts but there are several apps that provide UPI for tourists and visitors, including Mony, Cheq and Namaspay. Apple Pay is not supported in India. You will have to scan a QR code and then money will be transferred to the recipient. UPI apps for tourists work with the QR codes. Most UPI apps can be downloaded from the app stores before travelling, but they require in-person identification before working. Most UPI for tourists apps provide scheduling a meeting at hotel via whatsapp or meeting at their offices. Many shops, even the tiniest food shed, will accept cashless payment. This is also the reason why they are notoriously short in cash. ====Money exchange==== [[File:SardarMarket Fabrics.JPG|thumb|Rajasthani fabric for sale, [[Jodhpur]]]] You can change foreign currencies into rupees at any one of the numerous foreign exchange conversion units including banks. The Indian rupee is officially not convertible; foreigners are '''not allowed''' to bring Indian rupees into or out of India, while Indian citizens are restricted to carrying '''up to ₹25,000''' when exiting or entering India. Rates for exchanging rupees overseas are often poor, although places with large Indian populations (e.g. Dubai, Singapore) can give decent rates. ===Costs=== Costs in India can vary widely from region to region, and even in the same city, depending on the quality of service or product, brand, etc. But usually, India is '''very inexpensive''' for Western travellers. ====Budget travellers==== Budget travel around India is surprisingly easy, with the savvy backpacker being able to get by on as little as US$10 per day—but allow US$15–25 for any extra comfort (beer, rickshaws, etc.). It is generally cheaper than South East Asia with a night in a hotel costing as little as ₹200–800—though there will be probably no AC at the lower end. Hostel beds start at ₹150, and generally are ₹300-500. Beach huts in the cheaper places of Goa can cost around ₹800 per night. A meal can be bought from a street trader for as little as ₹30, Samosas and alike go for ₹10–20 per piece, though in a restaurant expect to pay around ₹100-200 for a meal. Overnight buses and trains can cost anywhere from ₹600-1,000 dependent on distance and locations, though an uncomfortable government bus (benches only) may be half of that. Regular bus transport will cost approximately ₹2/km—if you pay considerably more, something is off. Short-distance bus routes of 3–4 hr are seldomly more than ₹200. Otherwise, just exploring places on foot saves a lot of money. Also, many sights are for free and just hanging out at a temple and reading a book is as cheap as it can get. A simple day in Rishikesh or Amritsar could look like this: * Accommodation: ₹0–200 (Temple vs. Hostel) * Food: ₹350 (2 full meals, fruits) * Chai, water, soft drink: ₹100 * Transport: ₹100–200 *'''Total''': ₹400–800 for one person ====Mid-range to splurge travellers==== Add traveling by taxi, staying in 3+-star hotels, and dinning in classy locations, and your daily bill will quickly go up to US$50–100 (per person). A decent room is ₹2,000–5,000 in a good hotel offering PayTV, AC, and sometimes refrigerator. Food will cost at least ₹400 for a decent meal, but the sky is the limit. A taxi or rickshaw may cost ₹20–30/km. There are radio taxis that are available at ₹20–25/km in key Indian cities which have GPS navigation, AC and accept debit/credit cards for payments. So, the total for one day would be about as below: * Hotel: US$30–60 per room for a good place per day * Food: US$15 for a good meal per day * Travel: US$20 taxi and bus together * '''Total''': US$90 for a couple, or US$60 for one person alone ===Discriminatory pricing=== Foreign visitors will quickly encounter the '''special foreigners' rates''' that they are charged in some places in India. This applies to many tourist attractions, such as museums and historical sites. The difference in pricing is because the Indian government subsidises entry fees for local people, to make these attractions more affordable for taxpayers. While this may seem discriminatory, it is practised in most developing countries in Asia and Africa and helps make these attractions more accessible to local people. Some tourist attractions that are run by the Archaeological Survey of India have different rates for Indians and foreigners. These rates are prominently posted at the entrance and ticketing booths. The rates for foreigners may be as many as five to ten times those for Indians. Likewise, if you are reserving a hotel room or an airline ticket over the internet, you may find that paying in euros or US dollars costs significantly more. You can get an Indian friend to book in rupees and in most cases, no one will question you at the time of check in. ===Tipping=== In India there has traditionally been little or no tipping, and today tipping is unusual outside of fancier restaurants where up to 10% is appropriate. The fancier restaurants may also levy a service charge of up to 15% apart from government taxes. Some restaurants have also have started placing jars at the cashier for people to drop in some change if they feel so, but this is a rather rare phenomenon. Most clubs in India have a complete ban on its members from tipping. Usually no service industry except the food services industry expects a tip. In India, it is unlawful for taxi or rickshaw drivers to charge anything above the meter. ===Shopping=== [[File:Delhi main bazaar.jpg|thumb|At the main bazaar in Delhi]] In India, you are '''''expected'' to negotiate the price''' with street hawkers but not in department stores and the like. If not, you risk overpaying many times, which can be okay if you think that it is cheaper than at home. In most of the big cities and even smaller towns retail chain stores are popping up where the shopping experience is essentially identical to similar stores in the West. There are also some government-run stores like the '''Cottage Emporium''' in New Delhi, where you can sample wares from all across the country in air-conditioned comfort. Although you will pay a little more at these stores, you can be sure that what you are getting is not a cheap knockoff. The harder you [[bargaining|bargain]], the more you save money. A few tries later, you will realise that it is fun. Often, the more time you spend in a shop, the better deals you will get. It is worth spending time getting to know the owner, asking questions, and getting him to show you other products (if you are interested). Once the owner feels that they will make a sufficient profit from you, they will often give you additional goods at a rate close to cost, rather than the common "foreigner rate". You will get better prices and service by buying many items in one store than by bargaining in multiple stores individually. If you see local people buying in a store, you should be able to find out the real Indian prices. Ask someone around you quietly, "How much would you pay for this?" Also, very often you will meet a "friend" in the street inviting you to visit their family's shop. That almost always means that you pay twice as much as when you had been in the shop without your newly found friend. ''Baksheesh'' was originally a Persian word for charity, but it has spread to many languages including most of those in India. Depending on context, its English translation might be any of donation, gift, tip, bribe, alms or commission. Having Indians you deal with want baksheesh is a fairly common phenomenon. While this is sometimes a problem, doing it can ease certain problems and clear some hurdles. Baksheesh is also the term used by beggars when they want money from you and may refer to tips given those who provide you a service. Packaged goods show the '''Maximum Retail Price (MRP)''' on the package. This includes taxes. Retailers are not supposed to charge more than this. Though this rule is adhered to at most places, at tourist destinations or remote places, you may be charged more. This is especially true for cold drinks like Coke or Pepsi, where a bottle (300 ml) costs around ₹33-35 when the actual price is ₹30. Also, keep in mind that a surprising number of things do not come in packaged form. Do check for the authenticity of the MRP, as shopkeepers may put up their own sticker to charge more from you. ===What to look for/buy=== *'''Wood Carvings''' – India produces a striking variety of carved wood products that can be bought at very low prices. Examples include decorative wooden plates, bowls, artwork, furniture and miscellaneous items that will surprise you. Check the regulations of your home country before attempting to import wooden items. *'''Clothing''' – It depends on the state/region you are visiting. Most of the states have their speciality to offer. For example, go for silk sarees if you are visiting Varanasi; Block prints if you are in Jaipur. *'''Paintings''' – Paintings come on a wide variety of media, such as cotton, silk, or with frame included. Gemstone paintings incorporate semi-precious stone dust, so they have a glittering appearance to them. *'''Marble and stone carvings''' – Common carved items include elephants, Hindu gods/goddesses. Compare several of the same kind. If they look too similar bargain hard as they are probably machine made. *'''Jewellery''' – Beautiful necklaces, bracelets and other jewellery are very inexpensive in India. *'''Pillow covers, bedsets''' – Striking and rich designs are common for pillows and bed covers. *'''Carpets''' – India has a long [[Carpets#Indian subcontinent|history]] of carpet production and makes many today for both domestic and export markets. Designer brands like Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, Zara, A & F, all are available in upmarket stores in malls especially in the larger cities. ==Eat== {{see also|South Asian cuisine}} Indian cuisine takes its place among the great cuisines of the world. There is a good chance that you have tasted "Indian food" in your country, especially if you are a traveller from the West. But what India has exported abroad is just one part of its extraordinary range of culinary diversity. Indian food can be spicy: Potent fresh green chillies or red chilli powder will bring tears to the eyes of the uninitiated, and can be found in unexpected places like sweet cornflakes (a snack, not breakfast) or even candies. The degree of spiciness varies widely throughout the country: [[Andhra Pradesh|Andhra]] food is famously fiery, while [[Gujarat]]i cuisine is quite mild in taste with the exception of Surti food (from [[Surat]]). To enjoy the local food, start slowly. Don't try everything at once. After a few weeks, you can get accustomed to spicy food. If you would like to order your dish not spicy, simply say so. Most visitors are tempted to try at least some of the spicy concoctions, and most discover that the sting is worth the trouble. Remember, too, that while "spicy" is a convenient short-hand for "chilli-laden", the spiciness of food in India doesn't always mean lots of chilli: Indian cuisines often use a multitude of different spices and other aromatic ingredients in highly creative and flavourful ways, like ginger and garlic. ===Cuisine=== Cuisine in India varies greatly from region to region. ====North Indian==== [[File:Chuni Roti.jpg|thumb|Chuni roti]] '''[[Northern India]]''' is a wheat-growing area, so you have '''Indian breads''' (known as ''roti''), including ''chapatti'' (unleavened bread), ''paratha'' (pan-fried layered roti), ''naan'' (cooked in a clay ''tandoor'' oven), ''puri'' (deep-fried and puffed up bread) and many more. A typical meal consists of one or more gravy dishes along with rotis, to be eaten by breaking off a piece of roti, dipping it in the gravy and eating them together. Most of the Hindi heartland of India survives on roti, rice, and '''lentils''' (''dal''), which are prepared in several different ways and made spicy to taste. Served on the side, you will usually find spiced yogurt (''raita'') and either fresh chutney or a tiny piece of exceedingly pungent pickle (''achar'') — very much an acquired taste for most visitors. Try mixing it with curry, not eating it plain. A variety of regional cuisines can be found throughout the North. ''Tandoori'' chicken, prepared in a clay oven called a ''tandoor'', is probably the best-known North Indian dish, innovated by a Punjabi immigrant from present-day Pakistan during the Partition. For a taste of traditional Punjabi folk cooking, try ''dal makhani'' (stewed black lentils and kidney beans in a buttery gravy), or ''sarson da saag'', a yummy gravy dish made with stewed mustard greens, served with ''makke di roti'' (flatbread made from maize). There are also the hearty textures and robust flavours of [[Rajasthan]]i food, the meat-heavy [[Kashmir]]i dishes from the valley of Kashmir, or the mild yet ingratiating [[Himalayan North|Himalayan]] (''pahari'') cuisine found in the higher reaches. North India also has of a variety of snacks like ''samosa'' (vegetables encased in thin pastry of a triangular shape) and ''kachori'' (either vegetable or pulses encased in thin pastry). There is also a vast constellation of sweet desserts like ''jalebi'' (deep-fried pretzel with sugar syrup- shaped like a spiral), ''rasmalai'' (balls of curds soaked in condensed milk) and ''halwa''. Dry fruits and nuts like almonds, cashews and pistachios are used a lot, often in the desserts, but sometimes also in the main meal. Authentic Mughal-style cooking, the royal cuisine of the Mughal Empire, can still be found and savoured in some parts of India, most notably the old Mughal cities of Delhi, [[Agra]] and [[Lucknow]] in [[Uttar Pradesh]], and [[Hyderabad]] in [[Telangana]]. It is a refined blend of [[Iran|Persian]], [[Central Asia|Turkic]] and [[Indian subcontinent|Subcontinent]] cooking, and makes heavy use of meat and spices. The names of some Mughal dishes bear the prefix of ''shahi'' as a sign of its prestige and royal status from a bygone era. Famous Mughal specialties include ''biryani'' (layered meat and rice casserole), ''pulao'' (rice cooked in a meat or vegetable broth), ''kebab'' (grilled meat), ''kofta'' (balls of mincemeat), ''korma'', ''rumali roti'' (flatbread whirled into paper-thin consistency) and ''shahi tukray'' (saffron and cardamom-scented bread pudding). '''Thali''' is a general meal dish often including dal, vegetables, raita, rice, roti. Dal, vegetables and sometimes raita can often be had several times, 4 rotis are generally included (₹10 for additional). They go for ₹100-150. ====South Indian==== [[File:Meal BananaLeaf.JPG|thumb|240px|A typically south Indian banana leaf meal]] {{see also|Southern India#Eat}} In '''[[Southern India]]''', the food is mostly '''rice-based'''. A typical meal includes ''sambhar'' (a thick vegetable and lentil chowder) with rice, ''rasam'' (a thin, peppery soup), or ''avial'' (mixed vegetables) with rice, traditionally served on a banana leaf as a plate. Seasoning in South India differs from northern regions by its ubiquitous use of mustard seeds, curry leaves, pulses, fenugreek seeds, and a variety of souring agents such as tamarind and kokum. There are regional variations too — the coastal regions make greater use of coconut and fish. In the State of [[Kerala]], it is common to use grated coconut in everything and coconut oil for cooking. The South also has some great breakfast dishes like ''idli'' (a steamed cake of lentils and rice), ''dosa'', a thin, crispy pancake often stuffed with spiced potatoes to make ''masala dosa'', ''vada'', a savoury Indian donut, and ''uttapam'', a fried pancake made from a rice and lentil batter with onions and other vegetables mixed in. All of these can be eaten with ''dahi'', plain yogurt, and '''chutney''', a condiment that can be made from practically anything. Try the ever popular masala dosa, which originated from Udupi in [[Karnataka]], in one of the old restaurants of [[Bangalore]]. Seafood is very popular in [[Kerala]] and the [[Mangalore]]an coast of Karnataka. [[Tamil Nadu|Chettinad]] and Hyderabad cuisines use meat heavily, and are a lot spicier. Coffee tends to be the preferred drink to tea in South India. ====Others==== In '''[[Western India]]''', you will find some great cuisine groups. '''[[Gujarat]]i''' cuisine is somewhat similar to Rajastani cooking with the heavy use of dairy products, but differs in that it is predominantly vegetarian, and often sweetened with jaggery or sugar. Gujaratis make some of the best snack items such as the '''Dhokla''' and the '''Muthia'''. [[Mumbai]] is famous for its chaat, as well as the food of the small but visible Irani and Parsi communities concentrated in and around the city. The adjacent states of [[Maharashtra]] and Goa are renowned for their seafood, often simply grilled, fried or poached in coconut milk. A notable feature of Goan cooking is that pork and vinegar is used, a rare sight in the rest of India. Vindaloo originated in Goa and is traditionally cooked with pork. Despite its apparent popularity in Indian restaurants abroad, it is not common in India itself. [[File:A scene from traditional Odia kitchen.jpg|thumb|A traditional Odia kitchen]] The food in '''[[Eastern India]]''' makes heavy use of rice and fish due to the vast river channels and ocean coastline in the region. [[West Bengal|Bengali]] cooking is known for its complexity of flavour and bittersweet balance. Mustard oil is often used in cooking and adds a pungent, slightly sweet flavour and intense heat. Bengalis prefer freshwater fish, in particular the iconic hilsa or ''ilish'': it can be smoked, fried, steamed, baked in young plantain leaves, cooked with curd, aubergine and cumin seeds. It is said that ilish can be prepared in more than 50 ways. Typical Bengali dishes include ''mācher jhāl'', a brothy fish stew which means "fish in sauce", and ''shorshe ilish'' (cooked in a gravy made from mustard seed paste). Eastern India is also famous for its desserts and sweets. Rasgulla is a famous variant of the better-known gulab jamun, a spherical morsel made from cow's milk and soaked in a clear sugar syrup. It's excellent if consumed fresh or within a day after it is made. ''Sandesh'' is another excellent milk-based sweet, best described as the dry equivalent of ras malai. A lot of food has also filtered in from other countries. '''Indian Chinese''' (or ''Chindian'') is far and away the most common adaptation. Most Chinese would barely recognise the stuff, but dishes like "veg manchurian" (deep-fried vegetable balls in a chilli-soy-ginger sauce) and "chilli chicken" are very much a part of the Indian cultural landscape and worth a try. The British left fish and chips and some fusion dishes like mulligatawny soup, while [[Tibet]]an and [[Nepal]]i food, especially ''momo'' dumplings, are not uncommon in northern India. Pizza and pasta have entered India in a big way, and the chains such as Pizza Hut and Domino's have Indianised the pizza and introduced adaptations like paneer-tikka pizza. There is an Indian chain called Smokin Joe's, based in Mumbai, which has mixed Thai curry with pizzas. However, often ready-made sauces with lots of additives and spices are used. Also, the cheese is sometimes of questionable type (some feta-style type) in normal restaurants. So, you are better off asking exactly what ingredients they use, if you don't want to be surprised negatively. It is, of course, impossible to do full justice to the range and diversity of Indian food in this brief section. Not only does every region of India have a distinctive cuisine, but you will also find that even within a region, castes and ethnic communities have different styles of cooking and often have their signature recipes, which you will probably not find in restaurants. The adventurous traveller is advised to wangle invitations to homes, try various bylanes of the city and look for food in unlikely places like temples and Gurudwaras in search of culinary nirvana. ===Fruits=== While a wide variety of fruits are native to India, including the ''chikoo'' and the ''jackfruit'', nothing is closer to an Indian's heart than a juicy ripe mango. Hundreds of varieties are found across most of its regions. In fact, India is the largest producer, growing more than half the world's output. '''Mangoes''' are in season at the hottest part of the year, usually between May and July, and range from small (as big as a fist) to some as big as a small cantaloupe. They can be consumed in their ripe, unripe and also a baby form (the last 2 predominantly in pickles). The best mango (the "King of Mangoes", as Indians call it) is the "Alphonso" or Haapoos (in Marathi), in season in April and May along the western coast of Maharashtra. Buy it from a good fruit shop in Mumbai or Mahatma Phule market (formerly Crawford market) in South Mumbai. Dushheri Mangoes are also popular in North India. Other fruits widely available (depending on the season) are '''bananas, oranges, papayas, guavas, lychees, apples, pineapples, pomegranates, apricots, melons, coconuts, grapes, plums, peaches and berries'''. European fruits like apples and pears can be dull and unjuicy, because they are not perfectly adjusted to the local environment and sometimes suffer from mildew. Papayas are often harvested when they still green, because the fruit vendor will of course not want to be in the situation where he has to sell them all at once. Instead they get ripe each separately after a while. However, this is of course not good for the taste, and it can be hard to find a good and sweet papaya. In general, also note the remarks on fruits and vegetables under [[#Stay healthy]]. But your best bet are probably bananas and mangos. ===Vegetarian=== {{infobox|Know your vegetarians|[[File:Current FSSAI Veg and Non-veg Labels.svg|noframe|150px|right]] Most Indians who practise vegetarianism do so for religious or cultural reasons — though cultural taboos have their roots in ethical concerns. Indians' dietary restrictions come in all shapes and sizes and the two symbols (see right) do not capture the full range. The green dot means pure vegetarian. red triangle means non-vegetarian, including only eggs (as in a fruit-egg cake). Here is a quick guide: * '''Veganism''' is practically unknown in many parts of India, because milk and honey are enthusiastically consumed by virtually everyone. But some restaurants in major cities, such as Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore increasingly cater for vegans. Foods like tofu, soy chunks (branded Nutrela) and soy milk are readily available in major cities, as well as some minor ones. **Eggs are considered non-vegetarian by most, though you may encounter people who are otherwise vegetarian eating eggs. These people are often referred to as '''eggetarians'''. That said, there are a number of foods that are vegan by default in India, including standard restaurant dishes such as aloo gobi, channa masala, various types of dal, dosas, and the vast majority of Indo-Chinese dishes. **Dishes made with dairy products are usually denoted as such (referencing their use of butter or ghee, in particular). Most restaurants will accommodate dietary restrictions and it is advisable to ask if a dish contains milk, butter, cream, yogurt or ghee. Virtually all Indian desserts, however, are non-vegan, with the exception of jalebi, an orange-coloured fried dough commonly found in western and northern India. * The strictest vegetarians are some '''Jains and some Brahmin sects'''. They not only abjure all kinds of meat and eggs, they also refuse to eat onions, potatoes or anything grown under the soil. * Even meat-eating Hindus often follow special diets during religious days or during '''fasts'''. Hindu fasts do not involve giving up all food, just eating a restricted diet, some take only fruits. * A very small group of Indians are, or used to be '''pescatarians''', i.e. they count fish as vegetarian. Among these are Bengali and Konkani Brahmins. Such people are increasingly rare as most have taken to meat-eating.}} Visiting vegetarians will discover a culinary treasure that is found nowhere else in the world. Owing to a large number of strictly vegetarian Hindu Brahmins and Jains, Indian cuisine has evolved an astonishingly rich menu that uses no meat or eggs. Jains in particular practise a strict form of vegetarianism based on the principles of non-violence and peaceful co-operative co-existence. Jains do not consume root vegetables such as potatoes, garlic, onions, carrots, radishes, cassava, sweet potatoes and turnips, as the plant needs to be killed prior to its end of normal life cycle, in the process of accessing these. At least half the menus of most restaurants are devoted to vegetarian dishes, and by law all packaged food products in India are tagged with a green dot (vegetarian) or red dot (non-veg). Veganism however is not a well-understood concept in India, and vegans may face a tougher time: milk products like cheese (''paneer''), yogurt (''dahi'') and clarified butter (''ghee'') are used extensively (in particular, ghee can be hard to spot as it can be mixed into curries before they are served), and honey is also commonly used as a sweetener. Milk in India is generally ''not'' pasteurised, and must be boiled before consumption. Even non-vegetarians will soon note that due to the Hindu taboo, '''beef''' is generally not served (except in the Muslim, Christian and Parsi communities, [[Goa]], [[Kerala]] and the [[Northeast India|North-Eastern states]]), and '''pork''' is also uncommon due to the Muslim population. Chicken and mutton are thus by far the most common meats used, although "buff" (water buffalo) is occasionally served in backpacker establishments. Seafood is of course ubiquitous in the coastal regions of India, and a few regional cuisines do use duck, venison and other game meats in traditional dishes. ===Kosher and halal=== '''Halal''' meat is easy to find among the Muslim minorities in India (and mostly cannot be found elsewhere in the country). Outside areas with a noticeable Muslim community, halal-certified restaurants are scarce. '''Kosher''' food is largely unknown, and ''certified'' kosher establishments are also extremely limited. While contacting [https://www.chabadindia.org/ Chabad India] a few days in advance is an option, it is not the most convenient option unlike most other Asian countries. Surprising to many, while ''explicitly'' certified options remain extremely limited, food compliant with these diets is easy to find anywhere in India unlike most other Asian countries outside the [[Middle East]]. As many non-vegetarians in the country abjure mixing meat and dairy, and because most milk is from cows or buffalos, nearly all dairy in India is actually both halal and kosher although not certified accordingly. Your best bet at finding halal/kosher food is purely vegetarian restaurants, which avoid cross-contamination and can be found nearly everywhere across the country even in coastal areas. However, restaurants in India that also serve meat are almost ''never'' halal/kosher. ===Etiquette=== In India eating with your hand (instead of cutlery like forks and spoons) is very common. There's one basic rule of etiquette to observe, particularly in non-urban India: '''Use only your right hand'''. The left hand is reserved for unhygienic uses. Don't stick either hand into communal serving dishes. Instead, use the spatula with your left hand to serve yourself and then dig in. For all types of breads, the basic technique is to hold down the item with your forefinger and use your middle-finger and thumb to tear off pieces. The pieces can then be dipped in sauce, curry or used to pick up bits before you stuff them in your mouth. Rice is more challenging, but the basic idea is to use four fingers to mix the rice in curry and pack a little ball, before you pop it in your mouth by pushing it with your thumb. Most of the restaurants do provide cutlery and it's pretty safe to use them instead of your hand. Eating by hand is frowned on in some "classier" places. If you are provided with cutlery and nobody else around you seems to be doing it, then take the hint. ===Restaurants=== {{infobox|Menus in English... well, almost|Menus in Indian restaurants are usually written in English, but using Hindi names. Here is a quick decoder key that goes a long way for understanding common dishes like ''aloo gobi'' and ''muttar paneer''. <!-- please don't repeat words already covered above. --> * ''aloo'' or ''aalu'' — potato * ''baigan'' or ''baingan'' — eggplant/aubergine * ''bhindi'' — okra * ''chana'' — chickpeas * ''dal'' — lentils * ''gobi'' — cauliflower (or other cabbage) * ''machli'' — fish * ''makkhan'' — butter * ''matar'' — green peas * ''mirch'' — chilli pepper * ''murgh'' or ''murg'' — chicken * ''palak'' or ''saag'' — spinach (or other greens) * ''paneer'' — Indian cottage cheese * ''subzi'' — vegetable}} Indian restaurants run the gamut from roadside shacks (''dhabas'') to classy five-star places where the experience is comparable to places anywhere in the world. Away from the big cities and tourist haunts, mid-level restaurants are scarce, and food choices will be limited to the local cuisine, Punjabi/Mughlai, "Chinese"/"Indo-Chinese" and occasionally South Indian. The credit for popularising Punjabi cuisine all over the country goes to the ''dhabas'' that line India's highways. Their patrons are usually the truckers, who happen to be overwhelmingly Punjabi. The authentic dhaba serves up simple yet tasty seasonal dishes like roti and dal with onions. Hygiene can be an issue in many dhabas, so if one's not up to your standards try another. In rural areas, dhabas are usually the only option. In Southern India, a "hotel" is a local restaurant serving South Indian food, usually prepared meals or a ''thali'' or ''plate meal'' — a full plate of food that usually includes a kind of bread and/or rice and an assortment of meat or vegetarian dishes. Although you may be often be handed an extensive menu, most dishes are served only during specific hours, if at all. ==Drink== One of the sweetest and safest beverages you can get is young coconut water (''nariyal paani''). You can almost always find it in any beach or other tourist destinations in the south. In summer (Mar-Jul), you can get fresh sugarcane juice in many places and even a lot of fresh fruit juice varieties. India is famous for its Alphonso variety of mangoes, generally regarded as the King of Mangoes among connoisseurs. ''Frooti'', in its famous tetra-pack, is the most popular processed drink, followed by ''Maaza'' (bottled by Coca-Cola) or ''Slice'' (bottled by PepsiCo), both of which contain about 15% Alphonso mango pulp. Both cost about ₹30-50 for a 600 ml bottle. As for bottled water, make sure that the cap's seal has not been broken; otherwise, it is a tell-tale sign of tampering or that unscrupulous vendors reuse old bottles and fill them with tap water, which is generally unsafe for foreign tourists to drink without prior boiling. Bottled water brands like ''Aquafina'' (by PepsiCo) and ''Kinley'' (by Coca-Cola) are widely available. Local brands like ''Bisleri'', ''Himalayan, Bailley, Evian, Aquafina, Patanjali, Tata and Nestle'' are reputed brands as well. Taste may vary due to the individual brands' mineral contents. In semi-urban or rural areas, it may be appropriate to ask for boiled water as well. ===Tea=== [[File:Indian chai tea - Haridwar - India.jpg|thumb|Making chai]] One can get tea (''chai'' in most North Indian languages) of one variety or the other everywhere in India. The most common method of preparing chai is by brewing tea leaves, milk, and sugar altogether in a pot and keeping it hot until it's all sold. It is sweet and uniquely refreshing once you get the taste for it. '''Masala chai''' will have, added to the above mix, spices such as cardamom, ginger or cinnamon etc. For some people, that takes some getting used to. While masala chai is popular in Northern and Central India, people in Eastern and North-Eastern India ([[West Bengal]] and [[Assam]]) generally consume tea without spices, the English way. This is also the part of India where most tea is grown. ===Coffee=== In South India, '''filter coffee''', rather than tea, is the standard beverage. This is different to Western filter coffee due to the use of frothed and boiled milk, finely ground coffee powder, and a traditional Indian filter. ===Alcohol=== [[File:Labels of Indian beer Kingfisher.jpg|thumb|Kingfisher beer]] {{infobox|Drinking & driving|Driving under the influence of alcohol is considered as a serious offence in India. In the event of an accident the law deals with drink-drive offenders with severity. The punishment is a fine and/or imprisonment for up to 6 months. The driving license is suspended for at least six months.}} Drinking alcohol can either be frowned upon or openly accepted, depending on the region and religion of the area within which you are drinking. For example, Goa, Punjab and [[Pondicherry]] tend to be more free-wheeling (and have low taxes on alcohol), while a few southern areas like Chennai are less tolerant of alcohol, and may even charge excessive taxes on it. Some states such as Gujarat and Bihar are legally "dry" states and alcohol cannot be bought openly there, although there is a substantial bootlegging industry. Bootleg alcohol is unregulated and could kill you or make you sick, and you could also be in legal trouble if you are caught while drunk in a dry state. Favourite Indian tipples include beer and rum. Nowadays beer sold is mostly Tuborg, at around ₹180 for a large bottle of 750 mL in the liquor store. '''Old Monk''' is a popular rum brand. Prices vary by state, especially for hard liquor, but you can expect to pay anywhere between ₹500-₹800 for a 750 mL bottle of Old Monk. Mumbai tends to be the most expensive, due to local taxes, which can be three-times as much as Meghalaya. [[File:Wine barrels at Sula Vineyards.jpg|thumb|Wine barrels at Sula Vineyards]] Indian wines, long a bit of a joke, have improved remarkably and there's a booming wine industry in the hills of [[Maharashtra]]. The good stuff is not particularly cheap (expect to pay around ₹500 a bottle) and selections are mostly limited to white wines, but look out for labels by '''Chateau Indage''' or [https://sulavineyards.com/ '''Sula''']. Illegal moonshine, called ''tharra'' when made from sugar cane and ''toddy'' when made from coconuts, is widely available in some states. It's cheap and strong, but '''very dangerous''' as it may contain toxic methanol. Quality control is nonexistent, and best avoided entirely. In the former Portuguese colony of Goa you can obtain an extremely pungent liquor called ''fenny'' or ''feni'', typically made from cashew fruits or coconuts. As of April 2017 it is illegal to sell alcohol within 500 m of a highway. This is controversial as it has hit restaurants, bars and hotels hard. If your hotel does not have alcoholic drinks, this may well be the reason. ===Cannabis=== [[File:Bhang shop in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India on June 6, 2006.jpg|thumb|240px|Government-authorised ''bhang'' shop, [[Jaisalmer]]]] [[Cannabis]] in its many forms, especially ''ganja'' (weed) and ''charas'' (hash), is widely available throughout India, but are all '''illegal''' in the vast majority of the country. The law states that simple possession may mean fines or years in prison, depending on the quantity possessed. However, in some states (notably Uttar Pradesh, [[Bihar]], [[Rajasthan]], [[Madhya Pradesh]], [[Uttarakhand]] and [[Odisha]]) the one legal and socially accepted way to consume cannabis is as '''''bhang''''', a low-grade preparation sold at government-licensed shops that is not only smoked, but also made into cookies, chocolate and the infamous ''bhang lassi'', a herb-laced version of the normally innocuous yogurt drink. ''Bhang lassi'' is usually available at varying strengths, so use caution if opting for the stronger versions. It's also occasionally sold as "special lassi", but is usually easily spotted by the ₹30-50 price tag (several times higher than the non-special kinds). Remember that the effects of "Bhang" are slow and heighten when consumed with something sweet. Also, first-time users may want to wait a while before consuming too much in an effort to judge their tolerance. ==Sleep== Make sure to bring your passport and visa/OCI wherever you go, as most hotels will not rent out rooms without a valid passport and visa/OCI. Two important factors to keep in mind when choosing a place to stay are safety and cleanliness. [[Malaria]] and [[Dengue fever]] is present in most areas of India. One way to combat malaria and dengue fever is to choose lodgings with air conditioning and sealed windows. An insect-repellent spray containing DEET will also help, or consider [[Permethrin-treated fabrics]]. Many '''hotels''' listed on western booking websites (Booking.com etc.) are also set at the "tourist price"; try local booking sites like [https://www.goibibo.com/ Goibibo],[https://www.redbus.in/ redBus] or [https://www.makemytrip.com/ MakeMyTrip]{{Dead link|date=May 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}, as these have much better coverage of local hotels and in rural areas. Alternatively, you can also use Google Maps in combination with WhatsApp to inquire the price beforehand. Booking.com will only really work in very touristy places like Dharamsala, Manali, Goa, Pushkar, etc. If you are sure that there are more than enough places around where you are heading, just walking around and asking for the price can be sufficient. But note, overcharging of foreigners is widespread and you will have to [[bargain]] hard. Some cities like Chandigarh have weird regulations for foreigners and walking around inquiring the price with hotels might be frustrating, since many will not accept foreigners. Also, making a reservation through Booking.com in Chandigarh can leave you with an unpleasant surprise, namely the receptionist telling you that they don't accept foreigners, which can be fatal late at night. So, it is always best to check the ratings and reviews of the place you intend to stay in. Accommodation choices vary widely depending on budget and location. Cheap travellers' hotels are available for around ₹300-500. Rooms at guest-houses with a double bed (and often a bathroom) can be found in many tourist places for around ₹1,000 — this seems to be the going rate for most budget accommodations in more frequented places nowadays. Bed and breakfast service providers are coming up offering standard services that can be expected from B&Bs outside India. The basics include: air-conditioner or fan, free food, and free Wi-Fi. '''[[Hostels]]''' are available for as little as ₹200. They generally have a very high standard; clean beds, nice common rooms, etc., since most are new and oriented towards Western style. Most hostels have their own restaurant, and it is their way to make extra money from their guests — they might even be surprised and show it to you if you don't dine with them. Be aware that most people travelling in India nowadays are Indians and they will mostly always outnumber foreigners in hostels and dorms. This can be a problem, because the Indian society is one where publicly the individual comes first, with often no consideration for the needs of their fellow human being. This can lead to situations in dorms where Indian guests call their family or friends in the middle of the night, wake up loudly at 6AM, consume high-odour food in their beds, watch videos on their mobiles without headphones, but also just consider the dorm a social place where they speak loudly with their friends until late. Of course, there is always the option to kindly ask them for some consideration and to be more respectful of the other people in the room. But you can ask yourself, how long before that really gets onto your nerves. So, hostels are not an obvious budget friendly choice for Westerners in India anymore. If you intend to stay longer in one place, there are often places specialised on tourist that offer long term rent for around ₹10,000 per month, including kitchen and bathroom. Most Indian train stations have rooms or dormitories, just ask the railway officials or reserve it online on the railway website — reserving is highly recommended. If you just show up, the only option left might be the AC waiting room for ₹10/hr. Rooms and dorms are cheap (around ₹800 and ₹300 respectively), relatively well maintained (the beds, sheets, not the showers) and secure. There are also the added bonus of not being accosted by the rickshaw mafia, getting the bags off quickly and, for the adventurous, high likelihood to jump on a cheap public bus back to the train station. Keep in mind you must have an arrival or departure train ticket from the station where you intend to sleep, and there could be a limit on how many nights you may stay. Midrange options are plentiful in the larger cities and expanding fast into second-tier cities as well, and prices vary from ₹1,000-4,000 per night. Local, unbranded hotels can be found in any city, but quality varies widely. [[File:Taj hotel mumbai india.jpg|thumb|Hotel Taj Mahal, one of the most famous landmarks of [[Mumbai]]]] If the wallet allows it, you can try staying like royalty in a maharaja's palace in places like [[Udaipur]] or modern five-star hotels which are now found pretty much all over the country. The top-end of Indian luxury rests with hotel chains like [http://www.oberoihotels.com/ Oberoi], [http://www.tajhotels.com/ Taj], and [https://www.theleela.com/en_us/ The Leela]. The usual international chains also run major 5-star hotels in most Indian metropolises, but due to India's economic boom availability is tight and prices can be crazy — it's not uncommon to be quoted over US$300/night for what would in other countries be a distinctly ordinary business hotel going for a third of the price. Also beware that some jurisdictions including [[Delhi]] and Bangalore charge stiff luxury taxes on the ''rack rate'' of the room, which can lead to nasty surprises at check-out time. One way of meeting interesting Indian travellers is by staying at an Dak bungalow. Also, called travellers' bungalows or inspection bungalows, they were built by the British to accommodate travelling officials and are now used by the Central and state governments for the same purpose. They exist in many towns and some rural locations. Most will take tourists at a moderate fee if they have room. They are clean, comfortable and usually in good locations, but plain with ceiling fans rather than air conditioning, shower but no bath. Typically the staff includes a pensioned-off soldier as night watchman and perhaps another as gardener; often the gardens are lovely. Sometimes there may be a cook; his or her services will be free but you should buy ingredients. A similar accommodation are the '''PWD Tourist Rest Houses''', they can also be found in many towns and cities, are mostly for people from the "public workers department" but also accept tourists if not completely booked. ==Stay safe== [[File:Holy Cow (7438681490).jpg|thumb|A holy cow in [[Pushkar]]]] In addition to the issues handled here, some regions have specific severe security concerns. See the '''warnings in region articles''' relevant to you. As a rule India is quite safe for foreigners, apart from instances of petty crime and theft common to any developing country, as long as certain basic precautions and common sense are observed (i.e. women should be cautious travelling alone at night). While hospitality is important in India, it is not common to see people '''offering to share food''' or cookies while they eat. Some such offers are genuine and some are not. If you are travelling by train and you are offered food by a family group, it is usually safe to take a bite. But if you are offered something by a group of men or even a couple, you should decline, even if they also it of it, as the part offered might be laced with sedatives. You can politely say no with a smile; those who offer food genuinely won't take it personally. '''Don't trust strangers''' offering assistance or services. Be particularly wary of frauds at tourist attractions such as the temples of [[Kanchipuram]], where they prey on those unfamiliar with local customs. If a priest or guide offers to treat you to a religious ceremony, find out what it will cost you first, and do not allow yourself to be pressured into making "donations" of thousands of rupees — simply walk away if you feel uncomfortable. However, don't get ''too'' paranoid: foreigners on the train, or Indian families who want to take your picture on ''their own'' camera, for example, are often just genuinely curious. '''Same-sex intercourse''' was decriminalised by a court ruling in 2018. There is a vibrant gay nightlife in metropolitan areas and a few openly gay celebrities. There are movements to legalise same-sex marriage. On the other hand, heterosexual Indian men often walk hand-in-hand in the streets, don't take this as a sign of anything but friendship. '''Travellers of African heritage''' may encounter prejudices from the police and the general public about being drug dealers. This reaction stems from the fact that more often than not, foreign drug peddlers in India are of Nigerian nationality. Indians find it hard to differentiate between Nigerians and other Africans, others of African descent or even their own Siddi community (Indians of sub-Saharan African descent), so anybody who looks African may be targeted. If that includes you, you may want to keep passports handy at all times, avoid going to areas notorious for illegal activities and maintain contact with respective embassies and, if possible, with other support groups that can vouch for you. '''The cow''' is considered to be a holy animal in Hinduism, and in many Indian states, it is '''illegal''' to consume or possess beef or buffalo meat. Non-Hindus suspected of slaughtering cattle or eating beef are also known to have been lynched by fundamentalist Hindu mobs. Prominent exceptions to this taboo are the state of Kerala and the north-eastern parts of the country, where the meat of water buffaloes is widely consumed, but beef remains rare. You should check with your embassy or ask for local advice before heading to the Himalayan areas, especially [[Jammu and Kashmir]], [[Ladakh]] and [[North-Eastern India]]. These areas have had serious law-and-order problems for a long time. The same applies while travelling to what used to be a thickly forested area in East-Central India, which covers the states of [[Chhattisgarh]], [[Jharkhand]], the eastern edge of [[Maharashtra]] and the northern tip of [[Telangana]]. The problems affects certain areas in these states; other destinations there may be perfectly safe. ===India Syndrome=== {{see also|Culture shock}} Some people coming to India for the first time suddenly feel their lives shifting and start believing in reincarnation and other wonderful ideas available throughout India. This is called ''[https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2022/jan/13/india-syndrome-lost-in-the-valley-of-death-harley-rustad The India Syndrome]''. While certain teachings in Indian culture can of course be new and overwhelming, the immediate acceptance of them and following of their principles can be cause for concern. No holy person has ever been enlightened within a few weeks without proper pre-work or pre-existing experiences. Be careful with self-proclaimed ''sādhus'' that wander from temple to temple looking for food and money. While in the past most were authentic holy men, nowadays for many it is just a way to beg. Don't wander off into the woods with such "holy" men just because you suddenly believe in a new reality, especially if you are on your own. They can be dangerous, especially if drugs are involved. And sometimes even the police cannot "touch" them, even in cases of murder. There have been some high-profile disappearances of Westerners in India in connection with sādhus. If you want to explore your newly discovered view of the world and the universe, a better option is through official schools (like Sanskrit, Ayurveda, etc.), meditation and yoga centres, or in a group setting where you trust the other people. On the opposite side, there are also travellers that get overwhelmed by India so much that they will start showing signs of panic or paranoia. Indian culture is so ruthless that people can find themselves in situations where they feel the whole world is against them, or they feel they cannot trust anyone any more. Or even worse, they suddenly become superstitious and believe in all sorts of negative things happening to them due to some arbitrary reasons. At worst, scammer, touts and thieves will try to exploit this situations of yours. These psychological reactions are mostly a threat to younger travellers, those who haven't seen much of the world, and those who don't have their feet planted firmly on the ground. Also the involvement of weed or other drugs, which are popular in certain tourist regions of India, can lead to these issue. For both sides of these problems it is always good to: * let your friends and family regularly know where you are, * call home from time to time to stay in touch with reality, * don't travel on your own, but find a travel buddy or group to go with (not a local scammer though), * avoid the Indian hassle from time to time, there are many comfortable oases in India where Indian problems seem far far away, * don't be a first-time weed smoker in India, especially not with people you just met, this is not the right setting to have a first and pleasant trip in, * in the event of a crisis, seek the help of an uninvolved fellow (Western) traveller, which often has more connection to you than any Indian will ever have. ===Touts=== Touts are ubiquitous, as in many developing countries, and you should assume that anyone 'proactively' trying to help you has a hidden agenda to part you from your money. However, in areas hardly or not at all visited by tourists, it is not at all uncommon for people to go out of their way to 'proactively' help you when you approach, without expecting anything in return. During your travels in India, you will be deluged with touts trying to get you to buy something or patronise particular establishments. There are a myriad of [[common scams]], which range from telling you your hotel has gone out of business (of course, they'll know of one that's open with vacancies), to giving wrong directions to a government rail ticket booking office (the directions will be to their friend's tour office), to trying to get you to take diamonds back to your home country (the diamonds are worthless crystal), to 'poor students' giving you sightseeing for hours and then with pity make you buy school books for them (tremendously overpriced from a bookstore with whom they are affiliated). There will also be more obvious touts who 'know a very good place for dinner' or want to sell you a chess set on the street. Faced with such an assault, it's very easy to get into a siege mentality where all of India is against you and out to squeeze you dry. This mentality may affect any true appreciation of the country. Dealing with touts is simple: assume anyone offering surprising information (such as "your hotel is shut down") is a tout. Never be afraid to get a second or third answer to a question. To get rid of touts: * Completely ignore them and go about your business until they go away. This may take quite a while, but patience is key to managing India. * Tell them "no", very firmly, and repeatedly. It is also beneficial to have a firm Indian friend whom you can trust. If they show you around, they will act to help you ward off such touts. ===Theft and scams=== [[File:India - Kolkata street beggar - 3246.jpg|thumb|A beggar in Kolkata]] Unfortunately, '''theft''' is quite common in places visited by tourists, but violent thefts hardly ever occur. More likely a thief will [[pickpockets|pickpocket]] or break into your room. Take precautions to firmly lock the door while indoors, and be on guard while outside. Many first-time travellers to India find themselves falling victim to [[Common scams|scams and touts]]. Be on guard for anybody trying to help you by giving you unsolicited directions or travel advice. Do not blindly rely on the advice of taxi and auto drivers. If this is your first time to India, do not openly admit it, as this will make you more vulnerable to touts. Carry your cash, passport and cards in a secure money belt, with only enough cash for a few hours at a time in your wallet or other accessible place. While travelling in public transport, do not accept any food or drink from any local fellow passenger even if they are very friendly or polite. There have been instances in which very friendly fellow passengers offered food or drinks including tea or coffee that contained substances that put the victim to sleep whilst all their possessions, including even their clothing, were stolen. Some people handling your cash will try to '''shortchange you or rip you off'''. In Delhi particularly, this is a universal rule adhered to by all who handle westerners' cash. This does not exclude official ticket sellers at tourist sites, employees at prepaid taxi stands, or merchants in all but the most upscale businesses. Count your cash before handing it over, and ensure receiving the correct change. Overseas visitors are often magnets for [[begging|beggars]], frauds and touts. Beggars will often go as far as touching you and following you, tugging on your sleeve. It does little good to get angry or to say "No" loudly. The best response is to look unconcerned and ignore the behaviour. The more attention you pay to a beggar or a tout, positive or negative, the longer they will follow you hoping for a donation. Begging is criminalised in cities such as Mumbai and Delhi. It is however common in many cities, and in pilgrim cities, there are sadhus who live an ascetic lifestyle of the seeker that requires them to adopt bhiksha-charya (begging vows) only for sustaining the body. It is advisable or better to agree on the fare before getting inside an auto or a taxi. This avoids any further unpleasant fare-related arguments. If you can take the advice of a local friend or someone manning your hotel's front desk to know how much it should cost to travel between two destinations, you will be a smart traveller. ===Driving=== [[File:Crashed Taxi - Multiple Car Accident - Rabindra Sadan Area - Kolkata 2012-06-13 01323.jpg|thumb|A car crash in Kolkata]] As a former British colony, India drives on the '''left''' side of the road. Driving in India can be dangerous. Irresponsible driving habits, insufficient highway infrastructure development, wandering livestock and other hazards make travelling on the country's roads a sometimes nerve-wracking undertaking. More than 150,000 people died on Indian roads in 2019, the highest figure in the world, and that's despite having only 44 cars per 1,000 people. The first encounter with a typical Indian highway will no doubt feature a traffic mix of lumbering trucks, speeding maniacs, blithely wandering cows and suicidal pedestrians, all weaving across a narrow, potholed strip of tarmac. To minimise your risk of becoming a grim statistic, use trains instead of buses, use government bus services instead of private ones (which are more likely to force their drivers into inhuman shifts), use taxis instead of auto-rickshaws, avoid travelling at night, and don't hesitate to change taxis or cars if you feel your driver is unsafe. Of significant concern is that much of the road network is significantly underdeveloped. Most roads are very poorly built and they are full of rubble, large cracks and potholes. Most road signs are not very reliable in the country, and in most cases provide drivers with confusing or inaccurate information. If you are in doubt, ask the locals, normally they are very helpful and willingly provide people with appropriate guidance to a location. Of course, the quality of information and willingness to provide it varies, especially in the larger cities. ===Female travellers=== [[File:Busy Indore night traffic (5104223286).jpg|thumb|Night-time in [[Indore]]]] The sad truth is that female travellers in India, particularly those travelling solo, are often subjected to sexual harassment or worse. Women should avoid travelling to India alone if at all possible, but if you really have to, be on your guard, avoid making friendly gestures towards men that could be misinterpreted, and be particularly cautious in larger cities (esp. Delhi) at night. * White and East Asian females may receive some extra attention, usually in the form of stares, from the locals, and many locals might even want to take photographs with you. In most cases, these people are from rural areas, and have had little to no contact with foreigners, but some may harass you. If so, don't be afraid to create a scene and don't feel the need to be polite. * Try to avoid being overly friendly and appreciative to Indian men; it could get them to think you are romantically interested in them. If a man and a woman are seen together or talk to each other quite often, locals may assume that there's something going on between the man and the woman. Make it clear that you are friends or acquaintances; that will usually ward people off. * Outside of the larger cities, it is unusual for people of the opposite sex to touch each other. Even couples (married or otherwise) refrain from public displays of affection. Therefore, it is advised that you do not shake hands with a person of the opposite sex unless the other person extends their hand first. The greeting by a Hindu is to bring their palms together in front of their chest, or simply saying '''namaste''' or '''namaskar''' or '''namaskaram''' in most Indic languages (Indo-Aryan and Dravidian) and '''khurumjari''' in [[Manipuri phrasebook|Manipuri]] (Meitei). Both forms are equally polite and correct if a little formal. Almost all people (even if they don't know English) do understand a "hi" or a "Hello". In most parts of northern India and cities, it is quite acceptable to offer a "hello" or "good day" followed by a handshake, regardless of gender. * Outside of trendy places or high society, women generally do not smoke. In some rural or tribal areas women do smoke, but discreetly. * Places such as discos and dance clubs are less conservative areas. Should you want to visit such places, leave your possessions in your hotel safe, and only carry as much change as you think you would require; it is easy to lose your wallet or passport in these places. * Women should '''dress conservatively''' and '''avoid revealing or tight-fitting clothing''' such as tank tops and miniskirts as they can attract unwanted attention. * People are generally modestly clothed even at the beaches. Bikinis are acceptable at tourist-oriented beaches, but not at those primarily visited by locals. Wearing one beyond the beach is inappropriate no matter where you are. There are a few beaches where women (mostly foreigners) sunbathe topless, but make sure that it is safe and accepted before you do so. * It's not so safe to walk in isolated places if you are a solo female. Women should also avoid going out alone at night, and be cautious when taking a taxi or auto-rickshaw. There have been some rapes of foreign women and highly publicised rapes of Indian women, some of whom have been murdered, and a large number of rapes go unreported. The willingness to report rape has increased after several incidents received widespread media attention and triggered widespread public protest. The Indian government has also reformed its penal code in relation to crimes of rape and sexual assault. * Avoid staying at cheaper hotels unless you are travelling with a trusted male companion; hotel staff have been known to sexually harass female guests. * In local and suburban trains, there are usually cars reserved for women and designated as such on their front. In Delhi Metro trains, it is the first compartment. * In most buses (private and public) a few seats at the front or at one side of the bus are reserved for women. Usually, these seats will be occupied by men and, very often, they vacate the place when a female stands near gesturing her intention to sit there. In many parts of the country, women will not share a seat with a man other than her spouse. If you sit near a man, he may stand up from the seat and give his seat also to you; this is a sign of respect, ''not'' rudeness. * Street parties for holidays are usually filled with crowds of inebriated men. During festivals such as Holi, New Year's Eve, and even Christmas Eve, women can be subjected to groping and sexually aggressive behaviour from a certain section hiding in these crowds. In such an event, scream or make a scene pointing your finger at the person. People will come to your help. If possible, avoid attending these festivities alone, and go in a group. * So-called Eve teasing is a common term used in Indian English to refer to anything from unwanted verbal advances to physical sexual assault. Anything overt should be treated in a firm manner and if needed, ask the local populace (women in particular) to try and get the message across. Avoid confrontation if at all possible. Sticking to such an area is not recommended. It's not disrespectful for a woman to tell a man eager to talk to her that she doesn't want to talk: so if a man's behaviour makes you uncomfortable, say so firmly. If he doesn't seem to get the hint, just quietly excuse yourself. * Befriending Indian women can be a wonderful experience for female visitors, although you might have to initiate conversation. An easy topic to get things going is to talk about clothes or food. * Dressing in traditional Indian clothes, such as ''salwaar kameez'' (comfortable) or ''saree'' (more formal and difficult to wear) will often garner Western women more respect in the eyes of locals. The idea is to portray yourself as a normal person, instead of a distanced tourist. Easy clothing is to wear a kurta paired up with jeans or a salwar. They are very comfortable and most of the women do the same. * Body searches (such as at the airport) by officers of the opposite sex are not allowed in India. Airport security is sex segregated. ===Police and other emergency services=== [[File:India - Varanasi policemen - 0691.jpg|thumb|Police officers in Varanasi]] * Like other federal countries, law enforcement is dealt with by various agencies in India: ** General policing is responsible for the states and union territories, under various state and union territory police forces. ** Large cities like [[Mumbai]], [[Kolkata]] or [[Bangalore]] may also have their own police departments, often operating independently from state police forces. ** The Central government also maintain federal law-enforcement agencies responsible for specific duties, such as railway policing (Railway Protection Force- RPF), transport security (Highway police) and border patrol. * Unfortunately, corruption and inefficiency are present in all Indian police forces, and the quality of the police force varies by officer. For emergencies, throughout most of India, you can dial '''100''' for police assistance. Try to speak the words slowly so that the police officer on phone does not have a problem in comprehending your foreign English accent. For non-emergency crimes, go down to the police station to report them, and insist on getting a receipt of your complaint. * You should insist the police to make a '''first information report''' (FIR) and receive a copy of it if you are reporting any serious crimes, as it is a legal requirement for them to do so. The police will only start the investigation after the FIR is made. * The emergency contact numbers for most of India are: 100 (Police), 101 (Fire and rescue), and 102 (Emergency medical service). Dialling to neighbouring major hospitals may also work in case of medical emergencies. In Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and several other cities throughout India, you can dial '''108''' for all emergencies. ===Terrorism=== The India-Pakistan conflict, simmering for decades, has manifested in terrorist attacks on India's main cities: since 2007, there have been bombings in Delhi, Mumbai and other big cities. The targets have varied widely, but attacks have usually been aimed at locals rather than visitors. The exception was in 2008, when a shooting spree targeted and killed many foreigners along with Indians, in Mumbai's posh hotels and railway station, etc. All the terrorists involved in this were from Pakistan and were killed in action except one who was captured alive and later hanged. There is little you can do to avoid such random attacks, but keep an eye on the national news and any travel advisories from your embassy. ===Outdoor adventures=== There are many companies in India offering various outdoor activities like paragliding, white water rafting, ballooning, and trekking. For example, the road between Manali and Kullu has dozens of white water and paragliding operators. Be aware though that it is sometimes questionable on how these companies and operators, especially their staff, obtained their licences to offer these activities. Especially the number of companies offering these kinds of activities is an indication, that it seems to be not that hard to start such a business. But for things like tandem paragliding, which can potentially be lethal, it is probably a bad idea to have to rely on someone that got his licence under questionable circumstances. And even if he did a course with an official body, the standards in India are still comparably lower than Western ones. So, it is very important that you verify the company you go with fully, search for ratings and reviews, verify their licences, and only if you fully trust them to go with them. ==Stay healthy== Going to India, you have to adapt to a different climate and food. However, with precautions the chance and severity of any illness can be minimised. Don't stress yourself too much at the beginning of your journey to allow your body to acclimatise to the country. For example, take a day of rest upon arrival, at least on your first visit. Many travellers get ill for wanting to do too much in too little time. Be careful with spicy food if you're not used to it. Five quick tips for avoiding the Delhi belly: * '''Go vegetarian''' – At least for the first week or two. Meat spoils quickly. * '''Avoid raw leafy vegetables''' – They are hard to clean properly. * '''Avoid ice and unbottled water''' – Both the water in it and the way it's transported are suspect. Try to use only commercially available sealed bottled water. * '''Wash hands before eating''' – Always use soap or hand sanitiser, otherwise the dirt of India's streets will find its way onto your ''chapatis'' and into your mouth. In addition, keep nails cut short and clean. That of course will not prevent a food vendor touching your food, so think twice which kind of meal you decide for. In any case, you can always watch how food is prepared. Indians mostly never use soap, plain water seems to be their "magic cure". * '''Prefer metal dishes and cups''' – Stainless steel is more germ-resistant than plastic. So, any restaurant with stainless cutlery, dishes, cups and water container is safer than one with plastic cups and water container, or one-time use dishes. '''Toilets''' can be found for free in most temples, just in case it is urgent. '''Litter''' can be a problem in some cities in India. Many efforts have been made in the 21st century to clean up the country but there is still a long way to go because most people use the many waterways as garbage dumps. It would be unwise to swim in most of the rivers and downright senseless in a lake. If you have '''asthma''', carry enough medication as dust, pollen or pollution may cause trouble. If you venture to forests in India, you may encounter '''venomous snakes'''. If bitten, try to note the markings of the snake so that the snake can be identified and the correct antidote given. In any event, immediately seek medical care. ===Air quality=== [[Air pollution]] is a huge problem in India, particularly in the northern plains during the winter (November to January), when farmers burning fields, coal and dung fires for heating and lack of rain and wind combine to blanket the Gangetic Plains in toxic murk. [[Delhi]] has ranked the most polluted capital in the world every year since 2018, with an ''average'' AQI of nearly 100. In addition to being a health hazard, flights are often delayed or cancelled when visibility drops to near-zero. Avoid travel in the North at this time of year if you can. If you have no choice, wearing an N95 mask and minimizing time spent outdoors can help. Many cities and villages in India, not particularly in any region, have sanitation and pollution issues. You might find people dumping and burning garbage in the open. Check the air quality of a city before venturing. ===Drinking water=== '''[[Tap water]]''' is normally not safe for drinking. However, some establishments (for example many temples) have water filters/purifiers installed, in which case the water should be safe to drink from them. Otherwise, the water in the mountains is generally clean, just ask your accommodation staff. Packed drinking water (popularly called "mineral water" throughout India) is a good choice. Bisleri, Kinley, Aquafina and Health Plus are popular and safe brands. But if the seal has been tampered with, or if the bottle seems crushed, it could be tap water being illegally sold. So always make sure that seal is intact before buying. In Indian Railway stations, a low-priced mineral water brand of Indian Railways is generally available, known as "Rail Neer". For most foreigners, tap water in India is not even safe for brushing your teeth, and you should stick to bottled mineral water even for that. ===Fruits, vegetables and food=== Everything that can be peeled such as apples and bananas, as well as packaged snacks, are always a safe option. Wash any fruit with uncontaminated water and soap before eating it, even if you peel it — while peeling, touching the skin could still deliver bacteria onto the inner fruit. Also avoid cold food from shelves (samosa, sweets, etc.) that is directly touched prepared and handed out. Most Indians don't use soap and simply water seems to be their magic cure. In general, the regulation of the use of pesticides is very lax in India, because farmers have a high standing in Indian society — they are often the mean for political campaigns. So, the underlying quality of fruits and vegetables is doubtful, even if locals claim them to be "green" — they often don't understand the meaning of "green". With some fruits you will even notice a weird side taste, like tangerines. It is often in doubt where and how they were grown — it might have been next to a large landfill and you wouldn't know. Also, you may notice the dirtiness of Indian bodies of waters and rivers — this is the very same water that is used to water fruit and vegetable plants in the Indian plains. Fruits and vegetables from more hilly or mountainous regions are probably safe from that latter problem. While Indian food is often freshly prepared with fresh fruits and fresh vegetable, it doesn't mean it is automatically healthy (due to the latter reasons). Also, restaurants often use ready-made sauces and ingredients containing questionable additives and preservatives — not to mention that standard tomato sauce will barely ever contain much tomato, but carrot pulp instead. So, while in the past, Indian food was probably one of the best in the world, commercialisation in the food industry and lax regulation in the agricultural industry have done their parts in making it a doubtful adventure and one should be cautious. ===Diarrhoea and dehydration=== {{see also|Travellers' diarrhea|Dehydration}} [[Diarrhea|Diarrhoea]] and [[dehydration]] are common, and can have many different causes. Dehydration brings along '''dizziness and concentration issue''', sometimes muscle and joint pain. Dehydration doesn't just mean a lack of water, but also a lack of necessary minerals the body needs to function. It can be caused by a too one-sided diet, the wrong drinking water or even exhaustive hiking and travelling. Filtered and purified water (e.g. from temples) often has the disadvantage of also the necessary minerals being filtered out. So, best bring a standard first-aid kit, plus extra over-the-counter medicine for diarrhoea and stomach upset. A rehydration kit can also be helpful, rehydration solution is widely available at pharmacies for about ₹25 per pack for 1L of water. In case it is not available, remember the salt/sugar/water ratio for oral rehydration: 1 tsp salt, 8 tsp sugar, for 1L of water — however this will still lack some other minerals, so the rehydration packs from the pharmacy are best. Also, in case you are consuming local drinking water from the tap (in mountain areas) or in restaurants, if your body shows signs of dehydration, it is better to get the ''Bisleri'' water bottles from the shop with the green bandage — they have minerals added. Also other brands have added minerals. Indians often have resistance to native bacteria and parasites that visitors do not have. If you have had serious diarrhoea for more than a day or two, it is best to visit a private hospital. Parasites such as Giardia are a common cause of diarrhoea, and may not get better without treatment. Instead of drinking water while having diarrhoea, some people trust in Coke as a quick treatment. And in some cases it seems to prevent further fluid loss in small amounts. ===Vaccinations and tropical diseases=== [[File:Force Traveller Kuoni ambulance, 2008.JPG|thumb|An ambulance in India]] No '''vaccinations''' are required for entry to India, except for yellow fever if you are coming from an infected area such as [[Africa]]. However, Hepatitis (both A and B, depending on your individual circumstances), meningitis and typhoid shots are recommended, as is a booster shot for tetanus. '''[[Malaria]]''' is endemic throughout India. [http://www.cdc.gov/travel/regionalmalaria/indianrg.htm CDC] states that risk exists in all areas, including the cities of Delhi and Mumbai, and at altitudes of less than 2,000 m in [[Himachal Pradesh]], [[Jammu and Kashmir]] and [[Sikkim]]; however, the risk of infection is considered low in Delhi and the [[Plains (India)|Plains]]. Get expert advice on malaria preventatives, and take adequate precautions to prevent [[mosquito]] bites. Use a mosquito repellent when going outside (particularly during the evenings) and also when sleeping in trains and hotels without air conditioning. A local mosquito repellent used by Indians is Odomos which is available over-the-counter at most medical stores. Note, Malaria symptoms can be very similar to a flu or cold, however if you don't have any fever but still feel dizzy and have muscle and joint pain, it could also just be a case of dehydration — see above. ===Stray dogs=== It is very important to stay away from the many [[Aggressive dogs|stray dogs and cats]] in India, as India has the highest rate of '''rabies''' in the world. If you are bitten it is extremely urgent to get to a hospital in a major urban area capable of dealing with rabies. You can get treatment at any major hospital. It is very important to get the rabies vaccine within 24 hr of any contact with animals, including contact with saliva or blood. Rabies vaccines only work if the full course is given '''prior''' to symptoms. The disease is almost invariably fatal otherwise. ===Healthcare=== The level of medical care in India varies wildly. Public hospitals tend to be unsanitary, overcrowded, understaffed and underequipped. Private hospitals, on the other hand, are usually of an excellent standard and among the best in the world, making India a popular destination for medical tourism. Large corporate hospital chains like Fortis, Max, Apollo and similar places are your best bet for emergency medical care in larger cities, and they have better hygiene and generally well-trained doctors, some from UK and US institutions. The downside is that they are generally much more expensive than public hospitals, though still reasonably priced by Western standards. Many private hospitals accept international health insurance; check with the hospital before you go. Virtually all Indian doctors speak English fluently and are highly qualified. For smaller ailments, private medical practices are common throughout the country and are readily more accessible than hospitals. Hotels can also arrange a doctor to come visit, at a price of course. For travel vaccinations, visit the [http://www.istm.org International Society for Travel Medicine] to find travel health clinics. ==Respect== {{infobox|Kissing in India|India can trace kissing back thousands of years in its literature. Indeed, the well-known ''Kama Sutra'' has an entire chapter devoted to kissing. However, in most cultures of the Subcontinent, public kissing has traditionally been discouraged. Visitors have been surprised to get into serious trouble for kissing in public, regardless of the nature of their relationship or marriage or their nationality. Opposition to public kissing is not a universal opinion in India; many Indians find kissing acceptable, but because of those who don't, it is best to avoid kissing (even on cheeks) in public while you are there. None of this applies to parents and children kissing each other, though; that's universally acceptable in India. }} ===Etiquette=== <!--[[File:Kamya Panjabi at Disney princess' promotion in Mumbai.jpg|thumb|In bigger Indian cities, wearing of shorts by women is generally accepted. Picture shows an Indian woman with her daughter in [[Mumbai]].]] this image violates the image policy as watermarks are not allowed --> * Indians, by and large, are '''neutral communicators'''. Although Indians try to be respectful and courteous in social situations, words are often taken at face value. It's important to be explicitly clear and upfront about what you intend to say as euphemisms, idiomatic language, and the like may be misunderstood. * Direct '''personal questions''' (based on your personal life, salary, education, and lifestyle) are commonly asked. To Indians, it's not considered impolite, but rather it's a way to get to know someone fully. In some cases, you may find others giving you advice on whatever it is you're doing, either warranted or unwarranted. Don't feel annoyed or irritated by this as Indians don't intend to patronise or pull you down in any way. If you feel the question was too personal, simply give an indirect answer and move along. * Indians '''respect their elders''' and it would be seen as rude to directly challenge a statement said by someone older than you. You should always try to address people you don't know as 'ma'am' or 'sir', especially if they're older than you, and always act in a mature, sensible fashion around them. * '''Family values''' are highly revered by many Indians, and most Indians still live with their extended families, with three to four generations living under the same roof. Passing unwarranted comments about someone's family life won't win you friends or praise. * Indian women generally '''dress conservatively''', although in metropolitan cities more liberal attire can be seen. Women may attract unwanted attention from men depending on how they're dressed. * Whereas Indian men can be really eager to talk to foreigners, '''many Indian women avoid interacting with men outside their own families'''. If you are a man and approach an Indian woman even for an innocuous purpose like asking for directions, you are usually putting her on the defensive, especially if she is dressed traditionally. It is best to ask a man if one is available (there usually will be), or be extra respectful if you really need to ask a woman. However, in Ladakh, the relation between sexes is much more equal and nobody will bat an eyelid if you ask a woman for directions. * It is better to avoid going out '''on the roads alone''', especially in remote places or lanes and by-lanes without many people at night. Keeping some company is always advisable. * Indians will consider themselves obliged to go out of the way to fulfil a '''guest's request''' and will insist very strongly that it is no inconvenience to do so, even if it is not true. This of course means that there is a reciprocal obligation on you as a guest to take extra care not to be a burden. * Most Indians are not aware that the term "'''Negro'''" is considered offensive in some other parts of the world, and they may use it with no intent to offend. Also, some Indians will come up with topics like Hitler, Aryans and other weird stuff — while half of the time this is uneducated and innocent interest, the other half of the time they will know exactly what they are talking about and it is best not to engage on such topics or to make your position very clear. * Note '''dietary restrictions''' when inviting Indian friends for a meal. Pork is forbidden to Muslims, while beef is forbidden to Hindus. Although in some states, like Kerala, beef is consumed liberally by Christians and Muslims. Also about 30% of Indians are vegetarian, including all Jains. In some places, people are pescatarians. So, It is better to ask people what they don't eat beforehand. * It is customary to put up a token friendly argument with your host or any other member of the group '''when paying bills''' at restaurant or while making purchases. The etiquette for this is somewhat complicated. ** In a business lunch or dinner, it is usually clear upfront who is supposed to pay, and there is no need to fight. But if you are someone's personal guest and they take you out to a restaurant, you should offer to pay anyway, and you should insist a lot. Sometimes these fights get a little funny, with each side trying to snatch the bill away from the other, all the time laughing politely. If you don't have experience in these things, chances are, you will lose the chance the first time, but in that case, make sure that you pay the next time. (and try to make sure that there is a next time.) Unless the bill amount is very large do not offer to share it, and only as a second resort after they have refused to let you pay it all. ** The same rule applies when you are making a purchase. If you are purchasing something for yourself, your hosts might still offer to pay for it if the amount is not very high, and sometimes, even if it is. In this situation, unless the amount is very low, you should never lose the fight. (If the amount is ridiculously low, say less than ₹10, then don't insult your hosts by putting up a fight.) Even if by chance you lose the fight to pay the shopkeeper, it is customary to practically thrust (in a nice way, of course) the money into your host's hands. ** These rules do not apply if the host has made it clear beforehand that it is his or her treat, especially for some specific occasion. {{infobox|Naming conventions |* Most Indians follow the naming convention of a given name followed by a family name. <br /> * '''Tamil''' names, however are an exception to this rule. Tamil names generally follow the convention of given name + father's name, or father's initial + given name. Therefore, someone called Ramasamy Govindasamy would have Ramasamy as his given name, with Govindasamy being his father's name. Alternatively, he might be known as G. Ramasamy. Due to the patronymic nature of the last names, first names are always used when addressing individuals, so the above person would be addressed as Mr Ramasamy. *'''Meitei''' names are also exception to the general rules of naming in India. Meitei names generally follow the convention of family name + given name + name of the respective "salai". Salai means clan and it is different from family. There are 7 salais in Meitei ethnicity (Manipuri ethnicity). Each salai has many families within it. So, salai is just like a group or aggregation of many families. For instance, a person named "Albert" belongs to the "Oinam" family of the "Khuman" salai. Then, his name will be like this: "Oinam Albert Khuman". In Meitei nomenclature, father's names are not used. *Most '''Telugu''' names (other than those of Muslims) are family name (surname) first, like Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese names.<!--Source: {{cite book|author=Vēlcēru Nārāyaṇarāvu|title=Hibiscus on the Lake Twentieth-century Telugu Poetry from India|publisher=[[University of Wisconsin Press]]|year=2003|isbn=9780299177041 (older: 0299177041)|page=[https://www.google.com/books/edition/Hibiscus_on_the_Lake/pjxyfqOmOKMC?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=Telugu+names+family+name+last&pg=PR19&printsec=frontcover xix]}}--> *The foolproof method, therefore, is to ''ask'' how the person would like to be addressed. }} ===Religious etiquette=== As India has great diversity, people follow different religions, the largest being of course Hinduism. * '''Take off your shoes''' when visiting a temple, mosque, or someone's home. * Christians are a minority in India, but going to church and following your faith are always appreciated. There are different denominations and they differ in their practices. * It is disrespectful to touch people or things with your feet. If done accidentally, you will find that Indians will make a quick gesture of apology that involves touching the offended person with the right hand, and then moving the hand to the chest and to the eyes. It is a good idea to emulate that. * The head is considered to be the holiest part of the body, '''so avoid touching people on the head''', including young children, as this is very offensive to Hindus. * '''The left hand''' is considered unclean in both Hinduism and Islam. Be sure to handle sacred objects and perform religious rituals using only your right hand. * '''Books and written materials are treated with respect''', as they are treated as concrete/physical forms of the Hindu goddess of knowledge, Saraswati. Hindus typically avoid stepping on them. * '''Anything associated with wealth is treated with respect''' as it is treated as a concrete/physical form of the Hindu goddess of wealth, Lakshmi. * '''The swastika''' is a common and quite ancient symbol in India. It is also fairly common for Indian parents to name their daughters "Swastika". There is no connection of this symbol to the Nazis. Jewish people have lived in India for thousands of years and have never faced any significant antisemitism. Drawing parallels between the Swastika and Nazism will not be appreciated and is considered cultural appropriation. Many Indians have liberal, open-minded attitudes towards religion, although there are some who have rigid, radical viewpoints, and fundamentalist Hinduism has seen growing support in the 21st century. It's not considered impolite to discuss your religious convictions with someone; for the most part, many Indians are open about talking about it. This said, '''do not impose''' your religious beliefs upon someone. Anything hinting at '''proselytisation''' will not be appreciated. * Contrary to popular belief, India is '''not a vegetarian nation'''. However, vegetarians are a very large minority in India, comprising 20-30% of the population, and many northern and western states are majority vegetarian. Jains, a staunchly vegetarian religious group, are approximately 1% of the population. That said, some ardently religious groups and people often try to demonise non-vegetarianism. Many of the more well-aware Indians feel it is a part of a concerted attempt to codify a monolithic idea of Indian culture and do not like it. These vegetarian sentiments are more common in Northern India, but in other places, such as [[Southern India]] and [[North-Eastern India]], people tend to be more liberal and less sensitive towards other beliefs, and don't really mind as much. If visiting someone's house, it's always wise to ask if the person is a vegetarian or a non-vegetarian. '''Do not impose your food preferences upon anyone'''; it is frowned upon. * '''Atheism is not taboo''' in India. This said, you should be careful when discussing religion with those who have rigid, radical viewpoints; some atheists in India have been attacked by radical groups for openly criticising religion. ===Politics=== * Indians, in general, are ardently political, and politics is a very popular conversational subject amongst many Indians, including the older generation. Many Indians have a breadth of political opinions, including that of their own country; often they express frustration with the government. As always, it is better to listen than to express firm opinions. * The '''Kashmir conflict''' is a highly emotional subject that can very quickly elicit strong reactions from Indian people. The Indian view is that the whole of Kashmir, including [[Azad Kashmir]] and [[Gilgit Baltistan]], the two regions of Kashmir under Pakistani control, ''legally belongs'' to India. * India is made up of 28 states and 8 union territories. Some people in some provinces ([[Punjab]], [[Kashmir]], [[Nagaland]], and [[Assam]]) are sympathetic to full autonomy or '''secession from India'''. Whilst nowhere near as sensitive or divisive as in other parts of the world, try not to bring up such subjects. * Attempting to compliment or say anything that could be perceived as positive about '''[[Pakistan]]''' can evoke a strong response from some Indians. Referring to someone as a "Pakistani" is often used as an insult in India. * Try to avoid being overly enthusiastic about '''[[China]]'''. India's diplomatic relationship with China is tense and '''anti-China sentiments''' are common among the population. The '''1962 Sino-Indian War''' and '''2020 Galwan Valley Clash''' are still very much open wounds the Indian national consciousness. Some '''Chinese products''' are illegal to possess in India and the mere sight of Chinese products can evoke a strong response from some Indians. * Tread carefully when discussing the history of '''Mughal rule'''. Many Hindu nationalists consider the Mughals to be foreign occupiers akin to the British. * The '''partition of India''' is a sensitive issue. A few may convey bitterness against the British Empire, and some who lived through the horrors of the partition may let this reflect on their view of people from the [[United Kingdom]]. Former British prime minister Winston Churchill is widely regarded as a villain in India due to the Bengal famine in 1943. Nevertheless, the two countries enjoy a positive relationship, and Indians are the largest immigrant group in the UK. Rishi Sunak, who is of Indian descent, even became prime minister of the UK. === Other things to watch out for === * Indians tend to have a strong sense of '''national pride''', in part due to the success enjoyed by the Indian diaspora abroad. If you have Indian roots, even if you were born and raised overseas, be careful with divulging your opinions on the country and the culture: some may expect you to follow Indian norms and nuances, and won't take kindly to negative feedback. It is common for Indians to express a deep sense of pride in the success of their fellow countrymen on the world stage, such as Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Google CEO Sundar Pichai and World Bank President Ajay Banga. * Families tend to be close-knit. Tread very carefully '''if you have Indian roots''', even if you were born and raised overseas, or if you are in an intimate relationship with an Indian person: You're often expected to align your views with your or their family, and not doing so would result in you being shunned. Living with extended family (i.e. including grandparents and first cousins) is still the norm in India. * Attitudes towards the LGBT community have been changing since the 2000s. In 2018, homosexuality (which was once punishable by life imprisonment) was decriminalised, and since then there have been strong political movements in favour of LGBT rights. While this may seem impressive, '''many Indians still have conservative opinions on homosexuality''' and do not fully understand it. Try not to reveal your sexuality in public as you may invite unwanted comments or stares. * Reputation is a key aspect of Indian culture, and like in much of Asia "saving face" is a major value in Indian culture. To be polite you should avoid pointing out other people's mistakes or voicing disagreement with someone in public. Doing so can cause a severe blow to another person's reputation, and so to avoid doing so and causing embarrassment, ignore small mistakes. If you must point out someone else's mistake do so in a private setting, and as politely as applicable to the situation. * '''Business cards''' should be given and received using only your '''right hand'''. As the left hand is considered unclean, handling someone's business card with the left hand is very disrespectful. ==Connect== ===By phone=== The country code for India is '''+91'''. In India, area codes are called '''STD''' '''codes''' (Subscriber Trunk Dialing - national long distance) and international dialing is called '''ISD''' (International Subscriber Dialing - international long distance). Local phone numbers can be anywhere from 5-8 digits long. But when the STD code is included, all landline phone numbers in India are 10 digits long. Mobile phone numbers are always 10 digits long and usually start with '9', '8', '7' or '6'. The following table explains how to dial: {| class="wikitable" align="right" ! Calling from || Price || Syntax || Example |- | Same STD code || Local || align=right| ''number'' || align=right| 12345678 |- | Mobile phone || Local || align=right| ''STD code of the town you are in number'' || align=right| 011-12345678 |- | Mobile phone || STD to mobile phone|| align=right| ''number'' || align=right| 012345678 |- | Different STD code|| STD || align=right| '''0'''-''area code''-''number'' || align=right| 022-12345678 |- | Overseas || ISD || align=right| '''+91'''-''area code''-''number'' || align=right| +91-22-12345678 |} Toll-free numbers start with '''1-800''', but are usually ''operator-dependent'': you can't call a BSNL/MTNL toll-free number from an Airtel landline, and vice versa. Often, the numbers may not work from your cellular phone. Other National Numbers that start with '''18xx''' or '''19xx''' may attract special charges. To dial outside the country from India, prefix the country code with 00, e.g. a US number will be dialed as 00-1-555-555-5555. Calling the Canada/UK/US over the normal telephone line will cost you about ₹7.20 per minute. Calls to other countries, particularly to the Middle East, can be more expensive. Payphones, called '''public call offices''' or '''PCOs''' are now increasingly rare with the ubiquitous availability of mobile phones. Where they exist, they are usually staffed, and you dial yourself but pay to the attendant after the call is over. Metering is done per pulse and a service charge of ₹2 is added to the bill. Larger cities also have Western-style unmanned public phones, which are usually red in colour and accept one rupee coins. ====Mobile==== '''[https://www.airtel.in/ Airtel]''', '''[https://www.myvi.in/ Vodafone Idea]''', '''[https://www.jio.com/ Reliance Jio]''' and '''[https://www.bsnl.co.in/ BSNL]-MTNL''' are mobile service providers in India. All of these provide services to the whole of India. Since providers are state-specific, you need to activate roaming, so you can stay connected with the same provider if being in a different state than from where you got the SIM card. No extra costs apply for this kind of roaming within India. As restrictions on internet use increase in India, many mobile stores refuse to sell SIM cards to foreigners (or anyone without local ID)—though you may find an Indian resident or hotel employee willing to buy one under their name if suitably motivated (i.e. rupees). Also, Jio mobile store owners seem to be sufficiently motivated to sell you a SIM and an initial package for a 20% surcharge if you look reliable enough. To get a SIM card alone as a foreigner, you are recommended to visit the telecom operator's exclusive store. To make calls, send text, or use data, you will always require a (monthly) package or validity plan. Packages start at ₹239 for 28 days, e.g. Jio with 1.5GB/day data, unlimited calls, and 100 SMS. With Airtel the same package was around ₹450. All operators provide unlimited domestic phone calls with their packages. Calling overseas can cost quite a bit and will depend on the location you are calling to. In contrast, the other way round (calling to India from elsewhere) is cheap. You can buy a keypad mobile for ₹500, and touch mobiles retail from ₹4,000. ====Mobile internet==== It is very cheap, especially with the proliferation of low-cost operator Reliance Jio, which has forced the mainstream operators such as Airtel and Vodafone Idea to follow suit. Prices for packages including mobile internet are mentioned above. You can use 4G and 4G VoLTE services everywhere. 4G (LTE and VoLTE) networks cover 98% of the population of India and 5G networks in India now cover 52% of the population. 3G is available only in some remote locations and in most locations 3G or below is unavailable. If you use the train, you may occasionally find pocket regions where the internet drops to 2G or goes away completely. ====Messaging==== WhatsApp is the main messaging gateway. SMS is only used for things like OTPs (One Time Passwords, for WiFi) or contract information. ===By internet=== * '''Wi-Fi hotspots''' in India are, for the most part, limited. All airports and railway stations do offer free high speed Wi-Fi. Delhi, Bangalore, Pune and Mumbai are the only cities with decent Wi-Fi coverage. Many free Wi-Fi services will require entering a One time password (OTP) sent to an Indian cell phone number and are usually operated by Airtel or Jio. * '''Internet cafes''' are common and they charge as little as ₹10-20/hr. Many will ask for your passport or ID. Beware of using your credit cards online as there have been many cases of credit cards thefts using ''keyloggers''. * '''Public libraries''' have PCs with broadband for public use. Most libraries require a membership but government-operated libraries only require a quick registration with the verification of your ID. Internet censorship in India is considered “selective”. There are occasional random, inexplicable and arbitrary attemptso by the government to block some sites it considers as carrying hateful propaganda, but enforcement is spotty and the decisions are often forgotten after a few month of being made. The site which are blocked by the courts remain strictly blocked and is different from the vague blocks by the government. For travelers, the most important sites that are blocked are popular Chinese services like TikTok and WeChat, as well as games such as Pubg. Also, major Pakistani websites, accounts and channels have been blocked on social media, and on the internet. However, you may use a VPN to access other servers. ===By mail=== [[File:India - Varanasi post office - 1584.jpg|thumb|A post office in Varanasi]] Addressing mail with a properly-formatted address will expedite its journey with government owned [https://www.indiapost.gov.in/VAS/Pages/IndiaPosthome.aspx India Post]. The PIN code (postal index number) is important, and you can look up PIN codes and correct address formats on India Post's website. A 6-digit PIN code identifies the post office of a district; a 4-digit Post box number (recommended but optional) may narrow this to one business or an individual building. Addresses should be written in three to four lines with the name of recipient, house number and suite or apartment or building number, street name, city or town, state name, PIN code, e.g.: <blockquote>United Nations House<br/>55/73 Lodhi Estate<br/>New Delhi, Delhi-110003</blockquote> First class mail travels by air within India. International first class mail has a maximum limit of 20 kg. Prices vary from country to country. A full list related to the pricing can be found in [https://www.indiapost.gov.in/MBE/pages/content/international-air-parcels.aspx India Post's website]. All locations with a PIN code are considered domestic. Military mail is operated by the Army Postal Service through its APOs and FPOs. The rate for domestic post is ₹15/50 g. Private international courier companies like FedEx, DHL and UPS also operate though all major cities. ==Cope== For immediate emergency assistance, you can call '''112'''.<br> The Ministry of Tourism has a 24-hour helpline for tourists in need. You can call the helpline number at '''1800-11-1363''' or just '''1363'''. ===Consular assistance=== All major cities have international consular assistance which include high commissions, embassies and consulates. More information can be found in respective city articles. Here are links to consular assistance in some cities: * [[Delhi#Embassies & High Commissions|Delhi]] * [[Mumbai#Foreign missions|Mumbai]] * [[Kolkata#Consulates|Kolkata]] * [[Chennai#Consulates|Chennai]] === Television === India has a variety of local Indian news channels in English such as [https://www.doordarshan.gov.in/ Doordarshan] India’s state broadcasting network owned by the Indian government; India [https://www.indiatoday.in/ Today]; NDTV [https://www.ndtv.com/ 24x7]; CNN-[http://www.news18.com/ News18]; Republic [http://www.republicworld.com/ TV]; Times [http://www.timesnownews.com/ Now]; Mirror [https://www.timesnownews.com/mirror-now Now]; [https://www.newsx.com/ NewsX]; [http://wionews.com/ WION]. There are also foreign news channels available such as BBC (World Service),CNN (International South Asia), France 24; Russia Today; ABC Australia; Bloomberg Television; CNA; Al Jazeera English; Deutsche Welle; NHK (World); Push TV. There are also many Hindi news channels, as well as regional news channels in their respective local languages. Sport can be viewed live on DD Sport, Eurosport, Sony Sport Network, Sports18 and Star Sports. There are also many Hindi, English and Regional movies and series channels, children’s and music channels (English, Hindi and regional), lifestyle and teleshopping available on TV networks using cable or satellite These channels can be found on TV using networks such as TataPlay, Airtel and Jio. Netflix India, ZEE5 and Prime Video is available for streaming in India. ===Newspapers=== Local Indian English newspapers can be handy and reliable sources for day-to-day updates about the country. India has a number of English newspapers and magazines. Some of the major newspapers are ''Business Standard'', ''Daily News and Analysis'', ''Deccan Herald'', ''The Hindu'', ''The Statesman'', ''The Telegraph'', ''The Times of India'', ''The Tribune'' and many more. Some popular magazines are ''Filmfare'', ''Down to Earth'', ''India Today'', ''Forbes India'' and ''Vogue''. There are also local regional newspapers which are either often in English or the local regional language. ===Radio=== * '''AIR FM Rainbow''' offers hourly news broadcasts at '''102.6MHZ'''. * '''AIR FM Gold''' offers hourly news broadcasts at '''100.1MHZ''' * '''Radio One''' offers modern and retro song broadcasts at '''94.3MHZ'''. * '''Red FM''' offers public talks and entertainment at '''93.5MHZ''' {{geo|22.8|83|zoom=5}} {{isPartOf|South Asia}}There are also many regional radios on their respective frequencies. {{usablecountry}} {{related|Forts_and_Palaces_of_India}} {{related|Indian_National_Parks_and_Wildlife_Sanctuaries}} {{related|Indian_Zoos_and_Botanical_Gardens}} {{related|Natural Wonders of India}} {{related|Sacred_sites_of_the_Indian_sub-continent}} {{related|UNESCO_World_Heritage_List_(India)}} d1atq2cvll4fl5zl8h5rqyc41kms0oi 0 15917 5086950 5064979 2025-07-03T04:10:06Z Ikan Kekek 36420 /* Cognates in English */ Just like ''préservatif'' in French. And I made the same mistake in Italian, because it's such a natural cognate to use. I think I was telling the joke about the lioness and lion looking at a human being walking in the distance when one said to the other: "Don't eat one of those! They're full of artificial flavors and preservatives!" 5086950 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|WV banner Italian phrasebook Venice Canal Grande.jpg|ftt=yes}} [[File:Map Italophone World - updated.png|thumb|500px|Italian speaking areas - Dark blue: native language, Light blue: former Italian colonies, Green square: Italophone minorities]] '''Italian''' (''italiano'') is the official language of [[Italy]] and [[San Marino]], and one of the four official languages of [[Switzerland]], spoken mainly in the cantons of [[Ticino]] and [[Grigioni]]. It is a co-official language in [[Istria]], a coastal region of [[Slovenia]] and [[Croatia]]. Furthermore, it is the primary language of the [[Rome/Vatican|Vatican City]], where it is co-official with Latin, and is widely used and understood in [[Monaco]], [[Corsica]], [[Malta]], [[Albania]], and [[Romania]]. It is also used outside of Europe in parts of [[Libya]] and [[Somalia]]. In most of the touristy resorts along Italy's coasts, English and German are widely spoken, but in any part of Italy, it will hold you in good stead to know at least basic phrases of polite Italian and not to assume that whoever you are speaking with will know your language. Italian is the most important language in [[European classical music|classical music]], with most operas being written in Italian, and musical notation on scores being primarily in Italian. All musicians who play Western music are required to be familiar with Italian musical terminology, and it was ''de rigeur'' for European composers from the Renaissance to the first half of the 20th century to have at least some basic knowledge of Italian. If you speak Spanish or even Portuguese, be careful as there are a lot of words that look and sound almost the same in these languages but convey very different meanings: for example, Spanish ''guardar'' ("to store, shelve") vs. Italian ''guardare'' ("to see, watch"), Spanish ''salir'' ("to get out") vs. Italian ''salire'' ("to go up"), Spanish ''burro'' ("donkey") vs. Italian ''burro'' ("butter"), Spanish ''caldo'' ("soup") vs. Italian ''caldo'' ("hot"), Spanish ''aceite'' ("oil") vs Italian ''aceto'' ("vinegar") and Spanish ''sembrar'' ("to sow, plant") vs Italian ''sembrare'' ("to seem"). ==Grammar== ===Nouns=== All Italian nouns are assigned one of two genders: masculine or feminine. Unlike in English, even inanimate objects are assigned a gender (e.g. ''tavolo'' [table] is masculine, ''casa'' [house] is feminine). The article before a noun depends on its gender: e.g. ''il'' (m for most cases), ''lo'' (m if word starts with ''s + consonant'', z, gn, ps, pn, x, y and consonant clusters), ''la'' (f for most cases) or ''l''' (if word starts with a vowel). Likewise, third person subject pronouns also depend on the grammatical gender of the subject : ''lui/egli/esso'' (m) and ''lei/ella/essa'' (f). ===Adjectives=== In Italian, adjectives must agree in gender and number with the noun or pronoun they modify. So for example, the word for "child" in Italian is ''bambino'' (masculine), plural ''bambini'', or ''bambina'' (feminine), plural ''bambine''. If you want to say "a small boy", you'd use ''un piccolo bambino'', whereas two small boys would be ''due piccoli bambini'', a small girl would be ''una piccola bambina'' and two small girls would be ''due piccole bambine''. If a group of children you are speaking of includes both boys and girls, use the masculine plural form. Unlike English, Italian has no capitalized adjectives, so, for example, "Italian" is always represented in lowercase in Italian, but again must agree in gender and number: ''un bambino italiano''; ''una bambina italiana''. ===Formal and familiar pronouns=== In Italian, you use the polite form of you ("lei") with all the people you don't know; it doesn't matter whether they are older or younger than you, unless they are children. You'll use the familiar form ("tu") with the people you know and with children. The two forms differ in that 2nd person singular verb forms are used for "tu" and 3rd person singular verb forms are used for "lei" (which can also mean "she"). ===Addressing people=== The formal way to address a man you meet for the first time is ''signore'', while the equivalent when addressing a woman is ''signora''. ''Signorina'' may sometimes be used to address a very young, unmarried woman, but unless you are absolutely sure, it is best to default to ''signora''. The corresponding plurals are ''signori'' (all-male and mixed male and female groups) and, somewhat confusingly, ''signore'' (all-female groups). The Italian equivalent for the salutation "ladies and gentlemen" is thus "''signore e signori''". In informal situations, these terms are frequently dispensed with. ===Possessives=== English speakers are used to using possessive pronouns before nouns, as in "my book" or "your car". In Italian, things are usually a bit more complicated. With the exception of individual family members (''mia moglie'' is "my wife"; ''suo figlio'' is "his/her son"), these kinds of phrases are replaced by '''article + possessive pronoun + noun''', and both the article and the pronoun must agree in gender and number with the noun being modified. For example, "my book" would be ''il mio libro''; "your car" would be ''la tua macchina''; "our houses" would be ''le nostre case''. If you leave out the article, people will understand you, but it's good to be prepared to hear native speakers use these kinds of common phrases even before you are comfortable enough to use them yourself. ==Pronunciation== Pronunciation is relatively easy in Italian since most words are pronounced exactly how they are written. The main letters to watch out for are '''c''' and '''g''', since their pronunciation varies based on the following vowel. Also, make sure to pronounce '''r''' and '''rr''' differently: ''caro'' means dear, whereas ''carro'' means chariot. ===Vowels=== ; a : as in "father" ; e : sometimes as in "set", sometimes more closed, identical to "e" in New Zealand English ; i : as in "machine" ; o : as in "oh", but make sure to avoid any "w" or "oo" sound at the end ; u : like 'oo' in "hoop" ===Consonants=== {{infobox|Silent I|If ''ci'', ''gi'', ''gli'' or ''sci'' is followed by another vowel, the ''i'' is silent. For example, ''giallo'' (yellow) is pronounced "JAHL-loh".}} ; b : like 'b' in "bed" ; c : like 'ch' in "chipper" when before 'i' or 'e', like 'k' in "skin" otherwise ; d : like 'd' in "dog" ; f : like 'f' in "fear" [[File:Florence bridges.jpg|300px|thumb|'f' like in [[Firenze]]]] ; g : like 'g' in "go" (before 'a', 'o', 'u')<br>like 'j' in "jello" (before 'i' or 'e') ; h : silent ; j : generally only appears in proper nouns (e.g. Juventus). Pronounced like 'y' in "yet". ; l : like 'l' in "love" ; m : like 'm' in "mother" ; n : like 'n' in "nice" ; p : like 'p' in "spray" ; q : like 'q' in "quest" (always with "u" except in some Arabic loanwords) ; r : trill with the tip of the tongue just as in Spanish. A double r (rr) requires a stronger trill. ; s : like 's' in "gas", like 'z' in "lizard" when between vowels only in the North of Italy. ; t : like 't' in "stop" ; v : like 'v' in "victory" ; z : like 'ds' in "toads" or like 'ts' in "coats" ===Common diphthongs=== ; ai : like 'i' in "fight" ; au : like 'ow' in "brown" ; ei : like 'ay' in "say" ; eu : like h'''ey you''' ; ee : identical vowels [stress on the first vowel "idee" (ee-DEH-eh)] ; ia : like s'''ee ya''', but with the 'a' as in "father" ; ie : similar to "yeah" ; ii : identical vowels [stress on the first vowel "addii" (ahd-DEE-ee)] ; io : "EE-oh" like the 'eo' in "Leo" ; iu : like 'ew' in "few" ; oi : like 'oy' in "boy" ; oo : identical vowels [stress on the first vowel "zoo" (DZOH-oh)] ; ua : like 'wa' in "want" ; ue : like 'we' in "went" ; ui : like "we" ; uo : like "woe" ===Digraphs=== [[File:Scicli (Sicilia) 2010 018.jpg|300px|thumb|View of [[Scicli]]]] ; ch : like 'k' in "keep" ; sc : before "e" or "i", like 'sh' in "sheep"; before "a", "o" or "u" like 'sk' in "sky" ; sch : before 'e' or 'i' like 'sk' in "sky" ; gn : like the 'ny' in "canyon" ; gh : like "g" in "get" ; gli : like the 'li' in "million"; rarely like "glee" in words of Greek origin ===Emphasis=== Accented words have the emphasis on the syllable with the accented letter. Unaccented words are normally pronounced with the emphasis on the penultimate or antepenultimate syllable. ==Cognates in English== English-speakers will find many Italian words easy to understand, if they know Latin-derived equivalents in English. For example, words that end in -tion in English as a rule end in -&NoBreak;zione in Italian. So Italian ''introduzione'' is English "introduction", ''preparazione'' is "preparation" and ''riduzione'' is "reduction". In addition, words that end in -ty in English as a rule end in -tà in Italian. So ''università'' is "university", ''unità'' is "unity", ''rapidità'' is "rapidity" and ''conduttività'' is "conductivity", although the Italian word for "majority" is ''maggioranza'', and similarly, ''sicurezza'' is the common word for "security" or "safety". Another signpost to look for is that words that end in -ous in English usually end in -oso as masculine singular adjectives in Italian (see [[#Adjectives]] above for other forms), for example ''generoso'' (generous), and ''armonioso'' (harmonious), but perilous (dangerous) is ''pericoloso''. Moreover, the meanings can sometimes have diverged between English and Italian, so Italian ''ricordare'', while cognate with English record, actually means "remember". So guessing the Italian word from the English Latin-derived equivalent doesn't always work, but it is still a good idea to try it in conversations. There are also some Italian words that were borrowed directly into English, but in some cases the meeting has shifted somewhat from the original Italian. For example, ''vendetta'' means revenge and ''donna'' means woman (hence ''prima donna'', which literally translates as "first woman") in Italian. When it comes to culinary terms, the Italian original is often a more generic term than the one borrowed into English. For instance, ''prosciutto'' refers to any kind of ham and ''gelato'' refers to any kind of ice cream in Italian. Be careful, though, as the meanings can sometimes be drastically different. For example, ''latte'' means milk in Italian, so if you want coffee with milk, you need to ask for ''caffè latte''. One serious false friend is ''accidenti'', which means "Damn!", rather than "accidents", and the singular ''accidente'' can also mean "damn", so if you want to describe an accident, use ''incidente'', plural ''incidenti''. Also, be careful to use the word ''preservativo'' correctly: it means a condom, not a preservative! Preservatives, such as are used in food, are ''conservanti''. ==Phrase list== For this phrasebook, we use the polite form for all phrases, on the presumption that you'll mostly be talking to people you don't already know. ===Basics=== {{infobox|Common signs| ; OPEN : APERTO (''ah-PEHR-toh'') ; CLOSED : CHIUSO (''KYOO-soh'') ; ENTRANCE : ENTRATA (''ehn-TRAH-tah'') ; EXIT : USCITA (''oo-SHEE-tah'') ; PUSH : SPINGERE (''SPEEN-jeh-reh'') ; PULL : TIRARE (''tee-RAH-reh'') ; TOILET : TOILETTE (''twah-LEHT'') / WC (''wee-CHEEH'') ; MEN : UOMINI (''WOH-mee-nee'') ; WOMEN : DONNE (''DOHN-neh'') ; FORBIDDEN : PROIBITO (''proy-BEE-toh'') / VIETATO (''vee-eh-TAH-toh'') ; NO SMOKING : NON FUMATORI (''nohn foo-mah-TOH-ree'') / VIETATO FUMARE (''vee-eh-tah-toh foo-MAH-reh'')}} ; Hello. (''formal'') : Salve. (''SAHL-veh'') ; Hello. (''informal'') : Ciao. (''chow'') ; How are you? : Come stai? (''informal'')(''koh-meh STAHEE?''), Come sta? (''formal'')(''koh-meh STAH?'') ; Fine, thank you. : Bene, grazie. (''BEH-neh, GRAHT-tsyeh'') ; What is your name? : Come ti chiami? (''informal'')(''KOH-meh tee kee-AH-mee?''), Come si chiama? (''formal'')(''KOH-meh see kee-AH-mah?'') ; My name is ______ . : Mi chiamo ______ . (''mee kee-AH-moh _____'') ; Nice to meet you. : Piacere di conoscerla. (''formal'')(''pyah-CHEH-reh dee koh-noh-SHEHR-lah''); Piacere di conoscerti (''pyah-CHEH-reh dee koh-noh-SHEHR-tee'') or just Ciao, piacere ("chow, pyah-CHEH-reh") (''informal'') ; Please. : Per favore (''PEHR fah-VOH-reh'') or Per piacere (''pehr pyah-CHEH-reh'') ; Thank you. : Grazie. (''GRAHT-tsyeh'') ; You're welcome. : Prego. (''PREH-goh'') ; No problem. : Non c'è problema or Nessun problema (''non cheh proh-BLEH-mah'', ''neh-SOON proh-BLEM-mah'') ; Yes : Sì. (''SEE'') ; No : No. (''noh'') ; Excuse me : Mi scusi. (''formal'')(''mee SKOO-zee''), Scusa (''informal'')(''SKOO-zah'') ; What's that? : Che cos'è? (''KAY kohz-AY'') ; I'm sorry. : Mi dispiace. (''mee dee-SPYA-chee'') ; Goodbye. (informal) : Ciao. (''chow'') ; Goodbye. (formal) : Arrivederci. (''ahr-ree-veh-DEHR-chee'') ; See you. : Ci vediamo. (''chee veh-DYAH-moh'') ; Sure. : Certamente, or Certo (''cher-tah-MEN-teh'' or ''CHEHR-toh'') ; Really? : Davvero? (''dahv-VEH-roh?'') [[File:Colosseo - panoramio (4).jpg|thumb|Visitors inside [[Rome/Colosseo|Colosseum]] in Rome]] ; I don't speak Italian. : Non parlo italiano. (''non PAHR-loh ee-tah-LYAH-noh'') ; Do you speak English? : Parla inglese? (''Formal'')(''PAHR-lah een-GLEH-zeh?'') Parli inglese? (''Informal'')(''PAHR-lee een-GLEH-zeh?'') ; Speak more slowly, please. : Parli più lentamente, per favore. (''formal'')(''PAHR-lee pyoo lehn-tah-MEHN-teh, pehr fah-VOH-reh''), Parla più lentamente/piano (per favore). (''informal'')(''PAHR-lee pyoo lehn-tah-MEHN-teh/ PYAH-noh (pehr fah-VOH-reh)'') ; I understand Italian a little. : Capisco l’italiano solo un po'. (''kah-PEES-koh lee-tah-LYAH-noh SOH-loh oon poh'') ; I speak just a few words of Italian. : Conosco solo poche parole in italiano. (''koh-NOHS-koh SOH-loh POH-keh pah-ROH-leh een ee-tah-LYAH-noh'') ; Is there someone here who speaks English? : Qualcuno qui parla inglese? (''kwahl-KOO-noh PAHR-lah een-GLEH-zeh?'') ; What does it mean? : Cosa significa? or Cosa vuol dire? (''KOH-zah see-NYEE-fee-kah?, KOH-zah vwohl DEE-reh?'') ; I forgot. : Ho dimenticato. (''oh dee-mehn-tee-KAH-toh'') ; Now I remember. : Ora ricordo. (''OH-rah ree-KOHR-doh'') ; I don’t know.: Non lo so. (''nohn loh soh'') ; After : Dopo (''DOH-poh'') ; Before : Prima (''PREE-mah'') ; Wait! : Aspetti! (''formal'')(''ahs-PEHT-tee''), Aspetta! (''informal'')(''ahs-PEHT-tah'') ; I have a question. : Ho una domanda. (''oh OO-nah doh-MAHN-dah'') ; Can you tell me... : Può dirmi... (''formal'')(''pwoh DEER-mee''), Puoi dirmi... (''informal'')(''pwoh-ee DEER-mee'') ; How to get to... : Come arrivo a... (''KOH-meh ahr-REE-voh ah'') ; Where/When do we meet? : Dove/Quando ci incontriamo? (''DOH-veh/ KWAHN-doh chee een-kohn-TRYAH-moh?'') ; How is the weather? : Che tempo fa? (''keh TEHM-poh fah'') ; While : Mentre (''MEHN-treh'') ; So : Così (''koh-ZEE'') ; Why/Because : Perché (''pehr-KEH'') ; Pardon? : Come? (''KOH-meh?'') ; Help! : Aiuto! (''ah-YOO-toh!'') ; Good morning. : Buon giorno. (''bwohn JOHR-noh'') ; Good afternoon. : Buon pomeriggio. (''bwohn poh-meh-REE-joh'') [[File:Napoli-vista02.jpg|300px|thumb|''Buona sera, signorina, buona sera. It is time to say goodnight to [[Napoli]]...'']] ; Good evening. : Buona sera. (''bwoh-nah SEH-rah'') ; Good night. : Buona notte. (''bwoh-nah NOHT-teh'') ; I don't understand. : Non capisco. (''nohn kah-PEES-koh'') ; Where are the restrooms? (public place) :Dov'è un bagno? (''doh-VEH oon BAHN-yoh'') ; Where is the bathroom? (someone's home) : Dov'è il bagno? (''doh-VEH eel BAHN-yoh'') ===Problems=== ; Leave me alone. : Mi lasci in pace. (formal) / Lasciami in pace. (informal) (''mee LAH-shee een PAH-cheh'') (or Mi lasci stare [''...STAH-reh'']) ; Don't touch me! : Non mi toccare! (informal) (''NOHN mee toh-KAH-reh!'') ; I'll call the police. : Chiamo la polizia. (''KYAH-moh lah poh-lee-TSEE-ah!'') ; Help me! : Aiutami! (informal) ("ah-YOO-tah-mi") ; Police! : Polizia! (''poh-lee-TSEE-ah!'') ; Stop! Thief! : Al ladro! (''ahl LAH-droh!'') ; Fire! : Al fuoco! (''ahl FWOH-koh!'') ; I need your help. : Ho bisogno del tuo aiuto (informal). (''oh bee-ZOH-nyoh dehl too-oh ah-YOO-toh'') ; It's an emergency. : È un'emergenza. (''eh oo-neh-mehr-JEN-tsah'') ; I'm lost. : Mi sono perso (''male'')(''mee soh-noh PEHR-soh'') / Mi sono persa (''female'')(''mee soh-noh PEHR-sah''). ; I lost my bag. : Ho perso la mia borsa. (''oh PEHR-soh lah MEE-ah BOHR-sah'') ; I lost my wallet. : Ho perso il mio portafoglio. (''oh PEHR-soh eel myoh pohr-tah-FOH-lyoh'') ; I'm sick. : Sono malato. (''male'')(''SOH-noh mah-LAH-toh'') / Sono malata (''female'')(''SOH-noh mah-LAH-tah'') ; I've been injured. : Sono ferito (''male'')(''SOH-noh feh-REE-toh'') / Sono ferita (''female'')(''SOH-noh feh-REE-tah'') ; I need a doctor. : Ho bisogno di un dottore. (''oh bee-ZOH-nyoh dee oon dot-TOH-reh'') ; Can I use your phone? : Posso usare il suo telefono? (''formal'')(''POS-soh oo-ZAH-reh eel soo-oh teh-LEH-foh-noh?'') / Posso usare il tuo telefono? (''informal'')(''POS-soh oo-ZAH-reh eel too-oh teh-LEH-foh-noh?'') ===Numbers=== [[File:Milano metropolitana Garibaldi M2 indicazioni linee S.JPG|thumb|300px|Signage in the [[Milan]] Metro, showing local train lines passing Garibaldi station]] Unlike English, Italian uses the long scale, so ''un bilione'' and ''un trilione'' are not the same as the English "one billion" and "one trillion". ; 1 : uno (''OO-noh'') ; 2 : due (''DOO-eh'') ; 3 : tre (''treh'') ; 4 : quattro (''KWAH-troh'') ; 5 : cinque (''CHEEN-kweh'') ; 6 : sei (''SEH-ee'') ; 7 : sette (''SEH-teh'') ; 8 : otto (''OH-toh'') ; 9 : nove (''NOH-veh'') ; 10 : dieci (''DYEH-chee'') ; 11 : undici (''OON-dee-chee'') ; 12 : dodici (''DOH-dee-chee'') ; 13 : tredici (''TREH-dee-chee'') ; 14 : quattordici (''kwahr-TOHR-dee-chee'') ; 15 : quindici (''KWEEN-dee-chee'') ; 16 : sedici (''SEH-dee-chee'') ; 17 : diciassette (''dee-chah-SSEH-teh'') ; 18 : diciotto (''dee-CHOH-toh'') ; 19 : diciannove (''dee-chah-NOH-veh'') ; 20 : venti (''VEHN-tee'') ; 21 : ventuno (''vehn-TOO-noh'') ; 22 : ventidue (''vehn-tee-DOO-eh'') ; 23 : ventitré (''vehn-tee-TREH'') ; 30 : trenta (''TREHN-tah'') ; 40 : quaranta (''kwah-RAHN-tah'') ; 50 : cinquanta (''cheen-KWAHN-tah'') ; 60 : sessanta (''sehs-SAHN-tah'') ; 70 : settanta (''seht-TAHN-tah'') ; 80 : ottanta (''oht-TAHN-tah'') ; 90 : novanta (''noh-VAHN-tah'') [[File:Spezie Campo dei fiori mercato 08.jpg|thumb|300px|Spices for sale at the Campo dei Fiori market in [[Rome]]]] ; 100 : cento (''CHEHN-toh'') ; 200 : duecento (''dweh-CHEHN-toh'') ; 300 : trecento (''treh-CHEHN-toh'') ; 1,000 : mille (''MEEL-leh'') ; 2,000 : duemila (''dweh-MEE-lah'') ; 1,000,000 : un milione (''oon mee-LYOH-neh'') ; 1,000,000,000 : un miliardo (''oo mee-LYAHR-doh'') ; 1,000,000,000,000 : un bilione (''oo bee-LYOH-neh'') ; number _____ (''train, bus, etc.'') : numero_____ (''NOO-meh-roh'') ; half : mezzo (''MEHD-dzoh'') ; less : meno (''MEH-noh'') ; more : più (''pyoo'') ===Time=== ; now : adesso (''ah-DEHSS-oh'') / ora (''OH-rah'') ; later : più tardi (''PYOO TAR-dee'') - dopo ("DOH-poh") ; before : prima (''PREE-ma'') ; morning : mattino (''mah-TEEN-oh'') / mattina (''mah-TEEN-ah'') ; afternoon : pomeriggio (''poh-meh-REEJ-joh'') ; evening : sera (''SEH-rah'') ; night : notte (''NOHT-teh'') ====Clock time==== [[File:Piadena staz.jpg|thumb|Le undici e nove]] ; one o'clock AM : l'una or l'una del mattino (''LOO-nah'') ; two o'clock AM : le due or le due del mattino (''leh DOO-eh'') ; noon : mezzogiorno (''mehd-dzoh-JOHR-noh'') ; one o'clock PM : le tredici or l'una del pomeriggio (''leh TREH-dee-chee'') ; two o'clock PM : le quattordici or le due del pomeriggio (''leh kwaht-TOHR-dee-chee'') ; midnight : mezzanotte (''mehd-dzah-NOHT-teh'') ====Duration==== ; _____ minute(s) : _____ minuto/ti (''mee-NOO-toh/tee'') ; _____ hour(s) : _____ ora/e (''OH-rah/eh'') ; _____ day(s) : _____ giorno/ni (''JOHR-noh/nee'') ; _____ week(s) : _____ settimana/ne (''seht-tee-MAH-nah/neh'') ; _____ month(s) : _____ mese/si (''MEH-zeh/zee'') ; _____ year(s) : _____ anno/ni (''AHN-noh/nee'') ====Days==== ; today : oggi (''OHJ-jee'') ; yesterday : ieri (''YEH-ree'') ; tomorrow : domani (''doh-MAH-nee'') ; day after tomorrow : dopo domani ('' doh-poh doh-MAH-nee'') ; this week : questa settimana (''KWEHS-tah seht-tee-MAH-nah'') ; last week : la settimana scorsa (''lah set-tee-MAH-nah SKOR-sah'') ; next week : la prossima settimana (''lah PROHS-see-mah set-tee-MAH-nah'') ; Sunday : domenica (''doh-MEH-nee-kah'') ; Monday : lunedì (''loo-neh-DEE'') ; Tuesday : martedì (''mahr-teh-DEE'') ; Wednesday : mercoledì (''mehr-koh-leh-DEE'') ; Thursday : giovedì (''joh-veh-DEE'') ; Friday : venerdì (''veh-nehr-DEE'') ; Saturday : sabato (''SAH-bah-toh'') ====Months==== [[File:Bari - panoramio (4).jpg|300px|thumb|Late October in [[Bari]]]] ; January : gennaio (''jehn-NAH-yoh'') ; February : febbraio (''fehb-BRAH-yoh'') ; March : marzo (''MAR-tso'') ; April : aprile (''ah-PREE-leh'') ; May : maggio (''MAHD-joh'') ; June : giugno (''JOO-nyoh'') ; July : luglio (''LOO-lyoh'') ; August : agosto (''ah-GOHS-toh'') ; September : settembre (''seht-TEM-breh'') ; October : ottobre (''oht-TOH-breh'') ; November : novembre (''noh-VEHM-breh'') ; December : dicembre (''dee-CHEM-breh'') ====Writing time and date==== Italy uses the 24 hour clock. First in dates is the day, then is the month, and last is the year. For example: 23/1/2010 is in letters ''23 gennaio 2010''. To write clock times, the hour is before the minutes and they are separated by "e" (and). For example: 6:43 (written 6.43 in Italy) is read ''sei e quarantatre''. In informal speech, Italians can use a more complex system with a 12 hours clock and words meaning "a quarter past/to" (e.g., 2.45 is ''le tre, meno un quarto''), but you won't find it written anywhere and everyone understands the 24-hour system. Only remember that you must mention the part of the day (mattina, pomeriggio etc.) instead of saying "am" and "pm". ===Colors=== ; black : nero (''NEH-roh'') ; white : bianco (''BYAHN-koh'') ; gray : grigio (''GREE-joh'') ; red : rosso (''ROHS-soh'') ; blue : blu (''bloo'') / azzurro (''ahd-DZOOHR-roh'') ; yellow : giallo (''JAHL-loh'') ; green : verde (''VEHR-deh'') ; orange : arancione (''ah-rahn-CHOH-neh'') ; purple : viola (''vee-OH-lah'') ; brown : marrone (''mahr-ROH-neh'') ; pink : rosa (''ROH-sah'') ===Transportation=== [[File:Italo Treno number 9990 at Verona Porta Nuova train station.jpg|thumb|300px|Italo high-speed train]] ====Bus and train==== ; Train : treno (''TREH-noh'') ; Bus : autobus (''OW-toh-boos'') or pullman (''POOL-mahn'') ; How much is a ticket to _____? : Quanto costa un biglietto per _____? (''KWAHN-toh KOHS-tah oon bee-LYEHT-toh pehr'') ; One ticket to _____, please. : Un biglietto per _____, per favore. (''oon bee-LYEHT-toh pehr....pehr fah-VOH-reh'') ; Where does this train/bus go? : Dove va questo treno/autobus/pullman? (''DOH-veh vah KWEHS-toh TREH-noh/OW-toh-boos/POOL-mahn'') ; Where is the train/bus to _____? : Dov'è il treno/l'autobus per _____? (''doh-VEH eel TREH-noh/ low-TOH-boos'') ; Does this train/bus stop in _____? : Questo treno/autobus si ferma a _____? (''KWEHS-toh TREH-noh/ OW-toh-boos see FEHR-mah ah'') ; When does the train/bus for _____ leave? : Quando parte il treno/l'autobus per _____? (''KWAHN-doh PAHR-teh eel TREH-noh / LOW-toh-boos'') ; When will this train/bus arrive in _____? : Questo treno/autobus quando arriva a _____? (''KWEHS-toh TREH-noh/ OW-toh-boos KWAHN-doh ahr-REE-vah ah....'') ====Directions==== ; How do I get to _____ ? : Come arrivo a _____ ? (''Koh-meh ahr-REE-voh ah...?'') ; ...to the railway station? : ...alla stazione ferroviaria? (''...ahl-lah stah-DSYOH-neh fehr-roh-VYAH-ryah?'') ; ...to the bus station? : ...alla stazione degli autobus? (''...ahl-lah stah-DSYOH-neh del-lee-OW-toh-boos?'') ; ...to the bus stop? : ...alla fermata dell'autobus? (''...ahl-lah fer-MAH-tah dehl-LOW-toh-boos?'') ; ...to the airport? : ...all'aeroporto? (''...ahl-lah-eh-roh-POHR-toh?'') ; ...downtown? : ...in centro? (''...een CHEHN-troh'') ; ...the youth hostel? : ...all'ostello? (''...ahl-LOHS-tehl-loh?'') ; ...the small hotel? / hotel? : ...all'albergo? hotel? (''...ahl-lahl-BEHR-goh/ oh-TEHL?'') ; ...the American/Canadian/Australian/British consulate? : ...al consolato americano/canadese/australiano/britannico? (''...ahl kohn-soh-LAH-toh ameh-ree-KAH-noh/ kah-nah-DEH-zeh/ ows-trah-LYAH-noh/ bree-TAHN-nee-koh?'') ; Where are there a lot of... : Dove ci sono molti... (''DOH-veh chee SOH-noh MOHL-tee...'') ; ...hotels? : ...hotel? (''...oh-TEHL?'') ; ...restaurants? : ...ristoranti? (''...rees-toh-RAHN-tee?'') ; ...bars? : ...bar? (''bahr?'') [[File:Vatican Sunset - Rome, Italy - Easter 2008.jpg|300px|thumb|The [[Vatican]], for instance, has quite a few sights to see]] ; ...sites to see? : ...cose da vedere? (''KOH-zeh dah veh-DEH-reh?'') or ...luoghi da vedere? (''...LWOH-gee dah veh-DEH-reh?'') ; Can you show (it to) me on the map? : Potreste mostrarmelo sulla mappa/carta stradale? (''plural "you"'')(''poh-TREHS-teh mohs-TRAHR-meh-loh sool-lah MAHP-pa/KAHR-tah strah-DAH-leh?'') / Potrebbe mostrarmelo sulla mappa/carta stradale? (''singular formal "you"'')(''poh-TREHB-beh mohs-TRAHR-meh-loh sool-LAH MAHP-pa/KAHR-tah strah-DAH-leh?'') / Puoi mostrarmelo sulla mappa/carta stradale? (''singular informal "you"'')(''poo-OH-ee-mohs-TRAHR-meh-loh sool-LAH MAHP-pa/KAHR-tah strah-DAH-leh?'') ; street : strada (''STRAH-dah'') ; Turn left. : Giri a sinistra. (''formal'')(''JEE-ree ah see-NEES-trah'') / Gira a sinistra. (''informal'')(''JEE-rah ah see-NEES-trah'') ; Turn right. : Giri a destra. (''formal'')(''JEE-ree ah DEHS-trah'') / Gira a destra. (''informal'')(''JEE-ree ah DEHS-trah'') ; left : sinistra (''see-NEES-trah'') ; right : destra (''DEHS-trah'') ; straight ahead : diritto (''dee-REET-toh'') / dritto (''DREET-toh'') ; towards the _____ : verso il _____ (''VEHR-zoh eel...'') ; past the _____ : dopo il _____ (''DOH-poh eel...'') ; before the _____ : prima del _____ (''PREE-mah dehl...'') ; Watch for the _____. : Cerchi il (''formal'')(''CHEHR-kee eel...'') / Cerca il _____. (''informal'')(''CHEHR-kah eel...'') ; Beware of the _____. : "Presti attenzione al .... (formal)/ Attento al ....! (informal)) ; intersection : incrocio (''een-KROH-choh'') ; north : nord (''nohrd'') abbreviation N ; south : sud (''sood'') abbreviation S ; east : est (''ehst'') abbreviation E ; west : ovest (''oh-VEHST'') abbreviation O ====Taxi==== [[File:License Free Photo - Creative Commons by gnuckx (11645638846).jpg|300px|thumb|Water taxi in [[Venice]]]] ; Taxi! : Taxi! (''TAHK-see'') ; Take me to _____, please. : Mi porti a _____, per favore. (''mee POHR-tee ah..., pehr fah-VOH-reh'') ; How much does it cost to get to _____? : Quanto costa andare a _____? (''KWAHN-toh KOHS-tah ahn-DAH-reh ah...?'') ; Please take me to_____. : Per favore, mi porti a______. (''pehr fah-VOH-reh, mee POHR-tee ah...'') ; I'm in a hurry! : Vado di fretta! / Ho fretta! (''VAH-doh dee FREHT-tah/ oh FREHT-tah'') ; Stop here, please! : Fermi qui, per favore! (''FEHR-mee kwee pehr fah-VOH-reh'') ; How much do I owe you? : Quanto le devo? (formal) (''KWAHN-toh leh DEH-voh'') ===Lodging=== ; Are there any rooms available? : Ci sono camere libere? (''chee soh-noh KAH-meh-reh LEE-behr-reh?'') ; How much is a room for one person/two people? : Quanto costa una stanza singola/doppia? (''KWAHN-toh KOHS-tah OO-nah STAHN-tsah SEEN-goh-lah/ DOHP-pyah'') ; Does the room come with... : La stanza ha ... (''lah STAHN-tsah ah...'') ; ...bedsheets? : ...lenzuola? (''...lehn-ZWOH-lah?'') ; ...a bathroom? : ...un bagno? (''...oon BAH-nyoh?'') ; ...a telephone? : ...un telefono? (''...oon teh-LEH-foh-noh'') ; ...a TV? : ...un televisore? (''...oon teh-leh-VEE-soh-reh?'') ; May I see the room first? : Posso prima vedere la stanza? (''POHS-soh PREE-mah veh-DEH-reh lah STAHN-tsah?'') ; Do you have anything quieter? : Ha una stanza più silenziosa? (''ah OO-nah STAHN-tsah pyoo see-lehn-TSYOH-zah?'') ; ...bigger? : ...più grande? (''pyoo GRAHN-deh?'') ; ...cleaner? : ...più pulita? (''pyoo poo-LEE-tah?'') ; ...cheaper? : ...più economica? (''pyoo eh-koh-NOH-mee-kah?'') [[File:Pisa, Province of Pisa, Italy - panoramio (7).jpg|300px|thumb|Campsites can also be an option]] ; OK, I'll take it. : Va bene, la prendo. (''vah BEH-neh, lah PREHN-doh'') ; I will stay for _____ night(s). : Mi fermo per _____ notte(i). (''mee FEHR-moh pehr...NOHT-teh(ee)'') ; Can you suggest another hotel? : Può suggerirmi un altro hotel? (''pwoh soo-jeh-REER-mee oon AHL-troh OH-tehl?'') ; Is there a safe? : C'e una cassaforte? (''cheh OO-nah kahs-sah-FOHR-teh?'') ; Is breakfast/supper included? : È inclusa la colazione/cena? (''EH een-KLOO-zah la koh-lah-TSYOH-neh/CHEH-nah?'') ; What time is breakfast/supper? : A che ora è la colazione/cena? (''ah keh OH-rah EH lah koh-lah-TSYOH-neh/CHEH-nah'') ; Please clean my room. : Potrebbe pulire la mia camera, per favore. (''poh-TREHB-beh poo-LEE-reh lah myah kah-MEH-rah, pehr fah-VOH-reh'') ; Can you wake me at _____? : Potrebbe svegliarmi alle _____? (''poh-TREHB-beh sveh-LYAHR-mee AHL-leh....?'') ; I want to check out. : Vorrei fare il check out. (''vohr-RAY FAH-reh eel check out'') ===Money=== ; Are American/Australian/Canadian dollars accepted here? : Si accettano dollari americani/australiani/canadesi qui? (''see aht-CHEHT-tah-noh DOHL-lah-ree ah-meh-ree-KAH-nee/ ows-trah-LYAH-nee/ kah-nah-DEH-see kwee?'') ; Are British pounds accepted? : Si accettano sterline inglesi? (''see aht-CHEHT-tah-noh stehr-LEE-neh een-GLEH-zee?'') ; Are credit cards accepted? : Si accettano carte di credito? (''see aht-CHEHT-tah-noh KAHR-teh dee kreh-DEE-toh?'') ; Can you change money for me? : Potrebbe cambiarmi del denaro? (''poh-TREHB-beh kahm-BYAHR-mee dehl deh-NAH-roh?'') ; Can you change British pounds for me? : Potrebbe cambiarmi delle sterline inglesi? (''poh-TREHB-beh kahm-BYAHR-mee DEHL-leh stehr-LEE-neh een-GLEH-zee?'') ; Can you change American/Australian/Canadian dollars for me? : Potrebbe cambiarmi dei dollari americani/australiani/canadesi? (''poh-TREHB-beh kahm-BYAHR-mee day DOHL-lah-ree ah-meh-ree-KAH-nee/ ows-trah-LYAH-nee/ kah-nah-DEH-see?'') ; Where can I get money changed? : Dove posso cambiare del denaro? (''DOH-veh POHS-soh kahm-BYAH-reh dehl deh-NAH-roh?'') ; Where can I get foreign money changed? : Dove posso cambiare una valuta straniera? (''DOH-veh POHS-soh kahm-BYAH-reh DEHL-lah vah-LOO-tah strah-NYEH-rah?'') ; Can you change a traveler's check for me? : Potrebbe cambiarmi questi traveller's cheque? (''poh-TREHB-beh kahm-BYAHR-mee KWEHS-tee TRAH-veh-lehrs checks?'') ; Where can I get a traveler's check changed? : Dove posso cambiare un traveller's cheque? (''Doh-veh POHS-soh kahm-BYAH-reh oon TRAH-veh-lehrs check?'') ; What is the exchange rate? : Quant'è il tasso di cambio? (''KWAHN-teh eel KAHM-byoh?'') ; Where is an automatic teller machine (ATM)? : Dove posso trovare uno sportello Bancomat? (''DOH-veh POHS-soh troh-VAH-reh oon bahn-KOH-maht?'') ; NOTE : In Italy it is more common to say "Bancomat" for "ATM" and many people don't know the word "ATM" at all. Don't look for "ATM" on signs! ===Eating=== [[File:Rifugio Alpino Boffalora (5).JPG|300px|thumb|Menu at a restaurant in Ossuccio, [[Lombardy]]]] ; A table for one person/two people, please. : Un tavolo per uno/due, per favore. (''oon tah-VOH-loh pehr OO-noh/ dweh, pehr fah-VOH-reh'') ; Can I look at the menu, please? : Posso vedere il menu, per favore? (''POHS-soh veh-DEH-reh eel meh-NOO, pehr fah-VOH-reh?'') ; Can I look in the kitchen? : Posso dare un'occhiata in cucina? (''POHS-soh DAH-reh oon ohk-KYAH-tah een koo-CHEE-nah?'') ; Is there a house specialty? : C'è una specialità della casa? (''cheh OO-nah speh-chah-lee-TAH DEHL-lah KAH-zah?'') ; Is there a local specialty? : C'è una specialità locale? (''cheh OO-nah speh-chah-lee-TAH loh-KAH-leh?'') ; I'm a vegetarian. : Sono vegetariano/a (''SOH-noh veh-jeh-tah-RYAH-noh/ ah'') ; I don't eat pork. : Non mangio il maiale. (''nohn MAHN-joh eel mah-YAH-leh'') ; I don't eat beef. : Non mangio il manzo. (''nohn MAHN-joh eel MAHN-dzoh'') ; I only eat kosher food. : Mangio solamente cibo kosher. (''MAHN-joh soh-LAH-mehn-teh CHEE-boh KOH-shehr'') ; Can you make it "lite", please? (''less oil/butter/lard'') : Potrebbe farlo leggero, per favore? (''poh-TREHB-beh FAHR-loh lehd-JEH-roh, pehr fah-VOH-reh?'') : or Potrebbe farlo con pochi grassi? (with little fat) or Potrebbe farlo con poco olio? (with little oil) (''poh-TREHB-beh FAHR-loh kohn poh-KHEE GRAHS-see?'', ''poh-TREHB-beh FAHR-loh kohn POH-koh OH-lyoh?'') ; fixed-price meal : pranzo a prezzo fisso (''PRAH-tsoh ah PREHD-zoh FEES-soh'') ; à la carte : à la carte or alla carta (''AH lah KAHR-tah'') ; breakfast : colazione (''koh-lah-TSYOH-neh'') ; lunch : pranzo (''PRAHN-dzoh'') ; tea (''meal'') : tè (''teh'') : ''if you mean the meal at the 4 or 5 in the afternoon, in Italian this is called '''merenda''' (''meh-REHN-dah''), but it usually is only for kids'' ; supper : cena (''CHEH-nah'') ; I would like _____. : Vorrei _____. (''vohr-RAY'') ; I would like a dish containing _____. : Vorrei un piatto con _____. (''vohr-RAY oon PYAHT-toh kohn....'') ; chicken : il pollo (''eel POHL-loh'') ; beef : il manzo (''eel MAHN-dzoh'') ; fish : il pesce (''eel PEH-sheh'') ; ham : il prosciutto (''eel proh-SHOOT-toh'') ; cured, uncooked ham: il prosciutto crudo (''eel proh-SHOOT-toh CREW-doo'') ; cooked ham: il prosciutto cotto () ; sausage : salsiccia (''sahl-SEE-chah'') ; cheese : formaggio (''fohr-MAHD-joh'') ; eggs : uova (''WOH-vah'') ; salad : insalata (''een-sah-LAH-tah'') ; (fresh) vegetables : verdure (fresche) (''vehr-DOO-reh FREHS-keh'') ; (fresh) fruit : frutta (fresca) (''FROOT-tah FREHS-kah'') ; bread : pane (''PAH-neh'') ; toast : toast (''tohst'') [[File:Tagliatelle al ragù (image modified).jpg|300px|thumb|Fettuccine al ragù]] ; noodles : pasta (''PAHS-tah''), or there are a number of different kinds of noodles, such as linguine (''leen-GWEE-neh''), spaghetti (''spah-GET-tee''), tagliatelle (''tah-lyah-TEHL-leh''), fettuccine (''feht-too-CHEE-neh''), etc. ; rice : riso (''REE-zoh'') ; beans : fagioli (''fah-JOH-lee'') or fagiolini (''fah-joh-LEE-nee'')(similar to beans but different) ; May I have a glass of _____? : Posso avere un bicchiere di _____? (''POHS-soh ah-VEH-reh oon beek-KYEH-reh dee....?'') ; May I have a cup of _____? : Posso avere una tazza di _____? (''POHS-soh ah-VEH-reh OO-nah TAHT-tsah dee...?'') ; May I have a bottle of _____? : Posso avere una bottiglia di _____? (''POHS-soh ah-VEH-reh OO-nah boht-TEE-lyah dee...?'') ; coffee : caffè (''kahf-FEH''). If you want coffee with milk, you need to say ''caffè latte''. ; tea (''drink'') : tè (''TEH'') ; juice : succo (''SOOK-koh'') ; water : acqua (''AHK-kwah'') ; bubbly water : acqua frizzante (''AHK-kwah free-DZAHN-teh'') ; milk : latte ; beer : birra (''beer-RAH'') ; red/white wine : vino rosso/bianco (''VEE-noh ROHS-soh/ BYAHN-koh'') ; May I have some _____? : Posso aver del _____? (''POHS-soh AH-vehr dehl...?'') or Posso avere un po' di ____? (''POHS-soh ah-VEH-reh oon POH dee...?'') ; salt : sale (''SAH-leh'') ; black pepper : pepe (''PEH-peh'') ; butter : burro (''BOOR-roh'') ; Excuse me, waiter? (''getting attention of server'') : Scusi, cameriere?(m)/cameriera?(f) (''SKOO-zee, kah-meh-RYEH-reh?/ kah-meh-RYEH-rah?'') ; I'm finished. : Ho finito. (''oh fee-NEE-toh'') ; It was delicious. : Era squisito. (''EH skwee-ZEE-toh'') ; Please clear the table. : Potrebbe pulire il tavolo, per favore? (''poh-TREH-beh poo-LEE-reh eel tah-VOH-loh, pehr fah-VOH-reh'') ; The check, please. : Il conto, per favore. (''eel KOHN-toh, pehr fah-VOH-reh'') ===Bars=== ; Do you serve alcohol? : Servite alcolici? (''sehr-VEE-teh ahl-KOH-lee-chee?'') ; Is there table service? : C'è il servizio al tavolo? (''cheh eel sehr-VEE-zyoh ahl tah-VOH-loh?'') ; A beer/two beers, please. : Una birra/due birre, per favore. (''OO-nah BEER-rah/ dweh BEER-reh, pehr fah-VOH-reh'') ; A glass of red/white wine, please. : Un bicchiere di vino rosso/bianco, per favore. (''oon beek-KYEH-reh dee VEE-noh ROHS-soh/ BYAHN-koh, pehr fah-VOH-reh'') ; A pint, please. : Un boccale, per favore. (''oon bohk-KAH-leh, pehr fah-VOH-reh'') ; A bottle, please. : Una bottiglia, per favore. (''OO-nah boht-TEE-lyah, pehr fah-VOH-reh'') ; I'd like a_______? : Vorrei un_____? (''vohr-RAY oon...?'') ; beer : birra (''BEER-rah'') [[File:Fiaschi of basic Chianti.jpg|300px|thumb|Wine from Chianti in [[Tuscany]] in traditional bottles]] ; wine : vino (''VEE-noh'') ; gin : gin (''jeen'') ; whiskey : whisky (''WEES-kee'') ; vodka : vodka (''VOHD-kah'') ; rum : rum (''rohm'') ; water : acqua (''AHK-kwah'') ; club soda : club soda (''kloob SOH-dah'') ; tonic water : acqua tonica (''AHK-kwah toh-NEE-kah'') ; orange juice : succo di arancia (''SOOK-koh dee ah-RAHN-chah'') ; Coke (''soda'') : Coca Cola (''KOH-kah KOH-lah'') ; A soda. : Una soda. (''OO-nah SOH-dah'') ; Are there some bar snacks? : Ci sono degli stuzzichini? (''CHEE SOH-noh deh-lyee stoo-zee-KEE-nee?'') ; One more, please. : Un altro, per favore. (''oon AHL-troh, pehr fah-VOH-reh'') ; Another round, please. : Un altro giro, per favore. (''oon AHL-troh JEE-roh, pehr fah-VOH-reh'') ; When is closing time? : Qual è l'ora di chiusura? (''kwah-LEH loh-RAH dee KYOO-zoo-rah?'') ===Shopping=== [[File:Napoli - Negozio di prodotti tipici Campani.jpg|thumb|300px|Shop with local food and beverages in [[Naples]]]] ; Do you have this in my size? : Ha questo della mia taglia? (''ah KWEHS-toh DEHL-lah myah tah-LYAH?'') ; How much is this? : Quanto costa questo? (''KWAHN-toh KOHS-tah KWEHS-toh?'') ; That's too expensive. : È troppo caro/a. (''EH TROHP-poh KAH-roh/ah'') ; Would you take _____? : Prenderebbe _____? (''formal singular "you"'')(''prehn-deh-REB-beh....?'') Prenderesti _____? (''informal singular "you"'')(''prehn-deh-REHS-tee....?'') / Prendereste _____? (''plural "you"'')(''prehn-deh-REHS-teh....?'') ; expensive : caro (''KAH-roh'') ; cheap : economico (''eh-koh-NOH-mee-koh'') ; I can't afford it. : Non posso permettermelo. (''nohn POHS-soh pehr-MEHT-tehr-meh-loh'') ; I am looking for something cheaper. : Cerco qualcosa di più economico. (''CHEHR-koh KWAHL-koh-zah dee pyoo eh-koh-NOH-mee-koh'') ; I don't want it. : Non lo voglio. (''nohn loh VOH-lyoh'') ; You're cheating me. : Mi state imbrogliando. (''mee STAH-teh eem-broh-LYAHN-doh'') ; I'm not interested. : Non son interessato. (''male'')(''nohn sohn een-teh-rehs-SAH-toh) / Non son interessata. (''female'')(''nohn sohn een-teh-rehs-SAH-tah) ; OK, I'll take it. : Va bene, lo prendo. (''vah BEH-neh, loh PREHN-doh'') ; Can I have a bag? : Posso avere una borsa/un sacchetto? (''POHS-soh AVEH-reh OO-nah BOOS-tah?'') ; Do you ship (overseas)? : Può spedirlo (all'estero)? (''PWOH speh-DEER-loh (AHL-LEHS-teh-roh)?'') ; I need... : Ho bisogno di... (''oh bee-ZOH-nyoh dee...'') ; ...toothpaste. : ...dentifricio. (''dehn-tee-FREE-choh'') ; ...toothbrush. : ...spazzolino da denti. (''spaht-tsoh-LEE-noh dah DEHN-tee'') ; ...tampons. : ...tampone/assorbente. (''tahm-POH-neh/ ahs-sohr-BEHN-teh'') ; ...soap. : ...sapone. (''sah-POH-neh'') ; ...shampoo. : ...shampoo. (''SHAHM-poh'') ; ...pain reliever. : ...aspirina. (''ahs-pee-REE-nah'') ; ...cold medicine. : ...medicina per il raffreddore. (''meh-dee-CHEE-nah pehr eel rahf-frehd-DOH-reh'') ; ...stomach medicine. : ...una medicina per lo stomaco. (''meh-dee-CHEE-nah pehr loh STOH-mah-koh'') [[File:Corso Buenos Aires in Milan.jpg|thumb|300px|Corso Buenos Aires, one of the busiest shopping streets in Milan]] ; ...a razor. : ...un rasoio. (''oon rah-ZOH-yo'') ; ...an umbrella. : ...un ombrello. (''oon ohm-BREHL-loh'') ; ...sunblock lotion. : ...una crema solare. (''KREH-mah soh-LAH-reh'') ; ...a postcard. : ...una cartolina. (''OO-nah kahr-toh-LEE-nah'') ; ...postage stamps. : ...francobolli. (''frahn-koh-BOHL-lee'') ; ...batteries. : ...batterie. (''baht-teh-REE-eh'') ; ...writing paper. : ...carta. (''KAHR-tah'') ; ...a pen. : ...una penna. (''OO-nah PEHN-nah'') ; ...a pencil. : ...una matita. (''OO-nah mah-TEE-tah'') ; ...English-language books. : ...libri in inglese. (''LEE-bree een een-GLEH-zeh'') ; ...English-language magazines. : ...riviste in inglese. (''ree-VEES-teh een een-GLEH-zeh'') ; ...an English-language newspaper. : ...un giornale in inglese. (''oon johr-NAH-leh een een-GLEH-zeh'') ; ...an English-Italian dictionary. : ...un dizionario inglese-italiano. (''oon dee-tsyoh-NAH-ryoh een-GLEH-zeh-ee-tah-LYAH-noh'') ===Driving=== [[File:A18 Noto.jpg|300px|thumb|Autostrada A18 in Sicily]] ; I want to rent a car. : Desidero noleggiare una macchina. (''deh-SEE-deh-roh noh-lehd-JAH-reh OO-nah mahk-KEE-nah'') or Vorrei noleggiare una macchina (''vohr-REY noh-lehd-JAH-reh OO-nah mahk-KEY-nah'') ; Can I get insurance? : Posso avere un'assicurazione? (''POHS-soh ah-VEH-reh oo-nahs-see-koo-rah-TSYOH-neh?'') ; stop (''on a street sign'') : stop (''stohp'') ; one way : senso unico (''SEHN-soh OO-nee-koh'') ; yield : dare la precedenza (''DAH-reh lah preh-cheh-DEHN-tsah'') ; no entry : divieto di accesso (''dee-VYEH-toh dee aht-CHEHS-soh'') ; no parking : sosta vietata (''SOHS-tah vyeh-TAH-tah'') or divieto di sosta (''dee-VYEH-toh dee SOHS-tah'') or vietato parcheggiare (''vyeh-TAH-toh pahr-kehd-JAH-reh'') ; speed limit : limite di velocità; (''lee-MEE-teh dee veh-loh-chee-TAH'') ; gas (''petrol'') station : benzinaio (''behn-dzee-NAH-yoh'') or distributore (di benzina) (''dee-stree-buh-TOH-reh (dee behn-ZEE-nah)'') or stazione di rifornimento (''stah-TSYOH-neh dee ree-fohr-nee-MEHN-toh'') or (on an autostrada / motorway) area di servizio (''AH-reh-ah dee sehr-VEE-tsyoh'') ; petrol : benzina (only unleaded one) (''behn-DZEE-nah'') ; diesel : diesel (''DEE-zehl'') or gasolio (''gah-SOH-lyoh'') ===Authority=== ; I haven't done anything wrong. : Non ho fatto nulla di male. (''nohn oh FAHT-toh nool-lah dee MAH-leh'') ; It was a misunderstanding. : È stato un malinteso. (''eh STAH-toh oon mah-LEEN-teh-zoh'') ; Where are you taking me? : Dove mi sta portando? (''DOH-veh mee STAH pohr-TAHN-doh?'') ; Am I under arrest? : Sono in arresto? (''SOH-noh een ahr-REHS-toh?'') ; I am an American/Australian/British/Canadian citizen. : MALE: Sono un cittadino americano/australiano/britannico/canadese. (''SOH-noh oon cheet-tah-DEE-noh ah-meh-ree-KAH-noh/ ows-trah-LYAH-noh/ bree-TAHN-nee-koh/ kah-nah-DEH-zeh''). FEMALE: Sono una cittadina americana/australiana/britannica/canadese. (''SOH-noh oo-nah CHEET-tah-dee-nah ah-meh-ree-KAH-nah/ ows-trah-LYAH-nah/ bree-TAHN-nee-kah/ kah-nah-DEH-zeh'') ; I want to talk to the American/Australian/British/Canadian embassy/consulate. : Voglio parlare con l'ambasciata/il consolato americano/australiano/britannico/canadese. (''VOH-lyoh pahr-LAH-reh kohn lahm-bah-SHAH-tah/ eel kohn-soh-LAH-toh ah-meh-ree-KAH-noh/ ows-trah-LYAH-noh/ bree-TAHN-nee-koh/ kah-nah-DEH-zeh'') ; I want to talk to a lawyer. : Voglio parlare con un avvocato. (''VOH-lyoh pahr-LAH-reh kohn oon ahv-voh-KAH-toh'') ; Can I just pay a fine now? : Posso semplicemente pagare una multa adesso? (''POHS-soh sehm-plee-cheh-MEHN-teh pah-GAH-reh OO-nah MOOL-tah ah-DEHS-soh?'') {{guidephrasebook}} {{phrasebookguide}} b2qukiotacwmg0d9q9ohfujyhmg43v3 0 16242 5086841 5086482 2025-07-02T23:15:41Z LordDiscord 2328784 Thanks. Removing because it is not accurate or fair. Also fixed the info about air travel availability and made some small grammar/name corrections 5086841 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Jember. Alun-alun - panoramio (cropped).jpg|caption=}} '''Jember''' is a city and regency district in [[East Java]]. ==Understand== This is East Java's third largest city after [[Surabaya]] and [[Malang]]. It has decent facilities for visitors and makes a good base for exploring the southern part of the [[East Java]] region. Reaching the remote [[Sukamade]] turtle conservation area is often tackled from here. Jember is a big commercial centre and is almost invariably congested and crowded. ===Tourism Information Offices=== *'''[http://www.jembertourism.com/ Jember Tourism Office]''', Jl Gajah Mada No 325, Jember. Tel +62 331 425471. *'''Meru Betiri National Park Office''': Jl Sriwijaya 53, Jember 68121, East Java, Tel/Fax: +62 331 321530, E-mail: meru@telkom.net. Excellent first stop for information about visiting the turtle conservation facility at [[Sukamade]] and other parts of the national park. ==Get in== {{Mapframe}} ===By plane=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Notohadinegoro Airport | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=-8.2411 | long=113.6939 | directions=7 km from Jember City | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Notohadinegoro Airport | wikidata=Q20062381 | content=After shutting down in 2022, no commercial flights are available as of June 2025. However, Jember's regional government is working on restarting flights again by the end of 2025. }} ===By train=== Jember is on the main East Java line and there are many services linking it with other cities in the region and in [[Central Java]]. Longer distance rail access from [[Jakarta]] involves a change in [[Jogjakarta]] or [[Surabaya]]. Check the PT Kereta Api (''Persero'') [https://booking.kai.id/ website]{{Dead link|date=February 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} for detailed schedules. The name of the station is Stasiun Jember (''Jember Station''). It takes 4 hours to travel from Surabaya. * {{go | name=Jember Railway Station | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl. Wijaya Kusuma No.5, Tegal Rejo, Jemberlor, Patrang | lat=-8.164813 | long=113.703563 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=StasiunJR 2017.jpg | lastedit=2022-10-07 | content= }} ===By bus=== The main long distance bus terminal is called {{marker|type=go|name=Tawang Alun Bus Terminal|url=|lat=-8.198313|long=113.630813|image=Papan nama Terminal Tawang Alun.jpg}} and is about 5 km west of the city centre. This is served by buses from [[Banyuwangi]] (about 2 hours), [[Surabaya]] (about 5 hours), [[Malang]] (about 5 hours), and many other smaller towns in East Java. ==Get around== The main taxi company in Jember is called Argo and they have a telephone booking service: +62 331 424242. Local buses and bemos are everywhere. All of the local hotels will offer tours or help you with booking independent transport for seeing the key local sights (almost all of which are very rural and involve a lot of travelling). ==See== * {{see | name=Watu Ulo Beach and Papuma Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=-8.430063 | long=113.553687 | directions=30 km south of Jember city centre | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Tanjung Papuma, Jember.jpg | lastedit=2022-10-07 | content=It is strange that the not-very attractive Watu Ulo is the better-known of these two nearby beaches. Papuma is by far the nicer of the two and many regard it as the best beach in the whole of East Java. The beach at Watu Ulo is black sand and the large rock from which the beach takes its name (Watu Ulo means Snake Rock in Bahasa Java) juts impressively out of the ocean just offshore. Papuma is pristine white sand, a nicer shape, and just altogether a better experience. Both beaches border the western edge of the Meru Betiri National Park and this is a beautifully wild area. It does get crowded at weekends and during school holidays with day trippers from Jember but otherwise, it is quiet and an excellent place to get away from it all. Buses run quite regularly from Jember to Watu Ulo or you can arrange a car and driver at your hotel. Once at Watu Ulo there is no shortage of ojek and bemo transport to take you over to Papuma or to the even quieter fishing village at {{marker|type=see|name=Payangan Beach|url=|lat=-8.436438|long=113.581312|image=Teluk Cinta.jpg}} just to the east. }} * {{see | name=Semboro Sugar Mill | alt=PG. Semboro | url= | email= | address=Semboro | lat=-8.206688 | long=113.443562 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image= OK Cfl (11927 D W).jpg | lastedit=2022-10-07 | content=See the sugar cane lorry at harvest time. }} * {{see | name=Mrawan Rail Tunnel | alt= | url= | email= | address=Gn. Gumitir, Sidomulyo, Silo | lat=-8.271062 | long=113.931187 | directions=Near Mrawan Station | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Mrawan rail tunnel.jpg | lastedit=2022-10-07 | content=One of the oldest tunnels in Indonesia. It is established in 1910. }} * {{see | name=Sukorambi Botanical Garden | alt=Taman Botani Sukorambi | url= | email= | address=Jl. Mujahir, Krajan, Sukorambi | lat=-8.162437 | long=113.663062 | directions= | phone=+62 851 007 07600 | tollfree= | hours=07:00-15:30 | price= | image=Sukorambi Botanical Garden, Jember, 2014-01-20 01.jpg | lastedit=2022-10-07 | content= }} * {{see | name=Museum Tembakau Jember | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl. Kalimantan No.1, Krajan Timur, Sumbersari | lat=-8.158938 | long=113.714562 | directions= | phone=+62 331 338396 | tollfree= | hours=M-F, 08:00-16:00 | price= | lastedit=2022-10-07 | content=A tobacco museum. }} * {{see | name=Museum Huruf Jember | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl. Bengawan Solo No.27, Tegal Boto Lor, Sumbersari | lat=-8.167938 | long=113.709187 | directions= | phone=+62 822 312 65758 | tollfree= | hours=12:00-22:00 | price= | lastedit=2022-10-07 | content=A letter or font museum. }} * {{see | name=Gunung Gambir Tea Plantation | alt= | url= | email= | address=Pasi, Gelang, Sumberbaru | lat=-8.035063 | long=113.441688 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Wisata Gunung Gambir.jpg | lastedit=2022-10-08 | content= }} * {{see | name=Tancak Waterfall | alt= | url= | email= | address=Suci, Panti | lat=-8.064937 | long=113.618938 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-10-08 | content= }} ==Do== ===Events=== [[File:Sea Goddess from JFC 2018.jpg|thumb|A performer in Jember Fashion Carnaval]] *{{see | name=JFC (Jember Fashion Carnaval) | url=http://www.jemberfashioncarnaval.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A spectacular event fashion carnival on the street. Usually taking place in August or September yearly, it lasts 3 days, with the peak on Sunday. Followed by around 600 participants witnessed by hundreds of thousands of spectators, it has been recorded in the MURI (Indonesia Museum Record) as a demonstration with the longest catwalk 3.6 km. }} ===Within Meru Betiri National Park=== * Go to Sukamade to visit the turtle conservation facility. The full details of this are covered in the {{marker|type=do|name=[[Sukamade]]|url=|lat=-8.558687|long=113.886687|image=Sang Penyu Kembali Berpetualang.jpg}} article. Whilst in Jember, a visit to the national park office to obtain some advance information and purchase permits is not a bad idea. [[File:Javan Kingfisher - Meru Bethiri NP MG 6571 (29543573702).jpg|thumb|Javan kingfisher in Meru Betiri National Park]] * {{do | name=Bandealit Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=-8.481312 | long=113.711813 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Smell it, listen to the sound and you can feel it.jpg | lastedit=2022-10-08 | content=Do [[birdwatching]] by camping on the beach. Forest trekking to ''Gua Jepang'' (Japanese soldier bunker). Canoeing in ''telaga'' (lake) near the beach. }} ==Buy== Once you visit Jember, something that you cannot miss is buying gifts. There are various gifts from Jember. One of them is a traditional food made from fermented tapioca called Tape. It has a sweet and sour flavor and often gives a warm feel to your body. The other thing is Suwar Suwir. It is basically also made from fermented tapioca, but slightly modified to other shapes and can be grouped as sweets. It has a sweet flavor as well. A lot of shops sell that food. [[File:Suwar-suwir Sari Rasa.jpg|thumb|''Suwar-suwir'']] One popular shop is "Primadona", next to Pasar Tanjung. Here, you can also find Brownies Tape. It is brownies cake as you usually know, with the flavor of tape. You can also go to Hardys supermarket, located in Jl. Raya Sultan Agung or Matahari Department store. ==Eat== As always in Indonesian cities, there are an enormous number of street vendors and simple restaurants to choose from. Following the local crowds is always the best advice. * {{eat | name=Gudeg dan Pecel Lumintu Jember | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl. Kerta Negara No.33, Kaliwates | lat=-8.179312 | long=113.687813 | directions= | phone=+62 331 488569 | tollfree= | hours=Su-F, 06:00-14:00 | price= | lastedit=2022-10-07 | content=In Jember, ''gudeg'' is mixed with ''pecel'', the combination is called ''gudeg pecel''. }} * {{eat | name=Sari Utama | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl Gajah Mada No.27, Jember | lat=-8.172313 | long=113.693813 | directions= | phone=+62 331 487092 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=The best Chinese restaurant in Jember. Brash, bright and noisy as you would expect but excellent food. }} *{{eat | name=Mie Sampurna Apong | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl. Diponegoro, Tembaan, Kepatihan, Kaliwates | lat=-8.172688 | long=113.697438 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Daily 10:00-21:00 | price=From Rp12,000 | lastedit=2022-10-07 | content=Serves ''mie ayam'' (chicken noodle). }} *{{eat | name=Depot Jawa Timur | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl. Gatot Subroto No.8, Kampungtengah, Kepatihan, Kaliwates | lat=-8.172937 | long=113.703063 | directions= | phone=+62 331 483873 | tollfree= | hours=08:30-21:00 | price= | content=Javanese food. }} *{{eat | name=Conato Bakery Jember | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jalan Gajah Mada, Kaliwates Kidul, Kaliwates | lat=-8.175812 | long=113.685312 | directions= | phone=+62 857 330 65974 | tollfree= | hours=06:15-20:00 | price= | content=Bread, cakes, and coffee. }} ==Drink== Try a local drink named '''wedang cor''', a mixture of ''tape ketan'' (fermented sticky rice), water, condensed milk, and ginger. * {{drink | name=Wedhang Cor Mbah As | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl. Singosari, Lingkungan Sadengan, Kebonsari, Sumbersari | lat=-8.184437 | long=113.714938 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=16:00-24:00 | price= | lastedit=2022-10-07 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Wedang Cor Pak Hendrik | alt= | url= | email= | address= Jl. Semeru XII, Tegal Boto Kidul, Sumbersari| lat=-8.178062 | long=113.719813 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=15:00-22:00 | price= | lastedit=2022-10-07 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Wedang Cor P.Dja Rawi| alt= | url= | email= | address= Jl. Letjen S.Parman, Kali Oktak, Karangrejo, Sumbersari| lat=-8.183937| long=113.722562 | directions= | phone=+62 812 168 41426 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-10-07 | content= }} ==Sleep== Most of the hotels in Jember city are aimed at local business travellers. This tends to mean that they are efficient and clean but not the most interesting of places. The more rural options may appeal more to overseas visitors. * {{sleep | name=Hotel Bandung Permai | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl Hayam Wuruk No38 | lat=-8.184062 | long=113.666562 | directions= | phone=+62 331 484528 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From Rp220,000 | content=A business hotel with a convenient city location and lage swimming pool. 55 rooms. }} *{{sleep | name=Cendrawasih Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl Cendrawasih no 22 | lat=-8.155938 | long=113.699813 | directions= | phone=+62 331-412222 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Rp50,000-350,000 | lastedit=2022-10-08 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Kalibaru Cottage | alt= | url=http://www.kalibarucottages.com | email=contact@kalibarucottages.com | address=Jl Raya Jember, Kalibaru, Banyuwangi | lat=-8.273312 | long=113.951188 | directions=on the main road from Jember to Banuwangi, 43 km east of Jember | phone=+62 333 897333 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From US$50 | content=This hotel has a pleasant rural setting with rooms that are good value for the prices asked. Large swimming pool and restaurant. Offer a full program of East Java regional tours. }} * {{sleep | name=Margo Utomo Eco Resort | alt= | url=http://margoutomo.com/ | email=info@margoutomo.com | address=Jalan Lapangan 10, Kajarharjo, Kalibaru | lat=-8.287688 | long=113.984562 | directions=about 40 km east of Jember | phone=+62 333 897700 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From US$45 | content=A truly lovely place run by fine people. This started as a tiny homestay which was a huge success and the owners have expanded to the point where there are now 51 rooms. Big swimming pool and gorgeous grounds. Offer lots of rural based activities and tours including visiting [[Sukamade]] Beach. }} * {{sleep | name=Luminor Hotel Jember | alt=formerly Panorama Hotel | url= | email= | address=Jl KH Agus Salim No28 | lat=-8.186312 | long=113.689937 | directions= | phone=+62 331333666 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Probably the best hotel in the city centre with a wide range of options from fairly cheap standard rooms up to luxury suites. Decent restaurant, fitness centre and .. errr.. VIP karaoke rooms. }} * {{sleep | name=Rembangan Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl Rembangan 65, Baratan, Patrang | lat=-8.078563 | long=113.690438 | directions= | phone=+62 331 420273 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From about Rp250,000 | content=In a nice rural setting in the hills 12 km north of Jember city centre. }} *{{sleep | name=Hotel Sulawesi | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jln. Letjen Suprapto no. 48 | lat=-8.180563 | long=113.703563 | directions= | phone=+62 331-5039555 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout=12:00 | price=Rp225,000-450,000 | content=A great hotel up on a large hill in central Jember with a good view. The hotel is constantly being maintained. The rooms are very clean and well maintained. The staff are very friendly and the coffee shop is open 24 hr with a full menu. Easy to get to on local Bus letter G. }} ==Connect== The telephone area code for Jember is 0331 and 0336. ==Go next== *[[Banyuwangi]] for ferries to [[Bali]]. *Amazing volcanoes and scenery at the [[Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park]] via [[Probolinggo]]. *[[Jogjakarta]] and the wonders of [[Borobudur]] and [[Prambanan]]. {{IsPartOf|The Horseshoe}} {{usablecity}} {{geo|-8.1687|113.7021}} o0grvcaswdakagrq0vfu12274pbrya8 0 17520 5086746 5085854 2025-07-02T18:45:46Z 2003:D5:AF35:7F00:3870:A54D:C6CD:4D84 /* Eat */ 5086746 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner |Kiel Wikivoyage banner.png|caption=The port of Kiel}} '''Kiel''' is a maritime city and has been for a long time, it remains one of Germany main passenger ports. It is on the Baltic Sea at the end of the "Kieler Förde". Kiel is the capital city of the [[Germany|German]] state of [[Schleswig-Holstein]] and has a population of roughly 248,000 (2018). It is on the Baltic Sea at the end of the "Kieler Förde". ==Understand== [[Image:winkewinke1.jpg|right|thumb|Kiel, May 2007]] As a major passenger port (along with [[Travemünde]] and [[Rostock]]) and as the Baltic endpoint of the [[Kiel Canal]], Kiel plays an important role in shipping. The death-knell of German monarchism sounded here when in 1918 the admirals wanted the fleet to sail out for one last glorious but militarily pointless battle. The sailors revolted against their officers, culminating in revolution and the formation of Soviets. During the Second World War, Kiel was severely bombed, because of its submarine-producing shipyard. Civil and military ships are being built in Kiel nowadays and the tall cranes dominate the eastern shore of the Förde (fjord). The bombing destroyed almost all historic buildings in Kiel (in fact, it destroyed 95% of the entire city); even the older-looking buildings were built after World War II. So if you come to the "Kieler Schloss" (Kieler Castle), don't be disappointed. There isn't much left of the original building. During the rebuilding after the war, mostly modern architecture was used, and the focus was on functionality and quick construction, not on timeless design or beautiful architecture. ===Tourist information === * [https://kiel-sailing-city.de/en Kiel tourism] website ==Get in== ===By boat=== {{See also|Baltic Sea Ferries}} {{mapframe|54.3375|10.1335|zoom=13|height=500|width=420}} {{mapshape}} Kiel serves as the German ferry terminus for the ferries to [[Oslo]], [[Norway]] with [https://www.colorline.com/kiel-oslo/cruise-kiel-oslo Color Line] and [[Gothenburg]], [[Sweden]] with [http://www.stenalinetravel.com/routes/gothenburg-kiel Stena Line]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. It is the endpoint of the Kiel Canal, which connects the North Sea to the Baltic Sea (allowing ships to avoid rounding Denmark). ===By train=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Kiel Hauptbahnhof | alt= | url=http://www.bahnhof.de/bahnhof-de/Kiel_Hbf | email= | address= | lat=54.3148 | long=10.1318 | directions=next to the main bus terminal and across the road from the central shopping district | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Kiel Hauptbahnhof | image=Bahnhof-Kiel-Haupteingang.jpg | wikidata=Q454898 | content=Kiel is connected to the DB rail system, with regular RE, IC, ICE and EC services to Hamburg and beyond. Transfers can be made in [[Flensburg]] or [[Lübeck]] to Danish Rail. }} ===By bus=== * {{marker|type=go|name=Kiel intercity bus station|url=|lat=54.316714|long=10.133291}} At the Auguste-Viktoria-Straße, bus lines run services to, or through, Kiel. A weekly bus leaves Kiel and travels via [[Poland]] and the Baltic states to [[Tallinn]], [[Estonia]]. A comfortable bus operates daily from [[Berlin]] to Kiel via [[Lübeck]] (6 hours). Further bus operators serve[[long distance bus travel in Germany| domestic routes]]. ===By plane=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Kiel Airport | alt={{IATA|KEL}} | url=http://www.airport-kiel.de/ | email= | address=in "Holtenau" | lat=54.379444 | long=10.145278 | directions=north-west | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Kiel Airport | image=Aerial image of the Kiel-Holtenau airfield.jpg | wikidata=Q566504 | lastedit=2019-10-13 | content=There is no commercial service to this airport. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Hamburg Fuhlsbüttel | alt={{{IATA|HAM}}} | url=https://www.hamburg-airport.de/de/ | email= | address=Flughafenstr. 1, 22335 Hamburg | lat=53.630278 | long=9.991111 | directions=southwest | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Hamburg Airport | image=Flughafen Hamburg (HAM) - panoramio.jpg | wikidata=Q27706 | content=The nearest major airport is [[Hamburg]], about 100 km away (one hour by car). The airport has a railway connection to Hamburg's ''Hauptbahnhof'', from where there are multiple trains a day to Kiel. There is a shuttle bus service to and from the Airport ([http://www.kielius.de/ Kielius]). Buy both tickets (from/to the airport) at the same time for a discount, and be sure to hold on to your voucher. Students get a discount ([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Student_Identity_Card ISIC] required).}} ===By car=== Kiel is connected to two ''Autobahns'', the A210 to Rendsburg and the A215, both of which also connect to the A7 (which is part of the European road E45). Alternatively, take the B503 from the north ([[Dänischenhagen]]), B76 from the northwest ([[Eckernförde]]) or southeast ([[Plön]]), B404 from the south ([[Bad Segeberg]]), B4/L318 from the south ([[Neumünster]], though taking the A7/A215 will likely be faster), or the B502 from the northeast ([[Wisch]]). ==Get around== ===By bus and ''Förde'' ferry=== Kiel has a public transport system based on buses and ferries operated by [http://www.kvg-kiel.de/en/ VRK]. 1-, 3- and 7-day tickets are available, and offer good value for tourists. You can use the NAH SH app to purchase tickets. The group ticket "''Kleingruppenkarte ohne Sylt-Bus''" can be a particularly good value: for a total of €45.90 (as of May 2024) for unlimited transit starting 09:00 on Monday-Friday or starting 12:00 on Saturday, Sunday and holidays until 06:00 the subsequent day, a group of up to 5 adults (children free) can ride all buses and trains in the entire SH-Tarif Network (Schleswig-Holstein state plus Hamburg, excluding the island of Sylt). ===By taxi=== The taxi service is expensive but good. Taxis are always available at the main train station, and will otherwise come quickly to pick you up when ordered. ===By bike=== Kiel is very flat, and bicycles can be rented at various places. The main train station has a large bicycle garage and bicycle rental centre ([https://www.kiel.de/de/umwelt_verkehr/clever_mobil/umsteiger_servicezentrale_radstation.php Radstation]{{Dead link|date=March 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}), with regular bicycles and e-bikes available. It is quite easy to ride from Kiel to Laboe, catch a ferry to Strande, and cycle back to Kiel. For short trips, [https://www.kielregion.de/sprottenflotte/ Sprottenflotte] bikes can be rented by using a smartphone app. Bikes are provided by Donkey Republic, but you may still encounter the old Nextbike bikes as well, so it's best to have both apps installed. Use the apps to scan the bikes' QR codes, and return them at any Sprottenflotte station in the city (e-bikes can only be returned at designated e-bike stations, marked in red in the app). Prices are as follows (for details, see [https://nextbike.de/en/preisverzeichnis the price list]{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}, under "Sprottenflotte Kiel"): * Regular bikes: the first 30 minutes are free; each additional 30 minutes cost €1, up to a maximum of €9 per 24 hours. * Cargo bikes: 30 minutes cost €1 (the first 30 minutes are ''not'' free), up to a maximum of €12 per 24 hours. * E-bikes, including cargo e-bikes: the first 30 minutes cost €2; each additional 30 minutes cost €1, up to a maximum of €25 per 24 hours. Bikes can be reserved in the app at no cost for up to 15 minutes, and it's a good idea to do this when walking to a station. Don't expect high-quality bikes, and if you want a helmet, bring your own. Those staying for longer (such as exchange students) can rent a bike from Swapfiets for a monthly fee. * {{go|name=Swapfiets|url=https://help.swapfiets.com/de/kiel|lat=54.3235023|long=10.1361339|address=Alter Markt 7, 24013 Kiel}} ===By e-scooter=== Electric scooters are also available, with at least Bolt, Lime and Tier operating in Kiel. All scooters can be rented in the respective apps. ===By canal ferry=== When crossing the Kiel canal, you can go across one of several bridges (Holtenauer Hochbrücken, Levensauer Hochbrücken), or take a ferry shuttle. The ''Adler 1'' at Kiel-Holtenau is a small ferry that only takes pedestrians and bicycles; the larger ferries at Landwehr and Sehestedt also carry cars and motorcycles. All canal ferries are free to use for everyone. ==See== [[Image:Rathaus-kiel.jpg|right|thumb|Kiel, City Hall, taken 2005]] * {{see | name=Type VII-C U-boat | alt= | url=http://www.deutscher-marinebund.de/u995_geschichte_english.htm | email= | address= | lat=54.412420 | long=10.228886 | directions=at the shore in Laboe (part of Kiel on the east-side of the fjord) | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=The only surviving U-boat from World War II. }} * {{see | name=Marine-Ehrenmal | alt=Navy Memorial | url=http://www.museen-sh.de/ml/inst.php?inst=24 | email= | address= Strandstraße 92| lat=54.412222 | long=10.230556 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=It has a high tower. }} * {{see | name=[[Kiel Canal]]| alt=Nord-Ostsee Kanal | url= | email= | address= | lat=54.3685582 | long=10.132772 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=The world's busiest canal. It is possible to walk or cycle for almost the entire length (99 km) directly along the canal from Kiel to Brunsbüttel (estuary of the Elbe, on the North Sea Coast), staying overnight in the town of [[Rendsburg]] if necessary. }} * {{see | name=Gorch Fock | alt= | url=http://www.gorchfock.de/ | email= | address= | lat=54.3533964 | long=10.1431597 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=Kiel is the home of the German Baltic fleet, and it is common to see all types of German warships and submarines in the "Förde", including the training sailing vessel Gorch Fock. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Tiergehege Tannenberg | alt=Tannenberger Gehölz | url= | email= | address=Projensdorfer Straße 276 | lat=54.36467695639172 | long=10.1149320602417 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Entry is free | lastedit=2019-03-31 | content=A smaller forest area in the north of Kiel where different types of deer roam about freely and with relatively little fear of humans. There are some enclosures including one for boar. Not spectacular, but good for a relaxing walk and to see some of the local wildlife. Make sure to obey the feeding rules posted around the area. }} ==== Museums ==== Eight museums of Kiel have created a common initiative called [http://www.museen-am-meer.com Museen am Meer], or "museums by the sea", where a common website brings together all details you need about their collections, opening times, admission prices etc. along with a route planner. For young travellers (17 years and younger), there is an app, "[https://www.meine-museumscard.de/blog/index.html MuseumsCard]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}", that offers information and free admission to many museums in Kiel and the rest of Schleswig-Holstein. * {{see | name=Antikensammlung | alt=Collection of Classical Antiquities | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=Face to face with antiquity: collection of Greek vases as well as casts of important Roman and Greek sculptures unique to Schleswig-Holstein. }} * {{see | name=Aquarium Geomar | alt= | url= | email= | address=Düsternbrooker Weg 20 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€3; concession €2 | lastedit=2019-03-30 | content=Public aquarium that is part of an oceanic research centre. From Baltic Sea herring to tropical seahorse: local and exotic sea creatures presented in aquariums that simulate their natural habitats. Known for its outdoor seal pool which can be accessed for free without entering the aquarium itself. Seal feeding times every day at 10:00 and 14:00 except on Friday. }} * {{see | name=Kunsthalle zu Kiel | alt=Museum of Fine Arts | url= | email= | address= | lat=54.32837 | long=10.14594 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=Art from the Dürer era through to the present day: permanent collection spanning all artistic genres, including works by Repin, Nolde and Richter, as well as special exhibitions on specific topics and artists. }} * {{see | name=Medizin- & Pharmaziehistorische Sammlung | alt=Museum of Medical & Pharmaceutical History | url=http://www.med-hist.uni-kiel.de/ | email=medmuseum@med-hist.uni-kiel.de | address= | lat=54.3276 | long=10.1438 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1916528 | content=Insight into the history of medicine and pharmaceuticals: exhibition of historic instruments, collection of pathology specimens, interior of an old pharmacy and a doctor’s office. }} * {{see | name=Schifffahrtsmuseum | alt=City and Maritime Museum | url=http://www.kiel.de/kultur/museum/schifffahrtsmuseum/ | email= | address=Wall 65 | lat=54.3227 | long=10.1436 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q15127390 | content=In the former fish auction hall, built in 1910: permanent exhibition on Kiel’s maritime history, pier with historic ships. }} * {{see | name=Stadtgalerie Kiel | alt=Kiel Municipal Gallery of Contemporary Arts | url=http://www.stadtgalerie-kiel.de/ | email=stadtgalerie@kiel.de | address= | lat=54.319 | long=10.1341 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2327133 | content=New contemporary art: exhibitions of regional and international contemporary art, art from the Baltic Sea region, permanent exhibition of the works of the Expressionist artist Heinrich Ehmsen. }} * {{see | name=Stadtmuseum Warleberger Hof | alt=City and Maritime Museum | url=https://www.kiel.de/de/kultur_freizeit/museum/stadtmuseum_warleberger_hof.php | email=Stadt-undSchifffahrtsmuseum@kiel.de | address= | lat=54.3244 | long=10.141 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1566920 | content=Traces of Kiel history: permanent exhibition on the early history of the city and exhibitions on social and cultural history. }} * {{see | name=Zoologisches Museum | alt=Zoological Museum Kiel | url= | email= | address= | lat=54.3282 | long=10.1442 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q220268 | content=Experience marine and evolutionary research at first hand: exciting display on the subject of marine science and research, Germany’s most extensive exhibition of whale species, presentation of the origins of zoology in Kiel. }} ==Do== There are two free monthly magazines listing activities and events. Paper copies of [http://www.station.de/ Station]{{Dead link|date=July 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} and [http://www.ultimo-kiel.de/ Ultimo] can be found in most cafes. Online information is available via [http://www.kiel-magazin.de/ Kiel Magazin] and [http://foerdefluesterer.de/ Fördeflüsterer]. * {{do | name=Theater Kiel | alt= | url=https://www.theater-kiel.de/ | email= | address= | lat=54.3231 | long=10.1333 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2415819 | lastedit=2020-08-08 | content= }} ===Kieler Woche=== The main tourist attraction is the '''[http://www.kieler-woche.de/ Kieler Woche]{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' ("Kiel Week") at the end of June. Apart from being world's largest sailing event the '''Kieler Woche''' is one of Germany's largest festivals. Apart from the sailing, the entire centre of the town is transformed into an international food and craft fair, with regular big name performers appearing nightly. If you intend to visit Kiel during this time, book your hotel well ahead. The waterfront and major parts of downtown will be inaccessible for cars. Information on events is posted all over town and through a free magazine which will be distributed about a month before the event. Events include entertainment for kids during daytime throughout the entire week and lots of open air concerts. Most concerts end around 23:00 and nightlife moves to indoor venues and to the Eggerstedtstraße. Aside from an abundance of food and drink outlets along the streets the "International Market" on the Rathausmarkt is the place to go for food and drink. Dozens of countries operate booths on the open-air market offering their traditional foods and drinks. The Kieler Nachrichten newspaper runs a special about food on the market in its Saturday edition, with ratings. If you cannot decide from the endless choices head over to the Scandinavian area or to wherever crowds are gathering; the Poles also offer large portions for a surprisingly low price. ===Sports=== * {{do | name=THW Kiel | alt=[[Handball in Europe|Handball]] | url=http://www.thw-handball.de/start.html | email= | address=Europaplatz 1 | lat=54.3208172 | long=10.1286375 | directions= | phone=+49 431 98210 226 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=standing tickets from €14.50; seated tickets €18-50 | lastedit=2016-02-02 | content=One of the most successful handball clubs in Germany, Kiel is also among the top addresses for the sport throughout Europe. They were the 2014/2015 German champion and hold the record for most national championships at 20. }} * '''Football:''' {{do | name=Holstein Kiel | alt= | url=https://www.holstein-kiel.de/ | email=info@holstein-kiel.de | address=Holstein-Stadion, Westring 501 | lat=54.3488 | long=10.1243 | directions=4 km north of centre | phone=+49 431 318 40040 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=''Die Störche'' (The Storks) were relegated in 2025 and now play soccer in Bundesliga 2, the second tier. The stadium has a capacity of 15,000. }} * {{do | name=FC Kilia Kiel | alt= | url=https://fckilia.de/ | email= | address=Hasseldieksdammer Weg 165, 24114 Kiel | lat=54.3189 | long=10.0989 | directions= | phone=+49 0431 18566 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-02-22 | content=Kiel's second-most successful soccer club. They play down in the amateur leagues. }} * {{do | name=Kiel Baltic Hurricanes | alt= | url=https://www.baltic-hurricanes.de/ | email= | address=Hasseldieksdammer Weg 165 | lat=54.3189709 | long=10.0988155 | directions= | phone=+49 431 97997612 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Kiel_Baltic_Hurricanes | lastedit=2021-08-18 | content=Kiel's local American football team. }} ===Physical activity=== * {{do | name=High Spirits Hochseilgarten | address=Falckensteiner Strand 15| lat=54.3996432 | long=10.1859143 | directions= | phone=+49 431 3104947 | tollfree= | url=https://www.hochseilgarten-kiel.de/ | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | lastedit=2022-07-28 | content=A forest adventure park with a number of treetop ropes courses. }} * {{do | name=Bowfire | alt= | url=https://bowfire.de/ | email=hr@bowfire.de | address=Herrenhaus, Am Gut 7, 24107 Quarnbek | lat=54.3294031 | long=9.9882251 | directions= | phone=+49 151 207 30 333 | tollfree= | hours=10:00-17:00 on Saturdays and Sundays (closed in winter) | price= | lastedit=2025-02-22 | content=Intuitive archery on a natural parcour in an old forest/park in nearby Quarnbek. Beginners with no experience should complete the introductory course (10:00 on Saturdays and Sundays) first, experienced archers need to participate in the introduction to the parcour once. Bows and equipment are available - or bring your own. }} * {{do | name=4D Minigolf | alt= | url=https://4dminigolf-kiel.de | email= | address=Göteborgring 83, 24109 Kiel | lat=54.3261132 | long=10.0589311 | directions= | phone=+49 0431 533330 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 15:00-20:00, F 15:00-22:00, Sa 11:00-22:00 Su 11:00-20:00 | price= | lastedit=2025-02-22 | content=Blacklight indoors minigolf course. }} * {{do|name=Minigolf am Norder|url=https://www.minigolf-am-norder.de/|address=Eckernförder Straße 180, 24118 Kiel|directions=via Olshausenstraße/Mühlenweg|lat=54.337226|long=10.110961|phone=+49 0431 380 13 12|email=info@minigolf-am-norder.de|hours=M-F from 14:00, Sa from 12:00, Du from 11:00; closed in winter|lastedit=2025-02-22|content=Outdoor minigolf next to the ''Nordmarksportfeld''.}} * {{do|name=Minigolf und Meehr|url=https://minigolf-und-meehr.de/|address=Falckensteiner Strand 69, 24159 Kiel-Friedrichsort|phone=+49 0171 28 63 867|lastedit=2025-02-22|content=Outdoor minigolf at the Baltic Sea.|lat=54.4034831|long=10.1871751}} * {{do | name=Hörnbad| alt= | url=https://www.kiel.de/de/kultur_freizeit/baeder_straende/hoernbad.php | email= | address=Anni-Wadle-Weg 1, 24143 Kiel | lat=54.3087584 | long=10.1323112 | directions= | phone=+49 0431 901 1400 | tollfree= | hours=06:00-21:00 (sports area), 12:00-19:00 (recreational area), exact times vary by day | price= | lastedit=2025-02-22 | content=Kiel's newest public pool, run by the city. Decent for swimming, but don't let the gruffness of the staff get to you. }} ==Buy== A variety of shops are located in the pedestrian zone '''Holstenstraße''' and the mall '''Sophienhof'''. Another relatively big mall is the '''Citti-Park''', which is also home to the '''Citti-Markt''', Kiel's best (but probably also most expensive) supermarket. Several large furniture store are in the same general area as the Citti-Park: '''Ikea''', '''Möbel Höffner''' and '''Sconto''', Höffner's low-cost companion. Numerous cafés are located in the old town centre at the northern tip of the '''Holstenstraße''' near the "Nikolaikirche" (Nikolai church). An outdoor shopping area is the busy '''Holtenauer Straße''' with lots of cafés and more upscale stores towards the south end near the '''Dreiecksplatz'''. * {{buy | name=Holstenstraße | alt= | url= | email= | address=Holstenstraße, 24103 Kiel | lat=54.321159 | long=10.132593 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-02-22 | content=Kiel's main downtown shopping street. Restricted to pedestrians, with many shops and eateries. Good for taking a stroll on a warm day. }} * {{buy | name=Sophienhof | alt=mall | url=https://www.sophienhof.de/ | email= | address=Sophienblatt 20, 24103 Kiel | lat=54.31624 | long=10.126038 | directions= | phone=+49 0431 673044 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-02-22 | content=Kiel's first and oldest shopping mall, located in the city centre next to the train station. }} * {{buy | name=CITTI-Park | alt=mall | url=https://www.citti-park-kiel.de/ | email= | address=Mühlendamm 1, 24113 Kiel | lat=54.312202 | long=10.096855 | directions= | phone=+49 0431 68930 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-02-22 | content=Kiel's other shopping mall. Has its own train station and lots of free parking. }} * {{buy | name=IKEA Kiel | alt= | url=https://www.ikea.com/de/de/stores/kiel/ | email= | address=Westring 1, 24114 Kiel | lat=54.313886 | long=10.104819 | directions= | phone=+49 06192 9399999 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-02-22 | content= }} * {{buy | name=Möbel Höffner | alt=furniture store | url=https://www.hoeffner.de/kiel | email= | address=Westring 5, 24114 Kiel | lat=54.318050 | long=10.106316 | directions= | phone=+49 0431 533200 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-02-22 | content=A large furniture store with a decent caféteria. }} ==Eat== There are food courts in Kieler Hauptbahnhof (train station) and the shopping mall across from the train station (Sophienhof). Local specialties to try include ''Fischbrötchen'' (fish buns), which are available with a variety of fresh or processed fish and other seafood (notably shrimp). There is a local ice cream manufacturer, ''Packeis,'' whose wares are sold at many kiosks, beaches and so on in the summer; be sure to sample their wares. There is also an old local brewery, the aptly-named ''Kieler Brauerei'' (Kiel Brewery), which also has its own restaurant, and at least one new one, ''Czernys Küstenbrauerei,'' which produces not just a variety of beers but also spirits. ===Budget=== ====In the city centre==== * {{eat | name=Fisch Maxx | alt= | url= | email= | address=Holstenstraße 92-94 | lat=54.319893 | long=10.133771 | directions= | phone=+49 160 4802174 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10:00-18:30, Su closed | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=Cheap fish and chips restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Grill-Maxx & Biergarten Holstenplatz | alt= | url=https://grill-maxx-kiel.de/ | email= | address=Holstenplatz 10 | lat=54.318894 | long=10.133677 | directions= | phone=+49 431 5878580 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 10:00-19:00, Su closed | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=A barbecue restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Sviet - Asia Cuisine | alt= | url=https://sviet-asia-cuisine.eatbu.com/?lang=en | email=asia.cuisine21@yahoo.de | address=Schloßstraße 21A | lat=54.323836 | long=10.141744 | directions= | phone=+49 431 28903068 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 11:30-15:00, 17:30-21:30, Sa Su 17:30-21:30 | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=Family-run restaurant specializing in Asian cuisine, especially offering a wide range of Vietnamese dishes. }} ====Near the city centre==== * {{eat | name=Neumanns | alt= | url=https://www.bistro-neumanns.de/ | email=info@bistro-neumanns.de | address=Prüne 29 | lat=54.320135 | long=10.125739 | directions= | phone=+49 431 79934779 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 07:30-14:00, Sa Su closed | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=A bistro. }} * {{eat | name=Wiener Grillhaus | alt= | url=https://wiener-grillhaus.de/ | email=info@wiener-grillhaus.de | address=Kirchhofallee 31 | lat=54.317439 | long=10.124300 | directions= | phone=+49 431 363669 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 14:00-23:00 | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=Burger restaurant, which uses fresh ingredients and offers only homemade dishes. }} * {{eat | name=Mein Döner und Co. | alt= | url=https://mein-doener-co.metro.biz/?lang=en | email=cemre-gulsin@hotmail.de | address=Schülperbaum 14 | lat=54.319068 | long=10.128607 | directions= | phone=+49 431 98280030 | tollfree= | hours=M 11:00-20:00, Tu-Su 11:00-23:00 | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Asia Wok | alt= | url=http://www.asiawok-kiel.de/ | email= | address=Ringstraße 47 | lat=54.316541 | long=10.125262 | directions= | phone=+49 431 9907554 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 11:00-23:00, Sa Su noon-23:00 | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=A Thai restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Mr. Döner | alt= | url=http://mr-doener.de/ | email=info@mr-doener.de | address=Exerzierplatz 14 | lat=54.320793 | long=10.126805 | directions= | phone=+49-431-6668444 | tollfree= | hours=11:00-24:00 | price= | lastedit=2022-07-28 | content=Very good and affordable ''döner'' (kebap). }} ====Around the Schrevenpark==== * {{eat | name=Garips Imbiss | alt= | url=https://garips-kiel.de/ | email=mail@garips.de | address= | lat=54.325120 | long=10.116313 | directions=corner of the Metzstraße and Wörthstraße(off of the Westring) | phone=+49 431 2107987 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 10:00-23:00 | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=Excellent German/Turkish Döner kebabs. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=Bergklause | alt= | url= | email= | address=Schwester-Therese-Straße 9 | lat=54.37093 | long=10.14068 | directions= | phone=+49 431 69662026 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 18:00-23:00, Tuesdays closed | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Cotidiano | alt= | url=https://www.cotidiano.de/kiel-kiellinie | email=kiellinie@cotidiano.de​ | address=Reventlouallee 2 | lat=54.334011 | long=10.152488 | directions= | phone=+49 431 58781828 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-07 | content=Breakfast is available all day, not cheap but good quality and with a nice view of the ''Kieler Förde''. }} * {{eat | name=Sakura Sushi Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.sakura-kiel.com | email=info@sakura-kiel.com | address=Schevenbrücke 7, 24103 Kiel | lat=54.3200087 | long=10.1308807 | directions= | phone=+49 431 982 689 48 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-02-22 | content=Nice atmosphere and good sushi. All-you-can-eat on Monday and Thursday nights. }} ===Splurge=== * {{eat | name=Fischers Fritz | alt= | url=https://www.hotel-birke.de/de/genuss-kulinarik/fischers-fritz-restaurant.html | email=info@hotel-birke.de | address=Martenshofweg 2-8 | lat=54.317120 | long=10.071749 | directions= | phone=+49 431 5331 300 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-12-02 | content=Part of Hotel Birke (see below); excellent food but expensive. Be sure to book in advance. }} * {{eat|name=Haveli| alt= | url=https://www.haveli-kiel.net/ | email=info@haveli-kiel.de | address=Holtenauer Str. 100, 24105 Kiel | lat=54.3349007 | long=10.1314916 | directions= | phone=+49 431 2394 5080 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-02-22 | content=Fine Indian food. }} ==Drink== Good cafes and pubs can be found in the old city centre. ===Cafes and pubs=== * {{drink | name=Subrosa | alt= | url=https://subrosa.gaarden.net/ | email=subrosa1995@riseup.net | address= Elisabethstr. 25 | lat=54.314629 | long=10.148970 | directions=situated in Kiel-Gaarden | phone=+49 431 76749 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-Th 17:00-23:00, F Sa 15:00-1:00, Su 17:00-23:00, M closed | price= | lastedit=2023-10-18 | content=Kiel's alternative pub and bistro. }} * {{drink | name=Unrat | alt= | url=https://unrat-kiel.de/ | email= | address=Spichernstr. 2 | lat=54.325722 | long=10.116888 | directions=to enter from Metzstr. | phone=+49 431 6672211 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily from 19:30-open end | price= | lastedit=2023-10-18 | content=The place for Kiel's students to talk philosophy, drink a cheap beer or listen to some live band. }} * {{drink | name=Prinz Willy | alt= | url=https://www.prinzwilly.de/ | email= | address=Lutherstraße 9 | lat=54.315224 | long=10.116952 | directions= | phone=+49 431 64081071 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=F Sa 15:00-23:00, Su 15:00-20:00, M-Th closed | price= |lastedit=2023-10-18| content=A "creative" café that offers live music, arts and poetry. }} * {{drink | name=Exlex | alt= | url= | email= | address=Ziegelteich 14 | lat= | long= | directions=Right in the middle of Kiel | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=The number one meeting point for students and young folks downtown. }} * {{drink | name=Blauer Engel | alt= | url=https://www.blauerengel-kiel.de/ | email= | address=Kaistr. 47 | lat=54.315620 | long=10.134390 | directions=at the quai by the central station. | phone=+49 431 8001919 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-10-18 | content=A café, bar and nightclub with a nice view and outdoor serving. }} * {{drink | name=Cafe Medusa | alt= | url=https://www.medusa-kiel.de/ | email=medusa@gaarden.net | address=Medusastr. 16 | lat=54.310627 | long=10.148265 | directions=is situated in a backyard in Kiel's multicultural district Gaarden on the east coast of the Kiel Fjord. | phone=+49 1522 9269788 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 19:00-2:00, Su closed | price= | lastedit=2023-10-18 | content= It hosts live-music and readings. }} [[Image:Cafe Medusa, Kiel, Germany.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Cafe Medusa in Gaarden, July 2007]] ===Bars=== * {{drink | name=Astor Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address=Holstenplatz 1-2 | lat=54.320080 | long=10.134576 | directions= | phone=+49 431 99790 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2022-05-27| content=One of Kiel's best cocktail bars. }} * {{drink | name=Chaplin's | alt= | url=http://www.chaplinsbar-kiel.de/start/ | email=chaplinslascari@web.de | address=Waisenhofstraße | lat=54.321632 | long=10.131473 | directions= | phone=+49 431 92610 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-Sa 19:00-2:00, Su M closed | price= | lastedit=2023-10-18 | content=Piano player and cocktails. }} ===Clubs=== Kiel's clubs are spread out all across the city. Although some locals prefer doing the one-hour drive to Hamburg to go out, Kiel has some clubs that are worth being checked out. Make sure you have had a look at the site [http://foerdefluesterer.de/ Fördeflüsterer] before going out to get the most accurate information on all night live events. Most clubs have a €5 cover fee. * {{drink | name=Pumpe | alt= | url=http://www.diepumpe.de/ | email= | address=Haßstr. 22 | lat=54.324467 | long=10.138129 | directions= | phone=+49 431 2007650 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 10:00-16:00, Sa Su closed | price= |lastedit=2023-10-18| content=A community-run cultural centre showing independent movies, providing room for community projects, concerts, bars and parties. On Thursday night students dance soul, reggae and funk at the FunkPump party. }} * {{drink | name=Luna | alt= | url=http://www.lunaclub.com/ | email= | address=Bergstraße 17A | lat=54.328018 | long=10.133981 | directions= | phone=+49 431 5192176 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2023-10-18| content=Rhis club hosts parties ranging from electronic tunes to Soul/Funk and Ragga. Cover charge might be higher if nationally-recognized DJs operate the turntables. }} * {{drink | name=Max | alt= | url=http://www.max-kiel.de/ | email= | address=Eichhofstr. 1 | lat=54.332748 | long=10.111711 | directions= | phone=+49 431 1229955 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2023-10-18| content=Standard R'n'B, techno club with two floors. Also has metal/gothic/darkwave etc., watch out for ''Kontrollverlust'' and ''Praxis Dr. MosH''. }} * {{drink | name=Schaubude | alt= | url=http://www.kieler-schaubude.de/ | email=info@kieler-schaubude.de | address=Legienstr. 40 | lat=54.327713 | long=10.130324 | directions= | phone=+49 431 556600 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2023-10-18| content= }} * {{drink | name=Traum GmbH | alt= | url=http://www.traumgmbh.de/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Incorporating a restaurant, an independent movie theater, and a club, the Traumgmbh is likely to offer something that is just right for you. If you're over the age of 30, the Ü30 party is ''the'' party to go to. They will check your ID! }} * {{drink | name=Tucholsky | alt= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Being by far the most famous club in Kiel, this somewhat battered and shady place is located in a former parking garage. A formerly very popular club among students now hosts a fairly young crowd that dances to pop, rock, r'n'b, techno, punk, and indie on four dance-floors (on the weekends). You can still get a feeling for the old days on Tuesdays at the Tequila-Party. The Tucholksy has the most diverse crowd, the cheapest drinks and the poorest air-conditioning - especially in the summer. Not a clean and neat place but the only option if you feel like partying on Sundays through Wednesdays. No cover on weeknights. }} * {{drink | name=Weltruf | alt= | url=http://www.weltruf-kiel.de/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The interior of the Weltruf is dominated by a ship which has been built inside and cannot be removed. }} ===Parties=== Not exactly in the category of clubs are the various parties that take places in different parts of the city. Traditionally on Thursdays between October and April all the big university departments organize '''Studentenparties''' on and off campus. Expect somewhat cheap drinks and hundreds of university students dancing to a mix of pop, rock and r'n'b. Sometimes there are even live bands or second dance floors. On the weekends several fancier parties are hosted in unusual locations throughout Kiel. You'll be dancing to house music in a show room of a car dealer or in the terminal of the ferry to Scandinavia. Tickets for these parties can bought in advance which will save you money and time. Check the Kiel4Kiel site to find out where tickets are sold or ask a local student. ===Live music=== When it comes down to live music, Kiel is not the city where you'll be able to see big headliners. If you're into that you'll have to go to Hamburg. Still, you might be able to listen to some decent live music while staying in Kiel. The '''Halle400''', the '''MAX''' and the community-operated '''Pumpe''' host local and international acts. Surprisingly good German or Scandinavian acts can sometimes be spotted in the '''Schaubude''' or the '''Nachtcafé''' for very little money. On occasion, some clubs like the '''Luna''' host national-recognized DJs. The city's own '''[https://www.kiel.de/de/kultur_freizeit/kulturforum/index.php Kulturforum]''' has concerts (as well as stage plays etc.) almost every night. The best place to find out who's playing and to get a ticket is '''Konzertkasse Streiber''' close to the '''Ostseehalle'''. [[Image:Aug_4_2006_Kiel.JPG|right|thumb|Kiel Port taken August 4th 2006]] ==Sleep== The Youth Hostel is close to the Hauptbahnhof. There are a number of moderately priced hotels in the city centre. For some Olympic history, stay at Olympiazentrum in Schilksee, the sailing athletes village for the 1972 Munich Games. Top end is the Strande Hotel in Strande, or the Kieler Kaufmann just north of the city centre. ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Bekpek | alt= | url=http://www.bekpek-kiel.de/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Kronshagener Weg 130 a}} * {{sleep | name=Kieler Zimmer | alt= | url=http://www.kieler-zimmer.de/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Bed & Breakfast, 550 m from Central Station (max. for 3 persons, shared bath with shower) }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Nordic Hotel Astor | alt= | url=http://www.nordic-hotels.com/ | email= | address=Holstenplatz 1-2 | lat=54.320080 | long=10.134576 | directions=city centre | phone=+49 431 99790 | tollfree= | fax= | price= Singles from €60, doubles €80 | checkin= | checkout= |lastedit=2023-10-18| content=Rooms have 1970s charm but are clean. Bar on highest floor has a great view of the city. }} * {{sleep | name=Best Western Kiel | url=https://www.bestwestern.co.uk/destination/germany/kiel | address=Hamburger Chaussee 2 |lat=54.308380|long=10.124676|phone=+49 431 534020|lastedit=2023-10-18| content=Downtown, close to the main train station.}} * {{sleep | name=Hampton by Hilton | alt= | url=https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/kelshhx-hampton-kiel-city-centre/ | email= | address=Exerzierplatz 5 | lat=54.320724 | long=10.128907 | directions= | phone=+49 431 9968910 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2021-08-18 | content=A new and modern hotel that's very central. }} * {{sleep | name=Rabe's Hotel | alt= | url=https://rabes.hotels-in-kiel.net/en/ | email= | address=Ringstr. 30 | lat=54.315769 | long=10.127222 | directions= | phone=+49 431 663070 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2021-08-18 | content=Only a few hundred meters from the main train station. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Wiking | alt= | url=http://hotel-wiking.com/en/ | email=info@hotel-wiking.com | address=Schützenwall 1-3 | lat=54.319641 | long=10.121771 | directions= | phone=+49 431 661090 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2021-08-18 | content=Quite central. }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Steigenberger Hotel Conti-Hansa | alt= | url=http://www.kiel.steigenberger.de/ | email= | address=Schloßgarten 7 | lat=54.326382 | long=10.142634 | directions=between the historic parts of Kiel and the Förde | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price=Rates around €115 | checkin= | checkout= |lastedit=2023-10-18| content= }} * {{sleep | name=Birke - Ringhotel Kiel | alt= | url=https://www.hotel-birke.de/ | email= | address=Martenshofweg 8 | lat=54.317017 | long=10.071555 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= |lastedit=2023-10-18| content=A few minutes away from city centre by car. Good service and amenities. Parking spaces available. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Kieler Yacht Club | alt= | url=http://www.hotel-kyc.de/ | email= | address=Kiellinie 70 | lat=54.339729 | long=10.155951 | directions=right on the waterfront, north of the city centre | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= |lastedit=2023-10-18| content= Ask for a room with a view of the fjord. }} * {{sleep | name=Youth Experiences | alt= | url=http://www.hotel-kyc.de/ | email= | address=Andreas-gayk-Str. 31 | lat=54.319172 | long=10.134510 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= |lastedit=2023-10-18| content= }} * {{sleep | name=Romantik Hotel Kieler Kaufmann | alt= | url=http://www.kieler-kaufmann.de/ | email= | address=Niemannsweg 102 | lat=54.338676 | long=10.151453 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= |lastedit=2023-10-18| content=Classic location in the middle of an extensive park area. House with a unique atmosphere. Parking spaces available. }} ==Connect== ===Internet access=== * The local Internet Service Provider [http://www.tng.de/ TNG] operates free wireless access points in the downtown area; watch out for <samp>#SH_WLAN</samp>. Access will be blocked after-hours. A list of locations is available on the TNG Spot website (German). * Many larger stores, malls and supermarkets offer free WiFi. * Deutsche Bahn (Germany's national railway company) offers free WiFi at the main train station (and on many trains). Access to the station, including the platforms, is not limited. * The public library offers free Wi-Fi if you ask for a voucher with an access code. * Commercial Wi-Fi based access can be found throughout most parts of Kiel provided by various operators. Most will not allow you to use your international roaming plan like iPass, though. * Students and academic staff with eduroam access can connect to eduroam at the university. ===Libraries=== ====Public libraries==== Kiel's public library, the [https://www.kiel.de/de/bildung_wissenschaft/stadtbuecherei/ Stadtbücherei], is open to all visitors. There's the main library downtown and a couple more throughout the city, of which the ones in Gaarden and Mettenhof offer the largest selection. Anyone can come in and read; a membership is required to check out media, with 1-month memberships being available for €3. * {{listing | name=Stadtbücherei Zentralbücherei | alt=Hauptstelle | url=https://www.kiel.de/de/bildung_wissenschaft/stadtbuecherei/standorte_und_oeffnungszeiten/zentralbuecherei.php | email= | address=Andreas-Gayk-Str. 31, 24103 Kiel | lat=54.318864 | long=10.132134 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-02-22 | content=The main public library, in the city centre. }} * {{listing | name=Stadtteilbücherei Mettenhof | alt= | url= | email= | address=Siebeliusweg 2a, 24109 Kiel | lat=54.323870 | long=10.049373 | directions= | phone=+49 0431 524075 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-02-22 | content=The public library in Mettenhof. }} * {{listing | name=Stadtteilbücherei Gaarden | alt= | url= | email= | address=Elisabethstr. 64, 24143 Kiel | lat=54.3117931 | long=10.1434252 | directions= | phone=+49 0431 736601 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-02-22 | content=The public library in Gaarden. }} ====Scholarly libraries==== Kiel University operates its own libraries. The central library (Leibnizstr. 9, 24118 Kiel) is open to everyone; checking out books requires membership, but this is not restricted to university members. Departmental libraries may or may not be open to the public. The focus is on scientific literature. * {{listing | name=Universitätsbibliothek Kiel | alt=Central university library | url=https://www.ub.uni-kiel.de/en | email= | address=Leibnizstr. 9, 24118 Kiel | lat=54.346873 | long=10.105379 | directions= | phone=+49 0431 880 4701 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-02-22 | content=The university's main library. Free access for everyone. Membership required to check out books; external (non-student, non-staff) memberships available for a fee. }} * {{listing | name=Zentralbibliothek Wirtschaft | alt=ZBW | url=https://zbw.eu | email= | address=Düsternbrooker Weg 120, 24105 Kiel | lat=54.338802 | long=10.154873 | directions= | phone=+49 0431 881 4555 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-02-22 | content=The Zentralbibliothek Wirtschaft is an academic library catering to the economic profession. It's not open to the public but may be of interest to visiting scholars. }} == Go next == *[[Lübeck]] *[[Neumünster]] *[[Plön]] *[[Rendsburg]] *[[Schleswig]] {{usablecity}} {{geo|54.3252|10.1405|zoom=13}} {{IsPartOf|Kiel Bay}} 5jqzerlyq0l3yc95ddcu2wckf3rxxdd 0 17645 5086732 5074964 2025-07-02T18:08:32Z 162 etc. 2252661 /* By bus */ 5086732 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Kingston(Ontario) banner.jpg|pgname=Kingston}} [[Image:Kingston City Hall Andrew pmk.JPG|thumb|250px|Kingston City Hall]] '''Kingston''' is one of the most historic cities in Canada with many churches, old buildings, picturesque neighbourhoods, and 19th-century fortifications. The city provides venues for nightlife such as clubbing and pubbing, and provides weekend escapes for people living in the neighbouring cities of [[Ottawa]], [[Montreal]] and [[Toronto]]. There are ample historic sites and museums to visit, and many lively summer events. ==Understand== Kingston is a city of 133,000 people (2021) in [[Eastern Ontario]]. It is on the north shore of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence, halfway between Montréal and Toronto. Kingston is the home of two universities (Queen's University and Royal Military College) and one community college (St. Lawrence College). Along with tourism, these educational institutes and the students they attract provide much to the city's local economy. Kingston is also the home to a number of prisons. Kingston is nicknamed the "Limestone City" because of the many heritage buildings constructed using local limestone. ===History=== The group that first occupied the area before the arrival of the French was probably the Wyandot people (Hurons), who were later displaced by Iroquoian groups. At the time the French arrived in the Kingston area, Five Nations Iroquois (Haudenosaunee) had settled along the north shore of Lake Ontario. Although the area around the south end of the Cataraqui River was often visited by Iroquois and other groups, Iroquois settlement at this location only began after the French established their outpost. By 1700, the north shore Iroquois had moved south, and the area once occupied by the Iroquois (which includes Kingston) became occupied by the Mississaugas who had moved south from the Lake Huron and Lake Simcoe regions. Growing European exploration in the 17th century and the desire for the Europeans to establish a presence close to local Aboriginal occupants to control trade led to the founding of a French trading post and military fort at a site known as "Cataraqui" (generally pronounced "kah-tah-ROCK-way") in 1673. This outpost, called Fort Cataraqui, and later Fort Frontenac, became a focus for settlement. Cataraqui was renamed Kingston after the British took possession of the fort and Loyalists began settling the region in the 1780s. In 1783, the British governor of the Province of Quebec established a settlement for displaced British colonists, or "Loyalists", who were fleeing north because of the American Revolutionary War. The British Crown entered into an agreement with the Mississaugas in October 1783 to purchase land east of the Bay of Quinte. During the War of 1812, Kingston (with a population of 2250) was a major military centre. It was the base for the Lake Ontario division of the Great Lakes British naval fleet, whose aim was to control Lake Ontario. Fort Henry was built on Point Henry in 1813. The present limestone citadel, constructed between 1832 and 1836, was intended to defend the Rideau Canal at the Lake Ontario end, the harbour and the naval dockyard. Kingston became an important port for commodities shipped along the lake from the west. Wheat, flour, meat, and potash were unloaded and stored at Kingston to await transfer to vessels that could navigate the risky St. Lawrence. Queen's University, originally Queen's College, one of the first liberal arts universities, first held classes in March 1842; established by the Presbyterian Church, it later became a national institution. The Royal Military College of Canada (RMC) was founded in 1876. Kingston Penitentiary, Canada's first large federal penitentiary, was established in 1835 and operated until 2013. Several more prisons were established later in the greater Kingston area. Kingston was chosen as the first capital of the united Canadas and it served in that role from 1841 to 1844. The city was considered too small and lacking in amenities, however, and its location near the border made it vulnerable to American attack. Kingston's growth then slowed considerably and its national importance declined. ===Tourist information === * {{listing | name=Visit Kingston | alt= | url=https://www.visitkingston.ca/ | email=visit@tourismkingston.com | address=209 Ontario Street | lat=44.2293 | long=-76.4802 | directions= | phone=+1 613-548-4415 | tollfree=+1 888-855-4555 | hours=10AM-5PM daily | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=Tourism centre }} ==Get in== [[File:Former train station (Kingston, Ontario).jpg|thumb|Tourist information]] Kingston is fully accessible by road, air and water. There are no scheduled connections by bus, train or air to any point on the US side from Kingston, despite its proximity (50 km) to Interstate 81. However, ferry by car from the United States is possible by taking Horne's Ferry (May–October) from Cape Vincent, New York state to Wolfe Island (Ontario). By driving the short distance across Wolfe Island, you can get to downtown Kingston via the free Wolfe Island Ferry. ===By car=== Driving into the Kingston area is usually done on Highway 401, although this highway does not go downtown. Times from major cities are: * [[Ottawa]], 2 hours to the northeast via Ontario Highway 416 to 401 exit 721, or via Hwy 7 and Hwy 15 for a more direct route. * [[Montreal]], 3 hours to the east on Ontario Highway 401 (Québec Autoroute 20) * [[Toronto]], 3 hours to the west on Highway 401 * [[Syracuse (New York)|Syracuse]], 2½ hours to the south on Interstate 81 The 401 is easily reachable from Interstate 81 ([[Watertown (New York)|Watertown]], [[Syracuse (New York)|Syracuse]], [[Binghamton]]) at exit 661. Kingston may be reached in an hour or less from: * [[Napanee]] and [[Belleville (Ontario)|Belleville]] to the west on former Highway 2 or the 401 * [[Prince Edward County]] to the southwest on Highway 33 (the Loyalist Parkway) * [[Smiths Falls]] to the northeast on Highway 15 * Sharbot Lake and the southern branch of the [[Trans-Canada Highway]] via former Highway 38 * The [[Thousand Islands]]. A year-round ferry to Wolfe Island and a group of seasonal tour boats leave directly from downtown Kingston. * [[Gananoque]], [[Leeds and the 1000 Islands]], [[Brockville]] to the east on former Highway 2 or the 401 ====By carpool==== The [https://www.poparide.com/ '''Poparide'''] carpool service facilitates share a ride with another driver going the same way. It is often cheaper than taking the train or bus, but one gets to travel in a private vehicle, which is often more comfortable. There are usually plenty of rides from Toronto or Ottawa, often used by Queen's University students. Rides from Toronto range from $30-40, from Ottawa range from $25-35. ===By bus=== * [https://ca.megabus.com/ '''Megabus'''] Service from Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Cornwall, and Brockville. Also a daily bus from [https://ca.megabus.com/route-guides/toronto-airport-to-kingston-bus Pearson International Airport]. This carrier services {{go| name=Kingston Bus Terminal | alt= | url= | email= | address=1175 John Counter Blvd | lat=44.26 | long=-76.506111 | directions= | phone=+1 613-547-4916 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 8:30AM-8PM | price= | wikipedia=Kingston Bus Terminal | wikidata=Q6413479 | content= }}. Travellers can get downtown by taxi, or by local transit (a taxi and bus stand can be found on the bus station property, across from the Tim Horton's). By bus, the #2 Division Street travels to the downtown core every half-hour (every hour evenings and weekends); the routes serving the train station (#7, #16, #18) also all stop at the bus station. Travel time to Kingston from [[Toronto]] is 2.5-3 hours and from [[Montreal]] is 3-3.25 hours. *[https://riderexpress.ca/schedules/toronto-ottawa/ '''Rider Express'''] is another service in competition to Megabus. It runs a Toronto-[[Belleville (Ontario)|Belleville]]-Kingston-Ottawa route, often at prices lower than Megabus. (Toronto-Kingston is usually $40, as opposed to Megabus's $70). However, it runs fewer services compared to Megabus. It also drops passengers off at a gas station, which is an unpleasant 20-minute walk to the Kingston Bus Terminal where one can connect to Kingston Transit services. However, if you're lucky with the schedules, you might be able to catch the #7 bus to get you to the Bus Terminal for further connections. Travel time to Kingston from [[Toronto]] is 3 hours and from [[Ottawa]] is 2 hours. * {{listing | name=FlixBus | alt= | url=https://www.flixbus.ca/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=FlixBus | wikidata=Q15712258 | lastedit=2022-09-22 | content=Service from [[Ottawa]], [[Toronto]], [[Pearson Airport]], [[Richmond Hill]], [[Markham]], [[Vaughan]], [[Toronto/Scarborough|Scarborough]], and [[Whitby (Ontario)|Whitby]]. }} *{{Listing|name=Orléans Express|url=https://www.orleansexpress.com/en/|email=|tollfree=|lastedit=2025-05-08|content=Service from Ottawa, Toronto, Scarborough, and Montreal.}} ===By train=== {{Seealso|Rail travel in Canada}} * {{go | name=Kingston station | alt= | url=https://www.viarail.ca/en/explore-our-destinations/stations/ontario/kingston | email= | address=1800 John Counter Blvd | lat=44.257222 | long=-76.536944 | directions=about 7 km from downtown and a 45-min bus ride | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Station hours: M-F 5AM-11:30PM, Sa 6AM-9:30PM, Su 10AM-10:30PM | price= | wikipedia=Kingston station (Ontario) | wikidata=Q3096691 | lastedit=2022-03-31 | content=The station is at what was the western edge of town; a metered taxi to downtown runs about $15. By bus, the #18 Train Station Circuit meets most scheduled train arrivals leading downtown; the #16 Kingston Centre bus runs every half-hour (every hour evenings and weekends) to the Kingston Shopping Centre. The #7 bus to the Cataraqui mall, and the #4 local bus on Princess Street pass near, but does not enter, the station. A walk to either is possible but it's a rather hostile pedestrian environment on the way. }} ** {{listing|name=VIA Rail Canada|alt=|url=https://www.viarail.ca/|email=|address=|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=|tollfree=+1-888-842-7245|hours=|price=|wikipedia=Via Rail|wikidata=Q876720|lastedit=2022-03-31|content=Operates train routes from Canada's west coast and east coast.}} The following routes serve Kingston: *** Between [[Montreal]] and Toronto including stops in [[Montreal/West Island|Dorval]], [[Cornwall (Ontario)|Cornwall]], [[Brockville]], Kingston, [[Belleville (Ontario)|Belleville]], [[Cobourg]], and [[Oshawa]]. Travel time to Kingston from Montreal is 2.5-2.75 hours and from Toronto is 2.25-2.5 hours. Operates multiple times daily. *** Between [[Ottawa]] and Toronto including stops in [[Smiths Falls]], [[Brockville]], [[Gananoque]], Kingston, [[Napanee]], [[Belleville (Ontario)|Bellevile]], [[Trenton (Ontario)|Trenton]], [[Cobourg]], [[Port Hope]], and [[Oshawa]]. Operates daily.Travel time to Kingston from Ottawa is 2-2.25 hours and from Toronto is 2.25-2.5 hours. Operates multiple times daily. ===By plane=== ==== Airport ==== *{{go | name=Norman Rogers Municipal Airport | alt={{IATA|YGK}} Kingston Airport | url=https://www.ygkairport.com/ | email=airportinfo@cityofkingston.ca | address=Front Rd at Len Birchall Way | lat=44.22 | long=-76.593 | directions= | phone=+1 613-389-6404 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Kingston/Norman Rogers Airport | wikidata=Q3274178 | lastedit=2024-04-08 | content=At the western edge of Kingston near Lemoine Point conservation area. Nominally an international airport of entry with a 5000-foot runway, if you [[general aviation|bring your own aircraft]]. There is no public transit, no restaurant, no airport hotel or other amenities in the immediate area; the on-site dining choices are a pair of vending machines. A metered taxi to downtown costs around $30. There is one car-hire agency and a taxi stand. All Air Canada scheduled service was discontinued during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] of 2020-21. }} ==== Other airports ==== The closest major international airports are all two to three hours distant by road: * Ottawa Uplands ({{IATA|YOW}}, 175 km/110 mi) is closest by road. * Montréal-Dorval ({{IATA|YUL}}, 275 km) has both an easy shuttlebus connection to VIA's passenger rail service (which runs Montréal-Kingston-Toronto) and connecting flights which reach Kingston (on Pascan Aviation). * [[Toronto Pearson International Airport]] ({{IATA|YYZ}}, 275 km) has direct scheduled bus (Megabus), or can be reached by transferring from downtown Toronto's Union Station Bus Terminal to the UP Express train. It has the largest selection of flights. * Syracuse NY USA ({{IATA|SYR}}, 215 km/130 mi) has a seven-seat [http://www.shuttlekingston.com shuttle van] (+1-800-731-6335), but at more than $200 (one way) its cost wipes out anything US travellers might have saved by flying domestic. Tiny Watertown International Airport ({{IATA|ART}}), while closer, has the same cross-border transportation issues. ===By boat=== [[Image:Kingston - ON - Shoal Tower1.jpg|thumb|Confederation Basin]] The [[Rideau Canal]] goes from Kingston to Ottawa. Quite a few people travel it in pleasure craft. Kingston is also the starting point of the St Lawrence River and the eastern endpoint of the Great Lakes, a strategic position which has afforded it a key military vocation since 1673. Kingston has a number of marinas to accommodate boaters in boats of all sizes. These include * {{listing | name=George's Marine and Sport |alt=Blue Woods Marina | url=http://www.gmas.ca | email= | address=4000 Bath Road, Collins Bay | lat=44.241 | long=-76.601 | directions= | phone=+1 613-634-1304 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Collins Bay Marina | url=http://collinsbaymarina.com | email= | address=1270 Coverdale Drive | lat=44.239 | long=-76.604 | directions= | phone=+1 613-389-4455 | tollfree=+1-888-748-5557 | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Confederation Basin | url=http://www.cityofkingston.ca/visitors/marinas/conf.asp | email= | address=209 Ontario St | lat=44.229 | long=-76.480 | directions=opposite City Hall | phone=+1 613-542-2134 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Kingston Marina | url=http://metalcraftmarine.com/html/marina.html | email= | address=349 Wellington St | lat= 44.236| long=-76.480 | directions= | phone=+1 613-549-7747 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-542-6515 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Kingston Yacht Club | url=http://kingstonyachtclub.com | email= | address=1 Maitland St | lat=44.223 | long=-76.487 | directions= | phone=+1 613-548-3052 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-548-8876 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Portsmouth Olympic Harbour | url=http://www.cityofkingston.ca/visitors/marinas/ports.asp | email= | address=53 Yonge St | lat=44.219 | long=-76.517 | directions= | phone=+1 613-544-4776 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Treasure Island Marina | url=http://www.treasureislandmarina.com | email= | address=1753 Highway #2, Barriefield | lat=44.264 | long=-76.378 | directions= | phone=+1 613-548-1239 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} === By ferry === * {{listing | name=Wolfe Island Ferry | url=http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/ontario-511/ferries.shtml#wolfe | email= | address=295 Ontario Street | lat=44.232731 | long=-76.478487 | directions=in downtown Kingston: Ontario and Barrack St.; on Wolfe Island, Marysville (Wolfe Island Village) dock in summer season, about Apr–Dec, and Dawson's Point dock, 4.8 km east of Marysville, in winter season, about Dec–Apr | phone=+1 613-548-7227 | tollfree=+1-800-268-4686 | fax= | hours=Daily 6AM-2AM, year-round | price=free | lastedit=2016-05-23 | content=This free ferry makes the 20-minute crossing from downtown Kingston to one of two docks on Wolfe Island year-round. The 55-car ferry also takes pedestrians. Departs every hour or so in each direction. Check web site and call operator for large groups, or large vehicles. }} * {{listing | name=Hornes' Ferry | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/hornesferry/ | email=horneferry@aol.com | address=2262 Highway 95, Wolfe Island | lat=44.135637 | long=-76.354161 | directions=from Kingston ferry, turn right, go about 300 m, then turn left (south-east) on Ontario 95; this road is paved, and other parallel roads are gravel | phone=+1 613-385-2402, +1 315-783-0638 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=seasonal, 1 May–15 October | price=C$15/car one-way, C$2/passenger | lastedit=2016-05-28 | content=Runs hourly from end of Ontario Highway 95 on Wolfe Island to downtown Cape Vincent, New York, about 10 minutes. Privately owned, established 1814. }} ==Get around== {{cautionbox|The ''Lasalle Causeway'', a historic bascule bridge which carried Ontario Highway 2 across the Cataraqui River from downtown Kingston to the military base, Fort Henry and the Royal Military College, was damaged during maintenance in late March 2024. For motorists, this leaves three options - cross at the Waaban Crossing bridge (two lanes from John Counter Boulevard in the west to Gore Road in the east, opened Dec 2022), take the 401 (six lanes, built 1956 as the main bypass road from Toronto-Montréal) or cross at one of the [[Rideau Canal]] locks (one lane at Kingston Mills, two at Brewers Mills). For "tour train" passengers, expect any stops on the east side of the bridge (including Fort Henry) to be omitted from the tour, which is still running on the west (downtown) bank. As the bascule bridge must lift to let large boats through, there are also disruptions to boat tours. The Island Belle, Island Star and Canadian Empress are (as of April 2024) stranded on the "wrong" (north) side of the bridge, unable to reach the St. Lawrence River. The Island Queen is on the "correct" (south) side, with no clear timeline for when the issue will be resolved. Any Kingston Transit routes which served the army base, Fort Henry or Barriefield village have been rerouted to the Waaban Crossing (the name means "dawn" or "tomorrow" in Ojibwe, as the bridge leads east). [https://www.thewhig.com/news/local-cruise-line-threatens-legal-action-over-causeways-continued-closure]|lastedit=2024-04-25}} {{mapframe|44.24|-76.5|zoom=13}} The most interesting area in Kingston for out-of-town visitors is near the downtown core of the city, which includes Queen's University and the waterfront. As such, the best areas of the city are better seen on '''foot''' or by '''bicycle'''. === By public transit === * {{listing | name=Kingston Transit | alt= | url=https://www.cityofkingston.ca/residents/transit | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-546-0000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$3.25 one-way, kids 0-14 ride free |wikidata=| content=Public transport is reliable and clean but runs at most once every 15 minutes or half hour. An express service with limited stops runs on three heavily-travelled routes.}} === By taxi === Taxi fares from the bus and train stations are approximately $10-15 depending on the number of passengers per car and luggage stowage. All cabs are licensed and metered. * {{Listing|name=Amey's Greenwood Taxi|url=http://www.ameystaxi.com/|phone=+1 613-546-1111|lastedit=2022-08-07}} * {{Listing|name=Modern City Taxi|url=http://moderncitytaxi.ca/|phone=+1 613-546-2222|lastedit=2022-08-07}} === By ride hailing === * {{Listing|name=Uber|url=https://www.uber.com/global/en/cities/kingston/|lastedit=2022-08-07}} === By rental === It is also possible to rent bicycles and sailboats in Kingston. (Additional providers are in [[Gananoque]] and the [[Thousand Islands]].) * {{do | name=Ahoy Rentals | url=http://www.ahoyrentals.com | email= | address=23 Ontario St | lat=44.224 | long=-76.485 | directions= | phone=+1 613-549-4277 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$40/day canoe/kayak $105/day sailboat | content=Downtown Kingston, sailing lessons ($95/2 hr) and bicycle rentals ($25/day). }} Various dive charters run from Kingston (or its suburbs) into the islands: * {{do | name=Kingston Dive Charters | alt= | url=http://kingstondivecharters.com | email= | address=4034 Bath Road, Collins Bay | lat= | long= | directions=behind the Royal Canadian Legion | phone=+1 613-532-6548 or +1 613-766-6184 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{do | name=Limestone Dive Centre | alt= | url=http://www.adventuredives.com/limeston.htm | email= | address=61 Yonge Street, Portsmouth | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-547-3483 | tollfree=+1-800-286-3483 | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==See== [[Image:Carlb-fthenry-03.jpg|thumb|Fort Henry defends Kingston against US military invasion]] [[Image:Bellevue House, Kingston, Ontario.jpg|thumb|Bellevue House]] * {{see | name=Fort Henry | alt= | url=http://www.forthenry.com | email= | address=1 Fort Henry Drive at Highway 2, Barriefield | lat=44.231 | long=-76.461 | directions=between CFB Kingston and the Royal Military College | phone=+1 613-542-7388 | tollfree=+1-800-437-2233 | fax=+1 613-542-3054 | hours= | price=$15/person | wikipedia=Fort Henry, Ontario | image=Fort Henry entrance inside.jpg | wikidata=Q1185336 | content=Historical military structures. 1850s stone fortress with cannons defends access to the [[Rideau Canal]] from US attacks; the fort is guarded by Fort Henry Guard in British uniforms and regalia of the era. Live military drills. Additional cost for parking and sunset ceremony. Seasonal (May–September). ''Visit time:'' 3 hours max. }} * {{see | name=CFB Kingston | alt= | url=https://army.gc.ca/en/4-canadian-division/canadian-forces-base-kingston/index.page | email= | address=Highway 2, Barriefield | lat=44.242 | long=-76.439 | directions=east of Highway 15 | phone=+1 613-541-4675 (museum) | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=CFB Kingston | wikidata=Q1032129 | lastedit=2020-12-09 | content=Modern military structures. Full of soldiers, including the Joint Signals Regiment (JSR), 21 Electronic Warfare Regiment, and their '''[http://www.c-and-e-museum.org Military Communications and Electronics Museum]''' (95 Craftsman Blvd. at Highway #2). }} * {{see | name=Royal Military College | url=http://www.rmc.ca | email= | address=13 General Crerar Cres, Barriefield | lat=44.232 | long=-76.468 | directions=On waterfront, Hwy 2 east of Lasalle Causeway | phone=+1 613-541-6000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2565941| wikipedia=Royal Military College of Canada | content=Historical structures and wide avenues filled with soldiers and students. One of two universities in the region, RMC exists to train military officers. ''Visit time:'' 1 hour max. }} * {{see | name=Bellevue House National Historic Site of Canada | alt= | url=https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/on/bellevue | email= | address=35 Centre St | lat=44.2228 | long=-76.5033 | directions= | phone=+1 613-545-8666 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-545-8721 | hours=May–Oct: 10AM-5PM | price=$4/person | wikidata=Q616460 | content=A finely-maintained Italianate villa with lush gardens which served briefly as the home of first Canadian prime minister Sir John A. Macdonald. House and grounds restored to the 1840s with guided tours by interpreters costumed in clothing of the era. (During the 2018 season, interpretive programming and guided tours of the heritage grounds and heirloom orchard will continue but the interior of the house will be closed for maintenance; there will be no admission fee.) A Parks Canada national historic site. ''Visit time:'' 1-2 hours. }} * {{see | name=Cataraqui River and LaSalle Causeway Bridge | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=44.2347 | long=-76.4742 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6465089 | content=Water and steel. 1915 two-lane Strauss trunnion bascule lift bridge carries Highway 2 across the southern endpoint of the [[Rideau Canal]] waterway directly to the foot of downtown Kingston. Fine scenic view of the downtown when approaching from Fort Henry Hill. ''Visit time:'' 15 min max. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Rideau Canal | alt= | url=https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/on/rideau | email= | address= | lat=44.293 | long=-76.442 | directions= | phone=+1 613-283-5170 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Rideau Canal | wikidata=Q651323 | content=Completed in 1851 as a defensive route bypassing the St Lawrence, the original stone locks and wooden gates are still manually operated by Parks Canada for small pleasure craft. [https://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/on/rideau/natcul/natcul2/natcul2a.aspx Kingston Mills locks], the first four of a long series extending to Parliament Hill in Ottawa, are reachable by small watercraft or by car on Kingston Mills Road, which runs between Battersea Rd (401 exit 619/Montreal St) and Hwy 15 (401 exit 623). ''Visit time:'' 45 min max. }} * {{see | name=Princess St and Downtown | url=http://www.downtownkingston.ca | email= | address= | lat=44.232 | long=-76.484 | directions= | phone=+1 613-542-8677 (merchants association) | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-542-0274 | hours= | price= | content=Commercial main street with historic buildings and small, local independent boutiques. Food and shopping within easy walking distance of Queen's University and downtown hotels. }} * {{see | name=St. Mary's Roman Catholic Cathedral | alt= | url=https://stmaryscathedral.ca/ | email= | address=279 Johnson St | lat=44.23095 | long=-76.489925 | directions= | phone=+1 613-546-5521 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-546-1947 | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4425947 | content=Big, very tall Roman Catholic church in which the bells ring loudly. ''Visit time:'' 30 min max. }} * {{see | name=St. George's Anglican Cathedral | alt= | url=https://www.stgeorgescathedral.ca/ | email= | address=270 King St. E | lat=44.2294 | long=-76.4831 | directions= | phone=+1 613-548-4617 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-548-7466 | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7588098 | content=Big, very elaborate old Protestant church of architectural and historical interest. ''Visit time:'' 30 min max. }} * {{see | name=Murney Tower National Historic Site of Canada | alt= | url=https://www.murneytower.com/ | email= | address=King Street West at Barrie St | lat=44.222 | long=-76.49 | directions= | phone=+1 613-544-9925 | tollfree= | hours=May-Sept: 10AM-5PM | price=$5/person | wikidata=Q6938803 | content=One of four Martello towers constructed in 1846 to defend Kingston's waterfront. Bloomfield cannon, carronades and domestic artefacts adorn what is now a Kingston Historical Society museum. ''Visit time:'' 45 min. }} * {{see | name=Princess of Wales Own Regiment | alt= | url=http://pwor.ca/museum/ | email= | address=100 Montréal St | lat=44.2340 | long=-76.4856 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Sep-May: Tu Th 7PM-10PM; late May-early Sep: M-F 10AM-4PM, closed holidays | price=Free/by donation. | wikipedia=Princess of Wales' Own Regiment | wikidata=Q7758339 | lastedit=2018-06-16 | content=Active Primary Reserve infantry regiment of the Canadian Forces (one battalion). The historic limestone armoury contains a small one-room military museum with weapons, equipment, insignia, uniforms, swords and medals from the 14th Battalion of Rifles (formed 16 Jan 1863) and from both world wars. }} * {{see | name=Kingston Penitentiary | alt= | url=http://www.kingstonpentour.com | email= | address=560 King St. W. | lat=44.221 | long=-76.513 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Kingston Penitentiary | wikidata=Q6413577 | content=One of Kingston's most famous institutions. One time home of notables such as Clifford Olsen and Paul Bernardo, people would kill (and have killed) to get in for well over a century. The '''[http://www.penitentiarymuseum.ca Penitentiary Museum]''' in the old warden's house (555 King W, {{phone|+1 613-530-3122}}, May-Oct: daily 10AM-4PM; Nov-Apr: M-F 9AM-4PM, by donation) is open to visitors, as is the '''Olympic Harbour marina''' (adjacent to the jail) which served as home of the sailing events for the 1976 Summer Olympic Games. A [http://kingstonpentour.com guided tour of the jail] is available seasonally (mid-June to end-Oct, $35/person); this is separate from the museum tour. ''Visit time:'' 2 years to life. If 'just visiting', allow a little over an hour to tour the museum and 90 minutes to tour the prison. }} * {{see | name=Queen's University | url=http://www.queensu.ca | email= | address=University Ave at Union St | lat=44.225 | long=-76.495 | directions= | phone=+1 613-533-6000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1420038| wikipedia=Queen's University | content=Another of Kingston's most famous institutions. Many limestone buildings with ivy and students. Queen's has two art galleries: the student-run [http://uniongallery.queensu.ca/index.html Union Gallery] in Stauffer Library, and the [http://agnes.queensu.ca Agnes Etherington Art Centre]. }} **{{see | name=Beamish-Munro Hall | alt= | url=http://www.queensu.ca/encyclopedia/b/beamish-munro-hall | email= | address=45 Union St | lat=44.228 | long=-76.493 | directions=at Division | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=For kids who are interested in how buildings are made, the Integrated Learning Centre, or Beamish-Munro Hall may be worth a visit. This building is the new centre of Applied Science (Engineering) at Queens. This 'live building' was designed to allow people to see how the building works and interact with it. }} ** {{see | name=Miller Museum of Geology | alt= | url=https://www.queensu.ca/millermuseumofgeology/ | email= | address=Miller Hall, 36 Union St W | lat=44.2273 | long=-76.493 | directions= | phone=+1 613-533-6767 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 9AM-4PM | price= | wikidata=Q121547689 | lastedit=2023-08-17 | content=This is a fairly small museum, but is still interesting. Call ahead for tours. }} ** {{see | name=Museum of Health Care at Kingston | alt= | url=https://www.museumofhealthcare.ca/ | email= | address=32 George St | lat=44.2238 | long=-76.4922 | directions=Ann Baillie Building, Kingston General Hospital | phone=+1 613-548-2419 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Sa 10AM-4PM | price= | wikidata=Q121547800 | lastedit=2023-08-17 | content=A tiny museum with exhibits (and quite a lot of artefacts) related to the history of medicine. It co-sponsors a walking tour on the history of Kingston General Hospital for $5, but the museum is free (donations accepted). Usually not busy, since it's small and hard to find. ''Visit time:'' Two hours or less, including the tour. }} ** {{listing | type=see | name=Agnes Etherington Art Centre | alt= | url=https://agnes.queensu.ca/ | email=aeac@queensu.ca | address=36 University Ave | lat=44.2254 N | long=76.4963 W | directions= | phone=+1 613-533-2190 | tollfree= | hours=Tu–F 10 AM–4:30PM, Sa Su 1–5PM | price= | wikipedia=Agnes Etherington Art Centre | wikidata=Q4693034 | lastedit=2020-07-08 | content= }} * {{see | name=Marine Museum of the Great Lakes | alt= | url=http://www.marmuseum.ca | email= | address=55 Ontario Street | lat=44.2257 | long=-76.4833 | directions= | phone=+1 613-542-2261 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Marine Museum of the Great Lakes | image=Ship building in 1890s.jpg | wikidata=Q6764174 | lastedit=2021-11-23 | content=History of shipping and shipbuilding on the Great Lakes, including the history of the Calvin Shipyard formerly on Garden Island. This museum reopened at the 1892 federal Kingston Dry Dock, a national historic site, in late 2021. }} * {{see | name=Pump House Steam Museum | url=http://www.steammuseum.ca | email= | address=23 Ontario St. | lat=44.224 | long=-76.484 | directions= | phone=+1 613-544-PUMP | tollfree= | fax= | hours=May-Aug: 10AM-5PM; Sep-Nov: noon-4PM | price=$5/person | content=Steam-powered water pump house built with the latest in 1891 technology, restored 1973 by Frontenac Society of Model Engineers. Like other city-owned tourism and recreation venues (such as the Woodworking Museum, pools, arenas and the Grand Theatre box office) this museum is prone to being closed on statutory holidays. }} * {{see | name=MacLachlan Woodworking Museum | alt= | url=http://woodworkingmuseum.ca | email= | address=2993 Highway 2 East | lat=44.2963865 | long=-76.3162747 | directions=Grass Creek Park | phone=+1 613-542-0543 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=late May-early Sep: Tu-Su 10AM-5PM; closed Victoria Day and Labour Day | price=$5.13+HST/person or $12.30+HST/family | lastedit=2017-08-10 | content=The most extensive, nationally significant collection of woodworking tools in Canada. This 1855 log house was relocated from Lanark County by a lumberyard owner who has since gone broke. 16 km (10 mi) east of downtown, free admission 5-8PM Thursday nights. }} * {{see | name=Original Hockey Hall of Fame | alt= | url=http://www.originalhockeyhalloffame.com | email=info@originalhockeyhalloffame.com | address=1350 Gardiners Road, 2nd Floor | lat=44.2761335 | long=-76.5716869 | directions=on the second floor of the Invista Centre | phone=+1 613-507-1943 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Th-Su noon-6PM | price=By donation | lastedit=2017-08-10 | content=Founded 1943, the oldest sports hall of fame in Canada. The NHL withdrew support in 1958 in favour of a Toronto hockey museum. The collection of hockey memorabilia, which goes back to a square puck used in the first organized game in Kingston in 1886, is housed upstairs at a city-owned four-pad arena in a west-end suburb. }} * {{see | name=Frontenac County Schools Museum | alt= | url=http://www.fcsmuseum.com | email= | address=414 Regent St, Barriefield | lat=44.240 | long=-76.462 | directions= | phone=+1 613-544-9113 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Summer: Tu-Sa 10AM-3PM, reduced hours off-season | price= | lastedit=2015-05-19 | content=History of education, back to the era of one-room schoolhouses. }} * {{see | name=Kingston City Hall | alt= | url=https://www.cityofkingston.ca/city-hall/about-city-hall | email= | address=216 Ontario St | lat=44.23 | long=-76.481 | directions=opposite Confederation Park | phone=+1 613-546-4291 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6413495 | content=Designed by architect George Browne and completed in December 1844 to house the city government and marketplace. You can't fight City Hall, but guided tours of this national historic site are offered on weekdays from mid-May through Labour Day and on weekends during July and August. }} ==Do== [[Image:Kingston - ON - St. George's Cathedral1.jpg|thumb|St. George's Cathedral]] [[Image:Fort Frontenac.JPG|thumb|Fort Frontenac]] * {{do | name=Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises | url=http://www.1000islandscruises.on.ca | email= | address=Brock & Ontario Streets | lat=44.230 | long=-76.478 | directions=Confederation Park | phone=+1 613-549-5544 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=May-Oct: 11AM-6:30PM | price=$25-73/person | content=Three boats (Island Queen, Island Belle, Island Star) leave Kingston downstream on the St. Lawrence River to circle the [[Thousand Islands]]. A round-trip is 1½, 2 or 3 hours; selected runs offer sunset cruises, dinner or dancing. }} * A [http://www.kpass.ca K-Pass] (issued for 1, 2 or 3 days, $78-162/adult, $48-120/child) bundles one of the [http://ktic.ca Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises] with [http://kingstontrolley.ca Kingston Trolley Tours], [http://forthenry.com Fort Henry], [https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/on/bellevue/ Bellevue House], the [http://steammuseum.ca Pump House Steam Museum] and [http://marmuseum.ca Marine Museum of the Great Lakes], [http://kingstontrolley.ca/go/MurneyTower Murney Tower], the [http://woodworkingmuseum.ca MacLachlan Woodworking Museum], a three-hour bicycle rental from [http://ahoyrentals.com Ahoy Rentals] and admission to [[Morrisburg]]'s [http://uppercanadavillage.com Upper Canada Village]. * Additional tour options for the [[Thousand Islands]] are available in [[Gananoque]] (about 32 km east of Kingston). Visitors looking primarily to tour Boldt Castle (which is near Wellesley Island and Alexandria Bay on the US side) may be best served by tours departing from that area. There is also a river tour in [[Brockville]]. * {{do | name=Confederation Tour Trolley | url=http://www.kingstontrolley.ca | email= | address=209 Ontario St | lat=44.2292 | long=-76.4806 | directions=D/departs from Confederation Park, opposite City Hall | phone=+1 613-548-4453 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-548-4743 | hours=10AM-6PM (high season) | price=$17/person | content=Local tour bus operated May–October by Kingston's Chamber of Commerce, designed to resemble a locomotive car which departs from the former Kingston & Pembroke Railway inner station. Stops at Agnes Etherington Art Centre, Bellevue House, Fort Henry & Penitentiary Museum. }} * {{do | name=Haunted Walk of Kingston | url=http://www.hauntedwalk.com/kingstontours.php | email= | address=200 Ontario St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-549-6366 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-549-2704 | hours= | price=$13.75-15.75/person | content=90-minute guided walking tours of Kingston (from Prince George Hotel), Fort Henry (from fort main gate) and Gananoque (from visitor centre, 10 King East, Gan) complete with ghost stories. The same company operates tours in Ottawa and Toronto. }} * {{do | name=Waterfront | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=44.222 | long=-76.493 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Kingston has a lively waterfront that, depending on the day, may afford opportunities to partake. '''Richardson Beach''' extends the full length of the Queen's University campus, Kingston General Hospital and City Park, and sports two large, permanent sculptures: "Time" and "Pollution". }} * {{do| name=Grand Theatre | url=http://kingstongrand.ca | email= | address=218 Princess St | lat=44.2321 | long=-76.4865 | directions= | phone=+1 613-530-2050 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7737500| wikipedia=The Grand Theatre (Kingston, Ontario) | content=Built in 1901-02, and home of the Kingston Symphony since 1964,. The main theatre seats 776 people for live theatre and musical performances. }} * {{do | name=The Screening Room | url=http://www.moviesinkingston.com | email= | address=120 Princess St. (2nd floor) | lat=44.2316 | long=-76.4833 | directions= | phone=+1 613-542-6080 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$9/person | content=Independent downtown movie house with two screens showing a variety of art-house, foreign, alternative, and classic cinema. }} *'''Skating (in winter)''': operating dates are dependent on the weather. ** {{do | name=Market Square | alt= | url= | email= | address=behind City Hall, 216 Ontario St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The outdoor skating rink in Market Square is refrigerated, and the surface is conditioned by a Zamboni every couple of hours, so the surface is more regular than other outdoor rinks in the area. Hockey sticks are not allowed on this rink. }} ** {{do | name=City Park | alt= | url= | email= | address=Bagot St | lat=44.226 | long=-76.489 | directions=just west of downtown | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Although the surface isn't as regularly conditioned as Market Square, this the place to go if you want to play hockey, since hockey isn't allowed on the Market Square rink. }} ** {{do | name=Victoria Park | alt= | url= | email= | address=Brock St | lat=44.233 | long=-76.499 | directions=west of downtown and north of Queen's University | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Facilities similar to "City Park", including a rink with boards for hockey, and an open rink for skating amidst the trees. }} * Water sports ** Kingston is considered to have some of the best freshwater sailing in the world, and hosted the sailing events for the 1976 [[Montreal]] Olympics. ** Wind-surfing and kite-boarding are also popular. ** Scuba diving: Kingston has among the most and best fresh water wrecks in the world. * {{listing | type=do | name=Improbable Escapes Inc. | alt= | url=https://www.improbableescapes.com/ | email=info@improbableescapes.com | address=inside LaSalle Mews 303 Bagot Street, Suite 16B | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 343-333-3463 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 9AM-10PM | price= | lastedit=2020-07-08 | content= }} ===Outside the city=== [[Image:Upper Kingston Mills lock.jpg|thumb|[[Rideau Canal]] at Kingston Mills]] * {{do | name=Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area | alt= | url=https://cataraquiconservation.ca/pages/little-cataraqui-creek | email= | address=North of Highway 401 and Division St | lat=44.282 | long=-76.504 | directions= | phone=+1 613-546-4228 | tollfree= | hours= | price=$5.50/person | wikidata=Q6649454 | content=Hiking, canoeing or kayaking in summer; snowshoeing, cross country skiing, or skating on the pond in winter. Rentals and lessons. }} * {{do | name=Wolfe Island | alt= | url=https://www.wolfeisland.com/ | email= | address= | lat=44.19 | long=-76.44 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q680569 | content=A free hourly [ferry http://www.wolfeisland.com/ferry.php] from Kingston to [[Thousand Islands|Wolfe Island]] provides a scenic view of the Kingston waterfront. Cycling on Wolfe Island is much less hectic than in Kingston proper. George Pyke's Strawberry farm is a good destination (~25 km round trip from ferry) in late June, and can easily make for a day long trip. Contra dancing happens regularly throughout the year either at Wolfe Island Town Hall, or some Kingston location. }} * {{do | name=Fruition Berry Farm | url=http://www.fruition.ca | email= | address=3208 Hughes Rd | lat=44.338 | long=-76.392 | directions=Hughes Road meets Highway 15 five miles north of the 401 | phone=+1 613-548-3378 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=June-Oct (weather and crop conditions permitting) | price= | content=Pick your own strawberries, raspberries, peas and beans. Fall corn maze and pumpkin patch. Picnic, nature walk, children's playground in a beautiful country setting. }} * {{do | name=Frontenac Provincial Park | alt= | url=https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/frontenac | email= | address=1090 Salmon Lake Road, Sydenham | lat=44.505 | long=-76.557 | directions= | phone=+1 613-376-3489 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5505935 | content=30 minutes north by car, opportunities for walking and picnicking, fishing, canoeing, wildlife viewing, boating, swimming and cycling. Winter activities. }} * {{do | name=Waddell Apples | alt= | url=http://www.waddellapples.com | email= | address=2645 Washburn Rd. (at Hwy 15) | lat=44.387 | long=-76.325 | directions= | phone=+1 613-546-1690 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Orchard near Rideau Canal (Lower Brewers Mills), pick-your-own apples from August to October, pumpkins. On-site bakery with apple pie, cider, jam/jelly. }} * Pick your own strawberries (usually around the Canada Day (July 1) weekend) and apples (late summer/fall) in season in [[Napanee#Adolphustown|Adolphustown]] and [[Prince Edward County]], less than an hour to the west. ===Events=== The city hosts events in summer and fall: * {{do | name=Buskers' Rendezvous | alt= | url=http://www.downtownkingston.ca/enjoy/2017/buskers-rendezvous | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Buskers from around the world take over the streets of Kingston for one weekend in early July. Downtown. }} * {{do | name=Limestone City Blues Festival | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-06-14 | content=On a weekend in August, parks, streets and local venues host local and national blues talent. }} * {{do | name=Reelout Arts Project | alt= | url=http://www.reelout.com/festival-info/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-549-REEL | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Annual LGBT film festival, late January. Kingston also hosts an LGBT [http://www.kingstonpride.ca/ Pride] parade in mid-June; "[http://outin.ca out/in kingston]" has local gay event listings. }} * {{do | name=Skeleton Park Arts Festival | alt= | url=http://skeletonparkartsfest.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Late June (summer solstice). A free, community-focused arts and music festival. }} * {{do | name=Kingston Canadian Film Festival | alt= | url=https://kingcanfilmfest.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-02-04 | content=Ten-day festival in early March. Most events take place at the Screening Room, as the only commercial cinema hall still open in the downtown core. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Cooke's Old World Shop| alt= | url=http://www.cookesfinefoods.com | email= | address=61 Brock Street | lat=44.2307 | long=-76.4817 | directions= | phone=+1 613-548-7721 | tollfree=+1-800-576-5866 | fax=+1 613-548-3449 | hours= | price= | content=A family-owned 1865 "old world" shop specialising in fine English and European sweets, sauces, preserves, and cheeses. Cooke's roasts their own coffee daily (approximately $9/pound) and prepares premium-quality gift baskets. }} * {{buy | name=Market Square | alt= | url=http://www.kingstonpublicmarket.ca | email= | address=Market Street | lat=44.230 | long=-76.481 | directions=behind City Hall | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Apr-Nov: Tu Th Sa | price= | content=Farmer's public market, busiest in summer. Founded 1801 as oldest continuously-operating market in Ontario. Fresh local produce, baked and preserved goods, local art and clothing. Buy your maple syrup here, since it will be much cheaper than at the tourist traps and you'll get to talk to the person who tapped it. An antique market is in this same location on Sundays during the summer. }} * {{buy | name=Novel Idea | alt= | url=http://novelideabooks.ca | email= | address=156 Princess St | lat=44.2317 | long=-76.4845 | directions= | phone=+1 613-546-9799 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=9:30AM-9PM | price= | content=One of the last local independent new book vendors, good selection of books about Kingston or by local authors, postcards, calendars. }} *{{buy | name=Cornerstone Contemporaray Canadian Craft and Inuit Art | alt= | url=https://www.cornerstonecanadianart.com{{dead link}} | email=info@cornerstonecanadianart.com | address=255 Ontario St | lat=44.230965 | long=-76.481579 | directions=on the corner of Princess St | phone=+1 613-546-7967 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 10AM-8PM, Sa 10AM-6PM, Su 11AM-5PM | price= | lastedit=2017-08-10 | content=Nunavut native carvings, prints, wall hangings and dolls with government of Canada label of authenticity and card with the artist’s name and community. }} ==Eat== Kingston has among the most restaurants per capita of any city in Canada, with restaurants to fit anyone's budget. ===Budget=== * {{eat | name=Mekong | url=https://www.mekongkingston.ca/ | email= | address=394 Princess St | lat=44.2330 | long=-76.4922 | directions= | phone=+1 613-549-5902 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Excellent Vietnamese food, cheap and fast; particularly known for its avocado shakes. }} * {{eat | name=Wok In | url=https://www.facebook.com/people/Wok-In-Restaurant/100063714383241/# | email= | address=30 Montreal St | lat=44.2323 | long=-76.4856 | directions= | phone=+1 613-549-5369 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A tiny storefront serving excellent quality, well-priced Thai and Cambodian food. It is run by a husband and wife and is usually busy. The #1 is a favourite on the menu and a good bet to try. }} * {{eat | name=Saigon Delights | url=https://www.saigondelights.ca/ | email= | address=272 Bagot St | lat=44.2315 | long=-76.4845 | directions= | phone=+1 613-546-3690 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=under $7 | content=Vietnamese restaurant with two locations (the other is on Division near Queen) known for its pho and bún. }} * {{eat | name=The Toucan |alt=Kirkpatricks | url=http://www.thetoucan.ca | email= | address=76 Princess St | lat=44.2313 | long=-76.4817 | directions= | phone=+1 613-544-1966 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A great Irish downtown pub. The upstairs portion in Kirkpatricks, downstairs is the Toucan. Nightly specials, live music on Mondays after 10PM, cold beer on tap. Try the nachos with layered cheese (1/2 price on Wednesdays), the wings, or the sweet potato fries. Cash or credit only, but they do have an ATM. }} * {{eat | name=Peter's Place | alt= | url=https://www.petersplacerestaurant.ca/ | email= | address=34 Princess St | lat=44.2310 | long=-76.4799 | directions= | phone=+1 613-549-3465 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 7:30AM-7PM, Sa 7:30AM-3PM, Su 7:30AM-2PM | price=under $10 | content=Breakfast, weekend brunch, coffee, burgers, fish and chips, soupes du jour, desserts. Small, crowded Greek/Mediterranean diner and takeaway. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Morrison's Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/MorrisonsRestaurant/ | email= | address=318 King St E | lat=44.2301 | long=-76.4818 | directions= | phone=+1 613-542-9483 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 8AM–3PM | price= | lastedit=2020-07-08 | content=Longtime diner with a relaxed, retro vibe offering a classic menu of breakfast & lunch favourites. |fax=|wikidata=}} * {{eat | name=Stooley's Bar & Grill | alt= | url=http://stooleys.ca/ | email= | address=118 Division St | lat=44.2315 | long=-76.4931 | directions= | phone=+1 613-547-4044 | tollfree= | hours=Daily noon–9PM| price= | lastedit=2020-07-08 | content=Serving Stooley’s famous signature fries the menu includes premium quality sandwiches, wraps and char-broiled burgers. }} * {{eat | name=Sunflower Chinese Restaurant | alt= | url=http://www.sunflowerrestaurant.ca/ | email= | address=41 Montreal Street | lat=44.2325 | long=-76.48525 | directions= | phone=+1 613 507-2688 | tollfree= | hours= | price=$10-15 | lastedit=2022-12-01 | content=A Chinese restaurant with inexpensive prices for very large portions. Tastes authentic. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=Cambodiana | url=https://www.cambodianarestaurant.ca/ | email= | address=161 Brock St | lat=44.2314 | long=-76.4857 | directions=opposite Hotel Dieu Hospital | phone=+1 613-531-0888 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Used to be some of the best Thai/Cambodian food in Southern Ontario before the owners of this establishment sold it to other proprietors. To follow the original owner/chef and his food, go to ''Pat's Restaurant''. }} * {{eat | name=Lone Star Café | url=http://www.lonestartexasgrill.com | email= | address=251 Ontario St | lat=44.2307 | long=-76.4794 | directions= | phone=+1 613-548-8888 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-548-3765 | hours= | price= | content=Texas-style steakhouse on downtown waterfront. }} * {{eat | name=White Mountain Homemade Ice Cream | url= | email= | address=176 Ontario St | lat=44.2287 | long=-76.4815 | directions= | phone=+1 613-545-3474 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Quality ice-cream that is a tad pricy, but truly is one of the best home made ice creams you will ever taste. The store provides a large variety of ice cream flavours that are served on store-made waffle cones. Avoid the "large" size cones as they are impossible to finish even halfway. Closed in winter. }} * {{eat | name=Wooden Heads | url=https://www.woodenheads.com/ | email= | address=192 Ontario St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-549-1812 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11:30AM-midnight | price= | content=Wooden Heads and Atomica specialize in pizzas made in wood fire brick ovens. The focus of these restaurants are more on the waitresses and less on the food, though the latter is not too bad at either place. }} * {{eat | name=Atomica | url=http://www.atomica.ca | email= | address=71 Brock St | lat=44.2307 | long=-76.4822 | directions= | phone=+1 613-530-2118 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Copper Penny | url=http://www.thecopperpenny.ca/ | email= | address=240 Princess St | lat=44.2321 | long=-76.4870 | directions= | phone=+1 613-549-4257 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$10-13/person | content=Cozy atmosphere, great for lunch (wraps, sandwiches, gourmet burgers) or dinner (pastas and pizzas). Known for its French onion soup, gigantic wraps, and homemade pesto. The service is always friendly. Go early as this restaurant does not take reservations. }} * {{eat | name=Harper's Burger Bar | url=http://www.harpersburgerbar.com | email= | address=93 Princess St | lat=44.2317 | long=-76.4822 | directions=near Wellington | phone=+1 613-507-3663 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$7-12/burger | content=A licensed gourmet burger joint. The meat is sustainably raised and a number of veg options are also available. A selection of microbrews and off the beaten path wines are served, as are shakes and beer floats. }} * {{eat | name=Pat's Restaurant | alt= | url=https://patsrestaurant.ca/ | email= | address=455 Princess St | lat=44.2342 | long=-76.4942 | directions= | phone=+1 613-344-0450 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 11:30AM-9PM, Sa 12:30PM-9PM | price=$10-20 | content=Thai, Asian fusion. Proprietor established (then sold) Phnom Pehn, Wok-In and Cambodiana in the same city. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Dianne's Fish Shack & Smokehouse | alt= | url=https://www.dianneskingston.com/ | email=info@dianneskingston.com | address=195 Ontario St, 2Y7 | lat=44.2290 | long=-76.4807 | directions= | phone=+1 613-507-3474 | tollfree= | hours=11:30AM - 9PM | price= | lastedit=2020-07-08 | content=An upbeat restaurant featuring Mexican-inspired seafood and BBQ fare, plus a full bar with margaritas. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Toast & Jam | alt= | url=https://toastandjamcafe.ca/ | email= | address=1530 Bath Rd | lat=44.2376 | long=-76.5590 | directions= | phone=+1 613-766-3423 | tollfree= | hours=7:30AM-3PM | price= | lastedit=2020-07-08 | content=This relaxed contemporary cafe makes full use of the fresh baked goods from its own bakery. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=The Works Gourmet Burger Bistro | alt= | url=http://worksburger.com/locations/princess-street/ | email= | address=298 Princess St | lat=44.2324 | long=-76.4889 | directions= | phone=+1 613-547-6000 | tollfree= | hours=11AM-10PM | price= | lastedit=2020-07-08 | content=A burger joint. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Tommy's | alt= | url=https://www.tommyskingston.ca/ | email= | address=377 Princess St | lat=44.2331 | long=-76.4912 | directions= | phone=+1 613-766-6585 | tollfree= | hours=M - Th 9:30AM to 2:30AM, F-Su 24 hr| price= | lastedit=2020-07-08 | content=Typical diner fare, including all-day breakfast, served in a 1950-style space with a full bar. }} * {{eat | name=Northside espresso + kitchen | alt= | url=https://northside-espresso-kitchen.myshopify.com/ | email=hello@northsideespressoandkitchen.com | address=198 Princess St | lat=44.232 | long=-76.4857 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Temporarily closed as of June 2025 pending move to 198 Princess St. | price= | lastedit=2025-06-08 | content=Airy-chic Australian cafe offering coffee drinks, along with salads, breakfast & daytime bites. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Sima Sushi | alt= | url=http://www.simasushi.ca/ | email= | address=66 Princess St | lat=44.2313 | long=-76.4813 | directions= | phone=+1 613-542-8040 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 11:30AM - 9:15PM | price= | lastedit=2020-07-08 | content=This cozy eatery serves sushi, Japanese kitchen entrees & sake in a casual, contemporary space. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Grecos | alt= | url=http://www.grecos.ca/ | email= | address=167 Princess St | lat=44.2321 | long=-76.4846 | directions= | phone=+1 613-542-2229 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 11:30AM-10PM | price= | lastedit=2020-07-08 | content=Long-running, informal gathering place for wine & traditional Greek cuisine such as lamb & souvlaki. }} ===Higher=== * {{eat | name=Chez Piggy Restaurant & Bar | url=https://chezpiggy.ca/ | email= | address=68R Princess St | lat=44.2311 | long=-76.4816 | directions= | phone=+1 613-549-7673 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-549-0364 | hours= | price= | content=Hidden inside the same block as ''Chien Noir''. It has a reputation for serving good food. Quality of service is dependent on the extravagance of one's meal, as well as whether wine or water is ordered as one's primary drink. }} * {{eat | name=Pan Chancho Bakery | url=https://panchancho.ca/ | email= | address=44 Princess St | lat=44.2311 | long=-76.4805 | directions= | phone=+1 613-544-7790 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Good for a quick bistro style lunch. Sells the best Italian and French style breads in Kingston. The bakery to ''Chez Piggy''. Has an all day breakfast on weekends. Also has a take-out area selling sandwiches, salads, pre-cooked dinners, and pastries. }} * {{eat | name=Black Dog Tavern |alt=Le Chien Noir Bistro | url=https://www.bdtavern.com/ | email= | address=69 Brock St | lat=44.2308 | long=-76.4820 | directions= | phone=+1 613-549-5635 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Good French cuisine. Reserve since seating is limited. }} * {{eat | name=Olivea | alt= | url=https://www.olivea.ca/ | email=mail@olivea.ca | address=39 Brock St | lat=44.2305 | long=-76.4810 | directions= | phone=+1 613-547-5483 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 11:30AM-4:30PM, 5PM-close | price= | lastedit=2020-07-08 | content=A popular establishment with a patio featuring refined Italian cuisine in a modern, industrial space. }} * {{eat | name=Tango Nuevo | url=http://www.thetango.ca | email= | address=331 King St. E. | lat=44.2307 | long=-76.4810 | directions= | phone=+1 613-531-0800 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-midnight | price= | content=A lounge known for its food as much as its martini list. Its specialities are its salads, sandwiches, and sweet potato fries. It has a full tapas menu, which is 40% off on Sunday and Monday evenings with the purchase of a drink (does not have to be alcoholic). On those nights, groups of 4-6 can eat for $6-7/person + drinks. Enjoy some chill DJ music on Friday nights after 11PM. }} ===Splurge=== * {{eat | name=Casa Domenico | url=http://www.casadomenico.com | email= | address=35 Brock St | lat=44.2305 | long=-76.4808 | directions= | phone=+1 613-542-0870 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=noon-11:30PM | price= | content=Serves excellent quality Italian food, and has consistently good service. The wine list is also quite good. }} * {{eat | name=The River Mill | url=http://www.rivermill.ca | email= | address=2 Cataraqui St | lat=44.2422 | long=-76.4802 | directions= | phone=+1 613-549-5759 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Offers delicious contemporary cuisine, and has a great wine list }} ==Drink== ===Coffee=== * {{drink | name=Coffee and Company | url= | email= | address=53 Princess St | lat=44.2315 | long=-76.4806 | directions= | phone=+1 613-547-9211 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Espresso, coffees, and good teas prepared from loose leaves. A common student study hangout downtown. }} * {{drink | name=Sipps Coffee & Dessert Bar | url= | email= | address=33 Brock St | lat=44.2305 | long=-76.4805 | directions= | phone=+1 613-542-8868 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=8AM – 10PM | price= | content=Coffee shop facing Market Square. A great place to wind down in the evening with a dessert or latté, it is worth a trip just for the décor (look up, the ceiling is decorated with a design stamped into aluminum). Prices are not cheap; while coffee is under $4, a slice of cake runs about $8. Try a hot chocolate, made with Ghirardelli chocolate. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=CRAVE Coffee House & Bakery | alt= | url=http://www.cravecoffeehouse.ca/ | email=info@cravecoffeehouse.ca | address=166 Princess St | lat=44.231938 | long=-76.484701| directions= | phone=+1 613-766-7766 | tollfree= | hours=8AM-6PM | price= | lastedit=2020-07-08 | content=Kingston's largest independently owned and operated coffee house, scratch bakery, and a full-service kitchen. }} * {{drink | name=Balzac's Coffee Roaster | alt= | url=https://shop.balzacs.com/ | email= | address=251 Princess Street | lat=44.2324 | long=76.48731 | directions= | phone=+1 613-417 0600 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 7:30AM - 6PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-21 | content=Eastern outpost of the Stratford ON-based chain. Offers the full range of coffee and tea, as well as baked products. }} ===Alcohol=== There is a relatively healthy pub scene in Kingston with many high quality establishments. Many bars and pubs cater to Kingston's strong university & college student population. All pubs in Kingston are non-smoking. * {{drink | name=Kingston Brewing Company | alt= | url=http://www.kingstonbrewing.ca | email= | address=34 Clarence St | lat=44.229 | long=-76.481 | directions= | phone=+1 613-542-4978 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Clarence St. near the intersection of Ontario St. As implied by its name, this pub brews its own beer and offers many seasonal beers. Notable brews from KBC include ''White Tail'', ''Dragon's Breath'', ''Regal Lager'' ("the palindromic pint"), and the pub's own apple cider. KBC also offers beers from other companies, including ''Guinness'', and other well known brands. They have a monthly "Brewer's Whim" which is usually a Canadian microbrew. }} * {{drink | name=Tir nan Óg | url=https://www.tirnanogpubs.com/ | email= | address=200 Ontario St | lat=44.2293 | long=-76.4808 | directions= | phone=+1 613-544-7474 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-1AM | price= | content='''Tir Nan'Og''' and '''Old Speckled Hen''' are two pubs in the '''Prince George Hotel''' which differ in décor and specialize in beers and whiskies from Ireland and Britain respectively. }} * {{drink | name=The Brass Pub | alt= | url=https://thebrasspub.com/ | email=thebrasspub@gmail.com | address=403 Princess St | lat=44.2334| long=76.4926 | directions= | phone=+1 613-544-8334 | tollfree= | hours=2PM-late | price= | lastedit=2020-07-08 | content=Easygoing, wood-panelled hangout offering typical bar fare & pitchers of draft beer. |fax=|wikidata=}} * {{drink | name=The Mansion Restaurant & Bar | alt= | url=https://themansion.rocks/ | email= | address=506 Princess St | lat=44.234802 | long=-76.496214 | directions= | phone=+1 613-531-0003 | tollfree= | hours=11AM-2AM | price= | lastedit=2020-07-08 | content=Low-key restaurant, bar & live music venue with a pub menu, wine cellar, patio & TVs showing sports. }} * {{drink | name=The Iron Duke on Wellington | alt= | url=http://ironduke.ca/ | email= | address=207 Wellington Street | lat=44.23197 | long=76.48225 | directions=Half a block north of Princess Street. | phone=+1 613-542 4244 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Su 11:30AM–midnight (closed M) | price= | lastedit=2021-08-21 | content=Upscale pub featuring a wide selection of draft beers and cocktails. Well-prepared meals and snacks. }} ==== Nightclubs ==== * {{drink | name=Stages Nightclub | alt= | url=https://www.stagesnightclub.ca/ | email= | address=390 Princess Street | lat=44.2329 | long=-76.4921 | directions= | phone=+1 613-547-5553 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-03-20 | content=A nightclub frequented by Queen's students. $5 cover. }} * {{drink | name=The Ale House & Canteen | alt= | url=http://www.thealehousekingston.ca/ | email=thealehousekingston@gmail.com | address=393 Princess Street | lat=44.2332 | long=-76.4918 | directions= | phone=+1 613-531-5300 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-03-20 | content=Spacious, rustic-chic tavern with pub grub & a sizable stage for concerts. A night club hybrid frequented by Queen's students. $5 cover. Tumble (country music) on Tuesdays. }} ==Sleep== Kingston is separated from Barriefield (Fort Henry, military base and Royal Military College) by the Cataraqui River, part of the [[Rideau Canal]] system. Most of the popular Kingston attractions, including the downtown core, are west of the bridge; most travellers, therefore, seek lodgings in or west of downtown. There are also some franchise chains (food, fuel, lodging) near the freeway (401 exit 617, Division St.) which serve highway travellers; if it's near the 401, it's not near the main attractions (museums, universities, the downtown waterfront, tour boats, ferries or points of historic interest) as 401 is a bypass road. === Downtown === The area near the downtown waterfront is the most favourable location (as many but not all activities are within walking distance) but also the most expensive. Accommodations range from large chain hotels with full facilities to smaller historic properties, to a niche market of small but upscale bed-and-breakfast style inns. There is plenty of good accommodation to be had in the downtown and waterfront area if one is willing to pay top dollar. ==== Hotels ==== * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Kingston Waterfront by IHG | url=https://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/kingston/ygkca/hoteldetail? | email=iv408.fo3@innvesthotels.com | address=2 Princess St | lat=44.2308 | long=-76.478 | directions= | phone=+1 613-549-8400 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-549-3508 | hours= | price=From $200/night | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | lastedit=2023-03-04 | content= Rated 3 diamonds by CAA. 197 rooms (all non-smoking), 6 storeys, room service, wifi, parking ($30/night), indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna, fitness centre, DOX Restaurant and Lounge, laundry, business centre. }} * {{sleep | name=Delta Kingston Waterfront | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/ygkdk-delta-hotels-kingston-waterfront/overview/ | email= | address=1 Johnson St | lat=44.228 | long=-76.480 | directions= | phone=+1 613-549-8100 | tollfree=+1-888-890-3222 | fax=+1 613-547-3241 | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=From $200/night | lastedit=2023-03-04 | content= Rated 3 diamonds by CAA. 126 rooms, 6 storeys. Renovated 2013, former Ramada/Radisson. Parking ($30/night), EV charging available. }} * {{sleep | name=Confederation Place | alt= | url=https://www.confederationplace.com/ | email= guestservices@confedplace.com | address=237 Ontario St | lat=44.23057 | long=-76.47949 | directions= | phone=+1 613-549-6300 | tollfree= | fax= +1 613-549-1568 | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $170/night | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-03-04 | content= Not rated by CAA. Complimentary continental breakfast. Parking ($20/night). }} * {{sleep | name=Four Points by Sheraton | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/ygkfp-four-points-by-sheraton-kingston/overview/ | email= | address=285 King Street E | lat=44.22923 | long=-76.48175 | directions= | phone=+1 613-544-4434 | tollfree= | fax= +1 613-548-1782 | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=From $170 | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-03-04 | content= Rated 3 diamonds by CAA. 169 rooms, 9 storeys. Parking ($30/night). }} * {{sleep | name=Residence Inn by Mariott | alt= | url= https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/ygkri-residence-inn-kingston-waters-edge/overview/ | email= | address=7 Earl Street | lat=44.226600 | long=-76.48160 | directions= | phone=+1 613-544-4888 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=4PM | checkout=noon | price=From $200/night | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-03-04 | content= Rated 3 diamonds by CAA. 141 rooms. Parking ($32/night). Complimentary breakfast. }} ==== Bed & Breakfast ==== * {{sleep | name=Secret Garden Inn | url=http://thesecretgarden.com | email= | address=73 Sydenham St S | lat=44.2297 | long=-76.4878 | directions= | phone=+1 613-531-9884 | tollfree=+1-877-723-1888 | fax= | hours= | price=$160-190/night | checkin= | checkout= | content=Historic 1888 Queen Anne/Victorian style bed-and-breakfast inn with antique furnishings, fireplaces and stained glass windows. }} * {{sleep | name=Hochelaga Inn | alt= | url=http://hochelagainn.com/ | email=stay@hochelagainn.com | address=24 Sydenham St. South | lat=44.228275 | long=-76.488322 | directions= | phone=+1 613-549-5534 | tollfree=+1-877-933-9433 | fax= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=$150 Queen-bed room for 2 | lastedit=2016-05-22 | content=A bed-and-breakfast with 21 rooms, in the Sydenham district close to the waterfront. }} === Princess Street === Princess Street is Kingston's main street, and outside of the downtown core, the majority of non-freeway-exit lodging is on Princess Street. ==== Williamsville (Downtown West) ==== * {{sleep | name=Howard Johnson by Wyndham | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/en-ca/hojo/kingston-ontario/howard-johnson-inn-kingston/overview | email= | address=686 Princess Street | lat=44.2377 | long=-76.5039 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=4PM | checkout=11AM | price= $110+/night | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-03-05 | content= Not rated by CAA. Complimentary continental breakfast. }} * {{sleep | name= Econo Lodge City Centre | alt= | url=https://www.choicehotels.com/ontario/kingston/econo-lodge-hotels/cn792 | email= | address=840 Princess Street | lat=44.2393 | long=-76.5086 | directions= | phone=+1 613-549-4546 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-549-7485 | checkin= 4PM | checkout=11AM | price= From $100/night | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-03-05 | content= Not rated by CAA. Complimentary continental breakfast. No rooms are accessible. }} ==== West End ==== Kingston's train station is at the northwestern edge of the city far from the centre (the tracks were the pre-1998 town line); a few hotels serve this area: * {{sleep | name=Fireside Inn & Conference Centre (Best Western) | url=http://www.bestwesternkingston.ca | email= | address=1217 Princess St | lat=44.2465 | long=-76.523 | directions= | phone=+1 613-549-2211 | tollfree=+1-800-567-8800 | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=In-room fireplaces, meeting facilities for 6-70 people, whirlpool suites at $250-350/night, 37" flatscreen TV, outdoor pool and patio. Bistro and restaurant on-site. }} * {{sleep | name=Ambassador Conference Resort | url=http://www.ambassadorhotel.com | email= | address=1550 Princess St | lat=44.2525 | long=-76.5363 | directions= | phone=+1 613-548-3605 | tollfree=+1-800-267-7880 | fax= | hours= | price=$160/night | checkin= | checkout= | content=Convention centre, extensive athletic and recreational facilities, indoor water park. JM's Restaurant and Lounge on-site. Near train station. }} * {{sleep | name=Ramada Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=1454 Princess St | lat=44.250659 | long=-76.535270 | directions= | phone=+1 613-549-5550 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price= | lastedit=2017-08-10 | content=Under $120/night for clean, modern accommodations but with no restaurant, no pool, no amenities on-site. This two-storey hotel was built at the end of the 1970s as part of Journey's End, one of the first economy limited service hotel chains. }} West of Sydenham Road, the selection is dominated by low-priced (or at least under $100) suburban motels on the old Highway 2 (now Princess Street), with many small independent operators. Most small, independent roadside motels in this area pre-date the freeway and the economy limited-service hotel chains, but the majority are reasonably-well maintained (with a few unfortunate exceptions) at moderate prices. There are no hotels, motels or other services around the airport. === Near Highway 401 === As with many freeway exits, there are several hotels and motels that serve motorists looking for somewhere to stay the night, but are also good choices should you not mind commuting into the city, as these are cheaper but can offer just as good amenities as the downtown hotels. ==== Gardiners Road Exit ==== * There are two limited-service hotels (a Motel 6 and a Quality Inn) near the factory park on exit 611, Hwy 38/Gardiners Road. ==== Division Street Exit ==== * A few moderately-priced chains (Courtyard by Marriott, Holiday Inn Express, Days Inn, Comfort Inn, FirstCanada Inns) sit among the fast-food emporiums, highway services and outlet stores at Division & 401 (exit 617). These primarily serve motorway traffic. * {{sleep | name=Comfort Inn Kingston Hwy. 401 | alt= | url=http://www.choicehotels.ca/cn273 | email= | address=55 Warne Crescent | lat=44.2676 | long=-76.5019 | directions=at Division St; exit #617 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kingston | alt= | url=https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/kingston/ygkes/hoteldetail | email=info@hiexpresskingston.ca | address=11 Benson Street | lat=44.2668 | long=-76.4972 | directions= | phone=+1 613-546-3662 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=$130–150 | lastedit=2017-10-17 | content=Comfortable, modern hotel by the Division Street exit from the 401. Spacious rooms with good mattresses, bathtub, refrigerator, microwave, and coffee/tea machine. Rate includes wireless Internet and breakfast. 10–15 minutes’ drive from the city centre and university (buses also available). }} ==== Highway 15 Exit ==== * There is a pair of independent motels on exit 623 (Highway 15). === University & college summer accomodations === It is possible to rent short-term residence/dormitory accommodation at '''Queen's University''' and '''St. Lawrence College''' during the summer (usually from May to August); these are unavailable during the main fall/winter academic term as the students return. The university may be able to provide conference facilities for large groups. * {{sleep | name=David C. Smith House | alt=Queen's University | url=https://www.queensu.ca/eventservices/ | email= | address=222 Stuart St | lat=44.2236 | long=-76.4991 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-03-05 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=St. Lawrence College Residence | alt= | url=https://www.stlawrencecollege.ca/community/event-and-banquet-services/kingston-summer-accommodations | email= | address=23 Country Club Dr | lat=44.2213 | long=-76.5288 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= $70+/night | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-03-05 | content= }} === East End === As most of the attractions (except for Old Fort Henry and the military base) are on the west side of the Cataraqui River, the east end has relatively little to offer in travel accommodation. There are a few low-end motels on old Highway 2 near the base and a couple of independent motels at the Hwy 15/401 crossroads. There are additional options across the county line into [[Gananoque]], a population-5500 town where properties ranging from small B&Bs to hotel/motel chains serve visitors to the [[Thousand Islands]] region. [[Leeds and the Thousand Islands]] has a number of campgrounds available during the warmer months. For those [[cruising on small craft]], sleeping on a boat docked at one of the 1000 Islands National Park islands may also be an option. ==Connect== * Wi-fi and public access computers are available at all [https://www.kfpl.ca/hours-and-locations/all-branches Kingston Frontenac Public Library branches]. The hotspots are shut down when the library branch is closed. The Central branch (130 Johnson St, +1 613-549-8888) is open six days a week, as are suburban branches in Calvin Park (88 Wright Cres) and Bayridge (935 Gardiners Road, near the mall). West of the city, there's a [http://www.countylibrary.ca county library] branch in the recreation centre in Amherstview (322 Amherst Drive, {{phone|+1 613-389-6006}}). * Open Wi-fi is available throughout the Cataraqui mall (945 Gardiners Road) in the west end. Coffee shops and fast-food chains (Tim Horton's, Wendy's, Harvey's, McDonald's) operate Wi-Fi hotspots in many locations. * [[Postal service]] is available from the main post office (120 Clarence St, downtown) until 4:30PM weekdays. Some drugstores operate retail postal outlets with extended hours. The UPS Store (427 Princess St downtown, 829 Norwest Road in the west end) provides commercial parcel receiving services and photocopies. * The four main domestic mobile telephone companies (Bell, Telus, Rogers, Freedom Mobile) are readily available. Kingston is not close enough to the border to directly receive US-domestic cellular signals (Sprint, Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) as it's separated from the US mainland by [[Thousand Islands|Wolfe Island]]. ==Go next== * '''[[Rideau Canal]]''' - Canada's historic scenic waterway, that connects Kingston to '''[[Ottawa]]''' through '''[[Smiths Falls]]''', passing through peaceful lakes and villages of [[Eastern Ontario]]. * '''[[Gananoque]] and [[Leeds and the 1000 Islands]]''' - the Ontario side of the '''[[Thousand Islands]]''' region along the Canada-US border. Gananoque serves as a gateway and for the island group, with shopping and services close to Highway 401 and the Thousand Islands Parkway. Marinas and boat tour operators are found in town on the St. Lawrence River. Leeds and the 1000 Islands is the rural area that surrounds Gananoque, home to '''Thousand Islands National Park'''. * '''[[Napanee]]''' - the next town heading west toward [[Belleville (Ontario)|Belleville]]. Home to small museums celebrating focused on local history. Depending on the season, the countryside offers fresh produce, wines, and cider. * '''[[Battersea (Ontario)|Battersea]]''' and '''[[Verona (Ontario)|Verona]]''' - part of the cottage country north of Kingston. Outdoor enthusiasts can launch a boat or canoe into dozens of lakes, camp and explore Frontenac Provincial Park, or rent a cottage for a quieter retreat. * '''[[Prince Edward County]]''' - a rural area on a peninsula almost entirely surrounded by the Bay of Quinte and Lake Ontario. Farms, wineries, cider mills and artisanal local food producers complement a growing restaurant scene throughout the county. '''Sandbanks Provincial Park''' is a popular boating, birding, camping and swimming destination - some swimmers claim it to be the best white-sand beach in Canada. {{routebox | image1=VIA Rail Toronto Montreal icon.png | imagesize1=100 | image1a=VIA Rail Toronto Ottawa icon.png | imagesize1a=100 | link1=Windsor-Quebec corridor | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Toronto]] | minorl1=[[Napanee]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Montreal]] / [[Ottawa]] | minorr1=[[Gananoque]] | image2=Ontario 401.svg | link2=Windsor-Quebec corridor | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Toronto]] | minorl2=[[Napanee]] | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[Montreal]] / [[Ottawa]] via [[File:Ontario 416.svg|16px]] | minorr2=[[Gananoque]] | image3=Ontario 15.svg | directionl3=&nbsp;N | minorl3=[[Smiths Falls]] | majorl3=[[Carleton Place]] | directionr3=S | majorr3=END | image4=Ontario 33.svg | directionl4=W | majorl4=[[Prince Edward County]] | directionr4=E | majorr4=END }} {{geo|44.2315|-76.47936}} {{isPartOf|Seaway Region}} {{guidecity}} 02egqvtfzfibwzgbw24i5rk1ocme6yg 0 17961 5086905 5063330 2025-07-03T03:08:00Z Sgroey 2240936 /* Eat */ ce 5086905 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Lipe Banner.jpg}} [[Image:Lipe Dawn Flip666.jpg|thumb|350px|Sunset, Pattaya Beach at Ko Lipe]] {{mapframe|6.487212|99.299111|zoom=14|width=379|height=235}} '''Ko Lipe''' (Thai: เกาะหลีเป๊ะ) (sometimes spelled ''Koh'' Lipe) is an island in Satun Province, off the Andaman Coast of [[Southern Thailand]]. It is 50km northwest of [[Langkawi]], [[Malaysia]], 67km west of [[Pak Bara]], and 200km southeast of [[Phuket]]. It is part of a cluster of islands called the Butang / Adang Archipelago. Ko Lipe is known for diving, snorkeling, beautiful white sand beaches, and a relaxed atmosphere. It has been referred to as "The Maldives of Thailand". ==Understand== The name "Ko Lipe" is a corrupted version of the Malay name, Pulau Nipis, meaning "thin island". In 1973, Tarutao National Park was established; however, Ko Lipe is outside of the jurisdiction of the neighboring 51 islands of Tarutao National Park, and as such, development is permitted on the island. The island is home to about 500 Urak Lawoi sea gypsies ("chao leh" in Thai and "orang laut" in Malay) who are descendants of the first and only inhabitants of the island 300 years ago. Many of them fled in the late 1800s, when the Dutch mistook them for pirates, due to their nomadic lifestyle. Ownership of the island was disputed since it was uninhabited, and to prevent Malaysian encroachment, they were given a grant to half of the island and live in small villages, predominantly around the far east side of the island near Sunrise Beach. Although some are involved in tourism, many sustain from fishing and farming of rice and vegetables. They retain their animist beliefs in the spirits of their ancestors, the island, and the sea. Twice a year, during the full moon in late May or early June and in late October or early November, they hold a 3-day spiritual festival called pla juk or loy rua, where they pay respects to the memory of their ancestors. In the 1980s, currency was introduced to the island. Resorts were constructed starting in the 1990s. Tourism has resulted in water shortages, waste disposal issues, and other environmental problems. It is common to see garbage being burnt since there are not many reliable options for waste disposal. To help combat this problem, many restaurants and bars will refill used plastic or reusable water bottles for free or very little cost. Look for places with white water jugs or standard water dispensers to reduce waste. ==Get in== As of January 2024, a plastic pontoon floating pier has been constructed where speedboats arrive. If coming from Langkawi, an immigration officer will stamp passports on arrival. There is also a ฿200 fee for entry into the national park; save the ticket as it allows for entry to other nearby islands. ===By plane=== The nearest airports are in [[Trang]] and [[Hat Yai]], which is accessible by ferry then bus, or in [[Langkawi]], accessible by ferry. ===By boat=== In the high season of November to May, speedboats and ferries are offered to/from[[Langkawi]] (1.5 hour), [[Pak Bara]] (1.5 hours), [[Ko Tarutao]] (45 minutes), [[Trang]] (2.5 hours), [[Ko Lanta]] (3 hours), and [[Phuket]] (5 hours). Operators to/from Thailand include [https://www.spcthailand.com/ Satun Pakbara Speed Boat Club], [https://www.tigerlinetravel.com/ Tiger Line], and [https://www.bundhayaspeedboat.com/ Bundhaya Speed Boat] and operators to/from Langkawi include [https://tropicalcharters.com.my/ Tropical Charters] and [https://telaga-terminal.com/ Telaga Terminal]. The boats from Langkawi take your passport as condition for boarding the boat - likely to lose it and highly inefficient, spent hours at immigration whilst waiting in the sun. Ferries operate from mid of October until end of May from/to [[Langkawi]], typically ferry schedule available in the morning and afternoon trip daily, but during shoulder season only available one trip daily, [https://www.kohlipe.my/langkawi-koh-lipe-ferry/ Langkawi to Koh Lipe] schedule for both Kuah jetty and Telaga Harbour departure. Speedboats can often bounce off the waves at very high speeds and passengers can get quite strong jolts into the non-sprung seats, so persons with back or neck problems should not travel on the speedboats, but on ferries. There have been reports of serious back injuries happening on the speedboats. ==Get around== [[File:Taxi koh lipe - panoramio.jpg|thumb|Public transport, Ko Lipe style]] All of Ko Lipe can be covered on foot. A walk between the two furthest walkable points on the island, Serendipity Resort and Patai Galah Beach, takes about 45 minutes for the 3 km journey, using the roads. There are many motorcycles on the island, although none of them are for rent. The saleng are motorcycle sidecar taxis (labeled as such with drivers wearing numbered blue vests) that charge ฿50 per person for any journey or ฿300 per hour, they are typically parked near the 7-Eleven or ordered by phone (phone numbers are displayed on many of the electric poles). There are pickup trucks on the island belonging to resorts and used to transfer their customers' bags on arrival/departure and as shuttles. Certain resorts also operate golf carts as shuttles. Narrow concrete roads link the various beaches. Long-tail boats will take you from any point on the island to any other point on the island for ฿50. ==See== There is a very small Buddhist temple in the center of the island. ==Do== '''Beaches''' - Sunrise Beach in the east faces the sunrise; sunset views are prominent at the smaller Sunset Beach in the west, and Pattaya Beach has more nightlife. Karma Beach in the north faces the Adang/Lipe channel. There are also several smaller beaches including Galah Beach, Svedo Beach, and Batata Beach, near the "secret beach" in the southwest of the island. '''Fishing''' is illegal near the island, so stay away from fishing trips and do not purchase locally-caught fish. ===Diving and snorkeling=== [[File:ClownfishKoLipe flip666.jpg|thumb|Clownfish off Ko Lipe]] Around Ko Lipe are some of Thailand's best reefs, all within easy reach. The reefs around Ko Lipe are largely intact; the 2004 tsunami had little impact here. The currents here are predominantly tidal which means that at certain times of the month strong currents exist. At other times, none at all. You can always find somewhere good to dive but the widest selection of dive sites is available twice a month, following the half moon. You can see sharks, whale sharks, and manta rays. Sightings of are more likely on sites around the edge of the marine park, nearer the deeper waters. For the best chances, try to visit 8 Mile Rock, Stonehenge or Ko Pung. The calm, clear water makes the Ko Lipe area ideal for snorkelling, with 25% of the world's tropical fish species found in the area. There are large varieties of fish around the coral 20m off all of the beaches. Ko Lipe is surrounded by over 30 islands and hundreds of reefs all within easy reach of the island. Tarutao National Park is one of Asia’s oldest marine parks thus the reefs and the islands surrounding Ko Lipe are in very good condition. Nowhere else on the Southeast Asian peninsula will you find so many excellent snorkel sites so easily reached. Snorkeling day trips on a long boat for 10-15 people, visiting 3 snorkeling locations, generally cost ฿600-700 per person. * '''8 Mile Rock''' - A true deep sea pinnacle 75 minutes away by boat. The rock can be a tough place to dive due to the strong currents, but the marine and bird life that come here to feed are fantastic. The top of the pinnacle rises to within 14 meters of the surface. Found here: soft corals, schools of pelagic fish, potato cod, manta rays, whale shark, leopard shark. * '''Between Ko Adang & Ko Rawi''' - Has excellent diving and snorkeling locations between the two islands where the mountains come down to the sea. Underwater there are huge boulders and many types of rare fish and coral species that inhabit the reef in this region. A great spot for drift diving. Snorkelers should head for the east side of Ko Rawi where the national park staff have set up ropes along the reef, so that snorkelers can pull themselves easily along and investigate the reef with ease. * '''Yong Hua Shipwreck''' - In 1996, a fish-factory ship anchored near the western end of Ko Lipe caught fire and sank in about 40m of water. The shipwreck is now completely covered in marine growth and inhabited by schools of fish. The shipwreck has become a very interesting place to dive, but does often have strong currents making it a difficult dive. The top of the wreck is at about 26m sitting on its keel that is at 40m. * '''Hin Takorn Dukong''' - This site is home to just about every species of fish that you can imagine. The site is made up of granite stones shaped similar to building blocks rising up from the seabed into a structure with a series of tall points at its peak. Up to 18m deep. Hard and soft corals, at least 6 types of eel such as snake eels, different types of lion fish and stone fish, squid and cuttlefish try to hide here and succeed in attracting the larger predators such as sailfish. * '''Ko Bu Tang''' - One of the most popular islands to dive. One of the largest islands of the group, Ko Bu Tong supports many bird and animal species. Troops of crab-eating macaque monkeys live on the island and a colorful type of bee-eater bird can often be spotted from the beaches here. Giant corals and shellfish grow everywhere around this island paradise. Dive the north and south channels although for deep diving the "Giant's Staircase" on the islands west side has huge natural stone steps going down to 50 m or more. Also to found on Ko Bu Tang is Sting Ray City, where the blue spotted stingrays are plentiful. This site is also very good for snorkeling. North Side: has Monkey Bay, similar to Sting Ray City but much more steep and dramatic. Expect to see endless rows of tall coral-heads, turtles and rare critters such as the ornamental ghost pipe fish and sharks sleeping under the corals. East Side: has the perfect tiny island of Ko Lokoi. Surrounded by about 90 acres of shallow coral, you could do four dives here and not see it all. * '''Ko Sawang''' - A tiny island on the outer edge of the archipelago. There is not a tree or scrap of vegetation that can grow on this tall smooth stone, but underwater this place is full of life. Fantastic coral gardens growing on the rocky outcrops below. * '''Ko Langcha''' - Between Langcha and Adang is a very nice coral garden really worth the effort both for divers and snorkellers as near-perfect gardens shelter all sorts including rays and eels. ===Diving and snorkeling trip providers=== * {{do | name=Adang Sea Divers | alt=info@adangseadivers.com | url=https://www.adangseadivers.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Sunrise Beach | phone=+66 90 070 0233 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2024-03-22| content=Professional, multilingual, and experienced instructors and dive masters. 1 to 3 dives a day from speedboat. The only dive centre on Ko Lipe offering speedboat dives. SSI and Nitrox courses. Small intimate groups. Specialised in underwater photography. }} * {{do | name=Castaway Divers | url=https://www.kohlipedivers.com/ | email=lipe-divers@castaway-resorts.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Sunrise Beach | phone=+66 87 4781516 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Beach dive: ฿1,200; 1 dive: ฿1,600; 2 dives: ฿3,000; 3 dives: ฿4,000 | content=Multilingual, experienced instructors. Offers night diving, PADI, SDI and freediving courses. Snorkeling trips are run separately from the dive boats daily. Specialises in small intimate groups. Also offers free-diving, where you spend time in the underwater world while holding your breath. }} * {{do | name=Davy Jones Locker |alt=| url=https://www.techdivethailand.com/koh-lipe/ | email= | address=323 Moo 7, Koh Lipe | lat=6.487424906560684 | long=99.30009841918945 | directions=Pattaya Beach | phone=+66 987048474 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Experienced instructors teaching all PADI courses from beginner to divemaster level. Daily trips for certified divers to all the best dive sites around Ko Lipe. Free accommodation for divers and students available when you book online. }} * {{do | name=Forra Diving | alt= | url=https://www.forradiving.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Sunrise Beach | phone=+66 89 6731121 or +66 84 4075691 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Dives from ฿1,500 | content=Multilingual, experienced instructors. Offers night diving, PADI courses, and liveaboard diving trips. Snorkellers are welcome to tag along on day trips for only 500 baht (including lunch & equipment). }} * {{do | name=Ko Lipe Diving | alt= | url=http://www.kolipediving.com/ | email=contact@kolipediving.com | address= | lat=6.48731 | long=99.30582 | directions=Walking St, 200 m from Pattaya Beach | phone=+66 88 3977749 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=08:00-22:00 | price=Dives from ฿1,700 | content=Ko Lipe Diving is a SSI Diamond Dive Center and Instructor Training Facility. They offer daily fun dive day trips for certified divers, a full range of SSI courses from beginner to pro, introductory dives (you can try Scuba Diving) and a wide range of SSI specialties. PADI courses available as well. Non-divers are welcome to join daily trips for snorkeling or a cruise around the islands. Biggest dive boat on the island, 25 meters long, 3 decks, 2 toilets. They can also arrange private trips for couples, friends and families combining diving, snorkeling and island exploration. You can expect professional diving instruction and services in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Well organised. Experienced, multilingual instructors speak English, French, Spanish, Italian, Swedish, German, Dutch, Malay and Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese). }} *{{do | name=Ocean Pro Diving | url=https://www.facebook.com/oceanprodivingkohlipe/ | email=oceanprodivinglipe@gmail.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Pattaya Beach | phone=+66 89 7338068 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=open all year | price= | content=PADI dive centre and Ko Lipe's First PADI TecRec Center, Poseidon ECCR Rebreather rentals. Canadian owner. The first authorized Padi TecRec Dive Center at Koh Lipe 20m boat, the M.V. Chalalai. Snorkeling offered. }} * {{do | name=Satun Dive Resort | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/satundiveresort/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Sunrise Beach Blvd | phone=+66 86 9461271 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Excellent diving and snorkelling guides. All PADI courses available. }} ===Other activities=== * '''Day Trips to Nearby Islands''' - The nearby island of Ko Adang includes Pirate Falls (90 minute hike each way) and Chado Cliff as well as hikes with viewpoints overlooking Ko Lipe. The island of Ko Rawi has a dense jungle. They can be reached by boat taxis. * '''Kayaking''' - Rent a kayak from various spots on the beach and spend the day or two seeing the island and reef. * '''Massages''' - There are plenty of places to get a massage, including an offshoot of the Wat Po massage school in the centre of the island and many massage places on Walking Street. Castaway Resort has a lovely little spa with sea views. A 1 hour massage costs ฿300-400. * '''Sailing''' - Sailing around Ko Lipe and within the Butang Group is certainly the most chilled way to explore these natural gems. There are day sailing trips with snorkelling activities or liveaboard sailing cruises within the Butang Group or as far as Ko Tarutao National Marine Park. * '''Yoga classes''' - Offered by Castaway Resort and [http://keiritasyoga.com/ Kerita's Yoga]. 1 hour classes cost ฿400. * '''Batik Workshops''' - offered by Lipe Art Garden, which also offers lodging. ==Buy== [[File:Ko Tarutao, Mueang Satun District, Satun, Thailand - panoramio (1).jpg|thumb|Welcome to Walking Street!]] There are three ATMs on the island. One is at 7-Eleven on Walking Street. Another is across from Pooh's at the Sunrise end of Walking Street, and the third is in front of Harmony. Many travel agencies or hotels will offer to charge your debit/credit card and give you the cash for a 5-8% fee. For currency exchange, Bundhaya Resort offers the best exchange rates for dollars, euros, pounds or ringgit, but the rate is less than you would receive in a major city. Ice can be bought from Ricci house for ฿10/kg. Prices are uniform on the island and haggling does not produce results. ==Eat== There are plenty of eateries on the island and most hotels serve food and drinks. * {{eat | name=Banana Tree | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Inland | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Serves average food, but drink prices are good and they project movies every night on a big screen. }} * {{eat | name=BAY - Panoramic Restaurant | url=https://www.facebook.com/TheBaykohlipe | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=On a hill overlooking Pattaya Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Thai food. }} * {{eat | name=Benny’s On The Beach | url=https://www.facebook.com/bennyskohlipe/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=at Adang Sea Divers | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Koh Lipe's only plant-based restaurant. Free WiFi. Occasional theme parties and discounted drinks. }} * {{eat | name=Elephant American Coffee House | alt= | url=http://l.ead.me/bawJ7H | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Walking Street, near Pattaya Beach, across from the Pink Market | phone=+66 88 850 1473 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM-1AM; kitchen open until 12:30AM. | price=฿40-800 | content=An East-meets-West American-style coffee house with owners from San Francisco and Thailand. Coffee, homemade baked goods, breakfasts including homemade toasted muesli and lots of crispy bacon. Other menu items include proper American burgers with imported Australian beef, sandwiches, a large selection of fresh salads, on-toast breakfast menu including avocado and ricotta options and many more. There is also full bar built into an actual 10-meter longtail boat. Every night starting at about 20:30, the Banana Band serves up Thai and English music in a relaxed setting. }} * {{eat | name=Flour Power Bakery | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Sunset Beach, next to Sabye Divers | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=cinnamon buns: ฿60, brownies: ฿40; pies: ฿80 | content=There is a brilliant banana cake in small aluminium box shapes. The seats are somewhat hidden behind the house. Western breakfasts and sandwiches are served with their hearty whole-grain bread. }} * {{eat | name=FINO Restaurant | url=https://www.facebook.com/finokohlipe/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Seafood. }} * {{eat | name=On The Rocks Restaurant at Serendipity Beach Resort | url=https://www.facebook.com/OnTheRocksKohLipe/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Burgers and pasta. Also has exotic cocktails and drink specials. }} * {{eat | name=Papaya Mom Restaurant | url=https://www.facebook.com/papayamomkohlipe | email= | address=Walking Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Thai food. Seafood. Live music. }} * {{eat | name=Thai Lady Pancake Shop | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=island centre | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Choose from fillings like coconut, banana, and chocolate. Delicious smoothies sold in plastic cups. }} ==Drink== [[File:O mijn god bar koh lipe - panoramio.jpg|thumb|OMG! Sports Bar & Restaurant]] Most of the hotels serve food and drinks. Those that have water served from large jugs will refill used water bottles for customers if asked politely. Beers cost ฿50 at 7-11 or ฿100 in a bar. Spirits cost around ฿150 and cocktails cost ฿200-250. * {{drink | name=Home Reggae Bar | url=https://www.facebook.com/people/Home-Bar-Koh-lipe/100063656815407/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Mr. Nor, the owner, is a real Rasta and is very friendly. Mostly plays reggae music. Cosmic atmosphere. Mellow scene. If you ask Mr. Nor to see his nunchucks collection, he will proudly show it to you. On 6 February, they celebrate Bob Marley's birthday with a 3-day music and culture festival. }} * {{drink | name=OMG! Sports Bar & Restaurant | url=https://www.facebook.com/omgkohlipe | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=50 m from the intersection, at the end of Walking St (near Sunrise Beach) toward Chao Lay Village | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=There are pool tables and TVs for watching big sports events, and there are usually a few local divers hanging out there. They also serve some delicious bar food and bar snacks. Open late. Also sells Swedish snus. }} * {{drink | name=Sealavie Beach Bar | url=https://www.facebook.com/sealaviekohlipe/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Sunrise Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A bar on the beach where customers sit on large bean bags. }} * {{drink | name=Time to Chill Bar | url=https://www.facebook.com/Time-to-chill-bar-1431023853636119 | email= | address=325 Walking St | lat= | long= | directions=In the forest | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=An outdoor bar in the forest with a thatch hut theme. }} * {{drink | name=VERD Ko Lipe | url=https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083340392241 | email= | address=325 Walking St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A stand that sells cannabis edibles and cannabis mojitos. }} ==Sleep== [[File:Koh Lipe Thailand. Koh Lipe Beach Resort, Koh Lipe Island 02.jpg|thumb|Day-beds at Ko Lipe Beach Resort]] ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Bloom Cafe and Hostel | url=https://www.facebook.com/bloom.cafe.hostel/ | email=bloom.cafe.hostel@gmail.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Inland, on Walking Street | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Dorm bed: ฿500 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Dorm beds and private rooms above a cafe. Claims to have the best coffee on the island at the cafe. Guests are generally under age 30. }} * {{sleep | name=The Chic Lipe | url=https://www.thechiclipe.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Dorm beds from ฿500 | checkin= | checkout= | content=A luxurious hostel that also offers private rooms. However, it is more popular with couples than with backpackers and does not have the traditional hostel atmosphere. }} * {{sleep | name=Decho Hostel | url=https://www.facebook.com/dechohostel/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Walking Street | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From ฿900 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Very basic dorms and private rooms with balconies. Affiliated with a travel agent for booking diving trips. Opened in 2017. }} * {{sleep | name=Lipe Village | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/lipevillage.kohlipe | email= | address=Off Walking Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Double room: ฿1,200 | content=Budget hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=LLITS Koh Lipe | alt= | url= | email= | address=325 Walking Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From ฿650 | content=A hostel with dorm beds and private rooms. }} * {{sleep | name=Nest Hostel Lipe | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/nesthostel.lipe/ | email= | address=Walking Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Dorm bed: ฿450; Private rooms: ฿1,750 | content=A clean and comfortable hostel with dorm beds and private rooms. No dedicated common area; guests hang out on the front porch. }} * {{sleep | name=Sang Chan Hostel | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071839283533 | email=sangchanhostel@gmail.com | address=Walking Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Dorm bed: ฿400; Private room: ฿1,000 | content=Extremely clean basic dormitories and private rooms with fans and a good atmosphere for meeting other travelers. Several cats hang out at the hostel; not for those that are allergic. }} * {{sleep | name=Seahorse Lipe Hostel | url=https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063760095751 | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Off Walking Street | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Dorm bed: ฿400; Single room: ฿450; Double room: ฿800 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Rooms are small but comfortable. Shared bathrooms. WiFi is weak. }} * {{sleep | name=The Street Hostel | url=https://www.facebook.com/hostelkohlipe/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Dorm beds from ฿450 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Mixed dorms of 4, 6, or 8 beds, including queen sized bunk beds. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Adang Sea Divers | url=https://www.adangseadivers.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Behind Sunrise Restaurant, next to Varin Village | phone=+66 80 7041366 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Open all year. Eco-friendly. Bungalows: 5 small cosy double fan rooms. Private fully equipped bathroom with hot/cold shower, kettle for tea and coffee in the room, terrace on the garden side. Bungalows are cleaned and towels are provided. The resort recycles its grey water and most of its wastes. Discounted lodging for divers }} * {{sleep | name=Anda Resort | url=https://www.andaresort.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Sunrise Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From ฿3,000 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Beachfront location, includes hotel rooms and bungalows in traditional Thai decors. }} * {{sleep | name=Bonus Resort | url=https://www.facebook.com/BonusResort | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Mid-island, about 400 m from Pattaya Beach and 200 m from Sunrise Beach. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Open Nov-May. Cheap bungalows in middle of the island. There are about 20 fan bungalows and 3 family rooms set among the garden-like jungle. Balcony, mosquito nets, bed, bathroom inside. Electricity 24/7. }} * {{sleep | name=Box Resort | url=http://www.theboxliperesort.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Inland | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=9 rooms. Eco-friendly resort made from converted shipping containers. Also has a tapas bar. Rooms are rarely available. }} * {{sleep | name=Bundhaya Resort & Villas | url=https://www.bundhayaresort.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Southernmost resort on Pattaya Beach | phone=+66 74 750248 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Bungalows from ฿6,200 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Open all year. 80 bungalows. Fan rooms are in the back of the site and are grotty. Resort services include: snorkel and dive trips, mini mart, Internet, and laundry. There is a large open air restaurant and bar with a fantastic view of the beach. Breakfast is included. Decent exchange rates for major currencies. }} * {{sleep | name=Cabana Lipe Beach Resort | alt= | url= | email= | address=Sunrise Beach, Moo 7 | lat= | long= | directions=Sunrise Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From ฿3,600 | content=Well constructed hotel with beachfront views. }} * {{sleep | name=Casa De Lipe Resort and Residence | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Sunset Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=AC rooms with large white decks right on the beach. }} * {{sleep | name=Castaway Resort & Restaurant | url=https://kohlipe.castaway-resorts.com/ | email=lipe@castaway-resorts.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions=S end of Sunrise Beach | phone=+66 83 1387472 or +66 81 1707605 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Bungalows from ฿2,500; House from ฿4,000 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Open all year. It has 43 wooden stilt bungalows with large decks with hammocks, some directly on the beach. Hmong blankets drape over the roomy beds, and fabric lanterns hang in the corner of the rooms. Cold water showers only. The bar and restaurant serves BBQ, Thai, and Western food. It's a nice place to chill out day or night with a cocktail. Daily 1-hour yoga classes in the morning and afternoon for ฿400. }} * {{sleep | name=Chareena Hill Beach Resort & Chareena Beachside Resort | url=https://chareenahillbeachresort.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Pattaya Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From ฿2,200 | checkin=2PM to 9PM | checkout=7:30AM to 11.00AM | content=Will arrange a shuttle from the boat drop off location. }} * {{sleep | name=Coco Beach Bungalows | url=https://cocobungalowkohlipe.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=On Sunrise Beach, next to Castaway Resort | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From ฿1,200 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Basic bungalows with AC, WiFi, refrigerators, and balconies. }} * {{sleep | name=Daya Resort | url=https://www.facebook.com/dayaresortkohlipe/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=W end of Pattaya Beach | phone=+66 80 5082087 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Fan room from ฿1,000; Bungalows from ฿6,400 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Open November to May. Several fan bungalows close to the beach. Exteriors are painted in bright, sunny colours and have verandas looking out onto lovely gardens. Bathrooms have cold water only. There is a very popular seafood restaurant. It's run by a local family, the Chao Ley fishermen who bring their daily catch up the beach and serve it in the evenings. More than 20 bungalows. The family live at the top and bottom entrances so there is some security including the guard dogs. From this resort, you can walk into the next one run by an Italian and have a great breakfast and pizza for lunch. One of the staff is called Bing, and he is a very helpful. }} * {{sleep | name=Forra Diving & Bamboo Resort | alt= | url=https://www.forradiving.com/book-a-room | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Sunrise Beach | phone=+66 89 6731121 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Bungalows: ฿800-฿2,000, with a 25% discount on the bungalow on the days that you dive with Forra. | content=Open all year. 18 well-designed, spacious bungalows, built from natural materials. Every bungalow has one four-poster bamboo double bed or two platform-raised bunk beds with mosquito net and a large terrace and sea view. Some bungalows have a mezzanine floor with an upper window for a good view. and the option of a second bed. Each bungalow has a fan (electricity 08:00-10:30 and 17:30-24:00). Bungalows to sleep 1-4 people available. Advance reservations only accepted from divers. Restaurant serves home-made pizzas and drinks. }} * {{sleep | name=Family Song Koh Lipe | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=far west end of Pattaya Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Fan bungalow: From ฿1,600 | content=Open November to May. Incredible views. The concrete bungalows are particularly unattractive, musty and damp, with splotches of mould on the walls. The bamboo huts are quite a bit brighter and tidier. To get to your room, you'll have to clamber over a maze of steps, stairs, and muddy paths. }} * {{sleep | name=Gecko Lipe Resort | url=https://www.facebook.com/pages/GECKO-LIPE-Resort/319502308151369 | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=in the Chao Ley Village | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From ฿4,000 | checkin= | checkout= | content=In the forest. }} * {{sleep | name=Gipsy Resort | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=6.48838 | long=99.30993 | directions= | phone=+34659610689 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Open November to May. Two rows of thatched huts running off of the beach. Rooms are compact but attractive, with bamboo walls, big beds draped in mosquito netting, sunny open-air bathrooms. Can be a little difficult to find the managers. }} * {{sleep | name=Green View Beach Eco Resort | url=https://www.greenviewkohlipe.com/ | email= | address=80 Moo 7 | lat= | long= | directions=Pattaya Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Bungalows are made with all eco-material: bamboo, wood, leaves, earthen tiles, and granite. Waste is recycled. }} * {{sleep | name=Harmony Bed and Bakery | url=https://www.harmonylipe.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Off Walking Street | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Double room: ฿1,800 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Simple rooms but not for fussy travelers. }} * {{sleep | name=Idyllic Resort | url=http://idyllicresort.com/home/idyllicresort/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=South Sunrise Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=฿4,500-฿9,500 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Open all year. Contemporary concept resort. All rooms are nicely decorated and have a luxury finish. Health spa, Wi-Fi, restaurant and bar. }} * {{sleep | name=Kathalee Lipe Resort | url=https://www.kathaleeliperesort.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Southern end of Sunrise Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From ฿2,800 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Nice rooms with AC and free rental of kayaks and snorkels. }} * {{sleep | name=Koh Lipe Beach Resort | alt= | url=http://www.lipebeachresort.com/ | email=reservations@lipebeachresort.com | address=Sunrise Beach, Moo 7 | lat=6.493010 | long=99.308905 | directions= | phone=+66 80 5431 466 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From US$60 | content=41 stand-alone bungalows in a tropical setting. Accommodations range from bamboo and wooden bungalows to rooms. Majority of the bungalows offer sea view. }} * {{sleep | name=Mountain Resort | url=https://hotelinpattaya.top/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=E end of Sunset Beach, N tip of Lipe Island, facing the Ko Lipe/Adang channel | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From US$60 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Most rooms feature hot water, satellite TV, a private deck, and spectacular views of the bay. 24 hour electricity. Breakfast included. Mountain Beach Bar offers drinks & massages on the beach. Discounted rates available for on-line reservations. Credit cards accepted. }} * {{sleep | name=Paradise Cottage Resort | url=http://www.paradisecottageresort.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Pattaya Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=High season: Cottage from ฿600; Fan room from ฿1,000; AC room from ฿1,500 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Open Nov-May. 15 spacious bamboo bungalows with private bathroom, some on the beach. }} * {{sleep | name=Plaloma Resort Lipe | url=https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063464352060 | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Inland | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From ฿1,800 | checkin= | checkout= | content=A family run business with basic but renovated spacious rooms and a plentiful breakfast. }} * {{sleep | name=Pooh Bar Resort | url=https://www.facebook.com/poohbarkohlipe | email=Poohbar.resort@gmail.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions=At the end of Walking Street in the middle of the island | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Owned by Pooh and Soi. Live jazz and blues music. Food can be overpriced. }} * {{sleep | name=Sanom Beach Lipe Resort | url=https://www.sanombeachlipe.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Up the hill at Sanom Beach, a short walk from Pattaya Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From ฿2,200 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Chao Ley-owned and operated. On the hillside of Sanom Beach, with panoramic views of Pattaya Beach and the Andaman Sea. Open year round. Credit cards and PayPal accepted. }} * {{sleep | name=Sea To Moon | url=https://www.facebook.com/Seatomoon | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Sunrise Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From ฿1,200 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Basic rooms by the beach. }} * {{sleep | name=Serene Resort | url=https://www.facebook.com/SereneResortLipe/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=This resort does not live up to its name—rooms near the bar are noisy—but the prices are good. }} * {{sleep | name=Sita Beach Resort | url=https://www.sitabeachresort.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Pattaya Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Bungalow: From ฿3,300 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Open all year. Many luxurious bungalows around a pool and more going up the hillside. }} * {{sleep | name=The Reef | alt= | url=https://www.thereefkohlipe.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=near Sunrise Beach, easily found on the hill in the centre of the island | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=฿950-฿3,200 | content=Open 1 Nov-15 May. 12 modern rooms are set around a garden courtyard and have access to a terrace overlooking the mountains of Ko Adang, the Chao Ley village and Sunrise Beach. All rooms have air-con and hot showers. Bicycle rental: ฿150 per day. }} * {{sleep | name=Varin Beach Resort | url=https://www.varinbeachresort.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Mid-Pattaya Beach, next to the path to Sunrise Beach and the village | phone=+66 74 728080 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From ฿900 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Open all year. 100 bungalows in many different sizes. 24-hour electricity, private terraces. The beds are reasonably comfortable and the pillows are divine. Longhouse rooms are the cheapest, but there's no soundproofing. The air conditioned villa has fridge and a TV with satellite channels. Massage salon as well as a bar and restaurant are on-site. Breakfast is fried rice, eggs, fried noodles, fruit. Villas have hot showers. }} * {{sleep | name=Wapi Resort | url=http://www.wapiresortkohlipe.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Sunrise Beach, near the end of Walking Street | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Low season: From ฿1,600; High season: From ฿2,700 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Set in a mature pine tree garden, that provides shade. }} * {{sleep | name=Zanom Sunrise Resort and Restaurant | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=S Sunrise Beach | phone=+66 87 4750494 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Spacious and comfortable bungalows with fans (no air conditioning) and private baths (cold water only). The friendly local owners also run a restaurant there that is only open in high season (mid-Nov to mid-May). They serve breakfast, coffee, drinks, seafood, and Thai-style fried fish. A few plastic tables are set up on the sand. }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Akira | url=https://akiralipe.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Pattaya Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From ฿6,800 | checkin= | checkout= | content=One of the nicest places to stay on the island. }} * {{sleep | name=Ananya Lipe Resort | url=https://ananyalipe.com/home.php?lang=en | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Pattaya Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=฿10,000-฿15,000 | checkin= | checkout= | content=67 rooms. }} * {{sleep | name=Bulow Casa Grand View Resort & Spa | url=https://www.bulowcasagrandview.com/ | email= | address=2 Moo 8 T. Kohsarai A | lat= | long= | directions=At the northern end of Sunrise Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From ฿8,000 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Luxurious and romantic bunglows with floor-to-ceiling windows, beach views, and private terraces with pools and jacuzzis. }} * {{sleep | name=Irene Resort | url=https://ireneresort.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=On the northwest coast where Sunrise Beach and Sunset Beach meet | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=฿15,000-฿32,000 | checkin= | checkout= | content=16 villas with floor-to-ceiling windows and beach views. Custom designed long-tail boat excursions and all-day dining options. }} * {{sleep | name=Mali Resorts Pattaya Beach | url=https://www.maliresorts.com/koh-lipe/pattaya-beach/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Pattaya Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=฿3,200-฿8,000 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Luxury rooms, suites, and villas in Balinese style with vaulted ceilings and private gardens. }} * {{sleep | name=Mali Resorts Sunrise Beach | url=https://www.maliresorts.com/koh-lipe/mali-sunrise/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=At the southern end of Sunrise Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=฿5,500-฿6,800 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Luxury suites and villas in Balinese style with vaulted ceilings and private gardens. }} * {{sleep | name=Serendipity Resort | url=https://www.serendipityresort-kohlipe.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=At the southern end of Sunrise Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=฿10,000-฿20,000 | checkin= | checkout= | content=On a private beach, with rooms of 50-55 square meters and villas as big as 200 square meters. }} * {{sleep | name=Ten Moons Lipe Resort | alt= | url=https://tenmoonsliperesort.com/ | email=info@tenmoonsliperesort.com | address= | lat=6.4841 | long=99.3111 | directions=S end of Sunrise Beach | phone=+66 618533936 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=12:00 | checkout=10:00 | price=From ฿6,000 | content=Open all year. Bungalows are built at the beachfront and on a hill with views of the sea and the surrounding islands, set on its own private beach. Bungalows are outfitted with king sized beds with aircon and fan, flat screen TV, free Wi-Fi, fridge, mosquito screened windows and sliding doors, and have Western baths with hot water. Bar and restaurant on the premises. }} * {{sleep | name=Zodiac Seesun Resort | url=https://www.zodiacseesunresort.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=At the southern end of Sunrise Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=฿7,200-฿9,200 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Beachfront rooms with AC. }} ==Stay safe== ===Precautions=== Stonefish have been spotted and photographed in the waters of Ko Lipe. While the chances of getting stung are slim, you may want to consider protective footwear when swimming in the water. ===Medical care=== Lipe Hospital is next to the school on Sunrise Beach and has an English-speaking doctor. There are also several clinics on the island including Siam International Clinic Koh Lipe, Southern Andaman Medical Clinic, and NemoLipe that have English-speaking staff. ==Connect== Free Wi-Fi is available at almost all resorts and bars/restaurants. ==Go next== Ferries and speedboats as well as further bus and train connections can be booked online or at one of the travel agencies on the island. It's best to buy tickets as early as possible as transport can be fully-booked in the high season. If booking from an agency, make sure that the booking is confirmed with the operator. * [[Ko Lanta]] * [[Ko Muk]] * [[Ko Phi Phi]] * [[Ko Tarutao]] * [[Langkawi]] * [[Pak Bara]] * [[Phuket]] {{geo|6.49|99.3}} {{IsPartOf|Southern Andaman Coast}} {{guidecity}} 78vgpusq309hitxqrj50i9yftuqjjg7 5086906 5086905 2025-07-03T03:08:51Z Sgroey 2240936 /* Drink */ ce 5086906 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Lipe Banner.jpg}} [[Image:Lipe Dawn Flip666.jpg|thumb|350px|Sunset, Pattaya Beach at Ko Lipe]] {{mapframe|6.487212|99.299111|zoom=14|width=379|height=235}} '''Ko Lipe''' (Thai: เกาะหลีเป๊ะ) (sometimes spelled ''Koh'' Lipe) is an island in Satun Province, off the Andaman Coast of [[Southern Thailand]]. It is 50km northwest of [[Langkawi]], [[Malaysia]], 67km west of [[Pak Bara]], and 200km southeast of [[Phuket]]. It is part of a cluster of islands called the Butang / Adang Archipelago. Ko Lipe is known for diving, snorkeling, beautiful white sand beaches, and a relaxed atmosphere. It has been referred to as "The Maldives of Thailand". ==Understand== The name "Ko Lipe" is a corrupted version of the Malay name, Pulau Nipis, meaning "thin island". In 1973, Tarutao National Park was established; however, Ko Lipe is outside of the jurisdiction of the neighboring 51 islands of Tarutao National Park, and as such, development is permitted on the island. The island is home to about 500 Urak Lawoi sea gypsies ("chao leh" in Thai and "orang laut" in Malay) who are descendants of the first and only inhabitants of the island 300 years ago. Many of them fled in the late 1800s, when the Dutch mistook them for pirates, due to their nomadic lifestyle. Ownership of the island was disputed since it was uninhabited, and to prevent Malaysian encroachment, they were given a grant to half of the island and live in small villages, predominantly around the far east side of the island near Sunrise Beach. Although some are involved in tourism, many sustain from fishing and farming of rice and vegetables. They retain their animist beliefs in the spirits of their ancestors, the island, and the sea. Twice a year, during the full moon in late May or early June and in late October or early November, they hold a 3-day spiritual festival called pla juk or loy rua, where they pay respects to the memory of their ancestors. In the 1980s, currency was introduced to the island. Resorts were constructed starting in the 1990s. Tourism has resulted in water shortages, waste disposal issues, and other environmental problems. It is common to see garbage being burnt since there are not many reliable options for waste disposal. To help combat this problem, many restaurants and bars will refill used plastic or reusable water bottles for free or very little cost. Look for places with white water jugs or standard water dispensers to reduce waste. ==Get in== As of January 2024, a plastic pontoon floating pier has been constructed where speedboats arrive. If coming from Langkawi, an immigration officer will stamp passports on arrival. There is also a ฿200 fee for entry into the national park; save the ticket as it allows for entry to other nearby islands. ===By plane=== The nearest airports are in [[Trang]] and [[Hat Yai]], which is accessible by ferry then bus, or in [[Langkawi]], accessible by ferry. ===By boat=== In the high season of November to May, speedboats and ferries are offered to/from[[Langkawi]] (1.5 hour), [[Pak Bara]] (1.5 hours), [[Ko Tarutao]] (45 minutes), [[Trang]] (2.5 hours), [[Ko Lanta]] (3 hours), and [[Phuket]] (5 hours). Operators to/from Thailand include [https://www.spcthailand.com/ Satun Pakbara Speed Boat Club], [https://www.tigerlinetravel.com/ Tiger Line], and [https://www.bundhayaspeedboat.com/ Bundhaya Speed Boat] and operators to/from Langkawi include [https://tropicalcharters.com.my/ Tropical Charters] and [https://telaga-terminal.com/ Telaga Terminal]. The boats from Langkawi take your passport as condition for boarding the boat - likely to lose it and highly inefficient, spent hours at immigration whilst waiting in the sun. Ferries operate from mid of October until end of May from/to [[Langkawi]], typically ferry schedule available in the morning and afternoon trip daily, but during shoulder season only available one trip daily, [https://www.kohlipe.my/langkawi-koh-lipe-ferry/ Langkawi to Koh Lipe] schedule for both Kuah jetty and Telaga Harbour departure. Speedboats can often bounce off the waves at very high speeds and passengers can get quite strong jolts into the non-sprung seats, so persons with back or neck problems should not travel on the speedboats, but on ferries. There have been reports of serious back injuries happening on the speedboats. ==Get around== [[File:Taxi koh lipe - panoramio.jpg|thumb|Public transport, Ko Lipe style]] All of Ko Lipe can be covered on foot. A walk between the two furthest walkable points on the island, Serendipity Resort and Patai Galah Beach, takes about 45 minutes for the 3 km journey, using the roads. There are many motorcycles on the island, although none of them are for rent. The saleng are motorcycle sidecar taxis (labeled as such with drivers wearing numbered blue vests) that charge ฿50 per person for any journey or ฿300 per hour, they are typically parked near the 7-Eleven or ordered by phone (phone numbers are displayed on many of the electric poles). There are pickup trucks on the island belonging to resorts and used to transfer their customers' bags on arrival/departure and as shuttles. Certain resorts also operate golf carts as shuttles. Narrow concrete roads link the various beaches. Long-tail boats will take you from any point on the island to any other point on the island for ฿50. ==See== There is a very small Buddhist temple in the center of the island. ==Do== '''Beaches''' - Sunrise Beach in the east faces the sunrise; sunset views are prominent at the smaller Sunset Beach in the west, and Pattaya Beach has more nightlife. Karma Beach in the north faces the Adang/Lipe channel. There are also several smaller beaches including Galah Beach, Svedo Beach, and Batata Beach, near the "secret beach" in the southwest of the island. '''Fishing''' is illegal near the island, so stay away from fishing trips and do not purchase locally-caught fish. ===Diving and snorkeling=== [[File:ClownfishKoLipe flip666.jpg|thumb|Clownfish off Ko Lipe]] Around Ko Lipe are some of Thailand's best reefs, all within easy reach. The reefs around Ko Lipe are largely intact; the 2004 tsunami had little impact here. The currents here are predominantly tidal which means that at certain times of the month strong currents exist. At other times, none at all. You can always find somewhere good to dive but the widest selection of dive sites is available twice a month, following the half moon. You can see sharks, whale sharks, and manta rays. Sightings of are more likely on sites around the edge of the marine park, nearer the deeper waters. For the best chances, try to visit 8 Mile Rock, Stonehenge or Ko Pung. The calm, clear water makes the Ko Lipe area ideal for snorkelling, with 25% of the world's tropical fish species found in the area. There are large varieties of fish around the coral 20m off all of the beaches. Ko Lipe is surrounded by over 30 islands and hundreds of reefs all within easy reach of the island. Tarutao National Park is one of Asia’s oldest marine parks thus the reefs and the islands surrounding Ko Lipe are in very good condition. Nowhere else on the Southeast Asian peninsula will you find so many excellent snorkel sites so easily reached. Snorkeling day trips on a long boat for 10-15 people, visiting 3 snorkeling locations, generally cost ฿600-700 per person. * '''8 Mile Rock''' - A true deep sea pinnacle 75 minutes away by boat. The rock can be a tough place to dive due to the strong currents, but the marine and bird life that come here to feed are fantastic. The top of the pinnacle rises to within 14 meters of the surface. Found here: soft corals, schools of pelagic fish, potato cod, manta rays, whale shark, leopard shark. * '''Between Ko Adang & Ko Rawi''' - Has excellent diving and snorkeling locations between the two islands where the mountains come down to the sea. Underwater there are huge boulders and many types of rare fish and coral species that inhabit the reef in this region. A great spot for drift diving. Snorkelers should head for the east side of Ko Rawi where the national park staff have set up ropes along the reef, so that snorkelers can pull themselves easily along and investigate the reef with ease. * '''Yong Hua Shipwreck''' - In 1996, a fish-factory ship anchored near the western end of Ko Lipe caught fire and sank in about 40m of water. The shipwreck is now completely covered in marine growth and inhabited by schools of fish. The shipwreck has become a very interesting place to dive, but does often have strong currents making it a difficult dive. The top of the wreck is at about 26m sitting on its keel that is at 40m. * '''Hin Takorn Dukong''' - This site is home to just about every species of fish that you can imagine. The site is made up of granite stones shaped similar to building blocks rising up from the seabed into a structure with a series of tall points at its peak. Up to 18m deep. Hard and soft corals, at least 6 types of eel such as snake eels, different types of lion fish and stone fish, squid and cuttlefish try to hide here and succeed in attracting the larger predators such as sailfish. * '''Ko Bu Tang''' - One of the most popular islands to dive. One of the largest islands of the group, Ko Bu Tong supports many bird and animal species. Troops of crab-eating macaque monkeys live on the island and a colorful type of bee-eater bird can often be spotted from the beaches here. Giant corals and shellfish grow everywhere around this island paradise. Dive the north and south channels although for deep diving the "Giant's Staircase" on the islands west side has huge natural stone steps going down to 50 m or more. Also to found on Ko Bu Tang is Sting Ray City, where the blue spotted stingrays are plentiful. This site is also very good for snorkeling. North Side: has Monkey Bay, similar to Sting Ray City but much more steep and dramatic. Expect to see endless rows of tall coral-heads, turtles and rare critters such as the ornamental ghost pipe fish and sharks sleeping under the corals. East Side: has the perfect tiny island of Ko Lokoi. Surrounded by about 90 acres of shallow coral, you could do four dives here and not see it all. * '''Ko Sawang''' - A tiny island on the outer edge of the archipelago. There is not a tree or scrap of vegetation that can grow on this tall smooth stone, but underwater this place is full of life. Fantastic coral gardens growing on the rocky outcrops below. * '''Ko Langcha''' - Between Langcha and Adang is a very nice coral garden really worth the effort both for divers and snorkellers as near-perfect gardens shelter all sorts including rays and eels. ===Diving and snorkeling trip providers=== * {{do | name=Adang Sea Divers | alt=info@adangseadivers.com | url=https://www.adangseadivers.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Sunrise Beach | phone=+66 90 070 0233 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2024-03-22| content=Professional, multilingual, and experienced instructors and dive masters. 1 to 3 dives a day from speedboat. The only dive centre on Ko Lipe offering speedboat dives. SSI and Nitrox courses. Small intimate groups. Specialised in underwater photography. }} * {{do | name=Castaway Divers | url=https://www.kohlipedivers.com/ | email=lipe-divers@castaway-resorts.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Sunrise Beach | phone=+66 87 4781516 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Beach dive: ฿1,200; 1 dive: ฿1,600; 2 dives: ฿3,000; 3 dives: ฿4,000 | content=Multilingual, experienced instructors. Offers night diving, PADI, SDI and freediving courses. Snorkeling trips are run separately from the dive boats daily. Specialises in small intimate groups. Also offers free-diving, where you spend time in the underwater world while holding your breath. }} * {{do | name=Davy Jones Locker |alt=| url=https://www.techdivethailand.com/koh-lipe/ | email= | address=323 Moo 7, Koh Lipe | lat=6.487424906560684 | long=99.30009841918945 | directions=Pattaya Beach | phone=+66 987048474 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Experienced instructors teaching all PADI courses from beginner to divemaster level. Daily trips for certified divers to all the best dive sites around Ko Lipe. Free accommodation for divers and students available when you book online. }} * {{do | name=Forra Diving | alt= | url=https://www.forradiving.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Sunrise Beach | phone=+66 89 6731121 or +66 84 4075691 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Dives from ฿1,500 | content=Multilingual, experienced instructors. Offers night diving, PADI courses, and liveaboard diving trips. Snorkellers are welcome to tag along on day trips for only 500 baht (including lunch & equipment). }} * {{do | name=Ko Lipe Diving | alt= | url=http://www.kolipediving.com/ | email=contact@kolipediving.com | address= | lat=6.48731 | long=99.30582 | directions=Walking St, 200 m from Pattaya Beach | phone=+66 88 3977749 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=08:00-22:00 | price=Dives from ฿1,700 | content=Ko Lipe Diving is a SSI Diamond Dive Center and Instructor Training Facility. They offer daily fun dive day trips for certified divers, a full range of SSI courses from beginner to pro, introductory dives (you can try Scuba Diving) and a wide range of SSI specialties. PADI courses available as well. Non-divers are welcome to join daily trips for snorkeling or a cruise around the islands. Biggest dive boat on the island, 25 meters long, 3 decks, 2 toilets. They can also arrange private trips for couples, friends and families combining diving, snorkeling and island exploration. You can expect professional diving instruction and services in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Well organised. Experienced, multilingual instructors speak English, French, Spanish, Italian, Swedish, German, Dutch, Malay and Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese). }} *{{do | name=Ocean Pro Diving | url=https://www.facebook.com/oceanprodivingkohlipe/ | email=oceanprodivinglipe@gmail.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Pattaya Beach | phone=+66 89 7338068 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=open all year | price= | content=PADI dive centre and Ko Lipe's First PADI TecRec Center, Poseidon ECCR Rebreather rentals. Canadian owner. The first authorized Padi TecRec Dive Center at Koh Lipe 20m boat, the M.V. Chalalai. Snorkeling offered. }} * {{do | name=Satun Dive Resort | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/satundiveresort/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Sunrise Beach Blvd | phone=+66 86 9461271 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Excellent diving and snorkelling guides. All PADI courses available. }} ===Other activities=== * '''Day Trips to Nearby Islands''' - The nearby island of Ko Adang includes Pirate Falls (90 minute hike each way) and Chado Cliff as well as hikes with viewpoints overlooking Ko Lipe. The island of Ko Rawi has a dense jungle. They can be reached by boat taxis. * '''Kayaking''' - Rent a kayak from various spots on the beach and spend the day or two seeing the island and reef. * '''Massages''' - There are plenty of places to get a massage, including an offshoot of the Wat Po massage school in the centre of the island and many massage places on Walking Street. Castaway Resort has a lovely little spa with sea views. A 1 hour massage costs ฿300-400. * '''Sailing''' - Sailing around Ko Lipe and within the Butang Group is certainly the most chilled way to explore these natural gems. There are day sailing trips with snorkelling activities or liveaboard sailing cruises within the Butang Group or as far as Ko Tarutao National Marine Park. * '''Yoga classes''' - Offered by Castaway Resort and [http://keiritasyoga.com/ Kerita's Yoga]. 1 hour classes cost ฿400. * '''Batik Workshops''' - offered by Lipe Art Garden, which also offers lodging. ==Buy== [[File:Ko Tarutao, Mueang Satun District, Satun, Thailand - panoramio (1).jpg|thumb|Welcome to Walking Street!]] There are three ATMs on the island. One is at 7-Eleven on Walking Street. Another is across from Pooh's at the Sunrise end of Walking Street, and the third is in front of Harmony. Many travel agencies or hotels will offer to charge your debit/credit card and give you the cash for a 5-8% fee. For currency exchange, Bundhaya Resort offers the best exchange rates for dollars, euros, pounds or ringgit, but the rate is less than you would receive in a major city. Ice can be bought from Ricci house for ฿10/kg. Prices are uniform on the island and haggling does not produce results. ==Eat== There are plenty of eateries on the island and most hotels serve food and drinks. * {{eat | name=Banana Tree | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Inland | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Serves average food, but drink prices are good and they project movies every night on a big screen. }} * {{eat | name=BAY - Panoramic Restaurant | url=https://www.facebook.com/TheBaykohlipe | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=On a hill overlooking Pattaya Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Thai food. }} * {{eat | name=Benny’s On The Beach | url=https://www.facebook.com/bennyskohlipe/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=at Adang Sea Divers | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Koh Lipe's only plant-based restaurant. Free WiFi. Occasional theme parties and discounted drinks. }} * {{eat | name=Elephant American Coffee House | alt= | url=http://l.ead.me/bawJ7H | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Walking Street, near Pattaya Beach, across from the Pink Market | phone=+66 88 850 1473 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM-1AM; kitchen open until 12:30AM. | price=฿40-800 | content=An East-meets-West American-style coffee house with owners from San Francisco and Thailand. Coffee, homemade baked goods, breakfasts including homemade toasted muesli and lots of crispy bacon. Other menu items include proper American burgers with imported Australian beef, sandwiches, a large selection of fresh salads, on-toast breakfast menu including avocado and ricotta options and many more. There is also full bar built into an actual 10-meter longtail boat. Every night starting at about 20:30, the Banana Band serves up Thai and English music in a relaxed setting. }} * {{eat | name=Flour Power Bakery | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Sunset Beach, next to Sabye Divers | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=cinnamon buns: ฿60, brownies: ฿40; pies: ฿80 | content=There is a brilliant banana cake in small aluminium box shapes. The seats are somewhat hidden behind the house. Western breakfasts and sandwiches are served with their hearty whole-grain bread. }} * {{eat | name=FINO Restaurant | url=https://www.facebook.com/finokohlipe/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Seafood. }} * {{eat | name=On The Rocks Restaurant at Serendipity Beach Resort | url=https://www.facebook.com/OnTheRocksKohLipe/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Burgers and pasta. Also has exotic cocktails and drink specials. }} * {{eat | name=Papaya Mom Restaurant | url=https://www.facebook.com/papayamomkohlipe | email= | address=Walking Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Thai food. Seafood. Live music. }} * {{eat | name=Thai Lady Pancake Shop | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=island centre | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Choose from fillings like coconut, banana, and chocolate. Delicious smoothies sold in plastic cups. }} ==Drink== [[File:O mijn god bar koh lipe - panoramio.jpg|thumb|OMG! Sports Bar & Restaurant]] Most of the hotels serve food and drinks. Those that have water served from large jugs will refill used water bottles for customers if asked politely. Beers cost ฿50 at 7-11 or ฿100 in a bar. Spirits cost around ฿150 and cocktails cost ฿200-250. * {{drink | name=Home Reggae Bar | url=https://www.facebook.com/people/Home-Bar-Koh-lipe/100063656815407/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Mr. Nor, the owner, is a real Rasta and is very friendly. Mostly plays reggae music. If you ask Mr. Nor to see his nunchucks collection, he will proudly show it to you. On 6 February, they celebrate Bob Marley's birthday with a 3-day music and culture festival. }} * {{drink | name=OMG! Sports Bar & Restaurant | url=https://www.facebook.com/omgkohlipe | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=50 m from the intersection, at the end of Walking St (near Sunrise Beach) toward Chao Lay Village | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=There are pool tables and TVs for watching big sports events, and there are usually a few local divers hanging out there. They also serve some delicious bar food and bar snacks. Open late. Also sells Swedish snus. }} * {{drink | name=Sealavie Beach Bar | url=https://www.facebook.com/sealaviekohlipe/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Sunrise Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A bar on the beach where customers sit on large bean bags. }} * {{drink | name=Time to Chill Bar | url=https://www.facebook.com/Time-to-chill-bar-1431023853636119 | email= | address=325 Walking St | lat= | long= | directions=In the forest | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=An outdoor bar in the forest with a thatch hut theme. }} * {{drink | name=VERD Ko Lipe | url=https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083340392241 | email= | address=325 Walking St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A stand that sells cannabis edibles and cannabis mojitos. }} ==Sleep== [[File:Koh Lipe Thailand. Koh Lipe Beach Resort, Koh Lipe Island 02.jpg|thumb|Day-beds at Ko Lipe Beach Resort]] ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Bloom Cafe and Hostel | url=https://www.facebook.com/bloom.cafe.hostel/ | email=bloom.cafe.hostel@gmail.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Inland, on Walking Street | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Dorm bed: ฿500 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Dorm beds and private rooms above a cafe. Claims to have the best coffee on the island at the cafe. Guests are generally under age 30. }} * {{sleep | name=The Chic Lipe | url=https://www.thechiclipe.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Dorm beds from ฿500 | checkin= | checkout= | content=A luxurious hostel that also offers private rooms. However, it is more popular with couples than with backpackers and does not have the traditional hostel atmosphere. }} * {{sleep | name=Decho Hostel | url=https://www.facebook.com/dechohostel/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Walking Street | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From ฿900 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Very basic dorms and private rooms with balconies. Affiliated with a travel agent for booking diving trips. Opened in 2017. }} * {{sleep | name=Lipe Village | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/lipevillage.kohlipe | email= | address=Off Walking Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Double room: ฿1,200 | content=Budget hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=LLITS Koh Lipe | alt= | url= | email= | address=325 Walking Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From ฿650 | content=A hostel with dorm beds and private rooms. }} * {{sleep | name=Nest Hostel Lipe | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/nesthostel.lipe/ | email= | address=Walking Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Dorm bed: ฿450; Private rooms: ฿1,750 | content=A clean and comfortable hostel with dorm beds and private rooms. No dedicated common area; guests hang out on the front porch. }} * {{sleep | name=Sang Chan Hostel | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071839283533 | email=sangchanhostel@gmail.com | address=Walking Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Dorm bed: ฿400; Private room: ฿1,000 | content=Extremely clean basic dormitories and private rooms with fans and a good atmosphere for meeting other travelers. Several cats hang out at the hostel; not for those that are allergic. }} * {{sleep | name=Seahorse Lipe Hostel | url=https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063760095751 | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Off Walking Street | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Dorm bed: ฿400; Single room: ฿450; Double room: ฿800 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Rooms are small but comfortable. Shared bathrooms. WiFi is weak. }} * {{sleep | name=The Street Hostel | url=https://www.facebook.com/hostelkohlipe/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Dorm beds from ฿450 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Mixed dorms of 4, 6, or 8 beds, including queen sized bunk beds. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Adang Sea Divers | url=https://www.adangseadivers.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Behind Sunrise Restaurant, next to Varin Village | phone=+66 80 7041366 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Open all year. Eco-friendly. Bungalows: 5 small cosy double fan rooms. Private fully equipped bathroom with hot/cold shower, kettle for tea and coffee in the room, terrace on the garden side. Bungalows are cleaned and towels are provided. The resort recycles its grey water and most of its wastes. Discounted lodging for divers }} * {{sleep | name=Anda Resort | url=https://www.andaresort.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Sunrise Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From ฿3,000 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Beachfront location, includes hotel rooms and bungalows in traditional Thai decors. }} * {{sleep | name=Bonus Resort | url=https://www.facebook.com/BonusResort | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Mid-island, about 400 m from Pattaya Beach and 200 m from Sunrise Beach. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Open Nov-May. Cheap bungalows in middle of the island. There are about 20 fan bungalows and 3 family rooms set among the garden-like jungle. Balcony, mosquito nets, bed, bathroom inside. Electricity 24/7. }} * {{sleep | name=Box Resort | url=http://www.theboxliperesort.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Inland | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=9 rooms. Eco-friendly resort made from converted shipping containers. Also has a tapas bar. Rooms are rarely available. }} * {{sleep | name=Bundhaya Resort & Villas | url=https://www.bundhayaresort.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Southernmost resort on Pattaya Beach | phone=+66 74 750248 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Bungalows from ฿6,200 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Open all year. 80 bungalows. Fan rooms are in the back of the site and are grotty. Resort services include: snorkel and dive trips, mini mart, Internet, and laundry. There is a large open air restaurant and bar with a fantastic view of the beach. Breakfast is included. Decent exchange rates for major currencies. }} * {{sleep | name=Cabana Lipe Beach Resort | alt= | url= | email= | address=Sunrise Beach, Moo 7 | lat= | long= | directions=Sunrise Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From ฿3,600 | content=Well constructed hotel with beachfront views. }} * {{sleep | name=Casa De Lipe Resort and Residence | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Sunset Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=AC rooms with large white decks right on the beach. }} * {{sleep | name=Castaway Resort & Restaurant | url=https://kohlipe.castaway-resorts.com/ | email=lipe@castaway-resorts.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions=S end of Sunrise Beach | phone=+66 83 1387472 or +66 81 1707605 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Bungalows from ฿2,500; House from ฿4,000 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Open all year. It has 43 wooden stilt bungalows with large decks with hammocks, some directly on the beach. Hmong blankets drape over the roomy beds, and fabric lanterns hang in the corner of the rooms. Cold water showers only. The bar and restaurant serves BBQ, Thai, and Western food. It's a nice place to chill out day or night with a cocktail. Daily 1-hour yoga classes in the morning and afternoon for ฿400. }} * {{sleep | name=Chareena Hill Beach Resort & Chareena Beachside Resort | url=https://chareenahillbeachresort.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Pattaya Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From ฿2,200 | checkin=2PM to 9PM | checkout=7:30AM to 11.00AM | content=Will arrange a shuttle from the boat drop off location. }} * {{sleep | name=Coco Beach Bungalows | url=https://cocobungalowkohlipe.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=On Sunrise Beach, next to Castaway Resort | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From ฿1,200 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Basic bungalows with AC, WiFi, refrigerators, and balconies. }} * {{sleep | name=Daya Resort | url=https://www.facebook.com/dayaresortkohlipe/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=W end of Pattaya Beach | phone=+66 80 5082087 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Fan room from ฿1,000; Bungalows from ฿6,400 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Open November to May. Several fan bungalows close to the beach. Exteriors are painted in bright, sunny colours and have verandas looking out onto lovely gardens. Bathrooms have cold water only. There is a very popular seafood restaurant. It's run by a local family, the Chao Ley fishermen who bring their daily catch up the beach and serve it in the evenings. More than 20 bungalows. The family live at the top and bottom entrances so there is some security including the guard dogs. From this resort, you can walk into the next one run by an Italian and have a great breakfast and pizza for lunch. One of the staff is called Bing, and he is a very helpful. }} * {{sleep | name=Forra Diving & Bamboo Resort | alt= | url=https://www.forradiving.com/book-a-room | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Sunrise Beach | phone=+66 89 6731121 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Bungalows: ฿800-฿2,000, with a 25% discount on the bungalow on the days that you dive with Forra. | content=Open all year. 18 well-designed, spacious bungalows, built from natural materials. Every bungalow has one four-poster bamboo double bed or two platform-raised bunk beds with mosquito net and a large terrace and sea view. Some bungalows have a mezzanine floor with an upper window for a good view. and the option of a second bed. Each bungalow has a fan (electricity 08:00-10:30 and 17:30-24:00). Bungalows to sleep 1-4 people available. Advance reservations only accepted from divers. Restaurant serves home-made pizzas and drinks. }} * {{sleep | name=Family Song Koh Lipe | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=far west end of Pattaya Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Fan bungalow: From ฿1,600 | content=Open November to May. Incredible views. The concrete bungalows are particularly unattractive, musty and damp, with splotches of mould on the walls. The bamboo huts are quite a bit brighter and tidier. To get to your room, you'll have to clamber over a maze of steps, stairs, and muddy paths. }} * {{sleep | name=Gecko Lipe Resort | url=https://www.facebook.com/pages/GECKO-LIPE-Resort/319502308151369 | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=in the Chao Ley Village | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From ฿4,000 | checkin= | checkout= | content=In the forest. }} * {{sleep | name=Gipsy Resort | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=6.48838 | long=99.30993 | directions= | phone=+34659610689 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Open November to May. Two rows of thatched huts running off of the beach. Rooms are compact but attractive, with bamboo walls, big beds draped in mosquito netting, sunny open-air bathrooms. Can be a little difficult to find the managers. }} * {{sleep | name=Green View Beach Eco Resort | url=https://www.greenviewkohlipe.com/ | email= | address=80 Moo 7 | lat= | long= | directions=Pattaya Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Bungalows are made with all eco-material: bamboo, wood, leaves, earthen tiles, and granite. Waste is recycled. }} * {{sleep | name=Harmony Bed and Bakery | url=https://www.harmonylipe.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Off Walking Street | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Double room: ฿1,800 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Simple rooms but not for fussy travelers. }} * {{sleep | name=Idyllic Resort | url=http://idyllicresort.com/home/idyllicresort/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=South Sunrise Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=฿4,500-฿9,500 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Open all year. Contemporary concept resort. All rooms are nicely decorated and have a luxury finish. Health spa, Wi-Fi, restaurant and bar. }} * {{sleep | name=Kathalee Lipe Resort | url=https://www.kathaleeliperesort.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Southern end of Sunrise Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From ฿2,800 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Nice rooms with AC and free rental of kayaks and snorkels. }} * {{sleep | name=Koh Lipe Beach Resort | alt= | url=http://www.lipebeachresort.com/ | email=reservations@lipebeachresort.com | address=Sunrise Beach, Moo 7 | lat=6.493010 | long=99.308905 | directions= | phone=+66 80 5431 466 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From US$60 | content=41 stand-alone bungalows in a tropical setting. Accommodations range from bamboo and wooden bungalows to rooms. Majority of the bungalows offer sea view. }} * {{sleep | name=Mountain Resort | url=https://hotelinpattaya.top/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=E end of Sunset Beach, N tip of Lipe Island, facing the Ko Lipe/Adang channel | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From US$60 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Most rooms feature hot water, satellite TV, a private deck, and spectacular views of the bay. 24 hour electricity. Breakfast included. Mountain Beach Bar offers drinks & massages on the beach. Discounted rates available for on-line reservations. Credit cards accepted. }} * {{sleep | name=Paradise Cottage Resort | url=http://www.paradisecottageresort.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Pattaya Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=High season: Cottage from ฿600; Fan room from ฿1,000; AC room from ฿1,500 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Open Nov-May. 15 spacious bamboo bungalows with private bathroom, some on the beach. }} * {{sleep | name=Plaloma Resort Lipe | url=https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063464352060 | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Inland | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From ฿1,800 | checkin= | checkout= | content=A family run business with basic but renovated spacious rooms and a plentiful breakfast. }} * {{sleep | name=Pooh Bar Resort | url=https://www.facebook.com/poohbarkohlipe | email=Poohbar.resort@gmail.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions=At the end of Walking Street in the middle of the island | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Owned by Pooh and Soi. Live jazz and blues music. Food can be overpriced. }} * {{sleep | name=Sanom Beach Lipe Resort | url=https://www.sanombeachlipe.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Up the hill at Sanom Beach, a short walk from Pattaya Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From ฿2,200 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Chao Ley-owned and operated. On the hillside of Sanom Beach, with panoramic views of Pattaya Beach and the Andaman Sea. Open year round. Credit cards and PayPal accepted. }} * {{sleep | name=Sea To Moon | url=https://www.facebook.com/Seatomoon | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Sunrise Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From ฿1,200 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Basic rooms by the beach. }} * {{sleep | name=Serene Resort | url=https://www.facebook.com/SereneResortLipe/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=This resort does not live up to its name—rooms near the bar are noisy—but the prices are good. }} * {{sleep | name=Sita Beach Resort | url=https://www.sitabeachresort.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Pattaya Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Bungalow: From ฿3,300 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Open all year. Many luxurious bungalows around a pool and more going up the hillside. }} * {{sleep | name=The Reef | alt= | url=https://www.thereefkohlipe.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=near Sunrise Beach, easily found on the hill in the centre of the island | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=฿950-฿3,200 | content=Open 1 Nov-15 May. 12 modern rooms are set around a garden courtyard and have access to a terrace overlooking the mountains of Ko Adang, the Chao Ley village and Sunrise Beach. All rooms have air-con and hot showers. Bicycle rental: ฿150 per day. }} * {{sleep | name=Varin Beach Resort | url=https://www.varinbeachresort.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Mid-Pattaya Beach, next to the path to Sunrise Beach and the village | phone=+66 74 728080 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From ฿900 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Open all year. 100 bungalows in many different sizes. 24-hour electricity, private terraces. The beds are reasonably comfortable and the pillows are divine. Longhouse rooms are the cheapest, but there's no soundproofing. The air conditioned villa has fridge and a TV with satellite channels. Massage salon as well as a bar and restaurant are on-site. Breakfast is fried rice, eggs, fried noodles, fruit. Villas have hot showers. }} * {{sleep | name=Wapi Resort | url=http://www.wapiresortkohlipe.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Sunrise Beach, near the end of Walking Street | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Low season: From ฿1,600; High season: From ฿2,700 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Set in a mature pine tree garden, that provides shade. }} * {{sleep | name=Zanom Sunrise Resort and Restaurant | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=S Sunrise Beach | phone=+66 87 4750494 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Spacious and comfortable bungalows with fans (no air conditioning) and private baths (cold water only). The friendly local owners also run a restaurant there that is only open in high season (mid-Nov to mid-May). They serve breakfast, coffee, drinks, seafood, and Thai-style fried fish. A few plastic tables are set up on the sand. }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Akira | url=https://akiralipe.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Pattaya Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From ฿6,800 | checkin= | checkout= | content=One of the nicest places to stay on the island. }} * {{sleep | name=Ananya Lipe Resort | url=https://ananyalipe.com/home.php?lang=en | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Pattaya Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=฿10,000-฿15,000 | checkin= | checkout= | content=67 rooms. }} * {{sleep | name=Bulow Casa Grand View Resort & Spa | url=https://www.bulowcasagrandview.com/ | email= | address=2 Moo 8 T. Kohsarai A | lat= | long= | directions=At the northern end of Sunrise Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From ฿8,000 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Luxurious and romantic bunglows with floor-to-ceiling windows, beach views, and private terraces with pools and jacuzzis. }} * {{sleep | name=Irene Resort | url=https://ireneresort.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=On the northwest coast where Sunrise Beach and Sunset Beach meet | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=฿15,000-฿32,000 | checkin= | checkout= | content=16 villas with floor-to-ceiling windows and beach views. Custom designed long-tail boat excursions and all-day dining options. }} * {{sleep | name=Mali Resorts Pattaya Beach | url=https://www.maliresorts.com/koh-lipe/pattaya-beach/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Pattaya Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=฿3,200-฿8,000 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Luxury rooms, suites, and villas in Balinese style with vaulted ceilings and private gardens. }} * {{sleep | name=Mali Resorts Sunrise Beach | url=https://www.maliresorts.com/koh-lipe/mali-sunrise/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=At the southern end of Sunrise Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=฿5,500-฿6,800 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Luxury suites and villas in Balinese style with vaulted ceilings and private gardens. }} * {{sleep | name=Serendipity Resort | url=https://www.serendipityresort-kohlipe.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=At the southern end of Sunrise Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=฿10,000-฿20,000 | checkin= | checkout= | content=On a private beach, with rooms of 50-55 square meters and villas as big as 200 square meters. }} * {{sleep | name=Ten Moons Lipe Resort | alt= | url=https://tenmoonsliperesort.com/ | email=info@tenmoonsliperesort.com | address= | lat=6.4841 | long=99.3111 | directions=S end of Sunrise Beach | phone=+66 618533936 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=12:00 | checkout=10:00 | price=From ฿6,000 | content=Open all year. Bungalows are built at the beachfront and on a hill with views of the sea and the surrounding islands, set on its own private beach. Bungalows are outfitted with king sized beds with aircon and fan, flat screen TV, free Wi-Fi, fridge, mosquito screened windows and sliding doors, and have Western baths with hot water. Bar and restaurant on the premises. }} * {{sleep | name=Zodiac Seesun Resort | url=https://www.zodiacseesunresort.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=At the southern end of Sunrise Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=฿7,200-฿9,200 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Beachfront rooms with AC. }} ==Stay safe== ===Precautions=== Stonefish have been spotted and photographed in the waters of Ko Lipe. While the chances of getting stung are slim, you may want to consider protective footwear when swimming in the water. ===Medical care=== Lipe Hospital is next to the school on Sunrise Beach and has an English-speaking doctor. There are also several clinics on the island including Siam International Clinic Koh Lipe, Southern Andaman Medical Clinic, and NemoLipe that have English-speaking staff. ==Connect== Free Wi-Fi is available at almost all resorts and bars/restaurants. ==Go next== Ferries and speedboats as well as further bus and train connections can be booked online or at one of the travel agencies on the island. It's best to buy tickets as early as possible as transport can be fully-booked in the high season. If booking from an agency, make sure that the booking is confirmed with the operator. * [[Ko Lanta]] * [[Ko Muk]] * [[Ko Phi Phi]] * [[Ko Tarutao]] * [[Langkawi]] * [[Pak Bara]] * [[Phuket]] {{geo|6.49|99.3}} {{IsPartOf|Southern Andaman Coast}} {{guidecity}} 56lpexb65da7fsed841nnymmgj53mvq 5086907 5086906 2025-07-03T03:09:35Z Sgroey 2240936 /* Mid-range */ ce 5086907 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Lipe Banner.jpg}} [[Image:Lipe Dawn Flip666.jpg|thumb|350px|Sunset, Pattaya Beach at Ko Lipe]] {{mapframe|6.487212|99.299111|zoom=14|width=379|height=235}} '''Ko Lipe''' (Thai: เกาะหลีเป๊ะ) (sometimes spelled ''Koh'' Lipe) is an island in Satun Province, off the Andaman Coast of [[Southern Thailand]]. It is 50km northwest of [[Langkawi]], [[Malaysia]], 67km west of [[Pak Bara]], and 200km southeast of [[Phuket]]. It is part of a cluster of islands called the Butang / Adang Archipelago. Ko Lipe is known for diving, snorkeling, beautiful white sand beaches, and a relaxed atmosphere. It has been referred to as "The Maldives of Thailand". ==Understand== The name "Ko Lipe" is a corrupted version of the Malay name, Pulau Nipis, meaning "thin island". In 1973, Tarutao National Park was established; however, Ko Lipe is outside of the jurisdiction of the neighboring 51 islands of Tarutao National Park, and as such, development is permitted on the island. The island is home to about 500 Urak Lawoi sea gypsies ("chao leh" in Thai and "orang laut" in Malay) who are descendants of the first and only inhabitants of the island 300 years ago. Many of them fled in the late 1800s, when the Dutch mistook them for pirates, due to their nomadic lifestyle. Ownership of the island was disputed since it was uninhabited, and to prevent Malaysian encroachment, they were given a grant to half of the island and live in small villages, predominantly around the far east side of the island near Sunrise Beach. Although some are involved in tourism, many sustain from fishing and farming of rice and vegetables. They retain their animist beliefs in the spirits of their ancestors, the island, and the sea. Twice a year, during the full moon in late May or early June and in late October or early November, they hold a 3-day spiritual festival called pla juk or loy rua, where they pay respects to the memory of their ancestors. In the 1980s, currency was introduced to the island. Resorts were constructed starting in the 1990s. Tourism has resulted in water shortages, waste disposal issues, and other environmental problems. It is common to see garbage being burnt since there are not many reliable options for waste disposal. To help combat this problem, many restaurants and bars will refill used plastic or reusable water bottles for free or very little cost. Look for places with white water jugs or standard water dispensers to reduce waste. ==Get in== As of January 2024, a plastic pontoon floating pier has been constructed where speedboats arrive. If coming from Langkawi, an immigration officer will stamp passports on arrival. There is also a ฿200 fee for entry into the national park; save the ticket as it allows for entry to other nearby islands. ===By plane=== The nearest airports are in [[Trang]] and [[Hat Yai]], which is accessible by ferry then bus, or in [[Langkawi]], accessible by ferry. ===By boat=== In the high season of November to May, speedboats and ferries are offered to/from[[Langkawi]] (1.5 hour), [[Pak Bara]] (1.5 hours), [[Ko Tarutao]] (45 minutes), [[Trang]] (2.5 hours), [[Ko Lanta]] (3 hours), and [[Phuket]] (5 hours). Operators to/from Thailand include [https://www.spcthailand.com/ Satun Pakbara Speed Boat Club], [https://www.tigerlinetravel.com/ Tiger Line], and [https://www.bundhayaspeedboat.com/ Bundhaya Speed Boat] and operators to/from Langkawi include [https://tropicalcharters.com.my/ Tropical Charters] and [https://telaga-terminal.com/ Telaga Terminal]. The boats from Langkawi take your passport as condition for boarding the boat - likely to lose it and highly inefficient, spent hours at immigration whilst waiting in the sun. Ferries operate from mid of October until end of May from/to [[Langkawi]], typically ferry schedule available in the morning and afternoon trip daily, but during shoulder season only available one trip daily, [https://www.kohlipe.my/langkawi-koh-lipe-ferry/ Langkawi to Koh Lipe] schedule for both Kuah jetty and Telaga Harbour departure. Speedboats can often bounce off the waves at very high speeds and passengers can get quite strong jolts into the non-sprung seats, so persons with back or neck problems should not travel on the speedboats, but on ferries. There have been reports of serious back injuries happening on the speedboats. ==Get around== [[File:Taxi koh lipe - panoramio.jpg|thumb|Public transport, Ko Lipe style]] All of Ko Lipe can be covered on foot. A walk between the two furthest walkable points on the island, Serendipity Resort and Patai Galah Beach, takes about 45 minutes for the 3 km journey, using the roads. There are many motorcycles on the island, although none of them are for rent. The saleng are motorcycle sidecar taxis (labeled as such with drivers wearing numbered blue vests) that charge ฿50 per person for any journey or ฿300 per hour, they are typically parked near the 7-Eleven or ordered by phone (phone numbers are displayed on many of the electric poles). There are pickup trucks on the island belonging to resorts and used to transfer their customers' bags on arrival/departure and as shuttles. Certain resorts also operate golf carts as shuttles. Narrow concrete roads link the various beaches. Long-tail boats will take you from any point on the island to any other point on the island for ฿50. ==See== There is a very small Buddhist temple in the center of the island. ==Do== '''Beaches''' - Sunrise Beach in the east faces the sunrise; sunset views are prominent at the smaller Sunset Beach in the west, and Pattaya Beach has more nightlife. Karma Beach in the north faces the Adang/Lipe channel. There are also several smaller beaches including Galah Beach, Svedo Beach, and Batata Beach, near the "secret beach" in the southwest of the island. '''Fishing''' is illegal near the island, so stay away from fishing trips and do not purchase locally-caught fish. ===Diving and snorkeling=== [[File:ClownfishKoLipe flip666.jpg|thumb|Clownfish off Ko Lipe]] Around Ko Lipe are some of Thailand's best reefs, all within easy reach. The reefs around Ko Lipe are largely intact; the 2004 tsunami had little impact here. The currents here are predominantly tidal which means that at certain times of the month strong currents exist. At other times, none at all. You can always find somewhere good to dive but the widest selection of dive sites is available twice a month, following the half moon. You can see sharks, whale sharks, and manta rays. Sightings of are more likely on sites around the edge of the marine park, nearer the deeper waters. For the best chances, try to visit 8 Mile Rock, Stonehenge or Ko Pung. The calm, clear water makes the Ko Lipe area ideal for snorkelling, with 25% of the world's tropical fish species found in the area. There are large varieties of fish around the coral 20m off all of the beaches. Ko Lipe is surrounded by over 30 islands and hundreds of reefs all within easy reach of the island. Tarutao National Park is one of Asia’s oldest marine parks thus the reefs and the islands surrounding Ko Lipe are in very good condition. Nowhere else on the Southeast Asian peninsula will you find so many excellent snorkel sites so easily reached. Snorkeling day trips on a long boat for 10-15 people, visiting 3 snorkeling locations, generally cost ฿600-700 per person. * '''8 Mile Rock''' - A true deep sea pinnacle 75 minutes away by boat. The rock can be a tough place to dive due to the strong currents, but the marine and bird life that come here to feed are fantastic. The top of the pinnacle rises to within 14 meters of the surface. Found here: soft corals, schools of pelagic fish, potato cod, manta rays, whale shark, leopard shark. * '''Between Ko Adang & Ko Rawi''' - Has excellent diving and snorkeling locations between the two islands where the mountains come down to the sea. Underwater there are huge boulders and many types of rare fish and coral species that inhabit the reef in this region. A great spot for drift diving. Snorkelers should head for the east side of Ko Rawi where the national park staff have set up ropes along the reef, so that snorkelers can pull themselves easily along and investigate the reef with ease. * '''Yong Hua Shipwreck''' - In 1996, a fish-factory ship anchored near the western end of Ko Lipe caught fire and sank in about 40m of water. The shipwreck is now completely covered in marine growth and inhabited by schools of fish. The shipwreck has become a very interesting place to dive, but does often have strong currents making it a difficult dive. The top of the wreck is at about 26m sitting on its keel that is at 40m. * '''Hin Takorn Dukong''' - This site is home to just about every species of fish that you can imagine. The site is made up of granite stones shaped similar to building blocks rising up from the seabed into a structure with a series of tall points at its peak. Up to 18m deep. Hard and soft corals, at least 6 types of eel such as snake eels, different types of lion fish and stone fish, squid and cuttlefish try to hide here and succeed in attracting the larger predators such as sailfish. * '''Ko Bu Tang''' - One of the most popular islands to dive. One of the largest islands of the group, Ko Bu Tong supports many bird and animal species. Troops of crab-eating macaque monkeys live on the island and a colorful type of bee-eater bird can often be spotted from the beaches here. Giant corals and shellfish grow everywhere around this island paradise. Dive the north and south channels although for deep diving the "Giant's Staircase" on the islands west side has huge natural stone steps going down to 50 m or more. Also to found on Ko Bu Tang is Sting Ray City, where the blue spotted stingrays are plentiful. This site is also very good for snorkeling. North Side: has Monkey Bay, similar to Sting Ray City but much more steep and dramatic. Expect to see endless rows of tall coral-heads, turtles and rare critters such as the ornamental ghost pipe fish and sharks sleeping under the corals. East Side: has the perfect tiny island of Ko Lokoi. Surrounded by about 90 acres of shallow coral, you could do four dives here and not see it all. * '''Ko Sawang''' - A tiny island on the outer edge of the archipelago. There is not a tree or scrap of vegetation that can grow on this tall smooth stone, but underwater this place is full of life. Fantastic coral gardens growing on the rocky outcrops below. * '''Ko Langcha''' - Between Langcha and Adang is a very nice coral garden really worth the effort both for divers and snorkellers as near-perfect gardens shelter all sorts including rays and eels. ===Diving and snorkeling trip providers=== * {{do | name=Adang Sea Divers | alt=info@adangseadivers.com | url=https://www.adangseadivers.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Sunrise Beach | phone=+66 90 070 0233 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2024-03-22| content=Professional, multilingual, and experienced instructors and dive masters. 1 to 3 dives a day from speedboat. The only dive centre on Ko Lipe offering speedboat dives. SSI and Nitrox courses. Small intimate groups. Specialised in underwater photography. }} * {{do | name=Castaway Divers | url=https://www.kohlipedivers.com/ | email=lipe-divers@castaway-resorts.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Sunrise Beach | phone=+66 87 4781516 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Beach dive: ฿1,200; 1 dive: ฿1,600; 2 dives: ฿3,000; 3 dives: ฿4,000 | content=Multilingual, experienced instructors. Offers night diving, PADI, SDI and freediving courses. Snorkeling trips are run separately from the dive boats daily. Specialises in small intimate groups. Also offers free-diving, where you spend time in the underwater world while holding your breath. }} * {{do | name=Davy Jones Locker |alt=| url=https://www.techdivethailand.com/koh-lipe/ | email= | address=323 Moo 7, Koh Lipe | lat=6.487424906560684 | long=99.30009841918945 | directions=Pattaya Beach | phone=+66 987048474 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Experienced instructors teaching all PADI courses from beginner to divemaster level. Daily trips for certified divers to all the best dive sites around Ko Lipe. Free accommodation for divers and students available when you book online. }} * {{do | name=Forra Diving | alt= | url=https://www.forradiving.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Sunrise Beach | phone=+66 89 6731121 or +66 84 4075691 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Dives from ฿1,500 | content=Multilingual, experienced instructors. Offers night diving, PADI courses, and liveaboard diving trips. Snorkellers are welcome to tag along on day trips for only 500 baht (including lunch & equipment). }} * {{do | name=Ko Lipe Diving | alt= | url=http://www.kolipediving.com/ | email=contact@kolipediving.com | address= | lat=6.48731 | long=99.30582 | directions=Walking St, 200 m from Pattaya Beach | phone=+66 88 3977749 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=08:00-22:00 | price=Dives from ฿1,700 | content=Ko Lipe Diving is a SSI Diamond Dive Center and Instructor Training Facility. They offer daily fun dive day trips for certified divers, a full range of SSI courses from beginner to pro, introductory dives (you can try Scuba Diving) and a wide range of SSI specialties. PADI courses available as well. Non-divers are welcome to join daily trips for snorkeling or a cruise around the islands. Biggest dive boat on the island, 25 meters long, 3 decks, 2 toilets. They can also arrange private trips for couples, friends and families combining diving, snorkeling and island exploration. You can expect professional diving instruction and services in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Well organised. Experienced, multilingual instructors speak English, French, Spanish, Italian, Swedish, German, Dutch, Malay and Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese). }} *{{do | name=Ocean Pro Diving | url=https://www.facebook.com/oceanprodivingkohlipe/ | email=oceanprodivinglipe@gmail.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Pattaya Beach | phone=+66 89 7338068 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=open all year | price= | content=PADI dive centre and Ko Lipe's First PADI TecRec Center, Poseidon ECCR Rebreather rentals. Canadian owner. The first authorized Padi TecRec Dive Center at Koh Lipe 20m boat, the M.V. Chalalai. Snorkeling offered. }} * {{do | name=Satun Dive Resort | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/satundiveresort/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Sunrise Beach Blvd | phone=+66 86 9461271 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Excellent diving and snorkelling guides. All PADI courses available. }} ===Other activities=== * '''Day Trips to Nearby Islands''' - The nearby island of Ko Adang includes Pirate Falls (90 minute hike each way) and Chado Cliff as well as hikes with viewpoints overlooking Ko Lipe. The island of Ko Rawi has a dense jungle. They can be reached by boat taxis. * '''Kayaking''' - Rent a kayak from various spots on the beach and spend the day or two seeing the island and reef. * '''Massages''' - There are plenty of places to get a massage, including an offshoot of the Wat Po massage school in the centre of the island and many massage places on Walking Street. Castaway Resort has a lovely little spa with sea views. A 1 hour massage costs ฿300-400. * '''Sailing''' - Sailing around Ko Lipe and within the Butang Group is certainly the most chilled way to explore these natural gems. There are day sailing trips with snorkelling activities or liveaboard sailing cruises within the Butang Group or as far as Ko Tarutao National Marine Park. * '''Yoga classes''' - Offered by Castaway Resort and [http://keiritasyoga.com/ Kerita's Yoga]. 1 hour classes cost ฿400. * '''Batik Workshops''' - offered by Lipe Art Garden, which also offers lodging. ==Buy== [[File:Ko Tarutao, Mueang Satun District, Satun, Thailand - panoramio (1).jpg|thumb|Welcome to Walking Street!]] There are three ATMs on the island. One is at 7-Eleven on Walking Street. Another is across from Pooh's at the Sunrise end of Walking Street, and the third is in front of Harmony. Many travel agencies or hotels will offer to charge your debit/credit card and give you the cash for a 5-8% fee. For currency exchange, Bundhaya Resort offers the best exchange rates for dollars, euros, pounds or ringgit, but the rate is less than you would receive in a major city. Ice can be bought from Ricci house for ฿10/kg. Prices are uniform on the island and haggling does not produce results. ==Eat== There are plenty of eateries on the island and most hotels serve food and drinks. * {{eat | name=Banana Tree | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Inland | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Serves average food, but drink prices are good and they project movies every night on a big screen. }} * {{eat | name=BAY - Panoramic Restaurant | url=https://www.facebook.com/TheBaykohlipe | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=On a hill overlooking Pattaya Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Thai food. }} * {{eat | name=Benny’s On The Beach | url=https://www.facebook.com/bennyskohlipe/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=at Adang Sea Divers | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Koh Lipe's only plant-based restaurant. Free WiFi. Occasional theme parties and discounted drinks. }} * {{eat | name=Elephant American Coffee House | alt= | url=http://l.ead.me/bawJ7H | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Walking Street, near Pattaya Beach, across from the Pink Market | phone=+66 88 850 1473 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM-1AM; kitchen open until 12:30AM. | price=฿40-800 | content=An East-meets-West American-style coffee house with owners from San Francisco and Thailand. Coffee, homemade baked goods, breakfasts including homemade toasted muesli and lots of crispy bacon. Other menu items include proper American burgers with imported Australian beef, sandwiches, a large selection of fresh salads, on-toast breakfast menu including avocado and ricotta options and many more. There is also full bar built into an actual 10-meter longtail boat. Every night starting at about 20:30, the Banana Band serves up Thai and English music in a relaxed setting. }} * {{eat | name=Flour Power Bakery | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Sunset Beach, next to Sabye Divers | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=cinnamon buns: ฿60, brownies: ฿40; pies: ฿80 | content=There is a brilliant banana cake in small aluminium box shapes. The seats are somewhat hidden behind the house. Western breakfasts and sandwiches are served with their hearty whole-grain bread. }} * {{eat | name=FINO Restaurant | url=https://www.facebook.com/finokohlipe/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Seafood. }} * {{eat | name=On The Rocks Restaurant at Serendipity Beach Resort | url=https://www.facebook.com/OnTheRocksKohLipe/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Burgers and pasta. Also has exotic cocktails and drink specials. }} * {{eat | name=Papaya Mom Restaurant | url=https://www.facebook.com/papayamomkohlipe | email= | address=Walking Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Thai food. Seafood. Live music. }} * {{eat | name=Thai Lady Pancake Shop | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=island centre | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Choose from fillings like coconut, banana, and chocolate. Delicious smoothies sold in plastic cups. }} ==Drink== [[File:O mijn god bar koh lipe - panoramio.jpg|thumb|OMG! Sports Bar & Restaurant]] Most of the hotels serve food and drinks. Those that have water served from large jugs will refill used water bottles for customers if asked politely. Beers cost ฿50 at 7-11 or ฿100 in a bar. Spirits cost around ฿150 and cocktails cost ฿200-250. * {{drink | name=Home Reggae Bar | url=https://www.facebook.com/people/Home-Bar-Koh-lipe/100063656815407/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Mr. Nor, the owner, is a real Rasta and is very friendly. Mostly plays reggae music. If you ask Mr. Nor to see his nunchucks collection, he will proudly show it to you. On 6 February, they celebrate Bob Marley's birthday with a 3-day music and culture festival. }} * {{drink | name=OMG! Sports Bar & Restaurant | url=https://www.facebook.com/omgkohlipe | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=50 m from the intersection, at the end of Walking St (near Sunrise Beach) toward Chao Lay Village | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=There are pool tables and TVs for watching big sports events, and there are usually a few local divers hanging out there. They also serve some delicious bar food and bar snacks. Open late. Also sells Swedish snus. }} * {{drink | name=Sealavie Beach Bar | url=https://www.facebook.com/sealaviekohlipe/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Sunrise Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A bar on the beach where customers sit on large bean bags. }} * {{drink | name=Time to Chill Bar | url=https://www.facebook.com/Time-to-chill-bar-1431023853636119 | email= | address=325 Walking St | lat= | long= | directions=In the forest | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=An outdoor bar in the forest with a thatch hut theme. }} * {{drink | name=VERD Ko Lipe | url=https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083340392241 | email= | address=325 Walking St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A stand that sells cannabis edibles and cannabis mojitos. }} ==Sleep== [[File:Koh Lipe Thailand. Koh Lipe Beach Resort, Koh Lipe Island 02.jpg|thumb|Day-beds at Ko Lipe Beach Resort]] ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Bloom Cafe and Hostel | url=https://www.facebook.com/bloom.cafe.hostel/ | email=bloom.cafe.hostel@gmail.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Inland, on Walking Street | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Dorm bed: ฿500 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Dorm beds and private rooms above a cafe. Claims to have the best coffee on the island at the cafe. Guests are generally under age 30. }} * {{sleep | name=The Chic Lipe | url=https://www.thechiclipe.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Dorm beds from ฿500 | checkin= | checkout= | content=A luxurious hostel that also offers private rooms. However, it is more popular with couples than with backpackers and does not have the traditional hostel atmosphere. }} * {{sleep | name=Decho Hostel | url=https://www.facebook.com/dechohostel/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Walking Street | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From ฿900 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Very basic dorms and private rooms with balconies. Affiliated with a travel agent for booking diving trips. Opened in 2017. }} * {{sleep | name=Lipe Village | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/lipevillage.kohlipe | email= | address=Off Walking Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Double room: ฿1,200 | content=Budget hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=LLITS Koh Lipe | alt= | url= | email= | address=325 Walking Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From ฿650 | content=A hostel with dorm beds and private rooms. }} * {{sleep | name=Nest Hostel Lipe | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/nesthostel.lipe/ | email= | address=Walking Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Dorm bed: ฿450; Private rooms: ฿1,750 | content=A clean and comfortable hostel with dorm beds and private rooms. No dedicated common area; guests hang out on the front porch. }} * {{sleep | name=Sang Chan Hostel | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071839283533 | email=sangchanhostel@gmail.com | address=Walking Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Dorm bed: ฿400; Private room: ฿1,000 | content=Extremely clean basic dormitories and private rooms with fans and a good atmosphere for meeting other travelers. Several cats hang out at the hostel; not for those that are allergic. }} * {{sleep | name=Seahorse Lipe Hostel | url=https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063760095751 | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Off Walking Street | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Dorm bed: ฿400; Single room: ฿450; Double room: ฿800 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Rooms are small but comfortable. Shared bathrooms. WiFi is weak. }} * {{sleep | name=The Street Hostel | url=https://www.facebook.com/hostelkohlipe/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Dorm beds from ฿450 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Mixed dorms of 4, 6, or 8 beds, including queen sized bunk beds. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Adang Sea Divers | url=https://www.adangseadivers.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Behind Sunrise Restaurant, next to Varin Village | phone=+66 80 7041366 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Open all year. Eco-friendly. Bungalows: 5 small cosy double fan rooms. Private fully equipped bathroom with hot/cold shower, kettle for tea and coffee in the room, terrace on the garden side. Bungalows are cleaned and towels are provided. The resort recycles its grey water and most of its wastes. Discounted lodging for divers }} * {{sleep | name=Anda Resort | url=https://www.andaresort.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Sunrise Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From ฿3,000 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Beachfront location, includes hotel rooms and bungalows in traditional Thai decors. }} * {{sleep | name=Bonus Resort | url=https://www.facebook.com/BonusResort | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Mid-island, about 400 m from Pattaya Beach and 200 m from Sunrise Beach. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Open Nov-May. Cheap bungalows in middle of the island. There are about 20 fan bungalows and 3 family rooms set among the garden-like jungle. Balcony, mosquito nets, bed, bathroom inside. Electricity 24/7. }} * {{sleep | name=Box Resort | url=http://www.theboxliperesort.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Inland | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=9 rooms. Eco-friendly resort made from converted shipping containers. Also has a tapas bar. Rooms are rarely available. }} * {{sleep | name=Bundhaya Resort & Villas | url=https://www.bundhayaresort.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Southernmost resort on Pattaya Beach | phone=+66 74 750248 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Bungalows from ฿6,200 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Open all year. 80 bungalows. Fan rooms are in the back of the site and are grotty. Resort services include: snorkel and dive trips, mini mart, Internet, and laundry. There is a large open air restaurant and bar with a fantastic view of the beach. Breakfast is included. Decent exchange rates for major currencies. }} * {{sleep | name=Cabana Lipe Beach Resort | alt= | url= | email= | address=Sunrise Beach, Moo 7 | lat= | long= | directions=Sunrise Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From ฿3,600 | content=Well constructed hotel with beachfront views. }} * {{sleep | name=Casa De Lipe Resort and Residence | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Sunset Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=AC rooms with large white decks right on the beach. }} * {{sleep | name=Castaway Resort & Restaurant | url=https://kohlipe.castaway-resorts.com/ | email=lipe@castaway-resorts.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions=S end of Sunrise Beach | phone=+66 83 1387472 or +66 81 1707605 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Bungalows from ฿2,500; House from ฿4,000 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Open all year. It has 43 wooden stilt bungalows with large decks with hammocks, some directly on the beach. Hmong blankets drape over the roomy beds, and fabric lanterns hang in the corner of the rooms. Cold water showers only. The bar and restaurant serves BBQ, Thai, and Western food. It's a nice place to chill out day or night with a cocktail. Daily 1-hour yoga classes in the morning and afternoon for ฿400. }} * {{sleep | name=Chareena Hill Beach Resort & Chareena Beachside Resort | url=https://chareenahillbeachresort.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Pattaya Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From ฿2,200 | checkin=2PM to 9PM | checkout=7:30AM to 11.00AM | content=Will arrange a shuttle from the boat drop off location. }} * {{sleep | name=Coco Beach Bungalows | url=https://cocobungalowkohlipe.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=On Sunrise Beach, next to Castaway Resort | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From ฿1,200 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Basic bungalows with AC, WiFi, refrigerators, and balconies. }} * {{sleep | name=Daya Resort | url=https://www.facebook.com/dayaresortkohlipe/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=W end of Pattaya Beach | phone=+66 80 5082087 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Fan room from ฿1,000; Bungalows from ฿6,400 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Open November to May. Several fan bungalows close to the beach. Exteriors are painted in bright, sunny colours and have verandas looking out onto lovely gardens. Bathrooms have cold water only. There is a very popular seafood restaurant. It's run by a local family, the Chao Ley fishermen who bring their daily catch up the beach and serve it in the evenings. More than 20 bungalows. The family live at the top and bottom entrances so there is some security including the guard dogs. From this resort, you can walk into the next one run by an Italian and have a great breakfast and pizza for lunch. One of the staff is called Bing, and he is a very helpful. }} * {{sleep | name=Forra Diving & Bamboo Resort | alt= | url=https://www.forradiving.com/book-a-room | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Sunrise Beach | phone=+66 89 6731121 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Bungalows: ฿800-฿2,000, with a 25% discount on the bungalow on the days that you dive with Forra. | content=Open all year. 18 well-designed, spacious bungalows, built from natural materials. Every bungalow has one four-poster bamboo double bed or two platform-raised bunk beds with mosquito net and a large terrace and sea view. Some bungalows have a mezzanine floor with an upper window for a good view. and the option of a second bed. Each bungalow has a fan (electricity 08:00-10:30 and 17:30-24:00). Bungalows to sleep 1-4 people available. Advance reservations only accepted from divers. Restaurant serves home-made pizzas and drinks. }} * {{sleep | name=Family Song Koh Lipe | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=far west end of Pattaya Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Fan bungalow: From ฿1,600 | content=Open November to May. Incredible views. The concrete bungalows are particularly unattractive, musty and damp, with splotches of mould on the walls. The bamboo huts are quite a bit brighter and tidier. To get to your room, you'll have to clamber over a maze of steps, stairs, and muddy paths. }} * {{sleep | name=Gecko Lipe Resort | url=https://www.facebook.com/pages/GECKO-LIPE-Resort/319502308151369 | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=in the Chao Ley Village | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From ฿4,000 | checkin= | checkout= | content=In the forest. }} * {{sleep | name=Gipsy Resort | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=6.48838 | long=99.30993 | directions= | phone=+34659610689 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Open November to May. Two rows of thatched huts running off of the beach. Rooms are compact but attractive, with bamboo walls, big beds draped in mosquito netting, sunny open-air bathrooms. Can be a little difficult to find the managers. }} * {{sleep | name=Green View Beach Eco Resort | url=https://www.greenviewkohlipe.com/ | email= | address=80 Moo 7 | lat= | long= | directions=Pattaya Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Bungalows are made with all eco-material: bamboo, wood, leaves, earthen tiles, and granite. Waste is recycled. }} * {{sleep | name=Harmony Bed and Bakery | url=https://www.harmonylipe.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Off Walking Street | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Double room: ฿1,800 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Simple rooms but not for fussy travelers. }} * {{sleep | name=Idyllic Resort | url=http://idyllicresort.com/home/idyllicresort/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=South Sunrise Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=฿4,500-฿9,500 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Open all year. Contemporary resort. Health spa, Wi-Fi, restaurant and bar. }} * {{sleep | name=Kathalee Lipe Resort | url=https://www.kathaleeliperesort.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Southern end of Sunrise Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From ฿2,800 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Nice rooms with AC and free rental of kayaks and snorkels. }} * {{sleep | name=Koh Lipe Beach Resort | alt= | url=http://www.lipebeachresort.com/ | email=reservations@lipebeachresort.com | address=Sunrise Beach, Moo 7 | lat=6.493010 | long=99.308905 | directions= | phone=+66 80 5431 466 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From US$60 | content=41 stand-alone bungalows in a tropical setting. Accommodations range from bamboo and wooden bungalows to rooms. Majority of the bungalows offer sea view. }} * {{sleep | name=Mountain Resort | url=https://hotelinpattaya.top/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=E end of Sunset Beach, N tip of Lipe Island, facing the Ko Lipe/Adang channel | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From US$60 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Most rooms feature hot water, satellite TV, a private deck, and spectacular views of the bay. 24 hour electricity. Breakfast included. Mountain Beach Bar offers drinks & massages on the beach. Discounted rates available for on-line reservations. Credit cards accepted. }} * {{sleep | name=Paradise Cottage Resort | url=http://www.paradisecottageresort.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Pattaya Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=High season: Cottage from ฿600; Fan room from ฿1,000; AC room from ฿1,500 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Open Nov-May. 15 spacious bamboo bungalows with private bathroom, some on the beach. }} * {{sleep | name=Plaloma Resort Lipe | url=https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063464352060 | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Inland | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From ฿1,800 | checkin= | checkout= | content=A family run business with basic but renovated spacious rooms and a plentiful breakfast. }} * {{sleep | name=Pooh Bar Resort | url=https://www.facebook.com/poohbarkohlipe | email=Poohbar.resort@gmail.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions=At the end of Walking Street in the middle of the island | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Owned by Pooh and Soi. Live jazz and blues music. Food can be overpriced. }} * {{sleep | name=Sanom Beach Lipe Resort | url=https://www.sanombeachlipe.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Up the hill at Sanom Beach, a short walk from Pattaya Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From ฿2,200 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Chao Ley-owned and operated. On the hillside of Sanom Beach, with panoramic views of Pattaya Beach and the Andaman Sea. Open year round. Credit cards and PayPal accepted. }} * {{sleep | name=Sea To Moon | url=https://www.facebook.com/Seatomoon | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Sunrise Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From ฿1,200 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Basic rooms by the beach. }} * {{sleep | name=Serene Resort | url=https://www.facebook.com/SereneResortLipe/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=This resort does not live up to its name—rooms near the bar are noisy—but the prices are good. }} * {{sleep | name=Sita Beach Resort | url=https://www.sitabeachresort.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Pattaya Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Bungalow: From ฿3,300 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Open all year. Many luxurious bungalows around a pool and more going up the hillside. }} * {{sleep | name=The Reef | alt= | url=https://www.thereefkohlipe.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=near Sunrise Beach, easily found on the hill in the centre of the island | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=฿950-฿3,200 | content=Open 1 Nov-15 May. 12 modern rooms are set around a garden courtyard and have access to a terrace overlooking the mountains of Ko Adang, the Chao Ley village and Sunrise Beach. All rooms have air-con and hot showers. Bicycle rental: ฿150 per day. }} * {{sleep | name=Varin Beach Resort | url=https://www.varinbeachresort.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Mid-Pattaya Beach, next to the path to Sunrise Beach and the village | phone=+66 74 728080 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From ฿900 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Open all year. 100 bungalows in many different sizes. 24-hour electricity, private terraces. The beds are reasonably comfortable and the pillows are divine. Longhouse rooms are the cheapest, but there's no soundproofing. The air conditioned villa has fridge and a TV with satellite channels. Massage salon as well as a bar and restaurant are on-site. Breakfast is fried rice, eggs, fried noodles, fruit. Villas have hot showers. }} * {{sleep | name=Wapi Resort | url=http://www.wapiresortkohlipe.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Sunrise Beach, near the end of Walking Street | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Low season: From ฿1,600; High season: From ฿2,700 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Set in a mature pine tree garden, that provides shade. }} * {{sleep | name=Zanom Sunrise Resort and Restaurant | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=S Sunrise Beach | phone=+66 87 4750494 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Spacious and comfortable bungalows with fans (no air conditioning) and private baths (cold water only). The friendly local owners also run a restaurant there that is only open in high season (mid-Nov to mid-May). They serve breakfast, coffee, drinks, seafood, and Thai-style fried fish. A few plastic tables are set up on the sand. }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Akira | url=https://akiralipe.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Pattaya Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From ฿6,800 | checkin= | checkout= | content=One of the nicest places to stay on the island. }} * {{sleep | name=Ananya Lipe Resort | url=https://ananyalipe.com/home.php?lang=en | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Pattaya Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=฿10,000-฿15,000 | checkin= | checkout= | content=67 rooms. }} * {{sleep | name=Bulow Casa Grand View Resort & Spa | url=https://www.bulowcasagrandview.com/ | email= | address=2 Moo 8 T. Kohsarai A | lat= | long= | directions=At the northern end of Sunrise Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From ฿8,000 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Luxurious and romantic bunglows with floor-to-ceiling windows, beach views, and private terraces with pools and jacuzzis. }} * {{sleep | name=Irene Resort | url=https://ireneresort.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=On the northwest coast where Sunrise Beach and Sunset Beach meet | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=฿15,000-฿32,000 | checkin= | checkout= | content=16 villas with floor-to-ceiling windows and beach views. Custom designed long-tail boat excursions and all-day dining options. }} * {{sleep | name=Mali Resorts Pattaya Beach | url=https://www.maliresorts.com/koh-lipe/pattaya-beach/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Pattaya Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=฿3,200-฿8,000 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Luxury rooms, suites, and villas in Balinese style with vaulted ceilings and private gardens. }} * {{sleep | name=Mali Resorts Sunrise Beach | url=https://www.maliresorts.com/koh-lipe/mali-sunrise/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=At the southern end of Sunrise Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=฿5,500-฿6,800 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Luxury suites and villas in Balinese style with vaulted ceilings and private gardens. }} * {{sleep | name=Serendipity Resort | url=https://www.serendipityresort-kohlipe.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=At the southern end of Sunrise Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=฿10,000-฿20,000 | checkin= | checkout= | content=On a private beach, with rooms of 50-55 square meters and villas as big as 200 square meters. }} * {{sleep | name=Ten Moons Lipe Resort | alt= | url=https://tenmoonsliperesort.com/ | email=info@tenmoonsliperesort.com | address= | lat=6.4841 | long=99.3111 | directions=S end of Sunrise Beach | phone=+66 618533936 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=12:00 | checkout=10:00 | price=From ฿6,000 | content=Open all year. Bungalows are built at the beachfront and on a hill with views of the sea and the surrounding islands, set on its own private beach. Bungalows are outfitted with king sized beds with aircon and fan, flat screen TV, free Wi-Fi, fridge, mosquito screened windows and sliding doors, and have Western baths with hot water. Bar and restaurant on the premises. }} * {{sleep | name=Zodiac Seesun Resort | url=https://www.zodiacseesunresort.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=At the southern end of Sunrise Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=฿7,200-฿9,200 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Beachfront rooms with AC. }} ==Stay safe== ===Precautions=== Stonefish have been spotted and photographed in the waters of Ko Lipe. While the chances of getting stung are slim, you may want to consider protective footwear when swimming in the water. ===Medical care=== Lipe Hospital is next to the school on Sunrise Beach and has an English-speaking doctor. There are also several clinics on the island including Siam International Clinic Koh Lipe, Southern Andaman Medical Clinic, and NemoLipe that have English-speaking staff. ==Connect== Free Wi-Fi is available at almost all resorts and bars/restaurants. ==Go next== Ferries and speedboats as well as further bus and train connections can be booked online or at one of the travel agencies on the island. It's best to buy tickets as early as possible as transport can be fully-booked in the high season. If booking from an agency, make sure that the booking is confirmed with the operator. * [[Ko Lanta]] * [[Ko Muk]] * [[Ko Phi Phi]] * [[Ko Tarutao]] * [[Langkawi]] * [[Pak Bara]] * [[Phuket]] {{geo|6.49|99.3}} {{IsPartOf|Southern Andaman Coast}} {{guidecity}} 8gn9cc42anmpyx1d8icuso3rlcgkpzq 0 18156 5086900 5085964 2025-07-03T02:55:59Z Sgroey 2240936 /* Go next */ add wikilink 5086900 wikitext text/x-wiki [[File:Ao Ta Lo Woo Pier, Ko Tarutao - Tarutao National Park (16750772789).jpg|thumb|349x349px|Ao Ta Lo Woo Pier, Ko Tarutao]] [[File:Macaca fascicularis in Tarutao National Marine Park.jpg|thumb|A crab-eating macaque on Ko Tarutao]] [[File:Koh Tarutao, Thailand, West coast, Infinity and Eternity.jpg|thumb|A beach on Ko Tarutao]] {{pagebanner|Mena-asia_default_banner.jpg}} '''Ko Tarutao''' is the largest of the 51 islands in the '''Tarutao National Marine Park''' archipelago in the [[Southern Andaman Coast]] of [[Southern Thailand]], in Satun Province. The entirety of the island is a national park, and it is usually open to the public from November to May. ==Understand== Tarutao is approximately 30 km west of the coastal city of [[Satun]]. It is 26.5 km long and 11 km wide. Its highest point is over 700m high, and it is the fourth largest island in the country. The island is almost entirely covered by tropical forest and so is host to many plants and animals. Well over 100 species of birds have been spotted, including doves, hornbills, kingfishers, egrets, sandpipers, plovers, swifts, owls, woodpeckers, and hawks. Larger animal residents include macaques, langurs, flying squirrels, mouse deer, bats, monitor lizards, and snakes. The most dangerous resident animal is the rarely-encountered king cobra. The name Tarutao comes from the Malay words "Pulau Tertua" (the island of old). From 1937 to 1948, the remote Ko Tarutao was used as a prison, with a capacity of 3,000 prisoners. During World War II, after food supplies were cut, the prisoners turned to savage piracy, cold-bloodedly murdering crew of any ships passing by. In 1947, the British army forced the surrender of the pirates within a week. In 1975, the island was named as the first marine national park in Thailand. This has saved the island from overdevelopment, but also makes it somewhat difficult to organise a trip here. In 2002, the 5th season of the television show ''Survivor'' was filmed on the remote south part of the island. It can be reached via chartered long-tail boat in a multi-hour trip. A report in 2013 claimed that the largely unpatrolled southern end of the island [https://www.channel4.com/news/nightmare-island-where-traffickers-imprison-burmas-muslims/ had become the site of a human-trafficking operation]. ==Get in== There is a one-time national park admission charge upon arrival of ฿200 for foreigners and ฿40 for Thai citizens; save the ticket as it allows for entry to other nearby islands. Foreign students pay only ฿100 on presentation of a student card. Private operators including [https://www.spcthailand.com/ Satun Pakbara Speed Boat Club] operate daily speedboats from [[Pak Bara]] to [[Ko Lipe]] with a stop at Ko Tarutao near the park headquarters at Ao Phante Malacca in the northwest of the island. In high season several daily services make this stop, mostly to allow a 20-minute stopover for day-tripping tourists destined for Ko Lipe. While every boat heading to Ko Lipe will stop at Ko Tarutao on the way there, boats returning to Pak Bara will only stop at Ko Tarutao if informed by park headquarters that at least 4 tourists are waiting to embark (2024). In practice this means that to get back to the mainland from Ko Tarutao you may need to head to Ko Lipe first. The journey from either [[Pak Bara]] or [[Ko Lipe]] to Ko Tarutao takes 1 hour and costs ฿600. To [[Pak Bara]], there are bus and minibus connections to most of the major cities in [[Thailand]]. [[Ko Lipe]] can also be reached directly from [[Langkawi]], [[Malaysia]]. If taking the bus to [[Pak Bara]] from elsewhere in [[Thailand]], make sure that you will arrive in time to catch the boat, otherwise you will have to spend a night in [[Pak Bara]]. Boats are only guaranteed to run in the morning. In practice this will probably mean spending a night in Pak Bara. Other options for an overnight stay are Hat Yai, or Trang, both of which are 2 hours away from Pak Bara pier by road. ==Get around== The island can be traversed on foot and by bike. There are few trails but the 18 km of road has almost no traffic. Hiking off-road is not allowed. The island's beaches can also be explored by boat and kayak. ==See== * '''Crocodile Cave (Tam Jorakae)''', a partially submerged cave among the mangroves, can be reached by rented kayak. Despite the name, there are no crocodiles. * '''Former prison at Ao Talo Udang''' - although most of the buildings have been demolished, signage and a museum depicts prisoner life on the island. === Beaches and bays === *'''Malacca''' and '''Molae''' beaches are on the northwest side of the island near the park HQ. *'''Ta Lo Wow''' beach is on the northeast side of the island. It is accessible by road from the park HQ (12 km). *'''Son''' beach is the largest (about 3 km) on the west side of the island and is known as a place where turtles come to lay their eggs. The beach is little visited and even more rarely cleaned, so seaborne rubbish is a problem. *'''Makham''' bay is on the southwest side of Ko Tarutao. Accessible by boat only. *'''Ta Lo U-Dung''' bay is on the southeast side of Ko Tarutao and offers a view of the tiny Singha island. Accessible by boat only. ==Do== * '''Hiking''' - there are several hiking trails in the jungle, including to the Lu Du Waterfall and to the 80m Tob-Bob cliff. * '''Birdwatching and wildlife viewing''' - there are few trails and no organised tours but the single-lane road that traverses the island is in a good state and mostly deserted. * '''Kayaking and paddle-boating''' - available for rent for ฿500/day. * '''Cycling''' - bikes are available for rent for ฿250/day. * '''Snorkeling''' - calm, clear water makes Tarutao Marine Park ideal for snorkelling, with 25% of the world's tropical fish species found in the area. But park staff say that better viewing opportunities are available at Ko Lipe and Ko Adang. A partial exception is the northeast side of Ko Tarutao, which can be reached by chartered longtail boat. ==Buy== There are no ATMs on the island. The closest are in [[Pak Bara]] or [[Ko Lipe]]. Bring plenty of cash! ==Eat and drink== The national park service operates two restaurants and a mini-mart that provide a range of good quality meals: fried rice/noodles (฿70), main courses (฿100-150), all day with cold soft drinks, snacks, water (฿30), and beer (฿50). ==Sleep== All lodging on the island is owned and managed by the national park service. Guests have the choice of non-aircon bungalow with ensuite (600 baht per night), aircon bungalow (1500 baht), or a space on the beach to pitch a tent (approximately 150 baht). You can rent a tent for approximately 200 baht a night, which comes with mats and mosquito nets. Electricity is available only 6 hours per day, in the evening, and supplied by a lorry-sized diesel generator. This makes the aircon bungalows something of a poor deal. '''Lodging cannot be booked online.''' To reserve accommodation in advance you will need to call the park on +66 74783597 or +66 74783485. Alternatively, just show up. Due to the difficulties of reservations and transport, park accommodation is mostly empty even in high season. As of 2024, the park seems to be neglected by Thailand's national park service, although its employees are all doing their jobs loyally and are invariably friendly. Luggage can be stored in the office to free up space if you are camping. Mosquitoes and particularly sandflies can be a problem in the wetter part of high season (from November to January). If you camp, be aware the monkeys are aggressive and may rip your tent to scavenge inside it. Do not keep food or anything scented inside your tent. Anecdotally the tents rented from the national parks service are less likely to be broken into by monkeys. ==Connect== No Wi-Fi is available but mobile data works adequately with all the major Thai operators. ==Go next== *Continue on to [[Ko Lipe]] or [[Ko Adang]] *Head back to [[Pak Bara]] {{isPartOf|Southern_Andaman_Coast}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|6.61666667|99.65}} bov4kwdszj771066xnv0y5vrhluobkd 0 18789 5086774 4101231 2025-07-02T20:09:48Z Mrkstvns 144844 /* Understand */ - add foto 5086774 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Ardmore banner.jpg}} '''[https://chickasawcountry.com Chickasaw Country]''' is in the south-central part of the state of [[Oklahoma]]. ==Cities== {{mapframe|lang=en}} {{mapshape|wikidata=Q495856,Q486651,Q489306,Q489312,Q497854,Q484616,Q489477|type=geomask}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Ada (Oklahoma)|Ada]]|lat=34.763611|long=-96.668333|image=|wikidata=Q345921}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Ardmore (Oklahoma)|Ardmore]]|lat=34.181111|long=-97.129444|image=|wikidata=Q639640}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Atoka]]|lat=34.384167|long=-96.1275|image=|wikidata=Q673953}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Davis (Oklahoma)|Davis]]|lat=34.497778|long=-97.126944|image=|wikidata=Q3240990}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Sulphur (Oklahoma)|Sulphur]]|lat=34.509167|long=-96.975278|image=|wikidata=Q3239732}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Durant]]|lat=33.999722|long=-96.384722|image=|wikidata=Q974953}} - home to Choctaw Casino *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Pauls Valley]]|lat=34.741389|long=-97.220556|image=|wikidata=Q2797403}} *{{marker|type=city|name=Tishomingo|lat=34.235556|long=-96.6775|image=|wikidata=Q299027}} - home of Blake Shelton *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Thackerville]]|lat=33.795833|long=-97.143611|image=|wikidata=Q3287632}} - home to Winstar World Casino and Resort *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Wynnewood]]|lat=34.643889|long=-97.164722|image=|wikidata=Q3241319}} ==Other destinations== *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Chickasaw National Recreation Area]]|lat=34.500556|long=-96.972222|image=|wikidata=Q5096201}} ==Understand== [[File:Ardmore ok2.jpg|thumb|Main Street in Ardmore]] This region of Oklahoma is also home to the government of the Chickasaw Nation. After the Trail of Tears, the Choctaw Tribe was given the entire south-central and south-eastern region of Oklahoma. The Chickasaw Nation was assigned to live in the lands within the Choctaw Nation, but a treaty in 1854 gave the Chickasaws the full south-central region of Oklahoma. As a result, the Chickasaw Nation, headquartered in Ada, Oklahoma, has a large influence in the region. ==Get in== Interstate 35 runs through the heart of Chickasaw Country in Oklahoma. Ardmore is served by [[Amtrak]]'s Heartland Flyer route. The closest commercial airports are in [[Oklahoma City]] and DFW in [[Dallas]]/[[Fort Worth]]. ==Get around== ==See== * {{see | name=Gene Autry Oklahoma Museum | alt= | url=http://www.cow-boy.com/museum.htm | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 580-294-3047 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Gene Autry 12 mi. north of [[Ardmore (Oklahoma)|Ardmore]]. Museum with a collection of memorabilia from Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, Rex Allen, Tex Ritter, Jimmy Wakely, Eddie Dean, and others. This Museum centers around the Western movies of the 1930s and 1940s. }} * {{see | name=Confederate Memorial Museum | alt= | url=http://www.civilwaralbum.com/atoka/menu.htm {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=North edge of Atoka on US-69. A look at southern and southeast Oklahoma. Choctaw Trail of Tears, Butterfield Stage Line and Reba McEntire. There is a picnic area on the grounds. }} * {{see | name=G.W. Exotic Animal Park | alt= | url=http://www.gwpark.org | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Located west of [[Wynnewood]]. This is a 16-acre park and has exotic animals such as tigers, lions, bears, reptiles and monkeys. It is also a refuge for many species. }} * {{see | name=Chickasaw Cultural Center | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-09-07 | content= }} ==Do== ===Festivals=== ===Gambling=== Throughout south-central Oklahoma, there are many casinos owned and operated by the Chickasaw Nation. The largest casino in the United States, WinStar World Casino and Resort, is in Thackerville, Oklahoma on the border of Oklahoma and Texas. ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== This region has a variety of overnight options. Camping grounds and RV parks are found all over the region, as well as a few high-end boutique hotels that are very well-known in the area. ==Stay safe== Both Oklahoma and Chickasaw (Lighthorse) law enforcement have jurisdiction in this part of the state. ==Go next== *[[Choctaw Country]] *[[Frontier Country]] *[[Oklahoma City]] - Oklahoma's capital and largest city *[[Dallas]] {{outlineregion}} {{IsPartOf|Oklahoma}} {{related|Tornado_safety}} {{geo|34.30|-97.21|zoom=9}} cnrkq5h769o35bsyh8y8wyekhdzs0gs 0 19562 5086781 4636684 2025-07-02T20:15:27Z Mrkstvns 144844 add foto 5086781 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Cape_Disappointment_Banner.jpg}} The [http://www.nps.gov/lecl/ '''Lewis and Clark Trail'''] is a [[United States National Trails System|United States National Historic Trail]] commemorating the journey of the 1804-1806 Corps of Discovery expedition that explored the U.S.A.'s newly acquired Louisiana Purchase and beyond. Part of the reason for the expedition was political; the American government wanted to assert its claim to the Oregon Territory which both Britain and Spain also claimed. [[File:Lewis and clark-expedition.jpg|thumb|Artistic interpretation of Lewis and Clark Expedition]] Starting in [[Illinois]], the route follows the [[Floating the Missouri River|Missouri River]] to the headwaters in the [[Rocky Mountains (United States of America)|Rocky Mountains]], then over the Continental Divide. From there it follows the Clearwater, Snake and Columbia Rivers to the Pacific Ocean near [[Astoria|Fort Clatsop]] Oregon. The expedition paved the way for the wave of colonization known as the "[[Old West|Wild West]]", and the parallel [[Oregon Trail]]. ==Understand== {{seealso|Early United States history|Indigenous cultures of North America}} The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail is a trail of approximately three thousand seven hundred miles (6000 km), extending from Wood River, Illinois, to the mouth of the Columbia River in Oregon, and following the outbound and inbound routes of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Today's trail is a joint effort of many organizations and agencies. Although the Trail is administered by the National Park Service, sites along the Trail are managed by federal land management agencies, state, local, tribal, and private organizations. [[North Dakota]], like many other states along the Missouri, has designated a "Lewis and Clark Trail" following the river on both sides. Also common to these states is the naming of the state highways running alongside the rivers; '''1804''' on the east side and '''1806''' on the west. In North Dakota the 1804/1806 signage can be spotty, but the "Lewis and Clark Trail" signs are always there. ==Prepare== [[Image:Lewis and Clark map.png|thumb|center|900px|The long trail]] ==Get in== There are two alternate starting points: [[Bismarck]] and [[Mandan]]. ==Drive== This itinerary discusses two paths: from [[Bismarck]] to [[Williston (North Dakota)|Williston]] on highway 1804, and from [[Mandan]] to [[Watford City]] on highway 1806. From [[Bismarck]], go north on 1804 and follow the Lewis and Clark Trail signs. From [[Mandan]], go north on 1806 and follow the Lewis and Clark Trail Signs. You'll see the Cottonwood forests of the Missouri Valley, and depending on how close you stay to the river, you'll come across plenty of interesting things. Notable Places along the East Bank *Lewis and Clark Steamboat Company, [[Bismarck]] *Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, [[Washburn (North Dakota)|Washburn]] Notable Places along the West Bank *Cross Ranch State Park near Stanton *Lake Sakakawea State Park near the Garrison Dam River crossings are located at *Buford, on State Highway 58. *[[Williston (North Dakota)|Williston]], on US 85 southwest of town. *[[New Town]], on State Highway 23 west of town. *Garrison Dam, on State Highway 200. *[[Washburn (North Dakota)|Washburn]], on State Highway 200A. *and of course Bismarck/Mandan. ==By train== [[Amtrak]]'s ''[[Empire Builder]]'' follows part of the route in [[North Dakota]] and [[Montana]]. The National Park Service seasonally provides interpreters aboard the Empire Builder who explain Lewis and Clark's trip. The Portland branch of the Empire Builder follows their route on the Columbia River for several hundred more miles. ==Boat== It is possible to retrace most of the route the same way Lewis and Clark did--by boat--on the [[Floating the Missouri River|Missouri]] and Columbia Rivers. ==Do== ====[[Illinois]]==== * {{do | name=Lewis and Clark State Historic Site | alt= | url=http://www.campdubois.com/ | email= | address=#1 Lewis & Clark Trail, Hartford, IL 62048 | lat=38.8023 | long=-90.1021 | directions= | phone=+1 618 251-5811 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lewis and Clark State Historic Site | image=Camp Dubois reconstruction 034.jpg | wikidata=Q6537225 | content= }} ====[[Missouri]]==== * {{do | name=Gateway Arch National Park | alt=formerly Jefferson National Expansion Memorial | url=https://www.nps.gov/jeff | email= | address=11 North 4th St, [[St. Louis]] | lat=38.6246 | long=-90.185 | directions= | phone=+1 314 655-1700 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Gateway Arch National Park | image=Gateway Arch edit1.jpg | wikidata=Q45234 | lastedit=2018-09-01 | content= }} * {{do | name=National Frontier Trails Museum | alt= | url=http://www.ci.independence.mo.us/NFTM/ | email= | address=318 W Pacific, [[Independence (Missouri)|Independence]] | lat=39.087222 | long=-94.419444 | directions= | phone=+1 816 325-7575 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q49530455 | lastedit=2020-02-03 | content= }} * {{do | name=The Lewis and Clark Boathouse and Nature Center | url= | email= | address=Bishop's Landing, 1050 Riverside Drive, St Charles, MO 63301 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 636 947-3199 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ====[[Kansas]]==== * {{do | name=Frontier Army Museum | url= | email= | address=100 Reynolds Ave,Fort Leavenworth, KS 66027 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 913 684-3767 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ====[[Iowa]]==== * {{do | name=Lewis and Clark State Park | alt= | url=http://www.iowadnr.com/parks/state_park_list/lewis_clark.html | email= | address=Route 1, Box 104, Onawa, IA 51040 | lat=42.045753 | long=-96.169584 | directions= | phone=+1 712 423-2829 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lewis and Clark State Park (Iowa) | image=Keelboat at Lewis & Clark State Park.JPG | wikidata=Q25247793 | content= }} * {{do | name=Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center | alt= | url=http://www.siouxcitylcic.com/ | email= | address=900 Larsen Road, Sioux City, IA 51102 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 712 224-5242 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-02-27 | content= }} ====[[Nebraska]]==== * {{do | name=Missouri River Basin Lewis & Clark Interpretive Trails & Visitors Center | url=http://www.mrb-lewisandclarkcenter.org/ | email= | address=100 Valmont Drive, Nebraska City, NE 68410 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 402 874-9900 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{do | name=Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Headquarters and Visitor Center | url=http://www.nps.gov/lecl/planyourvisit/leclvchq2b.htm | email= | address=601 Riverfront Drive, Omaha, NE 68102 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 402 661-1804 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ====[[South Dakota]]==== * {{do | name=Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center | url=http://www.aktalakota.org/ | email= | address=St. Joseph’s Indian School, 1301 N. Main Street, Chamberlain, SD 57325 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-800-798-3452 | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{do | name=Spirit Mound Historic Prairie | alt= | url=https://gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/spirit-mound-historic-prairie/ | email=NewtonHills@state.sd.us | address=31148 SD Hwy 19, [[Vermillion (South Dakota)|Vermillion]] | lat=42.8671 | long=-96.9555 | directions= | phone=+1 605-987-2263 | tollfree= | hours= | price=free | wikipedia=Spirit Mound Historic Prairie | wikidata=Q7577894 | lastedit=2018-09-02 | content=Spirit Mound Historic Prairie is a state park featuring a prominent hill on the Great Plains. The Plains Indians of the region considered Spirit Mound the home of dangerous spirits or little people; members of the Lewis and Clark Expedition climbed it on August 25, 1804. }} ====[[North Dakota]]==== * {{do | name=Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site | alt= | url=http://www.nps.gov/knri/ | email= | address=PO Box 9, County Road 37, Stanton, ND 58571 | lat=47.354167 | long=-101.385833 | directions= | phone=+1 701 745-3300 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site | image=Knife River Earthen Lodge Exterior.JPG | wikidata=Q3485441 | content= }} * {{do | name=Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site | alt= | url=http://www.nps.gov/fous/index.htm | email= | address=RR3 Box 71, Williston, ND 58801 | lat=47.999444 | long=-104.040556 | directions= | phone=+1 701 572-9083 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site | image=Fort Union Trading Post NHS.JPG | wikidata=Q2362959 | content= }} * {{do | name=Theodore Roosevelt National Park | alt= | url=https://www.nps.gov/thro/ | email= | address=Box 7, Medora, ND 58645 | lat=46.966667 | long=-103.45 | directions= | phone=+1 701 623-4466 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Theodore Roosevelt National Park | image=A030,_Theodore_Roosevelt_National_Park,_North_Dakota,_USA,_2001.jpg | wikidata=Q1137669 | content= }} * {{do | name=Fort Mandan North Dakota Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center | alt= | url=http://www.fortmandan.com/ | email= | address=PO Box 607, Washburn, ND 58577 | lat=47.296111 | long=-101.286111 | directions= | phone=+1 701 462-8535 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Fort Mandan | image=001 Fort Mandan Interior.jpg | wikidata=Q1147514 | content= }} ====[[Montana]]==== * {{do | name=Pompeys Pillar National Historic Landmark | alt= | url=https://www.blm.gov/nlcs_web/sites/mt/st/en/prog/nlcs_new/POMPEYSPILLAR_NM.html | email= | address=Pompeys Pillar, MT 59105 | lat=45.9953 | long=-108.006 | directions=near [[Billings]] | phone=+1 406 875-2233 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Pompeys Pillar National Monument | image=Pompeys Pillar NM (9424545304).jpg | wikidata=Q1483462 | content=Home to Clark's signature carved in a rock, the only remaining physical evidence of Lewis and Clark's journey. There is an interpretive center and museum. }} * {{do | name=Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center | alt= | url=http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/lewisclark/lcic/ | email= | address=4201 Giant Springs Road, Great Falls, MT 59403 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 406 727-8733 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{do | name=Missouri Headwaters State Park | alt= | url=http://stateparks.mt.gov/missouri-headwaters/ | email= | address=1400 South 19th Ave., [[Bozeman]], MT 59792 | lat=45.9207 | long=-111.498 | directions= | phone=+1 406 994-4042 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Missouri Headwaters State Park | image=MadisionJeffersonConfluence.jpg | wikidata=Q1939190 | content= }} * {{do | name=Traveler's Rest State Park | alt= | url=http://www.travelersrest.org/ | email= | address=Lolo, MT | lat=46.738889 | long=-114.080556 | directions=1/2 mile west of downtown Lolo on Highway 12 West | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Traveler's Rest (Lolo, Montana) | image=Traveler's Rest State Park view of mountains 1 20121228.JPG | wikidata=Q7835974 | content= }} * {{do | name=Lolo Pass Visitor's Center | url=http://www.nps.gov/partnerships/lolo_pass_nez_perce.htm | email= | address=US Highway 12 at the Idaho - Montana Border | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{do | name=Whoopah Ride | directions=from [[Billings]], [[Montana]] | content=A covered wagon tour that visits Pompey's Pillar and the [[Little Bighorn]] battlefield, sites of Custer's Last Stand. }} ====[[Idaho]]==== * {{do | name=Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural and Education Center | url=http://www.sacajaweacenter.org/ | email= | address=200 Main Street, Salmon, ID 83467 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 208 756-1188 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{do | name=Northwest Passage National Scenic Byway | url=http://www.northcentralidaho.info | email= | address=Lewiston, Idaho | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ====[[Washington (state)|Washington]]==== * {{do | name=Fort Walla Walla Museum | alt= | url=http://www.fortwallawallamuseum.org/ | email= | address=755 Myra Road, [[Walla Walla]], WA 99362 | lat=46.0474 | long=-118.357 | directions= | phone=+1 509 525-7703 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Fort Walla Walla | image=08433-Walla Walla-1906-Fort, Walla Walla, Wash.-Brück & Sohn Kunstverlag.jpg | wikidata=Q5472237 | content= }} * {{do | name=Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center | alt= | url=https://parks.state.wa.us/Facilities/Facility/Details/Lewis-Clark-Interpretive-Center-47 | email= | address=PO Box 488, Ilwaco, WA 98624 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 360 642-3078 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{do | name=Sacajawea Interpretive Center | alt= | url=http://parks.state.wa.us/250/Sacajawea | email= | address=2503 Sacajawea Park Road, Pasco, WA. 99301 | lat=46.2001 | long=-119.041 | directions= | phone=+1 509 545-2361 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Sacajawea State Park | image=Sacajawea Museum - Pasco, WA.jpg | wikidata=Q7396564 | content= }} ====[[Oregon]]==== * {{do | name=Lewis and Clark National Historical Park | alt= | url=http://www.nps.gov/lewi | email= | address=Route 3, Box 604-FC Astoria, OR 97103 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 503 861-2471 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lewis and Clark National and State Historical Parks | image=Fort_Clatsop_replica_2007.jpg | wikidata=Q30061575 | content= }} ==Stay safe== ==Go next== {{Usableitinerary}} {{related|United States National Trails System}} {{PartOfItinerary|North America itineraries}} 1mhuw9v13w8up2uklrfjr6uub5v835s 0 19652 5086765 5085804 2025-07-02T19:39:38Z The dog2 35982 /* Entry requirements */ 5086765 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner | Liechtenstein banner.jpg}} The '''Principality of Liechtenstein''' ([[German phrasebook|German]]: ''Fürstentum Liechtenstein'') is a tiny, alpine, German-speaking country with a population of 38,000, doubly landlocked by [[Switzerland]] and [[Austria]]. The principality enjoys a very high standard of living and is home to some incredibly beautiful mountain scenery. The principality's capital, [[Vaduz]], is a major centre of commerce and international banking. ==Towns== [[File:Liechtenstein-map.png|400px|thumb]] *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Vaduz]]|lat=47.141|long=9.521|wikidata=Q1844}} — capital of Liechtenstein and the seat of government, despite never officially having been granted city status *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Balzers]]|lat=47.066667|long=9.5|wikidata=Q49663}} — this town is home to a very beautiful church and castle *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Malbun]]|lat=47.102|long=9.608|wikidata=Q2251899}} — an area for skiing and snowboarding *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Schaan]]|lat=47.166667|long=9.509722|wikidata=Q49657}} — the largest populated area in the country *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Triesen]]|lat=47.1|long=9.533333|wikidata=Q49654}} — a small town south of Vaduz *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Triesenberg]]|lat=47.118056|long=9.543333|wikidata=Q49651}} — an alpine town high in Liechtenstein's mountains *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Ruggell]]|lat=47.243333|long=9.53|wikidata=Q49659}} — a town in northern Liechtenstein where there is a nature reserve of rare plants and animals *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Bendern]]|lat=47.216667|long=9.5|wikidata=Q816776}} — where Liechtenstein was born in 1699 *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Nendeln]]|lat=47.2|long=9.55|wikidata=Q991615}} — where there are a ceramics works and Roman ruins *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Schellenberg]]|lat=47.233606|long=9.548058|wikidata=Q49655}} — a town with a museum of rural homes ==Understand== {{quickbar|location=LocationLiechtenstein.png}} ===History=== What is now the Principality of Liechtenstein was for a long time the minor holdings of a powerful noble family from elsewhere. It was part of the Holy Roman Empire and later became part of the German Confederation. In 1866 Liechtenstein changed its alignment from the by then-dissolved German Confederation to [[Austria-Hungary]] until the end of [[World War I]], when the economic devastation and the breakdown of the dual monarchy caused by that conflict forced Liechtenstein to conclude a customs and monetary union with Switzerland. Since [[World War II in Europe|World War II]] (in which Liechtenstein remained neutral), the country's reputation as a "tax haven" has spurred outstanding economic growth. Outside of banking, Liechtenstein's main economic activities are the production of false teeth and tourism. [[File:Flag of Liechtenstein.svg|thumb|The flag with the crown. In cases of the flag being displayed horizontally, the crown is rotated as to always face upwards]] The Liechtensteinian flag is, by pure accident of history, identical to that of [[Haiti]] except for the emblems placed on both. During the 1936 Olympics, which were apparently the first time the two flags were displayed close to each other, this was discovered as Haitian civil flags at the time omitted the coat of arms and Liechtenstein added the crown as a symbol of its monarchy and to distinguish it from the civil flag of Haiti, should the two ever be displayed alongside each other. Shortcomings in banking regulatory oversight have resulted in concerns about the use of the financial institutions for money laundering and tax evasion. However, the days of bringing suitcases of money into banks for deposit with no questions asked are over. Liechtensteiners are also very proud of the fact that their nation has never been involved in a battle or military confrontation with an enemy state. They see their flag as a banner of peace. For a European country, the aristocratic element in the constitution is rather strong and the prince/regent has a lot of powers both in theory and in reality (unlike say the British monarch). However, unlike almost all monarchies in the world there is a provision in the constitution that the prince has to resign and the monarchy has to be abandoned if a majority of the people so desire. ===Economy=== [[File:9490 Vaduz, Liechtenstein - panoramio.jpg|thumb|Cow statue outside a souvenir shop in Vaduz]] Despite its small size and limited natural resources, Liechtenstein has developed into a prosperous, highly industrialized, free-enterprise economy with a vital financial service sector and living standards on a par with the urban areas of its large European neighbours. The Liechtenstein economy is widely diversified with a large number of small businesses. Low business taxes, the maximum tax rate is 20%, and easy incorporation rules have induced a large number of holding or so-called letter box companies to establish nominal offices in Liechtenstein, providing 30% of state revenues. Perhaps the most notable company from Liechtenstein is Hilti, not a bank, but a manufacturer of power tools (though they aren't made in Liechtenstein any longer). Liechtenstein is the world's leading producer of false teeth. Liechtenstein participates in a customs union with Switzerland and uses Swiss francs as its national currency interchangeably with the Liechtenstein frank. It imports more than 90% of its energy requirements. Liechtenstein has been, since May 1995, a member of the European Economic Area, an organization serving as a bridge between the EFTA and the EU. The government is working to harmonize its economic policies with those of an integrated Europe. Liechtenstein has one of the highest personal income rates (GDP per capita) in the world, with the base rate of income tax at just 1.2%. ===Geography=== Liechtenstein is very mountainous, and is double-landlocked — one of only two countries in the world to be landlocked by landlocked countries ([[Uzbekistan]] is the other). Most of the country's population lives in the long and wide Rhine Valley in the western third. Roads are mainly laid out in a north-south pattern following the valley as well. To the north, the main roads lead to the border with Austria, to the south, they enter Switzerland, and to the west across the river the bridges also cross into Switzerland. Most of the eastern border with Austria is not passable and is only accessible by foot as it is very mountainous, though the north of the country is well connected by road to [[Feldkirch]] in [[Austria]]. The country's highest point is the '''Grauspitz''', which reaches 2,599&nbsp;m. Among other European microstates, Liechtenstein is 2.5 times bigger than [[San Marino]] and 81 times bigger than [[Monaco]]. ===Climate=== Liechtenstein has a continental climate featuring cold, cloudy winters with frequent snow or rain, making the country a moderately popular ski destination. Summers are cool to moderately warm, also often cloudy and humid. ===Tourist information === * [https://tourismus.li/en/ Tourist information website] ==Talk== {{seealso|German phrasebook}} The official language is [[German phrasebook|German]], but the main language in everyday use is an [[Swiss-German phrasebook|Alemannic dialect]], that can be hard to understand even for native speakers of standard German. The Alemannic dialect group is also spoken in German-speaking Eastern Switzerland, the German state of Baden-Württemberg and the Austrian state of Vorarlberg. While the dialect is on the retreat in Germany and to some extent even in Austria, it is alive and well in Switzerland and Liechtenstein with some even fearing a local extinction of ''standard German'' due to lack of situations in which it is actually spoken. Almost everyone can speak standard German, and English is also prevalent. [[French phrasebook|French]] and Latin are also widely taught in the secondary public school system. Some shops have personnel who can address Asian tourists in their respective languages. ==Get in== ===Entry requirements=== {{Schengen}} [[File:Grenze Liechtenstein, Balzers.jpg|thumb|Entering Liechtenstein by road]] Liechtenstein is not a member of the EU. Therefore, travellers entering Liechtenstein from Austria (and vice versa) are subject to non-systematic customs controls. There have been no immigration controls since Liechtenstein joined the Schengen Area on 19 December 2011. If you want a passport stamp, it is available for CHF3 or €3 at any Tourist Office. Liechtenstein maintains a complete customs union with [[Switzerland]] and is represented by Swiss embassies internationally. Since 1923 there have been no border formalities needed for crossing between the two countries. In essence there is nothing more than a sign announcing your arrival in Switzerland or Liechtenstein (when you cross the Rhine or the land border), similar to the situation at smaller border crossings in many EU nations (e.g., Austria, Germany, France, Italy). Measures to combat COVID-19 in Liechtenstein have been lifted. However, there may also be Swiss regulations to consider in regards to entry. For updates and the latest information, check [https://tourismus.li/en/our-country/about-liechtenstein/current-information-on-covid-19-in-the-principality-of-liechtenstein/ Liechtenstein's tourism website]{{Dead link|date=June 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} and the [https://www.regierung.li/coronavirus Liechtenstein Government's COVID-19 portal]{{Dead link|date=December 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} (Website in German). (Jan 2023) ===By plane=== Liechtenstein has no airports. You can take a flight to [[Zürich#By plane|Zürich]] Airport ({{IATA|ZRH}}), 115 km from Liechtenstein. Although this is the only major airport near Liechtenstein, there are some limited services from Vienna to [[St. Gallen]]-Altenrhein Airport (53 km) by [https://peoples.ch/peoples-airline People's]. There is also a private airport in Bad Ragaz, very close to the border. Another popular point of entry is through [[Friedrichshafen]] in [[Germany]], which is served by low-cost airlines. Liechtenstein has a heliport in the Southern Lowlands. This heliport has no passport control so helicopters are only allowed to go inside the Schengen Area. There is a heliport near the border at Feldkirch, Austria where passport control can be organised. ===By train or bus=== '''Flixbus''' goes to Vaduz from [[Munich]], [[Bregenz]], [[Lindau]], [[Milan]], [[Lugano]] and [[Chur]] (as of mid-2024). ÖBB, the Austrian federal railway company, runs a limited service from [[Buchs]] SG station in [[Switzerland]], via [[Schaan]]-[[Vaduz]] station (near Schaan) to [[Feldkirch]] in [[Austria]]. Trains only run a few times a day, which makes buses generally more convenient. Buses run every 15 minutes from the train station at Buchs (the main Swiss town on the Liechtenstein border) to Schaan and Vaduz. Tickets can be purchased on the bus for Fr.&nbsp;3.40 and it only takes about 10 minutes to Schaan and another 5 to Vaduz. Liechtenstein is the only European country with a rail network where there is no train station in the capital city, and there are (as of 2024) no plans to change that. If coming by rail from Switzerland, it may be quicker and cheaper to take the train as far as [[Sargans]], from where it's possible to catch a bus (see below) straight to [[Vaduz]]. Consult the [http://sbb.ch/en/index.htm SBB timetable]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} to find out what'll be quickest when you're travelling. There are lockers at the Sargans station so you can leave your luggage there. The Liechtenstein Buses Route 12 runs from Sargans railway station to Buchs railway station via central Vaduz and Schaan railway station. It leaves from outside each station approximately every 20 minutes. The buses are yellow-green. A fare to Vaduz is Fr.&nbsp;5.80 from Sargans and Fr.&nbsp;3.40 from Buchs. There are student prices as well (be sure to show your student ID). Consider getting a whole network day pass (Fr.&nbsp;12) or week pass (Fr.&nbsp;24) if you are making many journeys, though two single fares (e.g., from Sargans or Buchs to Vaduz and Vaduz onward to Feldkirch) cost less than a day pass. From [[Feldkirch]] railway station in [[Austria]], look for the distinctive off-yellow Liechtenstein Buses. Numbers 11 and 14 head straight to Vaduz and number 13 goes to Buchs railway station, by-passing Vaduz, so you'll have to change at the Schaan interchange. ===By car=== Liechtenstein has no highways, but the Swiss Autobahn A13/E34 runs along the Swiss side of the Rhine River, the border between Switzerland and Liechtenstein. There are several access points that cross the Rhine into Liechtenstein, the two that are most commonly used are the bridge crossing into the southern town of Balzers and the crossing into Vaduz. If you aren't coming from the west or have a Swiss vignette already, it may make sense to avoid Swiss highways as there is only a year vignette. The alternative is to reach Liechtenstein via Austria. Coming from Germany, you most likely will also buy a vignette which is available in a 10 day variety that is much cheaper than the Swiss year version. You enter Liechtenstein directly from the north, via the Austrian city of Feldkirch which is also a tourist attraction. Driving in Liechtenstein is relatively safe, but extra care should be taken on narrow and winding mountain roads. Speed traps are common, and for good reason as the roads are not made for high speeds. Vaduz has several parking garages and places. As the city is not very large you can hardly make a poor choice. The prices don't differ that much. ===Hitch-hiking=== Very easy from Feldkirch in Austria. In rush hour, lots of commuters head into the capital. A simple sign as you stand by the main road in Feldkirch should get you a lift within minutes. ==Get around== ===By bus=== For a rural area of its size and wealth, Liechtenstein's bus system is decent and well patronized. The country's sole bus operator is [http://www.liemobil.li/ Liemobil]. Fares are reasonable. A day ticket costs Fr.&nbsp;12 (as of Jan 2024) and a 7-day unlimited use card costs Fr.&nbsp;24. Single ride tickets can be purchased from the driver, or through [https://fairtiq.com/en/ FAIRTIQ] or [https://www.sbb.ch/en/travel-information/apps/sbb-mobile.html SBB Mobile] apps. === By train === It is possible to travel between the country's three active railway stations, but the bus is far more frequent. There are eleven daily trains between Schaan-Vaduz, Forst-Hilti, and Nendeln railway stations. The train is purely a commuter service, with nearly all trains running in the morning and evenings on weekdays. The Forst-Hilti station serves the Hilti complex, the biggest company in Liechtenstein, with over 2,000 employees. ===By bike=== Another cheap way to travel, weather permitting, is by bike. The roads in Liechtenstein are in excellent condition and many (in the Balzers-Schaan corridor) even offer bike lanes. Biking through the whole country (entering from Austria going all the way south through to Switzerland) takes only a few hours, but is worth every minute of the wonderful alpine scenery! === By car === Liechtenstein is a very sluggish place to drive. The majority of the roads are either uphill on extremely steep and winding stretches or in populated regions. If it has one, the automatic gearbox should be in sport setting there. The valley also has straighter roadways. The roads are frequently a little congested, particularly in the direction of Vaduz. Speed restrictions are prominently displayed. Some sections of the road between cities are 80 km/h, but primarily within the 50 km/h zone. Because of how slowly the interior roads move, navigators frequently suggest taking the highway just across the border in Switzerland. There are no national highways in the nation. === '''By foot''' === Liechtenstein is full of well-marked and -maintained hiking trails. The 'Liechtenstein Weg' is a 77-km path that crosses the entire country, from Balzers to Schaaneald, while doing some loops and going a bit into the mountains. It is divided into 5 stages, but realistically manageable in 2-3 days. If you would walk the main high way, you could cross the country in one day. ==See== Liechtenstein boasts a number of attractions that are of interest to visitors. [[File:Liechtenstein asv2022-10 img26 Balzers Burg Gutenberg.jpg|thumb|Balzers Castle]] * {{marker|type=see|name=Balzers}} - Home to a beautiful church and a spectacular Gothic castle. * {{marker|type=see|name=Vaduz}} - The capital is the main shopping area in the country, with many souvenir stores and assorted restaurants. The city is also home to a modest ''cathedral'' and the decade-old ''Liechtenstein Kunstmuseum''. A ski museum is north of downtown. * {{marker|type=see|name=Schloss Vaduz|wikidata=Q694782}} - This imposing and historic castle, home to the royal family, overlooks the city of Vaduz and is approachable on the main Vaduz-Triesenberg road (bus route 21). It is not open to the public, but it is possible to view it from quite close up. It is possible to encounter the royal family at the Kunstmuseum, coming in and out of Schloss Vaduz or skiing during winter time. This is one benefit of such a small country. They are recognizable in their cars, which use their birth year for their licence plate number. * The '''mountain ranges''' within Liechtenstein are filled with tall peaks. Both lie within the eastern and western Alps and display climbing options. ==Do== Liechtenstein offers great [[hiking]], road [[biking]], and mountain biking terrain. [[Skiing]] and [[snowboarding]] are also offered at a reasonable price at the country's small resort, [[Malbun]], in comparison to the expensive lift prices in neighbouring Switzerland or Austria. Get up early one morning and drive up the mountains on the east side of the river. From here you have an incredible view over Vaduz & Switzerland. Liechtenstein is popular among philatelists and even has a postal museum. You can also get an entry stamp of Liechtenstein in your passport at the tourist centre and some souvenir shops (Fr.&nbsp;3 or €3). ==Buy== ===Money=== {{exchange rates | currency=Liechtenstein franc | currencyCode=Fr.&nbsp; | date=January 2025 | USD=0.90 | EUR=0.93 | GBP=1.13 | CAD=0.62 | AUD=0.56 | JPY=0.57 | CHF=1 (fixed rate) | source=[https://www.xe.com/currency/chf-swiss-franc XE.com] }} Liechtenstein uses the Swiss franc ('''CHF''') as its currency. Many shops will also accept euros, but the exchange rate may not be very advantageous and you will get your change in Euro. An exception are supermarkets, where you will usually get the best exchange rate, which makes it a good place for exchanging your Euros into Francs: buy something and pay with a bigger euro bill, they accept up to 100€ bills (especially if you continue to Switzerland afterwards and want to exchange money) For a short visit you might not need francs at all though, as even the parking garage accepts euros. ===Costs=== Costs in Liechtenstein are roughly equivalent to those in [[Switzerland]] and are therefore somewhat more expensive than other European countries. ==Eat== You will find a few restaurants in the larger cities of Liechtenstein. There is also a McDonald's restaurant (opened in 1996; serves wine), which is very popular and is widely publicised by road signs throughout the country. The many small bakeries are a great place to get a warm, fresh roll or pastry. ==Drink== [[File:3156 - Vaduz - Hintergass vom Mitteldorf.JPG|thumb|Wineyard in Balzers]] There is a small amount of wine that is produced in Liechtenstein that is available in supermarkets and tourist shops throughout the country. Expect to pay around Fr.&nbsp;25 for an average bottle. The Prince owns his own vineyard in Vaduz, off the main road. Beer is also available for purchase that is made with malt from Liechtenstein, although most of the beer is brewed in Switzerland. A variety of other European wines, beers, and soft drinks are also available. There is now a brewery in Liechtenstein that produces a variety of beers; lagers including Helles (blonde) and Hefe Weizen (unfiltered wheat) styles are brewed. There is also a one-man distillery in Triesen which makes liquors and schnapps from fruits. Tours on Saturdays. ==Sleep== There are a few hotels in Liechtenstein, but they tend to be on the expensive side. There is one youth hostel [http://www.hihostels.com/dba/hostel055067.en.htm]{{Dead link|date=February 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} located in Schaan, but it closes for the winter. You will probably be able to find cheaper accommodation in neighboring [[Feldkirch]], Austria. Camping Mittagspitz is the only full-service campsite in the Principality. It offers excellent facilities, a friendly reception and a fabulous reasonably priced restaurant. Fares for pitching a tent are around 22€ + 2€ tourist tax (April 2024) There are three other campgrounds in Liechtenstein: one in Bendern, one in Vaduz, and one in Triesen. All are pretty much full year round. *{{sleep | name=Gasthaus Krone | url=http://www.hotelkrone.li/ | email= | address=Dorf 36, 9488 Schellenberg | lat= | long= | directions=next to post office and bus-station | phone=+423 373 1168 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Fr.&nbsp;60 (dbl) | content=Very inexpensive rooms. Family run hotel and restaurant. 15 km away from Vaduz, regular (hourly) bus service to all parts of Liechtenstein. }} ==Learn== Liechtenstein's university offers courses only in technical sciences. * {{listing | name=University of Liechtenstein | alt=Universität Liechtenstein | url=https://www.uni.li/de | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q974328 | lastedit=2023-02-24 | content= }} ==Work== Citizens of all [[European Union#EEA|EEA countries]] and Switzerland have an unrestricted right to work in Liechtenstein. However, to live in Liechtenstein, you will need a residence permit, and only very few of these are issued. This means that if you get a job in Liechtenstein, you will most probably have to live in Austria or Switzerland and commute into Liechtenstein daily. If you are not a citizen of the EEA or Switzerland, getting a job in Liechtenstein is very difficult. ==Stay safe== Liechtenstein is easily one of the safest countries in the world, though it is not without its problems. The most common crime in Liechtenstein is of a non-violent nature, though the principality maintains a well-equipped police force which maintains a presence on the streets. In the late 1990s, the ''Liechtenstein Landespolizei'' launched a crackdown on prostitution in Vaduz. Considering the largest cities nearby are Innsbruck and Zürich, outside of Schaan and Vaduz, the whole place can seem very rural. Drunk drivers and winter road conditions may be your only "realistic" concern. Speed limits are strictly enforced by speed cameras, which can lead to high fines. Don't speed, enjoy the scenery instead. The country's beautiful scenery is also very dangerous. Cases of hikers finding themselves in difficulty are very common, and extreme care should be taken when leaving the well-marked trails. Follow local advice, read local weather forecasts (newspapers in the principality print individual forecasts for the different cities in Liechtenstein, which is beneficial because the difference in altitude often cause different weather conditions), and ensure that you have the correct equipment before setting out. ==Stay healthy== There are excellent medical facilities in Liechtenstein, but it is more likely that you would be transferred to a hospital in [[Switzerland]] should you require medical attention. If you are an Austrian or EU citizen you may want to seek medical attention in next-door Feldkirch, Austria. '''[[Tap water]]''' is safe to drink. ==Respect== [[File:The Princely Liechtenstein Tatoo Parade in Schaan 2015 - 025.JPG|thumb|The Princely Liechtenstein Tattoo Parade in Schaan]] The Principality of Liechtenstein has existed for centuries as an independent state and this should be remembered. Liechtensteiners are very proud of their national identity and would take offence at being wrongly labelled "German", "Austrian" or "Swiss". Remember that this is a traditional Catholic country. On Sundays, the streets are almost dead except for the tourists and the tourist shops. The Prince of Liechtenstein and the Monarchy are well respected in Liechtenstein. Bear that in mind when conversing with the locals. ==Connect== As of Sept 2021, the country has 4G from all Swiss carriers, but 5G has not yet arrived. The Austrian signal doesn't reach here because of the mountains. Wifi is widely available in public places. ==Go next== From Liechtenstein, going to the picturesque Austrian city of Feldkirch is a natural choice. The closest larger city of Switzerland is St. Gallen with its monasterial complex. Liechtenstein can be seen as part of the German-Swiss-Austrian [[Lake Constance]] with many wonderful destinations. {{outlinecountry}} {{geo|47.16|9.52|zoom=11}} {{isPartOf|Central_Europe}} h3qcfhudzqdla3wq30p2c21oj1n0rv6 0 19952 5086595 4789565 2025-07-02T12:10:21Z Bluecoordinationfine 2327039 Moved over listings from the Offa's Dyke Path article. 5086595 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Llangollen ''' (meaning "church of St Collen") is a small town in [[Denbighshire]], [[Wales]], ten miles southwest of Wrexham. It's on A5, the historic stagecoach route, and close to the English border, so it's been a tourist destination for 200 years. It's notable for its abbey, the spectacular leaping aqueduct that carries the canal, and the fine half-timbered abode of the "Ladies of Llangollen". ==Get in== The best way to arrive in Llangollen is by car or bus. The A5 (from London to Holyhead) runs through the town. On busy weekends the car parks within the town centre quickly fill (both short- and long-term), and the narrow streets slow to a crawl. Arriva Bus 5 runs every 30 min from [[Wrexham]], taking 45 min via Rhosllanerchrugog. By train you can reach either [[Chirk]] or Ruabon, from there check for local buses to complete the journey into Llangollen. ==Get around== Llangollen is a small town and all the tourist attractions can be reached on foot. The town centre consists of one main street running between the A5 and A539, most of the other roads lead off this. There is cheap car-parking in the town centre, just off the main street, but on busy weekends and holidays, it fills quickly. {{Mapframe|52.9694|-3.1692|width=400|height=400|zoom=13|layer=MH}} ==See== [[File:Boat on the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct - geograph.org.uk - 922324.jpg|thumbnail|Boat on the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct]] * {{see | name=Plas Newydd | alt= | url=http://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/plasnewydd | email= | address=LL20 8AW | lat=52.9671 | long=-3.1655 | directions= | phone=+44 1978 862834 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=Llangollen Plas Newydd.jpg | wikidata=Q7201722| wikipedia=Plas Newydd, Llangollen | content=A half-timbered black and white house in extensive grounds. This was once the home of the 'Ladies of Llangollen' from 1780 to 1831 and their tomb can be found in the grounds of St Collen's Church in Llangollen (which you will see on your right as you enter via the A5). The inside has many intricate carvings many brought by visitors (including the Duke of Wellington) to the ladies - Miss Sarah Ponsonby and Lady Eleanor Butler. The two women are amongst the most celebrated of the town's former residents. They arrived after eloping from their families in Ireland. The exact nature of their relationship is ambiguous, however they formed a lifelong partnership until they died within two years of each other in 1829 and 1831. }} * {{see | name=Pontcysyllte aqueduct | alt= | url=http://www.pontcysyllte-aqueduct.co.uk/ | email= | address= | lat=52.9702 | long=-3.08782 | directions=Near B5434 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Pontcysyllte Aqueduct | image=Pontcysyllte aqueduct arp.jpg | wikidata=Q158822 | content=As you approach the town by either road from the east you will see the Pontcysyllte aqueduct carrying the Llangollen Canal over the River Dee, it is 126 feet high and a 1007 feet long. The aqueduct is an impressive sight, with 19 arches each of 45 feet and holds 1.5 millions litres of water. Construction was started in 1795 by Thomas Telford and it was completed in 1805. Built from local stone the aqueduct is the largest anywhere in Britain. The name Pontcysyllte is Welsh for 'bridge that connects', and is pronounced "pont-cuh-SUTH-(l)tee". You can take a walk across the aqueduct or traverse it on a boat. }} * {{see | name=Castell Dinas Brân | alt= | url=http://www.cpat.org.uk/educate/guides/dinasb/dinasb.htm | email= | address= | lat=52.9792 | long=-3.1595 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Castell Dinas Brân | image=Dinas Bran in the fog.JPG | wikidata=Q1226281 | content=A ruined castle, overlooking the town from a nearby mountain top. It is an open site (i.e. no admission charge), and the view is worth the long walk and climb. Just beyond the town centre and on the far side of the canal, is the beginning of the walking path leading up, perpendicular to the canal. You will find this directly over the canal bridge and the initial part of the footpath runs alongside the school of the same name. Dinas Bran was constructed in or around 1260 AD and is on a site that is believed to have held a wooden hillfort. The site was barely occupied for 20 years before falling into disuse. }} * {{see | name=St Collen's Church | alt= | url=http://www.stcollenschurch.org.uk/index.php | email= | address= | lat=52.9694 | long=-3.16776 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q17737168 | lastedit=2015-04-05 | content=This church was founded by St Collen in the 6th century and the name 'Llangollen' (meaning 'church of Collen') was derived from this early inhabitant. The site has been developed since then from what had been a simple stone cell. Amongst the main features of the church are its stained glass windows and its 15th-century carved roof. It is claimed by some that the timbers for this roof came from nearby Valle Crucis Abbey. }} * {{see | name=Valle Crucis Abbey | alt= | url=http://cadw.gov.wales/daysout/vallecrucisabbey/?lang=en | email= | address=Llantysilio | lat=52.9889 | long=-3.18583 | directions= North of town on the A542 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Adult £3.50 | wikipedia=Valle Crucis Abbey | image=ValeCrucisAbbey ChapterHouse.JPG | wikidata=Q2509240 | lastedit=2015-09-19 | content=A ruined Cistercian abbey built in 1201. There is a nearby caravan park. }} * {{see | name=Llangollen Motor Museum | alt= | url=http://www.llangollenmotormuseum.co.uk | email= | address=Pentre Felin | lat=52.9839 | long=-3.18472 | directions= | phone=+44 1978 860 324 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Llangollen Motor Museum | image=Llangollen Motor Museum - geograph.org.uk - 892811.jpg | wikidata=Q6661487 | lastedit=2017-06-06 | content=A small car museum. }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Llangollen Steam Railway | alt= | url=http://www.llangollen-railway.co.uk/ | email=info@langollen-railway.co.uk | address=Abbey Road, LL20 8SN | lat=52.97 | long=-3.192 | directions= | phone=+44 1978 860979 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Llangollen Railway | wikidata=Q10967059 | lastedit=2018-04-29 | content=The train departs from the station in the town. You can enjoy a 3-course meal on the train or just go for the ride. }} * {{do | name=Horse-drawn canal boats | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-04-05 | content=Available 50 m from the town centre at weekends and during the summer. Make sure you sit on the right side of the boat and then you'll be able to look over the side and down a 100-ft drop as you pass over the Pontcysyllte aqueduct! }} * {{do | name=Canoeing | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=The fast flowing and rocky River Dee is popular with canoeists. You can bring your own canoe or use one of the many companies in the area to hire one or get tuition. }} * {{do | name=ProAdventure | alt= | url=http://www.proadventure.org/ | email=sales@proadventure.co.uk | address=The Fringe Shed, Parade Street, LL20 8RT | lat=52.97043 | long=-3.17090 | directions= | phone=+44 1978 861912 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=ProAdventure offers adventure holidays, skills training and qualifications in canoeing, white-water rafting, kayaking, climbing, gorge walking, bushcraft and survival skills, and archery and axe throwing. }} * {{do | name=Safe & Sound Outdoors | alt= | url=http://www.sasoutdoors.co.uk/ | email= | address=Chapel Street, LL20 8NW | lat=52.96948 | long=-3.16906 | directions= | phone=+44 1978 860471 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Safe and Sound Outdoors run activities on a day basis and for multiple days, including: hen and stag activities, white water rafting, canoeing, kayaking, gorge walking, paintball, mountain biking, high ropes, bushcraft, and first aid. }} === Events === *{{event| name=International Eisteddfod | url=http://www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk/ | year= | month=| date= | endyear= | endmonth= | enddate= | location= | country= | wikipedia=Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod | wikidata=Q10536244 | content=Every year since 1947 Llangollen has hosted the International Eisteddfod where people from all over the world take part in musical and dancing competitions. This is one of Llangollen's biggest tourist attractions bringing up to 50,000 visitors to the small town each year. It has also hosted an array of world famous performers. Traditionally the Eisteddfod takes place in early July running from Tuesday till Sunday. }} ==Buy== The town has the usual selection of gift shops that you'd expect to find in Wales. ==Eat== The town has a wide selection of restaurant types, including Indian, Italian and Chinese. * {{eat | name=The Gallery | alt= | url=http://www.thegalleryrestaurantllangollen.co.uk/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=15 Chapel Street, LL20 8NN | lat=52.96893 | long=-3.16967 | directions= | phone=+44 1978 860076 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=£10-25 | content=The oak-beamed Gallery Restaurant opened in 2002 and remains a family-owned and family-run business. The Gallery is at first floor level and caters for up to 40 visitors. Booking is recommended, especially during peak season. }} * {{eat | name=The Cornmill | alt= | url=http://www.brunningandprice.co.uk/cornmill/ | email=corn.mill@brunningandprice.co.uk | address=Dee Lane, LL20 8PN | lat=52.97065| | long=-3.17128 | directions= | phone=+44 1978 869555 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=£10+ | content=The Cornmill is a pub/restaurant in an old mill on the river Dee in Llangollen, overlooking the Llangollen Railway. Food is served M-Sa noon to 21:30 and Su to 21:00. Booking is recommended, especially during peak season. }} * {{eat | name=Gales Wine Bar | alt= | url=http://www.galesofllangollen.co.uk/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email=reception@galesofllangollen.co.uk | address=18 Bridge Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire, LL20 8PF | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 1978 860089 | tollfree= | fax=+44 1978 861313 | hours= | price= | content=Family-run wine bar and restaurant, in the premises of the one time Lion Inn. }} ==Drink== Most of the pubs are worth a visit. The Bridge End Hotel is popular with decent food and drinks offers. * {{drink | name=The Cornmill | alt= | url=http://www.brunningandprice.co.uk/cornmill/homepage/ | email=corn.mill@brunningandprice.co.uk | address=Dee Lane, LL20 8PN | lat=52.97070 | long=-3.17125 | directions= | phone=+44 1978 869555 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa noon to 23:00, Su to 22:30 | price= | content=The Cornmill is a pub/restaurant in an old mill on the river Dee in Llangollen, overlooking the Llangollen Railway. }} * {{drink | name=The Ponsonby Arms | alt='The Pon' | url= | email= | address=Mill Street, LL20 8RY | lat=52.97077 | long=-3.16760 | directions=on the road towards Wrexham towards the Health Centre | phone=+44 1978 447985 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Serving large selection of real ales. }} ==Sleep== There are a number of Bed & Breakfasts in the town. * {{sleep | name=Geufron Hall B&B | alt= | url=http://www.geufronhall.co.uk {{dead link|December 2020}} | email=enquiries@geufronhall.co.uk | address=Geufron Hall, LL20 8DY | lat=52.9768 | long=-3.1633 | directions=Please see website for directions | phone=+44 1978 860676 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=£50-130 | content=Geufron Hall is a five-star contemporary country house B&B high above Llangollen, nestling in the shadow of Castell Dinas Bran. There are four en suite bedrooms offering free internet access, a sitting room, dining room and the use of the paved terraces and access to the extensive gardens. Geufron Hall has been featured in ''Tatler'', ''Country Living'', ''The Week'', and many other regional and national magazines and newspapers. }} * {{sleep | name=The Wynnstay | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/Wynnstay-Arms-Llangollen-367789376569593/ | email= | address=Bridge Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 1978 860710 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2015-04-05 | content=Bed & Breakfast. }} * {{sleep | name=Royal Hotels | alt= | url=http://www.royal-hotel-llangollen.co.uk/ | email= | address=7 Bridge St. | lat=52.970544 | long= -3.169833 | directions= | phone= +44 1978 860202 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Bridge End Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.bridgeendhotel.com/ | email= | address=Mill St. | lat=52.971473 | long= -3.169823 | directions= | phone= +44 1978 860634 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Chainbridge Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.chainbridgehotel.com/ | email= | address=Berwyn Rd. | lat=52.980482 | long= -3.195241 | directions= | phone= +44 1978 860215 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit= | content=Just outside the town are more up-market. }} * {{sleep | name=Wild Pheasant Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.wildpheasanthotel.co.uk/ | email= | address=Berwyn Road | lat=52.973141 | long= -3.179166 | directions= | phone=+44 1978 860629 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Just outside the town are more up-market. }} *{{sleep | name=Bryn Meirion B&B | alt=Gwely a Brecwast Bryn Meirion | url=http://www.llangollenbedandbreakfast.co.uk/ | email= | address=Abbey Road | lat=52.982025 | long= -3.179973 | directions= | phone =+44 1978 861911 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=£50 to £350 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Large Edwardian house overlooking the canal. Self-catering and B & B. }} *{{sleep | name=Tan-Y-Ddol - Self-catering | alt= | url= | email=tanyddol@msn.com | address=Tan Y Ddol | lat=52.972368 | long=-3.176378 | directions= | phone=+44 1206 855244 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Awarded best B&B in Britain by ''Period Living Magazine''. }} As well as several other accommodations: * {{sleep | name=Abbey Farm Caravan Park | alt= | url=http://www.abbeyfarmcaravans.co.uk/ | email= | address=Llangollen LL208DD | lat=52.98996 | long=-3.18700 | directions=next to Valle Crucis Abbey | phone=+44 1978 861297 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Camping £6 pppn | content= }} * {{sleep | name=The West Arms | alt= | url=http://thewestarms.com/ | email=info@thewestarms.co.uk | address=Bridge St, Llangollen LL20 8PF | lat=52.96987 | long=-3.16894 | directions= | phone=+44 1691 600665 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Oaklands B&B | alt= | url= | email= | address=Llangollen Rd, Trevor LL20 7TG | lat=52.97393 | long=-3.09636 | directions= | phone=+44 1978 820152 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} ==Go next== Carry on westwards along the A539 and you will end up going through the scenic Horseshoe Pass and at the peak is [http://www.ponderosacafe.co.uk/ the Ponderosa Cafe Complex], though avoid this if you don't like heights! Stop off on your journey towards 'The Pass' and you will find Valle Crucis Abbey on your right, as well as nearby 'Elliseg's Pillar'. *[[Chirk]] *[[Wrexham]] *[[Ruthin]] {{routebox | image1=UK_road_A5.svg | imagesize1=40 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Snowdonia]] | minorl1=[[Corwen]] | directionr1=SE | minorr1=[[Chirk]] | majorr1=[[Oswestry]]/[[Wrexham]] }} {{IsPartOf|Clwyd}} {{usablecity}} {{Geo|52.97|-3.17|zoom=13}} 9246uazvl7qj6q56hcnzo2rid6sxxet 0 21275 5086911 4967966 2025-07-03T03:17:47Z 115.69.166.162 /* Do */ 5086911 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|South Auckland banner Sod Cottage in Howick Historical Village.jpg|caption=Early settler's sod cottage in Howick Historical Village|pgname=South Auckland}} '''South Auckland''' is a district of [[Auckland]] situated south and east of [[Auckland/Central|Central Auckland]]. For this travel guide, it includes Manukau, Howick and Papakura. South Auckland is one of the truly multi-cultural urban areas of the world, with Pacific Island nationalities being particularly strongly represented among its residents. There are over 55 different ethnic groups that make up the population of this unique urban area, with people from Europe, Asia, and the Americas here. ==Understand== The resident population of Manukau City in the 2001 census was 283,200. It is now believed to be in excess of 310,000 making Manukau one of the fastest growing areas in New Zealand. It has welcomed more than 5,500 new residents each year since 1996. The Howick and Manurewa wards accounted for 60% of the growth, with the remainder spread evenly amongst the remaining wards. Manukau's diverse population makes it unique. It has over 55 different ethnic groups represented. Manukau has the highest proportion of Pacific Island residents (25.6%) of any New Zealand city. In some cases, there are more Pacific Island residents living in Manukau than there are on the Pacific Islands that those residents originate from. Also of interest is the age spread of Manukau's population. Manukau has a large proportion of people under 25 years of age (41.9%) making it an urban area with a very strong young population. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|-36.964|174.849|zoom=11}}{{mapshapes|Q126273306}} ===By plane=== * {{go | name=[[Auckland Airport|Auckland International Airport]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=-37.002 | long=174.789 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-05-23 | content=The main international gateway to New Zealand is at Mangere in South Auckland. }} ===By train=== South Auckland is served by the Southern and Eastern train lines from Britomart Transport Centre in Central Auckland. The Eastern line terminates at Manukau. The Southern line continues on to Pukekohe. The [https://www.greatjourneysofnz.co.nz/northern-explorer/ '''Northern Explorer'''] service from [[Wellington]] calls at Papakura. * {{go | name=Papakura railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7132419 | lastedit=2021-03-26 | content=Major station }} ===By bus=== *[http://www.intercity.co.nz/ Intercity Coaches] stop in Manukau City on the way to Central Auckland from [[Wellington]], [[Gisborne]], [[Rotorua]], [[Palmerston North]] and [[New Plymouth]]. *Public buses throughout the area are operated by Auckland Transport, including connections between Auckland International Airport and the major suburbs. ===By ferry=== [http://www.fullers.co.nz/tickets-fares/timetables/half-moon-bay.php Fullers] run a ferry approximately once every two hours from Central Auckland to Half Moon Bay. The journey is about 40 minutes long. ==Get around== '''[https://at.govt.nz/bus-train-ferry/ Auckland Transport (AT)]''' is responsible for public transport buses and trains across South Auckland. ==See== [[File:Caryota obtusa.jpg|thumb|Auckland Botanic Gardens]] * {{see | name=Auckland Botanic Gardens | alt= | url=http://www.aucklandbotanicgardens.co.nz/ | email= | address=102 Hill Rd, Manurewa | lat=-37.013 | long=174.908 | directions=366 bus from Manurewa or Manukau station | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 8AM–6PM (Oct–Mar to 8PM); cafe 8AM–4PM | price=Free | wikipedia=Auckland Botanic Gardens | wikidata=Q4819495 | content=Over 10,000 different plant types, both natives and exotics, spread over 64 hectares. }} * {{see | name=Butterfly Creek | alt= | url=http://www.butterflycreek.co.nz/ | email= | address=10–12 Tom Pearce Dr | lat=-36.99974 | long=174.79570 | directions=10–15 minute walk from airport terminals | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily (except 25–26 Dec) | price= | content=A tropical butterfly and moth house. Any time is good to see the butterflies but the best time is on sunny mornings. The butterfly house is warm and humid. Also has a few crocodiles and alligators, tamarin monkeys, dinosaur display, tropical aquaria, farmyard animals, a train for the kids and a cafe. }} * {{see | name=Howick Historical Village | alt= | url=http://www.fencible.org.nz/ | email= | address=corner of Lady Marie Dr & Bells Rd, Lloyd Elsmore Park, Pakuranga | lat=-36.9074 | long=174.9027 | directions=72C/M or 711 bus from Pakuranga Plaza | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily except 1 Jan, 25 & 26 Dec, Good Friday and Anzac Day 10AM-4PM | price=Adults $16, children over 5 $8 | wikipedia=Howick Historical Village | wikidata=Q5921931 | lastedit=2018-12-26 | content=This historical park gives visitors a taste of what life was like from 1840 to 1880. }} * {{see | name=Maraetai Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address=206/198 Pacific Coast Hwy, Maraetai, Auckland 2018 | lat=-36.88065 | long=175.0442 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=24 hours | price=Free | lastedit=2018-02-18 | content=Popular local beach for the Southern and Eastern suburbs. The road to Maraetai beach and around the Maraetai Coast Road is popular for driving and motorcycles. }} * {{see | name=Otuataua Stonefields | alt= | url=http://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/EN/parksfacilities/premierparks/Pages/otuatauastonefields.aspx | email= | address= | lat=-36.9838 | long=174.7542 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ōtuataua | wikidata=Q7110034 | content=Site of ancient Maori gardens on a low volcano. }} * {{see | name=Papakura Museum | alt= | url=http://www.papakuramuseum.org.nz/ | email= | address=Level 3, 209 Great South Road | lat=-37.0640 | long=174.9422 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M-F 10AM–4:30PM, Sa 10AM–3PM | price=donation | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-09-10 | content=Museum run by Papakura & Districts Historical Society. }} * {{see | name=McNicol Homestead | alt= | url=https://www.clevedon.co.nz/mcnicol-homestead-museum | email= | address=Clevedon | lat=-36.98921 | long=175.04549 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Sa, Su 1PM-4PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-02-16 | content=1878 house set in grounds with a museum run by the local historical society. }} ==Do== [[File:Enchantedride.jpg|thumb|Rainbow's End]] * {{do | name=Rainbow's End | alt= | url=http://www.rainbowsend.co.nz/ | email= | address=2 Clist Cres, off Manukau Station Rd, Manukau Central | lat=-36.99428 | long=174.88353 | directions=10-min walk from Manukau station & bus interchange | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 10AM-4PM; Sa, Su & hols 10AM-5PM | price=Adult $62, child (2-13) $52 |lastedit=2025-07-03| content=NZ’s premier family-based theme park with many rides and attractions. }} * {{do | name=Mangere Mountain | alt= | url=http://www.mangeremountain.co.nz | email= | address= | lat=-36.9481 | long=174.7831 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2025-07-03| content=An extinct volcano and former site of a pre-European Maori village, overlooking the Manukau Harbour. }} ==Buy== *{{buy | name=Mangere Town Centre market | url= | email= | address= | lat=-36.9701 | long=174.8000 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Sa 7AM-noon | price= |lastedit=2025-07-03| content=Just like Otara Flea Market but diffrent. A good place to buy Polynesian food. }} * '''Otara Flea Market''', Otara Shopping Centre, Newbury St. Sa 6AM–noon. Huge selection of clothes, household items and food. Otara has a large Polynesian and Maori population and the market reflects the culture of the area. You can buy Pacific Island music and clothing for example. Well worth a wander around. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Finn McCools Irish Pub Manukau | alt= | url= | email= | address=712 Great South Rd, Manukau Central | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A great pub with great grub. With a wide variety of food from bar snacks, steaks, & gourmet pizzas. }} * {{eat | name=The Hangi Shop | alt= | url=https://hangishop.co.nz/ | email= | address=583 Great South Road, Otahuhu | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-03-13 | content=Restaurant serving traditional Māori food including Hangi, a meal cooked by rocks in an underground pit. }} ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Airport Skyway Lodge | url=http://www.skywaylodge.com/ | email=email@skywaylodge.com | address=30 Kirkbride Rd, Mangere | lat=-36.9667 | long=174.7858 | directions= | phone = +64 800 726 880 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$33–89 + motel units available | checkin= | checkout= | content=Comfortable airport transfer service and very friendly staff. Car hire possible. }} * {{sleep | name=Heartland Hotel Auckland Airport | alt= | url=http://www.heartlandhotels.co.nz/hotels/heartland-hotel-auckland-airport | email= | address=14 Airpark Dr, Airport Oaks | lat=-36.9844 | long=174.7832 | directions= | phone = +64 9 275 4540 | tollfree= | fax= | price=From $119 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Closest accommodation to the airport. }} * {{sleep | name=Kudos Airport Apartments | url=http://www.kudosairportapartments.com/ | email= | address=Unit 40 Kudos Business Centre, 203 Kirkbride Rd, Mangere | lat=-36.9732 | long=174.7875 | directions=3 min from airport | phone=+64 9 275 9988 | tollfree= | fax=+64 9 523-9285 | price= | checkin=2PM | checkout=10AM | content=Twelve serviced apartment suites with 2 bedrooms, fully equipped kitchen and laundry facilities. }} ==Go next== Ferries leave from Half Moon Bay for Hauraki Gulf islands and [[Auckland/Central|central Auckland]]. {{geo|-36.9833|174.8833}} {{IsPartOf|Auckland}} {{usabledistrict}} 8te1y9kf2ytivbnwd5bcedryavgeuy7 5086920 5086911 2025-07-03T03:28:21Z Ikan Kekek 36420 "Just like X but different" makes no sense. 5086920 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|South Auckland banner Sod Cottage in Howick Historical Village.jpg|caption=Early settler's sod cottage in Howick Historical Village|pgname=South Auckland}} '''South Auckland''' is a district of [[Auckland]] situated south and east of [[Auckland/Central|Central Auckland]]. For this travel guide, it includes Manukau, Howick and Papakura. South Auckland is one of the truly multi-cultural urban areas of the world, with Pacific Island nationalities being particularly strongly represented among its residents. There are over 55 different ethnic groups that make up the population of this unique urban area, with people from Europe, Asia, and the Americas here. ==Understand== The resident population of Manukau City in the 2001 census was 283,200. It is now believed to be in excess of 310,000 making Manukau one of the fastest growing areas in New Zealand. It has welcomed more than 5,500 new residents each year since 1996. The Howick and Manurewa wards accounted for 60% of the growth, with the remainder spread evenly amongst the remaining wards. Manukau's diverse population makes it unique. It has over 55 different ethnic groups represented. Manukau has the highest proportion of Pacific Island residents (25.6%) of any New Zealand city. In some cases, there are more Pacific Island residents living in Manukau than there are on the Pacific Islands that those residents originate from. Also of interest is the age spread of Manukau's population. Manukau has a large proportion of people under 25 years of age (41.9%) making it an urban area with a very strong young population. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|-36.964|174.849|zoom=11}}{{mapshapes|Q126273306}} ===By plane=== * {{go | name=[[Auckland Airport|Auckland International Airport]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=-37.002 | long=174.789 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-05-23 | content=The main international gateway to New Zealand is at Mangere in South Auckland. }} ===By train=== South Auckland is served by the Southern and Eastern train lines from Britomart Transport Centre in Central Auckland. The Eastern line terminates at Manukau. The Southern line continues on to Pukekohe. The [https://www.greatjourneysofnz.co.nz/northern-explorer/ '''Northern Explorer'''] service from [[Wellington]] calls at Papakura. * {{go | name=Papakura railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7132419 | lastedit=2021-03-26 | content=Major station }} ===By bus=== *[http://www.intercity.co.nz/ Intercity Coaches] stop in Manukau City on the way to Central Auckland from [[Wellington]], [[Gisborne]], [[Rotorua]], [[Palmerston North]] and [[New Plymouth]]. *Public buses throughout the area are operated by Auckland Transport, including connections between Auckland International Airport and the major suburbs. ===By ferry=== [http://www.fullers.co.nz/tickets-fares/timetables/half-moon-bay.php Fullers] run a ferry approximately once every two hours from Central Auckland to Half Moon Bay. The journey is about 40 minutes long. ==Get around== '''[https://at.govt.nz/bus-train-ferry/ Auckland Transport (AT)]''' is responsible for public transport buses and trains across South Auckland. ==See== [[File:Caryota obtusa.jpg|thumb|Auckland Botanic Gardens]] * {{see | name=Auckland Botanic Gardens | alt= | url=http://www.aucklandbotanicgardens.co.nz/ | email= | address=102 Hill Rd, Manurewa | lat=-37.013 | long=174.908 | directions=366 bus from Manurewa or Manukau station | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 8AM–6PM (Oct–Mar to 8PM); cafe 8AM–4PM | price=Free | wikipedia=Auckland Botanic Gardens | wikidata=Q4819495 | content=Over 10,000 different plant types, both natives and exotics, spread over 64 hectares. }} * {{see | name=Butterfly Creek | alt= | url=http://www.butterflycreek.co.nz/ | email= | address=10–12 Tom Pearce Dr | lat=-36.99974 | long=174.79570 | directions=10–15 minute walk from airport terminals | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily (except 25–26 Dec) | price= | content=A tropical butterfly and moth house. Any time is good to see the butterflies but the best time is on sunny mornings. The butterfly house is warm and humid. Also has a few crocodiles and alligators, tamarin monkeys, dinosaur display, tropical aquaria, farmyard animals, a train for the kids and a cafe. }} * {{see | name=Howick Historical Village | alt= | url=http://www.fencible.org.nz/ | email= | address=corner of Lady Marie Dr & Bells Rd, Lloyd Elsmore Park, Pakuranga | lat=-36.9074 | long=174.9027 | directions=72C/M or 711 bus from Pakuranga Plaza | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily except 1 Jan, 25 & 26 Dec, Good Friday and Anzac Day 10AM-4PM | price=Adults $16, children over 5 $8 | wikipedia=Howick Historical Village | wikidata=Q5921931 | lastedit=2018-12-26 | content=This historical park gives visitors a taste of what life was like from 1840 to 1880. }} * {{see | name=Maraetai Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address=206/198 Pacific Coast Hwy, Maraetai, Auckland 2018 | lat=-36.88065 | long=175.0442 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=24 hours | price=Free | lastedit=2018-02-18 | content=Popular local beach for the Southern and Eastern suburbs. The road to Maraetai beach and around the Maraetai Coast Road is popular for driving and motorcycles. }} * {{see | name=Otuataua Stonefields | alt= | url=http://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/EN/parksfacilities/premierparks/Pages/otuatauastonefields.aspx | email= | address= | lat=-36.9838 | long=174.7542 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ōtuataua | wikidata=Q7110034 | content=Site of ancient Maori gardens on a low volcano. }} * {{see | name=Papakura Museum | alt= | url=http://www.papakuramuseum.org.nz/ | email= | address=Level 3, 209 Great South Road | lat=-37.0640 | long=174.9422 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M-F 10AM–4:30PM, Sa 10AM–3PM | price=donation | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-09-10 | content=Museum run by Papakura & Districts Historical Society. }} * {{see | name=McNicol Homestead | alt= | url=https://www.clevedon.co.nz/mcnicol-homestead-museum | email= | address=Clevedon | lat=-36.98921 | long=175.04549 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Sa, Su 1PM-4PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-02-16 | content=1878 house set in grounds with a museum run by the local historical society. }} ==Do== [[File:Enchantedride.jpg|thumb|Rainbow's End]] * {{do | name=Rainbow's End | alt= | url=http://www.rainbowsend.co.nz/ | email= | address=2 Clist Cres, off Manukau Station Rd, Manukau Central | lat=-36.99428 | long=174.88353 | directions=10-min walk from Manukau station & bus interchange | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 10AM-4PM; Sa, Su & hols 10AM-5PM | price=Adult $62, child (2-13) $52 |lastedit=2025-07-03| content=NZ’s premier family-based theme park with many rides and attractions. }} * {{do | name=Mangere Mountain | alt= | url=http://www.mangeremountain.co.nz | email= | address= | lat=-36.9481 | long=174.7831 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2025-07-03| content=An extinct volcano and former site of a pre-European Maori village, overlooking the Manukau Harbour. }} ==Buy== *{{buy | name=Mangere Town Centre market | url= | email= | address= | lat=-36.9701 | long=174.8000 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Sa 7AM-noon | price= |lastedit=2025-07-03| content=Similar to Otara Flea Market. A good place to buy Polynesian food. }} * '''Otara Flea Market''', Otara Shopping Centre, Newbury St. Sa 6AM–noon. Huge selection of clothes, household items and food. Otara has a large Polynesian and Maori population and the market reflects the culture of the area. You can buy Pacific Island music and clothing for example. Well worth a wander around. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Finn McCools Irish Pub Manukau | alt= | url= | email= | address=712 Great South Rd, Manukau Central | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A great pub with great grub. With a wide variety of food from bar snacks, steaks, & gourmet pizzas. }} * {{eat | name=The Hangi Shop | alt= | url=https://hangishop.co.nz/ | email= | address=583 Great South Road, Otahuhu | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-03-13 | content=Restaurant serving traditional Māori food including Hangi, a meal cooked by rocks in an underground pit. }} ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Airport Skyway Lodge | url=http://www.skywaylodge.com/ | email=email@skywaylodge.com | address=30 Kirkbride Rd, Mangere | lat=-36.9667 | long=174.7858 | directions= | phone = +64 800 726 880 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$33–89 + motel units available | checkin= | checkout= | content=Comfortable airport transfer service and very friendly staff. Car hire possible. }} * {{sleep | name=Heartland Hotel Auckland Airport | alt= | url=http://www.heartlandhotels.co.nz/hotels/heartland-hotel-auckland-airport | email= | address=14 Airpark Dr, Airport Oaks | lat=-36.9844 | long=174.7832 | directions= | phone = +64 9 275 4540 | tollfree= | fax= | price=From $119 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Closest accommodation to the airport. }} * {{sleep | name=Kudos Airport Apartments | url=http://www.kudosairportapartments.com/ | email= | address=Unit 40 Kudos Business Centre, 203 Kirkbride Rd, Mangere | lat=-36.9732 | long=174.7875 | directions=3 min from airport | phone=+64 9 275 9988 | tollfree= | fax=+64 9 523-9285 | price= | checkin=2PM | checkout=10AM | content=Twelve serviced apartment suites with 2 bedrooms, fully equipped kitchen and laundry facilities. }} ==Go next== Ferries leave from Half Moon Bay for Hauraki Gulf islands and [[Auckland/Central|central Auckland]]. {{geo|-36.9833|174.8833}} {{IsPartOf|Auckland}} {{usabledistrict}} gzsazk5bq4p3z0mb21e8m55pte9qsf4 0 21839 5086743 5086483 2025-07-02T18:38:56Z InternetArchiveBot 2253620 Rescuing 0 sources and tagging 3 as dead.) #IABot (v2.0.9.5 5086743 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Medan banner.jpg|caption=|dotm=yes}} '''Medan''' is a very large city on the north coast of the island of [[Sumatra]] in Indonesia, and the capital and largest city of [[North Sumatra]] province. Medan isn't a tourist destination, but it's a convenient stepping stone to other places like the 'weekend getaway' [[Berastagi]], the island of [[Penang]], Malaysia, and the popular, beautiful crater lake, [[Lake Toba]]. ==Understand== [[Image:Medan city 2019.jpg |thumb|500px|Medan skyline]] With a population of about 2 million people, Medan is the fourth-largest city in [[Indonesia]] (after [[Jakarta]], [[Surabaya]] and [[Bandung]]) and the largest city outside of [[Java]]. No ethnic group forms a majority; the largest ethnic groups are the Javanese, Batak, Chinese, Minangkabau, Malays, Acehnese and Indians, and there are many more smaller ones. Each ethnic group contributes to thousands of mouth-watering dishes found in every corner of Medan. They offer dozens of food streets and hawker centers to suit their appetite at any time of the day. From the sweet Javanese cuisine, to delicious Batak grilled pork, to hot Padang dishes, from savory Chinese noodles, to spicy Indian curry, this varied cuisine is available 24/7. It is obvious why the locals are so into food. The city is quite well known for "food-tourism", especially amongst other Indonesians. It's interesting to contrast the old, [[Dutch Empire|Dutch]] style green areas, with parks, lawns, and huge old Dutch houses (now turned into government offices or commercial business) and the hundreds and hundreds of newer, shoddy shophouses sprawled together by the hundreds in the commercial areas along with a few modern style malls. Look out for the motor becaks! A sort of motorized rickshaw, they are a common sight throughout Medan, spewing black smoke everywhere. Be patient when searching for one, as some drivers often demand large amounts of money and have a temper. ==Get in== Medan's '''[[Kualanamu International Airport]]''' and '''Belawan''' sea port are visa-free and visa-on-arrival points. For more visa information, see the [[Indonesia#get in|Indonesia]] page. ===By plane=== {{main|Kualanamu International Airport}} Medan's civilian airport, {{Marker|type=go|name=Kualanamu International Airport|lat=3.6422|long=98.8852|url=http://www.kualanamu-airport.co.id}} ({{IATA|KNO}}), is in Deli Serdang, about 45 minutes from the city. It handles domestic and regional international flights. After arrival, ATMs and an information desk are available inside the airport. ====International==== *'''[http://www.airasia.com AirAsia]''' from Bangkok, [[Kuala Lumpur]], [[Penang]], Phuket *'''[https://www.batikair.com.my/ Batik Air]{{Dead link|date=July 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' from Kuala Lumpur & Singapore *'''[https://www.etihad.com/en/ Etihad]''' from Abu Dhabi (from Oct 2025) *'''[http://www.lionair.co.id Lion Air]''' from Penang *'''[http://www.malaysiaairlines.com Malaysia Airlines]''' from Kuala Lumpur *'''[https://www.salamair.com/en/ Salam Air]''' from Muscat (from Oct 2025) *'''[http://www.saudia.com Saudia]''' from [[Jeddah]] *'''[https://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/au/home#/book/bookflight Singapore Airlines]''' from Singapore ====Domestic==== For destinations within Indonesia, there are some regional airlines and LCC that serve Medan to other cities, mostly around Sumatra island. *'''[https://www.batikair.com Batik Air]''' <small>''(part of Lion Air group)''</small> from Jakarta *'''[https://www.citilink.co.id/en/ Citilink]{{Dead link|date=July 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' <small>''(part of Garuda Indonesia)''</small> from Jakarta, Batam, Pekanbaru *'''[http://www.garuda-indonesia.com Garuda Indonesia]''' from Jakarta *'''[http://www.lionair.co.id Lion Air]''' serves big cities in Sumatra and Java island *'''[https://www.pelita-air.com/ Pelita Air]{{Dead link|date=July 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' from Jakarta *'''[https://www.superairjet.com/en/index.php Super Air Jet]''' from various cities *'''[https://susiair.com Susi Air]''' serves smaller cities in Aceh and North Sumatra *'''[https://www.lionair.co.id/ Wings Air]''' <small>''(part of Lion Air group)''</small> serves smaller cities in North Sumatra, Aceh, [[Dumai]] and [[Jambi]] ====Public transport==== [[File:Kereta Api Bandara Kualanamu.jpg|thumb|A Kualanamu airport train operated by Railink, the first airport train in Indonesia]] Train service is provided by '''[http://www.railink.co.id/ Railink]''', the first integrated airport rail link in Indonesia. City check-in and electronic tickets are also available. The airport train runs up to 21 trips a day in each direction with the first trip from {{Marker|type=go|name=Medan Main Train Station|lat=3.5908|long=98.6797|image=Medan Railway Station.jpg}} beside Merdeka Square on Balai Kota street at 04:00 and the last trip from the airport at 22:00. The last train from the city goes at around 21:00, but check at the train station for the latest schedule. It is the fastest way to get from the airport to central Medan, taking 31-41 minutes. At the train station in Medan, tickets can be purchased only by credit or debit card, not with cash. A one-way ticket costs Rp100,000, unless you can find a promotional offer. A promotional ticket can sometimes be purchased for Rp55,000 online, or through travel agents or external channels (not from vending machines and ticket counters), no schedule change is allowed and the ticket is not refundable. Up to date schedules, pricing and booking can be checked [https://reservation.railink.co.id/ here] or on the "KA BANDARA" app, but it is advised to check at the train station if you want to travel either very early or late. Payment can be done by Klik Pay BCA, Click Pay Mandiri, Visa or Mastercard debit/credit cards. Buses operated by state-owned bus company DAMRI connect the airport to two destinations in Medan: Jl. Gatot Subroto (next to Plaza Medan Fair) and Amplas bus terminal. The bus ticket is a lot cheaper than the airport train and normally takes 1-1.5 hours to reach the airport, if traffic is not heavy. The last bus from Plaza Medan Fair usually leaves around 18:00. If you miss the last one, you might be able to get together with others waiting there to go in on a taxi or grab taxi. Or take a rickshaw to the train station and take one of the last trains of the day. {| style="text-align:left; font-size:95%; border:1px solid black" |- ! Service !! !!Destination !! Fare |- ! colspan="3" style="background:#09f; color:black; height:35px;"| Kualanamu Airport Bus |- | style="background-color:yellow;color:black;text-align:center;font-weight:bold" | Damri || Amplas Bus Terminal ||Medan||Rp25,000 |- | style="background-color:yellow;color:black;text-align:center;font-weight:bold" | Damri || Plaza Medan Fair ||Medan||Rp40,000 (Mar 2024) |- | style="background-color:green;color:black;text-align:center;font-weight:bold" | ALS || Binjai Super Mall ||[[Binjai]]||Rp40,000 |} Taxis cost Rp130,000-150,000 to the city center, but will leave immediately, and are faster and more comfortable than the bus. There is a Rp10,000 surcharge to all fares for airport pickup on top of the metered rate. Taxi drivers may charge more late at night. ===By bus=== The central station for all larger buses in Medan is {{Marker|type=go|name=Amplas Bus Station|alt_name=Terminal Terpadu Amplas|lat=3.5400|long=98.7192}} (not located in the center of the city though). This is where a lot of the smaller minivans go, and where travelers need to go to make connecting buses to further cities. Many of the large air-conditioned buses perform overnight routes. Larger, non air-conditioned buses and large luxury buses (often Mercedes) that are air-conditioned (some have toilets on board, though they are squatting toilets that are difficult to use when the buses are moving, given driving habits and road conditions throughout Sumatra). * '''Trans Mebidang'''. A bus rapid transit system operated by the state-owned transport company Damri that serves various places around Medan, Binjai, and Deli Serdang. There are two lines that stops at various designated bus stops. Operating hours are 06:00-22:00. Fixed price: ** Medan - Lubuk Pakam line: Rp7,000 ** Medan - Binjai line: Rp6,000 * '''Makmur/Halmahera''', Jl. Sisingamangaraja Km 6,7. Large buses (AC or non-AC), runs daily (usually overnight) to major cities in Riau province. * '''Bintang Utara''', Jl. Sisingamangaraja across Makmur terminal. Large buses (AC or non-AC) to major cities in Riau province. * '''ALS''' (''Antar Lintas Sumatera''), Jl. Sisingamangaraja Km 6,5. Large buses (AC or non-AC), with route to southern part of North Sumatra, [[Padang]], [[Bukit Tinggi]], [[Pekanbaru]], [[Palembang]], Kerinci, and major cities in Java island ([[Jakarta]], [[Malang]], [[Yogyakarta]], [[Semarang]], [[Bandung]]). * '''Sempati Star''', Jl. Asrama. Luxury double-decker bus with toilet, entertainment screen on board, pillow & blanket, serves several cities in Aceh province. Prices range from Rp180,000 for Patas Executive to Rp430,000 for First Class (2017). For East, typically [[Bukit Lawang]], use {{Marker|type=go|name=Pinang Baris Bus Terminal|lat=3.5889516|long=98.6105293}} or possibly better bus shops near {{Marker|type=go|name=Mawar Bakery Pinang Baris|lat=3.5965706|long=98.609074}} For South, typically [[Berastagi]], go to Pt. Almasar Indonesia shop (loket), near Citra Garden 2, south of Medan. ===By car=== The Trans-Sumatran Highway that connects the whole island crosses Medan's city center. Toll roads exist but only as far as Binjai to the north west and Tebing Tinggi to south east. ===By boat=== Medan is not near the sea, but nearby '''Belawan''' is a major port. The passenger terminal is called {{Marker|type=go|name=Bandar Deli|lat=3.7779|long=98.6809}}. Ferries no longer run to Penang from Belawan. The nearest international ferry port is Tanjung Balai, Asahan, about four hours by train from Medan. '''To/from other parts of Indonesia:''' Domestic routes are served by '''[https://www.pelni.co.id/?bhs=en PELNI]{{Dead link|date=April 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''', it links Belawan with various ports in Sumatra and other Indonesian islands. ===By train=== Medan is connected by rail to other conurbations on the eastern coast of Sumatra, such as Tanjung Balai, Rantau Prapat, Pematang Siantar and Binjai. Executive, business and economy class trains are available, but if your budget allows, take the better class trains, which are faster and more comfortable. Tickets cost between Rp5,000 (economy) to Rp120,000 (executive). Online booking is available [https://www.kai.id/ here]{{Dead link|date=January 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. ==Get around== {{Mapframe|3.589|98.680|zoom=12}} {{mapshape}} Medan city is swamped by becaks and taxis (the preferable choice to get around). There is also a form of public transport known as the angkot (small minivan). ===By becak=== There are two types, the noisy smelly motorized ones, called becak motor, and the human powered pedal ones, called becak dayung, or in English, trishaws or pedicabs. You have to be a good negotiator if you want to go by becak, with price ranging between Rp5,000-30,000 depending on distance and bargaining skills. The pedal ones are becoming scarce, but are much more fun for short trips. Most of their drivers are getting on in years, so they might not want to go too far. Beware of scam artists who quote you one price to lure you in, even by showing a physical note to show you how much it'll cost, and then demand 10 times that amount when you arrived at your destination. Somehow, it's always 10 times: for example, 3,000 becomes 30,000, 5,000 becomes 50,000. An audio and video recording of their license card in the becak and the conversation about what was agreed would be a useful defense. Very few becak drivers speak more than a few words of English, but a map and lots of pointing will get you to the right place, even if it takes twice as long as you thought. ===By taxi=== Try to get a taxi from a reliable place such in front of malls, shopping centers or airport. Many taxi drivers will resist the use of a meter and want to bargain. Taxis with meters may put them on, but then say there is a minimum charge. Try to avoid the use of taxis other than Bluebird or Express and always use the meter as they are the two most reliable taxi companies in Medan, this is a general rule that applies throughout the regions of Indonesia where either of these two taxi companies are available. * {{listing | name=Express Taxi | alt= | url=http://www.expressgroup.co.id | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62 61 455 2211 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= White taxis (usually Toyota Vios), they can usually be found around Medan, especially around central city and mostly use meter. Call in advance and they will come in time too (minimum fee by call is Rp25,000). }} * {{listing | name=Blue Bird Taxi | alt= | url=http://www.bluebirdgroup.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62 61 846 1234 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Blue color taxis, the newest taxi company to start operate in Medan. Friendly drivers and always use meter. Minimum fee by call is Rp20,000. }} Medan is also served by online transport. You book them via their app from smart phones. Payment can be by cash, card or electronic wallet. The fee is calculated by app, so no need to bargain. Regularly offer promotions. *'''[https://www.grab.com Grab]''' The most popular choice and has the largest operated fleets. *'''[https://www.gojek.com/ GO-JEK]''' Famous for its bike fleets, but also start offering car services. There have been cases of online transport cars being attacked in a few places like the airport and train station when picking up passengers, though the situation seems to have calmed down. Consult your driver for pick-up point to avoid any problems. ===By bus=== Public transport is rather haphazard, though there are more or less fixed prices. Small minivans (called ''sudako'' or ''angkot'' by locals) have painted numbers (1 to 267 in Medan, or sometimes letters like MRX) that signify their routes, which even locals don't have memorized. If you speak Indonesian, just ask where people are standing by the roadsides which "bus" number corresponds to your location and what the price is in advance. When a van with the appropriate number approaches, flag them down as they don't make scheduled stops (just drive along a given route and drop off passengers when told or pick up new passengers when flagged). If you are a westerner, you might want to confirm the price before getting in, though there is another school of thought which believes it is better to just hand over Rp5,000 when you get to your desired destination, especially since drivers are always in a hurry and rarely speak any English. This type of transportation should only be braved by those with a point-to-point knowledge of Medan and a working knowledge of Indonesian so they know where to tell the driver to stop, unless you have a local friend who can take you around, or you have plenty of time to explore the city. Standard fare around town (per 2024) is Rp5,000/trip. Only trip from-to opposite side of the city should go up to Rp10,000-15,000. One easy route is Minibus #3 from the great mosque (at the side of Yuki Simpang Raya mall) to Sambu bus station near Medan Mall. Another useful route is MRX which goes between Amplas Bus Station - Yuki Simpang Raya - Merdeka Walk (near the train station) - Plaza Medan Fair (near Petisah Market)- Plaza Millenium and beyond. [[File:Trans Metro Deli K1M.jpg|thumb|right|Trans Metro Deli bus]] A larger bus called Trans Metro Deli (green-colored) also operates. These buses have AC and serve fixed routes and have fixed stops. Payment is via electronic money or QRIS. The bus routes are available in Moovit and Google Maps apps (Mar 2024). {| class="wikitable" !Bus Number !Origin !Destination |- |K1M |Pinang Baris Station | rowspan="5" |Merdeka Walk (City Centre) |- |K2M |Amplas Bus Station |- |K3M |Belawan |- |K4M |Tuntungan |- |K5M |Tembung |} ==Talk== All locals will be able to speak '''[[Indonesian phrasebook|Indonesian]]'''. However, the ethnic Chinese can often be heard speaking a localised variant of '''[[Minnan phrasebook|Hokkien]]''' known as Medan Hokkien, which is very similar to [[Penang]] Hokkien spoken across the Strait of Malacca. People in Medan have a very high level of education and many younger people speak English very well. Those over 50 or 60 also tend to speak English and some even Dutch. If you find yourself stuck just tell the person you need someone who speaks English to help and there will be someone there in a matter of minutes. Speaking English well is a highly regarded skill by the locals so anyone who does so is well known and can be found quickly. The locals will really appreciate your efforts to learn Indonesian, and please not be offended if they will laugh loudly with you too. It is not a mocking expression. Lots of Indonesians have grown up admiring foreign people via pop or Internet culture, and seeing one makes them happy to death. ==See== [[File:Mosque Dome and Minaret in Medan, Sumatra, Indonesia.jpg|thumb|right|One of Medan's numerous mosques, with tiled minaret and domes visible.]] [[File:Primate Taxidermy, Rahmat International Wildlife Museum and Gallery.jpg|thumb|right|There are many impressive rooms of taxidermy at the Rahmat International Wildlife Museum and Gallery.]] [[File:Balairung Istana Maimun MIrza Baihaqie.jpg|thumb|right|The hall of Maimoon Palace.]] [[File:View Toward Main Hall, Vihara Gunung Timur, Medan, Sumatra.jpg|thumb|right|View of the Chinese Taoist temple of Vihara Gunung Timur main hall with incense burner at left. ]] [[File:Perhimpunan Shri Mariamman (Mariamman Hindu Temple), Medan.jpg|thumb|right|Perhimpunan Shri Mariamman is a Tamil Hindu temple.]] [[File:Skewed Front View, Tjong A Fie Mansion, Medan.jpg|thumb|right|Tjong A Fie Mansion, the command center of the local Chinese community at the turn of the 20th century.]] [[File:Harimau Sumatera (Sumatran Tiger).jpg|thumb|Sumatran tiger at Medan Zoo]] Most tourists use Medan merely as a transit point to travel elsewhere in Sumatra, but Medan offers a glimpse of a large Indonesian city still unfrequented by western tourists, and shouldn't be quickly dismissed. Medan is more chaotic and has a bit more litter than Jakarta or Denpasar and open sewers abound. Furthermore, fewer people speak English in Medan compared other large Indonesian cities, but even a little Bahasa goes a long way, and Sumatrans are still unjaded by westerners. Medan hosts a great lot of very nice '''Art Deco buildings''' from the Dutch colonial era, like the Old City Hall, the Post Office, the Great Mosque and many business buildings in and around Jl. Ahmad Yani. Some of them are in horrible shape, but most of them maintain their old splendor. Other attractions include: *{{see | name=Gunung Timur Temple | alt=Vihara Gunung Timur | url= | email= | address=Jalan Hang Tuah | lat=3.577593 | long=98.668396 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Free | wikidata=Q14933726 | content=A Daoist temple of significant scale located about 500 m from Sri Mariamman Temple. It contains a large paved area with an impressively scaled incense burner, two covered badminton courts, a very large main hall and is partly surrounded by a moat and walls. It is particularly crowded with worshippers on Chinese New Year and Cap Go Meh. }} *{{see | name=Great Mosque of Medan | alt=Masjid Raya Medan or Masjid Raya Al Mashun | url= | email= | address=corner of Jalan Masjid Raya and Jalan Sisingamaraja | lat=3.575111 | long=98.687321 | directions=a 5-min walk to the east from Maimoon Palace, across from Yuki Simpang Raya department store | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Free | image=Masjid Raya Al Mashun Medan.jpg | wikidata=Q12497331 | content=Built in 1906 and completed in 1909, the mosque was designed by a Dutch architect mixing Moroccan, European, Middle Eastern and Malay styles. During the month of Ramadan the whole Jalan Masjid Raya is closed to hold a night market where food and merchandise are sold. Women can visit, too, but they have to enter the central hall through a separate door and stay behind a provisory wall that separates the hall in two. Around the mosque is a graveyard for the sultan's extended family. }} *{{see | name=Graha Maria Annai Velangkanni | alt= | url=http://velangkanni.blogspot.com/ | email= | address=Taman Sakura Indah, Jalan Sakura III No. 10 Tanjung Selamat | lat=3.54782 | long=98.60875 | directions=11 km from downtown/little india, local bus 10/26/61+6 Rp5,000 each ~1 hr; car-hailing grab Rp 30,000 bike, Rp 50-60,000 car | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=08:00-18:00 | price=Free | lastedit=2024-03-27 | content=Catholic shrine with Tamil Hindu-style architecture, devoted to Our Lady of Good Health. }} * {{see | name=Maha Vihara Maitreya | alt= | url=https://mahaviharamaitreya.org/ | email= | address=Jl. Boulevard Utara No. 1, Cemara Asri | lat=3.637917 | long=98.701306 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Open most the times | price=Free | wikidata=Q24896590 | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=One of the biggest Buddhist temple complexes in Medan, it is decorated with various statues of mythical Chinese creatures like dragons, ''kirin'' and phoenixes. To the left wing is a pond housing koi fish, while the right wing houses a playground, souvenir shop, a vegetarian canteen and a coffeehouse. The main hall houses statues of Buddha Sakyamuni, Bodhisattva and the Bodhisattva Satyakalama Avolokitesvara. As this is a holy site, always obey the regulations stated by the temple. }} *{{see | name=Maimoon Palace | alt=Istana Maimun | url=http://www.indonesia.travel/sites/site/676/the-maimun-palace-in-medan | email= | address=Jalan Brigjend Katamso | lat=3.575278 | long=98.683889 | directions=5 mins walk from Great Mosque | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Rp10,000 | wikidata=Q1674833 | lastedit=2024-03-27 | content=A royal palace of Sultanate of Deli, built by Sultan Makmun Al Rasyid Perkasa Alamsyah in years 1887–1891, the palace covers 2,772 m² and has 30 rooms. It has unique interior design, mixing elements of Malay cultural heritage, Islam, Spanish, Indian and Italian style. Only a small number of rooms can be visited, with a history of the sultan family and a few artefacts, portraits and photographs and partly occupied by shops. Quite busy and popular place with locals and tourists. Additional fee if want to get photos in traditional costume (Rp50,000). No English text. }} *{{see | name=Rahmat International Wildlife Museum & Gallery | alt= | url=http://www.rahmatgallery.com | email=wildlife@rahmatgallery.com | address=Jalan S. Parman No 309 | lat=3.57914 | long=98.66757 | directions= | phone=+62 61 456 9964 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=09:00-17:00 | price=Rp50,000 | wikipedia=Rahmat International Wildlife Museum & Gallery | image=Primate Taxidermy, Rahmat International Wildlife Museum and Gallery.jpg | wikidata=Q18393164 |lastedit=2022-09-19| content=Opened in 1999 and is chiefly the most incredible global taxidermy collection you could imagine. This place has to be seen to be believed - it's the sort of thing that could only happen in Asia! A veritable treasure-chest, it features numerous critters of sea, land and sky as well as the collected flotsam of the eccentric founding Afghan's life hunting big game, fishing, hob-nobbing and generally getting around the world. An obvious labour of love by Doctor Rahmat, who has since been installed as the chairman of the Indonesian Museum Association, this place is a small stay against the sea of Sumatran rain forests being destroyed and poached every year. Worth supporting against ill-contrived zoos otherwise found throughout the region. }} *{{see | name=Sri Mariamman Temple | alt=Kuil Shri Mariamman | url= | email= | address= | lat=3.58442 | long=98.67079 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Free | wikidata=Q12492840 | content=A Tamil Hindu temple. Beware: there are two of these! This one's the one on the corner not so far from town. The other one is down a long alley and is closed up. Featuring many brightly colored statues of all the major gods from the Tamil Hindu pantheon and a few ''naga stones'', this temple is testament to the reach of the ancient Tamil maritime empire and the age of the Tamil community in Sumatra. Events regularly take place at this temple. }} *{{see | name=Sikh Temple | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=3.58411 | long=98.67105 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Free | content=Located in the old Chinese school 50 m to the right of the Shri Mariamman Tamil Hindu Temple, opposite the maternity hospital. After you walk in to the impressive grounds, turn to the left and walk behind the stairway. The humble temple hall is located to your left. Note: Do not enter without both permission and proper attire! There is supposed to be a larger one elsewhere in the city. }} * {{see | name=Tjong A Fie Mansion | alt=Rumah Tjong A Fie | url=https://tjongafiemansion.org/ | email=info@tjongafiemansion.org | address=Jalan Ahmad Yani | lat=3.58545 | long=98.68033 | directions=10 minutes' walk south of the train station, across from Tip Top restaurant | phone=+62 811 613 0388 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Rp35,000 | wikidata=Q7810631 | lastedit=2021-11-12 | content=This mansion was built by an important businessman in Medan, a leader of the local Chinese community who formed several successful business ventures in his lifetime, working with both Dutch colonial authorities, Indonesian Muslims, plantation owners, exporters and worldwide traders of all stripes. Because of his substantial wealth and philanthropic activities involving mosques, hospitals, temples and orphanages, Tjong A Fie became a defining figure in the history of Medan. He worked to improve conditions for those on tobacco, rubber and other plantations, objecting to indentured servitude and other degrading work conditions for ethnic Chinese laborers. This colorful and ornately decorated building tells his story, and that of his descendants, as well as filling in some details about the city's past. }} * {{see | name=Tirtanadi Water Tower | alt=Menara Air Tirtanadi | url= | email= | address=Jalan Sisingamaraja No. 1 (intersection of Jalan Sisingamaraja, Jalan Pandu and Jalan Cirebon) | lat=3.58226 | long=98.6851 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Free | wikipedia=Tirtanadi Water Tower | image=Tirtanadi Water Tower, Medan - panoramio.jpg | wikidata=Q19746232 | content=One of Medan's icons, the water tower was built by the Dutch government in 1908 with a height of 42 m. It is state-owned by PDAM Tirtanadi. }} * {{see | name=Medan Zoo | alt=Kebun Binatang Medan | url= | email= | address=Jl. Bunga Rampai IV, Simalingkar | lat=3.482938 | long=98.642313 | directions= | phone=+62 83890853009 (WA) | tollfree= | hours=08:30-17:30 | price=Rp15,000 weekdays, Rp20,000 weekend | lastedit=2024-08-02 | content=See critically endangered local fauna, Sumatran tiger. It is the only surviving tiger population in the Sunda Islands. }} * {{see | name=North Sumatra Museum | alt=Museum Negeri Sumatra Utara | url= | email= | address=Jl. HM. Joni No.51 | lat=3.568188 | long=98.696313 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Su, 08:30-16:00 | price= | wikipedia=North Sumatra Museum | image=The traditional Batak style building houses the North Sumatra Provincial State Museum (2020-02-06).jpg | lastedit=2024-08-06 | content=It is the largest museum in North Sumatra which displays various historical and cultural relics of the nation, arts and crafts from various ethnic groups in North Sumatra. }} ==Do== ===Theme parks=== [[File:Pantai Cermin - panoramio.jpg|thumb|Pantai Cermin Theme Park]] * {{listing | type=do | name=Pantai Cermin Theme Park & Resort | alt= | url= | email= | address=Sales office : Jalan D.I. Panjaltan No. 153, Theme Park : Dusun 1 Desa Pantai Cermin Kanam, Kec. Pantai Cermin, Kabupaten Serdang Bedagai | lat=3.6539 | long=98.9853 | directions= | phone=+62 61 4510956 (Sales office), +62 61 4562893 | tollfree= | fax=+62 61 4520922 | hours=weekdays 11:00-17:00, weekends and public holidays 09:00-6:30 | price=weekdays: Rp40,000 (adult), Rp20,000 (children); weekends and public holidays: Rp60,000 (adult), Rp40,000 (children) | content=The water theme park is located in Cermin Beach, Serdang Bedagai. The theme park is organized by a Malaysian investor and the local government. Swimming, sun bathing and kayaking. To go there, take a rental car, private car or mini bus (sudako) at Jalan. MT. Haryono (in front of Medan Mall) and stop at Perbaungan city. Then take a machine trishaw to the beach. The whole journey may take about 1-2 hours. }} ===Spa=== Although Sumatra does not have the same international reputation as Bali or Thailand for massage, it still forms a significant part of local culture. In rural areas, there will usually be a masseuse available for low cost, if you ask around, while Medan offers true 'spa' facilities, which are highly recommended for anyone seeking a spa experience away from the hustle and bustle of the city at a fraction of the cost elsewhere in the world. Mostly hotels also have their own spa. You can contact your receptionist for further info. * {{do | name=Quan Spa | alt= | url=http://www.quanspa.com | email=quanspamedan@marriotthotels.com | address=JW Marriott Hotel 17th floor | lat=3.59640 | long=98.67579 | directions= | phone=+62 61 455 3333 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 10:00-21:00 | price=From Rp250,000 for 1-hour massage | content=Located on the 17th floor of the JW Marriott has full 5-star hotel spa facilities, with a one hour massage from Rp250,000 for 1-hour massage, more for more elaborate rituals. This is of course a very expensive fee in Indonesia. }} * {{do | name=Zengarden | alt= | url=http://zengarden.co.id/ | email=hello@zengarden.co.id | address=Jalan S No. 22/272 Parman | lat=3.58094 | long=98.66719 | directions= | phone=+62 61 4519306, +62 61 77029845 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Weekdays: 10:00-22:00, weekends: 09:00-21:00 | price=Rp150,000-280,000 | content=Located in the heart of Medan. Skillful, clean and very affordable by local standards. Reservations are recommended. }} * {{do | name=Eucalyptus Spa | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=There are two branches of Eucalyptus Spa in the city, one at the Travellers Suite hotel. Prices there are lower, from Rp120,000 for 1 hour. }} * {{do | name=De'Spa | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jalan Malaka No.136 | lat=3.59431 | long=98.69431 | directions= | phone=+62 61 4148416 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{do | name=Ocean Spa | alt= | url= | email= | address=Cemara Asri | lat=3.63348 | long=98.70730 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ===Family karaoke=== * {{do | name=H.o.M.E Family Karaoke | url= | email= | address=Jl. Patimura | lat=3.57625 | long=98.66610 | directions= | phone=+62 61 4536567 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{do | name=Karaoke Keluarga (K2) Family Karaoke | url= | email= | address=Kompleks Multatuli | lat=3.57540 | long=98.68038 | directions= | phone=+62 61 4575055 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Buy== Though Medan doesn't have many super malls like Jakarta or Surabaya, it does have plenty of medium-sized malls. * {{buy | name=Cambridge City Square | alt= | url=http://www.gmts.co.id/web/mall | email= | address=Jl. S. Parman No 217 (intersection of Jl. S. Parman, Jl. Gajah Mada & Jl. Zainul Arifin | lat=3.5846 | long=98.6675 | directions=5-min walk from Sun Plaza along Jl. Zainul Arifin | phone=+62 61 455 4999 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 10:00-22:00 | price= | lastedit=2024-01-08 | content=Cambridge City Square consists of office spaces, a mall, condominium and the Grand Swiss-Belhotel International linked together. The mall is less than a quarter of the size of Sun Plaza, but houses many restaurants and cafes like Nelayan Jala-jala (dim sum restaurant), Starbucks Coffee, Es Teler 77 (Indonesian street food), Pepper Lunch (teppanyaki restaurant), Haagen-Dazs, Magal and many more. A small supermarket, Berastagi Supermarket, is in LG floor. There are also several boutiques which sell knock-off "branded" items. }} * {{buy | name=Centre Point | alt= | url=http://www.centrepoint.co.id | email= | address=Jl. Timor | lat=3.5916 | long=98.6813 | directions=behind the train station | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Daily 10:00-22:00 | price= | lastedit=2024-01-08 | content=An upscale-mall, Centre Point aims to combine mall, apartments, hotel and office into one big integrated complex. As of 2018, the apartments were still under construction. Has Lotte Mart (Korean hypermarket), Cinema XXI (movie theater) & food court in top floor, Metro (department store), modern gym, and many more international retailers of brand-name items. Mr DIY opened in 2019. If you take a train from airport, after exiting train station, you can cross the street into the mall. }} * {{buy | name=Grand Palladium Mall | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl. Kapten Maulana Lubis No. 8 | lat=3.590056 | long=98.673833 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Daily 10:00-22:00 | price= | wikidata=Q12484462 | lastedit=2023-03-23 | content=No longer grand, this out-of-fashion mall is adjacent to Hotel Aryaduta in the city center. Used to be popular, but most outlets have now closed, as happens to malls in fickle Medan. All the large stores have left, but there are still a few small shops selling things like gems and CDs, and a few good restaurants. Be sure to try Tiong Sim Noodle & Hong Kong BBQ (open until 02:00 daily!): Their roasted pork and noodles is very famous locally. Nearby Sun Plaza is a livelier destination - it's about a 10-min drive or 15min walk from Palladium. Lippo Plaza is between the two. }} *{{buy | name=Medan Mall | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl. MT Haryono | lat=3.58793 | long=98.68678 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Daily 10:00-22:00 | price= | image=Medan Mall exterior.jpg | wikidata=Q12497701 | content=A popular place for shoppers where you can find almost everything from fine jewelery, clothing and food to groceries. Directly connected to Pusat Pasar, a big traditional market behind Medan Mall. The adjacent Olympia Mall is a wholesale market. }} * {{buy | name=Plaza Medan Fair | alt= | url=http://m.lippomalls.com/malls/Plaza-Medan-Fair/ | email= | address=Jl. Gatot Subroto No 30 | lat=3.5922 | long=98.6637 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Daily 10:00-22:00 | price= | lastedit=2023-03-23 | content=One of the major malls in Medan, renowned for selling electronics and gadgets. Has Transmart Carrefour (hypermarket), Matahari (local department store), Ayam Kalasan (Indonesian restaurant famous for its roast chicken), and many other chain restaurants. Slightly cheaper than Sun Plaza. On the top floor, you will find many small outlets selling gadgets or PCs and accessories and a Mr DIY. Cell phone network Three ("Tri") has its Medan office near the KFC. }} * {{buy | name=Sun Plaza | alt= | url=http://www.lippomalls.com/malls/Sun-Plaza/ | email= | address=Jl. Zainul Arifin Nomor 7 (intersection of Jl. Zainul Arifin & Jl. Diponegoro) | lat=3.5833 | long=98.6718 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Daily 10:00-22:00 | price= | wikipedia=Sun_Plaza_(Medan) | wikidata=Q12517712 | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=Located downtown in the Central Business District area, just at the border of ''Kampung Keling'' (Little India), surrounded by major international banks. It is one of the largest high-end shopping malls in Medan. Plenty of food choices from western to eastern. There is a hypermarket chain, Hypermart, on the top floor. Has more luxurious goods than other malls in town; however, many of them are knock-off branded products. The products can range from C to AAA grades. It is strongly advised to bargain. Some good buys include Mont Blanc pens which can be purchased for Rp100,000-200,000 apiece, complete with gift box and warranty card. Also has Cinemaxx (movie theater), Sogo (department store), Gramedia (largest book store chain in Indonesia), Ace Hardware, etc. Very crowded especially on weekends or public holidays. }} *{{buy | name=Thamrin Plaza | alt= | url=http://www.thamrinplaza.com | email= | address=Jl. Thamrin | lat=3.58656 | long=98.69151 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 10:00-22:00 | price= | content=One of the oldest malls with large Matahari (department store), Timezone arcade, top-floor food court and limited international brand stores. Located near Chinatown. There's a wholesale market beside Thamrin Plaza called ''Pasar Rame'' that opens from 09:00-17:00 daily. Look around for dried fruit with sugar. }} * {{buy | name=Yuki Simpang Raya Shopping Mall | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl Sisingamangaraja XII | lat=3.5757 | long=98.6883 | directions=across the street from Masjid Raya | phone=+62 61 7354027 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 12:00-22:00 | price= | lastedit=2024-12-20 | content=A long-running little shopping center, very convenient to the hotel district. Unlike the giant chain malls, this one sells mostly locally made clothing and home furnishings. There is also a large arcade and kids' playground on the top floor a supermarket on the ground floor, as well as a popular bowling alley, pool hall, and a good gym on the 3rd floor. The gym costs Rp15,000 per visit. You can also become a monthly member. Cell phone shops near the front entrance. Across Jln Amaliun from Yuki there is a food center and a Kebuli Abuya pilaf style eatery. There are also many food stalls and cafes along Jln Amaliun. }} * {{buy | name=Pasar Petisah | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=3.591375 | long=98.667544 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=A central market, sells vast array of meat, fish, fruit and vegetables. Plaza Medan Fair is very nearby. }} * {{buy | name=Gelora Supermarket | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl. Sisingamangaraja and Jl. Amaliun | lat=3.57644 | long=98.68789 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=A supermarket and small department store for children's school uniforms and other items. Their old building next to the railway tracks is now closed and they have moved into the Madani Hotel Building. }} * {{buy | name=The Plaza Millenium | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl. Kapitan Muslim | lat=3.5995 | long=98.644639 | directions=on the MRX minibus route | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q12505817 | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=Medan's cell phone plaza. Four floors almost completely devoted to phones. Pretty girls do their best to get you to choose their booth, from the hundred or so which all seem to offer the same merchandise. There's a food center, a cinema, and kids' amusement area on the top, and there are also a couple of fast food joints, a supermarket and a gym on the ground floor. There are also phones and accessories shops across the street. }} * {{buy | name=Mr Ben | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl. Muara Takus 70-72 | lat=3.58245 | long=98.66931 | directions=near Jl. Pagaruyung food street in Kampung Keling | phone=+62 61 4554116 | tollfree= | hours=07:30-19:30, closed Sunday | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=Not a mall, just a good sized shop that has been a long running source for all those hard to find food items that foreigners crave. They have a lot of competition since the giant supermarket chains have arrived, but you will still find items here that you won't get anywhere else in Medan. Personal service and very reasonable prices. Cheeses, interesting local coffees, and health food items. Well worth visiting. }} * {{buy | name=Delipark Mall & Rivapark | alt= | url=https://delipark.com/ | email= | address=Jl. Putri Hijau / Guru Patimpus No 1, Medan | lat=3.594164 | long=98.674656 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=10:00-22:00 | price= | wikidata=Q12481176 | lastedit=2024-01-08 | content=The largest upscale mall, part of Podomoro City Deli Medan. Their tenants include Sogo Dept Store, Marks & Spencer, Pull & Bear, Uniqlo, Tumi, Swarovski, Transmart Supermarket, Ace Hardware, Starbucks and many more. }} ==Eat== [[File:Mi Balap.jpg|thumb|''Mie balap'', one of the abundant breakfasts in Medan]] With its diversity of ethnic group, Medan is a culinary paradise. Here you will find several of Indonesia's regional cuisines, as well as localised versions of Chinese and Indian cuisine. Common sights are ''mie pangsit'' (a variant of wonton noodles, sometimes without wonton - commonly pork, but beef and chicken version exist), ''nasi padang'' or ''nasi minang'', ''kwetiau/bihun/mie/nasi goreng'' (fried noodle/kway teow/vermicelli/rice), ''bakso'' (meatball soup served with/without noodle) and ''sate padang'' (satay with spicy yellow sauces origin from West Sumatra). Also you may try some of Medan's specialties such as ''soto medan'', ''mie sop'', ''mie rebus medan'', ''mie balap'' and ''bihun bebek''. ===Budget=== * {{eat | name=Kedai Kopi Apek | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jalan Hindu, Kesawan | lat=3.587438 | long=98.677312 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=Historic coffee house with excellent Lintong Coffee served up by Apek. This place was set up by Apek's father in 1922. Serves ''kopi susu'' and ''roti bakar srikaya'' (kaya toast). Contains stalls with Indian ''roti cane'' bread with goat curry, ''martabak'' and ''soto'' soup. Outside are ''nasi gurih'', ''bakmi'' and ''kwetiau'' noodles. Piece of Medan history. }} *{{eat | name=Bollywood Food Centre | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl. Muara Takus No 7 | lat=3.582187 | long=98.670734 | directions=behind Sun Plaza | phone=+62 61 453694 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=This is nice place for real, homely Indian food. }} * {{eat | name=Cahaya Baru Indian Restaurant | alt= | url= | email=cahayabaruindianfood@gmail.com | address=Jalan Teuku Cik Ditiro | lat=3.583413 | long=98.668859 | directions=In Little India | phone=+62 811-6407-878 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Main dish Rp 20-70k, drink 10-50, lassi 30-35, beers 40-50, nasi kandar 15-35, martabak 25-50, add 10% service tax | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=The North and south Indian restaurant is one of Medan's best kept secrets, which has been featured in Kompas newspaper as the only restaurant in Medan which serves a wide range of authentic North-Indian cuisine. It offers delicious vegetarian and curry dishes. }} * {{eat | name=Restoran Garuda | alt= | url=http://www.restorangaruda.com/ | email=info@restorangaruda.com | address=Jalan H. Adam Malik | lat=3.595313 | long=98.669187 | directions= | phone=+62 61 453 7346 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=Well known for its ''rendang'' (Padang-style beef dish cooked slowly in coconut gravy and chili) and ''ayam pop'' (Padang-style chicken dish cooked in coconut gravy), it has many branches including RM Berjaya. }} * {{eat | name=Lontong Kak Lin | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jalan Teuku Cik Ditiro | lat=3.583813 | long=98.642562 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=Serving tasty and cheap ''lontong sayur'' (rice cakes in hot vegetables curry), this humble eatery is not much to look at for the uninitiated. There are queues to buy breakfast and lunch here. }} * {{eat | name=Mie Aceh Titi Bobrok | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl. Setia Budi | lat=3.583813 | long=98.642562 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=Has been dubbed by an Indonesian lifestyle magazine as the most popular local dish in Medan. A simple dish of noodle served with chili sauce and crab, rumour has it that the secret ingredient which make the Aceh-style noodle irresistible is a dash of Acehnese marijuana, which is the commonest drug that could be imported illegally from the region. But that, of course, only heightened the mystery and the notoriety of the delicious ''mie Aceh''. }} * {{eat | name=Pagaruyung Alley | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=3.58447 | long=98.6703 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-03-23 | content=Located in Medan's "Little India" or ''Kampung Keling'' as it's called by locals. They offer, of course, Indian and Indonesian cuisine. Business begins when the sun sets and goes until 202:00 Well known for satay (chicken, lamb, mutton, liver, intestine, etc.), fried rice and ''martabak telur'' (egg pancake topped with diced potatoes, and onions, often served with curry). Also excellent Minang style "pick and mix" rice and fruit juices. }} * {{eat | name=Sadar jiwo noodlebar | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl. Teuku Cik Ditiro No.36, Madras Hulu, Kec. Medan Polonia, Kota Medan, Sumatera Utara 20152 | lat=3.582937 | long=98.668813 | directions=In Little India | phone=+62 811-6407-878 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Main dish 18-48k, entry 20-28k, drink 5-18k | lastedit=2024-12-26 | content=Indonesian and Japanese noodles. AC. }} * {{eat | name=Mie Ayam Jamur Juara | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl. Taruma Simp. Airlangga | lat=3.585187 | long=98.669359 | directions=in Little India. One block north of Capsule Inn Medan. | phone=+62 61-4530962, +62 8116060962 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Main dish Rp 10-13k, drink 6-10k. Example: ''nasi ayam penyet'' 10k | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=Small street food stall. Likely one of the cheapest places but still good. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=Koki Sunda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=3.58267 | long=98.66688 | directions= | phone=+62 61 4533282 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=As the name implies, serves tasty Sundanese food and beverages such as ''Nasi Liwet'' and ''Es Delima''. It's at the heart of the city at the corner of S.Parman and Hasanuddin so it's hard to miss if you travel around the city. Its reasonably priced and wide array selection of delicious food is well known to the locals and visitors. Koki Sunda now opens in Tanjung Morawa and Pekan Baru. }} * {{eat | name=Jalan Selat Panjang/ Sumatra/ Semarang | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=3.583349 | long=98.684802 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=This is where some of the oldest Chinese eateries in Medan serve their renowned cuisines, such as ''mie pangsit tiong-sim'' (noodle served with stuffed dumplings), ''kwetiau goreng'' (wok-fried Chinese rice-fettuccine), ''popia'' (Chinese-style vegetable-stuffed spring roll) and many more. If you want to eat halal, of course you should beware of the pork content in the dishes, but you could always ask for a no-pork version of the dish and a different wok to cook your food in. }} * {{eat | name=Tip Top Restaurant | alt= | url=http://www.tiptop-medan.com/ | email=tiptopmedan@gmail.com | address=Jalan Jenderal Ahmad Yani no 92 A-B | lat=3.586023 | long=98.679817 | directions=across from Tjong A Fie Mansion | phone=+62 61 4514442 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q111180639 | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=Used to be '''the''' restaurant in Medan, this unique restaurant can trace its history back to the Dutch colonisation. The food has a nostalgic taste clinging on every bite, such as the ox-tongue sandwich and the bitter-ballen, but the best experience you could have here is watching the buzz of Kesawan Square from your rattan chair on the verandah. Also famous for its cake. }} * {{eat | name=OnDo Grill Batak | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl. Pabrik Tenun No.45 | lat=3.598438 | long=98.660062 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=A unique Batak restaurant where you can find the gems of Batak dishes, without all the germs. Cafe-like ambience with non-stop jazz music. Serves a reasonably-tasting ''saksang'' (a pork dish cooked in pork blood), ''babi panggang karo'' (Batak/Karo-style chopped roast-pork) and ''arsik'' (Batak-style fish dish). Don't forget to taste the hot ''pora-pora'' (a dish of sauteed papaya and cassava leaves cooked in coconut gravy and rawit chili). }} * {{eat | name=Rumah Makan Islam Marikena | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl. Jamin Ginting No.94 | lat=3.539562 | long=98.653063 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=10:00-21:00 | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=Serves traditional Halal Batak-Karo dishes, like ''arsik'', a traditional goldfish/carp dish, and ''ayam cipera'', a type of Karo soup made with corn, chicken, and other spices and left to stew in water. }} ===Splurge=== * {{eat | name=Taipan Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=Capital building, 1st Floor | lat=3.5936 | long=98.676 | directions= | phone=+62 61 4556333 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=Serves mainly Chinese style menu. Dim sum is served usually for breakfast and lunch only. Try their coconut Thai dessert or specialty tofu dish. }} * {{eat | name=Gut German Kitchen | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl. Kapten Patimura No.342 | lat=3.574813 | long=98.664687 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=11:00-21:00 | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=A German restaurant in town. }} ===Others=== Durian is one of the most famous fruits of both Medan and North Sumatra. Get the best price and taste when the season comes, which on July and December. North Sumatra has a lot of durian fields like; Sibolangit, Brastagi, Langkat, Sidikalang, Siborong-borong, Tarutung, Sibolga, Nias, Padang Sidempuan, Lima Puluh and Perbaungan. Get Medan durian at Jalan Sumatera, Jalan Semarang, Jalan Adam Malik, Ucok Durian, Si Bolang Durian and more. Rp5,000-50,000 each depending on size and season. For food souvenirs, you may choose pancake durian. [[File:Kue bika ambon.JPG|thumb|''Bika ambon'' is a cake not from [[Ambon]] in [[Maluku]], but it is rumored to have been first sold on Ambon street, Medan]] Jalan Majapahit on Petisah area (across from Cambridge City Square) has a lot of stores selling homemade cakes and juices. Most stores also allow sampling before buying. Try the local specialty ''bika ambon'' (spongy-texture cake with ''pandan'' flavor) or ''jus martabe'' (mix of passion and tamarillo fruit) juice. * {{eat | name=Bolu Meranti | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl. Razak No.7C | lat=3.594188 | long=98.666313 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=The home-made roll cakes with variety of tastes, such as cheese, blueberry, mocha. The most famous roll cakes in town. }} * {{eat | name=Medan Home Dairy | alt= | url=http://medandairy.weebly.com | email= | address= | lat=3.54985 | long=98.62424 | directions= | phone=+62 813 9703 3540 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=They have European-style "best natural yogurt in Indonesia". Located at TASBI Complex. They are producing many kinds of goat and cow milk cheeses, as well. For the goat milk products they are using fresh, pasteurized (twice) organic goat milk. }} * {{eat | name=Zuki Bakery | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl. S.Parman No.103 | lat=3.589688 | long=98.669187 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=Bika Ambon, spekoek, prunes, roll cake (Bolu Gulung), breads. They bake items fresh every day and also make their on syrups, including marquisa syrup, terong belanda syrup and kietnah syrup. }} ==Drink== There are several clubs, pubs and karaoke joints to visit at night in Medan. * {{drink | name=Bistronomix | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl. Perintis Kemerdekaan | lat=3.5958 | long=98.6765 | directions=just across from JW Marriott Hotel | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=Popular especially with youngsters. }} * {{drink | name=Harbour 9 | alt= | url= | email= | address=Forum 9 building ground floor | lat=3.5866 | long=98.6743 | directions=near Lapangan Benteng | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=Offer outdoor seating just beside Deli river, but many mosquitoes at night. }} * {{drink | name=Healy Mac's | alt= | url= | email= | address=Centre Point complex Blok M | lat=3.59218 | long=98.68154 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=The only branch of Healy Mac's in Indonesia. Nice food. Priced reasonably. }} * {{drink | name=Holywings | alt= | url=http://holywingsindonesia.com/ | email= | address=Jl. A Rivai | lat=3.5781 | long=98.6732 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=Good food and reasonable priced drinks. Live music usually starts at 21:00. Occasionally may hires famous singers. }} * {{drink | name=Retrospective Entertainment | alt=Retro | url= | email= | address=Jl. Putri Hijau, Capital Building 6th Floor | lat=3.59365 | long=98.67602 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content= }} *{{drink | name=Shoot Resto Bar Club | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl. Kapten Pattimura 423 | lat=3.57416 | long=98.6653 | directions= | phone=+62 61 453 1884 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=A pool bar with big screen playing sports channel (football games on the weekends) accompanied by regular live bands and DJ performance. It also has a large collection of wine from all over the world. }} * {{drink | name=Stroom KTV | alt= | url= | email= | address=Selecta | lat=3.585312 | long=98.677437 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=The Tavern Pub | alt= | url= | email= | address=Hotel Danau Toba | lat=3.58246 | long=98.67623 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-05-04 | content=Was once one of the most popular going out pubs for expats in the city, but now is a little run down and attracts a sleazier crowd. It features live music from local bands. It's fairly small, fairly popular and is crowded on the weekends with groups of friends, couples, and some rather friendly girls hanging out. A bit expensive for the standard. }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== * * {{sleep | name=Dazhong Backpacker's Hostel | alt= | url= | email= | address=JL Muara Takus | lat=3.58238 | long=98.670267 | directions=near Sun Plaza and Jln Pagaruyung night food market | phone=+62-822-7309-3888 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout=12:00 | price=Single Rp100,000, double Rp125,000 | wikidata=Q111077901 | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=A/C single or double rooms. Free Wi-Fi. Free lockers. Bring your own lock. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Zakia | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=3.57436 | long=98.68701 | directions= | phone=+62 61 732 2413 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Rp55,000-120,000 | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=Budget accommodation next to the Grand Mosque. Includes breakfast. It is reasonably clean and central. }} * {{sleep | name=Pondok Wisata Istana XI | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl Amaliun 9 | lat=3.57633 | long=98.68898 | directions=opposite Yuki Plaza parking lot side entrance | phone=+62 61 733 1190 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=Looks more expensive than it is. A range of rooms are available in this medium-size hotel, starting at Rp120 000. They also have very reasonable monthly rates. }} * {{sleep | name=Reddoorz hostel @ capsule inn medan |alt=| url= | email= | address=Jl. KH. Zainul Arifin No.176, Madras Hulu, Kec. Medan Polonia, Kota Medan, Sumatera Utara 20151 | lat=3,5841373 | long=98,6689385 | directions=In Little India, 10min walk from Cambridge or Sun plaza mall. If coming through Damri bus, ask driver to drop you near Halte Cambridge. | phone=+62 21 80629666 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=dorm (ac) Rp 100,000 | checkin=14:00 | checkout=12:00 |lastedit=2024-03-27| content=Futuristic beds, no upper bedsheet, small foldable tray/table (in wall). Shower, towel, hot+cold water, soap, no shampoo. One small water bottle, water fountains too for refill. small locker (one for shoes, one for bag). Toilets with toilet gun/shower but no toilet paper. Rooftop. Small market/bazaar down the hostel. noise does not seem to reach inside capsule. Ground or 1F as café+ reception, 2F female dorm, 3F male dorm, 4F rooftop. No power plus inside capsule, but 2+1 usb. Bad Internet upload (speedtest.net).}} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Antares Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jalan Sisingamaraja No 84 | lat=3.557042 | long=98.69437 | directions=on same street and near Hotel Garuda Plaza and Hotel Sumatera | phone=+62 61 732 4000 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Rooms from Rp229,000 | wikidata=Q111996983 | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=Discounts on weekends. Breakfast buffet included in the price. SatTV with HBO, Star Sports, Discovery Channel, CNN. A/C. Clean, but room doors not properly noise-proofed, so you will hear anything and anyone walking the corridor on their way from the elevator. Bring ear plugs if you are a light sleeper. There is a children pool on the 3rd floor. }} * {{sleep | name=Citi International Sun Yat Sen | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jalan Sun Yat Sen No. 77 | lat=3.5831 | long=98.6906 | directions= | phone=+62 61 736 3479 | tollfree= | fax=+62 61 7324 857 | checkin=14:00 | checkout=12:00 | price=From Rp242,000 per night for Standard Room | content=Clean, no-frills modern hotel with hot & cold shower, air conditioner and Wi-Fi in rooms and cafe. Provide free shuttle to train station. }} [[File:Dharma Deli Hotel, Medan.jpg|thumb|Grand Inna Medan, the oldest hotel in Medan]] *{{sleep | name=Grand Inna Medan | alt=Hotel De Boer| url=https://hig.id/hotels/grand-inna-medan | email= | address=Jl. Balai Kota No.2 | lat=3.583438 | long=98.685063 | directions= | phone=+62 61 4157744 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From Rp350,000 | lastedit=2024-08-02 | content=A 4-star hotel. The oldest hotel in Medan was built in 1898. }} *{{sleep | name=Swiss-Belinn Medan | alt= | url=https://www.swiss-belhotel.com/id-id/swiss-belinn-medan | email= | address=Jl. Surabaya No.88 | lat=3.583438 | long=98.685063 | directions= | phone=+62 61 888 15531 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From Rp350,000 | wikidata=Q111138976 | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=A 3-star hotel }} *{{sleep | name=Hermes Palace Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.hermeshotelmedan.com/ | email=info@hermeshotelmedan.com | address=Jalan Pemuda No 22 | lat=3.58198 | long=98.681781 | directions=southeast of Tjong A Fie Mansion, about 10min walks | phone=+62 61 4515 777 | tollfree= | fax=+62 62 4515 999 | checkin= | checkout= | price=From Rp530,000 | wikidata=Q111138956 | content=3-star hotel with 106 rooms, offer shuttle service to train station, 24-hour room service, cafe & bistro, fitness center, etc. }} * {{sleep | name=Danau Toba International Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.hoteldanautoba.com/ | email=marketing@hoteldanautoba.com | address=Jalan Imam Bonjol No. 17 | lat=3.582716 | long=98.676323 | directions=5min walks west from Sun Plaza, the same street with Vihara Borobudur | phone=+62 61 4157000 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From Rp500,000 per night | wikidata=Q111138959 | content=Pleasant 5-star hotel with 311-rooms, free Wi-Fi, professional staff, gym and large swimming pool and excellent, inexpensive Indonesian food available on 24-hour room service (international options are available but perhaps less impressive). Sometimes takes tour groups. Popular music venue '''The Tavern'''. }} * {{sleep | name=Santika Premiere Dyandra Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.santika.com/santika-premiere-dyandra-medan | email=medanpremiere@santika.com | address=Jalan Kapten Maulana Lubis No 7 | lat=3.588525 | long=98.673083 | directions=across from Lapangan Benteng | phone=+62 61 451 1999 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From Rp 650,000 | wikidata=Q111139801 | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=Club Premiere Sky Lounge on 10th floor. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Deli River | alt= | url=http://www.hotel-deliriver.com/ | email=contact@hotel-deliriver.com | address=Jl. Raya Namorambe No. 129 | lat=3.50228 | long=98.67229 | directions= | phone=+62 61 7032967 | tollfree= | checkin=10:00-20:00 | checkout=13:00-14:00 | price=around Rp725,000 | wikidata=Q111399603 | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=Charming oasis of a hotel in the suburbs south of Medan, on the route to Berastagi. There are 14 cottage-style rooms and the service includes breakfast in the restaurant and free Wi-Fi. There is a swimming pool for guests. Owners and staff are very friendly and helpful. Watch out for the geese in the hotel grounds! }} * {{sleep | name=favehotel S. Parman Medan | alt= | url=https://www.favehotels.com/en/hotel/view/136/favehotel-s--parman-medan | email=medaninfo@favehotels.com | address=Jl. S. Parman No 313A | lat=3.579625 | long=98.667597 | directions=Just besides Rahmat International Wildlife Museum & Gallery | phone=+62 61 8881 5929 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=from Rp 350.000 | wikidata=Q111138968 | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=Opened on May 2017, the 131-rooms hotel is easily recognized by its distinctive exterior architecture with purple color. Part of favehotels chain. }} ===Splurge=== *{{sleep | name=The Aryaduta Hotel Medan | alt= | url=https://www.aryaduta.com/en/hotel/AME/aryaduta-medan | email=info.medan@aryaduta.com | address=Jalan Kapten Maulana Lubis No 8 | lat=3.589869 | long=98.674173 | directions=adjacent to Grand Palladium Mall | phone=+62 61 457 2999 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From Rp900,000 | wikidata=Q111138978 | content=5-star hotel opened in 2007 near business and government district. Resort style swimming pool, Pool Cafe, the Lounge and the Kitchen restaurant. }} *{{sleep | name=Grand Aston City Hall Hotel and Serviced Residence | alt= | url=http://www.grandastonmedan.com | email=info@grandastonmedan.com | address=Jalan Balai Kota No. 1 | lat=3.59020 | long=98.67756 | directions=across Merdeka Walk | phone=+62 61 455 7000 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From Rp800,000 | content=The building is in the national archive of historic places and was restored. }} *{{sleep | name=JW Marriott Hotel Medan | alt= | url=http://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-information/travel/mesmc-jw-marriott-hotel-medan/ | email= | address=Jalan Putri Hijau No. 10 | lat=3.596007 | long=98.675545 | directions=head straight from Grand Aston about 10 min walk | phone=+62 61 455 3333 | tollfree=+1 803 606 278 | checkin= | checkout= | price=From Rp800,000 | wikidata=Q110976324 | content=5-star hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=Adimulia Hotel Medan | alt= | url=http://www.adimuliahotel.com/ | email=info@adimuliahotel.com | address=Jl. Pangeran Diponegoro No. 8 Medan 20112 | lat=3.585087 | long=98.672447 | directions=about 100 meters from Lapangan Benteng | phone=+62 6188817333 (hotline), +62 6188817651 (sales), +62 6188817626 (reservation) | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=start from Rp 800,000 | wikidata=Q111138985 | lastedit=2017-07-07 | content=4-star luxury hotel in Medan with 260-rooms. }} * {{sleep | name=Grand Mercure Maha Cipta Medan Angkasa | alt= | url=https://all.accor.com/hotel/9054/index.en.shtml | email=fo-rsv@grand-angkasa.com | address=Jalan Sutomo No. 1 | lat=3.598396 | long=98.682014 | directions=across from University of HKBP Nommensen | phone=+62 61 4555 888, +62 61 7664 5588 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From US$89 | wikidata=Q111138981 | content=Previously Grand Angkasa Hotel, now taken over by Accor group and the place was renovated. A 5-star hotel with 266-rooms, free Wi-Fi, personal safety box and a choice of smoking/non-smoking room. Its location is a bit far from shopping center or other landmarks, so you need to take taxi to go somewhere place. Student from the nearby university have been known to cause violence when there are strikes. Just stay in the room should a strike happen. }} * {{sleep | name=Cambridge Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl. S. Parman No.217 | lat=3.584812 | long=98.667063 | directions= | phone=+62 61 4300 9999 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=5-star hotel with 246 guest rooms in the CBD. Adjacent to the Cambridge condominium and city square. Rooftop dining at the "Edge Restaurant" or chill out while listening to live music at the "View Music Lounge & Bar" on the 26th floor. }} ==Stay healthy== Pharmacies litters around and generally open from Monday to Saturday (usually 09:00-21:00, some may close at 17:00), the same with clinics. On Sunday, most pharmacies and clinics are closed, but there are 24/7 pharmacies belonging to the '''K-24''' chain. Most hospitals are open 24/7 and have Emergency Department and ICU. Hospital fees range from medium to expensive. Not all hospitals accept insurance - check beforehand. Generally, locals tend to look down upon healthcare in Medan. Locals prefer going to Malaysia or Singapore if possible. Such perception has improved considerably, but skilled medical staff are still few. If you are in doubt, avoid government-owned hospital and opt for private hospital instead. * {{listing | name=RS Columbia Asia Medan | alt= | url=https://www.columbiaasia.com/indonesia/hospitals/medan/contact-us?locale=en | email=customercare.medan@columbiaasia.com | address=Jl. Listrik No 2A | lat=3.585727 | long=98.676843 | directions= | phone=+62 61 4566 368, +62 61 4533 636 (24-hours emergency line) | tollfree= | fax=+62 61 4566 585 | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q110241304 | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=One of the best and well-equipped hospital in Medan, though price are expensive. }} * {{listing | name=RS Methodist | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl. Thamrin No 105 | lat=3.583 | long=98.629 | directions=about 1 km from Thamrin Plaza | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q110241479 | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=One of the oldest hospital in Medan but still quite reliable and price not so expensive. }} * {{listing | name=RS Murni Teguh Memorial | alt= | url=https://www.rsmurniteguh.com/ | email=customerservice@rsmurniteguh.com | address=Jl. Jawa No 2 | lat=3.59 | long=98.681 | directions=adjacent to Centre Point | phone=+62 61 8050 1888, +62 61 8050 1777 (24-hour emergency line) | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q110241454 | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content= }} * {{listing | name=RS Siloam Dhirga Surya | alt= | url=https://www.siloamhospitals.com/rumah-sakit/rumah-sakit-siloam-dhirga-surya | email=info.shmd@siloamhospitals.com | address=Jl. Imam Bonjol No 6 | lat=3.585 | long=98.673 | directions=adjacent to Lippo Plaza Medan | phone=+62 61 8888 1900, +62 61 8888 1911 (24-hours emergency line) | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q110242255 | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content= }} * {{listing | name=RSIA Stella Maris | alt= | url=https://rsiastellamaris.com | email=customer_assistance@stellamarishospital.com | address=Jl. Samanhudi No 20 | lat=3.572823 | long=98.6808 | directions= | phone=+62 61 415 8383 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q110240589 | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=Specialized in children and mother health care. }} ==Connect== Free Wi-Fi is offered in most cafes & restaurants; just ask the staff. Otherwise, plenty of internet cafes exist around the city, especially in rural areas. SIM cards with data are very affordable and can be easily obtained. The area code for Medan and surrounding area is '''061'''. ===Courier services=== [[file:Pos Bloc Medan 1.jpg|thumb|Pos Indonesia Medan office]] * {{listing | name=Pos Indonesia | alt= | url=https://www.posindonesia.co.id/ | email= | address=Jl. Pos no 1 (main office) | lat=3.5917 | long=98.6773 | directions=across from Merdeka Walk | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4273095 | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=State-owned postal service that is quite reliable. Has many branches around the city. The main office is easily distinguished by its architectural style from the Dutch colonial era. Parcel service is slow compare to local privately owned services like TIKI or JNE. Not recommended for shipping parcels internationally. }} * {{listing | name=DHL Express | alt= | url=http://www.dhl.co.id/id.html | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=DHL_Express | wikidata=Q489815 | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=Largest logistics company in the world, very reliable and fast, especially if shipping internationally. Serves local shipment as well, but you can use cheaper alternatives. }} ** {{listing | name= | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl. Sisingamangaraja No 27/39 (Hotel Garuda Citra) | lat=3.5774 | long=98.6871 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content= }} ** {{listing | name= | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl. Cemara No 29 | lat=3.6301 | long=98.6801 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content= }} * {{listing | name=TNT Express | alt= | url=https://www.tnt.com | email= | address=Jl. Cemara No 8 | lat=3.629 | long=98.7022 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=TNT_Express | wikidata=Q1105744 | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=Subsidiary of FedEx. }} * {{listing | name=TIKI | alt= | url=https://tiki.id/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=One of the most popular logistic services used by local, it's reasonably cheap, fast and reliable. Several drop-off point around cities, just look for store with TIKI logos. Be sure to insure your parcels if you ship valuable items. }} * {{listing | name=JNE | alt= | url=http://www.jne.co.id | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=The other most popular alternatives for JNE. Offer same advantages and roughly same price. Several drop-off point around cities, just look for store with JNE logos. Be sure to insure your parcels as well if you ship valuables. }} * {{listing | name=J&T Express | alt= | url=https://jet.co.id/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=Coverage is lower than JNE or TIKI, but price is very competitive. Drop off points are still few, but you can ask for collection. }} * '''Gojek / Grab'''. Offer only intra-city services. ==Cope== ===Consulates=== * {{flag|China}} {{listing | name=China | url=http://medan.china-consulate.gov.cn/ | email=mdn@csm.mfa.gov.cn | address=Jalan Walikota No.9 | lat=3.5736 | long=98.6715 | directions= | phone=+62 61 8001 3167 | tollfree= | fax=+62 61 8001 3161 | hours= | price= | content=Visa applications are handled by the separate Chinese Visa Application Service Center. }} **{{listing | name=Chinese Visa Application Service Center | url=https://www.visaforchina.cn/MES2_EN/index.shtml | email=medancentre@visaforchina.org | address=Royal Condominium Tower B, 2nd Floor, Jl. Palang Merah - Sukamulia No 1, Kelurahan Medan Aur | lat=3.5837 | long=98.6778 | directions= | phone=+62 61 80013189 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|India}} {{listing | name=India | alt= | url=https://www.cgimedan.gov.in | email=cons.medan@mea.gov.in | address=Jl. Uskup Agung Sugiopranoto No. 19A | lat=3.5757 | long=98.6719 | directions= | phone=+62 61 453 1308, +62 61 455 6452 | tollfree= | fax=+62 61 453 1319 | hours= | price= | content=cg.medan@mea.gov.in }} * {{flag|Japan}} {{listing | name=Japan | alt= | url=http://www.medan.id.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_ja/ | email=ryoji.medan@mn.mofa.go.jp | address=Wisma BII, 5th Floor, Jl. Diponegoro No. 18 | lat=3.583194 | long=98.672333 | directions= | phone=+62 61 457 5193 | tollfree= | fax=+62 61 457 4560 | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q45309586 | content= }} * {{flag|Malaysia}} {{listing | name=Malaysia | url=https://www.kln.gov.my/web/idn_medan | email=mwmedan@kln.gov.my | address=Jl. Diponegoro No. 43 | lat=3.5774 | long=98.6726 | directions= | phone=+62 61 453 1342, +62 61 453 5271, +62 61 452 3992 | tollfree= | fax=+62 61 453 4681 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Singapore}} {{listing | name=Singapore | url=https://www.mfa.gov.sg/medan | email=sporeconsulatemedan@mfa.sg | address=Suite No 2 - 6, 11th Floor, Forum Nine Office and F & B Gallery, No. 9 Jalan Imam Bonjol | lat=3.5865 | long=98.6742 | directions= | phone=+62 61 8050 1500 | tollfree= | fax=+62 61 8050 1506 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|United States}} {{listing | name=United States of America | alt= | url=https://id.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/medan/ | email=Sumatra@state.gov | address=Uni Plaza West Tower, 4th floor, Jl. Let. Jend. MT Haryono A-1 | lat=3.5864 | long=98.6823 | directions= | phone=+62 61 451 9000 | tollfree= | fax=+62 61 455 9033 | hours=M-F 07:30-16:00 | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content= }} ==Go next== * [[Berastagi]] - a beautiful mountain resort, about 1½ hours' drive from Medan; popular among Medan people for weekend getaways. When it is deemed safe, you can hike the two nearby volcanoes, Sinabung and Sibayak. Check with the local authorities before hiking, as the Sinabung volcano erupted on 2014, and an alert in 2015 caused the evacuation of 10,000 people. * [[Kabanjahe]] - the capital of the Karo Regency. You can observe and experience the life of Karo people by visiting the villages around Kabanjahe. Kabanjahe is also a convenient post to climb Mount Sinabung. If you wish to spend the nights in the villages of Karo people, go to Gumagaba Youth Hostel located on Jalan SM Raja Simpang Amplas, Medan for information. * [[Bukit Lawang]] - A 3-hour journey from Medan, the latter half of the journey being a rather bumpy and pot-holed ride. A little village on the edge of Gunung Leuser National Park that was once home to an Orangutan rehabilitation center, which is now closed. However, regular feeding sessions take places at the feeding platforms. Jungle treks can be arranged or you can just relax by the river. * [[Lake Toba]] - formed by a volcanic eruption, it is one of the biggest fresh water lakes in the world. Has a large island, Samosir, in the middle. It is an absolute must see, a really magnificent place full of Batak culture on the shores of a mesmerizing lake. The food is wonderful, accommodation is cheap and the climate is perfect, it seems to be 25°C all the time. Rent a scooter to explore Samosir. * [[Pulau Weh]] - Garuda Indonesia operates three weekly flights to [[Sabang (Indonesia)]] on Pulau Weh, where some of Indonesia's finest diving can be found. {{geo|3.5833|98.6667}} {{isPartOf|North_Sumatra}} {{guidecity}} i4z7z9tom7d5alarm4najzvbybbiddw 5086851 5086743 2025-07-02T23:43:45Z Sgroey 2240936 /* See */ ce 5086851 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Medan banner.jpg|caption=|dotm=yes}} '''Medan''' is a very large city on the north coast of the island of [[Sumatra]] in Indonesia, and the capital and largest city of [[North Sumatra]] province. Medan isn't a tourist destination, but it's a convenient stepping stone to other places like the 'weekend getaway' [[Berastagi]], the island of [[Penang]], Malaysia, and the popular, beautiful crater lake, [[Lake Toba]]. ==Understand== [[Image:Medan city 2019.jpg |thumb|500px|Medan skyline]] With a population of about 2 million people, Medan is the fourth-largest city in [[Indonesia]] (after [[Jakarta]], [[Surabaya]] and [[Bandung]]) and the largest city outside of [[Java]]. No ethnic group forms a majority; the largest ethnic groups are the Javanese, Batak, Chinese, Minangkabau, Malays, Acehnese and Indians, and there are many more smaller ones. Each ethnic group contributes to thousands of mouth-watering dishes found in every corner of Medan. They offer dozens of food streets and hawker centers to suit their appetite at any time of the day. From the sweet Javanese cuisine, to delicious Batak grilled pork, to hot Padang dishes, from savory Chinese noodles, to spicy Indian curry, this varied cuisine is available 24/7. It is obvious why the locals are so into food. The city is quite well known for "food-tourism", especially amongst other Indonesians. It's interesting to contrast the old, [[Dutch Empire|Dutch]] style green areas, with parks, lawns, and huge old Dutch houses (now turned into government offices or commercial business) and the hundreds and hundreds of newer, shoddy shophouses sprawled together by the hundreds in the commercial areas along with a few modern style malls. Look out for the motor becaks! A sort of motorized rickshaw, they are a common sight throughout Medan, spewing black smoke everywhere. Be patient when searching for one, as some drivers often demand large amounts of money and have a temper. ==Get in== Medan's '''[[Kualanamu International Airport]]''' and '''Belawan''' sea port are visa-free and visa-on-arrival points. For more visa information, see the [[Indonesia#get in|Indonesia]] page. ===By plane=== {{main|Kualanamu International Airport}} Medan's civilian airport, {{Marker|type=go|name=Kualanamu International Airport|lat=3.6422|long=98.8852|url=http://www.kualanamu-airport.co.id}} ({{IATA|KNO}}), is in Deli Serdang, about 45 minutes from the city. It handles domestic and regional international flights. After arrival, ATMs and an information desk are available inside the airport. ====International==== *'''[http://www.airasia.com AirAsia]''' from Bangkok, [[Kuala Lumpur]], [[Penang]], Phuket *'''[https://www.batikair.com.my/ Batik Air]{{Dead link|date=July 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' from Kuala Lumpur & Singapore *'''[https://www.etihad.com/en/ Etihad]''' from Abu Dhabi (from Oct 2025) *'''[http://www.lionair.co.id Lion Air]''' from Penang *'''[http://www.malaysiaairlines.com Malaysia Airlines]''' from Kuala Lumpur *'''[https://www.salamair.com/en/ Salam Air]''' from Muscat (from Oct 2025) *'''[http://www.saudia.com Saudia]''' from [[Jeddah]] *'''[https://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/au/home#/book/bookflight Singapore Airlines]''' from Singapore ====Domestic==== For destinations within Indonesia, there are some regional airlines and LCC that serve Medan to other cities, mostly around Sumatra island. *'''[https://www.batikair.com Batik Air]''' <small>''(part of Lion Air group)''</small> from Jakarta *'''[https://www.citilink.co.id/en/ Citilink]{{Dead link|date=July 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' <small>''(part of Garuda Indonesia)''</small> from Jakarta, Batam, Pekanbaru *'''[http://www.garuda-indonesia.com Garuda Indonesia]''' from Jakarta *'''[http://www.lionair.co.id Lion Air]''' serves big cities in Sumatra and Java island *'''[https://www.pelita-air.com/ Pelita Air]{{Dead link|date=July 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' from Jakarta *'''[https://www.superairjet.com/en/index.php Super Air Jet]''' from various cities *'''[https://susiair.com Susi Air]''' serves smaller cities in Aceh and North Sumatra *'''[https://www.lionair.co.id/ Wings Air]''' <small>''(part of Lion Air group)''</small> serves smaller cities in North Sumatra, Aceh, [[Dumai]] and [[Jambi]] ====Public transport==== [[File:Kereta Api Bandara Kualanamu.jpg|thumb|A Kualanamu airport train operated by Railink, the first airport train in Indonesia]] Train service is provided by '''[http://www.railink.co.id/ Railink]''', the first integrated airport rail link in Indonesia. City check-in and electronic tickets are also available. The airport train runs up to 21 trips a day in each direction with the first trip from {{Marker|type=go|name=Medan Main Train Station|lat=3.5908|long=98.6797|image=Medan Railway Station.jpg}} beside Merdeka Square on Balai Kota street at 04:00 and the last trip from the airport at 22:00. The last train from the city goes at around 21:00, but check at the train station for the latest schedule. It is the fastest way to get from the airport to central Medan, taking 31-41 minutes. At the train station in Medan, tickets can be purchased only by credit or debit card, not with cash. A one-way ticket costs Rp100,000, unless you can find a promotional offer. A promotional ticket can sometimes be purchased for Rp55,000 online, or through travel agents or external channels (not from vending machines and ticket counters), no schedule change is allowed and the ticket is not refundable. Up to date schedules, pricing and booking can be checked [https://reservation.railink.co.id/ here] or on the "KA BANDARA" app, but it is advised to check at the train station if you want to travel either very early or late. Payment can be done by Klik Pay BCA, Click Pay Mandiri, Visa or Mastercard debit/credit cards. Buses operated by state-owned bus company DAMRI connect the airport to two destinations in Medan: Jl. Gatot Subroto (next to Plaza Medan Fair) and Amplas bus terminal. The bus ticket is a lot cheaper than the airport train and normally takes 1-1.5 hours to reach the airport, if traffic is not heavy. The last bus from Plaza Medan Fair usually leaves around 18:00. If you miss the last one, you might be able to get together with others waiting there to go in on a taxi or grab taxi. Or take a rickshaw to the train station and take one of the last trains of the day. {| style="text-align:left; font-size:95%; border:1px solid black" |- ! Service !! !!Destination !! Fare |- ! colspan="3" style="background:#09f; color:black; height:35px;"| Kualanamu Airport Bus |- | style="background-color:yellow;color:black;text-align:center;font-weight:bold" | Damri || Amplas Bus Terminal ||Medan||Rp25,000 |- | style="background-color:yellow;color:black;text-align:center;font-weight:bold" | Damri || Plaza Medan Fair ||Medan||Rp40,000 (Mar 2024) |- | style="background-color:green;color:black;text-align:center;font-weight:bold" | ALS || Binjai Super Mall ||[[Binjai]]||Rp40,000 |} Taxis cost Rp130,000-150,000 to the city center, but will leave immediately, and are faster and more comfortable than the bus. There is a Rp10,000 surcharge to all fares for airport pickup on top of the metered rate. Taxi drivers may charge more late at night. ===By bus=== The central station for all larger buses in Medan is {{Marker|type=go|name=Amplas Bus Station|alt_name=Terminal Terpadu Amplas|lat=3.5400|long=98.7192}} (not located in the center of the city though). This is where a lot of the smaller minivans go, and where travelers need to go to make connecting buses to further cities. Many of the large air-conditioned buses perform overnight routes. Larger, non air-conditioned buses and large luxury buses (often Mercedes) that are air-conditioned (some have toilets on board, though they are squatting toilets that are difficult to use when the buses are moving, given driving habits and road conditions throughout Sumatra). * '''Trans Mebidang'''. A bus rapid transit system operated by the state-owned transport company Damri that serves various places around Medan, Binjai, and Deli Serdang. There are two lines that stops at various designated bus stops. Operating hours are 06:00-22:00. Fixed price: ** Medan - Lubuk Pakam line: Rp7,000 ** Medan - Binjai line: Rp6,000 * '''Makmur/Halmahera''', Jl. Sisingamangaraja Km 6,7. Large buses (AC or non-AC), runs daily (usually overnight) to major cities in Riau province. * '''Bintang Utara''', Jl. Sisingamangaraja across Makmur terminal. Large buses (AC or non-AC) to major cities in Riau province. * '''ALS''' (''Antar Lintas Sumatera''), Jl. Sisingamangaraja Km 6,5. Large buses (AC or non-AC), with route to southern part of North Sumatra, [[Padang]], [[Bukit Tinggi]], [[Pekanbaru]], [[Palembang]], Kerinci, and major cities in Java island ([[Jakarta]], [[Malang]], [[Yogyakarta]], [[Semarang]], [[Bandung]]). * '''Sempati Star''', Jl. Asrama. Luxury double-decker bus with toilet, entertainment screen on board, pillow & blanket, serves several cities in Aceh province. Prices range from Rp180,000 for Patas Executive to Rp430,000 for First Class (2017). For East, typically [[Bukit Lawang]], use {{Marker|type=go|name=Pinang Baris Bus Terminal|lat=3.5889516|long=98.6105293}} or possibly better bus shops near {{Marker|type=go|name=Mawar Bakery Pinang Baris|lat=3.5965706|long=98.609074}} For South, typically [[Berastagi]], go to Pt. Almasar Indonesia shop (loket), near Citra Garden 2, south of Medan. ===By car=== The Trans-Sumatran Highway that connects the whole island crosses Medan's city center. Toll roads exist but only as far as Binjai to the north west and Tebing Tinggi to south east. ===By boat=== Medan is not near the sea, but nearby '''Belawan''' is a major port. The passenger terminal is called {{Marker|type=go|name=Bandar Deli|lat=3.7779|long=98.6809}}. Ferries no longer run to Penang from Belawan. The nearest international ferry port is Tanjung Balai, Asahan, about four hours by train from Medan. '''To/from other parts of Indonesia:''' Domestic routes are served by '''[https://www.pelni.co.id/?bhs=en PELNI]{{Dead link|date=April 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''', it links Belawan with various ports in Sumatra and other Indonesian islands. ===By train=== Medan is connected by rail to other conurbations on the eastern coast of Sumatra, such as Tanjung Balai, Rantau Prapat, Pematang Siantar and Binjai. Executive, business and economy class trains are available, but if your budget allows, take the better class trains, which are faster and more comfortable. Tickets cost between Rp5,000 (economy) to Rp120,000 (executive). Online booking is available [https://www.kai.id/ here]{{Dead link|date=January 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. ==Get around== {{Mapframe|3.589|98.680|zoom=12}} {{mapshape}} Medan city is swamped by becaks and taxis (the preferable choice to get around). There is also a form of public transport known as the angkot (small minivan). ===By becak=== There are two types, the noisy smelly motorized ones, called becak motor, and the human powered pedal ones, called becak dayung, or in English, trishaws or pedicabs. You have to be a good negotiator if you want to go by becak, with price ranging between Rp5,000-30,000 depending on distance and bargaining skills. The pedal ones are becoming scarce, but are much more fun for short trips. Most of their drivers are getting on in years, so they might not want to go too far. Beware of scam artists who quote you one price to lure you in, even by showing a physical note to show you how much it'll cost, and then demand 10 times that amount when you arrived at your destination. Somehow, it's always 10 times: for example, 3,000 becomes 30,000, 5,000 becomes 50,000. An audio and video recording of their license card in the becak and the conversation about what was agreed would be a useful defense. Very few becak drivers speak more than a few words of English, but a map and lots of pointing will get you to the right place, even if it takes twice as long as you thought. ===By taxi=== Try to get a taxi from a reliable place such in front of malls, shopping centers or airport. Many taxi drivers will resist the use of a meter and want to bargain. Taxis with meters may put them on, but then say there is a minimum charge. Try to avoid the use of taxis other than Bluebird or Express and always use the meter as they are the two most reliable taxi companies in Medan, this is a general rule that applies throughout the regions of Indonesia where either of these two taxi companies are available. * {{listing | name=Express Taxi | alt= | url=http://www.expressgroup.co.id | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62 61 455 2211 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= White taxis (usually Toyota Vios), they can usually be found around Medan, especially around central city and mostly use meter. Call in advance and they will come in time too (minimum fee by call is Rp25,000). }} * {{listing | name=Blue Bird Taxi | alt= | url=http://www.bluebirdgroup.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62 61 846 1234 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Blue color taxis, the newest taxi company to start operate in Medan. Friendly drivers and always use meter. Minimum fee by call is Rp20,000. }} Medan is also served by online transport. You book them via their app from smart phones. Payment can be by cash, card or electronic wallet. The fee is calculated by app, so no need to bargain. Regularly offer promotions. *'''[https://www.grab.com Grab]''' The most popular choice and has the largest operated fleets. *'''[https://www.gojek.com/ GO-JEK]''' Famous for its bike fleets, but also start offering car services. There have been cases of online transport cars being attacked in a few places like the airport and train station when picking up passengers, though the situation seems to have calmed down. Consult your driver for pick-up point to avoid any problems. ===By bus=== Public transport is rather haphazard, though there are more or less fixed prices. Small minivans (called ''sudako'' or ''angkot'' by locals) have painted numbers (1 to 267 in Medan, or sometimes letters like MRX) that signify their routes, which even locals don't have memorized. If you speak Indonesian, just ask where people are standing by the roadsides which "bus" number corresponds to your location and what the price is in advance. When a van with the appropriate number approaches, flag them down as they don't make scheduled stops (just drive along a given route and drop off passengers when told or pick up new passengers when flagged). If you are a westerner, you might want to confirm the price before getting in, though there is another school of thought which believes it is better to just hand over Rp5,000 when you get to your desired destination, especially since drivers are always in a hurry and rarely speak any English. This type of transportation should only be braved by those with a point-to-point knowledge of Medan and a working knowledge of Indonesian so they know where to tell the driver to stop, unless you have a local friend who can take you around, or you have plenty of time to explore the city. Standard fare around town (per 2024) is Rp5,000/trip. Only trip from-to opposite side of the city should go up to Rp10,000-15,000. One easy route is Minibus #3 from the great mosque (at the side of Yuki Simpang Raya mall) to Sambu bus station near Medan Mall. Another useful route is MRX which goes between Amplas Bus Station - Yuki Simpang Raya - Merdeka Walk (near the train station) - Plaza Medan Fair (near Petisah Market)- Plaza Millenium and beyond. [[File:Trans Metro Deli K1M.jpg|thumb|right|Trans Metro Deli bus]] A larger bus called Trans Metro Deli (green-colored) also operates. These buses have AC and serve fixed routes and have fixed stops. Payment is via electronic money or QRIS. The bus routes are available in Moovit and Google Maps apps (Mar 2024). {| class="wikitable" !Bus Number !Origin !Destination |- |K1M |Pinang Baris Station | rowspan="5" |Merdeka Walk (City Centre) |- |K2M |Amplas Bus Station |- |K3M |Belawan |- |K4M |Tuntungan |- |K5M |Tembung |} ==Talk== All locals will be able to speak '''[[Indonesian phrasebook|Indonesian]]'''. However, the ethnic Chinese can often be heard speaking a localised variant of '''[[Minnan phrasebook|Hokkien]]''' known as Medan Hokkien, which is very similar to [[Penang]] Hokkien spoken across the Strait of Malacca. People in Medan have a very high level of education and many younger people speak English very well. Those over 50 or 60 also tend to speak English and some even Dutch. If you find yourself stuck just tell the person you need someone who speaks English to help and there will be someone there in a matter of minutes. Speaking English well is a highly regarded skill by the locals so anyone who does so is well known and can be found quickly. The locals will really appreciate your efforts to learn Indonesian, and please not be offended if they will laugh loudly with you too. It is not a mocking expression. Lots of Indonesians have grown up admiring foreign people via pop or Internet culture, and seeing one makes them happy to death. ==See== [[File:Mosque Dome and Minaret in Medan, Sumatra, Indonesia.jpg|thumb|right|One of Medan's numerous mosques, with tiled minaret and domes visible.]] [[File:Primate Taxidermy, Rahmat International Wildlife Museum and Gallery.jpg|thumb|right|There are many impressive rooms of taxidermy at the Rahmat International Wildlife Museum and Gallery.]] [[File:Balairung Istana Maimun MIrza Baihaqie.jpg|thumb|right|The hall of Maimoon Palace.]] [[File:View Toward Main Hall, Vihara Gunung Timur, Medan, Sumatra.jpg|thumb|right|View of the Chinese Taoist temple of Vihara Gunung Timur main hall with incense burner at left. ]] [[File:Perhimpunan Shri Mariamman (Mariamman Hindu Temple), Medan.jpg|thumb|right|Perhimpunan Shri Mariamman is a Tamil Hindu temple.]] [[File:Skewed Front View, Tjong A Fie Mansion, Medan.jpg|thumb|right|Tjong A Fie Mansion, the command center of the local Chinese community at the turn of the 20th century.]] [[File:Harimau Sumatera (Sumatran Tiger).jpg|thumb|Sumatran tiger at Medan Zoo]] Most tourists stop in Medan only to get transport to elsewhere in Sumatra, but Medan offers a glimpse of a large Indonesian city still unfrequented by western tourists, and shouldn't be quickly dismissed. Medan is more chaotic and has a bit more litter than Jakarta or Denpasar and open sewers abound. Furthermore, fewer people speak English in Medan compared other large Indonesian cities, but even a little Bahasa goes a long way, and Sumatrans are still unjaded by westerners. Medan hosts a great lot of very nice '''Art Deco buildings''' from the Dutch colonial era, like the Old City Hall, the Post Office, the Great Mosque and many business buildings in and around Jl. Ahmad Yani. Some of them are in horrible shape, but most of them maintain their old splendor. Other attractions include: *{{see | name=Gunung Timur Temple | alt=Vihara Gunung Timur | url= | email= | address=Jalan Hang Tuah | lat=3.577593 | long=98.668396 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Free | wikidata=Q14933726 | content=A Daoist temple of significant scale located about 500 m from Sri Mariamman Temple. It contains a large paved area with an impressively scaled incense burner, two covered badminton courts, a very large main hall and is partly surrounded by a moat and walls. It is particularly crowded with worshippers on Chinese New Year and Cap Go Meh. }} *{{see | name=Great Mosque of Medan | alt=Masjid Raya Medan or Masjid Raya Al Mashun | url= | email= | address=corner of Jalan Masjid Raya and Jalan Sisingamaraja | lat=3.575111 | long=98.687321 | directions=a 5-min walk to the east from Maimoon Palace, across from Yuki Simpang Raya department store | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Free | image=Masjid Raya Al Mashun Medan.jpg | wikidata=Q12497331 | content=Built in 1906 and completed in 1909, the mosque was designed by a Dutch architect mixing Moroccan, European, Middle Eastern and Malay styles. During the month of Ramadan the whole Jalan Masjid Raya is closed to hold a night market where food and merchandise are sold. Women can visit, too, but they have to enter the central hall through a separate door and stay behind a provisory wall that separates the hall in two. Around the mosque is a graveyard for the sultan's extended family. }} *{{see | name=Graha Maria Annai Velangkanni | alt= | url=http://velangkanni.blogspot.com/ | email= | address=Taman Sakura Indah, Jalan Sakura III No. 10 Tanjung Selamat | lat=3.54782 | long=98.60875 | directions=11 km from downtown/little india, local bus 10/26/61+6 Rp5,000 each ~1 hr; car-hailing grab Rp 30,000 bike, Rp 50-60,000 car | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=08:00-18:00 | price=Free | lastedit=2024-03-27 | content=Catholic shrine with Tamil Hindu-style architecture, devoted to Our Lady of Good Health. }} * {{see | name=Maha Vihara Maitreya | alt= | url=https://mahaviharamaitreya.org/ | email= | address=Jl. Boulevard Utara No. 1, Cemara Asri | lat=3.637917 | long=98.701306 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Open most the times | price=Free | wikidata=Q24896590 | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=One of the biggest Buddhist temple complexes in Medan, it is decorated with various statues of mythical Chinese creatures like dragons, ''kirin'' and phoenixes. To the left wing is a pond housing koi fish, while the right wing houses a playground, souvenir shop, a vegetarian canteen and a coffeehouse. The main hall houses statues of Buddha Sakyamuni, Bodhisattva and the Bodhisattva Satyakalama Avolokitesvara. As this is a holy site, always obey the regulations stated by the temple. }} *{{see | name=Maimoon Palace | alt=Istana Maimun | url=http://www.indonesia.travel/sites/site/676/the-maimun-palace-in-medan | email= | address=Jalan Brigjend Katamso | lat=3.575278 | long=98.683889 | directions=5 mins walk from Great Mosque | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Rp10,000 | wikidata=Q1674833 | lastedit=2024-03-27 | content=A royal palace of Sultanate of Deli, built by Sultan Makmun Al Rasyid Perkasa Alamsyah in years 1887–1891, the palace covers 2,772 m² and has 30 rooms. It has unique interior design, mixing elements of Malay cultural heritage, Islam, Spanish, Indian and Italian style. Only a small number of rooms can be visited, with a history of the sultan family and a few artefacts, portraits and photographs and partly occupied by shops. Quite busy and popular place with locals and tourists. Additional fee if want to get photos in traditional costume (Rp50,000). No English text. }} *{{see | name=Rahmat International Wildlife Museum & Gallery | alt= | url=http://www.rahmatgallery.com | email=wildlife@rahmatgallery.com | address=Jalan S. Parman No 309 | lat=3.57914 | long=98.66757 | directions= | phone=+62 61 456 9964 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=09:00-17:00 | price=Rp50,000 | wikipedia=Rahmat International Wildlife Museum & Gallery | image=Primate Taxidermy, Rahmat International Wildlife Museum and Gallery.jpg | wikidata=Q18393164 |lastedit=2022-09-19| content=Opened in 1999 and is chiefly the most incredible global taxidermy collection you could imagine. This place has to be seen to be believed - it's the sort of thing that could only happen in Asia! A veritable treasure-chest, it features numerous critters of sea, land and sky as well as the collected flotsam of the eccentric founding Afghan's life hunting big game, fishing, hob-nobbing and generally getting around the world. An obvious labour of love by Doctor Rahmat, who has since been installed as the chairman of the Indonesian Museum Association, this place is a small stay against the sea of Sumatran rain forests being destroyed and poached every year. Worth supporting against ill-contrived zoos otherwise found throughout the region. }} *{{see | name=Sri Mariamman Temple | alt=Kuil Shri Mariamman | url= | email= | address= | lat=3.58442 | long=98.67079 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Free | wikidata=Q12492840 | content=A Tamil Hindu temple. Beware: there are two of these! This one's the one on the corner not so far from town. The other one is down a long alley and is closed up. Featuring many brightly colored statues of all the major gods from the Tamil Hindu pantheon and a few ''naga stones'', this temple is testament to the reach of the ancient Tamil maritime empire and the age of the Tamil community in Sumatra. Events regularly take place at this temple. }} *{{see | name=Sikh Temple | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=3.58411 | long=98.67105 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Free | content=Located in the old Chinese school 50 m to the right of the Shri Mariamman Tamil Hindu Temple, opposite the maternity hospital. After you walk in to the impressive grounds, turn to the left and walk behind the stairway. The humble temple hall is located to your left. Note: Do not enter without both permission and proper attire! There is supposed to be a larger one elsewhere in the city. }} * {{see | name=Tjong A Fie Mansion | alt=Rumah Tjong A Fie | url=https://tjongafiemansion.org/ | email=info@tjongafiemansion.org | address=Jalan Ahmad Yani | lat=3.58545 | long=98.68033 | directions=10 minutes' walk south of the train station, across from Tip Top restaurant | phone=+62 811 613 0388 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Rp35,000 | wikidata=Q7810631 | lastedit=2021-11-12 | content=This mansion was built by an important businessman in Medan, a leader of the local Chinese community who formed several successful business ventures in his lifetime, working with both Dutch colonial authorities, Indonesian Muslims, plantation owners, exporters and worldwide traders of all stripes. Because of his substantial wealth and philanthropic activities involving mosques, hospitals, temples and orphanages, Tjong A Fie became a defining figure in the history of Medan. He worked to improve conditions for those on tobacco, rubber and other plantations, objecting to indentured servitude and other degrading work conditions for ethnic Chinese laborers. This colorful and ornately decorated building tells his story, and that of his descendants, as well as filling in some details about the city's past. }} * {{see | name=Tirtanadi Water Tower | alt=Menara Air Tirtanadi | url= | email= | address=Jalan Sisingamaraja No. 1 (intersection of Jalan Sisingamaraja, Jalan Pandu and Jalan Cirebon) | lat=3.58226 | long=98.6851 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Free | wikipedia=Tirtanadi Water Tower | image=Tirtanadi Water Tower, Medan - panoramio.jpg | wikidata=Q19746232 | content=One of Medan's icons, the water tower was built by the Dutch government in 1908 with a height of 42 m. It is state-owned by PDAM Tirtanadi. }} * {{see | name=Medan Zoo | alt=Kebun Binatang Medan | url= | email= | address=Jl. Bunga Rampai IV, Simalingkar | lat=3.482938 | long=98.642313 | directions= | phone=+62 83890853009 (WA) | tollfree= | hours=08:30-17:30 | price=Rp15,000 weekdays, Rp20,000 weekend | lastedit=2024-08-02 | content=See critically endangered local fauna, Sumatran tiger. It is the only surviving tiger population in the Sunda Islands. }} * {{see | name=North Sumatra Museum | alt=Museum Negeri Sumatra Utara | url= | email= | address=Jl. HM. Joni No.51 | lat=3.568188 | long=98.696313 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Su, 08:30-16:00 | price= | wikipedia=North Sumatra Museum | image=The traditional Batak style building houses the North Sumatra Provincial State Museum (2020-02-06).jpg | lastedit=2024-08-06 | content=It is the largest museum in North Sumatra which displays various historical and cultural relics of the nation, arts and crafts from various ethnic groups in North Sumatra. }} ==Do== ===Theme parks=== [[File:Pantai Cermin - panoramio.jpg|thumb|Pantai Cermin Theme Park]] * {{listing | type=do | name=Pantai Cermin Theme Park & Resort | alt= | url= | email= | address=Sales office : Jalan D.I. Panjaltan No. 153, Theme Park : Dusun 1 Desa Pantai Cermin Kanam, Kec. Pantai Cermin, Kabupaten Serdang Bedagai | lat=3.6539 | long=98.9853 | directions= | phone=+62 61 4510956 (Sales office), +62 61 4562893 | tollfree= | fax=+62 61 4520922 | hours=weekdays 11:00-17:00, weekends and public holidays 09:00-6:30 | price=weekdays: Rp40,000 (adult), Rp20,000 (children); weekends and public holidays: Rp60,000 (adult), Rp40,000 (children) | content=The water theme park is located in Cermin Beach, Serdang Bedagai. The theme park is organized by a Malaysian investor and the local government. Swimming, sun bathing and kayaking. To go there, take a rental car, private car or mini bus (sudako) at Jalan. MT. Haryono (in front of Medan Mall) and stop at Perbaungan city. Then take a machine trishaw to the beach. The whole journey may take about 1-2 hours. }} ===Spas=== Although Sumatra does not have the same international reputation as Bali or Thailand for massage, it still forms a significant part of local culture. In rural areas, there will usually be a masseuse available for low cost, if you ask around, while Medan offers true 'spa' facilities, which are highly recommended for anyone seeking a spa experience away from the hustle and bustle of the city at a fraction of the cost elsewhere in the world. Mostly hotels also have their own spa. You can contact your receptionist for further info. * {{do | name=Quan Spa | alt= | url=http://www.quanspa.com | email=quanspamedan@marriotthotels.com | address=JW Marriott Hotel 17th floor | lat=3.59640 | long=98.67579 | directions= | phone=+62 61 455 3333 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 10:00-21:00 | price=From Rp250,000 for 1-hour massage | content=Located on the 17th floor of the JW Marriott has full 5-star hotel spa facilities, with a one hour massage from Rp250,000 for 1-hour massage, more for more elaborate rituals. This is of course a very expensive fee in Indonesia. }} * {{do | name=Zengarden | alt= | url=http://zengarden.co.id/ | email=hello@zengarden.co.id | address=Jalan S No. 22/272 Parman | lat=3.58094 | long=98.66719 | directions= | phone=+62 61 4519306, +62 61 77029845 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Weekdays: 10:00-22:00, weekends: 09:00-21:00 | price=Rp150,000-280,000 | content=Located in the heart of Medan. Skillful, clean and very affordable by local standards. Reservations are recommended. }} * {{do | name=Eucalyptus Spa | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=There are two branches of Eucalyptus Spa in the city, one at the Travellers Suite hotel. Prices there are lower, from Rp120,000 for 1 hour. }} * {{do | name=De'Spa | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jalan Malaka No.136 | lat=3.59431 | long=98.69431 | directions= | phone=+62 61 4148416 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{do | name=Ocean Spa | alt= | url= | email= | address=Cemara Asri | lat=3.63348 | long=98.70730 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ===Family karaoke=== * {{do | name=H.o.M.E Family Karaoke | url= | email= | address=Jl. Patimura | lat=3.57625 | long=98.66610 | directions= | phone=+62 61 4536567 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{do | name=Karaoke Keluarga (K2) Family Karaoke | url= | email= | address=Kompleks Multatuli | lat=3.57540 | long=98.68038 | directions= | phone=+62 61 4575055 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Buy== Though Medan doesn't have many super malls like Jakarta or Surabaya, it does have plenty of medium-sized malls. * {{buy | name=Cambridge City Square | alt= | url=http://www.gmts.co.id/web/mall | email= | address=Jl. S. Parman No 217 (intersection of Jl. S. Parman, Jl. Gajah Mada & Jl. Zainul Arifin | lat=3.5846 | long=98.6675 | directions=5-min walk from Sun Plaza along Jl. Zainul Arifin | phone=+62 61 455 4999 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 10:00-22:00 | price= | lastedit=2024-01-08 | content=Cambridge City Square consists of office spaces, a mall, condominium and the Grand Swiss-Belhotel International linked together. The mall is less than a quarter of the size of Sun Plaza, but houses many restaurants and cafes like Nelayan Jala-jala (dim sum restaurant), Starbucks Coffee, Es Teler 77 (Indonesian street food), Pepper Lunch (teppanyaki restaurant), Haagen-Dazs, Magal and many more. A small supermarket, Berastagi Supermarket, is in LG floor. There are also several boutiques which sell knock-off "branded" items. }} * {{buy | name=Centre Point | alt= | url=http://www.centrepoint.co.id | email= | address=Jl. Timor | lat=3.5916 | long=98.6813 | directions=behind the train station | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Daily 10:00-22:00 | price= | lastedit=2024-01-08 | content=An upscale-mall, Centre Point aims to combine mall, apartments, hotel and office into one big integrated complex. As of 2018, the apartments were still under construction. Has Lotte Mart (Korean hypermarket), Cinema XXI (movie theater) & food court in top floor, Metro (department store), modern gym, and many more international retailers of brand-name items. Mr DIY opened in 2019. If you take a train from airport, after exiting train station, you can cross the street into the mall. }} * {{buy | name=Grand Palladium Mall | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl. Kapten Maulana Lubis No. 8 | lat=3.590056 | long=98.673833 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Daily 10:00-22:00 | price= | wikidata=Q12484462 | lastedit=2023-03-23 | content=No longer grand, this out-of-fashion mall is adjacent to Hotel Aryaduta in the city center. Used to be popular, but most outlets have now closed, as happens to malls in fickle Medan. All the large stores have left, but there are still a few small shops selling things like gems and CDs, and a few good restaurants. Be sure to try Tiong Sim Noodle & Hong Kong BBQ (open until 02:00 daily!): Their roasted pork and noodles is very famous locally. Nearby Sun Plaza is a livelier destination - it's about a 10-min drive or 15min walk from Palladium. Lippo Plaza is between the two. }} *{{buy | name=Medan Mall | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl. MT Haryono | lat=3.58793 | long=98.68678 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Daily 10:00-22:00 | price= | image=Medan Mall exterior.jpg | wikidata=Q12497701 | content=A popular place for shoppers where you can find almost everything from fine jewelery, clothing and food to groceries. Directly connected to Pusat Pasar, a big traditional market behind Medan Mall. The adjacent Olympia Mall is a wholesale market. }} * {{buy | name=Plaza Medan Fair | alt= | url=http://m.lippomalls.com/malls/Plaza-Medan-Fair/ | email= | address=Jl. Gatot Subroto No 30 | lat=3.5922 | long=98.6637 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Daily 10:00-22:00 | price= | lastedit=2023-03-23 | content=One of the major malls in Medan, renowned for selling electronics and gadgets. Has Transmart Carrefour (hypermarket), Matahari (local department store), Ayam Kalasan (Indonesian restaurant famous for its roast chicken), and many other chain restaurants. Slightly cheaper than Sun Plaza. On the top floor, you will find many small outlets selling gadgets or PCs and accessories and a Mr DIY. Cell phone network Three ("Tri") has its Medan office near the KFC. }} * {{buy | name=Sun Plaza | alt= | url=http://www.lippomalls.com/malls/Sun-Plaza/ | email= | address=Jl. Zainul Arifin Nomor 7 (intersection of Jl. Zainul Arifin & Jl. Diponegoro) | lat=3.5833 | long=98.6718 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Daily 10:00-22:00 | price= | wikipedia=Sun_Plaza_(Medan) | wikidata=Q12517712 | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=Located downtown in the Central Business District area, just at the border of ''Kampung Keling'' (Little India), surrounded by major international banks. It is one of the largest high-end shopping malls in Medan. Plenty of food choices from western to eastern. There is a hypermarket chain, Hypermart, on the top floor. Has more luxurious goods than other malls in town; however, many of them are knock-off branded products. The products can range from C to AAA grades. It is strongly advised to bargain. Some good buys include Mont Blanc pens which can be purchased for Rp100,000-200,000 apiece, complete with gift box and warranty card. Also has Cinemaxx (movie theater), Sogo (department store), Gramedia (largest book store chain in Indonesia), Ace Hardware, etc. Very crowded especially on weekends or public holidays. }} *{{buy | name=Thamrin Plaza | alt= | url=http://www.thamrinplaza.com | email= | address=Jl. Thamrin | lat=3.58656 | long=98.69151 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 10:00-22:00 | price= | content=One of the oldest malls with large Matahari (department store), Timezone arcade, top-floor food court and limited international brand stores. Located near Chinatown. There's a wholesale market beside Thamrin Plaza called ''Pasar Rame'' that opens from 09:00-17:00 daily. Look around for dried fruit with sugar. }} * {{buy | name=Yuki Simpang Raya Shopping Mall | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl Sisingamangaraja XII | lat=3.5757 | long=98.6883 | directions=across the street from Masjid Raya | phone=+62 61 7354027 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 12:00-22:00 | price= | lastedit=2024-12-20 | content=A long-running little shopping center, very convenient to the hotel district. Unlike the giant chain malls, this one sells mostly locally made clothing and home furnishings. There is also a large arcade and kids' playground on the top floor a supermarket on the ground floor, as well as a popular bowling alley, pool hall, and a good gym on the 3rd floor. The gym costs Rp15,000 per visit. You can also become a monthly member. Cell phone shops near the front entrance. Across Jln Amaliun from Yuki there is a food center and a Kebuli Abuya pilaf style eatery. There are also many food stalls and cafes along Jln Amaliun. }} * {{buy | name=Pasar Petisah | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=3.591375 | long=98.667544 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=A central market, sells vast array of meat, fish, fruit and vegetables. Plaza Medan Fair is very nearby. }} * {{buy | name=Gelora Supermarket | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl. Sisingamangaraja and Jl. Amaliun | lat=3.57644 | long=98.68789 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=A supermarket and small department store for children's school uniforms and other items. Their old building next to the railway tracks is now closed and they have moved into the Madani Hotel Building. }} * {{buy | name=The Plaza Millenium | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl. Kapitan Muslim | lat=3.5995 | long=98.644639 | directions=on the MRX minibus route | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q12505817 | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=Medan's cell phone plaza. Four floors almost completely devoted to phones. Pretty girls do their best to get you to choose their booth, from the hundred or so which all seem to offer the same merchandise. There's a food center, a cinema, and kids' amusement area on the top, and there are also a couple of fast food joints, a supermarket and a gym on the ground floor. There are also phones and accessories shops across the street. }} * {{buy | name=Mr Ben | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl. Muara Takus 70-72 | lat=3.58245 | long=98.66931 | directions=near Jl. Pagaruyung food street in Kampung Keling | phone=+62 61 4554116 | tollfree= | hours=07:30-19:30, closed Sunday | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=Not a mall, just a good sized shop that has been a long running source for all those hard to find food items that foreigners crave. They have a lot of competition since the giant supermarket chains have arrived, but you will still find items here that you won't get anywhere else in Medan. Personal service and very reasonable prices. Cheeses, interesting local coffees, and health food items. Well worth visiting. }} * {{buy | name=Delipark Mall & Rivapark | alt= | url=https://delipark.com/ | email= | address=Jl. Putri Hijau / Guru Patimpus No 1, Medan | lat=3.594164 | long=98.674656 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=10:00-22:00 | price= | wikidata=Q12481176 | lastedit=2024-01-08 | content=The largest upscale mall, part of Podomoro City Deli Medan. Their tenants include Sogo Dept Store, Marks & Spencer, Pull & Bear, Uniqlo, Tumi, Swarovski, Transmart Supermarket, Ace Hardware, Starbucks and many more. }} ==Eat== [[File:Mi Balap.jpg|thumb|''Mie balap'', one of the abundant breakfasts in Medan]] With its diversity of ethnic group, Medan is a culinary paradise. Here you will find several of Indonesia's regional cuisines, as well as localised versions of Chinese and Indian cuisine. Common sights are ''mie pangsit'' (a variant of wonton noodles, sometimes without wonton - commonly pork, but beef and chicken version exist), ''nasi padang'' or ''nasi minang'', ''kwetiau/bihun/mie/nasi goreng'' (fried noodle/kway teow/vermicelli/rice), ''bakso'' (meatball soup served with/without noodle) and ''sate padang'' (satay with spicy yellow sauces origin from West Sumatra). Also you may try some of Medan's specialties such as ''soto medan'', ''mie sop'', ''mie rebus medan'', ''mie balap'' and ''bihun bebek''. ===Budget=== * {{eat | name=Kedai Kopi Apek | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jalan Hindu, Kesawan | lat=3.587438 | long=98.677312 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=Historic coffee house with excellent Lintong Coffee served up by Apek. This place was set up by Apek's father in 1922. Serves ''kopi susu'' and ''roti bakar srikaya'' (kaya toast). Contains stalls with Indian ''roti cane'' bread with goat curry, ''martabak'' and ''soto'' soup. Outside are ''nasi gurih'', ''bakmi'' and ''kwetiau'' noodles. Piece of Medan history. }} *{{eat | name=Bollywood Food Centre | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl. Muara Takus No 7 | lat=3.582187 | long=98.670734 | directions=behind Sun Plaza | phone=+62 61 453694 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=This is nice place for real, homely Indian food. }} * {{eat | name=Cahaya Baru Indian Restaurant | alt= | url= | email=cahayabaruindianfood@gmail.com | address=Jalan Teuku Cik Ditiro | lat=3.583413 | long=98.668859 | directions=In Little India | phone=+62 811-6407-878 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Main dish Rp 20-70k, drink 10-50, lassi 30-35, beers 40-50, nasi kandar 15-35, martabak 25-50, add 10% service tax | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=The North and south Indian restaurant is one of Medan's best kept secrets, which has been featured in Kompas newspaper as the only restaurant in Medan which serves a wide range of authentic North-Indian cuisine. It offers delicious vegetarian and curry dishes. }} * {{eat | name=Restoran Garuda | alt= | url=http://www.restorangaruda.com/ | email=info@restorangaruda.com | address=Jalan H. Adam Malik | lat=3.595313 | long=98.669187 | directions= | phone=+62 61 453 7346 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=Well known for its ''rendang'' (Padang-style beef dish cooked slowly in coconut gravy and chili) and ''ayam pop'' (Padang-style chicken dish cooked in coconut gravy), it has many branches including RM Berjaya. }} * {{eat | name=Lontong Kak Lin | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jalan Teuku Cik Ditiro | lat=3.583813 | long=98.642562 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=Serving tasty and cheap ''lontong sayur'' (rice cakes in hot vegetables curry), this humble eatery is not much to look at for the uninitiated. There are queues to buy breakfast and lunch here. }} * {{eat | name=Mie Aceh Titi Bobrok | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl. Setia Budi | lat=3.583813 | long=98.642562 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=Has been dubbed by an Indonesian lifestyle magazine as the most popular local dish in Medan. A simple dish of noodle served with chili sauce and crab, rumour has it that the secret ingredient which make the Aceh-style noodle irresistible is a dash of Acehnese marijuana, which is the commonest drug that could be imported illegally from the region. But that, of course, only heightened the mystery and the notoriety of the delicious ''mie Aceh''. }} * {{eat | name=Pagaruyung Alley | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=3.58447 | long=98.6703 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-03-23 | content=Located in Medan's "Little India" or ''Kampung Keling'' as it's called by locals. They offer, of course, Indian and Indonesian cuisine. Business begins when the sun sets and goes until 202:00 Well known for satay (chicken, lamb, mutton, liver, intestine, etc.), fried rice and ''martabak telur'' (egg pancake topped with diced potatoes, and onions, often served with curry). Also excellent Minang style "pick and mix" rice and fruit juices. }} * {{eat | name=Sadar jiwo noodlebar | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl. Teuku Cik Ditiro No.36, Madras Hulu, Kec. Medan Polonia, Kota Medan, Sumatera Utara 20152 | lat=3.582937 | long=98.668813 | directions=In Little India | phone=+62 811-6407-878 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Main dish 18-48k, entry 20-28k, drink 5-18k | lastedit=2024-12-26 | content=Indonesian and Japanese noodles. AC. }} * {{eat | name=Mie Ayam Jamur Juara | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl. Taruma Simp. Airlangga | lat=3.585187 | long=98.669359 | directions=in Little India. One block north of Capsule Inn Medan. | phone=+62 61-4530962, +62 8116060962 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Main dish Rp 10-13k, drink 6-10k. Example: ''nasi ayam penyet'' 10k | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=Small street food stall. Likely one of the cheapest places but still good. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=Koki Sunda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=3.58267 | long=98.66688 | directions= | phone=+62 61 4533282 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=As the name implies, serves tasty Sundanese food and beverages such as ''Nasi Liwet'' and ''Es Delima''. It's at the heart of the city at the corner of S.Parman and Hasanuddin so it's hard to miss if you travel around the city. Its reasonably priced and wide array selection of delicious food is well known to the locals and visitors. Koki Sunda now opens in Tanjung Morawa and Pekan Baru. }} * {{eat | name=Jalan Selat Panjang/ Sumatra/ Semarang | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=3.583349 | long=98.684802 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=This is where some of the oldest Chinese eateries in Medan serve their renowned cuisines, such as ''mie pangsit tiong-sim'' (noodle served with stuffed dumplings), ''kwetiau goreng'' (wok-fried Chinese rice-fettuccine), ''popia'' (Chinese-style vegetable-stuffed spring roll) and many more. If you want to eat halal, of course you should beware of the pork content in the dishes, but you could always ask for a no-pork version of the dish and a different wok to cook your food in. }} * {{eat | name=Tip Top Restaurant | alt= | url=http://www.tiptop-medan.com/ | email=tiptopmedan@gmail.com | address=Jalan Jenderal Ahmad Yani no 92 A-B | lat=3.586023 | long=98.679817 | directions=across from Tjong A Fie Mansion | phone=+62 61 4514442 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q111180639 | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=Used to be '''the''' restaurant in Medan, this unique restaurant can trace its history back to the Dutch colonisation. The food has a nostalgic taste clinging on every bite, such as the ox-tongue sandwich and the bitter-ballen, but the best experience you could have here is watching the buzz of Kesawan Square from your rattan chair on the verandah. Also famous for its cake. }} * {{eat | name=OnDo Grill Batak | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl. Pabrik Tenun No.45 | lat=3.598438 | long=98.660062 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=A unique Batak restaurant where you can find the gems of Batak dishes, without all the germs. Cafe-like ambience with non-stop jazz music. Serves a reasonably-tasting ''saksang'' (a pork dish cooked in pork blood), ''babi panggang karo'' (Batak/Karo-style chopped roast-pork) and ''arsik'' (Batak-style fish dish). Don't forget to taste the hot ''pora-pora'' (a dish of sauteed papaya and cassava leaves cooked in coconut gravy and rawit chili). }} * {{eat | name=Rumah Makan Islam Marikena | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl. Jamin Ginting No.94 | lat=3.539562 | long=98.653063 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=10:00-21:00 | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=Serves traditional Halal Batak-Karo dishes, like ''arsik'', a traditional goldfish/carp dish, and ''ayam cipera'', a type of Karo soup made with corn, chicken, and other spices and left to stew in water. }} ===Splurge=== * {{eat | name=Taipan Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=Capital building, 1st Floor | lat=3.5936 | long=98.676 | directions= | phone=+62 61 4556333 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=Serves mainly Chinese style menu. Dim sum is served usually for breakfast and lunch only. Try their coconut Thai dessert or specialty tofu dish. }} * {{eat | name=Gut German Kitchen | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl. Kapten Patimura No.342 | lat=3.574813 | long=98.664687 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=11:00-21:00 | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=A German restaurant in town. }} ===Others=== Durian is one of the most famous fruits of both Medan and North Sumatra. Get the best price and taste when the season comes, which on July and December. North Sumatra has a lot of durian fields like; Sibolangit, Brastagi, Langkat, Sidikalang, Siborong-borong, Tarutung, Sibolga, Nias, Padang Sidempuan, Lima Puluh and Perbaungan. Get Medan durian at Jalan Sumatera, Jalan Semarang, Jalan Adam Malik, Ucok Durian, Si Bolang Durian and more. Rp5,000-50,000 each depending on size and season. For food souvenirs, you may choose pancake durian. [[File:Kue bika ambon.JPG|thumb|''Bika ambon'' is a cake not from [[Ambon]] in [[Maluku]], but it is rumored to have been first sold on Ambon street, Medan]] Jalan Majapahit on Petisah area (across from Cambridge City Square) has a lot of stores selling homemade cakes and juices. Most stores also allow sampling before buying. Try the local specialty ''bika ambon'' (spongy-texture cake with ''pandan'' flavor) or ''jus martabe'' (mix of passion and tamarillo fruit) juice. * {{eat | name=Bolu Meranti | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl. Razak No.7C | lat=3.594188 | long=98.666313 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=The home-made roll cakes with variety of tastes, such as cheese, blueberry, mocha. The most famous roll cakes in town. }} * {{eat | name=Medan Home Dairy | alt= | url=http://medandairy.weebly.com | email= | address= | lat=3.54985 | long=98.62424 | directions= | phone=+62 813 9703 3540 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=They have European-style "best natural yogurt in Indonesia". Located at TASBI Complex. They are producing many kinds of goat and cow milk cheeses, as well. For the goat milk products they are using fresh, pasteurized (twice) organic goat milk. }} * {{eat | name=Zuki Bakery | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl. S.Parman No.103 | lat=3.589688 | long=98.669187 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=Bika Ambon, spekoek, prunes, roll cake (Bolu Gulung), breads. They bake items fresh every day and also make their on syrups, including marquisa syrup, terong belanda syrup and kietnah syrup. }} ==Drink== There are several clubs, pubs and karaoke joints to visit at night in Medan. * {{drink | name=Bistronomix | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl. Perintis Kemerdekaan | lat=3.5958 | long=98.6765 | directions=just across from JW Marriott Hotel | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=Popular especially with youngsters. }} * {{drink | name=Harbour 9 | alt= | url= | email= | address=Forum 9 building ground floor | lat=3.5866 | long=98.6743 | directions=near Lapangan Benteng | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=Offer outdoor seating just beside Deli river, but many mosquitoes at night. }} * {{drink | name=Healy Mac's | alt= | url= | email= | address=Centre Point complex Blok M | lat=3.59218 | long=98.68154 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=The only branch of Healy Mac's in Indonesia. Nice food. Priced reasonably. }} * {{drink | name=Holywings | alt= | url=http://holywingsindonesia.com/ | email= | address=Jl. A Rivai | lat=3.5781 | long=98.6732 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=Good food and reasonable priced drinks. Live music usually starts at 21:00. Occasionally may hires famous singers. }} * {{drink | name=Retrospective Entertainment | alt=Retro | url= | email= | address=Jl. Putri Hijau, Capital Building 6th Floor | lat=3.59365 | long=98.67602 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content= }} *{{drink | name=Shoot Resto Bar Club | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl. Kapten Pattimura 423 | lat=3.57416 | long=98.6653 | directions= | phone=+62 61 453 1884 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=A pool bar with big screen playing sports channel (football games on the weekends) accompanied by regular live bands and DJ performance. It also has a large collection of wine from all over the world. }} * {{drink | name=Stroom KTV | alt= | url= | email= | address=Selecta | lat=3.585312 | long=98.677437 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=The Tavern Pub | alt= | url= | email= | address=Hotel Danau Toba | lat=3.58246 | long=98.67623 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-05-04 | content=Was once one of the most popular going out pubs for expats in the city, but now is a little run down and attracts a sleazier crowd. It features live music from local bands. It's fairly small, fairly popular and is crowded on the weekends with groups of friends, couples, and some rather friendly girls hanging out. A bit expensive for the standard. }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== * * {{sleep | name=Dazhong Backpacker's Hostel | alt= | url= | email= | address=JL Muara Takus | lat=3.58238 | long=98.670267 | directions=near Sun Plaza and Jln Pagaruyung night food market | phone=+62-822-7309-3888 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout=12:00 | price=Single Rp100,000, double Rp125,000 | wikidata=Q111077901 | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=A/C single or double rooms. Free Wi-Fi. Free lockers. Bring your own lock. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Zakia | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=3.57436 | long=98.68701 | directions= | phone=+62 61 732 2413 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Rp55,000-120,000 | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=Budget accommodation next to the Grand Mosque. Includes breakfast. It is reasonably clean and central. }} * {{sleep | name=Pondok Wisata Istana XI | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl Amaliun 9 | lat=3.57633 | long=98.68898 | directions=opposite Yuki Plaza parking lot side entrance | phone=+62 61 733 1190 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=Looks more expensive than it is. A range of rooms are available in this medium-size hotel, starting at Rp120 000. They also have very reasonable monthly rates. }} * {{sleep | name=Reddoorz hostel @ capsule inn medan |alt=| url= | email= | address=Jl. KH. Zainul Arifin No.176, Madras Hulu, Kec. Medan Polonia, Kota Medan, Sumatera Utara 20151 | lat=3,5841373 | long=98,6689385 | directions=In Little India, 10min walk from Cambridge or Sun plaza mall. If coming through Damri bus, ask driver to drop you near Halte Cambridge. | phone=+62 21 80629666 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=dorm (ac) Rp 100,000 | checkin=14:00 | checkout=12:00 |lastedit=2024-03-27| content=Futuristic beds, no upper bedsheet, small foldable tray/table (in wall). Shower, towel, hot+cold water, soap, no shampoo. One small water bottle, water fountains too for refill. small locker (one for shoes, one for bag). Toilets with toilet gun/shower but no toilet paper. Rooftop. Small market/bazaar down the hostel. noise does not seem to reach inside capsule. Ground or 1F as café+ reception, 2F female dorm, 3F male dorm, 4F rooftop. No power plus inside capsule, but 2+1 usb. Bad Internet upload (speedtest.net).}} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Antares Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jalan Sisingamaraja No 84 | lat=3.557042 | long=98.69437 | directions=on same street and near Hotel Garuda Plaza and Hotel Sumatera | phone=+62 61 732 4000 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Rooms from Rp229,000 | wikidata=Q111996983 | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=Discounts on weekends. Breakfast buffet included in the price. SatTV with HBO, Star Sports, Discovery Channel, CNN. A/C. Clean, but room doors not properly noise-proofed, so you will hear anything and anyone walking the corridor on their way from the elevator. Bring ear plugs if you are a light sleeper. There is a children pool on the 3rd floor. }} * {{sleep | name=Citi International Sun Yat Sen | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jalan Sun Yat Sen No. 77 | lat=3.5831 | long=98.6906 | directions= | phone=+62 61 736 3479 | tollfree= | fax=+62 61 7324 857 | checkin=14:00 | checkout=12:00 | price=From Rp242,000 per night for Standard Room | content=Clean, no-frills modern hotel with hot & cold shower, air conditioner and Wi-Fi in rooms and cafe. Provide free shuttle to train station. }} [[File:Dharma Deli Hotel, Medan.jpg|thumb|Grand Inna Medan, the oldest hotel in Medan]] *{{sleep | name=Grand Inna Medan | alt=Hotel De Boer| url=https://hig.id/hotels/grand-inna-medan | email= | address=Jl. Balai Kota No.2 | lat=3.583438 | long=98.685063 | directions= | phone=+62 61 4157744 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From Rp350,000 | lastedit=2024-08-02 | content=A 4-star hotel. The oldest hotel in Medan was built in 1898. }} *{{sleep | name=Swiss-Belinn Medan | alt= | url=https://www.swiss-belhotel.com/id-id/swiss-belinn-medan | email= | address=Jl. Surabaya No.88 | lat=3.583438 | long=98.685063 | directions= | phone=+62 61 888 15531 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From Rp350,000 | wikidata=Q111138976 | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=A 3-star hotel }} *{{sleep | name=Hermes Palace Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.hermeshotelmedan.com/ | email=info@hermeshotelmedan.com | address=Jalan Pemuda No 22 | lat=3.58198 | long=98.681781 | directions=southeast of Tjong A Fie Mansion, about 10min walks | phone=+62 61 4515 777 | tollfree= | fax=+62 62 4515 999 | checkin= | checkout= | price=From Rp530,000 | wikidata=Q111138956 | content=3-star hotel with 106 rooms, offer shuttle service to train station, 24-hour room service, cafe & bistro, fitness center, etc. }} * {{sleep | name=Danau Toba International Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.hoteldanautoba.com/ | email=marketing@hoteldanautoba.com | address=Jalan Imam Bonjol No. 17 | lat=3.582716 | long=98.676323 | directions=5min walks west from Sun Plaza, the same street with Vihara Borobudur | phone=+62 61 4157000 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From Rp500,000 per night | wikidata=Q111138959 | content=Pleasant 5-star hotel with 311-rooms, free Wi-Fi, professional staff, gym and large swimming pool and excellent, inexpensive Indonesian food available on 24-hour room service (international options are available but perhaps less impressive). Sometimes takes tour groups. Popular music venue '''The Tavern'''. }} * {{sleep | name=Santika Premiere Dyandra Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.santika.com/santika-premiere-dyandra-medan | email=medanpremiere@santika.com | address=Jalan Kapten Maulana Lubis No 7 | lat=3.588525 | long=98.673083 | directions=across from Lapangan Benteng | phone=+62 61 451 1999 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From Rp 650,000 | wikidata=Q111139801 | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=Club Premiere Sky Lounge on 10th floor. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Deli River | alt= | url=http://www.hotel-deliriver.com/ | email=contact@hotel-deliriver.com | address=Jl. Raya Namorambe No. 129 | lat=3.50228 | long=98.67229 | directions= | phone=+62 61 7032967 | tollfree= | checkin=10:00-20:00 | checkout=13:00-14:00 | price=around Rp725,000 | wikidata=Q111399603 | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=Charming oasis of a hotel in the suburbs south of Medan, on the route to Berastagi. There are 14 cottage-style rooms and the service includes breakfast in the restaurant and free Wi-Fi. There is a swimming pool for guests. Owners and staff are very friendly and helpful. Watch out for the geese in the hotel grounds! }} * {{sleep | name=favehotel S. Parman Medan | alt= | url=https://www.favehotels.com/en/hotel/view/136/favehotel-s--parman-medan | email=medaninfo@favehotels.com | address=Jl. S. Parman No 313A | lat=3.579625 | long=98.667597 | directions=Just besides Rahmat International Wildlife Museum & Gallery | phone=+62 61 8881 5929 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=from Rp 350.000 | wikidata=Q111138968 | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=Opened on May 2017, the 131-rooms hotel is easily recognized by its distinctive exterior architecture with purple color. Part of favehotels chain. }} ===Splurge=== *{{sleep | name=The Aryaduta Hotel Medan | alt= | url=https://www.aryaduta.com/en/hotel/AME/aryaduta-medan | email=info.medan@aryaduta.com | address=Jalan Kapten Maulana Lubis No 8 | lat=3.589869 | long=98.674173 | directions=adjacent to Grand Palladium Mall | phone=+62 61 457 2999 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From Rp900,000 | wikidata=Q111138978 | content=5-star hotel opened in 2007 near business and government district. Resort style swimming pool, Pool Cafe, the Lounge and the Kitchen restaurant. }} *{{sleep | name=Grand Aston City Hall Hotel and Serviced Residence | alt= | url=http://www.grandastonmedan.com | email=info@grandastonmedan.com | address=Jalan Balai Kota No. 1 | lat=3.59020 | long=98.67756 | directions=across Merdeka Walk | phone=+62 61 455 7000 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From Rp800,000 | content=The building is in the national archive of historic places and was restored. }} *{{sleep | name=JW Marriott Hotel Medan | alt= | url=http://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-information/travel/mesmc-jw-marriott-hotel-medan/ | email= | address=Jalan Putri Hijau No. 10 | lat=3.596007 | long=98.675545 | directions=head straight from Grand Aston about 10 min walk | phone=+62 61 455 3333 | tollfree=+1 803 606 278 | checkin= | checkout= | price=From Rp800,000 | wikidata=Q110976324 | content=5-star hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=Adimulia Hotel Medan | alt= | url=http://www.adimuliahotel.com/ | email=info@adimuliahotel.com | address=Jl. Pangeran Diponegoro No. 8 Medan 20112 | lat=3.585087 | long=98.672447 | directions=about 100 meters from Lapangan Benteng | phone=+62 6188817333 (hotline), +62 6188817651 (sales), +62 6188817626 (reservation) | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=start from Rp 800,000 | wikidata=Q111138985 | lastedit=2017-07-07 | content=4-star luxury hotel in Medan with 260-rooms. }} * {{sleep | name=Grand Mercure Maha Cipta Medan Angkasa | alt= | url=https://all.accor.com/hotel/9054/index.en.shtml | email=fo-rsv@grand-angkasa.com | address=Jalan Sutomo No. 1 | lat=3.598396 | long=98.682014 | directions=across from University of HKBP Nommensen | phone=+62 61 4555 888, +62 61 7664 5588 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From US$89 | wikidata=Q111138981 | content=Previously Grand Angkasa Hotel, now taken over by Accor group and the place was renovated. A 5-star hotel with 266-rooms, free Wi-Fi, personal safety box and a choice of smoking/non-smoking room. Its location is a bit far from shopping center or other landmarks, so you need to take taxi to go somewhere place. Student from the nearby university have been known to cause violence when there are strikes. Just stay in the room should a strike happen. }} * {{sleep | name=Cambridge Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl. S. Parman No.217 | lat=3.584812 | long=98.667063 | directions= | phone=+62 61 4300 9999 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=5-star hotel with 246 guest rooms in the CBD. Adjacent to the Cambridge condominium and city square. Rooftop dining at the "Edge Restaurant" or chill out while listening to live music at the "View Music Lounge & Bar" on the 26th floor. }} ==Stay healthy== Pharmacies litters around and generally open from Monday to Saturday (usually 09:00-21:00, some may close at 17:00), the same with clinics. On Sunday, most pharmacies and clinics are closed, but there are 24/7 pharmacies belonging to the '''K-24''' chain. Most hospitals are open 24/7 and have Emergency Department and ICU. Hospital fees range from medium to expensive. Not all hospitals accept insurance - check beforehand. Generally, locals tend to look down upon healthcare in Medan. Locals prefer going to Malaysia or Singapore if possible. Such perception has improved considerably, but skilled medical staff are still few. If you are in doubt, avoid government-owned hospital and opt for private hospital instead. * {{listing | name=RS Columbia Asia Medan | alt= | url=https://www.columbiaasia.com/indonesia/hospitals/medan/contact-us?locale=en | email=customercare.medan@columbiaasia.com | address=Jl. Listrik No 2A | lat=3.585727 | long=98.676843 | directions= | phone=+62 61 4566 368, +62 61 4533 636 (24-hours emergency line) | tollfree= | fax=+62 61 4566 585 | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q110241304 | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=One of the best and well-equipped hospital in Medan, though price are expensive. }} * {{listing | name=RS Methodist | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl. Thamrin No 105 | lat=3.583 | long=98.629 | directions=about 1 km from Thamrin Plaza | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q110241479 | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=One of the oldest hospital in Medan but still quite reliable and price not so expensive. }} * {{listing | name=RS Murni Teguh Memorial | alt= | url=https://www.rsmurniteguh.com/ | email=customerservice@rsmurniteguh.com | address=Jl. Jawa No 2 | lat=3.59 | long=98.681 | directions=adjacent to Centre Point | phone=+62 61 8050 1888, +62 61 8050 1777 (24-hour emergency line) | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q110241454 | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content= }} * {{listing | name=RS Siloam Dhirga Surya | alt= | url=https://www.siloamhospitals.com/rumah-sakit/rumah-sakit-siloam-dhirga-surya | email=info.shmd@siloamhospitals.com | address=Jl. Imam Bonjol No 6 | lat=3.585 | long=98.673 | directions=adjacent to Lippo Plaza Medan | phone=+62 61 8888 1900, +62 61 8888 1911 (24-hours emergency line) | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q110242255 | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content= }} * {{listing | name=RSIA Stella Maris | alt= | url=https://rsiastellamaris.com | email=customer_assistance@stellamarishospital.com | address=Jl. Samanhudi No 20 | lat=3.572823 | long=98.6808 | directions= | phone=+62 61 415 8383 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q110240589 | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=Specialized in children and mother health care. }} ==Connect== Free Wi-Fi is offered in most cafes & restaurants; just ask the staff. Otherwise, plenty of internet cafes exist around the city, especially in rural areas. SIM cards with data are very affordable and can be easily obtained. The area code for Medan and surrounding area is '''061'''. ===Courier services=== [[file:Pos Bloc Medan 1.jpg|thumb|Pos Indonesia Medan office]] * {{listing | name=Pos Indonesia | alt= | url=https://www.posindonesia.co.id/ | email= | address=Jl. Pos no 1 (main office) | lat=3.5917 | long=98.6773 | directions=across from Merdeka Walk | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4273095 | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=State-owned postal service that is quite reliable. Has many branches around the city. The main office is easily distinguished by its architectural style from the Dutch colonial era. Parcel service is slow compare to local privately owned services like TIKI or JNE. Not recommended for shipping parcels internationally. }} * {{listing | name=DHL Express | alt= | url=http://www.dhl.co.id/id.html | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=DHL_Express | wikidata=Q489815 | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=Largest logistics company in the world, very reliable and fast, especially if shipping internationally. Serves local shipment as well, but you can use cheaper alternatives. }} ** {{listing | name= | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl. Sisingamangaraja No 27/39 (Hotel Garuda Citra) | lat=3.5774 | long=98.6871 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content= }} ** {{listing | name= | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl. Cemara No 29 | lat=3.6301 | long=98.6801 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content= }} * {{listing | name=TNT Express | alt= | url=https://www.tnt.com | email= | address=Jl. Cemara No 8 | lat=3.629 | long=98.7022 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=TNT_Express | wikidata=Q1105744 | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=Subsidiary of FedEx. }} * {{listing | name=TIKI | alt= | url=https://tiki.id/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=One of the most popular logistic services used by local, it's reasonably cheap, fast and reliable. Several drop-off point around cities, just look for store with TIKI logos. Be sure to insure your parcels if you ship valuable items. }} * {{listing | name=JNE | alt= | url=http://www.jne.co.id | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=The other most popular alternatives for JNE. Offer same advantages and roughly same price. Several drop-off point around cities, just look for store with JNE logos. Be sure to insure your parcels as well if you ship valuables. }} * {{listing | name=J&T Express | alt= | url=https://jet.co.id/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content=Coverage is lower than JNE or TIKI, but price is very competitive. Drop off points are still few, but you can ask for collection. }} * '''Gojek / Grab'''. Offer only intra-city services. ==Cope== ===Consulates=== * {{flag|China}} {{listing | name=China | url=http://medan.china-consulate.gov.cn/ | email=mdn@csm.mfa.gov.cn | address=Jalan Walikota No.9 | lat=3.5736 | long=98.6715 | directions= | phone=+62 61 8001 3167 | tollfree= | fax=+62 61 8001 3161 | hours= | price= | content=Visa applications are handled by the separate Chinese Visa Application Service Center. }} **{{listing | name=Chinese Visa Application Service Center | url=https://www.visaforchina.cn/MES2_EN/index.shtml | email=medancentre@visaforchina.org | address=Royal Condominium Tower B, 2nd Floor, Jl. Palang Merah - Sukamulia No 1, Kelurahan Medan Aur | lat=3.5837 | long=98.6778 | directions= | phone=+62 61 80013189 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|India}} {{listing | name=India | alt= | url=https://www.cgimedan.gov.in | email=cons.medan@mea.gov.in | address=Jl. Uskup Agung Sugiopranoto No. 19A | lat=3.5757 | long=98.6719 | directions= | phone=+62 61 453 1308, +62 61 455 6452 | tollfree= | fax=+62 61 453 1319 | hours= | price= | content=cg.medan@mea.gov.in }} * {{flag|Japan}} {{listing | name=Japan | alt= | url=http://www.medan.id.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_ja/ | email=ryoji.medan@mn.mofa.go.jp | address=Wisma BII, 5th Floor, Jl. Diponegoro No. 18 | lat=3.583194 | long=98.672333 | directions= | phone=+62 61 457 5193 | tollfree= | fax=+62 61 457 4560 | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q45309586 | content= }} * {{flag|Malaysia}} {{listing | name=Malaysia | url=https://www.kln.gov.my/web/idn_medan | email=mwmedan@kln.gov.my | address=Jl. Diponegoro No. 43 | lat=3.5774 | long=98.6726 | directions= | phone=+62 61 453 1342, +62 61 453 5271, +62 61 452 3992 | tollfree= | fax=+62 61 453 4681 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Singapore}} {{listing | name=Singapore | url=https://www.mfa.gov.sg/medan | email=sporeconsulatemedan@mfa.sg | address=Suite No 2 - 6, 11th Floor, Forum Nine Office and F & B Gallery, No. 9 Jalan Imam Bonjol | lat=3.5865 | long=98.6742 | directions= | phone=+62 61 8050 1500 | tollfree= | fax=+62 61 8050 1506 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|United States}} {{listing | name=United States of America | alt= | url=https://id.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/medan/ | email=Sumatra@state.gov | address=Uni Plaza West Tower, 4th floor, Jl. Let. Jend. MT Haryono A-1 | lat=3.5864 | long=98.6823 | directions= | phone=+62 61 451 9000 | tollfree= | fax=+62 61 455 9033 | hours=M-F 07:30-16:00 | price= | lastedit=2024-07-29 | content= }} ==Go next== * [[Berastagi]] - a beautiful mountain resort, about 1½ hours' drive from Medan; popular among Medan people for weekend getaways. When it is deemed safe, you can hike the two nearby volcanoes, Sinabung and Sibayak. Check with the local authorities before hiking, as the Sinabung volcano erupted on 2014, and an alert in 2015 caused the evacuation of 10,000 people. * [[Kabanjahe]] - the capital of the Karo Regency. You can observe and experience the life of Karo people by visiting the villages around Kabanjahe. Kabanjahe is also a convenient post to climb Mount Sinabung. If you wish to spend the nights in the villages of Karo people, go to Gumagaba Youth Hostel located on Jalan SM Raja Simpang Amplas, Medan for information. * [[Bukit Lawang]] - A 3-hour journey from Medan, the latter half of the journey being a rather bumpy and pot-holed ride. A little village on the edge of Gunung Leuser National Park that was once home to an Orangutan rehabilitation center, which is now closed. However, regular feeding sessions take places at the feeding platforms. Jungle treks can be arranged or you can just relax by the river. * [[Lake Toba]] - formed by a volcanic eruption, it is one of the biggest fresh water lakes in the world. Has a large island, Samosir, in the middle. It is an absolute must see, a really magnificent place full of Batak culture on the shores of a mesmerizing lake. The food is wonderful, accommodation is cheap and the climate is perfect, it seems to be 25°C all the time. Rent a scooter to explore Samosir. * [[Pulau Weh]] - Garuda Indonesia operates three weekly flights to [[Sabang (Indonesia)]] on Pulau Weh, where some of Indonesia's finest diving can be found. {{geo|3.5833|98.6667}} {{isPartOf|North_Sumatra}} {{guidecity}} 9hxvt0uo21gexus696efm03hr7v6gwb 0 22322 5087016 4860542 2025-07-03T07:57:06Z Veracious 1298114 /* Understand */ 5087016 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner}} [[Image:Japan mie map small.png|right]] '''Mie Prefecture''' (三重県 ''Mie-ken'') is in the western [[Kansai]] region of the main [[Japan]]ese island [[Honshu]]. ==Understand== ===Informasi turis=== [https://www.kankomie.or.jp/ Kanko Mie] adalah situs panduan resmi prefektur ini, yang hanya menyediakan bahasa Jepang dengan terjemahan mesin terintegrasi. ==Cities== {{mapframe}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Tsu]]|wikidata=Q203027}} &mdash; The prefectural capital with the shortest name possible (a one-stroke letter つ in hiragana). * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Yokkaichi]]|wikidata=Q26410}} &mdash; An industrial city and the most urban city. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Iga]]|wikidata=Q460820}} &mdash; The home of Japan's most (in)famous ninja clan. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Ise]]|wikidata=Q328067}} &mdash; Site of Japan's holiest shrine. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Kumano]]|wikidata=Q819672}} &mdash; An ancient mountain town in the south with breathtaking scenery. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Matsusaka]]|wikidata=Q460829}} &mdash; A city between Tsu and Ise. Famous throughout Japan for its beef. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Shima]]|wikidata=Q338009}} &mdash; Famous for pearl cultivation. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Suzuka]]|wikidata=Q207311}} &mdash; Known for its motor sports events. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Toba]]|wikidata=Q819629}} &mdash; Popular holiday spot near Ise. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Owase]]|wikidata=Q847554}} &mdash; Small city having the best in nature. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Kuwana]]|wikidata=Q496472}} &mdash; A small city next to Nagoya. Easy access to Nagashima Spa Land. ==Other destinations== * {{marker|name=[[Kameyama]]|wikidata=Q646858}} * {{marker|name=[[Nabari]]|wikidata=}} * {{marker|name=[[Inabe]]|wikidata=}} * {{marker|name=[[Watarai]]|wikidata=}} * {{marker|name=[[Taki (Mie)|Taki]]|wikidata=}} * {{marker|name=[[Taiki]]|wikidata=}} * {{marker|name=[[Minamiise]]|wikidata=}} * {{marker|name=[[Odai]]|wikidata=}} * {{marker|name=[[Kihoku]]|wikidata=}} ==Get in== ===By plane=== ===By train=== Mie is easily accessible from anywhere in central Japan using the Kintetsu or JR (Japan Rail) train lines. From other parts of Honshu, the shinkansen (bullet train) can quickly though rather expensively get you to [[Nagoya]] Station, where you can transfer to either the Kintetsu or JR line into Mie. ===By bus=== ===By boat=== Ferries leave hourly from Nagoya airport (NGO) to [[Tsu]] Nagisamachi port and a port in Matsusaka. ==Get around== ==See== [[File:Sunrise of the Wedded Rocks02.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Sunrise over Meoto Iwa]] * '''Ise Shrine''' is the holiest shrine in Japan and home to the sun goddess Amaterasu. ([[Ise]]) * Learn about the history of ninja in one of the former ninja homelands ([[Iga]]) * Mikimoto Pearl Island ([[Toba]]) * Part of the [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]] Kii Mountain Pilgrimage Route ([[Kumano]]) * Hike the Akame 48 Waterfalls to see just how many waterfalls there really are ([[Nabari]]) * Explore a well-preserved former Tokaido Road post town ([[Kameyama]]) * Watch the sunrise over Meoto Iwa (Ise) ==Do== ==Eat== Matsusaka is known for its delicious, massaged, beer-fed beef. According to locals, it's every bit as good as the more internationally famous Kobe product. ==Drink== Hokosugi (鉾杉) sake, brewed near Ise, is very tasty and reasonably priced. ==Go next== {{geo|34.7000|136.5000|zoom=8}} {{IsPartOf|Kansai}} {{outlineregion}} k7mayqmusn9aik849pcdo0qbcve2odu 5087017 5087016 2025-07-03T07:57:31Z Veracious 1298114 Undo revision [[Special:Diff/5087016|5087016]] by [[Special:Contributions/Veracious|Veracious]] ([[User talk:Veracious|talk]]) 5087017 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner}} [[Image:Japan mie map small.png|right]] '''Mie Prefecture''' (三重県 ''Mie-ken'') is in the western [[Kansai]] region of the main [[Japan]]ese island [[Honshu]]. ==Understand== ===Tourist Information Site=== [https://www.kankomie.or.jp/ Kanko Mie] is the prefecture's official Japanese-only guide site with integrated machine translation. ==Cities== {{mapframe}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Tsu]]|wikidata=Q203027}} &mdash; The prefectural capital with the shortest name possible (a one-stroke letter つ in hiragana). * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Yokkaichi]]|wikidata=Q26410}} &mdash; An industrial city and the most urban city. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Iga]]|wikidata=Q460820}} &mdash; The home of Japan's most (in)famous ninja clan. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Ise]]|wikidata=Q328067}} &mdash; Site of Japan's holiest shrine. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Kumano]]|wikidata=Q819672}} &mdash; An ancient mountain town in the south with breathtaking scenery. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Matsusaka]]|wikidata=Q460829}} &mdash; A city between Tsu and Ise. Famous throughout Japan for its beef. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Shima]]|wikidata=Q338009}} &mdash; Famous for pearl cultivation. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Suzuka]]|wikidata=Q207311}} &mdash; Known for its motor sports events. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Toba]]|wikidata=Q819629}} &mdash; Popular holiday spot near Ise. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Owase]]|wikidata=Q847554}} &mdash; Small city having the best in nature. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Kuwana]]|wikidata=Q496472}} &mdash; A small city next to Nagoya. Easy access to Nagashima Spa Land. ==Other destinations== * {{marker|name=[[Kameyama]]|wikidata=Q646858}} * {{marker|name=[[Nabari]]|wikidata=}} * {{marker|name=[[Inabe]]|wikidata=}} * {{marker|name=[[Watarai]]|wikidata=}} * {{marker|name=[[Taki (Mie)|Taki]]|wikidata=}} * {{marker|name=[[Taiki]]|wikidata=}} * {{marker|name=[[Minamiise]]|wikidata=}} * {{marker|name=[[Odai]]|wikidata=}} * {{marker|name=[[Kihoku]]|wikidata=}} ==Get in== ===By plane=== ===By train=== Mie is easily accessible from anywhere in central Japan using the Kintetsu or JR (Japan Rail) train lines. From other parts of Honshu, the shinkansen (bullet train) can quickly though rather expensively get you to [[Nagoya]] Station, where you can transfer to either the Kintetsu or JR line into Mie. ===By bus=== ===By boat=== Ferries leave hourly from Nagoya airport (NGO) to [[Tsu]] Nagisamachi port and a port in Matsusaka. ==Get around== ==See== [[File:Sunrise of the Wedded Rocks02.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Sunrise over Meoto Iwa]] * '''Ise Shrine''' is the holiest shrine in Japan and home to the sun goddess Amaterasu. ([[Ise]]) * Learn about the history of ninja in one of the former ninja homelands ([[Iga]]) * Mikimoto Pearl Island ([[Toba]]) * Part of the [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]] Kii Mountain Pilgrimage Route ([[Kumano]]) * Hike the Akame 48 Waterfalls to see just how many waterfalls there really are ([[Nabari]]) * Explore a well-preserved former Tokaido Road post town ([[Kameyama]]) * Watch the sunrise over Meoto Iwa (Ise) ==Do== ==Eat== Matsusaka is known for its delicious, massaged, beer-fed beef. According to locals, it's every bit as good as the more internationally famous Kobe product. ==Drink== Hokosugi (鉾杉) sake, brewed near Ise, is very tasty and reasonably priced. ==Go next== {{geo|34.7000|136.5000|zoom=8}} {{IsPartOf|Kansai}} {{outlineregion}} inz3od66w2paeet3q57t7qnlok5dq8f 0 22534 5086711 5030563 2025-07-02T17:21:02Z WereSpielChequers 35579 typo 5086711 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Miskolc banner "Girls of Miskolc" statue.jpg|caption="Girls of Miskolc" statue at Szinva Terrace square|unesco=yes}} [[File:Megyeszékhely - Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén megye - Miskolc.jpg|thumb|300px|Miskolc - the Capital of Northern Hungary]] [[File:Barlangfurdo2014-nyar (KCS) (1).JPG|thumb|300px|The Barlangfürdő - inside]] '''[http://miskolc.hu/ Miskolc]''', with population of about 157,000 (2017), is the third largest city in [[Hungary]], located in the north-east of the country, east of [[Bükk]] mountains. ==Understand== Miskolc used to be one of the centres of heavy industry in 20th century. Today Miskolc is the regional centre of Northern Hungary. The city is surrounded by the beautiful Bükk Mountains. The most famous tourist attractions are outside the city, but one can find things worth visiting in downtown, too. A quiet suburb of '''[[#Miskolctapolca|Miskolctapolca]]''', most famous for its cave bath, provides unique cave thermal spa. {{marker|type=see|name=Bánkút|lat=48.1038995|long=20.396567}} is a popular ski resort. === Tourist information centre === * {{listing | name=Tourist Information Centre | alt=Tourinform Miskolc |url= https://www.hellomiskolc.hu |email= miskolc@tourinform.hu | address=Széchenyi Street (utca), 16 | lat=48.102466 | long=20.782345 | directions= | phone=+36 46 350 425 |tollfree=|fax=| hours= M-F 08:30-17:00, Sa 09:00-14:00, Su closed | price= |wikipedia=|wikidata=|image=|lastedit=2017-06-09| content=You can get some useful information here. The staff speak at least English, German, Russian, Slovakian. Services: All necessary information about Miskolc: tourism, transport, museums, spa, cultural programs, accommodation and catering, trade and services, hiking in the Bükk, sports, addresses, historic monuments, galleries, exhibitions, etc. Accommodation, booking. Entrance tickets for concerts, theatres and other cultural events. Several kinds of Miskolc sightseeing tours. Basic information brochures about Miskolc. You can buy [https://www.miskolcpass.com Miskolc Pass Tourist Card] here.}} ==Get in== ===By plane=== Miskolc doesn't have an international airport; the nearest ones are in [[Košice]] ([[Slovakia]]), [[Budapest]] and [[Debrecen]]. ===By bus=== Since Miskolc is well connected to the rest of the country by railway lines, there are fewer bus lines connecting Miskolc to other cities. [http://www.borsodvolan.hu/documents/szemszall/helyk.pdf Price list]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}, [http://www.borsodvolan.hu/vh_helyk Lines]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}, some of them to [[Debrecen]] 05:30-20:00, 20 per day, to [[Eger]] 05:00-18:00, hourly, to [[Hajdúböszörmény]] 05:35-20:00, 12 per day, [[Kazincbarcika]] 5:30-22:00 every half hour, [[Mezőkövesd]] 05:00-18:40, hourly; [[Szerencs]] every 2 hours, 06:00-18:40; [[Tiszaújváros]] every half hour; [[Hódmezővásárhely]], [[Nyíregyháza]], [[Salgótarján]], [[Sátoraljaújhely]], [[Szeged]] one morning, one afternoon; [[Kecskemét]] and [[Szolnok]] daily. {{go | name=Bus Station | alt=Borsod Volán Autóbusz-állomás Miskolc | url=http://www.borsodvolan.hu/ | email=kulonjarat@borsodvolan.hu| address=Búza tér | lat=48.1058 | long=20.7914 | directions= east of the city centre.| phone=+36 46 340 288 | hours=Waiting room: daily 04:00-24:00, ticket office: M-F 05:30-18:00, Sa 5:30-13:00 | price= | content= }} === By train === [[File:Tiszai trainstation miskolc front.jpg|thumb|300px|Tiszai Railway Station]] The trains going through Northern Hungary all stop in Miskolc, the city can be reached by train from all the major cities (although if you come from the Transdanubian region, you might have to change trains in Budapest which means you have to find your way through the city to the Keleti station.) See the website of '''[http://elvira.mav-start.hu/elvira.dll/xslms/index?language=2 Hungary State Railways]''' for information on trains, travel time and prices. The site is available in Hungarian, English and German (this link leads to the English version. International connection to [[Košice]], in [[Slovakia]] (daily, one morning and one evening train, 3.5 hr, discounted RW tickets for €6.5) International travel tickets, seat reservation, travel card can be paid in euros. The returning will be paid in forints. * {{listing | type=go | name=Tiszai Station | alt=Tiszai pályaudvar | url=http://www.mav-start.hu/ | email= | address=Kandó Kálmán tér 1-3 | lat=48.0988 | long=20.8099 | directions=both tram lines and many bus lines have their end station there. | phone=+36 40 494949 | tollfree= | hours=''International Cashdesk'': daily 03:00-23:00 | price= | image=Tiszai trainstation miskolc front.jpg | wikidata=Q854118 | content=Miskolc Tiszai railway station is the largest of two railway stations of the city of Miskolc. Built in 1901 in eclectic style, last time modernised in 2003. ''Services'': Automated ticketing, E-Ticket validation, Payment with credit card, ''Left luggage'': daily 06:00-19:40, inside the building station, look for Customer Service Office (Hu:Ügyfélszolgálati Iroda), free of charge. Parking is near the station. Bicycle storage is at the station.) }} * {{go | name=Train Ticket Office |alt=Miskolc Menetjegyiroda Belföldi pénztár |url= |email= | address=Arany János u 2 | lat=48.101755| long=20.785904 | directions=Close to Szinva Creek and Falánk Fanny Pastry Shop |phone= |fax= | hours=M-F 07:10-18:40, Sa 07:10-14:40 | price= | content= Automated ticketing, payment also with credit card. }} ===By car=== Miskolc can be reached from the Budapest and further west on Highway M3, or from Debrecen to the south on M35. You have to pay a toll/fee if you want to drive on a highway, which consists of going into any gas or petrol station and purchasing a sticker for your car windshield ''before'' you drive on the road. If you come by car you may expect some trouble with navigation. There is really only one way to get into the village, and it goes through Miskolc, which is not famous for having good road signs. If you are ''very'' careful and have at least 2 spare eyes to read the signs, you may well succeed. Or ask locals for directions if you feel lost. The spa is about 5 km (3 miles) south of Miskolc city center, west of the main road. == Get around == {{mapframe|48.0995|20.7470|width=600|zoom=12}} === By bus === If you need info on bus lines, go to the mass transport company's site [http://www.mvkzrt.hu/] and click on "Menetrend". At "Viszonylat" choose the number of the bus to see the time tables. (1V and 2V are the tram lines.) Bus lines important for tourists include: * Bus 1 connects the Tiszai railway station with the downtown and Diósgyőr district * Bus 2 starts at Búza tér and goes to Tapolca (30 min) * Bus 5 starts from Felső-Majláth and goes to Lillafüred * Bus 15 also starts from Felső-Majláth and goes to Ómassa. ====Tickets==== [[File:MiskolcV1V2.jpg|thumb|300px|Miskolc tram on the Main street]] You can buy bus tickets on the station (or on the bus for a somewhat bigger price and the driver won't have change, you have to pay the exact amount. Generally it's ''not recommended''), also can buy bus tickets at news stands. Bus tickets are Ft&nbsp;300 (or Ft&nbsp;400 if you buy it on the bus), ten tickets ''("gyűjtőjegy")'' are Ft&nbsp;2800 (Feb 2017). * General ticket, valid for all buses & trams for one day ''(napijegy)'': Ft&nbsp;1600 ** Same for 3 days (tourist ticket): Ft&nbsp;3000 ** same for 7 days ''(hetijegy)'': Ft&nbsp;3900 You can buy Miskolc Pass Tourist Card online or at the hotels. If you have you can travel for free on local buses and trams, and one time on the forest train. Tickets are the same for bus and tram. General & tourist tickets are ''not'' valid on Bus 7 after it leaves Miskolc (Bus 7 is the only city bus that leaves Miskolc; it goes to the nearby town Felsőzsolca.) Penalty if you don't have valid ticket: Ft&nbsp;3000 if you pay immediately, Ft&nbsp;6000 if you don't have money with you and have to pay later. Buses usually open the first door only because it is part of the driver's job to check if everyone has tickets. They open the other doors only if someone wants to leave the bus at that door, and if you get on the bus through those doors, the driver might ask you through the loudspeaker to show your ticket. === By tram === There are only two tram lines, 1 & 2. The end station to both of them is at Tiszai station. Tram line 1 goes to Felső-Majláth. Tram no.1 is the good one to reach the castle of Diosgyor, take off when you can see it on your left hand side. Tram line 2 goes to the metal factory. Be sure to leave Tram 2 at latest at ''Újgyőri főtér''' and change trams if you want to go to Diósgyőr. ===By narrow-gauge train=== These [http://www.eszakerdo.hu/angol/menu/erdvinfo_eng.html trains] run between {{marker|type=go| name=Miskolc-Dorottya utca narrow-gauge railway station| lat=48.100149 | long=20.702209}} and [[Lillafüred]] (in 10 km away from Miskolc) with open carriages, 40 min. Inside Miskolc it makes a few more stops, including the one close by to castle of Diosgyor. After Lillafüred it then continues its way up to [[Lillafüred#Get in|Garadna village]], takes another 20 min. Daily 10:00 - 19:00. Fixed price 800 Ft no matter how far you go. === By car === Foreigners sometimes find it hard to find their way in the city. City maps are sold in every bookstore and at some newsstands. There are some road signs, but not too many. In the individual parts of the city '''parking''' areas are divided to designated parking zones. The maximum parking time in Green/Yellow/Blue zone: 2/3/4 hours the fees are Ft&nbsp;340/220/150 per hour. There is two underground car park is at Patak Street and at Európa Square ([http://www.regioparkmiskolc.hu/parkolasi-dijak charge] {{dead link|December 2020}} Ft&nbsp;200 per hour, 2014). === By taxi === Moving around by taxi in Miskolc is an easy way to explore the city or get to your destination. Cabs are not hard to find, especially in the downtown area or around the busy tourist attractions. Prices are the same by all company, it averages US$1.00 per km and the basic fee of $1.50-2.00 per ride. Most dispatchers should speak English or German and possibly French, in addition to Hungarian. The main taxi companies are [https://bolt.eu/hu-hu/ Bolt taxi] and [https://www.taxi-miskolc.hu/ Best of Taxi]. ===On foot=== Probably the best way to see the spa is on foot. This is recommended for the downtown only. Many of the tourist attractions are quite far from the city centre. Széchenyi Street is mostly a pedestrian precinct, the tram lines go along it, but cars use it only occasionally. ==See== === Downtown === * Main Street (Széchenyi st.) and City Hall Square (Városház tér) with 19th-century houses and lots of shops ====Houses of worship==== [[File:Miskolc, mindszenti római katolikus templom 2024 01.jpg|thumb|All Saints Parish Church]] * {{listing | type=see | name=Mindszent Parish Church | alt=officially:Apostles St. Peter and St. Paul Church, Hungarian: Mindszenti Plébániatemplom | url=http://www.miskolc-mindszent.hu/ | email=mindszenti.plebania@gmail.com | address=Mindszent tér 2 | lat=48.09885 | long=20.78481 | directions= | phone=+36 46 411777, +36 46 411 888 | tollfree= | fax=+36 46 411114 | hours=Guide by booking. Masses: Su and major holidays 07:00, 08:30, 10:00, 11:30, 18:30, M-F 07:00, 7:30, 18:30 | price=Free | wikidata=Q1177463 | content=Mindszent was a separate small settlement in the Middle Age, around 1880 united with Miskolc. The church was built on site of a smaller medieval chapel between 1728-1743. The two slender tower of its got in hundred years later. Inside of the church there are beautiful Baroque paintings and statues. Its altarpieces depicting St Peter and St Paul (at the high altar), the Virgin Mary, St Joseph, St Ladislaw, St Stephen paintings were done in 1855 and 1879. The Baroque statue of Mary with the jar (1739) stands before the church. A small Calvary shrine can be found not far from the church; it was consecrated by the Archbishop of Eger in 1864. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Protestant Church of Avas | alt=Hungarian: Avasi templom | url=http://reformatus-avas.shp.hu/hpc/web.php?a=reformatus-avas | email= | address=Papszer utca 14 | lat=48.101349 | long=20.778525 | directions=Southwest half km from Tourist Information Centre I. over Szinva Creek | phone=+36 46 358677 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 14:00-17:00 | price= | image=Avasi Belltower.jpg | wikidata=Q714584 | content=A beautiful Gothic church on the Avas hill, one of the oldest buildings of the city, founded in 13th century. A Romanesque style church, and later it was expanded in Gothic style. The belfry was built in 1557. The bells play a melody in every 15 minutes, a variation of the Westminster Chimes. It is a well-known tune in the city. The church is surrounded by a cemetery, where many famous sons of the city were buried. }} [[File:OrthodoxChurchMiskolc04.jpg |thumb|The Great Iconostasis in the Greek Orthodox Church, Miskolc]] * {{see | name=Greek Orthodox church | alt=Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Hungarian:Görögkeleti templom, Magyar ortodox templom, Szentháromság Görögkeleti Ortodox Templom | url=http://miskolc.orthodoxia.org/ | email=pappmiskolc@gmail.com | address=Deák Ferenc tér 7 | lat=48.1066 | long=20.7833 | directions=Center, northwest of the Minorita Assumption Church | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=OrthodoxChurch Miskolc Winter.jpg | wikidata=Q1296948 | content=Built between 1785 and 1806 in Copf style. Here is one of the largest iconostasion in Europe, 16 m high, with 87 pictures of the life of Jesus, and the eleven big orthodox holiday plus Easter what is the Ortodox 'Holiday of holidays'. The Baroque iconostasis was carved in the workshop of Eger, the pictures (with the exception of four of them) were painted by a master from Vienna. The copy of the Akhtyrka Icon of the Mother of God was a gift from Empress Catherine II of Russia. A school, a hospital and a parsonage were also built next to the church in the beginning of 18th Century. The churchyard also served as a burial place, several more than 300 years old marble tombstones are still can be see. The interior is divided into three parts: entrance hall, naos, and sanctuary. The ''Orthodox Liturgical Museum of Hungary'' is here, in the former school building (approaching from the churchyard). The Orthodox liturgical collection of it is the richest in all Hungary. }} [[File:Deszkatemplom Miskolc.jpg|thumb|Protestant Wooden Church]] * {{listing | type=see | name=Protestant Wooden Church | alt=Plank church, Hungarian:Tetemvári Református deszkatemplom, Deszkatemplom | url=http://www.tirek.hu/lap/deszkatemplom/hir/lista/hirek/ | email=tetemvar@hotmail.com | address=Pálóczy utca | lat=48.1088 | long=20.7856 | directions= | phone=+36 46 506613, +36 30 4077496 | tollfree= | hours=Every day 09:00-12:00 and 13:00-16:00 | price=Ft&nbsp;400/250, German, Hungarian guide | wikidata=Q831552 | content=This is a beautiful church made of carved wood built in 1998 as the exact copy of the original church that was burnt down in 1997.The first church known by the name of 'Wooden Church' was built in 1724 and it stood until 1937 when demolished. One year later finished the new one. At this time the wood brought from an area of Transylvania with long traditions of wood-carving. The design of the church also had Transylvanian elements. Originally main wing of Wooden Church was 8.5m wide, the south part was only 7-7.4m wide. On the top of the pulpit is a Phoenix wood sculpture, symbolized the eternal rebirth. The windows of the eastern and western side decorated with stained glass. The larger bell called 'Odon' is 360kg, the smaller, 'Alexander', 193kg. }} [[File:Minorita templom (2944. számú műemlék) 2.jpg|thumb|Minorita Assumption Church]] * {{listing | type=see | name=Minorita Assumption Church | alt=Hungarian: Minorita Nagyboldogasszony templom | url= | email= | address=Hősök tere 5a | lat=48.10557 | long=20.78494 | directions=Downtown | phone=+36 46 505636, +36 46 508048 | tollfree= | fax=+36 46 505637 | hours=Booking by phone | price=free | image=Minorita templom (2944. számú műemlék) 3.jpg | wikidata=Q1177521 | content=The construction of this baroque church was finished around 1743 though its decoration, equipment and the building of the towers took several more decades. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Downtown Protestant Church, Rooster church | alt=Hungarian: Miskolc-Belvárosi Református temploma, Kakas templom | url= | email=szaboslp@freemail.hu | address=Kossuth Lajos utca 17 | lat=48.10500 | long=20.78217 | directions=West two hundred meter from Minorita Assumption Church | phone=+36 46 412653, +36 46 508724 | tollfree= | fax=+36 46 508884 | hours= | price=Admission: free | image=Ref. új templom (2954. számú műemlék) 2.jpg | wikidata=Q792581 | content=Description: The classicistic calvinist church was erected in 1786-1808. It has the highest 68m tall tower in the city, housing the 2.6-tonne weight Esther Bell named after Eszter Bató daughter of a wealthy merchant family. Outside decorated mostly with Classicist elements }} [[File:Downtown Evangelical Church Miskolc from Avas.jpg|thumb|Lutheran parish church in Miskolc from Avas Hill]] * {{listing | type=see | name=Lutheran parish church in Miskolc | alt=Miskolci Evangélikus Egyházközség templom | url=http://miskolc.lutheran.hu/ | email=luther@upcmail.hu | address=Hunyadi János utca 8 | lat=48.10440 | long=20.77690 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Office hours: Pastoral Office: Tu-F 09:00-12:00. Worship: Su 11:00 | price= | wikidata=Q792575 | content=This church, the second one on this site after the lightning affected and demolished the former church, was erected between 1817-1820, the tower of its was finished in 1865. Dimensions of its 31m long and 25m wide. Above the main entrance of church is a very beautiful and remarkable balcony. The classy decorated Empire style stone pulpit made in 1820. The altarpiece painted by Bertalan Székely,-who was a one of the greatest representative of Hungarian historical painting, the ''Christ on the Mount of Olives'' finished in 1897. }} * {{see | name=St. Anne's Church | alt=Hungarian: Szent Anna-templom,Vöröstemplom, Verestemplom | url= | email= | address=Szent Anna tér | lat=48.104722 | long=20.763611 | directions=Located on the north side of the St. Anna Square. | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q716048 | content=This is a Roman Catholic parish church. Locally it is often referred to as "Red Church", because of its red roof. The church was built between 1816 and 1823, in late Baroque style with some Neoclassical elements; the altar and the pulpit are late Neoclassical. The first public clock of the city was in the church's tower. The rectangular sanctuary of this two naves church, covered with 'Czech-cap' vault. }} * {{see| image=CatholicChurch Martinkertváros01.jpg | name=Catholic parish church | alt=Jesus Heart church, Hungarian:Martin-Kertváros Plébánia templom, Jézus Szíve plébániatemplom | url=http://martinkertvaros-plebania.hu/page.php?9 | email=plebania.martinkertvaros@gmail.com | address=Miskolc, Martin Károly utca 5 |lat=48.09268 | long=20.80777 | directions=Martin-Kertváros district about half km south of Tiszai Railway Station | phone=+36 46 380065 | fax= | hours=Church services at M W F Sa 18:00, Su 11:30 | price=Free | content=Replacement of a former temporarly chapel (1922) to the local railway workers colony. Built in 1934. A simple late Baroque church in garden district. Interior pulpit and main altar made in Baroque style. It has a nice painted paneled ceiling. }} [[File:R. k. templom (2985. számú műemlék).jpg|thumb|The name of the Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Diósgyőr]] * {{see| image=R. k. templom (2985. számú műemlék) 2.jpg | name=The name of the Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Diósgyőr | alt=Hungarian: Szűz Mária neve - Római Katolikus templom | url=http://www.szentferencmiskolc.hu/plebania/ | email= mdplebania@gmail.com | address= Miskolc, Puskás Tivadar utca 1 |lat=48.10138 | long=20.68600 | directions= Diósgyőr district, close to Sinva creek, south of II. János Pál pápa square | phone=+36 46 379595 | fax= | hours=Mass Order: Summer time: M-F 07:00, 18:30; Su 07:00, 08:30, 10:00, 11:30, 18:30. Winter time: M-F 07:00, 17:30. Su 07:00, 08:30, 10:00, 11:30, 17:30. Advent: 06:00; 17:30 | price=Free | content=The original Gothic reformed church was rebuilt in Baroque style in middle of the 18th century. Of the two cemeteries one is still working today, separated into Lutheran, Roman Catholic and Protestant sections. The first owners were members of St. Paul order (Paulines), but Minorites and Franciscan baptized. The entrance of the church look to the west, almost back to the city. This is due the church was formed to west of the settlement. The church was consecrated in the name of the Virgin Mary, in 1753. The main altarpiece depicting the Virgin Mary with a crown on his head, on the right of its is the baby Jesus who a sphere gives to his mother. The coat of arms of Diosgyor also depicts the image of church's patron saint, The church has three side altar, pulpit and an organ in the balcony. There most valuated piece is a very old carved '''wooden statue of the Virgin Mary''', which can be seen in a glass case, made in the 13th century by the Paulines. On the right side in an alcove, look like a cave, is an other statue of the Virgin Mary ordered by a cantor teacher to gratitude in memory of his children recovery from a serious illness }} [[File:Miskolc synagogue 1.jpg|thumb|Synagogue of Miskolc]] * {{see | name=Synagogue | alt=Zsinagóga | url=http://synagogue-of-miskolc.slue.io/ | email=freund@freund.hu | address=Miskolc, Kazinczy utca 7 | lat=48.10417 | long=20.7857 | directions=Downtown, close to Hösök square and south of the Main Post Office | phone=+36 46 505044, +36 70 5857616, +36 20 921-7373 | tollfree= | fax=+36 46 509954 | hours=It can't be visited while it is under restoration | price= | image=Miskolc synagogue 1.jpg | wikidata=Q831311 | content=Description: The synagogue, built between 1861 and 1863, is an outstanding example of Hungarian Romantic architecture and one of the largest such buildings in Europe. The temple includes both Neo-Romanesque and Romantic elements. This is the only surviving synagogue in the city and the only still-functioning synagogue of Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén County. Its Kazinczy Street facade has a rose window and narrow Gothic windows. The synagogue has three aisles. The women's balcony is supported by slim iron pillars decorated with Gothic Revival and Neo-Byzantine elements. The wall paintings feature ornamental an Eastern design. The '''Exhibition Hall''' consists of two rooms museum that commemorate the history of the Miskolc Jewish community. One room commemorates the events of the Holocaust in Miskolc, and the other shows scenes from everyday Jewish life in Miskolc prior to the murders. }} [[File:BuzaSquareChurch Miskolc01.jpg|thumb|Interior of the Greek Catholic Church on Búza square ]] * {{listing | type=see | name=Greek Catholic Church | alt=Miskolc-Belvárosi Görög Katolikus Egyházközség és Nagyboldogasszonyról nevezett Püspöki Székesegyház | url=http://www.búza-tér.hu/ | email=pappmiskolc@gmail.com | address=Miskolc, Búza tér | lat=48.10663 | long=20.79045 | directions=Right north of the Bus Station | phone=+36 46 507 111, +36 30 3592166 (Mobil) | tollfree= | fax=+36 46 507113 | hours=Rituals: M-F 07:00, 18:00, 18:45. Su 06:30, 07:30, 08:30, 10:00, 18:00, 19:00 (2014) | price=Admission: free | wikidata=Q855383 | content=Professional guidance by booking only in Hungarian. The Downtown Greek-Catholic Church was built in eclectic style, in 1912. Nice altarpiece and iconostasis. }} ====Museums==== * {{see| image= | name=Diósgyőri Papermill Museum of the Paper Industry | alt=Diósgyőri Papírgyár Papírgyári Múzeuma Papíripari Szakgyűjtemény | url=http://www.dipa.hu/en/ | email=dipa@dipa.hu | address=Miskolc, Hegyalja utca 203/1 | lat=48.11397 | long=20.66289| directions=West of Diosgyor castle, by train stop Papirgyár | phone= +36 46 530824 | fax=+36 46 530890 | hours=May-Sep M-F 10:00-14:00 and Saturday of every month 10:00-14:00. In this case the museum is closed on the following Monday | price=Admission: Adult/reduced: Ft&nbsp;350/250 | content=Guidance in Hungarian only. There are exhibited the historical artefacts of the local company (Diósgyőri Papermill) on two levels. The workshop on the first floor, for preparing hand-made paper, helps you to remember the days of the undertaking working in the course of the manufacture. }} [[File:OttoHermanMuseum CentralBuiling.jpg|thumb|Central Building of the Ottó Herman Museum]] * {{see | name=Herman Ottó Museum Exhibition building | alt=Papszer utcai kiállítási épület | url=http://www.hermuz.hu| email=latogato@hermuz.hu | address=Miskolc, Papszer utca 1. |lat=48.10132 | long=20.78011 | directions=South of Sinva Creek, east of the Protestant Church of Avas | phone= +36 46 560170 |tollfree=| fax=+36 46 555397 | hours=Tu-Su 09:00-17:00 | price= Adult Ft&nbsp;1400, child Ft&nbsp;700, If you have [https://www.miskolcpass.com Miskolc Pass Tourist Card]: free |lastedit=2017-06-09| content=The richest Conquest cemetery of the Carpathian Basin. A noble of Miskolc in national politics. Endre Szasz collection. 'Ages, photos, cameras' permanent exhibition in the history of photography. Gift shop. | image= }} * {{see | name=Ottó Herman Museum, Picture Collection |alt=Herman Ottó Múzeum, Képtár | url=http://www.hermuz.hu | email=| address=Görgey Artúr utca 28. | lat=48.095824| long=20.785251 | directions=Take bus #2, 14, 14H, 22, 35, 38, 44 to stop Népkert | phone=+36 46 560 170 |tollfree=| fax=+36 46 555-397 | hours=Tu-Su: 09.00-17.00 | price= Adult Ft&nbsp;1400, student Ft&nbsp;700. If you have [https://www.miskolcpass.com Miskolc Pass Tourist Card]: free|lastedit=2017-06-09| content=is the largest museum of Miskolc. It has more than 600,000 artifacts. Its main focus is on archaeology, mineralogy, arts, history and ethnography. The collection of fine arts located here: shows works of Hungarian artists in the 18th-20th century. Over the museum here is a library and the storerooms are there. The museum named after the famous polyhistor Ottó Herman in 1953.| image= }} * {{see | name=Pannon-sea Museum | alt=Pannon-tenger Múzeum, Repository of Geological and Natural History and Exhibition Building, Herman Ottó Museum | url=http://www.pannontenger.hu | email=info@pannontenger.hu | address=Görgey Artúr utca 28. | lat=48.095824 | long=20.785251 | directions=Take bus #2, 14, 14H, 22, 35, 38, 44 to stop Népkert | phone=+36 46 560170 | tollfree= | fax=+36 46 555-397 | hours=Tu-Su 09:00-17:00 | price=Adult Ft&nbsp;1400, student Ft&nbsp;700. If you have [https://www.miskolcpass.com Miskolc Pass Tourist Card]: free |lastedit=2017-06-09| content=Two permanent exhibitions were opened in the “Pannon Sea Museum” in Miskolc on 20 November 2013. The exhibition “On the paths of a primeval forest — The swamp cypress forest of Bükkábrány and its era” tells the visitors about the environment of the 7 million years old swamp cypresses in Bükkábrány in a playful environment. Besides fossils of several prehistoric animals and plants, Rudapithecus fossils representing the beginning of human evolution, mysteries of paleo-magnetism, almost the whole spectrum of raw materials from the Miocene epoch and secrets of volcanic activities in the Pannon Basin await curious visitors.<br />The beautiful pieces of the collection “Minerals of the Carpathians” was selected from the second largest Hungarian mineralogical collection.<br />Our regular and periodical programmes are held in a conference room for 80 persons, in a projector room for 40 persons and a seminar-room for 15 persons and are assisted by a separate museum educational facility. }} * {{see| image= | name=Telecommunications Museum | alt=Távközlés történeti látványtár - Teletár | url=http://www.postamuzeum.hu/en/muzeumok/10/teletar-miskolc-avas | email=info@postamuzeum.hu | address=Miskolc - Avas, Szentgyörgy u. 23 | lat=48.08104 | long=20.77865| directions= | phone=+36 46 555391, +36 30 3593539 | fax=+36 1 2448190 | hours=Open: W Sa 10:00-16:00 | price=Adult/reduced Ft&nbsp;750/375, photo/video ticket Ft&nbsp;400/1250 (2014) | content=Located in Miskolc #23 post office. Shows the development of communication in the last over 130 years. old telephones, and telephone exchanges, telegraph, transmission equipment, mobiles (many of them are still working). - Outside public phones and Erste Bank 24-hr ATM. }} * {{see| image= | name=Szőnyi István Gallery | alt=Szőnyi István Galéria | url= | email= | address= Miskolc, Széchenyi utca 21 | lat=48.10277 | long=20.78298 | directions=Right next to National Theatre of Miskolc | phone=+36 46 340704 | fax= | hours=M-F 10:00-18:00, Sa 09:00-13:00 | price= | content=The gallery was named after István Szőnyi (1894-1960), Hungarian painter. The building was built in 1927, and later the famous doctor, Petro Sándor (1907-1976) was acquired. A nationally known, modernly equipped private clinic operated here. He was a private collector and his heritage. Contemporary Fine and Applied Arts exhibits can be seen here. }} * {{see| name=Gallery of Miskolc - Petró House | alt=Miskolci Galéria - Petró-ház | url=http://www.miskolcigaleria.eu/ | email= | address=Miskolc, Hunyadi utca 12. | lat=48.10390 | long=20.77609 | directions=Opposite to the Palace of Music (officially: Béla Bartók Institute of University of Miskolc) | phone=+36 46 500680 |tollfree=| fax=+36 46 500682 | hours=M-Th 09:00-16:00, F 09:00-13:00 | price=free |lastedit=2017-06-09| content=Visit the permanent exhibition of graphic artist, Lajos Szalay. Art Library. The building was built in 1927, and later the famous doctor, Petro Sándor (1907-1976) was acquired. Here operated a nationally-known, well-equipped modern private clinic. He was also a private collector his collection include local history items, 19th-century art works, and modern Hungarian works of art, miniature, silver, and rug collection. After his death the all heritage received the Herman Otto Museum. | image= }} * {{see| name= Gallery of Miskolc - Feledy House | alt= Miskolc Galéria - Feledy-Ház | url=http://www.miskolcigaleria.eu/ | email=miskolci.galeria@chello.hu | address=Miskolc, Deák Ferenc tér 3. | lat=48.10573 | long=20.78327 | directions=Close to Downtown Protestant Church | phone=+36 46 500680 |tollfree=| fax=+36 46 500682| hours=M-Th 19:00-16:00, but only with appointment | price=Free |lastedit=2017-06-09| content= An exhibition hall about Life of Gyula Feledy, a graphic artist. The works of Gyula Feledy and his contemporaries can be see here. | image= }} * {{see| image= | name=Miskolci Theatre Museum| alt=Miskolci Galéria, Színháztörténeti és Színészmúzeum | url=http://www.miskolcigaleria.hu/ | email=muzeumkommunikacio@gmail.com | address=Miskolc, Dérnyé utca 3 | lat=48.10324 | long=20.78380 | directions=Center, Part of the National Theatre of Miskolc | phone=+36 30 6609299 | fax= | hours=Sep-May: Tu-Sa 09:00-17:00; Jun-Aug: Tu-Sa 10:00-18:00 | price=Adult/reduced: Ft&nbsp;600/300. If you have [https://www.miskolcpass.com Miskolc Pass Tourist Card]: free | content=The Museum of Theatrical History and Acting located in the National Theatre of Miskolc Classicist style building. This two-story building preserves the remnants of a theatre from 1823. The building served as quarters for generals and a trade school. Guidance: only Hungarian; duration: 45 mins. Services: cloak-room, café, buffet, toilet/WC. }} * {{see| name=Collection of Mining | alt=Bányászati Gyűjtemény | url=https://www.hellomiskolc.hu/banyaszati-gyujtemeny-p-688.html | email= | address=Miskolc, Mexikó-völgy | lat=48.0795 | long=20.6981 | directions= | phone=+36 46 359905, +36 30 9350789 |tollfree=| fax=+36 46 359905 | hours=M-F 09:00-13:00. Registration needed. | price=Free |lastedit=2017-06-09| content=The Collection of Mining in Miskolc shows the general history of mining technology, and also miner's clothes, blasting tools of it. On-demand functional demostration is available. | image= }} * {{see | name=Library and Collection of Selmec of the University of Miskolc | alt=Selmeci Műemlékkönyvtár - Miskolci Egyetem | url=http://muzeum.uni-miskolc.hu/ | email=konloss@uni-miskolc.hu | address=Miskolc - Egyetemváros, Egyetem u. | lat=48.07968 | long=20.76544 | directions=Located in http://www.lib.uni-miskolc.hu/ TU Library, Archives, University Town | phone=+36 46 565111 | tollfree= | fax=+36 46 563489 | hours=M-Th 09:00-15:00, F 09:00-12:00 | price=Free | lastedit=2017-06-09 | content=The most important museum collections: collection of articles of the university's historical, numismatic collection, photo archive, certificate archive, the mining-themed stamp collection, a collection of miniature books, industrial and technical history items, the works of fine art. }} * {{see| image= | name=Post Gallery | alt=Postakürt Galéria | url=http://www.postamuzeum.hu/hu/muzeumok/11/postakurt-galeria-miskolc | email=info@postamuzeum.hu | address= Miskolc, Kazinczy utca 16.| lat=48.10555 | long=20.78578 | directions=East 100 m from Minorita Church | phone=+36 46 345469, +36 20 9795487 | fax=+36 1 2681958 | hours=Opening hours: only by booking | price=Adult/reduced Ft&nbsp;500/250 | content=A small exhibition about the post history on the fifth floor of the Directory of Miskolc of Hungarian Post. |tollfree=|lastedit=2017-06-09}} * {{see| image= | name=Gallery of Miskolc - Rákóczi-House| alt=Miskolci Galéria - Rákóczi-ház | url=http://www.miskolcigaleria.eu/ | email=info@miskolcigaleria.hu | address=Miskolc, Rákóczi utca 2. |lat=48.10227 | long=20.78148 | directions=West about 100 meters from National Theatre of Miskolc | phone= +36 46 500 680 | fax=+36 46 500 682 | hours=Tu-Sa 09:00-17:00 | price=Adult/reduced Ft&nbsp;1000/500 | content=Contemporary art exhibitions and thematic exhibitions focusing on actual social problems. Museum education and talent management programmes, fine art courses and model drawing studio awaits students and school pupils. The one and only educational museum for contemporary art, the “Big Kunszt” (“Big Deal”) where you may learn about contemporary art and the contextual, visual and technical features of the masterpieces in an unconventional and visitor-friendly way. Services: cloak-room, café, buffet, toilet/WC. |tollfree=|lastedit=2017-06-09}} ====Monuments==== [[File:AvasTVTower.jpg|thumb|Avas Lookout Tower on Avas Hill]] * {{see | name=County Hall| alt=Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén megyei Önkormányzat |url=http://www.baz.hu/ |email=| address=Városház tér 1| lat=48.10431| long=20.77882|directions=| phone=+36 46 517700| hours= | price=| content= }} * {{see | name=Avas Lookout Tower | alt=Miskolc-Avas TV Tower, Avas-kilátó | url= | email=| address= | lat=48.0994 | long=20.7754 |directions=| phone=|tollfree=|fax=| hours= | price=|lastedit=2017-06-09| content= With panorama on the city. This is a 72-metre tall TV tower on the Avas hill in Miskolc. It was built in 1966 in place of a wooden lookout tower. | image=AvasTVTower.jpg | W 0.5 km of Center. Several urban bus routes terminate here (Bus stand: Avasi kilátó):#29, 32, 35, 35E, Auchan bus #2, Tesco bus. }} * {{see | image=Miskolc national theatre new.jpg |name=National Theatre of Miskolc |alt=Nemzeti Színház |url=http://www.mnsz.eu/ | email=|address=Déryné utca |lat=48.1027 |long=20.7833 |directions=|phone=+36 46 516700|hours=M-F 10:00-18:00, Sa 10:00-13:00 | price=Tickets Ft&nbsp;1100-2000|content= }} [[File:Diósgyőr - Castle.jpg|thumb|Aerial view of the ruins of the castle]] * {{see | name=Castle of Diósgyőr | alt=Diósgyőri vár | url=http://www.diosgyorivar.hu | email=| address=Miskolc-Diósgyőr, Vár u. 24| lat=48.098 | long=20.6889 | directions=By public transport: take tram #1 or bus #1 to stop "Diósgyőr VK" then, go to the direction of Felső-Majláth, at the first street turn left and follow the signs, it's a two-minute walk. Parking around the castle: on Nagy Lajos Király Street there is pay parking to cars and buses. Free parking area is on Tapolcarét street to cars and buses.| phone= |tollfree=|fax=| hours=Apr-Oct: daily 09:00-18:00; Nov-March: daily 09:00-17:00, Closed:Dec 24-26. Dec 31-Jan 1. | price=With guided tours: adult Ft&nbsp;1500, student/senior Ft&nbsp;1200. Without guided tours: adult with 2 children or between 18-26 Ft&nbsp;750, student/senior Ft&nbsp;600. Under 6 and over 70 free.; If you have [https://www.miskolcpass.com Miskolc Pass Tourist Card], admisson is free. |lastedit=2017-06-09| content= This is a partly restored medieval castle, surrounded by the modern blocks of flats. In 2014, some part of the castle was rebuilt, other were renovated. The reconstructed rooms are furnished with mediaeval-style furniture. Main parts: "Knight’s Hall", include two naves with three columns in the middle, and with its 380 sq meters area, one of the largest rooms of medieval castles in Central Europe. "The Chapel" is a two-storied chapel with octagonal apse. It's the central room of the east wing, and a hallowed place. "The towers" In order to enhance the romantic impression, the southwestern tower can be seen in its shape from the 1800s, when it was ruined by a bolt. The upstairs rooms of the other three towers host exhibitions, and lookouts on the roofs."Palace Wings": Three of the four one-storied palace wings remained (rebuild): the northern with the Knight’s Hall, the eastern with the chapel and the kings’residence, and the southern with the queens’ rooms. These rooms serve visitors and interactive spaces that present the medieval castle life and different crafts and trades. "'Wine cellar", consists of two rooms and an interior space of a floor height, can be reached from the West Wing. "Exhibitions" of the castle: castle history exhibition: gives you a taste of archaeological findings in the area of a castle and the old Pauline monastery, medieval weapons and here located the biggest Wax Museum of Central Europe (greatest number of figures) shows the everyday life in Diósgyőr in the Middle Ages. "Lower Castle" contains a functional copy of a 16th-century cannon, which is used at big events. Garden of Queens a place where herbs and spices were grown, some type of them can be find still today. "Courtyard": The main entrance of the upper castle is the northern gate, that is reached through the royal stairs. The northeastern and southwestern decorated stairway leads to the upstairs loggia decorated with stone carvings. "Tournament Field" provides a venue for events as to equestrian shows and to host different events and concerts. Nearby is the "Market Place" of the Castle in front of the Tournament Field. The Market Place offering the general services, it is functioning as a real market place for artisans and merchants and holding regularly fairs. | image=Diosgyor castle and king louis.jpg }} * {{see | name=Town Hall | alt=Miskolc Megyei Jogú Város Polgármesteri Hivatal | url=http://www.miskolc.hu/ | email=| address=Városház tér 8 | lat=48.10396 | long=20.77791| directions=Center | phone=+36 46 512700 | fax=| hours= | price=| content= }} === Miskolctapolca === [[File:Mtapolca cave bath entrance.jpg|thumb|Entrance to the Cave Bath]] ''Getting there'': take bus #2 on weekdays (30 min by bus from 'Buza ter'), and bus #20 on weekends and go to the final destination, 200 m walk from there, you will reach the Cave Bath. * {{see | name=Miskolctapolca Cave Bath | alt=Miskolctapolca Barlangfürdő | url=http://barlangfurdo.hu/en | email= | address=Pazár István sétány 1 | lat=48.0606 | long=20.7457 | directions= | phone=+36 46 560 030 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 09:00-19:00 | price=All day ticket adult Ft&nbsp;3800, student/senio Ft&nbsp;2850, 4-hour-ticket adult Ft&nbsp;2700, student/senior Ft&nbsp;2150. Under 4 free. Last minute ticket after 17:00: Ft&nbsp;1850. If you have [https://www.miskolcpass.com Miskolc Pass Tourist Card,] admission is free | image=Mtapolca cave bath entrance.jpg | lastedit=2018-06-09 | content=A unique experience to swim (well, you can't really swim there), splash, play and walk around in a large cave system, which has water temperatures from 20-36 °C (thermal water), and has warm, wet air inside even in the winter. Its curative effect is due to the karst water and the unique climate. This is a must do if you are in Miskolc. The caves are around 150 m long but naturally nothing is straight, and it's all quite dark (it's a cave, after all). The bath also has pools outside the cave: 3 children's pools, pond pool, spa experience, mussel pool, swimming pool; Indoor pools: two thermal pools (33-35°C), roman Hall (32°C), stars room (32°C), old cave pool (29-30°C), hall bath (29-30°C). Sauna and solarium park: Finnish saunas (4), infra saunas (4), steam room (1), solariums (2). }} * The Cave Bath is surrounded by a large '''park''' which has an artificial lake where you can row boats. * '''Rock chapel''' (a chapel in a small natural cave) * '''Akropolis''' is an adventure park for kids and grown up. === Further afield === [[File:Aggtelek.JPG|thumb|Aggtelek. Part of the '''[[UNESCO World Heritage List]]''']] * {{see | image= | name=Répáshuta|alt=Slovak Répášska Huta|lat=48.049 | long=20.528 |directions=20 km from Miskolc| content= Balla Cave, Rejtek Nature Trails. Passed by the Countrywide Blue Tour }} ==Do== [[File:Miskolc national theatre new.jpg|thumb|Miskolc National Theatre]] * '''Football:''' [https://www.dvtk.eu/ Diósgyőri VTK] play soccer in NB 1, the top tier. Their DVTK Arena (capacity 15,300) is 5 km west of city centre. * {{do | name=Miskolc Ice Hall | alt=Hungarian: Miksolci Jégcsarnok | url=http://www.miskolcivsz.hu/jegcsarnok/ | email= | address=Miskolc, Görgey A. utca 19 | lat=48.09611 | long=20.78806 | directions=in the Népkert ("People's Garden") public park | phone=+36 46 506 442 | tollfree= | hours=Daily (depending on events) | price=Public skating Ft&nbsp;1000/600 (2014) | image=Jégcsarnok.jpg | content=A multi-purpose indoor arena in Miskolc. It is primarily used for ice sports and is the home arena of Hungarian top division ice hockey club Miskolci JJSE. Part of the Miskolc Leisure Centre (Miskolc Városi Szabadidőközpont)- Events, concerts, ballets, hockey matches, figure skating competitions. Services: Skate sharpening and rental }} * {{do | AvasPince.jpg | name=Wine Tasting at Avas Cellars Aranykorona Hotel, Restaurant and Cellar | alt=Avas Pince | url=http://aranykorona.eu/en/ | email=| address=Kisavas, Első sor 19-20.|lat=48.0989| long=20.7829 | directions=| phone=+36 46 506 882| hours= every Friday | price=Ft&nbsp;2500 (2014)| content=Wine tasting and cellar visiting program at Avas hill in the Hotel Étterem és "Sétáló Pince". Every Friday you can discover the secret at the "stomach" of Avas Hill. Here is a wonderful, long historical cellar, and you can take part in a guided tour and a complex wine tatsing program. Duration: about 2 hours. }} * {{do| image=Miskolc national theatre new.jpg | name=National Theatre of Miskolc | alt= | url=http://mnsz.hu/| email= | address=Address: Déryné street 1 | lat=48.102778| long=20.783278 | directions=Center | phone=+36 46 516700 | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The main theatre of Miskolc, and the oldest theatre company of Hungary. Its current Classicist and Neo-baroquebuilding built between 1847–1857. The building was reconstructed in 1880, and extending with a fire-watch tower. This is not only theatrical plays, but also to events like the International Opera Festival. '''Ticket office''' (Hu:Jegyiroda): Miskolc, Széchenyi István út 21. (next door toward west) Phone: (+36) 46 516735. +36 46 516736, Fax: +36 46 516734, jegyiroda@mnsz.eu. You can also find a small theatre museum here. }} * {{do| image=Zenepalota.jpg | name=Palace of Music | alt=Zenepalota | url= | email= | address=Bartók square | lat=48.10343 | long=20.77583| directions=Center, close to Town Hall, west of it | phone= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= It is the building of the Béla Bartók Secondary School and the Béla Bartók Music Institute a faculty of the University of Miskolc. The Palace was designed in Neo-baroque style and was built between 1926 and 1927.The concert hall still preserves beautiful frescoes and gilded stuccos. It has a large concert hall where concerts are regularly held. }} * {{do | name=Miskolc Zoo | alt=Miskolci Állatkert és Kultúrpark | url=http://www.miskolczoo.hu | email= | address=Csanyikvölgy | lat=48.1239 | long=20.6559 | directions=west 10 km from center, at the last stop of bus number 1 | phone=+36 46 332121 | tollfree= | hours=6 Oct to 15 Mar: 09:00-18:00, Mar 14 to Oct 7: 09:00-16:00 | price=Ft&nbsp;1200 for adults, Ft&nbsp;900 for children, Ft&nbsp;100 for children under 3 (2014). If you have Miskolc Pass tourist card, admission is free | content=You have to climb up to the hilltop. Originally it was a wildlife park showing the wild animals of the surrounding Bükk mountains. Today not only local wild animals can be seen here, but also exotic animals like camels, monkeys, parrots, tiger, leopard. The zoo has about 700 animals of 130 different species. Not so many exotic, but many domestic and Hungarian animals. Children usually like it. }} ===Festivals and events=== * '''Queen Spring''' 22 May. Renaissance season opening in the castle of Diosgyor. * '''Bartók +''' in June is an international opera festival with opera and ballet performances at the theatre and additional localities presented by international guest artists and companies. * '''Medieval commonalty joust''' in the court of King Louis the Great. 14–15 August in the castle of Diosgyor. * '''CineFest''' is a week-long international film festival in September, organized for the 7th consecutive year in 2010. Expect somewhat obscure but very interesting feature and documentary films, rollercoaster sessions of half-amateur short films of inapprehensible quality, and a haphazard but invariably watchworthy selection of short animations, almost all with English subtitles; also workshops and talks with foreign guests. * {{do | name=Avasi Borangolás (open day of winecellars 11 May) | alt= | url= | email=miskolcipince@yahoo.com | address=Avas Hill | lat=48.0997 | long=20.781 | directions=Centre of Miskolc | phone= | tollfree= | hours=12:00-20:00 | price=Free | lastedit=2015-02-24 | content=More than 900 wine cellars are on the Avas hill in the centre of Miskolc. On the nearest Saturday to 11 May (Day of Miskolc) are more than 30-40 wine cellars open for visitors. Lot of eateries and wine-bibbing on the small roads. Nice panorama to the centre of the city. }} ==Buy== ===Supermarkets=== * {{buy |name=Aldi discount supermarket|alt= |url=https://www.aldi.hu/ |email=|address=Kiss Ernő utca 13/c|lat=48.0995|long=20.7470 |directions=NW 1.5 km|phone=|hours=| content= }} * {{buy |name=Coop supermarket|alt= |url=http://www.coop.hu/ |email=|address=Diósgyőr, Fényesvölgyi utca 11 |lat=48.1001|long=20.6790|directions=W 6 km|phone=+36 46 500 374 |hours=|content=A big chain. And a dozen units more in the city}} * {{buy |name=Penny Market discount supermarket|alt= |url=http://www.penny.hu/ |email=| address=Andrassy Street, 61|lat=48.10098 | long=20.7217 |directions=W 3 km|phone=|hours=M-Sa 07:00-20:00, Su 07:00-20:00|content= }} * {{buy |name=Real discount supermarket |alt= |url= |email=|address=Corvin utca 11 |lat=48.09952 | long=20.7874 |directions=Downtown|phone=|hours=|content= }} * {{buy| name=Real discount supermarket|address=Árpád út 2 | lat=48.1008 | long=20.6918 | directions=4 km NW}} * {{buy |name=SPAR supermarket |alt= |url= |email=|address=Király Street 7/a |lat=48.0994 | long=20.7935 |directions=|phone=|hours=|content= }} * {{buy |name=Tesco supermarket|url=|address=Arany János Square 1|lat=48.1078|long=20.7876 | directions=|phone=|hours=|content=}} * {{buy | name=Auchan South hypermarket | alt= | url=http://www.auchan.hu | email=| address= József Attila út 87 | lat= | long= | directions=| phone= | hours= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Auchan North hypermarket | alt= | url=http://www.auchan.hu | email=| address=Pesti út 7 | lat= | long= | directions=| phone= | hours= | content= }} * {{buy | name=InterSpar hypermarket | alt= | url= | email=| address=Bajcsy-Zs. utca 2-4. | lat= | long= | directions=| phone= | hours= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Tesco 'Avas' hypermarket | alt= | url= | email=| address=Mésztelepi Street 1 / a. | lat= | long= | directions=| phone= | hours= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Tesco 'Szentpéteri kapu' hypermarket | alt= | url= | email=| address=Szentpéteri kapu 103 | lat= | long= | directions=| phone= | hours= | content= }} ===Malls=== * {{buy | image=Miskolc Plaza inside 2.jpg | name=Miskolc Plaza |url=http://www.miskolcplaza.hu |email=miskolcplaza@segece.hu | address=Szentpáli u 2-6 | lat=48.1063 | long=20.7885 | directions=half km west of Miskolc Bus Station behind the ''Centrum'' supermarket and department store | phone=+36 46 503 000 | hours=Restaurants, cafes daily 10:00-21:00, stores M-Sa 09:00-20:00, Su 10:00-19:00 | price=Cinema ticket from Ft&nbsp;1090 (2014) | content= The mall complex consists of three buildings connected by bridges. Building A is a two-storey building, hosting most of the shops around a large central hall. Building B hosts the cinema and some smaller shops, its ground storey is occupied by a car park and five smaller shops opening to the street. Building C is a three storey car park. There is a large supermarket and lots of different shops. Bowling. Gambling Hall. Six catering units located here: fast food restaurant, snack bars, cafe-restaurants. }} [[File:Szinvapark inside 2.jpg|thumb|Szinvapark shopping center]] * {{buy| image=Szinvapark.jpg | name=Szinvapark shopping center | alt=Szinvapark Bevásárlóközpont | url=http://www.szinvapark.hu | email= | address=Bajcsy-Zs street 2-4.| lat=48.1030 | long=20.7921 | directions=Close to the Centrum; the tram stops as well with same name | phone=+36 46 502306 | fax= | hours=Ground floor opening hours: M-Th 07:00-20:00, F Sa 07:00-21:00, Su 08:00-20:00. Upstairs opening hours: M-Th 08:00-20:00, F Sa 8:00-21:00, Su 08:00-20:00. InterSpar supermarket opening hours: M-Sa 06:00-22:00, Su 8:00-19:00. MediaMarkt electronic store M-Th 08:00-20:00, F Sa 08:00-21:00, Su 8:00-20:00 | price=| content=The other large shopping mall in the downtown. The Szinvapark complex consists of two buildings on the two banks of the stream Szinva, connected by a glass-walled bridge. It hosts 70 businesses including Media Markt, InterSpar and Raiffeisen Bank. ATMs. Bowling, cafes }} * {{buy | name=Park Center shopping park | alt= | url= | email=| address=Pesti út 9 | lat= | long= | directions=| phone= | fax=| hours= | price=| content= }} * {{buy | name=STOP.SHOP shopping park | alt= | url= | email=| address=Szentpéteri kapu 80 / a | lat= | long= | directions=| phone= | fax=| hours= | price=| content= }} Two smaller malls are ''Batóház'' and ''Metropol'', opposite the Centrum. ==Eat== [[File:Vigadó 1.jpg|thumb|Vigadó restaurant, National level protected monument]] ===Budget=== There are many smaller shops, Chinese restaurants with cheap food. All these are in the city centre: * {{eat | name=Fapados Étterem | alt= | url= | email= | address= Széchenyi István út 61 | lat=48.1025556 | long=20.7866210 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-08-01 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Régiposta Kisvendéglő | alt= | url= | email= | address=Kazinczy Ferenc u. 14 | lat= 48.1043033 | long= 20.7854898 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-08-01 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Julia Chinese restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=Búza tér 1 | lat=48.1054485 | long=20.7932749 | directions=behind the Marketplace building | phone= | tollfree= | fax=| hours= | price=Menus from Ft&nbsp;490 (Sep 2009) | lastedit=2022-08-01 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Lángosgyár | alt= | url= | email= | address=Búza tér 1 | lat=48.1057588 | long= 20.7927170| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-07-01 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Dolce Vita Restaurant and Pizzeria | alt=Dolce Vita Étterem és Pizzéria | url= | email=| address=Déryné u. 7 | lat=48.10373 | long=20.78439 | directions=| phone= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-01 | content= }} * {{eat | name=1001 Éjszaka Gyros | alt= | url= | email= | address= Kazinczy Ferenc u. 1 | lat=48.1032389 | long= 20.7853017 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-08-01 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Panda Kínai Büfé | alt= | url= | email= | address=Madarász Viktor u. 16 | lat=48.1058522 | long=20.7880724 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-08-01 | content=Chinese. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=Tusculanum restaurant | alt=Tusculanum Vendéglő | url= | email= | address= Zilahi u. 7| lat=48.0622549 | long= 20.7528312 | directions=| phone= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-08-01 | content= In the summer, you can sit in the restaurant's garden. Food is pretty good (don't miss the "Grandmother's Meat Soup", and don't expect to be able to eat much more after you are done). Service varies widely with the waiter who serves you. }} * {{eat | name=Calypso Tavern | alt= | url= | email=| address=Városház tér 7 | lat=48.10367 | long=20.77894| directions=center| phone= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-08-01 | content= }} * {{eat |name=Palacsintaház Restaurant |alt=Palacsintaház Étterem |url= |email=|address=Mélyvölgy u. 212 |lat=48.09997 | long=20.78231|directions= |phone= |price= |checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2022-08-01 |content= }} * {{eat |name=Kemencés Étterem |alt=Kemencés Kisvendéglő |url= |email=|address= Csabai út 36 |lat=48.0644 | long=20.7540|directions=SW |phone= |price= |checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2022-08-01 |content= }} * {{eat |name=Tábor I. Pizzeria |alt=Pizza Tábor I. |url=http://www.pizzatabor.hu/index.php |email=|address=Városház tér |lat=48.10499 | long=20.77821| directions=Center|phone=+36 46 355 444 |hours= |price= | lastedit=2022-08-01 | content= }} ===Splurge=== * {{eat | name=Murphy's Étterem | alt= | url= | email= | address=Május 1. telep 25/A | lat=48.0761608 | long=20.7727979 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-08-01 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Avalon Ristorante | alt= | url= | email= | address=Miskolctapolca, Iglói út 15 | lat=48.0650288 | long=20.7322516 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-08-01 | content= }} ===Confectionery=== * {{eat | name=Falánk Fanny Pastry Shop | alt=Falánk Fanny Cukrászda | url= | email=| address=Szemere u. 3 | lat=48.10156 | long=20.78532 | directions=| phone= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-08-01 | content= }} * {{eat |name=Kisgergely Confectionery |alt=Kisgergely Cukrászda |url= |email=|address=Diósgyőr, Nagy Lajos király utca 9-13 |lat=48.10061 | long=20.68836| directions=W 6 km|phone= |hours= |price= | lastedit=2022-08-01 | content= }} ==Drink== Enjoy wine in some of the restaurants in Avas hill. * {{drink |name=Padlás Jazztaurant|alt= |url= |email=|address= Győri kapu, 74? |lat=48.10362 | long=20.75025| directions=|phone= |hours= |price=| content= }} * {{drink | name=Kortyolda Restaurant and Brewery | alt=Kortyolda Étterem és Sörfőzde | url= | email= | address=Széchenyi u. 26 | lat=48.10207 | long=20.78373 | directions=near the padlock bridge | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Since 2007 they create their own beer. This beer was called Korty (now we also mention it as Corvinus Rex). It contains: the famous Tokaji aszú wine, the malt from the Hernád Valley, combined with karst water from Miskolc. This is a special beer, with unique colour and taste. As it contains aszú wine, its alcohol capacity is higher than a simple beer's capacity, also offer other home-made beers like brown and lager beer, furthermore you can drink some seasonal beers like IPA (Indian Pale Ale), ginger, chestnut, apple and Paracelsus beer. }} * {{drink |name=Impressszó Club Restaurant |url= |email=|address= |lat=48.10305 | long=20.78009 |directions= |phone= |price= |checkin= | checkout= |content= }} * {{drink |name=Café du Boucher - Belgian Beer Café |url= |email=|address=Mikes K. 2 |lat=48.09509 | long=20.78535|directions= |phone= |price= |checkin= | checkout= |content= }} * {{drink | name=Avasi Wine Museum and Wine Restaurant | alt=Avasi Bormúzeum és Borvendéglő | url= | email=| address=Latabár sor 388 | lat=48.0998 | long=20.7663 | directions=west 2 km | phone= | hours= | price=| content= }} * {{drink | name=Déryné Pub | alt=Déryné Presszó | url= | email=| address=Déryné utca | lat=48.10285 | long=20.78403| directions=| phone= | hours= | price=| content= }} * {{drink |name=Grizzly Music Pub |url= |email=|address=Városház tér |lat=48.10380 | long=20.77879 |directions= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Cafe du Boucher | alt= | url=http://www.belgianbeercafe.hu/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=| phone= | fax=| hours= | price=| content=Many different Belgian beers and cigars. Food is excellent and English is spoken. Make sure you leave a good tip so that the bell is rung as you leave the place. }} ==Sleep== [[File:UnivMiskolc Main.jpg|thumb|University of Miskolc in University Town]] * {{sleep |name=Hungaria Pansion and Restaurant|alt=Hungária Panzió és Étterem | url=http://www.hungariapanzio.hu|email=|address=Csabai Street 7 | lat=48.064013 | long=20.752999 | directions=Downtown | phone=+36 46 432884 | fax=+36 46 432884 | price=Double Ft&nbsp;10,000 |checkin=13:00 | checkout=11:00 |content=Non-smoking rooms, family rooms, heating, 24-hour front desk, barber/beauty shop, restaurant (a la carte), solarium, massage, children's playground, garden, WiFi, parking free. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Lido|alt= |url=http://www.lido.ini.hu | email= harom.g@chello.hu | address=Kiss József Street 4|lat=48.065203|long=20.746076 |directions= | phone=+36 46 422330 | fax=+36 46 422231 | price=Single/double/triple/quad (shower) Ft&nbsp;3000/4200/5400/6600; apartment double/quad Ft&nbsp;8 000/13 000; suite Ft&nbsp;11 000/13 000; all price include local resort tax | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Kolibri|url=http://www.hotelkolibri.hu/|email=hotel@hotelkolibri.hu| address=Fecske u. 15-17.|lat=48.05662| long=20.75812 |directions=Downtown| phone=+36 46 555-010|fax=+36 46 555017| price=Double Ft&nbsp;14 400, superior double room Ft&nbsp;16 600, superior room with 3 beds 18 500, apartment for 2 people Ft&nbsp;19 500, one room apartment for 3 people Ft&nbsp;22 200, one room apartment for 4 people Ft&nbsp;24 500, suite Ft&nbsp;27 200 including local tax, main season prices (2014)| checkin=14:00| checkout=10:00|content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Bástya| alt=Miskolctapolca Bástya Wellness Hotel|url=http://www.bastyawellnesshotel.hu/ |email=| address=Miskolctapolcai road, 1| lat=48.062638| long=20.746876|directions= | phone=+36 46 422 100| price=Three-star section standard single/double Ft&nbsp;13 000/24 000, family Ft&nbsp;17 000/30 000; four-star unit superior Ft&nbsp;16 000/29 000, family Ft&nbsp;19 000/35 000| checkin= | checkout=| content= }} * {{sleep | name=Zenit Guesthouse|alt=Zenit Panzió|url=http://zenitpanzio.hu/en/ | email=info@zenitpanzio.hu |address=Miskolctapolcai út 25 |lat=48.064992 | long=20.751207|directions=Downtown| phone=+36 46 561561, +36 46 561560 | price=Double/triple/quad Ft&nbsp;14 000/18 000/24 000 | checkin= |checkout=|content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Anna| url=https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Hotel/Anna-Hotel-1888098331435654/ | email=hotelannainfo@gmail.com|address=Miskolctapolcai út 7|lat=48.06382| long=20.749498| directions= |phone=+36 46 793866, +36 30 2187272| fax=+36 46 793-870|price=Double/triple/quad Ft&nbsp;9000/13 000/15 000-16 000 |checkin= |checkout=| content= 11 rooms, 2 apts, 3 suites. }} * {{sleep |name=Tapolca Inn|alt=Tapolca Fogadó |url=https://www.tapolcafogado.hu/|email= tapolcafogado@chello.hu| address= Csabai u. 36.|lat=48.06608|long=20.75548 |directions=SW 3 km| phone=+36 46 562-215| fax=+36 46 562-215|price= |checkin= |checkout=| content=(website in Hungarian) }} * {{sleep | name=Hunguest Hotel Palota | alt= | url= | email=| address= | lat= | long= | directions=Downtown| phone=| price= | checkin= | checkout=| content= }} * {{sleep | name=City Hotel Miskolc | alt= | url=http://cityhotelmiskolc.hu/en/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=| phone=| price=€60-120 per room | checkin= | checkout= | content= A nice modern hotel in Miskolc. The staff are friendly and speak English. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Old Miskolcz | alt=Öreg Miskolcz Szálloda | url=http://www.hoteltelnet.hu/en/oreg-old-miskolcz-hotel-miskolc/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=| phone= | price= | checkin= | checkout=| content=With its art deco style fits in the surrounding buildings radiating the atmosphere of the early 20th century. }} * {{sleep | name=Levay Villa Pension | alt=Lévay-Villa | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=close to the Népkert-Public Garden | phone= | price= | checkin= | checkout=| content= The three-star Pension building was built in a green belt garden suburb in 1916, according to the architectural plans of Josef Seiler, the master-builder from Vienna. Very close to City Hotel. English is spoken well. A good friendly hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=Varkert | alt=Várkert Panzió | url= | email= | address='''Diósgyőr''' | lat= | long= | directions= close to the Castle, from downtown is about 20 minutes by bus or tram | phone= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name= Zenit Pension | alt= | url= | email=| address='''Miskolctapolca''' | lat= | long= | directions=in the centre of Miskolctapolca | phone= | price= | checkin= | checkout=| content= familiar place }} * {{sleep | name=Kikelet Club Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.hoteltelnet.hu/en/kikelet-club-hotel-miskolctapolca-apartment-hotel-miskolc/ | email= | address=Miskolctapolca | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | fax=| price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=3-star hotel. Near the cave bath, a boating lake and parks. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Amaretto Szállás | alt= | url=http://amarettoszallas.hu/ | email=amarettoszallas@citromail.hu | address=3519 Miskolc Bencések street 13 | lat=48.0651532 | long=20.74762702 | directions=Miskolctapolca | phone=+36 20 966 7250 | tollfree= | checkin=14:00 | checkout=10:00 | price=Rooms from 10.100.- HUF | lastedit=2019-08-05 | content= }} ==Connect== * {{listing | HungarianTelekomMiskolc01.jpg | name=Post Office | alt=Miskolc 1 posta | url=http://posta.hu | email= | address=Kazinczy Ferenc utca 16 | lat=48.1051 | long=20.7857 | directions= | phone=+36 46 511510 | hours= | price=| content= }} ===Wifi=== There are free Wi-Fi hotspots at Heros Square and Szinva Terrace as well as at some other places like Szinvapark and Miskolc Plaza (Mall) You can use free Wi-Fi on the new trams, too. ==Go next== [[File:Sárospatak - Castle.jpg|thumb|Sárospatak - Castle]] * '''[[Eger]]''' — famous for its baroque buildings, castle and wines, especially ''Bull's Blood'' (''Bikavér'') * '''[[Gyöngyös]]''' - city of Wines * '''[[Hollókő]]''' — a beautiful old preserved village. Part of the ''[[UNESCO World Heritage List]]'' * '''[[Lillafüred]]''' (W 15 km) — there's a narrow gauge train to this nice village in [[Bükk]] mountains sitting in a valley by Hámori lake, where you can visit several caves. * '''[[Mezőkövesd]]''' — spa with hot mineral water * '''[[Sárospatak]]''' — Rakoczi Castle, is the highlight here. * '''[[Sátoraljaújhely]]''' - the northeasternmost town of Hungary. A split town with the eastern half of it in Slovakia. * Szerencs — famous for its castle. Chocolate factory, guided tours and industrial history museum * '''[[Salgótarján]]''' — a modern mining town situated in the hills with two castle ruins * '''[[Tokaj]]''' — a famous wine town producing high quality white wines. Part of the ''[[UNESCO World Heritage List]]'' {{geo|48.1042|20.7917}} {{IsPartOf|Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén County}} {{guidecity}} qdgtjnyto9goonhx1y5k0b0olssg3yj 0 22546 5086672 5057457 2025-07-02T16:12:49Z 2607:FEA8:3460:7700:55E1:7CBA:44E6:1E5E /* Get around */ 5086672 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Mississauga banner.jpg}} '''Mississauga''' is a city in southwestern [[Ontario]], [[Canada]]. It is [[Toronto|Toronto's]] largest suburb and Canada's seventh largest city. ==Understand== ===Visitor information=== * [https://www.discovermississauga.ca/ discovermississauga.ca] ==Get in== [[File:Mississauga city hall 2005.jpg|thumb|right|Mississauga Civic Centre]] ===By air=== Mississauga ({{IATA|YYZ}}) is home to Canada's largest airport. Located in Malton, [[Toronto Pearson International Airport]] primarily serves [[Toronto|Canada's largest city]], with two crowded terminals and flights from cities across Canada, many American cities and European, Asian, Latin American, African and Oceanian destinations. The airport is a short taxi ride from anywhere in Mississauga and is served by local buses. Alternatives to Mississauga's main airport are [[Hamilton (Ontario)|Hamilton]] ({{IATA|YHM}}) and [[Buffalo]] ({{IATA|BUF}}), which both offer a much smaller selection of flights but are occasionally less expensive. ===By car=== Mississauga is served by 4 major expressways: * The 401 links Mississauga with [[Windsor (Ontario)|Windsor]]-[[Detroit]] in the west, following the [[Windsor-Quebec corridor]] through [[Kingston (Ontario)|Kingston]] and [[Montreal|Montréal]] in the east, continuing as Québec Autoroute 20 to [[Rivière-du-Loup]]. The 401 in [[Toronto]] is the busiest highway in Canada if not all of North America. * The 403 links to [[Hamilton (Ontario)|Hamilton]] and [[Brantford]] to the west, rejoining the 401 before [[London (Ontario)]]. It becomes Highway 410 at the 401, leading to [[Brampton]] in the North. * The Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) links Mississauga with the Gardiner Expressway and downtown Toronto in the east, connects with the 403 in the west, and continues to [[St. Catharines]], [[Niagara Falls (Ontario)|Niagara Falls]], and [[Fort Erie]]/[[Buffalo]]. * The 407 is an east-west toll route running parallel with the 401; it is one of the most expensive toll roads in North America. As the tolls are billed to the registered owner of the vehicle, rental companies may refuse to authorize their vehicles to be taken on this privately-operated road. === By train === {{Seealso|Rail travel in Canada}} * {{go | name=Malton station | alt= | url=https://www.viarail.ca/en/explore-our-destinations/stations/ontario/malton | email= | address=3060 Derry Road East | lat=43.70516 | long=-79.63823 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Malton GO Station | wikidata=Q5268140 | lastedit=2023-08-26 | content= }} ** {{listing|name=VIA Rail Canada|alt=|url=https://www.viarail.ca/|email=|address=|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=|tollfree=+1-888-842-7245|hours=|price=|wikipedia=Via Rail|wikidata=Q876720|lastedit=2022-04-22|content=Operates many intercity trains across [[Canada]].}} Operates a route daily between [[Sarnia]] and [[Toronto]] including stops in [[London (Ontario)|London]], [[St. Marys (Ontario)|St. Marys]], [[Stratford (Ontario)|Stratford]], [[Kitchener]], [[Guelph]], [[Georgetown (Ontario)|Georgetown]], [[Brampton]], and Mississauga. ===By public transit=== * {{listing | name=GO Transit | alt= | url=http://www.gotransit.com/ | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | lastedit=2019-02-27 | content=[[GO Transit]] operates commuter train and bus services connecting Mississauga to the rest of the [[Greater Toronto Area]]. Two GO train lines pass through Mississauga: Lakeshore West line and Milton line. The Lakeshore West train line operates 18 hours per day, every day with a frequency of 30 minutes or better in each direction, with {{marker|type=go|name=Long Branch GO|lat=43.591381|long=-79.546134}}, {{marker|type=go|name=Port Credit GO|lat=43.555992|long=-79.586888}} and {{marker|type=go|name=Clarkson GO| lat=43.512506|long=-79.634325}} stations serving Mississauga. Less useful for visitors is the Milton train line, a rush-hour, peak-direction service with trains operating to Toronto during the morning rush hours, returning in the evening. GO buses have a hub at {{marker|type=go|name=Square One GO Bus Terminal|lat=43.595266|long=-79.648419}}, providing service to Toronto, Toronto Pearson International Airport, Brampton as well as other destinations. GO trains and some GO bus services go to Toronto Union Station where one can connect with Via Rail trains. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=[[#MiWay|MiWay]] | alt= | url= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | lastedit=2019-02-27 | content=MiWay route 3 Bloor provides frequent mid-day service between Islington subway station and Square One. }} ** {{go | name=Kipling subway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=43.645107 | long=-79.524574 | directions=Subway Line 2 Bloor–Danforth | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Kipling station#Kipling Bus Terminal | wikidata=Q1041874 | lastedit=2022-10-14 | content=Kipling subway station in [[Toronto/Etobicoke|Etobicoke]] offers a good selection of MiWay routes, with several going to Square One (City Centre Transit Terminal). Click the Wikipedia link for a list of MiWay bus routes serving this station. }} ** {{listing | type=go | name=City Centre Transit Terminal | alt= | url= | email= | address=Square One, Mississauga | lat=43.594354 | long=-79.647123 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Mississauga City Centre Transit Terminal#MiWay | wikidata=Q6878952 | lastedit=2019-03-04 | content=Click the Wikipedia link for a list of MiWay bus routes. }} <!-- Cancelled as of Oct 2022 * {{listing | name= FlixBus| alt= | url=https://www.flixbus.ca/| email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-04-08 | content= Bus service from [[Guelph]] and [[Kitchener]]. }} --> ==Get around== The city is very spread out, and it is difficult to traverse without a car. ===By public transit=== {{listing | name=MiWay | alt=Mississauga Transit | url=http://www.mississauga.ca/portal/miway | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Cash fare: $4.25 for persons ages 13-64 and $1.00 for persons ages 65+; Presto fares: $3.40 adult (20-64), $2.65 youth (13-19), children (0-12) ride fare-free all-day everyday when travelling with an accompanying adult. If they're travelling independently they require a valid child Presto card even though it does not charge a fare. Seniors (65+) also ride fare-free all-day everyday with a valid senior Presto card. | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content=MiWay provides bus service within the City of Mississauga. MiWay accepts the [[Presto card]] for fare payment. Riders ages 13+ may also pay by tapping a credit or debit card on the Presto reader in which case the current adult cash fare price will be charged. }} ''MiWay Local'' operate like the old Mississauga Transit using most of the same routes. Waiting times are typically 15 to 45 minutes on weekdays. ''MiWay Express'' (100-series routes) travel on expressways and major thoroughfares with a limited number of designated stops; the buses are equipped with reading lights and power outlets at each seat but most routes are weekday peak hours only. Routes 110 University Express, 103 Hurontario Express, 107 Malton Express and 109 Meadowvale Express operate 7 days/week. MiWay Express routes 100 Airport Express, 107 and 109 use the [http://www.mississauga.ca/portal/miway/transitwaystations ''Mississauga Transitway''], a 12-station busway in the form of bus rapid transit (BRT), running along Highway 403 from Winston Churchill Boulevard to Cawthra Road via the City Centre. Service on the 103 may be affected due to the ongoing construction of the Hazel McCallion LRT (named for Mississauga's longtime former mayor). MiWay bus 23 runs between Long Branch GO Station and Clarkson GO Station stopping at Port Credit GO Station; it is useful for visiting sights along Lake Shore Road. It also connects with the 501 Queen, 507 Long Branch and 508 Lake Shore streetcars at Long Branch; however, GO Transit trains may make a faster connection to bus 23. MiWay buses display a route number followed by a one-letter suffix (N, S, E, W) to indicate the direction of the bus. This can be useful for riders at bus terminals where a bus route may pass through in both directions. [http://www.bramptontransit.com '''Brampton Transit'''] serves Pearson airport's Terminal 1 (route 115) and the Mississauga City Centre Transit Terminal (Züm route 502) near Square One mall. [https://www.oakvilletransit.ca/ '''Oakville Transit'''] services Clarkson GO station and the South Common Centre near the Oakville boundary. [http://www.milton.ca/transit '''Milton Transit'''] services Lisgar GO station at Argentina Road and Tenth Line. [http://www.ttc.ca '''Toronto Transit Commission''' (TTC)] has several bus routes terminating in Mississauga which can be divided into two groups: * Routes 900 Airport Express, 52A Lawrence West and 952 Lawrence West Express run from subway stations to Pearson Airport serving Malton east of the airport. Route 32A Eglinton West runs east from Eglinton subway station to Renforth Station with connections to the Mississauga Transitway. The TTC fare applies to these routes. * Routes 52B/52D Lawrence West serve Malton beyond Pearson Airport. Do '''not''' take buses 52B/52D to go to the airport as both routes bypass the airport. Routes 52B/52D cross the municipal boundary, and use MiWay fares in Mississauga and TTC fares in Toronto. If you pay the fare with a [[Presto card|Presto]], credit or debit card, you will pay only one fare to cross the municipal boundary; if you pay cash you must pay both the MiWay and TTC fares. Presto tickets are '''not''' valid beyond the airport. If crossing the municipal boundary on routes 52B/52D, you pay or validate your fare twice, once when boarding the bus in one municipality. and a second time when getting off in the other. A fare allows for 2 hours of travel on MiWay including changing MiWay buses, or transferring to connecting buses run by [[Brampton#Get around|'''Brampton Transit''']] (including Züm express buses), [[Oakville (Ontario)#Get around|'''Oakville Transit''']], [[Milton (Ontario)#Get around|'''Milton Transit''']] and [[Toronto#By public transit|Toronto Transit Commission]] (TTC). If paying by cash, ask for a "transfer" to use as a paper receipt, except for the TTC which does not accept a MiWay paper transfer. For Presto, credit and debit card users, transfer info is automatically tracked to your card when you tap on, including the TTC. The Presto ticket (as opposed to a Presto card) is not valid outside of Toronto. If transferring from GO Transit to MiWay to complete a trip, the MiWay fare will be free when using a Presto, credit or debit card. Just tap your card on both transit systems to get the free MiWay fare. When using a Presto, credit or debit card to transfer from MiWay to GO Transit, the MiWay fare will be refunded to your card at the end of your trip. ===By taxis=== Mississauga taxis are metered, rates start at $4.25 plus $1.75/km ($2.85/mile) or $0.50/minute, billed in 25-cent increments. There are various taxi or limousine operators which serve just Pearson Airport; these are available from taxi stands at the terminals. A few operators of various colours are available city-wide. * {{listing | name=A Black Cab | alt= | url=http://www.ablackcab.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 905-822-4000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=24/7 | price= | content=Fifty cars, smoke-free, parcel delivery, pet or wheelchair accessible vehicles on advance request. }} * {{listing | name=Blue & White Taxi | alt= | url=http://blueandwhitetaxi.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +1 905-274-4444 | tollfree=+1-877-274-0470 | fax= | hours=24/7 | price= | content=250 GPS-equipped blue cabs, including sedans, vans and 24 wheelchair accessible vehicles. Smoke-free, airport service, online booking app, parcel delivery. }} * {{listing | name=Golden City Taxi | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 905-271-3335 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Peel Taxi | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 905-624-1010 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} === By ride hailing === * {{Listing|name=Lyft|url=https://www.lyft.com/rider/cities/city-of-toronto-on|lastedit=2022-07-31}} * {{Listing|name=Uber|url=https://www.uber.com/cities/toronto|lastedit=2022-07-31|content=UberX service is available via smartphone app throughout the city with fares running roughly half the price of a taxi. An average 5 km (3.1 mi) trip costs roughly $8.25.}} ==See== {{mapframe|zoom=10|43.6082|-79.6674}}{{mapshape}} {{mapshapes|Q28971910}} <!--GO Trains--> {{mapshapes|Q20379}} <!--Toronto Subway--> ===Villages=== [[Image:MississaugaPortCredit.jpg|thumb|Port Credit]] Two communities have retained much of their village atmosphere. * {{listing | type=see | name=Port Credit | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=43.55388 | long=-79.58426 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Port Credit | wikidata=Q7230570 | content=An older, historic village at the centre of Mississauga's Lake Ontario shore features many intimate small restaurants, cafes and bars. Annual events include the Waterfront Festival and Jazz/Bluesfest. Nice Marina and walking paths at the Credit River entrance and along the lakeshore. }} *{{see | name=Streetsville | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=43.581989 | long=-79.714171 | directions=along Queen St S | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Streetsville, Mississauga | wikidata=Q7623156 | lastedit=2023-06-04 | content=This small village is where the late renowned mayor of Mississauga, Hazel McCallion, used to reside. It has many shops, restaurants, and green areas to explore. Visit in June to enjoy the Bread and Honey Festival or in winter months for Remembrance Day services and the Santa Claus Parade. }} ===Galleries=== *{{listing | type=see | name=Art Gallery of Mississauga | alt=AGM | url=http://www.artgalleryofmississauga.com/ | email= | address=300 City Centre Drive | lat=43.589368 | long=-79.643940 | directions=Mississauga City Hall/Civic Centre, Ground Floor | phone=+1 905-896-5088 | tollfree= | hours=M-W F 10AM-5PM; Th 10AM-8PM; Sa Su noon-4PM | price=Free | wikipedia=Art Gallery of Mississauga | wikidata=Q17985611 | lastedit=2019-06-27 | content=The AGM has over {{ft2|3000}} divided into four gallery spaces, and programmes about 10 exhibitions a year of national and international contemporary art. Check the website for closures due to installations. }} * {{see | name=Blackwood Gallery | alt=University of Toronto Mississauga | url=http://blackwoodgallery.ca/ | address=3359 Mississauga Rd | lat=43.548523 | long=-79.663204 | directions=MiWay bus 199 | phone= | hours=M-F noon-5PM, W noon-9PM, Sa noon-3PM | price= | wikipedia= | lastedit=2019-03-02 | content=Contemporary art gallery with works by professional artists. }} ===Parks=== * {{see | name=Kariya Park | alt= | url=http://www.mississauga.ca/portal/residents/kariyapark | address=3620 Kariya Dr | lat=43.589846 | long=-79.636046 | directions=City Centre | phone= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | lastedit=2019-02-28 | content=Kariya Park contains authentic Japanese gardens, and is named after Mississauga's twin-city, Kariya in Japan. }} * {{see | name=Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Garden | alt= | url=http://www.mississauga.ca/portal/discover/parksandgardens?paf_gear_id=9700018&itemId=68500048&returnUrl=%2Fportal%2Fdiscover%2Fparksandgardens | address=300 City Centre Dr | lat=43.588049 | long=-79.644612 | directions=at south-west corner of City Hall | phone= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | lastedit=2019-06-27 | content=A small but attractive flower garden and park dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Brueckner Rhododendron Gardens | alt= | url=http://brueckner-rhododendron-gardens.blogspot.com/ | email= | address=660 Lakeshore Rd W | lat=43.540112 | long=-79.597780 | directions=at Shawnmarr Rd; MiWay bus 23 | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-05-27 | content={{acre|18}} lakefront garden specializing in rhododendrons. Best seen in May and June. }} * {{see | name=Port Credit Memorial Park | alt= | url=https://www.discovermississauga.ca/see-and-do/item/port-credit-memorial-park | address=20 Lakeshore Rd E | lat=43.551447 | long=-79.587670 | directions=north side of Lakeshore Rd E | phone= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | lastedit=2019-03-01 | content=Waterfront park with trails, picnic grounds and views of the Credit River. }} * {{see | name=Lakefront Promenade Park | alt= | url=https://www.discovermississauga.ca/see-and-do/item/lakefront-promenade-park | address=115 Lakefront Promenade | lat=43.562912 | long=-79.557941 | directions=south of Lakeshore Rd E at Montbeck Cres; MiWay bus 23 from either Long Branch or Clarkson GO | phone= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | lastedit=2019-03-01 | content=Located on a peninsula jutting into Lake Ontario; base for marinas and boating clubs. }} * {{see | name=Jack Darling Memorial Park | alt= | url=http://www.jackdarling.com/ | address=1180 Lakeshore Rd W | lat=43.527417 | long=-79.605638 | directions=MiWay route 23 | phone= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | lastedit=2019-03-01 | content=Waterfront picnic park with swimming in Lake Ontario. }} * {{see | name=Erindale Park | alt= | url=http://www.mississauga.ca/portal/discover/parksandgardens?paf_gear_id=9700018&itemId=200028 | address=1695 Dundas St W | lat=43.547016 | long=-79.654580 | directions=at Nanticoke Rd; MiWay bus 1 | phone= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | lastedit=2019-03-01 | content=Walking trails, views of the Credit River and ravines, bird watching. }} * {{see | name=Lake Aquitaine Park & Trail | alt= | url=http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trails/view/lake-aquitaine-trail | address=Aquitane Ave | lat=43.588440 | long=-79.753403 | directions=east of 2700 Aquitane Ave | phone= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | lastedit=2019-03-01 | content=Scenic lake, walking trails. }} * {{see | name=Rattray Marsh Conservation Area | alt= | url=https://cvc.ca/enjoy-the-outdoors/conservation-areas/rattray-marsh-conservation-area/ | address=660 Bexhill Rd | lat=43.517248 | long=-79.607233 | directions=800 metres south of Lakeshore Rd W; MiWay bus 23 | phone= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | lastedit=2019-03-01 | content=Nature area on Lake Ontario with trails, boardwalks & birdlife. }} * {{see | name=Riverwood Park | alt=The Riverwood Conservancy | url=https://www.theriverwoodconservancy.org/ | address=4300 Riverwood Park | lat=43.563939 | long=-79.669985 | directions=Burnhamthorpe Rd W & The Credit Woodlans; MiWay bus 6 | phone= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | lastedit=2019-03-01 | content={{acre|150}} nature area with trails, wildflowers and 160 bird species, plus heritage structures and MacEwan Terrace Garden. }} ===Museums=== * {{see | name=Bradley Museum | alt= | url=https://www.discovermississauga.ca/see-and-do/item/bradley-museum | address=1620 Orr Road | lat=43.512087 | long=-79.611498 | directions=in Meadow Wood Park | phone= | hours=F-Su noon-4PM | price= | wikipedia= | lastedit=2019-03-02 | content=The museum features the restored 1830s home of early settlers in Mississauga. }} * {{see | name=Leslie Log House | alt= | url= | address=4415 Mississauga Rd | lat=43.563841 | long=-79.689234 | directions=in Hewick Meadows park; MiWay bus 44 | phone= | hours=W Su 1-4PM | price= | wikipedia= | lastedit=2019-03-02 | content=Built in 1826, the Leslie Log House today contains the archival and artifact collection of the Streetsville Historical Society. }} * {{see | name=Benares Historic House | alt= | url=https://www.discovermississauga.ca/see-and-do/item/benares-historic-house | address=1507 Clarkson Rd N | lat=43.527256 | long=-79.637307 | directions= | phone= | hours=F-Su noon-4PM | price= | wikipedia= | lastedit=2019-03-02 | content=The house was built in 1857 and was restored to the World War One era. It contains original artifacts of the Harris family that occupied it for four generations. }} ===Landmarks=== * {{listing | type=see | name=Marilyn Monroe Towers | alt=Absolute World | url=https://www.discovermississauga.ca/see-and-do/item/absolute-world-aka-the-marilyn-monroe-towers | email= | address=60 Absolute Ave | lat=43.594735 | long=-79.635487 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Absolute World | wikidata=Q332518 | lastedit=2019-02-28 | content=Absolute World is a condo development containing two towers (50 and 56 storeys). Because of their very distinctive curves, the buildings were nicknamed the Marilyn Monroe Towers. }} * {{see | name=Mississauga City Hall | alt=Mississauga Civic Centre | url=http://www.mississauga.ca/portal/cityhall | email= | address=300 City Centre Dr | lat=43.588832 | long=-79.644992 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M-F 7AM-7PM | price= | wikipedia=Mississauga Civic Centre | wikidata=Q6878956 | lastedit=2019-06-27 | content=The City Hall clock tower is a landmark at City Centre along with the Marilyn Monroe Towers. Although modern, the whole building seems to have the heft of a castle with the cylindrical structure at the building's south-east corner to house the council chamber. Mississauga's City Hall rivals Toronto's in grandeur; be sure to see the huge marble-clad atrium inside the building. }} * {{see | name=Port Credit Lighthouse | alt= | url=https://www.discovermississauga.ca/see-and-do/item/port-credit-lighthouse | address=105 Lakeshore Rd E, Port Credit | lat=43.550333 | long=-79.586926 | directions= | phone= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | lastedit=2019-02-28 | content=This functional lighthouse was built in 1991, and can cast a beam 15 miles long over Lake Ontario. The structure has a visitor deck offering views of the Credit River, the harbour and the village of Port Credit. }} ==Do== * {{listing | type=do | name=Living Arts Centre | alt= | url=https://www.livingartscentre.ca/ | email= | address=4141 Living Arts Dr | lat=43.589733 | long=-79.646171 | directions= | phone=+1 905-306-6000 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Living Arts Centre | wikidata=Q6659017 | lastedit=2019-03-03 | content=Live theatre and concerts. }} *{{do | name=Paramount Fine Foods Centre | url=http://www.paramountfinefoodscentre.com/ | email= | address=5500 Rose Cherry Pl | lat=43.632228 | long=-79.653465 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A sports and entertainment facility which has staged numerous high profile events including regional, provincial, national and world hockey championships, Skate Canada, and concerts. Also home to the NBA G League team Raptors 905, the development side for the NBA Raptors. }} *{{do | name=Scooter's Roller Palace | url=http://www.scooters.ca/ | email= | address=2105 Royal Windsor Dr | lat=43.510155 | long=-79.631954 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Just south of the Clarkson GO station, this is a popular option for families and teenagers. Skate rentals available. }} *{{do | name=Golf | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Mississauga features two primary golf courses: }} **{{do | name=BraeBen Golf Course | url=http://www.mississauga.ca/portal/discover/braebengolfcourse | email= | address=5700 Terry Fox Way | lat=43.602095 | long=-79.695171 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=9- and 18-hole championship course. }} **{{do | name=Lakeview Golf Course | url=http://www.mississauga.ca/portal/discover/lakeviewgolf | email= | address=1190 Dixie Rd | lat=43.586758 | long=-79.556686 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=18-hole course. }} *{{do | name=Fishing | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Credit River is a jewel set in the heart of southern Ontario, Canada. The Credit boasts huge runs of Chinook salmon and steelhead as well as some coho, pink and Atlantic salmon. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Square One | alt= | url=http://www.shopsquareone.com/ | email= | address=Hwys 10 and 403 | lat=43.59289 | long=-79.64299 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Ontario's largest mall, near Mississauga city hall. One of two main transfer points for MiWay buses (the other is TTC's Islington subway station). }} * {{listing | type=buy | name=Erin Mills Town Centre | alt= | url=https://www.erinmills.ca/ | email= | address=5100 Erin Mills Pkwy | lat=43.558356 | long=-79.711911 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Erin Mills Town Centre | wikidata=Q5389193 | content=Two-storey indoor mall. }} * {{buy | name=Heartland Town Centre | alt= | url=https://www.heartlandtown.com/ | email= | address=6075 Mavis Rd | lat=43.610460 | long=-79.693645 | directions=at Britannia Rd | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-03-03 | content=A shopping complex mostly consisting of "big box" stores spread out on all four corners of Mavis & Britannia. }} * {{buy | name=Old Credit Brewing | alt= | url=http://www.oldcreditbrewing.com/#home.html | email= | address=6 Queen Street West | lat=43.54963 | long=-79.59294 | directions= | phone=+1 905-271-9888 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M 1-7PM, Tu-Sa 10AM-7PM, Su noon-5PM | price= | content=Excellent small brewery that sells an amber ale and a pilsner. Also has a seasonal Holiday Honey beer. }} *{{listing | type=buy | name=Dixie Outlet Mall | alt= | url=http://www.dixieoutletmall.com/en-CA | email= | address=1250 South Service Rd | lat=43.593143 | long=-79.568376 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M-F 10AM-9PM, Sa 9:30AM-6PM, Su 11AM-6PM | price= | content=Major stores include Michael's Arts & Crafts, and Winners. }} * {{buy | name=Lindt Warehouse Outlet Boutique | alt= | url=http://www.lindt.ca/swf/eng/information/boutiques/store-locator/ | email= | address=7090 Kennedy Road | lat=43.65823 | long=-79.69944 | directions= | phone=+1 905-696-8143 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 9:30AM-7PM, Sa 9:30AM-6PM, Su 11AM-5PM | price= | content=Great selection of chocolate at a discount. }} * {{listing | type=buy | name=Skiis & Biikes | alt= | url=https://skiisandbiikes.com/pages/locations__mississauga#/ | email=miss@skiisandbiikes.com | address=1945 Dundas Street East | lat=43.6213 | long=-79.5718 | directions= | phone=+1 905-896-1206 | tollfree= | hours=10AM-8PM | price= | lastedit=2015-03-19 | content=Bike shop, sale and rental, repairs, accessories and expert bike fitting. }} ==Eat== * {{listing | type=eat | name=Axia Restaurant and Bar | alt= | url=http://www.axiarestaurant.com | email= | address=5045 Plantation Place | lat=43.552142 | long=-79.714844 | directions=Along Eglinton Ave W near Erin Mills | phone=+1 905-608-2942 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Mains $15-20, appetizers $5-10 | content=In Erin Mills, wide variety of fully authentic Asian food, specialising in Chinese, Japanese, Thai and Korean cuisine. Fully liquor licensed with unique flavoured Korean soju and alcoholic bubble tea. }} * {{eat | name=Nirvana | alt= | url=http://www.nirvanatheflavoursofindia.com/ | email= | address=35 Brunel Road | lat=43.62597 | long=-79.67747 | directions=in the north end of Mississauga close to Brampton | phone=+1 905-501-5500 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Mains $13 | content=Flavours of India. Slightly upscale, friendly place with great food. }} *{{listing | type=eat | name=Apricot Tree Café | alt= | url=http://www.apricottreecafe.com/ | email= | address=1900 Dundas St. W | lat=43.539384 | long=-79.662829 | directions=The Apricot Tree is on Dundas St. between the Erin Mills Pkwy and Mississauga Rd. | phone=+1 905-855-1470 | tollfree= | hours=M 10AM-9PM, Tu-F 10AM-10PM, Sa 9AM-10PM, closed Su | price=Breakfast $8; lunch $11; dinner $17 | content=Open kitchen design which allows guests to watch their order being prepared, wide range of excellent pastries and cakes for dessert. }} *{{listing | type=eat | name=Master Steaks | alt= | url=http://www.mastersteaks.com/ | email= | address=5895 Dixie Road | lat=43.653607 | long=-79.644170 | directions=three lights north of the 401 | phone=+1 905-670-3313 | tollfree= | hours=open late | price=$7-25 | content=Generous portions for its price range, one of the few where you can get a steak dinner for less than $20. The atmosphere is somewhat reminiscent of a 1970s fast food eatery where you place your order at the till and wait until your number is called. Very popular with the after-hours bar crowd. Look out for specials under $15. Licensed. Take out available. }} * {{eat | name=Desi Bar & Grill | alt= | url=https://desibarandgrill.ca/ | email=info@desi.bar | address=925 Rathburn Rd E, L4W 4C3 | lat=43.616212 | long=-79.617698 | directions=Tomken Plaza | phone=+1 905-232-6788 | tollfree= | hours=5PM-midnight | price=Mains $15 | lastedit=2024-10-11 | content=Flavours of India. Slightly upscale, friendly place with great food, drinks and music. }} * {{eat | name=The Hakka Club | alt= | url=https://www.thehakkaclub.ca/ | email= | address=7030 St Barbara Blvd, L5W 0E6 | lat=43.638181 | long=-79.715663 | directions=in Derry Village Square | phone=+1 905-565-1144 | tollfree= | hours=5PM-midnight | price=15 | lastedit=2024-10-11 | content=Relaxed eatery fixing up Indian and Chinese staples such as meat, seafood & veggie dishes, plus momos. }} ===Port Credit=== * {{eat | name=Huevos Gourmet | alt= | url=http://www.huevosgourmet.ca/ | address=241 Lakeshore Rd E | lat=43.5594 | long=-79.5771 | directions= | phone=+1 905-274-1394 | hours=8AM-4PM | price=Moderately priced | lastedit=2022-05-12 | content=Mexican inspired brunch, for example Taco Benedict and Huevos Rancheros. }} * {{eat | name=Posta Italbar Cucina | alt= | url=http://www.postaportcredit.com/ | address=31 Lakeshore Rd E | lat=43.5517 | long=-79.5851 | directions= | phone=+1 905-891-0193 | hours=Tu-Th 4-11PM, F 4PM-midnight, Sa noon-midnight, Su noon-11PM | price=Expensive | lastedit=2022-05-12 | content=Italian cuisine; view of harbour. }} * {{eat | name=Scoops Ice Cream | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Ice-Cream-Shop/Scoops-Ice-Cream-127483187287800/ | address=82 Lakeshore Rd E | lat=43.5529 | long=-79.5846 | directions= | phone=+1 905-278-2653 | hours=Su-Th noon-9PM, F Sa noon-9:30PM | price= | lastedit=2022-05-12 | content=In-house artisan ice cream }} ==Drink== * {{listing | type=drink | name=Sugar Daddy's | alt= | url=https://drum-lily-k8af.squarespace.com/sugar-daddys-nightclub/ | email= | address=5165 Dixie Road | lat=43.639677 | long=-79.624040 | directions=4 lights south of the 401, Mississauga | phone=+1 905-602-4990 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Established in 2003. Club MC is Slick Vic, with DJ Constantine. }} * {{drink | name=Capitol Singles' Dance | alt= | url=http://www.capitolsinglesdance.com/ | email= | address=6435 Dixie Road (4 lights north of the 401) | lat=43.665355 | long=-79.659002 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Every Friday night from 7PM till 1AM | price= | lastedit=2019-02-28 | content=All singles 19 and over welcome; however, the majority of attendees tend to be the 30+ after-work crowd. DJ Dianne plays a mix of today's dance hits with the greatest hits from the 1950s to the 1990s, country, swing, waltz, polka, and Latin favourites. She also gladly takes requests. Admission is $15 (conditions apply) and includes a buffet dinner served 7:30PM till 9:30PM. Dress code - no jeans or sneakers. Cash bar. Draw and spot dances. Ample free parking. }} ==Sleep== *{{sleep | name=The Waterside Inn | url=http://www.watersideinn.ca/ | email= | address=15 Stavebank Road South | lat=43.551466 | long=-79.584502 | directions= | phone = +1 905-891-7770 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Waterfront hotel in Port Credit. Uniquely decorated and furnished guest suites. Wifi, restaurant, and conference rooms. }} *{{sleep | name=Hotel Novotel Toronto Mississauga Centre | alt= | url=http://www.novotel.com/gb/hotel-0841-novotel-toronto-mississauga-cntr/index.shtml | email= | address=3670 Hurontario Street | lat=43.592417 | long=-79.635004 | directions=25 min from the centre of Toronto and 18 km from Pearson Airport | phone=+1 905 896-1000 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=325 rooms, Wifi, and a restaurant. }} *{{sleep | name=Hilton Garden Inn Toronto/Mississauga | alt= | url=http://www.torontomississauga.gardeninn.com | email= | address=100 Traders Boulevard | lat=43.623897 | long=-79.671962 | directions= | phone = +1 905 890-9110 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | content=Guest rooms selected at check-in featuring single or double beds. Free complementary parking, no pets allowed. }} ===Airport hotels=== *{{sleep | name=Best Western Plus Toronto Airport Hotel | url=http://www.bestwesterntorontoairportwest.com/ | email= | address=5825 Dixie Road, L4W 1E8 | lat=43.65227 | long=-79.642854 | directions= | phone = +1 905-670-8180 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Complimentary airport shuttle & overnight parking, meeting and banquet facilities, indoor heated pool, whirlpool, sauna, suites available. }} * {{sleep | name=Four Points by Sheraton Toronto Airport | alt= | url=http://www.fourpointstorontoairport.com | email= | address=6257 Airport Road | lat=43.690274 | long=-79.621717 | directions= | phone=+1 905-678-1400 | tollfree=+1-866-716-8133 | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=500 m from airport, shuttle bus to terminals, 24-hour business centre, fitness, on-site restaurant. }} *{{sleep | name=Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel & Suites | alt= | url=https://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/ontario/hilton-toronto-airport-hotel-and-suites-YYZHIHH/index.html | email= | address=5875 Airport Road, L4V 1N1 | lat=43.686723 | long=-79.604238 | directions= | phone=+1 905-677-9900 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=From $140 | lastedit=2017-06-12 | content=Complimentary 24-hour airport shuttle, overnight parking, meeting and banquet facilities, outdoor heated pool, squash, sauna, suites available. }} There are a pair of hotels at [[Toronto Pearson International Airport|Pearson Airport]] or on the airport grounds: * {{sleep | name=Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Toronto International Airport | alt= | url=http://www.sheratongatewaytorontoairport.com | email= | address=Terminal 3 Pearson Airport (YYZ) | lat=43.686487 | long=-79.620002 | directions= | phone=+1 905-672-7000 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Only hotel in the airport terminal. }} * {{sleep | name=Alt Hotel Toronto Airport | alt= | url=http://toronto.althotels.ca/en | email= | address= 6080 Viscount Road, Mississauga | lat=43.689777 | long=-79.614602 | directions= | phone=+1 905-362-4337 | tollfree=+1-855-855-6080 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=On airport grounds, near Link Train station and value car park lots. }} A series of large hotels on [[Toronto]]'s Dixon Road serves Pearson Airport (Dixon Road, Toronto becomes Airport Road in Malton). See [[Toronto/Etobicoke#Sleep|Etobicoke]]. * {{sleep | name=Radisson Toronto Airport West | alt= | url=https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-mississauga-yyz | email= | address=175 Derry Road E | lat=43.6504 | long=-79.70216 | directions= | phone=+1 905-364-9999 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2020-01-09 | content= }} ==Stay safe== Mississauga is a fairly safe city, however, use common sense and vigilance at night like any other large city, as muggings can sometimes happen. The local police are friendly, trustworthy, and approachable, so any issues you have you can ask them for help. On the weekend, clubs and bars in Mississauga can fill up with people fast. If you see a confrontation in a bar or club, it is best not to get involved, as these can escalate quickly. For life-threatening emergencies, dial 9-1-1 to be connected to Police, Fire, or Ambulance. For non-emergency inquiries, you can dial the following: * {{listing | name=Mississauga Fire | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 905-615-3777 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-04-14 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Peel Paramedic Services | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-800-668-7821 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-04-14 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Peel Regional Police | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 905-453-3311 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-04-14 | content= }} On the whole, Mississauga is a safe city, and for the average tourist, you should have no problems. ==Go next== {{routebox | image1=VIA Rail Sarnia Toronto icon.png | imagesize1=100 | link1=Windsor-Quebec corridor | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Kitchener]] | minorl1=[[Brampton]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=END | minorr1='''[[Toronto]]''' | image2=Ontario QEW.svg | imagesize2=20 | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Hamilton (Ontario)|Hamilton]] | minorl2=[[Oakville (Ontario)|Oakville]] | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[Toronto]] | minorr2=[[Toronto/Etobicoke|Etobicoke]] | image3=Ontario 401.svg | imagesize3=20 | directionl3=W | majorl3=[[London (Ontario)|London]] | minorl3=[[Milton (Ontario)|Milton]] | directionr3=E | majorr3=[[Toronto]] | minorr3=[[Toronto/Etobicoke|Etobicoke]] | image4=Ontario 403.svg | imagesize4=20 | directionl4=W | majorl4=[[Hamilton (Ontario)|Hamilton]] | minorl4=[[Oakville (Ontario)|Oakville]] | directionr4=E | majorr4=Ends at [[File:Ontario 401.svg|16px]][[File:Ontario 410.svg|16px]] | minorr4= | image5=407 Express Toll Route Traffic Sign.svg | imagesize5=22 | directionl5=W | majorl5=[[Hamilton (Ontario)|Hamilton]] | minorl5=[[Milton (Ontario)|Milton]] | directionr5=E | majorr5=[[Markham]] | minorr5=[[Brampton]] | image6=Ontario 410.svg | imagesize6=20 | directionl6=&thinsp;N | majorl6=[[Owen Sound]] | minorl6=[[Brampton]] | directionr6=S | majorr6=Ends at [[File:Ontario 401.svg|16px]][[File:Ontario 403.svg|16px]] | minorr6= | image7=Ontario 427.svg | imagesize7=20 | directionl7=&thinsp;N | majorl7=END | minorl7=[[Vaughan]] | directionr7=S | majorr7=[[Toronto]] | minorr7=[[Toronto/Etobicoke|Etobicoke]] | image8=GO Transit Kitchener icon.png | imagesize8=100 | directionl8=W | majorl8=[[Kitchener]] | minorl8=[[Brampton]] | directionr8=E | majorr8=[[Toronto/Entertainment and Financial Districts|Toronto]] | minorr8=[[Toronto/Etobicoke|Etobicoke]] | image9=GO Transit Lakeshore West icon.png | imagesize9=100 | directionl9=&thinsp;N | majorl9=[[Toronto/Entertainment and Financial Districts|Toronto]] | minorl9=[[Toronto/Etobicoke|Etobicoke]] | directionr9=S | majorr9=[[Niagara Falls (Ontario)|Niagara Falls]] | minorr9=[[Oakville (Ontario)|Oakville]] | image10=GO Transit Milton icon.png | imagesize10=100 | directionl10=W | majorl10=END | minorl10='''[[Milton (Ontario)|Milton]]''' | directionr10=E | majorr10=[[Toronto/Entertainment and Financial Districts|Toronto]] | minorr10=[[Toronto/Etobicoke|Etobicoke]] }} {{geo|43.6000|-79.6500}} {{isPartOf|Peel (Ontario)}} {{usablecity}} sxi69j4j0zuufry5sl79oy4ii9qzkog 5086673 5086672 2025-07-02T16:15:52Z 2607:FEA8:3460:7700:55E1:7CBA:44E6:1E5E /* Get around */ 5086673 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Mississauga banner.jpg}} '''Mississauga''' is a city in southwestern [[Ontario]], [[Canada]]. It is [[Toronto|Toronto's]] largest suburb and Canada's seventh largest city. ==Understand== ===Visitor information=== * [https://www.discovermississauga.ca/ discovermississauga.ca] ==Get in== [[File:Mississauga city hall 2005.jpg|thumb|right|Mississauga Civic Centre]] ===By air=== Mississauga ({{IATA|YYZ}}) is home to Canada's largest airport. Located in Malton, [[Toronto Pearson International Airport]] primarily serves [[Toronto|Canada's largest city]], with two crowded terminals and flights from cities across Canada, many American cities and European, Asian, Latin American, African and Oceanian destinations. The airport is a short taxi ride from anywhere in Mississauga and is served by local buses. Alternatives to Mississauga's main airport are [[Hamilton (Ontario)|Hamilton]] ({{IATA|YHM}}) and [[Buffalo]] ({{IATA|BUF}}), which both offer a much smaller selection of flights but are occasionally less expensive. ===By car=== Mississauga is served by 4 major expressways: * The 401 links Mississauga with [[Windsor (Ontario)|Windsor]]-[[Detroit]] in the west, following the [[Windsor-Quebec corridor]] through [[Kingston (Ontario)|Kingston]] and [[Montreal|Montréal]] in the east, continuing as Québec Autoroute 20 to [[Rivière-du-Loup]]. The 401 in [[Toronto]] is the busiest highway in Canada if not all of North America. * The 403 links to [[Hamilton (Ontario)|Hamilton]] and [[Brantford]] to the west, rejoining the 401 before [[London (Ontario)]]. It becomes Highway 410 at the 401, leading to [[Brampton]] in the North. * The Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) links Mississauga with the Gardiner Expressway and downtown Toronto in the east, connects with the 403 in the west, and continues to [[St. Catharines]], [[Niagara Falls (Ontario)|Niagara Falls]], and [[Fort Erie]]/[[Buffalo]]. * The 407 is an east-west toll route running parallel with the 401; it is one of the most expensive toll roads in North America. As the tolls are billed to the registered owner of the vehicle, rental companies may refuse to authorize their vehicles to be taken on this privately-operated road. === By train === {{Seealso|Rail travel in Canada}} * {{go | name=Malton station | alt= | url=https://www.viarail.ca/en/explore-our-destinations/stations/ontario/malton | email= | address=3060 Derry Road East | lat=43.70516 | long=-79.63823 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Malton GO Station | wikidata=Q5268140 | lastedit=2023-08-26 | content= }} ** {{listing|name=VIA Rail Canada|alt=|url=https://www.viarail.ca/|email=|address=|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=|tollfree=+1-888-842-7245|hours=|price=|wikipedia=Via Rail|wikidata=Q876720|lastedit=2022-04-22|content=Operates many intercity trains across [[Canada]].}} Operates a route daily between [[Sarnia]] and [[Toronto]] including stops in [[London (Ontario)|London]], [[St. Marys (Ontario)|St. Marys]], [[Stratford (Ontario)|Stratford]], [[Kitchener]], [[Guelph]], [[Georgetown (Ontario)|Georgetown]], [[Brampton]], and Mississauga. ===By public transit=== * {{listing | name=GO Transit | alt= | url=http://www.gotransit.com/ | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | lastedit=2019-02-27 | content=[[GO Transit]] operates commuter train and bus services connecting Mississauga to the rest of the [[Greater Toronto Area]]. Two GO train lines pass through Mississauga: Lakeshore West line and Milton line. The Lakeshore West train line operates 18 hours per day, every day with a frequency of 30 minutes or better in each direction, with {{marker|type=go|name=Long Branch GO|lat=43.591381|long=-79.546134}}, {{marker|type=go|name=Port Credit GO|lat=43.555992|long=-79.586888}} and {{marker|type=go|name=Clarkson GO| lat=43.512506|long=-79.634325}} stations serving Mississauga. Less useful for visitors is the Milton train line, a rush-hour, peak-direction service with trains operating to Toronto during the morning rush hours, returning in the evening. GO buses have a hub at {{marker|type=go|name=Square One GO Bus Terminal|lat=43.595266|long=-79.648419}}, providing service to Toronto, Toronto Pearson International Airport, Brampton as well as other destinations. GO trains and some GO bus services go to Toronto Union Station where one can connect with Via Rail trains. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=[[#MiWay|MiWay]] | alt= | url= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | lastedit=2019-02-27 | content=MiWay route 3 Bloor provides frequent mid-day service between Islington subway station and Square One. }} ** {{go | name=Kipling subway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=43.645107 | long=-79.524574 | directions=Subway Line 2 Bloor–Danforth | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Kipling station#Kipling Bus Terminal | wikidata=Q1041874 | lastedit=2022-10-14 | content=Kipling subway station in [[Toronto/Etobicoke|Etobicoke]] offers a good selection of MiWay routes, with several going to Square One (City Centre Transit Terminal). Click the Wikipedia link for a list of MiWay bus routes serving this station. }} ** {{listing | type=go | name=City Centre Transit Terminal | alt= | url= | email= | address=Square One, Mississauga | lat=43.594354 | long=-79.647123 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Mississauga City Centre Transit Terminal#MiWay | wikidata=Q6878952 | lastedit=2019-03-04 | content=Click the Wikipedia link for a list of MiWay bus routes. }} <!-- Cancelled as of Oct 2022 * {{listing | name= FlixBus| alt= | url=https://www.flixbus.ca/| email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-04-08 | content= Bus service from [[Guelph]] and [[Kitchener]]. }} --> ==Get around== The city is very spread out, and it is difficult to traverse without a car. ===By public transit=== {{listing | name=MiWay | alt=Mississauga Transit | url=http://www.mississauga.ca/portal/miway | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Cash fare: $4.25 for persons ages 13-64 and $1.00 for persons ages 65+; Presto fares: $3.40 adult (20-64), $2.65 youth (13-19), children (0-12) ride fare-free all-day everyday when travelling with an accompanying adult. If they're travelling independently they require a valid child Presto card even though it does not charge a fare. Seniors (65+) also ride fare-free all-day everyday with a valid senior Presto card. | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content=MiWay provides bus service within the City of Mississauga. MiWay accepts the [[Presto card]] for fare payment. Riders ages 13+ may also pay by tapping a credit or debit card on the Presto reader in which case the current adult cash fare price ($4.25) will be charged. }} ''MiWay Local'' operate like the old Mississauga Transit using most of the same routes. Waiting times are typically 15 to 45 minutes on weekdays. ''MiWay Express'' (100-series routes) travel on expressways and major thoroughfares with a limited number of designated stops; the buses are equipped with reading lights and power outlets at each seat but most routes are weekday peak hours only. Routes 110 University Express, 103 Hurontario Express, 107 Malton Express and 109 Meadowvale Express operate 7 days/week. MiWay Express routes 100 Airport Express, 107 and 109 use the [http://www.mississauga.ca/portal/miway/transitwaystations ''Mississauga Transitway''], a 12-station busway in the form of bus rapid transit (BRT), running along Highway 403 from Winston Churchill Boulevard to Cawthra Road via the City Centre. Service on the 103 may be affected due to the ongoing construction of the Hazel McCallion LRT (named for Mississauga's longtime former mayor). MiWay bus 23 runs between Long Branch GO Station and Clarkson GO Station stopping at Port Credit GO Station; it is useful for visiting sights along Lake Shore Road. It also connects with the 501 Queen, 507 Long Branch and 508 Lake Shore streetcars at Long Branch; however, GO Transit trains may make a faster connection to bus 23. MiWay buses display a route number followed by a one-letter suffix (N, S, E, W) to indicate the direction of the bus. This can be useful for riders at bus terminals where a bus route may pass through in both directions. [http://www.bramptontransit.com '''Brampton Transit'''] serves Pearson airport's Terminal 1 (route 115) and the Mississauga City Centre Transit Terminal (Züm route 502) near Square One mall. [https://www.oakvilletransit.ca/ '''Oakville Transit'''] services Clarkson GO station and the South Common Centre near the Oakville boundary. [http://www.milton.ca/transit '''Milton Transit'''] services Lisgar GO station at Argentina Road and Tenth Line. [http://www.ttc.ca '''Toronto Transit Commission''' (TTC)] has several bus routes terminating in Mississauga which can be divided into two groups: * Routes 900 Airport Express, 52A Lawrence West and 952 Lawrence West Express run from subway stations to Pearson Airport serving Malton east of the airport. Route 32A Eglinton West runs east from Eglinton subway station to Renforth Station with connections to the Mississauga Transitway. The TTC fare applies to these routes. * Routes 52B/52D Lawrence West serve Malton beyond Pearson Airport. Do '''not''' take buses 52B/52D to go to the airport as both routes bypass the airport. Routes 52B/52D cross the municipal boundary, and use MiWay fares in Mississauga and TTC fares in Toronto. If you pay the fare with a [[Presto card|Presto]], credit or debit card, you will pay only one fare to cross the municipal boundary; if you pay cash you must pay both the MiWay and TTC fares. Presto tickets are '''not''' valid beyond the airport. If crossing the municipal boundary on routes 52B/52D, you pay or validate your fare twice, once when boarding the bus in one municipality. and a second time when getting off in the other. A fare allows for 2 hours of travel on MiWay including changing MiWay buses, or transferring to connecting buses run by [[Brampton#Get around|'''Brampton Transit''']] (including Züm express buses), [[Oakville (Ontario)#Get around|'''Oakville Transit''']], [[Milton (Ontario)#Get around|'''Milton Transit''']] and [[Toronto#By public transit|Toronto Transit Commission]] (TTC). If paying by cash, ask for a "transfer" to use as a paper receipt, except for the TTC which does not accept a MiWay paper transfer. For Presto, credit and debit card users, transfer info is automatically tracked to your card when you tap on, including the TTC. The Presto ticket (as opposed to a Presto card) is not valid outside of Toronto. If transferring from GO Transit to MiWay to complete a trip, the MiWay fare will be free when using a Presto, credit or debit card. Just tap your card on both transit systems to get the free MiWay fare. When using a Presto, credit or debit card to transfer from MiWay to GO Transit, the MiWay fare will be refunded to your card at the end of your trip. ===By taxis=== Mississauga taxis are metered, rates start at $4.25 plus $1.75/km ($2.85/mile) or $0.50/minute, billed in 25-cent increments. There are various taxi or limousine operators which serve just Pearson Airport; these are available from taxi stands at the terminals. A few operators of various colours are available city-wide. * {{listing | name=A Black Cab | alt= | url=http://www.ablackcab.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 905-822-4000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=24/7 | price= | content=Fifty cars, smoke-free, parcel delivery, pet or wheelchair accessible vehicles on advance request. }} * {{listing | name=Blue & White Taxi | alt= | url=http://blueandwhitetaxi.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +1 905-274-4444 | tollfree=+1-877-274-0470 | fax= | hours=24/7 | price= | content=250 GPS-equipped blue cabs, including sedans, vans and 24 wheelchair accessible vehicles. Smoke-free, airport service, online booking app, parcel delivery. }} * {{listing | name=Golden City Taxi | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 905-271-3335 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Peel Taxi | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 905-624-1010 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} === By ride hailing === * {{Listing|name=Lyft|url=https://www.lyft.com/rider/cities/city-of-toronto-on|lastedit=2022-07-31}} * {{Listing|name=Uber|url=https://www.uber.com/cities/toronto|lastedit=2022-07-31|content=UberX service is available via smartphone app throughout the city with fares running roughly half the price of a taxi. An average 5 km (3.1 mi) trip costs roughly $8.25.}} ==See== {{mapframe|zoom=10|43.6082|-79.6674}}{{mapshape}} {{mapshapes|Q28971910}} <!--GO Trains--> {{mapshapes|Q20379}} <!--Toronto Subway--> ===Villages=== [[Image:MississaugaPortCredit.jpg|thumb|Port Credit]] Two communities have retained much of their village atmosphere. * {{listing | type=see | name=Port Credit | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=43.55388 | long=-79.58426 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Port Credit | wikidata=Q7230570 | content=An older, historic village at the centre of Mississauga's Lake Ontario shore features many intimate small restaurants, cafes and bars. Annual events include the Waterfront Festival and Jazz/Bluesfest. Nice Marina and walking paths at the Credit River entrance and along the lakeshore. }} *{{see | name=Streetsville | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=43.581989 | long=-79.714171 | directions=along Queen St S | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Streetsville, Mississauga | wikidata=Q7623156 | lastedit=2023-06-04 | content=This small village is where the late renowned mayor of Mississauga, Hazel McCallion, used to reside. It has many shops, restaurants, and green areas to explore. Visit in June to enjoy the Bread and Honey Festival or in winter months for Remembrance Day services and the Santa Claus Parade. }} ===Galleries=== *{{listing | type=see | name=Art Gallery of Mississauga | alt=AGM | url=http://www.artgalleryofmississauga.com/ | email= | address=300 City Centre Drive | lat=43.589368 | long=-79.643940 | directions=Mississauga City Hall/Civic Centre, Ground Floor | phone=+1 905-896-5088 | tollfree= | hours=M-W F 10AM-5PM; Th 10AM-8PM; Sa Su noon-4PM | price=Free | wikipedia=Art Gallery of Mississauga | wikidata=Q17985611 | lastedit=2019-06-27 | content=The AGM has over {{ft2|3000}} divided into four gallery spaces, and programmes about 10 exhibitions a year of national and international contemporary art. Check the website for closures due to installations. }} * {{see | name=Blackwood Gallery | alt=University of Toronto Mississauga | url=http://blackwoodgallery.ca/ | address=3359 Mississauga Rd | lat=43.548523 | long=-79.663204 | directions=MiWay bus 199 | phone= | hours=M-F noon-5PM, W noon-9PM, Sa noon-3PM | price= | wikipedia= | lastedit=2019-03-02 | content=Contemporary art gallery with works by professional artists. }} ===Parks=== * {{see | name=Kariya Park | alt= | url=http://www.mississauga.ca/portal/residents/kariyapark | address=3620 Kariya Dr | lat=43.589846 | long=-79.636046 | directions=City Centre | phone= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | lastedit=2019-02-28 | content=Kariya Park contains authentic Japanese gardens, and is named after Mississauga's twin-city, Kariya in Japan. }} * {{see | name=Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Garden | alt= | url=http://www.mississauga.ca/portal/discover/parksandgardens?paf_gear_id=9700018&itemId=68500048&returnUrl=%2Fportal%2Fdiscover%2Fparksandgardens | address=300 City Centre Dr | lat=43.588049 | long=-79.644612 | directions=at south-west corner of City Hall | phone= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | lastedit=2019-06-27 | content=A small but attractive flower garden and park dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Brueckner Rhododendron Gardens | alt= | url=http://brueckner-rhododendron-gardens.blogspot.com/ | email= | address=660 Lakeshore Rd W | lat=43.540112 | long=-79.597780 | directions=at Shawnmarr Rd; MiWay bus 23 | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-05-27 | content={{acre|18}} lakefront garden specializing in rhododendrons. Best seen in May and June. }} * {{see | name=Port Credit Memorial Park | alt= | url=https://www.discovermississauga.ca/see-and-do/item/port-credit-memorial-park | address=20 Lakeshore Rd E | lat=43.551447 | long=-79.587670 | directions=north side of Lakeshore Rd E | phone= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | lastedit=2019-03-01 | content=Waterfront park with trails, picnic grounds and views of the Credit River. }} * {{see | name=Lakefront Promenade Park | alt= | url=https://www.discovermississauga.ca/see-and-do/item/lakefront-promenade-park | address=115 Lakefront Promenade | lat=43.562912 | long=-79.557941 | directions=south of Lakeshore Rd E at Montbeck Cres; MiWay bus 23 from either Long Branch or Clarkson GO | phone= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | lastedit=2019-03-01 | content=Located on a peninsula jutting into Lake Ontario; base for marinas and boating clubs. }} * {{see | name=Jack Darling Memorial Park | alt= | url=http://www.jackdarling.com/ | address=1180 Lakeshore Rd W | lat=43.527417 | long=-79.605638 | directions=MiWay route 23 | phone= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | lastedit=2019-03-01 | content=Waterfront picnic park with swimming in Lake Ontario. }} * {{see | name=Erindale Park | alt= | url=http://www.mississauga.ca/portal/discover/parksandgardens?paf_gear_id=9700018&itemId=200028 | address=1695 Dundas St W | lat=43.547016 | long=-79.654580 | directions=at Nanticoke Rd; MiWay bus 1 | phone= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | lastedit=2019-03-01 | content=Walking trails, views of the Credit River and ravines, bird watching. }} * {{see | name=Lake Aquitaine Park & Trail | alt= | url=http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trails/view/lake-aquitaine-trail | address=Aquitane Ave | lat=43.588440 | long=-79.753403 | directions=east of 2700 Aquitane Ave | phone= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | lastedit=2019-03-01 | content=Scenic lake, walking trails. }} * {{see | name=Rattray Marsh Conservation Area | alt= | url=https://cvc.ca/enjoy-the-outdoors/conservation-areas/rattray-marsh-conservation-area/ | address=660 Bexhill Rd | lat=43.517248 | long=-79.607233 | directions=800 metres south of Lakeshore Rd W; MiWay bus 23 | phone= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | lastedit=2019-03-01 | content=Nature area on Lake Ontario with trails, boardwalks & birdlife. }} * {{see | name=Riverwood Park | alt=The Riverwood Conservancy | url=https://www.theriverwoodconservancy.org/ | address=4300 Riverwood Park | lat=43.563939 | long=-79.669985 | directions=Burnhamthorpe Rd W & The Credit Woodlans; MiWay bus 6 | phone= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | lastedit=2019-03-01 | content={{acre|150}} nature area with trails, wildflowers and 160 bird species, plus heritage structures and MacEwan Terrace Garden. }} ===Museums=== * {{see | name=Bradley Museum | alt= | url=https://www.discovermississauga.ca/see-and-do/item/bradley-museum | address=1620 Orr Road | lat=43.512087 | long=-79.611498 | directions=in Meadow Wood Park | phone= | hours=F-Su noon-4PM | price= | wikipedia= | lastedit=2019-03-02 | content=The museum features the restored 1830s home of early settlers in Mississauga. }} * {{see | name=Leslie Log House | alt= | url= | address=4415 Mississauga Rd | lat=43.563841 | long=-79.689234 | directions=in Hewick Meadows park; MiWay bus 44 | phone= | hours=W Su 1-4PM | price= | wikipedia= | lastedit=2019-03-02 | content=Built in 1826, the Leslie Log House today contains the archival and artifact collection of the Streetsville Historical Society. }} * {{see | name=Benares Historic House | alt= | url=https://www.discovermississauga.ca/see-and-do/item/benares-historic-house | address=1507 Clarkson Rd N | lat=43.527256 | long=-79.637307 | directions= | phone= | hours=F-Su noon-4PM | price= | wikipedia= | lastedit=2019-03-02 | content=The house was built in 1857 and was restored to the World War One era. It contains original artifacts of the Harris family that occupied it for four generations. }} ===Landmarks=== * {{listing | type=see | name=Marilyn Monroe Towers | alt=Absolute World | url=https://www.discovermississauga.ca/see-and-do/item/absolute-world-aka-the-marilyn-monroe-towers | email= | address=60 Absolute Ave | lat=43.594735 | long=-79.635487 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Absolute World | wikidata=Q332518 | lastedit=2019-02-28 | content=Absolute World is a condo development containing two towers (50 and 56 storeys). Because of their very distinctive curves, the buildings were nicknamed the Marilyn Monroe Towers. }} * {{see | name=Mississauga City Hall | alt=Mississauga Civic Centre | url=http://www.mississauga.ca/portal/cityhall | email= | address=300 City Centre Dr | lat=43.588832 | long=-79.644992 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M-F 7AM-7PM | price= | wikipedia=Mississauga Civic Centre | wikidata=Q6878956 | lastedit=2019-06-27 | content=The City Hall clock tower is a landmark at City Centre along with the Marilyn Monroe Towers. Although modern, the whole building seems to have the heft of a castle with the cylindrical structure at the building's south-east corner to house the council chamber. Mississauga's City Hall rivals Toronto's in grandeur; be sure to see the huge marble-clad atrium inside the building. }} * {{see | name=Port Credit Lighthouse | alt= | url=https://www.discovermississauga.ca/see-and-do/item/port-credit-lighthouse | address=105 Lakeshore Rd E, Port Credit | lat=43.550333 | long=-79.586926 | directions= | phone= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | lastedit=2019-02-28 | content=This functional lighthouse was built in 1991, and can cast a beam 15 miles long over Lake Ontario. The structure has a visitor deck offering views of the Credit River, the harbour and the village of Port Credit. }} ==Do== * {{listing | type=do | name=Living Arts Centre | alt= | url=https://www.livingartscentre.ca/ | email= | address=4141 Living Arts Dr | lat=43.589733 | long=-79.646171 | directions= | phone=+1 905-306-6000 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Living Arts Centre | wikidata=Q6659017 | lastedit=2019-03-03 | content=Live theatre and concerts. }} *{{do | name=Paramount Fine Foods Centre | url=http://www.paramountfinefoodscentre.com/ | email= | address=5500 Rose Cherry Pl | lat=43.632228 | long=-79.653465 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A sports and entertainment facility which has staged numerous high profile events including regional, provincial, national and world hockey championships, Skate Canada, and concerts. Also home to the NBA G League team Raptors 905, the development side for the NBA Raptors. }} *{{do | name=Scooter's Roller Palace | url=http://www.scooters.ca/ | email= | address=2105 Royal Windsor Dr | lat=43.510155 | long=-79.631954 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Just south of the Clarkson GO station, this is a popular option for families and teenagers. Skate rentals available. }} *{{do | name=Golf | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Mississauga features two primary golf courses: }} **{{do | name=BraeBen Golf Course | url=http://www.mississauga.ca/portal/discover/braebengolfcourse | email= | address=5700 Terry Fox Way | lat=43.602095 | long=-79.695171 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=9- and 18-hole championship course. }} **{{do | name=Lakeview Golf Course | url=http://www.mississauga.ca/portal/discover/lakeviewgolf | email= | address=1190 Dixie Rd | lat=43.586758 | long=-79.556686 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=18-hole course. }} *{{do | name=Fishing | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Credit River is a jewel set in the heart of southern Ontario, Canada. The Credit boasts huge runs of Chinook salmon and steelhead as well as some coho, pink and Atlantic salmon. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Square One | alt= | url=http://www.shopsquareone.com/ | email= | address=Hwys 10 and 403 | lat=43.59289 | long=-79.64299 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Ontario's largest mall, near Mississauga city hall. One of two main transfer points for MiWay buses (the other is TTC's Islington subway station). }} * {{listing | type=buy | name=Erin Mills Town Centre | alt= | url=https://www.erinmills.ca/ | email= | address=5100 Erin Mills Pkwy | lat=43.558356 | long=-79.711911 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Erin Mills Town Centre | wikidata=Q5389193 | content=Two-storey indoor mall. }} * {{buy | name=Heartland Town Centre | alt= | url=https://www.heartlandtown.com/ | email= | address=6075 Mavis Rd | lat=43.610460 | long=-79.693645 | directions=at Britannia Rd | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-03-03 | content=A shopping complex mostly consisting of "big box" stores spread out on all four corners of Mavis & Britannia. }} * {{buy | name=Old Credit Brewing | alt= | url=http://www.oldcreditbrewing.com/#home.html | email= | address=6 Queen Street West | lat=43.54963 | long=-79.59294 | directions= | phone=+1 905-271-9888 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M 1-7PM, Tu-Sa 10AM-7PM, Su noon-5PM | price= | content=Excellent small brewery that sells an amber ale and a pilsner. Also has a seasonal Holiday Honey beer. }} *{{listing | type=buy | name=Dixie Outlet Mall | alt= | url=http://www.dixieoutletmall.com/en-CA | email= | address=1250 South Service Rd | lat=43.593143 | long=-79.568376 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M-F 10AM-9PM, Sa 9:30AM-6PM, Su 11AM-6PM | price= | content=Major stores include Michael's Arts & Crafts, and Winners. }} * {{buy | name=Lindt Warehouse Outlet Boutique | alt= | url=http://www.lindt.ca/swf/eng/information/boutiques/store-locator/ | email= | address=7090 Kennedy Road | lat=43.65823 | long=-79.69944 | directions= | phone=+1 905-696-8143 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 9:30AM-7PM, Sa 9:30AM-6PM, Su 11AM-5PM | price= | content=Great selection of chocolate at a discount. }} * {{listing | type=buy | name=Skiis & Biikes | alt= | url=https://skiisandbiikes.com/pages/locations__mississauga#/ | email=miss@skiisandbiikes.com | address=1945 Dundas Street East | lat=43.6213 | long=-79.5718 | directions= | phone=+1 905-896-1206 | tollfree= | hours=10AM-8PM | price= | lastedit=2015-03-19 | content=Bike shop, sale and rental, repairs, accessories and expert bike fitting. }} ==Eat== * {{listing | type=eat | name=Axia Restaurant and Bar | alt= | url=http://www.axiarestaurant.com | email= | address=5045 Plantation Place | lat=43.552142 | long=-79.714844 | directions=Along Eglinton Ave W near Erin Mills | phone=+1 905-608-2942 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Mains $15-20, appetizers $5-10 | content=In Erin Mills, wide variety of fully authentic Asian food, specialising in Chinese, Japanese, Thai and Korean cuisine. Fully liquor licensed with unique flavoured Korean soju and alcoholic bubble tea. }} * {{eat | name=Nirvana | alt= | url=http://www.nirvanatheflavoursofindia.com/ | email= | address=35 Brunel Road | lat=43.62597 | long=-79.67747 | directions=in the north end of Mississauga close to Brampton | phone=+1 905-501-5500 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Mains $13 | content=Flavours of India. Slightly upscale, friendly place with great food. }} *{{listing | type=eat | name=Apricot Tree Café | alt= | url=http://www.apricottreecafe.com/ | email= | address=1900 Dundas St. W | lat=43.539384 | long=-79.662829 | directions=The Apricot Tree is on Dundas St. between the Erin Mills Pkwy and Mississauga Rd. | phone=+1 905-855-1470 | tollfree= | hours=M 10AM-9PM, Tu-F 10AM-10PM, Sa 9AM-10PM, closed Su | price=Breakfast $8; lunch $11; dinner $17 | content=Open kitchen design which allows guests to watch their order being prepared, wide range of excellent pastries and cakes for dessert. }} *{{listing | type=eat | name=Master Steaks | alt= | url=http://www.mastersteaks.com/ | email= | address=5895 Dixie Road | lat=43.653607 | long=-79.644170 | directions=three lights north of the 401 | phone=+1 905-670-3313 | tollfree= | hours=open late | price=$7-25 | content=Generous portions for its price range, one of the few where you can get a steak dinner for less than $20. The atmosphere is somewhat reminiscent of a 1970s fast food eatery where you place your order at the till and wait until your number is called. Very popular with the after-hours bar crowd. Look out for specials under $15. Licensed. Take out available. }} * {{eat | name=Desi Bar & Grill | alt= | url=https://desibarandgrill.ca/ | email=info@desi.bar | address=925 Rathburn Rd E, L4W 4C3 | lat=43.616212 | long=-79.617698 | directions=Tomken Plaza | phone=+1 905-232-6788 | tollfree= | hours=5PM-midnight | price=Mains $15 | lastedit=2024-10-11 | content=Flavours of India. Slightly upscale, friendly place with great food, drinks and music. }} * {{eat | name=The Hakka Club | alt= | url=https://www.thehakkaclub.ca/ | email= | address=7030 St Barbara Blvd, L5W 0E6 | lat=43.638181 | long=-79.715663 | directions=in Derry Village Square | phone=+1 905-565-1144 | tollfree= | hours=5PM-midnight | price=15 | lastedit=2024-10-11 | content=Relaxed eatery fixing up Indian and Chinese staples such as meat, seafood & veggie dishes, plus momos. }} ===Port Credit=== * {{eat | name=Huevos Gourmet | alt= | url=http://www.huevosgourmet.ca/ | address=241 Lakeshore Rd E | lat=43.5594 | long=-79.5771 | directions= | phone=+1 905-274-1394 | hours=8AM-4PM | price=Moderately priced | lastedit=2022-05-12 | content=Mexican inspired brunch, for example Taco Benedict and Huevos Rancheros. }} * {{eat | name=Posta Italbar Cucina | alt= | url=http://www.postaportcredit.com/ | address=31 Lakeshore Rd E | lat=43.5517 | long=-79.5851 | directions= | phone=+1 905-891-0193 | hours=Tu-Th 4-11PM, F 4PM-midnight, Sa noon-midnight, Su noon-11PM | price=Expensive | lastedit=2022-05-12 | content=Italian cuisine; view of harbour. }} * {{eat | name=Scoops Ice Cream | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Ice-Cream-Shop/Scoops-Ice-Cream-127483187287800/ | address=82 Lakeshore Rd E | lat=43.5529 | long=-79.5846 | directions= | phone=+1 905-278-2653 | hours=Su-Th noon-9PM, F Sa noon-9:30PM | price= | lastedit=2022-05-12 | content=In-house artisan ice cream }} ==Drink== * {{listing | type=drink | name=Sugar Daddy's | alt= | url=https://drum-lily-k8af.squarespace.com/sugar-daddys-nightclub/ | email= | address=5165 Dixie Road | lat=43.639677 | long=-79.624040 | directions=4 lights south of the 401, Mississauga | phone=+1 905-602-4990 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Established in 2003. Club MC is Slick Vic, with DJ Constantine. }} * {{drink | name=Capitol Singles' Dance | alt= | url=http://www.capitolsinglesdance.com/ | email= | address=6435 Dixie Road (4 lights north of the 401) | lat=43.665355 | long=-79.659002 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Every Friday night from 7PM till 1AM | price= | lastedit=2019-02-28 | content=All singles 19 and over welcome; however, the majority of attendees tend to be the 30+ after-work crowd. DJ Dianne plays a mix of today's dance hits with the greatest hits from the 1950s to the 1990s, country, swing, waltz, polka, and Latin favourites. She also gladly takes requests. Admission is $15 (conditions apply) and includes a buffet dinner served 7:30PM till 9:30PM. Dress code - no jeans or sneakers. Cash bar. Draw and spot dances. Ample free parking. }} ==Sleep== *{{sleep | name=The Waterside Inn | url=http://www.watersideinn.ca/ | email= | address=15 Stavebank Road South | lat=43.551466 | long=-79.584502 | directions= | phone = +1 905-891-7770 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Waterfront hotel in Port Credit. Uniquely decorated and furnished guest suites. Wifi, restaurant, and conference rooms. }} *{{sleep | name=Hotel Novotel Toronto Mississauga Centre | alt= | url=http://www.novotel.com/gb/hotel-0841-novotel-toronto-mississauga-cntr/index.shtml | email= | address=3670 Hurontario Street | lat=43.592417 | long=-79.635004 | directions=25 min from the centre of Toronto and 18 km from Pearson Airport | phone=+1 905 896-1000 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=325 rooms, Wifi, and a restaurant. }} *{{sleep | name=Hilton Garden Inn Toronto/Mississauga | alt= | url=http://www.torontomississauga.gardeninn.com | email= | address=100 Traders Boulevard | lat=43.623897 | long=-79.671962 | directions= | phone = +1 905 890-9110 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | content=Guest rooms selected at check-in featuring single or double beds. Free complementary parking, no pets allowed. }} ===Airport hotels=== *{{sleep | name=Best Western Plus Toronto Airport Hotel | url=http://www.bestwesterntorontoairportwest.com/ | email= | address=5825 Dixie Road, L4W 1E8 | lat=43.65227 | long=-79.642854 | directions= | phone = +1 905-670-8180 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Complimentary airport shuttle & overnight parking, meeting and banquet facilities, indoor heated pool, whirlpool, sauna, suites available. }} * {{sleep | name=Four Points by Sheraton Toronto Airport | alt= | url=http://www.fourpointstorontoairport.com | email= | address=6257 Airport Road | lat=43.690274 | long=-79.621717 | directions= | phone=+1 905-678-1400 | tollfree=+1-866-716-8133 | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=500 m from airport, shuttle bus to terminals, 24-hour business centre, fitness, on-site restaurant. }} *{{sleep | name=Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel & Suites | alt= | url=https://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/ontario/hilton-toronto-airport-hotel-and-suites-YYZHIHH/index.html | email= | address=5875 Airport Road, L4V 1N1 | lat=43.686723 | long=-79.604238 | directions= | phone=+1 905-677-9900 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=From $140 | lastedit=2017-06-12 | content=Complimentary 24-hour airport shuttle, overnight parking, meeting and banquet facilities, outdoor heated pool, squash, sauna, suites available. }} There are a pair of hotels at [[Toronto Pearson International Airport|Pearson Airport]] or on the airport grounds: * {{sleep | name=Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Toronto International Airport | alt= | url=http://www.sheratongatewaytorontoairport.com | email= | address=Terminal 3 Pearson Airport (YYZ) | lat=43.686487 | long=-79.620002 | directions= | phone=+1 905-672-7000 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Only hotel in the airport terminal. }} * {{sleep | name=Alt Hotel Toronto Airport | alt= | url=http://toronto.althotels.ca/en | email= | address= 6080 Viscount Road, Mississauga | lat=43.689777 | long=-79.614602 | directions= | phone=+1 905-362-4337 | tollfree=+1-855-855-6080 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=On airport grounds, near Link Train station and value car park lots. }} A series of large hotels on [[Toronto]]'s Dixon Road serves Pearson Airport (Dixon Road, Toronto becomes Airport Road in Malton). See [[Toronto/Etobicoke#Sleep|Etobicoke]]. * {{sleep | name=Radisson Toronto Airport West | alt= | url=https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-mississauga-yyz | email= | address=175 Derry Road E | lat=43.6504 | long=-79.70216 | directions= | phone=+1 905-364-9999 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2020-01-09 | content= }} ==Stay safe== Mississauga is a fairly safe city, however, use common sense and vigilance at night like any other large city, as muggings can sometimes happen. The local police are friendly, trustworthy, and approachable, so any issues you have you can ask them for help. On the weekend, clubs and bars in Mississauga can fill up with people fast. If you see a confrontation in a bar or club, it is best not to get involved, as these can escalate quickly. For life-threatening emergencies, dial 9-1-1 to be connected to Police, Fire, or Ambulance. For non-emergency inquiries, you can dial the following: * {{listing | name=Mississauga Fire | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 905-615-3777 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-04-14 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Peel Paramedic Services | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-800-668-7821 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-04-14 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Peel Regional Police | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 905-453-3311 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-04-14 | content= }} On the whole, Mississauga is a safe city, and for the average tourist, you should have no problems. ==Go next== {{routebox | image1=VIA Rail Sarnia Toronto icon.png | imagesize1=100 | link1=Windsor-Quebec corridor | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Kitchener]] | minorl1=[[Brampton]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=END | minorr1='''[[Toronto]]''' | image2=Ontario QEW.svg | imagesize2=20 | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Hamilton (Ontario)|Hamilton]] | minorl2=[[Oakville (Ontario)|Oakville]] | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[Toronto]] | minorr2=[[Toronto/Etobicoke|Etobicoke]] | image3=Ontario 401.svg | imagesize3=20 | directionl3=W | majorl3=[[London (Ontario)|London]] | minorl3=[[Milton (Ontario)|Milton]] | directionr3=E | majorr3=[[Toronto]] | minorr3=[[Toronto/Etobicoke|Etobicoke]] | image4=Ontario 403.svg | imagesize4=20 | directionl4=W | majorl4=[[Hamilton (Ontario)|Hamilton]] | minorl4=[[Oakville (Ontario)|Oakville]] | directionr4=E | majorr4=Ends at [[File:Ontario 401.svg|16px]][[File:Ontario 410.svg|16px]] | minorr4= | image5=407 Express Toll Route Traffic Sign.svg | imagesize5=22 | directionl5=W | majorl5=[[Hamilton (Ontario)|Hamilton]] | minorl5=[[Milton (Ontario)|Milton]] | directionr5=E | majorr5=[[Markham]] | minorr5=[[Brampton]] | image6=Ontario 410.svg | imagesize6=20 | directionl6=&thinsp;N | majorl6=[[Owen Sound]] | minorl6=[[Brampton]] | directionr6=S | majorr6=Ends at [[File:Ontario 401.svg|16px]][[File:Ontario 403.svg|16px]] | minorr6= | image7=Ontario 427.svg | imagesize7=20 | directionl7=&thinsp;N | majorl7=END | minorl7=[[Vaughan]] | directionr7=S | majorr7=[[Toronto]] | minorr7=[[Toronto/Etobicoke|Etobicoke]] | image8=GO Transit Kitchener icon.png | imagesize8=100 | directionl8=W | majorl8=[[Kitchener]] | minorl8=[[Brampton]] | directionr8=E | majorr8=[[Toronto/Entertainment and Financial Districts|Toronto]] | minorr8=[[Toronto/Etobicoke|Etobicoke]] | image9=GO Transit Lakeshore West icon.png | imagesize9=100 | directionl9=&thinsp;N | majorl9=[[Toronto/Entertainment and Financial Districts|Toronto]] | minorl9=[[Toronto/Etobicoke|Etobicoke]] | directionr9=S | majorr9=[[Niagara Falls (Ontario)|Niagara Falls]] | minorr9=[[Oakville (Ontario)|Oakville]] | image10=GO Transit Milton icon.png | imagesize10=100 | directionl10=W | majorl10=END | minorl10='''[[Milton (Ontario)|Milton]]''' | directionr10=E | majorr10=[[Toronto/Entertainment and Financial Districts|Toronto]] | minorr10=[[Toronto/Etobicoke|Etobicoke]] }} {{geo|43.6000|-79.6500}} {{isPartOf|Peel (Ontario)}} {{usablecity}} ng1q5hiuqg9np31q2nwhrggid2guf21 5086689 5086673 2025-07-02T16:40:05Z 2607:FEA8:3460:7700:55E1:7CBA:44E6:1E5E /* Get around */ 5086689 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Mississauga banner.jpg}} '''Mississauga''' is a city in southwestern [[Ontario]], [[Canada]]. It is [[Toronto|Toronto's]] largest suburb and Canada's seventh largest city. ==Understand== ===Visitor information=== * [https://www.discovermississauga.ca/ discovermississauga.ca] ==Get in== [[File:Mississauga city hall 2005.jpg|thumb|right|Mississauga Civic Centre]] ===By air=== Mississauga ({{IATA|YYZ}}) is home to Canada's largest airport. Located in Malton, [[Toronto Pearson International Airport]] primarily serves [[Toronto|Canada's largest city]], with two crowded terminals and flights from cities across Canada, many American cities and European, Asian, Latin American, African and Oceanian destinations. The airport is a short taxi ride from anywhere in Mississauga and is served by local buses. Alternatives to Mississauga's main airport are [[Hamilton (Ontario)|Hamilton]] ({{IATA|YHM}}) and [[Buffalo]] ({{IATA|BUF}}), which both offer a much smaller selection of flights but are occasionally less expensive. ===By car=== Mississauga is served by 4 major expressways: * The 401 links Mississauga with [[Windsor (Ontario)|Windsor]]-[[Detroit]] in the west, following the [[Windsor-Quebec corridor]] through [[Kingston (Ontario)|Kingston]] and [[Montreal|Montréal]] in the east, continuing as Québec Autoroute 20 to [[Rivière-du-Loup]]. The 401 in [[Toronto]] is the busiest highway in Canada if not all of North America. * The 403 links to [[Hamilton (Ontario)|Hamilton]] and [[Brantford]] to the west, rejoining the 401 before [[London (Ontario)]]. It becomes Highway 410 at the 401, leading to [[Brampton]] in the North. * The Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) links Mississauga with the Gardiner Expressway and downtown Toronto in the east, connects with the 403 in the west, and continues to [[St. Catharines]], [[Niagara Falls (Ontario)|Niagara Falls]], and [[Fort Erie]]/[[Buffalo]]. * The 407 is an east-west toll route running parallel with the 401; it is one of the most expensive toll roads in North America. As the tolls are billed to the registered owner of the vehicle, rental companies may refuse to authorize their vehicles to be taken on this privately-operated road. === By train === {{Seealso|Rail travel in Canada}} * {{go | name=Malton station | alt= | url=https://www.viarail.ca/en/explore-our-destinations/stations/ontario/malton | email= | address=3060 Derry Road East | lat=43.70516 | long=-79.63823 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Malton GO Station | wikidata=Q5268140 | lastedit=2023-08-26 | content= }} ** {{listing|name=VIA Rail Canada|alt=|url=https://www.viarail.ca/|email=|address=|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=|tollfree=+1-888-842-7245|hours=|price=|wikipedia=Via Rail|wikidata=Q876720|lastedit=2022-04-22|content=Operates many intercity trains across [[Canada]].}} Operates a route daily between [[Sarnia]] and [[Toronto]] including stops in [[London (Ontario)|London]], [[St. Marys (Ontario)|St. Marys]], [[Stratford (Ontario)|Stratford]], [[Kitchener]], [[Guelph]], [[Georgetown (Ontario)|Georgetown]], [[Brampton]], and Mississauga. ===By public transit=== * {{listing | name=GO Transit | alt= | url=http://www.gotransit.com/ | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | lastedit=2019-02-27 | content=[[GO Transit]] operates commuter train and bus services connecting Mississauga to the rest of the [[Greater Toronto Area]]. Two GO train lines pass through Mississauga: Lakeshore West line and Milton line. The Lakeshore West train line operates 18 hours per day, every day with a frequency of 30 minutes or better in each direction, with {{marker|type=go|name=Long Branch GO|lat=43.591381|long=-79.546134}}, {{marker|type=go|name=Port Credit GO|lat=43.555992|long=-79.586888}} and {{marker|type=go|name=Clarkson GO| lat=43.512506|long=-79.634325}} stations serving Mississauga. Less useful for visitors is the Milton train line, a rush-hour, peak-direction service with trains operating to Toronto during the morning rush hours, returning in the evening. GO buses have a hub at {{marker|type=go|name=Square One GO Bus Terminal|lat=43.595266|long=-79.648419}}, providing service to Toronto, Toronto Pearson International Airport, Brampton as well as other destinations. GO trains and some GO bus services go to Toronto Union Station where one can connect with Via Rail trains. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=[[#MiWay|MiWay]] | alt= | url= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | lastedit=2019-02-27 | content=MiWay route 3 Bloor provides frequent mid-day service between Islington subway station and Square One. }} ** {{go | name=Kipling subway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=43.645107 | long=-79.524574 | directions=Subway Line 2 Bloor–Danforth | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Kipling station#Kipling Bus Terminal | wikidata=Q1041874 | lastedit=2022-10-14 | content=Kipling subway station in [[Toronto/Etobicoke|Etobicoke]] offers a good selection of MiWay routes, with several going to Square One (City Centre Transit Terminal). Click the Wikipedia link for a list of MiWay bus routes serving this station. }} ** {{listing | type=go | name=City Centre Transit Terminal | alt= | url= | email= | address=Square One, Mississauga | lat=43.594354 | long=-79.647123 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Mississauga City Centre Transit Terminal#MiWay | wikidata=Q6878952 | lastedit=2019-03-04 | content=Click the Wikipedia link for a list of MiWay bus routes. }} <!-- Cancelled as of Oct 2022 * {{listing | name= FlixBus| alt= | url=https://www.flixbus.ca/| email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-04-08 | content= Bus service from [[Guelph]] and [[Kitchener]]. }} --> ==Get around== The city is very spread out, and it is difficult to traverse without a car. ===By public transit=== {{listing | name=MiWay | alt=Mississauga Transit | url=http://www.mississauga.ca/portal/miway | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Cash fare: $4.25 for persons ages 13-64 and $1.00 for persons ages 65+; Presto fares: $3.40 adult (20-64), $2.65 youth (13-19), children (0-12) ride fare-free all-day everyday when travelling with an accompanying adult. If they're travelling independently they require a valid child Presto card even though it does not charge a fare. Seniors (65+) also ride fare-free all-day everyday with a valid senior Presto card. | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content=MiWay provides bus service within the City of Mississauga. MiWay accepts the [[Presto card]] for fare payment. Riders ages 13+ may also pay by tapping a credit or debit card on the Presto reader in which case the current adult cash fare price ($4.25) will be charged. }} ''MiWay Local'' operate like the old Mississauga Transit using most of the same routes. Waiting times are typically 15 to 45 minutes on weekdays. ''MiWay Express'' (100-series routes) travel on expressways and major thoroughfares with a limited number of designated stops; the buses are equipped with reading lights and power outlets at each seat but most routes are weekday peak hours only. Routes 110 University Express, 103 Hurontario Express, 107 Malton Express and 109 Meadowvale Express operate 7 days/week. MiWay Express routes 100 Airport Express, 107 and 109 use the [http://www.mississauga.ca/portal/miway/transitwaystations ''Mississauga Transitway''], a 12-station busway in the form of bus rapid transit (BRT), running along Highway 403 from Winston Churchill Boulevard to Cawthra Road via the City Centre. Service on the 103 may be affected due to the ongoing construction of the Hazel McCallion LRT (named for Mississauga's longtime former mayor). MiWay bus 23 runs between Long Branch GO Station and Clarkson GO Station stopping at Port Credit GO Station; it is useful for visiting sights along Lake Shore Road. It also connects with the 501 Queen, 507 Long Branch and 508 Lake Shore streetcars at Long Branch; however, GO Transit trains may make a faster connection to bus 23. MiWay buses display a route number followed by a one-letter suffix (N, S, E, W) to indicate the direction of the bus. This can be useful for riders at bus terminals where a bus route may pass through in both directions. [http://www.bramptontransit.com '''Brampton Transit'''] serves Pearson airport's Terminal 1 (route 115) and the Mississauga City Centre Transit Terminal (Züm route 502) near Square One mall. [https://www.oakvilletransit.ca/ '''Oakville Transit'''] services Clarkson GO station near the Oakville boundary. [http://www.milton.ca/transit '''Milton Transit'''] services Lisgar GO station at Argentina Road and Tenth Line. [http://www.ttc.ca '''Toronto Transit Commission''' (TTC)] has several bus routes terminating in Mississauga which can be divided into two groups: * Routes 900 Airport Express, 52A Lawrence West and 952 Lawrence West Express run from subway stations to Pearson Airport serving Malton east of the airport. Route 32A Eglinton West runs east from Eglinton subway station to Renforth Station with connections to the Mississauga Transitway. The TTC fare applies to these routes. * Routes 52B/52D Lawrence West serve Malton beyond Pearson Airport. Do '''not''' take buses 52B/52D to go to the airport as both routes bypass the airport. Routes 52B/52D cross the municipal boundary, and use MiWay fares in Mississauga and TTC fares in Toronto. If you pay the fare with a [[Presto card|Presto]], credit or debit card, you will pay only one fare to cross the municipal boundary; if you pay cash you must pay both the MiWay and TTC fares. Presto tickets are '''not''' valid beyond the airport. If crossing the municipal boundary on routes 52B/52D, you pay or validate your fare twice, once when boarding the bus in one municipality. and a second time when getting off in the other. A fare allows for 2 hours of travel on MiWay including changing MiWay buses, or transferring to connecting buses run by [[Brampton#Get around|'''Brampton Transit''']] (including Züm express buses), [[Oakville (Ontario)#Get around|'''Oakville Transit''']], [[Milton (Ontario)#Get around|'''Milton Transit''']] and the [[Toronto#By public transit|Toronto Transit Commission]] (TTC). If paying by cash, ask for a "transfer" to use as a paper receipt, except for the TTC which does not accept a MiWay paper transfer. For Presto, credit and debit card users, transfer info is automatically tracked to your card when you tap on, including the TTC. The Presto ticket (as opposed to a Presto card) is not valid outside of Toronto. If transferring from GO Transit to MiWay to complete a trip, the MiWay fare will be free when using a Presto, credit or debit card. Just tap your card on both transit systems to get the free MiWay fare. When using a Presto, credit or debit card to transfer from MiWay to GO Transit, the MiWay fare will be refunded to your card at the end of your trip. ===By taxis=== Mississauga taxis are metered, rates start at $4.25 plus $1.75/km ($2.85/mile) or $0.50/minute, billed in 25-cent increments. There are various taxi or limousine operators which serve just Pearson Airport; these are available from taxi stands at the terminals. A few operators of various colours are available city-wide. * {{listing | name=A Black Cab | alt= | url=http://www.ablackcab.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 905-822-4000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=24/7 | price= | content=Fifty cars, smoke-free, parcel delivery, pet or wheelchair accessible vehicles on advance request. }} * {{listing | name=Blue & White Taxi | alt= | url=http://blueandwhitetaxi.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +1 905-274-4444 | tollfree=+1-877-274-0470 | fax= | hours=24/7 | price= | content=250 GPS-equipped blue cabs, including sedans, vans and 24 wheelchair accessible vehicles. Smoke-free, airport service, online booking app, parcel delivery. }} * {{listing | name=Golden City Taxi | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 905-271-3335 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Peel Taxi | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 905-624-1010 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} === By ride hailing === * {{Listing|name=Lyft|url=https://www.lyft.com/rider/cities/city-of-toronto-on|lastedit=2022-07-31}} * {{Listing|name=Uber|url=https://www.uber.com/cities/toronto|lastedit=2022-07-31|content=UberX service is available via smartphone app throughout the city with fares running roughly half the price of a taxi. An average 5 km (3.1 mi) trip costs roughly $8.25.}} ==See== {{mapframe|zoom=10|43.6082|-79.6674}}{{mapshape}} {{mapshapes|Q28971910}} <!--GO Trains--> {{mapshapes|Q20379}} <!--Toronto Subway--> ===Villages=== [[Image:MississaugaPortCredit.jpg|thumb|Port Credit]] Two communities have retained much of their village atmosphere. * {{listing | type=see | name=Port Credit | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=43.55388 | long=-79.58426 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Port Credit | wikidata=Q7230570 | content=An older, historic village at the centre of Mississauga's Lake Ontario shore features many intimate small restaurants, cafes and bars. Annual events include the Waterfront Festival and Jazz/Bluesfest. Nice Marina and walking paths at the Credit River entrance and along the lakeshore. }} *{{see | name=Streetsville | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=43.581989 | long=-79.714171 | directions=along Queen St S | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Streetsville, Mississauga | wikidata=Q7623156 | lastedit=2023-06-04 | content=This small village is where the late renowned mayor of Mississauga, Hazel McCallion, used to reside. It has many shops, restaurants, and green areas to explore. Visit in June to enjoy the Bread and Honey Festival or in winter months for Remembrance Day services and the Santa Claus Parade. }} ===Galleries=== *{{listing | type=see | name=Art Gallery of Mississauga | alt=AGM | url=http://www.artgalleryofmississauga.com/ | email= | address=300 City Centre Drive | lat=43.589368 | long=-79.643940 | directions=Mississauga City Hall/Civic Centre, Ground Floor | phone=+1 905-896-5088 | tollfree= | hours=M-W F 10AM-5PM; Th 10AM-8PM; Sa Su noon-4PM | price=Free | wikipedia=Art Gallery of Mississauga | wikidata=Q17985611 | lastedit=2019-06-27 | content=The AGM has over {{ft2|3000}} divided into four gallery spaces, and programmes about 10 exhibitions a year of national and international contemporary art. Check the website for closures due to installations. }} * {{see | name=Blackwood Gallery | alt=University of Toronto Mississauga | url=http://blackwoodgallery.ca/ | address=3359 Mississauga Rd | lat=43.548523 | long=-79.663204 | directions=MiWay bus 199 | phone= | hours=M-F noon-5PM, W noon-9PM, Sa noon-3PM | price= | wikipedia= | lastedit=2019-03-02 | content=Contemporary art gallery with works by professional artists. }} ===Parks=== * {{see | name=Kariya Park | alt= | url=http://www.mississauga.ca/portal/residents/kariyapark | address=3620 Kariya Dr | lat=43.589846 | long=-79.636046 | directions=City Centre | phone= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | lastedit=2019-02-28 | content=Kariya Park contains authentic Japanese gardens, and is named after Mississauga's twin-city, Kariya in Japan. }} * {{see | name=Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Garden | alt= | url=http://www.mississauga.ca/portal/discover/parksandgardens?paf_gear_id=9700018&itemId=68500048&returnUrl=%2Fportal%2Fdiscover%2Fparksandgardens | address=300 City Centre Dr | lat=43.588049 | long=-79.644612 | directions=at south-west corner of City Hall | phone= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | lastedit=2019-06-27 | content=A small but attractive flower garden and park dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Brueckner Rhododendron Gardens | alt= | url=http://brueckner-rhododendron-gardens.blogspot.com/ | email= | address=660 Lakeshore Rd W | lat=43.540112 | long=-79.597780 | directions=at Shawnmarr Rd; MiWay bus 23 | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-05-27 | content={{acre|18}} lakefront garden specializing in rhododendrons. Best seen in May and June. }} * {{see | name=Port Credit Memorial Park | alt= | url=https://www.discovermississauga.ca/see-and-do/item/port-credit-memorial-park | address=20 Lakeshore Rd E | lat=43.551447 | long=-79.587670 | directions=north side of Lakeshore Rd E | phone= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | lastedit=2019-03-01 | content=Waterfront park with trails, picnic grounds and views of the Credit River. }} * {{see | name=Lakefront Promenade Park | alt= | url=https://www.discovermississauga.ca/see-and-do/item/lakefront-promenade-park | address=115 Lakefront Promenade | lat=43.562912 | long=-79.557941 | directions=south of Lakeshore Rd E at Montbeck Cres; MiWay bus 23 from either Long Branch or Clarkson GO | phone= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | lastedit=2019-03-01 | content=Located on a peninsula jutting into Lake Ontario; base for marinas and boating clubs. }} * {{see | name=Jack Darling Memorial Park | alt= | url=http://www.jackdarling.com/ | address=1180 Lakeshore Rd W | lat=43.527417 | long=-79.605638 | directions=MiWay route 23 | phone= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | lastedit=2019-03-01 | content=Waterfront picnic park with swimming in Lake Ontario. }} * {{see | name=Erindale Park | alt= | url=http://www.mississauga.ca/portal/discover/parksandgardens?paf_gear_id=9700018&itemId=200028 | address=1695 Dundas St W | lat=43.547016 | long=-79.654580 | directions=at Nanticoke Rd; MiWay bus 1 | phone= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | lastedit=2019-03-01 | content=Walking trails, views of the Credit River and ravines, bird watching. }} * {{see | name=Lake Aquitaine Park & Trail | alt= | url=http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trails/view/lake-aquitaine-trail | address=Aquitane Ave | lat=43.588440 | long=-79.753403 | directions=east of 2700 Aquitane Ave | phone= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | lastedit=2019-03-01 | content=Scenic lake, walking trails. }} * {{see | name=Rattray Marsh Conservation Area | alt= | url=https://cvc.ca/enjoy-the-outdoors/conservation-areas/rattray-marsh-conservation-area/ | address=660 Bexhill Rd | lat=43.517248 | long=-79.607233 | directions=800 metres south of Lakeshore Rd W; MiWay bus 23 | phone= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | lastedit=2019-03-01 | content=Nature area on Lake Ontario with trails, boardwalks & birdlife. }} * {{see | name=Riverwood Park | alt=The Riverwood Conservancy | url=https://www.theriverwoodconservancy.org/ | address=4300 Riverwood Park | lat=43.563939 | long=-79.669985 | directions=Burnhamthorpe Rd W & The Credit Woodlans; MiWay bus 6 | phone= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | lastedit=2019-03-01 | content={{acre|150}} nature area with trails, wildflowers and 160 bird species, plus heritage structures and MacEwan Terrace Garden. }} ===Museums=== * {{see | name=Bradley Museum | alt= | url=https://www.discovermississauga.ca/see-and-do/item/bradley-museum | address=1620 Orr Road | lat=43.512087 | long=-79.611498 | directions=in Meadow Wood Park | phone= | hours=F-Su noon-4PM | price= | wikipedia= | lastedit=2019-03-02 | content=The museum features the restored 1830s home of early settlers in Mississauga. }} * {{see | name=Leslie Log House | alt= | url= | address=4415 Mississauga Rd | lat=43.563841 | long=-79.689234 | directions=in Hewick Meadows park; MiWay bus 44 | phone= | hours=W Su 1-4PM | price= | wikipedia= | lastedit=2019-03-02 | content=Built in 1826, the Leslie Log House today contains the archival and artifact collection of the Streetsville Historical Society. }} * {{see | name=Benares Historic House | alt= | url=https://www.discovermississauga.ca/see-and-do/item/benares-historic-house | address=1507 Clarkson Rd N | lat=43.527256 | long=-79.637307 | directions= | phone= | hours=F-Su noon-4PM | price= | wikipedia= | lastedit=2019-03-02 | content=The house was built in 1857 and was restored to the World War One era. It contains original artifacts of the Harris family that occupied it for four generations. }} ===Landmarks=== * {{listing | type=see | name=Marilyn Monroe Towers | alt=Absolute World | url=https://www.discovermississauga.ca/see-and-do/item/absolute-world-aka-the-marilyn-monroe-towers | email= | address=60 Absolute Ave | lat=43.594735 | long=-79.635487 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Absolute World | wikidata=Q332518 | lastedit=2019-02-28 | content=Absolute World is a condo development containing two towers (50 and 56 storeys). Because of their very distinctive curves, the buildings were nicknamed the Marilyn Monroe Towers. }} * {{see | name=Mississauga City Hall | alt=Mississauga Civic Centre | url=http://www.mississauga.ca/portal/cityhall | email= | address=300 City Centre Dr | lat=43.588832 | long=-79.644992 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M-F 7AM-7PM | price= | wikipedia=Mississauga Civic Centre | wikidata=Q6878956 | lastedit=2019-06-27 | content=The City Hall clock tower is a landmark at City Centre along with the Marilyn Monroe Towers. Although modern, the whole building seems to have the heft of a castle with the cylindrical structure at the building's south-east corner to house the council chamber. Mississauga's City Hall rivals Toronto's in grandeur; be sure to see the huge marble-clad atrium inside the building. }} * {{see | name=Port Credit Lighthouse | alt= | url=https://www.discovermississauga.ca/see-and-do/item/port-credit-lighthouse | address=105 Lakeshore Rd E, Port Credit | lat=43.550333 | long=-79.586926 | directions= | phone= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | lastedit=2019-02-28 | content=This functional lighthouse was built in 1991, and can cast a beam 15 miles long over Lake Ontario. The structure has a visitor deck offering views of the Credit River, the harbour and the village of Port Credit. }} ==Do== * {{listing | type=do | name=Living Arts Centre | alt= | url=https://www.livingartscentre.ca/ | email= | address=4141 Living Arts Dr | lat=43.589733 | long=-79.646171 | directions= | phone=+1 905-306-6000 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Living Arts Centre | wikidata=Q6659017 | lastedit=2019-03-03 | content=Live theatre and concerts. }} *{{do | name=Paramount Fine Foods Centre | url=http://www.paramountfinefoodscentre.com/ | email= | address=5500 Rose Cherry Pl | lat=43.632228 | long=-79.653465 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A sports and entertainment facility which has staged numerous high profile events including regional, provincial, national and world hockey championships, Skate Canada, and concerts. Also home to the NBA G League team Raptors 905, the development side for the NBA Raptors. }} *{{do | name=Scooter's Roller Palace | url=http://www.scooters.ca/ | email= | address=2105 Royal Windsor Dr | lat=43.510155 | long=-79.631954 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Just south of the Clarkson GO station, this is a popular option for families and teenagers. Skate rentals available. }} *{{do | name=Golf | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Mississauga features two primary golf courses: }} **{{do | name=BraeBen Golf Course | url=http://www.mississauga.ca/portal/discover/braebengolfcourse | email= | address=5700 Terry Fox Way | lat=43.602095 | long=-79.695171 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=9- and 18-hole championship course. }} **{{do | name=Lakeview Golf Course | url=http://www.mississauga.ca/portal/discover/lakeviewgolf | email= | address=1190 Dixie Rd | lat=43.586758 | long=-79.556686 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=18-hole course. }} *{{do | name=Fishing | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Credit River is a jewel set in the heart of southern Ontario, Canada. The Credit boasts huge runs of Chinook salmon and steelhead as well as some coho, pink and Atlantic salmon. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Square One | alt= | url=http://www.shopsquareone.com/ | email= | address=Hwys 10 and 403 | lat=43.59289 | long=-79.64299 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Ontario's largest mall, near Mississauga city hall. One of two main transfer points for MiWay buses (the other is TTC's Islington subway station). }} * {{listing | type=buy | name=Erin Mills Town Centre | alt= | url=https://www.erinmills.ca/ | email= | address=5100 Erin Mills Pkwy | lat=43.558356 | long=-79.711911 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Erin Mills Town Centre | wikidata=Q5389193 | content=Two-storey indoor mall. }} * {{buy | name=Heartland Town Centre | alt= | url=https://www.heartlandtown.com/ | email= | address=6075 Mavis Rd | lat=43.610460 | long=-79.693645 | directions=at Britannia Rd | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-03-03 | content=A shopping complex mostly consisting of "big box" stores spread out on all four corners of Mavis & Britannia. }} * {{buy | name=Old Credit Brewing | alt= | url=http://www.oldcreditbrewing.com/#home.html | email= | address=6 Queen Street West | lat=43.54963 | long=-79.59294 | directions= | phone=+1 905-271-9888 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M 1-7PM, Tu-Sa 10AM-7PM, Su noon-5PM | price= | content=Excellent small brewery that sells an amber ale and a pilsner. Also has a seasonal Holiday Honey beer. }} *{{listing | type=buy | name=Dixie Outlet Mall | alt= | url=http://www.dixieoutletmall.com/en-CA | email= | address=1250 South Service Rd | lat=43.593143 | long=-79.568376 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M-F 10AM-9PM, Sa 9:30AM-6PM, Su 11AM-6PM | price= | content=Major stores include Michael's Arts & Crafts, and Winners. }} * {{buy | name=Lindt Warehouse Outlet Boutique | alt= | url=http://www.lindt.ca/swf/eng/information/boutiques/store-locator/ | email= | address=7090 Kennedy Road | lat=43.65823 | long=-79.69944 | directions= | phone=+1 905-696-8143 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 9:30AM-7PM, Sa 9:30AM-6PM, Su 11AM-5PM | price= | content=Great selection of chocolate at a discount. }} * {{listing | type=buy | name=Skiis & Biikes | alt= | url=https://skiisandbiikes.com/pages/locations__mississauga#/ | email=miss@skiisandbiikes.com | address=1945 Dundas Street East | lat=43.6213 | long=-79.5718 | directions= | phone=+1 905-896-1206 | tollfree= | hours=10AM-8PM | price= | lastedit=2015-03-19 | content=Bike shop, sale and rental, repairs, accessories and expert bike fitting. }} ==Eat== * {{listing | type=eat | name=Axia Restaurant and Bar | alt= | url=http://www.axiarestaurant.com | email= | address=5045 Plantation Place | lat=43.552142 | long=-79.714844 | directions=Along Eglinton Ave W near Erin Mills | phone=+1 905-608-2942 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Mains $15-20, appetizers $5-10 | content=In Erin Mills, wide variety of fully authentic Asian food, specialising in Chinese, Japanese, Thai and Korean cuisine. Fully liquor licensed with unique flavoured Korean soju and alcoholic bubble tea. }} * {{eat | name=Nirvana | alt= | url=http://www.nirvanatheflavoursofindia.com/ | email= | address=35 Brunel Road | lat=43.62597 | long=-79.67747 | directions=in the north end of Mississauga close to Brampton | phone=+1 905-501-5500 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Mains $13 | content=Flavours of India. Slightly upscale, friendly place with great food. }} *{{listing | type=eat | name=Apricot Tree Café | alt= | url=http://www.apricottreecafe.com/ | email= | address=1900 Dundas St. W | lat=43.539384 | long=-79.662829 | directions=The Apricot Tree is on Dundas St. between the Erin Mills Pkwy and Mississauga Rd. | phone=+1 905-855-1470 | tollfree= | hours=M 10AM-9PM, Tu-F 10AM-10PM, Sa 9AM-10PM, closed Su | price=Breakfast $8; lunch $11; dinner $17 | content=Open kitchen design which allows guests to watch their order being prepared, wide range of excellent pastries and cakes for dessert. }} *{{listing | type=eat | name=Master Steaks | alt= | url=http://www.mastersteaks.com/ | email= | address=5895 Dixie Road | lat=43.653607 | long=-79.644170 | directions=three lights north of the 401 | phone=+1 905-670-3313 | tollfree= | hours=open late | price=$7-25 | content=Generous portions for its price range, one of the few where you can get a steak dinner for less than $20. The atmosphere is somewhat reminiscent of a 1970s fast food eatery where you place your order at the till and wait until your number is called. Very popular with the after-hours bar crowd. Look out for specials under $15. Licensed. Take out available. }} * {{eat | name=Desi Bar & Grill | alt= | url=https://desibarandgrill.ca/ | email=info@desi.bar | address=925 Rathburn Rd E, L4W 4C3 | lat=43.616212 | long=-79.617698 | directions=Tomken Plaza | phone=+1 905-232-6788 | tollfree= | hours=5PM-midnight | price=Mains $15 | lastedit=2024-10-11 | content=Flavours of India. Slightly upscale, friendly place with great food, drinks and music. }} * {{eat | name=The Hakka Club | alt= | url=https://www.thehakkaclub.ca/ | email= | address=7030 St Barbara Blvd, L5W 0E6 | lat=43.638181 | long=-79.715663 | directions=in Derry Village Square | phone=+1 905-565-1144 | tollfree= | hours=5PM-midnight | price=15 | lastedit=2024-10-11 | content=Relaxed eatery fixing up Indian and Chinese staples such as meat, seafood & veggie dishes, plus momos. }} ===Port Credit=== * {{eat | name=Huevos Gourmet | alt= | url=http://www.huevosgourmet.ca/ | address=241 Lakeshore Rd E | lat=43.5594 | long=-79.5771 | directions= | phone=+1 905-274-1394 | hours=8AM-4PM | price=Moderately priced | lastedit=2022-05-12 | content=Mexican inspired brunch, for example Taco Benedict and Huevos Rancheros. }} * {{eat | name=Posta Italbar Cucina | alt= | url=http://www.postaportcredit.com/ | address=31 Lakeshore Rd E | lat=43.5517 | long=-79.5851 | directions= | phone=+1 905-891-0193 | hours=Tu-Th 4-11PM, F 4PM-midnight, Sa noon-midnight, Su noon-11PM | price=Expensive | lastedit=2022-05-12 | content=Italian cuisine; view of harbour. }} * {{eat | name=Scoops Ice Cream | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Ice-Cream-Shop/Scoops-Ice-Cream-127483187287800/ | address=82 Lakeshore Rd E | lat=43.5529 | long=-79.5846 | directions= | phone=+1 905-278-2653 | hours=Su-Th noon-9PM, F Sa noon-9:30PM | price= | lastedit=2022-05-12 | content=In-house artisan ice cream }} ==Drink== * {{listing | type=drink | name=Sugar Daddy's | alt= | url=https://drum-lily-k8af.squarespace.com/sugar-daddys-nightclub/ | email= | address=5165 Dixie Road | lat=43.639677 | long=-79.624040 | directions=4 lights south of the 401, Mississauga | phone=+1 905-602-4990 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Established in 2003. Club MC is Slick Vic, with DJ Constantine. }} * {{drink | name=Capitol Singles' Dance | alt= | url=http://www.capitolsinglesdance.com/ | email= | address=6435 Dixie Road (4 lights north of the 401) | lat=43.665355 | long=-79.659002 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Every Friday night from 7PM till 1AM | price= | lastedit=2019-02-28 | content=All singles 19 and over welcome; however, the majority of attendees tend to be the 30+ after-work crowd. DJ Dianne plays a mix of today's dance hits with the greatest hits from the 1950s to the 1990s, country, swing, waltz, polka, and Latin favourites. She also gladly takes requests. Admission is $15 (conditions apply) and includes a buffet dinner served 7:30PM till 9:30PM. Dress code - no jeans or sneakers. Cash bar. Draw and spot dances. Ample free parking. }} ==Sleep== *{{sleep | name=The Waterside Inn | url=http://www.watersideinn.ca/ | email= | address=15 Stavebank Road South | lat=43.551466 | long=-79.584502 | directions= | phone = +1 905-891-7770 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Waterfront hotel in Port Credit. Uniquely decorated and furnished guest suites. Wifi, restaurant, and conference rooms. }} *{{sleep | name=Hotel Novotel Toronto Mississauga Centre | alt= | url=http://www.novotel.com/gb/hotel-0841-novotel-toronto-mississauga-cntr/index.shtml | email= | address=3670 Hurontario Street | lat=43.592417 | long=-79.635004 | directions=25 min from the centre of Toronto and 18 km from Pearson Airport | phone=+1 905 896-1000 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=325 rooms, Wifi, and a restaurant. }} *{{sleep | name=Hilton Garden Inn Toronto/Mississauga | alt= | url=http://www.torontomississauga.gardeninn.com | email= | address=100 Traders Boulevard | lat=43.623897 | long=-79.671962 | directions= | phone = +1 905 890-9110 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | content=Guest rooms selected at check-in featuring single or double beds. Free complementary parking, no pets allowed. }} ===Airport hotels=== *{{sleep | name=Best Western Plus Toronto Airport Hotel | url=http://www.bestwesterntorontoairportwest.com/ | email= | address=5825 Dixie Road, L4W 1E8 | lat=43.65227 | long=-79.642854 | directions= | phone = +1 905-670-8180 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Complimentary airport shuttle & overnight parking, meeting and banquet facilities, indoor heated pool, whirlpool, sauna, suites available. }} * {{sleep | name=Four Points by Sheraton Toronto Airport | alt= | url=http://www.fourpointstorontoairport.com | email= | address=6257 Airport Road | lat=43.690274 | long=-79.621717 | directions= | phone=+1 905-678-1400 | tollfree=+1-866-716-8133 | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=500 m from airport, shuttle bus to terminals, 24-hour business centre, fitness, on-site restaurant. }} *{{sleep | name=Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel & Suites | alt= | url=https://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/ontario/hilton-toronto-airport-hotel-and-suites-YYZHIHH/index.html | email= | address=5875 Airport Road, L4V 1N1 | lat=43.686723 | long=-79.604238 | directions= | phone=+1 905-677-9900 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=From $140 | lastedit=2017-06-12 | content=Complimentary 24-hour airport shuttle, overnight parking, meeting and banquet facilities, outdoor heated pool, squash, sauna, suites available. }} There are a pair of hotels at [[Toronto Pearson International Airport|Pearson Airport]] or on the airport grounds: * {{sleep | name=Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Toronto International Airport | alt= | url=http://www.sheratongatewaytorontoairport.com | email= | address=Terminal 3 Pearson Airport (YYZ) | lat=43.686487 | long=-79.620002 | directions= | phone=+1 905-672-7000 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Only hotel in the airport terminal. }} * {{sleep | name=Alt Hotel Toronto Airport | alt= | url=http://toronto.althotels.ca/en | email= | address= 6080 Viscount Road, Mississauga | lat=43.689777 | long=-79.614602 | directions= | phone=+1 905-362-4337 | tollfree=+1-855-855-6080 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=On airport grounds, near Link Train station and value car park lots. }} A series of large hotels on [[Toronto]]'s Dixon Road serves Pearson Airport (Dixon Road, Toronto becomes Airport Road in Malton). See [[Toronto/Etobicoke#Sleep|Etobicoke]]. * {{sleep | name=Radisson Toronto Airport West | alt= | url=https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-mississauga-yyz | email= | address=175 Derry Road E | lat=43.6504 | long=-79.70216 | directions= | phone=+1 905-364-9999 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2020-01-09 | content= }} ==Stay safe== Mississauga is a fairly safe city, however, use common sense and vigilance at night like any other large city, as muggings can sometimes happen. The local police are friendly, trustworthy, and approachable, so any issues you have you can ask them for help. On the weekend, clubs and bars in Mississauga can fill up with people fast. If you see a confrontation in a bar or club, it is best not to get involved, as these can escalate quickly. For life-threatening emergencies, dial 9-1-1 to be connected to Police, Fire, or Ambulance. For non-emergency inquiries, you can dial the following: * {{listing | name=Mississauga Fire | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 905-615-3777 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-04-14 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Peel Paramedic Services | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-800-668-7821 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-04-14 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Peel Regional Police | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 905-453-3311 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-04-14 | content= }} On the whole, Mississauga is a safe city, and for the average tourist, you should have no problems. ==Go next== {{routebox | image1=VIA Rail Sarnia Toronto icon.png | imagesize1=100 | link1=Windsor-Quebec corridor | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Kitchener]] | minorl1=[[Brampton]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=END | minorr1='''[[Toronto]]''' | image2=Ontario QEW.svg | imagesize2=20 | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Hamilton (Ontario)|Hamilton]] | minorl2=[[Oakville (Ontario)|Oakville]] | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[Toronto]] | minorr2=[[Toronto/Etobicoke|Etobicoke]] | image3=Ontario 401.svg | imagesize3=20 | directionl3=W | majorl3=[[London (Ontario)|London]] | minorl3=[[Milton (Ontario)|Milton]] | directionr3=E | majorr3=[[Toronto]] | minorr3=[[Toronto/Etobicoke|Etobicoke]] | image4=Ontario 403.svg | imagesize4=20 | directionl4=W | majorl4=[[Hamilton (Ontario)|Hamilton]] | minorl4=[[Oakville (Ontario)|Oakville]] | directionr4=E | majorr4=Ends at [[File:Ontario 401.svg|16px]][[File:Ontario 410.svg|16px]] | minorr4= | image5=407 Express Toll Route Traffic Sign.svg | imagesize5=22 | directionl5=W | majorl5=[[Hamilton (Ontario)|Hamilton]] | minorl5=[[Milton (Ontario)|Milton]] | directionr5=E | majorr5=[[Markham]] | minorr5=[[Brampton]] | image6=Ontario 410.svg | imagesize6=20 | directionl6=&thinsp;N | majorl6=[[Owen Sound]] | minorl6=[[Brampton]] | directionr6=S | majorr6=Ends at [[File:Ontario 401.svg|16px]][[File:Ontario 403.svg|16px]] | minorr6= | image7=Ontario 427.svg | imagesize7=20 | directionl7=&thinsp;N | majorl7=END | minorl7=[[Vaughan]] | directionr7=S | majorr7=[[Toronto]] | minorr7=[[Toronto/Etobicoke|Etobicoke]] | image8=GO Transit Kitchener icon.png | imagesize8=100 | directionl8=W | majorl8=[[Kitchener]] | minorl8=[[Brampton]] | directionr8=E | majorr8=[[Toronto/Entertainment and Financial Districts|Toronto]] | minorr8=[[Toronto/Etobicoke|Etobicoke]] | image9=GO Transit Lakeshore West icon.png | imagesize9=100 | directionl9=&thinsp;N | majorl9=[[Toronto/Entertainment and Financial Districts|Toronto]] | minorl9=[[Toronto/Etobicoke|Etobicoke]] | directionr9=S | majorr9=[[Niagara Falls (Ontario)|Niagara Falls]] | minorr9=[[Oakville (Ontario)|Oakville]] | image10=GO Transit Milton icon.png | imagesize10=100 | directionl10=W | majorl10=END | minorl10='''[[Milton (Ontario)|Milton]]''' | directionr10=E | majorr10=[[Toronto/Entertainment and Financial Districts|Toronto]] | minorr10=[[Toronto/Etobicoke|Etobicoke]] }} {{geo|43.6000|-79.6500}} {{isPartOf|Peel (Ontario)}} {{usablecity}} 9lf90qkdazsv78awevqy0j8ttko04sl 0 22715 5086967 5069175 2025-07-03T04:59:06Z LordDiscord 2328784 Typo 5086967 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Mongolian_landscape_banner.jpg|disambig=yes}} '''Mongolia''' ([[Mongolian phrasebook|Mongolian]]: Монгол улс, Traditional Mongolian: [[File:Monggol_ulus.svg|40px]]) has wide open spaces for experiencing the outdoors for those who want adventure. Its vast and majestic emptiness is the country's enduring appeal: it brings the traveller into a close communion with nature and its nomadic inhabitants. It is one of the last places on earth where nomadic life lives on. The most memorable part of a trip to Mongolia will be its hospitable people. Mongolian culture has much in common with the cultures of [[Central Asia]]. Mongolia offers great opportunities for hiking, mountain climbing, fishing and photography. Traveling across this huge country is often an adventure in itself. ==Regions== The country can be categorised into five regions based on culture and geography. These regions are further divided into 21 provinces (aimags) and one provincial municipality. {{Regionlist | regionmap=Mongolia regions map.png | regionmaptext=Mongolia regions | regionmapsize=450px | region1name=[[Central Mongolia]] | region1color=#72b970 | region1description=Includes [[Ulaanbaatar]] and the popular tourist region of [[Arkhangai]]. | region2name=[[Eastern Mongolia]] | region2color=#c16161 | region2description=The birthplace of Genghis Khan and heart of the Mongolian steppe. | region3name=[[Gobi]] | region3color=#d0c56c | region3description=As the name implies, home to the immense Gobi Desert. | region4name=[[Northern Mongolia]] | region4color=#7db1de | region4description=Contains many of Mongolia's forests and the massive [[Lake Khövsgöl]]. | region5name=[[Western Mongolia]] | region5color=#a77da5 | region5description=Home of Lake Uvs Nuur and Tavan Bogd Mountains, is also the most diverse region with a dozen different tribes including the Kazakhs. }} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#72b970|title=[[Central Mongolia]]|wikidata=Q207809,Q234713,Q276195,Q23430}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#c16161|title=[[Eastern Mongolia]]|wikidata=Q207795,Q239040,Q244804}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#d0c56c|title=[[Gobi]]|wikidata=Q276200,Q213272,Q211835,Q192945,Q236333,Q235579}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#7db1de|title=[[Northern Mongolia]]|wikidata=Q209774,Q18827,Q244788,Q234710,Q234680}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#a77da5|title=[[Western Mongolia]]|wikidata=Q191792,Q194098,Q192942,Q167764}} ==Cities== {{Mapframe|46.46|103.71|zoom=4|height=|width=|layer=M|staticmap=|align=}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Ulaanbaatar]]|url=|lat=47.92|long=106.92|wikidata=Q23430}} (''Ulan Bator'', [[Mongolian]]: '''Улаанбаатар''') – the capital city and starting point for most travel in this country. Half the population lives here. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Choibalsan]]|url=|lat=48.078333|long=114.535|wikidata=Q318245}} ([[Mongolian]]: '''Чойбалсан''') – large industrial city in the east *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Erdenet]]|url=|lat=49.027778|long=104.044444|wikidata=Q230628}} ([[Mongolian]]: '''Эрдэнэт''') – Mongolia's second largest city and home to one of the world's biggest copper mines and a famous carpet factory *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Hovd]]|url=|lat=48.004167|long=91.640556|wikidata=Q731256}} ([[Mongolian]]: '''Ховд''') – a historic city at the crossroads of traditional Mongol and Kazakh culture *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Karakorum]]|url=|lat=47.210278|long=102.847778|wikidata=Q62677}} ([[Mongolian]]: '''Хархорум''') – the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire, established by Genghis' son Ogedei *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Mörön]]|url=|lat=49.635556|long=100.155556|wikidata=Q572951}} ([[Mongolian]]: '''Мөрөн''') – a stopover for those visiting [[Hövsgöl]] province, it has several museums and a large collection of deer stones outside of town *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Ölgii]]|url=|lat= 48.968333|long=89.968611|wikidata=Q297060}} ([[Mongolian]]: '''Өлгий''') – a town in Mongolia's far western corner, the starting point for visiting Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, Tsambagarav National Park and the eagle hunters who live *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Öndörkhaan|Chinggis]]|url=|lat=47.323333|long=110.661111}} ([[Mongolian]]: '''Чингис''') – near the birthplace (and possible burial site) of Genghis Khan *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Tsetserleg]]|url=|lat=47.476944|long=101.450278|wikidata=Q529834}} ([[Mongolian]]: '''Цэцэрлэг''') – the most pleasant of Mongolia's provincial capitals sits in a beautiful forested valley in the Khangay mountains ==Other destinations== *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Khogno Khan National Park]]|wikidata=Q93828284}} — a beautiful, and calm area boasting cultural sites such as Kharkhorin, the capital of the Mongolian Empire after Genghis Khan *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Altai Tavan Bogd National Park]]|lat=48.55|long=88.616667|wikidata=Q932232}} (Mongolian Cyrillic: ''Алтай Таван богд байгалийн цогцолбор газар'') — the tallest mountain and largest glacier in Mongolia, with Kazakh '''Eagle Hunters''' living in its shadow and a [[UNESCO World Heritage List|World Heritage Site: Petroglyphs]] *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=Uvs Nuur Lake|lat=50.3|long=92.7}} (Mongolian Cyrillic: ''Увс нуур''), [[Uvs|Uvs province]] — the largest lake in Mongolia and a [[UNESCO World Heritage List|World Heritage Site: Uvs Lake]] *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve]]|lat=47.541|long=108.343|wikidata=Q5618269}} — an ecotourism destination *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Gorkhi-Terelj National Park]]|url=|lat=48.150204|long=107.576006|wikidata=Q1266074}} (Mongolian Cyrillic: ''Горхи-Тэрэлж'') — a national park 70 km east of Ulaanbaatar *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Lake Khövsgöl]]|lat=51.1|long=100.5}} (Mongolian Cyrillic: ''Хөвсгөл нуур'') — a large freshwater alpine lake *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=Darhad Valley|lat=51.166667|long=99.5}} (Mongolian Cyrillic: ''Дархадын хотгор'') — home to the Reindeer people *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Khustain Nuruu National Park]]|lat=47.765|long=105.878333|wikidata=Q1639106}} (Mongolian: ''Хустайн нуруу'') — Khustain Nuruu or Hustai National Park is home to the Takhi wild horses (also known as Przewalski's Horse). These are true wild horses which have never been domesticated. *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park]]|lat=43.802729|long=101.589663|wikidata=Q1533528}} (Mongolian Cyrillic: ''Говь гурван сайхан байгалийн цогцолбор газар'') — Khongor Sand dunes, Yol Canyon, Bayanzag-Red Flaming Cliffs, and Khermen Tsav ==Understand== {{quickbar|location=LocationMongolia.png}} {{quote|Everybody needs to go to Mongolia just to see what it is to be a human being again.|author=Milla Jovovich, American actress.}} Mongolia is one of the world's largest landlocked countries, second only to [[Kazakhstan]] and is surrounded by two of the world's largest countries: [[China]] and [[Russia]]. It was the center of the [[Mongol Empire]], the largest contiguous empire in world history. With only 1.7 people per square kilometre, Mongolia has the lowest population density of any independent country. The country is nicknamed the "Land of Blue Skies," and with good reason. There are said to be about 250 sunny days throughout each year. The weather is bitterly cold during the winter, dropping down to -40°C in some parts. With many types of terrain — from desert to verdant mountains — the weather during the summer varies from region to region, but is generally hot. Outside of the Gobi desert, this time of year is marked with much rain in some areas, and it can become quite cool at night. For several letters, the ISO&nbsp;9 standard '''transliteration''' of Cyrillic is not widely used and there is no consensus either in Mongolia nor in Wikivoyage. Particularly, the same Cyrillic letter "х" is transliterated "h" or "kh", the letter "ө" is transliterated "ô", "ö", "o" or "u", but Latin "o" is also the transliteration of the Cyrillic "о", and Latin "u" is also the transliteration of Cyrillic "у" and "ү" (the latter should be transliterated "ù" according to ISO&nbsp;9, but this is rarely done). So, if you can't find a name as you wrote it, try other spellings. ''Mongolia'' may have geopolitical, cultural and geographical meanings. Modern-day Mongolia consists of what was historically ''Outer Mongolia'' (so-called when it was part of China). [[Inner Mongolia]] is politically separate and remains a province of China, sharing a border and a common cultural heritage with modern-day Mongolia. ===History=== {{see also|Mongol Empire|Imperial China}} [[File:USMC-100903-M-1294R-001.jpg|thumb|300px|Statue of Chinggis Khan outside the capital]] The recorded history of ancient Mongolia dates to the third century BC when the Xiongnu came to power among many other nomadic tribes. Due to illiteracy and their nomadic lifestyle, little was recorded by the Xiongnu of themselves; they first appear in recorded Chinese history as "barbarians" against whom the walls were built. Those walls later became known as the [[Great Wall of China]]. The Xiongnu were eventually defeated by China's Han Dynasty in AD 89. Xiongnu history is controversial. Different historians attribute them to several quite different ethnic groups. Some claim that Xiongnu is cognate to Hun Nu or even that these are basically the same group known as Huns centuries later in Europe, but both claims are contested. There have been several empires in Mongolia after the Xiongnu. The first strong state to emerge was the First Turkic Khaganate in AD 552 with its capital at Ötüken (modern-day [[Ordu-Baliq]]). However, due to political infighting, this empire fragmented into the Eastern Turkic Khaganate with its capital at Ötüken, and the Western Turkic Khaganate with its capital at [[Suyab]] (near [[Bishkek]] in modern-day [[Kyrgyzstan]]), in AD 603. Both of these states were eventually defeated by China's Tang Dynasty; the Eastern Turkic Khaganate fell in AD 630, while the Western Turkic Khaganate fell in AD 657. The next strong empire to emerge was the Uyghur Khaganate, with its capital Har Bulgas (Khar Bulgas or Xar Bulgas) near Har Horin. The Khitans who controlled northern China around AD 1000 as the Liao Dynasty had an administrative centre (Har Bukh) 120&nbsp;km to the northeast. The Turkish government has been promoting some Turkish Empire monuments and there is a museum full of artifacts at the Bilge Khaan site. The struggle for mere existence and power over other tribes continued until the time of Genghis Khan. Chinggis Khan, as he is known in Mongolia, born with the name Temüjin, came to power and united the warring tribes under the Great Mongol Empire in 1206. He was proclaimed Genghis Khan (Chingis Haan), meaning ruler of all Mongol tribes, and to this day, Mongolians consider him to be the father of their nation. The Mongol Empire was extended all the way to what is now [[Poland]] and [[Hungary]] in [[Europe]] under Genghis Khan, and they also conquered the Jurchen Jin Dynasty that then ruled northern China. His grandson, Kublai Khan, subsequently defeated the Chinese Song Dynasty and completed the conquest of China, establishing the Yuan Dynasty. [[Marco Polo]] travelled through much of the Mongol Empire in Kublai Khan's time. The Mongols were, however, driven back to the steppes by the Chinese Ming Dynasty under Emperor Hongwu. They were later progressively conquered by the Manchu Qing Dynasty in the 17th century, and played an important role in the Manchu conquest of China. An independent Mongol nation only reemerged in 1924. It was not recognised by China until 1945, as the Chinese were forced to grant independence to Outer Mongolia by the Soviet Union, in exchange for Soviet assistance in fighting the Japanese invasion. Thus, the historic region of Mongolia was split into two, with Outer Mongolia becoming the independent nation of Mongolia, while [[Inner Mongolia]] remained a province of China. Since that time, Mongolia has had a close relationship with the Soviet Union (and [[Russia]] after the breakup of the Soviet Union), with Russian becoming the most widely-spoken foreign language in Mongolia. Mongolia even replaced its traditional script with the Cyrillic alphabet. (The traditional script, however, continues to be used by ethnic Mongols in China.) Inner Mongolia was the more populated area before the partition, and the number of ethnic Mongols living in China still outnumbers the population of Mongolia. Following independence, the Soviet Union installed a communist government in Mongolia. Following the fall of communism in Europe, Mongolia enacted democratic reforms, which resulted in the first democratic multiparty elections in 1990. The democratic reforms culminated with the first peaceful transfer of power in 1996, when the incumbent Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party lost the elections, and handed power to the victorious Democratic Union. Mongolia's vast collection of natural resources such as gold, copper, and coal can very easily make it one of the wealthiest countries on the planet, but due to its landlocked geography, dependence on the goodwill of [[China]] and Russia, governmental and bureaucratic inefficiencies, Mongolia remains one of the least developed countries in Asia. ''The Secret History of the Mongols'' is one of the great recordings of Mongolian history. Every Mongolian reads the book in the modern Mongolian language. This is one of the oldest books in the Mongolian language. There are vivid similarities with the Bible in literary style, wording and story-telling. It is speculated that the author could have been a Christian or at least was very knowledgeable about the Bible. According to Hugh Kemp, Qadag is the most likely candidate for authorship of ''Secret History of the Mongols''. He writes about the history of ancient Mongolia and connects the modern reality with the ancient world. Even though the book is about the history of Christianity in Mongolia, it paints a view of ancient Mongolia from the height of 21st century. The ''History of Mongolia'' by B. Baabar is a good source for the modern history of Mongolia. [[On the trail of Marco Polo]] covers some travel through the Mongol Empire in the time of Genghis' grandson, Kublai Khan. ===People=== Mongolia is more than twice as big as Texas and nearly the same size as Alaska. Its area is 1.6 million km² (603,000 square miles), four times the size of Japan and larger than Spain, France and Germany combined. This makes Mongolia the sixth-largest country in Asia and 19th in the world, but the population is only 3.4 million (as of 2020), which makes Mongolia one of the least densely populated areas in Asia. Considering that half of the population lives in the capital city of Ulan Bator or Ulaanbaatar ("UB") that leaves lots of room for you to travel in the outback. Of course, the Gobi is even less dense. Almost another 40% of the population are scattered all over Mongolia with their 56 million head of sheep, goats, cattle, horses and camels. There are 21 provinces, called ''aimag''. Each ''aimag'' has a central city or town and about 15-22 sub-provinces called ''soum'', so you will know which ''aimag'' and which soum you are in. 70% of Mongolia is under the age of 35. The gender ratio is close to 1:1. It is home to various ethnic groups: 84% Khalkha Mongols, 6% Kazakhs and 10% other groups. More than 50% will say they are Buddhists, which is very much mixed with Shamanism, close to 10% will claim to be Christians of all forms and 4% follow Islam, the remainder will say that they are atheists. Mongolian Buddhism is part of the Vajrayana school, which is also dominant in [[Tibet]] and [[Bhutan]]. Almost all the Kazakhs and Muslims live in [[Bayan-Ölgii|Bayan-Ölgii province]]. === Economy === Mongolia possesses abundant deposits of copper, coal, tin, tungsten, molybdenum, and gold. The cashmere industry is also an important industry; Mongolia and its neighbour, China, are responsible for 85% of the world's cashmere supply. Although that sounds impressive, Mongolia is a relatively poor and undeveloped country. With an economy that depends heavily on the mining sector and on the goodwill of its two large neighbours, the country's economy is highly vulnerable to external shocks. When the Soviet Union disintegrated in 1991, the Mongolian economy lost a third of its GDP overnight, plunging the country into a state of disarray. ===Holidays and festivals=== [[Image:Naadam Festival 2024 Opening Ceremony.jpg|thumb|Naadam festival celebrations]] The annual '''Naadam festival''' (11–13 July) is the biggest day in many Mongols' calendars. It is when Mongolia celebrates its "three manly sports": wrestling, horse racing, and archery by either watching the festivities in Ulaanbaatar or by following them on television or radio. Many other smaller Naadam festivals are also held in different aimags (provinces) throughout July, and these more intimate festivals may let you get much closer to the action. The Naadam celebrations are said to have started with the rise of the Great Mongolian Empire. Chinggis (a.k.a. Genghis) Khan used them to keep his warriors strictly fit. After the fall of the empire, the contests were held during religious festivals, and since the communist revolution it was celebrated on its anniversary. Legend has it that a woman once dressed like man and won the wrestling competition. That is why the long-sleeved wrestling costumes, called "zodog", have open chests - to show that every participant is male. Wrestlers wear short trunks, "shuudag", and Mongolian boots, "gutal". The yellow stripes on tales of wrestlers' hats will indicate the number of times the wrestler became a champion in Naadam. {{CNYdates}} Only Naadam gives official titles to the wrestlers. Mongolian wrestling tournaments have 9 or 10 rounds depending on the number of 512 or 1024 wrestlers registered for the competition that year. If the wrestler wins 5 rounds, he will be awarded title "Nachin" (bird), 6 rounds - Hartsaga (hawk), 7 rounds - Zaan (elephant), 8 rounds - Garuda (Eagle), 9 rounds - Arslan (lion) and 10 - Avarga (Titan). In 2006, Zaan (Elephant) Sumyabazar won 9 rounds that made him Garuda but that year 1024 wrestlers had 10 rounds which he won all. This entitled him to Avarga. Or Arslan (Lion) must win 2 in a row to become Avarga (Titan). The titles are for life. If Avarga (Titan) keeps winning at Naadam more and more attributes will be added to his title. There are no weight categories in Mongolian Wrestling tournaments but there is a time limit of 30 minutes, if the wrestlers can not overthrow each other, referees use lots for better position which often settles the match. One who falls or whose body touches the ground loses the match. Mongolian wrestling matches are attended by seconds whose role is to assist their wrestlers in all matters and to encourage them to win by spanking on their butts. They also sing praise songs and titles to the leading wrestlers of both wings, west and east, after 5 and 7 rounds. The referees monitor the rules but the people and the fans are the final judges. They will speak and spread the word of mouth about who is who till the next year. ====Smaller festivals==== *'''Tsagaan Sar''' (White moon) - starts on the Lunar New Year and is a 3-day public holiday. Its not big with tourists for the obvious reason of being during the coldest month of the year. A time when families reunite and have a large meal of sheep's tail, mutton, rice with curds, dairy products, and buuz. It is also typical to drink airag and exchange gifts. *'''Golden Eagle Festival''' in [[Ölgii]] on October 5th and 6th is the world's largest gathering of eagle hunters. The event typically has 60 to 70 Kazakh eagle hunters displaying their skills. The events include having their golden eagles fly to them on command and catching a fox fur being pulled by a horse from a perch on a nearby mountain. The event also features traditional Kazakh games including Kokpar (tug-of-war over a goat carcass while on horseback), Tiyn Teru (a timed race to pick up a coin on the ground while on horseback), and Kyz Kuar ("girl chase" a race between a man and woman where the woman whips the man while he tries to hold on). The festival also has a traditional Kazakh concert, camel race, and displays of Kazakh art. A smaller eagle festival is held on Sept 22nd in the nearby village of Sagsai. *'''Nauryz''' also in [[Ölgii]] is the traditional new year's celebration of Kazakhs held on 22 March. There is a parade, concert, and horse races during the several days of celebrating. Though most of the celebration involves visiting friends and relatives to eat Nauryz Koje (soup) and boiled mutton and horse meat. *'''Ice Festival''' is held on the frozen surface of Lake Hövsgöl outside of [[Mörön]] each February. The 2-day festival includes wrestling, reindeer sleighs and riding, ice skating, shaman rituals, folk concert, and cultural events of the Tsagaan reindeer people. You should be warned; It is ''very cold'' in Northern Mongolia in February. *'''Yak Festival''' on July 23rd in between [[Karakorum]] and [[Arvayheer]]. The festival celebrates this large mammal that thrives in the cold Mongolian winters with a full day of yak races, a rodeo, and other competitions. There is a market, tourist gers, and a whole temporary village set up in the middle of the steppe. *'''Camel Festival''' in South Gobi province: A local non-governmental organization that aims to protect and preserve the Bactrian camel population organizes "The Thousand Camel Festival" in Bulgan County, South Gobi Province. The festival includes two types of camel races, camel-polo, and some other competitions related to camel breeders' cultural heritage such as training of untamed camels, making ropes from camel wool and loading. There is also a folk concert by school children from the countryside. The festival is held annually March 6–7 for 2 days. ====Public holidays==== While most business still takes place on most holidays, Tsagaan Sar and Naadam tend to last much longer than the official 3 days. Work may stop for weeks in the countryside for Tsagaan Sar. Also, election days are always public holidays and dry days. Alcohol is not sold on election days or the 1st of each month nationwide. * New Years – January 1 * Tsagaan Sar – January/February (3 days, depends on Lunar New Year) * International Women's Day – March 8 * Soldiers' Day – March 18 (not a day off, just lots of parades) * Mothers' and Children's' Day – June 1 * Naadam Festival – July 11–13 * Genghis Khan's Birthday – November 14 * Independence Day – November 26 (no longer a day off, replaced by Genghis Khan's Birthday) '''Working hours''' are almost always posted in 24 hours. Shops are usually open 10:00 to 21:00 or 22:00, and sometimes closed or shortened hours on Sunday or Monday. Banks usually open 08:00 or 09:00 to 17:00, though often closed for an hour for lunch. However, posted times are not always reliable, especially in the countryside. Expect shops to open at maybe 10:15 or 10:30 more often than not. Restaurants typically close around 22:00, while bars stay open until midnight or later. There are a few fast food restaurants in the capital that stay open until 03:00, but no shops open past midnight. ===Climate=== [[File:Khövsgöl Aimag12.JPG|thumb|Steppe in [[Hovsgol]] — if you want to experience desolate landscapes, Mongolia has plenty of them.]] The ideal Mongolia travel season starts in May and peaks in July, during the Naadam holiday, and in August when the weather is most favourable for travelling. This is the best time if you like the culture and can bear the crowds of other tourists. It is not a good time to get away from your busy lifestyle because of the traffic, busy schedules, waiting in lines, etc. September is also a very good time to visit, and October is not too late to travel to Mongolia. It is still warm during the days but a bit chilly during the nights. In the autumn, Mongolia is not very crowded, and this is time for late-comers and last-minute, unplanned trips. You will get to sightsee, enjoy the culture, and taste mare's milk, a bitter and at first somewhat unpleasant drink, throughout the country. For visitors not afraid of cold or fermented mare's milk, travelling to Mongolia from November till the Lunar New Year remains an option. Winter tourism is a developing area of the Mongolian tourism industry. The most rewarding experience will be visiting the nomads, as this is the time when you will experience their culture first-hand during "Tsagaan Sar" or the traditional (Lunar) New Year celebration. Cultural activities including singing, dancing, wrestling, and winter horse racing are available to tourists. Mongolia is known to have 250-260 sunny days throughout the year, so you will need good [[Sunburn and sun protection|UV protection]]. During winter, protect your eyes, and during summer, protect your skin. ===Visitor information === * [https://www.mongolia.travel/ Mongolia Travel] website ==Talk== {{see also|Mongolian phrasebook|Russian phrasebook}} The official language of Mongolia is '''[[Mongolian phrasebook|Mongolian]]'''. Mongolian in Mongolia is written using the '''Cyrillic alphabet''', which was introduced around the 1940s. Mongolian Cyrillic uses all the letters used in the [[Russian]] alphabet and has two extra letters: '''Ө''' and '''Ү'''. Very few people know how to read and write Mongolian using the '''traditional Mongolian script''' (written from top to bottom, and still widely used by ethnic Mongols in China), although since the 1990s, it has been gradually regaining popularity. Mongolian belongs to the Mongolic family of languages, which also includes some minority languages of Russia such as Buryat and Kalmyk, and is not known to be related to any other language family. That being said, Mongolian shares a decent amount of words and grammar structures with the Turkic languages (Turkish, Uzbek, Kazakh, etc.) due to historical proximity, so speakers of a Turkic language will have a somewhat easier time navigating Mongolian. Loanwords from languages such as Sanskrit, [[Russian]], English, and [[Persian]] are common and are used in everyday conversations. Mongolian is widely regarded as a very difficult language for an English-speaker to learn. It is an agglutinative language that makes extensive use of suffixing, makes use of nine grammatical cases, and has a number of pronunciation rules and differences. Don't let this intimidate you, though; Mongolians will appreciate your efforts to speak their language, even if your knowledge of it is rudimentary. If you speak Japanese, Korean, Manchu or a Turkic language, some aspects of Mongolian grammar will be familiar to you. '''[[Kazakh phrasebook|Kazakh]]''' is spoken in the westernmost province of the country and by the small but growing population of ethnic Kazakhs living in Ulaanbaatar. Due to Mongolia's longstanding alliance with the [[Soviet Union]] (and [[Russia]] since the fall of the Soviet Union), '''[[Russian phrasebook|Russian]]''' is spoken by many older Mongolians, although proficiency drops drastically outside Ulaanbaatar. '''English''' is the most popular foreign language among younger Mongolians, and is widely taught in schools. Outside the capital, little of it is spoken. ==Get in== Historically, Mongolia had a reputation for being a very difficult country to visit. Until the mid-1990s, you had to solicit an invitation letter from someone living in Mongolia to visit Mongolia. Lately, the visa rules have been relaxed and most people can enter the country without a visa. The Mongolian government declared the 2023-2024 tourist season the "Year of Mongolia", relaxing visa requirements for many countries, including all major Western nations. Whether this will become a permanent change is yet to be seen. ===Entry requirements=== [[File:New visa policy of Mongolia 2023.png|thumb|375px|Visa policy of Mongolia {{legend|#ed1c24|Mongolia}} {{legend|#22b14c|Visa-free (90 days)}} {{legend|#79d343|Visa-free (30 days)}} {{legend|#b5e61d|Visa-free (21 days)}} {{legend|#ffb583|Visa-free (14 days)}} {{legend|#ffd000|Visa on arrival (30 days)}} {{legend|#a1d4b0|eVisa (30 days)}} {{legend|#ababab|Visa required in advance}}]] Citizens of [https://en.consul.mn/visa/c/83 the following countries/territories]{{Dead link|date=May 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} can enter Mongolia '''visa-free''': *'''For up to 90 days:''' [[Argentina]], [[Belarus]], [[Brazil]], [[Chile]], [[Ecuador]], [[Kazakhstan]], [[Kyrgyzstan]], [[Macau]], [[Peru]], [[Serbia]], [[South Korea]], [[Ukraine]] (with an "official invitation") and [[United States]] *'''For up to 30 days:''' Citizens of [[Canada]], [[Germany]], [[Israel]], [[Japan]], [[Laos]], [[Malaysia]], [[Russia]], [[Singapore]], [[Thailand]], [[Turkey]], [[Uruguay]], and [[Uzbekistan]], as well as the following for tourism until the end of 2025: [[European Union]] member states, [[Australia]], [[Liechtenstein]], [[Monaco]], [[New Zealand]], [[Norway]], [[Switzerland]], and [[United Kingdom]] *'''For up to 21 days:''' [[Philippines]] *'''For up to 14 days:''' [[Hong Kong]] Everyone else, however, must apply for a visa. Obtaining a visa — by default, the Mongolian authorities issue '''thirty-day visas''' to all tourists — is relatively straightforward and effortless. ==== Applying for a Mongolian visa ==== Although requirements vary from diplomatic post to diplomatic post, you are normally asked to submit the following to obtain a Mongolian visa: * A visa application form * A passport-sized photo * A passport with a validity of more than six months * A copy of your travel itinerary * A copy of your hotel reservation * A copy of your bank statement * A letter of invitation (if you intend to stay longer than 30 days in Mongolia) * A letter of approval from the government (only required if you plan to study, work, or live in Mongolia) Also, it is possible to acquire an expedited visa in a matter of hours at the Mongolian consulate in Erlian, though there is a steep US$50 fee for this service. A similar service is available in the Mongolian consulate in the Russian city of [[Irkutsk]]. The [http://www.embassyofmongolia.co.uk/ Embassy of Mongolia in the UK website] is useful for updates, with the [http://embassyofmongolia.co.uk/?p=186&lang=en visa page]{{Dead link|date=July 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} offering information on visa applications at the embassy. [http://beijing.mfa.gov.mn/?lang=en The Embassy of Mongolia in China website]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} hosts the form you will need to apply for your Mongolian visa in China, although the consulate does have them. To stay more than 30 days, you have to register at the Mongolia Immigration. ===By plane=== [[image:MIAT Boeing 737-800 at ULN.jpg|thumb|MIAT plane in Ulaanbaatar]] Thanks to a booming mining sector, '''Chinggis Khaan International Airport''' ({{IATA|UBN}}) in [[Ulaanbaatar]] is now connected to some major airport hubs in eastern Asia and Istanbul and Frankfurt. Flag carrier [http://www.miat.com/ MIAT Mongolian Airlines]{{Dead link|date=March 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} operates daily flights (during some peak season - twice a day) from [[Beijing]] and [[Seoul]], twice a week flights from [[Hong Kong]], [[Moscow]] and [[Tokyo]] (during some peak season - from Narita). During peak summer season it increases flight frequencies and operates flights from [[Busan]] and [[Osaka]]. There are branch offices in Berlin, Moscow, Hong Kong, Seoul, Tokyo and Beijing. Mongolia-based [http://www.hunnuair.com/ Hunnu Air] flies 3 times a week from [[Bangkok]] and 5 flights a week from Hong Kong. There are almost daily flights from Seoul on Korean Air as well as other flights through Beijing, and 3 flights a week to [[Istanbul]]. It is also possible to fly to Ulaanbaatar through Tokyo's Narita Airport. ===By train=== [[image:Trans Mongolian Train 01.jpg|thumb|Trans-Mongolian train]] {{main|Trans-Siberian Railway}} The '''Trans-Mongolian Line''' of the legendary [[Trans-Siberian Railway]] links [[Ulaanbaatar]] with [[Moscow]], [[Russia]] and [[Beijing]], [[China]]. The Mongolian line branches from the main Trans-Siberian at [[Ulan-Ude]], so you'll need to break your journey there if coming from points east like [[Vladivostok]]. There is a small water boiler at the end of each train car which dispenses free hot water, so it's a good idea to stock up on instant noodles and tea for the trip. Also, don't expect to encounter any English-speaking staff on the train or in the stations. ====From Russia==== The Trans-Siberian train crosses the Russia/Mongolia border at the town of [[Naushki]], Russia. Trains start from [[Moscow]] or [[Irkutsk]] going to either Ulaanbaatar or Beijing, with several stops on both sides of the border. Between Irkutsk and the border are [[Ulan-Ude]], Naushki, Dozornoe, and Khoit. Between the Russian border and Ulaanbaatar are [[Sühbaatar]], [[Darkhan (city)|Darkhan]], and Zuunkharaa, with possible stops in [[Erdenet]] and Salkhit. ====From China==== [[image:WheelChanging.jpg|thumb|Changing wheels at the Chinese border]] Second class (hard sleeper) costs about US$200 (2011) from [[Beijing]] to [[Ulaanbaatar]], crossing the border at [[Erlian]]/[[Zamiin-Üüd]]. There are two trains a week and the ride takes almost 30 hours, including a mandatory stop of 3-4 hours at Erlian while the train bogies are switched between Russian broad gauge and Chinese standard gauge. You will have to take all your belongings and leave the train for this operation, and will be confined to the waiting area at Erlian station, even if you're inbound to China and have already passed through immigration. You can, however, ask staff for a free ticket that will let you step outside to raid the nearby shops and restaurants for supplies. =====Beijing to the border===== If the [[Beijing]] - [[Ulaanbaatar]] train is sold out, as seems to be common, or you need a more frequent option, you can make your way from Beijing to the border at [[Erlian]] by '''local train''' as described below, and then on to Ulaanbaatar by bus and train. As of March 2011, there are morning flights from Beijing to Erlian out of Capital Airport Terminal 1 costing only ¥160, which is cheaper than the bus. Trains run daily from Beijing to [[Jining (Inner Mongolia)]] or [[Hohhot]]. You can change there for a train to the border town of [[Erlian]] near the Mongolian-Chinese border. The K89 leaves Beijing in the morning and arrives at Jining in the evening. Jining has many hotels near the train station and has karaoke bars to keep you entertained while you wait. From Jining to Erlian there is a slow train that leaves in the morning, passes the Great Wall multiple times, and arrives in the early evening. This will take a night longer than getting the sleeper bus as described in "By bus". =====Crossing the border===== Be wary of scams at the border where people in uniform will attempt to sell you "required travel insurance." There is no such thing and you can safely ignore them. You should then cross the border from [[Erlian]] in China to [[Zamiin-Uud]] in Mongolia as described in [[Erlian#To and from Mongolia|Erlian to and from Mongolia]]. Once you have crossed the border, you will need to get from Zamiin-Uud to Ulaanbaatar as described in [[Zamiin-Uud#Get in|Zamiin-Uud get in]]. ===By car=== Many adventurous people drive to Mongolia, usually starting somewhere in Europe. [http://www.theadventurists.com/the-adventures/mongol-rally The Mongol Rally] and [http://mongolia.charityrallies.org/ Mongol Charity Rally]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} sponsor many of them. Driving to Mongolia can be extremely challenging in many respects. Not only are there virtually no roads in the western half of Mongolia, but vehicle registration, import fees and paperwork, visas and everything have to be ready for every country along the way. For those who still wish to make the journey by car, there are 4 land border crossings with Russia and 3 with China. Though it is much more expensive and difficult to drive through, into, or out of China in your own car. :*See '''[[Driving in China]]''' for issues for driving to Mongolia from China. ====From Russia==== The main border is in Altanbulag-Kyakhta ([[Sühbaatar]]), nearest to the capital, is open 24 hours a day. In the far west is the Tsagaannuur-Tashanta crossing in [[Bayan-Olgii]], is open Monday to Saturday 09:00-18:00 and is the most popular with adventure drivers. Also in the west is Borshoo-Khandgait crossing between [[Uvs]] and [[Tuva| Tuva Republic]], is open Monday to Friday 09:00-18:00. In the east, Ereentsav-Solovyovsk crossing near [[Choibalsan]] is open daily 09:00-18:00. ===By bus=== There is a paved road connecting Ulaanbaatar to the Chinese border, and one between UB and Russia. ====From Russia==== *Those interested in saving money can book one-way elektrichka (regional train) tickets from Irkutsk or Ulan Ude to Naushki. In Naushki, one can spend the night in the train resting rooms (komnati otdikha) for US$0.50 per hour. From there, it is possible to take a marshrutka to the land border crossing town of [[Kyakhta]], Russia. Walking across the border is prohibited, but travellers have no problems arranging for Mongolia-bound cars to take them across the border, for either a small fee or free. Upon crossing into Mongolia it is relatively easy to hitchhike, taxi, or bus to [[Sühbaatar]] or UB, as all southbound traffic is headed towards those cities. *From the west, from Russia, it is possible to cross at the land border in Tsagaannuur, Bayan-Olgii. There are daily petrol and wheat-carrying Russian Kamaz trucks headed to Olgii and it is possible to hitchhike to Tsagaannuur or even [[Olgii]]. Regular buses and marshrutkas also operate from the border, though service is unpredictable due to the lack of a schedule. There is also a bus every 10 days between either [[Astana]] or [[Almaty]], [[Kazakhstan]] and Olgii. ====From China==== * Liuliqiao long-distance bus station (六里桥客运主枢纽 or lìu lǐ qiáo kè yùn zhǔ shū nǐu), phone +86 10 8383–1716, address: A1, Liuliqiao Nan Li, Fengtai District. Departure at 16:30. These are supposed to run daily, but may not. You can phone at 10:00 on the morning of departure to see if the bus is running and to reserve a place. * Muxiyuan long-distance bus station (木樨园才华长途汽车站), phone +86 10 6726–7149, location: go to Liujiayao Metro Station and get a cab. Departs at 17:00. * Lizeqiao long-distance bus station (丽泽桥长途汽车站), phone (丽泽桥长途汽车站) Address 中国, 北京市丰台区北京市丰台区西三环丽泽桥东 +86 10 6340–3408, address 中国, 北京市丰台区北京市丰台区西三环丽泽桥东. Location is difficult to get to. Departs at 17:00. From [[Hohhot]] by bus costs 88 Chinese yuan and takes 6-7 hr. There are several daily buses. Once in Erlian, follow the '''Crossing the border''' and '''From the border to Ulaanbaatar''' steps above. Should you be travelling at a busy time (e.g., around Naadam on the 11th and 12th July) and want to be sure of getting tickets for the last leg of the trip in Mongolia, you could take one of the packages from the guesthouses in Beijing. These cost around 570 yuan (July 2009) and include a taxi to the coach station in Beijing, Beijing to [[Erlian]] by sleeper coach, a bed in the hotel in the bus station for a few hours, a bus from Erlian to [[Zamiin-Üüd]] across the border, then soft sleeper overnight from Zamiin-Üüd to [[Ulaanbaatar]]. Purchased separately, the tickets cost about 360 yuan. The Saga guesthouse in Beijing sells these, and although they insist till they're blue in the face that the train is a hard sleeper, it's actually a soft sleeper! ===By bicycle=== At Zamiin-Uud you have to put your bicycle in a car. You are not allowed to cycle through the 3-km-wide border area. Prepare to bargain. They will start at US$100 and more. You should be able to get them down to US$20 or less. If you are lucky and get up early, you might catch a truck. They will take you for free. Usually you have better chances with Mongol drivers, if you want to cross into Mongolia. At Altanbulag you also have to put the bicycle in a car, but prices are reasonable and usually fixed. Enjoy watching your driver smuggle goods in or out of Mongolia. ===By thumb or foot=== The road passes through the border town of [[Zamiin-Üüd]] and continues to Ulaanbaatar. Hitchhiking in Mongolia is not easy and a little bit of money for the driver is expected. There is an average of one car every hour heading into the desert. Rules at the border require that you ride a bus or car across the border, not walk across. However, they do not care how you get there or where you go afterwards. ==Get around== If you plan to travel around the countryside without a guide, take a [[GPS]] and some maps. The "Mongolia Road Atlas" is available in many book shops, it has over 60 pages and covers the whole country: there is a Latin-character version and Cyrillic-character version, in the countryside most people won't understand the Latin version. More detailed maps are available at the Mongolian Government Map Store. These maps are 1:500,000. Also, some other special-purpose maps and a good map of downtown Ulaanbaatar. The map store is on Ih Toiruu St. Go west from the State Department Store on the main street, called Peace, Peace and Friendship, or Ekhtavan Ave., two blocks to the large intersection with traffic lights, turn right (north) and the map store is about halfway along the block. There is an Elba electronic appliance store set back from the street, a yellow and blue building, the next building is a 4-story, Russian-style office building, the map store entrance is on the west side, toward the south end of the building. It lines up with the north wall of the Elba building. Whichever the method of long-distance travel, keep in mind that everything in Mongolia has a tendency to break down. Don't be shocked if part of the suspension breaks and the driver jerry-rigs a carved wooden block in the place of a mount. For more serious breakdowns, it can easily take an entire day or longer for somebody to come along and help, so leave plenty of slack in itineraries. Finally, Mongolians are rather notorious for being late. A bus that is scheduled to leave at 08:00 will probably not be out of the city until almost 11:00. The entirety of the country is public property, and - especially in the winter - drivers will simply peel off the paved roads and chart their own paths to get to a certain destination. Often, many of the destinations are not near any permanent roads, requiring this off-roading to get to them. If driving off-road, take extra care to ensure that you have the proper supplies and knowledge to survive in the event your vehicle breaks down or gets stuck. It is also highly recommended to have a guide who knows the area and/or a strong knowledge of Mongolian with which you can converse with local nomads to inquire where exactly your destination is and how to get to it. ===By plane=== [[image:AeroMongoliaFokker50.jpg|thumb|An AeroMongolia plane]] The easiest way to travel long distance is via one of the domestic airlines: AeroMongolia or Hunnu Air. Almost all flights are between Ulaanbaatar and the Aimag centers. Except for mines in the south Govi and [[Choibalsan]], which use Boeing 737s, most flights use turboprop regional planes. AeroMongolia uses a two-tier price structure, charging foreigners significantly more than locals, while Hunnu has only one price. Other than price, there is little difference between the airlines. Air travel agents, guest houses and hotels can help you to obtain domestic air tickets in Mongolia. *{{listing | name=AeroMongolia | url=http://aeromongolia.mn/ | email=reservation@aeromongolia.mn | address= | lat= | long= | directions=1st floor, Monnis tower, Ulaanbaatar | phone=+976 11 330373 (Ulaanbaatar) | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 09:00-18:00; Sa 10:00-18:00 | price= | content= It is generally cheaper, but uses older planes and charges foreigners double the local rate. }} *{{listing | name=Hunnu Air | url=http://hunnuair.com/ | email=info@hunnuair.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions= Chinggis avenue 10-1, Sukhbaatar district, Ulaanbaatar | phone=+976 7000 1111 (Ulaanbaatar) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Formerly Mongolian Airlines. }} ===By train=== There is only one railway company in Mongolia, owned by the Russian and Mongolian governments, "Mongolian Railway". It is probably the best way to experience something of the communist time, even if it has evolved a bit since then. Ulaanbaatar railway agents more often consider the passenger as a potential rulebreaker than as a client. The railway network is poor, consisting mainly of the Irkutsk-Ulaanbaatar-Beijing Trans-Mongolian way with a few extensions. Trains are extremely slow. They usually leave on time, and arrive on time or less than 20 minutes late. Intercity bus routes on the roughly parallel paved roads will get you there much faster. The local trains stop at many small stations in the countryside. For example, there is the small town of Batsumber, located about 34 km north of Ulaanbaatar (as the crow flies), longer on the train. Take your camping gear and hike to the mountains about 10 km east of the town. There are two streams flowing west out of the mountains, hike and camp along the streams. There is a small restaurant, and food shops in the town. ====Train tickets==== It's possible to pay for train tickets by credit card. For online booking of train tickets, go to the [https://eticket.ubtz.mn/ official website]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} (an English version is available, but not all the information is translated). The website is not the most user-friendly, but fortunately [http://wandersimply.com/how-to-buy-mongolian-train-tickets-online/ Wander Simply] has a good write-up on how to navigate the site and buy tickets. Alternatively, contact the company [http://www.traintomongolia.com Train to Mongolia]{{Dead link|date=July 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} to buy tickets at a commission. You pay an extra fee if you book in advance, and also an extra fee if you buy it in the train, which is the only possibility left if there are less than 10 minutes left before the train departure. Your passport is required to buy a ticket, but you can buy several people's tickets with one passport. There are 3 classes: "coupé", "sleeping", and "public" (translated into English by "economic" by the company). "Coupé" is the only one with doors. In "public" it's possible to have to spend the night sitting and even with little space on crowded days. The tickets are numbered, but, when the seats are exhausted, the company overbooks public seats with tickets numbered "0", at the same price. The "public" seats tickets are much cheaper (and much slower) than the coach, minivan and taxi competitors. In a coupé at night, you'll be charged for compulsory additional bed sheets inside the train. ====Inside a train==== You will be proposed drinks and Mongolian food inside the train, both by official sellers of the company and, at the big stations with long stops, by private people entering the train for that purpose. There are many conductors. Don't expect them to speak anything other than Mongolian and, possibly, Russian. Theft is rare on Mongolian trains, but keeping an eye on your belongings is generally a good idea. There are police on every train. On a long trip, your ticket will be checked repeatedly, and you'll be awakened throughout the night for that. However, nobody will wake you if you have to get off during the trip, but if you get off at the terminus, you'll be awakened, even more than one hour before arrival, depending on the agent. The '''train toilets''' close 30 minutes before the terminus, and sometimes even before that. ===By bus=== [[File:Juulchin Tourism Corp 12.JPG|thumb|Tourist bus in the [[Gorkhi-Terelj National Park]]]] Travelling by local bus is also an option, though these buses tend to only connect the provincial capital with UB, and it is quite difficult to find any public transportation linking one provincial capital with another. Lately the bus situation has improved. Most cities and towns are referred to in two ways, their name or the name of the Aimag (province) or Soum (county), e.g. Dornod or Dornod Aimag or Choibalsan (the actual city name). Most buses have their destination on a card in the front window. If you have either name written down in Mongolian Cyrillic, show it to the drivers or helpers and they will get you on the right bus. There are two types of buses, microvans and large buses (some large buses are old Russian types and some are modern western types), depending on the road. The large buses run on schedule, but the micro-buses are much more lax. In Ulaanbaatar, there are two bus stations, one on the west near the Dragon Shopping Center and one on the East near the Botanical Gardens. Both stations are on Peace Avenue on opposite sides of the city. Multiple buses run between them. Get local to write directions. For the large buses buy your tickets the day before. In the Aimag centres, there will be service to Ulaanbaatar and to local soums (small county seats) and usually the next Aimag center. However, all locations may not be available at one location. Ask for help from the locals. For example, in Ondorkhaan, the capital of Khentii Province, there is a bus service between Ondorkhaan and UB from a central bus station, however the through buses going to/from UB to Dornod and Sukhbaatar Aimags (Choybalsan and Baruun-Urt) will stop at a gas station on the north side of the city. ====Bus tickets==== Tickets are sold in the station, not in the coach. Don't expect any cashier, driver or conductor to speak anything but Mongolian and, possibly, Russian. It's not possible to pay by credit card. Your passport is required to buy a ticket. If you have a luggage exceeding the standard (written in your ticket) in weight or size, you'll be asked for an extra fee by the conductor. You can negotiate this one. ====Inside a bus==== On some routes, the driver and the conductor illegally add extra passengers and pocket the cash. They might even try to make 3 people sit on 2 seats, for instance: you can protest in such a case. Your ticket gives you the right to a full seat and this is what you get in most coaches. The coach will usually stop for a rather quick lunch or dinner at a local snackshop or canteen. ===By minivan=== Public countryside taxis and minivans, often called purgon or mekr, offer more destinations than coaches and many more than train, especially between provinces. They are more dangerous than coaches and trains, and always overloaded. Most drivers don't respect the traffic rules. Countryside taxis and minivans leave when full. They always say they will go "now" ("odo") despite often departing hours later. See how many people are already sitting inside the vehicle to have an idea of how long you'll wait. Drivers also usually promise to pick up additional passengers and cargo before leaving town. ===By chartered jeep=== [[image:Mongol cable ferry.jpg|thumb|River ferry in Hovsgol]] It is also possible to charter a Jeep and driver for private use. Prices are typically negotiated by the kilometre. While far more expensive than sharing a ride with the locals, this means of transport is considerably more convenient and allows you to visit more remote sites. It can also be quite convenient to hire a guide to use during the length of your stay. Doing so can allow you to travel without worrying about taxi drivers overcharging by up to 10x for being a foreigner. ===By car=== One of the most convenient ways to get around is by car. This isn't to say that it's completely safe, however. Road accidents are very common in Mongolia, largely because of reckless driving habits. Drivers do not obey traffic rules and speeding is common. Many cars are in poor condition and not all of them are fitted with seat belts. The road network is narrow and generally in poor condition. Avoid driving at night, as most roads are unlit and may have obstacles and potholes. ===By taxi=== In the cities, taxis should charge about 1500&nbsp;₮ per km. The drivers will set their trip meter and charge accordingly. ===By horse=== For local travel, horse-back is a good option. Mongolians ride on wooden saddles, so if you value your buttocks it's probably a good idea to pick up a leather, Russian saddle in UB. ===By foot=== Walking is another great alternative. Since camping is possible anywhere, resting is never a problem. Wherever there is water, there are nomads, and if you stick to the major dirt roads you will encounter plenty of guanz, which can provide huge cheap meals to keep you going. Adopting the Mongolian style of sleeping outdoors is also an option: wrap yourself in wool blankets and then cover yourself with a Russian raincoat (essentially a tarpaulin in the form of a trench coat), and simply plop yourself down on the ground. One night sleeping this way gives a whole new appreciation for the wonders of sleeping bags and bivvy sacks/tents. ==See== [[image:Gandan Monastery 10.JPG|thumb|Monk at the Gandan Monastery]] Mongolia is a big country that has been beyond the reach of travellers and the normal trappings of civilization until the 21st century. Even today it can be difficult to travel between the few places that 'exist'. There is little noteworthy architecture in the country. Except for the short-lived capital of the Mongol Empire at '''[[Karakorum]] (Kharkhorin)''', the descendants of Genghis Khan left little evidence of their power inside their native homeland. Genghis Khan, who leveled cities from the Yellow Sea to the Caspian, was said to have only built one permanent building during his life, a warehouse to store his stupendous amount of loot. ====Archaeology==== [[File:BuddhaErdeneZuuMonasteryMongolia.JPG|thumb|Buddha at Erdene Zuu]] Though this structure no longer exists, the capital built by his son, Ögedei, does, as do countless artifacts in the National Museum in [[Ulaanbaatar]], and thousands of stone monuments and drawings spread throughout the country, some dating back thousands of years. After the gradual disintegration of the Mongol Empire, many Tibetan Buddhist monasteries were built, providing the most visible signs of Mongolia's history. Today only a few still stand after Stalinist religious purges. Of particular note is the '''[[Northern Mongolia|Amarbaysgalant Monastery]]''' in Selenge, the '''Erdene Zuu Monastery''' in Kharkhorin, and '''Gandan Monastery''' in Ulaanbaatar, all active religious sites with large numbers of resident lamas. During the communist era, the Soviets helped establish large modern cities and modern industries, which aren't very pretty, but are of some interest, particularly the biggest open-pit copper mine in Asia at [[Erdenet]]. For a country that prides itself on its nomadic heritage, there are a surprising amount of ruins of stone structures (and even cities) scattered about Mongolia. With the exception of Kharkhorin, practically none of these are anywhere near a paved road, but their isolation makes their grandeur even more impressive. People interested in the ethnogenesis of the Turkic peoples will not want to miss the '''Orkhon Inscriptions''' in the Orkhon Valley (about a 40 minute drive north of Kharkhorin). These two massive stone stelae contain the oldest written Turkic language, and serve as a sort of Rosetta Stone for the reconstruction of both Old Turkic and Proto-Turkic. The Turkish government has funded a nice museum on the site and a paved road from the museum to Kharkhorin, making the inscriptions easily accessible to travellers. =====Monasteries===== Before the religious purges, Mongolia had around 750 monasteries and was a theocracy. Many were destroyed, while some were turned into museums by the communists to display Mongolian art or the opulence of the former religious leaders. Today the '''Choijin Lama Monastery''' and the '''Bogd Khan Winter Palace''' are preserved as museums for the art of the Lamas and the toys of the former king. Other ancient monasteries are slowly reopening and recovering like the Amarbaysalant in Selenge Province or the Gandan Monastery in Ulaanbaatar. Most monasteries today are small, newly built temples in towns that didn't even exist before the purges. =====Museums===== Besides the monastery museums, Ulaanbaatar hosts several interesting and noteworthy museums to see before going off to the countryside. The best one by far is the '''National Museum of Mongolia''' with large collections of artifacts from the Mongol Empire through the Democratic Revolution of 1990. The '''Chinggis Khaan Museum''' in Ulaanbaatar offers an even larger collection, although it only spans prehistory to the Qing Empire. Several other good art museums and lesser history and nature museums also exist in the city if you will be there for an extended time. Outside of the capital, every provincial center also has a small museum usually built by the communists and mostly not updated since they left. These museums are cheap and do have useful displays on local cultures and history. There are also some '''communist-era sites'''. ====Nature==== One thing that does look much the same as it always has is the unspoiled nature of Mongolia. Due to its very low population density, the lowest in the world, it is possible to travel days with only seeing the occasional nomadic herder interrupting endless rolling steppes, the vast [[Gobi]] desert, or the snow-capped Altai Mountains. Up north, Siberian forests surround the 2nd largest freshwater lake in Asia by volume, Hôvsgôl (or "Hövsgöl") lake, in [[Hövsgöl]] province, which is very beautiful. The '''Flaming Cliffs''' near [[Dalanzadgad]] are stunning just to see, but also contain some of the earliest and most important dinosaur discoveries. ====People==== The most memorable part of any trip to Mongolia, regardless of what drew you here, will certainly be the people. Mongolians are incredibly hospitable to guests. No trip here is complete without having dinner or staying the night with '''nomadic herders'''. Around a third of the population still earns a living as semi-nomadic herders living in gers (yurts) on the open steppe. While their diets are not very diverse, consisting of meat, flour, and dairy, they will seek to serve guests a feast of boiled or fried meat and hot milky tea, with traditional entertainments of music, singing, and maybe dance. There is some variation depending on which tribe or region, with Kazakhs near [[Ölgii]] being the most different with different language, diet, and dress, including the practice of '''eagle hunting'''. While the Tuvans have a beautiful, eerie singing style of throat-singing, and the Tsaatan people live isolated lives herding reindeer near Lake Hövsgöl. Then there are the Lama monks who are increasingly common in monasteries and elsewhere, and the '''Shaman priests''', who practice the ancient animist religions of worshiping nature and the earth, and are widely respected in Mongolia. ==Do== [[image:Mongolian honor guard procession.jpg|thumb|Mongolian honor guard]] Experiencing the culture and having a meal or spending the night with a nomadic family are authentic Mongolian experiences. Whether you go just outside of the capital or fly to the far corners of the country, this is the most memorable part of any trip. There are some variations on the experience, depending on the tribal group. The '''[[Trans-Siberian Railway]]''' passes through the country. Also follow the path of [[On the trail of Marco Polo|Marco Polo]] across Europe and Asia into Mongolia to visit the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire in [[Karakorum]]. Mongolia is the least densely populated country in the world and has very little development of any kind outside of the capital and a few small towns. There often aren't even roads connecting these towns. This pristine setting means that Mongolia has wide open spaces for experiencing the outdoors for those who want adventure. Traveling across this vast country is often an adventure in itself with tourists and adventurers alike going by car, motorcycle, bike, horse, camel, or foot. Most often this means camping on the shore of a river or with a nomadic family or in small roadside hotels in provincial towns. Along the way or on one of the many wild rivers and nature preserves, there is great fishing, particularly fly-fishing during the summer. Climbing the mountains in the west is popular as well as photographing the wildlife, flora, or the multitude of birds living or migrating through Mongolia. * Canoe down some of Mongolia's major rivers. * Listen to traditional Mongolian '''throat singing'''. * Visit reindeer herders, such as the Tsaatan Community, which is west of Khovsgol lake. Several tour companies sell tours to visit the reindeer herders living in high alpine mountains. To get there, ride horses from Tsagaannuur or Rinchinlhumbe. You need to get a border permit in UB or Murun before starting the tour. Most licensed tour companies can get the border permit if you provide your travel details in advance. Horse-trekking can be hard and long. But it's worth traveling there. * Local Bonda Lake Camp in Khatgal village near Lake Khovsgol offers fishing, hiking, winter tours, nomad visits, horseback riding, visiting reindeer herders and the Darhad valley. Horse riding, you can discover Lake Khovsgol and its beautiful waters, meet Tsataan (nomadic reindeer herders) living in gers in the north of Khovsgol area. This region is incredibly scenic, perched at 1645 m altitude in green mountains, covered with thick pine forests and lush meadows with grazing yaks and horses, and rich with wildlife: the lake has 9 species of fish and its surroundings are full of sheep, goats, elk and more than 430 species of birds. There are 5 Mongolian tribes nearby: Khalh, Darhad, Buriad, Hotgoid, and Urianhai. The camp has a hot shower, sauna, internet and a restaurant with Mongolian and European meals. *{{do | name=Mountain Climbing | alt= | url= | email= | address=All over Mongolia | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Best to climb the highest peaks in July and August | price= | content=While much of the country is rolling steppe, there are several mountain ranges. The Altai Mountains in the west have several peaks of over {{ft|13,000}} up to {{ft|14,201}} in [[Altai Tavan Bogd National Park]]. The highest mountains have snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and require special equipment and experienced guides. Smaller mountains throughout the country can be hiked in an afternoon, including many surrounding the capital of Ulaanbaatar. }} ===Winter activities=== *{{listing | type=do | name=Join Kazakh eagle hunters on a hunt | alt= | url= | email= | address=In [[Western Mongolia]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=During the cold winter months, the Kazakhs in western Mongolia use eagles to hunt for foxes and hares, which are easier to see against the snow. Freezing temperatures and long days on Mongolian or Kazakh horses discourage most people from attempting this adventure. For those who do, seeing an eagle released from a man's forearm swoop down and kill a fox a mile away is an unforgettable experience. }} *Skiing: There is one ski resort outside of Ulaanbaatar with a ski lift, equipment rentals, instructors, and all the other features of a ski resort. The lift may be slow, and the runs a bit hard, but it does provide good entertainment for those visiting UB during the long, cold winter months. For more adventurous types, western Mongolia's large mountain ranges provide great '''back-country skiing'''. The spring months of April and May get the most snow and make the best skiing. Either join a tour or lug all of your own equipment. There aren't any ski shops in the nearby villages. ==Buy== ===Money=== {{exchange rates | currency=Mongolian tögrög | currencyCodeAfter=&nbsp;₮ | date=January 2025 | USD=3,435 | EUR=3,550 | GBP=4,300 | KRW=2,320 | JPY=2,180 | RUB=3,362 | source=[https://www.xe.com/currency/mnt-mongolian-tughrik/ XE.com] }} The Mongolian currency is the '''tögrög''' (also spelled "tugrik", "tugrug" etc.; Mongol: төгрөг), denoted by the sign "'''₮'''" (ISO international currency code: '''MNT'''). You may also see the notations "tg" and "T". Banknote denominations in circulation are 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1,000, 5,000, 10,000 and 20,000&nbsp;₮. It is virtually impossible to exchange tögrög outside the country, so don't exchange too much. US dollars are widely accepted in the tourist industry, especially for larger payments (hotels, guides, etc.), but are not usable in the countryside. ===Tipping=== In Mongolia tipping is rarely expected except in tourism-related services like tour guides. Waiters, taxis, and hotel attendants do not expect tips. Sometimes taxis will attempt to overcharge you by refusing to give change back, but this has nothing to do with gratuity. Some nicer restaurants and hotels in the capital do often add fees to the bill for service, especially for larger groups. ===Shopping=== *Mongolian cashmere is known as the best in the world, so consider buying garments and blankets from one of the many stores selling cashmere products. *Mongolia is famous for its copper mines Erdenet and Oyu Tolgoi. A copper bookmark might make an ideal souvenir and you can easily find this US$1 metal souvenir in Ulaanbaatar souvenir shops. *'''Kazakh embroideries''' made in [[Ölgii]] using traditional Kazakh designs are sold in many gift shops in Ulaanbaatar. *'''Paintings''' by local artists are excellent buys in Mongolia. *You can find '''felt poker-work''' in [[Erdenet]]. *It is illegal to take '''antiques''' out of the country without a special permit. *The huge open-air market, '''Narantuul''' ("The Black Market") in Ulaanbaatar offers the lowest prices on just about anything you could want. Beware of the many pickpockets and even attackers there. This can be a great place to get a good pair of ''riding boots''. You can opt for a variety of Mongolian styles, from fancy to the more practical, or even get a good set of Russian-style boots. *Mongolia is justly famous for its [[carpets]]. [[Erdenet]] is home to Mongolia's largest carpet factory, also making and selling slippers made of carpet, though its carpets are made by machine, not traditional methods. For traditional carpets, visit a local market, including the famous Black Market in [[Ulaanbaatar]]. ===Grocery shopping=== ''Prices as of April 2018:'' * Bread (1 loaf) - 1,600 ₮ * Bottled water (0.5 liter) - 600 ₮ * Beef (1kg) - 9,500 ₮ * Yogurt (0.45kg) - 1,600 ₮ * Beer (0.5 liter) - 2,000 ₮ to 5,000 ₮ * Milk (1 liter) - 2,350 ₮ * Potato (1kg) - 1,050 ₮ * Onion (1kg) - 1,550 ₮ * Coffee (0.8kg) - 12,000 ₮ * Banana (1kg) - 4,500 ₮ * Grape (1kg) - 11,000 ₮ * Apple juice (2 liters) - 5,000 ₮ * Eggs (10) - 4,450 ₮ ==Eat== {{infobox|Un-Mongolian barbecue|Boiled mutton? Aren't Mongolians famous for barbecue? Sadly, no: "Mongolian BBQ" was invented in Taiwan in the 1970s. Due to tourist demand, there is one Mongolian BBQ place in Ulaanbaatar now, but it's run by an American!}} [[File:Dishes_of_Mongolian_cuisine.jpg|thumb|The Mongolian trifecta: ''khuushuur'' fried dumplings on the left, ''buuz'' steamed dumplings on the right, and pieces of boiled mutton on top]] Anywhere you find people in Mongolia, you will also smell the scent of '''boiled mutton''', the principal dish of Mongolia. A typical herder in the countryside will eat little else, flavored only with a little salt. Vegetables and spices are very limited, and even flour may be in short supply, since the climate is poorly suited to agriculture. Restaurants, canteens and tea shops in Mongolia also have a mutton-centric menu, revolving around three dishes: * ''buuz'' (бууз) &mdash; Steamed dumplings stuffed with meat, often called the national dish of Mongolia. Derived from the Chinese ''baozi''. A set of 6 usually costs 1,200-2,000&nbsp;₮. * ''khuushuur'' (хуушууp) &mdash; Deep-fried stuffed flatbread with meat and onion, originally a festive dish but now ubiquitous. 3 or 4 will fill you up. * ''tsuivan'' (цуйван) &mdash; Fried noodles with meat and a few token vegetables, often served with ketchup on the side. Around 2,000-4,000&nbsp;₮ a serve. Horse, yak and beef are also eaten, and dairy products like ''byaslag'' (бяслаг), a mild, paneer-like fresh cheese, and ''öröm'' (өрөм), clotted cream, are also common. ''Aaruul'' (ааруул) dried curds are also a common snack: these are typically rock hard and have to be eaten by ''slowly'' dissolving them in your mouth, which eventually turns them into lumps of cheesy putty. [[File:Boodog made from a marmot.JPG|thumb|Preparing a marmot as ''boodog'']] For special occasions, ''boodog'' (боодог) or goat/marmot barbecue, is particularly worth experiencing. For about 15,000-20,000&nbsp;₮, a nomad will head out with his gun, shoot a marmot or a goat, and then cook it for you without a pot: the meat, vegetables, water and stones are cooked inside the skin of the animal. They skin it very carefully, and then tie off the holes at the legs and back side, put the food and hot stones inside, tie off the throat, and let it cook for about 30 minutes. Though rare, with only 692 cases of marmot plague recorded between 1928 to 2018, the Tarbagan marmot is known to carry the bubonic plague, but fatal cases tend to be those that partake in the consumption of raw marmot organs that are sometimes eatern separately from the ''boodog.'' Along the same lines is ''khorkhog'' (xopxoг), made of mutton, which is prepared like so: build a fire; toss stones into fire until red hot; place water, hot stones, onions, potatoes, carrots, and, finally, mutton chops, into a large vacuum-sealed kettle; let the kettle simmer over a fire for 30-60 minutes; open kettle carefully, as the top will inevitably explode, sending hot juices flying everywhere; once the kettle is opened, and all injuries have been tended to, eat contents of kettle, including the salty broth. This cooking method makes mutton taste tender and juicy, like slow-roasted turkey. Ask your guide if he or she can arrange one (but only during summer). ===Where to eat=== Ulaanbaatar has a cosmopolitan scene with plenty of international options, ranging from fine dining at the Kempinski to fast-food dumplings at [https://www.khaanbuuz.mn/ Khaan Buuz], the country's answer to McDonalds. The many Korean restaurants in particular are worth exploring. It is also the only place in the country where vegetarians can fairly easily find food, although tour agents can usually arrange vegetarian meals elsewhere with sufficient notice. In the countryside, the only dining option is often the ''guanz'' (гуанз), a roadside ''ger'' tent offering a simple menu, often only ''tsuivan'' noodles and salted milk tea. ==Drink== [[File:Mongolia 105.JPG|thumb|A milk pail in Mongolia]] The most common drink in Mongolia is '''salted milk tea''' (сүүтэй цай ''süütei tsai''), which is essentially a cup of boiled milk and water, sometimes with a couple pieces of tea leaf and/or a pinch of salt thrown in for good measure. A cup of this and a bowl of dried snacks is the first thing served when you visit a ''ger'', and it accompanies food at restaurants as well. The tea can be bulked up into a meal by adding in some toasted millet, rice, meat or bansh. You might want to build up your tolerance by drinking lots of milk in preparation for your stay because they don't drink much else, except perhaps boiled water if you specially request it during a longer stay. Also, most traditional nomadic foods such as dried yogurt and the like require acclimatization to milk as well. Cold drinks don't actually exist in the countryside (unless you intend to drink straight out of a river, generally not recommended). [[File:Homemade airag in Mongolia.jpg|thumb|A glass of homemade ''airag'', prepared in the blue plastic barrel in the background]] The national drink, though, is '''''airag''''' (айраг). Essentially the same as the Central Asian ''kumiss'', this is a summer seasonal drink made from fermented mare's milk, and is certainly an acquired taste. The alcohol content is less than that of beer, but can have noticeable effects. Be careful, if you aren't accustomed to drinking sour milk products, the first time might give you diarrhea as your stomach gets accustomed to it. This should only happen the first time though. Once you've completed the ritual, your digestive system shouldn't complain again. There are numerous ways to describe the taste, from bile-like to a mixture of lemonade and sour cream. The texture can also be offsetting to some people since it can be slightly gritty. It is worth keeping in mind that Airag is milk and a source of nutrients. After a day of riding it can actually be quite refreshing, once acquiring a taste for it. ''Airag'' is "microbrewed" locally, not commercially produced, but in season it's sold at stands including Gandantegchinlen Monastery and at the West Market in Ulaanbaatar. Much stronger than ''airag'' is '''''arkhi''''' (архи), a strong liquor distilled from milk and often called "milk vodka". Like vodka, the taste is quite neutral, and after you have your first shot of the vodka you won't feel anything, but a few minutes later it will get to your head. Most people in Mongolia usually drink this for medical reasons. First you heat up the vodka then put in a little bit of special oil which is also made from milk. Careful don't overheat it, you might get blind. Mongolians call their national vodka ''nermel arkhi'' ("distilled vodka") or ''changa yum'' ("tight stuff"). Many Russian-style vodkas are sold throughout the country. The best are '''Chinggis Khaan vodka''', '''Soyombo''' and '''Golden Chinggis'''. In Ulaanbaatar you can find most Western beers, from Miller to Heineken. They sell Budweiser -- not American Bud but the [[Czech Republic|Czech]] Budweiser. Local beer, such as Chingis, Gem Grand, Borgio or Sengur is fine. ==Sleep== Some '''western-style accommodation''' is available in [[Ulaanbaatar]], but it goes for western prices. There are a few nice guest houses in UB for less than US$10 per night (even as cheap as 3,000&nbsp;₮ if you're willing to share a room), but they are crowded during the tourist season and hard to get into. Out in the countryside, most of the hotels are rundown Soviet-era leftovers. A better option is tourist ''ger'', set up by entrepreneurial locals. Staying at one of these costs about ₮5000 per person per night. They often include breakfast and dinner as well. When staying in one of these guest ger, the usual gift-giving customs can be skipped. Finally, there are also '''ger-camps'''. Set up by tour companies, they do occasionally rent out space to independent travellers. Unfortunately, they tend to be both expensive (US$35 per person per night with 3 meals) and out of the way. To stay at a ger camp, use the online booking portals [https://ihotel.mn/ iHotel] and [http://www.mongoliagercamps.net Mongolian Ger Camps Network]. Except for the cities and larger towns, all land is publicly owned. This means you can '''pitch a tent''' pretty much anywhere. Courtesy dictates that you keep your distance from existing nomad encampments. Common sense dictates that you don't pitch a tent in the middle of or too close to a road. Nowadays, there are more than 300 hotels in Mongolia and these are graded between 1 and 5 stars. Hotels holding 3 stars or more are for tourist service and must obtain permission in order to operate. The Accommodation Grading Committee, consisting of the Ministry, travel industry associations and tourism researchers, rate an accommodation according to Mongolian standards. ==Learn== There are some '''language schools''' in the capital. The two most known to foreigners are Bridge School and Friends School. Both offer group study classes and individual tutors. Also, the [http://www.num.edu.mn/en/ National University of Mongolia]{{Dead link|date=September 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} offers courses. It usually takes westerners about 9 to 18 months before they acquire good conversational abilities in Mongolian. Speakers of Korean, Japanese, and Turkic languages, like Turkish and Kazakh, tend to learn more quickly due to the similarities in grammatical structure. A Mongolian language school with a website is [http://mongolianlanguage.mn '''Nomiin Ger''']. ==Work== It can be difficult to find employment as a foreigner in Mongolia. Obtaining a work permit requires being sponsored by a Mongolian company and every company has a strict quota on the number of foreign nationals they may employ. Foreign nationals are not allowed to comprise more than 20% of a Mongolian company's workforce. This is as good as saying that the Mongolian government is reluctant to let foreigner workers compete with Mongolians. There is a huge demand for native English speakers as English teachers. Anyone who is interested in [[teaching English]] will have no trouble getting employment and a work visa through a school or organization. However, the pay is generally lower than in other countries. Though it'll usually be just enough for room and board plus a little extra. Local English-language media hire native speakers as editors, proof-readers and photojournalists. Volunteer work is available teaching English, assisting with charity work and joining archaeological digs. These jobs are easy to find and very rewarding. ==Stay safe== [[File:Sunset in Ulaanbaatar (6216619493).jpg|thumb|Sunset in Ulaanbaatar]] Mongolia is mostly a safe country to visit, but take care in nights and when alcohol is involved, and if venturing out away from shelter with risks of harsh weather. Women should be aware of problems common in conservative regions. [[Aggressive dogs]] may run in packs. Be wary of them since they are not likely to be as tame as domestic dogs elsewhere. Most fenced yards and gers have a guard dog that is usually all bark and no bite, though it is advised to make it aware of you so as to not surprise it, and carry a rock in case it does charge you. Manhole covers — or more precisely, the lack of such covers — is a surprisingly common cause of injuries among foreigners and (especially drunk) tourists. In smaller cities and outlying areas of the capital, there are many missing or poorly placed covers. Avoid stepping on any manhole and pay attention to where you walk. ===Crime and harassment=== Apart from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia is generally a safe place to travel. However, incidents of [[pickpockets|pickpocketing]] and bag slashing have occurred, so always keep your personal belongings in a safe place (money belts are highly recommended), especially in crowded areas or in places where your attention is diverted. Notorious places for theft are the Black Market (bazaar), the railway station and crowded bus stops. Unfortunately, xenophobia and violence towards foreigners is common. Alcoholism is a huge social problem and Mongolia has the highest rate of liver cancer in the world<!--according to www.wcrf.org and most other reputable sources-->. Do not acknowledge or approach any Mongolian man under the influence of alcohol. Many foreigners who go to bars and clubs at night report assault and general aggression. Mongolians are quite open people and tend to be curious and ask many questions just to be friendly. Try to answer diplomatically, and vaguely, especially relating to any perceived negative aspect of Mongolia. Violent crime is also common outside the capital city (Darkhan especially), so caution is required at night. In particular, dark or deserted alleys and streets should be avoided. Generally, if walking past 22:00, avoid people if at all possible. Mongolians can be very friendly, but their emotions and motives can change quite quickly. Someone who may genuinely just want to have a couple drinks with you may suddenly become aggressive regardless of your respect and polite actions. Corruption is a huge problem in Mongolia, and locals are convinced that the police are not to be trusted. There are small bands of Mongolian ultra-nationalist thugs that style themselves as neo-Nazis and have assaulted foreigners including whites, blacks, and particularly, Chinese. They are especially provoked by foreigner interaction with Mongolian women. They are mostly found in the capital, especially in the cheaper bars and nightclubs. Lone or female travelers need to exercise a higher degree of awareness of their surroundings, as getting groped in the chest or behind is not uncommon. Some actions like dancing close to a man will be seen as an open invitation, as Mongolians generally don't dance this way. === Weather conditions === Perhaps the biggest danger in Mongolia is the extreme weather. Owing to its large size, high elevation, proximity to [[Siberia]] in Russia, and its landlocked geography, Mongolian winters are incredibly harsh and temperatures can fall as low as -40° Celsius. That's why [[Ulaanbaatar]] is often dubbed the coldest capital city in the world. When visiting Mongolia in the winter, layer every article of clothing you own and '''do not''' walk around too much in the open. Frostbite is a real risk, and freezing to death is a possibility. If you are unprepared to deal with such weather conditions, visit Mongolia during the summer. === Driving === Driving in Mongolia can be dangerous, especially for those who are not used to driving in developing countries. Roads outside the capital tend to be in poor condition, and incredibly harsh weather makes things all the more difficult. In the capital, motorists can be aggressive and drunk driving is common. Take care when crossing roads or busy intersections. If you have little to no knowledge of Mongolian roads and driving around in isolated areas, it is '''strongly recommended''' that you do not drive outside [[Ulaanbaatar]]. Outside the capital, help is incredibly limited and you can get lost if you don't know what you're doing. If you must drive outside [[Ulaanbaatar]], consider informing a trusted local about your plans. ==Stay healthy== [[File:Air pollution in ulaanbaatar.jpg|thumb|Air pollution in Ulaanbaatar]] * Nomads' dogs may have '''rabies'''. As a precaution, consider having a rabies shot before coming. * Marmots should not be eaten at certain times of the year because they can carry '''bubonic plague'''. That said, the disease is carried by the marmot's fleas so the afflicted tend to be fur traders, and marmot is not a mainstream dish even in Mongolia. * Hepatitis and tuberculosis are common throughout Mongolia. * '''[[Tap water]]''' is unsafe to drink. === Pollution === [[Ulaanbaatar]] has polluted air, largely due to pervasive coal-burning for domestic heating. If you suffer from a respiratory disease and plan to visit Mongolia in winter, consult a medical professional for advice. ==Respect== [[File:Jurte in der Mongolei.JPG|thumb|A common sight in the Mongolian countryside. If you have been invited to go inside one, accept it.]] Compared to other countries in Asia, Mongolians are generally straightforward. Expect someone to tell you exactly what they think and feel. Anti-China sentiment is high in Mongolia due to historiographical and cultural disputes, and because China is seen by Mongolians as a colonial oppressor. As such, refrain from wearing anything associated with China, and refrain from talking about China. The Chinese province of Inner Mongolia is referred to as "southern Mongolia" by most Mongolians. Many Mongolians consider it to be Mongolian territory under Chinese occupation. Mongols traditionally live on the steppes, breeding horses, just like their ancestor Genghis Khan. Not surprisingly, following Western pleasantries will mostly not have the intended effect in Mongolia. Instead, try to follow local good manners. Always receive items with the '''right hand''', palm facing up. Drink from the right hand with the palm up as well. It is very rude to refuse a gift. If offered a plate of hospitality munchies, take at least a small nibble from something. Never point at anyone with your index finger since it implies disrespect. Whenever you approach a nomadic family, or enter a ger, you will, without knowing, break one or several of the many traditional, religious and superstitious customs. If you do become confused, don't panic, minor indiscretions will be tolerated and forgiven. The following do's and don'ts will help avoid offending anyone. === What to do=== * Say hello (sain bainuu) upon arriving (but repeating it when you see the same person is considered strange) * Take at least a sip, or a nibble, of the delicacies offered. * Pick up everything with an open hand, with your palm facing upwards. * Hold a cup by the bottom, and not by the top rim. * If by accident you tap someone's foot with yours, immediately shake hands with them (failing to do so will be seen as an insult). * Exchange pleasantries and engage in some small talk before asking someone for something. * Discuss one's family and the weather. In nomadic areas, asking about a nomad's animals is customary. * Discuss where you're from and what you're doing in Mongolia/the place you're visiting. * Show respect to elders and figures of authority. === What not to do === * Lean against a support column * Whistle inside a ger * Stand on, or lean over, the threshold * Stamp out a fire, or put water or any rubbish on it (fire is sacred to Mongolians) * Walk in front of an older person; or turn your back to the altar, or religious objects (except when leaving) * Take food from a communal plate with your left hand * Touch other people's hats * Do not have a long conversation in your own language in front of your hosts; make an effort to include your hosts. * Do not reject an invitation to visit a ger; hospitality is a cornerstone in the nomadic parts of Mongolia and outright rejecting an invitation will seriously offend the nomads. * Refuse food and drink offered by your hosts; as is the case in many Asian cultures, it is ''very rude'' to do this in Mongolia and shows no respect to your hosts. * Not finishing the food that has been offered to you; as is the case in many Asian cultures, wasting food is ''frowned upon''. * Urinate in lakes or bodies of water; water is considered sacred and holy in Mongolia. * Speak negatively about Genghis Khan. Most Mongolians revere him, and he is regarded as a national hero and the father of their nation. ==Connect== '''Internet cafés''' are less common than they were, but nicer restaurants provide Wi-Fi in the capital. The postal service is slow and most people have a PO Box if they want to get anything. It is possible to buy phone cards that can be used to call abroad very cheaply from domestic phones, but not all phones can do this. (You can ask for MiCom or MobiCom cards). In the countryside, cell phone carriers cover random villages. Between Mobicom, Unitel, and GMobile, all villages or Soum centers are covered. Internet cafés are plentiful in Aimag centers (provincial capitals) now, with all Aimag post offices having one, plus many smaller cafés. There is Internet in some Soums (villages), but this is rare, slow, and prone to frequent outages. To make local calls in Ulaanbaatar, use a phone of one of the many entrepreneurs with cellular telephones on the street corners. Expect to pay 150-200&nbsp;₮ per minute (June 2009 prices). ==Go next== ===To [[China]]=== From Ulaanbaatar, there are several options: Firstly, the international train. Tickets are sold in the ticket office in the VIP lounge on the second floor of the international ticket office across the street from the train station. The second option is to board the Hohhot international train and transfer at [[Erlian]] or [[Jining (Inner Mongolia)]]. See the travel agency located on the 1st (ground) floor of the international ticket office for details. The third option is to take the daily train to [[Zamiin-Üüd]], Mongolia at the border and take a bus or jeep to China, then go to the bus or train station in [[Erlian]], China. ===To [[Russia]]=== There are buses and trains to [[Ulan Ude]], from where you can explore the [[Lake Baikal]] region or board the [[Trans-Siberian Railway]] in either direction. {{isPartOf|East_Asia}} {{outlinecountry}} {{geo|47|104|zoom=5}} l5mar3bwrtah4z0vmgg0q1gogi3vyok 0 22729 5086592 5086585 2025-07-02T12:03:00Z Ground Zero 1423298 Use 12-hour clock in UK articles per [[Talk:United Kingdom]] 5086592 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner}} '''Monmouth''' ([[Welsh phrasebook|Welsh]]: ''Trefynwy'') is the county town of [[Monmouthshire]] in [[Wales]]. Monmouth is a delightful, bustling, market town near where the three rivers Wye, Monnow and Trothy meet on the border with [[England]]. On a sunny day it can be packed with tourists strolling up and down the narrow pavements of Monnow Street, Agincourt Square and Church Street. It has an iconic fortified bridge which has been relieved of motor traffic by the building of a second bridge over the Monnow after the cattle market closed. Little is left of the Norman castle around which the town grew. ==Understand== [[image:Monmouth - Monnow Bridge.jpg|thumb|Monnow Bridge]] Monmouth museum displays artefacts associated with Admiral Lord Nelson and Charles Rolls of ''Rolls Royce'' fame. The whole town has free Wi-Fi, as a result of Monmouthpedia, a project to use QRpedia QR codes "to provide multilingual smart phone access to Wikipedia articles covering notable subjects in Monmouth, such as places, people, artefacts, flora and fauna" according to Wikipedia. This 2012 project led to Monmouth being described as the "world's first Wikipedia town". ===Visitor information === *{{listing | name=Tourist Information Centre | alt=Canolfan Croeso | url=https://www.visitmonmouthshire.com/places-to-visit/monmouth-in-monmouthshire.aspx | email= | address=Shire Hall, Agincourt Square, NP25 3DY | lat=51.81303 | long=-2.71546 | directions= | phone=+44 1600 775257 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=}} ==Get in== ===By bus=== There are buses from [[Newport (Monmouthshire)|Newport]], [[Abergavenny]], [[Chepstow]], [[Hereford]], and many towns in the [[Forest of Dean]]. For [http://www.traveline-cymru.org.uk/ detailed timetables]. ===By coach=== National Express coach 323 calls daily at Monmouth in the morning on its route via [[Ross-on-Wye]], [[Worcester (England)|Worcester]] and [[Birmingham (England)|Birmingham]] towards [[Liverpool]], and in the evening on its return run towards [[Newport (Monmouthshire)|Newport]] and [[Cardiff]]. ===By train=== Since there is no train station, Chepstow and Abergavenny are the best options. Both stations are about 30 minutes drive away. Faster trains call at Newport and Bristol Parkway ==Get around== {{Mapframe|51.81074|-2.715211|zoom=13|layer=M|name=Monmouth}} The closest railway station is Abergavenny which is on the Cardiff to Manchester line. *[http://www.taximonmouth.co.uk/ Monmouth Trefynwy Taxis] ==See== * {{marker|type=see|name=Fortified bridge|lat=51.80896|long=-2.71992}} * {{see | name=Kymin | alt= | url=https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/the-kymin | email=kymin@nationaltrust.org.uk | address= | lat=51.8092 | long=-2.6867 | directions= | phone=+44 1600 719241 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | wikidata=Q1319489| wikipedia=The Kymin | content=Impressive view of Monmouth and the surrounding countryside. }} * {{see | name=Skenfrith Castle | alt= | url=https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/skenfrith-castle/ | email=skenfrithcastle@nationaltrust.org.uk | address=Skenfrith, near Abergavenny, NP7 8UH | lat=51.8778 | long=-2.78942 | directions=7 miles north west of Monmouth | phone=+44 1874 625515 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | image=Great Tower, Skenfrith Castle - geograph.org.uk - 714671.jpg | wikidata=Q7534629| wikipedia=Skenfrith Castle | content= }} ==Do== * '''[[Offa's Dyke Path]]''' follows the entire Welsh border up hill down dale. Its south terminus is at [[Chepstow]]; it follows the east river bank and plunges through Tidenham Tunnel to [[Tintern]]; this section is also called Wye Valley Walk. From there it crosses the fields for ten miles to Monmouth, continuing north to Pandy. ==Buy== *{{buy | name=Marks & Spencer | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=51.81026 | long=-2.71781 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=High quality clothing, especially underwear, at reasonable prices with a liberal exchange policy.}} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=The Whole Earth Cafe Bistro | alt= | url=http://www.thewholeearthcafe.co.uk/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=White Swan Ct. | lat=51.812797 | long= -2.714998 | directions= | phone= +44 1600 715555 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=La Piccola Italia | alt= | url=https://lapiccolaitalia.net/ | email= | address=100 Monnow St | lat=51.809988 | long=-2.718678 | directions= | phone=+44 1600 712527 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=The Whitebrook | alt= | url=http://thewhitebrook.co.uk/ | email= | address=Whitebrook | lat=51.7594 | long=-2.68639 | directions= | phone=+44 1600 860254 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=The Whitebrook | image=The Crown at Whitebrook - geograph.org.uk - 765537.jpg | wikidata=Q7728225 | lastedit=2017-05-29 | content= }} * {{eat | name=The Boat Inn | alt= | url=http://www.theboatpenallt.co.uk | email= | address=Lone Lane, Penault (Redbrook) NP25 4AJ | lat=51.78494 | long=-2.67442 | directions= | phone=+44 1600 712615 | tollfree= | hours=Lunches served W-M noon-2:30PM, evening meals W-Sa 6:30-8:30PM | price= | content=Amazing old style pub. }} * {{eat | name=Robin Hood Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=126 Monnow St, Monmouth | lat=51.80940 | long=-2.71922 | directions= | phone=+44 1600 715423 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Drink== ==Sleep== *{{sleep | name=The Bell at Skenfrith | alt= | url=https://www.thebellatskenfrith.co.uk/ | email=enquiries@skenfrith.co.uk | address=Skenfrith NP7 8UH | lat= | long= | directions=next to Skenfrith Castle | phone=+44 1600 750235 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £150 | lastedit=2021-11-18 | content=17th-century inn with rooms, the Sunday lunch gets great reviews. }} * {{sleep | name=The Bell Inn | alt= | url= | email=Info@thebellinnredbrook.co.uk | address=Redbrook Rd, Redbrook | lat=51.78375 | long=-2.67260 | directions= | phone=+44 1600 713612 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Accommodation and food services. }} *{{sleep | name=Number Seven Church Street | alt= | url=https://numbersevenchurchstreet.co.uk/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email=enquiries@pregomonmouth.co.uk | address=7 Church St, NP25 3BX | lat=51.81254 | long=-2.71494 | directions= | phone=+44 1600 712600 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=The Lancaster Arms Guest House | alt= | url= | email= | address=Old Hereford Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 1873 890699 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=£150-200 per room | content=On the A465 approx. 6 miles north-east of Abergavenny. This is a country guest house, just off the Offa's Dyke Path. }} *{{listing | type=sleep | name=Bechers Cottage | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/BechersHolidayCottage/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email=farrfarm@waitrose.com | address=The Farr Farm, Newcastle NP25 5NF | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 1600 750677 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=£360-595 | content=A 5-star cottage }} *{{sleep | name=Kings Orchard Caravan Park | alt= | url=http://www.kingsorchardpark.co.uk/ | email=mhoaten@aol.com | address=Withy Lane | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 1600 714186 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Holiday caravan park, approximately one mile from the town centre. }} ==Go next== * [[Forest of Dean]] * [[Chepstow]] * [[Abergavenny]] {{routebox | image1=UK_road_A40.svg | imagesize1=40 | directionl1=SW | majorl1=[[Cardiff]] | minorl1=[[Raglan (Monmouthshire)|Raglan]] | directionr1=NE | minorr1=[[Ross-on-Wye]] | majorr1=[[Gloucester (England)|Gloucester]] }} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|Monmouthshire}} {{geo|51.81007|-2.71628|zoom=15}} jp4otxswr32e8z2toi6aodlki1lkayb 0 22842 5086618 4943195 2025-07-02T13:15:14Z Bluecoordinationfine 2327039 Moved markers here from Offa's Dyke Path. 5086618 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg|pgname=Montgomery}} '''Montgomery''' ([[Welsh_phrasebook|Welsh]]: ''Trefaldwyn'', meaning "Baldwin's town") is a market town in [[Powys]]. Montgomery has retained an "unspoilt" feel, with some fine examples of Georgian and early Victorian architecture. ==Understand == [[File:Montgomery Presbyterian Chapel - geograph.org.uk - 540764.jpg|thumb|Montgomery Presbyterian Chapel]] As the English name implies, it was historically the county town of [[Montgomeryshire]] and as such, was a prosperous community and important political and commercial centre in the 17th-19th centuries. After the mid-19th century it began to be eclipsed as a commercial centre, and subsequently politically, by the nearby [[Newtown (Wales)|Newtown]] and [[Welshpool]], due to those two towns being located on the River Severn, Montgomery Canal, and Cambrian Railway. As of 2011, it was home to 1,300 people. ===Visitor information === * [http://www.montgomery-wales.co.uk/ Montgomery visitor information] ==Get in== ===By road=== Montgomery is missed by the major 'A'-road network, lying a few miles to the east of the main A483 [[Swansea]] - [[Chester]] road, roughly half-way between [[Welshpool]] and [[Newtown (Wales)|Newtown]]. ===By rail=== The nearest stations are at [[Welshpool]] and [[Newtown (Wales)|Newtown]], on the Cambrian line. ===By bus=== Local services are provided by [http://www.tanat.co.uk/ Tanat Valley Coaches]. Service 71b runs [[Welshpool]]-Montgomery-[[Newtown (Wales)|Newtown]] and service 558 runs from [[Shrewsbury_(Shropshire)|Shrewsbury]] to Montgomery via Worthen and Chirbury. ==Get around== As a small market town, Montgomery is easy to get around on foot, though the climb up to the castle is quite steep. The best way to explore the surrounding countryside is by bike. ==See== * {{see | name=St Nicholas Parish Church | url= | email= | address= | lat=52.560944 | long=-3.146647 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The tombs of the Herbert family and stained glass windows are well worth seeing. The church yard offers panoramic views over [[Shropshire]]. }} * {{see | name=Montgomery Castle | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=52.5625 | long=-3.15061 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open Entry | price=Free | wikipedia=Montgomery Castle | image=Montgomery Castle, Wales, 360° Panorama II.jpg | wikidata=Q3400816 | content=The castle dates back to 1223 and is now an imposing ruin on a hill above the town. }} * {{see | name=Montgomeryshire War Memorial | url= | email= | address= | lat=52.55357 | long=-3.157743 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open entry | price=Free | content=When it was built in 1923 of white Portland stone, the War Memorial was dedicated to those men of the county of Montgomeryshire who lost their lives in the First World War. It has since been rededicated to those who fell in all past wars. The climb up to the Memorial is well worth the effort as on a clear day it offers a magnificent 360-degree panorama of the surrounding countryside. To the east the [[Church_Stretton|Shropshire Hills]] can be seen very clearly, while to the west, all the major mountain groups of Mid- and North-Wales can be seen, from [[Aberystwyth|Pumlumon]] to the south-west, [[Tywyn#Outdoor_Pursuits|Cadair Idris]] to the west, the [[Bala|Arans]] and [[Snowdonia_National_Park#Main_Mountain_Groups|Snowdon]] (over 50 miles away!) to the north-west and the Berwyns in the north. }} * {{see | name=The Old Bell Museum | url=http://www.oldbellmuseum.org.uk/ | email=curator@oldbellmuseum.org.uk | address=Arthur Street, SY15 6RA | lat=52.56067 | long=-3.14892 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open W-Su from Easter to the end of September | price= | image=Old Bell Museum Exterior.JPG | wikidata=Q20713381| wikipedia=The Old Bell Museum | content= A 16th-century inn which has been converted into a local history museum by Montgomery Civic Society }} ==Do== *'''Cycling''' is popular in the area. The town lies at the centre of a network of quiet, rolling country lanes. A set of leaflets has been produced showing suggested circular routes from Montgomery. Pick these up from various outlets in the town, or check out the routes on the information board on the side of the Town Hall. * {{do | name=Offas Dyke Path | url=http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/offasdyke/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This national long-distance footpath runs 177 miles (285 km) from [[Chepstow]] in the south to [[Prestatyn]] in the north, following the [[England]]/[[Wales]] border along the course of a mediaeval defensive earthwork. The path passes just to the east of the town. Of course you can just walk a short section of it! }} ==Buy== * There are a number of art and craft galleries and gift shops around Broad Street and Kerry Street in the town centre. * {{buy | name=RH Bunner and Son | alt=Traditional Ironmonger | url=http://www.rhbunner.co.uk/ | email= | address=Arthur Street, Montgomery, SY15 6RA | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 1686 668308 | tollfree= | fax=+44 1686 668564 | hours=M-F 9AM-5:30PM; Sa 9AM-5PM | price= | content=Tradition, family-run ironmongers. The shop is a veritable maze of different departments over various levels, all absolutely crammed with good-quality products from a selection of brushes for any conceivable use to quad bikes to a fine selection of dolls house furniture. Well worth a browse. }} ==Eat== *{{eat | name=Dragon Hotel | url=http://www.dragonhotel.com | email= | address=Market Square, Montgomery, Powys SY15 6PA | lat= 52.56014 | long= -3.14935 | directions=uphill from the main Square in Montgomery | phone=+44 1686 668359 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily noon-2PM and 6:45-9PM. | price= | content=Cosy restaurant in a historic 17th-century coaching inn. Bar and restaurant open daily for lunch and dinner. Wi-Fi available. Good, locally-sourced food in the restaurant and bar. Wide range of real ales and ciders. Cheerful service.}} ==Drink== * {{drink | name=The Crown Inn | url= | email= | address=Castle Street, Montgomery, SY15 6PW | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * '''Dragon Hotel''' - see [[Montgomery_(Wales)#Eat|Eat]] above. ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Dolforwyn Hall | alt=Country House B&B | url= | email= | address=Abermule, Montgomery, Powys, SY15 6JG | lat= | long= | directions=about 5 miles from Montgomery, beside the main A483 road in the village of Abermule | phone=+44 1686 630221 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Eight-bedroom B&B with family room available. }} * {{sleep | name=Blue Bell | alt= | url= | email= | address=Churchstoke, Montgomery | lat=52.53305 | long=-3.10332 | directions=East of B4385-A489 junction | phone=+44 1588 620231 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=Mellington Hall Country House Hotel | url=https://mellingtonhall.co.uk | email=info@mellingtonhallhotel.com | address=Mellington, Churchstoke SY15 6HX | lat=52.52015 | long=-3.09445 | phone=+44 1588 620456 | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=£90–140 | content=Gothic country hotel set in 280 acres of parkland. Ten individually styled en suite rooms with free Wi-Fi. Afternoon tea and homemade cakes in the bar; lunch (noon–2PM) and dinner (6:30–9PM) served in four dining rooms. Local ingredients used where possible. No pets. }} * {{sleep | name=Mellington Hall Caravan Park | url=https://mellingtonhall.co.uk | address=1 Mellington Lodge, Mellington, Church Stoke, Montgomery SY15 6HX | lat=52.520901 | long=-3.094289 | phone=+44 1588 620011 | price=£5 pppn (2014) | content=A small campsite beside the lake, separately operated from the hotel. Call for gate code; pay the groundsman in the morning. }} * '''Dragon Hotel''' - see [[Montgomery_(Wales)#Eat|Eat]] above. ==Connect== ==Go next== *[[Newtown (Wales)|Newtown]] *[[Welshpool]] *[[Llanfair Caereinion]] *[[Bishop's Castle]] *[[Shrewsbury (England)]] {{IsPartOf|Powys}} {{usablecity}} {{geo|52.5628|-3.1493|zoom=14}} mvaj8ub69o3ztb6t0o0lnia2gisexdo 0 22870 5086735 5085332 2025-07-02T18:17:31Z 162 etc. 2252661 /* By bus */ 5086735 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Pagebanner|Montreal banner Twilight.jpg|caption=A panoramic view of Montreal from the top of Mount Royal|unesco_cc=yes}} {{printDistricts}} '''Montreal''' ([[French]]: ''Montréal'') is the largest city in the Canadian province of [[Quebec]]. While Quebec City is the political capital, Montreal is the cultural and economic centre, and the main entry point to the province. With 1.8 million residents in the city (2021), and 4 million in the urban area, Montreal is Canada's second largest city. and the largest francophone city in the Americas. Most Francophones are conversant in English to varying degrees of fluency. [[Montreal/Old Montreal|Old Montreal]] has a heritage of colonial times. Though a large city, Montreal gives opportunities for [[outdoor life]], and for watching the legendary Montréal Canadiens ice hockey team. ==Districts== ===Central Montreal=== ====Ville-Marie borough==== Neighbourhoods from west to east: {{Regionlist | regionmap=Montreal WV districts map 2024.svg | regionmaptext=Montreal districts map | regionmapsize=440px | region1name=[[Montreal/Downtown|Downtown]] | region1color=#FC57DA | region1items= | region1description=Skyscrapers, shopping, museums, and the Parc du Mont-Royal. | region2name=[[Montreal/Old Montreal|Old Montreal]] | region2color=#11F5CC | region2items= | region2description=The historic riverfront Old Town and Old Port manages to retain a quaint feel despite being mobbed by hordes of tourists. | region3name=[[Montreal/Quartier Latin-Le Village|Quartier Latin-Le Village]] | region3color=#8783A5 | region3items= | region3description=Restaurants, boutiques, cafes, pubs near UQAM in the Quartier Latin, gay bars and clubs in Le Village, and the working-class neighbourhood of Sainte-Marie. | region4name=[[Montreal/Parc Jean-Drapeau|Parc Jean-Drapeau]] | region4color=#ACC492 | region4items= | region4description=The islands of Île Sainte-Helene and Île Notre-Dame and the Montreal Casino. |regionInteractiveMap=map1|regionmapLat=45.5520|regionmapLong=-73.6953|regionmapZoom=10}} ====Plateau Mont-Royal district==== {{Regionlist | regionmap= | regionmaptext= | regionmapsize= | region1name=[[Montreal/Plateau|The Plateau]] | region1color=#E9AFAE | region1items= | region1description=Trendy area north of downtown and east of Parc du Mont-Royal. | region2name=[[Montreal/Mile-End|Mile End]] | region2color=#066CF2 | region2items= | region2description=Bagels, restaurants, coffee shops, the Rialto Theatre, and boutiques. }} ===Other Montreal districts and Montreal Island towns=== {{Regionlist | regionmap= | regionmaptext= | regionmapsize= | region1name=[[Montreal/Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie|Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie]] | region1color=#DA6D7A | region1items= | region1description=Little Italy and Jean-Talon market. | region2name=[[Montreal/Westmount–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce|Westmount–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce]] | region2color=#6997A5 | region2items= | region2description=The upscale anglophone enclave of Westmount and the more down to earth and diverse neighbourhood of Notre-Dame-de-Grâce. | region3name=[[Montreal/Hochelaga-Maisonneuve|Hochelaga-Maisonneuve]] | region3color=#AB5D8F | region3items= | region3description=Olympic Park, Botanical Gardens. | region4name=[[Montreal/Côte-des-Neiges|Côte-des-Neiges]] | region4color=#73B27B | region4items= | region4description=Multicultural neighbourhood northwest of the mountain. | region5name=[[Montreal/Outremont|Outremont]] | region5color=#C86E2A | region5items= | region5description=Upscale francophone neighbourhood. | region6name=[[Montreal/South West|South West]] | region6color=#CC9241 | region6items= | region6description=Including Lachine canal, Atwater Market (a must!), gentrifying St. Henri, and the historically black enclave, but now very trendy area of, Petite-Bourgogne (Little Burgundy). | region7name=[[Montreal/Verdun|Verdun]] | region7color=#4F93C0 | region7items= | region7description=Quiet neighbourhood with emerging cuisine scene and activities along the river. }} ===Elsewhere on the island=== {{Regionlist | regionmap= | regionmaptext= | regionmapsize= | region1name=[[Montreal/West Island|West Island]] | region1color=#D5DB76 | region1items= | region1description=the western part of the island of Montreal. It is mainly a residential suburb of the city of Montreal. It is the location of Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport and McGill University's MacDonald Campus. The residents are mostly English speakers (or "anglophones"), in contrast to the mostly French speaking residents of the rest of Montreal (excluding Westmount). (About 55% of the population is anglophone, 20% is francophone, and 25% is "other".) | region2name=[[Montreal/North Island|North Island]] | region2color=#B383B3 | region2items= | region2description= | region3name=[[Montreal/East End|East End]] | region3color=#00FF02 | region3items= | region3description= is composed of the city of Montreal East and the Montreal boroughs of Rivière-des-Prairies–Pointe-aux-Trembles, Anjou, Montreal North, Saint Leonard, Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve and Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie }} ==Understand== [[File:Old_Port_of_Montreal_(French-_Vieux-Port_de_Montréal).jpg|thumb|280px|Montreal Old Port]] [[File:Place d'Armes August 2017 02.jpg|alt=|thumb|200x200px|Place d'Armes in Old Montreal]] On an island in the St. Lawrence River at the historically highest navigable point, Montreal has been a strategic location since before the arrival of Europeans in Canada. A thriving Iroquoian town called Hochelaga was on the site of present-day Montreal when explorer Jacques Cartier first visited in 1535. In 1642, the tiny town of Ville-Marie was founded as a Catholic mission by Paul Chomedey, sieur de Maisonneuve. It soon became a centre of the fur trade. After its capture by the English in 1762, Montreal remained (until the 1970s) the most important city in Canada and was briefly capital of the province in the 1840s. Prohibition on sales of alcohol in the United States during the 1920s and 1930s made Montreal a destination for cross-border fun seekers from nearby New England and New York. The city built up a seedy, yet playful, industry in alcohol, burlesque, and other vices. In the 1960s, an urban renewal drive centred on Expo 67. The World's Fair in Montreal brought a subway system (the métro) and attractive urban parks and is considered to be one of the most successful World Fairs. Over 50 million visitors gathered in Montreal during this memorable summer. The 1976 Olympics left a strikingly idiosyncratic stadium and many other urban improvements. The opening of the Saint Lawrence Seaway in 1959, though much-lauded as an economic boom, spelled the beginning of the end for Montreal's economic dominance in Canada. Once the transition point between western railways and eastern sea carriers, Montreal watched helplessly as some of this business moved farther west, up the now navigable seaway, to ports in Ontario and on Lake Superior. The Quebec sovereignty movement, which began to pick up steam in the 1960s, further chilled the atmosphere for Canada-wide businesses, many of which moved their headquarters to Toronto. Following an economic depression in the 1980s and 1990s, Montreal became more secure in its place in North America and the world. It remains a centre of culture, arts, computer technology, aerospace, the biotech industry, and media for all of Canada. ===Language === 47% of Montrealers speak French as their only mother tongue, while around 13% of the population speak English as their mother language, and 33% speak something else. It is considered to be polite to start a conversation in French, but Montrealers will generally switch easily to English when they realize you don't speak French. At a minimum, start with "''Bonjour'', can we speak English?" ===Orientation=== [[File:Montreal WV.png|thumb|200px|right|As the world sees Montreal - Assuming north is up]] [[File:montreal rt.png|thumb|200px|right|As we see ourselves - Assuming north is up]] :''It has been said that Montréal is the only city in the world where the sun "rises in the south"''. Montrealers use an unconventional compass, using the river and the mountain as cardinal points. When you are downtown, the St Lawrence River is “south” and Mount Royal is “north”; making the West Island and the East End correct in both their names and orientations. This tends to confuse visitors because the “East” End is really north and the “South” Shore is east, and the St Lawrence River runs almost north-south at this location. Most local maps use this convention as do the highways around the city. For example, Autoroute 15 north actually runs northwest and Autoroute 40 east runs northeast. To underscore this fact, a Montreal map will show that the "south end" of Victoria Bridge is in fact further north than the "north end". ===Gay Montreal=== Montreal is an extremely inviting destination for gay and lesbian tourists. Canada's contributions to gay rights have become widely known, but Quebec was the first province in Canada to pass a non-discrimination law for sexual orientation and to provide same-sex civil unions (although [[Toronto]] was the first municipality in Canada to do so). Same-sex marriage is legal in Quebec (neither residency nor citizenship are required for a marriage licence, but there is a three-week waiting period after you receive the licence) as it is in the rest of Canada. Canadian and Quebec immigration law allow residents to sponsor their same-sex partners or spouses. The métro station in the Gay Village, Beaudry, is marked with rainbow pillars. '''Montreal's pride celebration''' (last week of July, first week of August) is the second-largest in Canada after [[Toronto]]'s. ===Climate=== {{Climate | units = Metric | janhigh = -5.0 | febhigh = -3.4 | marhigh = 2.4 | aprhigh = 11.3 | mayhigh = 19.4 | junhigh = 24.2 | julhigh = 26.7 | aughigh = 25.7 | sephigh = 21.1 | octhigh = 13.2 | novhigh = 6.1 | dechigh = -1.2 | janlow = -13.5 | feblow = -12.4 | marlow = -6.5 | aprlow = 1.1 | maylow = 8.3 | junlow = 13.8 | jullow = 16.7 | auglow = 15.6 | seplow = 10.9 | octlow = 4.5 | novlow = -1.7 | declow = -8.7 | janprecip = 85.8 | febprecip = 65.5 | marprecip = 77.2 | aprprecip = 90.0 | mayprecip = 85.6 | junprecip = 83.6 | julprecip = 91.1 | augprecip = 93.6 | sepprecip = 89.2 | octprecip = 103.1 | novprecip = 84.2 | decprecip = 91.9 | description = See the Montreal 7 day forecast at [https://www.weather.gc.ca/city/pages/qc-147_metric_e.html Environment Canada] }} The climate of Montreal is a true humid continental climate with 4 distinct seasons. The city has warm—and occasionally hot & humid—summers. Typical summer temperatures average around {{c|26.7}} in the day and {{c|18}} at night. A heat wave in the summer could see temperatures rising upwards to or even exceeding {{c|32}} and not going below {{c|22}} at night, alongside humid conditions. Springs and autumns are generally mild, and winters are often very cold & snowy. Montreal gets over 2,000 hours of sunshine annually, daylight hours range from 05:15-20:45 in early summer, to 07:30-16:15 in the December. Precipitation is moderate throughout the year, with around 2 metres of snow per season. ===Visitor information=== * {{listing | name=Centre Infotouriste de Montréal | alt= | url=https://www.quebecoriginal.com/en/listing/tourist-information/offices/centre-infotouriste-de-montreal-1971117 | email=info@bonjourquebec.com | address=1255 rue Peel, bureau 100 | lat=45.5003 | long=-73.5717 | directions=At rue Sainte-Catherine; metro Peel | phone=+1 514 873-2015 | tollfree=+1-877-266-5687 | hours=Apr 1-May 7: 09:00-17:00; May 8-Oct 4: 09:00-18:00; Oct 5-Mar 31: 09:00-17:00; Closed: Dec 25 & Jan 1 | price= | lastedit=2022-08-24 | content= }} * [https://www.mtl.org/en Visitor information] from MTL.org ==Get in== {{IATA|YMQ}} is used as the metropolitan area airport code for the airport and rail station. ===By plane=== {{seealso|Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport}} * {{marker|type=go|name=Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport|lat=45.4581|long=-73.7520|url=https://www.admtl.com/en}} ({{IATA|YUL}}) ({{phone|+1 514-633-3333}} / {{phone|+1 800-465-1213}} ), also known to locals as Dorval Airport, is west of the city centre on Expressway (''Autoroute'') 20. It is well-connected domestically, and to Europe and the United States, but connections to the rest of the world are much more limited. Travel time to the airport from the city centre can be as much as an hour, depending on traffic. ==== Other airports ==== [[Plattsburgh#By plane|'''Plattsburgh International Airport''']] and [[Burlington (Vermont)#By plane|'''Burlington International Airport''']], in the United States, are 1 hr 20 min and 1 hr 50 min away, respectively, by car from Montreal. Adirondack Trailways offers a bus service from Plattsburgh International Airport to Montreal. Greyhound offers a bus service from Burlington International Airport to Montreal. For travellers from the US, these airports may offer a significant cost savings compared to Trudeau but at the added inconvenience of arranging ground transportation between the US and Canada. ===By car=== From [[Toronto]], take Highway 401 east about 5 hr until it becomes Autoroute (freeway) 20 on the Quebec side of the border. It will then take about an hour to get to downtown. Be alert for frequent speed-limit changes along this road. To reach downtown follow the Centre-Ville signs and take Autoroute 720 (Autoroute 20 continues over the Pont Champlain bridge to the South Shore). {{infobox|Rideshare|Save money with a rideshare. There are daily rides from Toronto to Montreal and back for $30-50, which is cheaper than any other means of transportation between the two cities. A good website for ridesharing in Canada and the USA is [http://craigslist.com Craigslist]. Dedicated rideshare sites include [http://www.liftsurfer.com LiftSurfer] and [http://www.erideshare.com eRideShare] Warning: Advertisement for a van (with a DVD player) that offers rides to Montreal and back every day has drivers that hardly speak any English at all (nor French). The service provider is '''unreliable'''. Service is also very poor.}} From [[Ottawa]], it's about 2 hours east along Highway 417 (which becomes Autoroute 40 in Quebec) to Montreal. The portions of Highway 417 and Autoroute 40 between Ottawa and Montreal (west of the Autoroute 40 interchange with Autoroute 25) are part of the [[Trans-Canada Highway]]. From [[Quebec City]], it's about 3 hours west on either Autoroute 40, or Autoroute 20 followed by Autoroute 25. Autoroute 20 west of [[Rivière-du-Loup]] and Montreal area portions of Autoroute 25 between Autoroute 40 and Autoroute 20 are parts of the Trans-Canada Highway. From [[New York City]], take Interstate 87 north through [[Albany (New York)|Albany]] and the eastern half of New York State for about six hours. After the border crossing near [[Plattsburgh]], the freeway becomes Autoroute 15, which leads directly into downtown Montreal over the Pont Champlain, the most beautiful approach to the city. The drive time from Plattsburgh to downtown Montreal is approximately one hour. From [[Boston]], take Interstate 93 to Interstate 89 after you cross into New Hampshire. Follow Interstate 89 north to and through Vermont to the border crossing, where it turns into Highway 133. This secondary road continues to Autoroute 10, which leads directly into downtown Montreal. The whole trip takes about 5 hours. Once you cross the border it is about 1½ hours to Montreal. From [[Rouyn-Noranda]], [[Val-d'Or]], and [[Mont-Tremblant]], take route 117, and transfer on to Autoroute 15. Route 117 is part of a branch of the [[Trans-Canada Highway]], that starts from its interchange with Autoroute 40 (Trans-Canada Highway's main route) in [[Montreal]], which becomes Highway 66 in Ontario. Highway 66 ends as part of the Trans-Canada Highway about 14 km west of [[Kirkland Lake]], where Highway 66 intersects with Highway 11, which is another branch of the Trans-Canada Highway. ===By train=== {{Seealso|Rail travel in Canada}}[[File:Inside the Gare Centrale du CN, CN Central Station.jpg|thumb|Montreal Central Station]] {{Go|name=Montreal Central Station (''Gare Centrale'')|alt=({{IATA|YMY}})|url=https://www.viarail.ca/en/explore-our-destinations/stations/quebec/montreal/station|address=895 rue de la Gauchetière Ouest|lat=45.5000|long=-73.5667|directions=one block west of rue University, and is served by the Bonaventure metro (subway) station|lastedit=2023-10-07|content=Train operators stopping at this station are listed below.|wikipedia=Montreal Central Station|wikidata=Q1148666}} ==== Trains from within Canada ==== {{listing | name=VIA Rail Canada | alt= | url=https://www.viarail.ca/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-888-842-7245 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Via Rail | wikidata=Q876720 | lastedit=2022-03-31 | content=Operates train routes from Canada's west coast and east coast. }} VIA Rail operates fast and comfortable passenger trains to Montreal along the busy Quebec-Ontario corridor and from destinations in northern Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. All fares below are five-day advance booking prices for one-way travel in "Comfort" (coach/economy) class, expect to pay almost 50% more if you book on the day of travel. Check the Via website for "[http://www.viarail.ca/en/deals express deals]", which are posted every Tuesday. Highly discounted tickets are available, typically for long distance train routes or short distance trips at non-peak hours. Express deals on short distance trips (e.g. Montreal-Toronto) are typically offered only for the upcoming weeks, whereas long distance deals (e.g. Winnipeg to Montreal) may be available several weeks in advance. Business Class is available for a premium and includes a meal, alcoholic refreshments, snacks, and free wireless internet in station lounges and on board the train. An ISIC student card can obtain a discount on Via, and on Amtrak in the USA. Bicycles can also be brought aboard as is on certain Corridor trains during the summer months. See [[Rail travel in Canada]] for more information. VIA Rail Canada train routes serving Montreal: * Between [[Quebec City]] and [[Ottawa]] including stops in [[Drummondville]], [[Saint-Hyacinthe]], [[Saint-Lambert]], Montreal, [[Montreal/West Island|Dorval]], and [[Alexandria (Ontario)|Alexandria]]. Multiple trains daily travel the entire route and some additional trains travel daily between Montreal and Ottawa. Travel time to Montreal from Ottawa is 2 hours (from $35), from Drummonville is 1.25 hours, and from Quebec City is 3.25-3.5 hours (from $47). * Between Montreal and [[Toronto]] including stops in [[Montreal/West Island|Dorval]], [[Cornwall (Ontario)|Cornwall]], [[Brockville]], [[Kingston (Ontario)|Kingston]], [[Belleville (Ontario)|Belleville]], [[Cobourg]], and [[Oshawa]]. Operates 6 trains daily. Travel time to Montreal from Toronto is 5.25 hours (from $85) and from Kingston is 2.25-2.5 hours. * Between [[Halifax]] and Montreal on [[The Ocean]] route, including stops in [[Moncton]] and Sainte-Foy (near [[Quebec City|Q]]<nowiki/>[[Quebec City|ue]]<nowiki/>[[Quebec City|bec City]]). Operates 3 evenings per week. Travel time to Montreal from Halifax is 22 hours (from $133 coach, $187 upper berth, $245 bedroom)), from Moncton is 17.5 hours (from $110 coach, $162 upper berth, $219 bedroom), and from Sainte-Foy is 3.5 hours. A shuttle between Sainte-Foy and Quebec City's train station is available for The Ocean trains, but must be reserved in advance. The choice of sleeping accommodation varies according to the season. Along with trains between Montreal and Quebec, the Ocean is now almost exclusively operated by modern Renaissance trains that were built for the aborted Channel Tunnel sleeper services between [[Great Britain]] and [[France]]. * Between [[Jonquière]] (in the [[Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean]] region) and Montreal including stops in [[Lac-aux-Sables|Hervey-Jonction]], [[Shawinigan]], [[Saint-Paulin]], [[Saint-Justin]], and Joliette. Travel time to Montreal from Jonquière is 9 hours (from $55) and from Shawinigan is 2.5 hours. Operates three days per week. Route operates as a wilderness service: a request stop may be made at any point along the route for those who want to hike and kayak in the remoter regions of Quebec that the train passes through. * Between [[Senneterre]] (in the [[Abitibi-Témiscamingue|Abitibi]] region) and Montreal including stops in [[La Tuque]], Hervey-Jonction, Shawinigan, Saint-Paulin, Saint-Justin, and Joliette. Travel time to Montreal from Seneterre is 11.5 hours (from $81), from La Tuque is 5.5 hours, and from Shawinigan is 2.5 hours. Operates three days per week. Route operates as a wilderness service: a request stop may be made at any point along the route for those who want to hike and kayak in the remoter regions of Quebec that the train passes through. <!-- commenting out until service is restored:Three evenings a week, the Ocean also pulls the "Chaleur" train as far as [[Matapedia]]. The train divides in the early morning and the Chaleur follows the southern shore of the Gaspé Peninsula as far as [[Gaspé]] (17½ hr, from $106 coach, $165 upper berth, $215 bedroom). However, the service to Gaspe has been suspended with no confirmation of restarting it.--> ==== Trains from the United States ==== {{listing|name=Amtrak|alt=|url=https://www.amtrak.com/|email=|address=|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=+1 215-856-7924|tollfree=+1-800-872-7245|hours=|price=|wikipedia=Amtrak|wikidata=Q23239|lastedit=2022-03-31|content=}} Operates the [https://www.amtrak.com/adirondack-train Adirondack] daily between Montreal and [[New York City]] including stops along the way in [[Saint-Lambert]], [[Champlain and Rouses Point|Rouses Point]], [[Plattsburgh]], [[Westport (New York)|Westport]], [[Ticonderoga]], [[Saratoga Springs]], [[Schenectady]], Albany ([[Rensselaer (New York)|Rensselaer]]), [[Hudson (New York)|Hudson]], [[Rhinecliff]], [[Poughkeepsie]], [[Croton-on-Hudson]], and [[Yonkers]]. Travel time to Montreal from Plattsburgh is 4.25 hours, from Albany (Rensselaer) is 8.5 hours, and from New York City is 11.5 hours (from US$61). There are connection at Schenectady to (but not from) Chicago (24 hr, US$114) and in New York to Philadelphia (14 hr, US$97) and Washington, DC (16 hr, US$120). The train also passes through much of upstate [[New York (state)|New York]] and hugs Lake Champlain for a large part of the trip. South of Albany, the route follows the Hudson River and passes a number of historic sites. Reliability of the service has improved greatly since an extra hour was added to the previous 10-hr schedule, but one should still factor in the frequent possibility of arriving an hour later than scheduled. The journey to New York is cheaper but slower than by bus (see below), but it makes up for it with superior comfort, extra legroom, the ability to walk around the train and visit the cafe car for food and drink at your leisure, and the good view from the train of the Lake Champlain and Hudson River scenery. Train passengers leaving from Boston may take the Regional Service to Penn Station, New York City, and transfer to the Adirondack line to Montreal, but this method requires significant layover times in New York. The train station has no permanent lockers but it's usually possible to keep it guarded by Via Rail for less than a day if travelling with it. There is Wifi and a few power outlets. ===By bus=== Buses arrive and depart from the ''[http://www.gamtl.com/en/Bienvenue/default.aspx Gare d'autocars de Montreal]'' (not to be confused with the ''Gare Centrale'' or central train station) at 1717 Berri Street (adjacent to the Berri-UQAM metro station). Call [tel:+1&#x20;514-842-2281 +1 514-842-2281] for schedules and prices. Intercity operators include: * {{Listing|name=Autobus Galland|url=https://www.galland-bus.com/|phone=+1-450-687-8666|tollfree=+1 877-806-8666|lastedit=2022-05-19|content=Operates bus service in [[Quebec]].}} Operates bus service between Mont-Laurier and Montreal and including stops in [[Mont-Tremblant]], [[Saint-Jérôme]], [[Mirabel]], and [[Laval]]. Travel time to Montreal from Mont-Laurier is 4.75-5 hours and from Mont-Tremblant is 2.75-3 hours, and from Saint-Jérôme is 1.25-1.5 hours. Operates several days per week between Mont-Laurier and Montreal. There are additional trips between Mont-Tremblant and Montreal, resulting in daily service along that part of the route. * {{Listing|name=Autobus Maheux|url=https://autobusmaheux.com/|email=service_client@autobusmaheux.com|phone=|tollfree=+1-866-863-6066|lastedit=2022-05-01|content=Operates bus routes within [[Quebec]] with some connections to [[Ontario]].}} Operates the following routes to Montreal: ** Between [[Rouyn-Noranda]] and Montreal including stops in [[Val-d'Or]], Grand-Remous, Mont-Laurier, [[Mont-Tremblant]], [[Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts]], [[Saint-Jérôme]], and [[Laval]]. Stops between Mont-Laurier and Montreal are drop off only on the way to Montreal and pick up only on the way to Rouyn-Noranda. Travel time to Montreal from Rouyn-Norand is 9-9.5 hours, from Val-d'Or is 7-7.5 hours, and from Grand-Remous is 4.25-4.75. Operates daily. From Rouyn-Noranda there is service to [[North Bay (Ontario)|North Bay]]. ** Between [[Ottawa]] and Montreal including stops in [[Gatineau]] and [[Laval]]. Travel time to Montreal from Ottawa is 3.5 hours. Operates daily. *{{Listing|name=Autocars Skyport|url=https://www.skyportinternational.com/|email=reservation@keolis.ca|phone=+1-514-631-1155|tollfree=+1-800-471-1155|price=$95 per adult one-way, $161 per adult round trip, $65.50 per child (2-11 years old) one-way, $111 per child round trip|lastedit=2022-05-19|content=During ski season (December to April), operates a multiple times per day non-stop route between Montreal International Airport and [[Mont-Tremblant]], where it stops at various hotels.}} * {{listing | name=Greyhound | alt= | url=https://www.greyhound.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-214-849-8100 | tollfree=+1-800-231-2222 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Greyhound Lines | wikidata=Q755309 | lastedit=2022-04-23 | content=Operates bus service across the [[United States of America]]. }} Operates the following routes to Montreal: ** From [[New York City]] including stops in [[Albany (New York)|Albany]], [[Saratoga Springs]], and [[Plattsburgh]]. Travel time to Montreal from New York City is 8.25-9.5 hours, from Albany is 5.75-6.25 hours, and from Plattsburgh is 2.25-2.5 hours. ** From [[Boston]] including stops in [[Manchester (New Hampshire)|Manchester]], [[Concord (New Hampshire)|Concord]], [[Hanover (New Hampshire)|Hanover]], [[White River Junction]], and [[Burlington (Vermont)|Burlington]]. Travel time to Montreal from Boston is 8.5 hours, from Manchester is 7 hours, from Concord is 6.5 hours, and from Burlington is 3 hours. * {{listing | name=Intercar | alt= | url=https://intercar.ca/ | email=serviceclient@intercar.ca | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-418-547-2167 | tollfree=+1-800-806-2167 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Intercar | wikidata=Q3153098 | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=Operates bus routes within [[Quebec]]. }} **From [[Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean|Dolbeau]] to Montreal including stops in [[Val-Jalbert]], Alma, and Quebec City. Travel time to Montreal from Dolbeau is 9 hours, from Val-Jalbert is 7.25 hours, from Alma is 6.25 hours, and from Quebec City is 3.5 hours. Operates several days per week. **From [[Jonquière]] to Montreal including stops in [[Chicoutimi]] and Quebec City. Travel time to Montreal from Jonquière is 6.75 hours, from Chicoutimi is 6.5 hours, and from Quebec City is 4 hours. Operates daily. **From [[Baie-Comeau]] to Montreal including stops in [[Forestville (Quebec)|Forestville]], [[Tadoussac]], [[Baie-Sainte-Catherine]], [[Saint-Siméon]], [[La Malbaie]], [[Clermont (Quebec)|Clermont]], [[Saint-Hilarion]], [[Baie-Saint-Paul]], [[Saint-Tite-des-Caps]], [[Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré]], [[Boischatel]], and [[Quebec City]]. Trips to Baie-Comeau start from Quebec City, and do not include a stop in Montreal. Travel time to Montreal from Baie-Comeau is 11.25 hours, from Forestville is 9.5 hours, from Saint-Siméon is 7.25 hours, from La Malbaie is 6.25 hours, and from Baie-Saint-Paul is 5.25 hours, and from Quebec City is 4 hours. Operates daily. ***Several days per week there a same day connection to and from [[Sept-Îles]] involving a transfer in Baie-Comeau. Travel time to Montreal from Sept-Îles is 14.5 hours. * {{Listing|name=Limocar by Transdev|url=https://limocar.ca/|email=sac@limocar.ca|phone=+1-819-562-8899|tollfree=+1-866-692-8899|lastedit=2022-05-01|content=Operates bus routes in [[Quebec]].}} Operates the following bus routes to Montreal: ** Between Montreal and [[Granby (Quebec)|Granby]] (1.5 hours if direct, 1.75 hours if transfer required in Bromont). ** Between Montreal and [[Sherbrooke]] with stops in [[Longueuil]], Bromont, and [[Magog]]. Travel time to Montreal from Longueuil is 15 minutes, from Magog is 1.5-1.75 hours, and from Sherbrooke is 2-2.25 hours. Operates multiple times daily. * {{listing | name=Megabus | alt=Coach Canada | url=https://ca.megabus.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-866-488-4452 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Megabus (North America) | wikidata=Q6808155 | lastedit=2022-04-22 | content=Service from [[Toronto]] via [[Kingston (Ontario)|Kingston]]. This route does not use the downtown bus terminal, but rather a street stop at 997 Saint-Antoine Ouest, near Metro Bonaventure. Travel time to Montreal from Toronto is 5.75-7.25 hours and from Kingston is 3.25-3.75 hours. }} * {{go | name=Orléans Express | alt= | url=https://www.orleansexpress.com/en/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-450-640-1477 | tollfree=+1-833-449-6444 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Orléans Express | wikidata=Q3356500 | lastedit=2022-04-22 | content=Operates bus routes within [[Quebec]] and to [[Ottawa]]. }} Bus routes to Montreal: ** From [[Gatineau]] via [[Ottawa]]. Travel time to Montreal from Gatineau is 2.75-3 hours and from Ottawa is 2.25-2.5 hours. *** Travellers from [[Toronto]] and [[Kingston (Ontario)|Kingston]] can reach Montreal by transferring in Ottawa. ** From [[Quebec City]] via [[Drummondville]]. Travel time to Montreal from Quebec City is 3-3.25 hours and from Drummondville is 1.25 hours. Operates multiple trips daily. Most trips do not stop in Drummondville, but at least one trip per day stops in each direction. ** From Quebec City via [[Saint-Hyacinthe]], [[Drummondville]] and [[Victoriaville]]. Travel time to Montreal from Quebec City is 4.25 hours and from Drummondville is 1.5 hours. Operates two days per week. For Victoriaville stop, it is drop off only for trips to Quebec City and pick up only for trips to Montreal. ** From Quebec City via [[Trois-Rivières]]. Travel time to Montreal from Quebec City is 3.75 hours and from Trois-Rivières is 1.75-2 hours. Operates multiple times daily. ** Timed connections in Quebec City enable same day trips to and from [[Rimouski]] via [[Rivière-du-Loup]]. Travel time to Montreal from Rimouski is 6.25-7.75 hours and from Rivière-du-Loup is 4.5-6 hours. ** Timed connections in Quebec City and Rimouski enable same day trips to and from [[Gaspé]], [[Percé]], and Pointe-à-la-Croix. Travel time to Montreal from Gaspé is 13.75 hours, from Percé is 14.5 hours, and from Pointe-à-la-Croix is 9.5 hours. *** Pointe-à-la-Croix is 4km away from Campbellton, NB, which is connected to destinations in [[New Brunswick]], [[Nova Scotia]], and [[Prince Edward Island]] via [https://www.maritimebus.com/ Maritime Bus]. Travel to Montreal from the Maritimes is possible only with an overnight layover in Campbellton. <!-- This is an unregulated jitney service, there are better options * {{go | name=Tour Express | alt= | url=https://tourexpress.ca/ | email=info@tourexpress.ca | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-514-228-2303 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-07-26 | content=Intercity service Montréal-Ottawa and Montréal-Gatineau. Travel time to Montreal from [[Ottawa]] is 2 hours. }} --> ===By bicycle=== Montreal is an island in the middle of the Saint Lawrence River, accessible only by bridge. Not all bridges are bike accessible; however, several are, including the breathtaking Jacques Cartier bridge. Prominent bike lanes exist throughout the city, most notably along the Lachine Canal, Rue Rachel, boulevard de Maisonneuve, rue Brébeuf, rue Berri, rue Cherrier and along rue Laurier. The Plateau-Mont-Royal is where most of these bike paths are and is the neighbourhood, along with neighbouring Mile-End, where there are the most people who cycle and walk as a means of day to day transport. It has the highest density population wise and the lowest car ownership rate per household. However, bike theft is an issue, especially in the Plateau. Most locals can recall a time when they witnessed bike theft, though the situation is getting better now that the public bike share program, Bixi, has been implemented. It was not uncommon to have somebody offer you a stolen bike for sale on the street. Be equally aware of the peripheral articles of your bicycle; seats, baskets, and wheels can often be easily detached if not properly secured to the bike's frame or locked with a u-lock. ====From Montreal Central Station (''Gare Centrale'')==== Upon disembarking the train, go to the baggage claim area and wait there for a baggage attendant to bring your bicycle to you. If you have checked other baggage, claim it at the conveyor belt. The easiest way to exit the station is at the main entrance near the baggage claim through the parking garage onto rue de la Gauchetière. All other exits require you to carry your bike up flights of stairs. At the west side of the station is the entrance to the Underground City and access to Bonaventure metro station on the Orange line. However, there is no elevator access to the metro from the train station, which means that you have to carry your bike and luggage down several flights of stairs. ====From Montreal-Trudeau International Airport==== The [http://www.admtl.com/ airport] is on the western part of the island. From the main terminal, exit onto the main access road and turn right. Wind along the access road until the first major interchange and turn right. You will reach Albert de Niverville Boulevard and be forced to turn left (south) towards the main highway (Autoroute 20). At the end of this Boulevard, turn right on Cardinal Avenue. To your right, you will come to a pedestrian underpass that takes you under the railway tracks and leads to the Dorval Circle, a very busy traffic circle. This looks intimidating, but the traffic lights will allow you to ride safely under Autoroute 20 to Dorval Boulevard ''(Boulevard Dorval)''. Continue south down Dorval Boulevard until the end. Turn left on Lakeshore Drive ''(Chemin Lakeshore)'' towards the city. This road turns into Boulevard St. Joseph. You will eventually come to a bike path to your right that winds along the shores of Lac-Saint Louis (part of the Saint Lawrence river) through the town of Lachine. Continue down this path until you reach the entrance of the Lachine Canal. Cross the canal and continue down the Lachine Canal Bike Path (Piste Cyclable Canal Lachine) and follow the signs to the Old Port (Vieux Port) in Old Montreal (Vieux Montreal). The Lachine Canal Bike Path can be quite busy on weekends and holidays, so be ready to take your time. It is paved over its entire length. ====From Ontario==== Cyclists approaching Montreal from the west must take secondary highways to Dorion, where Autoroute 20, inaccessible to bicycles over most of its length, becomes accessible as it crosses bridges first to Île Perrot (Perrot Island) and then to the Island of Montreal (at Saine-Anne-de-Bellevue). Bicycles should use the sidewalk on these bridges as traffic is usually heavy. From here, cyclists may take Lakeshore Boulevard and the Lachine Canal Bike Path (see Airport section above) to Old Montreal and the downtown core. The Isle-aux-Tourtes Bridge on Autoroute 40 is not accessible by bicycle. ====From the United States==== Cyclists approaching Montreal from the South Shore to the south and east of Montreal may access the Island of Montreal a number of ways (see [http://www.parcjeandrapeau.com/ map]). The surest (but not foolproof) way is using the sidewalk Jacques Cartier Bridge. When it is not closed for repairs, it is open year round and all day. A paved bike path along the shores of the Saint Lawrence River provides the most scenic approach to the bridge. The new (Samuel-de) Champlain Bridge (built in 2019) has [https://www.samueldechamplainbridge.ca/pedestrians-and-cyclists/ an excellent cyclist-and-pedestrian path] that will take you from Brossard to Nun's Island (and from there, give you easy access to the Pointe-Saint-Charles or Verdun neighbourhoods of Montreal). An equally popular route is [http://www.parcjeandrapeau.com/en/south-shore-bike-link-route-verte-montreal/ from the Saint Lambert Locks (Ecluses Saint-Lambert) of the Saint Lawrence Seaway near the Victoria Bridge (Pont Victoria) east of Montreal]. The bike drawbridge may be blocked by the entertaining spectacle of a ship passing through the seaway. From here, cyclists take the Grand Prix racing track (Gilles-Villeneuve circuit) on Île Notre Dame to the Concord Bridge to Montreal. This route is [http://www.parcjeandrapeau.com/Default.aspx?tabid=78 closed sometimes for car racing events or construction]{{Dead link|date=December 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. In this case, cyclists can take a circuitous detour down a gravel causeway dividing the seaway and river to the Estacade, an ice boom that crosses the river parallel to the Champlain Bridge to Nun's Island and eventually Montreal. A lesser known crossing involves one at the Sainte Catherine Locks (Ecluses Sainte-Catherine) at Saint-Catherine south of Montreal. These bridges cross the seaway to the same causeway as the Saint Lambert locks. In this case, the road to the Estacade ice boom is paved. The Mercier bridge and Lafontaine Tunnel are definitely inaccessible to bicycles. These can be dangerous, even in a car. There is no bicycle path crossing the Mercier Bridge. ==== In winter ==== The Jacques-Cartier bridge operates on a winter schedule when the society that manages the bridge decides conditions are no longer adequate. This means access is closed at night as well as during snow removal operations. The new Champlain bridge bike path is open except during snow removal operations. The Saint-Lambert Locks south shore link [http://www.parcjeandrapeau.com/en/south-shore-bike-link-route-verte-montreal/ closes from about November 15th to April 15th]. ==Get around== {{Mapshape|wikidata=Q340|type=geomask}} Montreal has historically been divided into east and west by boulevard Saint-Laurent, with the west side traditionally being Anglophone and the east side traditionally being Francophone. Numbered addresses on streets that cross Saint-Laurent start there and increase in either direction; most addresses are given as "rue ____ Ouest" (west) or "rue ____ Est" (east). Many streets are named after Catholic saints and figures from local history, both well-known and obscure. In Montreal street names, "east" and "west" refer to the direction parallel to the St. Lawrence River, and "north" and "south" refer to the direction perpendicular to the St. Lawrence River. Because the St. Lawrence River runs almost north-south near downtown Montreal, "east", "west", "north", and "south" are actually northeast, southwest, northwest and southeast respectively. Confusingly, most maps displayed in the city have "Montreal north" on top which can be confusing with a satellite navigation that uses pole north. Also, don't try to navigate by looking at the sun! ===On foot=== Walking is a favoured way to get around the densely packed downtown and the narrow streets of Old Montreal, especially during the warmer months. However, beware during winter months, as sidewalks can be icy and extremely hazardous after winter snow and ice storms. Winter boots with good grip are essential for surviving pavements that have not been cleared. Beware also (as much as you can) of thawing ice falling from overhanging balconies and roofs. But you can always take the stairs down to Montreal's famous "Underground City" (''Montréal souterrain''), called RÉSO, a network of pedestrian corridors connecting Métro stations, shopping centres, and office complexes. Jaywalking is widespread and rarely punished. However, drivers will usually not stop or even slow down if a pedestrian steps out in front of them, even at marked crosswalks. At an intersection, however, a pedestrian will have right of passage before turning traffic and most drivers respect this. Despite Montreal drivers' poor reputation for aggressiveness, they generally respect pedestrians. Rue Sainte-Catherine is Montreal's main commercial artery and busiest pedestrian thoroughfare. The "Underground City" and the Green Line (or line 1) of Montreal's Metro is easily accessible from all the major office complexes, shopping malls, department stores, and theatre complexes that line it. Smaller chain stores and restaurants also vie for valuable commercial space. Well-kept historic churches with green space provide quiet oasis and contrast with the giant neon signs of strip clubs. Major hotels can generally be found one or two blocks north and south of Sainte-Catherine in the downtown core. Bars, restaurants, and dance clubs cluster within a block of Sainte-Catherine around Crescent and Bishop, catering to a mostly English-speaking clientele. Rue Saint-Denis, farther east, and the Gay Village between Berri and de Lormier, even more to the east, are mostly French-speaking. McGill College Boulevard in the downtown core from Saine-Catherine offers an open view of Mount Royal to the north and an impressive view of the Place Ville-Marie skyscraper to the south. Keep your head up and beware of following the flow of the crowd on this street: throngs of pedestrians often walk across cross streets against red lights, risking life and limb. Rue Prince-Arthur, east of Saint-Laurent, is for pedestrians only. Another pedestrian-only locale is Montreal's Chinatown, on Rue de la Gauchtière Est between Saint-Urbain and Saint-Laurent. A good trick for navigating downtown Montreal is to remember that streets slope up toward Mount Royal, which is just north of downtown and easy to see from most locations. The districts surrounding downtown Montreal are especially delightful on foot. To the south is [[Montreal/Old Montreal|Old Montreal]] (Le Vieux-Montréal) (its narrow streets and buildings dating from the 17th and 18th centuries really can make you feel like you're in Old Europe) and the Old Port (Le Vieux-Port), a waterfront strolling park with exhibits and boat tours, is very popular with the locals. To the north, the Golden Square Mile and the McGill University Campus is wedged between Mount Royal and Sherbrooke Street on the southern slope of the mountain. Old Victorian mansions and townhouses can be found along the sloping streets, many now housing McGill University's offices and libraries. Just west of downtown is affluent Westmount, a perfect example of 19th-century English-style homes and gardens (inhabited to a great extent by English-speaking people) climbing the slopes of Mount Royal's western part (the higher you climb, the larger the old mansions). Just east and northeast of downtown are the mostly French-speaking Gay Village (Le Village Gai) and Plateau (Plateau Mont-Royal) districts. Street after street displays turn-of-the-19th-century row duplexes and triplexes, replete with famous Montreal outdoor staircases, overflowing front gardens (or snow-covered gables, depending on the time of year), and tiny shops tucked into every nook and cranny. For people who like to see a culture where it lives, Le Plateau is the place to wander about in. Mount Royal (Mont-Royal) is also accessible from the urban core on foot. Fit pedestrians can climb Rue Peel to the southern edge of the park. A series of renovated staircases will take you directly to the Chalet near the top of the mountain, with its classic view of the downtown core. A more leisurely climb to the top awaits those on Olmsted Road (6.5&nbsp;km), a wide, gently sloping bike and footpath accessible from the Plateau in Parc Jeanne-Mance (also known as Fletcher's Field). Smaller footpaths serendipitously branch off from this road. A cross-country ski path also winds to the top in the wintertime. Mount Royal's park was designed by Frederick Olmsted, a landscape architect who lived from 1822 to 1903 and was also responsible for the design of Central Park in [[New York City]] and the Emerald Necklace in [[Boston]]. ===By car=== Driving ([http://www.saaq.gouv.qc.ca/ SAAQ]) in Montreal can be a challenge for many North American motorists. Although turning right on a red light is allowed across the rest of Quebec (except at intersections where a sign indicates this is not permitted), right turns on red are strictly prohibited on the island of Montreal. The stop lights at most of downtown intersections are on the opposite side of the intersection, not at the stop line as in some of Europe. The use of road salt to keep roads ice-free during severe winters takes its toll on the roadways, which are either heavily potholed or subject to perpetual construction. Downtown traffic is dense. Street parking can be difficult. Parking meters are in use seven days a week in most districts (M-F 09:00-21:00, Sa 09:00-18:00, Su 13:00-18:00), including statutory holidays. The standard parking ticket cost is $52. Parking tickets may be appealed in court only by the owner of the car that was subject to the infraction, so if a rented car is ticketed, the person who rented may be unable to contest the charge. Car parking downtown is expensive at around $3 an hour at parking meters or $25 per day at commercial parking lots. Parking signs are all in French, and will describe a day and hour (based on 24-hr clock) along with conditions for parking. Many arterial roads prohibit parking on one side during rush hour, and vehicles are subject to $150 fine plus towing costs and other fees. Montreal does not paint curbs red next to fire hydrants, but it is still illegal to park there. {{infobox|Days of the week |lundi — Monday<br> mardi — Tuesday<br> mercredi — Wednesday<br> jeudi — Thursday<br> vendredi — Friday<br> samedi — Saturday<br> dimanche — Sunday}} There are also many private and public parking lots, and their prices vary widely. There may even be $15–20 differences between two parking lots just a few blocks from each other. {{infobox|Sign Language |North — Nord<br> East — Est<br> South — Sud<br> West — Ouest<br> Exit — Sortie<br> Bridge — Pont}} During the winter months, heavy snowfalls are common. In the aftermath of a snowstorm, an intensively-prepared "déneigement" (snow removal) process begins with intimidatingly large snow plows and trucks clearing, chewing up, and transporting away the snow. If you leave your car parked on a street, pay close attention to any orange "no parking" signs that will appear on roads to be cleared. Tow trucks will sound a loud 2-tone horn siren just before clearing. This is an announcement that a street is about to be cleared and that all parked cars will be cited/and or towed if they are not moved. For this reason it's important to be able to check your vehicle at least once daily after a snowfall. It is best to use indoor or underground parking if snow clearing is likely. Many downtown streets are one way, which can complicate getting around. If you see a sign at an intersection that has direction arrows in a green circle, that means those are the only directions you are allowed to turn. Left turns are allowed on a green light provided there are no other signs prohibiting. Visitors should be familiar with the ''flashing green'' light, which indicates a protected left-turn (priority), which is equivalent to a green arrow in other parts of the world. Some signals are green arrows that flash, this is the same meaning. Autoroutes (expressways or freeways) can be challenging for visitors, as most signs are French, but most symbols are the same as in English Canada and the United States. ===By bike=== [[File:Bixi St-Laurent.jpg|300px|thumb|Bixi bike stand]] Cycling is the best way to visit the city, especially its central neighbourhoods like the Plateau Mont-Royal; it is a very popular mode of transportation once the coldest winter weather is over. The city is criss-crossed by more than 900 km of cycle paths, and the network is rapidly expanding. In the past few years there has been a major improvement in the quantity of safer separated bike lanes, with new lanes popping up in every neighbourhood. Montreal has become one of the best cities in North America for urban cycling. The [https://montreal.ca/en/articles/ebn-montreals-express-bike-network-4666 '''Réseau express vélo (REV)'''] provides safe, separated and mostly direct bike lanes in key locations and is best for riding across different parts of the city in a very efficient way. Montreal City Council publish an [http://ville.montreal.qc.ca/portal/page?_pageid=8957,99693747&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL interactive map] of the cycle route network. One of the nicest path is the Lachine Canal path that stretches from Lachine, along Lac St-Louis, down to Old Montreal along the canal. You can cross over to the South Shore either on the Samuel-de Champlain Bridge, Jacques Cartier Bridge, Île Notre-Dame, or via the Estacade ice bridge from Île des Sœurs. Even if you are on a bike path, beware of drivers especially if they are turning, as lines of visibility at intersections are not well enforced in the city. Generally Montreal drivers in the central neighbourhoods are used to sharing the road with bikes and so are courteous, there are always a few, usually from outlying neighbourhoods, who give all drivers a bad name. Some downtown bike paths are separated from the road by parked cars, which decreases visibility, both yours and the driver's. The often crowded bike path on rue Rachel one is the worst for this, however the Plateau part of the path will be renovated soon to make it safer and greener. If one is comfortable driving in Montreal, one generally can feel comfortable biking there as well. Montreal pedestrians are known for not waiting for a light to change if there are no cars coming; cyclists are a bit like that too and often treat the many stop signs on residential streets more as yield signs than as stop signs. Wearing a helmet is not required under the law, though, for children especially, it's better to be safe than sorry. The [http://montreal.bixi.com/ '''Bixi''' system] is a public bike-share system. Rated the best in the world, it was designed and developed in Montreal and has since been exported to many cities around the world including London, UK and Sydney, Australia. Major credit cards are accepted. The Bixi was conceived for local active transit but is accessible to tourists as well. For a flat $5 fee, you can use Bixi bikes as much as you like for 24 hours provided you don't use a particular bixi bike for more than 30 minutes at a time before returning it to a docking station. After returning the bike to a docking station, you can get another bike (even at the same station) after a 2-minute waiting period. As of 2023 there are over 830 Bixi stations with over 10000 bikes, including 2300 e-bikes, covering much of the city and some suburbs. The tourist information centre has maps of the stations. Helmets and locks are not provided. You could use your own lock, but there is usually a station not more than a block away on a commercial strip so returning the Bixi to the nearest stand is always the safest and most cost-effective choice. Stations fill up and empty quickly; you may have to bike to the next station to find an empty docking spot. If you have a smartphone, there is an app that shows you real-time the nearest stations, how many bikes are docked, or whether there is a free docking spot available. Be aware that a helmet is mandatory under the law if riding an electric bike. Police has been known to give fines. Skate and bike rental shops are common, particularly in the Old Port and the Plateau. Visit La Maison des Cyclistes (the cyclists' house) at 1251 rue Rachel Est for all info on cycling in Montreal. (See Do for specific bike paths). ==== In winter ==== Montreal, however does a fair job of clearing snow on a select number of bike paths in the city, including the REV, the de Maisonneuve bike path, Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Rachel and Clark bike paths. Painted bike lanes, on the other hand are often badly cleared, resulting in dangerous ice build up. The popular Lachine Canal bike path, however, does not have snow removal which makes it very difficult to ride on in winter. The [https://jacquescartierchamplain.ca/en/active-mobility/jacques-cartier-bridge-multipurpose-path/ Jacques-Cartier bridge multipurpose path], on the upstream side of the bridge, is closed at night during winter to cyclists and pedestrians. The de la Concorde bridge bike path, however, is open all year long. Starting in the fall of 2023, Bixi will operate its bike-share service all winter as part of a pilot, although only at a select number of stations, mostly in the denser inner-city boroughs. === By public transit === ==== By metro and bus ==== {{infobox|Fanfare for Copland|The sounds produced by electrical equipment when a Montreal Metro train is departing are the first three notes of ''Fanfare for the Common Man'' by Aaron Copland, although this is really just a coincidence.}} [[File:Montrealmetromap.svg|thumb|250px|Map of Metro stations]] [[File:MontrealMetroTires.JPG|thumb|250px|Montreal Metro train at Place-des-Arts station]] {{Listing|name=Société de transport de Montréal|alt=STM|url=https://www.stm.info/en|phone=+1-514 786-4636|lastedit=2024-01-27}} STM is safe, efficient, and is overall pleasant to use. Tickets have been replaced by cards with magnetic stripe containing one trip, called an ''à la carte'' ticket. These are valid for one trip (including unlimited transfers in the same way for 120 min) on the metro and buses, costing $3.75 each (exact fare in coins is required on the buses but not on the metro) but are also available for less when you purchase two for $6.00 or ten for $27.00 (OPUS card required) either from the metro agent or the automatic fare vending machine in metro stations. Signs and announcements are only in French, though ticket machines are bilingual in French and English. Many metro counter staff are also able to speak English. The Metro is entirely underground. Montreal metro stations and train cars do not have air conditioning. This means the Metro can sometimes get uncomfortably hot, in every season. It is, however, still the best transport option in the city. Only certain metro tickets are valid in [[Laval]] and [[Longueuil]]. You will need to buy an All Modes AB ticket for $4.50. A full listing of all types of tickets and their validity can be found [https://www.artm.quebec/en/fares here.] You must keep your payment card as it is your transfer and your proof of payment (''correspondance''); fare inspectors may give you a large fine if you are unable to show it when they request it. If you are using cash to pay your fare on the bus, it is important to have the exact fare, since the driver does not give change. Transfers are not provided when paying in cash. Tourist passes offer unlimited travel on the bus and metro for periods of one day ($11) or three days ($21.25) and are well worth it to avoid fumbling for change, checking transfer times and restrictions, and worrying about getting off at the wrong stop and having to repay. There is also an option for unlimited evenings ($5.75), valid between 18:00 and 05:00 the next morning, which can be practical on a night out, since it's cheaper than buying a two-way ticket (which would cost $6). They are available for purchase at all metro stations (pay cash or use Canadian credit or debit cards only). Weekly ($29, valid for one calendar week running Monday through Sunday) and monthly ($94, valid by calendar month) passes are also available; unlike one day and three day passes, weekly and monthly passes must be loaded onto an OPUS card (see below) and are not available in paper ticket form. The OPUS card is a smart card with a chip that contains your fare and transfer information. The OPUS card can be purchased at all metro stations and transit fare points of sale. As of January 2017, the card costs $6. OPUS cards can be refilled at metro stations using the automated machines or at the ticket booth. At each metro station, directions are not indicated by compass directions, such as westbound or eastbound. Instead, trains go in the direction of a metro line's terminus. The ''green line'' runs from Angrignon in the west to Honoré-Beaugrand in the east. If you were to travel eastbound, for example, you would look for ''Honoré-Beaugrand'' on the platform. If you were to travel westbound, you would look for ''Angrignon''. There are four interchange stations at which commuters can change subway lines without extra charge: Snowdon (blue/orange), Lionel-Groulx (orange/green), Berri-UQAM (green/yellow/orange), and Jean-Talon (orange/blue). Bicycles are permitted aboard metro trains outside of the rush hours such as: before 7:00, from 9:30 to 15:30 and from 18:00 to end of service on weekdays and all day Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays. Bikes are only allowed in all cars of the train but are asked to not use the lead car, up to a maximum of 2 per car. STM staff may deny bikes aboard the metro for safety reasons such as special events that might generate a high level of ridership. Lists of such events are posted on the STM website and at the entrances to metro. During festival season in Montreal, bikes are sometimes restricted. Bike riding inside stations or the Underground City is strictly prohibited. ==== By train ==== {{listing | name=Exo | alt= | url=https://exo.quebec/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-833-255-6396 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Exo (public transit) | wikidata=Q392496 | lastedit=2022-05-24 | content=Operates commuter trains in the Montreal area. }} Most trains terminate at Montreal Central Station (Gare Central) and at Lucien-L'Allier (both are accessible from the metro). Commuter trains are handy for getting to suburbs and neighbouring towns. Routes include: * Line 11 - Vaudreuil–Hudson between Montreal and [[Hudson (Quebec)|Hudson]] including [[Montreal/West Island|Montreal-Ouest]] and [[Vaudreuil-Dorion]]. Service is available daily, though almost all trips are between Montreal and Vaudreil. The only trips to or from Hudson are from Monday to Friday with 2 morning trips from Hudson and 2 afternoon trips to Hudson. * Line 12 - Saint-Jérôme between Montreal and [[Saint-Jérôme]] including stops in [[Laval]], [[Blainville]], and Mirabel. Service is available daily, though on Saturdays and Sundays, the service only travels between De la Concorde and Saint-Jérôme. Transfers from Montreal's Metro are available at Montreal's Lucien-L'Allier station (weekday rush hours and evenings only), Vendôme station (weekday rush hours and evenings only) and Parc station (weekdays only), and Laval's De la Concorde station (every day). * Three other exo lines operate, but only Monday to Friday. Commuter train stations are divided into three zones that radiate out from downtown. Stations have automated machines from which you must purchase a ticket appropriate to the zones of the station you are traveling to or from, whichever is farther (for example, a trip from Zone A to Zone B or vice versa would require a All Modes AB ticket). A pre-purchased ticket card (L'occasionelle) must be validated at the card scanners at the entrance to the platform. In general, reduced fares (for students and seniors) require ID that is not available to travellers, but if you are staying in the area, ask an employee for more details as the rules are complicated, but you can get good savings. There are no ticket machines on the train and ticket inspections are random. Incorrect tickets sometimes go unnoticed because inspectors check only occasionally. However, it is best to avoid taking chances as if the ticket is not valid, the customer can get a fine of $400. The ticket machines should now all be bilingual in English and French. The two downtown stations have staffed ticket booths Monday to Friday, but not in the evenings. Other stations may also have booths but generally only during either the morning or afternoon rush hour. ===By taxi=== * {{Listing|name=Taxi MonTaxi|url=https://montaxi.ca|phone=+1 514-322-1322|hours=24/7|lastedit=2024-02-27|content=Professionnal Taxi Service in Montréal}} * {{Listing|name=Taxi Bonjour Montreal|url=https://bonjour.taxi/en/|phone=+1 514-366-3333|lastedit=2022-07-31}} * {{Listing|name=Taxi Champlain|url=https://taxichamplain.com/index-en|phone=+1 514-271-1111|lastedit=2022-07-31}} * {{listing | name=Taxi Co-op | alt= | url=https://www.taxi-coop.com/en | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 514-725-9885 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-31 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Taxi Diamond Montreal | alt= | url=https://taxidiamond.com/en/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+ 514-836-0000 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-31 | content= }} === By ride hailing === * {{Listing|name=Uber|url=https://www.uber.com/global/en/cities/montreal/|lastedit=2022-07-31}} ===Map=== MapArt produces an excellent map in book-form of downtown Montreal and environs, including Vieux Montréal, Mount Royal, the Plateau, and areas as far north as the University of Montreal and as far south as Parc Jean-Drapeau. That form is handy as you can avoid always folding a map of the whole island. Below is a basic map of the primary areas of interest to visitors. [[File:central montreal map.png|right|350px]] ==See== [[File:Marché Bonsecours and Foliage.jpg|thumb|The dome of the Marché Bonsecours in Old Montréal]] === Architecture === Many notable historical buildings and churches are located in Montreal, the vast majority of which are in [[Montreal/Old City#See|old Montréal]]. Most of these date from the 17th to the 19th century, showcasing the variety of architectural styles seen in these periods. At night, several of the buildings are beautifully illuminated, seemingly glowing from within. A Tourist Welcome Office brochure from Bonjour Québec lays out a walking map. It is worthwhile to follow the map twice, once during the day, and again at night. * Of the four Roman Catholic Basilicas in Montreal, the '''Notre-Dame Basilica''' (Basilique de Notre-Dame) at Place d'Armes is undoubtedly the most famous church in Montreal. This architectural marvel is known throughout the world for its lavishly decorated and colourful interior. This basilica, splendidly exemplifying the Gothic Revival style, is an extremely popular tourist attraction. * Although rather small and not a basilica, another notable church located in Old Montreal is the '''Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel''' (Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours) near the Bonsecours Market, the first church to be founded in Montreal. It is known for its maritime theme and beautiful frescoes on the inside walls and ceilings. * [[Montreal/Downtown|Downtown Montreal]] houses Saint Joseph's Oratory (Oratoire Saint-Joseph), the largest church in Canada. Stylistically based on elements of the Italian Renaissance, it features the third highest dome in the world, and acts as the highest point in all of [[Montreal/Downtown|Montreal]]. * [[Montreal/Downtown|Downtown Montreal]] is also home to the opulent Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral (Cathédrale Marie-Reine-du-Monde), a National Historic Site of Canada modeled on St Peter’s Basilica in Rome, and Saint Patrick's Basilica (Basilique Saint-Patrick), which was built to serve Montreal's Anglophone Catholic community. * Aside from churches, a main architectural feature of downtown is '''[https://www.habitat67.com/en/ Habitat 67]''', a residential complex built from interlocking modular forms, giving a result that somewhat resembles a pile of Lego bricks. It is the only intact pavilion remaining from Expo 67 and is known around the world as an excellent example of post-modern and minimalist architecture. Its conception has had an incalculable impact on later development of modular homes. Located at Cité-du-Havre, near the Old Port (Vieux-Port). Guided tours are available; tickets must be booked online in advance. Adults $50; children under 12 free. === Landmarks === * [[Montreal/Plateau#See|Le Plateau]] combines scenic residential streets with hip shopping and dining. * '''Vieux-Port''' (Old Port), is located south of rue Saint-Antoine between rue McGill and rue Berri (metro Champ-de-Mars or Place-d'Armes). The Old Port is a large waterfront green space with attractions such as Cirque du Soleil, the Montreal Science Center, the Labyrinth, the Clock Tower, and a large outdoor audio-visual stage which is the site for the Canada Day fireworks. It is a vibrant place to visit during the day and the evening. ☏ +1 514-496-7678, toll-free: +1 800-971-7678, information@oldportofmontreal.com. 6AM-Midnight. * [[Montreal/Downtown#See|Downtown]] Montreal has skyscrapers, the enormous McGill university campus, churches, and museums. Several blocks are connected by the famed 30 km of underground arcades and malls, allowing comfortable walking and shopping when the weather is foul. * [[Montreal/Parc Jean-Drapeau|Parc Jean-Drapeau]], site of the 1967 World Fair, now devoted to green spaces and a large outdoor concert venue. The Gilles-Villeneuve racing circuit, home of the Montreal Formula 1 Grand Prix. An artificial beach, a huge outdoor pool complex, and the Montreal Casino are also in or around the park. * A few kilometres to the north, [[Montreal/Hochelaga-Maisonneuve#See|Hochelaga-Maisonneuve]] offers the '''Olympic Stadium''', the '''Insectarium''', the '''Jardin Botanique''', and the '''Biodôme'''. This diverse range of activities and environments offer something for all ages. When planning a trip, allow four hours to see all four. === Museums === Montreal contains a wide variety of museums - over 50 in total, both well known and hidden gems. Both types are well worth visiting, and will provide a worthwhile experience. * Featuring dozens of exhibitions and over 44,000 works spread over 5 enormous pavilions, the '''[https://www.mbam.qc.ca/en/ Montreal Museum of Fine Arts]''' (Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal), in [[Montreal/Downtown|Downtown]], is the largest museum in Canada, and one of the largest in the world. Having many prominent travelling exhibits, it is both the oldest and most visited museum in Canada, and as such, is a wonderful experience. * The [https://www.cca.qc.ca/en/ '''Canadian Centre for Architecture'''], also known as the CCA, is a research center and museum providing Montrealers, tourists and researchers alike a great place to visit and learn about structures and spaces that surrounds up. To learn more about upcoming exhibits, check out the [https://www.cca.qc.ca/en/calendar/ calendar]. [[File:"Phonographs and gramophones in the musée des ondes Emile Berliner.jpg".jpg|thumb|Phonographs and gramophones in the permanent exhibit of the Musée des ondes Emile Berliner ]] * A hidden gem in the old RCA Victor factory complex in St-Henri, the '''Musée des ondes Emile Berliner''', in [[Montreal/South_West|Saint-Henri]], is a science and history museum dedicated to communicating the heritage of the audio industry in Canada and the world. In line with this, it pays tribute to Emile Berliner, the inventor of the gramophone, and his descendants’ contributions to the evolution of sound recording. Moreover, the museum looks at the roles and noteworthy contributions of Canadian companies in the 19th and 20th centuries, highlighting the role of Montreal companies and RCA Victor in the creation of satellites and the Canadarm. This makes it a worthwhile experience for those interested in science and technology, as well as Canadian history. * The '''[https://www.mcgill.ca/redpath/ Redpath Museum]''' (Musée Redpath), is located [[Montreal/Downtown|Downtown]] at the heart of the McGill University campus, is a fascinating museum of natural history. Open Tu-Sa. * The '''McCord Museum''' (Musée McCord), in [[Montreal/Downtown|Downtown]], is a museum dedicated to exploring Canadian history. ==Do== In [[Montreal/Parc Jean-Drapeau]], you will find the '''Casino de Montréal''' and the '''La Ronde''', a Six Flags family amusement park. ===Cross-country skiing=== During the winter, many parks offer the possibility to do cross-country skiing with groomed paths, including '''Parc regional de l'Ile-de-la-Visitation''' (ski rental available), '''Parc du Mont-Royal''' (ski rental available and usually the best ski conditions, and '''Parc Maisonneuve and Jardin Botanique''' (no ski rental). ===Ice skating=== There is year-round ice-skating at 1000, rue De La Gauchetière (metro Bonaventure). There is free skating at Lac aux Castors Beaver Lake in the Parc Mont-Royal, in the connected ponds of Lafontaine Park in Plateau Mont-Royal, and in the Vieux-Port in front of the Bonsecours Market and many parks. {{infobox|Montreal Island's Grands Parcs|The greater Montreal area offers large parks for year-round outdoor recreation. The most accessible are Parc du Mont Royal and Parc Lafontaine in the [[Montreal/Plateau|Plateau]], [[Montreal/Parc Jean-Drapeau|Parc Jean-Drapeau]] offers the closest beach park, and Parc Maisonneuve, next to the Olympic Sports complex and Botanical Gardens. Further afield, Parc des Rapids and Parc Angrignon are in [[Montreal/Le Sud-Ouest|Le Sud-Ouest]] and Parc René-Lévesque further West, with miles of bike paths and access to river surfing.}} ===Water sports=== *'''River surfing''' — Although the Saint Lawrence River is frozen nearly solid for four to five months out of the year, the waterway has become a magnet for aficionados of this new sport. Unlike their oceanic brethren, river surfers ride the standing waves in fresh waterways. The Saint Lawrence has two main hot spots for the sport: Habitat 67 is close to the bridge between Montreal and Île des Soeurs, the site of the 1967 Expo and the Montreal Casino. (This wave is also known as Expo 67.) The Surf 66 Boardshop at the 1952 rue Cabot offers lessons. *'''Kayaking''' — Just off the shore of the park in Lasalle are the Lachine Rapids. Huge waves, fast water, and loads of fun for kayaks. Lessons are available on site in the huge eddy formed by the peninsula. Annual surf (rodeo) competitions at "Big Joe" (still called "Beneath the Wheel" by old schoolers). Other famous play waves on this set of rapids on the St. Lawrence river are, Istambul and Constantinople, Pyramid, Slice and Dice, Black and Decker, and HMF on the other side of the islands. For those seeking less of an adrenaline rush, there is always the Bunny Wave (La Vague a Guy) upstream near the bike path at Park Rene Lesvesque. Rafting these same rapids is also a fun option. ===Bike=== A map of the cycle path network is available from [https://www.velo.qc.ca/en/toolkits/greater-montreal-bikeway-map/ Vélo Québec]. Particularly pleasant places to cycle and skate include: *'''Parc Maisonneuve''' — A large park with smooth paths. *'''Parc Jean-Drapeau''' — Particularly the Île Notre-Dame on the Formula One race track: a fantastic view across the water to downtown Montreal. *'''Lachine Canal''' — Bike paths west of the Old Port. *'''Rivière-des-Prairies''' — You can ride across Montreal Island from west to east along the river on the north of Montreal. Many sites have incredible views. A stop at Perry Island is a must. ===Parks=== *'''Square Saint-Louis''', corner of rue Saint-Denis and rue Prince-Arthur, slightly north of rue Sherbrooke (metro Sherbrooke). A charming little park with majestic trees and a lovely fountain, lined with charming houses on three sides (the Institute of Hotel Techniques of Quebec hotel school is the fourth side). This was the site of the first water reservoir in Montreal. *'''Parc Jean Drapeau''' — The former Expo 67 fairgrounds, Parc Jean Drapeau is spread across two islands (Ile Ste-Helene and Ile Notre Dame) in the Saint Lawrence River. On Sundays in the summer, join thousands of Montrealers revelling in the sunshine and music outdoors at Piknik Électronique. People enjoy riding a bicycle around the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve race track on Île Notre Dame. La Ronde and the Montreal Biosphere are here. (metro Parc Jean Drapeau) *'''Parc Lafontaine''', from avenue Papineau to avenue du Parc Lafontaine and from rue Rachel to rue Sherbrooke. Ice skating on the lake in the winter, baseball, boules, and outdoor theatre in the summer. (metro Sherbrooke) [[File:Fall colours at Beaver Lake.jpg|alt=|thumb|400x400px|Fall colours at Beaver Lake, Parc du Mont-Royal<br />]] * {{do | name=Parc Maisonneuve and Jardin Botanique de Montreal | alt= | url=http://www2.ville.montreal.qc.ca/jardin/jardin.htm | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=from rue Sherbrooke to boulevard Rosemont and from boulevard Pie-IX to avenue Viau (metro Pie-IX or Viau) | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Jardin Botanique is one of the largest botanical gardens in the world and features the First Nations Garden, the Insectarium, the Tree House, and 16 different themed gardens and greenhouses. }} * {{do | name=Parc du Mont-Royal | alt= | url= | email=info@lemontroyal.qc.ca | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 514-843-8240 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=North of avenue des Pins, between avenue du Parc and chemin de la Côte-des-Neiges. This beautiful, immense urban park tops the "mountain" (at {{m|232}}, it's more like a hill) that overlooks all of Montreal and lends the city its name. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, creator of Central Park and Prospect Park in New York, the park is elegant and accessible, and has hundreds of nooks and crannies to explore. A broad and gradual 8-km (5-mile) bike and pedestrian path begins at the Monument Georges-Étienne Cartier (on Avenue du Parc, opposite the western end of rue Rachel, where the bike path continues), winding its way around the mountain and culminating at the Belvédère (lookout) and Chalet Mont-Royal, with incredible views of downtown, the St. Lawrence river, and the Eastern Townships. The Belevedere and Chalet are also accessible from downtown by the newly restored staircase, access via the path at the top of rue Peel. Many smaller paths and trails crisscross the park. For lazy visitors, or those with limited mobility, you can enjoy a wonderful view from the mountain by taking bus route 11, which stops at the lookout on Chemin Remembrance, and at Beaver Lake. Every Sunday during the summer, thousands of people get together at the monument on Avenue du Parc to enjoy the big tam-tam jam. }} *'''Parc Jeanne-Mance''', bordered by avenue du Parc, avenue Duluth (with a small extension south as far as avenue des Pins), rue de l'Esplanade and avenue Mont-Royal, directly across from Parc du Mont-Royal. Includes tennis courts, baseball/softball diamonds, a soccer/football pitch, beach volleyball courts, a skating rink in winter. Also a very popular dog-walking venue. * {{do | name=Parc de l'Ile-de-la-Visitation | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 514 280-6733 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Rue d'Iberville and boulevard Gouin, (metro Henri-Bourassa, Bus 69 east). This regional park is along the Rivière-des-Prairies. Quiet and enjoyable place to bring a lunch and relax for an afternoon. Good starting point for a cycling tour along the river. }} * '''Parc Daisy Peterson Sweeney''', near Marché Atwater ( an incredible year-round market filled with indoor merchants specializing in fresh meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, flowers and baked goods.) and the Lachine Canal ( a beautiful canal with a bike path and several parcs along side it), is one of the [https://chessseed.com/blogs/news/best-places-to-play-chess-in-montreal-ultimate-guide best places to visit to play chess] during the summer. On Tuesdays 4pm to 8pm, Saturdays 11am to 5pm and Sundays 11am to 5pm there are chess games organized by the city where people of all ages like to gather for free! ===Festivals=== Montreal has a bewildering variety of festivals, ranging from one-day ethnic fairs to huge international productions running two weeks or more. They are generally held in the summer and autumn, though increasingly they can be found throughout the year. Here are some of the larger ones: * {{do | name=Just For Laughs Festival | alt= | url=http://www.hahaha.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Comedy festival with three main components: indoor paid shows (usually stand-up, but not always), free street theatre/comedy, and a mini film festival called Comedia. July. }} * {{do | name=Shakespeare-in-the-Park | alt= | url=http://www.repercussiontheatre.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=During the summer in parks around Montreal, Repercussion Theatre puts on outdoor performances of Shakespeare plays free of charge. }} *{{do | name=Festival du Monde Arabe | url=| email= | address= | lat=| long= | directions=| phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= In November, an annual festival celebrating the music and culture of the Arab world takes place in Montreal. Many Arab performers, traditional and modern, take the stage. }} * {{do | name=Festival Mondiale de la bière | alt= | url=https://festivalmondialbiere.qc.ca/en/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Annually, in June: several days of tasting beers, ciders, and other beverages from all over Quebec, Canada and further afield. The event typically offers over 500 different beverages, from over 70 brewers, from many countries. There is no admission fee, and samples typically sell for 2-8 tickets ($1 a ticket) for a 150-200 ml sample. There are also musical performances and food kiosks. The festival can get very busy at peak times (Friday and Saturday evening of the event), so it is advisable to arrive early to avoid possible long queues. }} * {{do | name=Montréal en lumière | alt= | url=http://www.montrealenlumiere.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A relatively new wintertime affair, attempting to transplant the city's festival magic to the cold season. Includes three main categories of activities: food and wine, performing arts, and free activities both indoor and outdoor. February. }} * {{do | name=Montreal International Fireworks Competition | alt= | url= | email=info@internationaldesfeuxloto-quebec.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 514-397-2000 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=In La Ronde amusement park (in Parc Jean-Drapeau). This fantastic festival features full-length fireworks displays, accompanied by orchestral music, by national teams from about a dozen countries around the world. Although the hot seats are inside the La Ronde theme park, the fireworks are visible from pretty much any clear space or rooftop in the centre of the city. Pedestrians can watch from Jacques Cartier Bridge, which is closed from 20:00 on fireworks nights. Another good spot is the promenade west of the Old Port. $35–45 (''seats in La Ronde, free everywhere else''). Saturdays 22:00 from mid-June to late July, and Wednesdays 22:00 from mid-July on. }} * {{do | name=Fete de St-Jean-Baptiste | url=| email= | address= | lat=| long= | directions=| phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= June 24 is Quebec's national holiday (''Fête nationale''). During the evening, a huge show takes place at Maisonneuve park. This is the show to go to hear made-in-Quebec music. Free. Street parties can also be found all over the city. }} * {{do | name=International Festival of Film on Art | alt= | url=http://www.artfifa.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3070809 | content=Devoted to the promotion and presentation of the finest productions on art and media art. A ten-day competitive festival, it is the most important annual event of its kind in the world. FIFA has become a focal point for artists and artisans from the art and film communities, and for art and cinema enthusiasts. }} ====Music festivals==== [[File:FIJM 2017 014.jpg|thumb|250x250px|Festival International de Jazz de Montréal]] * {{do | name=Montreal International Jazz Festival | alt=Festival International de Jazz de Montréal | url=http://www.montrealjazzfest.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2022-10-22| content=The world's largest jazz festival, this festival is a major international event, attracting many big name artists. Many streets in downtown Montreal are closed off to traffic for two weeks and several concert stages are set up. There are many free outdoor shows and indoor concerts (paid). Late June - early July. }} * {{do | name=POP Montréal International Music Festival | alt= | url=http://www.popmontreal.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 514-842-1919 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A massive feast of up-and-coming bands in a variety of popular genres. In early fall, host to more than 80 events, more than 300 artists, a conference, and an arts fair. POP Montreal showcases emerging and innovative artists alongside rising international stars and is committed to encouraging vibrant indie communities. }} * {{do | name=Francofolies | alt= | url=http://www.francofolies.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Les Francos de Montréal | wikidata=Q3850493 | lastedit=2024-01-11 | content=A festival celebrating French-language music from around the world. Similarly to the jazz festival, many free outdoor concerts are offered in a section of downtown that is closed off to traffic for a week. Mid-June. }} * {{do | name=MUTEK | alt= | url=https://montreal.mutek.org/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=An annual gathering, held in Montreal. The MUTEK festival showcases emerging forms of electronic music and the latest trends in sound creation. }} * {{do | name=Heavy Montréal | alt= | url=http://www.heavymontreal.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A two-day heavy music festival taking place in [[Montreal/Parc Jean-Drapeau|Parc Jean-Drapeau]] on Île Sainte-Hélène. }} * {{do | name=Osheaga Music and Arts Festival | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | content=A three-day indie & alternative rock festival held annually in [[Montreal/Parc Jean-Drapeau|Parc Jean-Drapeau]] on Île Sainte-Hélène at the end of July/beginning of August. }} ====Film festivals==== * {{do | name=Fantasia | alt=Asian and fantasy | url=http://www.fantasiafestival.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=July. }} * {{do | name=Image + Nation | alt=Gay and lesbian | url=http://www.image-nation.org | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=November/December. }} * {{do | name=Festival du nouveau cinéma de Montréal | alt=new filmmakers, well-known auteurs, new media | url=http://www.nouveaucinema.ca/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Festival du nouveau cinéma | wikidata=Q3070535 | content=October. }} * {{do | name=Cinémania | alt=French cinema with English subtitles | url=http://www.cinemaniafilmfestival.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Cinemania (film festival) | wikidata=Q2972781 | content=November. }} * {{do | name=Les Rencontres internationales du documentaire de Montréal | alt=documentaries | url=https://ridm.ca/en | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Rencontres internationales du documentaire de Montréal | wikidata=Q3425197 | content=November. }} * {{do | name=Les Rendez-vous du cinéma québécois | alt=Quebec cinema | url=http://www.rvcq.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Rendez-vous du cinéma québécois | wikidata=Q3235139 | content=February. }} ===Sports to watch=== * '''[https://www.nhl.com/canadiens Canadiens]''', Ice hockey, Canada's national winter sport: Bell Centre (''Centre Bell''), 1260 rue De La Gauchetière (metro Lucien-L'Allier or Bonaventure). One of the greatest institutions in Quebec culture. If you want to see a game, it helps to know someone with tickets, as they generally sell out within minutes of going on sale. They are widely available through unofficial channels and scalpers, but be prepared to shell out as they don't come cheap! You can also get cheaper tickets if you're a resident of the HI youth hostel. You can also stay in front of the hostel and ask a resident to buy a ticket for you if you aren't staying at the hostel! * '''[http://www.montrealalouettes.com Alouettes]''', Football (Canadian Football League), Percival Molson Stadium (''Stade Percival-Molson''), avenue des Pins at University (playoffs: Olympic Stadium), . A dominant team in the last part of the 2000s, but now somewhat less so, the Als have won the Grey Cup four times since being reborn in 1996, including back-to-back in 2009 and 2010 and most recently in 2023. Molson Stadium is an excellent place to see a game; tickets can be hard to come by when the team is doing well. * '''[https://en.cfmontreal.com Club de Foot Montréal]''', Association football (soccer), Saputo Stadium (''Stade Saputo'') at 4750 Sherbrooke street East and Viau in the Olympic Park (metro Viau). Formerly known as '''Montreal Impact''', it is one of the newer teams in Major League Soccer, and the league's third team in Canada, joined MLS in 2012. The previous version of the Impact/CF Montréal was a consistent contender in several different leagues (including three in the last three seasons before the team joined MLS) at the U.S./Canada second level. CFM occasionally use nearby Olympic Stadium for matches that are expected to draw unusually large crowds or if the weather restricts outdoor play. * '''Tennis''' — Montreal hosts an ATP Tour Masters 1000 event (men) every odd-numbered year. In even-numbered years, Montreal hosts a WTA Premier 5 event (women). The tournaments are held at IGA Stadium (''Stade IGA'') in Parc Jarry in the North End. The main stadium is of special historic interest to baseball fans—part of its seating is the former backstop grandstand of the stadium that hosted the Montreal Expos (now the Washington Nationals) before they moved to Olympic Stadium. * '''[https://www.gpcanada.ca/ Canadian Grand Prix]:''' This [[Formula One]] race is staged at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on Île Notre-Dame, with the next on 22-24 May 2026. * '''[https://www.thepwhl.com/en/teams/montreal-victoire Montréal Victoire]''' (''Victoire de Montréal''), women's ice hockey: Members of the Professional Women's Hockey League, the Victoire plays home games off-island at Place Bell in [[Laval]]. ==Learn== ===Language classes=== Montreal is a popular destination for language-immersion programs in French and English. Many schools arrange accommodations — either in dorms or with a family and provide cultural programs with trips around the city and beyond. Prices are usually higher for non-Québécois and higher-still for non-Canadians. Most are in Downtown and the Old City. Intensive, non-resident programs are also offered by the YMCA and Quebec government. ===Universities=== Montreal is home to one of Canada's oldest and most prestigious universities, '''[https://www.mcgill.ca/ McGill University]'''. McGill is consistently ranked as one of the top 20 universities in the world, but not each faculty. It is a university with a huge endowment fund. '''Concordia University''' is the city's other English-language university, the largest east of Toronto, and has over 40,000 students. Though Concordia lacks a medical school and law school, it still has a world class business school and its arts and sciences programs are top tier. Its student population is generally more multicultural than McGill's and the school's origins in and continuing emphasis on adult education make it popular for mature students, since it holds many graduate-level courses at night. Both universities are research focused. The '''Université du Québec à Montreal (UQAM)''' and the '''Université de Montréal''' cater mainly to Francophone students. The Université de Montréal is the second largest French-language university in the world, after the Sorbonne in [[Paris]] and is one of the largest research institutions in Canada. The Université de Montréal has two affiliated schools, Polytechnique Montréal (engineering), and HEC Montréal (business school) that offer undergraduate and graduate studies. '''Université Laval''', '''Université de [[Sherbrooke]]''', and '''Universté du Québec à [[Chicoutimi]]''', all Francophone, also have campuses in the Montreal area. Every university, with the exception of Laval, lends its name to a metro stop to indicate the university's approximate location. For example, the Guy-Concordia subway station, at the intersection of Rue Guy and boulevard de la Maisonneuve ouest, is no more than two minutes away from its namesake university (Concordia). ==Work== As Montreal is in the province of Quebec, which has its own immigration policies, those wishing to work in Montreal will have to go through two processes, once with the Quebec government, then with the Canadian government after the Quebec government has approved your application. If you are employed with a foreign company which has a Montreal office, you can seek a transfer. You can also seek a job with a Montreal employer and they can sponsor you for a temporary work visa. If you are a skilled worker (see CIC website) you can immigrate based on your own skills. French language ability is a requirement for most jobs, as businesses are required by provincial law to greet and serve clients in French. Jobs that do not require prior French language ability are mostly IT jobs, and academic jobs at Montreal's two Anglophone universities. The Quebec provincial government provides free French language courses for newly-arrived expatriates and immigrants who speak little to no French, and you are highly advised to sign up for one of these courses as soon as you arrive to aid your integration into society. The United States–Mexico–Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA) allows skilled U.S. and Mexican professionals to obtain a Canadian work visa provided they are qualified in certain professions. If you are a U.S. citizen aged 18–30 and a full-time student, you may qualify for a Canadian work visa valid for six months. Students from France, Britain, New Zealand, and Australia can also benefit from work programs. As well, if you obtain a degree from a Canadian university, you are eligible to remain in Montreal and work for up to one year. For anyone else, the [http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/index.asp Immigration Canada (CIC) website] explains a number of ways foreigners can legally work in Canada. Student jobs include babysitting, painting during the summer, and moving furniture in June. McGill and Montreal universities are always in search of research subjects and so are Montreal's many biotech firms. Montreal also has many call centres, which constantly seek to hire new employees and offer flexible working hours. ==Buy== [[File:Montreal DelicesdelErable.JPG|thumb|240px|Maple syrup in Old Montreal]] Although Montreal's economy has been booming, the city remains remarkably affordable compared to other major cities in Canada and the United States. Shopping in Montreal ranges from eclectic budget stores to high-end fashion, with a wide spectrum in between. ===General=== Rue Ste-Catherine, between rue Guy and boulevard St-Laurent, has many of the big department and chain stores as well as a few major malls. Avenue Mont-Royal has funky consignment and gothic clothing stores from boulevard St-Laurent to rue Saint-Denis and a mixed bag of neighbourhood stores, used record shops, and gentrified boutiques heading east towards avenue Papineau. Rue St-Viateur is one of the city's most interesting streets, with its amazingly varied range of businesses crammed into the short stretch between Boulevard St-Laurent and Avenue du Parc. St-Laurent remains one of the city's prime shopping streets, more or less along its whole length. Just about anything can be found there, with different blocks having different clusters of businesses (Asian groceries and housewares near de La Gauchetière, cheap electronics a little farther up, hip boutiques between Prince-Arthur and Mount Royal, anything and everything Italian between Saint-Zotique and Jean-Talon). Rue Sherbrooke ouest, west of the Autoroute Décarie, has an increasingly interesting concentration of largely food-oriented businesses. Jean-Talon market, near the intersection of Jean-Talon and St-Laurent, has a wide variety of local produce and food products (maple syrup, cheese, etc.) at very good prices. For electronic stuff, the largest chain store is BestBuy. You can also find many smaller ones on Boulevard St-Laurent (between Ontario and Sherbrooke). ===Budget=== * {{buy | name=Village des Valeurs | alt= | url=http://www.villagedesvaleurs.com/ | email= | address=2033 Pie IX | lat= | long= | directions=Métro Pie IX | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-08-12 | content=Second hand store providing montrealers with shops inside and outside of Montreal. }} * {{buy | name=Le coffre aux trésors "Chainon" | alt= | url=http://www.lechainon.org/en/ | email= | address=4375 Boulevard St Laurent | lat= | long= | directions=Métro Sherbrooke | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=L'Aubainerie Concept Mode | alt= | url=http://www.aubainerieconceptmode.com/ | email= | address=1490, av du Mont-Royal E | lat= | long= | directions=metro mont royal | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Friperie St. Laurent | alt= | url= | email= | address=Friperie St. Laurent | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 514-842-3893 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * Some military equipment shops around St-Laurent and Ste-Catherine. For trekking and outdoor, you also have many options * {{buy | name=MEC | alt= | url=http://www.mec.ca/ | email= | address=8989, boulevard de l'Acadie | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 514-788-5878 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Mountain Equipment Co-op is a co-operative with staff who know the stores merchandise well. }} * {{buy | name=La cordée | alt= | url=http://www.lacordee.com/ | email= | address=rue Ste-Catherine | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-08-12 | content=Great store to stock up on your favorite or some essential gear for your next outdoor activity. }} * {{buy | name=Kanuk | alt= | url=http://new.kanuk.com/ | email= | address=485 Rachel St E | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-08-12 | content=Kanuk are best known for their winter coats and parkas. }} ===Splurge=== Trendier boutiques can be found on rue Saint-Denis, north of rue Sherbrooke and south of avenue Mont-Royal est, and on rue Saint-Laurent (continuing as far north as Bernard). The latter is becoming more upscale, so the range of shopping is highly variable and lower in density as one goes north of Mont-Royal. Rue Sherbrooke has a number of high-end stores (notably Holt Renfrew) and commercial art galleries in a short strip running approximately from McGill University west to rue Guy. Farther west, Sherbrooke intersects with Greene Avenue in Westmount, which has a short, but luxurious retail strip. Avenue Laurier, between St-Laurent and its western end, is one of the city's prime spots for eating and shopping in high style, though there are still a few affordable spots here and there. ===Furniture and antiques=== On boul. St-Laurent, a cluster of high-end home furnishing stores. It starts roughly at the corner of rue Marie-Anne and is very prominent in the block between rue Marie-Anne and avenue Mont-Royal, with sparser, but still interesting stores as far north as rue Saint Viateur. Antique buffs will find interesting stores all over the city, but they'll want to make a special pilgrimage to rue Notre-Dame Ouest, when you head east from avenue Atwater. Rue Amherst, in the Gay Village, also has a significant concentration of antique dealers. ==Eat== [[File:Sign WingsNouilles.JPG|thumb|240px|Wing's Chinese Noodles, Chinatown]] Montreal is a culinary mecca and has a huge variety of food options, from diners and fast food to low-cost ethnic restaurants to ''haute cuisine''. The city was ranked 2nd best dining city in North America<!-- By whom?--> after San Francisco and ahead of New York. The large local Jewish population has contributed local specialties including huge smoked meat sandwiches (beef brisket) (Schwartz's is the most authentic smoked meat restaurant, though this title has been challenged by a gradual slip in quality in the early 2020s) and small, crusty bagels (the undisputed classic bagel places are St-Viateur's and Fairmount Bagels). Other specialties are "all-dressed" pizza (pepperoni, mushrooms and green peppers), pizza and spaghetti with smoked meat, and Québécois favourites like split pea soup and poutine. {{infobox|Poutine|[[File:Food Poutine Closeup.JPG|100px|right]] <br> No visit to Montreal is complete without at least one plate of poutine. This unique dish is a plate of french fries drowned in gravy and topped with chewy curds of white cheddar. There are variations on the theme — adding chicken, beef, vegetables, or sausage, or replacing the gravy with tomato sauce (''poutine italienne''). Every Montrealer has their favourite poutine restaurant where it says that you can get "the real stuff", but La Banquise, on the [[Montreal/Plateau#Eat|Plateau]] at 994 rue Rachel est, usually tops the list.}} Many Montreal restaurants are "apportez votre vin" (''bring your own wine''). This may sound like a hassle, but you end up paying much less for wine with dinner if you bring it yourself. There's usually a SAQ (government liquor store) or a ''dépanneur'' (convenience store, with a limited selection of typically inexpensive wine) nearby; ask your waiter where it is. Your waiter will open your wine for you; corkage fees are rare, but don't forget to factor this service into your tip so make sure to ask. If you are driving from the United States, you may find Canadian liquor prices quite frightening. Even the duty-free shops along the border are rarely cheaper than an American liquor store (although these are still cheaper than the SAQ). Visitors can bring in 40oz of hard alcohol, 1.5L of wine, or a 24-pack of beer. Separate bills (''la facture'' in French) are common and you may be asked ''ensemble ou séparément?'' (together or separately?) The standard tip for acceptable restaurant service is 15% and is not included. Never call a waiter "garçon"! Use "monsieur" or "madame". ===Montreal specialties=== There are several foods that are specialties of the city: *The Montreal-style bagel, where bagel worshippers flock to '''St-Viateur Bagel''' and '''Fairmount Bagel''', and pontificate about which is better. Both are within blocks of each other in the Plateau Mont-Royal district, on Saint-Viateur and Fairmount streets, respectively. *Montreal-style '''smoked meat''', a type of corned beef, distinct from other forms such as pastrami, is available at many restaurants, but by far the most highly esteemed is that available at '''Schwartz's''' on the Main (Boulevard Saint-Laurent) in the Plateau Mont-Royal district. Traditionally it's served as a sandwich, in heaping portions and slathered with mustard, but you'll also see it as a topping on pizza, poutine, hot dogs, or spaghetti, or even incorporated into Chinese-style egg rolls (a specialty of '''Chenoy's''', a local chain of delis). Other well-known local smoked meat restaurants include '''Main Deli Steak House''' (across the street from Schwartz's) and '''Lesters Deli''' (in Outremont). *Steamé (steamie), a steamed hotdog on steamed bun, with mustard, sauerkraut and onions. Some locations may replace sauerkraut with coleslaw. * Poutine is popular across Quebec (and Canada), and Montreal is a great place to sample this gooey mess of French fries, melted cheese curds, and beef gravy. ===Ethnic restaurants=== As Montreal has a very ethnically diverse population, it has various quality ethnic restaurants. *Indian: The Indian community in Montreal is around Parc metro station where many Indian restaurants can be found. An example is Bombay Mahal. *Portuguese: Around Little Portugal, near the intersection of Saint-Laurent and Rachel. *Persian: An Iranian cafe-resto is Byblos cafe. *Arabic *Haitian *Chinese: Mainly in Chinatown (near Place d'Armes metro), and near the Anglophone universities. *Japanese: A Japanese non-sushi restaurant is Kazu. ===Markets=== To buy your own food or regional products, the public market at Jean-Talon, 7075 avenue Casgrain (metro Jean-Talon or De Castelnau), is the place to go. Open daily 08:00-18:00, the market is especially noteworthy for its selection of produce. Even though they're not strictly part of the market, the many stores lining it on the north and south sides complete it wonderfully with superb selections of cheese, meat, and just about anything edible. The surrounding streets are heavily Italian-flavoured and have excellent grocery stores, butchers, bakeries, and restaurants. Across town, the Atwater Market is also superb, though quite different from (and much smaller than) Jean-Talon. Here, you'll find the city's best butchers, and good selections of cheese, fish, and produce. It is on avenue Atwater, just south of rue Notre-Dame Lionel-Groulx station ===Restaurants=== Montreal claims to have the most restaurants per capita in North America. With delis and bakeries and diners galore, Montreal offers great budget dining. Venues are scattered all over the city, but the largest concentration of restaurants is along boul Saint-Laurent, rue Saint-Denis and ave du Mont-Royal in the [[Montreal/Plateau|Plateau]]. Tasty and cheap ethnic food, lots of Indian buffets, can be found around the [[Montreal/Mile End|Jean-Talon market]]. Two Montreal classics, poutine and the smoked meat sandwich, can make a filling meal for under $20. Pizza by the slice can be had for a toonie ($2), and there's always the option of rolling your own picnic with fresh produce from Atwater Market or Jean-Talon Market. Several kosher restaurants can be found within a few blocks of each other on Queen Mary road not far from the Snowdon Métro station in and boul Décarie near Villa-Maria-des-Neiges in [[Montreal/Côte-des-Neiges|Côte-des-Neiges]]. The other greatest concentration of kosher food in along Bernard in [[Montreal/Outremont|Outremont]]. Smoked-meat and sausage poutine aside, Montreal is vegetarian-friendly with several veggie and vegan restaurants and veggie options on most menus. Montreal has excellent ice cream parlours, many of which make their own ice cream. There are also restaurants dedicated to desserts. ===Restaurant chains=== Local restaurant chains that travellers might not be familiar with, with various locations throughout the city, include: *{{eat | name=Brasserie La Cage | alt= | url=https://www.cage.ca/en/home | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Sports bar and grill. Great place to watch Montreal Canadiens hockey games, the atmosphere gets crazy during the NHL playoffs! }} *{{eat | name=Les Trois Brasseurs | alt=The Three Brewers | url=http://les3brasseurs.ca/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Microbrewery with a pub-style menu and a European flair. }} * {{eat | name=Juliette et chocolat | url=http://www.julietteetchocolat.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Specialised in chocolate desserts and famed for its very rich drinking chocolate. }} * {{eat | name=Rockaberry | url=http://www.rockaberry.ca/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Enormous portions of cakes, pies, crumbles and brownies. }} * {{eat | name=Copper Branch | url=http://www.copperbranch.ca/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Vegan chain serving sandwiches, wraps, soups and some desserts. }} ===Alternate=== If you are really on budget, there are a few community restaurants (like [http://www.chicrestopop.com/restaurant-communautaire/ Chicrestopop]) which serve very cheap meals. Usually these locations are reserved for the homeless. If you are staying in Montreal, there are several collective cooking locations where a group of people cook larger portions to freeze and stock for worker's lunch breaks. ==Drink== The legal age to purchase alcohol in Quebec is 18 and the Québécois are now much more rigid in enforcing this age limit. All retail alcohol sales stop at 23:00 and bars and clubs stop serving at 03:00. Quality wine and liquor (but only a small selection of imported beers) can only be purchased at SAQ shops, most of which are open until 18:00 Sunday to Wednesdays and 20:00 or 21:00 on other days; the smaller SAQ Express outlets are open daily from 11:00 to 22:00. Beer and a small selection of lower-quality wine are also sold at convenience stores (dépanneurs) and grocery stores. Some supermarkets have partnered with the SAQ to offer a few selection bottles, so if you are caught outside business hours or are in a hurry, places like ''IGA Extra'' and ''Métro'' generally offer a better variety of wine than the local ''dépanneur''. The selection of beer to be found in grocery stores and even the humble corner store have exploded in the last decade in and around greater Montreal. Two micro-breweries in particular are world-class: ''McAuslan'' (brands include St-Ambroise and Griffon) and ''Unibroue'' (Belgian-style ales such as Blanche de Chambly, Maudite, La Fin du Monde, and simpler, more affordable U lagers). ''Boréale'' makes a good, if unspectacular range of brews, while ''Rickard's'' and ''Alexander Keith's'' domestics are gaining popularity among locals. Most stores also sell a few major imports such as Stella Artois, Sapporo, Guinness, Leffe and of course, Heineken. ===Bars=== Montreal has three main strips for bar-hopping. Rue Crescent, in the western part of [[Montreal/Downtown|downtown]], caters mostly to Anglophones and tourists. It tends to be trendy and expensive. On the edge of the bar-heavy [[Montreal/Plateau|Plateau]], Boulevard Saint-Laurent gets extremely busy when McGill and Concordia students are back in town for a new session. Between rue Sherbrooke and avenue des Pins you'll find trendy clubs and bars with more of a Francophone clientele. Farther up St-Laurent, it's relatively downscale and linguistically mixed. Rue Saint-Denis, between rue Sherbrooke and de Maisonneuve, is the strip with the strongest Francophone feel. There are also many good bars away from the main strips, like on Avenue Mont-Royal, and even nowadays on Rue Masson et Rue Ontario in the eastern part of town. You should never have to line up to go have a drink, because there's virtually an unlimited choice. Depending on the day of the week, the best events vary. For example, on Tuesday you should go to Les Foufounes Électriques for cheap beer and a unique experience in a Montréal institution. ===Dance clubs=== Dance clubs can be found all over the [[Montreal/Downtown#Dance clubs|downtown]] area, with hotspots on boulevard Saint-Laurent and rue Crescent. Check out the [[Montreal/Plateau#Dance clubs|Plateau]], too. ===After-hours clubs=== After-hours clubs, for those who aren't tired out by 03:00, are open to 10:00. They do not, by law, serve alcohol at this time. '''Stereo''', in [[Montreal/Quartier Latin-Le Village#After hours|Quartier Latin]], was once voted #5 of the top 10 clubs in the world by ''Muzik'' magazine. '''Circus''' , also in the Quartier Latin, is a luxuriously decorated after-hour in Montreal. ===Karaoke=== There are a couple of Karaoke places [[Montreal/Downtown#Karaoke|Downtown]]. ===Gay and lesbian=== Montreal has as many gay and lesbian bars as San Francisco. Every October on Canadian Thanksgiving (Columbus Day in the U.S.) hosts the "Black and Blue" circuit party, attracting thousands to enjoy the thrill of harder dance music and hordes of pretty, shirtless men. Most popular gay bars can be found in the city's [[Montreal/Gay Village|Gay Village]], on the eastern stretch of Ste-Catherine and easily accessible by the Beaudry metro, between Amherst and Papineau. '''Unity''', '''Apollon''', and '''Sky''' are the dance club favourites, while Cabaret Mado offers excellent drag performances. There are also pubs, male strippers, restaurants, saunas, and karaoke in the area. The four main stripper bars are '''Stock''', '''Campus''', '''Taboo''', and '''Adonis'''. The most popular sauna is '''Oasis'''. ==Sleep== For the budget traveller, Montreal offers youth hostels with dorms or private rooms and budget bed and breakfasts (sometimes with very skimpy breakfasts). The densest collection of budget hotels are in the [[Montreal/Quartier Latin-Le Village#Sleep|Latin Quarter]], in the streets east of Berri-UQAM metro and the intercity bus station. [[Montreal/Old Montreal#Sleep|Old Montreal]] has a couple of quality hostels, but you'll pay more to be there. Montreal is also the city with the most [[hospitality exchange|Couch Surfing]] members, so it is easy to find a hospitable local host for a few nights. As with most major Canadian cities, another option is to stay at a hostel or hotel in an adjacent suburb; [[Laval]] and [[Longueuil]] are good choices for these due to their connection to the city's subway network. Mid-range options include [[Montreal/Downtown|Downtown]] chain hotels to "gîtes", guest houses that range from a single room in an apartment to elegant historic homes with three to five rooms. Gîtes are usually found in the more residential neighbourhoods like the [[Montreal/Plateau|Plateau]]. On the upper-end, four and five-star luxury and boutique hotels are mostly concentrated in [[Montreal/Old Montreal|Old Montreal]] and [[Montreal/Downtown|Downtown]]. Montreal is home to four major universities and numerous smaller schools. Students routinely sublet apartments in the summer months. ==Connect== ===Phone=== Montreal has four area codes: the long-standing 514, the newer 438, 450 and 579 for surrounding, off-island areas. The area code must be used for all calls: even if it's the same one you're calling from and even if calling next door. For example, calling a 514 number from within 514, use "[tel:514-123-4567 514-123-4567]". Dialling the same number long-distance would be [tel:1-514-123-4567 1-514-123-4567]. ===Internet=== Montreal's free public Wi-Fi network, "[https://montreal.ca/en/programs/mtlwifi MTLWiFi]" is available at over 800 locations, such as public buildings, libraries, busy streets, and open areas. In the downtown, nearly every major intersection has a hotspot. The Grande Bibliothèque (Great Library) has many free Internet terminals, which require a library card (free to Québec residents with proof of address). Montreal library branches also provide computer access; non-residents pay a fee for a library card which provides access. Photocopy shops often have internet terminals available, as do many cafés and some bookstores. There are also long-standing cyber/internet cafés (minus the café part) such as ''Battelnet 24'' at many locations in Montreal including one at mezzanine level in the rue Guy entrance of Guy-Concordia metro. ===Mail=== Red Canada Post mailboxes are found along most main streets. Post offices are often inside pharmacies: look for the Canada Post logo. ==Stay safe== For emergencies call '''9-1-1'''. Although Montreal is Canada's second largest city, it shares Canada's low violent crime rates making it relatively safe. However, property crimes, including car theft, are remarkably high: make sure to lock your doors and keep your valuables with you. Take extra care if you want to visit Montréal-Nord or Saint-Michel. These neighbourhoods are the worst of the city and shootings are not unheard of in these areas. There is, however, little for tourists to do and they are unlikely to enter by accident. Part of Montreal's Sainte-Catherine downtown corridor is arguably where crime is common in the city, especially east of Place des Arts. There are homeless people panhandling during the summer and fall. Although most of them are polite, there are some that are more aggressive. Avoid individuals wandering on the streets that appear intoxicated. The street is at its most dangerous around 03:00 when closing clubs and bars empty their drunken crowds into the street. You may also come across occasional pockets of street prostitution, especially around strip clubs. In Montreal, [[pickpockets]] are not very common, but keep an eye on things when watching street performances in the Old City or in other crowds. If you are concerned about safety on the metro, use the first metro car where the driver is. Emergency intercoms are on every metro car. Emergency phone booths are on every platform throughout the metro system, which is generally safe. While written instructions are in both English and French, most announcements (usually about delays) are in French only so if you think you heard something in the announcement that may affect you, just try asking a fellow passenger for a translation. The STM offers a "between stops" (''entre deux arrêts'') service that allows women travelling alone at night to get off the bus between two regularly designated stops if the bus driver feels they can stop the bus safely. Pedestrians and bike-riders should be especially careful. Crosswalks are rarely respected. Motorists have a general contempt for pedestrians, especially when they are trying to make a right turn at an intersection. Wasps are a considerable menace during the height of summer. Consider carrying vinegar with you in case of stings to help neutralize the sting. Otherwise, see below if you are allergic for the nearest hospital. ===Weather=== Montreal is often icy and cold in winter, be careful by dressing appropriately for the conditions and be mindful of ice or snow anytime you are driving or walking. Street clearing of snow is generally effective. Summers are warm to hot and can be quite humid. Being surrounded by rivers adds to this effect. ===Hospital=== The closest hospital to Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport is the Lakeshore General Hospital at 160 avenue Stillview in Pointe-Claire. ([tel:+1&#x20;514-630-2225 +1 514-630-2225]) The Montreal General Hospital is at 1650 avenue Cedar. ([tel:+1&#x20;514-934-1934 +1 514-934-1934]) The McGill University Hospital (Glen site) ([https://muhc.ca/ MUHC]) is at 1001 Decarie Boulevard ([tel:+1-514&#x20;934-1934 +1-514 934-1934]). The [https://www.jgh.ca/ Jewish General Hospital] is at 3755 rue Côte Ste-Catherine. ([tel:+1&#x20;514-340-8222 +1 514-340-8222]) If you do not have Quebec Health Insurance, be prepared to pay by credit card at the door as it does not accept traveller's insurance (but you may be reimbursed when you return home). Several hospitals offer service in French and English. ==Cope== ===Consulates=== * {{flag|Egypt}} {{listing | name=Egypt | url=http://www.mfa.gov.eg/english/embassies/Egyptian_Consulate_Canada/Pages/default.aspx | email=egypt.consulate@videotron.ca | address=1000 De La Gauchetiere Ouest | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 514-866-8455 | tollfree= | fax=+1 514-866-0835 | hours=09:00-15:30| price= | content= }} * {{flag|Greece}} {{listing | name=Greece | url=http://www.grconsulatemtl.net | email=info@grconsulatemtl.net | address=1170 Place du Frere Andre | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 514-875-2119 | tollfree= | fax=+1 514-875-8781 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Romania}} {{listing | name=Romania | url=http://montreal.mae.ro/ | email=montreal.cg@mae.ro | address=să: 1010 rue Sherbrooke Ouest, bureau 610, etaj 6, H3A 2R7 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 514-876-1792, +1 514-876-1095 | tollfree= | fax=+1 514-876-1797 | hours= | price= | content=General consulate }} * {{flag|United States}} {{listing | name=United States | alt= | url=https://ca.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/montreal/ | email=Montreal-ACS@state.gov | address=1155 rue Saint-Alexandre | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 514-398-9695 | tollfree=+1-844-277-8805 | fax=+1 514-398-0973 | hours= | price= | content= }} ===Newspapers=== ''[https://montrealgazette.com/ The Gazette]'' is the city's English-language daily. If you have some French, hit the [http://www.voir.ca voir.ca] website for good restaurant reviews and an overview of what is happening. ==Respect== {{See also|Quebec#Talk|Quebec#Respect|French phrasebook}} As in the rest of [[Quebec]], language politics and Quebec sovereignty are contentious issues in Montreal. Don't make the assumption that all French Canadians are in favour of Quebec's separation from Canada as many (especially in bilingual Montreal) are against it. Also, while most Francophones in other parts of Quebec identify solely as Québécois and not Canadian, many Francophones in Montreal identify as both Québécois and Canadian. If you really want to discuss those topics with locals, be sure you are well-informed. It is still safer to avoid the subject, as it is still a very emotional issue. Use common sense and be respectful. The main language in Montreal, as in the rest of Quebec, is French. Making an attempt to use the language is a great way to show respect for locals, whether or not they can speak English, even if you can manage only a few words with a very strong accent. However, Montreal is considered to be one of the world's most bilingual cities with many residents whose primary language is English, and you will often hear locals code switching between French and English when having a conversation. In case of doubt, you may want to open with a warm "Bonjour!" (''Good day'') and see what language is used in response. Most likely you will be answered in English, if your French accent does not sound local. Don't be offended if you are trying to speak French and locals respond to you in English. Since most Montrealers speak both French and English, they are simply trying to make things easier for you. Many people working in the tourist and service industries are completely bilingual without accents. But don't make jokes about French people (especially since Francophones in Montreal are mostly Québécois with a few Acadiens and Franco-Ontariens, all of whom consider themselves different from the French from France and from one another). Also, do not assume that all Québécois are Francophones. Montreal has a significant English-speaking community with a long history in Quebec and many immigrants whose first language is neither English nor French ("Allophones"). ==Go next== Montreal makes an excellent entryway for visiting other cities and destinations in [[Quebec]] and the northern [[United States of America|United States]]. You will have to pass the border control if you go to the US, and arm yourself with the appropriate visas and papers. Add at least one extra hour for the border control. * The [[Adirondacks]] are a 2½-hour drive to the south. These mountains make up the largest park in the contiguous US and offer outdoor activities like hiking, rafting and skiing. * [[Boston]] is a 5-hour drive to the southeast. * [[Mont Tremblant]] lies less than two hours north in the [[Laurentides]]. * The [[Eastern Townships]] are two to three hours straight east. * The Laurentians and in the Eastern Townships between December and March offer good downhill skiing. There are some very good night-skiing centres such as Ski Bromont and Mont-St-Sauveur. * The [[Monteregie]] townships, a short drive east of Montreal. * [[New York City]] is a 6½-hour drive directly south. * [[Ottawa]] is two hours west by car. * [[Quebec City]], about 3 hours to the north east on Highway 40, is almost but not quite a day trip. You'll want to stay over, anyway. * [[Tadoussac]], about 6 hours away by car, has great whale-watching * [[Toronto]] is more distant, but still a doable 6-hour drive (or a faster 4½-hour train trip). {{routebox | placename=Montreal (intercity rail) | image1=VIA Rail Ocean icon.png | imagesize1=100 | directionl1=W | majorl1=END | minorl1= | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Sainte-Foy]] | minorr1=[[Saint-Lambert]] | image2=VIA Rail Montreal Quebec icon.png | imagesize2=100 | link2=Windsor-Quebec corridor | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Ottawa]] | minorl2=[[Dorval]] | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[Quebec City]] | minorr2=[[Saint-Lambert]] | image3=VIA Rail Toronto Montreal icon.png | imagesize3=100 | link3=Windsor-Quebec corridor | directionl3=W | majorl3=[[Toronto]] | minorl3=[[Montreal/West Island|Dorval]] | directionr3=E | majorr3=END | minorr3= | image4=VIA Rail Montreal Senneterre icon 02.png | imagesize4=100 | image4a=VIA Rail Montreal Senneterre icon 01.png | imagesize4a=100 | directionl4=&nbsp;N | majorl4=[[Shawinigan]] | minorl4=[[Saint-Justin]] | directionr4=S | majorr4=END | minorr4= | image5=Amtrak Adirondack icon.png | imagesize5=100 | directionl5=&nbsp;N | majorl5=END | minorl5= | directionr5=S | majorr5=Albany ([[Rensselaer (New York)|Rensselaer]]) | minorr5=[[Saint-Lambert]] → [[File:Aiga immigration.svg|18px]] |link1=The Ocean|majorl6=|image6=|imagesize6=|minorr6=|majorr6=|directionr6=|directionl6=}} {{routebox | placename=Montreal (regional rail) | image1=Mtl Train CA.png | imagesize1=75 | caption1=AMT Candiac Line | directionl1=W | majorl1=END | minorl1=Candiac | directionr1=E | majorr1=END | minorr1= | image3=Mtl Train MA.png | imagesize3=75 | caption3=AMT Mascouche Line | directionl3=&nbsp;N | majorl3=Mascouche | minorl3=[[Repentigny]] | directionr3=S | majorr3=END | minorr3= | image4=Mtl Train SH.png | imagesize4=75 | caption4=AMT Mont-Saint-Hilaire Line | directionl4=W | majorl4=END | minorl4= | directionr4=E | majorr4=[[Mont-Saint-Hilaire]] | minorr4=[[Longueuil]] | image5=Mtl Train SJ.png | imagesize5=75 | caption5=AMT Saint-Jérôme Line | directionl5=&nbsp;N | majorl5=[[Saint-Jérôme]] | minorl5=[[Laval]] | directionr5=S | majorr5=END | minorr5= | image6=Mtl Train VH.png | imagesize6=75 | caption6=AMT Vaudreuil–Hudson Line | directionl6=W | majorl6=[[Hudson (Quebec)|Hudson]] | minorl6=[[Vaudreuil-Dorion]] | directionr6=E | majorr6=END | minorr6= }} <!--Light rail transit that only connects to one other article. {{routebox | placename=Montreal (express rail) | image1=Montreal_public_transit_icons_-_REM_A_dark.svg | imagesize1=25 | caption1=Main line | directionl1=W | majorl1=END | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Longueuil]] → [[Brossard]] | minorr1= }} --> {{routebox | placename=Montreal (road) | image1=Trans-Canada Highway Quebec.svg | link1=Trans-Canada Highway | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Ottawa]] | minorl1=[[Vaudreuil-Dorion]] ← [[File:Quebec Autoroute 40.svg|16px|link=]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Quebec City]] ([[Lévis]]) | minorr1=[[File:Quebec Autoroute 25.svg|16px|link=]] → [[Boucherville Islands National Park|Boucherville Islands]] | image2=Quebec Autoroute 10.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=W | majorl2=END | minorl2= | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[Sherbrooke]] / [[Burlington (Vermont)|Burlington]] via [[File:Quebec Autoroute 35.svg|16px|link=]][[File:I-89.svg|18px|link=]] | minorr2=[[Brossard]] | image3=Quebec Autoroute 13.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=N | majorl3=[[Boisbriand]] | minorl3=[[Laval]] | directionr3=S | majorr3=[[Montreal]] (Lachine sector) | minorr3=[[Dorval]] | image4=Quebec Autoroute 15.svg | imagesize4=22 | image4a=Trans-Canada Highway Quebec.svg | imagesize4a=22 | link4=Trans-Canada Highway | directionl4=&thinsp;N | majorl4=[[Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts]] | minorl4=[[Laval]] | directionr4=S | majorr4=[[Albany (New York)|Albany]] via [[File:I-87.svg|18px|link=]] | minorr4='''[[File:Trans-Canada Highway Quebec.svg|16px|link=Trans-Canada Highway]] ENDS at [[File:Quebec Autoroute 40.svg|16px|link=]]''' → [[Brossard]] | image5=Quebec Autoroute 20.svg | imagesize5=22 | directionl5=W | majorl5=[[Kingston (Ontario)|Kingston]] via [[File:Ontario 401.svg|16px|link=]] | minorl5=[[Vaudreuil-Dorion]] | directionr5=E | majorr5=[[Quebec City]] ([[Lévis]]) | minorr5=[[Brossard]] | image6=Quebec Autoroute 25.svg | imagesize6=22 | directionl6=&thinsp;N | majorl6=[[Terrebonne]] | minorl6=[[Laval]] | directionr6=S | majorr6=[[Quebec City]] ([[Lévis]]) via [[File:Quebec Autoroute 20.svg|16px|link=]] | minorr6=[[Boucherville Islands National Park|Boucherville Islands]] | image7=Quebec Autoroute 40.svg | imagesize7=22 | directionl7=W | majorl7=[[Ottawa]] via [[File:Ontario 417.svg|16px|link=]] | minorl7=[[Vaudreuil-Dorion]] | directionr7=E | majorr7=[[Quebec City]] | minorr7=[[Repentigny]] | image8=Quebec Autoroute 520.svg | imagesize8=22 | directionl8=W | majorl8=[[Dorval]] | minorl8= | directionr8=E | majorr8=[[Montreal]] | minorr8= | image9=Qc112.svg | imagesize9=22 | directionl9=W | majorl9=END | minorl9= | directionr9=E | majorr9=[[Sherbrooke]] | minorr9=[[Saint-Lambert]] | image10=Qc117.svg | imagesize10=22 | directionl10=W | majorl10=[[Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts]] | minorl10=[[Laval]] | directionr10=E | majorr10=END | minorr10= | image11=Qc134.svg | imagesize11=22 | directionl11=W | majorl11=END | minorl11= | directionr11=E | majorr11=[[La Prairie]] | minorr11=[[Longueuil]] | image12=Qc138.svg | imagesize12=22 | directionl12=W | majorl12=[[Malone (New York)|Malone]] via [[File:NY-30.svg|18px|link=]] | minorl12=[[Huntingdon (Quebec)|Huntingdon]] | directionr12=E | majorr12=[[Trois-Rivières]] | minorr12=[[Repentigny]] }} {{related|UNESCO_Creative_Cities}} {{geo|45.5|-73.6|zoom=11}} {{IsPartOf|Southwestern Quebec}} {{usablecity}} 2c3jbdpb0ytznhe4x6n8x2q4k50sj3g 0 24605 5087058 5044442 2025-07-03T09:58:39Z 79.148.140.46 /* By plane */ 5087058 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Nijmegen Wikivoyage Banner.png}} '''Nijmegen''' lays claims to the title of oldest city in [[the Netherlands]], and has indeed a long history and still lots of interesting heritage to enjoy today. World-famous among hiking enthusiasts, the city annually hosts the '''International Four Days Marches Nijmegen'''. It's the largest multi-day walking event in the world and comes with a range of festivities. Attracting over 42,000 participants and over a million visitors, including many international ones, the event celebrated the 100th edition in 2016. Nijmegen is the largest city in the province of [[Gelderland]] and well known for its left-wing politics and its large student population. ==Understand== With about 160,000 inhabitants, Nijmegen is a relatively large city in the southeast of the [[Netherlands]]. It's the main town in the [[Arnhem]]-Nijmegen metropolitan area (pop. 736,000 in 2011) and a major stronghold of the Dutch socialist and 'green' parties. ===History=== [[File:Valkhofkapel.JPG|thumb|The Valkhof chapel, built around 1030, is one of the oldest intact buildings.]] The town's written history goes back to the first century BC, when a Roman military settlement was established at this place. The local hill provide good views over the surrounding valleys and the rivers Rhine and Waal that pass by here. A village grew around the Roman stronghold. In the year 98 it gained Roman city rights. After the [[Roman Empire]] crumbled, the area became part of the Frankish lands. The town grew as its trade activities via the river Waal flourished. In the 12th century, Henry VI, the later Holy Roman Emperor was born in Nijmegen but it was his son, Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II, who granted city rights in 1230. Some 17 years later, the city and the surrounding lands were used as collateral for a loan from the Guelders, that would never be repaid. As a result, Nijmegen is part of the province of Gelderland still today. As modern warfare rendered traditional fortifications as good as useless, the city walls were finally demolished. The city had already expanded massively by that time, with far too many souls living packed inside the city walls. And it kept developing further. A university was established in 1927 and in 1936 the reportedly largest bridge in Europe of that time was constructed for car passage over the river. In 1944, the city centre sustained massive damage when it was bombed by the Americans by mistake, as pilots thought they were attacking the German city of [[Kleve]]. Shortly after, it was the scene of severe battle during Operation Market Garden. When the city was finally liberated, most of its historic heritage was gone or damaged. Rebuilding efforts and city planning in the following decades included further destruction of some of the remaining structures. The fine collection of monuments today is therefore only a small glimpse of Nijmegen's rich history. ===Tourist information=== * [https://en.intonijmegen.com/ Nijmegen Tourism] website * {{listing | name=VVV Rijk van Nijmegen | alt= | url=http://www.arnhemnijmegenregion.com/vvv-rijk-van-nijmegen | email= | address=Keizer Karelplein 32h | lat=51.84259 | long=5.85842 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-F 09:30-17:30, Sa 10:00-16:00, closed Su & M | price= | content=The tourist information office (VVV) works closely together with that of the city of [[Arnhem]] and all the smaller destinations around. The Nijmegen office is located in the centre of town and has a wide collection of maps and brochures, can assist in any bookings you want to make and is generally very helpful. }} ==Get in== ===By plane=== '''[https://airport-weeze.com/ Airport Weeze] ({{IATA|NRN}})''', located 45&nbsp;km southeast of town just across the border with Germany, between the villages of [[Weeze]] ([[Germany]]) and [[Nieuw-Bergen]] ([[Netherlands]]) (the airport itself is in Germany). Although Ryanair (the major airline serving the airport) advertises it as Düsseldorf-Weeze, Düsseldorf is not anywhere near the airport. The city of Düsseldorf is 100 km (60 miles) to the southeast of the airport, making Nijmegen the closest major city to the airport. Weeze serves about 30 destinations, across Europe and Northern Africa. Every two hours bus '''SB46''' rides to Nijmegen Centraal Station in about 65 minutes. The cost are 11,88 euro via de app DB NRWay. Driving take about 30 minutes in normal trafffic. '''[https://www.eindhovenairport.nl/en Eindhoven Airport]''' ({{IATA|EIN}}). 60 km (35 miles) to the southwest of Nijmegen. From the airport you take bus 400 or 401 to Eindhoven Central Station and then a train to 's Hertogenbosch (which is the same as Den Bosch). In 's Hertogenbosch, change trains and take the train to Nijmegen. This journey will take you approximately 90 minutes by public transportation. When driving yourself, take the A326 feeder motorway to the A50, (Zwolle-Eindhoven) which skirts the west of the metropolitan area to the Eindhoven ring road (A58/A2) Airport exit is exit 29 on the A2. '''[https://www.dus.com/en Flughafen Düsseldorf]''' ({{IATA|DUS}}). 110 km (65 miles) southeast. About one-third the size of Amsterdam-Schiphol, but with plenty of international connections, including to the USA, and gets served by all the major airlines in Europe. Although it doesn't get nearly as many flights as Amsterdam does, it's cheaper, doesn't have nearly as many congestion problems, and generally much less hassle at the airport itself. Major inconvenience here is the lack of a good public transportation link to the Nijmegen area; you either need to take bus 58 to '''Kleve''', and change there for a regional train to '''Düsseldorf Hbf''', where you can take S1 to '''Flughafen terminal''' or take the train to '''Venlo''', and change there for '''Düsseldorf Hbf'''. Both options take about 2,5–3 hours one way, since it'll be taking commuter trains all the way. When driving there this airport should be the obvious choice though. '''A73''' to '''Knooppunt Rijkevoort''', then follow the signs to the '''A77''' which changes to '''A57''' when it passes the German line. By '''Kreuz Meerbusch''' take motorway '''A44''' to exit 31 which is right by the terminal. Expect a 75-minute drive, although it can be done in 50–55 minutes if there's little traffic, because 2/3rds of the route is on the German Autobahn. '''[https://www.schiphol.nl Amsterdam-Schiphol airport]''' ({{IATA|AMS}}). The largest airport in the Netherlands, and the fifth largest in Europe. 135&nbsp;km (85 miles) to the northwest. Train takes about an hour and a half, and will cost €24,50 one way. You do not have to change trains for Nijmegen, there are direct trains to and from Schiphol twice an hour on weekdays, although if you miss one you can catch a train to Utrecht 15 minutes later and change there. Schiphol airport gets served by most major carriers, and has in excess of 100 flights to the United States alone per day. When driving; '''A73''' to '''Knooppunt Ewijk''', '''A50''' to '''Knooppunt Valburg''', '''A15''' westbound to '''Knooppunt Deil''', '''A2''' northbound to '''Knooppunt Holendrecht''', '''A9''' westbound to '''Knooppunt Badhoevedorp''', and finally '''A4''' southbound to exit 2, Schiphol airport. Expect this to take anywhere from 75 minutes to over three hours, depending on traffic. the route will take you through both the Utrecht and the Amsterdam metropolitan areas, both infamous for their traffic jams. ===By train=== The '''[https://www.ns.nl/ Dutch Railways]''', (Nederlandse Spoorwegen, NS) serve Nijmegen from all parts of the Netherlands non-stop. There are 4 trains an hour to Utrecht, 2 of which continue to Amsterdam and Den Helder. At Utrecht, you can change on trains to Schiphol Airport or Rotterdam and The Hague. 4 trains per hour depart for Zutphen of which 2 continue to Deventer and Zwolle (with connections to Leeuwarden and Groningen in Zwolle). Furthermore, 2 trains per hour connect to Tilburg-Breda-Roosendaal (with connections in Breda to Rotterdam/The Hague, and in Roosendaal to Antwerp/Brussels). The neighboring cities of Arnhem and 's-Hertogenbosch are served by commuter trains: 4 trains per hour leave for 's-Hertogenbosch and 6 trains per hour for Arnhem. On this last connection, there are up to 10 trains per hour between Nijmegen and Arnhem during rush hour. The full adult fare on this line is €5.20 one way (January 2025). '''[https://www.arriva.nl/ Arriva]''' runs 4 regional trains an hour to Nijmegen Heyendaal, Molenhoek (nearby Malden), the town of Cuijk and further to Venray. Two of these trains continue all the way to Roermond. * {{go | name=Nijmegen railway station | alt=Station Nijmegen | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q801257 | lastedit=2022-12-27 | content= }} ===By bus=== {{go|name=Intercity bus stop Nijmegen|lat=51.8436308|long=5.8552576}} Flixbus serves the town. Nijmegen is connected to the German cities (and railway stations) of [[Kleve]] and [[Emmerich am Rhein|Emmerich]] by the regional bus line SB58. The '''Deutschlandticket''' is valid to and from Nijmegen on this bus line. When looking for a ride from anywhere in North Rhine-Westphalia/Germany to Nijmegen, use the DB app or website and select "local/regional transport only". And type in a stopover in "Landesgrenze, Kranenburg" (without any length of stay). That takes care, that no Dutch trains between Arnhem and Nijmegen are displayed, which you cannot use with the Deutschlandticket. ===By car=== The '''A73''' connects Nijmegen with Venlo, the '''A77/A57''' leads to the German Rhineland. The '''A15''' runs between Nijmegen and Rotterdam and the '''A50''' (Eindhoven-Zwolle) skims the western edge of the metropolitan area. There are many feeder highways connecting these freeways to the city. From Amsterdam one would take the A2 southbound to intersection (knooppunt) Deil, and take the A15 eastbound to Nijmegen from there. Avoid visiting the city by car during the Four Days Walking March, as roads tend to be blocked and circulation is even worse than normal. Also, you may find almost no available parking anywhere near the centre of the city. ===By thumb=== Nijmegen is probably one of the easiest places in the Netherlands to hitch from. The best spot is just south of the Waal Bridge, on the northbound lane leading to the bridge. You will see a sign saying 'liftershalte' here. This means it's an official hitching spot. Usually it takes anywhere up to 30 minutes to get a ride. ===By bike=== Nijmegen has exceptionally good cycle links. The RijnWaalpad is a cycle high way connecting Nijmegen and Arnhem. There are also two '''Dutch national cycle routes''' that come through Nijmegen: the LF12 and the LF3-3. In Millingen the LF3-3 connects with the [http://www.rhinecycleroute.eu/UK_front-page?set_language=en '''Rhine Cycle Route (EuroVelo 15)'''], giving Nijmegen a good cycle connection with Germany, France and Switzerland. ==Get around== {{mapframe|51.845|5.8605|zoom=14}} {{mapshapes|Q47887}} The city bus company, '''Breng''', connects every neighbourhood in Nijmegen to the city center. Breng runs buses into the suburbs as well as a few towns outside of the metropolitan area. Forget about using your car unless you're absolutely sure of your driving skills: the city can get clogged up during rush-hour because 6 main roads end up at an infamous roundabout in the middle of the town. Beside this, parking is relatively expensive. Nijmegen is very bike-friendly, and the old downtown area is compact (every place in the downtown area can be reached within 20 minutes from the Central Station by foot) Commuter trains serve the neighbourhoods of Lent, Dukenburg and Heyendaal (the campus area), as well as the nearby town of Wijchen. ==See== [[File:Kronenburgertoren.JPG|thumb|The Kronenburger tower]] Nijmegen is widely considered to be the oldest city in the Netherlands, celebrating her 2000th birthday in 2005. Not a whole lot of very old buildings are left in town: first the Americans carpet-bombed it in February 1944, later the Germans shelled it for about 5 months after the liberation in September 1944, and finally there were a lot of very rigorous city planners in the 1950s, 60s and 70s who finished what the Americans and Germans started. There are still a few noteworthy sights, however. Valkhof hill downtown features a '''Carolingian chapel''' (ninth century AD) and a small remainder of an imperial castle that was demolished in 1798. From Valkhof hill walk west through the Burchtstraat. Here you will see, on your left hand, the fifteenth century town hall. If you've finished admiring its exterior (there's nothing of note inside) continue walking west to the '''Grote Markt''' (''Great Market''). On the north side is a sixteenth-century weighing hall that now serves as a restaurant. To the left is the Blauwe Hand, the oldest bar in a town that boasts more pubs per square feet than any other town in the Netherlands. On the west side you will see the entrance to the '''St. Stevenskerk courtyard'''. Enter it. On the left is a fifteenth-century Latin school. On the right stands the thirteenth century St. Stevenskerk, the interior of which was destroyed during the Dutch revolution of the sixteenth century. To the north of the church is a series of small seventeenth-century houses that now serve as trinket shops. Although the city centre was heavily bombed during the war, the old neighbourhoods around the centre were not, and are nice to stroll around. Most interesting are the neighbourhoods east and south of the centre. '''Bottendaal''', a five-minute walk from the train station, has a nice vibe, a few good pubs (try ''De Kluizenaar'' and ''Maxim'', listed below) and a park (Thiemen Park). * {{listing | type=see | name=Valkhof Museum | alt= | url=http://www.museumhetvalkhof.nl/ | email= | address=Kelfkensbos 59 | lat=51.84638 | long=5.87111 | directions=On the edge of the Valkhof park | phone=+31 24 360 88 05 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Adult €8, child €4 | wikidata=Q1127079 | content=The fine collection of archaeological finds, modern and some old art is well worth spending a few hours on. Artefacts go back to prehistoric times, but also include Roman and Medieval pieces. In addition to the permanent displays, there are temporary exhibitions focussing on specific artists or crafts. }} * {{see | name=St. Stevenskerk | alt= | url=http://www.stevenskerk.nl/ | email=info@stevenskerk.nl | address=Sint Stevenskerkhof 62 | lat=51.84796 | long=5.86264 | directions= | phone=+31 24 3604710 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Free | wikidata=Q19545689 | content=The construction of the church began around the middle of the 13th century. In 1273 the church was consecrated by Albertus Magnus, the auxiliary bishop of Cologne. Of this Romanesque-Gothic church remain the base of the tower and the westernmost bays of the ship. Large-scale construction took place over the course of the 15th century, including the choir and chapels. In the 16th century, the transept and a small part of the ship were built. After about 1560, construction halted and the church remained unfinished. In the bombing of February 22, 1944 the tower collapsed largely in. In addition, the south-western part of the church was heavily damaged. The church also was badly damaged when Nijmegen was a city at the war front. After World War II the church was thoroughly restored in 1969 and was re-opened in the presence of HRH Prince Claus. The inventory of the church - namely pulpit monument to Catherine of Bourbon, baptistery-screen, gentlemen banks, candelabra, organs and some frescoes - are from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. }} * {{see | name=Nationaal Fietsmuseum Velorama | alt=Bicycle museem | url=http://www.velorama.nl/ | email= | address=Waalkade 107 | lat=51.84854 | long=5.87052 | directions=Close to Walkhof Park | phone=+31 24 322 58 51 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10:00 - 17:00, Su 11:00 - 17:00 | price=€5 | wikidata=Q484899 | content=A bicycle museum. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Aunt Hannie Movie and TV series museum | alt=Tante Hannie Kijk Doe Koopwinkel | url=http://www.tante-hannie.nl/ | email= | address=Passage Molenpoort 33a | lat=51.84429 | long=5.86382 | directions=in De Molenpoort shopping center; entrance at stairs between Pipoos and Kramer Beds | phone=+31 6 33049119 | tollfree= | hours=W noon-17:30, Th 10:00-20:00, F 10:00-17:30, Sa 10:00-17:00, Su noon-17:00 | price=Gift shop free; marble museum €2 | content=Minions, Muppets, Marvel, and Marbles... oh my! A gift shop and museum for all kinds of pop media franchises. Browsing around will cast you back to your childhood. Lots of big-name franchises are represented here, along with independents like the popular YouTube channel Jelle's Marble Runs (the creator of which lives in Nijmegen). }} * {{see | name=Africa Museum | alt=Afrika Museum | url= | email= | address=Postweg 6 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2470853 | lastedit=2022-12-27 | content=Indoor as well as open-air display areas covering art, culture, music, photographs, videos and architecture of Africa. Along with the Tropenmuseum in Amsterdam, and National Museum of Ethnology (Museum Volkenkunde) in Leiden, together make up the National Museum of World Cultures. }} ==Do== [[File:Fourdaymarches cuijk.jpg|thumb|Over 45,000 people took part in the 2013 Four Day Marches.]] * {{do | name=Gebroeders van Lymborchfestival | alt= | url= | email= | address=Grote Markt | lat=51.8475 | long=5.8639 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-10-21 | content=Medieval music and theatre festival in which around 700 re-enactors roam the streets of the city centre, displaying the daily life in the Duchy of Guelders from 1350-1450. Highlight is the "Blijde Incomste" (Delighted Entrance) on the Sunday afternoon, in which the landvoogd (Advocatus) enters a town or city in a large parade of festivities. }} * '''Football:''' [https://www.nec-nijmegen.nl/home.htm NEC Nijmegen] play soccer in Eredivisie, the country's top tier. Their home ground Goffertstadion (capacity 12,500) is 3 km southwest of city centre. * '''Nijmeegse Vierdaagse/Zomerfeesten''' (Four Day Marches and the Summer Festival) in July is the biggest event in the entire Netherlands and according to the organisers the largest walking event in the world. The Four Day Marches draw about 45,000 people alone, walking 30, 40 or 50&nbsp;km (depending on age and sex) per day for four days in the Nijmegen area. The Summer Festival lasts for 10 days, starting the Friday before the marches start, continuing all the way to the Sunday after the Marches. For these 10 days, the entire downtown area is one big festival with concerts everywhere, even more beer stands and 1.5-1.7 million people partying or trying to get some sleep because they have to walk another 30 miles the next morning. :Participating in the marches costs €50 and you'll need to register well in advance. In 2014, registration will open in February and anyone interested should follow the organisation's website closely around that time. In 2013, registration closed after only a few days because the maximum number of participants was surpassed. You'll likely have to train to ensure you're physically fit for the challenge. Also make sure to check local weather predictions. Dutch summers are usually mild, with average temperatures in July around 20°C and monthly precipitation around 80mm. Dutch weather is however notoriously changeable. In 2006, a heat wave caused widespread dehydration and two people died from hyperthermia. The marches were cancelled after the first day. * {{do | name=Guided city tour | alt= | url=http://excitinghistory.com/arrangementen/historische-stadswandeling-nijmegen | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Readers of ''The Guardian'' selected Nijmegen's city walks, organized by the tourist office, as one of the top 10 guided city tours in the world. The 90-minute tours indeed give a much deeper insight in the city's history and its heritage. Groups can make private reservations at a requested time (€100 for the guide, up to 25 people can join). Individual travellers should check availability with the tourist office. If there's no tour to join, they also have routes which you follow on your own. }} ===Other events=== ====Spring==== *'''Carnaval''' Six weeks before Easter is Carnaval. People dress up in funny costumes and drink. There are parades in every town & village. To the south of Nijmegen Carnaval gets celebrated more, and if you like this kind of thing, go to Maastricht, Den Bosch or Kerkrade instead. *'''Dag van het Levenslied''' Every year in May there's a traditional Dutch folk festival in the Valkhofpark. Don't expect Dylan though, The type of music is comparable to the German ''schlager'' music as the lyrics are usually about shitty stuff in your life. Again: Lots of drinking! *'''Roze Meifeesten''' Also in May, this is the annual Gay and Lesbian festival in downtown. ====Summer==== *'''Heavy Metal festival''' Traditionally, there's a one-day Heavy Metal festival in the Goffertpark, 3 km SW of the Central Station. Usually it's called Fields of Rock, Dynamo Open Air or Ozzfest, but they all get organized by the same company anyway. Usually draws 15-25,000 people depending on city regulations. *'''Other festivals''' In some years, a one-day festival, called Rockin' Park, is organized in the Goffertpark. The line-up usually consists of various national and international rock acts. Another festival is the Arrow Rock Festival, featuring several (older) national and international rock acts. Apart from the festivals, the Goffertpark is often used for large one-off concerts of prominent bands (often with numerous support acts) such as the Rolling Stones, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Radiohead and Coldplay. ====Fall==== *'''Nijmeegse Kermis''' The oldest street carnival in the Netherlands, dates back to 1272. Usually lasts a week and a half, and there are a lot of attractions, traditional ones like the Ferris Wheel and the Merry go-'round, Bumpercars, but also modern stuff like a Bungy-Jump. *'''Zevenheuvelenloop''' An annual 15&nbsp;km (9&nbsp;mi) run around Nijmegen and its surrounding hills. (Hence the name Zevenheuvelen - which means "Seven Hills" in Dutch.) ==Buy== If you like a day of shopping, you'll surely enjoy this city. It's considered one of the top shopping destinations in the country, for its cosy old centre, many cafés, car-free shopping zone and of course the wide range of stores and boutiques. Over 400 shops are available in the city centre alone. The modernized '''Marikenstraat''' and '''Moenenstraat''' are full of large chain stores, including the usual department and fashion stores. The smaller streets leading to the car-free centre are called the ''Ringstraten'', and are packed with smaller boutiques, giftstores, speciality stores and independent home decoration shops. Good examples include the '''Hezelstraat''' (said to be the oldest shopping street in the country), the '''Van Welderenstraat''' and the '''Tweede Walstraat'''. For design boutiques, try the '''Houstraat'''. Stores are usually open between 09:00 and 17:30, many also until 18:00. Thursday is so-called shopping evening, with most shops open till 21:00 and as in the rest of the country, most places close at 17:00 on Saturdays. Every first Sunday of the month, the city centre opens between 12:00 and 17:00. There are general '''markets''' in the centre every Monday and Saturday. * {{buy | name=De Bierhoeder | alt= | url= | email= | address=Bloemerstraat 86 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 24 3601620 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A small but excellent beer specialty shop. The friendly owner knows his produce well, and has a preference for punk music. }} ==Eat== If you love pizza, you'll find yourself well-catered for. Many pizza-restaurants are specialized in take-away/delivery, but there are several nice options if you'd like to sit down. Most of the establishments also offer other Italian dishes. ===Budget=== Being a student town (roughly 21,000 students in a population of 160,000) there are plenty of relatively cheap restaurants ("eetcafés") to be found. Look for them in the '''Van Welderenstraat''' and on '''Kelfkensbos'''. Fast Food is also widely available in the city center, with numerous snackbars often offering traditional Dutch snacks, but also Turkish dishes. In the city centre, the supermarkets of ''Coop'', ''Albert Heijn'', ''Jumbo City'', ''Plus'' and ''Spar City'' have fresh baked goods. * {{eat | name=Dromaai | alt= | url=https://dedromaai.nl/contact | email=info@dedromaai.nl | address=Plein 1944 | lat=51.845649 | long=5.862192 | directions= | phone=+31 24 360 0085 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=A student eatery. }} *{{eat | name=De Klinker | alt= | url=https://grotebroek.nl/groepen/de-klinker/ |email= | address=Van Broeckhuysenstraat 46 | lat=51.8438242 | long=5.8659438 | directions= | phone=+31 24 3605208 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=Political café and organic, vegan eatery. Soup café on Wednesday nights, vegan three-course meals on Saturdays and Sundays from 18:30 (reservation obligatory, by phone or dropping by). }} * {{eat | name=Broodje Horeca | alt= | url=https://www.broodje-horeca.nl/ | email= | address=Mariënburgsestraat 10 | lat=51.846166 | long=5.867907 | directions= | phone=+31 24 360 4050 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 10:00-18:00, Sa M 09:00-18:00, Sundays closed | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Chidóz | alt= | url= | email= | address=Molenstraat 112 | lat=51.8440515 | long=5.8616976 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=Mexican. }} * {{eat | name=Zorba Streetfood Nijmegen | alt= | url= | email= | address=Van Welderenstraat 130 | lat=51.8430456 | long=5.8613948 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Maoz Falafel | alt= | url= | email= | address=Grote Markt 19 | lat=51.8477052 | long=5.8633508 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content= }} * {{eat | name=iWok&Go | alt= | url= | email= | address=Augustijnenstraat 29 | lat=51.8468255 | long= 5.8627188 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Giros | alt= | url= | email= | address=Hertogstraat 44 | lat=51.8457617 | long=5.8687414 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Snackbar Corry | alt= | url= | email= | address=Daalseweg 1 | lat=51.8416294 | long= 5.8705572 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content= }} ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=Eetcafé De Plak | address=Bloemerstraat 90 | directions=corner of Plein 1944 | phone=+31 24 3222 757 | url= http://www.cafedeplak.nl | lat=51.84551 | long=5.86135 | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=An absolute classic. Not only is it a mainstay of Nijmegen's sizeable alternative scene (don't be surprised to have your meal served by a pierced waitress with dreadlocks or a waiter with a mohawk) it's also famous throughout the Netherlands for its ''Kaasgehakt'' - a hearty dish made with cheese and breadcrumbs that's supposed to be a vegetarian version of "gehakt" (minced meat). }} *{{eat | name=Restaurant de Hemel | url=http://www.restaurantdehemel.nl | email= | address=Franseplaats 1 | lat=51.848635 | long=5.863897 | directions= | phone = +31 243656394 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=12:00-00:00| price=€25-35 | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=Great dining experience in a fantastic historical building in centre. Guests are served 6-8 rounds of small appetizers and bites for dinner. De Hemel serves a great variety of food and on top of that an intimate setting. Also opened for lunch and highly popular High Tea. }} * {{eat | name=De Kluizenaar | alt= | url= | email= | address=Burghardt van Den Berghstraat 96 | lat=51.8395094 | long=5.8560388 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=Offers tapas from various cooking styles, and more traditional meals, such as salads and spare ribs. In the summer, it is a nice place for a drink, just like cafe Maxim across the street. }} * {{eat | name=Café Van Buren | alt= | url= | email= | address=Molenstraat 89 | lat=51.8435262 | long= 5.8619286 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=Offers traditional French cuisine for a good price, and also has plenty of lunch options. Furthermore, in the summer, you can enjoy your food outside. }} * {{eat | name=Funkenstein | alt= | url= | email= | address=Lange Hezelstraat 80 | lat=51.8482457 | long=5.8584565 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=Small, cosy, and good value for money. }} * {{eat | name=Eten & Drinken | alt= | url= | email= | address=Groesbeeksedwarsweg 305 | lat=51.835145 | long=5.871224 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Mains around €15 | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=Portion size and quality is good. Lunch is also possible. }} * {{eat | name=Vlaams Arsenaal | alt= | url=http://www.vlaamsarsenaal.nl | email= | address=Arsenaalpoort 1-4 | lat=51.8450734 | long= 5.8654433 | directions= | phone=+31 24 324 48 33 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=Very good Belgian/Dutch food, such as beef stew, liver and onions and of course fries. Odd concept of shared side salad. Little slow service. }} *{{eat | name=Tati | alt= | url=https://www.tati-nijmegen.nl | email= | address=Koolemans Beijnenstraat 80 | lat=51.8357071 | long=5.8745025 | directions= | phone=+31 24 7370012 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 08:30-21:00, Sa Su 10:00-21:00 | price=Soup of the day €6, breakfast around €8, hot lunch and dinner around €13 (prices as of Nov 2018) | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=Many vegetarian and vegan options, pies, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails. }} * {{eat | name=Donatello's | alt= | url= | email= | address=Eerste Walstraat 18 | lat=51.8438039 | long= 5.8606626 | directions=on the edge of the city center | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€15-25 | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=It's a bit hidden, don't let the alley-like street scare you away. }} * {{eat | name=Mr. Jacks | alt= | url= | email= | address=Kelfkensbos 50 | lat=51.8460525 | long=5.8708737 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€15-25 | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=Do not expect top quality service, but the food is decently priced and tastes reasonable. You might have to wait long whilst you have already ordered; there is often a table available, but not enough capacity to serve it. Instead of a pizza, you may also choose to order a Greek dish here. }} * {{eat | name=De Meesterproef | alt= | url=http://www.demeesterproefnijmegen.nl/ | email=info@demeesterproefnijmegen.nl | address= | lat=51.853923 | long=5.846430 | directions=in the Honigcomplex; enter a small alley, the restaurant is on your right | phone=+31 623366490 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Su 12:00-24:00 | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=Restaurant at an old factory now used by several local companies. The restaurant has a unique view over the Waal river. }} ===Splurge=== If your budget allows it, there's also plenty of opportunity for luxury dining. '''Het Lemke''' in the Lange Hezelstraat offers high quality French cuisine, though it might be a little bit too experimental for some. More up market dining can be found along the Waal river. From the casino, walk west past the terraces and into the old downtown, for up market dining near the university. Finally, for more classic French style cuisine in a historic ambiance, try '''Belvedere''' – the tower. (Please note that for the moment, the Belvedere is only open to groups with a reservation, due to a lack of cooking staff.) If you're into that sort of thing, in 2008 the Michelin guide awarded a Bib Gourmand to Het Savarijn, '''Vesters''' (Groesbeeksedwarsweg 307a). ==Drink== [[File:Waaggebouw (Nijmegen) P1060338.JPG|thumb|The monumental weigh house now houses a pleasant café.]] Downtown Nijmegen and the neighborhoods just next to it are positively swarming with pubs and cafés. Some notable ones: * '''In De Blaauwe Hand''', Grote Markt. The oldest pub in Nijmegen. Very, very picturesque. * {{drink | name=Samson | alt= | url=http://www.cafesamson.nl/ | email= | address=Houtstraat 4, 6511 JN | lat=51.84611 | long=5.86159 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Houtstraat. Old fashioned and classy with service of a high quality. They have more than 100 different beers available. }} * {{drink | name=Brouwerscafé de Hemel | url=http://www.restaurantdehemel.nl | email= | address=Franseplaats 1 | lat= | long= | directions=walking distance from De Blaauwe Hand, right behind Grote Markt | phone = +31 24 3656394 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} Local beers in an amazing setting: the picturesque monument "De Commanderie van St. Jan". * '''Universiteitscafe Piecken''', Studentencomplex Hoogeveldt, university campus. This bar, owned by students, is the homeplace for all the local and the international students in Nijmegen. Visit the website to see if there is a party or other activities. [https://www.facebook.com/CafePiecken/] * '''St. Anneke''', St. Annastraat. Of interest primarily if you're staying in Hotel Catharina as it's right across the street but even then you'd be wise to walk a little (50 m) further to '''Frowijn''' on the corner of the Pontanusstraat as that has a much nicer terrace. *'''Mets''', Grotestraat. The premier gay and lesbian hangout. * '''Kollektief kafee de Bijstand'''. Van Welderenstraat. This is where the local activist scene congregates. Wednesday night is cheap vodka night. All profit goes to charity. * '''Odessa''' (Sint Anthoniusplaats) is a reasonable and fairly cheap restaurant, but on Mondays it functions as a Jazz bar that attracts lots of foreign students. * '''Chaps''' (Gay Leather Bar) is a reasonable and fairly priced pub with interesting socks-only and jack-off parties. Only for men that are interested in the same sex. * {{drink | name=Billabong | alt=Australian pub | url=https://www.cafebillabong.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *Bascafe, Fuik, Tweekeerbellen, Drie gezusters, Heidi's Ski Hut for students *Fuik, Irish Pub for football ===Music venues=== * {{drink | name=Doornroosje | alt=Roosje | url=http://doornroosje.nl | email=info@doornroosje.nl | address=Stationsplein 11 | lat=51.84424 | long=5.85392 | directions=next to the central train station, behind the bus station | phone=+31 243554243 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Large music venue. Has a large variety of different parties, ranging from rock to electro and hip hop to techno, so check the schedule. }} * {{drink | name=Merleyn | alt= | url=http://www.doornroosje.nl/merleyn/ | email= | address=Hertogstraat 13 | lat=51.846097 | long=5.8691183 | directions= | phone=+31 243224737 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The smaller venue of the Doornroosje. Has a lot of different music as well. Check the schedule of Doornroosje, it includes the events of Merleyn. }} * {{drink | name=De Vasim | alt= | url=http://devasim.nl/ | email=info@devasim.nl | address=Winselingseweg 41 | lat=51.85567 | long=5.83842 | directions=close to the new bridge (the Waalsprong) | phone=+31 243886246 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Hosts regular music events, check the schedule on the website. }} * {{drink | name=Onderbroek | alt= | url=https://grotebroek.nl/lokatie/de-onderbroek/ | email= | address=Tweede Walstraat 21 | lat= 51.8440067 | long=5.8658151 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Has regular punk and hardcore gigs. }} *{{drink|name=NDRGRND|alt=|url=http://ndrgrnd.nl/|email=info@ndrgrnd.nl|address=Molenstraat 99a|lat=51.8434836|long=5.8614853|directions=|phone=+31 243240320|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-11-19|content=Popular-alternative music.}} ==Sleep== [[File:Nijmegen Goffertpark, de brug (01).JPG|thumb|Except when it's the stage for one of the city's large events, the Goffertpark is a quiet, laid-back place and ideal for a picnic.]] Nijmegen has many hotels, although budget options are remarkably limited. The opposite is true for high-end lodging. Finding a place to sleep during the summer festival and the four day's marches is absolutely impossible. Everything will be booked full months in advance. To give you an idea; during these days the population of Nijmegen swells from 160,000 to 1,800,000. It goes to the extent of people needing accommodation because they're walking the marches being taken into private people's homes and sleeping in sporting arenas. However, during the festival many trains and buses run around the clock, giving the opportunity to find a place to stay outside the city. === Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Hostel Barbarossa | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/BarbarossaHostel | email= | address=St. Anthoniusplaats 14 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 6 10662058 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=€22 for a dorm bed | content=This hostel is one of the best options if you're travelling on a budget. Fun and friendly staff, clean rooms and near the city centre's bars and restaurants. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Mercure Hotel Nijmegen Centrum | alt= | url=https://all.accor.com/hotel/1356/index.en.shtml | email= | address=Stationsplein 29 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 24 2019000 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From €75 for a double, excluding breakfast | content=A well-appointed hotel in the Mercure chain. Some of the bathrooms are a bit outdated but the rooms are nicely restyled and the staff is very helpful. Breakfast comes at an extra cost of €17, but due to this hotel's central location, it's quite possible to take breakfast elsewhere in the city for less. There's parking available for €7.50 per day. Facilities include a sauna and fitness area. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Atlanta | alt= | url=http://www.atlanta-hotel.nl/ | email= | address=Grote Markt 38-40 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 24 3603000 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Singles/double for €65/90 | content=Right on the main square, this place offers some nice views of the liveliness below and has a pleasant grand café/restaurant downstairs. Some of the rooms are a bit outdated and they're fairly simple, but adequate and clean. Parking is in the nearby public garage for €10.75 per day. }} * {{sleep | name=Amrath Hotel Belvoir | alt= | url= http://www.amrathhotels.nl/belvoir/welcome-nl.html| email= | address=Graadt van Roggenstraat 101 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 24 3232344 | tollfree= | fax= | price= From €69 excluding breakfast| checkin= | checkout= | content=This place gets somewhat mixed reviews as some of its designs are a bit outdated and service sometimes lack detail. However, it's a large hotel in a central place with a swimming pool, and at times offers good deals. Parking is tricky, as there are not enough places available when there are many guests. Cheaper rooms come without breakfast, which can be taken for an extra fee of €15.50. }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Hotel Hertogplein | alt= | url=http://www.hotelhertogplein.nl/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=Gerard Noodtstraat 143 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +31 6 20720288| tollfree= | fax= | price=€125 for a double including breakfast | checkin= | checkout= | content=This small, 3-star boutique hotel is a travellers' favourite for its well decorated, clean and modern rooms, friendly staff and excellent breakfast. There's free wifi and the location on the edge of the town centre works well to explore the city. Keep in mind that this is an old building and there's no elevator, while all the rooms are on the first or second floor. It's best to make reservations well in advance, as there are only 5 rooms. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Restaurant MANNA | alt= | url=http://www.manna-nijmegen.nl/en/ | email= | address=Oranjesingel 2c | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 24 3650990 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=€160-260 per night with 2 people, from €135 for single use | content=A high-end boutique hotel with ten well-appointed and nicely decorated suites only. Facilities in the rooms include air-conditioning, a rain shower, Apple iMac on the desk and a Nespresso machine. Breakfast is served until noon and there's an excellent in-house restaurant for lunch and dinner. Prices vary per suite, as they vary in size. }} == Connect == As of July 2022, Nijmegen has 5G from all Dutch carriers. ==Go next== ===Cycling=== The surrounding area of Nijmegen is unique in that it has to offer almost every landscape type available in the Netherlands. Rent a bicycle and start exploring the river landscape of the Ooijpolder to the northeast, the forested hills around [[Groesbeek]] to the east, the drier heath landscape to the south or, if you insist, the typically Dutch flat lowlands to the west. There are many ready-made cycle routes you can try: *[http://www.holland-cycling.com/where-to-go/day-trips/134-nijmegen-cycle-route '''Nijmegen Cycle Route'''] - Exploring the head of the Rhine Delta. Distance: 46 or 34 km. ===Places of interest=== If you're interested in cities, pay a visit to [[Hertogenbosch]] or [[Zutphen]] (both between 30 min and 45 min by train) which have city centres far better preserved than that of Nijmegen. *During World War II, the 82nd Airborne Division landed near Groesbeek as part of Operation Market Garden. Groesbeek has one of Canada's war cemeteries, called '''Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery'''. The cemetery is a short drive out of Groesbeek. *'''The Africa Museum''', in Berg en Dal, has an indoors and outdoors section and specializes in African cultures. On most summer days, they organize all kinds of workshops. *'''Museumpark Orientalis''', in the Heilig Landstichting, provides a contemporary view of the three religions that have played a decisive role in establishing the identity of present-day Europe: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. {{routebox | image1=NL-A50.png | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=N | majorl1=[[Arnhem]] | minorl1=[[Hoge Veluwe National Park|Veluwe]] | directionr1=S | majorr1=[[Eindhoven]] | minorr1=[[Oss]] }} {{geo|51.84002|5.87065|zoom=13}} {{IsPartOf|Gelderland}} {{usablecity}} nncq10t1gpgiw7bpmwv1egdw4n431dg 5087060 5087058 2025-07-03T10:00:29Z Ikan Kekek 36420 5087060 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Nijmegen Wikivoyage Banner.png}} '''Nijmegen''' lays claims to the title of oldest city in [[the Netherlands]], and has indeed a long history and still lots of interesting heritage to enjoy today. World-famous among hiking enthusiasts, the city annually hosts the '''International Four Days Marches Nijmegen'''. It's the largest multi-day walking event in the world and comes with a range of festivities. Attracting over 42,000 participants and over a million visitors, including many international ones, the event celebrated the 100th edition in 2016. Nijmegen is the largest city in the province of [[Gelderland]] and well known for its left-wing politics and its large student population. ==Understand== With about 160,000 inhabitants, Nijmegen is a relatively large city in the southeast of the [[Netherlands]]. It's the main town in the [[Arnhem]]-Nijmegen metropolitan area (pop. 736,000 in 2011) and a major stronghold of the Dutch socialist and 'green' parties. ===History=== [[File:Valkhofkapel.JPG|thumb|The Valkhof chapel, built around 1030, is one of the oldest intact buildings.]] The town's written history goes back to the first century BC, when a Roman military settlement was established at this place. The local hill provide good views over the surrounding valleys and the rivers Rhine and Waal that pass by here. A village grew around the Roman stronghold. In the year 98 it gained Roman city rights. After the [[Roman Empire]] crumbled, the area became part of the Frankish lands. The town grew as its trade activities via the river Waal flourished. In the 12th century, Henry VI, the later Holy Roman Emperor was born in Nijmegen but it was his son, Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II, who granted city rights in 1230. Some 17 years later, the city and the surrounding lands were used as collateral for a loan from the Guelders, that would never be repaid. As a result, Nijmegen is part of the province of Gelderland still today. As modern warfare rendered traditional fortifications as good as useless, the city walls were finally demolished. The city had already expanded massively by that time, with far too many souls living packed inside the city walls. And it kept developing further. A university was established in 1927 and in 1936 the reportedly largest bridge in Europe of that time was constructed for car passage over the river. In 1944, the city centre sustained massive damage when it was bombed by the Americans by mistake, as pilots thought they were attacking the German city of [[Kleve]]. Shortly after, it was the scene of severe battle during Operation Market Garden. When the city was finally liberated, most of its historic heritage was gone or damaged. Rebuilding efforts and city planning in the following decades included further destruction of some of the remaining structures. The fine collection of monuments today is therefore only a small glimpse of Nijmegen's rich history. ===Tourist information=== * [https://en.intonijmegen.com/ Nijmegen Tourism] website * {{listing | name=VVV Rijk van Nijmegen | alt= | url=http://www.arnhemnijmegenregion.com/vvv-rijk-van-nijmegen | email= | address=Keizer Karelplein 32h | lat=51.84259 | long=5.85842 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-F 09:30-17:30, Sa 10:00-16:00, closed Su & M | price= | content=The tourist information office (VVV) works closely together with that of the city of [[Arnhem]] and all the smaller destinations around. The Nijmegen office is located in the centre of town and has a wide collection of maps and brochures, can assist in any bookings you want to make and is generally very helpful. }} ==Get in== ===By plane=== '''[https://airport-weeze.com/ Airport Weeze] ({{IATA|NRN}})''', located 45&nbsp;km southeast of town just across the border with Germany, between the villages of [[Weeze]] ([[Germany]]) and [[Nieuw-Bergen]] ([[Netherlands]]) (the airport itself is in Germany). Although Ryanair (the major airline serving the airport) advertises it as Düsseldorf-Weeze, Düsseldorf is not anywhere near the airport. The city of Düsseldorf is 100 km (60 miles) to the southeast of the airport, making Nijmegen the closest major city to the airport. Weeze serves about 30 destinations, across Europe and Northern Africa. Every two hours bus '''SB46''' rides to Nijmegen Centraal Station in about 65 minutes. The cost is €11.88 euro via the app DB NRWay. Driving takes about 30 minutes in normal traffic. '''[https://www.eindhovenairport.nl/en Eindhoven Airport]''' ({{IATA|EIN}}). 60 km (35 miles) to the southwest of Nijmegen. From the airport you take bus 400 or 401 to Eindhoven Central Station and then a train to 's Hertogenbosch (which is the same as Den Bosch). In 's Hertogenbosch, change trains and take the train to Nijmegen. This journey will take you approximately 90 minutes by public transportation. When driving yourself, take the A326 feeder motorway to the A50, (Zwolle-Eindhoven) which skirts the west of the metropolitan area to the Eindhoven ring road (A58/A2) Airport exit is exit 29 on the A2. '''[https://www.dus.com/en Flughafen Düsseldorf]''' ({{IATA|DUS}}). 110 km (65 miles) southeast. About one-third the size of Amsterdam-Schiphol, but with plenty of international connections, including to the USA, and gets served by all the major airlines in Europe. Although it doesn't get nearly as many flights as Amsterdam does, it's cheaper, doesn't have nearly as many congestion problems, and generally much less hassle at the airport itself. Major inconvenience here is the lack of a good public transportation link to the Nijmegen area; you either need to take bus 58 to '''Kleve''', and change there for a regional train to '''Düsseldorf Hbf''', where you can take S1 to '''Flughafen terminal''' or take the train to '''Venlo''', and change there for '''Düsseldorf Hbf'''. Both options take about 2,5–3 hours one way, since it'll be taking commuter trains all the way. When driving there this airport should be the obvious choice though. '''A73''' to '''Knooppunt Rijkevoort''', then follow the signs to the '''A77''' which changes to '''A57''' when it passes the German line. By '''Kreuz Meerbusch''' take motorway '''A44''' to exit 31 which is right by the terminal. Expect a 75-minute drive, although it can be done in 50–55 minutes if there's little traffic, because 2/3rds of the route is on the German Autobahn. '''[https://www.schiphol.nl Amsterdam-Schiphol airport]''' ({{IATA|AMS}}). The largest airport in the Netherlands, and the fifth largest in Europe. 135&nbsp;km (85 miles) to the northwest. Train takes about an hour and a half, and will cost €24,50 one way. You do not have to change trains for Nijmegen, there are direct trains to and from Schiphol twice an hour on weekdays, although if you miss one you can catch a train to Utrecht 15 minutes later and change there. Schiphol airport gets served by most major carriers, and has in excess of 100 flights to the United States alone per day. When driving; '''A73''' to '''Knooppunt Ewijk''', '''A50''' to '''Knooppunt Valburg''', '''A15''' westbound to '''Knooppunt Deil''', '''A2''' northbound to '''Knooppunt Holendrecht''', '''A9''' westbound to '''Knooppunt Badhoevedorp''', and finally '''A4''' southbound to exit 2, Schiphol airport. Expect this to take anywhere from 75 minutes to over three hours, depending on traffic. the route will take you through both the Utrecht and the Amsterdam metropolitan areas, both infamous for their traffic jams. ===By train=== The '''[https://www.ns.nl/ Dutch Railways]''', (Nederlandse Spoorwegen, NS) serve Nijmegen from all parts of the Netherlands non-stop. There are 4 trains an hour to Utrecht, 2 of which continue to Amsterdam and Den Helder. At Utrecht, you can change on trains to Schiphol Airport or Rotterdam and The Hague. 4 trains per hour depart for Zutphen of which 2 continue to Deventer and Zwolle (with connections to Leeuwarden and Groningen in Zwolle). Furthermore, 2 trains per hour connect to Tilburg-Breda-Roosendaal (with connections in Breda to Rotterdam/The Hague, and in Roosendaal to Antwerp/Brussels). The neighboring cities of Arnhem and 's-Hertogenbosch are served by commuter trains: 4 trains per hour leave for 's-Hertogenbosch and 6 trains per hour for Arnhem. On this last connection, there are up to 10 trains per hour between Nijmegen and Arnhem during rush hour. The full adult fare on this line is €5.20 one way (January 2025). '''[https://www.arriva.nl/ Arriva]''' runs 4 regional trains an hour to Nijmegen Heyendaal, Molenhoek (nearby Malden), the town of Cuijk and further to Venray. Two of these trains continue all the way to Roermond. * {{go | name=Nijmegen railway station | alt=Station Nijmegen | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q801257 | lastedit=2022-12-27 | content= }} ===By bus=== {{go|name=Intercity bus stop Nijmegen|lat=51.8436308|long=5.8552576}} Flixbus serves the town. Nijmegen is connected to the German cities (and railway stations) of [[Kleve]] and [[Emmerich am Rhein|Emmerich]] by the regional bus line SB58. The '''Deutschlandticket''' is valid to and from Nijmegen on this bus line. When looking for a ride from anywhere in North Rhine-Westphalia/Germany to Nijmegen, use the DB app or website and select "local/regional transport only". And type in a stopover in "Landesgrenze, Kranenburg" (without any length of stay). That takes care, that no Dutch trains between Arnhem and Nijmegen are displayed, which you cannot use with the Deutschlandticket. ===By car=== The '''A73''' connects Nijmegen with Venlo, the '''A77/A57''' leads to the German Rhineland. The '''A15''' runs between Nijmegen and Rotterdam and the '''A50''' (Eindhoven-Zwolle) skims the western edge of the metropolitan area. There are many feeder highways connecting these freeways to the city. From Amsterdam one would take the A2 southbound to intersection (knooppunt) Deil, and take the A15 eastbound to Nijmegen from there. Avoid visiting the city by car during the Four Days Walking March, as roads tend to be blocked and circulation is even worse than normal. Also, you may find almost no available parking anywhere near the centre of the city. ===By thumb=== Nijmegen is probably one of the easiest places in the Netherlands to hitch from. The best spot is just south of the Waal Bridge, on the northbound lane leading to the bridge. You will see a sign saying 'liftershalte' here. This means it's an official hitching spot. Usually it takes anywhere up to 30 minutes to get a ride. ===By bike=== Nijmegen has exceptionally good cycle links. The RijnWaalpad is a cycle high way connecting Nijmegen and Arnhem. There are also two '''Dutch national cycle routes''' that come through Nijmegen: the LF12 and the LF3-3. In Millingen the LF3-3 connects with the [http://www.rhinecycleroute.eu/UK_front-page?set_language=en '''Rhine Cycle Route (EuroVelo 15)'''], giving Nijmegen a good cycle connection with Germany, France and Switzerland. ==Get around== {{mapframe|51.845|5.8605|zoom=14}} {{mapshapes|Q47887}} The city bus company, '''Breng''', connects every neighbourhood in Nijmegen to the city center. Breng runs buses into the suburbs as well as a few towns outside of the metropolitan area. Forget about using your car unless you're absolutely sure of your driving skills: the city can get clogged up during rush-hour because 6 main roads end up at an infamous roundabout in the middle of the town. Beside this, parking is relatively expensive. Nijmegen is very bike-friendly, and the old downtown area is compact (every place in the downtown area can be reached within 20 minutes from the Central Station by foot) Commuter trains serve the neighbourhoods of Lent, Dukenburg and Heyendaal (the campus area), as well as the nearby town of Wijchen. ==See== [[File:Kronenburgertoren.JPG|thumb|The Kronenburger tower]] Nijmegen is widely considered to be the oldest city in the Netherlands, celebrating her 2000th birthday in 2005. Not a whole lot of very old buildings are left in town: first the Americans carpet-bombed it in February 1944, later the Germans shelled it for about 5 months after the liberation in September 1944, and finally there were a lot of very rigorous city planners in the 1950s, 60s and 70s who finished what the Americans and Germans started. There are still a few noteworthy sights, however. Valkhof hill downtown features a '''Carolingian chapel''' (ninth century AD) and a small remainder of an imperial castle that was demolished in 1798. From Valkhof hill walk west through the Burchtstraat. Here you will see, on your left hand, the fifteenth century town hall. If you've finished admiring its exterior (there's nothing of note inside) continue walking west to the '''Grote Markt''' (''Great Market''). On the north side is a sixteenth-century weighing hall that now serves as a restaurant. To the left is the Blauwe Hand, the oldest bar in a town that boasts more pubs per square feet than any other town in the Netherlands. On the west side you will see the entrance to the '''St. Stevenskerk courtyard'''. Enter it. On the left is a fifteenth-century Latin school. On the right stands the thirteenth century St. Stevenskerk, the interior of which was destroyed during the Dutch revolution of the sixteenth century. To the north of the church is a series of small seventeenth-century houses that now serve as trinket shops. Although the city centre was heavily bombed during the war, the old neighbourhoods around the centre were not, and are nice to stroll around. Most interesting are the neighbourhoods east and south of the centre. '''Bottendaal''', a five-minute walk from the train station, has a nice vibe, a few good pubs (try ''De Kluizenaar'' and ''Maxim'', listed below) and a park (Thiemen Park). * {{listing | type=see | name=Valkhof Museum | alt= | url=http://www.museumhetvalkhof.nl/ | email= | address=Kelfkensbos 59 | lat=51.84638 | long=5.87111 | directions=On the edge of the Valkhof park | phone=+31 24 360 88 05 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Adult €8, child €4 | wikidata=Q1127079 | content=The fine collection of archaeological finds, modern and some old art is well worth spending a few hours on. Artefacts go back to prehistoric times, but also include Roman and Medieval pieces. In addition to the permanent displays, there are temporary exhibitions focussing on specific artists or crafts. }} * {{see | name=St. Stevenskerk | alt= | url=http://www.stevenskerk.nl/ | email=info@stevenskerk.nl | address=Sint Stevenskerkhof 62 | lat=51.84796 | long=5.86264 | directions= | phone=+31 24 3604710 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Free | wikidata=Q19545689 | content=The construction of the church began around the middle of the 13th century. In 1273 the church was consecrated by Albertus Magnus, the auxiliary bishop of Cologne. Of this Romanesque-Gothic church remain the base of the tower and the westernmost bays of the ship. Large-scale construction took place over the course of the 15th century, including the choir and chapels. In the 16th century, the transept and a small part of the ship were built. After about 1560, construction halted and the church remained unfinished. In the bombing of February 22, 1944 the tower collapsed largely in. In addition, the south-western part of the church was heavily damaged. The church also was badly damaged when Nijmegen was a city at the war front. After World War II the church was thoroughly restored in 1969 and was re-opened in the presence of HRH Prince Claus. The inventory of the church - namely pulpit monument to Catherine of Bourbon, baptistery-screen, gentlemen banks, candelabra, organs and some frescoes - are from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. }} * {{see | name=Nationaal Fietsmuseum Velorama | alt=Bicycle museem | url=http://www.velorama.nl/ | email= | address=Waalkade 107 | lat=51.84854 | long=5.87052 | directions=Close to Walkhof Park | phone=+31 24 322 58 51 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10:00 - 17:00, Su 11:00 - 17:00 | price=€5 | wikidata=Q484899 | content=A bicycle museum. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Aunt Hannie Movie and TV series museum | alt=Tante Hannie Kijk Doe Koopwinkel | url=http://www.tante-hannie.nl/ | email= | address=Passage Molenpoort 33a | lat=51.84429 | long=5.86382 | directions=in De Molenpoort shopping center; entrance at stairs between Pipoos and Kramer Beds | phone=+31 6 33049119 | tollfree= | hours=W noon-17:30, Th 10:00-20:00, F 10:00-17:30, Sa 10:00-17:00, Su noon-17:00 | price=Gift shop free; marble museum €2 | content=Minions, Muppets, Marvel, and Marbles... oh my! A gift shop and museum for all kinds of pop media franchises. Browsing around will cast you back to your childhood. Lots of big-name franchises are represented here, along with independents like the popular YouTube channel Jelle's Marble Runs (the creator of which lives in Nijmegen). }} * {{see | name=Africa Museum | alt=Afrika Museum | url= | email= | address=Postweg 6 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2470853 | lastedit=2022-12-27 | content=Indoor as well as open-air display areas covering art, culture, music, photographs, videos and architecture of Africa. Along with the Tropenmuseum in Amsterdam, and National Museum of Ethnology (Museum Volkenkunde) in Leiden, together make up the National Museum of World Cultures. }} ==Do== [[File:Fourdaymarches cuijk.jpg|thumb|Over 45,000 people took part in the 2013 Four Day Marches.]] * {{do | name=Gebroeders van Lymborchfestival | alt= | url= | email= | address=Grote Markt | lat=51.8475 | long=5.8639 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-10-21 | content=Medieval music and theatre festival in which around 700 re-enactors roam the streets of the city centre, displaying the daily life in the Duchy of Guelders from 1350-1450. Highlight is the "Blijde Incomste" (Delighted Entrance) on the Sunday afternoon, in which the landvoogd (Advocatus) enters a town or city in a large parade of festivities. }} * '''Football:''' [https://www.nec-nijmegen.nl/home.htm NEC Nijmegen] play soccer in Eredivisie, the country's top tier. Their home ground Goffertstadion (capacity 12,500) is 3 km southwest of city centre. * '''Nijmeegse Vierdaagse/Zomerfeesten''' (Four Day Marches and the Summer Festival) in July is the biggest event in the entire Netherlands and according to the organisers the largest walking event in the world. The Four Day Marches draw about 45,000 people alone, walking 30, 40 or 50&nbsp;km (depending on age and sex) per day for four days in the Nijmegen area. The Summer Festival lasts for 10 days, starting the Friday before the marches start, continuing all the way to the Sunday after the Marches. For these 10 days, the entire downtown area is one big festival with concerts everywhere, even more beer stands and 1.5-1.7 million people partying or trying to get some sleep because they have to walk another 30 miles the next morning. :Participating in the marches costs €50 and you'll need to register well in advance. In 2014, registration will open in February and anyone interested should follow the organisation's website closely around that time. In 2013, registration closed after only a few days because the maximum number of participants was surpassed. You'll likely have to train to ensure you're physically fit for the challenge. Also make sure to check local weather predictions. Dutch summers are usually mild, with average temperatures in July around 20°C and monthly precipitation around 80mm. Dutch weather is however notoriously changeable. In 2006, a heat wave caused widespread dehydration and two people died from hyperthermia. The marches were cancelled after the first day. * {{do | name=Guided city tour | alt= | url=http://excitinghistory.com/arrangementen/historische-stadswandeling-nijmegen | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Readers of ''The Guardian'' selected Nijmegen's city walks, organized by the tourist office, as one of the top 10 guided city tours in the world. The 90-minute tours indeed give a much deeper insight in the city's history and its heritage. Groups can make private reservations at a requested time (€100 for the guide, up to 25 people can join). Individual travellers should check availability with the tourist office. If there's no tour to join, they also have routes which you follow on your own. }} ===Other events=== ====Spring==== *'''Carnaval''' Six weeks before Easter is Carnaval. People dress up in funny costumes and drink. There are parades in every town & village. To the south of Nijmegen Carnaval gets celebrated more, and if you like this kind of thing, go to Maastricht, Den Bosch or Kerkrade instead. *'''Dag van het Levenslied''' Every year in May there's a traditional Dutch folk festival in the Valkhofpark. Don't expect Dylan though, The type of music is comparable to the German ''schlager'' music as the lyrics are usually about shitty stuff in your life. Again: Lots of drinking! *'''Roze Meifeesten''' Also in May, this is the annual Gay and Lesbian festival in downtown. ====Summer==== *'''Heavy Metal festival''' Traditionally, there's a one-day Heavy Metal festival in the Goffertpark, 3 km SW of the Central Station. Usually it's called Fields of Rock, Dynamo Open Air or Ozzfest, but they all get organized by the same company anyway. Usually draws 15-25,000 people depending on city regulations. *'''Other festivals''' In some years, a one-day festival, called Rockin' Park, is organized in the Goffertpark. The line-up usually consists of various national and international rock acts. Another festival is the Arrow Rock Festival, featuring several (older) national and international rock acts. Apart from the festivals, the Goffertpark is often used for large one-off concerts of prominent bands (often with numerous support acts) such as the Rolling Stones, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Radiohead and Coldplay. ====Fall==== *'''Nijmeegse Kermis''' The oldest street carnival in the Netherlands, dates back to 1272. Usually lasts a week and a half, and there are a lot of attractions, traditional ones like the Ferris Wheel and the Merry go-'round, Bumpercars, but also modern stuff like a Bungy-Jump. *'''Zevenheuvelenloop''' An annual 15&nbsp;km (9&nbsp;mi) run around Nijmegen and its surrounding hills. (Hence the name Zevenheuvelen - which means "Seven Hills" in Dutch.) ==Buy== If you like a day of shopping, you'll surely enjoy this city. It's considered one of the top shopping destinations in the country, for its cosy old centre, many cafés, car-free shopping zone and of course the wide range of stores and boutiques. Over 400 shops are available in the city centre alone. The modernized '''Marikenstraat''' and '''Moenenstraat''' are full of large chain stores, including the usual department and fashion stores. The smaller streets leading to the car-free centre are called the ''Ringstraten'', and are packed with smaller boutiques, giftstores, speciality stores and independent home decoration shops. Good examples include the '''Hezelstraat''' (said to be the oldest shopping street in the country), the '''Van Welderenstraat''' and the '''Tweede Walstraat'''. For design boutiques, try the '''Houstraat'''. Stores are usually open between 09:00 and 17:30, many also until 18:00. Thursday is so-called shopping evening, with most shops open till 21:00 and as in the rest of the country, most places close at 17:00 on Saturdays. Every first Sunday of the month, the city centre opens between 12:00 and 17:00. There are general '''markets''' in the centre every Monday and Saturday. * {{buy | name=De Bierhoeder | alt= | url= | email= | address=Bloemerstraat 86 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 24 3601620 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A small but excellent beer specialty shop. The friendly owner knows his produce well, and has a preference for punk music. }} ==Eat== If you love pizza, you'll find yourself well-catered for. Many pizza-restaurants are specialized in take-away/delivery, but there are several nice options if you'd like to sit down. Most of the establishments also offer other Italian dishes. ===Budget=== Being a student town (roughly 21,000 students in a population of 160,000) there are plenty of relatively cheap restaurants ("eetcafés") to be found. Look for them in the '''Van Welderenstraat''' and on '''Kelfkensbos'''. Fast Food is also widely available in the city center, with numerous snackbars often offering traditional Dutch snacks, but also Turkish dishes. In the city centre, the supermarkets of ''Coop'', ''Albert Heijn'', ''Jumbo City'', ''Plus'' and ''Spar City'' have fresh baked goods. * {{eat | name=Dromaai | alt= | url=https://dedromaai.nl/contact | email=info@dedromaai.nl | address=Plein 1944 | lat=51.845649 | long=5.862192 | directions= | phone=+31 24 360 0085 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=A student eatery. }} *{{eat | name=De Klinker | alt= | url=https://grotebroek.nl/groepen/de-klinker/ |email= | address=Van Broeckhuysenstraat 46 | lat=51.8438242 | long=5.8659438 | directions= | phone=+31 24 3605208 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=Political café and organic, vegan eatery. Soup café on Wednesday nights, vegan three-course meals on Saturdays and Sundays from 18:30 (reservation obligatory, by phone or dropping by). }} * {{eat | name=Broodje Horeca | alt= | url=https://www.broodje-horeca.nl/ | email= | address=Mariënburgsestraat 10 | lat=51.846166 | long=5.867907 | directions= | phone=+31 24 360 4050 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 10:00-18:00, Sa M 09:00-18:00, Sundays closed | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Chidóz | alt= | url= | email= | address=Molenstraat 112 | lat=51.8440515 | long=5.8616976 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=Mexican. }} * {{eat | name=Zorba Streetfood Nijmegen | alt= | url= | email= | address=Van Welderenstraat 130 | lat=51.8430456 | long=5.8613948 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Maoz Falafel | alt= | url= | email= | address=Grote Markt 19 | lat=51.8477052 | long=5.8633508 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content= }} * {{eat | name=iWok&Go | alt= | url= | email= | address=Augustijnenstraat 29 | lat=51.8468255 | long= 5.8627188 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Giros | alt= | url= | email= | address=Hertogstraat 44 | lat=51.8457617 | long=5.8687414 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Snackbar Corry | alt= | url= | email= | address=Daalseweg 1 | lat=51.8416294 | long= 5.8705572 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content= }} ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=Eetcafé De Plak | address=Bloemerstraat 90 | directions=corner of Plein 1944 | phone=+31 24 3222 757 | url= http://www.cafedeplak.nl | lat=51.84551 | long=5.86135 | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=An absolute classic. Not only is it a mainstay of Nijmegen's sizeable alternative scene (don't be surprised to have your meal served by a pierced waitress with dreadlocks or a waiter with a mohawk) it's also famous throughout the Netherlands for its ''Kaasgehakt'' - a hearty dish made with cheese and breadcrumbs that's supposed to be a vegetarian version of "gehakt" (minced meat). }} *{{eat | name=Restaurant de Hemel | url=http://www.restaurantdehemel.nl | email= | address=Franseplaats 1 | lat=51.848635 | long=5.863897 | directions= | phone = +31 243656394 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=12:00-00:00| price=€25-35 | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=Great dining experience in a fantastic historical building in centre. Guests are served 6-8 rounds of small appetizers and bites for dinner. De Hemel serves a great variety of food and on top of that an intimate setting. Also opened for lunch and highly popular High Tea. }} * {{eat | name=De Kluizenaar | alt= | url= | email= | address=Burghardt van Den Berghstraat 96 | lat=51.8395094 | long=5.8560388 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=Offers tapas from various cooking styles, and more traditional meals, such as salads and spare ribs. In the summer, it is a nice place for a drink, just like cafe Maxim across the street. }} * {{eat | name=Café Van Buren | alt= | url= | email= | address=Molenstraat 89 | lat=51.8435262 | long= 5.8619286 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=Offers traditional French cuisine for a good price, and also has plenty of lunch options. Furthermore, in the summer, you can enjoy your food outside. }} * {{eat | name=Funkenstein | alt= | url= | email= | address=Lange Hezelstraat 80 | lat=51.8482457 | long=5.8584565 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=Small, cosy, and good value for money. }} * {{eat | name=Eten & Drinken | alt= | url= | email= | address=Groesbeeksedwarsweg 305 | lat=51.835145 | long=5.871224 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Mains around €15 | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=Portion size and quality is good. Lunch is also possible. }} * {{eat | name=Vlaams Arsenaal | alt= | url=http://www.vlaamsarsenaal.nl | email= | address=Arsenaalpoort 1-4 | lat=51.8450734 | long= 5.8654433 | directions= | phone=+31 24 324 48 33 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=Very good Belgian/Dutch food, such as beef stew, liver and onions and of course fries. Odd concept of shared side salad. Little slow service. }} *{{eat | name=Tati | alt= | url=https://www.tati-nijmegen.nl | email= | address=Koolemans Beijnenstraat 80 | lat=51.8357071 | long=5.8745025 | directions= | phone=+31 24 7370012 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 08:30-21:00, Sa Su 10:00-21:00 | price=Soup of the day €6, breakfast around €8, hot lunch and dinner around €13 (prices as of Nov 2018) | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=Many vegetarian and vegan options, pies, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails. }} * {{eat | name=Donatello's | alt= | url= | email= | address=Eerste Walstraat 18 | lat=51.8438039 | long= 5.8606626 | directions=on the edge of the city center | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€15-25 | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=It's a bit hidden, don't let the alley-like street scare you away. }} * {{eat | name=Mr. Jacks | alt= | url= | email= | address=Kelfkensbos 50 | lat=51.8460525 | long=5.8708737 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€15-25 | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=Do not expect top quality service, but the food is decently priced and tastes reasonable. You might have to wait long whilst you have already ordered; there is often a table available, but not enough capacity to serve it. Instead of a pizza, you may also choose to order a Greek dish here. }} * {{eat | name=De Meesterproef | alt= | url=http://www.demeesterproefnijmegen.nl/ | email=info@demeesterproefnijmegen.nl | address= | lat=51.853923 | long=5.846430 | directions=in the Honigcomplex; enter a small alley, the restaurant is on your right | phone=+31 623366490 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Su 12:00-24:00 | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=Restaurant at an old factory now used by several local companies. The restaurant has a unique view over the Waal river. }} ===Splurge=== If your budget allows it, there's also plenty of opportunity for luxury dining. '''Het Lemke''' in the Lange Hezelstraat offers high quality French cuisine, though it might be a little bit too experimental for some. More up market dining can be found along the Waal river. From the casino, walk west past the terraces and into the old downtown, for up market dining near the university. Finally, for more classic French style cuisine in a historic ambiance, try '''Belvedere''' – the tower. (Please note that for the moment, the Belvedere is only open to groups with a reservation, due to a lack of cooking staff.) If you're into that sort of thing, in 2008 the Michelin guide awarded a Bib Gourmand to Het Savarijn, '''Vesters''' (Groesbeeksedwarsweg 307a). ==Drink== [[File:Waaggebouw (Nijmegen) P1060338.JPG|thumb|The monumental weigh house now houses a pleasant café.]] Downtown Nijmegen and the neighborhoods just next to it are positively swarming with pubs and cafés. Some notable ones: * '''In De Blaauwe Hand''', Grote Markt. The oldest pub in Nijmegen. Very, very picturesque. * {{drink | name=Samson | alt= | url=http://www.cafesamson.nl/ | email= | address=Houtstraat 4, 6511 JN | lat=51.84611 | long=5.86159 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Houtstraat. Old fashioned and classy with service of a high quality. They have more than 100 different beers available. }} * {{drink | name=Brouwerscafé de Hemel | url=http://www.restaurantdehemel.nl | email= | address=Franseplaats 1 | lat= | long= | directions=walking distance from De Blaauwe Hand, right behind Grote Markt | phone = +31 24 3656394 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} Local beers in an amazing setting: the picturesque monument "De Commanderie van St. Jan". * '''Universiteitscafe Piecken''', Studentencomplex Hoogeveldt, university campus. This bar, owned by students, is the homeplace for all the local and the international students in Nijmegen. Visit the website to see if there is a party or other activities. [https://www.facebook.com/CafePiecken/] * '''St. Anneke''', St. Annastraat. Of interest primarily if you're staying in Hotel Catharina as it's right across the street but even then you'd be wise to walk a little (50 m) further to '''Frowijn''' on the corner of the Pontanusstraat as that has a much nicer terrace. *'''Mets''', Grotestraat. The premier gay and lesbian hangout. * '''Kollektief kafee de Bijstand'''. Van Welderenstraat. This is where the local activist scene congregates. Wednesday night is cheap vodka night. All profit goes to charity. * '''Odessa''' (Sint Anthoniusplaats) is a reasonable and fairly cheap restaurant, but on Mondays it functions as a Jazz bar that attracts lots of foreign students. * '''Chaps''' (Gay Leather Bar) is a reasonable and fairly priced pub with interesting socks-only and jack-off parties. Only for men that are interested in the same sex. * {{drink | name=Billabong | alt=Australian pub | url=https://www.cafebillabong.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *Bascafe, Fuik, Tweekeerbellen, Drie gezusters, Heidi's Ski Hut for students *Fuik, Irish Pub for football ===Music venues=== * {{drink | name=Doornroosje | alt=Roosje | url=http://doornroosje.nl | email=info@doornroosje.nl | address=Stationsplein 11 | lat=51.84424 | long=5.85392 | directions=next to the central train station, behind the bus station | phone=+31 243554243 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Large music venue. Has a large variety of different parties, ranging from rock to electro and hip hop to techno, so check the schedule. }} * {{drink | name=Merleyn | alt= | url=http://www.doornroosje.nl/merleyn/ | email= | address=Hertogstraat 13 | lat=51.846097 | long=5.8691183 | directions= | phone=+31 243224737 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The smaller venue of the Doornroosje. Has a lot of different music as well. Check the schedule of Doornroosje, it includes the events of Merleyn. }} * {{drink | name=De Vasim | alt= | url=http://devasim.nl/ | email=info@devasim.nl | address=Winselingseweg 41 | lat=51.85567 | long=5.83842 | directions=close to the new bridge (the Waalsprong) | phone=+31 243886246 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Hosts regular music events, check the schedule on the website. }} * {{drink | name=Onderbroek | alt= | url=https://grotebroek.nl/lokatie/de-onderbroek/ | email= | address=Tweede Walstraat 21 | lat= 51.8440067 | long=5.8658151 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Has regular punk and hardcore gigs. }} *{{drink|name=NDRGRND|alt=|url=http://ndrgrnd.nl/|email=info@ndrgrnd.nl|address=Molenstraat 99a|lat=51.8434836|long=5.8614853|directions=|phone=+31 243240320|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-11-19|content=Popular-alternative music.}} ==Sleep== [[File:Nijmegen Goffertpark, de brug (01).JPG|thumb|Except when it's the stage for one of the city's large events, the Goffertpark is a quiet, laid-back place and ideal for a picnic.]] Nijmegen has many hotels, although budget options are remarkably limited. The opposite is true for high-end lodging. Finding a place to sleep during the summer festival and the four day's marches is absolutely impossible. Everything will be booked full months in advance. To give you an idea; during these days the population of Nijmegen swells from 160,000 to 1,800,000. It goes to the extent of people needing accommodation because they're walking the marches being taken into private people's homes and sleeping in sporting arenas. However, during the festival many trains and buses run around the clock, giving the opportunity to find a place to stay outside the city. === Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Hostel Barbarossa | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/BarbarossaHostel | email= | address=St. Anthoniusplaats 14 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 6 10662058 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=€22 for a dorm bed | content=This hostel is one of the best options if you're travelling on a budget. Fun and friendly staff, clean rooms and near the city centre's bars and restaurants. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Mercure Hotel Nijmegen Centrum | alt= | url=https://all.accor.com/hotel/1356/index.en.shtml | email= | address=Stationsplein 29 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 24 2019000 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From €75 for a double, excluding breakfast | content=A well-appointed hotel in the Mercure chain. Some of the bathrooms are a bit outdated but the rooms are nicely restyled and the staff is very helpful. Breakfast comes at an extra cost of €17, but due to this hotel's central location, it's quite possible to take breakfast elsewhere in the city for less. There's parking available for €7.50 per day. Facilities include a sauna and fitness area. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Atlanta | alt= | url=http://www.atlanta-hotel.nl/ | email= | address=Grote Markt 38-40 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 24 3603000 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Singles/double for €65/90 | content=Right on the main square, this place offers some nice views of the liveliness below and has a pleasant grand café/restaurant downstairs. Some of the rooms are a bit outdated and they're fairly simple, but adequate and clean. Parking is in the nearby public garage for €10.75 per day. }} * {{sleep | name=Amrath Hotel Belvoir | alt= | url= http://www.amrathhotels.nl/belvoir/welcome-nl.html| email= | address=Graadt van Roggenstraat 101 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 24 3232344 | tollfree= | fax= | price= From €69 excluding breakfast| checkin= | checkout= | content=This place gets somewhat mixed reviews as some of its designs are a bit outdated and service sometimes lack detail. However, it's a large hotel in a central place with a swimming pool, and at times offers good deals. Parking is tricky, as there are not enough places available when there are many guests. Cheaper rooms come without breakfast, which can be taken for an extra fee of €15.50. }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Hotel Hertogplein | alt= | url=http://www.hotelhertogplein.nl/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=Gerard Noodtstraat 143 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +31 6 20720288| tollfree= | fax= | price=€125 for a double including breakfast | checkin= | checkout= | content=This small, 3-star boutique hotel is a travellers' favourite for its well decorated, clean and modern rooms, friendly staff and excellent breakfast. There's free wifi and the location on the edge of the town centre works well to explore the city. Keep in mind that this is an old building and there's no elevator, while all the rooms are on the first or second floor. It's best to make reservations well in advance, as there are only 5 rooms. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Restaurant MANNA | alt= | url=http://www.manna-nijmegen.nl/en/ | email= | address=Oranjesingel 2c | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 24 3650990 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=€160-260 per night with 2 people, from €135 for single use | content=A high-end boutique hotel with ten well-appointed and nicely decorated suites only. Facilities in the rooms include air-conditioning, a rain shower, Apple iMac on the desk and a Nespresso machine. Breakfast is served until noon and there's an excellent in-house restaurant for lunch and dinner. Prices vary per suite, as they vary in size. }} == Connect == As of July 2022, Nijmegen has 5G from all Dutch carriers. ==Go next== ===Cycling=== The surrounding area of Nijmegen is unique in that it has to offer almost every landscape type available in the Netherlands. Rent a bicycle and start exploring the river landscape of the Ooijpolder to the northeast, the forested hills around [[Groesbeek]] to the east, the drier heath landscape to the south or, if you insist, the typically Dutch flat lowlands to the west. There are many ready-made cycle routes you can try: *[http://www.holland-cycling.com/where-to-go/day-trips/134-nijmegen-cycle-route '''Nijmegen Cycle Route'''] - Exploring the head of the Rhine Delta. Distance: 46 or 34 km. ===Places of interest=== If you're interested in cities, pay a visit to [[Hertogenbosch]] or [[Zutphen]] (both between 30 min and 45 min by train) which have city centres far better preserved than that of Nijmegen. *During World War II, the 82nd Airborne Division landed near Groesbeek as part of Operation Market Garden. Groesbeek has one of Canada's war cemeteries, called '''Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery'''. The cemetery is a short drive out of Groesbeek. *'''The Africa Museum''', in Berg en Dal, has an indoors and outdoors section and specializes in African cultures. On most summer days, they organize all kinds of workshops. *'''Museumpark Orientalis''', in the Heilig Landstichting, provides a contemporary view of the three religions that have played a decisive role in establishing the identity of present-day Europe: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. {{routebox | image1=NL-A50.png | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=N | majorl1=[[Arnhem]] | minorl1=[[Hoge Veluwe National Park|Veluwe]] | directionr1=S | majorr1=[[Eindhoven]] | minorr1=[[Oss]] }} {{geo|51.84002|5.87065|zoom=13}} {{IsPartOf|Gelderland}} {{usablecity}} kif67kxd1jvly71x7hrt5j3rmp47ef5 5087064 5087060 2025-07-03T10:04:51Z 79.148.140.46 /* Connect */ 5087064 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Nijmegen Wikivoyage Banner.png}} '''Nijmegen''' lays claims to the title of oldest city in [[the Netherlands]], and has indeed a long history and still lots of interesting heritage to enjoy today. World-famous among hiking enthusiasts, the city annually hosts the '''International Four Days Marches Nijmegen'''. It's the largest multi-day walking event in the world and comes with a range of festivities. Attracting over 42,000 participants and over a million visitors, including many international ones, the event celebrated the 100th edition in 2016. Nijmegen is the largest city in the province of [[Gelderland]] and well known for its left-wing politics and its large student population. ==Understand== With about 160,000 inhabitants, Nijmegen is a relatively large city in the southeast of the [[Netherlands]]. It's the main town in the [[Arnhem]]-Nijmegen metropolitan area (pop. 736,000 in 2011) and a major stronghold of the Dutch socialist and 'green' parties. ===History=== [[File:Valkhofkapel.JPG|thumb|The Valkhof chapel, built around 1030, is one of the oldest intact buildings.]] The town's written history goes back to the first century BC, when a Roman military settlement was established at this place. The local hill provide good views over the surrounding valleys and the rivers Rhine and Waal that pass by here. A village grew around the Roman stronghold. In the year 98 it gained Roman city rights. After the [[Roman Empire]] crumbled, the area became part of the Frankish lands. The town grew as its trade activities via the river Waal flourished. In the 12th century, Henry VI, the later Holy Roman Emperor was born in Nijmegen but it was his son, Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II, who granted city rights in 1230. Some 17 years later, the city and the surrounding lands were used as collateral for a loan from the Guelders, that would never be repaid. As a result, Nijmegen is part of the province of Gelderland still today. As modern warfare rendered traditional fortifications as good as useless, the city walls were finally demolished. The city had already expanded massively by that time, with far too many souls living packed inside the city walls. And it kept developing further. A university was established in 1927 and in 1936 the reportedly largest bridge in Europe of that time was constructed for car passage over the river. In 1944, the city centre sustained massive damage when it was bombed by the Americans by mistake, as pilots thought they were attacking the German city of [[Kleve]]. Shortly after, it was the scene of severe battle during Operation Market Garden. When the city was finally liberated, most of its historic heritage was gone or damaged. Rebuilding efforts and city planning in the following decades included further destruction of some of the remaining structures. The fine collection of monuments today is therefore only a small glimpse of Nijmegen's rich history. ===Tourist information=== * [https://en.intonijmegen.com/ Nijmegen Tourism] website * {{listing | name=VVV Rijk van Nijmegen | alt= | url=http://www.arnhemnijmegenregion.com/vvv-rijk-van-nijmegen | email= | address=Keizer Karelplein 32h | lat=51.84259 | long=5.85842 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-F 09:30-17:30, Sa 10:00-16:00, closed Su & M | price= | content=The tourist information office (VVV) works closely together with that of the city of [[Arnhem]] and all the smaller destinations around. The Nijmegen office is located in the centre of town and has a wide collection of maps and brochures, can assist in any bookings you want to make and is generally very helpful. }} ==Get in== ===By plane=== '''[https://airport-weeze.com/ Airport Weeze] ({{IATA|NRN}})''', located 45&nbsp;km southeast of town just across the border with Germany, between the villages of [[Weeze]] ([[Germany]]) and [[Nieuw-Bergen]] ([[Netherlands]]) (the airport itself is in Germany). Although Ryanair (the major airline serving the airport) advertises it as Düsseldorf-Weeze, Düsseldorf is not anywhere near the airport. The city of Düsseldorf is 100 km (60 miles) to the southeast of the airport, making Nijmegen the closest major city to the airport. Weeze serves about 30 destinations, across Europe and Northern Africa. Every two hours bus '''SB46''' rides to Nijmegen Centraal Station in about 65 minutes. The cost is €11.88 euro via the app DB NRWay. Driving takes about 30 minutes in normal traffic. '''[https://www.eindhovenairport.nl/en Eindhoven Airport]''' ({{IATA|EIN}}). 60 km (35 miles) to the southwest of Nijmegen. From the airport you take bus 400 or 401 to Eindhoven Central Station and then a train to 's Hertogenbosch (which is the same as Den Bosch). In 's Hertogenbosch, change trains and take the train to Nijmegen. This journey will take you approximately 90 minutes by public transportation. When driving yourself, take the A326 feeder motorway to the A50, (Zwolle-Eindhoven) which skirts the west of the metropolitan area to the Eindhoven ring road (A58/A2) Airport exit is exit 29 on the A2. '''[https://www.dus.com/en Flughafen Düsseldorf]''' ({{IATA|DUS}}). 110 km (65 miles) southeast. About one-third the size of Amsterdam-Schiphol, but with plenty of international connections, including to the USA, and gets served by all the major airlines in Europe. Although it doesn't get nearly as many flights as Amsterdam does, it's cheaper, doesn't have nearly as many congestion problems, and generally much less hassle at the airport itself. Major inconvenience here is the lack of a good public transportation link to the Nijmegen area; you either need to take bus 58 to '''Kleve''', and change there for a regional train to '''Düsseldorf Hbf''', where you can take S1 to '''Flughafen terminal''' or take the train to '''Venlo''', and change there for '''Düsseldorf Hbf'''. Both options take about 2,5–3 hours one way, since it'll be taking commuter trains all the way. When driving there this airport should be the obvious choice though. '''A73''' to '''Knooppunt Rijkevoort''', then follow the signs to the '''A77''' which changes to '''A57''' when it passes the German line. By '''Kreuz Meerbusch''' take motorway '''A44''' to exit 31 which is right by the terminal. Expect a 75-minute drive, although it can be done in 50–55 minutes if there's little traffic, because 2/3rds of the route is on the German Autobahn. '''[https://www.schiphol.nl Amsterdam-Schiphol airport]''' ({{IATA|AMS}}). The largest airport in the Netherlands, and the fifth largest in Europe. 135&nbsp;km (85 miles) to the northwest. Train takes about an hour and a half, and will cost €24,50 one way. You do not have to change trains for Nijmegen, there are direct trains to and from Schiphol twice an hour on weekdays, although if you miss one you can catch a train to Utrecht 15 minutes later and change there. Schiphol airport gets served by most major carriers, and has in excess of 100 flights to the United States alone per day. When driving; '''A73''' to '''Knooppunt Ewijk''', '''A50''' to '''Knooppunt Valburg''', '''A15''' westbound to '''Knooppunt Deil''', '''A2''' northbound to '''Knooppunt Holendrecht''', '''A9''' westbound to '''Knooppunt Badhoevedorp''', and finally '''A4''' southbound to exit 2, Schiphol airport. Expect this to take anywhere from 75 minutes to over three hours, depending on traffic. the route will take you through both the Utrecht and the Amsterdam metropolitan areas, both infamous for their traffic jams. ===By train=== The '''[https://www.ns.nl/ Dutch Railways]''', (Nederlandse Spoorwegen, NS) serve Nijmegen from all parts of the Netherlands non-stop. There are 4 trains an hour to Utrecht, 2 of which continue to Amsterdam and Den Helder. At Utrecht, you can change on trains to Schiphol Airport or Rotterdam and The Hague. 4 trains per hour depart for Zutphen of which 2 continue to Deventer and Zwolle (with connections to Leeuwarden and Groningen in Zwolle). Furthermore, 2 trains per hour connect to Tilburg-Breda-Roosendaal (with connections in Breda to Rotterdam/The Hague, and in Roosendaal to Antwerp/Brussels). The neighboring cities of Arnhem and 's-Hertogenbosch are served by commuter trains: 4 trains per hour leave for 's-Hertogenbosch and 6 trains per hour for Arnhem. On this last connection, there are up to 10 trains per hour between Nijmegen and Arnhem during rush hour. The full adult fare on this line is €5.20 one way (January 2025). '''[https://www.arriva.nl/ Arriva]''' runs 4 regional trains an hour to Nijmegen Heyendaal, Molenhoek (nearby Malden), the town of Cuijk and further to Venray. Two of these trains continue all the way to Roermond. * {{go | name=Nijmegen railway station | alt=Station Nijmegen | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q801257 | lastedit=2022-12-27 | content= }} ===By bus=== {{go|name=Intercity bus stop Nijmegen|lat=51.8436308|long=5.8552576}} Flixbus serves the town. Nijmegen is connected to the German cities (and railway stations) of [[Kleve]] and [[Emmerich am Rhein|Emmerich]] by the regional bus line SB58. The '''Deutschlandticket''' is valid to and from Nijmegen on this bus line. When looking for a ride from anywhere in North Rhine-Westphalia/Germany to Nijmegen, use the DB app or website and select "local/regional transport only". And type in a stopover in "Landesgrenze, Kranenburg" (without any length of stay). That takes care, that no Dutch trains between Arnhem and Nijmegen are displayed, which you cannot use with the Deutschlandticket. ===By car=== The '''A73''' connects Nijmegen with Venlo, the '''A77/A57''' leads to the German Rhineland. The '''A15''' runs between Nijmegen and Rotterdam and the '''A50''' (Eindhoven-Zwolle) skims the western edge of the metropolitan area. There are many feeder highways connecting these freeways to the city. From Amsterdam one would take the A2 southbound to intersection (knooppunt) Deil, and take the A15 eastbound to Nijmegen from there. Avoid visiting the city by car during the Four Days Walking March, as roads tend to be blocked and circulation is even worse than normal. Also, you may find almost no available parking anywhere near the centre of the city. ===By thumb=== Nijmegen is probably one of the easiest places in the Netherlands to hitch from. The best spot is just south of the Waal Bridge, on the northbound lane leading to the bridge. You will see a sign saying 'liftershalte' here. This means it's an official hitching spot. Usually it takes anywhere up to 30 minutes to get a ride. ===By bike=== Nijmegen has exceptionally good cycle links. The RijnWaalpad is a cycle high way connecting Nijmegen and Arnhem. There are also two '''Dutch national cycle routes''' that come through Nijmegen: the LF12 and the LF3-3. In Millingen the LF3-3 connects with the [http://www.rhinecycleroute.eu/UK_front-page?set_language=en '''Rhine Cycle Route (EuroVelo 15)'''], giving Nijmegen a good cycle connection with Germany, France and Switzerland. ==Get around== {{mapframe|51.845|5.8605|zoom=14}} {{mapshapes|Q47887}} The city bus company, '''Breng''', connects every neighbourhood in Nijmegen to the city center. Breng runs buses into the suburbs as well as a few towns outside of the metropolitan area. Forget about using your car unless you're absolutely sure of your driving skills: the city can get clogged up during rush-hour because 6 main roads end up at an infamous roundabout in the middle of the town. Beside this, parking is relatively expensive. Nijmegen is very bike-friendly, and the old downtown area is compact (every place in the downtown area can be reached within 20 minutes from the Central Station by foot) Commuter trains serve the neighbourhoods of Lent, Dukenburg and Heyendaal (the campus area), as well as the nearby town of Wijchen. ==See== [[File:Kronenburgertoren.JPG|thumb|The Kronenburger tower]] Nijmegen is widely considered to be the oldest city in the Netherlands, celebrating her 2000th birthday in 2005. Not a whole lot of very old buildings are left in town: first the Americans carpet-bombed it in February 1944, later the Germans shelled it for about 5 months after the liberation in September 1944, and finally there were a lot of very rigorous city planners in the 1950s, 60s and 70s who finished what the Americans and Germans started. There are still a few noteworthy sights, however. Valkhof hill downtown features a '''Carolingian chapel''' (ninth century AD) and a small remainder of an imperial castle that was demolished in 1798. From Valkhof hill walk west through the Burchtstraat. Here you will see, on your left hand, the fifteenth century town hall. If you've finished admiring its exterior (there's nothing of note inside) continue walking west to the '''Grote Markt''' (''Great Market''). On the north side is a sixteenth-century weighing hall that now serves as a restaurant. To the left is the Blauwe Hand, the oldest bar in a town that boasts more pubs per square feet than any other town in the Netherlands. On the west side you will see the entrance to the '''St. Stevenskerk courtyard'''. Enter it. On the left is a fifteenth-century Latin school. On the right stands the thirteenth century St. Stevenskerk, the interior of which was destroyed during the Dutch revolution of the sixteenth century. To the north of the church is a series of small seventeenth-century houses that now serve as trinket shops. Although the city centre was heavily bombed during the war, the old neighbourhoods around the centre were not, and are nice to stroll around. Most interesting are the neighbourhoods east and south of the centre. '''Bottendaal''', a five-minute walk from the train station, has a nice vibe, a few good pubs (try ''De Kluizenaar'' and ''Maxim'', listed below) and a park (Thiemen Park). * {{listing | type=see | name=Valkhof Museum | alt= | url=http://www.museumhetvalkhof.nl/ | email= | address=Kelfkensbos 59 | lat=51.84638 | long=5.87111 | directions=On the edge of the Valkhof park | phone=+31 24 360 88 05 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Adult €8, child €4 | wikidata=Q1127079 | content=The fine collection of archaeological finds, modern and some old art is well worth spending a few hours on. Artefacts go back to prehistoric times, but also include Roman and Medieval pieces. In addition to the permanent displays, there are temporary exhibitions focussing on specific artists or crafts. }} * {{see | name=St. Stevenskerk | alt= | url=http://www.stevenskerk.nl/ | email=info@stevenskerk.nl | address=Sint Stevenskerkhof 62 | lat=51.84796 | long=5.86264 | directions= | phone=+31 24 3604710 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Free | wikidata=Q19545689 | content=The construction of the church began around the middle of the 13th century. In 1273 the church was consecrated by Albertus Magnus, the auxiliary bishop of Cologne. Of this Romanesque-Gothic church remain the base of the tower and the westernmost bays of the ship. Large-scale construction took place over the course of the 15th century, including the choir and chapels. In the 16th century, the transept and a small part of the ship were built. After about 1560, construction halted and the church remained unfinished. In the bombing of February 22, 1944 the tower collapsed largely in. In addition, the south-western part of the church was heavily damaged. The church also was badly damaged when Nijmegen was a city at the war front. After World War II the church was thoroughly restored in 1969 and was re-opened in the presence of HRH Prince Claus. The inventory of the church - namely pulpit monument to Catherine of Bourbon, baptistery-screen, gentlemen banks, candelabra, organs and some frescoes - are from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. }} * {{see | name=Nationaal Fietsmuseum Velorama | alt=Bicycle museem | url=http://www.velorama.nl/ | email= | address=Waalkade 107 | lat=51.84854 | long=5.87052 | directions=Close to Walkhof Park | phone=+31 24 322 58 51 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10:00 - 17:00, Su 11:00 - 17:00 | price=€5 | wikidata=Q484899 | content=A bicycle museum. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Aunt Hannie Movie and TV series museum | alt=Tante Hannie Kijk Doe Koopwinkel | url=http://www.tante-hannie.nl/ | email= | address=Passage Molenpoort 33a | lat=51.84429 | long=5.86382 | directions=in De Molenpoort shopping center; entrance at stairs between Pipoos and Kramer Beds | phone=+31 6 33049119 | tollfree= | hours=W noon-17:30, Th 10:00-20:00, F 10:00-17:30, Sa 10:00-17:00, Su noon-17:00 | price=Gift shop free; marble museum €2 | content=Minions, Muppets, Marvel, and Marbles... oh my! A gift shop and museum for all kinds of pop media franchises. Browsing around will cast you back to your childhood. Lots of big-name franchises are represented here, along with independents like the popular YouTube channel Jelle's Marble Runs (the creator of which lives in Nijmegen). }} * {{see | name=Africa Museum | alt=Afrika Museum | url= | email= | address=Postweg 6 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2470853 | lastedit=2022-12-27 | content=Indoor as well as open-air display areas covering art, culture, music, photographs, videos and architecture of Africa. Along with the Tropenmuseum in Amsterdam, and National Museum of Ethnology (Museum Volkenkunde) in Leiden, together make up the National Museum of World Cultures. }} ==Do== [[File:Fourdaymarches cuijk.jpg|thumb|Over 45,000 people took part in the 2013 Four Day Marches.]] * {{do | name=Gebroeders van Lymborchfestival | alt= | url= | email= | address=Grote Markt | lat=51.8475 | long=5.8639 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-10-21 | content=Medieval music and theatre festival in which around 700 re-enactors roam the streets of the city centre, displaying the daily life in the Duchy of Guelders from 1350-1450. Highlight is the "Blijde Incomste" (Delighted Entrance) on the Sunday afternoon, in which the landvoogd (Advocatus) enters a town or city in a large parade of festivities. }} * '''Football:''' [https://www.nec-nijmegen.nl/home.htm NEC Nijmegen] play soccer in Eredivisie, the country's top tier. Their home ground Goffertstadion (capacity 12,500) is 3 km southwest of city centre. * '''Nijmeegse Vierdaagse/Zomerfeesten''' (Four Day Marches and the Summer Festival) in July is the biggest event in the entire Netherlands and according to the organisers the largest walking event in the world. The Four Day Marches draw about 45,000 people alone, walking 30, 40 or 50&nbsp;km (depending on age and sex) per day for four days in the Nijmegen area. The Summer Festival lasts for 10 days, starting the Friday before the marches start, continuing all the way to the Sunday after the Marches. For these 10 days, the entire downtown area is one big festival with concerts everywhere, even more beer stands and 1.5-1.7 million people partying or trying to get some sleep because they have to walk another 30 miles the next morning. :Participating in the marches costs €50 and you'll need to register well in advance. In 2014, registration will open in February and anyone interested should follow the organisation's website closely around that time. In 2013, registration closed after only a few days because the maximum number of participants was surpassed. You'll likely have to train to ensure you're physically fit for the challenge. Also make sure to check local weather predictions. Dutch summers are usually mild, with average temperatures in July around 20°C and monthly precipitation around 80mm. Dutch weather is however notoriously changeable. In 2006, a heat wave caused widespread dehydration and two people died from hyperthermia. The marches were cancelled after the first day. * {{do | name=Guided city tour | alt= | url=http://excitinghistory.com/arrangementen/historische-stadswandeling-nijmegen | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Readers of ''The Guardian'' selected Nijmegen's city walks, organized by the tourist office, as one of the top 10 guided city tours in the world. The 90-minute tours indeed give a much deeper insight in the city's history and its heritage. Groups can make private reservations at a requested time (€100 for the guide, up to 25 people can join). Individual travellers should check availability with the tourist office. If there's no tour to join, they also have routes which you follow on your own. }} ===Other events=== ====Spring==== *'''Carnaval''' Six weeks before Easter is Carnaval. People dress up in funny costumes and drink. There are parades in every town & village. To the south of Nijmegen Carnaval gets celebrated more, and if you like this kind of thing, go to Maastricht, Den Bosch or Kerkrade instead. *'''Dag van het Levenslied''' Every year in May there's a traditional Dutch folk festival in the Valkhofpark. Don't expect Dylan though, The type of music is comparable to the German ''schlager'' music as the lyrics are usually about shitty stuff in your life. Again: Lots of drinking! *'''Roze Meifeesten''' Also in May, this is the annual Gay and Lesbian festival in downtown. ====Summer==== *'''Heavy Metal festival''' Traditionally, there's a one-day Heavy Metal festival in the Goffertpark, 3 km SW of the Central Station. Usually it's called Fields of Rock, Dynamo Open Air or Ozzfest, but they all get organized by the same company anyway. Usually draws 15-25,000 people depending on city regulations. *'''Other festivals''' In some years, a one-day festival, called Rockin' Park, is organized in the Goffertpark. The line-up usually consists of various national and international rock acts. Another festival is the Arrow Rock Festival, featuring several (older) national and international rock acts. Apart from the festivals, the Goffertpark is often used for large one-off concerts of prominent bands (often with numerous support acts) such as the Rolling Stones, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Radiohead and Coldplay. ====Fall==== *'''Nijmeegse Kermis''' The oldest street carnival in the Netherlands, dates back to 1272. Usually lasts a week and a half, and there are a lot of attractions, traditional ones like the Ferris Wheel and the Merry go-'round, Bumpercars, but also modern stuff like a Bungy-Jump. *'''Zevenheuvelenloop''' An annual 15&nbsp;km (9&nbsp;mi) run around Nijmegen and its surrounding hills. (Hence the name Zevenheuvelen - which means "Seven Hills" in Dutch.) ==Buy== If you like a day of shopping, you'll surely enjoy this city. It's considered one of the top shopping destinations in the country, for its cosy old centre, many cafés, car-free shopping zone and of course the wide range of stores and boutiques. Over 400 shops are available in the city centre alone. The modernized '''Marikenstraat''' and '''Moenenstraat''' are full of large chain stores, including the usual department and fashion stores. The smaller streets leading to the car-free centre are called the ''Ringstraten'', and are packed with smaller boutiques, giftstores, speciality stores and independent home decoration shops. Good examples include the '''Hezelstraat''' (said to be the oldest shopping street in the country), the '''Van Welderenstraat''' and the '''Tweede Walstraat'''. For design boutiques, try the '''Houstraat'''. Stores are usually open between 09:00 and 17:30, many also until 18:00. Thursday is so-called shopping evening, with most shops open till 21:00 and as in the rest of the country, most places close at 17:00 on Saturdays. Every first Sunday of the month, the city centre opens between 12:00 and 17:00. There are general '''markets''' in the centre every Monday and Saturday. * {{buy | name=De Bierhoeder | alt= | url= | email= | address=Bloemerstraat 86 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 24 3601620 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A small but excellent beer specialty shop. The friendly owner knows his produce well, and has a preference for punk music. }} ==Eat== If you love pizza, you'll find yourself well-catered for. Many pizza-restaurants are specialized in take-away/delivery, but there are several nice options if you'd like to sit down. Most of the establishments also offer other Italian dishes. ===Budget=== Being a student town (roughly 21,000 students in a population of 160,000) there are plenty of relatively cheap restaurants ("eetcafés") to be found. Look for them in the '''Van Welderenstraat''' and on '''Kelfkensbos'''. Fast Food is also widely available in the city center, with numerous snackbars often offering traditional Dutch snacks, but also Turkish dishes. In the city centre, the supermarkets of ''Coop'', ''Albert Heijn'', ''Jumbo City'', ''Plus'' and ''Spar City'' have fresh baked goods. * {{eat | name=Dromaai | alt= | url=https://dedromaai.nl/contact | email=info@dedromaai.nl | address=Plein 1944 | lat=51.845649 | long=5.862192 | directions= | phone=+31 24 360 0085 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=A student eatery. }} *{{eat | name=De Klinker | alt= | url=https://grotebroek.nl/groepen/de-klinker/ |email= | address=Van Broeckhuysenstraat 46 | lat=51.8438242 | long=5.8659438 | directions= | phone=+31 24 3605208 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=Political café and organic, vegan eatery. Soup café on Wednesday nights, vegan three-course meals on Saturdays and Sundays from 18:30 (reservation obligatory, by phone or dropping by). }} * {{eat | name=Broodje Horeca | alt= | url=https://www.broodje-horeca.nl/ | email= | address=Mariënburgsestraat 10 | lat=51.846166 | long=5.867907 | directions= | phone=+31 24 360 4050 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 10:00-18:00, Sa M 09:00-18:00, Sundays closed | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Chidóz | alt= | url= | email= | address=Molenstraat 112 | lat=51.8440515 | long=5.8616976 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=Mexican. }} * {{eat | name=Zorba Streetfood Nijmegen | alt= | url= | email= | address=Van Welderenstraat 130 | lat=51.8430456 | long=5.8613948 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Maoz Falafel | alt= | url= | email= | address=Grote Markt 19 | lat=51.8477052 | long=5.8633508 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content= }} * {{eat | name=iWok&Go | alt= | url= | email= | address=Augustijnenstraat 29 | lat=51.8468255 | long= 5.8627188 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Giros | alt= | url= | email= | address=Hertogstraat 44 | lat=51.8457617 | long=5.8687414 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Snackbar Corry | alt= | url= | email= | address=Daalseweg 1 | lat=51.8416294 | long= 5.8705572 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content= }} ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=Eetcafé De Plak | address=Bloemerstraat 90 | directions=corner of Plein 1944 | phone=+31 24 3222 757 | url= http://www.cafedeplak.nl | lat=51.84551 | long=5.86135 | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=An absolute classic. Not only is it a mainstay of Nijmegen's sizeable alternative scene (don't be surprised to have your meal served by a pierced waitress with dreadlocks or a waiter with a mohawk) it's also famous throughout the Netherlands for its ''Kaasgehakt'' - a hearty dish made with cheese and breadcrumbs that's supposed to be a vegetarian version of "gehakt" (minced meat). }} *{{eat | name=Restaurant de Hemel | url=http://www.restaurantdehemel.nl | email= | address=Franseplaats 1 | lat=51.848635 | long=5.863897 | directions= | phone = +31 243656394 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=12:00-00:00| price=€25-35 | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=Great dining experience in a fantastic historical building in centre. Guests are served 6-8 rounds of small appetizers and bites for dinner. De Hemel serves a great variety of food and on top of that an intimate setting. Also opened for lunch and highly popular High Tea. }} * {{eat | name=De Kluizenaar | alt= | url= | email= | address=Burghardt van Den Berghstraat 96 | lat=51.8395094 | long=5.8560388 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=Offers tapas from various cooking styles, and more traditional meals, such as salads and spare ribs. In the summer, it is a nice place for a drink, just like cafe Maxim across the street. }} * {{eat | name=Café Van Buren | alt= | url= | email= | address=Molenstraat 89 | lat=51.8435262 | long= 5.8619286 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=Offers traditional French cuisine for a good price, and also has plenty of lunch options. Furthermore, in the summer, you can enjoy your food outside. }} * {{eat | name=Funkenstein | alt= | url= | email= | address=Lange Hezelstraat 80 | lat=51.8482457 | long=5.8584565 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=Small, cosy, and good value for money. }} * {{eat | name=Eten & Drinken | alt= | url= | email= | address=Groesbeeksedwarsweg 305 | lat=51.835145 | long=5.871224 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Mains around €15 | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=Portion size and quality is good. Lunch is also possible. }} * {{eat | name=Vlaams Arsenaal | alt= | url=http://www.vlaamsarsenaal.nl | email= | address=Arsenaalpoort 1-4 | lat=51.8450734 | long= 5.8654433 | directions= | phone=+31 24 324 48 33 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=Very good Belgian/Dutch food, such as beef stew, liver and onions and of course fries. Odd concept of shared side salad. Little slow service. }} *{{eat | name=Tati | alt= | url=https://www.tati-nijmegen.nl | email= | address=Koolemans Beijnenstraat 80 | lat=51.8357071 | long=5.8745025 | directions= | phone=+31 24 7370012 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 08:30-21:00, Sa Su 10:00-21:00 | price=Soup of the day €6, breakfast around €8, hot lunch and dinner around €13 (prices as of Nov 2018) | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=Many vegetarian and vegan options, pies, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails. }} * {{eat | name=Donatello's | alt= | url= | email= | address=Eerste Walstraat 18 | lat=51.8438039 | long= 5.8606626 | directions=on the edge of the city center | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€15-25 | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=It's a bit hidden, don't let the alley-like street scare you away. }} * {{eat | name=Mr. Jacks | alt= | url= | email= | address=Kelfkensbos 50 | lat=51.8460525 | long=5.8708737 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€15-25 | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=Do not expect top quality service, but the food is decently priced and tastes reasonable. You might have to wait long whilst you have already ordered; there is often a table available, but not enough capacity to serve it. Instead of a pizza, you may also choose to order a Greek dish here. }} * {{eat | name=De Meesterproef | alt= | url=http://www.demeesterproefnijmegen.nl/ | email=info@demeesterproefnijmegen.nl | address= | lat=51.853923 | long=5.846430 | directions=in the Honigcomplex; enter a small alley, the restaurant is on your right | phone=+31 623366490 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Su 12:00-24:00 | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=Restaurant at an old factory now used by several local companies. The restaurant has a unique view over the Waal river. }} ===Splurge=== If your budget allows it, there's also plenty of opportunity for luxury dining. '''Het Lemke''' in the Lange Hezelstraat offers high quality French cuisine, though it might be a little bit too experimental for some. More up market dining can be found along the Waal river. From the casino, walk west past the terraces and into the old downtown, for up market dining near the university. Finally, for more classic French style cuisine in a historic ambiance, try '''Belvedere''' – the tower. (Please note that for the moment, the Belvedere is only open to groups with a reservation, due to a lack of cooking staff.) If you're into that sort of thing, in 2008 the Michelin guide awarded a Bib Gourmand to Het Savarijn, '''Vesters''' (Groesbeeksedwarsweg 307a). ==Drink== [[File:Waaggebouw (Nijmegen) P1060338.JPG|thumb|The monumental weigh house now houses a pleasant café.]] Downtown Nijmegen and the neighborhoods just next to it are positively swarming with pubs and cafés. Some notable ones: * '''In De Blaauwe Hand''', Grote Markt. The oldest pub in Nijmegen. Very, very picturesque. * {{drink | name=Samson | alt= | url=http://www.cafesamson.nl/ | email= | address=Houtstraat 4, 6511 JN | lat=51.84611 | long=5.86159 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Houtstraat. Old fashioned and classy with service of a high quality. They have more than 100 different beers available. }} * {{drink | name=Brouwerscafé de Hemel | url=http://www.restaurantdehemel.nl | email= | address=Franseplaats 1 | lat= | long= | directions=walking distance from De Blaauwe Hand, right behind Grote Markt | phone = +31 24 3656394 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} Local beers in an amazing setting: the picturesque monument "De Commanderie van St. Jan". * '''Universiteitscafe Piecken''', Studentencomplex Hoogeveldt, university campus. This bar, owned by students, is the homeplace for all the local and the international students in Nijmegen. Visit the website to see if there is a party or other activities. [https://www.facebook.com/CafePiecken/] * '''St. Anneke''', St. Annastraat. Of interest primarily if you're staying in Hotel Catharina as it's right across the street but even then you'd be wise to walk a little (50 m) further to '''Frowijn''' on the corner of the Pontanusstraat as that has a much nicer terrace. *'''Mets''', Grotestraat. The premier gay and lesbian hangout. * '''Kollektief kafee de Bijstand'''. Van Welderenstraat. This is where the local activist scene congregates. Wednesday night is cheap vodka night. All profit goes to charity. * '''Odessa''' (Sint Anthoniusplaats) is a reasonable and fairly cheap restaurant, but on Mondays it functions as a Jazz bar that attracts lots of foreign students. * '''Chaps''' (Gay Leather Bar) is a reasonable and fairly priced pub with interesting socks-only and jack-off parties. Only for men that are interested in the same sex. * {{drink | name=Billabong | alt=Australian pub | url=https://www.cafebillabong.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *Bascafe, Fuik, Tweekeerbellen, Drie gezusters, Heidi's Ski Hut for students *Fuik, Irish Pub for football ===Music venues=== * {{drink | name=Doornroosje | alt=Roosje | url=http://doornroosje.nl | email=info@doornroosje.nl | address=Stationsplein 11 | lat=51.84424 | long=5.85392 | directions=next to the central train station, behind the bus station | phone=+31 243554243 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Large music venue. Has a large variety of different parties, ranging from rock to electro and hip hop to techno, so check the schedule. }} * {{drink | name=Merleyn | alt= | url=http://www.doornroosje.nl/merleyn/ | email= | address=Hertogstraat 13 | lat=51.846097 | long=5.8691183 | directions= | phone=+31 243224737 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The smaller venue of the Doornroosje. Has a lot of different music as well. Check the schedule of Doornroosje, it includes the events of Merleyn. }} * {{drink | name=De Vasim | alt= | url=http://devasim.nl/ | email=info@devasim.nl | address=Winselingseweg 41 | lat=51.85567 | long=5.83842 | directions=close to the new bridge (the Waalsprong) | phone=+31 243886246 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Hosts regular music events, check the schedule on the website. }} * {{drink | name=Onderbroek | alt= | url=https://grotebroek.nl/lokatie/de-onderbroek/ | email= | address=Tweede Walstraat 21 | lat= 51.8440067 | long=5.8658151 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Has regular punk and hardcore gigs. }} *{{drink|name=NDRGRND|alt=|url=http://ndrgrnd.nl/|email=info@ndrgrnd.nl|address=Molenstraat 99a|lat=51.8434836|long=5.8614853|directions=|phone=+31 243240320|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-11-19|content=Popular-alternative music.}} ==Sleep== [[File:Nijmegen Goffertpark, de brug (01).JPG|thumb|Except when it's the stage for one of the city's large events, the Goffertpark is a quiet, laid-back place and ideal for a picnic.]] Nijmegen has many hotels, although budget options are remarkably limited. The opposite is true for high-end lodging. Finding a place to sleep during the summer festival and the four day's marches is absolutely impossible. Everything will be booked full months in advance. To give you an idea; during these days the population of Nijmegen swells from 160,000 to 1,800,000. It goes to the extent of people needing accommodation because they're walking the marches being taken into private people's homes and sleeping in sporting arenas. However, during the festival many trains and buses run around the clock, giving the opportunity to find a place to stay outside the city. === Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Hostel Barbarossa | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/BarbarossaHostel | email= | address=St. Anthoniusplaats 14 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 6 10662058 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=€22 for a dorm bed | content=This hostel is one of the best options if you're travelling on a budget. Fun and friendly staff, clean rooms and near the city centre's bars and restaurants. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Mercure Hotel Nijmegen Centrum | alt= | url=https://all.accor.com/hotel/1356/index.en.shtml | email= | address=Stationsplein 29 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 24 2019000 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From €75 for a double, excluding breakfast | content=A well-appointed hotel in the Mercure chain. Some of the bathrooms are a bit outdated but the rooms are nicely restyled and the staff is very helpful. Breakfast comes at an extra cost of €17, but due to this hotel's central location, it's quite possible to take breakfast elsewhere in the city for less. There's parking available for €7.50 per day. Facilities include a sauna and fitness area. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Atlanta | alt= | url=http://www.atlanta-hotel.nl/ | email= | address=Grote Markt 38-40 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 24 3603000 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Singles/double for €65/90 | content=Right on the main square, this place offers some nice views of the liveliness below and has a pleasant grand café/restaurant downstairs. Some of the rooms are a bit outdated and they're fairly simple, but adequate and clean. Parking is in the nearby public garage for €10.75 per day. }} * {{sleep | name=Amrath Hotel Belvoir | alt= | url= http://www.amrathhotels.nl/belvoir/welcome-nl.html| email= | address=Graadt van Roggenstraat 101 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 24 3232344 | tollfree= | fax= | price= From €69 excluding breakfast| checkin= | checkout= | content=This place gets somewhat mixed reviews as some of its designs are a bit outdated and service sometimes lack detail. However, it's a large hotel in a central place with a swimming pool, and at times offers good deals. Parking is tricky, as there are not enough places available when there are many guests. Cheaper rooms come without breakfast, which can be taken for an extra fee of €15.50. }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Hotel Hertogplein | alt= | url=http://www.hotelhertogplein.nl/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=Gerard Noodtstraat 143 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +31 6 20720288| tollfree= | fax= | price=€125 for a double including breakfast | checkin= | checkout= | content=This small, 3-star boutique hotel is a travellers' favourite for its well decorated, clean and modern rooms, friendly staff and excellent breakfast. There's free wifi and the location on the edge of the town centre works well to explore the city. Keep in mind that this is an old building and there's no elevator, while all the rooms are on the first or second floor. It's best to make reservations well in advance, as there are only 5 rooms. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Restaurant MANNA | alt= | url=http://www.manna-nijmegen.nl/en/ | email= | address=Oranjesingel 2c | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 24 3650990 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=€160-260 per night with 2 people, from €135 for single use | content=A high-end boutique hotel with ten well-appointed and nicely decorated suites only. Facilities in the rooms include air-conditioning, a rain shower, Apple iMac on the desk and a Nespresso machine. Breakfast is served until noon and there's an excellent in-house restaurant for lunch and dinner. Prices vary per suite, as they vary in size. }} == Connect == As of July 2022, Nijmegen has 5G from all Dutch carriers. == Stay Safe == Nijmegen is a perfectly calm and quiet city; as it lacks the hustle and bustle of urban behemoths like Amsterdam and Rotterdam, the city is safe overall. Some drunkards and vagrants might linger around the different train stations (especially Centraal) and the city center on weekends, but there's an ample police presence and locals will defend you if you're threatened. The Waal river might be the backbone of Nijmegen, but it is not a '''lazy''' river, and it sees a lot of maritime traffic year round. Avoid swimming too far into the river. ==Go next== ===Cycling=== The surrounding area of Nijmegen is unique in that it has to offer almost every landscape type available in the Netherlands. Rent a bicycle and start exploring the river landscape of the Ooijpolder to the northeast, the forested hills around [[Groesbeek]] to the east, the drier heath landscape to the south or, if you insist, the typically Dutch flat lowlands to the west. There are many ready-made cycle routes you can try: *[http://www.holland-cycling.com/where-to-go/day-trips/134-nijmegen-cycle-route '''Nijmegen Cycle Route'''] - Exploring the head of the Rhine Delta. Distance: 46 or 34 km. ===Places of interest=== If you're interested in cities, pay a visit to [[Hertogenbosch]] or [[Zutphen]] (both between 30 min and 45 min by train) which have city centres far better preserved than that of Nijmegen. *During World War II, the 82nd Airborne Division landed near Groesbeek as part of Operation Market Garden. Groesbeek has one of Canada's war cemeteries, called '''Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery'''. The cemetery is a short drive out of Groesbeek. *'''The Africa Museum''', in Berg en Dal, has an indoors and outdoors section and specializes in African cultures. On most summer days, they organize all kinds of workshops. *'''Museumpark Orientalis''', in the Heilig Landstichting, provides a contemporary view of the three religions that have played a decisive role in establishing the identity of present-day Europe: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. {{routebox | image1=NL-A50.png | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=N | majorl1=[[Arnhem]] | minorl1=[[Hoge Veluwe National Park|Veluwe]] | directionr1=S | majorr1=[[Eindhoven]] | minorr1=[[Oss]] }} {{geo|51.84002|5.87065|zoom=13}} {{IsPartOf|Gelderland}} {{usablecity}} 79rnw4a8jgw6occnzu7rnhqd715f7k5 5087083 5087064 2025-07-03T10:50:08Z Ikan Kekek 36420 /* Stay Safe */ 5087083 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Nijmegen Wikivoyage Banner.png}} '''Nijmegen''' lays claims to the title of oldest city in [[the Netherlands]], and has indeed a long history and still lots of interesting heritage to enjoy today. World-famous among hiking enthusiasts, the city annually hosts the '''International Four Days Marches Nijmegen'''. It's the largest multi-day walking event in the world and comes with a range of festivities. Attracting over 42,000 participants and over a million visitors, including many international ones, the event celebrated the 100th edition in 2016. Nijmegen is the largest city in the province of [[Gelderland]] and well known for its left-wing politics and its large student population. ==Understand== With about 160,000 inhabitants, Nijmegen is a relatively large city in the southeast of the [[Netherlands]]. It's the main town in the [[Arnhem]]-Nijmegen metropolitan area (pop. 736,000 in 2011) and a major stronghold of the Dutch socialist and 'green' parties. ===History=== [[File:Valkhofkapel.JPG|thumb|The Valkhof chapel, built around 1030, is one of the oldest intact buildings.]] The town's written history goes back to the first century BC, when a Roman military settlement was established at this place. The local hill provide good views over the surrounding valleys and the rivers Rhine and Waal that pass by here. A village grew around the Roman stronghold. In the year 98 it gained Roman city rights. After the [[Roman Empire]] crumbled, the area became part of the Frankish lands. The town grew as its trade activities via the river Waal flourished. In the 12th century, Henry VI, the later Holy Roman Emperor was born in Nijmegen but it was his son, Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II, who granted city rights in 1230. Some 17 years later, the city and the surrounding lands were used as collateral for a loan from the Guelders, that would never be repaid. As a result, Nijmegen is part of the province of Gelderland still today. As modern warfare rendered traditional fortifications as good as useless, the city walls were finally demolished. The city had already expanded massively by that time, with far too many souls living packed inside the city walls. And it kept developing further. A university was established in 1927 and in 1936 the reportedly largest bridge in Europe of that time was constructed for car passage over the river. In 1944, the city centre sustained massive damage when it was bombed by the Americans by mistake, as pilots thought they were attacking the German city of [[Kleve]]. Shortly after, it was the scene of severe battle during Operation Market Garden. When the city was finally liberated, most of its historic heritage was gone or damaged. Rebuilding efforts and city planning in the following decades included further destruction of some of the remaining structures. The fine collection of monuments today is therefore only a small glimpse of Nijmegen's rich history. ===Tourist information=== * [https://en.intonijmegen.com/ Nijmegen Tourism] website * {{listing | name=VVV Rijk van Nijmegen | alt= | url=http://www.arnhemnijmegenregion.com/vvv-rijk-van-nijmegen | email= | address=Keizer Karelplein 32h | lat=51.84259 | long=5.85842 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-F 09:30-17:30, Sa 10:00-16:00, closed Su & M | price= | content=The tourist information office (VVV) works closely together with that of the city of [[Arnhem]] and all the smaller destinations around. The Nijmegen office is located in the centre of town and has a wide collection of maps and brochures, can assist in any bookings you want to make and is generally very helpful. }} ==Get in== ===By plane=== '''[https://airport-weeze.com/ Airport Weeze] ({{IATA|NRN}})''', located 45&nbsp;km southeast of town just across the border with Germany, between the villages of [[Weeze]] ([[Germany]]) and [[Nieuw-Bergen]] ([[Netherlands]]) (the airport itself is in Germany). Although Ryanair (the major airline serving the airport) advertises it as Düsseldorf-Weeze, Düsseldorf is not anywhere near the airport. The city of Düsseldorf is 100 km (60 miles) to the southeast of the airport, making Nijmegen the closest major city to the airport. Weeze serves about 30 destinations, across Europe and Northern Africa. Every two hours bus '''SB46''' rides to Nijmegen Centraal Station in about 65 minutes. The cost is €11.88 euro via the app DB NRWay. Driving takes about 30 minutes in normal traffic. '''[https://www.eindhovenairport.nl/en Eindhoven Airport]''' ({{IATA|EIN}}). 60 km (35 miles) to the southwest of Nijmegen. From the airport you take bus 400 or 401 to Eindhoven Central Station and then a train to 's Hertogenbosch (which is the same as Den Bosch). In 's Hertogenbosch, change trains and take the train to Nijmegen. This journey will take you approximately 90 minutes by public transportation. When driving yourself, take the A326 feeder motorway to the A50, (Zwolle-Eindhoven) which skirts the west of the metropolitan area to the Eindhoven ring road (A58/A2) Airport exit is exit 29 on the A2. '''[https://www.dus.com/en Flughafen Düsseldorf]''' ({{IATA|DUS}}). 110 km (65 miles) southeast. About one-third the size of Amsterdam-Schiphol, but with plenty of international connections, including to the USA, and gets served by all the major airlines in Europe. Although it doesn't get nearly as many flights as Amsterdam does, it's cheaper, doesn't have nearly as many congestion problems, and generally much less hassle at the airport itself. Major inconvenience here is the lack of a good public transportation link to the Nijmegen area; you either need to take bus 58 to '''Kleve''', and change there for a regional train to '''Düsseldorf Hbf''', where you can take S1 to '''Flughafen terminal''' or take the train to '''Venlo''', and change there for '''Düsseldorf Hbf'''. Both options take about 2,5–3 hours one way, since it'll be taking commuter trains all the way. When driving there this airport should be the obvious choice though. '''A73''' to '''Knooppunt Rijkevoort''', then follow the signs to the '''A77''' which changes to '''A57''' when it passes the German line. By '''Kreuz Meerbusch''' take motorway '''A44''' to exit 31 which is right by the terminal. Expect a 75-minute drive, although it can be done in 50–55 minutes if there's little traffic, because 2/3rds of the route is on the German Autobahn. '''[https://www.schiphol.nl Amsterdam-Schiphol airport]''' ({{IATA|AMS}}). The largest airport in the Netherlands, and the fifth largest in Europe. 135&nbsp;km (85 miles) to the northwest. Train takes about an hour and a half, and will cost €24,50 one way. You do not have to change trains for Nijmegen, there are direct trains to and from Schiphol twice an hour on weekdays, although if you miss one you can catch a train to Utrecht 15 minutes later and change there. Schiphol airport gets served by most major carriers, and has in excess of 100 flights to the United States alone per day. When driving; '''A73''' to '''Knooppunt Ewijk''', '''A50''' to '''Knooppunt Valburg''', '''A15''' westbound to '''Knooppunt Deil''', '''A2''' northbound to '''Knooppunt Holendrecht''', '''A9''' westbound to '''Knooppunt Badhoevedorp''', and finally '''A4''' southbound to exit 2, Schiphol airport. Expect this to take anywhere from 75 minutes to over three hours, depending on traffic. the route will take you through both the Utrecht and the Amsterdam metropolitan areas, both infamous for their traffic jams. ===By train=== The '''[https://www.ns.nl/ Dutch Railways]''', (Nederlandse Spoorwegen, NS) serve Nijmegen from all parts of the Netherlands non-stop. There are 4 trains an hour to Utrecht, 2 of which continue to Amsterdam and Den Helder. At Utrecht, you can change on trains to Schiphol Airport or Rotterdam and The Hague. 4 trains per hour depart for Zutphen of which 2 continue to Deventer and Zwolle (with connections to Leeuwarden and Groningen in Zwolle). Furthermore, 2 trains per hour connect to Tilburg-Breda-Roosendaal (with connections in Breda to Rotterdam/The Hague, and in Roosendaal to Antwerp/Brussels). The neighboring cities of Arnhem and 's-Hertogenbosch are served by commuter trains: 4 trains per hour leave for 's-Hertogenbosch and 6 trains per hour for Arnhem. On this last connection, there are up to 10 trains per hour between Nijmegen and Arnhem during rush hour. The full adult fare on this line is €5.20 one way (January 2025). '''[https://www.arriva.nl/ Arriva]''' runs 4 regional trains an hour to Nijmegen Heyendaal, Molenhoek (nearby Malden), the town of Cuijk and further to Venray. Two of these trains continue all the way to Roermond. * {{go | name=Nijmegen railway station | alt=Station Nijmegen | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q801257 | lastedit=2022-12-27 | content= }} ===By bus=== {{go|name=Intercity bus stop Nijmegen|lat=51.8436308|long=5.8552576}} Flixbus serves the town. Nijmegen is connected to the German cities (and railway stations) of [[Kleve]] and [[Emmerich am Rhein|Emmerich]] by the regional bus line SB58. The '''Deutschlandticket''' is valid to and from Nijmegen on this bus line. When looking for a ride from anywhere in North Rhine-Westphalia/Germany to Nijmegen, use the DB app or website and select "local/regional transport only". And type in a stopover in "Landesgrenze, Kranenburg" (without any length of stay). That takes care, that no Dutch trains between Arnhem and Nijmegen are displayed, which you cannot use with the Deutschlandticket. ===By car=== The '''A73''' connects Nijmegen with Venlo, the '''A77/A57''' leads to the German Rhineland. The '''A15''' runs between Nijmegen and Rotterdam and the '''A50''' (Eindhoven-Zwolle) skims the western edge of the metropolitan area. There are many feeder highways connecting these freeways to the city. From Amsterdam one would take the A2 southbound to intersection (knooppunt) Deil, and take the A15 eastbound to Nijmegen from there. Avoid visiting the city by car during the Four Days Walking March, as roads tend to be blocked and circulation is even worse than normal. Also, you may find almost no available parking anywhere near the centre of the city. ===By thumb=== Nijmegen is probably one of the easiest places in the Netherlands to hitch from. The best spot is just south of the Waal Bridge, on the northbound lane leading to the bridge. You will see a sign saying 'liftershalte' here. This means it's an official hitching spot. Usually it takes anywhere up to 30 minutes to get a ride. ===By bike=== Nijmegen has exceptionally good cycle links. The RijnWaalpad is a cycle high way connecting Nijmegen and Arnhem. There are also two '''Dutch national cycle routes''' that come through Nijmegen: the LF12 and the LF3-3. In Millingen the LF3-3 connects with the [http://www.rhinecycleroute.eu/UK_front-page?set_language=en '''Rhine Cycle Route (EuroVelo 15)'''], giving Nijmegen a good cycle connection with Germany, France and Switzerland. ==Get around== {{mapframe|51.845|5.8605|zoom=14}} {{mapshapes|Q47887}} The city bus company, '''Breng''', connects every neighbourhood in Nijmegen to the city center. Breng runs buses into the suburbs as well as a few towns outside of the metropolitan area. Forget about using your car unless you're absolutely sure of your driving skills: the city can get clogged up during rush-hour because 6 main roads end up at an infamous roundabout in the middle of the town. Beside this, parking is relatively expensive. Nijmegen is very bike-friendly, and the old downtown area is compact (every place in the downtown area can be reached within 20 minutes from the Central Station by foot) Commuter trains serve the neighbourhoods of Lent, Dukenburg and Heyendaal (the campus area), as well as the nearby town of Wijchen. ==See== [[File:Kronenburgertoren.JPG|thumb|The Kronenburger tower]] Nijmegen is widely considered to be the oldest city in the Netherlands, celebrating her 2000th birthday in 2005. Not a whole lot of very old buildings are left in town: first the Americans carpet-bombed it in February 1944, later the Germans shelled it for about 5 months after the liberation in September 1944, and finally there were a lot of very rigorous city planners in the 1950s, 60s and 70s who finished what the Americans and Germans started. There are still a few noteworthy sights, however. Valkhof hill downtown features a '''Carolingian chapel''' (ninth century AD) and a small remainder of an imperial castle that was demolished in 1798. From Valkhof hill walk west through the Burchtstraat. Here you will see, on your left hand, the fifteenth century town hall. If you've finished admiring its exterior (there's nothing of note inside) continue walking west to the '''Grote Markt''' (''Great Market''). On the north side is a sixteenth-century weighing hall that now serves as a restaurant. To the left is the Blauwe Hand, the oldest bar in a town that boasts more pubs per square feet than any other town in the Netherlands. On the west side you will see the entrance to the '''St. Stevenskerk courtyard'''. Enter it. On the left is a fifteenth-century Latin school. On the right stands the thirteenth century St. Stevenskerk, the interior of which was destroyed during the Dutch revolution of the sixteenth century. To the north of the church is a series of small seventeenth-century houses that now serve as trinket shops. Although the city centre was heavily bombed during the war, the old neighbourhoods around the centre were not, and are nice to stroll around. Most interesting are the neighbourhoods east and south of the centre. '''Bottendaal''', a five-minute walk from the train station, has a nice vibe, a few good pubs (try ''De Kluizenaar'' and ''Maxim'', listed below) and a park (Thiemen Park). * {{listing | type=see | name=Valkhof Museum | alt= | url=http://www.museumhetvalkhof.nl/ | email= | address=Kelfkensbos 59 | lat=51.84638 | long=5.87111 | directions=On the edge of the Valkhof park | phone=+31 24 360 88 05 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Adult €8, child €4 | wikidata=Q1127079 | content=The fine collection of archaeological finds, modern and some old art is well worth spending a few hours on. Artefacts go back to prehistoric times, but also include Roman and Medieval pieces. In addition to the permanent displays, there are temporary exhibitions focussing on specific artists or crafts. }} * {{see | name=St. Stevenskerk | alt= | url=http://www.stevenskerk.nl/ | email=info@stevenskerk.nl | address=Sint Stevenskerkhof 62 | lat=51.84796 | long=5.86264 | directions= | phone=+31 24 3604710 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Free | wikidata=Q19545689 | content=The construction of the church began around the middle of the 13th century. In 1273 the church was consecrated by Albertus Magnus, the auxiliary bishop of Cologne. Of this Romanesque-Gothic church remain the base of the tower and the westernmost bays of the ship. Large-scale construction took place over the course of the 15th century, including the choir and chapels. In the 16th century, the transept and a small part of the ship were built. After about 1560, construction halted and the church remained unfinished. In the bombing of February 22, 1944 the tower collapsed largely in. In addition, the south-western part of the church was heavily damaged. The church also was badly damaged when Nijmegen was a city at the war front. After World War II the church was thoroughly restored in 1969 and was re-opened in the presence of HRH Prince Claus. The inventory of the church - namely pulpit monument to Catherine of Bourbon, baptistery-screen, gentlemen banks, candelabra, organs and some frescoes - are from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. }} * {{see | name=Nationaal Fietsmuseum Velorama | alt=Bicycle museem | url=http://www.velorama.nl/ | email= | address=Waalkade 107 | lat=51.84854 | long=5.87052 | directions=Close to Walkhof Park | phone=+31 24 322 58 51 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10:00 - 17:00, Su 11:00 - 17:00 | price=€5 | wikidata=Q484899 | content=A bicycle museum. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Aunt Hannie Movie and TV series museum | alt=Tante Hannie Kijk Doe Koopwinkel | url=http://www.tante-hannie.nl/ | email= | address=Passage Molenpoort 33a | lat=51.84429 | long=5.86382 | directions=in De Molenpoort shopping center; entrance at stairs between Pipoos and Kramer Beds | phone=+31 6 33049119 | tollfree= | hours=W noon-17:30, Th 10:00-20:00, F 10:00-17:30, Sa 10:00-17:00, Su noon-17:00 | price=Gift shop free; marble museum €2 | content=Minions, Muppets, Marvel, and Marbles... oh my! A gift shop and museum for all kinds of pop media franchises. Browsing around will cast you back to your childhood. Lots of big-name franchises are represented here, along with independents like the popular YouTube channel Jelle's Marble Runs (the creator of which lives in Nijmegen). }} * {{see | name=Africa Museum | alt=Afrika Museum | url= | email= | address=Postweg 6 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2470853 | lastedit=2022-12-27 | content=Indoor as well as open-air display areas covering art, culture, music, photographs, videos and architecture of Africa. Along with the Tropenmuseum in Amsterdam, and National Museum of Ethnology (Museum Volkenkunde) in Leiden, together make up the National Museum of World Cultures. }} ==Do== [[File:Fourdaymarches cuijk.jpg|thumb|Over 45,000 people took part in the 2013 Four Day Marches.]] * {{do | name=Gebroeders van Lymborchfestival | alt= | url= | email= | address=Grote Markt | lat=51.8475 | long=5.8639 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-10-21 | content=Medieval music and theatre festival in which around 700 re-enactors roam the streets of the city centre, displaying the daily life in the Duchy of Guelders from 1350-1450. Highlight is the "Blijde Incomste" (Delighted Entrance) on the Sunday afternoon, in which the landvoogd (Advocatus) enters a town or city in a large parade of festivities. }} * '''Football:''' [https://www.nec-nijmegen.nl/home.htm NEC Nijmegen] play soccer in Eredivisie, the country's top tier. Their home ground Goffertstadion (capacity 12,500) is 3 km southwest of city centre. * '''Nijmeegse Vierdaagse/Zomerfeesten''' (Four Day Marches and the Summer Festival) in July is the biggest event in the entire Netherlands and according to the organisers the largest walking event in the world. The Four Day Marches draw about 45,000 people alone, walking 30, 40 or 50&nbsp;km (depending on age and sex) per day for four days in the Nijmegen area. The Summer Festival lasts for 10 days, starting the Friday before the marches start, continuing all the way to the Sunday after the Marches. For these 10 days, the entire downtown area is one big festival with concerts everywhere, even more beer stands and 1.5-1.7 million people partying or trying to get some sleep because they have to walk another 30 miles the next morning. :Participating in the marches costs €50 and you'll need to register well in advance. In 2014, registration will open in February and anyone interested should follow the organisation's website closely around that time. In 2013, registration closed after only a few days because the maximum number of participants was surpassed. You'll likely have to train to ensure you're physically fit for the challenge. Also make sure to check local weather predictions. Dutch summers are usually mild, with average temperatures in July around 20°C and monthly precipitation around 80mm. Dutch weather is however notoriously changeable. In 2006, a heat wave caused widespread dehydration and two people died from hyperthermia. The marches were cancelled after the first day. * {{do | name=Guided city tour | alt= | url=http://excitinghistory.com/arrangementen/historische-stadswandeling-nijmegen | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Readers of ''The Guardian'' selected Nijmegen's city walks, organized by the tourist office, as one of the top 10 guided city tours in the world. The 90-minute tours indeed give a much deeper insight in the city's history and its heritage. Groups can make private reservations at a requested time (€100 for the guide, up to 25 people can join). Individual travellers should check availability with the tourist office. If there's no tour to join, they also have routes which you follow on your own. }} ===Other events=== ====Spring==== *'''Carnaval''' Six weeks before Easter is Carnaval. People dress up in funny costumes and drink. There are parades in every town & village. To the south of Nijmegen Carnaval gets celebrated more, and if you like this kind of thing, go to Maastricht, Den Bosch or Kerkrade instead. *'''Dag van het Levenslied''' Every year in May there's a traditional Dutch folk festival in the Valkhofpark. Don't expect Dylan though, The type of music is comparable to the German ''schlager'' music as the lyrics are usually about shitty stuff in your life. Again: Lots of drinking! *'''Roze Meifeesten''' Also in May, this is the annual Gay and Lesbian festival in downtown. ====Summer==== *'''Heavy Metal festival''' Traditionally, there's a one-day Heavy Metal festival in the Goffertpark, 3 km SW of the Central Station. Usually it's called Fields of Rock, Dynamo Open Air or Ozzfest, but they all get organized by the same company anyway. Usually draws 15-25,000 people depending on city regulations. *'''Other festivals''' In some years, a one-day festival, called Rockin' Park, is organized in the Goffertpark. The line-up usually consists of various national and international rock acts. Another festival is the Arrow Rock Festival, featuring several (older) national and international rock acts. Apart from the festivals, the Goffertpark is often used for large one-off concerts of prominent bands (often with numerous support acts) such as the Rolling Stones, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Radiohead and Coldplay. ====Fall==== *'''Nijmeegse Kermis''' The oldest street carnival in the Netherlands, dates back to 1272. Usually lasts a week and a half, and there are a lot of attractions, traditional ones like the Ferris Wheel and the Merry go-'round, Bumpercars, but also modern stuff like a Bungy-Jump. *'''Zevenheuvelenloop''' An annual 15&nbsp;km (9&nbsp;mi) run around Nijmegen and its surrounding hills. (Hence the name Zevenheuvelen - which means "Seven Hills" in Dutch.) ==Buy== If you like a day of shopping, you'll surely enjoy this city. It's considered one of the top shopping destinations in the country, for its cosy old centre, many cafés, car-free shopping zone and of course the wide range of stores and boutiques. Over 400 shops are available in the city centre alone. The modernized '''Marikenstraat''' and '''Moenenstraat''' are full of large chain stores, including the usual department and fashion stores. The smaller streets leading to the car-free centre are called the ''Ringstraten'', and are packed with smaller boutiques, giftstores, speciality stores and independent home decoration shops. Good examples include the '''Hezelstraat''' (said to be the oldest shopping street in the country), the '''Van Welderenstraat''' and the '''Tweede Walstraat'''. For design boutiques, try the '''Houstraat'''. Stores are usually open between 09:00 and 17:30, many also until 18:00. Thursday is so-called shopping evening, with most shops open till 21:00 and as in the rest of the country, most places close at 17:00 on Saturdays. Every first Sunday of the month, the city centre opens between 12:00 and 17:00. There are general '''markets''' in the centre every Monday and Saturday. * {{buy | name=De Bierhoeder | alt= | url= | email= | address=Bloemerstraat 86 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 24 3601620 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A small but excellent beer specialty shop. The friendly owner knows his produce well, and has a preference for punk music. }} ==Eat== If you love pizza, you'll find yourself well-catered for. Many pizza-restaurants are specialized in take-away/delivery, but there are several nice options if you'd like to sit down. Most of the establishments also offer other Italian dishes. ===Budget=== Being a student town (roughly 21,000 students in a population of 160,000) there are plenty of relatively cheap restaurants ("eetcafés") to be found. Look for them in the '''Van Welderenstraat''' and on '''Kelfkensbos'''. Fast Food is also widely available in the city center, with numerous snackbars often offering traditional Dutch snacks, but also Turkish dishes. In the city centre, the supermarkets of ''Coop'', ''Albert Heijn'', ''Jumbo City'', ''Plus'' and ''Spar City'' have fresh baked goods. * {{eat | name=Dromaai | alt= | url=https://dedromaai.nl/contact | email=info@dedromaai.nl | address=Plein 1944 | lat=51.845649 | long=5.862192 | directions= | phone=+31 24 360 0085 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=A student eatery. }} *{{eat | name=De Klinker | alt= | url=https://grotebroek.nl/groepen/de-klinker/ |email= | address=Van Broeckhuysenstraat 46 | lat=51.8438242 | long=5.8659438 | directions= | phone=+31 24 3605208 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=Political café and organic, vegan eatery. Soup café on Wednesday nights, vegan three-course meals on Saturdays and Sundays from 18:30 (reservation obligatory, by phone or dropping by). }} * {{eat | name=Broodje Horeca | alt= | url=https://www.broodje-horeca.nl/ | email= | address=Mariënburgsestraat 10 | lat=51.846166 | long=5.867907 | directions= | phone=+31 24 360 4050 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 10:00-18:00, Sa M 09:00-18:00, Sundays closed | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Chidóz | alt= | url= | email= | address=Molenstraat 112 | lat=51.8440515 | long=5.8616976 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=Mexican. }} * {{eat | name=Zorba Streetfood Nijmegen | alt= | url= | email= | address=Van Welderenstraat 130 | lat=51.8430456 | long=5.8613948 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Maoz Falafel | alt= | url= | email= | address=Grote Markt 19 | lat=51.8477052 | long=5.8633508 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content= }} * {{eat | name=iWok&Go | alt= | url= | email= | address=Augustijnenstraat 29 | lat=51.8468255 | long= 5.8627188 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Giros | alt= | url= | email= | address=Hertogstraat 44 | lat=51.8457617 | long=5.8687414 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Snackbar Corry | alt= | url= | email= | address=Daalseweg 1 | lat=51.8416294 | long= 5.8705572 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content= }} ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=Eetcafé De Plak | address=Bloemerstraat 90 | directions=corner of Plein 1944 | phone=+31 24 3222 757 | url= http://www.cafedeplak.nl | lat=51.84551 | long=5.86135 | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=An absolute classic. Not only is it a mainstay of Nijmegen's sizeable alternative scene (don't be surprised to have your meal served by a pierced waitress with dreadlocks or a waiter with a mohawk) it's also famous throughout the Netherlands for its ''Kaasgehakt'' - a hearty dish made with cheese and breadcrumbs that's supposed to be a vegetarian version of "gehakt" (minced meat). }} *{{eat | name=Restaurant de Hemel | url=http://www.restaurantdehemel.nl | email= | address=Franseplaats 1 | lat=51.848635 | long=5.863897 | directions= | phone = +31 243656394 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=12:00-00:00| price=€25-35 | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=Great dining experience in a fantastic historical building in centre. Guests are served 6-8 rounds of small appetizers and bites for dinner. De Hemel serves a great variety of food and on top of that an intimate setting. Also opened for lunch and highly popular High Tea. }} * {{eat | name=De Kluizenaar | alt= | url= | email= | address=Burghardt van Den Berghstraat 96 | lat=51.8395094 | long=5.8560388 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=Offers tapas from various cooking styles, and more traditional meals, such as salads and spare ribs. In the summer, it is a nice place for a drink, just like cafe Maxim across the street. }} * {{eat | name=Café Van Buren | alt= | url= | email= | address=Molenstraat 89 | lat=51.8435262 | long= 5.8619286 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=Offers traditional French cuisine for a good price, and also has plenty of lunch options. Furthermore, in the summer, you can enjoy your food outside. }} * {{eat | name=Funkenstein | alt= | url= | email= | address=Lange Hezelstraat 80 | lat=51.8482457 | long=5.8584565 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=Small, cosy, and good value for money. }} * {{eat | name=Eten & Drinken | alt= | url= | email= | address=Groesbeeksedwarsweg 305 | lat=51.835145 | long=5.871224 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Mains around €15 | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=Portion size and quality is good. Lunch is also possible. }} * {{eat | name=Vlaams Arsenaal | alt= | url=http://www.vlaamsarsenaal.nl | email= | address=Arsenaalpoort 1-4 | lat=51.8450734 | long= 5.8654433 | directions= | phone=+31 24 324 48 33 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=Very good Belgian/Dutch food, such as beef stew, liver and onions and of course fries. Odd concept of shared side salad. Little slow service. }} *{{eat | name=Tati | alt= | url=https://www.tati-nijmegen.nl | email= | address=Koolemans Beijnenstraat 80 | lat=51.8357071 | long=5.8745025 | directions= | phone=+31 24 7370012 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 08:30-21:00, Sa Su 10:00-21:00 | price=Soup of the day €6, breakfast around €8, hot lunch and dinner around €13 (prices as of Nov 2018) | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=Many vegetarian and vegan options, pies, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails. }} * {{eat | name=Donatello's | alt= | url= | email= | address=Eerste Walstraat 18 | lat=51.8438039 | long= 5.8606626 | directions=on the edge of the city center | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€15-25 | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=It's a bit hidden, don't let the alley-like street scare you away. }} * {{eat | name=Mr. Jacks | alt= | url= | email= | address=Kelfkensbos 50 | lat=51.8460525 | long=5.8708737 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€15-25 | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=Do not expect top quality service, but the food is decently priced and tastes reasonable. You might have to wait long whilst you have already ordered; there is often a table available, but not enough capacity to serve it. Instead of a pizza, you may also choose to order a Greek dish here. }} * {{eat | name=De Meesterproef | alt= | url=http://www.demeesterproefnijmegen.nl/ | email=info@demeesterproefnijmegen.nl | address= | lat=51.853923 | long=5.846430 | directions=in the Honigcomplex; enter a small alley, the restaurant is on your right | phone=+31 623366490 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Su 12:00-24:00 | price= | lastedit=31-08-2023 | content=Restaurant at an old factory now used by several local companies. The restaurant has a unique view over the Waal river. }} ===Splurge=== If your budget allows it, there's also plenty of opportunity for luxury dining. '''Het Lemke''' in the Lange Hezelstraat offers high quality French cuisine, though it might be a little bit too experimental for some. More up market dining can be found along the Waal river. From the casino, walk west past the terraces and into the old downtown, for up market dining near the university. Finally, for more classic French style cuisine in a historic ambiance, try '''Belvedere''' – the tower. (Please note that for the moment, the Belvedere is only open to groups with a reservation, due to a lack of cooking staff.) If you're into that sort of thing, in 2008 the Michelin guide awarded a Bib Gourmand to Het Savarijn, '''Vesters''' (Groesbeeksedwarsweg 307a). ==Drink== [[File:Waaggebouw (Nijmegen) P1060338.JPG|thumb|The monumental weigh house now houses a pleasant café.]] Downtown Nijmegen and the neighborhoods just next to it are positively swarming with pubs and cafés. Some notable ones: * '''In De Blaauwe Hand''', Grote Markt. The oldest pub in Nijmegen. Very, very picturesque. * {{drink | name=Samson | alt= | url=http://www.cafesamson.nl/ | email= | address=Houtstraat 4, 6511 JN | lat=51.84611 | long=5.86159 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Houtstraat. Old fashioned and classy with service of a high quality. They have more than 100 different beers available. }} * {{drink | name=Brouwerscafé de Hemel | url=http://www.restaurantdehemel.nl | email= | address=Franseplaats 1 | lat= | long= | directions=walking distance from De Blaauwe Hand, right behind Grote Markt | phone = +31 24 3656394 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} Local beers in an amazing setting: the picturesque monument "De Commanderie van St. Jan". * '''Universiteitscafe Piecken''', Studentencomplex Hoogeveldt, university campus. This bar, owned by students, is the homeplace for all the local and the international students in Nijmegen. Visit the website to see if there is a party or other activities. [https://www.facebook.com/CafePiecken/] * '''St. Anneke''', St. Annastraat. Of interest primarily if you're staying in Hotel Catharina as it's right across the street but even then you'd be wise to walk a little (50 m) further to '''Frowijn''' on the corner of the Pontanusstraat as that has a much nicer terrace. *'''Mets''', Grotestraat. The premier gay and lesbian hangout. * '''Kollektief kafee de Bijstand'''. Van Welderenstraat. This is where the local activist scene congregates. Wednesday night is cheap vodka night. All profit goes to charity. * '''Odessa''' (Sint Anthoniusplaats) is a reasonable and fairly cheap restaurant, but on Mondays it functions as a Jazz bar that attracts lots of foreign students. * '''Chaps''' (Gay Leather Bar) is a reasonable and fairly priced pub with interesting socks-only and jack-off parties. Only for men that are interested in the same sex. * {{drink | name=Billabong | alt=Australian pub | url=https://www.cafebillabong.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *Bascafe, Fuik, Tweekeerbellen, Drie gezusters, Heidi's Ski Hut for students *Fuik, Irish Pub for football ===Music venues=== * {{drink | name=Doornroosje | alt=Roosje | url=http://doornroosje.nl | email=info@doornroosje.nl | address=Stationsplein 11 | lat=51.84424 | long=5.85392 | directions=next to the central train station, behind the bus station | phone=+31 243554243 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Large music venue. Has a large variety of different parties, ranging from rock to electro and hip hop to techno, so check the schedule. }} * {{drink | name=Merleyn | alt= | url=http://www.doornroosje.nl/merleyn/ | email= | address=Hertogstraat 13 | lat=51.846097 | long=5.8691183 | directions= | phone=+31 243224737 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The smaller venue of the Doornroosje. Has a lot of different music as well. Check the schedule of Doornroosje, it includes the events of Merleyn. }} * {{drink | name=De Vasim | alt= | url=http://devasim.nl/ | email=info@devasim.nl | address=Winselingseweg 41 | lat=51.85567 | long=5.83842 | directions=close to the new bridge (the Waalsprong) | phone=+31 243886246 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Hosts regular music events, check the schedule on the website. }} * {{drink | name=Onderbroek | alt= | url=https://grotebroek.nl/lokatie/de-onderbroek/ | email= | address=Tweede Walstraat 21 | lat= 51.8440067 | long=5.8658151 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Has regular punk and hardcore gigs. }} *{{drink|name=NDRGRND|alt=|url=http://ndrgrnd.nl/|email=info@ndrgrnd.nl|address=Molenstraat 99a|lat=51.8434836|long=5.8614853|directions=|phone=+31 243240320|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2018-11-19|content=Popular-alternative music.}} ==Sleep== [[File:Nijmegen Goffertpark, de brug (01).JPG|thumb|Except when it's the stage for one of the city's large events, the Goffertpark is a quiet, laid-back place and ideal for a picnic.]] Nijmegen has many hotels, although budget options are remarkably limited. The opposite is true for high-end lodging. Finding a place to sleep during the summer festival and the four day's marches is absolutely impossible. Everything will be booked full months in advance. To give you an idea; during these days the population of Nijmegen swells from 160,000 to 1,800,000. It goes to the extent of people needing accommodation because they're walking the marches being taken into private people's homes and sleeping in sporting arenas. However, during the festival many trains and buses run around the clock, giving the opportunity to find a place to stay outside the city. === Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Hostel Barbarossa | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/BarbarossaHostel | email= | address=St. Anthoniusplaats 14 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 6 10662058 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=€22 for a dorm bed | content=This hostel is one of the best options if you're travelling on a budget. Fun and friendly staff, clean rooms and near the city centre's bars and restaurants. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Mercure Hotel Nijmegen Centrum | alt= | url=https://all.accor.com/hotel/1356/index.en.shtml | email= | address=Stationsplein 29 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 24 2019000 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From €75 for a double, excluding breakfast | content=A well-appointed hotel in the Mercure chain. Some of the bathrooms are a bit outdated but the rooms are nicely restyled and the staff is very helpful. Breakfast comes at an extra cost of €17, but due to this hotel's central location, it's quite possible to take breakfast elsewhere in the city for less. There's parking available for €7.50 per day. Facilities include a sauna and fitness area. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Atlanta | alt= | url=http://www.atlanta-hotel.nl/ | email= | address=Grote Markt 38-40 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 24 3603000 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Singles/double for €65/90 | content=Right on the main square, this place offers some nice views of the liveliness below and has a pleasant grand café/restaurant downstairs. Some of the rooms are a bit outdated and they're fairly simple, but adequate and clean. Parking is in the nearby public garage for €10.75 per day. }} * {{sleep | name=Amrath Hotel Belvoir | alt= | url= http://www.amrathhotels.nl/belvoir/welcome-nl.html| email= | address=Graadt van Roggenstraat 101 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 24 3232344 | tollfree= | fax= | price= From €69 excluding breakfast| checkin= | checkout= | content=This place gets somewhat mixed reviews as some of its designs are a bit outdated and service sometimes lack detail. However, it's a large hotel in a central place with a swimming pool, and at times offers good deals. Parking is tricky, as there are not enough places available when there are many guests. Cheaper rooms come without breakfast, which can be taken for an extra fee of €15.50. }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Hotel Hertogplein | alt= | url=http://www.hotelhertogplein.nl/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=Gerard Noodtstraat 143 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +31 6 20720288| tollfree= | fax= | price=€125 for a double including breakfast | checkin= | checkout= | content=This small, 3-star boutique hotel is a travellers' favourite for its well decorated, clean and modern rooms, friendly staff and excellent breakfast. There's free wifi and the location on the edge of the town centre works well to explore the city. Keep in mind that this is an old building and there's no elevator, while all the rooms are on the first or second floor. It's best to make reservations well in advance, as there are only 5 rooms. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Restaurant MANNA | alt= | url=http://www.manna-nijmegen.nl/en/ | email= | address=Oranjesingel 2c | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 24 3650990 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=€160-260 per night with 2 people, from €135 for single use | content=A high-end boutique hotel with ten well-appointed and nicely decorated suites only. Facilities in the rooms include air-conditioning, a rain shower, Apple iMac on the desk and a Nespresso machine. Breakfast is served until noon and there's an excellent in-house restaurant for lunch and dinner. Prices vary per suite, as they vary in size. }} == Connect == As of July 2022, Nijmegen has 5G from all Dutch carriers. == Stay safe == Nijmegen is a perfectly calm and quiet city; as it lacks the hustle and bustle of urban behemoths like Amsterdam and Rotterdam, the city is safe overall. Some drunkards and vagrants might linger around the different train stations (especially Centraal) and the city center on weekends, but there's an ample police presence and locals will defend you if you're threatened. The Waal River might be the backbone of Nijmegen, but it is not a '''lazy''' river, and it sees a lot of maritime traffic year round. Avoid swimming too far into the river. ==Go next== ===Cycling=== The surrounding area of Nijmegen is unique in that it has to offer almost every landscape type available in the Netherlands. Rent a bicycle and start exploring the river landscape of the Ooijpolder to the northeast, the forested hills around [[Groesbeek]] to the east, the drier heath landscape to the south or, if you insist, the typically Dutch flat lowlands to the west. There are many ready-made cycle routes you can try: *[http://www.holland-cycling.com/where-to-go/day-trips/134-nijmegen-cycle-route '''Nijmegen Cycle Route'''] - Exploring the head of the Rhine Delta. Distance: 46 or 34 km. ===Places of interest=== If you're interested in cities, pay a visit to [[Hertogenbosch]] or [[Zutphen]] (both between 30 min and 45 min by train) which have city centres far better preserved than that of Nijmegen. *During World War II, the 82nd Airborne Division landed near Groesbeek as part of Operation Market Garden. Groesbeek has one of Canada's war cemeteries, called '''Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery'''. The cemetery is a short drive out of Groesbeek. *'''The Africa Museum''', in Berg en Dal, has an indoors and outdoors section and specializes in African cultures. On most summer days, they organize all kinds of workshops. *'''Museumpark Orientalis''', in the Heilig Landstichting, provides a contemporary view of the three religions that have played a decisive role in establishing the identity of present-day Europe: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. {{routebox | image1=NL-A50.png | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=N | majorl1=[[Arnhem]] | minorl1=[[Hoge Veluwe National Park|Veluwe]] | directionr1=S | majorr1=[[Eindhoven]] | minorr1=[[Oss]] }} {{geo|51.84002|5.87065|zoom=13}} {{IsPartOf|Gelderland}} {{usablecity}} 8fhscbw1qg44haoylpr5ivkqg0mr6je 0 24794 5086634 4990837 2025-07-02T14:05:21Z Bluecoordinationfine 2327039 Added Vickningen i Norrtälje 5086634 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Furusundsleden banner.jpg}} [[File:DKoehl Tullportsgatan Norrtalje 2015.JPG|thumb|Tullportsgatan in Norrtälje, 2015]] '''Norrtälje''', archaic spelling ''Norrtelje'', is a town in northern [[Stockholm County]], and the gateway to the northern parts of [[Stockholm archipelago]]. The ports of '''Kapellskär''' and '''Grisslehamn''' have international ferry connections. Norrtälje municipality, ''Norrtälje kommun'', makes up much of the traditional ''[[Roslagen]]'' region, together with [[Öregrund]] and [[Tierp]] in [[Uppsala County]]. The municipality has 57,000 permanent residents, and tens of thousands of summer guests. The islands south of Norrtälje, such as '''Blidö''' and '''Furusund''', are seen as part of [[Stockholm archipelago]]. ==Settlements and islands== * '''Norrtälje''' itself is a town of 17,000 citizens. * '''Rimbo''' is a suburban inland town. * '''Hallstavik''' is an industrial town, dominated by a paper mill. * '''Grisslehamn''' is a seaside village, with the ferry to [[Eckerö]], [[Åland]]. * '''Arholma''' is an island known for its coastal fortresses. ==Understand== {{Mapframe|59.9|18.7|zoom=9}} {{mapshape|type=geomask|wikidata=Q214048}} ==Get in== [[File:KAPELLSKAER.JPG|thumb|Kapellskär.]] ===By plane=== ===By train=== ===By car=== The [[E18]] from Stockholm or by ferry (see below) from Finland or Estonia. ===By bus=== {{seealso|Public transport in Stockholm County}} Norrtälje is served by '''[http://www.sl.se SL]''', the public transportation carrier of [[Stockholm County]]. See that article for details about ticketing. From [[Stockholm]] by bus 676 from Tekniska Högskolan (served by the Stockholm Metro) and from [[Uppsala]] central station bus 677 connect to Norrtälje's bus station. Line 631 and 631X connect the centre and the port of Kapellskär, line 637 the centre and Grisslehamn. Note that tickets for the buses must be bought before boarding. Travel time from Stockholm centre to Kapellskär (including transfer) is 1h 45min. ===By boat=== Finland and Estonia are one time zone ahead of Sweden. The {{marker|type=go |name=Port of Kapellskär |wikidata=Q1975317}} in the east is served by frequent [[Baltic Sea ferries|ferry]] services. * [[Mariehamn]], [[Åland]], with three services a day by [http://www.sales.vikingline.com Viking Line], * [[Naantali]], mainland [[Finland]] (some via Långnäs, Åland), by [http://www.finnlines.com Finnlines], and * [[Paldiski]], [[Estonia]] by [http://www.dfdsseaways.ee DFDS Seaways]. The Paldiski line does not accept pedestrians; an accompanying vehicle is necessary to board. The Naantali one does not accepts pedestrians from Åland in the summer season. Also the port in {{marker|type=go |name=Grisslehamn |wikidata=Q1547090}} in the north has a connection from Åland. * [[Eckerö]], Åland, by [http://www.eckerolinjen.fi/en Eckerölinjen]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}, two to three times daily (€5 for an adult, €10 for a car), two hours from Eckerö to Grisslehamn. You can get from Mariehamn to Eckerö by the bus line 1 (€4.40). ==Get around== ==See== [[File:Postrodden 2011 1.JPG|thumb|Boats waiting to leave Grisslehamn for [[Eckerö]], Åland, at the yearly ''Postrodden'' competition in memory of the Great Post Route.]] * {{see | name=Pythagoras Industrial Museum | alt= | url=https://pythagorasmuseum.se/in-english/ | email= | address=Verkstadsgatan 6 | lat=59.7556 | long=18.6995 | directions= | phone=+46 176 100-49 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A hot bulb engine factory museum. }} * {{see | name=Skebobruk Museum | alt= | url=http://www.skebobruksmuseum.se/ | email= | address= | lat=59.9682 | long=18.6105 | directions=by road 76, 30 km north from Norrtälje | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Summer season only; mostly F–Su 13:00–16:00 | price=30 kr, children up to 15 free | content= }} * {{Marker|type=see|lat=60.051 | long=18.598|name=Hallstavik}}, a factory town * {{Marker|type=see|lat=59.744 | long=18.362|name=Rimbo}} * {{Marker|type=see|lat=60.013 | long=18.833|name=Väddö}}, an island in the Baltic Sea with '''Grisslehamn''' * {{listing | type=see | name=Albert Engström-museet | alt= | url=http://www.albertengstrom.se/museet.html | email= | address=Albert Engströms Väg 11, Grisslehamn | lat=60.096292 | long=18.814206 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-10-06 | content=A museum for Swedish satirist and illustrator Albert Engström. }} * {{see | name=Batteri Arholma | url=https://arholmanord.se/batteri/ | wikidata=Q3772710 | content=A coastal fortress built for the Cold War. Decommissioned in the early 2000s and converted to a museum. }} * {{see | name=Storholmen | alt= | url=http://www.storholmen.org/en/the-viking-village-of-storholmen/ | email= | address= | lat=59.832017 | long=18.649877 | directions=north of [[Norrtälje]] | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q117319650 | content=A reconstructed Viking village situated on the shore of lake ''Erken''. A small nature reserve of ''Norr Malma'' to the south, including a large graveyard from the Iron Age. The whole region – known as ''[http://www.roslagen.se/en/visitroslagen/ Roslagen]'' – is steeped in history. In the Viking Age there was important trade with the East. There is a nice 18th-century inn and restaurant nearby and a child-friendly lakeside beach. }} ==Do== Norrtälje has deep forests and secluded beaches within comfortable distance from Stockholm and Uppsala, and is a great destination for [[outdoor life]], such as [[fishing]] and [[Hiking in the Nordic countries|hiking]]. Cruise the {{Marker|type=do|lat=60.009 | long=18.791|name=Väddö canal}}, from near Grisslehamn to near Kapellskär. ==Buy== ==Eat== ===Budget=== * {{listing | counter=n | name = Vickningen i Norrtälje | type = eat | wikidata = Q134139160 | content = Hamburger joint }} ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=Parken Bar | address=Societetsparken | lat=59.7569449 | long=18.7126187 | content=An outdoor restaurant open from June to August. }} * {{eat | name=s/s Norrtelje | alt= | url=https://ssnorrtelje.se/ | email=info@ssnorrtelje.se | address=Hamnpromenaden 2 | lat=59.757866 | long=18.708589 | directions=in the opposite of Societetsparken | phone=+46 176 191 40 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-01 | content=Greek restaurant operating on an old steamship. }} ===Splurge=== ==Drink== ==Sleep== ===Budget=== ===Mid-range=== ===Splurge=== {{sleep | name=Rånäs slott | url=http://www.ranasslott.se/|lat=59.7930 | long=18.2980 | content=An estate with history back to the 14 century. The palace was built in the 1840s. }} ==Connect== ==Stay safe== ==Cope== ==Go next== * [[Åland]] {{routebox | image1=Tabliczka E18.svg | imagesize1=40 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Oslo]] | minorl1=[[Stockholm]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Turku]] | minorr1=[[Image:Ferry.png|18px]] → [[Naantali]] | link1=E18 }} {{IsPartOf|Stockholm County}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|59.77|18.7}} 4q9rg9a7vu8r770buifmbalc291u6z4 5086638 5086634 2025-07-02T14:08:41Z Bluecoordinationfine 2327039 5086638 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Furusundsleden banner.jpg}} [[File:DKoehl Tullportsgatan Norrtalje 2015.JPG|thumb|Tullportsgatan in Norrtälje, 2015]] '''Norrtälje''', archaic spelling ''Norrtelje'', is a town in northern [[Stockholm County]], and the gateway to the northern parts of [[Stockholm archipelago]]. The ports of '''Kapellskär''' and '''Grisslehamn''' have international ferry connections. Norrtälje municipality, ''Norrtälje kommun'', makes up much of the traditional ''[[Roslagen]]'' region, together with [[Öregrund]] and [[Tierp]] in [[Uppsala County]]. The municipality has 57,000 permanent residents, and tens of thousands of summer guests. The islands south of Norrtälje, such as '''Blidö''' and '''Furusund''', are seen as part of [[Stockholm archipelago]]. ==Settlements and islands== * '''Norrtälje''' itself is a town of 17,000 citizens. * '''Rimbo''' is a suburban inland town. * '''Hallstavik''' is an industrial town, dominated by a paper mill. * '''Grisslehamn''' is a seaside village, with the ferry to [[Eckerö]], [[Åland]]. * '''Arholma''' is an island known for its coastal fortresses. ==Understand== {{Mapframe|59.9|18.7|zoom=9}} {{mapshape|type=geomask|wikidata=Q214048}} ==Get in== [[File:KAPELLSKAER.JPG|thumb|Kapellskär.]] ===By plane=== ===By train=== ===By car=== The [[E18]] from Stockholm or by ferry (see below) from Finland or Estonia. ===By bus=== {{seealso|Public transport in Stockholm County}} Norrtälje is served by '''[http://www.sl.se SL]''', the public transportation carrier of [[Stockholm County]]. See that article for details about ticketing. From [[Stockholm]] by bus 676 from Tekniska Högskolan (served by the Stockholm Metro) and from [[Uppsala]] central station bus 677 connect to Norrtälje's bus station. Line 631 and 631X connect the centre and the port of Kapellskär, line 637 the centre and Grisslehamn. Note that tickets for the buses must be bought before boarding. Travel time from Stockholm centre to Kapellskär (including transfer) is 1h 45min. ===By boat=== Finland and Estonia are one time zone ahead of Sweden. The {{marker|type=go |name=Port of Kapellskär |wikidata=Q1975317}} in the east is served by frequent [[Baltic Sea ferries|ferry]] services. * [[Mariehamn]], [[Åland]], with three services a day by [http://www.sales.vikingline.com Viking Line], * [[Naantali]], mainland [[Finland]] (some via Långnäs, Åland), by [http://www.finnlines.com Finnlines], and * [[Paldiski]], [[Estonia]] by [http://www.dfdsseaways.ee DFDS Seaways]. The Paldiski line does not accept pedestrians; an accompanying vehicle is necessary to board. The Naantali one does not accepts pedestrians from Åland in the summer season. Also the port in {{marker|type=go |name=Grisslehamn |wikidata=Q1547090}} in the north has a connection from Åland. * [[Eckerö]], Åland, by [http://www.eckerolinjen.fi/en Eckerölinjen]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}, two to three times daily (€5 for an adult, €10 for a car), two hours from Eckerö to Grisslehamn. You can get from Mariehamn to Eckerö by the bus line 1 (€4.40). ==Get around== ==See== [[File:Postrodden 2011 1.JPG|thumb|Boats waiting to leave Grisslehamn for [[Eckerö]], Åland, at the yearly ''Postrodden'' competition in memory of the Great Post Route.]] * {{see | name=Pythagoras Industrial Museum | alt= | url=https://pythagorasmuseum.se/in-english/ | email= | address=Verkstadsgatan 6 | lat=59.7556 | long=18.6995 | directions= | phone=+46 176 100-49 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A hot bulb engine factory museum. }} * {{see | name=Skebobruk Museum | alt= | url=http://www.skebobruksmuseum.se/ | email= | address= | lat=59.9682 | long=18.6105 | directions=by road 76, 30 km north from Norrtälje | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Summer season only; mostly F–Su 13:00–16:00 | price=30 kr, children up to 15 free | content= }} * {{Marker|type=see|lat=60.051 | long=18.598|name=Hallstavik}}, a factory town * {{Marker|type=see|lat=59.744 | long=18.362|name=Rimbo}} * {{Marker|type=see|lat=60.013 | long=18.833|name=Väddö}}, an island in the Baltic Sea with '''Grisslehamn''' * {{listing | type=see | name=Albert Engström-museet | alt= | url=http://www.albertengstrom.se/museet.html | email= | address=Albert Engströms Väg 11, Grisslehamn | lat=60.096292 | long=18.814206 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-10-06 | content=A museum for Swedish satirist and illustrator Albert Engström. }} * {{see | name=Batteri Arholma | url=https://arholmanord.se/batteri/ | wikidata=Q3772710 | content=A coastal fortress built for the Cold War. Decommissioned in the early 2000s and converted to a museum. }} * {{see | name=Storholmen | alt= | url=http://www.storholmen.org/en/the-viking-village-of-storholmen/ | email= | address= | lat=59.832017 | long=18.649877 | directions=north of [[Norrtälje]] | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q117319650 | content=A reconstructed Viking village situated on the shore of lake ''Erken''. A small nature reserve of ''Norr Malma'' to the south, including a large graveyard from the Iron Age. The whole region – known as ''[http://www.roslagen.se/en/visitroslagen/ Roslagen]'' – is steeped in history. In the Viking Age there was important trade with the East. There is a nice 18th-century inn and restaurant nearby and a child-friendly lakeside beach. }} ==Do== Norrtälje has deep forests and secluded beaches within comfortable distance from Stockholm and Uppsala, and is a great destination for [[outdoor life]], such as [[fishing]] and [[Hiking in the Nordic countries|hiking]]. Cruise the {{Marker|type=do|lat=60.009 | long=18.791|name=Väddö canal}}, from near Grisslehamn to near Kapellskär. ==Buy== ==Eat== ===Budget=== * {{listing | counter=n | name = Vickningen i Norrtälje | type = eat | wikidata = Q134139160 | content = Hamburger joint }} ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=Parken Bar | address=Societetsparken | lat=59.7569449 | long=18.7126187 | content=An outdoor restaurant open from June to August. }} * {{eat | name=s/s Norrtelje | alt= | url=https://ssnorrtelje.se/ | email=info@ssnorrtelje.se | address=Hamnpromenaden 2 | lat=59.757866 | long=18.708589 | directions=in the opposite of Societetsparken | phone=+46 176 191 40 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-01 | content=Greek restaurant operating on an old steamship. }} ===Splurge=== ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{listing | counter=n | name = Väddö Sandvikens Camping | type = sleep | wikidata = Q134139198 | content = }} ===Budget=== ===Mid-range=== ===Splurge=== {{sleep | name=Rånäs slott | url=http://www.ranasslott.se/|lat=59.7930 | long=18.2980 | content=An estate with history back to the 14 century. The palace was built in the 1840s. }} ==Connect== ==Stay safe== ==Cope== ==Go next== * [[Åland]] {{routebox | image1=Tabliczka E18.svg | imagesize1=40 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Oslo]] | minorl1=[[Stockholm]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Turku]] | minorr1=[[Image:Ferry.png|18px]] → [[Naantali]] | link1=E18 }} {{IsPartOf|Stockholm County}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|59.77|18.7}} oxopc6g0eb190qvh8z1j5afodmwtuu4 5086644 5086638 2025-07-02T14:13:23Z Bluecoordinationfine 2327039 Removed counters, added more listings. 5086644 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Furusundsleden banner.jpg}} [[File:DKoehl Tullportsgatan Norrtalje 2015.JPG|thumb|Tullportsgatan in Norrtälje, 2015]] '''Norrtälje''', archaic spelling ''Norrtelje'', is a town in northern [[Stockholm County]], and the gateway to the northern parts of [[Stockholm archipelago]]. The ports of '''Kapellskär''' and '''Grisslehamn''' have international ferry connections. Norrtälje municipality, ''Norrtälje kommun'', makes up much of the traditional ''[[Roslagen]]'' region, together with [[Öregrund]] and [[Tierp]] in [[Uppsala County]]. The municipality has 57,000 permanent residents, and tens of thousands of summer guests. The islands south of Norrtälje, such as '''Blidö''' and '''Furusund''', are seen as part of [[Stockholm archipelago]]. ==Settlements and islands== * '''Norrtälje''' itself is a town of 17,000 citizens. * '''Rimbo''' is a suburban inland town. * '''Hallstavik''' is an industrial town, dominated by a paper mill. * '''Grisslehamn''' is a seaside village, with the ferry to [[Eckerö]], [[Åland]]. * '''Arholma''' is an island known for its coastal fortresses. ==Understand== {{Mapframe|59.9|18.7|zoom=9}} {{mapshape|type=geomask|wikidata=Q214048}} ==Get in== [[File:KAPELLSKAER.JPG|thumb|Kapellskär.]] ===By plane=== ===By train=== ===By car=== The [[E18]] from Stockholm or by ferry (see below) from Finland or Estonia. ===By bus=== {{seealso|Public transport in Stockholm County}} Norrtälje is served by '''[http://www.sl.se SL]''', the public transportation carrier of [[Stockholm County]]. See that article for details about ticketing. From [[Stockholm]] by bus 676 from Tekniska Högskolan (served by the Stockholm Metro) and from [[Uppsala]] central station bus 677 connect to Norrtälje's bus station. Line 631 and 631X connect the centre and the port of Kapellskär, line 637 the centre and Grisslehamn. Note that tickets for the buses must be bought before boarding. Travel time from Stockholm centre to Kapellskär (including transfer) is 1h 45min. ===By boat=== Finland and Estonia are one time zone ahead of Sweden. The {{marker|type=go |name=Port of Kapellskär |wikidata=Q1975317}} in the east is served by frequent [[Baltic Sea ferries|ferry]] services. * [[Mariehamn]], [[Åland]], with three services a day by [http://www.sales.vikingline.com Viking Line], * [[Naantali]], mainland [[Finland]] (some via Långnäs, Åland), by [http://www.finnlines.com Finnlines], and * [[Paldiski]], [[Estonia]] by [http://www.dfdsseaways.ee DFDS Seaways]. The Paldiski line does not accept pedestrians; an accompanying vehicle is necessary to board. The Naantali one does not accepts pedestrians from Åland in the summer season. Also the port in {{marker|type=go |name=Grisslehamn |wikidata=Q1547090}} in the north has a connection from Åland. * [[Eckerö]], Åland, by [http://www.eckerolinjen.fi/en Eckerölinjen]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}, two to three times daily (€5 for an adult, €10 for a car), two hours from Eckerö to Grisslehamn. You can get from Mariehamn to Eckerö by the bus line 1 (€4.40). ==Get around== ==See== [[File:Postrodden 2011 1.JPG|thumb|Boats waiting to leave Grisslehamn for [[Eckerö]], Åland, at the yearly ''Postrodden'' competition in memory of the Great Post Route.]] * {{see | name=Pythagoras Industrial Museum | alt= | url=https://pythagorasmuseum.se/in-english/ | email= | address=Verkstadsgatan 6 | lat=59.7556 | long=18.6995 | directions= | phone=+46 176 100-49 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A hot bulb engine factory museum. }} * {{see | name=Skebobruk Museum | alt= | url=http://www.skebobruksmuseum.se/ | email= | address= | lat=59.9682 | long=18.6105 | directions=by road 76, 30 km north from Norrtälje | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Summer season only; mostly F–Su 13:00–16:00 | price=30 kr, children up to 15 free | content= }} * {{Marker|type=see|lat=60.051 | long=18.598|name=Hallstavik}}, a factory town * {{Marker|type=see|lat=59.744 | long=18.362|name=Rimbo}} * {{Marker|type=see|lat=60.013 | long=18.833|name=Väddö}}, an island in the Baltic Sea with '''Grisslehamn''' * {{listing | type=see | name=Albert Engström-museet | alt= | url=http://www.albertengstrom.se/museet.html | email= | address=Albert Engströms Väg 11, Grisslehamn | lat=60.096292 | long=18.814206 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-10-06 | content=A museum for Swedish satirist and illustrator Albert Engström. }} * {{see | name=Batteri Arholma | url=https://arholmanord.se/batteri/ | wikidata=Q3772710 | content=A coastal fortress built for the Cold War. Decommissioned in the early 2000s and converted to a museum. }} * {{see | name=Storholmen | alt= | url=http://www.storholmen.org/en/the-viking-village-of-storholmen/ | email= | address= | lat=59.832017 | long=18.649877 | directions=north of [[Norrtälje]] | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q117319650 | content=A reconstructed Viking village situated on the shore of lake ''Erken''. A small nature reserve of ''Norr Malma'' to the south, including a large graveyard from the Iron Age. The whole region – known as ''[http://www.roslagen.se/en/visitroslagen/ Roslagen]'' – is steeped in history. In the Viking Age there was important trade with the East. There is a nice 18th-century inn and restaurant nearby and a child-friendly lakeside beach. }} ==Do== Norrtälje has deep forests and secluded beaches within comfortable distance from Stockholm and Uppsala, and is a great destination for [[outdoor life]], such as [[fishing]] and [[Hiking in the Nordic countries|hiking]]. Cruise the {{Marker|type=do|lat=60.009 | long=18.791|name=Väddö canal}}, from near Grisslehamn to near Kapellskär. ==Buy== ==Eat== ===Budget=== * {{listing | name = Vickningen i Norrtälje | type = eat | wikidata = Q134139160 | content = Hamburger joint }} ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=Parken Bar | address=Societetsparken | lat=59.7569449 | long=18.7126187 | content=An outdoor restaurant open from June to August. }} * {{eat | name=s/s Norrtelje | alt= | url=https://ssnorrtelje.se/ | email=info@ssnorrtelje.se | address=Hamnpromenaden 2 | lat=59.757866 | long=18.708589 | directions=in the opposite of Societetsparken | phone=+46 176 191 40 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-01 | content=Greek restaurant operating on an old steamship. }} ===Splurge=== ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{listing | name = Väddö Sandvikens Camping | type = sleep | wikidata = Q134139198 | content = }} * {{listing | name = Vårlyckans Hostel | type = sleep | wikidata = Q134131415 | content = }} * {{listing | name = Lillstugan i Råbacken | type = sleep | wikidata = Q134131841 | content = }} ===Budget=== ===Mid-range=== ===Splurge=== {{sleep | name=Rånäs slott | url=http://www.ranasslott.se/|lat=59.7930 | long=18.2980 | content=An estate with history back to the 14 century. The palace was built in the 1840s. }} ==Connect== ==Stay safe== ==Cope== ==Go next== * [[Åland]] {{routebox | image1=Tabliczka E18.svg | imagesize1=40 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Oslo]] | minorl1=[[Stockholm]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Turku]] | minorr1=[[Image:Ferry.png|18px]] → [[Naantali]] | link1=E18 }} {{IsPartOf|Stockholm County}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|59.77|18.7}} 7u2u2jtyrjepat1bcfddupo1ke7qjp7 0 24973 5086850 5086464 2025-07-02T23:43:29Z Ground Zero 1423298 /* Get in */ 5086850 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Italy Wikivoyage banner.png|caption=Lake Garda - view from Quartiere Europa}} '''Northeast Italy''' is both one of the most affluent and visited areas of [[Italy]]. It includes tourist favourites such as the historic cities of [[Venice]], [[Verona]] and [[Bologna]], as well as the Alpine mountain range of [[Dolomites]], a favourite with skiers in the winter, while in the winter holidaymakers flock to the beaches of [[Veneto]] and [[Rimini]]. The Northeast also borders the independent city state of [[San Marino]]. The fertile valleys of the rivers Adige and Po and extensive coastline provided favourable conditions for human settlements since ancient times, while the combination of water and mountains made them easily defensible. Thus, over centuries, affluence and cultural heritage accumulated, with the influence of the areas cultural, economic and religious centres extending far beyond Italy. Easy to visit thanks to numerous well-connected airports, high-speed and local railway network as well as criss-crossed by ''autostradas'', the Northeast promises diverse sights and experiences within mere hours, but is far from budget-friendly given the high average income of its inhabitants and popularity among international travellers driving prices of accommodation, gastronomy and tourist attractions upwards. ==Regions== {{mapframe|staticmap=Northeast Italy WV map PNG.png}} {{Regionlist |region1name = [[Emilia-Romagna]] |region1color={{StdColor|t7}} |region1items= |region1description=has miles and miles of sandy beaches on the Adriatic coast |region2name = [[Friuli-Venezia Giulia]] |region2color={{StdColor|t11}} |region2items= |region2description= |region3name = [[Trentino-Alto Adige]] |region3color={{StdColor|t8}} |region3items= |region3description= |region4name = [[Veneto]] |region4color={{StdColor|t4}} |region4items= |region4description= }} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill={{StdColor|t7}}|title=[[Emilia-Romagna]]|wikidata=Q1263}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill={{StdColor|t11}}|title=[[Friuli-Venezia Giulia]]|wikidata=Q1250}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill={{StdColor|t8}}|title=[[Trentino-Alto Adige]]|wikidata=Q1237}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill={{StdColor|t4}}|title=[[Veneto]]|wikidata=Q1243}} ==Cities== * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Bologna]]|wikidata=Q1891}} – a magnificent old city with a rich architectural and cultural heritage * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Ferrara]]|wikidata=Q13362}} – a beautiful city, embellished by the Este dynasty, yet it escapes the tourist hordes * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Ravenna]]|wikidata=Q13364}} – once a capital of Byzantium, it has rich mosaics * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Padova]]|wikidata=Q617}} – the ancient and learned city attracts millions of pilgrims every year * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Rimini]]|wikidata=Q13369}} – a resort town popular with Italians and Russians * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Trento]]|wikidata=Q3376}} – its illustrious history is shown in its spectacular architecture * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Trieste]]|wikidata=Q546}} – its elegant urban planning, its embrace with the sea and the mountains behind it make it a destination of great charm for its artistic and natural beauty * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Verona]]|wikidata=Q2028}} – world-famous thanks to Romeo and Juliet; it is worth seeing the old town for its large Roman arena * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Venice]]|wikidata=Q641}} – a canal city which was once a mighty merchant republic and the cradle of Renaissance Italy * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Vicenza]]|wikidata=Q6537}} – famous for the many villas by Palladio in its surrounding hills * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Bolzano]]|wikidata=Q6537|lat=46.498295|long=11.354758}} – this bilingual (German and Italian) city is famous for its archaeology museum, Christmas market, and the mountaineering museum ==Other destinations== * {{marker|name=[[Lake Garda]]|wikidata=Q6414}} – a popular tourist destination that exudes a Mediterranean flair * {{marker|name=[[Riviera Adriatica]]|wikidata=Q16268}} – seaside resorts that extend along 30 km of coastline along the Adriatic Sea * {{marker|name=[[Seiser Alm]]|wikidata=Q1261451}} – the largest alpine plateau in Europe is a great place to take long walks and bike rides in the summer and to go skiing and snowboarding in winter ==Understand== ==Get in== ===By car=== These motorways provide access to the region: * A4 Turin-Trieste * A1 Milan-Naples * A23 Austria-Palmanova ===By plane=== * Treviso Airport * Friuli-Venezia Giulia Airport * Venice Marco Polo Airport * Bologna Borgo Panigale Airport * Parma Airport ==Get around== ==See== ==Do== ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Stay safe== ==Go next== {{IsPartOf|Italy}} {{outlineregion}} {{geo|45.7|12|zoom=8}} n6ajc37q6kedm01bwdp73qhyrxbmnpy 5086927 5086850 2025-07-03T03:43:03Z Ikan Kekek 36420 /* Cities */ Edited per [[Wikivoyage:Naming conventions]]. 5086927 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Italy Wikivoyage banner.png|caption=Lake Garda - view from Quartiere Europa}} '''Northeast Italy''' is both one of the most affluent and visited areas of [[Italy]]. It includes tourist favourites such as the historic cities of [[Venice]], [[Verona]] and [[Bologna]], as well as the Alpine mountain range of [[Dolomites]], a favourite with skiers in the winter, while in the winter holidaymakers flock to the beaches of [[Veneto]] and [[Rimini]]. The Northeast also borders the independent city state of [[San Marino]]. The fertile valleys of the rivers Adige and Po and extensive coastline provided favourable conditions for human settlements since ancient times, while the combination of water and mountains made them easily defensible. Thus, over centuries, affluence and cultural heritage accumulated, with the influence of the areas cultural, economic and religious centres extending far beyond Italy. Easy to visit thanks to numerous well-connected airports, high-speed and local railway network as well as criss-crossed by ''autostradas'', the Northeast promises diverse sights and experiences within mere hours, but is far from budget-friendly given the high average income of its inhabitants and popularity among international travellers driving prices of accommodation, gastronomy and tourist attractions upwards. ==Regions== {{mapframe|staticmap=Northeast Italy WV map PNG.png}} {{Regionlist |region1name = [[Emilia-Romagna]] |region1color={{StdColor|t7}} |region1items= |region1description=has miles and miles of sandy beaches on the Adriatic coast |region2name = [[Friuli-Venezia Giulia]] |region2color={{StdColor|t11}} |region2items= |region2description= |region3name = [[Trentino-Alto Adige]] |region3color={{StdColor|t8}} |region3items= |region3description= |region4name = [[Veneto]] |region4color={{StdColor|t4}} |region4items= |region4description= }} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill={{StdColor|t7}}|title=[[Emilia-Romagna]]|wikidata=Q1263}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill={{StdColor|t11}}|title=[[Friuli-Venezia Giulia]]|wikidata=Q1250}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill={{StdColor|t8}}|title=[[Trentino-Alto Adige]]|wikidata=Q1237}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill={{StdColor|t4}}|title=[[Veneto]]|wikidata=Q1243}} ==Cities== * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Bologna]]|wikidata=Q1891}} – a magnificent old city with a rich architectural and cultural heritage * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Ferrara]]|wikidata=Q13362}} – a beautiful city, embellished by the Este dynasty, yet it escapes the tourist hordes * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Ravenna]]|wikidata=Q13364}} – once a capital of Byzantium, it has rich mosaics * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Padua]]|wikidata=Q617}} – the ancient and learned city attracts millions of pilgrims every year * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Rimini]]|wikidata=Q13369}} – a resort town popular with Italians and Russians * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Trento]]|wikidata=Q3376}} – its illustrious history is shown in its spectacular architecture * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Trieste]]|wikidata=Q546}} – its elegant urban planning, its embrace with the sea and the mountains behind it make it a destination of great charm for its artistic and natural beauty * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Verona]]|wikidata=Q2028}} – world-famous thanks to Romeo and Juliet; it is worth seeing the old town for its large Roman arena * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Venice]]|wikidata=Q641}} – a canal city which was once a mighty merchant republic and the cradle of Renaissance Italy * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Vicenza]]|wikidata=Q6537}} – famous for the many villas by Palladio in its surrounding hills * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Bolzano]]|wikidata=Q6537|lat=46.498295|long=11.354758}} – this bilingual (German and Italian) city is famous for its archaeology museum, Christmas market, and the mountaineering museum ==Other destinations== * {{marker|name=[[Lake Garda]]|wikidata=Q6414}} – a popular tourist destination that exudes a Mediterranean flair * {{marker|name=[[Riviera Adriatica]]|wikidata=Q16268}} – seaside resorts that extend along 30 km of coastline along the Adriatic Sea * {{marker|name=[[Seiser Alm]]|wikidata=Q1261451}} – the largest alpine plateau in Europe is a great place to take long walks and bike rides in the summer and to go skiing and snowboarding in winter ==Understand== ==Get in== ===By car=== These motorways provide access to the region: * A4 Turin-Trieste * A1 Milan-Naples * A23 Austria-Palmanova ===By plane=== * Treviso Airport * Friuli-Venezia Giulia Airport * Venice Marco Polo Airport * Bologna Borgo Panigale Airport * Parma Airport ==Get around== ==See== ==Do== ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Stay safe== ==Go next== {{IsPartOf|Italy}} {{outlineregion}} {{geo|45.7|12|zoom=8}} djkvh1jsgqhub3ru7b15mcyqgoa3mp8 0 25009 5086894 5083526 2025-07-03T02:51:35Z Veracious 1298114 5086894 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Lamanai banner (Jaguar Temple).jpg}} '''[http://www.northernbelize.com/ Northern Belize]''' is a region consisting of Belize's administrative districts of Orange Walk and Corozal. ==Cities== {{mapframe}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Corozal Town]]|wikidata=Q882907}} - capital of its district *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Orange Walk Town]]|wikidata=Q882964}} - capital of its district *{{marker|type=city|name=[[August Pine Ridge]]|wikidata=}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Cerros]]|wikidata=}} - Maya ruins *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Chan Chich]]|wikidata=}} - Maya ruins *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Copper Bank]]|wikidata=}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Cuello]]|wikidata=}} - Maya ruins *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Lamanai]]|wikidata=Q968562}} - Maya ruins *{{marker|type=city|name=[[La Milpa]]|wikidata=}} - Maya ruins *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Progresso]]|wikidata=}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[San Estevan]]|wikidata=}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[San Pablo (Belize)|San Pablo]]|wikidata=}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Santa Elena (Belize)|Santa Elena]]|wikidata=}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Santa Rita]]|wikidata=}} - Maya ruins ==Other destinations== *{{marker|name=Rio Bravo|wikipedia=Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area|lat=17.68914585267677|long=-88.80719254170285}} - wildlife reserve *{{marker|name=Shipstern Nature Reserve|lat=18.31773039626383|long=-88.18325022593194|wikidata=Q14220300}} - wildlife reserve ==Understand== ==Get in== ==Get around== ==See== ==Do== ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Stay safe== ==Go next== {{outlineregion}} {{IsPartOf|Belize}} {{geo|17.82|-88.67|zoom=9}} c4ksgly2xbvuh5901nvtxfodc9mmyju 0 25339 5087047 5082808 2025-07-03T09:36:39Z Libreravi 2268604 /* Stay healthy */ Fix a few spelling mistakes 5087047 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Raftsundet (Lofoten) banner Panorama.jpg|Norway|caption=Raftsundet, Lofoten}} '''Norway''' ([[Norwegian phrasebook|Norwegian]]: ''Norge'' or ''Noreg'') is a land of great fjords, great valleys, wide forests and gorgeous lakes. It also hosts lively cities such as [[Oslo]] and [[Bergen]]. Norway is the westernmost, northernmost and, surprisingly, the easternmost of the Scandinavian countries – among the [[Nordic countries]] only Finland stretches slightly further east. See the [[midnight sun]], watch the [[Northern Lights]], live its rich cultural heritage and eye its distinctive architecture, all the while being tucked within some of the most beautiful landscapes on Earth. ==Regions== {{mapframe|staticmap=Norway travel map.png|64.18|21.53|zoom=4}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|title=[[Akershus]]|wikidata=Q50615|fill=#71B37B}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|title=[[Buskerud]]|wikidata=Q50618|fill=#71B37B}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|title=[[Hedmark]]|wikidata=Q50616|fill=#71B37B}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|title=[[Oppland]]|wikidata=Q50617|fill=#71B37B}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|title=[[Oslo]]|wikidata=Q585|fill=#71B37B}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|title=[[Østfold]]|wikidata=Q50614|fill=#71B37B}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|title=[[Telemark]]|wikidata=Q2254|fill=#71B37B}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|title=[[Vestfold]]|wikidata=Q50619|fill=#71B37B}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|title=[[Trøndelag]]|wikidata=Q127676|fill=#D5DC76}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|title=[[Finnmark]]|wikidata=Q50632|fill=#4F93C0}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|title=[[Troms]]|wikidata=Q50631|fill=#4F93C0}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|title=[[Nordland]]|wikidata=Q50630|fill=#4F93C0}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|title=[[Agder]]|wikidata=Q2729021|fill=#D56D76}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|title=[[Møre og Romsdal]]|wikidata=Q50627|fill=#B383B3}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|title=[[Sogn og Fjordane]]|wikidata=Q50626|fill=#B383B3}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|title=[[Hordaland]]|wikidata=Q50625|fill=#B383B3}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|title=[[Rogaland]]|wikidata=Q50624|fill=#B383B3}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|title=[[Svalbard]]|wikidata=Q25231|fill=#B5D29F}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|title=[[Jan Mayen]]|wikidata=Q14056|fill=#D09440}} {{Regionlist | region1name=[[East Norway]] | region1color=#71B37B | region1items=[[Akershus]], [[Buskerud]], [[Hedmark]], [[Oppland]], [[Oslo]], [[Østfold]], [[Telemark]], [[Vestfold]] | region1description=Østlandet, including the low southeast region surrounding the capital [[Oslo]], the most densely populated area in Norway with the majority of people living here | region2name=[[Trøndelag]] (Middle Norway) | region2color=#D5DC76 | region2items= | region2description=Middle Norway, mostly known as Trøndelag, with the ancient city of [[Trondheim]] | region3name=[[Northern Norway]] | region3color=#4F93C0 | region3items=[[Finnmark]], [[Troms]], [[Nordland]] | region3description=Great fjords, the midnight sun and the ancient Sami culture – 50% of Norway's area and 10% of its people | region4name=[[Agder]] (South Norway) | region4color=#D56D76 | region4items= | region4description=Also called Sørlandet or South Norway, with a gentle coastline | region5name=[[Western Norway]] | region5color=#B383B3 | region5items=[[Møre og Romsdal]], [[Sogn og Fjordane]], [[Hordaland]], [[Rogaland]] | region5description=Vestlandet, with the famous fjords and [[Bergen]] | region6name=[[Svalbard]] | region6color=#B5D29F | region6items= | region6description=An archipelago in the Barents Sea north of Norway, famous for its harsh climate, coal mines and satellite installations. Except for northeasternmost European Russia this is the only part of Europe where polar bears live. | region7name=[[Jan Mayen]] | region7color=#D09440 | region7items= | region7description=A desolate, mountainous and volcanic island in the Arctic Ocean, partially covered in glaciers with some moss and grass. Military area, admittance only with special permission. Not accessible during winter months. }} ==Cities== <!-- Please do not change this list without first discussing your proposed change on the talk page. Cities lists are limited by Wikivoyage policy to NINE, capital goes first. --> *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Oslo]]|url=|lat=59.95|long=10.75|wikidata=Q585}} – the capital and largest city of Norway, with museums of national importance, a beautiful setting and lively nightlife and cultural scene. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Bergen]]|url=|lat=60.389444|long=5.33|wikidata=Q26793}} – Once the capital of Norway, old [[Hanseatic League|Hanseatic]] trading centre with a rich culture and dramatic scenery, Norway's second largest city. Wonderfully cute wooden buildings, a magnificent mountain setting, varied nightlife and lots of atmosphere. This is your gateway to the western fjords. The city has been dubbed "the rainiest city in Europe" with an average of 250 days of rainfall a year. Bring an umbrella. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Bodø]]|url=|lat=67.28|long=14.4|wikidata=Q39383}} – The gateway to the magnificent [[Lofoten]] islands. And the place of [[Saltstraumen]], the worlds strongest maelstrom. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Drammen]]|url=|lat=59.737778|long=10.205|wikidata=Q26525}} – Once known as industrial and grimy, but refurbishment has made Drammen an enjoyable side trip from Oslo. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Fredrikstad]]|url=|lat=59.205278|long=10.95|wikidata=Q107135}} – A magnificent old town stands out from the rest of the rather nondescript city. Brilliant as a day trip from Oslo. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Kristiansand]]|url=|lat=58.147222|long=7.997222|wikidata=Q2415}} – The jolly capital of the South. Best known for the family attraction Kristiansand zoo and amusement park and as Norway's "cool riviera". *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Stavanger]]|url=|lat=58.963333|long=5.718889|wikidata=Q25416}} – The fourth largest city, and the third largest urban area. Commercially important due to the oil business. The wooden, cobbled central area is one of the most charming places in Norway. Home to one of Norway's medieval cathedrals, you can also visit Iron Age homes and stone age caves. Stavanger is where Erik the Red was born. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Tromsø]]|url=|lat=69.682778|long=18.942778|wikidata=Q26087}} – The largest city in northern Norway. Offers a perfect spot for the Northern Lights or the Midnight Sun and plenty of other excursions while in between enjoying the tranquil mountainous vistas. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Trondheim]]|url=|lat=63.429722|long=10.393333|wikidata=Q25804}} – Famous for its stunning cathedral (Nidarosdomen). Wonderful riverside wharfs, wooden buildings and the best student nightlife in Norway give beautiful, leafy Trondheim its charm. <!-- Please do not change this list without first discussing your proposed change on the talk page. Cities lists are limited by Wikivoyage policy to NINE, capital goes first.--> ==Other destinations== [[File:Atlanterhavsvegen4.jpg|thumb|Atlanterhavsveien with the iconic Storseisundet bridge]] *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Atlanterhavsveien]]|url=|lat=63.0167|long=7.3545|wikidata=Q756561}} – The Atlantic Ocean Road is a spectacular road with bridges along islands and skerries on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Hardangervidda]]|url=|lat=60.05|long=7.416667|wikidata=Q1585051}} – Norway's largest national park on a large highland plateau. *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Jostedalsbreen]]|url=|lat=61.683333|long=6.983333|wikidata=Q654352}} – The largest glacier on the European mainland. *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Jotunheimen]]|url=|lat=61.633333|long=8.3|wikidata=Q588281}} – A majestic landscape and home of Norway's highest mountains. *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Lofoten]]|url=|lat=68.333333|long=14.666667|wikidata=Q186822}} – Experience the midnight sun in this traditional fishing district in the northern province with islands and mountains. *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Nordkapp]]|url=|lat=70.978056|long=25.974722|wikidata=Q4069}} – This cliff is the northernmost point of continental Europe, overlooking the Barents ocean. *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Sognefjorden]]|url=|lat=61.1|long=5.166667|wikidata=Q208495}} – Glaciers, mountains and picturesque settlements are but a few of the sights on the Sognefjord. [[Flåm]] and Nærøyfjorden (also a [[UNESCO World Heritage]] site) are parts of the mighty Sognefjorden system. ==Understand== {{NordicCountries}} {{quickbar|location=LocationNorway.png}} [[File:Oldevatnet (northern part) in Oldedalen, 2011 August.jpg|thumb|[[Olden]] lake is a typical fjord-lake and the turquoise water reveals there is a glacier nearby.]] ===History=== {{seealso|Vikings and the Old Norse|Nordic history}} The petty Viking kingdoms of Norway were unified in 872&nbsp;AD by Harald Fairhair. In the following period, Norwegians settled in many places, such as [[Iceland]], the [[Faroe Islands]] and parts of [[Scotland]] and [[Ireland]], where they founded [[Dublin]] and [[Waterford]]. In the beginning of the 14th century, Norway and [[Sweden]] were unified as the Norwegian king was also elected king of Sweden. At the end of the century, the two countries and [[Denmark]] were unified in the so-called Kalmar Union. Sweden broke out of the union in 1521. Norway remained in union with Denmark until the [[Napoleonic Wars]] of 1814. Because of Denmark being on the losing side of the Napoleonic wars Norway was handed over to Sweden which was part of the winning coalition. Norway declared independence, but Sweden invaded Norway and enforced a personal union, still allowing Norway a great deal of independence. From the mid 1800s almost a million Norwegians emigrated to the U.S., about 30% of the population at the time, a proportion only surpassed by Ireland; the largest concentration of them settled in the [[Midwest]]. In some districts of Norway 40–50% left for the U.S. About 5 million Americans are of Norwegian ancestry. Some emigrants returned to the "old country" and brought money, ideas, and technology from "over there". Particularly in the [[Farsund]]–[[Flekkefjord]] area, the U.S. influence is notable. Ties to the U.S. remain strong, culturally as well as politically. The union with Sweden lasted until 1905, which is considered the beginning of modern Norway. Norway rejected membership in the [[European Union]] when Finland and Sweden joined. During [[World War II in Europe|World War II]], from 1940 until 1945, Norway was occupied by German forces. In the 1960s, oil was found in the North Sea. Oil drilling has brought Norway prosperity, but contrary to many other oil-exporting countries, Norway invests its profits in a very egalitarian and collectivist way creating an affluent, harmonious society taking advantage of excellent infrastructure and pioneering environmentally friendly technologies in everyday lives. Repeatedly ranked as a country with one of the world's highest standards of living, Norway has attracted migrants from many places all over the world, which add to today's colourful and inclusive society. All this does not come cheap, and consumer prices are among the highest in the world. ===Geography=== {{quote|I design coastlines. I got an award for Norway.|author=''The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy'', Douglas Adams}} [[File:Svaberg Mærrapanna (bilde 03).jpg|thumb|Typical polished, coastal cliffs]] Norway occupies the western edge of the large Scandinavian peninsula shared with [[Sweden]] in the north of [[Europe]]. In the north, it also borders [[Finland]] and [[Russia]]. Some 5 million inhabitants share an area about the size of Germany and larger than Britain. Norway is primarily a very long country - driving from the most southern to the most northern cities equals the distance from Hamburg to Malaga (and through much more rugged terrain). Norway's coastline is also one of the longest in the world – if islands and fjords are included the coastline has been calculated as 50,000 to 100,000 km. [[Nordland]] county alone has a longer coastline than the entire United Kingdom when fjords and islands are included. Because of the fjords cutting deep into the bedrock at some points the mainland is only a few kilometres wide and the Swedish border is within walking distance from the Atlantic. Norway is well known for its amazing and varied scenery. The famous '''fjords''' are long narrow inlets of the ocean, flanked on either side by tall mountains where the sea penetrates far inland. Norway's endless coastline also includes countless islands of all sizes - there are more than 200,000 identified islands along Norway's coast (only surpassed by Greece). The many islands and skerries shelter the coast from the rough Atlantic such that [[Hurtigruten]] and other ships can travel long stretches on calm waters. These sheltered (internal) waters (fjords, bays and straits) covers some 100,000km². There are more than 450,000 '''lakes''' throughout Norway well over 100,000 of these are in Finnmark county; even inside the city of [[Oslo]] there are several hundred lakes. Norway is home to the deepest lakes in Europe. Lakes and rivers cover more than 5% of the land. The vast majority of the land (about 95%) is rocky wilderness and forests, and thus Norway has large, completely unpopulated areas, many of which have been protected as national parks. Also outside the national parks, much of the land is largely unspoiled nature – there is in fact no need to visit a national park to experience wilderness and great landscapes. Roads and railways as well as ordinary ferries offer easy access to great panoramas. There are few sandy beaches along Norway's endless shores; shores are typically rocky, steep cliffs or smooth polished slabs of rock. [[File:Mardalsfossen.jpg|thumb|Water in all forms dominates Norway's landscape and economy.]] Norway's highest point is Galdhøpiggen, {{m|2469}} in the [[Jotunheimen]] region midway between [[Oslo]] and [[Trondheim]], but away from the coast. In the far north ([[Finnmark]]), there are relatively flat open spaces. Several of the world's tallest '''waterfalls''' are in Norway, particularly in the western fjords and the mountain region. Most of Norway is one mountain range, the Scandinavian mountains, which includes parts of Sweden. This is the longest mountain range in Europe, longer than the Carpathians and notably longer than the Alps. While there are '''mountains''' all over Norway, some major mountain areas define Norway's main regions. The north-south line of mountain areas (notably [[Hardangervidda]] and [[Jotunheimen]]) are major barriers and separate West Norway from East Norway. Similarly the wide [[Dovrefjell]] separates Middle Norway (Trøndelag) from East Norway. Norway also includes the [[Svalbard]] archipelago far from the mainland, on the edge of the arctic ice shelf. The long rugged coast, fjords, countless lakes, tall waterfalls and pretty rivers means that '''water''' is the one thing that most characterizes Norway. Norway's mainland has more than 2,000 '''glaciers''', which cover almost 1% of the land. [[Jostedalsbreen]] occupies about 500 km² and is the largest glacier in mainland Europe. [[Svalbard]] is covered by 60% glaciers and has the largest glacier in Europe – only matched by [[Vatnajökull]] in Iceland. Glaciers are most common in [[Hardanger]], [[Sogn og Fjordane]]/Jotunheimen, Nordland and [[Lyngen]]. Administratively, Norway is divided into counties that are grouped into regions East, South, West, middle (Trøndelag) and North. The landscape of Norway can also be described by zones that cuts across these administrative divisions. * The "'''fjordland'''", the part of Norway dominated by fjords, runs as a wide belt all along the country, 20 to 200 km wide. This particular landscape is typically a tangle of fjords and peninsulas, valleys and lakes. * '''Island belt''', Further out the mainland is sheltered by a belt of islands and skerries, this belt is often wide and complex for instance around Bergen or the Lofoten archipelago. Such belt of islands allows ships safe journey along major parts of the coast. Just south of Stavanger there are neither fjords nor islands, leaving the long sandy beaches unprotected. * '''Mountain region''': Somewhat inland and partly coinciding with fjords is the high mountain belt running basically South-North through the entire Scandinavian peninsula separating East Norway and West Norway, while further north separating Norway and Sweden. The high mountains vary from wild alpine summits and glaciers towards the Atlantic and more mellow landscapes further east. The mountain landscapes include barren plateaus (''vidde'') such as [[Hardangervidda]] in the south and Finnmarksvidda modest elevation in the north. * '''Big valleys''': East and south of the central mountains is the land of big valleys, which stretch from the lowlands around Oslo to the central mountains. [[Gudbrandsdal]], Hallingdal, Setesdal and Valdres are typical big valleys. In eastern and central Finnmark the fjords instead of high mountains change into a wide plateau at moderate altitude. * '''Central eastern lowland''': Greater Oslo, both shores of the Oslofjord (Vestfold and Østfold counties), and around big lakes Mjøsa and [[Ringerike|Tyrifjorden]] is the most densely populated and most important agricultural area. ===Nature and wildlife=== [[File:NO road sign 146.1.svg|thumb|Common road sign in moose areas of East Norway, Trøndelag and Nordland.]] {{seealso|Eurasian wildlife}} Norway's wild animals are rarely seen during a brief visit. In Norway's wide forests there are several hundred thousand moose (elk, Norwegian ''elg'') and some 40,000 are hunted every year. Most of the European moose are in the Norway, Finland and Sweden. Visitors may spot these large animals along roads at dusk and dawn, occasionally they stroll onto the highway causing traffic hazard. In West Norway there is an equally large number of red deer (Norwegian: ''hjort''). The red deer is somewhat more watchful and careful than the moose, but can in some areas be seen in large numbers grazing meadows in spring and autumn. There is a small group of musk-ox in the [[Dovre]] plateau, originating from Greenland, but naturalized in Norway. This animal does not run away when disturbed, but forms a defence and can attack if approached. In the high plateaus like [[Hardangervidda]] and [[Rondane]] there are large reindeer flocks and smaller groups of young males roaming on their own. Wild reindeer are only occasionally seen from roads, usually several days of hiking is needed to spot this high mountain animal. In Northern Norway, the reindeer are semi-domesticated and privately owned; they are often seen along roads and close to settlements. There is a moderate number of Eurasian wolf, brown bear, wolverine and lynx. Some 60 to 100 wolves live in forests close to the Norwegian-Swedish border. The lynx and the wolverine roam wide areas and can move tens of kilometres per day. Polar bears are not found on the mainland, but roam the Svalbard islands in large numbers. These predators are very watchful and are rarely observed even by locals. Wild animals are generally protected and should not be disturbed. The most intense wildlife is found along Norway's endless coast, notably the several million sea birds, sea animals and fish. The harbour porpoise is common and can occasionally be seen in fjords. Killer whales (orcas) are common and hunt herring along the Norwegian coast particularly in Nordland and Troms. Previously dolphins were rarely seen in Norway, but since about year 2000 dolphins visit the Oslofjord, the Agder coast as well as the west coast. Six different types of seals are found along the coast, the seventh (Walrus) only on Svalbard. There may be more than a million puffins (Norwegian: ''lunde'') at some locations in Western and Northern Norway. The bird cliffs at Runde island is home to several hundred thousand puffins. In Nordland county, there are more than thousand sea eagles (white-tailed eagle), the greatest density of this large bird in Europe. ===People=== [[File:Kongen ankommer (11084701965) (cropped).jpg|thumb|Professor Ole Henrik Magga in traditional decorated Sami ''kofte'' (jacket) welcomes king Harald (in army uniform) to the Sami assembly. The cameraman wears a less decorated jacket.]] Norway is one of Europe's most sparsely populated countries. With a population of only 5 million people and a land area of {{km2|385802}} the population density is only 16 inhabitants per km². Most of the population are Norwegians. The indigenous Sami people traditionally inhabit the northern part of Norway, which along with parts of Sweden, Finland and Russia outlines an area known as ''Sapmi'' or ''Sameland''. Other recognized minorities (which were in Norway before the modern age) are the Kven people, Jews, Forest Finns, and Norwegian Romani Travellers. Net migration to Norway peaked at 49,000 people in 2012, and fell to 18,000 in 2018. '''Lutheranism''' used to be the state religion, and the monarch is still constitutionally required to be a Lutheran. About 80% of Norwegians are nominally Lutheran, though freedom of religion is generally respected, and most Norwegians do not attend church regularly. Norway has become rather liberal in moral issues and thus more similar to southern neighbours like Denmark and the Netherlands. Homosexuality is accepted by most people and in 2008 same-sex marriage was given the same legal status as traditional marriage. For instance, a previous male minister of finance and prominent figure in the conservative party is in partnership with a prominent male business manager. Some regions along the southern and south-western coast, however, are fairly conservative, especially in the more rural areas. Although the crime rate is low, Norwegians like locking things away – in cities you will even see communal washing lines fenced off behind a locked gate so that only tenants have access. ===Economy and politics=== [[File:Dried fish in Svolvær.jpg|thumb|Fisheries and fish farming are key industries in Norway. Fish rack in Lofoten.]] Norway's strong economy builds on the oil and gas industry (primarily in the [[North Sea]], but all along the continental shelf until [[Nordkapp]]), which makes up [http://www.ssb.no/norge_en/sekundaer_en/ more than 20%] of its GDP. A large share of this oil revenue is in turn invested in a sovereign wealth fund to maintain Norway's high standard of living once oil runs out or oil-prices drop. Norway also has several other natural resources such as hydro-electric power, wood, fish and minerals, some manufacturing, and a healthy technology sector. Fish, mostly salmon farmed along the coast, is the second most important export product, after oil and natural gas. Unsalted, dried white fish (''stockfish'') was historically the main export. Politically, it is dominated by a widespread and continued support for the ''Scandinavian model'', which means high taxes and high government spending to support free schools, free healthcare, an efficient welfare system and many other benefits. The unemployment rate in Norway is mostly less than 4 percent. Norwegians rejected membership in the [[European Union|EU]] or its predecessors, in referendums held 1972 and 1994, both times just by a few percentage points. France vetoed Norwegian European Community membership in the 1950s and 1960s. However, being a member state of the European Economic Area and part of the [[Europe#Schengen_Agreement|Schengen agreement]], Norway is closely harmonised with the EU, and integrated as a full member in most economic matters, as well as in customs and immigration matters. This is of great economic importance to Norway. One of the areas where Norway has made deals with the EU that differ significantly from what Norway would be operating under as an EU member is fisheries. As the question of EU membership is a hot button issue across all political camps in Norway, coalitions usually include a "EU membership will not be discussed during the course of this government" clause. As one of the richest countries in the world and with a strong currency, most visitors should expect higher prices than at home, especially for tobacco and alcohol. In addition, Norway has a very compressed wage structure which means that even typically low skilled work is relatively well paid. For the same reason, firms try to keep the number of staff as low as possible, even for low-skilled service staff. ===Climate=== {{See also|Winter in the Nordic countries|Winter driving}} [[File:Temp normal norway.jpg|thumb|Annual mean temperature. <small>Source: The Norwegian Meteorological Institute (met.no)</small>]] [[File:Precipitation normal Norway.jpg|thumb|Annual mean precipitation. <small>Source: The Norwegian Meteorological Institute (met.no)</small>]] Because of the gulf stream, the climate in Norway, especially along the coast, is noticeably warmer than what would otherwise be expected at such a high latitude. Although half the length of Norway is north of the Arctic circle, the climate is not Arctic. Summers can be moderately warm (up to 25–30°C, 75–85°F), even in northern areas, but only for limited periods. The length of the winter and amount of snow varies considerably. In the north there is more snow and winters are dark; on the southern and western coast, winters are moderate and rainy. Further inland (North Norway and East Norway) the temperature can easily fall below -25°C (-15°F). In the interior of [[Finnmark]] -25°C to -35°C is common in January (record low at -50°C (-58°F)). Along the coast of Hordaland and Rogaland temperatures only occasionally and briefly drop below -5°C (20°F), and the climate is not unlike other coastal areas around the North Sea. Some mountain areas have glaciers and permanent snow, but on the mainland there is permafrost (permanently frozen ground) only in some small areas in the high mountains. On Svalbard there is permafrost everywhere. While the coast of West Norway is among the rainiest in Europe, East Norway is largely in the rain shadow and relatively dry. In fact, northern [[Oppland]] is among the driest areas in Europe (comparable to dry areas in Spain and Greece). The interior of North Norway also obtains very little precipitation. Longyearbyen in [[Svalbard]] gets less than 200 mm precipitation per year similar to Almeria in Spain. Norway's hours of daylight, temperature and driving conditions vary greatly throughout the year. Seasonal variations crucially depend on region (distance from ocean) and latitude as well as altitude. The area with midnight sun (north of the arctic circle) also has winter darkness (polar night) when the sun does not rise above the horizon at all. {| class="wikitable" border="1" |+Midsummer and midwinter average temperatures !Where !July !January |- |Oslo || 16.4°C || -4.3°C |- |Lillehammer || 14.7°C || -9.1°C |- |Bergen || 14.3°C || 1.3°C |- |Trondheim || 13.0°C || -3.0°C |- |Tromsø || 11.8°C || -4.4°C |- |Alta || 13.4°C || -8.7°C |- |Kautokeino || 12.4°C || -14.7°C |} Norwegian weather is most pleasant during the summer (May to early September). If you like snow, go to Norway in December to April. Along the coasts and in southern part of [[West Norway]] there is little snow or frost and few opportunities for skiing, even in winter. In the mountains there is snow until May and some mountain passes are closed until the end of May. If you come in the beginning of May some passes can be still closed, but since the snow is melting very quickly, you will get a possibility to enjoy plenty of waterfalls before they disappear. And in this time the number of tourists is very small. Spring in Norway is quite intense due to the abundance of water (melting snow) in conjunction with plenty of sunlight and quickly rising temperatures (typically in May). Complete [http://www.yr.no/ forecasts and statistics]. [[Image:Northern lights in Tromsoe.jpg|thumb|Northern lights (aurora borealis) in Tromsø.]] ===Daylight=== Daylight varies greatly during the year. In Oslo, the sun sets at around 15:30 in December. North of the Arctic Circle one can experience the midnight sun and polar night (winter darkness). However, even at Oslo's latitude, summer nights exist only in the form of prolonged twilight during June and July, these gentle "white nights" can also be a nice and unusual experience for visitors. The polar (or northern) light (aurora borealis) occurs in the darker months, frequently at high latitudes (Northern Norway) but occasionally also further South. While winter has little daylight, winter is also a season of lights: The aurora and the moon over white snow is an experience, and Norwegians use plenty of electric light around their houses. Kirkenes is more than 30° East compared to Bergen at 5° East and Oslo at about 10° East. This means that in East Finnmark the sun is more than 1 hour ahead of the sun in Oslo. All of Norway uses [[time zones|Central European Time]] while Finland uses Eastern European Time and Russia across the border from Kirkenes uses Moscow time. In the easternmost corner of Finnmark three time zones meet. {| class="wikitable sortable" border="1" |+Polarnight (winter darkness) and midnight sun by city |- ! City ! Start darkness ! End darkness ! Midnight sun ! End midnight sun |- |Bodø |none |(no winter darkness) |June 4 |July 8 |- |Tromsø |November 27 |January 15 |May 20 |July 22 |- |Svolvær |December 7 |January 5 |May 28 |July 14 |- |Alta |November 25 |January 17 |May 19 |July 24 |- |Nordkapp |November 20 |January 22 |May 14 |July 29 |- |Longyearbyen |October 26 |February 16 |April 20 |August 22 |} Because of very long twilight at northern latitudes, there is usable daylight 1-2 hours after sunset. In summer this means that for instance in Trondheim midsummer nights are not dark at all. {| class="wikitable" border="1" |+Sun rise and sun set by city (midsummer and midwinter) !City !Sun rise June 21 !Sun set June 21 !Sun rise December !Sun set December |- |Kristiansand |4:25 |22:35 |9:15 |15:40 |- |Oslo |3:55 |22:45 |9:20 |15:10 |- |Bergen |4:10 |23:10 |9:45 |15:30 |- |Trondheim |3:00 |23:40 |10:00 |14:30 |- |Tromsø |midnight sun |midnight sun |polar night |polar night |} ===Holidays=== [[File:17. mai 047.jpg|thumb|May 17th is constitution day has been celebrated with non-military parades since the 19th century. This is the only celebration held in the streets throughout Norway. Children are at the centre.]] The major holidays are Easter, Christmas (24 December, 25 December and 26 December are all considered holidays), and the "common vacation" throughout July. In May there are several holidays including constitution day (17 May) – the main national celebration and an attraction in itself. Public holidays (schools and offices closed): * January 1 — New Year's Day * Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday, "Skjærtorsdag") * Good Friday ("Langfredag") * Easter Sunday ("påskedag") * Second day of Easter (Monday) ("andre påskedag") * May 1 – Labour day * May 17 – Constitution Day ("syttende mai"/"syttande mai" – "grunnlovsdag"), considered as the National Day * Ascension Thursday ("Kristi himmelfart") * Pentecost (Whit Sunday, "pinsedag") * Pentecost 2ed (Whit Monday, "andre pinsedag") * December 24 — Christmas Eve ("juleaften") * December 25 – Christmas Day ("første juledag") * December 26 – Boxing Day ("andre juledag") Many Norwegian holidays are celebrated on the day before (Holy Saturday, Christmas Eve etc.). On Christmas Eve ("julekveld", "julaften"), New Year's Eve ("nyttårsaften"), Holy Saturday ("påskeaften") and Saturday before Pentecost ("pinseaften") shops close early. Christmas is the most quiet holiday as Norwegians traditionally stay at home with family and most services are closed from noon 24th until 27th. Norwegians often travel across the country to their family or "homeplace" for Christmas. Schools are closed from December 23 until January, and many Norwegians are on vacation at this time. Easter is the outdoor holiday even if Good Friday and Easter Sunday are regarded as among the holiest days on the Christian calendar. Many Norwegians are on vacation from Palm Sunday to second day of Easter and cities are quite at this time. Pentecost is the third among the holy days but are strictly observed by few Norwegians. Norwegians also celebrate midsummer at St. John's day on 24 June by making a bonfire late evening the day before – "St.John's Eve" ("St.Hansaften" or "Jonsokaften"), even if this has catholic origins. Norwegians traditionally do not celebrate Halloween ("Allehelgensaften"), but since about 2010 some have copied the American tradition. Labour day (May 1) is a day off for most people and in most towns there are some parades and political manifestations. May 17th is a major public celebration, basically the only such in Norway. May 17 is a friendly celebration with school children and high school graduates at the centre, and no army parade as in some other countries. Restaurants and bars are usually packed. Visitors should not plan transport on May 17. Flags will also fly on May 8 (Liberation day) and June 7 (Independence day), but these are not days off and there are no public celebrations (heros are instead honored on May 17). New year's day is a day off and flags fly from public buildings. ===Tourism information === * {{listing | name=Visit Norway | alt= | url=https://www.visitnorway.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-01-31 | content= }} ===Read=== * W. Matthieu Williams: ''Through Norway With a Knapsack'' (1859) * Mary Wollstonecraft: ''Letters written during a short residence in Sweden, Norway and Denmark'' (1796) * Thomas Malthus: ''Travel journal from Norway'' (1799) * Samuel Beckett: ''The fjords and folk of Norway'' (1915) * W.C. Slingsby: ''Norway: the Northern Playground'' (1904) * Dhiravat na Pombejra: ''A Month in Norway: King Chulalongkorn's travels July–August 1907''. * Robert Everest: A journey through Norway, Lapland, and part of Sweden: with some remarks on the geology of the country, its climate and scenery. (1829) * Lees, James A. and Clutterbuck, Walter J: ''Three in Norway'' (by two of them) (1912) ==Talk== {{seealso|Norwegian phrasebook}} [[File:InfoSigns-Espevaer.jpg|thumb|A local sign in Norwegian: bank=bank, kabelferge=cable ferry, butikk=shop (from French ''boutique''), skule=school, kafe=cafe.]] There is no standard spoken '''[[Norwegian phrasebook|Norwegian]]''' (''norsk'') – a wide range of dialects is used even in public broadcasting. Differences among dialects are much more than accents and slight differences in pronunciation. Some dialects are almost like different languages and these differences have 1000 year old roots. In the middle ages, Norse (old Norwegian) was spoken in Norway, Iceland and parts of the British isles. In Iceland, the old Norse is largely retained, while Norwegian has changed substantially, heavily influenced by Danish and Low German. Foreign visitors may note the marked difference in melody: In western Norway pitch is high to low, whereas in eastern Norway pitch is low to high. Unlike most European languages, Norwegian is a pitch-accent language and to foreigners may appear as "singing" and the "melody" differs by dialect. There are even two standard ways of writing Norwegian, ''Bokmål'' and ''Nynorsk''. Norwegians learn both at school. Bokmål is by far the more common form in most of the country, though Nynorsk is prevalent in Western Norway. The two varieties are very close and mostly mutually intelligible with the two other Scandinavian languages, [[Danish phrasebook|Danish]] and [[Swedish phrasebook|Swedish]]. Written Norwegian is very similar to Danish, but pronunciation is quite different and speakers may have difficulty understanding each other. Spoken Norwegian and Swedish sound more similar, but the vocabulary differs notably. Norwegians usually understand spoken Swedish and written Danish well. While Norwegian and English have a lot in common (such as basic, everyday words and syntax), in Norwegian words, nouns in particular, are compounded at will to create new words. In written Norwegian not even the hyphen is used. This system can just like in German produce very long nouns, or long names of places. New such words are created constantly and may never be included in a dictionary because they are too local or quickly disused. Many of the younger retail and hospitality workers in Norway are Swedish, and make themselves understood in Swedish with a few Norwegian words added. This is similar to the ''[[Nordic countries#Talk|Skandinavisk]]'' spoken by many at Nordic meetings, as they try to avoid idiosyncrasies of their own language and to use words that are similar across the languages. [[Saami phrasebook|Sami]] is a group of minority languages that has official status in some northern regions, completely different from Norwegian. Road signs and other public information there is provided in both Norwegian and Sami. Norwegian and Sami place names may differ – maps will typically use the Norwegian name. Sami is quite closely related to the [[Finnish]] language (not enough for comprehension, though), thus totally unrelated to Indo-European languages such as Norwegian or English (but there are quite a few loanwords). Almost all Norwegians speak '''English''' and you should have no trouble getting around in English; 91% of the population can speak English, with most younger people having near native fluency, making Norway one of the most English proficient countries where English is not an official language. Many people learn [[French]], [[German]] and/or [[Spanish]] as well. As a Germanic language, Norwegian is also related to German and English. Many basic English words are similar to Norwegian, such as "brød" (bread), "dør" (door), "hus" (house) or "hund" (hound). In fact there is a large number of originally Norwegian (or Danish) words in English (as Vikings settled in and ruled big parts of the British Isles; cf the Danelaw). Words like "they", "husband", "knife", "steak", "sky" and "window" are of Norwegian origin. Norwegian and English syntax is also similar. Foreign films and television programmes are generally shown in their original language with subtitles. Only children's programmes are dubbed into Norwegian. ==Get in== ===Entry requirements=== {{infobox|Minimum validity of travel documents| * Those who are visa-exempt (e.g. New Zealanders and Australians), need only produce a passport which is valid for the entirety of their stay in Norway. For EU, EEA and Swiss citizens, a valid ID card is enough. * Those who are required to have a visa (e.g. South Africans), however, must have a passport which has '''at least 3 months' validity''' beyond their period of stay in Norway in order for a Schengen visa to be granted. }} {{Schengen}} * Still there is an identity check before boarding flights or boats into Norway. {{cautionbox|From 29 May 2024, Norway does not allow Russian citizens to enter Norway for tourism. The border can be crossed with a tourist visa if the reason for the journey is among accepted ones, such as visiting close family members resident in Norway. |lastedit=2024-05-23 }} [[Russia|Russians]] who live within 30km from the border may enter Norway visa-free for up to 15 days, provided they have been resident in the border area for at least 3 years, and do not travel more than 30 km from the border. A border certificate, which is valid for multiple entries, must be obtained from the Norwegian consulate in [[Murmansk]] in advance. [[Nordic countries|Nordic citizens]] may enter Norway without a visa and stay indefinitely, with no regard to their reason to stay. They also don't need work permits. Citizens of Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro*, New Zealand, Nicaragua, North Macedonia*, Panama, Paraguay, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, United States, Uruguay, Vatican City, Venezuela, as well as holders of Hong Kong SAR or Macau SAR passports are permitted to work in Norway without the need to obtain a visa or any further authorisation for the period of their 90 day visa-free stay. However, this ability to work visa-free does not necessarily extend to other Schengen countries. Norway is ''not a member of the European Union''. This means that you, especially if arriving by plane, regardless of point of origin, may be subject to customs controls at the port of entry. Information on duty-free allowances and regulations can be found on the [https://www.toll.no/en/travelling-to-and-from-norway/travel-to-norway/ Norwegian Customs website]. Generally, this will also mean that when connecting from an international Schengen flight to a domestic one, you will need to collect your baggage, go through customs, send it to baggage drop, and go through security again. Only if you purchased a through ticket (i.e. both flights are on the same ticket and depart the same day), you are connecting through Oslo Airport Gardermoen, and both flights are operated by SAS or Norwegian Air Shuttle, the baggage is directly transferred between the flights. While Svalbard has no border controls, most regular flights depart from Norway, so foreign visitors need to clear Norwegian immigration control (and thus need to possess a visa if required for their nationality). Immigration control is done by the regular police, but on the border with Russia the police is supported by an army battalion. ===By plane=== ====Oslo==== {{moreinfo|facilities at and around Oslo Airport, Gardermoen|Oslo Airport, Gardermoen}} '''[https://avinor.no/en/airport/oslo-airport/ Oslo Airport, Gardermoen]''' ({{IATA|OSL}}) is the biggest airport in Norway and the main international hub, at Gardermoen {{km|60}} north of [[Oslo]]. The airport is served by many major international and most domestic airlines. It is a secondary hub for flag carrier '''[http://www.flysas.com SAS Scandinavian Airlines]'''. [[File:Oslo Airport terminal night view.jpg|thumb|Oslo Gardermoen Airport at dusk]] The airport has scheduled flights from around 100 '''destinations abroad''' and 24 '''domestic destinations''' in Norway. '''From the United Kingdom''' there are direct services to Oslo Gardermoen from: *Aberdeen (Scandinavian Airlines) *Edinburgh (Norwegian Air Shuttle) *[[London Heathrow]] (Scandinavian Airlines and British Airways) *[[London Gatwick]] (Norwegian Air Shuttle) *[[London-Luton|London Luton]] (Wizz Air) *[[London Stansted]] (Ryanair) *[[Manchester Airport]] (Scandinavian Airlines and Norwegian Air Shuttle) '''From Ireland''': *Dublin (Scandinavian Airlines, Norwegian Air Shuttle) '''From the United States''': * [[Miami International Airport|Miami]], FL (Scandinavian Airlines) * [[Newark Liberty Airport]], NJ (Scandinavian Airlines) '''From Australia and New Zealand''', the quickest connection is via Bangkok, Doha or Dubai. Both Qatar Airways and Emirates fly daily from Doha and Dubai respectively, with connections from several destinations in Asia and Oceania. ====Sandefjord==== '''[http://www.torp.no/?GUID={NI6TH8NaFEzjFhvCqBuzTFC}&lang=en/ Sandefjord Airport, Torp]''' ({{IATA|TRF}}) is located just north of [[Sandefjord]], 115&nbsp;km to the south of Oslo. Sandefjord Airport Torp has scheduled flights to various destinations in Europe and in Norway. From the United Kingdom there are direct services from: * [[London-Stansted]] (Ryanair) (seasonal) * [[Manchester Airport]] (Ryanair) ====Stavanger==== '''[https://www.avinor.no/en/airport/stavanger-airport/ Stavanger Airport, Sola]''' ({{IATA|SVG}}) has scheduled flights to/from [[London]], [[Amsterdam]], [[Copenhagen]], [[Frankfurt]], [[Berlin]], [[Paris]], [[Kraków]], [[Madrid]], [[Nice]] and some other European cities. From the United Kingdom there are direct flights from: *London Heathrow (Scandinavian Airlines, British Airways) *London Gatwick (Norwegian Air Shuttle) *Newcastle (Loganair) *Aberbeen (Scandinavian Airlines, Widerøe) ====Bergen==== '''Bergen Airport, Flesland''' ({{IATA|BGO}}) has scheduled flights to/from major European cities as [[London]], [[Copenhagen]], [[Amsterdam]], [[Berlin]], [[Paris]], [[Stockholm]], [[Prague]], [[Warsaw]] and other cities. Apart from to previously mentioned airports there are domestic flights to [[Trondheim]] and [[Tromsø]]. From the United Kingdom there are direct flights from: *Aberdeen (Widerøe) *London Gatwick (Norwegian) *Edinburgh (Loganair) (seasonal) *Glasgow (Loganair) (seasonal) *Inverness (Loganair) (seasonal) *Kirkwall (Loganair) (seasonal) *Sumburgh (Bergen Air Transport) (Loganair) (seasonal) ====Kristiansand==== '''Kristiansand Airport, Kjevik''' ({{IATA|KRS}}) has direct flights to/from major European cities, notably Amsterdam, London and Copenhagen. From the United Kingdom there are direct flights from: * [[London Stansted]] (Widerøe) ====Trondheim==== '''Trondheim Airport, Værnes''' ({{IATA|TRD}}) can be reached by direct flights from several European cities, notably Amsterdam, London and Copenhagen. From the United Kingdom there are direct flights from: * [[London Gatwick]] (Norwegian Air Shuttle). ====Tromsø ==== '''Tromsø Airport''' ({{IATA|TOS}}) has direct flights from [[London]], [[Frankfurt]], [[Munich]] and [[Helsinki]]. ===By train=== There are trains from [[Sweden]] to [[Oslo]], [[Trondheim]] and [[Narvik]], with onwards inland connections. There are no railways across the border from Finland and Russia. For [[Oslo]], daily service from [[Stockholm]] and [[Gothenburg]]. There are local services from [[Karlstad]] as well. For [[Trondheim]], the Nabotåget service from [[Östersund]] corresponds with one day and one night service from [[Stockholm]], as well as the train from [[Sundsvall]]. For [[Narvik]], two trains run daily from [[Stockholm]] via [[Kiruna]]. Both are overnight. Train schedules can be found on the website of the [https://www.nsb.no/en/ Norwegian State Railways] and the [http://www.sj.se/?l=en Swedish Railways]. ===By bus=== Several international bus lines run into [[Oslo]] from [[Sweden]], the major operators being Flixbus, Swebus Express and Säfflebussen. Buses to [[Gothenburg]] and [[Copenhagen]] depart almost hourly. Bus service to [[Stockholm]] is also far more frequent than the train. Lavprisekspressen has cheap bus tickets between the large cities in Norway, Denmark and Sweden. Other coach lines exist between Sweden and [[Bodø]] and [[Mo i Rana]], as well as between Denmark and [[Stavanger]]. From Finland it is possible to travel by [https://www.eskelisen.fi Eskelisen Lapin Linjat] from [[Oulu]] and [[Rovaniemi]] to [[Tromsø]], [[Skibotn]], [[Tana]], [[Vadsø]], [[Karasjok]], [[Lakselv]] and [[Nordkapp]]. As of 2025, the [https://pasvikturist.no Pasvikturist] minibus service between [[Kirkenes]] and [[Murmansk]] no longer runs. ===By car=== [[File:Norge 93.jpg|thumb|Finnish-Norwegian border in Enontekiö (sign in Finnish, Swedish and English); when crossing from Finland or Sweden, border formalities are often non-existent, although there are customs regulations that must be observed. Since the 1950s borders have been open with no passport required for Nordic citizens.]] It is possible to enter by road from [[Sweden]], [[Finland]], or [[Russia]]. The border with Sweden is 1,600 km (one of the longest in Europe) and the Finnish border is more than 700 km long. The border mostly runs through the wilderness and unpopulated or sparsely populated areas, particularly in the north. Road E6 runs along the border with Finland for some 200 km in [[Finnmark]]. There are about 80 border crossing points, but many of the crossings from Sweden are local roads not relevant to travellers. There are a number of possible routes, but road standards vary, there are few motorways and speed limits are low (generally 80 km/h). Most visitors by road will arrive in the [[Østfold]] lowlands, from where motorways continue towards Oslo. There is a single border crossing from Russia. Major roads '''from Sweden and Finland''' to Norway include * [[E6 through Sweden and Norway|European route E6]] which runs through [[Malmö]], [[Helsingborg]] and [[Göteborg]] in Sweden before crossing the border at [[Svinesund]] in the south-east of Norway. * E18 crossing at Ørje (Norway) and Töcksfors (Sweden). E18 connects [[Helsinki]] and Oslo via [[Turku]], an 11-hr day or night ferry, [[Stockholm]] and [[Karlstad]]. * Road 61 (Sweden) and road 2 (Norway) crossing between Charlottenberg and Magnor. * E16 crossing between [[Kongsvinger]] (Norway) and Torsby (Sweden). E16 is the east-west main road [[Gävle]]–Kongsvinger–[[Oslo Airport, Gardermoen|Oslo airport]]–[[Hønefoss]]–Bergen. Trucks are not allowed to cross at this point. * Road 25 at [[Trysil]] (road 66 in [[Sälen]], Sweden). Roads 25/72 also leading to Trysil is an alternative. * Road 31 to Røros via road 84 through uplands in [[Härjedalen]] * E14 (at Storlien) from [[Åre]] to [[Stjørdalshalsen]] in [[Trøndelag]] (parallel to the railway). * E12 from [[Helsinki]] via [[Vaasa]] and [[Umeå]] to [[Mo i Rana]] through the uplands and among high mountains (from Vaasa: [[Blue Highway]], 4-hr ferry to Sweden). * E10 via [[Kiruna]] to [[Narvik]] through Bjørnfjell mountain pass (parallel to the iron ore railway). * E8 runs from [[Turku]] via [[Vaasa]] and [[Oulu]] in Finland before crossing the border at [[Kilpisjärvi]]. '''From Denmark and Germany''': * Ferries from Denmark and Kiel (Germany) also takes cars (see boat section), and is a way to avoid long transport legs. {{cautionbox|Routes from Russia through Finland are closed since 2023. For the direct route via Storskog, passing may get subject to special requirements, check the current situation. |lastedit=2025-03-04 }} '''From Russia''' (most people need a visa to cross; this a [[Travelling around the Schengen Area|Schengen-area]] border crossing: * European route 105 (E105) enters from [[Russia]] at Storskog border crossing 15 km east of [[Kirkenes]]. This is the only overland crossing between Norway and Russia. Crossing by vehicle (also bike) only, no pedestrians (as of 2015). * The [[Blue Highway]] connects [[Petrozavodsk]] with [[Mo i Rana]] in Nordland, via [[Jyväskylä]] and [[Vaasa]] in Finland and a 4-hr ferry to [[Umeå]] in Sweden. From the [[Saint Petersburg]] region you can use A127 and the border crossing at Nuijamaa/Brusnichnoye near [[Lappeenranta]] and drive national road 13 to Jyväskylä, to then continue along the Blue Highway. * From [[Saint Petersburg]] and [[Vyborg]] to Oslo, use M10/E18 and the Vaalimaa/Torfyanovka border crossing near [[Hamina]] and drive via [[Helsinki]], [[Turku]] and [[Stockholm]]. This is the most straight-forward route, with most of it motorway or comparable roads, with an 11-hr ferry crossing from Finland to Sweden (day or night – or a 16-hr overnight cruise from Helsinki). ===By boat=== ====From Belgium==== DFDS operates a [[Freighter travel|cargo line]] from [[Ghent]] to [[Brevik]] with limited passenger capacity which is normally for truck drivers. There are departures once or twice a week.The ferry may be scheduled to arrive at Brevik in the middle of the night. ====From Germany==== [[File:Color Line passing by Drøbak - 2.JPG|thumb|Ferry from Kiel approaching Oslo through the narrow section of Oslofjord]] [http://www.colorline.com Color Line] runs a daily ferry from [[Kiel]] to Oslo. The ferry leaves Kiel at 13:30 and arrives in Oslo at 09:30 the following day. The ferry terminal in Kiel is on Norwegenkai, which is a short walk across the bridge from Kiel's main railway station (the bridge may at times be closed for pedestrians due to ship traffic). At the Oslo end of the journey, the terminal is located at Hjortneskai, which is just west of the city. There is a bus from the terminal to the city centre, which departs shortly after passengers disembark. ====From Denmark==== Several companies run from various harbours in Denmark (Frederikshavn, Hirtshals, Copenhagen) to various Norwegian harbours (Oslo, Larvik, Kristiansand, Stavanger, Bergen). *'''[http://www.colorline.com Color Line]''' traffic from [[Hirtshals]] to [[Kristiansand]] and [[Larvik]]. *'''[https://www.fjordline.com/en Fjord Line]''' traffic from [[Hirtshals]] to [[Langesund]], [[Stavanger]] and [[Bergen]] (Seasonal to [[Kristiansand]]). *'''[http://www.dfdsseaways.com DFDS Seaways]''' traffic from [[Copenhagen]] to [[Oslo]]. ====From the United Kingdom==== There are no ferry routes from the UK from Norway any more, although DFDS Seaways have been to known to allow passengers on [http://freight.dfdsseaways.com/dfds_ferries/north_sea_ferries/brevik_immingham_ferries/ their freight service from Immingham to Brevik]. Thomson Cruise ships operate from [[Harwich (England)|Harwich]] and visit [[Flåm]], [[Bergen]], [[Molde]], [[Hammerfest]], [[Nordkapp]], [[Tromsø]], [[Lofoten]] Islands, [[Geiranger]] and [[Ålesund]] in Norway. The duration of the cruise varies from 5 days up to 2 weeks. Sailing time from Harwich to south Norway is 1½ days. The cruise ship has restaurants, bars, casinos, cinemas and even a stage show. Various classes of cabins are available, ranging from shared rooms to singles, doubles and luxury suites. ====From Faroe Islands and Iceland==== Smyril Line used to operate a once-weekly service to Bergen. This service now only operates between Denmark, Faroe Islands and Iceland. ==Get around== [[File:Norges_nasjonale_transportnett.gif|thumb|National transport system (primary roads in red, railways in green, key airports indicated)]] Norway is a large country with some very difficult terrain so getting around, particularly up north, is expensive and time-consuming. Because of difficult terrain in large parts of the country, navigation is largely related to landscape features such as valleys, lakes, fjords and islands rather than to towns. Norway is sparsely populated compared to continental Europe; visitors should not expect that every name on the map is served by frequent public transport or offers commercial services such as taxi, cafés and hotels – it may not be a town or settlement at all. The best way to see the Norwegian wilderness and countryside is by having access to your own vehicle. This way you can stop wherever you want, admire the view and venture onto smaller roads. Hiking and cycling allow you to experience more of the landscape as you pass through it and as parking spaces in popular nature spots are deliberately kept sparse, in many places it may be better not to be tied to a car. Long distance train travel is done with [http://vy.no/en Vy], [http://sj.no SJ Nord] or [https://go-aheadnordic.no GoAhead Nordic]. A number of long-distance bus companies also operate. Each region in Norway has its own local public transportation company. For public transportation (trains, buses and ferries), use the online travel planner [https://entur.no Entur]. [https://www.vy.no/en/app Vy app] helps to find bus, train and taxi rides and to book tickets for them. ===By plane=== As Norway's craggy coastline and mountainous terrain slow down overland traffic, domestic flights are a convenient option. Norway has a network of small, short-runway airports designed for small aircraft and modest traffic, notably in Northern Norway but also in parts of Western Norway. Particularly in northern Norway where cities are few and farther between, these small airports are important alternatives to road or boat transport. Unfortunately, it is also in these areas where tickets can be the most expensive. Planes between the small airports are small, and they generally have several intermediate stops along the route to embark and disembark passengers. The high income and slow overland connections combine to make some domestic Norwegian flights among the busiest in Europe. For instance, in 2018 more than two million passengers flew between Oslo and Trondheim and between Oslo and Bergen – more than flew between Berlin and Munich or Madrid and Mallorca. Flights in southern Norway are cheaper than in northern Norway, and even though this area has better roads and rail, planes are generally faster than taking the train or bus. There are however no air routes between the cities within 200&nbsp;km from Oslo, use the train or bus for this kind of travel. The largest operators are [http://www.sas.no SAS], [http://www.norwegian.no Norwegian] and [http://www.wideroe.no Widerøe]. [https://www.wizzair.com Wizz Air] has challenged the incumbents in 2020 and can sometimes offer a cheap option. Widerøe's network is especially good for the smaller towns in Northern and Western Norway. [[File:Hovdebygda august 2010 2.jpg|thumb|Smaller airports often offer stunning approaches and many are conveniently located near towns (Ørsta/Volda airport).]] Main airports accepting all aircraft: * Oslo airport (Gardermoen) * Sandefjord (Torp) * Kristiansand * Stavanger * Bergen * Haugesund * Ålesund * Trondheim * Bodø * Evenes (Narvik/Harstad) * Tromsø * Alta ===By train=== (Note: this is very outdated…) [[File:NSB El 18 Hallingskeid - Finse.jpg|thumb|Bergen railway line at [[Hardangervidda]].]] [[File:The Flåmsbana.jpg|thumb|The Flåm Railway, running between Myrdal and Flåm.]] The Norwegian Railways (NSB) has been split up into several companies. Which company to choose, depends on where you are going. These main lines run several times a day: [http://www.vy.no VY:] *Oslo–[[Skien]] (serving coastal towns southwest of Oslo) *Oslo–[[Bergen]] (Bergensbanen - Bergen line, across the mountains via [[Finse]], connections to Flåm) *Oslo–[[Sarpsborg]]–[[Halden]] [https://www.sj.no/en/front-page/ SJ Nord:] *Oslo–Trondheim (Dovrebanen, through [[Lillehammer]], connections to [[Åndalsnes]] at [[Dombås]]) *[[Hamar]]–[[Røros]]–Trondheim (Røros line) *Trondheim–[[Bodø]] (Nordlandsbanen - Nordland line, through Trondheim airport, connections to [[Sweden]]), Norway’s longest, crosses the arctic circle [https://go-aheadnordic.no/ Go Ahead Nordic:] *Oslo–[[Kristiansand]]–[[Stavanger]] (Sørlandsbanen, runs inland from [[Drammen]] to Kristiansand, connections to [[Arendal]]; runs at some distance from the coast Kristiansand-Egersund) Trains are generally well-maintained and comfortable. You can buy a [http://www.scandinavianrail.com Norwegian Rail Pass]{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} or the equivalent [http://www.interrailnet.com/interrail-passes/one-country-pass InterRail One Country Pass] to travel relatively cheaply by train through Norway. If your itinerary is fixed and you don't have too many destinations, it might be cheaper to buy 'Minipris' tickets [http://www.nsb.no online]. If you book well in advance, you can get one-way tickets for as little as 199 kr. When buying online, you can choose ticket delivery at the station or at the train, the latter means you only need to know your seat number, the train steward has your ticket. Their website sometimes does not work for people outside of Norway. In that case you can call their call centre, but be sure to mention that you tried on the website first. Phone reservations normally incur a 50-kr fee per train ticket bought. Vy has a phone app for buying tickets, but as of 2016, a Norwegian cell phone number is needed for it. For long-distance trains and night trains, seat reservation is mandatory, but usually can be done on short notice, e.g., at a train station, since the trains are rarely fully booked. Generally, the trains are most crowded at the beginning and end of the weekend, i.e. Friday and Sunday evening. Shortly before and at the end of major holidays like Christmas/New Year and Easter, trains are usually very busy. If you try booking for these days at a late time, you may find all the cheap tickets sold out. Furthermore, the seat you reserve may be among the least desirable, that is, facing backwards, without recline, and facing towards and sharing the legroom with other passengers. Night trains operate from Oslo to Bergen, Kristiansand, Bergen, Trondheim and Bodø. With a regular ticket, you will get an ordinary seat, blanket and earplugs. Sleeping compartments are available for an extra of 1000 kr. If you choose to order sleeping compartment, you pay for the compartment, not the bed: 2 people, same price. This also means that you will never have a stranger in your compartment. For 200-500 kr you can upgrade any regular train ticket to ''Komfort/Premium/Plus'', while not first class, it means a little more room for your legs, free coffee, papers and a power socket. Usually the coach is either the first or the last coach in the train, resulting in much less through traffic and a quieter environment. The regular night train seats have a power plug, too. In some trains there is even free Internet access via Wi-Fi; one just needs to register (giving any 8-digit number as 'phone number'). Unlike much of Continental Europe, Norway does not have a high-speed rail system, except for the route between Oslo and its airport. Attempts at implementing high speed trains are underway, but have failed so far. Therefore, a journey between the two largest cities, Bergen and Oslo, takes 6½-7½ hours. In eastern Norway, where cities are closer together, there are several people who make a daily commute, and hence many of these cities have more frequent train service with hourly departures much of the day. This includes the cities in the counties of [[Østfold]], [[Vestfold]], [[Gjøvik]], [[Hamar]] and [[Lillehammer]]. In general, these trains do not have seating reservations available, but it is still possible to upgrade to NSB Komfort. If you get even closer to Oslo, there are local trains which may have departures as often as every 30 minutes. Local trains never have seating reservations, nor do they have a first class section. Local trains also operate between [[Bergen]] and [[Voss]] (sometimes to Myrdal), [[Stavanger]] and [[Egersund]] and around [[Trondheim]]. ===By boat=== [[Image:Folkestad ferry 2010.jpg|thumb|The Folkestad ferry in Volda.]] '''Car ferries''' are an integral part of the road network in coastal and fjord regions. The road in principle continues onto the ferry such that for instance Fodnes-Mannheller ferry is part of national route 5. Prices and time vary with the length of the crossing and amount of traffic, call 177 for more information or check nearby camping sites for information booklets and timetables. Prices on public roads ferries are set by the Department of roads. Small cars (as of 2018) are up 6.0 meters, longer vehicles must pay a considerably higher price and this often affects campervans. Ferries often have information about other ferries in the region and other ferries along the same road. On the main roads ferries are frequent during daytime, typically every half hour. Reservations are usually not needed, drive to the ferry quay and wait in line until the ferry docks. Car ferries also take foot passengers. On main roads tourists typically do not have to worry about timetables as there are frequent departures. After midnight, ferries on busy routes only run every other hour, and less busy ferries cease operation until morning. Norwegians refer to car ferries as "ferje" or "ferge". Vessels that ''only'' take foot passengers are referred to as "båt" (boat). To avoid confusion, visitors should use the term ferry only for car ferries. Stretches with lots of ferries are desirable when bicycling, as the ferries are cheap for bicyclists and offer an often well-deserved break with a great view. Except for some of the shortest crossings (10 min), ferries typically have cafeterias serving coffee, cold beverages, sandwiches and some hot food. Due to numerous deep fjords and islands, driving in [[West Norway]] and [[Northern Norway]] as a rule (with few exceptions) involves ferries. Although car ferries are very reliable and operate with spare capacity, tourists should allow plenty of time on stretches including ferries. Ferries on unusually long crossings (several hours) or ferries crossing open stretches of sea are more frequently delayed or cancelled. [[File:Trajet de l'Hurtigruten.svg|thumb|upright=1.2|Hurtigruten route from Bergen to Kirkenes]] In regions with lots of fjords and islands, particularly along all the coast from [[Stavanger]] to [[Tromsø]], an extensive network of catamaran '''express passenger boats''' ("hurtigbåt") shuttle between towns and cities, and connect islands otherwise accessible only with difficulty. There is no general network of boats connecting every village along fjords and coast, transfer by bus or car to nearest port may be needed. These vessels are also not called ferries. Service and prices are comparable with trains. Check in advance if you want to bring a bicycle. There are also some passengers in the inner part of Oslofjord. One option particularly popular with tourists is the [[Hurtigruten]] [http://hurtigruten.com coastal steamers] that hop along the coastline from [[Bergen]] all the way to [[Kirkenes]], taking 5½ days for the whole journey. Cabins are expensive and mandatory for multi-day journeys, but deck fares are more reasonable and there's even a 50% discount with [[Inter Rail]]. Prices are summed up for all chargeable elements like persons, fuel charge (approx. 3% of an adult fare), bike (approx. 5% of an adult fare), car, cabin (approx. 125% of an adult fare). Reservations are recommended for cabins and cars; on deck there is usually enough space for people and bikes. Lakes do in general not have public transport by boat, here are however a handful of important exceptions. There is one car ferry crossing the very long Randsfjorden lake. Skibladner, a 150-year-old steam boat, allows tourists to cross lake Mjøsa (at Gjøvik and Hamar) the old way. Some other lakes maintain boat service for foot passengers for sightseeing or to access wilderness. [[Telemark]] canal, Norway's only major canal, takes visitors from the coast and deep inland along charming lakes and impressive locks through the rugged terrain. [[Halden]] canal is Norway's other proper canal and shorter than Telemark's. Except for the two canals, Norway's rivers are in general not used for transport. ===By bus=== An extensive range of express buses connect cities all over Norway and even most national parks. [http://www.nor-way.no/?lang=en_GB NOR-WAY Bussekspress] and [http://www.boreal.no Boreal Transport] are the biggest operators. [http://www.nettbuss.no Nettbuss] also runs some express routes. [http://www.lavprisekspressen.no Lavprisekspressen]{{Dead link|date=October 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} offer cheap tickets for Oslo—Trondheim (via Røros and via the Dovre mountain range), Oslo—Kristiansand—Stavanger and back. If you're lucky, you can get a ticket for as little as 49kr, but usually the tickets go from 199kr to 299kr. The double decker buses are clean and modern with free Wi-Fi internet, coffee and tea. FlixBus operates route Oslo—Kristiansand—Stavanger. Bus schedules and frequencies vary greatly, and seating may be limited, so plan ahead. For more information check each operator's website or try the extensive connection search [https://en-tur.no/ en-tur.no] – available in English and Norwegian. Some mountain passes are closed all winter, and buses covering these typically run May—September only. In the north of Norway north of Trondheim, there are no private express buses. Instead the provinces organise long-distance buses, which also stop at local stops, having sparse schedules. There is no bus Trondheim–Bodø, instead the stretch is served by train (Nordlandsbanen line). There are for example comfortable buses Bodø–Narvik, Narvik–Tromsø, Tromsø–Alta and Alta-Kirkenes (they are daytime buses and accommodation is needed at Narvik, Tromsø and Alta if going all that way). ===By taxi=== Travelling with cab in Norway can be very expensive, and in most cities it is not necessary as bus, tram and train (or even walking) are easier. Taxis are generally safe as long as you choose a licensed taxi (with a white taxi sign on the roof). In villages there may be no or only one taxi car, so visitors should be prepared to book in advance. * {{listing | type=go | name=Norgestaxi | url=https://www.norgestaxi.no/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-08-21 | content=Smart phone app offers address based routing and calculates price according to them. }} * {{listing | name=RingTaxi | alt= | url=http://02393.no/ | phone=02393 (in country only) | content=Conveys taxis throughout the country. The service, which costs 18kr per call is reachable within Norway only. }} * {{listing | name=mivai | alt= | url=https://mivai.com/ | email= | content=By the Taxi app you will easily get in touch with the nearest taxi service center in densely populated areas. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Cabonline| url=https://www.cabonline.com/resa| email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-02-07 | content=Smart phone app offers address based routing and calculates price according to them. Includes several cities. }} *In some cities, like [[Oslo#Get around#Taxi|Oslo]], [[Trondheim]] and [[Kristiansand]] are several local taxi companies. ===By car or motorcycle=== [[File:Road in Norway-1.jpg|thumb|Typical road in rural area.]] {{main|Driving in Norway}} Norway has right-hand traffic, like the rest of mainland Europe. Norwegian roads have varying quality, but all public roads have asphalt. Most roads are two-lane undivided, there is a limited motorway network around Oslo. General speed limit is 80 km/h and speed is often slower due to road conditions. Driving in winter requires special equipment, snow and ice experience is highly recommended prior to a winter trip. Some of the scenic mountain passes, notably at Geiranger, Trollstigen and Nordkapp (North Cape), are closed during winter. Due to the rugged terrain, there are a lot of tunnels. Generally the tunnel will charge a toll until its construction costs are deemed to have been "paid off" after which the tunnel will be free. Due to Norway's high income and their experience in tunnel building, tunnels are even built where they would be deemed too marginal or difficult in other countries - the longest and deepest road tunnel is under construction in Norway. Driving is generally easy as traffic is calm, and most drivers are disciplined and law abiding, although moderate speeding is common on highways. However, some city centres (such as Bergen and Oslo) may be confusing to navigate for the first time visitor due to many one-way streets. Traffic is generally light except for city centres and a handful of stretches on main roads (notably E18 near Oslo). Near or inside Oslo the E18, E6 and ring roads can get congested during morning and afternoon rush, as well as during weekend rush (Friday afternoon) out of Oslo. Gas is expensive, starting at around 16.50 kr per litre (July 2018). Manual transmission has long been regarded as standard in Norway and is still found in most private cars, but (as of 2020) almost all new cars are electric/hybrid or have automatic transmission. Renting a car is very expensive, but can be essential for easy access to some of the more rural areas, although most areas have a good reliable bus service. Some rules: * Headlights are mandatory even during daylight. * Off-roading is generally forbidden. Motor vehicles must stay on public roads. * Don't drink and drive. Your blood alcohol concentration must not exceed 0.2 ‰ (or 0.02 %). * Rules are strictly enforced, particularly regarding alcohol, speed and overtaking. [[File:2381. Sogn, Nærødalen, Velocipeder (5987280996).jpg|thumb|Sightseeing by bicycle has a long tradition in Norway]] ===By bicycle=== While the bicycle seat may be one of the best ways to experience the landscapes of Norway, it can be a gruelling experience for those who are unfit. There are few bicycle paths, and most of the time cyclists have to share narrow roads with heavy transport. Attitudes to cyclists vary. While some drivers show respect, slowing down and giving cyclists a wide berth, others show hostility, driving far too close and at far too high a speed, when passing. Cycling, as a sport, is becoming increasingly popular in Norway, especially since the success of Norwegian cyclists like Thor Hushovd. Attitudes to bicycle tourists vary, but in general are positive. Hostels and camping sites are generally a good place to meet people with similar interests. Norwegians themselves prefer to ride on well equipped, often expensive, bicycles. Good bicycle shops can be found in most cities. You will find quite a number of travel diaries online. Only few designated cycle paths exist, mostly in the big cities, and they are not fully interconnected. Except for densely populated areas, they can mostly be ignored. While speed limits are relatively low and the vast majority of drivers are responsible and patient, Norway also has its share of speeders and road hogs. At places where a highway is built, the old road is often re-designated as a cycle route. It is important for cyclists to be seen. The use of highly reflective safety vests, along with flashing lights on the bicycle, is encouraged to help prevent accidents. In most of Norway, cycling can be physically challenging, due to steep climbs and strong winds. Your equipment should be lightweight and aerodynamic. You will need a wide range of gears: a ratio of 39-27 for a strong cyclist without luggage or even 22-32 for a normal cyclist with luggage is necessary on many slopes. Your brakes should be of high quality and you'll need spare brake pads when doing a trip of more than a few days. Lights are necessary because of the many tunnels. Because of the winds, it is advisable to avoid wide panniers and loose fitting clothes. A lightweight recumbent should be considered as a serious option for those experienced with this type of bicycle, especially when cycling south to north. The roads are generally paved well, although gravel roads are sometimes unavoidable. As long as you do not go off-road, you will not need suspension or grooved tyres. Because of the long distances and numerous hills, bicycle tourists are advised to plan well and be prepared to use public transport for the less interesting or difficult stretches. Particularly in western and northern Norway, passenger boats (including longer tourist ferries) can sometimes be used to avoid tunnels, mountain passes or less interesting stretches. Ferries take bikes for free or a minimal charge. On trains you have to pay a fare. Some buses do not allow bikes, but in all other cases will only be transported if there is enough space (no fare or children's fare). The [http://www.syklistene.no Norwegian Cyclist Association] offers information. It is legal in Norway (and Finland and Sweden) to put up a tent anywhere for one night. This must not be too near someone's home, or on other unsuitable places. This is particularly suitable for bicyclists, who can roll the bike into the forest at a suitable place. It is more troublesome for car drivers to do this, as it is hard to find a good parking place near a suitable tent place (car parking is not permitted on private roads, e.g. in the forest). ====Tunnels==== [[File:Berdalstunnelen.JPG|thumb|The long and narrow tunnels are not recommended for bikes.]]Special attention should be given to tunnels, as many of them are forbidden for cyclists, as are a few roads. Some long and narrow tunnels are not recommended for bikes, even if allowed. An [http://www.cycletourer.co.uk/maps/tunnelmap.shtml online map of tunnels] can be found. The tourist information also has a map of those forbidden routes. When renting a bike, you can consult the person who rents you the bike concerning the track you want to take. In many cases, signposts indicate the route for cyclists and pedestrians around forbidden roads or tunnels. Some of the high speed tunnels have bus stops a short distance from the entrance where you can board special buses equipped with bike racks to transport you through the tunnel. On main roads, buses usually run frequently. Some sub-sea tunnels are in addition really steep. If you do enter a tunnel on bike, use lights and safety reflectors (such as reflector jackets or vests). Norwegian drivers do not slow down in tunnels. '''Warning''': Do not underestimate the number and length of tunnels, particularly in western Norway. Norway's roads have well over 1,000 tunnels. On the E16 between Bergen and Lærdal for instance, 30–50% of the road is in tunnel. Frequently, tunnels replace an older road that remains open for bicycles and pedestrians in summer or for local traffic all year. Ask locals or read the map carefully to find your way. ===By thumb=== Hitchhiking in Norway is best on the routes from Oslo-Trondheim (E6), Oslo-Kristiansand (E18) and Kristiansand-Stavanger (E39). However, near the cities these are now motorways and it is not possible to stand at the road itself. Hitchhiking is not that common in Norway. If hitchhiking is ever safe, it is pretty safe in Norway, however it is difficult to get a lift and it may be very slow. When waiting, make sure to stand in a place where the vehicles can see you and have a safe opportunity to stop. Ferry docks and main fuel stations are good places to try. Stretches with low speed limits (50–60km/h) are generally better than high speed roads, as drivers find it less cumbersome to make a halt there. Drivers of heavy trucks in particular prefer to keep a steady speed. Roadside cafeterias where truckers have a break can be good place to ask for a lift. Good hitchhiking spots from major cities are listed below. '''Oslo''' to: *'''Bergen''' and the mountains- if you're daring, try Oksenøyveien (see Kristiansand), but be aware that most cars continue southwards to Drammen. Rather catch the Timekspressen bus, direction Hønefoss, to Sollihøgda. *'''Trondheim''' and the north- is getting more difficult as motorway development continues. The best bet inside Oslo is bus stop Ulvenkrysset. Get the metro to Helsfyr, then bus 76, 401 or 411 for one stop. Further outside, to avoid the local traffic, you are best off at the Shell gas station at Skedsmovollen, bus 845 and 848 from Lillestrøm train station. *'''Kristiansand''' and the south: Few spots beat the bus stop Oksenøyveien, connected by bus 151, 251 and 252. You may be dropped in Sandvika by cars heading towards Hønefoss and the mountains/Bergen. Carry a sign. *'''Sweden along E6''': Highway all the way, except close to the centre. Try the bus stop Nedre Bekkelaget, bus 81 and 83. *'''Sweden along E18''': You may try Nedre Bekkelaget, but as most traffic continue towards Strömstad and Gothenburg, you should rather catch the Timekspressen bus 9 to Østensjø stop, just after the Holstad roundabout. '''Bergen to''': *'''Oslo''' - Get local train to Arna and try near the entrance to Arnanipa tunnel. *'''Northwards''' - Go by bus to Vågsbotn in Arna, and try hithing a ride close to the Hjelle bakery. *'''Southwards''' - Get the light rail to Nesttun, then nearly any bus for three stops to Skjoldskiftet. Hitch southwards along E39. '''Trondheim''' to Oslo - Get bus 46 to the shopping centre City Syd, then go under the E6 and try your luck at City Syd E6 stop. Soon, the city tax on buses will be extended past the Klett roundabout, if this is in effect you should go to the bus stop just after the roundabout at any Melhus-bound bus and try your luck there. '''Molde/Ålesund''' - Get any Orkanger bus to the stop just after Klett roundabout. Soon, Trondheim city tax will extend to Børsa, after which you should stay on the bus for as long as you can, and hitch a ride from there. *'''Northwards''' - Get city bus 7 or 66 to Travbanen stop. *'''Sweden''' - To be sure to hitch only on cars going towards Sweden, get a train or bus to Stjørdal and hitch on the E14. Looking polite and friendly is a good trick. Asking cars in line at a ferry quay (if travelling along the coast) is a very good idea, and may bring you very far. Hitching rides from Molde all the way to Bergen are not unheard of, but don't bet on it. In general though, you can really get to anywhere from anywhere by thumb, just in some places it might take a while. ==See== [[File:Otta (cropped).jpg|thumb|[[Otta]] village in [[Gudbrandsdalen]] beneath the mountain plateau with [[Rondane]] summits]] [[File:Vøringfossen.jpg|thumb|Vøringsfossen falls, hotel and road 7 on the edge above]] Norway has plenty of '''rural attractions''' - mountains, fjords, islands, glaciers, waterfalls, forests and small villages. Norway's natural and cultural sights often coincide, such as an impressive mountain road within great scenery or the ancient stave churches located in the most serene landscape. ===Natural=== Norway has an abundance of water in all forms: glaciers, snow, fjords, rivers, waterfalls and lakes. Other attractions worth a visit are the northernmost point of Europe at [[Nordkapp]], the islands of [[Lofoten]], the glacier of [[Jostedalsbreen]] and the mountains of [[Jotunheimen]]. Nordkapp is on an island but connected by road to the actual mainland. Kinnarodden at 71° 8′ 2.04″ near Mehamn is the northernmost point on the European continent (islands not included). ====Lakes==== [[File:Summer landscape Telemark (2690578882).jpg|thumb|Totak lake in Telemark]] Norway has countless lakes and even inside Oslo there are several hundred. Hornindalsvatnet lake near [[Stryn]] and [[Hellesylt]] is the deepest lake in Europe at 514 meters, if the lake was completely drained rivers would need 20 years to fill it. Hornindalsvatnet is also unusually clear largely because it unlike many other lakes does not receive glacial meltwater with a characteristic milky turquoise color. Lake Mjøsa, Norway's largest, is the second deepest in Europe. The largest lakes are found in the lowlands of East Norway. Sogn og Fjordane and Telemark have a large number of pretty fjord-like lakes. There are also many lakes around Jotunheimen and other uplands. ====Waterfalls==== Norway has an abundance of waterfalls, in all sizes and shapes. Norway is home to a notable number of the world's tallest waterfalls, particularly in the central mountains and Western Norway. The tallest waterfalls are in the inner parts of Western Norway where the great fjords intersect with the central mountains. Sunndal, [[Romsdal]], [[Geirangerfjord]], [[Stryn]], Lysefjorden ([[Ryfylke]] district), Byrkjelo, [[Sognefjord]] area (Flåm, Gudvangen, Lærdal, Skjolden) and [[Hardanger]] are areas with a large number of tall and easily accessible waterfalls. The more powerfall waterfalls are usually lower and found along major rivers in the big valleys for instance in [[Gudbrandsdalen]], [[Valdres]], inner [[Troms]] or [[Telemark]]. Many waterfalls are surprisingly accessible as they are often found close to main roads or railways, some plunge directly into the great fjords close to ferries and cruise ships. ====Fjords==== {{moreinfo|fjords|Fjords of Norway}} [[File:GeirangerFjord.jpg|thumbnail|The iconic [[Geiranger]]fjord with "Seven Sisters" waterfall]] [[File:Leikanger 1.jpg|thumb|From Leikanger by the largest fjord in Norway, Sognefjorden]] Norway's famous '''fjords''' are found throughout the country and are not limited to a particular region or location. All major cities sit on the shores of a fjord. While the most picturesque fjords are less populated, most are easily accessible by road. The fjords increases Norway's coastline from a modest 3000km to 30,000km, islands add another 70,000km - in total creating the most complex coastline in the world. Norwegian fjords have twice been rated the best destination in the world by National Geographic Traveler. There are well over 1,000 distinct (named) fjords in Norway. The vast [[Sognefjord]] is some 200km to the far end and includes a number of arms each about the size of the famous [[Milford Sound]] in [[New Zealand]]. Some fjords are very narrow, such as Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord, others are wide like bays or enclosed oceans, such as Boknafjord or Trondheimsfjord. In most parts of Norway fjords are the dominant landscape features, traditional districts are often identified by proximity to a major fjord and the district or region often have the same name as the dominant fjord. For instance Sogn is the area surrounding [[Sognefjord]]. Fjords are often so deep and/or wide (particularly in western Norway) that they can only be crossed by ferry (a few daring bridges or tunnels have been built). Today fjords remain as obstacles for roads and railways, only cruise passengers experience travel along these vast corridors. In large parts of Norway there is in fact very little continuous land, instead a wide tangle of islands and peninsulas. These peninsulas are often connected to the actual mainland by (narrow) isthmuses. Such isthmuses are shortcuts between fjords and have always been important transport corridors. Still today main roads often run across these such isthmuses. In many cases such isthmuses sits between a saltwater fjord and a freshwater lake (in effect an extension of the lake), for instance at Nordfjordeid ("Nordfjord isthmus") sits between Nordfjord and Hornindal lake. ;Fjord regions [[File:Dokkadeltaet nord i Randsfjorden.jpg|thumb|From the Randsfjorden lake]] * '''Western Fjords''': The most dramatic and famous fjords are largely in [[West Norway]], approximately from [[Stavanger]] to [[Molde]]. Although the western fjords vary slightly in appearance they are generally relatively narrow, surrounded by steep rock faces, tall mountains and extremely deep (particularly the middle and innermost parts). These typical features of western fjords are most pronounced at the easternmost part where fjords intersect with the highest mountains (such as [[Jotunheimen]]). Melt water from glaciers flow into major fjords such as [[Sognefjorden]]. The fjords of western Norway (represented by fjords of [[Geiranger]] and [[Gudvangen|Nærøy]]) is a UNESCO world heritage site * '''[[Nordland]] and [[Troms]]''': These counties are also home to wild landscapes with alpine summits, islands and impressive fjords. The narrow strait into Skjerstadfjorden at [[Bodø]] creates the world's strongest tidal current, the Saltstraumen. * '''[[Middle Norway]]''': The fjords of Trøndelag, notably the large Trondheimsfjord, are less dramatic but still dominates the landscape. The Trondheimsfjord runs from the large Hitra island to the interior town of [[Steinkjer]]. The central part of this fjord is like a small enclosed ocean. * '''[[East Norway]]''': The fjords in the wider Oslo region, primarily Oslofjord, are also key to the geography of these lowlands and flatlands, similar to the Trondheimsfjord. The Drammensfjord is an important arm of the great Oslofjord. There are no saltwater fjords in the interior of [[East Norway]], but there are countless lakes many of which resemble western fjords and are in fact called "fjord", for instance the long narrow Randsfjorden is a lake. * '''[[South Norway]]''' has some scattered fjords, but smallish compared to the wild fjords of the west and the wide Trondheimsfjord. * The fjords of eastern [[Finnmark]] are far less dramatic but these long and wide fjords dominate the landscape. ;Fjord-lakes Many freshwater lakes in the interior are called fjords, for instance Randsfjorden and Tyrifjorden, even lake Mjøsa is called "the fjord" by locals. These lakes are very similar to saltwater fjords with a typical elongated shape and also mostly deep. Mjøsa for instance is 450 meters deep such that most of the lake is in fact below sea level even if water surface is 120 meters. Several lakes in Western Norway are in fact extensions of the main fjord and some were in the geological prehistory part of the saltwater fjord itself. For instance the surface of the very deep Hornindal lake is only 50m above sea-level and separated from Nordfjord by a low isthmus. These western lakes are often so similar to the fjord that only the lack of salt reveals that it is indeed a lake. ====Uplands and mountains==== [[File:View from a ridge between Segla and Hesten, Senja, Norway, 2014 August.jpg|thumb|Coastal alps at [[Senja]] island]] Norway is one of the most mountainous countries of Europe, while not as high as the central European Alps many mountain areas are very alpine despite modest altitude. Mountains and high plateaus dominate most of the land. Some of Norway's wildest and most alpine mountains are on islands or along the coast. The wildest summits are in areas like [[Lofoten]], [[Vesterålen]], [[Lyngen]], Jotunheimen and [[Hjørundfjord|Sunnmøre]]-[[Romsdal]]-alps. ====Northern lights and midnight sun==== [[File:Midnight sun.jpg|thumb|Midnight sun at the North Cape Plateau]] If you want to see the '''[[northern lights]]''', CNN has [[Tromsø]] on top of its list of best places to see it. Tromsø should also be visited during summer to see the '''[[midnight sun]]'''. Of course both can be enjoyed anywhere in the northern parts of the country. Northern lights is most frequent roughly north of arctic circle (from [[Bodø]] and further north). Because the midnight sun occurs in the same area, these phenomena can not be experienced at the same time. As northern lights otherwise is not restricted to a specific location, a dark night and clear sky are the only prerequisites. Clear sky correlates with cold weather, so visitors should be well-dressed, particularly November to March. Midnight sun and, more importantly, 24-hour daylight occur around midsummer north of the arctic circle - the further north, the longer the midnight sun season. At midwinter there is a corresponding period when sun is below the horizon and there is no real daylight (so called polar night). [[File:Lyngør juni 13.JPG|thumb|Typical wooden town on the south coast.]] ====Wildlife==== Norway has an abundance of birds particularly along the coast. Some bird cliffs with millions nesting birds are protected as natural reserves. The sea fisheries are very rich although a limited number of species and dominated by cod. Sea mammals such as killer whales, harbour porpoise and seals are seen along the coast or in fjords occasionally or during particular seasons. There are tree major kind of big game: The elk («elg», «king of the forest»; Am: moose), red deer and reindeer. The elk is often seen along roads at dusk and dawn in the forest regions of East Norway and Trøndelag. The red deer exist in large numbers in Western Norway and can also be seen in meadows along roads, particularly in spring and autumn. The wild reindeer mostly roam the barren high plateaus and mountains (from Agder through Jotunheimen and Dovre to Røros), and are rarely seen by coincidence. Reindeer live in big herds (at Hardangervidda about 10,000 animals) and should not be disturbed. Particularly in Northern Norway there are large numbers of domesticated reindeer. ===Cultural=== {{seealso|Nordic folk culture|Nordic music}} While most people don't pick Norway because they'd like to walk around in cities with museums, monuments, parks streetside cafés or luxurious restaurants, in [[Oslo]] and some other [[#Cities|cities]] that's also an option. Just getting around in Norway by car, boat, train, bike or foot usually rewards you with great views. Norway is one of the [[Nordic monarchies]]. [[File:Stave church Urnes - Panorama HDR cropped.jpg|thumb|Urne stave church at Luster fjord]] [[UNESCO World Heritage List|UNESCO world heritage sites]] of the country are: * The rock paintings of [[Alta]], dated to 4200 BC * The [[Vega_(Norway)|Vega archipelago]] * Urnes stave church in [[Luster]] * The mining town of [[Røros]] * [[Bergen|Bergen's]] waterfront, Bryggen * [[Rjukan]]–Notodden Industrial Heritage Site While Norway's cultural heritage is most pronounced in rural areas, Norway's cities also offer interesting cultural sights, old or new. Cities like Bergen, Ålesund, Kongsberg, Røros, Trondheim and others are interesting because of architecture and history. Norway's cities also offer fascinating, bold modern architecture, most notable in the capital Oslo with landmark buildings such as the new Opera house and the University library, as well as the controversial skyline downtown. There are only three preserved Norwegian medieval cathedrals: Nidaros (Trondheim) and Stavanger, the third is St. Magnus cathedral in [[Kirkwall]], Orkney Islands. Norway is the only country in Europe with a notable number of preserved wooden buildings from the middle ages. There are more than 100 log built houses from before the black plague, mostly in Telemark. The 30 surviving stave churches are also a unique cultural heritage. [[File:Midt.jpg|thumb|Hardanger fiddle with fine decorations]] The hardanger fiddle (''hardingfele'') is a characteristic instrument from Norway. This idiosyncratic violin has four or five sympatheic or resonance strings beneath the standard four strings, and made from thin, delicate and decorated wood. The haunting, powerful sound is used to create traditional folk music: dance music as well as "listening music". The oldest hardanger fiddles are from the 17th centuries and one from 1650 is held at Bergen museum. Edvard Grieg and other modern composers incorporated folk music for the hardanger fiddle in their own music. The Sami people maintain their own musical tradition, notably the ''joik'' (or yoik) a characteristic form of singing. The Sami also used a ceremonial drum. Contemporary artists such as Mari Boine and Jan Garbarek have developed or incorporated Sami music in their own compositions. ===Churches=== [[File:Lesja kirke - altertavle.jpg|thumb|Elaborated wood carving by local master in Lesja church, about 1750.]] Outside main cities there are few if any monumental buildings except the local church. Norway hardly had any aristocracy that built palaces or imposing manors. Rural areas is dominated by wooden buildings, including most churches. From the middle ages about 30 idiosyncratic stave churches survived (from perhaps 1000), and some 100 stone churches. Most churches built after the [[Protestant Reformation]] are basic wooden "long" churches (rectangular shape), but there is also a number of other shapes such as the characterisic cruciform (cross shape) design with a central tower. The rare Y-shape exists in a small number of churches. The octagonal shape was used for a larger number of churches and several landmark churches with this largely endemic style can be seen around Trøndelag, Møre og Romsdal, and Nordland as well as other areas. Many church interiors are in a barren protestant style, but there is a large number of churches with elaborate interios such as tolepainted walls, impressive wood cut altar pieces and pulpit designs. A large number of church are log buildings and logs are usually visible on the inside. In stave churches the elaborate construction is largely visible. Several medieval winged altarpieces has been preserved in rural churches in Norway, including altarpieces installed before the Reformation. Many of these were imported from north German towns like Lübeck and the low countries, while for instance in the Netherlands altarpieces from that period are lost, several can be seen in Norway. In the 1700s elaborate wood carving and ''rosemaling'' (a kind of tole painting) were used in altarpieces and other decorations within churches, notably in the interior valleys. ====Cityscapes==== Oslo burned down in 1624 and was rebuilt in stone and brick only (in a grid pattern), and the rapid expansion in the 1800s makes Oslo different from most other towns. Trondheim and Kristiansand were both laid in a strict "military" grid pattern, while Bergen and many other wooden towns further south grew organically into a charming labyrinths. Ålesund burned down in 1904 and was rebuilt in a unique variant of art noveau (Jugendstil). Towns destroyed during the second world war (Molde, Kristiansund, Åndalsnes, Steinkjer, Namsos, Bodø, Narvik, Hammerfest, Kirkenes) were largely rebuilt in a less charming post-war style, although Kristiansund is an interesting example of bold urban planning. These World War II "burned towns" are also home to the first daring, untraditional church architecture. ====Wooden towns==== [[File:Rosekyrkja_mot_nord.JPG|thumb|Octagonal style church typical to Trøndelag, and Møre og Romsdal area]] Typical for Norway is the widespread use of wood as building materials, even in centres of main cities like Bergen, Stavanger and Trondheim. A friendly atmosphere is created by the many modest and well preserved, wooden buildings. Some wooden cities have been lost to fire, for instance [[Ålesund]] (fire in 1904, rebuilt in local Jugend-style) and Steinkjer (bombing second world war). Molde, Kristiansund, Bodø, Narvik and all of [[Finnmark]] were destroyed during the war. [[Levanger]] and Trondheim were not harmed by the bombings and their wooden charm is largely retained. The wooden town of [[Røros]] is on the UNESCO world heritage list. A number of other towns has notable wooden architecture, for instance [[Lillehammer]], Skudeneshavn, [[Lillesand]], [[Risør]], Arendal, Tvedestrand, [[Kristiansand]], Farsund, [[Flekkefjord]], [[Lærdal]], Brevik, [[Drøbak]] and Son village. The wooden towns of the south/south-west coast is Norway's version of "pueblos blancos". The capital Oslo is in fact not very typical as the inner city is dominated by concrete and masonry structures since the 17th century, only small pockets of wooden houses exist in central parts of Oslo. Fire is a constant threat to these traditional towns and neighborhoods, and every year some parts if this heritage is lost. ==Do== A great introduction to Norway is the one-day [http://www.norwayinanutshell.no Norway in a Nutshell] package on a single ticket from Oslo or Bergen into the mountains, with a boat trip through the fjords. You can break the trip at several interesting cabins for walking or just admiring the view, and even hire a mountain bike for part of the journey. One of the highlights of the 'Norway in a Nutshell' package is [http://www.flaamsbana.no/eng/Index.html Flåmsbana]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}, a 20&nbsp;km railway that's one of the steepest in the world. Along the way you'll see beautiful mountains, rivers, valleys, waterfalls, and other beautiful sights on your way to the town of Flåm. *Go on top of the nearest top/mountain. Just for the walk. And for the view. ===Hiking=== [[File:Veslepiggen.jpg|thumb|Hiking in Jotunheimen National Park]] {{seealso|Hiking in the Nordic countries|Hiking destinations in Norway}} Hiking, ''gå på tur'', is a national pastime [https://www.visitnorway.com/things-to-do/great-outdoors/hiking/?lang=uk in Norway], from easy walks in Oslo's city forest to alpine climbing in [[Jotunheimen]] or the "alps" of [[Troms]]. About 30% of Norway is covered in forest, more than 50% of Norway's total area is barren mountain (little or no vegetation), a mere 5% include farms and all sorts of built-up areas (houses, roads, towns, etc). A number of areas are protected as national parks, but most the country is equally attractive and available to the public. Skiing season is generally from mid-November to late April, while bare ground hiking season is generally from mid summer to September. Hiking season varies greatly depending on region (and from year to year): In the high mountains there may still be deep snow until July, while in the lower areas and along the coast hiking season start early spring. Visitors should be aware that the tree line is much lower in Norway than in continental Europe and US Rockies, high alpine conditions (no vegetation, glaciers, extremely rugged surface may start even at 1000 to 1500 metres above sea level). Proper mountain clothing is needed for hikes even in summer in the uplands. The right foot wear is the essential for a successful hike. Hiking boots with ankle support and a sturdy sole on rougher trails and in the terrain, particularly at high altitudes (above 1000 to 1500 metres) where trails often cross wide screes or blockfields. In Norway, travellers enjoy a [[right to access]], which means it is possible to camp freely in most places for a couple of days, as long as you're not on cultivated land and provided you are at least 150m away from houses and farm buildings. Don't leave any traces and take your rubbish away for recycling. [http://www.turistforeningen.no/english/ Den Norske Turistforening]{{Dead link|date=October 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} (DNT) (''The Norwegian Mountain Touring Association'') operates many staffed and self-service mountain cabins, marks mountain routes, offers maps and route information, guided tours, and several other services for mountain hikers in Norway. Mountainous areas are popular among both Norwegians and tourists. Tourists can visit Galdhøpiggen (2469m), the highest mountain in Norway, or join a [[musk ox safari|musk-ox safari]] in Dovrefjell. Google Maps can only be used for initial planning, not for navigation in the field. Try the national mapping agency's [https://norgeskart.no/ norgeskart.no] site, which concords with their excellent printed hiking maps. Hikers in the wilderness should bring a detailed topographical map 1:50,000 (1:75,000 can also be used) and a compass. GPS (satellite navigation) is only supplement to, not a substitute for, traditional map and compass navigation. ===Skiing=== [[File:Sognefjellshytta langrennsløpere juli2020.jpg|thumb|Cross-country skiing at Sognefjell mountain pass, early July.]] Both [[cross country skiing|cross country]] and [[alpine skiing]] are popular sports in winter, and the largest areas, such as [[Trysil]], [[Hafjell]] and [[Hemsedal]], compete well with the [[Alps]] at lower altitudes. Telemark is also a nice area to ski in. (The birthplace of cross country ski.) Voss, Geilo and Oppdal are other major ski resorts. Even inside Oslo there is a notable ski resort. There is more than 200 alpine ski resorts and 500 ski lifts in Norway, and countless cross-country groomed trails, some with lighting to allow exercise after in winter evenings. Winter sport resorts typically open in early December, whereas cross-country skiing may begin in November in some uplands. Around [[Oslo/North#DO|Oslo]], within reach of the metro and city buses, there is a large park ideal for cross-country skiing, as well as hills for alpine skiing. In [[Stryn]], at [[Galdhøpiggen]] and at [[Folgefonna]] there alpine ski centres that are open in summer only (May–September), offering unique opportunities for alpine skiing in T-shirt and short pants. Back-country skiing is popular in late winter and spring, and the season lasts until late May in the high plateaus/central mountains. [[File:Hemsedal skisenter.jpg|thumb|400px|Hemsedal slopes]] ''Dagens Næringsliv'', the leading business daily, ranked the best '''alpine''' resorts (2013, 2016, 2018): # [[Hemsedal]] - Norway's most complete alpine resort, can be compared to leading resorts in Austria and Canada. # [[Trysil]] - Norway's largest winter resort, best for children, but it also has many steep pistes # [[Hafjell]] - best snow park, stable cold climate, 1994 Olympics (rank #3 in 2016) # [[Kvitfjell]] - Norway's toughest downhill slopes, 1994 Olympics # Myrkdalen - in [[Voss]] district, heavy snowfall, open November-May # [[Stranda]] - Norway's best offpiste skiing, best scenery and wilderness, heavy snowfalls (ranked #8 in 2016)) # [[Oppdal]] - some for all # [[Geilo]] - well suited for families with diverse preferences # [[Voss]] - ideal for day trips from Bergen# [[Lyngen]] - best summit skiing # [[Hovden]] - best in [[South Norway]], 200km from Kristiansand (ranked #6 in 2016) # Røldal - in [[Ullensvang]], heavy snowfall, second best off-piste, open until early May # [[Narvik]] - second best off-piste and second best scenery, open until early May<!-- -->[[File:Soerkedalen09.jpg|thumb|Groomed cross country tracks in the Oslo forest]] Best '''cross-country''' resorts according to ''Dagens Næringsliv'' (2019 update): # Hafjell/Kvitfjell in [[Gudbrandsdalen]]/Lillehammer # Beitostølen in [[Valdres]] # [[Hovden]] in Setesdal # [[Geilo]] # [[Hemsedal]] # [[Oppdal]] # [[Trysil]] # Gausta at Rjukan # [[Voss]] including Myrkdalen # [[Narvik]] # Oslo - 2600 km trails (350 km with lights) inside the big city ''Dagens Næringsliv'' in 2014 and 2019 ranked the winter sport resorts that have the most '''complete''' offer (alpine skiing, cross-country skiing in groomed tracks and "summit skiing"): # [[Hemsedal]] - all options in a high valley, stable winter (number 1 in 2019 update) # Beitostølen - good place for children, excellent for cross country # [[Voss]] including Myrkdalen - offers everything, somewhat limited range for cross country # [[Hovden]] - cross country and alpine slopes (not ranked in 2014) # [[Geilo]] - perfect for cross-country skiing and for families, limited off-piste options # [[Oppdal]] - all options in a high valley, somewhat dated facilities # Hafjell/Kvitfjell in Lillehammer/Gudbrandsdalen - cross country and alpine although limited off-piste options, no mountains # [[Narvik]] - wild mountains directly on fjord, limited offers for families and cross-country skiers # Stranda - excellent off-piste and panorama, limited cross-country (not ranked in 2014) # [[Trysil]] - great variety of alpine slopes, well suited for families, limited off-piste # [[Tromsø]] - mediocre alpine facilities, but superb mountainous hinterland # [[Sogndal]] - excellent summit skiing options, lots of powder snow, limited facilities # [[Røldal]] - steep hills and heavy snowfalls, few options for beginners and families ===Cycling=== You can rent a bicycle virtually everywhere in Norway. Cycling routes exist usually near bigger cities; you can find some tours at [http://www.cyclingnorway.no/en/ Cycle tourism in Norway]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. Some roads and tunnels are forbidden for cyclists as they are life-threatening; read the section [[Norway#By_bicycle|By bicycle]] above. Some city dumps may have a special section where you can pick up discarded bicycles (and other stuff) for free. The charity thrift-stores (FRETEX/ELEVATOR/NMS Gjenbruk) sometimes stock used bicycles. ===Swimming=== [[File:Hankø - no-nb digifoto 20151118 00006 NB MIT FNR 16179 (cropped).jpg|thumb|Summer day on ''svaberg'', polished cliffs typical for Norway's coast.]] There are few sandy beaches and water is mostly cold, in salt water as well as fresh water. The coast of Skagerrak, parts of the Oslofjord for instance, can however get pleasantly warm in late summer. The coast is mostly rocky, but some areas have stretches of gently rounded, polished slabs of rock, "svaberg", these get quickly dry and warm in sunny weather, and is a popular hangout in summer. Except for the long sandy beaches south of Stavanger, there are few and only short stretches of sandy beaches. Norway's towns have many indoor swimming pools and a few heated outdoor pools too. Visitors to pools are supposed to shower well and completely naked before going into the pool. Use proper swimwear, swimming in underwear is not accepted. Small children may change and shower with parents. Most indoor pools have saunas ("badstue" in Norwegian). ===Fishing=== Norway's long coastline has ample opportunity for fishing. Salt water fishing for own consumption is free for all. For pollock/saith and mackerel there is no minimum size. Cod must be at least 40 cm, while sea trout must be at least 30 cm. Rivers are mostly private and permit for fresh water fishing (mostly salmon and trout) must be obtained from the owner. Permissions are often sold in the local tourist information. Some of the largest lakes have the specific rules similar to salt water fishing. Norway has some of the best salmon rivers in Europe. English gentlemen anglers discovered Norway's rivers in the early 1800s and initiated Norway's first tourist boom. Norwegian salmon is typically 3 to 4 kg in rivers, but the best rivers may see catch at 20 and 25 kg. Tana river in Finnmark has the world record for atlantic salmon at 36 kg. There are about 600 notable rivers with salmong and trout in Norway. The northern rivers (for instance Alta, Tana, Lakselv, Reisa, Børselva and Målselv) and Trøndelag (Orkla, Gaula, Stjørdalselva and Namsen) are at the top of angler's list. There are also fine, but shorter, rivers in Western Norway notably Rauma, Driva, Suldal and Lærdal. ===Other outdoor=== White water rafting services * Sjoa ([[Gudbrandsdalen]] area) * Skjåk/Lom * [[Valldal]] * [[Voss]] * [[Oppdal]] * Jølster ===Music=== {{seealso|Nordic music}} Norway has a bustling scene for both folk, classical and popular music, and is especially known for heavy metal music. ==Buy== ===Money=== {{exchange rates | currency=Norwegian kroner | currencyCodeAfter=&nbsp;kr | date=January 2025 | USD=11 | EUR=12 | GBP=14 | SEK=1.0 | DKK=1.6 | CHF=12.5 | source=[http://www.xe.com/currency/nok-norwegian-krone XE.com] }} Norwegian currency is the '''Norwegian krone''' (crown, plural: ''kroner'') (ISO code: '''NOK'''), sometimes abbreviated ''kr'' or ''kr.'', but often just the amount is shown on price tags. A 1/100th ''krone'' is called ''øre''. Be careful when crossing borders to differentiate the Norwegian ''krone'' (NOK) from the Swedish (SEK) or Danish (DKK) ''krone''. Euros are generally not accepted in shops, except in some airports, international transport (flights, ferries), and a small number of business targeting tourists. Coins come in 1, 5, 10, and 20 kr. Paper notes come in 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1,000 kr. While price tags still include ''øre'', for instance 9.99 kr, there are no coins smaller than 1 kroner so prices are rounded. ===Banking=== Virtually all stores accept major credit cards such as MasterCard and Visa. Norway might well be the most '''card-centred country''' in the world, and you may encounter businesses where cash isn't accepted. Card payments in ordinary shops are usually done by debit cards where the transaction is completed at once through a unified, national system. Small transactions can usually be done without the use of a PIN code, and tap-to-pay or contactless support is widespread. It is possible that you can spend days in Norway without needing physical cash; after the COVID-19 pandemic the use of cash has dropped to almost zero. ATMs in Norway are called ''Minibank''. Due to the widespread use of debit/credit cards and mobile platforms for payment, ATMs are not as abundant as they used to be. As exchanging Norwegian kroner to a different currency can be pricey, don't withdraw or exchange more cash than you'll use. Cash can still be used for tipping tour guides and similar, where card payment isn't available. ATMs at DNB bank branches are now operated by a different company (Nokas) which charges additional fees for cash withdrawal. Those who intend to stay for a longer time should consider getting ''vipps''. It is a popular mobile payment platform used to transfer money between individuals. This requires an account with a major Norwegian bank, which in turn, is open only to Norwegian residents. ==== Money exchange ==== The most visible foreign exchange outlet is the aptly-named [http://forex.no FOREX]. It is also possible to exchange money in most banks near tourist information offices, in the post-office, or withdraw the money in local currency from the ATM. However, most foreign exchange transactions done at a manned office will have a substantial markup away from the mid-market rate (up to 8% more unfavourable to you plus a fixed fee) leaving you with much less money than what it is worth. The post office might have an exchange fee up to {{NOK|75}}! You will get rates closer to the mid-market rate when you withdraw money from an ATM or pay for a transaction directly with a debit/credit card – this will of course be subject to your bank's own fees (and the ATM's). In rare situations when you are prompted to choose between the original Norwegian kroner amount and an amount converted to your card's home currency, select the Norwegian kroner (see [[Money#Dynamic currency conversion]]). At main airports and Oslo Central Station you can withdraw euros, US dollars, British pounds, Swedish, Danish and Norwegian kroner. ===Costs=== Norway is an '''expensive''' country for visitors. While the krone has fallen compared to major hard currencies since the record levels of the early 2010s, and it is possible to travel in Norway on a limited budget, some care must be taken. Because labour is costly, anything that can be seen as a "service" will in general be more expensive than you expect. Travel costs can also be a killer, because the country is large and distances long, so a rail or air pass, or booking air and rail travel in advance and on off-peak times, can save you a lot of money. If you are a bit careful about your expenses a daily budget of around {{NOK|1,500}} per day is not unrealistic. As rules of thumb, subsisting on under {{NOK|500}}/day will be difficult even if you stay in hostels and self-cater, with {{NOK|1,000}}/day allowing a more comfortable mid-range lifestyle and over {{NOK|2000}}/day needed for good hotels and restaurants. Accommodation in Norway (including in Oslo) can actually be cheaper than in Denmark or Finland if you are willing to travel during the low season. Take care when buying alcohol and tobacco. It will most certainly be more expensive than you expect. A 400 or 500 mL beer in a pub or restaurant will cost around {{NOK|60}} whilst a 500 mL can of 4.7% beer in a supermarket costs about {{NOK|25}}. Cigarettes cost about {{NOK|100}} for a pack of 20, and a bottle of 500 mL Coke will usually cost {{NOK|20}} in shops. On the positive side: Norway has good quality tap water. Buying bottled drinking water is unnecessary and hugely expensive. Fast food restaurants like McDonald's and Burger King are also more expensive than in most countries due to the labour costs. A large Big Mac menu will set you back around {{NOK|90}}, the same goes for a Double Whopper Cheese menu. Also, keep in mind that most bakeries, fast food chains, and other types of restaurants that offer takeout, charge more if you eat in at the restaurant than if you opt for takeaway, due to differences in the VAT rate. You can save some money by bringing supplies. Norwegian border regulations are strict: they allow a maximum of 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco, 1 litre of hard alcohol and 1½ litre of wine and 2 litres of beer ''or'' 3 litres of wine and 2 litres of beer ''or'' 5 litres of beer. As a general rule, tobacco, alcohol and meat will be comparatively expensive. Vegetables, flour, baby articles, car supplies (oil, window wiper fluid and so on), and clothes will have (almost) the same price as in neighbouring countries, or even be cheaper. Many Norwegians living near the borders with [[Sweden]], [[Finland]] or [[Russia]] head into those countries to purchase groceries, for significantly cheaper prices. You could likewise stock up if arriving from there, or make a shopping sidetrip when a border crossing is close enough – even quite small villages by the border tend to have shops catering for Norwegian shoppers. While the option of crossing into Russia is not available for most travellers, the two others can be visited with a Schengen visa. Many attractions in Norway are free of charge, most notably the landscape and nature itself. Furthermore, you don't have to spend much money on accommodation if you're prepared to sleep in a tent or under the open sky. According to the Norwegian [[right to access]], you may stay for up to two nights in one spot in uncultivated land if you keep away from houses and other buildings and out of the way of other people, provided that you [[Leave-no-trace camping|leave no trace]]. If you move far away from people, you can stay for as long as you want. ===Tipping=== Traditionally, the tip has not been common, but is getting more so by outside influence. Tipping is never considered offensive, but not tipping is also completely normal. In Norway, like most of Europe, waiters are well paid and thus not dependent on tips from customers. However, a tip can be given to show appreciation for the service. It is common in mid- to high-end cafés and restaurants. In restaurants, rounding up is the norm, and 10% is considered generous. It is not normal to tip outside restaurants and bars, but in situations where change is common it is polite to leave the change (for example, taxis). Tipping cab drivers is common if you travel for more than 200 kr, but you will get no reaction from the driver should you choose not to tip, perhaps a new experience to American and English tourists. ===Shopping=== Opening hours in Norway are better than they used to be, though many smaller stores still close early on Saturday (13:00 or 15:00 is typical) and nearly everything is closed on Sundays (except on the last few weekends leading up to Christmas). '''Grocery stores''' (particularly in the cities) have long opening hours frequently until 22:00 or 23:00 on weekdays. You'll often see opening hours written as "9-21 (9-18)" on doors or in huge fonts on outside walls, meaning 9AM to 9PM weekdays, 9AM to 6PM Saturdays. The grocery market is dominated by a handful of chains covering most of Norway: Rema 1000, Kiwi, Prix and Bunnpris are low price shops with a narrow selection of items; Coop and Spar have wider selection and better quality at a slightly higher price; Meny, Mega and Ultra have fewer shops and higher prices. Norway has the highest density of grocery stores in Europe, this notable in cities where moderately priced stores are never far between. In villages and small towns most shops are usually in the very centre around one or two streets. Convenience stores, notably the major chains '''Narvesen''' and '''Mix''' (all over the country), '''Deli de Luca''' (bigger cities only) and '''7-Eleven''' (bigger cities only), are open from early morning until late at night every day, with 24-hour service in the biggest cities. All over the country you will find gas-stations, '''Circle K''', '''Shell, fresh/selected''', '''YX''' (HydroTexaco) (these days turning into 7-eleven with gas) and '''Esso, On the Run'''. Virtually all gas-stations serve fast-food, especially sausages and cheese. Also hamburgers, pizza, and so on. The gas-stations have long opening periods, and the bigger stations in cities and near bigger crossroads are open 24 hours. Items sold in convenience stores and gas stations are relatively expensive. Most big cities have over the years been almost exclusively dominated by shopping malls. Although you do have shopping streets like Karl Johans Gate in Oslo, Strandgaten in Bergen and Nordre gate/Olav Tryggvasons gate in Trondheim, you are bound to find malls around the country by Thon Gruppen and other major companies. Norway is also home to Scandinavias biggest mall - Sandvika Storsenter - 15 minutes outside Oslo by train. In Oslo you have Byporten Shopping Senter, Oslo City and Gunerius located right next to Oslo S train station and Paléet and Arkaden Shopping in Karl Johans Gate, as well as several malls and shopping centres a bit further out. Getting "good deals" and bargaining is frowned upon, and the service workers are generally not authorized to give you a better price - only larger items such as cars are subject to haggling. The price you see is the price you pay. If you plan on buying tax-free, a good practice is to bring with you the necessary forms. Most stores will have these forms at hand themselves but it is a good precaution. Also, if you pay with a credit card, you might have to sign the receipt which will require some form of ID, driving licence and passport are both OK. This is due to the strict nature of money transactions. ==Eat== {{seealso|Nordic cuisine}} [[Image:AiLofoten DryCod 01.jpg|thumb|Cod drying in the wind, a common (and smelly) sight along the coast]] [[Image:Dinner Fiskebullar.jpg|thumb|Fit for a Viking: ''fiskeboller'' (fish balls) in cream sauce with potatoes, grated carrots and a smattering of bacon]] Norway is one of the worlds most '''expensive''' countries for eating, especially in restaurants, and also for retail food. Many visitors choose to bring [[camping food]] from another country. ===Cuisine=== While Norwegian eating habits have become more cosmopolitan in the last decades, traditional Norwegian "farm" food is still widely eaten, made by whatever can grow in the northern climate, be stored for a year until new crops come out, and contain enough energy for you to do hard work. Regional variants in traditional food are huge and hence, and what is thought to be "typical traditional" for one Norwegian might be totally unknown to another. Typical examples are variations of yeasted and unyeasted [[bread]] and other forms of bakery, porridges, soups, inventive uses of potato, salted and smoked [[meat]], and fresh, salted or smoked [[fish]]. Dried cod (''tørrfisk'') and salted cod (''klippfisk'') are staples of coastal communities in the west and north and can be seen drying on outside racks in spring and summer. The national dish of Norway is ''fårikål'', a stewed casserole of lamb's meat and cabbage. Other specialities include ''lutefisk'' (lyefish) made from dry/salted fish processed in lye, and potato dumplings served with salt meat (raspeball) or mixed with fish (blandeball). Sheep's head (''smalahove'') and dried mutton ribs (''pinnekjøtt'') are traditionally served before or during Christmas in Western Norway. Finer traditional food is usually based on game or fresh fish. Steak, medallions and meat balls from game, deer, reindeer and elk are highly appreciated foods with international reputation, so are fresh, smoked and fermented salmon varieties as well as a host of other fish products. Traditional pastries like ''lukket valnøtt'' (marzipan-covered whipped cream cake) are other original contributions to international cuisine. Cheese of various types is common, but one particularly Norwegian favourite is ''brun geitost'' (brown goat-cheese), a mild sweet cheese which bears a remarkable similarity to smooth peanut butter in colour, texture and taste. Today, Norwegians use plenty of sliced bread for almost any meal except dinner, whereas recipes for hot meals will be taken from almost anywhere in the world, including of course the traditional kitchen, but seldom the most extreme examples. Lunch usually consists of some bread and snacks instead of a warm dish but this is then compensated by eating well at dinner time. Most Norwegians don't go out for lunch, instead have a quick meal in the workplace. Norway maintains high import tariffs for food; especially meat, dairy products, and alcoholic beverages. Norwegians who live near Sweden or Finland usually cross the border to buy these products. Norwegians are also known for buying a lot of frozen pizzas at modest prices in any grocery store. ===Places to eat=== {{infobox|Whale anyone?|Yes, Norwegians eat whale (''hval''). However, it's very seldom found in most ordinary restaurants, and chances are it might be overly expensive. In freezers at some supermarkets you may encounter whale meat as well. Young Norwegians did not grow up with eating whale because of the moratorium in the 1980s. Although whaling started up again in the early 1990s, whale is no longer a staple food as it once was in the coastal areas. Norway only allows a limited catch of the minke whale as this specific species is not regarded endangered. }} Fast food meals start from 50 kr and sit-down meals in a decent restaurant nearly always topping 200 kr or more for a main course. Even a take-away sandwich and a coffee at a gas station may cost you up to 70 kr. One way to cut costs is '''self-catering''', as youth hostels and guesthouses often have kitchens for their guests. Supermarkets and grocery stores are not hard to find, even in the smallest village there is usually more than one grocery store. The largest chains are Coop, REMA 1000, Kiwi and Joker. Breakfast is often hearty and buffet-style, so pigging out at breakfast and skipping lunch is also an option. Buy/bring a lunchbox before attending breakfast, as most of the bigger hotels will allow you to fill it up for free from the breakfast buffet for eating later in the day. For a cheap quick snack Norwegian-style, look no further than the nearest grill or convenience store, which will dish up a sausage (''pølse'') or hot dog (''grillpølse'') in either a hot dog bun (''brød'') or wrapped in a flat potato bread (''lompe'') for around 20-30 kr. However prices can soar as high as 50 kr if you buy at the right (read wrong) places. In addition to ketchup and mustard, optional toppings include pickled cucumber (''sylteagurk''), fried onion bits (''stekt løk'') and shrimp salad (''rekesalat''). To get the most for your money, order a (''kebab i pita'') which is lamb meat roasted on a spit then fried when you order, served together with vegetables in a pita bread. This tastes great, is extremely filling and can be found for as little as 40 kr in central Oslo. Outside, you will have to stick with your grillpølse. ===Vegetarians=== Some Norwegian cuisine restaurants have vegetarian meals on the menu, but others will make something if asked, with varying success. Some of the few chains of stores/restaurants where you will always have a vegetarian option is Peppes Pizza, Domino's, Pizzabakeren, Subway and Esso/On the run (spinach panini). ===Allergies and diets=== If you have allergies like lactose intolerance and gluten allergy, going to Peppes Pizza, Dominos, Pizzabakeren, McDonald's, Subway and Burger King are good suggestions. But if you want to eat somewhere a little fancier, asking the maître d'hôtel at the restaurant is always good practice. In some cases, if it is not on the menu, they might be able to accommodate you anyway. As the regulations for food are extremely strict in Norway, the ingredients for anything you buy are always printed on the packages, and if you ask, you will always be told what is contained in the food you order. ===Food safety=== Food safety is very good in Norway. Salmonella is very rare compared to other countries, and health officials inspect restaurants at a regular basis. Also tap-water is usually very nice; Voss water from Vatnestrøm in [[Aust-Agder]] is actually exported abroad, including the US. ==Drink== [[File:Eit glas akevitt.jpg|thumb|A glass of Gammel Opland ''akevitt'']] {{infobox|Aquavit|Norwegian ''akevitt'', a distilled beverage of about 40% alcohol, is distinguished from other aquavits originating in other Nordic countries and Germany because it's always made from potatoes, and aged in used sherry casks. Recipes remain secret, but most Norwegian aquavits are spiced with caraway and anise. There are at least 27 different Norwegian aquavits, suitable to different kinds of food, in drinks or as avec. Aquavit is especially popular with traditional food for Christmas. The classics are Lysholm Linie (a nice all-round aquavit to go with not too heavy food), Løiten Linie (with salted and smoked meat), Gammel Opland (all-round, especially good with traditional ''lutefisk'') and Simers Taffel (to go with herring), you should also try Gilde Non Plus Ultra (as avec) if you enjoy the taste. The "Linie" aquavits have in fact travelled twice across the equator while ageing!}} Norway is often described as a "dry" country, because alcohol is highly priced and a glass of wine or beer in a restaurant costs at least 60 kr. When in cities and towns with many students such as Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim and Tromsø, you can very often find lower prices. Ask young people in the streets or at your place of accommodation for hints and tips of where to go. Beer can be bought at the supermarkets, however wine and stronger alcoholic beverages have to be purchased in state owned liquor stores ([http://www.vinmonopolet.no Vinmonopolet]). The Vinmonopolet is a monopoly but maintains high quality and a wide selection of products; the finest products are moderately priced. The price of alcohol, however does not stop the locals from having a good time. They are often found drinking and carrying on in local street parties and on their porches. The high prices is one reason why the tradition to hold '''vorspiel''' and '''nachspiel''' before going out is very popular in Norway. The words derives from German and can be translated into pre- and after party. If going out in the weekend, it is not unknown for Norwegians to gather at a friend's house and not leave for the nightclub until after midnight. So if you've seen Norwegian drinking culture abroad, and are shocked by the empty bar/club at 23:00, call your Norwegian friend and ask where the vorspiel is. (If that person is one of the many Swedes in Norway, vorspiel would mean foreplay – they would say foreparty.) It's likely to be a whole lot of fun. Clubs tend to fill up around the period immediately after midnight. However this is mostly true at weekends – during normal weekdays, you will often find Norwegians sitting in bars enjoying a couple of beers or a bottle of wine. You must be at least 18 years old to purchase beer or wine and 20 years old to purchase spirits with an alcohol content of 22% and more in Norway. Drinking in public is prohibited. This law is very strict, and even encompasses your own balcony, if other people can see you! Luckily, the law is very seldom enforced (cases of anyone being fined on their own balcony are very rare, for instance), and Norwegians do indeed drink in parks. There are calls for modifying the antiquated law, with debate in media: most people seem to agree that drinking in parks is alright as long as people have a good time and remain peaceful. However, if you bother others and get too intoxicated or a policeman happens to be in a bad mood, you may be asked to throw away your alcohol, and in a worst-case scenario, fined. Drinking openly in the street is probably still considered somewhat rude, and it would be more likely to attract police attention than a picnic in a park, and is advised against. Having a glass of wine in an establishment that legally serves alcohol at the pavement, of course, is not a problem. Be careful about urinating in major cities like Oslo if you're drunk, fines for public urination can be as high as 10,000 kr! However, this normally isn't a problem if you urinate in a place where nobody sees, like a couple of yards into the woods. Public intoxication is also something you should be a bit careful with, especially in the capital, [[Oslo]]. In smaller towns the police will have no problem giving you a night in the local jail if they think you are disrupting peace and order. In Norway, all '''alcohol''' with a volume percentage of under 4.75% can be sold at regular shops. This means you can get decent beer all over the place. The price varies, but imported beer is usually expensive (except Danish and Dutch beers brewed in Norway on licence like Heineken and Carlsberg). '''Shopping hours''' for beer are very strict: The sale stops at 20:00 every weekday, and at 18:00 every day before holidays (incl Sundays). Since the sale times are decided by the local council, it may vary, but these are the latest times decided by law. This means the beer will have to be ''paid'' for before this time. If it's not paid, the person behind the counter will take your beer, and tell you "Sorry pal, too late!". On Sunday, you can't buy takeaway alcohol anywhere. For strong beer, wine and hard alcohol, you will have to find a '''Vinmonopolet''' branch. The state shop has a marvellous choice of drinks, but at mostly sky-high prices. The general rule is that table wines are more expensive than in nearly any other country. Expect 80–90 kr for a decent, "cheap" wine. However, as the taxation is based on the volume of alcohol per bottle rather than the wholesale cost, you can often find more exclusive wines at lower prices than in private establishments in other countries. Vinmonpolet is open until 17:00 Monday to Wednesday, 18:00 Thursday to Friday, and 15:00 on Saturday. Many car borne visitors (and Norwegians on shopping trips to Sweden and Finland) bring alcohol into Norway, but mind the import restrictions; anything above the quota gives heavy duties. ===Beers=== The brands you are most likely to see in pubs are industrial lagers from Ringnes, Hansa, Borg, CB, Mack, Aass and Frydenlund (accompanied by a vast array of imported drinks). However, in the last ten years a range of microbreweries and craft breweries have made locally produced beer of all varieties and often high quality available. For instance Nøgne Ø, Ægir, Haandbryggeriet, Kinn, 7 Fjell and many more. Beer from small or specialty breweries are also available in pubs or cafes such as Mikrobryggeriet (Bogstadveien Oslo), Lorry's (Parkveien, Oslo), Grünerløkka Brygghus (Oslo) or Beer Palace (Aker Brygge, Oslo), Ægir (Flåm), UNA Bryggeri og Kjøkken (Bergen), Trondhjem Mikrobryggeri (Trondheim) and Christianssand Brygghus (Kristiansand). Norwegians are proud of their local breweries. At bars or pubs it is considered good manners to order a local beer first. ===Cider=== Because of the abundance of light in summer but relatively cool weather, Norwegian fruit and berries have a different flavor than in southern countries. Norway is too cool for grapes, but apple growing has long tradition particularly in Hardanger. Other traditional apple farms are found in inner Sognefjord, Valldal, Gvarv (Telemark), Lier and Ringerike. There are many cider producers in the area some of these ciders are of high quality and match fine white wine from central Europe and the best cider internationally. Norwegian cider is typically fresh, aromatic and dry. Ciders rich in tannins and with a more bitter taste are less common. Non-alcoholic apple juice may also be referred to as cider. ===Non-alcoholic beverages=== There are many manufacturers of local non-alcoholic beverages, such as fruit juices all over Norway. Norwegians drink cow's milk for meals consisting of bread. Milk is available in several varieties, high or low in fat. Norwegians drink coffee in large quantities. In the larger cities there are many coffee shops and patisseries which are also meeting places. ===Water=== Norwegian tap water is generally of high quality, clean and absolutely drinkable. Tap water is mostly surface water; only a small proportion is obtained from sources underground. There is also bottled drinking water to buy, some with added carbonation and/or different flavorings. Norwegian bottled water is of very high quality. Many Norwegians choose to drink water with meals and bring drinking water when they go hiking. ==Sleep== '''[[Hotels]]''' in Norway are generally not cheap, as Norway is a high-cost country, but there are several price ranges, and it is very possible to get reasonably-priced rates even in top-rated hotels depending on the time of the year, day of the week, and city – e.g. hotels in Oslo may be expensive on weekdays but much cheaper when there is less business travel. Special offers are common, look for them. A single hotel room should cost you from around {{NOK|800}} and up (always book ahead for weekdays). Most hotels are found in densely populated areas, but those called ''høyfjellshotell'' are often far into the mountains. If you plan to finish your stay in Norway on a Sunday, try finding a hotel that offers a late check-out. You can also find reasonable cheap lodgings in camping huts ({{NOK|300-600}}, space for entire family), DNT mountain cabins ({{NOK|150-300}} per person), youth [[hostels]] ({{NOK|150-250}} per person), etc. Most of these will require you to make your own food, bring your own bedsheets, and wash before leaving. A [[second homes|countryside cabin]], '''hytte''', is a prized family treasure. The high demand and the limits for exploitation have pushed property prices through the roof during the first decade of the 2000s, and few foreigners can afford to buy a cabin in Norway. As currency and prices are dependent on the oil price, the return on investment is very uncertain. For longer stays (one week or more) consider '''renting''' an apartment, a house or a high quality cabin. Several agencies offer reservations on houses or cabins owned by farmers or other locals. This type of accommodation is frequently more interesting than a standard hotel. Services like Airbnb can also provide some listings. They typically start at {{NOK|300}}/night for a single room but obviously cost substantially more for entire properties. '''[https://www.norcamp.de/en/camping.map.0.html Campsites]''' for caravans, campers and tents are found in a large number in Norway. Many [[campsite]]s also have small cabins for rent. The standard varies. Most campsites are only open during the summer months. In addition, there are a number of parking spaces separate for campers in cities. '''[[Wild camping]]''' is allowed in ''utmark'', i.e. undeveloped areas such as the fells, according to the [[Right to access in the Nordic countries|right to access]] (''allemannsretten''). If travelling by car, finding a spot to park near your intended camp site can be difficult. Wild camping is intended for hikers in the wilderness, it is not intended as a cheap option. ==Learn== All public universities in Norway are funded through taxpayer money, and hence do not charge tuition fees for either Norwegian citizens or international students. However, keep the high cost of living in mind when planning your finances to study in Norway. You will not be issued a student visa if you cannot present evidence of funds to support your living expenses. The most important universities in Norway are the [https://www.uio.no/english/ University of Oslo] and the [https://www.uib.no/en University of Bergen]. Undergraduate courses are generally taught in Norwegian, though there are many postgraduate courses that are taught in English. Some undergraduate courses for exchange students are also taught in English. Many universities also conduct courses for foreigners who wish to learn Norwegian. ==Work== Citizens of all EU/EEA countries and Switzerland (some restrictions apply for recent members of the European Union) have an unrestricted right to work in Norway, but must register with the police if they intend to stay in Norway for more than 3 months. In addition, citizens of a number of non-EU countries are permitted to work in Norway without the need to obtain a visa or any further authorisation for the period of their 90-day visa-free stay (for more information, see the 'Get in' section above). You may start from the local office of the public agency [https://www.nav.no/English NAV], to get legal advice and a list of available jobs. They also provide an online guide: [https://www.nav.no/workinnorway/ Work in Norway]. Even though the unemployment rate in Norway is very low (3.2% [http://www.indexmundi.com/norway/unemployment_rate.html]), short-term employment may be hard to find – certainly when not fluent in a Scandinavian language. If you decide to move there you have to fill in a "Residence Permit" which lasts for 3 years before it needs to be renewed. ==Stay safe== [[File:Norway - National Police POLITI current style (8164823476).jpg|thumb|Police patch including the golden lion (insignia for government authorities)]] Norway has a very low rate of violent crime. The most likely crimes for tourists to experience are car break-ins and bicycle theft. Pickpockets do also tend to be an increasing problem in urban areas in the summer season, but it's still nothing like in larger cities in Europe. It is always a good idea to look after your belongings, this includes never leaving valuable objects visible in your car and locking your bike safely. It is generally illegal to carry knives and firearms in public places such as on the street. Solo female travellers should have no problems, although ordinary street sense is advised after dark. During summer there is full daylight until late evening, even in South Norway. Norway is one of the countries in the world with the lowest levels of corruption. Police and other authorities cannot be bribed, travellers are strongly advised against attempting in any form of bribery. Norway has a unified police force ("politi"). The police force is the government authority in areas like crime, national security, major accidents, missing persons, traffic control, passports and immigration control. Police officers usually do not carry guns and during a year the police (the entire police force) use guns only a handful of times. Most cities have municipal parking attendants, too, but the attendants do not have any authority beyond fining and removing vehicles. Norway has a lot of electric vehicles, particularly in cities, as of 2022 the majority of new cars were hybrid or fully electric and in total every fifth were fully electric. These cars are very quiet and pedestrians should use their eyes, not ears, when crossing roads and streets. ===Outdoor safety=== The most unusual dangers to visitors are found in nature. Every year, quite a few tourists get hurt, even killed, in the mountains or on the seas, usually after given, unheeded warnings. Dangers include glacier fronts, big waves on the coast and big waterfalls. Do not walk on glaciers without proper training and equipment or a local guide. When hiking or skiing, be prepared for a [[cold weather|sudden shift in the weather]], as these can happen very quickly in Norway. Carry the gear you might need to cope. If unsure about conditions, ask locals or go on a guided tour. For any written advice, make sure you understand how your experience might differ from that of the intended audience, and e.g. what is included in estimated hike durations. You are expected to manage on your own in the Norwegian wilderness, so you won't find fences or warning signs even at the most dangerous places. Keep in mind that avalanches are common. Unless you know exactly what you're doing, stay in marked slopes when skiing. If you think you know what you're doing, think twice. 12 people were killed in avalanches just in the first three months of 2011 in Norway. For safety measures, see below. ====Wild animals==== Norway has few [[aggressive animals|dangerous wild animals]]. [[Animal collisions]] with the mighty moose or the smaller red deer account for the bulk of wild animal-related deaths and injuries. In some rural districts, sheep, goats, cows or reindeer can be seen walking or sleeping on the road. Unlike other wild animals, the muskox in Dovrefjell area does not necessarily run from humans, instead they form a defensive perimeter around the group and may attack if approached. [[Image:Warning sign polar bears.jpg|thumb|Warning - polar bears. "Applies to all of Svalbard", but not at all to the mainland.]] Specific rules and precautions apply to [[Svalbard]], where you should never travel outside [[Longyearbyen]] without someone in your party carrying a weapon. The polar bears on Svalbard are a real and extremely dangerous threat for the unprepared, and there are cases involving death and/or injury almost every year. There are more polar bears here than humans. Svalbard is a fragile, dry arctic tundra with large parts almost untouched by humans. The current recommendation is that non-local visitors participate on organized tour arrangements only. Breaking the law, disturbing wildlife or being reckless can land you a fine and/or deportation from the archipelago. That said, if you come well prepared with common sense, the visit will be one of the most memorable you've ever had. The nature, scenery and history of Svalbard is simply breathtaking. As for other wild animals on mainland Norway, there are not much more than a few extremely rare encounters with brown bear and wolf in the wilderness. Contrary to popular belief abroad, there are ''no polar bears'' in mainland Norway, let alone polar bears walking city streets. The Scandinavian brown bear is peaceful and will generally run away from humans. In any case it is extremely unlikely that tourists will even see a glimpse of one of the around 50 brown bears remaining in Norway. Norwegian wolves are not dangerous to humans. In general, there is no reason to worry about dangerous encounters with wild beasts in Norway. ====Sea and coast==== [[File:20071207 The Cormorants' skerry.jpg|thumb|The outer coast is treacherous.]] Norway's immense coastline is an adventure for visitors, but also a treacherous area. Huge waves that build up power across the North Sea and the Atlantic crush on slippery rocks and slabs along the outer coast. Every year tourists are in serious danger and occasionally even killed when they challenge the big waves along the shores. Many tourists also leave the sheltered waters and venture onto the open sea in small boats, every year tourists are rescued at sea, some even perish. Note that life jackets are required in small boats. The long inner fjords are mostly sheltered from ocean waves, but sea breezes can be powerful and unpredictable on warm summer days. Complex topography makes wind unpredictable. Winds are on average strongest and most frequent during winter, but the open sea is treacherous in summer too. Tides vary considerably between regions and are in general greater further north. In Oslofjord and around Kristiansund the difference between high and low tides is only some 50 cm. In Bergen almost 2 meters, Kristiansund some 2.5 meters, in Narvik (Nordland) and Vadsø (East Finnmark) some 4 meters. Tides can increase during strong winds and low pressure. The tide can create strong currents at narrow straits and fjord mouths (Saltstraumen at Bodø is the world's most powerful). Nevertheless, various types of water sports are very popular, such as sailing of various kinds, surfing, rowing, canoeing, kayaking, motor boating, water skiing and so on. If the weather and temperature are favourable, outdoor swimming is also popular. Norway has many ferry crossings and other vessels must yield to ferries. Dont go out in kayak or dive near the docks and routes of car ferries. Sail boats and small boats must also yield to larger vessels and cargo ships. ====Skiing in the mountains==== {{see also|Snow safety|Ice safety|Cold weather|Cross-country skiing|Hiking in the Nordic countries}} To go hiking and skiing in the mountains during winter '''requires precautions'''. Snow storms and avalanches are dangerous, occur often and require safety measures. Therefore The Norwegian Trekking Association compiled [https://english.dnt.no/the-norwegian-mountain-code/ The Norwegian Mountain Code] (''Fjellvettreglene''), safety rules that significantly reduce the danger. ====Glaciers==== [[File:Nigardsbreen-Norway-glacier-hiking.jpg|thumb|Glaciers are beautiful and fascinating, but treacherous and powerful. Note the size of hikers compared to the ice (a line descending from the glacier to the left).]] Glaciers are some of the '''most dangerous places''' for visitors to the Norwegian outdoors. Never underestimate the power of glaciers. Observe warning signs. Never approach the front of the glacier. Observe warning signs and do not cross fences. Most glaciers do not have any kind of signs or fences, and visitors should keep a generous distance. A glacier is not a stable piece of ice, it is constantly moving like a very slow river and huge chunks regularly fall off. There are countless glaciers in Norway and even smaller and apparently insignificant glaciers are powerful compared to tiny humans. Do '''not''' enter a glacier without proper equipment and a skilled local guide. Sunrays get reflected from the white snow, so it is necessary to use sunscreen to protect your skin. Bring warm clothes for tours on the glacier. ===On the road=== {{moreinfo|driving in winter conditions|Winter driving}} If you plan to cross the mountains by car (for instance by driving from Oslo to Bergen) in the winter season, it is imperative that you are prepared for the journey. Very low temperatures in the interior can also be challenging for cars. The conditions are harsh. Always keep a full tank of fuel, and keep warm clothes, food and drink in the car. Make sure your tires are good enough and suited for winter conditions (studded or non-studded winter tires, "all-year" tires are not enough), and that you have sufficient skills for driving in snowy and cold conditions. Roads are often closed on short notice due to weather conditions. For advice on conditions and closed roads, call 175 in Norway or check the online road reports [http://www.vegvesen.no/Trafikkinformasjon/Reiseinformasjon/Trafikkmeldinger] (in Norwegian only) from the Norwegian State road authorities. Remember that not all portions of the roads have cellular phone coverage. [[File:14-09-02-oslo-RalfR-162.jpg|thumb|Norwegian police vehicle.]] === Emergency numbers=== * {{listing | name=Police | alt=Politi | url=https://www.politiet.no/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=112 | wikipedia=Norwegian Police Service | wikidata=Q3180315 |image=Norway - National Police POLITI current style (8164823476).jpg | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Fire | phone=110 }} * {{listing | name=''Emergency'' Medical Services (Ambulance) | phone=113 | wikipedia=Emergency medical services in Norway | wikidata=Q5370710 }} * If you are ''unsure'' which number to call, {{phone|112}} is the central for all search and rescue services and will put you in contact with the correct department. * For ''non-emergencies'', the ''police'' is to be called on {{phone|02800 (in country only)}}. * For ''treatment of casualties or serious illness'' (non-emergencies) {{phone|116117 (in country only)}}. * The hearing impaired using a text telephone can reach the emergency services by {{phone|1412}}. * ''Roadside assistance''. In case of traffic accident you are supposed to call the police ''only'' if individuals are injured or if the crash causes a traffic jam. The police will not get involved if there are damages on the vehicles only. ** {{listing | name=Falck | alt= | url=https://www.falck.com/en/ | email= | phone=02222 (in country only) | wikipedia=Falck (emergency services company) | wikidata=Q602168 }} ** {{listing | name= Viking | phone=06000 (in country only) }} ** {{listing | name=Norwegian Automobile Federation | alt=NAF Norges Automobil-Forbund | url=https://www.naf.no/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=08505 (in country only)| tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Norwegian Automobile Federation | wikidata=Q6515853 | content=AAA members may call }} ==Stay healthy== * The '''[[water]]''' quality in Norway is adequate and mostly good or very good. Unlike continental Europe, most of the tap water in Norway is from surface water like rivers and lakes typically in hills above towns. Unlike groundwater, surface water is mostly low in calcium and rarely hard. Tap water is always drinkable (except on boats, trains etc.) and there is general no need to buy bottled water (in fact, bottled water often comes from the same source as tap water). In the mountains, water from streams and rivers is usually drinkable and often high quality, but some common sense is needed to judge the source. * The hygiene in public kitchens is very good, and food poisoning rarely happens to tourists. * Norway can get relatively warm in the summer, but be prepared to bring warm clothes (sweater, wind breaking/waterproof jacket), as they might come in handy. It's hard to predict the weather, and in summer, you may experience severe weather changes during your stay. * Tourists hiking in the high mountains (above the forest) should bring sports wear for temperatures down to freezing (0 °C) also in summer. Rain and strong wind can occur at any time adding to cooling effect. * Norway has a high density of pharmacies. Nose sprays and standard painkillers (paracetamol, aspirin) can also be purchased in grocery stores and gas stations. * Do not underestimate the power of the Nordic sun! The sun is generally not as strong as in Southern Europe, but the air is often very clear and clean in the North and UV-levels can be quite high despite the low sun, especially in the high mountains. This sometimes applies also in cloudy weather. Snow fields and water surfaces multiplies the radiation. And in cool conditions (low temperatures or wind) you don't feel that the sun burns your skin. Bring sunglasses when you go to the high mountains, when you go skiing in spring and when you go to the beach. ;Animals and insects * In southern Norway, there are [[ticks]] (''flått'') in summer. They can transmit Lyme's disease (borreliosis) or TBE (tick-borne encephalitis) through a bite. Both can be very serious. The risk areas for TBE are mainly along the coast from Oslo to Trondheim. Although incidents are relatively rare and not all ticks carry diseases, it's advisable to wear long trousers rather than shorts if you plan to walk through dense or tall grass areas (the usual habitat for ticks). You can buy special tick tweezers from the pharmacy that can be used to remove a tick safely if you happen to get bitten. You should remove the tick from your skin as soon as possible and preferably with the tick tweezers to reduce the risks of getting an infection. If the tick bite starts to form red rings on the skin around it or if you experience other symptoms relating to the bite, you should go visit a doctor as soon as possible. Since ticks are black, they are more easily found if you wear bright clothes. It is advisable to inspect the skin after a day out, particularly on children. Dogs that run around in grass and bushes often attract lots of ticks. * There is only one type of venomous snake in Norway: the European adder (''hoggorm''), which has a distinct zigzag pattern on its back. The snake is not very common, but lives all over Norway up to the Arctic circle (except for the highest mountains and areas with little sunshine). Although its bite hardly ever is life-threatening (except to small children and allergic people), be careful in the summer, especially when walking in the forests or on open fields. The adder can also bite hands you bend to pick wild berries or mushrooms. If you are bitten by a snake, seek medical assistance. The probability of being bitten is however very small, as the adder is very shy of humans. ;Contact For minor injuries and illness, go to the local "Legevakt" (emergency room/physician seeing patients without appointment) {{phone|116 117 (in country only)}}. In cities this is typically a municipal service centrally located, be prepared to wait for several hours. In rural districts, you typically have to contact the "district physician" on duty. For inquiries about toxins (from mushrooms, plants, medicine or other chemicals) call the national Toxin Information Office at {{phone|+47 22 59 13 00}} ==Respect== Norwegians are generally open-minded and tolerant and there are few, if any, dos and don'ts that foreign visitors need to keep in mind. If anything, it is important to keep in mind that Norway is perhaps the most egalitarian country in the world. Behaving in a way that suggest either party is inferior or superior is considered exceptionally rude, and the flaunting of wealth or rank (if any) is frowned upon. Most Norwegians will handle misunderstandings or possibly offensive comments in a friendly manner and almost all will respond well to compliments paid to the country in general. Many Norwegian people can however be mistaken as somewhat rude and unwelcoming, because they can be very direct and that small talk generally doesn't come easy. This is just a matter of culture; making contact with strangers, such as talking with fellow passengers on the bus, is uncommon. This does not apply to train journeys, or outside the bigger cities where small talk will be made on the basis of curiosity. During hikes in remote wilderness, talking to strangers on the same trail is customary. Swearing is relatively common and accepted in many parts of the country. Profanities appear regularly in public broadcasting and are not censored. Foreign visitors may recognize some bad words from English or other languages. Some bad Norwegian words sound very similar to English words. Visitors should however avoid such words as there is a wide variety in what words locals find acceptable. ===Greetings=== Norwegian as a language is very straightforward and close to English. The once common use of the polite pronoun is nowadays extremely rare, and so are polite phrases and words in everyday situations, so don't be offended if a Norwegian speaking a foreign language uses very familiar language. The use of informal language also applies when shopping, checking in at hotels and similar, but do not expect small talk in those situations either. Norwegian does not have something corresponding directly to ''please'' (German ''bitte''), some may say ''unnskyld'' (excuse me) to call your attention. On the other hand, expressing thanks is important in Norway, this occurs in many situations. For instance after being served food in a private home it is customary to say ''thanks for the meal'' (''takk for maten''), at more formal occasions the "thanks" is often accompanied by a handshake. For instance after eating or travelling together some Norwegians says ''thanks for good company''. Many Norwegians also express a ''thanks for last time we met'' for instance a few days after meeting a party. [[File:FIDE 2019 World FR championship - Carlsen v Caruana - game 4.jpg|thumb|Chess master Magnus Carlsen greeting his opponent.]] Norwegian culture in general is very informal and Norwegians usually address each other by first name only, except perhaps in official meetings. Standard nicknames such as "Bob" for "Robert" are rarely used and can not be assumed. Norwegians don't address each other with formal titles such as "Dr.", "Mr." or "Ms.". The informal culture is not equivalent of that in southern parts of Europe; showing up late for meetings is considered rude, so is talking loud, being too personal with strangers, touching somebody without good reason, and losing your temper. Outbursts in public are regarded as embarrassing. A firm but brief handshake is the standard style of greeting; cheek kissing or hugging are traditionally not used among strangers. The elderly and infirm can shake hands sitting or lying down, others are expected to stand up during greetings. It is customary to take off your shoes when entering a Norwegian home, in winter this is often a necessity, walking into somebody's living room with shoes on is regarded as disrespectful. Condolences are expressed with a firm handshake, in a funeral words are often not needed. Norwegians' reputation for being cold and unwelcoming may be a result of a surprisingly complex unwritten code of conduct with many apparent contradictions. For example; while it is very uncommon to make contact with strangers at public transportation like buses, the opposite is true when you meet Norwegians in outdoor activities like hiking or skiing: greeting a fellow hiker or skier is expected, not doing so is often considered quite rude. Another phenomena that often confuses foreigners is the role of alcohol in social interactions. It is best explained as the grease that enables Norwegians to meet and make contact without too much friction, again with exceptions. Fortunately, tourists are exempted from most or all social norms, and Norwegians are in general quite aware, and humorous, about the contradictions in their social norms. ===In nature=== It is increasingly popular among visitors to build stone cairns in wilderness, along rocky beaches and on mountain passes. Stone cairns are used to mark trails and can in fact be misleading to hikers. Visitors building cairns often pick stones from stone fences; some are actually cultural heritage, some are in use for reindeer, sheep or cows. It is in fact illegal to alter nature like this, even if only with a simple rock. Visitors enjoy right of access to wilderness and are expected to take care of nature while they are there as privileged guests. Large part of Norway's wilderness is in fact privately owned so visitors are generally not allowed to take or alter anything. ===Sensitive issues=== The 22 July 2011 terrorist attack is a national trauma, only surpassed by the Second World War. The 2011 event is a sensitive issue in public and visitors should approach the topic carefully. Utøya island is not open to general visitors. The site of the bomb is in the middle of Oslo and can be visited by anyone. The Second World War (usually called "the war"), religion and race are also sensitive issues. While Norway was primarily a victim of the war and remembered in a patriotic context, there are also complicated issues such as collaboration with the Nazi occupiers and the Holocaust. "Race" is not an accepted term and using the term can be perceived as racist. It is not accepted to talk about persons in racial categories. ===Patriotism=== [[File:Childrens parade in Trondheim on National day -5.jpg|thumb|Children's parade in Trondheim on the Constitution Day]] Norwegians can be perceived as somewhat nationalistic. It is common to use the flag of Norway in private celebrations (such as anniversaries and weddings), and many will also fly the flag on public holidays. Norwegians in general speak warmly and positively about their country and they are more than happy to delight you with conversations about the country's economic success, Norway's scenic nature, and so on. Comments about Norway's superiority are much appreciated. You can, if you like, talk about the accomplishments of your home country, but try not to make the discussion competitive. 17 May, the constitution day, can perhaps be a bit overwhelming for foreigners, as the country is covered in flags, citizens dress up in their finest clothes and celebrate all day long. Norwegian nationalism is however generally an expression of appreciation of living in a successful community and stable democracy, not aggressive in any way. On constitution day, dress up and try to say ''gratulerer med dagen'' (literally "congratulations on the day") to anyone you meet, and you will probably get the same in response and see a lot of smiles, even if you're not Norwegian at all. Norwegians take pride in the fact that the parades on constitution day are made up of school children and families instead of military troops. 17 May is a celebration of the 1814 constitution that established Norway as a liberal democracy; the constitution is still in effect, as one of the oldest written democratic constitutions (surpassed by that of the USA). Norway shared a monarch with Sweden until 1905 while Norway was ruled according to the 1814 constitution. Norway has a friendly rivalry with its neighbours, especially Sweden, whose inhabitants are the butt of many jokes. Despite the complicated political history, Norway, Sweden and Denmark have close and friendly relations at the political and personal level. Borders have been open since 1950. ==Cope== '''First time visitors''' not familiar with the country tend to plan a trip in Norway from city to city. Although Norway has many nice cities the country's main attraction is the land itself, the nature, the landscapes, the wilderness, as well as a number of man-made sights in rural districts, notably road constructions and cultural treasures such as the stave churches. Unlike many other countries in Europe, a trip to Norway should ideally be planned according to types of landscapes to visit as well as a selection of cities. Norway is a long country with long distances and complex topography, and travellers should not underestimate distances. ===Numbers, time and dates=== [[File:Norwegian-road-sign-376 1.png|thumb|"08-18" means parking from 8 in the morning to 6 in the afternoon.]] Norwegians use a comma as the ''decimal separator sign'' or radix. For instance, "12,000" means 12 (specified with three decimal places) not 12 thousand, whereas "12 000" officially means 12 thousand ("12.000" is also used for readability). Like many countries, Norwegians typically use the 12-hour clock system in speech and the 24-hour clock system in writing, print, signs and timetables. Norwegians don't use PM/AM to indicate morning or afternoon and may not be familiar with this convention. In Norwegian "half ten" ("halv ti") means half past nine; when speaking to a person not fluent in English it would be better to avoid this form to avoid misunderstanding. Norwegians refer to beginning of daytime as "morning" ("morgen", typically from around 06:00 to 09:00), while the hours until high noon is "before noon" ("formiddag"). Shops, banks and offices don't close for lunch. Dates can be seen abbreviated in a number of ways, but the order is always DAY-MONTH-YEAR, for instance 12.7.17 or 12.07.17 is always 12 July 2017 (120717 and 12/7-17 are also common, but regarded as incorrect forms). Monday is considered the first day of the week, while Sunday is the last. In timetables, weekdays are thus often indicated by numbers 1 (Monday) through 7 (Sunday). Norwegian calendars will also indicate the number of the week 1 through 53. Timetables for public transport often use abbreviations such as "Dx67", meaning "daily except Saturday and Sunday". Norway uses the '''metric''' system only. A Norwegian mile, 'mil', is equal to 10 km. There is virtually no knowledge of Imperial or US measures. Few Norwegians will be able to convert from Celsius (Centigrade) to Fahrenheit, and weather forecasts use metric units only. However, many modern cell-phones have conversion programmes which can be used to understand the metric system. In Norwegian there is usually no concept of ground '''floor''' as in the UK (or "Erdgeschoss" in German), instead the entrance level of a building is called the first floor ("første etasje" or labelled zero, 0) like in the US. Levels are then counted 1, 2, 3 etc. Buildings with multiple underground levels may use -1 (first basement level) and -2 (lower basement). ===House purchase=== If '''purchasing a house''' and business in Norway do check all legal documents (kjøpekontrakt/takst) and maps (grensekart) are correct. Ask for information in the native language you are used to. Make sure the Estate Agent is registered with NEF. ==Connect== The international dialling prefix is 00 like in the EU. On mobile phones, you can use "+" instead. Norway's country code is 47 (so Norwegian numbers can be dialled as +47 xx-xx-xx-xx). Since 2020, there are no area codes; the leading "0" in some numbers should not be dropped when dialling from abroad. Mobile phone coverage is universal in urban areas and generally also good in rural Norway, though on occasion some rural valley areas might be badly covered. Even in the most remote mountain cabins, as long as they are staffed, you will usually be able to send a postcard. ===Internet=== Most Norwegian households are connected to the Internet in some way (often broadband), making cybercafés hard to find outside major cities, due to relatively low demand. Most public libraries have free public access to the internet, but a limited number of computers and limited opening hours. If you bring a laptop with a wireless connection you will find wireless internet zones just about everywhere (gas stations, grocery stores, city centres, cafés, shopping centres, hotels, etc.) Be prepared to pay for it though. It is not unusual for hotels to have a terminal for guest use. Around 60% of camp grounds have Wi-Fi Internet, but if it's crucial for you, best to ask before paying for your camping space. If you are coming from another EU or EEA country, you will likely be able to continue using your SIM in Norway without surcharges, subject to any fair-use limits imposed by your provider. If you are coming from a third country, note the pricing below and consider making plans to purchase a SIM from another EU/EEA provider with generous EU usage policies before arriving in Norway. Telenor (national telecoms provider) sells [http://www.telenor.no/privat/mobil/mobilabonnement/kontantkort/ pre-paid SIM cards] for 49 kr, providing fast 4G internet access capped at 20 kr per day. Speed is reduced after 1 GB in a month, with no option to extend it, so it's not recommended for travelers with heavy usage. [http://www.telenor.no/telenorbutikken/ Telenor stores] (including the one at the airport) ask 199 kr for this SIM card (and some store staff will even warn you away for these reasons), however you can purchase it in convenience stores for 49 kr. Activation on-line requires a Norwegian ID, however [http://www.telenor.no/telenorbutikken/ Telenor stores] can do this instantly for free for foreigners on presentation of your passport. [https://www.telia.no/mobilabonnement/ Telia] is the other main provider in Norway selling prepaid SIMs to visitors. They offer starter packs for 99 kr, including nationwide calls and texts as well as 250MB data valid for 14 days. Further reloads are in the form of combo bundles costing 3 GB for 249 kr, 6 GB for 329 kr, 10 GB for 399 kr, 15 GB for 449 kr, and 30 GB for 529 kr with unlimited voice and text. It is also possible to purchase 1 GB for 99 kr, 5 GB for 199 kr, and 10 GB for 299 kr without voice or SMS. All refill packages are valid for 31 days. These allowances are also valid in any EU/EEA country, Switzerland, and the UK, so if you are starting in Norway and your journey includes multiple countries it can be worth it to buy more data upfront for a lower per-GB cost. There is also a Music Freedom add-on that allows unlimited data use for Spotify, Apple Music, and Deezer among others for 29 kr a month. There are also other providers that use either the Telia or Telenor network, like MyCall and Chilimobil, but these require a more complex registration process as they do not have their own stores. Instead, the store where you purchase the SIM will have you fill out a paper registration form, take a copy of your passport, and fax the documentation to the provider, which will process your activation request. This can take quite some time as opposed to instant activation with Telenor or Telia. === Radio === [[File:DAB Logo.svg|right|100px]] For foreigners used to listening to FM radio, Norway is becoming a challenge. During 2017 the major FM network were closing down and the larger radio stations are only transmitted via [https://radio.no/radiokanaler-pa-dab/#ansc_dekning_local internet], cable network or [http://www.worlddab.org/country-information/norway DAB +]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} (Digital audio broadcasting). Most Norwegian rental cars do have a DAB + car radio, though. There are around 30 national [http://www.medienorge.uib.no/statistikk/medium/radio/313 DAB + stations]{{Dead link|date=March 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}, broadcasting music to suit all tastes. Around half of them are provided by the public broadcaster NRK, the rest are commercially funded. Local radio stations still broadcast on FM, but they have limited range and will quickly disappear when driving outside urban areas. FM and DAB + broadcasts are in Norwegian only. The only exceptions are NRK's news station ''Alltid Nyheter'' which rebroadcasts BBC World Service in English at night as well as some programmes and reports from Swedish Radio, and ''NRK Sápmi'' which broadcasts in [[Saami_phrasebook|Sami]]. {{outlinecountry}} {{isPartOf|Nordic countries}} {{geo|65|11|zoom=5}} i2lcyn18b6wgk6u7ct0zgw7lvs7ot6h 0 25676 5086590 5086589 2025-07-02T12:01:39Z Ground Zero 1423298 Use 12-hour clock in UK articles per [[Talk:United Kingdom]] 5086590 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Offa's Dyke Path banner.jpg}} '''Offa's Dyke Path''' (''Llwybr Clawdd Offa'' in [[Welsh phrasebook|Welsh]]) is a National Trail which runs through the varied landscapes of the Welsh Marches along or near the border of [[Wales]] and [[England]] between [[Prestatyn]] on the Irish Sea in the north and Sedbury Cliffs on the Severn estuary near Chepstow in the south. ==Understand== [[File:Llwybr clawdd offa.jpg|thumb|Markers are not standardised]] Offa's Dyke Path is a popular walking route through the border regions of England and Wales. The dyke itself (''Clawdd Offa'' in Welsh) has partially disappeared in places, although in the parts where it is preserved, it's about 20 m wide and 2.5 m high. In particular, there is an {{mi|80}} section between the Wye Valley and [[Wrexham]] where the Dyke is easily seen. The route is approximately {{mi|177}} in length, and takes between 12 and 14 days. The path was inaugurated in 1971 and thousands of people walk the route each year. Much of the history of the Dyke is based on some speculation, but it is named after [[:w:Offa of Mercia|Offa, King of Mercia]] between 757 and 796 AD. It's believed that construction was started around 785 AD but it's not known if the Dyke represented an agreed border or a defensive structure. However, some sections still form the England/Wales border more than twelve centuries later. Relations between the Welsh and the English haven't always been comfortable. To quote George Borrow in '''Wild Wales''': ''"It was customary for the English to cut off the ears off every Welshman found east of the dyke, and for the Welsh to hang every Englishman whom they found to the west of it."'' Thankfully it's more civil these days. There is much variety in the route, passing as it does through historic towns such as Knighton, Kington, [[Hay-on-Wye]] and [[Monmouth (Wales)|Monmouth]], some wide river valleys, moorlands, remote villages and woodlands. The route passes near old forts and castles, including famous ruins such as [[:w:Tintern Abbey|Tintern Abbey]] near [[Chepstow]]. All of Offa's Dyke Path follows legally defined Rights of Way for all walkers and is clearly signed with an acorn symbol. Some, but not all, sections are also available for horseriders and cyclists. ==Prepare== The trail isn’t especially remote, but the route can be somewhat convoluted at times. Most hikers today will likely rely on OpenStreetMap or GPS apps for navigation. Those who prefer paper maps may find a full set of '''[http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/ Ordnance Survey]''' maps useful. Alternatively, the South and North volumes of the National Trail Guides by Eric & Kathy Kay and Mark Richards (Aurum Press) offer a lighter option. These include OS Explorer strip maps with all the detail you'll need. Mobile phone coverage can be patchy in places. All towns and most villages along the route have public phone boxes, although most require coins and do not accept cards. Many pubs and hotels provide Wi-Fi access. ==Get in== The south trailhead is at Sedbury Cliffs, near [[Chepstow]]. The train station at Chepstow is about {{mi|2}} from the trailhead where there is a commemorative marker, about a mile east of Chepstow on the east side of the River Wye. The north trailhead is at [[Prestatyn]] which is {{mi|0.3}} from the train station. After backpacking all the nineteen (2017) British National Trails, mostly wild camping and this one twice. This trail has got to be walked south to north. Maps go this way and the worst terrain is met near the end, when the backpacker is fitter. Also at Sedbury is one marker in a field where as at Pestatyn there is a bustling seaside resort, markers and at least a tempting paddle in the sea. ==Walk== There are many types of accommodation along the route, including inns, [[Bed and Breakfast|B&Bs]], campsites, hostels and self-catering facilities. Listed below are a very small selection of things to see and do, places to stay and where to find food. {{Mapframe|52.39|-3.07|width=350|height=1180|zoom=9|layer=MH}} {{mapshape|type=geoline|wikidata=Q745914|stroke=#000000|stroke-width=3|title=Offa's Dyke Path}} A sample 12-day walking itinerary from north to south would be as follows: ===Prestatyn to Bodfari=== ; Distance : {{mi|13}} Beginning at the Irish Sea in {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Prestatyn]]|lat=53.34230|long=-3.41267}}, the path starts with a stiff climb up Bastion Road and through the housing fringe, soon entering the steeper ascent of Prestatyn Hill and onto the Prestatyn Hillside Nature Reserve. As you gain height, the gorse-lit slopes open onto sweeping views of the coast and inland vistas, including reef knolls like Graig Fawr and Y Foel. The route undulates gently across farmland and through fields, passing derelict mills and curious sheep and cows before reaching Marian Ffrith, a low hill crowned by a prehistoric hillfort. After a peaceful descent through pastoral landscapes, you cross the busy A55 near the village of Rhuallt, marking your entry into the Clwydian Range AONB. The terrain eases into a more level but rolling traverse over hills such as Cefn Du and Moel Maenefa, offering panoramic coastal views through intermittent benches and winding farm lanes. The path weaves via minor roads, stiles, woodlands, and farm tracks past the Valley of Mills and through fields lined by stone stiles and kissing gates. Nearing the end, it re-enters the Prestatyn Hillside Reserve, passing archaeological remnants like Bronze Age burial chambers before descending the wooden steps into town. The final stretch follows lanes and the High Street, culminating on Bastion Road in {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Bodfari]]|lat=53.21976|long=-3.35958}} with the symbolic stone monument on the seafront. ===Bodfari to Llandegla=== ; Distance : {{mi|17}} Leaving Bodfari, the path climbs gradually through fields and woodland before reaching the open ridges of the Clwydian Hills. Early on, it passes Moel y Gaer, one of several Iron Age hillforts that line this part of the route, offering a glimpse into the area's ancient history. The trail follows a scenic ridgeline across high, grassy hills like Moel y Plâs and Moel Llanfair, with expansive views over the Vale of Clwyd and towards Snowdonia on a clear day. The landscape alternates between open moorland and enclosed pasture, with frequent stiles and gates guiding the way. As the route approaches the distinctive summit of Moel Gyw, the path curves through areas of low gorse and heather. Progressing south, the character becomes more wooded, especially as the trail descends into the forested outskirts near Llandegla. The final stretch leads gently downhill along shady paths and minor roads, eventually reaching the village of {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=Llandegla|lat=53.06430|long=-3.20273}}. * {{eat | counter=n | name=The Plough Inn | alt= | url=https://www.ploughinngresford.co.uk | email= | address=Ruthin Rd, Wrexham | lat=53.05775 | long=-3.18470 | directions=A525 near Llandegla | phone=+44 1978 790672 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | counter=n | name=Llyn Rhys Campsite | alt= | url=http://www.llynrhyscampsite.co.uk/ | email=llynrhyscampsite@live.co.uk | address=Llandegla LL11 3AF | lat=53.05575 | long=-3.19983 | directions=A5104 south of A525 | phone=+44 1978 790627 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Has 40 pitches and 4 caravan sites. }} ===Llandegla to Froncysyllte=== ; Distance: {{mi|12}} Leaving Llandegla, the trail heads west across moorland and the edges of Llandegla Forest. The path climbs gently through a mix of heather-covered slopes, open fields, and conifer plantations. As the forest thins out, wide views open across the hills, with stone walls and farm tracks guiding the way along ridges overlooking the Dee Valley. The terrain continues to alternate between grassy uplands and sheltered woodland edges. Gradually, the route approaches the dramatic limestone escarpment of the Eglwyseg, where steep cliffs and rocky outcrops rise above the valley floor. The path winds beneath these cliffs, following a narrow track that hugs the hillside, framed by scattered trees and rough pasture. After passing beneath the escarpment, the trail climbs once more to reach a high saddle with far-reaching views. It then begins a steady descent across sheep-dotted fields and wooded glades, eventually reaching the Llangollen Canal near Trevor. The final stretch follows the canal towpath to the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, an impressive cast-iron structure spanning the River Dee. After crossing the aqueduct, the path continues briefly along the canal before entering {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=Froncysyllte|lat=52.96399|long=-3.08494}}. * {{see | counter=n | name=Valle Crucis Abbey | alt= | url=http://cadw.wales.gov.uk/daysout/vallecrucisabbey/?lang=en | email= | address=Llangollen | lat=52.98879 | long=-3.18642 | directions=North of town on the A542 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | image=Llantysilio - Valle Crucis Abbey.jpg | hours= | price=Adult £3.50 | content=Cistercian abbey built in 1201. }} * {{sleep | counter=n | name=Abbey Farm Caravan Park | alt= | url=http://www.abbeyfarmcaravans.co.uk/ | email= | address=Llangollen LL208DD | lat=52.98996 | long=-3.18700 | directions=next to Valle Crucis Abbey | phone=+44 1978 861297 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Camping £6 pppn | content= }} * {{sleep | counter=n | name=The West Arms | alt= | url=http://thewestarms.com/ | email=info@thewestarms.co.uk | address=Bridge St, Llangollen LL20 8PF | lat=52.96987 | long=-3.16894 | directions= | phone=+44 1691 600665 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{see | counter=n | name=Pontcysyllte Aqueduct World Heritage Site | alt= | url=http://www.pontcysyllte-aqueduct.co.uk/ | email=tic@wrexham.gov.uk | address=Froncysyllte | lat=52.97044 | long=-3.08776 | directions=Near B5434 | phone=+44 1978 292015 | tollfree= | fax= | image=Pontcysyllte aqueduct arp.jpg | hours= | price= | content=Longest and highest aqueduct in Britain. The visitor centre is in Queen's Square, Wrexham, a few miles north of the aqueduct. }} * {{sleep | counter=n | name=Oaklands B&B | alt= | url= | email= | address=Llangollen Rd, Trevor LL20 7TG | lat=52.97393 | long=-3.09636 | directions= | phone=+44 1978 820152 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{eat | counter=n | name=Duke of Wellington (Pub) | alt= | url= | email= | address=Acrefair, Wrexham LL14 3SG | lat=52.97830 | long=-3.08349 | directions= | phone=+44 1978 820000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ===Froncysyllte to Trefonen=== ; Distance : {{mi|13}} Leaving Froncysyllte, the trail climbs steadily out of the village, soon offering views back toward the Dee Valley. The route then enters woodland and gradually ascends onto higher ground, following the line of Offa's Dyke as it traces the ridges and field boundaries. It passes through Candy Wood before emerging onto the open terrain of Craig Forda, where the Dyke becomes visible as a prominent earthwork. The landscape shifts between common land, wooded sections, and farmland, with occasional stiles marking the transitions. At Racecourse Common, once the site of horse races near Oswestry, the path levels briefly before continuing south. After skirting Carreg-y-Big, it passes through a mix of pasture and hedgerows before approaching Selatyn Hill, topped by an old stone tower that stands out against the horizon. The trail then dips through woodland and farmland again, navigating a patchwork of fields and small valleys. As you near {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=Trefonen|lat=52.83388|long=-3.10106}}, the terrain softens, with the final stretch winding past farmsteads and into the village on well-marked paths. * {{eat | counter=n | name=The Barley Mow Inn | alt= | url=http://www.offasdykebrewery.com/ | email=derekcjones@hotmail.co.uk | address=Chapel Lane, Trefonen SY10 9DX | lat=52.83362 | long=-3.09980 | directions= | phone=+44 1691 656889 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Pub food and pub drinks from the Thomas Mcguinness range of beers together with those from their own Offa's Dyke Brewery. }} * {{sleep | counter=n | name=The Old Mill, Candy, Oswestry | alt= | url=http://www.oldmillcandy.co.uk/ | email= | address=The Old Mill, Candy, Morda, Oswestry SY10 9AZ | lat=52.845985700 | long=-3.10671378301 | directions=north of Trefonen near Oswestry | phone=+44 1691 653085 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Bed and Breakfast with a nearby campsite. }} ===Trefonen to Buttington Bridge=== ; Distance : {{mi|15}} Leaving Trefonen, the path descends gently through a patchwork of fields and farmland, following hedgerows and stiles as it winds its way toward the border village of Llanymynech. Along the way, it crosses rolling terrain with a mix of open views and shaded woodland sections, maintaining a steady rhythm through rural Shropshire. After passing through Llanymynech, where the border between England and Wales runs right through the village, the trail climbs onto Llanymynech Hill. This stretch includes limestone grassland and offers elevated views over the Severn valley. Continuing south, the route leads across Moelydd, a low summit marked by a toposcope, before descending toward lower farmland again. The final leg features a peaceful walk along tracks and across fields, gradually approaching the broad valley of the River Severn. Near {{marker|counter=n|type=go|name=Buttington Bridge|lat=52.67265|long=-3.11578}}, the path meets the Montgomery Canal, joining the towpath for a short stretch. This section ends just before the town of {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Welshpool]]|lat= 52.660447336 |long=-3.14719546670}}, with the river and canal providing a calm and scenic conclusion. ===Buttington Bridge to Brompton Crossroads=== ; Distance : {{mi|12}} Leaving Buttington Bridge, the path follows a stretch of canal and riverbank through open farmland, with gentle terrain and expansive views across the Severn Valley. The route skirts the edge of Four Crosses before gradually veering away from the canal to rejoin the line of Offa's Dyke. It continues through a mix of hedged fields and wooded patches, with stiles and farm lanes marking the transitions. A steady climb begins as the trail approaches Beacon Ring, an Iron Age hillfort perched on the summit of Long Mountain, where the surrounding landscape opens out in all directions. After this high point, the path descends along grassy tracks, weaving through countryside and isolated farms. The final section leads over the stone bridge at Brompton Mill and across low farmland before reaching the junction at {{marker|counter=n|type=go|name=Brompton Crossroads|lat=52.53189|long=-3.10681}}. * {{sleep | counter=n | name=Blue Bell | alt= | url= | email= | address=Churchstoke, Montgomery | lat=52.53305 | long=-3.10332 | directions=East of B4385-A489 junction | phone=+44 1588 620231 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Hotel. }} * {{eat | counter=n | name=Dragon Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.dragonhotel.com | email=reception@dragonhotel.com | address=Market Square, Montgomery SY15 6PA | lat=52.56014 | long=-3.14935 | directions= | phone=+44 1686 668359 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily noon-2PM and 6:45-9PM. | price=2 courses from £11.95 | content=Cosy restaurant in a historic 17th-century coaching inn. Bar and restaurant open daily for lunch and dinner. Wi-Fi available. }} * {{sleep | name=Mellington Hall Country House Hotel | url=https://mellingtonhall.co.uk | email=info@mellingtonhallhotel.com | address=Mellington, Churchstoke SY15 6HX | lat=52.52015 | long=-3.09445 | phone=+44 1588 620456 | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=£90–140 | content=Gothic country hotel set in 280 acres of parkland. Ten individually styled en suite rooms with free Wi-Fi. Afternoon tea and homemade cakes in the bar; lunch (noon–2PM) and dinner (6:30–9PM) served in four dining rooms. Local ingredients used where possible. No pets. }} * {{sleep | name=Mellington Hall Caravan Park | url=https://mellingtonhall.co.uk | address=1 Mellington Lodge, Mellington, Church Stoke, Montgomery SY15 6HX | lat=52.520901 | long=-3.094289 | phone=+44 1588 620011 | price=£5 pppn (2014) | content=A small campsite beside the lake, separately operated from the hotel. Call for gate code; pay the groundsman in the morning. }} ===Brompton Crossroads to Knighton=== ; Distance : {{mi|15}} Leaving Brompton Crossroads, the trail heads south through gently rising farmland, where paths lead past old hedgerows and isolated farms. The route climbs steadily toward the Shropshire Hills, tracing sections of the Dyke as it gains height across open ground and wooded slopes. After crossing several ridges and valleys, the path reaches Llanfair Hill, where Offa's Dyke is particularly well preserved and runs prominently along the hillcrest. From here, the landscape becomes more remote and undulating, with far-reaching views and a sense of open space. The trail then descends into the small hamlet of Churchtown, marked by a chapel and a scattering of farm buildings. Beyond this, the route climbs again across grassy hillsides before dropping steeply toward the valley of {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Knighton]]|lat=52.34310|long=-3.04939}}. The final stretch enters the town along footpaths and narrow lanes, ending near the {{marker|counter=n|type=see|name= Offa's Dyke Centre|lat= 52.34594 |long= -3.05179}}, where walkers can explore exhibits and see remaining sections of the Dyke within the town limits. ===Knighton to Kington=== ; Distance : {{mi|13}} Leaving Knighton, the path begins with a steady climb through mixed woodland, soon breaking into open hillside where Offa’s Dyke becomes visible as a prominent earthwork along the ridge. The views here stretch across the borderlands, with the undulating line of the Dyke guiding the way over fields and heather-covered slopes. The route follows the high ground across Rushock Hill, where the ancient bank remains clearly defined. As the path continues, it weaves through farmland and small wooded sections, occasionally dipping into shallow valleys before climbing again. The landscape here is a mix of quiet lanes, sheep pastures, and bracken-covered hillsides. Crossing Furrow Hill and Hawthorn Hill, the trail offers a rhythm of climbs and descents, with wide views in every direction. A footbridge over the River Lugg provides a brief pause near Dolley Green, before the path ascends again through open fields and over the rounded ridge of Burfa Bank, where remnants of an old hillfort lie near the trail. The final stretch heads over grassy ridges and through pockets of woodland before descending gently into the town of {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Kington]]|lat=52.20214 |long=-3.02605}}. Passing orchards and scattered farms, the path winds toward the town centre, arriving among historic buildings and quiet streets that mark the end of this scenic and remote stage. ===Kington to Hay-on-Wye=== ; Distance : {{mi|14.5}} [[File:Hay Castle, Hay-on-Wye - geograph.org.uk - 583851.jpg|thumb|Hay Castle was destroyed by King John in 1216]] Leaving Kington, the trail climbs steadily along a road and grassy paths, rising onto Hergest Ridge. As the ascent continues, open moorland replaces farmland, and the path passes the distinctive circle of Monkey Puzzle trees near the ridge's summit. The remains of an old racecourse lie nearby, giving a sense of the area's unusual past. From the ridge, wide views stretch across the Welsh borderlands and into the Black Mountains. The descent leads into green valleys and across farmland before reaching Gladestry, a village with stone cottages and a small church. Beyond Gladestry, the path climbs again through open fields and over rounded hills, crossing into more remote countryside. It then winds into the hamlet of Newchurch, where a simple church often offers a place to pause. The final leg rises and falls across a series of fields and low ridges before descending toward the Wye Valley. The approach to {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Hay-on-Wye]]|lat=52.07360|long=-3.12424}} is gentle, with the last stretch following lanes and field paths into the town, known for its many antiques and bookshops and antiquarian fair. There are also ruins of two Norman castles. ===Hay-on-Wye to Pandy=== ; Distance : {{mi|17}} Leaving Hay-on-Wye, the trail heads southeast through pastures and lanes, crossing into Cusop before beginning a steady climb toward the Black Mountains. The path follows country roads and grassy slopes, gradually gaining height as it passes farms and small woodlands. As the climb continues, the landscape opens up onto the expansive ridge of Hatterrall Hill, where the trail follows a broad track across open moorland. The views from here are wide and uninterrupted, stretching across the Wye Valley and deep into the Welsh hills. The route stays high for much of the day, following the line of the ridge over rolling uplands covered in heather and rough grass. Occasional stone markers guide the way, and the ridge often feels remote and windswept. Toward the end, the path begins a long descent through gentler terrain, crossing narrow fields and tree-lined lanes. The stage finishes in the small village of {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=Pandy|lat=51.90340|long=-2.96167}}. This section is either within or abutting the [[Brecon Beacons National Park]] and includes the "summit" of the route at 700 m (2,300 ft). * {{see | counter=n | name=White Castle | alt= | url=http://cadw.wales.gov.uk/daysout/whitecastle/?lang=en | email= | address=Llanthony Crosseny, Abergavenny NP7 8UD | lat=51.84569 | long=-2.89923 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | image=White Castle - geograph.org.uk - 168047.jpg | hours=4 Nov-31 Mar: daily 10AM-4PM; 1 Apr-3 Nov: daily 10AM-5PM (last admission 30 min before close and closed 24-26 Dec, 1 Jan) | price=4 Nov-31 Mar: free, 1 Apr-3 Nov: adult £3 family £9 | content=One of the best preserved of 3 castles near the Dyke south-east of Llanvetherine. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. }} * {{sleep | counter=n | name=The Park Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.theparkhotelwales.com | email= | address=Pandy | lat=51.89509 | long=-2.96772 | directions= | phone=+44 1873 890271 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Accommodation and food services. }} ===Pandy to Monmouth=== ; Distance : {{mi|17.5}} [[File:Monnow Bridge and Gatehouse Pub - geograph.org.uk - 234683.jpg|thumb|Monnow Bridge with its fortified Gatehouse]] Leaving Pandy, the trail climbs through farmland and narrow lanes, gaining height as it approaches Llangattock Lingoed, where a small stone church stands among rolling fields. The route continues over open hillsides and through scattered woodlands, eventually reaching the grassy remains of Grace Dieu Abbey tucked in a secluded valley. From there, the path rises again toward White Castle, a well-preserved Norman fortress with thick walls and sweeping views over the surrounding countryside. After exploring the castle, the trail follows undulating paths through a mix of orchards, hedged fields, and occasional woodland edges. As it nears the River Trothy, the landscape becomes more enclosed with winding tracks and grassy stretches leading through Llantilio Crossenny. Entering King's Wood, the path weaves beneath tall trees along forest tracks before breaking out into fields that mark the final approach. The last leg into {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Monmouth (Wales)|Monmouth]]|lat=51.80904|long=-2.71637}} follows a mix of farm tracks and suburban lanes, crossing Abbey Bridge and tracing the Monnow River to reach the town via the medieval gatehouse on {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name= Monnow Bridge |lat= 51.80899 |long=-2.72004}}, a striking entry into the historic centre. ===Monmouth to Sedbury Cliffs=== ; Distance : {{mi|17.5}} Leaving Monmouth, the trail begins with a climb out of town through wooded slopes, soon offering elevated views over the Wye Valley. The route winds through a mix of forest paths and open pasture, crossing small streams and following the contours of the hillside. As it progresses, the landscape becomes more dramatic, with occasional glimpses of cliffs and the distant Severn Estuary. One of the highlights along this stretch is the Devil's Pulpit, a limestone outcrop with a striking view across the river to the ruins of Tintern Abbey. The trail continues along the ridge, passing through a mix of farmland and ancient woodland, and gradually descends toward the village of Redbrook, where it briefly crosses back into England. Further along, the path climbs again to The Kymin, a hilltop park with a classical monument and sweeping views back toward Monmouth. From here, the route continues south through fields and scattered woodland, eventually reaching the Severn coast. The final section leads to {{marker|counter=n|type=go|name=Sedbury Cliffs|lat=51.632540845|long=-2.6486089400}}, where the trail ends above the shoreline, marked by a stone plaque and views across the wide waters of the estuary. [[File:Tintern Abbey (4932486126).jpg|thumb|Tintern Abbey]] * {{see | counter=n | name=Tintern Abbey | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=51.696874 | long=-2.677084 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=View the Abbey from Devil's Pulpit on the opposite east bank of the River Wye. }} * {{eat | counter=n | name=The Village Inn (Pub) | alt= | url= | email=info@thevillageinnpub.com | address=Beachley Rd, Sedbury NP16 7AA | lat=51.64014 | long=-2.65959 | directions= | phone=+44 7798 866569 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M Tu 4-11PM, W Th noon-11PM, F Sa noon-midnight, Su noon-5PM | price= | content=Probably the closest a pub could be to the end of the hike. }} * {{see | counter=n | name=Chepstow Castle | alt= | url= | email= | address=Chepstow | lat=51.64415 | long=-2.67515 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Possibly the oldest (surviving) stone castle in Britain. }} ==Stay safe== Although few of the villages and towns along the route have hospitals or medical centres, fixed line telephones and mobiles are common and in any emergency you should just dial '''999'''. Then tell the emergency operator whether you need the Fire, Police or Ambulance services. When it's less urgent than a 999 call, contact the local police in England and Wales on 101. This number should be answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Don't refer to the Welsh as "English". ==Go next== *[http://www.ldwa.org.uk/ldp/members/show_path.php?path_name=Clwydian+Way '''Clwydian Way'''] – If the Offa's Dyke Path has whetted your appetite for long distance walking, consider this {{mi|122}} circle route that connects at [[Prestatyn]] and [[Llangollen]]. The route south from Prestatyn to Llangollen intertwines with the Offa's Dyke Path. [[File:Chepstow oct 2011 057.jpg|thumb|The stone at [[Chepstow]] marking the southern end of the Wales Coast Path, with the path's "dragon shell" logo. Offa's Dyke Path is a mere 300m over the bridge on the other side of the River Wye in England at this point.]] *'''The [[Wales Coast Path]]''' (Welsh: ''Llwybr Arfordir Cymru'') intersects with both the start and the finish of Offa's Dyke Path and offers a {{mi|870}} long dedicated footpath along the entire coastline of Wales – the first country in the world to provide such an opportunity. This path runs through eleven nature reserves. *Either at the beginning or the end of your hike, a visit to [[Bath]], [[Bristol]] or [[Cardiff]] would be worthwhile. {{usableitinerary}} {{PartOfItinerary|Europe itineraries}} 2hsralghmhoz0l41lzolwt97repdqlu 5086599 5086590 2025-07-02T12:29:55Z Bluecoordinationfine 2327039 See previous change 5086599 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Offa's Dyke Path banner.jpg}} '''Offa's Dyke Path''' (''Llwybr Clawdd Offa'' in [[Welsh phrasebook|Welsh]]) is a National Trail which runs through the varied landscapes of the Welsh Marches along or near the border of [[Wales]] and [[England]] between [[Prestatyn]] on the Irish Sea in the north and Sedbury Cliffs on the Severn estuary near Chepstow in the south. ==Understand== [[File:Llwybr clawdd offa.jpg|thumb|Markers are not standardised]] Offa's Dyke Path is a popular walking route through the border regions of England and Wales. The dyke itself (''Clawdd Offa'' in Welsh) has partially disappeared in places, although in the parts where it is preserved, it's about 20 m wide and 2.5 m high. In particular, there is an {{mi|80}} section between the Wye Valley and [[Wrexham]] where the Dyke is easily seen. The route is approximately {{mi|177}} in length, and takes between 12 and 14 days. The path was inaugurated in 1971 and thousands of people walk the route each year. Much of the history of the Dyke is based on some speculation, but it is named after [[:w:Offa of Mercia|Offa, King of Mercia]] between 757 and 796 AD. It's believed that construction was started around 785 AD but it's not known if the Dyke represented an agreed border or a defensive structure. However, some sections still form the England/Wales border more than twelve centuries later. Relations between the Welsh and the English haven't always been comfortable. To quote George Borrow in '''Wild Wales''': ''"It was customary for the English to cut off the ears off every Welshman found east of the dyke, and for the Welsh to hang every Englishman whom they found to the west of it."'' Thankfully it's more civil these days. There is much variety in the route, passing as it does through historic towns such as Knighton, Kington, [[Hay-on-Wye]] and [[Monmouth (Wales)|Monmouth]], some wide river valleys, moorlands, remote villages and woodlands. The route passes near old forts and castles, including famous ruins such as [[:w:Tintern Abbey|Tintern Abbey]] near [[Chepstow]]. All of Offa's Dyke Path follows legally defined Rights of Way for all walkers and is clearly signed with an acorn symbol. Some, but not all, sections are also available for horseriders and cyclists. ==Prepare== The trail isn’t especially remote, but the route can be somewhat convoluted at times. Most hikers today will likely rely on OpenStreetMap or GPS apps for navigation. Those who prefer paper maps may find a full set of '''[http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/ Ordnance Survey]''' maps useful. Alternatively, the South and North volumes of the National Trail Guides by Eric & Kathy Kay and Mark Richards (Aurum Press) offer a lighter option. These include OS Explorer strip maps with all the detail you'll need. Mobile phone coverage can be patchy in places. All towns and most villages along the route have public phone boxes, although most require coins and do not accept cards. Many pubs and hotels provide Wi-Fi access. ==Get in== The south trailhead is at Sedbury Cliffs, near [[Chepstow]]. The train station at Chepstow is about {{mi|2}} from the trailhead where there is a commemorative marker, about a mile east of Chepstow on the east side of the River Wye. The north trailhead is at [[Prestatyn]] which is {{mi|0.3}} from the train station. After backpacking all the nineteen (2017) British National Trails, mostly wild camping and this one twice. This trail has got to be walked south to north. Maps go this way and the worst terrain is met near the end, when the backpacker is fitter. Also at Sedbury is one marker in a field where as at Pestatyn there is a bustling seaside resort, markers and at least a tempting paddle in the sea. ==Walk== There are many types of accommodation along the route, including inns, [[Bed and Breakfast|B&Bs]], campsites, hostels and self-catering facilities. Listed below are a very small selection of things to see and do, places to stay and where to find food. {{Mapframe|52.39|-3.07|width=350|height=1180|zoom=9|layer=MH}} {{mapshape|type=geoline|wikidata=Q745914|stroke=#000000|stroke-width=3|title=Offa's Dyke Path}} A sample 12-day walking itinerary from north to south would be as follows: ===Prestatyn to Bodfari=== ; Distance : {{mi|13}} Beginning at the Irish Sea in {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Prestatyn]]|lat=53.34230|long=-3.41267}}, the path starts with a stiff climb up Bastion Road and through the housing fringe, soon entering the steeper ascent of Prestatyn Hill and onto the Prestatyn Hillside Nature Reserve. As you gain height, the gorse-lit slopes open onto sweeping views of the coast and inland vistas, including reef knolls like Graig Fawr and Y Foel. The route undulates gently across farmland and through fields, passing derelict mills and curious sheep and cows before reaching Marian Ffrith, a low hill crowned by a prehistoric hillfort. After a peaceful descent through pastoral landscapes, you cross the busy A55 near the village of Rhuallt, marking your entry into the Clwydian Range AONB. The terrain eases into a more level but rolling traverse over hills such as Cefn Du and Moel Maenefa, offering panoramic coastal views through intermittent benches and winding farm lanes. The path weaves via minor roads, stiles, woodlands, and farm tracks past the Valley of Mills and through fields lined by stone stiles and kissing gates. Nearing the end, it re-enters the Prestatyn Hillside Reserve, passing archaeological remnants like Bronze Age burial chambers before descending the wooden steps into town. The final stretch follows lanes and the High Street, culminating on Bastion Road in {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Bodfari]]|lat=53.21976|long=-3.35958}} with the symbolic stone monument on the seafront. ===Bodfari to Llandegla=== ; Distance : {{mi|17}} Leaving Bodfari, the path climbs gradually through fields and woodland before reaching the open ridges of the Clwydian Hills. Early on, it passes Moel y Gaer, one of several Iron Age hillforts that line this part of the route, offering a glimpse into the area's ancient history. The trail follows a scenic ridgeline across high, grassy hills like Moel y Plâs and Moel Llanfair, with expansive views over the Vale of Clwyd and towards Snowdonia on a clear day. The landscape alternates between open moorland and enclosed pasture, with frequent stiles and gates guiding the way. As the route approaches the distinctive summit of Moel Gyw, the path curves through areas of low gorse and heather. Progressing south, the character becomes more wooded, especially as the trail descends into the forested outskirts near Llandegla. The final stretch leads gently downhill along shady paths and minor roads, eventually reaching the village of {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=Llandegla|lat=53.06430|long=-3.20273}}. * {{eat | counter=n | name=The Plough Inn | alt= | url=https://www.ploughinngresford.co.uk | email= | address=Ruthin Rd, Wrexham | lat=53.05775 | long=-3.18470 | directions=A525 near Llandegla | phone=+44 1978 790672 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | counter=n | name=Llyn Rhys Campsite | alt= | url=http://www.llynrhyscampsite.co.uk/ | email=llynrhyscampsite@live.co.uk | address=Llandegla LL11 3AF | lat=53.05575 | long=-3.19983 | directions=A5104 south of A525 | phone=+44 1978 790627 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Has 40 pitches and 4 caravan sites. }} ===Llandegla to Froncysyllte=== ; Distance: {{mi|12}} Leaving Llandegla, the trail heads west across moorland and the edges of Llandegla Forest. The path climbs gently through a mix of heather-covered slopes, open fields, and conifer plantations. As the forest thins out, wide views open across the hills, with stone walls and farm tracks guiding the way along ridges overlooking the Dee Valley. The terrain continues to alternate between grassy uplands and sheltered woodland edges. Gradually, the route approaches the dramatic limestone escarpment of the Eglwyseg, where steep cliffs and rocky outcrops rise above the valley floor. The path winds beneath these cliffs, following a narrow track that hugs the hillside, framed by scattered trees and rough pasture. After passing beneath the escarpment, the trail climbs once more to reach a high saddle with far-reaching views. It then begins a steady descent across sheep-dotted fields and wooded glades, eventually reaching the Llangollen Canal near Trevor. The final stretch follows the canal towpath to the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, an impressive cast-iron structure spanning the River Dee. After crossing the aqueduct, the path continues briefly along the canal before entering {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=Froncysyllte|lat=52.96399|long=-3.08494}}. ===Froncysyllte to Trefonen=== ; Distance : {{mi|13}} Leaving Froncysyllte, the trail climbs steadily out of the village, soon offering views back toward the Dee Valley. The route then enters woodland and gradually ascends onto higher ground, following the line of Offa's Dyke as it traces the ridges and field boundaries. It passes through Candy Wood before emerging onto the open terrain of Craig Forda, where the Dyke becomes visible as a prominent earthwork. The landscape shifts between common land, wooded sections, and farmland, with occasional stiles marking the transitions. At Racecourse Common, once the site of horse races near Oswestry, the path levels briefly before continuing south. After skirting Carreg-y-Big, it passes through a mix of pasture and hedgerows before approaching Selatyn Hill, topped by an old stone tower that stands out against the horizon. The trail then dips through woodland and farmland again, navigating a patchwork of fields and small valleys. As you near {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=Trefonen|lat=52.83388|long=-3.10106}}, the terrain softens, with the final stretch winding past farmsteads and into the village on well-marked paths. * {{eat | counter=n | name=The Barley Mow Inn | alt= | url=http://www.offasdykebrewery.com/ | email=derekcjones@hotmail.co.uk | address=Chapel Lane, Trefonen SY10 9DX | lat=52.83362 | long=-3.09980 | directions= | phone=+44 1691 656889 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Pub food and pub drinks from the Thomas Mcguinness range of beers together with those from their own Offa's Dyke Brewery. }} * {{sleep | counter=n | name=The Old Mill, Candy, Oswestry | alt= | url=http://www.oldmillcandy.co.uk/ | email= | address=The Old Mill, Candy, Morda, Oswestry SY10 9AZ | lat=52.845985700 | long=-3.10671378301 | directions=north of Trefonen near Oswestry | phone=+44 1691 653085 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Bed and Breakfast with a nearby campsite. }} ===Trefonen to Buttington Bridge=== ; Distance : {{mi|15}} Leaving Trefonen, the path descends gently through a patchwork of fields and farmland, following hedgerows and stiles as it winds its way toward the border village of Llanymynech. Along the way, it crosses rolling terrain with a mix of open views and shaded woodland sections, maintaining a steady rhythm through rural Shropshire. After passing through Llanymynech, where the border between England and Wales runs right through the village, the trail climbs onto Llanymynech Hill. This stretch includes limestone grassland and offers elevated views over the Severn valley. Continuing south, the route leads across Moelydd, a low summit marked by a toposcope, before descending toward lower farmland again. The final leg features a peaceful walk along tracks and across fields, gradually approaching the broad valley of the River Severn. Near {{marker|counter=n|type=go|name=Buttington Bridge|lat=52.67265|long=-3.11578}}, the path meets the Montgomery Canal, joining the towpath for a short stretch. This section ends just before the town of {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Welshpool]]|lat= 52.660447336 |long=-3.14719546670}}, with the river and canal providing a calm and scenic conclusion. ===Buttington Bridge to Brompton Crossroads=== ; Distance : {{mi|12}} Leaving Buttington Bridge, the path follows a stretch of canal and riverbank through open farmland, with gentle terrain and expansive views across the Severn Valley. The route skirts the edge of Four Crosses before gradually veering away from the canal to rejoin the line of Offa's Dyke. It continues through a mix of hedged fields and wooded patches, with stiles and farm lanes marking the transitions. A steady climb begins as the trail approaches Beacon Ring, an Iron Age hillfort perched on the summit of Long Mountain, where the surrounding landscape opens out in all directions. After this high point, the path descends along grassy tracks, weaving through countryside and isolated farms. The final section leads over the stone bridge at Brompton Mill and across low farmland before reaching the junction at {{marker|counter=n|type=go|name=Brompton Crossroads|lat=52.53189|long=-3.10681}}. * {{sleep | counter=n | name=Blue Bell | alt= | url= | email= | address=Churchstoke, Montgomery | lat=52.53305 | long=-3.10332 | directions=East of B4385-A489 junction | phone=+44 1588 620231 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Hotel. }} * {{eat | counter=n | name=Dragon Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.dragonhotel.com | email=reception@dragonhotel.com | address=Market Square, Montgomery SY15 6PA | lat=52.56014 | long=-3.14935 | directions= | phone=+44 1686 668359 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily noon-2PM and 6:45-9PM. | price=2 courses from £11.95 | content=Cosy restaurant in a historic 17th-century coaching inn. Bar and restaurant open daily for lunch and dinner. Wi-Fi available. }} * {{sleep | name=Mellington Hall Country House Hotel | url=https://mellingtonhall.co.uk | email=info@mellingtonhallhotel.com | address=Mellington, Churchstoke SY15 6HX | lat=52.52015 | long=-3.09445 | phone=+44 1588 620456 | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=£90–140 | content=Gothic country hotel set in 280 acres of parkland. Ten individually styled en suite rooms with free Wi-Fi. Afternoon tea and homemade cakes in the bar; lunch (noon–2PM) and dinner (6:30–9PM) served in four dining rooms. Local ingredients used where possible. No pets. }} * {{sleep | name=Mellington Hall Caravan Park | url=https://mellingtonhall.co.uk | address=1 Mellington Lodge, Mellington, Church Stoke, Montgomery SY15 6HX | lat=52.520901 | long=-3.094289 | phone=+44 1588 620011 | price=£5 pppn (2014) | content=A small campsite beside the lake, separately operated from the hotel. Call for gate code; pay the groundsman in the morning. }} ===Brompton Crossroads to Knighton=== ; Distance : {{mi|15}} Leaving Brompton Crossroads, the trail heads south through gently rising farmland, where paths lead past old hedgerows and isolated farms. The route climbs steadily toward the Shropshire Hills, tracing sections of the Dyke as it gains height across open ground and wooded slopes. After crossing several ridges and valleys, the path reaches Llanfair Hill, where Offa's Dyke is particularly well preserved and runs prominently along the hillcrest. From here, the landscape becomes more remote and undulating, with far-reaching views and a sense of open space. The trail then descends into the small hamlet of Churchtown, marked by a chapel and a scattering of farm buildings. Beyond this, the route climbs again across grassy hillsides before dropping steeply toward the valley of {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Knighton]]|lat=52.34310|long=-3.04939}}. The final stretch enters the town along footpaths and narrow lanes, ending near the {{marker|counter=n|type=see|name= Offa's Dyke Centre|lat= 52.34594 |long= -3.05179}}, where walkers can explore exhibits and see remaining sections of the Dyke within the town limits. ===Knighton to Kington=== ; Distance : {{mi|13}} Leaving Knighton, the path begins with a steady climb through mixed woodland, soon breaking into open hillside where Offa’s Dyke becomes visible as a prominent earthwork along the ridge. The views here stretch across the borderlands, with the undulating line of the Dyke guiding the way over fields and heather-covered slopes. The route follows the high ground across Rushock Hill, where the ancient bank remains clearly defined. As the path continues, it weaves through farmland and small wooded sections, occasionally dipping into shallow valleys before climbing again. The landscape here is a mix of quiet lanes, sheep pastures, and bracken-covered hillsides. Crossing Furrow Hill and Hawthorn Hill, the trail offers a rhythm of climbs and descents, with wide views in every direction. A footbridge over the River Lugg provides a brief pause near Dolley Green, before the path ascends again through open fields and over the rounded ridge of Burfa Bank, where remnants of an old hillfort lie near the trail. The final stretch heads over grassy ridges and through pockets of woodland before descending gently into the town of {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Kington]]|lat=52.20214 |long=-3.02605}}. Passing orchards and scattered farms, the path winds toward the town centre, arriving among historic buildings and quiet streets that mark the end of this scenic and remote stage. ===Kington to Hay-on-Wye=== ; Distance : {{mi|14.5}} [[File:Hay Castle, Hay-on-Wye - geograph.org.uk - 583851.jpg|thumb|Hay Castle was destroyed by King John in 1216]] Leaving Kington, the trail climbs steadily along a road and grassy paths, rising onto Hergest Ridge. As the ascent continues, open moorland replaces farmland, and the path passes the distinctive circle of Monkey Puzzle trees near the ridge's summit. The remains of an old racecourse lie nearby, giving a sense of the area's unusual past. From the ridge, wide views stretch across the Welsh borderlands and into the Black Mountains. The descent leads into green valleys and across farmland before reaching Gladestry, a village with stone cottages and a small church. Beyond Gladestry, the path climbs again through open fields and over rounded hills, crossing into more remote countryside. It then winds into the hamlet of Newchurch, where a simple church often offers a place to pause. The final leg rises and falls across a series of fields and low ridges before descending toward the Wye Valley. The approach to {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Hay-on-Wye]]|lat=52.07360|long=-3.12424}} is gentle, with the last stretch following lanes and field paths into the town, known for its many antiques and bookshops and antiquarian fair. There are also ruins of two Norman castles. ===Hay-on-Wye to Pandy=== ; Distance : {{mi|17}} Leaving Hay-on-Wye, the trail heads southeast through pastures and lanes, crossing into Cusop before beginning a steady climb toward the Black Mountains. The path follows country roads and grassy slopes, gradually gaining height as it passes farms and small woodlands. As the climb continues, the landscape opens up onto the expansive ridge of Hatterrall Hill, where the trail follows a broad track across open moorland. The views from here are wide and uninterrupted, stretching across the Wye Valley and deep into the Welsh hills. The route stays high for much of the day, following the line of the ridge over rolling uplands covered in heather and rough grass. Occasional stone markers guide the way, and the ridge often feels remote and windswept. Toward the end, the path begins a long descent through gentler terrain, crossing narrow fields and tree-lined lanes. The stage finishes in the small village of {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=Pandy|lat=51.90340|long=-2.96167}}. This section is either within or abutting the [[Brecon Beacons National Park]] and includes the "summit" of the route at 700 m (2,300 ft). * {{see | counter=n | name=White Castle | alt= | url=http://cadw.wales.gov.uk/daysout/whitecastle/?lang=en | email= | address=Llanthony Crosseny, Abergavenny NP7 8UD | lat=51.84569 | long=-2.89923 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | image=White Castle - geograph.org.uk - 168047.jpg | hours=4 Nov-31 Mar: daily 10AM-4PM; 1 Apr-3 Nov: daily 10AM-5PM (last admission 30 min before close and closed 24-26 Dec, 1 Jan) | price=4 Nov-31 Mar: free, 1 Apr-3 Nov: adult £3 family £9 | content=One of the best preserved of 3 castles near the Dyke south-east of Llanvetherine. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. }} * {{sleep | counter=n | name=The Park Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.theparkhotelwales.com | email= | address=Pandy | lat=51.89509 | long=-2.96772 | directions= | phone=+44 1873 890271 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Accommodation and food services. }} ===Pandy to Monmouth=== ; Distance : {{mi|17.5}} [[File:Monnow Bridge and Gatehouse Pub - geograph.org.uk - 234683.jpg|thumb|Monnow Bridge with its fortified Gatehouse]] Leaving Pandy, the trail climbs through farmland and narrow lanes, gaining height as it approaches Llangattock Lingoed, where a small stone church stands among rolling fields. The route continues over open hillsides and through scattered woodlands, eventually reaching the grassy remains of Grace Dieu Abbey tucked in a secluded valley. From there, the path rises again toward White Castle, a well-preserved Norman fortress with thick walls and sweeping views over the surrounding countryside. After exploring the castle, the trail follows undulating paths through a mix of orchards, hedged fields, and occasional woodland edges. As it nears the River Trothy, the landscape becomes more enclosed with winding tracks and grassy stretches leading through Llantilio Crossenny. Entering King's Wood, the path weaves beneath tall trees along forest tracks before breaking out into fields that mark the final approach. The last leg into {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Monmouth (Wales)|Monmouth]]|lat=51.80904|long=-2.71637}} follows a mix of farm tracks and suburban lanes, crossing Abbey Bridge and tracing the Monnow River to reach the town via the medieval gatehouse on {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name= Monnow Bridge |lat= 51.80899 |long=-2.72004}}, a striking entry into the historic centre. ===Monmouth to Sedbury Cliffs=== ; Distance : {{mi|17.5}} Leaving Monmouth, the trail begins with a climb out of town through wooded slopes, soon offering elevated views over the Wye Valley. The route winds through a mix of forest paths and open pasture, crossing small streams and following the contours of the hillside. As it progresses, the landscape becomes more dramatic, with occasional glimpses of cliffs and the distant Severn Estuary. One of the highlights along this stretch is the Devil's Pulpit, a limestone outcrop with a striking view across the river to the ruins of Tintern Abbey. The trail continues along the ridge, passing through a mix of farmland and ancient woodland, and gradually descends toward the village of Redbrook, where it briefly crosses back into England. Further along, the path climbs again to The Kymin, a hilltop park with a classical monument and sweeping views back toward Monmouth. From here, the route continues south through fields and scattered woodland, eventually reaching the Severn coast. The final section leads to {{marker|counter=n|type=go|name=Sedbury Cliffs|lat=51.632540845|long=-2.6486089400}}, where the trail ends above the shoreline, marked by a stone plaque and views across the wide waters of the estuary. [[File:Tintern Abbey (4932486126).jpg|thumb|Tintern Abbey]] * {{see | counter=n | name=Tintern Abbey | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=51.696874 | long=-2.677084 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=View the Abbey from Devil's Pulpit on the opposite east bank of the River Wye. }} * {{eat | counter=n | name=The Village Inn (Pub) | alt= | url= | email=info@thevillageinnpub.com | address=Beachley Rd, Sedbury NP16 7AA | lat=51.64014 | long=-2.65959 | directions= | phone=+44 7798 866569 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M Tu 4-11PM, W Th noon-11PM, F Sa noon-midnight, Su noon-5PM | price= | content=Probably the closest a pub could be to the end of the hike. }} * {{see | counter=n | name=Chepstow Castle | alt= | url= | email= | address=Chepstow | lat=51.64415 | long=-2.67515 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Possibly the oldest (surviving) stone castle in Britain. }} ==Stay safe== Although few of the villages and towns along the route have hospitals or medical centres, fixed line telephones and mobiles are common and in any emergency you should just dial '''999'''. Then tell the emergency operator whether you need the Fire, Police or Ambulance services. When it's less urgent than a 999 call, contact the local police in England and Wales on 101. This number should be answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Don't refer to the Welsh as "English". ==Go next== *[http://www.ldwa.org.uk/ldp/members/show_path.php?path_name=Clwydian+Way '''Clwydian Way'''] – If the Offa's Dyke Path has whetted your appetite for long distance walking, consider this {{mi|122}} circle route that connects at [[Prestatyn]] and [[Llangollen]]. The route south from Prestatyn to Llangollen intertwines with the Offa's Dyke Path. [[File:Chepstow oct 2011 057.jpg|thumb|The stone at [[Chepstow]] marking the southern end of the Wales Coast Path, with the path's "dragon shell" logo. Offa's Dyke Path is a mere 300m over the bridge on the other side of the River Wye in England at this point.]] *'''The [[Wales Coast Path]]''' (Welsh: ''Llwybr Arfordir Cymru'') intersects with both the start and the finish of Offa's Dyke Path and offers a {{mi|870}} long dedicated footpath along the entire coastline of Wales – the first country in the world to provide such an opportunity. This path runs through eleven nature reserves. *Either at the beginning or the end of your hike, a visit to [[Bath]], [[Bristol]] or [[Cardiff]] would be worthwhile. {{usableitinerary}} {{PartOfItinerary|Europe itineraries}} dxu1txdhfmipu3q0qmspzamidpyy7nf 5086606 5086599 2025-07-02T12:54:52Z Bluecoordinationfine 2327039 See previous change. 5086606 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Offa's Dyke Path banner.jpg}} '''Offa's Dyke Path''' (''Llwybr Clawdd Offa'' in [[Welsh phrasebook|Welsh]]) is a National Trail which runs through the varied landscapes of the Welsh Marches along or near the border of [[Wales]] and [[England]] between [[Prestatyn]] on the Irish Sea in the north and Sedbury Cliffs on the Severn estuary near Chepstow in the south. ==Understand== [[File:Llwybr clawdd offa.jpg|thumb|Markers are not standardised]] Offa's Dyke Path is a popular walking route through the border regions of England and Wales. The dyke itself (''Clawdd Offa'' in Welsh) has partially disappeared in places, although in the parts where it is preserved, it's about 20 m wide and 2.5 m high. In particular, there is an {{mi|80}} section between the Wye Valley and [[Wrexham]] where the Dyke is easily seen. The route is approximately {{mi|177}} in length, and takes between 12 and 14 days. The path was inaugurated in 1971 and thousands of people walk the route each year. Much of the history of the Dyke is based on some speculation, but it is named after [[:w:Offa of Mercia|Offa, King of Mercia]] between 757 and 796 AD. It's believed that construction was started around 785 AD but it's not known if the Dyke represented an agreed border or a defensive structure. However, some sections still form the England/Wales border more than twelve centuries later. Relations between the Welsh and the English haven't always been comfortable. To quote George Borrow in '''Wild Wales''': ''"It was customary for the English to cut off the ears off every Welshman found east of the dyke, and for the Welsh to hang every Englishman whom they found to the west of it."'' Thankfully it's more civil these days. There is much variety in the route, passing as it does through historic towns such as Knighton, Kington, [[Hay-on-Wye]] and [[Monmouth (Wales)|Monmouth]], some wide river valleys, moorlands, remote villages and woodlands. The route passes near old forts and castles, including famous ruins such as [[:w:Tintern Abbey|Tintern Abbey]] near [[Chepstow]]. All of Offa's Dyke Path follows legally defined Rights of Way for all walkers and is clearly signed with an acorn symbol. Some, but not all, sections are also available for horseriders and cyclists. ==Prepare== The trail isn’t especially remote, but the route can be somewhat convoluted at times. Most hikers today will likely rely on OpenStreetMap or GPS apps for navigation. Those who prefer paper maps may find a full set of '''[http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/ Ordnance Survey]''' maps useful. Alternatively, the South and North volumes of the National Trail Guides by Eric & Kathy Kay and Mark Richards (Aurum Press) offer a lighter option. These include OS Explorer strip maps with all the detail you'll need. Mobile phone coverage can be patchy in places. All towns and most villages along the route have public phone boxes, although most require coins and do not accept cards. Many pubs and hotels provide Wi-Fi access. ==Get in== The south trailhead is at Sedbury Cliffs, near [[Chepstow]]. The train station at Chepstow is about {{mi|2}} from the trailhead where there is a commemorative marker, about a mile east of Chepstow on the east side of the River Wye. The north trailhead is at [[Prestatyn]] which is {{mi|0.3}} from the train station. After backpacking all the nineteen (2017) British National Trails, mostly wild camping and this one twice. This trail has got to be walked south to north. Maps go this way and the worst terrain is met near the end, when the backpacker is fitter. Also at Sedbury is one marker in a field where as at Pestatyn there is a bustling seaside resort, markers and at least a tempting paddle in the sea. ==Walk== There are many types of accommodation along the route, including inns, [[Bed and Breakfast|B&Bs]], campsites, hostels and self-catering facilities. Listed below are a very small selection of things to see and do, places to stay and where to find food. {{Mapframe|52.39|-3.07|width=350|height=1180|zoom=9|layer=MH}} {{mapshape|type=geoline|wikidata=Q745914|stroke=#000000|stroke-width=3|title=Offa's Dyke Path}} A sample 12-day walking itinerary from north to south would be as follows: ===Prestatyn to Bodfari=== ; Distance : {{mi|13}} Beginning at the Irish Sea in {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Prestatyn]]|lat=53.34230|long=-3.41267}}, the path starts with a stiff climb up Bastion Road and through the housing fringe, soon entering the steeper ascent of Prestatyn Hill and onto the Prestatyn Hillside Nature Reserve. As you gain height, the gorse-lit slopes open onto sweeping views of the coast and inland vistas, including reef knolls like Graig Fawr and Y Foel. The route undulates gently across farmland and through fields, passing derelict mills and curious sheep and cows before reaching Marian Ffrith, a low hill crowned by a prehistoric hillfort. After a peaceful descent through pastoral landscapes, you cross the busy A55 near the village of Rhuallt, marking your entry into the Clwydian Range AONB. The terrain eases into a more level but rolling traverse over hills such as Cefn Du and Moel Maenefa, offering panoramic coastal views through intermittent benches and winding farm lanes. The path weaves via minor roads, stiles, woodlands, and farm tracks past the Valley of Mills and through fields lined by stone stiles and kissing gates. Nearing the end, it re-enters the Prestatyn Hillside Reserve, passing archaeological remnants like Bronze Age burial chambers before descending the wooden steps into town. The final stretch follows lanes and the High Street, culminating on Bastion Road in {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Bodfari]]|lat=53.21976|long=-3.35958}} with the symbolic stone monument on the seafront. ===Bodfari to Llandegla=== ; Distance : {{mi|17}} Leaving Bodfari, the path climbs gradually through fields and woodland before reaching the open ridges of the Clwydian Hills. Early on, it passes Moel y Gaer, one of several Iron Age hillforts that line this part of the route, offering a glimpse into the area's ancient history. The trail follows a scenic ridgeline across high, grassy hills like Moel y Plâs and Moel Llanfair, with expansive views over the Vale of Clwyd and towards Snowdonia on a clear day. The landscape alternates between open moorland and enclosed pasture, with frequent stiles and gates guiding the way. As the route approaches the distinctive summit of Moel Gyw, the path curves through areas of low gorse and heather. Progressing south, the character becomes more wooded, especially as the trail descends into the forested outskirts near Llandegla. The final stretch leads gently downhill along shady paths and minor roads, eventually reaching the village of {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Llandegla]]|lat=53.06430|long=-3.20273}}. ===Llandegla to Froncysyllte=== ; Distance: {{mi|12}} Leaving Llandegla, the trail heads west across moorland and the edges of Llandegla Forest. The path climbs gently through a mix of heather-covered slopes, open fields, and conifer plantations. As the forest thins out, wide views open across the hills, with stone walls and farm tracks guiding the way along ridges overlooking the Dee Valley. The terrain continues to alternate between grassy uplands and sheltered woodland edges. Gradually, the route approaches the dramatic limestone escarpment of the Eglwyseg, where steep cliffs and rocky outcrops rise above the valley floor. The path winds beneath these cliffs, following a narrow track that hugs the hillside, framed by scattered trees and rough pasture. After passing beneath the escarpment, the trail climbs once more to reach a high saddle with far-reaching views. It then begins a steady descent across sheep-dotted fields and wooded glades, eventually reaching the Llangollen Canal near Trevor. The final stretch follows the canal towpath to the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, an impressive cast-iron structure spanning the River Dee. After crossing the aqueduct, the path continues briefly along the canal before entering {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=Froncysyllte|lat=52.96399|long=-3.08494}}. ===Froncysyllte to Trefonen=== ; Distance : {{mi|13}} Leaving Froncysyllte, the trail climbs steadily out of the village, soon offering views back toward the Dee Valley. The route then enters woodland and gradually ascends onto higher ground, following the line of Offa's Dyke as it traces the ridges and field boundaries. It passes through Candy Wood before emerging onto the open terrain of Craig Forda, where the Dyke becomes visible as a prominent earthwork. The landscape shifts between common land, wooded sections, and farmland, with occasional stiles marking the transitions. At Racecourse Common, once the site of horse races near Oswestry, the path levels briefly before continuing south. After skirting Carreg-y-Big, it passes through a mix of pasture and hedgerows before approaching Selatyn Hill, topped by an old stone tower that stands out against the horizon. The trail then dips through woodland and farmland again, navigating a patchwork of fields and small valleys. As you near {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=Trefonen|lat=52.83388|long=-3.10106}}, the terrain softens, with the final stretch winding past farmsteads and into the village on well-marked paths. * {{eat | counter=n | name=The Barley Mow Inn | alt= | url=http://www.offasdykebrewery.com/ | email=derekcjones@hotmail.co.uk | address=Chapel Lane, Trefonen SY10 9DX | lat=52.83362 | long=-3.09980 | directions= | phone=+44 1691 656889 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Pub food and pub drinks from the Thomas Mcguinness range of beers together with those from their own Offa's Dyke Brewery. }} * {{sleep | counter=n | name=The Old Mill, Candy, Oswestry | alt= | url=http://www.oldmillcandy.co.uk/ | email= | address=The Old Mill, Candy, Morda, Oswestry SY10 9AZ | lat=52.845985700 | long=-3.10671378301 | directions=north of Trefonen near Oswestry | phone=+44 1691 653085 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Bed and Breakfast with a nearby campsite. }} ===Trefonen to Buttington Bridge=== ; Distance : {{mi|15}} Leaving Trefonen, the path descends gently through a patchwork of fields and farmland, following hedgerows and stiles as it winds its way toward the border village of Llanymynech. Along the way, it crosses rolling terrain with a mix of open views and shaded woodland sections, maintaining a steady rhythm through rural Shropshire. After passing through Llanymynech, where the border between England and Wales runs right through the village, the trail climbs onto Llanymynech Hill. This stretch includes limestone grassland and offers elevated views over the Severn valley. Continuing south, the route leads across Moelydd, a low summit marked by a toposcope, before descending toward lower farmland again. The final leg features a peaceful walk along tracks and across fields, gradually approaching the broad valley of the River Severn. Near {{marker|counter=n|type=go|name=Buttington Bridge|lat=52.67265|long=-3.11578}}, the path meets the Montgomery Canal, joining the towpath for a short stretch. This section ends just before the town of {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Welshpool]]|lat= 52.660447336 |long=-3.14719546670}}, with the river and canal providing a calm and scenic conclusion. ===Buttington Bridge to Brompton Crossroads=== ; Distance : {{mi|12}} Leaving Buttington Bridge, the path follows a stretch of canal and riverbank through open farmland, with gentle terrain and expansive views across the Severn Valley. The route skirts the edge of Four Crosses before gradually veering away from the canal to rejoin the line of Offa's Dyke. It continues through a mix of hedged fields and wooded patches, with stiles and farm lanes marking the transitions. A steady climb begins as the trail approaches Beacon Ring, an Iron Age hillfort perched on the summit of Long Mountain, where the surrounding landscape opens out in all directions. After this high point, the path descends along grassy tracks, weaving through countryside and isolated farms. The final section leads over the stone bridge at Brompton Mill and across low farmland before reaching the junction at {{marker|counter=n|type=go|name=Brompton Crossroads|lat=52.53189|long=-3.10681}}. * {{sleep | counter=n | name=Blue Bell | alt= | url= | email= | address=Churchstoke, Montgomery | lat=52.53305 | long=-3.10332 | directions=East of B4385-A489 junction | phone=+44 1588 620231 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Hotel. }} * {{eat | counter=n | name=Dragon Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.dragonhotel.com | email=reception@dragonhotel.com | address=Market Square, Montgomery SY15 6PA | lat=52.56014 | long=-3.14935 | directions= | phone=+44 1686 668359 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily noon-2PM and 6:45-9PM. | price=2 courses from £11.95 | content=Cosy restaurant in a historic 17th-century coaching inn. Bar and restaurant open daily for lunch and dinner. Wi-Fi available. }} * {{sleep | name=Mellington Hall Country House Hotel | url=https://mellingtonhall.co.uk | email=info@mellingtonhallhotel.com | address=Mellington, Churchstoke SY15 6HX | lat=52.52015 | long=-3.09445 | phone=+44 1588 620456 | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=£90–140 | content=Gothic country hotel set in 280 acres of parkland. Ten individually styled en suite rooms with free Wi-Fi. Afternoon tea and homemade cakes in the bar; lunch (noon–2PM) and dinner (6:30–9PM) served in four dining rooms. Local ingredients used where possible. No pets. }} * {{sleep | name=Mellington Hall Caravan Park | url=https://mellingtonhall.co.uk | address=1 Mellington Lodge, Mellington, Church Stoke, Montgomery SY15 6HX | lat=52.520901 | long=-3.094289 | phone=+44 1588 620011 | price=£5 pppn (2014) | content=A small campsite beside the lake, separately operated from the hotel. Call for gate code; pay the groundsman in the morning. }} ===Brompton Crossroads to Knighton=== ; Distance : {{mi|15}} Leaving Brompton Crossroads, the trail heads south through gently rising farmland, where paths lead past old hedgerows and isolated farms. The route climbs steadily toward the Shropshire Hills, tracing sections of the Dyke as it gains height across open ground and wooded slopes. After crossing several ridges and valleys, the path reaches Llanfair Hill, where Offa's Dyke is particularly well preserved and runs prominently along the hillcrest. From here, the landscape becomes more remote and undulating, with far-reaching views and a sense of open space. The trail then descends into the small hamlet of Churchtown, marked by a chapel and a scattering of farm buildings. Beyond this, the route climbs again across grassy hillsides before dropping steeply toward the valley of {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Knighton]]|lat=52.34310|long=-3.04939}}. The final stretch enters the town along footpaths and narrow lanes, ending near the {{marker|counter=n|type=see|name= Offa's Dyke Centre|lat= 52.34594 |long= -3.05179}}, where walkers can explore exhibits and see remaining sections of the Dyke within the town limits. ===Knighton to Kington=== ; Distance : {{mi|13}} Leaving Knighton, the path begins with a steady climb through mixed woodland, soon breaking into open hillside where Offa’s Dyke becomes visible as a prominent earthwork along the ridge. The views here stretch across the borderlands, with the undulating line of the Dyke guiding the way over fields and heather-covered slopes. The route follows the high ground across Rushock Hill, where the ancient bank remains clearly defined. As the path continues, it weaves through farmland and small wooded sections, occasionally dipping into shallow valleys before climbing again. The landscape here is a mix of quiet lanes, sheep pastures, and bracken-covered hillsides. Crossing Furrow Hill and Hawthorn Hill, the trail offers a rhythm of climbs and descents, with wide views in every direction. A footbridge over the River Lugg provides a brief pause near Dolley Green, before the path ascends again through open fields and over the rounded ridge of Burfa Bank, where remnants of an old hillfort lie near the trail. The final stretch heads over grassy ridges and through pockets of woodland before descending gently into the town of {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Kington]]|lat=52.20214 |long=-3.02605}}. Passing orchards and scattered farms, the path winds toward the town centre, arriving among historic buildings and quiet streets that mark the end of this scenic and remote stage. ===Kington to Hay-on-Wye=== ; Distance : {{mi|14.5}} [[File:Hay Castle, Hay-on-Wye - geograph.org.uk - 583851.jpg|thumb|Hay Castle was destroyed by King John in 1216]] Leaving Kington, the trail climbs steadily along a road and grassy paths, rising onto Hergest Ridge. As the ascent continues, open moorland replaces farmland, and the path passes the distinctive circle of Monkey Puzzle trees near the ridge's summit. The remains of an old racecourse lie nearby, giving a sense of the area's unusual past. From the ridge, wide views stretch across the Welsh borderlands and into the Black Mountains. The descent leads into green valleys and across farmland before reaching Gladestry, a village with stone cottages and a small church. Beyond Gladestry, the path climbs again through open fields and over rounded hills, crossing into more remote countryside. It then winds into the hamlet of Newchurch, where a simple church often offers a place to pause. The final leg rises and falls across a series of fields and low ridges before descending toward the Wye Valley. The approach to {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Hay-on-Wye]]|lat=52.07360|long=-3.12424}} is gentle, with the last stretch following lanes and field paths into the town, known for its many antiques and bookshops and antiquarian fair. There are also ruins of two Norman castles. ===Hay-on-Wye to Pandy=== ; Distance : {{mi|17}} Leaving Hay-on-Wye, the trail heads southeast through pastures and lanes, crossing into Cusop before beginning a steady climb toward the Black Mountains. The path follows country roads and grassy slopes, gradually gaining height as it passes farms and small woodlands. As the climb continues, the landscape opens up onto the expansive ridge of Hatterrall Hill, where the trail follows a broad track across open moorland. The views from here are wide and uninterrupted, stretching across the Wye Valley and deep into the Welsh hills. The route stays high for much of the day, following the line of the ridge over rolling uplands covered in heather and rough grass. Occasional stone markers guide the way, and the ridge often feels remote and windswept. Toward the end, the path begins a long descent through gentler terrain, crossing narrow fields and tree-lined lanes. The stage finishes in the small village of {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=Pandy|lat=51.90340|long=-2.96167}}. This section is either within or abutting the [[Brecon Beacons National Park]] and includes the "summit" of the route at 700 m (2,300 ft). * {{see | counter=n | name=White Castle | alt= | url=http://cadw.wales.gov.uk/daysout/whitecastle/?lang=en | email= | address=Llanthony Crosseny, Abergavenny NP7 8UD | lat=51.84569 | long=-2.89923 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | image=White Castle - geograph.org.uk - 168047.jpg | hours=4 Nov-31 Mar: daily 10AM-4PM; 1 Apr-3 Nov: daily 10AM-5PM (last admission 30 min before close and closed 24-26 Dec, 1 Jan) | price=4 Nov-31 Mar: free, 1 Apr-3 Nov: adult £3 family £9 | content=One of the best preserved of 3 castles near the Dyke south-east of Llanvetherine. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. }} * {{sleep | counter=n | name=The Park Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.theparkhotelwales.com | email= | address=Pandy | lat=51.89509 | long=-2.96772 | directions= | phone=+44 1873 890271 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Accommodation and food services. }} ===Pandy to Monmouth=== ; Distance : {{mi|17.5}} [[File:Monnow Bridge and Gatehouse Pub - geograph.org.uk - 234683.jpg|thumb|Monnow Bridge with its fortified Gatehouse]] Leaving Pandy, the trail climbs through farmland and narrow lanes, gaining height as it approaches Llangattock Lingoed, where a small stone church stands among rolling fields. The route continues over open hillsides and through scattered woodlands, eventually reaching the grassy remains of Grace Dieu Abbey tucked in a secluded valley. From there, the path rises again toward White Castle, a well-preserved Norman fortress with thick walls and sweeping views over the surrounding countryside. After exploring the castle, the trail follows undulating paths through a mix of orchards, hedged fields, and occasional woodland edges. As it nears the River Trothy, the landscape becomes more enclosed with winding tracks and grassy stretches leading through Llantilio Crossenny. Entering King's Wood, the path weaves beneath tall trees along forest tracks before breaking out into fields that mark the final approach. The last leg into {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Monmouth (Wales)|Monmouth]]|lat=51.80904|long=-2.71637}} follows a mix of farm tracks and suburban lanes, crossing Abbey Bridge and tracing the Monnow River to reach the town via the medieval gatehouse on {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name= Monnow Bridge |lat= 51.80899 |long=-2.72004}}, a striking entry into the historic centre. ===Monmouth to Sedbury Cliffs=== ; Distance : {{mi|17.5}} Leaving Monmouth, the trail begins with a climb out of town through wooded slopes, soon offering elevated views over the Wye Valley. The route winds through a mix of forest paths and open pasture, crossing small streams and following the contours of the hillside. As it progresses, the landscape becomes more dramatic, with occasional glimpses of cliffs and the distant Severn Estuary. One of the highlights along this stretch is the Devil's Pulpit, a limestone outcrop with a striking view across the river to the ruins of Tintern Abbey. The trail continues along the ridge, passing through a mix of farmland and ancient woodland, and gradually descends toward the village of Redbrook, where it briefly crosses back into England. Further along, the path climbs again to The Kymin, a hilltop park with a classical monument and sweeping views back toward Monmouth. From here, the route continues south through fields and scattered woodland, eventually reaching the Severn coast. The final section leads to {{marker|counter=n|type=go|name=Sedbury Cliffs|lat=51.632540845|long=-2.6486089400}}, where the trail ends above the shoreline, marked by a stone plaque and views across the wide waters of the estuary. [[File:Tintern Abbey (4932486126).jpg|thumb|Tintern Abbey]] * {{see | counter=n | name=Tintern Abbey | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=51.696874 | long=-2.677084 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=View the Abbey from Devil's Pulpit on the opposite east bank of the River Wye. }} * {{eat | counter=n | name=The Village Inn (Pub) | alt= | url= | email=info@thevillageinnpub.com | address=Beachley Rd, Sedbury NP16 7AA | lat=51.64014 | long=-2.65959 | directions= | phone=+44 7798 866569 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M Tu 4-11PM, W Th noon-11PM, F Sa noon-midnight, Su noon-5PM | price= | content=Probably the closest a pub could be to the end of the hike. }} * {{see | counter=n | name=Chepstow Castle | alt= | url= | email= | address=Chepstow | lat=51.64415 | long=-2.67515 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Possibly the oldest (surviving) stone castle in Britain. }} ==Stay safe== Although few of the villages and towns along the route have hospitals or medical centres, fixed line telephones and mobiles are common and in any emergency you should just dial '''999'''. Then tell the emergency operator whether you need the Fire, Police or Ambulance services. When it's less urgent than a 999 call, contact the local police in England and Wales on 101. This number should be answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Don't refer to the Welsh as "English". ==Go next== *[http://www.ldwa.org.uk/ldp/members/show_path.php?path_name=Clwydian+Way '''Clwydian Way'''] – If the Offa's Dyke Path has whetted your appetite for long distance walking, consider this {{mi|122}} circle route that connects at [[Prestatyn]] and [[Llangollen]]. The route south from Prestatyn to Llangollen intertwines with the Offa's Dyke Path. [[File:Chepstow oct 2011 057.jpg|thumb|The stone at [[Chepstow]] marking the southern end of the Wales Coast Path, with the path's "dragon shell" logo. Offa's Dyke Path is a mere 300m over the bridge on the other side of the River Wye in England at this point.]] *'''The [[Wales Coast Path]]''' (Welsh: ''Llwybr Arfordir Cymru'') intersects with both the start and the finish of Offa's Dyke Path and offers a {{mi|870}} long dedicated footpath along the entire coastline of Wales – the first country in the world to provide such an opportunity. This path runs through eleven nature reserves. *Either at the beginning or the end of your hike, a visit to [[Bath]], [[Bristol]] or [[Cardiff]] would be worthwhile. {{usableitinerary}} {{PartOfItinerary|Europe itineraries}} je1wp6gwz8kvnjocqyobnaimyp12wbt 5086607 5086606 2025-07-02T12:58:58Z Bluecoordinationfine 2327039 Formatting 5086607 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Offa's Dyke Path banner.jpg}} '''Offa's Dyke Path''' (''Llwybr Clawdd Offa'' in [[Welsh phrasebook|Welsh]]) is a National Trail which runs through the varied landscapes of the Welsh Marches along or near the border of [[Wales]] and [[England]] between [[Prestatyn]] on the Irish Sea in the north and Sedbury Cliffs on the Severn estuary near Chepstow in the south. ==Understand== [[File:Llwybr clawdd offa.jpg|thumb|Markers are not standardised]] Offa's Dyke Path is a popular walking route through the border regions of England and Wales. The dyke itself (''Clawdd Offa'' in Welsh) has partially disappeared in places, although in the parts where it is preserved, it's about 20 m wide and 2.5 m high. In particular, there is an {{mi|80}} section between the Wye Valley and [[Wrexham]] where the Dyke is easily seen. The route is approximately {{mi|177}} in length, and takes between 12 and 14 days. The path was inaugurated in 1971 and thousands of people walk the route each year. Much of the history of the Dyke is based on some speculation, but it is named after [[:w:Offa of Mercia|Offa, King of Mercia]] between 757 and 796 AD. It's believed that construction was started around 785 AD but it's not known if the Dyke represented an agreed border or a defensive structure. However, some sections still form the England/Wales border more than twelve centuries later. Relations between the Welsh and the English haven't always been comfortable. To quote George Borrow in '''Wild Wales''': ''"It was customary for the English to cut off the ears off every Welshman found east of the dyke, and for the Welsh to hang every Englishman whom they found to the west of it."'' Thankfully it's more civil these days. There is much variety in the route, passing as it does through historic towns such as Knighton, Kington, [[Hay-on-Wye]] and [[Monmouth (Wales)|Monmouth]], some wide river valleys, moorlands, remote villages and woodlands. The route passes near old forts and castles, including famous ruins such as [[:w:Tintern Abbey|Tintern Abbey]] near [[Chepstow]]. All of Offa's Dyke Path follows legally defined Rights of Way for all walkers and is clearly signed with an acorn symbol. Some, but not all, sections are also available for horseriders and cyclists. ==Prepare== The trail isn’t especially remote, but the route can be somewhat convoluted at times. Most hikers today will likely rely on OpenStreetMap or GPS apps for navigation. Those who prefer paper maps may find a full set of '''[http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/ Ordnance Survey]''' maps useful. Alternatively, the South and North volumes of the National Trail Guides by Eric & Kathy Kay and Mark Richards (Aurum Press) offer a lighter option. These include OS Explorer strip maps with all the detail you'll need. Mobile phone coverage can be patchy in places. All towns and most villages along the route have public phone boxes, although most require coins and do not accept cards. Many pubs and hotels provide Wi-Fi access. ==Get in== The south trailhead is at Sedbury Cliffs, near [[Chepstow]]. The train station at Chepstow is about {{mi|2}} from the trailhead where there is a commemorative marker, about a mile east of Chepstow on the east side of the River Wye. The north trailhead is at [[Prestatyn]] which is {{mi|0.3}} from the train station. After backpacking all the nineteen (2017) British National Trails, mostly wild camping and this one twice. This trail has got to be walked south to north. Maps go this way and the worst terrain is met near the end, when the backpacker is fitter. Also at Sedbury is one marker in a field where as at Pestatyn there is a bustling seaside resort, markers and at least a tempting paddle in the sea. ==Walk== There are many types of accommodation along the route, including inns, [[Bed and Breakfast|B&Bs]], campsites, hostels and self-catering facilities. Listed below are a very small selection of things to see and do, places to stay and where to find food. {{Mapframe|52.39|-3.07|width=350|height=1180|zoom=9|layer=MH}} {{mapshape|type=geoline|wikidata=Q745914|stroke=#000000|stroke-width=3|title=Offa's Dyke Path}} A sample 12-day walking itinerary from north to south would be as follows: ===Prestatyn to Bodfari=== ; Distance : {{mi|13}} Beginning at the Irish Sea in {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Prestatyn]]|lat=53.34230|long=-3.41267}}, the path starts with a stiff climb up Bastion Road and through the housing fringe, soon entering the steeper ascent of Prestatyn Hill and onto the Prestatyn Hillside Nature Reserve. As you gain height, the gorse-lit slopes open onto sweeping views of the coast and inland vistas, including reef knolls like Graig Fawr and Y Foel. The route undulates gently across farmland and through fields, passing derelict mills and curious sheep and cows before reaching Marian Ffrith, a low hill crowned by a prehistoric hillfort. After a peaceful descent through pastoral landscapes, you cross the busy A55 near the village of Rhuallt, marking your entry into the Clwydian Range AONB. The terrain eases into a more level but rolling traverse over hills such as Cefn Du and Moel Maenefa, offering panoramic coastal views through intermittent benches and winding farm lanes. The path weaves via minor roads, stiles, woodlands, and farm tracks past the Valley of Mills and through fields lined by stone stiles and kissing gates. Nearing the end, it re-enters the Prestatyn Hillside Reserve, passing archaeological remnants like Bronze Age burial chambers before descending the wooden steps into town. The final stretch follows lanes and the High Street, culminating on Bastion Road in {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Bodfari]]|lat=53.21976|long=-3.35958}} with the symbolic stone monument on the seafront. ===Bodfari to Llandegla=== ; Distance : {{mi|17}} Leaving Bodfari, the path climbs gradually through fields and woodland before reaching the open ridges of the Clwydian Hills. Early on, it passes Moel y Gaer, one of several Iron Age hillforts that line this part of the route, offering a glimpse into the area's ancient history. The trail follows a scenic ridgeline across high, grassy hills like Moel y Plâs and Moel Llanfair, with expansive views over the Vale of Clwyd and towards Snowdonia on a clear day. The landscape alternates between open moorland and enclosed pasture, with frequent stiles and gates guiding the way. As the route approaches the distinctive summit of Moel Gyw, the path curves through areas of low gorse and heather. Progressing south, the character becomes more wooded, especially as the trail descends into the forested outskirts near Llandegla. The final stretch leads gently downhill along shady paths and minor roads, eventually reaching the village of {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Llandegla]]|lat=53.06430|long=-3.20273}}. ===Llandegla to Froncysyllte=== ; Distance: {{mi|12}} Leaving Llandegla, the trail heads west across moorland and the edges of Llandegla Forest. The path climbs gently through a mix of heather-covered slopes, open fields, and conifer plantations. As the forest thins out, wide views open across the hills, with stone walls and farm tracks guiding the way along ridges overlooking the Dee Valley. The terrain continues to alternate between grassy uplands and sheltered woodland edges. Gradually, the route approaches the dramatic limestone escarpment of the Eglwyseg, where steep cliffs and rocky outcrops rise above the valley floor. The path winds beneath these cliffs, following a narrow track that hugs the hillside, framed by scattered trees and rough pasture. After passing beneath the escarpment, the trail climbs once more to reach a high saddle with far-reaching views. It then begins a steady descent across sheep-dotted fields and wooded glades, eventually reaching the Llangollen Canal near Trevor. The final stretch follows the canal towpath to the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, an impressive cast-iron structure spanning the River Dee. After crossing the aqueduct, the path continues briefly along the canal before entering {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=Froncysyllte|lat=52.96399|long=-3.08494}}. ===Froncysyllte to Trefonen=== ; Distance : {{mi|13}} Leaving Froncysyllte, the trail climbs steadily out of the village, soon offering views back toward the Dee Valley. The route then enters woodland and gradually ascends onto higher ground, following the line of Offa's Dyke as it traces the ridges and field boundaries. It passes through Candy Wood before emerging onto the open terrain of Craig Forda, where the Dyke becomes visible as a prominent earthwork. The landscape shifts between common land, wooded sections, and farmland, with occasional stiles marking the transitions. At Racecourse Common, once the site of horse races near Oswestry, the path levels briefly before continuing south. After skirting Carreg-y-Big, it passes through a mix of pasture and hedgerows before approaching Selatyn Hill, topped by an old stone tower that stands out against the horizon. The trail then dips through woodland and farmland again, navigating a patchwork of fields and small valleys. As you near {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=Trefonen|lat=52.83388|long=-3.10106}}, the terrain softens, with the final stretch winding past farmsteads and into the village on well-marked paths. * {{eat | counter=n | name=The Barley Mow Inn | alt= | url=http://www.offasdykebrewery.com/ | email=derekcjones@hotmail.co.uk | address=Chapel Lane, Trefonen SY10 9DX | lat=52.83362 | long=-3.09980 | directions= | phone=+44 1691 656889 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Pub food and pub drinks from the Thomas Mcguinness range of beers together with those from their own Offa's Dyke Brewery. }} * {{sleep | counter=n | name=The Old Mill, Candy, Oswestry | alt= | url=http://www.oldmillcandy.co.uk/ | email= | address=The Old Mill, Candy, Morda, Oswestry SY10 9AZ | lat=52.845985700 | long=-3.10671378301 | directions=north of Trefonen near Oswestry | phone=+44 1691 653085 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Bed and Breakfast with a nearby campsite. }} ===Trefonen to Buttington Bridge=== ; Distance : {{mi|15}} Leaving Trefonen, the path descends gently through a patchwork of fields and farmland, following hedgerows and stiles as it winds its way toward the border village of Llanymynech. Along the way, it crosses rolling terrain with a mix of open views and shaded woodland sections, maintaining a steady rhythm through rural Shropshire. After passing through Llanymynech, where the border between England and Wales runs right through the village, the trail climbs onto Llanymynech Hill. This stretch includes limestone grassland and offers elevated views over the Severn valley. Continuing south, the route leads across Moelydd, a low summit marked by a toposcope, before descending toward lower farmland again. The final leg features a peaceful walk along tracks and across fields, gradually approaching the broad valley of the River Severn. Near {{marker|counter=n|type=go|name=Buttington Bridge|lat=52.67265|long=-3.11578}}, the path meets the Montgomery Canal, joining the towpath for a short stretch. This section ends just before the town of {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Welshpool]]|lat= 52.660447336 |long=-3.14719546670}}, with the river and canal providing a calm and scenic conclusion. ===Buttington Bridge to Brompton Crossroads=== ; Distance : {{mi|12}} Leaving Buttington Bridge, the path follows a stretch of canal and riverbank through open farmland, with gentle terrain and expansive views across the Severn Valley. The route skirts the edge of Four Crosses before gradually veering away from the canal to rejoin the line of Offa's Dyke. It continues through a mix of hedged fields and wooded patches, with stiles and farm lanes marking the transitions. A steady climb begins as the trail approaches Beacon Ring, an Iron Age hillfort perched on the summit of Long Mountain, where the surrounding landscape opens out in all directions. After this high point, the path descends along grassy tracks, weaving through countryside and isolated farms. The final section leads over the stone bridge at Brompton Mill and across low farmland before reaching the junction at {{marker|counter=n|type=go|name=Brompton Crossroads|lat=52.53189|long=-3.10681}}. * {{sleep | counter=n | name=Blue Bell | alt= | url= | email= | address=Churchstoke, Montgomery | lat=52.53305 | long=-3.10332 | directions=East of B4385-A489 junction | phone=+44 1588 620231 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Hotel. }} * {{eat | counter=n | name=Dragon Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.dragonhotel.com | email=reception@dragonhotel.com | address=Market Square, Montgomery SY15 6PA | lat=52.56014 | long=-3.14935 | directions= | phone=+44 1686 668359 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily noon-2PM and 6:45-9PM. | price=2 courses from £11.95 | content=Cosy restaurant in a historic 17th-century coaching inn. Bar and restaurant open daily for lunch and dinner. Wi-Fi available. }} * {{sleep | name=Mellington Hall Country House Hotel | url=https://mellingtonhall.co.uk | email=info@mellingtonhallhotel.com | address=Mellington, Churchstoke SY15 6HX | lat=52.52015 | long=-3.09445 | phone=+44 1588 620456 | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=£90–140 | content=Gothic country hotel set in 280 acres of parkland. Ten individually styled en suite rooms with free Wi-Fi. Afternoon tea and homemade cakes in the bar; lunch (noon–2PM) and dinner (6:30–9PM) served in four dining rooms. Local ingredients used where possible. No pets. }} * {{sleep | name=Mellington Hall Caravan Park | url=https://mellingtonhall.co.uk | address=1 Mellington Lodge, Mellington, Church Stoke, Montgomery SY15 6HX | lat=52.520901 | long=-3.094289 | phone=+44 1588 620011 | price=£5 pppn (2014) | content=A small campsite beside the lake, separately operated from the hotel. Call for gate code; pay the groundsman in the morning. }} ===Brompton Crossroads to Knighton=== ; Distance : {{mi|15}} Leaving Brompton Crossroads, the trail heads south through gently rising farmland, where paths lead past old hedgerows and isolated farms. The route climbs steadily toward the Shropshire Hills, tracing sections of the Dyke as it gains height across open ground and wooded slopes. After crossing several ridges and valleys, the path reaches Llanfair Hill, where Offa's Dyke is particularly well preserved and runs prominently along the hillcrest. From here, the landscape becomes more remote and undulating, with far-reaching views and a sense of open space. The trail then descends into the small hamlet of Churchtown, marked by a chapel and a scattering of farm buildings. Beyond this, the route climbs again across grassy hillsides before dropping steeply toward the valley of {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Knighton]]|lat=52.34310|long=-3.04939}}. The final stretch enters the town along footpaths and narrow lanes, ending near the {{marker|counter=n|type=see|name= Offa's Dyke Centre|lat= 52.34594 |long= -3.05179}}, where walkers can explore exhibits and see remaining sections of the Dyke within the town limits. ===Knighton to Kington=== ; Distance : {{mi|13}} Leaving Knighton, the path begins with a steady climb through mixed woodland, soon breaking into open hillside where Offa’s Dyke becomes visible as a prominent earthwork along the ridge. The views here stretch across the borderlands, with the undulating line of the Dyke guiding the way over fields and heather-covered slopes. The route follows the high ground across Rushock Hill, where the ancient bank remains clearly defined. As the path continues, it weaves through farmland and small wooded sections, occasionally dipping into shallow valleys before climbing again. The landscape here is a mix of quiet lanes, sheep pastures, and bracken-covered hillsides. Crossing Furrow Hill and Hawthorn Hill, the trail offers a rhythm of climbs and descents, with wide views in every direction. A footbridge over the River Lugg provides a brief pause near Dolley Green, before the path ascends again through open fields and over the rounded ridge of Burfa Bank, where remnants of an old hillfort lie near the trail. The final stretch heads over grassy ridges and through pockets of woodland before descending gently into the town of {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Kington]]|lat=52.20214 |long=-3.02605}}. Passing orchards and scattered farms, the path winds toward the town centre, arriving among historic buildings and quiet streets that mark the end of this scenic and remote stage. ===Kington to Hay-on-Wye=== ; Distance : {{mi|14.5}} [[File:Hay Castle, Hay-on-Wye - geograph.org.uk - 583851.jpg|thumb|Hay Castle was destroyed by King John in 1216]] Leaving Kington, the trail climbs steadily along a road and grassy paths, rising onto Hergest Ridge. As the ascent continues, open moorland replaces farmland, and the path passes the distinctive circle of Monkey Puzzle trees near the ridge's summit. The remains of an old racecourse lie nearby, giving a sense of the area's unusual past. From the ridge, wide views stretch across the Welsh borderlands and into the Black Mountains. The descent leads into green valleys and across farmland before reaching Gladestry, a village with stone cottages and a small church. Beyond Gladestry, the path climbs again through open fields and over rounded hills, crossing into more remote countryside. It then winds into the hamlet of Newchurch, where a simple church often offers a place to pause. The final leg rises and falls across a series of fields and low ridges before descending toward the Wye Valley. The approach to {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Hay-on-Wye]]|lat=52.07360|long=-3.12424}} is gentle, with the last stretch following lanes and field paths into the town, known for its many antiques and bookshops and antiquarian fair. There are also ruins of two Norman castles. ===Hay-on-Wye to Pandy=== ; Distance : {{mi|17}} Leaving Hay-on-Wye, the trail heads southeast through pastures and lanes, crossing into Cusop before beginning a steady climb toward the Black Mountains. The path follows country roads and grassy slopes, gradually gaining height as it passes farms and small woodlands. As the climb continues, the landscape opens up onto the expansive ridge of Hatterrall Hill, where the trail follows a broad track across open moorland. The views from here are wide and uninterrupted, stretching across the Wye Valley and deep into the Welsh hills. The route stays high for much of the day, following the line of the ridge over rolling uplands covered in heather and rough grass. Occasional stone markers guide the way, and the ridge often feels remote and windswept. Toward the end, the path begins a long descent through gentler terrain, crossing narrow fields and tree-lined lanes. The stage finishes in the small village of {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=Pandy|lat=51.90340|long=-2.96167}}. This section is either within or abutting the [[Brecon Beacons National Park]] and includes the "summit" of the route at 700 m (2,300 ft). * {{see | counter=n | name=White Castle | alt= | url=http://cadw.wales.gov.uk/daysout/whitecastle/?lang=en | email= | address=Llanthony Crosseny, Abergavenny NP7 8UD | lat=51.84569 | long=-2.89923 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | image=White Castle - geograph.org.uk - 168047.jpg | hours=4 Nov-31 Mar: daily 10AM-4PM; 1 Apr-3 Nov: daily 10AM-5PM (last admission 30 min before close and closed 24-26 Dec, 1 Jan) | price=4 Nov-31 Mar: free, 1 Apr-3 Nov: adult £3 family £9 | content=One of the best preserved of 3 castles near the Dyke south-east of Llanvetherine. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. }} * {{sleep | counter=n | name=The Park Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.theparkhotelwales.com | email= | address=Pandy | lat=51.89509 | long=-2.96772 | directions= | phone=+44 1873 890271 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Accommodation and food services. }} ===Pandy to Monmouth=== ; Distance : {{mi|17.5}} [[File:Monnow Bridge and Gatehouse Pub - geograph.org.uk - 234683.jpg|thumb|Monnow Bridge with its fortified Gatehouse]] Leaving Pandy, the trail climbs through farmland and narrow lanes, gaining height as it approaches Llangattock Lingoed, where a small stone church stands among rolling fields. The route continues over open hillsides and through scattered woodlands, eventually reaching the grassy remains of Grace Dieu Abbey tucked in a secluded valley. From there, the path rises again toward White Castle, a well-preserved Norman fortress with thick walls and sweeping views over the surrounding countryside. After exploring the castle, the trail follows undulating paths through a mix of orchards, hedged fields, and occasional woodland edges. As it nears the River Trothy, the landscape becomes more enclosed with winding tracks and grassy stretches leading through Llantilio Crossenny. Entering King's Wood, the path weaves beneath tall trees along forest tracks before breaking out into fields that mark the final approach. The last leg into {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Monmouth (Wales)|Monmouth]]|lat=51.80904|long=-2.71637}} follows a mix of farm tracks and suburban lanes, crossing Abbey Bridge and tracing the Monnow River to reach the town via the medieval gatehouse on {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name= Monnow Bridge |lat= 51.80899 |long=-2.72004}}, a striking entry into the historic centre. ===Monmouth to Sedbury Cliffs=== ; Distance : {{mi|17.5}} Leaving Monmouth, the trail begins with a climb out of town through wooded slopes, soon offering elevated views over the Wye Valley. The route winds through a mix of forest paths and open pasture, crossing small streams and following the contours of the hillside. As it progresses, the landscape becomes more dramatic, with occasional glimpses of cliffs and the distant Severn Estuary. One of the highlights along this stretch is the Devil's Pulpit, a limestone outcrop with a striking view across the river to the ruins of Tintern Abbey. The trail continues along the ridge, passing through a mix of farmland and ancient woodland, and gradually descends toward the village of Redbrook, where it briefly crosses back into England. Further along, the path climbs again to The Kymin, a hilltop park with a classical monument and sweeping views back toward Monmouth. From here, the route continues south through fields and scattered woodland, eventually reaching the Severn coast. The final section leads to {{marker|counter=n|type=go|name=Sedbury Cliffs|lat=51.632540845|long=-2.6486089400}}, where the trail ends above the shoreline, marked by a stone plaque and views across the wide waters of the estuary. [[File:Tintern Abbey (4932486126).jpg|thumb|Tintern Abbey]] * {{see | counter=n | name=Tintern Abbey | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=51.696874 | long=-2.677084 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=View the Abbey from Devil's Pulpit on the opposite east bank of the River Wye. }} * {{eat | counter=n | name=The Village Inn (Pub) | alt= | url= | email=info@thevillageinnpub.com | address=Beachley Rd, Sedbury NP16 7AA | lat=51.64014 | long=-2.65959 | directions= | phone=+44 7798 866569 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M Tu 4-11PM, W Th noon-11PM, F Sa noon-midnight, Su noon-5PM | price= | content=Probably the closest a pub could be to the end of the hike. }} * {{see | counter=n | name=Chepstow Castle | alt= | url= | email= | address=Chepstow | lat=51.64415 | long=-2.67515 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Possibly the oldest (surviving) stone castle in Britain. }} ==Stay safe== Although few of the villages and towns along the route have hospitals or medical centres, fixed line telephones and mobiles are common and in any emergency you should just dial '''999'''. Then tell the emergency operator whether you need the Fire, Police or Ambulance services. When it's less urgent than a 999 call, contact the local police in England and Wales on 101. This number should be answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Don't refer to the Welsh as "English". ==Go next== * If the Offa's Dyke Path has whetted your appetite for long distance walking, consider the [[Clwydian Way]]. This {{mi|122}} circle route connects at [[Prestatyn]] and [[Llangollen]]. The route south from Prestatyn to Llangollen intertwines with the Offa's Dyke Path. [[File:Chepstow oct 2011 057.jpg|thumb|The stone at [[Chepstow]] marking the southern end of the Wales Coast Path, with the path's "dragon shell" logo. Offa's Dyke Path is a mere 300m over the bridge on the other side of the River Wye in England at this point.]] * The [[Wales Coast Path]] (Welsh: ''Llwybr Arfordir Cymru'') intersects with both the start and the finish of Offa's Dyke Path and offers a {{mi|870}} long dedicated footpath along the entire coastline of Wales – the first country in the world to provide such an opportunity. This path runs through eleven nature reserves. * Either at the beginning or the end of your hike, a visit to [[Bath]], [[Bristol]] or [[Cardiff]] would be worthwhile. {{usableitinerary}} {{PartOfItinerary|Europe itineraries}} a2fvbhq1upogul7mgdf4r2wnzjx8n2m 5086611 5086607 2025-07-02T13:03:05Z Bluecoordinationfine 2327039 See previous change. 5086611 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Offa's Dyke Path banner.jpg}} '''Offa's Dyke Path''' (''Llwybr Clawdd Offa'' in [[Welsh phrasebook|Welsh]]) is a National Trail which runs through the varied landscapes of the Welsh Marches along or near the border of [[Wales]] and [[England]] between [[Prestatyn]] on the Irish Sea in the north and Sedbury Cliffs on the Severn estuary near Chepstow in the south. ==Understand== [[File:Llwybr clawdd offa.jpg|thumb|Markers are not standardised]] Offa's Dyke Path is a popular walking route through the border regions of England and Wales. The dyke itself (''Clawdd Offa'' in Welsh) has partially disappeared in places, although in the parts where it is preserved, it's about 20 m wide and 2.5 m high. In particular, there is an {{mi|80}} section between the Wye Valley and [[Wrexham]] where the Dyke is easily seen. The route is approximately {{mi|177}} in length, and takes between 12 and 14 days. The path was inaugurated in 1971 and thousands of people walk the route each year. Much of the history of the Dyke is based on some speculation, but it is named after [[:w:Offa of Mercia|Offa, King of Mercia]] between 757 and 796 AD. It's believed that construction was started around 785 AD but it's not known if the Dyke represented an agreed border or a defensive structure. However, some sections still form the England/Wales border more than twelve centuries later. Relations between the Welsh and the English haven't always been comfortable. To quote George Borrow in '''Wild Wales''': ''"It was customary for the English to cut off the ears off every Welshman found east of the dyke, and for the Welsh to hang every Englishman whom they found to the west of it."'' Thankfully it's more civil these days. There is much variety in the route, passing as it does through historic towns such as Knighton, Kington, [[Hay-on-Wye]] and [[Monmouth (Wales)|Monmouth]], some wide river valleys, moorlands, remote villages and woodlands. The route passes near old forts and castles, including famous ruins such as [[:w:Tintern Abbey|Tintern Abbey]] near [[Chepstow]]. All of Offa's Dyke Path follows legally defined Rights of Way for all walkers and is clearly signed with an acorn symbol. Some, but not all, sections are also available for horseriders and cyclists. ==Prepare== The trail isn’t especially remote, but the route can be somewhat convoluted at times. Most hikers today will likely rely on OpenStreetMap or GPS apps for navigation. Those who prefer paper maps may find a full set of '''[http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/ Ordnance Survey]''' maps useful. Alternatively, the South and North volumes of the National Trail Guides by Eric & Kathy Kay and Mark Richards (Aurum Press) offer a lighter option. These include OS Explorer strip maps with all the detail you'll need. Mobile phone coverage can be patchy in places. All towns and most villages along the route have public phone boxes, although most require coins and do not accept cards. Many pubs and hotels provide Wi-Fi access. ==Get in== The south trailhead is at Sedbury Cliffs, near [[Chepstow]]. The train station at Chepstow is about {{mi|2}} from the trailhead where there is a commemorative marker, about a mile east of Chepstow on the east side of the River Wye. The north trailhead is at [[Prestatyn]] which is {{mi|0.3}} from the train station. After backpacking all the nineteen (2017) British National Trails, mostly wild camping and this one twice. This trail has got to be walked south to north. Maps go this way and the worst terrain is met near the end, when the backpacker is fitter. Also at Sedbury is one marker in a field where as at Pestatyn there is a bustling seaside resort, markers and at least a tempting paddle in the sea. ==Walk== There are many types of accommodation along the route, including inns, [[Bed and Breakfast|B&Bs]], campsites, hostels and self-catering facilities. Listed below are a very small selection of things to see and do, places to stay and where to find food. {{Mapframe|52.39|-3.07|width=350|height=1180|zoom=9|layer=MH}} {{mapshape|type=geoline|wikidata=Q745914|stroke=#000000|stroke-width=3|title=Offa's Dyke Path}} A sample 12-day walking itinerary from north to south would be as follows: ===Prestatyn to Bodfari=== ; Distance : {{mi|13}} Beginning at the Irish Sea in {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Prestatyn]]|lat=53.34230|long=-3.41267}}, the path starts with a stiff climb up Bastion Road and through the housing fringe, soon entering the steeper ascent of Prestatyn Hill and onto the Prestatyn Hillside Nature Reserve. As you gain height, the gorse-lit slopes open onto sweeping views of the coast and inland vistas, including reef knolls like Graig Fawr and Y Foel. The route undulates gently across farmland and through fields, passing derelict mills and curious sheep and cows before reaching Marian Ffrith, a low hill crowned by a prehistoric hillfort. After a peaceful descent through pastoral landscapes, you cross the busy A55 near the village of Rhuallt, marking your entry into the Clwydian Range AONB. The terrain eases into a more level but rolling traverse over hills such as Cefn Du and Moel Maenefa, offering panoramic coastal views through intermittent benches and winding farm lanes. The path weaves via minor roads, stiles, woodlands, and farm tracks past the Valley of Mills and through fields lined by stone stiles and kissing gates. Nearing the end, it re-enters the Prestatyn Hillside Reserve, passing archaeological remnants like Bronze Age burial chambers before descending the wooden steps into town. The final stretch follows lanes and the High Street, culminating on Bastion Road in {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Bodfari]]|lat=53.21976|long=-3.35958}} with the symbolic stone monument on the seafront. ===Bodfari to Llandegla=== ; Distance : {{mi|17}} Leaving Bodfari, the path climbs gradually through fields and woodland before reaching the open ridges of the Clwydian Hills. Early on, it passes Moel y Gaer, one of several Iron Age hillforts that line this part of the route, offering a glimpse into the area's ancient history. The trail follows a scenic ridgeline across high, grassy hills like Moel y Plâs and Moel Llanfair, with expansive views over the Vale of Clwyd and towards Snowdonia on a clear day. The landscape alternates between open moorland and enclosed pasture, with frequent stiles and gates guiding the way. As the route approaches the distinctive summit of Moel Gyw, the path curves through areas of low gorse and heather. Progressing south, the character becomes more wooded, especially as the trail descends into the forested outskirts near Llandegla. The final stretch leads gently downhill along shady paths and minor roads, eventually reaching the village of {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Llandegla]]|lat=53.06430|long=-3.20273}}. ===Llandegla to Froncysyllte=== ; Distance: {{mi|12}} Leaving Llandegla, the trail heads west across moorland and the edges of Llandegla Forest. The path climbs gently through a mix of heather-covered slopes, open fields, and conifer plantations. As the forest thins out, wide views open across the hills, with stone walls and farm tracks guiding the way along ridges overlooking the Dee Valley. The terrain continues to alternate between grassy uplands and sheltered woodland edges. Gradually, the route approaches the dramatic limestone escarpment of the Eglwyseg, where steep cliffs and rocky outcrops rise above the valley floor. The path winds beneath these cliffs, following a narrow track that hugs the hillside, framed by scattered trees and rough pasture. After passing beneath the escarpment, the trail climbs once more to reach a high saddle with far-reaching views. It then begins a steady descent across sheep-dotted fields and wooded glades, eventually reaching the Llangollen Canal near Trevor. The final stretch follows the canal towpath to the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, an impressive cast-iron structure spanning the River Dee. After crossing the aqueduct, the path continues briefly along the canal before entering {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=Froncysyllte|lat=52.96399|long=-3.08494}}. ===Froncysyllte to Trefonen=== ; Distance : {{mi|13}} Leaving Froncysyllte, the trail climbs steadily out of the village, soon offering views back toward the Dee Valley. The route then enters woodland and gradually ascends onto higher ground, following the line of Offa's Dyke as it traces the ridges and field boundaries. It passes through Candy Wood before emerging onto the open terrain of Craig Forda, where the Dyke becomes visible as a prominent earthwork. The landscape shifts between common land, wooded sections, and farmland, with occasional stiles marking the transitions. At Racecourse Common, once the site of horse races near Oswestry, the path levels briefly before continuing south. After skirting Carreg-y-Big, it passes through a mix of pasture and hedgerows before approaching Selatyn Hill, topped by an old stone tower that stands out against the horizon. The trail then dips through woodland and farmland again, navigating a patchwork of fields and small valleys. As you near {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=Trefonen|lat=52.83388|long=-3.10106}}, the terrain softens, with the final stretch winding past farmsteads and into the village on well-marked paths. * {{eat | counter=n | name=The Barley Mow Inn | alt= | url=http://www.offasdykebrewery.com/ | email=derekcjones@hotmail.co.uk | address=Chapel Lane, Trefonen SY10 9DX | lat=52.83362 | long=-3.09980 | directions= | phone=+44 1691 656889 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Pub food and pub drinks from the Thomas Mcguinness range of beers together with those from their own Offa's Dyke Brewery. }} * {{sleep | counter=n | name=The Old Mill, Candy, Oswestry | alt= | url=http://www.oldmillcandy.co.uk/ | email= | address=The Old Mill, Candy, Morda, Oswestry SY10 9AZ | lat=52.845985700 | long=-3.10671378301 | directions=north of Trefonen near Oswestry | phone=+44 1691 653085 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Bed and Breakfast with a nearby campsite. }} ===Trefonen to Buttington Bridge=== ; Distance : {{mi|15}} Leaving Trefonen, the path descends gently through a patchwork of fields and farmland, following hedgerows and stiles as it winds its way toward the border village of Llanymynech. Along the way, it crosses rolling terrain with a mix of open views and shaded woodland sections, maintaining a steady rhythm through rural Shropshire. After passing through Llanymynech, where the border between England and Wales runs right through the village, the trail climbs onto Llanymynech Hill. This stretch includes limestone grassland and offers elevated views over the Severn valley. Continuing south, the route leads across Moelydd, a low summit marked by a toposcope, before descending toward lower farmland again. The final leg features a peaceful walk along tracks and across fields, gradually approaching the broad valley of the River Severn. Near {{marker|counter=n|type=go|name=Buttington Bridge|lat=52.67265|long=-3.11578}}, the path meets the Montgomery Canal, joining the towpath for a short stretch. This section ends just before the town of {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Welshpool]]|lat= 52.660447336 |long=-3.14719546670}}, with the river and canal providing a calm and scenic conclusion. ===Buttington Bridge to Brompton Crossroads=== ; Distance : {{mi|12}} Leaving Buttington Bridge, the path follows a stretch of canal and riverbank through open farmland, with gentle terrain and expansive views across the Severn Valley. The route skirts the edge of Four Crosses before gradually veering away from the canal to rejoin the line of Offa's Dyke. It continues through a mix of hedged fields and wooded patches, with stiles and farm lanes marking the transitions. A steady climb begins as the trail approaches Beacon Ring, an Iron Age hillfort perched on the summit of Long Mountain, where the surrounding landscape opens out in all directions. After this high point, the path descends along grassy tracks, weaving through countryside and isolated farms. The final section leads over the stone bridge at Brompton Mill and across low farmland before reaching the junction at {{marker|counter=n|type=go|name=Brompton Crossroads|lat=52.53189|long=-3.10681}}. * {{sleep | counter=n | name=Blue Bell | alt= | url= | email= | address=Churchstoke, Montgomery | lat=52.53305 | long=-3.10332 | directions=East of B4385-A489 junction | phone=+44 1588 620231 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Hotel. }} * {{eat | counter=n | name=Dragon Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.dragonhotel.com | email=reception@dragonhotel.com | address=Market Square, Montgomery SY15 6PA | lat=52.56014 | long=-3.14935 | directions= | phone=+44 1686 668359 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily noon-2PM and 6:45-9PM. | price=2 courses from £11.95 | content=Cosy restaurant in a historic 17th-century coaching inn. Bar and restaurant open daily for lunch and dinner. Wi-Fi available. }} * {{sleep | name=Mellington Hall Country House Hotel | url=https://mellingtonhall.co.uk | email=info@mellingtonhallhotel.com | address=Mellington, Churchstoke SY15 6HX | lat=52.52015 | long=-3.09445 | phone=+44 1588 620456 | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=£90–140 | content=Gothic country hotel set in 280 acres of parkland. Ten individually styled en suite rooms with free Wi-Fi. Afternoon tea and homemade cakes in the bar; lunch (noon–2PM) and dinner (6:30–9PM) served in four dining rooms. Local ingredients used where possible. No pets. }} * {{sleep | name=Mellington Hall Caravan Park | url=https://mellingtonhall.co.uk | address=1 Mellington Lodge, Mellington, Church Stoke, Montgomery SY15 6HX | lat=52.520901 | long=-3.094289 | phone=+44 1588 620011 | price=£5 pppn (2014) | content=A small campsite beside the lake, separately operated from the hotel. Call for gate code; pay the groundsman in the morning. }} ===Brompton Crossroads to Knighton=== ; Distance : {{mi|15}} Leaving Brompton Crossroads, the trail heads south through gently rising farmland, where paths lead past old hedgerows and isolated farms. The route climbs steadily toward the Shropshire Hills, tracing sections of the Dyke as it gains height across open ground and wooded slopes. After crossing several ridges and valleys, the path reaches Llanfair Hill, where Offa's Dyke is particularly well preserved and runs prominently along the hillcrest. From here, the landscape becomes more remote and undulating, with far-reaching views and a sense of open space. The trail then descends into the small hamlet of Churchtown, marked by a chapel and a scattering of farm buildings. Beyond this, the route climbs again across grassy hillsides before dropping steeply toward the valley of {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Knighton]]|lat=52.34310|long=-3.04939}}. The final stretch enters the town along footpaths and narrow lanes, ending near the {{marker|counter=n|type=see|name= Offa's Dyke Centre|lat= 52.34594 |long= -3.05179}}, where walkers can explore exhibits and see remaining sections of the Dyke within the town limits. ===Knighton to Kington=== ; Distance : {{mi|13}} Leaving Knighton, the path begins with a steady climb through mixed woodland, soon breaking into open hillside where Offa’s Dyke becomes visible as a prominent earthwork along the ridge. The views here stretch across the borderlands, with the undulating line of the Dyke guiding the way over fields and heather-covered slopes. The route follows the high ground across Rushock Hill, where the ancient bank remains clearly defined. As the path continues, it weaves through farmland and small wooded sections, occasionally dipping into shallow valleys before climbing again. The landscape here is a mix of quiet lanes, sheep pastures, and bracken-covered hillsides. Crossing Furrow Hill and Hawthorn Hill, the trail offers a rhythm of climbs and descents, with wide views in every direction. A footbridge over the River Lugg provides a brief pause near Dolley Green, before the path ascends again through open fields and over the rounded ridge of Burfa Bank, where remnants of an old hillfort lie near the trail. The final stretch heads over grassy ridges and through pockets of woodland before descending gently into the town of {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Kington]]|lat=52.20214 |long=-3.02605}}. Passing orchards and scattered farms, the path winds toward the town centre, arriving among historic buildings and quiet streets that mark the end of this scenic and remote stage. ===Kington to Hay-on-Wye=== ; Distance : {{mi|14.5}} [[File:Hay Castle, Hay-on-Wye - geograph.org.uk - 583851.jpg|thumb|Hay Castle was destroyed by King John in 1216]] Leaving Kington, the trail climbs steadily along a road and grassy paths, rising onto Hergest Ridge. As the ascent continues, open moorland replaces farmland, and the path passes the distinctive circle of Monkey Puzzle trees near the ridge's summit. The remains of an old racecourse lie nearby, giving a sense of the area's unusual past. From the ridge, wide views stretch across the Welsh borderlands and into the Black Mountains. The descent leads into green valleys and across farmland before reaching Gladestry, a village with stone cottages and a small church. Beyond Gladestry, the path climbs again through open fields and over rounded hills, crossing into more remote countryside. It then winds into the hamlet of Newchurch, where a simple church often offers a place to pause. The final leg rises and falls across a series of fields and low ridges before descending toward the Wye Valley. The approach to {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Hay-on-Wye]]|lat=52.07360|long=-3.12424}} is gentle, with the last stretch following lanes and field paths into the town, known for its many antiques and bookshops and antiquarian fair. There are also ruins of two Norman castles. ===Hay-on-Wye to Pandy=== ; Distance : {{mi|17}} Leaving Hay-on-Wye, the trail heads southeast through pastures and lanes, crossing into Cusop before beginning a steady climb toward the Black Mountains. The path follows country roads and grassy slopes, gradually gaining height as it passes farms and small woodlands. As the climb continues, the landscape opens up onto the expansive ridge of Hatterrall Hill, where the trail follows a broad track across open moorland. The views from here are wide and uninterrupted, stretching across the Wye Valley and deep into the Welsh hills. The route stays high for much of the day, following the line of the ridge over rolling uplands covered in heather and rough grass. Occasional stone markers guide the way, and the ridge often feels remote and windswept. Toward the end, the path begins a long descent through gentler terrain, crossing narrow fields and tree-lined lanes. The stage finishes in the small village of {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=Pandy|lat=51.90340|long=-2.96167}}. This section is either within or abutting the [[Brecon Beacons National Park]] and includes the "summit" of the route at 700 m (2,300 ft). ===Pandy to Monmouth=== ; Distance : {{mi|17.5}} [[File:Monnow Bridge and Gatehouse Pub - geograph.org.uk - 234683.jpg|thumb|Monnow Bridge with its fortified Gatehouse]] Leaving Pandy, the trail climbs through farmland and narrow lanes, gaining height as it approaches Llangattock Lingoed, where a small stone church stands among rolling fields. The route continues over open hillsides and through scattered woodlands, eventually reaching the grassy remains of Grace Dieu Abbey tucked in a secluded valley. From there, the path rises again toward White Castle, a well-preserved Norman fortress with thick walls and sweeping views over the surrounding countryside. After exploring the castle, the trail follows undulating paths through a mix of orchards, hedged fields, and occasional woodland edges. As it nears the River Trothy, the landscape becomes more enclosed with winding tracks and grassy stretches leading through Llantilio Crossenny. Entering King's Wood, the path weaves beneath tall trees along forest tracks before breaking out into fields that mark the final approach. The last leg into {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Monmouth (Wales)|Monmouth]]|lat=51.80904|long=-2.71637}} follows a mix of farm tracks and suburban lanes, crossing Abbey Bridge and tracing the Monnow River to reach the town via the medieval gatehouse on {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name= Monnow Bridge |lat= 51.80899 |long=-2.72004}}, a striking entry into the historic centre. ===Monmouth to Sedbury Cliffs=== ; Distance : {{mi|17.5}} Leaving Monmouth, the trail begins with a climb out of town through wooded slopes, soon offering elevated views over the Wye Valley. The route winds through a mix of forest paths and open pasture, crossing small streams and following the contours of the hillside. As it progresses, the landscape becomes more dramatic, with occasional glimpses of cliffs and the distant Severn Estuary. One of the highlights along this stretch is the Devil's Pulpit, a limestone outcrop with a striking view across the river to the ruins of Tintern Abbey. The trail continues along the ridge, passing through a mix of farmland and ancient woodland, and gradually descends toward the village of Redbrook, where it briefly crosses back into England. Further along, the path climbs again to The Kymin, a hilltop park with a classical monument and sweeping views back toward Monmouth. From here, the route continues south through fields and scattered woodland, eventually reaching the Severn coast. The final section leads to {{marker|counter=n|type=go|name=Sedbury Cliffs|lat=51.632540845|long=-2.6486089400}}, where the trail ends above the shoreline, marked by a stone plaque and views across the wide waters of the estuary. [[File:Tintern Abbey (4932486126).jpg|thumb|Tintern Abbey]] * {{see | counter=n | name=Tintern Abbey | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=51.696874 | long=-2.677084 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=View the Abbey from Devil's Pulpit on the opposite east bank of the River Wye. }} * {{eat | counter=n | name=The Village Inn (Pub) | alt= | url= | email=info@thevillageinnpub.com | address=Beachley Rd, Sedbury NP16 7AA | lat=51.64014 | long=-2.65959 | directions= | phone=+44 7798 866569 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M Tu 4-11PM, W Th noon-11PM, F Sa noon-midnight, Su noon-5PM | price= | content=Probably the closest a pub could be to the end of the hike. }} * {{see | counter=n | name=Chepstow Castle | alt= | url= | email= | address=Chepstow | lat=51.64415 | long=-2.67515 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Possibly the oldest (surviving) stone castle in Britain. }} ==Stay safe== Although few of the villages and towns along the route have hospitals or medical centres, fixed line telephones and mobiles are common and in any emergency you should just dial '''999'''. Then tell the emergency operator whether you need the Fire, Police or Ambulance services. When it's less urgent than a 999 call, contact the local police in England and Wales on 101. This number should be answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Don't refer to the Welsh as "English". ==Go next== * If the Offa's Dyke Path has whetted your appetite for long distance walking, consider the [[Clwydian Way]]. This {{mi|122}} circle route connects at [[Prestatyn]] and [[Llangollen]]. The route south from Prestatyn to Llangollen intertwines with the Offa's Dyke Path. [[File:Chepstow oct 2011 057.jpg|thumb|The stone at [[Chepstow]] marking the southern end of the Wales Coast Path, with the path's "dragon shell" logo. Offa's Dyke Path is a mere 300m over the bridge on the other side of the River Wye in England at this point.]] * The [[Wales Coast Path]] (Welsh: ''Llwybr Arfordir Cymru'') intersects with both the start and the finish of Offa's Dyke Path and offers a {{mi|870}} long dedicated footpath along the entire coastline of Wales – the first country in the world to provide such an opportunity. This path runs through eleven nature reserves. * Either at the beginning or the end of your hike, a visit to [[Bath]], [[Bristol]] or [[Cardiff]] would be worthwhile. {{usableitinerary}} {{PartOfItinerary|Europe itineraries}} q68jr5n901sojxo02mxz3k56moviykx 5086614 5086611 2025-07-02T13:07:00Z Bluecoordinationfine 2327039 See previous change. 5086614 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Offa's Dyke Path banner.jpg}} '''Offa's Dyke Path''' (''Llwybr Clawdd Offa'' in [[Welsh phrasebook|Welsh]]) is a National Trail which runs through the varied landscapes of the Welsh Marches along or near the border of [[Wales]] and [[England]] between [[Prestatyn]] on the Irish Sea in the north and Sedbury Cliffs on the Severn estuary near Chepstow in the south. ==Understand== [[File:Llwybr clawdd offa.jpg|thumb|Markers are not standardised]] Offa's Dyke Path is a popular walking route through the border regions of England and Wales. The dyke itself (''Clawdd Offa'' in Welsh) has partially disappeared in places, although in the parts where it is preserved, it's about 20 m wide and 2.5 m high. In particular, there is an {{mi|80}} section between the Wye Valley and [[Wrexham]] where the Dyke is easily seen. The route is approximately {{mi|177}} in length, and takes between 12 and 14 days. The path was inaugurated in 1971 and thousands of people walk the route each year. Much of the history of the Dyke is based on some speculation, but it is named after [[:w:Offa of Mercia|Offa, King of Mercia]] between 757 and 796 AD. It's believed that construction was started around 785 AD but it's not known if the Dyke represented an agreed border or a defensive structure. However, some sections still form the England/Wales border more than twelve centuries later. Relations between the Welsh and the English haven't always been comfortable. To quote George Borrow in '''Wild Wales''': ''"It was customary for the English to cut off the ears off every Welshman found east of the dyke, and for the Welsh to hang every Englishman whom they found to the west of it."'' Thankfully it's more civil these days. There is much variety in the route, passing as it does through historic towns such as Knighton, Kington, [[Hay-on-Wye]] and [[Monmouth (Wales)|Monmouth]], some wide river valleys, moorlands, remote villages and woodlands. The route passes near old forts and castles, including famous ruins such as [[:w:Tintern Abbey|Tintern Abbey]] near [[Chepstow]]. All of Offa's Dyke Path follows legally defined Rights of Way for all walkers and is clearly signed with an acorn symbol. Some, but not all, sections are also available for horseriders and cyclists. ==Prepare== The trail isn’t especially remote, but the route can be somewhat convoluted at times. Most hikers today will likely rely on OpenStreetMap or GPS apps for navigation. Those who prefer paper maps may find a full set of '''[http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/ Ordnance Survey]''' maps useful. Alternatively, the South and North volumes of the National Trail Guides by Eric & Kathy Kay and Mark Richards (Aurum Press) offer a lighter option. These include OS Explorer strip maps with all the detail you'll need. Mobile phone coverage can be patchy in places. All towns and most villages along the route have public phone boxes, although most require coins and do not accept cards. Many pubs and hotels provide Wi-Fi access. ==Get in== The south trailhead is at Sedbury Cliffs, near [[Chepstow]]. The train station at Chepstow is about {{mi|2}} from the trailhead where there is a commemorative marker, about a mile east of Chepstow on the east side of the River Wye. The north trailhead is at [[Prestatyn]] which is {{mi|0.3}} from the train station. After backpacking all the nineteen (2017) British National Trails, mostly wild camping and this one twice. This trail has got to be walked south to north. Maps go this way and the worst terrain is met near the end, when the backpacker is fitter. Also at Sedbury is one marker in a field where as at Pestatyn there is a bustling seaside resort, markers and at least a tempting paddle in the sea. ==Walk== There are many types of accommodation along the route, including inns, [[Bed and Breakfast|B&Bs]], campsites, hostels and self-catering facilities. Listed below are a very small selection of things to see and do, places to stay and where to find food. {{Mapframe|52.39|-3.07|width=350|height=1180|zoom=9|layer=MH}} {{mapshape|type=geoline|wikidata=Q745914|stroke=#000000|stroke-width=3|title=Offa's Dyke Path}} A sample 12-day walking itinerary from north to south would be as follows: ===Prestatyn to Bodfari=== ; Distance : {{mi|13}} Beginning at the Irish Sea in {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Prestatyn]]|lat=53.34230|long=-3.41267}}, the path starts with a stiff climb up Bastion Road and through the housing fringe, soon entering the steeper ascent of Prestatyn Hill and onto the Prestatyn Hillside Nature Reserve. As you gain height, the gorse-lit slopes open onto sweeping views of the coast and inland vistas, including reef knolls like Graig Fawr and Y Foel. The route undulates gently across farmland and through fields, passing derelict mills and curious sheep and cows before reaching Marian Ffrith, a low hill crowned by a prehistoric hillfort. After a peaceful descent through pastoral landscapes, you cross the busy A55 near the village of Rhuallt, marking your entry into the Clwydian Range AONB. The terrain eases into a more level but rolling traverse over hills such as Cefn Du and Moel Maenefa, offering panoramic coastal views through intermittent benches and winding farm lanes. The path weaves via minor roads, stiles, woodlands, and farm tracks past the Valley of Mills and through fields lined by stone stiles and kissing gates. Nearing the end, it re-enters the Prestatyn Hillside Reserve, passing archaeological remnants like Bronze Age burial chambers before descending the wooden steps into town. The final stretch follows lanes and the High Street, culminating on Bastion Road in {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Bodfari]]|lat=53.21976|long=-3.35958}} with the symbolic stone monument on the seafront. ===Bodfari to Llandegla=== ; Distance : {{mi|17}} Leaving Bodfari, the path climbs gradually through fields and woodland before reaching the open ridges of the Clwydian Hills. Early on, it passes Moel y Gaer, one of several Iron Age hillforts that line this part of the route, offering a glimpse into the area's ancient history. The trail follows a scenic ridgeline across high, grassy hills like Moel y Plâs and Moel Llanfair, with expansive views over the Vale of Clwyd and towards Snowdonia on a clear day. The landscape alternates between open moorland and enclosed pasture, with frequent stiles and gates guiding the way. As the route approaches the distinctive summit of Moel Gyw, the path curves through areas of low gorse and heather. Progressing south, the character becomes more wooded, especially as the trail descends into the forested outskirts near Llandegla. The final stretch leads gently downhill along shady paths and minor roads, eventually reaching the village of {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Llandegla]]|lat=53.06430|long=-3.20273}}. ===Llandegla to Froncysyllte=== ; Distance: {{mi|12}} Leaving Llandegla, the trail heads west across moorland and the edges of Llandegla Forest. The path climbs gently through a mix of heather-covered slopes, open fields, and conifer plantations. As the forest thins out, wide views open across the hills, with stone walls and farm tracks guiding the way along ridges overlooking the Dee Valley. The terrain continues to alternate between grassy uplands and sheltered woodland edges. Gradually, the route approaches the dramatic limestone escarpment of the Eglwyseg, where steep cliffs and rocky outcrops rise above the valley floor. The path winds beneath these cliffs, following a narrow track that hugs the hillside, framed by scattered trees and rough pasture. After passing beneath the escarpment, the trail climbs once more to reach a high saddle with far-reaching views. It then begins a steady descent across sheep-dotted fields and wooded glades, eventually reaching the Llangollen Canal near Trevor. The final stretch follows the canal towpath to the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, an impressive cast-iron structure spanning the River Dee. After crossing the aqueduct, the path continues briefly along the canal before entering {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=Froncysyllte|lat=52.96399|long=-3.08494}}. ===Froncysyllte to Trefonen=== ; Distance : {{mi|13}} Leaving Froncysyllte, the trail climbs steadily out of the village, soon offering views back toward the Dee Valley. The route then enters woodland and gradually ascends onto higher ground, following the line of Offa's Dyke as it traces the ridges and field boundaries. It passes through Candy Wood before emerging onto the open terrain of Craig Forda, where the Dyke becomes visible as a prominent earthwork. The landscape shifts between common land, wooded sections, and farmland, with occasional stiles marking the transitions. At Racecourse Common, once the site of horse races near Oswestry, the path levels briefly before continuing south. After skirting Carreg-y-Big, it passes through a mix of pasture and hedgerows before approaching Selatyn Hill, topped by an old stone tower that stands out against the horizon. The trail then dips through woodland and farmland again, navigating a patchwork of fields and small valleys. As you near {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=Trefonen|lat=52.83388|long=-3.10106}}, the terrain softens, with the final stretch winding past farmsteads and into the village on well-marked paths. * {{eat | counter=n | name=The Barley Mow Inn | alt= | url=http://www.offasdykebrewery.com/ | email=derekcjones@hotmail.co.uk | address=Chapel Lane, Trefonen SY10 9DX | lat=52.83362 | long=-3.09980 | directions= | phone=+44 1691 656889 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Pub food and pub drinks from the Thomas Mcguinness range of beers together with those from their own Offa's Dyke Brewery. }} * {{sleep | counter=n | name=The Old Mill, Candy, Oswestry | alt= | url=http://www.oldmillcandy.co.uk/ | email= | address=The Old Mill, Candy, Morda, Oswestry SY10 9AZ | lat=52.845985700 | long=-3.10671378301 | directions=north of Trefonen near Oswestry | phone=+44 1691 653085 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Bed and Breakfast with a nearby campsite. }} ===Trefonen to Buttington Bridge=== ; Distance : {{mi|15}} Leaving Trefonen, the path descends gently through a patchwork of fields and farmland, following hedgerows and stiles as it winds its way toward the border village of Llanymynech. Along the way, it crosses rolling terrain with a mix of open views and shaded woodland sections, maintaining a steady rhythm through rural Shropshire. After passing through Llanymynech, where the border between England and Wales runs right through the village, the trail climbs onto Llanymynech Hill. This stretch includes limestone grassland and offers elevated views over the Severn valley. Continuing south, the route leads across Moelydd, a low summit marked by a toposcope, before descending toward lower farmland again. The final leg features a peaceful walk along tracks and across fields, gradually approaching the broad valley of the River Severn. Near {{marker|counter=n|type=go|name=Buttington Bridge|lat=52.67265|long=-3.11578}}, the path meets the Montgomery Canal, joining the towpath for a short stretch. This section ends just before the town of {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Welshpool]]|lat= 52.660447336 |long=-3.14719546670}}, with the river and canal providing a calm and scenic conclusion. ===Buttington Bridge to Brompton Crossroads=== ; Distance : {{mi|12}} Leaving Buttington Bridge, the path follows a stretch of canal and riverbank through open farmland, with gentle terrain and expansive views across the Severn Valley. The route skirts the edge of Four Crosses before gradually veering away from the canal to rejoin the line of Offa's Dyke. It continues through a mix of hedged fields and wooded patches, with stiles and farm lanes marking the transitions. A steady climb begins as the trail approaches Beacon Ring, an Iron Age hillfort perched on the summit of Long Mountain, where the surrounding landscape opens out in all directions. After this high point, the path descends along grassy tracks, weaving through countryside and isolated farms. The final section leads over the stone bridge at Brompton Mill and across low farmland before reaching the junction at {{marker|counter=n|type=go|name=Brompton Crossroads|lat=52.53189|long=-3.10681}}. * {{sleep | counter=n | name=Blue Bell | alt= | url= | email= | address=Churchstoke, Montgomery | lat=52.53305 | long=-3.10332 | directions=East of B4385-A489 junction | phone=+44 1588 620231 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Hotel. }} * {{eat | counter=n | name=Dragon Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.dragonhotel.com | email=reception@dragonhotel.com | address=Market Square, Montgomery SY15 6PA | lat=52.56014 | long=-3.14935 | directions= | phone=+44 1686 668359 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily noon-2PM and 6:45-9PM. | price=2 courses from £11.95 | content=Cosy restaurant in a historic 17th-century coaching inn. Bar and restaurant open daily for lunch and dinner. Wi-Fi available. }} * {{sleep | name=Mellington Hall Country House Hotel | url=https://mellingtonhall.co.uk | email=info@mellingtonhallhotel.com | address=Mellington, Churchstoke SY15 6HX | lat=52.52015 | long=-3.09445 | phone=+44 1588 620456 | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=£90–140 | content=Gothic country hotel set in 280 acres of parkland. Ten individually styled en suite rooms with free Wi-Fi. Afternoon tea and homemade cakes in the bar; lunch (noon–2PM) and dinner (6:30–9PM) served in four dining rooms. Local ingredients used where possible. No pets. }} * {{sleep | name=Mellington Hall Caravan Park | url=https://mellingtonhall.co.uk | address=1 Mellington Lodge, Mellington, Church Stoke, Montgomery SY15 6HX | lat=52.520901 | long=-3.094289 | phone=+44 1588 620011 | price=£5 pppn (2014) | content=A small campsite beside the lake, separately operated from the hotel. Call for gate code; pay the groundsman in the morning. }} ===Brompton Crossroads to Knighton=== ; Distance : {{mi|15}} Leaving Brompton Crossroads, the trail heads south through gently rising farmland, where paths lead past old hedgerows and isolated farms. The route climbs steadily toward the Shropshire Hills, tracing sections of the Dyke as it gains height across open ground and wooded slopes. After crossing several ridges and valleys, the path reaches Llanfair Hill, where Offa's Dyke is particularly well preserved and runs prominently along the hillcrest. From here, the landscape becomes more remote and undulating, with far-reaching views and a sense of open space. The trail then descends into the small hamlet of Churchtown, marked by a chapel and a scattering of farm buildings. Beyond this, the route climbs again across grassy hillsides before dropping steeply toward the valley of {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Knighton]]|lat=52.34310|long=-3.04939}}. The final stretch enters the town along footpaths and narrow lanes, ending near the {{marker|counter=n|type=see|name= Offa's Dyke Centre|lat= 52.34594 |long= -3.05179}}, where walkers can explore exhibits and see remaining sections of the Dyke within the town limits. ===Knighton to Kington=== ; Distance : {{mi|13}} Leaving Knighton, the path begins with a steady climb through mixed woodland, soon breaking into open hillside where Offa’s Dyke becomes visible as a prominent earthwork along the ridge. The views here stretch across the borderlands, with the undulating line of the Dyke guiding the way over fields and heather-covered slopes. The route follows the high ground across Rushock Hill, where the ancient bank remains clearly defined. As the path continues, it weaves through farmland and small wooded sections, occasionally dipping into shallow valleys before climbing again. The landscape here is a mix of quiet lanes, sheep pastures, and bracken-covered hillsides. Crossing Furrow Hill and Hawthorn Hill, the trail offers a rhythm of climbs and descents, with wide views in every direction. A footbridge over the River Lugg provides a brief pause near Dolley Green, before the path ascends again through open fields and over the rounded ridge of Burfa Bank, where remnants of an old hillfort lie near the trail. The final stretch heads over grassy ridges and through pockets of woodland before descending gently into the town of {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Kington]]|lat=52.20214 |long=-3.02605}}. Passing orchards and scattered farms, the path winds toward the town centre, arriving among historic buildings and quiet streets that mark the end of this scenic and remote stage. ===Kington to Hay-on-Wye=== ; Distance : {{mi|14.5}} [[File:Hay Castle, Hay-on-Wye - geograph.org.uk - 583851.jpg|thumb|Hay Castle was destroyed by King John in 1216]] Leaving Kington, the trail climbs steadily along a road and grassy paths, rising onto Hergest Ridge. As the ascent continues, open moorland replaces farmland, and the path passes the distinctive circle of Monkey Puzzle trees near the ridge's summit. The remains of an old racecourse lie nearby, giving a sense of the area's unusual past. From the ridge, wide views stretch across the Welsh borderlands and into the Black Mountains. The descent leads into green valleys and across farmland before reaching Gladestry, a village with stone cottages and a small church. Beyond Gladestry, the path climbs again through open fields and over rounded hills, crossing into more remote countryside. It then winds into the hamlet of Newchurch, where a simple church often offers a place to pause. The final leg rises and falls across a series of fields and low ridges before descending toward the Wye Valley. The approach to {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Hay-on-Wye]]|lat=52.07360|long=-3.12424}} is gentle, with the last stretch following lanes and field paths into the town, known for its many antiques and bookshops and antiquarian fair. There are also ruins of two Norman castles. ===Hay-on-Wye to Pandy=== ; Distance : {{mi|17}} Leaving Hay-on-Wye, the trail heads southeast through pastures and lanes, crossing into Cusop before beginning a steady climb toward the Black Mountains. The path follows country roads and grassy slopes, gradually gaining height as it passes farms and small woodlands. As the climb continues, the landscape opens up onto the expansive ridge of Hatterrall Hill, where the trail follows a broad track across open moorland. The views from here are wide and uninterrupted, stretching across the Wye Valley and deep into the Welsh hills. The route stays high for much of the day, following the line of the ridge over rolling uplands covered in heather and rough grass. Occasional stone markers guide the way, and the ridge often feels remote and windswept. Toward the end, the path begins a long descent through gentler terrain, crossing narrow fields and tree-lined lanes. The stage finishes in the small village of {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=Pandy|lat=51.90340|long=-2.96167}}. This section is either within or abutting the [[Brecon Beacons National Park]] and includes the "summit" of the route at 700 m (2,300 ft). ===Pandy to Monmouth=== ; Distance : {{mi|17.5}} [[File:Monnow Bridge and Gatehouse Pub - geograph.org.uk - 234683.jpg|thumb|Monnow Bridge with its fortified Gatehouse]] Leaving Pandy, the trail climbs through farmland and narrow lanes, gaining height as it approaches Llangattock Lingoed, where a small stone church stands among rolling fields. The route continues over open hillsides and through scattered woodlands, eventually reaching the grassy remains of Grace Dieu Abbey tucked in a secluded valley. From there, the path rises again toward White Castle, a well-preserved Norman fortress with thick walls and sweeping views over the surrounding countryside. After exploring the castle, the trail follows undulating paths through a mix of orchards, hedged fields, and occasional woodland edges. As it nears the River Trothy, the landscape becomes more enclosed with winding tracks and grassy stretches leading through Llantilio Crossenny. Entering King's Wood, the path weaves beneath tall trees along forest tracks before breaking out into fields that mark the final approach. The last leg into {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Monmouth (Wales)|Monmouth]]|lat=51.80904|long=-2.71637}} follows a mix of farm tracks and suburban lanes, crossing Abbey Bridge and tracing the Monnow River to reach the town via the medieval gatehouse on {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name= Monnow Bridge |lat= 51.80899 |long=-2.72004}}, a striking entry into the historic centre. ===Monmouth to Sedbury Cliffs=== ; Distance : {{mi|17.5}} [[File:Tintern Abbey (4932486126).jpg|thumb|Tintern Abbey]] Leaving Monmouth, the trail begins with a climb out of town through wooded slopes, soon offering elevated views over the Wye Valley. The route winds through a mix of forest paths and open pasture, crossing small streams and following the contours of the hillside. As it progresses, the landscape becomes more dramatic, with occasional glimpses of cliffs and the distant Severn Estuary. One of the highlights along this stretch is the Devil's Pulpit, a limestone outcrop with a striking view across the river to the ruins of {{marker|counter=n|type=see|name=Tintern Abbey|lat=51.696874|long=-2.677084}}. The trail continues along the ridge, passing through a mix of farmland and ancient woodland, and gradually descends toward the village of Redbrook, where it briefly crosses back into England. Further along, the path climbs again to The Kymin, a hilltop park with a classical monument and sweeping views back toward Monmouth. From here, the route continues south through fields and scattered woodland, eventually reaching the Severn coast. The final section leads to {{marker|counter=n|type=go|name=Sedbury Cliffs|lat=51.632540845|long=-2.6486089400}}, where the trail ends above the shoreline, marked by a stone plaque and views across the wide waters of the estuary. ==Stay safe== Although few of the villages and towns along the route have hospitals or medical centres, fixed line telephones and mobiles are common and in any emergency you should just dial '''999'''. Then tell the emergency operator whether you need the Fire, Police or Ambulance services. When it's less urgent than a 999 call, contact the local police in England and Wales on 101. This number should be answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Don't refer to the Welsh as "English". ==Go next== * If the Offa's Dyke Path has whetted your appetite for long distance walking, consider the [[Clwydian Way]]. This {{mi|122}} circle route connects at [[Prestatyn]] and [[Llangollen]]. The route south from Prestatyn to Llangollen intertwines with the Offa's Dyke Path. [[File:Chepstow oct 2011 057.jpg|thumb|The stone at [[Chepstow]] marking the southern end of the Wales Coast Path, with the path's "dragon shell" logo. Offa's Dyke Path is a mere 300m over the bridge on the other side of the River Wye in England at this point.]] * The [[Wales Coast Path]] (Welsh: ''Llwybr Arfordir Cymru'') intersects with both the start and the finish of Offa's Dyke Path and offers a {{mi|870}} long dedicated footpath along the entire coastline of Wales – the first country in the world to provide such an opportunity. This path runs through eleven nature reserves. * Either at the beginning or the end of your hike, a visit to [[Bath]], [[Bristol]] or [[Cardiff]] would be worthwhile. {{usableitinerary}} {{PartOfItinerary|Europe itineraries}} tqd8pw1kruffgqpy5gqo2v3eh68274j 5086616 5086614 2025-07-02T13:09:50Z Bluecoordinationfine 2327039 See previous change. 5086616 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Offa's Dyke Path banner.jpg}} '''Offa's Dyke Path''' (''Llwybr Clawdd Offa'' in [[Welsh phrasebook|Welsh]]) is a National Trail which runs through the varied landscapes of the Welsh Marches along or near the border of [[Wales]] and [[England]] between [[Prestatyn]] on the Irish Sea in the north and Sedbury Cliffs on the Severn estuary near Chepstow in the south. ==Understand== [[File:Llwybr clawdd offa.jpg|thumb|Markers are not standardised]] Offa's Dyke Path is a popular walking route through the border regions of England and Wales. The dyke itself (''Clawdd Offa'' in Welsh) has partially disappeared in places, although in the parts where it is preserved, it's about 20 m wide and 2.5 m high. In particular, there is an {{mi|80}} section between the Wye Valley and [[Wrexham]] where the Dyke is easily seen. The route is approximately {{mi|177}} in length, and takes between 12 and 14 days. The path was inaugurated in 1971 and thousands of people walk the route each year. Much of the history of the Dyke is based on some speculation, but it is named after [[:w:Offa of Mercia|Offa, King of Mercia]] between 757 and 796 AD. It's believed that construction was started around 785 AD but it's not known if the Dyke represented an agreed border or a defensive structure. However, some sections still form the England/Wales border more than twelve centuries later. Relations between the Welsh and the English haven't always been comfortable. To quote George Borrow in '''Wild Wales''': ''"It was customary for the English to cut off the ears off every Welshman found east of the dyke, and for the Welsh to hang every Englishman whom they found to the west of it."'' Thankfully it's more civil these days. There is much variety in the route, passing as it does through historic towns such as Knighton, Kington, [[Hay-on-Wye]] and [[Monmouth (Wales)|Monmouth]], some wide river valleys, moorlands, remote villages and woodlands. The route passes near old forts and castles, including famous ruins such as [[:w:Tintern Abbey|Tintern Abbey]] near [[Chepstow]]. All of Offa's Dyke Path follows legally defined Rights of Way for all walkers and is clearly signed with an acorn symbol. Some, but not all, sections are also available for horseriders and cyclists. ==Prepare== The trail isn’t especially remote, but the route can be somewhat convoluted at times. Most hikers today will likely rely on OpenStreetMap or GPS apps for navigation. Those who prefer paper maps may find a full set of '''[http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/ Ordnance Survey]''' maps useful. Alternatively, the South and North volumes of the National Trail Guides by Eric & Kathy Kay and Mark Richards (Aurum Press) offer a lighter option. These include OS Explorer strip maps with all the detail you'll need. Mobile phone coverage can be patchy in places. All towns and most villages along the route have public phone boxes, although most require coins and do not accept cards. Many pubs and hotels provide Wi-Fi access. ==Get in== The south trailhead is at Sedbury Cliffs, near [[Chepstow]]. The train station at Chepstow is about {{mi|2}} from the trailhead where there is a commemorative marker, about a mile east of Chepstow on the east side of the River Wye. The north trailhead is at [[Prestatyn]] which is {{mi|0.3}} from the train station. After backpacking all the nineteen (2017) British National Trails, mostly wild camping and this one twice. This trail has got to be walked south to north. Maps go this way and the worst terrain is met near the end, when the backpacker is fitter. Also at Sedbury is one marker in a field where as at Pestatyn there is a bustling seaside resort, markers and at least a tempting paddle in the sea. ==Walk== There are many types of accommodation along the route, including inns, [[Bed and Breakfast|B&Bs]], campsites, hostels and self-catering facilities. Listed below are a very small selection of things to see and do, places to stay and where to find food. {{Mapframe|52.39|-3.07|width=350|height=1180|zoom=9|layer=MH}} {{mapshape|type=geoline|wikidata=Q745914|stroke=#000000|stroke-width=3|title=Offa's Dyke Path}} A sample 12-day walking itinerary from north to south would be as follows: ===Prestatyn to Bodfari=== ; Distance : {{mi|13}} Beginning at the Irish Sea in {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Prestatyn]]|lat=53.34230|long=-3.41267}}, the path starts with a stiff climb up Bastion Road and through the housing fringe, soon entering the steeper ascent of Prestatyn Hill and onto the Prestatyn Hillside Nature Reserve. As you gain height, the gorse-lit slopes open onto sweeping views of the coast and inland vistas, including reef knolls like Graig Fawr and Y Foel. The route undulates gently across farmland and through fields, passing derelict mills and curious sheep and cows before reaching Marian Ffrith, a low hill crowned by a prehistoric hillfort. After a peaceful descent through pastoral landscapes, you cross the busy A55 near the village of Rhuallt, marking your entry into the Clwydian Range AONB. The terrain eases into a more level but rolling traverse over hills such as Cefn Du and Moel Maenefa, offering panoramic coastal views through intermittent benches and winding farm lanes. The path weaves via minor roads, stiles, woodlands, and farm tracks past the Valley of Mills and through fields lined by stone stiles and kissing gates. Nearing the end, it re-enters the Prestatyn Hillside Reserve, passing archaeological remnants like Bronze Age burial chambers before descending the wooden steps into town. The final stretch follows lanes and the High Street, culminating on Bastion Road in {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Bodfari]]|lat=53.21976|long=-3.35958}} with the symbolic stone monument on the seafront. ===Bodfari to Llandegla=== ; Distance : {{mi|17}} Leaving Bodfari, the path climbs gradually through fields and woodland before reaching the open ridges of the Clwydian Hills. Early on, it passes Moel y Gaer, one of several Iron Age hillforts that line this part of the route, offering a glimpse into the area's ancient history. The trail follows a scenic ridgeline across high, grassy hills like Moel y Plâs and Moel Llanfair, with expansive views over the Vale of Clwyd and towards Snowdonia on a clear day. The landscape alternates between open moorland and enclosed pasture, with frequent stiles and gates guiding the way. As the route approaches the distinctive summit of Moel Gyw, the path curves through areas of low gorse and heather. Progressing south, the character becomes more wooded, especially as the trail descends into the forested outskirts near Llandegla. The final stretch leads gently downhill along shady paths and minor roads, eventually reaching the village of {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Llandegla]]|lat=53.06430|long=-3.20273}}. ===Llandegla to Froncysyllte=== ; Distance: {{mi|12}} Leaving Llandegla, the trail heads west across moorland and the edges of Llandegla Forest. The path climbs gently through a mix of heather-covered slopes, open fields, and conifer plantations. As the forest thins out, wide views open across the hills, with stone walls and farm tracks guiding the way along ridges overlooking the Dee Valley. The terrain continues to alternate between grassy uplands and sheltered woodland edges. Gradually, the route approaches the dramatic limestone escarpment of the Eglwyseg, where steep cliffs and rocky outcrops rise above the valley floor. The path winds beneath these cliffs, following a narrow track that hugs the hillside, framed by scattered trees and rough pasture. After passing beneath the escarpment, the trail climbs once more to reach a high saddle with far-reaching views. It then begins a steady descent across sheep-dotted fields and wooded glades, eventually reaching the Llangollen Canal near Trevor. The final stretch follows the canal towpath to the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, an impressive cast-iron structure spanning the River Dee. After crossing the aqueduct, the path continues briefly along the canal before entering {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=Froncysyllte|lat=52.96399|long=-3.08494}}. ===Froncysyllte to Trefonen=== ; Distance : {{mi|13}} Leaving Froncysyllte, the trail climbs steadily out of the village, soon offering views back toward the Dee Valley. The route then enters woodland and gradually ascends onto higher ground, following the line of Offa's Dyke as it traces the ridges and field boundaries. It passes through Candy Wood before emerging onto the open terrain of Craig Forda, where the Dyke becomes visible as a prominent earthwork. The landscape shifts between common land, wooded sections, and farmland, with occasional stiles marking the transitions. At Racecourse Common, once the site of horse races near Oswestry, the path levels briefly before continuing south. After skirting Carreg-y-Big, it passes through a mix of pasture and hedgerows before approaching Selatyn Hill, topped by an old stone tower that stands out against the horizon. The trail then dips through woodland and farmland again, navigating a patchwork of fields and small valleys. As you near {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=Trefonen|lat=52.83388|long=-3.10106}}, the terrain softens, with the final stretch winding past farmsteads and into the village on well-marked paths. ===Trefonen to Buttington Bridge=== ; Distance : {{mi|15}} Leaving Trefonen, the path descends gently through a patchwork of fields and farmland, following hedgerows and stiles as it winds its way toward the border village of Llanymynech. Along the way, it crosses rolling terrain with a mix of open views and shaded woodland sections, maintaining a steady rhythm through rural Shropshire. After passing through Llanymynech, where the border between England and Wales runs right through the village, the trail climbs onto Llanymynech Hill. This stretch includes limestone grassland and offers elevated views over the Severn valley. Continuing south, the route leads across Moelydd, a low summit marked by a toposcope, before descending toward lower farmland again. The final leg features a peaceful walk along tracks and across fields, gradually approaching the broad valley of the River Severn. Near {{marker|counter=n|type=go|name=Buttington Bridge|lat=52.67265|long=-3.11578}}, the path meets the Montgomery Canal, joining the towpath for a short stretch. This section ends just before the town of {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Welshpool]]|lat= 52.660447336 |long=-3.14719546670}}, with the river and canal providing a calm and scenic conclusion. ===Buttington Bridge to Brompton Crossroads=== ; Distance : {{mi|12}} Leaving Buttington Bridge, the path follows a stretch of canal and riverbank through open farmland, with gentle terrain and expansive views across the Severn Valley. The route skirts the edge of Four Crosses before gradually veering away from the canal to rejoin the line of Offa's Dyke. It continues through a mix of hedged fields and wooded patches, with stiles and farm lanes marking the transitions. A steady climb begins as the trail approaches Beacon Ring, an Iron Age hillfort perched on the summit of Long Mountain, where the surrounding landscape opens out in all directions. After this high point, the path descends along grassy tracks, weaving through countryside and isolated farms. The final section leads over the stone bridge at Brompton Mill and across low farmland before reaching the junction at {{marker|counter=n|type=go|name=Brompton Crossroads|lat=52.53189|long=-3.10681}}. * {{sleep | counter=n | name=Blue Bell | alt= | url= | email= | address=Churchstoke, Montgomery | lat=52.53305 | long=-3.10332 | directions=East of B4385-A489 junction | phone=+44 1588 620231 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Hotel. }} * {{eat | counter=n | name=Dragon Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.dragonhotel.com | email=reception@dragonhotel.com | address=Market Square, Montgomery SY15 6PA | lat=52.56014 | long=-3.14935 | directions= | phone=+44 1686 668359 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily noon-2PM and 6:45-9PM. | price=2 courses from £11.95 | content=Cosy restaurant in a historic 17th-century coaching inn. Bar and restaurant open daily for lunch and dinner. Wi-Fi available. }} * {{sleep | name=Mellington Hall Country House Hotel | url=https://mellingtonhall.co.uk | email=info@mellingtonhallhotel.com | address=Mellington, Churchstoke SY15 6HX | lat=52.52015 | long=-3.09445 | phone=+44 1588 620456 | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=£90–140 | content=Gothic country hotel set in 280 acres of parkland. Ten individually styled en suite rooms with free Wi-Fi. Afternoon tea and homemade cakes in the bar; lunch (noon–2PM) and dinner (6:30–9PM) served in four dining rooms. Local ingredients used where possible. No pets. }} * {{sleep | name=Mellington Hall Caravan Park | url=https://mellingtonhall.co.uk | address=1 Mellington Lodge, Mellington, Church Stoke, Montgomery SY15 6HX | lat=52.520901 | long=-3.094289 | phone=+44 1588 620011 | price=£5 pppn (2014) | content=A small campsite beside the lake, separately operated from the hotel. Call for gate code; pay the groundsman in the morning. }} ===Brompton Crossroads to Knighton=== ; Distance : {{mi|15}} Leaving Brompton Crossroads, the trail heads south through gently rising farmland, where paths lead past old hedgerows and isolated farms. The route climbs steadily toward the Shropshire Hills, tracing sections of the Dyke as it gains height across open ground and wooded slopes. After crossing several ridges and valleys, the path reaches Llanfair Hill, where Offa's Dyke is particularly well preserved and runs prominently along the hillcrest. From here, the landscape becomes more remote and undulating, with far-reaching views and a sense of open space. The trail then descends into the small hamlet of Churchtown, marked by a chapel and a scattering of farm buildings. Beyond this, the route climbs again across grassy hillsides before dropping steeply toward the valley of {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Knighton]]|lat=52.34310|long=-3.04939}}. The final stretch enters the town along footpaths and narrow lanes, ending near the {{marker|counter=n|type=see|name= Offa's Dyke Centre|lat= 52.34594 |long= -3.05179}}, where walkers can explore exhibits and see remaining sections of the Dyke within the town limits. ===Knighton to Kington=== ; Distance : {{mi|13}} Leaving Knighton, the path begins with a steady climb through mixed woodland, soon breaking into open hillside where Offa’s Dyke becomes visible as a prominent earthwork along the ridge. The views here stretch across the borderlands, with the undulating line of the Dyke guiding the way over fields and heather-covered slopes. The route follows the high ground across Rushock Hill, where the ancient bank remains clearly defined. As the path continues, it weaves through farmland and small wooded sections, occasionally dipping into shallow valleys before climbing again. The landscape here is a mix of quiet lanes, sheep pastures, and bracken-covered hillsides. Crossing Furrow Hill and Hawthorn Hill, the trail offers a rhythm of climbs and descents, with wide views in every direction. A footbridge over the River Lugg provides a brief pause near Dolley Green, before the path ascends again through open fields and over the rounded ridge of Burfa Bank, where remnants of an old hillfort lie near the trail. The final stretch heads over grassy ridges and through pockets of woodland before descending gently into the town of {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Kington]]|lat=52.20214 |long=-3.02605}}. Passing orchards and scattered farms, the path winds toward the town centre, arriving among historic buildings and quiet streets that mark the end of this scenic and remote stage. ===Kington to Hay-on-Wye=== ; Distance : {{mi|14.5}} [[File:Hay Castle, Hay-on-Wye - geograph.org.uk - 583851.jpg|thumb|Hay Castle was destroyed by King John in 1216]] Leaving Kington, the trail climbs steadily along a road and grassy paths, rising onto Hergest Ridge. As the ascent continues, open moorland replaces farmland, and the path passes the distinctive circle of Monkey Puzzle trees near the ridge's summit. The remains of an old racecourse lie nearby, giving a sense of the area's unusual past. From the ridge, wide views stretch across the Welsh borderlands and into the Black Mountains. The descent leads into green valleys and across farmland before reaching Gladestry, a village with stone cottages and a small church. Beyond Gladestry, the path climbs again through open fields and over rounded hills, crossing into more remote countryside. It then winds into the hamlet of Newchurch, where a simple church often offers a place to pause. The final leg rises and falls across a series of fields and low ridges before descending toward the Wye Valley. The approach to {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Hay-on-Wye]]|lat=52.07360|long=-3.12424}} is gentle, with the last stretch following lanes and field paths into the town, known for its many antiques and bookshops and antiquarian fair. There are also ruins of two Norman castles. ===Hay-on-Wye to Pandy=== ; Distance : {{mi|17}} Leaving Hay-on-Wye, the trail heads southeast through pastures and lanes, crossing into Cusop before beginning a steady climb toward the Black Mountains. The path follows country roads and grassy slopes, gradually gaining height as it passes farms and small woodlands. As the climb continues, the landscape opens up onto the expansive ridge of Hatterrall Hill, where the trail follows a broad track across open moorland. The views from here are wide and uninterrupted, stretching across the Wye Valley and deep into the Welsh hills. The route stays high for much of the day, following the line of the ridge over rolling uplands covered in heather and rough grass. Occasional stone markers guide the way, and the ridge often feels remote and windswept. Toward the end, the path begins a long descent through gentler terrain, crossing narrow fields and tree-lined lanes. The stage finishes in the small village of {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=Pandy|lat=51.90340|long=-2.96167}}. This section is either within or abutting the [[Brecon Beacons National Park]] and includes the "summit" of the route at 700 m (2,300 ft). ===Pandy to Monmouth=== ; Distance : {{mi|17.5}} [[File:Monnow Bridge and Gatehouse Pub - geograph.org.uk - 234683.jpg|thumb|Monnow Bridge with its fortified Gatehouse]] Leaving Pandy, the trail climbs through farmland and narrow lanes, gaining height as it approaches Llangattock Lingoed, where a small stone church stands among rolling fields. The route continues over open hillsides and through scattered woodlands, eventually reaching the grassy remains of Grace Dieu Abbey tucked in a secluded valley. From there, the path rises again toward White Castle, a well-preserved Norman fortress with thick walls and sweeping views over the surrounding countryside. After exploring the castle, the trail follows undulating paths through a mix of orchards, hedged fields, and occasional woodland edges. As it nears the River Trothy, the landscape becomes more enclosed with winding tracks and grassy stretches leading through Llantilio Crossenny. Entering King's Wood, the path weaves beneath tall trees along forest tracks before breaking out into fields that mark the final approach. The last leg into {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Monmouth (Wales)|Monmouth]]|lat=51.80904|long=-2.71637}} follows a mix of farm tracks and suburban lanes, crossing Abbey Bridge and tracing the Monnow River to reach the town via the medieval gatehouse on {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name= Monnow Bridge |lat= 51.80899 |long=-2.72004}}, a striking entry into the historic centre. ===Monmouth to Sedbury Cliffs=== ; Distance : {{mi|17.5}} [[File:Tintern Abbey (4932486126).jpg|thumb|Tintern Abbey]] Leaving Monmouth, the trail begins with a climb out of town through wooded slopes, soon offering elevated views over the Wye Valley. The route winds through a mix of forest paths and open pasture, crossing small streams and following the contours of the hillside. As it progresses, the landscape becomes more dramatic, with occasional glimpses of cliffs and the distant Severn Estuary. One of the highlights along this stretch is the Devil's Pulpit, a limestone outcrop with a striking view across the river to the ruins of {{marker|counter=n|type=see|name=Tintern Abbey|lat=51.696874|long=-2.677084}}. The trail continues along the ridge, passing through a mix of farmland and ancient woodland, and gradually descends toward the village of Redbrook, where it briefly crosses back into England. Further along, the path climbs again to The Kymin, a hilltop park with a classical monument and sweeping views back toward Monmouth. From here, the route continues south through fields and scattered woodland, eventually reaching the Severn coast. The final section leads to {{marker|counter=n|type=go|name=Sedbury Cliffs|lat=51.632540845|long=-2.6486089400}}, where the trail ends above the shoreline, marked by a stone plaque and views across the wide waters of the estuary. ==Stay safe== Although few of the villages and towns along the route have hospitals or medical centres, fixed line telephones and mobiles are common and in any emergency you should just dial '''999'''. Then tell the emergency operator whether you need the Fire, Police or Ambulance services. When it's less urgent than a 999 call, contact the local police in England and Wales on 101. This number should be answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Don't refer to the Welsh as "English". ==Go next== * If the Offa's Dyke Path has whetted your appetite for long distance walking, consider the [[Clwydian Way]]. This {{mi|122}} circle route connects at [[Prestatyn]] and [[Llangollen]]. The route south from Prestatyn to Llangollen intertwines with the Offa's Dyke Path. [[File:Chepstow oct 2011 057.jpg|thumb|The stone at [[Chepstow]] marking the southern end of the Wales Coast Path, with the path's "dragon shell" logo. Offa's Dyke Path is a mere 300m over the bridge on the other side of the River Wye in England at this point.]] * The [[Wales Coast Path]] (Welsh: ''Llwybr Arfordir Cymru'') intersects with both the start and the finish of Offa's Dyke Path and offers a {{mi|870}} long dedicated footpath along the entire coastline of Wales – the first country in the world to provide such an opportunity. This path runs through eleven nature reserves. * Either at the beginning or the end of your hike, a visit to [[Bath]], [[Bristol]] or [[Cardiff]] would be worthwhile. {{usableitinerary}} {{PartOfItinerary|Europe itineraries}} mbo0fyi8ihwbl7jc41v5ye0rub8s1g8 5086617 5086616 2025-07-02T13:10:23Z Bluecoordinationfine 2327039 5086617 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Offa's Dyke Path banner.jpg}} '''Offa's Dyke Path''' (''Llwybr Clawdd Offa'' in [[Welsh phrasebook|Welsh]]) is a National Trail which runs through the varied landscapes of the Welsh Marches along or near the border of [[Wales]] and [[England]] between [[Prestatyn]] on the Irish Sea in the north and Sedbury Cliffs on the Severn estuary near Chepstow in the south. ==Understand== [[File:Llwybr clawdd offa.jpg|thumb|Markers are not standardised]] Offa's Dyke Path is a popular walking route through the border regions of England and Wales. The dyke itself (''Clawdd Offa'' in Welsh) has partially disappeared in places, although in the parts where it is preserved, it's about 20 m wide and 2.5 m high. In particular, there is an {{mi|80}} section between the Wye Valley and [[Wrexham]] where the Dyke is easily seen. The route is approximately {{mi|177}} in length, and takes between 12 and 14 days. The path was inaugurated in 1971 and thousands of people walk the route each year. Much of the history of the Dyke is based on some speculation, but it is named after [[:w:Offa of Mercia|Offa, King of Mercia]] between 757 and 796 AD. It's believed that construction was started around 785 AD but it's not known if the Dyke represented an agreed border or a defensive structure. However, some sections still form the England/Wales border more than twelve centuries later. Relations between the Welsh and the English haven't always been comfortable. To quote George Borrow in '''Wild Wales''': ''"It was customary for the English to cut off the ears off every Welshman found east of the dyke, and for the Welsh to hang every Englishman whom they found to the west of it."'' Thankfully it's more civil these days. There is much variety in the route, passing as it does through historic towns such as Knighton, Kington, [[Hay-on-Wye]] and [[Monmouth (Wales)|Monmouth]], some wide river valleys, moorlands, remote villages and woodlands. The route passes near old forts and castles, including famous ruins such as [[:w:Tintern Abbey|Tintern Abbey]] near [[Chepstow]]. All of Offa's Dyke Path follows legally defined Rights of Way for all walkers and is clearly signed with an acorn symbol. Some, but not all, sections are also available for horseriders and cyclists. ==Prepare== The trail isn’t especially remote, but the route can be somewhat convoluted at times. Most hikers today will likely rely on OpenStreetMap or GPS apps for navigation. Those who prefer paper maps may find a full set of '''[http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/ Ordnance Survey]''' maps useful. Alternatively, the South and North volumes of the National Trail Guides by Eric & Kathy Kay and Mark Richards (Aurum Press) offer a lighter option. These include OS Explorer strip maps with all the detail you'll need. Mobile phone coverage can be patchy in places. All towns and most villages along the route have public phone boxes, although most require coins and do not accept cards. Many pubs and hotels provide Wi-Fi access. ==Get in== The south trailhead is at Sedbury Cliffs, near [[Chepstow]]. The train station at Chepstow is about {{mi|2}} from the trailhead where there is a commemorative marker, about a mile east of Chepstow on the east side of the River Wye. The north trailhead is at [[Prestatyn]] which is {{mi|0.3}} from the train station. After backpacking all the nineteen (2017) British National Trails, mostly wild camping and this one twice. This trail has got to be walked south to north. Maps go this way and the worst terrain is met near the end, when the backpacker is fitter. Also at Sedbury is one marker in a field where as at Pestatyn there is a bustling seaside resort, markers and at least a tempting paddle in the sea. ==Walk== There are many types of accommodation along the route, including inns, [[Bed and Breakfast|B&Bs]], campsites, hostels and self-catering facilities. Listed below are a very small selection of things to see and do, places to stay and where to find food. {{Mapframe|52.39|-3.07|width=350|height=1180|zoom=9|layer=MH}} {{mapshape|type=geoline|wikidata=Q745914|stroke=#000000|stroke-width=3|title=Offa's Dyke Path}} A sample 12-day walking itinerary from north to south would be as follows: ===Prestatyn to Bodfari=== ; Distance : {{mi|13}} Beginning at the Irish Sea in {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Prestatyn]]|lat=53.34230|long=-3.41267}}, the path starts with a stiff climb up Bastion Road and through the housing fringe, soon entering the steeper ascent of Prestatyn Hill and onto the Prestatyn Hillside Nature Reserve. As you gain height, the gorse-lit slopes open onto sweeping views of the coast and inland vistas, including reef knolls like Graig Fawr and Y Foel. The route undulates gently across farmland and through fields, passing derelict mills and curious sheep and cows before reaching Marian Ffrith, a low hill crowned by a prehistoric hillfort. After a peaceful descent through pastoral landscapes, you cross the busy A55 near the village of Rhuallt, marking your entry into the Clwydian Range AONB. The terrain eases into a more level but rolling traverse over hills such as Cefn Du and Moel Maenefa, offering panoramic coastal views through intermittent benches and winding farm lanes. The path weaves via minor roads, stiles, woodlands, and farm tracks past the Valley of Mills and through fields lined by stone stiles and kissing gates. Nearing the end, it re-enters the Prestatyn Hillside Reserve, passing archaeological remnants like Bronze Age burial chambers before descending the wooden steps into town. The final stretch follows lanes and the High Street, culminating on Bastion Road in {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Bodfari]]|lat=53.21976|long=-3.35958}} with the symbolic stone monument on the seafront. ===Bodfari to Llandegla=== ; Distance : {{mi|17}} Leaving Bodfari, the path climbs gradually through fields and woodland before reaching the open ridges of the Clwydian Hills. Early on, it passes Moel y Gaer, one of several Iron Age hillforts that line this part of the route, offering a glimpse into the area's ancient history. The trail follows a scenic ridgeline across high, grassy hills like Moel y Plâs and Moel Llanfair, with expansive views over the Vale of Clwyd and towards Snowdonia on a clear day. The landscape alternates between open moorland and enclosed pasture, with frequent stiles and gates guiding the way. As the route approaches the distinctive summit of Moel Gyw, the path curves through areas of low gorse and heather. Progressing south, the character becomes more wooded, especially as the trail descends into the forested outskirts near Llandegla. The final stretch leads gently downhill along shady paths and minor roads, eventually reaching the village of {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Llandegla]]|lat=53.06430|long=-3.20273}}. ===Llandegla to Froncysyllte=== ; Distance: {{mi|12}} Leaving Llandegla, the trail heads west across moorland and the edges of Llandegla Forest. The path climbs gently through a mix of heather-covered slopes, open fields, and conifer plantations. As the forest thins out, wide views open across the hills, with stone walls and farm tracks guiding the way along ridges overlooking the Dee Valley. The terrain continues to alternate between grassy uplands and sheltered woodland edges. Gradually, the route approaches the dramatic limestone escarpment of the Eglwyseg, where steep cliffs and rocky outcrops rise above the valley floor. The path winds beneath these cliffs, following a narrow track that hugs the hillside, framed by scattered trees and rough pasture. After passing beneath the escarpment, the trail climbs once more to reach a high saddle with far-reaching views. It then begins a steady descent across sheep-dotted fields and wooded glades, eventually reaching the Llangollen Canal near Trevor. The final stretch follows the canal towpath to the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, an impressive cast-iron structure spanning the River Dee. After crossing the aqueduct, the path continues briefly along the canal before entering {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=Froncysyllte|lat=52.96399|long=-3.08494}}. ===Froncysyllte to Trefonen=== ; Distance : {{mi|13}} Leaving Froncysyllte, the trail climbs steadily out of the village, soon offering views back toward the Dee Valley. The route then enters woodland and gradually ascends onto higher ground, following the line of Offa's Dyke as it traces the ridges and field boundaries. It passes through Candy Wood before emerging onto the open terrain of Craig Forda, where the Dyke becomes visible as a prominent earthwork. The landscape shifts between common land, wooded sections, and farmland, with occasional stiles marking the transitions. At Racecourse Common, once the site of horse races near Oswestry, the path levels briefly before continuing south. After skirting Carreg-y-Big, it passes through a mix of pasture and hedgerows before approaching Selatyn Hill, topped by an old stone tower that stands out against the horizon. The trail then dips through woodland and farmland again, navigating a patchwork of fields and small valleys. As you near {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=Trefonen|lat=52.83388|long=-3.10106}}, the terrain softens, with the final stretch winding past farmsteads and into the village on well-marked paths. ===Trefonen to Buttington Bridge=== ; Distance : {{mi|15}} Leaving Trefonen, the path descends gently through a patchwork of fields and farmland, following hedgerows and stiles as it winds its way toward the border village of Llanymynech. Along the way, it crosses rolling terrain with a mix of open views and shaded woodland sections, maintaining a steady rhythm through rural Shropshire. After passing through Llanymynech, where the border between England and Wales runs right through the village, the trail climbs onto Llanymynech Hill. This stretch includes limestone grassland and offers elevated views over the Severn valley. Continuing south, the route leads across Moelydd, a low summit marked by a toposcope, before descending toward lower farmland again. The final leg features a peaceful walk along tracks and across fields, gradually approaching the broad valley of the River Severn. Near {{marker|counter=n|type=go|name=Buttington Bridge|lat=52.67265|long=-3.11578}}, the path meets the Montgomery Canal, joining the towpath for a short stretch. This section ends just before the town of {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Welshpool]]|lat= 52.660447336 |long=-3.14719546670}}, with the river and canal providing a calm and scenic conclusion. ===Buttington Bridge to Brompton Crossroads=== ; Distance : {{mi|12}} Leaving Buttington Bridge, the path follows a stretch of canal and riverbank through open farmland, with gentle terrain and expansive views across the Severn Valley. The route skirts the edge of Four Crosses before gradually veering away from the canal to rejoin the line of Offa's Dyke. It continues through a mix of hedged fields and wooded patches, with stiles and farm lanes marking the transitions. A steady climb begins as the trail approaches Beacon Ring, an Iron Age hillfort perched on the summit of Long Mountain, where the surrounding landscape opens out in all directions. After this high point, the path descends along grassy tracks, weaving through countryside and isolated farms. The final section leads over the stone bridge at Brompton Mill and across low farmland before reaching the junction at {{marker|counter=n|type=go|name=Brompton Crossroads|lat=52.53189|long=-3.10681}}. * {{sleep | counter=n | name=Blue Bell | alt= | url= | email= | address=Churchstoke, Montgomery | lat=52.53305 | long=-3.10332 | directions=East of B4385-A489 junction | phone=+44 1588 620231 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Hotel. }} * {{eat | counter=n | name=Dragon Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.dragonhotel.com | email=reception@dragonhotel.com | address=Market Square, Montgomery SY15 6PA | lat=52.56014 | long=-3.14935 | directions= | phone=+44 1686 668359 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily noon-2PM and 6:45-9PM. | price=2 courses from £11.95 | content=Cosy restaurant in a historic 17th-century coaching inn. Bar and restaurant open daily for lunch and dinner. Wi-Fi available. }} * {{sleep | name=Mellington Hall Country House Hotel | url=https://mellingtonhall.co.uk | email=info@mellingtonhallhotel.com | address=Mellington, Churchstoke SY15 6HX | lat=52.52015 | long=-3.09445 | phone=+44 1588 620456 | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=£90–140 | content=Gothic country hotel set in 280 acres of parkland. Ten individually styled en suite rooms with free Wi-Fi. Afternoon tea and homemade cakes in the bar; lunch (noon–2PM) and dinner (6:30–9PM) served in four dining rooms. Local ingredients used where possible. No pets. }} * {{sleep | name=Mellington Hall Caravan Park | url=https://mellingtonhall.co.uk | address=1 Mellington Lodge, Mellington, Church Stoke, Montgomery SY15 6HX | lat=52.520901 | long=-3.094289 | phone=+44 1588 620011 | price=£5 pppn (2014) | content=A small campsite beside the lake, separately operated from the hotel. Call for gate code; pay the groundsman in the morning. }} ===Brompton Crossroads to Knighton=== ; Distance : {{mi|15}} Leaving Brompton Crossroads, the trail heads south through gently rising farmland, where paths lead past old hedgerows and isolated farms. The route climbs steadily toward the Shropshire Hills, tracing sections of the Dyke as it gains height across open ground and wooded slopes. After crossing several ridges and valleys, the path reaches Llanfair Hill, where Offa's Dyke is particularly well preserved and runs prominently along the hillcrest. From here, the landscape becomes more remote and undulating, with far-reaching views and a sense of open space. The trail then descends into the small hamlet of Churchtown, marked by a chapel and a scattering of farm buildings. Beyond this, the route climbs again across grassy hillsides before dropping steeply toward the valley of {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Knighton]]|lat=52.34310|long=-3.04939}}. The final stretch enters the town along footpaths and narrow lanes, ending near the {{marker|counter=n|type=see|name= Offa's Dyke Centre|lat= 52.34594 |long= -3.05179}}, where walkers can explore exhibits and see remaining sections of the Dyke within the town limits. ===Knighton to Kington=== ; Distance : {{mi|13}} Leaving Knighton, the path begins with a steady climb through mixed woodland, soon breaking into open hillside where Offa’s Dyke becomes visible as a prominent earthwork along the ridge. The views here stretch across the borderlands, with the undulating line of the Dyke guiding the way over fields and heather-covered slopes. The route follows the high ground across Rushock Hill, where the ancient bank remains clearly defined. As the path continues, it weaves through farmland and small wooded sections, occasionally dipping into shallow valleys before climbing again. The landscape here is a mix of quiet lanes, sheep pastures, and bracken-covered hillsides. Crossing Furrow Hill and Hawthorn Hill, the trail offers a rhythm of climbs and descents, with wide views in every direction. A footbridge over the River Lugg provides a brief pause near Dolley Green, before the path ascends again through open fields and over the rounded ridge of Burfa Bank, where remnants of an old hillfort lie near the trail. The final stretch heads over grassy ridges and through pockets of woodland before descending gently into the town of {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Kington]]|lat=52.20214 |long=-3.02605}}. Passing orchards and scattered farms, the path winds toward the town centre, arriving among historic buildings and quiet streets that mark the end of this scenic and remote stage. ===Kington to Hay-on-Wye=== ; Distance : {{mi|14.5}} [[File:Hay Castle, Hay-on-Wye - geograph.org.uk - 583851.jpg|thumb|Hay Castle was destroyed by King John in 1216]] Leaving Kington, the trail climbs steadily along a road and grassy paths, rising onto Hergest Ridge. As the ascent continues, open moorland replaces farmland, and the path passes the distinctive circle of Monkey Puzzle trees near the ridge's summit. The remains of an old racecourse lie nearby, giving a sense of the area's unusual past. From the ridge, wide views stretch across the Welsh borderlands and into the Black Mountains. The descent leads into green valleys and across farmland before reaching Gladestry, a village with stone cottages and a small church. Beyond Gladestry, the path climbs again through open fields and over rounded hills, crossing into more remote countryside. It then winds into the hamlet of Newchurch, where a simple church often offers a place to pause. The final leg rises and falls across a series of fields and low ridges before descending toward the Wye Valley. The approach to {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Hay-on-Wye]]|lat=52.07360|long=-3.12424}} is gentle, with the last stretch following lanes and field paths into the town, known for its many antiques and bookshops and antiquarian fair. There are also ruins of two Norman castles. ===Hay-on-Wye to Pandy=== ; Distance : {{mi|17}} Leaving Hay-on-Wye, the trail heads southeast through pastures and lanes, crossing into Cusop before beginning a steady climb toward the Black Mountains. The path follows country roads and grassy slopes, gradually gaining height as it passes farms and small woodlands. As the climb continues, the landscape opens up onto the expansive ridge of Hatterrall Hill, where the trail follows a broad track across open moorland. The views from here are wide and uninterrupted, stretching across the Wye Valley and deep into the Welsh hills. The route stays high for much of the day, following the line of the ridge over rolling uplands covered in heather and rough grass. Occasional stone markers guide the way, and the ridge often feels remote and windswept. Toward the end, the path begins a long descent through gentler terrain, crossing narrow fields and tree-lined lanes. The stage finishes in the small village of {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=Pandy|lat=51.90340|long=-2.96167}}. This section is either within or abutting the [[Brecon Beacons National Park]] and includes the "summit" of the route at 700 m (2,300 ft). ===Pandy to Monmouth=== ; Distance : {{mi|17.5}} [[File:Monnow Bridge and Gatehouse Pub - geograph.org.uk - 234683.jpg|thumb|Monnow Bridge with its fortified Gatehouse]] Leaving Pandy, the trail climbs through farmland and narrow lanes, gaining height as it approaches Llangattock Lingoed, where a small stone church stands among rolling fields. The route continues over open hillsides and through scattered woodlands, eventually reaching the grassy remains of Grace Dieu Abbey tucked in a secluded valley. From there, the path rises again toward White Castle, a well-preserved Norman fortress with thick walls and sweeping views over the surrounding countryside. After exploring the castle, the trail follows undulating paths through a mix of orchards, hedged fields, and occasional woodland edges. As it nears the River Trothy, the landscape becomes more enclosed with winding tracks and grassy stretches leading through Llantilio Crossenny. Entering King's Wood, the path weaves beneath tall trees along forest tracks before breaking out into fields that mark the final approach. The last leg into {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Monmouth (Wales)|Monmouth]]|lat=51.80904|long=-2.71637}} follows a mix of farm tracks and suburban lanes, crossing Abbey Bridge and tracing the Monnow River to reach the town via the medieval gatehouse on {{marker|counter=n|type=see|name= Monnow Bridge |lat= 51.80899 |long=-2.72004}}, a striking entry into the historic centre. ===Monmouth to Sedbury Cliffs=== ; Distance : {{mi|17.5}} [[File:Tintern Abbey (4932486126).jpg|thumb|Tintern Abbey]] Leaving Monmouth, the trail begins with a climb out of town through wooded slopes, soon offering elevated views over the Wye Valley. The route winds through a mix of forest paths and open pasture, crossing small streams and following the contours of the hillside. As it progresses, the landscape becomes more dramatic, with occasional glimpses of cliffs and the distant Severn Estuary. One of the highlights along this stretch is the Devil's Pulpit, a limestone outcrop with a striking view across the river to the ruins of {{marker|counter=n|type=see|name=Tintern Abbey|lat=51.696874|long=-2.677084}}. The trail continues along the ridge, passing through a mix of farmland and ancient woodland, and gradually descends toward the village of Redbrook, where it briefly crosses back into England. Further along, the path climbs again to The Kymin, a hilltop park with a classical monument and sweeping views back toward Monmouth. From here, the route continues south through fields and scattered woodland, eventually reaching the Severn coast. The final section leads to {{marker|counter=n|type=go|name=Sedbury Cliffs|lat=51.632540845|long=-2.6486089400}}, where the trail ends above the shoreline, marked by a stone plaque and views across the wide waters of the estuary. ==Stay safe== Although few of the villages and towns along the route have hospitals or medical centres, fixed line telephones and mobiles are common and in any emergency you should just dial '''999'''. Then tell the emergency operator whether you need the Fire, Police or Ambulance services. When it's less urgent than a 999 call, contact the local police in England and Wales on 101. This number should be answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Don't refer to the Welsh as "English". ==Go next== * If the Offa's Dyke Path has whetted your appetite for long distance walking, consider the [[Clwydian Way]]. This {{mi|122}} circle route connects at [[Prestatyn]] and [[Llangollen]]. The route south from Prestatyn to Llangollen intertwines with the Offa's Dyke Path. [[File:Chepstow oct 2011 057.jpg|thumb|The stone at [[Chepstow]] marking the southern end of the Wales Coast Path, with the path's "dragon shell" logo. Offa's Dyke Path is a mere 300m over the bridge on the other side of the River Wye in England at this point.]] * The [[Wales Coast Path]] (Welsh: ''Llwybr Arfordir Cymru'') intersects with both the start and the finish of Offa's Dyke Path and offers a {{mi|870}} long dedicated footpath along the entire coastline of Wales – the first country in the world to provide such an opportunity. This path runs through eleven nature reserves. * Either at the beginning or the end of your hike, a visit to [[Bath]], [[Bristol]] or [[Cardiff]] would be worthwhile. {{usableitinerary}} {{PartOfItinerary|Europe itineraries}} rwahqud956r5io371hiy2amznme631j 5086619 5086617 2025-07-02T13:15:19Z Bluecoordinationfine 2327039 See previous change. 5086619 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Offa's Dyke Path banner.jpg}} '''Offa's Dyke Path''' (''Llwybr Clawdd Offa'' in [[Welsh phrasebook|Welsh]]) is a National Trail which runs through the varied landscapes of the Welsh Marches along or near the border of [[Wales]] and [[England]] between [[Prestatyn]] on the Irish Sea in the north and Sedbury Cliffs on the Severn estuary near Chepstow in the south. ==Understand== [[File:Llwybr clawdd offa.jpg|thumb|Markers are not standardised]] Offa's Dyke Path is a popular walking route through the border regions of England and Wales. The dyke itself (''Clawdd Offa'' in Welsh) has partially disappeared in places, although in the parts where it is preserved, it's about 20 m wide and 2.5 m high. In particular, there is an {{mi|80}} section between the Wye Valley and [[Wrexham]] where the Dyke is easily seen. The route is approximately {{mi|177}} in length, and takes between 12 and 14 days. The path was inaugurated in 1971 and thousands of people walk the route each year. Much of the history of the Dyke is based on some speculation, but it is named after [[:w:Offa of Mercia|Offa, King of Mercia]] between 757 and 796 AD. It's believed that construction was started around 785 AD but it's not known if the Dyke represented an agreed border or a defensive structure. However, some sections still form the England/Wales border more than twelve centuries later. Relations between the Welsh and the English haven't always been comfortable. To quote George Borrow in '''Wild Wales''': ''"It was customary for the English to cut off the ears off every Welshman found east of the dyke, and for the Welsh to hang every Englishman whom they found to the west of it."'' Thankfully it's more civil these days. There is much variety in the route, passing as it does through historic towns such as Knighton, Kington, [[Hay-on-Wye]] and [[Monmouth (Wales)|Monmouth]], some wide river valleys, moorlands, remote villages and woodlands. The route passes near old forts and castles, including famous ruins such as [[:w:Tintern Abbey|Tintern Abbey]] near [[Chepstow]]. All of Offa's Dyke Path follows legally defined Rights of Way for all walkers and is clearly signed with an acorn symbol. Some, but not all, sections are also available for horseriders and cyclists. ==Prepare== The trail isn’t especially remote, but the route can be somewhat convoluted at times. Most hikers today will likely rely on OpenStreetMap or GPS apps for navigation. Those who prefer paper maps may find a full set of '''[http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/ Ordnance Survey]''' maps useful. Alternatively, the South and North volumes of the National Trail Guides by Eric & Kathy Kay and Mark Richards (Aurum Press) offer a lighter option. These include OS Explorer strip maps with all the detail you'll need. Mobile phone coverage can be patchy in places. All towns and most villages along the route have public phone boxes, although most require coins and do not accept cards. Many pubs and hotels provide Wi-Fi access. ==Get in== The south trailhead is at Sedbury Cliffs, near [[Chepstow]]. The train station at Chepstow is about {{mi|2}} from the trailhead where there is a commemorative marker, about a mile east of Chepstow on the east side of the River Wye. The north trailhead is at [[Prestatyn]] which is {{mi|0.3}} from the train station. After backpacking all the nineteen (2017) British National Trails, mostly wild camping and this one twice. This trail has got to be walked south to north. Maps go this way and the worst terrain is met near the end, when the backpacker is fitter. Also at Sedbury is one marker in a field where as at Pestatyn there is a bustling seaside resort, markers and at least a tempting paddle in the sea. ==Walk== There are many types of accommodation along the route, including inns, [[Bed and Breakfast|B&Bs]], campsites, hostels and self-catering facilities. Listed below are a very small selection of things to see and do, places to stay and where to find food. {{Mapframe|52.39|-3.07|width=350|height=1180|zoom=9|layer=MH}} {{mapshape|type=geoline|wikidata=Q745914|stroke=#000000|stroke-width=3|title=Offa's Dyke Path}} A sample 12-day walking itinerary from north to south would be as follows: ===Prestatyn to Bodfari=== ; Distance : {{mi|13}} Beginning at the Irish Sea in {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Prestatyn]]|lat=53.34230|long=-3.41267}}, the path starts with a stiff climb up Bastion Road and through the housing fringe, soon entering the steeper ascent of Prestatyn Hill and onto the Prestatyn Hillside Nature Reserve. As you gain height, the gorse-lit slopes open onto sweeping views of the coast and inland vistas, including reef knolls like Graig Fawr and Y Foel. The route undulates gently across farmland and through fields, passing derelict mills and curious sheep and cows before reaching Marian Ffrith, a low hill crowned by a prehistoric hillfort. After a peaceful descent through pastoral landscapes, you cross the busy A55 near the village of Rhuallt, marking your entry into the Clwydian Range AONB. The terrain eases into a more level but rolling traverse over hills such as Cefn Du and Moel Maenefa, offering panoramic coastal views through intermittent benches and winding farm lanes. The path weaves via minor roads, stiles, woodlands, and farm tracks past the Valley of Mills and through fields lined by stone stiles and kissing gates. Nearing the end, it re-enters the Prestatyn Hillside Reserve, passing archaeological remnants like Bronze Age burial chambers before descending the wooden steps into town. The final stretch follows lanes and the High Street, culminating on Bastion Road in {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Bodfari]]|lat=53.21976|long=-3.35958}} with the symbolic stone monument on the seafront. ===Bodfari to Llandegla=== ; Distance : {{mi|17}} Leaving Bodfari, the path climbs gradually through fields and woodland before reaching the open ridges of the Clwydian Hills. Early on, it passes Moel y Gaer, one of several Iron Age hillforts that line this part of the route, offering a glimpse into the area's ancient history. The trail follows a scenic ridgeline across high, grassy hills like Moel y Plâs and Moel Llanfair, with expansive views over the Vale of Clwyd and towards Snowdonia on a clear day. The landscape alternates between open moorland and enclosed pasture, with frequent stiles and gates guiding the way. As the route approaches the distinctive summit of Moel Gyw, the path curves through areas of low gorse and heather. Progressing south, the character becomes more wooded, especially as the trail descends into the forested outskirts near Llandegla. The final stretch leads gently downhill along shady paths and minor roads, eventually reaching the village of {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Llandegla]]|lat=53.06430|long=-3.20273}}. ===Llandegla to Froncysyllte=== ; Distance: {{mi|12}} Leaving Llandegla, the trail heads west across moorland and the edges of Llandegla Forest. The path climbs gently through a mix of heather-covered slopes, open fields, and conifer plantations. As the forest thins out, wide views open across the hills, with stone walls and farm tracks guiding the way along ridges overlooking the Dee Valley. The terrain continues to alternate between grassy uplands and sheltered woodland edges. Gradually, the route approaches the dramatic limestone escarpment of the Eglwyseg, where steep cliffs and rocky outcrops rise above the valley floor. The path winds beneath these cliffs, following a narrow track that hugs the hillside, framed by scattered trees and rough pasture. After passing beneath the escarpment, the trail climbs once more to reach a high saddle with far-reaching views. It then begins a steady descent across sheep-dotted fields and wooded glades, eventually reaching the Llangollen Canal near Trevor. The final stretch follows the canal towpath to the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, an impressive cast-iron structure spanning the River Dee. After crossing the aqueduct, the path continues briefly along the canal before entering {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=Froncysyllte|lat=52.96399|long=-3.08494}}. ===Froncysyllte to Trefonen=== ; Distance : {{mi|13}} Leaving Froncysyllte, the trail climbs steadily out of the village, soon offering views back toward the Dee Valley. The route then enters woodland and gradually ascends onto higher ground, following the line of Offa's Dyke as it traces the ridges and field boundaries. It passes through Candy Wood before emerging onto the open terrain of Craig Forda, where the Dyke becomes visible as a prominent earthwork. The landscape shifts between common land, wooded sections, and farmland, with occasional stiles marking the transitions. At Racecourse Common, once the site of horse races near Oswestry, the path levels briefly before continuing south. After skirting Carreg-y-Big, it passes through a mix of pasture and hedgerows before approaching Selatyn Hill, topped by an old stone tower that stands out against the horizon. The trail then dips through woodland and farmland again, navigating a patchwork of fields and small valleys. As you near {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=Trefonen|lat=52.83388|long=-3.10106}}, the terrain softens, with the final stretch winding past farmsteads and into the village on well-marked paths. ===Trefonen to Buttington Bridge=== ; Distance : {{mi|15}} Leaving Trefonen, the path descends gently through a patchwork of fields and farmland, following hedgerows and stiles as it winds its way toward the border village of Llanymynech. Along the way, it crosses rolling terrain with a mix of open views and shaded woodland sections, maintaining a steady rhythm through rural Shropshire. After passing through Llanymynech, where the border between England and Wales runs right through the village, the trail climbs onto Llanymynech Hill. This stretch includes limestone grassland and offers elevated views over the Severn valley. Continuing south, the route leads across Moelydd, a low summit marked by a toposcope, before descending toward lower farmland again. The final leg features a peaceful walk along tracks and across fields, gradually approaching the broad valley of the River Severn. Near {{marker|counter=n|type=go|name=Buttington Bridge|lat=52.67265|long=-3.11578}}, the path meets the Montgomery Canal, joining the towpath for a short stretch. This section ends just before the town of {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Welshpool]]|lat= 52.660447336 |long=-3.14719546670}}, with the river and canal providing a calm and scenic conclusion. ===Buttington Bridge to Brompton Crossroads=== ; Distance : {{mi|12}} Leaving Buttington Bridge, the path follows a stretch of canal and riverbank through open farmland, with gentle terrain and expansive views across the Severn Valley. The route skirts the edge of Four Crosses before gradually veering away from the canal to rejoin the line of Offa's Dyke. It continues through a mix of hedged fields and wooded patches, with stiles and farm lanes marking the transitions. A steady climb begins as the trail approaches Beacon Ring, an Iron Age hillfort perched on the summit of Long Mountain, where the surrounding landscape opens out in all directions. After this high point, the path descends along grassy tracks, weaving through countryside and isolated farms. The final section leads over the stone bridge at Brompton Mill and across low farmland before reaching the junction at {{marker|counter=n|type=go|name=Brompton Crossroads|lat=52.53189|long=-3.10681}}. ===Brompton Crossroads to Knighton=== ; Distance : {{mi|15}} Leaving Brompton Crossroads, the trail heads south through gently rising farmland, where paths lead past old hedgerows and isolated farms. The route climbs steadily toward the Shropshire Hills, tracing sections of the Dyke as it gains height across open ground and wooded slopes. After crossing several ridges and valleys, the path reaches Llanfair Hill, where Offa's Dyke is particularly well preserved and runs prominently along the hillcrest. From here, the landscape becomes more remote and undulating, with far-reaching views and a sense of open space. The trail then descends into the small hamlet of Churchtown, marked by a chapel and a scattering of farm buildings. Beyond this, the route climbs again across grassy hillsides before dropping steeply toward the valley of {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Knighton]]|lat=52.34310|long=-3.04939}}. The final stretch enters the town along footpaths and narrow lanes, ending near the {{marker|counter=n|type=see|name= Offa's Dyke Centre|lat= 52.34594 |long= -3.05179}}, where walkers can explore exhibits and see remaining sections of the Dyke within the town limits. ===Knighton to Kington=== ; Distance : {{mi|13}} Leaving Knighton, the path begins with a steady climb through mixed woodland, soon breaking into open hillside where Offa’s Dyke becomes visible as a prominent earthwork along the ridge. The views here stretch across the borderlands, with the undulating line of the Dyke guiding the way over fields and heather-covered slopes. The route follows the high ground across Rushock Hill, where the ancient bank remains clearly defined. As the path continues, it weaves through farmland and small wooded sections, occasionally dipping into shallow valleys before climbing again. The landscape here is a mix of quiet lanes, sheep pastures, and bracken-covered hillsides. Crossing Furrow Hill and Hawthorn Hill, the trail offers a rhythm of climbs and descents, with wide views in every direction. A footbridge over the River Lugg provides a brief pause near Dolley Green, before the path ascends again through open fields and over the rounded ridge of Burfa Bank, where remnants of an old hillfort lie near the trail. The final stretch heads over grassy ridges and through pockets of woodland before descending gently into the town of {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Kington]]|lat=52.20214 |long=-3.02605}}. Passing orchards and scattered farms, the path winds toward the town centre, arriving among historic buildings and quiet streets that mark the end of this scenic and remote stage. ===Kington to Hay-on-Wye=== ; Distance : {{mi|14.5}} [[File:Hay Castle, Hay-on-Wye - geograph.org.uk - 583851.jpg|thumb|Hay Castle was destroyed by King John in 1216]] Leaving Kington, the trail climbs steadily along a road and grassy paths, rising onto Hergest Ridge. As the ascent continues, open moorland replaces farmland, and the path passes the distinctive circle of Monkey Puzzle trees near the ridge's summit. The remains of an old racecourse lie nearby, giving a sense of the area's unusual past. From the ridge, wide views stretch across the Welsh borderlands and into the Black Mountains. The descent leads into green valleys and across farmland before reaching Gladestry, a village with stone cottages and a small church. Beyond Gladestry, the path climbs again through open fields and over rounded hills, crossing into more remote countryside. It then winds into the hamlet of Newchurch, where a simple church often offers a place to pause. The final leg rises and falls across a series of fields and low ridges before descending toward the Wye Valley. The approach to {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Hay-on-Wye]]|lat=52.07360|long=-3.12424}} is gentle, with the last stretch following lanes and field paths into the town, known for its many antiques and bookshops and antiquarian fair. There are also ruins of two Norman castles. ===Hay-on-Wye to Pandy=== ; Distance : {{mi|17}} Leaving Hay-on-Wye, the trail heads southeast through pastures and lanes, crossing into Cusop before beginning a steady climb toward the Black Mountains. The path follows country roads and grassy slopes, gradually gaining height as it passes farms and small woodlands. As the climb continues, the landscape opens up onto the expansive ridge of Hatterrall Hill, where the trail follows a broad track across open moorland. The views from here are wide and uninterrupted, stretching across the Wye Valley and deep into the Welsh hills. The route stays high for much of the day, following the line of the ridge over rolling uplands covered in heather and rough grass. Occasional stone markers guide the way, and the ridge often feels remote and windswept. Toward the end, the path begins a long descent through gentler terrain, crossing narrow fields and tree-lined lanes. The stage finishes in the small village of {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=Pandy|lat=51.90340|long=-2.96167}}. This section is either within or abutting the [[Brecon Beacons National Park]] and includes the "summit" of the route at 700 m (2,300 ft). ===Pandy to Monmouth=== ; Distance : {{mi|17.5}} [[File:Monnow Bridge and Gatehouse Pub - geograph.org.uk - 234683.jpg|thumb|Monnow Bridge with its fortified Gatehouse]] Leaving Pandy, the trail climbs through farmland and narrow lanes, gaining height as it approaches Llangattock Lingoed, where a small stone church stands among rolling fields. The route continues over open hillsides and through scattered woodlands, eventually reaching the grassy remains of Grace Dieu Abbey tucked in a secluded valley. From there, the path rises again toward White Castle, a well-preserved Norman fortress with thick walls and sweeping views over the surrounding countryside. After exploring the castle, the trail follows undulating paths through a mix of orchards, hedged fields, and occasional woodland edges. As it nears the River Trothy, the landscape becomes more enclosed with winding tracks and grassy stretches leading through Llantilio Crossenny. Entering King's Wood, the path weaves beneath tall trees along forest tracks before breaking out into fields that mark the final approach. The last leg into {{marker|counter=n|type=city|name=[[Monmouth (Wales)|Monmouth]]|lat=51.80904|long=-2.71637}} follows a mix of farm tracks and suburban lanes, crossing Abbey Bridge and tracing the Monnow River to reach the town via the medieval gatehouse on {{marker|counter=n|type=see|name= Monnow Bridge |lat= 51.80899 |long=-2.72004}}, a striking entry into the historic centre. ===Monmouth to Sedbury Cliffs=== ; Distance : {{mi|17.5}} [[File:Tintern Abbey (4932486126).jpg|thumb|Tintern Abbey]] Leaving Monmouth, the trail begins with a climb out of town through wooded slopes, soon offering elevated views over the Wye Valley. The route winds through a mix of forest paths and open pasture, crossing small streams and following the contours of the hillside. As it progresses, the landscape becomes more dramatic, with occasional glimpses of cliffs and the distant Severn Estuary. One of the highlights along this stretch is the Devil's Pulpit, a limestone outcrop with a striking view across the river to the ruins of {{marker|counter=n|type=see|name=Tintern Abbey|lat=51.696874|long=-2.677084}}. The trail continues along the ridge, passing through a mix of farmland and ancient woodland, and gradually descends toward the village of Redbrook, where it briefly crosses back into England. Further along, the path climbs again to The Kymin, a hilltop park with a classical monument and sweeping views back toward Monmouth. From here, the route continues south through fields and scattered woodland, eventually reaching the Severn coast. The final section leads to {{marker|counter=n|type=go|name=Sedbury Cliffs|lat=51.632540845|long=-2.6486089400}}, where the trail ends above the shoreline, marked by a stone plaque and views across the wide waters of the estuary. ==Stay safe== Although few of the villages and towns along the route have hospitals or medical centres, fixed line telephones and mobiles are common and in any emergency you should just dial '''999'''. Then tell the emergency operator whether you need the Fire, Police or Ambulance services. When it's less urgent than a 999 call, contact the local police in England and Wales on 101. This number should be answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Don't refer to the Welsh as "English". ==Go next== * If the Offa's Dyke Path has whetted your appetite for long distance walking, consider the [[Clwydian Way]]. This {{mi|122}} circle route connects at [[Prestatyn]] and [[Llangollen]]. The route south from Prestatyn to Llangollen intertwines with the Offa's Dyke Path. [[File:Chepstow oct 2011 057.jpg|thumb|The stone at [[Chepstow]] marking the southern end of the Wales Coast Path, with the path's "dragon shell" logo. Offa's Dyke Path is a mere 300m over the bridge on the other side of the River Wye in England at this point.]] * The [[Wales Coast Path]] (Welsh: ''Llwybr Arfordir Cymru'') intersects with both the start and the finish of Offa's Dyke Path and offers a {{mi|870}} long dedicated footpath along the entire coastline of Wales – the first country in the world to provide such an opportunity. This path runs through eleven nature reserves. * Either at the beginning or the end of your hike, a visit to [[Bath]], [[Bristol]] or [[Cardiff]] would be worthwhile. {{usableitinerary}} {{PartOfItinerary|Europe itineraries}} 6v9xbynx68stbvvkhn6m9sve9g9nhkq 0 25995 5086884 5080886 2025-07-03T02:22:05Z Rangan Datta Wiki 124323 /* See */ 5086884 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Panoramic view of Doddabetta peak with the telescope house (wikivoyage banner).jpg}} '''Ooty''', short for '''Ootacamund''' and officially '''Udhagamandalam''' (உதகமண்டலம் ''Utakamaṇṭalam''), is a popular '''hill resort''' in the state of [[Tamil Nadu]] in [[Southern India]]. The name Udhagamandalam is derived from the Toda word "othakal-mund" which means "house in mountains". Ooty stands at 2,240 m (7,347 feet) above sea level in the Nilgiri mountain range. It is home to 5 tribal communities; Todas, Kurumbas, Paniyas, Irulas and Kotas. It was turned into a hill station in the 19th century by the [[United Kingdom|British]], and served as the summer headquarters of the Madras Presidency. Ooty is in the Niligiris District which was one of the first places in India to get rid of plastic carry bags, so if you are heading there, remember to carry your own reusable bags, not plastic. ==Understand== [[File:Kotagiri 87.jpg|thumb|250px|{{center|Ooty Village scene}}]] [[File:Ketti 74.jpg|thumb|250px|{{center|Post Office in the Hills}}]] In the Nilgiris (''Blue Mountains''), it draws swarms of tourists every year. The weather is quite pleasant at a mean of 15-20°C around the year, dropping to lows of 0°C during winter. The landscape is marked by rolling hills covered with dense vegetation, smaller hills and plateaus covered with tea gardens, and eucalyptus trees. Many portions of the hills are preserved as natural reserve forests, and special permits will be needed to camp in noncamp sites. Ooty is not the destination in itself, as much as it is the focal point of attraction. Auto touring the surrounding country side is certainly a must do. Unfortunately, the hill town suffers from overcrowding and erosion of natural resources. Tourism has placed an enormous strain on the natural resources resulting in pollution, water shortage and roads. The hilly region also houses smaller towns like [[Coonoor]] and [[Kotagiri]]. These smaller towns are a better choice to visit and spend time in, since they are off the beaten path, yet less than an hour away from Ooty. They enjoy the same natural climes and prices are a lot cheaper. ==Get in== ===By plane=== Ooty has no airport. The nearby airports are located in: * {{go | name=[[Coimbatore]] ({{IATA|CJB}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-04-02 | content=Nearest airport (88km and 3.5 hrs) }} * {{go | name=[[Mysore]] ({{IATA|MYQ}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-04-02 | content=Mysore airport is also close (116 km and 4 hrs) }} ===By train=== * {{go | name=Udagamandalam railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7095466 | content=The Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR) connects Ooty with [[Mettupalayam]]. It is a meter-gauge railway, popularly known as the toy train. In 2005 it was declared a UNESCO Heritage Site under Mountain Railways of India. It follows the rack and pinion technology technology, where a third rail reduces the speed of the train. Today, both steam and diesel engines operate on the route. The route is 51 km long and takes a long time. For tourist with limited time can opt for a journey from [[Coonoor]]. }} ===By bus=== * {{go | name=Ooty bus stand | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.403674 | long=76.696536 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7095467 | lastedit=2025-03-21 | content=Ooty is well connected by bus. There are direct buses from [[Coimbatore]] (Mettupalayam Bus Stand) (4 hrs), [[Kozhikode]] and [[Mysore]]. }} ===By car=== The Nilgiris are in [[Tamil Nadu]], but near the borders [[Karnataka]] and [[Kerala]]. The hills consequently can be reached from within Tamil Nadu by travelling up a heavily forested winding road, with many hair-pin bends. The road trip from any state is scenic, although the Coimbatore-Mettupalayam-Coonoor-Ooty road (i.e. the Tamil Nadu route) is the most travelled and best-maintained. All roads to the Nilgiri hills have nominal tolls. Taxis at the Coimbatore "new bus stand" charge ₹2500 (negotiable) when reserved and ₹600 each when shared, four people share an Omni (Maruti van). In case a hotel has been per-booked, they often provide taxis to and from Coimbatore for ₹2000. Ooty is 284 km from Bangalore by road. The journey takes about eight hours, depending on the road's condition. There is a shorter route with a diversion at Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary, which passes the towns of Masinagudi and Kalhatti. This route curtails the distance to Ooty by about 50 km. This road is closed at night as it passes through the jungle, requiring a few hours spent at the check post which is closed at night. This road as it is narrow and steep. There are eateries and a fuel station in the town of Masinagudi. Resorts near Masinagudi town let cottages. These offer relaxing weekend getaways. There are restaurants between Bangalore and Mysore, and within Mysore, but from Mysore to Ooty there are few restaurants, so it is advisable to stock up on groceries in advance. Start early for a more leisurely drive through Bandipur and Mudumalai forest, taking in occasional animal sightings. ==Get around== {{mapframe}} Taxis, tourist cabs, auto rickshaws are available in plenty. There are no standard rates except for tourist cabs. Rickshaws charge a minimum of ₹30. Town buses are available to all important places. Conducted sight seeing tours are arranged by private operators and the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC). There are around 3-4 different day trip routes/packages available. Bus day-trip cost ₹125-150 and taxi day-trip cost ₹900-1100. Even if you arranged the taxi through the hotel (even TTDC), verify with the hotel and operator before the trip that there are no hidden costs. Taxi drivers will often demand high parking fees and lunch, which is already paid for. It is not uncommon for bus/taxi drivers to get commission from remote restaurants and shops. These places are overpriced, try avoiding such restaurants. Bus and taxi will take tourists to remote, high-priced restaurants for lunch. Try not to eat in such places because the food is cold, the place is not clean beyond the façade, and it is always overpriced (you will end up paying for taxi driver's lunch, too). Also avoid driver's recommendation for sleeping arrangements. They (few of them) will take you to the hotels for accommodation where they get 20% commission, which will be added in your room tariff without your knowledge. == See == [[File:Fernhills Palace, Ooty.JPG|thumb|right|Fernhills palace]] [[File:Government Botanical Gardens, Udagamandalam.jpg|thumb|right|The Government Botanical Garden]] [[File:St Stephen Church, Ooty 04.jpg|thumb|St Stephen Church, Ooty]] * {{see | name=Annamalai Temple | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=about 20 km from Ooty | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-10-24 | content=This place has grown as a famous temple of Lord Muruga, and is known as 7th Hill house of the lord. The view from the temple is great. There is an observatory at the top of hill for the public to enjoy the magnificent panoramic view. }} * {{see | name=Doddabetta Peak | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.40073 | long=76.73582 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=('''Timings:''' 8am - 5pm) | price='''Tickets:''' ₹6 (children below 5 years are free). Still camera: ₹10; Video camera: ₹50 | content=The peak of Dodabetta (literally meaning the big mountain) stands at an altitude of 2,623 m. It is the highest peak in Nilgiri and the second highest peak of [[South India]]. About 8 km from Ooty the peak provides panoramic view of the surrounding area. On a clear day the views can extend to the plains of Coimbatore and the flat highlands of Mysore. There are boards highlighting the area viewed. The peak houses a tower-like structure known as the telescope house. This elevated circular structure provides a great view of the surroundings. The place houses several eateries and makeshift shops. The area is a wildlife zone and the peak can only be reached by car and auto, as trekking is prohibited. }} * {{see | name=Echo Rock | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Some call it the "Lamb's Rock", as it naturally took the shape of a lamb. Go through a very small forest and then you can see the rock. }} * {{see | name=Fern Hills Palace | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.41000 | long=76.70000 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Be sure to visit this palace-turned-hotel of the Mysore Maharaja. Extremely beautiful place and quite affordable tea-snacks and slightly expensive buffet dinner. The palace and its estate are beautiful and are open to guests. The locals often will call it Mysore Palace to avoid confusion with the Fern Hill Hotel. }} * {{see | name=Hidden Valley | content= }} * {{see | name=Ooty Botanical Gardens | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.41888 | long=76.71139 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=('''Timing:''' 7:00 am - 6:30 pm all days) | price='''Tickets:''' Adult: ₹100, Children (5 - 10 yrs): ₹50, Still camera: ₹50, Video camera: ₹100 | content=If you are on a sightseeing tour to Ooty, you might want to visit the Government Botanical gardens, which were laid out in 1847. The picturesque gardens that are maintained by the Horticulture department of the state, cover an area of about 22 ha. The gardens have well over 650 species of plants and trees, including a fossil of a tree, which is believed to be more than 20 million years old. The garden is very popular with nature lovers and those who long to walk among greenery and see rare ferns and shrubs up close. If you are in Ooty in the month of May, then you can also be a part of the summer festival, which is held here annually. The festival holds flower shows and various cultural programs showcasing the talent of the locals and the renowned artists. }} * {{see | name=Toda Temple | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.420303 | long=76.715664 | directions=Approachable through Botanical Garden | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-04-02 | content=Todas were the original inhabitants of Ooty region. They are one of the tribes of the Nilgiri region. The Toda temple consists of an inverted U-shaped structure made of Bamboo. The temple strands at the centreof a circular enclosure, located below ground level. A small, low gateway leads to the interiors of the temple. One has to crawl through the gateway to access the interiors of the temple. However, outsiders are not allowed inside the temple. The entrance is marked with several motifs representing the sun, moon, stars and buffaloes. Buffaloes are an integral part of Toda culture. A group of buffolowes can be seen roaming near the temple complex. The Toda dress consists of a shawl with bright red and black stripes. Several festivities are held at the Toda temple complex. Ask the locals for the festivity details. }} * {{see | name=Ooty Rose gardens | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.40538 | long=76.70807 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=('''Timing:''' 7:00 am - 6:30 pm all days) | price='''Tickets:''' Adult: ₹75, Children: ₹40, Still camera: ₹50 and Video camera: ₹100 | content=It is an amazing and very large area garden. There are 27,000 rose plant of 400 varieties. It is the largest collection of roses in India. It is a beautifully landscaped garden spread across several terraces. A paved pathways meanders through the garden. Decorative fountains are also part of the garden. The garden offers a great view of the town of Ooty. A shop sells rose seeds. The roses blooms from late April to early June, so going there off-season is not very interesting. }} * {{see | name=Pine forest | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=It's a natural beauty. After the end of the forest a lake is there. Be careful while walking as the path has slope. Down the slope lies the waters of Kamaraj-sagar Dam. }} * {{see | name=Shooting Point | content=One very nice place is that. Don't miss it. The view is very pleasant. }} * {{see | name=The Tea Factory | content=Several tree gardens and factories are there. On the way you will get lots of them. They will approach you with free tea taste and offer some tea packets to buy. But be cautious if you don't have much knowledge about tea, better not to buy from them as the packet tea has not the same taste as they gave you to taste. The spices' quality is not so good. }} * {{see | name=Wax World | alt=Wax Museum | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.417361 | long=76.715591 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=It is a private investment not supported by the government. Don't expect much like other foreign wax museums which are helped by tourism authorities for advertisements and promotions. But for sight seeing its good. More attractive is the very old house, where the museum is set up. Candles are available. But it is suffering from a lack of funds for expansion so they request tourists to visit and to get financial help from them, which is the only form of support. }} * {{see | name=Adam's Fountain | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.412017 | long=76.708318 | directions=Charring cross | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4678589 | lastedit=2022-08-16 | content=Built in 1886 in honour of the Governor of Ooty. The cost of the construction was raised through public funding. Today the ornate fountain is an important landmark of the hill station. }} * {{see | name=Government Museum | alt=Stone House or Connemara Cottage or Kal Bungalow | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.412142 | long=76.712728 | directions=Ooty-Mysore Road | phone= | tollfree= | hours=('''Timings:''' 10:30 am - 6:30 pm. Closed on Friday, second Saturday and national holidays) | price='''Tickets:''' Adult: ₹10, Children: ₹5, Foriegner: ₹100, Foreign children: ₹75, still camera: ₹100 and video camera: ₹200 | lastedit=2022-08-16 | content=The museum is housed in the bungalow of John Sullivan, the then collector of [[Coimbatore]]. Built in 1823 it happens to be the first stone house of Ooty. The museum came up in 1989 to conserve and promote the cultural legacy of the Nilgiri district. The museum houses several galleries consisting of the flora & fauna and the tribals of Nilgiri. There are galleries covering diverse topics like archaeology and numismatics. }} ===Churches of Ooty=== * {{see | name=St. Stephen's Church | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.414673 | long=76.702281 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7591741 | lastedit=2022-08-16 | content=Located atop a hilltop the St. Stephen's Church is the oldest Church in Ooty and one of the oldest churches of Nilgiri District. The foundation stone of the church was laid in 23 April 1829, to coincide with the birthday of King George IV. It was opened on Easter Sunday, 3 April 1831. The church is complete with a clock tower and the entrance is through a porch on the southern side. The interiors are spectacular with stained glass on the alter and the side walls. The walls also houses several memorial plaques. The church compound houses a graveyard behind the church. It is an active graveyard but there are several old graves. The entrance to the church compound is through a twin metal arched gateways from the south. Three pillars support the two decorative metal arches. At the foot of the central pillar stands the zero stone and mile stone of Ooty. It is from this very point the distance of Ooty are measured. }} * {{see | name=Holy Trinity Church | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.413543 | long=76.702265 | directions=Opposite St. Stephen's Church | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5886565 | lastedit=2022-08-16 | content=Initially it served as a school on weekdays and church on Sundayas for the local Christians. In 1858 it started functioning as a full fledged Church. The present structure has gone through several renovation. The interior is free of ornamentaion. }} * {{see | name=Sacred Heart Cathedral | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.417086 | long=76.708425 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q133263547 | lastedit=2022-08-16 | content=The twin-towered massive cathedral dominates the skyline of Ooty. The Church dates back to 1897. Since, 1955 the church is serving a Cathedral for the Catholics of Ooty. In 1987 during repairs, a large section of the church roof collapsed. This led to major renovation. The new church was opened to the public on 7 July 1989. Today a long flight of stairs lead to the cathedral. The interiors are beautifully laid with large glass painted windows. There are several statues, including the 14 stations of the cross. }} ==Do== Most travel agents and hotels conduct guided tour packages that will bundle you into a bus, and tick off the most important and hence crowded "tourist" spots in the area. Some hotels also arrange for private cars like Indica, TATA Sumo. * {{do | name=Boat House | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.406723 | long=76.688384 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price='''Tickets:''' ₹20 entry free. Rides and other activities have different tickets | lastedit=2025-04-15 | content=Paddle and speed boat rides in the lake. There are various rides like pirate ship, flying saucer, toy train, etc. There are other activities like haunted houses. Number of eateries serving a wide range of food. A place to hang out with family and kids. }} *Travel on the railway. The charming '''Nilgiri Mountain Railway''' (NMR), blue and cream with wooden coaches and large windows, is widely regarded as a marvel of engineering. *Go for long walks and hikes. *Visit a '''tea plantation''' and if possible a tea factory. *Travel the countryside in a 4x4. *Catch a round of golf at the '''Gymkhana Golf course''' (membership or introduction required) *Visit the local '''Army cantonment''' - the Madras Regimental Center and the DSSC (Defense Services Staff College). *Visit terrace farmed '''cabbage fields''' around Ooty. *Visit the '''Mudumalai forest sanctuary''' (1-2 days minimum). *Visit the '''Needle industries''' which is around 6km from maintown Ooty in Ketti. *Visit 9th mile and also the 6th mile where lot of movies are shot. *Visit the '''Municipal Market''' and shop for fresh local fruits. *{{do | name=Horse back riding | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=US$4/hour | content=It's popular here. In one hour you can go around the lake or longer rides you can visit countryside around Ooty. Some knowledge of horses would be good as the guides are local men who don't speak too much English, teaching is minimal. On top of the price you have to pay for guide. }} *Explore the nearby Avalanche and Emerald Lakes, for day picnics, treks, and walkthroughs of the surrounding villages. You can also hike through the nearby tribal hamlet of Mullimunth of the Toda people. The 3 km trek takes 5 hours and passes through wooded areas and streams along the settlements. ==Buy== Ooty and Nilgiris are well known for a variety of local products like tea, eucalyptus oil, chocolates, spices and gourmet cheese. There are a lot of shops that deal these products, though you have to be careful that you get an authentic product. * {{buy | name=Green Shop | content=It is an extension of the Keystone Foundation that has been working in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve over the last 15 years (since 1995) with indigenous communities on eco-development initiatives. and makes available their handicrafts and products like bee honey, bee wax and other hand-crafted artifacts. They also stock excellent '''gourmet cheeses''' like Gouda, Colby, Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Haloumi and Herb Cream Cheeses made by '''Acres Wild Cheesemaking Farmstay''' in Coonoor. They also have a bee museum that is certainly worth a visit as they show documentaries on wild bees and honey collection. }} * {{buy | name=Taj Bakers | address=Main Bazaar, Ooty. Visit Taj Bakers for traditional Ooty Biscuit called (Varkey) and other bakery items like home made chocolates, and cakes. }} * {{buy | name=King's Star | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=Ooty is famous for its chocolates, and the best place to have them is at King's Star. They have around 4 outlets in Ooty and are the first chocolate makers in Ooty. (The shops are run by the 3rd generation of the family. }} ==Eat== [[File:India - Colours of India - 006 - Wedding Meal.jpg|thumbnail|Lunch is served on a plantain leaf in Ooty]] [[File:Malsala groundnuts sale.JPG|thumbnail|Groundnut with spices in Ooty]] There are various restaurants in Ooty, mostly offering South Indian food, but some offer North Indian food. *{{eat | name=Hotel Sri Velmurugan | alt= | url=https://www.hotelsrivelmurugan.com/ | email=hotelsrivelmurugan@gmail.com | address=Walsham Road, Green fields | lat=11.408889 | long=76.706944 | directions=On the road connecting Alankar Theatre (in Ettines road) and the Commercial Road | phone=+91 9944817139, +91 423-2444968 | tollfree= | hours=6AM to 11PM | price= | lastedit=2019-06-22 | content=Traditional South Indian restaurant. }} *{{eat | name=Earl's Secret | url= | email= | address=Kings Cliff | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Bismillah Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=Near Juma Masjidh, Upper Bazar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-03-25 | content=Delicious meat and fish dishes of Calicut taste. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Navodaya Chaater Cafe | alt=C-Store | url=https://www.facebook.com/pg/Navodaya-Chaater-Cafe-100952364656112 | email= | address=Willow bund road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 9840249656 | tollfree= | hours=3pm onwards | price= | lastedit=2019-11-06 | content=Serves vegetarian delicacies, including maggi. }} ==Drink== The Nilgiris are famous for tea. * {{drink | name=Hotel Blue hills | address=Commercial Road | content=Best non-veg hotel in Ooty. Serving biriyani and other dishes for more than a decade. }} *{{drink | name=Krishan Prabhas | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=lower bazaar, near bus stand, ooty }} == Sleep == There is no dearth of accommodations, with many hotels and inns that cater to every budget. Accommodations are no more expensive than most cities in India, and the popular Indian hotel chains have a presence here. * {{sleep | name=Hotel Darshan | alt= | url= | email=hoteldarshan@yahoo.co.in | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 423 2452288, +91 423 2443378, +91 423 2443807 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹900 and up | content=34 rooms facing the lake, restaurant, room service, 24 hrs hot & cold water, in-house laundry, carpeted rooms, cable TV, parking, camp fire, doctor on call, travel desk, group accommodation available for small and large groups. }} *{{sleep | name=Hotel Maneck | alt= | url= | email= | address=Main Bazaar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 423 2443494 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Very central hotel near horse race track with good economical restaurant on basement. Hotel and restaurant are under Jain management. The rooms start from ₹1200 }} *{{sleep | name=Hotel Sinclair | alt= | url=http://www.sinclairshotels.com/ooty | email=ooty@sinclairshotels.com | address=Gorishola Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 423-2444309 | tollfree= | fax=+91 423-2444229 | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹2,000-10,000 | content=Great view of Ooty and surrounding hills. 5 minutes drive to go to the town market and restaurants. The hotel has its own restaurant and a bar. }} * {{sleep | name=Railway Retirement Room | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=inside the railway station | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹150 | lastedit=2015-05-21 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Reflections Guest House | content=A short walk along the main road - turn right coming out of the train station, or left coming out of the bus stop (which is opposite the train station). It is tidy and with good views of the lake and hills. ₹550/night for upstairs room (Sep 2010). Location is very good - short walk to train station and bus stop, short walk to boat house, Thread Gardens and other tourist attractions. The food in the restaurant is good value for its price and nicely cooked. The owners are helpful and professional, and the common spaces make it a very friendly place to stay. }} * {{sleep | name=Sunshine Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 99433-33323, +91 98942-96961 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Season tariff starts from ₹1800 + tax | content=Three-star property with 70 rooms. Includes a restaurant, room service, in-house laundry, and travel desk, and car parking is available inside the hotel premises. }} * {{sleep | name=Sherlock Hotel | url=http://www.littlearth.in/sherlock/ | price=₹1875-3000 depending on size and view | content=A colonial villa several kilometers away from the town with breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and warm and friendly service. Rooms have cozy fireplaces. The restaurant alone is worth a visit serving outstanding continental food and also murgh boti masala and mint paranthas. Several short walking trails start nearby. A trip to Ooty is worth it just for a stay at this hotel. }} *{{sleep | name=Sullivan court | url=http://www.fortunehotels.in/resort/Ooty-Fortune_Resort_Sullivan_Court.aspx | email= | address=Near Rose Garden | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=5-star luxury hotel. Most famous hotel, best rooms, part of ITC Hotels India. }} * {{sleep | name=Ajantha Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Lower Bazar, Juma Masjidh Street, | lat= | long= | directions=near Railway Station | phone=+91 9159323199 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=400 | lastedit=2017-03-25 | content=Mr. Sadiq Basha runs this lodge in a cute period building of 1912. }} * {{sleep | name=Treebo Whispering Meadows | alt= | url=https://www.treebo.com/hotels-in-ooty/treebo-whispering-meadows-off-gymkhana-golf-link-road-266/ | email=hello@treebohotels.com | address=264, Off Gymkhana Golf link road, Fingerpost | lat=11.413473 | long=76.678539 | directions= | phone=+91 9322 800 100 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=noon | checkout=11AM | price=Starting from 1999 | lastedit=2017-10-09 | content=Treebo Whispering Meadows, a heritage property off Gymkhana Golf Link Road. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Funstay | alt= | url=https://funstay.in/blog/ooty-resorts | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 99028 60849 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Cottages, Resorts and Tents, attached washrooms, party space, Room services, Food service, car parking, In house laundry and Hot running water. These homestays in Ooty are just 3 to 4 km away from Ooty bus stop and railway station. Starts from 1550 to 6500 per person per night. }} * {{sleep | name=West Downs Resort | alt= | url=https://www.westdownsresort.com/ | email=info@westdownsresort.com | address=100, Westbury Rd | lat=11.41409 | long=76.6879 | directions= | phone=+91 423-2442262, +91 8098103386, +91 8098103388 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2024-06-27 | content=Resort from the British colonial period }} * '''[https://www.petalsnilgiris.com/ Petals Luxury Homestay]''' No.7/432, Deavrshola, Balacola (PO),Kundah Taluk,The Nilgiris - 643 203. '''Phone''':(+91) 8300038760, petalsnilgiris@gmail.com == Go next == * [[Bandipur National Park]] *[[Nagarhole National Park]] * Kodanad Viewpoint in Kotagiri * [[Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary]] {{geo|11.411842|76.6959}} {{IsPartOf|Nilgiris}} {{usablecity}} r8od9yarxcrzyted9kczlkjnt39i1bc 5086886 5086884 2025-07-03T02:24:55Z Rangan Datta Wiki 124323 /* Understand */ 5086886 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Panoramic view of Doddabetta peak with the telescope house (wikivoyage banner).jpg}} '''Ooty''', short for '''Ootacamund''' and officially '''Udhagamandalam''' (உதகமண்டலம் ''Utakamaṇṭalam''), is a popular '''hill resort''' in the state of [[Tamil Nadu]] in [[Southern India]]. The name Udhagamandalam is derived from the Toda word "othakal-mund" which means "house in mountains". Ooty stands at 2,240 m (7,347 feet) above sea level in the Nilgiri mountain range. It is home to 5 tribal communities; Todas, Kurumbas, Paniyas, Irulas and Kotas. It was turned into a hill station in the 19th century by the [[United Kingdom|British]], and served as the summer headquarters of the Madras Presidency. Ooty is in the Niligiris District which was one of the first places in India to get rid of plastic carry bags, so if you are heading there, remember to carry your own reusable bags, not plastic. ==Understand== [[File:Panoramic view of Doddabetta peak with the telescope house.jpg|thumb|300 px|Panoramic view of Doddabetta peak with the telescope house]] [[File:Kotagiri 87.jpg|thumb|{{center|Ooty Village scene}}]] [[File:Ketti 74.jpg|thumb|{{center|Post Office in the Hills}}]] In the Nilgiris (''Blue Mountains''), it draws swarms of tourists every year. The weather is quite pleasant at a mean of 15-20°C around the year, dropping to lows of 0°C during winter. The landscape is marked by rolling hills covered with dense vegetation, smaller hills and plateaus covered with tea gardens, and eucalyptus trees. Many portions of the hills are preserved as natural reserve forests, and special permits will be needed to camp in noncamp sites. Ooty is not the destination in itself, as much as it is the focal point of attraction. Auto touring the surrounding country side is certainly a must do. Unfortunately, the hill town suffers from overcrowding and erosion of natural resources. Tourism has placed an enormous strain on the natural resources resulting in pollution, water shortage and roads. The hilly region also houses smaller towns like [[Coonoor]] and [[Kotagiri]]. These smaller towns are a better choice to visit and spend time in, since they are off the beaten path, yet less than an hour away from Ooty. They enjoy the same natural climes and prices are a lot cheaper. ==Get in== ===By plane=== Ooty has no airport. The nearby airports are located in: * {{go | name=[[Coimbatore]] ({{IATA|CJB}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-04-02 | content=Nearest airport (88km and 3.5 hrs) }} * {{go | name=[[Mysore]] ({{IATA|MYQ}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-04-02 | content=Mysore airport is also close (116 km and 4 hrs) }} ===By train=== * {{go | name=Udagamandalam railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7095466 | content=The Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR) connects Ooty with [[Mettupalayam]]. It is a meter-gauge railway, popularly known as the toy train. In 2005 it was declared a UNESCO Heritage Site under Mountain Railways of India. It follows the rack and pinion technology technology, where a third rail reduces the speed of the train. Today, both steam and diesel engines operate on the route. The route is 51 km long and takes a long time. For tourist with limited time can opt for a journey from [[Coonoor]]. }} ===By bus=== * {{go | name=Ooty bus stand | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.403674 | long=76.696536 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7095467 | lastedit=2025-03-21 | content=Ooty is well connected by bus. There are direct buses from [[Coimbatore]] (Mettupalayam Bus Stand) (4 hrs), [[Kozhikode]] and [[Mysore]]. }} ===By car=== The Nilgiris are in [[Tamil Nadu]], but near the borders [[Karnataka]] and [[Kerala]]. The hills consequently can be reached from within Tamil Nadu by travelling up a heavily forested winding road, with many hair-pin bends. The road trip from any state is scenic, although the Coimbatore-Mettupalayam-Coonoor-Ooty road (i.e. the Tamil Nadu route) is the most travelled and best-maintained. All roads to the Nilgiri hills have nominal tolls. Taxis at the Coimbatore "new bus stand" charge ₹2500 (negotiable) when reserved and ₹600 each when shared, four people share an Omni (Maruti van). In case a hotel has been per-booked, they often provide taxis to and from Coimbatore for ₹2000. Ooty is 284 km from Bangalore by road. The journey takes about eight hours, depending on the road's condition. There is a shorter route with a diversion at Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary, which passes the towns of Masinagudi and Kalhatti. This route curtails the distance to Ooty by about 50 km. This road is closed at night as it passes through the jungle, requiring a few hours spent at the check post which is closed at night. This road as it is narrow and steep. There are eateries and a fuel station in the town of Masinagudi. Resorts near Masinagudi town let cottages. These offer relaxing weekend getaways. There are restaurants between Bangalore and Mysore, and within Mysore, but from Mysore to Ooty there are few restaurants, so it is advisable to stock up on groceries in advance. Start early for a more leisurely drive through Bandipur and Mudumalai forest, taking in occasional animal sightings. ==Get around== {{mapframe}} Taxis, tourist cabs, auto rickshaws are available in plenty. There are no standard rates except for tourist cabs. Rickshaws charge a minimum of ₹30. Town buses are available to all important places. Conducted sight seeing tours are arranged by private operators and the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC). There are around 3-4 different day trip routes/packages available. Bus day-trip cost ₹125-150 and taxi day-trip cost ₹900-1100. Even if you arranged the taxi through the hotel (even TTDC), verify with the hotel and operator before the trip that there are no hidden costs. Taxi drivers will often demand high parking fees and lunch, which is already paid for. It is not uncommon for bus/taxi drivers to get commission from remote restaurants and shops. These places are overpriced, try avoiding such restaurants. Bus and taxi will take tourists to remote, high-priced restaurants for lunch. Try not to eat in such places because the food is cold, the place is not clean beyond the façade, and it is always overpriced (you will end up paying for taxi driver's lunch, too). Also avoid driver's recommendation for sleeping arrangements. They (few of them) will take you to the hotels for accommodation where they get 20% commission, which will be added in your room tariff without your knowledge. == See == [[File:Fernhills Palace, Ooty.JPG|thumb|right|Fernhills palace]] [[File:Government Botanical Gardens, Udagamandalam.jpg|thumb|right|The Government Botanical Garden]] [[File:St Stephen Church, Ooty 04.jpg|thumb|St Stephen Church, Ooty]] * {{see | name=Annamalai Temple | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=about 20 km from Ooty | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-10-24 | content=This place has grown as a famous temple of Lord Muruga, and is known as 7th Hill house of the lord. The view from the temple is great. There is an observatory at the top of hill for the public to enjoy the magnificent panoramic view. }} * {{see | name=Doddabetta Peak | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.40073 | long=76.73582 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=('''Timings:''' 8am - 5pm) | price='''Tickets:''' ₹6 (children below 5 years are free). Still camera: ₹10; Video camera: ₹50 | content=The peak of Dodabetta (literally meaning the big mountain) stands at an altitude of 2,623 m. It is the highest peak in Nilgiri and the second highest peak of [[South India]]. About 8 km from Ooty the peak provides panoramic view of the surrounding area. On a clear day the views can extend to the plains of Coimbatore and the flat highlands of Mysore. There are boards highlighting the area viewed. The peak houses a tower-like structure known as the telescope house. This elevated circular structure provides a great view of the surroundings. The place houses several eateries and makeshift shops. The area is a wildlife zone and the peak can only be reached by car and auto, as trekking is prohibited. }} * {{see | name=Echo Rock | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Some call it the "Lamb's Rock", as it naturally took the shape of a lamb. Go through a very small forest and then you can see the rock. }} * {{see | name=Fern Hills Palace | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.41000 | long=76.70000 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Be sure to visit this palace-turned-hotel of the Mysore Maharaja. Extremely beautiful place and quite affordable tea-snacks and slightly expensive buffet dinner. The palace and its estate are beautiful and are open to guests. The locals often will call it Mysore Palace to avoid confusion with the Fern Hill Hotel. }} * {{see | name=Hidden Valley | content= }} * {{see | name=Ooty Botanical Gardens | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.41888 | long=76.71139 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=('''Timing:''' 7:00 am - 6:30 pm all days) | price='''Tickets:''' Adult: ₹100, Children (5 - 10 yrs): ₹50, Still camera: ₹50, Video camera: ₹100 | content=If you are on a sightseeing tour to Ooty, you might want to visit the Government Botanical gardens, which were laid out in 1847. The picturesque gardens that are maintained by the Horticulture department of the state, cover an area of about 22 ha. The gardens have well over 650 species of plants and trees, including a fossil of a tree, which is believed to be more than 20 million years old. The garden is very popular with nature lovers and those who long to walk among greenery and see rare ferns and shrubs up close. If you are in Ooty in the month of May, then you can also be a part of the summer festival, which is held here annually. The festival holds flower shows and various cultural programs showcasing the talent of the locals and the renowned artists. }} * {{see | name=Toda Temple | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.420303 | long=76.715664 | directions=Approachable through Botanical Garden | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-04-02 | content=Todas were the original inhabitants of Ooty region. They are one of the tribes of the Nilgiri region. The Toda temple consists of an inverted U-shaped structure made of Bamboo. The temple strands at the centreof a circular enclosure, located below ground level. A small, low gateway leads to the interiors of the temple. One has to crawl through the gateway to access the interiors of the temple. However, outsiders are not allowed inside the temple. The entrance is marked with several motifs representing the sun, moon, stars and buffaloes. Buffaloes are an integral part of Toda culture. A group of buffolowes can be seen roaming near the temple complex. The Toda dress consists of a shawl with bright red and black stripes. Several festivities are held at the Toda temple complex. Ask the locals for the festivity details. }} * {{see | name=Ooty Rose gardens | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.40538 | long=76.70807 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=('''Timing:''' 7:00 am - 6:30 pm all days) | price='''Tickets:''' Adult: ₹75, Children: ₹40, Still camera: ₹50 and Video camera: ₹100 | content=It is an amazing and very large area garden. There are 27,000 rose plant of 400 varieties. It is the largest collection of roses in India. It is a beautifully landscaped garden spread across several terraces. A paved pathways meanders through the garden. Decorative fountains are also part of the garden. The garden offers a great view of the town of Ooty. A shop sells rose seeds. The roses blooms from late April to early June, so going there off-season is not very interesting. }} * {{see | name=Pine forest | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=It's a natural beauty. After the end of the forest a lake is there. Be careful while walking as the path has slope. Down the slope lies the waters of Kamaraj-sagar Dam. }} * {{see | name=Shooting Point | content=One very nice place is that. Don't miss it. The view is very pleasant. }} * {{see | name=The Tea Factory | content=Several tree gardens and factories are there. On the way you will get lots of them. They will approach you with free tea taste and offer some tea packets to buy. But be cautious if you don't have much knowledge about tea, better not to buy from them as the packet tea has not the same taste as they gave you to taste. The spices' quality is not so good. }} * {{see | name=Wax World | alt=Wax Museum | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.417361 | long=76.715591 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=It is a private investment not supported by the government. Don't expect much like other foreign wax museums which are helped by tourism authorities for advertisements and promotions. But for sight seeing its good. More attractive is the very old house, where the museum is set up. Candles are available. But it is suffering from a lack of funds for expansion so they request tourists to visit and to get financial help from them, which is the only form of support. }} * {{see | name=Adam's Fountain | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.412017 | long=76.708318 | directions=Charring cross | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4678589 | lastedit=2022-08-16 | content=Built in 1886 in honour of the Governor of Ooty. The cost of the construction was raised through public funding. Today the ornate fountain is an important landmark of the hill station. }} * {{see | name=Government Museum | alt=Stone House or Connemara Cottage or Kal Bungalow | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.412142 | long=76.712728 | directions=Ooty-Mysore Road | phone= | tollfree= | hours=('''Timings:''' 10:30 am - 6:30 pm. Closed on Friday, second Saturday and national holidays) | price='''Tickets:''' Adult: ₹10, Children: ₹5, Foriegner: ₹100, Foreign children: ₹75, still camera: ₹100 and video camera: ₹200 | lastedit=2022-08-16 | content=The museum is housed in the bungalow of John Sullivan, the then collector of [[Coimbatore]]. Built in 1823 it happens to be the first stone house of Ooty. The museum came up in 1989 to conserve and promote the cultural legacy of the Nilgiri district. The museum houses several galleries consisting of the flora & fauna and the tribals of Nilgiri. There are galleries covering diverse topics like archaeology and numismatics. }} ===Churches of Ooty=== * {{see | name=St. Stephen's Church | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.414673 | long=76.702281 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7591741 | lastedit=2022-08-16 | content=Located atop a hilltop the St. Stephen's Church is the oldest Church in Ooty and one of the oldest churches of Nilgiri District. The foundation stone of the church was laid in 23 April 1829, to coincide with the birthday of King George IV. It was opened on Easter Sunday, 3 April 1831. The church is complete with a clock tower and the entrance is through a porch on the southern side. The interiors are spectacular with stained glass on the alter and the side walls. The walls also houses several memorial plaques. The church compound houses a graveyard behind the church. It is an active graveyard but there are several old graves. The entrance to the church compound is through a twin metal arched gateways from the south. Three pillars support the two decorative metal arches. At the foot of the central pillar stands the zero stone and mile stone of Ooty. It is from this very point the distance of Ooty are measured. }} * {{see | name=Holy Trinity Church | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.413543 | long=76.702265 | directions=Opposite St. Stephen's Church | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5886565 | lastedit=2022-08-16 | content=Initially it served as a school on weekdays and church on Sundayas for the local Christians. In 1858 it started functioning as a full fledged Church. The present structure has gone through several renovation. The interior is free of ornamentaion. }} * {{see | name=Sacred Heart Cathedral | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.417086 | long=76.708425 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q133263547 | lastedit=2022-08-16 | content=The twin-towered massive cathedral dominates the skyline of Ooty. The Church dates back to 1897. Since, 1955 the church is serving a Cathedral for the Catholics of Ooty. In 1987 during repairs, a large section of the church roof collapsed. This led to major renovation. The new church was opened to the public on 7 July 1989. Today a long flight of stairs lead to the cathedral. The interiors are beautifully laid with large glass painted windows. There are several statues, including the 14 stations of the cross. }} ==Do== Most travel agents and hotels conduct guided tour packages that will bundle you into a bus, and tick off the most important and hence crowded "tourist" spots in the area. Some hotels also arrange for private cars like Indica, TATA Sumo. * {{do | name=Boat House | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.406723 | long=76.688384 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price='''Tickets:''' ₹20 entry free. Rides and other activities have different tickets | lastedit=2025-04-15 | content=Paddle and speed boat rides in the lake. There are various rides like pirate ship, flying saucer, toy train, etc. There are other activities like haunted houses. Number of eateries serving a wide range of food. A place to hang out with family and kids. }} *Travel on the railway. The charming '''Nilgiri Mountain Railway''' (NMR), blue and cream with wooden coaches and large windows, is widely regarded as a marvel of engineering. *Go for long walks and hikes. *Visit a '''tea plantation''' and if possible a tea factory. *Travel the countryside in a 4x4. *Catch a round of golf at the '''Gymkhana Golf course''' (membership or introduction required) *Visit the local '''Army cantonment''' - the Madras Regimental Center and the DSSC (Defense Services Staff College). *Visit terrace farmed '''cabbage fields''' around Ooty. *Visit the '''Mudumalai forest sanctuary''' (1-2 days minimum). *Visit the '''Needle industries''' which is around 6km from maintown Ooty in Ketti. *Visit 9th mile and also the 6th mile where lot of movies are shot. *Visit the '''Municipal Market''' and shop for fresh local fruits. *{{do | name=Horse back riding | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=US$4/hour | content=It's popular here. In one hour you can go around the lake or longer rides you can visit countryside around Ooty. Some knowledge of horses would be good as the guides are local men who don't speak too much English, teaching is minimal. On top of the price you have to pay for guide. }} *Explore the nearby Avalanche and Emerald Lakes, for day picnics, treks, and walkthroughs of the surrounding villages. You can also hike through the nearby tribal hamlet of Mullimunth of the Toda people. The 3 km trek takes 5 hours and passes through wooded areas and streams along the settlements. ==Buy== Ooty and Nilgiris are well known for a variety of local products like tea, eucalyptus oil, chocolates, spices and gourmet cheese. There are a lot of shops that deal these products, though you have to be careful that you get an authentic product. * {{buy | name=Green Shop | content=It is an extension of the Keystone Foundation that has been working in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve over the last 15 years (since 1995) with indigenous communities on eco-development initiatives. and makes available their handicrafts and products like bee honey, bee wax and other hand-crafted artifacts. They also stock excellent '''gourmet cheeses''' like Gouda, Colby, Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Haloumi and Herb Cream Cheeses made by '''Acres Wild Cheesemaking Farmstay''' in Coonoor. They also have a bee museum that is certainly worth a visit as they show documentaries on wild bees and honey collection. }} * {{buy | name=Taj Bakers | address=Main Bazaar, Ooty. Visit Taj Bakers for traditional Ooty Biscuit called (Varkey) and other bakery items like home made chocolates, and cakes. }} * {{buy | name=King's Star | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=Ooty is famous for its chocolates, and the best place to have them is at King's Star. They have around 4 outlets in Ooty and are the first chocolate makers in Ooty. (The shops are run by the 3rd generation of the family. }} ==Eat== [[File:India - Colours of India - 006 - Wedding Meal.jpg|thumbnail|Lunch is served on a plantain leaf in Ooty]] [[File:Malsala groundnuts sale.JPG|thumbnail|Groundnut with spices in Ooty]] There are various restaurants in Ooty, mostly offering South Indian food, but some offer North Indian food. *{{eat | name=Hotel Sri Velmurugan | alt= | url=https://www.hotelsrivelmurugan.com/ | email=hotelsrivelmurugan@gmail.com | address=Walsham Road, Green fields | lat=11.408889 | long=76.706944 | directions=On the road connecting Alankar Theatre (in Ettines road) and the Commercial Road | phone=+91 9944817139, +91 423-2444968 | tollfree= | hours=6AM to 11PM | price= | lastedit=2019-06-22 | content=Traditional South Indian restaurant. }} *{{eat | name=Earl's Secret | url= | email= | address=Kings Cliff | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Bismillah Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=Near Juma Masjidh, Upper Bazar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-03-25 | content=Delicious meat and fish dishes of Calicut taste. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Navodaya Chaater Cafe | alt=C-Store | url=https://www.facebook.com/pg/Navodaya-Chaater-Cafe-100952364656112 | email= | address=Willow bund road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 9840249656 | tollfree= | hours=3pm onwards | price= | lastedit=2019-11-06 | content=Serves vegetarian delicacies, including maggi. }} ==Drink== The Nilgiris are famous for tea. * {{drink | name=Hotel Blue hills | address=Commercial Road | content=Best non-veg hotel in Ooty. Serving biriyani and other dishes for more than a decade. }} *{{drink | name=Krishan Prabhas | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=lower bazaar, near bus stand, ooty }} == Sleep == There is no dearth of accommodations, with many hotels and inns that cater to every budget. Accommodations are no more expensive than most cities in India, and the popular Indian hotel chains have a presence here. * {{sleep | name=Hotel Darshan | alt= | url= | email=hoteldarshan@yahoo.co.in | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 423 2452288, +91 423 2443378, +91 423 2443807 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹900 and up | content=34 rooms facing the lake, restaurant, room service, 24 hrs hot & cold water, in-house laundry, carpeted rooms, cable TV, parking, camp fire, doctor on call, travel desk, group accommodation available for small and large groups. }} *{{sleep | name=Hotel Maneck | alt= | url= | email= | address=Main Bazaar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 423 2443494 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Very central hotel near horse race track with good economical restaurant on basement. Hotel and restaurant are under Jain management. The rooms start from ₹1200 }} *{{sleep | name=Hotel Sinclair | alt= | url=http://www.sinclairshotels.com/ooty | email=ooty@sinclairshotels.com | address=Gorishola Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 423-2444309 | tollfree= | fax=+91 423-2444229 | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹2,000-10,000 | content=Great view of Ooty and surrounding hills. 5 minutes drive to go to the town market and restaurants. The hotel has its own restaurant and a bar. }} * {{sleep | name=Railway Retirement Room | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=inside the railway station | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹150 | lastedit=2015-05-21 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Reflections Guest House | content=A short walk along the main road - turn right coming out of the train station, or left coming out of the bus stop (which is opposite the train station). It is tidy and with good views of the lake and hills. ₹550/night for upstairs room (Sep 2010). Location is very good - short walk to train station and bus stop, short walk to boat house, Thread Gardens and other tourist attractions. The food in the restaurant is good value for its price and nicely cooked. The owners are helpful and professional, and the common spaces make it a very friendly place to stay. }} * {{sleep | name=Sunshine Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 99433-33323, +91 98942-96961 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Season tariff starts from ₹1800 + tax | content=Three-star property with 70 rooms. Includes a restaurant, room service, in-house laundry, and travel desk, and car parking is available inside the hotel premises. }} * {{sleep | name=Sherlock Hotel | url=http://www.littlearth.in/sherlock/ | price=₹1875-3000 depending on size and view | content=A colonial villa several kilometers away from the town with breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and warm and friendly service. Rooms have cozy fireplaces. The restaurant alone is worth a visit serving outstanding continental food and also murgh boti masala and mint paranthas. Several short walking trails start nearby. A trip to Ooty is worth it just for a stay at this hotel. }} *{{sleep | name=Sullivan court | url=http://www.fortunehotels.in/resort/Ooty-Fortune_Resort_Sullivan_Court.aspx | email= | address=Near Rose Garden | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=5-star luxury hotel. Most famous hotel, best rooms, part of ITC Hotels India. }} * {{sleep | name=Ajantha Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Lower Bazar, Juma Masjidh Street, | lat= | long= | directions=near Railway Station | phone=+91 9159323199 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=400 | lastedit=2017-03-25 | content=Mr. Sadiq Basha runs this lodge in a cute period building of 1912. }} * {{sleep | name=Treebo Whispering Meadows | alt= | url=https://www.treebo.com/hotels-in-ooty/treebo-whispering-meadows-off-gymkhana-golf-link-road-266/ | email=hello@treebohotels.com | address=264, Off Gymkhana Golf link road, Fingerpost | lat=11.413473 | long=76.678539 | directions= | phone=+91 9322 800 100 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=noon | checkout=11AM | price=Starting from 1999 | lastedit=2017-10-09 | content=Treebo Whispering Meadows, a heritage property off Gymkhana Golf Link Road. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Funstay | alt= | url=https://funstay.in/blog/ooty-resorts | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 99028 60849 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Cottages, Resorts and Tents, attached washrooms, party space, Room services, Food service, car parking, In house laundry and Hot running water. These homestays in Ooty are just 3 to 4 km away from Ooty bus stop and railway station. Starts from 1550 to 6500 per person per night. }} * {{sleep | name=West Downs Resort | alt= | url=https://www.westdownsresort.com/ | email=info@westdownsresort.com | address=100, Westbury Rd | lat=11.41409 | long=76.6879 | directions= | phone=+91 423-2442262, +91 8098103386, +91 8098103388 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2024-06-27 | content=Resort from the British colonial period }} * '''[https://www.petalsnilgiris.com/ Petals Luxury Homestay]''' No.7/432, Deavrshola, Balacola (PO),Kundah Taluk,The Nilgiris - 643 203. '''Phone''':(+91) 8300038760, petalsnilgiris@gmail.com == Go next == * [[Bandipur National Park]] *[[Nagarhole National Park]] * Kodanad Viewpoint in Kotagiri * [[Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary]] {{geo|11.411842|76.6959}} {{IsPartOf|Nilgiris}} {{usablecity}} 9komghobzw5doakri33xt23y2964k9h 5086888 5086886 2025-07-03T02:42:10Z Rangan Datta Wiki 124323 /* By train */ 5086888 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Panoramic view of Doddabetta peak with the telescope house (wikivoyage banner).jpg}} '''Ooty''', short for '''Ootacamund''' and officially '''Udhagamandalam''' (உதகமண்டலம் ''Utakamaṇṭalam''), is a popular '''hill resort''' in the state of [[Tamil Nadu]] in [[Southern India]]. The name Udhagamandalam is derived from the Toda word "othakal-mund" which means "house in mountains". Ooty stands at 2,240 m (7,347 feet) above sea level in the Nilgiri mountain range. It is home to 5 tribal communities; Todas, Kurumbas, Paniyas, Irulas and Kotas. It was turned into a hill station in the 19th century by the [[United Kingdom|British]], and served as the summer headquarters of the Madras Presidency. Ooty is in the Niligiris District which was one of the first places in India to get rid of plastic carry bags, so if you are heading there, remember to carry your own reusable bags, not plastic. ==Understand== [[File:Panoramic view of Doddabetta peak with the telescope house.jpg|thumb|300 px|Panoramic view of Doddabetta peak with the telescope house]] [[File:Kotagiri 87.jpg|thumb|{{center|Ooty Village scene}}]] [[File:Ketti 74.jpg|thumb|{{center|Post Office in the Hills}}]] In the Nilgiris (''Blue Mountains''), it draws swarms of tourists every year. The weather is quite pleasant at a mean of 15-20°C around the year, dropping to lows of 0°C during winter. The landscape is marked by rolling hills covered with dense vegetation, smaller hills and plateaus covered with tea gardens, and eucalyptus trees. Many portions of the hills are preserved as natural reserve forests, and special permits will be needed to camp in noncamp sites. Ooty is not the destination in itself, as much as it is the focal point of attraction. Auto touring the surrounding country side is certainly a must do. Unfortunately, the hill town suffers from overcrowding and erosion of natural resources. Tourism has placed an enormous strain on the natural resources resulting in pollution, water shortage and roads. The hilly region also houses smaller towns like [[Coonoor]] and [[Kotagiri]]. These smaller towns are a better choice to visit and spend time in, since they are off the beaten path, yet less than an hour away from Ooty. They enjoy the same natural climes and prices are a lot cheaper. ==Get in== ===By plane=== Ooty has no airport. The nearby airports are located in: * {{go | name=[[Coimbatore]] ({{IATA|CJB}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-04-02 | content=Nearest airport (88km and 3.5 hrs) }} * {{go | name=[[Mysore]] ({{IATA|MYQ}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-04-02 | content=Mysore airport is also close (116 km and 4 hrs) }} ===By train=== * {{go | name=Udagamandalam railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7095466 | content=The Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR) connects Ooty with [[Mettupalayam]]. It is a meter-gauge railway, popularly known as the toy train. In 2005 it was declared a UNESCO Heritage Site under '''[[Rail travel in India#Mountain trains|Mountain Railways of India]]'''. It follows the rack and pinion technology technology, where a third rail reduces the speed of the train. Today, both steam and diesel engines operate on the route. The route is 51 km long and takes a long time. For tourist with limited time can opt for a journey from [[Coonoor]]. }} ===By bus=== * {{go | name=Ooty bus stand | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.403674 | long=76.696536 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7095467 | lastedit=2025-03-21 | content=Ooty is well connected by bus. There are direct buses from [[Coimbatore]] (Mettupalayam Bus Stand) (4 hrs), [[Kozhikode]] and [[Mysore]]. }} ===By car=== The Nilgiris are in [[Tamil Nadu]], but near the borders [[Karnataka]] and [[Kerala]]. The hills consequently can be reached from within Tamil Nadu by travelling up a heavily forested winding road, with many hair-pin bends. The road trip from any state is scenic, although the Coimbatore-Mettupalayam-Coonoor-Ooty road (i.e. the Tamil Nadu route) is the most travelled and best-maintained. All roads to the Nilgiri hills have nominal tolls. Taxis at the Coimbatore "new bus stand" charge ₹2500 (negotiable) when reserved and ₹600 each when shared, four people share an Omni (Maruti van). In case a hotel has been per-booked, they often provide taxis to and from Coimbatore for ₹2000. Ooty is 284 km from Bangalore by road. The journey takes about eight hours, depending on the road's condition. There is a shorter route with a diversion at Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary, which passes the towns of Masinagudi and Kalhatti. This route curtails the distance to Ooty by about 50 km. This road is closed at night as it passes through the jungle, requiring a few hours spent at the check post which is closed at night. This road as it is narrow and steep. There are eateries and a fuel station in the town of Masinagudi. Resorts near Masinagudi town let cottages. These offer relaxing weekend getaways. There are restaurants between Bangalore and Mysore, and within Mysore, but from Mysore to Ooty there are few restaurants, so it is advisable to stock up on groceries in advance. Start early for a more leisurely drive through Bandipur and Mudumalai forest, taking in occasional animal sightings. ==Get around== {{mapframe}} Taxis, tourist cabs, auto rickshaws are available in plenty. There are no standard rates except for tourist cabs. Rickshaws charge a minimum of ₹30. Town buses are available to all important places. Conducted sight seeing tours are arranged by private operators and the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC). There are around 3-4 different day trip routes/packages available. Bus day-trip cost ₹125-150 and taxi day-trip cost ₹900-1100. Even if you arranged the taxi through the hotel (even TTDC), verify with the hotel and operator before the trip that there are no hidden costs. Taxi drivers will often demand high parking fees and lunch, which is already paid for. It is not uncommon for bus/taxi drivers to get commission from remote restaurants and shops. These places are overpriced, try avoiding such restaurants. Bus and taxi will take tourists to remote, high-priced restaurants for lunch. Try not to eat in such places because the food is cold, the place is not clean beyond the façade, and it is always overpriced (you will end up paying for taxi driver's lunch, too). Also avoid driver's recommendation for sleeping arrangements. They (few of them) will take you to the hotels for accommodation where they get 20% commission, which will be added in your room tariff without your knowledge. == See == [[File:Fernhills Palace, Ooty.JPG|thumb|right|Fernhills palace]] [[File:Government Botanical Gardens, Udagamandalam.jpg|thumb|right|The Government Botanical Garden]] [[File:St Stephen Church, Ooty 04.jpg|thumb|St Stephen Church, Ooty]] * {{see | name=Annamalai Temple | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=about 20 km from Ooty | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-10-24 | content=This place has grown as a famous temple of Lord Muruga, and is known as 7th Hill house of the lord. The view from the temple is great. There is an observatory at the top of hill for the public to enjoy the magnificent panoramic view. }} * {{see | name=Doddabetta Peak | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.40073 | long=76.73582 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=('''Timings:''' 8am - 5pm) | price='''Tickets:''' ₹6 (children below 5 years are free). Still camera: ₹10; Video camera: ₹50 | content=The peak of Dodabetta (literally meaning the big mountain) stands at an altitude of 2,623 m. It is the highest peak in Nilgiri and the second highest peak of [[South India]]. About 8 km from Ooty the peak provides panoramic view of the surrounding area. On a clear day the views can extend to the plains of Coimbatore and the flat highlands of Mysore. There are boards highlighting the area viewed. The peak houses a tower-like structure known as the telescope house. This elevated circular structure provides a great view of the surroundings. The place houses several eateries and makeshift shops. The area is a wildlife zone and the peak can only be reached by car and auto, as trekking is prohibited. }} * {{see | name=Echo Rock | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Some call it the "Lamb's Rock", as it naturally took the shape of a lamb. Go through a very small forest and then you can see the rock. }} * {{see | name=Fern Hills Palace | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.41000 | long=76.70000 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Be sure to visit this palace-turned-hotel of the Mysore Maharaja. Extremely beautiful place and quite affordable tea-snacks and slightly expensive buffet dinner. The palace and its estate are beautiful and are open to guests. The locals often will call it Mysore Palace to avoid confusion with the Fern Hill Hotel. }} * {{see | name=Hidden Valley | content= }} * {{see | name=Ooty Botanical Gardens | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.41888 | long=76.71139 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=('''Timing:''' 7:00 am - 6:30 pm all days) | price='''Tickets:''' Adult: ₹100, Children (5 - 10 yrs): ₹50, Still camera: ₹50, Video camera: ₹100 | content=If you are on a sightseeing tour to Ooty, you might want to visit the Government Botanical gardens, which were laid out in 1847. The picturesque gardens that are maintained by the Horticulture department of the state, cover an area of about 22 ha. The gardens have well over 650 species of plants and trees, including a fossil of a tree, which is believed to be more than 20 million years old. The garden is very popular with nature lovers and those who long to walk among greenery and see rare ferns and shrubs up close. If you are in Ooty in the month of May, then you can also be a part of the summer festival, which is held here annually. The festival holds flower shows and various cultural programs showcasing the talent of the locals and the renowned artists. }} * {{see | name=Toda Temple | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.420303 | long=76.715664 | directions=Approachable through Botanical Garden | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-04-02 | content=Todas were the original inhabitants of Ooty region. They are one of the tribes of the Nilgiri region. The Toda temple consists of an inverted U-shaped structure made of Bamboo. The temple strands at the centreof a circular enclosure, located below ground level. A small, low gateway leads to the interiors of the temple. One has to crawl through the gateway to access the interiors of the temple. However, outsiders are not allowed inside the temple. The entrance is marked with several motifs representing the sun, moon, stars and buffaloes. Buffaloes are an integral part of Toda culture. A group of buffolowes can be seen roaming near the temple complex. The Toda dress consists of a shawl with bright red and black stripes. Several festivities are held at the Toda temple complex. Ask the locals for the festivity details. }} * {{see | name=Ooty Rose gardens | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.40538 | long=76.70807 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=('''Timing:''' 7:00 am - 6:30 pm all days) | price='''Tickets:''' Adult: ₹75, Children: ₹40, Still camera: ₹50 and Video camera: ₹100 | content=It is an amazing and very large area garden. There are 27,000 rose plant of 400 varieties. It is the largest collection of roses in India. It is a beautifully landscaped garden spread across several terraces. A paved pathways meanders through the garden. Decorative fountains are also part of the garden. The garden offers a great view of the town of Ooty. A shop sells rose seeds. The roses blooms from late April to early June, so going there off-season is not very interesting. }} * {{see | name=Pine forest | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=It's a natural beauty. After the end of the forest a lake is there. Be careful while walking as the path has slope. Down the slope lies the waters of Kamaraj-sagar Dam. }} * {{see | name=Shooting Point | content=One very nice place is that. Don't miss it. The view is very pleasant. }} * {{see | name=The Tea Factory | content=Several tree gardens and factories are there. On the way you will get lots of them. They will approach you with free tea taste and offer some tea packets to buy. But be cautious if you don't have much knowledge about tea, better not to buy from them as the packet tea has not the same taste as they gave you to taste. The spices' quality is not so good. }} * {{see | name=Wax World | alt=Wax Museum | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.417361 | long=76.715591 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=It is a private investment not supported by the government. Don't expect much like other foreign wax museums which are helped by tourism authorities for advertisements and promotions. But for sight seeing its good. More attractive is the very old house, where the museum is set up. Candles are available. But it is suffering from a lack of funds for expansion so they request tourists to visit and to get financial help from them, which is the only form of support. }} * {{see | name=Adam's Fountain | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.412017 | long=76.708318 | directions=Charring cross | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4678589 | lastedit=2022-08-16 | content=Built in 1886 in honour of the Governor of Ooty. The cost of the construction was raised through public funding. Today the ornate fountain is an important landmark of the hill station. }} * {{see | name=Government Museum | alt=Stone House or Connemara Cottage or Kal Bungalow | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.412142 | long=76.712728 | directions=Ooty-Mysore Road | phone= | tollfree= | hours=('''Timings:''' 10:30 am - 6:30 pm. Closed on Friday, second Saturday and national holidays) | price='''Tickets:''' Adult: ₹10, Children: ₹5, Foriegner: ₹100, Foreign children: ₹75, still camera: ₹100 and video camera: ₹200 | lastedit=2022-08-16 | content=The museum is housed in the bungalow of John Sullivan, the then collector of [[Coimbatore]]. Built in 1823 it happens to be the first stone house of Ooty. The museum came up in 1989 to conserve and promote the cultural legacy of the Nilgiri district. The museum houses several galleries consisting of the flora & fauna and the tribals of Nilgiri. There are galleries covering diverse topics like archaeology and numismatics. }} ===Churches of Ooty=== * {{see | name=St. Stephen's Church | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.414673 | long=76.702281 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7591741 | lastedit=2022-08-16 | content=Located atop a hilltop the St. Stephen's Church is the oldest Church in Ooty and one of the oldest churches of Nilgiri District. The foundation stone of the church was laid in 23 April 1829, to coincide with the birthday of King George IV. It was opened on Easter Sunday, 3 April 1831. The church is complete with a clock tower and the entrance is through a porch on the southern side. The interiors are spectacular with stained glass on the alter and the side walls. The walls also houses several memorial plaques. The church compound houses a graveyard behind the church. It is an active graveyard but there are several old graves. The entrance to the church compound is through a twin metal arched gateways from the south. Three pillars support the two decorative metal arches. At the foot of the central pillar stands the zero stone and mile stone of Ooty. It is from this very point the distance of Ooty are measured. }} * {{see | name=Holy Trinity Church | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.413543 | long=76.702265 | directions=Opposite St. Stephen's Church | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5886565 | lastedit=2022-08-16 | content=Initially it served as a school on weekdays and church on Sundayas for the local Christians. In 1858 it started functioning as a full fledged Church. The present structure has gone through several renovation. The interior is free of ornamentaion. }} * {{see | name=Sacred Heart Cathedral | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.417086 | long=76.708425 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q133263547 | lastedit=2022-08-16 | content=The twin-towered massive cathedral dominates the skyline of Ooty. The Church dates back to 1897. Since, 1955 the church is serving a Cathedral for the Catholics of Ooty. In 1987 during repairs, a large section of the church roof collapsed. This led to major renovation. The new church was opened to the public on 7 July 1989. Today a long flight of stairs lead to the cathedral. The interiors are beautifully laid with large glass painted windows. There are several statues, including the 14 stations of the cross. }} ==Do== Most travel agents and hotels conduct guided tour packages that will bundle you into a bus, and tick off the most important and hence crowded "tourist" spots in the area. Some hotels also arrange for private cars like Indica, TATA Sumo. * {{do | name=Boat House | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.406723 | long=76.688384 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price='''Tickets:''' ₹20 entry free. Rides and other activities have different tickets | lastedit=2025-04-15 | content=Paddle and speed boat rides in the lake. There are various rides like pirate ship, flying saucer, toy train, etc. There are other activities like haunted houses. Number of eateries serving a wide range of food. A place to hang out with family and kids. }} *Travel on the railway. The charming '''Nilgiri Mountain Railway''' (NMR), blue and cream with wooden coaches and large windows, is widely regarded as a marvel of engineering. *Go for long walks and hikes. *Visit a '''tea plantation''' and if possible a tea factory. *Travel the countryside in a 4x4. *Catch a round of golf at the '''Gymkhana Golf course''' (membership or introduction required) *Visit the local '''Army cantonment''' - the Madras Regimental Center and the DSSC (Defense Services Staff College). *Visit terrace farmed '''cabbage fields''' around Ooty. *Visit the '''Mudumalai forest sanctuary''' (1-2 days minimum). *Visit the '''Needle industries''' which is around 6km from maintown Ooty in Ketti. *Visit 9th mile and also the 6th mile where lot of movies are shot. *Visit the '''Municipal Market''' and shop for fresh local fruits. *{{do | name=Horse back riding | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=US$4/hour | content=It's popular here. In one hour you can go around the lake or longer rides you can visit countryside around Ooty. Some knowledge of horses would be good as the guides are local men who don't speak too much English, teaching is minimal. On top of the price you have to pay for guide. }} *Explore the nearby Avalanche and Emerald Lakes, for day picnics, treks, and walkthroughs of the surrounding villages. You can also hike through the nearby tribal hamlet of Mullimunth of the Toda people. The 3 km trek takes 5 hours and passes through wooded areas and streams along the settlements. ==Buy== Ooty and Nilgiris are well known for a variety of local products like tea, eucalyptus oil, chocolates, spices and gourmet cheese. There are a lot of shops that deal these products, though you have to be careful that you get an authentic product. * {{buy | name=Green Shop | content=It is an extension of the Keystone Foundation that has been working in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve over the last 15 years (since 1995) with indigenous communities on eco-development initiatives. and makes available their handicrafts and products like bee honey, bee wax and other hand-crafted artifacts. They also stock excellent '''gourmet cheeses''' like Gouda, Colby, Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Haloumi and Herb Cream Cheeses made by '''Acres Wild Cheesemaking Farmstay''' in Coonoor. They also have a bee museum that is certainly worth a visit as they show documentaries on wild bees and honey collection. }} * {{buy | name=Taj Bakers | address=Main Bazaar, Ooty. Visit Taj Bakers for traditional Ooty Biscuit called (Varkey) and other bakery items like home made chocolates, and cakes. }} * {{buy | name=King's Star | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=Ooty is famous for its chocolates, and the best place to have them is at King's Star. They have around 4 outlets in Ooty and are the first chocolate makers in Ooty. (The shops are run by the 3rd generation of the family. }} ==Eat== [[File:India - Colours of India - 006 - Wedding Meal.jpg|thumbnail|Lunch is served on a plantain leaf in Ooty]] [[File:Malsala groundnuts sale.JPG|thumbnail|Groundnut with spices in Ooty]] There are various restaurants in Ooty, mostly offering South Indian food, but some offer North Indian food. *{{eat | name=Hotel Sri Velmurugan | alt= | url=https://www.hotelsrivelmurugan.com/ | email=hotelsrivelmurugan@gmail.com | address=Walsham Road, Green fields | lat=11.408889 | long=76.706944 | directions=On the road connecting Alankar Theatre (in Ettines road) and the Commercial Road | phone=+91 9944817139, +91 423-2444968 | tollfree= | hours=6AM to 11PM | price= | lastedit=2019-06-22 | content=Traditional South Indian restaurant. }} *{{eat | name=Earl's Secret | url= | email= | address=Kings Cliff | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Bismillah Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=Near Juma Masjidh, Upper Bazar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-03-25 | content=Delicious meat and fish dishes of Calicut taste. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Navodaya Chaater Cafe | alt=C-Store | url=https://www.facebook.com/pg/Navodaya-Chaater-Cafe-100952364656112 | email= | address=Willow bund road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 9840249656 | tollfree= | hours=3pm onwards | price= | lastedit=2019-11-06 | content=Serves vegetarian delicacies, including maggi. }} ==Drink== The Nilgiris are famous for tea. * {{drink | name=Hotel Blue hills | address=Commercial Road | content=Best non-veg hotel in Ooty. Serving biriyani and other dishes for more than a decade. }} *{{drink | name=Krishan Prabhas | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=lower bazaar, near bus stand, ooty }} == Sleep == There is no dearth of accommodations, with many hotels and inns that cater to every budget. Accommodations are no more expensive than most cities in India, and the popular Indian hotel chains have a presence here. * {{sleep | name=Hotel Darshan | alt= | url= | email=hoteldarshan@yahoo.co.in | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 423 2452288, +91 423 2443378, +91 423 2443807 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹900 and up | content=34 rooms facing the lake, restaurant, room service, 24 hrs hot & cold water, in-house laundry, carpeted rooms, cable TV, parking, camp fire, doctor on call, travel desk, group accommodation available for small and large groups. }} *{{sleep | name=Hotel Maneck | alt= | url= | email= | address=Main Bazaar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 423 2443494 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Very central hotel near horse race track with good economical restaurant on basement. Hotel and restaurant are under Jain management. The rooms start from ₹1200 }} *{{sleep | name=Hotel Sinclair | alt= | url=http://www.sinclairshotels.com/ooty | email=ooty@sinclairshotels.com | address=Gorishola Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 423-2444309 | tollfree= | fax=+91 423-2444229 | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹2,000-10,000 | content=Great view of Ooty and surrounding hills. 5 minutes drive to go to the town market and restaurants. The hotel has its own restaurant and a bar. }} * {{sleep | name=Railway Retirement Room | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=inside the railway station | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹150 | lastedit=2015-05-21 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Reflections Guest House | content=A short walk along the main road - turn right coming out of the train station, or left coming out of the bus stop (which is opposite the train station). It is tidy and with good views of the lake and hills. ₹550/night for upstairs room (Sep 2010). Location is very good - short walk to train station and bus stop, short walk to boat house, Thread Gardens and other tourist attractions. The food in the restaurant is good value for its price and nicely cooked. The owners are helpful and professional, and the common spaces make it a very friendly place to stay. }} * {{sleep | name=Sunshine Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 99433-33323, +91 98942-96961 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Season tariff starts from ₹1800 + tax | content=Three-star property with 70 rooms. Includes a restaurant, room service, in-house laundry, and travel desk, and car parking is available inside the hotel premises. }} * {{sleep | name=Sherlock Hotel | url=http://www.littlearth.in/sherlock/ | price=₹1875-3000 depending on size and view | content=A colonial villa several kilometers away from the town with breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and warm and friendly service. Rooms have cozy fireplaces. The restaurant alone is worth a visit serving outstanding continental food and also murgh boti masala and mint paranthas. Several short walking trails start nearby. A trip to Ooty is worth it just for a stay at this hotel. }} *{{sleep | name=Sullivan court | url=http://www.fortunehotels.in/resort/Ooty-Fortune_Resort_Sullivan_Court.aspx | email= | address=Near Rose Garden | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=5-star luxury hotel. Most famous hotel, best rooms, part of ITC Hotels India. }} * {{sleep | name=Ajantha Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Lower Bazar, Juma Masjidh Street, | lat= | long= | directions=near Railway Station | phone=+91 9159323199 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=400 | lastedit=2017-03-25 | content=Mr. Sadiq Basha runs this lodge in a cute period building of 1912. }} * {{sleep | name=Treebo Whispering Meadows | alt= | url=https://www.treebo.com/hotels-in-ooty/treebo-whispering-meadows-off-gymkhana-golf-link-road-266/ | email=hello@treebohotels.com | address=264, Off Gymkhana Golf link road, Fingerpost | lat=11.413473 | long=76.678539 | directions= | phone=+91 9322 800 100 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=noon | checkout=11AM | price=Starting from 1999 | lastedit=2017-10-09 | content=Treebo Whispering Meadows, a heritage property off Gymkhana Golf Link Road. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Funstay | alt= | url=https://funstay.in/blog/ooty-resorts | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 99028 60849 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Cottages, Resorts and Tents, attached washrooms, party space, Room services, Food service, car parking, In house laundry and Hot running water. These homestays in Ooty are just 3 to 4 km away from Ooty bus stop and railway station. Starts from 1550 to 6500 per person per night. }} * {{sleep | name=West Downs Resort | alt= | url=https://www.westdownsresort.com/ | email=info@westdownsresort.com | address=100, Westbury Rd | lat=11.41409 | long=76.6879 | directions= | phone=+91 423-2442262, +91 8098103386, +91 8098103388 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2024-06-27 | content=Resort from the British colonial period }} * '''[https://www.petalsnilgiris.com/ Petals Luxury Homestay]''' No.7/432, Deavrshola, Balacola (PO),Kundah Taluk,The Nilgiris - 643 203. '''Phone''':(+91) 8300038760, petalsnilgiris@gmail.com == Go next == * [[Bandipur National Park]] *[[Nagarhole National Park]] * Kodanad Viewpoint in Kotagiri * [[Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary]] {{geo|11.411842|76.6959}} {{IsPartOf|Nilgiris}} {{usablecity}} jc6qswy0n2lx3fmn2co2sthtlfa3vk7 5086889 5086888 2025-07-03T02:43:15Z Rangan Datta Wiki 124323 /* By train */ 5086889 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Panoramic view of Doddabetta peak with the telescope house (wikivoyage banner).jpg}} '''Ooty''', short for '''Ootacamund''' and officially '''Udhagamandalam''' (உதகமண்டலம் ''Utakamaṇṭalam''), is a popular '''hill resort''' in the state of [[Tamil Nadu]] in [[Southern India]]. The name Udhagamandalam is derived from the Toda word "othakal-mund" which means "house in mountains". Ooty stands at 2,240 m (7,347 feet) above sea level in the Nilgiri mountain range. It is home to 5 tribal communities; Todas, Kurumbas, Paniyas, Irulas and Kotas. It was turned into a hill station in the 19th century by the [[United Kingdom|British]], and served as the summer headquarters of the Madras Presidency. Ooty is in the Niligiris District which was one of the first places in India to get rid of plastic carry bags, so if you are heading there, remember to carry your own reusable bags, not plastic. ==Understand== [[File:Panoramic view of Doddabetta peak with the telescope house.jpg|thumb|300 px|Panoramic view of Doddabetta peak with the telescope house]] [[File:Kotagiri 87.jpg|thumb|{{center|Ooty Village scene}}]] [[File:Ketti 74.jpg|thumb|{{center|Post Office in the Hills}}]] In the Nilgiris (''Blue Mountains''), it draws swarms of tourists every year. The weather is quite pleasant at a mean of 15-20°C around the year, dropping to lows of 0°C during winter. The landscape is marked by rolling hills covered with dense vegetation, smaller hills and plateaus covered with tea gardens, and eucalyptus trees. Many portions of the hills are preserved as natural reserve forests, and special permits will be needed to camp in noncamp sites. Ooty is not the destination in itself, as much as it is the focal point of attraction. Auto touring the surrounding country side is certainly a must do. Unfortunately, the hill town suffers from overcrowding and erosion of natural resources. Tourism has placed an enormous strain on the natural resources resulting in pollution, water shortage and roads. The hilly region also houses smaller towns like [[Coonoor]] and [[Kotagiri]]. These smaller towns are a better choice to visit and spend time in, since they are off the beaten path, yet less than an hour away from Ooty. They enjoy the same natural climes and prices are a lot cheaper. ==Get in== ===By plane=== Ooty has no airport. The nearby airports are located in: * {{go | name=[[Coimbatore]] ({{IATA|CJB}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-04-02 | content=Nearest airport (88km and 3.5 hrs) }} * {{go | name=[[Mysore]] ({{IATA|MYQ}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-04-02 | content=Mysore airport is also close (116 km and 4 hrs) }} ===By train=== * {{go | name=Udagamandalam railway station | alt= UAM | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7095466 | content=The Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR) connects Ooty with [[Mettupalayam]]. It is a meter-gauge railway, popularly known as the toy train. In 2005 it was declared a UNESCO Heritage Site under '''[[Rail travel in India#Mountain trains|Mountain Railways of India]]'''. It follows the rack and pinion technology technology, where a third rail reduces the speed of the train. Today, both steam and diesel engines operate on the route. The route is 51 km long and takes a long time. For tourist with limited time can opt for a journey from [[Coonoor]]. }} ===By bus=== * {{go | name=Ooty bus stand | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.403674 | long=76.696536 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7095467 | lastedit=2025-03-21 | content=Ooty is well connected by bus. There are direct buses from [[Coimbatore]] (Mettupalayam Bus Stand) (4 hrs), [[Kozhikode]] and [[Mysore]]. }} ===By car=== The Nilgiris are in [[Tamil Nadu]], but near the borders [[Karnataka]] and [[Kerala]]. The hills consequently can be reached from within Tamil Nadu by travelling up a heavily forested winding road, with many hair-pin bends. The road trip from any state is scenic, although the Coimbatore-Mettupalayam-Coonoor-Ooty road (i.e. the Tamil Nadu route) is the most travelled and best-maintained. All roads to the Nilgiri hills have nominal tolls. Taxis at the Coimbatore "new bus stand" charge ₹2500 (negotiable) when reserved and ₹600 each when shared, four people share an Omni (Maruti van). In case a hotel has been per-booked, they often provide taxis to and from Coimbatore for ₹2000. Ooty is 284 km from Bangalore by road. The journey takes about eight hours, depending on the road's condition. There is a shorter route with a diversion at Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary, which passes the towns of Masinagudi and Kalhatti. This route curtails the distance to Ooty by about 50 km. This road is closed at night as it passes through the jungle, requiring a few hours spent at the check post which is closed at night. This road as it is narrow and steep. There are eateries and a fuel station in the town of Masinagudi. Resorts near Masinagudi town let cottages. These offer relaxing weekend getaways. There are restaurants between Bangalore and Mysore, and within Mysore, but from Mysore to Ooty there are few restaurants, so it is advisable to stock up on groceries in advance. Start early for a more leisurely drive through Bandipur and Mudumalai forest, taking in occasional animal sightings. ==Get around== {{mapframe}} Taxis, tourist cabs, auto rickshaws are available in plenty. There are no standard rates except for tourist cabs. Rickshaws charge a minimum of ₹30. Town buses are available to all important places. Conducted sight seeing tours are arranged by private operators and the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC). There are around 3-4 different day trip routes/packages available. Bus day-trip cost ₹125-150 and taxi day-trip cost ₹900-1100. Even if you arranged the taxi through the hotel (even TTDC), verify with the hotel and operator before the trip that there are no hidden costs. Taxi drivers will often demand high parking fees and lunch, which is already paid for. It is not uncommon for bus/taxi drivers to get commission from remote restaurants and shops. These places are overpriced, try avoiding such restaurants. Bus and taxi will take tourists to remote, high-priced restaurants for lunch. Try not to eat in such places because the food is cold, the place is not clean beyond the façade, and it is always overpriced (you will end up paying for taxi driver's lunch, too). Also avoid driver's recommendation for sleeping arrangements. They (few of them) will take you to the hotels for accommodation where they get 20% commission, which will be added in your room tariff without your knowledge. == See == [[File:Fernhills Palace, Ooty.JPG|thumb|right|Fernhills palace]] [[File:Government Botanical Gardens, Udagamandalam.jpg|thumb|right|The Government Botanical Garden]] [[File:St Stephen Church, Ooty 04.jpg|thumb|St Stephen Church, Ooty]] * {{see | name=Annamalai Temple | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=about 20 km from Ooty | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-10-24 | content=This place has grown as a famous temple of Lord Muruga, and is known as 7th Hill house of the lord. The view from the temple is great. There is an observatory at the top of hill for the public to enjoy the magnificent panoramic view. }} * {{see | name=Doddabetta Peak | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.40073 | long=76.73582 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=('''Timings:''' 8am - 5pm) | price='''Tickets:''' ₹6 (children below 5 years are free). Still camera: ₹10; Video camera: ₹50 | content=The peak of Dodabetta (literally meaning the big mountain) stands at an altitude of 2,623 m. It is the highest peak in Nilgiri and the second highest peak of [[South India]]. About 8 km from Ooty the peak provides panoramic view of the surrounding area. On a clear day the views can extend to the plains of Coimbatore and the flat highlands of Mysore. There are boards highlighting the area viewed. The peak houses a tower-like structure known as the telescope house. This elevated circular structure provides a great view of the surroundings. The place houses several eateries and makeshift shops. The area is a wildlife zone and the peak can only be reached by car and auto, as trekking is prohibited. }} * {{see | name=Echo Rock | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Some call it the "Lamb's Rock", as it naturally took the shape of a lamb. Go through a very small forest and then you can see the rock. }} * {{see | name=Fern Hills Palace | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.41000 | long=76.70000 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Be sure to visit this palace-turned-hotel of the Mysore Maharaja. Extremely beautiful place and quite affordable tea-snacks and slightly expensive buffet dinner. The palace and its estate are beautiful and are open to guests. The locals often will call it Mysore Palace to avoid confusion with the Fern Hill Hotel. }} * {{see | name=Hidden Valley | content= }} * {{see | name=Ooty Botanical Gardens | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.41888 | long=76.71139 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=('''Timing:''' 7:00 am - 6:30 pm all days) | price='''Tickets:''' Adult: ₹100, Children (5 - 10 yrs): ₹50, Still camera: ₹50, Video camera: ₹100 | content=If you are on a sightseeing tour to Ooty, you might want to visit the Government Botanical gardens, which were laid out in 1847. The picturesque gardens that are maintained by the Horticulture department of the state, cover an area of about 22 ha. The gardens have well over 650 species of plants and trees, including a fossil of a tree, which is believed to be more than 20 million years old. The garden is very popular with nature lovers and those who long to walk among greenery and see rare ferns and shrubs up close. If you are in Ooty in the month of May, then you can also be a part of the summer festival, which is held here annually. The festival holds flower shows and various cultural programs showcasing the talent of the locals and the renowned artists. }} * {{see | name=Toda Temple | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.420303 | long=76.715664 | directions=Approachable through Botanical Garden | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-04-02 | content=Todas were the original inhabitants of Ooty region. They are one of the tribes of the Nilgiri region. The Toda temple consists of an inverted U-shaped structure made of Bamboo. The temple strands at the centreof a circular enclosure, located below ground level. A small, low gateway leads to the interiors of the temple. One has to crawl through the gateway to access the interiors of the temple. However, outsiders are not allowed inside the temple. The entrance is marked with several motifs representing the sun, moon, stars and buffaloes. Buffaloes are an integral part of Toda culture. A group of buffolowes can be seen roaming near the temple complex. The Toda dress consists of a shawl with bright red and black stripes. Several festivities are held at the Toda temple complex. Ask the locals for the festivity details. }} * {{see | name=Ooty Rose gardens | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.40538 | long=76.70807 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=('''Timing:''' 7:00 am - 6:30 pm all days) | price='''Tickets:''' Adult: ₹75, Children: ₹40, Still camera: ₹50 and Video camera: ₹100 | content=It is an amazing and very large area garden. There are 27,000 rose plant of 400 varieties. It is the largest collection of roses in India. It is a beautifully landscaped garden spread across several terraces. A paved pathways meanders through the garden. Decorative fountains are also part of the garden. The garden offers a great view of the town of Ooty. A shop sells rose seeds. The roses blooms from late April to early June, so going there off-season is not very interesting. }} * {{see | name=Pine forest | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=It's a natural beauty. After the end of the forest a lake is there. Be careful while walking as the path has slope. Down the slope lies the waters of Kamaraj-sagar Dam. }} * {{see | name=Shooting Point | content=One very nice place is that. Don't miss it. The view is very pleasant. }} * {{see | name=The Tea Factory | content=Several tree gardens and factories are there. On the way you will get lots of them. They will approach you with free tea taste and offer some tea packets to buy. But be cautious if you don't have much knowledge about tea, better not to buy from them as the packet tea has not the same taste as they gave you to taste. The spices' quality is not so good. }} * {{see | name=Wax World | alt=Wax Museum | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.417361 | long=76.715591 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=It is a private investment not supported by the government. Don't expect much like other foreign wax museums which are helped by tourism authorities for advertisements and promotions. But for sight seeing its good. More attractive is the very old house, where the museum is set up. Candles are available. But it is suffering from a lack of funds for expansion so they request tourists to visit and to get financial help from them, which is the only form of support. }} * {{see | name=Adam's Fountain | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.412017 | long=76.708318 | directions=Charring cross | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4678589 | lastedit=2022-08-16 | content=Built in 1886 in honour of the Governor of Ooty. The cost of the construction was raised through public funding. Today the ornate fountain is an important landmark of the hill station. }} * {{see | name=Government Museum | alt=Stone House or Connemara Cottage or Kal Bungalow | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.412142 | long=76.712728 | directions=Ooty-Mysore Road | phone= | tollfree= | hours=('''Timings:''' 10:30 am - 6:30 pm. Closed on Friday, second Saturday and national holidays) | price='''Tickets:''' Adult: ₹10, Children: ₹5, Foriegner: ₹100, Foreign children: ₹75, still camera: ₹100 and video camera: ₹200 | lastedit=2022-08-16 | content=The museum is housed in the bungalow of John Sullivan, the then collector of [[Coimbatore]]. Built in 1823 it happens to be the first stone house of Ooty. The museum came up in 1989 to conserve and promote the cultural legacy of the Nilgiri district. The museum houses several galleries consisting of the flora & fauna and the tribals of Nilgiri. There are galleries covering diverse topics like archaeology and numismatics. }} ===Churches of Ooty=== * {{see | name=St. Stephen's Church | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.414673 | long=76.702281 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7591741 | lastedit=2022-08-16 | content=Located atop a hilltop the St. Stephen's Church is the oldest Church in Ooty and one of the oldest churches of Nilgiri District. The foundation stone of the church was laid in 23 April 1829, to coincide with the birthday of King George IV. It was opened on Easter Sunday, 3 April 1831. The church is complete with a clock tower and the entrance is through a porch on the southern side. The interiors are spectacular with stained glass on the alter and the side walls. The walls also houses several memorial plaques. The church compound houses a graveyard behind the church. It is an active graveyard but there are several old graves. The entrance to the church compound is through a twin metal arched gateways from the south. Three pillars support the two decorative metal arches. At the foot of the central pillar stands the zero stone and mile stone of Ooty. It is from this very point the distance of Ooty are measured. }} * {{see | name=Holy Trinity Church | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.413543 | long=76.702265 | directions=Opposite St. Stephen's Church | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5886565 | lastedit=2022-08-16 | content=Initially it served as a school on weekdays and church on Sundayas for the local Christians. In 1858 it started functioning as a full fledged Church. The present structure has gone through several renovation. The interior is free of ornamentaion. }} * {{see | name=Sacred Heart Cathedral | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.417086 | long=76.708425 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q133263547 | lastedit=2022-08-16 | content=The twin-towered massive cathedral dominates the skyline of Ooty. The Church dates back to 1897. Since, 1955 the church is serving a Cathedral for the Catholics of Ooty. In 1987 during repairs, a large section of the church roof collapsed. This led to major renovation. The new church was opened to the public on 7 July 1989. Today a long flight of stairs lead to the cathedral. The interiors are beautifully laid with large glass painted windows. There are several statues, including the 14 stations of the cross. }} ==Do== Most travel agents and hotels conduct guided tour packages that will bundle you into a bus, and tick off the most important and hence crowded "tourist" spots in the area. Some hotels also arrange for private cars like Indica, TATA Sumo. * {{do | name=Boat House | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.406723 | long=76.688384 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price='''Tickets:''' ₹20 entry free. Rides and other activities have different tickets | lastedit=2025-04-15 | content=Paddle and speed boat rides in the lake. There are various rides like pirate ship, flying saucer, toy train, etc. There are other activities like haunted houses. Number of eateries serving a wide range of food. A place to hang out with family and kids. }} *Travel on the railway. The charming '''Nilgiri Mountain Railway''' (NMR), blue and cream with wooden coaches and large windows, is widely regarded as a marvel of engineering. *Go for long walks and hikes. *Visit a '''tea plantation''' and if possible a tea factory. *Travel the countryside in a 4x4. *Catch a round of golf at the '''Gymkhana Golf course''' (membership or introduction required) *Visit the local '''Army cantonment''' - the Madras Regimental Center and the DSSC (Defense Services Staff College). *Visit terrace farmed '''cabbage fields''' around Ooty. *Visit the '''Mudumalai forest sanctuary''' (1-2 days minimum). *Visit the '''Needle industries''' which is around 6km from maintown Ooty in Ketti. *Visit 9th mile and also the 6th mile where lot of movies are shot. *Visit the '''Municipal Market''' and shop for fresh local fruits. *{{do | name=Horse back riding | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=US$4/hour | content=It's popular here. In one hour you can go around the lake or longer rides you can visit countryside around Ooty. Some knowledge of horses would be good as the guides are local men who don't speak too much English, teaching is minimal. On top of the price you have to pay for guide. }} *Explore the nearby Avalanche and Emerald Lakes, for day picnics, treks, and walkthroughs of the surrounding villages. You can also hike through the nearby tribal hamlet of Mullimunth of the Toda people. The 3 km trek takes 5 hours and passes through wooded areas and streams along the settlements. ==Buy== Ooty and Nilgiris are well known for a variety of local products like tea, eucalyptus oil, chocolates, spices and gourmet cheese. There are a lot of shops that deal these products, though you have to be careful that you get an authentic product. * {{buy | name=Green Shop | content=It is an extension of the Keystone Foundation that has been working in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve over the last 15 years (since 1995) with indigenous communities on eco-development initiatives. and makes available their handicrafts and products like bee honey, bee wax and other hand-crafted artifacts. They also stock excellent '''gourmet cheeses''' like Gouda, Colby, Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Haloumi and Herb Cream Cheeses made by '''Acres Wild Cheesemaking Farmstay''' in Coonoor. They also have a bee museum that is certainly worth a visit as they show documentaries on wild bees and honey collection. }} * {{buy | name=Taj Bakers | address=Main Bazaar, Ooty. Visit Taj Bakers for traditional Ooty Biscuit called (Varkey) and other bakery items like home made chocolates, and cakes. }} * {{buy | name=King's Star | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=Ooty is famous for its chocolates, and the best place to have them is at King's Star. They have around 4 outlets in Ooty and are the first chocolate makers in Ooty. (The shops are run by the 3rd generation of the family. }} ==Eat== [[File:India - Colours of India - 006 - Wedding Meal.jpg|thumbnail|Lunch is served on a plantain leaf in Ooty]] [[File:Malsala groundnuts sale.JPG|thumbnail|Groundnut with spices in Ooty]] There are various restaurants in Ooty, mostly offering South Indian food, but some offer North Indian food. *{{eat | name=Hotel Sri Velmurugan | alt= | url=https://www.hotelsrivelmurugan.com/ | email=hotelsrivelmurugan@gmail.com | address=Walsham Road, Green fields | lat=11.408889 | long=76.706944 | directions=On the road connecting Alankar Theatre (in Ettines road) and the Commercial Road | phone=+91 9944817139, +91 423-2444968 | tollfree= | hours=6AM to 11PM | price= | lastedit=2019-06-22 | content=Traditional South Indian restaurant. }} *{{eat | name=Earl's Secret | url= | email= | address=Kings Cliff | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Bismillah Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=Near Juma Masjidh, Upper Bazar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-03-25 | content=Delicious meat and fish dishes of Calicut taste. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Navodaya Chaater Cafe | alt=C-Store | url=https://www.facebook.com/pg/Navodaya-Chaater-Cafe-100952364656112 | email= | address=Willow bund road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 9840249656 | tollfree= | hours=3pm onwards | price= | lastedit=2019-11-06 | content=Serves vegetarian delicacies, including maggi. }} ==Drink== The Nilgiris are famous for tea. * {{drink | name=Hotel Blue hills | address=Commercial Road | content=Best non-veg hotel in Ooty. Serving biriyani and other dishes for more than a decade. }} *{{drink | name=Krishan Prabhas | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=lower bazaar, near bus stand, ooty }} == Sleep == There is no dearth of accommodations, with many hotels and inns that cater to every budget. Accommodations are no more expensive than most cities in India, and the popular Indian hotel chains have a presence here. * {{sleep | name=Hotel Darshan | alt= | url= | email=hoteldarshan@yahoo.co.in | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 423 2452288, +91 423 2443378, +91 423 2443807 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹900 and up | content=34 rooms facing the lake, restaurant, room service, 24 hrs hot & cold water, in-house laundry, carpeted rooms, cable TV, parking, camp fire, doctor on call, travel desk, group accommodation available for small and large groups. }} *{{sleep | name=Hotel Maneck | alt= | url= | email= | address=Main Bazaar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 423 2443494 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Very central hotel near horse race track with good economical restaurant on basement. Hotel and restaurant are under Jain management. The rooms start from ₹1200 }} *{{sleep | name=Hotel Sinclair | alt= | url=http://www.sinclairshotels.com/ooty | email=ooty@sinclairshotels.com | address=Gorishola Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 423-2444309 | tollfree= | fax=+91 423-2444229 | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹2,000-10,000 | content=Great view of Ooty and surrounding hills. 5 minutes drive to go to the town market and restaurants. The hotel has its own restaurant and a bar. }} * {{sleep | name=Railway Retirement Room | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=inside the railway station | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹150 | lastedit=2015-05-21 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Reflections Guest House | content=A short walk along the main road - turn right coming out of the train station, or left coming out of the bus stop (which is opposite the train station). It is tidy and with good views of the lake and hills. ₹550/night for upstairs room (Sep 2010). Location is very good - short walk to train station and bus stop, short walk to boat house, Thread Gardens and other tourist attractions. The food in the restaurant is good value for its price and nicely cooked. The owners are helpful and professional, and the common spaces make it a very friendly place to stay. }} * {{sleep | name=Sunshine Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 99433-33323, +91 98942-96961 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Season tariff starts from ₹1800 + tax | content=Three-star property with 70 rooms. Includes a restaurant, room service, in-house laundry, and travel desk, and car parking is available inside the hotel premises. }} * {{sleep | name=Sherlock Hotel | url=http://www.littlearth.in/sherlock/ | price=₹1875-3000 depending on size and view | content=A colonial villa several kilometers away from the town with breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and warm and friendly service. Rooms have cozy fireplaces. The restaurant alone is worth a visit serving outstanding continental food and also murgh boti masala and mint paranthas. Several short walking trails start nearby. A trip to Ooty is worth it just for a stay at this hotel. }} *{{sleep | name=Sullivan court | url=http://www.fortunehotels.in/resort/Ooty-Fortune_Resort_Sullivan_Court.aspx | email= | address=Near Rose Garden | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=5-star luxury hotel. Most famous hotel, best rooms, part of ITC Hotels India. }} * {{sleep | name=Ajantha Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Lower Bazar, Juma Masjidh Street, | lat= | long= | directions=near Railway Station | phone=+91 9159323199 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=400 | lastedit=2017-03-25 | content=Mr. Sadiq Basha runs this lodge in a cute period building of 1912. }} * {{sleep | name=Treebo Whispering Meadows | alt= | url=https://www.treebo.com/hotels-in-ooty/treebo-whispering-meadows-off-gymkhana-golf-link-road-266/ | email=hello@treebohotels.com | address=264, Off Gymkhana Golf link road, Fingerpost | lat=11.413473 | long=76.678539 | directions= | phone=+91 9322 800 100 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=noon | checkout=11AM | price=Starting from 1999 | lastedit=2017-10-09 | content=Treebo Whispering Meadows, a heritage property off Gymkhana Golf Link Road. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Funstay | alt= | url=https://funstay.in/blog/ooty-resorts | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 99028 60849 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Cottages, Resorts and Tents, attached washrooms, party space, Room services, Food service, car parking, In house laundry and Hot running water. These homestays in Ooty are just 3 to 4 km away from Ooty bus stop and railway station. Starts from 1550 to 6500 per person per night. }} * {{sleep | name=West Downs Resort | alt= | url=https://www.westdownsresort.com/ | email=info@westdownsresort.com | address=100, Westbury Rd | lat=11.41409 | long=76.6879 | directions= | phone=+91 423-2442262, +91 8098103386, +91 8098103388 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2024-06-27 | content=Resort from the British colonial period }} * '''[https://www.petalsnilgiris.com/ Petals Luxury Homestay]''' No.7/432, Deavrshola, Balacola (PO),Kundah Taluk,The Nilgiris - 643 203. '''Phone''':(+91) 8300038760, petalsnilgiris@gmail.com == Go next == * [[Bandipur National Park]] *[[Nagarhole National Park]] * Kodanad Viewpoint in Kotagiri * [[Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary]] {{geo|11.411842|76.6959}} {{IsPartOf|Nilgiris}} {{usablecity}} pdrd1hkgmtainq89akiakmk2pxyujjy 5086891 5086889 2025-07-03T02:48:24Z Rangan Datta Wiki 124323 /* See */ Updated listing for Government Museum 5086891 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Panoramic view of Doddabetta peak with the telescope house (wikivoyage banner).jpg}} '''Ooty''', short for '''Ootacamund''' and officially '''Udhagamandalam''' (உதகமண்டலம் ''Utakamaṇṭalam''), is a popular '''hill resort''' in the state of [[Tamil Nadu]] in [[Southern India]]. The name Udhagamandalam is derived from the Toda word "othakal-mund" which means "house in mountains". Ooty stands at 2,240 m (7,347 feet) above sea level in the Nilgiri mountain range. It is home to 5 tribal communities; Todas, Kurumbas, Paniyas, Irulas and Kotas. It was turned into a hill station in the 19th century by the [[United Kingdom|British]], and served as the summer headquarters of the Madras Presidency. Ooty is in the Niligiris District which was one of the first places in India to get rid of plastic carry bags, so if you are heading there, remember to carry your own reusable bags, not plastic. ==Understand== [[File:Panoramic view of Doddabetta peak with the telescope house.jpg|thumb|300 px|Panoramic view of Doddabetta peak with the telescope house]] [[File:Kotagiri 87.jpg|thumb|{{center|Ooty Village scene}}]] [[File:Ketti 74.jpg|thumb|{{center|Post Office in the Hills}}]] In the Nilgiris (''Blue Mountains''), it draws swarms of tourists every year. The weather is quite pleasant at a mean of 15-20°C around the year, dropping to lows of 0°C during winter. The landscape is marked by rolling hills covered with dense vegetation, smaller hills and plateaus covered with tea gardens, and eucalyptus trees. Many portions of the hills are preserved as natural reserve forests, and special permits will be needed to camp in noncamp sites. Ooty is not the destination in itself, as much as it is the focal point of attraction. Auto touring the surrounding country side is certainly a must do. Unfortunately, the hill town suffers from overcrowding and erosion of natural resources. Tourism has placed an enormous strain on the natural resources resulting in pollution, water shortage and roads. The hilly region also houses smaller towns like [[Coonoor]] and [[Kotagiri]]. These smaller towns are a better choice to visit and spend time in, since they are off the beaten path, yet less than an hour away from Ooty. They enjoy the same natural climes and prices are a lot cheaper. ==Get in== ===By plane=== Ooty has no airport. The nearby airports are located in: * {{go | name=[[Coimbatore]] ({{IATA|CJB}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-04-02 | content=Nearest airport (88km and 3.5 hrs) }} * {{go | name=[[Mysore]] ({{IATA|MYQ}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-04-02 | content=Mysore airport is also close (116 km and 4 hrs) }} ===By train=== * {{go | name=Udagamandalam railway station | alt= UAM | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7095466 | content=The Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR) connects Ooty with [[Mettupalayam]]. It is a meter-gauge railway, popularly known as the toy train. In 2005 it was declared a UNESCO Heritage Site under '''[[Rail travel in India#Mountain trains|Mountain Railways of India]]'''. It follows the rack and pinion technology technology, where a third rail reduces the speed of the train. Today, both steam and diesel engines operate on the route. The route is 51 km long and takes a long time. For tourist with limited time can opt for a journey from [[Coonoor]]. }} ===By bus=== * {{go | name=Ooty bus stand | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.403674 | long=76.696536 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7095467 | lastedit=2025-03-21 | content=Ooty is well connected by bus. There are direct buses from [[Coimbatore]] (Mettupalayam Bus Stand) (4 hrs), [[Kozhikode]] and [[Mysore]]. }} ===By car=== The Nilgiris are in [[Tamil Nadu]], but near the borders [[Karnataka]] and [[Kerala]]. The hills consequently can be reached from within Tamil Nadu by travelling up a heavily forested winding road, with many hair-pin bends. The road trip from any state is scenic, although the Coimbatore-Mettupalayam-Coonoor-Ooty road (i.e. the Tamil Nadu route) is the most travelled and best-maintained. All roads to the Nilgiri hills have nominal tolls. Taxis at the Coimbatore "new bus stand" charge ₹2500 (negotiable) when reserved and ₹600 each when shared, four people share an Omni (Maruti van). In case a hotel has been per-booked, they often provide taxis to and from Coimbatore for ₹2000. Ooty is 284 km from Bangalore by road. The journey takes about eight hours, depending on the road's condition. There is a shorter route with a diversion at Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary, which passes the towns of Masinagudi and Kalhatti. This route curtails the distance to Ooty by about 50 km. This road is closed at night as it passes through the jungle, requiring a few hours spent at the check post which is closed at night. This road as it is narrow and steep. There are eateries and a fuel station in the town of Masinagudi. Resorts near Masinagudi town let cottages. These offer relaxing weekend getaways. There are restaurants between Bangalore and Mysore, and within Mysore, but from Mysore to Ooty there are few restaurants, so it is advisable to stock up on groceries in advance. Start early for a more leisurely drive through Bandipur and Mudumalai forest, taking in occasional animal sightings. ==Get around== {{mapframe}} Taxis, tourist cabs, auto rickshaws are available in plenty. There are no standard rates except for tourist cabs. Rickshaws charge a minimum of ₹30. Town buses are available to all important places. Conducted sight seeing tours are arranged by private operators and the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC). There are around 3-4 different day trip routes/packages available. Bus day-trip cost ₹125-150 and taxi day-trip cost ₹900-1100. Even if you arranged the taxi through the hotel (even TTDC), verify with the hotel and operator before the trip that there are no hidden costs. Taxi drivers will often demand high parking fees and lunch, which is already paid for. It is not uncommon for bus/taxi drivers to get commission from remote restaurants and shops. These places are overpriced, try avoiding such restaurants. Bus and taxi will take tourists to remote, high-priced restaurants for lunch. Try not to eat in such places because the food is cold, the place is not clean beyond the façade, and it is always overpriced (you will end up paying for taxi driver's lunch, too). Also avoid driver's recommendation for sleeping arrangements. They (few of them) will take you to the hotels for accommodation where they get 20% commission, which will be added in your room tariff without your knowledge. == See == [[File:Fernhills Palace, Ooty.JPG|thumb|right|Fernhills palace]] [[File:Government Botanical Gardens, Udagamandalam.jpg|thumb|right|The Government Botanical Garden]] [[File:St Stephen Church, Ooty 04.jpg|thumb|St Stephen Church, Ooty]] * {{see | name=Annamalai Temple | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=about 20 km from Ooty | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-10-24 | content=This place has grown as a famous temple of Lord Muruga, and is known as 7th Hill house of the lord. The view from the temple is great. There is an observatory at the top of hill for the public to enjoy the magnificent panoramic view. }} * {{see | name=Doddabetta Peak | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.40073 | long=76.73582 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=('''Timings:''' 8am - 5pm) | price='''Tickets:''' ₹6 (children below 5 years are free). Still camera: ₹10; Video camera: ₹50 | content=The peak of Dodabetta (literally meaning the big mountain) stands at an altitude of 2,623 m. It is the highest peak in Nilgiri and the second highest peak of [[South India]]. About 8 km from Ooty the peak provides panoramic view of the surrounding area. On a clear day the views can extend to the plains of Coimbatore and the flat highlands of Mysore. There are boards highlighting the area viewed. The peak houses a tower-like structure known as the telescope house. This elevated circular structure provides a great view of the surroundings. The place houses several eateries and makeshift shops. The area is a wildlife zone and the peak can only be reached by car and auto, as trekking is prohibited. }} * {{see | name=Echo Rock | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Some call it the "Lamb's Rock", as it naturally took the shape of a lamb. Go through a very small forest and then you can see the rock. }} * {{see | name=Fern Hills Palace | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.41000 | long=76.70000 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Be sure to visit this palace-turned-hotel of the Mysore Maharaja. Extremely beautiful place and quite affordable tea-snacks and slightly expensive buffet dinner. The palace and its estate are beautiful and are open to guests. The locals often will call it Mysore Palace to avoid confusion with the Fern Hill Hotel. }} * {{see | name=Hidden Valley | content= }} * {{see | name=Ooty Botanical Gardens | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.41888 | long=76.71139 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=('''Timing:''' 7:00 am - 6:30 pm all days) | price='''Tickets:''' Adult: ₹100, Children (5 - 10 yrs): ₹50, Still camera: ₹50, Video camera: ₹100 | content=If you are on a sightseeing tour to Ooty, you might want to visit the Government Botanical gardens, which were laid out in 1847. The picturesque gardens that are maintained by the Horticulture department of the state, cover an area of about 22 ha. The gardens have well over 650 species of plants and trees, including a fossil of a tree, which is believed to be more than 20 million years old. The garden is very popular with nature lovers and those who long to walk among greenery and see rare ferns and shrubs up close. If you are in Ooty in the month of May, then you can also be a part of the summer festival, which is held here annually. The festival holds flower shows and various cultural programs showcasing the talent of the locals and the renowned artists. }} * {{see | name=Toda Temple | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.420303 | long=76.715664 | directions=Approachable through Botanical Garden | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-04-02 | content=Todas were the original inhabitants of Ooty region. They are one of the tribes of the Nilgiri region. The Toda temple consists of an inverted U-shaped structure made of Bamboo. The temple strands at the centreof a circular enclosure, located below ground level. A small, low gateway leads to the interiors of the temple. One has to crawl through the gateway to access the interiors of the temple. However, outsiders are not allowed inside the temple. The entrance is marked with several motifs representing the sun, moon, stars and buffaloes. Buffaloes are an integral part of Toda culture. A group of buffolowes can be seen roaming near the temple complex. The Toda dress consists of a shawl with bright red and black stripes. Several festivities are held at the Toda temple complex. Ask the locals for the festivity details. }} * {{see | name=Ooty Rose gardens | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.40538 | long=76.70807 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=('''Timing:''' 7:00 am - 6:30 pm all days) | price='''Tickets:''' Adult: ₹75, Children: ₹40, Still camera: ₹50 and Video camera: ₹100 | content=It is an amazing and very large area garden. There are 27,000 rose plant of 400 varieties. It is the largest collection of roses in India. It is a beautifully landscaped garden spread across several terraces. A paved pathways meanders through the garden. Decorative fountains are also part of the garden. The garden offers a great view of the town of Ooty. A shop sells rose seeds. The roses blooms from late April to early June, so going there off-season is not very interesting. }} * {{see | name=Pine forest | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=It's a natural beauty. After the end of the forest a lake is there. Be careful while walking as the path has slope. Down the slope lies the waters of Kamaraj-sagar Dam. }} * {{see | name=Shooting Point | content=One very nice place is that. Don't miss it. The view is very pleasant. }} * {{see | name=The Tea Factory | content=Several tree gardens and factories are there. On the way you will get lots of them. They will approach you with free tea taste and offer some tea packets to buy. But be cautious if you don't have much knowledge about tea, better not to buy from them as the packet tea has not the same taste as they gave you to taste. The spices' quality is not so good. }} * {{see | name=Wax World | alt=Wax Museum | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.417361 | long=76.715591 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=It is a private investment not supported by the government. Don't expect much like other foreign wax museums which are helped by tourism authorities for advertisements and promotions. But for sight seeing its good. More attractive is the very old house, where the museum is set up. Candles are available. But it is suffering from a lack of funds for expansion so they request tourists to visit and to get financial help from them, which is the only form of support. }} * {{see | name=Adam's Fountain | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.412017 | long=76.708318 | directions=Charring cross | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4678589 | lastedit=2022-08-16 | content=Built in 1886 in honour of the Governor of Ooty. The cost of the construction was raised through public funding. Today the ornate fountain is an important landmark of the hill station. }} * {{see | name=Government Museum | alt=Stone House or Connemara Cottage or Kal Bungalow | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.412142 | long=76.712728 | directions=Ooty-Mysore Road | phone= | tollfree= | hours=('''Timings:''' 10:30 am - 6:30 pm. Closed on Friday, second Saturday and national holidays) | price='''Tickets:''' Adult: ₹10, Children: ₹5, Foriegner: ₹100, Foreign children: ₹75, still camera: ₹100 and video camera: ₹200 | wikidata=Q7618957 | lastedit=2022-08-16 | content=The museum is housed in the bungalow of John Sullivan, the then collector of [[Coimbatore]]. Built in 1823 it happens to be the first stone house of Ooty. The museum came up in 1989 to conserve and promote the cultural legacy of the Nilgiri district. The museum houses several galleries consisting of the flora & fauna and the tribals of Nilgiri. There are galleries covering diverse topics like archaeology and numismatics. }} ===Churches of Ooty=== * {{see | name=St. Stephen's Church | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.414673 | long=76.702281 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7591741 | lastedit=2022-08-16 | content=Located atop a hilltop the St. Stephen's Church is the oldest Church in Ooty and one of the oldest churches of Nilgiri District. The foundation stone of the church was laid in 23 April 1829, to coincide with the birthday of King George IV. It was opened on Easter Sunday, 3 April 1831. The church is complete with a clock tower and the entrance is through a porch on the southern side. The interiors are spectacular with stained glass on the alter and the side walls. The walls also houses several memorial plaques. The church compound houses a graveyard behind the church. It is an active graveyard but there are several old graves. The entrance to the church compound is through a twin metal arched gateways from the south. Three pillars support the two decorative metal arches. At the foot of the central pillar stands the zero stone and mile stone of Ooty. It is from this very point the distance of Ooty are measured. }} * {{see | name=Holy Trinity Church | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.413543 | long=76.702265 | directions=Opposite St. Stephen's Church | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5886565 | lastedit=2022-08-16 | content=Initially it served as a school on weekdays and church on Sundayas for the local Christians. In 1858 it started functioning as a full fledged Church. The present structure has gone through several renovation. The interior is free of ornamentaion. }} * {{see | name=Sacred Heart Cathedral | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.417086 | long=76.708425 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q133263547 | lastedit=2022-08-16 | content=The twin-towered massive cathedral dominates the skyline of Ooty. The Church dates back to 1897. Since, 1955 the church is serving a Cathedral for the Catholics of Ooty. In 1987 during repairs, a large section of the church roof collapsed. This led to major renovation. The new church was opened to the public on 7 July 1989. Today a long flight of stairs lead to the cathedral. The interiors are beautifully laid with large glass painted windows. There are several statues, including the 14 stations of the cross. }} ==Do== Most travel agents and hotels conduct guided tour packages that will bundle you into a bus, and tick off the most important and hence crowded "tourist" spots in the area. Some hotels also arrange for private cars like Indica, TATA Sumo. * {{do | name=Boat House | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.406723 | long=76.688384 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price='''Tickets:''' ₹20 entry free. Rides and other activities have different tickets | lastedit=2025-04-15 | content=Paddle and speed boat rides in the lake. There are various rides like pirate ship, flying saucer, toy train, etc. There are other activities like haunted houses. Number of eateries serving a wide range of food. A place to hang out with family and kids. }} *Travel on the railway. The charming '''Nilgiri Mountain Railway''' (NMR), blue and cream with wooden coaches and large windows, is widely regarded as a marvel of engineering. *Go for long walks and hikes. *Visit a '''tea plantation''' and if possible a tea factory. *Travel the countryside in a 4x4. *Catch a round of golf at the '''Gymkhana Golf course''' (membership or introduction required) *Visit the local '''Army cantonment''' - the Madras Regimental Center and the DSSC (Defense Services Staff College). *Visit terrace farmed '''cabbage fields''' around Ooty. *Visit the '''Mudumalai forest sanctuary''' (1-2 days minimum). *Visit the '''Needle industries''' which is around 6km from maintown Ooty in Ketti. *Visit 9th mile and also the 6th mile where lot of movies are shot. *Visit the '''Municipal Market''' and shop for fresh local fruits. *{{do | name=Horse back riding | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=US$4/hour | content=It's popular here. In one hour you can go around the lake or longer rides you can visit countryside around Ooty. Some knowledge of horses would be good as the guides are local men who don't speak too much English, teaching is minimal. On top of the price you have to pay for guide. }} *Explore the nearby Avalanche and Emerald Lakes, for day picnics, treks, and walkthroughs of the surrounding villages. You can also hike through the nearby tribal hamlet of Mullimunth of the Toda people. The 3 km trek takes 5 hours and passes through wooded areas and streams along the settlements. ==Buy== Ooty and Nilgiris are well known for a variety of local products like tea, eucalyptus oil, chocolates, spices and gourmet cheese. There are a lot of shops that deal these products, though you have to be careful that you get an authentic product. * {{buy | name=Green Shop | content=It is an extension of the Keystone Foundation that has been working in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve over the last 15 years (since 1995) with indigenous communities on eco-development initiatives. and makes available their handicrafts and products like bee honey, bee wax and other hand-crafted artifacts. They also stock excellent '''gourmet cheeses''' like Gouda, Colby, Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Haloumi and Herb Cream Cheeses made by '''Acres Wild Cheesemaking Farmstay''' in Coonoor. They also have a bee museum that is certainly worth a visit as they show documentaries on wild bees and honey collection. }} * {{buy | name=Taj Bakers | address=Main Bazaar, Ooty. Visit Taj Bakers for traditional Ooty Biscuit called (Varkey) and other bakery items like home made chocolates, and cakes. }} * {{buy | name=King's Star | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=Ooty is famous for its chocolates, and the best place to have them is at King's Star. They have around 4 outlets in Ooty and are the first chocolate makers in Ooty. (The shops are run by the 3rd generation of the family. }} ==Eat== [[File:India - Colours of India - 006 - Wedding Meal.jpg|thumbnail|Lunch is served on a plantain leaf in Ooty]] [[File:Malsala groundnuts sale.JPG|thumbnail|Groundnut with spices in Ooty]] There are various restaurants in Ooty, mostly offering South Indian food, but some offer North Indian food. *{{eat | name=Hotel Sri Velmurugan | alt= | url=https://www.hotelsrivelmurugan.com/ | email=hotelsrivelmurugan@gmail.com | address=Walsham Road, Green fields | lat=11.408889 | long=76.706944 | directions=On the road connecting Alankar Theatre (in Ettines road) and the Commercial Road | phone=+91 9944817139, +91 423-2444968 | tollfree= | hours=6AM to 11PM | price= | lastedit=2019-06-22 | content=Traditional South Indian restaurant. }} *{{eat | name=Earl's Secret | url= | email= | address=Kings Cliff | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Bismillah Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=Near Juma Masjidh, Upper Bazar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-03-25 | content=Delicious meat and fish dishes of Calicut taste. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Navodaya Chaater Cafe | alt=C-Store | url=https://www.facebook.com/pg/Navodaya-Chaater-Cafe-100952364656112 | email= | address=Willow bund road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 9840249656 | tollfree= | hours=3pm onwards | price= | lastedit=2019-11-06 | content=Serves vegetarian delicacies, including maggi. }} ==Drink== The Nilgiris are famous for tea. * {{drink | name=Hotel Blue hills | address=Commercial Road | content=Best non-veg hotel in Ooty. Serving biriyani and other dishes for more than a decade. }} *{{drink | name=Krishan Prabhas | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=lower bazaar, near bus stand, ooty }} == Sleep == There is no dearth of accommodations, with many hotels and inns that cater to every budget. Accommodations are no more expensive than most cities in India, and the popular Indian hotel chains have a presence here. * {{sleep | name=Hotel Darshan | alt= | url= | email=hoteldarshan@yahoo.co.in | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 423 2452288, +91 423 2443378, +91 423 2443807 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹900 and up | content=34 rooms facing the lake, restaurant, room service, 24 hrs hot & cold water, in-house laundry, carpeted rooms, cable TV, parking, camp fire, doctor on call, travel desk, group accommodation available for small and large groups. }} *{{sleep | name=Hotel Maneck | alt= | url= | email= | address=Main Bazaar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 423 2443494 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Very central hotel near horse race track with good economical restaurant on basement. Hotel and restaurant are under Jain management. The rooms start from ₹1200 }} *{{sleep | name=Hotel Sinclair | alt= | url=http://www.sinclairshotels.com/ooty | email=ooty@sinclairshotels.com | address=Gorishola Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 423-2444309 | tollfree= | fax=+91 423-2444229 | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹2,000-10,000 | content=Great view of Ooty and surrounding hills. 5 minutes drive to go to the town market and restaurants. The hotel has its own restaurant and a bar. }} * {{sleep | name=Railway Retirement Room | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=inside the railway station | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹150 | lastedit=2015-05-21 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Reflections Guest House | content=A short walk along the main road - turn right coming out of the train station, or left coming out of the bus stop (which is opposite the train station). It is tidy and with good views of the lake and hills. ₹550/night for upstairs room (Sep 2010). Location is very good - short walk to train station and bus stop, short walk to boat house, Thread Gardens and other tourist attractions. The food in the restaurant is good value for its price and nicely cooked. The owners are helpful and professional, and the common spaces make it a very friendly place to stay. }} * {{sleep | name=Sunshine Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 99433-33323, +91 98942-96961 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Season tariff starts from ₹1800 + tax | content=Three-star property with 70 rooms. Includes a restaurant, room service, in-house laundry, and travel desk, and car parking is available inside the hotel premises. }} * {{sleep | name=Sherlock Hotel | url=http://www.littlearth.in/sherlock/ | price=₹1875-3000 depending on size and view | content=A colonial villa several kilometers away from the town with breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and warm and friendly service. Rooms have cozy fireplaces. The restaurant alone is worth a visit serving outstanding continental food and also murgh boti masala and mint paranthas. Several short walking trails start nearby. A trip to Ooty is worth it just for a stay at this hotel. }} *{{sleep | name=Sullivan court | url=http://www.fortunehotels.in/resort/Ooty-Fortune_Resort_Sullivan_Court.aspx | email= | address=Near Rose Garden | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=5-star luxury hotel. Most famous hotel, best rooms, part of ITC Hotels India. }} * {{sleep | name=Ajantha Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Lower Bazar, Juma Masjidh Street, | lat= | long= | directions=near Railway Station | phone=+91 9159323199 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=400 | lastedit=2017-03-25 | content=Mr. Sadiq Basha runs this lodge in a cute period building of 1912. }} * {{sleep | name=Treebo Whispering Meadows | alt= | url=https://www.treebo.com/hotels-in-ooty/treebo-whispering-meadows-off-gymkhana-golf-link-road-266/ | email=hello@treebohotels.com | address=264, Off Gymkhana Golf link road, Fingerpost | lat=11.413473 | long=76.678539 | directions= | phone=+91 9322 800 100 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=noon | checkout=11AM | price=Starting from 1999 | lastedit=2017-10-09 | content=Treebo Whispering Meadows, a heritage property off Gymkhana Golf Link Road. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Funstay | alt= | url=https://funstay.in/blog/ooty-resorts | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 99028 60849 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Cottages, Resorts and Tents, attached washrooms, party space, Room services, Food service, car parking, In house laundry and Hot running water. These homestays in Ooty are just 3 to 4 km away from Ooty bus stop and railway station. Starts from 1550 to 6500 per person per night. }} * {{sleep | name=West Downs Resort | alt= | url=https://www.westdownsresort.com/ | email=info@westdownsresort.com | address=100, Westbury Rd | lat=11.41409 | long=76.6879 | directions= | phone=+91 423-2442262, +91 8098103386, +91 8098103388 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2024-06-27 | content=Resort from the British colonial period }} * '''[https://www.petalsnilgiris.com/ Petals Luxury Homestay]''' No.7/432, Deavrshola, Balacola (PO),Kundah Taluk,The Nilgiris - 643 203. '''Phone''':(+91) 8300038760, petalsnilgiris@gmail.com == Go next == * [[Bandipur National Park]] *[[Nagarhole National Park]] * Kodanad Viewpoint in Kotagiri * [[Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary]] {{geo|11.411842|76.6959}} {{IsPartOf|Nilgiris}} {{usablecity}} ocypur22c7i9entip3nl1w8ijoyp2na 0 26230 5086615 5046483 2025-07-02T13:09:37Z Bluecoordinationfine 2327039 Moved listings here from the Offa's Dyke Path article. 5086615 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Oswestry Banner.jpg}} [[Image:Old_Oswestry_Hillfort_(aerial).jpg|300px|thumb|Old Oswestry Hillfort]] '''Oswestry''' ([[Welsh phrasebook|Welsh]]: ''Croesoswallt'') is a market town and historic railway town in [[Shropshire]], close to the Welsh border. Oswestry is the largest settlement (17,500 people in 2021) within the Oswestry Uplands, a designated natural area and national character area. ==Understand == * [http://www.visitoswestry.com/ Visit Oswestry] website ==Get in== ==Get around== {{Mapframe|52.8626|-3.0420|zoom=11|width=560}} ==See== * {{see | name=Old Oswestry Hillfort | alt= | url=https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/old-oswestry-hill-fort/ | email= | address=Gatacre Avenue, SY11 1HT | lat=52.872 | long=-3.0478 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Old Oswestry | image=Old Oswestry Hillfort - geograph.org.uk - 395360.jpg | wikidata=Q7084681 | lastedit=2017-11-10 | content= }} * {{see | name=Whittington Castle | alt= | url=http://www.whittingtoncastle.co.uk/ | email=info@whittingtoncastle.co.uk | address=Castle Street, Whittington, SY11 4DF | lat=52.873611 | long=-3.002422 | directions=3 miles North-East of Oswestry | phone=+44 1691 662500 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Whittington Castle | image=Whittington Castle October 2014.JPG | wikidata=Q7996904 | content=Located in the centre of the Whittington, the castle has been undergoing restoration since 2005. }} == Do == * '''Football:''' [https://www.tnsfc.co.uk/ The New Saints]{{Dead link|date=April 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} play soccer in the Cymru Premier League. That's the top tier within Wales, but mostly amateur and on a par with England's fifth tier National League. New Saints are professional and often win the CPL, doing so yet again in 2023, but don't seek promotion to the English Football League. Their stadium is Park Hall, capacity 2000, two miles northeast of town — and in England. * {{do | name=Llanymynech Golf Club | alt= | url=http://www.llanymynechgolfclub.co.uk | email= | address=Pant | lat=52.790508 | long=-3.090465 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Llanymynech Golf Club | wikidata=Q6661909 | content=Former US Master's Winner and Ryder Cup Captain Ian Woosnam learnt his game here. This course also holds the distinction that it is the only course in the world in two countries, it has 15 holes in Wales and 3 in Shropshire, England. }} * '''[https://www.oswestryballooncarnival.info/ Oswestry Balloon Carnival]''' is held in August. ==Buy== ==Eat== * {{eat | name=The Barley Mow Inn | alt= | url=http://www.offasdykebrewery.com/ | email=derekcjones@hotmail.co.uk | address=Chapel Lane, Trefonen SY10 9DX | lat=52.83362 | long=-3.09980 | directions= | phone=+44 1691 656889 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Pub food and pub drinks from the Thomas Mcguinness range of beers together with those from their own Offa's Dyke Brewery. }} ==Drink== * {{drink | name=The Wilfred Owen | alt= | url=https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/pubs/all-pubs/england/shropshire/the-wilfred-owen-oswestry | email= | address=17 Willow St, SY11 1AJ | lat=52.859475 | long=-3.056692 | directions= | phone=+44 1691 684910 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-11-10 | content=Wetherspoons pub. }} ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Lion Quays | alt= | url=http://www.lionquays.co.uk | email=reservations@lionquays.co.uk | address=Weston Rhyn, SY11 3EN | lat=52.913528 | long=-3.041469 | directions= | phone=+44 1691 684300 | tollfree= | fax=+44 1691 684313 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Pen-y-Dyffryn Country Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.peny.co.uk | email=stay@peny.co.uk | address=Rhydycroesau, SY10 7JD | lat=52.868544 | long=-3.127342 | directions= | phone=+44 1691 653700 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=£83+ | content= }} * {{sleep | name=The Old Mill, Candy, Oswestry | alt= | url=http://www.oldmillcandy.co.uk/ | email= | address=The Old Mill, Candy, Morda, Oswestry SY10 9AZ | lat=52.845985700 | long=-3.10671378301 | directions=north of Trefonen near Oswestry | phone=+44 1691 653085 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Bed and Breakfast with a nearby campsite. }} == Connect == Oswestry has 4G from all UK carriers. As of June 2022, 5G has not reached town. == Go next == * [[Shrewsbury (England)|Shrewsbury]] * [[Chirk]] * [[Ellesmere]] * [[Welshpool]] {{routebox | image1=UK_road_A5.svg | imagesize1=40 | directionl1=N | majorl1=[[Wrexham]] | minorl1=[[Chirk]] {{flag|Wales}} | directionr1=SE | minorr1=[[Shrewsbury (England)|Shrewsbury]] | majorr1=[[Telford]] }} {{geo|52.8598|-3.0538}} {{IsPartOf|Shropshire}} {{outlinecity}} qjgu9r2y4chyjf54cqpcepb6s2sytjh 0 26258 5086730 5085848 2025-07-02T18:07:00Z 162 etc. 2252661 /* By bus */ 5086730 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Ottawa Panorama Cropped.jpg|caption=Ottawa Skyline, seen from across the river|dotm=yes}} '''Ottawa''' is [[Canada]]'s capital. With over a million citizens, it is Canada's fourth-largest city, and Ontario's second-largest city. Across the Ottawa River is [[Gatineau]], [[Quebec]]. While most Ottawans are English-speaking, 15% are native French speakers, making Ottawa Canada's largest Francophone city outside of [[Quebec]]. Visitors come to Ottawa to see Parliament Hill, as well as Canada's national museums. Ottawa swallowed the entirety of the former Carleton County that surrounded it in 2001. However, this guide deals (primarily) with the urban area of the Ottawa, sometimes called "Old Ottawa". Wikivoyage has separate guides on the suburbs of [[Kanata]] and [[Carp]]. ==Understand== [[Image:Parliament hill flag.jpg|thumb|350px|The Peace Tower, Parliament Hill]] ===History=== Ottawa started as a humble lumber town called '''Bytown''', named after Colonel John By of the Royal Engineers who oversaw the construction of the [[Rideau Canal]] (now a UNESCO World Heritage site which doubles as a giant skating rink in the winter), much of which was done by hand between 1826 and 1832. Lumber mills were built along the Ottawa River in the mid-19th century, and brought employment and wealth to the growing population. The centre of action then, as now, was the Byward Market. While it is still the centre of the city's nightlife, it has changed appreciably from the rough–and–tumble early days of brothels and taverns. In 1857, Ottawa was [[Planned cities|chosen]] (in the legend by Queen Victoria, really on the advice of Canadian politicians) as the capital of Canada. The choice was made to avoid a controversy, because it sidestepped the rivalry between [[Toronto]] and [[Montreal]] (then, as now, Canada's largest cities). But the new capital was still a tiny outpost in the middle of nothing much — an American newspaper famously commented that it was impregnable, as any invaders would get lost in the woods looking for it. Unlike many federal capitals such as [[Canberra]] in Australia or [[Washington, D.C.]] in the United States, Ottawa is not part of a special federal district. There is an official [[National Capital Region (Canada)|National Capital Region]] containing Ottawa, [[Gatineau]], Quebec across the Ottawa river, and surrounding areas in both provinces. However it is not a separate administration; the two cities have just regular municipal governments and are parts of their respective provinces. Each has its own Wikivoyage article. During the latter half of the 19th century, the telephone was demonstrated to the Canadian public for the first time here and the city was electrified. The first electric streetcar service was started in 1891. A menu from 1892 states that, "the first instance in the entire world of an entire meal being cooked by Electricity" was in Ottawa. Today, the major economic sectors are the public service, travel and tourism and the high-tech industry. Ottawa has remained a green city and is situated at the confluence of three rivers (Ottawa, Rideau and Gatineau) and of the Rideau Canal. Many residents make regular use of Ottawa's parks and green spaces, bikeways and cross country ski trails. Many national attractions are in Ottawa: Parliament Hill, the National Library and Archives, the National Gallery, and the Museums of History, Contemporary Photography, Nature, War, and Science & Technology. ===Climate=== {{Climate | units = Metric | janhigh = -5.2 | febhigh = -3.3 | marhigh = 2.5 | aprhigh = 11.2 | mayhigh = 19.4 | junhigh = 24.2 | julhigh = 26.7 | aughigh = 25.6 | sephigh = 21.1 | octhigh = 13.3 | novhigh = 5.8 | dechigh = -1.5 | janlow = -14.0 | feblow = -12.9 | marlow = -6.9 | aprlow = 1.1 | maylow = 8.0 | junlow = 13.3 | jullow = 15.8 | auglow = 14.6 | seplow = 10.1 | octlow = 4.1 | novlow = -1.8 | declow = -8.7 | janprecip = 65.2 | febprecip = 52.4 | marprecip = 61.6 | aprprecip = 81.3 | mayprecip = 80.1 | junprecip = 95.1 | julprecip = 82.3 | augprecip = 87.4 | sepprecip = 87.0 | octprecip = 90.2 | novprecip = 72.0 | decprecip = 73.6 | description = See the Ottawa 7-day forecast at [https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/on-118_metric_e.html Environment Canada] }} Ottawa has a humid continental or hemiboreal climate, featuring four distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Precipitation, falling mostly as snow in winter and as rain in the rest of year, is plentiful year-round. The city is neither particularly sunny or cloudy, though spring and summer are sunnier than autumn and winter. In summer, which lasts from the beginning of June to early September, the average high is around {{c|27}} and the average low around {{c|16.5}}. During heatwaves, temperatures can approach or exceed {{c|33}} and not go below {{c|21}} at night, although there are also cooler and often rainier periods. The sun is up from 5:15AM to 8:45PM. Winters in Ottawa are long, cold and snowy. There is an average of 225 cm of snowfall per winter, which usually begins falling in late October, with the ground typically being blanketed in snow from late November to the end of March, while the last of the snow falls in April. Average temperatures in the winter months are between -7 and -10 °C (14 and 19 °F), although there are thawing periods where they can rise to above 0 °C (32 °F) in addition to cold snaps where they can drop to below -20 °C (-4° F). Most bodies of water in and around the city freeze over during the winter, notably the [[Rideau Canal]], which transforms into world's largest skating rink. Daylight hours last only between 7:30AM and 4:30PM. Spring (which begins in April and lasts until the end of May) and autumn (which lasts from September to mid November) generally see pleasant conditions, although both (especially spring) can sometimes be prone to rapid swings in conditions. ===Visitor information=== In addition to the Capital Information Kiosk, the tourist office's eager helpers can be found in public places, ready to answer questions in French or English. You can identify them by their blue uniforms with white question marks ("?"). * {{listing | name=Capital Information Kiosk | alt= | url=https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/visitor-information/while-here.html#a1 | email=cik-kic@pch.gc.ca | address=90 Wellington Street | lat=45.42332 | long=-75.69808 | directions=opposite Parliament Hill | phone=+1 613-239-5000 | tollfree=+1-844-878-8333 | hours=9AM-5PM daily | price= | lastedit=2022-05-22 | content=Excellent first stop for all kinds of tourist information, in friendly and fluent English and French. }} * [https://ottawa.ca/en Local information from the City of Ottawa] ==Get in== ===By plane=== ==== Main airport ==== * {{go | name=Macdonald-Cartier International Airport | alt={{IATA|YOW}} | url=https://yow.ca/ | email=comments@yow.ca | address=1000 Airport Parkway Private | lat=45.3225 | long=-75.6672 | directions=roughly 10.2 km south of downtown | phone=+1-613-248-2000 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport | image=Ottawa Airport.jpg | wikidata=Q1319833 | lastedit=2022-05-26 | content=Ottawa's main airport offers regular flights to major Canadian (and many American) cities. The airport's US Customs Pre-clearance facilities allow for seamless domestic and international transfers through a number of major US airports. }} ==== Airport amenities ==== ATMs and a currency exchange booth are available in the arrivals hall (lower level). There is one International Currency Exchange (ICE) branded ATM near the baggage carrousels which charges higher transaction fees and offers poor exchange rates and one Royal Bank ATM near the washrooms with lower transaction fees and better exchange rates. There is a 24 hour baggage storage facility (Pars 2000) in the arrivals hall. Luggage can be stored for $5 per day or $8 overnight. There is also an information booth in the arrivals hall. There are a number of restaurants and a few bars inside the departures area. ==== Destinations ==== Direct flights to Ottawa within Canada include from [[Calgary]] (3.75 hours), from [[Edmonton]] (3.75 hours), from [[Halifax]] (1.75 hours), from [[Iqaluit]] (3.25 hours), from [[Montreal]] (45 minutes), from [[Toronto]] (1 hour), and from [[Vancouver]] (4.5 hours). Direct flights to Ottawa from the [[United States of America]] include from [[New York City]] (1.5-1.75 hours) and [[Washington, D.C.]] (1.5-1.75 hours) Services to Ottawa from outside North America is a flight to [[Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport|Paris Charles de Gaulle]] on Air France (7 hours). Flights can vary from a few times a week to daily in summer. There is also a KLM shuttle bus connection for passengers booked between Ottawa Train Station ({{IATA|XDS}}) and [[Montreal#Get in|Montreal Trudeau International Airport]] ({{IATA|YUL}}). This trip takes about two hours. Via Rail trains bound for Montreal also connect to Montreal Trudeau International Airport via a free shuttle bus from the nearby Dorval station. ==== Airlines ==== Canadian airlines operating to Ottawa: * {{listing | name=Air Canada | alt= | url=https://www.aircanada.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-514-393-3333 | tollfree=+1-888-247-2262 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Air Canada | wikidata=Q185339 | lastedit=2022-04-25 | content=Canada's largest airline with hubs in [[Vancouver]], [[Calgary]], [[Toronto]], and [[Montreal]]. It operates across Canada and services international destinations. Some flights between Toronto and Montreal involve Toronto Pearson International Airport and some involve Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. }} * {{listing | name=Air Transat | alt= | url=https://www.airtransat.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-514-636-3630 | tollfree=+1-877-872-6728 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Air Transat | wikidata=Q407869 | lastedit=2022-04-25 | content=Canada's third largest airline with some year round destinations and specializing in seasonal flights to vacation destinations (Europe in the summer and warmer, southern international destinations in the winter). }} * {{listing | name=Canadian North | alt= | url=https://canadiannorth.com/ | email=contact@canadiannorth.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-800-267-1247 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Canadian North | wikidata=Q1032237 | lastedit=2022-04-25 | content=A regional airline primarily operating flights in the [[Northwest Territories]] and [[Nunavut]], and flights traveling between that region and a few large cities in Canada. }} * {{listing | name=Flair Airlines | alt= | url=https://flyflair.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-833-711-2333 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Flair Airlines | wikidata=Q4038797 | lastedit=2022-04-25 | content=A low-cost airline with flights across much of Canada. }} * {{listing | name=Porter Airlines | alt= | url=https://www.flyporter.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-888-619-8622 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Porter Airlines | wikidata=Q1811473 | lastedit=2022-04-27 | content=Operates flights in [[Ontario]], [[Quebec]], [[Atlantic Canada]], and some flights to the [[United States of America]]. For flights departing from or arriving in [[Toronto]], the airline's turboprop plane flights land at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. The airline's jet plane flights and flights by all other airlines almost exclusively land at Toronto Pearson International Airport. }} * {{listing | name=Sunwing Airlines | alt= | url=https://www.sunwing.ca/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-877-786-9464 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Sunwing Airlines | wikidata=Q1198402 | lastedit=2022-04-25 | content=Low cost Canadian airline that operates some flights within Canada throughout the year and specializes in seasonal flights to warmer, southern international vacation destinations in the winter. }} * {{listing | name=WestJet | alt= | url=https://www.westjet.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-877-952-0100 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=WestJet | wikidata=Q1059770 | lastedit=2022-04-25 | content=Canada's second largest airline services with hubs in [[Calgary]] and [[Toronto]]. It operates across Canada and services international destinations. }} ====Ground transportation from airport to downtown==== :* '''Public transit''' - To reach downtown via public transit, take the Line 4 train to South Keys Station, then the Line 2 north to Bayview Station. At Bayview Station, transfer to the O-Train Line 1 (eastbound to Blair) to the downtown stations Lyon, Parliament or Rideau (west to east). To get to the Ottawa Train Station, take the Line 4 and 2 trains and transfer to the O-Train Line 1 (eastbound to Blair), and get off at Tremblay Station, which is next door to the train station. The bus fare is $4.05 which gives you 1½ hours of unlimited bus and train travel or $12 for an all-day pass. If you don't have a [[Presto card]], exact change is required; remember to ask the bus driver for a transfer to use as proof of payment for fare inspectors. :* '''Taxi''' - A taxi to downtown hotels should cost between $25 and $35, while a taxi to nearby hotels should not cost more than $10. Uber and Lyft serve the airport and a ride to downtown hotels should cost between $20 and $25. Rideshare pickup zone is at Pillar 12/13 of the outer curb. :* '''Car rental''' - Most of the major international car rental agencies have a presence in the parking garage across from the airport terminal. ==== Other airport ==== * {{marker|type=go|name=Ottawa/Rockcliffe Airport|wikidata=Q3912736}} ({{IATA|YRO}}) is closer to downtown but does not have regular service; it is open to [[general aviation]] only. ===By bus=== * {{go | name=Autobus Gatineau | alt= | url=http://www.autobusgatineau.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-888-880-0439 | hours= | price= | lastedit=15 June 2020 | content=Operates a weekday bus service from smaller regional centres in the [[Outaouais]] region of West [[Quebec]] (to the north of Ottawa). The route travels between Ottawa and Grand-Remous including stops in [[Gatineau]], [[Wakefield (Quebec)|Wakefield]], Kazabazua, Gracefield, and Maniwaki. Travel time to Ottawa from Wakefield is 50-60 minutes and from Grand-Remous is 2.75-3 hours. }} In Grand-Remous, there is service under the Autobus Maheux brand from [[Montreal]], [[Rouyn-Noranda]], and [[Val-d'Or]]. * {{listing | name=Autobus Maheux | alt= | url=https://autobusmaheux.com/ | email=service_client@autobusmaheux.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-866-863-6066 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=Operates bus routes within [[Quebec]] with some connections to [[Ontario]]. }} Operates a bus route between [[Montreal]] and Ottawa including stops in [[Laval]] and [[Gatineau]]. Travel time to Ottawa from Montreal is 3.5 hours. * {{listing | name=FlixBus | alt= | url=https://www.flixbus.ca/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=FlixBus | wikidata=Q15712258 | lastedit=2022-08-16 | content=Service from [[Windsor (Ontario)|Windsor]], [[London (Ontario)|London]], [[Chatham-Kent]], [[Hamilton (Ontario)|Hamilton]], [[Toronto]], [[Whitby (Ontario)|Whitby]], [[Peterborough (Ontario)|Peterborough]], and [[Kingston (Ontario)|Kingston]]. }} * {{go | name=Megabus | alt= | url=https://ca.megabus.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-866-488-4452 | hours= | price=Toronto from $52 (5 hours 10 min), Kingston from $32 (2 hours) | wikipedia=Megabus (North America) | wikidata=Q6808155 | lastedit=2021-05-20 | content=Ottawa-Kingston-Toronto, twice daily Th-Su, leaving Toronto at 10:30AM and 5PM. Departures from Ottawa (OCTranspo St Laurent) at 10:30AM and 4:30PM. }} *{{go|name=Rider Express|alt=|url=https://riderexpress.ca|email=|address=|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=|tollfree=+1-833-583-3636|hours=|price=|lastedit=2021-03-19|content=Offers service to Ottawa from [[Toronto]] via [[Kingston (Ontario)|Kingston]] and [[Belleville (Ontario)|Belleville]]. Travel time to Ottawa from Toronto is 5.25 hours and from Kingston is 2 hours. There is also service from [[Peterborough (Ontario)|Peterborough]] two days a week.}} *{{go | name=Ontario Northland | alt= | url=https://www.ontarionorthland.ca/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Buses depart from Ottawa VIA station (see below) | phone= | tollfree=+1-800-461-8558 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ontario Northland Motor Coach Services | wikidata=Q7094858 | lastedit=15 June 2020 | content=Connects Ottawa to a number of smaller regional centres in [[Northern Ontario]]. }} **Operates a route between Ottawa and [[Sudbury (Ontario)|Sudbury]] including stops in [[Kanata]], [[Arnprior]], [[Renfrew]], [[Pembroke (Ontario)|Pembroke]], [[Petawawa]], [[Mattawa]], and [[North Bay (Ontario)|North Bay]]. Travel time to Ottawa from Arnprior is 6 hours, from Pembroke is 4.75 hours, and from Petawawa is 4 hours, from North Bay is 1.5 hours, and from Sudbury is 7 hours. Connections are available from [[Winnipeg]] (1 day 8.5 hours) with transfers in [[Thunder Bay]], [[Sault Sainte Marie (Ontario)|Sault Sainte Marie]], and Sudbury. Connections are available from [[Toronto]] with a transfer in either North Bay or Sudbury. *{{go | name=Orléans Express | alt= | url=https://www.orleansexpress.com/en/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-450-640-1477 | tollfree=+1-833-449-6444 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Orléans Express | wikidata=Q3356500 | lastedit=2025-07-06 | content=Service from [[Montreal]], [[Toronto]], and [[Kingston (Ontario)|Kingston]]. }} * {{go | name=Tour Express | alt= | url=https://tourexpress.ca/ | email=info@tourexpress.ca | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-514-228-2303 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-07-26 | content=Intercity service Montréal-Ottawa and Montréal-Gatineau. Travel time to Ottawa from Montreal is 2 hours. }} * {{listing | name= 417 Bus Line| alt= | url=https://transpo.417busline.com/| email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-4-12 | content= Commuter bus service from [[Cornwall (Ontario)|Cornwall]], [[Embrun (Ontario)|Embrun]], [[Russell (Ontario)|Russell]], [[Casselman (Ontario)|Casselman]], and [[Limoges (Ontario)|Limoges]]. Tickets must be purchased in cash from the bus driver. }} ===By train=== {{Seealso|Rail travel in Canada}} ==== Intercity train operator ==== * {{listing|name=VIA Rail Canada|alt=|url=https://www.viarail.ca/|email=|address=|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=|tollfree=+1-888-842-7245|hours=|price=|wikipedia=Via Rail|wikidata=Q876720|lastedit=2022-03-31|content=Operates train routes from Canada's west coast and east coast.}} Routes serving the Ottawa area: ** Between Ottawa and [[Toronto]] including stops in [[Smiths Falls]], [[Brockville]], [[Gananoque]], [[Kingston (Ontario)|Kingston]], [[Napanee]], [[Belleville (Ontario)|Bellevile]], [[Trenton (Ontario)|Trenton]], [[Cobourg]], [[Port Hope]], and [[Oshawa]]. The Ottawa-Toronto route operates daily with numerous trains per day. Travel time to Ottawa from Kingston is 2.25-2.5 hours and from Toronto is 4.75-5 hours. ** Between [[Quebec City]] and Ottawa including stops in [[Drummondville]], [[Saint-Hyacinthe]], [[Saint-Lambert]], [[Montreal]], [[Montreal/West Island|Dorval]], and [[Alexandria (Ontario)|Alexandria]]. Multiple trains per day travel the entire route and some additional trains travel between Montreal and Ottawa. Travel time to Ottawa from Quebec City is 6 hours, from Drummondville is 3.75-4 hours, and from Montreal is 2-2.25 hours. **Travellers from [[Cornwall (Ontario)|Cornwall]] can reach Ottawa by changing trains in Kingston. It's possible to shorten the trip by instead changing trains at Brockville; however VIA Rail will not guarantee this connection, and both legs have to be booked separately. {{Infobox|Walking downtown from Ottawa station |It is possible to get downtown from the main train station on foot, although it requires a bit of navigation. This path should not be taken alone after dark and may be flooded after periods of intense rain or snow melting. Have a street map with you so you can locate yourself once you have reached [[:wikipedia:Strathcona Park (Ottawa)|Strathcona Park]]. The station to Strathcona Park takes about half an hour (2½&nbsp;km). Another half hour from the park to downtown. A map is [http://stepwhere.com/maps/route/Pedestrain-route-from-Ottawa-train-station-to-downtown available online]. #On exiting the station, walk along the west (left-hand) arm of the vehicle loop and across the O Train tracks. #Once you have reached Max Keeping Bridge, take the bike path to your left going west. #The path will take you along the bus lanes and will pass over Riverside Drive. #You will merge with a path coming up from Riverside Drive; continue walking west, away from the street. #Shortly after that, you will come to a fork; go right (north) and continue until you see a pedestrian bridge on your left. #Take the pedestrian bridge over the Rideau River. #Immediately after the pedestrian bridge, turn right towards the north. #Take the paved bike path, go under the highway bridge and keep following the Rideau River northward for about 1&nbsp;km. #Once you reach the end of the path, you are in Strathcona Park. #Use a street map or an on-line map service to find your way from Strathcona Park to your downtown destination; at the north end of the park is Laurier Avenue, a major east-west street; parallel to it and several blocks north is Rideau Street. }} ==== Train stations ==== {{go | name=Ottawa station | alt={{IATA|XDS}} | url=https://www.viarail.ca/en/explore-our-destinations/stations/ontario/ottawa/station | email= | address=200 Tremblay Road | lat=45.41632 | long=-75.65166 | directions=4 km east of downtown | phone= | tollfree=+1-888-842-7245 | hours=Daily 5:30AM to 11:30PM | price= | wikipedia=Ottawa station | wikidata=Q3095844 | content=This is the main train station in Ottawa and it is less than ten minutes from downtown by car, taxi or O-Train. The station has a lounge for Business class ticket holders and a small cafe offering coffee, pastries, and light meals. |lastedit=2023-10-07}} To reach downtown from the station, passengers can take the light rail (Tunney's Pasture direction) from Tremblay O-Train Station, next door to Ottawa Station. The trip should take about 10 minutes. Tremblay Station has O-Train ticket vending machines which accept cash and credit cards. Taxis are also available and should cost about $10-15 for a trip downtown. There is a phone kiosk offering car rentals. {{listing | type=go | name=Fallowfield station | alt= | url=https://www.viarail.ca/en/explore-our-destinations/stations/ontario/fallowfield | email= | address=3347 Fallowfield Road | lat=45.29928 | long=-75.73661| directions=southwest of downtown | phone= | tollfree=+1-888-842-7245 | fax= | hours=Daily 5:30AM to 11:30PM | price= | wikipedia=Fallowfield station (Ontario) | image= | wikidata=Q3096415 | content=Ottawa also has a secondary station (Fallowfield station) in the western suburb of Barrhaven, convenient for Nepean and Kanata points. All trains connecting with Toronto stop at Fallowfield; two of the six weekday trains connecting with Montreal originate or terminate at Fallowfield.|lastedit=2023-10-07}} Fallowfield Station is around 10 kilometers to the west of Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport, making it the closest railway station to the airport. The airport is accessible by taxi or car in around 15 minutes. By comparison, OC Transpo buses departing from the adjacent Fallowfield bus station head north to downtown before looping back south to the airport and generally take more than an hour. It is also possible to cycle from Fallowfield to the airport (over relatively flat terrain) in about 33 minutes. The route begins by heading south to Fallowfield Road, turning left and eventually crossing Woodroffe Avenue. Then turn left again and follow the path which bends to the right in front of the Via train tracks. The trail continues along the tracks and through a wooded area to Prince of Wales Drive and Black Rapids Lockstation on the Rideau River. From there, turn left and cautiously ride up Prince of Wales Drive north to Hunt Club Road and turn right. Be especially careful at the intersection and on the bridge, as traffic moves quite quickly and it is not particularly friendly for cyclists. Continue down Hunt Club, turn right in front of the Days Inn by Wyndham and finally ride down Paul Benoit Drive through the employee parking lot to the lower level arrivals area. ===By boat=== [[Image:Canal Rideau Boat.JPG|thumb|240px|Sailing up the Rideau Canal]] The Ottawa River is navigable to Ottawa from Montréal, but is blocked to the west by rapids in Ottawa-Hull. There are no ferry services to Ottawa. However, there is a tourist-oriented water taxi that runs between Ottawa and Hull for about $6 one way. The city is also accessible via the [[Rideau Canal]], a [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]], which runs from the St. Lawrence River at [[Kingston (Ontario)|Kingston]] to the Ottawa River at Ottawa where it empties via a series of locks. It is possible to dock at Dow's Lake Pavilion and at points along the Rideau Canal and Ottawa River near downtown. ===By car=== Ottawa can be reached from [[Sudbury (Ontario)|Sudbury]] and [[North Bay (Ontario)|North Bay]] by traveling east on Highway 17 and 417, which are part of the [[Trans-Canada Highway]]. Highway 17 is the non-freeway part of the highway and Highway 417 is the part that is a freeway. Ottawa is about a 4½-hour trip from Toronto via the 401 and 416 highways. Traveling on Highway 401, Highway 7, then Highway 417 is shorter ({{km|405}} vs. {{km|450}}) but this more scenic route through [[Peterborough (Ontario)|Peterborough]] is two lanes almost all the way, saving you no time. Montreal is 2-3 hours away along Autoroute 40 (in Quebec) and Highway 417 (in Ontario), which are both part of the [[Trans-Canada Highway]]. From the [[United States|American]] border at [[Prescott (Ontario)|Prescott]]-[[Ogdensburg]], it is 45 minutes to Ottawa's western suburbs (at the opposite end of Highway 416). Interstate 81 is 60 km (40 miles) further upriver in the [[Thousand Islands]]. ==Get around== {{Mapframe|45.42803|-75.68354|zoom=12}} {{Mapshape}} <!--{{mapshapes|Q2422359}}--> {{Mapshape|wikidata=Q2943854|type=geoshape|title=Greenbelt|fill={{StdColor|t4}}}} {{mapshapes|Q2422359}} ===Public transit=== [[File:Stage2South.png|right|thumb|500px|Ottawa rapid transit map.]] {{Go|name=OC Transpo|url=https://www.octranspo.com/en/|phone=+1 613-560-5000|lastedit=2025-03-23|content=Operates the city's bus service and the O-Train, a light rail system consisting of three lines.}} The Confederation Line (Line 1, red in maps), which began service in 2019, runs west-east with an underground segment through the city centre. The Trillium Line (Line 2, green) runs from the south to Limebank. Lines 1 and 2 meet at Bayview station. Line 4 (blue) runs to the airport from South Keys (connecting there to Line 2). The bus rapid transit (BRT) system, called the ''Transitway'', has service as frequent as 1 to 2 minutes at rush hour. The O-Train Confederation Line runs east-west under the downtown area served by Lyon, Parliament, Rideau and uOttawa O-Train stations. If you are going to the Byward Market, get off at Rideau O-Train Station. To go north-south, take bus route 6 or 7 along Bank Street from either Parliament or Rideau O-Train stations. OC Transpo has a [https://www.octranspo.com/en/plan-your-trip/schedules-maps webpage] to look up schedules and maps for all the O-Train and bus routes mentioned above. It also has a Customer Service Centre on the 3rd floor of the Rideau Centre, above the corner of Rideau Street and Colonel By Drive in downtown Ottawa. There are others at major bus stations: Lincoln Fields in the west end, Place d'Orleans and St. Laurent in the east. ====Fares==== As of March 2025, the cash [https://www.octranspo.com/en/fares/ fare] for regular routes is $4.05 for adults and youth (13-64), $3.20 for seniors (65+). Children under 12 ride free. (Fares are 5 cents cheaper if paying by Presto card.) [https://www.octranspo.com/en/fares/reduced-fares/senior/ Seniors] can ride the OC Transpo system free on Wednesdays and Sundays (except Para Transpo). Payment is by exact change or the Presto card. If you pay cash, get a transfer to act as proof of payment for fare inspection. Your fare allows you to ride any buses and the O-Train for roughly 1½ hours, longer at night. Stop-overs and return trips are permitted. A day pass ($12) is good for buses and the O-Train. On weekends and holidays, up to two adults and four children (age 11 and under) can share a day pass. Buy the pass from the bus driver using exact cash or Presto card. (If you're using the card to pay for a day pass, you must ask the driver before tapping the card to the reader, or it will deduct a normal fare instead). Day passes are also available from ticket vending machines at O-Train stations and at customer service centres. O-Train stations (except Bayview station) have ticket vending machines that issue a single-ride ticket. The O-Train ticket acts as a transfer which expires 90 minutes after purchase. You can buy a [[Presto card]] for $6 (non-refundable) plus a minimum $10 balance at the airport, at a Customer Service Centre, kiosks at O-Train stations, at selected Loblaws grocery stores or Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacies, by phone ({{phone|+1-877-378-6123}}) or [http://www.octranspo.com/tickets-and-passes/presto online]{{Dead link|date=January 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} (for delivery in Canada only). Have a Customer Service Centre add the birth date to a Presto card for a senior or a child to qualify for fare discounts. The Presto card is also valid in the Greater Toronto Area and Hamilton. Presto card readers are available on buses at the front door (and also at the rear door of long, articulated buses) and on O-Train platforms. Paying the fare by tapping the Presto card on the reader will also record a 1½ hour transfer period on the card. Tap your Presto card every time you board a vehicle. Upon the first tap, the Presto machine will momentarily display the fare deducted and the Presto balance remaining. When you tap within the transfer period, the Presto machine will display the minutes left in the transfer period. ====Service to Gatineau==== Route 8 provides all-day service between Dow's Lake and [[Gatineau]], Quebec throughout the whole week, terminating in front of the Canadian Museum of History (stop: Laurier / Élisabeth-Bruyère); it uses OC Transpo fare media, including Presto, even when boarding in Gatineau. You can board this route at Dow's Lake, Corso Italia, or Pimisi station. Route 13 also goes between Gatineau and Tunney's Pasture station in the morning and evening rush hour. Many [[Gatineau]] buses (marked "STO" - [http://www.sto.ca/?L=en Société de transport de l'Outaouais]) come into Ottawa, run along Wellington Street and pass by the Byward Market. They can be caught near Lyon, Parliament and Rideau O-Train stations. The colour schemes for the two transit systems are different, red and white for OC Transpo but blue and white for STO. OC Transpo and STO accept each other's [http://www.octranspo.com/tickets-and-passes/transfers_to_and_from_sto transfers]{{Dead link|date=January 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} including O-Train tickets. STO accepts an OC Transpo transfer recorded on a Presto card; however, STO will not accept Presto to pay the fare on its own buses. STO accepts the OC Transpo day pass but not as a group pass. ===By taxi=== Taxis are easy to find downtown; elsewhere, phone for a cab. All taxis should have a meter and the base charge is $2.45, and overall rates are quite high compared to most other North American cities. A ride from downtown to the airport will be costly, running between $25 and $35 for a trip that will take less than a half-hour outside of peak traffic periods. Cabs will not take credit cards for fares below $10. Most cab drivers know Ottawa well, but have clear instructions if you're going anywhere in the suburbs as many developments in the outskirts are relatively new. Ottawa cabs aren't supposed to pick up customers off the street on the Quebec side; the converse applies to Quebec cabs in Ottawa. You may phone a Quebec cab if you are in Ottawa and vice versa. * {{Listing|name=BlueLine Taxi|url=https://www.bluelinetaxi.com/|phone=+1 613-238-1111|lastedit=2022-07-31}} * {{Listing|name=Capital Taxi|url=https://capitaltaxi.com|phone=+1 613-744-3333|lastedit=2022-07-31}} * {{Listing|name=Executive Cabs|url=http://www.executivecabsottawa.com/|phone=+1 613-799-3353|lastedit=2022-07-31}} * {{listing | name=Rides Are Us | alt= | url=https://www.ridesareus.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-858-9060 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-01-12 | content= }} === By ride hailing === * {{Listing|name=Lyft|url=https://www.lyft.com/rider/cities/ottawa-on|lastedit=2022-07-31}} * {{Listing|name=Uber|url=https://www.uber.com/global/en/cities/ottawa/|lastedit=2022-07-31}} ===By car=== Parking at most attractions is convenient, though on-street parking in downtown areas is at a premium (more expensive than most other cities in North America). If you are driving to downtown on the weekend, parking is free in Gloucester Garage (210 Gloucester St). A map is useful if you are going to be driving around downtown as many of the streets are one-way. Drivers in Ottawa are rated as some of the worst in Canada, often failing to signal for lane changes or making illegal turns into far lanes rather than the closest lane. Most major car rental companies have several offices in Ottawa with all of them represented downtown and at the airport. Driving while talking on your cell phone is illegal in Ontario unless you use a hands-free system. ===On foot=== Ottawa is a great city to explore on foot, though in winter you need good clothes and warm boots to consider it. With pedestrian-friendly streets and the density of attractions, a car is expensive and unnecessary for the most part. An excellent place to start any tour of Ottawa is the Capital Information Kiosk, at 90 Wellington Street, directly across from the Parliament buildings. They have maps and brochures for most tourist attractions in Ottawa, many of which are within walking distance. Popular pedestrian areas, especially during spring and summer months, are the various streets in the Byward Market. Sparks Street, running through downtown parallel to the Parliament Buildings, is a popular pedestrian area during the day and night, particularly in the spring and summer months. Guided walking tours are available with '''[http://ottawawalkingtours.com Ottawa Walking Tours]''', which include some history and other tidbits of trivia not commonly known. Especially popular is the '''[http://hauntedwalk.com Haunted Walk of Ottawa]''' that provides a variety of walking tours focusing on the city's darker and more offbeat past. Ottawa is a city with a truly continental climate. In winter, exposed skin can freeze in minutes or less, so layer up on the clothing and protect yourself by wearing a hat (toque or hunters cap), gloves and boots. Despite being slightly closer to the North Pole than the equator, summer temperature and humidity can be oppressively high, so bring water if you're doing any amount of walking or cycling. If you are on the public pathways near the canal or the river, there are drinking fountains to refill your bottles. Also, don't forget the mosquito repellent. ===By bicycle=== Bicycling is one of the best ways to see Ottawa up close. You can cover a lot of ground, stop anywhere to sight-see, and enjoy the ambiance of the city. The downtown is very well-served by protected cycling infrastructure, and paths run along the canal and the rivers, including into Gatineau on the Quebec side. In the summer, the downtown bike corridor on Laurier Ave counts 70,000 bike rides a month. The bike routes along the canal see around 350,000 bike rides a year. Again, you may want to start immediately opposite Parliament Hill to pick up a [https://ottawa.ca/en/parking-roads-and-travel/cycling/routes-and-maps map of the area] (in the World Exchange Plaza's NCC booth in the main hallway) or find a bicycle rental. Cycling to the attractions around downtown Ottawa is a great way to get around, but don't ignore the Gatineau side of the river. The city has several attractions along the river including the Museum of History and if you want to really stretch your legs, Gatineau Park has many great cycling paths; the Champlain Look Out has a wonderful view over the Ottawa Valley. ====Rentals==== There are usually a few options for renting bicycles downtown, including: * {{listing | type=buy | name=Rentabike | alt= | url=https://www.rentabike.ca | email=rentabike11@outlook.com | address=2 Rideau St | lat=45.424688 | long=-75.693688 | directions=across from the hotel Château Laurier, below the Plaza Bridge and next to the Rideau Canal | phone=+1 613-241-4140 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 10AM-5PM, Sa Su 10AM-6PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-01 | content=Well-equipped bike rental service. From this central location, pathways along the Rideau Canal are suitable for cycling south or north. }} * {{listing | type=buy | name=Escape Bicycle Tours & Rentals | url=https://escapebicycletours.ca/ | email=info@escapebicycletours.ca | addres=65 Sparks St | lat=45.42319762224735 | long=-75.69658667325147 |directions=on the pedestrian-only Sparks St between Elgin and Metcalfe, walking distance from Parliament Hill and the National War Memorial | phone=+1 613-608-7407 | lastedit=2024-08-31 }} * {{listing | type=buy | name=Bike Dump | alt= | url=https://bikedump.com | email= | address=407 Catherine St | lat=45.406812 | long=-75.698937 | directions=Catherine at Percy Street, 3 blocks west of Ottawa Central Station bus terminal | phone=+1 613-231-2317 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-01 | content= }} * {{buy | name=RightBike/Cycle Salvation | alt= | url=https://rightbike.org | email=rightbike@causewayworkcentre.org | address=473 Bronson Ave | lat=45.407687 | long=-75.703312 | directions=Bronson south of Gladstone Ave | phone=+1 613-722-4440 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-07-01 | content= }} ====Capital Pathway==== The city is criss-crossed by over 170&nbsp;km of multi-use pathways (MUPs), shared with pedestrians and in-line skaters. Dogs on leash are allowed along many of the paths, but only if the owner is on foot. Many paths are unlit at night, so careful that you don't ride into a leash between the dog and its owner. The maximum speed on the pathways is 20 km/h (13 mph). The [https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/events/weekend-bikedays National Capital Commission] closes 20&nbsp;km of roadways to cars summer weekends as '''Weekend Bikedays''' from Victoria Day (late May) to Labour Day (early September) allowing for cycling, in-line skating and walking on these roadways. Maps of the Capital Pathway are available, including the ''[https://ottawa.ca/en/parking-roads-and-travel/cycling/routes-and-maps Official Cycling Map for Ottawa-Gatineau]'' and the simplified ''[https://hansonthebike.com/ottawa-cycling-maps/ Ottawa Multi Use Pathway Pocket Map]'' created by a local cycling blogger. For more route suggestions, check out these local cycling blogs: * https://gobiking.ca/ * https://ottawavelooutaouais.com/ * [https://Www.hansonthebike.com www.hansonthebike.com] OC Transpo has bicycle racks on the front of many buses (seasonally). You can load your bike on the rack and then ride the bus for the normal passenger fare. The O-Train will take bikes as well, in the forwardmost car. The City of Ottawa has bike repair stations in public spaces along paths and across from City Hall, at libraries and community centres. The stations consist of a pump and the most important tools, connected to a base with steel cables. Long time advocacy group [https://bikeottawa.ca/ Bike Ottawa] (since 1984) also maintains an extensive website with [https://maps.bikeottawa.ca/ a set of interactive bicycle route maps] that rate all bicycle routes through Ottawa and [[Gatineau]] on a 1-4 scale, with 1 being child-friendly and 4 being very stressful. They also make available information on infrastructure progress. [http://bikeottawa.ca/index.php/about-cfsc/contact-us Contact them] also with questions about routes, concerns and popular destinations. Although it is a volunteer-run organisation, they are usually fairly fast in responding. [https://twitter.com/hashtag/ottbike #ottbike] is the commonly used hashtag on social media. ==See== === Parliament Hill === [[File:Centre Block - Parliament Hill.jpg|thumb|Parliament Hill, Canada's house of democracy]] [[Image:Ottawa war memorial.jpg|thumb|The National War Memorial near Parliament Hill]] The primary attraction for most visitors is {{see | name=Parliament Hill | alt= | url=https://lop.parl.ca/sites/Visit/default/en_CA | email= | address= | lat=45.42415 | long=-75.69908 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Parliament Hill | wikidata=Q1589289 | content= }} Parliament Hill is in the middle of downtown Ottawa, overlooking the Ottawa River. Not only is the building a fine example of the Gothic revival style, it makes an excellent starting point to visit all other points of interest in the area. * The '''Changing of the Guard''' takes place daily on the lawns of Parliament at 9AM from late June to late August. The Governor General's Foot Guards can also be seen at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and at Rideau Hall. Tours of the building are available daily with multiple tours (in English and French) available at staggered times throughout the day. If you have a group of greater than 10 people, you must make a reservation in advance by reserving online or by calling the reservations office at +1 613-996-0896. The admission is free, but you need tickets (one for the House of Commons at West Block, one for the Senate at the Senate of Canada Building) which you get online at [https://visit.parl.ca/sites/Visit/default/en_CA visit.parl.ca]. There is also a free 45-minute immersive experience that can be booked on the same official booking website. * The Centre Block and the Peace Tower are closed for renovation, and are expected to remain closed until 2031. * Tour guides take you through the House of Commons Chamber or the Senate Chamber and explain the history, roles and architecture of the respective buildings. Each tours lasts about 45 min and free same-day tickets can be booked online at [https://visit.parl.ca visit.parl.ca] depending on availability. Keep the order confirmation number, which can be used in lieu of tickets if they are never received by email. * If there are no more tickets available, or you have to wait for your time, a fine self-guided walking tour around the grounds of Parliament Hill will keep you busy. Free booklets are available at the Capital Information Kiosk at 90 Wellington St. * One of the nicer, unexpected views, looking from the bottom up, can be accessed at the back of the Parliament Buildings—that vantage point also provides a river view of the Canadian Museum of History, across the river in downtown Gatineau (the former city of Hull). * Behind the Parliament Buildings at sunset is a sight to remember. You can walk by the Rideau Canal locks (at the east corner) and visit the Bytown Museum at the level of the canal. * The locks separate Parliament Hill from the '''Chateau Laurier''', a [[Grand old hotels|former railway hotel]] (see below). === Museums === There are many national museums and galleries in Ottawa and neighbouring [[Gatineau]]. All museums in Ottawa have free admission on Canada Day, July 1, although they are generally very crowded then. * {{see | name=Bank of Canada Currency Museum | alt= | url=https://www.bankofcanadamuseum.ca | email=museum@bankofcanada.ca | address=30 Bank St | lat=45.42068 | long=-75.70283 | directions= | phone=+1 613-782-8914 | tollfree= | hours=Th-M 10AM-5PM | price=Free | wikipedia=Currency Museum (Canada) | wikidata=Q4306227 | lastedit=2024-03-04 | content=A collection of historic and current currencies from Canada and around the world, history of Bank of Canada and the application of interest rate in the society and economy. }} * {{see | name=Bytown Museum | alt= | url=http://bytownmuseum.com | email= | address=1 Canal Ln | lat=45.42582 | long=-75.69765 | directions=at the Rideau Canal locks between Parliament Hill and Chateau Laurier | phone=+1 613-234-4570 | tollfree= | hours=Victoria Day weekend-Thanksgiving Day: F-W 10AM-5PM, Th 10AM-9PM. Rest of year: Tu-Su 11AM-4PM | price=$5 adults, $4 seniors/students/youth, $2 children 5-12 | wikipedia=Bytown Museum | wikidata=Q5004646 | lastedit=2022-05-22 | content=A small museum at the foot of Parliament Hill with a focus on Ottawa's early history. }} * {{see | name=Canada Agriculture and Food Museum | alt= | url=http://agriculture.technomuses.ca | email= | address=861 Prince of Wales Dr | lat=45.38728 | long=-75.70937 | directions= | phone=+1 613-991-3044 | tollfree=+1-866-442-4416 | fax= | hours=Exhibitions: 9AM-5PM daily late Feb-late Nov. Animal barns: 9AM-5PM daily all year | price=$7 adults, $6 students/seniors, $4 children 3-14, $16 families (2 adults and 3 children), free for children under 3. Seniors free on Tuesday. Admission to animal barns is by donation during time of year when the exhibitions are closed | wikidata=Q4212098| wikipedia=Canada Agriculture and Food Museum | lastedit=2021-07-04 | content=A working animal farm in the city. You can visit animal barns, see various demonstrations and exhibitions, and ride on a horse-drawn wagon. The museum also has a playground and picnic area. It is very popular with young children and a welcome change of pace for kids who have seen enough history after visiting some of the other sights. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Canada Aviation and Space Museum | alt= | url=https://ingeniumcanada.org/casm | email= | address=11 Aviation Parkway | lat=45.45896 | long=-75.64392 | directions=at Ottawa/Rockcliffe Airport | phone=+1 613-993-2010, +1 613-990-7530 (TTY) | tollfree=+1-800-463-2038 | fax=+1 613-993-3655 | hours=W-M 10AM to 5PM, closed Tuesdays | price=$15, student/seniors $13, Youth (ages 3-17) $10 | wikipedia=Canada Aviation and Space Museum | wikidata=Q1031932 | lastedit=2021-07-04 | content=Former RCAF base with civilian and military aircraft ranging from pre-World War I to modern, including 1920s-1940s bush planes, war planes from both World Wars and the Cold War, surviving components of the 1950s' Avro Arrow interceptor and Space Shuttle Endeavor's Canadarm, a Canadian-built robotic arm. Guided tours, boutique. }} * {{see | name=Canadian Museum of Nature | alt= | url=http://nature.ca | email= | address=240 McLeod St. K2P2R1 | lat=45.41278 | long=-75.68863 | directions= | phone=+1 613-566-4700 | tollfree=+1-800-263-4433 | hours=W F-Su 10AM-4PM; Th 10AM-7PM. Open on some holiday Mondays | price=$17 adult (general admission), $15 senior/student, $13 child (3-12) | wikipedia=Canadian Museum of Nature | wikidata=Q1032232 | lastedit=2022-05-22 | content=Galleries of fossils, mammals, birds and geology among others. Free admission Thursdays after 4PM and all day Canada Day (July 1st). }} * {{see | name=Canadian War Museum | alt= | url=https://warmuseum.ca | email= | address=1 Vimy Place | lat=45.41699 | long=-75.71738 | directions= | phone=+1 819-776-7000 | tollfree=+1-800-555-5621 | fax= | hours=Sep–Jun: M–W F–Su 9:30AM–5PM, Th 9:30AM–8PM. Jun–Sep: M–W F–Su 9:30AM–6PM, Th 9:30AM–8PM | price=$12 for adults. A joint War Museum and Museum of History ticket $18 (good for one entry into each museum in a three-day period). Free on Th after 6PM, and on November 11 | wikidata=Q1032442| wikipedia=Canadian War Museum | content=The museum presents Canada's involvement in armed conflict beginning with battles between the French and British, through to the World Wars, Korea, and the country's current involvement in NATO and UN operations. }} * {{see | name=Carleton University Art Gallery | alt= | url=https://cuag.ca/ | email= | address=St. Patrick's Building, 1125 Colonel By Drive | lat=45.3875 | long=-75.6983 | directions= | phone=+1 613-520-5611 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-F 10AM-5PM, Sa Su noon-5PM (closed M) | price=Free | wikidata=Q104820197 | lastedit=2024-03-04 | content=Art exhibitions and educational events to explore and activate the ideas that shape contemporary society. }} * {{see | name=Cumberland Heritage Village Museum | alt= | url=https://ottawa.ca/en/arts-heritage-and-events/museums-and-historic-sites/cumberland-heritage-village-museum | address=2940 Ch. Old Montréal Rd | lat=45.5177 | long=-75.3913 | directions=about 25 km east of downtown Ottawa, bus 221 to stop: Old Montréal / Ad. 2907 | phone= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Cumberland, Ontario | lastedit=2021-09-21 | content=A museum village featuring buildings from the early 20th century including a railway station. }} * {{see | name=Diefenbunker — Canada's Cold War Museum | alt= | url=http://diefenbunker.ca | email= | address=3911 Carp Rd, Carp | lat=45.35136 | long=-76.04796 | directions=from Ottawa, take Hwy 417 west to exit 144, then go north on Carp Rd, watch for the sign on the left side of the road | phone= | tollfree=+1-800-409-1965 | hours=Self-guided tours 11AM-4PM daily | price=$14 adults, $13 seniors, $10 students, $8 youth 6-18, $40 families (2 adults plus 3 youth), free for children 5 and under | wikipedia=CFS Carp | wikidata=Q5010827 | lastedit=2017-01-16 | content=Built to protect the government from nuclear attack, this once-secret bunker is now a museum and National Historic Site of Canada. "Diefenbunker" is a play on "Diefenbaker", the Canadian prime minister in the 1950s who authorized the construction of the facility. In addition to preserving and promoting Canada's Cold War history, the museum offers a variety of visitor programs and services. You can learn, play or shop as you discover the bunker's secrets and relive the experience of the Cold War. Guided tours by reservation only. If you do not have access to a vehicle and are willing to do a 50 minute bus ride plus pay a $30 taxi, you can # take the OcTranpo #95 or #97; # Transfer to the #93 at Lincoln Fields; # Get off at the Legget / Ad. 515 stop; # Walk 3 minutes to Brookstreet Hotel; # Take a taxi to the Diefenbunker. }} [[File:Gallerie nationale et Cathédrale d'Ottawa, Ottawa, ON..JPG|thumb|National Gallery of Canada (left) and Ottawa Cathedral]] * {{see | name=Laurier House National Historic Site | alt= | url=https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/on/laurier | email=Laurier-House@pc.gc.ca | address=335 Laurier Ave. | lat=45.4277 | long=-75.6779 | directions= | phone=+1 613-992-8142 | tollfree=+1-888-773-8888 | fax= | hours=May 1-Jun 30: Th-M 10AM-5PM | price=Adult $3.90, senior (65+) $3.40, youth (17 and under) free | wikipedia=Laurier House | image=Laurier House.jpg | wikidata=Q284595 | lastedit=2018-04-28 | content=1878 house that is the former residence of two Canadian prime ministers: Sir Wilfrid Laurier (for whom the house is named) and William Lyon Mackenzie King. }} * {{see | name=National Gallery | alt= | url=http://www.gallery.ca | email= | address=380 Sussex Dr | lat=45.42946 | long=-75.69863 | directions= | phone=+1 613-990-1985 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Free admission Th after 5PM | wikipedia=National Gallery of Canada | wikidata=Q1068063 | lastedit=2017-01-16 | content=Photography, traditional and modern art from Canadian and international artists. Housed inside a glass building with a giant spider structure on the outside. }} [[Image:Jacques Plante's Goalie Mask.jpg|right|thumb|240px|Jacques Plante's Goalie Mask on display in the Science and Technology Museum]] * {{see | name=Science and Technology Museum | alt= | url=https://ingeniumcanada.org/scitech/index.php | email= | address= | lat=45.4033 | long=-75.6203 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-Su 9AM-5PM | price=Adult $17, youth (3-17) $11, senior (60+) or student $13 | wikipedia=Canada Science and Technology Museum | image=CMST-Entrance.jpg | wikidata=Q1163464 | lastedit=2017-11-20 | content=Several displays are popular with children, including massive locomotives inside the building and electricity demonstrations. Re-opened on November 17, 2017, after years of renovations because of a mould problem, this museum is even more family-friendly than it was before its forced closure. }} * {{see | name=Ottawa Art Gallery | alt= | url=https://oaggao.ca/ | email=info@oaggao.ca | address=50 Mackenzie King Bridge | lat=45.425981 | long=-75.688385 | directions= | phone=+1 613-233-8699 | tollfree= | hours=Tu W Su 10AM-6PM, Th-Sa 10AM-9PM (closed M) | price=Free | wikidata=Q47038408 | lastedit=2024-03-04 | content=Municipal art gallery. }} === Professional sports === * {{see | name=Ottawa 67's | alt= | url=http://ottawa67s.com/ | email= | address=TD Place Arena, 1015 Bank St | lat=45.398886 |long=-75.684122 | directions= | phone=+1 613-232-6767 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Ontario Hockey League (OHL) }} * {{see | name=Atlético Ottawa | alt= | url=https://atleticoottawa.canpl.ca | email= | address=TD Place Stadium, 1015 Bank St | lat=45.398178 |long=-75.68365 |directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Replacing the city's former Ottawa Fury FC is this club owned by Spanish soccer giants Atlético Madrid. Unlike Fury FC, which played at the second level of US soccer (the USL Championship), Atlético Ottawa plays in the domestic Canadian Premier League. | wikipedia=Atlético Ottawa | wikidata=Q84127265 }} * {{see | name=Ottawa Harlequins | alt= | url=http://rugbyottawa.com | email= | address=Twin Elm Rugby Park | lat=45.2037 | long=-75.7954 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Twin Elm Rugby Park | wikidata=Q7858151 | content=Rugby Canada Super League }} * {{see | name=Ottawa Redblacks | alt= | url=http://ottawaredblacks.com |email=fan@ottawaredblacks.com | address=TD Place Stadium, 1015 Bank St | lat=45.398178 |long=-75.68365 |directions= | phone=+1 613-232-6767 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Canadian Football League (CFL) }} * {{see | name=Ottawa Senators | alt= | url=http://www.nhl.com/senators | email= | address=Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr, [[Kanata]] | lat=45.296944 |long= -75.927222 | directions= | phone=+1 613-599-0250 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=National Hockey League (NHL) }} * {{see | name=Ottawa Charge | alt= | url=https://ottawa.thepwhl.com/en/ | email= | address=TD Place Arena, 1015 Bank St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-09-23 | content=Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL). Shares an arena with the Ottawa 67's. }} === Parks === Ottawa has dozens of neighbourhood parks and other parcels of green space in the urban core. * {{see | name=Confederation Park | alt= | url=https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places/confederation-park | address=Elgin St | lat=45.4221 | long=-75.6925 | directions=at Albert St, west of the Rideau Canal | phone= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Confederation Park | lastedit=2021-09-21 | content=Downtown park, designated as a National Historic Site of Canada, featuring a fountain, totem pole, statues. }} * {{see | name=Kiwekì Point (formerly Nepean Point) | alt= | url=https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places/kiweki-point | email= | address=Alexandra Bridge | lat=45.430001 | long=-75.703367 | directions=behind the National Gallery, or cross the Pìdàban Passage from Major's Hill Park | phone= | tollfree= | hours=always open | price= | wikipedia=Kìwekì Point | wikidata=Q6994604 | lastedit=2025-05-16 | content=A quiet place to watch the sun set, or to take photos of Parliament Hill, the National Gallery, the Museum of History, and the Royal Canadian Mint from angles that don't usually end up in the tourist brochures. Kiwekì (pronounced key-WHECK-ee) Point is also home to a statue of Samuel de Champlain, and the Astrolabe Theatre (one of the better places to watch the fireworks from on July 1). As of May 2025, the point is wheelchair-accessible. }} * {{see | name=Strathcona Park | alt= | url= | email= | address=25 Range Rd | lat=45.4275 | long=-75.6726 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Strathcona Park (Ottawa) | wikidata=Q4345268 | lastedit=2017-02-28 | content=Strathcona Park is at the eastern end of the Sandy Hill neighbourhood, and is the centrepiece of "Embassy Row". Be sure to see the Lord Strathcona Fountain at the park's north end, and Stephen Brathwaite's play structure (which looks like a ruined building in miniature) in the middle of the park. }} * {{see | name=Commissioners Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=45.3983 | long=-75.7031 | directions=at Preston Street & Queen Elizabeth Drive near Carling O-Train station | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5152787| wikipedia=Commissioners Park (Ottawa) | lastedit=2017-09-23 | content=Located adjacent to Dows Lake, where you can rent boats, it features the Festival of Tulips in May. In summer, there are a number of flower beds with flowers arranged by colour in attractive patterns. }} * {{see | name=Hartwell's Lockstation | alt= | url=http://www.rideau-info.com/canal/history/locks/h09-10-hartwells.html | email= | address= | lat=45.3844 | long=-75.7002 | directions=west side of Carleton University, 400 m from Carleton O-Train station | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-09-19 | content=Pictoresque lock station within a park along the Rideau Canal. One could walk across the locks and continue north to Dows Lake near Carling O-Train station, or northwest to the Canada Agriculture Museum. }} === Other attractions === * {{see | name=Rideau Hall | alt= | url=https://www.gg.ca/document.aspx?id=94 | email= | address=1 Sussex Dr | lat=45.44431 | long=-75.68548 | directions= | phone=+1 613-991-4422 | tollfree=+1-866-842-4422 | hours=Residence tour (without reservations): Apr 30-Jun 26: Sa Su 10AM-4PM, Jun 27-Sep 5: 10AM-4PM daily (unguided open-house tours available Jul-Aug afternoons), Sep 6-Oct 30: Sa Su noon-4PM. Advance reservations required for tours at any time from Nov-Apr, and weekdays May-Jun and Sep-6-Oct 30. | price=Free | wikipedia=Rideau Hall | wikidata=Q2151874 | lastedit=2017-01-16 | content=The official residence of His Majesty King Charles III and his representative the Governor General of Canada. The grounds and the residence are open to the public for tours. Reservations are recommended during the low season (September 1 - April 30). }} * {{see | name=Royal Canadian Mint | alt= | url=https://mint.ca/store/mint/about-the-mint/visit-the-mint-1200026 | email= | address=320 Sussex Drive | lat=45.4315 | long=-75.69921 | directions=a five-minute walk north of the National Gallery | phone=+1 613-993-8990 | tollfree=+1-800-276-7714 | hours=10AM-5PM | price=Price varies depending on the age of person, group discount rates available | wikipedia=Royal Canadian Mint | wikidata=Q1647539 | lastedit=2022-05-13 | content=Canada's commemorative and collectable coinage is minted here (circulation coinage is minted in Winnipeg), as were the medals for the 2010 Olympics. Tours are available, and there is no charge if you only want to visit the boutique. }} * {{see | name=Supreme Court of Canada | alt= | url=http://www.scc-csc.ca/vis/index-eng.aspx | email= | address= | lat=45.42193 | long=-75.70535 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | wikidata=Q196615| wikipedia=Supreme Court of Canada | lastedit=2017-01-16 | content=Canada's highest court and the best example in Ottawa of Art Deco architecture. Its marble Grand Entrance Hall is particularly impressive. The visit includes a tour in the Federal Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada hearing room. The visits last about 30 minutes and are provided by law students hired at the Court. The Court is a 5-minute walk from Parliament. Tours are offered in French on the half hour and in English on the hour. No reservations are needed between May 1 and August 30. Visitor reservations are required between September 1 to April 30. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=24 Sussex | alt= | url= | email= | address=24 Sussex Drive | lat=45.444348 | long=-75.693934 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=24 Sussex Drive | wikidata=Q217304 | lastedit=2019-04-12 | content=The official residence of the Prime Minister of Canada. While you cannot enter the building, you can look through the fence from the outside. }} ==Do== There are walking tours to introduce you to the capital area. * [http://www.ottawawalkingtours.com Ottawa Walking Tours] offers historical guided walks of Ottawa's downtown core with special stops at areas of historical significance. Tours acquaint guests with the history of the city and allow visitors to learn more about Ottawa’s history, architecture and colourful political characters. Tours are offered year-round and reservations are required. For more information, call {{phone|+1 613-799-1774}}. * The [http://hauntedwalk.com Haunted Walk of Ottawa] offers tours focusing on Ottawa's infamous haunts and darker history. Hear tales of hauntings at some of Ottawa's most well known locations, including the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, Bytown Museum and the Ottawa Jail Hostel. Cloaked guides lead guests through the city streets by lantern light-the perfect atmosphere for a good ghost story. Tours run year-round, rain or shine. Reservations are strongly recommended. For more information, call {{phone|+1 613-232-0344}}. ===Cinema, Music and Theater=== Ottawa has many movie theatres to choose from, but there are also a few that specialize in "foreign" films (i.e., not American), early releases, old returning films and specialty films. The [http://mayfairtheatre.ca/ '''Mayfair Theatre'''] is at 1074 Bank St. near Sunnyside. In addition, the [http://www.cfi-icf.ca '''Canadian Film Institute'''] screens films at several venues for the specialist film crowd. Ottawa has lots of '''live entertainment''', including music and theater from small shows to large productions. <!-- [https://twitter.com/taraplayersott Tara Players] (Irish theatre) appears to no longer be updating their listings, is it still running? --> * {{do | name=The National Arts Centre | alt= | url=http://nac-cna.ca/splash.htm | email= | address=1 Elgin St | lat=45.4193759 | long=-75.6936562 | directions= | phone=+1 613-947-7000 | tollfree=+1-866-850-ARTS | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2945952| wikipedia=National Arts Centre | content=Also provides a major venue for dance and orchestral performance. }} * {{do | name=The Great Canadian Theatre Company | alt=GCTC | url=http://www.gctc.ca/ | email=info@gctc.ca | address=1233 Wellington St W | lat=45.39980 | long=-75.73175 | directions=corner of Holland | phone=+1 613-236-5196 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5598928| wikipedia=Great Canadian Theatre Company | content= }} * {{do | name=Ottawa Little Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.ottawalittletheatre.com/ | email= info@ottawalittletheatre.com | address=400 King Edward Ave | lat=45.4281724 | long=-75.6879524 | directions=one block south of Rideau | phone=+1 613-233-8948 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7109211| wikipedia=Ottawa Little Theatre | content= }} * {{do | name=GigSpace | alt= | url=https://www.gigspaceottawa.com/ | email= info@gigspaceottawa.com | address=953 Gladstone Ave | lat=45.40381 | long=-75.71522 | directions=Little Italy | phone=+1 613-729-0693 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7109211| wikipedia= | content=A more intimate jazz and blues venue, away from Downtown's beaten path. }} ===Winter=== Winter officially begins in December, but daylight is already noiceably shorter by then, and holiday light displays and snow arrive in late November. Cold winters don't keep most locals inside - in fact, many people wish for an early freeze and lots of snow so that conditions are perfect for some annual traditions and winter hobbies. [[File:RideauSkating.jpg|thumb|Skating on the Rideau canal]] * {{do | name=Rideau Skateway | alt= | url=http://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places-to-visit/rideau-canal-skateway | email= | address= | lat=45.42415 | long=-75.69304 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=24 hours daily (when frozen) | price= | content=When the temperatures are at their coldest, go skating on the largest outdoor skating rink in the world, the Rideau Canal. Skates, sleighs and ice "tricycles" can be rented, and refreshments purchased from vendors right on the ice. This is also a great place to enjoy a "BeaverTail" (see the listing under "Eat"). Rest areas with heated changerooms, washrooms, firepits, picnic tables, snacks and warm drinks are on the ice at various points. At the end of the boating season, the canal is drained, stairs, chalets, and temporary structures lifed in, and the water level raised just enough to provide {{m|.3}} of ice thickness. The ice surface is at the bottom of the canal, so it can only be accessed where stairs or ramps have been installed. Professinonal crews plow snow, fill cracks, and maintain the ice surface around the clock as soon as the ice is thick enough. The "skateway" can stretch for {{km|7.8}} from the locks next to Parliament Hill to Carleton University, though some sections may be closed if ice conditions are too poor. It's possible to walk along the skateway if you want to visit a fire pit or snack bar. The ice surface is open 24 hours every day, but the vendors and amenities close in the evening. The 2023 season was cancelled due to high temperatures. }} * {{do | name=Mooney's Bay Ski Centre | alt= | url=https://ottawa.ca/en/recreation-and-parks/recreation-facilities/facility-listing/terry-fox-athletic-facility | email= | address=2960 Riverside Drive | lat=45.36802 | long=-75.69222 | directions= | phone=+1 613-247-4883 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The city's trail system serves as an excellent cross-country ski trail system. The city-run ski centre at Mooney's Bay Park is a good starting point if you want classic cross country or skate skiing lessons or need to rent equipment. Trails along the Ottawa River (the [https://www.wintertrail.ca/ Kichi Sibi Winter Trail] or [https://britanniawintertrail.com/ Britannia Winter Trail], Rideau River (the [https://www.rideauwintertrail.ca/ Rideau Winter Trail]) are other public and scenic routes that are groomed and maintained by volunteers. }} * {{do | name=Winterlude | alt= | url=https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/winterlude.html | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=For about two weeks each February, Winterlude (French: ''Bal de Neige'') is the national capital's annual winter festival featuring ice carving and snow sculptures. The festival is spread throughout both Ottawa and Gatineau. Sparks Street is home to the ice-carving competition and public art installations. The Byward Market hosts food experiences, winter activities, and additional locations for interactive art. Other locations throughout the city offer special events throughout the festival, focusing on family activities, Indigenous culture, and the LGBT community. Some museums offer special programming during the festival. The snow playground, with tubing, ziplining, slides and obstacles courses is in Gatineau. }} ===Spring=== * {{do | name=Maple Syrup | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=In early spring (typically peaking in March), when the daytime temperatures are above freezing and night temperatures are below freezing, consider visiting a sugarbush (or sugar shack) for fresh maple syrup, tours of orchards, and demonstrations of the maple syrup boiling process. Taffy on snow is a sugary treat made with freshly boiled maple syrup on fresh snow. There are many to choose from on farms in the countryside. Maple products are also sold at vendors in the Byward Market, and some bars will serve seasonal maple-infused craft beers from local breweries. Ontario's sugar shacks focus less on the culinary aspects of maple syrup than the ''Cabanes à Sucre'' found in Quebec, where you could expect a feast of hearty dishes alongside the season's syrup harvest. }} ** {{do | name=Vanier Museopark Sugar Shack | alt= | url=https://museoparc.ca/vanier-sugar-shack/ | email=info@museoparc.ca | address=200- 300, avenue des Pères Blancs, Vanier | lat=45.443858 | long=-75.661771 | directions= | phone=+1 613-842-9871 | tollfree= | hours=Sa Su 9AM-2PM, March and April only | price= | lastedit=2023-01-16 | content=The Vanier Museopark's "Sugar Shack" offers the sugarbush experience without needing to leave the city. Reservations can be made at the website. }} * {{do | name=The Tulip Festival | alt= | url=http://tulipfestival.ca/ | email= | address= | lat=45.39823 | long=-75.70314 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4212104 | content=During the Second World War, the Government of Canada sheltered exiled members of the Dutch Royal Family in Ottawa, and even declared part of the Ottawa Hospital as "extraterritorial" so that Princess Margriet of the Netherlands would not be born a British citizen (making her ineligible for the throne of the Netherlands). After the end of the war and every year since, the Dutch royal family has sent thousands of tulip bulbs in gratitude. Each May, they blossom into a spring bonanza of flowering bulbs, and a concert series features well-known Canadian rock and other popular music groups. The festival activities focus on Commissioner's Park, but over a million tulips bloom in public gardens in parks throughout the city. }} * {{do | name=International Film Festival of Ottawa | alt= | url=https://www.iffo.ca/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Known as the IFFO, occurs for 12 days in March and showcases a selection of contemporary Canadian and international films. }} * {{do | name=Ottawa Black Film Festival | alt= | url=https://ottawablackfilm.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Occurs in late March for two days and showcases a selection of African and Afro-diasporic films. }} ===Summer=== * {{do | name=Ottawa Jazz Festival | alt= | url=http://ottawajazzfestival.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=In late June. }} * '''[https://summersolsticefestivals.ca/ Ottawa Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival]'''. In late June. * {{do | name=Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival | alt= | url=http://chamberfest.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=In summer, one of the largest in the world. }} * {{do | name=Bluesfest | alt= | url=http://www.ottawabluesfest.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Also in summer: The largest blues festival in Canada. It also features rock, pop and world music, and attracts visitors from Atlantic Canada and New England. }} * {{do | name=The Fringe Festival | alt= | url=http://ottawafringe.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Another summer offering with theatre performances. }} * {{do | name=Ferrari Festival | alt= | url=http://fcaottawa.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=In June, on Preston Street. }} * {{do | name=Canada Day | alt= | url=https://www.ottawatourism.ca/ottawa-insider/canada-day/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-04-06 | content=Celebrate Canada's birthday in Ottawa on July 1. While the Centre Block of the Parliament Buildings is being renovated, the official spot to gather on Canada Day is Major's Hill Park. As of 2022, the events have been moved to LeBreton Flats Park. }} * {{do | name=Capital Pride | alt= | url=https://capitalpride.ca/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-01-02 | content=Ottawa's annual LGBT pride festival, taking place at Somerset Village (Bank & Somerset), the core of Ottawa's LGBT community. }} * {{do | name=The Ottawa International Animation Festival | alt= | url=http://animationfestival.ca/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-01-02 | content=One of the largest animation festivals in the world, the OIAF is held in September. }} * {{do | name=Yoga on the Hill | alt= | url=https://ottawatourism.ca/en/see-and-do/yoga-parliament-hill | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=W noon | price=free | content=During the summer months, a free weekly yoga class is offered on Parliament Hill most Wednesdays beginning at noon. The class is very popular—sometimes attracting more than a thousand people—so it's recommended to arrive a bit early to claim a spot on the grass. Yoga mat recommended but optional; bring your own. }} * {{do | name=Doors Open Ottawa | alt= | url=http://ottawa.ca/en/residents/arts-heritage-and-culture/museums-and-historic-sites/doors-open-ottawa | email=doorsopen@ottawa.ca | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-05-14 | content=Doors Open Ottawa, the second-largest Doors Open architectural event in North America, takes place during the first weekend in June. Over 100 buildings (many of which are normally closed to the public, such as embassies, official residences, museum storage buildings, and city infrastructure facilities) open their doors to the public, offering free admission to part or all of the premises. Most participating buildings also allow photography. While the event takes place Saturday and Sunday from 10AM to 4PM, not all buildings are open both days. It is a hybrid event, with virtual and physical visits. Reservations required at some participating buildings (including the US Embassy). }} * {{do | name=Jane's Walk Ottawa | alt= | url=https://www.janeswalkottawa.ca/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-01-27 | content=An annual festival of free neighbourhood walking tours organized by volunteers. Jane's Walk is a pedestrian-focused event that improves urban literacy by offering insights into local history, planning, design, and civic engagement through the simple act of walking and observing. They are a lot of fun and you will hear stories that you won't find in any guide book. }} ==Learn== The two best known universities in the city are '''[http://carleton.ca Carleton University]''' and the bilingual '''[http://uottawa.ca University of Ottawa]'''. Bilingual '''[http://ustpaul.ca St. Paul's University]''' is a Catholic university with ties to the University of Ottawa, offering various degrees in theology and social sciences. '''[http://collegedominicain.ca/ Dominican University College]''' is a Dominican university where theology and philosophy can be studied at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, also in English or French. There is also '''[http://algonquincollege.com Algonquin College]''' and the francophone '''[https://www.collegelacite.ca/ Collège La Cité]'''. * {{listing | type=learn | name=Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology | alt= | wikidata=Q2983704 | wikipedia=Algonquin College | url=http://www.algonquincollege.com/ | email= | address=1385 Woodroffe Ave | lat=45.3875706 | long=-75.7310343 | directions=take the transitway to Baseline Station, and walk across Woodroffe Ave. Route 88 is a popular way of getting here | phone=+1 613-727-4723 | tollfree= | fax= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | type=learn | name=Carleton University | alt= | wikidata=Q1041737 | wikipedia=Carleton University | url=http://carleton.ca/ | email= | address=1125 Colonel By Drive | lat=45.3875706 | long=-75.7310343 | directions=the OTrain "Trillium" line stops on-campus at Carleton Station, or take bus routes 10 or 7 | phone=+1 613-520-2600 | tollfree= | fax= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | type=learn | name=Dominican University College | alt=Dominican College of Philosophy and Theology | wikidata=Q5290853 | wikipedia=Dominican University College | url=http://www.dominicanu.ca/ | email= | address=96 Empress Ave | lat=45.4113622 | long=-75.7108991 | directions=just north of Chinatown | phone=+1 613-233-5696 | tollfree= | fax= | lastedit= | content=A Roman Catholic college of philosophy and theology, affiliated with Carleton University since 2012. }} * {{listing | type=learn | name=Collège La Cité | alt= | url=https://www.collegelacite.ca/ | email= | address=801 Aviation Parkway | lat=45.431596 | long=-75.635786 | directions= | phone=+1 613-742-2483 | tollfree=+1-800-267-2483 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=La Cité collégiale | wikidata=Q3207459 | content=The largest French-language college in Ontario. }} * {{listing | type=learn | name=Saint Paul University | alt= | wikidata=Q3551486 | wikipedia=Saint Paul University | url=http://ustpaul.ca/ | email= | address=223 Main St | lat=45.4080779 | long=-75.6789219 | directions=OC Transpo Route 5 | phone=+1 613-236-1393 | tollfree=+1-800-637-6859 | fax= | lastedit= | content=A bilingual Catholic Pontifical university, federated with the University of Ottawa. }} * {{listing | type=learn | name=University of Ottawa | alt=uOttawa | url=http://www.uottawa.ca/ | email= | address=Tabaret Hall, 75 Laurier Ave East | lat=45.3875706 | long=-75.7310343 | directions=the O-Train has stops on campus at uOttawa Station | phone=+1 613-562-5700 | tollfree=+1-877-868-8292 | fax=+1 613-562-5323 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=University of Ottawa | wikidata=Q627969 | lastedit=2020-02-27 | content= }} ==Work== The Federal Government is the region's largest employer with the high-tech sector firmly in second place. Unless you are a Canadian resident, you will need a work visa to work in Ottawa, and some Federal Government jobs require Canadian citizenship. Most Federal Government jobs require applicants to be bilingual in English and French. ==Buy== [[Image:Market Byward.JPG|thumb|240px|ByWard Market]] *{{listing | type=buy | name=ByWard Market | alt= | url=http://byward-market.com/ | email= | address= | lat=45.4275621 | long=-75.692691 | directions=downtown, east of the Canal and Sussex Drive, north of Rideau | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=ByWard Market | wikidata=Q3289783 | content=Among other things, this is a farmer's market; in summer, stalls selling fresh produce and flowers line the streets, and maple syrup bought at the farmer's market costs half the price of the same bottle sold at souvenir shops elsewhere in the Byward Market or anywhere else in the city. It is also a craft and tourist market with a range of shops and the city's busiest entertainment district with restaurants, pubs, bars and many street performers. Interesting to see it first during the day (when it's a shopping destination) and then in the evening (when it's a nightlife destination). }} * {{buy | name=Sparks Street | alt= | url=http://sparkslive.com | email= | address= | lat=45.42072 | long=-75.70279 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4430680| wikipedia=Sparks Street | content=A pleasant pedestrian street one block off Parliament Hill; a common tourist thoroughfare for seeing the sights. Along this street you'll find the majority of the tourist shops selling postcards, magnets, and maple syrup. The Astrolabe Gallery, located on this street, is a treasure trove of antique maps and vintage posters. There are several outdoor cafés and restaurants to choose from. }} * {{buy | name=Westboro Village | alt= | url=http://westborovillage.com/ | email= | address= | lat=45.39198 | long=-75.75417 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4479824| wikipedia=Westboro, Ottawa | content=A stretch along Richmond Road in the "near west" of Ottawa from Golden east to Tweedsmuir has become a popular tourism and shopping zone with several outdoor stores (clothing and equipment), restaurants and coffee shops. Notable shops include the [http://mec.ca/ Mountain Equipment Coop], lululemon, Starbucks, Bridgehead (fair trade coffee), Kitchenalia, a chocolatier and several others. }} *{{buy | name=Bank Street Promenade | alt= | url=https://mymainstreet.ca/communities/ottawa-bank-street-bia | email= | address= | lat=45.41675 | long=-75.69755 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Bank Street (Ottawa) | content=Great mix of stores ranging from chain restaurants to specialty shops. District extends from Wellington St to Gladstone Ave. }} * {{buy | name=Wellington West | alt= | url=http://wellingtonwest.ca/ | email= | address= | lat=45.39980 | long=-75.73185 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Wellington West is the commercial district of Hintonburg and Wellington Village, located in the west end between Little Italy and Westboro. It is home to independent businesses in Ottawa, such as boutiques, restaurants and food shops, and local art galleries, as well as the Parkdale Market. Notable shops include Hintonburger, Suzy Q Doughnuts, Elmdale Tavern and several others. }} Larger '''shopping malls''' include the {{marker|type=buy|name=Rideau Centre|url=https://www.cfshops.com/rideau-centre.html|lat=45.4252|long=-75.6913}} (downtown), {{marker|type=buy|name=St. Laurent Shopping Centre|url=http://stlaurent-centre.com/|lat=45.4219|long=-75.6388}} (East Central), {{marker|type=buy|name=Place D'Orleans|url=http://placedorleans.com/|lat=45.4779|long=-75.5163}} (East End), {{marker|type=buy|name=Bayshore Shopping Centre|url=https://www.bayshoreshoppingcentre.com|lat=45.3471|long=-75.8069}} and {{marker|type=buy|name=Carlingwood Mall|url=http://carlingwood.com/|lat=45.3723|long=-75.7694}} (West End). The last Saturday in May, Ottawa's Glebe neighbourhood hosts the annual '''[https://glebeca.ca/garage-sale-committee/ Great Glebe Garage Sale]'''. Hundreds of residents set up tables in their garages or on their lawns and sell used goods ranging from household knick-knacks to electronics to clothing. Businesses in the area also hold sidewalk sales, and vendors sell artwork, baking, and refreshments. Driving and parking during the sale itself is unnecessary and nearly impossible. Arrive on foot or park and walk into the neighbourhood. For parking, and for the best deals (especially on larger items like furniture), arrive early. The event is bustling by 8AM but continues well into the afternoon. Vendors are encouraged to donate a portion of their proceeds to the Ottawa Food Bank. ==Eat== [[Image:Food Beavertail.jpg|thumb|240px|Ottawa's claim to culinary fame: a beavertail with sugar and cinnamon]] * {{eat | name=BeaverTails | alt= | url=http://beavertails.com/ | email=ottawabywardmarket@beavertails.com | address=69 George Street | lat=45.4279043 | long=-75.6942454 | directions= | phone=+1 613-241-1230 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su-W 10AM-8PM, Th 10AM-11PM, F Sa 10AM-midnight | price= | lastedit=2017-02-03 | content=Try the tasty BeaverTail, a fried-dough pastry associated with Ottawa, although a number of places claim to have created it. It's available in sweet and savoury versions, topped with cinnamon, sugar, icing sugar, etc. In the winter, many places will offer it on the canal. During the summer, the only places downtown to offer it are in the Byward Market on George St., and a small counter in a corner of the Canadian Museum of History. There are a variety of toppings and the taste of the beaver tail stands out more with the classic sugar & cinnamon. However, the locals' favourite is the ''Killaloe Sunrise'', a topping of cinnamon sugar and lemon juice. }} '''Coffee shops''' are found throughout the city, and include dozens of two specialty chains '''Second Cup''' and '''Starbucks''', in addition to the mainstream '''Tim Horton's''' (seemingly planted at every intersection). '''[http://bridgehead.ca Bridgehead]''' is a fair trade coffee house and can be found at a half dozen or so locations. Try their small double shot lattes, which are significantly better than their competitors'. There are several coffee houses in Little Italy, on Preston Street. One of the most popular, [https://italianpastryshop.ca/ Pasticceria Gelateria Italiana] (200 Preston Street, +1 613-594-5303), also houses an award-winning pastry shop. Bar Robo on Somerset St under the Chinatown arch offers locally-roasted coffee during the day, along with fresh croissants and donuts. Ethnic foods from around the world are available at a wide variety of restaurants and street vendors throughout the city. The Byward Market area has a wide selection of different cuisines; the Chinatown area is along Somerset Street West between Bay and Preston streets (bus 11 from Parliament O-Train Station); Little Italy runs along the length of Preston Street, from Carling Avenue to Albert Street (bus 85 from Primisi O-Train Station). ===Budget=== According to a [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gC9aFcYxvtw 2025 CBC News report], Ottawa has almost 200 shawarma (kebab and fixings in pita bread) restaurants around the city. Many will serve up a great shawarma for less than $10. Their busy times are typically weekdays at lunch-hour, and on weekends after the bars close. The Byward Market and Elgin St. have several restaurants to choose from. Local favourites include {{marker|type=eat|name=Shawarma Palace|url=https://shawarmapalace.ca/|lat=45.4310|long=-75.6800}} and {{marker|type=eat|name=3 Brothers Shawarma|url=https://www.3brothersshawarma.com/|lat=45.4269|long=-75.6897}} both on Rideau St among other Ottawa locations. The usual range of diners, bagel shops and fast food restaurants can be found in shopping areas throughout the city. You will also find "chip wagons" or "chip trucks" parked in various locations around the city at lunch time. Most of them serve hamburgers, hot dogs, sausage-in-a-bun, pogos (corn dogs - deep fried, breaded hot dogs on a stick), chips (French fries) and poutine (French fries covered with cheddar cheese curd and gravy - very popular in Quebec and eastern Ontario). You can find the occasional truck that sells Caribbean roti, fish and chips, Canadian "Chinese" food, or other foods. One popular bagel shop is {{marker|type=eat|name=Kettleman's Bagel|url=https://www.kettlemansbagels.ca/|lat=45.3999|long=-75.6869}}, which has three locations in Ottawa, the original being at 912 Bank St (near Lansdowne Park), and serves Montreal-style bagels. {{marker|type=eat|name=Smoke's Poutinerie|url=https://smokespoutinerie.com/|lat=45.4268|long=-75.6892}} at 407 Dalhousie St serves poutine. At lunch time, Di Rienzo and La Bottega Nicastro will sell you a good $5 sandwich; opinion is split among locals as to which is better, but they're both very good. If you're in town for a few days, try them both. * {{eat | name=Ahora Mexican Cuisine | alt= | url=http://www.ahora.ca/ | email= | address=307 Dalhousie Street | lat=45.4294006 | long=-75.6934767 | directions=between York and Clarence | phone=+1 613-562-2081 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= 11:30AM to 10PM | price= | content=A good little Mexican canteen. It serves up mains, zippy margaritas, and drinks imported from Mexico. }} *{{eat | name=La Bottega Nicastro | alt= | url=https://www.labottega.ca/ | email= | address=64 George Street | lat=45.426859 | long=-75.694021 | directions=ByWard Market | phone=+1 613-789-7575 | tollfree= | hours=M-W 9AM-6PM, Th F 9AM-8PM, Sa 9AM-6PM, Su 10AM-5PM, | price= | lastedit=2017-01-16 | content=A fantastic little Italian specialty market, Nicastro's is a contender for the city's best $5 sandwiches, featuring amazing bread (esp. the focaccia) usually baked on the premises. The sit-down lunch kitchen is also well worth a visit. }} *{{eat | name=Di Rienzo | alt= | url=http://dirienzo.ca/ | email= | address=111 Beech Street | lat=45.4000144 | long=-75.7142663 | directions=at Champagne St. | phone=+1 613-729-4037 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-321-8689 | hours=M-F 7:30AM-9PM, Sa Su 8AM-7PM | price= | lastedit=2017-01-16 | content=This little deli tucked away in Little Italy, a secret known to many locals, is famous for the best and freshest deli sandwiches in the city for $5 (taxes included). During the week the lineup can stretch outside the packed little store, but they are arguably the fastest sandwich makers anywhere so don't worry about a long wait. There is also another newer location run by the family at Meadowlands Drive and Fisher Avenue. }} *{{eat | name=Elgin Street Diner | alt= | url=http://www.elginstreetdiner.com/ | email= | address=374 Elgin Street | lat=45.414912 | long=-75.689981 | directions=just north of Gladstone | phone=+1 613-237-9700 | tollfree= | hours=Always open | price= | lastedit=2025-05-16 | content=A popular 24-hour diner. One of its specialties is the ESD (Elgin Street Diner) Poutine (though true Quebecers should probably abstain). Generally, poutine is French fries, served with cheese curds and gravy on top; they have several versions including the addition of caramelized onions and bacon, Montreal smoked meat, Philly steak, a four cheese blend or Chili. The substitution of mashed potatoes fried with onions and seasoning (called their home fries), or onion rings instead of regular French fries is also an option. Expect the adventure to set you back $16–21 depending on toppings. The diner's hamburgers/cheeseburgers are significantly better than typical fast food fare, and breakfast is served 24/7 365 days a year with no exception. The breakfast menu includes Kettleman's bagels. }} * {{eat | name=Rangoon | alt= | url=http://www.rangoonrestaurant.ca | email=info@rangoonrestaurant.ca | address=114 Gloucester Street | lat=45.418822 | long=-75.6983374 | directions=near O'Connor | phone=+1 613-680-8821 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= M-Th 11AM-9PM; F 11AM-10PM; Sa 4-10PM | price= | content=A one-of-a-kind family-run Burmese restaurant with cheap lunch specials where you can get an appetizer, main course and a drink for about $10! Try the fish noodle soup (mohingha), chicken curry or eggplant curry. A real hidden gem. }} * {{eat | name=Warehouse | alt=El Furniture Warehouse | url=https://warehousegroup.ca/location/el-furniture-warehouse-ottawa/ | address=77 Clarence St | lat=45.4292 | long=-75.6933 | directions= | phone= | hours= | price=$10-$20 per person | lastedit=2025-04-24 | content=Warehouse, in the heart of Byward Market, has a sidewalk patio and a roof patio. Inexpensive meals are available. Busy every day of the week, especially after 8PM when it is mostly a bar which may have a DJ. }} * For the best non-traditional Canadian eats, head down Somerset St West near Bronson to the heart of Chinatown. Here you have a choice of places for Vietnamese, Thai, Cantonese, etc. Vietamese soup-houses, '''Pho Bo Ga''' and '''Pho Bo Ga La''', are well-rated. The '''Jadeland Restaurant''' is a small popular Chinese restaurant set in a converted house and has been well reviewed for its tasty dishes and low prices. Another good source for ethnic foods is the stretch on Rideau between King Edward and the bridge to Vanier. You can find Middle Eastern, African and Asian food here. **{{eat | name=Pho Bo Ga 2 | alt= | url=http://www.phoboga2ottawa.com/ | email= | address=843 Somerset Street West | lat=45.4090184 | long=-75.7146149 | directions=near Rochester | phone=+1 613-234-7089 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM-2AM | price= | lastedit=2017-02-03 | content= }} **{{eat | name=Pho Bo Ga L.A. | alt= | url= | email= | address=784 Somerset Street West | lat=45.4097074 | long=-75.7120057 | directions=between Lebreton and Booth | phone=+1 613-230-2931 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM-10:30PM | price= | lastedit=2017-01-16 | content= }} **{{eat | name=Jadeland | alt= | url=http://www.jadeland.com/menu.html | email= | address=625 Somerset Street West | lat=45.412135 | long=-75.706695 | directions=near Percy Street, east of the core Chinatown | phone=+1 613-233-0204 | tollfree= | hours=Su-Th 11AM-11PM, F Sa 11AM-midnight | price= | lastedit=2017-01-16 | content= }} * For a somewhat higher-end Indian buffet experience, yet authentic, try [http://hostindia.ca/ ''Host India''] on Montreal Rd. For Indian food from Kerala state, try [http://coconutlagoon.ca/ ''Coconut Lagoon''] on St. Laurent Blvd. (in the same price range as Host India), ranked #1 on Food Network's "10 Popular Indian Restaurants in Canada". **{{eat | name=Host India | alt= | url=http://hostindia.ca/ | email= | address=622 Montreal Road | lat=45.4419593 | long=-75.6422116 | directions= two blocks west of the Montfort Hospital | phone=+1 613-746-4678 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-01-16 | content= }} **{{eat | name=Coconut Lagoon | alt= | url=https://coconutlagoon.ca/ | email=info@coconutlagoon.ca | address=853 St. Laurent Boulevard | lat=45.433582 | long=-75.641589 | directions=just north of McArthur | phone=+1 613-742-4444 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-15 | content=Coconut Lagoon serves Kerala cuisine, subtly different from other South Indian styles (although people kept asking for Butter Chicken so it's on the menu as well). The restaurant's executive chef and owner Joe Thottungal took the silver medal at the Canadian Culinary Championships in 2017, and the gold medal at the Gold Medal Plates Culinary Competition 2016. There are vegan-friendly dishes on the menu. The restaurant is re-opening in August 2022. }} *{{listing | type=eat | name=Zak's Diner | alt= | url=http://zaksdiner.com/ | email=bywardmarket@zaksdiner.com | address=14 Byward Market Square | lat=45.4283814 | long=-75.6957837 | directions= | phone=+1 613-241-2401 | tollfree= | hours=Always open | price= | lastedit=2021-07-07 | content=The best milk-shakes are found at Zak's, a 24-hour diner in the Byward Market. They're really good, made with ice-cream, and for the $6.99 they cost you get a large glass full plus the shaker with what didn't fit in the glass. Other dishes are quite good, with a "more calories for your money" attitude (as illustrated by the massive amount of milkshake served), which is nicely honest about fast food; however it may seem a bit expensive as the burgers start at $14.49 and if you add on the paid extras you can easily get in excess of $19. Late on week-end nights (2-3AM), it's packed as people go for their after-bar poutine. There are two additional locations on Elgin Street and in Kanata. }} * {{eat | name=Le Mien - Craft Noodle | alt= | url=https://www.lemiencraftnoodle.com | email= | address=43 William Street | lat=45.4278155 | long=-75.6921155 | directions=Between York St. + George St. in the ByWard Market | phone=+1 613 421 8882 | tollfree= | hours=11AM-9PM | price= | lastedit=2023-12-27 | content=Traditional Chinese noodle shop with hand pulled noodles in warm rich broth. }} ===Mid-range=== Major restaurant areas can be found on Elgin Street, on Bank Street in Centretown, on Bank Street in the Glebe, in Westboro and in the Byward Market, with entrees ranging from $12–25. Similar restaurants can be found in major suburban shopping areas too. * {{eat | name=The Empire Grill | alt= | url=http://empiregrill.com/ | email= | address=47 Clarence Street | lat=45.4289057 | long=-75.6938691 | directions= | phone=+1 613-241-1343 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$30 main courses | content=Has a great patio in the summer and delicious food year-round. Expect to pay more than $25 for an entree. }} * {{eat | name=Johnny Farina's | alt= | url=http://johnnyfarina.com/ | email= | address=216 Elgin Street | lat=45.41841 | long=-75.69116 | directions= | phone=+1 613-565-5155 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Italian food }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=The Works | alt= | url=http://worksburger.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Hard to argue that these are not the best burgers around. The selection is top notch and toppings are bountiful. Also served are delicious onion rings, milk shakes and cold beer, all in a funky industrial decor. Choose your burger from the traditional beef, elk, vegetarian, or other options. Expect to pay $20 or more for a burger with sides, and not to regret it. They're becoming an Ontario-wide chain, but Ottawa is where the Works started, and where they have their largest market penetration (seven locations as of January 2017). There are three locations where tourists in Ottawa might stumble across them; these are the ones listed below. }} ** {{eat | name=The Works - The Glebe | address=580 Bank Street | lat=45.4078486 | long=-75.6924601 | directions=just south of Highway 417 | phone=+1 613-235-0406 | hours=Su-W 11AM-10PM, Th-Sa 11AM-11PM }} ** {{eat | name=The Works - Manor Park | address=363 St Laurent Boulevard | lat=45.448907 | long=-75.6524254 | directions=corner of Hemlock | phone=+1 613-748-0406 | hours=11AM-10PM }} ** {{eat | name=The Works - Westboro Village | address=326 Richmond Road | lat=45.3927746 | long=-75.7518549 | directions=corner of Churchill | phone=+1 613-564-0406 | hours=Su-W 11AM-10PM, Th-Sa 11AM-11PM }} * {{eat | name=Taqueria La Bonita | alt= | url=http://www.labonita.ca/ | email= | address=1128 Cadboro Rd | lat=45.4310625 | long=-75.6235052 | directions=just off Ogilvie, near the Gloucester Centre | phone=+1 613-695-7373 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su-W 11AM-9PM, Th-Sa 11AM-10PM | price=$20-40 plus alcohol | lastedit=2017-11-12 | content=If you're looking for Mexican cuisine (not Tex-Mex or Cal-Mex) in Ottawa, they're worth the drive out of downtown. La Bonita is a small restaurant - while you don't need to make reservations, they're recommended during busy hours. }} * {{eat | name=Feleena's | alt= | url=https://www.feleenas.ca/ | email=feleenas@hotmail.com | address=742 Bank Street | lat=45.40373 | long=-75.68901 | directions=corner of Second Ave. | phone=+1 613-233-2010 | tollfree= | hours=11:30AM - 8:30PM | price=$40-$80 | lastedit=2025-04-23 | content=Mexican restaurant (not Tex-Mex or Cal-Mex) }} ===Splurge=== Ottawa has excellent options for fine dining if you feel like spending a bit extra. Budget $150 for a three-course dinner for two, including wine and gratuity. * {{eat | name=Beckta | alt= | url=http://beckta.com/main.php | email= | address=226 Nepean Street | lat=45.41646 | long=-75.69920 | directions=downtown Ottawa | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Excellent modern restaurant with a variety of tastes centred on locally available foods. Also features an extensive wine list. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant 18 | alt=E18hteen | url=http://restaurant18.com/ | email= | address=18 York Street | lat=45.427428 | long=-75.694119 | directions=in the Byward Market | phone=+1 613-244-1188 | tollfree= | hours=Su-Th 4:30PM-10PM, F-Sa 4:30PM-11PM, | price= | lastedit=2025-05-16 | content=An upscale, modern restaurant and bar located in a renovated 19th century heritage building. It is ''the'' place to see and be seen. }} * {{eat | name=Signatures | alt= | url=http://lcbottawa.com/English/signatures/index.cfm | email= | address= 453 Laurier Ave. East | lat=45.42891 | long=-75.67475 | directions= | phone=+1 613-236-2499 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-Sa 5:30–10PM | price= | content=At Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute is a French restaurant with a five-diamond rating from CAA/AAA that is considered among the very best in the city. }} * {{eat | name=The Wellington Gastropub | alt= | url=http://www.thewellingtongastropub.com/ | email= | address=1325 Wellington Street West | lat=45.3988578 | long=-75.7391451 | directions=Westboro | phone=+1 613-729-1315 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Weekdays 11:30AM-2PM and 5:30-9:30PM, F 11:30AM-2PM and 5:30-10PM, Sa 5:30-10PM | price=Three-course table d'hôte $35 at lunch or $53 at supper, plus alcohol and gratituty | lastedit=2017-01-14 | content=A small second-floor walk-up in Westboro, the Wellington Gastropub changes its menu daily and has over a dozen craft and microbrewery beers on tap. }} * {{eat | name=Gitanes | alt= | url=https://www.gitanes.co/ | email= | address=361 Elgin Street | lat=45.41536 | long=-75.68787 | directions=Centretown | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-04-05 | content=French-inspired restaurant that uses local ingredients. Great wines and creative cocktails. Gitanes also has sister restaurant across the street, Gitanes Burger, with amazing burgers. }} ===Vegetarian and vegan=== * {{eat | name=Govinda's Restaurant | alt= | url=https://govindasottawa.ca/ | email= | address=212 Somerset St. E | lat=45.42247 | long=-75.67898 | directions=just E of King Edward, off the University of Ottawa campus | phone=+1 613-565-6544 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 5–8PM, Su yoga festival 5–8PM | price=$5-7 per person | lastedit=2016-05-11 | content=offers a simple vegan buffet. The best cheap eats in town. Operated by ISCKON (Hare Krishna movement). }} * {{eat | name=The Green Door | alt= | url=http://www.thegreendoor.ca/ | email=info@thegreendoor.ca | address=198 Main St | lat=45.40837 | long=-75.67778 | directions= | phone=+1 613-234-9597 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-234-6771 | hours=Tu–Su 11:30AM–8:30PM | price= | lastedit=2023-01-16 | content=At offers a vegetarian and vegan buffet and is the oldest vegetarian restaurant in Ottawa. It offers private and communal tables. }} * {{eat | name=Pure Kitchen Ottawa | alt= | url=https://www.purekitchenottawa.com/ | email= | address=357 Richmond Road | lat=45.39182 | long=-75.75480 | directions= | phone=+1 613-680-5500 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-11-14 | content=Hip restaurant serving vegetarian and vegan food. Wraps, burgers, rice bowls, salads. Bar offers juice, beer, wine. Reservations only for parties of 6 or more. Second location in Centretown at 340 Elgin Street. }} ==Drink== The most popular bar areas are in the Byward Market, along Wellington Street in Westboro, along both Elgin Street and Bank Street between Somerset and Gladstone in the Centretown area, and further south on Bank. There are pubs and bars scattered throughout the city as well. You can also take a small trip over the Ottawa river to [[Gatineau]]. Bars in both Ottawa and Gatineau close at 2AM (even though the rest of Quebec has a last call of 3AM). Quebec has a lower minimum age to purchase alcohol (18, vs. 19 in Ontario) and sells beer in corner stores. Ottawa police often set up checkpoints near the bridges to catch drunk drivers returning from Quebec after closing time. Smoking (both traditional and e-cigarettes, also called "vaping") of tobacco or cannabis is not permitted in restaurants and bars, or on patios. ===Pubs=== Combining the Irish tradition for casual hearty meals, with Quebec’s ''cinq à sept'' (“five to seven” - a social gathering in the two hours after leaving work), Ottawa’s many pubs are lively throughout the day, all week long. Several pubs have grown into local chains, while maintaining a character endeared to each neighbourhood. * {{drink | name=Clocktower Brewhouse | alt= | url=http://clocktower.ca/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A microbrewery with two locations. Excellent beer at a good price with a very tasty and well priced menu. }} ** {{drink | name=Clocktower New Edinburgh | email=info.mackay@clocktower.ca | address=422 MacKay Street | lat= 45.4390938 | long=-75.678742 | directions=corner of Beechwood | phone=+1 613-742-3169 | hours=M-F 11:30AM-midnight; Sa 10:30AM-midnight; Su 10:30AM-11:45PM }} ** {{drink | name=Clocktower Westboro | email=info.westboro@clocktower.ca | address=418 Richmond Road | lat= 45.3900487 | long=-75.7595557 | directions=corner of Berkley | phone=+1 613-680-5983 | hours=M-F 11:30AM-midnight; Sa 10:30AM-midnight; Su 10:30AM-11:45PM }} * {{drink | name=Pub Italia | alt= | url=http://pubitalia.ca/ | email= | address=434 1/2 Preston Street | lat=45.399481 | long=-75.709001 | directions=near Dow's Lake and the Experimental Farm | phone=+1 613-232-2326 | tollfree= | hours=M 4PM-1AM; Th-Sa 11AM–1AM; Su noon-midnight | price= | lastedit=2023-01-23 | content=An Irish/Italian pub with hundreds of bottled beers listed in its "Beer Bible", especially Belgian. Decent pizza and pastas, but other places in Little Italy have better; you're going here for the beer, not the food. Intimate faux Medieval/Gothic décor; a bit strange, but the patio is very nice. }} * {{drink | name=The Royal Oak | alt= | url=https://royaloakpubs.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-01-25 | content=Several cozy locations, serving traditional pub food from lunch into the late evening. }} ** {{drink | name=Royal Oak Bank at Gloucester | alt= | url= | email= | address=188 Bank St | lat=45.4177 | long=-75.6986 | directions= | phone=+1 613-232-1057 | tollfree= | hours= M-F 11:30AM-2AM; Sa Su 11AM-2AM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-01-25 | content= }} ** {{drink | name=Royal Oak Wellington at Hinton | alt= | url= | email= | address=1217 Wellington St W | lat=45.4001957 | long=-75.7312723 | directions= | phone=+1 613-728-6661 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 11:30AM-2AM; Sa Su 11AM-2AM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-01-25 | content= }} ===Byward Market=== During the day, the Byward Market’s produce stands and small shops are busiest, but in the evening, it’s the city’s entertainment district. In the warmer months, the boulevards and streets surrounding the market building, and courtyards framed by historic stone buildings come alive with large patios. * {{drink | name=Chez Lucien | alt= | url=https://www.instagram.com/chezlucienottawa/ | email= | address=137 Murray St | lat=45.430504 | long=-75.694226 | directions=corner Dalhousie | phone=+1 613-241-3533 | tollfree= | hours=11AM-2AM, daily except holidays | price= | lastedit=2023-01-23 | content=Pleasant bistro and bar, serving pub fare including excellent burgers and fries. A good selection of microbrew beers. }} *{{drink | name=Heart & Crown | alt=Irish Village, Peter Devine's | url=http://www.heartandcrown.pub/byward/ | email= | address=67 Clarence Street | lat=45.415592 | long=-75.690358 | directions=Byward Market | phone=+1 613-562-0674 | tollfree= | hours=11AM-2AM daily | price= | lastedit=2023-01-23 | content=Ottawa's largest pub complex, forming a maze of busy bars and restaurants. Including the eponymous Irish Village (loud, lots of live music) and The Heart and Crown. The fish and chips has a generous serving of fish. }} *{{drink | name=Dominion Tavern | alt= | url=http://www.tavern.ca/ | email= | address=33 York Street | lat=45.428009 | long=-75.696029 | directions=Byward Market | phone=+1 613-241-7706 | tollfree= | hours=11AM-2AM daily | price= | lastedit=2023-01-23 | content=Simple beers and some pool: picture your friend's basement apartment, even serving 40s of beer (a 40-ounce glass). }} *{{drink | name=The Lookout Bar | alt= | url=http://www.thelookoutbar.com/ | email= | address=41 York Street | lat=45.4282499 | long=-75.694432 | directions=ByWard Market | phone=+1 613-789-1624 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su M 2-10PM, Tu-Sa 2PM-2AM | price= | lastedit=2017-01-16 | content=They have a very popular "bois night" on Thursday that attracts lots of people. Drag shows on Friday and Saturday nights. }} * {{drink | name=The Rainbow Bistro | alt= | url=https://therainbow.ca/ | email=rainbowbluesottawa@gmail.com | address=76 Murray St | lat=45.4294 | long=-75.6937 | directions=Byward Market | phone=+1 613-859-5123 | tollfree= | hours=Th-F 7PM-1AM, Sa 7PM-2:30AM, Su 3-8:30PM | price= | lastedit=2023-01-23 | content=Multi-story bar with live music throughout the week. Dedicated regulars mingle with local and well-known names in the jazz and blues scene. }} ===Bank Street=== Bank Street is the city’s commercial spine, connecting many of the neighbourhoods in downtown Ottawa to Wellington Street and Parliament Hill. In it’s downtown blocks, it’s a lively pedestrian friendly Main Street. The intersection of Bank and Somerset is the center of Ottawa’s LGBT community. South of the Queensway, Bank passes through the family friendly, trendy "The Glebe" neighbourhood. * {{drink | name=Prohibition Public House | alt= | url=https://www.prohibitionhouse.com/ | email=info@prohibitionhouse.com | address=337 Somerset St W | lat=45.4159 | long=-75.6955 | directions= | phone=+1 613-565-2704 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 5-11:30PM, F 5PM-2AM, Sa 11AM-2AM, Su 11AM-11:30PM | price= | lastedit=2023-01-25 | content=Craft beers, cocktails, and creative sangria with a seasonal locally sourced menu for snacks and meals. }} * {{drink | name=Quinn's Ale House | alt= | url=http://www.quinnsalehouse.com/ | email= | address=1070 Bank Street | lat=45.394713 | long=-75.686012 | directions=Beside the Mayfair Theatre | phone=+1 613-523-2200 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 4PM-2AM, F-Su 3PM-2AM | price= | lastedit=2017-02-03 | content=A small but cozy sports bar and pub located next to the Mayfair Theatre. Expect good pub fare, a nice ambiance and good selection of beers. }} * {{drink | name=Flora Hall Brewing | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 Flora St | lat=45.4108 | long=-75.6932 | directions= | phone=+1 613-695-2339 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 4-11PM, F 4PM-midnightk Sa noon-midnight, Su noon-11PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-01-25 | content=Brewery and restaurant, with an extensive kitchen menu and full bar }} * {{drink | name=Irene's | alt= | url=https://irenespub.ca/ | email= | address=885 Bank St | lat=45.40083 | long=-75.6869 | directions= | phone=+1 613-230-4474 | tollfree= | hours=M-F noon-2AM, Sa Su 11AM-2PM | price= | lastedit=2023-01-25 | content=Pub with weekend brunch, and a busy calendar of music and events throughout the week. }} ===Elgin Street=== Elgin Street runs parallel to Bank Street, connecting neighbourhoods further east in the downtown to the National Arts Centre and Chateau Laurier. *{{drink | name=D'Arcy McGee's | alt= | url=http://darcymcgees.com/ | email= | address=44 Sparks Street | lat=45.42335 | long=-75.69585 | directions=at Elgin | phone=+1 613-230-4433 | tollfree= | hours=Su-W 11:30AM-10PM, Th 11:30AM-11PM, F Sa 11:30-midnight | price= | lastedit=2023-01-24 | content=Lively Irish pub. Beautiful architecture with impressive food selection. }} *{{drink | name=The Lieutenant's Pump | alt= | url=http://www.lieutenantspump.ca/ | email= | address=361 Elgin Street | lat=45.415592 | long=-75.690358 | directions=corner of Waverly | phone=+1 613-238-2949 | tollfree= | hours=M-Tu 4PM-1AM, W-Sa 11-2AM, Su 11-1AM | price= | lastedit=2023-01-23 | content=British pub with a good variety of food selections and inexpensive draught beer. }} * {{drink | name=The Manx | alt= | url=https://www.manxpub.com/ | email= | address=370 Elgin Street | lat=45.41498 | long=-75.68822 | directions= | phone=+1 613-231-2070 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Great microbrews, wide Scotch selection, bohemian/hipster feel. }} * {{drink | name=The Standard Luxury Tavern | alt= | url=http://www.thestandardtavern.com/ | email=info@thestandardtavern.com | address=360 Elgin St | lat=45.4153372 | long=-75.6905466 | directions=three blocks north of the Canadian Museum of Nature | phone=+1 613-232-6274 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-232-9265 | hours=M-F 4PM-2AM, Sa Su 10AM-2AM | price= | lastedit=2017-02-03 | content=A restaurant during the day, pumping club/lounge at night. The Standard is popular Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights with a different style of music each night. Friday is excellent old-school and modern hip-hop/R&B while Saturday is a little of everything. Excellent beer tap selection and daily drink specials. }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Barefoot Hostel | alt= | url=http://barefoothostel.com | email=bfh@barefoothostel.com | address=455 Cumberland St | lat=45.42686 | long=-75.68646 | directions=a block south of Rideau St. | phone=+1 613-237-0336 | tollfree= | checkin=before 10PM | checkout= | price=From $109 | lastedit=2023-01-23 | content=A clean, modern hostel located downtown, offering only private rooms. Included for use is a mini-kitchen (no stove), back patio with lounge chairs, common room with a TV, computer (with internet), free WiFi, plush bed linens, lockers and three shared bathrooms. The check-in desk is at The Swiss Hotel, around the corner at 89 Daly Ave. }} * {{sleep | name=Ottawa Backpackers Inn | alt= | url=http://ottawahostel.com | email=info@ottawahostel.com | address=203 York Street | lat=45.43042 | long=-75.68804 | directions= | phone=+1 613-241-3402 | tollfree=+1-888-394-0334 | checkin= | checkout= | price=Dorm bed from $34 | content=Part of Backpackers Hostels Canada, includes kitchen, free wireless internet and free coffee/tea. In a converted house into hostel, in the market block. The staff and the atmosphere are very friendly. Allergy warning: they have a cat. }} * {{sleep | name=University of Ottawa | alt= | url=https://www.uottawa.ca/about-us/reservations/summer-accommodation | email= | address=90 University Private | lat=45.42247 | long=-75.68442 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Rideau double room $130; 90U suite with bath $120; dorm with shared bath, $40 | content=From May to August, university housing is offered as hotel-like guest rooms in one of its newer housing complexes. }} ===Mid-range=== *{{sleep | name=Auberge King Edward Bed and Breakfast | alt= | url=http://kingedwardottawa.com | email= | address=525 King Edward Avenue | lat=45.42564 | long=-75.68297 | directions=Downtown Rideau | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$160 | lastedit=2023-01-23 | content=Well-preserved Victorian architecture packed with character. Free parking and WiFi. }} * {{sleep | name=Australis Guest House | alt= | url=http://www.bbcanada.com/1463.html | email= | address=89 Goulburn Avenue | lat=45.426068 | long=-75.674433 | directions=East of Downtown Rideau | phone=+1 613-235-8461 | tollfree= | checkin=1PM/flexible | checkout=11AM | price=$119-149 | lastedit=2023-01-23 | content=Run by an Australian expat, this 2-room B&B gets praise for fresh-cooked breakfast. Free Wifi. Limited parking available, ask. }} * {{sleep | name=ByWard Blue Inn | alt= | url=http://bywardblueinn.ca | email= | address=157 Clarence St | lat=45.43007 | long=-75.69087 | directions=Byward Market | phone= | tollfree=+1-800-620-8810 | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B from $155, parking $8-15/day | lastedit=2023-01-23 | content=A B&B hotel in the picturesque Byward Market with refrigerators, microwaves, private balconies. }} * {{sleep | name=Cartier Place Suite Hotel | alt= | url=http://suitedreams.com | email=​reservations@suitedreams.com | address=180 Cooper St | lat=45.41884 | long=-75.68965 | directions=East of Elgin St | phone=+1 613-236-5000 | tollfree=+1-800-236-8399 | checkin=4PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $150 | lastedit=2023-01-24 | content=Pet friendly downtown suite-style accommodations. Rooms provide small kitchens and seating areas. Hotel offers fitness center with pool and sauna. }} * {{sleep | name=Courtyard by Marriott Ottawa East | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/yowoe-courtyard-ottawa-east/ | email= | address=200 Coventry Rd | lat=45.4204 | long=-75.65613 | directions=off Hwy 417, near the train station | phone=+1 613-741-9862 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $150 | lastedit=2023-01-24 | content=Complimentary internet access and parking. 395 guest rooms, each with wet bar. Indoor pool, whirlpool, 24-hour exercise room, and business center. Bistro and meeting facilities on-site. }} * {{sleep | name=DoubleTree by Hilton Ottawa Downtown | alt=formerly Novotel Hotel | url=https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/yowoddt-doubletree-ottawa-downtown/ | email=YOWOD_DT_Hotel@hilton.com | address=33 Nicholas Street | lat=45.42594 | long=-75.68967 | directions=Downtown Rideau | phone=+1 613-230-3033 | tollfree=+1-800-222-8733 | fax=+1 613-760-4765 | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price= | lastedit=2025-04-24 | content=Modern hotel with an emphasis on energy conservation. Modern restaurant and banquet facilities. This location offers internet access. }} *{{sleep | name=Sheraton Ottawa Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.sheratonottawa.com | email= | address=150 Albert St | lat=45.42083 | long=-75.69791 | directions=Downtown | phone= | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=From $219 | lastedit=2023-01-24 | content=Comfortable rooms in a partially-renovated hotel tower. On-site restaurant, fitness, and concierge services. }} *{{sleep | name=Swiss Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.swisshotel.ca | email= | address=89 Daly Avenue | lat=45.42697 | long=-75.68631 | directions=Downtown Rideau | phone=+1 613-237-0335 | tollfree=+1-888-663-0000 | checkin=3-11PM | checkout=11AM | price=Double bed from $178 | lastedit=2023-01-24 | content=A charming, cozy, 22-room hotel located in the heart of Ottawa. The Inn was built in 1872 from limestone in a 19th-century Vernacular Classical Revival. Swiss Hotel offers traditional Swiss hospitality with modern comfort. Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, rooms are equipped with iPads. Optional healthy buffet breakfast is offered daily with Bircher-Muesli and fresh ground Swiss espresso. }} * {{sleep | name=Delta Ottawa City Centre | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/yowdm-delta-hotels-ottawa-city-centre/ | email= | address=101 Lyon St N | lat=45.4186 | long=-75.7042 | directions=Downtown | phone=+1 613-237-3600 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=Double from $279 | lastedit=2023-01-24 | content=Sleek 1967 modernist tower on the quieter west side of downtown. Includes wireless Internet. Fitness center has a large pool and sauna. Underground parking available on-site at an additional cost of $26/day. }} ===Splurge=== [[Image:Parliament Hill and Château Laurier.jpg|thumb|300px|Chateau Laurier (left) and Parliament Hill overlooking the Ottawa River]] * {{sleep | name=Andaz Ottawa | alt= | url=https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/canada/andaz-ottawa-byward-market/yowaz | email= | address=325 Dalhousie St | lat=45.4286 | long=-75.6906 | directions=Byward Market | phone=+1 613-321-1234 | tollfree= | checkin=noon | checkout=10AM | price=Double room from $289 | lastedit=2018-07-26 | content=Owned by Hyatt. Spacious, pet friendly rooms, with a 24-hour fitness center. }} * {{sleep | name=Arc | alt= | url=http://arcthehotel.com/ | email=guestservices@arcthehotel.com | address=140 Slater St | lat=45.42059 | long=-75.69652 | directions=Downtown | phone=+1 613-238-2888 | tollfree=+1-800-699-2516 | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=Double from $200 | lastedit=2023-01-24 | content=A trendy boutique hotel with prices to match its style. }} * {{sleep | name=Chateau Laurier | alt=Fairmont Chateau Laurier | url=https://www.fairmont.com/laurier-ottawa/ | email=chateaulaurier@fairmont.com | address=1 Rideau St | lat=45.425567 | long=-75.695108 | directions=just east of Parliament Hill | phone=+1 613-241-1414 | tollfree=+1-866-540-4410 | checkin=4PM | checkout=noon | price=Double from $360 | wikidata=Q2089212 | lastedit=2023-01-24 | content=The city's [[grand old hotels|grand old hotel]]: its oldest and most famous luxury hotel as well as one of its landmarks. Rooms facing west overlook the Rideau Canal locks and have stellar views of the Parliament buildings. This hotel once housed the offices of CBC Radio in Ottawa and the studio of well-known portrait photographer Yousuf Karsh. Several framed Karsh photographs are hung in the hotel lounge. His (and his wife's) home suite is now available for guests and displays a small sampling of framed prints on the walls. Extra daily charges for parking or Wi-Fi. If you're not staying overnight, you can also experience the hotel's grandeur in one of the bars or restaurants. Traditional afternoon tea is served daily. }} * {{sleep | name=Lord Elgin | alt= | url=http://lordelginhotel.ca/ | email=reservations@lordelgin.ca | address=100 Elgin St | lat=45.42134 | long=-75.69375 | directions= | phone=+1 613-235-3333 | tollfree=+1-800-267-4298 | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=Double from $279 | wikidata=Q6679216 | lastedit=2023-01-24 | content=Centrally located on Elgin Street across from the National Arts Centre, a stone's throw from Parliament Hill, and one of Ottawa's two classic hotels (the other being the Chateau Laurier). While it has "splurge" rates, most rooms are reasonably priced. Good value, and a Starbucks off the lobby. }} * {{sleep | name=The Ottawa Marriott Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/yowmc-ottawa-marriott-hotel/overview/ | email= | address=100 Kent St | lat=45.41977 | long=-75.70366 | directions=Downtown | phone=+1 613-238-1122 | tollfree=+1-800-853-8463 | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=Double from $229 | wikidata=Q7109212 | lastedit=2024-03-04 | content=The tallest hotel (and briefly the tallest building) in Ottawa, one block from the Parliament Buildings. Features a revolving restaurant, Kids’ Zone, an indoor pool, sauna and fitness center. }} *{{sleep | name=The Westin Ottawa | alt= | url=http://www.thewestinottawa.com/ | email=ottawa@westin.com | address=11 Colonel By Dr | lat=45.42489 | long=-75.69253 | directions=near Parliament Hill | phone= | tollfree=+1-866-716-8101 | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=From $380 | lastedit=2024-03-04 | content=This hotel is also connected to the Rideau Centre and the Ottawa Convention Centre by a walkway. It is steps from Parliament Hill and the Byward market and each of the 496 rooms features the ten-layer Heavenly Bed. }} * {{sleep | name=reStays | alt= | url=https://www.restays.com/ | email=hello@restays.com | address=101 Queen St | lat=45.42203 | long=-75.69771 | directions= | phone=+1 613-688 6200 | tollfree= | checkin=4PM | checkout=noon | price=Studio-style suite from $279 | lastedit=2022-06-03 | content=Boutique hotel. Has a great view of Parliament Hill. Rooms include full kitchen. }} ==Connect== The area codes for Ottawa are '''613''' and the overlay code '''343'''. Hull<!-- but not Gatineau, a suburb --> ('''819''', overlaid with '''873''') has the full Ottawa local calling area. Ten-digit dialling (area code+local number) is required for all local calls. Most coffee shops, hotels, and public library branches have free wi-fi Internet access, although the speeds may be slower than you're accustomed to. There are internet cafes throughout the city. ==Stay safe== Ottawa is a very safe place to live and visit, so if you use common sense it is at least as safe as any other city. There are many tourists in the city, especially in summer months, and there are very few incidents of robbery or assault. Exercise caution and common sense after dark or when traveling alone; instances of harassment and (very rarely) unprovoked violence have occurred to locals and travellers alike. There have been incidents on buses and at transit stations of violence and swarmings/robberies, even during daytime hours. OC Transpo has hired new constables and placed plainclothes security and cameras on select buses and trains to counter the problem. Use common sense, especially when riding at night, every transit station has multiple emergency call boxes. After dark, take extra care in areas near downtown such as Lowertown East, and also Hintonburg, Vanier, Bayshore, Ledbury, Heatherington, Caldwell and South Keys. These neighbourhoods are known to have gang presence and drug problems. (Ledbury, Heatherington, and South Keys have nothing in the way of tourist draws, anyway.) Ottawa is generally very safe, but like any other city it has bad apples. Ottawa is the fourth coldest capital city by annual average temperature, but it has the second coldest January, only topped by Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Add to that nearly 3 m (10') of snow per average winter and throw in an ice storm from time to time, winter can be a challenge but locals do a great job of handling it particularly with recreation. Summers are (normally) short, warm and at times hot and humid. Humidity in the summer can make the heat feel unbearable, while humidity in the winter, coupled with wind chills, can make the cold feel very brutal. Dress for the weather and don't forget to cover your head and ears with a warm hat. Ottawa is not a very fashion-minded city, but in winter, everyone throws in the towel. {{Seealso|Cold weather}} ==Cope== The emergency telephone number for police, fire, and ambulance is 9-1-1. All pay phones at O-Train stations have buttons that you can use to make a free call to the Distress Centre of Ottawa, or you can call 613-238-3311 if you're anywhere in Ottawa. They'll help with any mental health concerns. Service is provided in English and French. ===Embassies and High Commissions=== {| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" ! colspan="2" | [[Diplomatic missions]] |- | style="vertical-align:top;width:50%;" | *{{flag|Afghanistan}} {{listing | name= Afghanistan | url= | email= | address=240 Argyle Ave. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Albania}} {{listing | name=Albania | url=http://www.ambasadat.gov.al/canada | email= | address=130 Albert St, Ste 302 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-236-3053 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-236-0804 | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Algeria}} {{listing | name=Algeria | url= | email= | address=500 Wilbrod St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Argentina}} {{listing |name=Argentina |url=https://ecana.cancilleria.gob.ar/en |email=ecana@mrecic.gov.ar |address=81 Metcalfe St |phone=+1 613-236-2361 |fax=+1 613-235-2659 |hours=M-F 9AM-5PM |content= }} *{{flag|Armenia}} {{listing | name=Armenia | url=https://www.mfa.am/en | email= | address=7 Delaware Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-234-3710 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-234-3444 | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Australia}} {{listing | name=Australia | url=https://canada.embassy.gov.au/otwa/home.html | email= | address=50 O'Connor St, Ste 710 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-236-0841 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-236-4376 | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Austria}} {{listing | name=Austria | url=https://www.bmeia.gv.at/en/austrian-embassy-ottawa/| email= | address=445 Wilbrod St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-789-1444 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-789-3431 | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Azerbaijan}} {{listing | name=Azerbaijan | url=https://ottawa.mfa.gov.az/en/content/2/embassy | email= | address=275 Slater St, Ste 904 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-288-0497 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-230-8089 | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|The Bahamas}} {{listing | name=Bahamas | url= | email= | address=99 Bank St., Ste 415 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Bangladesh}} {{listing | name=Bangladesh | alt= | url=https://www.bdhcottawa.ca/ | email=mission.ottawa@mofa.gov.bd | address=Suite 1100, 350 Sparks St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-236-0138 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-567-3213 | hours=M-F 9AM-5PM | price= | lastedit=2020-08-27 | content= }} *{{flag|Barbados}} {{listing | name=Barbados | url= | email= | address=55 Metcalfe St., Ste 470 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5755069 | content= }} *{{flag|Belgium}} {{listing | name=Belgium | url=https://diplomatie.be/ottawa | email= | address=360 Albert St, Ste 820 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-236-7267 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-236-7882 | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Bolivia}} {{listing | name=Bolivia | alt= | url=https://bolivianembassy.ca/embajada/ubicacion/ | email= | address=130 Albert St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-236-5730 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-236-8237 | hours=M-F 8:30AM-4:30PM | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Bosnia and Herzegovina}} {{listing | name=Bosnia and Herzegovina | alt= | url=http://www.ambasadabih.ca/index.php/ca/ | email= | address=130 Albert St, Ste 805 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-236-0028 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-236-1139 | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Brazil}} {{listing | name=Brazil | url= | email= | address=450 Wilbrod St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5369581 | content= }} *{{flag|Brunei}} {{listing | name=Brunei | url= | email= | address=395 Laurier Ave. East | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5755064 | content= }} *{{flag|Bulgaria}} {{listing | name=Bulgaria | alt= | url=https://www.mfa.bg/en/embassies/canada | email= | address=325 Stewart St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-789-3215 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-789-3524 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-06-16 | content= }} *{{flag|Burkina Faso}} {{listing | name=Burkina Faso | url= | email= | address=48 Range Rd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Cameroon}} {{listing | name=Cameroon | url= | email= | address=170 Clemow Ave. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Chad}} {{listing | name=Chad | url= | email= | address=350 Sparks St., Ste 802 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Chile}} {{listing |name=Chile |url=https://chile.gob.cl/ottawa/en |email=echile.canada@minrel.gov.cl |address=Suite 1413, 50 O'Connor St |phone=+1 613-235-4402 |fax=+1 613-235-1176 |hours-M-F 9AM-1PM and 2PM-5:30PM |content= }} *{{flag|China}} {{listing | name=China | url=http://ca.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/ | email=chinaemb_ca@mfa.gov.cn | address=515 St. Patrick St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone =+1 613-789-3434-791-0511 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-789-1911 | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5369937 | content= }} *{{flag|Colombia}} {{listing |name=Colombia |url=https://ottawa.consulado.gov.co/ |email=cottawa@cancilleria.gov.co |address=Suite 1002, 260 Albert St |phone=+1 613-230-3760 |content= }} *{{flag|Democratic Republic of the Congo}} {{listing | name=Democratic Republic of the Congo | url= | email= | address=18 Range Rd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Republic of the Congo}} {{listing | name=Republic of the Congo | url= | email= | address=322 Waverley St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Costa Rica}} {{listing |name=Costa Rica |url=https://costaricaembassy.com/ |email=embcr@costaricaembassy.com |address=Suite 701, 350 Sparks St |phone=+1 613-562-2855 |fax=+1 613-562-2582 |content= }} *{{flag|Croatia}} {{listing | name=Croatia | url=https://mvep.gov.hr/ca/en | email= | address=229 Chapel St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-562-7820 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-562-7821 | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5369660 | content= }} *{{flag|Cuba}} {{listing | name=Cuba | url=https://misiones.cubaminrex.cu/en/canada/embassy-cuba-canada | email=embacuba@embacubacanada.net | address=388 Main St | phone=+1 613-563-0141 | fax=+1 613-563-0068 | hours=Tu-F 9AM-1PM | wikidata=Q5369662 | lastedit=2018-06-16 | content= }} *{{flag|Cyprus}} {{listing | name=Cyprus | url= | email= | address=150 Metcalfe St., Ste 1002 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Czech Republic}} {{listing | name=Czech Republic | url=https://www.mzv.cz/ottawa | email= | address=251 Cooper St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-562-3875 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-562-3878 | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5369927 | content= }} *{{flag|Denmark}} {{listing | name=Denmark | url=https://canada.um.dk/ | email= | address=47 Clarence St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-562-1811 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-562-1812 | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5369665 | content= }} *{{flag|Dominican Republic}} {{listing | name=Dominican Republic | alt= | url=https://dominicanembassycanada.gob.do/index.php/en/contact | email=info@drembassy.org | address=130 Albert Street, Suite 1605 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613 569-9893 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613 569-8673 | hours=M-F 9:15AM-3:30PM | price= | lastedit=2020-08-27 | content= }} *{{flag|Ecuador}} {{listing |name=Ecuador |url=https://embassyecuador.ca/english/ |email=embassy@embassyecuador.ca |address=Suite 230, 99 Bank St |phone=+1 613-563-8206 |fax=+1 613-563-8206 |content= }} *{{flag|Egypt}} {{listing | name=Egypt | alt= | url= | email=egyptemb@sympatico.ca | address=454 Laurier Avenue East, Ottawa | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-234-4931 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-234-9347 | hours=9AM-4PM | price= | wikidata=Q5369672 | content= }} *{{flag|El Salvador}} {{listing | name=El Salvador | url= | email= | address=209 Kent St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Estonia}} {{listing | name=Estonia | alt= | url=https://ottawa.mfa.ee/ | email=embassy.ottawa@mfa.ee | address=260 Dalhousie St, Suite 210 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-789-4222 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-789-9555 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-08-27 | content= }} *{{flag|Ethiopia}} {{listing | name=Ethiopia | url= | email= | address=275 Slater St., Ste 1501 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Finland}} {{listing | name=Finland | url=https://finlandabroad.fi/web/can/frontpage | email=embassy@finland.ca | address=55 Metcalfe St, Ste 850 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-288-2233 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-288-2244 | hours=M-Th 9AM-noon, 1PM-3PM; F 9AM-11:30AM | price= | content= }} *{{flag|France}} {{listing | name=France | url=https://ca.ambafrance.org/ | email= | address=42 Sussex Dr | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-789-1795 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-562-3735 | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q653784 | content= }} *{{flag|Gabon}} {{listing | name=Gabon | url= | email= | address=2283 St. Laurent Blvd., Ste 103 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Georgia (country)}} {{listing | name=Georgia | url= | email= | address=240 Albert St., Ste 940 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Germany}} {{listing | name=Germany | url=https://canada.diplo.de/ca-en/vertretungen/embassy | email= | address=1 Waverley St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-232-1101 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-594-9330 | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5369697 | content= }} *{{flag|Ghana}} {{listing | name=Ghana | url= | email= | address=1 Clemow Ave. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Greece}} {{listing | name=Greece | url=https://www.mfa.gr/canada/en/the-embassy/| email= | address=80 MacLaren St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-238-6271, +1 613-238-6273 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-238-5676 | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Guatemala}} {{listing | name=Guatemala | url= | email= | address=130 Albert St., Ste 1010 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Guinea}} {{listing | name=Guinea | url= | email= | address=483 Wilbrod St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Guyana}} {{listing | name=Guyana | url=http://guyanamissionottawa.org | email= | address=151 Slater St, Ste 309 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-235-7240, +1 613-235-7249 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-235-1447 | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Haiti}} {{listing | name=Haiti | url= | email= | address=85 Albert St., Ste 1110 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Honduras}} {{listing | name=Honduras | url= | email= | address=130 Albert St., Ste 805 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Hungary}} {{listing | name=Hungary | url=https://kormany.hu/en/ministry-of-foreign-affairs-and-trade/missions | email= | address=299 Waverley St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-230-2717 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-230-7560 | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5369719 | content= }} *{{flag|Iceland}} {{listing | name=Iceland | alt= | url=https://www.government.is/diplomatic-missions/embassy-of-iceland-in-ottawa/ | email=ottawa@mfa.is | address=360 Albert St, Suite 710 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-482-1944 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-482-1945 | hours=M-F 9AM-4PM | price= | wikidata=Q5369721 | lastedit=2020-08-27 | content= }} *{{flag|India}} {{listing |name=India |url=https://www.hciottawa.gov.in/ |email=hicomindia@hciottawa.ca |address=10 Springfield Rd |phone=+1 613-744-3752 |fax=+1 613-744-0913 |content= }} *{{flag|Indonesia}} {{listing | name=Indonesia | alt= | url=https://www.kemlu.go.id/ottawa/en/default.aspx | email= | address=55 Parkdale Avenue | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-724-1100 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5369729 | lastedit=2018-01-15 | content= }} *{{flag|Iraq}} {{listing | name=Iraq | url= | email= | address=189 Laurier Ave. East | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5369734 | content= }} *{{flag|Ireland}} {{listing | name=Ireland | url=https://www.dfa.ie/irish-embassy/canada/ | email= | address=130 Albert St, Ste 1105 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-233-6281 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-233-5835 | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5369736 | content= }} *{{flag|Israel}} {{listing | name=Israel | url= | email= | address=50 O'Connor St., Ste 1005 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Italy}} {{listing | name=Italy | url=http://www.ambottawa.esteri.it/Ambasciata_Ottawa/en/ | email= | address=275 Slater St, 21F | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-232-2401 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-233-1484 | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5369746 | content= }} *{{flag|Ivory Coast}} {{listing | name=Ivory Coast | url= | email= | address=9 Marlborough Ave. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Jamaica}} {{listing | name=Jamaica | url=http://jhcottawa.ca | email= | address=151 Slater St, Ste 1000 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-233-9311 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-233-0611 | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Japan}} {{listing | name=Japan | url=https://www.ca.emb-japan.go.jp/ | email= | address=255 Sussex Dr | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-241-8541 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5369755 | content= }} *{{flag|Jordan}} {{listing | name=Jordan | url= | email= | address=100 Bronson Ave., Ste 701 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Kazakhstan}} {{listing | name=Kazakhstan | url= | email= | address=150 Metcalfe St., Ste 701 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5369759 | content= }} *{{flag|Kenya}} {{listing | name=Kenya | url= | email= | address=415 Laurier Ave. East | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5755087 | content= }} *{{flag|Kosovo}} {{listing | name=Kosovo | url= | email= | address=200 Elgin St., Ste 501 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q29561389 | content= }} *{{flag|Kuwait}} {{listing | name=Kuwait | url= | email= | address=333 Sussex Dr. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} | *{{flag|Latvia}} {{listing | name=Latvia | url=https://www2.mfa.gov.lv/en/ottawa | email= | address=350 Sparks St, Ste 1200 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-238-6014 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-238-7044 | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Lebanon}} {{listing | name=Lebanon | url= | email= | address=640 Lyon St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5369769 | content= }} *{{flag|Lesotho}} {{listing | name=Lesotho | url= | email= | address=130 Albert St., Ste 1820 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Libya}} {{listing | name=Libya | url= | email= | address=170 Ave. Laurier West, Ste 710 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Lithuania}} {{listing | name=Lithuania | url=https://ca.mfa.lt | email= | address=150 Metcalfe St, Ste 1600 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-567-5458 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-567-5315 | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Madagascar}} {{listing | name=Madagascar | url= | email= | address=3 Raymond St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Malaysia}} {{listing | name=Malaysia | url= | email= | address=60 Boteler St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Mali}} {{listing | name=Mali | url= | email= | address=50 Goulburn Ave. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Mauritius}} {{listing | name=Mauritius | alt= | url= | email= | address=2918 Southmore Dr E | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-737-7322 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-737-0690 | hours= | price= | content=Honorary consul. The Mauritius embassy in [[Washington, D.C.]] covers Canada. }} *{{flag|Mexico}} {{listing |name=Mexico |url=https://embamex.sre.gob.mx/canada/index.php/en|email=info@sre.gob.mx |address=Suite 1000, 45 O'Connor St |phone=+1 613-235-8988 |fax=+1 613-235-9123 |hours=M-F 9AM-5PM |wikidata=Q937730 |content= }} *{{flag|Moldova}} {{listing | name=Moldova | url= | email= | address=275 Slater St., Ste 801 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Mongolia}} {{listing | name=Mongolia | url= | email= | address=132 Stanley Ave. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Morocco}} {{listing | name=Morocco | alt= | url= | email= | address=38 Range Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-236-7391 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 9AM-4PM | price= | lastedit=2018-06-16 | content= }} *{{flag|Myanmar}} {{listing | name=Myanmar | url= | email= | address=336 Island Park Dr. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Nepal}} {{listing | name=Nepal | alt= | url=https://ca.nepalembassy.gov.np/ | email=eonottawa@mofa.gov.np | address=408 Queen Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-680-5513 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-422-5149 | hours=March 15 – November 14: M-F 9AM-5PM, November 15 – March 14: M-F 9AM-4PM | price= | lastedit=2020-08-27 | content= }} *{{flag|Netherlands}} {{listing | name=Netherlands | alt= | url=https://www.netherlandsworldwide.nl/countries/canada | email= | address=350 Albert St, Ste 2020 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-237-5030 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-237-6471 | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5369933 | content= }} *{{flag|New Zealand}} {{listing | name=New Zealand | url=https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/countries-and-regions/americas/canada/new-zealand-high-commission/ | email= | address=99 Bank St, Ste 727 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-238-5991 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-238-5707 | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Nicaragua}} {{listing | name=Nicaragua | url= | email= | address=104 Black Maple Private | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Nigeria}} {{listing | name=Nigeria | alt= | url=https://nigeriahcottawa.ca/ | email= | address=295 Metcalfe St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-236-0521, +1 613-236-0523 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-236-0529 | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|North Macedonia}} {{listing | name=North Macedonia | url=http://www3.sympatico.ca/emb.macedonia.ottawa/ | email=ottawa@mfa.gov.mk | address=130 Albert St, Ste 1006 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-234-3882 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-233-1852 | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Norway}} {{listing |name=Norway |url=https://www.emb-norway.ca/ |email=emb.ottawa@mfa.no |address=Suite 1300, 150 Metcalfe St |phone=+1 613-238-6571 |fax=+1 613-238-2765 |hours=M-F 9AM-3PM |wikidata=Q19383591 |content= }} *{{flag|Pakistan}} {{listing |name=Pakistan |url=https://www.pakconsulate.ca/|email=parepottawa@rogers.com |address=10 Range Rd |phone=+1 613-238-7881 |fax=+1 613-238-7296 | wikidata=Q5755109 |content= }} *{{flag|Panama}} {{listing |name=Panama |url=http://www.embassyofpanama.ca |address=Suite 300, 130 Albert St |phone=+1 613-236-7177 |content= }} *{{flag|Paraguay}} {{listing | name=Paraguay | alt= | url=http://www.mre.gov.py/Sitios/Home/Index/embapar-canada/EN | email=embassy@embassyofparaguay.ca | address=161 Slater St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-557-1283 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-567-1005 | hours=M-F 9AM-4PM | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Peru}} {{listing |name=Peru |url=http://www.embassyofperu.ca |address=Suite 1901, 130 Albert St |phone=+1 613-232-3062 |content= }} *{{flag|Philippines}} {{listing | name=Philippines | alt= | url=https://ottawape.dfa.gov.ph/ | email= | address=30 Murray Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-233-1121 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-233-4165 | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q96377194 | content= }} *{{flag|Poland}} {{listing | name=Poland | url= | email= | address=443 Daly Ave. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Portugal}} {{listing | name=Portugal | alt= | url=https://www.otava.embaixadaportugal.mne.pt/en/ | email=sconsular.ottawa@mne.pt | address=645 Island Park Dr | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-729-0883 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-729-4236 | hours=M-F 9AM-1PM, admission by appointment only (email for appointment) | price= | lastedit=2018-06-16 | content= }} *{{flag|Qatar}} {{listing | name=Qatar | url= | email= | address=150 Metcalfe St., 8th and 12th floors | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Romania}} {{listing | name=Romania | alt= | url=https://ottawa.mae.ro/ | email=ottawa@mae.ro | address=655 Rideau St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-789-3709, +1 613-789-5345 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-789-4365 | hours=M-F 9AM-1PM, 2-4PM | price= | wikidata=Q5369838 | content=Embassy. }} *{{flag|Russia}} {{listing | name=Russia | url=https://rusembassy.ca/ | email= | address=285 Charlotte St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-235-4341, +1 613-236-1413 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-236-6342 | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5369847 | content= }} *{{flag|Rwanda}} {{listing | name=Rwanda | url= | email= | address=294 Albert St., Ste 404 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Saint Kitts and Nevis}} {{listing | name=Saint Kitts and Nevis | url= | email= | address=421 Besserer St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Saint Lucia}} {{listing | name=Saint Lucia | alt= | url=https://stluciaconsulate.ca/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-203-8400 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-06-16 | content=Saint Lucian consular service is provided from their office in [[Toronto]]. }} *{{flag|Saudi Arabia}} {{listing | name=Saudi Arabia | url= | email= | address=201 Sussex Dr. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5369849 | content= }} *{{flag|Senegal}} {{listing | name=Senegal | url= | email= | address=57 Marlborough Ave. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Serbia}} {{listing | name=Serbia | url= | email= | address=21 Blackburn Ave. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Slovakia}} {{listing | name=Slovakia | url= | email= | address=50 Rideau Terr. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Slovenia}} {{listing | name=Slovenia | url= | email= | address=150 Metcalfe St., Ste 2200 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|South Africa}} {{listing | name=South Africa | url=http://southafrica-canada.ca | email= | address=15 Sussex Dr | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-744-0330 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-741-1639 | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5755115 | content= }} *{{flag|South Korea}} {{listing | name=South Korea | alt= | url=https://can-ottawa.mofa.go.kr/english/am/can-ottawa/main/index.jsp | email= | address=150 Boteler St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-244-5010 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 9AM-noon, 1-5PM | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Spain}} {{listing | name=Spain | url=https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Embajadas/ottawa/en/Paginas/index.aspx | email= | address=74 Stanley Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-747-2252 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-744-1224 | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Sri Lanka}} {{listing |name=Sri Lanka |url=https://www.torontoslcg.org/ottawa2/ |email=slhcit@rogers.com |address=Suite 1204, 333 Laurier Ave |phone=+1 613-233-8449 |fax=+1 613-238-8448 |hours=M-F 9AM-4:45PM |wikidata=Q106822996 }} *{{flag|Sudan}} {{listing | name=Sudan | url= | email= | address=354 Stewart St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Sweden}} {{listing |name=Sweden |url=https://www.swedenabroad.se/en/embassies/canada-ottawa/ |email=sweden.ottawa@gov.se |address=377 Dalhousie St |phone=+1 613-244-8200 |fax=+1 613-241-2277 |hours=M-F 9AM-noon |wikidata=Q10686018 |content= }} *{{flag|Switzerland}} {{listing | name=Switzerland | url=https://www.eda.admin.ch/countries/canada/en/home/representations/embassy-in-ottawa.html | email= | address=5 Marlborough Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-235-1837 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-563-1394 | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Syria}} {{listing | name=Syria | url=http://www.syrianembassy.ca/ | email= | address=46 Cartier St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-569-5556 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Tanzania}} {{listing | name=Tanzania | url= | email= | address=50 Range Rd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Thailand}} {{listing | name=Thailand | url= | email= | address=180 Island Park Dr. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Togo}} {{listing | name=Togo | url= | email= | address=12 Range Rd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Trinidad and Tobago}} {{listing | name=Trinidad and Tobago | alt= | url=https://foreign.gov.tt/missions-consuls/tt-missions-abroad/diplomatic-missions/high-commission-ottawa-canada/ | email= | address=200 First Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-232-2418 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-232-4349 | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Tunisia}} {{listing | name=Tunisia | url= | email= | address=515 O'Connor St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Turkey}} {{listing | name=Turkey | url=http://ottava.be.mfa.gov.tr | email= | address=197 Wurtemburg St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-789-4044, +1 613-789-3440 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-789-3442 | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5369896 | content= }} *{{flag|Uganda}} {{listing | name=Uganda | url= | email= | address=350 Sparks St., Ste 1210 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Ukraine}} {{listing | name=Ukraine | alt= | url=https://canada.mfa.gov.ua/en | email= | address=310 Somerset St W | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-230-2961 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-230-2400 | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5369906 | content= }} *{{flag|United Arab Emirates}} {{listing | name=United Arab Emirates | url= | email= | address=125 Boteler St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|United Kingdom}} {{listing | name=United Kingdom | alt= | url=https://www.gov.uk/world/canada | email= | address=80 Elgin St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-237-1530 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-237-7980 | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3128430 | content= }} *{{flag|United States}} {{listing | name=United States | url=https://ca.usembassy.gov/ | email=OttawaACS@state.gov | address=490 Sussex Dr | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-238-5335 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-688-3082 | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2841859 | content= }} *{{flag|Uruguay}} {{listing |name=Uruguay |url=http://www.embassyofuruguay.ca |email=embassy@embassyofuruguay.ca |address=Suite 901, 350 Sparks St |phone=+1 613-234-2727 |fax=+1 613-234-2727 |content= }} *{{flag|Venezuela}}{{listing |name=Venezuela |url=http://www.misionvenezuela.org/V2/ |address=32 Range Rd |phone=+1 613-235-5151 |content= }} *{{flag|Vietnam}} {{listing |name=Vietnam |url=https://vietem-ca.com/ |address=55 MacKay St |phone=+1 613-236-0772 |fax=+1 613-236-2704 |hours=M-F 9:30AM-5PM |content= }} *{{flag|Yemen}} {{listing | name=Yemen | url= | email= | address=54 Chamberlain Ave. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Zambia}} {{listing |name=Zambia |url=https://zambiahighcommission.ca/ |email=zhc.ottawa@bellnet.ca |address=151 Slater St |phone=+1 613-232-4400 |content= }} *{{flag|Zimbabwe}} {{listing | name=Zimbabwe | alt= | url=https://www.zimembassyottawa.com/ | email=zimottawa@zimfa.gov.zw | address=332 Somerset St W | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-421-2824 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-422-7403 | hours=M-Th 9AM-4PM, F 9AM-1PM | price= | content=The Embassy of Zimbabwe in Ottawa. }} |} ==Go next== ===Day trips to Quebec=== {{anchor|Day trips to Québec}} Since Ottawa is located on the provincial border, daytrips to neighbouring [[Quebec]] can be made easily. If you enjoy the outdoors, especially if you are a cyclist, you should definitely visit [[Gatineau Park]] just across the river from Ottawa. Ottawa and the surrounding area boasts over 170&nbsp;km of public paved trails on which you can [[running|run]], bike, walk or rollerblade. If you are looking for a place to start, head to the nearest waterway: paved trails line both sides of the Ottawa River, the Rideau Canal, and the Rideau River. The [http://www.tctrail.ca Trans Canada Trail] enters Ottawa through the outskirt communities of Carleton Place and Stittsville, then joins up with the Ottawa River at Brittania Bay (near Carling Avenue at Bayshore Drive). It follows the river 13 km east to Parliament Hill, then crosses over to the Quebec side, extending into and beyond Gatineau Park. *'''[[Gatineau]]''' - Right across the Ottawa River. The '''Canadian Museum of History''' is worth a visit. The nightlife in the Old Hull neighbourhood is often considered superior to Ottawa's, with a handful of loud clubs but also a decent offering of artistic cafés with good local live music. * [[Gatineau Park]] is directly north from Hull; the Camp Fortune and Edelweiss ski areas are also north of the city, near [[Chelsea (Quebec)|Chelsea]] and [[Wakefield (Quebec)|Wakefield]] respectively. '''[[Wakefield (Quebec)|Wakefield]]''' is a picturesque artist town on the side of the Gatineau River. Rich with cultural offerings and beautiful natural surroundings (especially in autumn). * Buckingham is downriver from Gatineau in the east, as one of the more accessible venues for rural maple sugar shack camps. * {{do | name=Aventure Laflèche | alt= | url=http://aventurelafleche.ca/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 819 457-4033 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A superb destination for outdoor activities in the Gatineau Hills year-round. A community-owned non-profit company that offers beautiful nature trails, tours of the historical Laflèche caves, and the province's largest aerial park for the adventurous (includes several ziplines). Calling ahead for reservations is strongly recommended. }} * {{do | name=Eco-Odyssée | alt= | url=http://www.eco-odyssee.ca/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 819-459-2551 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Another great option for nature lovers close to Wakefield. A water maze that's great for learning about the local marsh environments. }} * {{do | name=Great Canadian Bungee | alt= | url=http://bungee.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=For the adventure-inclined. }} Just across the river from Ottawa is the city of [[Gatineau]], which has the stunning Canadian Museum of History and some mighty good restaurants too. It is the centre of the [[Outaouais]] region which includes the lovely village of [[Wakefield (Quebec)|Wakefield]], and [[Gatineau Park]] with its high cliffs and deep, clear lakes. A little further west is the [[Pontiac_(Quebec)|Pontiac]] where you will find small rural towns and rafting expeditions. There is a bus service from Ottawa and Gatineau to the Pontiac. You can cycle from Quyon to Pembroke on 72 km of railway bed turned into a bike trail. Stop by the Shawville Fair in late August/early September. To the south and east of Ottawa is a large flat rural area consisting mostly of small commuter towns, agricultural villages, and the occasional woodland. This lowland stretches all the way to Montreal (roughly 165 km to the east) and the United States border (just shy of a hundred kilometres to the south). The [[Rideau Canal]] runs through it. Among the many scenic towns are [[Merrickville]], which has a good claim to the name "Canada's prettiest village," and [[Perth (Ontario)|Perth]] with its mills and heritage buildings. Going west beyond [[Kanata]], the village of [[Carp]] (about 40 minutes away, in West Carleton, officially part of Ottawa) houses the surreal Cold War "Central Emergency Government Headquarters" (the Diefenbunker), now a museum and listed under "Museums" above. Beyond that is the [[Ottawa Valley]] region, towns and farms, then the Madawaska Highlands wilderness area starting about 90&nbsp;km from Ottawa. In that area is [[Calabogie]], a ski resort in winter and lake resort in summer. A little further on is another wilderness recreation area, [[Algonquin Provincial Park]]. Beyond the Ottawa region lie other Canadian cities, such as: * [[Montreal]], the largest city in Quebec and the largest French-speaking city in the Western Hemisphere, is 200&nbsp;km east. * [[Toronto]], Canada's largest city, is about 500&nbsp;km to the southwest. * [[Kingston (Ontario)|Kingston]], about 200&nbsp;km to the southwest, on the way to Toronto. A university town with historic limestone buildings. If you're interested in a ''very'' different destination, Ottawa is one of the very few cities south of the 60th parallel that has regular scheduled air service - and the only one with year-round direct air service - to [[Iqaluit]], the capital of [[Nunavut]]. {{routebox | image1=VIA Rail Toronto Ottawa icon.png | imagesize1=100 | link1=Windsor-Quebec corridor | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Toronto]] | minorl1=[[Smiths Falls]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=END | minorr1= | image2=VIA Rail Montreal Quebec icon.png | imagesize2=100 | link2=Windsor-Quebec corridor | directionl2=W | majorl2=END | minorl2= | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[Montreal]] | minorr2=[[Alexandria (Ontario)|Alexandria]] | image3=Ontario 417.svg | imagesize3=20 | image3a=TCH-blank.svg | imagesize3a=20 | directionl3=W | majorl3=[[North Bay (Ontario)|North Bay]] | minorl3=[[Kanata]] | directionr3=E | majorr3=[[Montreal]] | minorr3=[[Russell (Ontario)|Russell]] | link3=Trans-Canada Highway | image4= | imagesize4= | image4a= | imagesize4a= | directionl4= | majorl4= | minorl4= | directionr4= | majorr4= | minorr4= | image5=Ontario 416.svg | imagesize5=20 | directionl5=N | majorl5=ENDS at [[File:Ontario 417.svg|18px]][[File:TCH-blank.svg|18px]] | minorl5= | directionr5=S | majorr5=[[Prescott (Ontario)|Prescott]] / [[Kingston (Ontario)|Kingston]] via [[File:Ontario 401.svg|16px]] | minorr5=[[Merrickville|Kemptville]] | image6=Quebec Autoroute 5.svg | imagesize6=20 | directionl6=N | majorl6=[[Montreal]] via [[File:Quebec Autoroute 50.svg|16px|link=]] | minorl6='''[[Gatineau]]''' | directionr6=S | majorr6=ENDS at Macdonald-Cartier Bridge | minorr6= }} {{isPartOf|Ottawa-Rideau}} {{geo|45.44|-75.6946}} {{guidecity}} {{related|Gatineau}} et4wjiqyyube6x93mt7nngfgu4qm8n7 5086737 5086730 2025-07-02T18:21:16Z 162 etc. 2252661 /* By bus */ 5086737 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Ottawa Panorama Cropped.jpg|caption=Ottawa Skyline, seen from across the river|dotm=yes}} '''Ottawa''' is [[Canada]]'s capital. With over a million citizens, it is Canada's fourth-largest city, and Ontario's second-largest city. Across the Ottawa River is [[Gatineau]], [[Quebec]]. While most Ottawans are English-speaking, 15% are native French speakers, making Ottawa Canada's largest Francophone city outside of [[Quebec]]. Visitors come to Ottawa to see Parliament Hill, as well as Canada's national museums. Ottawa swallowed the entirety of the former Carleton County that surrounded it in 2001. However, this guide deals (primarily) with the urban area of the Ottawa, sometimes called "Old Ottawa". Wikivoyage has separate guides on the suburbs of [[Kanata]] and [[Carp]]. ==Understand== [[Image:Parliament hill flag.jpg|thumb|350px|The Peace Tower, Parliament Hill]] ===History=== Ottawa started as a humble lumber town called '''Bytown''', named after Colonel John By of the Royal Engineers who oversaw the construction of the [[Rideau Canal]] (now a UNESCO World Heritage site which doubles as a giant skating rink in the winter), much of which was done by hand between 1826 and 1832. Lumber mills were built along the Ottawa River in the mid-19th century, and brought employment and wealth to the growing population. The centre of action then, as now, was the Byward Market. While it is still the centre of the city's nightlife, it has changed appreciably from the rough–and–tumble early days of brothels and taverns. In 1857, Ottawa was [[Planned cities|chosen]] (in the legend by Queen Victoria, really on the advice of Canadian politicians) as the capital of Canada. The choice was made to avoid a controversy, because it sidestepped the rivalry between [[Toronto]] and [[Montreal]] (then, as now, Canada's largest cities). But the new capital was still a tiny outpost in the middle of nothing much — an American newspaper famously commented that it was impregnable, as any invaders would get lost in the woods looking for it. Unlike many federal capitals such as [[Canberra]] in Australia or [[Washington, D.C.]] in the United States, Ottawa is not part of a special federal district. There is an official [[National Capital Region (Canada)|National Capital Region]] containing Ottawa, [[Gatineau]], Quebec across the Ottawa river, and surrounding areas in both provinces. However it is not a separate administration; the two cities have just regular municipal governments and are parts of their respective provinces. Each has its own Wikivoyage article. During the latter half of the 19th century, the telephone was demonstrated to the Canadian public for the first time here and the city was electrified. The first electric streetcar service was started in 1891. A menu from 1892 states that, "the first instance in the entire world of an entire meal being cooked by Electricity" was in Ottawa. Today, the major economic sectors are the public service, travel and tourism and the high-tech industry. Ottawa has remained a green city and is situated at the confluence of three rivers (Ottawa, Rideau and Gatineau) and of the Rideau Canal. Many residents make regular use of Ottawa's parks and green spaces, bikeways and cross country ski trails. Many national attractions are in Ottawa: Parliament Hill, the National Library and Archives, the National Gallery, and the Museums of History, Contemporary Photography, Nature, War, and Science & Technology. ===Climate=== {{Climate | units = Metric | janhigh = -5.2 | febhigh = -3.3 | marhigh = 2.5 | aprhigh = 11.2 | mayhigh = 19.4 | junhigh = 24.2 | julhigh = 26.7 | aughigh = 25.6 | sephigh = 21.1 | octhigh = 13.3 | novhigh = 5.8 | dechigh = -1.5 | janlow = -14.0 | feblow = -12.9 | marlow = -6.9 | aprlow = 1.1 | maylow = 8.0 | junlow = 13.3 | jullow = 15.8 | auglow = 14.6 | seplow = 10.1 | octlow = 4.1 | novlow = -1.8 | declow = -8.7 | janprecip = 65.2 | febprecip = 52.4 | marprecip = 61.6 | aprprecip = 81.3 | mayprecip = 80.1 | junprecip = 95.1 | julprecip = 82.3 | augprecip = 87.4 | sepprecip = 87.0 | octprecip = 90.2 | novprecip = 72.0 | decprecip = 73.6 | description = See the Ottawa 7-day forecast at [https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/on-118_metric_e.html Environment Canada] }} Ottawa has a humid continental or hemiboreal climate, featuring four distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Precipitation, falling mostly as snow in winter and as rain in the rest of year, is plentiful year-round. The city is neither particularly sunny or cloudy, though spring and summer are sunnier than autumn and winter. In summer, which lasts from the beginning of June to early September, the average high is around {{c|27}} and the average low around {{c|16.5}}. During heatwaves, temperatures can approach or exceed {{c|33}} and not go below {{c|21}} at night, although there are also cooler and often rainier periods. The sun is up from 5:15AM to 8:45PM. Winters in Ottawa are long, cold and snowy. There is an average of 225 cm of snowfall per winter, which usually begins falling in late October, with the ground typically being blanketed in snow from late November to the end of March, while the last of the snow falls in April. Average temperatures in the winter months are between -7 and -10 °C (14 and 19 °F), although there are thawing periods where they can rise to above 0 °C (32 °F) in addition to cold snaps where they can drop to below -20 °C (-4° F). Most bodies of water in and around the city freeze over during the winter, notably the [[Rideau Canal]], which transforms into world's largest skating rink. Daylight hours last only between 7:30AM and 4:30PM. Spring (which begins in April and lasts until the end of May) and autumn (which lasts from September to mid November) generally see pleasant conditions, although both (especially spring) can sometimes be prone to rapid swings in conditions. ===Visitor information=== In addition to the Capital Information Kiosk, the tourist office's eager helpers can be found in public places, ready to answer questions in French or English. You can identify them by their blue uniforms with white question marks ("?"). * {{listing | name=Capital Information Kiosk | alt= | url=https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/visitor-information/while-here.html#a1 | email=cik-kic@pch.gc.ca | address=90 Wellington Street | lat=45.42332 | long=-75.69808 | directions=opposite Parliament Hill | phone=+1 613-239-5000 | tollfree=+1-844-878-8333 | hours=9AM-5PM daily | price= | lastedit=2022-05-22 | content=Excellent first stop for all kinds of tourist information, in friendly and fluent English and French. }} * [https://ottawa.ca/en Local information from the City of Ottawa] ==Get in== ===By plane=== ==== Main airport ==== * {{go | name=Macdonald-Cartier International Airport | alt={{IATA|YOW}} | url=https://yow.ca/ | email=comments@yow.ca | address=1000 Airport Parkway Private | lat=45.3225 | long=-75.6672 | directions=roughly 10.2 km south of downtown | phone=+1-613-248-2000 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport | image=Ottawa Airport.jpg | wikidata=Q1319833 | lastedit=2022-05-26 | content=Ottawa's main airport offers regular flights to major Canadian (and many American) cities. The airport's US Customs Pre-clearance facilities allow for seamless domestic and international transfers through a number of major US airports. }} ==== Airport amenities ==== ATMs and a currency exchange booth are available in the arrivals hall (lower level). There is one International Currency Exchange (ICE) branded ATM near the baggage carrousels which charges higher transaction fees and offers poor exchange rates and one Royal Bank ATM near the washrooms with lower transaction fees and better exchange rates. There is a 24 hour baggage storage facility (Pars 2000) in the arrivals hall. Luggage can be stored for $5 per day or $8 overnight. There is also an information booth in the arrivals hall. There are a number of restaurants and a few bars inside the departures area. ==== Destinations ==== Direct flights to Ottawa within Canada include from [[Calgary]] (3.75 hours), from [[Edmonton]] (3.75 hours), from [[Halifax]] (1.75 hours), from [[Iqaluit]] (3.25 hours), from [[Montreal]] (45 minutes), from [[Toronto]] (1 hour), and from [[Vancouver]] (4.5 hours). Direct flights to Ottawa from the [[United States of America]] include from [[New York City]] (1.5-1.75 hours) and [[Washington, D.C.]] (1.5-1.75 hours) Services to Ottawa from outside North America is a flight to [[Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport|Paris Charles de Gaulle]] on Air France (7 hours). Flights can vary from a few times a week to daily in summer. There is also a KLM shuttle bus connection for passengers booked between Ottawa Train Station ({{IATA|XDS}}) and [[Montreal#Get in|Montreal Trudeau International Airport]] ({{IATA|YUL}}). This trip takes about two hours. Via Rail trains bound for Montreal also connect to Montreal Trudeau International Airport via a free shuttle bus from the nearby Dorval station. ==== Airlines ==== Canadian airlines operating to Ottawa: * {{listing | name=Air Canada | alt= | url=https://www.aircanada.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-514-393-3333 | tollfree=+1-888-247-2262 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Air Canada | wikidata=Q185339 | lastedit=2022-04-25 | content=Canada's largest airline with hubs in [[Vancouver]], [[Calgary]], [[Toronto]], and [[Montreal]]. It operates across Canada and services international destinations. Some flights between Toronto and Montreal involve Toronto Pearson International Airport and some involve Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. }} * {{listing | name=Air Transat | alt= | url=https://www.airtransat.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-514-636-3630 | tollfree=+1-877-872-6728 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Air Transat | wikidata=Q407869 | lastedit=2022-04-25 | content=Canada's third largest airline with some year round destinations and specializing in seasonal flights to vacation destinations (Europe in the summer and warmer, southern international destinations in the winter). }} * {{listing | name=Canadian North | alt= | url=https://canadiannorth.com/ | email=contact@canadiannorth.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-800-267-1247 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Canadian North | wikidata=Q1032237 | lastedit=2022-04-25 | content=A regional airline primarily operating flights in the [[Northwest Territories]] and [[Nunavut]], and flights traveling between that region and a few large cities in Canada. }} * {{listing | name=Flair Airlines | alt= | url=https://flyflair.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-833-711-2333 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Flair Airlines | wikidata=Q4038797 | lastedit=2022-04-25 | content=A low-cost airline with flights across much of Canada. }} * {{listing | name=Porter Airlines | alt= | url=https://www.flyporter.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-888-619-8622 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Porter Airlines | wikidata=Q1811473 | lastedit=2022-04-27 | content=Operates flights in [[Ontario]], [[Quebec]], [[Atlantic Canada]], and some flights to the [[United States of America]]. For flights departing from or arriving in [[Toronto]], the airline's turboprop plane flights land at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. The airline's jet plane flights and flights by all other airlines almost exclusively land at Toronto Pearson International Airport. }} * {{listing | name=Sunwing Airlines | alt= | url=https://www.sunwing.ca/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-877-786-9464 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Sunwing Airlines | wikidata=Q1198402 | lastedit=2022-04-25 | content=Low cost Canadian airline that operates some flights within Canada throughout the year and specializes in seasonal flights to warmer, southern international vacation destinations in the winter. }} * {{listing | name=WestJet | alt= | url=https://www.westjet.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-877-952-0100 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=WestJet | wikidata=Q1059770 | lastedit=2022-04-25 | content=Canada's second largest airline services with hubs in [[Calgary]] and [[Toronto]]. It operates across Canada and services international destinations. }} ====Ground transportation from airport to downtown==== :* '''Public transit''' - To reach downtown via public transit, take the Line 4 train to South Keys Station, then the Line 2 north to Bayview Station. At Bayview Station, transfer to the O-Train Line 1 (eastbound to Blair) to the downtown stations Lyon, Parliament or Rideau (west to east). To get to the Ottawa Train Station, take the Line 4 and 2 trains and transfer to the O-Train Line 1 (eastbound to Blair), and get off at Tremblay Station, which is next door to the train station. The bus fare is $4.05 which gives you 1½ hours of unlimited bus and train travel or $12 for an all-day pass. If you don't have a [[Presto card]], exact change is required; remember to ask the bus driver for a transfer to use as proof of payment for fare inspectors. :* '''Taxi''' - A taxi to downtown hotels should cost between $25 and $35, while a taxi to nearby hotels should not cost more than $10. Uber and Lyft serve the airport and a ride to downtown hotels should cost between $20 and $25. Rideshare pickup zone is at Pillar 12/13 of the outer curb. :* '''Car rental''' - Most of the major international car rental agencies have a presence in the parking garage across from the airport terminal. ==== Other airport ==== * {{marker|type=go|name=Ottawa/Rockcliffe Airport|wikidata=Q3912736}} ({{IATA|YRO}}) is closer to downtown but does not have regular service; it is open to [[general aviation]] only. ===By bus=== * {{go | name=Autobus Gatineau | alt= | url=http://www.autobusgatineau.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-888-880-0439 | hours= | price= | lastedit=15 June 2020 | content=Operates a weekday bus service from smaller regional centres in the [[Outaouais]] region of West [[Quebec]] (to the north of Ottawa). The route travels between Ottawa and Grand-Remous including stops in [[Gatineau]], [[Wakefield (Quebec)|Wakefield]], Kazabazua, Gracefield, and Maniwaki. Travel time to Ottawa from Wakefield is 50-60 minutes and from Grand-Remous is 2.75-3 hours. }} In Grand-Remous, there is service under the Autobus Maheux brand from [[Montreal]], [[Rouyn-Noranda]], and [[Val-d'Or]]. * {{listing | name=Autobus Maheux | alt= | url=https://autobusmaheux.com/ | email=service_client@autobusmaheux.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-866-863-6066 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=Operates bus routes within [[Quebec]] with some connections to [[Ontario]]. }} Operates a bus route between [[Montreal]] and Ottawa including stops in [[Laval]] and [[Gatineau]]. Travel time to Ottawa from Montreal is 3.5 hours. * {{listing | name=FlixBus | alt= | url=https://www.flixbus.ca/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=FlixBus | wikidata=Q15712258 | lastedit=2022-08-16 | content=Service from [[Windsor (Ontario)|Windsor]], [[London (Ontario)|London]], [[Chatham-Kent]], [[Hamilton (Ontario)|Hamilton]], [[Toronto]], [[Whitby (Ontario)|Whitby]], [[Peterborough (Ontario)|Peterborough]], and [[Kingston (Ontario)|Kingston]]. }} * {{go | name=Megabus | alt= | url=https://ca.megabus.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-866-488-4452 | hours= | price=Toronto from $52 (5 hours 10 min), Kingston from $32 (2 hours) | wikipedia=Megabus (North America) | wikidata=Q6808155 | lastedit=2021-05-20 | content=Ottawa-Kingston-Toronto, twice daily Th-Su, leaving Toronto at 10:30AM and 5PM. Departures from Ottawa (OCTranspo St Laurent) at 10:30AM and 4:30PM. }} *{{go|name=Rider Express|alt=|url=https://riderexpress.ca|email=|address=|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=|tollfree=+1-833-583-3636|hours=|price=|lastedit=2021-03-19|content=Offers service to Ottawa from [[Toronto]] via [[Kingston (Ontario)|Kingston]] and [[Belleville (Ontario)|Belleville]]. Travel time to Ottawa from Toronto is 5.25 hours and from Kingston is 2 hours. There is also service from [[Peterborough (Ontario)|Peterborough]] two days a week.}} *{{go | name=Ontario Northland | alt= | url=https://www.ontarionorthland.ca/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Buses depart from Ottawa VIA station (see below) | phone= | tollfree=+1-800-461-8558 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ontario Northland Motor Coach Services | wikidata=Q7094858 | lastedit=15 June 2020 | content=Connects Ottawa to a number of smaller regional centres in [[Northern Ontario]]. }} **Operates a route between Ottawa and [[Sudbury (Ontario)|Sudbury]] including stops in [[Kanata]], [[Arnprior]], [[Renfrew]], [[Pembroke (Ontario)|Pembroke]], [[Petawawa]], [[Mattawa]], and [[North Bay (Ontario)|North Bay]]. Travel time to Ottawa from Arnprior is 6 hours, from Pembroke is 4.75 hours, and from Petawawa is 4 hours, from North Bay is 1.5 hours, and from Sudbury is 7 hours. Connections are available from [[Winnipeg]] (1 day 8.5 hours) with transfers in [[Thunder Bay]], [[Sault Sainte Marie (Ontario)|Sault Sainte Marie]], and Sudbury. Connections are available from [[Toronto]] with a transfer in either North Bay or Sudbury. *{{go | name=Orléans Express | alt= | url=https://www.orleansexpress.com/en/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-450-640-1477 | tollfree=+1-833-449-6444 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Orléans Express | wikidata=Q3356500 | lastedit=2025-07-06 | content=Service from [[Montreal]], [[Toronto]], and [[Kingston (Ontario)|Kingston]]. }} <!-- This is an unregulated jitney service, there are better options * {{go | name=Tour Express | alt= | url=https://tourexpress.ca/ | email=info@tourexpress.ca | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-514-228-2303 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-07-26 | content=Intercity service Montréal-Ottawa and Montréal-Gatineau. Travel time to Ottawa from Montreal is 2 hours. }} --> * {{listing | name= 417 Bus Line| alt= | url=https://transpo.417busline.com/| email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-4-12 | content= Commuter bus service from [[Cornwall (Ontario)|Cornwall]], [[Embrun (Ontario)|Embrun]], [[Russell (Ontario)|Russell]], [[Casselman (Ontario)|Casselman]], and [[Limoges (Ontario)|Limoges]]. Tickets must be purchased in cash from the bus driver. }} ===By train=== {{Seealso|Rail travel in Canada}} ==== Intercity train operator ==== * {{listing|name=VIA Rail Canada|alt=|url=https://www.viarail.ca/|email=|address=|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=|tollfree=+1-888-842-7245|hours=|price=|wikipedia=Via Rail|wikidata=Q876720|lastedit=2022-03-31|content=Operates train routes from Canada's west coast and east coast.}} Routes serving the Ottawa area: ** Between Ottawa and [[Toronto]] including stops in [[Smiths Falls]], [[Brockville]], [[Gananoque]], [[Kingston (Ontario)|Kingston]], [[Napanee]], [[Belleville (Ontario)|Bellevile]], [[Trenton (Ontario)|Trenton]], [[Cobourg]], [[Port Hope]], and [[Oshawa]]. The Ottawa-Toronto route operates daily with numerous trains per day. Travel time to Ottawa from Kingston is 2.25-2.5 hours and from Toronto is 4.75-5 hours. ** Between [[Quebec City]] and Ottawa including stops in [[Drummondville]], [[Saint-Hyacinthe]], [[Saint-Lambert]], [[Montreal]], [[Montreal/West Island|Dorval]], and [[Alexandria (Ontario)|Alexandria]]. Multiple trains per day travel the entire route and some additional trains travel between Montreal and Ottawa. Travel time to Ottawa from Quebec City is 6 hours, from Drummondville is 3.75-4 hours, and from Montreal is 2-2.25 hours. **Travellers from [[Cornwall (Ontario)|Cornwall]] can reach Ottawa by changing trains in Kingston. It's possible to shorten the trip by instead changing trains at Brockville; however VIA Rail will not guarantee this connection, and both legs have to be booked separately. {{Infobox|Walking downtown from Ottawa station |It is possible to get downtown from the main train station on foot, although it requires a bit of navigation. This path should not be taken alone after dark and may be flooded after periods of intense rain or snow melting. Have a street map with you so you can locate yourself once you have reached [[:wikipedia:Strathcona Park (Ottawa)|Strathcona Park]]. The station to Strathcona Park takes about half an hour (2½&nbsp;km). Another half hour from the park to downtown. A map is [http://stepwhere.com/maps/route/Pedestrain-route-from-Ottawa-train-station-to-downtown available online]. #On exiting the station, walk along the west (left-hand) arm of the vehicle loop and across the O Train tracks. #Once you have reached Max Keeping Bridge, take the bike path to your left going west. #The path will take you along the bus lanes and will pass over Riverside Drive. #You will merge with a path coming up from Riverside Drive; continue walking west, away from the street. #Shortly after that, you will come to a fork; go right (north) and continue until you see a pedestrian bridge on your left. #Take the pedestrian bridge over the Rideau River. #Immediately after the pedestrian bridge, turn right towards the north. #Take the paved bike path, go under the highway bridge and keep following the Rideau River northward for about 1&nbsp;km. #Once you reach the end of the path, you are in Strathcona Park. #Use a street map or an on-line map service to find your way from Strathcona Park to your downtown destination; at the north end of the park is Laurier Avenue, a major east-west street; parallel to it and several blocks north is Rideau Street. }} ==== Train stations ==== {{go | name=Ottawa station | alt={{IATA|XDS}} | url=https://www.viarail.ca/en/explore-our-destinations/stations/ontario/ottawa/station | email= | address=200 Tremblay Road | lat=45.41632 | long=-75.65166 | directions=4 km east of downtown | phone= | tollfree=+1-888-842-7245 | hours=Daily 5:30AM to 11:30PM | price= | wikipedia=Ottawa station | wikidata=Q3095844 | content=This is the main train station in Ottawa and it is less than ten minutes from downtown by car, taxi or O-Train. The station has a lounge for Business class ticket holders and a small cafe offering coffee, pastries, and light meals. |lastedit=2023-10-07}} To reach downtown from the station, passengers can take the light rail (Tunney's Pasture direction) from Tremblay O-Train Station, next door to Ottawa Station. The trip should take about 10 minutes. Tremblay Station has O-Train ticket vending machines which accept cash and credit cards. Taxis are also available and should cost about $10-15 for a trip downtown. There is a phone kiosk offering car rentals. {{listing | type=go | name=Fallowfield station | alt= | url=https://www.viarail.ca/en/explore-our-destinations/stations/ontario/fallowfield | email= | address=3347 Fallowfield Road | lat=45.29928 | long=-75.73661| directions=southwest of downtown | phone= | tollfree=+1-888-842-7245 | fax= | hours=Daily 5:30AM to 11:30PM | price= | wikipedia=Fallowfield station (Ontario) | image= | wikidata=Q3096415 | content=Ottawa also has a secondary station (Fallowfield station) in the western suburb of Barrhaven, convenient for Nepean and Kanata points. All trains connecting with Toronto stop at Fallowfield; two of the six weekday trains connecting with Montreal originate or terminate at Fallowfield.|lastedit=2023-10-07}} Fallowfield Station is around 10 kilometers to the west of Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport, making it the closest railway station to the airport. The airport is accessible by taxi or car in around 15 minutes. By comparison, OC Transpo buses departing from the adjacent Fallowfield bus station head north to downtown before looping back south to the airport and generally take more than an hour. It is also possible to cycle from Fallowfield to the airport (over relatively flat terrain) in about 33 minutes. The route begins by heading south to Fallowfield Road, turning left and eventually crossing Woodroffe Avenue. Then turn left again and follow the path which bends to the right in front of the Via train tracks. The trail continues along the tracks and through a wooded area to Prince of Wales Drive and Black Rapids Lockstation on the Rideau River. From there, turn left and cautiously ride up Prince of Wales Drive north to Hunt Club Road and turn right. Be especially careful at the intersection and on the bridge, as traffic moves quite quickly and it is not particularly friendly for cyclists. Continue down Hunt Club, turn right in front of the Days Inn by Wyndham and finally ride down Paul Benoit Drive through the employee parking lot to the lower level arrivals area. ===By boat=== [[Image:Canal Rideau Boat.JPG|thumb|240px|Sailing up the Rideau Canal]] The Ottawa River is navigable to Ottawa from Montréal, but is blocked to the west by rapids in Ottawa-Hull. There are no ferry services to Ottawa. However, there is a tourist-oriented water taxi that runs between Ottawa and Hull for about $6 one way. The city is also accessible via the [[Rideau Canal]], a [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]], which runs from the St. Lawrence River at [[Kingston (Ontario)|Kingston]] to the Ottawa River at Ottawa where it empties via a series of locks. It is possible to dock at Dow's Lake Pavilion and at points along the Rideau Canal and Ottawa River near downtown. ===By car=== Ottawa can be reached from [[Sudbury (Ontario)|Sudbury]] and [[North Bay (Ontario)|North Bay]] by traveling east on Highway 17 and 417, which are part of the [[Trans-Canada Highway]]. Highway 17 is the non-freeway part of the highway and Highway 417 is the part that is a freeway. Ottawa is about a 4½-hour trip from Toronto via the 401 and 416 highways. Traveling on Highway 401, Highway 7, then Highway 417 is shorter ({{km|405}} vs. {{km|450}}) but this more scenic route through [[Peterborough (Ontario)|Peterborough]] is two lanes almost all the way, saving you no time. Montreal is 2-3 hours away along Autoroute 40 (in Quebec) and Highway 417 (in Ontario), which are both part of the [[Trans-Canada Highway]]. From the [[United States|American]] border at [[Prescott (Ontario)|Prescott]]-[[Ogdensburg]], it is 45 minutes to Ottawa's western suburbs (at the opposite end of Highway 416). Interstate 81 is 60 km (40 miles) further upriver in the [[Thousand Islands]]. ==Get around== {{Mapframe|45.42803|-75.68354|zoom=12}} {{Mapshape}} <!--{{mapshapes|Q2422359}}--> {{Mapshape|wikidata=Q2943854|type=geoshape|title=Greenbelt|fill={{StdColor|t4}}}} {{mapshapes|Q2422359}} ===Public transit=== [[File:Stage2South.png|right|thumb|500px|Ottawa rapid transit map.]] {{Go|name=OC Transpo|url=https://www.octranspo.com/en/|phone=+1 613-560-5000|lastedit=2025-03-23|content=Operates the city's bus service and the O-Train, a light rail system consisting of three lines.}} The Confederation Line (Line 1, red in maps), which began service in 2019, runs west-east with an underground segment through the city centre. The Trillium Line (Line 2, green) runs from the south to Limebank. Lines 1 and 2 meet at Bayview station. Line 4 (blue) runs to the airport from South Keys (connecting there to Line 2). The bus rapid transit (BRT) system, called the ''Transitway'', has service as frequent as 1 to 2 minutes at rush hour. The O-Train Confederation Line runs east-west under the downtown area served by Lyon, Parliament, Rideau and uOttawa O-Train stations. If you are going to the Byward Market, get off at Rideau O-Train Station. To go north-south, take bus route 6 or 7 along Bank Street from either Parliament or Rideau O-Train stations. OC Transpo has a [https://www.octranspo.com/en/plan-your-trip/schedules-maps webpage] to look up schedules and maps for all the O-Train and bus routes mentioned above. It also has a Customer Service Centre on the 3rd floor of the Rideau Centre, above the corner of Rideau Street and Colonel By Drive in downtown Ottawa. There are others at major bus stations: Lincoln Fields in the west end, Place d'Orleans and St. Laurent in the east. ====Fares==== As of March 2025, the cash [https://www.octranspo.com/en/fares/ fare] for regular routes is $4.05 for adults and youth (13-64), $3.20 for seniors (65+). Children under 12 ride free. (Fares are 5 cents cheaper if paying by Presto card.) [https://www.octranspo.com/en/fares/reduced-fares/senior/ Seniors] can ride the OC Transpo system free on Wednesdays and Sundays (except Para Transpo). Payment is by exact change or the Presto card. If you pay cash, get a transfer to act as proof of payment for fare inspection. Your fare allows you to ride any buses and the O-Train for roughly 1½ hours, longer at night. Stop-overs and return trips are permitted. A day pass ($12) is good for buses and the O-Train. On weekends and holidays, up to two adults and four children (age 11 and under) can share a day pass. Buy the pass from the bus driver using exact cash or Presto card. (If you're using the card to pay for a day pass, you must ask the driver before tapping the card to the reader, or it will deduct a normal fare instead). Day passes are also available from ticket vending machines at O-Train stations and at customer service centres. O-Train stations (except Bayview station) have ticket vending machines that issue a single-ride ticket. The O-Train ticket acts as a transfer which expires 90 minutes after purchase. You can buy a [[Presto card]] for $6 (non-refundable) plus a minimum $10 balance at the airport, at a Customer Service Centre, kiosks at O-Train stations, at selected Loblaws grocery stores or Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacies, by phone ({{phone|+1-877-378-6123}}) or [http://www.octranspo.com/tickets-and-passes/presto online]{{Dead link|date=January 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} (for delivery in Canada only). Have a Customer Service Centre add the birth date to a Presto card for a senior or a child to qualify for fare discounts. The Presto card is also valid in the Greater Toronto Area and Hamilton. Presto card readers are available on buses at the front door (and also at the rear door of long, articulated buses) and on O-Train platforms. Paying the fare by tapping the Presto card on the reader will also record a 1½ hour transfer period on the card. Tap your Presto card every time you board a vehicle. Upon the first tap, the Presto machine will momentarily display the fare deducted and the Presto balance remaining. When you tap within the transfer period, the Presto machine will display the minutes left in the transfer period. ====Service to Gatineau==== Route 8 provides all-day service between Dow's Lake and [[Gatineau]], Quebec throughout the whole week, terminating in front of the Canadian Museum of History (stop: Laurier / Élisabeth-Bruyère); it uses OC Transpo fare media, including Presto, even when boarding in Gatineau. You can board this route at Dow's Lake, Corso Italia, or Pimisi station. Route 13 also goes between Gatineau and Tunney's Pasture station in the morning and evening rush hour. Many [[Gatineau]] buses (marked "STO" - [http://www.sto.ca/?L=en Société de transport de l'Outaouais]) come into Ottawa, run along Wellington Street and pass by the Byward Market. They can be caught near Lyon, Parliament and Rideau O-Train stations. The colour schemes for the two transit systems are different, red and white for OC Transpo but blue and white for STO. OC Transpo and STO accept each other's [http://www.octranspo.com/tickets-and-passes/transfers_to_and_from_sto transfers]{{Dead link|date=January 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} including O-Train tickets. STO accepts an OC Transpo transfer recorded on a Presto card; however, STO will not accept Presto to pay the fare on its own buses. STO accepts the OC Transpo day pass but not as a group pass. ===By taxi=== Taxis are easy to find downtown; elsewhere, phone for a cab. All taxis should have a meter and the base charge is $2.45, and overall rates are quite high compared to most other North American cities. A ride from downtown to the airport will be costly, running between $25 and $35 for a trip that will take less than a half-hour outside of peak traffic periods. Cabs will not take credit cards for fares below $10. Most cab drivers know Ottawa well, but have clear instructions if you're going anywhere in the suburbs as many developments in the outskirts are relatively new. Ottawa cabs aren't supposed to pick up customers off the street on the Quebec side; the converse applies to Quebec cabs in Ottawa. You may phone a Quebec cab if you are in Ottawa and vice versa. * {{Listing|name=BlueLine Taxi|url=https://www.bluelinetaxi.com/|phone=+1 613-238-1111|lastedit=2022-07-31}} * {{Listing|name=Capital Taxi|url=https://capitaltaxi.com|phone=+1 613-744-3333|lastedit=2022-07-31}} * {{Listing|name=Executive Cabs|url=http://www.executivecabsottawa.com/|phone=+1 613-799-3353|lastedit=2022-07-31}} * {{listing | name=Rides Are Us | alt= | url=https://www.ridesareus.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-858-9060 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-01-12 | content= }} === By ride hailing === * {{Listing|name=Lyft|url=https://www.lyft.com/rider/cities/ottawa-on|lastedit=2022-07-31}} * {{Listing|name=Uber|url=https://www.uber.com/global/en/cities/ottawa/|lastedit=2022-07-31}} ===By car=== Parking at most attractions is convenient, though on-street parking in downtown areas is at a premium (more expensive than most other cities in North America). If you are driving to downtown on the weekend, parking is free in Gloucester Garage (210 Gloucester St). A map is useful if you are going to be driving around downtown as many of the streets are one-way. Drivers in Ottawa are rated as some of the worst in Canada, often failing to signal for lane changes or making illegal turns into far lanes rather than the closest lane. Most major car rental companies have several offices in Ottawa with all of them represented downtown and at the airport. Driving while talking on your cell phone is illegal in Ontario unless you use a hands-free system. ===On foot=== Ottawa is a great city to explore on foot, though in winter you need good clothes and warm boots to consider it. With pedestrian-friendly streets and the density of attractions, a car is expensive and unnecessary for the most part. An excellent place to start any tour of Ottawa is the Capital Information Kiosk, at 90 Wellington Street, directly across from the Parliament buildings. They have maps and brochures for most tourist attractions in Ottawa, many of which are within walking distance. Popular pedestrian areas, especially during spring and summer months, are the various streets in the Byward Market. Sparks Street, running through downtown parallel to the Parliament Buildings, is a popular pedestrian area during the day and night, particularly in the spring and summer months. Guided walking tours are available with '''[http://ottawawalkingtours.com Ottawa Walking Tours]''', which include some history and other tidbits of trivia not commonly known. Especially popular is the '''[http://hauntedwalk.com Haunted Walk of Ottawa]''' that provides a variety of walking tours focusing on the city's darker and more offbeat past. Ottawa is a city with a truly continental climate. In winter, exposed skin can freeze in minutes or less, so layer up on the clothing and protect yourself by wearing a hat (toque or hunters cap), gloves and boots. Despite being slightly closer to the North Pole than the equator, summer temperature and humidity can be oppressively high, so bring water if you're doing any amount of walking or cycling. If you are on the public pathways near the canal or the river, there are drinking fountains to refill your bottles. Also, don't forget the mosquito repellent. ===By bicycle=== Bicycling is one of the best ways to see Ottawa up close. You can cover a lot of ground, stop anywhere to sight-see, and enjoy the ambiance of the city. The downtown is very well-served by protected cycling infrastructure, and paths run along the canal and the rivers, including into Gatineau on the Quebec side. In the summer, the downtown bike corridor on Laurier Ave counts 70,000 bike rides a month. The bike routes along the canal see around 350,000 bike rides a year. Again, you may want to start immediately opposite Parliament Hill to pick up a [https://ottawa.ca/en/parking-roads-and-travel/cycling/routes-and-maps map of the area] (in the World Exchange Plaza's NCC booth in the main hallway) or find a bicycle rental. Cycling to the attractions around downtown Ottawa is a great way to get around, but don't ignore the Gatineau side of the river. The city has several attractions along the river including the Museum of History and if you want to really stretch your legs, Gatineau Park has many great cycling paths; the Champlain Look Out has a wonderful view over the Ottawa Valley. ====Rentals==== There are usually a few options for renting bicycles downtown, including: * {{listing | type=buy | name=Rentabike | alt= | url=https://www.rentabike.ca | email=rentabike11@outlook.com | address=2 Rideau St | lat=45.424688 | long=-75.693688 | directions=across from the hotel Château Laurier, below the Plaza Bridge and next to the Rideau Canal | phone=+1 613-241-4140 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 10AM-5PM, Sa Su 10AM-6PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-01 | content=Well-equipped bike rental service. From this central location, pathways along the Rideau Canal are suitable for cycling south or north. }} * {{listing | type=buy | name=Escape Bicycle Tours & Rentals | url=https://escapebicycletours.ca/ | email=info@escapebicycletours.ca | addres=65 Sparks St | lat=45.42319762224735 | long=-75.69658667325147 |directions=on the pedestrian-only Sparks St between Elgin and Metcalfe, walking distance from Parliament Hill and the National War Memorial | phone=+1 613-608-7407 | lastedit=2024-08-31 }} * {{listing | type=buy | name=Bike Dump | alt= | url=https://bikedump.com | email= | address=407 Catherine St | lat=45.406812 | long=-75.698937 | directions=Catherine at Percy Street, 3 blocks west of Ottawa Central Station bus terminal | phone=+1 613-231-2317 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-01 | content= }} * {{buy | name=RightBike/Cycle Salvation | alt= | url=https://rightbike.org | email=rightbike@causewayworkcentre.org | address=473 Bronson Ave | lat=45.407687 | long=-75.703312 | directions=Bronson south of Gladstone Ave | phone=+1 613-722-4440 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-07-01 | content= }} ====Capital Pathway==== The city is criss-crossed by over 170&nbsp;km of multi-use pathways (MUPs), shared with pedestrians and in-line skaters. Dogs on leash are allowed along many of the paths, but only if the owner is on foot. Many paths are unlit at night, so careful that you don't ride into a leash between the dog and its owner. The maximum speed on the pathways is 20 km/h (13 mph). The [https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/events/weekend-bikedays National Capital Commission] closes 20&nbsp;km of roadways to cars summer weekends as '''Weekend Bikedays''' from Victoria Day (late May) to Labour Day (early September) allowing for cycling, in-line skating and walking on these roadways. Maps of the Capital Pathway are available, including the ''[https://ottawa.ca/en/parking-roads-and-travel/cycling/routes-and-maps Official Cycling Map for Ottawa-Gatineau]'' and the simplified ''[https://hansonthebike.com/ottawa-cycling-maps/ Ottawa Multi Use Pathway Pocket Map]'' created by a local cycling blogger. For more route suggestions, check out these local cycling blogs: * https://gobiking.ca/ * https://ottawavelooutaouais.com/ * [https://Www.hansonthebike.com www.hansonthebike.com] OC Transpo has bicycle racks on the front of many buses (seasonally). You can load your bike on the rack and then ride the bus for the normal passenger fare. The O-Train will take bikes as well, in the forwardmost car. The City of Ottawa has bike repair stations in public spaces along paths and across from City Hall, at libraries and community centres. The stations consist of a pump and the most important tools, connected to a base with steel cables. Long time advocacy group [https://bikeottawa.ca/ Bike Ottawa] (since 1984) also maintains an extensive website with [https://maps.bikeottawa.ca/ a set of interactive bicycle route maps] that rate all bicycle routes through Ottawa and [[Gatineau]] on a 1-4 scale, with 1 being child-friendly and 4 being very stressful. They also make available information on infrastructure progress. [http://bikeottawa.ca/index.php/about-cfsc/contact-us Contact them] also with questions about routes, concerns and popular destinations. Although it is a volunteer-run organisation, they are usually fairly fast in responding. [https://twitter.com/hashtag/ottbike #ottbike] is the commonly used hashtag on social media. ==See== === Parliament Hill === [[File:Centre Block - Parliament Hill.jpg|thumb|Parliament Hill, Canada's house of democracy]] [[Image:Ottawa war memorial.jpg|thumb|The National War Memorial near Parliament Hill]] The primary attraction for most visitors is {{see | name=Parliament Hill | alt= | url=https://lop.parl.ca/sites/Visit/default/en_CA | email= | address= | lat=45.42415 | long=-75.69908 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Parliament Hill | wikidata=Q1589289 | content= }} Parliament Hill is in the middle of downtown Ottawa, overlooking the Ottawa River. Not only is the building a fine example of the Gothic revival style, it makes an excellent starting point to visit all other points of interest in the area. * The '''Changing of the Guard''' takes place daily on the lawns of Parliament at 9AM from late June to late August. The Governor General's Foot Guards can also be seen at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and at Rideau Hall. Tours of the building are available daily with multiple tours (in English and French) available at staggered times throughout the day. If you have a group of greater than 10 people, you must make a reservation in advance by reserving online or by calling the reservations office at +1 613-996-0896. The admission is free, but you need tickets (one for the House of Commons at West Block, one for the Senate at the Senate of Canada Building) which you get online at [https://visit.parl.ca/sites/Visit/default/en_CA visit.parl.ca]. There is also a free 45-minute immersive experience that can be booked on the same official booking website. * The Centre Block and the Peace Tower are closed for renovation, and are expected to remain closed until 2031. * Tour guides take you through the House of Commons Chamber or the Senate Chamber and explain the history, roles and architecture of the respective buildings. Each tours lasts about 45 min and free same-day tickets can be booked online at [https://visit.parl.ca visit.parl.ca] depending on availability. Keep the order confirmation number, which can be used in lieu of tickets if they are never received by email. * If there are no more tickets available, or you have to wait for your time, a fine self-guided walking tour around the grounds of Parliament Hill will keep you busy. Free booklets are available at the Capital Information Kiosk at 90 Wellington St. * One of the nicer, unexpected views, looking from the bottom up, can be accessed at the back of the Parliament Buildings—that vantage point also provides a river view of the Canadian Museum of History, across the river in downtown Gatineau (the former city of Hull). * Behind the Parliament Buildings at sunset is a sight to remember. You can walk by the Rideau Canal locks (at the east corner) and visit the Bytown Museum at the level of the canal. * The locks separate Parliament Hill from the '''Chateau Laurier''', a [[Grand old hotels|former railway hotel]] (see below). === Museums === There are many national museums and galleries in Ottawa and neighbouring [[Gatineau]]. All museums in Ottawa have free admission on Canada Day, July 1, although they are generally very crowded then. * {{see | name=Bank of Canada Currency Museum | alt= | url=https://www.bankofcanadamuseum.ca | email=museum@bankofcanada.ca | address=30 Bank St | lat=45.42068 | long=-75.70283 | directions= | phone=+1 613-782-8914 | tollfree= | hours=Th-M 10AM-5PM | price=Free | wikipedia=Currency Museum (Canada) | wikidata=Q4306227 | lastedit=2024-03-04 | content=A collection of historic and current currencies from Canada and around the world, history of Bank of Canada and the application of interest rate in the society and economy. }} * {{see | name=Bytown Museum | alt= | url=http://bytownmuseum.com | email= | address=1 Canal Ln | lat=45.42582 | long=-75.69765 | directions=at the Rideau Canal locks between Parliament Hill and Chateau Laurier | phone=+1 613-234-4570 | tollfree= | hours=Victoria Day weekend-Thanksgiving Day: F-W 10AM-5PM, Th 10AM-9PM. Rest of year: Tu-Su 11AM-4PM | price=$5 adults, $4 seniors/students/youth, $2 children 5-12 | wikipedia=Bytown Museum | wikidata=Q5004646 | lastedit=2022-05-22 | content=A small museum at the foot of Parliament Hill with a focus on Ottawa's early history. }} * {{see | name=Canada Agriculture and Food Museum | alt= | url=http://agriculture.technomuses.ca | email= | address=861 Prince of Wales Dr | lat=45.38728 | long=-75.70937 | directions= | phone=+1 613-991-3044 | tollfree=+1-866-442-4416 | fax= | hours=Exhibitions: 9AM-5PM daily late Feb-late Nov. Animal barns: 9AM-5PM daily all year | price=$7 adults, $6 students/seniors, $4 children 3-14, $16 families (2 adults and 3 children), free for children under 3. Seniors free on Tuesday. Admission to animal barns is by donation during time of year when the exhibitions are closed | wikidata=Q4212098| wikipedia=Canada Agriculture and Food Museum | lastedit=2021-07-04 | content=A working animal farm in the city. You can visit animal barns, see various demonstrations and exhibitions, and ride on a horse-drawn wagon. The museum also has a playground and picnic area. It is very popular with young children and a welcome change of pace for kids who have seen enough history after visiting some of the other sights. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Canada Aviation and Space Museum | alt= | url=https://ingeniumcanada.org/casm | email= | address=11 Aviation Parkway | lat=45.45896 | long=-75.64392 | directions=at Ottawa/Rockcliffe Airport | phone=+1 613-993-2010, +1 613-990-7530 (TTY) | tollfree=+1-800-463-2038 | fax=+1 613-993-3655 | hours=W-M 10AM to 5PM, closed Tuesdays | price=$15, student/seniors $13, Youth (ages 3-17) $10 | wikipedia=Canada Aviation and Space Museum | wikidata=Q1031932 | lastedit=2021-07-04 | content=Former RCAF base with civilian and military aircraft ranging from pre-World War I to modern, including 1920s-1940s bush planes, war planes from both World Wars and the Cold War, surviving components of the 1950s' Avro Arrow interceptor and Space Shuttle Endeavor's Canadarm, a Canadian-built robotic arm. Guided tours, boutique. }} * {{see | name=Canadian Museum of Nature | alt= | url=http://nature.ca | email= | address=240 McLeod St. K2P2R1 | lat=45.41278 | long=-75.68863 | directions= | phone=+1 613-566-4700 | tollfree=+1-800-263-4433 | hours=W F-Su 10AM-4PM; Th 10AM-7PM. Open on some holiday Mondays | price=$17 adult (general admission), $15 senior/student, $13 child (3-12) | wikipedia=Canadian Museum of Nature | wikidata=Q1032232 | lastedit=2022-05-22 | content=Galleries of fossils, mammals, birds and geology among others. Free admission Thursdays after 4PM and all day Canada Day (July 1st). }} * {{see | name=Canadian War Museum | alt= | url=https://warmuseum.ca | email= | address=1 Vimy Place | lat=45.41699 | long=-75.71738 | directions= | phone=+1 819-776-7000 | tollfree=+1-800-555-5621 | fax= | hours=Sep–Jun: M–W F–Su 9:30AM–5PM, Th 9:30AM–8PM. Jun–Sep: M–W F–Su 9:30AM–6PM, Th 9:30AM–8PM | price=$12 for adults. A joint War Museum and Museum of History ticket $18 (good for one entry into each museum in a three-day period). Free on Th after 6PM, and on November 11 | wikidata=Q1032442| wikipedia=Canadian War Museum | content=The museum presents Canada's involvement in armed conflict beginning with battles between the French and British, through to the World Wars, Korea, and the country's current involvement in NATO and UN operations. }} * {{see | name=Carleton University Art Gallery | alt= | url=https://cuag.ca/ | email= | address=St. Patrick's Building, 1125 Colonel By Drive | lat=45.3875 | long=-75.6983 | directions= | phone=+1 613-520-5611 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-F 10AM-5PM, Sa Su noon-5PM (closed M) | price=Free | wikidata=Q104820197 | lastedit=2024-03-04 | content=Art exhibitions and educational events to explore and activate the ideas that shape contemporary society. }} * {{see | name=Cumberland Heritage Village Museum | alt= | url=https://ottawa.ca/en/arts-heritage-and-events/museums-and-historic-sites/cumberland-heritage-village-museum | address=2940 Ch. Old Montréal Rd | lat=45.5177 | long=-75.3913 | directions=about 25 km east of downtown Ottawa, bus 221 to stop: Old Montréal / Ad. 2907 | phone= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Cumberland, Ontario | lastedit=2021-09-21 | content=A museum village featuring buildings from the early 20th century including a railway station. }} * {{see | name=Diefenbunker — Canada's Cold War Museum | alt= | url=http://diefenbunker.ca | email= | address=3911 Carp Rd, Carp | lat=45.35136 | long=-76.04796 | directions=from Ottawa, take Hwy 417 west to exit 144, then go north on Carp Rd, watch for the sign on the left side of the road | phone= | tollfree=+1-800-409-1965 | hours=Self-guided tours 11AM-4PM daily | price=$14 adults, $13 seniors, $10 students, $8 youth 6-18, $40 families (2 adults plus 3 youth), free for children 5 and under | wikipedia=CFS Carp | wikidata=Q5010827 | lastedit=2017-01-16 | content=Built to protect the government from nuclear attack, this once-secret bunker is now a museum and National Historic Site of Canada. "Diefenbunker" is a play on "Diefenbaker", the Canadian prime minister in the 1950s who authorized the construction of the facility. In addition to preserving and promoting Canada's Cold War history, the museum offers a variety of visitor programs and services. You can learn, play or shop as you discover the bunker's secrets and relive the experience of the Cold War. Guided tours by reservation only. If you do not have access to a vehicle and are willing to do a 50 minute bus ride plus pay a $30 taxi, you can # take the OcTranpo #95 or #97; # Transfer to the #93 at Lincoln Fields; # Get off at the Legget / Ad. 515 stop; # Walk 3 minutes to Brookstreet Hotel; # Take a taxi to the Diefenbunker. }} [[File:Gallerie nationale et Cathédrale d'Ottawa, Ottawa, ON..JPG|thumb|National Gallery of Canada (left) and Ottawa Cathedral]] * {{see | name=Laurier House National Historic Site | alt= | url=https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/on/laurier | email=Laurier-House@pc.gc.ca | address=335 Laurier Ave. | lat=45.4277 | long=-75.6779 | directions= | phone=+1 613-992-8142 | tollfree=+1-888-773-8888 | fax= | hours=May 1-Jun 30: Th-M 10AM-5PM | price=Adult $3.90, senior (65+) $3.40, youth (17 and under) free | wikipedia=Laurier House | image=Laurier House.jpg | wikidata=Q284595 | lastedit=2018-04-28 | content=1878 house that is the former residence of two Canadian prime ministers: Sir Wilfrid Laurier (for whom the house is named) and William Lyon Mackenzie King. }} * {{see | name=National Gallery | alt= | url=http://www.gallery.ca | email= | address=380 Sussex Dr | lat=45.42946 | long=-75.69863 | directions= | phone=+1 613-990-1985 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Free admission Th after 5PM | wikipedia=National Gallery of Canada | wikidata=Q1068063 | lastedit=2017-01-16 | content=Photography, traditional and modern art from Canadian and international artists. Housed inside a glass building with a giant spider structure on the outside. }} [[Image:Jacques Plante's Goalie Mask.jpg|right|thumb|240px|Jacques Plante's Goalie Mask on display in the Science and Technology Museum]] * {{see | name=Science and Technology Museum | alt= | url=https://ingeniumcanada.org/scitech/index.php | email= | address= | lat=45.4033 | long=-75.6203 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-Su 9AM-5PM | price=Adult $17, youth (3-17) $11, senior (60+) or student $13 | wikipedia=Canada Science and Technology Museum | image=CMST-Entrance.jpg | wikidata=Q1163464 | lastedit=2017-11-20 | content=Several displays are popular with children, including massive locomotives inside the building and electricity demonstrations. Re-opened on November 17, 2017, after years of renovations because of a mould problem, this museum is even more family-friendly than it was before its forced closure. }} * {{see | name=Ottawa Art Gallery | alt= | url=https://oaggao.ca/ | email=info@oaggao.ca | address=50 Mackenzie King Bridge | lat=45.425981 | long=-75.688385 | directions= | phone=+1 613-233-8699 | tollfree= | hours=Tu W Su 10AM-6PM, Th-Sa 10AM-9PM (closed M) | price=Free | wikidata=Q47038408 | lastedit=2024-03-04 | content=Municipal art gallery. }} === Professional sports === * {{see | name=Ottawa 67's | alt= | url=http://ottawa67s.com/ | email= | address=TD Place Arena, 1015 Bank St | lat=45.398886 |long=-75.684122 | directions= | phone=+1 613-232-6767 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Ontario Hockey League (OHL) }} * {{see | name=Atlético Ottawa | alt= | url=https://atleticoottawa.canpl.ca | email= | address=TD Place Stadium, 1015 Bank St | lat=45.398178 |long=-75.68365 |directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Replacing the city's former Ottawa Fury FC is this club owned by Spanish soccer giants Atlético Madrid. Unlike Fury FC, which played at the second level of US soccer (the USL Championship), Atlético Ottawa plays in the domestic Canadian Premier League. | wikipedia=Atlético Ottawa | wikidata=Q84127265 }} * {{see | name=Ottawa Harlequins | alt= | url=http://rugbyottawa.com | email= | address=Twin Elm Rugby Park | lat=45.2037 | long=-75.7954 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Twin Elm Rugby Park | wikidata=Q7858151 | content=Rugby Canada Super League }} * {{see | name=Ottawa Redblacks | alt= | url=http://ottawaredblacks.com |email=fan@ottawaredblacks.com | address=TD Place Stadium, 1015 Bank St | lat=45.398178 |long=-75.68365 |directions= | phone=+1 613-232-6767 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Canadian Football League (CFL) }} * {{see | name=Ottawa Senators | alt= | url=http://www.nhl.com/senators | email= | address=Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr, [[Kanata]] | lat=45.296944 |long= -75.927222 | directions= | phone=+1 613-599-0250 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=National Hockey League (NHL) }} * {{see | name=Ottawa Charge | alt= | url=https://ottawa.thepwhl.com/en/ | email= | address=TD Place Arena, 1015 Bank St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-09-23 | content=Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL). Shares an arena with the Ottawa 67's. }} === Parks === Ottawa has dozens of neighbourhood parks and other parcels of green space in the urban core. * {{see | name=Confederation Park | alt= | url=https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places/confederation-park | address=Elgin St | lat=45.4221 | long=-75.6925 | directions=at Albert St, west of the Rideau Canal | phone= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Confederation Park | lastedit=2021-09-21 | content=Downtown park, designated as a National Historic Site of Canada, featuring a fountain, totem pole, statues. }} * {{see | name=Kiwekì Point (formerly Nepean Point) | alt= | url=https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places/kiweki-point | email= | address=Alexandra Bridge | lat=45.430001 | long=-75.703367 | directions=behind the National Gallery, or cross the Pìdàban Passage from Major's Hill Park | phone= | tollfree= | hours=always open | price= | wikipedia=Kìwekì Point | wikidata=Q6994604 | lastedit=2025-05-16 | content=A quiet place to watch the sun set, or to take photos of Parliament Hill, the National Gallery, the Museum of History, and the Royal Canadian Mint from angles that don't usually end up in the tourist brochures. Kiwekì (pronounced key-WHECK-ee) Point is also home to a statue of Samuel de Champlain, and the Astrolabe Theatre (one of the better places to watch the fireworks from on July 1). As of May 2025, the point is wheelchair-accessible. }} * {{see | name=Strathcona Park | alt= | url= | email= | address=25 Range Rd | lat=45.4275 | long=-75.6726 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Strathcona Park (Ottawa) | wikidata=Q4345268 | lastedit=2017-02-28 | content=Strathcona Park is at the eastern end of the Sandy Hill neighbourhood, and is the centrepiece of "Embassy Row". Be sure to see the Lord Strathcona Fountain at the park's north end, and Stephen Brathwaite's play structure (which looks like a ruined building in miniature) in the middle of the park. }} * {{see | name=Commissioners Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=45.3983 | long=-75.7031 | directions=at Preston Street & Queen Elizabeth Drive near Carling O-Train station | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5152787| wikipedia=Commissioners Park (Ottawa) | lastedit=2017-09-23 | content=Located adjacent to Dows Lake, where you can rent boats, it features the Festival of Tulips in May. In summer, there are a number of flower beds with flowers arranged by colour in attractive patterns. }} * {{see | name=Hartwell's Lockstation | alt= | url=http://www.rideau-info.com/canal/history/locks/h09-10-hartwells.html | email= | address= | lat=45.3844 | long=-75.7002 | directions=west side of Carleton University, 400 m from Carleton O-Train station | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-09-19 | content=Pictoresque lock station within a park along the Rideau Canal. One could walk across the locks and continue north to Dows Lake near Carling O-Train station, or northwest to the Canada Agriculture Museum. }} === Other attractions === * {{see | name=Rideau Hall | alt= | url=https://www.gg.ca/document.aspx?id=94 | email= | address=1 Sussex Dr | lat=45.44431 | long=-75.68548 | directions= | phone=+1 613-991-4422 | tollfree=+1-866-842-4422 | hours=Residence tour (without reservations): Apr 30-Jun 26: Sa Su 10AM-4PM, Jun 27-Sep 5: 10AM-4PM daily (unguided open-house tours available Jul-Aug afternoons), Sep 6-Oct 30: Sa Su noon-4PM. Advance reservations required for tours at any time from Nov-Apr, and weekdays May-Jun and Sep-6-Oct 30. | price=Free | wikipedia=Rideau Hall | wikidata=Q2151874 | lastedit=2017-01-16 | content=The official residence of His Majesty King Charles III and his representative the Governor General of Canada. The grounds and the residence are open to the public for tours. Reservations are recommended during the low season (September 1 - April 30). }} * {{see | name=Royal Canadian Mint | alt= | url=https://mint.ca/store/mint/about-the-mint/visit-the-mint-1200026 | email= | address=320 Sussex Drive | lat=45.4315 | long=-75.69921 | directions=a five-minute walk north of the National Gallery | phone=+1 613-993-8990 | tollfree=+1-800-276-7714 | hours=10AM-5PM | price=Price varies depending on the age of person, group discount rates available | wikipedia=Royal Canadian Mint | wikidata=Q1647539 | lastedit=2022-05-13 | content=Canada's commemorative and collectable coinage is minted here (circulation coinage is minted in Winnipeg), as were the medals for the 2010 Olympics. Tours are available, and there is no charge if you only want to visit the boutique. }} * {{see | name=Supreme Court of Canada | alt= | url=http://www.scc-csc.ca/vis/index-eng.aspx | email= | address= | lat=45.42193 | long=-75.70535 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | wikidata=Q196615| wikipedia=Supreme Court of Canada | lastedit=2017-01-16 | content=Canada's highest court and the best example in Ottawa of Art Deco architecture. Its marble Grand Entrance Hall is particularly impressive. The visit includes a tour in the Federal Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada hearing room. The visits last about 30 minutes and are provided by law students hired at the Court. The Court is a 5-minute walk from Parliament. Tours are offered in French on the half hour and in English on the hour. No reservations are needed between May 1 and August 30. Visitor reservations are required between September 1 to April 30. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=24 Sussex | alt= | url= | email= | address=24 Sussex Drive | lat=45.444348 | long=-75.693934 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=24 Sussex Drive | wikidata=Q217304 | lastedit=2019-04-12 | content=The official residence of the Prime Minister of Canada. While you cannot enter the building, you can look through the fence from the outside. }} ==Do== There are walking tours to introduce you to the capital area. * [http://www.ottawawalkingtours.com Ottawa Walking Tours] offers historical guided walks of Ottawa's downtown core with special stops at areas of historical significance. Tours acquaint guests with the history of the city and allow visitors to learn more about Ottawa’s history, architecture and colourful political characters. Tours are offered year-round and reservations are required. For more information, call {{phone|+1 613-799-1774}}. * The [http://hauntedwalk.com Haunted Walk of Ottawa] offers tours focusing on Ottawa's infamous haunts and darker history. Hear tales of hauntings at some of Ottawa's most well known locations, including the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, Bytown Museum and the Ottawa Jail Hostel. Cloaked guides lead guests through the city streets by lantern light-the perfect atmosphere for a good ghost story. Tours run year-round, rain or shine. Reservations are strongly recommended. For more information, call {{phone|+1 613-232-0344}}. ===Cinema, Music and Theater=== Ottawa has many movie theatres to choose from, but there are also a few that specialize in "foreign" films (i.e., not American), early releases, old returning films and specialty films. The [http://mayfairtheatre.ca/ '''Mayfair Theatre'''] is at 1074 Bank St. near Sunnyside. In addition, the [http://www.cfi-icf.ca '''Canadian Film Institute'''] screens films at several venues for the specialist film crowd. Ottawa has lots of '''live entertainment''', including music and theater from small shows to large productions. <!-- [https://twitter.com/taraplayersott Tara Players] (Irish theatre) appears to no longer be updating their listings, is it still running? --> * {{do | name=The National Arts Centre | alt= | url=http://nac-cna.ca/splash.htm | email= | address=1 Elgin St | lat=45.4193759 | long=-75.6936562 | directions= | phone=+1 613-947-7000 | tollfree=+1-866-850-ARTS | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2945952| wikipedia=National Arts Centre | content=Also provides a major venue for dance and orchestral performance. }} * {{do | name=The Great Canadian Theatre Company | alt=GCTC | url=http://www.gctc.ca/ | email=info@gctc.ca | address=1233 Wellington St W | lat=45.39980 | long=-75.73175 | directions=corner of Holland | phone=+1 613-236-5196 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5598928| wikipedia=Great Canadian Theatre Company | content= }} * {{do | name=Ottawa Little Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.ottawalittletheatre.com/ | email= info@ottawalittletheatre.com | address=400 King Edward Ave | lat=45.4281724 | long=-75.6879524 | directions=one block south of Rideau | phone=+1 613-233-8948 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7109211| wikipedia=Ottawa Little Theatre | content= }} * {{do | name=GigSpace | alt= | url=https://www.gigspaceottawa.com/ | email= info@gigspaceottawa.com | address=953 Gladstone Ave | lat=45.40381 | long=-75.71522 | directions=Little Italy | phone=+1 613-729-0693 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7109211| wikipedia= | content=A more intimate jazz and blues venue, away from Downtown's beaten path. }} ===Winter=== Winter officially begins in December, but daylight is already noiceably shorter by then, and holiday light displays and snow arrive in late November. Cold winters don't keep most locals inside - in fact, many people wish for an early freeze and lots of snow so that conditions are perfect for some annual traditions and winter hobbies. [[File:RideauSkating.jpg|thumb|Skating on the Rideau canal]] * {{do | name=Rideau Skateway | alt= | url=http://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places-to-visit/rideau-canal-skateway | email= | address= | lat=45.42415 | long=-75.69304 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=24 hours daily (when frozen) | price= | content=When the temperatures are at their coldest, go skating on the largest outdoor skating rink in the world, the Rideau Canal. Skates, sleighs and ice "tricycles" can be rented, and refreshments purchased from vendors right on the ice. This is also a great place to enjoy a "BeaverTail" (see the listing under "Eat"). Rest areas with heated changerooms, washrooms, firepits, picnic tables, snacks and warm drinks are on the ice at various points. At the end of the boating season, the canal is drained, stairs, chalets, and temporary structures lifed in, and the water level raised just enough to provide {{m|.3}} of ice thickness. The ice surface is at the bottom of the canal, so it can only be accessed where stairs or ramps have been installed. Professinonal crews plow snow, fill cracks, and maintain the ice surface around the clock as soon as the ice is thick enough. The "skateway" can stretch for {{km|7.8}} from the locks next to Parliament Hill to Carleton University, though some sections may be closed if ice conditions are too poor. It's possible to walk along the skateway if you want to visit a fire pit or snack bar. The ice surface is open 24 hours every day, but the vendors and amenities close in the evening. The 2023 season was cancelled due to high temperatures. }} * {{do | name=Mooney's Bay Ski Centre | alt= | url=https://ottawa.ca/en/recreation-and-parks/recreation-facilities/facility-listing/terry-fox-athletic-facility | email= | address=2960 Riverside Drive | lat=45.36802 | long=-75.69222 | directions= | phone=+1 613-247-4883 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The city's trail system serves as an excellent cross-country ski trail system. The city-run ski centre at Mooney's Bay Park is a good starting point if you want classic cross country or skate skiing lessons or need to rent equipment. Trails along the Ottawa River (the [https://www.wintertrail.ca/ Kichi Sibi Winter Trail] or [https://britanniawintertrail.com/ Britannia Winter Trail], Rideau River (the [https://www.rideauwintertrail.ca/ Rideau Winter Trail]) are other public and scenic routes that are groomed and maintained by volunteers. }} * {{do | name=Winterlude | alt= | url=https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/winterlude.html | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=For about two weeks each February, Winterlude (French: ''Bal de Neige'') is the national capital's annual winter festival featuring ice carving and snow sculptures. The festival is spread throughout both Ottawa and Gatineau. Sparks Street is home to the ice-carving competition and public art installations. The Byward Market hosts food experiences, winter activities, and additional locations for interactive art. Other locations throughout the city offer special events throughout the festival, focusing on family activities, Indigenous culture, and the LGBT community. Some museums offer special programming during the festival. The snow playground, with tubing, ziplining, slides and obstacles courses is in Gatineau. }} ===Spring=== * {{do | name=Maple Syrup | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=In early spring (typically peaking in March), when the daytime temperatures are above freezing and night temperatures are below freezing, consider visiting a sugarbush (or sugar shack) for fresh maple syrup, tours of orchards, and demonstrations of the maple syrup boiling process. Taffy on snow is a sugary treat made with freshly boiled maple syrup on fresh snow. There are many to choose from on farms in the countryside. Maple products are also sold at vendors in the Byward Market, and some bars will serve seasonal maple-infused craft beers from local breweries. Ontario's sugar shacks focus less on the culinary aspects of maple syrup than the ''Cabanes à Sucre'' found in Quebec, where you could expect a feast of hearty dishes alongside the season's syrup harvest. }} ** {{do | name=Vanier Museopark Sugar Shack | alt= | url=https://museoparc.ca/vanier-sugar-shack/ | email=info@museoparc.ca | address=200- 300, avenue des Pères Blancs, Vanier | lat=45.443858 | long=-75.661771 | directions= | phone=+1 613-842-9871 | tollfree= | hours=Sa Su 9AM-2PM, March and April only | price= | lastedit=2023-01-16 | content=The Vanier Museopark's "Sugar Shack" offers the sugarbush experience without needing to leave the city. Reservations can be made at the website. }} * {{do | name=The Tulip Festival | alt= | url=http://tulipfestival.ca/ | email= | address= | lat=45.39823 | long=-75.70314 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4212104 | content=During the Second World War, the Government of Canada sheltered exiled members of the Dutch Royal Family in Ottawa, and even declared part of the Ottawa Hospital as "extraterritorial" so that Princess Margriet of the Netherlands would not be born a British citizen (making her ineligible for the throne of the Netherlands). After the end of the war and every year since, the Dutch royal family has sent thousands of tulip bulbs in gratitude. Each May, they blossom into a spring bonanza of flowering bulbs, and a concert series features well-known Canadian rock and other popular music groups. The festival activities focus on Commissioner's Park, but over a million tulips bloom in public gardens in parks throughout the city. }} * {{do | name=International Film Festival of Ottawa | alt= | url=https://www.iffo.ca/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Known as the IFFO, occurs for 12 days in March and showcases a selection of contemporary Canadian and international films. }} * {{do | name=Ottawa Black Film Festival | alt= | url=https://ottawablackfilm.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Occurs in late March for two days and showcases a selection of African and Afro-diasporic films. }} ===Summer=== * {{do | name=Ottawa Jazz Festival | alt= | url=http://ottawajazzfestival.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=In late June. }} * '''[https://summersolsticefestivals.ca/ Ottawa Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival]'''. In late June. * {{do | name=Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival | alt= | url=http://chamberfest.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=In summer, one of the largest in the world. }} * {{do | name=Bluesfest | alt= | url=http://www.ottawabluesfest.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Also in summer: The largest blues festival in Canada. It also features rock, pop and world music, and attracts visitors from Atlantic Canada and New England. }} * {{do | name=The Fringe Festival | alt= | url=http://ottawafringe.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Another summer offering with theatre performances. }} * {{do | name=Ferrari Festival | alt= | url=http://fcaottawa.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=In June, on Preston Street. }} * {{do | name=Canada Day | alt= | url=https://www.ottawatourism.ca/ottawa-insider/canada-day/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-04-06 | content=Celebrate Canada's birthday in Ottawa on July 1. While the Centre Block of the Parliament Buildings is being renovated, the official spot to gather on Canada Day is Major's Hill Park. As of 2022, the events have been moved to LeBreton Flats Park. }} * {{do | name=Capital Pride | alt= | url=https://capitalpride.ca/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-01-02 | content=Ottawa's annual LGBT pride festival, taking place at Somerset Village (Bank & Somerset), the core of Ottawa's LGBT community. }} * {{do | name=The Ottawa International Animation Festival | alt= | url=http://animationfestival.ca/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-01-02 | content=One of the largest animation festivals in the world, the OIAF is held in September. }} * {{do | name=Yoga on the Hill | alt= | url=https://ottawatourism.ca/en/see-and-do/yoga-parliament-hill | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=W noon | price=free | content=During the summer months, a free weekly yoga class is offered on Parliament Hill most Wednesdays beginning at noon. The class is very popular—sometimes attracting more than a thousand people—so it's recommended to arrive a bit early to claim a spot on the grass. Yoga mat recommended but optional; bring your own. }} * {{do | name=Doors Open Ottawa | alt= | url=http://ottawa.ca/en/residents/arts-heritage-and-culture/museums-and-historic-sites/doors-open-ottawa | email=doorsopen@ottawa.ca | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-05-14 | content=Doors Open Ottawa, the second-largest Doors Open architectural event in North America, takes place during the first weekend in June. Over 100 buildings (many of which are normally closed to the public, such as embassies, official residences, museum storage buildings, and city infrastructure facilities) open their doors to the public, offering free admission to part or all of the premises. Most participating buildings also allow photography. While the event takes place Saturday and Sunday from 10AM to 4PM, not all buildings are open both days. It is a hybrid event, with virtual and physical visits. Reservations required at some participating buildings (including the US Embassy). }} * {{do | name=Jane's Walk Ottawa | alt= | url=https://www.janeswalkottawa.ca/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-01-27 | content=An annual festival of free neighbourhood walking tours organized by volunteers. Jane's Walk is a pedestrian-focused event that improves urban literacy by offering insights into local history, planning, design, and civic engagement through the simple act of walking and observing. They are a lot of fun and you will hear stories that you won't find in any guide book. }} ==Learn== The two best known universities in the city are '''[http://carleton.ca Carleton University]''' and the bilingual '''[http://uottawa.ca University of Ottawa]'''. Bilingual '''[http://ustpaul.ca St. Paul's University]''' is a Catholic university with ties to the University of Ottawa, offering various degrees in theology and social sciences. '''[http://collegedominicain.ca/ Dominican University College]''' is a Dominican university where theology and philosophy can be studied at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, also in English or French. There is also '''[http://algonquincollege.com Algonquin College]''' and the francophone '''[https://www.collegelacite.ca/ Collège La Cité]'''. * {{listing | type=learn | name=Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology | alt= | wikidata=Q2983704 | wikipedia=Algonquin College | url=http://www.algonquincollege.com/ | email= | address=1385 Woodroffe Ave | lat=45.3875706 | long=-75.7310343 | directions=take the transitway to Baseline Station, and walk across Woodroffe Ave. Route 88 is a popular way of getting here | phone=+1 613-727-4723 | tollfree= | fax= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | type=learn | name=Carleton University | alt= | wikidata=Q1041737 | wikipedia=Carleton University | url=http://carleton.ca/ | email= | address=1125 Colonel By Drive | lat=45.3875706 | long=-75.7310343 | directions=the OTrain "Trillium" line stops on-campus at Carleton Station, or take bus routes 10 or 7 | phone=+1 613-520-2600 | tollfree= | fax= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | type=learn | name=Dominican University College | alt=Dominican College of Philosophy and Theology | wikidata=Q5290853 | wikipedia=Dominican University College | url=http://www.dominicanu.ca/ | email= | address=96 Empress Ave | lat=45.4113622 | long=-75.7108991 | directions=just north of Chinatown | phone=+1 613-233-5696 | tollfree= | fax= | lastedit= | content=A Roman Catholic college of philosophy and theology, affiliated with Carleton University since 2012. }} * {{listing | type=learn | name=Collège La Cité | alt= | url=https://www.collegelacite.ca/ | email= | address=801 Aviation Parkway | lat=45.431596 | long=-75.635786 | directions= | phone=+1 613-742-2483 | tollfree=+1-800-267-2483 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=La Cité collégiale | wikidata=Q3207459 | content=The largest French-language college in Ontario. }} * {{listing | type=learn | name=Saint Paul University | alt= | wikidata=Q3551486 | wikipedia=Saint Paul University | url=http://ustpaul.ca/ | email= | address=223 Main St | lat=45.4080779 | long=-75.6789219 | directions=OC Transpo Route 5 | phone=+1 613-236-1393 | tollfree=+1-800-637-6859 | fax= | lastedit= | content=A bilingual Catholic Pontifical university, federated with the University of Ottawa. }} * {{listing | type=learn | name=University of Ottawa | alt=uOttawa | url=http://www.uottawa.ca/ | email= | address=Tabaret Hall, 75 Laurier Ave East | lat=45.3875706 | long=-75.7310343 | directions=the O-Train has stops on campus at uOttawa Station | phone=+1 613-562-5700 | tollfree=+1-877-868-8292 | fax=+1 613-562-5323 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=University of Ottawa | wikidata=Q627969 | lastedit=2020-02-27 | content= }} ==Work== The Federal Government is the region's largest employer with the high-tech sector firmly in second place. Unless you are a Canadian resident, you will need a work visa to work in Ottawa, and some Federal Government jobs require Canadian citizenship. Most Federal Government jobs require applicants to be bilingual in English and French. ==Buy== [[Image:Market Byward.JPG|thumb|240px|ByWard Market]] *{{listing | type=buy | name=ByWard Market | alt= | url=http://byward-market.com/ | email= | address= | lat=45.4275621 | long=-75.692691 | directions=downtown, east of the Canal and Sussex Drive, north of Rideau | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=ByWard Market | wikidata=Q3289783 | content=Among other things, this is a farmer's market; in summer, stalls selling fresh produce and flowers line the streets, and maple syrup bought at the farmer's market costs half the price of the same bottle sold at souvenir shops elsewhere in the Byward Market or anywhere else in the city. It is also a craft and tourist market with a range of shops and the city's busiest entertainment district with restaurants, pubs, bars and many street performers. Interesting to see it first during the day (when it's a shopping destination) and then in the evening (when it's a nightlife destination). }} * {{buy | name=Sparks Street | alt= | url=http://sparkslive.com | email= | address= | lat=45.42072 | long=-75.70279 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4430680| wikipedia=Sparks Street | content=A pleasant pedestrian street one block off Parliament Hill; a common tourist thoroughfare for seeing the sights. Along this street you'll find the majority of the tourist shops selling postcards, magnets, and maple syrup. The Astrolabe Gallery, located on this street, is a treasure trove of antique maps and vintage posters. There are several outdoor cafés and restaurants to choose from. }} * {{buy | name=Westboro Village | alt= | url=http://westborovillage.com/ | email= | address= | lat=45.39198 | long=-75.75417 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4479824| wikipedia=Westboro, Ottawa | content=A stretch along Richmond Road in the "near west" of Ottawa from Golden east to Tweedsmuir has become a popular tourism and shopping zone with several outdoor stores (clothing and equipment), restaurants and coffee shops. Notable shops include the [http://mec.ca/ Mountain Equipment Coop], lululemon, Starbucks, Bridgehead (fair trade coffee), Kitchenalia, a chocolatier and several others. }} *{{buy | name=Bank Street Promenade | alt= | url=https://mymainstreet.ca/communities/ottawa-bank-street-bia | email= | address= | lat=45.41675 | long=-75.69755 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Bank Street (Ottawa) | content=Great mix of stores ranging from chain restaurants to specialty shops. District extends from Wellington St to Gladstone Ave. }} * {{buy | name=Wellington West | alt= | url=http://wellingtonwest.ca/ | email= | address= | lat=45.39980 | long=-75.73185 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Wellington West is the commercial district of Hintonburg and Wellington Village, located in the west end between Little Italy and Westboro. It is home to independent businesses in Ottawa, such as boutiques, restaurants and food shops, and local art galleries, as well as the Parkdale Market. Notable shops include Hintonburger, Suzy Q Doughnuts, Elmdale Tavern and several others. }} Larger '''shopping malls''' include the {{marker|type=buy|name=Rideau Centre|url=https://www.cfshops.com/rideau-centre.html|lat=45.4252|long=-75.6913}} (downtown), {{marker|type=buy|name=St. Laurent Shopping Centre|url=http://stlaurent-centre.com/|lat=45.4219|long=-75.6388}} (East Central), {{marker|type=buy|name=Place D'Orleans|url=http://placedorleans.com/|lat=45.4779|long=-75.5163}} (East End), {{marker|type=buy|name=Bayshore Shopping Centre|url=https://www.bayshoreshoppingcentre.com|lat=45.3471|long=-75.8069}} and {{marker|type=buy|name=Carlingwood Mall|url=http://carlingwood.com/|lat=45.3723|long=-75.7694}} (West End). The last Saturday in May, Ottawa's Glebe neighbourhood hosts the annual '''[https://glebeca.ca/garage-sale-committee/ Great Glebe Garage Sale]'''. Hundreds of residents set up tables in their garages or on their lawns and sell used goods ranging from household knick-knacks to electronics to clothing. Businesses in the area also hold sidewalk sales, and vendors sell artwork, baking, and refreshments. Driving and parking during the sale itself is unnecessary and nearly impossible. Arrive on foot or park and walk into the neighbourhood. For parking, and for the best deals (especially on larger items like furniture), arrive early. The event is bustling by 8AM but continues well into the afternoon. Vendors are encouraged to donate a portion of their proceeds to the Ottawa Food Bank. ==Eat== [[Image:Food Beavertail.jpg|thumb|240px|Ottawa's claim to culinary fame: a beavertail with sugar and cinnamon]] * {{eat | name=BeaverTails | alt= | url=http://beavertails.com/ | email=ottawabywardmarket@beavertails.com | address=69 George Street | lat=45.4279043 | long=-75.6942454 | directions= | phone=+1 613-241-1230 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su-W 10AM-8PM, Th 10AM-11PM, F Sa 10AM-midnight | price= | lastedit=2017-02-03 | content=Try the tasty BeaverTail, a fried-dough pastry associated with Ottawa, although a number of places claim to have created it. It's available in sweet and savoury versions, topped with cinnamon, sugar, icing sugar, etc. In the winter, many places will offer it on the canal. During the summer, the only places downtown to offer it are in the Byward Market on George St., and a small counter in a corner of the Canadian Museum of History. There are a variety of toppings and the taste of the beaver tail stands out more with the classic sugar & cinnamon. However, the locals' favourite is the ''Killaloe Sunrise'', a topping of cinnamon sugar and lemon juice. }} '''Coffee shops''' are found throughout the city, and include dozens of two specialty chains '''Second Cup''' and '''Starbucks''', in addition to the mainstream '''Tim Horton's''' (seemingly planted at every intersection). '''[http://bridgehead.ca Bridgehead]''' is a fair trade coffee house and can be found at a half dozen or so locations. Try their small double shot lattes, which are significantly better than their competitors'. There are several coffee houses in Little Italy, on Preston Street. One of the most popular, [https://italianpastryshop.ca/ Pasticceria Gelateria Italiana] (200 Preston Street, +1 613-594-5303), also houses an award-winning pastry shop. Bar Robo on Somerset St under the Chinatown arch offers locally-roasted coffee during the day, along with fresh croissants and donuts. Ethnic foods from around the world are available at a wide variety of restaurants and street vendors throughout the city. The Byward Market area has a wide selection of different cuisines; the Chinatown area is along Somerset Street West between Bay and Preston streets (bus 11 from Parliament O-Train Station); Little Italy runs along the length of Preston Street, from Carling Avenue to Albert Street (bus 85 from Primisi O-Train Station). ===Budget=== According to a [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gC9aFcYxvtw 2025 CBC News report], Ottawa has almost 200 shawarma (kebab and fixings in pita bread) restaurants around the city. Many will serve up a great shawarma for less than $10. Their busy times are typically weekdays at lunch-hour, and on weekends after the bars close. The Byward Market and Elgin St. have several restaurants to choose from. Local favourites include {{marker|type=eat|name=Shawarma Palace|url=https://shawarmapalace.ca/|lat=45.4310|long=-75.6800}} and {{marker|type=eat|name=3 Brothers Shawarma|url=https://www.3brothersshawarma.com/|lat=45.4269|long=-75.6897}} both on Rideau St among other Ottawa locations. The usual range of diners, bagel shops and fast food restaurants can be found in shopping areas throughout the city. You will also find "chip wagons" or "chip trucks" parked in various locations around the city at lunch time. Most of them serve hamburgers, hot dogs, sausage-in-a-bun, pogos (corn dogs - deep fried, breaded hot dogs on a stick), chips (French fries) and poutine (French fries covered with cheddar cheese curd and gravy - very popular in Quebec and eastern Ontario). You can find the occasional truck that sells Caribbean roti, fish and chips, Canadian "Chinese" food, or other foods. One popular bagel shop is {{marker|type=eat|name=Kettleman's Bagel|url=https://www.kettlemansbagels.ca/|lat=45.3999|long=-75.6869}}, which has three locations in Ottawa, the original being at 912 Bank St (near Lansdowne Park), and serves Montreal-style bagels. {{marker|type=eat|name=Smoke's Poutinerie|url=https://smokespoutinerie.com/|lat=45.4268|long=-75.6892}} at 407 Dalhousie St serves poutine. At lunch time, Di Rienzo and La Bottega Nicastro will sell you a good $5 sandwich; opinion is split among locals as to which is better, but they're both very good. If you're in town for a few days, try them both. * {{eat | name=Ahora Mexican Cuisine | alt= | url=http://www.ahora.ca/ | email= | address=307 Dalhousie Street | lat=45.4294006 | long=-75.6934767 | directions=between York and Clarence | phone=+1 613-562-2081 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= 11:30AM to 10PM | price= | content=A good little Mexican canteen. It serves up mains, zippy margaritas, and drinks imported from Mexico. }} *{{eat | name=La Bottega Nicastro | alt= | url=https://www.labottega.ca/ | email= | address=64 George Street | lat=45.426859 | long=-75.694021 | directions=ByWard Market | phone=+1 613-789-7575 | tollfree= | hours=M-W 9AM-6PM, Th F 9AM-8PM, Sa 9AM-6PM, Su 10AM-5PM, | price= | lastedit=2017-01-16 | content=A fantastic little Italian specialty market, Nicastro's is a contender for the city's best $5 sandwiches, featuring amazing bread (esp. the focaccia) usually baked on the premises. The sit-down lunch kitchen is also well worth a visit. }} *{{eat | name=Di Rienzo | alt= | url=http://dirienzo.ca/ | email= | address=111 Beech Street | lat=45.4000144 | long=-75.7142663 | directions=at Champagne St. | phone=+1 613-729-4037 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-321-8689 | hours=M-F 7:30AM-9PM, Sa Su 8AM-7PM | price= | lastedit=2017-01-16 | content=This little deli tucked away in Little Italy, a secret known to many locals, is famous for the best and freshest deli sandwiches in the city for $5 (taxes included). During the week the lineup can stretch outside the packed little store, but they are arguably the fastest sandwich makers anywhere so don't worry about a long wait. There is also another newer location run by the family at Meadowlands Drive and Fisher Avenue. }} *{{eat | name=Elgin Street Diner | alt= | url=http://www.elginstreetdiner.com/ | email= | address=374 Elgin Street | lat=45.414912 | long=-75.689981 | directions=just north of Gladstone | phone=+1 613-237-9700 | tollfree= | hours=Always open | price= | lastedit=2025-05-16 | content=A popular 24-hour diner. One of its specialties is the ESD (Elgin Street Diner) Poutine (though true Quebecers should probably abstain). Generally, poutine is French fries, served with cheese curds and gravy on top; they have several versions including the addition of caramelized onions and bacon, Montreal smoked meat, Philly steak, a four cheese blend or Chili. The substitution of mashed potatoes fried with onions and seasoning (called their home fries), or onion rings instead of regular French fries is also an option. Expect the adventure to set you back $16–21 depending on toppings. The diner's hamburgers/cheeseburgers are significantly better than typical fast food fare, and breakfast is served 24/7 365 days a year with no exception. The breakfast menu includes Kettleman's bagels. }} * {{eat | name=Rangoon | alt= | url=http://www.rangoonrestaurant.ca | email=info@rangoonrestaurant.ca | address=114 Gloucester Street | lat=45.418822 | long=-75.6983374 | directions=near O'Connor | phone=+1 613-680-8821 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= M-Th 11AM-9PM; F 11AM-10PM; Sa 4-10PM | price= | content=A one-of-a-kind family-run Burmese restaurant with cheap lunch specials where you can get an appetizer, main course and a drink for about $10! Try the fish noodle soup (mohingha), chicken curry or eggplant curry. A real hidden gem. }} * {{eat | name=Warehouse | alt=El Furniture Warehouse | url=https://warehousegroup.ca/location/el-furniture-warehouse-ottawa/ | address=77 Clarence St | lat=45.4292 | long=-75.6933 | directions= | phone= | hours= | price=$10-$20 per person | lastedit=2025-04-24 | content=Warehouse, in the heart of Byward Market, has a sidewalk patio and a roof patio. Inexpensive meals are available. Busy every day of the week, especially after 8PM when it is mostly a bar which may have a DJ. }} * For the best non-traditional Canadian eats, head down Somerset St West near Bronson to the heart of Chinatown. Here you have a choice of places for Vietnamese, Thai, Cantonese, etc. Vietamese soup-houses, '''Pho Bo Ga''' and '''Pho Bo Ga La''', are well-rated. The '''Jadeland Restaurant''' is a small popular Chinese restaurant set in a converted house and has been well reviewed for its tasty dishes and low prices. Another good source for ethnic foods is the stretch on Rideau between King Edward and the bridge to Vanier. You can find Middle Eastern, African and Asian food here. **{{eat | name=Pho Bo Ga 2 | alt= | url=http://www.phoboga2ottawa.com/ | email= | address=843 Somerset Street West | lat=45.4090184 | long=-75.7146149 | directions=near Rochester | phone=+1 613-234-7089 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM-2AM | price= | lastedit=2017-02-03 | content= }} **{{eat | name=Pho Bo Ga L.A. | alt= | url= | email= | address=784 Somerset Street West | lat=45.4097074 | long=-75.7120057 | directions=between Lebreton and Booth | phone=+1 613-230-2931 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM-10:30PM | price= | lastedit=2017-01-16 | content= }} **{{eat | name=Jadeland | alt= | url=http://www.jadeland.com/menu.html | email= | address=625 Somerset Street West | lat=45.412135 | long=-75.706695 | directions=near Percy Street, east of the core Chinatown | phone=+1 613-233-0204 | tollfree= | hours=Su-Th 11AM-11PM, F Sa 11AM-midnight | price= | lastedit=2017-01-16 | content= }} * For a somewhat higher-end Indian buffet experience, yet authentic, try [http://hostindia.ca/ ''Host India''] on Montreal Rd. For Indian food from Kerala state, try [http://coconutlagoon.ca/ ''Coconut Lagoon''] on St. Laurent Blvd. (in the same price range as Host India), ranked #1 on Food Network's "10 Popular Indian Restaurants in Canada". **{{eat | name=Host India | alt= | url=http://hostindia.ca/ | email= | address=622 Montreal Road | lat=45.4419593 | long=-75.6422116 | directions= two blocks west of the Montfort Hospital | phone=+1 613-746-4678 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-01-16 | content= }} **{{eat | name=Coconut Lagoon | alt= | url=https://coconutlagoon.ca/ | email=info@coconutlagoon.ca | address=853 St. Laurent Boulevard | lat=45.433582 | long=-75.641589 | directions=just north of McArthur | phone=+1 613-742-4444 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-15 | content=Coconut Lagoon serves Kerala cuisine, subtly different from other South Indian styles (although people kept asking for Butter Chicken so it's on the menu as well). The restaurant's executive chef and owner Joe Thottungal took the silver medal at the Canadian Culinary Championships in 2017, and the gold medal at the Gold Medal Plates Culinary Competition 2016. There are vegan-friendly dishes on the menu. The restaurant is re-opening in August 2022. }} *{{listing | type=eat | name=Zak's Diner | alt= | url=http://zaksdiner.com/ | email=bywardmarket@zaksdiner.com | address=14 Byward Market Square | lat=45.4283814 | long=-75.6957837 | directions= | phone=+1 613-241-2401 | tollfree= | hours=Always open | price= | lastedit=2021-07-07 | content=The best milk-shakes are found at Zak's, a 24-hour diner in the Byward Market. They're really good, made with ice-cream, and for the $6.99 they cost you get a large glass full plus the shaker with what didn't fit in the glass. Other dishes are quite good, with a "more calories for your money" attitude (as illustrated by the massive amount of milkshake served), which is nicely honest about fast food; however it may seem a bit expensive as the burgers start at $14.49 and if you add on the paid extras you can easily get in excess of $19. Late on week-end nights (2-3AM), it's packed as people go for their after-bar poutine. There are two additional locations on Elgin Street and in Kanata. }} * {{eat | name=Le Mien - Craft Noodle | alt= | url=https://www.lemiencraftnoodle.com | email= | address=43 William Street | lat=45.4278155 | long=-75.6921155 | directions=Between York St. + George St. in the ByWard Market | phone=+1 613 421 8882 | tollfree= | hours=11AM-9PM | price= | lastedit=2023-12-27 | content=Traditional Chinese noodle shop with hand pulled noodles in warm rich broth. }} ===Mid-range=== Major restaurant areas can be found on Elgin Street, on Bank Street in Centretown, on Bank Street in the Glebe, in Westboro and in the Byward Market, with entrees ranging from $12–25. Similar restaurants can be found in major suburban shopping areas too. * {{eat | name=The Empire Grill | alt= | url=http://empiregrill.com/ | email= | address=47 Clarence Street | lat=45.4289057 | long=-75.6938691 | directions= | phone=+1 613-241-1343 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$30 main courses | content=Has a great patio in the summer and delicious food year-round. Expect to pay more than $25 for an entree. }} * {{eat | name=Johnny Farina's | alt= | url=http://johnnyfarina.com/ | email= | address=216 Elgin Street | lat=45.41841 | long=-75.69116 | directions= | phone=+1 613-565-5155 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Italian food }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=The Works | alt= | url=http://worksburger.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Hard to argue that these are not the best burgers around. The selection is top notch and toppings are bountiful. Also served are delicious onion rings, milk shakes and cold beer, all in a funky industrial decor. Choose your burger from the traditional beef, elk, vegetarian, or other options. Expect to pay $20 or more for a burger with sides, and not to regret it. They're becoming an Ontario-wide chain, but Ottawa is where the Works started, and where they have their largest market penetration (seven locations as of January 2017). There are three locations where tourists in Ottawa might stumble across them; these are the ones listed below. }} ** {{eat | name=The Works - The Glebe | address=580 Bank Street | lat=45.4078486 | long=-75.6924601 | directions=just south of Highway 417 | phone=+1 613-235-0406 | hours=Su-W 11AM-10PM, Th-Sa 11AM-11PM }} ** {{eat | name=The Works - Manor Park | address=363 St Laurent Boulevard | lat=45.448907 | long=-75.6524254 | directions=corner of Hemlock | phone=+1 613-748-0406 | hours=11AM-10PM }} ** {{eat | name=The Works - Westboro Village | address=326 Richmond Road | lat=45.3927746 | long=-75.7518549 | directions=corner of Churchill | phone=+1 613-564-0406 | hours=Su-W 11AM-10PM, Th-Sa 11AM-11PM }} * {{eat | name=Taqueria La Bonita | alt= | url=http://www.labonita.ca/ | email= | address=1128 Cadboro Rd | lat=45.4310625 | long=-75.6235052 | directions=just off Ogilvie, near the Gloucester Centre | phone=+1 613-695-7373 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su-W 11AM-9PM, Th-Sa 11AM-10PM | price=$20-40 plus alcohol | lastedit=2017-11-12 | content=If you're looking for Mexican cuisine (not Tex-Mex or Cal-Mex) in Ottawa, they're worth the drive out of downtown. La Bonita is a small restaurant - while you don't need to make reservations, they're recommended during busy hours. }} * {{eat | name=Feleena's | alt= | url=https://www.feleenas.ca/ | email=feleenas@hotmail.com | address=742 Bank Street | lat=45.40373 | long=-75.68901 | directions=corner of Second Ave. | phone=+1 613-233-2010 | tollfree= | hours=11:30AM - 8:30PM | price=$40-$80 | lastedit=2025-04-23 | content=Mexican restaurant (not Tex-Mex or Cal-Mex) }} ===Splurge=== Ottawa has excellent options for fine dining if you feel like spending a bit extra. Budget $150 for a three-course dinner for two, including wine and gratuity. * {{eat | name=Beckta | alt= | url=http://beckta.com/main.php | email= | address=226 Nepean Street | lat=45.41646 | long=-75.69920 | directions=downtown Ottawa | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Excellent modern restaurant with a variety of tastes centred on locally available foods. Also features an extensive wine list. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant 18 | alt=E18hteen | url=http://restaurant18.com/ | email= | address=18 York Street | lat=45.427428 | long=-75.694119 | directions=in the Byward Market | phone=+1 613-244-1188 | tollfree= | hours=Su-Th 4:30PM-10PM, F-Sa 4:30PM-11PM, | price= | lastedit=2025-05-16 | content=An upscale, modern restaurant and bar located in a renovated 19th century heritage building. It is ''the'' place to see and be seen. }} * {{eat | name=Signatures | alt= | url=http://lcbottawa.com/English/signatures/index.cfm | email= | address= 453 Laurier Ave. East | lat=45.42891 | long=-75.67475 | directions= | phone=+1 613-236-2499 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-Sa 5:30–10PM | price= | content=At Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute is a French restaurant with a five-diamond rating from CAA/AAA that is considered among the very best in the city. }} * {{eat | name=The Wellington Gastropub | alt= | url=http://www.thewellingtongastropub.com/ | email= | address=1325 Wellington Street West | lat=45.3988578 | long=-75.7391451 | directions=Westboro | phone=+1 613-729-1315 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Weekdays 11:30AM-2PM and 5:30-9:30PM, F 11:30AM-2PM and 5:30-10PM, Sa 5:30-10PM | price=Three-course table d'hôte $35 at lunch or $53 at supper, plus alcohol and gratituty | lastedit=2017-01-14 | content=A small second-floor walk-up in Westboro, the Wellington Gastropub changes its menu daily and has over a dozen craft and microbrewery beers on tap. }} * {{eat | name=Gitanes | alt= | url=https://www.gitanes.co/ | email= | address=361 Elgin Street | lat=45.41536 | long=-75.68787 | directions=Centretown | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-04-05 | content=French-inspired restaurant that uses local ingredients. Great wines and creative cocktails. Gitanes also has sister restaurant across the street, Gitanes Burger, with amazing burgers. }} ===Vegetarian and vegan=== * {{eat | name=Govinda's Restaurant | alt= | url=https://govindasottawa.ca/ | email= | address=212 Somerset St. E | lat=45.42247 | long=-75.67898 | directions=just E of King Edward, off the University of Ottawa campus | phone=+1 613-565-6544 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 5–8PM, Su yoga festival 5–8PM | price=$5-7 per person | lastedit=2016-05-11 | content=offers a simple vegan buffet. The best cheap eats in town. Operated by ISCKON (Hare Krishna movement). }} * {{eat | name=The Green Door | alt= | url=http://www.thegreendoor.ca/ | email=info@thegreendoor.ca | address=198 Main St | lat=45.40837 | long=-75.67778 | directions= | phone=+1 613-234-9597 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-234-6771 | hours=Tu–Su 11:30AM–8:30PM | price= | lastedit=2023-01-16 | content=At offers a vegetarian and vegan buffet and is the oldest vegetarian restaurant in Ottawa. It offers private and communal tables. }} * {{eat | name=Pure Kitchen Ottawa | alt= | url=https://www.purekitchenottawa.com/ | email= | address=357 Richmond Road | lat=45.39182 | long=-75.75480 | directions= | phone=+1 613-680-5500 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-11-14 | content=Hip restaurant serving vegetarian and vegan food. Wraps, burgers, rice bowls, salads. Bar offers juice, beer, wine. Reservations only for parties of 6 or more. Second location in Centretown at 340 Elgin Street. }} ==Drink== The most popular bar areas are in the Byward Market, along Wellington Street in Westboro, along both Elgin Street and Bank Street between Somerset and Gladstone in the Centretown area, and further south on Bank. There are pubs and bars scattered throughout the city as well. You can also take a small trip over the Ottawa river to [[Gatineau]]. Bars in both Ottawa and Gatineau close at 2AM (even though the rest of Quebec has a last call of 3AM). Quebec has a lower minimum age to purchase alcohol (18, vs. 19 in Ontario) and sells beer in corner stores. Ottawa police often set up checkpoints near the bridges to catch drunk drivers returning from Quebec after closing time. Smoking (both traditional and e-cigarettes, also called "vaping") of tobacco or cannabis is not permitted in restaurants and bars, or on patios. ===Pubs=== Combining the Irish tradition for casual hearty meals, with Quebec’s ''cinq à sept'' (“five to seven” - a social gathering in the two hours after leaving work), Ottawa’s many pubs are lively throughout the day, all week long. Several pubs have grown into local chains, while maintaining a character endeared to each neighbourhood. * {{drink | name=Clocktower Brewhouse | alt= | url=http://clocktower.ca/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A microbrewery with two locations. Excellent beer at a good price with a very tasty and well priced menu. }} ** {{drink | name=Clocktower New Edinburgh | email=info.mackay@clocktower.ca | address=422 MacKay Street | lat= 45.4390938 | long=-75.678742 | directions=corner of Beechwood | phone=+1 613-742-3169 | hours=M-F 11:30AM-midnight; Sa 10:30AM-midnight; Su 10:30AM-11:45PM }} ** {{drink | name=Clocktower Westboro | email=info.westboro@clocktower.ca | address=418 Richmond Road | lat= 45.3900487 | long=-75.7595557 | directions=corner of Berkley | phone=+1 613-680-5983 | hours=M-F 11:30AM-midnight; Sa 10:30AM-midnight; Su 10:30AM-11:45PM }} * {{drink | name=Pub Italia | alt= | url=http://pubitalia.ca/ | email= | address=434 1/2 Preston Street | lat=45.399481 | long=-75.709001 | directions=near Dow's Lake and the Experimental Farm | phone=+1 613-232-2326 | tollfree= | hours=M 4PM-1AM; Th-Sa 11AM–1AM; Su noon-midnight | price= | lastedit=2023-01-23 | content=An Irish/Italian pub with hundreds of bottled beers listed in its "Beer Bible", especially Belgian. Decent pizza and pastas, but other places in Little Italy have better; you're going here for the beer, not the food. Intimate faux Medieval/Gothic décor; a bit strange, but the patio is very nice. }} * {{drink | name=The Royal Oak | alt= | url=https://royaloakpubs.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-01-25 | content=Several cozy locations, serving traditional pub food from lunch into the late evening. }} ** {{drink | name=Royal Oak Bank at Gloucester | alt= | url= | email= | address=188 Bank St | lat=45.4177 | long=-75.6986 | directions= | phone=+1 613-232-1057 | tollfree= | hours= M-F 11:30AM-2AM; Sa Su 11AM-2AM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-01-25 | content= }} ** {{drink | name=Royal Oak Wellington at Hinton | alt= | url= | email= | address=1217 Wellington St W | lat=45.4001957 | long=-75.7312723 | directions= | phone=+1 613-728-6661 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 11:30AM-2AM; Sa Su 11AM-2AM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-01-25 | content= }} ===Byward Market=== During the day, the Byward Market’s produce stands and small shops are busiest, but in the evening, it’s the city’s entertainment district. In the warmer months, the boulevards and streets surrounding the market building, and courtyards framed by historic stone buildings come alive with large patios. * {{drink | name=Chez Lucien | alt= | url=https://www.instagram.com/chezlucienottawa/ | email= | address=137 Murray St | lat=45.430504 | long=-75.694226 | directions=corner Dalhousie | phone=+1 613-241-3533 | tollfree= | hours=11AM-2AM, daily except holidays | price= | lastedit=2023-01-23 | content=Pleasant bistro and bar, serving pub fare including excellent burgers and fries. A good selection of microbrew beers. }} *{{drink | name=Heart & Crown | alt=Irish Village, Peter Devine's | url=http://www.heartandcrown.pub/byward/ | email= | address=67 Clarence Street | lat=45.415592 | long=-75.690358 | directions=Byward Market | phone=+1 613-562-0674 | tollfree= | hours=11AM-2AM daily | price= | lastedit=2023-01-23 | content=Ottawa's largest pub complex, forming a maze of busy bars and restaurants. Including the eponymous Irish Village (loud, lots of live music) and The Heart and Crown. The fish and chips has a generous serving of fish. }} *{{drink | name=Dominion Tavern | alt= | url=http://www.tavern.ca/ | email= | address=33 York Street | lat=45.428009 | long=-75.696029 | directions=Byward Market | phone=+1 613-241-7706 | tollfree= | hours=11AM-2AM daily | price= | lastedit=2023-01-23 | content=Simple beers and some pool: picture your friend's basement apartment, even serving 40s of beer (a 40-ounce glass). }} *{{drink | name=The Lookout Bar | alt= | url=http://www.thelookoutbar.com/ | email= | address=41 York Street | lat=45.4282499 | long=-75.694432 | directions=ByWard Market | phone=+1 613-789-1624 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su M 2-10PM, Tu-Sa 2PM-2AM | price= | lastedit=2017-01-16 | content=They have a very popular "bois night" on Thursday that attracts lots of people. Drag shows on Friday and Saturday nights. }} * {{drink | name=The Rainbow Bistro | alt= | url=https://therainbow.ca/ | email=rainbowbluesottawa@gmail.com | address=76 Murray St | lat=45.4294 | long=-75.6937 | directions=Byward Market | phone=+1 613-859-5123 | tollfree= | hours=Th-F 7PM-1AM, Sa 7PM-2:30AM, Su 3-8:30PM | price= | lastedit=2023-01-23 | content=Multi-story bar with live music throughout the week. Dedicated regulars mingle with local and well-known names in the jazz and blues scene. }} ===Bank Street=== Bank Street is the city’s commercial spine, connecting many of the neighbourhoods in downtown Ottawa to Wellington Street and Parliament Hill. In it’s downtown blocks, it’s a lively pedestrian friendly Main Street. The intersection of Bank and Somerset is the center of Ottawa’s LGBT community. South of the Queensway, Bank passes through the family friendly, trendy "The Glebe" neighbourhood. * {{drink | name=Prohibition Public House | alt= | url=https://www.prohibitionhouse.com/ | email=info@prohibitionhouse.com | address=337 Somerset St W | lat=45.4159 | long=-75.6955 | directions= | phone=+1 613-565-2704 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 5-11:30PM, F 5PM-2AM, Sa 11AM-2AM, Su 11AM-11:30PM | price= | lastedit=2023-01-25 | content=Craft beers, cocktails, and creative sangria with a seasonal locally sourced menu for snacks and meals. }} * {{drink | name=Quinn's Ale House | alt= | url=http://www.quinnsalehouse.com/ | email= | address=1070 Bank Street | lat=45.394713 | long=-75.686012 | directions=Beside the Mayfair Theatre | phone=+1 613-523-2200 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 4PM-2AM, F-Su 3PM-2AM | price= | lastedit=2017-02-03 | content=A small but cozy sports bar and pub located next to the Mayfair Theatre. Expect good pub fare, a nice ambiance and good selection of beers. }} * {{drink | name=Flora Hall Brewing | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 Flora St | lat=45.4108 | long=-75.6932 | directions= | phone=+1 613-695-2339 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 4-11PM, F 4PM-midnightk Sa noon-midnight, Su noon-11PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-01-25 | content=Brewery and restaurant, with an extensive kitchen menu and full bar }} * {{drink | name=Irene's | alt= | url=https://irenespub.ca/ | email= | address=885 Bank St | lat=45.40083 | long=-75.6869 | directions= | phone=+1 613-230-4474 | tollfree= | hours=M-F noon-2AM, Sa Su 11AM-2PM | price= | lastedit=2023-01-25 | content=Pub with weekend brunch, and a busy calendar of music and events throughout the week. }} ===Elgin Street=== Elgin Street runs parallel to Bank Street, connecting neighbourhoods further east in the downtown to the National Arts Centre and Chateau Laurier. *{{drink | name=D'Arcy McGee's | alt= | url=http://darcymcgees.com/ | email= | address=44 Sparks Street | lat=45.42335 | long=-75.69585 | directions=at Elgin | phone=+1 613-230-4433 | tollfree= | hours=Su-W 11:30AM-10PM, Th 11:30AM-11PM, F Sa 11:30-midnight | price= | lastedit=2023-01-24 | content=Lively Irish pub. Beautiful architecture with impressive food selection. }} *{{drink | name=The Lieutenant's Pump | alt= | url=http://www.lieutenantspump.ca/ | email= | address=361 Elgin Street | lat=45.415592 | long=-75.690358 | directions=corner of Waverly | phone=+1 613-238-2949 | tollfree= | hours=M-Tu 4PM-1AM, W-Sa 11-2AM, Su 11-1AM | price= | lastedit=2023-01-23 | content=British pub with a good variety of food selections and inexpensive draught beer. }} * {{drink | name=The Manx | alt= | url=https://www.manxpub.com/ | email= | address=370 Elgin Street | lat=45.41498 | long=-75.68822 | directions= | phone=+1 613-231-2070 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Great microbrews, wide Scotch selection, bohemian/hipster feel. }} * {{drink | name=The Standard Luxury Tavern | alt= | url=http://www.thestandardtavern.com/ | email=info@thestandardtavern.com | address=360 Elgin St | lat=45.4153372 | long=-75.6905466 | directions=three blocks north of the Canadian Museum of Nature | phone=+1 613-232-6274 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-232-9265 | hours=M-F 4PM-2AM, Sa Su 10AM-2AM | price= | lastedit=2017-02-03 | content=A restaurant during the day, pumping club/lounge at night. The Standard is popular Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights with a different style of music each night. Friday is excellent old-school and modern hip-hop/R&B while Saturday is a little of everything. Excellent beer tap selection and daily drink specials. }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Barefoot Hostel | alt= | url=http://barefoothostel.com | email=bfh@barefoothostel.com | address=455 Cumberland St | lat=45.42686 | long=-75.68646 | directions=a block south of Rideau St. | phone=+1 613-237-0336 | tollfree= | checkin=before 10PM | checkout= | price=From $109 | lastedit=2023-01-23 | content=A clean, modern hostel located downtown, offering only private rooms. Included for use is a mini-kitchen (no stove), back patio with lounge chairs, common room with a TV, computer (with internet), free WiFi, plush bed linens, lockers and three shared bathrooms. The check-in desk is at The Swiss Hotel, around the corner at 89 Daly Ave. }} * {{sleep | name=Ottawa Backpackers Inn | alt= | url=http://ottawahostel.com | email=info@ottawahostel.com | address=203 York Street | lat=45.43042 | long=-75.68804 | directions= | phone=+1 613-241-3402 | tollfree=+1-888-394-0334 | checkin= | checkout= | price=Dorm bed from $34 | content=Part of Backpackers Hostels Canada, includes kitchen, free wireless internet and free coffee/tea. In a converted house into hostel, in the market block. The staff and the atmosphere are very friendly. Allergy warning: they have a cat. }} * {{sleep | name=University of Ottawa | alt= | url=https://www.uottawa.ca/about-us/reservations/summer-accommodation | email= | address=90 University Private | lat=45.42247 | long=-75.68442 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Rideau double room $130; 90U suite with bath $120; dorm with shared bath, $40 | content=From May to August, university housing is offered as hotel-like guest rooms in one of its newer housing complexes. }} ===Mid-range=== *{{sleep | name=Auberge King Edward Bed and Breakfast | alt= | url=http://kingedwardottawa.com | email= | address=525 King Edward Avenue | lat=45.42564 | long=-75.68297 | directions=Downtown Rideau | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$160 | lastedit=2023-01-23 | content=Well-preserved Victorian architecture packed with character. Free parking and WiFi. }} * {{sleep | name=Australis Guest House | alt= | url=http://www.bbcanada.com/1463.html | email= | address=89 Goulburn Avenue | lat=45.426068 | long=-75.674433 | directions=East of Downtown Rideau | phone=+1 613-235-8461 | tollfree= | checkin=1PM/flexible | checkout=11AM | price=$119-149 | lastedit=2023-01-23 | content=Run by an Australian expat, this 2-room B&B gets praise for fresh-cooked breakfast. Free Wifi. Limited parking available, ask. }} * {{sleep | name=ByWard Blue Inn | alt= | url=http://bywardblueinn.ca | email= | address=157 Clarence St | lat=45.43007 | long=-75.69087 | directions=Byward Market | phone= | tollfree=+1-800-620-8810 | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B from $155, parking $8-15/day | lastedit=2023-01-23 | content=A B&B hotel in the picturesque Byward Market with refrigerators, microwaves, private balconies. }} * {{sleep | name=Cartier Place Suite Hotel | alt= | url=http://suitedreams.com | email=​reservations@suitedreams.com | address=180 Cooper St | lat=45.41884 | long=-75.68965 | directions=East of Elgin St | phone=+1 613-236-5000 | tollfree=+1-800-236-8399 | checkin=4PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $150 | lastedit=2023-01-24 | content=Pet friendly downtown suite-style accommodations. Rooms provide small kitchens and seating areas. Hotel offers fitness center with pool and sauna. }} * {{sleep | name=Courtyard by Marriott Ottawa East | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/yowoe-courtyard-ottawa-east/ | email= | address=200 Coventry Rd | lat=45.4204 | long=-75.65613 | directions=off Hwy 417, near the train station | phone=+1 613-741-9862 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $150 | lastedit=2023-01-24 | content=Complimentary internet access and parking. 395 guest rooms, each with wet bar. Indoor pool, whirlpool, 24-hour exercise room, and business center. Bistro and meeting facilities on-site. }} * {{sleep | name=DoubleTree by Hilton Ottawa Downtown | alt=formerly Novotel Hotel | url=https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/yowoddt-doubletree-ottawa-downtown/ | email=YOWOD_DT_Hotel@hilton.com | address=33 Nicholas Street | lat=45.42594 | long=-75.68967 | directions=Downtown Rideau | phone=+1 613-230-3033 | tollfree=+1-800-222-8733 | fax=+1 613-760-4765 | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price= | lastedit=2025-04-24 | content=Modern hotel with an emphasis on energy conservation. Modern restaurant and banquet facilities. This location offers internet access. }} *{{sleep | name=Sheraton Ottawa Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.sheratonottawa.com | email= | address=150 Albert St | lat=45.42083 | long=-75.69791 | directions=Downtown | phone= | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=From $219 | lastedit=2023-01-24 | content=Comfortable rooms in a partially-renovated hotel tower. On-site restaurant, fitness, and concierge services. }} *{{sleep | name=Swiss Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.swisshotel.ca | email= | address=89 Daly Avenue | lat=45.42697 | long=-75.68631 | directions=Downtown Rideau | phone=+1 613-237-0335 | tollfree=+1-888-663-0000 | checkin=3-11PM | checkout=11AM | price=Double bed from $178 | lastedit=2023-01-24 | content=A charming, cozy, 22-room hotel located in the heart of Ottawa. The Inn was built in 1872 from limestone in a 19th-century Vernacular Classical Revival. Swiss Hotel offers traditional Swiss hospitality with modern comfort. Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, rooms are equipped with iPads. Optional healthy buffet breakfast is offered daily with Bircher-Muesli and fresh ground Swiss espresso. }} * {{sleep | name=Delta Ottawa City Centre | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/yowdm-delta-hotels-ottawa-city-centre/ | email= | address=101 Lyon St N | lat=45.4186 | long=-75.7042 | directions=Downtown | phone=+1 613-237-3600 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=Double from $279 | lastedit=2023-01-24 | content=Sleek 1967 modernist tower on the quieter west side of downtown. Includes wireless Internet. Fitness center has a large pool and sauna. Underground parking available on-site at an additional cost of $26/day. }} ===Splurge=== [[Image:Parliament Hill and Château Laurier.jpg|thumb|300px|Chateau Laurier (left) and Parliament Hill overlooking the Ottawa River]] * {{sleep | name=Andaz Ottawa | alt= | url=https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/canada/andaz-ottawa-byward-market/yowaz | email= | address=325 Dalhousie St | lat=45.4286 | long=-75.6906 | directions=Byward Market | phone=+1 613-321-1234 | tollfree= | checkin=noon | checkout=10AM | price=Double room from $289 | lastedit=2018-07-26 | content=Owned by Hyatt. Spacious, pet friendly rooms, with a 24-hour fitness center. }} * {{sleep | name=Arc | alt= | url=http://arcthehotel.com/ | email=guestservices@arcthehotel.com | address=140 Slater St | lat=45.42059 | long=-75.69652 | directions=Downtown | phone=+1 613-238-2888 | tollfree=+1-800-699-2516 | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=Double from $200 | lastedit=2023-01-24 | content=A trendy boutique hotel with prices to match its style. }} * {{sleep | name=Chateau Laurier | alt=Fairmont Chateau Laurier | url=https://www.fairmont.com/laurier-ottawa/ | email=chateaulaurier@fairmont.com | address=1 Rideau St | lat=45.425567 | long=-75.695108 | directions=just east of Parliament Hill | phone=+1 613-241-1414 | tollfree=+1-866-540-4410 | checkin=4PM | checkout=noon | price=Double from $360 | wikidata=Q2089212 | lastedit=2023-01-24 | content=The city's [[grand old hotels|grand old hotel]]: its oldest and most famous luxury hotel as well as one of its landmarks. Rooms facing west overlook the Rideau Canal locks and have stellar views of the Parliament buildings. This hotel once housed the offices of CBC Radio in Ottawa and the studio of well-known portrait photographer Yousuf Karsh. Several framed Karsh photographs are hung in the hotel lounge. His (and his wife's) home suite is now available for guests and displays a small sampling of framed prints on the walls. Extra daily charges for parking or Wi-Fi. If you're not staying overnight, you can also experience the hotel's grandeur in one of the bars or restaurants. Traditional afternoon tea is served daily. }} * {{sleep | name=Lord Elgin | alt= | url=http://lordelginhotel.ca/ | email=reservations@lordelgin.ca | address=100 Elgin St | lat=45.42134 | long=-75.69375 | directions= | phone=+1 613-235-3333 | tollfree=+1-800-267-4298 | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=Double from $279 | wikidata=Q6679216 | lastedit=2023-01-24 | content=Centrally located on Elgin Street across from the National Arts Centre, a stone's throw from Parliament Hill, and one of Ottawa's two classic hotels (the other being the Chateau Laurier). While it has "splurge" rates, most rooms are reasonably priced. Good value, and a Starbucks off the lobby. }} * {{sleep | name=The Ottawa Marriott Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/yowmc-ottawa-marriott-hotel/overview/ | email= | address=100 Kent St | lat=45.41977 | long=-75.70366 | directions=Downtown | phone=+1 613-238-1122 | tollfree=+1-800-853-8463 | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=Double from $229 | wikidata=Q7109212 | lastedit=2024-03-04 | content=The tallest hotel (and briefly the tallest building) in Ottawa, one block from the Parliament Buildings. Features a revolving restaurant, Kids’ Zone, an indoor pool, sauna and fitness center. }} *{{sleep | name=The Westin Ottawa | alt= | url=http://www.thewestinottawa.com/ | email=ottawa@westin.com | address=11 Colonel By Dr | lat=45.42489 | long=-75.69253 | directions=near Parliament Hill | phone= | tollfree=+1-866-716-8101 | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=From $380 | lastedit=2024-03-04 | content=This hotel is also connected to the Rideau Centre and the Ottawa Convention Centre by a walkway. It is steps from Parliament Hill and the Byward market and each of the 496 rooms features the ten-layer Heavenly Bed. }} * {{sleep | name=reStays | alt= | url=https://www.restays.com/ | email=hello@restays.com | address=101 Queen St | lat=45.42203 | long=-75.69771 | directions= | phone=+1 613-688 6200 | tollfree= | checkin=4PM | checkout=noon | price=Studio-style suite from $279 | lastedit=2022-06-03 | content=Boutique hotel. Has a great view of Parliament Hill. Rooms include full kitchen. }} ==Connect== The area codes for Ottawa are '''613''' and the overlay code '''343'''. Hull<!-- but not Gatineau, a suburb --> ('''819''', overlaid with '''873''') has the full Ottawa local calling area. Ten-digit dialling (area code+local number) is required for all local calls. Most coffee shops, hotels, and public library branches have free wi-fi Internet access, although the speeds may be slower than you're accustomed to. There are internet cafes throughout the city. ==Stay safe== Ottawa is a very safe place to live and visit, so if you use common sense it is at least as safe as any other city. There are many tourists in the city, especially in summer months, and there are very few incidents of robbery or assault. Exercise caution and common sense after dark or when traveling alone; instances of harassment and (very rarely) unprovoked violence have occurred to locals and travellers alike. There have been incidents on buses and at transit stations of violence and swarmings/robberies, even during daytime hours. OC Transpo has hired new constables and placed plainclothes security and cameras on select buses and trains to counter the problem. Use common sense, especially when riding at night, every transit station has multiple emergency call boxes. After dark, take extra care in areas near downtown such as Lowertown East, and also Hintonburg, Vanier, Bayshore, Ledbury, Heatherington, Caldwell and South Keys. These neighbourhoods are known to have gang presence and drug problems. (Ledbury, Heatherington, and South Keys have nothing in the way of tourist draws, anyway.) Ottawa is generally very safe, but like any other city it has bad apples. Ottawa is the fourth coldest capital city by annual average temperature, but it has the second coldest January, only topped by Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Add to that nearly 3 m (10') of snow per average winter and throw in an ice storm from time to time, winter can be a challenge but locals do a great job of handling it particularly with recreation. Summers are (normally) short, warm and at times hot and humid. Humidity in the summer can make the heat feel unbearable, while humidity in the winter, coupled with wind chills, can make the cold feel very brutal. Dress for the weather and don't forget to cover your head and ears with a warm hat. Ottawa is not a very fashion-minded city, but in winter, everyone throws in the towel. {{Seealso|Cold weather}} ==Cope== The emergency telephone number for police, fire, and ambulance is 9-1-1. All pay phones at O-Train stations have buttons that you can use to make a free call to the Distress Centre of Ottawa, or you can call 613-238-3311 if you're anywhere in Ottawa. They'll help with any mental health concerns. Service is provided in English and French. ===Embassies and High Commissions=== {| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" ! colspan="2" | [[Diplomatic missions]] |- | style="vertical-align:top;width:50%;" | *{{flag|Afghanistan}} {{listing | name= Afghanistan | url= | email= | address=240 Argyle Ave. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Albania}} {{listing | name=Albania | url=http://www.ambasadat.gov.al/canada | email= | address=130 Albert St, Ste 302 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-236-3053 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-236-0804 | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Algeria}} {{listing | name=Algeria | url= | email= | address=500 Wilbrod St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Argentina}} {{listing |name=Argentina |url=https://ecana.cancilleria.gob.ar/en |email=ecana@mrecic.gov.ar |address=81 Metcalfe St |phone=+1 613-236-2361 |fax=+1 613-235-2659 |hours=M-F 9AM-5PM |content= }} *{{flag|Armenia}} {{listing | name=Armenia | url=https://www.mfa.am/en | email= | address=7 Delaware Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-234-3710 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-234-3444 | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Australia}} {{listing | name=Australia | url=https://canada.embassy.gov.au/otwa/home.html | email= | address=50 O'Connor St, Ste 710 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-236-0841 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-236-4376 | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Austria}} {{listing | name=Austria | url=https://www.bmeia.gv.at/en/austrian-embassy-ottawa/| email= | address=445 Wilbrod St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-789-1444 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-789-3431 | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Azerbaijan}} {{listing | name=Azerbaijan | url=https://ottawa.mfa.gov.az/en/content/2/embassy | email= | address=275 Slater St, Ste 904 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-288-0497 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-230-8089 | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|The Bahamas}} {{listing | name=Bahamas | url= | email= | address=99 Bank St., Ste 415 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Bangladesh}} {{listing | name=Bangladesh | alt= | url=https://www.bdhcottawa.ca/ | email=mission.ottawa@mofa.gov.bd | address=Suite 1100, 350 Sparks St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-236-0138 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-567-3213 | hours=M-F 9AM-5PM | price= | lastedit=2020-08-27 | content= }} *{{flag|Barbados}} {{listing | name=Barbados | url= | email= | address=55 Metcalfe St., Ste 470 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5755069 | content= }} *{{flag|Belgium}} {{listing | name=Belgium | url=https://diplomatie.be/ottawa | email= | address=360 Albert St, Ste 820 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-236-7267 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-236-7882 | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Bolivia}} {{listing | name=Bolivia | alt= | url=https://bolivianembassy.ca/embajada/ubicacion/ | email= | address=130 Albert St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-236-5730 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-236-8237 | hours=M-F 8:30AM-4:30PM | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Bosnia and Herzegovina}} {{listing | name=Bosnia and Herzegovina | alt= | url=http://www.ambasadabih.ca/index.php/ca/ | email= | address=130 Albert St, Ste 805 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-236-0028 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-236-1139 | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Brazil}} {{listing | name=Brazil | url= | email= | address=450 Wilbrod St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5369581 | content= }} *{{flag|Brunei}} {{listing | name=Brunei | url= | email= | address=395 Laurier Ave. East | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5755064 | content= }} *{{flag|Bulgaria}} {{listing | name=Bulgaria | alt= | url=https://www.mfa.bg/en/embassies/canada | email= | address=325 Stewart St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-789-3215 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-789-3524 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-06-16 | content= }} *{{flag|Burkina Faso}} {{listing | name=Burkina Faso | url= | email= | address=48 Range Rd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Cameroon}} {{listing | name=Cameroon | url= | email= | address=170 Clemow Ave. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Chad}} {{listing | name=Chad | url= | email= | address=350 Sparks St., Ste 802 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Chile}} {{listing |name=Chile |url=https://chile.gob.cl/ottawa/en |email=echile.canada@minrel.gov.cl |address=Suite 1413, 50 O'Connor St |phone=+1 613-235-4402 |fax=+1 613-235-1176 |hours-M-F 9AM-1PM and 2PM-5:30PM |content= }} *{{flag|China}} {{listing | name=China | url=http://ca.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/ | email=chinaemb_ca@mfa.gov.cn | address=515 St. Patrick St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone =+1 613-789-3434-791-0511 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-789-1911 | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5369937 | content= }} *{{flag|Colombia}} {{listing |name=Colombia |url=https://ottawa.consulado.gov.co/ |email=cottawa@cancilleria.gov.co |address=Suite 1002, 260 Albert St |phone=+1 613-230-3760 |content= }} *{{flag|Democratic Republic of the Congo}} {{listing | name=Democratic Republic of the Congo | url= | email= | address=18 Range Rd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Republic of the Congo}} {{listing | name=Republic of the Congo | url= | email= | address=322 Waverley St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Costa Rica}} {{listing |name=Costa Rica |url=https://costaricaembassy.com/ |email=embcr@costaricaembassy.com |address=Suite 701, 350 Sparks St |phone=+1 613-562-2855 |fax=+1 613-562-2582 |content= }} *{{flag|Croatia}} {{listing | name=Croatia | url=https://mvep.gov.hr/ca/en | email= | address=229 Chapel St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-562-7820 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-562-7821 | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5369660 | content= }} *{{flag|Cuba}} {{listing | name=Cuba | url=https://misiones.cubaminrex.cu/en/canada/embassy-cuba-canada | email=embacuba@embacubacanada.net | address=388 Main St | phone=+1 613-563-0141 | fax=+1 613-563-0068 | hours=Tu-F 9AM-1PM | wikidata=Q5369662 | lastedit=2018-06-16 | content= }} *{{flag|Cyprus}} {{listing | name=Cyprus | url= | email= | address=150 Metcalfe St., Ste 1002 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Czech Republic}} {{listing | name=Czech Republic | url=https://www.mzv.cz/ottawa | email= | address=251 Cooper St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-562-3875 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-562-3878 | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5369927 | content= }} *{{flag|Denmark}} {{listing | name=Denmark | url=https://canada.um.dk/ | email= | address=47 Clarence St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-562-1811 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-562-1812 | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5369665 | content= }} *{{flag|Dominican Republic}} {{listing | name=Dominican Republic | alt= | url=https://dominicanembassycanada.gob.do/index.php/en/contact | email=info@drembassy.org | address=130 Albert Street, Suite 1605 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613 569-9893 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613 569-8673 | hours=M-F 9:15AM-3:30PM | price= | lastedit=2020-08-27 | content= }} *{{flag|Ecuador}} {{listing |name=Ecuador |url=https://embassyecuador.ca/english/ |email=embassy@embassyecuador.ca |address=Suite 230, 99 Bank St |phone=+1 613-563-8206 |fax=+1 613-563-8206 |content= }} *{{flag|Egypt}} {{listing | name=Egypt | alt= | url= | email=egyptemb@sympatico.ca | address=454 Laurier Avenue East, Ottawa | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-234-4931 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-234-9347 | hours=9AM-4PM | price= | wikidata=Q5369672 | content= }} *{{flag|El Salvador}} {{listing | name=El Salvador | url= | email= | address=209 Kent St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Estonia}} {{listing | name=Estonia | alt= | url=https://ottawa.mfa.ee/ | email=embassy.ottawa@mfa.ee | address=260 Dalhousie St, Suite 210 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-789-4222 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-789-9555 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-08-27 | content= }} *{{flag|Ethiopia}} {{listing | name=Ethiopia | url= | email= | address=275 Slater St., Ste 1501 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Finland}} {{listing | name=Finland | url=https://finlandabroad.fi/web/can/frontpage | email=embassy@finland.ca | address=55 Metcalfe St, Ste 850 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-288-2233 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-288-2244 | hours=M-Th 9AM-noon, 1PM-3PM; F 9AM-11:30AM | price= | content= }} *{{flag|France}} {{listing | name=France | url=https://ca.ambafrance.org/ | email= | address=42 Sussex Dr | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-789-1795 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-562-3735 | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q653784 | content= }} *{{flag|Gabon}} {{listing | name=Gabon | url= | email= | address=2283 St. Laurent Blvd., Ste 103 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Georgia (country)}} {{listing | name=Georgia | url= | email= | address=240 Albert St., Ste 940 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Germany}} {{listing | name=Germany | url=https://canada.diplo.de/ca-en/vertretungen/embassy | email= | address=1 Waverley St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-232-1101 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-594-9330 | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5369697 | content= }} *{{flag|Ghana}} {{listing | name=Ghana | url= | email= | address=1 Clemow Ave. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Greece}} {{listing | name=Greece | url=https://www.mfa.gr/canada/en/the-embassy/| email= | address=80 MacLaren St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-238-6271, +1 613-238-6273 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-238-5676 | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Guatemala}} {{listing | name=Guatemala | url= | email= | address=130 Albert St., Ste 1010 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Guinea}} {{listing | name=Guinea | url= | email= | address=483 Wilbrod St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Guyana}} {{listing | name=Guyana | url=http://guyanamissionottawa.org | email= | address=151 Slater St, Ste 309 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-235-7240, +1 613-235-7249 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-235-1447 | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Haiti}} {{listing | name=Haiti | url= | email= | address=85 Albert St., Ste 1110 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Honduras}} {{listing | name=Honduras | url= | email= | address=130 Albert St., Ste 805 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Hungary}} {{listing | name=Hungary | url=https://kormany.hu/en/ministry-of-foreign-affairs-and-trade/missions | email= | address=299 Waverley St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-230-2717 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-230-7560 | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5369719 | content= }} *{{flag|Iceland}} {{listing | name=Iceland | alt= | url=https://www.government.is/diplomatic-missions/embassy-of-iceland-in-ottawa/ | email=ottawa@mfa.is | address=360 Albert St, Suite 710 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-482-1944 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-482-1945 | hours=M-F 9AM-4PM | price= | wikidata=Q5369721 | lastedit=2020-08-27 | content= }} *{{flag|India}} {{listing |name=India |url=https://www.hciottawa.gov.in/ |email=hicomindia@hciottawa.ca |address=10 Springfield Rd |phone=+1 613-744-3752 |fax=+1 613-744-0913 |content= }} *{{flag|Indonesia}} {{listing | name=Indonesia | alt= | url=https://www.kemlu.go.id/ottawa/en/default.aspx | email= | address=55 Parkdale Avenue | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-724-1100 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5369729 | lastedit=2018-01-15 | content= }} *{{flag|Iraq}} {{listing | name=Iraq | url= | email= | address=189 Laurier Ave. East | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5369734 | content= }} *{{flag|Ireland}} {{listing | name=Ireland | url=https://www.dfa.ie/irish-embassy/canada/ | email= | address=130 Albert St, Ste 1105 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-233-6281 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-233-5835 | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5369736 | content= }} *{{flag|Israel}} {{listing | name=Israel | url= | email= | address=50 O'Connor St., Ste 1005 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Italy}} {{listing | name=Italy | url=http://www.ambottawa.esteri.it/Ambasciata_Ottawa/en/ | email= | address=275 Slater St, 21F | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-232-2401 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-233-1484 | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5369746 | content= }} *{{flag|Ivory Coast}} {{listing | name=Ivory Coast | url= | email= | address=9 Marlborough Ave. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Jamaica}} {{listing | name=Jamaica | url=http://jhcottawa.ca | email= | address=151 Slater St, Ste 1000 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-233-9311 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-233-0611 | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Japan}} {{listing | name=Japan | url=https://www.ca.emb-japan.go.jp/ | email= | address=255 Sussex Dr | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-241-8541 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5369755 | content= }} *{{flag|Jordan}} {{listing | name=Jordan | url= | email= | address=100 Bronson Ave., Ste 701 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Kazakhstan}} {{listing | name=Kazakhstan | url= | email= | address=150 Metcalfe St., Ste 701 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5369759 | content= }} *{{flag|Kenya}} {{listing | name=Kenya | url= | email= | address=415 Laurier Ave. East | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5755087 | content= }} *{{flag|Kosovo}} {{listing | name=Kosovo | url= | email= | address=200 Elgin St., Ste 501 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q29561389 | content= }} *{{flag|Kuwait}} {{listing | name=Kuwait | url= | email= | address=333 Sussex Dr. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} | *{{flag|Latvia}} {{listing | name=Latvia | url=https://www2.mfa.gov.lv/en/ottawa | email= | address=350 Sparks St, Ste 1200 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-238-6014 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-238-7044 | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Lebanon}} {{listing | name=Lebanon | url= | email= | address=640 Lyon St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5369769 | content= }} *{{flag|Lesotho}} {{listing | name=Lesotho | url= | email= | address=130 Albert St., Ste 1820 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Libya}} {{listing | name=Libya | url= | email= | address=170 Ave. Laurier West, Ste 710 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Lithuania}} {{listing | name=Lithuania | url=https://ca.mfa.lt | email= | address=150 Metcalfe St, Ste 1600 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-567-5458 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-567-5315 | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Madagascar}} {{listing | name=Madagascar | url= | email= | address=3 Raymond St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Malaysia}} {{listing | name=Malaysia | url= | email= | address=60 Boteler St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Mali}} {{listing | name=Mali | url= | email= | address=50 Goulburn Ave. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Mauritius}} {{listing | name=Mauritius | alt= | url= | email= | address=2918 Southmore Dr E | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-737-7322 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-737-0690 | hours= | price= | content=Honorary consul. The Mauritius embassy in [[Washington, D.C.]] covers Canada. }} *{{flag|Mexico}} {{listing |name=Mexico |url=https://embamex.sre.gob.mx/canada/index.php/en|email=info@sre.gob.mx |address=Suite 1000, 45 O'Connor St |phone=+1 613-235-8988 |fax=+1 613-235-9123 |hours=M-F 9AM-5PM |wikidata=Q937730 |content= }} *{{flag|Moldova}} {{listing | name=Moldova | url= | email= | address=275 Slater St., Ste 801 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Mongolia}} {{listing | name=Mongolia | url= | email= | address=132 Stanley Ave. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Morocco}} {{listing | name=Morocco | alt= | url= | email= | address=38 Range Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-236-7391 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 9AM-4PM | price= | lastedit=2018-06-16 | content= }} *{{flag|Myanmar}} {{listing | name=Myanmar | url= | email= | address=336 Island Park Dr. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Nepal}} {{listing | name=Nepal | alt= | url=https://ca.nepalembassy.gov.np/ | email=eonottawa@mofa.gov.np | address=408 Queen Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-680-5513 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-422-5149 | hours=March 15 – November 14: M-F 9AM-5PM, November 15 – March 14: M-F 9AM-4PM | price= | lastedit=2020-08-27 | content= }} *{{flag|Netherlands}} {{listing | name=Netherlands | alt= | url=https://www.netherlandsworldwide.nl/countries/canada | email= | address=350 Albert St, Ste 2020 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-237-5030 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-237-6471 | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5369933 | content= }} *{{flag|New Zealand}} {{listing | name=New Zealand | url=https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/countries-and-regions/americas/canada/new-zealand-high-commission/ | email= | address=99 Bank St, Ste 727 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-238-5991 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-238-5707 | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Nicaragua}} {{listing | name=Nicaragua | url= | email= | address=104 Black Maple Private | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Nigeria}} {{listing | name=Nigeria | alt= | url=https://nigeriahcottawa.ca/ | email= | address=295 Metcalfe St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-236-0521, +1 613-236-0523 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-236-0529 | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|North Macedonia}} {{listing | name=North Macedonia | url=http://www3.sympatico.ca/emb.macedonia.ottawa/ | email=ottawa@mfa.gov.mk | address=130 Albert St, Ste 1006 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-234-3882 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-233-1852 | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Norway}} {{listing |name=Norway |url=https://www.emb-norway.ca/ |email=emb.ottawa@mfa.no |address=Suite 1300, 150 Metcalfe St |phone=+1 613-238-6571 |fax=+1 613-238-2765 |hours=M-F 9AM-3PM |wikidata=Q19383591 |content= }} *{{flag|Pakistan}} {{listing |name=Pakistan |url=https://www.pakconsulate.ca/|email=parepottawa@rogers.com |address=10 Range Rd |phone=+1 613-238-7881 |fax=+1 613-238-7296 | wikidata=Q5755109 |content= }} *{{flag|Panama}} {{listing |name=Panama |url=http://www.embassyofpanama.ca |address=Suite 300, 130 Albert St |phone=+1 613-236-7177 |content= }} *{{flag|Paraguay}} {{listing | name=Paraguay | alt= | url=http://www.mre.gov.py/Sitios/Home/Index/embapar-canada/EN | email=embassy@embassyofparaguay.ca | address=161 Slater St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-557-1283 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-567-1005 | hours=M-F 9AM-4PM | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Peru}} {{listing |name=Peru |url=http://www.embassyofperu.ca |address=Suite 1901, 130 Albert St |phone=+1 613-232-3062 |content= }} *{{flag|Philippines}} {{listing | name=Philippines | alt= | url=https://ottawape.dfa.gov.ph/ | email= | address=30 Murray Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-233-1121 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-233-4165 | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q96377194 | content= }} *{{flag|Poland}} {{listing | name=Poland | url= | email= | address=443 Daly Ave. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Portugal}} {{listing | name=Portugal | alt= | url=https://www.otava.embaixadaportugal.mne.pt/en/ | email=sconsular.ottawa@mne.pt | address=645 Island Park Dr | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-729-0883 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-729-4236 | hours=M-F 9AM-1PM, admission by appointment only (email for appointment) | price= | lastedit=2018-06-16 | content= }} *{{flag|Qatar}} {{listing | name=Qatar | url= | email= | address=150 Metcalfe St., 8th and 12th floors | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Romania}} {{listing | name=Romania | alt= | url=https://ottawa.mae.ro/ | email=ottawa@mae.ro | address=655 Rideau St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-789-3709, +1 613-789-5345 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-789-4365 | hours=M-F 9AM-1PM, 2-4PM | price= | wikidata=Q5369838 | content=Embassy. }} *{{flag|Russia}} {{listing | name=Russia | url=https://rusembassy.ca/ | email= | address=285 Charlotte St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-235-4341, +1 613-236-1413 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-236-6342 | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5369847 | content= }} *{{flag|Rwanda}} {{listing | name=Rwanda | url= | email= | address=294 Albert St., Ste 404 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Saint Kitts and Nevis}} {{listing | name=Saint Kitts and Nevis | url= | email= | address=421 Besserer St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Saint Lucia}} {{listing | name=Saint Lucia | alt= | url=https://stluciaconsulate.ca/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-203-8400 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-06-16 | content=Saint Lucian consular service is provided from their office in [[Toronto]]. }} *{{flag|Saudi Arabia}} {{listing | name=Saudi Arabia | url= | email= | address=201 Sussex Dr. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5369849 | content= }} *{{flag|Senegal}} {{listing | name=Senegal | url= | email= | address=57 Marlborough Ave. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Serbia}} {{listing | name=Serbia | url= | email= | address=21 Blackburn Ave. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Slovakia}} {{listing | name=Slovakia | url= | email= | address=50 Rideau Terr. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Slovenia}} {{listing | name=Slovenia | url= | email= | address=150 Metcalfe St., Ste 2200 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|South Africa}} {{listing | name=South Africa | url=http://southafrica-canada.ca | email= | address=15 Sussex Dr | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-744-0330 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-741-1639 | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5755115 | content= }} *{{flag|South Korea}} {{listing | name=South Korea | alt= | url=https://can-ottawa.mofa.go.kr/english/am/can-ottawa/main/index.jsp | email= | address=150 Boteler St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-244-5010 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 9AM-noon, 1-5PM | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Spain}} {{listing | name=Spain | url=https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Embajadas/ottawa/en/Paginas/index.aspx | email= | address=74 Stanley Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-747-2252 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-744-1224 | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Sri Lanka}} {{listing |name=Sri Lanka |url=https://www.torontoslcg.org/ottawa2/ |email=slhcit@rogers.com |address=Suite 1204, 333 Laurier Ave |phone=+1 613-233-8449 |fax=+1 613-238-8448 |hours=M-F 9AM-4:45PM |wikidata=Q106822996 }} *{{flag|Sudan}} {{listing | name=Sudan | url= | email= | address=354 Stewart St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Sweden}} {{listing |name=Sweden |url=https://www.swedenabroad.se/en/embassies/canada-ottawa/ |email=sweden.ottawa@gov.se |address=377 Dalhousie St |phone=+1 613-244-8200 |fax=+1 613-241-2277 |hours=M-F 9AM-noon |wikidata=Q10686018 |content= }} *{{flag|Switzerland}} {{listing | name=Switzerland | url=https://www.eda.admin.ch/countries/canada/en/home/representations/embassy-in-ottawa.html | email= | address=5 Marlborough Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-235-1837 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-563-1394 | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Syria}} {{listing | name=Syria | url=http://www.syrianembassy.ca/ | email= | address=46 Cartier St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-569-5556 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Tanzania}} {{listing | name=Tanzania | url= | email= | address=50 Range Rd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Thailand}} {{listing | name=Thailand | url= | email= | address=180 Island Park Dr. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Togo}} {{listing | name=Togo | url= | email= | address=12 Range Rd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Trinidad and Tobago}} {{listing | name=Trinidad and Tobago | alt= | url=https://foreign.gov.tt/missions-consuls/tt-missions-abroad/diplomatic-missions/high-commission-ottawa-canada/ | email= | address=200 First Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-232-2418 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-232-4349 | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Tunisia}} {{listing | name=Tunisia | url= | email= | address=515 O'Connor St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Turkey}} {{listing | name=Turkey | url=http://ottava.be.mfa.gov.tr | email= | address=197 Wurtemburg St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-789-4044, +1 613-789-3440 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-789-3442 | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5369896 | content= }} *{{flag|Uganda}} {{listing | name=Uganda | url= | email= | address=350 Sparks St., Ste 1210 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Ukraine}} {{listing | name=Ukraine | alt= | url=https://canada.mfa.gov.ua/en | email= | address=310 Somerset St W | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-230-2961 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-230-2400 | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5369906 | content= }} *{{flag|United Arab Emirates}} {{listing | name=United Arab Emirates | url= | email= | address=125 Boteler St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|United Kingdom}} {{listing | name=United Kingdom | alt= | url=https://www.gov.uk/world/canada | email= | address=80 Elgin St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-237-1530 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-237-7980 | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3128430 | content= }} *{{flag|United States}} {{listing | name=United States | url=https://ca.usembassy.gov/ | email=OttawaACS@state.gov | address=490 Sussex Dr | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-238-5335 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-688-3082 | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2841859 | content= }} *{{flag|Uruguay}} {{listing |name=Uruguay |url=http://www.embassyofuruguay.ca |email=embassy@embassyofuruguay.ca |address=Suite 901, 350 Sparks St |phone=+1 613-234-2727 |fax=+1 613-234-2727 |content= }} *{{flag|Venezuela}}{{listing |name=Venezuela |url=http://www.misionvenezuela.org/V2/ |address=32 Range Rd |phone=+1 613-235-5151 |content= }} *{{flag|Vietnam}} {{listing |name=Vietnam |url=https://vietem-ca.com/ |address=55 MacKay St |phone=+1 613-236-0772 |fax=+1 613-236-2704 |hours=M-F 9:30AM-5PM |content= }} *{{flag|Yemen}} {{listing | name=Yemen | url= | email= | address=54 Chamberlain Ave. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Zambia}} {{listing |name=Zambia |url=https://zambiahighcommission.ca/ |email=zhc.ottawa@bellnet.ca |address=151 Slater St |phone=+1 613-232-4400 |content= }} *{{flag|Zimbabwe}} {{listing | name=Zimbabwe | alt= | url=https://www.zimembassyottawa.com/ | email=zimottawa@zimfa.gov.zw | address=332 Somerset St W | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 613-421-2824 | tollfree= | fax=+1 613-422-7403 | hours=M-Th 9AM-4PM, F 9AM-1PM | price= | content=The Embassy of Zimbabwe in Ottawa. }} |} ==Go next== ===Day trips to Quebec=== {{anchor|Day trips to Québec}} Since Ottawa is located on the provincial border, daytrips to neighbouring [[Quebec]] can be made easily. If you enjoy the outdoors, especially if you are a cyclist, you should definitely visit [[Gatineau Park]] just across the river from Ottawa. Ottawa and the surrounding area boasts over 170&nbsp;km of public paved trails on which you can [[running|run]], bike, walk or rollerblade. If you are looking for a place to start, head to the nearest waterway: paved trails line both sides of the Ottawa River, the Rideau Canal, and the Rideau River. The [http://www.tctrail.ca Trans Canada Trail] enters Ottawa through the outskirt communities of Carleton Place and Stittsville, then joins up with the Ottawa River at Brittania Bay (near Carling Avenue at Bayshore Drive). It follows the river 13 km east to Parliament Hill, then crosses over to the Quebec side, extending into and beyond Gatineau Park. *'''[[Gatineau]]''' - Right across the Ottawa River. The '''Canadian Museum of History''' is worth a visit. The nightlife in the Old Hull neighbourhood is often considered superior to Ottawa's, with a handful of loud clubs but also a decent offering of artistic cafés with good local live music. * [[Gatineau Park]] is directly north from Hull; the Camp Fortune and Edelweiss ski areas are also north of the city, near [[Chelsea (Quebec)|Chelsea]] and [[Wakefield (Quebec)|Wakefield]] respectively. '''[[Wakefield (Quebec)|Wakefield]]''' is a picturesque artist town on the side of the Gatineau River. Rich with cultural offerings and beautiful natural surroundings (especially in autumn). * Buckingham is downriver from Gatineau in the east, as one of the more accessible venues for rural maple sugar shack camps. * {{do | name=Aventure Laflèche | alt= | url=http://aventurelafleche.ca/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 819 457-4033 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A superb destination for outdoor activities in the Gatineau Hills year-round. A community-owned non-profit company that offers beautiful nature trails, tours of the historical Laflèche caves, and the province's largest aerial park for the adventurous (includes several ziplines). Calling ahead for reservations is strongly recommended. }} * {{do | name=Eco-Odyssée | alt= | url=http://www.eco-odyssee.ca/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 819-459-2551 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Another great option for nature lovers close to Wakefield. A water maze that's great for learning about the local marsh environments. }} * {{do | name=Great Canadian Bungee | alt= | url=http://bungee.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=For the adventure-inclined. }} Just across the river from Ottawa is the city of [[Gatineau]], which has the stunning Canadian Museum of History and some mighty good restaurants too. It is the centre of the [[Outaouais]] region which includes the lovely village of [[Wakefield (Quebec)|Wakefield]], and [[Gatineau Park]] with its high cliffs and deep, clear lakes. A little further west is the [[Pontiac_(Quebec)|Pontiac]] where you will find small rural towns and rafting expeditions. There is a bus service from Ottawa and Gatineau to the Pontiac. You can cycle from Quyon to Pembroke on 72 km of railway bed turned into a bike trail. Stop by the Shawville Fair in late August/early September. To the south and east of Ottawa is a large flat rural area consisting mostly of small commuter towns, agricultural villages, and the occasional woodland. This lowland stretches all the way to Montreal (roughly 165 km to the east) and the United States border (just shy of a hundred kilometres to the south). The [[Rideau Canal]] runs through it. Among the many scenic towns are [[Merrickville]], which has a good claim to the name "Canada's prettiest village," and [[Perth (Ontario)|Perth]] with its mills and heritage buildings. Going west beyond [[Kanata]], the village of [[Carp]] (about 40 minutes away, in West Carleton, officially part of Ottawa) houses the surreal Cold War "Central Emergency Government Headquarters" (the Diefenbunker), now a museum and listed under "Museums" above. Beyond that is the [[Ottawa Valley]] region, towns and farms, then the Madawaska Highlands wilderness area starting about 90&nbsp;km from Ottawa. In that area is [[Calabogie]], a ski resort in winter and lake resort in summer. A little further on is another wilderness recreation area, [[Algonquin Provincial Park]]. Beyond the Ottawa region lie other Canadian cities, such as: * [[Montreal]], the largest city in Quebec and the largest French-speaking city in the Western Hemisphere, is 200&nbsp;km east. * [[Toronto]], Canada's largest city, is about 500&nbsp;km to the southwest. * [[Kingston (Ontario)|Kingston]], about 200&nbsp;km to the southwest, on the way to Toronto. A university town with historic limestone buildings. If you're interested in a ''very'' different destination, Ottawa is one of the very few cities south of the 60th parallel that has regular scheduled air service - and the only one with year-round direct air service - to [[Iqaluit]], the capital of [[Nunavut]]. {{routebox | image1=VIA Rail Toronto Ottawa icon.png | imagesize1=100 | link1=Windsor-Quebec corridor | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Toronto]] | minorl1=[[Smiths Falls]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=END | minorr1= | image2=VIA Rail Montreal Quebec icon.png | imagesize2=100 | link2=Windsor-Quebec corridor | directionl2=W | majorl2=END | minorl2= | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[Montreal]] | minorr2=[[Alexandria (Ontario)|Alexandria]] | image3=Ontario 417.svg | imagesize3=20 | image3a=TCH-blank.svg | imagesize3a=20 | directionl3=W | majorl3=[[North Bay (Ontario)|North Bay]] | minorl3=[[Kanata]] | directionr3=E | majorr3=[[Montreal]] | minorr3=[[Russell (Ontario)|Russell]] | link3=Trans-Canada Highway | image4= | imagesize4= | image4a= | imagesize4a= | directionl4= | majorl4= | minorl4= | directionr4= | majorr4= | minorr4= | image5=Ontario 416.svg | imagesize5=20 | directionl5=N | majorl5=ENDS at [[File:Ontario 417.svg|18px]][[File:TCH-blank.svg|18px]] | minorl5= | directionr5=S | majorr5=[[Prescott (Ontario)|Prescott]] / [[Kingston (Ontario)|Kingston]] via [[File:Ontario 401.svg|16px]] | minorr5=[[Merrickville|Kemptville]] | image6=Quebec Autoroute 5.svg | imagesize6=20 | directionl6=N | majorl6=[[Montreal]] via [[File:Quebec Autoroute 50.svg|16px|link=]] | minorl6='''[[Gatineau]]''' | directionr6=S | majorr6=ENDS at Macdonald-Cartier Bridge | minorr6= }} {{isPartOf|Ottawa-Rideau}} {{geo|45.44|-75.6946}} {{guidecity}} {{related|Gatineau}} 7xl9kdg87fj87zi6kymcqi1jyogkclg 0 26433 5086602 5081597 2025-07-02T12:36:05Z 2001:EE0:41A1:626:D9D6:BD4F:6DBE:B807 /* Pack gear or rent it? */ 5086602 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Packing_list_Wikivoyage_banner_2.jpg}} Even the most experienced travellers tend to leave something they need behind every trip. On the other hand, people often carry too much. A '''packing list''' can help make sure you have everything you will need while you are travelling and at your destination. It can also be a reassuring checklist just prior to departing, and if you are missing anything you will need, you can figure that out while you still have time to buy it. ==Understand== [[File:Holiday Packing List - Packing Luggage for Vacation.jpg|thumb|A packing list is useful.]] A single list can apply to many trips; when you make one, keep a copy of it for your next trip. Add the stuff you forgot when you get home, and delete the stuff that you took and never used. You can end up with a useful personalized document that will save you time and stress when you need it most. If you need to make an insurance claim for lost luggage, then the packing list can remind you of what you took, and what you need to claim for. This article will walk through the process of building your own packing lists for your own travel plans, hopefully with useful suggestions for things you might not have thought of. ===Getting started=== '''Understand your destination''', and focus on what you will need and what ''not'' to take. Do you really need an umbrella? Would a broad-brimmed hat do as well? What does the umbrella weigh, how much space does it take up, will it be a problem at airport security, and could you just buy one at your destination if it rains? Will you be '''[[shopping]]?''' If it's likely, consider packing a duffel or folding bag. Use it as carry-on on your return flight for purchases or for holding what's displaced in your checked baggage by purchases. You might also want a compact, re-usable shopping bag, as shopping bags are not free in many places, and may not be available at all in some settings. It can also help to specify '''which bag each item will go in''', to better judge whether you'll be able to pack everything in the bags you plan to use. If you're traveling by air, this will also help you think about what you want to carry on board and what you want to check. It's easy to overpack and lug around items you don't need, while underestimating how much money it takes to live, shop, and eat away from home. One common bit of advice, perhaps a bit over-stated but with at least a grain of truth: : When packing, figure out what clothes and money you expect to need. : Then take '''''half'' the clothes''' and '''''twice'' the money'''. If you're planning a major trip, especially one a bit off the beaten path, it's worth taking an hour or two to '''browse at an expedition store or website''', just seeing what's available. Even though their main goal is to sell you things whether you need them or not, it will at least give you some idea of what (some) others are buying for ''their'' travels. '''Understand the weight and size restrictions''' on the various forms of transport you are using. Trains, buses and ships are usually more generous than aircraft (see [[flight baggage]]), but they may still charge fees based on weight or size. Plane excess baggage fees can be very steep, or they can even refuse to carry your baggage on that flight. If you have to pack wet towels or jeans and you are on the weight threshold, these can easily push you over the limit. Allow just a little headroom. Check restrictions for all legs of your journey. They vary between companies, and small aircraft may have different rules than the same company's long-haul ones. If you have your own car or boat, their luggage capacity may seem nearly limitless, but depending on the size of your party and the length of your trip, you might in fact need every cubic inch of space you can get and you might wish to consider whether space to stretch out or more luggage is more of a priority for you. Limiting yourself also forces you to think about every item, which often means you know what you have and where to find it; packing anything you might need may result in your not using half of them and your using more time to search for things packed away somewhere. Many consumables are sold at sizes much larger than you'd need on a one-week voyage. Reserve a toothpaste tube, a toilet paper roll, etc., that have a suitable amount left, instead of buying and packing a full one. You may have travel-sized bottles and boxes for shampoo, soap and detergent, which may come handy if you aren't staying in proper hotels and using laundry services. In addition to restrictions on how much you can carry, there are things you may not carry at all, or with severe specific restrictions. Liquids and batteries are treated very seriously when flying, products that may carry invasive species or diseases are often restricted at borders and pets, products from endangered species, antiques, drugs and weapons are other examples. See [[Border crossing#Customs]], [[Shopping#Restrictions]] and the country articles for some discussion. ==Baggage== {{main|Baggage}} Choosing a suitcase, backpack or some other bag is a decision in itself, see [[Baggage]] for a discussion. Adding labels inside and outside of luggage can help you identify your luggage at baggage claim and can help if the luggage is lost in transit. Adding something unique to the outside of the bag (e.g. an accessory) can help distinguish common looking luggage when retrieving it from baggage claim. === Organizing items in baggage === [[File:FRA — collectivité de Corse — département Corse-du-Nord — Saint-Florent — Route de la cathédrale (luggage organizers) — Mattes 2024-05-12.jpg|thumb|luggage organizers]] Use '''packing cubes''' or '''bags''' to make packing easier, especially if you are backpacking or going to multiple destinations, and have to re-pack constantly. They can be labeled, and they are often color-coded, so different items can go in and out of different sacks (sleepwear, hiking boots, swimwear, or clothes for Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday). Packing in cubes or bags is easier and more organized than stuffing everything into your main bag. Also on a long trip, these sacks will keep odor, dust, and damp from spreading to all your stuff. Three to five plastic bags that hold about 4 L (1 US gallon) each typify what's usable. Another version of these is the compressible air-tight sacks, from which one can squeeze all the air from clothing items. These use less space (''not less weight''). === Pack expecting complications === Recognize that if you take transport and have to check baggage in, it may be delayed or may not reach your destination at all. Identify what you can least afford to lose or not have when you arrive, and carry that with you on rather than checking it in. Things that are high priority to keep with you include: * Identification * Means of purchasing (cash, credit card) * Medicines and medical devices (including corrective eyewear) * Electronics * Clothing you need before you can reach a shop (especially if going to a climate where what you are wearing isn't adequate) ==Get in== === Tickets and itinerary === If you're traveling by plane, train, bus or ferry, then don't forget to bring your '''tickets''', or organize e-tickets. A printed copy of your '''itinerary''' is useful both for your personal reference and to confirm to officials that your stated travel plans are legit. === Identity documents === {{see also|Border crossing}} If you're leaving your home country, there's a good chance you'll need to bring your '''[[passport]]''' or at least some government-issued proof of your identity and citizenship. For some countries, you will need to obtain a '''[[visa]]''' in advance. Extra passport-style photos may come in handy for documents or passes you may purchase along the way. If you are younger and planning to go into clubs or bars or to buy tobacco, then ID may be required in some countries. Bringing your driver's license minimizes the need to carry your passport, and therefore reduces the potential for theft or loss. Beware that in some countries, such as [[New Zealand]], only specified forms of ID can be used as proof of age, and your international driver's license may not cut it. If you are travelling internationally, immigration officials will sometimes want to check the legitimacy of your plans. If you're paying for accommodation, make sure you have made a reservation for at least your first night and carry '''contact details''' for your place of accommodation. If staying in a private home, have the name, address and phone number of your hosts, and make sure that they are aware of your name and your exact date of arrival, because immigration officials may call them if they doubt your plans. If you can't provide details of where you're staying or your host isn't aware that you're coming, you may be refused entry to some countries. Some travellers may also need '''a letter of invitation''' to present to officials; check with the issuer of your visa, if any. If you are entering another country as a visitor on a visa that forbids you to seek employment, then '''leave out''' anything that might make it look like you want to find a new job. For example, leave your appointment diary at home if you would be embarrassed for the immigration authorities to read it. If you are [[business travel|traveling for business purposes]], then take what you need for work, but be prepared to explain that you are traveling for your existing job (e.g., for a sales meeting) rather than seeking work. If you are traveling with a child, you may need additional documentation to prove that you're their legal guardian, such as their '''birth certificate'''. If the other parent isn't traveling with you (and especially if you and the child have different last names), authorities might suspect that you're trying to take the child out of the country without authorization; proof of custody and written permission from any other legal guardians may help you avoid a hassle. See also [[Travelling with children]] for children's documentation requirements. '''Membership cards''' can be useful: e.g. International Student Identification Card, Hosteling International, your automobile club; frequent-flyer, hotel, car rental or other "loyalty" cards. It's a good idea to have '''copies''' of all important documents in case of loss. You can carry photocopies (separately of course) and keep electronic copies in your webmail account inbox, in an online storage folder, or in a pocket memory stick, to print if needed. It is also advisable to leave copies with someone responsible at home, just in case you lose everything. ==Get around== === Driver license === If you're planning to drive at your destination, a driver's license will be needed and you may need an international driving permit as well. If you are bringing your own vehicle, you may need a [[Carnet de Passage]] to get it through customs. Both the IDP and the carnet are obtained from the [[automobile association]] in your own country. === Guidebooks === The most adventurous free spirits may eschew them, but odds are if you're reading this, you're the sort who values a guidebook. To bring down the weight, instead of carrying dead tree, you might want to download digital versions. Wikivoyage articles can be downloaded as such, as PDF, combined to a PDF book or downloaded through a tailored app. Options for the latter include the Kiwix's free [[Wikivoyage:Kiwix|Wikivoyage offline app]] or the paid [https://osmand.net OsmAnd] app. A less storage intensive option is to use the '''web browser''' on your smartphone, but this means you have downloaded the pages in advance, have access to Wi-Fi or can afford using mobile data. Some web browsers (including Firefox) can be used in off-line mode, still giving access to pages in the cache when tell them not to fetch anything. If you're already bringing a '''laptop''', saving pages and maps to your hard drive (in case you lose power) won't add any weight, but can be a convenient way to find pre-screened attractions and services on the fly. Alternatively, just read it as needed in '''[[Internet access|Internet cafés]]''', and perhaps add your new discoveries to Wikivoyage while you're there. === [[Navigation]] === ==== Smartphone apps ==== Being able to determine where you are and where you are going are critical when traveling somewhere that you are not very familiar with. It can also help to verify that a hired ride is taking you in the most efficient way to your destination. Most smartphones include some form of GPS and enough space to download some form of map (options include an OpenStreetMap-based app, such as the free [https://maps.me Maps.me] app or the paid [https://osmand.net OsmAnd] app, or an app such as Google Maps). Saving an offline copy of maps on the device before departure saves on mobile data use while traveling and avoids losing map access in areas without mobile coverage. Be sure to review your data plan before you leave (in case you need to change it to avoid ridiculous pricing), and be aware of the limitations of the web browsers in non-smartphones: some feature phones are pretty much limited to "mobile" versions of web sites, and might not display graphics. If you're using a commercially printed book, cutting out the pages for the places you'll be going cuts down on the size and weight. You may be able to buy '''maps''' more easily when you get to your destination, but if you don't read the local script, it's probably best to buy one at home. ==== Other navigation tools ==== Consider bringing a '''compass''', or even a '''[[GPS navigation|GPS receiver]]''', especially if you're going someplace without a grid of city streets. Find a compass suitable to your destination's latitude. Most manufacturers balance their compass needles for one of five zones (ranging from Zone 1, covering most of the Northern Hemisphere, to Zone 5, covering Australia and the southern oceans). The needle may drag or stick on other zones. There are also more expensive multi-zone or global compasses that function correctly everywhere. ==== Ride hailing ==== If you plan on using ride hailing services, identify which apps service your destination, and download those before traveling to that destination. Check for updates shortly before departure. === Flashlight === A keychain-size flashlight (torch) can be handy, or an app that turns your smartphone into a surrogate. Flashlights can also be useful when camping – or just to find your bed: blackouts may be more common than you're used to. In some regions, they are virtually guaranteed. However, your smartphone battery isn't made to provide flashlight power and may be drained rapidly. If you need the light more than sporadically, a real flashlight may be better. === Battery backup === If you expect to be heavily using your smartphone during your trip without being able to regularly plug it in to an electrical outlet, consider bringing a power bank that will allow you to charge your smartphone and other devices. For extended voyages, you may want to also consider solar power or a dynamo. Check the capacity of whatever you plan on carrying: most easily carried solar panels (despite the nominal figures perhaps telling otherwise) will suffice only for very modest device use, and small power banks have less capacity than your device's own battery. If you are planning to fly with one or more of these, make sure that none of them exceed battery capacity limits (usually around 100 Watt-hours) and only pack them into carry-ons. An overheating battery that catches fire may be terrifying in the cabin, but even more so when it is out of sight in the baggage hold. Remember where you put them, in case you're asked to gate-check that bag. ==Talk== {{see also|Talk}} Being able to communicate is critical when you are in foreign countries where the locals do not speak your language, when you need to get directions, ask for something or make a booking. Studying the language can be a great use of your time during transportation and may attract the sympathy of local passengers. Popular flashcard apps have decks for all major languages, including pronunciation. You may also want to bring physical flashcards, a travel dictionary or other aids. If you know the basics, comics or an easily-read (light) book may be useful. ''The Adventures of Asterix'' by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo, the most widely translated comic book, is available in more than 100 languages. Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's ''The Little Prince'', A.A. Milne's ''Winnie-the-Pooh'', and many fairy tales are also widely available and don't use too many specialized words (unlike, say, J.K. Rowling's ''Harry Potter'' series, which is also available in dozens of languages). === Learning in advance === If you know that the trip is coming up months before your departure, try to learn a little of the local language. Even as little as being able to say "thank you" and to read simple signs saying "enter" or "exit" will help. You may be able to find a class at your local college or community program. Your local public library should either have books and other resources, especially if you are interested in a popular language like Spanish, French, Japanese, Korean, or German, or they should be able to tell you where to look next. Apps such as Duolingo, Babbel, and Rosetta Stone are popular, and some are free. They may be easier for people who are brushing up on a rusty language than for someone starting on their first-ever foreign language. === Translation apps === If you have a smartphone, downloading a translation app will likely be the easiest way to overcome communication challenges, unless you start to learn the local language. As you may be roaming with your smartphone, before traveling to your destination, it is best to download an offline copy of the local language(s), if available for your app. '''Google Translate''' and Apple's '''Translate''' (iOS only) for some languages, allow downloading options to allow offline translation of some language (Google Translate for many more languages than Apple's Translate). With a translate app, you can enter in what you want to say, and as necessary, you can arrange for whom you are speaking to provide more complex replies by typing in their response in your smartphone. The above apps also work with your phone's camera: if you take a photo of the text to translate, the app will instantly translate any text it can detect. The quality of the translation varies between languages, and even for well-supported languages, the translation is sometimes messed up. At times it will just be funny or unintelligible, but sometimes it may be seriously misleading. You can reduce this problem by using short, simple sentences. Make sure that the other person understands the context and try to confirm critical answers by using different synonymous wordings. === Phrasebook === If you do not speak the language, a '''[[List of phrasebooks|phrasebook]]''' may range from essential to a nice courtesy. Even if you're sure that someone there will understand you, they'll ''appreciate'' you if you take the trouble to use some of their language. The pronunciation of some languages can also be learned pretty fast, and will help you understand whether you are in the right bus, or whether that dish is the one you ordered. If the language is in an unfamiliar script or if pronunciation follows some logic notably different from the one you are used to (highly likely if you are an English speaker), try to at least learn the basic rules for the most critical elements. In many languages that would be vowels and most common consonants, but e.g. for Arabic, the consonants matter more, and for Chinese you should learn the tones. Having a clearer relation between what is on paper and what can be heard not only eases understanding and communication, it is also inherently satisfying. Unfortunately, for many languages, phrasebooks aren't readily available. ==Buy== [[File:Laundry receipt Oaxaca.jpg|thumb|In many countries, full-service laundromats are good value (this bill is for US$3)]] === Payment methods === {{main|Money}} The three main options for carrying money are '''cash''', '''credit cards''' and '''ATM cards'''. Travelers cheques used to be one main option, but nowadays it may be hard to find places where they are accepted. The best way to access cash is usually through an ATM, but make sure to take some spare cash, also in small denominations. Coins may be necessary for e.g. laundry machines. How much cash to carry depends on the country; in some countries nearly all payments can be done by card. Consider having two or more debit or credit cards, so that if one is lost or stolen, or stops working, you still have access to payment. Don't carry them in the same wallet. You may also want to have a separate purse or wallet for ordinary shopping, to avoid showing your large bills and to minimise damage if it gets stolen. Segregating your methods of payment will protect you should you be robbed. The bulk of your cash and methods of payment should be stored in a concealed, safe location, such as a money belt tucked fully underneath your pants, or tucked away in your first aid kit, toiletry bag or in a hidden pocket in your baggage. Avoid having a bulge show where your currency is. Keep a credit card, ATM card or sufficient cash readily accessible, such as in a front pocket, which is closed by button or preferably with a zipper. Your means of payment should be kept small to avoid potential thieves from seeing a bulge showing where your currency is. === Gifts === In some situations, '''gifts''', especially gifts that are characteristic of your home, may be more useful than money. In some cultures, the exchange of gifts is an important part of business relationships. Small gifts or candy may be a good way to [[Hostess gift|show your appreciation to a host]], or as a friendly overture to the locals. === Smartphone apps === Having a currency conversion smartphone app or a separate calculator helps to get a sense of whether a quoted price in a foreign currency is reasonable and within your budget. The conversion apps often have additional features, such as graphs showing the conversion rate trend. They may be useful for some, but most will want the currency conversion functionality to be as straightforward as possible. Depending on the conversion rate and how used you are to doing maths in your head, the calculator may be needed only in special situations (such as when doing expensive purchases). === Luggage allowance considerations === Leave some room and weight allowance for things you buy when abroad. If you plan a lot of shopping, consider packing one or two folding duffels. You can then put purchases in returning, checked baggage, and soft items displaced by purchases in duffels for carry-on. ==Wear== {{see also|Clothes}} Clothes typically make up most of travellers' baggage. Your strategy depends upon your method of travel. If you're going [[car camping]] in a large caravan, then you probably have room to take a few extras; if you're [[hitchhiking]] or backpacking, then you need to be ruthless about eliminating unnecessary items of clothing. Your purpose in travelling also matters. A business traveller to Asia will probably need multiple dressy outfits, but a young person with the cheapest [[European train pass]] and a list of hostels may not need any, or at least very few. The strategies of layering and versatility are essential for [[wilderness backpacking|wilderness travel]], and they're useful for other kinds as well. Items that you can mix and match and wear in various combinations for various levels of formality and/or warmth are best. For example, khaki slacks can be worn with a dress shirt and jacket for semi-formal situations, or with a t-shirt for sightseeing. A t-shirt, a long-sleeved shirt, and a sweater can be worn individually for hot-to-cool situations, or combined for [[cold weather]]. Especially for women, accessories such as scarves or wraps can turn one outfit into two or three. A sarong can do multiple duties as clothing, beach towel, extra blanket, etc. What you wear may also have an impact on how readily thieves may target you for pick pocketing, which is a consideration in higher crime areas. For instance, if you have pockets that are button closed, or preferably zipper closed, this can make it more challenging for thieves to retrieve valuables from your pockets. The question of "how many?" is a complex formula of how much you want to be prepared vs. how much you want to carry. The more you can determine ahead of time what the weather will be like, where you'll be going, and what you'll be doing, the less "just in case" packing you'll be inclined to do. Factor in (air) travel time and time zones when calculating how much to carry on shorter trips. Packing a tuxedo or evening gown because you're not sure if you'll be going to a formal dinner or not, generally signals that you're over-packing. On the other hand, if there's a pool or beach, you may end up kicking yourself for not bringing a '''swimsuit'''. If you are travelling by air, then you may be able to save time and money by packing as little as possible, so that you can avoid checked luggage. Packing everything into a carry-on bag is more feasible for a smaller traveler making a short, casual visit to a warm place, than for a larger person, a trip with activities requiring multiple kinds of clothes (such as [[wedding travel]]), or when bulky cold-weather clothes are needed. === Footwear === '''Shoes''' are a bulky nuisance to pack, but make sure you bring at least one pair that you'd be comfortable walking around in all day. A pair of '''slippers''', '''sandals''' or '''flip-flops''' provide something else to wear if your shoes start to hurt or get wet. They can also be quite useful for going to and from shared showers, or shared bathrooms in the middle of the night in cheaper accommodation. === Tips for packing clothes === Packing too much or too little can ruin your trip. Make sure you double check the weather, hotel services (e.g., laundry options, whether there will be shampoo or a bathrobe in your hotel room, whether your hostel rents bed sheets), and your list. Make a list about two weeks in advance, because having a plan can save you from last-minute frantic packing. A little advance planning will also give you a chance to wash or dry-clean clothes, and to fix any missing buttons or other small problems before you need to pack. If you will have more than one bag, then think about what items will go in which bags. For example, many experienced air travellers carry all essential medications and also a T-shirt and underwear in their carry-on baggage, in case their checked baggage gets delayed or a cup of coffee gets spilled on the clothes they're wearing during an unexpected moment of air turbulence. All that said, unless you are traveling to a very remote area, you are likely to be able to buy basic toiletries and clothes at your destination. === Laundering clothes === [[File:Single-use sachet of laundry detergent from Sri Lanka.jpg|thumb|204x204px|In developing nations, essentials like laundry detergent are sold in single-serve sachets. Keep this in mind when packing.]] Consider whether you'll be able to do [[laundry]] while there. This can save you from the urge to pack 14 pairs of '''underwear''' and '''socks''' for a two-week trip. Bring a universal sink stopper, and you can do your washing in your bathroom sink if necessary. Keep in mind the type of clothing material you wear can also affect frequency of washes. For instance, wool clothes are odour resistant, which makes it possible to wear clothes such as socks and shirts for two days without laundering being needed to control odour. Airing wool clothes also does wonders. If you have sensitive skin and expect to find a coin-operated washing machine, then consider taking a few portions of your favorite laundry detergent. Liquid and powder detergents can be sealed in bottles like other toiletries, and laundry pods can be secured in a rigid container, such as a screw-top jar or a box inside a zip lock bag. Laundry detergent sheets are a very compact and light way of washing small amounts of laundry, such as in a sink or during camping. Alternatively, single-use sachets of laundry liquid are often sold at corner stores in developing countries and in tourist zones. The resulting rubbish is an environmental problem, but the single-serves are very convenient for travellers! === Insect protection === Consider applying '''waterproofing compound''', and/or [[Pests#Permethrin-treated fabrics|permethrin]] against insects and ticks, to clothing or baggage before you leave. In general, you should not carry these; aerosols are not allowed on planes, and you don't want extra weight. However, blasting your hat, jacket or canvas baggage before going may be quite helpful. === Extra lightweight === Sometimes buying new clothes can be cheaper and easier than laundry. Find any clothing you have that is almost worn out, wear it to start your journey, and discard it when it gets dirty. If you don't need to look nice or plan to do anything wet or dirty, then a four-week trip can be managed with two pairs of jeans, discarding the old pair and wearing the new after two weeks. If the climate isn't too muggy, then T-shirts, thin socks, and underwear can be rinsed at night and put back on just slightly damp the next morning. Some companies make extended-wear underwear, which is good for the long-term traveller. You only have to buy one or two, and then wash them in the sink every night – they are quick to dry and antimicrobial, so you'll save a lot of room and stench. Put socks on around 20 minutes before your shoes to give them a chance to dry fully from body heat. Pajamas are optional if you're not staying in dorm rooms. Even if you need clothes to sleep in for warmth or modesty, you can sleep in a T-shirt and comfortable shorts or pants, rather than bringing something that can only be worn to bed (in cold climates with cool bedrooms, use long underwear instead). It really is possible to travel with nothing but the clothes on your back if you want, and it opens up a whole new world of travel, particularly at a destination where it isn't too cold. No need to find lockers, and sightseeing right from the bus station or airport. Walking and the local bus become easy options. Just be prepared for some quizzical looks at customs and immigration. ===Workwear=== If you travel for work and will be wearing (something akin to) a uniform, ask yourself how much time you'll actually spend out of uniform and limit your personal clothes accordingly. ==See and do== === Power supplies === Bring '''battery chargers''' and travel '''power adapters''' for any [[Electrical systems|electrical device]] you may use. Be sure to check the correct voltage and frequency is available in your destination. If you are driving, bring a power adapter that plugs into the car's cigarette lighter socket. Adapters providing USB power outlets are small and lightweight. === Photography and videos === You'll probably want to bring a '''camera''', along with sufficient storage and batteries, unless you're satisfied with your mobile phone's camera app. See [[Travel photography]] for more on this topic. Consider whether you are willing to take the risk losing your photos and videos, such as due to theft or damage to electronics. Risk of losing these recordings of your trip can be reduce by bringing backup up storage media or setting up for your photos and videos to be automatically uploaded to a cloud service. === Other gear to pack === Beyond that, what other kind of '''gear''' you'll need to pack depends on where you're going and what you're doing there. Snorkel and flippers? Caribiners and rope? Golf clubs? Snow skis? If your trip is focused on an equipment heavy activity like skiing or scuba diving, you may want to take your own equipment along, or depending on your destination and facilities there, have no choice about bringing it along. Finding an '''activity specific packing list''' and using it as a reference is a good way to make sure that you don't forget something crucial. For some activities you may even want to pack spares of some equipment: scuba divers sometimes prepare a "save a dive" kit with spare masks and fin straps so that the failure of a small bit of equipment doesn't mean skipping a day's diving. === Pack gear or rent it? === Depending on the activity and your destination, the alternative may be to use '''hire equipment'''. The decision to hire or buy depends partly on your activity: hiking boots and wetsuits, for example, often need to fit their wearer well to be effective. It's also partly based on expense and convenience. Buying equipment is typically a big one-off cost and ongoing maintenance might be required. However, renting is usually more expensive over the long run if you are a regular participant. The final consideration is the size and weight of your baggage, particularly if you are flying. Packing both your equipment and day-to-day essentials might put you over the airlines' free baggage limit, fragile equipment can be damaged when transported in baggage holds and sometimes there is a separate surcharge for either sporting equipment or large and difficult to handle baggage. See the various articles under [[Travel activities]] for more about this. [[File:Hostel night playing time.jpg|thumb|153x153px|A game of cards in a hostel in Tamil Nadu]] === Time fillers === Bring some amusements for long waits and journeys. Bring stuff you enjoy, that passes the time, or that helps you get to sleep. Load up your phone with '''music''' before you go travelling. Streaming services like Spotify or Netflix allow you to download music and movies to watch offline. You may prefer to bring cheap corded headphones instead of expensive and easily-lost wireless headphones. Another benefit of corded headphones is that the plugged-in cord can act as an antenna for mobile phone '''radio''' apps. These apps are commonly included with mobile phones and can provide music, news, weather reports, emergency broadcasts, and more—freely available over the radio. '''Books''' '''and magazines''' never run out of battery, and are great entertainment on buses, planes, boats and lazy days. But they are heavier than an mp3 player. For long trips, pick ones you won't mind giving away when you finish them. You can swap them with other travellers, "leave one, take one" at a hostel or B&B, or even stop by a used book store along the way. An '''e-book reader''' (e.g. Kindle, Nook) lets you bring your entire library, provided you can charge it every other week. Electronic '''games''', can amuse kids or adults for hours. Bring along a pack of cards for when the batteries are dead, and all else fails. Some board games are available in special travel editions adapted to be played in close quarters or on moving vehicles. Vietnam Red Ant Joint Stock Company is a prestigious unit in Vietnam specializing in providing professional packaging solutions for international shipping, serving manufacturing, exporting and trading enterprises in various fields such as mechanics, electronics, medical equipment, food, agricultural products, industrial supplies and special goods. With the motto "Standard packaging - Safe delivery - Global integration", Red Ant is committed to providing international standard packaging services, helping Vietnamese goods conquer demanding markets such as Europe, America, Japan, Korea, China... Packaging is an important step that determines the safety and integrity of goods during long-distance transportation by road, sea or air. Understanding that, Red Ant provides optimized packaging solutions for each type of goods and transportation conditions, including: [https://dongkiengo.com/dong-thung-go/ đóng kiện gỗ], wooden pallets according to [[ISPM 15]] standards, vacuum packaging, industrial shrink wrapping, using air bags, moisture-proof paper, shock-proof materials and specialized shaping methods for high-value, fragile or highly technical goods. ==Eat and drink== {{see also|Camping food|Outdoor cooking}} Traveling usually involves a fair amount of sitting and waiting and time spent in transit. Packing '''[[water]]''' and some '''[[food|snacks]]''' will make those times go more comfortably. Even if refreshments will be available, they're often overpriced for travelers. === Drinks === ==== At airports ==== But beware security restrictions on more than 100 ml (3.4 fl. oz.) of any liquid at most airports; you'll just need to empty the bottle outside the security checkpoint, then fill it back up again at a water fountain or sink airside. A '''foldable waterbottle''' is considered by many to be a worthwhile purchase. ==== Other considerations ==== Some travelers carry a kettle and tea or coffee. You can also get a compact water heater that boils a glass or mug of water. Be aware of electrical requirements where you are going. === Food === ==== Crossing borders ==== Keep in mind that if traveling internationally, some snacks may not be permitted by the country that you are entering, such as fruits, seeds, and meats. In some countries, such as [[Australia]] there are also restrictions on taking certain types of fresh fruit between certain states. ==== Other considerations ==== For suggestions about packing food for places where you have to bring your own breakfast, see [[Packing for a week of hiking]]. See [[outdoor cooking]] for portable cooking equipment.[[File:Spork01.jpg|250px|thumbnail|Packing a small plastic spork allows you to tackle any snack or meal you buy at a supermarket]] === Utensils and other supplies === If traveling to developing countries, consider bringing re-usable utensils, as those might not be provided at some places, such as if you are buying street food. If you pack some utensils, such as bottles, cups, bowls, spoons and knives, you will much easier be able to make your snacks and even some meals yourself, instead of always resorting to restaurants and ready-made packages. This will be cheaper and [[Ecotourism|easier on the environment]]. Aim for light but reusable equipment. Sometimes washing the dishes may be awkward or impossible, so some disposable ones can still come handy. ==Stay safe== [[File:Jack Wolfskin money belt - brown.JPG|thumb|A money belt to protect your valuables is a very good idea.]] A '''money belt''' or passport pouch to protect your valuables is a very good idea, ideally with RFID blocking built in to prevent identify theft. See destination articles for information on local risks, and the [[pickpockets]] and [[crime]] articles for more on avoiding [[theft]]s. Don't be lazy and wear your money belt outside of your clothing. In some areas it ''will'' get stolen. A '''baggage lock''' to seal checked bags may be a good idea. But for travel in the US, use a lock approved by [https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening TSA]; they have master keys for these locks, and with any other lock, airport security will ''cut it off'' if they decide to look in your bag. A number of companies make '''Pack Safes''', which are basically a wire mesh, secured by a padlock, that can enclose your backpack or suitcase and attach it to a solid object (chair, bed, etc.) so that prying eyes and fingers cannot remove items from your baggage without a bolt-cutter or your keys. Their weight is not insignificant (about half a kilogram) but worth it on some voyages. They are good for when you have to leave your bags unattended, i.e. in bus baggage holds, dormitory rooms, ferries and when you need to go to the bathroom. Don't leave your bag locked up and unattended in a bus stop or a train station, or airport where security is high, as it may be opened with an explosive charge by the local bomb disposal unit. They are efficient, if you keep them on throughout your journey, as opposed to taking them on and off. They are designed not to get tangled. Make sure they fit well, try it on to your bag before purchase, and put on a waterproof underneath for extra protection. You probably won't ever need the address and phone number for your [[diplomatic missions|embassy or consulate]], but if you do &mdash; for example, if your passport is stolen or you are arrested for some real or bogus offense &mdash; you'll be glad you had them with you. Phone numbers for family at home are also good to have, just in case. The numbers of your charge cards and travellers cheques, stored separately from the cheques themselves, can be vital if you need to phone the issuer to report a [[theft]]. Most travelers will sensibly avoid areas where armed conflicts are in progress. For those who must go, see [[War zone safety]]. It is a good idea to check with your local foreign affairs department for any travel warnings to areas you may be visiting. Things may have changed since you were last there. ==Stay healthy== If you have '''[[travel insurance]]''' &mdash; and travel insurance covering at least medical expenses and evacuation home is highly recommended for travelers who are going to be outside the realm of their country of residence's healthcare and insurance arrangements &mdash; you should carry a copy of your policy details and the insurer's contact details with you. In some countries, it is difficult to obtain medical care without being able to demonstrate adequate insurance. You don't want to sacrifice [[personal hygiene]], but some compromises from your usual assortment of personal care products might help. Your hotel may or may not provide soap and shampoo. Of course you'll probably want to have your own '''toothbrush''' (or a travel toothbrush), '''deodorant''', '''shaving gear''' (if applicable), and '''tampons/pads''' (if applicable), but it may be easier to purchase some of these at your destination, especially if your trip is a long one. A travel-sized roll-on deodorant is very useful. If you bring toothpaste, shampoo etc., bring a smaller package or one half-empty. Think about what items can be shared within your party. Women may want to consider a reusable alternative to tampons, such as a menstrual cup or sponge. Tampons can be scarce outside of shops catering to tourists in countries in Asia, South America, and Africa. Some public toilets do not supply '''toilet paper''', so it's a good idea to keep tissues on you at all times. Beware that you cannot carry on containers larger than 100 ml (3.4 fl. oz.) of any gel or liquid in carry-on bags on many airlines, and there is a limit to the total volume of those containers that are allowed, such as in Canada, where all of those gels and liquid containers must fit in a single transparent bag capable of holding 1 litre size bag (such bags will are <u>unable to hold</u> anywhere near 10 items of 100 ml size). Aerosol cans are often [https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/deodorant-aerosol restricted or banned]. Put larger cosmetics in your checked baggage; get travel-sized versions of anything you actually intend to use while on a plane, inside the airport's secure zone, or would miss if you were delayed overnight, such as '''saline solution''' for '''contact lenses'''. Consider whether it would be more convenient to buy cosmetics after you arrive, versus spending more time enjoying your destination. A bottle of no-wash '''hand sanitizer''' or wipes can come in handy, no matter where you travel. If you're going to be outdoors much, '''sunglasses''', '''sun-screen''', '''lip balm''', and other skin-care products are important in more places than not. '''Insect repellent''' is very handy in many places, especially tropical countries with [[mosquito]]-borne diseases such as [[malaria]], [[Dengue fever|dengue]], and [[zika virus|zika]]. Some countries require '''face''' '''masks''' to be worn when traveling on some modes of transportation within the country or internationally. A copy of your '''eyeglasses''' prescription might come in handy should you break or lose your glasses or contacts, but a backup pair would be faster, and there's no better way to ruin a trip than not being able to see anything. If your destination is a low-cost country, then it may make sense to bring the prescription and buy a new pair there. In particular, a pair of prescription sunglasses are useful on many holiday trips. ===First-aid kit=== Consider a small [[travel health kit]] with adhesive bandages, anti-bacterial cream, etc. In some countries it may be advisable to carry a more '''comprehensive first aid kit''', including hypodermic needles, wound dressings, etc. Ideally talk to your local travel doctor or family doctor about what you may or may not need before you go. ===Medications=== {{see also|Medications}} If you take any '''medications''', take personal supplies of them, as they may be in short supply or difficult to obtain during certain hours, but resist the urge to re-package them for travel across borders; keeping them in their original packages, with copies of prescriptions, will save you from hassles (or worse) from customs & immigration. (Also, make sure they're ''legal'' where you're going.) Pain relievers, anti-diarrheal medicines, etc. may come in handy, but keep in mind that they can also be purchased most places during normal store hours. If you have any medical conditions, including allergies, then keep that information on you; med-alert tags will be recognized in most places. If you are traveling to any developing countries, obtaining antibiotics to take with you on the trip may be helpful in the event you develop significant food poisoning. If you are going to the tropics, see also [[tropical diseases]]. ==Other== *'''Odor eliminator''' – for long trips, if laundry will just not be all that convenient *'''Portable clothesline''' – for drying clothes in bathrooms *'''Good quality sports bra''' – even designer stores in third-world countries often have export surplus and thereby bad quality. Considering the number of potholes you'll encounter, it is a good idea to have one. *'''Energy bars''' – especially useful for hikes and as backup. Did your flight get delayed for hours? Are you jet-lagged and hungry in the middle of the night, with no restaurants open? Food, especially substantial food, is not always available when you want it, especially when you're on foot. *'''Toilet paper''' – if [[toilets]] at your destination might not provide it. Alternatively, a '''travel-size pack of tissues''' may be handy for many things, including as an emergency substitute for toilet paper. *'''Batteries''' – prefer brand name alkaline batteries. Cheap or fake batteries are often carbon-zinc and do not last long. *'''Mosquito repellent with DEET''' – over 30% DEET is poisonous and not needed, as the effect against mosquitoes does not increase after that. *'''Sunscreen''' – Good quality sunscreen should have zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in the ingredients. Paradoxically it can be next to impossible to get, of low quality and/or expensive in many tropical and subtropical countries in addition to sometimes being past the best before date. *'''Carabiners''' – Metal loops with a sprung or screwed gate. Often useful for clipping things together. The cheapest ones cost about a dollar, but do not use these cheapies for actual mountain climbing! *'''Anti-itch cream''' – often not available except in herbal form. *'''Ear plugs''' are useful when you're trying to sleep in a very noisy location, e.g., flying. If you fly often, consider buying good, noise-canceling headphones. Note that using ear plugs can be dangerous in some circumstances, e.g., if a fire alarm goes off and everyone except you evacuates the building. *An '''eye mask''' is good for those who need darkness to sleep * '''Alarm clocks''' are perhaps less necessary these days as cell phones and watches tend to have built-in alarms. But don't rely on early morning calls from your hotel to make that unmissable flight. * A '''utility [[knife]]''' for outdoor life; not recommended for city-life, though. ==Connect== Bringing a '''[[mobile telephones|mobile phone]]''' along makes perfect sense, but check to see whether the place you're going has a compatible network, and that either your service provider offers roaming there or that your phone would be compatible with a local prepaid service. Obtaining a local mobile phone plan in the country where you are traveling may save you for exorbitant charges that may be charged for roaming using your country's mobile phone service provider. Even if you don't intend roaming, you can usually use your phone for emergency calls should the need arise – if it is compatible. Phone '''cards''' and/or numbers for "collect" calling may be more practical, or even buying a local phone along with a prepaid service. If you bring your own phone, don't forget your charger and checking its [[electrical systems|electric compatibility]]. See also [[Telephone service]]. You may want to bring along a '''laptop''' or '''tablet''' to [[Internet access|get online]]. Remember to carry a [[electrical systems|plug adapter]] if you need one. Free wifi is common in hotels, cafes, shopping centres and even on the street in major cities. ==See also== * [[Packing for a cruise]] * [[Packing for a week of hiking]] * [[Packing for beach travel]] * [[Travel basics]] {{related|Packing_for_a_week_of_hiking}} {{related|Packing_for_a_cruise}} {{related|Tips_for_travel_in_developing_countries}} {{related|First_aid_kit_for_travellers}} {{PartOfTopic|Equipment}} {{usabletopic}} mbpk4e1mm3yhto0h1bp5yvwn38aw9mu 5086608 5086602 2025-07-02T12:59:18Z Ibaman 195012 Reverted edits by [[Special:Contributions/2001:EE0:41A1:626:D9D6:BD4F:6DBE:B807|2001:EE0:41A1:626:D9D6:BD4F:6DBE:B807]] ([[User talk:2001:EE0:41A1:626:D9D6:BD4F:6DBE:B807|talk]]) to last version by [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] 5081597 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Packing_list_Wikivoyage_banner_2.jpg}} Even the most experienced travellers tend to leave something they need behind every trip. On the other hand, people often carry too much. A '''packing list''' can help make sure you have everything you will need while you are travelling and at your destination. It can also be a reassuring checklist just prior to departing, and if you are missing anything you will need, you can figure that out while you still have time to buy it. ==Understand== [[File:Holiday Packing List - Packing Luggage for Vacation.jpg|thumb|A packing list is useful.]] A single list can apply to many trips; when you make one, keep a copy of it for your next trip. Add the stuff you forgot when you get home, and delete the stuff that you took and never used. You can end up with a useful personalized document that will save you time and stress when you need it most. If you need to make an insurance claim for lost luggage, then the packing list can remind you of what you took, and what you need to claim for. This article will walk through the process of building your own packing lists for your own travel plans, hopefully with useful suggestions for things you might not have thought of. ===Getting started=== '''Understand your destination''', and focus on what you will need and what ''not'' to take. Do you really need an umbrella? Would a broad-brimmed hat do as well? What does the umbrella weigh, how much space does it take up, will it be a problem at airport security, and could you just buy one at your destination if it rains? Will you be '''[[shopping]]?''' If it's likely, consider packing a duffel or folding bag. Use it as carry-on on your return flight for purchases or for holding what's displaced in your checked baggage by purchases. You might also want a compact, re-usable shopping bag, as shopping bags are not free in many places, and may not be available at all in some settings. It can also help to specify '''which bag each item will go in''', to better judge whether you'll be able to pack everything in the bags you plan to use. If you're traveling by air, this will also help you think about what you want to carry on board and what you want to check. It's easy to overpack and lug around items you don't need, while underestimating how much money it takes to live, shop, and eat away from home. One common bit of advice, perhaps a bit over-stated but with at least a grain of truth: : When packing, figure out what clothes and money you expect to need. : Then take '''''half'' the clothes''' and '''''twice'' the money'''. If you're planning a major trip, especially one a bit off the beaten path, it's worth taking an hour or two to '''browse at an expedition store or website''', just seeing what's available. Even though their main goal is to sell you things whether you need them or not, it will at least give you some idea of what (some) others are buying for ''their'' travels. '''Understand the weight and size restrictions''' on the various forms of transport you are using. Trains, buses and ships are usually more generous than aircraft (see [[flight baggage]]), but they may still charge fees based on weight or size. Plane excess baggage fees can be very steep, or they can even refuse to carry your baggage on that flight. If you have to pack wet towels or jeans and you are on the weight threshold, these can easily push you over the limit. Allow just a little headroom. Check restrictions for all legs of your journey. They vary between companies, and small aircraft may have different rules than the same company's long-haul ones. If you have your own car or boat, their luggage capacity may seem nearly limitless, but depending on the size of your party and the length of your trip, you might in fact need every cubic inch of space you can get and you might wish to consider whether space to stretch out or more luggage is more of a priority for you. Limiting yourself also forces you to think about every item, which often means you know what you have and where to find it; packing anything you might need may result in your not using half of them and your using more time to search for things packed away somewhere. Many consumables are sold at sizes much larger than you'd need on a one-week voyage. Reserve a toothpaste tube, a toilet paper roll, etc., that have a suitable amount left, instead of buying and packing a full one. You may have travel-sized bottles and boxes for shampoo, soap and detergent, which may come handy if you aren't staying in proper hotels and using laundry services. In addition to restrictions on how much you can carry, there are things you may not carry at all, or with severe specific restrictions. Liquids and batteries are treated very seriously when flying, products that may carry invasive species or diseases are often restricted at borders and pets, products from endangered species, antiques, drugs and weapons are other examples. See [[Border crossing#Customs]], [[Shopping#Restrictions]] and the country articles for some discussion. ==Baggage== {{main|Baggage}} Choosing a suitcase, backpack or some other bag is a decision in itself, see [[Baggage]] for a discussion. Adding labels inside and outside of luggage can help you identify your luggage at baggage claim and can help if the luggage is lost in transit. Adding something unique to the outside of the bag (e.g. an accessory) can help distinguish common looking luggage when retrieving it from baggage claim. === Organizing items in baggage === [[File:FRA — collectivité de Corse — département Corse-du-Nord — Saint-Florent — Route de la cathédrale (luggage organizers) — Mattes 2024-05-12.jpg|thumb|luggage organizers]] Use '''packing cubes''' or '''bags''' to make packing easier, especially if you are backpacking or going to multiple destinations, and have to re-pack constantly. They can be labeled, and they are often color-coded, so different items can go in and out of different sacks (sleepwear, hiking boots, swimwear, or clothes for Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday). Packing in cubes or bags is easier and more organized than stuffing everything into your main bag. Also on a long trip, these sacks will keep odor, dust, and damp from spreading to all your stuff. Three to five plastic bags that hold about 4 L (1 US gallon) each typify what's usable. Another version of these is the compressible air-tight sacks, from which one can squeeze all the air from clothing items. These use less space (''not less weight''). === Pack expecting complications === Recognize that if you take transport and have to check baggage in, it may be delayed or may not reach your destination at all. Identify what you can least afford to lose or not have when you arrive, and carry that with you on rather than checking it in. Things that are high priority to keep with you include: * Identification * Means of purchasing (cash, credit card) * Medicines and medical devices (including corrective eyewear) * Electronics * Clothing you need before you can reach a shop (especially if going to a climate where what you are wearing isn't adequate) ==Get in== === Tickets and itinerary === If you're traveling by plane, train, bus or ferry, then don't forget to bring your '''tickets''', or organize e-tickets. A printed copy of your '''itinerary''' is useful both for your personal reference and to confirm to officials that your stated travel plans are legit. === Identity documents === {{see also|Border crossing}} If you're leaving your home country, there's a good chance you'll need to bring your '''[[passport]]''' or at least some government-issued proof of your identity and citizenship. For some countries, you will need to obtain a '''[[visa]]''' in advance. Extra passport-style photos may come in handy for documents or passes you may purchase along the way. If you are younger and planning to go into clubs or bars or to buy tobacco, then ID may be required in some countries. Bringing your driver's license minimizes the need to carry your passport, and therefore reduces the potential for theft or loss. Beware that in some countries, such as [[New Zealand]], only specified forms of ID can be used as proof of age, and your international driver's license may not cut it. If you are travelling internationally, immigration officials will sometimes want to check the legitimacy of your plans. If you're paying for accommodation, make sure you have made a reservation for at least your first night and carry '''contact details''' for your place of accommodation. If staying in a private home, have the name, address and phone number of your hosts, and make sure that they are aware of your name and your exact date of arrival, because immigration officials may call them if they doubt your plans. If you can't provide details of where you're staying or your host isn't aware that you're coming, you may be refused entry to some countries. Some travellers may also need '''a letter of invitation''' to present to officials; check with the issuer of your visa, if any. If you are entering another country as a visitor on a visa that forbids you to seek employment, then '''leave out''' anything that might make it look like you want to find a new job. For example, leave your appointment diary at home if you would be embarrassed for the immigration authorities to read it. If you are [[business travel|traveling for business purposes]], then take what you need for work, but be prepared to explain that you are traveling for your existing job (e.g., for a sales meeting) rather than seeking work. If you are traveling with a child, you may need additional documentation to prove that you're their legal guardian, such as their '''birth certificate'''. If the other parent isn't traveling with you (and especially if you and the child have different last names), authorities might suspect that you're trying to take the child out of the country without authorization; proof of custody and written permission from any other legal guardians may help you avoid a hassle. See also [[Travelling with children]] for children's documentation requirements. '''Membership cards''' can be useful: e.g. International Student Identification Card, Hosteling International, your automobile club; frequent-flyer, hotel, car rental or other "loyalty" cards. It's a good idea to have '''copies''' of all important documents in case of loss. You can carry photocopies (separately of course) and keep electronic copies in your webmail account inbox, in an online storage folder, or in a pocket memory stick, to print if needed. It is also advisable to leave copies with someone responsible at home, just in case you lose everything. ==Get around== === Driver license === If you're planning to drive at your destination, a driver's license will be needed and you may need an international driving permit as well. If you are bringing your own vehicle, you may need a [[Carnet de Passage]] to get it through customs. Both the IDP and the carnet are obtained from the [[automobile association]] in your own country. === Guidebooks === The most adventurous free spirits may eschew them, but odds are if you're reading this, you're the sort who values a guidebook. To bring down the weight, instead of carrying dead tree, you might want to download digital versions. Wikivoyage articles can be downloaded as such, as PDF, combined to a PDF book or downloaded through a tailored app. Options for the latter include the Kiwix's free [[Wikivoyage:Kiwix|Wikivoyage offline app]] or the paid [https://osmand.net OsmAnd] app. A less storage intensive option is to use the '''web browser''' on your smartphone, but this means you have downloaded the pages in advance, have access to Wi-Fi or can afford using mobile data. Some web browsers (including Firefox) can be used in off-line mode, still giving access to pages in the cache when tell them not to fetch anything. If you're already bringing a '''laptop''', saving pages and maps to your hard drive (in case you lose power) won't add any weight, but can be a convenient way to find pre-screened attractions and services on the fly. Alternatively, just read it as needed in '''[[Internet access|Internet cafés]]''', and perhaps add your new discoveries to Wikivoyage while you're there. === [[Navigation]] === ==== Smartphone apps ==== Being able to determine where you are and where you are going are critical when traveling somewhere that you are not very familiar with. It can also help to verify that a hired ride is taking you in the most efficient way to your destination. Most smartphones include some form of GPS and enough space to download some form of map (options include an OpenStreetMap-based app, such as the free [https://maps.me Maps.me] app or the paid [https://osmand.net OsmAnd] app, or an app such as Google Maps). Saving an offline copy of maps on the device before departure saves on mobile data use while traveling and avoids losing map access in areas without mobile coverage. Be sure to review your data plan before you leave (in case you need to change it to avoid ridiculous pricing), and be aware of the limitations of the web browsers in non-smartphones: some feature phones are pretty much limited to "mobile" versions of web sites, and might not display graphics. If you're using a commercially printed book, cutting out the pages for the places you'll be going cuts down on the size and weight. You may be able to buy '''maps''' more easily when you get to your destination, but if you don't read the local script, it's probably best to buy one at home. ==== Other navigation tools ==== Consider bringing a '''compass''', or even a '''[[GPS navigation|GPS receiver]]''', especially if you're going someplace without a grid of city streets. Find a compass suitable to your destination's latitude. Most manufacturers balance their compass needles for one of five zones (ranging from Zone 1, covering most of the Northern Hemisphere, to Zone 5, covering Australia and the southern oceans). The needle may drag or stick on other zones. There are also more expensive multi-zone or global compasses that function correctly everywhere. ==== Ride hailing ==== If you plan on using ride hailing services, identify which apps service your destination, and download those before traveling to that destination. Check for updates shortly before departure. === Flashlight === A keychain-size flashlight (torch) can be handy, or an app that turns your smartphone into a surrogate. Flashlights can also be useful when camping – or just to find your bed: blackouts may be more common than you're used to. In some regions, they are virtually guaranteed. However, your smartphone battery isn't made to provide flashlight power and may be drained rapidly. If you need the light more than sporadically, a real flashlight may be better. === Battery backup === If you expect to be heavily using your smartphone during your trip without being able to regularly plug it in to an electrical outlet, consider bringing a power bank that will allow you to charge your smartphone and other devices. For extended voyages, you may want to also consider solar power or a dynamo. Check the capacity of whatever you plan on carrying: most easily carried solar panels (despite the nominal figures perhaps telling otherwise) will suffice only for very modest device use, and small power banks have less capacity than your device's own battery. If you are planning to fly with one or more of these, make sure that none of them exceed battery capacity limits (usually around 100 Watt-hours) and only pack them into carry-ons. An overheating battery that catches fire may be terrifying in the cabin, but even more so when it is out of sight in the baggage hold. Remember where you put them, in case you're asked to gate-check that bag. ==Talk== {{see also|Talk}} Being able to communicate is critical when you are in foreign countries where the locals do not speak your language, when you need to get directions, ask for something or make a booking. Studying the language can be a great use of your time during transportation and may attract the sympathy of local passengers. Popular flashcard apps have decks for all major languages, including pronunciation. You may also want to bring physical flashcards, a travel dictionary or other aids. If you know the basics, comics or an easily-read (light) book may be useful. ''The Adventures of Asterix'' by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo, the most widely translated comic book, is available in more than 100 languages. Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's ''The Little Prince'', A.A. Milne's ''Winnie-the-Pooh'', and many fairy tales are also widely available and don't use too many specialized words (unlike, say, J.K. Rowling's ''Harry Potter'' series, which is also available in dozens of languages). === Learning in advance === If you know that the trip is coming up months before your departure, try to learn a little of the local language. Even as little as being able to say "thank you" and to read simple signs saying "enter" or "exit" will help. You may be able to find a class at your local college or community program. Your local public library should either have books and other resources, especially if you are interested in a popular language like Spanish, French, Japanese, Korean, or German, or they should be able to tell you where to look next. Apps such as Duolingo, Babbel, and Rosetta Stone are popular, and some are free. They may be easier for people who are brushing up on a rusty language than for someone starting on their first-ever foreign language. === Translation apps === If you have a smartphone, downloading a translation app will likely be the easiest way to overcome communication challenges, unless you start to learn the local language. As you may be roaming with your smartphone, before traveling to your destination, it is best to download an offline copy of the local language(s), if available for your app. '''Google Translate''' and Apple's '''Translate''' (iOS only) for some languages, allow downloading options to allow offline translation of some language (Google Translate for many more languages than Apple's Translate). With a translate app, you can enter in what you want to say, and as necessary, you can arrange for whom you are speaking to provide more complex replies by typing in their response in your smartphone. The above apps also work with your phone's camera: if you take a photo of the text to translate, the app will instantly translate any text it can detect. The quality of the translation varies between languages, and even for well-supported languages, the translation is sometimes messed up. At times it will just be funny or unintelligible, but sometimes it may be seriously misleading. You can reduce this problem by using short, simple sentences. Make sure that the other person understands the context and try to confirm critical answers by using different synonymous wordings. === Phrasebook === If you do not speak the language, a '''[[List of phrasebooks|phrasebook]]''' may range from essential to a nice courtesy. Even if you're sure that someone there will understand you, they'll ''appreciate'' you if you take the trouble to use some of their language. The pronunciation of some languages can also be learned pretty fast, and will help you understand whether you are in the right bus, or whether that dish is the one you ordered. If the language is in an unfamiliar script or if pronunciation follows some logic notably different from the one you are used to (highly likely if you are an English speaker), try to at least learn the basic rules for the most critical elements. In many languages that would be vowels and most common consonants, but e.g. for Arabic, the consonants matter more, and for Chinese you should learn the tones. Having a clearer relation between what is on paper and what can be heard not only eases understanding and communication, it is also inherently satisfying. Unfortunately, for many languages, phrasebooks aren't readily available. ==Buy== [[File:Laundry receipt Oaxaca.jpg|thumb|In many countries, full-service laundromats are good value (this bill is for US$3)]] === Payment methods === {{main|Money}} The three main options for carrying money are '''cash''', '''credit cards''' and '''ATM cards'''. Travelers cheques used to be one main option, but nowadays it may be hard to find places where they are accepted. The best way to access cash is usually through an ATM, but make sure to take some spare cash, also in small denominations. Coins may be necessary for e.g. laundry machines. How much cash to carry depends on the country; in some countries nearly all payments can be done by card. Consider having two or more debit or credit cards, so that if one is lost or stolen, or stops working, you still have access to payment. Don't carry them in the same wallet. You may also want to have a separate purse or wallet for ordinary shopping, to avoid showing your large bills and to minimise damage if it gets stolen. Segregating your methods of payment will protect you should you be robbed. The bulk of your cash and methods of payment should be stored in a concealed, safe location, such as a money belt tucked fully underneath your pants, or tucked away in your first aid kit, toiletry bag or in a hidden pocket in your baggage. Avoid having a bulge show where your currency is. Keep a credit card, ATM card or sufficient cash readily accessible, such as in a front pocket, which is closed by button or preferably with a zipper. Your means of payment should be kept small to avoid potential thieves from seeing a bulge showing where your currency is. === Gifts === In some situations, '''gifts''', especially gifts that are characteristic of your home, may be more useful than money. In some cultures, the exchange of gifts is an important part of business relationships. Small gifts or candy may be a good way to [[Hostess gift|show your appreciation to a host]], or as a friendly overture to the locals. === Smartphone apps === Having a currency conversion smartphone app or a separate calculator helps to get a sense of whether a quoted price in a foreign currency is reasonable and within your budget. The conversion apps often have additional features, such as graphs showing the conversion rate trend. They may be useful for some, but most will want the currency conversion functionality to be as straightforward as possible. Depending on the conversion rate and how used you are to doing maths in your head, the calculator may be needed only in special situations (such as when doing expensive purchases). === Luggage allowance considerations === Leave some room and weight allowance for things you buy when abroad. If you plan a lot of shopping, consider packing one or two folding duffels. You can then put purchases in returning, checked baggage, and soft items displaced by purchases in duffels for carry-on. ==Wear== {{see also|Clothes}} Clothes typically make up most of travellers' baggage. Your strategy depends upon your method of travel. If you're going [[car camping]] in a large caravan, then you probably have room to take a few extras; if you're [[hitchhiking]] or backpacking, then you need to be ruthless about eliminating unnecessary items of clothing. Your purpose in travelling also matters. A business traveller to Asia will probably need multiple dressy outfits, but a young person with the cheapest [[European train pass]] and a list of hostels may not need any, or at least very few. The strategies of layering and versatility are essential for [[wilderness backpacking|wilderness travel]], and they're useful for other kinds as well. Items that you can mix and match and wear in various combinations for various levels of formality and/or warmth are best. For example, khaki slacks can be worn with a dress shirt and jacket for semi-formal situations, or with a t-shirt for sightseeing. A t-shirt, a long-sleeved shirt, and a sweater can be worn individually for hot-to-cool situations, or combined for [[cold weather]]. Especially for women, accessories such as scarves or wraps can turn one outfit into two or three. A sarong can do multiple duties as clothing, beach towel, extra blanket, etc. What you wear may also have an impact on how readily thieves may target you for pick pocketing, which is a consideration in higher crime areas. For instance, if you have pockets that are button closed, or preferably zipper closed, this can make it more challenging for thieves to retrieve valuables from your pockets. The question of "how many?" is a complex formula of how much you want to be prepared vs. how much you want to carry. The more you can determine ahead of time what the weather will be like, where you'll be going, and what you'll be doing, the less "just in case" packing you'll be inclined to do. Factor in (air) travel time and time zones when calculating how much to carry on shorter trips. Packing a tuxedo or evening gown because you're not sure if you'll be going to a formal dinner or not, generally signals that you're over-packing. On the other hand, if there's a pool or beach, you may end up kicking yourself for not bringing a '''swimsuit'''. If you are travelling by air, then you may be able to save time and money by packing as little as possible, so that you can avoid checked luggage. Packing everything into a carry-on bag is more feasible for a smaller traveler making a short, casual visit to a warm place, than for a larger person, a trip with activities requiring multiple kinds of clothes (such as [[wedding travel]]), or when bulky cold-weather clothes are needed. === Footwear === '''Shoes''' are a bulky nuisance to pack, but make sure you bring at least one pair that you'd be comfortable walking around in all day. A pair of '''slippers''', '''sandals''' or '''flip-flops''' provide something else to wear if your shoes start to hurt or get wet. They can also be quite useful for going to and from shared showers, or shared bathrooms in the middle of the night in cheaper accommodation. === Tips for packing clothes === Packing too much or too little can ruin your trip. Make sure you double check the weather, hotel services (e.g., laundry options, whether there will be shampoo or a bathrobe in your hotel room, whether your hostel rents bed sheets), and your list. Make a list about two weeks in advance, because having a plan can save you from last-minute frantic packing. A little advance planning will also give you a chance to wash or dry-clean clothes, and to fix any missing buttons or other small problems before you need to pack. If you will have more than one bag, then think about what items will go in which bags. For example, many experienced air travellers carry all essential medications and also a T-shirt and underwear in their carry-on baggage, in case their checked baggage gets delayed or a cup of coffee gets spilled on the clothes they're wearing during an unexpected moment of air turbulence. All that said, unless you are traveling to a very remote area, you are likely to be able to buy basic toiletries and clothes at your destination. === Laundering clothes === [[File:Single-use sachet of laundry detergent from Sri Lanka.jpg|thumb|204x204px|In developing nations, essentials like laundry detergent are sold in single-serve sachets. Keep this in mind when packing.]] Consider whether you'll be able to do [[laundry]] while there. This can save you from the urge to pack 14 pairs of '''underwear''' and '''socks''' for a two-week trip. Bring a universal sink stopper, and you can do your washing in your bathroom sink if necessary. Keep in mind the type of clothing material you wear can also affect frequency of washes. For instance, wool clothes are odour resistant, which makes it possible to wear clothes such as socks and shirts for two days without laundering being needed to control odour. Airing wool clothes also does wonders. If you have sensitive skin and expect to find a coin-operated washing machine, then consider taking a few portions of your favorite laundry detergent. Liquid and powder detergents can be sealed in bottles like other toiletries, and laundry pods can be secured in a rigid container, such as a screw-top jar or a box inside a zip lock bag. Laundry detergent sheets are a very compact and light way of washing small amounts of laundry, such as in a sink or during camping. Alternatively, single-use sachets of laundry liquid are often sold at corner stores in developing countries and in tourist zones. The resulting rubbish is an environmental problem, but the single-serves are very convenient for travellers! === Insect protection === Consider applying '''waterproofing compound''', and/or [[Pests#Permethrin-treated fabrics|permethrin]] against insects and ticks, to clothing or baggage before you leave. In general, you should not carry these; aerosols are not allowed on planes, and you don't want extra weight. However, blasting your hat, jacket or canvas baggage before going may be quite helpful. === Extra lightweight === Sometimes buying new clothes can be cheaper and easier than laundry. Find any clothing you have that is almost worn out, wear it to start your journey, and discard it when it gets dirty. If you don't need to look nice or plan to do anything wet or dirty, then a four-week trip can be managed with two pairs of jeans, discarding the old pair and wearing the new after two weeks. If the climate isn't too muggy, then T-shirts, thin socks, and underwear can be rinsed at night and put back on just slightly damp the next morning. Some companies make extended-wear underwear, which is good for the long-term traveller. You only have to buy one or two, and then wash them in the sink every night – they are quick to dry and antimicrobial, so you'll save a lot of room and stench. Put socks on around 20 minutes before your shoes to give them a chance to dry fully from body heat. Pajamas are optional if you're not staying in dorm rooms. Even if you need clothes to sleep in for warmth or modesty, you can sleep in a T-shirt and comfortable shorts or pants, rather than bringing something that can only be worn to bed (in cold climates with cool bedrooms, use long underwear instead). It really is possible to travel with nothing but the clothes on your back if you want, and it opens up a whole new world of travel, particularly at a destination where it isn't too cold. No need to find lockers, and sightseeing right from the bus station or airport. Walking and the local bus become easy options. Just be prepared for some quizzical looks at customs and immigration. ===Workwear=== If you travel for work and will be wearing (something akin to) a uniform, ask yourself how much time you'll actually spend out of uniform and limit your personal clothes accordingly. ==See and do== === Power supplies === Bring '''battery chargers''' and travel '''power adapters''' for any [[Electrical systems|electrical device]] you may use. Be sure to check the correct voltage and frequency is available in your destination. If you are driving, bring a power adapter that plugs into the car's cigarette lighter socket. Adapters providing USB power outlets are small and lightweight. === Photography and videos === You'll probably want to bring a '''camera''', along with sufficient storage and batteries, unless you're satisfied with your mobile phone's camera app. See [[Travel photography]] for more on this topic. Consider whether you are willing to take the risk losing your photos and videos, such as due to theft or damage to electronics. Risk of losing these recordings of your trip can be reduce by bringing backup up storage media or setting up for your photos and videos to be automatically uploaded to a cloud service. === Other gear to pack === Beyond that, what other kind of '''gear''' you'll need to pack depends on where you're going and what you're doing there. Snorkel and flippers? Caribiners and rope? Golf clubs? Snow skis? If your trip is focused on an equipment heavy activity like skiing or scuba diving, you may want to take your own equipment along, or depending on your destination and facilities there, have no choice about bringing it along. Finding an '''activity specific packing list''' and using it as a reference is a good way to make sure that you don't forget something crucial. For some activities you may even want to pack spares of some equipment: scuba divers sometimes prepare a "save a dive" kit with spare masks and fin straps so that the failure of a small bit of equipment doesn't mean skipping a day's diving. === Pack gear or rent it? === Depending on the activity and your destination, the alternative may be to use '''hire equipment'''. The decision to hire or buy depends partly on your activity: hiking boots and wetsuits, for example, often need to fit their wearer well to be effective. It's also partly based on expense and convenience. Buying equipment is typically a big one-off cost and ongoing maintenance might be required. However, renting is usually more expensive over the long run if you are a regular participant. The final consideration is the size and weight of your baggage, particularly if you are flying. Packing both your equipment and day-to-day essentials might put you over the airlines' free baggage limit, fragile equipment can be damaged when transported in baggage holds and sometimes there is a separate surcharge for either sporting equipment or large and difficult to handle baggage. See the various articles under [[Travel activities]] for more about this. [[File:Hostel night playing time.jpg|thumb|153x153px|A game of cards in a hostel in Tamil Nadu]] === Time fillers === Bring some amusements for long waits and journeys. Bring stuff you enjoy, that passes the time, or that helps you get to sleep. Load up your phone with '''music''' before you go travelling. Streaming services like Spotify or Netflix allow you to download music and movies to watch offline. You may prefer to bring cheap corded headphones instead of expensive and easily-lost wireless headphones. Another benefit of corded headphones is that the plugged-in cord can act as an antenna for mobile phone '''radio''' apps. These apps are commonly included with mobile phones and can provide music, news, weather reports, emergency broadcasts, and more—freely available over the radio. '''Books''' '''and magazines''' never run out of battery, and are great entertainment on buses, planes, boats and lazy days. But they are heavier than an mp3 player. For long trips, pick ones you won't mind giving away when you finish them. You can swap them with other travellers, "leave one, take one" at a hostel or B&B, or even stop by a used book store along the way. An '''e-book reader''' (e.g. Kindle, Nook) lets you bring your entire library, provided you can charge it every other week. Electronic '''games''', can amuse kids or adults for hours. Bring along a pack of cards for when the batteries are dead, and all else fails. Some board games are available in special travel editions adapted to be played in close quarters or on moving vehicles. ==Eat and drink== {{see also|Camping food|Outdoor cooking}} Traveling usually involves a fair amount of sitting and waiting and time spent in transit. Packing '''[[water]]''' and some '''[[food|snacks]]''' will make those times go more comfortably. Even if refreshments will be available, they're often overpriced for travelers. === Drinks === ==== At airports ==== But beware security restrictions on more than 100 ml (3.4 fl. oz.) of any liquid at most airports; you'll just need to empty the bottle outside the security checkpoint, then fill it back up again at a water fountain or sink airside. A '''foldable waterbottle''' is considered by many to be a worthwhile purchase. ==== Other considerations ==== Some travelers carry a kettle and tea or coffee. You can also get a compact water heater that boils a glass or mug of water. Be aware of electrical requirements where you are going. === Food === ==== Crossing borders ==== Keep in mind that if traveling internationally, some snacks may not be permitted by the country that you are entering, such as fruits, seeds, and meats. In some countries, such as [[Australia]] there are also restrictions on taking certain types of fresh fruit between certain states. ==== Other considerations ==== For suggestions about packing food for places where you have to bring your own breakfast, see [[Packing for a week of hiking]]. See [[outdoor cooking]] for portable cooking equipment.[[File:Spork01.jpg|250px|thumbnail|Packing a small plastic spork allows you to tackle any snack or meal you buy at a supermarket]] === Utensils and other supplies === If traveling to developing countries, consider bringing re-usable utensils, as those might not be provided at some places, such as if you are buying street food. If you pack some utensils, such as bottles, cups, bowls, spoons and knives, you will much easier be able to make your snacks and even some meals yourself, instead of always resorting to restaurants and ready-made packages. This will be cheaper and [[Ecotourism|easier on the environment]]. Aim for light but reusable equipment. Sometimes washing the dishes may be awkward or impossible, so some disposable ones can still come handy. ==Stay safe== [[File:Jack Wolfskin money belt - brown.JPG|thumb|A money belt to protect your valuables is a very good idea.]] A '''money belt''' or passport pouch to protect your valuables is a very good idea, ideally with RFID blocking built in to prevent identify theft. See destination articles for information on local risks, and the [[pickpockets]] and [[crime]] articles for more on avoiding [[theft]]s. Don't be lazy and wear your money belt outside of your clothing. In some areas it ''will'' get stolen. A '''baggage lock''' to seal checked bags may be a good idea. But for travel in the US, use a lock approved by [https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening TSA]; they have master keys for these locks, and with any other lock, airport security will ''cut it off'' if they decide to look in your bag. A number of companies make '''Pack Safes''', which are basically a wire mesh, secured by a padlock, that can enclose your backpack or suitcase and attach it to a solid object (chair, bed, etc.) so that prying eyes and fingers cannot remove items from your baggage without a bolt-cutter or your keys. Their weight is not insignificant (about half a kilogram) but worth it on some voyages. They are good for when you have to leave your bags unattended, i.e. in bus baggage holds, dormitory rooms, ferries and when you need to go to the bathroom. Don't leave your bag locked up and unattended in a bus stop or a train station, or airport where security is high, as it may be opened with an explosive charge by the local bomb disposal unit. They are efficient, if you keep them on throughout your journey, as opposed to taking them on and off. They are designed not to get tangled. Make sure they fit well, try it on to your bag before purchase, and put on a waterproof underneath for extra protection. You probably won't ever need the address and phone number for your [[diplomatic missions|embassy or consulate]], but if you do &mdash; for example, if your passport is stolen or you are arrested for some real or bogus offense &mdash; you'll be glad you had them with you. Phone numbers for family at home are also good to have, just in case. The numbers of your charge cards and travellers cheques, stored separately from the cheques themselves, can be vital if you need to phone the issuer to report a [[theft]]. Most travelers will sensibly avoid areas where armed conflicts are in progress. For those who must go, see [[War zone safety]]. It is a good idea to check with your local foreign affairs department for any travel warnings to areas you may be visiting. Things may have changed since you were last there. ==Stay healthy== If you have '''[[travel insurance]]''' &mdash; and travel insurance covering at least medical expenses and evacuation home is highly recommended for travelers who are going to be outside the realm of their country of residence's healthcare and insurance arrangements &mdash; you should carry a copy of your policy details and the insurer's contact details with you. In some countries, it is difficult to obtain medical care without being able to demonstrate adequate insurance. You don't want to sacrifice [[personal hygiene]], but some compromises from your usual assortment of personal care products might help. Your hotel may or may not provide soap and shampoo. Of course you'll probably want to have your own '''toothbrush''' (or a travel toothbrush), '''deodorant''', '''shaving gear''' (if applicable), and '''tampons/pads''' (if applicable), but it may be easier to purchase some of these at your destination, especially if your trip is a long one. A travel-sized roll-on deodorant is very useful. If you bring toothpaste, shampoo etc., bring a smaller package or one half-empty. Think about what items can be shared within your party. Women may want to consider a reusable alternative to tampons, such as a menstrual cup or sponge. Tampons can be scarce outside of shops catering to tourists in countries in Asia, South America, and Africa. Some public toilets do not supply '''toilet paper''', so it's a good idea to keep tissues on you at all times. Beware that you cannot carry on containers larger than 100 ml (3.4 fl. oz.) of any gel or liquid in carry-on bags on many airlines, and there is a limit to the total volume of those containers that are allowed, such as in Canada, where all of those gels and liquid containers must fit in a single transparent bag capable of holding 1 litre size bag (such bags will are <u>unable to hold</u> anywhere near 10 items of 100 ml size). Aerosol cans are often [https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/deodorant-aerosol restricted or banned]. Put larger cosmetics in your checked baggage; get travel-sized versions of anything you actually intend to use while on a plane, inside the airport's secure zone, or would miss if you were delayed overnight, such as '''saline solution''' for '''contact lenses'''. Consider whether it would be more convenient to buy cosmetics after you arrive, versus spending more time enjoying your destination. A bottle of no-wash '''hand sanitizer''' or wipes can come in handy, no matter where you travel. If you're going to be outdoors much, '''sunglasses''', '''sun-screen''', '''lip balm''', and other skin-care products are important in more places than not. '''Insect repellent''' is very handy in many places, especially tropical countries with [[mosquito]]-borne diseases such as [[malaria]], [[Dengue fever|dengue]], and [[zika virus|zika]]. Some countries require '''face''' '''masks''' to be worn when traveling on some modes of transportation within the country or internationally. A copy of your '''eyeglasses''' prescription might come in handy should you break or lose your glasses or contacts, but a backup pair would be faster, and there's no better way to ruin a trip than not being able to see anything. If your destination is a low-cost country, then it may make sense to bring the prescription and buy a new pair there. In particular, a pair of prescription sunglasses are useful on many holiday trips. ===First-aid kit=== Consider a small [[travel health kit]] with adhesive bandages, anti-bacterial cream, etc. In some countries it may be advisable to carry a more '''comprehensive first aid kit''', including hypodermic needles, wound dressings, etc. Ideally talk to your local travel doctor or family doctor about what you may or may not need before you go. ===Medications=== {{see also|Medications}} If you take any '''medications''', take personal supplies of them, as they may be in short supply or difficult to obtain during certain hours, but resist the urge to re-package them for travel across borders; keeping them in their original packages, with copies of prescriptions, will save you from hassles (or worse) from customs & immigration. (Also, make sure they're ''legal'' where you're going.) Pain relievers, anti-diarrheal medicines, etc. may come in handy, but keep in mind that they can also be purchased most places during normal store hours. If you have any medical conditions, including allergies, then keep that information on you; med-alert tags will be recognized in most places. If you are traveling to any developing countries, obtaining antibiotics to take with you on the trip may be helpful in the event you develop significant food poisoning. If you are going to the tropics, see also [[tropical diseases]]. ==Other== *'''Odor eliminator''' – for long trips, if laundry will just not be all that convenient *'''Portable clothesline''' – for drying clothes in bathrooms *'''Good quality sports bra''' – even designer stores in third-world countries often have export surplus and thereby bad quality. Considering the number of potholes you'll encounter, it is a good idea to have one. *'''Energy bars''' – especially useful for hikes and as backup. Did your flight get delayed for hours? Are you jet-lagged and hungry in the middle of the night, with no restaurants open? Food, especially substantial food, is not always available when you want it, especially when you're on foot. *'''Toilet paper''' – if [[toilets]] at your destination might not provide it. Alternatively, a '''travel-size pack of tissues''' may be handy for many things, including as an emergency substitute for toilet paper. *'''Batteries''' – prefer brand name alkaline batteries. Cheap or fake batteries are often carbon-zinc and do not last long. *'''Mosquito repellent with DEET''' – over 30% DEET is poisonous and not needed, as the effect against mosquitoes does not increase after that. *'''Sunscreen''' – Good quality sunscreen should have zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in the ingredients. Paradoxically it can be next to impossible to get, of low quality and/or expensive in many tropical and subtropical countries in addition to sometimes being past the best before date. *'''Carabiners''' – Metal loops with a sprung or screwed gate. Often useful for clipping things together. The cheapest ones cost about a dollar, but do not use these cheapies for actual mountain climbing! *'''Anti-itch cream''' – often not available except in herbal form. *'''Ear plugs''' are useful when you're trying to sleep in a very noisy location, e.g., flying. If you fly often, consider buying good, noise-canceling headphones. Note that using ear plugs can be dangerous in some circumstances, e.g., if a fire alarm goes off and everyone except you evacuates the building. *An '''eye mask''' is good for those who need darkness to sleep * '''Alarm clocks''' are perhaps less necessary these days as cell phones and watches tend to have built-in alarms. But don't rely on early morning calls from your hotel to make that unmissable flight. * A '''utility [[knife]]''' for outdoor life; not recommended for city-life, though. ==Connect== Bringing a '''[[mobile telephones|mobile phone]]''' along makes perfect sense, but check to see whether the place you're going has a compatible network, and that either your service provider offers roaming there or that your phone would be compatible with a local prepaid service. Obtaining a local mobile phone plan in the country where you are traveling may save you for exorbitant charges that may be charged for roaming using your country's mobile phone service provider. Even if you don't intend roaming, you can usually use your phone for emergency calls should the need arise – if it is compatible. Phone '''cards''' and/or numbers for "collect" calling may be more practical, or even buying a local phone along with a prepaid service. If you bring your own phone, don't forget your charger and checking its [[electrical systems|electric compatibility]]. See also [[Telephone service]]. You may want to bring along a '''laptop''' or '''tablet''' to [[Internet access|get online]]. Remember to carry a [[electrical systems|plug adapter]] if you need one. Free wifi is common in hotels, cafes, shopping centres and even on the street in major cities. ==See also== * [[Packing for a cruise]] * [[Packing for a week of hiking]] * [[Packing for beach travel]] * [[Travel basics]] {{related|Packing_for_a_week_of_hiking}} {{related|Packing_for_a_cruise}} {{related|Tips_for_travel_in_developing_countries}} {{related|First_aid_kit_for_travellers}} {{PartOfTopic|Equipment}} {{usabletopic}} d3sqp3wn79ik9x6ude3x64qendaic12 0 26504 5086899 5085984 2025-07-03T02:55:35Z Sgroey 2240936 add wikilink 5086899 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Mena-asia_default_banner.jpg}} '''Pak Bara''' is a town on the [[Southern Andaman Coast|southern Andaman coast]] of Thailand. It primarily serves as a transport hub for tourists. ==Understand== Pak Bara is the main transport hub for [[Ko Lipe]], Ko Bulon Le, [[Ko Adang]], and [[Ko Tarutao]] with ferries running all year. It is a perfectly functional little town with all the basic amenities you'd expect on your stopover between the mainland and the islands. ==Get in== Pak Bara is 237 km south of Krabi, 59 km from Satun, 123 km from Trang, 124 km from Hat Yai (the nearest train station). ===By boat=== Boats run to Ko Bulon Le, [[Ko Lipe]] (two hours), [[Ko Tarutao]] (30 min). [[File:Pak Bara Ferry Pier.JPG|thumb|Pak Bara ferry pier (2016)]] ===By bus=== Minibuses run to the closest cities, including Hat Yai (departing hourly from the bus station, journey time 2 hr, price 220 baht), Hat Yai Airport (1.5 hr, 200 baht), Trang (2 hr), and Krabi (4 hr). ==Get around== Travellers come to Pak Bara for one reason: its ferry port. There is no ferry ticket office at the pier. All tickets are sold by vendors in the vicinity of the pier. Just walking around near the pier ensures that you will be approached by a ticket-seller. Every agency sells tickets for the same price. There is an additional small charge (around 40 baht) just to enter the pier. Previously slow ferries ran to the islands, but they have been entirely replaced by expensive speedboats. The following times are indicative only. Speedboats run mostly in the morning. ===Speedboat to/from Ko Lipe=== * Departures from Pak Bara at 11.30, 15:30. Travel time, 90 min. Fare approximately 650 baht one-way, 1,200 baht return (open) ===Speedboat to/from Ko Tarutao=== * Departures from Pak Bara at 11:30. Travel time, 30 min. Fare is 600 baht one-way. ===Speedboat to/from Ko Bulon Le=== * Departure from Pak Bara at 12:30. Travel time, 1 hr. Fare is 600 baht one-way, 800 baht return. When you arrive back at the pier in Pak Bara, there will be minivans waiting to take travelers to onward destinations such as Trang, Krabi, Phuket, Hat Yai. Vans leave within 30-60 minutes of each boat's arrival in Pak Bara. A typical fare is 400 baht to Krabi. ==See== There is quite a nice beach 2km before the ferry pier. You can catch the sunset there while having dinner. ==Do== There is really nothing to do here except await your onward transport. ==Buy== There are several ATMs in Pak Bara in the vicinity of the pier. Get cash here before heading to the islands. ==Eat== There are a few small halal restaurants in the vicinity of the pier. There are a handful of (mainly seafood) restaurants at Pak Bara Beach 2km back along the main road. ==Drink== Most travellers will arrive in Pak Bara after a lengthy bus trip and overnight until their ferry the next morning to an off-shore island. Fatigued, hungry, and thirsty, they will look for a place for a meal and possibly a beer. Too bad. There are next to no restaurants open in the evening near the ferry pier. The nearest are several hundred metres up the road to La Nguu. All of them are Muslim restaurants. They do not serve beer, nor do they permit you to bring beer purchased from the 7-Eleven that, mercifully, is near the pier. A better plan may be to stay in the larger town of La Nguu, 10 km distant, overnight and make your way to the ferry in the morning (first high-season speedboat is at 09:30). ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Happy House | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=6.86043 | long=99.72450 | directions=One street up from the plaza in front of the pier. Signposted on main road | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=490 baht (high-season) | lastedit=2016-02-19 | content=Adequate place to spend the night while waiting for a ferry. Clean. No services. Free Wi-Fi. }} * {{Sleep|name=Byte Hostel|lat=6.85960|long=99.72283|checkin=15:00|checkout=11:00|lastedit=2025-06-27|content=Neat and tidy hostel with friendly owner. Right next to the pier and the 7-eleven. 8-bed dorm, beds have privacy curtains and reading lights.}} ==Connect== There is a helpful National Parks office next to the pier where you can book bungalows or camping on Ko Tarutao and Ko Adang. ==Go next== *[[Ko Lipe]] *[[Ko Tarutao]] {{outlinecity}} {{IsPartOf|Southern Andaman Coast}} {{geo|6.8579|99.7256|zoom=14}} 5d553w97y1a3cdvrmb1ybp2x28pfk1g 0 26621 5086827 5028347 2025-07-02T22:58:00Z 89.212.203.142 5086827 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|WV banner Pamirs Khorough.jpg|unesco=yes}} The '''Pamir''' mountains, or '''Pamirs''' or '''Pamir Knot''', is a large region of high ground at the junction of several other mountain ranges of which the best-known is the [[Himalayas]]. The terrain is difficult and the population sparse. There are several mountains over 7,000&nbsp;m (higher than anything outside the Greater Himalaya region) and some large glaciers. [[File:High_Asia_Mountain_Ranges.jpg|thumb|The Pamirs are at the junction of other ranges]] This article covers only the part of the range in [[Tajikistan]], officially the '''Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region'''. However, the Pamir range extends across borders; see [[Northeast Afghanistan]] and [[Northwest Pakistan]] for the parts in other countries. The [[Ferghana Valley (Kyrgyzstan)|Ferghana Valley]] region of [[Kyrgyzstan]] runs along the northern edge of the Pamirs and one end of the [[Pamir Highway]] is the Kyrgyz town of [[Osh]]. * {{listing | name=Badakhshan | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Badakhshan | wikidata=Q32056 | content=This historical state's territory was the Pamirs. The history is long; Badakshan [[gemstones]] (lapis lazuli and spinel) were traded at least as far as the [[Indus Valley Civilisation]] and [[Ancient Mesopotamia]] before 2000 BCE. Both gems are still mined there today.<br />The history is also complex; over the centuries Badakhshan was conquered by or allied with a whole range of nearby states. Today most of it is divided between Badakhshan Province in northern Afghanistan and Gorno-Badakhshan in southern Tajikistan, with a small piece now in China. }} Nearby regions with relatively flat land and denser population are the area around [[Kashgar]] (China) to the east, the [[Ferghana Valley]] (Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan) to the north, and [[Bactria]] (Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Uzbekistan) to the west. The main route of the historic [[Silk Road]] ran from Kashgar through a pass just north of the Pamirs into the Ferghana Valley and through it to [[Samarkand]]. Central Afghanistan is to the south, with the [[Hindu Kush]] range (a spur off the Pamirs) as its northern boundary. The Pamir River starts in the Pamirs and leads down to Bactria where it joins several other tributaries to form one of the region's greatest rivers, now called the Amu Darya but known in ancient times as the Oxus. Further north, in the Ferghana Valley, other rivers that start in the Pamirs combine to form the Syr Daria, known in ancient times as the Jaxartes. [[Alexander the Great]] stopped at the edge of the Pamirs; he took Transoxania (north of the Oxus) and the Jaxartes became his northern border. The [[Mongol Empire]] also took nearby areas but did not much intrude into the mountains. The [[Persian Empire]] and later the [[Russian Empire]], however, did take control in these mountains as well as nearby lowlands. The [[British Raj]] nibbled at the southern edge, taking parts of the range that are now in [[Pakistan]]. ==Cities== The region has no big cities; the largest town is Khorugh with a population around 30,000. {{mapframe|zoom=7|layer=W}} * {{Marker|type=city |lat=39.012 |long=73.561 |zoom=13 |name=[[Karakul]] |image=|wikidata=Q720015 }} — on the Pamir Highway surrounded by a large crater lake of the same name *{{Marker|type=city |lat=38.175 |long=73.967 |zoom=12 |name=[[Murghab]] |image=|wikidata=Q1018209 }} — a very remote town in beautiful surroundings *{{Marker|type=city |lat=37.754 |long=73.266 |zoom=12 |name=[[Ali Chur]]|wikidata=Q6417871 }} — "Ali's curse" is reputed to have been spoken by the prophet's son-in-law Ali on a journey through the area because of the harsh climate and penetrating winds there *{{Marker|type=city |lat=37.051 |long=72.676 |zoom=12 |name=[[Langar (Tajikistan)|Langar]]|wikidata=Q99222676 }} — a small village on the Parmir Highway between Ishkashim and the Military Post Khargush towards Murgab *{{Marker|type=city |lat=36.725 |long=71.614 |zoom=12 |name=[[Ishkashim (Tajikistan)|Ishkashim]]|wikidata=Q913494 }} — a town of 7,700 people on the Afghan border, joined by bridge to an Afghan town of the same name *{{Marker|type=city |lat=37.491 |long=71.549 |zoom=11 |name=[[Khorugh]] |image=|wikidata=Q467501 }} — a town in a steep river valley surrounded by the Pamir mountains that offers hiking and mountain climbing *{{Marker|type=city |lat=38.459 |long=70.788 |zoom=12 |name=[[Qal'ai Khumb]] | wikidata=Q2995628}} — an important overnight rest stop 168 km from Kulob and 235 km from Khorugh, it has several hostels, and is almost entirely surrounded by the Pamir Mountains ==Other destinations== The Pamir Mountains are inscribed on the [[UNESCO World Heritage List]]. *{{Marker|type=go |lat=38.916667 |long=72.016667 |zoom=10 |name=Ismoil Somoni Peak|image=}} *{{Marker|type=go |lat=39.035 |long=73.407 |zoom=13 |name=Lake Kara-Kul |image=}} *[[Pamirsky National Park]] *{{Marker|type=go|name=Sarez Lake|wikidata=Q1474460}} *The {{marker|type=go|lat=37.0|long=73.0| name=[[Wakhan Corridor]]}} is a long narrow bit of Afghan territory extending across the southern part of the Pamir range. ==Understand== The Pamirs are home to a diverse makeup of Indo-Iranian peoples. The two most common ethnicities/groupings you're likely to come across are the Pamiris and the Badakhshanis (with some overlap depending on the source). All of the region's groups are related to their neighboring Tajik and Afghan peoples, but many identify only as "Tajik" or "Afghan" in the sense that their passport is issued by Tajikistan or Afghanistan. Calling these peoples "Tajik" or "Afghan" is equivalent to calling a Buryat "Russian" or a Navajo person "American" - while correct in the political sense, it might be offensive to someone who views themselves as Pamiri/Badakhshani first. As elsewhere in [[Central Asia]], most people in the area are [[Muslim]]. Unlike most of their neighbours, many in this region are followers of the [[Ismaili]] branch of the faith. Pamiri Ismailis will often describe themselves as more "free" than other branches of Islam, and indeed attitudes are noticeably less conservative than in Dushanbe. The [[Aga Khan]] heads one branch of the Ismalis, centered in India, and is among the world's richest men. He is held in high regard by Pamiris and has done a huge amount to help the region; schooling and healthcare in Khorugh for example are often of a higher standard than in Dushanbe, and generous international scholarships are provided for Ismaili children. During the Tajik Civil War (1992-97), aid from the Aga Khan Foundation was practically the only thing keeping the Tajik region of the Pamirs afloat. This is one of the areas described in the books ''Three Cups of Tea'' and ''Stones into Schools''. These books describe the work of the [https://centralasiainstitute.org/ Central Asian Institute] and of Greg Mortensen, the mountain-climber turned school builder. These books are highly recommended and are largely responsible for his nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize. Because of the difficult terrain of the region, the Pamirs are sparsely populated and follow rivers or the eponymous ''pamirs'' - literally mountain plateaus. The Tajik portion of the region, for example, makes up 41% of the country's area but only 3% of its population. Most people in the region survive as herders or subsistence farmers. As "empty" as this region may seem, it has been at the crossroads of history more than perhaps most of the world. Until later iterations of what is called the "Persian Empire" first conquered the region, the Pamirs had served as the outermost limit on numerous different empires, including Alexander's Macedonia, the Mongol Empire (which controlled the region in name), and Imperial China. Marco Polo is said to have journeyed through the Pamirs on his way to China/Mongolia, and during the 1800s British and Russian spy-diplomats scoured the region in attempts to claim the most land before formal colonial borders were drawn. ==Talk== There are several Pamiri languages, all related to [[Persian]]. Persian &mdash; either the [[Tajik phrasebook|Tajik]] dialect or the [[Dari phrasebook|Dari]] variant of Afghanistan &mdash; is also widely spoken and serves as a ''lingua franca''. The region was part of the [[Soviet Union]] and [[Russian]] is the most commonly spoken language not native to the region. ==Get in== {{cautionbox|Kyrgyzstan and Tajikstan have had a series of border disputes, some involving armed conflict with many casualties and significant numbers of refugees. '''Many borders are closed for foreigners.''' The singular border crossing within the Pamirs, the Kyzyl Art pass, is open '''only''' for foreigners.|lastedit=2025-07-03}} A special permit is required to enter the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (short ''GBAO'', which covers all of the Tajik part of Pamir). For US$50 it is available online alongside the e-visa (for eligible nationalities) or in Dushanbe OVIR for about 70 somoni. '''Note:''' Many tourists report that the service in Dushanbe OVIR is extremely unreliable, taking anywhere from a few minutes to several days, with the costs varying wildly (2024). Bring at least 10 physical photocopies of the GBAO permit and your passport. There are numerous checkpoints where the guards keep a copy. You can make more copies in Megafon/Tcell stores and in banks. [[File:Pamir Mountains, Tajikistan, 06-04-2008.jpg|thumb|300px|Aerial view of the Pamirs]] * {{listing | name=Department of Visas and Registration | alt=OVIR | url= | email= | address=5 Mirzo Tursunzoda street, [[Dushanbe]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 08:00-17:00 | price= | lastedit=2022-11-10 | content=Go here to get your GBAO permit. If it's not too busy and you arrive before noon, you will be able to pick up the permit in the afternoon of the same day. If you stay in Tajikistan on a Visa on Arrival, more than 10 days, you will also have to register here. }} You could take a flight from [[Dushanbe]] to [[Khorog]]. There is a 14-seater flight every morning to Khorog, but its departure depends on weather conditions and the number of passengers. Tickets to the flight are sold a day in advance at the Dushanbe airport. * {{listing |name=[[Pamir Highway]] | alt=M41 | wikipedia=M41 highway | content=This is the main road through the region; it runs from Dushanbe to [[Osh]] via Khorog. You could share/hire a jeep from the jeep stand near the airport in Dushanbe to Khorog. This will take between 12 and 15 hours and privately hiring a jeep costs around $400. }} As of 2025, the road between Qal'ai Khumb (Khalaikum) and Khorog is under construction and completely closed between 7am and 7pm with a lunch break around noon when the road reopens for 2 hours. It is recommended to leave Khalaikum at 3:30am at the latest to pass the construction sites before closure. The road is mostly unpaved and often wide enough for 1 vehicle. This is the main road from Khorog with many trucks coming from the opposite direction. From Khorog you can hitch on a fuel tanker or truck on its way back to [[Kyrgyzstan]], or hire your own vehicle from [[Khorog]]. It is also possible to get an occasional shared van to [[Murghab]] and from there to [[Osh]]. Most days will also see a jeep or shared taxi head towards [[Ishkashim (Tajikistan)|Ishkashim]]. Lorries and fuel tankers in the Pamirs are mind-numbingly slow, hitching the M41 is not a game for the impatient or the time-pressed. The first vehicle with space will usually give you a ride, but as with many places in the former Soviet Union, you are expected to pay for the ride. It can take anywhere from 2 hours to 2 days to get a ride. There many only be 2 or 3 vehicles going in your direction each day. The {{Marker|type=go|lat=38.149|long=74.801|zoom=13|name=Kulma pass|image=}} is the only border crossing between China and Tajikistan. The pass is officially open for nationals of all countries (2025). After clearing the Tajik side, there is a preliminary passport and luggage control on the Chinese side, however the actual border and customs area is downhill, 14 km away, right next to the [[Karakorum Highway]]. '''The border crossing is closed on weekends and Chinese national holidays.''' Note that the Kulma pass is primarily a truckers' crossing and the Chinese officials will not let you cross on foot or a bicycle. Chinese officials force travelers to get a taxi for 25 RMB ($3.50 USD) to drive the 14 km to the customs building, payable in cash or using Alipay. After that, you must hitchhike or cycle to your destination. Taxis cannot be ordered to this location (June 2025). '''You are required to obtain the Tashkurgan Permit in China''' to travel on this road ''towards'' Pakistan. Checkpoints are numerous and reports state that it is required for all holders of a Chinese visa, except those possessing a valid Tajik or Pakistani visa (2024). The permit is available for 100 RMB in China, either from a traffic police office in Kashgar or a tourist information center along the highway. * The [[Wakhan Corridor]] is the panhandle of Afghanistan, with an old trade route leading across the southern edge of the Pamirs from Afghanistan to China. However, it was never a major route because the terrain is difficult and the hill tribes can be. There is a road on both sides with views of Pakistani mountain peaks towards the south. ==Get around== There are some typical arranged itineraries: * 5d/4n road trip from Osh to Dushanbe (including the Wakhan Valley) or vice versa (which is by far the better option, if you are prone to altitude sickness) * 4d/3n road trip from Osh to Dushanbe via Mardzh (not including the Wakhan Valley, going along the classical Pamir Highway instead). * since there are regular Tajik-Kyrgyz border clashes (and therefore the border may be closed as it was in Oct 2022), a good way is to stay on the Tajik side and do a 9d/8n trip from Dushanbe to Khorog, and from there going round counter-clockwise (via Ischkaschim, Langar, Ali Chur, Bulunkul and back to Khorog) These trips can also be done by public transport, which may take a few days more. The routes are also frequently used by cyclists, organised or independently. Example for a typical 5-day/4-night trip from Dushanbe to Osh: * Day 1: Dushanbe - Khalaikum, 400 km * Day 2: Khalaikum - Khorog (altitude 2000 m), 250 km * Day 3: Khorog - Langar (altitude 2800 m), 300 km * Day 4: Langar - Murghab (altitude 3600 m), 310 km * Day 5: Murghab - Osh, 360 km A six-day tour may add a stop in remote [[Ali Chur]]. An alternative example for a slightly longer 10d/9n trip from Dushanbe to Dushanbe (staying in Tajikistan): * Day 1: Dushanbe - Khalaikum (340 km) * Day 2: Kahalikum - Khorog (altitute 2000 m), 260 km * Day 3: Khorog - Langar (altitude 3000 m), 217km (Gam Chashma hot springs, Yamchun Fortress, Yamg Museum, Wakhan Corridor) * Day 4: Hiking from Langar to Pik Engels basecamp (from 2900m up to 3900m) * Day 5: Langar - Ali Chur (altitude 4000 m, very cold place) (passing by Panorama Trail to Hausibek's viewpoint at 4800m), 120 km * Day 6: Hiking or other activities (Yaksafari/Marco Polo spotting) * Day 7: Ali Chur - Bulunkul (altitude 3700 m) (Geyser, hot springs, walking along Yashikul lake), 40 km * Day 8: Bulunkul - Khorog via M41 (hot springs in Jelondy) 200km * Day 9: Khorog - Dushanbe (600 km) can be done in one day, but quite rough as the roads are pretty bad (as of Nov 2022) If you have more time, you may add a stop in Murgab. This trip was €1,600 in Nov 2022 (organised with PECTA, food/accommodation/tips excluded). However, €860 of this was spent just for the transfer from Dushanbe to Khorog (both ways). You can cut the cost for this part of the journey considerably by using public transport such as marshrutka or shared taxi. It will be way less comfortable (and potentially safe), but also an interesting experience. ==See== * Lake Karakol - A crater lake near the Kyrgyz and Chinese border; it is frozen half the year * [[Khorog]] * Lots of mountains * [[Murghab]]'s very small bazaar with shops inside shipping containers * Ishkashim Afghan Bazaar on Saturdays Traditional houses in the Pamirs are known locally as ''Chid''. The basic structure hasn't changed much in more than 2,500 years. To visitors, unless they understand the history, they're just dirty, smoky hovels. The roofs are flat so that yak droppings can be dried up there and then used for fuel. The Soviets discouraged the Pamiri [[Ismaili]]s from building mosques and many homes have a kind of shrine that is reminiscent of Zoroastrian practices. In older Chid, ask them to show you the pillar that represents the prophet Mohamed (''Khasitan-Shokhsutun''), just to the left as you enter and made of juniper wood. ==Do== * View the wild life like the Marco Polo Sheep. * Mountain climbing. * Hiking and trekking. * Skiing. * Be part of a very expensive tour group. (Or travel on the cheap and hitch-hike.) * Sit and enjoy the silence and views. * {{do | name=Pamirs Eco-Cultural Tourism Association | alt=PECTA | url= http://visitpamirs.com/| email=info@pecta.tj | address=[[Khorugh]] | lat= | long= | directions=Information Center in Khorog City Park | phone=+992 934425555 | tollfree= | hours= | price=7,000 somoni (€0.70) per km driven (incl. fuel and any costs regarding the car) and 200,000 for the driver per day | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-11-10 | content=PECTA is a tourism association comprising drivers, homestays, as well as tour operators and hotels in Pamir. They can help you plan a trip with fair working conditions for the drivers and homestays. Accommodation is not included and paid directly to the homestay owners. The drivers will organise accommodation and point out interesting activities as you travel through the mountains. }} ==Eat== Rice, eggs, snacks, yak butter, bread, mutton, Pamiri tea (sheer-chai), freshly made warm bread (non). Homestays will generally provide plov, soup, or meat stew for dinner and porridge, sausages, or eggs for breakfast. ==Drink== Tea, surprisingly good coffee, and vodka. Yak milk. ==Sleep== There are a number of homestays in most villages on the Pamir highway. They are usually in homes built in traditional Pamiri style. They are made with wood, with five pillars, a sky light and richly decorated with carpets. You are ensured great hospitality and simple but delicious meals. Travel guides typically suggest 150 somoni per person per night as an average for these homestays, but 200-250 ($20-25 USD) is closer to the mark (June 2025). Most homestays shut down during winter (ca. November-March). Ask around to find someone who opens up. * Zong Village - Homestay of Mavluda. 130 somoni per person per night including dinner and breakfast. * Alichur - Ask for the English teacher, meet her family, and you decide how much money to leave behind. Alternatively, there is ''Cafe & Hoste Marco Polo'' homestay which also runs ''Cafe Goldenfish'' right next to it at the Eastern end of the village. Also offers activities such as Yak Safari or Marco Polo spotting. * Bulunkul - Either Homestay of Nisso or Orsu (another teacher). * {{sleep | name=Sanatorii Dzhielondi | alt=Sanatorium | url= | email= | address=Jelondy (on the M41 between Khorogh and Murghab) | lat=37.57511 | long=72.58257 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=50 som p.p./night | lastedit=2019-08-28 | content=If you're up for a little spa treatment whilst travelling through the Pamirs, take up refuge for a night in this former sanatorium from the Soviet area. Fed by one of the (very) hot springs in the area, diving into the large pool of steaming water takes some courage but luckily there's some cold showers to cool off afterwards. Entry to the pool is included in the room rate. Restaurant with basic food on site. }} ==Stay safe== A zealous policeman in [[Murghab]] may want to register you with the police or complain if you were taking photos. This isn't a problem, registration should be known well enough simply getting to the area. == Stay healthy == Do not eat fresh vegetables and unpeeled fruits (cherries are particularly tempting). Drink bottled or boiled water only. Avoid salads at homestays, however bad you may feel for not touching them. There is risk of [[altitude sickness]]: e.g. Murghab, Ali Chur and Karakul are at {{convert|3500-4000|m|ft|sigfig=2}}, regarded as "very high", to which acclimatizing requires care. Even in Ishkashim at {{m|2535}}, a significant part of people will have signs of altitude sickness if they sleep there without having acclimatized. There is a decently sized hospital in Murghab with a decompression chamber. ==Go next== One end of the Pamir Highway is at [[Osh]], from where you easily reach anywhere in the [[Ferghana Valley]]. The other is at [[Dushanbe]], from where you easily reach anywhere in [[Bactria]]. Beyond those, anywhere in [[Central Asia]] is possible; the most interesting destination that is nearby and reasonably safe is [[Samarkand]]. There is the border crossing at Kulma Pass into [[China]] open year round, ''officially'' open now also for foreign nationals - but have wads of US dollars handy to facilitate your passage. * [[Wakhan Corridor]] - a beautiful detour from the Pamirs {{isPartOf|Tajikistan}} {{outlineregion}} {{geo|38.22|72.17|zoom=8}} oalytr6sl2itfr66pd3o3k2crmavmog 5086863 5086827 2025-07-03T00:58:30Z Ground Zero 1423298 Various clean up and copyedits 5086863 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|WV banner Pamirs Khorough.jpg|unesco=yes}} The '''Pamir''' mountains, or '''Pamirs''' or '''Pamir Knot''', is a large region of high ground at the junction of several other mountain ranges of which the best-known is the [[Himalayas]]. The terrain is difficult and the population sparse. There are several mountains over 7,000&nbsp;m (higher than anything outside the Greater Himalaya region) and some large glaciers. [[File:High_Asia_Mountain_Ranges.jpg|thumb|The Pamirs are at the junction of other ranges]] This article covers only the part of the range in [[Tajikistan]], officially the '''Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region'''. However, the Pamir range extends across borders; see [[Northeast Afghanistan]] and [[Northwest Pakistan]] for the parts in other countries. The [[Ferghana Valley (Kyrgyzstan)|Ferghana Valley]] region of [[Kyrgyzstan]] runs along the northern edge of the Pamirs and one end of the [[Pamir Highway]] is the Kyrgyz town of [[Osh]]. * {{listing | name=Badakhshan | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Badakhshan | wikidata=Q32056 | content=This historical state's territory was the Pamirs. The history is long; Badakshan [[gemstones]] (lapis lazuli and spinel) were traded at least as far as the [[Indus Valley Civilisation]] and [[Ancient Mesopotamia]] before 2000 BCE. Both gems are still mined there today.<br />The history is also complex; over the centuries Badakhshan was conquered by or allied with a whole range of nearby states. Today most of it is divided between Badakhshan Province in northern Afghanistan and Gorno-Badakhshan in southern Tajikistan, with a small piece now in China. }} Nearby regions with relatively flat land and denser population are the area around [[Kashgar]] (China) to the east, the [[Ferghana Valley]] (Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan) to the north, and [[Bactria]] (Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Uzbekistan) to the west. The main route of the historic [[Silk Road]] ran from Kashgar through a pass just north of the Pamirs into the Ferghana Valley and through it to [[Samarkand]]. Central Afghanistan is to the south, with the [[Hindu Kush]] range (a spur off the Pamirs) as its northern boundary. The Pamir River starts in the Pamirs and leads down to Bactria where it joins several other tributaries to form one of the region's greatest rivers, now called the Amu Darya but known in ancient times as the Oxus. Further north, in the Ferghana Valley, other rivers that start in the Pamirs combine to form the Syr Daria, known in ancient times as the Jaxartes. [[Alexander the Great]] stopped at the edge of the Pamirs; he took Transoxania (north of the Oxus) and the Jaxartes became his northern border. The [[Mongol Empire]] also took nearby areas but did not much intrude into the mountains. The [[Persian Empire]] and later the [[Russian Empire]], however, did take control in these mountains as well as nearby lowlands. The [[British Raj]] nibbled at the southern edge, taking parts of the range that are now in [[Pakistan]]. ==Cities== The region has no big cities; the largest town is Khorugh with a population around 30,000. {{mapframe|zoom=7|layer=W}} * {{Marker|type=city |lat=39.012 |long=73.561 |zoom=13 |name=[[Karakul]] |image=|wikidata=Q720015 }} — on the Pamir Highway surrounded by a large crater lake of the same name *{{Marker|type=city |lat=38.175 |long=73.967 |zoom=12 |name=[[Murghab]] |image=|wikidata=Q1018209 }} — a very remote town in beautiful surroundings *{{Marker|type=city |lat=37.754 |long=73.266 |zoom=12 |name=[[Ali Chur]]|wikidata=Q6417871 }} — "Ali's curse" is reputed to have been spoken by the prophet's son-in-law Ali on a journey through the area because of the harsh climate and penetrating winds there *{{Marker|type=city |lat=37.051 |long=72.676 |zoom=12 |name=[[Langar (Tajikistan)|Langar]]|wikidata=Q99222676 }} — a small village on the Parmir Highway between Ishkashim and the Military Post Khargush towards Murgab *{{Marker|type=city |lat=36.725 |long=71.614 |zoom=12 |name=[[Ishkashim (Tajikistan)|Ishkashim]]|wikidata=Q913494 }} — a town of 7,700 people on the Afghan border, joined by bridge to an Afghan town of the same name *{{Marker|type=city |lat=37.491 |long=71.549 |zoom=11 |name=[[Khorugh]] |image=|wikidata=Q467501 }} — a town in a steep river valley surrounded by the Pamir mountains that offers hiking and mountain climbing *{{Marker|type=city |lat=38.459 |long=70.788 |zoom=12 |name=[[Qal'ai Khumb]] | wikidata=Q2995628}} — an important overnight rest stop 168 km from Kulob and 235 km from Khorugh, it has several hostels, and is almost entirely surrounded by the Pamir Mountains ==Other destinations== The Pamir Mountains are inscribed on the [[UNESCO World Heritage List]]. *{{Marker|type=go |lat=38.916667 |long=72.016667 |zoom=10 |name=Ismoil Somoni Peak|image=}} *{{Marker|type=go |lat=39.035 |long=73.407 |zoom=13 |name=Lake Kara-Kul |image=}} *[[Pamirsky National Park]] *{{Marker|type=go|name=Sarez Lake|wikidata=Q1474460}} *The {{marker|type=go|lat=37.0|long=73.0| name=[[Wakhan Corridor]]}} is a long, narrow bit of Afghan territory extending across the southern part of the Pamir range. ==Understand== The Pamirs are home to a diverse makeup of Indo-Iranian peoples. The two most common ethnicities/groupings you're likely to come across are the Pamiris and the Badakhshanis (with some overlap depending on the source). All of the region's groups are related to their neighboring Tajik and Afghan peoples, but many identify only as "Tajik" or "Afghan" in the sense that their passport is issued by Tajikistan or Afghanistan. Calling these peoples "Tajik" or "Afghan" is equivalent to calling a Buryat "Russian" or a Navajo person "American" - while correct in the political sense, it might be offensive to someone who views themselves as Pamiri/Badakhshani first. As elsewhere in [[Central Asia]], most people in the area are [[Muslim]]. Unlike most of their neighbours, many in this region are followers of the [[Ismaili]] branch of the faith. Pamiri Ismailis will often describe themselves as more "free" than other branches of Islam, and indeed attitudes are noticeably less conservative than in Dushanbe. The [[Aga Khan]] heads one branch of the Ismalis, centered in India, and is among the world's richest men. He is held in high regard by Pamiris and has done a huge amount to help the region; schooling and healthcare in Khorugh for example are often of a higher standard than in Dushanbe, and generous international scholarships are provided for Ismaili children. During the Tajik Civil War (1992-97), aid from the Aga Khan Foundation was practically the only thing keeping the Tajik region of the Pamirs afloat. This is one of the areas described in the books ''Three Cups of Tea'' and ''Stones into Schools''. These books describe the work of the [https://centralasiainstitute.org/ Central Asian Institute] and of Greg Mortensen, the mountain-climber turned school builder. These books are highly recommended and are largely responsible for his nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize. Because of the difficult terrain of the region, the Pamirs are sparsely populated and follow rivers or the eponymous ''pamirs'' – literally mountain plateaus. The Tajik portion of the region, for example, makes up 41% of the country's area but only 3% of its population. Most people in the region survive as herders or subsistence farmers. As "empty" as this region may seem, it has been at the crossroads of history more than perhaps most of the world. Until later iterations of what is called the "Persian Empire" first conquered the region, the Pamirs had served as the outermost limit on numerous different empires, including Alexander's Macedonia, the Mongol Empire (which controlled the region in name), and Imperial China. Marco Polo is said to have journeyed through the Pamirs on his way to China/Mongolia, and during the 1800s British and Russian spy-diplomats scoured the region in attempts to claim the most land before formal colonial borders were drawn. ==Talk== There are several Pamiri languages, all related to [[Persian]]. Persian &mdash; either the [[Tajik phrasebook|Tajik]] dialect or the [[Dari phrasebook|Dari]] variant of Afghanistan &mdash; is also widely spoken and serves as a ''lingua franca''. The region was part of the [[Soviet Union]] and [[Russian]] is the most commonly spoken language not native to the region. ==Get in== {{cautionbox|Kyrgyzstan and Tajikstan have had a series of border disputes, some involving armed conflict with many casualties and significant numbers of refugees. Many borders are ''closed'' for foreigners. The only border crossing within the Pamirs, the Kyzyl Art pass, is open ''only'' for foreigners.|lastedit=2025-07-03}} A special permit is required to enter the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (short ''GBAO'', which covers all of the Tajik part of Pamir). For US$50 it is available online alongside the e-visa (for eligible nationalities) or in Dushanbe OVIR for about 70 som. Many tourists report that the service in Dushanbe OVIR is extremely unreliable, taking anywhere from a few minutes to several days, with the costs varying wildly (2024). Bring at least 10 physical photocopies of the GBAO permit and your passport. There are numerous checkpoints where the guards keep a copy. You can make more copies in Megafon/Tcell stores and in banks. [[File:Pamir Mountains, Tajikistan, 06-04-2008.jpg|thumb|300px|Aerial view of the Pamirs]] * {{listing | name=Department of Visas and Registration | alt=OVIR | url= | email= | address=5 Mirzo Tursunzoda street, [[Dushanbe]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 08:00-17:00 | price= | lastedit=2022-11-10 | content=Go here to get your GBAO permit. If it's not too busy and you arrive before noon, you will be able to pick up the permit in the afternoon of the same day. If you stay in Tajikistan on a Visa on Arrival, more than 10 days, you will also have to register here. }} You could take a flight from [[Dushanbe]] to [[Khorog]]. There is a 14-seater flight every morning to Khorog, but its departure depends on weather conditions and the number of passengers. Tickets to the flight are sold a day in advance at the Dushanbe airport. * {{listing |name=[[Pamir Highway]] | alt=M41 | wikipedia=M41 highway | content=This is the main road through the region; it runs from Dushanbe to [[Osh]] via Khorog. You could share/hire a jeep from the jeep stand near the airport in Dushanbe to Khorog. This will take between 12 and 15 hours and privately hiring a jeep costs around US$400. }} As of 2025, the road between Qal'ai Khumb (Khalaikum) and Khorog is under construction and completely closed between 07:00 and 19:00 with a lunch break around noon when the road reopens for 2 hours. It is recommended to leave Khalaikum at 03:30 at the latest to pass the construction sites before closure. The road is mostly unpaved and often wide enough for 1 vehicle. This is the main road from Khorog with many trucks coming from the opposite direction. From Khorog you can hitch on a fuel tanker or truck on its way back to [[Kyrgyzstan]], or hire your own vehicle from [[Khorog]]. It is also possible to get an occasional shared van to [[Murghab]] and from there to [[Osh]]. Most days will also see a jeep or shared taxi head towards [[Ishkashim (Tajikistan)|Ishkashim]]. Lorries and fuel tankers in the Pamirs are mind-numbingly slow, hitching the M41 is not a game for the impatient or the time-pressed. The first vehicle with space will usually give you a ride, but as with many places in the former Soviet Union, you are expected to pay for the ride. It can take anywhere from 2 hours to 2 days to get a ride. There many only be 2 or 3 vehicles going in your direction each day. The {{Marker|type=go|lat=38.149|long=74.801|zoom=13|name=Kulma pass|image=}} is the only border crossing between China and Tajikistan. The pass is officially open for nationals of all countries (2025). After clearing the Tajik side, there is a preliminary passport and luggage control on the Chinese side, however the actual border and customs area is downhill, 14 km away, right next to the [[Karakorum Highway]]. The border crossing is ''closed'' on weekends and Chinese national holidays. The Kulma pass is primarily a truckers' crossing and the Chinese officials will not let you cross on foot or a bicycle. Chinese officials force travelers to get a taxi for 25 [[China#Money|RMB]] to drive the 14 km to the customs building, payable in cash or using Alipay. After that, you must hitchhike or cycle to your destination. Taxis cannot be ordered to this location (June 2025). You are required to obtain the '''Tashkurgan Permit''' in China to travel on this road ''towards'' Pakistan. Checkpoints are numerous and reports state that it is required for all holders of a Chinese visa, except those possessing a valid Tajik or Pakistani visa (2024). The permit is available for 100 RMB in China, either from a traffic police office in Kashgar or a tourist information center along the highway. * The [[Wakhan Corridor]] is the panhandle of Afghanistan, with an old trade route leading across the southern edge of the Pamirs from Afghanistan to China. However, it was never a major route because the terrain is difficult and the hill tribes can be. There is a road on both sides with views of Pakistani mountain peaks towards the south. ==Get around== There are some typical arranged itineraries: * 5-day/4-night road trip from Osh to Dushanbe (including the Wakhan Valley) or vice versa (which is by far the better option, if you are prone to altitude sickness) * 4-day/3-night road trip from Osh to Dushanbe via Mardzh (not including the Wakhan Valley, going along the classical Pamir Highway instead). * since there are regular Tajik-Kyrgyz border clashes (and therefore the border may be closed as it was in Oct 2022), a good way is to stay on the Tajik side and do a 9d/8n trip from Dushanbe to Khorog, and from there going round counter-clockwise (via Ischkaschim, Langar, Ali Chur, Bulunkul and back to Khorog) These trips can also be done by public transport, which may take a few days more. The routes are also frequently used by cyclists, organised or independently. Example for a typical 5-day/4-night trip from Dushanbe to Osh: * Day 1: Dushanbe - Khalaikum, 400 km * Day 2: Khalaikum - Khorog (altitude 2000 m), 250 km * Day 3: Khorog - Langar (altitude 2800 m), 300 km * Day 4: Langar - Murghab (altitude 3600 m), 310 km * Day 5: Murghab - Osh, 360 km A six-day tour may add a stop in remote [[Ali Chur]]. An alternative example for a slightly longer 10-day/9-night trip from Dushanbe to Dushanbe (staying in Tajikistan): * Day 1: Dushanbe - Khalaikum (340 km) * Day 2: Kahalikum - Khorog (altitute 2000 m), 260 km * Day 3: Khorog - Langar (altitude 3000 m), 217 km (Gam Chashma hot springs, Yamchun Fortress, Yamg Museum, Wakhan Corridor) * Day 4: Hiking from Langar to Pik Engels basecamp (from 2900 m up to 3900 m) * Day 5: Langar - Ali Chur (altitude 4000 m, very cold place) (passing by Panorama Trail to Hausibek's viewpoint at 4800 m), 120 km * Day 6: Hiking or other activities (Yaksafari/Marco Polo spotting) * Day 7: Ali Chur - Bulunkul (altitude 3700 m) (Geyser, hot springs, walking along Yashikul lake), 40 km * Day 8: Bulunkul - Khorog via M41 (hot springs in Jelondy) 200 km * Day 9: Khorog - Dushanbe (600 km) can be done in one day, but quite rough as the roads are pretty bad (as of Nov 2022) If you have more time, you may add a stop in Murgab. This trip was €1,600 in Nov 2022 (organised with PECTA, food/accommodation/tips excluded). However, €860 of this was spent just for the transfer from Dushanbe to Khorog (both ways). You can cut the cost for this part of the journey considerably by using public transport such as marshrutka or shared taxi. It will be way less comfortable (and potentially safe), but also an interesting experience. ==See== * Lake Karakol - A crater lake near the Kyrgyz and Chinese border; it is frozen half the year * [[Khorog]] * Lots of mountains * [[Murghab]]'s very small bazaar with shops inside shipping containers * Ishkashim Afghan Bazaar on Saturdays Traditional houses in the Pamirs are known locally as ''Chid''. The basic structure hasn't changed much in more than 2,500 years. To visitors, unless they understand the history, they're just dirty, smoky hovels. The roofs are flat so that yak droppings can be dried up there and then used for fuel. The Soviets discouraged the Pamiri [[Ismaili]]s from building mosques and many homes have a kind of shrine that is reminiscent of Zoroastrian practices. In older Chid, ask them to show you the pillar that represents the prophet Mohamed (''Khasitan-Shokhsutun''), just to the left as you enter and made of juniper wood. ==Do== * View the wild life like the Marco Polo Sheep. * Mountain climbing. * Hiking and trekking. * Skiing. * Be part of a very expensive tour group. (Or travel on the cheap and hitch-hike.) * Sit and enjoy the silence and views. * {{do | name=Pamirs Eco-Cultural Tourism Association | alt=PECTA | url= http://visitpamirs.com/| email=info@pecta.tj | address=[[Khorugh]] | lat= | long= | directions=Information Center in Khorog City Park | phone=+992 934425555 | tollfree= | hours= | price=7,000 [[Tajikistan#Money|som]] per km driven (including fuel and any costs regarding the car) and 200,000 som for the driver per day | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-11-10 | content=PECTA is a tourism association comprising drivers, homestays, as well as tour operators and hotels in Pamir. They can help you plan a trip with fair working conditions for the drivers and homestays. Accommodation is not included and paid directly to the homestay owners. The drivers will organise accommodation and point out interesting activities as you travel through the mountains. }} ==Eat== Rice, eggs, snacks, yak butter, bread, mutton, Pamiri tea (sheer-chai), freshly made warm bread (non). Homestays will generally provide plov, soup, or meat stew for dinner and porridge, sausages, or eggs for breakfast. ==Drink== Tea, surprisingly good coffee, and vodka. Yak milk. ==Sleep== There are a number of homestays in most villages on the Pamir highway. They are usually in homes built in traditional Pamiri style. They are made with wood, with five pillars, a sky light and richly decorated with carpets. You are ensured great hospitality and simple but delicious meals. Travel guides typically suggest 150 som per person per night as an average for these homestays, but 200-250 som is closer to the mark (June 2025). Most homestays shut down during winter (ca. November-March). Ask around to find someone who opens up. * Zong Village - Homestay of Mavluda. 130 som per person per night including dinner and breakfast. * Alichur - Ask for the English teacher, meet her family, and you decide how much money to leave behind. Alternatively, there is ''Cafe & Hoste Marco Polo'' homestay which also runs ''Cafe Goldenfish'' right next to it at the Eastern end of the village. Also offers activities such as Yak Safari or Marco Polo spotting. * Bulunkul - Either Homestay of Nisso or Orsu (another teacher). * {{sleep | name=Sanatorii Dzhielondi | alt=Sanatorium | url= | email= | address=Jelondy (on the M41 between Khorogh and Murghab) | lat=37.57511 | long=72.58257 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=50 som per person pernight | lastedit=2019-08-28 | content=If you're up for a little spa treatment whilst travelling through the Pamirs, take up refuge for a night in this former sanatorium from the Soviet area. Fed by one of the (very) hot springs in the area, diving into the large pool of steaming water takes some courage but luckily there's some cold showers to cool off afterwards. Entry to the pool is included in the room rate. Restaurant with basic food on site. }} ==Stay safe== A zealous policeman in [[Murghab]] may want to register you with the police or complain if you were taking photos. This isn't a problem, registration should be known well enough simply getting to the area. == Stay healthy == Do not eat fresh vegetables and unpeeled fruits (cherries are particularly tempting). Drink bottled or boiled water only. Avoid salads at homestays, however bad you may feel for not touching them. There is risk of [[altitude sickness]]: e.g. Murghab, Ali Chur and Karakul are at {{convert|3500-4000|m|ft|sigfig=2}}, regarded as "very high", to which acclimatizing requires care. Even in Ishkashim at {{m|2535}}, a significant part of people will have signs of altitude sickness if they sleep there without having acclimatized. There is a decently sized hospital in Murghab with a decompression chamber. ==Go next== One end of the Pamir Highway is at [[Osh]], from where you easily reach anywhere in the [[Ferghana Valley]]. The other is at [[Dushanbe]], from where you easily reach anywhere in [[Bactria]]. Beyond those, anywhere in [[Central Asia]] is possible; the most interesting destination that is nearby and reasonably safe is [[Samarkand]]. There is the border crossing at Kulma Pass into [[China]] open year round, ''officially'' open now also for foreign nationals, but have wads of US dollars handy to facilitate your passage. * [[Wakhan Corridor]] – a beautiful detour from the Pamirs {{isPartOf|Tajikistan}} {{outlineregion}} {{geo|38.22|72.17|zoom=8}} ge9sdp6ob94vnhwlocdgdb7lubldatg 0 28398 5086771 4931771 2025-07-02T20:02:18Z Mrkstvns 144844 /* Other destinations */ - bastrop 5086771 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|TexasPrairiesLakesBanner.jpg}} The '''Prairies and Lakes Region''' is located in the north central part of [[Texas]]. It is home to the [[Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex]], the fourth largest metropolitan area in the [[United States]]. This region also has a beautiful countryside with ranches, "bed and breakfasts", and many recreational lakes. Whether you're looking for the excitement of a big town (shopping, dining, nightlife), or for a more leisurely time in the rural areas, you'll find it here in the Prairies and Lakes Region. ==Regions== {{mapframe}} The Prairies and Lakes region of [[Texas]] is divided into 3 bands which run roughly northeast to southwest, plus the [[Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex|metropolitan area]] of [[Dallas]]-[[Fort Worth]]. * '''[[Cross Timbers]]''' - from the [[Oklahoma]] border west of [[Lake Texoma]] to southeast of [[Fort Worth]], including areas north, west, and southwest of the Metroplex. * '''[[Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex]]''' - wedged between the Cross Timbers and the Blackland Prairie, includes Dallas and Tarrant Counties. * '''[[Blackland Prairie]]''' - from the [[Oklahoma]] border east of Lake Texoma to just north of [[Austin]], covers the northeast, east, and south sides of the Metroplex. * '''[[Post Oak Savannah]]''' - from the edge of the [[Piney Woods]] down into the cradle between [[Austin]] and [[Houston]]. ==Cities== *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Addison]]|wikidata=Q353089}} - Over 170 restaurants in 4 square miles (10sqkm). *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Arlington_(Texas)|Arlington]]|wikidata=Q17943}} - Amusement parks and the Texas Rangers. "Fun Central" *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Bastrop]]|wikidata=Q810678}} - Home of Texas' Lost Pines. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Bryan-College Station]]|wikidata=Q199266}} - Brazos Valley. Home to Texas A&M University. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Denton (Texas)|Denton]]|wikidata=Q128306}} - University town with a vibrant music scene and easy access to the Texas Motor Speedway. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Dallas]]|wikidata=Q16557}} - The Arts, the dining, the nightlife... Dallas has it all. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Fort Worth]]|wikidata=Q16558}} - "Where the West begins". *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Gonzales]]|wikidata=Q765552}} - "The Birthplace of Texas Independence" Historical sites, festivals, good eats, and shopping *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Irving]]|wikidata=Q51690}} - Home of the Las Colinas Urban Development Center, and (until 2009) the Dallas Cowboys. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Mesquite (Texas)|Mesquite]]|wikidata=Q51696}} - The Mesquite Championship Rodeo. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Waco]]|wikidata=Q128244}} - Cattle, cotton, corn, collegians, and culture. ==Other destinations== [[File:Lost pines hwy 21.jpg|thumb|Lost Pines area of Bastrop Country]] * {{marker|name=Bastrop State Park|lat=30.11|long=-97.29|wikidata=Q4868377}} - home of Texas' "Lost Pines" forest * {{marker|name=Dinosaur Valley State Park|wikidata=Q833892}} * {{marker|name=Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge|wikidata=Q97798760}} ==Understand== ==Get in== ==Get around== ==See== ==Do== Many rivers and lakes are in this area. Camping and RV'ing is very popular here. Hike, bike or ride the [[Northeast Texas Trail]] from Farmersville northeast of Dallas to New Boston, just west of Texarkana. ===Events=== * {{do | name=Monolithic Dome Institute Open House | alt= | url=http://www.monolithic.org/news-feed/mark-your-calendars-monolithic-dome-institute-open-house-oct-15th | email= | address=177 Dome Park Place, Italy, Texas | lat=32.20038 | long=-96.89449 | directions= | phone=+1 972-483-7423 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Free | content=Many of the buildings and features at the Institute complex will be open for viewing. Refreshments will be served. }} ==Eat== ==Drink== {{IsPartOf|Texas}} {{outlineregion}} {{geo|31.551389|-97.155833|zoom=8}} e7p3ovk9n66rq7sgp0l8gqh3xmzlol4 0 28442 5086709 5031049 2025-07-02T17:14:47Z Ground Zero 1423298 England, England, England 5086709 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Prestatyn''' is a town in [[Denbighshire]], on the north coast of [[Wales]]. It is the most easterly of the holiday resorts on the [[north Wales]] coast, and so is convenient for day trips from the cities of [[Liverpool]] and [[Manchester]] in [[North West England]]. ==Get in== ===By train=== Prestatyn Railway Station is situated on the Holyhead Branch of the West Coast Mainline. Direct services to and from London Euston are provided by Avanti West Coast, with Arriva Trains Wales operating frequent trains to and from Chester, Crewe, Manchester, Birmingham and across North Wales. Arriva also provides services every day to and from Cardiff and South Wales via Shrewsbury and Hereford. ===By bus=== Local bus services are provided by ARRIVA Cymru. National Express operates a number of coach services to and from Prestatyn Bus Station, which connect with its vast UK wide network. ===By car=== Prestatyn is on the A548 [[Chester]] to [[Llanrwst]] road. It is also just 10 minutes' drive from the A55 Expressway which runs the length of the North Wales coastline. ==Get around== Prestatyn Town Centre is relatively small with everything within walking distance. * {{listing | name=Roberts Taxis | alt= | url= | email= | address=14B High Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 1745 888444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content= }} ==See== * {{see | name=North Hoyle Wind Farm | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=53.3907 | long=-3.452454 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=North Hoyle Offshore Wind Farm | image=North Hoyle Offshore Wind Farm aerial.jpg | wikidata=Q833917 | content=You will see wind farms wherever you go in Wales but North Hoyle is different. This is the first major ''offshore'' wind farm in UK waters, and is located around 5 miles out to sea from Prestatyn. }} * {{see | name=Roman Helmet Sculpture | alt= | url= | email= | address=Hillside Gardens, Fforddlas, Prestatyn | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | lastedit=2017-06-02 | content=Roman Helmet Sculpture, representing the Start or Finish of Offa's Dyke National Trail. Located in Hillside Gardens, with its fantastic views of Prestatyn town, the North Wales Coast and Wind Farms. It can be reached on foot or by car from Prestatyn Town Centre. The more adventurous walkers, can continue following the Offa's Dyke Markers, and head up onto the off road section of the path,where more amazing views can be found. }} * {{see | name=Roman Bath House | alt= | url= | email= | address=Melyd Avenue, Prestatyn | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | lastedit=2017-06-02 | content=Genuine example of a Roman bath house, only a small site, little bigger than the size of a house. There is a helpful display, that explains the functionality of the baths, and some benches to sit and ponder the scene from millennia ago. Not easy to find, set amidst a housing estate, and with limited parking, perhaps best to visit on foot. }} * {{see | name=The Gop | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=53.3104 | long=-3.3722 | directions=north of Trelawnyd | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=The Gop | wikidata=Q1537771 | lastedit=2017-06-04 | content=The second-largest neolithic mound in Britain. }} ==Do== ===Long-distance walking=== * {{do | name=[[Offa's Dyke Path]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=Prestatyn is at the northern end of the 177-mile national trail, which runs the length of the Wales/England border to [[Chepstow]], following an 8th-century defensive earthwork. }} *Other trails starting and/or finishing in the town are the ''North Wales Path'', ''Clwydian Way'' and ''Dee Way''. * {{do | name=Beaches | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=Prestatyn's most famous tourist attraction is its beach. The town's central beach has been awarded the '''Blue Flag''', the only [[Denbighshire]] beach with the accolade. }} ==Buy== ==Eat== * {{eat | name=The Suhail Tandoori Indian Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=12 Bastion Rd | lat=53.337504 | long= -3.407362 | directions= | phone= +44 1745 856829 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-11-20 | content= }} * {{eat | name=James Fish Bar | alt=James Fish Bar & Chinese Take Away | url= | email= | address=95 Victoria Rd, Prestatyn LL19 7SR | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-03-08 | content=Fish and chip shop combined with Chinese take away. Open daily for lunch time and tea time / evening meals throughout the year. }} ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=The Beaches Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.thebeacheshotel.com/ | email= | address=Beach Rd E | lat=53.344442 | long=-3.403482 | directions= | phone=+44 1745 853072 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Halcyon Quest Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.halcyonquest-hotel.com/ | email= | address=17 Gronant Road, LL19 9DT | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 1745 852 442 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-12-10 | content=9-bedroom, family-run hotel with bar. }} ==Connect== ==Go next== *[[Rhyl]] *[[Chester]] *[[Llandudno]] {{geo|53.331|-3.405}} {{IsPartOf|Clwyd}} {{usablecity}} hl6107kjkd9z2u981dxfy78j67tmkfi 0 28819 5086757 5045324 2025-07-02T19:20:41Z SalomeCzapiewski 2328872 /* By trolleybus */ wording 5086757 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner}} '''Pyongyang''' ([[Korean]]: 평양, ''P'yŏngyang'') is the capital city of [[North Korea]], with about 2,750,000 inhabitants. It is on the Taedong River in the southwest of the country and is known as the Capital of the Revolution. [[File:Laika ac Pyongyang (7968445516).jpg|thumbnail|Pyongyang, capital of North Korea]] [[File:Flowers and propaganda.JPG|thumbnail|A street scene in Pyongyang]] ==Understand== Pyongyang is the capital city of North Korea, and also a "showcase city" where people have a markedly higher standard of living than elsewhere in the country. Many of the nation's tourist attractions can be found here and will likely form part of most travel itineraries to North Korea. {{Climate|janhigh=-0.8|febhigh=2.4|marhigh=8.9|aprhigh=17.1|mayhigh=22.6|junhigh=26.7|julhigh=28.6|aughigh=28.9|sephigh=24.7|octhigh=18.2|novhigh=9.4|dechigh=1.7|janlow=-10.7|feblow=-7.8|marlow=-1.8|aprlow=4.9|maylow=10.9|junlow=16.5|jullow=20.7|auglow=20.5|seplow=14.3|octlow=6.7|novlow=-0.3|declow=-7.2|janprecip=12.2|febprecip=11|marprecip=24.7|aprprecip=49.9|mayprecip=72.2|junprecip=90.3|julprecip=275.2|augprecip=212.8|sepprecip=100.2|octprecip=39.9|novprecip=34.9|decprecip=16.5|description=Source: [[w:Pyongyang#Climate]]}} Largely destroyed during the Korean War in 1952, it was rebuilt to be a model city to boost morale in North Korea. The Russian-style architecture features wide boulevards and lots of green space and decoration. The streets are laid out in an orderly grid, and the city is divided into self-sufficient urban neighborhoods all with similar amenities nearby. As movement is restricted in the city, it stands out among large Asian cities for being spacious, uncrowded, and quiet. ===History=== Pyongyang has been an important city in the region for millennia. In the 300s and 400s, it was the capital first of Nanglang and then of the Goguryeo kingdom. Historically an important commercial center, in the 16th through 19th centuries it became the center of Christian missionary work in Asia. When Korea was split after the end of World War II, the Soviet Army entered Pyongyang, and it became the temporary capital, which was later made official with the founding of North Korea. During the Korean War, it was largely destroyed as a result of the largest aerial raid of the entire war. With help from the Soviet Union, it was quickly rebuilt. ==Get in== ''see also [[North Korea#Get in|'''North Korea entry requirements and formalities''']]'' Nearly all visitors arrive either by plane or train from Beijing. You will need a visa before you travel and the authorities will need a minimum of 2 weeks to process it. ===By plane=== *{{listing | type=go | name=Sunan International Airport | alt={{IATA|FNJ}} | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.2008 | long=125.6766 | directions=is 24&nbsp;km north of Pyongyang | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Pyongyang International Airport | image=Flughafen Sunan, 평양순안국제공항, DPRK (22940961496).jpg | wikidata=Q491767 | content=It handles a relatively small number of passengers for a capital airport, and as of 2020 had scheduled services to [[Beijing]], [[Macau]], [[Shenyang]], and [[Vladivostok]]. }} International flights use a new terminal opened in summer of 2015, featuring more seating, an expanded duty-free store, and additional amenities. The new terminal imposes a US$1 parking fee when exiting the lot. '''Air China''' member of the Star Alliance, announced the resumption of thrice-weekly flights to Pyongyang in 2023, but as of February 2024 does not appear to be actually flying them yet. When available, Air China is preferred by most to Air Koryo due to its far more modern fleet of Boeing 737s. '''Air Koryo''' operates flights to Beijing on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. These leave Pyongyang at 09:00 and return to Pyongyang from Beijing at 13:00. The cheapest flights in and out of Pyongyang are to Shenyang for US$180 one way on Air Koryo, with service Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. If you are in a position to buy tickets within the country, they are on sale in the Youth Hotel's Air China office, which is about 10&nbsp;km north-east of the city. They provide a free 30&nbsp;kg baggage allowance. Tickets may also be purchased online through travel agents who typically interact with either the Beijing or Berlin Air Koryo offices. Expect to pay US$300-320 for a one-way ticket to Beijing. ===By train=== There are two international train services to Pyongyang, from [[Beijing]] (via [[Dandong]] and [[Sinuiju]]) and [[Moscow]] (via [[Zabaikalsk]], [[Dandong]] and [[Sinuiju]]). Western foreigners will usually be denied entry to North Korea by train (except for those specially chartered by tour companies). For trains arriving at {{Marker|type=go|lat=39.0048 | long=125.7366|name=Pyongyang station |image=Pyongyang-Railway-Station-2014.jpg}} (평양역), foreigners must exit via the side door at the far end of the station from the gates. Don't join the scrum with the North Koreans, as you won't be allowed to leave via the same door. If you have transported anything via freight on the train, you'll have to go back the next day to pick it up. The (not very busy) customs office is around the back of the building, and is shut between 12:00 and 14:00. There are no charges for collecting customs-cleared goods, and the bureaucracy is fairly simple, especially compared to the chaos of the Beijing railway station. ==Get around== [[File:Pyongyang 2012 Tatra tram 2.jpg|thumbnail|One of the typical Tatra trams in Pyongyang, North Korea]] Tourists to North Korea will need to be accompanied by an accredited guide or guides, who will arrange where you can visit and how you will get there. However, personal visitors of foreign residents in Pyongyang are free to go around by themselves, unless explicitly told not to by the government. {{Mapframe|39.02|125.74|zoom=12|width=500|height=600|lang=en}} {{Mapshapes|Q80872}} ===By metro=== The metro system has two routes. However, if on a package tour, your short trip on the metro will be organised in advance. Only visitors of foreign residents may use the entire metro. Despite being old, the trains run quite efficiently, and are phenomenally cheap at ₩5 per journey irrespective of distance. The biggest drawback to this form of transport is that the metro is only on the west side of the river, while Munsu dong, where all foreign residents live, is on the east side. ===By taxi=== Taxis can be taken, but drivers are wary of accepting foreigners. One exception might be the Koryo Hotel, near the railway station. Expect the driver to check with the hotel that he is allowed to take you. Generally around €5 will cover a medium distance one way journey, although the rate for foreigners is US$1/km before 18:30 and US$2/km in the evening. === By trolleybus === Foreign residents cannot use buses normally, but sometimes a tour group organises the tour of the trolleybus system. However, getting around Pyongyang by trolleybus can be quite tricky, as the numbers displayed on the dashboard are '''not''' route numbers - they are the stopping pattern of the route. Routes themselves are not numbered, only the stopping patterns, and routes itself are named after destinations. ==See== [[File:Pyongyang Film Studios 2.JPG|thumbnail|Pyongyang Film Studios]] * {{see | name=Arch of Triumph | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.04465 | long=125.75316 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Arch of Triumph (Pyongyang) | image=PyongYang-Arch of Triumph.jpg | wikidata=Q209676 | content=The arch was designed to commemorate Korean resistance to Japan between 1925 and 1945 and eventual liberation from Japanese rule. The arch is modeled on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. At 60&nbsp;m high and 50&nbsp;m wide it is the biggest victory arch in the world. }} *{{see | name=Arirang Mass Games | alt=Arirang Festival | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.04962 | long=125.77520 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Arirang Festival | image=Arirang Mass Games 18.JPG | wikidata=Q602771 | content=A mass gymnastics and artistic performance. The performance runs through parts of August and September. With over 100,000 performers this is, by the number of participants, the greatest show on earth. }} *{{see | name=Children's Palace | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.01398 | long=125.65843 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Mangyongdae Children's Palace | image=Mangyondae Schoolchildrens Palace in Pyongyang 01.jpg | wikidata=Q1062754 | content=Nearly every city has its own Children's Palace, with Pyongyang having the largest. After classes in the morning, selected (gifted) students spend the afternoon at the palatial Children's Palace to practice their art or other special skills. Children choose their area of specialisation in cooperation with teachers once they're old enough to attend (around 11) and continue with that skill every day until they graduate or they complete the area of study. Areas include: ballet, rhythmic dance, gymnastics, computer programming, singing, musical instruments, chess, volleyball, basketball, embroidery and calligraphy. }} *{{see | name=Chollima Statue | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.03432 | long=125.752771 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Chollima Statue | image=Chollima statue Pyongyang.jpg | wikidata=Q867247 | content=At the top of Mansu Hill is a statue of a man riding Chollima, a winged horse, representing the economic development of Korea. }} *{{see | name=Juche Tower | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.017592 | long=125.763614 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Juche Tower | image=| wikidata=Q321697 | content=A 170&nbsp;m tall monument is dedicated to the ''Juche'' philosophy of Kim Il Sung. Don't miss the trip to the top, which costs €5 and offers a great view of the city (though, if you're staying at the Yanggakdo, the view from a top floor is similar and free). }} *{{see | name=Kaeson Funfair | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.04602 | long=125.75487 | directions=Near the Arch of Triumph | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Kaeson Youth Park | image=Kaeson Fun Fair.jpg | wikidata=Q3887518 | content=This small amusement park has a handful of new rides. You and your guides can't just wander around as you'll need a guide from the park to take you to each ride, but you will be put at the front of the queue for each one. The guide will keep track of the rides you go on and then you pay according to how many rides you went on at the end of your visit. }} *{{see | name=Kimilsungia-Kimjungilia Flower Exhibition Centre | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.03058 | long=125.76806 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This centre houses two floors worth of flowers named after Kim Jong Il and Kim Il Sung. Kimilsungia flower shows are held every year in Pyongyang. Traditionally, embassies of foreign countries in North Korea each present their own bouquet of the flower to the annual exhibition. }} *{{see | name=Korean War Museum | alt=Victorious Fatherland Liberation Museum | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.04302 | long=125.73668 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Victorious War Museum | image=Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum - North Korea (10335065963).jpg | wikidata=Q11588512 | content=The War Museum moved to a new building (next to the previous museum) in 2013. Large statues and captured US planes, tanks, and other weapons are in front of the main building. The museum contains dioramas and historical artefacts from the war, paintings of the leaders, and serves as a memorial to national war heroes. Expect to spend 2-3 hours to visit the museum. }} *{{see | name=Mansudae Grand Monument | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.03161 | long=125.75369 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Mansu Hill Grand Monument | image=Mansudae Grand Monument 18.JPG | wikidata=Q1325633 | content= 20&nbsp;m high bronze statue of Kim Il-Sung and Kim Jong-Il. During the centennial celebration of Kim Il-Sung's birthday, a statue of Kim Jong-Il was added. This colossal display will most likely be the first thing you visit. Be aware that the locals expect visitors to this place to show respect to the monument. Your tour group will most likely lay flowers on the statue pedestal which are also available on-site for €3-10. Formal dress is expected, though not strictly required.}} [[File:Gpsh-pyong-yang.JPG|thumbnail|Grand People's Study House]] *{{see | name=Munsu Water Park | alt= | url= | email= | address=East Pyongyang | lat=39.04239 | long=125.77977 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€7 indoors only, €10 indoors and outdoors | wikipedia=Munsu Water Park | image=Munsu Water Park - Pyongyang, North Korea (11511854045).jpg | wikidata=Q17198628 | content=Opened in October 2013, this is a large water park complex with lots of water slides. Open to foreigners on Saturdays. }} *{{see | name=North Korean Film Studio | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.071696 | long=125.711538 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=Pyongyang Film Studios 02.jpg | content=Where North Korean films are made, and see film sets based on Japan, Russia, China and South Korea. }} *{{see | name=Pyongyang Circus | alt= State Circus| url= | email= | address= | lat=39.02806 | long=125.68585 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=¥80 | wikipedia=Pyongyang Circus | image=Pyongyang Circus.JPG | wikidata=Q205950 | content=Closer to an acrobatics show, the circus provides a variety of illusion and gymnastics acts. Live animals are no longer used. There is a live orchestra. The majority of the audience is local. }} *{{listing | type=see | name=Pyongyang Metro | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=NA | long=NA | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=€2-20 | wikipedia=Pyongyang Metro | image=Pyongyang metro station 1.jpg | wikidata=Q80872 | lastedit=2016-03-13 | content=This is the deepest metro system in the world at over 110&nbsp;m. There are large socialist realist murals in the platforms of the stations, with each station designed to embody a different ideal. A standard tourist visit for €2 will ride from the origin Puhung station to the Arch of Triumph (6 stops) on the Chollima Line. It is possible to travel the full extent of the metro for €20, although disembarking at a couple stations remains restricted and the full tour takes several hours. }} *{{see | name=Ryugyong Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.03652 | long=125.73084 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ryugyong Hotel | image=Ryugyong Hotel - August 27, 2011 (Cropped).jpg | wikidata=Q29272 | content=This 105-storey building dominates the Pyongyang skyline with its 330&nbsp;m height. Construction started in 1987, but came to a halt in 1992 during the country's economic crisis in the wake of the fall of the Soviet Union. Construction by Egypt's Orascom Group resumed again in April 2008. It was scheduled for a partial opening in the summer of 2013, but it remains unopened as of January of 2025. }} *{{see | name=Stamp Shop | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.008 | long=125.737 | directions=Next to the Koryo Hotel on Changwang St | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=DPRK Pyongyang Stamp Shop outside view.JPG | content=Sells a huge variety of DPRK postage stamps, with designs ranging from Olympic sports to Korean food to DPRK history. You can also buy postcards and postcard stamps, although postage costs are lower on the second floor of the Koryo Hotel. }} * {{see | name=USS Pueblo | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.039 | long=125.741 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=USS Pueblo (AGER-2) | image=Laika ac USS Pueblo (7960099660).jpg | wikidata=Q712703 | content=The USS Pueblo is an American naval vessel captured by North Korea in 1968. Although her crew was eventually released, the ship has been kept as a museum in Pyongyang. It is still commissioned by the United States Navy and is its only vessel still listed as captured. The Pueblo is now part of the Korean War Museum, and is next to the main museum building. }} * {{see | name=Workers Party Monument | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.028 | long=125.775 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | content=This monument is about the Workers Party of Korea. The hammer, sickle and brush are standing for the workers, farmers and the intellectuals. The ring around these the symbols represents their unification. }} * {{see | name=Kim Il-sung Square | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.01953 | long=125.75247 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Kim Il-sung Square | image=Practising a torch march on Kim il-sung square 11.JPG | wikidata=Q72218 | lastedit=2017-05-08 | content=Pyongyang's main square is directly opposite the Juche Tower on west bank of the Taedong River and is a common gathering place for military parades, dances and rallies. Attractions surrounding the square include the Grand People's Study House. }} * {{see | name=Kumsusan Palace of the Sun | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.064167 | long=125.7875 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Kumsusan Palace of the Sun | image=Kumsusan Palace of the Sun (11338272534).jpg | wikidata=Q606069 | lastedit=2017-05-08 | content=Contains the bodies of President Kim Il-sung and his son Kim Jong-il, who have been designated as eternal leaders of the country. }} * {{see | name=Korean Revolution Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.03234 | long=125.75205 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1326244 | content=Opened in 1948, this museum showcases exhibits of items related to Kim Il-sung and the Korean Revolutionary movement. }} * {{see | name=Rungrado 1st of May Stadium | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.049575 | long=125.775219 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Rungrado 1st of May Stadium | image=Rŭngrado May First Stadium.JPG | wikidata=Q211618 | lastedit=2017-05-08 | content=The second-largest stadium in the world, with a total capacity of 114,000. The site occupies an area of 20.7 hectares (51 acres). }} * {{see | name=The Neutron Science Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=38.9888 | long=125.7122 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-02-01 | content=The Neutron is a science museum displaying many science-related exhibits and objects. In the center, a North Korean Missile stands on display. }} === Day trips === [[File:Man - Anak Tomb No. 3.jpg|thumb|Mural inside a Goguryeo tomb]] * '''Mangyongdae''', the purported birthplace of Kim Il Sung, is 12&nbsp;km from central Pyongyang and a good day trip. A collection of huts said to be the Leader's first home is the main attraction. The suburb also features a '''revolutionary museum''', a '''funfair''' and a '''revolutionary school''' for the children of the elite. * '''The Revolutionary Martyrs' Cemetery''', around 15&nbsp;km north east of the city, is a good day out. You walk up 300 steps, through gardens with hidden speakers playing mournful music, to fairly identikit bronze busts set on marble plinths. Seriousness, of course, is mandatory. Taking photos is fine, and on a clear day there are magnificent views over the city. At the foot of the hill there is a zoo and a park. One can visit both, at a small charge, although they are sometimes shut. As you approach, the metro terminus is on the right; it takes around 40 minutes to get back into town on the metro. In the zoo itself are a lot of tigers, dogs and chickens. The two Korean breeds of dog (the lighter coloured is the northern, the darker the southern one) are separated from one another by a steel fence and spend most of their lives barking at each other - quite an appropriate metaphor. * Some of the tombs of the [[UNESCO World Heritage list]]ing '''Complex of Goguryeo Tombs''' are located in the Taedong river basin outside Pyongyang. * '''[[Panmunjom]]''', the surreal truce village on the DMZ and demarcation line of North and South Korea, is an unforgettable historical site easily visited on a day trip from Pyongyang. ==Do== Normally, tourists in Pyongyang are restricted to guided tours. Personal visitors to foreign residents are usually free to wander around, though they may also be placed under the care of a guide. * {{do | name=Pyongyang Marathon | alt= | url=http://www.pyongyangmarathon.com/ | email= | address=May Day Stadium | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=USD50-100 | wikipedia=Pyongyang Marathon | image=Participants in the 2012 Pyongyang Marathon running past the Arch of Triumph.jpg | wikidata=Q2097800 | lastedit=2016-03-13 | content=The Pyongyang Marathon is a yearly event in April open to Americans and most other nationalities since 2014. There are 10 km, half- and full marathon races. Although anyone can sign up, it has to be through an official tour operator, including [http://uritours.com/tours UriTours], [http://www.koryogroup.com/pyongyang-marathon.php KoryoGroup], and [http://www.youngpioneertours.com/tour/pyongyang-marathon-tour/ Young Pioneer Tours]. Roughly 1,000 foreigners were scheduled to run in 2016. }} * {{do | name=Swimming | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Foreigners are allowed to use the main public swimming pool on Saturday mornings, and also the ice skating rink in winter. Medical aid may take a long time to arrive.}} * {{do | name=Bowling | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.02562 | long=125.76812 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=Bowling in North Korea.jpg | content=Bowling is available at Golden Lanes for minimal cost. }} ==Buy== Shopping options are limited. A few department stores exist but have very few things of interest to a visitor. Locals only shop from speciality stores selling groceries and other basic items. Arts and crafts and souvenirs can be purchased in places such as tourist sites and hotels. Some extremely sought-after North Korean souvenirs are metal lapel badges depicting the faces of one or more of the three Kims. They can be difficult for foreigners to acquire; it is often easier to buy them at home on eBay or similar auction sites. There have been reported cases of these badges being seized by customs at departure. There are several competing prepaid cards available around town, which reduce the hassle of carrying money and change. The ubiquitous and oldest is from the Trade Bank (무역은행), and is available at the Pyongyang Shop in the Embassy district. Its balance is recorded at the hard-currency exchange rate. Guangbok and some stores dealing in local currency offer a card from the Central Bank (중앙은행) with a balance of local won. The Ryugyong commercial bank also offers a card accepted by the Ryugyong shop. There are several government-run markets, selling a wide range of foods, as well as consumer goods such as shoes and DIY materials. The majority of these products are imported, but some local goods can be found as well. The prices for local products are extremely low by western standards, and the sellers are generally honest although prices are negotiable. These markets are identifiable by their blue, hemispherical roofs. However, apart from Tonghil market, foreigners are generally treated with caution. Indeed, do not be surprised if you are gently, but firmly, escorted from the building. There is no harm in this, providing you comply. Tonghil market is perhaps the most interesting, as there are many relatively wealthy Koreans shopping there for items many other North Koreans are unable to afford. You need won to shop at these markets, which can be exchanged for hard currencies on the second floor. Photography is prohibited. In Tonghil, be aware that some theft does occur, although it is minimal. The list of stores known to be open to foreigners consists of: * {{buy | name=Pyongyang Store | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.0217 | long=125.7914 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-10-04 | content=The Pyongyang diplomatic store complex has fresh milk, a duty free section and tailor services. }} * {{buy | name=Haemaji | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.0279 | long=125.7554 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-10-04 | content=The Haemaji complex features a grocery store, bakery, coffee shop and steak house. }} * {{buy | name=CanGuang | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.0077 | long=125.7383 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-10-04 | content=The CanGuang complex near the Koryo hotel has a grocery store, cafe and hotel. }} * {{buy | name=Potonggang | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.0278 | long=125.7358 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-10-04 | content=The Potonggang complex is a 3-storey department store selling food, home good and small appliances. Local currency is used, and there is a currency exchange point across the street. }} * {{buy | name=GwangBok | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.0339 | long=125.6923 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-10-04 | content=Gwangbok is a 3-storey shopping complex joint venture with a Chinese company. The top floor has a food court, and the second floor has locally-produced clothing. Local currency is used and can be exchanged on the first floor. }} * {{buy | name=Ryugyong | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.03099 | long=125.73083 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-10-04 | content=The Ryugyong shopping complex has a grocery store, furniture store, and kitchen supplies. There's also a cafe in the complex, a hardware store next door, and an electronics store across the street. }} * {{buy | name=Tongil Market | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=38.9800 | long=125.7329 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-10-04 | content=A bustling market with imported and local goods. One of the few places to buy fresh meat and produce, and with a bit of everything else. Prices on imported goods will not be significantly cheaper than at other stores, but one of the few places to shop alongside locals. Note: Tongil is not typically a permitted destination for short-term visitors. }} ==Eat== Local residents generally eat at home, and as such the Pyongyang restaurant scene is lacking. You will normally eat dinner at your hotel. There are a number of small diners in the city, but they are mostly aimed at local workers and have rather spartan fare—boiled corn, kimchi, some fish or squid, white rice. The legal situation surrounding these semi-private establishments is complicated, and foreigners are not advised to eat at them. A famous local specialty of Pyongyang is cold noodles (랭면 ''raengmyeon''); ask your guide if (s)he can give you some opportunities to try it. There are, however, several restaurants well-suited for tourists. * {{eat | name=Chongryu | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=On the bank of the Pothong River | phone= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Designed in the shape of a river cruise boat. A good choice for those fond of traditional Korean food, as over 120 Korean dishes are available.}} * {{eat | name=Dangogi Gukjib | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=38.9782 | long=125.7310 | directions=Tongil St | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The most famous place for those who wish to try the Korean speciality of dog. Costs €30. }} [[File:Banquet rooms at Haedanghwa Health Complex - North Korea (10392176426).jpg|thumbnail|Banquet rooms at Haedanghwa Health Complex]] * {{eat | name=Haedanghwa | alt=해당화관 | url= | email= | address=Okryu Taedong River Area 1 East (대동강구역 옥류1동)| lat=39.02539 | long=125.76822 | directions= | phone=+850 2 678 3333 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€30-70 | content=Teppanyaki-style restaurant with €30, €50 and €70 set meals. Considered one of the top restaurants in the country, the chefs have been trained in China. The name might have been [https://www.nknews.org/2016/10/photo-confirms-name-change-of-major-health-complex-in-pyongyang/ changed from Haedanghwa to Ryugyong Service Complex] in 2016.}} * {{eat | name=Mujigae Boat Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.0173 | long=125.7561 | directions=Kim Il Sung Square | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A 2015 boat completed for the 70th anniversary of the workers party, the Rainbow boat has 8 food options: a buffet, a traditional Korean restaurant, a revolving restaurant on the 3rd floor, an outside snack bar, a coffee shop, a karaoke bar, four booth areas with a continental menu, and a convenience shop. A fee of USD1 or ₩5,000 is charged upon boarding in addition to the price of food. }} * {{eat | name=Okryu | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.02874 | long=125.75834 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€3-6 | content=On the bank of the Taedong River, Okryu was founded in 1960 and is one of the oldest restaurants in the country and one of the few with branches abroad. It is famous for its Pyongyang-style cold noodles.}} * {{eat | name=Ryugyong Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=An Sang Taek St | phone= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Specialises in beef dishes. Recommended for meat-lovers.}} * {{eat | name=Haebangsan | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.0133 | long=125.7511 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=USD5-10 | lastedit=2015-09-18 | content=Famous for ox rib soup. }} ==Drink== There are few bars and clubs to which foreigners are allowed, although North Korean beer is available at hotels. Some may also offer Chinese and other foreign beers, such as Heineken. The local draught beer is excellent, and costs from €0.50 to €1.40. There are three main places, apart from restaurants and hotels, where foreign residents go to socialise; the old Diplomatic club, near the Juche tower by the river, the Friendship, inside the Munsu dong foreigners' compound, and the Random Access Club (RAC), run by the UN, also inside the foreigners' compound. Provided that transport (difficult) and permission (less difficult) is obtainable, all of these can be visited. The RAC Friday nights are legendary (not in an "Ibiza" way, though), although what passed for nightlife has dwindled as foreign aid organisations have left the country during 2009. * {{drink | name=Taedonggang Brewery Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.01786 | long=125.76635 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=7 types of Taedonggang beer are on tap (although only types 1, 2, 5 and 6 are generally available). The restaurant has a large projector typically showing Russian concerts, and brick walls that look out of place in the city. Fairly expensive for dinner, but recommended for drinks. The fries are recommended as a bar snack, although the locals prefer dried fish.}} * {{drink | name=Diplomatic Club | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.0127 | long=125.7624 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=In addition to a pool and restaurant, the upstairs of the diplomatic club has an extensive karaoke area, and a billiards room with a small bar. }} ==Sleep== [[File:Lobby at Koryo Hotel (11416591205).jpg|thumb|Lobby of the Koryo Hotel]] This will be arranged by your tour company. ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Heabangsan Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.01345 | long=125.75050 | directions=Sungri St, Central District | phone=+850 2 37037 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2015-10-04 | content=A five-storey building which is the cheapest option in Pyongyang. It has 83 rooms, but rarely available to foreigners. }} * {{sleep | name=Morangbong Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Morangbong Hill | phone= | fax= | hours= |checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=12 rooms and is Pyongyang's smallest hotel. It is the only hotel in Pyongyang with al fresco dining.}} * {{sleep | name=Pyongyang Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Sungri St, Central District, near Pyongyang Grand Theatre | phone=+850 2 38161 | fax= | hours= |checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Class 2 hotel with 170 rooms. Open since 1961.}} * {{sleep | name=Taedonggang Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Sungri St, Central District, beside the Taedonggang River | phone=+850 2 38346 | fax= | hours= |checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=2nd class hotel that has been around since 1956.}} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Potongang Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+850 2 381 2229 | fax= | hours= |checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=First-class hotel next to the Potong River about 4 km from the city centre. It has 216 rooms equipped with air conditioning, refrigerator, telephone, and satellite TV. Facilities include restaurants, bar, souvenir shop and a beauty salon.}} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Ryanggang Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.004444 | long=125.693611 | directions=Chongchun St, Mangyongdae District, at the junction of the Taedonggang and Potonggang Rivers | phone=+850 2 73825 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikidata=Q14636247 | content=Opened in 1989, this first-class hotel has 317 rooms and a rotating restaurant on the roof. }} * {{sleep | name=Sosan Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Kwangbok St | phone=+850 2 71191 | fax= | hours= |checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=First-class option, renovated. Features a pool, bars, Internet, and cable TV.}} * {{sleep | name=Yanggakdo Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=38.9990 | long=125.7517 | directions= | phone=+850 2 381 2134 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Prices range from €70 for a third-class room on one of the lower floors, to €420 for a deluxe room high up. Meals are included | wikipedia=Yanggakdo International Hotel | image=Dprk-hotel-yanggakdo.jpg | wikidata=Q700636 | content=Opened 1995. It is on Yanggakdo Island, in the middle of the Taedong River. It is 47 storeys tall, has several restaurants (including a revolving restaurant on the top), and a casino in the basement where you can watch Chinese gamblers go wild. Also has a bowling alley, shoe repair shop, and massage service. }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Koryo Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.0087 | long=125.7366 | directions=Changkwang St | phone=+850 2 381 4397 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Singles €175, doubles €290 | wikipedia=Koryo Hotel | image=Pyongyang Koryo Hotel lobby.jpg | wikidata=Q702322 | content=The most luxurious hotel in the city together with Yanggakdo Hotel. Has 45 floors and over 500 rooms. It's in the city centre near the train station, which makes you less isolated than the Yanggakdo. }} ==Stay safe== Pyongyang is a very safe city for foreigners who follow the rules. [[North Korea#Stay safe|See the main article]] for safety information about North Korea. In addition to the standard emergency numbers ('''119''' from fixed-line phones, '''112''' from mobile phones), for medical emergencies in Pyongyang, you can also dial {{phone|+850 2 382-7688}}. ==Connect== The country code for North Korea is '''+850''', and the area code for Pyongyang is '''2''' (and possibly also 195), dialed and written domestically as '''02'''. Phone numbers in Pyongyang beginning with 381 (e.g. +850 2-381-xxxx) can be called internationally, and can only make international calls and calls to other 381 numbers. Businesses with such a phone number will usually have a 381 number for international calls and a 382 for domestic calls. Foreigners staying in Pyongyang can sign up with Koryolink mobile phone service. The setup fee for a SIM card and voice service will be either $80 or €80. Signing up for 3G data costs an additional €180. Fees for the mobile service are $8/month for voice and $14/month for data. The included data plan provides 50M of data. The phone network available to foreigners does not interconnect with the network used by citizens. Hotels aimed at foreigners may be able to provide Internet access, although it should be requested in advance. If you do not have Internet access and need connection the easiest option is likely to schedule a visit to your embassy. ==Cope== ===Health care=== * {{listing | name=Red Cross General Hospital of Korea | address= | lat= | long= | directions=East-Pyongyang | phone=+850 2 28291 }} * {{listing | name= Pyongyang First Aid Hospital | phone= +850 2 22758 }} * {{listing | name=Pyongyang Foreigners’ Hospital | phone=+850 2 22160 }} * {{listing | name=Kim Man Yu Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=East-Pyongyang | phone=+850 2 28136 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Pyongyang Maternity Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=East-Pyongyang | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Showcase, opened in 1980 with 1,500 beds. }} ===Embassies=== Most foreign embassies in Pyongyang, except for the Chinese and Russian embassies, are in the Munsu-dong area. Citizens of European Union (EU) countries not represented in Pyongyang can seek consular assistance from other EU embassies instead, such as the German or Polish embassies. Citizens of the [[United States]], [[Canada]], [[Nordic Countries]] and [[Australia]] can get limited consular assistance from the Swedish embassy, although usually only in emergencies. These citizens are also recommended to contact their country's embassy in [[Seoul#Embassies|Seoul]] or [[Beijing#Embassies|Beijing]]. {| |- | style="vertical-align:top;width:50%;" | * {{flag|Bulgaria}} {{listing | name=Bulgaria| url=http://www.mfa.bg/embassies/nordkorea/en/1164/index.html | email=Embassy.Pyongyang@mfa.bg | address=Munsudong | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+850 2 381 7343 | tollfree= | fax=+850 2 381 7342 | hours= | price= | content= |lastedit=2016-05-29 }} * {{flag|Cambodia}} {{listing | name=Cambodia| url= | email=camemb.prk@mfa.gov.kh | address=Rue de L'universite Commune Mouscou, Arrondissement Daedongang F90 | lat= | long= | directions= | fax=+850-2-23817625 | tollfree= | phone=+850-2-23817283 | hours= | price= | content= |lastedit=2016-05-29 }} * {{flag|China}} {{listing | name=China | alt= | url=http://kp.china-embassy.gov.cn/ | email=chinaemb_kp@mfa.gov.cn | address=Kinmaul-dong, Moranbong District | lat=39.0546 | long=125.753 | directions= | phone=+850 2 381 3116 | tollfree= | fax=+850 2 381 3425 | hours=M-F 10:00-12:00 | price= | wikidata=Q30950523 | lastedit=2024-02-04 | content= }} * {{flag|Cuba}} {{listing | name= Cuba| url= | email=embacuba@rpdc.embacuba.cn | address= P.O. Box 5, Munsudong District, Daedonggang| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +850-2-3817703| tollfree= | fax=+850-2-3817703 | hours= | price= | content= |lastedit=2016-05-29 }} * {{flag|Czech Republic}} {{listing | name= Czech Republic| url= http://www.mzv.cz/pyongyang| email= pyongyang@embassy.mzv.cz| address=Taedonggang Guyok 38, Taehakgori, Puksudong | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+850 2 381 7021| tollfree= | fax= +850 2 381 7022| hours= M-F 09:00-16:00| price= | content= |lastedit=2016-05-29 }} * {{flag|Egypt}} {{listing | name= Egypt| url= http://www.mfa.gov.eg/english/embassies/Egyptian_Embassy_North_Korea| email= Embassy.pyongyang@mfa.gov.eg| address=Munsu - Dong, Dae Dongyong | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +850-2-3817416| tollfree= | fax= +850-2-3817410| hours= 09:00-17:00| price= | content= |lastedit=2016-05-29 }} * {{flag|Germany}} {{listing | name=Germany | alt= | url=https://pjoengjang.diplo.de/ | email=info@pjoengjang.diplo.de | address=Munsu-dong Diplomatic Compound | lat=39.022957 | long=125.792127 | directions= | phone=+850-2 3817385 | tollfree= | fax=+850-2 3817397 | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1202236 | lastedit=2016-05-29 | content= }} * {{flag|Indonesia}} {{listing | name=Indonesia | alt= | url=https://kemlu.go.id/pyongyang | email=pyongyang.kbri@kemlu.go.id | address=P.O. Box 178, 5 Foreigner's Building, Munsudong, Taedonggang District | lat=39.022582 | long=125.788951 | directions= | phone=+850 2 3817425 | tollfree= | fax=+850-2-3817620 | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q61612861 | lastedit=2016-05-29 | content= }} * {{flag|Laos}} {{listing | name= Laos| url= | email= | address=Munhung Dong, Talelonggang District | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+850 2 381-7363 | tollfree= | fax=+853 2 381-7722 | hours= | price= | content= |lastedit=2016-05-29 }} | style="vertical-align:top;width:50%;" | * {{flag|Pakistan}} {{listing | name= Pakistan| url= | email= parep.pyongyang@gmail.com| address= Building No. 23, Block 66, Munsodong Daedongang District| lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+850-2-3817479 | tollfree= | fax= +850-2-3817622| hours= | price= | content= |lastedit=2016-05-29 }} * {{flag|Palestine}} {{listing | name= Palestine| url= | email= palestinekorea@hotmail.com| address= PO Box 24, Pyongyang| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +850-2-3817256| tollfree= | fax= +850-2-3817259| hours= | price= | content= |lastedit=2016-05-29 }} * {{flag|Poland}} {{listing | name= Poland| url= http://www.pjongjang.msz.gov.pl/pl/| email=pjongjang.amb.sekretariat@msz.gov.pl | address=Tedonggang - Munsu-Dong | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +850-2-3817333| tollfree= | fax= +850-2-3817634| hours= | price= | content= |lastedit=2016-05-29 }} * {{flag|Romania}} {{listing | name=Romania | alt= | url=https://mae.ro/romanian-missions/3177#769 | email=romania.dprk@yahoo.com | address=Munhengdong, Taedong District | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+850 1065442344 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-03 | content= }} * {{flag|Russia}} {{listing | name=Russia | alt= | url=http://www.rusembdprk.ru | email=embassy@rusembdprk.ru | address=Chungang-gu, Singang-Dong | lat=39.024424 | long=125.746049 | directions= | phone=+850-2-3813101 | tollfree= | fax=+850-2-3813427 | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q18408333 | lastedit=2016-05-29 | content= }} * {{flag|Sweden}} {{listing | name=Sweden | alt= | url=https://www.swedenabroad.se/sv/utlandsmyndigheter/nordkorea-pyongyang/ | email=ambassaden.pyongyang@gov.se | address=Munsu-dong, Taehak St, Taedonggang District | lat=39.023 | long=125.7922 | directions= | phone=+850-2-3817485 | tollfree= | fax=+850-2-3817663 | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q10686021 | lastedit=2016-05-29 | content= }} * {{flag|Syria}} {{listing | name= Syria| url= | email= | address=Moun-Sou Dong Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+850-2-3849323, +850-2-3817472, +850-2-3817473 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= |lastedit=2016-05-29 }} * {{flag|Switzerland}} {{listing | name=Swiss Cooperation Office | alt= | url=https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home/representations-and-travel-advice/dpr-korea/ch-representation-dpr-korea.html | email=pyongyang@eda.admin.ch | address=Daedonggang District, Munhundong, Yubo Street No. 3 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+850-2-3817645 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-05-29 | content= }} *{{flag|United Kingdom}} {{listing | name=United Kingdom | alt= | url=https://www.gov.uk/government/world/organisations/british-embassy-pyonyang | email=Pyongyang.enquiries@fco.gov.uk | address=Munsu-dong Diplomatic Compound | lat=39.023 | long=125.7922 | directions= | phone=+850 2 381 7982 | tollfree= | fax=+850 2 381 7985 | hours=M-Th 09:00-18:00; F 09:00-13:00 | price= | wikidata=Q10633443 | lastedit=2016-05-29 | content=There is a Duty Officer rota for out of hours emergencies. }} * {{flag|Vietnam}} {{listing | name=Vietnam | alt= | url=https://vnembassy-pyongyang.mofa.gov.vn/en-us/Pages/default.aspx | email=vnembassydprk@mofa.gov.vn | address=7 Munsu St | lat=39.02224 | long=125.79062 | directions= | phone=+850 2 381 73 53 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q64785541 | lastedit=2016-05-29 | content= }} * {{flag|Yemen}} {{listing | name=Yemen | url= | email= | address=P.O. Box 53, Pyongyang | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +850 2 3817353| tollfree= | fax=+850-2-3817632 | hours= | price= | content= |lastedit=2016-05-29 }} |} <nowiki>*</nowiki> The Swedish Embassy offers limited consular help to citizens of Australia, Canada, the United States and the [[Nordic countries]]. They also handle Schengen visa applications for Italy, Spain and the [[Nordic countries]]. ==Go next== * [[Nampho]] {{usablecity}} {{geo|39.019|125.738}} {{isPartOf|Pyongan}} {{Mapmask |39.2794,125.7318 |39.2733,125.7189 |39.2688,125.7033 |39.2658,125.6883 |39.2588,125.6802 |39.2483,125.6770 |39.2392,125.6716 |39.2392,125.6640 |39.2492,125.6511 |39.2571,125.6425 |39.2617,125.6307 |39.2613,125.6232 |39.2546,125.6205 |39.2442,125.6291 |39.2363,125.6334 |39.2292,125.6355 |39.2175,125.6355 |39.2075,125.6323 |39.2013,125.6248 |39.1942,125.6345 |39.1887,125.6420 |39.1808,125.6511 |39.1721,125.6463 |39.1683,125.6377 |39.1612,125.6323 |39.1508,125.6388 |39.1429,125.6431 |39.1370,125.6501 |39.1310,125.6585 |39.1244,125.6639 |39.1183,125.6611 |39.1172,125.6597 |39.1144,125.6562 |39.1105,125.6526 |39.1056,125.6519 |39.1006,125.6519 |39.0952,125.6536 |39.0893,125.6563 |39.0832,125.6555 |39.0768,125.6545 |39.0726,125.6502 |39.0713,125.6481 |39.0709,125.6445 |39.0713,125.6412 |39.0730,125.6354 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|38.9447,126.3523 |38.9430,126.3608 |38.9370,126.3630 |38.9345,126.3735 |38.9315,126.3841 |38.9253,126.3917 |38.9226,126.4026 |38.9424,126.4005 |38.9690,126.3874 |39.0043,126.3595 |39.0211,126.3372 |39.0289,126.3294 |39.0373,126.3331 |39.0445,126.3375 |39.0515,126.3375 |39.0581,126.3253 |39.0619,126.3070 |39.0604,126.2877 |39.0599,126.2743 |39.0627,126.2653 |39.0703,126.2597 |39.0789,126.2597 |39.0872,126.2498 |39.0959,126.2339 |39.1053,126.2218 |39.1200,126.2202 |39.1376,126.2312 |39.1482,126.2502 |39.1588,126.2375 |39.1621,126.2181 |39.1621,126.1944 |39.1621,126.1807 |39.1662,126.1565 |39.1707,126.1428 |39.1735,126.1275 |39.1764,126.1017 |39.1825,126.0901 |39.1928,126.0864 |39.2046,126.0849 |39.2141,126.0886 |39.2216,126.0853 |39.2299,126.0687 |39.2346,126.0480 |39.2390,126.0381 |39.2392,126.0355 |39.2389,126.0307 |39.2374,126.0231 |39.2369,126.0143 |39.2367,126.0120 |39.2376,126.0086 |39.2391,126.0073 |39.2405,126.0067 |39.2423,126.0068 |39.2438,126.0080 |39.2401,125.9999 |39.2296,125.9742 |39.2210,125.9421 |39.2174,125.9226 |39.2161,125.9152 |39.2133,125.8968 |39.2153,125.8857 |39.2284,125.8747 |39.2373,125.8663 |39.2391,125.8641 |39.2409,125.8629 |39.2443,125.8557 |39.2448,125.8493 |39.2446,125.8421 |39.2394,125.8372 |39.2359,125.8336 |39.2295,125.8318 |39.2253,125.8275 |39.2227,125.8215 |39.2206,125.8094 |39.2247,125.7926 |39.2320,125.7795 |39.2385,125.7728 |39.2529,125.7684 |39.2608,125.7636 |39.2696,125.7528 |39.2754,125.7453 |39.2794,125.7318}} o6j5fik3p8z0ta0pruo885zefkoojh2 5086768 5086757 2025-07-02T19:51:32Z Ikan Kekek 36420 5086768 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner}} '''Pyongyang''' ([[Korean]]: 평양, ''P'yŏngyang'') is the capital city of [[North Korea]], with about 2,750,000 inhabitants. It is on the Taedong River in the southwest of the country and is known as the Capital of the Revolution. [[File:Laika ac Pyongyang (7968445516).jpg|thumbnail|Pyongyang, capital of North Korea]] [[File:Flowers and propaganda.JPG|thumbnail|A street scene in Pyongyang]] ==Understand== Pyongyang is the capital city of North Korea, and also a "showcase city" where people have a markedly higher standard of living than elsewhere in the country. Many of the nation's tourist attractions can be found here and will likely form part of most travel itineraries to North Korea. {{Climate|janhigh=-0.8|febhigh=2.4|marhigh=8.9|aprhigh=17.1|mayhigh=22.6|junhigh=26.7|julhigh=28.6|aughigh=28.9|sephigh=24.7|octhigh=18.2|novhigh=9.4|dechigh=1.7|janlow=-10.7|feblow=-7.8|marlow=-1.8|aprlow=4.9|maylow=10.9|junlow=16.5|jullow=20.7|auglow=20.5|seplow=14.3|octlow=6.7|novlow=-0.3|declow=-7.2|janprecip=12.2|febprecip=11|marprecip=24.7|aprprecip=49.9|mayprecip=72.2|junprecip=90.3|julprecip=275.2|augprecip=212.8|sepprecip=100.2|octprecip=39.9|novprecip=34.9|decprecip=16.5|description=Source: [[w:Pyongyang#Climate]]}} Largely destroyed during the Korean War in 1952, it was rebuilt to be a model city to boost morale in North Korea. The Russian-style architecture features wide boulevards and lots of green space and decoration. The streets are laid out in an orderly grid, and the city is divided into self-sufficient urban neighborhoods all with similar amenities nearby. As movement is restricted in the city, it stands out among large Asian cities for being spacious, uncrowded, and quiet. ===History=== Pyongyang has been an important city in the region for millennia. In the 300s and 400s, it was the capital first of Nanglang and then of the Goguryeo kingdom. Historically an important commercial center, in the 16th through 19th centuries it became the center of Christian missionary work in Asia. When Korea was split after the end of World War II, the Soviet Army entered Pyongyang, and it became the temporary capital, which was later made official with the founding of North Korea. During the Korean War, it was largely destroyed as a result of the largest aerial raid of the entire war. With help from the Soviet Union, it was quickly rebuilt. ==Get in== ''see also [[North Korea#Get in|'''North Korea entry requirements and formalities''']]'' Nearly all visitors arrive either by plane or train from Beijing. You will need a visa before you travel and the authorities will need a minimum of 2 weeks to process it. ===By plane=== *{{listing | type=go | name=Sunan International Airport | alt={{IATA|FNJ}} | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.2008 | long=125.6766 | directions=is 24&nbsp;km north of Pyongyang | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Pyongyang International Airport | image=Flughafen Sunan, 평양순안국제공항, DPRK (22940961496).jpg | wikidata=Q491767 | content=It handles a relatively small number of passengers for a capital airport, and as of 2020 had scheduled services to [[Beijing]], [[Macau]], [[Shenyang]], and [[Vladivostok]]. }} International flights use a new terminal opened in summer of 2015, featuring more seating, an expanded duty-free store, and additional amenities. The new terminal imposes a US$1 parking fee when exiting the lot. '''Air China''' member of the Star Alliance, announced the resumption of thrice-weekly flights to Pyongyang in 2023, but as of February 2024 does not appear to be actually flying them yet. When available, Air China is preferred by most to Air Koryo due to its far more modern fleet of Boeing 737s. '''Air Koryo''' operates flights to Beijing on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. These leave Pyongyang at 09:00 and return to Pyongyang from Beijing at 13:00. The cheapest flights in and out of Pyongyang are to Shenyang for US$180 one way on Air Koryo, with service Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. If you are in a position to buy tickets within the country, they are on sale in the Youth Hotel's Air China office, which is about 10&nbsp;km north-east of the city. They provide a free 30&nbsp;kg baggage allowance. Tickets may also be purchased online through travel agents who typically interact with either the Beijing or Berlin Air Koryo offices. Expect to pay US$300-320 for a one-way ticket to Beijing. ===By train=== There are two international train services to Pyongyang, from [[Beijing]] (via [[Dandong]] and [[Sinuiju]]) and [[Moscow]] (via [[Zabaikalsk]], [[Dandong]] and [[Sinuiju]]). Western foreigners will usually be denied entry to North Korea by train (except for those specially chartered by tour companies). For trains arriving at {{Marker|type=go|lat=39.0048 | long=125.7366|name=Pyongyang station |image=Pyongyang-Railway-Station-2014.jpg}} (평양역), foreigners must exit via the side door at the far end of the station from the gates. Don't join the scrum with the North Koreans, as you won't be allowed to leave via the same door. If you have transported anything via freight on the train, you'll have to go back the next day to pick it up. The (not very busy) customs office is around the back of the building, and is shut between 12:00 and 14:00. There are no charges for collecting customs-cleared goods, and the bureaucracy is fairly simple, especially compared to the chaos of the Beijing railway station. ==Get around== [[File:Pyongyang 2012 Tatra tram 2.jpg|thumbnail|One of the typical Tatra trams in Pyongyang, North Korea]] Tourists to North Korea will need to be accompanied by an accredited guide or guides, who will arrange where you can visit and how you will get there. However, personal visitors of foreign residents in Pyongyang are free to go around by themselves, unless explicitly told not to by the government. {{Mapframe|39.02|125.74|zoom=12|width=500|height=600|lang=en}} {{Mapshapes|Q80872}} ===By metro=== The metro system has two routes. However, if on a package tour, your short trip on the metro will be organised in advance. Only visitors of foreign residents may use the entire metro. Despite being old, the trains run quite efficiently, and are phenomenally cheap at ₩5 per journey irrespective of distance. The biggest drawback to this form of transport is that the metro is only on the west side of the river, while Munsu dong, where all foreign residents live, is on the east side. ===By taxi=== Taxis can be taken, but drivers are wary of accepting foreigners. One exception might be the Koryo Hotel, near the railway station. Expect the driver to check with the hotel that he is allowed to take you. Generally around €5 will cover a medium distance one way journey, although the rate for foreigners is US$1/km before 18:30 and US$2/km in the evening. === By trolleybus === Foreign residents cannot use buses normally, but sometimes a tour group organises the tour of the trolleybus system. However, getting around Pyongyang by trolleybus can be quite tricky, as the numbers displayed on the dashboard are '''not''' route numbers - they are the stopping pattern of the route. Routes are not numbered, only the stopping patterns, and they are named after destinations. ==See== [[File:Pyongyang Film Studios 2.JPG|thumbnail|Pyongyang Film Studios]] * {{see | name=Arch of Triumph | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.04465 | long=125.75316 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Arch of Triumph (Pyongyang) | image=PyongYang-Arch of Triumph.jpg | wikidata=Q209676 | content=The arch was designed to commemorate Korean resistance to Japan between 1925 and 1945 and eventual liberation from Japanese rule. The arch is modeled on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. At 60&nbsp;m high and 50&nbsp;m wide it is the biggest victory arch in the world. }} *{{see | name=Arirang Mass Games | alt=Arirang Festival | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.04962 | long=125.77520 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Arirang Festival | image=Arirang Mass Games 18.JPG | wikidata=Q602771 | content=A mass gymnastics and artistic performance. The performance runs through parts of August and September. With over 100,000 performers this is, by the number of participants, the greatest show on earth. }} *{{see | name=Children's Palace | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.01398 | long=125.65843 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Mangyongdae Children's Palace | image=Mangyondae Schoolchildrens Palace in Pyongyang 01.jpg | wikidata=Q1062754 | content=Nearly every city has its own Children's Palace, with Pyongyang having the largest. After classes in the morning, selected (gifted) students spend the afternoon at the palatial Children's Palace to practice their art or other special skills. Children choose their area of specialisation in cooperation with teachers once they're old enough to attend (around 11) and continue with that skill every day until they graduate or they complete the area of study. Areas include: ballet, rhythmic dance, gymnastics, computer programming, singing, musical instruments, chess, volleyball, basketball, embroidery and calligraphy. }} *{{see | name=Chollima Statue | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.03432 | long=125.752771 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Chollima Statue | image=Chollima statue Pyongyang.jpg | wikidata=Q867247 | content=At the top of Mansu Hill is a statue of a man riding Chollima, a winged horse, representing the economic development of Korea. }} *{{see | name=Juche Tower | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.017592 | long=125.763614 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Juche Tower | image=| wikidata=Q321697 | content=A 170&nbsp;m tall monument is dedicated to the ''Juche'' philosophy of Kim Il Sung. Don't miss the trip to the top, which costs €5 and offers a great view of the city (though, if you're staying at the Yanggakdo, the view from a top floor is similar and free). }} *{{see | name=Kaeson Funfair | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.04602 | long=125.75487 | directions=Near the Arch of Triumph | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Kaeson Youth Park | image=Kaeson Fun Fair.jpg | wikidata=Q3887518 | content=This small amusement park has a handful of new rides. You and your guides can't just wander around as you'll need a guide from the park to take you to each ride, but you will be put at the front of the queue for each one. The guide will keep track of the rides you go on and then you pay according to how many rides you went on at the end of your visit. }} *{{see | name=Kimilsungia-Kimjungilia Flower Exhibition Centre | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.03058 | long=125.76806 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This centre houses two floors worth of flowers named after Kim Jong Il and Kim Il Sung. Kimilsungia flower shows are held every year in Pyongyang. Traditionally, embassies of foreign countries in North Korea each present their own bouquet of the flower to the annual exhibition. }} *{{see | name=Korean War Museum | alt=Victorious Fatherland Liberation Museum | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.04302 | long=125.73668 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Victorious War Museum | image=Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum - North Korea (10335065963).jpg | wikidata=Q11588512 | content=The War Museum moved to a new building (next to the previous museum) in 2013. Large statues and captured US planes, tanks, and other weapons are in front of the main building. The museum contains dioramas and historical artefacts from the war, paintings of the leaders, and serves as a memorial to national war heroes. Expect to spend 2-3 hours to visit the museum. }} *{{see | name=Mansudae Grand Monument | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.03161 | long=125.75369 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Mansu Hill Grand Monument | image=Mansudae Grand Monument 18.JPG | wikidata=Q1325633 | content= 20&nbsp;m high bronze statue of Kim Il-Sung and Kim Jong-Il. During the centennial celebration of Kim Il-Sung's birthday, a statue of Kim Jong-Il was added. This colossal display will most likely be the first thing you visit. Be aware that the locals expect visitors to this place to show respect to the monument. Your tour group will most likely lay flowers on the statue pedestal which are also available on-site for €3-10. Formal dress is expected, though not strictly required.}} [[File:Gpsh-pyong-yang.JPG|thumbnail|Grand People's Study House]] *{{see | name=Munsu Water Park | alt= | url= | email= | address=East Pyongyang | lat=39.04239 | long=125.77977 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€7 indoors only, €10 indoors and outdoors | wikipedia=Munsu Water Park | image=Munsu Water Park - Pyongyang, North Korea (11511854045).jpg | wikidata=Q17198628 | content=Opened in October 2013, this is a large water park complex with lots of water slides. Open to foreigners on Saturdays. }} *{{see | name=North Korean Film Studio | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.071696 | long=125.711538 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=Pyongyang Film Studios 02.jpg | content=Where North Korean films are made, and see film sets based on Japan, Russia, China and South Korea. }} *{{see | name=Pyongyang Circus | alt= State Circus| url= | email= | address= | lat=39.02806 | long=125.68585 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=¥80 | wikipedia=Pyongyang Circus | image=Pyongyang Circus.JPG | wikidata=Q205950 | content=Closer to an acrobatics show, the circus provides a variety of illusion and gymnastics acts. Live animals are no longer used. There is a live orchestra. The majority of the audience is local. }} *{{listing | type=see | name=Pyongyang Metro | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=NA | long=NA | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=€2-20 | wikipedia=Pyongyang Metro | image=Pyongyang metro station 1.jpg | wikidata=Q80872 | lastedit=2016-03-13 | content=This is the deepest metro system in the world at over 110&nbsp;m. There are large socialist realist murals in the platforms of the stations, with each station designed to embody a different ideal. A standard tourist visit for €2 will ride from the origin Puhung station to the Arch of Triumph (6 stops) on the Chollima Line. It is possible to travel the full extent of the metro for €20, although disembarking at a couple stations remains restricted and the full tour takes several hours. }} *{{see | name=Ryugyong Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.03652 | long=125.73084 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ryugyong Hotel | image=Ryugyong Hotel - August 27, 2011 (Cropped).jpg | wikidata=Q29272 | content=This 105-storey building dominates the Pyongyang skyline with its 330&nbsp;m height. Construction started in 1987, but came to a halt in 1992 during the country's economic crisis in the wake of the fall of the Soviet Union. Construction by Egypt's Orascom Group resumed again in April 2008. It was scheduled for a partial opening in the summer of 2013, but it remains unopened as of January of 2025. }} *{{see | name=Stamp Shop | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.008 | long=125.737 | directions=Next to the Koryo Hotel on Changwang St | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=DPRK Pyongyang Stamp Shop outside view.JPG | content=Sells a huge variety of DPRK postage stamps, with designs ranging from Olympic sports to Korean food to DPRK history. You can also buy postcards and postcard stamps, although postage costs are lower on the second floor of the Koryo Hotel. }} * {{see | name=USS Pueblo | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.039 | long=125.741 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=USS Pueblo (AGER-2) | image=Laika ac USS Pueblo (7960099660).jpg | wikidata=Q712703 | content=The USS Pueblo is an American naval vessel captured by North Korea in 1968. Although her crew was eventually released, the ship has been kept as a museum in Pyongyang. It is still commissioned by the United States Navy and is its only vessel still listed as captured. The Pueblo is now part of the Korean War Museum, and is next to the main museum building. }} * {{see | name=Workers Party Monument | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.028 | long=125.775 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | content=This monument is about the Workers Party of Korea. The hammer, sickle and brush are standing for the workers, farmers and the intellectuals. The ring around these the symbols represents their unification. }} * {{see | name=Kim Il-sung Square | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.01953 | long=125.75247 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Kim Il-sung Square | image=Practising a torch march on Kim il-sung square 11.JPG | wikidata=Q72218 | lastedit=2017-05-08 | content=Pyongyang's main square is directly opposite the Juche Tower on west bank of the Taedong River and is a common gathering place for military parades, dances and rallies. Attractions surrounding the square include the Grand People's Study House. }} * {{see | name=Kumsusan Palace of the Sun | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.064167 | long=125.7875 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Kumsusan Palace of the Sun | image=Kumsusan Palace of the Sun (11338272534).jpg | wikidata=Q606069 | lastedit=2017-05-08 | content=Contains the bodies of President Kim Il-sung and his son Kim Jong-il, who have been designated as eternal leaders of the country. }} * {{see | name=Korean Revolution Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.03234 | long=125.75205 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1326244 | content=Opened in 1948, this museum showcases exhibits of items related to Kim Il-sung and the Korean Revolutionary movement. }} * {{see | name=Rungrado 1st of May Stadium | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.049575 | long=125.775219 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Rungrado 1st of May Stadium | image=Rŭngrado May First Stadium.JPG | wikidata=Q211618 | lastedit=2017-05-08 | content=The second-largest stadium in the world, with a total capacity of 114,000. The site occupies an area of 20.7 hectares (51 acres). }} * {{see | name=The Neutron Science Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=38.9888 | long=125.7122 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-02-01 | content=The Neutron is a science museum displaying many science-related exhibits and objects. In the center, a North Korean Missile stands on display. }} === Day trips === [[File:Man - Anak Tomb No. 3.jpg|thumb|Mural inside a Goguryeo tomb]] * '''Mangyongdae''', the purported birthplace of Kim Il Sung, is 12&nbsp;km from central Pyongyang and a good day trip. A collection of huts said to be the Leader's first home is the main attraction. The suburb also features a '''revolutionary museum''', a '''funfair''' and a '''revolutionary school''' for the children of the elite. * '''The Revolutionary Martyrs' Cemetery''', around 15&nbsp;km north east of the city, is a good day out. You walk up 300 steps, through gardens with hidden speakers playing mournful music, to fairly identikit bronze busts set on marble plinths. Seriousness, of course, is mandatory. Taking photos is fine, and on a clear day there are magnificent views over the city. At the foot of the hill there is a zoo and a park. One can visit both, at a small charge, although they are sometimes shut. As you approach, the metro terminus is on the right; it takes around 40 minutes to get back into town on the metro. In the zoo itself are a lot of tigers, dogs and chickens. The two Korean breeds of dog (the lighter coloured is the northern, the darker the southern one) are separated from one another by a steel fence and spend most of their lives barking at each other - quite an appropriate metaphor. * Some of the tombs of the [[UNESCO World Heritage list]]ing '''Complex of Goguryeo Tombs''' are located in the Taedong river basin outside Pyongyang. * '''[[Panmunjom]]''', the surreal truce village on the DMZ and demarcation line of North and South Korea, is an unforgettable historical site easily visited on a day trip from Pyongyang. ==Do== Normally, tourists in Pyongyang are restricted to guided tours. Personal visitors to foreign residents are usually free to wander around, though they may also be placed under the care of a guide. * {{do | name=Pyongyang Marathon | alt= | url=http://www.pyongyangmarathon.com/ | email= | address=May Day Stadium | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=USD50-100 | wikipedia=Pyongyang Marathon | image=Participants in the 2012 Pyongyang Marathon running past the Arch of Triumph.jpg | wikidata=Q2097800 | lastedit=2016-03-13 | content=The Pyongyang Marathon is a yearly event in April open to Americans and most other nationalities since 2014. There are 10 km, half- and full marathon races. Although anyone can sign up, it has to be through an official tour operator, including [http://uritours.com/tours UriTours], [http://www.koryogroup.com/pyongyang-marathon.php KoryoGroup], and [http://www.youngpioneertours.com/tour/pyongyang-marathon-tour/ Young Pioneer Tours]. Roughly 1,000 foreigners were scheduled to run in 2016. }} * {{do | name=Swimming | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Foreigners are allowed to use the main public swimming pool on Saturday mornings, and also the ice skating rink in winter. Medical aid may take a long time to arrive.}} * {{do | name=Bowling | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.02562 | long=125.76812 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=Bowling in North Korea.jpg | content=Bowling is available at Golden Lanes for minimal cost. }} ==Buy== Shopping options are limited. A few department stores exist but have very few things of interest to a visitor. Locals only shop from speciality stores selling groceries and other basic items. Arts and crafts and souvenirs can be purchased in places such as tourist sites and hotels. Some extremely sought-after North Korean souvenirs are metal lapel badges depicting the faces of one or more of the three Kims. They can be difficult for foreigners to acquire; it is often easier to buy them at home on eBay or similar auction sites. There have been reported cases of these badges being seized by customs at departure. There are several competing prepaid cards available around town, which reduce the hassle of carrying money and change. The ubiquitous and oldest is from the Trade Bank (무역은행), and is available at the Pyongyang Shop in the Embassy district. Its balance is recorded at the hard-currency exchange rate. Guangbok and some stores dealing in local currency offer a card from the Central Bank (중앙은행) with a balance of local won. The Ryugyong commercial bank also offers a card accepted by the Ryugyong shop. There are several government-run markets, selling a wide range of foods, as well as consumer goods such as shoes and DIY materials. The majority of these products are imported, but some local goods can be found as well. The prices for local products are extremely low by western standards, and the sellers are generally honest although prices are negotiable. These markets are identifiable by their blue, hemispherical roofs. However, apart from Tonghil market, foreigners are generally treated with caution. Indeed, do not be surprised if you are gently, but firmly, escorted from the building. There is no harm in this, providing you comply. Tonghil market is perhaps the most interesting, as there are many relatively wealthy Koreans shopping there for items many other North Koreans are unable to afford. You need won to shop at these markets, which can be exchanged for hard currencies on the second floor. Photography is prohibited. In Tonghil, be aware that some theft does occur, although it is minimal. The list of stores known to be open to foreigners consists of: * {{buy | name=Pyongyang Store | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.0217 | long=125.7914 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-10-04 | content=The Pyongyang diplomatic store complex has fresh milk, a duty free section and tailor services. }} * {{buy | name=Haemaji | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.0279 | long=125.7554 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-10-04 | content=The Haemaji complex features a grocery store, bakery, coffee shop and steak house. }} * {{buy | name=CanGuang | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.0077 | long=125.7383 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-10-04 | content=The CanGuang complex near the Koryo hotel has a grocery store, cafe and hotel. }} * {{buy | name=Potonggang | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.0278 | long=125.7358 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-10-04 | content=The Potonggang complex is a 3-storey department store selling food, home good and small appliances. Local currency is used, and there is a currency exchange point across the street. }} * {{buy | name=GwangBok | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.0339 | long=125.6923 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-10-04 | content=Gwangbok is a 3-storey shopping complex joint venture with a Chinese company. The top floor has a food court, and the second floor has locally-produced clothing. Local currency is used and can be exchanged on the first floor. }} * {{buy | name=Ryugyong | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.03099 | long=125.73083 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-10-04 | content=The Ryugyong shopping complex has a grocery store, furniture store, and kitchen supplies. There's also a cafe in the complex, a hardware store next door, and an electronics store across the street. }} * {{buy | name=Tongil Market | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=38.9800 | long=125.7329 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-10-04 | content=A bustling market with imported and local goods. One of the few places to buy fresh meat and produce, and with a bit of everything else. Prices on imported goods will not be significantly cheaper than at other stores, but one of the few places to shop alongside locals. Note: Tongil is not typically a permitted destination for short-term visitors. }} ==Eat== Local residents generally eat at home, and as such the Pyongyang restaurant scene is lacking. You will normally eat dinner at your hotel. There are a number of small diners in the city, but they are mostly aimed at local workers and have rather spartan fare—boiled corn, kimchi, some fish or squid, white rice. The legal situation surrounding these semi-private establishments is complicated, and foreigners are not advised to eat at them. A famous local specialty of Pyongyang is cold noodles (랭면 ''raengmyeon''); ask your guide if (s)he can give you some opportunities to try it. There are, however, several restaurants well-suited for tourists. * {{eat | name=Chongryu | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=On the bank of the Pothong River | phone= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Designed in the shape of a river cruise boat. A good choice for those fond of traditional Korean food, as over 120 Korean dishes are available.}} * {{eat | name=Dangogi Gukjib | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=38.9782 | long=125.7310 | directions=Tongil St | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The most famous place for those who wish to try the Korean speciality of dog. Costs €30. }} [[File:Banquet rooms at Haedanghwa Health Complex - North Korea (10392176426).jpg|thumbnail|Banquet rooms at Haedanghwa Health Complex]] * {{eat | name=Haedanghwa | alt=해당화관 | url= | email= | address=Okryu Taedong River Area 1 East (대동강구역 옥류1동)| lat=39.02539 | long=125.76822 | directions= | phone=+850 2 678 3333 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€30-70 | content=Teppanyaki-style restaurant with €30, €50 and €70 set meals. Considered one of the top restaurants in the country, the chefs have been trained in China. The name might have been [https://www.nknews.org/2016/10/photo-confirms-name-change-of-major-health-complex-in-pyongyang/ changed from Haedanghwa to Ryugyong Service Complex] in 2016.}} * {{eat | name=Mujigae Boat Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.0173 | long=125.7561 | directions=Kim Il Sung Square | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A 2015 boat completed for the 70th anniversary of the workers party, the Rainbow boat has 8 food options: a buffet, a traditional Korean restaurant, a revolving restaurant on the 3rd floor, an outside snack bar, a coffee shop, a karaoke bar, four booth areas with a continental menu, and a convenience shop. A fee of USD1 or ₩5,000 is charged upon boarding in addition to the price of food. }} * {{eat | name=Okryu | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.02874 | long=125.75834 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€3-6 | content=On the bank of the Taedong River, Okryu was founded in 1960 and is one of the oldest restaurants in the country and one of the few with branches abroad. It is famous for its Pyongyang-style cold noodles.}} * {{eat | name=Ryugyong Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=An Sang Taek St | phone= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Specialises in beef dishes. Recommended for meat-lovers.}} * {{eat | name=Haebangsan | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.0133 | long=125.7511 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=USD5-10 | lastedit=2015-09-18 | content=Famous for ox rib soup. }} ==Drink== There are few bars and clubs to which foreigners are allowed, although North Korean beer is available at hotels. Some may also offer Chinese and other foreign beers, such as Heineken. The local draught beer is excellent, and costs from €0.50 to €1.40. There are three main places, apart from restaurants and hotels, where foreign residents go to socialise; the old Diplomatic club, near the Juche tower by the river, the Friendship, inside the Munsu dong foreigners' compound, and the Random Access Club (RAC), run by the UN, also inside the foreigners' compound. Provided that transport (difficult) and permission (less difficult) is obtainable, all of these can be visited. The RAC Friday nights are legendary (not in an "Ibiza" way, though), although what passed for nightlife has dwindled as foreign aid organisations have left the country during 2009. * {{drink | name=Taedonggang Brewery Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.01786 | long=125.76635 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=7 types of Taedonggang beer are on tap (although only types 1, 2, 5 and 6 are generally available). The restaurant has a large projector typically showing Russian concerts, and brick walls that look out of place in the city. Fairly expensive for dinner, but recommended for drinks. The fries are recommended as a bar snack, although the locals prefer dried fish.}} * {{drink | name=Diplomatic Club | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.0127 | long=125.7624 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=In addition to a pool and restaurant, the upstairs of the diplomatic club has an extensive karaoke area, and a billiards room with a small bar. }} ==Sleep== [[File:Lobby at Koryo Hotel (11416591205).jpg|thumb|Lobby of the Koryo Hotel]] This will be arranged by your tour company. ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Heabangsan Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.01345 | long=125.75050 | directions=Sungri St, Central District | phone=+850 2 37037 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2015-10-04 | content=A five-storey building which is the cheapest option in Pyongyang. It has 83 rooms, but rarely available to foreigners. }} * {{sleep | name=Morangbong Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Morangbong Hill | phone= | fax= | hours= |checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=12 rooms and is Pyongyang's smallest hotel. It is the only hotel in Pyongyang with al fresco dining.}} * {{sleep | name=Pyongyang Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Sungri St, Central District, near Pyongyang Grand Theatre | phone=+850 2 38161 | fax= | hours= |checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Class 2 hotel with 170 rooms. Open since 1961.}} * {{sleep | name=Taedonggang Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Sungri St, Central District, beside the Taedonggang River | phone=+850 2 38346 | fax= | hours= |checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=2nd class hotel that has been around since 1956.}} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Potongang Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+850 2 381 2229 | fax= | hours= |checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=First-class hotel next to the Potong River about 4 km from the city centre. It has 216 rooms equipped with air conditioning, refrigerator, telephone, and satellite TV. Facilities include restaurants, bar, souvenir shop and a beauty salon.}} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Ryanggang Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.004444 | long=125.693611 | directions=Chongchun St, Mangyongdae District, at the junction of the Taedonggang and Potonggang Rivers | phone=+850 2 73825 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikidata=Q14636247 | content=Opened in 1989, this first-class hotel has 317 rooms and a rotating restaurant on the roof. }} * {{sleep | name=Sosan Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Kwangbok St | phone=+850 2 71191 | fax= | hours= |checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=First-class option, renovated. Features a pool, bars, Internet, and cable TV.}} * {{sleep | name=Yanggakdo Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=38.9990 | long=125.7517 | directions= | phone=+850 2 381 2134 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Prices range from €70 for a third-class room on one of the lower floors, to €420 for a deluxe room high up. Meals are included | wikipedia=Yanggakdo International Hotel | image=Dprk-hotel-yanggakdo.jpg | wikidata=Q700636 | content=Opened 1995. It is on Yanggakdo Island, in the middle of the Taedong River. It is 47 storeys tall, has several restaurants (including a revolving restaurant on the top), and a casino in the basement where you can watch Chinese gamblers go wild. Also has a bowling alley, shoe repair shop, and massage service. }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Koryo Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.0087 | long=125.7366 | directions=Changkwang St | phone=+850 2 381 4397 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Singles €175, doubles €290 | wikipedia=Koryo Hotel | image=Pyongyang Koryo Hotel lobby.jpg | wikidata=Q702322 | content=The most luxurious hotel in the city together with Yanggakdo Hotel. Has 45 floors and over 500 rooms. It's in the city centre near the train station, which makes you less isolated than the Yanggakdo. }} ==Stay safe== Pyongyang is a very safe city for foreigners who follow the rules. [[North Korea#Stay safe|See the main article]] for safety information about North Korea. In addition to the standard emergency numbers ('''119''' from fixed-line phones, '''112''' from mobile phones), for medical emergencies in Pyongyang, you can also dial {{phone|+850 2 382-7688}}. ==Connect== The country code for North Korea is '''+850''', and the area code for Pyongyang is '''2''' (and possibly also 195), dialed and written domestically as '''02'''. Phone numbers in Pyongyang beginning with 381 (e.g. +850 2-381-xxxx) can be called internationally, and can only make international calls and calls to other 381 numbers. Businesses with such a phone number will usually have a 381 number for international calls and a 382 for domestic calls. Foreigners staying in Pyongyang can sign up with Koryolink mobile phone service. The setup fee for a SIM card and voice service will be either $80 or €80. Signing up for 3G data costs an additional €180. Fees for the mobile service are $8/month for voice and $14/month for data. The included data plan provides 50M of data. The phone network available to foreigners does not interconnect with the network used by citizens. Hotels aimed at foreigners may be able to provide Internet access, although it should be requested in advance. If you do not have Internet access and need connection the easiest option is likely to schedule a visit to your embassy. ==Cope== ===Health care=== * {{listing | name=Red Cross General Hospital of Korea | address= | lat= | long= | directions=East-Pyongyang | phone=+850 2 28291 }} * {{listing | name= Pyongyang First Aid Hospital | phone= +850 2 22758 }} * {{listing | name=Pyongyang Foreigners’ Hospital | phone=+850 2 22160 }} * {{listing | name=Kim Man Yu Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=East-Pyongyang | phone=+850 2 28136 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Pyongyang Maternity Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=East-Pyongyang | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Showcase, opened in 1980 with 1,500 beds. }} ===Embassies=== Most foreign embassies in Pyongyang, except for the Chinese and Russian embassies, are in the Munsu-dong area. Citizens of European Union (EU) countries not represented in Pyongyang can seek consular assistance from other EU embassies instead, such as the German or Polish embassies. Citizens of the [[United States]], [[Canada]], [[Nordic Countries]] and [[Australia]] can get limited consular assistance from the Swedish embassy, although usually only in emergencies. These citizens are also recommended to contact their country's embassy in [[Seoul#Embassies|Seoul]] or [[Beijing#Embassies|Beijing]]. {| |- | style="vertical-align:top;width:50%;" | * {{flag|Bulgaria}} {{listing | name=Bulgaria| url=http://www.mfa.bg/embassies/nordkorea/en/1164/index.html | email=Embassy.Pyongyang@mfa.bg | address=Munsudong | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+850 2 381 7343 | tollfree= | fax=+850 2 381 7342 | hours= | price= | content= |lastedit=2016-05-29 }} * {{flag|Cambodia}} {{listing | name=Cambodia| url= | email=camemb.prk@mfa.gov.kh | address=Rue de L'universite Commune Mouscou, Arrondissement Daedongang F90 | lat= | long= | directions= | fax=+850-2-23817625 | tollfree= | phone=+850-2-23817283 | hours= | price= | content= |lastedit=2016-05-29 }} * {{flag|China}} {{listing | name=China | alt= | url=http://kp.china-embassy.gov.cn/ | email=chinaemb_kp@mfa.gov.cn | address=Kinmaul-dong, Moranbong District | lat=39.0546 | long=125.753 | directions= | phone=+850 2 381 3116 | tollfree= | fax=+850 2 381 3425 | hours=M-F 10:00-12:00 | price= | wikidata=Q30950523 | lastedit=2024-02-04 | content= }} * {{flag|Cuba}} {{listing | name= Cuba| url= | email=embacuba@rpdc.embacuba.cn | address= P.O. Box 5, Munsudong District, Daedonggang| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +850-2-3817703| tollfree= | fax=+850-2-3817703 | hours= | price= | content= |lastedit=2016-05-29 }} * {{flag|Czech Republic}} {{listing | name= Czech Republic| url= http://www.mzv.cz/pyongyang| email= pyongyang@embassy.mzv.cz| address=Taedonggang Guyok 38, Taehakgori, Puksudong | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+850 2 381 7021| tollfree= | fax= +850 2 381 7022| hours= M-F 09:00-16:00| price= | content= |lastedit=2016-05-29 }} * {{flag|Egypt}} {{listing | name= Egypt| url= http://www.mfa.gov.eg/english/embassies/Egyptian_Embassy_North_Korea| email= Embassy.pyongyang@mfa.gov.eg| address=Munsu - Dong, Dae Dongyong | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +850-2-3817416| tollfree= | fax= +850-2-3817410| hours= 09:00-17:00| price= | content= |lastedit=2016-05-29 }} * {{flag|Germany}} {{listing | name=Germany | alt= | url=https://pjoengjang.diplo.de/ | email=info@pjoengjang.diplo.de | address=Munsu-dong Diplomatic Compound | lat=39.022957 | long=125.792127 | directions= | phone=+850-2 3817385 | tollfree= | fax=+850-2 3817397 | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1202236 | lastedit=2016-05-29 | content= }} * {{flag|Indonesia}} {{listing | name=Indonesia | alt= | url=https://kemlu.go.id/pyongyang | email=pyongyang.kbri@kemlu.go.id | address=P.O. Box 178, 5 Foreigner's Building, Munsudong, Taedonggang District | lat=39.022582 | long=125.788951 | directions= | phone=+850 2 3817425 | tollfree= | fax=+850-2-3817620 | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q61612861 | lastedit=2016-05-29 | content= }} * {{flag|Laos}} {{listing | name= Laos| url= | email= | address=Munhung Dong, Talelonggang District | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+850 2 381-7363 | tollfree= | fax=+853 2 381-7722 | hours= | price= | content= |lastedit=2016-05-29 }} | style="vertical-align:top;width:50%;" | * {{flag|Pakistan}} {{listing | name= Pakistan| url= | email= parep.pyongyang@gmail.com| address= Building No. 23, Block 66, Munsodong Daedongang District| lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+850-2-3817479 | tollfree= | fax= +850-2-3817622| hours= | price= | content= |lastedit=2016-05-29 }} * {{flag|Palestine}} {{listing | name= Palestine| url= | email= palestinekorea@hotmail.com| address= PO Box 24, Pyongyang| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +850-2-3817256| tollfree= | fax= +850-2-3817259| hours= | price= | content= |lastedit=2016-05-29 }} * {{flag|Poland}} {{listing | name= Poland| url= http://www.pjongjang.msz.gov.pl/pl/| email=pjongjang.amb.sekretariat@msz.gov.pl | address=Tedonggang - Munsu-Dong | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +850-2-3817333| tollfree= | fax= +850-2-3817634| hours= | price= | content= |lastedit=2016-05-29 }} * {{flag|Romania}} {{listing | name=Romania | alt= | url=https://mae.ro/romanian-missions/3177#769 | email=romania.dprk@yahoo.com | address=Munhengdong, Taedong District | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+850 1065442344 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-03 | content= }} * {{flag|Russia}} {{listing | name=Russia | alt= | url=http://www.rusembdprk.ru | email=embassy@rusembdprk.ru | address=Chungang-gu, Singang-Dong | lat=39.024424 | long=125.746049 | directions= | phone=+850-2-3813101 | tollfree= | fax=+850-2-3813427 | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q18408333 | lastedit=2016-05-29 | content= }} * {{flag|Sweden}} {{listing | name=Sweden | alt= | url=https://www.swedenabroad.se/sv/utlandsmyndigheter/nordkorea-pyongyang/ | email=ambassaden.pyongyang@gov.se | address=Munsu-dong, Taehak St, Taedonggang District | lat=39.023 | long=125.7922 | directions= | phone=+850-2-3817485 | tollfree= | fax=+850-2-3817663 | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q10686021 | lastedit=2016-05-29 | content= }} * {{flag|Syria}} {{listing | name= Syria| url= | email= | address=Moun-Sou Dong Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+850-2-3849323, +850-2-3817472, +850-2-3817473 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= |lastedit=2016-05-29 }} * {{flag|Switzerland}} {{listing | name=Swiss Cooperation Office | alt= | url=https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home/representations-and-travel-advice/dpr-korea/ch-representation-dpr-korea.html | email=pyongyang@eda.admin.ch | address=Daedonggang District, Munhundong, Yubo Street No. 3 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+850-2-3817645 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-05-29 | content= }} *{{flag|United Kingdom}} {{listing | name=United Kingdom | alt= | url=https://www.gov.uk/government/world/organisations/british-embassy-pyonyang | email=Pyongyang.enquiries@fco.gov.uk | address=Munsu-dong Diplomatic Compound | lat=39.023 | long=125.7922 | directions= | phone=+850 2 381 7982 | tollfree= | fax=+850 2 381 7985 | hours=M-Th 09:00-18:00; F 09:00-13:00 | price= | wikidata=Q10633443 | lastedit=2016-05-29 | content=There is a Duty Officer rota for out of hours emergencies. }} * {{flag|Vietnam}} {{listing | name=Vietnam | alt= | url=https://vnembassy-pyongyang.mofa.gov.vn/en-us/Pages/default.aspx | email=vnembassydprk@mofa.gov.vn | address=7 Munsu St | lat=39.02224 | long=125.79062 | directions= | phone=+850 2 381 73 53 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q64785541 | lastedit=2016-05-29 | content= }} * {{flag|Yemen}} {{listing | name=Yemen | url= | email= | address=P.O. Box 53, Pyongyang | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +850 2 3817353| tollfree= | fax=+850-2-3817632 | hours= | price= | content= |lastedit=2016-05-29 }} |} <nowiki>*</nowiki> The Swedish Embassy offers limited consular help to citizens of Australia, Canada, the United States and the [[Nordic countries]]. They also handle Schengen visa applications for Italy, Spain and the [[Nordic countries]]. ==Go next== * [[Nampho]] {{usablecity}} {{geo|39.019|125.738}} {{isPartOf|Pyongan}} {{Mapmask |39.2794,125.7318 |39.2733,125.7189 |39.2688,125.7033 |39.2658,125.6883 |39.2588,125.6802 |39.2483,125.6770 |39.2392,125.6716 |39.2392,125.6640 |39.2492,125.6511 |39.2571,125.6425 |39.2617,125.6307 |39.2613,125.6232 |39.2546,125.6205 |39.2442,125.6291 |39.2363,125.6334 |39.2292,125.6355 |39.2175,125.6355 |39.2075,125.6323 |39.2013,125.6248 |39.1942,125.6345 |39.1887,125.6420 |39.1808,125.6511 |39.1721,125.6463 |39.1683,125.6377 |39.1612,125.6323 |39.1508,125.6388 |39.1429,125.6431 |39.1370,125.6501 |39.1310,125.6585 |39.1244,125.6639 |39.1183,125.6611 |39.1172,125.6597 |39.1144,125.6562 |39.1105,125.6526 |39.1056,125.6519 |39.1006,125.6519 |39.0952,125.6536 |39.0893,125.6563 |39.0832,125.6555 |39.0768,125.6545 |39.0726,125.6502 |39.0713,125.6481 |39.0709,125.6445 |39.0713,125.6412 |39.0730,125.6354 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|39.0946,125.9704 |39.0946,125.9749 |39.0948,125.9838 |39.0945,125.9950 |39.0970,126.0117 |39.0894,126.0140 |39.0822,126.0219 |39.0808,126.0311 |39.0827,126.0382 |39.0843,126.0459 |39.0833,126.0558 |39.0786,126.0640 |39.0708,126.0687 |39.0661,126.0764 |39.0626,126.0903 |39.0600,126.0982 |39.0522,126.1032 |39.0443,126.1008 |39.0324,126.0998 |39.0216,126.1013 |39.0114,126.1024 |39.0012,126.0957 |38.9971,126.0963 |38.9929,126.0974 |38.9897,126.0961 |38.9858,126.0929 |38.9832,126.0920 |38.9825,126.0962 |38.9797,126.0995 |38.9751,126.1028 |38.9730,126.1064 |38.9681,126.1093 |38.9667,126.1101 |38.9658,126.1117 |38.9661,126.1137 |38.9673,126.1152 |38.9684,126.1163 |38.9723,126.1165 |38.9744,126.1187 |38.9751,126.1214 |38.9742,126.1237 |38.9755,126.1263 |38.9767,126.1286 |38.9772,126.1312 |38.9772,126.1327 |38.9769,126.1367 |38.9762,126.1396 |38.9743,126.1405 |38.9719,126.1398 |38.9686,126.1393 |38.9683,126.1406 |38.9678,126.1417 |38.9670,126.1426 |38.9668,126.1437 |38.9666,126.1467 |38.9664,126.1476 |38.9664,126.1501 |38.9672,126.1526 |38.9684,126.1536 |38.9705,126.1541 |38.9748,126.1515 |38.9775,126.1517 |38.9787,126.1538 |38.9788,126.1562 |38.9775,126.1600 |38.9751,126.1626 |38.9746,126.1683 |38.9762,126.1698 |38.9779,126.1702 |38.9796,126.1686 |38.9833,126.1670 |38.9855,126.1670 |38.9872,126.1687 |38.9876,126.1713 |38.9866,126.1742 |38.9835,126.1769 |38.9818,126.1771 |38.9810,126.1780 |38.9808,126.1797 |38.9814,126.1806 |38.9822,126.1813 |38.9844,126.1816 |38.9853,126.1824 |38.9893,126.1794 |38.9915,126.1755 |38.9927,126.1754 |38.9941,126.1754 |38.9961,126.1781 |38.9968,126.1817 |38.9959,126.1860 |38.9933,126.1918 |38.9912,126.1958 |38.9887,126.1987 |38.9880,126.2008 |38.9885,126.2034 |38.9903,126.2069 |38.9925,126.2067 |38.9927,126.2100 |38.9909,126.2140 |38.9905,126.2163 |38.9886,126.2214 |38.9866,126.2235 |38.9854,126.2274 |38.9855,126.2298 |38.9865,126.2317 |38.9879,126.2350 |38.9873,126.2391 |38.9844,126.2394 |38.9823,126.2371 |38.9797,126.2337 |38.9785,126.2340 |38.9773,126.2360 |38.9770,126.2420 |38.9755,126.2467 |38.9743,126.2481 |38.9708,126.2488 |38.9693,126.2511 |38.9683,126.2546 |38.9663,126.2567 |38.9653,126.2568 |38.9639,126.2561 |38.9616,126.2569 |38.9616,126.2597 |38.9634,126.2627 |38.9640,126.2648 |38.9638,126.2665 |38.9624,126.2680 |38.9602,126.2679 |38.9583,126.2676 |38.9559,126.2687 |38.9548,126.2696 |38.9536,126.2725 |38.9536,126.2745 |38.9548,126.2767 |38.9558,126.2773 |38.9564,126.2766 |38.9600,126.2778 |38.9606,126.2805 |38.9596,126.2824 |38.9573,126.2819 |38.9557,126.2795 |38.9534,126.2793 |38.9521,126.2809 |38.9518,126.2822 |38.9524,126.2841 |38.9539,126.2851 |38.9574,126.2859 |38.9599,126.2879 |38.9610,126.2909 |38.9612,126.2933 |38.9622,126.2948 |38.9646,126.2950 |38.9651,126.2971 |38.9628,126.3007 |38.9599,126.3025 |38.9588,126.3048 |38.9581,126.3097 |38.9580,126.3213 |38.9564,126.3270 |38.9553,126.3294 |38.9540,126.3309 |38.9481,126.3360 |38.9445,126.3410 |38.9422,126.3441 |38.9422,126.3463 |38.9447,126.3523 |38.9430,126.3608 |38.9370,126.3630 |38.9345,126.3735 |38.9315,126.3841 |38.9253,126.3917 |38.9226,126.4026 |38.9424,126.4005 |38.9690,126.3874 |39.0043,126.3595 |39.0211,126.3372 |39.0289,126.3294 |39.0373,126.3331 |39.0445,126.3375 |39.0515,126.3375 |39.0581,126.3253 |39.0619,126.3070 |39.0604,126.2877 |39.0599,126.2743 |39.0627,126.2653 |39.0703,126.2597 |39.0789,126.2597 |39.0872,126.2498 |39.0959,126.2339 |39.1053,126.2218 |39.1200,126.2202 |39.1376,126.2312 |39.1482,126.2502 |39.1588,126.2375 |39.1621,126.2181 |39.1621,126.1944 |39.1621,126.1807 |39.1662,126.1565 |39.1707,126.1428 |39.1735,126.1275 |39.1764,126.1017 |39.1825,126.0901 |39.1928,126.0864 |39.2046,126.0849 |39.2141,126.0886 |39.2216,126.0853 |39.2299,126.0687 |39.2346,126.0480 |39.2390,126.0381 |39.2392,126.0355 |39.2389,126.0307 |39.2374,126.0231 |39.2369,126.0143 |39.2367,126.0120 |39.2376,126.0086 |39.2391,126.0073 |39.2405,126.0067 |39.2423,126.0068 |39.2438,126.0080 |39.2401,125.9999 |39.2296,125.9742 |39.2210,125.9421 |39.2174,125.9226 |39.2161,125.9152 |39.2133,125.8968 |39.2153,125.8857 |39.2284,125.8747 |39.2373,125.8663 |39.2391,125.8641 |39.2409,125.8629 |39.2443,125.8557 |39.2448,125.8493 |39.2446,125.8421 |39.2394,125.8372 |39.2359,125.8336 |39.2295,125.8318 |39.2253,125.8275 |39.2227,125.8215 |39.2206,125.8094 |39.2247,125.7926 |39.2320,125.7795 |39.2385,125.7728 |39.2529,125.7684 |39.2608,125.7636 |39.2696,125.7528 |39.2754,125.7453 |39.2794,125.7318}} ge9pccy78wcx2h52p6jtp8klhfnidxu 0 28826 5086739 5047874 2025-07-02T18:30:05Z Ground Zero 1423298 /* Other destinations */ 5086739 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|St-Jean-de-Luz and Ciboure banner Foreshore of fishing harbout.jpg|caption=View of St-Jean-de-Luz and Ciboure}} '''Pyrénées-Atlantiques''' is in [[Nouvelle-Aquitaine]] at the southwest corner of France on the border with Spain. It includes the French Basque Country and the traditional province of Béarn. The Pyrenees mountain range crosses the department from east to west. ==Cities== {{mapframe}} [[File:Bovins estive Pic du Midi Ossau.jpg|thumb|Blond cattle are a common sight on the hills of the Pyrenees]] *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Bayonne (France)|Bayonne]]|wikidata=Q134674}} — A heady mix of Gascon and Basque, Bayonne comes alive in August for the annual fêtes. For the rest of the year, visitors can't help be drawn to the city's museums and galleries, and its gastronomic specialities. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Biarritz]]|wikidata=Q132790}} — Pricey Basque seaside resort, built for pleasure. Great for surfing the ocean wave by day and hitting the casinos and nightclubs after dark, Biarritz is also known for its luxury hotels and swanky restaurants. <!-- *Cambo-les-Bains --> *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Hendaye]]|wikidata=Q191754}} — this town on the Spanish border gas an old medieval Basque Town on the hilltop, and a beach area, around 2 km apart *{{marker|type=city|name=[[La Bastide-Clairence]]|wikidata=Q317214}} — a typical Basque village, founded in 1312 <!-- *Morenx — *Oloron-Sainte-Marie — *Orhez — --> * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Pau]]|wikidata=Q132671}} — in sight of the Pyrenees and home to a renaissance château. Enjoy a ride on the funicular railway. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Saint Jean de Luz]]|wikidata=Q232135}} — a group of villages with well preserved centres and Basque-style houses. St Jean is also a beach resort *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port]]|wikidata=Q270294}} — a common starting point for the French Way of the pilgrim route Way of St. James, to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia <!-- *Saint-Palais — --> *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Bidart]]|wikidata=Q932076}} — practise traditional Basque pelota, trek along the coastal path, or relax on one of the six beaches ==Other destinations== [[File:Gentau Pic du Midi Ossau.jpg|thumb|Lac Gentau reflecting the Pic du Midi d'Ossau]] The '''[[French Way]] of St. James''' starts [[Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port]] pilgrimage route and continues 769 km to [[Santiago de Compostela]] in [[Spain]]. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry]]| wikidata= Q279252}} ==Understand== ==Get in== {{marker | name=[https://biarritz.aeroport.fr/en/ Biarritz-Anglet-Bayonne International Airport] | type=go | lat=43.468333 | long=-1.523333 }} ({{IATA|BIQ}}) has connections from a number of European cities. ==Get around== ==See== ==Do== ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Stay safe== ==Go next== {{IsPartOf|Nouvelle-Aquitaine}} {{outlineregion}} {{geo|43.25|-0.853333|zoom=9}} gptxwqbvg5m6voqfi9a1y7yo2uatzcj 5087112 5086739 2025-07-03T11:42:57Z Ground Zero 1423298 5087112 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|St-Jean-de-Luz and Ciboure banner Foreshore of fishing harbout.jpg|caption=View of St-Jean-de-Luz and Ciboure}} '''Pyrénées-Atlantiques''' is in [[Nouvelle-Aquitaine]] at the southwest corner of France on the border with Spain. It includes the French Basque Country and the traditional province of Béarn. The Pyrenees mountain range crosses the department from east to west. ==Cities== {{mapframe}} [[File:Bovins estive Pic du Midi Ossau.jpg|thumb|Blond cattle are a common sight on the hills of the Pyrenees]] *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Bayonne (France)|Bayonne]]|wikidata=Q134674}} — a heady mix of Gascon and Basque, Bayonne comes alive in August for the annual fêtes. For the rest of the year, visitors can't help be drawn to the city's museums and galleries, and its gastronomic specialities. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Biarritz]]|wikidata=Q132790}} — a pricey Basque seaside resort, built for pleasure. Great for surfing the ocean wave by day and hitting the casinos and nightclubs after dark, Biarritz is also known for its luxury hotels and swanky restaurants. <!-- *Cambo-les-Bains --> *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Hendaye]]|wikidata=Q191754}} — this town on the Spanish border has an old medieval Basque town on the hilltop, and a beach area, around 2 km apart *{{marker|type=city|name=[[La Bastide-Clairence]]|wikidata=Q317214}} — a typical Basque village, founded in 1312 *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Larrau]] | wikidata=Q608335}} — a popular base for hikers and nature lovers looking to explore some of the most dramatic landscapes in the Pyrenees <!-- *Morenx — *Oloron-Sainte-Marie — *Orhez — --> * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Pau]]|wikidata=Q132671}} — in sight of the Pyrenees and home to a renaissance château. Enjoy a ride on the funicular railway. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Saint Jean de Luz]]|wikidata=Q232135}} — a group of villages with well preserved centres and Basque-style houses. St Jean is also a beach resort <!-- *Saint-Palais — --> *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Bidart]]|wikidata=Q932076}} — practise traditional Basque pelota, trek along the coastal path, or relax on one of the six beaches ==Other destinations== [[File:Gentau Pic du Midi Ossau.jpg|thumb|Lac Gentau reflecting the Pic du Midi d'Ossau]] The '''[[French Way]] of St. James''' starts [[Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port]] pilgrimage route and continues 769 km to [[Santiago de Compostela]] in [[Spain]]. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry]]| wikidata= Q279252}} * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port]]|wikidata=Q270294}} — a common starting point for the French Way of the pilgrim route Way of St. James, to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia ==Understand== ==Get in== {{marker | name=[https://biarritz.aeroport.fr/en/ Biarritz-Anglet-Bayonne International Airport] | type=go | lat=43.468333 | long=-1.523333 }} ({{IATA|BIQ}}) has connections from a number of European cities. ==Get around== ==See== ==Do== ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Stay safe== ==Go next== {{IsPartOf|Nouvelle-Aquitaine}} {{outlineregion}} {{geo|43.25|-0.853333|zoom=9}} gzh3vmbpplhfnvk5zocr5e0hbp2u7y6 5087113 5087112 2025-07-03T11:44:02Z Ground Zero 1423298 /* Get in */ Airport details go in the article for the city title serves directly 5087113 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|St-Jean-de-Luz and Ciboure banner Foreshore of fishing harbout.jpg|caption=View of St-Jean-de-Luz and Ciboure}} '''Pyrénées-Atlantiques''' is in [[Nouvelle-Aquitaine]] at the southwest corner of France on the border with Spain. It includes the French Basque Country and the traditional province of Béarn. The Pyrenees mountain range crosses the department from east to west. ==Cities== {{mapframe}} [[File:Bovins estive Pic du Midi Ossau.jpg|thumb|Blond cattle are a common sight on the hills of the Pyrenees]] *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Bayonne (France)|Bayonne]]|wikidata=Q134674}} — a heady mix of Gascon and Basque, Bayonne comes alive in August for the annual fêtes. For the rest of the year, visitors can't help be drawn to the city's museums and galleries, and its gastronomic specialities. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Biarritz]]|wikidata=Q132790}} — a pricey Basque seaside resort, built for pleasure. Great for surfing the ocean wave by day and hitting the casinos and nightclubs after dark, Biarritz is also known for its luxury hotels and swanky restaurants. <!-- *Cambo-les-Bains --> *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Hendaye]]|wikidata=Q191754}} — this town on the Spanish border has an old medieval Basque town on the hilltop, and a beach area, around 2 km apart *{{marker|type=city|name=[[La Bastide-Clairence]]|wikidata=Q317214}} — a typical Basque village, founded in 1312 *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Larrau]] | wikidata=Q608335}} — a popular base for hikers and nature lovers looking to explore some of the most dramatic landscapes in the Pyrenees <!-- *Morenx — *Oloron-Sainte-Marie — *Orhez — --> * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Pau]]|wikidata=Q132671}} — in sight of the Pyrenees and home to a renaissance château. Enjoy a ride on the funicular railway. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Saint Jean de Luz]]|wikidata=Q232135}} — a group of villages with well preserved centres and Basque-style houses. St Jean is also a beach resort <!-- *Saint-Palais — --> *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Bidart]]|wikidata=Q932076}} — practise traditional Basque pelota, trek along the coastal path, or relax on one of the six beaches ==Other destinations== [[File:Gentau Pic du Midi Ossau.jpg|thumb|Lac Gentau reflecting the Pic du Midi d'Ossau]] The '''[[French Way]] of St. James''' starts [[Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port]] pilgrimage route and continues 769 km to [[Santiago de Compostela]] in [[Spain]]. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry]]| wikidata= Q279252}} * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port]]|wikidata=Q270294}} — a common starting point for the French Way of the pilgrim route Way of St. James, to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia ==Understand== ==Get in== [[Biarritz]]-Anglet-Bayonne International Airport has connections from a number of European cities. ==Get around== ==See== ==Do== ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Stay safe== ==Go next== {{IsPartOf|Nouvelle-Aquitaine}} {{outlineregion}} {{geo|43.25|-0.853333|zoom=9}} 2vg68pu8mb6jqvbptrvcfxlkpyvcjzn 5087125 5087113 2025-07-03T11:54:18Z Ground Zero 1423298 /* Cities */ 5087125 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|St-Jean-de-Luz and Ciboure banner Foreshore of fishing harbout.jpg|caption=View of St-Jean-de-Luz and Ciboure}} '''Pyrénées-Atlantiques''' is in [[Nouvelle-Aquitaine]] at the southwest corner of France on the border with Spain. It includes the French Basque Country and the traditional province of Béarn. The Pyrenees mountain range crosses the department from east to west. ==Cities== {{mapframe}} [[File:Bovins estive Pic du Midi Ossau.jpg|thumb|Blond cattle are a common sight on the hills of the Pyrenees]] *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Bayonne (France)|Bayonne]]|wikidata=Q134674}} — a heady mix of Gascon and Basque, Bayonne comes alive in August for the annual fêtes. For the rest of the year, visitors can't help be drawn to the city's museums and galleries, and its gastronomic specialities. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Biarritz]]|wikidata=Q132790}} — a pricey Basque seaside resort, built for pleasure. Great for surfing the ocean wave by day and hitting the casinos and nightclubs after dark, Biarritz is also known for its luxury hotels and swanky restaurants. <!-- *Cambo-les-Bains --> *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Bidart]]|wikidata=Q932076}} — practise traditional Basque pelota, trek along the coastal path, or relax on one of the six beaches *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Hendaye]]|wikidata=Q191754}} — this town on the Spanish border has an old medieval Basque town on the hilltop, and a beach area, around 2 km apart *{{marker|type=city|name=[[La Bastide-Clairence]]|wikidata=Q317214}} — a typical Basque village, founded in 1312 *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Larrau]] | wikidata=Q608335}} — a popular base for hikers and nature lovers looking to explore some of the most dramatic landscapes in the Pyrenees <!-- *Morenx — *Oloron-Sainte-Marie — *Orhez — --> * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Pau]]|wikidata=Q132671}} — in sight of the Pyrenees and home to a renaissance château. Enjoy a ride on the funicular railway. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Saint Jean de Luz]]|wikidata=Q232135}} — a group of villages with well preserved centres and Basque-style houses. St Jean is also a beach resort <!-- *Saint-Palais — --> *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Sainte-Engrâce]] | wikidata=Q197211}} — serves as a gateway to some of the most spectacular natural wonders in the Pyrenees, including a massive underground cave system ==Other destinations== [[File:Gentau Pic du Midi Ossau.jpg|thumb|Lac Gentau reflecting the Pic du Midi d'Ossau]] The '''[[French Way]] of St. James''' starts [[Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port]] pilgrimage route and continues 769 km to [[Santiago de Compostela]] in [[Spain]]. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry]]| wikidata= Q279252}} * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port]]|wikidata=Q270294}} — a common starting point for the French Way of the pilgrim route Way of St. James, to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia ==Understand== ==Get in== [[Biarritz]]-Anglet-Bayonne International Airport has connections from a number of European cities. ==Get around== ==See== ==Do== ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Stay safe== ==Go next== {{IsPartOf|Nouvelle-Aquitaine}} {{outlineregion}} {{geo|43.25|-0.853333|zoom=9}} rqr5guy1yrkpqua85tz9vv2hy68f10w 0 29273 5086877 5085402 2025-07-03T01:39:28Z JakeOregon 2169258 /* See */ Added listing for Villa Philmonte 5086877 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''[http://www.ratonnm.gov/ Raton]''' is a town in [[Northeast New Mexico | northeastern]] [[New Mexico]], [[United States of America]]. ==Get in== Raton is on Interstate 25, a main north-south artery in the [[Rocky Mountains (United States of America) | Rocky Mountain]] region, just south of Raton Pass. Access from the south is usually straightforward, but the pass can be rough going during winter storms, with the possibility of closures for short times. Raton is a stop along Amtrak's daily '''[http://www.amtrak.com/southwest-chief-train Southwest Chief]''' line. The depot is located at 201 South First Street. This stop has no ticket office and no Quik-Trak ticket machine so tickets must be purchased at another station or online. ==Get around== ==See== * Raton was a waypoint on the [[Santa Fe Trail]], and there are some historic sites in town. Check out the town museum at 216 S. First St., ''+1 575'' 445-8979, not only for exhibits and artifacts at the museum itself, but also for guidance to other historic sites. * {{see | name=National Scouting Museum | alt= | url=http://www.bsamuseum.org/ | email= | address= | lat=36.455333 | long=-104.955703 | directions= | phone=+1 575-376-1136 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Free | wikidata=Q6978296 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= }} * {{see | name=Villa Philmonte | alt= | url=https://www.philmontscoutranch.org/museums/villa/ | email= | address= | lat=36.459183 | long=-104.948886 | directions= | phone=+1 575-376-113 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7930462 | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content= }} ==Do== Raton is the main gateway to the '''Philmont Scout Ranch''' and the city of Cimarron. Raton is also the gateway to the '''Sangre de Cristo Mountains'''. ==Buy== Raton has fantastic antique shops along 1st and 2nd Streets in the downtown section of town. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Pappa's Sweet Shop | alt= | url= | email= | address=1201 S. 2nd St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone =+1 575 445-9811 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=M-Sa 11-2, 5-9; closed major holidays. Not just a candy store (although it is that, and a good one), but also quite a good source of standard American fare; the salads are excellent. Pleasant atmosphere in the dining room in back, which you don't see at first glance when you walk in; don't be fooled by your initial reactions. }} ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Best Western Plus Raton Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotel-rooms.32111.html | email= | address=473 Clayton Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone =+1 575-445-8501 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Has a spacious atrium with a pool. Convenient to I-25 (exit 451). }} * {{sleep | name=Quality Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=533 Clayton Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone =+1 575 445-4200 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Another motorist-oriented franchise close to I-25. }} * {{sleep | name=Casa del Gavilan Historic Inn | alt= | url=https://casadelgavilan.com/ | email=innkeeper@casadelgavilan.com | address=570 NM-21 | lat=36.436083 | long=-104.97725 | directions= | phone=+1 575 376-2246 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price= | wikidata=Q5047940 | lastedit=2021-10-11 | content= }} ==Go next== * [[Trinidad (Colorado)]] is on the [[Colorado]] side of Raton Pass, with more Santa Fe Trail points of interest. * South of Raton, the Santa Fe Trail follows US 64 for several miles en route to the small town of [[Cimarron]]. While the Trail itself isn't much to look at on this segment (few authentic ruts are visible), the drive is scenic, and west of Cimarron the highway enters the beautiful [[Sangre de Cristo Mountains]] with many fine views and hiking opportunities on the way to [[Taos]]. * '''Sugarite State Park''' {{routebox | image1=Amtrak Southwest Chief icon.png | imagesize1=100 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Albuquerque]] | minorl1=[[Las Vegas (New Mexico)|Las Vegas]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Kansas City]] | minorr1=[[Trinidad (Colorado)|Trinidad]] | image2=I-25.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Pueblo]] | minorl2=[[Trinidad (Colorado)|Trinidad]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Santa Fe (New Mexico)|Santa Fe]] | minorr2=[[Las Vegas (New Mexico)|Las Vegas]] | image3=US 64.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=W | majorl3=[[Taos]] | minorl3=[[Eagle Nest]] | directionr3=E | majorr3=[[Boise City]] | minorr3=[[Clayton (New Mexico)|Clayton]] | image4=US 87.svg | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=W | majorl4=[[Pueblo]] | minorl4=[[Trinidad (Colorado)|Trinidad]] | directionr4=E | majorr4=[[Amarillo]] | minorr4=[[Clayton (New Mexico)|Clayton]] }} {{usablecity}} {{geo|36.896944|-104.440000}} {{isPartOf|Northeast New Mexico}} sb3j79q6h91d0owy0uwtioh4u42wlvk 5086879 5086877 2025-07-03T01:45:30Z JakeOregon 2169258 from amtrak station website 5086879 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''[http://www.ratonnm.gov/ Raton]''' is a town in [[Northeast New Mexico | northeastern]] [[New Mexico]], [[United States of America]]. ==Get in== Raton is on Interstate 25, a main north-south artery in the [[Rocky Mountains (United States of America) | Rocky Mountain]] region, just south of Raton Pass. Access from the south is usually straightforward, but the pass can be rough going during winter storms, with the possibility of closures for short times. Raton is a stop along Amtrak's daily '''[http://www.amtrak.com/southwest-chief-train Southwest Chief]''' line. The depot is located at 201 South First Street. This stop has a staffed ticket office only during the summer (generally late spring to late August). At other times, tickets must be purchased at another station or online. ==Get around== ==See== * Raton was a waypoint on the [[Santa Fe Trail]], and there are some historic sites in town. Check out the town museum at 216 S. First St., ''+1 575'' 445-8979, not only for exhibits and artifacts at the museum itself, but also for guidance to other historic sites. * {{see | name=National Scouting Museum | alt= | url=http://www.bsamuseum.org/ | email= | address= | lat=36.455333 | long=-104.955703 | directions= | phone=+1 575-376-1136 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Free | wikidata=Q6978296 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= }} * {{see | name=Villa Philmonte | alt= | url=https://www.philmontscoutranch.org/museums/villa/ | email= | address= | lat=36.459183 | long=-104.948886 | directions= | phone=+1 575-376-113 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7930462 | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content= }} ==Do== Raton is the main gateway to the '''Philmont Scout Ranch''' and the city of Cimarron. Raton is also the gateway to the '''Sangre de Cristo Mountains'''. ==Buy== Raton has fantastic antique shops along 1st and 2nd Streets in the downtown section of town. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Pappa's Sweet Shop | alt= | url= | email= | address=1201 S. 2nd St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone =+1 575 445-9811 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=M-Sa 11-2, 5-9; closed major holidays. Not just a candy store (although it is that, and a good one), but also quite a good source of standard American fare; the salads are excellent. Pleasant atmosphere in the dining room in back, which you don't see at first glance when you walk in; don't be fooled by your initial reactions. }} ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Best Western Plus Raton Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotel-rooms.32111.html | email= | address=473 Clayton Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone =+1 575-445-8501 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Has a spacious atrium with a pool. Convenient to I-25 (exit 451). }} * {{sleep | name=Quality Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=533 Clayton Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone =+1 575 445-4200 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Another motorist-oriented franchise close to I-25. }} * {{sleep | name=Casa del Gavilan Historic Inn | alt= | url=https://casadelgavilan.com/ | email=innkeeper@casadelgavilan.com | address=570 NM-21 | lat=36.436083 | long=-104.97725 | directions= | phone=+1 575 376-2246 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price= | wikidata=Q5047940 | lastedit=2021-10-11 | content= }} ==Go next== * [[Trinidad (Colorado)]] is on the [[Colorado]] side of Raton Pass, with more Santa Fe Trail points of interest. * South of Raton, the Santa Fe Trail follows US 64 for several miles en route to the small town of [[Cimarron]]. While the Trail itself isn't much to look at on this segment (few authentic ruts are visible), the drive is scenic, and west of Cimarron the highway enters the beautiful [[Sangre de Cristo Mountains]] with many fine views and hiking opportunities on the way to [[Taos]]. * '''Sugarite State Park''' {{routebox | image1=Amtrak Southwest Chief icon.png | imagesize1=100 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Albuquerque]] | minorl1=[[Las Vegas (New Mexico)|Las Vegas]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Kansas City]] | minorr1=[[Trinidad (Colorado)|Trinidad]] | image2=I-25.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Pueblo]] | minorl2=[[Trinidad (Colorado)|Trinidad]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Santa Fe (New Mexico)|Santa Fe]] | minorr2=[[Las Vegas (New Mexico)|Las Vegas]] | image3=US 64.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=W | majorl3=[[Taos]] | minorl3=[[Eagle Nest]] | directionr3=E | majorr3=[[Boise City]] | minorr3=[[Clayton (New Mexico)|Clayton]] | image4=US 87.svg | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=W | majorl4=[[Pueblo]] | minorl4=[[Trinidad (Colorado)|Trinidad]] | directionr4=E | majorr4=[[Amarillo]] | minorr4=[[Clayton (New Mexico)|Clayton]] }} {{usablecity}} {{geo|36.896944|-104.440000}} {{isPartOf|Northeast New Mexico}} jjxyjzy0889wrjcuamm1t0gcfs9u7zk 0 29291 5086908 5039564 2025-07-03T03:11:19Z Aventuristo 2227055 /* See */ Fixed spelling. 5086908 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg|pgname=Ravenna}} '''[https://www.ravennaoh.gov/ Ravenna]''' is a city of 11,000 people (2019) in and the seat of [[Portage County]]. ==Get in== [[File:Ravenna downtown.jpg|thumb|Downtown Ravenna]] {{mapframe|zoom=auto}}{{mapshape}} ===By car=== Ravenna is connected by I76 and SR5. ===By bike=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Portage Bike & Hike Trail | alt= | url=https://www.portagecounty-oh.gov/portage-county-park-district/parks-maps/pages/portage-hike-bike-trail | email= | address=535 Cleveland Rd (Ravenna Parking Lot) | lat=41.1631 | long=-81.2502 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | lastedit=2019-01-09 | content=Paved bike path. Connects to [[Kent_(Ohio)|Kent]], and other locations within the [[Cleveland]] metro. The trail is a nice flat ride west 3 miles to Towner's Woods or 6 miles to Kent, or about a 2 mile ride to the trail's eastern terminus at Peck Rd. }} ===By plane=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Portage County Regional Airport | alt={{IATA|POV}} | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.210278 | long=-81.251667 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7231409 | lastedit=2020-05-14 | content=A [[General aviation]] airport. }} ==Get around== Ravenna is a walkable and very bikeable town. In spring, summer, and fall nearly anywhere in town can be reached easily by bike. The PARTA bus service runs back and forth from Ravenna to Kent every 45 minutes or so all day from 6AM to about 10PM, Monday through Saturday. ==See== [[File:Portage County courthouse.jpg|thumb|Portage County Courthouse]] * {{listing | type=see | name=Portage County Courthouse | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.15756 | long=-81.24337 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Portage County courthouse.jpg | lastedit=2019-08-07 | content=The flagpole in front is an iconic 150 foot tall structure built in 1893. The steel criss-cross design looks more like a radio tower or oil derrick than a modern flagpole. It is seen as a symbol of the city of Ravenna, and efforts in the early 2010s to have the flagpole torn down and replaced were met with huge opposition by residents. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Riddle Blocks | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.15742 | long=-81.24295 | directions=intersection of Main and Chestnut | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Riddle Block No 9.jpg | lastedit=2019-08-07 | content=are unique, historic brick buildings built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, commissioned by H.W. Riddle, owner of Riddle Hearse Co. The original Riddle Block is on the southeast corner of the intersection of Main and Chestnut, and once held and opera house. The other Riddle blocks are numbered and scattered throughout downtown. The words "Coach Hearse" are faintly visible on one of the Riddle blocks that can be seen when entering downtown from the south on Prospect. }} ==Do== [[File:Ravenna Stadium 1.jpg|thumb|Ravenna Stadium]] *'''West Branch State Park''', 5708 Esworthy Road. 29 full service camping sites, 155 camping sites with 50-amp electric hook-ups, 14 non-electric sites, heated showers, flush toilets, laundry facilities, 700-foot sand beach, showerhouse, change booth, snack bar, year-round fishing, hunting, 2,650 acres lake, 12 miles of hiking trails, 20 miles of bridle trails, horse camp, playground and volleyball court. === Events === * {{do | name=The Balloon-a-Fair | alt= | url=https://www.ravennaballoonafair.com/ | email= | address= | lat=41.15767 | long=-81.24316 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Mid-September | price= | lastedit=2019-08-07 | content=It starts downtown with a long parade and a day of fair food such as corn dogs, funnel cakes, and ribs. There are live bands all day. In late afternoon the official part of the festival packs up and moves east of town to Sunbeau Farm. The downtown part of the festival is free, but the Sunbeau part of the festival requires a $5 admission fee. At Sunbeau, you can watch hot air balloons take off and a fireworks display at dusk. At night, generally, Sunbeau is the 'family friendly' part of the festival, with many people instead staying downtown after a day of filling up on greasy fair food to have drinks at the downtown bars, which are always packed on this day. }} ===Attractions=== * {{do | name=West Branch State Park | alt= | url=http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/westbranch | email= | address= | lat=41.1431 | long=-81.1082 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=West Branch State Park | image=West Branch State Park.jpg | wikidata=Q7984549 | lastedit=2019-01-09 | content=A park centered around a large reservoir. Allows for fishing and boating. Includes a campground. }} * {{do | name=Midway Twin Drive In | alt= | url=https://funflick.com/midway/ | email= | address= | lat=41.1570 | long=-81.2950 | directions= | phone=+1 330 296-9829 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-01-09 | content=A classic drive-in movie theater. }} * {{listing | type=do | name=Shaw Woods | alt= | url=https://www.co.portage.oh.us/portage-county-park-district/parks-maps/pages/shaw-woods | email= | address= | lat=41.1813 | long=-81.2009 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-08-07 | content= }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=I76 Antique Mall | alt= | url=https://www.i76antiquemall.com/ | email= | address=4284 Lynn Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-01-11 | content= }} ==Eat== * {{listing | type=eat | name=Guido's | alt= | url=https://www.guidosravenna.com/ | email= | address=214 W Main St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-330-296-9009 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-08-07 | content= }} ==Drink== * {{drink | name=Mimi's Italian Grill & Bar | alt= | url=https://mimisravenna.com/ | email= | address=786 E Main St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 330 297-1119 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-9PM | price= | lastedit=2019-01-09 | content= }} ==Sleep== * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Rocking Horse Inn | alt= | url=http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/ohio-ravenna-rocking-horse-inn.html | email= | address=248 W Riddle Ave | lat=41.15530 | long=-81.24568 | directions= | phone=+1-330-297-5720 | tollfree= | checkin=1PM | checkout=noon | price=$80-100 | content=Bed and Breakfast }} ==Connect== * {{listing | type=listing | name=Reed Memorial Library | alt= | url=https://www.reedlibrary.org/ | email= | address=167 E Main St | lat=41.15798 | long=-81.23994 | directions= | phone=+1-330-296-2827 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-08-07 | content= }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=Ravenna Post Office | alt= | url= | email= | address=150 N Chestnut St | lat=41.15929 | long=-81.24266 | directions= | phone=+1-330-297-7626 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-10-09 | content= }} ==Go next== {{routebox | image1=I-76.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Akron]] | minorl1=[[Kent (Ohio)|Kent]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Pittsburgh]] | minorr1='''[[Youngstown (Ohio)|Youngstown]]''' | image2=OH-5.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=W | majorl2=END | minorl2= | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[Warren (Ohio)|Warren]] | minorr2=Jct [[Streetsboro|W]] [[File:I-80.svg|18px]][[File:OhioTurnpike.svg|18px]] [[Youngstown (Ohio)|E]] | image3=OH-14.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=W | majorl3=[[Cleveland]] | minorl3=[[Streetsboro]] | directionr3=E | majorr3=[[Columbiana]] | minorr3=Jct [[Atwater (Ohio)|W]] [[File:US 224.svg|18px]] [[Youngstown (Ohio)|E]] → [[Salem (Ohio)|Salem]] | image4=OH-44.svg | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=N | majorl4=[[Mentor]] | minorl4=[[Chadron]] ← Jct [[Streetsboro|W]] [[File:I-80.svg|18px]][[File:OhioTurnpike.svg|18px]] [[Youngstown (Ohio)|E]] | directionr4=S | majorr4=[[Waynesburg (Ohio)|Waynesburg]] | minorr4=Jct [[Akron|W]] [[File:US 224.svg|18px]] [[Atwater (Ohio)|E]] → [[Louisville (Ohio)|Louisville]] | image5=OH-59.svg | imagesize5=22 | directionl5=W | majorl5=[[Akron]] | minorl5=[[Kent (Ohio)|Kent]] | directionr5=E | majorr5=END | minorr5= }} {{usablecity}} {{geo|41.158611|-81.243333}} {{isPartOf|Akron Metropolitan Area}} 84mdcav3h7j9z26rw7wunj8wvhdlp86 0 30138 5086980 5061689 2025-07-03T05:54:01Z PauldeKoning 2328897 /* By taxi */ 5086980 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Rotterdam Banner 4.jpg|dotm=yes|unesco=yes}} {{printDistricts}} '''Rotterdam''' is a very large city in the province of [[South Holland]] in the west of the [[Netherlands]]. The city is the second largest in the country with a population of approximately 650,000 inhabitants in the municipality (2020) and about 2.2 million inhabitants in the shared metropolitan area of the [[Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region]] (MRDH). Rotterdam is a vibrant, multicultural city; it is known for its university (Erasmus), cutting-edge architecture, lively cultural life, industrial riverside setting, its maritime heritage and colourful summer events. The municipality stretches all the way to the [[North Sea]] with gigantic areas like '''Europoort''' and '''Maasvlakte 1&2'''. All belong to the '''Port of Rotterdam'''. Starting as a dam constructed in 1270 on the Rotte River, Rotterdam has grown into a major international commercial centre. The port of Rotterdam is Europe's busiest port by cargo tonnage, and was the world's busiest from 1962 until it was surpassed by Shanghai in 2004. Rotterdam's commercial and strategic importance is based on its location near the mouth of the Nieuwe Maas (New Meuse), a channel in the delta formed by the Rhine and Meuse on the North Sea. These rivers lead directly into the centre of Europe, including the industrial Ruhr region, which is why Rotterdam is often called the "Gateway to Europe". Many relatively high buildings (by Dutch standards) have been emerging throughout and around the city centre. Daring and new styles of apartments, office buildings and recreation facilities resulted in Rotterdam becoming a city of modern architecture and the only city in the Netherlands with a modern skyline. Due to this, the city is especially interesting for Dutch people to visit. ==Districts== {{Mapframe|width=660|zoom=10|show=districts}} {{Mapshape|type=page|wikicommons=Rotterdam_Districts.map|group=districts}} {{Regionlist | regionmap= | regionmaptext= | regionmapsize= | region1name=[[Rotterdam/Centrum|Stadsdriehoek]] | region1color=#44aa99 | region1items=Rotterdam Centrum | region1description=Filled with highrise and out-of-the-box architecture, this district forms the heart of Rotterdam and gives the city its characteristic. | region2name=[[Rotterdam/Delfshaven|Delfshaven]] | region2color=#aa4499 | region2items=Delfshaven | region2description=Originally a part of [[Delft]], this town over time grew closer to Rotterdam, leading up to its incorporation in 1886. The former town still has a fair bit of its historic identity. | region3name=[[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk|Kralingen-Crooswijk]] | region3color=#117733 | region3items=Kralingen-Crooswijk, Noord | region3description=Famous for the Kralingse Plas, a large artificial lake and the surrounding park, as well as Blijdorp, the second-oldest still active zoo in the Netherlands. | region4name=[[Rotterdam/Feijenoord|Feijenoord]] | region4color=#ee99aa | region4items=Feijenoord | region4description=Namesake of a Dutch football club, Feijenoord is the heart of the south banks of the Meuse. | region5name=[[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|Northern Rotterdam]] | region5color=#d09440 | region5items=Overschie, Hillegersberg-Schiebroek | region5description=Home to Rotterdam's airport as well as Hilligersberg and the surrounding lakes and forests. | region6name=[[Rotterdam/Capelle en Noordoost|Capelle en Noordoost]] | region6color=#b5d29f | region6items=Prins Alexander, Capelle aan den IJssel | region6description=Largely home to Rotterdam's urban sprawl. | region7name=[[Rotterdam/Nieuwerkerk|Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel]] | region7color=#d56d76 | region7items=Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel | region7description=Though not incorporated into Rotterdam, Nieuwerkerk is largely an extension of the city. It is home to the lowest point of the famously low-lying Netherlands, at {{convert|6.76|m|yd}} below sea level. | region8name=[[Rotterdam/Zuid|Zuid]] | region8color=#6699cc | region8items=Charlois, IJsselmonde | region8description=The southernmost districts of Rotterdam. | region9name=[[Rotterdam/Port of Rotterdam|Port of Rotterdam]] | region9color=#ddcc77 | region9items=Pernis, Rozenburg, Botlek, Europoort, Eerste- en Tweede Maasvlakte | region9description=Best known as the largest seaport of Europe, the Port of Rotterdam has been built within a river delta as well as the sea. | region10name=[[Rotterdam/Hook of Holland|Hook of Holland]] | region10color=#44aa99 | region10items=Hoek van Holland | region10description=Formerly one of the main gateways into the Netherlands from anywhere reachable by ocean-going vessel, nowadays a popular beachfront. | region11name=[[Rotterdam/Albrandswaard|Albrandswaard]] | region11color=#882255 | region11items=Hoogvliet, Poortugaal, Rhoon | region11description=Island on the suburban fringes of Rotterdam, functioning as a suburb both to Rotterdam and [[Spijkenisse]]. }} ==Understand== ===History=== Settlement at the lower end of the fen stream ''Rotte'' dates from at least 900. Around 1150, large floods in the area ended development, leading to the construction of protective dikes and dams. A dam on the Rotte or 'Rotterdam' was built in the 1260s and was at the present-day ''Hoogstraat'' ('High Street'). Although Rotterdam did well after the Middle Ages and in the 'Golden Century' - roughly between 1650 and 1750 - it was not before the second part of the nineteenth century that the city started to develop itself rapidly. Helped by the digging of a new seaway (the Nieuwe Waterweg) Rotterdam was rid of access problems caused by the silting of the river and started receiving ever bigger ships with cargo for/from the booming Ruhrgebiet in Germany. Port related trade and industry skyrocketed, and the city started to draw lots of migrants from the then poor Brabant province, for whom the southern part of the city was constructed. At the turn of the twentieth century Rotterdam was well under way to become the largest economic centre in the Netherlands. It was between then and the second world war that large prestigious construction works were undertaken, in part to show off the new found economic pride. The German army invaded the Netherlands on 10 May 1940. Germany had planned to conquer the country in one day, but after meeting unexpectedly fierce resistance, it finally forced the Dutch army to capitulate on 14 May 1940 by bombing Rotterdam and threatening to bomb other cities. The heart of the city was almost completely destroyed by the German Luftwaffe, and 800 people were killed, while about 80,000 others were made homeless. During the war, Rotterdam was bombed several times during allied raids that were aimed at the harbour area but sometimes also hit the city. The City Hall survived the bombing. Unlike most other European cities however, the City Council did not aim at rebuilding what was lost, but on taking the opportunity to create a 'new' and better city. Damaged but not destroyed old buildings were torn down in the process. From the 1950s through the 1970s, the city was rebuilt. It remained quite windy and open until the city councils from the 1980s on began developing an active architectural policy. Daring and new styles of apartments, office buildings and recreation facilities resulted in a more 'livable' city center with a new skyline. In the 1990s, the ''Kop van Zuid'' was built on the south bank of the river as a new business center. ===Demographics=== In the Netherlands, Rotterdam has the highest percentage of foreigners from non-industrialised nations. Nearly 50% of the population are not native to the Netherlands or have at least one parent born outside the country. Muslims comprise close to 25% of the city's population. The city is also home to one of the largest Cape Verdean communities in the world, as well as the largest Dutch Antillean community. ===Atmosphere=== Rotterdam's culture is distinct from other cities in the Netherlands. The mentality of the people is described as 'can do'. From the waiters you meet to the businessmen and recent immigrants, everybody breathes a dream of getting forward with life. The modern design of the city, the bustle and the spree of buildings all add to this impression. That said, you might also find that people are sometimes too straight with you. And yes, the city is not the cosiest, or the most picturesque of towns, especially on drab winter days. But get acquainted with this small metropolis, easiest done on one of the festival days with nice weather. You will come to love it. [[File:Rotterdam haringvliet in winter.jpg|thumbnail|right|Winters in Rotterdam are moist and can be freezingly cold, but just as well uniquely beautiful]] ===Climate=== {{climate chart | Rotterdam |1.3|6.4|71 |1.1|7.1|66 |2.4|10.3|57 |4.8|14.3|42 |8.1|17.9|56 |11.0|20.6|69 |13.2|22.7|79 |12.9|22.6|92 |10.5|19.3|90 |7.2|14.9|87 |3.9|10.2|88 |1.4|7.0|86 |units = metric |float = right |clear = none |source = Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute}} Rotterdam gains a lot of charm when the sun is shining. Visiting in spring or summer may be more enjoyable than during the dark rainy winter. The summer months see temperatures averaging around {{c|22}} during the day and {{c|14}} at night; though temperatures near or above {{c|28}} during the day and {{c|16}} at night are not unheard of during heat waves. Daylight runs from 05:30 until 22:00 in the summer, and only between 08:45 and 16:30 in the winter. ===Tourist information=== *{{listing | type=listing | name=Rotterdam Tourist Information Coolsingel | alt=VVV | url=https://en.rotterdam.info/ | email=info@rotterdam.info | address=Coolsingel 114, 3011 AG Rotterdam | lat=51.918860 | long=4.481239 | directions=Metro {{rint|Rotterdam|A}} {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} : Beurs, at the garden of the Schielandshuis | phone=+31 10 790 01 85 | tollfree= | hours=09:30-18:00 | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=This well equipped and modern tourist office can provide loads of information like city maps, small guide books, souvenirs and the like, and offers tips and information on what to see and do in Rotterdam. Rotterdam.info also sells Rotterdam Welcome Cards, concert tickets, gift certificate, souvenirs, public transport tickets and parking vouchers. Check the website for upcoming events. }} *{{listing | type=listing | name=Rotterdam Tourist Information Central Station | alt=VVV | url= | email= | address=Stationsplein 21, 3013 AJ Rotterdam | lat=51.92410 | long=4.47030 | directions=main entrance, in the central hall of the central station | phone=+31 107900185 | tollfree= | hours=09:30-18:00 | price= | lastedit=2019-07-21 | content=With help from the service desk, a wide range of tourist information folders and the employees, you can find out what part of the city you would like to visit. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=Rotterdam Welcome Card | alt= | url=https://en.rotterdam.info/visitors-info/rotterdam-welcome-card/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=1 day (€13.50), 2 days (€19.50), or 3 days (€24.50) | lastedit=2022-07-27 | content= The card allows for unlimited use of all public transport by RET in the city and region, and offers at least 25% discounts on more than 50 attractions, museums, and restaurants. Available at Rotterdam Info (VVV) points and other locations. Without public transport, the card costs €6.00. }} ==Get in== ===By plane=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Rotterdam The Hague Airport | alt={{IATA|RTM}} | url=http://www.rotterdamthehagueairport.nl/en | email= | address= | lat=51.951248 | long=4.443541 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Rotterdam The Hague Airport | image=Rotterdam airport luchtfoto.jpg | wikidata=Q656807 | lastedit=2016-06-07 | content=It is the 3rd largest airport in the country. It is 6 km north of the city centre. There are direct flights from cities in [[Germany]], [[Italy]], [[France]], [[Spain]], and the [[United Kingdom]]. Commercial airlines that operate to the airport include Transavia, Lufthansa, British Airways, and Turkish Airlines. }} ====Services==== * {{listing|type=go | name=VVV Rotterdam-The Hague Airport information point | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rotterdam Airportplein 60 | lat= | long= | directions=at the arrivals hall | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= 07:30-23:45 | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=Come here if you have questions about Rotterdam. The place to hear history. The gift shop is open 09:30-18:00. }} ====How to reach==== To plan a trip (for all public transport in the Netherlands) see [https://9292.nl/en 9292.nl]{{Dead link|date=December 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} Depending on the amount of travel with public transit in The Netherlands it is possible to buy a so called ''[[OV-Chipkaart]]'' or it may be more convemient to pay with a contactless credit or debit card by touching in & touching out on each trip. see for more information under ''Get Around.'' ;By bus/metro * {{listing | type=go | name=Bus 33 | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-06-30 | content=Connects the airport with ''Meijersplein/Airport'' metro station, from where you can take metro line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} to ''Slinge'' (for ''Rotterdam Centraal'' and Rotterdam city center).See for more information the ''By Metro'' section under ''Get Around''. Bus 33 also connects to Rotterdam Centraal station via the Overschie district. }} * {{listing | name=Bus 300 | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= 15 July - 20 September, Fr-Mo only| price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-06-30 | content=Direct service to ''Rotterdam Centraal''. No stops in between. }} ;By taxi * {{listing|type=go | name=Rotterdam Airport Taxi | alt= | url=http://www.rotterdam-airport-taxi.nl | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +31 10 262 04 06| tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-06-07 | content=Recommended by the airport web site. }} ====Other close airports==== * [[Schiphol Airport| Amsterdam Schiphol Airport]] ({{IATA|AMS}}) is 58 km north of Rotterdam and has much more flights than the Rotterdam airport. '''NS (Dutch Railways)''' operates ''[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/special-routes/intercity-direct.html Intercity Direct]'' high-speed rail service, every 30 minutes to Rotterdam. The journey takes 27 minutes. You have to pay an addition for the journey from Schiphol to Rotterdam, so regular intercities in direction Rotterdam Centraal and Rotterdam Blaak are cheaper (but slower) (these intercities also call at Schiphol). * [[Eindhoven#By plane| Eindhoven Airport]] ({{IATA|EIN}}) is 106 km southeast of Rotterdam. Ryanair and Wizzair operate flights to this airport. Take a bus to Eindhoven Centraal (approximately 20 minutes, the intercity train to Rotterdam Centraal takes about 63 minutes. * [[Brussels Airport]] ({{IATA|BRU}}) is 140 km south of Rotterdam. Many international carriers operate flights to this airport. The [https://www.b-europe.com/EN/Trains/InterCity train from Brussels] takes about 120 minutes and costs €35. Buses are also available, although less frequent. [[File:Rtd CS-III.JPG|thumbnail|right|Rotterdam Centraal has been completely reconstructed and now features a striking roof over the main concourse]] ===By train=== {{seealso|Rail travel in the Netherlands}} ==== International connections ==== * {{go | name=Rotterdam Centraal | alt= | url=https://www.ns.nl/stationsinformatie/rtd/rotterdam-centraal | email= | address= | lat=51.925 | long=4.469444 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q801388 | lastedit=2018-04-10 | content=The station is served by high-speed trains from [[Belgium]], [[France]] and the [[United Kingdom]]. }} **'''[http://www.thalys.com Thalys]''' operates [[high-speed trains]] from [[Antwerp]] (Antwerpen-Centraal, 35 min), [[Brussels]] (Brussel-Zuid/Midi, 1 hr 12 min), [[Paris]] (Gare du Nord, 2 hr 37 min) and [[Lille]] (Lille-Europe, 1 hr 55 min). Book well in advance to secure the best ticket deals. A cheaper but slower alternative to Thalys is the [https://www.b-europe.com/EN/Trains/InterCity Intercity Brussels] service between Amsterdam and Brussels. **Coming from Germany, Rotterdam Centraal can only be reached by changing trains in the Netherlands. When travelling on the German high-speed train '''[https://www.bahn.com/en/view/trains/long-distance/ice-ice-sprinter.shtml?dbkanal_007=L04_S02_D002_KIN0059_FLYOUT-ZUGFLOTTE-ICE_LZ01 ICE]{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' from [[Cologne]], [[Düsseldorf]] and [[Oberhausen]], the exchange will be in [[Utrecht]] Centraal station, and coming from [[Berlin]], [[Hanover]], [[Osnabrück]] (with the '''[https://www.bahn.com/en/view/trains/long-distance/intercity-eurocity.shtml?dbkanal_007=L04_S02_D002_KIN0059_FLYOUT-ZUGFLOTTE-IC_LZ01 DB-intercity]{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''') it is advisable to change at [[Amersfoort]]. Intercity-trains to Rotterdam depart from both Utrecht and Amersfoort. ** '''[http://www.eurostar.com Eurostar]''' runs a daily high speed service from [[London]] St Pancras International to Rotterdam Centraal. Prices start at £35 one way. The journey time is about 3 hr 30 min, but you must arrive at the station at least 90 minutes before departure in order to clear the extra border controls caused by COVID restrictions and Brexit. ==== National connections ==== The Dutch railway company NS runs high-speed ''[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/special-routes/intercity-direct.html Intercity Direct]'' trains between [[Amsterdam]], [[Amsterdam Airport Schiphol|Schiphol]], Rotterdam and [[Breda]]. The train stops only at those four stations and shaves 25-30 minutes in journey time between Amsterdam and Schiphol and Rotterdam versus the regular Intercity and Sprinter trains that stop in between. Beware that you have to pay a supplement (€2.60 during peak hours, €1.56 outside peak hours) to use the Intercity direct line to travel to Rotterdam if your journey involves Schiphol, (i.e. Amsterdam-Rotterdam journeys are subject to this supplement). You can purchase this supplement by tapping an anonymous or personal OV-chipkaart on a designated red pole found on the platform. Those without an anonymous or personal OV-chipkaart can use the ticketing machines or the NS website to purchase the supplement, however the discount may not be applicable to supplements purchased this way. Most unlimited day tickets including the Holland Travel Ticket can be used to travel on the Intercity Direct but a supplement purchase is still required. Thalys also offers seats for passengers travelling from Amsterdam to Rotterdam. The journey is less than 40 minutes, slightly faster than the Intercity Direct. However, reservations/advance bookings are required and most unlimited day tickets recognised by NS cannot be used on Thalys. Rotterdam is also well served by NS from other parts of the [[Netherlands]], with direct connections to [[Delft]], [[Amsterdam]], [[Eindhoven]], [[Gouda]], [[Leiden]], [[The Hague]], [[Utrecht]] and [[Vlissingen]]. Some intercities and sprinters also stop at '''[https://www.ns.nl/stationsinformatie/rtb/rotterdam-blaak Rotterdam Blaak]''' station which is in the middle of the city center. This station is also frequented by trams and metro. See also the [[Netherlands#Get in Netherlands]] page for further information on national rail. Alternatively, Rotterdam's Metro line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} provides a connection for passengers coming from [[The Hague]] at Den Haag Centraal. The journey from Den Haag Centraal to Rotterdam Centraal costs €4.43 with an anonymous or personalised OV-chipkaart, which is marginally cheaper than an NS journey (€4.90) between the same points but takes about five minutes longer to complete the journey. ===By bus=== * {{listing|type=go | name=Flixbus | alt= | url=https://www.flixbus.com/bus/rotterdam| email= | address=(bus stop) Rotterdam Centraal @ Conradstraat 52 | lat= | long= | directions=International bus stop platform 'GG' at Rotterdam Centraal. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-07-20 | content=Serving both domestic and international routes. They also have an extra stop at Rotterdam Zuidplein @ Gooilandsingel }} ===By boat=== ==== Ferries from [[England]] (UK) ==== You can also get to Rotterdam by [[Ferries to the British Mainland|ferry from the United Kingdom]]. No ferries arrive in the center. * '''[http://www.poferries.com P&O Ferries]''' has a daily overnight sailing from [[Kingston Upon Hull]] to Rotterdam Europoort. From Rotterdam Europoort P&O Ferries operates a shuttle bus service that takes you to the city center of Rotterdam. Please book this shuttle service while you book your sailing. * '''[http://www.stenaline.com StenaLine]''' has a daily day and a daily overnight sailing from [[Harwich (England)|Harwich]] to [[Hook of Holland]]. Next to the port is ''Hoek van Holland Haven'' metro station. Line B brings you to the city centre in approximately 30 minutes. * '''[http://www.dfdsseaways.co.uk/ferry-routes/holland/newcastle-to-amsterdam DFDS Seaways]''' has a daily overnight ferry crossing from Newcastle to Amsterdam. You can drive to Rotterdam in approx. 50 minutes. ==== Waterbus ==== [[File:ENI 02324345 ALBLAS (14).JPG|thumbnail|right|A WaterBus near [https://www.cityguiderotterdam.com/things-to-do/sights/old-harbour-rotterdam/ Oude Haven (Old Harbour)]]]The '''[http://www.waterbus.nl WaterBus]''' services provide connections between Rotterdam and the ''Drechtsteden'' ([[Dordrecht]] and surrounding cities, including [[UNESCO World Heritage List|UNESCO-site]] - the world-famous windmills - [[Kinderdijk]]). ===By metro=== Coming from [[The Hague]] or somewhere in between it can be advisable to use metroline {{rint|Rotterdam|E}}, see for more information the page about the [[Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region|whole region]]. ===By car=== [[File:Rotterdam Auto 01.JPG|thumbnail|right|Finding a good spot to park can be a problem in central Rotterdam]] Rotterdam is easily reached by car. From Amsterdam take the A4 South to Rotterdam Haven. From Utrecht take the A12 and change to the A20 just after [[Gouda]] on knooppunt Gouwe. Traffic congestion on highways is common during peak hours (morning and evening commutes). You can pay for '''on-street parking''' with debit and credit card. Remember your license plate number. Parking regulations are enforced regularly. '''[https://parkereninrotterdam.nl Parking garages]{{Dead link|date=April 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' can be easily found by following the sign-marked P-route. The easiest way to pay is by credit card, just insert your card on the way in, and insert it again on the way out, and the total time is automatically deducted. You can also pay with cash or debit card. '''Park & Ride (P&R)''' facilities outside the center of Rotterdam offer free or cheap parking with public transport connections into the city center. For some locations (Slinge A15, Kralingse Zoom A16/E19 and Alexander A20/E25), you can park for free if you have a valid check-out on your public transport card (OV-chipkaart). === By bike === As a Dutch city Rotterdam is well connected to extense (inter)national bicycle networks which use all kinds of infrastructural facilities. Most attractive for tourist to cycle over longer distances are the so called '''LF-routes'''. So the city center is croshed by '''LF2 Stedenroute ''(City Route)''''' from Amsterdam to Brussels and '''LF12 Maas- en Vestingroute''' follows the flow of river Maas all the way from The East. See for more information [http://www.holland.com/global/tourism/discover-holland/cycling/bicycle-route-planner.htm Bicycle Route Planner]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}: ''sellect more options and LF-Routes.'' ==Get around== {{Mapframe|51.9152|4.4791|zoom=14|layer=W|name=Map of Rotterdam (metro lines have thicker strokes than tram lines)}} {{Mapshapes|Q691704}} <!--Metro--> {{Mapshapes|Q1429091|stroke-width=2}} <!--Tram--> '''[https://www.ret.nl/en RET]''' operates the buses, trams, and metro within the city. You could find a journey planner and some [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret/maps.html network maps] there. Alternatively you'd use the pan-Netherlands journey planner – [https://9292.nl/en 9292.nl]. Transport generally arrives every 10 minutes during the day. Free Wi-Fi is available in some trams, buses and metro lines, and on the busier metro stations, you just need to accept the terms of use. ===Tickets=== You can [https://www.ovpay.nl/en use your contactless bank card]{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} to pay for any public transport that also accepts the [[OV-chipkaart]]. This system is called OV-Pay and is the most convenient way to travel. Debit and credit cards from Maestro, V PAY, Mastercard and Visa are supported. As anywhere else in the country OV-chipkaart can still be used to pay all kinds of public transport. The card costs €8.50 and you'd need to keep a positive balance there for at least €4. For using buses and trams, checking in and out has to be done in the vehicle, while for train and metro use the gates or card-reader poles at the entrance of the stations. Alternatively one of the city's transport travel cards could be used: * {{listing | name=RET travel cards | alt= | url=https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travel-products/products-and-fares.html | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=2 hours - €5.00; 1 (calendar) day - €11.00 | lastedit=2025-01-21 | content=To travel by bus, tram and metro with RET. Can be purchased via the RET Barcode app, at ticket machines in metro stations and at RET Sales and Information points. For children under 12 and age 65 and up there is a reduced price. The 1-day ticket is not a 24-hour ticket: it is only valid on the day of the first check-in, until 04:00 of the early morning the next day. Tickets are not sold on bus and tram anymore; use your bank card to check in instead. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=Tourist Day Ticket: Rotterdam & The Hague region | alt= | url=http://www.touristdaytickets.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=€17.00 for one day | lastedit=2025-01-21 | content=Unlimited travel on local transport (bus, tram, metro and waterbus. Note: trains excluded) in the Rotterdam and the Hague region. Available from ticket machines and service counters of RET and at tourist information. Ticket is valid for travel with RET, HTM, HTMbuzz, Arriva, Connexxion, EBS, QBuzz and Waterbus in South Holland. }} * [[#Rotterdam Welcome Card|Rotterdam Welcome Card]] also allows for unlimited use of public transport with RET in the city and region. Note that tickets must be purchased in advance, there is no ticket sale on board of bus, tram and metro. ===By metro=== [[Image:Metro Rotterdam future.svg|thumb|Rotterdam Metro reaches as far as [[the Hague]].]] There are 5 metro lines in the city. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|A}}, {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|C}}, share tracks between ''Schiedam Centrum'' and ''Capelsebrug'' and offer an east-west connection. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} share tracks between ''Rotterdam Centraal'' and ''Slinge'' and offer a north-south connection. Interchange between all lines is possible on ''Beurs'' station in the city center. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|A}}, {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|C}} operate every 10 minutes on working days and Saturday, which allows 3-4 minute intervals on the main section between ''Schiedam Centrum'' and ''Capelsebrug''. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} operate every 10 minutes on working days and Saturday, which give shorter intervals between ''Rotterdam Centraal'' and ''Slinge''. In the evening, on Saturday morning and Sunday the service is reduced to a 15-minute interval. The Rotterdam Metro operates from 05:30 until 00:00. On weekends the opening time is not until 07:00 Saturday, and 08:15 on Sunday. On Friday and Saturday nights the service is extended for a bit longer past midnight, but not on some parts of line B and E. See the [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret/time-table/metro/weekend-metro.html Weekend metro] page for an overview. For tourists the most important metro stations are: '''Line A, B and C''' (East-West branch) * '''Blaak''': train station, interchange with trams and busses, cube houses, Markthal, ports * '''Beurs''': city center, shops, interchange with metro {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} * '''Eendrachtsplein''': museumpark * '''Coolhaven''': [https://euromast.nl/ Euromast] * '''Delfshaven''': historic port '''Line D and E''' (North-South branch) * '''Meijerplein''': bus service to Rotterdam The Hague Airport '''''(only line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}})''''' * '''Blijdorp:''' [https://www.diergaardeblijdorp.nl/en/ Rotterdam Zoo] '''''(only line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}})''''' * '''Rotterdam Centraal''': northern edge of the city centre, interchange with trams and buses, train station * '''Beurs''': city centre, shops, interchange with metro {{rint|Rotterdam|A}}, {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|C}} * '''Leuvehaven''': ports, museums, Erasmus Bridge, Waterbus * '''Wilhelminaplein:''' Erasmus Bridge, Cruise Terminal Rotterdam, [http://www.hotelnewyork.com/ hotel New York] * '''Rijnhaven:''' Katendrecht, bus service to SS Rotterdam ===By tram=== There are nine tram lines in the city. Each tram has a conductor. Tram stops provide a detailed map of the public transport system for on-the-go route-finding. Most lines operate every 10 minutes on workdays, with a more frequent service during rush hours on some lines. All trams except {{rint|Rotterdam|2}} will stop at ''Rotterdam Centraal'', the main train station of Rotterdam. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|1}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|11}}''' run from the suburbs in the [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|northwest]] to De Esch in [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk|Kralingen]], via [[Schiedam]], the north of [[Delfshaven]], and the city centre. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|2}}''' runs on the south side of the rivers, through the districts of [[Rotterdam/Zuid|Charlois, IJsselmonde]] and [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|3}}''' starts at the central station, and connects to the south bank via Feijenoord, IJsselmonde and [[Rotterdam/Zuid|Beverwaard]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|4}}''' starts from Heemsraadplein, connecting to much of the city centre and the neighbourhoods to its west, before connecting to [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|Hillegersberg]] via the central station, and Noord/Crooswijk. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|5}}''' originates from the central station, running to the south bank via Feijenoord and suburbs, before terminating in [[Barendrecht]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|6}}''' runs from Heemsraadplein to Kleiweg, just north of the A20 highway, running parallel with line 4 up to Rotterdam Noord railway station. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|7}}''' starts at Marconiplein, where the metro and lines 1, 8 and 11 meet, to Woudestein where it meets lines 1 and 11 again, via the central station and Erasmus University. Between Weena and Woudestein, lines 1 and 11 follow a more direct route via the Stadhuis, Beurs, Blaak and Oostplein metro stations, while line seven heads north via [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk|Crooswijk and Kralingen]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|8}}''', lastly, comes from [[Delfshaven|Spangen]], and then continues through most of Delfshaven roughly following the river up to Eendrachtsplein in [[Rotterdam/Centre|Cool]], from where it joins the main tram corridor through the city centre, to eventually terminate in [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|Schiebroek]]. * '''Line 12''' operates during football matches in the Kuip stadion only. ===By bus=== '''RET''' operates bus services across the city. Night bus service (BOB-bus) has been cancelled. Buses operated by '''[http://www.arriva.nl Arriva]''' and '''[http://www.connexxion.nl Connexxion]''' connect the city with suburbs. Use the front door when boarding a bus. ===By water taxi=== * {{listing | name=Watertaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=http://www.watertaxirotterdam.nl | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 10 403 03 03 | tollfree= | hours= | price=€ | lastedit=2022-07-27 | content=Rotterdam was built on a number of islands and if you want to travel from shore to shore, the nicest way to go is to take a '''Water Taxi'''. Fixed fares for rides between 50 docks in Rotterdam and Schiedam, with 3 fares zones, starting at €4.50 per person in the central zone. You can give them a call, or use the online tool to see availability and book a ride. It is advised to book in advance, especially on days with large events in the city. }} ===By taxi=== If you do need a taxi you will have to find yourself a taxi rank or call a taxi company. There is a minimum taxi fare of €2.30 (first it was {{EUR|7.50}} which included the first two kilometers). Additionally, each subsequent kilometre is charged €2.20. * {{listing | name=Rotterdamse Taxi Centrale RTC N.V. | url=http://www.rtcnv.nl | phone=+31 10 462 60 60 }} * {{listing | name=Coöperatieve Taxi Onderneming St. Job u.a. | url=http://www.st-job.nl | phone=+31 10 425 70 00 }} *'''[./Https://www.zorgtaxirotterdam.nl Zorgtaxi Rotterdam]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} +'''31 10 818 28 23 * {{listing | name=Stadstaxi Rotterdam | url=https://www.stadstaxirotterdam.nl | phone=+31 10 818 28 23 }} * {{go | name=Botlektaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://botlektaxi.nl | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 10 666 66 06 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-01-19 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Taxi Rotterdam 010 | alt= | url=https://taxirotterdam010.nl/ | phone=+31 10 261 31 88 }} * {{listing | name= Rotterdamse Taxi | alt= | url= https://www.rotterdamsetaxi.nl/ | phone=+31 10 261 31 22 }} ===By tuk-tuk=== * {{listing | name=Tuk Tuk Company | alt= | url=http://www.tuktukcompany.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 9009933399 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-05-23 | content=A Thai-influenced transportation service using three-wheeled, open-air (but covered) motorized vehicles called Tuk Tuk offers a more economical and fast way to get around the city centre when compared to taxis. Tuk-tuk pricing is based on a zone system. Within a zone, a ride is €3.50 per person, €5 for 2 persons and €6.50 for 3. If you go to another zone, €3.50 is added (irrespective of number of persons). This service is handy if it is past the regular tram/bus/metro service hours (approximately half past midnight). }} ===By bicycle=== Like any city in The Netherlands, Rotterdam is very, very bicycle-friendly. Getting around by bike is probably the fastest way of travel within the city. There are separate bike lanes on most major streets and there are separate traffic lights for bicyclists. Avoid getting your tire in the tram rails: always cross tram rails at an angle. Of course it is also strongly advisable to watch out for other traffic at all time. On the other hand bicyclists can rely on the fact that motorists and pedestrians are aware of bikes. Always lock your bike securely when leaving it (preferably chained to a fixed object) or go to a guarded bicycle parking station. ==== Rent a bike==== At Rotterdam Centraal, you can rent bicycles at the shop in the underground bicycle parking, below the Station square. Leave the station at the front, exit 'Stationsplein'. The entrance of the bicycle parking ('fietsenstalling', with the glass roof) is at your right, in front of grand cafe Engels. Use-it, rents out nice Kronan bikes (Schaatsbaan 41-45, leave Central Station towards the center. Turn right at restaurant Engels and take the 2nd right). Bikes can be rented by several other private companies. Holland-Cycling.com provides a list of [http://www.holland-cycling.com/rotterdam/getting-around-rotterdam/bicycle-rental-in-rotterdam addresses]. Another list you will find at [https://www.rotterdam.nl/vrije-tijd/fiets-huren/ Rotterdam.nl]{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. If you have a personal (rather than an anonymous) [[OV-chipkaart]], bicycles can be rented at many train and metro stations and other central locations by the [http://www.ns.nl/en/door-to-door/ov-fiets OV-fiets system]. ==== Guarded bicycle parking ==== * The larger train stations have their own guarded bicycle parking. * Rotterdam municipality has also [https://www.rotterdam.nl/fietsparkeren some free locations]. ==See== ===Landmarks=== [[File:VN5 HDR2.jpg|thumbnail|right|The Van Nellefabriek is regarded as a prime example of the ''International Style'']] Rotterdam has national notoriety for its architecture, and the city therefore is dotted with landmarks of all sorts. Most of them you will find in the [[Rotterdam/Centrum|city centre]], but [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord|Feijenoord]] is also quite dense with them. Rotterdam is known for some bridges, not in the last place the '''Erasmusbrug''', spanning the Nieuwe Maas between the city centre and Feijenoord. Also of historical importance is the former railway lifting bridge '''De Hef''', slightly upstream from the Erasmusbrug. '''Historical landmarks''' are somewhat rare to come across in Rotterdam's city centre, but the city itself isn't completely devoid of them. In the city centre, the 1920 '''City hall''' and the '''Great or Saint-Laurence church''', both survivors of the 1940 bombardment. Rotterdam is also home to the country's oldest known bronze statue, depicting Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam and dating from 1622. It is found opposite the Saint-Laurence church. '''De Verwoeste Stad''' (Destroyed City) is a cubist statue depicting a man in agony who just lost his heart (symbol of the bombed city centre). Feijenoord, despite being home to many modern redevelopments, houses some historical landmarks such as the '''former headquarters of the Holland-Amerikalijn'''. Also worth visiting are the '''Oude Haven''' (''Old Harbour'') and the nearby '''Witte Huis''' (''White House'') and '''Schielandshuis'''. '''Industrial landmarks''' are plenty in a city that mostly thrives off of harbour activities. Besides the many industrial sites found in the [[Rotterdam/Port of Rotterdam|Port of Rotterdam]], the '''Van Nellefabriek''' in [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|the north of the city]] is a listed UNESCO site. [[File:Erasmusbrug seen from Euromast.jpg|thumbnail|right|The modern skyline of Rotterdam can be truly appreciated from the Euromast.]] The skyline of Rotterdam can, of course, be observed from one of the many skyscrapers in the city - though you should probably book a hotel located in a skyscraper or find one with a publicly accessible roof, as trespass isn't welcomed. Another great site for views over the city though, is the '''Euromast''' on the border between the [[Rotterdam/Centrum|city centre]] and [[Rotterdam/Delfshaven|Delfshaven]], twice in its history the highest building of the Netherlands. For a relatively small entry fee, you can climb the tower or for a larger sum, you can dine inside of it. For those less comfortable with great heights though, a birds-eye overview of the city can also be obtained at '''Miniworld Rotterdam''', near the central station. The city is also well-known for its experimental and out-of-the-ordinary architecture, often being a testing ground for new concepts. A prime example of this are the '''Kubuswoningen''' (''Cube Houses'') at [[Rotterdam/Centrum|Blaak]]; one has been set aside as a museum, offering a view of the unique perspective and custom furniture that comes with living in one of the houses. Also striking are the '''Markthal''', harbour-crane inspired sculptures at the '''Schouwburgplein''' and the '''Koopgoot''', all found in the city centre. '''Historic churches:''' in the Netherlands churches are generally closed to visitors on Sundays. === Other sites === [[File:Rotterdam Erasmusbrug bij avond vanaf hoek Veerhaven-Westerkade.jpg|thumb|Erasmus bridge of Rotterdam]] [[File:Schielandshuis.jpg|thumbnail|right|Schielandshuis today stands surrounding by modern glass and steel buildings]] [[Image:Oude Haven (Rotterdam) 2011.jpg|thumb|"Het witte huis" in Old Harbour]] The area around the [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Other sites|'''Station Rotterdam Blaak''']] was destroyed by a Nazi bombardment during World War II. After the war this area was populated with some bold examples of modern architecture. The '''Kubuswoningen''' are literally cubes, tilted over by 45 degrees. '''Oude Haven''' (Old Harbour) is a nice place to see and sit at some café nearby. '''Witte Huis''' is a "skyscraper" built in 1898. '''Het Schielandshuis''' is the only remaining 17th-century building in the city centre of Rotterdam. [[File:Delfshaven Rotterdam (the Netherlands) 17.JPG|thumb|The old barges moored at the Delfshaven]] [[Rotterdam/Delfshaven|'''Delfshaven''']] is one of very few locations in the city which survived World War II bombings. Historic Delfshaven is a very scenic walk. It consists of an 17th-century area around two canals with a lot of charm. By day visit little shops in this neighbourhood, by night attractive pubs and restaurants make the visit worthwhile. * '''Chinatown''' in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Other sites|Centrum]] is full of Chinese restaurants and also Indonesian and other Asian restaurants. [[File:Rotterdam molens De Ster (l) en De Lelie (r) - tegenlicht.jpg|thumbnail|right|''De Ster'' and ''De Lelie'' at dusk]] ===Windmills=== Rotterdam has only seven windmills left. Of these, only ''De Ster'' and ''De Lelie'' in [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk#See|Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk]] are open to visitors on a regular basis. Other windmills are open to visitors when the mill is turning (easy enough to see), but there are some exceptions to this rule of thumb. A blue flag also indicates that the mill is open to visitors. Look for De Prinsenmolen, De Vier Winden, and De Speelman windmills in [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam#Windmills|Northern Rotterdam]] and De Zandweg in [[Rotterdam/Zuid#See|Rotterdam Zuid]]. ===Museums=== [[File:Overzicht achtergevel - Rotterdam - 20534511 - RCE.jpg|thumbnail|right|Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen]] [[Netherlands#Museumkaart|Museumkaart]] is accepted at the city's museums. The Museumpark area in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Museums|Centrum]] has many of the city's museums. '''Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen''' houses a rich, broad collection including masterpieces ranging from Pieter Brueghel the Elder's ''The "little" Tower of Babel'' (1563) to an important collection of surrealism, prominently featuring Salvador Dalí and René Magritte. '''Sylvette''' is a large work by Pablo Picasso was erected in 1973. It is one of the elaborations Picasso made based on the portraits of his muse Sylvette David. Definitely worth a look. '''Kunsthal''' houses some 25 exhibitions annually with a fascinating and widely varied repertoire. Het Nieuwe Instituut museum includes the '''Museum voor Architectuur, Design en Digitale cultuur''', a museum for architecture,deesign and digital culture, and '''Huis Sonneveld''', a building in the Bauhaus style. '''Chabot Museum''' is a neat little museum is housed in a splendid modernist 1930s villa. It houses a collection of works of the expressionist painter Hendrik Chabot. '''Natuurhistorisch Museum''' has changing expositions and a fixed collection of mammals, plants and fossils. The city has two maritime museums. The '''Maritiem Museum''' has a variety of expositions about the harbour of Rotterdam and maritime history, and a restored 19th-century gunboat that is a must-see for naval enthusiasts. The '''Mariniersmuseum''' shows the history of the centuries-old Narine Corps and its modern-day role. Special attention is given to the heroic role of the corps in the 1940 defence of Rotterdam. ====Other museums==== [[File:Façade Witte de With Center for Contemporary Art.jpg|thumbnail|right|Witte de With Center]] In [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Other museums|Centrum]], you can visit '''Museum Rotterdam''', which is dedicated to the modern day Rotterdam and its history; the '''Museum of Chess-Pieces''', which houses a diverse collection of chess games from ancient Chinese to cartoon characters; the '''Wereldmuseum''' (World Arts Museum), which focuses on encounters and cross-cultural inspiration; and '''Witte de With''' (Centre for Contemporary Arts). [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord#Q2191118|'''Nederlands Fotomuseum''']] shows the diversity of forms of photography, especially as a medium of social expression and commentary. [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk#Q2351733|'''SSN Museumstoomdepot''']] features old steam locomotives and trains. Besides a small museum it's a workshop where you can see restoration in progress. ==Do== [[File:Overzicht - Rotterdam - 20534496 - RCE.jpg|thumbnail|right|''De Doelen'' concert hall in Schouwbourgplein]] Upcoming events and performances are listed on the VVV and Use-it websites. The larger events are well documented on the VVV site, for smaller venues check Use-it (under Calendar) for a very attractive and well updated listing of music, expositions, movies and parties that need checking out. The [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Do|Uitburo office]] inside the Central Library provides information on theatre and music performances. It also sells tickets and offers an overview of performances that can be visited for free (''gratis''). ===Events=== [[File:North Sea Jazz Festival 2012 - ALOE BLACC.jpg|thumbnail|right|In July, you can enjoy the ''North Sea Jazz'' festival]] Rotterdam plays host to a lot of events, a lot of them yearly ones. Besides these there are a lot smaller ones that can be very nice, so ask around and check the VVV website. A few of these yearly events to name: * {{do | name=Six Days of Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.wielerzesdaagserotterdam.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2293105 | lastedit=2024-12-26 | content=A cycling competition in early December. }} * {{do | name=IFFR | alt= | url=http://www.filmfestivalrotterdam.com/en/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The International Film Festival Rotterdam, which mainly features independent films from all over the world in February. }} * {{do | name=Art Rotterdam | alt= | url=http://www.artrotterdam.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=In February, you can see (and buy) masterpieces of modern art. }} * {{do | name=World tennis Tournament | alt= | url=http://www.abnamrowtt.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=In February. }} * On the '''[http://www.rotterdamsemuseumnacht.nl/ Rotterdam Museum Night]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' in March, nearly all Rotterdam museums and galleries open their doors in the evening with special events. * {{do | name=Motel Mozaique | alt= | url=http://motelmozaique.nl/en/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Music, art & performance. Plus a sleeping project that enables sleeping in art or on special locations in Rotterdam (April) }} * [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Q1341108|'''Rotterdam Marathon''']], internationally reputed as a very fast marathon, is held in April in Centrum. * {{do | name=Poetry International | alt= | url=http://www.poetry.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Festival in June. }} * '''Metropolis Festival''' (music) on the first Sunday in July. * The sublime '''[http://www.northseajazz.com/ North Sea Jazz]''' festival in July with loads of worldfamous artists. * {{do | name=Summer Carnival | alt= | url=http://www.zomercarnaval.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A huge Caribbean-oriented parade and party in the city centre. }} * {{do | name=Heerlijk Rotterdam | alt= | url=http://www.heerlijkrotterdam.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Three day event where you can sample dishes from Michelin-star restaurants for a reduced price (dates vary, summer edition usually late August) }} * The '''[http://wereldhavendagen.nl/en/ World Port Days]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' a weekend full of activities centred around the large harbour of Rotterdam (early September) * The classical music '''[http://www.gergievfestival.nl/ Gergjev]''' festival in September, led by master-conductor Valery Gergjev. * The '''[http://www.rotterdamseoogst.nl/ Rotterdam Harvest Festival]''' in September. * '''Bazar Curieux''' (music) in December For full listings of events check [http://www.rotterdam.info/uk/ Rotterdam.info] and [http://www.use-it.nl/ Use-it]{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. === Tours === Several tours can be found in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Tours|Centrum]], including the tourist '''tram line 10''' through the city centre and historic parts of Rotterdam on classic trams; the '''Spido harbour trip''' through the first 8 km of the harbour; and De pannenkoekenboot, on which you cam eat as many pancakes as you want while you cruise the harbour. ===Cinema=== There are two huge megacinemas in Rotterdam. The one in the city centre is called '''Pathé Schouwburgplein''' (at the Schouwburgplein), the other one is on the southside of the city. It's called '''Pathé De Kuip''' (next to the Feyenoord stadium De Kuip). In these cinemas you can see Hollywood movies and occasionally an arthouse movie. To get to De Kuip, take tram {{rint|Rotterdam|12}} to stop Stadion Feijenoord. If you're more into alternative cinema go to '''[http://www.lantaren-venster.nl/ Lantaren/Venster]''' Cinema (Otto Reuchlinweg 996 (Wilhelminapier)). Here you'll get European, Asian and Latin American cinema in a nice atmosphere. It has a nice bar too. The other option is '''Cinerama''' (Westblaak 18) which shows a combination of art/house films and commercial Hollywood flicks. During the '''IFFR''' (International Film Festival Rotterdam), which usually takes place in February, art-house movies are shown at much more locations throughout the city. In August, an open air cinema at the '''Lloydkwartier''' shows both blockbusters and independent films. Entrance is free, and you can either bring your own chair or rent one onsite. To get there, take {{rint|Rotterdam|A}} to Coolhaven and walk for about 10–15 minutes towards the river in the south. ===Other attractions=== [[File:Erasmusbréck w.jpg|thumbnail|right|Rotterdam can be breathtaking from above]] When you want to combine a unique experience with a great view over the city of Rotterdam, you can make a (tandem) '''skydive''' at [http://www.skydiverotterdam.com Skydive Rotterdam]. At Skydive Rotterdam (also called the Flying Dutchman) you can book a tandem skydive or do a complete skydiving course and jump from a height of 3 or 4 kilometers. It's the only skydiving school in the "Randstad" area and the only place in the Netherlands where you can jump over a major city like Rotterdam. When the weather's good you will have a spectacular view over the Rotterdam skyline and other parts of the Randstad area, all the way to the coastline. An '''airplane''' can be rented at reasonable rates at Rotterdam Airport at [http://vliegen.rotterdamsweb.nl/ Happy Wing]. Nice tours above the city, its ports or the coastline are on offer. On summer Sundays, it is possible to lower yourself down from the '''Euromast'''. On last Sundays of summer months you can glide down in 15 seconds on a wire (tokkelen). Both: Not for the faint of heart! Check the website of [http://heightspecialists.nl/abseilen/ Heightspecialists]. ===With children=== [[File:Medusakop op kolom in giraffenweide - Rotterdam - 20348014 - RCE.jpg|thumbnail|right|The historic ''Diergaarde Blijdorp'' is definitely worth a visit]] '''Diergaarde Blijdorp''' (Rotterdam Zoo) in [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk#Q18775796|Kralingen-Crooswijk]] is one of the most popular day trips in the Netherlands. Walk through different parts of the world, seeing interesting animals that feel right at home in an approximation of their natural habitats. The Oceanium is filled with ocean and coastal dwellers, including exotic fish and puffins. '''Miniworld Rotterdam''' in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Do|Centrum]] is the largest indoor model railroad layout of the Netherlands. === Football === : Rotterdam has three professional soccer teams: * [https://www.feyenoord.nl/ '''Feyenoord'''] play in Eredivisie, the top tier. Their home ground is Stadion Feijenoord (capacity 51,000), better known as "De Kuip"; it's often also used for rock concerts and similar events. It's south of the river with its own railway station Rotterdam Stadion. * [https://www.sparta-rotterdam.nl/ '''Sparta Rotterdam'''] also play in Eredivisie. Their home ground is Het Kasteel ("The Castle", capacity 12,000), 3 km west of the centre. * [https://www.sbvexcelsior.nl/ '''SBV Excelsior'''] were relegated in 2024 so they play in Eerste Divisie the second tier. Their Stadion Woudestein (capacity 4500), now called Van Donge & De Roo Stadion, is 2 km east of city centre on the north bank of the river. ===Water sports and yachting=== [[File:Rotterdam kralingse plas.jpg|thumbnail|right|Kralingse Plas]] Being a major harbour and having lots of waterways and lakes, Rotterdam has a lot to offer for water-enthousiasts. Boating: There are four major lakes in Rotterdam. The Kralingse Plas, The double Bergse Plas, the Rottemeren and the Zevenhuizer Plas. All of them have active yachting communities and sometimes sailing races can be seen. The Zevenhuizer plas is mainly populated by Windsurf enthousiasts. Sailing boats can be rented at the Kralingse Plas at the [http://www.henkvangent.nl/ Van Gent sailing school], Plaszoom, a 10-minute walk from Metro Voorschoterlaan (walk through the Julianalaan until you reach Plaszoom). Rowing- and sailing boats can be rented at the windmill at the very end of the eastern Rottekade at [http://www.botenverhuurvanvliet.nl/ Van Vliet's] (Rottemeren, go by car or bike, a very nice ride). Yachting: When visiting Rotterdam with your own yacht you will find that most yachting harbours are on the inland waterways, where there are a lot of them. On the river Maas you will only find the [http://www.citymarinarotterdam.nl/ City Marina], behind a bascule bridge on the southern bank, and the [http://www.veerhavenrotterdam.nl/ Veerhaven], right in the city center on the northern bank. Unless you need the better shelter of the characterless City Marina, go for the admittedly a little choppy Veerhaven marina, very central and scenic. ===Beach=== The closest good beach is about 30 km away at [[Hook of Holland]]. Here you will find a very fine sand beach with good swimming and enough entertainment. To get there, take line {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} to Hoek van Holland Strand, its end point. For a more urban-party beach experience head to [[Scheveningen]] where you can find everything beach-party addicts dream about; Endless rows of beachside bars, restaurants and discothèques and a boulevard along a splendid fine-sand beach. It can get ''very'' crowded here. Take the train to [[Den Haag]] Centraal Station and tram {{rint|denhaag|9}} subsequently. Also at the same coast is Kijkduin, which is very recommended for children. To get there, get {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} to its northern end point, then take bus 24 to Kijkduin. If you want to go to the beach but want to stay in the city, consider taking {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} to its end point, Nesselande and walk across the Corsicalaan from there. You are at the Strand Nesselande. ==Buy== The main shopping areas are in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Buy|Centrum]]. '''Afrikaanderplein Markt''' in [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord#Buy|Feijenoord]] is a market of about 300 stalls geared towards Rotterdam's inhabitants of Antillian, South American or African descent (a lot of whom happen to live nearby). Dutch cheese is very famous, you can get some at grocery stores or wider variety at the marketplace. Other typical Dutch things are ''stroopwafels'', ''hagelslag'' and ''drop'' (liquorice). ==Eat== The area around metrostation ''Blaak'', called '''Oude haven''' (Old Harbour), is not only worth seeing but has also a lot of pubs and restaurants. The Rotterdam dining scene is developing very fast with new restaurants opening very often. While most of the attention focusses on new Michelin-star aspiring places, there is very much a trend towards high quality mid-range restaurants offering French/Dutch cuisine. ==Drink== [[Rotterdam/Centrum#|Centrum]] has a wide variety of bars, coffee shops and music venues. The [http://www.kaapsebrouwers.nl/ Kaapse Brouwers] brewery has four locations around the city. Each location has a whole wall of taps to choose from. They are popular place so waiting lines can be long. ==Sleep== See district articles for listings for camping, hostels and hotels. ==Connect== The telephone country code for the Netherlands is 31, and Rotterdam's city code is 010. In case of an '''Emergency''', dial '''1-1-2''' (free of charge). When staying for a longer time, buy a prepaid sim card for your mobile phone. ==Stay safe== You should take normal precautions against pickpockets and baggage theft, especially in the main shopping streets, at markets, in trams and trains, at stations, and anywhere where tourists congregate. It is not wise to hang around Stadhuisplein when nightlife ends. Fights often occur in this area after midnight. Rotterdam also has a reputation of mass venues getting out of hand, though you shouldn't worry too much about it. If violence breaks out at football festivities (not so unlikely) or at the end of sun soaked festive days, like Kings Day (even less unlikely, especially at the Stadhuisplein), just get out of the way and you're unlikely to be affected. It's advisable not to wear a football jersey of Ajax Amsterdam or any other stuff promoting Ajax or Amsterdam. In terms of general safety, at daylight most areas in the city are safe. But at night, some areas such as Spangen, Charlois and Hillesluis are wise to avoid. When you drive a car with a foreign numberplate (especially if it's a French or Belgian one) you might or will be approached by so-called ''drugsrunners''. This can occur on the motorways surrounding the city and in the city proper. These guys try to lure people to places where drugs are dealt. Do not respond to their signals and do not follow them. ==Go next== If you do not have a car, the hub for leaving the city will probably be '''Rotterdam Centraal''', from where trains leave in all directions at short intervals (you can generally drop in and catch the next train to your destination). Most regional and longer distance buses leave here too, with the exception of most buses to southerly destinations and the province of Zeeland that leave from '''metro station Zuidplein'''. In contrast with the trains, bus departure times should be checked in advance as they can be far and between. For trains to the North and the South travellers can also choose to depart from '''Rotterdam Blaak'''. '''The Hague''' can also be reached easily and rather quickly by metro line E. Nearby destinations like [[Schiedam]] or even [[Delft]] can also be reached by bike if you fancy a somewhat longer ride. Bike routes and directions are well marked and available in abundance. A good idea for a sunny day! Schiedam can be reached by train or by metro (in 15 minutes) too. [[Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region|MRDH]] is the area of the region Rotterdam-Schiedam-Delft-The Hague, see this page for more information on travel and cycling. ===Nearby=== * '''[[Kinderdijk]]''' — a [[UNESCO World Heritage List#Netherlands|UNESCO World Heritage]] site. 19 old windmills are still helping to control the water level there. Windmill #2 is open to the public, allowing you to see its inner workings. In season there is a direct waterbus service from an embankment at the Erasmus bridge (travel time ~1/2 hour). Alternatively, ''Arriva'' bus 90 from bus and metro station ''Zuidplein'' will get you there in 50 minutes. * '''[[Schiedam]]''' — visit the historic centre of this small town at the edge of Rotterdam, including the world's six tallest windmills. Also you can find there the ''Stedelijk Museum'', an attractive museum with some nice modern art exhibitions. Easily reached by bicycle, a train (from ''Rotterdam Centraal'' to ''Schiedam Centrum''), metro A, B or C line to ''Schiedam Centrum'' station, or tram lines 1 or 11 (''Broersvest'' or ''Koemarkt'' stop). ===Day trips=== * '''[[Delft]]''' — this famous town is a 15-minute train ride from ''Rotterdam Centraal''. Very historic and scenic, but also very touristy. * '''[[Dordrecht]]''' — a magnificent historic town with little tourism and an excellent old art museum (Dordrechts Museum). It is a 15-min train ride, or even better, take a ''[http://www.waterbus.nl/halte/dordrecht-merwekade/ waterbus]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''. * '''[[Gouda]]''' — visit this small picturesque postcard-like town and see the magnificent stained glass windows in the ''Sint Janskerk''. Also 20 min by train. * '''[[Delta Works]]''' — a series of construction projects protecting the Southwest of the Netherlands from the sea. The Oosterschelde storm surge barrier is the most impressive, and next to it is ''Neeltje Jans'', a water theme park dedicated to the Delta Works. * '''[[Brielle (Netherlands)|Brielle]]''' — a mediaeval fortified town. The centre is a nice ensemble of old houses and churches, enclosed by the original earthen defensive walls. There are some museums and the Roman Catholic shrine of the Martyrs of Gorcum. Walking around town and fortifications is a treat. You can easily spend a full day in Brielle. Take bus 103 at the ''Spijkenisse Centrum'' metro station. A journey takes about 70 min. * '''[[Schoonhoven]]''' — a nice small town with many well preserved medieval buildings on the ''Lek'' river in a halfway to Utrecht. From Station Capelsebrug, Rotterdam, take a bus 195 (direction Utrecht). A journey takes about 1 hour. * Go to the other cities of the [[Randstad]], e.g. '''[[The Hague]]''' is 1/2 hour by train or metro, '''[[Utrecht]]''' is around 45 min by train, '''[[Amsterdam]]''' about an hour. {{routebox | image1=NL-A15.png | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Brielle (Netherlands)|Brielle]] | minorl1=[[Spijkenisse]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Arnhem]] | minorr1=[[Dordrecht]] | image2=BE-E19.svg | imagesize2=20 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Amsterdam]] | minorl2=[[Delft]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Antwerp]] | minorr2=[[Zwijndrecht]] }} {{usablecity}} {{isPartOf|Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region}} {{geo|51.9239|4.4623|zoom=14}} 7x83pxl5zs6wz5hmdldapm1wutexoj0 5086983 5086980 2025-07-03T05:57:03Z PauldeKoning 2328897 /* By taxi */ 5086983 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Rotterdam Banner 4.jpg|dotm=yes|unesco=yes}} {{printDistricts}} '''Rotterdam''' is a very large city in the province of [[South Holland]] in the west of the [[Netherlands]]. The city is the second largest in the country with a population of approximately 650,000 inhabitants in the municipality (2020) and about 2.2 million inhabitants in the shared metropolitan area of the [[Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region]] (MRDH). Rotterdam is a vibrant, multicultural city; it is known for its university (Erasmus), cutting-edge architecture, lively cultural life, industrial riverside setting, its maritime heritage and colourful summer events. The municipality stretches all the way to the [[North Sea]] with gigantic areas like '''Europoort''' and '''Maasvlakte 1&2'''. All belong to the '''Port of Rotterdam'''. Starting as a dam constructed in 1270 on the Rotte River, Rotterdam has grown into a major international commercial centre. The port of Rotterdam is Europe's busiest port by cargo tonnage, and was the world's busiest from 1962 until it was surpassed by Shanghai in 2004. Rotterdam's commercial and strategic importance is based on its location near the mouth of the Nieuwe Maas (New Meuse), a channel in the delta formed by the Rhine and Meuse on the North Sea. These rivers lead directly into the centre of Europe, including the industrial Ruhr region, which is why Rotterdam is often called the "Gateway to Europe". Many relatively high buildings (by Dutch standards) have been emerging throughout and around the city centre. Daring and new styles of apartments, office buildings and recreation facilities resulted in Rotterdam becoming a city of modern architecture and the only city in the Netherlands with a modern skyline. Due to this, the city is especially interesting for Dutch people to visit. ==Districts== {{Mapframe|width=660|zoom=10|show=districts}} {{Mapshape|type=page|wikicommons=Rotterdam_Districts.map|group=districts}} {{Regionlist | regionmap= | regionmaptext= | regionmapsize= | region1name=[[Rotterdam/Centrum|Stadsdriehoek]] | region1color=#44aa99 | region1items=Rotterdam Centrum | region1description=Filled with highrise and out-of-the-box architecture, this district forms the heart of Rotterdam and gives the city its characteristic. | region2name=[[Rotterdam/Delfshaven|Delfshaven]] | region2color=#aa4499 | region2items=Delfshaven | region2description=Originally a part of [[Delft]], this town over time grew closer to Rotterdam, leading up to its incorporation in 1886. The former town still has a fair bit of its historic identity. | region3name=[[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk|Kralingen-Crooswijk]] | region3color=#117733 | region3items=Kralingen-Crooswijk, Noord | region3description=Famous for the Kralingse Plas, a large artificial lake and the surrounding park, as well as Blijdorp, the second-oldest still active zoo in the Netherlands. | region4name=[[Rotterdam/Feijenoord|Feijenoord]] | region4color=#ee99aa | region4items=Feijenoord | region4description=Namesake of a Dutch football club, Feijenoord is the heart of the south banks of the Meuse. | region5name=[[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|Northern Rotterdam]] | region5color=#d09440 | region5items=Overschie, Hillegersberg-Schiebroek | region5description=Home to Rotterdam's airport as well as Hilligersberg and the surrounding lakes and forests. | region6name=[[Rotterdam/Capelle en Noordoost|Capelle en Noordoost]] | region6color=#b5d29f | region6items=Prins Alexander, Capelle aan den IJssel | region6description=Largely home to Rotterdam's urban sprawl. | region7name=[[Rotterdam/Nieuwerkerk|Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel]] | region7color=#d56d76 | region7items=Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel | region7description=Though not incorporated into Rotterdam, Nieuwerkerk is largely an extension of the city. It is home to the lowest point of the famously low-lying Netherlands, at {{convert|6.76|m|yd}} below sea level. | region8name=[[Rotterdam/Zuid|Zuid]] | region8color=#6699cc | region8items=Charlois, IJsselmonde | region8description=The southernmost districts of Rotterdam. | region9name=[[Rotterdam/Port of Rotterdam|Port of Rotterdam]] | region9color=#ddcc77 | region9items=Pernis, Rozenburg, Botlek, Europoort, Eerste- en Tweede Maasvlakte | region9description=Best known as the largest seaport of Europe, the Port of Rotterdam has been built within a river delta as well as the sea. | region10name=[[Rotterdam/Hook of Holland|Hook of Holland]] | region10color=#44aa99 | region10items=Hoek van Holland | region10description=Formerly one of the main gateways into the Netherlands from anywhere reachable by ocean-going vessel, nowadays a popular beachfront. | region11name=[[Rotterdam/Albrandswaard|Albrandswaard]] | region11color=#882255 | region11items=Hoogvliet, Poortugaal, Rhoon | region11description=Island on the suburban fringes of Rotterdam, functioning as a suburb both to Rotterdam and [[Spijkenisse]]. }} ==Understand== ===History=== Settlement at the lower end of the fen stream ''Rotte'' dates from at least 900. Around 1150, large floods in the area ended development, leading to the construction of protective dikes and dams. A dam on the Rotte or 'Rotterdam' was built in the 1260s and was at the present-day ''Hoogstraat'' ('High Street'). Although Rotterdam did well after the Middle Ages and in the 'Golden Century' - roughly between 1650 and 1750 - it was not before the second part of the nineteenth century that the city started to develop itself rapidly. Helped by the digging of a new seaway (the Nieuwe Waterweg) Rotterdam was rid of access problems caused by the silting of the river and started receiving ever bigger ships with cargo for/from the booming Ruhrgebiet in Germany. Port related trade and industry skyrocketed, and the city started to draw lots of migrants from the then poor Brabant province, for whom the southern part of the city was constructed. At the turn of the twentieth century Rotterdam was well under way to become the largest economic centre in the Netherlands. It was between then and the second world war that large prestigious construction works were undertaken, in part to show off the new found economic pride. The German army invaded the Netherlands on 10 May 1940. Germany had planned to conquer the country in one day, but after meeting unexpectedly fierce resistance, it finally forced the Dutch army to capitulate on 14 May 1940 by bombing Rotterdam and threatening to bomb other cities. The heart of the city was almost completely destroyed by the German Luftwaffe, and 800 people were killed, while about 80,000 others were made homeless. During the war, Rotterdam was bombed several times during allied raids that were aimed at the harbour area but sometimes also hit the city. The City Hall survived the bombing. Unlike most other European cities however, the City Council did not aim at rebuilding what was lost, but on taking the opportunity to create a 'new' and better city. Damaged but not destroyed old buildings were torn down in the process. From the 1950s through the 1970s, the city was rebuilt. It remained quite windy and open until the city councils from the 1980s on began developing an active architectural policy. Daring and new styles of apartments, office buildings and recreation facilities resulted in a more 'livable' city center with a new skyline. In the 1990s, the ''Kop van Zuid'' was built on the south bank of the river as a new business center. ===Demographics=== In the Netherlands, Rotterdam has the highest percentage of foreigners from non-industrialised nations. Nearly 50% of the population are not native to the Netherlands or have at least one parent born outside the country. Muslims comprise close to 25% of the city's population. The city is also home to one of the largest Cape Verdean communities in the world, as well as the largest Dutch Antillean community. ===Atmosphere=== Rotterdam's culture is distinct from other cities in the Netherlands. The mentality of the people is described as 'can do'. From the waiters you meet to the businessmen and recent immigrants, everybody breathes a dream of getting forward with life. The modern design of the city, the bustle and the spree of buildings all add to this impression. That said, you might also find that people are sometimes too straight with you. And yes, the city is not the cosiest, or the most picturesque of towns, especially on drab winter days. But get acquainted with this small metropolis, easiest done on one of the festival days with nice weather. You will come to love it. [[File:Rotterdam haringvliet in winter.jpg|thumbnail|right|Winters in Rotterdam are moist and can be freezingly cold, but just as well uniquely beautiful]] ===Climate=== {{climate chart | Rotterdam |1.3|6.4|71 |1.1|7.1|66 |2.4|10.3|57 |4.8|14.3|42 |8.1|17.9|56 |11.0|20.6|69 |13.2|22.7|79 |12.9|22.6|92 |10.5|19.3|90 |7.2|14.9|87 |3.9|10.2|88 |1.4|7.0|86 |units = metric |float = right |clear = none |source = Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute}} Rotterdam gains a lot of charm when the sun is shining. Visiting in spring or summer may be more enjoyable than during the dark rainy winter. The summer months see temperatures averaging around {{c|22}} during the day and {{c|14}} at night; though temperatures near or above {{c|28}} during the day and {{c|16}} at night are not unheard of during heat waves. Daylight runs from 05:30 until 22:00 in the summer, and only between 08:45 and 16:30 in the winter. ===Tourist information=== *{{listing | type=listing | name=Rotterdam Tourist Information Coolsingel | alt=VVV | url=https://en.rotterdam.info/ | email=info@rotterdam.info | address=Coolsingel 114, 3011 AG Rotterdam | lat=51.918860 | long=4.481239 | directions=Metro {{rint|Rotterdam|A}} {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} : Beurs, at the garden of the Schielandshuis | phone=+31 10 790 01 85 | tollfree= | hours=09:30-18:00 | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=This well equipped and modern tourist office can provide loads of information like city maps, small guide books, souvenirs and the like, and offers tips and information on what to see and do in Rotterdam. Rotterdam.info also sells Rotterdam Welcome Cards, concert tickets, gift certificate, souvenirs, public transport tickets and parking vouchers. Check the website for upcoming events. }} *{{listing | type=listing | name=Rotterdam Tourist Information Central Station | alt=VVV | url= | email= | address=Stationsplein 21, 3013 AJ Rotterdam | lat=51.92410 | long=4.47030 | directions=main entrance, in the central hall of the central station | phone=+31 107900185 | tollfree= | hours=09:30-18:00 | price= | lastedit=2019-07-21 | content=With help from the service desk, a wide range of tourist information folders and the employees, you can find out what part of the city you would like to visit. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=Rotterdam Welcome Card | alt= | url=https://en.rotterdam.info/visitors-info/rotterdam-welcome-card/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=1 day (€13.50), 2 days (€19.50), or 3 days (€24.50) | lastedit=2022-07-27 | content= The card allows for unlimited use of all public transport by RET in the city and region, and offers at least 25% discounts on more than 50 attractions, museums, and restaurants. Available at Rotterdam Info (VVV) points and other locations. Without public transport, the card costs €6.00. }} ==Get in== ===By plane=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Rotterdam The Hague Airport | alt={{IATA|RTM}} | url=http://www.rotterdamthehagueairport.nl/en | email= | address= | lat=51.951248 | long=4.443541 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Rotterdam The Hague Airport | image=Rotterdam airport luchtfoto.jpg | wikidata=Q656807 | lastedit=2016-06-07 | content=It is the 3rd largest airport in the country. It is 6 km north of the city centre. There are direct flights from cities in [[Germany]], [[Italy]], [[France]], [[Spain]], and the [[United Kingdom]]. Commercial airlines that operate to the airport include Transavia, Lufthansa, British Airways, and Turkish Airlines. }} ====Services==== * {{listing|type=go | name=VVV Rotterdam-The Hague Airport information point | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rotterdam Airportplein 60 | lat= | long= | directions=at the arrivals hall | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= 07:30-23:45 | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=Come here if you have questions about Rotterdam. The place to hear history. The gift shop is open 09:30-18:00. }} ====How to reach==== To plan a trip (for all public transport in the Netherlands) see [https://9292.nl/en 9292.nl]{{Dead link|date=December 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} Depending on the amount of travel with public transit in The Netherlands it is possible to buy a so called ''[[OV-Chipkaart]]'' or it may be more convemient to pay with a contactless credit or debit card by touching in & touching out on each trip. see for more information under ''Get Around.'' ;By bus/metro * {{listing | type=go | name=Bus 33 | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-06-30 | content=Connects the airport with ''Meijersplein/Airport'' metro station, from where you can take metro line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} to ''Slinge'' (for ''Rotterdam Centraal'' and Rotterdam city center).See for more information the ''By Metro'' section under ''Get Around''. Bus 33 also connects to Rotterdam Centraal station via the Overschie district. }} * {{listing | name=Bus 300 | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= 15 July - 20 September, Fr-Mo only| price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-06-30 | content=Direct service to ''Rotterdam Centraal''. No stops in between. }} ;By taxi * {{listing|type=go | name=Rotterdam Airport Taxi | alt= | url=http://www.rotterdam-airport-taxi.nl | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +31 10 262 04 06| tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-06-07 | content=Recommended by the airport web site. }} ====Other close airports==== * [[Schiphol Airport| Amsterdam Schiphol Airport]] ({{IATA|AMS}}) is 58 km north of Rotterdam and has much more flights than the Rotterdam airport. '''NS (Dutch Railways)''' operates ''[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/special-routes/intercity-direct.html Intercity Direct]'' high-speed rail service, every 30 minutes to Rotterdam. The journey takes 27 minutes. You have to pay an addition for the journey from Schiphol to Rotterdam, so regular intercities in direction Rotterdam Centraal and Rotterdam Blaak are cheaper (but slower) (these intercities also call at Schiphol). * [[Eindhoven#By plane| Eindhoven Airport]] ({{IATA|EIN}}) is 106 km southeast of Rotterdam. Ryanair and Wizzair operate flights to this airport. Take a bus to Eindhoven Centraal (approximately 20 minutes, the intercity train to Rotterdam Centraal takes about 63 minutes. * [[Brussels Airport]] ({{IATA|BRU}}) is 140 km south of Rotterdam. Many international carriers operate flights to this airport. The [https://www.b-europe.com/EN/Trains/InterCity train from Brussels] takes about 120 minutes and costs €35. Buses are also available, although less frequent. [[File:Rtd CS-III.JPG|thumbnail|right|Rotterdam Centraal has been completely reconstructed and now features a striking roof over the main concourse]] ===By train=== {{seealso|Rail travel in the Netherlands}} ==== International connections ==== * {{go | name=Rotterdam Centraal | alt= | url=https://www.ns.nl/stationsinformatie/rtd/rotterdam-centraal | email= | address= | lat=51.925 | long=4.469444 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q801388 | lastedit=2018-04-10 | content=The station is served by high-speed trains from [[Belgium]], [[France]] and the [[United Kingdom]]. }} **'''[http://www.thalys.com Thalys]''' operates [[high-speed trains]] from [[Antwerp]] (Antwerpen-Centraal, 35 min), [[Brussels]] (Brussel-Zuid/Midi, 1 hr 12 min), [[Paris]] (Gare du Nord, 2 hr 37 min) and [[Lille]] (Lille-Europe, 1 hr 55 min). Book well in advance to secure the best ticket deals. A cheaper but slower alternative to Thalys is the [https://www.b-europe.com/EN/Trains/InterCity Intercity Brussels] service between Amsterdam and Brussels. **Coming from Germany, Rotterdam Centraal can only be reached by changing trains in the Netherlands. When travelling on the German high-speed train '''[https://www.bahn.com/en/view/trains/long-distance/ice-ice-sprinter.shtml?dbkanal_007=L04_S02_D002_KIN0059_FLYOUT-ZUGFLOTTE-ICE_LZ01 ICE]{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' from [[Cologne]], [[Düsseldorf]] and [[Oberhausen]], the exchange will be in [[Utrecht]] Centraal station, and coming from [[Berlin]], [[Hanover]], [[Osnabrück]] (with the '''[https://www.bahn.com/en/view/trains/long-distance/intercity-eurocity.shtml?dbkanal_007=L04_S02_D002_KIN0059_FLYOUT-ZUGFLOTTE-IC_LZ01 DB-intercity]{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''') it is advisable to change at [[Amersfoort]]. Intercity-trains to Rotterdam depart from both Utrecht and Amersfoort. ** '''[http://www.eurostar.com Eurostar]''' runs a daily high speed service from [[London]] St Pancras International to Rotterdam Centraal. Prices start at £35 one way. The journey time is about 3 hr 30 min, but you must arrive at the station at least 90 minutes before departure in order to clear the extra border controls caused by COVID restrictions and Brexit. ==== National connections ==== The Dutch railway company NS runs high-speed ''[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/special-routes/intercity-direct.html Intercity Direct]'' trains between [[Amsterdam]], [[Amsterdam Airport Schiphol|Schiphol]], Rotterdam and [[Breda]]. The train stops only at those four stations and shaves 25-30 minutes in journey time between Amsterdam and Schiphol and Rotterdam versus the regular Intercity and Sprinter trains that stop in between. Beware that you have to pay a supplement (€2.60 during peak hours, €1.56 outside peak hours) to use the Intercity direct line to travel to Rotterdam if your journey involves Schiphol, (i.e. Amsterdam-Rotterdam journeys are subject to this supplement). You can purchase this supplement by tapping an anonymous or personal OV-chipkaart on a designated red pole found on the platform. Those without an anonymous or personal OV-chipkaart can use the ticketing machines or the NS website to purchase the supplement, however the discount may not be applicable to supplements purchased this way. Most unlimited day tickets including the Holland Travel Ticket can be used to travel on the Intercity Direct but a supplement purchase is still required. Thalys also offers seats for passengers travelling from Amsterdam to Rotterdam. The journey is less than 40 minutes, slightly faster than the Intercity Direct. However, reservations/advance bookings are required and most unlimited day tickets recognised by NS cannot be used on Thalys. Rotterdam is also well served by NS from other parts of the [[Netherlands]], with direct connections to [[Delft]], [[Amsterdam]], [[Eindhoven]], [[Gouda]], [[Leiden]], [[The Hague]], [[Utrecht]] and [[Vlissingen]]. Some intercities and sprinters also stop at '''[https://www.ns.nl/stationsinformatie/rtb/rotterdam-blaak Rotterdam Blaak]''' station which is in the middle of the city center. This station is also frequented by trams and metro. See also the [[Netherlands#Get in Netherlands]] page for further information on national rail. Alternatively, Rotterdam's Metro line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} provides a connection for passengers coming from [[The Hague]] at Den Haag Centraal. The journey from Den Haag Centraal to Rotterdam Centraal costs €4.43 with an anonymous or personalised OV-chipkaart, which is marginally cheaper than an NS journey (€4.90) between the same points but takes about five minutes longer to complete the journey. ===By bus=== * {{listing|type=go | name=Flixbus | alt= | url=https://www.flixbus.com/bus/rotterdam| email= | address=(bus stop) Rotterdam Centraal @ Conradstraat 52 | lat= | long= | directions=International bus stop platform 'GG' at Rotterdam Centraal. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-07-20 | content=Serving both domestic and international routes. They also have an extra stop at Rotterdam Zuidplein @ Gooilandsingel }} ===By boat=== ==== Ferries from [[England]] (UK) ==== You can also get to Rotterdam by [[Ferries to the British Mainland|ferry from the United Kingdom]]. No ferries arrive in the center. * '''[http://www.poferries.com P&O Ferries]''' has a daily overnight sailing from [[Kingston Upon Hull]] to Rotterdam Europoort. From Rotterdam Europoort P&O Ferries operates a shuttle bus service that takes you to the city center of Rotterdam. Please book this shuttle service while you book your sailing. * '''[http://www.stenaline.com StenaLine]''' has a daily day and a daily overnight sailing from [[Harwich (England)|Harwich]] to [[Hook of Holland]]. Next to the port is ''Hoek van Holland Haven'' metro station. Line B brings you to the city centre in approximately 30 minutes. * '''[http://www.dfdsseaways.co.uk/ferry-routes/holland/newcastle-to-amsterdam DFDS Seaways]''' has a daily overnight ferry crossing from Newcastle to Amsterdam. You can drive to Rotterdam in approx. 50 minutes. ==== Waterbus ==== [[File:ENI 02324345 ALBLAS (14).JPG|thumbnail|right|A WaterBus near [https://www.cityguiderotterdam.com/things-to-do/sights/old-harbour-rotterdam/ Oude Haven (Old Harbour)]]]The '''[http://www.waterbus.nl WaterBus]''' services provide connections between Rotterdam and the ''Drechtsteden'' ([[Dordrecht]] and surrounding cities, including [[UNESCO World Heritage List|UNESCO-site]] - the world-famous windmills - [[Kinderdijk]]). ===By metro=== Coming from [[The Hague]] or somewhere in between it can be advisable to use metroline {{rint|Rotterdam|E}}, see for more information the page about the [[Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region|whole region]]. ===By car=== [[File:Rotterdam Auto 01.JPG|thumbnail|right|Finding a good spot to park can be a problem in central Rotterdam]] Rotterdam is easily reached by car. From Amsterdam take the A4 South to Rotterdam Haven. From Utrecht take the A12 and change to the A20 just after [[Gouda]] on knooppunt Gouwe. Traffic congestion on highways is common during peak hours (morning and evening commutes). You can pay for '''on-street parking''' with debit and credit card. Remember your license plate number. Parking regulations are enforced regularly. '''[https://parkereninrotterdam.nl Parking garages]{{Dead link|date=April 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' can be easily found by following the sign-marked P-route. The easiest way to pay is by credit card, just insert your card on the way in, and insert it again on the way out, and the total time is automatically deducted. You can also pay with cash or debit card. '''Park & Ride (P&R)''' facilities outside the center of Rotterdam offer free or cheap parking with public transport connections into the city center. For some locations (Slinge A15, Kralingse Zoom A16/E19 and Alexander A20/E25), you can park for free if you have a valid check-out on your public transport card (OV-chipkaart). === By bike === As a Dutch city Rotterdam is well connected to extense (inter)national bicycle networks which use all kinds of infrastructural facilities. Most attractive for tourist to cycle over longer distances are the so called '''LF-routes'''. So the city center is croshed by '''LF2 Stedenroute ''(City Route)''''' from Amsterdam to Brussels and '''LF12 Maas- en Vestingroute''' follows the flow of river Maas all the way from The East. See for more information [http://www.holland.com/global/tourism/discover-holland/cycling/bicycle-route-planner.htm Bicycle Route Planner]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}: ''sellect more options and LF-Routes.'' ==Get around== {{Mapframe|51.9152|4.4791|zoom=14|layer=W|name=Map of Rotterdam (metro lines have thicker strokes than tram lines)}} {{Mapshapes|Q691704}} <!--Metro--> {{Mapshapes|Q1429091|stroke-width=2}} <!--Tram--> '''[https://www.ret.nl/en RET]''' operates the buses, trams, and metro within the city. You could find a journey planner and some [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret/maps.html network maps] there. Alternatively you'd use the pan-Netherlands journey planner – [https://9292.nl/en 9292.nl]. Transport generally arrives every 10 minutes during the day. Free Wi-Fi is available in some trams, buses and metro lines, and on the busier metro stations, you just need to accept the terms of use. ===Tickets=== You can [https://www.ovpay.nl/en use your contactless bank card]{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} to pay for any public transport that also accepts the [[OV-chipkaart]]. This system is called OV-Pay and is the most convenient way to travel. Debit and credit cards from Maestro, V PAY, Mastercard and Visa are supported. As anywhere else in the country OV-chipkaart can still be used to pay all kinds of public transport. The card costs €8.50 and you'd need to keep a positive balance there for at least €4. For using buses and trams, checking in and out has to be done in the vehicle, while for train and metro use the gates or card-reader poles at the entrance of the stations. Alternatively one of the city's transport travel cards could be used: * {{listing | name=RET travel cards | alt= | url=https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travel-products/products-and-fares.html | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=2 hours - €5.00; 1 (calendar) day - €11.00 | lastedit=2025-01-21 | content=To travel by bus, tram and metro with RET. Can be purchased via the RET Barcode app, at ticket machines in metro stations and at RET Sales and Information points. For children under 12 and age 65 and up there is a reduced price. The 1-day ticket is not a 24-hour ticket: it is only valid on the day of the first check-in, until 04:00 of the early morning the next day. Tickets are not sold on bus and tram anymore; use your bank card to check in instead. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=Tourist Day Ticket: Rotterdam & The Hague region | alt= | url=http://www.touristdaytickets.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=€17.00 for one day | lastedit=2025-01-21 | content=Unlimited travel on local transport (bus, tram, metro and waterbus. Note: trains excluded) in the Rotterdam and the Hague region. Available from ticket machines and service counters of RET and at tourist information. Ticket is valid for travel with RET, HTM, HTMbuzz, Arriva, Connexxion, EBS, QBuzz and Waterbus in South Holland. }} * [[#Rotterdam Welcome Card|Rotterdam Welcome Card]] also allows for unlimited use of public transport with RET in the city and region. Note that tickets must be purchased in advance, there is no ticket sale on board of bus, tram and metro. ===By metro=== [[Image:Metro Rotterdam future.svg|thumb|Rotterdam Metro reaches as far as [[the Hague]].]] There are 5 metro lines in the city. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|A}}, {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|C}}, share tracks between ''Schiedam Centrum'' and ''Capelsebrug'' and offer an east-west connection. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} share tracks between ''Rotterdam Centraal'' and ''Slinge'' and offer a north-south connection. Interchange between all lines is possible on ''Beurs'' station in the city center. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|A}}, {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|C}} operate every 10 minutes on working days and Saturday, which allows 3-4 minute intervals on the main section between ''Schiedam Centrum'' and ''Capelsebrug''. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} operate every 10 minutes on working days and Saturday, which give shorter intervals between ''Rotterdam Centraal'' and ''Slinge''. In the evening, on Saturday morning and Sunday the service is reduced to a 15-minute interval. The Rotterdam Metro operates from 05:30 until 00:00. On weekends the opening time is not until 07:00 Saturday, and 08:15 on Sunday. On Friday and Saturday nights the service is extended for a bit longer past midnight, but not on some parts of line B and E. See the [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret/time-table/metro/weekend-metro.html Weekend metro] page for an overview. For tourists the most important metro stations are: '''Line A, B and C''' (East-West branch) * '''Blaak''': train station, interchange with trams and busses, cube houses, Markthal, ports * '''Beurs''': city center, shops, interchange with metro {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} * '''Eendrachtsplein''': museumpark * '''Coolhaven''': [https://euromast.nl/ Euromast] * '''Delfshaven''': historic port '''Line D and E''' (North-South branch) * '''Meijerplein''': bus service to Rotterdam The Hague Airport '''''(only line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}})''''' * '''Blijdorp:''' [https://www.diergaardeblijdorp.nl/en/ Rotterdam Zoo] '''''(only line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}})''''' * '''Rotterdam Centraal''': northern edge of the city centre, interchange with trams and buses, train station * '''Beurs''': city centre, shops, interchange with metro {{rint|Rotterdam|A}}, {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|C}} * '''Leuvehaven''': ports, museums, Erasmus Bridge, Waterbus * '''Wilhelminaplein:''' Erasmus Bridge, Cruise Terminal Rotterdam, [http://www.hotelnewyork.com/ hotel New York] * '''Rijnhaven:''' Katendrecht, bus service to SS Rotterdam ===By tram=== There are nine tram lines in the city. Each tram has a conductor. Tram stops provide a detailed map of the public transport system for on-the-go route-finding. Most lines operate every 10 minutes on workdays, with a more frequent service during rush hours on some lines. All trams except {{rint|Rotterdam|2}} will stop at ''Rotterdam Centraal'', the main train station of Rotterdam. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|1}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|11}}''' run from the suburbs in the [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|northwest]] to De Esch in [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk|Kralingen]], via [[Schiedam]], the north of [[Delfshaven]], and the city centre. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|2}}''' runs on the south side of the rivers, through the districts of [[Rotterdam/Zuid|Charlois, IJsselmonde]] and [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|3}}''' starts at the central station, and connects to the south bank via Feijenoord, IJsselmonde and [[Rotterdam/Zuid|Beverwaard]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|4}}''' starts from Heemsraadplein, connecting to much of the city centre and the neighbourhoods to its west, before connecting to [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|Hillegersberg]] via the central station, and Noord/Crooswijk. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|5}}''' originates from the central station, running to the south bank via Feijenoord and suburbs, before terminating in [[Barendrecht]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|6}}''' runs from Heemsraadplein to Kleiweg, just north of the A20 highway, running parallel with line 4 up to Rotterdam Noord railway station. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|7}}''' starts at Marconiplein, where the metro and lines 1, 8 and 11 meet, to Woudestein where it meets lines 1 and 11 again, via the central station and Erasmus University. Between Weena and Woudestein, lines 1 and 11 follow a more direct route via the Stadhuis, Beurs, Blaak and Oostplein metro stations, while line seven heads north via [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk|Crooswijk and Kralingen]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|8}}''', lastly, comes from [[Delfshaven|Spangen]], and then continues through most of Delfshaven roughly following the river up to Eendrachtsplein in [[Rotterdam/Centre|Cool]], from where it joins the main tram corridor through the city centre, to eventually terminate in [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|Schiebroek]]. * '''Line 12''' operates during football matches in the Kuip stadion only. ===By bus=== '''RET''' operates bus services across the city. Night bus service (BOB-bus) has been cancelled. Buses operated by '''[http://www.arriva.nl Arriva]''' and '''[http://www.connexxion.nl Connexxion]''' connect the city with suburbs. Use the front door when boarding a bus. ===By water taxi=== * {{listing | name=Watertaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=http://www.watertaxirotterdam.nl | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 10 403 03 03 | tollfree= | hours= | price=€ | lastedit=2022-07-27 | content=Rotterdam was built on a number of islands and if you want to travel from shore to shore, the nicest way to go is to take a '''Water Taxi'''. Fixed fares for rides between 50 docks in Rotterdam and Schiedam, with 3 fares zones, starting at €4.50 per person in the central zone. You can give them a call, or use the online tool to see availability and book a ride. It is advised to book in advance, especially on days with large events in the city. }} ===By taxi=== If you do need a taxi you will have to find yourself a taxi rank or call a taxi company. There is a minimum taxi fare of €2.30 (first it was {{EUR|7.50}} which included the first two kilometers). Additionally, each subsequent kilometre is charged €2.20. * {{listing | name=Rotterdamse Taxi Centrale RTC N.V. | url=http://www.rtcnv.nl | phone=+31 10 462 60 60 }} * {{listing | name=Coöperatieve Taxi Onderneming St. Job u.a. | url=http://www.st-job.nl | phone=+31 10 425 70 00 }} *'''[./https://www.zorgtaxirotterdam.nl Zorgtaxi Rotterdam]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} +'''31 10 818 28 23 * {{listing | name=Stadstaxi Rotterdam | url=https://www.stadstaxirotterdam.nl | phone=+31 10 818 28 23 }} * {{go | name=Botlektaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://botlektaxi.nl | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 10 666 66 06 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-01-19 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Taxi Rotterdam 010 | alt= | url=https://taxirotterdam010.nl/ | phone=+31 10 261 31 88 }} * {{listing | name= Rotterdamse Taxi | alt= | url= https://www.rotterdamsetaxi.nl/ | phone=+31 10 261 31 22 }} ===By tuk-tuk=== * {{listing | name=Tuk Tuk Company | alt= | url=http://www.tuktukcompany.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 9009933399 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-05-23 | content=A Thai-influenced transportation service using three-wheeled, open-air (but covered) motorized vehicles called Tuk Tuk offers a more economical and fast way to get around the city centre when compared to taxis. Tuk-tuk pricing is based on a zone system. Within a zone, a ride is €3.50 per person, €5 for 2 persons and €6.50 for 3. If you go to another zone, €3.50 is added (irrespective of number of persons). This service is handy if it is past the regular tram/bus/metro service hours (approximately half past midnight). }} ===By bicycle=== Like any city in The Netherlands, Rotterdam is very, very bicycle-friendly. Getting around by bike is probably the fastest way of travel within the city. There are separate bike lanes on most major streets and there are separate traffic lights for bicyclists. Avoid getting your tire in the tram rails: always cross tram rails at an angle. Of course it is also strongly advisable to watch out for other traffic at all time. On the other hand bicyclists can rely on the fact that motorists and pedestrians are aware of bikes. Always lock your bike securely when leaving it (preferably chained to a fixed object) or go to a guarded bicycle parking station. ==== Rent a bike==== At Rotterdam Centraal, you can rent bicycles at the shop in the underground bicycle parking, below the Station square. Leave the station at the front, exit 'Stationsplein'. The entrance of the bicycle parking ('fietsenstalling', with the glass roof) is at your right, in front of grand cafe Engels. Use-it, rents out nice Kronan bikes (Schaatsbaan 41-45, leave Central Station towards the center. Turn right at restaurant Engels and take the 2nd right). Bikes can be rented by several other private companies. Holland-Cycling.com provides a list of [http://www.holland-cycling.com/rotterdam/getting-around-rotterdam/bicycle-rental-in-rotterdam addresses]. Another list you will find at [https://www.rotterdam.nl/vrije-tijd/fiets-huren/ Rotterdam.nl]{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. If you have a personal (rather than an anonymous) [[OV-chipkaart]], bicycles can be rented at many train and metro stations and other central locations by the [http://www.ns.nl/en/door-to-door/ov-fiets OV-fiets system]. ==== Guarded bicycle parking ==== * The larger train stations have their own guarded bicycle parking. * Rotterdam municipality has also [https://www.rotterdam.nl/fietsparkeren some free locations]. ==See== ===Landmarks=== [[File:VN5 HDR2.jpg|thumbnail|right|The Van Nellefabriek is regarded as a prime example of the ''International Style'']] Rotterdam has national notoriety for its architecture, and the city therefore is dotted with landmarks of all sorts. Most of them you will find in the [[Rotterdam/Centrum|city centre]], but [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord|Feijenoord]] is also quite dense with them. Rotterdam is known for some bridges, not in the last place the '''Erasmusbrug''', spanning the Nieuwe Maas between the city centre and Feijenoord. Also of historical importance is the former railway lifting bridge '''De Hef''', slightly upstream from the Erasmusbrug. '''Historical landmarks''' are somewhat rare to come across in Rotterdam's city centre, but the city itself isn't completely devoid of them. In the city centre, the 1920 '''City hall''' and the '''Great or Saint-Laurence church''', both survivors of the 1940 bombardment. Rotterdam is also home to the country's oldest known bronze statue, depicting Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam and dating from 1622. It is found opposite the Saint-Laurence church. '''De Verwoeste Stad''' (Destroyed City) is a cubist statue depicting a man in agony who just lost his heart (symbol of the bombed city centre). Feijenoord, despite being home to many modern redevelopments, houses some historical landmarks such as the '''former headquarters of the Holland-Amerikalijn'''. Also worth visiting are the '''Oude Haven''' (''Old Harbour'') and the nearby '''Witte Huis''' (''White House'') and '''Schielandshuis'''. '''Industrial landmarks''' are plenty in a city that mostly thrives off of harbour activities. Besides the many industrial sites found in the [[Rotterdam/Port of Rotterdam|Port of Rotterdam]], the '''Van Nellefabriek''' in [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|the north of the city]] is a listed UNESCO site. [[File:Erasmusbrug seen from Euromast.jpg|thumbnail|right|The modern skyline of Rotterdam can be truly appreciated from the Euromast.]] The skyline of Rotterdam can, of course, be observed from one of the many skyscrapers in the city - though you should probably book a hotel located in a skyscraper or find one with a publicly accessible roof, as trespass isn't welcomed. Another great site for views over the city though, is the '''Euromast''' on the border between the [[Rotterdam/Centrum|city centre]] and [[Rotterdam/Delfshaven|Delfshaven]], twice in its history the highest building of the Netherlands. For a relatively small entry fee, you can climb the tower or for a larger sum, you can dine inside of it. For those less comfortable with great heights though, a birds-eye overview of the city can also be obtained at '''Miniworld Rotterdam''', near the central station. The city is also well-known for its experimental and out-of-the-ordinary architecture, often being a testing ground for new concepts. A prime example of this are the '''Kubuswoningen''' (''Cube Houses'') at [[Rotterdam/Centrum|Blaak]]; one has been set aside as a museum, offering a view of the unique perspective and custom furniture that comes with living in one of the houses. Also striking are the '''Markthal''', harbour-crane inspired sculptures at the '''Schouwburgplein''' and the '''Koopgoot''', all found in the city centre. '''Historic churches:''' in the Netherlands churches are generally closed to visitors on Sundays. === Other sites === [[File:Rotterdam Erasmusbrug bij avond vanaf hoek Veerhaven-Westerkade.jpg|thumb|Erasmus bridge of Rotterdam]] [[File:Schielandshuis.jpg|thumbnail|right|Schielandshuis today stands surrounding by modern glass and steel buildings]] [[Image:Oude Haven (Rotterdam) 2011.jpg|thumb|"Het witte huis" in Old Harbour]] The area around the [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Other sites|'''Station Rotterdam Blaak''']] was destroyed by a Nazi bombardment during World War II. After the war this area was populated with some bold examples of modern architecture. The '''Kubuswoningen''' are literally cubes, tilted over by 45 degrees. '''Oude Haven''' (Old Harbour) is a nice place to see and sit at some café nearby. '''Witte Huis''' is a "skyscraper" built in 1898. '''Het Schielandshuis''' is the only remaining 17th-century building in the city centre of Rotterdam. [[File:Delfshaven Rotterdam (the Netherlands) 17.JPG|thumb|The old barges moored at the Delfshaven]] [[Rotterdam/Delfshaven|'''Delfshaven''']] is one of very few locations in the city which survived World War II bombings. Historic Delfshaven is a very scenic walk. It consists of an 17th-century area around two canals with a lot of charm. By day visit little shops in this neighbourhood, by night attractive pubs and restaurants make the visit worthwhile. * '''Chinatown''' in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Other sites|Centrum]] is full of Chinese restaurants and also Indonesian and other Asian restaurants. [[File:Rotterdam molens De Ster (l) en De Lelie (r) - tegenlicht.jpg|thumbnail|right|''De Ster'' and ''De Lelie'' at dusk]] ===Windmills=== Rotterdam has only seven windmills left. Of these, only ''De Ster'' and ''De Lelie'' in [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk#See|Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk]] are open to visitors on a regular basis. Other windmills are open to visitors when the mill is turning (easy enough to see), but there are some exceptions to this rule of thumb. A blue flag also indicates that the mill is open to visitors. Look for De Prinsenmolen, De Vier Winden, and De Speelman windmills in [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam#Windmills|Northern Rotterdam]] and De Zandweg in [[Rotterdam/Zuid#See|Rotterdam Zuid]]. ===Museums=== [[File:Overzicht achtergevel - Rotterdam - 20534511 - RCE.jpg|thumbnail|right|Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen]] [[Netherlands#Museumkaart|Museumkaart]] is accepted at the city's museums. The Museumpark area in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Museums|Centrum]] has many of the city's museums. '''Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen''' houses a rich, broad collection including masterpieces ranging from Pieter Brueghel the Elder's ''The "little" Tower of Babel'' (1563) to an important collection of surrealism, prominently featuring Salvador Dalí and René Magritte. '''Sylvette''' is a large work by Pablo Picasso was erected in 1973. It is one of the elaborations Picasso made based on the portraits of his muse Sylvette David. Definitely worth a look. '''Kunsthal''' houses some 25 exhibitions annually with a fascinating and widely varied repertoire. Het Nieuwe Instituut museum includes the '''Museum voor Architectuur, Design en Digitale cultuur''', a museum for architecture,deesign and digital culture, and '''Huis Sonneveld''', a building in the Bauhaus style. '''Chabot Museum''' is a neat little museum is housed in a splendid modernist 1930s villa. It houses a collection of works of the expressionist painter Hendrik Chabot. '''Natuurhistorisch Museum''' has changing expositions and a fixed collection of mammals, plants and fossils. The city has two maritime museums. The '''Maritiem Museum''' has a variety of expositions about the harbour of Rotterdam and maritime history, and a restored 19th-century gunboat that is a must-see for naval enthusiasts. The '''Mariniersmuseum''' shows the history of the centuries-old Narine Corps and its modern-day role. Special attention is given to the heroic role of the corps in the 1940 defence of Rotterdam. ====Other museums==== [[File:Façade Witte de With Center for Contemporary Art.jpg|thumbnail|right|Witte de With Center]] In [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Other museums|Centrum]], you can visit '''Museum Rotterdam''', which is dedicated to the modern day Rotterdam and its history; the '''Museum of Chess-Pieces''', which houses a diverse collection of chess games from ancient Chinese to cartoon characters; the '''Wereldmuseum''' (World Arts Museum), which focuses on encounters and cross-cultural inspiration; and '''Witte de With''' (Centre for Contemporary Arts). [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord#Q2191118|'''Nederlands Fotomuseum''']] shows the diversity of forms of photography, especially as a medium of social expression and commentary. [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk#Q2351733|'''SSN Museumstoomdepot''']] features old steam locomotives and trains. Besides a small museum it's a workshop where you can see restoration in progress. ==Do== [[File:Overzicht - Rotterdam - 20534496 - RCE.jpg|thumbnail|right|''De Doelen'' concert hall in Schouwbourgplein]] Upcoming events and performances are listed on the VVV and Use-it websites. The larger events are well documented on the VVV site, for smaller venues check Use-it (under Calendar) for a very attractive and well updated listing of music, expositions, movies and parties that need checking out. The [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Do|Uitburo office]] inside the Central Library provides information on theatre and music performances. It also sells tickets and offers an overview of performances that can be visited for free (''gratis''). ===Events=== [[File:North Sea Jazz Festival 2012 - ALOE BLACC.jpg|thumbnail|right|In July, you can enjoy the ''North Sea Jazz'' festival]] Rotterdam plays host to a lot of events, a lot of them yearly ones. Besides these there are a lot smaller ones that can be very nice, so ask around and check the VVV website. A few of these yearly events to name: * {{do | name=Six Days of Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.wielerzesdaagserotterdam.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2293105 | lastedit=2024-12-26 | content=A cycling competition in early December. }} * {{do | name=IFFR | alt= | url=http://www.filmfestivalrotterdam.com/en/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The International Film Festival Rotterdam, which mainly features independent films from all over the world in February. }} * {{do | name=Art Rotterdam | alt= | url=http://www.artrotterdam.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=In February, you can see (and buy) masterpieces of modern art. }} * {{do | name=World tennis Tournament | alt= | url=http://www.abnamrowtt.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=In February. }} * On the '''[http://www.rotterdamsemuseumnacht.nl/ Rotterdam Museum Night]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' in March, nearly all Rotterdam museums and galleries open their doors in the evening with special events. * {{do | name=Motel Mozaique | alt= | url=http://motelmozaique.nl/en/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Music, art & performance. Plus a sleeping project that enables sleeping in art or on special locations in Rotterdam (April) }} * [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Q1341108|'''Rotterdam Marathon''']], internationally reputed as a very fast marathon, is held in April in Centrum. * {{do | name=Poetry International | alt= | url=http://www.poetry.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Festival in June. }} * '''Metropolis Festival''' (music) on the first Sunday in July. * The sublime '''[http://www.northseajazz.com/ North Sea Jazz]''' festival in July with loads of worldfamous artists. * {{do | name=Summer Carnival | alt= | url=http://www.zomercarnaval.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A huge Caribbean-oriented parade and party in the city centre. }} * {{do | name=Heerlijk Rotterdam | alt= | url=http://www.heerlijkrotterdam.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Three day event where you can sample dishes from Michelin-star restaurants for a reduced price (dates vary, summer edition usually late August) }} * The '''[http://wereldhavendagen.nl/en/ World Port Days]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' a weekend full of activities centred around the large harbour of Rotterdam (early September) * The classical music '''[http://www.gergievfestival.nl/ Gergjev]''' festival in September, led by master-conductor Valery Gergjev. * The '''[http://www.rotterdamseoogst.nl/ Rotterdam Harvest Festival]''' in September. * '''Bazar Curieux''' (music) in December For full listings of events check [http://www.rotterdam.info/uk/ Rotterdam.info] and [http://www.use-it.nl/ Use-it]{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. === Tours === Several tours can be found in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Tours|Centrum]], including the tourist '''tram line 10''' through the city centre and historic parts of Rotterdam on classic trams; the '''Spido harbour trip''' through the first 8 km of the harbour; and De pannenkoekenboot, on which you cam eat as many pancakes as you want while you cruise the harbour. ===Cinema=== There are two huge megacinemas in Rotterdam. The one in the city centre is called '''Pathé Schouwburgplein''' (at the Schouwburgplein), the other one is on the southside of the city. It's called '''Pathé De Kuip''' (next to the Feyenoord stadium De Kuip). In these cinemas you can see Hollywood movies and occasionally an arthouse movie. To get to De Kuip, take tram {{rint|Rotterdam|12}} to stop Stadion Feijenoord. If you're more into alternative cinema go to '''[http://www.lantaren-venster.nl/ Lantaren/Venster]''' Cinema (Otto Reuchlinweg 996 (Wilhelminapier)). Here you'll get European, Asian and Latin American cinema in a nice atmosphere. It has a nice bar too. The other option is '''Cinerama''' (Westblaak 18) which shows a combination of art/house films and commercial Hollywood flicks. During the '''IFFR''' (International Film Festival Rotterdam), which usually takes place in February, art-house movies are shown at much more locations throughout the city. In August, an open air cinema at the '''Lloydkwartier''' shows both blockbusters and independent films. Entrance is free, and you can either bring your own chair or rent one onsite. To get there, take {{rint|Rotterdam|A}} to Coolhaven and walk for about 10–15 minutes towards the river in the south. ===Other attractions=== [[File:Erasmusbréck w.jpg|thumbnail|right|Rotterdam can be breathtaking from above]] When you want to combine a unique experience with a great view over the city of Rotterdam, you can make a (tandem) '''skydive''' at [http://www.skydiverotterdam.com Skydive Rotterdam]. At Skydive Rotterdam (also called the Flying Dutchman) you can book a tandem skydive or do a complete skydiving course and jump from a height of 3 or 4 kilometers. It's the only skydiving school in the "Randstad" area and the only place in the Netherlands where you can jump over a major city like Rotterdam. When the weather's good you will have a spectacular view over the Rotterdam skyline and other parts of the Randstad area, all the way to the coastline. An '''airplane''' can be rented at reasonable rates at Rotterdam Airport at [http://vliegen.rotterdamsweb.nl/ Happy Wing]. Nice tours above the city, its ports or the coastline are on offer. On summer Sundays, it is possible to lower yourself down from the '''Euromast'''. On last Sundays of summer months you can glide down in 15 seconds on a wire (tokkelen). Both: Not for the faint of heart! Check the website of [http://heightspecialists.nl/abseilen/ Heightspecialists]. ===With children=== [[File:Medusakop op kolom in giraffenweide - Rotterdam - 20348014 - RCE.jpg|thumbnail|right|The historic ''Diergaarde Blijdorp'' is definitely worth a visit]] '''Diergaarde Blijdorp''' (Rotterdam Zoo) in [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk#Q18775796|Kralingen-Crooswijk]] is one of the most popular day trips in the Netherlands. Walk through different parts of the world, seeing interesting animals that feel right at home in an approximation of their natural habitats. The Oceanium is filled with ocean and coastal dwellers, including exotic fish and puffins. '''Miniworld Rotterdam''' in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Do|Centrum]] is the largest indoor model railroad layout of the Netherlands. === Football === : Rotterdam has three professional soccer teams: * [https://www.feyenoord.nl/ '''Feyenoord'''] play in Eredivisie, the top tier. Their home ground is Stadion Feijenoord (capacity 51,000), better known as "De Kuip"; it's often also used for rock concerts and similar events. It's south of the river with its own railway station Rotterdam Stadion. * [https://www.sparta-rotterdam.nl/ '''Sparta Rotterdam'''] also play in Eredivisie. Their home ground is Het Kasteel ("The Castle", capacity 12,000), 3 km west of the centre. * [https://www.sbvexcelsior.nl/ '''SBV Excelsior'''] were relegated in 2024 so they play in Eerste Divisie the second tier. Their Stadion Woudestein (capacity 4500), now called Van Donge & De Roo Stadion, is 2 km east of city centre on the north bank of the river. ===Water sports and yachting=== [[File:Rotterdam kralingse plas.jpg|thumbnail|right|Kralingse Plas]] Being a major harbour and having lots of waterways and lakes, Rotterdam has a lot to offer for water-enthousiasts. Boating: There are four major lakes in Rotterdam. The Kralingse Plas, The double Bergse Plas, the Rottemeren and the Zevenhuizer Plas. All of them have active yachting communities and sometimes sailing races can be seen. The Zevenhuizer plas is mainly populated by Windsurf enthousiasts. Sailing boats can be rented at the Kralingse Plas at the [http://www.henkvangent.nl/ Van Gent sailing school], Plaszoom, a 10-minute walk from Metro Voorschoterlaan (walk through the Julianalaan until you reach Plaszoom). Rowing- and sailing boats can be rented at the windmill at the very end of the eastern Rottekade at [http://www.botenverhuurvanvliet.nl/ Van Vliet's] (Rottemeren, go by car or bike, a very nice ride). Yachting: When visiting Rotterdam with your own yacht you will find that most yachting harbours are on the inland waterways, where there are a lot of them. On the river Maas you will only find the [http://www.citymarinarotterdam.nl/ City Marina], behind a bascule bridge on the southern bank, and the [http://www.veerhavenrotterdam.nl/ Veerhaven], right in the city center on the northern bank. Unless you need the better shelter of the characterless City Marina, go for the admittedly a little choppy Veerhaven marina, very central and scenic. ===Beach=== The closest good beach is about 30 km away at [[Hook of Holland]]. Here you will find a very fine sand beach with good swimming and enough entertainment. To get there, take line {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} to Hoek van Holland Strand, its end point. For a more urban-party beach experience head to [[Scheveningen]] where you can find everything beach-party addicts dream about; Endless rows of beachside bars, restaurants and discothèques and a boulevard along a splendid fine-sand beach. It can get ''very'' crowded here. Take the train to [[Den Haag]] Centraal Station and tram {{rint|denhaag|9}} subsequently. Also at the same coast is Kijkduin, which is very recommended for children. To get there, get {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} to its northern end point, then take bus 24 to Kijkduin. If you want to go to the beach but want to stay in the city, consider taking {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} to its end point, Nesselande and walk across the Corsicalaan from there. You are at the Strand Nesselande. ==Buy== The main shopping areas are in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Buy|Centrum]]. '''Afrikaanderplein Markt''' in [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord#Buy|Feijenoord]] is a market of about 300 stalls geared towards Rotterdam's inhabitants of Antillian, South American or African descent (a lot of whom happen to live nearby). Dutch cheese is very famous, you can get some at grocery stores or wider variety at the marketplace. Other typical Dutch things are ''stroopwafels'', ''hagelslag'' and ''drop'' (liquorice). ==Eat== The area around metrostation ''Blaak'', called '''Oude haven''' (Old Harbour), is not only worth seeing but has also a lot of pubs and restaurants. The Rotterdam dining scene is developing very fast with new restaurants opening very often. While most of the attention focusses on new Michelin-star aspiring places, there is very much a trend towards high quality mid-range restaurants offering French/Dutch cuisine. ==Drink== [[Rotterdam/Centrum#|Centrum]] has a wide variety of bars, coffee shops and music venues. The [http://www.kaapsebrouwers.nl/ Kaapse Brouwers] brewery has four locations around the city. Each location has a whole wall of taps to choose from. They are popular place so waiting lines can be long. ==Sleep== See district articles for listings for camping, hostels and hotels. ==Connect== The telephone country code for the Netherlands is 31, and Rotterdam's city code is 010. In case of an '''Emergency''', dial '''1-1-2''' (free of charge). When staying for a longer time, buy a prepaid sim card for your mobile phone. ==Stay safe== You should take normal precautions against pickpockets and baggage theft, especially in the main shopping streets, at markets, in trams and trains, at stations, and anywhere where tourists congregate. It is not wise to hang around Stadhuisplein when nightlife ends. Fights often occur in this area after midnight. Rotterdam also has a reputation of mass venues getting out of hand, though you shouldn't worry too much about it. If violence breaks out at football festivities (not so unlikely) or at the end of sun soaked festive days, like Kings Day (even less unlikely, especially at the Stadhuisplein), just get out of the way and you're unlikely to be affected. It's advisable not to wear a football jersey of Ajax Amsterdam or any other stuff promoting Ajax or Amsterdam. In terms of general safety, at daylight most areas in the city are safe. But at night, some areas such as Spangen, Charlois and Hillesluis are wise to avoid. When you drive a car with a foreign numberplate (especially if it's a French or Belgian one) you might or will be approached by so-called ''drugsrunners''. This can occur on the motorways surrounding the city and in the city proper. These guys try to lure people to places where drugs are dealt. Do not respond to their signals and do not follow them. ==Go next== If you do not have a car, the hub for leaving the city will probably be '''Rotterdam Centraal''', from where trains leave in all directions at short intervals (you can generally drop in and catch the next train to your destination). Most regional and longer distance buses leave here too, with the exception of most buses to southerly destinations and the province of Zeeland that leave from '''metro station Zuidplein'''. In contrast with the trains, bus departure times should be checked in advance as they can be far and between. For trains to the North and the South travellers can also choose to depart from '''Rotterdam Blaak'''. '''The Hague''' can also be reached easily and rather quickly by metro line E. Nearby destinations like [[Schiedam]] or even [[Delft]] can also be reached by bike if you fancy a somewhat longer ride. Bike routes and directions are well marked and available in abundance. A good idea for a sunny day! Schiedam can be reached by train or by metro (in 15 minutes) too. [[Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region|MRDH]] is the area of the region Rotterdam-Schiedam-Delft-The Hague, see this page for more information on travel and cycling. ===Nearby=== * '''[[Kinderdijk]]''' — a [[UNESCO World Heritage List#Netherlands|UNESCO World Heritage]] site. 19 old windmills are still helping to control the water level there. Windmill #2 is open to the public, allowing you to see its inner workings. In season there is a direct waterbus service from an embankment at the Erasmus bridge (travel time ~1/2 hour). Alternatively, ''Arriva'' bus 90 from bus and metro station ''Zuidplein'' will get you there in 50 minutes. * '''[[Schiedam]]''' — visit the historic centre of this small town at the edge of Rotterdam, including the world's six tallest windmills. Also you can find there the ''Stedelijk Museum'', an attractive museum with some nice modern art exhibitions. Easily reached by bicycle, a train (from ''Rotterdam Centraal'' to ''Schiedam Centrum''), metro A, B or C line to ''Schiedam Centrum'' station, or tram lines 1 or 11 (''Broersvest'' or ''Koemarkt'' stop). ===Day trips=== * '''[[Delft]]''' — this famous town is a 15-minute train ride from ''Rotterdam Centraal''. Very historic and scenic, but also very touristy. * '''[[Dordrecht]]''' — a magnificent historic town with little tourism and an excellent old art museum (Dordrechts Museum). It is a 15-min train ride, or even better, take a ''[http://www.waterbus.nl/halte/dordrecht-merwekade/ waterbus]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''. * '''[[Gouda]]''' — visit this small picturesque postcard-like town and see the magnificent stained glass windows in the ''Sint Janskerk''. Also 20 min by train. * '''[[Delta Works]]''' — a series of construction projects protecting the Southwest of the Netherlands from the sea. The Oosterschelde storm surge barrier is the most impressive, and next to it is ''Neeltje Jans'', a water theme park dedicated to the Delta Works. * '''[[Brielle (Netherlands)|Brielle]]''' — a mediaeval fortified town. The centre is a nice ensemble of old houses and churches, enclosed by the original earthen defensive walls. There are some museums and the Roman Catholic shrine of the Martyrs of Gorcum. Walking around town and fortifications is a treat. You can easily spend a full day in Brielle. Take bus 103 at the ''Spijkenisse Centrum'' metro station. A journey takes about 70 min. * '''[[Schoonhoven]]''' — a nice small town with many well preserved medieval buildings on the ''Lek'' river in a halfway to Utrecht. From Station Capelsebrug, Rotterdam, take a bus 195 (direction Utrecht). A journey takes about 1 hour. * Go to the other cities of the [[Randstad]], e.g. '''[[The Hague]]''' is 1/2 hour by train or metro, '''[[Utrecht]]''' is around 45 min by train, '''[[Amsterdam]]''' about an hour. {{routebox | image1=NL-A15.png | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Brielle (Netherlands)|Brielle]] | minorl1=[[Spijkenisse]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Arnhem]] | minorr1=[[Dordrecht]] | image2=BE-E19.svg | imagesize2=20 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Amsterdam]] | minorl2=[[Delft]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Antwerp]] | minorr2=[[Zwijndrecht]] }} {{usablecity}} {{isPartOf|Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region}} {{geo|51.9239|4.4623|zoom=14}} n8elzk779g3y4vxmuu146pyykqd0qtu 5086985 5086983 2025-07-03T05:59:58Z PauldeKoning 2328897 /* By taxi */ 5086985 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Rotterdam Banner 4.jpg|dotm=yes|unesco=yes}} {{printDistricts}} '''Rotterdam''' is a very large city in the province of [[South Holland]] in the west of the [[Netherlands]]. The city is the second largest in the country with a population of approximately 650,000 inhabitants in the municipality (2020) and about 2.2 million inhabitants in the shared metropolitan area of the [[Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region]] (MRDH). Rotterdam is a vibrant, multicultural city; it is known for its university (Erasmus), cutting-edge architecture, lively cultural life, industrial riverside setting, its maritime heritage and colourful summer events. The municipality stretches all the way to the [[North Sea]] with gigantic areas like '''Europoort''' and '''Maasvlakte 1&2'''. All belong to the '''Port of Rotterdam'''. Starting as a dam constructed in 1270 on the Rotte River, Rotterdam has grown into a major international commercial centre. The port of Rotterdam is Europe's busiest port by cargo tonnage, and was the world's busiest from 1962 until it was surpassed by Shanghai in 2004. Rotterdam's commercial and strategic importance is based on its location near the mouth of the Nieuwe Maas (New Meuse), a channel in the delta formed by the Rhine and Meuse on the North Sea. These rivers lead directly into the centre of Europe, including the industrial Ruhr region, which is why Rotterdam is often called the "Gateway to Europe". Many relatively high buildings (by Dutch standards) have been emerging throughout and around the city centre. Daring and new styles of apartments, office buildings and recreation facilities resulted in Rotterdam becoming a city of modern architecture and the only city in the Netherlands with a modern skyline. Due to this, the city is especially interesting for Dutch people to visit. ==Districts== {{Mapframe|width=660|zoom=10|show=districts}} {{Mapshape|type=page|wikicommons=Rotterdam_Districts.map|group=districts}} {{Regionlist | regionmap= | regionmaptext= | regionmapsize= | region1name=[[Rotterdam/Centrum|Stadsdriehoek]] | region1color=#44aa99 | region1items=Rotterdam Centrum | region1description=Filled with highrise and out-of-the-box architecture, this district forms the heart of Rotterdam and gives the city its characteristic. | region2name=[[Rotterdam/Delfshaven|Delfshaven]] | region2color=#aa4499 | region2items=Delfshaven | region2description=Originally a part of [[Delft]], this town over time grew closer to Rotterdam, leading up to its incorporation in 1886. The former town still has a fair bit of its historic identity. | region3name=[[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk|Kralingen-Crooswijk]] | region3color=#117733 | region3items=Kralingen-Crooswijk, Noord | region3description=Famous for the Kralingse Plas, a large artificial lake and the surrounding park, as well as Blijdorp, the second-oldest still active zoo in the Netherlands. | region4name=[[Rotterdam/Feijenoord|Feijenoord]] | region4color=#ee99aa | region4items=Feijenoord | region4description=Namesake of a Dutch football club, Feijenoord is the heart of the south banks of the Meuse. | region5name=[[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|Northern Rotterdam]] | region5color=#d09440 | region5items=Overschie, Hillegersberg-Schiebroek | region5description=Home to Rotterdam's airport as well as Hilligersberg and the surrounding lakes and forests. | region6name=[[Rotterdam/Capelle en Noordoost|Capelle en Noordoost]] | region6color=#b5d29f | region6items=Prins Alexander, Capelle aan den IJssel | region6description=Largely home to Rotterdam's urban sprawl. | region7name=[[Rotterdam/Nieuwerkerk|Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel]] | region7color=#d56d76 | region7items=Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel | region7description=Though not incorporated into Rotterdam, Nieuwerkerk is largely an extension of the city. It is home to the lowest point of the famously low-lying Netherlands, at {{convert|6.76|m|yd}} below sea level. | region8name=[[Rotterdam/Zuid|Zuid]] | region8color=#6699cc | region8items=Charlois, IJsselmonde | region8description=The southernmost districts of Rotterdam. | region9name=[[Rotterdam/Port of Rotterdam|Port of Rotterdam]] | region9color=#ddcc77 | region9items=Pernis, Rozenburg, Botlek, Europoort, Eerste- en Tweede Maasvlakte | region9description=Best known as the largest seaport of Europe, the Port of Rotterdam has been built within a river delta as well as the sea. | region10name=[[Rotterdam/Hook of Holland|Hook of Holland]] | region10color=#44aa99 | region10items=Hoek van Holland | region10description=Formerly one of the main gateways into the Netherlands from anywhere reachable by ocean-going vessel, nowadays a popular beachfront. | region11name=[[Rotterdam/Albrandswaard|Albrandswaard]] | region11color=#882255 | region11items=Hoogvliet, Poortugaal, Rhoon | region11description=Island on the suburban fringes of Rotterdam, functioning as a suburb both to Rotterdam and [[Spijkenisse]]. }} ==Understand== ===History=== Settlement at the lower end of the fen stream ''Rotte'' dates from at least 900. Around 1150, large floods in the area ended development, leading to the construction of protective dikes and dams. A dam on the Rotte or 'Rotterdam' was built in the 1260s and was at the present-day ''Hoogstraat'' ('High Street'). Although Rotterdam did well after the Middle Ages and in the 'Golden Century' - roughly between 1650 and 1750 - it was not before the second part of the nineteenth century that the city started to develop itself rapidly. Helped by the digging of a new seaway (the Nieuwe Waterweg) Rotterdam was rid of access problems caused by the silting of the river and started receiving ever bigger ships with cargo for/from the booming Ruhrgebiet in Germany. Port related trade and industry skyrocketed, and the city started to draw lots of migrants from the then poor Brabant province, for whom the southern part of the city was constructed. At the turn of the twentieth century Rotterdam was well under way to become the largest economic centre in the Netherlands. It was between then and the second world war that large prestigious construction works were undertaken, in part to show off the new found economic pride. The German army invaded the Netherlands on 10 May 1940. Germany had planned to conquer the country in one day, but after meeting unexpectedly fierce resistance, it finally forced the Dutch army to capitulate on 14 May 1940 by bombing Rotterdam and threatening to bomb other cities. The heart of the city was almost completely destroyed by the German Luftwaffe, and 800 people were killed, while about 80,000 others were made homeless. During the war, Rotterdam was bombed several times during allied raids that were aimed at the harbour area but sometimes also hit the city. The City Hall survived the bombing. Unlike most other European cities however, the City Council did not aim at rebuilding what was lost, but on taking the opportunity to create a 'new' and better city. Damaged but not destroyed old buildings were torn down in the process. From the 1950s through the 1970s, the city was rebuilt. It remained quite windy and open until the city councils from the 1980s on began developing an active architectural policy. Daring and new styles of apartments, office buildings and recreation facilities resulted in a more 'livable' city center with a new skyline. In the 1990s, the ''Kop van Zuid'' was built on the south bank of the river as a new business center. ===Demographics=== In the Netherlands, Rotterdam has the highest percentage of foreigners from non-industrialised nations. Nearly 50% of the population are not native to the Netherlands or have at least one parent born outside the country. Muslims comprise close to 25% of the city's population. The city is also home to one of the largest Cape Verdean communities in the world, as well as the largest Dutch Antillean community. ===Atmosphere=== Rotterdam's culture is distinct from other cities in the Netherlands. The mentality of the people is described as 'can do'. From the waiters you meet to the businessmen and recent immigrants, everybody breathes a dream of getting forward with life. The modern design of the city, the bustle and the spree of buildings all add to this impression. That said, you might also find that people are sometimes too straight with you. And yes, the city is not the cosiest, or the most picturesque of towns, especially on drab winter days. But get acquainted with this small metropolis, easiest done on one of the festival days with nice weather. You will come to love it. [[File:Rotterdam haringvliet in winter.jpg|thumbnail|right|Winters in Rotterdam are moist and can be freezingly cold, but just as well uniquely beautiful]] ===Climate=== {{climate chart | Rotterdam |1.3|6.4|71 |1.1|7.1|66 |2.4|10.3|57 |4.8|14.3|42 |8.1|17.9|56 |11.0|20.6|69 |13.2|22.7|79 |12.9|22.6|92 |10.5|19.3|90 |7.2|14.9|87 |3.9|10.2|88 |1.4|7.0|86 |units = metric |float = right |clear = none |source = Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute}} Rotterdam gains a lot of charm when the sun is shining. Visiting in spring or summer may be more enjoyable than during the dark rainy winter. The summer months see temperatures averaging around {{c|22}} during the day and {{c|14}} at night; though temperatures near or above {{c|28}} during the day and {{c|16}} at night are not unheard of during heat waves. Daylight runs from 05:30 until 22:00 in the summer, and only between 08:45 and 16:30 in the winter. ===Tourist information=== *{{listing | type=listing | name=Rotterdam Tourist Information Coolsingel | alt=VVV | url=https://en.rotterdam.info/ | email=info@rotterdam.info | address=Coolsingel 114, 3011 AG Rotterdam | lat=51.918860 | long=4.481239 | directions=Metro {{rint|Rotterdam|A}} {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} : Beurs, at the garden of the Schielandshuis | phone=+31 10 790 01 85 | tollfree= | hours=09:30-18:00 | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=This well equipped and modern tourist office can provide loads of information like city maps, small guide books, souvenirs and the like, and offers tips and information on what to see and do in Rotterdam. Rotterdam.info also sells Rotterdam Welcome Cards, concert tickets, gift certificate, souvenirs, public transport tickets and parking vouchers. Check the website for upcoming events. }} *{{listing | type=listing | name=Rotterdam Tourist Information Central Station | alt=VVV | url= | email= | address=Stationsplein 21, 3013 AJ Rotterdam | lat=51.92410 | long=4.47030 | directions=main entrance, in the central hall of the central station | phone=+31 107900185 | tollfree= | hours=09:30-18:00 | price= | lastedit=2019-07-21 | content=With help from the service desk, a wide range of tourist information folders and the employees, you can find out what part of the city you would like to visit. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=Rotterdam Welcome Card | alt= | url=https://en.rotterdam.info/visitors-info/rotterdam-welcome-card/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=1 day (€13.50), 2 days (€19.50), or 3 days (€24.50) | lastedit=2022-07-27 | content= The card allows for unlimited use of all public transport by RET in the city and region, and offers at least 25% discounts on more than 50 attractions, museums, and restaurants. Available at Rotterdam Info (VVV) points and other locations. Without public transport, the card costs €6.00. }} ==Get in== ===By plane=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Rotterdam The Hague Airport | alt={{IATA|RTM}} | url=http://www.rotterdamthehagueairport.nl/en | email= | address= | lat=51.951248 | long=4.443541 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Rotterdam The Hague Airport | image=Rotterdam airport luchtfoto.jpg | wikidata=Q656807 | lastedit=2016-06-07 | content=It is the 3rd largest airport in the country. It is 6 km north of the city centre. There are direct flights from cities in [[Germany]], [[Italy]], [[France]], [[Spain]], and the [[United Kingdom]]. Commercial airlines that operate to the airport include Transavia, Lufthansa, British Airways, and Turkish Airlines. }} ====Services==== * {{listing|type=go | name=VVV Rotterdam-The Hague Airport information point | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rotterdam Airportplein 60 | lat= | long= | directions=at the arrivals hall | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= 07:30-23:45 | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=Come here if you have questions about Rotterdam. The place to hear history. The gift shop is open 09:30-18:00. }} ====How to reach==== To plan a trip (for all public transport in the Netherlands) see [https://9292.nl/en 9292.nl]{{Dead link|date=December 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} Depending on the amount of travel with public transit in The Netherlands it is possible to buy a so called ''[[OV-Chipkaart]]'' or it may be more convemient to pay with a contactless credit or debit card by touching in & touching out on each trip. see for more information under ''Get Around.'' ;By bus/metro * {{listing | type=go | name=Bus 33 | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-06-30 | content=Connects the airport with ''Meijersplein/Airport'' metro station, from where you can take metro line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} to ''Slinge'' (for ''Rotterdam Centraal'' and Rotterdam city center).See for more information the ''By Metro'' section under ''Get Around''. Bus 33 also connects to Rotterdam Centraal station via the Overschie district. }} * {{listing | name=Bus 300 | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= 15 July - 20 September, Fr-Mo only| price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-06-30 | content=Direct service to ''Rotterdam Centraal''. No stops in between. }} ;By taxi * {{listing|type=go | name=Rotterdam Airport Taxi | alt= | url=http://www.rotterdam-airport-taxi.nl | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +31 10 262 04 06| tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-06-07 | content=Recommended by the airport web site. }} ====Other close airports==== * [[Schiphol Airport| Amsterdam Schiphol Airport]] ({{IATA|AMS}}) is 58 km north of Rotterdam and has much more flights than the Rotterdam airport. '''NS (Dutch Railways)''' operates ''[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/special-routes/intercity-direct.html Intercity Direct]'' high-speed rail service, every 30 minutes to Rotterdam. The journey takes 27 minutes. You have to pay an addition for the journey from Schiphol to Rotterdam, so regular intercities in direction Rotterdam Centraal and Rotterdam Blaak are cheaper (but slower) (these intercities also call at Schiphol). * [[Eindhoven#By plane| Eindhoven Airport]] ({{IATA|EIN}}) is 106 km southeast of Rotterdam. Ryanair and Wizzair operate flights to this airport. Take a bus to Eindhoven Centraal (approximately 20 minutes, the intercity train to Rotterdam Centraal takes about 63 minutes. * [[Brussels Airport]] ({{IATA|BRU}}) is 140 km south of Rotterdam. Many international carriers operate flights to this airport. The [https://www.b-europe.com/EN/Trains/InterCity train from Brussels] takes about 120 minutes and costs €35. Buses are also available, although less frequent. [[File:Rtd CS-III.JPG|thumbnail|right|Rotterdam Centraal has been completely reconstructed and now features a striking roof over the main concourse]] ===By train=== {{seealso|Rail travel in the Netherlands}} ==== International connections ==== * {{go | name=Rotterdam Centraal | alt= | url=https://www.ns.nl/stationsinformatie/rtd/rotterdam-centraal | email= | address= | lat=51.925 | long=4.469444 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q801388 | lastedit=2018-04-10 | content=The station is served by high-speed trains from [[Belgium]], [[France]] and the [[United Kingdom]]. }} **'''[http://www.thalys.com Thalys]''' operates [[high-speed trains]] from [[Antwerp]] (Antwerpen-Centraal, 35 min), [[Brussels]] (Brussel-Zuid/Midi, 1 hr 12 min), [[Paris]] (Gare du Nord, 2 hr 37 min) and [[Lille]] (Lille-Europe, 1 hr 55 min). Book well in advance to secure the best ticket deals. A cheaper but slower alternative to Thalys is the [https://www.b-europe.com/EN/Trains/InterCity Intercity Brussels] service between Amsterdam and Brussels. **Coming from Germany, Rotterdam Centraal can only be reached by changing trains in the Netherlands. When travelling on the German high-speed train '''[https://www.bahn.com/en/view/trains/long-distance/ice-ice-sprinter.shtml?dbkanal_007=L04_S02_D002_KIN0059_FLYOUT-ZUGFLOTTE-ICE_LZ01 ICE]{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' from [[Cologne]], [[Düsseldorf]] and [[Oberhausen]], the exchange will be in [[Utrecht]] Centraal station, and coming from [[Berlin]], [[Hanover]], [[Osnabrück]] (with the '''[https://www.bahn.com/en/view/trains/long-distance/intercity-eurocity.shtml?dbkanal_007=L04_S02_D002_KIN0059_FLYOUT-ZUGFLOTTE-IC_LZ01 DB-intercity]{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''') it is advisable to change at [[Amersfoort]]. Intercity-trains to Rotterdam depart from both Utrecht and Amersfoort. ** '''[http://www.eurostar.com Eurostar]''' runs a daily high speed service from [[London]] St Pancras International to Rotterdam Centraal. Prices start at £35 one way. The journey time is about 3 hr 30 min, but you must arrive at the station at least 90 minutes before departure in order to clear the extra border controls caused by COVID restrictions and Brexit. ==== National connections ==== The Dutch railway company NS runs high-speed ''[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/special-routes/intercity-direct.html Intercity Direct]'' trains between [[Amsterdam]], [[Amsterdam Airport Schiphol|Schiphol]], Rotterdam and [[Breda]]. The train stops only at those four stations and shaves 25-30 minutes in journey time between Amsterdam and Schiphol and Rotterdam versus the regular Intercity and Sprinter trains that stop in between. Beware that you have to pay a supplement (€2.60 during peak hours, €1.56 outside peak hours) to use the Intercity direct line to travel to Rotterdam if your journey involves Schiphol, (i.e. Amsterdam-Rotterdam journeys are subject to this supplement). You can purchase this supplement by tapping an anonymous or personal OV-chipkaart on a designated red pole found on the platform. Those without an anonymous or personal OV-chipkaart can use the ticketing machines or the NS website to purchase the supplement, however the discount may not be applicable to supplements purchased this way. Most unlimited day tickets including the Holland Travel Ticket can be used to travel on the Intercity Direct but a supplement purchase is still required. Thalys also offers seats for passengers travelling from Amsterdam to Rotterdam. The journey is less than 40 minutes, slightly faster than the Intercity Direct. However, reservations/advance bookings are required and most unlimited day tickets recognised by NS cannot be used on Thalys. Rotterdam is also well served by NS from other parts of the [[Netherlands]], with direct connections to [[Delft]], [[Amsterdam]], [[Eindhoven]], [[Gouda]], [[Leiden]], [[The Hague]], [[Utrecht]] and [[Vlissingen]]. Some intercities and sprinters also stop at '''[https://www.ns.nl/stationsinformatie/rtb/rotterdam-blaak Rotterdam Blaak]''' station which is in the middle of the city center. This station is also frequented by trams and metro. See also the [[Netherlands#Get in Netherlands]] page for further information on national rail. Alternatively, Rotterdam's Metro line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} provides a connection for passengers coming from [[The Hague]] at Den Haag Centraal. The journey from Den Haag Centraal to Rotterdam Centraal costs €4.43 with an anonymous or personalised OV-chipkaart, which is marginally cheaper than an NS journey (€4.90) between the same points but takes about five minutes longer to complete the journey. ===By bus=== * {{listing|type=go | name=Flixbus | alt= | url=https://www.flixbus.com/bus/rotterdam| email= | address=(bus stop) Rotterdam Centraal @ Conradstraat 52 | lat= | long= | directions=International bus stop platform 'GG' at Rotterdam Centraal. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-07-20 | content=Serving both domestic and international routes. They also have an extra stop at Rotterdam Zuidplein @ Gooilandsingel }} ===By boat=== ==== Ferries from [[England]] (UK) ==== You can also get to Rotterdam by [[Ferries to the British Mainland|ferry from the United Kingdom]]. No ferries arrive in the center. * '''[http://www.poferries.com P&O Ferries]''' has a daily overnight sailing from [[Kingston Upon Hull]] to Rotterdam Europoort. From Rotterdam Europoort P&O Ferries operates a shuttle bus service that takes you to the city center of Rotterdam. Please book this shuttle service while you book your sailing. * '''[http://www.stenaline.com StenaLine]''' has a daily day and a daily overnight sailing from [[Harwich (England)|Harwich]] to [[Hook of Holland]]. Next to the port is ''Hoek van Holland Haven'' metro station. Line B brings you to the city centre in approximately 30 minutes. * '''[http://www.dfdsseaways.co.uk/ferry-routes/holland/newcastle-to-amsterdam DFDS Seaways]''' has a daily overnight ferry crossing from Newcastle to Amsterdam. You can drive to Rotterdam in approx. 50 minutes. ==== Waterbus ==== [[File:ENI 02324345 ALBLAS (14).JPG|thumbnail|right|A WaterBus near [https://www.cityguiderotterdam.com/things-to-do/sights/old-harbour-rotterdam/ Oude Haven (Old Harbour)]]]The '''[http://www.waterbus.nl WaterBus]''' services provide connections between Rotterdam and the ''Drechtsteden'' ([[Dordrecht]] and surrounding cities, including [[UNESCO World Heritage List|UNESCO-site]] - the world-famous windmills - [[Kinderdijk]]). ===By metro=== Coming from [[The Hague]] or somewhere in between it can be advisable to use metroline {{rint|Rotterdam|E}}, see for more information the page about the [[Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region|whole region]]. ===By car=== [[File:Rotterdam Auto 01.JPG|thumbnail|right|Finding a good spot to park can be a problem in central Rotterdam]] Rotterdam is easily reached by car. From Amsterdam take the A4 South to Rotterdam Haven. From Utrecht take the A12 and change to the A20 just after [[Gouda]] on knooppunt Gouwe. Traffic congestion on highways is common during peak hours (morning and evening commutes). You can pay for '''on-street parking''' with debit and credit card. Remember your license plate number. Parking regulations are enforced regularly. '''[https://parkereninrotterdam.nl Parking garages]{{Dead link|date=April 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' can be easily found by following the sign-marked P-route. The easiest way to pay is by credit card, just insert your card on the way in, and insert it again on the way out, and the total time is automatically deducted. You can also pay with cash or debit card. '''Park & Ride (P&R)''' facilities outside the center of Rotterdam offer free or cheap parking with public transport connections into the city center. For some locations (Slinge A15, Kralingse Zoom A16/E19 and Alexander A20/E25), you can park for free if you have a valid check-out on your public transport card (OV-chipkaart). === By bike === As a Dutch city Rotterdam is well connected to extense (inter)national bicycle networks which use all kinds of infrastructural facilities. Most attractive for tourist to cycle over longer distances are the so called '''LF-routes'''. So the city center is croshed by '''LF2 Stedenroute ''(City Route)''''' from Amsterdam to Brussels and '''LF12 Maas- en Vestingroute''' follows the flow of river Maas all the way from The East. See for more information [http://www.holland.com/global/tourism/discover-holland/cycling/bicycle-route-planner.htm Bicycle Route Planner]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}: ''sellect more options and LF-Routes.'' ==Get around== {{Mapframe|51.9152|4.4791|zoom=14|layer=W|name=Map of Rotterdam (metro lines have thicker strokes than tram lines)}} {{Mapshapes|Q691704}} <!--Metro--> {{Mapshapes|Q1429091|stroke-width=2}} <!--Tram--> '''[https://www.ret.nl/en RET]''' operates the buses, trams, and metro within the city. You could find a journey planner and some [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret/maps.html network maps] there. Alternatively you'd use the pan-Netherlands journey planner – [https://9292.nl/en 9292.nl]. Transport generally arrives every 10 minutes during the day. Free Wi-Fi is available in some trams, buses and metro lines, and on the busier metro stations, you just need to accept the terms of use. ===Tickets=== You can [https://www.ovpay.nl/en use your contactless bank card]{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} to pay for any public transport that also accepts the [[OV-chipkaart]]. This system is called OV-Pay and is the most convenient way to travel. Debit and credit cards from Maestro, V PAY, Mastercard and Visa are supported. As anywhere else in the country OV-chipkaart can still be used to pay all kinds of public transport. The card costs €8.50 and you'd need to keep a positive balance there for at least €4. For using buses and trams, checking in and out has to be done in the vehicle, while for train and metro use the gates or card-reader poles at the entrance of the stations. Alternatively one of the city's transport travel cards could be used: * {{listing | name=RET travel cards | alt= | url=https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travel-products/products-and-fares.html | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=2 hours - €5.00; 1 (calendar) day - €11.00 | lastedit=2025-01-21 | content=To travel by bus, tram and metro with RET. Can be purchased via the RET Barcode app, at ticket machines in metro stations and at RET Sales and Information points. For children under 12 and age 65 and up there is a reduced price. The 1-day ticket is not a 24-hour ticket: it is only valid on the day of the first check-in, until 04:00 of the early morning the next day. Tickets are not sold on bus and tram anymore; use your bank card to check in instead. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=Tourist Day Ticket: Rotterdam & The Hague region | alt= | url=http://www.touristdaytickets.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=€17.00 for one day | lastedit=2025-01-21 | content=Unlimited travel on local transport (bus, tram, metro and waterbus. Note: trains excluded) in the Rotterdam and the Hague region. Available from ticket machines and service counters of RET and at tourist information. Ticket is valid for travel with RET, HTM, HTMbuzz, Arriva, Connexxion, EBS, QBuzz and Waterbus in South Holland. }} * [[#Rotterdam Welcome Card|Rotterdam Welcome Card]] also allows for unlimited use of public transport with RET in the city and region. Note that tickets must be purchased in advance, there is no ticket sale on board of bus, tram and metro. ===By metro=== [[Image:Metro Rotterdam future.svg|thumb|Rotterdam Metro reaches as far as [[the Hague]].]] There are 5 metro lines in the city. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|A}}, {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|C}}, share tracks between ''Schiedam Centrum'' and ''Capelsebrug'' and offer an east-west connection. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} share tracks between ''Rotterdam Centraal'' and ''Slinge'' and offer a north-south connection. Interchange between all lines is possible on ''Beurs'' station in the city center. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|A}}, {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|C}} operate every 10 minutes on working days and Saturday, which allows 3-4 minute intervals on the main section between ''Schiedam Centrum'' and ''Capelsebrug''. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} operate every 10 minutes on working days and Saturday, which give shorter intervals between ''Rotterdam Centraal'' and ''Slinge''. In the evening, on Saturday morning and Sunday the service is reduced to a 15-minute interval. The Rotterdam Metro operates from 05:30 until 00:00. On weekends the opening time is not until 07:00 Saturday, and 08:15 on Sunday. On Friday and Saturday nights the service is extended for a bit longer past midnight, but not on some parts of line B and E. See the [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret/time-table/metro/weekend-metro.html Weekend metro] page for an overview. For tourists the most important metro stations are: '''Line A, B and C''' (East-West branch) * '''Blaak''': train station, interchange with trams and busses, cube houses, Markthal, ports * '''Beurs''': city center, shops, interchange with metro {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} * '''Eendrachtsplein''': museumpark * '''Coolhaven''': [https://euromast.nl/ Euromast] * '''Delfshaven''': historic port '''Line D and E''' (North-South branch) * '''Meijerplein''': bus service to Rotterdam The Hague Airport '''''(only line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}})''''' * '''Blijdorp:''' [https://www.diergaardeblijdorp.nl/en/ Rotterdam Zoo] '''''(only line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}})''''' * '''Rotterdam Centraal''': northern edge of the city centre, interchange with trams and buses, train station * '''Beurs''': city centre, shops, interchange with metro {{rint|Rotterdam|A}}, {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|C}} * '''Leuvehaven''': ports, museums, Erasmus Bridge, Waterbus * '''Wilhelminaplein:''' Erasmus Bridge, Cruise Terminal Rotterdam, [http://www.hotelnewyork.com/ hotel New York] * '''Rijnhaven:''' Katendrecht, bus service to SS Rotterdam ===By tram=== There are nine tram lines in the city. Each tram has a conductor. Tram stops provide a detailed map of the public transport system for on-the-go route-finding. Most lines operate every 10 minutes on workdays, with a more frequent service during rush hours on some lines. All trams except {{rint|Rotterdam|2}} will stop at ''Rotterdam Centraal'', the main train station of Rotterdam. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|1}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|11}}''' run from the suburbs in the [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|northwest]] to De Esch in [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk|Kralingen]], via [[Schiedam]], the north of [[Delfshaven]], and the city centre. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|2}}''' runs on the south side of the rivers, through the districts of [[Rotterdam/Zuid|Charlois, IJsselmonde]] and [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|3}}''' starts at the central station, and connects to the south bank via Feijenoord, IJsselmonde and [[Rotterdam/Zuid|Beverwaard]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|4}}''' starts from Heemsraadplein, connecting to much of the city centre and the neighbourhoods to its west, before connecting to [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|Hillegersberg]] via the central station, and Noord/Crooswijk. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|5}}''' originates from the central station, running to the south bank via Feijenoord and suburbs, before terminating in [[Barendrecht]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|6}}''' runs from Heemsraadplein to Kleiweg, just north of the A20 highway, running parallel with line 4 up to Rotterdam Noord railway station. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|7}}''' starts at Marconiplein, where the metro and lines 1, 8 and 11 meet, to Woudestein where it meets lines 1 and 11 again, via the central station and Erasmus University. Between Weena and Woudestein, lines 1 and 11 follow a more direct route via the Stadhuis, Beurs, Blaak and Oostplein metro stations, while line seven heads north via [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk|Crooswijk and Kralingen]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|8}}''', lastly, comes from [[Delfshaven|Spangen]], and then continues through most of Delfshaven roughly following the river up to Eendrachtsplein in [[Rotterdam/Centre|Cool]], from where it joins the main tram corridor through the city centre, to eventually terminate in [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|Schiebroek]]. * '''Line 12''' operates during football matches in the Kuip stadion only. ===By bus=== '''RET''' operates bus services across the city. Night bus service (BOB-bus) has been cancelled. Buses operated by '''[http://www.arriva.nl Arriva]''' and '''[http://www.connexxion.nl Connexxion]''' connect the city with suburbs. Use the front door when boarding a bus. ===By water taxi=== * {{listing | name=Watertaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=http://www.watertaxirotterdam.nl | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 10 403 03 03 | tollfree= | hours= | price=€ | lastedit=2022-07-27 | content=Rotterdam was built on a number of islands and if you want to travel from shore to shore, the nicest way to go is to take a '''Water Taxi'''. Fixed fares for rides between 50 docks in Rotterdam and Schiedam, with 3 fares zones, starting at €4.50 per person in the central zone. You can give them a call, or use the online tool to see availability and book a ride. It is advised to book in advance, especially on days with large events in the city. }} ===By taxi=== If you do need a taxi you will have to find yourself a taxi rank or call a taxi company. There is a minimum taxi fare of €2.30 (first it was {{EUR|7.50}} which included the first two kilometers). Additionally, each subsequent kilometre is charged €2.20. * {{listing | name=Rotterdamse Taxi Centrale RTC N.V. | url=http://www.rtcnv.nl | phone=+31 10 462 60 60 }} * {{listing | name=Coöperatieve Taxi Onderneming St. Job u.a. | url=http://www.st-job.nl | phone=+31 10 425 70 00 }} *'''[./https://www.zorgtaxirotterdam.nl Zorgtaxi Rotterdam]{{Dead link|date= |bot= }} +'''31 10 818 28 23 * {{listing | name=Stadstaxi Rotterdam | url=https://www.stadstaxirotterdam.nl | phone=+31 10 818 28 23 }} * {{go | name=Botlektaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://botlektaxi.nl | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 10 666 66 06 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-01-19 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Taxi Rotterdam 010 | alt= | url=https://taxirotterdam010.nl/ | phone=+31 10 261 31 88 }} * {{listing | name= Rotterdamse Taxi | alt= | url= https://www.rotterdamsetaxi.nl/ | phone=+31 10 261 31 22 }} ===By tuk-tuk=== * {{listing | name=Tuk Tuk Company | alt= | url=http://www.tuktukcompany.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 9009933399 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-05-23 | content=A Thai-influenced transportation service using three-wheeled, open-air (but covered) motorized vehicles called Tuk Tuk offers a more economical and fast way to get around the city centre when compared to taxis. Tuk-tuk pricing is based on a zone system. Within a zone, a ride is €3.50 per person, €5 for 2 persons and €6.50 for 3. If you go to another zone, €3.50 is added (irrespective of number of persons). This service is handy if it is past the regular tram/bus/metro service hours (approximately half past midnight). }} ===By bicycle=== Like any city in The Netherlands, Rotterdam is very, very bicycle-friendly. Getting around by bike is probably the fastest way of travel within the city. There are separate bike lanes on most major streets and there are separate traffic lights for bicyclists. Avoid getting your tire in the tram rails: always cross tram rails at an angle. Of course it is also strongly advisable to watch out for other traffic at all time. On the other hand bicyclists can rely on the fact that motorists and pedestrians are aware of bikes. Always lock your bike securely when leaving it (preferably chained to a fixed object) or go to a guarded bicycle parking station. ==== Rent a bike==== At Rotterdam Centraal, you can rent bicycles at the shop in the underground bicycle parking, below the Station square. Leave the station at the front, exit 'Stationsplein'. The entrance of the bicycle parking ('fietsenstalling', with the glass roof) is at your right, in front of grand cafe Engels. Use-it, rents out nice Kronan bikes (Schaatsbaan 41-45, leave Central Station towards the center. Turn right at restaurant Engels and take the 2nd right). Bikes can be rented by several other private companies. Holland-Cycling.com provides a list of [http://www.holland-cycling.com/rotterdam/getting-around-rotterdam/bicycle-rental-in-rotterdam addresses]. Another list you will find at [https://www.rotterdam.nl/vrije-tijd/fiets-huren/ Rotterdam.nl]{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. If you have a personal (rather than an anonymous) [[OV-chipkaart]], bicycles can be rented at many train and metro stations and other central locations by the [http://www.ns.nl/en/door-to-door/ov-fiets OV-fiets system]. ==== Guarded bicycle parking ==== * The larger train stations have their own guarded bicycle parking. * Rotterdam municipality has also [https://www.rotterdam.nl/fietsparkeren some free locations]. ==See== ===Landmarks=== [[File:VN5 HDR2.jpg|thumbnail|right|The Van Nellefabriek is regarded as a prime example of the ''International Style'']] Rotterdam has national notoriety for its architecture, and the city therefore is dotted with landmarks of all sorts. Most of them you will find in the [[Rotterdam/Centrum|city centre]], but [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord|Feijenoord]] is also quite dense with them. Rotterdam is known for some bridges, not in the last place the '''Erasmusbrug''', spanning the Nieuwe Maas between the city centre and Feijenoord. Also of historical importance is the former railway lifting bridge '''De Hef''', slightly upstream from the Erasmusbrug. '''Historical landmarks''' are somewhat rare to come across in Rotterdam's city centre, but the city itself isn't completely devoid of them. In the city centre, the 1920 '''City hall''' and the '''Great or Saint-Laurence church''', both survivors of the 1940 bombardment. Rotterdam is also home to the country's oldest known bronze statue, depicting Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam and dating from 1622. It is found opposite the Saint-Laurence church. '''De Verwoeste Stad''' (Destroyed City) is a cubist statue depicting a man in agony who just lost his heart (symbol of the bombed city centre). Feijenoord, despite being home to many modern redevelopments, houses some historical landmarks such as the '''former headquarters of the Holland-Amerikalijn'''. Also worth visiting are the '''Oude Haven''' (''Old Harbour'') and the nearby '''Witte Huis''' (''White House'') and '''Schielandshuis'''. '''Industrial landmarks''' are plenty in a city that mostly thrives off of harbour activities. Besides the many industrial sites found in the [[Rotterdam/Port of Rotterdam|Port of Rotterdam]], the '''Van Nellefabriek''' in [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|the north of the city]] is a listed UNESCO site. [[File:Erasmusbrug seen from Euromast.jpg|thumbnail|right|The modern skyline of Rotterdam can be truly appreciated from the Euromast.]] The skyline of Rotterdam can, of course, be observed from one of the many skyscrapers in the city - though you should probably book a hotel located in a skyscraper or find one with a publicly accessible roof, as trespass isn't welcomed. Another great site for views over the city though, is the '''Euromast''' on the border between the [[Rotterdam/Centrum|city centre]] and [[Rotterdam/Delfshaven|Delfshaven]], twice in its history the highest building of the Netherlands. For a relatively small entry fee, you can climb the tower or for a larger sum, you can dine inside of it. For those less comfortable with great heights though, a birds-eye overview of the city can also be obtained at '''Miniworld Rotterdam''', near the central station. The city is also well-known for its experimental and out-of-the-ordinary architecture, often being a testing ground for new concepts. A prime example of this are the '''Kubuswoningen''' (''Cube Houses'') at [[Rotterdam/Centrum|Blaak]]; one has been set aside as a museum, offering a view of the unique perspective and custom furniture that comes with living in one of the houses. Also striking are the '''Markthal''', harbour-crane inspired sculptures at the '''Schouwburgplein''' and the '''Koopgoot''', all found in the city centre. '''Historic churches:''' in the Netherlands churches are generally closed to visitors on Sundays. === Other sites === [[File:Rotterdam Erasmusbrug bij avond vanaf hoek Veerhaven-Westerkade.jpg|thumb|Erasmus bridge of Rotterdam]] [[File:Schielandshuis.jpg|thumbnail|right|Schielandshuis today stands surrounding by modern glass and steel buildings]] [[Image:Oude Haven (Rotterdam) 2011.jpg|thumb|"Het witte huis" in Old Harbour]] The area around the [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Other sites|'''Station Rotterdam Blaak''']] was destroyed by a Nazi bombardment during World War II. After the war this area was populated with some bold examples of modern architecture. The '''Kubuswoningen''' are literally cubes, tilted over by 45 degrees. '''Oude Haven''' (Old Harbour) is a nice place to see and sit at some café nearby. '''Witte Huis''' is a "skyscraper" built in 1898. '''Het Schielandshuis''' is the only remaining 17th-century building in the city centre of Rotterdam. [[File:Delfshaven Rotterdam (the Netherlands) 17.JPG|thumb|The old barges moored at the Delfshaven]] [[Rotterdam/Delfshaven|'''Delfshaven''']] is one of very few locations in the city which survived World War II bombings. Historic Delfshaven is a very scenic walk. It consists of an 17th-century area around two canals with a lot of charm. By day visit little shops in this neighbourhood, by night attractive pubs and restaurants make the visit worthwhile. * '''Chinatown''' in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Other sites|Centrum]] is full of Chinese restaurants and also Indonesian and other Asian restaurants. [[File:Rotterdam molens De Ster (l) en De Lelie (r) - tegenlicht.jpg|thumbnail|right|''De Ster'' and ''De Lelie'' at dusk]] ===Windmills=== Rotterdam has only seven windmills left. Of these, only ''De Ster'' and ''De Lelie'' in [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk#See|Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk]] are open to visitors on a regular basis. Other windmills are open to visitors when the mill is turning (easy enough to see), but there are some exceptions to this rule of thumb. A blue flag also indicates that the mill is open to visitors. Look for De Prinsenmolen, De Vier Winden, and De Speelman windmills in [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam#Windmills|Northern Rotterdam]] and De Zandweg in [[Rotterdam/Zuid#See|Rotterdam Zuid]]. ===Museums=== [[File:Overzicht achtergevel - Rotterdam - 20534511 - RCE.jpg|thumbnail|right|Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen]] [[Netherlands#Museumkaart|Museumkaart]] is accepted at the city's museums. The Museumpark area in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Museums|Centrum]] has many of the city's museums. '''Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen''' houses a rich, broad collection including masterpieces ranging from Pieter Brueghel the Elder's ''The "little" Tower of Babel'' (1563) to an important collection of surrealism, prominently featuring Salvador Dalí and René Magritte. '''Sylvette''' is a large work by Pablo Picasso was erected in 1973. It is one of the elaborations Picasso made based on the portraits of his muse Sylvette David. Definitely worth a look. '''Kunsthal''' houses some 25 exhibitions annually with a fascinating and widely varied repertoire. Het Nieuwe Instituut museum includes the '''Museum voor Architectuur, Design en Digitale cultuur''', a museum for architecture,deesign and digital culture, and '''Huis Sonneveld''', a building in the Bauhaus style. '''Chabot Museum''' is a neat little museum is housed in a splendid modernist 1930s villa. It houses a collection of works of the expressionist painter Hendrik Chabot. '''Natuurhistorisch Museum''' has changing expositions and a fixed collection of mammals, plants and fossils. The city has two maritime museums. The '''Maritiem Museum''' has a variety of expositions about the harbour of Rotterdam and maritime history, and a restored 19th-century gunboat that is a must-see for naval enthusiasts. The '''Mariniersmuseum''' shows the history of the centuries-old Narine Corps and its modern-day role. Special attention is given to the heroic role of the corps in the 1940 defence of Rotterdam. ====Other museums==== [[File:Façade Witte de With Center for Contemporary Art.jpg|thumbnail|right|Witte de With Center]] In [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Other museums|Centrum]], you can visit '''Museum Rotterdam''', which is dedicated to the modern day Rotterdam and its history; the '''Museum of Chess-Pieces''', which houses a diverse collection of chess games from ancient Chinese to cartoon characters; the '''Wereldmuseum''' (World Arts Museum), which focuses on encounters and cross-cultural inspiration; and '''Witte de With''' (Centre for Contemporary Arts). [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord#Q2191118|'''Nederlands Fotomuseum''']] shows the diversity of forms of photography, especially as a medium of social expression and commentary. [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk#Q2351733|'''SSN Museumstoomdepot''']] features old steam locomotives and trains. Besides a small museum it's a workshop where you can see restoration in progress. ==Do== [[File:Overzicht - Rotterdam - 20534496 - RCE.jpg|thumbnail|right|''De Doelen'' concert hall in Schouwbourgplein]] Upcoming events and performances are listed on the VVV and Use-it websites. The larger events are well documented on the VVV site, for smaller venues check Use-it (under Calendar) for a very attractive and well updated listing of music, expositions, movies and parties that need checking out. The [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Do|Uitburo office]] inside the Central Library provides information on theatre and music performances. It also sells tickets and offers an overview of performances that can be visited for free (''gratis''). ===Events=== [[File:North Sea Jazz Festival 2012 - ALOE BLACC.jpg|thumbnail|right|In July, you can enjoy the ''North Sea Jazz'' festival]] Rotterdam plays host to a lot of events, a lot of them yearly ones. Besides these there are a lot smaller ones that can be very nice, so ask around and check the VVV website. A few of these yearly events to name: * {{do | name=Six Days of Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.wielerzesdaagserotterdam.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2293105 | lastedit=2024-12-26 | content=A cycling competition in early December. }} * {{do | name=IFFR | alt= | url=http://www.filmfestivalrotterdam.com/en/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The International Film Festival Rotterdam, which mainly features independent films from all over the world in February. }} * {{do | name=Art Rotterdam | alt= | url=http://www.artrotterdam.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=In February, you can see (and buy) masterpieces of modern art. }} * {{do | name=World tennis Tournament | alt= | url=http://www.abnamrowtt.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=In February. }} * On the '''[http://www.rotterdamsemuseumnacht.nl/ Rotterdam Museum Night]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' in March, nearly all Rotterdam museums and galleries open their doors in the evening with special events. * {{do | name=Motel Mozaique | alt= | url=http://motelmozaique.nl/en/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Music, art & performance. Plus a sleeping project that enables sleeping in art or on special locations in Rotterdam (April) }} * [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Q1341108|'''Rotterdam Marathon''']], internationally reputed as a very fast marathon, is held in April in Centrum. * {{do | name=Poetry International | alt= | url=http://www.poetry.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Festival in June. }} * '''Metropolis Festival''' (music) on the first Sunday in July. * The sublime '''[http://www.northseajazz.com/ North Sea Jazz]''' festival in July with loads of worldfamous artists. * {{do | name=Summer Carnival | alt= | url=http://www.zomercarnaval.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A huge Caribbean-oriented parade and party in the city centre. }} * {{do | name=Heerlijk Rotterdam | alt= | url=http://www.heerlijkrotterdam.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Three day event where you can sample dishes from Michelin-star restaurants for a reduced price (dates vary, summer edition usually late August) }} * The '''[http://wereldhavendagen.nl/en/ World Port Days]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' a weekend full of activities centred around the large harbour of Rotterdam (early September) * The classical music '''[http://www.gergievfestival.nl/ Gergjev]''' festival in September, led by master-conductor Valery Gergjev. * The '''[http://www.rotterdamseoogst.nl/ Rotterdam Harvest Festival]''' in September. * '''Bazar Curieux''' (music) in December For full listings of events check [http://www.rotterdam.info/uk/ Rotterdam.info] and [http://www.use-it.nl/ Use-it]{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. === Tours === Several tours can be found in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Tours|Centrum]], including the tourist '''tram line 10''' through the city centre and historic parts of Rotterdam on classic trams; the '''Spido harbour trip''' through the first 8 km of the harbour; and De pannenkoekenboot, on which you cam eat as many pancakes as you want while you cruise the harbour. ===Cinema=== There are two huge megacinemas in Rotterdam. The one in the city centre is called '''Pathé Schouwburgplein''' (at the Schouwburgplein), the other one is on the southside of the city. It's called '''Pathé De Kuip''' (next to the Feyenoord stadium De Kuip). In these cinemas you can see Hollywood movies and occasionally an arthouse movie. To get to De Kuip, take tram {{rint|Rotterdam|12}} to stop Stadion Feijenoord. If you're more into alternative cinema go to '''[http://www.lantaren-venster.nl/ Lantaren/Venster]''' Cinema (Otto Reuchlinweg 996 (Wilhelminapier)). Here you'll get European, Asian and Latin American cinema in a nice atmosphere. It has a nice bar too. The other option is '''Cinerama''' (Westblaak 18) which shows a combination of art/house films and commercial Hollywood flicks. During the '''IFFR''' (International Film Festival Rotterdam), which usually takes place in February, art-house movies are shown at much more locations throughout the city. In August, an open air cinema at the '''Lloydkwartier''' shows both blockbusters and independent films. Entrance is free, and you can either bring your own chair or rent one onsite. To get there, take {{rint|Rotterdam|A}} to Coolhaven and walk for about 10–15 minutes towards the river in the south. ===Other attractions=== [[File:Erasmusbréck w.jpg|thumbnail|right|Rotterdam can be breathtaking from above]] When you want to combine a unique experience with a great view over the city of Rotterdam, you can make a (tandem) '''skydive''' at [http://www.skydiverotterdam.com Skydive Rotterdam]. At Skydive Rotterdam (also called the Flying Dutchman) you can book a tandem skydive or do a complete skydiving course and jump from a height of 3 or 4 kilometers. It's the only skydiving school in the "Randstad" area and the only place in the Netherlands where you can jump over a major city like Rotterdam. When the weather's good you will have a spectacular view over the Rotterdam skyline and other parts of the Randstad area, all the way to the coastline. An '''airplane''' can be rented at reasonable rates at Rotterdam Airport at [http://vliegen.rotterdamsweb.nl/ Happy Wing]. Nice tours above the city, its ports or the coastline are on offer. On summer Sundays, it is possible to lower yourself down from the '''Euromast'''. On last Sundays of summer months you can glide down in 15 seconds on a wire (tokkelen). Both: Not for the faint of heart! Check the website of [http://heightspecialists.nl/abseilen/ Heightspecialists]. ===With children=== [[File:Medusakop op kolom in giraffenweide - Rotterdam - 20348014 - RCE.jpg|thumbnail|right|The historic ''Diergaarde Blijdorp'' is definitely worth a visit]] '''Diergaarde Blijdorp''' (Rotterdam Zoo) in [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk#Q18775796|Kralingen-Crooswijk]] is one of the most popular day trips in the Netherlands. Walk through different parts of the world, seeing interesting animals that feel right at home in an approximation of their natural habitats. The Oceanium is filled with ocean and coastal dwellers, including exotic fish and puffins. '''Miniworld Rotterdam''' in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Do|Centrum]] is the largest indoor model railroad layout of the Netherlands. === Football === : Rotterdam has three professional soccer teams: * [https://www.feyenoord.nl/ '''Feyenoord'''] play in Eredivisie, the top tier. Their home ground is Stadion Feijenoord (capacity 51,000), better known as "De Kuip"; it's often also used for rock concerts and similar events. It's south of the river with its own railway station Rotterdam Stadion. * [https://www.sparta-rotterdam.nl/ '''Sparta Rotterdam'''] also play in Eredivisie. Their home ground is Het Kasteel ("The Castle", capacity 12,000), 3 km west of the centre. * [https://www.sbvexcelsior.nl/ '''SBV Excelsior'''] were relegated in 2024 so they play in Eerste Divisie the second tier. Their Stadion Woudestein (capacity 4500), now called Van Donge & De Roo Stadion, is 2 km east of city centre on the north bank of the river. ===Water sports and yachting=== [[File:Rotterdam kralingse plas.jpg|thumbnail|right|Kralingse Plas]] Being a major harbour and having lots of waterways and lakes, Rotterdam has a lot to offer for water-enthousiasts. Boating: There are four major lakes in Rotterdam. The Kralingse Plas, The double Bergse Plas, the Rottemeren and the Zevenhuizer Plas. All of them have active yachting communities and sometimes sailing races can be seen. The Zevenhuizer plas is mainly populated by Windsurf enthousiasts. Sailing boats can be rented at the Kralingse Plas at the [http://www.henkvangent.nl/ Van Gent sailing school], Plaszoom, a 10-minute walk from Metro Voorschoterlaan (walk through the Julianalaan until you reach Plaszoom). Rowing- and sailing boats can be rented at the windmill at the very end of the eastern Rottekade at [http://www.botenverhuurvanvliet.nl/ Van Vliet's] (Rottemeren, go by car or bike, a very nice ride). Yachting: When visiting Rotterdam with your own yacht you will find that most yachting harbours are on the inland waterways, where there are a lot of them. On the river Maas you will only find the [http://www.citymarinarotterdam.nl/ City Marina], behind a bascule bridge on the southern bank, and the [http://www.veerhavenrotterdam.nl/ Veerhaven], right in the city center on the northern bank. Unless you need the better shelter of the characterless City Marina, go for the admittedly a little choppy Veerhaven marina, very central and scenic. ===Beach=== The closest good beach is about 30 km away at [[Hook of Holland]]. Here you will find a very fine sand beach with good swimming and enough entertainment. To get there, take line {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} to Hoek van Holland Strand, its end point. For a more urban-party beach experience head to [[Scheveningen]] where you can find everything beach-party addicts dream about; Endless rows of beachside bars, restaurants and discothèques and a boulevard along a splendid fine-sand beach. It can get ''very'' crowded here. Take the train to [[Den Haag]] Centraal Station and tram {{rint|denhaag|9}} subsequently. Also at the same coast is Kijkduin, which is very recommended for children. To get there, get {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} to its northern end point, then take bus 24 to Kijkduin. If you want to go to the beach but want to stay in the city, consider taking {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} to its end point, Nesselande and walk across the Corsicalaan from there. You are at the Strand Nesselande. ==Buy== The main shopping areas are in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Buy|Centrum]]. '''Afrikaanderplein Markt''' in [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord#Buy|Feijenoord]] is a market of about 300 stalls geared towards Rotterdam's inhabitants of Antillian, South American or African descent (a lot of whom happen to live nearby). Dutch cheese is very famous, you can get some at grocery stores or wider variety at the marketplace. Other typical Dutch things are ''stroopwafels'', ''hagelslag'' and ''drop'' (liquorice). ==Eat== The area around metrostation ''Blaak'', called '''Oude haven''' (Old Harbour), is not only worth seeing but has also a lot of pubs and restaurants. The Rotterdam dining scene is developing very fast with new restaurants opening very often. While most of the attention focusses on new Michelin-star aspiring places, there is very much a trend towards high quality mid-range restaurants offering French/Dutch cuisine. ==Drink== [[Rotterdam/Centrum#|Centrum]] has a wide variety of bars, coffee shops and music venues. The [http://www.kaapsebrouwers.nl/ Kaapse Brouwers] brewery has four locations around the city. Each location has a whole wall of taps to choose from. They are popular place so waiting lines can be long. ==Sleep== See district articles for listings for camping, hostels and hotels. ==Connect== The telephone country code for the Netherlands is 31, and Rotterdam's city code is 010. In case of an '''Emergency''', dial '''1-1-2''' (free of charge). When staying for a longer time, buy a prepaid sim card for your mobile phone. ==Stay safe== You should take normal precautions against pickpockets and baggage theft, especially in the main shopping streets, at markets, in trams and trains, at stations, and anywhere where tourists congregate. It is not wise to hang around Stadhuisplein when nightlife ends. Fights often occur in this area after midnight. Rotterdam also has a reputation of mass venues getting out of hand, though you shouldn't worry too much about it. If violence breaks out at football festivities (not so unlikely) or at the end of sun soaked festive days, like Kings Day (even less unlikely, especially at the Stadhuisplein), just get out of the way and you're unlikely to be affected. It's advisable not to wear a football jersey of Ajax Amsterdam or any other stuff promoting Ajax or Amsterdam. In terms of general safety, at daylight most areas in the city are safe. But at night, some areas such as Spangen, Charlois and Hillesluis are wise to avoid. When you drive a car with a foreign numberplate (especially if it's a French or Belgian one) you might or will be approached by so-called ''drugsrunners''. This can occur on the motorways surrounding the city and in the city proper. These guys try to lure people to places where drugs are dealt. Do not respond to their signals and do not follow them. ==Go next== If you do not have a car, the hub for leaving the city will probably be '''Rotterdam Centraal''', from where trains leave in all directions at short intervals (you can generally drop in and catch the next train to your destination). Most regional and longer distance buses leave here too, with the exception of most buses to southerly destinations and the province of Zeeland that leave from '''metro station Zuidplein'''. In contrast with the trains, bus departure times should be checked in advance as they can be far and between. For trains to the North and the South travellers can also choose to depart from '''Rotterdam Blaak'''. '''The Hague''' can also be reached easily and rather quickly by metro line E. Nearby destinations like [[Schiedam]] or even [[Delft]] can also be reached by bike if you fancy a somewhat longer ride. Bike routes and directions are well marked and available in abundance. A good idea for a sunny day! Schiedam can be reached by train or by metro (in 15 minutes) too. [[Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region|MRDH]] is the area of the region Rotterdam-Schiedam-Delft-The Hague, see this page for more information on travel and cycling. ===Nearby=== * '''[[Kinderdijk]]''' — a [[UNESCO World Heritage List#Netherlands|UNESCO World Heritage]] site. 19 old windmills are still helping to control the water level there. Windmill #2 is open to the public, allowing you to see its inner workings. In season there is a direct waterbus service from an embankment at the Erasmus bridge (travel time ~1/2 hour). Alternatively, ''Arriva'' bus 90 from bus and metro station ''Zuidplein'' will get you there in 50 minutes. * '''[[Schiedam]]''' — visit the historic centre of this small town at the edge of Rotterdam, including the world's six tallest windmills. Also you can find there the ''Stedelijk Museum'', an attractive museum with some nice modern art exhibitions. Easily reached by bicycle, a train (from ''Rotterdam Centraal'' to ''Schiedam Centrum''), metro A, B or C line to ''Schiedam Centrum'' station, or tram lines 1 or 11 (''Broersvest'' or ''Koemarkt'' stop). ===Day trips=== * '''[[Delft]]''' — this famous town is a 15-minute train ride from ''Rotterdam Centraal''. Very historic and scenic, but also very touristy. * '''[[Dordrecht]]''' — a magnificent historic town with little tourism and an excellent old art museum (Dordrechts Museum). It is a 15-min train ride, or even better, take a ''[http://www.waterbus.nl/halte/dordrecht-merwekade/ waterbus]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''. * '''[[Gouda]]''' — visit this small picturesque postcard-like town and see the magnificent stained glass windows in the ''Sint Janskerk''. Also 20 min by train. * '''[[Delta Works]]''' — a series of construction projects protecting the Southwest of the Netherlands from the sea. The Oosterschelde storm surge barrier is the most impressive, and next to it is ''Neeltje Jans'', a water theme park dedicated to the Delta Works. * '''[[Brielle (Netherlands)|Brielle]]''' — a mediaeval fortified town. The centre is a nice ensemble of old houses and churches, enclosed by the original earthen defensive walls. There are some museums and the Roman Catholic shrine of the Martyrs of Gorcum. Walking around town and fortifications is a treat. You can easily spend a full day in Brielle. Take bus 103 at the ''Spijkenisse Centrum'' metro station. A journey takes about 70 min. * '''[[Schoonhoven]]''' — a nice small town with many well preserved medieval buildings on the ''Lek'' river in a halfway to Utrecht. From Station Capelsebrug, Rotterdam, take a bus 195 (direction Utrecht). A journey takes about 1 hour. * Go to the other cities of the [[Randstad]], e.g. '''[[The Hague]]''' is 1/2 hour by train or metro, '''[[Utrecht]]''' is around 45 min by train, '''[[Amsterdam]]''' about an hour. {{routebox | image1=NL-A15.png | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Brielle (Netherlands)|Brielle]] | minorl1=[[Spijkenisse]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Arnhem]] | minorr1=[[Dordrecht]] | image2=BE-E19.svg | imagesize2=20 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Amsterdam]] | minorl2=[[Delft]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Antwerp]] | minorr2=[[Zwijndrecht]] }} {{usablecity}} {{isPartOf|Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region}} {{geo|51.9239|4.4623|zoom=14}} pqs5u4w3eoqu1mb0svgrj07bcfxgm3o 5086986 5086985 2025-07-03T06:02:20Z PauldeKoning 2328897 /* By taxi */ 5086986 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Rotterdam Banner 4.jpg|dotm=yes|unesco=yes}} {{printDistricts}} '''Rotterdam''' is a very large city in the province of [[South Holland]] in the west of the [[Netherlands]]. The city is the second largest in the country with a population of approximately 650,000 inhabitants in the municipality (2020) and about 2.2 million inhabitants in the shared metropolitan area of the [[Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region]] (MRDH). Rotterdam is a vibrant, multicultural city; it is known for its university (Erasmus), cutting-edge architecture, lively cultural life, industrial riverside setting, its maritime heritage and colourful summer events. The municipality stretches all the way to the [[North Sea]] with gigantic areas like '''Europoort''' and '''Maasvlakte 1&2'''. All belong to the '''Port of Rotterdam'''. Starting as a dam constructed in 1270 on the Rotte River, Rotterdam has grown into a major international commercial centre. The port of Rotterdam is Europe's busiest port by cargo tonnage, and was the world's busiest from 1962 until it was surpassed by Shanghai in 2004. Rotterdam's commercial and strategic importance is based on its location near the mouth of the Nieuwe Maas (New Meuse), a channel in the delta formed by the Rhine and Meuse on the North Sea. These rivers lead directly into the centre of Europe, including the industrial Ruhr region, which is why Rotterdam is often called the "Gateway to Europe". Many relatively high buildings (by Dutch standards) have been emerging throughout and around the city centre. Daring and new styles of apartments, office buildings and recreation facilities resulted in Rotterdam becoming a city of modern architecture and the only city in the Netherlands with a modern skyline. Due to this, the city is especially interesting for Dutch people to visit. ==Districts== {{Mapframe|width=660|zoom=10|show=districts}} {{Mapshape|type=page|wikicommons=Rotterdam_Districts.map|group=districts}} {{Regionlist | regionmap= | regionmaptext= | regionmapsize= | region1name=[[Rotterdam/Centrum|Stadsdriehoek]] | region1color=#44aa99 | region1items=Rotterdam Centrum | region1description=Filled with highrise and out-of-the-box architecture, this district forms the heart of Rotterdam and gives the city its characteristic. | region2name=[[Rotterdam/Delfshaven|Delfshaven]] | region2color=#aa4499 | region2items=Delfshaven | region2description=Originally a part of [[Delft]], this town over time grew closer to Rotterdam, leading up to its incorporation in 1886. The former town still has a fair bit of its historic identity. | region3name=[[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk|Kralingen-Crooswijk]] | region3color=#117733 | region3items=Kralingen-Crooswijk, Noord | region3description=Famous for the Kralingse Plas, a large artificial lake and the surrounding park, as well as Blijdorp, the second-oldest still active zoo in the Netherlands. | region4name=[[Rotterdam/Feijenoord|Feijenoord]] | region4color=#ee99aa | region4items=Feijenoord | region4description=Namesake of a Dutch football club, Feijenoord is the heart of the south banks of the Meuse. | region5name=[[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|Northern Rotterdam]] | region5color=#d09440 | region5items=Overschie, Hillegersberg-Schiebroek | region5description=Home to Rotterdam's airport as well as Hilligersberg and the surrounding lakes and forests. | region6name=[[Rotterdam/Capelle en Noordoost|Capelle en Noordoost]] | region6color=#b5d29f | region6items=Prins Alexander, Capelle aan den IJssel | region6description=Largely home to Rotterdam's urban sprawl. | region7name=[[Rotterdam/Nieuwerkerk|Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel]] | region7color=#d56d76 | region7items=Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel | region7description=Though not incorporated into Rotterdam, Nieuwerkerk is largely an extension of the city. It is home to the lowest point of the famously low-lying Netherlands, at {{convert|6.76|m|yd}} below sea level. | region8name=[[Rotterdam/Zuid|Zuid]] | region8color=#6699cc | region8items=Charlois, IJsselmonde | region8description=The southernmost districts of Rotterdam. | region9name=[[Rotterdam/Port of Rotterdam|Port of Rotterdam]] | region9color=#ddcc77 | region9items=Pernis, Rozenburg, Botlek, Europoort, Eerste- en Tweede Maasvlakte | region9description=Best known as the largest seaport of Europe, the Port of Rotterdam has been built within a river delta as well as the sea. | region10name=[[Rotterdam/Hook of Holland|Hook of Holland]] | region10color=#44aa99 | region10items=Hoek van Holland | region10description=Formerly one of the main gateways into the Netherlands from anywhere reachable by ocean-going vessel, nowadays a popular beachfront. | region11name=[[Rotterdam/Albrandswaard|Albrandswaard]] | region11color=#882255 | region11items=Hoogvliet, Poortugaal, Rhoon | region11description=Island on the suburban fringes of Rotterdam, functioning as a suburb both to Rotterdam and [[Spijkenisse]]. }} ==Understand== ===History=== Settlement at the lower end of the fen stream ''Rotte'' dates from at least 900. Around 1150, large floods in the area ended development, leading to the construction of protective dikes and dams. A dam on the Rotte or 'Rotterdam' was built in the 1260s and was at the present-day ''Hoogstraat'' ('High Street'). Although Rotterdam did well after the Middle Ages and in the 'Golden Century' - roughly between 1650 and 1750 - it was not before the second part of the nineteenth century that the city started to develop itself rapidly. Helped by the digging of a new seaway (the Nieuwe Waterweg) Rotterdam was rid of access problems caused by the silting of the river and started receiving ever bigger ships with cargo for/from the booming Ruhrgebiet in Germany. Port related trade and industry skyrocketed, and the city started to draw lots of migrants from the then poor Brabant province, for whom the southern part of the city was constructed. At the turn of the twentieth century Rotterdam was well under way to become the largest economic centre in the Netherlands. It was between then and the second world war that large prestigious construction works were undertaken, in part to show off the new found economic pride. The German army invaded the Netherlands on 10 May 1940. Germany had planned to conquer the country in one day, but after meeting unexpectedly fierce resistance, it finally forced the Dutch army to capitulate on 14 May 1940 by bombing Rotterdam and threatening to bomb other cities. The heart of the city was almost completely destroyed by the German Luftwaffe, and 800 people were killed, while about 80,000 others were made homeless. During the war, Rotterdam was bombed several times during allied raids that were aimed at the harbour area but sometimes also hit the city. The City Hall survived the bombing. Unlike most other European cities however, the City Council did not aim at rebuilding what was lost, but on taking the opportunity to create a 'new' and better city. Damaged but not destroyed old buildings were torn down in the process. From the 1950s through the 1970s, the city was rebuilt. It remained quite windy and open until the city councils from the 1980s on began developing an active architectural policy. Daring and new styles of apartments, office buildings and recreation facilities resulted in a more 'livable' city center with a new skyline. In the 1990s, the ''Kop van Zuid'' was built on the south bank of the river as a new business center. ===Demographics=== In the Netherlands, Rotterdam has the highest percentage of foreigners from non-industrialised nations. Nearly 50% of the population are not native to the Netherlands or have at least one parent born outside the country. Muslims comprise close to 25% of the city's population. The city is also home to one of the largest Cape Verdean communities in the world, as well as the largest Dutch Antillean community. ===Atmosphere=== Rotterdam's culture is distinct from other cities in the Netherlands. The mentality of the people is described as 'can do'. From the waiters you meet to the businessmen and recent immigrants, everybody breathes a dream of getting forward with life. The modern design of the city, the bustle and the spree of buildings all add to this impression. That said, you might also find that people are sometimes too straight with you. And yes, the city is not the cosiest, or the most picturesque of towns, especially on drab winter days. But get acquainted with this small metropolis, easiest done on one of the festival days with nice weather. You will come to love it. [[File:Rotterdam haringvliet in winter.jpg|thumbnail|right|Winters in Rotterdam are moist and can be freezingly cold, but just as well uniquely beautiful]] ===Climate=== {{climate chart | Rotterdam |1.3|6.4|71 |1.1|7.1|66 |2.4|10.3|57 |4.8|14.3|42 |8.1|17.9|56 |11.0|20.6|69 |13.2|22.7|79 |12.9|22.6|92 |10.5|19.3|90 |7.2|14.9|87 |3.9|10.2|88 |1.4|7.0|86 |units = metric |float = right |clear = none |source = Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute}} Rotterdam gains a lot of charm when the sun is shining. Visiting in spring or summer may be more enjoyable than during the dark rainy winter. The summer months see temperatures averaging around {{c|22}} during the day and {{c|14}} at night; though temperatures near or above {{c|28}} during the day and {{c|16}} at night are not unheard of during heat waves. Daylight runs from 05:30 until 22:00 in the summer, and only between 08:45 and 16:30 in the winter. ===Tourist information=== *{{listing | type=listing | name=Rotterdam Tourist Information Coolsingel | alt=VVV | url=https://en.rotterdam.info/ | email=info@rotterdam.info | address=Coolsingel 114, 3011 AG Rotterdam | lat=51.918860 | long=4.481239 | directions=Metro {{rint|Rotterdam|A}} {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} : Beurs, at the garden of the Schielandshuis | phone=+31 10 790 01 85 | tollfree= | hours=09:30-18:00 | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=This well equipped and modern tourist office can provide loads of information like city maps, small guide books, souvenirs and the like, and offers tips and information on what to see and do in Rotterdam. Rotterdam.info also sells Rotterdam Welcome Cards, concert tickets, gift certificate, souvenirs, public transport tickets and parking vouchers. Check the website for upcoming events. }} *{{listing | type=listing | name=Rotterdam Tourist Information Central Station | alt=VVV | url= | email= | address=Stationsplein 21, 3013 AJ Rotterdam | lat=51.92410 | long=4.47030 | directions=main entrance, in the central hall of the central station | phone=+31 107900185 | tollfree= | hours=09:30-18:00 | price= | lastedit=2019-07-21 | content=With help from the service desk, a wide range of tourist information folders and the employees, you can find out what part of the city you would like to visit. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=Rotterdam Welcome Card | alt= | url=https://en.rotterdam.info/visitors-info/rotterdam-welcome-card/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=1 day (€13.50), 2 days (€19.50), or 3 days (€24.50) | lastedit=2022-07-27 | content= The card allows for unlimited use of all public transport by RET in the city and region, and offers at least 25% discounts on more than 50 attractions, museums, and restaurants. Available at Rotterdam Info (VVV) points and other locations. Without public transport, the card costs €6.00. }} ==Get in== ===By plane=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Rotterdam The Hague Airport | alt={{IATA|RTM}} | url=http://www.rotterdamthehagueairport.nl/en | email= | address= | lat=51.951248 | long=4.443541 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Rotterdam The Hague Airport | image=Rotterdam airport luchtfoto.jpg | wikidata=Q656807 | lastedit=2016-06-07 | content=It is the 3rd largest airport in the country. It is 6 km north of the city centre. There are direct flights from cities in [[Germany]], [[Italy]], [[France]], [[Spain]], and the [[United Kingdom]]. Commercial airlines that operate to the airport include Transavia, Lufthansa, British Airways, and Turkish Airlines. }} ====Services==== * {{listing|type=go | name=VVV Rotterdam-The Hague Airport information point | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rotterdam Airportplein 60 | lat= | long= | directions=at the arrivals hall | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= 07:30-23:45 | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=Come here if you have questions about Rotterdam. The place to hear history. The gift shop is open 09:30-18:00. }} ====How to reach==== To plan a trip (for all public transport in the Netherlands) see [https://9292.nl/en 9292.nl]{{Dead link|date=December 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} Depending on the amount of travel with public transit in The Netherlands it is possible to buy a so called ''[[OV-Chipkaart]]'' or it may be more convemient to pay with a contactless credit or debit card by touching in & touching out on each trip. see for more information under ''Get Around.'' ;By bus/metro * {{listing | type=go | name=Bus 33 | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-06-30 | content=Connects the airport with ''Meijersplein/Airport'' metro station, from where you can take metro line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} to ''Slinge'' (for ''Rotterdam Centraal'' and Rotterdam city center).See for more information the ''By Metro'' section under ''Get Around''. Bus 33 also connects to Rotterdam Centraal station via the Overschie district. }} * {{listing | name=Bus 300 | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= 15 July - 20 September, Fr-Mo only| price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-06-30 | content=Direct service to ''Rotterdam Centraal''. No stops in between. }} ;By taxi * {{listing|type=go | name=Rotterdam Airport Taxi | alt= | url=http://www.rotterdam-airport-taxi.nl | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +31 10 262 04 06| tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-06-07 | content=Recommended by the airport web site. }} ====Other close airports==== * [[Schiphol Airport| Amsterdam Schiphol Airport]] ({{IATA|AMS}}) is 58 km north of Rotterdam and has much more flights than the Rotterdam airport. '''NS (Dutch Railways)''' operates ''[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/special-routes/intercity-direct.html Intercity Direct]'' high-speed rail service, every 30 minutes to Rotterdam. The journey takes 27 minutes. You have to pay an addition for the journey from Schiphol to Rotterdam, so regular intercities in direction Rotterdam Centraal and Rotterdam Blaak are cheaper (but slower) (these intercities also call at Schiphol). * [[Eindhoven#By plane| Eindhoven Airport]] ({{IATA|EIN}}) is 106 km southeast of Rotterdam. Ryanair and Wizzair operate flights to this airport. Take a bus to Eindhoven Centraal (approximately 20 minutes, the intercity train to Rotterdam Centraal takes about 63 minutes. * [[Brussels Airport]] ({{IATA|BRU}}) is 140 km south of Rotterdam. Many international carriers operate flights to this airport. The [https://www.b-europe.com/EN/Trains/InterCity train from Brussels] takes about 120 minutes and costs €35. Buses are also available, although less frequent. [[File:Rtd CS-III.JPG|thumbnail|right|Rotterdam Centraal has been completely reconstructed and now features a striking roof over the main concourse]] ===By train=== {{seealso|Rail travel in the Netherlands}} ==== International connections ==== * {{go | name=Rotterdam Centraal | alt= | url=https://www.ns.nl/stationsinformatie/rtd/rotterdam-centraal | email= | address= | lat=51.925 | long=4.469444 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q801388 | lastedit=2018-04-10 | content=The station is served by high-speed trains from [[Belgium]], [[France]] and the [[United Kingdom]]. }} **'''[http://www.thalys.com Thalys]''' operates [[high-speed trains]] from [[Antwerp]] (Antwerpen-Centraal, 35 min), [[Brussels]] (Brussel-Zuid/Midi, 1 hr 12 min), [[Paris]] (Gare du Nord, 2 hr 37 min) and [[Lille]] (Lille-Europe, 1 hr 55 min). Book well in advance to secure the best ticket deals. A cheaper but slower alternative to Thalys is the [https://www.b-europe.com/EN/Trains/InterCity Intercity Brussels] service between Amsterdam and Brussels. **Coming from Germany, Rotterdam Centraal can only be reached by changing trains in the Netherlands. When travelling on the German high-speed train '''[https://www.bahn.com/en/view/trains/long-distance/ice-ice-sprinter.shtml?dbkanal_007=L04_S02_D002_KIN0059_FLYOUT-ZUGFLOTTE-ICE_LZ01 ICE]{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' from [[Cologne]], [[Düsseldorf]] and [[Oberhausen]], the exchange will be in [[Utrecht]] Centraal station, and coming from [[Berlin]], [[Hanover]], [[Osnabrück]] (with the '''[https://www.bahn.com/en/view/trains/long-distance/intercity-eurocity.shtml?dbkanal_007=L04_S02_D002_KIN0059_FLYOUT-ZUGFLOTTE-IC_LZ01 DB-intercity]{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''') it is advisable to change at [[Amersfoort]]. Intercity-trains to Rotterdam depart from both Utrecht and Amersfoort. ** '''[http://www.eurostar.com Eurostar]''' runs a daily high speed service from [[London]] St Pancras International to Rotterdam Centraal. Prices start at £35 one way. The journey time is about 3 hr 30 min, but you must arrive at the station at least 90 minutes before departure in order to clear the extra border controls caused by COVID restrictions and Brexit. ==== National connections ==== The Dutch railway company NS runs high-speed ''[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/special-routes/intercity-direct.html Intercity Direct]'' trains between [[Amsterdam]], [[Amsterdam Airport Schiphol|Schiphol]], Rotterdam and [[Breda]]. The train stops only at those four stations and shaves 25-30 minutes in journey time between Amsterdam and Schiphol and Rotterdam versus the regular Intercity and Sprinter trains that stop in between. Beware that you have to pay a supplement (€2.60 during peak hours, €1.56 outside peak hours) to use the Intercity direct line to travel to Rotterdam if your journey involves Schiphol, (i.e. Amsterdam-Rotterdam journeys are subject to this supplement). You can purchase this supplement by tapping an anonymous or personal OV-chipkaart on a designated red pole found on the platform. Those without an anonymous or personal OV-chipkaart can use the ticketing machines or the NS website to purchase the supplement, however the discount may not be applicable to supplements purchased this way. Most unlimited day tickets including the Holland Travel Ticket can be used to travel on the Intercity Direct but a supplement purchase is still required. Thalys also offers seats for passengers travelling from Amsterdam to Rotterdam. The journey is less than 40 minutes, slightly faster than the Intercity Direct. However, reservations/advance bookings are required and most unlimited day tickets recognised by NS cannot be used on Thalys. Rotterdam is also well served by NS from other parts of the [[Netherlands]], with direct connections to [[Delft]], [[Amsterdam]], [[Eindhoven]], [[Gouda]], [[Leiden]], [[The Hague]], [[Utrecht]] and [[Vlissingen]]. Some intercities and sprinters also stop at '''[https://www.ns.nl/stationsinformatie/rtb/rotterdam-blaak Rotterdam Blaak]''' station which is in the middle of the city center. This station is also frequented by trams and metro. See also the [[Netherlands#Get in Netherlands]] page for further information on national rail. Alternatively, Rotterdam's Metro line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} provides a connection for passengers coming from [[The Hague]] at Den Haag Centraal. The journey from Den Haag Centraal to Rotterdam Centraal costs €4.43 with an anonymous or personalised OV-chipkaart, which is marginally cheaper than an NS journey (€4.90) between the same points but takes about five minutes longer to complete the journey. ===By bus=== * {{listing|type=go | name=Flixbus | alt= | url=https://www.flixbus.com/bus/rotterdam| email= | address=(bus stop) Rotterdam Centraal @ Conradstraat 52 | lat= | long= | directions=International bus stop platform 'GG' at Rotterdam Centraal. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-07-20 | content=Serving both domestic and international routes. They also have an extra stop at Rotterdam Zuidplein @ Gooilandsingel }} ===By boat=== ==== Ferries from [[England]] (UK) ==== You can also get to Rotterdam by [[Ferries to the British Mainland|ferry from the United Kingdom]]. No ferries arrive in the center. * '''[http://www.poferries.com P&O Ferries]''' has a daily overnight sailing from [[Kingston Upon Hull]] to Rotterdam Europoort. From Rotterdam Europoort P&O Ferries operates a shuttle bus service that takes you to the city center of Rotterdam. Please book this shuttle service while you book your sailing. * '''[http://www.stenaline.com StenaLine]''' has a daily day and a daily overnight sailing from [[Harwich (England)|Harwich]] to [[Hook of Holland]]. Next to the port is ''Hoek van Holland Haven'' metro station. Line B brings you to the city centre in approximately 30 minutes. * '''[http://www.dfdsseaways.co.uk/ferry-routes/holland/newcastle-to-amsterdam DFDS Seaways]''' has a daily overnight ferry crossing from Newcastle to Amsterdam. You can drive to Rotterdam in approx. 50 minutes. ==== Waterbus ==== [[File:ENI 02324345 ALBLAS (14).JPG|thumbnail|right|A WaterBus near [https://www.cityguiderotterdam.com/things-to-do/sights/old-harbour-rotterdam/ Oude Haven (Old Harbour)]]]The '''[http://www.waterbus.nl WaterBus]''' services provide connections between Rotterdam and the ''Drechtsteden'' ([[Dordrecht]] and surrounding cities, including [[UNESCO World Heritage List|UNESCO-site]] - the world-famous windmills - [[Kinderdijk]]). ===By metro=== Coming from [[The Hague]] or somewhere in between it can be advisable to use metroline {{rint|Rotterdam|E}}, see for more information the page about the [[Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region|whole region]]. ===By car=== [[File:Rotterdam Auto 01.JPG|thumbnail|right|Finding a good spot to park can be a problem in central Rotterdam]] Rotterdam is easily reached by car. From Amsterdam take the A4 South to Rotterdam Haven. From Utrecht take the A12 and change to the A20 just after [[Gouda]] on knooppunt Gouwe. Traffic congestion on highways is common during peak hours (morning and evening commutes). You can pay for '''on-street parking''' with debit and credit card. Remember your license plate number. Parking regulations are enforced regularly. '''[https://parkereninrotterdam.nl Parking garages]{{Dead link|date=April 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' can be easily found by following the sign-marked P-route. The easiest way to pay is by credit card, just insert your card on the way in, and insert it again on the way out, and the total time is automatically deducted. You can also pay with cash or debit card. '''Park & Ride (P&R)''' facilities outside the center of Rotterdam offer free or cheap parking with public transport connections into the city center. For some locations (Slinge A15, Kralingse Zoom A16/E19 and Alexander A20/E25), you can park for free if you have a valid check-out on your public transport card (OV-chipkaart). === By bike === As a Dutch city Rotterdam is well connected to extense (inter)national bicycle networks which use all kinds of infrastructural facilities. Most attractive for tourist to cycle over longer distances are the so called '''LF-routes'''. So the city center is croshed by '''LF2 Stedenroute ''(City Route)''''' from Amsterdam to Brussels and '''LF12 Maas- en Vestingroute''' follows the flow of river Maas all the way from The East. See for more information [http://www.holland.com/global/tourism/discover-holland/cycling/bicycle-route-planner.htm Bicycle Route Planner]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}: ''sellect more options and LF-Routes.'' ==Get around== {{Mapframe|51.9152|4.4791|zoom=14|layer=W|name=Map of Rotterdam (metro lines have thicker strokes than tram lines)}} {{Mapshapes|Q691704}} <!--Metro--> {{Mapshapes|Q1429091|stroke-width=2}} <!--Tram--> '''[https://www.ret.nl/en RET]''' operates the buses, trams, and metro within the city. You could find a journey planner and some [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret/maps.html network maps] there. Alternatively you'd use the pan-Netherlands journey planner – [https://9292.nl/en 9292.nl]. Transport generally arrives every 10 minutes during the day. Free Wi-Fi is available in some trams, buses and metro lines, and on the busier metro stations, you just need to accept the terms of use. ===Tickets=== You can [https://www.ovpay.nl/en use your contactless bank card]{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} to pay for any public transport that also accepts the [[OV-chipkaart]]. This system is called OV-Pay and is the most convenient way to travel. Debit and credit cards from Maestro, V PAY, Mastercard and Visa are supported. As anywhere else in the country OV-chipkaart can still be used to pay all kinds of public transport. The card costs €8.50 and you'd need to keep a positive balance there for at least €4. For using buses and trams, checking in and out has to be done in the vehicle, while for train and metro use the gates or card-reader poles at the entrance of the stations. Alternatively one of the city's transport travel cards could be used: * {{listing | name=RET travel cards | alt= | url=https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travel-products/products-and-fares.html | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=2 hours - €5.00; 1 (calendar) day - €11.00 | lastedit=2025-01-21 | content=To travel by bus, tram and metro with RET. Can be purchased via the RET Barcode app, at ticket machines in metro stations and at RET Sales and Information points. For children under 12 and age 65 and up there is a reduced price. The 1-day ticket is not a 24-hour ticket: it is only valid on the day of the first check-in, until 04:00 of the early morning the next day. Tickets are not sold on bus and tram anymore; use your bank card to check in instead. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=Tourist Day Ticket: Rotterdam & The Hague region | alt= | url=http://www.touristdaytickets.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=€17.00 for one day | lastedit=2025-01-21 | content=Unlimited travel on local transport (bus, tram, metro and waterbus. Note: trains excluded) in the Rotterdam and the Hague region. Available from ticket machines and service counters of RET and at tourist information. Ticket is valid for travel with RET, HTM, HTMbuzz, Arriva, Connexxion, EBS, QBuzz and Waterbus in South Holland. }} * [[#Rotterdam Welcome Card|Rotterdam Welcome Card]] also allows for unlimited use of public transport with RET in the city and region. Note that tickets must be purchased in advance, there is no ticket sale on board of bus, tram and metro. ===By metro=== [[Image:Metro Rotterdam future.svg|thumb|Rotterdam Metro reaches as far as [[the Hague]].]] There are 5 metro lines in the city. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|A}}, {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|C}}, share tracks between ''Schiedam Centrum'' and ''Capelsebrug'' and offer an east-west connection. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} share tracks between ''Rotterdam Centraal'' and ''Slinge'' and offer a north-south connection. Interchange between all lines is possible on ''Beurs'' station in the city center. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|A}}, {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|C}} operate every 10 minutes on working days and Saturday, which allows 3-4 minute intervals on the main section between ''Schiedam Centrum'' and ''Capelsebrug''. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} operate every 10 minutes on working days and Saturday, which give shorter intervals between ''Rotterdam Centraal'' and ''Slinge''. In the evening, on Saturday morning and Sunday the service is reduced to a 15-minute interval. The Rotterdam Metro operates from 05:30 until 00:00. On weekends the opening time is not until 07:00 Saturday, and 08:15 on Sunday. On Friday and Saturday nights the service is extended for a bit longer past midnight, but not on some parts of line B and E. See the [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret/time-table/metro/weekend-metro.html Weekend metro] page for an overview. For tourists the most important metro stations are: '''Line A, B and C''' (East-West branch) * '''Blaak''': train station, interchange with trams and busses, cube houses, Markthal, ports * '''Beurs''': city center, shops, interchange with metro {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} * '''Eendrachtsplein''': museumpark * '''Coolhaven''': [https://euromast.nl/ Euromast] * '''Delfshaven''': historic port '''Line D and E''' (North-South branch) * '''Meijerplein''': bus service to Rotterdam The Hague Airport '''''(only line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}})''''' * '''Blijdorp:''' [https://www.diergaardeblijdorp.nl/en/ Rotterdam Zoo] '''''(only line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}})''''' * '''Rotterdam Centraal''': northern edge of the city centre, interchange with trams and buses, train station * '''Beurs''': city centre, shops, interchange with metro {{rint|Rotterdam|A}}, {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|C}} * '''Leuvehaven''': ports, museums, Erasmus Bridge, Waterbus * '''Wilhelminaplein:''' Erasmus Bridge, Cruise Terminal Rotterdam, [http://www.hotelnewyork.com/ hotel New York] * '''Rijnhaven:''' Katendrecht, bus service to SS Rotterdam ===By tram=== There are nine tram lines in the city. Each tram has a conductor. Tram stops provide a detailed map of the public transport system for on-the-go route-finding. Most lines operate every 10 minutes on workdays, with a more frequent service during rush hours on some lines. All trams except {{rint|Rotterdam|2}} will stop at ''Rotterdam Centraal'', the main train station of Rotterdam. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|1}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|11}}''' run from the suburbs in the [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|northwest]] to De Esch in [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk|Kralingen]], via [[Schiedam]], the north of [[Delfshaven]], and the city centre. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|2}}''' runs on the south side of the rivers, through the districts of [[Rotterdam/Zuid|Charlois, IJsselmonde]] and [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|3}}''' starts at the central station, and connects to the south bank via Feijenoord, IJsselmonde and [[Rotterdam/Zuid|Beverwaard]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|4}}''' starts from Heemsraadplein, connecting to much of the city centre and the neighbourhoods to its west, before connecting to [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|Hillegersberg]] via the central station, and Noord/Crooswijk. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|5}}''' originates from the central station, running to the south bank via Feijenoord and suburbs, before terminating in [[Barendrecht]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|6}}''' runs from Heemsraadplein to Kleiweg, just north of the A20 highway, running parallel with line 4 up to Rotterdam Noord railway station. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|7}}''' starts at Marconiplein, where the metro and lines 1, 8 and 11 meet, to Woudestein where it meets lines 1 and 11 again, via the central station and Erasmus University. Between Weena and Woudestein, lines 1 and 11 follow a more direct route via the Stadhuis, Beurs, Blaak and Oostplein metro stations, while line seven heads north via [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk|Crooswijk and Kralingen]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|8}}''', lastly, comes from [[Delfshaven|Spangen]], and then continues through most of Delfshaven roughly following the river up to Eendrachtsplein in [[Rotterdam/Centre|Cool]], from where it joins the main tram corridor through the city centre, to eventually terminate in [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|Schiebroek]]. * '''Line 12''' operates during football matches in the Kuip stadion only. ===By bus=== '''RET''' operates bus services across the city. Night bus service (BOB-bus) has been cancelled. Buses operated by '''[http://www.arriva.nl Arriva]''' and '''[http://www.connexxion.nl Connexxion]''' connect the city with suburbs. Use the front door when boarding a bus. ===By water taxi=== * {{listing | name=Watertaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=http://www.watertaxirotterdam.nl | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 10 403 03 03 | tollfree= | hours= | price=€ | lastedit=2022-07-27 | content=Rotterdam was built on a number of islands and if you want to travel from shore to shore, the nicest way to go is to take a '''Water Taxi'''. Fixed fares for rides between 50 docks in Rotterdam and Schiedam, with 3 fares zones, starting at €4.50 per person in the central zone. You can give them a call, or use the online tool to see availability and book a ride. It is advised to book in advance, especially on days with large events in the city. }} ===By taxi=== If you do need a taxi you will have to find yourself a taxi rank or call a taxi company. There is a minimum taxi fare of €2.30 (first it was {{EUR|7.50}} which included the first two kilometers). Additionally, each subsequent kilometre is charged €2.20. * {{listing | name=Rotterdamse Taxi Centrale RTC N.V. | url=http://www.rtcnv.nl | phone=+31 10 462 60 60 }} * {{listing | name=Coöperatieve Taxi Onderneming St. Job u.a. | url=http://www.st-job.nl | phone=+31 10 425 70 00 }} *'''[https://www.zorgtaxirotterdam.nl Zorgtaxi Rotterdam.nl] {{Dead link|date= |bot= }} +'''31 10 818 28 23 * {{listing | name=Stadstaxi Rotterdam | url=https://www.stadstaxirotterdam.nl | phone=+31 10 818 28 23 }} * {{go | name=Botlektaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://botlektaxi.nl | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 10 666 66 06 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-01-19 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Taxi Rotterdam 010 | alt= | url=https://taxirotterdam010.nl/ | phone=+31 10 261 31 88 }} * {{listing | name= Rotterdamse Taxi | alt= | url= https://www.rotterdamsetaxi.nl/ | phone=+31 10 261 31 22 }} ===By tuk-tuk=== * {{listing | name=Tuk Tuk Company | alt= | url=http://www.tuktukcompany.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 9009933399 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-05-23 | content=A Thai-influenced transportation service using three-wheeled, open-air (but covered) motorized vehicles called Tuk Tuk offers a more economical and fast way to get around the city centre when compared to taxis. Tuk-tuk pricing is based on a zone system. Within a zone, a ride is €3.50 per person, €5 for 2 persons and €6.50 for 3. If you go to another zone, €3.50 is added (irrespective of number of persons). This service is handy if it is past the regular tram/bus/metro service hours (approximately half past midnight). }} ===By bicycle=== Like any city in The Netherlands, Rotterdam is very, very bicycle-friendly. Getting around by bike is probably the fastest way of travel within the city. There are separate bike lanes on most major streets and there are separate traffic lights for bicyclists. Avoid getting your tire in the tram rails: always cross tram rails at an angle. Of course it is also strongly advisable to watch out for other traffic at all time. On the other hand bicyclists can rely on the fact that motorists and pedestrians are aware of bikes. Always lock your bike securely when leaving it (preferably chained to a fixed object) or go to a guarded bicycle parking station. ==== Rent a bike==== At Rotterdam Centraal, you can rent bicycles at the shop in the underground bicycle parking, below the Station square. Leave the station at the front, exit 'Stationsplein'. The entrance of the bicycle parking ('fietsenstalling', with the glass roof) is at your right, in front of grand cafe Engels. Use-it, rents out nice Kronan bikes (Schaatsbaan 41-45, leave Central Station towards the center. Turn right at restaurant Engels and take the 2nd right). Bikes can be rented by several other private companies. Holland-Cycling.com provides a list of [http://www.holland-cycling.com/rotterdam/getting-around-rotterdam/bicycle-rental-in-rotterdam addresses]. Another list you will find at [https://www.rotterdam.nl/vrije-tijd/fiets-huren/ Rotterdam.nl]{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. If you have a personal (rather than an anonymous) [[OV-chipkaart]], bicycles can be rented at many train and metro stations and other central locations by the [http://www.ns.nl/en/door-to-door/ov-fiets OV-fiets system]. ==== Guarded bicycle parking ==== * The larger train stations have their own guarded bicycle parking. * Rotterdam municipality has also [https://www.rotterdam.nl/fietsparkeren some free locations]. ==See== ===Landmarks=== [[File:VN5 HDR2.jpg|thumbnail|right|The Van Nellefabriek is regarded as a prime example of the ''International Style'']] Rotterdam has national notoriety for its architecture, and the city therefore is dotted with landmarks of all sorts. Most of them you will find in the [[Rotterdam/Centrum|city centre]], but [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord|Feijenoord]] is also quite dense with them. Rotterdam is known for some bridges, not in the last place the '''Erasmusbrug''', spanning the Nieuwe Maas between the city centre and Feijenoord. Also of historical importance is the former railway lifting bridge '''De Hef''', slightly upstream from the Erasmusbrug. '''Historical landmarks''' are somewhat rare to come across in Rotterdam's city centre, but the city itself isn't completely devoid of them. In the city centre, the 1920 '''City hall''' and the '''Great or Saint-Laurence church''', both survivors of the 1940 bombardment. Rotterdam is also home to the country's oldest known bronze statue, depicting Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam and dating from 1622. It is found opposite the Saint-Laurence church. '''De Verwoeste Stad''' (Destroyed City) is a cubist statue depicting a man in agony who just lost his heart (symbol of the bombed city centre). Feijenoord, despite being home to many modern redevelopments, houses some historical landmarks such as the '''former headquarters of the Holland-Amerikalijn'''. Also worth visiting are the '''Oude Haven''' (''Old Harbour'') and the nearby '''Witte Huis''' (''White House'') and '''Schielandshuis'''. '''Industrial landmarks''' are plenty in a city that mostly thrives off of harbour activities. Besides the many industrial sites found in the [[Rotterdam/Port of Rotterdam|Port of Rotterdam]], the '''Van Nellefabriek''' in [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|the north of the city]] is a listed UNESCO site. [[File:Erasmusbrug seen from Euromast.jpg|thumbnail|right|The modern skyline of Rotterdam can be truly appreciated from the Euromast.]] The skyline of Rotterdam can, of course, be observed from one of the many skyscrapers in the city - though you should probably book a hotel located in a skyscraper or find one with a publicly accessible roof, as trespass isn't welcomed. Another great site for views over the city though, is the '''Euromast''' on the border between the [[Rotterdam/Centrum|city centre]] and [[Rotterdam/Delfshaven|Delfshaven]], twice in its history the highest building of the Netherlands. For a relatively small entry fee, you can climb the tower or for a larger sum, you can dine inside of it. For those less comfortable with great heights though, a birds-eye overview of the city can also be obtained at '''Miniworld Rotterdam''', near the central station. The city is also well-known for its experimental and out-of-the-ordinary architecture, often being a testing ground for new concepts. A prime example of this are the '''Kubuswoningen''' (''Cube Houses'') at [[Rotterdam/Centrum|Blaak]]; one has been set aside as a museum, offering a view of the unique perspective and custom furniture that comes with living in one of the houses. Also striking are the '''Markthal''', harbour-crane inspired sculptures at the '''Schouwburgplein''' and the '''Koopgoot''', all found in the city centre. '''Historic churches:''' in the Netherlands churches are generally closed to visitors on Sundays. === Other sites === [[File:Rotterdam Erasmusbrug bij avond vanaf hoek Veerhaven-Westerkade.jpg|thumb|Erasmus bridge of Rotterdam]] [[File:Schielandshuis.jpg|thumbnail|right|Schielandshuis today stands surrounding by modern glass and steel buildings]] [[Image:Oude Haven (Rotterdam) 2011.jpg|thumb|"Het witte huis" in Old Harbour]] The area around the [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Other sites|'''Station Rotterdam Blaak''']] was destroyed by a Nazi bombardment during World War II. After the war this area was populated with some bold examples of modern architecture. The '''Kubuswoningen''' are literally cubes, tilted over by 45 degrees. '''Oude Haven''' (Old Harbour) is a nice place to see and sit at some café nearby. '''Witte Huis''' is a "skyscraper" built in 1898. '''Het Schielandshuis''' is the only remaining 17th-century building in the city centre of Rotterdam. [[File:Delfshaven Rotterdam (the Netherlands) 17.JPG|thumb|The old barges moored at the Delfshaven]] [[Rotterdam/Delfshaven|'''Delfshaven''']] is one of very few locations in the city which survived World War II bombings. Historic Delfshaven is a very scenic walk. It consists of an 17th-century area around two canals with a lot of charm. By day visit little shops in this neighbourhood, by night attractive pubs and restaurants make the visit worthwhile. * '''Chinatown''' in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Other sites|Centrum]] is full of Chinese restaurants and also Indonesian and other Asian restaurants. [[File:Rotterdam molens De Ster (l) en De Lelie (r) - tegenlicht.jpg|thumbnail|right|''De Ster'' and ''De Lelie'' at dusk]] ===Windmills=== Rotterdam has only seven windmills left. Of these, only ''De Ster'' and ''De Lelie'' in [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk#See|Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk]] are open to visitors on a regular basis. Other windmills are open to visitors when the mill is turning (easy enough to see), but there are some exceptions to this rule of thumb. A blue flag also indicates that the mill is open to visitors. Look for De Prinsenmolen, De Vier Winden, and De Speelman windmills in [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam#Windmills|Northern Rotterdam]] and De Zandweg in [[Rotterdam/Zuid#See|Rotterdam Zuid]]. ===Museums=== [[File:Overzicht achtergevel - Rotterdam - 20534511 - RCE.jpg|thumbnail|right|Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen]] [[Netherlands#Museumkaart|Museumkaart]] is accepted at the city's museums. The Museumpark area in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Museums|Centrum]] has many of the city's museums. '''Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen''' houses a rich, broad collection including masterpieces ranging from Pieter Brueghel the Elder's ''The "little" Tower of Babel'' (1563) to an important collection of surrealism, prominently featuring Salvador Dalí and René Magritte. '''Sylvette''' is a large work by Pablo Picasso was erected in 1973. It is one of the elaborations Picasso made based on the portraits of his muse Sylvette David. Definitely worth a look. '''Kunsthal''' houses some 25 exhibitions annually with a fascinating and widely varied repertoire. Het Nieuwe Instituut museum includes the '''Museum voor Architectuur, Design en Digitale cultuur''', a museum for architecture,deesign and digital culture, and '''Huis Sonneveld''', a building in the Bauhaus style. '''Chabot Museum''' is a neat little museum is housed in a splendid modernist 1930s villa. It houses a collection of works of the expressionist painter Hendrik Chabot. '''Natuurhistorisch Museum''' has changing expositions and a fixed collection of mammals, plants and fossils. The city has two maritime museums. The '''Maritiem Museum''' has a variety of expositions about the harbour of Rotterdam and maritime history, and a restored 19th-century gunboat that is a must-see for naval enthusiasts. The '''Mariniersmuseum''' shows the history of the centuries-old Narine Corps and its modern-day role. Special attention is given to the heroic role of the corps in the 1940 defence of Rotterdam. ====Other museums==== [[File:Façade Witte de With Center for Contemporary Art.jpg|thumbnail|right|Witte de With Center]] In [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Other museums|Centrum]], you can visit '''Museum Rotterdam''', which is dedicated to the modern day Rotterdam and its history; the '''Museum of Chess-Pieces''', which houses a diverse collection of chess games from ancient Chinese to cartoon characters; the '''Wereldmuseum''' (World Arts Museum), which focuses on encounters and cross-cultural inspiration; and '''Witte de With''' (Centre for Contemporary Arts). [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord#Q2191118|'''Nederlands Fotomuseum''']] shows the diversity of forms of photography, especially as a medium of social expression and commentary. [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk#Q2351733|'''SSN Museumstoomdepot''']] features old steam locomotives and trains. Besides a small museum it's a workshop where you can see restoration in progress. ==Do== [[File:Overzicht - Rotterdam - 20534496 - RCE.jpg|thumbnail|right|''De Doelen'' concert hall in Schouwbourgplein]] Upcoming events and performances are listed on the VVV and Use-it websites. The larger events are well documented on the VVV site, for smaller venues check Use-it (under Calendar) for a very attractive and well updated listing of music, expositions, movies and parties that need checking out. The [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Do|Uitburo office]] inside the Central Library provides information on theatre and music performances. It also sells tickets and offers an overview of performances that can be visited for free (''gratis''). ===Events=== [[File:North Sea Jazz Festival 2012 - ALOE BLACC.jpg|thumbnail|right|In July, you can enjoy the ''North Sea Jazz'' festival]] Rotterdam plays host to a lot of events, a lot of them yearly ones. Besides these there are a lot smaller ones that can be very nice, so ask around and check the VVV website. A few of these yearly events to name: * {{do | name=Six Days of Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.wielerzesdaagserotterdam.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2293105 | lastedit=2024-12-26 | content=A cycling competition in early December. }} * {{do | name=IFFR | alt= | url=http://www.filmfestivalrotterdam.com/en/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The International Film Festival Rotterdam, which mainly features independent films from all over the world in February. }} * {{do | name=Art Rotterdam | alt= | url=http://www.artrotterdam.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=In February, you can see (and buy) masterpieces of modern art. }} * {{do | name=World tennis Tournament | alt= | url=http://www.abnamrowtt.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=In February. }} * On the '''[http://www.rotterdamsemuseumnacht.nl/ Rotterdam Museum Night]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' in March, nearly all Rotterdam museums and galleries open their doors in the evening with special events. * {{do | name=Motel Mozaique | alt= | url=http://motelmozaique.nl/en/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Music, art & performance. Plus a sleeping project that enables sleeping in art or on special locations in Rotterdam (April) }} * [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Q1341108|'''Rotterdam Marathon''']], internationally reputed as a very fast marathon, is held in April in Centrum. * {{do | name=Poetry International | alt= | url=http://www.poetry.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Festival in June. }} * '''Metropolis Festival''' (music) on the first Sunday in July. * The sublime '''[http://www.northseajazz.com/ North Sea Jazz]''' festival in July with loads of worldfamous artists. * {{do | name=Summer Carnival | alt= | url=http://www.zomercarnaval.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A huge Caribbean-oriented parade and party in the city centre. }} * {{do | name=Heerlijk Rotterdam | alt= | url=http://www.heerlijkrotterdam.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Three day event where you can sample dishes from Michelin-star restaurants for a reduced price (dates vary, summer edition usually late August) }} * The '''[http://wereldhavendagen.nl/en/ World Port Days]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' a weekend full of activities centred around the large harbour of Rotterdam (early September) * The classical music '''[http://www.gergievfestival.nl/ Gergjev]''' festival in September, led by master-conductor Valery Gergjev. * The '''[http://www.rotterdamseoogst.nl/ Rotterdam Harvest Festival]''' in September. * '''Bazar Curieux''' (music) in December For full listings of events check [http://www.rotterdam.info/uk/ Rotterdam.info] and [http://www.use-it.nl/ Use-it]{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. === Tours === Several tours can be found in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Tours|Centrum]], including the tourist '''tram line 10''' through the city centre and historic parts of Rotterdam on classic trams; the '''Spido harbour trip''' through the first 8 km of the harbour; and De pannenkoekenboot, on which you cam eat as many pancakes as you want while you cruise the harbour. ===Cinema=== There are two huge megacinemas in Rotterdam. The one in the city centre is called '''Pathé Schouwburgplein''' (at the Schouwburgplein), the other one is on the southside of the city. It's called '''Pathé De Kuip''' (next to the Feyenoord stadium De Kuip). In these cinemas you can see Hollywood movies and occasionally an arthouse movie. To get to De Kuip, take tram {{rint|Rotterdam|12}} to stop Stadion Feijenoord. If you're more into alternative cinema go to '''[http://www.lantaren-venster.nl/ Lantaren/Venster]''' Cinema (Otto Reuchlinweg 996 (Wilhelminapier)). Here you'll get European, Asian and Latin American cinema in a nice atmosphere. It has a nice bar too. The other option is '''Cinerama''' (Westblaak 18) which shows a combination of art/house films and commercial Hollywood flicks. During the '''IFFR''' (International Film Festival Rotterdam), which usually takes place in February, art-house movies are shown at much more locations throughout the city. In August, an open air cinema at the '''Lloydkwartier''' shows both blockbusters and independent films. Entrance is free, and you can either bring your own chair or rent one onsite. To get there, take {{rint|Rotterdam|A}} to Coolhaven and walk for about 10–15 minutes towards the river in the south. ===Other attractions=== [[File:Erasmusbréck w.jpg|thumbnail|right|Rotterdam can be breathtaking from above]] When you want to combine a unique experience with a great view over the city of Rotterdam, you can make a (tandem) '''skydive''' at [http://www.skydiverotterdam.com Skydive Rotterdam]. At Skydive Rotterdam (also called the Flying Dutchman) you can book a tandem skydive or do a complete skydiving course and jump from a height of 3 or 4 kilometers. It's the only skydiving school in the "Randstad" area and the only place in the Netherlands where you can jump over a major city like Rotterdam. When the weather's good you will have a spectacular view over the Rotterdam skyline and other parts of the Randstad area, all the way to the coastline. An '''airplane''' can be rented at reasonable rates at Rotterdam Airport at [http://vliegen.rotterdamsweb.nl/ Happy Wing]. Nice tours above the city, its ports or the coastline are on offer. On summer Sundays, it is possible to lower yourself down from the '''Euromast'''. On last Sundays of summer months you can glide down in 15 seconds on a wire (tokkelen). Both: Not for the faint of heart! Check the website of [http://heightspecialists.nl/abseilen/ Heightspecialists]. ===With children=== [[File:Medusakop op kolom in giraffenweide - Rotterdam - 20348014 - RCE.jpg|thumbnail|right|The historic ''Diergaarde Blijdorp'' is definitely worth a visit]] '''Diergaarde Blijdorp''' (Rotterdam Zoo) in [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk#Q18775796|Kralingen-Crooswijk]] is one of the most popular day trips in the Netherlands. Walk through different parts of the world, seeing interesting animals that feel right at home in an approximation of their natural habitats. The Oceanium is filled with ocean and coastal dwellers, including exotic fish and puffins. '''Miniworld Rotterdam''' in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Do|Centrum]] is the largest indoor model railroad layout of the Netherlands. === Football === : Rotterdam has three professional soccer teams: * [https://www.feyenoord.nl/ '''Feyenoord'''] play in Eredivisie, the top tier. Their home ground is Stadion Feijenoord (capacity 51,000), better known as "De Kuip"; it's often also used for rock concerts and similar events. It's south of the river with its own railway station Rotterdam Stadion. * [https://www.sparta-rotterdam.nl/ '''Sparta Rotterdam'''] also play in Eredivisie. Their home ground is Het Kasteel ("The Castle", capacity 12,000), 3 km west of the centre. * [https://www.sbvexcelsior.nl/ '''SBV Excelsior'''] were relegated in 2024 so they play in Eerste Divisie the second tier. Their Stadion Woudestein (capacity 4500), now called Van Donge & De Roo Stadion, is 2 km east of city centre on the north bank of the river. ===Water sports and yachting=== [[File:Rotterdam kralingse plas.jpg|thumbnail|right|Kralingse Plas]] Being a major harbour and having lots of waterways and lakes, Rotterdam has a lot to offer for water-enthousiasts. Boating: There are four major lakes in Rotterdam. The Kralingse Plas, The double Bergse Plas, the Rottemeren and the Zevenhuizer Plas. All of them have active yachting communities and sometimes sailing races can be seen. The Zevenhuizer plas is mainly populated by Windsurf enthousiasts. Sailing boats can be rented at the Kralingse Plas at the [http://www.henkvangent.nl/ Van Gent sailing school], Plaszoom, a 10-minute walk from Metro Voorschoterlaan (walk through the Julianalaan until you reach Plaszoom). Rowing- and sailing boats can be rented at the windmill at the very end of the eastern Rottekade at [http://www.botenverhuurvanvliet.nl/ Van Vliet's] (Rottemeren, go by car or bike, a very nice ride). Yachting: When visiting Rotterdam with your own yacht you will find that most yachting harbours are on the inland waterways, where there are a lot of them. On the river Maas you will only find the [http://www.citymarinarotterdam.nl/ City Marina], behind a bascule bridge on the southern bank, and the [http://www.veerhavenrotterdam.nl/ Veerhaven], right in the city center on the northern bank. Unless you need the better shelter of the characterless City Marina, go for the admittedly a little choppy Veerhaven marina, very central and scenic. ===Beach=== The closest good beach is about 30 km away at [[Hook of Holland]]. Here you will find a very fine sand beach with good swimming and enough entertainment. To get there, take line {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} to Hoek van Holland Strand, its end point. For a more urban-party beach experience head to [[Scheveningen]] where you can find everything beach-party addicts dream about; Endless rows of beachside bars, restaurants and discothèques and a boulevard along a splendid fine-sand beach. It can get ''very'' crowded here. Take the train to [[Den Haag]] Centraal Station and tram {{rint|denhaag|9}} subsequently. Also at the same coast is Kijkduin, which is very recommended for children. To get there, get {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} to its northern end point, then take bus 24 to Kijkduin. If you want to go to the beach but want to stay in the city, consider taking {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} to its end point, Nesselande and walk across the Corsicalaan from there. You are at the Strand Nesselande. ==Buy== The main shopping areas are in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Buy|Centrum]]. '''Afrikaanderplein Markt''' in [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord#Buy|Feijenoord]] is a market of about 300 stalls geared towards Rotterdam's inhabitants of Antillian, South American or African descent (a lot of whom happen to live nearby). Dutch cheese is very famous, you can get some at grocery stores or wider variety at the marketplace. Other typical Dutch things are ''stroopwafels'', ''hagelslag'' and ''drop'' (liquorice). ==Eat== The area around metrostation ''Blaak'', called '''Oude haven''' (Old Harbour), is not only worth seeing but has also a lot of pubs and restaurants. The Rotterdam dining scene is developing very fast with new restaurants opening very often. While most of the attention focusses on new Michelin-star aspiring places, there is very much a trend towards high quality mid-range restaurants offering French/Dutch cuisine. ==Drink== [[Rotterdam/Centrum#|Centrum]] has a wide variety of bars, coffee shops and music venues. The [http://www.kaapsebrouwers.nl/ Kaapse Brouwers] brewery has four locations around the city. Each location has a whole wall of taps to choose from. They are popular place so waiting lines can be long. ==Sleep== See district articles for listings for camping, hostels and hotels. ==Connect== The telephone country code for the Netherlands is 31, and Rotterdam's city code is 010. In case of an '''Emergency''', dial '''1-1-2''' (free of charge). When staying for a longer time, buy a prepaid sim card for your mobile phone. ==Stay safe== You should take normal precautions against pickpockets and baggage theft, especially in the main shopping streets, at markets, in trams and trains, at stations, and anywhere where tourists congregate. It is not wise to hang around Stadhuisplein when nightlife ends. Fights often occur in this area after midnight. Rotterdam also has a reputation of mass venues getting out of hand, though you shouldn't worry too much about it. If violence breaks out at football festivities (not so unlikely) or at the end of sun soaked festive days, like Kings Day (even less unlikely, especially at the Stadhuisplein), just get out of the way and you're unlikely to be affected. It's advisable not to wear a football jersey of Ajax Amsterdam or any other stuff promoting Ajax or Amsterdam. In terms of general safety, at daylight most areas in the city are safe. But at night, some areas such as Spangen, Charlois and Hillesluis are wise to avoid. When you drive a car with a foreign numberplate (especially if it's a French or Belgian one) you might or will be approached by so-called ''drugsrunners''. This can occur on the motorways surrounding the city and in the city proper. These guys try to lure people to places where drugs are dealt. Do not respond to their signals and do not follow them. ==Go next== If you do not have a car, the hub for leaving the city will probably be '''Rotterdam Centraal''', from where trains leave in all directions at short intervals (you can generally drop in and catch the next train to your destination). Most regional and longer distance buses leave here too, with the exception of most buses to southerly destinations and the province of Zeeland that leave from '''metro station Zuidplein'''. In contrast with the trains, bus departure times should be checked in advance as they can be far and between. For trains to the North and the South travellers can also choose to depart from '''Rotterdam Blaak'''. '''The Hague''' can also be reached easily and rather quickly by metro line E. Nearby destinations like [[Schiedam]] or even [[Delft]] can also be reached by bike if you fancy a somewhat longer ride. Bike routes and directions are well marked and available in abundance. A good idea for a sunny day! Schiedam can be reached by train or by metro (in 15 minutes) too. [[Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region|MRDH]] is the area of the region Rotterdam-Schiedam-Delft-The Hague, see this page for more information on travel and cycling. ===Nearby=== * '''[[Kinderdijk]]''' — a [[UNESCO World Heritage List#Netherlands|UNESCO World Heritage]] site. 19 old windmills are still helping to control the water level there. Windmill #2 is open to the public, allowing you to see its inner workings. In season there is a direct waterbus service from an embankment at the Erasmus bridge (travel time ~1/2 hour). Alternatively, ''Arriva'' bus 90 from bus and metro station ''Zuidplein'' will get you there in 50 minutes. * '''[[Schiedam]]''' — visit the historic centre of this small town at the edge of Rotterdam, including the world's six tallest windmills. Also you can find there the ''Stedelijk Museum'', an attractive museum with some nice modern art exhibitions. Easily reached by bicycle, a train (from ''Rotterdam Centraal'' to ''Schiedam Centrum''), metro A, B or C line to ''Schiedam Centrum'' station, or tram lines 1 or 11 (''Broersvest'' or ''Koemarkt'' stop). ===Day trips=== * '''[[Delft]]''' — this famous town is a 15-minute train ride from ''Rotterdam Centraal''. Very historic and scenic, but also very touristy. * '''[[Dordrecht]]''' — a magnificent historic town with little tourism and an excellent old art museum (Dordrechts Museum). It is a 15-min train ride, or even better, take a ''[http://www.waterbus.nl/halte/dordrecht-merwekade/ waterbus]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''. * '''[[Gouda]]''' — visit this small picturesque postcard-like town and see the magnificent stained glass windows in the ''Sint Janskerk''. Also 20 min by train. * '''[[Delta Works]]''' — a series of construction projects protecting the Southwest of the Netherlands from the sea. The Oosterschelde storm surge barrier is the most impressive, and next to it is ''Neeltje Jans'', a water theme park dedicated to the Delta Works. * '''[[Brielle (Netherlands)|Brielle]]''' — a mediaeval fortified town. The centre is a nice ensemble of old houses and churches, enclosed by the original earthen defensive walls. There are some museums and the Roman Catholic shrine of the Martyrs of Gorcum. Walking around town and fortifications is a treat. You can easily spend a full day in Brielle. Take bus 103 at the ''Spijkenisse Centrum'' metro station. A journey takes about 70 min. * '''[[Schoonhoven]]''' — a nice small town with many well preserved medieval buildings on the ''Lek'' river in a halfway to Utrecht. From Station Capelsebrug, Rotterdam, take a bus 195 (direction Utrecht). A journey takes about 1 hour. * Go to the other cities of the [[Randstad]], e.g. '''[[The Hague]]''' is 1/2 hour by train or metro, '''[[Utrecht]]''' is around 45 min by train, '''[[Amsterdam]]''' about an hour. {{routebox | image1=NL-A15.png | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Brielle (Netherlands)|Brielle]] | minorl1=[[Spijkenisse]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Arnhem]] | minorr1=[[Dordrecht]] | image2=BE-E19.svg | imagesize2=20 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Amsterdam]] | minorl2=[[Delft]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Antwerp]] | minorr2=[[Zwijndrecht]] }} {{usablecity}} {{isPartOf|Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region}} {{geo|51.9239|4.4623|zoom=14}} 6iauhjbx2skxj58o7y8vbb45jd91skc 5086987 5086986 2025-07-03T06:06:15Z PauldeKoning 2328897 5086987 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Rotterdam Banner 4.jpg|dotm=yes|unesco=yes}} {{printDistricts}} '''Rotterdam''' is a very large city in the province of [[South Holland]] in the west of the [[Netherlands]]. The city is the second largest in the country with a population of approximately 650,000 inhabitants in the municipality (2020) and about 2.2 million inhabitants in the shared metropolitan area of the [[Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region]] (MRDH). Rotterdam is a vibrant, multicultural city; it is known for its university (Erasmus), cutting-edge architecture, lively cultural life, industrial riverside setting, its maritime heritage and colourful summer events. The municipality stretches all the way to the [[North Sea]] with gigantic areas like '''Europoort''' and '''Maasvlakte 1&2'''. All belong to the '''Port of Rotterdam'''. Starting as a dam constructed in 1270 on the Rotte River, Rotterdam has grown into a major international commercial centre. The port of Rotterdam is Europe's busiest port by cargo tonnage, and was the world's busiest from 1962 until it was surpassed by Shanghai in 2004. Rotterdam's commercial and strategic importance is based on its location near the mouth of the Nieuwe Maas (New Meuse), a channel in the delta formed by the Rhine and Meuse on the North Sea. These rivers lead directly into the centre of Europe, including the industrial Ruhr region, which is why Rotterdam is often called the "Gateway to Europe". Many relatively high buildings (by Dutch standards) have been emerging throughout and around the city centre. Daring and new styles of apartments, office buildings and recreation facilities resulted in Rotterdam becoming a city of modern architecture and the only city in the Netherlands with a modern skyline. Due to this, the city is especially interesting for Dutch people to visit. ==Districts== {{Mapframe|width=660|zoom=10|show=districts}} {{Mapshape|type=page|wikicommons=Rotterdam_Districts.map|group=districts}} {{Regionlist | regionmap= | regionmaptext= | regionmapsize= | region1name=[[Rotterdam/Centrum|Stadsdriehoek]] | region1color=#44aa99 | region1items=Rotterdam Centrum | region1description=Filled with highrise and out-of-the-box architecture, this district forms the heart of Rotterdam and gives the city its characteristic. | region2name=[[Rotterdam/Delfshaven|Delfshaven]] | region2color=#aa4499 | region2items=Delfshaven | region2description=Originally a part of [[Delft]], this town over time grew closer to Rotterdam, leading up to its incorporation in 1886. The former town still has a fair bit of its historic identity. | region3name=[[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk|Kralingen-Crooswijk]] | region3color=#117733 | region3items=Kralingen-Crooswijk, Noord | region3description=Famous for the Kralingse Plas, a large artificial lake and the surrounding park, as well as Blijdorp, the second-oldest still active zoo in the Netherlands. | region4name=[[Rotterdam/Feijenoord|Feijenoord]] | region4color=#ee99aa | region4items=Feijenoord | region4description=Namesake of a Dutch football club, Feijenoord is the heart of the south banks of the Meuse. | region5name=[[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|Northern Rotterdam]] | region5color=#d09440 | region5items=Overschie, Hillegersberg-Schiebroek | region5description=Home to Rotterdam's airport as well as Hilligersberg and the surrounding lakes and forests. | region6name=[[Rotterdam/Capelle en Noordoost|Capelle en Noordoost]] | region6color=#b5d29f | region6items=Prins Alexander, Capelle aan den IJssel | region6description=Largely home to Rotterdam's urban sprawl. | region7name=[[Rotterdam/Nieuwerkerk|Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel]] | region7color=#d56d76 | region7items=Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel | region7description=Though not incorporated into Rotterdam, Nieuwerkerk is largely an extension of the city. It is home to the lowest point of the famously low-lying Netherlands, at {{convert|6.76|m|yd}} below sea level. | region8name=[[Rotterdam/Zuid|Zuid]] | region8color=#6699cc | region8items=Charlois, IJsselmonde | region8description=The southernmost districts of Rotterdam. | region9name=[[Rotterdam/Port of Rotterdam|Port of Rotterdam]] | region9color=#ddcc77 | region9items=Pernis, Rozenburg, Botlek, Europoort, Eerste- en Tweede Maasvlakte | region9description=Best known as the largest seaport of Europe, the Port of Rotterdam has been built within a river delta as well as the sea. | region10name=[[Rotterdam/Hook of Holland|Hook of Holland]] | region10color=#44aa99 | region10items=Hoek van Holland | region10description=Formerly one of the main gateways into the Netherlands from anywhere reachable by ocean-going vessel, nowadays a popular beachfront. | region11name=[[Rotterdam/Albrandswaard|Albrandswaard]] | region11color=#882255 | region11items=Hoogvliet, Poortugaal, Rhoon | region11description=Island on the suburban fringes of Rotterdam, functioning as a suburb both to Rotterdam and [[Spijkenisse]]. }} ==Understand== ===History=== Settlement at the lower end of the fen stream ''Rotte'' dates from at least 900. Around 1150, large floods in the area ended development, leading to the construction of protective dikes and dams. A dam on the Rotte or 'Rotterdam' was built in the 1260s and was at the present-day ''Hoogstraat'' ('High Street'). Although Rotterdam did well after the Middle Ages and in the 'Golden Century' - roughly between 1650 and 1750 - it was not before the second part of the nineteenth century that the city started to develop itself rapidly. Helped by the digging of a new seaway (the Nieuwe Waterweg) Rotterdam was rid of access problems caused by the silting of the river and started receiving ever bigger ships with cargo for/from the booming Ruhrgebiet in Germany. Port related trade and industry skyrocketed, and the city started to draw lots of migrants from the then poor Brabant province, for whom the southern part of the city was constructed. At the turn of the twentieth century Rotterdam was well under way to become the largest economic centre in the Netherlands. It was between then and the second world war that large prestigious construction works were undertaken, in part to show off the new found economic pride. The German army invaded the Netherlands on 10 May 1940. Germany had planned to conquer the country in one day, but after meeting unexpectedly fierce resistance, it finally forced the Dutch army to capitulate on 14 May 1940 by bombing Rotterdam and threatening to bomb other cities. The heart of the city was almost completely destroyed by the German Luftwaffe, and 800 people were killed, while about 80,000 others were made homeless. During the war, Rotterdam was bombed several times during allied raids that were aimed at the harbour area but sometimes also hit the city. The City Hall survived the bombing. Unlike most other European cities however, the City Council did not aim at rebuilding what was lost, but on taking the opportunity to create a 'new' and better city. Damaged but not destroyed old buildings were torn down in the process. From the 1950s through the 1970s, the city was rebuilt. It remained quite windy and open until the city councils from the 1980s on began developing an active architectural policy. Daring and new styles of apartments, office buildings and recreation facilities resulted in a more 'livable' city center with a new skyline. In the 1990s, the ''Kop van Zuid'' was built on the south bank of the river as a new business center. ===Demographics=== In the Netherlands, Rotterdam has the highest percentage of foreigners from non-industrialised nations. Nearly 50% of the population are not native to the Netherlands or have at least one parent born outside the country. Muslims comprise close to 25% of the city's population. The city is also home to one of the largest Cape Verdean communities in the world, as well as the largest Dutch Antillean community. ===Atmosphere=== Rotterdam's culture is distinct from other cities in the Netherlands. The mentality of the people is described as 'can do'. From the waiters you meet to the businessmen and recent immigrants, everybody breathes a dream of getting forward with life. The modern design of the city, the bustle and the spree of buildings all add to this impression. That said, you might also find that people are sometimes too straight with you. And yes, the city is not the cosiest, or the most picturesque of towns, especially on drab winter days. But get acquainted with this small metropolis, easiest done on one of the festival days with nice weather. You will come to love it. [[File:Rotterdam haringvliet in winter.jpg|thumbnail|right|Winters in Rotterdam are moist and can be freezingly cold, but just as well uniquely beautiful]] ===Climate=== {{climate chart | Rotterdam |1.3|6.4|71 |1.1|7.1|66 |2.4|10.3|57 |4.8|14.3|42 |8.1|17.9|56 |11.0|20.6|69 |13.2|22.7|79 |12.9|22.6|92 |10.5|19.3|90 |7.2|14.9|87 |3.9|10.2|88 |1.4|7.0|86 |units = metric |float = right |clear = none |source = Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute}} Rotterdam gains a lot of charm when the sun is shining. Visiting in spring or summer may be more enjoyable than during the dark rainy winter. The summer months see temperatures averaging around {{c|22}} during the day and {{c|14}} at night; though temperatures near or above {{c|28}} during the day and {{c|16}} at night are not unheard of during heat waves. Daylight runs from 05:30 until 22:00 in the summer, and only between 08:45 and 16:30 in the winter. ===Tourist information=== *{{listing | type=listing | name=Rotterdam Tourist Information Coolsingel | alt=VVV | url=https://en.rotterdam.info/ | email=info@rotterdam.info | address=Coolsingel 114, 3011 AG Rotterdam | lat=51.918860 | long=4.481239 | directions=Metro {{rint|Rotterdam|A}} {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} : Beurs, at the garden of the Schielandshuis | phone=+31 10 790 01 85 | tollfree= | hours=09:30-18:00 | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=This well equipped and modern tourist office can provide loads of information like city maps, small guide books, souvenirs and the like, and offers tips and information on what to see and do in Rotterdam. Rotterdam.info also sells Rotterdam Welcome Cards, concert tickets, gift certificate, souvenirs, public transport tickets and parking vouchers. Check the website for upcoming events. }} *{{listing | type=listing | name=Rotterdam Tourist Information Central Station | alt=VVV | url= | email= | address=Stationsplein 21, 3013 AJ Rotterdam | lat=51.92410 | long=4.47030 | directions=main entrance, in the central hall of the central station | phone=+31 107900185 | tollfree= | hours=09:30-18:00 | price= | lastedit=2019-07-21 | content=With help from the service desk, a wide range of tourist information folders and the employees, you can find out what part of the city you would like to visit. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=Rotterdam Welcome Card | alt= | url=https://en.rotterdam.info/visitors-info/rotterdam-welcome-card/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=1 day (€13.50), 2 days (€19.50), or 3 days (€24.50) | lastedit=2022-07-27 | content= The card allows for unlimited use of all public transport by RET in the city and region, and offers at least 25% discounts on more than 50 attractions, museums, and restaurants. Available at Rotterdam Info (VVV) points and other locations. Without public transport, the card costs €6.00. }} ==Get in== ===By plane=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Rotterdam The Hague Airport | alt={{IATA|RTM}} | url=http://www.rotterdamthehagueairport.nl/en | email= | address= | lat=51.951248 | long=4.443541 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Rotterdam The Hague Airport | image=Rotterdam airport luchtfoto.jpg | wikidata=Q656807 | lastedit=2016-06-07 | content=It is the 3rd largest airport in the country. It is 6 km north of the city centre. There are direct flights from cities in [[Germany]], [[Italy]], [[France]], [[Spain]], and the [[United Kingdom]]. Commercial airlines that operate to the airport include Transavia, Lufthansa, British Airways, and Turkish Airlines. }} ====Services==== * {{listing|type=go | name=VVV Rotterdam-The Hague Airport information point | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rotterdam Airportplein 60 | lat= | long= | directions=at the arrivals hall | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= 07:30-23:45 | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=Come here if you have questions about Rotterdam. The place to hear history. The gift shop is open 09:30-18:00. }} ====How to reach==== To plan a trip (for all public transport in the Netherlands) see [https://9292.nl/en 9292.nl]{{Dead link|date=December 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} Depending on the amount of travel with public transit in The Netherlands it is possible to buy a so called ''[[OV-Chipkaart]]'' or it may be more convemient to pay with a contactless credit or debit card by touching in & touching out on each trip. see for more information under ''Get Around.'' ;By bus/metro * {{listing | type=go | name=Bus 33 | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-06-30 | content=Connects the airport with ''Meijersplein/Airport'' metro station, from where you can take metro line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} to ''Slinge'' (for ''Rotterdam Centraal'' and Rotterdam city center).See for more information the ''By Metro'' section under ''Get Around''. Bus 33 also connects to Rotterdam Centraal station via the Overschie district. }} * {{listing | name=Bus 300 | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= 15 July - 20 September, Fr-Mo only| price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-06-30 | content=Direct service to ''Rotterdam Centraal''. No stops in between. }} ;By taxi * {{listing|type=go | name=Rotterdam Airport Taxi | alt= | url=http://www.rotterdam-airport-taxi.nl | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +31 10 262 04 06| tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-06-07 | content=Recommended by the airport web site. }} ====Other close airports==== * [[Schiphol Airport| Amsterdam Schiphol Airport]] ({{IATA|AMS}}) is 58 km north of Rotterdam and has much more flights than the Rotterdam airport. '''NS (Dutch Railways)''' operates ''[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/special-routes/intercity-direct.html Intercity Direct]'' high-speed rail service, every 30 minutes to Rotterdam. The journey takes 27 minutes. You have to pay an addition for the journey from Schiphol to Rotterdam, so regular intercities in direction Rotterdam Centraal and Rotterdam Blaak are cheaper (but slower) (these intercities also call at Schiphol). * [[Eindhoven#By plane| Eindhoven Airport]] ({{IATA|EIN}}) is 106 km southeast of Rotterdam. Ryanair and Wizzair operate flights to this airport. Take a bus to Eindhoven Centraal (approximately 20 minutes, the intercity train to Rotterdam Centraal takes about 63 minutes. * [[Brussels Airport]] ({{IATA|BRU}}) is 140 km south of Rotterdam. Many international carriers operate flights to this airport. The [https://www.b-europe.com/EN/Trains/InterCity train from Brussels] takes about 120 minutes and costs €35. Buses are also available, although less frequent. [[File:Rtd CS-III.JPG|thumbnail|right|Rotterdam Centraal has been completely reconstructed and now features a striking roof over the main concourse]] ===By train=== {{seealso|Rail travel in the Netherlands}} ==== International connections ==== * {{go | name=Rotterdam Centraal | alt= | url=https://www.ns.nl/stationsinformatie/rtd/rotterdam-centraal | email= | address= | lat=51.925 | long=4.469444 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q801388 | lastedit=2018-04-10 | content=The station is served by high-speed trains from [[Belgium]], [[France]] and the [[United Kingdom]]. }} **'''[http://www.thalys.com Thalys]''' operates [[high-speed trains]] from [[Antwerp]] (Antwerpen-Centraal, 35 min), [[Brussels]] (Brussel-Zuid/Midi, 1 hr 12 min), [[Paris]] (Gare du Nord, 2 hr 37 min) and [[Lille]] (Lille-Europe, 1 hr 55 min). Book well in advance to secure the best ticket deals. A cheaper but slower alternative to Thalys is the [https://www.b-europe.com/EN/Trains/InterCity Intercity Brussels] service between Amsterdam and Brussels. **Coming from Germany, Rotterdam Centraal can only be reached by changing trains in the Netherlands. When travelling on the German high-speed train '''[https://www.bahn.com/en/view/trains/long-distance/ice-ice-sprinter.shtml?dbkanal_007=L04_S02_D002_KIN0059_FLYOUT-ZUGFLOTTE-ICE_LZ01 ICE]{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' from [[Cologne]], [[Düsseldorf]] and [[Oberhausen]], the exchange will be in [[Utrecht]] Centraal station, and coming from [[Berlin]], [[Hanover]], [[Osnabrück]] (with the '''[https://www.bahn.com/en/view/trains/long-distance/intercity-eurocity.shtml?dbkanal_007=L04_S02_D002_KIN0059_FLYOUT-ZUGFLOTTE-IC_LZ01 DB-intercity]{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''') it is advisable to change at [[Amersfoort]]. Intercity-trains to Rotterdam depart from both Utrecht and Amersfoort. ** '''[http://www.eurostar.com Eurostar]''' runs a daily high speed service from [[London]] St Pancras International to Rotterdam Centraal. Prices start at £35 one way. The journey time is about 3 hr 30 min, but you must arrive at the station at least 90 minutes before departure in order to clear the extra border controls caused by COVID restrictions and Brexit. ==== National connections ==== The Dutch railway company NS runs high-speed ''[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/special-routes/intercity-direct.html Intercity Direct]'' trains between [[Amsterdam]], [[Amsterdam Airport Schiphol|Schiphol]], Rotterdam and [[Breda]]. The train stops only at those four stations and shaves 25-30 minutes in journey time between Amsterdam and Schiphol and Rotterdam versus the regular Intercity and Sprinter trains that stop in between. Beware that you have to pay a supplement (€2.60 during peak hours, €1.56 outside peak hours) to use the Intercity direct line to travel to Rotterdam if your journey involves Schiphol, (i.e. Amsterdam-Rotterdam journeys are subject to this supplement). You can purchase this supplement by tapping an anonymous or personal OV-chipkaart on a designated red pole found on the platform. Those without an anonymous or personal OV-chipkaart can use the ticketing machines or the NS website to purchase the supplement, however the discount may not be applicable to supplements purchased this way. Most unlimited day tickets including the Holland Travel Ticket can be used to travel on the Intercity Direct but a supplement purchase is still required. Thalys also offers seats for passengers travelling from Amsterdam to Rotterdam. The journey is less than 40 minutes, slightly faster than the Intercity Direct. However, reservations/advance bookings are required and most unlimited day tickets recognised by NS cannot be used on Thalys. Rotterdam is also well served by NS from other parts of the [[Netherlands]], with direct connections to [[Delft]], [[Amsterdam]], [[Eindhoven]], [[Gouda]], [[Leiden]], [[The Hague]], [[Utrecht]] and [[Vlissingen]]. Some intercities and sprinters also stop at '''[https://www.ns.nl/stationsinformatie/rtb/rotterdam-blaak Rotterdam Blaak]''' station which is in the middle of the city center. This station is also frequented by trams and metro. See also the [[Netherlands#Get in Netherlands]] page for further information on national rail. Alternatively, Rotterdam's Metro line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} provides a connection for passengers coming from [[The Hague]] at Den Haag Centraal. The journey from Den Haag Centraal to Rotterdam Centraal costs €4.43 with an anonymous or personalised OV-chipkaart, which is marginally cheaper than an NS journey (€4.90) between the same points but takes about five minutes longer to complete the journey. ===By bus=== * {{listing|type=go | name=Flixbus | alt= | url=https://www.flixbus.com/bus/rotterdam| email= | address=(bus stop) Rotterdam Centraal @ Conradstraat 52 | lat= | long= | directions=International bus stop platform 'GG' at Rotterdam Centraal. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-07-20 | content=Serving both domestic and international routes. They also have an extra stop at Rotterdam Zuidplein @ Gooilandsingel }} ===By boat=== ==== Ferries from [[England]] (UK) ==== You can also get to Rotterdam by [[Ferries to the British Mainland|ferry from the United Kingdom]]. No ferries arrive in the center. * '''[http://www.poferries.com P&O Ferries]''' has a daily overnight sailing from [[Kingston Upon Hull]] to Rotterdam Europoort. From Rotterdam Europoort P&O Ferries operates a shuttle bus service that takes you to the city center of Rotterdam. Please book this shuttle service while you book your sailing. * '''[http://www.stenaline.com StenaLine]''' has a daily day and a daily overnight sailing from [[Harwich (England)|Harwich]] to [[Hook of Holland]]. Next to the port is ''Hoek van Holland Haven'' metro station. Line B brings you to the city centre in approximately 30 minutes. * '''[http://www.dfdsseaways.co.uk/ferry-routes/holland/newcastle-to-amsterdam DFDS Seaways]''' has a daily overnight ferry crossing from Newcastle to Amsterdam. You can drive to Rotterdam in approx. 50 minutes. ==== Waterbus ==== [[File:ENI 02324345 ALBLAS (14).JPG|thumbnail|right|A WaterBus near [https://www.cityguiderotterdam.com/things-to-do/sights/old-harbour-rotterdam/ Oude Haven (Old Harbour)]]]The '''[http://www.waterbus.nl WaterBus]''' services provide connections between Rotterdam and the ''Drechtsteden'' ([[Dordrecht]] and surrounding cities, including [[UNESCO World Heritage List|UNESCO-site]] - the world-famous windmills - [[Kinderdijk]]). ===By metro=== Coming from [[The Hague]] or somewhere in between it can be advisable to use metroline {{rint|Rotterdam|E}}, see for more information the page about the [[Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region|whole region]]. ===By car=== [[File:Rotterdam Auto 01.JPG|thumbnail|right|Finding a good spot to park can be a problem in central Rotterdam]] Rotterdam is easily reached by car. From Amsterdam take the A4 South to Rotterdam Haven. From Utrecht take the A12 and change to the A20 just after [[Gouda]] on knooppunt Gouwe. Traffic congestion on highways is common during peak hours (morning and evening commutes). You can pay for '''on-street parking''' with debit and credit card. Remember your license plate number. Parking regulations are enforced regularly. '''[https://parkereninrotterdam.nl Parking garages]{{Dead link|date=April 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' can be easily found by following the sign-marked P-route. The easiest way to pay is by credit card, just insert your card on the way in, and insert it again on the way out, and the total time is automatically deducted. You can also pay with cash or debit card. '''Park & Ride (P&R)''' facilities outside the center of Rotterdam offer free or cheap parking with public transport connections into the city center. For some locations (Slinge A15, Kralingse Zoom A16/E19 and Alexander A20/E25), you can park for free if you have a valid check-out on your public transport card (OV-chipkaart). === By bike === As a Dutch city Rotterdam is well connected to extense (inter)national bicycle networks which use all kinds of infrastructural facilities. Most attractive for tourist to cycle over longer distances are the so called '''LF-routes'''. So the city center is croshed by '''LF2 Stedenroute ''(City Route)''''' from Amsterdam to Brussels and '''LF12 Maas- en Vestingroute''' follows the flow of river Maas all the way from The East. See for more information [http://www.holland.com/global/tourism/discover-holland/cycling/bicycle-route-planner.htm Bicycle Route Planner]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}: ''sellect more options and LF-Routes.'' ==Get around== {{Mapframe|51.9152|4.4791|zoom=14|layer=W|name=Map of Rotterdam (metro lines have thicker strokes than tram lines)}} {{Mapshapes|Q691704}} <!--Metro--> {{Mapshapes|Q1429091|stroke-width=2}} <!--Tram--> '''[https://www.ret.nl/en RET]''' operates the buses, trams, and metro within the city. You could find a journey planner and some [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret/maps.html network maps] there. Alternatively you'd use the pan-Netherlands journey planner – [https://9292.nl/en 9292.nl]. Transport generally arrives every 10 minutes during the day. Free Wi-Fi is available in some trams, buses and metro lines, and on the busier metro stations, you just need to accept the terms of use. ===Tickets=== You can [https://www.ovpay.nl/en use your contactless bank card]{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} to pay for any public transport that also accepts the [[OV-chipkaart]]. This system is called OV-Pay and is the most convenient way to travel. Debit and credit cards from Maestro, V PAY, Mastercard and Visa are supported. As anywhere else in the country OV-chipkaart can still be used to pay all kinds of public transport. The card costs €8.50 and you'd need to keep a positive balance there for at least €4. For using buses and trams, checking in and out has to be done in the vehicle, while for train and metro use the gates or card-reader poles at the entrance of the stations. Alternatively one of the city's transport travel cards could be used: * {{listing | name=RET travel cards | alt= | url=https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travel-products/products-and-fares.html | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=2 hours - €5.00; 1 (calendar) day - €11.00 | lastedit=2025-01-21 | content=To travel by bus, tram and metro with RET. Can be purchased via the RET Barcode app, at ticket machines in metro stations and at RET Sales and Information points. For children under 12 and age 65 and up there is a reduced price. The 1-day ticket is not a 24-hour ticket: it is only valid on the day of the first check-in, until 04:00 of the early morning the next day. Tickets are not sold on bus and tram anymore; use your bank card to check in instead. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=Tourist Day Ticket: Rotterdam & The Hague region | alt= | url=http://www.touristdaytickets.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=€17.00 for one day | lastedit=2025-01-21 | content=Unlimited travel on local transport (bus, tram, metro and waterbus. Note: trains excluded) in the Rotterdam and the Hague region. Available from ticket machines and service counters of RET and at tourist information. Ticket is valid for travel with RET, HTM, HTMbuzz, Arriva, Connexxion, EBS, QBuzz and Waterbus in South Holland. }} * [[#Rotterdam Welcome Card|Rotterdam Welcome Card]] also allows for unlimited use of public transport with RET in the city and region. Note that tickets must be purchased in advance, there is no ticket sale on board of bus, tram and metro. ===By metro=== [[Image:Metro Rotterdam future.svg|thumb|Rotterdam Metro reaches as far as [[the Hague]].]] There are 5 metro lines in the city. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|A}}, {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|C}}, share tracks between ''Schiedam Centrum'' and ''Capelsebrug'' and offer an east-west connection. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} share tracks between ''Rotterdam Centraal'' and ''Slinge'' and offer a north-south connection. Interchange between all lines is possible on ''Beurs'' station in the city center. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|A}}, {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|C}} operate every 10 minutes on working days and Saturday, which allows 3-4 minute intervals on the main section between ''Schiedam Centrum'' and ''Capelsebrug''. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} operate every 10 minutes on working days and Saturday, which give shorter intervals between ''Rotterdam Centraal'' and ''Slinge''. In the evening, on Saturday morning and Sunday the service is reduced to a 15-minute interval. The Rotterdam Metro operates from 05:30 until 00:00. On weekends the opening time is not until 07:00 Saturday, and 08:15 on Sunday. On Friday and Saturday nights the service is extended for a bit longer past midnight, but not on some parts of line B and E. See the [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret/time-table/metro/weekend-metro.html Weekend metro] page for an overview. For tourists the most important metro stations are: '''Line A, B and C''' (East-West branch) * '''Blaak''': train station, interchange with trams and busses, cube houses, Markthal, ports * '''Beurs''': city center, shops, interchange with metro {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} * '''Eendrachtsplein''': museumpark * '''Coolhaven''': [https://euromast.nl/ Euromast] * '''Delfshaven''': historic port '''Line D and E''' (North-South branch) * '''Meijerplein''': bus service to Rotterdam The Hague Airport '''''(only line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}})''''' * '''Blijdorp:''' [https://www.diergaardeblijdorp.nl/en/ Rotterdam Zoo] '''''(only line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}})''''' * '''Rotterdam Centraal''': northern edge of the city centre, interchange with trams and buses, train station * '''Beurs''': city centre, shops, interchange with metro {{rint|Rotterdam|A}}, {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|C}} * '''Leuvehaven''': ports, museums, Erasmus Bridge, Waterbus * '''Wilhelminaplein:''' Erasmus Bridge, Cruise Terminal Rotterdam, [http://www.hotelnewyork.com/ hotel New York] * '''Rijnhaven:''' Katendrecht, bus service to SS Rotterdam ===By tram=== There are nine tram lines in the city. Each tram has a conductor. Tram stops provide a detailed map of the public transport system for on-the-go route-finding. Most lines operate every 10 minutes on workdays, with a more frequent service during rush hours on some lines. All trams except {{rint|Rotterdam|2}} will stop at ''Rotterdam Centraal'', the main train station of Rotterdam. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|1}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|11}}''' run from the suburbs in the [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|northwest]] to De Esch in [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk|Kralingen]], via [[Schiedam]], the north of [[Delfshaven]], and the city centre. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|2}}''' runs on the south side of the rivers, through the districts of [[Rotterdam/Zuid|Charlois, IJsselmonde]] and [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|3}}''' starts at the central station, and connects to the south bank via Feijenoord, IJsselmonde and [[Rotterdam/Zuid|Beverwaard]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|4}}''' starts from Heemsraadplein, connecting to much of the city centre and the neighbourhoods to its west, before connecting to [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|Hillegersberg]] via the central station, and Noord/Crooswijk. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|5}}''' originates from the central station, running to the south bank via Feijenoord and suburbs, before terminating in [[Barendrecht]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|6}}''' runs from Heemsraadplein to Kleiweg, just north of the A20 highway, running parallel with line 4 up to Rotterdam Noord railway station. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|7}}''' starts at Marconiplein, where the metro and lines 1, 8 and 11 meet, to Woudestein where it meets lines 1 and 11 again, via the central station and Erasmus University. Between Weena and Woudestein, lines 1 and 11 follow a more direct route via the Stadhuis, Beurs, Blaak and Oostplein metro stations, while line seven heads north via [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk|Crooswijk and Kralingen]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|8}}''', lastly, comes from [[Delfshaven|Spangen]], and then continues through most of Delfshaven roughly following the river up to Eendrachtsplein in [[Rotterdam/Centre|Cool]], from where it joins the main tram corridor through the city centre, to eventually terminate in [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|Schiebroek]]. * '''Line 12''' operates during football matches in the Kuip stadion only. ===By bus=== '''RET''' operates bus services across the city. Night bus service (BOB-bus) has been cancelled. Buses operated by '''[http://www.arriva.nl Arriva]''' and '''[http://www.connexxion.nl Connexxion]''' connect the city with suburbs. Use the front door when boarding a bus. ===By water taxi=== * {{listing | name=Watertaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=http://www.watertaxirotterdam.nl | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 10 403 03 03 | tollfree= | hours= | price=€ | lastedit=2022-07-27 | content=Rotterdam was built on a number of islands and if you want to travel from shore to shore, the nicest way to go is to take a '''Water Taxi'''. Fixed fares for rides between 50 docks in Rotterdam and Schiedam, with 3 fares zones, starting at €4.50 per person in the central zone. You can give them a call, or use the online tool to see availability and book a ride. It is advised to book in advance, especially on days with large events in the city. }} ===By taxi=== If you do need a taxi you will have to find yourself a taxi rank or call a taxi company. There is a minimum taxi fare of €2.30 (first it was {{EUR|7.50}} which included the first two kilometers). Additionally, each subsequent kilometre is charged €2.20. * {{listing | name=Rotterdamse Taxi Centrale RTC N.V. | url=http://www.rtcnv.nl | phone=+31 10 462 60 60 }} * {{listing | name=Coöperatieve Taxi Onderneming St. Job u.a. | url=http://www.st-job.nl | phone=+31 10 425 70 00 }} *'''Zorgtaxi Rotterdam {{Dead link|date= |bot= }} +'''31 10 818 28 23 * {{listing | name=Stadstaxi Rotterdam | url=https://www.stadstaxirotterdam.nl | phone=+31 10 818 28 23 }} * {{go | name=Botlektaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://botlektaxi.nl | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 10 666 66 06 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-01-19 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Taxi Rotterdam 010 | alt= | url=https://taxirotterdam010.nl/ | phone=+31 10 261 31 88 }} * {{listing | name= Rotterdamse Taxi | alt= | url= https://www.rotterdamsetaxi.nl/ | phone=+31 10 261 31 22 }} ===By tuk-tuk=== * {{listing | name=Tuk Tuk Company | alt= | url=http://www.tuktukcompany.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 9009933399 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-05-23 | content=A Thai-influenced transportation service using three-wheeled, open-air (but covered) motorized vehicles called Tuk Tuk offers a more economical and fast way to get around the city centre when compared to taxis. Tuk-tuk pricing is based on a zone system. Within a zone, a ride is €3.50 per person, €5 for 2 persons and €6.50 for 3. If you go to another zone, €3.50 is added (irrespective of number of persons). This service is handy if it is past the regular tram/bus/metro service hours (approximately half past midnight). }} ===By bicycle=== Like any city in The Netherlands, Rotterdam is very, very bicycle-friendly. Getting around by bike is probably the fastest way of travel within the city. There are separate bike lanes on most major streets and there are separate traffic lights for bicyclists. Avoid getting your tire in the tram rails: always cross tram rails at an angle. Of course it is also strongly advisable to watch out for other traffic at all time. On the other hand bicyclists can rely on the fact that motorists and pedestrians are aware of bikes. Always lock your bike securely when leaving it (preferably chained to a fixed object) or go to a guarded bicycle parking station. ==== Rent a bike==== At Rotterdam Centraal, you can rent bicycles at the shop in the underground bicycle parking, below the Station square. Leave the station at the front, exit 'Stationsplein'. The entrance of the bicycle parking ('fietsenstalling', with the glass roof) is at your right, in front of grand cafe Engels. Use-it, rents out nice Kronan bikes (Schaatsbaan 41-45, leave Central Station towards the center. Turn right at restaurant Engels and take the 2nd right). Bikes can be rented by several other private companies. Holland-Cycling.com provides a list of [http://www.holland-cycling.com/rotterdam/getting-around-rotterdam/bicycle-rental-in-rotterdam addresses]. Another list you will find at [https://www.rotterdam.nl/vrije-tijd/fiets-huren/ Rotterdam.nl]{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. If you have a personal (rather than an anonymous) [[OV-chipkaart]], bicycles can be rented at many train and metro stations and other central locations by the [http://www.ns.nl/en/door-to-door/ov-fiets OV-fiets system]. ==== Guarded bicycle parking ==== * The larger train stations have their own guarded bicycle parking. * Rotterdam municipality has also [https://www.rotterdam.nl/fietsparkeren some free locations]. ==See== ===Landmarks=== [[File:VN5 HDR2.jpg|thumbnail|right|The Van Nellefabriek is regarded as a prime example of the ''International Style'']] Rotterdam has national notoriety for its architecture, and the city therefore is dotted with landmarks of all sorts. Most of them you will find in the [[Rotterdam/Centrum|city centre]], but [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord|Feijenoord]] is also quite dense with them. Rotterdam is known for some bridges, not in the last place the '''Erasmusbrug''', spanning the Nieuwe Maas between the city centre and Feijenoord. Also of historical importance is the former railway lifting bridge '''De Hef''', slightly upstream from the Erasmusbrug. '''Historical landmarks''' are somewhat rare to come across in Rotterdam's city centre, but the city itself isn't completely devoid of them. In the city centre, the 1920 '''City hall''' and the '''Great or Saint-Laurence church''', both survivors of the 1940 bombardment. Rotterdam is also home to the country's oldest known bronze statue, depicting Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam and dating from 1622. It is found opposite the Saint-Laurence church. '''De Verwoeste Stad''' (Destroyed City) is a cubist statue depicting a man in agony who just lost his heart (symbol of the bombed city centre). Feijenoord, despite being home to many modern redevelopments, houses some historical landmarks such as the '''former headquarters of the Holland-Amerikalijn'''. Also worth visiting are the '''Oude Haven''' (''Old Harbour'') and the nearby '''Witte Huis''' (''White House'') and '''Schielandshuis'''. '''Industrial landmarks''' are plenty in a city that mostly thrives off of harbour activities. Besides the many industrial sites found in the [[Rotterdam/Port of Rotterdam|Port of Rotterdam]], the '''Van Nellefabriek''' in [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|the north of the city]] is a listed UNESCO site. [[File:Erasmusbrug seen from Euromast.jpg|thumbnail|right|The modern skyline of Rotterdam can be truly appreciated from the Euromast.]] The skyline of Rotterdam can, of course, be observed from one of the many skyscrapers in the city - though you should probably book a hotel located in a skyscraper or find one with a publicly accessible roof, as trespass isn't welcomed. Another great site for views over the city though, is the '''Euromast''' on the border between the [[Rotterdam/Centrum|city centre]] and [[Rotterdam/Delfshaven|Delfshaven]], twice in its history the highest building of the Netherlands. For a relatively small entry fee, you can climb the tower or for a larger sum, you can dine inside of it. For those less comfortable with great heights though, a birds-eye overview of the city can also be obtained at '''Miniworld Rotterdam''', near the central station. The city is also well-known for its experimental and out-of-the-ordinary architecture, often being a testing ground for new concepts. A prime example of this are the '''Kubuswoningen''' (''Cube Houses'') at [[Rotterdam/Centrum|Blaak]]; one has been set aside as a museum, offering a view of the unique perspective and custom furniture that comes with living in one of the houses. Also striking are the '''Markthal''', harbour-crane inspired sculptures at the '''Schouwburgplein''' and the '''Koopgoot''', all found in the city centre. '''Historic churches:''' in the Netherlands churches are generally closed to visitors on Sundays. === Other sites === [[File:Rotterdam Erasmusbrug bij avond vanaf hoek Veerhaven-Westerkade.jpg|thumb|Erasmus bridge of Rotterdam]] [[File:Schielandshuis.jpg|thumbnail|right|Schielandshuis today stands surrounding by modern glass and steel buildings]] [[Image:Oude Haven (Rotterdam) 2011.jpg|thumb|"Het witte huis" in Old Harbour]] The area around the [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Other sites|'''Station Rotterdam Blaak''']] was destroyed by a Nazi bombardment during World War II. After the war this area was populated with some bold examples of modern architecture. The '''Kubuswoningen''' are literally cubes, tilted over by 45 degrees. '''Oude Haven''' (Old Harbour) is a nice place to see and sit at some café nearby. '''Witte Huis''' is a "skyscraper" built in 1898. '''Het Schielandshuis''' is the only remaining 17th-century building in the city centre of Rotterdam. [[File:Delfshaven Rotterdam (the Netherlands) 17.JPG|thumb|The old barges moored at the Delfshaven]] [[Rotterdam/Delfshaven|'''Delfshaven''']] is one of very few locations in the city which survived World War II bombings. Historic Delfshaven is a very scenic walk. It consists of an 17th-century area around two canals with a lot of charm. By day visit little shops in this neighbourhood, by night attractive pubs and restaurants make the visit worthwhile. * '''Chinatown''' in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Other sites|Centrum]] is full of Chinese restaurants and also Indonesian and other Asian restaurants. [[File:Rotterdam molens De Ster (l) en De Lelie (r) - tegenlicht.jpg|thumbnail|right|''De Ster'' and ''De Lelie'' at dusk]] ===Windmills=== Rotterdam has only seven windmills left. Of these, only ''De Ster'' and ''De Lelie'' in [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk#See|Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk]] are open to visitors on a regular basis. Other windmills are open to visitors when the mill is turning (easy enough to see), but there are some exceptions to this rule of thumb. A blue flag also indicates that the mill is open to visitors. Look for De Prinsenmolen, De Vier Winden, and De Speelman windmills in [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam#Windmills|Northern Rotterdam]] and De Zandweg in [[Rotterdam/Zuid#See|Rotterdam Zuid]]. ===Museums=== [[File:Overzicht achtergevel - Rotterdam - 20534511 - RCE.jpg|thumbnail|right|Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen]] [[Netherlands#Museumkaart|Museumkaart]] is accepted at the city's museums. The Museumpark area in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Museums|Centrum]] has many of the city's museums. '''Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen''' houses a rich, broad collection including masterpieces ranging from Pieter Brueghel the Elder's ''The "little" Tower of Babel'' (1563) to an important collection of surrealism, prominently featuring Salvador Dalí and René Magritte. '''Sylvette''' is a large work by Pablo Picasso was erected in 1973. It is one of the elaborations Picasso made based on the portraits of his muse Sylvette David. Definitely worth a look. '''Kunsthal''' houses some 25 exhibitions annually with a fascinating and widely varied repertoire. Het Nieuwe Instituut museum includes the '''Museum voor Architectuur, Design en Digitale cultuur''', a museum for architecture,deesign and digital culture, and '''Huis Sonneveld''', a building in the Bauhaus style. '''Chabot Museum''' is a neat little museum is housed in a splendid modernist 1930s villa. It houses a collection of works of the expressionist painter Hendrik Chabot. '''Natuurhistorisch Museum''' has changing expositions and a fixed collection of mammals, plants and fossils. The city has two maritime museums. The '''Maritiem Museum''' has a variety of expositions about the harbour of Rotterdam and maritime history, and a restored 19th-century gunboat that is a must-see for naval enthusiasts. The '''Mariniersmuseum''' shows the history of the centuries-old Narine Corps and its modern-day role. Special attention is given to the heroic role of the corps in the 1940 defence of Rotterdam. ====Other museums==== [[File:Façade Witte de With Center for Contemporary Art.jpg|thumbnail|right|Witte de With Center]] In [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Other museums|Centrum]], you can visit '''Museum Rotterdam''', which is dedicated to the modern day Rotterdam and its history; the '''Museum of Chess-Pieces''', which houses a diverse collection of chess games from ancient Chinese to cartoon characters; the '''Wereldmuseum''' (World Arts Museum), which focuses on encounters and cross-cultural inspiration; and '''Witte de With''' (Centre for Contemporary Arts). [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord#Q2191118|'''Nederlands Fotomuseum''']] shows the diversity of forms of photography, especially as a medium of social expression and commentary. [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk#Q2351733|'''SSN Museumstoomdepot''']] features old steam locomotives and trains. Besides a small museum it's a workshop where you can see restoration in progress. ==Do== [[File:Overzicht - Rotterdam - 20534496 - RCE.jpg|thumbnail|right|''De Doelen'' concert hall in Schouwbourgplein]] Upcoming events and performances are listed on the VVV and Use-it websites. The larger events are well documented on the VVV site, for smaller venues check Use-it (under Calendar) for a very attractive and well updated listing of music, expositions, movies and parties that need checking out. The [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Do|Uitburo office]] inside the Central Library provides information on theatre and music performances. It also sells tickets and offers an overview of performances that can be visited for free (''gratis''). ===Events=== [[File:North Sea Jazz Festival 2012 - ALOE BLACC.jpg|thumbnail|right|In July, you can enjoy the ''North Sea Jazz'' festival]] Rotterdam plays host to a lot of events, a lot of them yearly ones. Besides these there are a lot smaller ones that can be very nice, so ask around and check the VVV website. A few of these yearly events to name: * {{do | name=Six Days of Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.wielerzesdaagserotterdam.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2293105 | lastedit=2024-12-26 | content=A cycling competition in early December. }} * {{do | name=IFFR | alt= | url=http://www.filmfestivalrotterdam.com/en/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The International Film Festival Rotterdam, which mainly features independent films from all over the world in February. }} * {{do | name=Art Rotterdam | alt= | url=http://www.artrotterdam.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=In February, you can see (and buy) masterpieces of modern art. }} * {{do | name=World tennis Tournament | alt= | url=http://www.abnamrowtt.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=In February. }} * On the '''[http://www.rotterdamsemuseumnacht.nl/ Rotterdam Museum Night]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' in March, nearly all Rotterdam museums and galleries open their doors in the evening with special events. * {{do | name=Motel Mozaique | alt= | url=http://motelmozaique.nl/en/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Music, art & performance. Plus a sleeping project that enables sleeping in art or on special locations in Rotterdam (April) }} * [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Q1341108|'''Rotterdam Marathon''']], internationally reputed as a very fast marathon, is held in April in Centrum. * {{do | name=Poetry International | alt= | url=http://www.poetry.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Festival in June. }} * '''Metropolis Festival''' (music) on the first Sunday in July. * The sublime '''[http://www.northseajazz.com/ North Sea Jazz]''' festival in July with loads of worldfamous artists. * {{do | name=Summer Carnival | alt= | url=http://www.zomercarnaval.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A huge Caribbean-oriented parade and party in the city centre. }} * {{do | name=Heerlijk Rotterdam | alt= | url=http://www.heerlijkrotterdam.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Three day event where you can sample dishes from Michelin-star restaurants for a reduced price (dates vary, summer edition usually late August) }} * The '''[http://wereldhavendagen.nl/en/ World Port Days]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' a weekend full of activities centred around the large harbour of Rotterdam (early September) * The classical music '''[http://www.gergievfestival.nl/ Gergjev]''' festival in September, led by master-conductor Valery Gergjev. * The '''[http://www.rotterdamseoogst.nl/ Rotterdam Harvest Festival]''' in September. * '''Bazar Curieux''' (music) in December For full listings of events check [http://www.rotterdam.info/uk/ Rotterdam.info] and [http://www.use-it.nl/ Use-it]{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. === Tours === Several tours can be found in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Tours|Centrum]], including the tourist '''tram line 10''' through the city centre and historic parts of Rotterdam on classic trams; the '''Spido harbour trip''' through the first 8 km of the harbour; and De pannenkoekenboot, on which you cam eat as many pancakes as you want while you cruise the harbour. ===Cinema=== There are two huge megacinemas in Rotterdam. The one in the city centre is called '''Pathé Schouwburgplein''' (at the Schouwburgplein), the other one is on the southside of the city. It's called '''Pathé De Kuip''' (next to the Feyenoord stadium De Kuip). In these cinemas you can see Hollywood movies and occasionally an arthouse movie. To get to De Kuip, take tram {{rint|Rotterdam|12}} to stop Stadion Feijenoord. If you're more into alternative cinema go to '''[http://www.lantaren-venster.nl/ Lantaren/Venster]''' Cinema (Otto Reuchlinweg 996 (Wilhelminapier)). Here you'll get European, Asian and Latin American cinema in a nice atmosphere. It has a nice bar too. The other option is '''Cinerama''' (Westblaak 18) which shows a combination of art/house films and commercial Hollywood flicks. During the '''IFFR''' (International Film Festival Rotterdam), which usually takes place in February, art-house movies are shown at much more locations throughout the city. In August, an open air cinema at the '''Lloydkwartier''' shows both blockbusters and independent films. Entrance is free, and you can either bring your own chair or rent one onsite. To get there, take {{rint|Rotterdam|A}} to Coolhaven and walk for about 10–15 minutes towards the river in the south. ===Other attractions=== [[File:Erasmusbréck w.jpg|thumbnail|right|Rotterdam can be breathtaking from above]] When you want to combine a unique experience with a great view over the city of Rotterdam, you can make a (tandem) '''skydive''' at [http://www.skydiverotterdam.com Skydive Rotterdam]. At Skydive Rotterdam (also called the Flying Dutchman) you can book a tandem skydive or do a complete skydiving course and jump from a height of 3 or 4 kilometers. It's the only skydiving school in the "Randstad" area and the only place in the Netherlands where you can jump over a major city like Rotterdam. When the weather's good you will have a spectacular view over the Rotterdam skyline and other parts of the Randstad area, all the way to the coastline. An '''airplane''' can be rented at reasonable rates at Rotterdam Airport at [http://vliegen.rotterdamsweb.nl/ Happy Wing]. Nice tours above the city, its ports or the coastline are on offer. On summer Sundays, it is possible to lower yourself down from the '''Euromast'''. On last Sundays of summer months you can glide down in 15 seconds on a wire (tokkelen). Both: Not for the faint of heart! Check the website of [http://heightspecialists.nl/abseilen/ Heightspecialists]. ===With children=== [[File:Medusakop op kolom in giraffenweide - Rotterdam - 20348014 - RCE.jpg|thumbnail|right|The historic ''Diergaarde Blijdorp'' is definitely worth a visit]] '''Diergaarde Blijdorp''' (Rotterdam Zoo) in [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk#Q18775796|Kralingen-Crooswijk]] is one of the most popular day trips in the Netherlands. Walk through different parts of the world, seeing interesting animals that feel right at home in an approximation of their natural habitats. The Oceanium is filled with ocean and coastal dwellers, including exotic fish and puffins. '''Miniworld Rotterdam''' in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Do|Centrum]] is the largest indoor model railroad layout of the Netherlands. === Football === : Rotterdam has three professional soccer teams: * [https://www.feyenoord.nl/ '''Feyenoord'''] play in Eredivisie, the top tier. Their home ground is Stadion Feijenoord (capacity 51,000), better known as "De Kuip"; it's often also used for rock concerts and similar events. It's south of the river with its own railway station Rotterdam Stadion. * [https://www.sparta-rotterdam.nl/ '''Sparta Rotterdam'''] also play in Eredivisie. Their home ground is Het Kasteel ("The Castle", capacity 12,000), 3 km west of the centre. * [https://www.sbvexcelsior.nl/ '''SBV Excelsior'''] were relegated in 2024 so they play in Eerste Divisie the second tier. Their Stadion Woudestein (capacity 4500), now called Van Donge & De Roo Stadion, is 2 km east of city centre on the north bank of the river. ===Water sports and yachting=== [[File:Rotterdam kralingse plas.jpg|thumbnail|right|Kralingse Plas]] Being a major harbour and having lots of waterways and lakes, Rotterdam has a lot to offer for water-enthousiasts. Boating: There are four major lakes in Rotterdam. The Kralingse Plas, The double Bergse Plas, the Rottemeren and the Zevenhuizer Plas. All of them have active yachting communities and sometimes sailing races can be seen. The Zevenhuizer plas is mainly populated by Windsurf enthousiasts. Sailing boats can be rented at the Kralingse Plas at the [http://www.henkvangent.nl/ Van Gent sailing school], Plaszoom, a 10-minute walk from Metro Voorschoterlaan (walk through the Julianalaan until you reach Plaszoom). Rowing- and sailing boats can be rented at the windmill at the very end of the eastern Rottekade at [http://www.botenverhuurvanvliet.nl/ Van Vliet's] (Rottemeren, go by car or bike, a very nice ride). Yachting: When visiting Rotterdam with your own yacht you will find that most yachting harbours are on the inland waterways, where there are a lot of them. On the river Maas you will only find the [http://www.citymarinarotterdam.nl/ City Marina], behind a bascule bridge on the southern bank, and the [http://www.veerhavenrotterdam.nl/ Veerhaven], right in the city center on the northern bank. Unless you need the better shelter of the characterless City Marina, go for the admittedly a little choppy Veerhaven marina, very central and scenic. ===Beach=== The closest good beach is about 30 km away at [[Hook of Holland]]. Here you will find a very fine sand beach with good swimming and enough entertainment. To get there, take line {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} to Hoek van Holland Strand, its end point. For a more urban-party beach experience head to [[Scheveningen]] where you can find everything beach-party addicts dream about; Endless rows of beachside bars, restaurants and discothèques and a boulevard along a splendid fine-sand beach. It can get ''very'' crowded here. Take the train to [[Den Haag]] Centraal Station and tram {{rint|denhaag|9}} subsequently. Also at the same coast is Kijkduin, which is very recommended for children. To get there, get {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} to its northern end point, then take bus 24 to Kijkduin. If you want to go to the beach but want to stay in the city, consider taking {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} to its end point, Nesselande and walk across the Corsicalaan from there. You are at the Strand Nesselande. ==Buy== The main shopping areas are in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Buy|Centrum]]. '''Afrikaanderplein Markt''' in [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord#Buy|Feijenoord]] is a market of about 300 stalls geared towards Rotterdam's inhabitants of Antillian, South American or African descent (a lot of whom happen to live nearby). Dutch cheese is very famous, you can get some at grocery stores or wider variety at the marketplace. Other typical Dutch things are ''stroopwafels'', ''hagelslag'' and ''drop'' (liquorice). ==Eat== The area around metrostation ''Blaak'', called '''Oude haven''' (Old Harbour), is not only worth seeing but has also a lot of pubs and restaurants. The Rotterdam dining scene is developing very fast with new restaurants opening very often. While most of the attention focusses on new Michelin-star aspiring places, there is very much a trend towards high quality mid-range restaurants offering French/Dutch cuisine. ==Drink== [[Rotterdam/Centrum#|Centrum]] has a wide variety of bars, coffee shops and music venues. The [http://www.kaapsebrouwers.nl/ Kaapse Brouwers] brewery has four locations around the city. Each location has a whole wall of taps to choose from. They are popular place so waiting lines can be long. ==Sleep== See district articles for listings for camping, hostels and hotels. ==Connect== The telephone country code for the Netherlands is 31, and Rotterdam's city code is 010. In case of an '''Emergency''', dial '''1-1-2''' (free of charge). When staying for a longer time, buy a prepaid sim card for your mobile phone. ==Stay safe== You should take normal precautions against pickpockets and baggage theft, especially in the main shopping streets, at markets, in trams and trains, at stations, and anywhere where tourists congregate. It is not wise to hang around Stadhuisplein when nightlife ends. Fights often occur in this area after midnight. Rotterdam also has a reputation of mass venues getting out of hand, though you shouldn't worry too much about it. If violence breaks out at football festivities (not so unlikely) or at the end of sun soaked festive days, like Kings Day (even less unlikely, especially at the Stadhuisplein), just get out of the way and you're unlikely to be affected. It's advisable not to wear a football jersey of Ajax Amsterdam or any other stuff promoting Ajax or Amsterdam. In terms of general safety, at daylight most areas in the city are safe. But at night, some areas such as Spangen, Charlois and Hillesluis are wise to avoid. When you drive a car with a foreign numberplate (especially if it's a French or Belgian one) you might or will be approached by so-called ''drugsrunners''. This can occur on the motorways surrounding the city and in the city proper. These guys try to lure people to places where drugs are dealt. Do not respond to their signals and do not follow them. ==Go next== If you do not have a car, the hub for leaving the city will probably be '''Rotterdam Centraal''', from where trains leave in all directions at short intervals (you can generally drop in and catch the next train to your destination). Most regional and longer distance buses leave here too, with the exception of most buses to southerly destinations and the province of Zeeland that leave from '''metro station Zuidplein'''. In contrast with the trains, bus departure times should be checked in advance as they can be far and between. For trains to the North and the South travellers can also choose to depart from '''Rotterdam Blaak'''. '''The Hague''' can also be reached easily and rather quickly by metro line E. Nearby destinations like [[Schiedam]] or even [[Delft]] can also be reached by bike if you fancy a somewhat longer ride. Bike routes and directions are well marked and available in abundance. A good idea for a sunny day! Schiedam can be reached by train or by metro (in 15 minutes) too. [[Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region|MRDH]] is the area of the region Rotterdam-Schiedam-Delft-The Hague, see this page for more information on travel and cycling. ===Nearby=== * '''[[Kinderdijk]]''' — a [[UNESCO World Heritage List#Netherlands|UNESCO World Heritage]] site. 19 old windmills are still helping to control the water level there. Windmill #2 is open to the public, allowing you to see its inner workings. In season there is a direct waterbus service from an embankment at the Erasmus bridge (travel time ~1/2 hour). Alternatively, ''Arriva'' bus 90 from bus and metro station ''Zuidplein'' will get you there in 50 minutes. * '''[[Schiedam]]''' — visit the historic centre of this small town at the edge of Rotterdam, including the world's six tallest windmills. Also you can find there the ''Stedelijk Museum'', an attractive museum with some nice modern art exhibitions. Easily reached by bicycle, a train (from ''Rotterdam Centraal'' to ''Schiedam Centrum''), metro A, B or C line to ''Schiedam Centrum'' station, or tram lines 1 or 11 (''Broersvest'' or ''Koemarkt'' stop). ===Day trips=== * '''[[Delft]]''' — this famous town is a 15-minute train ride from ''Rotterdam Centraal''. Very historic and scenic, but also very touristy. * '''[[Dordrecht]]''' — a magnificent historic town with little tourism and an excellent old art museum (Dordrechts Museum). It is a 15-min train ride, or even better, take a ''[http://www.waterbus.nl/halte/dordrecht-merwekade/ waterbus]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''. * '''[[Gouda]]''' — visit this small picturesque postcard-like town and see the magnificent stained glass windows in the ''Sint Janskerk''. Also 20 min by train. * '''[[Delta Works]]''' — a series of construction projects protecting the Southwest of the Netherlands from the sea. The Oosterschelde storm surge barrier is the most impressive, and next to it is ''Neeltje Jans'', a water theme park dedicated to the Delta Works. * '''[[Brielle (Netherlands)|Brielle]]''' — a mediaeval fortified town. The centre is a nice ensemble of old houses and churches, enclosed by the original earthen defensive walls. There are some museums and the Roman Catholic shrine of the Martyrs of Gorcum. Walking around town and fortifications is a treat. You can easily spend a full day in Brielle. Take bus 103 at the ''Spijkenisse Centrum'' metro station. A journey takes about 70 min. * '''[[Schoonhoven]]''' — a nice small town with many well preserved medieval buildings on the ''Lek'' river in a halfway to Utrecht. From Station Capelsebrug, Rotterdam, take a bus 195 (direction Utrecht). A journey takes about 1 hour. * Go to the other cities of the [[Randstad]], e.g. '''[[The Hague]]''' is 1/2 hour by train or metro, '''[[Utrecht]]''' is around 45 min by train, '''[[Amsterdam]]''' about an hour. {{routebox | image1=NL-A15.png | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Brielle (Netherlands)|Brielle]] | minorl1=[[Spijkenisse]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Arnhem]] | minorr1=[[Dordrecht]] | image2=BE-E19.svg | imagesize2=20 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Amsterdam]] | minorl2=[[Delft]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Antwerp]] | minorr2=[[Zwijndrecht]] }} {{usablecity}} {{isPartOf|Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region}} {{geo|51.9239|4.4623|zoom=14}} smgjk7kbxkv8350cai0r3lofk63luak 5086988 5086987 2025-07-03T06:07:02Z PauldeKoning 2328897 5086988 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Rotterdam Banner 4.jpg|dotm=yes|unesco=yes}} {{printDistricts}} '''Rotterdam''' is a very large city in the province of [[South Holland]] in the west of the [[Netherlands]]. The city is the second largest in the country with a population of approximately 650,000 inhabitants in the municipality (2020) and about 2.2 million inhabitants in the shared metropolitan area of the [[Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region]] (MRDH). Rotterdam is a vibrant, multicultural city; it is known for its university (Erasmus), cutting-edge architecture, lively cultural life, industrial riverside setting, its maritime heritage and colourful summer events. The municipality stretches all the way to the [[North Sea]] with gigantic areas like '''Europoort''' and '''Maasvlakte 1&2'''. All belong to the '''Port of Rotterdam'''. Starting as a dam constructed in 1270 on the Rotte River, Rotterdam has grown into a major international commercial centre. The port of Rotterdam is Europe's busiest port by cargo tonnage, and was the world's busiest from 1962 until it was surpassed by Shanghai in 2004. Rotterdam's commercial and strategic importance is based on its location near the mouth of the Nieuwe Maas (New Meuse), a channel in the delta formed by the Rhine and Meuse on the North Sea. These rivers lead directly into the centre of Europe, including the industrial Ruhr region, which is why Rotterdam is often called the "Gateway to Europe". Many relatively high buildings (by Dutch standards) have been emerging throughout and around the city centre. Daring and new styles of apartments, office buildings and recreation facilities resulted in Rotterdam becoming a city of modern architecture and the only city in the Netherlands with a modern skyline. Due to this, the city is especially interesting for Dutch people to visit. ==Districts== {{Mapframe|width=660|zoom=10|show=districts}} {{Mapshape|type=page|wikicommons=Rotterdam_Districts.map|group=districts}} {{Regionlist | regionmap= | regionmaptext= | regionmapsize= | region1name=[[Rotterdam/Centrum|Stadsdriehoek]] | region1color=#44aa99 | region1items=Rotterdam Centrum | region1description=Filled with highrise and out-of-the-box architecture, this district forms the heart of Rotterdam and gives the city its characteristic. | region2name=[[Rotterdam/Delfshaven|Delfshaven]] | region2color=#aa4499 | region2items=Delfshaven | region2description=Originally a part of [[Delft]], this town over time grew closer to Rotterdam, leading up to its incorporation in 1886. The former town still has a fair bit of its historic identity. | region3name=[[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk|Kralingen-Crooswijk]] | region3color=#117733 | region3items=Kralingen-Crooswijk, Noord | region3description=Famous for the Kralingse Plas, a large artificial lake and the surrounding park, as well as Blijdorp, the second-oldest still active zoo in the Netherlands. | region4name=[[Rotterdam/Feijenoord|Feijenoord]] | region4color=#ee99aa | region4items=Feijenoord | region4description=Namesake of a Dutch football club, Feijenoord is the heart of the south banks of the Meuse. | region5name=[[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|Northern Rotterdam]] | region5color=#d09440 | region5items=Overschie, Hillegersberg-Schiebroek | region5description=Home to Rotterdam's airport as well as Hilligersberg and the surrounding lakes and forests. | region6name=[[Rotterdam/Capelle en Noordoost|Capelle en Noordoost]] | region6color=#b5d29f | region6items=Prins Alexander, Capelle aan den IJssel | region6description=Largely home to Rotterdam's urban sprawl. | region7name=[[Rotterdam/Nieuwerkerk|Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel]] | region7color=#d56d76 | region7items=Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel | region7description=Though not incorporated into Rotterdam, Nieuwerkerk is largely an extension of the city. It is home to the lowest point of the famously low-lying Netherlands, at {{convert|6.76|m|yd}} below sea level. | region8name=[[Rotterdam/Zuid|Zuid]] | region8color=#6699cc | region8items=Charlois, IJsselmonde | region8description=The southernmost districts of Rotterdam. | region9name=[[Rotterdam/Port of Rotterdam|Port of Rotterdam]] | region9color=#ddcc77 | region9items=Pernis, Rozenburg, Botlek, Europoort, Eerste- en Tweede Maasvlakte | region9description=Best known as the largest seaport of Europe, the Port of Rotterdam has been built within a river delta as well as the sea. | region10name=[[Rotterdam/Hook of Holland|Hook of Holland]] | region10color=#44aa99 | region10items=Hoek van Holland | region10description=Formerly one of the main gateways into the Netherlands from anywhere reachable by ocean-going vessel, nowadays a popular beachfront. | region11name=[[Rotterdam/Albrandswaard|Albrandswaard]] | region11color=#882255 | region11items=Hoogvliet, Poortugaal, Rhoon | region11description=Island on the suburban fringes of Rotterdam, functioning as a suburb both to Rotterdam and [[Spijkenisse]]. }} ==Understand== ===History=== Settlement at the lower end of the fen stream ''Rotte'' dates from at least 900. Around 1150, large floods in the area ended development, leading to the construction of protective dikes and dams. A dam on the Rotte or 'Rotterdam' was built in the 1260s and was at the present-day ''Hoogstraat'' ('High Street'). Although Rotterdam did well after the Middle Ages and in the 'Golden Century' - roughly between 1650 and 1750 - it was not before the second part of the nineteenth century that the city started to develop itself rapidly. Helped by the digging of a new seaway (the Nieuwe Waterweg) Rotterdam was rid of access problems caused by the silting of the river and started receiving ever bigger ships with cargo for/from the booming Ruhrgebiet in Germany. Port related trade and industry skyrocketed, and the city started to draw lots of migrants from the then poor Brabant province, for whom the southern part of the city was constructed. At the turn of the twentieth century Rotterdam was well under way to become the largest economic centre in the Netherlands. It was between then and the second world war that large prestigious construction works were undertaken, in part to show off the new found economic pride. The German army invaded the Netherlands on 10 May 1940. Germany had planned to conquer the country in one day, but after meeting unexpectedly fierce resistance, it finally forced the Dutch army to capitulate on 14 May 1940 by bombing Rotterdam and threatening to bomb other cities. The heart of the city was almost completely destroyed by the German Luftwaffe, and 800 people were killed, while about 80,000 others were made homeless. During the war, Rotterdam was bombed several times during allied raids that were aimed at the harbour area but sometimes also hit the city. The City Hall survived the bombing. Unlike most other European cities however, the City Council did not aim at rebuilding what was lost, but on taking the opportunity to create a 'new' and better city. Damaged but not destroyed old buildings were torn down in the process. From the 1950s through the 1970s, the city was rebuilt. It remained quite windy and open until the city councils from the 1980s on began developing an active architectural policy. Daring and new styles of apartments, office buildings and recreation facilities resulted in a more 'livable' city center with a new skyline. In the 1990s, the ''Kop van Zuid'' was built on the south bank of the river as a new business center. ===Demographics=== In the Netherlands, Rotterdam has the highest percentage of foreigners from non-industrialised nations. Nearly 50% of the population are not native to the Netherlands or have at least one parent born outside the country. Muslims comprise close to 25% of the city's population. The city is also home to one of the largest Cape Verdean communities in the world, as well as the largest Dutch Antillean community. ===Atmosphere=== Rotterdam's culture is distinct from other cities in the Netherlands. The mentality of the people is described as 'can do'. From the waiters you meet to the businessmen and recent immigrants, everybody breathes a dream of getting forward with life. The modern design of the city, the bustle and the spree of buildings all add to this impression. That said, you might also find that people are sometimes too straight with you. And yes, the city is not the cosiest, or the most picturesque of towns, especially on drab winter days. But get acquainted with this small metropolis, easiest done on one of the festival days with nice weather. You will come to love it. [[File:Rotterdam haringvliet in winter.jpg|thumbnail|right|Winters in Rotterdam are moist and can be freezingly cold, but just as well uniquely beautiful]] ===Climate=== {{climate chart | Rotterdam |1.3|6.4|71 |1.1|7.1|66 |2.4|10.3|57 |4.8|14.3|42 |8.1|17.9|56 |11.0|20.6|69 |13.2|22.7|79 |12.9|22.6|92 |10.5|19.3|90 |7.2|14.9|87 |3.9|10.2|88 |1.4|7.0|86 |units = metric |float = right |clear = none |source = Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute}} Rotterdam gains a lot of charm when the sun is shining. Visiting in spring or summer may be more enjoyable than during the dark rainy winter. The summer months see temperatures averaging around {{c|22}} during the day and {{c|14}} at night; though temperatures near or above {{c|28}} during the day and {{c|16}} at night are not unheard of during heat waves. Daylight runs from 05:30 until 22:00 in the summer, and only between 08:45 and 16:30 in the winter. ===Tourist information=== *{{listing | type=listing | name=Rotterdam Tourist Information Coolsingel | alt=VVV | url=https://en.rotterdam.info/ | email=info@rotterdam.info | address=Coolsingel 114, 3011 AG Rotterdam | lat=51.918860 | long=4.481239 | directions=Metro {{rint|Rotterdam|A}} {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} : Beurs, at the garden of the Schielandshuis | phone=+31 10 790 01 85 | tollfree= | hours=09:30-18:00 | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=This well equipped and modern tourist office can provide loads of information like city maps, small guide books, souvenirs and the like, and offers tips and information on what to see and do in Rotterdam. Rotterdam.info also sells Rotterdam Welcome Cards, concert tickets, gift certificate, souvenirs, public transport tickets and parking vouchers. Check the website for upcoming events. }} *{{listing | type=listing | name=Rotterdam Tourist Information Central Station | alt=VVV | url= | email= | address=Stationsplein 21, 3013 AJ Rotterdam | lat=51.92410 | long=4.47030 | directions=main entrance, in the central hall of the central station | phone=+31 107900185 | tollfree= | hours=09:30-18:00 | price= | lastedit=2019-07-21 | content=With help from the service desk, a wide range of tourist information folders and the employees, you can find out what part of the city you would like to visit. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=Rotterdam Welcome Card | alt= | url=https://en.rotterdam.info/visitors-info/rotterdam-welcome-card/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=1 day (€13.50), 2 days (€19.50), or 3 days (€24.50) | lastedit=2022-07-27 | content= The card allows for unlimited use of all public transport by RET in the city and region, and offers at least 25% discounts on more than 50 attractions, museums, and restaurants. Available at Rotterdam Info (VVV) points and other locations. Without public transport, the card costs €6.00. }} ==Get in== ===By plane=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Rotterdam The Hague Airport | alt={{IATA|RTM}} | url=http://www.rotterdamthehagueairport.nl/en | email= | address= | lat=51.951248 | long=4.443541 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Rotterdam The Hague Airport | image=Rotterdam airport luchtfoto.jpg | wikidata=Q656807 | lastedit=2016-06-07 | content=It is the 3rd largest airport in the country. It is 6 km north of the city centre. There are direct flights from cities in [[Germany]], [[Italy]], [[France]], [[Spain]], and the [[United Kingdom]]. Commercial airlines that operate to the airport include Transavia, Lufthansa, British Airways, and Turkish Airlines. }} ====Services==== * {{listing|type=go | name=VVV Rotterdam-The Hague Airport information point | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rotterdam Airportplein 60 | lat= | long= | directions=at the arrivals hall | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= 07:30-23:45 | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=Come here if you have questions about Rotterdam. The place to hear history. The gift shop is open 09:30-18:00. }} ====How to reach==== To plan a trip (for all public transport in the Netherlands) see [https://9292.nl/en 9292.nl]{{Dead link|date=December 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} Depending on the amount of travel with public transit in The Netherlands it is possible to buy a so called ''[[OV-Chipkaart]]'' or it may be more convemient to pay with a contactless credit or debit card by touching in & touching out on each trip. see for more information under ''Get Around.'' ;By bus/metro * {{listing | type=go | name=Bus 33 | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-06-30 | content=Connects the airport with ''Meijersplein/Airport'' metro station, from where you can take metro line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} to ''Slinge'' (for ''Rotterdam Centraal'' and Rotterdam city center).See for more information the ''By Metro'' section under ''Get Around''. Bus 33 also connects to Rotterdam Centraal station via the Overschie district. }} * {{listing | name=Bus 300 | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= 15 July - 20 September, Fr-Mo only| price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-06-30 | content=Direct service to ''Rotterdam Centraal''. No stops in between. }} ;By taxi * {{listing|type=go | name=Rotterdam Airport Taxi | alt= | url=http://www.rotterdam-airport-taxi.nl | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +31 10 262 04 06| tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-06-07 | content=Recommended by the airport web site. }} ====Other close airports==== * [[Schiphol Airport| Amsterdam Schiphol Airport]] ({{IATA|AMS}}) is 58 km north of Rotterdam and has much more flights than the Rotterdam airport. '''NS (Dutch Railways)''' operates ''[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/special-routes/intercity-direct.html Intercity Direct]'' high-speed rail service, every 30 minutes to Rotterdam. The journey takes 27 minutes. You have to pay an addition for the journey from Schiphol to Rotterdam, so regular intercities in direction Rotterdam Centraal and Rotterdam Blaak are cheaper (but slower) (these intercities also call at Schiphol). * [[Eindhoven#By plane| Eindhoven Airport]] ({{IATA|EIN}}) is 106 km southeast of Rotterdam. Ryanair and Wizzair operate flights to this airport. Take a bus to Eindhoven Centraal (approximately 20 minutes, the intercity train to Rotterdam Centraal takes about 63 minutes. * [[Brussels Airport]] ({{IATA|BRU}}) is 140 km south of Rotterdam. Many international carriers operate flights to this airport. The [https://www.b-europe.com/EN/Trains/InterCity train from Brussels] takes about 120 minutes and costs €35. Buses are also available, although less frequent. [[File:Rtd CS-III.JPG|thumbnail|right|Rotterdam Centraal has been completely reconstructed and now features a striking roof over the main concourse]] ===By train=== {{seealso|Rail travel in the Netherlands}} ==== International connections ==== * {{go | name=Rotterdam Centraal | alt= | url=https://www.ns.nl/stationsinformatie/rtd/rotterdam-centraal | email= | address= | lat=51.925 | long=4.469444 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q801388 | lastedit=2018-04-10 | content=The station is served by high-speed trains from [[Belgium]], [[France]] and the [[United Kingdom]]. }} **'''[http://www.thalys.com Thalys]''' operates [[high-speed trains]] from [[Antwerp]] (Antwerpen-Centraal, 35 min), [[Brussels]] (Brussel-Zuid/Midi, 1 hr 12 min), [[Paris]] (Gare du Nord, 2 hr 37 min) and [[Lille]] (Lille-Europe, 1 hr 55 min). Book well in advance to secure the best ticket deals. A cheaper but slower alternative to Thalys is the [https://www.b-europe.com/EN/Trains/InterCity Intercity Brussels] service between Amsterdam and Brussels. **Coming from Germany, Rotterdam Centraal can only be reached by changing trains in the Netherlands. When travelling on the German high-speed train '''[https://www.bahn.com/en/view/trains/long-distance/ice-ice-sprinter.shtml?dbkanal_007=L04_S02_D002_KIN0059_FLYOUT-ZUGFLOTTE-ICE_LZ01 ICE]{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' from [[Cologne]], [[Düsseldorf]] and [[Oberhausen]], the exchange will be in [[Utrecht]] Centraal station, and coming from [[Berlin]], [[Hanover]], [[Osnabrück]] (with the '''[https://www.bahn.com/en/view/trains/long-distance/intercity-eurocity.shtml?dbkanal_007=L04_S02_D002_KIN0059_FLYOUT-ZUGFLOTTE-IC_LZ01 DB-intercity]{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''') it is advisable to change at [[Amersfoort]]. Intercity-trains to Rotterdam depart from both Utrecht and Amersfoort. ** '''[http://www.eurostar.com Eurostar]''' runs a daily high speed service from [[London]] St Pancras International to Rotterdam Centraal. Prices start at £35 one way. The journey time is about 3 hr 30 min, but you must arrive at the station at least 90 minutes before departure in order to clear the extra border controls caused by COVID restrictions and Brexit. ==== National connections ==== The Dutch railway company NS runs high-speed ''[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/special-routes/intercity-direct.html Intercity Direct]'' trains between [[Amsterdam]], [[Amsterdam Airport Schiphol|Schiphol]], Rotterdam and [[Breda]]. The train stops only at those four stations and shaves 25-30 minutes in journey time between Amsterdam and Schiphol and Rotterdam versus the regular Intercity and Sprinter trains that stop in between. Beware that you have to pay a supplement (€2.60 during peak hours, €1.56 outside peak hours) to use the Intercity direct line to travel to Rotterdam if your journey involves Schiphol, (i.e. Amsterdam-Rotterdam journeys are subject to this supplement). You can purchase this supplement by tapping an anonymous or personal OV-chipkaart on a designated red pole found on the platform. Those without an anonymous or personal OV-chipkaart can use the ticketing machines or the NS website to purchase the supplement, however the discount may not be applicable to supplements purchased this way. Most unlimited day tickets including the Holland Travel Ticket can be used to travel on the Intercity Direct but a supplement purchase is still required. Thalys also offers seats for passengers travelling from Amsterdam to Rotterdam. The journey is less than 40 minutes, slightly faster than the Intercity Direct. However, reservations/advance bookings are required and most unlimited day tickets recognised by NS cannot be used on Thalys. Rotterdam is also well served by NS from other parts of the [[Netherlands]], with direct connections to [[Delft]], [[Amsterdam]], [[Eindhoven]], [[Gouda]], [[Leiden]], [[The Hague]], [[Utrecht]] and [[Vlissingen]]. Some intercities and sprinters also stop at '''[https://www.ns.nl/stationsinformatie/rtb/rotterdam-blaak Rotterdam Blaak]''' station which is in the middle of the city center. This station is also frequented by trams and metro. See also the [[Netherlands#Get in Netherlands]] page for further information on national rail. Alternatively, Rotterdam's Metro line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} provides a connection for passengers coming from [[The Hague]] at Den Haag Centraal. The journey from Den Haag Centraal to Rotterdam Centraal costs €4.43 with an anonymous or personalised OV-chipkaart, which is marginally cheaper than an NS journey (€4.90) between the same points but takes about five minutes longer to complete the journey. ===By bus=== * {{listing|type=go | name=Flixbus | alt= | url=https://www.flixbus.com/bus/rotterdam| email= | address=(bus stop) Rotterdam Centraal @ Conradstraat 52 | lat= | long= | directions=International bus stop platform 'GG' at Rotterdam Centraal. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-07-20 | content=Serving both domestic and international routes. They also have an extra stop at Rotterdam Zuidplein @ Gooilandsingel }} ===By boat=== ==== Ferries from [[England]] (UK) ==== You can also get to Rotterdam by [[Ferries to the British Mainland|ferry from the United Kingdom]]. No ferries arrive in the center. * '''[http://www.poferries.com P&O Ferries]''' has a daily overnight sailing from [[Kingston Upon Hull]] to Rotterdam Europoort. From Rotterdam Europoort P&O Ferries operates a shuttle bus service that takes you to the city center of Rotterdam. Please book this shuttle service while you book your sailing. * '''[http://www.stenaline.com StenaLine]''' has a daily day and a daily overnight sailing from [[Harwich (England)|Harwich]] to [[Hook of Holland]]. Next to the port is ''Hoek van Holland Haven'' metro station. Line B brings you to the city centre in approximately 30 minutes. * '''[http://www.dfdsseaways.co.uk/ferry-routes/holland/newcastle-to-amsterdam DFDS Seaways]''' has a daily overnight ferry crossing from Newcastle to Amsterdam. You can drive to Rotterdam in approx. 50 minutes. ==== Waterbus ==== [[File:ENI 02324345 ALBLAS (14).JPG|thumbnail|right|A WaterBus near [https://www.cityguiderotterdam.com/things-to-do/sights/old-harbour-rotterdam/ Oude Haven (Old Harbour)]]]The '''[http://www.waterbus.nl WaterBus]''' services provide connections between Rotterdam and the ''Drechtsteden'' ([[Dordrecht]] and surrounding cities, including [[UNESCO World Heritage List|UNESCO-site]] - the world-famous windmills - [[Kinderdijk]]). ===By metro=== Coming from [[The Hague]] or somewhere in between it can be advisable to use metroline {{rint|Rotterdam|E}}, see for more information the page about the [[Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region|whole region]]. ===By car=== [[File:Rotterdam Auto 01.JPG|thumbnail|right|Finding a good spot to park can be a problem in central Rotterdam]] Rotterdam is easily reached by car. From Amsterdam take the A4 South to Rotterdam Haven. From Utrecht take the A12 and change to the A20 just after [[Gouda]] on knooppunt Gouwe. Traffic congestion on highways is common during peak hours (morning and evening commutes). You can pay for '''on-street parking''' with debit and credit card. Remember your license plate number. Parking regulations are enforced regularly. '''[https://parkereninrotterdam.nl Parking garages]{{Dead link|date=April 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' can be easily found by following the sign-marked P-route. The easiest way to pay is by credit card, just insert your card on the way in, and insert it again on the way out, and the total time is automatically deducted. You can also pay with cash or debit card. '''Park & Ride (P&R)''' facilities outside the center of Rotterdam offer free or cheap parking with public transport connections into the city center. For some locations (Slinge A15, Kralingse Zoom A16/E19 and Alexander A20/E25), you can park for free if you have a valid check-out on your public transport card (OV-chipkaart). === By bike === As a Dutch city Rotterdam is well connected to extense (inter)national bicycle networks which use all kinds of infrastructural facilities. Most attractive for tourist to cycle over longer distances are the so called '''LF-routes'''. So the city center is croshed by '''LF2 Stedenroute ''(City Route)''''' from Amsterdam to Brussels and '''LF12 Maas- en Vestingroute''' follows the flow of river Maas all the way from The East. See for more information [http://www.holland.com/global/tourism/discover-holland/cycling/bicycle-route-planner.htm Bicycle Route Planner]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}: ''sellect more options and LF-Routes.'' ==Get around== {{Mapframe|51.9152|4.4791|zoom=14|layer=W|name=Map of Rotterdam (metro lines have thicker strokes than tram lines)}} {{Mapshapes|Q691704}} <!--Metro--> {{Mapshapes|Q1429091|stroke-width=2}} <!--Tram--> '''[https://www.ret.nl/en RET]''' operates the buses, trams, and metro within the city. You could find a journey planner and some [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret/maps.html network maps] there. Alternatively you'd use the pan-Netherlands journey planner – [https://9292.nl/en 9292.nl]. Transport generally arrives every 10 minutes during the day. Free Wi-Fi is available in some trams, buses and metro lines, and on the busier metro stations, you just need to accept the terms of use. ===Tickets=== You can [https://www.ovpay.nl/en use your contactless bank card]{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} to pay for any public transport that also accepts the [[OV-chipkaart]]. This system is called OV-Pay and is the most convenient way to travel. Debit and credit cards from Maestro, V PAY, Mastercard and Visa are supported. As anywhere else in the country OV-chipkaart can still be used to pay all kinds of public transport. The card costs €8.50 and you'd need to keep a positive balance there for at least €4. For using buses and trams, checking in and out has to be done in the vehicle, while for train and metro use the gates or card-reader poles at the entrance of the stations. Alternatively one of the city's transport travel cards could be used: * {{listing | name=RET travel cards | alt= | url=https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travel-products/products-and-fares.html | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=2 hours - €5.00; 1 (calendar) day - €11.00 | lastedit=2025-01-21 | content=To travel by bus, tram and metro with RET. Can be purchased via the RET Barcode app, at ticket machines in metro stations and at RET Sales and Information points. For children under 12 and age 65 and up there is a reduced price. The 1-day ticket is not a 24-hour ticket: it is only valid on the day of the first check-in, until 04:00 of the early morning the next day. Tickets are not sold on bus and tram anymore; use your bank card to check in instead. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=Tourist Day Ticket: Rotterdam & The Hague region | alt= | url=http://www.touristdaytickets.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=€17.00 for one day | lastedit=2025-01-21 | content=Unlimited travel on local transport (bus, tram, metro and waterbus. Note: trains excluded) in the Rotterdam and the Hague region. Available from ticket machines and service counters of RET and at tourist information. Ticket is valid for travel with RET, HTM, HTMbuzz, Arriva, Connexxion, EBS, QBuzz and Waterbus in South Holland. }} * [[#Rotterdam Welcome Card|Rotterdam Welcome Card]] also allows for unlimited use of public transport with RET in the city and region. Note that tickets must be purchased in advance, there is no ticket sale on board of bus, tram and metro. ===By metro=== [[Image:Metro Rotterdam future.svg|thumb|Rotterdam Metro reaches as far as [[the Hague]].]] There are 5 metro lines in the city. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|A}}, {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|C}}, share tracks between ''Schiedam Centrum'' and ''Capelsebrug'' and offer an east-west connection. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} share tracks between ''Rotterdam Centraal'' and ''Slinge'' and offer a north-south connection. Interchange between all lines is possible on ''Beurs'' station in the city center. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|A}}, {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|C}} operate every 10 minutes on working days and Saturday, which allows 3-4 minute intervals on the main section between ''Schiedam Centrum'' and ''Capelsebrug''. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} operate every 10 minutes on working days and Saturday, which give shorter intervals between ''Rotterdam Centraal'' and ''Slinge''. In the evening, on Saturday morning and Sunday the service is reduced to a 15-minute interval. The Rotterdam Metro operates from 05:30 until 00:00. On weekends the opening time is not until 07:00 Saturday, and 08:15 on Sunday. On Friday and Saturday nights the service is extended for a bit longer past midnight, but not on some parts of line B and E. See the [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret/time-table/metro/weekend-metro.html Weekend metro] page for an overview. For tourists the most important metro stations are: '''Line A, B and C''' (East-West branch) * '''Blaak''': train station, interchange with trams and busses, cube houses, Markthal, ports * '''Beurs''': city center, shops, interchange with metro {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} * '''Eendrachtsplein''': museumpark * '''Coolhaven''': [https://euromast.nl/ Euromast] * '''Delfshaven''': historic port '''Line D and E''' (North-South branch) * '''Meijerplein''': bus service to Rotterdam The Hague Airport '''''(only line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}})''''' * '''Blijdorp:''' [https://www.diergaardeblijdorp.nl/en/ Rotterdam Zoo] '''''(only line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}})''''' * '''Rotterdam Centraal''': northern edge of the city centre, interchange with trams and buses, train station * '''Beurs''': city centre, shops, interchange with metro {{rint|Rotterdam|A}}, {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|C}} * '''Leuvehaven''': ports, museums, Erasmus Bridge, Waterbus * '''Wilhelminaplein:''' Erasmus Bridge, Cruise Terminal Rotterdam, [http://www.hotelnewyork.com/ hotel New York] * '''Rijnhaven:''' Katendrecht, bus service to SS Rotterdam ===By tram=== There are nine tram lines in the city. Each tram has a conductor. Tram stops provide a detailed map of the public transport system for on-the-go route-finding. Most lines operate every 10 minutes on workdays, with a more frequent service during rush hours on some lines. All trams except {{rint|Rotterdam|2}} will stop at ''Rotterdam Centraal'', the main train station of Rotterdam. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|1}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|11}}''' run from the suburbs in the [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|northwest]] to De Esch in [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk|Kralingen]], via [[Schiedam]], the north of [[Delfshaven]], and the city centre. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|2}}''' runs on the south side of the rivers, through the districts of [[Rotterdam/Zuid|Charlois, IJsselmonde]] and [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|3}}''' starts at the central station, and connects to the south bank via Feijenoord, IJsselmonde and [[Rotterdam/Zuid|Beverwaard]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|4}}''' starts from Heemsraadplein, connecting to much of the city centre and the neighbourhoods to its west, before connecting to [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|Hillegersberg]] via the central station, and Noord/Crooswijk. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|5}}''' originates from the central station, running to the south bank via Feijenoord and suburbs, before terminating in [[Barendrecht]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|6}}''' runs from Heemsraadplein to Kleiweg, just north of the A20 highway, running parallel with line 4 up to Rotterdam Noord railway station. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|7}}''' starts at Marconiplein, where the metro and lines 1, 8 and 11 meet, to Woudestein where it meets lines 1 and 11 again, via the central station and Erasmus University. Between Weena and Woudestein, lines 1 and 11 follow a more direct route via the Stadhuis, Beurs, Blaak and Oostplein metro stations, while line seven heads north via [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk|Crooswijk and Kralingen]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|8}}''', lastly, comes from [[Delfshaven|Spangen]], and then continues through most of Delfshaven roughly following the river up to Eendrachtsplein in [[Rotterdam/Centre|Cool]], from where it joins the main tram corridor through the city centre, to eventually terminate in [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|Schiebroek]]. * '''Line 12''' operates during football matches in the Kuip stadion only. ===By bus=== '''RET''' operates bus services across the city. Night bus service (BOB-bus) has been cancelled. Buses operated by '''[http://www.arriva.nl Arriva]''' and '''[http://www.connexxion.nl Connexxion]''' connect the city with suburbs. Use the front door when boarding a bus. ===By water taxi=== * {{listing | name=Watertaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=http://www.watertaxirotterdam.nl | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 10 403 03 03 | tollfree= | hours= | price=€ | lastedit=2022-07-27 | content=Rotterdam was built on a number of islands and if you want to travel from shore to shore, the nicest way to go is to take a '''Water Taxi'''. Fixed fares for rides between 50 docks in Rotterdam and Schiedam, with 3 fares zones, starting at €4.50 per person in the central zone. You can give them a call, or use the online tool to see availability and book a ride. It is advised to book in advance, especially on days with large events in the city. }} ===By taxi=== If you do need a taxi you will have to find yourself a taxi rank or call a taxi company. There is a minimum taxi fare of €2.30 (first it was {{EUR|7.50}} which included the first two kilometers). Additionally, each subsequent kilometre is charged €2.20. * {{listing | name=Rotterdamse Taxi Centrale RTC N.V. | url=http://www.rtcnv.nl | phone=+31 10 462 60 60 }} * {{listing | name=Coöperatieve Taxi Onderneming St. Job u.a. | url=http://www.st-job.nl | phone=+31 10 425 70 00 }} * '''Zorgtaxi Rotterdam {{Dead link|date= |bot= }} +'''31 10 818 28 23 * {{listing | name=Stadstaxi Rotterdam | url=https://www.stadstaxirotterdam.nl | phone=+31 10 818 28 23 }} * {{go | name=Botlektaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://botlektaxi.nl | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 10 666 66 06 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-01-19 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Taxi Rotterdam 010 | alt= | url=https://taxirotterdam010.nl/ | phone=+31 10 261 31 88 }} * {{listing | name= Rotterdamse Taxi | alt= | url= https://www.rotterdamsetaxi.nl/ | phone=+31 10 261 31 22 }} ===By tuk-tuk=== * {{listing | name=Tuk Tuk Company | alt= | url=http://www.tuktukcompany.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 9009933399 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-05-23 | content=A Thai-influenced transportation service using three-wheeled, open-air (but covered) motorized vehicles called Tuk Tuk offers a more economical and fast way to get around the city centre when compared to taxis. Tuk-tuk pricing is based on a zone system. Within a zone, a ride is €3.50 per person, €5 for 2 persons and €6.50 for 3. If you go to another zone, €3.50 is added (irrespective of number of persons). This service is handy if it is past the regular tram/bus/metro service hours (approximately half past midnight). }} ===By bicycle=== Like any city in The Netherlands, Rotterdam is very, very bicycle-friendly. Getting around by bike is probably the fastest way of travel within the city. There are separate bike lanes on most major streets and there are separate traffic lights for bicyclists. Avoid getting your tire in the tram rails: always cross tram rails at an angle. Of course it is also strongly advisable to watch out for other traffic at all time. On the other hand bicyclists can rely on the fact that motorists and pedestrians are aware of bikes. Always lock your bike securely when leaving it (preferably chained to a fixed object) or go to a guarded bicycle parking station. ==== Rent a bike==== At Rotterdam Centraal, you can rent bicycles at the shop in the underground bicycle parking, below the Station square. Leave the station at the front, exit 'Stationsplein'. The entrance of the bicycle parking ('fietsenstalling', with the glass roof) is at your right, in front of grand cafe Engels. Use-it, rents out nice Kronan bikes (Schaatsbaan 41-45, leave Central Station towards the center. Turn right at restaurant Engels and take the 2nd right). Bikes can be rented by several other private companies. Holland-Cycling.com provides a list of [http://www.holland-cycling.com/rotterdam/getting-around-rotterdam/bicycle-rental-in-rotterdam addresses]. Another list you will find at [https://www.rotterdam.nl/vrije-tijd/fiets-huren/ Rotterdam.nl]{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. If you have a personal (rather than an anonymous) [[OV-chipkaart]], bicycles can be rented at many train and metro stations and other central locations by the [http://www.ns.nl/en/door-to-door/ov-fiets OV-fiets system]. ==== Guarded bicycle parking ==== * The larger train stations have their own guarded bicycle parking. * Rotterdam municipality has also [https://www.rotterdam.nl/fietsparkeren some free locations]. ==See== ===Landmarks=== [[File:VN5 HDR2.jpg|thumbnail|right|The Van Nellefabriek is regarded as a prime example of the ''International Style'']] Rotterdam has national notoriety for its architecture, and the city therefore is dotted with landmarks of all sorts. Most of them you will find in the [[Rotterdam/Centrum|city centre]], but [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord|Feijenoord]] is also quite dense with them. Rotterdam is known for some bridges, not in the last place the '''Erasmusbrug''', spanning the Nieuwe Maas between the city centre and Feijenoord. Also of historical importance is the former railway lifting bridge '''De Hef''', slightly upstream from the Erasmusbrug. '''Historical landmarks''' are somewhat rare to come across in Rotterdam's city centre, but the city itself isn't completely devoid of them. In the city centre, the 1920 '''City hall''' and the '''Great or Saint-Laurence church''', both survivors of the 1940 bombardment. Rotterdam is also home to the country's oldest known bronze statue, depicting Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam and dating from 1622. It is found opposite the Saint-Laurence church. '''De Verwoeste Stad''' (Destroyed City) is a cubist statue depicting a man in agony who just lost his heart (symbol of the bombed city centre). Feijenoord, despite being home to many modern redevelopments, houses some historical landmarks such as the '''former headquarters of the Holland-Amerikalijn'''. Also worth visiting are the '''Oude Haven''' (''Old Harbour'') and the nearby '''Witte Huis''' (''White House'') and '''Schielandshuis'''. '''Industrial landmarks''' are plenty in a city that mostly thrives off of harbour activities. Besides the many industrial sites found in the [[Rotterdam/Port of Rotterdam|Port of Rotterdam]], the '''Van Nellefabriek''' in [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|the north of the city]] is a listed UNESCO site. [[File:Erasmusbrug seen from Euromast.jpg|thumbnail|right|The modern skyline of Rotterdam can be truly appreciated from the Euromast.]] The skyline of Rotterdam can, of course, be observed from one of the many skyscrapers in the city - though you should probably book a hotel located in a skyscraper or find one with a publicly accessible roof, as trespass isn't welcomed. Another great site for views over the city though, is the '''Euromast''' on the border between the [[Rotterdam/Centrum|city centre]] and [[Rotterdam/Delfshaven|Delfshaven]], twice in its history the highest building of the Netherlands. For a relatively small entry fee, you can climb the tower or for a larger sum, you can dine inside of it. For those less comfortable with great heights though, a birds-eye overview of the city can also be obtained at '''Miniworld Rotterdam''', near the central station. The city is also well-known for its experimental and out-of-the-ordinary architecture, often being a testing ground for new concepts. A prime example of this are the '''Kubuswoningen''' (''Cube Houses'') at [[Rotterdam/Centrum|Blaak]]; one has been set aside as a museum, offering a view of the unique perspective and custom furniture that comes with living in one of the houses. Also striking are the '''Markthal''', harbour-crane inspired sculptures at the '''Schouwburgplein''' and the '''Koopgoot''', all found in the city centre. '''Historic churches:''' in the Netherlands churches are generally closed to visitors on Sundays. === Other sites === [[File:Rotterdam Erasmusbrug bij avond vanaf hoek Veerhaven-Westerkade.jpg|thumb|Erasmus bridge of Rotterdam]] [[File:Schielandshuis.jpg|thumbnail|right|Schielandshuis today stands surrounding by modern glass and steel buildings]] [[Image:Oude Haven (Rotterdam) 2011.jpg|thumb|"Het witte huis" in Old Harbour]] The area around the [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Other sites|'''Station Rotterdam Blaak''']] was destroyed by a Nazi bombardment during World War II. After the war this area was populated with some bold examples of modern architecture. The '''Kubuswoningen''' are literally cubes, tilted over by 45 degrees. '''Oude Haven''' (Old Harbour) is a nice place to see and sit at some café nearby. '''Witte Huis''' is a "skyscraper" built in 1898. '''Het Schielandshuis''' is the only remaining 17th-century building in the city centre of Rotterdam. [[File:Delfshaven Rotterdam (the Netherlands) 17.JPG|thumb|The old barges moored at the Delfshaven]] [[Rotterdam/Delfshaven|'''Delfshaven''']] is one of very few locations in the city which survived World War II bombings. Historic Delfshaven is a very scenic walk. It consists of an 17th-century area around two canals with a lot of charm. By day visit little shops in this neighbourhood, by night attractive pubs and restaurants make the visit worthwhile. * '''Chinatown''' in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Other sites|Centrum]] is full of Chinese restaurants and also Indonesian and other Asian restaurants. [[File:Rotterdam molens De Ster (l) en De Lelie (r) - tegenlicht.jpg|thumbnail|right|''De Ster'' and ''De Lelie'' at dusk]] ===Windmills=== Rotterdam has only seven windmills left. Of these, only ''De Ster'' and ''De Lelie'' in [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk#See|Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk]] are open to visitors on a regular basis. Other windmills are open to visitors when the mill is turning (easy enough to see), but there are some exceptions to this rule of thumb. A blue flag also indicates that the mill is open to visitors. Look for De Prinsenmolen, De Vier Winden, and De Speelman windmills in [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam#Windmills|Northern Rotterdam]] and De Zandweg in [[Rotterdam/Zuid#See|Rotterdam Zuid]]. ===Museums=== [[File:Overzicht achtergevel - Rotterdam - 20534511 - RCE.jpg|thumbnail|right|Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen]] [[Netherlands#Museumkaart|Museumkaart]] is accepted at the city's museums. The Museumpark area in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Museums|Centrum]] has many of the city's museums. '''Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen''' houses a rich, broad collection including masterpieces ranging from Pieter Brueghel the Elder's ''The "little" Tower of Babel'' (1563) to an important collection of surrealism, prominently featuring Salvador Dalí and René Magritte. '''Sylvette''' is a large work by Pablo Picasso was erected in 1973. It is one of the elaborations Picasso made based on the portraits of his muse Sylvette David. Definitely worth a look. '''Kunsthal''' houses some 25 exhibitions annually with a fascinating and widely varied repertoire. Het Nieuwe Instituut museum includes the '''Museum voor Architectuur, Design en Digitale cultuur''', a museum for architecture,deesign and digital culture, and '''Huis Sonneveld''', a building in the Bauhaus style. '''Chabot Museum''' is a neat little museum is housed in a splendid modernist 1930s villa. It houses a collection of works of the expressionist painter Hendrik Chabot. '''Natuurhistorisch Museum''' has changing expositions and a fixed collection of mammals, plants and fossils. The city has two maritime museums. The '''Maritiem Museum''' has a variety of expositions about the harbour of Rotterdam and maritime history, and a restored 19th-century gunboat that is a must-see for naval enthusiasts. The '''Mariniersmuseum''' shows the history of the centuries-old Narine Corps and its modern-day role. Special attention is given to the heroic role of the corps in the 1940 defence of Rotterdam. ====Other museums==== [[File:Façade Witte de With Center for Contemporary Art.jpg|thumbnail|right|Witte de With Center]] In [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Other museums|Centrum]], you can visit '''Museum Rotterdam''', which is dedicated to the modern day Rotterdam and its history; the '''Museum of Chess-Pieces''', which houses a diverse collection of chess games from ancient Chinese to cartoon characters; the '''Wereldmuseum''' (World Arts Museum), which focuses on encounters and cross-cultural inspiration; and '''Witte de With''' (Centre for Contemporary Arts). [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord#Q2191118|'''Nederlands Fotomuseum''']] shows the diversity of forms of photography, especially as a medium of social expression and commentary. [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk#Q2351733|'''SSN Museumstoomdepot''']] features old steam locomotives and trains. Besides a small museum it's a workshop where you can see restoration in progress. ==Do== [[File:Overzicht - Rotterdam - 20534496 - RCE.jpg|thumbnail|right|''De Doelen'' concert hall in Schouwbourgplein]] Upcoming events and performances are listed on the VVV and Use-it websites. The larger events are well documented on the VVV site, for smaller venues check Use-it (under Calendar) for a very attractive and well updated listing of music, expositions, movies and parties that need checking out. The [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Do|Uitburo office]] inside the Central Library provides information on theatre and music performances. It also sells tickets and offers an overview of performances that can be visited for free (''gratis''). ===Events=== [[File:North Sea Jazz Festival 2012 - ALOE BLACC.jpg|thumbnail|right|In July, you can enjoy the ''North Sea Jazz'' festival]] Rotterdam plays host to a lot of events, a lot of them yearly ones. Besides these there are a lot smaller ones that can be very nice, so ask around and check the VVV website. A few of these yearly events to name: * {{do | name=Six Days of Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.wielerzesdaagserotterdam.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2293105 | lastedit=2024-12-26 | content=A cycling competition in early December. }} * {{do | name=IFFR | alt= | url=http://www.filmfestivalrotterdam.com/en/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The International Film Festival Rotterdam, which mainly features independent films from all over the world in February. }} * {{do | name=Art Rotterdam | alt= | url=http://www.artrotterdam.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=In February, you can see (and buy) masterpieces of modern art. }} * {{do | name=World tennis Tournament | alt= | url=http://www.abnamrowtt.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=In February. }} * On the '''[http://www.rotterdamsemuseumnacht.nl/ Rotterdam Museum Night]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' in March, nearly all Rotterdam museums and galleries open their doors in the evening with special events. * {{do | name=Motel Mozaique | alt= | url=http://motelmozaique.nl/en/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Music, art & performance. Plus a sleeping project that enables sleeping in art or on special locations in Rotterdam (April) }} * [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Q1341108|'''Rotterdam Marathon''']], internationally reputed as a very fast marathon, is held in April in Centrum. * {{do | name=Poetry International | alt= | url=http://www.poetry.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Festival in June. }} * '''Metropolis Festival''' (music) on the first Sunday in July. * The sublime '''[http://www.northseajazz.com/ North Sea Jazz]''' festival in July with loads of worldfamous artists. * {{do | name=Summer Carnival | alt= | url=http://www.zomercarnaval.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A huge Caribbean-oriented parade and party in the city centre. }} * {{do | name=Heerlijk Rotterdam | alt= | url=http://www.heerlijkrotterdam.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Three day event where you can sample dishes from Michelin-star restaurants for a reduced price (dates vary, summer edition usually late August) }} * The '''[http://wereldhavendagen.nl/en/ World Port Days]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' a weekend full of activities centred around the large harbour of Rotterdam (early September) * The classical music '''[http://www.gergievfestival.nl/ Gergjev]''' festival in September, led by master-conductor Valery Gergjev. * The '''[http://www.rotterdamseoogst.nl/ Rotterdam Harvest Festival]''' in September. * '''Bazar Curieux''' (music) in December For full listings of events check [http://www.rotterdam.info/uk/ Rotterdam.info] and [http://www.use-it.nl/ Use-it]{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. === Tours === Several tours can be found in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Tours|Centrum]], including the tourist '''tram line 10''' through the city centre and historic parts of Rotterdam on classic trams; the '''Spido harbour trip''' through the first 8 km of the harbour; and De pannenkoekenboot, on which you cam eat as many pancakes as you want while you cruise the harbour. ===Cinema=== There are two huge megacinemas in Rotterdam. The one in the city centre is called '''Pathé Schouwburgplein''' (at the Schouwburgplein), the other one is on the southside of the city. It's called '''Pathé De Kuip''' (next to the Feyenoord stadium De Kuip). In these cinemas you can see Hollywood movies and occasionally an arthouse movie. To get to De Kuip, take tram {{rint|Rotterdam|12}} to stop Stadion Feijenoord. If you're more into alternative cinema go to '''[http://www.lantaren-venster.nl/ Lantaren/Venster]''' Cinema (Otto Reuchlinweg 996 (Wilhelminapier)). Here you'll get European, Asian and Latin American cinema in a nice atmosphere. It has a nice bar too. The other option is '''Cinerama''' (Westblaak 18) which shows a combination of art/house films and commercial Hollywood flicks. During the '''IFFR''' (International Film Festival Rotterdam), which usually takes place in February, art-house movies are shown at much more locations throughout the city. In August, an open air cinema at the '''Lloydkwartier''' shows both blockbusters and independent films. Entrance is free, and you can either bring your own chair or rent one onsite. To get there, take {{rint|Rotterdam|A}} to Coolhaven and walk for about 10–15 minutes towards the river in the south. ===Other attractions=== [[File:Erasmusbréck w.jpg|thumbnail|right|Rotterdam can be breathtaking from above]] When you want to combine a unique experience with a great view over the city of Rotterdam, you can make a (tandem) '''skydive''' at [http://www.skydiverotterdam.com Skydive Rotterdam]. At Skydive Rotterdam (also called the Flying Dutchman) you can book a tandem skydive or do a complete skydiving course and jump from a height of 3 or 4 kilometers. It's the only skydiving school in the "Randstad" area and the only place in the Netherlands where you can jump over a major city like Rotterdam. When the weather's good you will have a spectacular view over the Rotterdam skyline and other parts of the Randstad area, all the way to the coastline. An '''airplane''' can be rented at reasonable rates at Rotterdam Airport at [http://vliegen.rotterdamsweb.nl/ Happy Wing]. Nice tours above the city, its ports or the coastline are on offer. On summer Sundays, it is possible to lower yourself down from the '''Euromast'''. On last Sundays of summer months you can glide down in 15 seconds on a wire (tokkelen). Both: Not for the faint of heart! Check the website of [http://heightspecialists.nl/abseilen/ Heightspecialists]. ===With children=== [[File:Medusakop op kolom in giraffenweide - Rotterdam - 20348014 - RCE.jpg|thumbnail|right|The historic ''Diergaarde Blijdorp'' is definitely worth a visit]] '''Diergaarde Blijdorp''' (Rotterdam Zoo) in [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk#Q18775796|Kralingen-Crooswijk]] is one of the most popular day trips in the Netherlands. Walk through different parts of the world, seeing interesting animals that feel right at home in an approximation of their natural habitats. The Oceanium is filled with ocean and coastal dwellers, including exotic fish and puffins. '''Miniworld Rotterdam''' in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Do|Centrum]] is the largest indoor model railroad layout of the Netherlands. === Football === : Rotterdam has three professional soccer teams: * [https://www.feyenoord.nl/ '''Feyenoord'''] play in Eredivisie, the top tier. Their home ground is Stadion Feijenoord (capacity 51,000), better known as "De Kuip"; it's often also used for rock concerts and similar events. It's south of the river with its own railway station Rotterdam Stadion. * [https://www.sparta-rotterdam.nl/ '''Sparta Rotterdam'''] also play in Eredivisie. Their home ground is Het Kasteel ("The Castle", capacity 12,000), 3 km west of the centre. * [https://www.sbvexcelsior.nl/ '''SBV Excelsior'''] were relegated in 2024 so they play in Eerste Divisie the second tier. Their Stadion Woudestein (capacity 4500), now called Van Donge & De Roo Stadion, is 2 km east of city centre on the north bank of the river. ===Water sports and yachting=== [[File:Rotterdam kralingse plas.jpg|thumbnail|right|Kralingse Plas]] Being a major harbour and having lots of waterways and lakes, Rotterdam has a lot to offer for water-enthousiasts. Boating: There are four major lakes in Rotterdam. The Kralingse Plas, The double Bergse Plas, the Rottemeren and the Zevenhuizer Plas. All of them have active yachting communities and sometimes sailing races can be seen. The Zevenhuizer plas is mainly populated by Windsurf enthousiasts. Sailing boats can be rented at the Kralingse Plas at the [http://www.henkvangent.nl/ Van Gent sailing school], Plaszoom, a 10-minute walk from Metro Voorschoterlaan (walk through the Julianalaan until you reach Plaszoom). Rowing- and sailing boats can be rented at the windmill at the very end of the eastern Rottekade at [http://www.botenverhuurvanvliet.nl/ Van Vliet's] (Rottemeren, go by car or bike, a very nice ride). Yachting: When visiting Rotterdam with your own yacht you will find that most yachting harbours are on the inland waterways, where there are a lot of them. On the river Maas you will only find the [http://www.citymarinarotterdam.nl/ City Marina], behind a bascule bridge on the southern bank, and the [http://www.veerhavenrotterdam.nl/ Veerhaven], right in the city center on the northern bank. Unless you need the better shelter of the characterless City Marina, go for the admittedly a little choppy Veerhaven marina, very central and scenic. ===Beach=== The closest good beach is about 30 km away at [[Hook of Holland]]. Here you will find a very fine sand beach with good swimming and enough entertainment. To get there, take line {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} to Hoek van Holland Strand, its end point. For a more urban-party beach experience head to [[Scheveningen]] where you can find everything beach-party addicts dream about; Endless rows of beachside bars, restaurants and discothèques and a boulevard along a splendid fine-sand beach. It can get ''very'' crowded here. Take the train to [[Den Haag]] Centraal Station and tram {{rint|denhaag|9}} subsequently. Also at the same coast is Kijkduin, which is very recommended for children. To get there, get {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} to its northern end point, then take bus 24 to Kijkduin. If you want to go to the beach but want to stay in the city, consider taking {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} to its end point, Nesselande and walk across the Corsicalaan from there. You are at the Strand Nesselande. ==Buy== The main shopping areas are in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Buy|Centrum]]. '''Afrikaanderplein Markt''' in [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord#Buy|Feijenoord]] is a market of about 300 stalls geared towards Rotterdam's inhabitants of Antillian, South American or African descent (a lot of whom happen to live nearby). Dutch cheese is very famous, you can get some at grocery stores or wider variety at the marketplace. Other typical Dutch things are ''stroopwafels'', ''hagelslag'' and ''drop'' (liquorice). ==Eat== The area around metrostation ''Blaak'', called '''Oude haven''' (Old Harbour), is not only worth seeing but has also a lot of pubs and restaurants. The Rotterdam dining scene is developing very fast with new restaurants opening very often. While most of the attention focusses on new Michelin-star aspiring places, there is very much a trend towards high quality mid-range restaurants offering French/Dutch cuisine. ==Drink== [[Rotterdam/Centrum#|Centrum]] has a wide variety of bars, coffee shops and music venues. The [http://www.kaapsebrouwers.nl/ Kaapse Brouwers] brewery has four locations around the city. Each location has a whole wall of taps to choose from. They are popular place so waiting lines can be long. ==Sleep== See district articles for listings for camping, hostels and hotels. ==Connect== The telephone country code for the Netherlands is 31, and Rotterdam's city code is 010. In case of an '''Emergency''', dial '''1-1-2''' (free of charge). When staying for a longer time, buy a prepaid sim card for your mobile phone. ==Stay safe== You should take normal precautions against pickpockets and baggage theft, especially in the main shopping streets, at markets, in trams and trains, at stations, and anywhere where tourists congregate. It is not wise to hang around Stadhuisplein when nightlife ends. Fights often occur in this area after midnight. Rotterdam also has a reputation of mass venues getting out of hand, though you shouldn't worry too much about it. If violence breaks out at football festivities (not so unlikely) or at the end of sun soaked festive days, like Kings Day (even less unlikely, especially at the Stadhuisplein), just get out of the way and you're unlikely to be affected. It's advisable not to wear a football jersey of Ajax Amsterdam or any other stuff promoting Ajax or Amsterdam. In terms of general safety, at daylight most areas in the city are safe. But at night, some areas such as Spangen, Charlois and Hillesluis are wise to avoid. When you drive a car with a foreign numberplate (especially if it's a French or Belgian one) you might or will be approached by so-called ''drugsrunners''. This can occur on the motorways surrounding the city and in the city proper. These guys try to lure people to places where drugs are dealt. Do not respond to their signals and do not follow them. ==Go next== If you do not have a car, the hub for leaving the city will probably be '''Rotterdam Centraal''', from where trains leave in all directions at short intervals (you can generally drop in and catch the next train to your destination). Most regional and longer distance buses leave here too, with the exception of most buses to southerly destinations and the province of Zeeland that leave from '''metro station Zuidplein'''. In contrast with the trains, bus departure times should be checked in advance as they can be far and between. For trains to the North and the South travellers can also choose to depart from '''Rotterdam Blaak'''. '''The Hague''' can also be reached easily and rather quickly by metro line E. Nearby destinations like [[Schiedam]] or even [[Delft]] can also be reached by bike if you fancy a somewhat longer ride. Bike routes and directions are well marked and available in abundance. A good idea for a sunny day! Schiedam can be reached by train or by metro (in 15 minutes) too. [[Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region|MRDH]] is the area of the region Rotterdam-Schiedam-Delft-The Hague, see this page for more information on travel and cycling. ===Nearby=== * '''[[Kinderdijk]]''' — a [[UNESCO World Heritage List#Netherlands|UNESCO World Heritage]] site. 19 old windmills are still helping to control the water level there. Windmill #2 is open to the public, allowing you to see its inner workings. In season there is a direct waterbus service from an embankment at the Erasmus bridge (travel time ~1/2 hour). Alternatively, ''Arriva'' bus 90 from bus and metro station ''Zuidplein'' will get you there in 50 minutes. * '''[[Schiedam]]''' — visit the historic centre of this small town at the edge of Rotterdam, including the world's six tallest windmills. Also you can find there the ''Stedelijk Museum'', an attractive museum with some nice modern art exhibitions. Easily reached by bicycle, a train (from ''Rotterdam Centraal'' to ''Schiedam Centrum''), metro A, B or C line to ''Schiedam Centrum'' station, or tram lines 1 or 11 (''Broersvest'' or ''Koemarkt'' stop). ===Day trips=== * '''[[Delft]]''' — this famous town is a 15-minute train ride from ''Rotterdam Centraal''. Very historic and scenic, but also very touristy. * '''[[Dordrecht]]''' — a magnificent historic town with little tourism and an excellent old art museum (Dordrechts Museum). It is a 15-min train ride, or even better, take a ''[http://www.waterbus.nl/halte/dordrecht-merwekade/ waterbus]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''. * '''[[Gouda]]''' — visit this small picturesque postcard-like town and see the magnificent stained glass windows in the ''Sint Janskerk''. Also 20 min by train. * '''[[Delta Works]]''' — a series of construction projects protecting the Southwest of the Netherlands from the sea. The Oosterschelde storm surge barrier is the most impressive, and next to it is ''Neeltje Jans'', a water theme park dedicated to the Delta Works. * '''[[Brielle (Netherlands)|Brielle]]''' — a mediaeval fortified town. The centre is a nice ensemble of old houses and churches, enclosed by the original earthen defensive walls. There are some museums and the Roman Catholic shrine of the Martyrs of Gorcum. Walking around town and fortifications is a treat. You can easily spend a full day in Brielle. Take bus 103 at the ''Spijkenisse Centrum'' metro station. A journey takes about 70 min. * '''[[Schoonhoven]]''' — a nice small town with many well preserved medieval buildings on the ''Lek'' river in a halfway to Utrecht. From Station Capelsebrug, Rotterdam, take a bus 195 (direction Utrecht). A journey takes about 1 hour. * Go to the other cities of the [[Randstad]], e.g. '''[[The Hague]]''' is 1/2 hour by train or metro, '''[[Utrecht]]''' is around 45 min by train, '''[[Amsterdam]]''' about an hour. {{routebox | image1=NL-A15.png | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Brielle (Netherlands)|Brielle]] | minorl1=[[Spijkenisse]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Arnhem]] | minorr1=[[Dordrecht]] | image2=BE-E19.svg | imagesize2=20 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Amsterdam]] | minorl2=[[Delft]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Antwerp]] | minorr2=[[Zwijndrecht]] }} {{usablecity}} {{isPartOf|Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region}} {{geo|51.9239|4.4623|zoom=14}} gyh42k3nlaa9tbwoodkdezyr455266g 5086990 5086988 2025-07-03T06:26:48Z PauldeKoning 2328897 5086990 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Rotterdam Banner 4.jpg|dotm=yes|unesco=yes}} {{printDistricts}} '''Rotterdam''' is a very large city in the province of [[South Holland]] in the west of the [[Netherlands]]. The city is the second largest in the country with a population of approximately 650,000 inhabitants in the municipality (2020) and about 2.2 million inhabitants in the shared metropolitan area of the [[Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region]] (MRDH). Rotterdam is a vibrant, multicultural city; it is known for its university (Erasmus), cutting-edge architecture, lively cultural life, industrial riverside setting, its maritime heritage and colourful summer events. The municipality stretches all the way to the [[North Sea]] with gigantic areas like '''Europoort''' and '''Maasvlakte 1&2'''. All belong to the '''Port of Rotterdam'''. Starting as a dam constructed in 1270 on the Rotte River, Rotterdam has grown into a major international commercial centre. The port of Rotterdam is Europe's busiest port by cargo tonnage, and was the world's busiest from 1962 until it was surpassed by Shanghai in 2004. Rotterdam's commercial and strategic importance is based on its location near the mouth of the Nieuwe Maas (New Meuse), a channel in the delta formed by the Rhine and Meuse on the North Sea. These rivers lead directly into the centre of Europe, including the industrial Ruhr region, which is why Rotterdam is often called the "Gateway to Europe". Many relatively high buildings (by Dutch standards) have been emerging throughout and around the city centre. Daring and new styles of apartments, office buildings and recreation facilities resulted in Rotterdam becoming a city of modern architecture and the only city in the Netherlands with a modern skyline. Due to this, the city is especially interesting for Dutch people to visit. ==Districts== {{Mapframe|width=660|zoom=10|show=districts}} {{Mapshape|type=page|wikicommons=Rotterdam_Districts.map|group=districts}} {{Regionlist | regionmap= | regionmaptext= | regionmapsize= | region1name=[[Rotterdam/Centrum|Stadsdriehoek]] | region1color=#44aa99 | region1items=Rotterdam Centrum | region1description=Filled with highrise and out-of-the-box architecture, this district forms the heart of Rotterdam and gives the city its characteristic. | region2name=[[Rotterdam/Delfshaven|Delfshaven]] | region2color=#aa4499 | region2items=Delfshaven | region2description=Originally a part of [[Delft]], this town over time grew closer to Rotterdam, leading up to its incorporation in 1886. The former town still has a fair bit of its historic identity. | region3name=[[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk|Kralingen-Crooswijk]] | region3color=#117733 | region3items=Kralingen-Crooswijk, Noord | region3description=Famous for the Kralingse Plas, a large artificial lake and the surrounding park, as well as Blijdorp, the second-oldest still active zoo in the Netherlands. | region4name=[[Rotterdam/Feijenoord|Feijenoord]] | region4color=#ee99aa | region4items=Feijenoord | region4description=Namesake of a Dutch football club, Feijenoord is the heart of the south banks of the Meuse. | region5name=[[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|Northern Rotterdam]] | region5color=#d09440 | region5items=Overschie, Hillegersberg-Schiebroek | region5description=Home to Rotterdam's airport as well as Hilligersberg and the surrounding lakes and forests. | region6name=[[Rotterdam/Capelle en Noordoost|Capelle en Noordoost]] | region6color=#b5d29f | region6items=Prins Alexander, Capelle aan den IJssel | region6description=Largely home to Rotterdam's urban sprawl. | region7name=[[Rotterdam/Nieuwerkerk|Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel]] | region7color=#d56d76 | region7items=Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel | region7description=Though not incorporated into Rotterdam, Nieuwerkerk is largely an extension of the city. It is home to the lowest point of the famously low-lying Netherlands, at {{convert|6.76|m|yd}} below sea level. | region8name=[[Rotterdam/Zuid|Zuid]] | region8color=#6699cc | region8items=Charlois, IJsselmonde | region8description=The southernmost districts of Rotterdam. | region9name=[[Rotterdam/Port of Rotterdam|Port of Rotterdam]] | region9color=#ddcc77 | region9items=Pernis, Rozenburg, Botlek, Europoort, Eerste- en Tweede Maasvlakte | region9description=Best known as the largest seaport of Europe, the Port of Rotterdam has been built within a river delta as well as the sea. | region10name=[[Rotterdam/Hook of Holland|Hook of Holland]] | region10color=#44aa99 | region10items=Hoek van Holland | region10description=Formerly one of the main gateways into the Netherlands from anywhere reachable by ocean-going vessel, nowadays a popular beachfront. | region11name=[[Rotterdam/Albrandswaard|Albrandswaard]] | region11color=#882255 | region11items=Hoogvliet, Poortugaal, Rhoon | region11description=Island on the suburban fringes of Rotterdam, functioning as a suburb both to Rotterdam and [[Spijkenisse]]. }} ==Understand== ===History=== Settlement at the lower end of the fen stream ''Rotte'' dates from at least 900. Around 1150, large floods in the area ended development, leading to the construction of protective dikes and dams. A dam on the Rotte or 'Rotterdam' was built in the 1260s and was at the present-day ''Hoogstraat'' ('High Street'). Although Rotterdam did well after the Middle Ages and in the 'Golden Century' - roughly between 1650 and 1750 - it was not before the second part of the nineteenth century that the city started to develop itself rapidly. Helped by the digging of a new seaway (the Nieuwe Waterweg) Rotterdam was rid of access problems caused by the silting of the river and started receiving ever bigger ships with cargo for/from the booming Ruhrgebiet in Germany. Port related trade and industry skyrocketed, and the city started to draw lots of migrants from the then poor Brabant province, for whom the southern part of the city was constructed. At the turn of the twentieth century Rotterdam was well under way to become the largest economic centre in the Netherlands. It was between then and the second world war that large prestigious construction works were undertaken, in part to show off the new found economic pride. The German army invaded the Netherlands on 10 May 1940. Germany had planned to conquer the country in one day, but after meeting unexpectedly fierce resistance, it finally forced the Dutch army to capitulate on 14 May 1940 by bombing Rotterdam and threatening to bomb other cities. The heart of the city was almost completely destroyed by the German Luftwaffe, and 800 people were killed, while about 80,000 others were made homeless. During the war, Rotterdam was bombed several times during allied raids that were aimed at the harbour area but sometimes also hit the city. The City Hall survived the bombing. Unlike most other European cities however, the City Council did not aim at rebuilding what was lost, but on taking the opportunity to create a 'new' and better city. Damaged but not destroyed old buildings were torn down in the process. From the 1950s through the 1970s, the city was rebuilt. It remained quite windy and open until the city councils from the 1980s on began developing an active architectural policy. Daring and new styles of apartments, office buildings and recreation facilities resulted in a more 'livable' city center with a new skyline. In the 1990s, the ''Kop van Zuid'' was built on the south bank of the river as a new business center. ===Demographics=== In the Netherlands, Rotterdam has the highest percentage of foreigners from non-industrialised nations. Nearly 50% of the population are not native to the Netherlands or have at least one parent born outside the country. Muslims comprise close to 25% of the city's population. The city is also home to one of the largest Cape Verdean communities in the world, as well as the largest Dutch Antillean community. ===Atmosphere=== Rotterdam's culture is distinct from other cities in the Netherlands. The mentality of the people is described as 'can do'. From the waiters you meet to the businessmen and recent immigrants, everybody breathes a dream of getting forward with life. The modern design of the city, the bustle and the spree of buildings all add to this impression. That said, you might also find that people are sometimes too straight with you. And yes, the city is not the cosiest, or the most picturesque of towns, especially on drab winter days. But get acquainted with this small metropolis, easiest done on one of the festival days with nice weather. You will come to love it. [[File:Rotterdam haringvliet in winter.jpg|thumbnail|right|Winters in Rotterdam are moist and can be freezingly cold, but just as well uniquely beautiful]] ===Climate=== {{climate chart | Rotterdam |1.3|6.4|71 |1.1|7.1|66 |2.4|10.3|57 |4.8|14.3|42 |8.1|17.9|56 |11.0|20.6|69 |13.2|22.7|79 |12.9|22.6|92 |10.5|19.3|90 |7.2|14.9|87 |3.9|10.2|88 |1.4|7.0|86 |units = metric |float = right |clear = none |source = Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute}} Rotterdam gains a lot of charm when the sun is shining. Visiting in spring or summer may be more enjoyable than during the dark rainy winter. The summer months see temperatures averaging around {{c|22}} during the day and {{c|14}} at night; though temperatures near or above {{c|28}} during the day and {{c|16}} at night are not unheard of during heat waves. Daylight runs from 05:30 until 22:00 in the summer, and only between 08:45 and 16:30 in the winter. ===Tourist information=== *{{listing | type=listing | name=Rotterdam Tourist Information Coolsingel | alt=VVV | url=https://en.rotterdam.info/ | email=info@rotterdam.info | address=Coolsingel 114, 3011 AG Rotterdam | lat=51.918860 | long=4.481239 | directions=Metro {{rint|Rotterdam|A}} {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} : Beurs, at the garden of the Schielandshuis | phone=+31 10 790 01 85 | tollfree= | hours=09:30-18:00 | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=This well equipped and modern tourist office can provide loads of information like city maps, small guide books, souvenirs and the like, and offers tips and information on what to see and do in Rotterdam. Rotterdam.info also sells Rotterdam Welcome Cards, concert tickets, gift certificate, souvenirs, public transport tickets and parking vouchers. Check the website for upcoming events. }} *{{listing | type=listing | name=Rotterdam Tourist Information Central Station | alt=VVV | url= | email= | address=Stationsplein 21, 3013 AJ Rotterdam | lat=51.92410 | long=4.47030 | directions=main entrance, in the central hall of the central station | phone=+31 107900185 | tollfree= | hours=09:30-18:00 | price= | lastedit=2019-07-21 | content=With help from the service desk, a wide range of tourist information folders and the employees, you can find out what part of the city you would like to visit. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=Rotterdam Welcome Card | alt= | url=https://en.rotterdam.info/visitors-info/rotterdam-welcome-card/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=1 day (€13.50), 2 days (€19.50), or 3 days (€24.50) | lastedit=2022-07-27 | content= The card allows for unlimited use of all public transport by RET in the city and region, and offers at least 25% discounts on more than 50 attractions, museums, and restaurants. Available at Rotterdam Info (VVV) points and other locations. Without public transport, the card costs €6.00. }} ==Get in== ===By plane=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Rotterdam The Hague Airport | alt={{IATA|RTM}} | url=http://www.rotterdamthehagueairport.nl/en | email= | address= | lat=51.951248 | long=4.443541 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Rotterdam The Hague Airport | image=Rotterdam airport luchtfoto.jpg | wikidata=Q656807 | lastedit=2016-06-07 | content=It is the 3rd largest airport in the country. It is 6 km north of the city centre. There are direct flights from cities in [[Germany]], [[Italy]], [[France]], [[Spain]], and the [[United Kingdom]]. Commercial airlines that operate to the airport include Transavia, Lufthansa, British Airways, and Turkish Airlines. }} ====Services==== * {{listing|type=go | name=VVV Rotterdam-The Hague Airport information point | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rotterdam Airportplein 60 | lat= | long= | directions=at the arrivals hall | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= 07:30-23:45 | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=Come here if you have questions about Rotterdam. The place to hear history. The gift shop is open 09:30-18:00. }} ====How to reach==== To plan a trip (for all public transport in the Netherlands) see [https://9292.nl/en 9292.nl]{{Dead link|date=December 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} Depending on the amount of travel with public transit in The Netherlands it is possible to buy a so called ''[[OV-Chipkaart]]'' or it may be more convemient to pay with a contactless credit or debit card by touching in & touching out on each trip. see for more information under ''Get Around.'' ;By bus/metro * {{listing | type=go | name=Bus 33 | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-06-30 | content=Connects the airport with ''Meijersplein/Airport'' metro station, from where you can take metro line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} to ''Slinge'' (for ''Rotterdam Centraal'' and Rotterdam city center).See for more information the ''By Metro'' section under ''Get Around''. Bus 33 also connects to Rotterdam Centraal station via the Overschie district. }} * {{listing | name=Bus 300 | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= 15 July - 20 September, Fr-Mo only| price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-06-30 | content=Direct service to ''Rotterdam Centraal''. No stops in between. }} ;By taxi * {{listing|type=go | name=Rotterdam Airport Taxi | alt= | url=http://www.rotterdam-airport-taxi.nl | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +31 10 262 04 06| tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-06-07 | content=Recommended by the airport web site. }} ====Other close airports==== * [[Schiphol Airport| Amsterdam Schiphol Airport]] ({{IATA|AMS}}) is 58 km north of Rotterdam and has much more flights than the Rotterdam airport. '''NS (Dutch Railways)''' operates ''[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/special-routes/intercity-direct.html Intercity Direct]'' high-speed rail service, every 30 minutes to Rotterdam. The journey takes 27 minutes. You have to pay an addition for the journey from Schiphol to Rotterdam, so regular intercities in direction Rotterdam Centraal and Rotterdam Blaak are cheaper (but slower) (these intercities also call at Schiphol). * [[Eindhoven#By plane| Eindhoven Airport]] ({{IATA|EIN}}) is 106 km southeast of Rotterdam. Ryanair and Wizzair operate flights to this airport. Take a bus to Eindhoven Centraal (approximately 20 minutes, the intercity train to Rotterdam Centraal takes about 63 minutes. * [[Brussels Airport]] ({{IATA|BRU}}) is 140 km south of Rotterdam. Many international carriers operate flights to this airport. The [https://www.b-europe.com/EN/Trains/InterCity train from Brussels] takes about 120 minutes and costs €35. Buses are also available, although less frequent. [[File:Rtd CS-III.JPG|thumbnail|right|Rotterdam Centraal has been completely reconstructed and now features a striking roof over the main concourse]] ===By train=== {{seealso|Rail travel in the Netherlands}} ==== International connections ==== * {{go | name=Rotterdam Centraal | alt= | url=https://www.ns.nl/stationsinformatie/rtd/rotterdam-centraal | email= | address= | lat=51.925 | long=4.469444 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q801388 | lastedit=2018-04-10 | content=The station is served by high-speed trains from [[Belgium]], [[France]] and the [[United Kingdom]]. }} **'''[http://www.thalys.com Thalys]''' operates [[high-speed trains]] from [[Antwerp]] (Antwerpen-Centraal, 35 min), [[Brussels]] (Brussel-Zuid/Midi, 1 hr 12 min), [[Paris]] (Gare du Nord, 2 hr 37 min) and [[Lille]] (Lille-Europe, 1 hr 55 min). Book well in advance to secure the best ticket deals. A cheaper but slower alternative to Thalys is the [https://www.b-europe.com/EN/Trains/InterCity Intercity Brussels] service between Amsterdam and Brussels. **Coming from Germany, Rotterdam Centraal can only be reached by changing trains in the Netherlands. When travelling on the German high-speed train '''[https://www.bahn.com/en/view/trains/long-distance/ice-ice-sprinter.shtml?dbkanal_007=L04_S02_D002_KIN0059_FLYOUT-ZUGFLOTTE-ICE_LZ01 ICE]{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' from [[Cologne]], [[Düsseldorf]] and [[Oberhausen]], the exchange will be in [[Utrecht]] Centraal station, and coming from [[Berlin]], [[Hanover]], [[Osnabrück]] (with the '''[https://www.bahn.com/en/view/trains/long-distance/intercity-eurocity.shtml?dbkanal_007=L04_S02_D002_KIN0059_FLYOUT-ZUGFLOTTE-IC_LZ01 DB-intercity]{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''') it is advisable to change at [[Amersfoort]]. Intercity-trains to Rotterdam depart from both Utrecht and Amersfoort. ** '''[http://www.eurostar.com Eurostar]''' runs a daily high speed service from [[London]] St Pancras International to Rotterdam Centraal. Prices start at £35 one way. The journey time is about 3 hr 30 min, but you must arrive at the station at least 90 minutes before departure in order to clear the extra border controls caused by COVID restrictions and Brexit. ==== National connections ==== The Dutch railway company NS runs high-speed ''[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/special-routes/intercity-direct.html Intercity Direct]'' trains between [[Amsterdam]], [[Amsterdam Airport Schiphol|Schiphol]], Rotterdam and [[Breda]]. The train stops only at those four stations and shaves 25-30 minutes in journey time between Amsterdam and Schiphol and Rotterdam versus the regular Intercity and Sprinter trains that stop in between. Beware that you have to pay a supplement (€2.60 during peak hours, €1.56 outside peak hours) to use the Intercity direct line to travel to Rotterdam if your journey involves Schiphol, (i.e. Amsterdam-Rotterdam journeys are subject to this supplement). You can purchase this supplement by tapping an anonymous or personal OV-chipkaart on a designated red pole found on the platform. Those without an anonymous or personal OV-chipkaart can use the ticketing machines or the NS website to purchase the supplement, however the discount may not be applicable to supplements purchased this way. Most unlimited day tickets including the Holland Travel Ticket can be used to travel on the Intercity Direct but a supplement purchase is still required. Thalys also offers seats for passengers travelling from Amsterdam to Rotterdam. The journey is less than 40 minutes, slightly faster than the Intercity Direct. However, reservations/advance bookings are required and most unlimited day tickets recognised by NS cannot be used on Thalys. Rotterdam is also well served by NS from other parts of the [[Netherlands]], with direct connections to [[Delft]], [[Amsterdam]], [[Eindhoven]], [[Gouda]], [[Leiden]], [[The Hague]], [[Utrecht]] and [[Vlissingen]]. Some intercities and sprinters also stop at '''[https://www.ns.nl/stationsinformatie/rtb/rotterdam-blaak Rotterdam Blaak]''' station which is in the middle of the city center. This station is also frequented by trams and metro. See also the [[Netherlands#Get in Netherlands]] page for further information on national rail. Alternatively, Rotterdam's Metro line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} provides a connection for passengers coming from [[The Hague]] at Den Haag Centraal. The journey from Den Haag Centraal to Rotterdam Centraal costs €4.43 with an anonymous or personalised OV-chipkaart, which is marginally cheaper than an NS journey (€4.90) between the same points but takes about five minutes longer to complete the journey. ===By bus=== * {{listing|type=go | name=Flixbus | alt= | url=https://www.flixbus.com/bus/rotterdam| email= | address=(bus stop) Rotterdam Centraal @ Conradstraat 52 | lat= | long= | directions=International bus stop platform 'GG' at Rotterdam Centraal. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-07-20 | content=Serving both domestic and international routes. They also have an extra stop at Rotterdam Zuidplein @ Gooilandsingel }} ===By boat=== ==== Ferries from [[England]] (UK) ==== You can also get to Rotterdam by [[Ferries to the British Mainland|ferry from the United Kingdom]]. No ferries arrive in the center. * '''[http://www.poferries.com P&O Ferries]''' has a daily overnight sailing from [[Kingston Upon Hull]] to Rotterdam Europoort. From Rotterdam Europoort P&O Ferries operates a shuttle bus service that takes you to the city center of Rotterdam. Please book this shuttle service while you book your sailing. * '''[http://www.stenaline.com StenaLine]''' has a daily day and a daily overnight sailing from [[Harwich (England)|Harwich]] to [[Hook of Holland]]. Next to the port is ''Hoek van Holland Haven'' metro station. Line B brings you to the city centre in approximately 30 minutes. * '''[http://www.dfdsseaways.co.uk/ferry-routes/holland/newcastle-to-amsterdam DFDS Seaways]''' has a daily overnight ferry crossing from Newcastle to Amsterdam. You can drive to Rotterdam in approx. 50 minutes. ==== Waterbus ==== [[File:ENI 02324345 ALBLAS (14).JPG|thumbnail|right|A WaterBus near [https://www.cityguiderotterdam.com/things-to-do/sights/old-harbour-rotterdam/ Oude Haven (Old Harbour)]]]The '''[http://www.waterbus.nl WaterBus]''' services provide connections between Rotterdam and the ''Drechtsteden'' ([[Dordrecht]] and surrounding cities, including [[UNESCO World Heritage List|UNESCO-site]] - the world-famous windmills - [[Kinderdijk]]). ===By metro=== Coming from [[The Hague]] or somewhere in between it can be advisable to use metroline {{rint|Rotterdam|E}}, see for more information the page about the [[Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region|whole region]]. ===By car=== [[File:Rotterdam Auto 01.JPG|thumbnail|right|Finding a good spot to park can be a problem in central Rotterdam]] Rotterdam is easily reached by car. From Amsterdam take the A4 South to Rotterdam Haven. From Utrecht take the A12 and change to the A20 just after [[Gouda]] on knooppunt Gouwe. Traffic congestion on highways is common during peak hours (morning and evening commutes). You can pay for '''on-street parking''' with debit and credit card. Remember your license plate number. Parking regulations are enforced regularly. '''[https://parkereninrotterdam.nl Parking garages]{{Dead link|date=April 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' can be easily found by following the sign-marked P-route. The easiest way to pay is by credit card, just insert your card on the way in, and insert it again on the way out, and the total time is automatically deducted. You can also pay with cash or debit card. '''Park & Ride (P&R)''' facilities outside the center of Rotterdam offer free or cheap parking with public transport connections into the city center. For some locations (Slinge A15, Kralingse Zoom A16/E19 and Alexander A20/E25), you can park for free if you have a valid check-out on your public transport card (OV-chipkaart). === By bike === As a Dutch city Rotterdam is well connected to extense (inter)national bicycle networks which use all kinds of infrastructural facilities. Most attractive for tourist to cycle over longer distances are the so called '''LF-routes'''. So the city center is croshed by '''LF2 Stedenroute ''(City Route)''''' from Amsterdam to Brussels and '''LF12 Maas- en Vestingroute''' follows the flow of river Maas all the way from The East. See for more information [http://www.holland.com/global/tourism/discover-holland/cycling/bicycle-route-planner.htm Bicycle Route Planner]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}: ''sellect more options and LF-Routes.'' ==Get around== {{Mapframe|51.9152|4.4791|zoom=14|layer=W|name=Map of Rotterdam (metro lines have thicker strokes than tram lines)}} {{Mapshapes|Q691704}} <!--Metro--> {{Mapshapes|Q1429091|stroke-width=2}} <!--Tram--> '''[https://www.ret.nl/en RET]''' operates the buses, trams, and metro within the city. You could find a journey planner and some [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret/maps.html network maps] there. Alternatively you'd use the pan-Netherlands journey planner – [https://9292.nl/en 9292.nl]. Transport generally arrives every 10 minutes during the day. Free Wi-Fi is available in some trams, buses and metro lines, and on the busier metro stations, you just need to accept the terms of use. ===Tickets=== You can [https://www.ovpay.nl/en use your contactless bank card]{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} to pay for any public transport that also accepts the [[OV-chipkaart]]. This system is called OV-Pay and is the most convenient way to travel. Debit and credit cards from Maestro, V PAY, Mastercard and Visa are supported. As anywhere else in the country OV-chipkaart can still be used to pay all kinds of public transport. The card costs €8.50 and you'd need to keep a positive balance there for at least €4. For using buses and trams, checking in and out has to be done in the vehicle, while for train and metro use the gates or card-reader poles at the entrance of the stations. Alternatively one of the city's transport travel cards could be used: * {{listing | name=RET travel cards | alt= | url=https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travel-products/products-and-fares.html | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=2 hours - €5.00; 1 (calendar) day - €11.00 | lastedit=2025-01-21 | content=To travel by bus, tram and metro with RET. Can be purchased via the RET Barcode app, at ticket machines in metro stations and at RET Sales and Information points. For children under 12 and age 65 and up there is a reduced price. The 1-day ticket is not a 24-hour ticket: it is only valid on the day of the first check-in, until 04:00 of the early morning the next day. Tickets are not sold on bus and tram anymore; use your bank card to check in instead. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=Tourist Day Ticket: Rotterdam & The Hague region | alt= | url=http://www.touristdaytickets.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=€17.00 for one day | lastedit=2025-01-21 | content=Unlimited travel on local transport (bus, tram, metro and waterbus. Note: trains excluded) in the Rotterdam and the Hague region. Available from ticket machines and service counters of RET and at tourist information. Ticket is valid for travel with RET, HTM, HTMbuzz, Arriva, Connexxion, EBS, QBuzz and Waterbus in South Holland. }} * [[#Rotterdam Welcome Card|Rotterdam Welcome Card]] also allows for unlimited use of public transport with RET in the city and region. Note that tickets must be purchased in advance, there is no ticket sale on board of bus, tram and metro. ===By metro=== [[Image:Metro Rotterdam future.svg|thumb|Rotterdam Metro reaches as far as [[the Hague]].]] There are 5 metro lines in the city. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|A}}, {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|C}}, share tracks between ''Schiedam Centrum'' and ''Capelsebrug'' and offer an east-west connection. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} share tracks between ''Rotterdam Centraal'' and ''Slinge'' and offer a north-south connection. Interchange between all lines is possible on ''Beurs'' station in the city center. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|A}}, {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|C}} operate every 10 minutes on working days and Saturday, which allows 3-4 minute intervals on the main section between ''Schiedam Centrum'' and ''Capelsebrug''. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} operate every 10 minutes on working days and Saturday, which give shorter intervals between ''Rotterdam Centraal'' and ''Slinge''. In the evening, on Saturday morning and Sunday the service is reduced to a 15-minute interval. The Rotterdam Metro operates from 05:30 until 00:00. On weekends the opening time is not until 07:00 Saturday, and 08:15 on Sunday. On Friday and Saturday nights the service is extended for a bit longer past midnight, but not on some parts of line B and E. See the [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret/time-table/metro/weekend-metro.html Weekend metro] page for an overview. For tourists the most important metro stations are: '''Line A, B and C''' (East-West branch) * '''Blaak''': train station, interchange with trams and busses, cube houses, Markthal, ports * '''Beurs''': city center, shops, interchange with metro {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} * '''Eendrachtsplein''': museumpark * '''Coolhaven''': [https://euromast.nl/ Euromast] * '''Delfshaven''': historic port '''Line D and E''' (North-South branch) * '''Meijerplein''': bus service to Rotterdam The Hague Airport '''''(only line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}})''''' * '''Blijdorp:''' [https://www.diergaardeblijdorp.nl/en/ Rotterdam Zoo] '''''(only line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}})''''' * '''Rotterdam Centraal''': northern edge of the city centre, interchange with trams and buses, train station * '''Beurs''': city centre, shops, interchange with metro {{rint|Rotterdam|A}}, {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|C}} * '''Leuvehaven''': ports, museums, Erasmus Bridge, Waterbus * '''Wilhelminaplein:''' Erasmus Bridge, Cruise Terminal Rotterdam, [http://www.hotelnewyork.com/ hotel New York] * '''Rijnhaven:''' Katendrecht, bus service to SS Rotterdam ===By tram=== There are nine tram lines in the city. Each tram has a conductor. Tram stops provide a detailed map of the public transport system for on-the-go route-finding. Most lines operate every 10 minutes on workdays, with a more frequent service during rush hours on some lines. All trams except {{rint|Rotterdam|2}} will stop at ''Rotterdam Centraal'', the main train station of Rotterdam. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|1}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|11}}''' run from the suburbs in the [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|northwest]] to De Esch in [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk|Kralingen]], via [[Schiedam]], the north of [[Delfshaven]], and the city centre. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|2}}''' runs on the south side of the rivers, through the districts of [[Rotterdam/Zuid|Charlois, IJsselmonde]] and [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|3}}''' starts at the central station, and connects to the south bank via Feijenoord, IJsselmonde and [[Rotterdam/Zuid|Beverwaard]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|4}}''' starts from Heemsraadplein, connecting to much of the city centre and the neighbourhoods to its west, before connecting to [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|Hillegersberg]] via the central station, and Noord/Crooswijk. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|5}}''' originates from the central station, running to the south bank via Feijenoord and suburbs, before terminating in [[Barendrecht]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|6}}''' runs from Heemsraadplein to Kleiweg, just north of the A20 highway, running parallel with line 4 up to Rotterdam Noord railway station. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|7}}''' starts at Marconiplein, where the metro and lines 1, 8 and 11 meet, to Woudestein where it meets lines 1 and 11 again, via the central station and Erasmus University. Between Weena and Woudestein, lines 1 and 11 follow a more direct route via the Stadhuis, Beurs, Blaak and Oostplein metro stations, while line seven heads north via [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk|Crooswijk and Kralingen]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|8}}''', lastly, comes from [[Delfshaven|Spangen]], and then continues through most of Delfshaven roughly following the river up to Eendrachtsplein in [[Rotterdam/Centre|Cool]], from where it joins the main tram corridor through the city centre, to eventually terminate in [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|Schiebroek]]. * '''Line 12''' operates during football matches in the Kuip stadion only. ===By bus=== '''RET''' operates bus services across the city. Night bus service (BOB-bus) has been cancelled. Buses operated by '''[http://www.arriva.nl Arriva]''' and '''[http://www.connexxion.nl Connexxion]''' connect the city with suburbs. Use the front door when boarding a bus. ===By water taxi=== * {{listing | name=Watertaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=http://www.watertaxirotterdam.nl | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 10 403 03 03 | tollfree= | hours= | price=€ | lastedit=2022-07-27 | content=Rotterdam was built on a number of islands and if you want to travel from shore to shore, the nicest way to go is to take a '''Water Taxi'''. Fixed fares for rides between 50 docks in Rotterdam and Schiedam, with 3 fares zones, starting at €4.50 per person in the central zone. You can give them a call, or use the online tool to see availability and book a ride. It is advised to book in advance, especially on days with large events in the city. }} ===By taxi=== If you do need a taxi you will have to find yourself a taxi rank or call a taxi company. There is a minimum taxi fare of €2.30 (first it was {{EUR|7.50}} which included the first two kilometers). Additionally, each subsequent kilometre is charged €2.20. * {{listing | name=Rotterdamse Taxi Centrale RTC N.V. | url=http://www.rtcnv.nl | phone=+31 10 462 60 60 }} * {{listing | name=Coöperatieve Taxi Onderneming St. Job u.a. | url=http://www.st-job.nl | phone=+31 10 425 70 00 }} | name=Zorgtaxi Rotterdam | url=https://www.zorgtaxirotterdam.nl | phone=+31 10 818 28 23 * {{listing | name=Stadstaxi Rotterdam | url=https://www.stadstaxirotterdam.nl | phone=+31 10 818 28 23 }} * {{go | name=Botlektaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://botlektaxi.nl | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 10 666 66 06 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-01-19 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Taxi Rotterdam 010 | alt= | url=https://taxirotterdam010.nl/ | phone=+31 10 261 31 88 }} * {{listing | name= Rotterdamse Taxi | alt= | url= https://www.rotterdamsetaxi.nl/ | phone=+31 10 261 31 22 }} ===By tuk-tuk=== * {{listing | name=Tuk Tuk Company | alt= | url=http://www.tuktukcompany.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 9009933399 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-05-23 | content=A Thai-influenced transportation service using three-wheeled, open-air (but covered) motorized vehicles called Tuk Tuk offers a more economical and fast way to get around the city centre when compared to taxis. Tuk-tuk pricing is based on a zone system. Within a zone, a ride is €3.50 per person, €5 for 2 persons and €6.50 for 3. If you go to another zone, €3.50 is added (irrespective of number of persons). This service is handy if it is past the regular tram/bus/metro service hours (approximately half past midnight). }} ===By bicycle=== Like any city in The Netherlands, Rotterdam is very, very bicycle-friendly. Getting around by bike is probably the fastest way of travel within the city. There are separate bike lanes on most major streets and there are separate traffic lights for bicyclists. Avoid getting your tire in the tram rails: always cross tram rails at an angle. Of course it is also strongly advisable to watch out for other traffic at all time. On the other hand bicyclists can rely on the fact that motorists and pedestrians are aware of bikes. Always lock your bike securely when leaving it (preferably chained to a fixed object) or go to a guarded bicycle parking station. ==== Rent a bike==== At Rotterdam Centraal, you can rent bicycles at the shop in the underground bicycle parking, below the Station square. Leave the station at the front, exit 'Stationsplein'. The entrance of the bicycle parking ('fietsenstalling', with the glass roof) is at your right, in front of grand cafe Engels. Use-it, rents out nice Kronan bikes (Schaatsbaan 41-45, leave Central Station towards the center. Turn right at restaurant Engels and take the 2nd right). Bikes can be rented by several other private companies. Holland-Cycling.com provides a list of [http://www.holland-cycling.com/rotterdam/getting-around-rotterdam/bicycle-rental-in-rotterdam addresses]. Another list you will find at [https://www.rotterdam.nl/vrije-tijd/fiets-huren/ Rotterdam.nl]{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. If you have a personal (rather than an anonymous) [[OV-chipkaart]], bicycles can be rented at many train and metro stations and other central locations by the [http://www.ns.nl/en/door-to-door/ov-fiets OV-fiets system]. ==== Guarded bicycle parking ==== * The larger train stations have their own guarded bicycle parking. * Rotterdam municipality has also [https://www.rotterdam.nl/fietsparkeren some free locations]. ==See== ===Landmarks=== [[File:VN5 HDR2.jpg|thumbnail|right|The Van Nellefabriek is regarded as a prime example of the ''International Style'']] Rotterdam has national notoriety for its architecture, and the city therefore is dotted with landmarks of all sorts. Most of them you will find in the [[Rotterdam/Centrum|city centre]], but [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord|Feijenoord]] is also quite dense with them. Rotterdam is known for some bridges, not in the last place the '''Erasmusbrug''', spanning the Nieuwe Maas between the city centre and Feijenoord. Also of historical importance is the former railway lifting bridge '''De Hef''', slightly upstream from the Erasmusbrug. '''Historical landmarks''' are somewhat rare to come across in Rotterdam's city centre, but the city itself isn't completely devoid of them. In the city centre, the 1920 '''City hall''' and the '''Great or Saint-Laurence church''', both survivors of the 1940 bombardment. Rotterdam is also home to the country's oldest known bronze statue, depicting Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam and dating from 1622. It is found opposite the Saint-Laurence church. '''De Verwoeste Stad''' (Destroyed City) is a cubist statue depicting a man in agony who just lost his heart (symbol of the bombed city centre). Feijenoord, despite being home to many modern redevelopments, houses some historical landmarks such as the '''former headquarters of the Holland-Amerikalijn'''. Also worth visiting are the '''Oude Haven''' (''Old Harbour'') and the nearby '''Witte Huis''' (''White House'') and '''Schielandshuis'''. '''Industrial landmarks''' are plenty in a city that mostly thrives off of harbour activities. Besides the many industrial sites found in the [[Rotterdam/Port of Rotterdam|Port of Rotterdam]], the '''Van Nellefabriek''' in [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|the north of the city]] is a listed UNESCO site. [[File:Erasmusbrug seen from Euromast.jpg|thumbnail|right|The modern skyline of Rotterdam can be truly appreciated from the Euromast.]] The skyline of Rotterdam can, of course, be observed from one of the many skyscrapers in the city - though you should probably book a hotel located in a skyscraper or find one with a publicly accessible roof, as trespass isn't welcomed. Another great site for views over the city though, is the '''Euromast''' on the border between the [[Rotterdam/Centrum|city centre]] and [[Rotterdam/Delfshaven|Delfshaven]], twice in its history the highest building of the Netherlands. For a relatively small entry fee, you can climb the tower or for a larger sum, you can dine inside of it. For those less comfortable with great heights though, a birds-eye overview of the city can also be obtained at '''Miniworld Rotterdam''', near the central station. The city is also well-known for its experimental and out-of-the-ordinary architecture, often being a testing ground for new concepts. A prime example of this are the '''Kubuswoningen''' (''Cube Houses'') at [[Rotterdam/Centrum|Blaak]]; one has been set aside as a museum, offering a view of the unique perspective and custom furniture that comes with living in one of the houses. Also striking are the '''Markthal''', harbour-crane inspired sculptures at the '''Schouwburgplein''' and the '''Koopgoot''', all found in the city centre. '''Historic churches:''' in the Netherlands churches are generally closed to visitors on Sundays. === Other sites === [[File:Rotterdam Erasmusbrug bij avond vanaf hoek Veerhaven-Westerkade.jpg|thumb|Erasmus bridge of Rotterdam]] [[File:Schielandshuis.jpg|thumbnail|right|Schielandshuis today stands surrounding by modern glass and steel buildings]] [[Image:Oude Haven (Rotterdam) 2011.jpg|thumb|"Het witte huis" in Old Harbour]] The area around the [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Other sites|'''Station Rotterdam Blaak''']] was destroyed by a Nazi bombardment during World War II. After the war this area was populated with some bold examples of modern architecture. The '''Kubuswoningen''' are literally cubes, tilted over by 45 degrees. '''Oude Haven''' (Old Harbour) is a nice place to see and sit at some café nearby. '''Witte Huis''' is a "skyscraper" built in 1898. '''Het Schielandshuis''' is the only remaining 17th-century building in the city centre of Rotterdam. [[File:Delfshaven Rotterdam (the Netherlands) 17.JPG|thumb|The old barges moored at the Delfshaven]] [[Rotterdam/Delfshaven|'''Delfshaven''']] is one of very few locations in the city which survived World War II bombings. Historic Delfshaven is a very scenic walk. It consists of an 17th-century area around two canals with a lot of charm. By day visit little shops in this neighbourhood, by night attractive pubs and restaurants make the visit worthwhile. * '''Chinatown''' in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Other sites|Centrum]] is full of Chinese restaurants and also Indonesian and other Asian restaurants. [[File:Rotterdam molens De Ster (l) en De Lelie (r) - tegenlicht.jpg|thumbnail|right|''De Ster'' and ''De Lelie'' at dusk]] ===Windmills=== Rotterdam has only seven windmills left. Of these, only ''De Ster'' and ''De Lelie'' in [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk#See|Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk]] are open to visitors on a regular basis. Other windmills are open to visitors when the mill is turning (easy enough to see), but there are some exceptions to this rule of thumb. A blue flag also indicates that the mill is open to visitors. Look for De Prinsenmolen, De Vier Winden, and De Speelman windmills in [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam#Windmills|Northern Rotterdam]] and De Zandweg in [[Rotterdam/Zuid#See|Rotterdam Zuid]]. ===Museums=== [[File:Overzicht achtergevel - Rotterdam - 20534511 - RCE.jpg|thumbnail|right|Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen]] [[Netherlands#Museumkaart|Museumkaart]] is accepted at the city's museums. The Museumpark area in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Museums|Centrum]] has many of the city's museums. '''Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen''' houses a rich, broad collection including masterpieces ranging from Pieter Brueghel the Elder's ''The "little" Tower of Babel'' (1563) to an important collection of surrealism, prominently featuring Salvador Dalí and René Magritte. '''Sylvette''' is a large work by Pablo Picasso was erected in 1973. It is one of the elaborations Picasso made based on the portraits of his muse Sylvette David. Definitely worth a look. '''Kunsthal''' houses some 25 exhibitions annually with a fascinating and widely varied repertoire. Het Nieuwe Instituut museum includes the '''Museum voor Architectuur, Design en Digitale cultuur''', a museum for architecture,deesign and digital culture, and '''Huis Sonneveld''', a building in the Bauhaus style. '''Chabot Museum''' is a neat little museum is housed in a splendid modernist 1930s villa. It houses a collection of works of the expressionist painter Hendrik Chabot. '''Natuurhistorisch Museum''' has changing expositions and a fixed collection of mammals, plants and fossils. The city has two maritime museums. The '''Maritiem Museum''' has a variety of expositions about the harbour of Rotterdam and maritime history, and a restored 19th-century gunboat that is a must-see for naval enthusiasts. The '''Mariniersmuseum''' shows the history of the centuries-old Narine Corps and its modern-day role. Special attention is given to the heroic role of the corps in the 1940 defence of Rotterdam. ====Other museums==== [[File:Façade Witte de With Center for Contemporary Art.jpg|thumbnail|right|Witte de With Center]] In [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Other museums|Centrum]], you can visit '''Museum Rotterdam''', which is dedicated to the modern day Rotterdam and its history; the '''Museum of Chess-Pieces''', which houses a diverse collection of chess games from ancient Chinese to cartoon characters; the '''Wereldmuseum''' (World Arts Museum), which focuses on encounters and cross-cultural inspiration; and '''Witte de With''' (Centre for Contemporary Arts). [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord#Q2191118|'''Nederlands Fotomuseum''']] shows the diversity of forms of photography, especially as a medium of social expression and commentary. [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk#Q2351733|'''SSN Museumstoomdepot''']] features old steam locomotives and trains. Besides a small museum it's a workshop where you can see restoration in progress. ==Do== [[File:Overzicht - Rotterdam - 20534496 - RCE.jpg|thumbnail|right|''De Doelen'' concert hall in Schouwbourgplein]] Upcoming events and performances are listed on the VVV and Use-it websites. The larger events are well documented on the VVV site, for smaller venues check Use-it (under Calendar) for a very attractive and well updated listing of music, expositions, movies and parties that need checking out. The [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Do|Uitburo office]] inside the Central Library provides information on theatre and music performances. It also sells tickets and offers an overview of performances that can be visited for free (''gratis''). ===Events=== [[File:North Sea Jazz Festival 2012 - ALOE BLACC.jpg|thumbnail|right|In July, you can enjoy the ''North Sea Jazz'' festival]] Rotterdam plays host to a lot of events, a lot of them yearly ones. Besides these there are a lot smaller ones that can be very nice, so ask around and check the VVV website. A few of these yearly events to name: * {{do | name=Six Days of Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.wielerzesdaagserotterdam.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2293105 | lastedit=2024-12-26 | content=A cycling competition in early December. }} * {{do | name=IFFR | alt= | url=http://www.filmfestivalrotterdam.com/en/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The International Film Festival Rotterdam, which mainly features independent films from all over the world in February. }} * {{do | name=Art Rotterdam | alt= | url=http://www.artrotterdam.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=In February, you can see (and buy) masterpieces of modern art. }} * {{do | name=World tennis Tournament | alt= | url=http://www.abnamrowtt.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=In February. }} * On the '''[http://www.rotterdamsemuseumnacht.nl/ Rotterdam Museum Night]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' in March, nearly all Rotterdam museums and galleries open their doors in the evening with special events. * {{do | name=Motel Mozaique | alt= | url=http://motelmozaique.nl/en/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Music, art & performance. Plus a sleeping project that enables sleeping in art or on special locations in Rotterdam (April) }} * [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Q1341108|'''Rotterdam Marathon''']], internationally reputed as a very fast marathon, is held in April in Centrum. * {{do | name=Poetry International | alt= | url=http://www.poetry.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Festival in June. }} * '''Metropolis Festival''' (music) on the first Sunday in July. * The sublime '''[http://www.northseajazz.com/ North Sea Jazz]''' festival in July with loads of worldfamous artists. * {{do | name=Summer Carnival | alt= | url=http://www.zomercarnaval.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A huge Caribbean-oriented parade and party in the city centre. }} * {{do | name=Heerlijk Rotterdam | alt= | url=http://www.heerlijkrotterdam.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Three day event where you can sample dishes from Michelin-star restaurants for a reduced price (dates vary, summer edition usually late August) }} * The '''[http://wereldhavendagen.nl/en/ World Port Days]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' a weekend full of activities centred around the large harbour of Rotterdam (early September) * The classical music '''[http://www.gergievfestival.nl/ Gergjev]''' festival in September, led by master-conductor Valery Gergjev. * The '''[http://www.rotterdamseoogst.nl/ Rotterdam Harvest Festival]''' in September. * '''Bazar Curieux''' (music) in December For full listings of events check [http://www.rotterdam.info/uk/ Rotterdam.info] and [http://www.use-it.nl/ Use-it]{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. === Tours === Several tours can be found in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Tours|Centrum]], including the tourist '''tram line 10''' through the city centre and historic parts of Rotterdam on classic trams; the '''Spido harbour trip''' through the first 8 km of the harbour; and De pannenkoekenboot, on which you cam eat as many pancakes as you want while you cruise the harbour. ===Cinema=== There are two huge megacinemas in Rotterdam. The one in the city centre is called '''Pathé Schouwburgplein''' (at the Schouwburgplein), the other one is on the southside of the city. It's called '''Pathé De Kuip''' (next to the Feyenoord stadium De Kuip). In these cinemas you can see Hollywood movies and occasionally an arthouse movie. To get to De Kuip, take tram {{rint|Rotterdam|12}} to stop Stadion Feijenoord. If you're more into alternative cinema go to '''[http://www.lantaren-venster.nl/ Lantaren/Venster]''' Cinema (Otto Reuchlinweg 996 (Wilhelminapier)). Here you'll get European, Asian and Latin American cinema in a nice atmosphere. It has a nice bar too. The other option is '''Cinerama''' (Westblaak 18) which shows a combination of art/house films and commercial Hollywood flicks. During the '''IFFR''' (International Film Festival Rotterdam), which usually takes place in February, art-house movies are shown at much more locations throughout the city. In August, an open air cinema at the '''Lloydkwartier''' shows both blockbusters and independent films. Entrance is free, and you can either bring your own chair or rent one onsite. To get there, take {{rint|Rotterdam|A}} to Coolhaven and walk for about 10–15 minutes towards the river in the south. ===Other attractions=== [[File:Erasmusbréck w.jpg|thumbnail|right|Rotterdam can be breathtaking from above]] When you want to combine a unique experience with a great view over the city of Rotterdam, you can make a (tandem) '''skydive''' at [http://www.skydiverotterdam.com Skydive Rotterdam]. At Skydive Rotterdam (also called the Flying Dutchman) you can book a tandem skydive or do a complete skydiving course and jump from a height of 3 or 4 kilometers. It's the only skydiving school in the "Randstad" area and the only place in the Netherlands where you can jump over a major city like Rotterdam. When the weather's good you will have a spectacular view over the Rotterdam skyline and other parts of the Randstad area, all the way to the coastline. An '''airplane''' can be rented at reasonable rates at Rotterdam Airport at [http://vliegen.rotterdamsweb.nl/ Happy Wing]. Nice tours above the city, its ports or the coastline are on offer. On summer Sundays, it is possible to lower yourself down from the '''Euromast'''. On last Sundays of summer months you can glide down in 15 seconds on a wire (tokkelen). Both: Not for the faint of heart! Check the website of [http://heightspecialists.nl/abseilen/ Heightspecialists]. ===With children=== [[File:Medusakop op kolom in giraffenweide - Rotterdam - 20348014 - RCE.jpg|thumbnail|right|The historic ''Diergaarde Blijdorp'' is definitely worth a visit]] '''Diergaarde Blijdorp''' (Rotterdam Zoo) in [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk#Q18775796|Kralingen-Crooswijk]] is one of the most popular day trips in the Netherlands. Walk through different parts of the world, seeing interesting animals that feel right at home in an approximation of their natural habitats. The Oceanium is filled with ocean and coastal dwellers, including exotic fish and puffins. '''Miniworld Rotterdam''' in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Do|Centrum]] is the largest indoor model railroad layout of the Netherlands. === Football === : Rotterdam has three professional soccer teams: * [https://www.feyenoord.nl/ '''Feyenoord'''] play in Eredivisie, the top tier. Their home ground is Stadion Feijenoord (capacity 51,000), better known as "De Kuip"; it's often also used for rock concerts and similar events. It's south of the river with its own railway station Rotterdam Stadion. * [https://www.sparta-rotterdam.nl/ '''Sparta Rotterdam'''] also play in Eredivisie. Their home ground is Het Kasteel ("The Castle", capacity 12,000), 3 km west of the centre. * [https://www.sbvexcelsior.nl/ '''SBV Excelsior'''] were relegated in 2024 so they play in Eerste Divisie the second tier. Their Stadion Woudestein (capacity 4500), now called Van Donge & De Roo Stadion, is 2 km east of city centre on the north bank of the river. ===Water sports and yachting=== [[File:Rotterdam kralingse plas.jpg|thumbnail|right|Kralingse Plas]] Being a major harbour and having lots of waterways and lakes, Rotterdam has a lot to offer for water-enthousiasts. Boating: There are four major lakes in Rotterdam. The Kralingse Plas, The double Bergse Plas, the Rottemeren and the Zevenhuizer Plas. All of them have active yachting communities and sometimes sailing races can be seen. The Zevenhuizer plas is mainly populated by Windsurf enthousiasts. Sailing boats can be rented at the Kralingse Plas at the [http://www.henkvangent.nl/ Van Gent sailing school], Plaszoom, a 10-minute walk from Metro Voorschoterlaan (walk through the Julianalaan until you reach Plaszoom). Rowing- and sailing boats can be rented at the windmill at the very end of the eastern Rottekade at [http://www.botenverhuurvanvliet.nl/ Van Vliet's] (Rottemeren, go by car or bike, a very nice ride). Yachting: When visiting Rotterdam with your own yacht you will find that most yachting harbours are on the inland waterways, where there are a lot of them. On the river Maas you will only find the [http://www.citymarinarotterdam.nl/ City Marina], behind a bascule bridge on the southern bank, and the [http://www.veerhavenrotterdam.nl/ Veerhaven], right in the city center on the northern bank. Unless you need the better shelter of the characterless City Marina, go for the admittedly a little choppy Veerhaven marina, very central and scenic. ===Beach=== The closest good beach is about 30 km away at [[Hook of Holland]]. Here you will find a very fine sand beach with good swimming and enough entertainment. To get there, take line {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} to Hoek van Holland Strand, its end point. For a more urban-party beach experience head to [[Scheveningen]] where you can find everything beach-party addicts dream about; Endless rows of beachside bars, restaurants and discothèques and a boulevard along a splendid fine-sand beach. It can get ''very'' crowded here. Take the train to [[Den Haag]] Centraal Station and tram {{rint|denhaag|9}} subsequently. Also at the same coast is Kijkduin, which is very recommended for children. To get there, get {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} to its northern end point, then take bus 24 to Kijkduin. If you want to go to the beach but want to stay in the city, consider taking {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} to its end point, Nesselande and walk across the Corsicalaan from there. You are at the Strand Nesselande. ==Buy== The main shopping areas are in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Buy|Centrum]]. '''Afrikaanderplein Markt''' in [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord#Buy|Feijenoord]] is a market of about 300 stalls geared towards Rotterdam's inhabitants of Antillian, South American or African descent (a lot of whom happen to live nearby). Dutch cheese is very famous, you can get some at grocery stores or wider variety at the marketplace. Other typical Dutch things are ''stroopwafels'', ''hagelslag'' and ''drop'' (liquorice). ==Eat== The area around metrostation ''Blaak'', called '''Oude haven''' (Old Harbour), is not only worth seeing but has also a lot of pubs and restaurants. The Rotterdam dining scene is developing very fast with new restaurants opening very often. While most of the attention focusses on new Michelin-star aspiring places, there is very much a trend towards high quality mid-range restaurants offering French/Dutch cuisine. ==Drink== [[Rotterdam/Centrum#|Centrum]] has a wide variety of bars, coffee shops and music venues. The [http://www.kaapsebrouwers.nl/ Kaapse Brouwers] brewery has four locations around the city. Each location has a whole wall of taps to choose from. They are popular place so waiting lines can be long. ==Sleep== See district articles for listings for camping, hostels and hotels. ==Connect== The telephone country code for the Netherlands is 31, and Rotterdam's city code is 010. In case of an '''Emergency''', dial '''1-1-2''' (free of charge). When staying for a longer time, buy a prepaid sim card for your mobile phone. ==Stay safe== You should take normal precautions against pickpockets and baggage theft, especially in the main shopping streets, at markets, in trams and trains, at stations, and anywhere where tourists congregate. It is not wise to hang around Stadhuisplein when nightlife ends. Fights often occur in this area after midnight. Rotterdam also has a reputation of mass venues getting out of hand, though you shouldn't worry too much about it. If violence breaks out at football festivities (not so unlikely) or at the end of sun soaked festive days, like Kings Day (even less unlikely, especially at the Stadhuisplein), just get out of the way and you're unlikely to be affected. It's advisable not to wear a football jersey of Ajax Amsterdam or any other stuff promoting Ajax or Amsterdam. In terms of general safety, at daylight most areas in the city are safe. But at night, some areas such as Spangen, Charlois and Hillesluis are wise to avoid. When you drive a car with a foreign numberplate (especially if it's a French or Belgian one) you might or will be approached by so-called ''drugsrunners''. This can occur on the motorways surrounding the city and in the city proper. These guys try to lure people to places where drugs are dealt. Do not respond to their signals and do not follow them. ==Go next== If you do not have a car, the hub for leaving the city will probably be '''Rotterdam Centraal''', from where trains leave in all directions at short intervals (you can generally drop in and catch the next train to your destination). Most regional and longer distance buses leave here too, with the exception of most buses to southerly destinations and the province of Zeeland that leave from '''metro station Zuidplein'''. In contrast with the trains, bus departure times should be checked in advance as they can be far and between. For trains to the North and the South travellers can also choose to depart from '''Rotterdam Blaak'''. '''The Hague''' can also be reached easily and rather quickly by metro line E. Nearby destinations like [[Schiedam]] or even [[Delft]] can also be reached by bike if you fancy a somewhat longer ride. Bike routes and directions are well marked and available in abundance. A good idea for a sunny day! Schiedam can be reached by train or by metro (in 15 minutes) too. [[Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region|MRDH]] is the area of the region Rotterdam-Schiedam-Delft-The Hague, see this page for more information on travel and cycling. ===Nearby=== * '''[[Kinderdijk]]''' — a [[UNESCO World Heritage List#Netherlands|UNESCO World Heritage]] site. 19 old windmills are still helping to control the water level there. Windmill #2 is open to the public, allowing you to see its inner workings. In season there is a direct waterbus service from an embankment at the Erasmus bridge (travel time ~1/2 hour). Alternatively, ''Arriva'' bus 90 from bus and metro station ''Zuidplein'' will get you there in 50 minutes. * '''[[Schiedam]]''' — visit the historic centre of this small town at the edge of Rotterdam, including the world's six tallest windmills. Also you can find there the ''Stedelijk Museum'', an attractive museum with some nice modern art exhibitions. Easily reached by bicycle, a train (from ''Rotterdam Centraal'' to ''Schiedam Centrum''), metro A, B or C line to ''Schiedam Centrum'' station, or tram lines 1 or 11 (''Broersvest'' or ''Koemarkt'' stop). ===Day trips=== * '''[[Delft]]''' — this famous town is a 15-minute train ride from ''Rotterdam Centraal''. Very historic and scenic, but also very touristy. * '''[[Dordrecht]]''' — a magnificent historic town with little tourism and an excellent old art museum (Dordrechts Museum). It is a 15-min train ride, or even better, take a ''[http://www.waterbus.nl/halte/dordrecht-merwekade/ waterbus]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''. * '''[[Gouda]]''' — visit this small picturesque postcard-like town and see the magnificent stained glass windows in the ''Sint Janskerk''. Also 20 min by train. * '''[[Delta Works]]''' — a series of construction projects protecting the Southwest of the Netherlands from the sea. The Oosterschelde storm surge barrier is the most impressive, and next to it is ''Neeltje Jans'', a water theme park dedicated to the Delta Works. * '''[[Brielle (Netherlands)|Brielle]]''' — a mediaeval fortified town. The centre is a nice ensemble of old houses and churches, enclosed by the original earthen defensive walls. There are some museums and the Roman Catholic shrine of the Martyrs of Gorcum. Walking around town and fortifications is a treat. You can easily spend a full day in Brielle. Take bus 103 at the ''Spijkenisse Centrum'' metro station. A journey takes about 70 min. * '''[[Schoonhoven]]''' — a nice small town with many well preserved medieval buildings on the ''Lek'' river in a halfway to Utrecht. From Station Capelsebrug, Rotterdam, take a bus 195 (direction Utrecht). A journey takes about 1 hour. * Go to the other cities of the [[Randstad]], e.g. '''[[The Hague]]''' is 1/2 hour by train or metro, '''[[Utrecht]]''' is around 45 min by train, '''[[Amsterdam]]''' about an hour. {{routebox | image1=NL-A15.png | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Brielle (Netherlands)|Brielle]] | minorl1=[[Spijkenisse]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Arnhem]] | minorr1=[[Dordrecht]] | image2=BE-E19.svg | imagesize2=20 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Amsterdam]] | minorl2=[[Delft]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Antwerp]] | minorr2=[[Zwijndrecht]] }} {{usablecity}} {{isPartOf|Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region}} {{geo|51.9239|4.4623|zoom=14}} ai4gl4sfc14hr4p985lfvvvc2wiio6e 5086991 5086990 2025-07-03T06:30:39Z PauldeKoning 2328897 /* By taxi */ 5086991 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Rotterdam Banner 4.jpg|dotm=yes|unesco=yes}} {{printDistricts}} '''Rotterdam''' is a very large city in the province of [[South Holland]] in the west of the [[Netherlands]]. The city is the second largest in the country with a population of approximately 650,000 inhabitants in the municipality (2020) and about 2.2 million inhabitants in the shared metropolitan area of the [[Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region]] (MRDH). Rotterdam is a vibrant, multicultural city; it is known for its university (Erasmus), cutting-edge architecture, lively cultural life, industrial riverside setting, its maritime heritage and colourful summer events. The municipality stretches all the way to the [[North Sea]] with gigantic areas like '''Europoort''' and '''Maasvlakte 1&2'''. All belong to the '''Port of Rotterdam'''. Starting as a dam constructed in 1270 on the Rotte River, Rotterdam has grown into a major international commercial centre. The port of Rotterdam is Europe's busiest port by cargo tonnage, and was the world's busiest from 1962 until it was surpassed by Shanghai in 2004. Rotterdam's commercial and strategic importance is based on its location near the mouth of the Nieuwe Maas (New Meuse), a channel in the delta formed by the Rhine and Meuse on the North Sea. These rivers lead directly into the centre of Europe, including the industrial Ruhr region, which is why Rotterdam is often called the "Gateway to Europe". Many relatively high buildings (by Dutch standards) have been emerging throughout and around the city centre. Daring and new styles of apartments, office buildings and recreation facilities resulted in Rotterdam becoming a city of modern architecture and the only city in the Netherlands with a modern skyline. Due to this, the city is especially interesting for Dutch people to visit. ==Districts== {{Mapframe|width=660|zoom=10|show=districts}} {{Mapshape|type=page|wikicommons=Rotterdam_Districts.map|group=districts}} {{Regionlist | regionmap= | regionmaptext= | regionmapsize= | region1name=[[Rotterdam/Centrum|Stadsdriehoek]] | region1color=#44aa99 | region1items=Rotterdam Centrum | region1description=Filled with highrise and out-of-the-box architecture, this district forms the heart of Rotterdam and gives the city its characteristic. | region2name=[[Rotterdam/Delfshaven|Delfshaven]] | region2color=#aa4499 | region2items=Delfshaven | region2description=Originally a part of [[Delft]], this town over time grew closer to Rotterdam, leading up to its incorporation in 1886. The former town still has a fair bit of its historic identity. | region3name=[[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk|Kralingen-Crooswijk]] | region3color=#117733 | region3items=Kralingen-Crooswijk, Noord | region3description=Famous for the Kralingse Plas, a large artificial lake and the surrounding park, as well as Blijdorp, the second-oldest still active zoo in the Netherlands. | region4name=[[Rotterdam/Feijenoord|Feijenoord]] | region4color=#ee99aa | region4items=Feijenoord | region4description=Namesake of a Dutch football club, Feijenoord is the heart of the south banks of the Meuse. | region5name=[[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|Northern Rotterdam]] | region5color=#d09440 | region5items=Overschie, Hillegersberg-Schiebroek | region5description=Home to Rotterdam's airport as well as Hilligersberg and the surrounding lakes and forests. | region6name=[[Rotterdam/Capelle en Noordoost|Capelle en Noordoost]] | region6color=#b5d29f | region6items=Prins Alexander, Capelle aan den IJssel | region6description=Largely home to Rotterdam's urban sprawl. | region7name=[[Rotterdam/Nieuwerkerk|Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel]] | region7color=#d56d76 | region7items=Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel | region7description=Though not incorporated into Rotterdam, Nieuwerkerk is largely an extension of the city. It is home to the lowest point of the famously low-lying Netherlands, at {{convert|6.76|m|yd}} below sea level. | region8name=[[Rotterdam/Zuid|Zuid]] | region8color=#6699cc | region8items=Charlois, IJsselmonde | region8description=The southernmost districts of Rotterdam. | region9name=[[Rotterdam/Port of Rotterdam|Port of Rotterdam]] | region9color=#ddcc77 | region9items=Pernis, Rozenburg, Botlek, Europoort, Eerste- en Tweede Maasvlakte | region9description=Best known as the largest seaport of Europe, the Port of Rotterdam has been built within a river delta as well as the sea. | region10name=[[Rotterdam/Hook of Holland|Hook of Holland]] | region10color=#44aa99 | region10items=Hoek van Holland | region10description=Formerly one of the main gateways into the Netherlands from anywhere reachable by ocean-going vessel, nowadays a popular beachfront. | region11name=[[Rotterdam/Albrandswaard|Albrandswaard]] | region11color=#882255 | region11items=Hoogvliet, Poortugaal, Rhoon | region11description=Island on the suburban fringes of Rotterdam, functioning as a suburb both to Rotterdam and [[Spijkenisse]]. }} ==Understand== ===History=== Settlement at the lower end of the fen stream ''Rotte'' dates from at least 900. Around 1150, large floods in the area ended development, leading to the construction of protective dikes and dams. A dam on the Rotte or 'Rotterdam' was built in the 1260s and was at the present-day ''Hoogstraat'' ('High Street'). Although Rotterdam did well after the Middle Ages and in the 'Golden Century' - roughly between 1650 and 1750 - it was not before the second part of the nineteenth century that the city started to develop itself rapidly. Helped by the digging of a new seaway (the Nieuwe Waterweg) Rotterdam was rid of access problems caused by the silting of the river and started receiving ever bigger ships with cargo for/from the booming Ruhrgebiet in Germany. Port related trade and industry skyrocketed, and the city started to draw lots of migrants from the then poor Brabant province, for whom the southern part of the city was constructed. At the turn of the twentieth century Rotterdam was well under way to become the largest economic centre in the Netherlands. It was between then and the second world war that large prestigious construction works were undertaken, in part to show off the new found economic pride. The German army invaded the Netherlands on 10 May 1940. Germany had planned to conquer the country in one day, but after meeting unexpectedly fierce resistance, it finally forced the Dutch army to capitulate on 14 May 1940 by bombing Rotterdam and threatening to bomb other cities. The heart of the city was almost completely destroyed by the German Luftwaffe, and 800 people were killed, while about 80,000 others were made homeless. During the war, Rotterdam was bombed several times during allied raids that were aimed at the harbour area but sometimes also hit the city. The City Hall survived the bombing. Unlike most other European cities however, the City Council did not aim at rebuilding what was lost, but on taking the opportunity to create a 'new' and better city. Damaged but not destroyed old buildings were torn down in the process. From the 1950s through the 1970s, the city was rebuilt. It remained quite windy and open until the city councils from the 1980s on began developing an active architectural policy. Daring and new styles of apartments, office buildings and recreation facilities resulted in a more 'livable' city center with a new skyline. In the 1990s, the ''Kop van Zuid'' was built on the south bank of the river as a new business center. ===Demographics=== In the Netherlands, Rotterdam has the highest percentage of foreigners from non-industrialised nations. Nearly 50% of the population are not native to the Netherlands or have at least one parent born outside the country. Muslims comprise close to 25% of the city's population. The city is also home to one of the largest Cape Verdean communities in the world, as well as the largest Dutch Antillean community. ===Atmosphere=== Rotterdam's culture is distinct from other cities in the Netherlands. The mentality of the people is described as 'can do'. From the waiters you meet to the businessmen and recent immigrants, everybody breathes a dream of getting forward with life. The modern design of the city, the bustle and the spree of buildings all add to this impression. That said, you might also find that people are sometimes too straight with you. And yes, the city is not the cosiest, or the most picturesque of towns, especially on drab winter days. But get acquainted with this small metropolis, easiest done on one of the festival days with nice weather. You will come to love it. [[File:Rotterdam haringvliet in winter.jpg|thumbnail|right|Winters in Rotterdam are moist and can be freezingly cold, but just as well uniquely beautiful]] ===Climate=== {{climate chart | Rotterdam |1.3|6.4|71 |1.1|7.1|66 |2.4|10.3|57 |4.8|14.3|42 |8.1|17.9|56 |11.0|20.6|69 |13.2|22.7|79 |12.9|22.6|92 |10.5|19.3|90 |7.2|14.9|87 |3.9|10.2|88 |1.4|7.0|86 |units = metric |float = right |clear = none |source = Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute}} Rotterdam gains a lot of charm when the sun is shining. Visiting in spring or summer may be more enjoyable than during the dark rainy winter. The summer months see temperatures averaging around {{c|22}} during the day and {{c|14}} at night; though temperatures near or above {{c|28}} during the day and {{c|16}} at night are not unheard of during heat waves. Daylight runs from 05:30 until 22:00 in the summer, and only between 08:45 and 16:30 in the winter. ===Tourist information=== *{{listing | type=listing | name=Rotterdam Tourist Information Coolsingel | alt=VVV | url=https://en.rotterdam.info/ | email=info@rotterdam.info | address=Coolsingel 114, 3011 AG Rotterdam | lat=51.918860 | long=4.481239 | directions=Metro {{rint|Rotterdam|A}} {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} : Beurs, at the garden of the Schielandshuis | phone=+31 10 790 01 85 | tollfree= | hours=09:30-18:00 | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=This well equipped and modern tourist office can provide loads of information like city maps, small guide books, souvenirs and the like, and offers tips and information on what to see and do in Rotterdam. Rotterdam.info also sells Rotterdam Welcome Cards, concert tickets, gift certificate, souvenirs, public transport tickets and parking vouchers. Check the website for upcoming events. }} *{{listing | type=listing | name=Rotterdam Tourist Information Central Station | alt=VVV | url= | email= | address=Stationsplein 21, 3013 AJ Rotterdam | lat=51.92410 | long=4.47030 | directions=main entrance, in the central hall of the central station | phone=+31 107900185 | tollfree= | hours=09:30-18:00 | price= | lastedit=2019-07-21 | content=With help from the service desk, a wide range of tourist information folders and the employees, you can find out what part of the city you would like to visit. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=Rotterdam Welcome Card | alt= | url=https://en.rotterdam.info/visitors-info/rotterdam-welcome-card/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=1 day (€13.50), 2 days (€19.50), or 3 days (€24.50) | lastedit=2022-07-27 | content= The card allows for unlimited use of all public transport by RET in the city and region, and offers at least 25% discounts on more than 50 attractions, museums, and restaurants. Available at Rotterdam Info (VVV) points and other locations. Without public transport, the card costs €6.00. }} ==Get in== ===By plane=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Rotterdam The Hague Airport | alt={{IATA|RTM}} | url=http://www.rotterdamthehagueairport.nl/en | email= | address= | lat=51.951248 | long=4.443541 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Rotterdam The Hague Airport | image=Rotterdam airport luchtfoto.jpg | wikidata=Q656807 | lastedit=2016-06-07 | content=It is the 3rd largest airport in the country. It is 6 km north of the city centre. There are direct flights from cities in [[Germany]], [[Italy]], [[France]], [[Spain]], and the [[United Kingdom]]. Commercial airlines that operate to the airport include Transavia, Lufthansa, British Airways, and Turkish Airlines. }} ====Services==== * {{listing|type=go | name=VVV Rotterdam-The Hague Airport information point | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rotterdam Airportplein 60 | lat= | long= | directions=at the arrivals hall | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= 07:30-23:45 | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=Come here if you have questions about Rotterdam. The place to hear history. The gift shop is open 09:30-18:00. }} ====How to reach==== To plan a trip (for all public transport in the Netherlands) see [https://9292.nl/en 9292.nl]{{Dead link|date=December 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} Depending on the amount of travel with public transit in The Netherlands it is possible to buy a so called ''[[OV-Chipkaart]]'' or it may be more convemient to pay with a contactless credit or debit card by touching in & touching out on each trip. see for more information under ''Get Around.'' ;By bus/metro * {{listing | type=go | name=Bus 33 | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-06-30 | content=Connects the airport with ''Meijersplein/Airport'' metro station, from where you can take metro line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} to ''Slinge'' (for ''Rotterdam Centraal'' and Rotterdam city center).See for more information the ''By Metro'' section under ''Get Around''. Bus 33 also connects to Rotterdam Centraal station via the Overschie district. }} * {{listing | name=Bus 300 | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= 15 July - 20 September, Fr-Mo only| price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-06-30 | content=Direct service to ''Rotterdam Centraal''. No stops in between. }} ;By taxi * {{listing|type=go | name=Rotterdam Airport Taxi | alt= | url=http://www.rotterdam-airport-taxi.nl | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +31 10 262 04 06| tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-06-07 | content=Recommended by the airport web site. }} ====Other close airports==== * [[Schiphol Airport| Amsterdam Schiphol Airport]] ({{IATA|AMS}}) is 58 km north of Rotterdam and has much more flights than the Rotterdam airport. '''NS (Dutch Railways)''' operates ''[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/special-routes/intercity-direct.html Intercity Direct]'' high-speed rail service, every 30 minutes to Rotterdam. The journey takes 27 minutes. You have to pay an addition for the journey from Schiphol to Rotterdam, so regular intercities in direction Rotterdam Centraal and Rotterdam Blaak are cheaper (but slower) (these intercities also call at Schiphol). * [[Eindhoven#By plane| Eindhoven Airport]] ({{IATA|EIN}}) is 106 km southeast of Rotterdam. Ryanair and Wizzair operate flights to this airport. Take a bus to Eindhoven Centraal (approximately 20 minutes, the intercity train to Rotterdam Centraal takes about 63 minutes. * [[Brussels Airport]] ({{IATA|BRU}}) is 140 km south of Rotterdam. Many international carriers operate flights to this airport. The [https://www.b-europe.com/EN/Trains/InterCity train from Brussels] takes about 120 minutes and costs €35. Buses are also available, although less frequent. [[File:Rtd CS-III.JPG|thumbnail|right|Rotterdam Centraal has been completely reconstructed and now features a striking roof over the main concourse]] ===By train=== {{seealso|Rail travel in the Netherlands}} ==== International connections ==== * {{go | name=Rotterdam Centraal | alt= | url=https://www.ns.nl/stationsinformatie/rtd/rotterdam-centraal | email= | address= | lat=51.925 | long=4.469444 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q801388 | lastedit=2018-04-10 | content=The station is served by high-speed trains from [[Belgium]], [[France]] and the [[United Kingdom]]. }} **'''[http://www.thalys.com Thalys]''' operates [[high-speed trains]] from [[Antwerp]] (Antwerpen-Centraal, 35 min), [[Brussels]] (Brussel-Zuid/Midi, 1 hr 12 min), [[Paris]] (Gare du Nord, 2 hr 37 min) and [[Lille]] (Lille-Europe, 1 hr 55 min). Book well in advance to secure the best ticket deals. A cheaper but slower alternative to Thalys is the [https://www.b-europe.com/EN/Trains/InterCity Intercity Brussels] service between Amsterdam and Brussels. **Coming from Germany, Rotterdam Centraal can only be reached by changing trains in the Netherlands. When travelling on the German high-speed train '''[https://www.bahn.com/en/view/trains/long-distance/ice-ice-sprinter.shtml?dbkanal_007=L04_S02_D002_KIN0059_FLYOUT-ZUGFLOTTE-ICE_LZ01 ICE]{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' from [[Cologne]], [[Düsseldorf]] and [[Oberhausen]], the exchange will be in [[Utrecht]] Centraal station, and coming from [[Berlin]], [[Hanover]], [[Osnabrück]] (with the '''[https://www.bahn.com/en/view/trains/long-distance/intercity-eurocity.shtml?dbkanal_007=L04_S02_D002_KIN0059_FLYOUT-ZUGFLOTTE-IC_LZ01 DB-intercity]{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''') it is advisable to change at [[Amersfoort]]. Intercity-trains to Rotterdam depart from both Utrecht and Amersfoort. ** '''[http://www.eurostar.com Eurostar]''' runs a daily high speed service from [[London]] St Pancras International to Rotterdam Centraal. Prices start at £35 one way. The journey time is about 3 hr 30 min, but you must arrive at the station at least 90 minutes before departure in order to clear the extra border controls caused by COVID restrictions and Brexit. ==== National connections ==== The Dutch railway company NS runs high-speed ''[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/special-routes/intercity-direct.html Intercity Direct]'' trains between [[Amsterdam]], [[Amsterdam Airport Schiphol|Schiphol]], Rotterdam and [[Breda]]. The train stops only at those four stations and shaves 25-30 minutes in journey time between Amsterdam and Schiphol and Rotterdam versus the regular Intercity and Sprinter trains that stop in between. Beware that you have to pay a supplement (€2.60 during peak hours, €1.56 outside peak hours) to use the Intercity direct line to travel to Rotterdam if your journey involves Schiphol, (i.e. Amsterdam-Rotterdam journeys are subject to this supplement). You can purchase this supplement by tapping an anonymous or personal OV-chipkaart on a designated red pole found on the platform. Those without an anonymous or personal OV-chipkaart can use the ticketing machines or the NS website to purchase the supplement, however the discount may not be applicable to supplements purchased this way. Most unlimited day tickets including the Holland Travel Ticket can be used to travel on the Intercity Direct but a supplement purchase is still required. Thalys also offers seats for passengers travelling from Amsterdam to Rotterdam. The journey is less than 40 minutes, slightly faster than the Intercity Direct. However, reservations/advance bookings are required and most unlimited day tickets recognised by NS cannot be used on Thalys. Rotterdam is also well served by NS from other parts of the [[Netherlands]], with direct connections to [[Delft]], [[Amsterdam]], [[Eindhoven]], [[Gouda]], [[Leiden]], [[The Hague]], [[Utrecht]] and [[Vlissingen]]. Some intercities and sprinters also stop at '''[https://www.ns.nl/stationsinformatie/rtb/rotterdam-blaak Rotterdam Blaak]''' station which is in the middle of the city center. This station is also frequented by trams and metro. See also the [[Netherlands#Get in Netherlands]] page for further information on national rail. Alternatively, Rotterdam's Metro line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} provides a connection for passengers coming from [[The Hague]] at Den Haag Centraal. The journey from Den Haag Centraal to Rotterdam Centraal costs €4.43 with an anonymous or personalised OV-chipkaart, which is marginally cheaper than an NS journey (€4.90) between the same points but takes about five minutes longer to complete the journey. ===By bus=== * {{listing|type=go | name=Flixbus | alt= | url=https://www.flixbus.com/bus/rotterdam| email= | address=(bus stop) Rotterdam Centraal @ Conradstraat 52 | lat= | long= | directions=International bus stop platform 'GG' at Rotterdam Centraal. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-07-20 | content=Serving both domestic and international routes. They also have an extra stop at Rotterdam Zuidplein @ Gooilandsingel }} ===By boat=== ==== Ferries from [[England]] (UK) ==== You can also get to Rotterdam by [[Ferries to the British Mainland|ferry from the United Kingdom]]. No ferries arrive in the center. * '''[http://www.poferries.com P&O Ferries]''' has a daily overnight sailing from [[Kingston Upon Hull]] to Rotterdam Europoort. From Rotterdam Europoort P&O Ferries operates a shuttle bus service that takes you to the city center of Rotterdam. Please book this shuttle service while you book your sailing. * '''[http://www.stenaline.com StenaLine]''' has a daily day and a daily overnight sailing from [[Harwich (England)|Harwich]] to [[Hook of Holland]]. Next to the port is ''Hoek van Holland Haven'' metro station. Line B brings you to the city centre in approximately 30 minutes. * '''[http://www.dfdsseaways.co.uk/ferry-routes/holland/newcastle-to-amsterdam DFDS Seaways]''' has a daily overnight ferry crossing from Newcastle to Amsterdam. You can drive to Rotterdam in approx. 50 minutes. ==== Waterbus ==== [[File:ENI 02324345 ALBLAS (14).JPG|thumbnail|right|A WaterBus near [https://www.cityguiderotterdam.com/things-to-do/sights/old-harbour-rotterdam/ Oude Haven (Old Harbour)]]]The '''[http://www.waterbus.nl WaterBus]''' services provide connections between Rotterdam and the ''Drechtsteden'' ([[Dordrecht]] and surrounding cities, including [[UNESCO World Heritage List|UNESCO-site]] - the world-famous windmills - [[Kinderdijk]]). ===By metro=== Coming from [[The Hague]] or somewhere in between it can be advisable to use metroline {{rint|Rotterdam|E}}, see for more information the page about the [[Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region|whole region]]. ===By car=== [[File:Rotterdam Auto 01.JPG|thumbnail|right|Finding a good spot to park can be a problem in central Rotterdam]] Rotterdam is easily reached by car. From Amsterdam take the A4 South to Rotterdam Haven. From Utrecht take the A12 and change to the A20 just after [[Gouda]] on knooppunt Gouwe. Traffic congestion on highways is common during peak hours (morning and evening commutes). You can pay for '''on-street parking''' with debit and credit card. Remember your license plate number. Parking regulations are enforced regularly. '''[https://parkereninrotterdam.nl Parking garages]{{Dead link|date=April 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' can be easily found by following the sign-marked P-route. The easiest way to pay is by credit card, just insert your card on the way in, and insert it again on the way out, and the total time is automatically deducted. You can also pay with cash or debit card. '''Park & Ride (P&R)''' facilities outside the center of Rotterdam offer free or cheap parking with public transport connections into the city center. For some locations (Slinge A15, Kralingse Zoom A16/E19 and Alexander A20/E25), you can park for free if you have a valid check-out on your public transport card (OV-chipkaart). === By bike === As a Dutch city Rotterdam is well connected to extense (inter)national bicycle networks which use all kinds of infrastructural facilities. Most attractive for tourist to cycle over longer distances are the so called '''LF-routes'''. So the city center is croshed by '''LF2 Stedenroute ''(City Route)''''' from Amsterdam to Brussels and '''LF12 Maas- en Vestingroute''' follows the flow of river Maas all the way from The East. See for more information [http://www.holland.com/global/tourism/discover-holland/cycling/bicycle-route-planner.htm Bicycle Route Planner]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}: ''sellect more options and LF-Routes.'' ==Get around== {{Mapframe|51.9152|4.4791|zoom=14|layer=W|name=Map of Rotterdam (metro lines have thicker strokes than tram lines)}} {{Mapshapes|Q691704}} <!--Metro--> {{Mapshapes|Q1429091|stroke-width=2}} <!--Tram--> '''[https://www.ret.nl/en RET]''' operates the buses, trams, and metro within the city. You could find a journey planner and some [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret/maps.html network maps] there. Alternatively you'd use the pan-Netherlands journey planner – [https://9292.nl/en 9292.nl]. Transport generally arrives every 10 minutes during the day. Free Wi-Fi is available in some trams, buses and metro lines, and on the busier metro stations, you just need to accept the terms of use. ===Tickets=== You can [https://www.ovpay.nl/en use your contactless bank card]{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} to pay for any public transport that also accepts the [[OV-chipkaart]]. This system is called OV-Pay and is the most convenient way to travel. Debit and credit cards from Maestro, V PAY, Mastercard and Visa are supported. As anywhere else in the country OV-chipkaart can still be used to pay all kinds of public transport. The card costs €8.50 and you'd need to keep a positive balance there for at least €4. For using buses and trams, checking in and out has to be done in the vehicle, while for train and metro use the gates or card-reader poles at the entrance of the stations. Alternatively one of the city's transport travel cards could be used: * {{listing | name=RET travel cards | alt= | url=https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travel-products/products-and-fares.html | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=2 hours - €5.00; 1 (calendar) day - €11.00 | lastedit=2025-01-21 | content=To travel by bus, tram and metro with RET. Can be purchased via the RET Barcode app, at ticket machines in metro stations and at RET Sales and Information points. For children under 12 and age 65 and up there is a reduced price. The 1-day ticket is not a 24-hour ticket: it is only valid on the day of the first check-in, until 04:00 of the early morning the next day. Tickets are not sold on bus and tram anymore; use your bank card to check in instead. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=Tourist Day Ticket: Rotterdam & The Hague region | alt= | url=http://www.touristdaytickets.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=€17.00 for one day | lastedit=2025-01-21 | content=Unlimited travel on local transport (bus, tram, metro and waterbus. Note: trains excluded) in the Rotterdam and the Hague region. Available from ticket machines and service counters of RET and at tourist information. Ticket is valid for travel with RET, HTM, HTMbuzz, Arriva, Connexxion, EBS, QBuzz and Waterbus in South Holland. }} * [[#Rotterdam Welcome Card|Rotterdam Welcome Card]] also allows for unlimited use of public transport with RET in the city and region. Note that tickets must be purchased in advance, there is no ticket sale on board of bus, tram and metro. ===By metro=== [[Image:Metro Rotterdam future.svg|thumb|Rotterdam Metro reaches as far as [[the Hague]].]] There are 5 metro lines in the city. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|A}}, {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|C}}, share tracks between ''Schiedam Centrum'' and ''Capelsebrug'' and offer an east-west connection. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} share tracks between ''Rotterdam Centraal'' and ''Slinge'' and offer a north-south connection. Interchange between all lines is possible on ''Beurs'' station in the city center. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|A}}, {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|C}} operate every 10 minutes on working days and Saturday, which allows 3-4 minute intervals on the main section between ''Schiedam Centrum'' and ''Capelsebrug''. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} operate every 10 minutes on working days and Saturday, which give shorter intervals between ''Rotterdam Centraal'' and ''Slinge''. In the evening, on Saturday morning and Sunday the service is reduced to a 15-minute interval. The Rotterdam Metro operates from 05:30 until 00:00. On weekends the opening time is not until 07:00 Saturday, and 08:15 on Sunday. On Friday and Saturday nights the service is extended for a bit longer past midnight, but not on some parts of line B and E. See the [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret/time-table/metro/weekend-metro.html Weekend metro] page for an overview. For tourists the most important metro stations are: '''Line A, B and C''' (East-West branch) * '''Blaak''': train station, interchange with trams and busses, cube houses, Markthal, ports * '''Beurs''': city center, shops, interchange with metro {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} * '''Eendrachtsplein''': museumpark * '''Coolhaven''': [https://euromast.nl/ Euromast] * '''Delfshaven''': historic port '''Line D and E''' (North-South branch) * '''Meijerplein''': bus service to Rotterdam The Hague Airport '''''(only line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}})''''' * '''Blijdorp:''' [https://www.diergaardeblijdorp.nl/en/ Rotterdam Zoo] '''''(only line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}})''''' * '''Rotterdam Centraal''': northern edge of the city centre, interchange with trams and buses, train station * '''Beurs''': city centre, shops, interchange with metro {{rint|Rotterdam|A}}, {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|C}} * '''Leuvehaven''': ports, museums, Erasmus Bridge, Waterbus * '''Wilhelminaplein:''' Erasmus Bridge, Cruise Terminal Rotterdam, [http://www.hotelnewyork.com/ hotel New York] * '''Rijnhaven:''' Katendrecht, bus service to SS Rotterdam ===By tram=== There are nine tram lines in the city. Each tram has a conductor. Tram stops provide a detailed map of the public transport system for on-the-go route-finding. Most lines operate every 10 minutes on workdays, with a more frequent service during rush hours on some lines. All trams except {{rint|Rotterdam|2}} will stop at ''Rotterdam Centraal'', the main train station of Rotterdam. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|1}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|11}}''' run from the suburbs in the [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|northwest]] to De Esch in [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk|Kralingen]], via [[Schiedam]], the north of [[Delfshaven]], and the city centre. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|2}}''' runs on the south side of the rivers, through the districts of [[Rotterdam/Zuid|Charlois, IJsselmonde]] and [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|3}}''' starts at the central station, and connects to the south bank via Feijenoord, IJsselmonde and [[Rotterdam/Zuid|Beverwaard]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|4}}''' starts from Heemsraadplein, connecting to much of the city centre and the neighbourhoods to its west, before connecting to [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|Hillegersberg]] via the central station, and Noord/Crooswijk. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|5}}''' originates from the central station, running to the south bank via Feijenoord and suburbs, before terminating in [[Barendrecht]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|6}}''' runs from Heemsraadplein to Kleiweg, just north of the A20 highway, running parallel with line 4 up to Rotterdam Noord railway station. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|7}}''' starts at Marconiplein, where the metro and lines 1, 8 and 11 meet, to Woudestein where it meets lines 1 and 11 again, via the central station and Erasmus University. Between Weena and Woudestein, lines 1 and 11 follow a more direct route via the Stadhuis, Beurs, Blaak and Oostplein metro stations, while line seven heads north via [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk|Crooswijk and Kralingen]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|8}}''', lastly, comes from [[Delfshaven|Spangen]], and then continues through most of Delfshaven roughly following the river up to Eendrachtsplein in [[Rotterdam/Centre|Cool]], from where it joins the main tram corridor through the city centre, to eventually terminate in [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|Schiebroek]]. * '''Line 12''' operates during football matches in the Kuip stadion only. ===By bus=== '''RET''' operates bus services across the city. Night bus service (BOB-bus) has been cancelled. Buses operated by '''[http://www.arriva.nl Arriva]''' and '''[http://www.connexxion.nl Connexxion]''' connect the city with suburbs. Use the front door when boarding a bus. ===By water taxi=== * {{listing | name=Watertaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=http://www.watertaxirotterdam.nl | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 10 403 03 03 | tollfree= | hours= | price=€ | lastedit=2022-07-27 | content=Rotterdam was built on a number of islands and if you want to travel from shore to shore, the nicest way to go is to take a '''Water Taxi'''. Fixed fares for rides between 50 docks in Rotterdam and Schiedam, with 3 fares zones, starting at €4.50 per person in the central zone. You can give them a call, or use the online tool to see availability and book a ride. It is advised to book in advance, especially on days with large events in the city. }} ===By taxi=== If you do need a taxi you will have to find yourself a taxi rank or call a taxi company. There is a minimum taxi fare of €2.30 (first it was {{EUR|7.50}} which included the first two kilometers). Additionally, each subsequent kilometre is charged €2.20. * {{listing | name=Rotterdamse Taxi Centrale RTC N.V. | url=http://www.rtcnv.nl | phone=+31 10 462 60 60 }} * {{listing | name=Coöperatieve Taxi Onderneming St. Job u.a. | url=http://www.st-job.nl | phone=+31 10 425 70 00 }} | name=Zorgtaxi Rotterdam | url=https://www.zorgtaxirotterdam.nl | phone=+31 10 818 28 23 }} | name=Stadstaxi Rotterdam | url=https://www.stadstaxirotterdam.nl| phone=+31 10 818 28 23 }} * {{go | name=Botlektaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://botlektaxi.nl | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 10 666 66 06 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-01-19 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Taxi Rotterdam 010 | alt= | url=https://taxirotterdam010.nl/ | phone=+31 10 261 31 88 }} * {{listing | name= Rotterdamse Taxi | alt= | url= https://www.rotterdamsetaxi.nl/ | phone=+31 10 261 31 22 }} ===By tuk-tuk=== * {{listing | name=Tuk Tuk Company | alt= | url=http://www.tuktukcompany.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 9009933399 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-05-23 | content=A Thai-influenced transportation service using three-wheeled, open-air (but covered) motorized vehicles called Tuk Tuk offers a more economical and fast way to get around the city centre when compared to taxis. Tuk-tuk pricing is based on a zone system. Within a zone, a ride is €3.50 per person, €5 for 2 persons and €6.50 for 3. If you go to another zone, €3.50 is added (irrespective of number of persons). This service is handy if it is past the regular tram/bus/metro service hours (approximately half past midnight). }} ===By bicycle=== Like any city in The Netherlands, Rotterdam is very, very bicycle-friendly. Getting around by bike is probably the fastest way of travel within the city. There are separate bike lanes on most major streets and there are separate traffic lights for bicyclists. Avoid getting your tire in the tram rails: always cross tram rails at an angle. Of course it is also strongly advisable to watch out for other traffic at all time. On the other hand bicyclists can rely on the fact that motorists and pedestrians are aware of bikes. Always lock your bike securely when leaving it (preferably chained to a fixed object) or go to a guarded bicycle parking station. ==== Rent a bike==== At Rotterdam Centraal, you can rent bicycles at the shop in the underground bicycle parking, below the Station square. Leave the station at the front, exit 'Stationsplein'. The entrance of the bicycle parking ('fietsenstalling', with the glass roof) is at your right, in front of grand cafe Engels. Use-it, rents out nice Kronan bikes (Schaatsbaan 41-45, leave Central Station towards the center. Turn right at restaurant Engels and take the 2nd right). Bikes can be rented by several other private companies. Holland-Cycling.com provides a list of [http://www.holland-cycling.com/rotterdam/getting-around-rotterdam/bicycle-rental-in-rotterdam addresses]. Another list you will find at [https://www.rotterdam.nl/vrije-tijd/fiets-huren/ Rotterdam.nl]{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. If you have a personal (rather than an anonymous) [[OV-chipkaart]], bicycles can be rented at many train and metro stations and other central locations by the [http://www.ns.nl/en/door-to-door/ov-fiets OV-fiets system]. ==== Guarded bicycle parking ==== * The larger train stations have their own guarded bicycle parking. * Rotterdam municipality has also [https://www.rotterdam.nl/fietsparkeren some free locations]. ==See== ===Landmarks=== [[File:VN5 HDR2.jpg|thumbnail|right|The Van Nellefabriek is regarded as a prime example of the ''International Style'']] Rotterdam has national notoriety for its architecture, and the city therefore is dotted with landmarks of all sorts. Most of them you will find in the [[Rotterdam/Centrum|city centre]], but [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord|Feijenoord]] is also quite dense with them. Rotterdam is known for some bridges, not in the last place the '''Erasmusbrug''', spanning the Nieuwe Maas between the city centre and Feijenoord. Also of historical importance is the former railway lifting bridge '''De Hef''', slightly upstream from the Erasmusbrug. '''Historical landmarks''' are somewhat rare to come across in Rotterdam's city centre, but the city itself isn't completely devoid of them. In the city centre, the 1920 '''City hall''' and the '''Great or Saint-Laurence church''', both survivors of the 1940 bombardment. Rotterdam is also home to the country's oldest known bronze statue, depicting Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam and dating from 1622. It is found opposite the Saint-Laurence church. '''De Verwoeste Stad''' (Destroyed City) is a cubist statue depicting a man in agony who just lost his heart (symbol of the bombed city centre). Feijenoord, despite being home to many modern redevelopments, houses some historical landmarks such as the '''former headquarters of the Holland-Amerikalijn'''. Also worth visiting are the '''Oude Haven''' (''Old Harbour'') and the nearby '''Witte Huis''' (''White House'') and '''Schielandshuis'''. '''Industrial landmarks''' are plenty in a city that mostly thrives off of harbour activities. Besides the many industrial sites found in the [[Rotterdam/Port of Rotterdam|Port of Rotterdam]], the '''Van Nellefabriek''' in [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|the north of the city]] is a listed UNESCO site. [[File:Erasmusbrug seen from Euromast.jpg|thumbnail|right|The modern skyline of Rotterdam can be truly appreciated from the Euromast.]] The skyline of Rotterdam can, of course, be observed from one of the many skyscrapers in the city - though you should probably book a hotel located in a skyscraper or find one with a publicly accessible roof, as trespass isn't welcomed. Another great site for views over the city though, is the '''Euromast''' on the border between the [[Rotterdam/Centrum|city centre]] and [[Rotterdam/Delfshaven|Delfshaven]], twice in its history the highest building of the Netherlands. For a relatively small entry fee, you can climb the tower or for a larger sum, you can dine inside of it. For those less comfortable with great heights though, a birds-eye overview of the city can also be obtained at '''Miniworld Rotterdam''', near the central station. The city is also well-known for its experimental and out-of-the-ordinary architecture, often being a testing ground for new concepts. A prime example of this are the '''Kubuswoningen''' (''Cube Houses'') at [[Rotterdam/Centrum|Blaak]]; one has been set aside as a museum, offering a view of the unique perspective and custom furniture that comes with living in one of the houses. Also striking are the '''Markthal''', harbour-crane inspired sculptures at the '''Schouwburgplein''' and the '''Koopgoot''', all found in the city centre. '''Historic churches:''' in the Netherlands churches are generally closed to visitors on Sundays. === Other sites === [[File:Rotterdam Erasmusbrug bij avond vanaf hoek Veerhaven-Westerkade.jpg|thumb|Erasmus bridge of Rotterdam]] [[File:Schielandshuis.jpg|thumbnail|right|Schielandshuis today stands surrounding by modern glass and steel buildings]] [[Image:Oude Haven (Rotterdam) 2011.jpg|thumb|"Het witte huis" in Old Harbour]] The area around the [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Other sites|'''Station Rotterdam Blaak''']] was destroyed by a Nazi bombardment during World War II. After the war this area was populated with some bold examples of modern architecture. The '''Kubuswoningen''' are literally cubes, tilted over by 45 degrees. '''Oude Haven''' (Old Harbour) is a nice place to see and sit at some café nearby. '''Witte Huis''' is a "skyscraper" built in 1898. '''Het Schielandshuis''' is the only remaining 17th-century building in the city centre of Rotterdam. [[File:Delfshaven Rotterdam (the Netherlands) 17.JPG|thumb|The old barges moored at the Delfshaven]] [[Rotterdam/Delfshaven|'''Delfshaven''']] is one of very few locations in the city which survived World War II bombings. Historic Delfshaven is a very scenic walk. It consists of an 17th-century area around two canals with a lot of charm. By day visit little shops in this neighbourhood, by night attractive pubs and restaurants make the visit worthwhile. * '''Chinatown''' in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Other sites|Centrum]] is full of Chinese restaurants and also Indonesian and other Asian restaurants. [[File:Rotterdam molens De Ster (l) en De Lelie (r) - tegenlicht.jpg|thumbnail|right|''De Ster'' and ''De Lelie'' at dusk]] ===Windmills=== Rotterdam has only seven windmills left. Of these, only ''De Ster'' and ''De Lelie'' in [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk#See|Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk]] are open to visitors on a regular basis. Other windmills are open to visitors when the mill is turning (easy enough to see), but there are some exceptions to this rule of thumb. A blue flag also indicates that the mill is open to visitors. Look for De Prinsenmolen, De Vier Winden, and De Speelman windmills in [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam#Windmills|Northern Rotterdam]] and De Zandweg in [[Rotterdam/Zuid#See|Rotterdam Zuid]]. ===Museums=== [[File:Overzicht achtergevel - Rotterdam - 20534511 - RCE.jpg|thumbnail|right|Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen]] [[Netherlands#Museumkaart|Museumkaart]] is accepted at the city's museums. The Museumpark area in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Museums|Centrum]] has many of the city's museums. '''Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen''' houses a rich, broad collection including masterpieces ranging from Pieter Brueghel the Elder's ''The "little" Tower of Babel'' (1563) to an important collection of surrealism, prominently featuring Salvador Dalí and René Magritte. '''Sylvette''' is a large work by Pablo Picasso was erected in 1973. It is one of the elaborations Picasso made based on the portraits of his muse Sylvette David. Definitely worth a look. '''Kunsthal''' houses some 25 exhibitions annually with a fascinating and widely varied repertoire. Het Nieuwe Instituut museum includes the '''Museum voor Architectuur, Design en Digitale cultuur''', a museum for architecture,deesign and digital culture, and '''Huis Sonneveld''', a building in the Bauhaus style. '''Chabot Museum''' is a neat little museum is housed in a splendid modernist 1930s villa. It houses a collection of works of the expressionist painter Hendrik Chabot. '''Natuurhistorisch Museum''' has changing expositions and a fixed collection of mammals, plants and fossils. The city has two maritime museums. The '''Maritiem Museum''' has a variety of expositions about the harbour of Rotterdam and maritime history, and a restored 19th-century gunboat that is a must-see for naval enthusiasts. The '''Mariniersmuseum''' shows the history of the centuries-old Narine Corps and its modern-day role. Special attention is given to the heroic role of the corps in the 1940 defence of Rotterdam. ====Other museums==== [[File:Façade Witte de With Center for Contemporary Art.jpg|thumbnail|right|Witte de With Center]] In [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Other museums|Centrum]], you can visit '''Museum Rotterdam''', which is dedicated to the modern day Rotterdam and its history; the '''Museum of Chess-Pieces''', which houses a diverse collection of chess games from ancient Chinese to cartoon characters; the '''Wereldmuseum''' (World Arts Museum), which focuses on encounters and cross-cultural inspiration; and '''Witte de With''' (Centre for Contemporary Arts). [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord#Q2191118|'''Nederlands Fotomuseum''']] shows the diversity of forms of photography, especially as a medium of social expression and commentary. [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk#Q2351733|'''SSN Museumstoomdepot''']] features old steam locomotives and trains. Besides a small museum it's a workshop where you can see restoration in progress. ==Do== [[File:Overzicht - Rotterdam - 20534496 - RCE.jpg|thumbnail|right|''De Doelen'' concert hall in Schouwbourgplein]] Upcoming events and performances are listed on the VVV and Use-it websites. The larger events are well documented on the VVV site, for smaller venues check Use-it (under Calendar) for a very attractive and well updated listing of music, expositions, movies and parties that need checking out. The [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Do|Uitburo office]] inside the Central Library provides information on theatre and music performances. It also sells tickets and offers an overview of performances that can be visited for free (''gratis''). ===Events=== [[File:North Sea Jazz Festival 2012 - ALOE BLACC.jpg|thumbnail|right|In July, you can enjoy the ''North Sea Jazz'' festival]] Rotterdam plays host to a lot of events, a lot of them yearly ones. Besides these there are a lot smaller ones that can be very nice, so ask around and check the VVV website. A few of these yearly events to name: * {{do | name=Six Days of Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.wielerzesdaagserotterdam.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2293105 | lastedit=2024-12-26 | content=A cycling competition in early December. }} * {{do | name=IFFR | alt= | url=http://www.filmfestivalrotterdam.com/en/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The International Film Festival Rotterdam, which mainly features independent films from all over the world in February. }} * {{do | name=Art Rotterdam | alt= | url=http://www.artrotterdam.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=In February, you can see (and buy) masterpieces of modern art. }} * {{do | name=World tennis Tournament | alt= | url=http://www.abnamrowtt.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=In February. }} * On the '''[http://www.rotterdamsemuseumnacht.nl/ Rotterdam Museum Night]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' in March, nearly all Rotterdam museums and galleries open their doors in the evening with special events. * {{do | name=Motel Mozaique | alt= | url=http://motelmozaique.nl/en/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Music, art & performance. Plus a sleeping project that enables sleeping in art or on special locations in Rotterdam (April) }} * [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Q1341108|'''Rotterdam Marathon''']], internationally reputed as a very fast marathon, is held in April in Centrum. * {{do | name=Poetry International | alt= | url=http://www.poetry.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Festival in June. }} * '''Metropolis Festival''' (music) on the first Sunday in July. * The sublime '''[http://www.northseajazz.com/ North Sea Jazz]''' festival in July with loads of worldfamous artists. * {{do | name=Summer Carnival | alt= | url=http://www.zomercarnaval.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A huge Caribbean-oriented parade and party in the city centre. }} * {{do | name=Heerlijk Rotterdam | alt= | url=http://www.heerlijkrotterdam.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Three day event where you can sample dishes from Michelin-star restaurants for a reduced price (dates vary, summer edition usually late August) }} * The '''[http://wereldhavendagen.nl/en/ World Port Days]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' a weekend full of activities centred around the large harbour of Rotterdam (early September) * The classical music '''[http://www.gergievfestival.nl/ Gergjev]''' festival in September, led by master-conductor Valery Gergjev. * The '''[http://www.rotterdamseoogst.nl/ Rotterdam Harvest Festival]''' in September. * '''Bazar Curieux''' (music) in December For full listings of events check [http://www.rotterdam.info/uk/ Rotterdam.info] and [http://www.use-it.nl/ Use-it]{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. === Tours === Several tours can be found in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Tours|Centrum]], including the tourist '''tram line 10''' through the city centre and historic parts of Rotterdam on classic trams; the '''Spido harbour trip''' through the first 8 km of the harbour; and De pannenkoekenboot, on which you cam eat as many pancakes as you want while you cruise the harbour. ===Cinema=== There are two huge megacinemas in Rotterdam. The one in the city centre is called '''Pathé Schouwburgplein''' (at the Schouwburgplein), the other one is on the southside of the city. It's called '''Pathé De Kuip''' (next to the Feyenoord stadium De Kuip). In these cinemas you can see Hollywood movies and occasionally an arthouse movie. To get to De Kuip, take tram {{rint|Rotterdam|12}} to stop Stadion Feijenoord. If you're more into alternative cinema go to '''[http://www.lantaren-venster.nl/ Lantaren/Venster]''' Cinema (Otto Reuchlinweg 996 (Wilhelminapier)). Here you'll get European, Asian and Latin American cinema in a nice atmosphere. It has a nice bar too. The other option is '''Cinerama''' (Westblaak 18) which shows a combination of art/house films and commercial Hollywood flicks. During the '''IFFR''' (International Film Festival Rotterdam), which usually takes place in February, art-house movies are shown at much more locations throughout the city. In August, an open air cinema at the '''Lloydkwartier''' shows both blockbusters and independent films. Entrance is free, and you can either bring your own chair or rent one onsite. To get there, take {{rint|Rotterdam|A}} to Coolhaven and walk for about 10–15 minutes towards the river in the south. ===Other attractions=== [[File:Erasmusbréck w.jpg|thumbnail|right|Rotterdam can be breathtaking from above]] When you want to combine a unique experience with a great view over the city of Rotterdam, you can make a (tandem) '''skydive''' at [http://www.skydiverotterdam.com Skydive Rotterdam]. At Skydive Rotterdam (also called the Flying Dutchman) you can book a tandem skydive or do a complete skydiving course and jump from a height of 3 or 4 kilometers. It's the only skydiving school in the "Randstad" area and the only place in the Netherlands where you can jump over a major city like Rotterdam. When the weather's good you will have a spectacular view over the Rotterdam skyline and other parts of the Randstad area, all the way to the coastline. An '''airplane''' can be rented at reasonable rates at Rotterdam Airport at [http://vliegen.rotterdamsweb.nl/ Happy Wing]. Nice tours above the city, its ports or the coastline are on offer. On summer Sundays, it is possible to lower yourself down from the '''Euromast'''. On last Sundays of summer months you can glide down in 15 seconds on a wire (tokkelen). Both: Not for the faint of heart! Check the website of [http://heightspecialists.nl/abseilen/ Heightspecialists]. ===With children=== [[File:Medusakop op kolom in giraffenweide - Rotterdam - 20348014 - RCE.jpg|thumbnail|right|The historic ''Diergaarde Blijdorp'' is definitely worth a visit]] '''Diergaarde Blijdorp''' (Rotterdam Zoo) in [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk#Q18775796|Kralingen-Crooswijk]] is one of the most popular day trips in the Netherlands. Walk through different parts of the world, seeing interesting animals that feel right at home in an approximation of their natural habitats. The Oceanium is filled with ocean and coastal dwellers, including exotic fish and puffins. '''Miniworld Rotterdam''' in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Do|Centrum]] is the largest indoor model railroad layout of the Netherlands. === Football === : Rotterdam has three professional soccer teams: * [https://www.feyenoord.nl/ '''Feyenoord'''] play in Eredivisie, the top tier. Their home ground is Stadion Feijenoord (capacity 51,000), better known as "De Kuip"; it's often also used for rock concerts and similar events. It's south of the river with its own railway station Rotterdam Stadion. * [https://www.sparta-rotterdam.nl/ '''Sparta Rotterdam'''] also play in Eredivisie. Their home ground is Het Kasteel ("The Castle", capacity 12,000), 3 km west of the centre. * [https://www.sbvexcelsior.nl/ '''SBV Excelsior'''] were relegated in 2024 so they play in Eerste Divisie the second tier. Their Stadion Woudestein (capacity 4500), now called Van Donge & De Roo Stadion, is 2 km east of city centre on the north bank of the river. ===Water sports and yachting=== [[File:Rotterdam kralingse plas.jpg|thumbnail|right|Kralingse Plas]] Being a major harbour and having lots of waterways and lakes, Rotterdam has a lot to offer for water-enthousiasts. Boating: There are four major lakes in Rotterdam. The Kralingse Plas, The double Bergse Plas, the Rottemeren and the Zevenhuizer Plas. All of them have active yachting communities and sometimes sailing races can be seen. The Zevenhuizer plas is mainly populated by Windsurf enthousiasts. Sailing boats can be rented at the Kralingse Plas at the [http://www.henkvangent.nl/ Van Gent sailing school], Plaszoom, a 10-minute walk from Metro Voorschoterlaan (walk through the Julianalaan until you reach Plaszoom). Rowing- and sailing boats can be rented at the windmill at the very end of the eastern Rottekade at [http://www.botenverhuurvanvliet.nl/ Van Vliet's] (Rottemeren, go by car or bike, a very nice ride). Yachting: When visiting Rotterdam with your own yacht you will find that most yachting harbours are on the inland waterways, where there are a lot of them. On the river Maas you will only find the [http://www.citymarinarotterdam.nl/ City Marina], behind a bascule bridge on the southern bank, and the [http://www.veerhavenrotterdam.nl/ Veerhaven], right in the city center on the northern bank. Unless you need the better shelter of the characterless City Marina, go for the admittedly a little choppy Veerhaven marina, very central and scenic. ===Beach=== The closest good beach is about 30 km away at [[Hook of Holland]]. Here you will find a very fine sand beach with good swimming and enough entertainment. To get there, take line {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} to Hoek van Holland Strand, its end point. For a more urban-party beach experience head to [[Scheveningen]] where you can find everything beach-party addicts dream about; Endless rows of beachside bars, restaurants and discothèques and a boulevard along a splendid fine-sand beach. It can get ''very'' crowded here. Take the train to [[Den Haag]] Centraal Station and tram {{rint|denhaag|9}} subsequently. Also at the same coast is Kijkduin, which is very recommended for children. To get there, get {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} to its northern end point, then take bus 24 to Kijkduin. If you want to go to the beach but want to stay in the city, consider taking {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} to its end point, Nesselande and walk across the Corsicalaan from there. You are at the Strand Nesselande. ==Buy== The main shopping areas are in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Buy|Centrum]]. '''Afrikaanderplein Markt''' in [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord#Buy|Feijenoord]] is a market of about 300 stalls geared towards Rotterdam's inhabitants of Antillian, South American or African descent (a lot of whom happen to live nearby). Dutch cheese is very famous, you can get some at grocery stores or wider variety at the marketplace. Other typical Dutch things are ''stroopwafels'', ''hagelslag'' and ''drop'' (liquorice). ==Eat== The area around metrostation ''Blaak'', called '''Oude haven''' (Old Harbour), is not only worth seeing but has also a lot of pubs and restaurants. The Rotterdam dining scene is developing very fast with new restaurants opening very often. While most of the attention focusses on new Michelin-star aspiring places, there is very much a trend towards high quality mid-range restaurants offering French/Dutch cuisine. ==Drink== [[Rotterdam/Centrum#|Centrum]] has a wide variety of bars, coffee shops and music venues. The [http://www.kaapsebrouwers.nl/ Kaapse Brouwers] brewery has four locations around the city. Each location has a whole wall of taps to choose from. They are popular place so waiting lines can be long. ==Sleep== See district articles for listings for camping, hostels and hotels. ==Connect== The telephone country code for the Netherlands is 31, and Rotterdam's city code is 010. In case of an '''Emergency''', dial '''1-1-2''' (free of charge). When staying for a longer time, buy a prepaid sim card for your mobile phone. ==Stay safe== You should take normal precautions against pickpockets and baggage theft, especially in the main shopping streets, at markets, in trams and trains, at stations, and anywhere where tourists congregate. It is not wise to hang around Stadhuisplein when nightlife ends. Fights often occur in this area after midnight. Rotterdam also has a reputation of mass venues getting out of hand, though you shouldn't worry too much about it. If violence breaks out at football festivities (not so unlikely) or at the end of sun soaked festive days, like Kings Day (even less unlikely, especially at the Stadhuisplein), just get out of the way and you're unlikely to be affected. It's advisable not to wear a football jersey of Ajax Amsterdam or any other stuff promoting Ajax or Amsterdam. In terms of general safety, at daylight most areas in the city are safe. But at night, some areas such as Spangen, Charlois and Hillesluis are wise to avoid. When you drive a car with a foreign numberplate (especially if it's a French or Belgian one) you might or will be approached by so-called ''drugsrunners''. This can occur on the motorways surrounding the city and in the city proper. These guys try to lure people to places where drugs are dealt. Do not respond to their signals and do not follow them. ==Go next== If you do not have a car, the hub for leaving the city will probably be '''Rotterdam Centraal''', from where trains leave in all directions at short intervals (you can generally drop in and catch the next train to your destination). Most regional and longer distance buses leave here too, with the exception of most buses to southerly destinations and the province of Zeeland that leave from '''metro station Zuidplein'''. In contrast with the trains, bus departure times should be checked in advance as they can be far and between. For trains to the North and the South travellers can also choose to depart from '''Rotterdam Blaak'''. '''The Hague''' can also be reached easily and rather quickly by metro line E. Nearby destinations like [[Schiedam]] or even [[Delft]] can also be reached by bike if you fancy a somewhat longer ride. Bike routes and directions are well marked and available in abundance. A good idea for a sunny day! Schiedam can be reached by train or by metro (in 15 minutes) too. [[Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region|MRDH]] is the area of the region Rotterdam-Schiedam-Delft-The Hague, see this page for more information on travel and cycling. ===Nearby=== * '''[[Kinderdijk]]''' — a [[UNESCO World Heritage List#Netherlands|UNESCO World Heritage]] site. 19 old windmills are still helping to control the water level there. Windmill #2 is open to the public, allowing you to see its inner workings. In season there is a direct waterbus service from an embankment at the Erasmus bridge (travel time ~1/2 hour). Alternatively, ''Arriva'' bus 90 from bus and metro station ''Zuidplein'' will get you there in 50 minutes. * '''[[Schiedam]]''' — visit the historic centre of this small town at the edge of Rotterdam, including the world's six tallest windmills. Also you can find there the ''Stedelijk Museum'', an attractive museum with some nice modern art exhibitions. Easily reached by bicycle, a train (from ''Rotterdam Centraal'' to ''Schiedam Centrum''), metro A, B or C line to ''Schiedam Centrum'' station, or tram lines 1 or 11 (''Broersvest'' or ''Koemarkt'' stop). ===Day trips=== * '''[[Delft]]''' — this famous town is a 15-minute train ride from ''Rotterdam Centraal''. Very historic and scenic, but also very touristy. * '''[[Dordrecht]]''' — a magnificent historic town with little tourism and an excellent old art museum (Dordrechts Museum). It is a 15-min train ride, or even better, take a ''[http://www.waterbus.nl/halte/dordrecht-merwekade/ waterbus]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''. * '''[[Gouda]]''' — visit this small picturesque postcard-like town and see the magnificent stained glass windows in the ''Sint Janskerk''. Also 20 min by train. * '''[[Delta Works]]''' — a series of construction projects protecting the Southwest of the Netherlands from the sea. The Oosterschelde storm surge barrier is the most impressive, and next to it is ''Neeltje Jans'', a water theme park dedicated to the Delta Works. * '''[[Brielle (Netherlands)|Brielle]]''' — a mediaeval fortified town. The centre is a nice ensemble of old houses and churches, enclosed by the original earthen defensive walls. There are some museums and the Roman Catholic shrine of the Martyrs of Gorcum. Walking around town and fortifications is a treat. You can easily spend a full day in Brielle. Take bus 103 at the ''Spijkenisse Centrum'' metro station. A journey takes about 70 min. * '''[[Schoonhoven]]''' — a nice small town with many well preserved medieval buildings on the ''Lek'' river in a halfway to Utrecht. From Station Capelsebrug, Rotterdam, take a bus 195 (direction Utrecht). A journey takes about 1 hour. * Go to the other cities of the [[Randstad]], e.g. '''[[The Hague]]''' is 1/2 hour by train or metro, '''[[Utrecht]]''' is around 45 min by train, '''[[Amsterdam]]''' about an hour. {{routebox | image1=NL-A15.png | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Brielle (Netherlands)|Brielle]] | minorl1=[[Spijkenisse]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Arnhem]] | minorr1=[[Dordrecht]] | image2=BE-E19.svg | imagesize2=20 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Amsterdam]] | minorl2=[[Delft]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Antwerp]] | minorr2=[[Zwijndrecht]] }} {{usablecity}} {{isPartOf|Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region}} {{geo|51.9239|4.4623|zoom=14}} a61pyfsk5iotwpxtguqjirihmbzia0a 5086994 5086991 2025-07-03T06:35:28Z PauldeKoning 2328897 /* By taxi */ 5086994 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Rotterdam Banner 4.jpg|dotm=yes|unesco=yes}} {{printDistricts}} '''Rotterdam''' is a very large city in the province of [[South Holland]] in the west of the [[Netherlands]]. The city is the second largest in the country with a population of approximately 650,000 inhabitants in the municipality (2020) and about 2.2 million inhabitants in the shared metropolitan area of the [[Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region]] (MRDH). Rotterdam is a vibrant, multicultural city; it is known for its university (Erasmus), cutting-edge architecture, lively cultural life, industrial riverside setting, its maritime heritage and colourful summer events. The municipality stretches all the way to the [[North Sea]] with gigantic areas like '''Europoort''' and '''Maasvlakte 1&2'''. All belong to the '''Port of Rotterdam'''. Starting as a dam constructed in 1270 on the Rotte River, Rotterdam has grown into a major international commercial centre. The port of Rotterdam is Europe's busiest port by cargo tonnage, and was the world's busiest from 1962 until it was surpassed by Shanghai in 2004. Rotterdam's commercial and strategic importance is based on its location near the mouth of the Nieuwe Maas (New Meuse), a channel in the delta formed by the Rhine and Meuse on the North Sea. These rivers lead directly into the centre of Europe, including the industrial Ruhr region, which is why Rotterdam is often called the "Gateway to Europe". Many relatively high buildings (by Dutch standards) have been emerging throughout and around the city centre. Daring and new styles of apartments, office buildings and recreation facilities resulted in Rotterdam becoming a city of modern architecture and the only city in the Netherlands with a modern skyline. Due to this, the city is especially interesting for Dutch people to visit. ==Districts== {{Mapframe|width=660|zoom=10|show=districts}} {{Mapshape|type=page|wikicommons=Rotterdam_Districts.map|group=districts}} {{Regionlist | regionmap= | regionmaptext= | regionmapsize= | region1name=[[Rotterdam/Centrum|Stadsdriehoek]] | region1color=#44aa99 | region1items=Rotterdam Centrum | region1description=Filled with highrise and out-of-the-box architecture, this district forms the heart of Rotterdam and gives the city its characteristic. | region2name=[[Rotterdam/Delfshaven|Delfshaven]] | region2color=#aa4499 | region2items=Delfshaven | region2description=Originally a part of [[Delft]], this town over time grew closer to Rotterdam, leading up to its incorporation in 1886. The former town still has a fair bit of its historic identity. | region3name=[[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk|Kralingen-Crooswijk]] | region3color=#117733 | region3items=Kralingen-Crooswijk, Noord | region3description=Famous for the Kralingse Plas, a large artificial lake and the surrounding park, as well as Blijdorp, the second-oldest still active zoo in the Netherlands. | region4name=[[Rotterdam/Feijenoord|Feijenoord]] | region4color=#ee99aa | region4items=Feijenoord | region4description=Namesake of a Dutch football club, Feijenoord is the heart of the south banks of the Meuse. | region5name=[[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|Northern Rotterdam]] | region5color=#d09440 | region5items=Overschie, Hillegersberg-Schiebroek | region5description=Home to Rotterdam's airport as well as Hilligersberg and the surrounding lakes and forests. | region6name=[[Rotterdam/Capelle en Noordoost|Capelle en Noordoost]] | region6color=#b5d29f | region6items=Prins Alexander, Capelle aan den IJssel | region6description=Largely home to Rotterdam's urban sprawl. | region7name=[[Rotterdam/Nieuwerkerk|Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel]] | region7color=#d56d76 | region7items=Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel | region7description=Though not incorporated into Rotterdam, Nieuwerkerk is largely an extension of the city. It is home to the lowest point of the famously low-lying Netherlands, at {{convert|6.76|m|yd}} below sea level. | region8name=[[Rotterdam/Zuid|Zuid]] | region8color=#6699cc | region8items=Charlois, IJsselmonde | region8description=The southernmost districts of Rotterdam. | region9name=[[Rotterdam/Port of Rotterdam|Port of Rotterdam]] | region9color=#ddcc77 | region9items=Pernis, Rozenburg, Botlek, Europoort, Eerste- en Tweede Maasvlakte | region9description=Best known as the largest seaport of Europe, the Port of Rotterdam has been built within a river delta as well as the sea. | region10name=[[Rotterdam/Hook of Holland|Hook of Holland]] | region10color=#44aa99 | region10items=Hoek van Holland | region10description=Formerly one of the main gateways into the Netherlands from anywhere reachable by ocean-going vessel, nowadays a popular beachfront. | region11name=[[Rotterdam/Albrandswaard|Albrandswaard]] | region11color=#882255 | region11items=Hoogvliet, Poortugaal, Rhoon | region11description=Island on the suburban fringes of Rotterdam, functioning as a suburb both to Rotterdam and [[Spijkenisse]]. }} ==Understand== ===History=== Settlement at the lower end of the fen stream ''Rotte'' dates from at least 900. Around 1150, large floods in the area ended development, leading to the construction of protective dikes and dams. A dam on the Rotte or 'Rotterdam' was built in the 1260s and was at the present-day ''Hoogstraat'' ('High Street'). Although Rotterdam did well after the Middle Ages and in the 'Golden Century' - roughly between 1650 and 1750 - it was not before the second part of the nineteenth century that the city started to develop itself rapidly. Helped by the digging of a new seaway (the Nieuwe Waterweg) Rotterdam was rid of access problems caused by the silting of the river and started receiving ever bigger ships with cargo for/from the booming Ruhrgebiet in Germany. Port related trade and industry skyrocketed, and the city started to draw lots of migrants from the then poor Brabant province, for whom the southern part of the city was constructed. At the turn of the twentieth century Rotterdam was well under way to become the largest economic centre in the Netherlands. It was between then and the second world war that large prestigious construction works were undertaken, in part to show off the new found economic pride. The German army invaded the Netherlands on 10 May 1940. Germany had planned to conquer the country in one day, but after meeting unexpectedly fierce resistance, it finally forced the Dutch army to capitulate on 14 May 1940 by bombing Rotterdam and threatening to bomb other cities. The heart of the city was almost completely destroyed by the German Luftwaffe, and 800 people were killed, while about 80,000 others were made homeless. During the war, Rotterdam was bombed several times during allied raids that were aimed at the harbour area but sometimes also hit the city. The City Hall survived the bombing. Unlike most other European cities however, the City Council did not aim at rebuilding what was lost, but on taking the opportunity to create a 'new' and better city. Damaged but not destroyed old buildings were torn down in the process. From the 1950s through the 1970s, the city was rebuilt. It remained quite windy and open until the city councils from the 1980s on began developing an active architectural policy. Daring and new styles of apartments, office buildings and recreation facilities resulted in a more 'livable' city center with a new skyline. In the 1990s, the ''Kop van Zuid'' was built on the south bank of the river as a new business center. ===Demographics=== In the Netherlands, Rotterdam has the highest percentage of foreigners from non-industrialised nations. Nearly 50% of the population are not native to the Netherlands or have at least one parent born outside the country. Muslims comprise close to 25% of the city's population. The city is also home to one of the largest Cape Verdean communities in the world, as well as the largest Dutch Antillean community. ===Atmosphere=== Rotterdam's culture is distinct from other cities in the Netherlands. The mentality of the people is described as 'can do'. From the waiters you meet to the businessmen and recent immigrants, everybody breathes a dream of getting forward with life. The modern design of the city, the bustle and the spree of buildings all add to this impression. That said, you might also find that people are sometimes too straight with you. And yes, the city is not the cosiest, or the most picturesque of towns, especially on drab winter days. But get acquainted with this small metropolis, easiest done on one of the festival days with nice weather. You will come to love it. [[File:Rotterdam haringvliet in winter.jpg|thumbnail|right|Winters in Rotterdam are moist and can be freezingly cold, but just as well uniquely beautiful]] ===Climate=== {{climate chart | Rotterdam |1.3|6.4|71 |1.1|7.1|66 |2.4|10.3|57 |4.8|14.3|42 |8.1|17.9|56 |11.0|20.6|69 |13.2|22.7|79 |12.9|22.6|92 |10.5|19.3|90 |7.2|14.9|87 |3.9|10.2|88 |1.4|7.0|86 |units = metric |float = right |clear = none |source = Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute}} Rotterdam gains a lot of charm when the sun is shining. Visiting in spring or summer may be more enjoyable than during the dark rainy winter. The summer months see temperatures averaging around {{c|22}} during the day and {{c|14}} at night; though temperatures near or above {{c|28}} during the day and {{c|16}} at night are not unheard of during heat waves. Daylight runs from 05:30 until 22:00 in the summer, and only between 08:45 and 16:30 in the winter. ===Tourist information=== *{{listing | type=listing | name=Rotterdam Tourist Information Coolsingel | alt=VVV | url=https://en.rotterdam.info/ | email=info@rotterdam.info | address=Coolsingel 114, 3011 AG Rotterdam | lat=51.918860 | long=4.481239 | directions=Metro {{rint|Rotterdam|A}} {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} : Beurs, at the garden of the Schielandshuis | phone=+31 10 790 01 85 | tollfree= | hours=09:30-18:00 | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=This well equipped and modern tourist office can provide loads of information like city maps, small guide books, souvenirs and the like, and offers tips and information on what to see and do in Rotterdam. Rotterdam.info also sells Rotterdam Welcome Cards, concert tickets, gift certificate, souvenirs, public transport tickets and parking vouchers. Check the website for upcoming events. }} *{{listing | type=listing | name=Rotterdam Tourist Information Central Station | alt=VVV | url= | email= | address=Stationsplein 21, 3013 AJ Rotterdam | lat=51.92410 | long=4.47030 | directions=main entrance, in the central hall of the central station | phone=+31 107900185 | tollfree= | hours=09:30-18:00 | price= | lastedit=2019-07-21 | content=With help from the service desk, a wide range of tourist information folders and the employees, you can find out what part of the city you would like to visit. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=Rotterdam Welcome Card | alt= | url=https://en.rotterdam.info/visitors-info/rotterdam-welcome-card/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=1 day (€13.50), 2 days (€19.50), or 3 days (€24.50) | lastedit=2022-07-27 | content= The card allows for unlimited use of all public transport by RET in the city and region, and offers at least 25% discounts on more than 50 attractions, museums, and restaurants. Available at Rotterdam Info (VVV) points and other locations. Without public transport, the card costs €6.00. }} ==Get in== ===By plane=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Rotterdam The Hague Airport | alt={{IATA|RTM}} | url=http://www.rotterdamthehagueairport.nl/en | email= | address= | lat=51.951248 | long=4.443541 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Rotterdam The Hague Airport | image=Rotterdam airport luchtfoto.jpg | wikidata=Q656807 | lastedit=2016-06-07 | content=It is the 3rd largest airport in the country. It is 6 km north of the city centre. There are direct flights from cities in [[Germany]], [[Italy]], [[France]], [[Spain]], and the [[United Kingdom]]. Commercial airlines that operate to the airport include Transavia, Lufthansa, British Airways, and Turkish Airlines. }} ====Services==== * {{listing|type=go | name=VVV Rotterdam-The Hague Airport information point | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rotterdam Airportplein 60 | lat= | long= | directions=at the arrivals hall | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= 07:30-23:45 | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=Come here if you have questions about Rotterdam. The place to hear history. The gift shop is open 09:30-18:00. }} ====How to reach==== To plan a trip (for all public transport in the Netherlands) see [https://9292.nl/en 9292.nl]{{Dead link|date=December 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} Depending on the amount of travel with public transit in The Netherlands it is possible to buy a so called ''[[OV-Chipkaart]]'' or it may be more convemient to pay with a contactless credit or debit card by touching in & touching out on each trip. see for more information under ''Get Around.'' ;By bus/metro * {{listing | type=go | name=Bus 33 | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-06-30 | content=Connects the airport with ''Meijersplein/Airport'' metro station, from where you can take metro line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} to ''Slinge'' (for ''Rotterdam Centraal'' and Rotterdam city center).See for more information the ''By Metro'' section under ''Get Around''. Bus 33 also connects to Rotterdam Centraal station via the Overschie district. }} * {{listing | name=Bus 300 | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= 15 July - 20 September, Fr-Mo only| price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-06-30 | content=Direct service to ''Rotterdam Centraal''. No stops in between. }} ;By taxi * {{listing|type=go | name=Rotterdam Airport Taxi | alt= | url=http://www.rotterdam-airport-taxi.nl | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +31 10 262 04 06| tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-06-07 | content=Recommended by the airport web site. }} ====Other close airports==== * [[Schiphol Airport| Amsterdam Schiphol Airport]] ({{IATA|AMS}}) is 58 km north of Rotterdam and has much more flights than the Rotterdam airport. '''NS (Dutch Railways)''' operates ''[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/special-routes/intercity-direct.html Intercity Direct]'' high-speed rail service, every 30 minutes to Rotterdam. The journey takes 27 minutes. You have to pay an addition for the journey from Schiphol to Rotterdam, so regular intercities in direction Rotterdam Centraal and Rotterdam Blaak are cheaper (but slower) (these intercities also call at Schiphol). * [[Eindhoven#By plane| Eindhoven Airport]] ({{IATA|EIN}}) is 106 km southeast of Rotterdam. Ryanair and Wizzair operate flights to this airport. Take a bus to Eindhoven Centraal (approximately 20 minutes, the intercity train to Rotterdam Centraal takes about 63 minutes. * [[Brussels Airport]] ({{IATA|BRU}}) is 140 km south of Rotterdam. Many international carriers operate flights to this airport. The [https://www.b-europe.com/EN/Trains/InterCity train from Brussels] takes about 120 minutes and costs €35. Buses are also available, although less frequent. [[File:Rtd CS-III.JPG|thumbnail|right|Rotterdam Centraal has been completely reconstructed and now features a striking roof over the main concourse]] ===By train=== {{seealso|Rail travel in the Netherlands}} ==== International connections ==== * {{go | name=Rotterdam Centraal | alt= | url=https://www.ns.nl/stationsinformatie/rtd/rotterdam-centraal | email= | address= | lat=51.925 | long=4.469444 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q801388 | lastedit=2018-04-10 | content=The station is served by high-speed trains from [[Belgium]], [[France]] and the [[United Kingdom]]. }} **'''[http://www.thalys.com Thalys]''' operates [[high-speed trains]] from [[Antwerp]] (Antwerpen-Centraal, 35 min), [[Brussels]] (Brussel-Zuid/Midi, 1 hr 12 min), [[Paris]] (Gare du Nord, 2 hr 37 min) and [[Lille]] (Lille-Europe, 1 hr 55 min). Book well in advance to secure the best ticket deals. A cheaper but slower alternative to Thalys is the [https://www.b-europe.com/EN/Trains/InterCity Intercity Brussels] service between Amsterdam and Brussels. **Coming from Germany, Rotterdam Centraal can only be reached by changing trains in the Netherlands. When travelling on the German high-speed train '''[https://www.bahn.com/en/view/trains/long-distance/ice-ice-sprinter.shtml?dbkanal_007=L04_S02_D002_KIN0059_FLYOUT-ZUGFLOTTE-ICE_LZ01 ICE]{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' from [[Cologne]], [[Düsseldorf]] and [[Oberhausen]], the exchange will be in [[Utrecht]] Centraal station, and coming from [[Berlin]], [[Hanover]], [[Osnabrück]] (with the '''[https://www.bahn.com/en/view/trains/long-distance/intercity-eurocity.shtml?dbkanal_007=L04_S02_D002_KIN0059_FLYOUT-ZUGFLOTTE-IC_LZ01 DB-intercity]{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''') it is advisable to change at [[Amersfoort]]. Intercity-trains to Rotterdam depart from both Utrecht and Amersfoort. ** '''[http://www.eurostar.com Eurostar]''' runs a daily high speed service from [[London]] St Pancras International to Rotterdam Centraal. Prices start at £35 one way. The journey time is about 3 hr 30 min, but you must arrive at the station at least 90 minutes before departure in order to clear the extra border controls caused by COVID restrictions and Brexit. ==== National connections ==== The Dutch railway company NS runs high-speed ''[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/special-routes/intercity-direct.html Intercity Direct]'' trains between [[Amsterdam]], [[Amsterdam Airport Schiphol|Schiphol]], Rotterdam and [[Breda]]. The train stops only at those four stations and shaves 25-30 minutes in journey time between Amsterdam and Schiphol and Rotterdam versus the regular Intercity and Sprinter trains that stop in between. Beware that you have to pay a supplement (€2.60 during peak hours, €1.56 outside peak hours) to use the Intercity direct line to travel to Rotterdam if your journey involves Schiphol, (i.e. Amsterdam-Rotterdam journeys are subject to this supplement). You can purchase this supplement by tapping an anonymous or personal OV-chipkaart on a designated red pole found on the platform. Those without an anonymous or personal OV-chipkaart can use the ticketing machines or the NS website to purchase the supplement, however the discount may not be applicable to supplements purchased this way. Most unlimited day tickets including the Holland Travel Ticket can be used to travel on the Intercity Direct but a supplement purchase is still required. Thalys also offers seats for passengers travelling from Amsterdam to Rotterdam. The journey is less than 40 minutes, slightly faster than the Intercity Direct. However, reservations/advance bookings are required and most unlimited day tickets recognised by NS cannot be used on Thalys. Rotterdam is also well served by NS from other parts of the [[Netherlands]], with direct connections to [[Delft]], [[Amsterdam]], [[Eindhoven]], [[Gouda]], [[Leiden]], [[The Hague]], [[Utrecht]] and [[Vlissingen]]. Some intercities and sprinters also stop at '''[https://www.ns.nl/stationsinformatie/rtb/rotterdam-blaak Rotterdam Blaak]''' station which is in the middle of the city center. This station is also frequented by trams and metro. See also the [[Netherlands#Get in Netherlands]] page for further information on national rail. Alternatively, Rotterdam's Metro line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} provides a connection for passengers coming from [[The Hague]] at Den Haag Centraal. The journey from Den Haag Centraal to Rotterdam Centraal costs €4.43 with an anonymous or personalised OV-chipkaart, which is marginally cheaper than an NS journey (€4.90) between the same points but takes about five minutes longer to complete the journey. ===By bus=== * {{listing|type=go | name=Flixbus | alt= | url=https://www.flixbus.com/bus/rotterdam| email= | address=(bus stop) Rotterdam Centraal @ Conradstraat 52 | lat= | long= | directions=International bus stop platform 'GG' at Rotterdam Centraal. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-07-20 | content=Serving both domestic and international routes. They also have an extra stop at Rotterdam Zuidplein @ Gooilandsingel }} ===By boat=== ==== Ferries from [[England]] (UK) ==== You can also get to Rotterdam by [[Ferries to the British Mainland|ferry from the United Kingdom]]. No ferries arrive in the center. * '''[http://www.poferries.com P&O Ferries]''' has a daily overnight sailing from [[Kingston Upon Hull]] to Rotterdam Europoort. From Rotterdam Europoort P&O Ferries operates a shuttle bus service that takes you to the city center of Rotterdam. Please book this shuttle service while you book your sailing. * '''[http://www.stenaline.com StenaLine]''' has a daily day and a daily overnight sailing from [[Harwich (England)|Harwich]] to [[Hook of Holland]]. Next to the port is ''Hoek van Holland Haven'' metro station. Line B brings you to the city centre in approximately 30 minutes. * '''[http://www.dfdsseaways.co.uk/ferry-routes/holland/newcastle-to-amsterdam DFDS Seaways]''' has a daily overnight ferry crossing from Newcastle to Amsterdam. You can drive to Rotterdam in approx. 50 minutes. ==== Waterbus ==== [[File:ENI 02324345 ALBLAS (14).JPG|thumbnail|right|A WaterBus near [https://www.cityguiderotterdam.com/things-to-do/sights/old-harbour-rotterdam/ Oude Haven (Old Harbour)]]]The '''[http://www.waterbus.nl WaterBus]''' services provide connections between Rotterdam and the ''Drechtsteden'' ([[Dordrecht]] and surrounding cities, including [[UNESCO World Heritage List|UNESCO-site]] - the world-famous windmills - [[Kinderdijk]]). ===By metro=== Coming from [[The Hague]] or somewhere in between it can be advisable to use metroline {{rint|Rotterdam|E}}, see for more information the page about the [[Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region|whole region]]. ===By car=== [[File:Rotterdam Auto 01.JPG|thumbnail|right|Finding a good spot to park can be a problem in central Rotterdam]] Rotterdam is easily reached by car. From Amsterdam take the A4 South to Rotterdam Haven. From Utrecht take the A12 and change to the A20 just after [[Gouda]] on knooppunt Gouwe. Traffic congestion on highways is common during peak hours (morning and evening commutes). You can pay for '''on-street parking''' with debit and credit card. Remember your license plate number. Parking regulations are enforced regularly. '''[https://parkereninrotterdam.nl Parking garages]{{Dead link|date=April 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' can be easily found by following the sign-marked P-route. The easiest way to pay is by credit card, just insert your card on the way in, and insert it again on the way out, and the total time is automatically deducted. You can also pay with cash or debit card. '''Park & Ride (P&R)''' facilities outside the center of Rotterdam offer free or cheap parking with public transport connections into the city center. For some locations (Slinge A15, Kralingse Zoom A16/E19 and Alexander A20/E25), you can park for free if you have a valid check-out on your public transport card (OV-chipkaart). === By bike === As a Dutch city Rotterdam is well connected to extense (inter)national bicycle networks which use all kinds of infrastructural facilities. Most attractive for tourist to cycle over longer distances are the so called '''LF-routes'''. So the city center is croshed by '''LF2 Stedenroute ''(City Route)''''' from Amsterdam to Brussels and '''LF12 Maas- en Vestingroute''' follows the flow of river Maas all the way from The East. See for more information [http://www.holland.com/global/tourism/discover-holland/cycling/bicycle-route-planner.htm Bicycle Route Planner]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}: ''sellect more options and LF-Routes.'' ==Get around== {{Mapframe|51.9152|4.4791|zoom=14|layer=W|name=Map of Rotterdam (metro lines have thicker strokes than tram lines)}} {{Mapshapes|Q691704}} <!--Metro--> {{Mapshapes|Q1429091|stroke-width=2}} <!--Tram--> '''[https://www.ret.nl/en RET]''' operates the buses, trams, and metro within the city. You could find a journey planner and some [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret/maps.html network maps] there. Alternatively you'd use the pan-Netherlands journey planner – [https://9292.nl/en 9292.nl]. Transport generally arrives every 10 minutes during the day. Free Wi-Fi is available in some trams, buses and metro lines, and on the busier metro stations, you just need to accept the terms of use. ===Tickets=== You can [https://www.ovpay.nl/en use your contactless bank card]{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} to pay for any public transport that also accepts the [[OV-chipkaart]]. This system is called OV-Pay and is the most convenient way to travel. Debit and credit cards from Maestro, V PAY, Mastercard and Visa are supported. As anywhere else in the country OV-chipkaart can still be used to pay all kinds of public transport. The card costs €8.50 and you'd need to keep a positive balance there for at least €4. For using buses and trams, checking in and out has to be done in the vehicle, while for train and metro use the gates or card-reader poles at the entrance of the stations. Alternatively one of the city's transport travel cards could be used: * {{listing | name=RET travel cards | alt= | url=https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travel-products/products-and-fares.html | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=2 hours - €5.00; 1 (calendar) day - €11.00 | lastedit=2025-01-21 | content=To travel by bus, tram and metro with RET. Can be purchased via the RET Barcode app, at ticket machines in metro stations and at RET Sales and Information points. For children under 12 and age 65 and up there is a reduced price. The 1-day ticket is not a 24-hour ticket: it is only valid on the day of the first check-in, until 04:00 of the early morning the next day. Tickets are not sold on bus and tram anymore; use your bank card to check in instead. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=Tourist Day Ticket: Rotterdam & The Hague region | alt= | url=http://www.touristdaytickets.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=€17.00 for one day | lastedit=2025-01-21 | content=Unlimited travel on local transport (bus, tram, metro and waterbus. Note: trains excluded) in the Rotterdam and the Hague region. Available from ticket machines and service counters of RET and at tourist information. Ticket is valid for travel with RET, HTM, HTMbuzz, Arriva, Connexxion, EBS, QBuzz and Waterbus in South Holland. }} * [[#Rotterdam Welcome Card|Rotterdam Welcome Card]] also allows for unlimited use of public transport with RET in the city and region. Note that tickets must be purchased in advance, there is no ticket sale on board of bus, tram and metro. ===By metro=== [[Image:Metro Rotterdam future.svg|thumb|Rotterdam Metro reaches as far as [[the Hague]].]] There are 5 metro lines in the city. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|A}}, {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|C}}, share tracks between ''Schiedam Centrum'' and ''Capelsebrug'' and offer an east-west connection. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} share tracks between ''Rotterdam Centraal'' and ''Slinge'' and offer a north-south connection. Interchange between all lines is possible on ''Beurs'' station in the city center. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|A}}, {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|C}} operate every 10 minutes on working days and Saturday, which allows 3-4 minute intervals on the main section between ''Schiedam Centrum'' and ''Capelsebrug''. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} operate every 10 minutes on working days and Saturday, which give shorter intervals between ''Rotterdam Centraal'' and ''Slinge''. In the evening, on Saturday morning and Sunday the service is reduced to a 15-minute interval. The Rotterdam Metro operates from 05:30 until 00:00. On weekends the opening time is not until 07:00 Saturday, and 08:15 on Sunday. On Friday and Saturday nights the service is extended for a bit longer past midnight, but not on some parts of line B and E. See the [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret/time-table/metro/weekend-metro.html Weekend metro] page for an overview. For tourists the most important metro stations are: '''Line A, B and C''' (East-West branch) * '''Blaak''': train station, interchange with trams and busses, cube houses, Markthal, ports * '''Beurs''': city center, shops, interchange with metro {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} * '''Eendrachtsplein''': museumpark * '''Coolhaven''': [https://euromast.nl/ Euromast] * '''Delfshaven''': historic port '''Line D and E''' (North-South branch) * '''Meijerplein''': bus service to Rotterdam The Hague Airport '''''(only line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}})''''' * '''Blijdorp:''' [https://www.diergaardeblijdorp.nl/en/ Rotterdam Zoo] '''''(only line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}})''''' * '''Rotterdam Centraal''': northern edge of the city centre, interchange with trams and buses, train station * '''Beurs''': city centre, shops, interchange with metro {{rint|Rotterdam|A}}, {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|C}} * '''Leuvehaven''': ports, museums, Erasmus Bridge, Waterbus * '''Wilhelminaplein:''' Erasmus Bridge, Cruise Terminal Rotterdam, [http://www.hotelnewyork.com/ hotel New York] * '''Rijnhaven:''' Katendrecht, bus service to SS Rotterdam ===By tram=== There are nine tram lines in the city. Each tram has a conductor. Tram stops provide a detailed map of the public transport system for on-the-go route-finding. Most lines operate every 10 minutes on workdays, with a more frequent service during rush hours on some lines. All trams except {{rint|Rotterdam|2}} will stop at ''Rotterdam Centraal'', the main train station of Rotterdam. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|1}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|11}}''' run from the suburbs in the [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|northwest]] to De Esch in [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk|Kralingen]], via [[Schiedam]], the north of [[Delfshaven]], and the city centre. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|2}}''' runs on the south side of the rivers, through the districts of [[Rotterdam/Zuid|Charlois, IJsselmonde]] and [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|3}}''' starts at the central station, and connects to the south bank via Feijenoord, IJsselmonde and [[Rotterdam/Zuid|Beverwaard]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|4}}''' starts from Heemsraadplein, connecting to much of the city centre and the neighbourhoods to its west, before connecting to [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|Hillegersberg]] via the central station, and Noord/Crooswijk. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|5}}''' originates from the central station, running to the south bank via Feijenoord and suburbs, before terminating in [[Barendrecht]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|6}}''' runs from Heemsraadplein to Kleiweg, just north of the A20 highway, running parallel with line 4 up to Rotterdam Noord railway station. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|7}}''' starts at Marconiplein, where the metro and lines 1, 8 and 11 meet, to Woudestein where it meets lines 1 and 11 again, via the central station and Erasmus University. Between Weena and Woudestein, lines 1 and 11 follow a more direct route via the Stadhuis, Beurs, Blaak and Oostplein metro stations, while line seven heads north via [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk|Crooswijk and Kralingen]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|8}}''', lastly, comes from [[Delfshaven|Spangen]], and then continues through most of Delfshaven roughly following the river up to Eendrachtsplein in [[Rotterdam/Centre|Cool]], from where it joins the main tram corridor through the city centre, to eventually terminate in [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|Schiebroek]]. * '''Line 12''' operates during football matches in the Kuip stadion only. ===By bus=== '''RET''' operates bus services across the city. Night bus service (BOB-bus) has been cancelled. Buses operated by '''[http://www.arriva.nl Arriva]''' and '''[http://www.connexxion.nl Connexxion]''' connect the city with suburbs. Use the front door when boarding a bus. ===By water taxi=== * {{listing | name=Watertaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=http://www.watertaxirotterdam.nl | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 10 403 03 03 | tollfree= | hours= | price=€ | lastedit=2022-07-27 | content=Rotterdam was built on a number of islands and if you want to travel from shore to shore, the nicest way to go is to take a '''Water Taxi'''. Fixed fares for rides between 50 docks in Rotterdam and Schiedam, with 3 fares zones, starting at €4.50 per person in the central zone. You can give them a call, or use the online tool to see availability and book a ride. It is advised to book in advance, especially on days with large events in the city. }} ===By taxi=== If you do need a taxi you will have to find yourself a taxi rank or call a taxi company. There is a minimum taxi fare of €2.30 (first it was {{EUR|7.50}} which included the first two kilometers). Additionally, each subsequent kilometre is charged €2.20. * {{listing | name=Rotterdamse Taxi Centrale RTC N.V. | url=http://www.rtcnv.nl | phone=+31 10 462 60 60 }} * {{listing | name=Coöperatieve Taxi Onderneming St. Job u.a. | url=http://www.st-job.nl | phone=+31 10 425 70 00 }} * {{listing | name=Zorgtaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.zorgtaxirotterdam.nl | phone=+31 10 818 28 23 }} * {{listing | name=Stadstaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.stadstaxirotterdam.nl| phone=+31 10 818 28 23 }} * {{go | name=Botlektaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://botlektaxi.nl | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 10 666 66 06 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-01-19 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Taxi Rotterdam 010 | alt= | url=https://taxirotterdam010.nl/ | phone=+31 10 261 31 88 }} * {{listing | name= Rotterdamse Taxi | alt= | url= https://www.rotterdamsetaxi.nl/ | phone=+31 10 261 31 22 }} ===By tuk-tuk=== * {{listing | name=Tuk Tuk Company | alt= | url=http://www.tuktukcompany.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 9009933399 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-05-23 | content=A Thai-influenced transportation service using three-wheeled, open-air (but covered) motorized vehicles called Tuk Tuk offers a more economical and fast way to get around the city centre when compared to taxis. Tuk-tuk pricing is based on a zone system. Within a zone, a ride is €3.50 per person, €5 for 2 persons and €6.50 for 3. If you go to another zone, €3.50 is added (irrespective of number of persons). This service is handy if it is past the regular tram/bus/metro service hours (approximately half past midnight). }} ===By bicycle=== Like any city in The Netherlands, Rotterdam is very, very bicycle-friendly. Getting around by bike is probably the fastest way of travel within the city. There are separate bike lanes on most major streets and there are separate traffic lights for bicyclists. Avoid getting your tire in the tram rails: always cross tram rails at an angle. Of course it is also strongly advisable to watch out for other traffic at all time. On the other hand bicyclists can rely on the fact that motorists and pedestrians are aware of bikes. Always lock your bike securely when leaving it (preferably chained to a fixed object) or go to a guarded bicycle parking station. ==== Rent a bike==== At Rotterdam Centraal, you can rent bicycles at the shop in the underground bicycle parking, below the Station square. Leave the station at the front, exit 'Stationsplein'. The entrance of the bicycle parking ('fietsenstalling', with the glass roof) is at your right, in front of grand cafe Engels. Use-it, rents out nice Kronan bikes (Schaatsbaan 41-45, leave Central Station towards the center. Turn right at restaurant Engels and take the 2nd right). Bikes can be rented by several other private companies. Holland-Cycling.com provides a list of [http://www.holland-cycling.com/rotterdam/getting-around-rotterdam/bicycle-rental-in-rotterdam addresses]. Another list you will find at [https://www.rotterdam.nl/vrije-tijd/fiets-huren/ Rotterdam.nl]{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. If you have a personal (rather than an anonymous) [[OV-chipkaart]], bicycles can be rented at many train and metro stations and other central locations by the [http://www.ns.nl/en/door-to-door/ov-fiets OV-fiets system]. ==== Guarded bicycle parking ==== * The larger train stations have their own guarded bicycle parking. * Rotterdam municipality has also [https://www.rotterdam.nl/fietsparkeren some free locations]. ==See== ===Landmarks=== [[File:VN5 HDR2.jpg|thumbnail|right|The Van Nellefabriek is regarded as a prime example of the ''International Style'']] Rotterdam has national notoriety for its architecture, and the city therefore is dotted with landmarks of all sorts. Most of them you will find in the [[Rotterdam/Centrum|city centre]], but [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord|Feijenoord]] is also quite dense with them. Rotterdam is known for some bridges, not in the last place the '''Erasmusbrug''', spanning the Nieuwe Maas between the city centre and Feijenoord. Also of historical importance is the former railway lifting bridge '''De Hef''', slightly upstream from the Erasmusbrug. '''Historical landmarks''' are somewhat rare to come across in Rotterdam's city centre, but the city itself isn't completely devoid of them. In the city centre, the 1920 '''City hall''' and the '''Great or Saint-Laurence church''', both survivors of the 1940 bombardment. Rotterdam is also home to the country's oldest known bronze statue, depicting Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam and dating from 1622. It is found opposite the Saint-Laurence church. '''De Verwoeste Stad''' (Destroyed City) is a cubist statue depicting a man in agony who just lost his heart (symbol of the bombed city centre). Feijenoord, despite being home to many modern redevelopments, houses some historical landmarks such as the '''former headquarters of the Holland-Amerikalijn'''. Also worth visiting are the '''Oude Haven''' (''Old Harbour'') and the nearby '''Witte Huis''' (''White House'') and '''Schielandshuis'''. '''Industrial landmarks''' are plenty in a city that mostly thrives off of harbour activities. Besides the many industrial sites found in the [[Rotterdam/Port of Rotterdam|Port of Rotterdam]], the '''Van Nellefabriek''' in [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|the north of the city]] is a listed UNESCO site. [[File:Erasmusbrug seen from Euromast.jpg|thumbnail|right|The modern skyline of Rotterdam can be truly appreciated from the Euromast.]] The skyline of Rotterdam can, of course, be observed from one of the many skyscrapers in the city - though you should probably book a hotel located in a skyscraper or find one with a publicly accessible roof, as trespass isn't welcomed. Another great site for views over the city though, is the '''Euromast''' on the border between the [[Rotterdam/Centrum|city centre]] and [[Rotterdam/Delfshaven|Delfshaven]], twice in its history the highest building of the Netherlands. For a relatively small entry fee, you can climb the tower or for a larger sum, you can dine inside of it. For those less comfortable with great heights though, a birds-eye overview of the city can also be obtained at '''Miniworld Rotterdam''', near the central station. The city is also well-known for its experimental and out-of-the-ordinary architecture, often being a testing ground for new concepts. A prime example of this are the '''Kubuswoningen''' (''Cube Houses'') at [[Rotterdam/Centrum|Blaak]]; one has been set aside as a museum, offering a view of the unique perspective and custom furniture that comes with living in one of the houses. Also striking are the '''Markthal''', harbour-crane inspired sculptures at the '''Schouwburgplein''' and the '''Koopgoot''', all found in the city centre. '''Historic churches:''' in the Netherlands churches are generally closed to visitors on Sundays. === Other sites === [[File:Rotterdam Erasmusbrug bij avond vanaf hoek Veerhaven-Westerkade.jpg|thumb|Erasmus bridge of Rotterdam]] [[File:Schielandshuis.jpg|thumbnail|right|Schielandshuis today stands surrounding by modern glass and steel buildings]] [[Image:Oude Haven (Rotterdam) 2011.jpg|thumb|"Het witte huis" in Old Harbour]] The area around the [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Other sites|'''Station Rotterdam Blaak''']] was destroyed by a Nazi bombardment during World War II. After the war this area was populated with some bold examples of modern architecture. The '''Kubuswoningen''' are literally cubes, tilted over by 45 degrees. '''Oude Haven''' (Old Harbour) is a nice place to see and sit at some café nearby. '''Witte Huis''' is a "skyscraper" built in 1898. '''Het Schielandshuis''' is the only remaining 17th-century building in the city centre of Rotterdam. [[File:Delfshaven Rotterdam (the Netherlands) 17.JPG|thumb|The old barges moored at the Delfshaven]] [[Rotterdam/Delfshaven|'''Delfshaven''']] is one of very few locations in the city which survived World War II bombings. Historic Delfshaven is a very scenic walk. It consists of an 17th-century area around two canals with a lot of charm. By day visit little shops in this neighbourhood, by night attractive pubs and restaurants make the visit worthwhile. * '''Chinatown''' in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Other sites|Centrum]] is full of Chinese restaurants and also Indonesian and other Asian restaurants. [[File:Rotterdam molens De Ster (l) en De Lelie (r) - tegenlicht.jpg|thumbnail|right|''De Ster'' and ''De Lelie'' at dusk]] ===Windmills=== Rotterdam has only seven windmills left. Of these, only ''De Ster'' and ''De Lelie'' in [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk#See|Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk]] are open to visitors on a regular basis. Other windmills are open to visitors when the mill is turning (easy enough to see), but there are some exceptions to this rule of thumb. A blue flag also indicates that the mill is open to visitors. Look for De Prinsenmolen, De Vier Winden, and De Speelman windmills in [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam#Windmills|Northern Rotterdam]] and De Zandweg in [[Rotterdam/Zuid#See|Rotterdam Zuid]]. ===Museums=== [[File:Overzicht achtergevel - Rotterdam - 20534511 - RCE.jpg|thumbnail|right|Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen]] [[Netherlands#Museumkaart|Museumkaart]] is accepted at the city's museums. The Museumpark area in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Museums|Centrum]] has many of the city's museums. '''Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen''' houses a rich, broad collection including masterpieces ranging from Pieter Brueghel the Elder's ''The "little" Tower of Babel'' (1563) to an important collection of surrealism, prominently featuring Salvador Dalí and René Magritte. '''Sylvette''' is a large work by Pablo Picasso was erected in 1973. It is one of the elaborations Picasso made based on the portraits of his muse Sylvette David. Definitely worth a look. '''Kunsthal''' houses some 25 exhibitions annually with a fascinating and widely varied repertoire. Het Nieuwe Instituut museum includes the '''Museum voor Architectuur, Design en Digitale cultuur''', a museum for architecture,deesign and digital culture, and '''Huis Sonneveld''', a building in the Bauhaus style. '''Chabot Museum''' is a neat little museum is housed in a splendid modernist 1930s villa. It houses a collection of works of the expressionist painter Hendrik Chabot. '''Natuurhistorisch Museum''' has changing expositions and a fixed collection of mammals, plants and fossils. The city has two maritime museums. The '''Maritiem Museum''' has a variety of expositions about the harbour of Rotterdam and maritime history, and a restored 19th-century gunboat that is a must-see for naval enthusiasts. The '''Mariniersmuseum''' shows the history of the centuries-old Narine Corps and its modern-day role. Special attention is given to the heroic role of the corps in the 1940 defence of Rotterdam. ====Other museums==== [[File:Façade Witte de With Center for Contemporary Art.jpg|thumbnail|right|Witte de With Center]] In [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Other museums|Centrum]], you can visit '''Museum Rotterdam''', which is dedicated to the modern day Rotterdam and its history; the '''Museum of Chess-Pieces''', which houses a diverse collection of chess games from ancient Chinese to cartoon characters; the '''Wereldmuseum''' (World Arts Museum), which focuses on encounters and cross-cultural inspiration; and '''Witte de With''' (Centre for Contemporary Arts). [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord#Q2191118|'''Nederlands Fotomuseum''']] shows the diversity of forms of photography, especially as a medium of social expression and commentary. [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk#Q2351733|'''SSN Museumstoomdepot''']] features old steam locomotives and trains. Besides a small museum it's a workshop where you can see restoration in progress. ==Do== [[File:Overzicht - Rotterdam - 20534496 - RCE.jpg|thumbnail|right|''De Doelen'' concert hall in Schouwbourgplein]] Upcoming events and performances are listed on the VVV and Use-it websites. The larger events are well documented on the VVV site, for smaller venues check Use-it (under Calendar) for a very attractive and well updated listing of music, expositions, movies and parties that need checking out. The [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Do|Uitburo office]] inside the Central Library provides information on theatre and music performances. It also sells tickets and offers an overview of performances that can be visited for free (''gratis''). ===Events=== [[File:North Sea Jazz Festival 2012 - ALOE BLACC.jpg|thumbnail|right|In July, you can enjoy the ''North Sea Jazz'' festival]] Rotterdam plays host to a lot of events, a lot of them yearly ones. Besides these there are a lot smaller ones that can be very nice, so ask around and check the VVV website. A few of these yearly events to name: * {{do | name=Six Days of Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.wielerzesdaagserotterdam.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2293105 | lastedit=2024-12-26 | content=A cycling competition in early December. }} * {{do | name=IFFR | alt= | url=http://www.filmfestivalrotterdam.com/en/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The International Film Festival Rotterdam, which mainly features independent films from all over the world in February. }} * {{do | name=Art Rotterdam | alt= | url=http://www.artrotterdam.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=In February, you can see (and buy) masterpieces of modern art. }} * {{do | name=World tennis Tournament | alt= | url=http://www.abnamrowtt.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=In February. }} * On the '''[http://www.rotterdamsemuseumnacht.nl/ Rotterdam Museum Night]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' in March, nearly all Rotterdam museums and galleries open their doors in the evening with special events. * {{do | name=Motel Mozaique | alt= | url=http://motelmozaique.nl/en/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Music, art & performance. Plus a sleeping project that enables sleeping in art or on special locations in Rotterdam (April) }} * [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Q1341108|'''Rotterdam Marathon''']], internationally reputed as a very fast marathon, is held in April in Centrum. * {{do | name=Poetry International | alt= | url=http://www.poetry.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Festival in June. }} * '''Metropolis Festival''' (music) on the first Sunday in July. * The sublime '''[http://www.northseajazz.com/ North Sea Jazz]''' festival in July with loads of worldfamous artists. * {{do | name=Summer Carnival | alt= | url=http://www.zomercarnaval.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A huge Caribbean-oriented parade and party in the city centre. }} * {{do | name=Heerlijk Rotterdam | alt= | url=http://www.heerlijkrotterdam.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Three day event where you can sample dishes from Michelin-star restaurants for a reduced price (dates vary, summer edition usually late August) }} * The '''[http://wereldhavendagen.nl/en/ World Port Days]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' a weekend full of activities centred around the large harbour of Rotterdam (early September) * The classical music '''[http://www.gergievfestival.nl/ Gergjev]''' festival in September, led by master-conductor Valery Gergjev. * The '''[http://www.rotterdamseoogst.nl/ Rotterdam Harvest Festival]''' in September. * '''Bazar Curieux''' (music) in December For full listings of events check [http://www.rotterdam.info/uk/ Rotterdam.info] and [http://www.use-it.nl/ Use-it]{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. === Tours === Several tours can be found in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Tours|Centrum]], including the tourist '''tram line 10''' through the city centre and historic parts of Rotterdam on classic trams; the '''Spido harbour trip''' through the first 8 km of the harbour; and De pannenkoekenboot, on which you cam eat as many pancakes as you want while you cruise the harbour. ===Cinema=== There are two huge megacinemas in Rotterdam. The one in the city centre is called '''Pathé Schouwburgplein''' (at the Schouwburgplein), the other one is on the southside of the city. It's called '''Pathé De Kuip''' (next to the Feyenoord stadium De Kuip). In these cinemas you can see Hollywood movies and occasionally an arthouse movie. To get to De Kuip, take tram {{rint|Rotterdam|12}} to stop Stadion Feijenoord. If you're more into alternative cinema go to '''[http://www.lantaren-venster.nl/ Lantaren/Venster]''' Cinema (Otto Reuchlinweg 996 (Wilhelminapier)). Here you'll get European, Asian and Latin American cinema in a nice atmosphere. It has a nice bar too. The other option is '''Cinerama''' (Westblaak 18) which shows a combination of art/house films and commercial Hollywood flicks. During the '''IFFR''' (International Film Festival Rotterdam), which usually takes place in February, art-house movies are shown at much more locations throughout the city. In August, an open air cinema at the '''Lloydkwartier''' shows both blockbusters and independent films. Entrance is free, and you can either bring your own chair or rent one onsite. To get there, take {{rint|Rotterdam|A}} to Coolhaven and walk for about 10–15 minutes towards the river in the south. ===Other attractions=== [[File:Erasmusbréck w.jpg|thumbnail|right|Rotterdam can be breathtaking from above]] When you want to combine a unique experience with a great view over the city of Rotterdam, you can make a (tandem) '''skydive''' at [http://www.skydiverotterdam.com Skydive Rotterdam]. At Skydive Rotterdam (also called the Flying Dutchman) you can book a tandem skydive or do a complete skydiving course and jump from a height of 3 or 4 kilometers. It's the only skydiving school in the "Randstad" area and the only place in the Netherlands where you can jump over a major city like Rotterdam. When the weather's good you will have a spectacular view over the Rotterdam skyline and other parts of the Randstad area, all the way to the coastline. An '''airplane''' can be rented at reasonable rates at Rotterdam Airport at [http://vliegen.rotterdamsweb.nl/ Happy Wing]. Nice tours above the city, its ports or the coastline are on offer. On summer Sundays, it is possible to lower yourself down from the '''Euromast'''. On last Sundays of summer months you can glide down in 15 seconds on a wire (tokkelen). Both: Not for the faint of heart! Check the website of [http://heightspecialists.nl/abseilen/ Heightspecialists]. ===With children=== [[File:Medusakop op kolom in giraffenweide - Rotterdam - 20348014 - RCE.jpg|thumbnail|right|The historic ''Diergaarde Blijdorp'' is definitely worth a visit]] '''Diergaarde Blijdorp''' (Rotterdam Zoo) in [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk#Q18775796|Kralingen-Crooswijk]] is one of the most popular day trips in the Netherlands. Walk through different parts of the world, seeing interesting animals that feel right at home in an approximation of their natural habitats. The Oceanium is filled with ocean and coastal dwellers, including exotic fish and puffins. '''Miniworld Rotterdam''' in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Do|Centrum]] is the largest indoor model railroad layout of the Netherlands. === Football === : Rotterdam has three professional soccer teams: * [https://www.feyenoord.nl/ '''Feyenoord'''] play in Eredivisie, the top tier. Their home ground is Stadion Feijenoord (capacity 51,000), better known as "De Kuip"; it's often also used for rock concerts and similar events. It's south of the river with its own railway station Rotterdam Stadion. * [https://www.sparta-rotterdam.nl/ '''Sparta Rotterdam'''] also play in Eredivisie. Their home ground is Het Kasteel ("The Castle", capacity 12,000), 3 km west of the centre. * [https://www.sbvexcelsior.nl/ '''SBV Excelsior'''] were relegated in 2024 so they play in Eerste Divisie the second tier. Their Stadion Woudestein (capacity 4500), now called Van Donge & De Roo Stadion, is 2 km east of city centre on the north bank of the river. ===Water sports and yachting=== [[File:Rotterdam kralingse plas.jpg|thumbnail|right|Kralingse Plas]] Being a major harbour and having lots of waterways and lakes, Rotterdam has a lot to offer for water-enthousiasts. Boating: There are four major lakes in Rotterdam. The Kralingse Plas, The double Bergse Plas, the Rottemeren and the Zevenhuizer Plas. All of them have active yachting communities and sometimes sailing races can be seen. The Zevenhuizer plas is mainly populated by Windsurf enthousiasts. Sailing boats can be rented at the Kralingse Plas at the [http://www.henkvangent.nl/ Van Gent sailing school], Plaszoom, a 10-minute walk from Metro Voorschoterlaan (walk through the Julianalaan until you reach Plaszoom). Rowing- and sailing boats can be rented at the windmill at the very end of the eastern Rottekade at [http://www.botenverhuurvanvliet.nl/ Van Vliet's] (Rottemeren, go by car or bike, a very nice ride). Yachting: When visiting Rotterdam with your own yacht you will find that most yachting harbours are on the inland waterways, where there are a lot of them. On the river Maas you will only find the [http://www.citymarinarotterdam.nl/ City Marina], behind a bascule bridge on the southern bank, and the [http://www.veerhavenrotterdam.nl/ Veerhaven], right in the city center on the northern bank. Unless you need the better shelter of the characterless City Marina, go for the admittedly a little choppy Veerhaven marina, very central and scenic. ===Beach=== The closest good beach is about 30 km away at [[Hook of Holland]]. Here you will find a very fine sand beach with good swimming and enough entertainment. To get there, take line {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} to Hoek van Holland Strand, its end point. For a more urban-party beach experience head to [[Scheveningen]] where you can find everything beach-party addicts dream about; Endless rows of beachside bars, restaurants and discothèques and a boulevard along a splendid fine-sand beach. It can get ''very'' crowded here. Take the train to [[Den Haag]] Centraal Station and tram {{rint|denhaag|9}} subsequently. Also at the same coast is Kijkduin, which is very recommended for children. To get there, get {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} to its northern end point, then take bus 24 to Kijkduin. If you want to go to the beach but want to stay in the city, consider taking {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} to its end point, Nesselande and walk across the Corsicalaan from there. You are at the Strand Nesselande. ==Buy== The main shopping areas are in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Buy|Centrum]]. '''Afrikaanderplein Markt''' in [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord#Buy|Feijenoord]] is a market of about 300 stalls geared towards Rotterdam's inhabitants of Antillian, South American or African descent (a lot of whom happen to live nearby). Dutch cheese is very famous, you can get some at grocery stores or wider variety at the marketplace. Other typical Dutch things are ''stroopwafels'', ''hagelslag'' and ''drop'' (liquorice). ==Eat== The area around metrostation ''Blaak'', called '''Oude haven''' (Old Harbour), is not only worth seeing but has also a lot of pubs and restaurants. The Rotterdam dining scene is developing very fast with new restaurants opening very often. While most of the attention focusses on new Michelin-star aspiring places, there is very much a trend towards high quality mid-range restaurants offering French/Dutch cuisine. ==Drink== [[Rotterdam/Centrum#|Centrum]] has a wide variety of bars, coffee shops and music venues. The [http://www.kaapsebrouwers.nl/ Kaapse Brouwers] brewery has four locations around the city. Each location has a whole wall of taps to choose from. They are popular place so waiting lines can be long. ==Sleep== See district articles for listings for camping, hostels and hotels. ==Connect== The telephone country code for the Netherlands is 31, and Rotterdam's city code is 010. In case of an '''Emergency''', dial '''1-1-2''' (free of charge). When staying for a longer time, buy a prepaid sim card for your mobile phone. ==Stay safe== You should take normal precautions against pickpockets and baggage theft, especially in the main shopping streets, at markets, in trams and trains, at stations, and anywhere where tourists congregate. It is not wise to hang around Stadhuisplein when nightlife ends. Fights often occur in this area after midnight. Rotterdam also has a reputation of mass venues getting out of hand, though you shouldn't worry too much about it. If violence breaks out at football festivities (not so unlikely) or at the end of sun soaked festive days, like Kings Day (even less unlikely, especially at the Stadhuisplein), just get out of the way and you're unlikely to be affected. It's advisable not to wear a football jersey of Ajax Amsterdam or any other stuff promoting Ajax or Amsterdam. In terms of general safety, at daylight most areas in the city are safe. But at night, some areas such as Spangen, Charlois and Hillesluis are wise to avoid. When you drive a car with a foreign numberplate (especially if it's a French or Belgian one) you might or will be approached by so-called ''drugsrunners''. This can occur on the motorways surrounding the city and in the city proper. These guys try to lure people to places where drugs are dealt. Do not respond to their signals and do not follow them. ==Go next== If you do not have a car, the hub for leaving the city will probably be '''Rotterdam Centraal''', from where trains leave in all directions at short intervals (you can generally drop in and catch the next train to your destination). Most regional and longer distance buses leave here too, with the exception of most buses to southerly destinations and the province of Zeeland that leave from '''metro station Zuidplein'''. In contrast with the trains, bus departure times should be checked in advance as they can be far and between. For trains to the North and the South travellers can also choose to depart from '''Rotterdam Blaak'''. '''The Hague''' can also be reached easily and rather quickly by metro line E. Nearby destinations like [[Schiedam]] or even [[Delft]] can also be reached by bike if you fancy a somewhat longer ride. Bike routes and directions are well marked and available in abundance. A good idea for a sunny day! Schiedam can be reached by train or by metro (in 15 minutes) too. [[Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region|MRDH]] is the area of the region Rotterdam-Schiedam-Delft-The Hague, see this page for more information on travel and cycling. ===Nearby=== * '''[[Kinderdijk]]''' — a [[UNESCO World Heritage List#Netherlands|UNESCO World Heritage]] site. 19 old windmills are still helping to control the water level there. Windmill #2 is open to the public, allowing you to see its inner workings. In season there is a direct waterbus service from an embankment at the Erasmus bridge (travel time ~1/2 hour). Alternatively, ''Arriva'' bus 90 from bus and metro station ''Zuidplein'' will get you there in 50 minutes. * '''[[Schiedam]]''' — visit the historic centre of this small town at the edge of Rotterdam, including the world's six tallest windmills. Also you can find there the ''Stedelijk Museum'', an attractive museum with some nice modern art exhibitions. Easily reached by bicycle, a train (from ''Rotterdam Centraal'' to ''Schiedam Centrum''), metro A, B or C line to ''Schiedam Centrum'' station, or tram lines 1 or 11 (''Broersvest'' or ''Koemarkt'' stop). ===Day trips=== * '''[[Delft]]''' — this famous town is a 15-minute train ride from ''Rotterdam Centraal''. Very historic and scenic, but also very touristy. * '''[[Dordrecht]]''' — a magnificent historic town with little tourism and an excellent old art museum (Dordrechts Museum). It is a 15-min train ride, or even better, take a ''[http://www.waterbus.nl/halte/dordrecht-merwekade/ waterbus]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''. * '''[[Gouda]]''' — visit this small picturesque postcard-like town and see the magnificent stained glass windows in the ''Sint Janskerk''. Also 20 min by train. * '''[[Delta Works]]''' — a series of construction projects protecting the Southwest of the Netherlands from the sea. The Oosterschelde storm surge barrier is the most impressive, and next to it is ''Neeltje Jans'', a water theme park dedicated to the Delta Works. * '''[[Brielle (Netherlands)|Brielle]]''' — a mediaeval fortified town. The centre is a nice ensemble of old houses and churches, enclosed by the original earthen defensive walls. There are some museums and the Roman Catholic shrine of the Martyrs of Gorcum. Walking around town and fortifications is a treat. You can easily spend a full day in Brielle. Take bus 103 at the ''Spijkenisse Centrum'' metro station. A journey takes about 70 min. * '''[[Schoonhoven]]''' — a nice small town with many well preserved medieval buildings on the ''Lek'' river in a halfway to Utrecht. From Station Capelsebrug, Rotterdam, take a bus 195 (direction Utrecht). A journey takes about 1 hour. * Go to the other cities of the [[Randstad]], e.g. '''[[The Hague]]''' is 1/2 hour by train or metro, '''[[Utrecht]]''' is around 45 min by train, '''[[Amsterdam]]''' about an hour. {{routebox | image1=NL-A15.png | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Brielle (Netherlands)|Brielle]] | minorl1=[[Spijkenisse]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Arnhem]] | minorr1=[[Dordrecht]] | image2=BE-E19.svg | imagesize2=20 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Amsterdam]] | minorl2=[[Delft]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Antwerp]] | minorr2=[[Zwijndrecht]] }} {{usablecity}} {{isPartOf|Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region}} {{geo|51.9239|4.4623|zoom=14}} t9x70oou2rgtpruibxj7krkyfd96ma3 5086999 5086994 2025-07-03T07:11:44Z PauldeKoning 2328897 /* By taxi */ 5086999 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Rotterdam Banner 4.jpg|dotm=yes|unesco=yes}} {{printDistricts}} '''Rotterdam''' is a very large city in the province of [[South Holland]] in the west of the [[Netherlands]]. The city is the second largest in the country with a population of approximately 650,000 inhabitants in the municipality (2020) and about 2.2 million inhabitants in the shared metropolitan area of the [[Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region]] (MRDH). Rotterdam is a vibrant, multicultural city; it is known for its university (Erasmus), cutting-edge architecture, lively cultural life, industrial riverside setting, its maritime heritage and colourful summer events. The municipality stretches all the way to the [[North Sea]] with gigantic areas like '''Europoort''' and '''Maasvlakte 1&2'''. All belong to the '''Port of Rotterdam'''. Starting as a dam constructed in 1270 on the Rotte River, Rotterdam has grown into a major international commercial centre. The port of Rotterdam is Europe's busiest port by cargo tonnage, and was the world's busiest from 1962 until it was surpassed by Shanghai in 2004. Rotterdam's commercial and strategic importance is based on its location near the mouth of the Nieuwe Maas (New Meuse), a channel in the delta formed by the Rhine and Meuse on the North Sea. These rivers lead directly into the centre of Europe, including the industrial Ruhr region, which is why Rotterdam is often called the "Gateway to Europe". Many relatively high buildings (by Dutch standards) have been emerging throughout and around the city centre. Daring and new styles of apartments, office buildings and recreation facilities resulted in Rotterdam becoming a city of modern architecture and the only city in the Netherlands with a modern skyline. Due to this, the city is especially interesting for Dutch people to visit. ==Districts== {{Mapframe|width=660|zoom=10|show=districts}} {{Mapshape|type=page|wikicommons=Rotterdam_Districts.map|group=districts}} {{Regionlist | regionmap= | regionmaptext= | regionmapsize= | region1name=[[Rotterdam/Centrum|Stadsdriehoek]] | region1color=#44aa99 | region1items=Rotterdam Centrum | region1description=Filled with highrise and out-of-the-box architecture, this district forms the heart of Rotterdam and gives the city its characteristic. | region2name=[[Rotterdam/Delfshaven|Delfshaven]] | region2color=#aa4499 | region2items=Delfshaven | region2description=Originally a part of [[Delft]], this town over time grew closer to Rotterdam, leading up to its incorporation in 1886. The former town still has a fair bit of its historic identity. | region3name=[[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk|Kralingen-Crooswijk]] | region3color=#117733 | region3items=Kralingen-Crooswijk, Noord | region3description=Famous for the Kralingse Plas, a large artificial lake and the surrounding park, as well as Blijdorp, the second-oldest still active zoo in the Netherlands. | region4name=[[Rotterdam/Feijenoord|Feijenoord]] | region4color=#ee99aa | region4items=Feijenoord | region4description=Namesake of a Dutch football club, Feijenoord is the heart of the south banks of the Meuse. | region5name=[[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|Northern Rotterdam]] | region5color=#d09440 | region5items=Overschie, Hillegersberg-Schiebroek | region5description=Home to Rotterdam's airport as well as Hilligersberg and the surrounding lakes and forests. | region6name=[[Rotterdam/Capelle en Noordoost|Capelle en Noordoost]] | region6color=#b5d29f | region6items=Prins Alexander, Capelle aan den IJssel | region6description=Largely home to Rotterdam's urban sprawl. | region7name=[[Rotterdam/Nieuwerkerk|Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel]] | region7color=#d56d76 | region7items=Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel | region7description=Though not incorporated into Rotterdam, Nieuwerkerk is largely an extension of the city. It is home to the lowest point of the famously low-lying Netherlands, at {{convert|6.76|m|yd}} below sea level. | region8name=[[Rotterdam/Zuid|Zuid]] | region8color=#6699cc | region8items=Charlois, IJsselmonde | region8description=The southernmost districts of Rotterdam. | region9name=[[Rotterdam/Port of Rotterdam|Port of Rotterdam]] | region9color=#ddcc77 | region9items=Pernis, Rozenburg, Botlek, Europoort, Eerste- en Tweede Maasvlakte | region9description=Best known as the largest seaport of Europe, the Port of Rotterdam has been built within a river delta as well as the sea. | region10name=[[Rotterdam/Hook of Holland|Hook of Holland]] | region10color=#44aa99 | region10items=Hoek van Holland | region10description=Formerly one of the main gateways into the Netherlands from anywhere reachable by ocean-going vessel, nowadays a popular beachfront. | region11name=[[Rotterdam/Albrandswaard|Albrandswaard]] | region11color=#882255 | region11items=Hoogvliet, Poortugaal, Rhoon | region11description=Island on the suburban fringes of Rotterdam, functioning as a suburb both to Rotterdam and [[Spijkenisse]]. }} ==Understand== ===History=== Settlement at the lower end of the fen stream ''Rotte'' dates from at least 900. Around 1150, large floods in the area ended development, leading to the construction of protective dikes and dams. A dam on the Rotte or 'Rotterdam' was built in the 1260s and was at the present-day ''Hoogstraat'' ('High Street'). Although Rotterdam did well after the Middle Ages and in the 'Golden Century' - roughly between 1650 and 1750 - it was not before the second part of the nineteenth century that the city started to develop itself rapidly. Helped by the digging of a new seaway (the Nieuwe Waterweg) Rotterdam was rid of access problems caused by the silting of the river and started receiving ever bigger ships with cargo for/from the booming Ruhrgebiet in Germany. Port related trade and industry skyrocketed, and the city started to draw lots of migrants from the then poor Brabant province, for whom the southern part of the city was constructed. At the turn of the twentieth century Rotterdam was well under way to become the largest economic centre in the Netherlands. It was between then and the second world war that large prestigious construction works were undertaken, in part to show off the new found economic pride. The German army invaded the Netherlands on 10 May 1940. Germany had planned to conquer the country in one day, but after meeting unexpectedly fierce resistance, it finally forced the Dutch army to capitulate on 14 May 1940 by bombing Rotterdam and threatening to bomb other cities. The heart of the city was almost completely destroyed by the German Luftwaffe, and 800 people were killed, while about 80,000 others were made homeless. During the war, Rotterdam was bombed several times during allied raids that were aimed at the harbour area but sometimes also hit the city. The City Hall survived the bombing. Unlike most other European cities however, the City Council did not aim at rebuilding what was lost, but on taking the opportunity to create a 'new' and better city. Damaged but not destroyed old buildings were torn down in the process. From the 1950s through the 1970s, the city was rebuilt. It remained quite windy and open until the city councils from the 1980s on began developing an active architectural policy. Daring and new styles of apartments, office buildings and recreation facilities resulted in a more 'livable' city center with a new skyline. In the 1990s, the ''Kop van Zuid'' was built on the south bank of the river as a new business center. ===Demographics=== In the Netherlands, Rotterdam has the highest percentage of foreigners from non-industrialised nations. Nearly 50% of the population are not native to the Netherlands or have at least one parent born outside the country. Muslims comprise close to 25% of the city's population. The city is also home to one of the largest Cape Verdean communities in the world, as well as the largest Dutch Antillean community. ===Atmosphere=== Rotterdam's culture is distinct from other cities in the Netherlands. The mentality of the people is described as 'can do'. From the waiters you meet to the businessmen and recent immigrants, everybody breathes a dream of getting forward with life. The modern design of the city, the bustle and the spree of buildings all add to this impression. That said, you might also find that people are sometimes too straight with you. And yes, the city is not the cosiest, or the most picturesque of towns, especially on drab winter days. But get acquainted with this small metropolis, easiest done on one of the festival days with nice weather. You will come to love it. [[File:Rotterdam haringvliet in winter.jpg|thumbnail|right|Winters in Rotterdam are moist and can be freezingly cold, but just as well uniquely beautiful]] ===Climate=== {{climate chart | Rotterdam |1.3|6.4|71 |1.1|7.1|66 |2.4|10.3|57 |4.8|14.3|42 |8.1|17.9|56 |11.0|20.6|69 |13.2|22.7|79 |12.9|22.6|92 |10.5|19.3|90 |7.2|14.9|87 |3.9|10.2|88 |1.4|7.0|86 |units = metric |float = right |clear = none |source = Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute}} Rotterdam gains a lot of charm when the sun is shining. Visiting in spring or summer may be more enjoyable than during the dark rainy winter. The summer months see temperatures averaging around {{c|22}} during the day and {{c|14}} at night; though temperatures near or above {{c|28}} during the day and {{c|16}} at night are not unheard of during heat waves. Daylight runs from 05:30 until 22:00 in the summer, and only between 08:45 and 16:30 in the winter. ===Tourist information=== *{{listing | type=listing | name=Rotterdam Tourist Information Coolsingel | alt=VVV | url=https://en.rotterdam.info/ | email=info@rotterdam.info | address=Coolsingel 114, 3011 AG Rotterdam | lat=51.918860 | long=4.481239 | directions=Metro {{rint|Rotterdam|A}} {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} : Beurs, at the garden of the Schielandshuis | phone=+31 10 790 01 85 | tollfree= | hours=09:30-18:00 | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=This well equipped and modern tourist office can provide loads of information like city maps, small guide books, souvenirs and the like, and offers tips and information on what to see and do in Rotterdam. Rotterdam.info also sells Rotterdam Welcome Cards, concert tickets, gift certificate, souvenirs, public transport tickets and parking vouchers. Check the website for upcoming events. }} *{{listing | type=listing | name=Rotterdam Tourist Information Central Station | alt=VVV | url= | email= | address=Stationsplein 21, 3013 AJ Rotterdam | lat=51.92410 | long=4.47030 | directions=main entrance, in the central hall of the central station | phone=+31 107900185 | tollfree= | hours=09:30-18:00 | price= | lastedit=2019-07-21 | content=With help from the service desk, a wide range of tourist information folders and the employees, you can find out what part of the city you would like to visit. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=Rotterdam Welcome Card | alt= | url=https://en.rotterdam.info/visitors-info/rotterdam-welcome-card/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=1 day (€13.50), 2 days (€19.50), or 3 days (€24.50) | lastedit=2022-07-27 | content= The card allows for unlimited use of all public transport by RET in the city and region, and offers at least 25% discounts on more than 50 attractions, museums, and restaurants. Available at Rotterdam Info (VVV) points and other locations. Without public transport, the card costs €6.00. }} ==Get in== ===By plane=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Rotterdam The Hague Airport | alt={{IATA|RTM}} | url=http://www.rotterdamthehagueairport.nl/en | email= | address= | lat=51.951248 | long=4.443541 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Rotterdam The Hague Airport | image=Rotterdam airport luchtfoto.jpg | wikidata=Q656807 | lastedit=2016-06-07 | content=It is the 3rd largest airport in the country. It is 6 km north of the city centre. There are direct flights from cities in [[Germany]], [[Italy]], [[France]], [[Spain]], and the [[United Kingdom]]. Commercial airlines that operate to the airport include Transavia, Lufthansa, British Airways, and Turkish Airlines. }} ====Services==== * {{listing|type=go | name=VVV Rotterdam-The Hague Airport information point | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rotterdam Airportplein 60 | lat= | long= | directions=at the arrivals hall | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= 07:30-23:45 | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=Come here if you have questions about Rotterdam. The place to hear history. The gift shop is open 09:30-18:00. }} ====How to reach==== To plan a trip (for all public transport in the Netherlands) see [https://9292.nl/en 9292.nl]{{Dead link|date=December 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} Depending on the amount of travel with public transit in The Netherlands it is possible to buy a so called ''[[OV-Chipkaart]]'' or it may be more convemient to pay with a contactless credit or debit card by touching in & touching out on each trip. see for more information under ''Get Around.'' ;By bus/metro * {{listing | type=go | name=Bus 33 | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-06-30 | content=Connects the airport with ''Meijersplein/Airport'' metro station, from where you can take metro line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} to ''Slinge'' (for ''Rotterdam Centraal'' and Rotterdam city center).See for more information the ''By Metro'' section under ''Get Around''. Bus 33 also connects to Rotterdam Centraal station via the Overschie district. }} * {{listing | name=Bus 300 | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= 15 July - 20 September, Fr-Mo only| price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-06-30 | content=Direct service to ''Rotterdam Centraal''. No stops in between. }} ;By taxi * {{listing|type=go | name=Rotterdam Airport Taxi | alt= | url=http://www.rotterdam-airport-taxi.nl | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +31 10 262 04 06| tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-06-07 | content=Recommended by the airport web site. }} ====Other close airports==== * [[Schiphol Airport| Amsterdam Schiphol Airport]] ({{IATA|AMS}}) is 58 km north of Rotterdam and has much more flights than the Rotterdam airport. '''NS (Dutch Railways)''' operates ''[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/special-routes/intercity-direct.html Intercity Direct]'' high-speed rail service, every 30 minutes to Rotterdam. The journey takes 27 minutes. You have to pay an addition for the journey from Schiphol to Rotterdam, so regular intercities in direction Rotterdam Centraal and Rotterdam Blaak are cheaper (but slower) (these intercities also call at Schiphol). * [[Eindhoven#By plane| Eindhoven Airport]] ({{IATA|EIN}}) is 106 km southeast of Rotterdam. Ryanair and Wizzair operate flights to this airport. Take a bus to Eindhoven Centraal (approximately 20 minutes, the intercity train to Rotterdam Centraal takes about 63 minutes. * [[Brussels Airport]] ({{IATA|BRU}}) is 140 km south of Rotterdam. Many international carriers operate flights to this airport. The [https://www.b-europe.com/EN/Trains/InterCity train from Brussels] takes about 120 minutes and costs €35. Buses are also available, although less frequent. [[File:Rtd CS-III.JPG|thumbnail|right|Rotterdam Centraal has been completely reconstructed and now features a striking roof over the main concourse]] ===By train=== {{seealso|Rail travel in the Netherlands}} ==== International connections ==== * {{go | name=Rotterdam Centraal | alt= | url=https://www.ns.nl/stationsinformatie/rtd/rotterdam-centraal | email= | address= | lat=51.925 | long=4.469444 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q801388 | lastedit=2018-04-10 | content=The station is served by high-speed trains from [[Belgium]], [[France]] and the [[United Kingdom]]. }} **'''[http://www.thalys.com Thalys]''' operates [[high-speed trains]] from [[Antwerp]] (Antwerpen-Centraal, 35 min), [[Brussels]] (Brussel-Zuid/Midi, 1 hr 12 min), [[Paris]] (Gare du Nord, 2 hr 37 min) and [[Lille]] (Lille-Europe, 1 hr 55 min). Book well in advance to secure the best ticket deals. A cheaper but slower alternative to Thalys is the [https://www.b-europe.com/EN/Trains/InterCity Intercity Brussels] service between Amsterdam and Brussels. **Coming from Germany, Rotterdam Centraal can only be reached by changing trains in the Netherlands. When travelling on the German high-speed train '''[https://www.bahn.com/en/view/trains/long-distance/ice-ice-sprinter.shtml?dbkanal_007=L04_S02_D002_KIN0059_FLYOUT-ZUGFLOTTE-ICE_LZ01 ICE]{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' from [[Cologne]], [[Düsseldorf]] and [[Oberhausen]], the exchange will be in [[Utrecht]] Centraal station, and coming from [[Berlin]], [[Hanover]], [[Osnabrück]] (with the '''[https://www.bahn.com/en/view/trains/long-distance/intercity-eurocity.shtml?dbkanal_007=L04_S02_D002_KIN0059_FLYOUT-ZUGFLOTTE-IC_LZ01 DB-intercity]{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''') it is advisable to change at [[Amersfoort]]. Intercity-trains to Rotterdam depart from both Utrecht and Amersfoort. ** '''[http://www.eurostar.com Eurostar]''' runs a daily high speed service from [[London]] St Pancras International to Rotterdam Centraal. Prices start at £35 one way. The journey time is about 3 hr 30 min, but you must arrive at the station at least 90 minutes before departure in order to clear the extra border controls caused by COVID restrictions and Brexit. ==== National connections ==== The Dutch railway company NS runs high-speed ''[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/special-routes/intercity-direct.html Intercity Direct]'' trains between [[Amsterdam]], [[Amsterdam Airport Schiphol|Schiphol]], Rotterdam and [[Breda]]. The train stops only at those four stations and shaves 25-30 minutes in journey time between Amsterdam and Schiphol and Rotterdam versus the regular Intercity and Sprinter trains that stop in between. Beware that you have to pay a supplement (€2.60 during peak hours, €1.56 outside peak hours) to use the Intercity direct line to travel to Rotterdam if your journey involves Schiphol, (i.e. Amsterdam-Rotterdam journeys are subject to this supplement). You can purchase this supplement by tapping an anonymous or personal OV-chipkaart on a designated red pole found on the platform. Those without an anonymous or personal OV-chipkaart can use the ticketing machines or the NS website to purchase the supplement, however the discount may not be applicable to supplements purchased this way. Most unlimited day tickets including the Holland Travel Ticket can be used to travel on the Intercity Direct but a supplement purchase is still required. Thalys also offers seats for passengers travelling from Amsterdam to Rotterdam. The journey is less than 40 minutes, slightly faster than the Intercity Direct. However, reservations/advance bookings are required and most unlimited day tickets recognised by NS cannot be used on Thalys. Rotterdam is also well served by NS from other parts of the [[Netherlands]], with direct connections to [[Delft]], [[Amsterdam]], [[Eindhoven]], [[Gouda]], [[Leiden]], [[The Hague]], [[Utrecht]] and [[Vlissingen]]. Some intercities and sprinters also stop at '''[https://www.ns.nl/stationsinformatie/rtb/rotterdam-blaak Rotterdam Blaak]''' station which is in the middle of the city center. This station is also frequented by trams and metro. See also the [[Netherlands#Get in Netherlands]] page for further information on national rail. Alternatively, Rotterdam's Metro line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} provides a connection for passengers coming from [[The Hague]] at Den Haag Centraal. The journey from Den Haag Centraal to Rotterdam Centraal costs €4.43 with an anonymous or personalised OV-chipkaart, which is marginally cheaper than an NS journey (€4.90) between the same points but takes about five minutes longer to complete the journey. ===By bus=== * {{listing|type=go | name=Flixbus | alt= | url=https://www.flixbus.com/bus/rotterdam| email= | address=(bus stop) Rotterdam Centraal @ Conradstraat 52 | lat= | long= | directions=International bus stop platform 'GG' at Rotterdam Centraal. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-07-20 | content=Serving both domestic and international routes. They also have an extra stop at Rotterdam Zuidplein @ Gooilandsingel }} ===By boat=== ==== Ferries from [[England]] (UK) ==== You can also get to Rotterdam by [[Ferries to the British Mainland|ferry from the United Kingdom]]. No ferries arrive in the center. * '''[http://www.poferries.com P&O Ferries]''' has a daily overnight sailing from [[Kingston Upon Hull]] to Rotterdam Europoort. From Rotterdam Europoort P&O Ferries operates a shuttle bus service that takes you to the city center of Rotterdam. Please book this shuttle service while you book your sailing. * '''[http://www.stenaline.com StenaLine]''' has a daily day and a daily overnight sailing from [[Harwich (England)|Harwich]] to [[Hook of Holland]]. Next to the port is ''Hoek van Holland Haven'' metro station. Line B brings you to the city centre in approximately 30 minutes. * '''[http://www.dfdsseaways.co.uk/ferry-routes/holland/newcastle-to-amsterdam DFDS Seaways]''' has a daily overnight ferry crossing from Newcastle to Amsterdam. You can drive to Rotterdam in approx. 50 minutes. ==== Waterbus ==== [[File:ENI 02324345 ALBLAS (14).JPG|thumbnail|right|A WaterBus near [https://www.cityguiderotterdam.com/things-to-do/sights/old-harbour-rotterdam/ Oude Haven (Old Harbour)]]]The '''[http://www.waterbus.nl WaterBus]''' services provide connections between Rotterdam and the ''Drechtsteden'' ([[Dordrecht]] and surrounding cities, including [[UNESCO World Heritage List|UNESCO-site]] - the world-famous windmills - [[Kinderdijk]]). ===By metro=== Coming from [[The Hague]] or somewhere in between it can be advisable to use metroline {{rint|Rotterdam|E}}, see for more information the page about the [[Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region|whole region]]. ===By car=== [[File:Rotterdam Auto 01.JPG|thumbnail|right|Finding a good spot to park can be a problem in central Rotterdam]] Rotterdam is easily reached by car. From Amsterdam take the A4 South to Rotterdam Haven. From Utrecht take the A12 and change to the A20 just after [[Gouda]] on knooppunt Gouwe. Traffic congestion on highways is common during peak hours (morning and evening commutes). You can pay for '''on-street parking''' with debit and credit card. Remember your license plate number. Parking regulations are enforced regularly. '''[https://parkereninrotterdam.nl Parking garages]{{Dead link|date=April 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' can be easily found by following the sign-marked P-route. The easiest way to pay is by credit card, just insert your card on the way in, and insert it again on the way out, and the total time is automatically deducted. You can also pay with cash or debit card. '''Park & Ride (P&R)''' facilities outside the center of Rotterdam offer free or cheap parking with public transport connections into the city center. For some locations (Slinge A15, Kralingse Zoom A16/E19 and Alexander A20/E25), you can park for free if you have a valid check-out on your public transport card (OV-chipkaart). === By bike === As a Dutch city Rotterdam is well connected to extense (inter)national bicycle networks which use all kinds of infrastructural facilities. Most attractive for tourist to cycle over longer distances are the so called '''LF-routes'''. So the city center is croshed by '''LF2 Stedenroute ''(City Route)''''' from Amsterdam to Brussels and '''LF12 Maas- en Vestingroute''' follows the flow of river Maas all the way from The East. See for more information [http://www.holland.com/global/tourism/discover-holland/cycling/bicycle-route-planner.htm Bicycle Route Planner]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}: ''sellect more options and LF-Routes.'' ==Get around== {{Mapframe|51.9152|4.4791|zoom=14|layer=W|name=Map of Rotterdam (metro lines have thicker strokes than tram lines)}} {{Mapshapes|Q691704}} <!--Metro--> {{Mapshapes|Q1429091|stroke-width=2}} <!--Tram--> '''[https://www.ret.nl/en RET]''' operates the buses, trams, and metro within the city. You could find a journey planner and some [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret/maps.html network maps] there. Alternatively you'd use the pan-Netherlands journey planner – [https://9292.nl/en 9292.nl]. Transport generally arrives every 10 minutes during the day. Free Wi-Fi is available in some trams, buses and metro lines, and on the busier metro stations, you just need to accept the terms of use. ===Tickets=== You can [https://www.ovpay.nl/en use your contactless bank card]{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} to pay for any public transport that also accepts the [[OV-chipkaart]]. This system is called OV-Pay and is the most convenient way to travel. Debit and credit cards from Maestro, V PAY, Mastercard and Visa are supported. As anywhere else in the country OV-chipkaart can still be used to pay all kinds of public transport. The card costs €8.50 and you'd need to keep a positive balance there for at least €4. For using buses and trams, checking in and out has to be done in the vehicle, while for train and metro use the gates or card-reader poles at the entrance of the stations. Alternatively one of the city's transport travel cards could be used: * {{listing | name=RET travel cards | alt= | url=https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travel-products/products-and-fares.html | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=2 hours - €5.00; 1 (calendar) day - €11.00 | lastedit=2025-01-21 | content=To travel by bus, tram and metro with RET. Can be purchased via the RET Barcode app, at ticket machines in metro stations and at RET Sales and Information points. For children under 12 and age 65 and up there is a reduced price. The 1-day ticket is not a 24-hour ticket: it is only valid on the day of the first check-in, until 04:00 of the early morning the next day. Tickets are not sold on bus and tram anymore; use your bank card to check in instead. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=Tourist Day Ticket: Rotterdam & The Hague region | alt= | url=http://www.touristdaytickets.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=€17.00 for one day | lastedit=2025-01-21 | content=Unlimited travel on local transport (bus, tram, metro and waterbus. Note: trains excluded) in the Rotterdam and the Hague region. Available from ticket machines and service counters of RET and at tourist information. Ticket is valid for travel with RET, HTM, HTMbuzz, Arriva, Connexxion, EBS, QBuzz and Waterbus in South Holland. }} * [[#Rotterdam Welcome Card|Rotterdam Welcome Card]] also allows for unlimited use of public transport with RET in the city and region. Note that tickets must be purchased in advance, there is no ticket sale on board of bus, tram and metro. ===By metro=== [[Image:Metro Rotterdam future.svg|thumb|Rotterdam Metro reaches as far as [[the Hague]].]] There are 5 metro lines in the city. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|A}}, {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|C}}, share tracks between ''Schiedam Centrum'' and ''Capelsebrug'' and offer an east-west connection. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} share tracks between ''Rotterdam Centraal'' and ''Slinge'' and offer a north-south connection. Interchange between all lines is possible on ''Beurs'' station in the city center. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|A}}, {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|C}} operate every 10 minutes on working days and Saturday, which allows 3-4 minute intervals on the main section between ''Schiedam Centrum'' and ''Capelsebrug''. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} operate every 10 minutes on working days and Saturday, which give shorter intervals between ''Rotterdam Centraal'' and ''Slinge''. In the evening, on Saturday morning and Sunday the service is reduced to a 15-minute interval. The Rotterdam Metro operates from 05:30 until 00:00. On weekends the opening time is not until 07:00 Saturday, and 08:15 on Sunday. On Friday and Saturday nights the service is extended for a bit longer past midnight, but not on some parts of line B and E. See the [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret/time-table/metro/weekend-metro.html Weekend metro] page for an overview. For tourists the most important metro stations are: '''Line A, B and C''' (East-West branch) * '''Blaak''': train station, interchange with trams and busses, cube houses, Markthal, ports * '''Beurs''': city center, shops, interchange with metro {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} * '''Eendrachtsplein''': museumpark * '''Coolhaven''': [https://euromast.nl/ Euromast] * '''Delfshaven''': historic port '''Line D and E''' (North-South branch) * '''Meijerplein''': bus service to Rotterdam The Hague Airport '''''(only line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}})''''' * '''Blijdorp:''' [https://www.diergaardeblijdorp.nl/en/ Rotterdam Zoo] '''''(only line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}})''''' * '''Rotterdam Centraal''': northern edge of the city centre, interchange with trams and buses, train station * '''Beurs''': city centre, shops, interchange with metro {{rint|Rotterdam|A}}, {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|C}} * '''Leuvehaven''': ports, museums, Erasmus Bridge, Waterbus * '''Wilhelminaplein:''' Erasmus Bridge, Cruise Terminal Rotterdam, [http://www.hotelnewyork.com/ hotel New York] * '''Rijnhaven:''' Katendrecht, bus service to SS Rotterdam ===By tram=== There are nine tram lines in the city. Each tram has a conductor. Tram stops provide a detailed map of the public transport system for on-the-go route-finding. Most lines operate every 10 minutes on workdays, with a more frequent service during rush hours on some lines. All trams except {{rint|Rotterdam|2}} will stop at ''Rotterdam Centraal'', the main train station of Rotterdam. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|1}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|11}}''' run from the suburbs in the [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|northwest]] to De Esch in [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk|Kralingen]], via [[Schiedam]], the north of [[Delfshaven]], and the city centre. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|2}}''' runs on the south side of the rivers, through the districts of [[Rotterdam/Zuid|Charlois, IJsselmonde]] and [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|3}}''' starts at the central station, and connects to the south bank via Feijenoord, IJsselmonde and [[Rotterdam/Zuid|Beverwaard]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|4}}''' starts from Heemsraadplein, connecting to much of the city centre and the neighbourhoods to its west, before connecting to [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|Hillegersberg]] via the central station, and Noord/Crooswijk. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|5}}''' originates from the central station, running to the south bank via Feijenoord and suburbs, before terminating in [[Barendrecht]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|6}}''' runs from Heemsraadplein to Kleiweg, just north of the A20 highway, running parallel with line 4 up to Rotterdam Noord railway station. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|7}}''' starts at Marconiplein, where the metro and lines 1, 8 and 11 meet, to Woudestein where it meets lines 1 and 11 again, via the central station and Erasmus University. Between Weena and Woudestein, lines 1 and 11 follow a more direct route via the Stadhuis, Beurs, Blaak and Oostplein metro stations, while line seven heads north via [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk|Crooswijk and Kralingen]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|8}}''', lastly, comes from [[Delfshaven|Spangen]], and then continues through most of Delfshaven roughly following the river up to Eendrachtsplein in [[Rotterdam/Centre|Cool]], from where it joins the main tram corridor through the city centre, to eventually terminate in [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|Schiebroek]]. * '''Line 12''' operates during football matches in the Kuip stadion only. ===By bus=== '''RET''' operates bus services across the city. Night bus service (BOB-bus) has been cancelled. Buses operated by '''[http://www.arriva.nl Arriva]''' and '''[http://www.connexxion.nl Connexxion]''' connect the city with suburbs. Use the front door when boarding a bus. ===By water taxi=== * {{listing | name=Watertaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=http://www.watertaxirotterdam.nl | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 10 403 03 03 | tollfree= | hours= | price=€ | lastedit=2022-07-27 | content=Rotterdam was built on a number of islands and if you want to travel from shore to shore, the nicest way to go is to take a '''Water Taxi'''. Fixed fares for rides between 50 docks in Rotterdam and Schiedam, with 3 fares zones, starting at €4.50 per person in the central zone. You can give them a call, or use the online tool to see availability and book a ride. It is advised to book in advance, especially on days with large events in the city. }} ===By taxi=== If you do need a taxi you will have to find yourself a taxi rank or call a taxi company. There is a minimum taxi fare of €2.30 (first it was {{EUR|7.50}} which included the first two kilometers). Additionally, each subsequent kilometre is charged €2.20. * {{listing | name=Rotterdamse Taxi Centrale RTC N.V. | url=http://www.rtcnv.nl | phone=+31 10 462 60 60 }} * {{listing | name=Coöperatieve Taxi Onderneming St. Job u.a. | url=http://www.st-job.nl | phone=+31 10 425 70 00 }} * {{listing | name=Zorgtaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.zorgtaxirotterdam.nl | phone=+31 10 818 28 23 }} * {{listing | name=Stadstaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.stadstaxirotterdam.nl| phone=+31 10 818 28 23 }} * {{go | name=Botlektaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://botlektaxi.nl | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 10 666 66 06 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-01-19 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Rolstoeltaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.rolstoeltaxirotterdam.nl| phone=+31 10 818 28 23 }} * {{listing | name=Taxi Rotterdam 010 | alt= | url=https://taxirotterdam010.nl/ | phone=+31 10 261 31 88 }} * {{listing | name= Rotterdamse Taxi | alt= | url= https://www.rotterdamsetaxi.nl/ | phone=+31 10 261 31 22 }} ===By tuk-tuk=== * {{listing | name=Tuk Tuk Company | alt= | url=http://www.tuktukcompany.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 9009933399 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-05-23 | content=A Thai-influenced transportation service using three-wheeled, open-air (but covered) motorized vehicles called Tuk Tuk offers a more economical and fast way to get around the city centre when compared to taxis. Tuk-tuk pricing is based on a zone system. Within a zone, a ride is €3.50 per person, €5 for 2 persons and €6.50 for 3. If you go to another zone, €3.50 is added (irrespective of number of persons). This service is handy if it is past the regular tram/bus/metro service hours (approximately half past midnight). }} ===By bicycle=== Like any city in The Netherlands, Rotterdam is very, very bicycle-friendly. Getting around by bike is probably the fastest way of travel within the city. There are separate bike lanes on most major streets and there are separate traffic lights for bicyclists. Avoid getting your tire in the tram rails: always cross tram rails at an angle. Of course it is also strongly advisable to watch out for other traffic at all time. On the other hand bicyclists can rely on the fact that motorists and pedestrians are aware of bikes. Always lock your bike securely when leaving it (preferably chained to a fixed object) or go to a guarded bicycle parking station. ==== Rent a bike==== At Rotterdam Centraal, you can rent bicycles at the shop in the underground bicycle parking, below the Station square. Leave the station at the front, exit 'Stationsplein'. The entrance of the bicycle parking ('fietsenstalling', with the glass roof) is at your right, in front of grand cafe Engels. Use-it, rents out nice Kronan bikes (Schaatsbaan 41-45, leave Central Station towards the center. Turn right at restaurant Engels and take the 2nd right). Bikes can be rented by several other private companies. Holland-Cycling.com provides a list of [http://www.holland-cycling.com/rotterdam/getting-around-rotterdam/bicycle-rental-in-rotterdam addresses]. Another list you will find at [https://www.rotterdam.nl/vrije-tijd/fiets-huren/ Rotterdam.nl]{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. If you have a personal (rather than an anonymous) [[OV-chipkaart]], bicycles can be rented at many train and metro stations and other central locations by the [http://www.ns.nl/en/door-to-door/ov-fiets OV-fiets system]. ==== Guarded bicycle parking ==== * The larger train stations have their own guarded bicycle parking. * Rotterdam municipality has also [https://www.rotterdam.nl/fietsparkeren some free locations]. ==See== ===Landmarks=== [[File:VN5 HDR2.jpg|thumbnail|right|The Van Nellefabriek is regarded as a prime example of the ''International Style'']] Rotterdam has national notoriety for its architecture, and the city therefore is dotted with landmarks of all sorts. Most of them you will find in the [[Rotterdam/Centrum|city centre]], but [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord|Feijenoord]] is also quite dense with them. Rotterdam is known for some bridges, not in the last place the '''Erasmusbrug''', spanning the Nieuwe Maas between the city centre and Feijenoord. Also of historical importance is the former railway lifting bridge '''De Hef''', slightly upstream from the Erasmusbrug. '''Historical landmarks''' are somewhat rare to come across in Rotterdam's city centre, but the city itself isn't completely devoid of them. In the city centre, the 1920 '''City hall''' and the '''Great or Saint-Laurence church''', both survivors of the 1940 bombardment. Rotterdam is also home to the country's oldest known bronze statue, depicting Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam and dating from 1622. It is found opposite the Saint-Laurence church. '''De Verwoeste Stad''' (Destroyed City) is a cubist statue depicting a man in agony who just lost his heart (symbol of the bombed city centre). Feijenoord, despite being home to many modern redevelopments, houses some historical landmarks such as the '''former headquarters of the Holland-Amerikalijn'''. Also worth visiting are the '''Oude Haven''' (''Old Harbour'') and the nearby '''Witte Huis''' (''White House'') and '''Schielandshuis'''. '''Industrial landmarks''' are plenty in a city that mostly thrives off of harbour activities. Besides the many industrial sites found in the [[Rotterdam/Port of Rotterdam|Port of Rotterdam]], the '''Van Nellefabriek''' in [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|the north of the city]] is a listed UNESCO site. [[File:Erasmusbrug seen from Euromast.jpg|thumbnail|right|The modern skyline of Rotterdam can be truly appreciated from the Euromast.]] The skyline of Rotterdam can, of course, be observed from one of the many skyscrapers in the city - though you should probably book a hotel located in a skyscraper or find one with a publicly accessible roof, as trespass isn't welcomed. Another great site for views over the city though, is the '''Euromast''' on the border between the [[Rotterdam/Centrum|city centre]] and [[Rotterdam/Delfshaven|Delfshaven]], twice in its history the highest building of the Netherlands. For a relatively small entry fee, you can climb the tower or for a larger sum, you can dine inside of it. For those less comfortable with great heights though, a birds-eye overview of the city can also be obtained at '''Miniworld Rotterdam''', near the central station. The city is also well-known for its experimental and out-of-the-ordinary architecture, often being a testing ground for new concepts. A prime example of this are the '''Kubuswoningen''' (''Cube Houses'') at [[Rotterdam/Centrum|Blaak]]; one has been set aside as a museum, offering a view of the unique perspective and custom furniture that comes with living in one of the houses. Also striking are the '''Markthal''', harbour-crane inspired sculptures at the '''Schouwburgplein''' and the '''Koopgoot''', all found in the city centre. '''Historic churches:''' in the Netherlands churches are generally closed to visitors on Sundays. === Other sites === [[File:Rotterdam Erasmusbrug bij avond vanaf hoek Veerhaven-Westerkade.jpg|thumb|Erasmus bridge of Rotterdam]] [[File:Schielandshuis.jpg|thumbnail|right|Schielandshuis today stands surrounding by modern glass and steel buildings]] [[Image:Oude Haven (Rotterdam) 2011.jpg|thumb|"Het witte huis" in Old Harbour]] The area around the [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Other sites|'''Station Rotterdam Blaak''']] was destroyed by a Nazi bombardment during World War II. After the war this area was populated with some bold examples of modern architecture. The '''Kubuswoningen''' are literally cubes, tilted over by 45 degrees. '''Oude Haven''' (Old Harbour) is a nice place to see and sit at some café nearby. '''Witte Huis''' is a "skyscraper" built in 1898. '''Het Schielandshuis''' is the only remaining 17th-century building in the city centre of Rotterdam. [[File:Delfshaven Rotterdam (the Netherlands) 17.JPG|thumb|The old barges moored at the Delfshaven]] [[Rotterdam/Delfshaven|'''Delfshaven''']] is one of very few locations in the city which survived World War II bombings. Historic Delfshaven is a very scenic walk. It consists of an 17th-century area around two canals with a lot of charm. By day visit little shops in this neighbourhood, by night attractive pubs and restaurants make the visit worthwhile. * '''Chinatown''' in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Other sites|Centrum]] is full of Chinese restaurants and also Indonesian and other Asian restaurants. [[File:Rotterdam molens De Ster (l) en De Lelie (r) - tegenlicht.jpg|thumbnail|right|''De Ster'' and ''De Lelie'' at dusk]] ===Windmills=== Rotterdam has only seven windmills left. Of these, only ''De Ster'' and ''De Lelie'' in [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk#See|Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk]] are open to visitors on a regular basis. Other windmills are open to visitors when the mill is turning (easy enough to see), but there are some exceptions to this rule of thumb. A blue flag also indicates that the mill is open to visitors. Look for De Prinsenmolen, De Vier Winden, and De Speelman windmills in [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam#Windmills|Northern Rotterdam]] and De Zandweg in [[Rotterdam/Zuid#See|Rotterdam Zuid]]. ===Museums=== [[File:Overzicht achtergevel - Rotterdam - 20534511 - RCE.jpg|thumbnail|right|Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen]] [[Netherlands#Museumkaart|Museumkaart]] is accepted at the city's museums. The Museumpark area in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Museums|Centrum]] has many of the city's museums. '''Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen''' houses a rich, broad collection including masterpieces ranging from Pieter Brueghel the Elder's ''The "little" Tower of Babel'' (1563) to an important collection of surrealism, prominently featuring Salvador Dalí and René Magritte. '''Sylvette''' is a large work by Pablo Picasso was erected in 1973. It is one of the elaborations Picasso made based on the portraits of his muse Sylvette David. Definitely worth a look. '''Kunsthal''' houses some 25 exhibitions annually with a fascinating and widely varied repertoire. Het Nieuwe Instituut museum includes the '''Museum voor Architectuur, Design en Digitale cultuur''', a museum for architecture,deesign and digital culture, and '''Huis Sonneveld''', a building in the Bauhaus style. '''Chabot Museum''' is a neat little museum is housed in a splendid modernist 1930s villa. It houses a collection of works of the expressionist painter Hendrik Chabot. '''Natuurhistorisch Museum''' has changing expositions and a fixed collection of mammals, plants and fossils. The city has two maritime museums. The '''Maritiem Museum''' has a variety of expositions about the harbour of Rotterdam and maritime history, and a restored 19th-century gunboat that is a must-see for naval enthusiasts. The '''Mariniersmuseum''' shows the history of the centuries-old Narine Corps and its modern-day role. Special attention is given to the heroic role of the corps in the 1940 defence of Rotterdam. ====Other museums==== [[File:Façade Witte de With Center for Contemporary Art.jpg|thumbnail|right|Witte de With Center]] In [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Other museums|Centrum]], you can visit '''Museum Rotterdam''', which is dedicated to the modern day Rotterdam and its history; the '''Museum of Chess-Pieces''', which houses a diverse collection of chess games from ancient Chinese to cartoon characters; the '''Wereldmuseum''' (World Arts Museum), which focuses on encounters and cross-cultural inspiration; and '''Witte de With''' (Centre for Contemporary Arts). [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord#Q2191118|'''Nederlands Fotomuseum''']] shows the diversity of forms of photography, especially as a medium of social expression and commentary. [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk#Q2351733|'''SSN Museumstoomdepot''']] features old steam locomotives and trains. Besides a small museum it's a workshop where you can see restoration in progress. ==Do== [[File:Overzicht - Rotterdam - 20534496 - RCE.jpg|thumbnail|right|''De Doelen'' concert hall in Schouwbourgplein]] Upcoming events and performances are listed on the VVV and Use-it websites. The larger events are well documented on the VVV site, for smaller venues check Use-it (under Calendar) for a very attractive and well updated listing of music, expositions, movies and parties that need checking out. The [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Do|Uitburo office]] inside the Central Library provides information on theatre and music performances. It also sells tickets and offers an overview of performances that can be visited for free (''gratis''). ===Events=== [[File:North Sea Jazz Festival 2012 - ALOE BLACC.jpg|thumbnail|right|In July, you can enjoy the ''North Sea Jazz'' festival]] Rotterdam plays host to a lot of events, a lot of them yearly ones. Besides these there are a lot smaller ones that can be very nice, so ask around and check the VVV website. A few of these yearly events to name: * {{do | name=Six Days of Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.wielerzesdaagserotterdam.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2293105 | lastedit=2024-12-26 | content=A cycling competition in early December. }} * {{do | name=IFFR | alt= | url=http://www.filmfestivalrotterdam.com/en/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The International Film Festival Rotterdam, which mainly features independent films from all over the world in February. }} * {{do | name=Art Rotterdam | alt= | url=http://www.artrotterdam.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=In February, you can see (and buy) masterpieces of modern art. }} * {{do | name=World tennis Tournament | alt= | url=http://www.abnamrowtt.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=In February. }} * On the '''[http://www.rotterdamsemuseumnacht.nl/ Rotterdam Museum Night]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' in March, nearly all Rotterdam museums and galleries open their doors in the evening with special events. * {{do | name=Motel Mozaique | alt= | url=http://motelmozaique.nl/en/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Music, art & performance. Plus a sleeping project that enables sleeping in art or on special locations in Rotterdam (April) }} * [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Q1341108|'''Rotterdam Marathon''']], internationally reputed as a very fast marathon, is held in April in Centrum. * {{do | name=Poetry International | alt= | url=http://www.poetry.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Festival in June. }} * '''Metropolis Festival''' (music) on the first Sunday in July. * The sublime '''[http://www.northseajazz.com/ North Sea Jazz]''' festival in July with loads of worldfamous artists. * {{do | name=Summer Carnival | alt= | url=http://www.zomercarnaval.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A huge Caribbean-oriented parade and party in the city centre. }} * {{do | name=Heerlijk Rotterdam | alt= | url=http://www.heerlijkrotterdam.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Three day event where you can sample dishes from Michelin-star restaurants for a reduced price (dates vary, summer edition usually late August) }} * The '''[http://wereldhavendagen.nl/en/ World Port Days]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' a weekend full of activities centred around the large harbour of Rotterdam (early September) * The classical music '''[http://www.gergievfestival.nl/ Gergjev]''' festival in September, led by master-conductor Valery Gergjev. * The '''[http://www.rotterdamseoogst.nl/ Rotterdam Harvest Festival]''' in September. * '''Bazar Curieux''' (music) in December For full listings of events check [http://www.rotterdam.info/uk/ Rotterdam.info] and [http://www.use-it.nl/ Use-it]{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. === Tours === Several tours can be found in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Tours|Centrum]], including the tourist '''tram line 10''' through the city centre and historic parts of Rotterdam on classic trams; the '''Spido harbour trip''' through the first 8 km of the harbour; and De pannenkoekenboot, on which you cam eat as many pancakes as you want while you cruise the harbour. ===Cinema=== There are two huge megacinemas in Rotterdam. The one in the city centre is called '''Pathé Schouwburgplein''' (at the Schouwburgplein), the other one is on the southside of the city. It's called '''Pathé De Kuip''' (next to the Feyenoord stadium De Kuip). In these cinemas you can see Hollywood movies and occasionally an arthouse movie. To get to De Kuip, take tram {{rint|Rotterdam|12}} to stop Stadion Feijenoord. If you're more into alternative cinema go to '''[http://www.lantaren-venster.nl/ Lantaren/Venster]''' Cinema (Otto Reuchlinweg 996 (Wilhelminapier)). Here you'll get European, Asian and Latin American cinema in a nice atmosphere. It has a nice bar too. The other option is '''Cinerama''' (Westblaak 18) which shows a combination of art/house films and commercial Hollywood flicks. During the '''IFFR''' (International Film Festival Rotterdam), which usually takes place in February, art-house movies are shown at much more locations throughout the city. In August, an open air cinema at the '''Lloydkwartier''' shows both blockbusters and independent films. Entrance is free, and you can either bring your own chair or rent one onsite. To get there, take {{rint|Rotterdam|A}} to Coolhaven and walk for about 10–15 minutes towards the river in the south. ===Other attractions=== [[File:Erasmusbréck w.jpg|thumbnail|right|Rotterdam can be breathtaking from above]] When you want to combine a unique experience with a great view over the city of Rotterdam, you can make a (tandem) '''skydive''' at [http://www.skydiverotterdam.com Skydive Rotterdam]. At Skydive Rotterdam (also called the Flying Dutchman) you can book a tandem skydive or do a complete skydiving course and jump from a height of 3 or 4 kilometers. It's the only skydiving school in the "Randstad" area and the only place in the Netherlands where you can jump over a major city like Rotterdam. When the weather's good you will have a spectacular view over the Rotterdam skyline and other parts of the Randstad area, all the way to the coastline. An '''airplane''' can be rented at reasonable rates at Rotterdam Airport at [http://vliegen.rotterdamsweb.nl/ Happy Wing]. Nice tours above the city, its ports or the coastline are on offer. On summer Sundays, it is possible to lower yourself down from the '''Euromast'''. On last Sundays of summer months you can glide down in 15 seconds on a wire (tokkelen). Both: Not for the faint of heart! Check the website of [http://heightspecialists.nl/abseilen/ Heightspecialists]. ===With children=== [[File:Medusakop op kolom in giraffenweide - Rotterdam - 20348014 - RCE.jpg|thumbnail|right|The historic ''Diergaarde Blijdorp'' is definitely worth a visit]] '''Diergaarde Blijdorp''' (Rotterdam Zoo) in [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk#Q18775796|Kralingen-Crooswijk]] is one of the most popular day trips in the Netherlands. Walk through different parts of the world, seeing interesting animals that feel right at home in an approximation of their natural habitats. The Oceanium is filled with ocean and coastal dwellers, including exotic fish and puffins. '''Miniworld Rotterdam''' in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Do|Centrum]] is the largest indoor model railroad layout of the Netherlands. === Football === : Rotterdam has three professional soccer teams: * [https://www.feyenoord.nl/ '''Feyenoord'''] play in Eredivisie, the top tier. Their home ground is Stadion Feijenoord (capacity 51,000), better known as "De Kuip"; it's often also used for rock concerts and similar events. It's south of the river with its own railway station Rotterdam Stadion. * [https://www.sparta-rotterdam.nl/ '''Sparta Rotterdam'''] also play in Eredivisie. Their home ground is Het Kasteel ("The Castle", capacity 12,000), 3 km west of the centre. * [https://www.sbvexcelsior.nl/ '''SBV Excelsior'''] were relegated in 2024 so they play in Eerste Divisie the second tier. Their Stadion Woudestein (capacity 4500), now called Van Donge & De Roo Stadion, is 2 km east of city centre on the north bank of the river. ===Water sports and yachting=== [[File:Rotterdam kralingse plas.jpg|thumbnail|right|Kralingse Plas]] Being a major harbour and having lots of waterways and lakes, Rotterdam has a lot to offer for water-enthousiasts. Boating: There are four major lakes in Rotterdam. The Kralingse Plas, The double Bergse Plas, the Rottemeren and the Zevenhuizer Plas. All of them have active yachting communities and sometimes sailing races can be seen. The Zevenhuizer plas is mainly populated by Windsurf enthousiasts. Sailing boats can be rented at the Kralingse Plas at the [http://www.henkvangent.nl/ Van Gent sailing school], Plaszoom, a 10-minute walk from Metro Voorschoterlaan (walk through the Julianalaan until you reach Plaszoom). Rowing- and sailing boats can be rented at the windmill at the very end of the eastern Rottekade at [http://www.botenverhuurvanvliet.nl/ Van Vliet's] (Rottemeren, go by car or bike, a very nice ride). Yachting: When visiting Rotterdam with your own yacht you will find that most yachting harbours are on the inland waterways, where there are a lot of them. On the river Maas you will only find the [http://www.citymarinarotterdam.nl/ City Marina], behind a bascule bridge on the southern bank, and the [http://www.veerhavenrotterdam.nl/ Veerhaven], right in the city center on the northern bank. Unless you need the better shelter of the characterless City Marina, go for the admittedly a little choppy Veerhaven marina, very central and scenic. ===Beach=== The closest good beach is about 30 km away at [[Hook of Holland]]. Here you will find a very fine sand beach with good swimming and enough entertainment. To get there, take line {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} to Hoek van Holland Strand, its end point. For a more urban-party beach experience head to [[Scheveningen]] where you can find everything beach-party addicts dream about; Endless rows of beachside bars, restaurants and discothèques and a boulevard along a splendid fine-sand beach. It can get ''very'' crowded here. Take the train to [[Den Haag]] Centraal Station and tram {{rint|denhaag|9}} subsequently. Also at the same coast is Kijkduin, which is very recommended for children. To get there, get {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} to its northern end point, then take bus 24 to Kijkduin. If you want to go to the beach but want to stay in the city, consider taking {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} to its end point, Nesselande and walk across the Corsicalaan from there. You are at the Strand Nesselande. ==Buy== The main shopping areas are in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Buy|Centrum]]. '''Afrikaanderplein Markt''' in [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord#Buy|Feijenoord]] is a market of about 300 stalls geared towards Rotterdam's inhabitants of Antillian, South American or African descent (a lot of whom happen to live nearby). Dutch cheese is very famous, you can get some at grocery stores or wider variety at the marketplace. Other typical Dutch things are ''stroopwafels'', ''hagelslag'' and ''drop'' (liquorice). ==Eat== The area around metrostation ''Blaak'', called '''Oude haven''' (Old Harbour), is not only worth seeing but has also a lot of pubs and restaurants. The Rotterdam dining scene is developing very fast with new restaurants opening very often. While most of the attention focusses on new Michelin-star aspiring places, there is very much a trend towards high quality mid-range restaurants offering French/Dutch cuisine. ==Drink== [[Rotterdam/Centrum#|Centrum]] has a wide variety of bars, coffee shops and music venues. The [http://www.kaapsebrouwers.nl/ Kaapse Brouwers] brewery has four locations around the city. Each location has a whole wall of taps to choose from. They are popular place so waiting lines can be long. ==Sleep== See district articles for listings for camping, hostels and hotels. ==Connect== The telephone country code for the Netherlands is 31, and Rotterdam's city code is 010. In case of an '''Emergency''', dial '''1-1-2''' (free of charge). When staying for a longer time, buy a prepaid sim card for your mobile phone. ==Stay safe== You should take normal precautions against pickpockets and baggage theft, especially in the main shopping streets, at markets, in trams and trains, at stations, and anywhere where tourists congregate. It is not wise to hang around Stadhuisplein when nightlife ends. Fights often occur in this area after midnight. Rotterdam also has a reputation of mass venues getting out of hand, though you shouldn't worry too much about it. If violence breaks out at football festivities (not so unlikely) or at the end of sun soaked festive days, like Kings Day (even less unlikely, especially at the Stadhuisplein), just get out of the way and you're unlikely to be affected. It's advisable not to wear a football jersey of Ajax Amsterdam or any other stuff promoting Ajax or Amsterdam. In terms of general safety, at daylight most areas in the city are safe. But at night, some areas such as Spangen, Charlois and Hillesluis are wise to avoid. When you drive a car with a foreign numberplate (especially if it's a French or Belgian one) you might or will be approached by so-called ''drugsrunners''. This can occur on the motorways surrounding the city and in the city proper. These guys try to lure people to places where drugs are dealt. Do not respond to their signals and do not follow them. ==Go next== If you do not have a car, the hub for leaving the city will probably be '''Rotterdam Centraal''', from where trains leave in all directions at short intervals (you can generally drop in and catch the next train to your destination). Most regional and longer distance buses leave here too, with the exception of most buses to southerly destinations and the province of Zeeland that leave from '''metro station Zuidplein'''. In contrast with the trains, bus departure times should be checked in advance as they can be far and between. For trains to the North and the South travellers can also choose to depart from '''Rotterdam Blaak'''. '''The Hague''' can also be reached easily and rather quickly by metro line E. Nearby destinations like [[Schiedam]] or even [[Delft]] can also be reached by bike if you fancy a somewhat longer ride. Bike routes and directions are well marked and available in abundance. A good idea for a sunny day! Schiedam can be reached by train or by metro (in 15 minutes) too. [[Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region|MRDH]] is the area of the region Rotterdam-Schiedam-Delft-The Hague, see this page for more information on travel and cycling. ===Nearby=== * '''[[Kinderdijk]]''' — a [[UNESCO World Heritage List#Netherlands|UNESCO World Heritage]] site. 19 old windmills are still helping to control the water level there. Windmill #2 is open to the public, allowing you to see its inner workings. In season there is a direct waterbus service from an embankment at the Erasmus bridge (travel time ~1/2 hour). Alternatively, ''Arriva'' bus 90 from bus and metro station ''Zuidplein'' will get you there in 50 minutes. * '''[[Schiedam]]''' — visit the historic centre of this small town at the edge of Rotterdam, including the world's six tallest windmills. Also you can find there the ''Stedelijk Museum'', an attractive museum with some nice modern art exhibitions. Easily reached by bicycle, a train (from ''Rotterdam Centraal'' to ''Schiedam Centrum''), metro A, B or C line to ''Schiedam Centrum'' station, or tram lines 1 or 11 (''Broersvest'' or ''Koemarkt'' stop). ===Day trips=== * '''[[Delft]]''' — this famous town is a 15-minute train ride from ''Rotterdam Centraal''. Very historic and scenic, but also very touristy. * '''[[Dordrecht]]''' — a magnificent historic town with little tourism and an excellent old art museum (Dordrechts Museum). It is a 15-min train ride, or even better, take a ''[http://www.waterbus.nl/halte/dordrecht-merwekade/ waterbus]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''. * '''[[Gouda]]''' — visit this small picturesque postcard-like town and see the magnificent stained glass windows in the ''Sint Janskerk''. Also 20 min by train. * '''[[Delta Works]]''' — a series of construction projects protecting the Southwest of the Netherlands from the sea. The Oosterschelde storm surge barrier is the most impressive, and next to it is ''Neeltje Jans'', a water theme park dedicated to the Delta Works. * '''[[Brielle (Netherlands)|Brielle]]''' — a mediaeval fortified town. The centre is a nice ensemble of old houses and churches, enclosed by the original earthen defensive walls. There are some museums and the Roman Catholic shrine of the Martyrs of Gorcum. Walking around town and fortifications is a treat. You can easily spend a full day in Brielle. Take bus 103 at the ''Spijkenisse Centrum'' metro station. A journey takes about 70 min. * '''[[Schoonhoven]]''' — a nice small town with many well preserved medieval buildings on the ''Lek'' river in a halfway to Utrecht. From Station Capelsebrug, Rotterdam, take a bus 195 (direction Utrecht). A journey takes about 1 hour. * Go to the other cities of the [[Randstad]], e.g. '''[[The Hague]]''' is 1/2 hour by train or metro, '''[[Utrecht]]''' is around 45 min by train, '''[[Amsterdam]]''' about an hour. {{routebox | image1=NL-A15.png | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Brielle (Netherlands)|Brielle]] | minorl1=[[Spijkenisse]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Arnhem]] | minorr1=[[Dordrecht]] | image2=BE-E19.svg | imagesize2=20 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Amsterdam]] | minorl2=[[Delft]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Antwerp]] | minorr2=[[Zwijndrecht]] }} {{usablecity}} {{isPartOf|Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region}} {{geo|51.9239|4.4623|zoom=14}} jmprejktl2u8klvh3jp96qd7cqjcf2i 5087006 5086999 2025-07-03T07:35:05Z LPfi 79572 /* By taxi */ list order - a bit difficult to determine what word should be key, but no reason to have Z first 5087006 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Rotterdam Banner 4.jpg|dotm=yes|unesco=yes}} {{printDistricts}} '''Rotterdam''' is a very large city in the province of [[South Holland]] in the west of the [[Netherlands]]. The city is the second largest in the country with a population of approximately 650,000 inhabitants in the municipality (2020) and about 2.2 million inhabitants in the shared metropolitan area of the [[Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region]] (MRDH). Rotterdam is a vibrant, multicultural city; it is known for its university (Erasmus), cutting-edge architecture, lively cultural life, industrial riverside setting, its maritime heritage and colourful summer events. The municipality stretches all the way to the [[North Sea]] with gigantic areas like '''Europoort''' and '''Maasvlakte 1&2'''. All belong to the '''Port of Rotterdam'''. Starting as a dam constructed in 1270 on the Rotte River, Rotterdam has grown into a major international commercial centre. The port of Rotterdam is Europe's busiest port by cargo tonnage, and was the world's busiest from 1962 until it was surpassed by Shanghai in 2004. Rotterdam's commercial and strategic importance is based on its location near the mouth of the Nieuwe Maas (New Meuse), a channel in the delta formed by the Rhine and Meuse on the North Sea. These rivers lead directly into the centre of Europe, including the industrial Ruhr region, which is why Rotterdam is often called the "Gateway to Europe". Many relatively high buildings (by Dutch standards) have been emerging throughout and around the city centre. Daring and new styles of apartments, office buildings and recreation facilities resulted in Rotterdam becoming a city of modern architecture and the only city in the Netherlands with a modern skyline. Due to this, the city is especially interesting for Dutch people to visit. ==Districts== {{Mapframe|width=660|zoom=10|show=districts}} {{Mapshape|type=page|wikicommons=Rotterdam_Districts.map|group=districts}} {{Regionlist | regionmap= | regionmaptext= | regionmapsize= | region1name=[[Rotterdam/Centrum|Stadsdriehoek]] | region1color=#44aa99 | region1items=Rotterdam Centrum | region1description=Filled with highrise and out-of-the-box architecture, this district forms the heart of Rotterdam and gives the city its characteristic. | region2name=[[Rotterdam/Delfshaven|Delfshaven]] | region2color=#aa4499 | region2items=Delfshaven | region2description=Originally a part of [[Delft]], this town over time grew closer to Rotterdam, leading up to its incorporation in 1886. The former town still has a fair bit of its historic identity. | region3name=[[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk|Kralingen-Crooswijk]] | region3color=#117733 | region3items=Kralingen-Crooswijk, Noord | region3description=Famous for the Kralingse Plas, a large artificial lake and the surrounding park, as well as Blijdorp, the second-oldest still active zoo in the Netherlands. | region4name=[[Rotterdam/Feijenoord|Feijenoord]] | region4color=#ee99aa | region4items=Feijenoord | region4description=Namesake of a Dutch football club, Feijenoord is the heart of the south banks of the Meuse. | region5name=[[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|Northern Rotterdam]] | region5color=#d09440 | region5items=Overschie, Hillegersberg-Schiebroek | region5description=Home to Rotterdam's airport as well as Hilligersberg and the surrounding lakes and forests. | region6name=[[Rotterdam/Capelle en Noordoost|Capelle en Noordoost]] | region6color=#b5d29f | region6items=Prins Alexander, Capelle aan den IJssel | region6description=Largely home to Rotterdam's urban sprawl. | region7name=[[Rotterdam/Nieuwerkerk|Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel]] | region7color=#d56d76 | region7items=Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel | region7description=Though not incorporated into Rotterdam, Nieuwerkerk is largely an extension of the city. It is home to the lowest point of the famously low-lying Netherlands, at {{convert|6.76|m|yd}} below sea level. | region8name=[[Rotterdam/Zuid|Zuid]] | region8color=#6699cc | region8items=Charlois, IJsselmonde | region8description=The southernmost districts of Rotterdam. | region9name=[[Rotterdam/Port of Rotterdam|Port of Rotterdam]] | region9color=#ddcc77 | region9items=Pernis, Rozenburg, Botlek, Europoort, Eerste- en Tweede Maasvlakte | region9description=Best known as the largest seaport of Europe, the Port of Rotterdam has been built within a river delta as well as the sea. | region10name=[[Rotterdam/Hook of Holland|Hook of Holland]] | region10color=#44aa99 | region10items=Hoek van Holland | region10description=Formerly one of the main gateways into the Netherlands from anywhere reachable by ocean-going vessel, nowadays a popular beachfront. | region11name=[[Rotterdam/Albrandswaard|Albrandswaard]] | region11color=#882255 | region11items=Hoogvliet, Poortugaal, Rhoon | region11description=Island on the suburban fringes of Rotterdam, functioning as a suburb both to Rotterdam and [[Spijkenisse]]. }} ==Understand== ===History=== Settlement at the lower end of the fen stream ''Rotte'' dates from at least 900. Around 1150, large floods in the area ended development, leading to the construction of protective dikes and dams. A dam on the Rotte or 'Rotterdam' was built in the 1260s and was at the present-day ''Hoogstraat'' ('High Street'). Although Rotterdam did well after the Middle Ages and in the 'Golden Century' - roughly between 1650 and 1750 - it was not before the second part of the nineteenth century that the city started to develop itself rapidly. Helped by the digging of a new seaway (the Nieuwe Waterweg) Rotterdam was rid of access problems caused by the silting of the river and started receiving ever bigger ships with cargo for/from the booming Ruhrgebiet in Germany. Port related trade and industry skyrocketed, and the city started to draw lots of migrants from the then poor Brabant province, for whom the southern part of the city was constructed. At the turn of the twentieth century Rotterdam was well under way to become the largest economic centre in the Netherlands. It was between then and the second world war that large prestigious construction works were undertaken, in part to show off the new found economic pride. The German army invaded the Netherlands on 10 May 1940. Germany had planned to conquer the country in one day, but after meeting unexpectedly fierce resistance, it finally forced the Dutch army to capitulate on 14 May 1940 by bombing Rotterdam and threatening to bomb other cities. The heart of the city was almost completely destroyed by the German Luftwaffe, and 800 people were killed, while about 80,000 others were made homeless. During the war, Rotterdam was bombed several times during allied raids that were aimed at the harbour area but sometimes also hit the city. The City Hall survived the bombing. Unlike most other European cities however, the City Council did not aim at rebuilding what was lost, but on taking the opportunity to create a 'new' and better city. Damaged but not destroyed old buildings were torn down in the process. From the 1950s through the 1970s, the city was rebuilt. It remained quite windy and open until the city councils from the 1980s on began developing an active architectural policy. Daring and new styles of apartments, office buildings and recreation facilities resulted in a more 'livable' city center with a new skyline. In the 1990s, the ''Kop van Zuid'' was built on the south bank of the river as a new business center. ===Demographics=== In the Netherlands, Rotterdam has the highest percentage of foreigners from non-industrialised nations. Nearly 50% of the population are not native to the Netherlands or have at least one parent born outside the country. Muslims comprise close to 25% of the city's population. The city is also home to one of the largest Cape Verdean communities in the world, as well as the largest Dutch Antillean community. ===Atmosphere=== Rotterdam's culture is distinct from other cities in the Netherlands. The mentality of the people is described as 'can do'. From the waiters you meet to the businessmen and recent immigrants, everybody breathes a dream of getting forward with life. The modern design of the city, the bustle and the spree of buildings all add to this impression. That said, you might also find that people are sometimes too straight with you. And yes, the city is not the cosiest, or the most picturesque of towns, especially on drab winter days. But get acquainted with this small metropolis, easiest done on one of the festival days with nice weather. You will come to love it. [[File:Rotterdam haringvliet in winter.jpg|thumbnail|right|Winters in Rotterdam are moist and can be freezingly cold, but just as well uniquely beautiful]] ===Climate=== {{climate chart | Rotterdam |1.3|6.4|71 |1.1|7.1|66 |2.4|10.3|57 |4.8|14.3|42 |8.1|17.9|56 |11.0|20.6|69 |13.2|22.7|79 |12.9|22.6|92 |10.5|19.3|90 |7.2|14.9|87 |3.9|10.2|88 |1.4|7.0|86 |units = metric |float = right |clear = none |source = Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute}} Rotterdam gains a lot of charm when the sun is shining. Visiting in spring or summer may be more enjoyable than during the dark rainy winter. The summer months see temperatures averaging around {{c|22}} during the day and {{c|14}} at night; though temperatures near or above {{c|28}} during the day and {{c|16}} at night are not unheard of during heat waves. Daylight runs from 05:30 until 22:00 in the summer, and only between 08:45 and 16:30 in the winter. ===Tourist information=== *{{listing | type=listing | name=Rotterdam Tourist Information Coolsingel | alt=VVV | url=https://en.rotterdam.info/ | email=info@rotterdam.info | address=Coolsingel 114, 3011 AG Rotterdam | lat=51.918860 | long=4.481239 | directions=Metro {{rint|Rotterdam|A}} {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} : Beurs, at the garden of the Schielandshuis | phone=+31 10 790 01 85 | tollfree= | hours=09:30-18:00 | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=This well equipped and modern tourist office can provide loads of information like city maps, small guide books, souvenirs and the like, and offers tips and information on what to see and do in Rotterdam. Rotterdam.info also sells Rotterdam Welcome Cards, concert tickets, gift certificate, souvenirs, public transport tickets and parking vouchers. Check the website for upcoming events. }} *{{listing | type=listing | name=Rotterdam Tourist Information Central Station | alt=VVV | url= | email= | address=Stationsplein 21, 3013 AJ Rotterdam | lat=51.92410 | long=4.47030 | directions=main entrance, in the central hall of the central station | phone=+31 107900185 | tollfree= | hours=09:30-18:00 | price= | lastedit=2019-07-21 | content=With help from the service desk, a wide range of tourist information folders and the employees, you can find out what part of the city you would like to visit. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=Rotterdam Welcome Card | alt= | url=https://en.rotterdam.info/visitors-info/rotterdam-welcome-card/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=1 day (€13.50), 2 days (€19.50), or 3 days (€24.50) | lastedit=2022-07-27 | content= The card allows for unlimited use of all public transport by RET in the city and region, and offers at least 25% discounts on more than 50 attractions, museums, and restaurants. Available at Rotterdam Info (VVV) points and other locations. Without public transport, the card costs €6.00. }} ==Get in== ===By plane=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Rotterdam The Hague Airport | alt={{IATA|RTM}} | url=http://www.rotterdamthehagueairport.nl/en | email= | address= | lat=51.951248 | long=4.443541 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Rotterdam The Hague Airport | image=Rotterdam airport luchtfoto.jpg | wikidata=Q656807 | lastedit=2016-06-07 | content=It is the 3rd largest airport in the country. It is 6 km north of the city centre. There are direct flights from cities in [[Germany]], [[Italy]], [[France]], [[Spain]], and the [[United Kingdom]]. Commercial airlines that operate to the airport include Transavia, Lufthansa, British Airways, and Turkish Airlines. }} ====Services==== * {{listing|type=go | name=VVV Rotterdam-The Hague Airport information point | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rotterdam Airportplein 60 | lat= | long= | directions=at the arrivals hall | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= 07:30-23:45 | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=Come here if you have questions about Rotterdam. The place to hear history. The gift shop is open 09:30-18:00. }} ====How to reach==== To plan a trip (for all public transport in the Netherlands) see [https://9292.nl/en 9292.nl]{{Dead link|date=December 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} Depending on the amount of travel with public transit in The Netherlands it is possible to buy a so called ''[[OV-Chipkaart]]'' or it may be more convemient to pay with a contactless credit or debit card by touching in & touching out on each trip. see for more information under ''Get Around.'' ;By bus/metro * {{listing | type=go | name=Bus 33 | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-06-30 | content=Connects the airport with ''Meijersplein/Airport'' metro station, from where you can take metro line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} to ''Slinge'' (for ''Rotterdam Centraal'' and Rotterdam city center).See for more information the ''By Metro'' section under ''Get Around''. Bus 33 also connects to Rotterdam Centraal station via the Overschie district. }} * {{listing | name=Bus 300 | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= 15 July - 20 September, Fr-Mo only| price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-06-30 | content=Direct service to ''Rotterdam Centraal''. No stops in between. }} ;By taxi * {{listing|type=go | name=Rotterdam Airport Taxi | alt= | url=http://www.rotterdam-airport-taxi.nl | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +31 10 262 04 06| tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-06-07 | content=Recommended by the airport web site. }} ====Other close airports==== * [[Schiphol Airport| Amsterdam Schiphol Airport]] ({{IATA|AMS}}) is 58 km north of Rotterdam and has much more flights than the Rotterdam airport. '''NS (Dutch Railways)''' operates ''[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/special-routes/intercity-direct.html Intercity Direct]'' high-speed rail service, every 30 minutes to Rotterdam. The journey takes 27 minutes. You have to pay an addition for the journey from Schiphol to Rotterdam, so regular intercities in direction Rotterdam Centraal and Rotterdam Blaak are cheaper (but slower) (these intercities also call at Schiphol). * [[Eindhoven#By plane| Eindhoven Airport]] ({{IATA|EIN}}) is 106 km southeast of Rotterdam. Ryanair and Wizzair operate flights to this airport. Take a bus to Eindhoven Centraal (approximately 20 minutes, the intercity train to Rotterdam Centraal takes about 63 minutes. * [[Brussels Airport]] ({{IATA|BRU}}) is 140 km south of Rotterdam. Many international carriers operate flights to this airport. The [https://www.b-europe.com/EN/Trains/InterCity train from Brussels] takes about 120 minutes and costs €35. Buses are also available, although less frequent. [[File:Rtd CS-III.JPG|thumbnail|right|Rotterdam Centraal has been completely reconstructed and now features a striking roof over the main concourse]] ===By train=== {{seealso|Rail travel in the Netherlands}} ==== International connections ==== * {{go | name=Rotterdam Centraal | alt= | url=https://www.ns.nl/stationsinformatie/rtd/rotterdam-centraal | email= | address= | lat=51.925 | long=4.469444 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q801388 | lastedit=2018-04-10 | content=The station is served by high-speed trains from [[Belgium]], [[France]] and the [[United Kingdom]]. }} **'''[http://www.thalys.com Thalys]''' operates [[high-speed trains]] from [[Antwerp]] (Antwerpen-Centraal, 35 min), [[Brussels]] (Brussel-Zuid/Midi, 1 hr 12 min), [[Paris]] (Gare du Nord, 2 hr 37 min) and [[Lille]] (Lille-Europe, 1 hr 55 min). Book well in advance to secure the best ticket deals. A cheaper but slower alternative to Thalys is the [https://www.b-europe.com/EN/Trains/InterCity Intercity Brussels] service between Amsterdam and Brussels. **Coming from Germany, Rotterdam Centraal can only be reached by changing trains in the Netherlands. When travelling on the German high-speed train '''[https://www.bahn.com/en/view/trains/long-distance/ice-ice-sprinter.shtml?dbkanal_007=L04_S02_D002_KIN0059_FLYOUT-ZUGFLOTTE-ICE_LZ01 ICE]{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' from [[Cologne]], [[Düsseldorf]] and [[Oberhausen]], the exchange will be in [[Utrecht]] Centraal station, and coming from [[Berlin]], [[Hanover]], [[Osnabrück]] (with the '''[https://www.bahn.com/en/view/trains/long-distance/intercity-eurocity.shtml?dbkanal_007=L04_S02_D002_KIN0059_FLYOUT-ZUGFLOTTE-IC_LZ01 DB-intercity]{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''') it is advisable to change at [[Amersfoort]]. Intercity-trains to Rotterdam depart from both Utrecht and Amersfoort. ** '''[http://www.eurostar.com Eurostar]''' runs a daily high speed service from [[London]] St Pancras International to Rotterdam Centraal. Prices start at £35 one way. The journey time is about 3 hr 30 min, but you must arrive at the station at least 90 minutes before departure in order to clear the extra border controls caused by COVID restrictions and Brexit. ==== National connections ==== The Dutch railway company NS runs high-speed ''[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/special-routes/intercity-direct.html Intercity Direct]'' trains between [[Amsterdam]], [[Amsterdam Airport Schiphol|Schiphol]], Rotterdam and [[Breda]]. The train stops only at those four stations and shaves 25-30 minutes in journey time between Amsterdam and Schiphol and Rotterdam versus the regular Intercity and Sprinter trains that stop in between. Beware that you have to pay a supplement (€2.60 during peak hours, €1.56 outside peak hours) to use the Intercity direct line to travel to Rotterdam if your journey involves Schiphol, (i.e. Amsterdam-Rotterdam journeys are subject to this supplement). You can purchase this supplement by tapping an anonymous or personal OV-chipkaart on a designated red pole found on the platform. Those without an anonymous or personal OV-chipkaart can use the ticketing machines or the NS website to purchase the supplement, however the discount may not be applicable to supplements purchased this way. Most unlimited day tickets including the Holland Travel Ticket can be used to travel on the Intercity Direct but a supplement purchase is still required. Thalys also offers seats for passengers travelling from Amsterdam to Rotterdam. The journey is less than 40 minutes, slightly faster than the Intercity Direct. However, reservations/advance bookings are required and most unlimited day tickets recognised by NS cannot be used on Thalys. Rotterdam is also well served by NS from other parts of the [[Netherlands]], with direct connections to [[Delft]], [[Amsterdam]], [[Eindhoven]], [[Gouda]], [[Leiden]], [[The Hague]], [[Utrecht]] and [[Vlissingen]]. Some intercities and sprinters also stop at '''[https://www.ns.nl/stationsinformatie/rtb/rotterdam-blaak Rotterdam Blaak]''' station which is in the middle of the city center. This station is also frequented by trams and metro. See also the [[Netherlands#Get in Netherlands]] page for further information on national rail. Alternatively, Rotterdam's Metro line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} provides a connection for passengers coming from [[The Hague]] at Den Haag Centraal. The journey from Den Haag Centraal to Rotterdam Centraal costs €4.43 with an anonymous or personalised OV-chipkaart, which is marginally cheaper than an NS journey (€4.90) between the same points but takes about five minutes longer to complete the journey. ===By bus=== * {{listing|type=go | name=Flixbus | alt= | url=https://www.flixbus.com/bus/rotterdam| email= | address=(bus stop) Rotterdam Centraal @ Conradstraat 52 | lat= | long= | directions=International bus stop platform 'GG' at Rotterdam Centraal. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-07-20 | content=Serving both domestic and international routes. They also have an extra stop at Rotterdam Zuidplein @ Gooilandsingel }} ===By boat=== ==== Ferries from [[England]] (UK) ==== You can also get to Rotterdam by [[Ferries to the British Mainland|ferry from the United Kingdom]]. No ferries arrive in the center. * '''[http://www.poferries.com P&O Ferries]''' has a daily overnight sailing from [[Kingston Upon Hull]] to Rotterdam Europoort. From Rotterdam Europoort P&O Ferries operates a shuttle bus service that takes you to the city center of Rotterdam. Please book this shuttle service while you book your sailing. * '''[http://www.stenaline.com StenaLine]''' has a daily day and a daily overnight sailing from [[Harwich (England)|Harwich]] to [[Hook of Holland]]. Next to the port is ''Hoek van Holland Haven'' metro station. Line B brings you to the city centre in approximately 30 minutes. * '''[http://www.dfdsseaways.co.uk/ferry-routes/holland/newcastle-to-amsterdam DFDS Seaways]''' has a daily overnight ferry crossing from Newcastle to Amsterdam. You can drive to Rotterdam in approx. 50 minutes. ==== Waterbus ==== [[File:ENI 02324345 ALBLAS (14).JPG|thumbnail|right|A WaterBus near [https://www.cityguiderotterdam.com/things-to-do/sights/old-harbour-rotterdam/ Oude Haven (Old Harbour)]]]The '''[http://www.waterbus.nl WaterBus]''' services provide connections between Rotterdam and the ''Drechtsteden'' ([[Dordrecht]] and surrounding cities, including [[UNESCO World Heritage List|UNESCO-site]] - the world-famous windmills - [[Kinderdijk]]). ===By metro=== Coming from [[The Hague]] or somewhere in between it can be advisable to use metroline {{rint|Rotterdam|E}}, see for more information the page about the [[Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region|whole region]]. ===By car=== [[File:Rotterdam Auto 01.JPG|thumbnail|right|Finding a good spot to park can be a problem in central Rotterdam]] Rotterdam is easily reached by car. From Amsterdam take the A4 South to Rotterdam Haven. From Utrecht take the A12 and change to the A20 just after [[Gouda]] on knooppunt Gouwe. Traffic congestion on highways is common during peak hours (morning and evening commutes). You can pay for '''on-street parking''' with debit and credit card. Remember your license plate number. Parking regulations are enforced regularly. '''[https://parkereninrotterdam.nl Parking garages]{{Dead link|date=April 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' can be easily found by following the sign-marked P-route. The easiest way to pay is by credit card, just insert your card on the way in, and insert it again on the way out, and the total time is automatically deducted. You can also pay with cash or debit card. '''Park & Ride (P&R)''' facilities outside the center of Rotterdam offer free or cheap parking with public transport connections into the city center. For some locations (Slinge A15, Kralingse Zoom A16/E19 and Alexander A20/E25), you can park for free if you have a valid check-out on your public transport card (OV-chipkaart). === By bike === As a Dutch city Rotterdam is well connected to extense (inter)national bicycle networks which use all kinds of infrastructural facilities. Most attractive for tourist to cycle over longer distances are the so called '''LF-routes'''. So the city center is croshed by '''LF2 Stedenroute ''(City Route)''''' from Amsterdam to Brussels and '''LF12 Maas- en Vestingroute''' follows the flow of river Maas all the way from The East. See for more information [http://www.holland.com/global/tourism/discover-holland/cycling/bicycle-route-planner.htm Bicycle Route Planner]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}: ''sellect more options and LF-Routes.'' ==Get around== {{Mapframe|51.9152|4.4791|zoom=14|layer=W|name=Map of Rotterdam (metro lines have thicker strokes than tram lines)}} {{Mapshapes|Q691704}} <!--Metro--> {{Mapshapes|Q1429091|stroke-width=2}} <!--Tram--> '''[https://www.ret.nl/en RET]''' operates the buses, trams, and metro within the city. You could find a journey planner and some [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret/maps.html network maps] there. Alternatively you'd use the pan-Netherlands journey planner – [https://9292.nl/en 9292.nl]. Transport generally arrives every 10 minutes during the day. Free Wi-Fi is available in some trams, buses and metro lines, and on the busier metro stations, you just need to accept the terms of use. ===Tickets=== You can [https://www.ovpay.nl/en use your contactless bank card]{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} to pay for any public transport that also accepts the [[OV-chipkaart]]. This system is called OV-Pay and is the most convenient way to travel. Debit and credit cards from Maestro, V PAY, Mastercard and Visa are supported. As anywhere else in the country OV-chipkaart can still be used to pay all kinds of public transport. The card costs €8.50 and you'd need to keep a positive balance there for at least €4. For using buses and trams, checking in and out has to be done in the vehicle, while for train and metro use the gates or card-reader poles at the entrance of the stations. Alternatively one of the city's transport travel cards could be used: * {{listing | name=RET travel cards | alt= | url=https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travel-products/products-and-fares.html | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=2 hours - €5.00; 1 (calendar) day - €11.00 | lastedit=2025-01-21 | content=To travel by bus, tram and metro with RET. Can be purchased via the RET Barcode app, at ticket machines in metro stations and at RET Sales and Information points. For children under 12 and age 65 and up there is a reduced price. The 1-day ticket is not a 24-hour ticket: it is only valid on the day of the first check-in, until 04:00 of the early morning the next day. Tickets are not sold on bus and tram anymore; use your bank card to check in instead. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=Tourist Day Ticket: Rotterdam & The Hague region | alt= | url=http://www.touristdaytickets.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=€17.00 for one day | lastedit=2025-01-21 | content=Unlimited travel on local transport (bus, tram, metro and waterbus. Note: trains excluded) in the Rotterdam and the Hague region. Available from ticket machines and service counters of RET and at tourist information. Ticket is valid for travel with RET, HTM, HTMbuzz, Arriva, Connexxion, EBS, QBuzz and Waterbus in South Holland. }} * [[#Rotterdam Welcome Card|Rotterdam Welcome Card]] also allows for unlimited use of public transport with RET in the city and region. Note that tickets must be purchased in advance, there is no ticket sale on board of bus, tram and metro. ===By metro=== [[Image:Metro Rotterdam future.svg|thumb|Rotterdam Metro reaches as far as [[the Hague]].]] There are 5 metro lines in the city. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|A}}, {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|C}}, share tracks between ''Schiedam Centrum'' and ''Capelsebrug'' and offer an east-west connection. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} share tracks between ''Rotterdam Centraal'' and ''Slinge'' and offer a north-south connection. Interchange between all lines is possible on ''Beurs'' station in the city center. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|A}}, {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|C}} operate every 10 minutes on working days and Saturday, which allows 3-4 minute intervals on the main section between ''Schiedam Centrum'' and ''Capelsebrug''. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} operate every 10 minutes on working days and Saturday, which give shorter intervals between ''Rotterdam Centraal'' and ''Slinge''. In the evening, on Saturday morning and Sunday the service is reduced to a 15-minute interval. The Rotterdam Metro operates from 05:30 until 00:00. On weekends the opening time is not until 07:00 Saturday, and 08:15 on Sunday. On Friday and Saturday nights the service is extended for a bit longer past midnight, but not on some parts of line B and E. See the [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret/time-table/metro/weekend-metro.html Weekend metro] page for an overview. For tourists the most important metro stations are: '''Line A, B and C''' (East-West branch) * '''Blaak''': train station, interchange with trams and busses, cube houses, Markthal, ports * '''Beurs''': city center, shops, interchange with metro {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} * '''Eendrachtsplein''': museumpark * '''Coolhaven''': [https://euromast.nl/ Euromast] * '''Delfshaven''': historic port '''Line D and E''' (North-South branch) * '''Meijerplein''': bus service to Rotterdam The Hague Airport '''''(only line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}})''''' * '''Blijdorp:''' [https://www.diergaardeblijdorp.nl/en/ Rotterdam Zoo] '''''(only line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}})''''' * '''Rotterdam Centraal''': northern edge of the city centre, interchange with trams and buses, train station * '''Beurs''': city centre, shops, interchange with metro {{rint|Rotterdam|A}}, {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|C}} * '''Leuvehaven''': ports, museums, Erasmus Bridge, Waterbus * '''Wilhelminaplein:''' Erasmus Bridge, Cruise Terminal Rotterdam, [http://www.hotelnewyork.com/ hotel New York] * '''Rijnhaven:''' Katendrecht, bus service to SS Rotterdam ===By tram=== There are nine tram lines in the city. Each tram has a conductor. Tram stops provide a detailed map of the public transport system for on-the-go route-finding. Most lines operate every 10 minutes on workdays, with a more frequent service during rush hours on some lines. All trams except {{rint|Rotterdam|2}} will stop at ''Rotterdam Centraal'', the main train station of Rotterdam. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|1}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|11}}''' run from the suburbs in the [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|northwest]] to De Esch in [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk|Kralingen]], via [[Schiedam]], the north of [[Delfshaven]], and the city centre. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|2}}''' runs on the south side of the rivers, through the districts of [[Rotterdam/Zuid|Charlois, IJsselmonde]] and [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|3}}''' starts at the central station, and connects to the south bank via Feijenoord, IJsselmonde and [[Rotterdam/Zuid|Beverwaard]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|4}}''' starts from Heemsraadplein, connecting to much of the city centre and the neighbourhoods to its west, before connecting to [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|Hillegersberg]] via the central station, and Noord/Crooswijk. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|5}}''' originates from the central station, running to the south bank via Feijenoord and suburbs, before terminating in [[Barendrecht]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|6}}''' runs from Heemsraadplein to Kleiweg, just north of the A20 highway, running parallel with line 4 up to Rotterdam Noord railway station. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|7}}''' starts at Marconiplein, where the metro and lines 1, 8 and 11 meet, to Woudestein where it meets lines 1 and 11 again, via the central station and Erasmus University. Between Weena and Woudestein, lines 1 and 11 follow a more direct route via the Stadhuis, Beurs, Blaak and Oostplein metro stations, while line seven heads north via [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk|Crooswijk and Kralingen]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|8}}''', lastly, comes from [[Delfshaven|Spangen]], and then continues through most of Delfshaven roughly following the river up to Eendrachtsplein in [[Rotterdam/Centre|Cool]], from where it joins the main tram corridor through the city centre, to eventually terminate in [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|Schiebroek]]. * '''Line 12''' operates during football matches in the Kuip stadion only. ===By bus=== '''RET''' operates bus services across the city. Night bus service (BOB-bus) has been cancelled. Buses operated by '''[http://www.arriva.nl Arriva]''' and '''[http://www.connexxion.nl Connexxion]''' connect the city with suburbs. Use the front door when boarding a bus. ===By water taxi=== * {{listing | name=Watertaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=http://www.watertaxirotterdam.nl | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 10 403 03 03 | tollfree= | hours= | price=€ | lastedit=2022-07-27 | content=Rotterdam was built on a number of islands and if you want to travel from shore to shore, the nicest way to go is to take a '''Water Taxi'''. Fixed fares for rides between 50 docks in Rotterdam and Schiedam, with 3 fares zones, starting at €4.50 per person in the central zone. You can give them a call, or use the online tool to see availability and book a ride. It is advised to book in advance, especially on days with large events in the city. }} ===By taxi=== If you do need a taxi you will have to find yourself a taxi rank or call a taxi company. There is a minimum taxi fare of €2.30 (first it was {{EUR|7.50}} which included the first two kilometres). Additionally, each subsequent kilometre is charged €2.20. * {{go | name=Botlektaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://botlektaxi.nl | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 10 666 66 06 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-01-19 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Rotterdamse Taxi Centrale RTC N.V. | url=http://www.rtcnv.nl | phone=+31 10 462 60 60 }} * {{listing | name=Coöperatieve Taxi Onderneming St. Job u.a. | url=http://www.st-job.nl | phone=+31 10 425 70 00 }} * {{listing | name=Rolstoeltaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.rolstoeltaxirotterdam.nl | phone=+31 10 818 28 23 }} * {{listing | name=Taxi Rotterdam 010 | alt= | url=https://taxirotterdam010.nl | phone=+31 10 261 31 88 }} * {{listing | name=Rotterdamse Taxi | alt= | url= https://www.rotterdamsetaxi.nl | phone=+31 10 261 31 22 }} * {{listing | name=Stadstaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.stadstaxirotterdam.nl| phone=+31 10 818 28 23 }} * {{listing | name=Zorgtaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.zorgtaxirotterdam.nl | phone=+31 10 818 28 23 }} ===By tuk-tuk=== * {{listing | name=Tuk Tuk Company | alt= | url=http://www.tuktukcompany.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 9009933399 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-05-23 | content=A Thai-influenced transportation service using three-wheeled, open-air (but covered) motorized vehicles called Tuk Tuk offers a more economical and fast way to get around the city centre when compared to taxis. Tuk-tuk pricing is based on a zone system. Within a zone, a ride is €3.50 per person, €5 for 2 persons and €6.50 for 3. If you go to another zone, €3.50 is added (irrespective of number of persons). This service is handy if it is past the regular tram/bus/metro service hours (approximately half past midnight). }} ===By bicycle=== Like any city in The Netherlands, Rotterdam is very, very bicycle-friendly. Getting around by bike is probably the fastest way of travel within the city. There are separate bike lanes on most major streets and there are separate traffic lights for bicyclists. Avoid getting your tire in the tram rails: always cross tram rails at an angle. Of course it is also strongly advisable to watch out for other traffic at all time. On the other hand bicyclists can rely on the fact that motorists and pedestrians are aware of bikes. Always lock your bike securely when leaving it (preferably chained to a fixed object) or go to a guarded bicycle parking station. ==== Rent a bike==== At Rotterdam Centraal, you can rent bicycles at the shop in the underground bicycle parking, below the Station square. Leave the station at the front, exit 'Stationsplein'. The entrance of the bicycle parking ('fietsenstalling', with the glass roof) is at your right, in front of grand cafe Engels. Use-it, rents out nice Kronan bikes (Schaatsbaan 41-45, leave Central Station towards the center. Turn right at restaurant Engels and take the 2nd right). Bikes can be rented by several other private companies. Holland-Cycling.com provides a list of [http://www.holland-cycling.com/rotterdam/getting-around-rotterdam/bicycle-rental-in-rotterdam addresses]. Another list you will find at [https://www.rotterdam.nl/vrije-tijd/fiets-huren/ Rotterdam.nl]{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. If you have a personal (rather than an anonymous) [[OV-chipkaart]], bicycles can be rented at many train and metro stations and other central locations by the [http://www.ns.nl/en/door-to-door/ov-fiets OV-fiets system]. ==== Guarded bicycle parking ==== * The larger train stations have their own guarded bicycle parking. * Rotterdam municipality has also [https://www.rotterdam.nl/fietsparkeren some free locations]. ==See== ===Landmarks=== [[File:VN5 HDR2.jpg|thumbnail|right|The Van Nellefabriek is regarded as a prime example of the ''International Style'']] Rotterdam has national notoriety for its architecture, and the city therefore is dotted with landmarks of all sorts. Most of them you will find in the [[Rotterdam/Centrum|city centre]], but [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord|Feijenoord]] is also quite dense with them. Rotterdam is known for some bridges, not in the last place the '''Erasmusbrug''', spanning the Nieuwe Maas between the city centre and Feijenoord. Also of historical importance is the former railway lifting bridge '''De Hef''', slightly upstream from the Erasmusbrug. '''Historical landmarks''' are somewhat rare to come across in Rotterdam's city centre, but the city itself isn't completely devoid of them. In the city centre, the 1920 '''City hall''' and the '''Great or Saint-Laurence church''', both survivors of the 1940 bombardment. Rotterdam is also home to the country's oldest known bronze statue, depicting Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam and dating from 1622. It is found opposite the Saint-Laurence church. '''De Verwoeste Stad''' (Destroyed City) is a cubist statue depicting a man in agony who just lost his heart (symbol of the bombed city centre). Feijenoord, despite being home to many modern redevelopments, houses some historical landmarks such as the '''former headquarters of the Holland-Amerikalijn'''. Also worth visiting are the '''Oude Haven''' (''Old Harbour'') and the nearby '''Witte Huis''' (''White House'') and '''Schielandshuis'''. '''Industrial landmarks''' are plenty in a city that mostly thrives off of harbour activities. Besides the many industrial sites found in the [[Rotterdam/Port of Rotterdam|Port of Rotterdam]], the '''Van Nellefabriek''' in [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|the north of the city]] is a listed UNESCO site. [[File:Erasmusbrug seen from Euromast.jpg|thumbnail|right|The modern skyline of Rotterdam can be truly appreciated from the Euromast.]] The skyline of Rotterdam can, of course, be observed from one of the many skyscrapers in the city - though you should probably book a hotel located in a skyscraper or find one with a publicly accessible roof, as trespass isn't welcomed. Another great site for views over the city though, is the '''Euromast''' on the border between the [[Rotterdam/Centrum|city centre]] and [[Rotterdam/Delfshaven|Delfshaven]], twice in its history the highest building of the Netherlands. For a relatively small entry fee, you can climb the tower or for a larger sum, you can dine inside of it. For those less comfortable with great heights though, a birds-eye overview of the city can also be obtained at '''Miniworld Rotterdam''', near the central station. The city is also well-known for its experimental and out-of-the-ordinary architecture, often being a testing ground for new concepts. A prime example of this are the '''Kubuswoningen''' (''Cube Houses'') at [[Rotterdam/Centrum|Blaak]]; one has been set aside as a museum, offering a view of the unique perspective and custom furniture that comes with living in one of the houses. Also striking are the '''Markthal''', harbour-crane inspired sculptures at the '''Schouwburgplein''' and the '''Koopgoot''', all found in the city centre. '''Historic churches:''' in the Netherlands churches are generally closed to visitors on Sundays. === Other sites === [[File:Rotterdam Erasmusbrug bij avond vanaf hoek Veerhaven-Westerkade.jpg|thumb|Erasmus bridge of Rotterdam]] [[File:Schielandshuis.jpg|thumbnail|right|Schielandshuis today stands surrounding by modern glass and steel buildings]] [[Image:Oude Haven (Rotterdam) 2011.jpg|thumb|"Het witte huis" in Old Harbour]] The area around the [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Other sites|'''Station Rotterdam Blaak''']] was destroyed by a Nazi bombardment during World War II. After the war this area was populated with some bold examples of modern architecture. The '''Kubuswoningen''' are literally cubes, tilted over by 45 degrees. '''Oude Haven''' (Old Harbour) is a nice place to see and sit at some café nearby. '''Witte Huis''' is a "skyscraper" built in 1898. '''Het Schielandshuis''' is the only remaining 17th-century building in the city centre of Rotterdam. [[File:Delfshaven Rotterdam (the Netherlands) 17.JPG|thumb|The old barges moored at the Delfshaven]] [[Rotterdam/Delfshaven|'''Delfshaven''']] is one of very few locations in the city which survived World War II bombings. Historic Delfshaven is a very scenic walk. It consists of an 17th-century area around two canals with a lot of charm. By day visit little shops in this neighbourhood, by night attractive pubs and restaurants make the visit worthwhile. * '''Chinatown''' in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Other sites|Centrum]] is full of Chinese restaurants and also Indonesian and other Asian restaurants. [[File:Rotterdam molens De Ster (l) en De Lelie (r) - tegenlicht.jpg|thumbnail|right|''De Ster'' and ''De Lelie'' at dusk]] ===Windmills=== Rotterdam has only seven windmills left. Of these, only ''De Ster'' and ''De Lelie'' in [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk#See|Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk]] are open to visitors on a regular basis. Other windmills are open to visitors when the mill is turning (easy enough to see), but there are some exceptions to this rule of thumb. A blue flag also indicates that the mill is open to visitors. Look for De Prinsenmolen, De Vier Winden, and De Speelman windmills in [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam#Windmills|Northern Rotterdam]] and De Zandweg in [[Rotterdam/Zuid#See|Rotterdam Zuid]]. ===Museums=== [[File:Overzicht achtergevel - Rotterdam - 20534511 - RCE.jpg|thumbnail|right|Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen]] [[Netherlands#Museumkaart|Museumkaart]] is accepted at the city's museums. The Museumpark area in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Museums|Centrum]] has many of the city's museums. '''Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen''' houses a rich, broad collection including masterpieces ranging from Pieter Brueghel the Elder's ''The "little" Tower of Babel'' (1563) to an important collection of surrealism, prominently featuring Salvador Dalí and René Magritte. '''Sylvette''' is a large work by Pablo Picasso was erected in 1973. It is one of the elaborations Picasso made based on the portraits of his muse Sylvette David. Definitely worth a look. '''Kunsthal''' houses some 25 exhibitions annually with a fascinating and widely varied repertoire. Het Nieuwe Instituut museum includes the '''Museum voor Architectuur, Design en Digitale cultuur''', a museum for architecture,deesign and digital culture, and '''Huis Sonneveld''', a building in the Bauhaus style. '''Chabot Museum''' is a neat little museum is housed in a splendid modernist 1930s villa. It houses a collection of works of the expressionist painter Hendrik Chabot. '''Natuurhistorisch Museum''' has changing expositions and a fixed collection of mammals, plants and fossils. The city has two maritime museums. The '''Maritiem Museum''' has a variety of expositions about the harbour of Rotterdam and maritime history, and a restored 19th-century gunboat that is a must-see for naval enthusiasts. The '''Mariniersmuseum''' shows the history of the centuries-old Narine Corps and its modern-day role. Special attention is given to the heroic role of the corps in the 1940 defence of Rotterdam. ====Other museums==== [[File:Façade Witte de With Center for Contemporary Art.jpg|thumbnail|right|Witte de With Center]] In [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Other museums|Centrum]], you can visit '''Museum Rotterdam''', which is dedicated to the modern day Rotterdam and its history; the '''Museum of Chess-Pieces''', which houses a diverse collection of chess games from ancient Chinese to cartoon characters; the '''Wereldmuseum''' (World Arts Museum), which focuses on encounters and cross-cultural inspiration; and '''Witte de With''' (Centre for Contemporary Arts). [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord#Q2191118|'''Nederlands Fotomuseum''']] shows the diversity of forms of photography, especially as a medium of social expression and commentary. [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk#Q2351733|'''SSN Museumstoomdepot''']] features old steam locomotives and trains. Besides a small museum it's a workshop where you can see restoration in progress. ==Do== [[File:Overzicht - Rotterdam - 20534496 - RCE.jpg|thumbnail|right|''De Doelen'' concert hall in Schouwbourgplein]] Upcoming events and performances are listed on the VVV and Use-it websites. The larger events are well documented on the VVV site, for smaller venues check Use-it (under Calendar) for a very attractive and well updated listing of music, expositions, movies and parties that need checking out. The [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Do|Uitburo office]] inside the Central Library provides information on theatre and music performances. It also sells tickets and offers an overview of performances that can be visited for free (''gratis''). ===Events=== [[File:North Sea Jazz Festival 2012 - ALOE BLACC.jpg|thumbnail|right|In July, you can enjoy the ''North Sea Jazz'' festival]] Rotterdam plays host to a lot of events, a lot of them yearly ones. Besides these there are a lot smaller ones that can be very nice, so ask around and check the VVV website. A few of these yearly events to name: * {{do | name=Six Days of Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.wielerzesdaagserotterdam.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2293105 | lastedit=2024-12-26 | content=A cycling competition in early December. }} * {{do | name=IFFR | alt= | url=http://www.filmfestivalrotterdam.com/en/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The International Film Festival Rotterdam, which mainly features independent films from all over the world in February. }} * {{do | name=Art Rotterdam | alt= | url=http://www.artrotterdam.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=In February, you can see (and buy) masterpieces of modern art. }} * {{do | name=World tennis Tournament | alt= | url=http://www.abnamrowtt.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=In February. }} * On the '''[http://www.rotterdamsemuseumnacht.nl/ Rotterdam Museum Night]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' in March, nearly all Rotterdam museums and galleries open their doors in the evening with special events. * {{do | name=Motel Mozaique | alt= | url=http://motelmozaique.nl/en/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Music, art & performance. Plus a sleeping project that enables sleeping in art or on special locations in Rotterdam (April) }} * [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Q1341108|'''Rotterdam Marathon''']], internationally reputed as a very fast marathon, is held in April in Centrum. * {{do | name=Poetry International | alt= | url=http://www.poetry.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Festival in June. }} * '''Metropolis Festival''' (music) on the first Sunday in July. * The sublime '''[http://www.northseajazz.com/ North Sea Jazz]''' festival in July with loads of worldfamous artists. * {{do | name=Summer Carnival | alt= | url=http://www.zomercarnaval.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A huge Caribbean-oriented parade and party in the city centre. }} * {{do | name=Heerlijk Rotterdam | alt= | url=http://www.heerlijkrotterdam.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Three day event where you can sample dishes from Michelin-star restaurants for a reduced price (dates vary, summer edition usually late August) }} * The '''[http://wereldhavendagen.nl/en/ World Port Days]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' a weekend full of activities centred around the large harbour of Rotterdam (early September) * The classical music '''[http://www.gergievfestival.nl/ Gergjev]''' festival in September, led by master-conductor Valery Gergjev. * The '''[http://www.rotterdamseoogst.nl/ Rotterdam Harvest Festival]''' in September. * '''Bazar Curieux''' (music) in December For full listings of events check [http://www.rotterdam.info/uk/ Rotterdam.info] and [http://www.use-it.nl/ Use-it]{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. === Tours === Several tours can be found in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Tours|Centrum]], including the tourist '''tram line 10''' through the city centre and historic parts of Rotterdam on classic trams; the '''Spido harbour trip''' through the first 8 km of the harbour; and De pannenkoekenboot, on which you cam eat as many pancakes as you want while you cruise the harbour. ===Cinema=== There are two huge megacinemas in Rotterdam. The one in the city centre is called '''Pathé Schouwburgplein''' (at the Schouwburgplein), the other one is on the southside of the city. It's called '''Pathé De Kuip''' (next to the Feyenoord stadium De Kuip). In these cinemas you can see Hollywood movies and occasionally an arthouse movie. To get to De Kuip, take tram {{rint|Rotterdam|12}} to stop Stadion Feijenoord. If you're more into alternative cinema go to '''[http://www.lantaren-venster.nl/ Lantaren/Venster]''' Cinema (Otto Reuchlinweg 996 (Wilhelminapier)). Here you'll get European, Asian and Latin American cinema in a nice atmosphere. It has a nice bar too. The other option is '''Cinerama''' (Westblaak 18) which shows a combination of art/house films and commercial Hollywood flicks. During the '''IFFR''' (International Film Festival Rotterdam), which usually takes place in February, art-house movies are shown at much more locations throughout the city. In August, an open air cinema at the '''Lloydkwartier''' shows both blockbusters and independent films. Entrance is free, and you can either bring your own chair or rent one onsite. To get there, take {{rint|Rotterdam|A}} to Coolhaven and walk for about 10–15 minutes towards the river in the south. ===Other attractions=== [[File:Erasmusbréck w.jpg|thumbnail|right|Rotterdam can be breathtaking from above]] When you want to combine a unique experience with a great view over the city of Rotterdam, you can make a (tandem) '''skydive''' at [http://www.skydiverotterdam.com Skydive Rotterdam]. At Skydive Rotterdam (also called the Flying Dutchman) you can book a tandem skydive or do a complete skydiving course and jump from a height of 3 or 4 kilometers. It's the only skydiving school in the "Randstad" area and the only place in the Netherlands where you can jump over a major city like Rotterdam. When the weather's good you will have a spectacular view over the Rotterdam skyline and other parts of the Randstad area, all the way to the coastline. An '''airplane''' can be rented at reasonable rates at Rotterdam Airport at [http://vliegen.rotterdamsweb.nl/ Happy Wing]. Nice tours above the city, its ports or the coastline are on offer. On summer Sundays, it is possible to lower yourself down from the '''Euromast'''. On last Sundays of summer months you can glide down in 15 seconds on a wire (tokkelen). Both: Not for the faint of heart! Check the website of [http://heightspecialists.nl/abseilen/ Heightspecialists]. ===With children=== [[File:Medusakop op kolom in giraffenweide - Rotterdam - 20348014 - RCE.jpg|thumbnail|right|The historic ''Diergaarde Blijdorp'' is definitely worth a visit]] '''Diergaarde Blijdorp''' (Rotterdam Zoo) in [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk#Q18775796|Kralingen-Crooswijk]] is one of the most popular day trips in the Netherlands. Walk through different parts of the world, seeing interesting animals that feel right at home in an approximation of their natural habitats. The Oceanium is filled with ocean and coastal dwellers, including exotic fish and puffins. '''Miniworld Rotterdam''' in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Do|Centrum]] is the largest indoor model railroad layout of the Netherlands. === Football === : Rotterdam has three professional soccer teams: * [https://www.feyenoord.nl/ '''Feyenoord'''] play in Eredivisie, the top tier. Their home ground is Stadion Feijenoord (capacity 51,000), better known as "De Kuip"; it's often also used for rock concerts and similar events. It's south of the river with its own railway station Rotterdam Stadion. * [https://www.sparta-rotterdam.nl/ '''Sparta Rotterdam'''] also play in Eredivisie. Their home ground is Het Kasteel ("The Castle", capacity 12,000), 3 km west of the centre. * [https://www.sbvexcelsior.nl/ '''SBV Excelsior'''] were relegated in 2024 so they play in Eerste Divisie the second tier. Their Stadion Woudestein (capacity 4500), now called Van Donge & De Roo Stadion, is 2 km east of city centre on the north bank of the river. ===Water sports and yachting=== [[File:Rotterdam kralingse plas.jpg|thumbnail|right|Kralingse Plas]] Being a major harbour and having lots of waterways and lakes, Rotterdam has a lot to offer for water-enthousiasts. Boating: There are four major lakes in Rotterdam. The Kralingse Plas, The double Bergse Plas, the Rottemeren and the Zevenhuizer Plas. All of them have active yachting communities and sometimes sailing races can be seen. The Zevenhuizer plas is mainly populated by Windsurf enthousiasts. Sailing boats can be rented at the Kralingse Plas at the [http://www.henkvangent.nl/ Van Gent sailing school], Plaszoom, a 10-minute walk from Metro Voorschoterlaan (walk through the Julianalaan until you reach Plaszoom). Rowing- and sailing boats can be rented at the windmill at the very end of the eastern Rottekade at [http://www.botenverhuurvanvliet.nl/ Van Vliet's] (Rottemeren, go by car or bike, a very nice ride). Yachting: When visiting Rotterdam with your own yacht you will find that most yachting harbours are on the inland waterways, where there are a lot of them. On the river Maas you will only find the [http://www.citymarinarotterdam.nl/ City Marina], behind a bascule bridge on the southern bank, and the [http://www.veerhavenrotterdam.nl/ Veerhaven], right in the city center on the northern bank. Unless you need the better shelter of the characterless City Marina, go for the admittedly a little choppy Veerhaven marina, very central and scenic. ===Beach=== The closest good beach is about 30 km away at [[Hook of Holland]]. Here you will find a very fine sand beach with good swimming and enough entertainment. To get there, take line {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} to Hoek van Holland Strand, its end point. For a more urban-party beach experience head to [[Scheveningen]] where you can find everything beach-party addicts dream about; Endless rows of beachside bars, restaurants and discothèques and a boulevard along a splendid fine-sand beach. It can get ''very'' crowded here. Take the train to [[Den Haag]] Centraal Station and tram {{rint|denhaag|9}} subsequently. Also at the same coast is Kijkduin, which is very recommended for children. To get there, get {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} to its northern end point, then take bus 24 to Kijkduin. If you want to go to the beach but want to stay in the city, consider taking {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} to its end point, Nesselande and walk across the Corsicalaan from there. You are at the Strand Nesselande. ==Buy== The main shopping areas are in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Buy|Centrum]]. '''Afrikaanderplein Markt''' in [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord#Buy|Feijenoord]] is a market of about 300 stalls geared towards Rotterdam's inhabitants of Antillian, South American or African descent (a lot of whom happen to live nearby). Dutch cheese is very famous, you can get some at grocery stores or wider variety at the marketplace. Other typical Dutch things are ''stroopwafels'', ''hagelslag'' and ''drop'' (liquorice). ==Eat== The area around metrostation ''Blaak'', called '''Oude haven''' (Old Harbour), is not only worth seeing but has also a lot of pubs and restaurants. The Rotterdam dining scene is developing very fast with new restaurants opening very often. While most of the attention focusses on new Michelin-star aspiring places, there is very much a trend towards high quality mid-range restaurants offering French/Dutch cuisine. ==Drink== [[Rotterdam/Centrum#|Centrum]] has a wide variety of bars, coffee shops and music venues. The [http://www.kaapsebrouwers.nl/ Kaapse Brouwers] brewery has four locations around the city. Each location has a whole wall of taps to choose from. They are popular place so waiting lines can be long. ==Sleep== See district articles for listings for camping, hostels and hotels. ==Connect== The telephone country code for the Netherlands is 31, and Rotterdam's city code is 010. In case of an '''Emergency''', dial '''1-1-2''' (free of charge). When staying for a longer time, buy a prepaid sim card for your mobile phone. ==Stay safe== You should take normal precautions against pickpockets and baggage theft, especially in the main shopping streets, at markets, in trams and trains, at stations, and anywhere where tourists congregate. It is not wise to hang around Stadhuisplein when nightlife ends. Fights often occur in this area after midnight. Rotterdam also has a reputation of mass venues getting out of hand, though you shouldn't worry too much about it. If violence breaks out at football festivities (not so unlikely) or at the end of sun soaked festive days, like Kings Day (even less unlikely, especially at the Stadhuisplein), just get out of the way and you're unlikely to be affected. It's advisable not to wear a football jersey of Ajax Amsterdam or any other stuff promoting Ajax or Amsterdam. In terms of general safety, at daylight most areas in the city are safe. But at night, some areas such as Spangen, Charlois and Hillesluis are wise to avoid. When you drive a car with a foreign numberplate (especially if it's a French or Belgian one) you might or will be approached by so-called ''drugsrunners''. This can occur on the motorways surrounding the city and in the city proper. These guys try to lure people to places where drugs are dealt. Do not respond to their signals and do not follow them. ==Go next== If you do not have a car, the hub for leaving the city will probably be '''Rotterdam Centraal''', from where trains leave in all directions at short intervals (you can generally drop in and catch the next train to your destination). Most regional and longer distance buses leave here too, with the exception of most buses to southerly destinations and the province of Zeeland that leave from '''metro station Zuidplein'''. In contrast with the trains, bus departure times should be checked in advance as they can be far and between. For trains to the North and the South travellers can also choose to depart from '''Rotterdam Blaak'''. '''The Hague''' can also be reached easily and rather quickly by metro line E. Nearby destinations like [[Schiedam]] or even [[Delft]] can also be reached by bike if you fancy a somewhat longer ride. Bike routes and directions are well marked and available in abundance. A good idea for a sunny day! Schiedam can be reached by train or by metro (in 15 minutes) too. [[Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region|MRDH]] is the area of the region Rotterdam-Schiedam-Delft-The Hague, see this page for more information on travel and cycling. ===Nearby=== * '''[[Kinderdijk]]''' — a [[UNESCO World Heritage List#Netherlands|UNESCO World Heritage]] site. 19 old windmills are still helping to control the water level there. Windmill #2 is open to the public, allowing you to see its inner workings. In season there is a direct waterbus service from an embankment at the Erasmus bridge (travel time ~1/2 hour). Alternatively, ''Arriva'' bus 90 from bus and metro station ''Zuidplein'' will get you there in 50 minutes. * '''[[Schiedam]]''' — visit the historic centre of this small town at the edge of Rotterdam, including the world's six tallest windmills. Also you can find there the ''Stedelijk Museum'', an attractive museum with some nice modern art exhibitions. Easily reached by bicycle, a train (from ''Rotterdam Centraal'' to ''Schiedam Centrum''), metro A, B or C line to ''Schiedam Centrum'' station, or tram lines 1 or 11 (''Broersvest'' or ''Koemarkt'' stop). ===Day trips=== * '''[[Delft]]''' — this famous town is a 15-minute train ride from ''Rotterdam Centraal''. Very historic and scenic, but also very touristy. * '''[[Dordrecht]]''' — a magnificent historic town with little tourism and an excellent old art museum (Dordrechts Museum). It is a 15-min train ride, or even better, take a ''[http://www.waterbus.nl/halte/dordrecht-merwekade/ waterbus]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''. * '''[[Gouda]]''' — visit this small picturesque postcard-like town and see the magnificent stained glass windows in the ''Sint Janskerk''. Also 20 min by train. * '''[[Delta Works]]''' — a series of construction projects protecting the Southwest of the Netherlands from the sea. The Oosterschelde storm surge barrier is the most impressive, and next to it is ''Neeltje Jans'', a water theme park dedicated to the Delta Works. * '''[[Brielle (Netherlands)|Brielle]]''' — a mediaeval fortified town. The centre is a nice ensemble of old houses and churches, enclosed by the original earthen defensive walls. There are some museums and the Roman Catholic shrine of the Martyrs of Gorcum. Walking around town and fortifications is a treat. You can easily spend a full day in Brielle. Take bus 103 at the ''Spijkenisse Centrum'' metro station. A journey takes about 70 min. * '''[[Schoonhoven]]''' — a nice small town with many well preserved medieval buildings on the ''Lek'' river in a halfway to Utrecht. From Station Capelsebrug, Rotterdam, take a bus 195 (direction Utrecht). A journey takes about 1 hour. * Go to the other cities of the [[Randstad]], e.g. '''[[The Hague]]''' is 1/2 hour by train or metro, '''[[Utrecht]]''' is around 45 min by train, '''[[Amsterdam]]''' about an hour. {{routebox | image1=NL-A15.png | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Brielle (Netherlands)|Brielle]] | minorl1=[[Spijkenisse]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Arnhem]] | minorr1=[[Dordrecht]] | image2=BE-E19.svg | imagesize2=20 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Amsterdam]] | minorl2=[[Delft]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Antwerp]] | minorr2=[[Zwijndrecht]] }} {{usablecity}} {{isPartOf|Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region}} {{geo|51.9239|4.4623|zoom=14}} nch9td5gw42bi4sa4g2hhf5q8nss3y6 5087051 5087006 2025-07-03T09:46:01Z 109.36.231.243 /* By taxi */ 5087051 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Rotterdam Banner 4.jpg|dotm=yes|unesco=yes}} {{printDistricts}} '''Rotterdam''' is a very large city in the province of [[South Holland]] in the west of the [[Netherlands]]. The city is the second largest in the country with a population of approximately 650,000 inhabitants in the municipality (2020) and about 2.2 million inhabitants in the shared metropolitan area of the [[Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region]] (MRDH). Rotterdam is a vibrant, multicultural city; it is known for its university (Erasmus), cutting-edge architecture, lively cultural life, industrial riverside setting, its maritime heritage and colourful summer events. The municipality stretches all the way to the [[North Sea]] with gigantic areas like '''Europoort''' and '''Maasvlakte 1&2'''. All belong to the '''Port of Rotterdam'''. Starting as a dam constructed in 1270 on the Rotte River, Rotterdam has grown into a major international commercial centre. The port of Rotterdam is Europe's busiest port by cargo tonnage, and was the world's busiest from 1962 until it was surpassed by Shanghai in 2004. Rotterdam's commercial and strategic importance is based on its location near the mouth of the Nieuwe Maas (New Meuse), a channel in the delta formed by the Rhine and Meuse on the North Sea. These rivers lead directly into the centre of Europe, including the industrial Ruhr region, which is why Rotterdam is often called the "Gateway to Europe". Many relatively high buildings (by Dutch standards) have been emerging throughout and around the city centre. Daring and new styles of apartments, office buildings and recreation facilities resulted in Rotterdam becoming a city of modern architecture and the only city in the Netherlands with a modern skyline. Due to this, the city is especially interesting for Dutch people to visit. ==Districts== {{Mapframe|width=660|zoom=10|show=districts}} {{Mapshape|type=page|wikicommons=Rotterdam_Districts.map|group=districts}} {{Regionlist | regionmap= | regionmaptext= | regionmapsize= | region1name=[[Rotterdam/Centrum|Stadsdriehoek]] | region1color=#44aa99 | region1items=Rotterdam Centrum | region1description=Filled with highrise and out-of-the-box architecture, this district forms the heart of Rotterdam and gives the city its characteristic. | region2name=[[Rotterdam/Delfshaven|Delfshaven]] | region2color=#aa4499 | region2items=Delfshaven | region2description=Originally a part of [[Delft]], this town over time grew closer to Rotterdam, leading up to its incorporation in 1886. The former town still has a fair bit of its historic identity. | region3name=[[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk|Kralingen-Crooswijk]] | region3color=#117733 | region3items=Kralingen-Crooswijk, Noord | region3description=Famous for the Kralingse Plas, a large artificial lake and the surrounding park, as well as Blijdorp, the second-oldest still active zoo in the Netherlands. | region4name=[[Rotterdam/Feijenoord|Feijenoord]] | region4color=#ee99aa | region4items=Feijenoord | region4description=Namesake of a Dutch football club, Feijenoord is the heart of the south banks of the Meuse. | region5name=[[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|Northern Rotterdam]] | region5color=#d09440 | region5items=Overschie, Hillegersberg-Schiebroek | region5description=Home to Rotterdam's airport as well as Hilligersberg and the surrounding lakes and forests. | region6name=[[Rotterdam/Capelle en Noordoost|Capelle en Noordoost]] | region6color=#b5d29f | region6items=Prins Alexander, Capelle aan den IJssel | region6description=Largely home to Rotterdam's urban sprawl. | region7name=[[Rotterdam/Nieuwerkerk|Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel]] | region7color=#d56d76 | region7items=Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel | region7description=Though not incorporated into Rotterdam, Nieuwerkerk is largely an extension of the city. It is home to the lowest point of the famously low-lying Netherlands, at {{convert|6.76|m|yd}} below sea level. | region8name=[[Rotterdam/Zuid|Zuid]] | region8color=#6699cc | region8items=Charlois, IJsselmonde | region8description=The southernmost districts of Rotterdam. | region9name=[[Rotterdam/Port of Rotterdam|Port of Rotterdam]] | region9color=#ddcc77 | region9items=Pernis, Rozenburg, Botlek, Europoort, Eerste- en Tweede Maasvlakte | region9description=Best known as the largest seaport of Europe, the Port of Rotterdam has been built within a river delta as well as the sea. | region10name=[[Rotterdam/Hook of Holland|Hook of Holland]] | region10color=#44aa99 | region10items=Hoek van Holland | region10description=Formerly one of the main gateways into the Netherlands from anywhere reachable by ocean-going vessel, nowadays a popular beachfront. | region11name=[[Rotterdam/Albrandswaard|Albrandswaard]] | region11color=#882255 | region11items=Hoogvliet, Poortugaal, Rhoon | region11description=Island on the suburban fringes of Rotterdam, functioning as a suburb both to Rotterdam and [[Spijkenisse]]. }} ==Understand== ===History=== Settlement at the lower end of the fen stream ''Rotte'' dates from at least 900. Around 1150, large floods in the area ended development, leading to the construction of protective dikes and dams. A dam on the Rotte or 'Rotterdam' was built in the 1260s and was at the present-day ''Hoogstraat'' ('High Street'). Although Rotterdam did well after the Middle Ages and in the 'Golden Century' - roughly between 1650 and 1750 - it was not before the second part of the nineteenth century that the city started to develop itself rapidly. Helped by the digging of a new seaway (the Nieuwe Waterweg) Rotterdam was rid of access problems caused by the silting of the river and started receiving ever bigger ships with cargo for/from the booming Ruhrgebiet in Germany. Port related trade and industry skyrocketed, and the city started to draw lots of migrants from the then poor Brabant province, for whom the southern part of the city was constructed. At the turn of the twentieth century Rotterdam was well under way to become the largest economic centre in the Netherlands. It was between then and the second world war that large prestigious construction works were undertaken, in part to show off the new found economic pride. The German army invaded the Netherlands on 10 May 1940. Germany had planned to conquer the country in one day, but after meeting unexpectedly fierce resistance, it finally forced the Dutch army to capitulate on 14 May 1940 by bombing Rotterdam and threatening to bomb other cities. The heart of the city was almost completely destroyed by the German Luftwaffe, and 800 people were killed, while about 80,000 others were made homeless. During the war, Rotterdam was bombed several times during allied raids that were aimed at the harbour area but sometimes also hit the city. The City Hall survived the bombing. Unlike most other European cities however, the City Council did not aim at rebuilding what was lost, but on taking the opportunity to create a 'new' and better city. Damaged but not destroyed old buildings were torn down in the process. From the 1950s through the 1970s, the city was rebuilt. It remained quite windy and open until the city councils from the 1980s on began developing an active architectural policy. Daring and new styles of apartments, office buildings and recreation facilities resulted in a more 'livable' city center with a new skyline. In the 1990s, the ''Kop van Zuid'' was built on the south bank of the river as a new business center. ===Demographics=== In the Netherlands, Rotterdam has the highest percentage of foreigners from non-industrialised nations. Nearly 50% of the population are not native to the Netherlands or have at least one parent born outside the country. Muslims comprise close to 25% of the city's population. The city is also home to one of the largest Cape Verdean communities in the world, as well as the largest Dutch Antillean community. ===Atmosphere=== Rotterdam's culture is distinct from other cities in the Netherlands. The mentality of the people is described as 'can do'. From the waiters you meet to the businessmen and recent immigrants, everybody breathes a dream of getting forward with life. The modern design of the city, the bustle and the spree of buildings all add to this impression. That said, you might also find that people are sometimes too straight with you. And yes, the city is not the cosiest, or the most picturesque of towns, especially on drab winter days. But get acquainted with this small metropolis, easiest done on one of the festival days with nice weather. You will come to love it. [[File:Rotterdam haringvliet in winter.jpg|thumbnail|right|Winters in Rotterdam are moist and can be freezingly cold, but just as well uniquely beautiful]] ===Climate=== {{climate chart | Rotterdam |1.3|6.4|71 |1.1|7.1|66 |2.4|10.3|57 |4.8|14.3|42 |8.1|17.9|56 |11.0|20.6|69 |13.2|22.7|79 |12.9|22.6|92 |10.5|19.3|90 |7.2|14.9|87 |3.9|10.2|88 |1.4|7.0|86 |units = metric |float = right |clear = none |source = Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute}} Rotterdam gains a lot of charm when the sun is shining. Visiting in spring or summer may be more enjoyable than during the dark rainy winter. The summer months see temperatures averaging around {{c|22}} during the day and {{c|14}} at night; though temperatures near or above {{c|28}} during the day and {{c|16}} at night are not unheard of during heat waves. Daylight runs from 05:30 until 22:00 in the summer, and only between 08:45 and 16:30 in the winter. ===Tourist information=== *{{listing | type=listing | name=Rotterdam Tourist Information Coolsingel | alt=VVV | url=https://en.rotterdam.info/ | email=info@rotterdam.info | address=Coolsingel 114, 3011 AG Rotterdam | lat=51.918860 | long=4.481239 | directions=Metro {{rint|Rotterdam|A}} {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} : Beurs, at the garden of the Schielandshuis | phone=+31 10 790 01 85 | tollfree= | hours=09:30-18:00 | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=This well equipped and modern tourist office can provide loads of information like city maps, small guide books, souvenirs and the like, and offers tips and information on what to see and do in Rotterdam. Rotterdam.info also sells Rotterdam Welcome Cards, concert tickets, gift certificate, souvenirs, public transport tickets and parking vouchers. Check the website for upcoming events. }} *{{listing | type=listing | name=Rotterdam Tourist Information Central Station | alt=VVV | url= | email= | address=Stationsplein 21, 3013 AJ Rotterdam | lat=51.92410 | long=4.47030 | directions=main entrance, in the central hall of the central station | phone=+31 107900185 | tollfree= | hours=09:30-18:00 | price= | lastedit=2019-07-21 | content=With help from the service desk, a wide range of tourist information folders and the employees, you can find out what part of the city you would like to visit. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=Rotterdam Welcome Card | alt= | url=https://en.rotterdam.info/visitors-info/rotterdam-welcome-card/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=1 day (€13.50), 2 days (€19.50), or 3 days (€24.50) | lastedit=2022-07-27 | content= The card allows for unlimited use of all public transport by RET in the city and region, and offers at least 25% discounts on more than 50 attractions, museums, and restaurants. Available at Rotterdam Info (VVV) points and other locations. Without public transport, the card costs €6.00. }} ==Get in== ===By plane=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Rotterdam The Hague Airport | alt={{IATA|RTM}} | url=http://www.rotterdamthehagueairport.nl/en | email= | address= | lat=51.951248 | long=4.443541 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Rotterdam The Hague Airport | image=Rotterdam airport luchtfoto.jpg | wikidata=Q656807 | lastedit=2016-06-07 | content=It is the 3rd largest airport in the country. It is 6 km north of the city centre. There are direct flights from cities in [[Germany]], [[Italy]], [[France]], [[Spain]], and the [[United Kingdom]]. Commercial airlines that operate to the airport include Transavia, Lufthansa, British Airways, and Turkish Airlines. }} ====Services==== * {{listing|type=go | name=VVV Rotterdam-The Hague Airport information point | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rotterdam Airportplein 60 | lat= | long= | directions=at the arrivals hall | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= 07:30-23:45 | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=Come here if you have questions about Rotterdam. The place to hear history. The gift shop is open 09:30-18:00. }} ====How to reach==== To plan a trip (for all public transport in the Netherlands) see [https://9292.nl/en 9292.nl]{{Dead link|date=December 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} Depending on the amount of travel with public transit in The Netherlands it is possible to buy a so called ''[[OV-Chipkaart]]'' or it may be more convemient to pay with a contactless credit or debit card by touching in & touching out on each trip. see for more information under ''Get Around.'' ;By bus/metro * {{listing | type=go | name=Bus 33 | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-06-30 | content=Connects the airport with ''Meijersplein/Airport'' metro station, from where you can take metro line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} to ''Slinge'' (for ''Rotterdam Centraal'' and Rotterdam city center).See for more information the ''By Metro'' section under ''Get Around''. Bus 33 also connects to Rotterdam Centraal station via the Overschie district. }} * {{listing | name=Bus 300 | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= 15 July - 20 September, Fr-Mo only| price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-06-30 | content=Direct service to ''Rotterdam Centraal''. No stops in between. }} ;By taxi * {{listing|type=go | name=Rotterdam Airport Taxi | alt= | url=http://www.rotterdam-airport-taxi.nl | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +31 10 262 04 06| tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-06-07 | content=Recommended by the airport web site. }} ====Other close airports==== * [[Schiphol Airport| Amsterdam Schiphol Airport]] ({{IATA|AMS}}) is 58 km north of Rotterdam and has much more flights than the Rotterdam airport. '''NS (Dutch Railways)''' operates ''[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/special-routes/intercity-direct.html Intercity Direct]'' high-speed rail service, every 30 minutes to Rotterdam. The journey takes 27 minutes. You have to pay an addition for the journey from Schiphol to Rotterdam, so regular intercities in direction Rotterdam Centraal and Rotterdam Blaak are cheaper (but slower) (these intercities also call at Schiphol). * [[Eindhoven#By plane| Eindhoven Airport]] ({{IATA|EIN}}) is 106 km southeast of Rotterdam. Ryanair and Wizzair operate flights to this airport. Take a bus to Eindhoven Centraal (approximately 20 minutes, the intercity train to Rotterdam Centraal takes about 63 minutes. * [[Brussels Airport]] ({{IATA|BRU}}) is 140 km south of Rotterdam. Many international carriers operate flights to this airport. The [https://www.b-europe.com/EN/Trains/InterCity train from Brussels] takes about 120 minutes and costs €35. Buses are also available, although less frequent. [[File:Rtd CS-III.JPG|thumbnail|right|Rotterdam Centraal has been completely reconstructed and now features a striking roof over the main concourse]] ===By train=== {{seealso|Rail travel in the Netherlands}} ==== International connections ==== * {{go | name=Rotterdam Centraal | alt= | url=https://www.ns.nl/stationsinformatie/rtd/rotterdam-centraal | email= | address= | lat=51.925 | long=4.469444 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q801388 | lastedit=2018-04-10 | content=The station is served by high-speed trains from [[Belgium]], [[France]] and the [[United Kingdom]]. }} **'''[http://www.thalys.com Thalys]''' operates [[high-speed trains]] from [[Antwerp]] (Antwerpen-Centraal, 35 min), [[Brussels]] (Brussel-Zuid/Midi, 1 hr 12 min), [[Paris]] (Gare du Nord, 2 hr 37 min) and [[Lille]] (Lille-Europe, 1 hr 55 min). Book well in advance to secure the best ticket deals. A cheaper but slower alternative to Thalys is the [https://www.b-europe.com/EN/Trains/InterCity Intercity Brussels] service between Amsterdam and Brussels. **Coming from Germany, Rotterdam Centraal can only be reached by changing trains in the Netherlands. When travelling on the German high-speed train '''[https://www.bahn.com/en/view/trains/long-distance/ice-ice-sprinter.shtml?dbkanal_007=L04_S02_D002_KIN0059_FLYOUT-ZUGFLOTTE-ICE_LZ01 ICE]{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' from [[Cologne]], [[Düsseldorf]] and [[Oberhausen]], the exchange will be in [[Utrecht]] Centraal station, and coming from [[Berlin]], [[Hanover]], [[Osnabrück]] (with the '''[https://www.bahn.com/en/view/trains/long-distance/intercity-eurocity.shtml?dbkanal_007=L04_S02_D002_KIN0059_FLYOUT-ZUGFLOTTE-IC_LZ01 DB-intercity]{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''') it is advisable to change at [[Amersfoort]]. Intercity-trains to Rotterdam depart from both Utrecht and Amersfoort. ** '''[http://www.eurostar.com Eurostar]''' runs a daily high speed service from [[London]] St Pancras International to Rotterdam Centraal. Prices start at £35 one way. The journey time is about 3 hr 30 min, but you must arrive at the station at least 90 minutes before departure in order to clear the extra border controls caused by COVID restrictions and Brexit. ==== National connections ==== The Dutch railway company NS runs high-speed ''[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/special-routes/intercity-direct.html Intercity Direct]'' trains between [[Amsterdam]], [[Amsterdam Airport Schiphol|Schiphol]], Rotterdam and [[Breda]]. The train stops only at those four stations and shaves 25-30 minutes in journey time between Amsterdam and Schiphol and Rotterdam versus the regular Intercity and Sprinter trains that stop in between. Beware that you have to pay a supplement (€2.60 during peak hours, €1.56 outside peak hours) to use the Intercity direct line to travel to Rotterdam if your journey involves Schiphol, (i.e. Amsterdam-Rotterdam journeys are subject to this supplement). You can purchase this supplement by tapping an anonymous or personal OV-chipkaart on a designated red pole found on the platform. Those without an anonymous or personal OV-chipkaart can use the ticketing machines or the NS website to purchase the supplement, however the discount may not be applicable to supplements purchased this way. Most unlimited day tickets including the Holland Travel Ticket can be used to travel on the Intercity Direct but a supplement purchase is still required. Thalys also offers seats for passengers travelling from Amsterdam to Rotterdam. The journey is less than 40 minutes, slightly faster than the Intercity Direct. However, reservations/advance bookings are required and most unlimited day tickets recognised by NS cannot be used on Thalys. Rotterdam is also well served by NS from other parts of the [[Netherlands]], with direct connections to [[Delft]], [[Amsterdam]], [[Eindhoven]], [[Gouda]], [[Leiden]], [[The Hague]], [[Utrecht]] and [[Vlissingen]]. Some intercities and sprinters also stop at '''[https://www.ns.nl/stationsinformatie/rtb/rotterdam-blaak Rotterdam Blaak]''' station which is in the middle of the city center. This station is also frequented by trams and metro. See also the [[Netherlands#Get in Netherlands]] page for further information on national rail. Alternatively, Rotterdam's Metro line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} provides a connection for passengers coming from [[The Hague]] at Den Haag Centraal. The journey from Den Haag Centraal to Rotterdam Centraal costs €4.43 with an anonymous or personalised OV-chipkaart, which is marginally cheaper than an NS journey (€4.90) between the same points but takes about five minutes longer to complete the journey. ===By bus=== * {{listing|type=go | name=Flixbus | alt= | url=https://www.flixbus.com/bus/rotterdam| email= | address=(bus stop) Rotterdam Centraal @ Conradstraat 52 | lat= | long= | directions=International bus stop platform 'GG' at Rotterdam Centraal. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-07-20 | content=Serving both domestic and international routes. They also have an extra stop at Rotterdam Zuidplein @ Gooilandsingel }} ===By boat=== ==== Ferries from [[England]] (UK) ==== You can also get to Rotterdam by [[Ferries to the British Mainland|ferry from the United Kingdom]]. No ferries arrive in the center. * '''[http://www.poferries.com P&O Ferries]''' has a daily overnight sailing from [[Kingston Upon Hull]] to Rotterdam Europoort. From Rotterdam Europoort P&O Ferries operates a shuttle bus service that takes you to the city center of Rotterdam. Please book this shuttle service while you book your sailing. * '''[http://www.stenaline.com StenaLine]''' has a daily day and a daily overnight sailing from [[Harwich (England)|Harwich]] to [[Hook of Holland]]. Next to the port is ''Hoek van Holland Haven'' metro station. Line B brings you to the city centre in approximately 30 minutes. * '''[http://www.dfdsseaways.co.uk/ferry-routes/holland/newcastle-to-amsterdam DFDS Seaways]''' has a daily overnight ferry crossing from Newcastle to Amsterdam. You can drive to Rotterdam in approx. 50 minutes. ==== Waterbus ==== [[File:ENI 02324345 ALBLAS (14).JPG|thumbnail|right|A WaterBus near [https://www.cityguiderotterdam.com/things-to-do/sights/old-harbour-rotterdam/ Oude Haven (Old Harbour)]]]The '''[http://www.waterbus.nl WaterBus]''' services provide connections between Rotterdam and the ''Drechtsteden'' ([[Dordrecht]] and surrounding cities, including [[UNESCO World Heritage List|UNESCO-site]] - the world-famous windmills - [[Kinderdijk]]). ===By metro=== Coming from [[The Hague]] or somewhere in between it can be advisable to use metroline {{rint|Rotterdam|E}}, see for more information the page about the [[Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region|whole region]]. ===By car=== [[File:Rotterdam Auto 01.JPG|thumbnail|right|Finding a good spot to park can be a problem in central Rotterdam]] Rotterdam is easily reached by car. From Amsterdam take the A4 South to Rotterdam Haven. From Utrecht take the A12 and change to the A20 just after [[Gouda]] on knooppunt Gouwe. Traffic congestion on highways is common during peak hours (morning and evening commutes). You can pay for '''on-street parking''' with debit and credit card. Remember your license plate number. Parking regulations are enforced regularly. '''[https://parkereninrotterdam.nl Parking garages]{{Dead link|date=April 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' can be easily found by following the sign-marked P-route. The easiest way to pay is by credit card, just insert your card on the way in, and insert it again on the way out, and the total time is automatically deducted. You can also pay with cash or debit card. '''Park & Ride (P&R)''' facilities outside the center of Rotterdam offer free or cheap parking with public transport connections into the city center. For some locations (Slinge A15, Kralingse Zoom A16/E19 and Alexander A20/E25), you can park for free if you have a valid check-out on your public transport card (OV-chipkaart). === By bike === As a Dutch city Rotterdam is well connected to extense (inter)national bicycle networks which use all kinds of infrastructural facilities. Most attractive for tourist to cycle over longer distances are the so called '''LF-routes'''. So the city center is croshed by '''LF2 Stedenroute ''(City Route)''''' from Amsterdam to Brussels and '''LF12 Maas- en Vestingroute''' follows the flow of river Maas all the way from The East. See for more information [http://www.holland.com/global/tourism/discover-holland/cycling/bicycle-route-planner.htm Bicycle Route Planner]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}: ''sellect more options and LF-Routes.'' ==Get around== {{Mapframe|51.9152|4.4791|zoom=14|layer=W|name=Map of Rotterdam (metro lines have thicker strokes than tram lines)}} {{Mapshapes|Q691704}} <!--Metro--> {{Mapshapes|Q1429091|stroke-width=2}} <!--Tram--> '''[https://www.ret.nl/en RET]''' operates the buses, trams, and metro within the city. You could find a journey planner and some [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret/maps.html network maps] there. Alternatively you'd use the pan-Netherlands journey planner – [https://9292.nl/en 9292.nl]. Transport generally arrives every 10 minutes during the day. Free Wi-Fi is available in some trams, buses and metro lines, and on the busier metro stations, you just need to accept the terms of use. ===Tickets=== You can [https://www.ovpay.nl/en use your contactless bank card]{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} to pay for any public transport that also accepts the [[OV-chipkaart]]. This system is called OV-Pay and is the most convenient way to travel. Debit and credit cards from Maestro, V PAY, Mastercard and Visa are supported. As anywhere else in the country OV-chipkaart can still be used to pay all kinds of public transport. The card costs €8.50 and you'd need to keep a positive balance there for at least €4. For using buses and trams, checking in and out has to be done in the vehicle, while for train and metro use the gates or card-reader poles at the entrance of the stations. Alternatively one of the city's transport travel cards could be used: * {{listing | name=RET travel cards | alt= | url=https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travel-products/products-and-fares.html | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=2 hours - €5.00; 1 (calendar) day - €11.00 | lastedit=2025-01-21 | content=To travel by bus, tram and metro with RET. Can be purchased via the RET Barcode app, at ticket machines in metro stations and at RET Sales and Information points. For children under 12 and age 65 and up there is a reduced price. The 1-day ticket is not a 24-hour ticket: it is only valid on the day of the first check-in, until 04:00 of the early morning the next day. Tickets are not sold on bus and tram anymore; use your bank card to check in instead. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=Tourist Day Ticket: Rotterdam & The Hague region | alt= | url=http://www.touristdaytickets.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=€17.00 for one day | lastedit=2025-01-21 | content=Unlimited travel on local transport (bus, tram, metro and waterbus. Note: trains excluded) in the Rotterdam and the Hague region. Available from ticket machines and service counters of RET and at tourist information. Ticket is valid for travel with RET, HTM, HTMbuzz, Arriva, Connexxion, EBS, QBuzz and Waterbus in South Holland. }} * [[#Rotterdam Welcome Card|Rotterdam Welcome Card]] also allows for unlimited use of public transport with RET in the city and region. Note that tickets must be purchased in advance, there is no ticket sale on board of bus, tram and metro. ===By metro=== [[Image:Metro Rotterdam future.svg|thumb|Rotterdam Metro reaches as far as [[the Hague]].]] There are 5 metro lines in the city. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|A}}, {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|C}}, share tracks between ''Schiedam Centrum'' and ''Capelsebrug'' and offer an east-west connection. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} share tracks between ''Rotterdam Centraal'' and ''Slinge'' and offer a north-south connection. Interchange between all lines is possible on ''Beurs'' station in the city center. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|A}}, {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|C}} operate every 10 minutes on working days and Saturday, which allows 3-4 minute intervals on the main section between ''Schiedam Centrum'' and ''Capelsebrug''. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} operate every 10 minutes on working days and Saturday, which give shorter intervals between ''Rotterdam Centraal'' and ''Slinge''. In the evening, on Saturday morning and Sunday the service is reduced to a 15-minute interval. The Rotterdam Metro operates from 05:30 until 00:00. On weekends the opening time is not until 07:00 Saturday, and 08:15 on Sunday. On Friday and Saturday nights the service is extended for a bit longer past midnight, but not on some parts of line B and E. See the [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret/time-table/metro/weekend-metro.html Weekend metro] page for an overview. For tourists the most important metro stations are: '''Line A, B and C''' (East-West branch) * '''Blaak''': train station, interchange with trams and busses, cube houses, Markthal, ports * '''Beurs''': city center, shops, interchange with metro {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} * '''Eendrachtsplein''': museumpark * '''Coolhaven''': [https://euromast.nl/ Euromast] * '''Delfshaven''': historic port '''Line D and E''' (North-South branch) * '''Meijerplein''': bus service to Rotterdam The Hague Airport '''''(only line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}})''''' * '''Blijdorp:''' [https://www.diergaardeblijdorp.nl/en/ Rotterdam Zoo] '''''(only line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}})''''' * '''Rotterdam Centraal''': northern edge of the city centre, interchange with trams and buses, train station * '''Beurs''': city centre, shops, interchange with metro {{rint|Rotterdam|A}}, {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|C}} * '''Leuvehaven''': ports, museums, Erasmus Bridge, Waterbus * '''Wilhelminaplein:''' Erasmus Bridge, Cruise Terminal Rotterdam, [http://www.hotelnewyork.com/ hotel New York] * '''Rijnhaven:''' Katendrecht, bus service to SS Rotterdam ===By tram=== There are nine tram lines in the city. Each tram has a conductor. Tram stops provide a detailed map of the public transport system for on-the-go route-finding. Most lines operate every 10 minutes on workdays, with a more frequent service during rush hours on some lines. All trams except {{rint|Rotterdam|2}} will stop at ''Rotterdam Centraal'', the main train station of Rotterdam. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|1}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|11}}''' run from the suburbs in the [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|northwest]] to De Esch in [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk|Kralingen]], via [[Schiedam]], the north of [[Delfshaven]], and the city centre. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|2}}''' runs on the south side of the rivers, through the districts of [[Rotterdam/Zuid|Charlois, IJsselmonde]] and [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|3}}''' starts at the central station, and connects to the south bank via Feijenoord, IJsselmonde and [[Rotterdam/Zuid|Beverwaard]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|4}}''' starts from Heemsraadplein, connecting to much of the city centre and the neighbourhoods to its west, before connecting to [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|Hillegersberg]] via the central station, and Noord/Crooswijk. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|5}}''' originates from the central station, running to the south bank via Feijenoord and suburbs, before terminating in [[Barendrecht]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|6}}''' runs from Heemsraadplein to Kleiweg, just north of the A20 highway, running parallel with line 4 up to Rotterdam Noord railway station. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|7}}''' starts at Marconiplein, where the metro and lines 1, 8 and 11 meet, to Woudestein where it meets lines 1 and 11 again, via the central station and Erasmus University. Between Weena and Woudestein, lines 1 and 11 follow a more direct route via the Stadhuis, Beurs, Blaak and Oostplein metro stations, while line seven heads north via [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk|Crooswijk and Kralingen]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|8}}''', lastly, comes from [[Delfshaven|Spangen]], and then continues through most of Delfshaven roughly following the river up to Eendrachtsplein in [[Rotterdam/Centre|Cool]], from where it joins the main tram corridor through the city centre, to eventually terminate in [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|Schiebroek]]. * '''Line 12''' operates during football matches in the Kuip stadion only. ===By bus=== '''RET''' operates bus services across the city. Night bus service (BOB-bus) has been cancelled. Buses operated by '''[http://www.arriva.nl Arriva]''' and '''[http://www.connexxion.nl Connexxion]''' connect the city with suburbs. Use the front door when boarding a bus. ===By water taxi=== * {{listing | name=Watertaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=http://www.watertaxirotterdam.nl | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 10 403 03 03 | tollfree= | hours= | price=€ | lastedit=2022-07-27 | content=Rotterdam was built on a number of islands and if you want to travel from shore to shore, the nicest way to go is to take a '''Water Taxi'''. Fixed fares for rides between 50 docks in Rotterdam and Schiedam, with 3 fares zones, starting at €4.50 per person in the central zone. You can give them a call, or use the online tool to see availability and book a ride. It is advised to book in advance, especially on days with large events in the city. }} ===By taxi=== If you do need a taxi you will have to find yourself a taxi rank or call a taxi company. There is a minimum taxi fare of €2.30 (first it was {{EUR|7.50}} which included the first two kilometres). Additionally, each subsequent kilometre is charged €2.20. * {{go | name=Botlektaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://botlektaxi.nl | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 10 666 66 06 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-01-19 | content= }} }} * {{listing | name=Vliegveldtaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.vliegveldtaxirotterdam.nl | phone=+31 10 818 28 23 }} * {{listing | name=Rotterdamse Taxi Centrale RTC N.V. | url=http://www.rtcnv.nl | phone=+31 10 462 60 60 }} * {{listing | name=Coöperatieve Taxi Onderneming St. Job u.a. | url=http://www.st-job.nl | phone=+31 10 425 70 00 }} * {{listing | name=Rolstoeltaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.rolstoeltaxirotterdam.nl | phone=+31 10 818 28 23 }} * {{listing | name=Taxi Rotterdam 010 | alt= | url=https://taxirotterdam010.nl | phone=+31 10 261 31 88 }} * {{listing | name=Rotterdamse Taxi | alt= | url= https://www.rotterdamsetaxi.nl | phone=+31 10 261 31 22 }} * {{listing | name=Stadstaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.stadstaxirotterdam.nl| phone=+31 10 818 28 23 }} * {{listing | name=Zorgtaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.zorgtaxirotterdam.nl | phone=+31 10 818 28 23 }} ===By tuk-tuk=== * {{listing | name=Tuk Tuk Company | alt= | url=http://www.tuktukcompany.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 9009933399 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-05-23 | content=A Thai-influenced transportation service using three-wheeled, open-air (but covered) motorized vehicles called Tuk Tuk offers a more economical and fast way to get around the city centre when compared to taxis. Tuk-tuk pricing is based on a zone system. Within a zone, a ride is €3.50 per person, €5 for 2 persons and €6.50 for 3. If you go to another zone, €3.50 is added (irrespective of number of persons). This service is handy if it is past the regular tram/bus/metro service hours (approximately half past midnight). }} ===By bicycle=== Like any city in The Netherlands, Rotterdam is very, very bicycle-friendly. Getting around by bike is probably the fastest way of travel within the city. There are separate bike lanes on most major streets and there are separate traffic lights for bicyclists. Avoid getting your tire in the tram rails: always cross tram rails at an angle. Of course it is also strongly advisable to watch out for other traffic at all time. On the other hand bicyclists can rely on the fact that motorists and pedestrians are aware of bikes. Always lock your bike securely when leaving it (preferably chained to a fixed object) or go to a guarded bicycle parking station. ==== Rent a bike==== At Rotterdam Centraal, you can rent bicycles at the shop in the underground bicycle parking, below the Station square. Leave the station at the front, exit 'Stationsplein'. The entrance of the bicycle parking ('fietsenstalling', with the glass roof) is at your right, in front of grand cafe Engels. Use-it, rents out nice Kronan bikes (Schaatsbaan 41-45, leave Central Station towards the center. Turn right at restaurant Engels and take the 2nd right). Bikes can be rented by several other private companies. Holland-Cycling.com provides a list of [http://www.holland-cycling.com/rotterdam/getting-around-rotterdam/bicycle-rental-in-rotterdam addresses]. Another list you will find at [https://www.rotterdam.nl/vrije-tijd/fiets-huren/ Rotterdam.nl]{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. If you have a personal (rather than an anonymous) [[OV-chipkaart]], bicycles can be rented at many train and metro stations and other central locations by the [http://www.ns.nl/en/door-to-door/ov-fiets OV-fiets system]. ==== Guarded bicycle parking ==== * The larger train stations have their own guarded bicycle parking. * Rotterdam municipality has also [https://www.rotterdam.nl/fietsparkeren some free locations]. ==See== ===Landmarks=== [[File:VN5 HDR2.jpg|thumbnail|right|The Van Nellefabriek is regarded as a prime example of the ''International Style'']] Rotterdam has national notoriety for its architecture, and the city therefore is dotted with landmarks of all sorts. Most of them you will find in the [[Rotterdam/Centrum|city centre]], but [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord|Feijenoord]] is also quite dense with them. Rotterdam is known for some bridges, not in the last place the '''Erasmusbrug''', spanning the Nieuwe Maas between the city centre and Feijenoord. Also of historical importance is the former railway lifting bridge '''De Hef''', slightly upstream from the Erasmusbrug. '''Historical landmarks''' are somewhat rare to come across in Rotterdam's city centre, but the city itself isn't completely devoid of them. In the city centre, the 1920 '''City hall''' and the '''Great or Saint-Laurence church''', both survivors of the 1940 bombardment. Rotterdam is also home to the country's oldest known bronze statue, depicting Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam and dating from 1622. It is found opposite the Saint-Laurence church. '''De Verwoeste Stad''' (Destroyed City) is a cubist statue depicting a man in agony who just lost his heart (symbol of the bombed city centre). Feijenoord, despite being home to many modern redevelopments, houses some historical landmarks such as the '''former headquarters of the Holland-Amerikalijn'''. Also worth visiting are the '''Oude Haven''' (''Old Harbour'') and the nearby '''Witte Huis''' (''White House'') and '''Schielandshuis'''. '''Industrial landmarks''' are plenty in a city that mostly thrives off of harbour activities. Besides the many industrial sites found in the [[Rotterdam/Port of Rotterdam|Port of Rotterdam]], the '''Van Nellefabriek''' in [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|the north of the city]] is a listed UNESCO site. [[File:Erasmusbrug seen from Euromast.jpg|thumbnail|right|The modern skyline of Rotterdam can be truly appreciated from the Euromast.]] The skyline of Rotterdam can, of course, be observed from one of the many skyscrapers in the city - though you should probably book a hotel located in a skyscraper or find one with a publicly accessible roof, as trespass isn't welcomed. Another great site for views over the city though, is the '''Euromast''' on the border between the [[Rotterdam/Centrum|city centre]] and [[Rotterdam/Delfshaven|Delfshaven]], twice in its history the highest building of the Netherlands. For a relatively small entry fee, you can climb the tower or for a larger sum, you can dine inside of it. For those less comfortable with great heights though, a birds-eye overview of the city can also be obtained at '''Miniworld Rotterdam''', near the central station. The city is also well-known for its experimental and out-of-the-ordinary architecture, often being a testing ground for new concepts. A prime example of this are the '''Kubuswoningen''' (''Cube Houses'') at [[Rotterdam/Centrum|Blaak]]; one has been set aside as a museum, offering a view of the unique perspective and custom furniture that comes with living in one of the houses. Also striking are the '''Markthal''', harbour-crane inspired sculptures at the '''Schouwburgplein''' and the '''Koopgoot''', all found in the city centre. '''Historic churches:''' in the Netherlands churches are generally closed to visitors on Sundays. === Other sites === [[File:Rotterdam Erasmusbrug bij avond vanaf hoek Veerhaven-Westerkade.jpg|thumb|Erasmus bridge of Rotterdam]] [[File:Schielandshuis.jpg|thumbnail|right|Schielandshuis today stands surrounding by modern glass and steel buildings]] [[Image:Oude Haven (Rotterdam) 2011.jpg|thumb|"Het witte huis" in Old Harbour]] The area around the [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Other sites|'''Station Rotterdam Blaak''']] was destroyed by a Nazi bombardment during World War II. After the war this area was populated with some bold examples of modern architecture. The '''Kubuswoningen''' are literally cubes, tilted over by 45 degrees. '''Oude Haven''' (Old Harbour) is a nice place to see and sit at some café nearby. '''Witte Huis''' is a "skyscraper" built in 1898. '''Het Schielandshuis''' is the only remaining 17th-century building in the city centre of Rotterdam. [[File:Delfshaven Rotterdam (the Netherlands) 17.JPG|thumb|The old barges moored at the Delfshaven]] [[Rotterdam/Delfshaven|'''Delfshaven''']] is one of very few locations in the city which survived World War II bombings. Historic Delfshaven is a very scenic walk. It consists of an 17th-century area around two canals with a lot of charm. By day visit little shops in this neighbourhood, by night attractive pubs and restaurants make the visit worthwhile. * '''Chinatown''' in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Other sites|Centrum]] is full of Chinese restaurants and also Indonesian and other Asian restaurants. [[File:Rotterdam molens De Ster (l) en De Lelie (r) - tegenlicht.jpg|thumbnail|right|''De Ster'' and ''De Lelie'' at dusk]] ===Windmills=== Rotterdam has only seven windmills left. Of these, only ''De Ster'' and ''De Lelie'' in [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk#See|Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk]] are open to visitors on a regular basis. Other windmills are open to visitors when the mill is turning (easy enough to see), but there are some exceptions to this rule of thumb. A blue flag also indicates that the mill is open to visitors. Look for De Prinsenmolen, De Vier Winden, and De Speelman windmills in [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam#Windmills|Northern Rotterdam]] and De Zandweg in [[Rotterdam/Zuid#See|Rotterdam Zuid]]. ===Museums=== [[File:Overzicht achtergevel - Rotterdam - 20534511 - RCE.jpg|thumbnail|right|Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen]] [[Netherlands#Museumkaart|Museumkaart]] is accepted at the city's museums. The Museumpark area in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Museums|Centrum]] has many of the city's museums. '''Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen''' houses a rich, broad collection including masterpieces ranging from Pieter Brueghel the Elder's ''The "little" Tower of Babel'' (1563) to an important collection of surrealism, prominently featuring Salvador Dalí and René Magritte. '''Sylvette''' is a large work by Pablo Picasso was erected in 1973. It is one of the elaborations Picasso made based on the portraits of his muse Sylvette David. Definitely worth a look. '''Kunsthal''' houses some 25 exhibitions annually with a fascinating and widely varied repertoire. Het Nieuwe Instituut museum includes the '''Museum voor Architectuur, Design en Digitale cultuur''', a museum for architecture,deesign and digital culture, and '''Huis Sonneveld''', a building in the Bauhaus style. '''Chabot Museum''' is a neat little museum is housed in a splendid modernist 1930s villa. It houses a collection of works of the expressionist painter Hendrik Chabot. '''Natuurhistorisch Museum''' has changing expositions and a fixed collection of mammals, plants and fossils. The city has two maritime museums. The '''Maritiem Museum''' has a variety of expositions about the harbour of Rotterdam and maritime history, and a restored 19th-century gunboat that is a must-see for naval enthusiasts. The '''Mariniersmuseum''' shows the history of the centuries-old Narine Corps and its modern-day role. Special attention is given to the heroic role of the corps in the 1940 defence of Rotterdam. ====Other museums==== [[File:Façade Witte de With Center for Contemporary Art.jpg|thumbnail|right|Witte de With Center]] In [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Other museums|Centrum]], you can visit '''Museum Rotterdam''', which is dedicated to the modern day Rotterdam and its history; the '''Museum of Chess-Pieces''', which houses a diverse collection of chess games from ancient Chinese to cartoon characters; the '''Wereldmuseum''' (World Arts Museum), which focuses on encounters and cross-cultural inspiration; and '''Witte de With''' (Centre for Contemporary Arts). [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord#Q2191118|'''Nederlands Fotomuseum''']] shows the diversity of forms of photography, especially as a medium of social expression and commentary. [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk#Q2351733|'''SSN Museumstoomdepot''']] features old steam locomotives and trains. Besides a small museum it's a workshop where you can see restoration in progress. ==Do== [[File:Overzicht - Rotterdam - 20534496 - RCE.jpg|thumbnail|right|''De Doelen'' concert hall in Schouwbourgplein]] Upcoming events and performances are listed on the VVV and Use-it websites. The larger events are well documented on the VVV site, for smaller venues check Use-it (under Calendar) for a very attractive and well updated listing of music, expositions, movies and parties that need checking out. The [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Do|Uitburo office]] inside the Central Library provides information on theatre and music performances. It also sells tickets and offers an overview of performances that can be visited for free (''gratis''). ===Events=== [[File:North Sea Jazz Festival 2012 - ALOE BLACC.jpg|thumbnail|right|In July, you can enjoy the ''North Sea Jazz'' festival]] Rotterdam plays host to a lot of events, a lot of them yearly ones. Besides these there are a lot smaller ones that can be very nice, so ask around and check the VVV website. A few of these yearly events to name: * {{do | name=Six Days of Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.wielerzesdaagserotterdam.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2293105 | lastedit=2024-12-26 | content=A cycling competition in early December. }} * {{do | name=IFFR | alt= | url=http://www.filmfestivalrotterdam.com/en/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The International Film Festival Rotterdam, which mainly features independent films from all over the world in February. }} * {{do | name=Art Rotterdam | alt= | url=http://www.artrotterdam.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=In February, you can see (and buy) masterpieces of modern art. }} * {{do | name=World tennis Tournament | alt= | url=http://www.abnamrowtt.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=In February. }} * On the '''[http://www.rotterdamsemuseumnacht.nl/ Rotterdam Museum Night]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' in March, nearly all Rotterdam museums and galleries open their doors in the evening with special events. * {{do | name=Motel Mozaique | alt= | url=http://motelmozaique.nl/en/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Music, art & performance. Plus a sleeping project that enables sleeping in art or on special locations in Rotterdam (April) }} * [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Q1341108|'''Rotterdam Marathon''']], internationally reputed as a very fast marathon, is held in April in Centrum. * {{do | name=Poetry International | alt= | url=http://www.poetry.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Festival in June. }} * '''Metropolis Festival''' (music) on the first Sunday in July. * The sublime '''[http://www.northseajazz.com/ North Sea Jazz]''' festival in July with loads of worldfamous artists. * {{do | name=Summer Carnival | alt= | url=http://www.zomercarnaval.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A huge Caribbean-oriented parade and party in the city centre. }} * {{do | name=Heerlijk Rotterdam | alt= | url=http://www.heerlijkrotterdam.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Three day event where you can sample dishes from Michelin-star restaurants for a reduced price (dates vary, summer edition usually late August) }} * The '''[http://wereldhavendagen.nl/en/ World Port Days]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' a weekend full of activities centred around the large harbour of Rotterdam (early September) * The classical music '''[http://www.gergievfestival.nl/ Gergjev]''' festival in September, led by master-conductor Valery Gergjev. * The '''[http://www.rotterdamseoogst.nl/ Rotterdam Harvest Festival]''' in September. * '''Bazar Curieux''' (music) in December For full listings of events check [http://www.rotterdam.info/uk/ Rotterdam.info] and [http://www.use-it.nl/ Use-it]{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. === Tours === Several tours can be found in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Tours|Centrum]], including the tourist '''tram line 10''' through the city centre and historic parts of Rotterdam on classic trams; the '''Spido harbour trip''' through the first 8 km of the harbour; and De pannenkoekenboot, on which you cam eat as many pancakes as you want while you cruise the harbour. ===Cinema=== There are two huge megacinemas in Rotterdam. The one in the city centre is called '''Pathé Schouwburgplein''' (at the Schouwburgplein), the other one is on the southside of the city. It's called '''Pathé De Kuip''' (next to the Feyenoord stadium De Kuip). In these cinemas you can see Hollywood movies and occasionally an arthouse movie. To get to De Kuip, take tram {{rint|Rotterdam|12}} to stop Stadion Feijenoord. If you're more into alternative cinema go to '''[http://www.lantaren-venster.nl/ Lantaren/Venster]''' Cinema (Otto Reuchlinweg 996 (Wilhelminapier)). Here you'll get European, Asian and Latin American cinema in a nice atmosphere. It has a nice bar too. The other option is '''Cinerama''' (Westblaak 18) which shows a combination of art/house films and commercial Hollywood flicks. During the '''IFFR''' (International Film Festival Rotterdam), which usually takes place in February, art-house movies are shown at much more locations throughout the city. In August, an open air cinema at the '''Lloydkwartier''' shows both blockbusters and independent films. Entrance is free, and you can either bring your own chair or rent one onsite. To get there, take {{rint|Rotterdam|A}} to Coolhaven and walk for about 10–15 minutes towards the river in the south. ===Other attractions=== [[File:Erasmusbréck w.jpg|thumbnail|right|Rotterdam can be breathtaking from above]] When you want to combine a unique experience with a great view over the city of Rotterdam, you can make a (tandem) '''skydive''' at [http://www.skydiverotterdam.com Skydive Rotterdam]. At Skydive Rotterdam (also called the Flying Dutchman) you can book a tandem skydive or do a complete skydiving course and jump from a height of 3 or 4 kilometers. It's the only skydiving school in the "Randstad" area and the only place in the Netherlands where you can jump over a major city like Rotterdam. When the weather's good you will have a spectacular view over the Rotterdam skyline and other parts of the Randstad area, all the way to the coastline. An '''airplane''' can be rented at reasonable rates at Rotterdam Airport at [http://vliegen.rotterdamsweb.nl/ Happy Wing]. Nice tours above the city, its ports or the coastline are on offer. On summer Sundays, it is possible to lower yourself down from the '''Euromast'''. On last Sundays of summer months you can glide down in 15 seconds on a wire (tokkelen). Both: Not for the faint of heart! Check the website of [http://heightspecialists.nl/abseilen/ Heightspecialists]. ===With children=== [[File:Medusakop op kolom in giraffenweide - Rotterdam - 20348014 - RCE.jpg|thumbnail|right|The historic ''Diergaarde Blijdorp'' is definitely worth a visit]] '''Diergaarde Blijdorp''' (Rotterdam Zoo) in [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk#Q18775796|Kralingen-Crooswijk]] is one of the most popular day trips in the Netherlands. Walk through different parts of the world, seeing interesting animals that feel right at home in an approximation of their natural habitats. The Oceanium is filled with ocean and coastal dwellers, including exotic fish and puffins. '''Miniworld Rotterdam''' in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Do|Centrum]] is the largest indoor model railroad layout of the Netherlands. === Football === : Rotterdam has three professional soccer teams: * [https://www.feyenoord.nl/ '''Feyenoord'''] play in Eredivisie, the top tier. Their home ground is Stadion Feijenoord (capacity 51,000), better known as "De Kuip"; it's often also used for rock concerts and similar events. It's south of the river with its own railway station Rotterdam Stadion. * [https://www.sparta-rotterdam.nl/ '''Sparta Rotterdam'''] also play in Eredivisie. Their home ground is Het Kasteel ("The Castle", capacity 12,000), 3 km west of the centre. * [https://www.sbvexcelsior.nl/ '''SBV Excelsior'''] were relegated in 2024 so they play in Eerste Divisie the second tier. Their Stadion Woudestein (capacity 4500), now called Van Donge & De Roo Stadion, is 2 km east of city centre on the north bank of the river. ===Water sports and yachting=== [[File:Rotterdam kralingse plas.jpg|thumbnail|right|Kralingse Plas]] Being a major harbour and having lots of waterways and lakes, Rotterdam has a lot to offer for water-enthousiasts. Boating: There are four major lakes in Rotterdam. The Kralingse Plas, The double Bergse Plas, the Rottemeren and the Zevenhuizer Plas. All of them have active yachting communities and sometimes sailing races can be seen. The Zevenhuizer plas is mainly populated by Windsurf enthousiasts. Sailing boats can be rented at the Kralingse Plas at the [http://www.henkvangent.nl/ Van Gent sailing school], Plaszoom, a 10-minute walk from Metro Voorschoterlaan (walk through the Julianalaan until you reach Plaszoom). Rowing- and sailing boats can be rented at the windmill at the very end of the eastern Rottekade at [http://www.botenverhuurvanvliet.nl/ Van Vliet's] (Rottemeren, go by car or bike, a very nice ride). Yachting: When visiting Rotterdam with your own yacht you will find that most yachting harbours are on the inland waterways, where there are a lot of them. On the river Maas you will only find the [http://www.citymarinarotterdam.nl/ City Marina], behind a bascule bridge on the southern bank, and the [http://www.veerhavenrotterdam.nl/ Veerhaven], right in the city center on the northern bank. Unless you need the better shelter of the characterless City Marina, go for the admittedly a little choppy Veerhaven marina, very central and scenic. ===Beach=== The closest good beach is about 30 km away at [[Hook of Holland]]. Here you will find a very fine sand beach with good swimming and enough entertainment. To get there, take line {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} to Hoek van Holland Strand, its end point. For a more urban-party beach experience head to [[Scheveningen]] where you can find everything beach-party addicts dream about; Endless rows of beachside bars, restaurants and discothèques and a boulevard along a splendid fine-sand beach. It can get ''very'' crowded here. Take the train to [[Den Haag]] Centraal Station and tram {{rint|denhaag|9}} subsequently. Also at the same coast is Kijkduin, which is very recommended for children. To get there, get {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} to its northern end point, then take bus 24 to Kijkduin. If you want to go to the beach but want to stay in the city, consider taking {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} to its end point, Nesselande and walk across the Corsicalaan from there. You are at the Strand Nesselande. ==Buy== The main shopping areas are in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Buy|Centrum]]. '''Afrikaanderplein Markt''' in [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord#Buy|Feijenoord]] is a market of about 300 stalls geared towards Rotterdam's inhabitants of Antillian, South American or African descent (a lot of whom happen to live nearby). Dutch cheese is very famous, you can get some at grocery stores or wider variety at the marketplace. Other typical Dutch things are ''stroopwafels'', ''hagelslag'' and ''drop'' (liquorice). ==Eat== The area around metrostation ''Blaak'', called '''Oude haven''' (Old Harbour), is not only worth seeing but has also a lot of pubs and restaurants. The Rotterdam dining scene is developing very fast with new restaurants opening very often. While most of the attention focusses on new Michelin-star aspiring places, there is very much a trend towards high quality mid-range restaurants offering French/Dutch cuisine. ==Drink== [[Rotterdam/Centrum#|Centrum]] has a wide variety of bars, coffee shops and music venues. The [http://www.kaapsebrouwers.nl/ Kaapse Brouwers] brewery has four locations around the city. Each location has a whole wall of taps to choose from. They are popular place so waiting lines can be long. ==Sleep== See district articles for listings for camping, hostels and hotels. ==Connect== The telephone country code for the Netherlands is 31, and Rotterdam's city code is 010. In case of an '''Emergency''', dial '''1-1-2''' (free of charge). When staying for a longer time, buy a prepaid sim card for your mobile phone. ==Stay safe== You should take normal precautions against pickpockets and baggage theft, especially in the main shopping streets, at markets, in trams and trains, at stations, and anywhere where tourists congregate. It is not wise to hang around Stadhuisplein when nightlife ends. Fights often occur in this area after midnight. Rotterdam also has a reputation of mass venues getting out of hand, though you shouldn't worry too much about it. If violence breaks out at football festivities (not so unlikely) or at the end of sun soaked festive days, like Kings Day (even less unlikely, especially at the Stadhuisplein), just get out of the way and you're unlikely to be affected. It's advisable not to wear a football jersey of Ajax Amsterdam or any other stuff promoting Ajax or Amsterdam. In terms of general safety, at daylight most areas in the city are safe. But at night, some areas such as Spangen, Charlois and Hillesluis are wise to avoid. When you drive a car with a foreign numberplate (especially if it's a French or Belgian one) you might or will be approached by so-called ''drugsrunners''. This can occur on the motorways surrounding the city and in the city proper. These guys try to lure people to places where drugs are dealt. Do not respond to their signals and do not follow them. ==Go next== If you do not have a car, the hub for leaving the city will probably be '''Rotterdam Centraal''', from where trains leave in all directions at short intervals (you can generally drop in and catch the next train to your destination). Most regional and longer distance buses leave here too, with the exception of most buses to southerly destinations and the province of Zeeland that leave from '''metro station Zuidplein'''. In contrast with the trains, bus departure times should be checked in advance as they can be far and between. For trains to the North and the South travellers can also choose to depart from '''Rotterdam Blaak'''. '''The Hague''' can also be reached easily and rather quickly by metro line E. Nearby destinations like [[Schiedam]] or even [[Delft]] can also be reached by bike if you fancy a somewhat longer ride. Bike routes and directions are well marked and available in abundance. A good idea for a sunny day! Schiedam can be reached by train or by metro (in 15 minutes) too. [[Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region|MRDH]] is the area of the region Rotterdam-Schiedam-Delft-The Hague, see this page for more information on travel and cycling. ===Nearby=== * '''[[Kinderdijk]]''' — a [[UNESCO World Heritage List#Netherlands|UNESCO World Heritage]] site. 19 old windmills are still helping to control the water level there. Windmill #2 is open to the public, allowing you to see its inner workings. In season there is a direct waterbus service from an embankment at the Erasmus bridge (travel time ~1/2 hour). Alternatively, ''Arriva'' bus 90 from bus and metro station ''Zuidplein'' will get you there in 50 minutes. * '''[[Schiedam]]''' — visit the historic centre of this small town at the edge of Rotterdam, including the world's six tallest windmills. Also you can find there the ''Stedelijk Museum'', an attractive museum with some nice modern art exhibitions. Easily reached by bicycle, a train (from ''Rotterdam Centraal'' to ''Schiedam Centrum''), metro A, B or C line to ''Schiedam Centrum'' station, or tram lines 1 or 11 (''Broersvest'' or ''Koemarkt'' stop). ===Day trips=== * '''[[Delft]]''' — this famous town is a 15-minute train ride from ''Rotterdam Centraal''. Very historic and scenic, but also very touristy. * '''[[Dordrecht]]''' — a magnificent historic town with little tourism and an excellent old art museum (Dordrechts Museum). It is a 15-min train ride, or even better, take a ''[http://www.waterbus.nl/halte/dordrecht-merwekade/ waterbus]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''. * '''[[Gouda]]''' — visit this small picturesque postcard-like town and see the magnificent stained glass windows in the ''Sint Janskerk''. Also 20 min by train. * '''[[Delta Works]]''' — a series of construction projects protecting the Southwest of the Netherlands from the sea. The Oosterschelde storm surge barrier is the most impressive, and next to it is ''Neeltje Jans'', a water theme park dedicated to the Delta Works. * '''[[Brielle (Netherlands)|Brielle]]''' — a mediaeval fortified town. The centre is a nice ensemble of old houses and churches, enclosed by the original earthen defensive walls. There are some museums and the Roman Catholic shrine of the Martyrs of Gorcum. Walking around town and fortifications is a treat. You can easily spend a full day in Brielle. Take bus 103 at the ''Spijkenisse Centrum'' metro station. A journey takes about 70 min. * '''[[Schoonhoven]]''' — a nice small town with many well preserved medieval buildings on the ''Lek'' river in a halfway to Utrecht. From Station Capelsebrug, Rotterdam, take a bus 195 (direction Utrecht). A journey takes about 1 hour. * Go to the other cities of the [[Randstad]], e.g. '''[[The Hague]]''' is 1/2 hour by train or metro, '''[[Utrecht]]''' is around 45 min by train, '''[[Amsterdam]]''' about an hour. {{routebox | image1=NL-A15.png | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Brielle (Netherlands)|Brielle]] | minorl1=[[Spijkenisse]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Arnhem]] | minorr1=[[Dordrecht]] | image2=BE-E19.svg | imagesize2=20 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Amsterdam]] | minorl2=[[Delft]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Antwerp]] | minorr2=[[Zwijndrecht]] }} {{usablecity}} {{isPartOf|Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region}} {{geo|51.9239|4.4623|zoom=14}} fwalu3p23tj7o8ih6zmamftdr6au7wf 5087052 5087051 2025-07-03T09:46:57Z 109.36.231.243 /* By taxi */ 5087052 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Rotterdam Banner 4.jpg|dotm=yes|unesco=yes}} {{printDistricts}} '''Rotterdam''' is a very large city in the province of [[South Holland]] in the west of the [[Netherlands]]. The city is the second largest in the country with a population of approximately 650,000 inhabitants in the municipality (2020) and about 2.2 million inhabitants in the shared metropolitan area of the [[Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region]] (MRDH). Rotterdam is a vibrant, multicultural city; it is known for its university (Erasmus), cutting-edge architecture, lively cultural life, industrial riverside setting, its maritime heritage and colourful summer events. The municipality stretches all the way to the [[North Sea]] with gigantic areas like '''Europoort''' and '''Maasvlakte 1&2'''. All belong to the '''Port of Rotterdam'''. Starting as a dam constructed in 1270 on the Rotte River, Rotterdam has grown into a major international commercial centre. The port of Rotterdam is Europe's busiest port by cargo tonnage, and was the world's busiest from 1962 until it was surpassed by Shanghai in 2004. Rotterdam's commercial and strategic importance is based on its location near the mouth of the Nieuwe Maas (New Meuse), a channel in the delta formed by the Rhine and Meuse on the North Sea. These rivers lead directly into the centre of Europe, including the industrial Ruhr region, which is why Rotterdam is often called the "Gateway to Europe". Many relatively high buildings (by Dutch standards) have been emerging throughout and around the city centre. Daring and new styles of apartments, office buildings and recreation facilities resulted in Rotterdam becoming a city of modern architecture and the only city in the Netherlands with a modern skyline. Due to this, the city is especially interesting for Dutch people to visit. ==Districts== {{Mapframe|width=660|zoom=10|show=districts}} {{Mapshape|type=page|wikicommons=Rotterdam_Districts.map|group=districts}} {{Regionlist | regionmap= | regionmaptext= | regionmapsize= | region1name=[[Rotterdam/Centrum|Stadsdriehoek]] | region1color=#44aa99 | region1items=Rotterdam Centrum | region1description=Filled with highrise and out-of-the-box architecture, this district forms the heart of Rotterdam and gives the city its characteristic. | region2name=[[Rotterdam/Delfshaven|Delfshaven]] | region2color=#aa4499 | region2items=Delfshaven | region2description=Originally a part of [[Delft]], this town over time grew closer to Rotterdam, leading up to its incorporation in 1886. The former town still has a fair bit of its historic identity. | region3name=[[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk|Kralingen-Crooswijk]] | region3color=#117733 | region3items=Kralingen-Crooswijk, Noord | region3description=Famous for the Kralingse Plas, a large artificial lake and the surrounding park, as well as Blijdorp, the second-oldest still active zoo in the Netherlands. | region4name=[[Rotterdam/Feijenoord|Feijenoord]] | region4color=#ee99aa | region4items=Feijenoord | region4description=Namesake of a Dutch football club, Feijenoord is the heart of the south banks of the Meuse. | region5name=[[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|Northern Rotterdam]] | region5color=#d09440 | region5items=Overschie, Hillegersberg-Schiebroek | region5description=Home to Rotterdam's airport as well as Hilligersberg and the surrounding lakes and forests. | region6name=[[Rotterdam/Capelle en Noordoost|Capelle en Noordoost]] | region6color=#b5d29f | region6items=Prins Alexander, Capelle aan den IJssel | region6description=Largely home to Rotterdam's urban sprawl. | region7name=[[Rotterdam/Nieuwerkerk|Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel]] | region7color=#d56d76 | region7items=Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel | region7description=Though not incorporated into Rotterdam, Nieuwerkerk is largely an extension of the city. It is home to the lowest point of the famously low-lying Netherlands, at {{convert|6.76|m|yd}} below sea level. | region8name=[[Rotterdam/Zuid|Zuid]] | region8color=#6699cc | region8items=Charlois, IJsselmonde | region8description=The southernmost districts of Rotterdam. | region9name=[[Rotterdam/Port of Rotterdam|Port of Rotterdam]] | region9color=#ddcc77 | region9items=Pernis, Rozenburg, Botlek, Europoort, Eerste- en Tweede Maasvlakte | region9description=Best known as the largest seaport of Europe, the Port of Rotterdam has been built within a river delta as well as the sea. | region10name=[[Rotterdam/Hook of Holland|Hook of Holland]] | region10color=#44aa99 | region10items=Hoek van Holland | region10description=Formerly one of the main gateways into the Netherlands from anywhere reachable by ocean-going vessel, nowadays a popular beachfront. | region11name=[[Rotterdam/Albrandswaard|Albrandswaard]] | region11color=#882255 | region11items=Hoogvliet, Poortugaal, Rhoon | region11description=Island on the suburban fringes of Rotterdam, functioning as a suburb both to Rotterdam and [[Spijkenisse]]. }} ==Understand== ===History=== Settlement at the lower end of the fen stream ''Rotte'' dates from at least 900. Around 1150, large floods in the area ended development, leading to the construction of protective dikes and dams. A dam on the Rotte or 'Rotterdam' was built in the 1260s and was at the present-day ''Hoogstraat'' ('High Street'). Although Rotterdam did well after the Middle Ages and in the 'Golden Century' - roughly between 1650 and 1750 - it was not before the second part of the nineteenth century that the city started to develop itself rapidly. Helped by the digging of a new seaway (the Nieuwe Waterweg) Rotterdam was rid of access problems caused by the silting of the river and started receiving ever bigger ships with cargo for/from the booming Ruhrgebiet in Germany. Port related trade and industry skyrocketed, and the city started to draw lots of migrants from the then poor Brabant province, for whom the southern part of the city was constructed. At the turn of the twentieth century Rotterdam was well under way to become the largest economic centre in the Netherlands. It was between then and the second world war that large prestigious construction works were undertaken, in part to show off the new found economic pride. The German army invaded the Netherlands on 10 May 1940. Germany had planned to conquer the country in one day, but after meeting unexpectedly fierce resistance, it finally forced the Dutch army to capitulate on 14 May 1940 by bombing Rotterdam and threatening to bomb other cities. The heart of the city was almost completely destroyed by the German Luftwaffe, and 800 people were killed, while about 80,000 others were made homeless. During the war, Rotterdam was bombed several times during allied raids that were aimed at the harbour area but sometimes also hit the city. The City Hall survived the bombing. Unlike most other European cities however, the City Council did not aim at rebuilding what was lost, but on taking the opportunity to create a 'new' and better city. Damaged but not destroyed old buildings were torn down in the process. From the 1950s through the 1970s, the city was rebuilt. It remained quite windy and open until the city councils from the 1980s on began developing an active architectural policy. Daring and new styles of apartments, office buildings and recreation facilities resulted in a more 'livable' city center with a new skyline. In the 1990s, the ''Kop van Zuid'' was built on the south bank of the river as a new business center. ===Demographics=== In the Netherlands, Rotterdam has the highest percentage of foreigners from non-industrialised nations. Nearly 50% of the population are not native to the Netherlands or have at least one parent born outside the country. Muslims comprise close to 25% of the city's population. The city is also home to one of the largest Cape Verdean communities in the world, as well as the largest Dutch Antillean community. ===Atmosphere=== Rotterdam's culture is distinct from other cities in the Netherlands. The mentality of the people is described as 'can do'. From the waiters you meet to the businessmen and recent immigrants, everybody breathes a dream of getting forward with life. The modern design of the city, the bustle and the spree of buildings all add to this impression. That said, you might also find that people are sometimes too straight with you. And yes, the city is not the cosiest, or the most picturesque of towns, especially on drab winter days. But get acquainted with this small metropolis, easiest done on one of the festival days with nice weather. You will come to love it. [[File:Rotterdam haringvliet in winter.jpg|thumbnail|right|Winters in Rotterdam are moist and can be freezingly cold, but just as well uniquely beautiful]] ===Climate=== {{climate chart | Rotterdam |1.3|6.4|71 |1.1|7.1|66 |2.4|10.3|57 |4.8|14.3|42 |8.1|17.9|56 |11.0|20.6|69 |13.2|22.7|79 |12.9|22.6|92 |10.5|19.3|90 |7.2|14.9|87 |3.9|10.2|88 |1.4|7.0|86 |units = metric |float = right |clear = none |source = Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute}} Rotterdam gains a lot of charm when the sun is shining. Visiting in spring or summer may be more enjoyable than during the dark rainy winter. The summer months see temperatures averaging around {{c|22}} during the day and {{c|14}} at night; though temperatures near or above {{c|28}} during the day and {{c|16}} at night are not unheard of during heat waves. Daylight runs from 05:30 until 22:00 in the summer, and only between 08:45 and 16:30 in the winter. ===Tourist information=== *{{listing | type=listing | name=Rotterdam Tourist Information Coolsingel | alt=VVV | url=https://en.rotterdam.info/ | email=info@rotterdam.info | address=Coolsingel 114, 3011 AG Rotterdam | lat=51.918860 | long=4.481239 | directions=Metro {{rint|Rotterdam|A}} {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} : Beurs, at the garden of the Schielandshuis | phone=+31 10 790 01 85 | tollfree= | hours=09:30-18:00 | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=This well equipped and modern tourist office can provide loads of information like city maps, small guide books, souvenirs and the like, and offers tips and information on what to see and do in Rotterdam. Rotterdam.info also sells Rotterdam Welcome Cards, concert tickets, gift certificate, souvenirs, public transport tickets and parking vouchers. Check the website for upcoming events. }} *{{listing | type=listing | name=Rotterdam Tourist Information Central Station | alt=VVV | url= | email= | address=Stationsplein 21, 3013 AJ Rotterdam | lat=51.92410 | long=4.47030 | directions=main entrance, in the central hall of the central station | phone=+31 107900185 | tollfree= | hours=09:30-18:00 | price= | lastedit=2019-07-21 | content=With help from the service desk, a wide range of tourist information folders and the employees, you can find out what part of the city you would like to visit. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=Rotterdam Welcome Card | alt= | url=https://en.rotterdam.info/visitors-info/rotterdam-welcome-card/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=1 day (€13.50), 2 days (€19.50), or 3 days (€24.50) | lastedit=2022-07-27 | content= The card allows for unlimited use of all public transport by RET in the city and region, and offers at least 25% discounts on more than 50 attractions, museums, and restaurants. Available at Rotterdam Info (VVV) points and other locations. Without public transport, the card costs €6.00. }} ==Get in== ===By plane=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Rotterdam The Hague Airport | alt={{IATA|RTM}} | url=http://www.rotterdamthehagueairport.nl/en | email= | address= | lat=51.951248 | long=4.443541 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Rotterdam The Hague Airport | image=Rotterdam airport luchtfoto.jpg | wikidata=Q656807 | lastedit=2016-06-07 | content=It is the 3rd largest airport in the country. It is 6 km north of the city centre. There are direct flights from cities in [[Germany]], [[Italy]], [[France]], [[Spain]], and the [[United Kingdom]]. Commercial airlines that operate to the airport include Transavia, Lufthansa, British Airways, and Turkish Airlines. }} ====Services==== * {{listing|type=go | name=VVV Rotterdam-The Hague Airport information point | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rotterdam Airportplein 60 | lat= | long= | directions=at the arrivals hall | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= 07:30-23:45 | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=Come here if you have questions about Rotterdam. The place to hear history. The gift shop is open 09:30-18:00. }} ====How to reach==== To plan a trip (for all public transport in the Netherlands) see [https://9292.nl/en 9292.nl]{{Dead link|date=December 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} Depending on the amount of travel with public transit in The Netherlands it is possible to buy a so called ''[[OV-Chipkaart]]'' or it may be more convemient to pay with a contactless credit or debit card by touching in & touching out on each trip. see for more information under ''Get Around.'' ;By bus/metro * {{listing | type=go | name=Bus 33 | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-06-30 | content=Connects the airport with ''Meijersplein/Airport'' metro station, from where you can take metro line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} to ''Slinge'' (for ''Rotterdam Centraal'' and Rotterdam city center).See for more information the ''By Metro'' section under ''Get Around''. Bus 33 also connects to Rotterdam Centraal station via the Overschie district. }} * {{listing | name=Bus 300 | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= 15 July - 20 September, Fr-Mo only| price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-06-30 | content=Direct service to ''Rotterdam Centraal''. No stops in between. }} ;By taxi * {{listing|type=go | name=Rotterdam Airport Taxi | alt= | url=http://www.rotterdam-airport-taxi.nl | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +31 10 262 04 06| tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-06-07 | content=Recommended by the airport web site. }} ====Other close airports==== * [[Schiphol Airport| Amsterdam Schiphol Airport]] ({{IATA|AMS}}) is 58 km north of Rotterdam and has much more flights than the Rotterdam airport. '''NS (Dutch Railways)''' operates ''[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/special-routes/intercity-direct.html Intercity Direct]'' high-speed rail service, every 30 minutes to Rotterdam. The journey takes 27 minutes. You have to pay an addition for the journey from Schiphol to Rotterdam, so regular intercities in direction Rotterdam Centraal and Rotterdam Blaak are cheaper (but slower) (these intercities also call at Schiphol). * [[Eindhoven#By plane| Eindhoven Airport]] ({{IATA|EIN}}) is 106 km southeast of Rotterdam. Ryanair and Wizzair operate flights to this airport. Take a bus to Eindhoven Centraal (approximately 20 minutes, the intercity train to Rotterdam Centraal takes about 63 minutes. * [[Brussels Airport]] ({{IATA|BRU}}) is 140 km south of Rotterdam. Many international carriers operate flights to this airport. The [https://www.b-europe.com/EN/Trains/InterCity train from Brussels] takes about 120 minutes and costs €35. Buses are also available, although less frequent. [[File:Rtd CS-III.JPG|thumbnail|right|Rotterdam Centraal has been completely reconstructed and now features a striking roof over the main concourse]] ===By train=== {{seealso|Rail travel in the Netherlands}} ==== International connections ==== * {{go | name=Rotterdam Centraal | alt= | url=https://www.ns.nl/stationsinformatie/rtd/rotterdam-centraal | email= | address= | lat=51.925 | long=4.469444 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q801388 | lastedit=2018-04-10 | content=The station is served by high-speed trains from [[Belgium]], [[France]] and the [[United Kingdom]]. }} **'''[http://www.thalys.com Thalys]''' operates [[high-speed trains]] from [[Antwerp]] (Antwerpen-Centraal, 35 min), [[Brussels]] (Brussel-Zuid/Midi, 1 hr 12 min), [[Paris]] (Gare du Nord, 2 hr 37 min) and [[Lille]] (Lille-Europe, 1 hr 55 min). Book well in advance to secure the best ticket deals. A cheaper but slower alternative to Thalys is the [https://www.b-europe.com/EN/Trains/InterCity Intercity Brussels] service between Amsterdam and Brussels. **Coming from Germany, Rotterdam Centraal can only be reached by changing trains in the Netherlands. When travelling on the German high-speed train '''[https://www.bahn.com/en/view/trains/long-distance/ice-ice-sprinter.shtml?dbkanal_007=L04_S02_D002_KIN0059_FLYOUT-ZUGFLOTTE-ICE_LZ01 ICE]{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' from [[Cologne]], [[Düsseldorf]] and [[Oberhausen]], the exchange will be in [[Utrecht]] Centraal station, and coming from [[Berlin]], [[Hanover]], [[Osnabrück]] (with the '''[https://www.bahn.com/en/view/trains/long-distance/intercity-eurocity.shtml?dbkanal_007=L04_S02_D002_KIN0059_FLYOUT-ZUGFLOTTE-IC_LZ01 DB-intercity]{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''') it is advisable to change at [[Amersfoort]]. Intercity-trains to Rotterdam depart from both Utrecht and Amersfoort. ** '''[http://www.eurostar.com Eurostar]''' runs a daily high speed service from [[London]] St Pancras International to Rotterdam Centraal. Prices start at £35 one way. The journey time is about 3 hr 30 min, but you must arrive at the station at least 90 minutes before departure in order to clear the extra border controls caused by COVID restrictions and Brexit. ==== National connections ==== The Dutch railway company NS runs high-speed ''[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/special-routes/intercity-direct.html Intercity Direct]'' trains between [[Amsterdam]], [[Amsterdam Airport Schiphol|Schiphol]], Rotterdam and [[Breda]]. The train stops only at those four stations and shaves 25-30 minutes in journey time between Amsterdam and Schiphol and Rotterdam versus the regular Intercity and Sprinter trains that stop in between. Beware that you have to pay a supplement (€2.60 during peak hours, €1.56 outside peak hours) to use the Intercity direct line to travel to Rotterdam if your journey involves Schiphol, (i.e. Amsterdam-Rotterdam journeys are subject to this supplement). You can purchase this supplement by tapping an anonymous or personal OV-chipkaart on a designated red pole found on the platform. Those without an anonymous or personal OV-chipkaart can use the ticketing machines or the NS website to purchase the supplement, however the discount may not be applicable to supplements purchased this way. Most unlimited day tickets including the Holland Travel Ticket can be used to travel on the Intercity Direct but a supplement purchase is still required. Thalys also offers seats for passengers travelling from Amsterdam to Rotterdam. The journey is less than 40 minutes, slightly faster than the Intercity Direct. However, reservations/advance bookings are required and most unlimited day tickets recognised by NS cannot be used on Thalys. Rotterdam is also well served by NS from other parts of the [[Netherlands]], with direct connections to [[Delft]], [[Amsterdam]], [[Eindhoven]], [[Gouda]], [[Leiden]], [[The Hague]], [[Utrecht]] and [[Vlissingen]]. Some intercities and sprinters also stop at '''[https://www.ns.nl/stationsinformatie/rtb/rotterdam-blaak Rotterdam Blaak]''' station which is in the middle of the city center. This station is also frequented by trams and metro. See also the [[Netherlands#Get in Netherlands]] page for further information on national rail. Alternatively, Rotterdam's Metro line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} provides a connection for passengers coming from [[The Hague]] at Den Haag Centraal. The journey from Den Haag Centraal to Rotterdam Centraal costs €4.43 with an anonymous or personalised OV-chipkaart, which is marginally cheaper than an NS journey (€4.90) between the same points but takes about five minutes longer to complete the journey. ===By bus=== * {{listing|type=go | name=Flixbus | alt= | url=https://www.flixbus.com/bus/rotterdam| email= | address=(bus stop) Rotterdam Centraal @ Conradstraat 52 | lat= | long= | directions=International bus stop platform 'GG' at Rotterdam Centraal. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-07-20 | content=Serving both domestic and international routes. They also have an extra stop at Rotterdam Zuidplein @ Gooilandsingel }} ===By boat=== ==== Ferries from [[England]] (UK) ==== You can also get to Rotterdam by [[Ferries to the British Mainland|ferry from the United Kingdom]]. No ferries arrive in the center. * '''[http://www.poferries.com P&O Ferries]''' has a daily overnight sailing from [[Kingston Upon Hull]] to Rotterdam Europoort. From Rotterdam Europoort P&O Ferries operates a shuttle bus service that takes you to the city center of Rotterdam. Please book this shuttle service while you book your sailing. * '''[http://www.stenaline.com StenaLine]''' has a daily day and a daily overnight sailing from [[Harwich (England)|Harwich]] to [[Hook of Holland]]. Next to the port is ''Hoek van Holland Haven'' metro station. Line B brings you to the city centre in approximately 30 minutes. * '''[http://www.dfdsseaways.co.uk/ferry-routes/holland/newcastle-to-amsterdam DFDS Seaways]''' has a daily overnight ferry crossing from Newcastle to Amsterdam. You can drive to Rotterdam in approx. 50 minutes. ==== Waterbus ==== [[File:ENI 02324345 ALBLAS (14).JPG|thumbnail|right|A WaterBus near [https://www.cityguiderotterdam.com/things-to-do/sights/old-harbour-rotterdam/ Oude Haven (Old Harbour)]]]The '''[http://www.waterbus.nl WaterBus]''' services provide connections between Rotterdam and the ''Drechtsteden'' ([[Dordrecht]] and surrounding cities, including [[UNESCO World Heritage List|UNESCO-site]] - the world-famous windmills - [[Kinderdijk]]). ===By metro=== Coming from [[The Hague]] or somewhere in between it can be advisable to use metroline {{rint|Rotterdam|E}}, see for more information the page about the [[Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region|whole region]]. ===By car=== [[File:Rotterdam Auto 01.JPG|thumbnail|right|Finding a good spot to park can be a problem in central Rotterdam]] Rotterdam is easily reached by car. From Amsterdam take the A4 South to Rotterdam Haven. From Utrecht take the A12 and change to the A20 just after [[Gouda]] on knooppunt Gouwe. Traffic congestion on highways is common during peak hours (morning and evening commutes). You can pay for '''on-street parking''' with debit and credit card. Remember your license plate number. Parking regulations are enforced regularly. '''[https://parkereninrotterdam.nl Parking garages]{{Dead link|date=April 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' can be easily found by following the sign-marked P-route. The easiest way to pay is by credit card, just insert your card on the way in, and insert it again on the way out, and the total time is automatically deducted. You can also pay with cash or debit card. '''Park & Ride (P&R)''' facilities outside the center of Rotterdam offer free or cheap parking with public transport connections into the city center. For some locations (Slinge A15, Kralingse Zoom A16/E19 and Alexander A20/E25), you can park for free if you have a valid check-out on your public transport card (OV-chipkaart). === By bike === As a Dutch city Rotterdam is well connected to extense (inter)national bicycle networks which use all kinds of infrastructural facilities. Most attractive for tourist to cycle over longer distances are the so called '''LF-routes'''. So the city center is croshed by '''LF2 Stedenroute ''(City Route)''''' from Amsterdam to Brussels and '''LF12 Maas- en Vestingroute''' follows the flow of river Maas all the way from The East. See for more information [http://www.holland.com/global/tourism/discover-holland/cycling/bicycle-route-planner.htm Bicycle Route Planner]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}: ''sellect more options and LF-Routes.'' ==Get around== {{Mapframe|51.9152|4.4791|zoom=14|layer=W|name=Map of Rotterdam (metro lines have thicker strokes than tram lines)}} {{Mapshapes|Q691704}} <!--Metro--> {{Mapshapes|Q1429091|stroke-width=2}} <!--Tram--> '''[https://www.ret.nl/en RET]''' operates the buses, trams, and metro within the city. You could find a journey planner and some [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret/maps.html network maps] there. Alternatively you'd use the pan-Netherlands journey planner – [https://9292.nl/en 9292.nl]. Transport generally arrives every 10 minutes during the day. Free Wi-Fi is available in some trams, buses and metro lines, and on the busier metro stations, you just need to accept the terms of use. ===Tickets=== You can [https://www.ovpay.nl/en use your contactless bank card]{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} to pay for any public transport that also accepts the [[OV-chipkaart]]. This system is called OV-Pay and is the most convenient way to travel. Debit and credit cards from Maestro, V PAY, Mastercard and Visa are supported. As anywhere else in the country OV-chipkaart can still be used to pay all kinds of public transport. The card costs €8.50 and you'd need to keep a positive balance there for at least €4. For using buses and trams, checking in and out has to be done in the vehicle, while for train and metro use the gates or card-reader poles at the entrance of the stations. Alternatively one of the city's transport travel cards could be used: * {{listing | name=RET travel cards | alt= | url=https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travel-products/products-and-fares.html | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=2 hours - €5.00; 1 (calendar) day - €11.00 | lastedit=2025-01-21 | content=To travel by bus, tram and metro with RET. Can be purchased via the RET Barcode app, at ticket machines in metro stations and at RET Sales and Information points. For children under 12 and age 65 and up there is a reduced price. The 1-day ticket is not a 24-hour ticket: it is only valid on the day of the first check-in, until 04:00 of the early morning the next day. Tickets are not sold on bus and tram anymore; use your bank card to check in instead. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=Tourist Day Ticket: Rotterdam & The Hague region | alt= | url=http://www.touristdaytickets.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=€17.00 for one day | lastedit=2025-01-21 | content=Unlimited travel on local transport (bus, tram, metro and waterbus. Note: trains excluded) in the Rotterdam and the Hague region. Available from ticket machines and service counters of RET and at tourist information. Ticket is valid for travel with RET, HTM, HTMbuzz, Arriva, Connexxion, EBS, QBuzz and Waterbus in South Holland. }} * [[#Rotterdam Welcome Card|Rotterdam Welcome Card]] also allows for unlimited use of public transport with RET in the city and region. Note that tickets must be purchased in advance, there is no ticket sale on board of bus, tram and metro. ===By metro=== [[Image:Metro Rotterdam future.svg|thumb|Rotterdam Metro reaches as far as [[the Hague]].]] There are 5 metro lines in the city. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|A}}, {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|C}}, share tracks between ''Schiedam Centrum'' and ''Capelsebrug'' and offer an east-west connection. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} share tracks between ''Rotterdam Centraal'' and ''Slinge'' and offer a north-south connection. Interchange between all lines is possible on ''Beurs'' station in the city center. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|A}}, {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|C}} operate every 10 minutes on working days and Saturday, which allows 3-4 minute intervals on the main section between ''Schiedam Centrum'' and ''Capelsebrug''. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} operate every 10 minutes on working days and Saturday, which give shorter intervals between ''Rotterdam Centraal'' and ''Slinge''. In the evening, on Saturday morning and Sunday the service is reduced to a 15-minute interval. The Rotterdam Metro operates from 05:30 until 00:00. On weekends the opening time is not until 07:00 Saturday, and 08:15 on Sunday. On Friday and Saturday nights the service is extended for a bit longer past midnight, but not on some parts of line B and E. See the [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret/time-table/metro/weekend-metro.html Weekend metro] page for an overview. For tourists the most important metro stations are: '''Line A, B and C''' (East-West branch) * '''Blaak''': train station, interchange with trams and busses, cube houses, Markthal, ports * '''Beurs''': city center, shops, interchange with metro {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} * '''Eendrachtsplein''': museumpark * '''Coolhaven''': [https://euromast.nl/ Euromast] * '''Delfshaven''': historic port '''Line D and E''' (North-South branch) * '''Meijerplein''': bus service to Rotterdam The Hague Airport '''''(only line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}})''''' * '''Blijdorp:''' [https://www.diergaardeblijdorp.nl/en/ Rotterdam Zoo] '''''(only line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}})''''' * '''Rotterdam Centraal''': northern edge of the city centre, interchange with trams and buses, train station * '''Beurs''': city centre, shops, interchange with metro {{rint|Rotterdam|A}}, {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|C}} * '''Leuvehaven''': ports, museums, Erasmus Bridge, Waterbus * '''Wilhelminaplein:''' Erasmus Bridge, Cruise Terminal Rotterdam, [http://www.hotelnewyork.com/ hotel New York] * '''Rijnhaven:''' Katendrecht, bus service to SS Rotterdam ===By tram=== There are nine tram lines in the city. Each tram has a conductor. Tram stops provide a detailed map of the public transport system for on-the-go route-finding. Most lines operate every 10 minutes on workdays, with a more frequent service during rush hours on some lines. All trams except {{rint|Rotterdam|2}} will stop at ''Rotterdam Centraal'', the main train station of Rotterdam. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|1}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|11}}''' run from the suburbs in the [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|northwest]] to De Esch in [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk|Kralingen]], via [[Schiedam]], the north of [[Delfshaven]], and the city centre. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|2}}''' runs on the south side of the rivers, through the districts of [[Rotterdam/Zuid|Charlois, IJsselmonde]] and [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|3}}''' starts at the central station, and connects to the south bank via Feijenoord, IJsselmonde and [[Rotterdam/Zuid|Beverwaard]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|4}}''' starts from Heemsraadplein, connecting to much of the city centre and the neighbourhoods to its west, before connecting to [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|Hillegersberg]] via the central station, and Noord/Crooswijk. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|5}}''' originates from the central station, running to the south bank via Feijenoord and suburbs, before terminating in [[Barendrecht]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|6}}''' runs from Heemsraadplein to Kleiweg, just north of the A20 highway, running parallel with line 4 up to Rotterdam Noord railway station. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|7}}''' starts at Marconiplein, where the metro and lines 1, 8 and 11 meet, to Woudestein where it meets lines 1 and 11 again, via the central station and Erasmus University. Between Weena and Woudestein, lines 1 and 11 follow a more direct route via the Stadhuis, Beurs, Blaak and Oostplein metro stations, while line seven heads north via [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk|Crooswijk and Kralingen]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|8}}''', lastly, comes from [[Delfshaven|Spangen]], and then continues through most of Delfshaven roughly following the river up to Eendrachtsplein in [[Rotterdam/Centre|Cool]], from where it joins the main tram corridor through the city centre, to eventually terminate in [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|Schiebroek]]. * '''Line 12''' operates during football matches in the Kuip stadion only. ===By bus=== '''RET''' operates bus services across the city. Night bus service (BOB-bus) has been cancelled. Buses operated by '''[http://www.arriva.nl Arriva]''' and '''[http://www.connexxion.nl Connexxion]''' connect the city with suburbs. Use the front door when boarding a bus. ===By water taxi=== * {{listing | name=Watertaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=http://www.watertaxirotterdam.nl | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 10 403 03 03 | tollfree= | hours= | price=€ | lastedit=2022-07-27 | content=Rotterdam was built on a number of islands and if you want to travel from shore to shore, the nicest way to go is to take a '''Water Taxi'''. Fixed fares for rides between 50 docks in Rotterdam and Schiedam, with 3 fares zones, starting at €4.50 per person in the central zone. You can give them a call, or use the online tool to see availability and book a ride. It is advised to book in advance, especially on days with large events in the city. }} ===By taxi=== If you do need a taxi you will have to find yourself a taxi rank or call a taxi company. There is a minimum taxi fare of €2.30 (first it was {{EUR|7.50}} which included the first two kilometres). Additionally, each subsequent kilometre is charged €2.20. * {{go | name=Botlektaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://botlektaxi.nl | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 10 666 66 06 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-01-19 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Vliegveldtaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.vliegveldtaxirotterdam.nl | phone=+31 10 818 28 23 }} * {{listing | name=Rotterdamse Taxi Centrale RTC N.V. | url=http://www.rtcnv.nl | phone=+31 10 462 60 60 }} * {{listing | name=Coöperatieve Taxi Onderneming St. Job u.a. | url=http://www.st-job.nl | phone=+31 10 425 70 00 }} * {{listing | name=Rolstoeltaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.rolstoeltaxirotterdam.nl | phone=+31 10 818 28 23 }} * {{listing | name=Taxi Rotterdam 010 | alt= | url=https://taxirotterdam010.nl | phone=+31 10 261 31 88 }} * {{listing | name=Rotterdamse Taxi | alt= | url= https://www.rotterdamsetaxi.nl | phone=+31 10 261 31 22 }} * {{listing | name=Stadstaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.stadstaxirotterdam.nl| phone=+31 10 818 28 23 }} * {{listing | name=Zorgtaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.zorgtaxirotterdam.nl | phone=+31 10 818 28 23 }} ===By tuk-tuk=== * {{listing | name=Tuk Tuk Company | alt= | url=http://www.tuktukcompany.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 9009933399 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-05-23 | content=A Thai-influenced transportation service using three-wheeled, open-air (but covered) motorized vehicles called Tuk Tuk offers a more economical and fast way to get around the city centre when compared to taxis. Tuk-tuk pricing is based on a zone system. Within a zone, a ride is €3.50 per person, €5 for 2 persons and €6.50 for 3. If you go to another zone, €3.50 is added (irrespective of number of persons). This service is handy if it is past the regular tram/bus/metro service hours (approximately half past midnight). }} ===By bicycle=== Like any city in The Netherlands, Rotterdam is very, very bicycle-friendly. Getting around by bike is probably the fastest way of travel within the city. There are separate bike lanes on most major streets and there are separate traffic lights for bicyclists. Avoid getting your tire in the tram rails: always cross tram rails at an angle. Of course it is also strongly advisable to watch out for other traffic at all time. On the other hand bicyclists can rely on the fact that motorists and pedestrians are aware of bikes. Always lock your bike securely when leaving it (preferably chained to a fixed object) or go to a guarded bicycle parking station. ==== Rent a bike==== At Rotterdam Centraal, you can rent bicycles at the shop in the underground bicycle parking, below the Station square. Leave the station at the front, exit 'Stationsplein'. The entrance of the bicycle parking ('fietsenstalling', with the glass roof) is at your right, in front of grand cafe Engels. Use-it, rents out nice Kronan bikes (Schaatsbaan 41-45, leave Central Station towards the center. Turn right at restaurant Engels and take the 2nd right). Bikes can be rented by several other private companies. Holland-Cycling.com provides a list of [http://www.holland-cycling.com/rotterdam/getting-around-rotterdam/bicycle-rental-in-rotterdam addresses]. Another list you will find at [https://www.rotterdam.nl/vrije-tijd/fiets-huren/ Rotterdam.nl]{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. If you have a personal (rather than an anonymous) [[OV-chipkaart]], bicycles can be rented at many train and metro stations and other central locations by the [http://www.ns.nl/en/door-to-door/ov-fiets OV-fiets system]. ==== Guarded bicycle parking ==== * The larger train stations have their own guarded bicycle parking. * Rotterdam municipality has also [https://www.rotterdam.nl/fietsparkeren some free locations]. ==See== ===Landmarks=== [[File:VN5 HDR2.jpg|thumbnail|right|The Van Nellefabriek is regarded as a prime example of the ''International Style'']] Rotterdam has national notoriety for its architecture, and the city therefore is dotted with landmarks of all sorts. Most of them you will find in the [[Rotterdam/Centrum|city centre]], but [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord|Feijenoord]] is also quite dense with them. Rotterdam is known for some bridges, not in the last place the '''Erasmusbrug''', spanning the Nieuwe Maas between the city centre and Feijenoord. Also of historical importance is the former railway lifting bridge '''De Hef''', slightly upstream from the Erasmusbrug. '''Historical landmarks''' are somewhat rare to come across in Rotterdam's city centre, but the city itself isn't completely devoid of them. In the city centre, the 1920 '''City hall''' and the '''Great or Saint-Laurence church''', both survivors of the 1940 bombardment. Rotterdam is also home to the country's oldest known bronze statue, depicting Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam and dating from 1622. It is found opposite the Saint-Laurence church. '''De Verwoeste Stad''' (Destroyed City) is a cubist statue depicting a man in agony who just lost his heart (symbol of the bombed city centre). Feijenoord, despite being home to many modern redevelopments, houses some historical landmarks such as the '''former headquarters of the Holland-Amerikalijn'''. Also worth visiting are the '''Oude Haven''' (''Old Harbour'') and the nearby '''Witte Huis''' (''White House'') and '''Schielandshuis'''. '''Industrial landmarks''' are plenty in a city that mostly thrives off of harbour activities. Besides the many industrial sites found in the [[Rotterdam/Port of Rotterdam|Port of Rotterdam]], the '''Van Nellefabriek''' in [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|the north of the city]] is a listed UNESCO site. [[File:Erasmusbrug seen from Euromast.jpg|thumbnail|right|The modern skyline of Rotterdam can be truly appreciated from the Euromast.]] The skyline of Rotterdam can, of course, be observed from one of the many skyscrapers in the city - though you should probably book a hotel located in a skyscraper or find one with a publicly accessible roof, as trespass isn't welcomed. Another great site for views over the city though, is the '''Euromast''' on the border between the [[Rotterdam/Centrum|city centre]] and [[Rotterdam/Delfshaven|Delfshaven]], twice in its history the highest building of the Netherlands. For a relatively small entry fee, you can climb the tower or for a larger sum, you can dine inside of it. For those less comfortable with great heights though, a birds-eye overview of the city can also be obtained at '''Miniworld Rotterdam''', near the central station. The city is also well-known for its experimental and out-of-the-ordinary architecture, often being a testing ground for new concepts. A prime example of this are the '''Kubuswoningen''' (''Cube Houses'') at [[Rotterdam/Centrum|Blaak]]; one has been set aside as a museum, offering a view of the unique perspective and custom furniture that comes with living in one of the houses. Also striking are the '''Markthal''', harbour-crane inspired sculptures at the '''Schouwburgplein''' and the '''Koopgoot''', all found in the city centre. '''Historic churches:''' in the Netherlands churches are generally closed to visitors on Sundays. === Other sites === [[File:Rotterdam Erasmusbrug bij avond vanaf hoek Veerhaven-Westerkade.jpg|thumb|Erasmus bridge of Rotterdam]] [[File:Schielandshuis.jpg|thumbnail|right|Schielandshuis today stands surrounding by modern glass and steel buildings]] [[Image:Oude Haven (Rotterdam) 2011.jpg|thumb|"Het witte huis" in Old Harbour]] The area around the [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Other sites|'''Station Rotterdam Blaak''']] was destroyed by a Nazi bombardment during World War II. After the war this area was populated with some bold examples of modern architecture. The '''Kubuswoningen''' are literally cubes, tilted over by 45 degrees. '''Oude Haven''' (Old Harbour) is a nice place to see and sit at some café nearby. '''Witte Huis''' is a "skyscraper" built in 1898. '''Het Schielandshuis''' is the only remaining 17th-century building in the city centre of Rotterdam. [[File:Delfshaven Rotterdam (the Netherlands) 17.JPG|thumb|The old barges moored at the Delfshaven]] [[Rotterdam/Delfshaven|'''Delfshaven''']] is one of very few locations in the city which survived World War II bombings. Historic Delfshaven is a very scenic walk. It consists of an 17th-century area around two canals with a lot of charm. By day visit little shops in this neighbourhood, by night attractive pubs and restaurants make the visit worthwhile. * '''Chinatown''' in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Other sites|Centrum]] is full of Chinese restaurants and also Indonesian and other Asian restaurants. [[File:Rotterdam molens De Ster (l) en De Lelie (r) - tegenlicht.jpg|thumbnail|right|''De Ster'' and ''De Lelie'' at dusk]] ===Windmills=== Rotterdam has only seven windmills left. Of these, only ''De Ster'' and ''De Lelie'' in [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk#See|Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk]] are open to visitors on a regular basis. Other windmills are open to visitors when the mill is turning (easy enough to see), but there are some exceptions to this rule of thumb. A blue flag also indicates that the mill is open to visitors. Look for De Prinsenmolen, De Vier Winden, and De Speelman windmills in [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam#Windmills|Northern Rotterdam]] and De Zandweg in [[Rotterdam/Zuid#See|Rotterdam Zuid]]. ===Museums=== [[File:Overzicht achtergevel - Rotterdam - 20534511 - RCE.jpg|thumbnail|right|Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen]] [[Netherlands#Museumkaart|Museumkaart]] is accepted at the city's museums. The Museumpark area in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Museums|Centrum]] has many of the city's museums. '''Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen''' houses a rich, broad collection including masterpieces ranging from Pieter Brueghel the Elder's ''The "little" Tower of Babel'' (1563) to an important collection of surrealism, prominently featuring Salvador Dalí and René Magritte. '''Sylvette''' is a large work by Pablo Picasso was erected in 1973. It is one of the elaborations Picasso made based on the portraits of his muse Sylvette David. Definitely worth a look. '''Kunsthal''' houses some 25 exhibitions annually with a fascinating and widely varied repertoire. Het Nieuwe Instituut museum includes the '''Museum voor Architectuur, Design en Digitale cultuur''', a museum for architecture,deesign and digital culture, and '''Huis Sonneveld''', a building in the Bauhaus style. '''Chabot Museum''' is a neat little museum is housed in a splendid modernist 1930s villa. It houses a collection of works of the expressionist painter Hendrik Chabot. '''Natuurhistorisch Museum''' has changing expositions and a fixed collection of mammals, plants and fossils. The city has two maritime museums. The '''Maritiem Museum''' has a variety of expositions about the harbour of Rotterdam and maritime history, and a restored 19th-century gunboat that is a must-see for naval enthusiasts. The '''Mariniersmuseum''' shows the history of the centuries-old Narine Corps and its modern-day role. Special attention is given to the heroic role of the corps in the 1940 defence of Rotterdam. ====Other museums==== [[File:Façade Witte de With Center for Contemporary Art.jpg|thumbnail|right|Witte de With Center]] In [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Other museums|Centrum]], you can visit '''Museum Rotterdam''', which is dedicated to the modern day Rotterdam and its history; the '''Museum of Chess-Pieces''', which houses a diverse collection of chess games from ancient Chinese to cartoon characters; the '''Wereldmuseum''' (World Arts Museum), which focuses on encounters and cross-cultural inspiration; and '''Witte de With''' (Centre for Contemporary Arts). [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord#Q2191118|'''Nederlands Fotomuseum''']] shows the diversity of forms of photography, especially as a medium of social expression and commentary. [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk#Q2351733|'''SSN Museumstoomdepot''']] features old steam locomotives and trains. Besides a small museum it's a workshop where you can see restoration in progress. ==Do== [[File:Overzicht - Rotterdam - 20534496 - RCE.jpg|thumbnail|right|''De Doelen'' concert hall in Schouwbourgplein]] Upcoming events and performances are listed on the VVV and Use-it websites. The larger events are well documented on the VVV site, for smaller venues check Use-it (under Calendar) for a very attractive and well updated listing of music, expositions, movies and parties that need checking out. The [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Do|Uitburo office]] inside the Central Library provides information on theatre and music performances. It also sells tickets and offers an overview of performances that can be visited for free (''gratis''). ===Events=== [[File:North Sea Jazz Festival 2012 - ALOE BLACC.jpg|thumbnail|right|In July, you can enjoy the ''North Sea Jazz'' festival]] Rotterdam plays host to a lot of events, a lot of them yearly ones. Besides these there are a lot smaller ones that can be very nice, so ask around and check the VVV website. A few of these yearly events to name: * {{do | name=Six Days of Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.wielerzesdaagserotterdam.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2293105 | lastedit=2024-12-26 | content=A cycling competition in early December. }} * {{do | name=IFFR | alt= | url=http://www.filmfestivalrotterdam.com/en/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The International Film Festival Rotterdam, which mainly features independent films from all over the world in February. }} * {{do | name=Art Rotterdam | alt= | url=http://www.artrotterdam.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=In February, you can see (and buy) masterpieces of modern art. }} * {{do | name=World tennis Tournament | alt= | url=http://www.abnamrowtt.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=In February. }} * On the '''[http://www.rotterdamsemuseumnacht.nl/ Rotterdam Museum Night]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' in March, nearly all Rotterdam museums and galleries open their doors in the evening with special events. * {{do | name=Motel Mozaique | alt= | url=http://motelmozaique.nl/en/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Music, art & performance. Plus a sleeping project that enables sleeping in art or on special locations in Rotterdam (April) }} * [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Q1341108|'''Rotterdam Marathon''']], internationally reputed as a very fast marathon, is held in April in Centrum. * {{do | name=Poetry International | alt= | url=http://www.poetry.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Festival in June. }} * '''Metropolis Festival''' (music) on the first Sunday in July. * The sublime '''[http://www.northseajazz.com/ North Sea Jazz]''' festival in July with loads of worldfamous artists. * {{do | name=Summer Carnival | alt= | url=http://www.zomercarnaval.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A huge Caribbean-oriented parade and party in the city centre. }} * {{do | name=Heerlijk Rotterdam | alt= | url=http://www.heerlijkrotterdam.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Three day event where you can sample dishes from Michelin-star restaurants for a reduced price (dates vary, summer edition usually late August) }} * The '''[http://wereldhavendagen.nl/en/ World Port Days]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' a weekend full of activities centred around the large harbour of Rotterdam (early September) * The classical music '''[http://www.gergievfestival.nl/ Gergjev]''' festival in September, led by master-conductor Valery Gergjev. * The '''[http://www.rotterdamseoogst.nl/ Rotterdam Harvest Festival]''' in September. * '''Bazar Curieux''' (music) in December For full listings of events check [http://www.rotterdam.info/uk/ Rotterdam.info] and [http://www.use-it.nl/ Use-it]{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. === Tours === Several tours can be found in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Tours|Centrum]], including the tourist '''tram line 10''' through the city centre and historic parts of Rotterdam on classic trams; the '''Spido harbour trip''' through the first 8 km of the harbour; and De pannenkoekenboot, on which you cam eat as many pancakes as you want while you cruise the harbour. ===Cinema=== There are two huge megacinemas in Rotterdam. The one in the city centre is called '''Pathé Schouwburgplein''' (at the Schouwburgplein), the other one is on the southside of the city. It's called '''Pathé De Kuip''' (next to the Feyenoord stadium De Kuip). In these cinemas you can see Hollywood movies and occasionally an arthouse movie. To get to De Kuip, take tram {{rint|Rotterdam|12}} to stop Stadion Feijenoord. If you're more into alternative cinema go to '''[http://www.lantaren-venster.nl/ Lantaren/Venster]''' Cinema (Otto Reuchlinweg 996 (Wilhelminapier)). Here you'll get European, Asian and Latin American cinema in a nice atmosphere. It has a nice bar too. The other option is '''Cinerama''' (Westblaak 18) which shows a combination of art/house films and commercial Hollywood flicks. During the '''IFFR''' (International Film Festival Rotterdam), which usually takes place in February, art-house movies are shown at much more locations throughout the city. In August, an open air cinema at the '''Lloydkwartier''' shows both blockbusters and independent films. Entrance is free, and you can either bring your own chair or rent one onsite. To get there, take {{rint|Rotterdam|A}} to Coolhaven and walk for about 10–15 minutes towards the river in the south. ===Other attractions=== [[File:Erasmusbréck w.jpg|thumbnail|right|Rotterdam can be breathtaking from above]] When you want to combine a unique experience with a great view over the city of Rotterdam, you can make a (tandem) '''skydive''' at [http://www.skydiverotterdam.com Skydive Rotterdam]. At Skydive Rotterdam (also called the Flying Dutchman) you can book a tandem skydive or do a complete skydiving course and jump from a height of 3 or 4 kilometers. It's the only skydiving school in the "Randstad" area and the only place in the Netherlands where you can jump over a major city like Rotterdam. When the weather's good you will have a spectacular view over the Rotterdam skyline and other parts of the Randstad area, all the way to the coastline. An '''airplane''' can be rented at reasonable rates at Rotterdam Airport at [http://vliegen.rotterdamsweb.nl/ Happy Wing]. Nice tours above the city, its ports or the coastline are on offer. On summer Sundays, it is possible to lower yourself down from the '''Euromast'''. On last Sundays of summer months you can glide down in 15 seconds on a wire (tokkelen). Both: Not for the faint of heart! Check the website of [http://heightspecialists.nl/abseilen/ Heightspecialists]. ===With children=== [[File:Medusakop op kolom in giraffenweide - Rotterdam - 20348014 - RCE.jpg|thumbnail|right|The historic ''Diergaarde Blijdorp'' is definitely worth a visit]] '''Diergaarde Blijdorp''' (Rotterdam Zoo) in [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk#Q18775796|Kralingen-Crooswijk]] is one of the most popular day trips in the Netherlands. Walk through different parts of the world, seeing interesting animals that feel right at home in an approximation of their natural habitats. The Oceanium is filled with ocean and coastal dwellers, including exotic fish and puffins. '''Miniworld Rotterdam''' in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Do|Centrum]] is the largest indoor model railroad layout of the Netherlands. === Football === : Rotterdam has three professional soccer teams: * [https://www.feyenoord.nl/ '''Feyenoord'''] play in Eredivisie, the top tier. Their home ground is Stadion Feijenoord (capacity 51,000), better known as "De Kuip"; it's often also used for rock concerts and similar events. It's south of the river with its own railway station Rotterdam Stadion. * [https://www.sparta-rotterdam.nl/ '''Sparta Rotterdam'''] also play in Eredivisie. Their home ground is Het Kasteel ("The Castle", capacity 12,000), 3 km west of the centre. * [https://www.sbvexcelsior.nl/ '''SBV Excelsior'''] were relegated in 2024 so they play in Eerste Divisie the second tier. Their Stadion Woudestein (capacity 4500), now called Van Donge & De Roo Stadion, is 2 km east of city centre on the north bank of the river. ===Water sports and yachting=== [[File:Rotterdam kralingse plas.jpg|thumbnail|right|Kralingse Plas]] Being a major harbour and having lots of waterways and lakes, Rotterdam has a lot to offer for water-enthousiasts. Boating: There are four major lakes in Rotterdam. The Kralingse Plas, The double Bergse Plas, the Rottemeren and the Zevenhuizer Plas. All of them have active yachting communities and sometimes sailing races can be seen. The Zevenhuizer plas is mainly populated by Windsurf enthousiasts. Sailing boats can be rented at the Kralingse Plas at the [http://www.henkvangent.nl/ Van Gent sailing school], Plaszoom, a 10-minute walk from Metro Voorschoterlaan (walk through the Julianalaan until you reach Plaszoom). Rowing- and sailing boats can be rented at the windmill at the very end of the eastern Rottekade at [http://www.botenverhuurvanvliet.nl/ Van Vliet's] (Rottemeren, go by car or bike, a very nice ride). Yachting: When visiting Rotterdam with your own yacht you will find that most yachting harbours are on the inland waterways, where there are a lot of them. On the river Maas you will only find the [http://www.citymarinarotterdam.nl/ City Marina], behind a bascule bridge on the southern bank, and the [http://www.veerhavenrotterdam.nl/ Veerhaven], right in the city center on the northern bank. Unless you need the better shelter of the characterless City Marina, go for the admittedly a little choppy Veerhaven marina, very central and scenic. ===Beach=== The closest good beach is about 30 km away at [[Hook of Holland]]. Here you will find a very fine sand beach with good swimming and enough entertainment. To get there, take line {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} to Hoek van Holland Strand, its end point. For a more urban-party beach experience head to [[Scheveningen]] where you can find everything beach-party addicts dream about; Endless rows of beachside bars, restaurants and discothèques and a boulevard along a splendid fine-sand beach. It can get ''very'' crowded here. Take the train to [[Den Haag]] Centraal Station and tram {{rint|denhaag|9}} subsequently. Also at the same coast is Kijkduin, which is very recommended for children. To get there, get {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} to its northern end point, then take bus 24 to Kijkduin. If you want to go to the beach but want to stay in the city, consider taking {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} to its end point, Nesselande and walk across the Corsicalaan from there. You are at the Strand Nesselande. ==Buy== The main shopping areas are in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Buy|Centrum]]. '''Afrikaanderplein Markt''' in [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord#Buy|Feijenoord]] is a market of about 300 stalls geared towards Rotterdam's inhabitants of Antillian, South American or African descent (a lot of whom happen to live nearby). Dutch cheese is very famous, you can get some at grocery stores or wider variety at the marketplace. Other typical Dutch things are ''stroopwafels'', ''hagelslag'' and ''drop'' (liquorice). ==Eat== The area around metrostation ''Blaak'', called '''Oude haven''' (Old Harbour), is not only worth seeing but has also a lot of pubs and restaurants. The Rotterdam dining scene is developing very fast with new restaurants opening very often. While most of the attention focusses on new Michelin-star aspiring places, there is very much a trend towards high quality mid-range restaurants offering French/Dutch cuisine. ==Drink== [[Rotterdam/Centrum#|Centrum]] has a wide variety of bars, coffee shops and music venues. The [http://www.kaapsebrouwers.nl/ Kaapse Brouwers] brewery has four locations around the city. Each location has a whole wall of taps to choose from. They are popular place so waiting lines can be long. ==Sleep== See district articles for listings for camping, hostels and hotels. ==Connect== The telephone country code for the Netherlands is 31, and Rotterdam's city code is 010. In case of an '''Emergency''', dial '''1-1-2''' (free of charge). When staying for a longer time, buy a prepaid sim card for your mobile phone. ==Stay safe== You should take normal precautions against pickpockets and baggage theft, especially in the main shopping streets, at markets, in trams and trains, at stations, and anywhere where tourists congregate. It is not wise to hang around Stadhuisplein when nightlife ends. Fights often occur in this area after midnight. Rotterdam also has a reputation of mass venues getting out of hand, though you shouldn't worry too much about it. If violence breaks out at football festivities (not so unlikely) or at the end of sun soaked festive days, like Kings Day (even less unlikely, especially at the Stadhuisplein), just get out of the way and you're unlikely to be affected. It's advisable not to wear a football jersey of Ajax Amsterdam or any other stuff promoting Ajax or Amsterdam. In terms of general safety, at daylight most areas in the city are safe. But at night, some areas such as Spangen, Charlois and Hillesluis are wise to avoid. When you drive a car with a foreign numberplate (especially if it's a French or Belgian one) you might or will be approached by so-called ''drugsrunners''. This can occur on the motorways surrounding the city and in the city proper. These guys try to lure people to places where drugs are dealt. Do not respond to their signals and do not follow them. ==Go next== If you do not have a car, the hub for leaving the city will probably be '''Rotterdam Centraal''', from where trains leave in all directions at short intervals (you can generally drop in and catch the next train to your destination). Most regional and longer distance buses leave here too, with the exception of most buses to southerly destinations and the province of Zeeland that leave from '''metro station Zuidplein'''. In contrast with the trains, bus departure times should be checked in advance as they can be far and between. For trains to the North and the South travellers can also choose to depart from '''Rotterdam Blaak'''. '''The Hague''' can also be reached easily and rather quickly by metro line E. Nearby destinations like [[Schiedam]] or even [[Delft]] can also be reached by bike if you fancy a somewhat longer ride. Bike routes and directions are well marked and available in abundance. A good idea for a sunny day! Schiedam can be reached by train or by metro (in 15 minutes) too. [[Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region|MRDH]] is the area of the region Rotterdam-Schiedam-Delft-The Hague, see this page for more information on travel and cycling. ===Nearby=== * '''[[Kinderdijk]]''' — a [[UNESCO World Heritage List#Netherlands|UNESCO World Heritage]] site. 19 old windmills are still helping to control the water level there. Windmill #2 is open to the public, allowing you to see its inner workings. In season there is a direct waterbus service from an embankment at the Erasmus bridge (travel time ~1/2 hour). Alternatively, ''Arriva'' bus 90 from bus and metro station ''Zuidplein'' will get you there in 50 minutes. * '''[[Schiedam]]''' — visit the historic centre of this small town at the edge of Rotterdam, including the world's six tallest windmills. Also you can find there the ''Stedelijk Museum'', an attractive museum with some nice modern art exhibitions. Easily reached by bicycle, a train (from ''Rotterdam Centraal'' to ''Schiedam Centrum''), metro A, B or C line to ''Schiedam Centrum'' station, or tram lines 1 or 11 (''Broersvest'' or ''Koemarkt'' stop). ===Day trips=== * '''[[Delft]]''' — this famous town is a 15-minute train ride from ''Rotterdam Centraal''. Very historic and scenic, but also very touristy. * '''[[Dordrecht]]''' — a magnificent historic town with little tourism and an excellent old art museum (Dordrechts Museum). It is a 15-min train ride, or even better, take a ''[http://www.waterbus.nl/halte/dordrecht-merwekade/ waterbus]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''. * '''[[Gouda]]''' — visit this small picturesque postcard-like town and see the magnificent stained glass windows in the ''Sint Janskerk''. Also 20 min by train. * '''[[Delta Works]]''' — a series of construction projects protecting the Southwest of the Netherlands from the sea. The Oosterschelde storm surge barrier is the most impressive, and next to it is ''Neeltje Jans'', a water theme park dedicated to the Delta Works. * '''[[Brielle (Netherlands)|Brielle]]''' — a mediaeval fortified town. The centre is a nice ensemble of old houses and churches, enclosed by the original earthen defensive walls. There are some museums and the Roman Catholic shrine of the Martyrs of Gorcum. Walking around town and fortifications is a treat. You can easily spend a full day in Brielle. Take bus 103 at the ''Spijkenisse Centrum'' metro station. A journey takes about 70 min. * '''[[Schoonhoven]]''' — a nice small town with many well preserved medieval buildings on the ''Lek'' river in a halfway to Utrecht. From Station Capelsebrug, Rotterdam, take a bus 195 (direction Utrecht). A journey takes about 1 hour. * Go to the other cities of the [[Randstad]], e.g. '''[[The Hague]]''' is 1/2 hour by train or metro, '''[[Utrecht]]''' is around 45 min by train, '''[[Amsterdam]]''' about an hour. {{routebox | image1=NL-A15.png | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Brielle (Netherlands)|Brielle]] | minorl1=[[Spijkenisse]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Arnhem]] | minorr1=[[Dordrecht]] | image2=BE-E19.svg | imagesize2=20 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Amsterdam]] | minorl2=[[Delft]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Antwerp]] | minorr2=[[Zwijndrecht]] }} {{usablecity}} {{isPartOf|Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region}} {{geo|51.9239|4.4623|zoom=14}} otvf2dg4y7zoye0617p0j6yl6wolq0a 5087065 5087052 2025-07-03T10:07:56Z 109.36.231.243 /* How to reach */ 5087065 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Rotterdam Banner 4.jpg|dotm=yes|unesco=yes}} {{printDistricts}} '''Rotterdam''' is a very large city in the province of [[South Holland]] in the west of the [[Netherlands]]. The city is the second largest in the country with a population of approximately 650,000 inhabitants in the municipality (2020) and about 2.2 million inhabitants in the shared metropolitan area of the [[Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region]] (MRDH). Rotterdam is a vibrant, multicultural city; it is known for its university (Erasmus), cutting-edge architecture, lively cultural life, industrial riverside setting, its maritime heritage and colourful summer events. The municipality stretches all the way to the [[North Sea]] with gigantic areas like '''Europoort''' and '''Maasvlakte 1&2'''. All belong to the '''Port of Rotterdam'''. Starting as a dam constructed in 1270 on the Rotte River, Rotterdam has grown into a major international commercial centre. The port of Rotterdam is Europe's busiest port by cargo tonnage, and was the world's busiest from 1962 until it was surpassed by Shanghai in 2004. Rotterdam's commercial and strategic importance is based on its location near the mouth of the Nieuwe Maas (New Meuse), a channel in the delta formed by the Rhine and Meuse on the North Sea. These rivers lead directly into the centre of Europe, including the industrial Ruhr region, which is why Rotterdam is often called the "Gateway to Europe". Many relatively high buildings (by Dutch standards) have been emerging throughout and around the city centre. Daring and new styles of apartments, office buildings and recreation facilities resulted in Rotterdam becoming a city of modern architecture and the only city in the Netherlands with a modern skyline. Due to this, the city is especially interesting for Dutch people to visit. ==Districts== {{Mapframe|width=660|zoom=10|show=districts}} {{Mapshape|type=page|wikicommons=Rotterdam_Districts.map|group=districts}} {{Regionlist | regionmap= | regionmaptext= | regionmapsize= | region1name=[[Rotterdam/Centrum|Stadsdriehoek]] | region1color=#44aa99 | region1items=Rotterdam Centrum | region1description=Filled with highrise and out-of-the-box architecture, this district forms the heart of Rotterdam and gives the city its characteristic. | region2name=[[Rotterdam/Delfshaven|Delfshaven]] | region2color=#aa4499 | region2items=Delfshaven | region2description=Originally a part of [[Delft]], this town over time grew closer to Rotterdam, leading up to its incorporation in 1886. The former town still has a fair bit of its historic identity. | region3name=[[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk|Kralingen-Crooswijk]] | region3color=#117733 | region3items=Kralingen-Crooswijk, Noord | region3description=Famous for the Kralingse Plas, a large artificial lake and the surrounding park, as well as Blijdorp, the second-oldest still active zoo in the Netherlands. | region4name=[[Rotterdam/Feijenoord|Feijenoord]] | region4color=#ee99aa | region4items=Feijenoord | region4description=Namesake of a Dutch football club, Feijenoord is the heart of the south banks of the Meuse. | region5name=[[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|Northern Rotterdam]] | region5color=#d09440 | region5items=Overschie, Hillegersberg-Schiebroek | region5description=Home to Rotterdam's airport as well as Hilligersberg and the surrounding lakes and forests. | region6name=[[Rotterdam/Capelle en Noordoost|Capelle en Noordoost]] | region6color=#b5d29f | region6items=Prins Alexander, Capelle aan den IJssel | region6description=Largely home to Rotterdam's urban sprawl. | region7name=[[Rotterdam/Nieuwerkerk|Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel]] | region7color=#d56d76 | region7items=Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel | region7description=Though not incorporated into Rotterdam, Nieuwerkerk is largely an extension of the city. It is home to the lowest point of the famously low-lying Netherlands, at {{convert|6.76|m|yd}} below sea level. | region8name=[[Rotterdam/Zuid|Zuid]] | region8color=#6699cc | region8items=Charlois, IJsselmonde | region8description=The southernmost districts of Rotterdam. | region9name=[[Rotterdam/Port of Rotterdam|Port of Rotterdam]] | region9color=#ddcc77 | region9items=Pernis, Rozenburg, Botlek, Europoort, Eerste- en Tweede Maasvlakte | region9description=Best known as the largest seaport of Europe, the Port of Rotterdam has been built within a river delta as well as the sea. | region10name=[[Rotterdam/Hook of Holland|Hook of Holland]] | region10color=#44aa99 | region10items=Hoek van Holland | region10description=Formerly one of the main gateways into the Netherlands from anywhere reachable by ocean-going vessel, nowadays a popular beachfront. | region11name=[[Rotterdam/Albrandswaard|Albrandswaard]] | region11color=#882255 | region11items=Hoogvliet, Poortugaal, Rhoon | region11description=Island on the suburban fringes of Rotterdam, functioning as a suburb both to Rotterdam and [[Spijkenisse]]. }} ==Understand== ===History=== Settlement at the lower end of the fen stream ''Rotte'' dates from at least 900. Around 1150, large floods in the area ended development, leading to the construction of protective dikes and dams. A dam on the Rotte or 'Rotterdam' was built in the 1260s and was at the present-day ''Hoogstraat'' ('High Street'). Although Rotterdam did well after the Middle Ages and in the 'Golden Century' - roughly between 1650 and 1750 - it was not before the second part of the nineteenth century that the city started to develop itself rapidly. Helped by the digging of a new seaway (the Nieuwe Waterweg) Rotterdam was rid of access problems caused by the silting of the river and started receiving ever bigger ships with cargo for/from the booming Ruhrgebiet in Germany. Port related trade and industry skyrocketed, and the city started to draw lots of migrants from the then poor Brabant province, for whom the southern part of the city was constructed. At the turn of the twentieth century Rotterdam was well under way to become the largest economic centre in the Netherlands. It was between then and the second world war that large prestigious construction works were undertaken, in part to show off the new found economic pride. The German army invaded the Netherlands on 10 May 1940. Germany had planned to conquer the country in one day, but after meeting unexpectedly fierce resistance, it finally forced the Dutch army to capitulate on 14 May 1940 by bombing Rotterdam and threatening to bomb other cities. The heart of the city was almost completely destroyed by the German Luftwaffe, and 800 people were killed, while about 80,000 others were made homeless. During the war, Rotterdam was bombed several times during allied raids that were aimed at the harbour area but sometimes also hit the city. The City Hall survived the bombing. Unlike most other European cities however, the City Council did not aim at rebuilding what was lost, but on taking the opportunity to create a 'new' and better city. Damaged but not destroyed old buildings were torn down in the process. From the 1950s through the 1970s, the city was rebuilt. It remained quite windy and open until the city councils from the 1980s on began developing an active architectural policy. Daring and new styles of apartments, office buildings and recreation facilities resulted in a more 'livable' city center with a new skyline. In the 1990s, the ''Kop van Zuid'' was built on the south bank of the river as a new business center. ===Demographics=== In the Netherlands, Rotterdam has the highest percentage of foreigners from non-industrialised nations. Nearly 50% of the population are not native to the Netherlands or have at least one parent born outside the country. Muslims comprise close to 25% of the city's population. The city is also home to one of the largest Cape Verdean communities in the world, as well as the largest Dutch Antillean community. ===Atmosphere=== Rotterdam's culture is distinct from other cities in the Netherlands. The mentality of the people is described as 'can do'. From the waiters you meet to the businessmen and recent immigrants, everybody breathes a dream of getting forward with life. The modern design of the city, the bustle and the spree of buildings all add to this impression. That said, you might also find that people are sometimes too straight with you. And yes, the city is not the cosiest, or the most picturesque of towns, especially on drab winter days. But get acquainted with this small metropolis, easiest done on one of the festival days with nice weather. You will come to love it. [[File:Rotterdam haringvliet in winter.jpg|thumbnail|right|Winters in Rotterdam are moist and can be freezingly cold, but just as well uniquely beautiful]] ===Climate=== {{climate chart | Rotterdam |1.3|6.4|71 |1.1|7.1|66 |2.4|10.3|57 |4.8|14.3|42 |8.1|17.9|56 |11.0|20.6|69 |13.2|22.7|79 |12.9|22.6|92 |10.5|19.3|90 |7.2|14.9|87 |3.9|10.2|88 |1.4|7.0|86 |units = metric |float = right |clear = none |source = Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute}} Rotterdam gains a lot of charm when the sun is shining. Visiting in spring or summer may be more enjoyable than during the dark rainy winter. The summer months see temperatures averaging around {{c|22}} during the day and {{c|14}} at night; though temperatures near or above {{c|28}} during the day and {{c|16}} at night are not unheard of during heat waves. Daylight runs from 05:30 until 22:00 in the summer, and only between 08:45 and 16:30 in the winter. ===Tourist information=== *{{listing | type=listing | name=Rotterdam Tourist Information Coolsingel | alt=VVV | url=https://en.rotterdam.info/ | email=info@rotterdam.info | address=Coolsingel 114, 3011 AG Rotterdam | lat=51.918860 | long=4.481239 | directions=Metro {{rint|Rotterdam|A}} {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} : Beurs, at the garden of the Schielandshuis | phone=+31 10 790 01 85 | tollfree= | hours=09:30-18:00 | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=This well equipped and modern tourist office can provide loads of information like city maps, small guide books, souvenirs and the like, and offers tips and information on what to see and do in Rotterdam. Rotterdam.info also sells Rotterdam Welcome Cards, concert tickets, gift certificate, souvenirs, public transport tickets and parking vouchers. Check the website for upcoming events. }} *{{listing | type=listing | name=Rotterdam Tourist Information Central Station | alt=VVV | url= | email= | address=Stationsplein 21, 3013 AJ Rotterdam | lat=51.92410 | long=4.47030 | directions=main entrance, in the central hall of the central station | phone=+31 107900185 | tollfree= | hours=09:30-18:00 | price= | lastedit=2019-07-21 | content=With help from the service desk, a wide range of tourist information folders and the employees, you can find out what part of the city you would like to visit. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=Rotterdam Welcome Card | alt= | url=https://en.rotterdam.info/visitors-info/rotterdam-welcome-card/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=1 day (€13.50), 2 days (€19.50), or 3 days (€24.50) | lastedit=2022-07-27 | content= The card allows for unlimited use of all public transport by RET in the city and region, and offers at least 25% discounts on more than 50 attractions, museums, and restaurants. Available at Rotterdam Info (VVV) points and other locations. Without public transport, the card costs €6.00. }} ==Get in== ===By plane=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Rotterdam The Hague Airport | alt={{IATA|RTM}} | url=http://www.rotterdamthehagueairport.nl/en | email= | address= | lat=51.951248 | long=4.443541 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Rotterdam The Hague Airport | image=Rotterdam airport luchtfoto.jpg | wikidata=Q656807 | lastedit=2016-06-07 | content=It is the 3rd largest airport in the country. It is 6 km north of the city centre. There are direct flights from cities in [[Germany]], [[Italy]], [[France]], [[Spain]], and the [[United Kingdom]]. Commercial airlines that operate to the airport include Transavia, Lufthansa, British Airways, and Turkish Airlines. }} ====Services==== * {{listing|type=go | name=VVV Rotterdam-The Hague Airport information point | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rotterdam Airportplein 60 | lat= | long= | directions=at the arrivals hall | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= 07:30-23:45 | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=Come here if you have questions about Rotterdam. The place to hear history. The gift shop is open 09:30-18:00. }} ====How to reach==== To plan a trip (for all public transport in the Netherlands) see [https://9292.nl/en 9292.nl]{{Dead link|date=December 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} Depending on the amount of travel with public transit in The Netherlands it is possible to buy a so called ''[[OV-Chipkaart]]'' or it may be more convemient to pay with a contactless credit or debit card by touching in & touching out on each trip. see for more information under ''Get Around.'' ;By bus/metro * {{listing | type=go | name=Bus 33 | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-06-30 | content=Connects the airport with ''Meijersplein/Airport'' metro station, from where you can take metro line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} to ''Slinge'' (for ''Rotterdam Centraal'' and Rotterdam city center).See for more information the ''By Metro'' section under ''Get Around''. Bus 33 also connects to Rotterdam Centraal station via the Overschie district. }} * {{listing | name=Bus 300 | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= 15 July - 20 September, Fr-Mo only| price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-06-30 | content=Direct service to ''Rotterdam Centraal''. No stops in between. }} ;By taxi * {{listing | name=Vliegveldtaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.vliegveldtaxirotterdam.nl| phone=+31 10 818 28 23 }} * {{listing | name=Rolstoeltaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.rolstoeltaxirotterdam.nl | phone=+31 10 818 28 23 }} * {{listing|type=go | name=Rotterdam Airport Taxi | alt= | url=http://www.rotterdam-airport-taxi.nl | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +31 10 262 04 06| tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-06-07 | content=Recommended by the airport web site. }} ====Other close airports==== * [[Schiphol Airport| Amsterdam Schiphol Airport]] ({{IATA|AMS}}) is 58 km north of Rotterdam and has much more flights than the Rotterdam airport. '''NS (Dutch Railways)''' operates ''[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/special-routes/intercity-direct.html Intercity Direct]'' high-speed rail service, every 30 minutes to Rotterdam. The journey takes 27 minutes. You have to pay an addition for the journey from Schiphol to Rotterdam, so regular intercities in direction Rotterdam Centraal and Rotterdam Blaak are cheaper (but slower) (these intercities also call at Schiphol). * [[Eindhoven#By plane| Eindhoven Airport]] ({{IATA|EIN}}) is 106 km southeast of Rotterdam. Ryanair and Wizzair operate flights to this airport. Take a bus to Eindhoven Centraal (approximately 20 minutes, the intercity train to Rotterdam Centraal takes about 63 minutes. * [[Brussels Airport]] ({{IATA|BRU}}) is 140 km south of Rotterdam. Many international carriers operate flights to this airport. The [https://www.b-europe.com/EN/Trains/InterCity train from Brussels] takes about 120 minutes and costs €35. Buses are also available, although less frequent. [[File:Rtd CS-III.JPG|thumbnail|right|Rotterdam Centraal has been completely reconstructed and now features a striking roof over the main concourse]] ===By train=== {{seealso|Rail travel in the Netherlands}} ==== International connections ==== * {{go | name=Rotterdam Centraal | alt= | url=https://www.ns.nl/stationsinformatie/rtd/rotterdam-centraal | email= | address= | lat=51.925 | long=4.469444 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q801388 | lastedit=2018-04-10 | content=The station is served by high-speed trains from [[Belgium]], [[France]] and the [[United Kingdom]]. }} **'''[http://www.thalys.com Thalys]''' operates [[high-speed trains]] from [[Antwerp]] (Antwerpen-Centraal, 35 min), [[Brussels]] (Brussel-Zuid/Midi, 1 hr 12 min), [[Paris]] (Gare du Nord, 2 hr 37 min) and [[Lille]] (Lille-Europe, 1 hr 55 min). Book well in advance to secure the best ticket deals. A cheaper but slower alternative to Thalys is the [https://www.b-europe.com/EN/Trains/InterCity Intercity Brussels] service between Amsterdam and Brussels. **Coming from Germany, Rotterdam Centraal can only be reached by changing trains in the Netherlands. When travelling on the German high-speed train '''[https://www.bahn.com/en/view/trains/long-distance/ice-ice-sprinter.shtml?dbkanal_007=L04_S02_D002_KIN0059_FLYOUT-ZUGFLOTTE-ICE_LZ01 ICE]{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' from [[Cologne]], [[Düsseldorf]] and [[Oberhausen]], the exchange will be in [[Utrecht]] Centraal station, and coming from [[Berlin]], [[Hanover]], [[Osnabrück]] (with the '''[https://www.bahn.com/en/view/trains/long-distance/intercity-eurocity.shtml?dbkanal_007=L04_S02_D002_KIN0059_FLYOUT-ZUGFLOTTE-IC_LZ01 DB-intercity]{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''') it is advisable to change at [[Amersfoort]]. Intercity-trains to Rotterdam depart from both Utrecht and Amersfoort. ** '''[http://www.eurostar.com Eurostar]''' runs a daily high speed service from [[London]] St Pancras International to Rotterdam Centraal. Prices start at £35 one way. The journey time is about 3 hr 30 min, but you must arrive at the station at least 90 minutes before departure in order to clear the extra border controls caused by COVID restrictions and Brexit. ==== National connections ==== The Dutch railway company NS runs high-speed ''[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/special-routes/intercity-direct.html Intercity Direct]'' trains between [[Amsterdam]], [[Amsterdam Airport Schiphol|Schiphol]], Rotterdam and [[Breda]]. The train stops only at those four stations and shaves 25-30 minutes in journey time between Amsterdam and Schiphol and Rotterdam versus the regular Intercity and Sprinter trains that stop in between. Beware that you have to pay a supplement (€2.60 during peak hours, €1.56 outside peak hours) to use the Intercity direct line to travel to Rotterdam if your journey involves Schiphol, (i.e. Amsterdam-Rotterdam journeys are subject to this supplement). You can purchase this supplement by tapping an anonymous or personal OV-chipkaart on a designated red pole found on the platform. Those without an anonymous or personal OV-chipkaart can use the ticketing machines or the NS website to purchase the supplement, however the discount may not be applicable to supplements purchased this way. Most unlimited day tickets including the Holland Travel Ticket can be used to travel on the Intercity Direct but a supplement purchase is still required. Thalys also offers seats for passengers travelling from Amsterdam to Rotterdam. The journey is less than 40 minutes, slightly faster than the Intercity Direct. However, reservations/advance bookings are required and most unlimited day tickets recognised by NS cannot be used on Thalys. Rotterdam is also well served by NS from other parts of the [[Netherlands]], with direct connections to [[Delft]], [[Amsterdam]], [[Eindhoven]], [[Gouda]], [[Leiden]], [[The Hague]], [[Utrecht]] and [[Vlissingen]]. Some intercities and sprinters also stop at '''[https://www.ns.nl/stationsinformatie/rtb/rotterdam-blaak Rotterdam Blaak]''' station which is in the middle of the city center. This station is also frequented by trams and metro. See also the [[Netherlands#Get in Netherlands]] page for further information on national rail. Alternatively, Rotterdam's Metro line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} provides a connection for passengers coming from [[The Hague]] at Den Haag Centraal. The journey from Den Haag Centraal to Rotterdam Centraal costs €4.43 with an anonymous or personalised OV-chipkaart, which is marginally cheaper than an NS journey (€4.90) between the same points but takes about five minutes longer to complete the journey. ===By bus=== * {{listing|type=go | name=Flixbus | alt= | url=https://www.flixbus.com/bus/rotterdam| email= | address=(bus stop) Rotterdam Centraal @ Conradstraat 52 | lat= | long= | directions=International bus stop platform 'GG' at Rotterdam Centraal. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-07-20 | content=Serving both domestic and international routes. They also have an extra stop at Rotterdam Zuidplein @ Gooilandsingel }} ===By boat=== ==== Ferries from [[England]] (UK) ==== You can also get to Rotterdam by [[Ferries to the British Mainland|ferry from the United Kingdom]]. No ferries arrive in the center. * '''[http://www.poferries.com P&O Ferries]''' has a daily overnight sailing from [[Kingston Upon Hull]] to Rotterdam Europoort. From Rotterdam Europoort P&O Ferries operates a shuttle bus service that takes you to the city center of Rotterdam. Please book this shuttle service while you book your sailing. * '''[http://www.stenaline.com StenaLine]''' has a daily day and a daily overnight sailing from [[Harwich (England)|Harwich]] to [[Hook of Holland]]. Next to the port is ''Hoek van Holland Haven'' metro station. Line B brings you to the city centre in approximately 30 minutes. * '''[http://www.dfdsseaways.co.uk/ferry-routes/holland/newcastle-to-amsterdam DFDS Seaways]''' has a daily overnight ferry crossing from Newcastle to Amsterdam. You can drive to Rotterdam in approx. 50 minutes. ==== Waterbus ==== [[File:ENI 02324345 ALBLAS (14).JPG|thumbnail|right|A WaterBus near [https://www.cityguiderotterdam.com/things-to-do/sights/old-harbour-rotterdam/ Oude Haven (Old Harbour)]]]The '''[http://www.waterbus.nl WaterBus]''' services provide connections between Rotterdam and the ''Drechtsteden'' ([[Dordrecht]] and surrounding cities, including [[UNESCO World Heritage List|UNESCO-site]] - the world-famous windmills - [[Kinderdijk]]). ===By metro=== Coming from [[The Hague]] or somewhere in between it can be advisable to use metroline {{rint|Rotterdam|E}}, see for more information the page about the [[Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region|whole region]]. ===By car=== [[File:Rotterdam Auto 01.JPG|thumbnail|right|Finding a good spot to park can be a problem in central Rotterdam]] Rotterdam is easily reached by car. From Amsterdam take the A4 South to Rotterdam Haven. From Utrecht take the A12 and change to the A20 just after [[Gouda]] on knooppunt Gouwe. Traffic congestion on highways is common during peak hours (morning and evening commutes). You can pay for '''on-street parking''' with debit and credit card. Remember your license plate number. Parking regulations are enforced regularly. '''[https://parkereninrotterdam.nl Parking garages]{{Dead link|date=April 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' can be easily found by following the sign-marked P-route. The easiest way to pay is by credit card, just insert your card on the way in, and insert it again on the way out, and the total time is automatically deducted. You can also pay with cash or debit card. '''Park & Ride (P&R)''' facilities outside the center of Rotterdam offer free or cheap parking with public transport connections into the city center. For some locations (Slinge A15, Kralingse Zoom A16/E19 and Alexander A20/E25), you can park for free if you have a valid check-out on your public transport card (OV-chipkaart). === By bike === As a Dutch city Rotterdam is well connected to extense (inter)national bicycle networks which use all kinds of infrastructural facilities. Most attractive for tourist to cycle over longer distances are the so called '''LF-routes'''. So the city center is croshed by '''LF2 Stedenroute ''(City Route)''''' from Amsterdam to Brussels and '''LF12 Maas- en Vestingroute''' follows the flow of river Maas all the way from The East. See for more information [http://www.holland.com/global/tourism/discover-holland/cycling/bicycle-route-planner.htm Bicycle Route Planner]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}: ''sellect more options and LF-Routes.'' ==Get around== {{Mapframe|51.9152|4.4791|zoom=14|layer=W|name=Map of Rotterdam (metro lines have thicker strokes than tram lines)}} {{Mapshapes|Q691704}} <!--Metro--> {{Mapshapes|Q1429091|stroke-width=2}} <!--Tram--> '''[https://www.ret.nl/en RET]''' operates the buses, trams, and metro within the city. You could find a journey planner and some [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret/maps.html network maps] there. Alternatively you'd use the pan-Netherlands journey planner – [https://9292.nl/en 9292.nl]. Transport generally arrives every 10 minutes during the day. Free Wi-Fi is available in some trams, buses and metro lines, and on the busier metro stations, you just need to accept the terms of use. ===Tickets=== You can [https://www.ovpay.nl/en use your contactless bank card]{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} to pay for any public transport that also accepts the [[OV-chipkaart]]. This system is called OV-Pay and is the most convenient way to travel. Debit and credit cards from Maestro, V PAY, Mastercard and Visa are supported. As anywhere else in the country OV-chipkaart can still be used to pay all kinds of public transport. The card costs €8.50 and you'd need to keep a positive balance there for at least €4. For using buses and trams, checking in and out has to be done in the vehicle, while for train and metro use the gates or card-reader poles at the entrance of the stations. Alternatively one of the city's transport travel cards could be used: * {{listing | name=RET travel cards | alt= | url=https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travel-products/products-and-fares.html | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=2 hours - €5.00; 1 (calendar) day - €11.00 | lastedit=2025-01-21 | content=To travel by bus, tram and metro with RET. Can be purchased via the RET Barcode app, at ticket machines in metro stations and at RET Sales and Information points. For children under 12 and age 65 and up there is a reduced price. The 1-day ticket is not a 24-hour ticket: it is only valid on the day of the first check-in, until 04:00 of the early morning the next day. Tickets are not sold on bus and tram anymore; use your bank card to check in instead. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=Tourist Day Ticket: Rotterdam & The Hague region | alt= | url=http://www.touristdaytickets.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=€17.00 for one day | lastedit=2025-01-21 | content=Unlimited travel on local transport (bus, tram, metro and waterbus. Note: trains excluded) in the Rotterdam and the Hague region. Available from ticket machines and service counters of RET and at tourist information. Ticket is valid for travel with RET, HTM, HTMbuzz, Arriva, Connexxion, EBS, QBuzz and Waterbus in South Holland. }} * [[#Rotterdam Welcome Card|Rotterdam Welcome Card]] also allows for unlimited use of public transport with RET in the city and region. Note that tickets must be purchased in advance, there is no ticket sale on board of bus, tram and metro. ===By metro=== [[Image:Metro Rotterdam future.svg|thumb|Rotterdam Metro reaches as far as [[the Hague]].]] There are 5 metro lines in the city. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|A}}, {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|C}}, share tracks between ''Schiedam Centrum'' and ''Capelsebrug'' and offer an east-west connection. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} share tracks between ''Rotterdam Centraal'' and ''Slinge'' and offer a north-south connection. Interchange between all lines is possible on ''Beurs'' station in the city center. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|A}}, {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|C}} operate every 10 minutes on working days and Saturday, which allows 3-4 minute intervals on the main section between ''Schiedam Centrum'' and ''Capelsebrug''. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} operate every 10 minutes on working days and Saturday, which give shorter intervals between ''Rotterdam Centraal'' and ''Slinge''. In the evening, on Saturday morning and Sunday the service is reduced to a 15-minute interval. The Rotterdam Metro operates from 05:30 until 00:00. On weekends the opening time is not until 07:00 Saturday, and 08:15 on Sunday. On Friday and Saturday nights the service is extended for a bit longer past midnight, but not on some parts of line B and E. See the [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret/time-table/metro/weekend-metro.html Weekend metro] page for an overview. For tourists the most important metro stations are: '''Line A, B and C''' (East-West branch) * '''Blaak''': train station, interchange with trams and busses, cube houses, Markthal, ports * '''Beurs''': city center, shops, interchange with metro {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} * '''Eendrachtsplein''': museumpark * '''Coolhaven''': [https://euromast.nl/ Euromast] * '''Delfshaven''': historic port '''Line D and E''' (North-South branch) * '''Meijerplein''': bus service to Rotterdam The Hague Airport '''''(only line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}})''''' * '''Blijdorp:''' [https://www.diergaardeblijdorp.nl/en/ Rotterdam Zoo] '''''(only line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}})''''' * '''Rotterdam Centraal''': northern edge of the city centre, interchange with trams and buses, train station * '''Beurs''': city centre, shops, interchange with metro {{rint|Rotterdam|A}}, {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|C}} * '''Leuvehaven''': ports, museums, Erasmus Bridge, Waterbus * '''Wilhelminaplein:''' Erasmus Bridge, Cruise Terminal Rotterdam, [http://www.hotelnewyork.com/ hotel New York] * '''Rijnhaven:''' Katendrecht, bus service to SS Rotterdam ===By tram=== There are nine tram lines in the city. Each tram has a conductor. Tram stops provide a detailed map of the public transport system for on-the-go route-finding. Most lines operate every 10 minutes on workdays, with a more frequent service during rush hours on some lines. All trams except {{rint|Rotterdam|2}} will stop at ''Rotterdam Centraal'', the main train station of Rotterdam. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|1}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|11}}''' run from the suburbs in the [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|northwest]] to De Esch in [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk|Kralingen]], via [[Schiedam]], the north of [[Delfshaven]], and the city centre. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|2}}''' runs on the south side of the rivers, through the districts of [[Rotterdam/Zuid|Charlois, IJsselmonde]] and [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|3}}''' starts at the central station, and connects to the south bank via Feijenoord, IJsselmonde and [[Rotterdam/Zuid|Beverwaard]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|4}}''' starts from Heemsraadplein, connecting to much of the city centre and the neighbourhoods to its west, before connecting to [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|Hillegersberg]] via the central station, and Noord/Crooswijk. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|5}}''' originates from the central station, running to the south bank via Feijenoord and suburbs, before terminating in [[Barendrecht]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|6}}''' runs from Heemsraadplein to Kleiweg, just north of the A20 highway, running parallel with line 4 up to Rotterdam Noord railway station. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|7}}''' starts at Marconiplein, where the metro and lines 1, 8 and 11 meet, to Woudestein where it meets lines 1 and 11 again, via the central station and Erasmus University. Between Weena and Woudestein, lines 1 and 11 follow a more direct route via the Stadhuis, Beurs, Blaak and Oostplein metro stations, while line seven heads north via [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk|Crooswijk and Kralingen]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|8}}''', lastly, comes from [[Delfshaven|Spangen]], and then continues through most of Delfshaven roughly following the river up to Eendrachtsplein in [[Rotterdam/Centre|Cool]], from where it joins the main tram corridor through the city centre, to eventually terminate in [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|Schiebroek]]. * '''Line 12''' operates during football matches in the Kuip stadion only. ===By bus=== '''RET''' operates bus services across the city. Night bus service (BOB-bus) has been cancelled. Buses operated by '''[http://www.arriva.nl Arriva]''' and '''[http://www.connexxion.nl Connexxion]''' connect the city with suburbs. Use the front door when boarding a bus. ===By water taxi=== * {{listing | name=Watertaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=http://www.watertaxirotterdam.nl | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 10 403 03 03 | tollfree= | hours= | price=€ | lastedit=2022-07-27 | content=Rotterdam was built on a number of islands and if you want to travel from shore to shore, the nicest way to go is to take a '''Water Taxi'''. Fixed fares for rides between 50 docks in Rotterdam and Schiedam, with 3 fares zones, starting at €4.50 per person in the central zone. You can give them a call, or use the online tool to see availability and book a ride. It is advised to book in advance, especially on days with large events in the city. }} ===By taxi=== If you do need a taxi you will have to find yourself a taxi rank or call a taxi company. There is a minimum taxi fare of €2.30 (first it was {{EUR|7.50}} which included the first two kilometres). Additionally, each subsequent kilometre is charged €2.20. * {{go | name=Botlektaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://botlektaxi.nl | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 10 666 66 06 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-01-19 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Vliegveldtaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.vliegveldtaxirotterdam.nl | phone=+31 10 818 28 23 }} * {{listing | name=Rotterdamse Taxi Centrale RTC N.V. | url=http://www.rtcnv.nl | phone=+31 10 462 60 60 }} * {{listing | name=Coöperatieve Taxi Onderneming St. Job u.a. | url=http://www.st-job.nl | phone=+31 10 425 70 00 }} * {{listing | name=Rolstoeltaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.rolstoeltaxirotterdam.nl | phone=+31 10 818 28 23 }} * {{listing | name=Taxi Rotterdam 010 | alt= | url=https://taxirotterdam010.nl | phone=+31 10 261 31 88 }} * {{listing | name=Rotterdamse Taxi | alt= | url= https://www.rotterdamsetaxi.nl | phone=+31 10 261 31 22 }} * {{listing | name=Stadstaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.stadstaxirotterdam.nl| phone=+31 10 818 28 23 }} * {{listing | name=Zorgtaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.zorgtaxirotterdam.nl | phone=+31 10 818 28 23 }} ===By tuk-tuk=== * {{listing | name=Tuk Tuk Company | alt= | url=http://www.tuktukcompany.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 9009933399 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-05-23 | content=A Thai-influenced transportation service using three-wheeled, open-air (but covered) motorized vehicles called Tuk Tuk offers a more economical and fast way to get around the city centre when compared to taxis. Tuk-tuk pricing is based on a zone system. Within a zone, a ride is €3.50 per person, €5 for 2 persons and €6.50 for 3. If you go to another zone, €3.50 is added (irrespective of number of persons). This service is handy if it is past the regular tram/bus/metro service hours (approximately half past midnight). }} ===By bicycle=== Like any city in The Netherlands, Rotterdam is very, very bicycle-friendly. Getting around by bike is probably the fastest way of travel within the city. There are separate bike lanes on most major streets and there are separate traffic lights for bicyclists. Avoid getting your tire in the tram rails: always cross tram rails at an angle. Of course it is also strongly advisable to watch out for other traffic at all time. On the other hand bicyclists can rely on the fact that motorists and pedestrians are aware of bikes. Always lock your bike securely when leaving it (preferably chained to a fixed object) or go to a guarded bicycle parking station. ==== Rent a bike==== At Rotterdam Centraal, you can rent bicycles at the shop in the underground bicycle parking, below the Station square. Leave the station at the front, exit 'Stationsplein'. The entrance of the bicycle parking ('fietsenstalling', with the glass roof) is at your right, in front of grand cafe Engels. Use-it, rents out nice Kronan bikes (Schaatsbaan 41-45, leave Central Station towards the center. Turn right at restaurant Engels and take the 2nd right). Bikes can be rented by several other private companies. Holland-Cycling.com provides a list of [http://www.holland-cycling.com/rotterdam/getting-around-rotterdam/bicycle-rental-in-rotterdam addresses]. Another list you will find at [https://www.rotterdam.nl/vrije-tijd/fiets-huren/ Rotterdam.nl]{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. If you have a personal (rather than an anonymous) [[OV-chipkaart]], bicycles can be rented at many train and metro stations and other central locations by the [http://www.ns.nl/en/door-to-door/ov-fiets OV-fiets system]. ==== Guarded bicycle parking ==== * The larger train stations have their own guarded bicycle parking. * Rotterdam municipality has also [https://www.rotterdam.nl/fietsparkeren some free locations]. ==See== ===Landmarks=== [[File:VN5 HDR2.jpg|thumbnail|right|The Van Nellefabriek is regarded as a prime example of the ''International Style'']] Rotterdam has national notoriety for its architecture, and the city therefore is dotted with landmarks of all sorts. Most of them you will find in the [[Rotterdam/Centrum|city centre]], but [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord|Feijenoord]] is also quite dense with them. Rotterdam is known for some bridges, not in the last place the '''Erasmusbrug''', spanning the Nieuwe Maas between the city centre and Feijenoord. Also of historical importance is the former railway lifting bridge '''De Hef''', slightly upstream from the Erasmusbrug. '''Historical landmarks''' are somewhat rare to come across in Rotterdam's city centre, but the city itself isn't completely devoid of them. In the city centre, the 1920 '''City hall''' and the '''Great or Saint-Laurence church''', both survivors of the 1940 bombardment. Rotterdam is also home to the country's oldest known bronze statue, depicting Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam and dating from 1622. It is found opposite the Saint-Laurence church. '''De Verwoeste Stad''' (Destroyed City) is a cubist statue depicting a man in agony who just lost his heart (symbol of the bombed city centre). Feijenoord, despite being home to many modern redevelopments, houses some historical landmarks such as the '''former headquarters of the Holland-Amerikalijn'''. Also worth visiting are the '''Oude Haven''' (''Old Harbour'') and the nearby '''Witte Huis''' (''White House'') and '''Schielandshuis'''. '''Industrial landmarks''' are plenty in a city that mostly thrives off of harbour activities. Besides the many industrial sites found in the [[Rotterdam/Port of Rotterdam|Port of Rotterdam]], the '''Van Nellefabriek''' in [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|the north of the city]] is a listed UNESCO site. [[File:Erasmusbrug seen from Euromast.jpg|thumbnail|right|The modern skyline of Rotterdam can be truly appreciated from the Euromast.]] The skyline of Rotterdam can, of course, be observed from one of the many skyscrapers in the city - though you should probably book a hotel located in a skyscraper or find one with a publicly accessible roof, as trespass isn't welcomed. Another great site for views over the city though, is the '''Euromast''' on the border between the [[Rotterdam/Centrum|city centre]] and [[Rotterdam/Delfshaven|Delfshaven]], twice in its history the highest building of the Netherlands. For a relatively small entry fee, you can climb the tower or for a larger sum, you can dine inside of it. For those less comfortable with great heights though, a birds-eye overview of the city can also be obtained at '''Miniworld Rotterdam''', near the central station. The city is also well-known for its experimental and out-of-the-ordinary architecture, often being a testing ground for new concepts. A prime example of this are the '''Kubuswoningen''' (''Cube Houses'') at [[Rotterdam/Centrum|Blaak]]; one has been set aside as a museum, offering a view of the unique perspective and custom furniture that comes with living in one of the houses. Also striking are the '''Markthal''', harbour-crane inspired sculptures at the '''Schouwburgplein''' and the '''Koopgoot''', all found in the city centre. '''Historic churches:''' in the Netherlands churches are generally closed to visitors on Sundays. === Other sites === [[File:Rotterdam Erasmusbrug bij avond vanaf hoek Veerhaven-Westerkade.jpg|thumb|Erasmus bridge of Rotterdam]] [[File:Schielandshuis.jpg|thumbnail|right|Schielandshuis today stands surrounding by modern glass and steel buildings]] [[Image:Oude Haven (Rotterdam) 2011.jpg|thumb|"Het witte huis" in Old Harbour]] The area around the [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Other sites|'''Station Rotterdam Blaak''']] was destroyed by a Nazi bombardment during World War II. After the war this area was populated with some bold examples of modern architecture. The '''Kubuswoningen''' are literally cubes, tilted over by 45 degrees. '''Oude Haven''' (Old Harbour) is a nice place to see and sit at some café nearby. '''Witte Huis''' is a "skyscraper" built in 1898. '''Het Schielandshuis''' is the only remaining 17th-century building in the city centre of Rotterdam. [[File:Delfshaven Rotterdam (the Netherlands) 17.JPG|thumb|The old barges moored at the Delfshaven]] [[Rotterdam/Delfshaven|'''Delfshaven''']] is one of very few locations in the city which survived World War II bombings. Historic Delfshaven is a very scenic walk. It consists of an 17th-century area around two canals with a lot of charm. By day visit little shops in this neighbourhood, by night attractive pubs and restaurants make the visit worthwhile. * '''Chinatown''' in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Other sites|Centrum]] is full of Chinese restaurants and also Indonesian and other Asian restaurants. [[File:Rotterdam molens De Ster (l) en De Lelie (r) - tegenlicht.jpg|thumbnail|right|''De Ster'' and ''De Lelie'' at dusk]] ===Windmills=== Rotterdam has only seven windmills left. Of these, only ''De Ster'' and ''De Lelie'' in [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk#See|Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk]] are open to visitors on a regular basis. Other windmills are open to visitors when the mill is turning (easy enough to see), but there are some exceptions to this rule of thumb. A blue flag also indicates that the mill is open to visitors. Look for De Prinsenmolen, De Vier Winden, and De Speelman windmills in [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam#Windmills|Northern Rotterdam]] and De Zandweg in [[Rotterdam/Zuid#See|Rotterdam Zuid]]. ===Museums=== [[File:Overzicht achtergevel - Rotterdam - 20534511 - RCE.jpg|thumbnail|right|Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen]] [[Netherlands#Museumkaart|Museumkaart]] is accepted at the city's museums. The Museumpark area in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Museums|Centrum]] has many of the city's museums. '''Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen''' houses a rich, broad collection including masterpieces ranging from Pieter Brueghel the Elder's ''The "little" Tower of Babel'' (1563) to an important collection of surrealism, prominently featuring Salvador Dalí and René Magritte. '''Sylvette''' is a large work by Pablo Picasso was erected in 1973. It is one of the elaborations Picasso made based on the portraits of his muse Sylvette David. Definitely worth a look. '''Kunsthal''' houses some 25 exhibitions annually with a fascinating and widely varied repertoire. Het Nieuwe Instituut museum includes the '''Museum voor Architectuur, Design en Digitale cultuur''', a museum for architecture,deesign and digital culture, and '''Huis Sonneveld''', a building in the Bauhaus style. '''Chabot Museum''' is a neat little museum is housed in a splendid modernist 1930s villa. It houses a collection of works of the expressionist painter Hendrik Chabot. '''Natuurhistorisch Museum''' has changing expositions and a fixed collection of mammals, plants and fossils. The city has two maritime museums. The '''Maritiem Museum''' has a variety of expositions about the harbour of Rotterdam and maritime history, and a restored 19th-century gunboat that is a must-see for naval enthusiasts. The '''Mariniersmuseum''' shows the history of the centuries-old Narine Corps and its modern-day role. Special attention is given to the heroic role of the corps in the 1940 defence of Rotterdam. ====Other museums==== [[File:Façade Witte de With Center for Contemporary Art.jpg|thumbnail|right|Witte de With Center]] In [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Other museums|Centrum]], you can visit '''Museum Rotterdam''', which is dedicated to the modern day Rotterdam and its history; the '''Museum of Chess-Pieces''', which houses a diverse collection of chess games from ancient Chinese to cartoon characters; the '''Wereldmuseum''' (World Arts Museum), which focuses on encounters and cross-cultural inspiration; and '''Witte de With''' (Centre for Contemporary Arts). [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord#Q2191118|'''Nederlands Fotomuseum''']] shows the diversity of forms of photography, especially as a medium of social expression and commentary. [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk#Q2351733|'''SSN Museumstoomdepot''']] features old steam locomotives and trains. Besides a small museum it's a workshop where you can see restoration in progress. ==Do== [[File:Overzicht - Rotterdam - 20534496 - RCE.jpg|thumbnail|right|''De Doelen'' concert hall in Schouwbourgplein]] Upcoming events and performances are listed on the VVV and Use-it websites. The larger events are well documented on the VVV site, for smaller venues check Use-it (under Calendar) for a very attractive and well updated listing of music, expositions, movies and parties that need checking out. The [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Do|Uitburo office]] inside the Central Library provides information on theatre and music performances. It also sells tickets and offers an overview of performances that can be visited for free (''gratis''). ===Events=== [[File:North Sea Jazz Festival 2012 - ALOE BLACC.jpg|thumbnail|right|In July, you can enjoy the ''North Sea Jazz'' festival]] Rotterdam plays host to a lot of events, a lot of them yearly ones. Besides these there are a lot smaller ones that can be very nice, so ask around and check the VVV website. A few of these yearly events to name: * {{do | name=Six Days of Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.wielerzesdaagserotterdam.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2293105 | lastedit=2024-12-26 | content=A cycling competition in early December. }} * {{do | name=IFFR | alt= | url=http://www.filmfestivalrotterdam.com/en/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The International Film Festival Rotterdam, which mainly features independent films from all over the world in February. }} * {{do | name=Art Rotterdam | alt= | url=http://www.artrotterdam.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=In February, you can see (and buy) masterpieces of modern art. }} * {{do | name=World tennis Tournament | alt= | url=http://www.abnamrowtt.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=In February. }} * On the '''[http://www.rotterdamsemuseumnacht.nl/ Rotterdam Museum Night]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' in March, nearly all Rotterdam museums and galleries open their doors in the evening with special events. * {{do | name=Motel Mozaique | alt= | url=http://motelmozaique.nl/en/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Music, art & performance. Plus a sleeping project that enables sleeping in art or on special locations in Rotterdam (April) }} * [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Q1341108|'''Rotterdam Marathon''']], internationally reputed as a very fast marathon, is held in April in Centrum. * {{do | name=Poetry International | alt= | url=http://www.poetry.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Festival in June. }} * '''Metropolis Festival''' (music) on the first Sunday in July. * The sublime '''[http://www.northseajazz.com/ North Sea Jazz]''' festival in July with loads of worldfamous artists. * {{do | name=Summer Carnival | alt= | url=http://www.zomercarnaval.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A huge Caribbean-oriented parade and party in the city centre. }} * {{do | name=Heerlijk Rotterdam | alt= | url=http://www.heerlijkrotterdam.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Three day event where you can sample dishes from Michelin-star restaurants for a reduced price (dates vary, summer edition usually late August) }} * The '''[http://wereldhavendagen.nl/en/ World Port Days]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' a weekend full of activities centred around the large harbour of Rotterdam (early September) * The classical music '''[http://www.gergievfestival.nl/ Gergjev]''' festival in September, led by master-conductor Valery Gergjev. * The '''[http://www.rotterdamseoogst.nl/ Rotterdam Harvest Festival]''' in September. * '''Bazar Curieux''' (music) in December For full listings of events check [http://www.rotterdam.info/uk/ Rotterdam.info] and [http://www.use-it.nl/ Use-it]{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. === Tours === Several tours can be found in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Tours|Centrum]], including the tourist '''tram line 10''' through the city centre and historic parts of Rotterdam on classic trams; the '''Spido harbour trip''' through the first 8 km of the harbour; and De pannenkoekenboot, on which you cam eat as many pancakes as you want while you cruise the harbour. ===Cinema=== There are two huge megacinemas in Rotterdam. The one in the city centre is called '''Pathé Schouwburgplein''' (at the Schouwburgplein), the other one is on the southside of the city. It's called '''Pathé De Kuip''' (next to the Feyenoord stadium De Kuip). In these cinemas you can see Hollywood movies and occasionally an arthouse movie. To get to De Kuip, take tram {{rint|Rotterdam|12}} to stop Stadion Feijenoord. If you're more into alternative cinema go to '''[http://www.lantaren-venster.nl/ Lantaren/Venster]''' Cinema (Otto Reuchlinweg 996 (Wilhelminapier)). Here you'll get European, Asian and Latin American cinema in a nice atmosphere. It has a nice bar too. The other option is '''Cinerama''' (Westblaak 18) which shows a combination of art/house films and commercial Hollywood flicks. During the '''IFFR''' (International Film Festival Rotterdam), which usually takes place in February, art-house movies are shown at much more locations throughout the city. In August, an open air cinema at the '''Lloydkwartier''' shows both blockbusters and independent films. Entrance is free, and you can either bring your own chair or rent one onsite. To get there, take {{rint|Rotterdam|A}} to Coolhaven and walk for about 10–15 minutes towards the river in the south. ===Other attractions=== [[File:Erasmusbréck w.jpg|thumbnail|right|Rotterdam can be breathtaking from above]] When you want to combine a unique experience with a great view over the city of Rotterdam, you can make a (tandem) '''skydive''' at [http://www.skydiverotterdam.com Skydive Rotterdam]. At Skydive Rotterdam (also called the Flying Dutchman) you can book a tandem skydive or do a complete skydiving course and jump from a height of 3 or 4 kilometers. It's the only skydiving school in the "Randstad" area and the only place in the Netherlands where you can jump over a major city like Rotterdam. When the weather's good you will have a spectacular view over the Rotterdam skyline and other parts of the Randstad area, all the way to the coastline. An '''airplane''' can be rented at reasonable rates at Rotterdam Airport at [http://vliegen.rotterdamsweb.nl/ Happy Wing]. Nice tours above the city, its ports or the coastline are on offer. On summer Sundays, it is possible to lower yourself down from the '''Euromast'''. On last Sundays of summer months you can glide down in 15 seconds on a wire (tokkelen). Both: Not for the faint of heart! Check the website of [http://heightspecialists.nl/abseilen/ Heightspecialists]. ===With children=== [[File:Medusakop op kolom in giraffenweide - Rotterdam - 20348014 - RCE.jpg|thumbnail|right|The historic ''Diergaarde Blijdorp'' is definitely worth a visit]] '''Diergaarde Blijdorp''' (Rotterdam Zoo) in [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk#Q18775796|Kralingen-Crooswijk]] is one of the most popular day trips in the Netherlands. Walk through different parts of the world, seeing interesting animals that feel right at home in an approximation of their natural habitats. The Oceanium is filled with ocean and coastal dwellers, including exotic fish and puffins. '''Miniworld Rotterdam''' in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Do|Centrum]] is the largest indoor model railroad layout of the Netherlands. === Football === : Rotterdam has three professional soccer teams: * [https://www.feyenoord.nl/ '''Feyenoord'''] play in Eredivisie, the top tier. Their home ground is Stadion Feijenoord (capacity 51,000), better known as "De Kuip"; it's often also used for rock concerts and similar events. It's south of the river with its own railway station Rotterdam Stadion. * [https://www.sparta-rotterdam.nl/ '''Sparta Rotterdam'''] also play in Eredivisie. Their home ground is Het Kasteel ("The Castle", capacity 12,000), 3 km west of the centre. * [https://www.sbvexcelsior.nl/ '''SBV Excelsior'''] were relegated in 2024 so they play in Eerste Divisie the second tier. Their Stadion Woudestein (capacity 4500), now called Van Donge & De Roo Stadion, is 2 km east of city centre on the north bank of the river. ===Water sports and yachting=== [[File:Rotterdam kralingse plas.jpg|thumbnail|right|Kralingse Plas]] Being a major harbour and having lots of waterways and lakes, Rotterdam has a lot to offer for water-enthousiasts. Boating: There are four major lakes in Rotterdam. The Kralingse Plas, The double Bergse Plas, the Rottemeren and the Zevenhuizer Plas. All of them have active yachting communities and sometimes sailing races can be seen. The Zevenhuizer plas is mainly populated by Windsurf enthousiasts. Sailing boats can be rented at the Kralingse Plas at the [http://www.henkvangent.nl/ Van Gent sailing school], Plaszoom, a 10-minute walk from Metro Voorschoterlaan (walk through the Julianalaan until you reach Plaszoom). Rowing- and sailing boats can be rented at the windmill at the very end of the eastern Rottekade at [http://www.botenverhuurvanvliet.nl/ Van Vliet's] (Rottemeren, go by car or bike, a very nice ride). Yachting: When visiting Rotterdam with your own yacht you will find that most yachting harbours are on the inland waterways, where there are a lot of them. On the river Maas you will only find the [http://www.citymarinarotterdam.nl/ City Marina], behind a bascule bridge on the southern bank, and the [http://www.veerhavenrotterdam.nl/ Veerhaven], right in the city center on the northern bank. Unless you need the better shelter of the characterless City Marina, go for the admittedly a little choppy Veerhaven marina, very central and scenic. ===Beach=== The closest good beach is about 30 km away at [[Hook of Holland]]. Here you will find a very fine sand beach with good swimming and enough entertainment. To get there, take line {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} to Hoek van Holland Strand, its end point. For a more urban-party beach experience head to [[Scheveningen]] where you can find everything beach-party addicts dream about; Endless rows of beachside bars, restaurants and discothèques and a boulevard along a splendid fine-sand beach. It can get ''very'' crowded here. Take the train to [[Den Haag]] Centraal Station and tram {{rint|denhaag|9}} subsequently. Also at the same coast is Kijkduin, which is very recommended for children. To get there, get {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} to its northern end point, then take bus 24 to Kijkduin. If you want to go to the beach but want to stay in the city, consider taking {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} to its end point, Nesselande and walk across the Corsicalaan from there. You are at the Strand Nesselande. ==Buy== The main shopping areas are in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Buy|Centrum]]. '''Afrikaanderplein Markt''' in [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord#Buy|Feijenoord]] is a market of about 300 stalls geared towards Rotterdam's inhabitants of Antillian, South American or African descent (a lot of whom happen to live nearby). Dutch cheese is very famous, you can get some at grocery stores or wider variety at the marketplace. Other typical Dutch things are ''stroopwafels'', ''hagelslag'' and ''drop'' (liquorice). ==Eat== The area around metrostation ''Blaak'', called '''Oude haven''' (Old Harbour), is not only worth seeing but has also a lot of pubs and restaurants. The Rotterdam dining scene is developing very fast with new restaurants opening very often. While most of the attention focusses on new Michelin-star aspiring places, there is very much a trend towards high quality mid-range restaurants offering French/Dutch cuisine. ==Drink== [[Rotterdam/Centrum#|Centrum]] has a wide variety of bars, coffee shops and music venues. The [http://www.kaapsebrouwers.nl/ Kaapse Brouwers] brewery has four locations around the city. Each location has a whole wall of taps to choose from. They are popular place so waiting lines can be long. ==Sleep== See district articles for listings for camping, hostels and hotels. ==Connect== The telephone country code for the Netherlands is 31, and Rotterdam's city code is 010. In case of an '''Emergency''', dial '''1-1-2''' (free of charge). When staying for a longer time, buy a prepaid sim card for your mobile phone. ==Stay safe== You should take normal precautions against pickpockets and baggage theft, especially in the main shopping streets, at markets, in trams and trains, at stations, and anywhere where tourists congregate. It is not wise to hang around Stadhuisplein when nightlife ends. Fights often occur in this area after midnight. Rotterdam also has a reputation of mass venues getting out of hand, though you shouldn't worry too much about it. If violence breaks out at football festivities (not so unlikely) or at the end of sun soaked festive days, like Kings Day (even less unlikely, especially at the Stadhuisplein), just get out of the way and you're unlikely to be affected. It's advisable not to wear a football jersey of Ajax Amsterdam or any other stuff promoting Ajax or Amsterdam. In terms of general safety, at daylight most areas in the city are safe. But at night, some areas such as Spangen, Charlois and Hillesluis are wise to avoid. When you drive a car with a foreign numberplate (especially if it's a French or Belgian one) you might or will be approached by so-called ''drugsrunners''. This can occur on the motorways surrounding the city and in the city proper. These guys try to lure people to places where drugs are dealt. Do not respond to their signals and do not follow them. ==Go next== If you do not have a car, the hub for leaving the city will probably be '''Rotterdam Centraal''', from where trains leave in all directions at short intervals (you can generally drop in and catch the next train to your destination). Most regional and longer distance buses leave here too, with the exception of most buses to southerly destinations and the province of Zeeland that leave from '''metro station Zuidplein'''. In contrast with the trains, bus departure times should be checked in advance as they can be far and between. For trains to the North and the South travellers can also choose to depart from '''Rotterdam Blaak'''. '''The Hague''' can also be reached easily and rather quickly by metro line E. Nearby destinations like [[Schiedam]] or even [[Delft]] can also be reached by bike if you fancy a somewhat longer ride. Bike routes and directions are well marked and available in abundance. A good idea for a sunny day! Schiedam can be reached by train or by metro (in 15 minutes) too. [[Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region|MRDH]] is the area of the region Rotterdam-Schiedam-Delft-The Hague, see this page for more information on travel and cycling. ===Nearby=== * '''[[Kinderdijk]]''' — a [[UNESCO World Heritage List#Netherlands|UNESCO World Heritage]] site. 19 old windmills are still helping to control the water level there. Windmill #2 is open to the public, allowing you to see its inner workings. In season there is a direct waterbus service from an embankment at the Erasmus bridge (travel time ~1/2 hour). Alternatively, ''Arriva'' bus 90 from bus and metro station ''Zuidplein'' will get you there in 50 minutes. * '''[[Schiedam]]''' — visit the historic centre of this small town at the edge of Rotterdam, including the world's six tallest windmills. Also you can find there the ''Stedelijk Museum'', an attractive museum with some nice modern art exhibitions. Easily reached by bicycle, a train (from ''Rotterdam Centraal'' to ''Schiedam Centrum''), metro A, B or C line to ''Schiedam Centrum'' station, or tram lines 1 or 11 (''Broersvest'' or ''Koemarkt'' stop). ===Day trips=== * '''[[Delft]]''' — this famous town is a 15-minute train ride from ''Rotterdam Centraal''. Very historic and scenic, but also very touristy. * '''[[Dordrecht]]''' — a magnificent historic town with little tourism and an excellent old art museum (Dordrechts Museum). It is a 15-min train ride, or even better, take a ''[http://www.waterbus.nl/halte/dordrecht-merwekade/ waterbus]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''. * '''[[Gouda]]''' — visit this small picturesque postcard-like town and see the magnificent stained glass windows in the ''Sint Janskerk''. Also 20 min by train. * '''[[Delta Works]]''' — a series of construction projects protecting the Southwest of the Netherlands from the sea. The Oosterschelde storm surge barrier is the most impressive, and next to it is ''Neeltje Jans'', a water theme park dedicated to the Delta Works. * '''[[Brielle (Netherlands)|Brielle]]''' — a mediaeval fortified town. The centre is a nice ensemble of old houses and churches, enclosed by the original earthen defensive walls. There are some museums and the Roman Catholic shrine of the Martyrs of Gorcum. Walking around town and fortifications is a treat. You can easily spend a full day in Brielle. Take bus 103 at the ''Spijkenisse Centrum'' metro station. A journey takes about 70 min. * '''[[Schoonhoven]]''' — a nice small town with many well preserved medieval buildings on the ''Lek'' river in a halfway to Utrecht. From Station Capelsebrug, Rotterdam, take a bus 195 (direction Utrecht). A journey takes about 1 hour. * Go to the other cities of the [[Randstad]], e.g. '''[[The Hague]]''' is 1/2 hour by train or metro, '''[[Utrecht]]''' is around 45 min by train, '''[[Amsterdam]]''' about an hour. {{routebox | image1=NL-A15.png | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Brielle (Netherlands)|Brielle]] | minorl1=[[Spijkenisse]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Arnhem]] | minorr1=[[Dordrecht]] | image2=BE-E19.svg | imagesize2=20 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Amsterdam]] | minorl2=[[Delft]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Antwerp]] | minorr2=[[Zwijndrecht]] }} {{usablecity}} {{isPartOf|Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region}} {{geo|51.9239|4.4623|zoom=14}} t39h4zwjinvs4l09gy7yb6edg1p6u1j 5087080 5087065 2025-07-03T10:45:22Z LPfi 79572 /* By taxi */ order 5087080 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Rotterdam Banner 4.jpg|dotm=yes|unesco=yes}} {{printDistricts}} '''Rotterdam''' is a very large city in the province of [[South Holland]] in the west of the [[Netherlands]]. The city is the second largest in the country with a population of approximately 650,000 inhabitants in the municipality (2020) and about 2.2 million inhabitants in the shared metropolitan area of the [[Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region]] (MRDH). Rotterdam is a vibrant, multicultural city; it is known for its university (Erasmus), cutting-edge architecture, lively cultural life, industrial riverside setting, its maritime heritage and colourful summer events. The municipality stretches all the way to the [[North Sea]] with gigantic areas like '''Europoort''' and '''Maasvlakte 1&2'''. All belong to the '''Port of Rotterdam'''. Starting as a dam constructed in 1270 on the Rotte River, Rotterdam has grown into a major international commercial centre. The port of Rotterdam is Europe's busiest port by cargo tonnage, and was the world's busiest from 1962 until it was surpassed by Shanghai in 2004. Rotterdam's commercial and strategic importance is based on its location near the mouth of the Nieuwe Maas (New Meuse), a channel in the delta formed by the Rhine and Meuse on the North Sea. These rivers lead directly into the centre of Europe, including the industrial Ruhr region, which is why Rotterdam is often called the "Gateway to Europe". Many relatively high buildings (by Dutch standards) have been emerging throughout and around the city centre. Daring and new styles of apartments, office buildings and recreation facilities resulted in Rotterdam becoming a city of modern architecture and the only city in the Netherlands with a modern skyline. Due to this, the city is especially interesting for Dutch people to visit. ==Districts== {{Mapframe|width=660|zoom=10|show=districts}} {{Mapshape|type=page|wikicommons=Rotterdam_Districts.map|group=districts}} {{Regionlist | regionmap= | regionmaptext= | regionmapsize= | region1name=[[Rotterdam/Centrum|Stadsdriehoek]] | region1color=#44aa99 | region1items=Rotterdam Centrum | region1description=Filled with highrise and out-of-the-box architecture, this district forms the heart of Rotterdam and gives the city its characteristic. | region2name=[[Rotterdam/Delfshaven|Delfshaven]] | region2color=#aa4499 | region2items=Delfshaven | region2description=Originally a part of [[Delft]], this town over time grew closer to Rotterdam, leading up to its incorporation in 1886. The former town still has a fair bit of its historic identity. | region3name=[[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk|Kralingen-Crooswijk]] | region3color=#117733 | region3items=Kralingen-Crooswijk, Noord | region3description=Famous for the Kralingse Plas, a large artificial lake and the surrounding park, as well as Blijdorp, the second-oldest still active zoo in the Netherlands. | region4name=[[Rotterdam/Feijenoord|Feijenoord]] | region4color=#ee99aa | region4items=Feijenoord | region4description=Namesake of a Dutch football club, Feijenoord is the heart of the south banks of the Meuse. | region5name=[[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|Northern Rotterdam]] | region5color=#d09440 | region5items=Overschie, Hillegersberg-Schiebroek | region5description=Home to Rotterdam's airport as well as Hilligersberg and the surrounding lakes and forests. | region6name=[[Rotterdam/Capelle en Noordoost|Capelle en Noordoost]] | region6color=#b5d29f | region6items=Prins Alexander, Capelle aan den IJssel | region6description=Largely home to Rotterdam's urban sprawl. | region7name=[[Rotterdam/Nieuwerkerk|Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel]] | region7color=#d56d76 | region7items=Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel | region7description=Though not incorporated into Rotterdam, Nieuwerkerk is largely an extension of the city. It is home to the lowest point of the famously low-lying Netherlands, at {{convert|6.76|m|yd}} below sea level. | region8name=[[Rotterdam/Zuid|Zuid]] | region8color=#6699cc | region8items=Charlois, IJsselmonde | region8description=The southernmost districts of Rotterdam. | region9name=[[Rotterdam/Port of Rotterdam|Port of Rotterdam]] | region9color=#ddcc77 | region9items=Pernis, Rozenburg, Botlek, Europoort, Eerste- en Tweede Maasvlakte | region9description=Best known as the largest seaport of Europe, the Port of Rotterdam has been built within a river delta as well as the sea. | region10name=[[Rotterdam/Hook of Holland|Hook of Holland]] | region10color=#44aa99 | region10items=Hoek van Holland | region10description=Formerly one of the main gateways into the Netherlands from anywhere reachable by ocean-going vessel, nowadays a popular beachfront. | region11name=[[Rotterdam/Albrandswaard|Albrandswaard]] | region11color=#882255 | region11items=Hoogvliet, Poortugaal, Rhoon | region11description=Island on the suburban fringes of Rotterdam, functioning as a suburb both to Rotterdam and [[Spijkenisse]]. }} ==Understand== ===History=== Settlement at the lower end of the fen stream ''Rotte'' dates from at least 900. Around 1150, large floods in the area ended development, leading to the construction of protective dikes and dams. A dam on the Rotte or 'Rotterdam' was built in the 1260s and was at the present-day ''Hoogstraat'' ('High Street'). Although Rotterdam did well after the Middle Ages and in the 'Golden Century' - roughly between 1650 and 1750 - it was not before the second part of the nineteenth century that the city started to develop itself rapidly. Helped by the digging of a new seaway (the Nieuwe Waterweg) Rotterdam was rid of access problems caused by the silting of the river and started receiving ever bigger ships with cargo for/from the booming Ruhrgebiet in Germany. Port related trade and industry skyrocketed, and the city started to draw lots of migrants from the then poor Brabant province, for whom the southern part of the city was constructed. At the turn of the twentieth century Rotterdam was well under way to become the largest economic centre in the Netherlands. It was between then and the second world war that large prestigious construction works were undertaken, in part to show off the new found economic pride. The German army invaded the Netherlands on 10 May 1940. Germany had planned to conquer the country in one day, but after meeting unexpectedly fierce resistance, it finally forced the Dutch army to capitulate on 14 May 1940 by bombing Rotterdam and threatening to bomb other cities. The heart of the city was almost completely destroyed by the German Luftwaffe, and 800 people were killed, while about 80,000 others were made homeless. During the war, Rotterdam was bombed several times during allied raids that were aimed at the harbour area but sometimes also hit the city. The City Hall survived the bombing. Unlike most other European cities however, the City Council did not aim at rebuilding what was lost, but on taking the opportunity to create a 'new' and better city. Damaged but not destroyed old buildings were torn down in the process. From the 1950s through the 1970s, the city was rebuilt. It remained quite windy and open until the city councils from the 1980s on began developing an active architectural policy. Daring and new styles of apartments, office buildings and recreation facilities resulted in a more 'livable' city center with a new skyline. In the 1990s, the ''Kop van Zuid'' was built on the south bank of the river as a new business center. ===Demographics=== In the Netherlands, Rotterdam has the highest percentage of foreigners from non-industrialised nations. Nearly 50% of the population are not native to the Netherlands or have at least one parent born outside the country. Muslims comprise close to 25% of the city's population. The city is also home to one of the largest Cape Verdean communities in the world, as well as the largest Dutch Antillean community. ===Atmosphere=== Rotterdam's culture is distinct from other cities in the Netherlands. The mentality of the people is described as 'can do'. From the waiters you meet to the businessmen and recent immigrants, everybody breathes a dream of getting forward with life. The modern design of the city, the bustle and the spree of buildings all add to this impression. That said, you might also find that people are sometimes too straight with you. And yes, the city is not the cosiest, or the most picturesque of towns, especially on drab winter days. But get acquainted with this small metropolis, easiest done on one of the festival days with nice weather. You will come to love it. [[File:Rotterdam haringvliet in winter.jpg|thumbnail|right|Winters in Rotterdam are moist and can be freezingly cold, but just as well uniquely beautiful]] ===Climate=== {{climate chart | Rotterdam |1.3|6.4|71 |1.1|7.1|66 |2.4|10.3|57 |4.8|14.3|42 |8.1|17.9|56 |11.0|20.6|69 |13.2|22.7|79 |12.9|22.6|92 |10.5|19.3|90 |7.2|14.9|87 |3.9|10.2|88 |1.4|7.0|86 |units = metric |float = right |clear = none |source = Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute}} Rotterdam gains a lot of charm when the sun is shining. Visiting in spring or summer may be more enjoyable than during the dark rainy winter. The summer months see temperatures averaging around {{c|22}} during the day and {{c|14}} at night; though temperatures near or above {{c|28}} during the day and {{c|16}} at night are not unheard of during heat waves. Daylight runs from 05:30 until 22:00 in the summer, and only between 08:45 and 16:30 in the winter. ===Tourist information=== *{{listing | type=listing | name=Rotterdam Tourist Information Coolsingel | alt=VVV | url=https://en.rotterdam.info/ | email=info@rotterdam.info | address=Coolsingel 114, 3011 AG Rotterdam | lat=51.918860 | long=4.481239 | directions=Metro {{rint|Rotterdam|A}} {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} : Beurs, at the garden of the Schielandshuis | phone=+31 10 790 01 85 | tollfree= | hours=09:30-18:00 | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=This well equipped and modern tourist office can provide loads of information like city maps, small guide books, souvenirs and the like, and offers tips and information on what to see and do in Rotterdam. Rotterdam.info also sells Rotterdam Welcome Cards, concert tickets, gift certificate, souvenirs, public transport tickets and parking vouchers. Check the website for upcoming events. }} *{{listing | type=listing | name=Rotterdam Tourist Information Central Station | alt=VVV | url= | email= | address=Stationsplein 21, 3013 AJ Rotterdam | lat=51.92410 | long=4.47030 | directions=main entrance, in the central hall of the central station | phone=+31 107900185 | tollfree= | hours=09:30-18:00 | price= | lastedit=2019-07-21 | content=With help from the service desk, a wide range of tourist information folders and the employees, you can find out what part of the city you would like to visit. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=Rotterdam Welcome Card | alt= | url=https://en.rotterdam.info/visitors-info/rotterdam-welcome-card/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=1 day (€13.50), 2 days (€19.50), or 3 days (€24.50) | lastedit=2022-07-27 | content= The card allows for unlimited use of all public transport by RET in the city and region, and offers at least 25% discounts on more than 50 attractions, museums, and restaurants. Available at Rotterdam Info (VVV) points and other locations. Without public transport, the card costs €6.00. }} ==Get in== ===By plane=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Rotterdam The Hague Airport | alt={{IATA|RTM}} | url=http://www.rotterdamthehagueairport.nl/en | email= | address= | lat=51.951248 | long=4.443541 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Rotterdam The Hague Airport | image=Rotterdam airport luchtfoto.jpg | wikidata=Q656807 | lastedit=2016-06-07 | content=It is the 3rd largest airport in the country. It is 6 km north of the city centre. There are direct flights from cities in [[Germany]], [[Italy]], [[France]], [[Spain]], and the [[United Kingdom]]. Commercial airlines that operate to the airport include Transavia, Lufthansa, British Airways, and Turkish Airlines. }} ====Services==== * {{listing|type=go | name=VVV Rotterdam-The Hague Airport information point | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rotterdam Airportplein 60 | lat= | long= | directions=at the arrivals hall | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= 07:30-23:45 | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=Come here if you have questions about Rotterdam. The place to hear history. The gift shop is open 09:30-18:00. }} ====How to reach==== To plan a trip (for all public transport in the Netherlands) see [https://9292.nl/en 9292.nl]{{Dead link|date=December 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} Depending on the amount of travel with public transit in The Netherlands it is possible to buy a so called ''[[OV-Chipkaart]]'' or it may be more convemient to pay with a contactless credit or debit card by touching in & touching out on each trip. see for more information under ''Get Around.'' ;By bus/metro * {{listing | type=go | name=Bus 33 | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-06-30 | content=Connects the airport with ''Meijersplein/Airport'' metro station, from where you can take metro line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} to ''Slinge'' (for ''Rotterdam Centraal'' and Rotterdam city center).See for more information the ''By Metro'' section under ''Get Around''. Bus 33 also connects to Rotterdam Centraal station via the Overschie district. }} * {{listing | name=Bus 300 | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= 15 July - 20 September, Fr-Mo only| price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-06-30 | content=Direct service to ''Rotterdam Centraal''. No stops in between. }} ;By taxi * {{listing | name=Vliegveldtaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.vliegveldtaxirotterdam.nl| phone=+31 10 818 28 23 }} * {{listing | name=Rolstoeltaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.rolstoeltaxirotterdam.nl | phone=+31 10 818 28 23 }} * {{listing|type=go | name=Rotterdam Airport Taxi | alt= | url=http://www.rotterdam-airport-taxi.nl | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +31 10 262 04 06| tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-06-07 | content=Recommended by the airport web site. }} ====Other close airports==== * [[Schiphol Airport| Amsterdam Schiphol Airport]] ({{IATA|AMS}}) is 58 km north of Rotterdam and has much more flights than the Rotterdam airport. '''NS (Dutch Railways)''' operates ''[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/special-routes/intercity-direct.html Intercity Direct]'' high-speed rail service, every 30 minutes to Rotterdam. The journey takes 27 minutes. You have to pay an addition for the journey from Schiphol to Rotterdam, so regular intercities in direction Rotterdam Centraal and Rotterdam Blaak are cheaper (but slower) (these intercities also call at Schiphol). * [[Eindhoven#By plane| Eindhoven Airport]] ({{IATA|EIN}}) is 106 km southeast of Rotterdam. Ryanair and Wizzair operate flights to this airport. Take a bus to Eindhoven Centraal (approximately 20 minutes, the intercity train to Rotterdam Centraal takes about 63 minutes. * [[Brussels Airport]] ({{IATA|BRU}}) is 140 km south of Rotterdam. Many international carriers operate flights to this airport. The [https://www.b-europe.com/EN/Trains/InterCity train from Brussels] takes about 120 minutes and costs €35. Buses are also available, although less frequent. [[File:Rtd CS-III.JPG|thumbnail|right|Rotterdam Centraal has been completely reconstructed and now features a striking roof over the main concourse]] ===By train=== {{seealso|Rail travel in the Netherlands}} ==== International connections ==== * {{go | name=Rotterdam Centraal | alt= | url=https://www.ns.nl/stationsinformatie/rtd/rotterdam-centraal | email= | address= | lat=51.925 | long=4.469444 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q801388 | lastedit=2018-04-10 | content=The station is served by high-speed trains from [[Belgium]], [[France]] and the [[United Kingdom]]. }} **'''[http://www.thalys.com Thalys]''' operates [[high-speed trains]] from [[Antwerp]] (Antwerpen-Centraal, 35 min), [[Brussels]] (Brussel-Zuid/Midi, 1 hr 12 min), [[Paris]] (Gare du Nord, 2 hr 37 min) and [[Lille]] (Lille-Europe, 1 hr 55 min). Book well in advance to secure the best ticket deals. A cheaper but slower alternative to Thalys is the [https://www.b-europe.com/EN/Trains/InterCity Intercity Brussels] service between Amsterdam and Brussels. **Coming from Germany, Rotterdam Centraal can only be reached by changing trains in the Netherlands. When travelling on the German high-speed train '''[https://www.bahn.com/en/view/trains/long-distance/ice-ice-sprinter.shtml?dbkanal_007=L04_S02_D002_KIN0059_FLYOUT-ZUGFLOTTE-ICE_LZ01 ICE]{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' from [[Cologne]], [[Düsseldorf]] and [[Oberhausen]], the exchange will be in [[Utrecht]] Centraal station, and coming from [[Berlin]], [[Hanover]], [[Osnabrück]] (with the '''[https://www.bahn.com/en/view/trains/long-distance/intercity-eurocity.shtml?dbkanal_007=L04_S02_D002_KIN0059_FLYOUT-ZUGFLOTTE-IC_LZ01 DB-intercity]{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''') it is advisable to change at [[Amersfoort]]. Intercity-trains to Rotterdam depart from both Utrecht and Amersfoort. ** '''[http://www.eurostar.com Eurostar]''' runs a daily high speed service from [[London]] St Pancras International to Rotterdam Centraal. Prices start at £35 one way. The journey time is about 3 hr 30 min, but you must arrive at the station at least 90 minutes before departure in order to clear the extra border controls caused by COVID restrictions and Brexit. ==== National connections ==== The Dutch railway company NS runs high-speed ''[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/special-routes/intercity-direct.html Intercity Direct]'' trains between [[Amsterdam]], [[Amsterdam Airport Schiphol|Schiphol]], Rotterdam and [[Breda]]. The train stops only at those four stations and shaves 25-30 minutes in journey time between Amsterdam and Schiphol and Rotterdam versus the regular Intercity and Sprinter trains that stop in between. Beware that you have to pay a supplement (€2.60 during peak hours, €1.56 outside peak hours) to use the Intercity direct line to travel to Rotterdam if your journey involves Schiphol, (i.e. Amsterdam-Rotterdam journeys are subject to this supplement). You can purchase this supplement by tapping an anonymous or personal OV-chipkaart on a designated red pole found on the platform. Those without an anonymous or personal OV-chipkaart can use the ticketing machines or the NS website to purchase the supplement, however the discount may not be applicable to supplements purchased this way. Most unlimited day tickets including the Holland Travel Ticket can be used to travel on the Intercity Direct but a supplement purchase is still required. Thalys also offers seats for passengers travelling from Amsterdam to Rotterdam. The journey is less than 40 minutes, slightly faster than the Intercity Direct. However, reservations/advance bookings are required and most unlimited day tickets recognised by NS cannot be used on Thalys. Rotterdam is also well served by NS from other parts of the [[Netherlands]], with direct connections to [[Delft]], [[Amsterdam]], [[Eindhoven]], [[Gouda]], [[Leiden]], [[The Hague]], [[Utrecht]] and [[Vlissingen]]. Some intercities and sprinters also stop at '''[https://www.ns.nl/stationsinformatie/rtb/rotterdam-blaak Rotterdam Blaak]''' station which is in the middle of the city center. This station is also frequented by trams and metro. See also the [[Netherlands#Get in Netherlands]] page for further information on national rail. Alternatively, Rotterdam's Metro line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} provides a connection for passengers coming from [[The Hague]] at Den Haag Centraal. The journey from Den Haag Centraal to Rotterdam Centraal costs €4.43 with an anonymous or personalised OV-chipkaart, which is marginally cheaper than an NS journey (€4.90) between the same points but takes about five minutes longer to complete the journey. ===By bus=== * {{listing|type=go | name=Flixbus | alt= | url=https://www.flixbus.com/bus/rotterdam| email= | address=(bus stop) Rotterdam Centraal @ Conradstraat 52 | lat= | long= | directions=International bus stop platform 'GG' at Rotterdam Centraal. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-07-20 | content=Serving both domestic and international routes. They also have an extra stop at Rotterdam Zuidplein @ Gooilandsingel }} ===By boat=== ==== Ferries from [[England]] (UK) ==== You can also get to Rotterdam by [[Ferries to the British Mainland|ferry from the United Kingdom]]. No ferries arrive in the center. * '''[http://www.poferries.com P&O Ferries]''' has a daily overnight sailing from [[Kingston Upon Hull]] to Rotterdam Europoort. From Rotterdam Europoort P&O Ferries operates a shuttle bus service that takes you to the city center of Rotterdam. Please book this shuttle service while you book your sailing. * '''[http://www.stenaline.com StenaLine]''' has a daily day and a daily overnight sailing from [[Harwich (England)|Harwich]] to [[Hook of Holland]]. Next to the port is ''Hoek van Holland Haven'' metro station. Line B brings you to the city centre in approximately 30 minutes. * '''[http://www.dfdsseaways.co.uk/ferry-routes/holland/newcastle-to-amsterdam DFDS Seaways]''' has a daily overnight ferry crossing from Newcastle to Amsterdam. You can drive to Rotterdam in approx. 50 minutes. ==== Waterbus ==== [[File:ENI 02324345 ALBLAS (14).JPG|thumbnail|right|A WaterBus near [https://www.cityguiderotterdam.com/things-to-do/sights/old-harbour-rotterdam/ Oude Haven (Old Harbour)]]]The '''[http://www.waterbus.nl WaterBus]''' services provide connections between Rotterdam and the ''Drechtsteden'' ([[Dordrecht]] and surrounding cities, including [[UNESCO World Heritage List|UNESCO-site]] - the world-famous windmills - [[Kinderdijk]]). ===By metro=== Coming from [[The Hague]] or somewhere in between it can be advisable to use metroline {{rint|Rotterdam|E}}, see for more information the page about the [[Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region|whole region]]. ===By car=== [[File:Rotterdam Auto 01.JPG|thumbnail|right|Finding a good spot to park can be a problem in central Rotterdam]] Rotterdam is easily reached by car. From Amsterdam take the A4 South to Rotterdam Haven. From Utrecht take the A12 and change to the A20 just after [[Gouda]] on knooppunt Gouwe. Traffic congestion on highways is common during peak hours (morning and evening commutes). You can pay for '''on-street parking''' with debit and credit card. Remember your license plate number. Parking regulations are enforced regularly. '''[https://parkereninrotterdam.nl Parking garages]{{Dead link|date=April 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' can be easily found by following the sign-marked P-route. The easiest way to pay is by credit card, just insert your card on the way in, and insert it again on the way out, and the total time is automatically deducted. You can also pay with cash or debit card. '''Park & Ride (P&R)''' facilities outside the center of Rotterdam offer free or cheap parking with public transport connections into the city center. For some locations (Slinge A15, Kralingse Zoom A16/E19 and Alexander A20/E25), you can park for free if you have a valid check-out on your public transport card (OV-chipkaart). === By bike === As a Dutch city Rotterdam is well connected to extense (inter)national bicycle networks which use all kinds of infrastructural facilities. Most attractive for tourist to cycle over longer distances are the so called '''LF-routes'''. So the city center is croshed by '''LF2 Stedenroute ''(City Route)''''' from Amsterdam to Brussels and '''LF12 Maas- en Vestingroute''' follows the flow of river Maas all the way from The East. See for more information [http://www.holland.com/global/tourism/discover-holland/cycling/bicycle-route-planner.htm Bicycle Route Planner]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}: ''sellect more options and LF-Routes.'' ==Get around== {{Mapframe|51.9152|4.4791|zoom=14|layer=W|name=Map of Rotterdam (metro lines have thicker strokes than tram lines)}} {{Mapshapes|Q691704}} <!--Metro--> {{Mapshapes|Q1429091|stroke-width=2}} <!--Tram--> '''[https://www.ret.nl/en RET]''' operates the buses, trams, and metro within the city. You could find a journey planner and some [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret/maps.html network maps] there. Alternatively you'd use the pan-Netherlands journey planner – [https://9292.nl/en 9292.nl]. Transport generally arrives every 10 minutes during the day. Free Wi-Fi is available in some trams, buses and metro lines, and on the busier metro stations, you just need to accept the terms of use. ===Tickets=== You can [https://www.ovpay.nl/en use your contactless bank card]{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} to pay for any public transport that also accepts the [[OV-chipkaart]]. This system is called OV-Pay and is the most convenient way to travel. Debit and credit cards from Maestro, V PAY, Mastercard and Visa are supported. As anywhere else in the country OV-chipkaart can still be used to pay all kinds of public transport. The card costs €8.50 and you'd need to keep a positive balance there for at least €4. For using buses and trams, checking in and out has to be done in the vehicle, while for train and metro use the gates or card-reader poles at the entrance of the stations. Alternatively one of the city's transport travel cards could be used: * {{listing | name=RET travel cards | alt= | url=https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travel-products/products-and-fares.html | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=2 hours - €5.00; 1 (calendar) day - €11.00 | lastedit=2025-01-21 | content=To travel by bus, tram and metro with RET. Can be purchased via the RET Barcode app, at ticket machines in metro stations and at RET Sales and Information points. For children under 12 and age 65 and up there is a reduced price. The 1-day ticket is not a 24-hour ticket: it is only valid on the day of the first check-in, until 04:00 of the early morning the next day. Tickets are not sold on bus and tram anymore; use your bank card to check in instead. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=Tourist Day Ticket: Rotterdam & The Hague region | alt= | url=http://www.touristdaytickets.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=€17.00 for one day | lastedit=2025-01-21 | content=Unlimited travel on local transport (bus, tram, metro and waterbus. Note: trains excluded) in the Rotterdam and the Hague region. Available from ticket machines and service counters of RET and at tourist information. Ticket is valid for travel with RET, HTM, HTMbuzz, Arriva, Connexxion, EBS, QBuzz and Waterbus in South Holland. }} * [[#Rotterdam Welcome Card|Rotterdam Welcome Card]] also allows for unlimited use of public transport with RET in the city and region. Note that tickets must be purchased in advance, there is no ticket sale on board of bus, tram and metro. ===By metro=== [[Image:Metro Rotterdam future.svg|thumb|Rotterdam Metro reaches as far as [[the Hague]].]] There are 5 metro lines in the city. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|A}}, {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|C}}, share tracks between ''Schiedam Centrum'' and ''Capelsebrug'' and offer an east-west connection. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} share tracks between ''Rotterdam Centraal'' and ''Slinge'' and offer a north-south connection. Interchange between all lines is possible on ''Beurs'' station in the city center. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|A}}, {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|C}} operate every 10 minutes on working days and Saturday, which allows 3-4 minute intervals on the main section between ''Schiedam Centrum'' and ''Capelsebrug''. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} operate every 10 minutes on working days and Saturday, which give shorter intervals between ''Rotterdam Centraal'' and ''Slinge''. In the evening, on Saturday morning and Sunday the service is reduced to a 15-minute interval. The Rotterdam Metro operates from 05:30 until 00:00. On weekends the opening time is not until 07:00 Saturday, and 08:15 on Sunday. On Friday and Saturday nights the service is extended for a bit longer past midnight, but not on some parts of line B and E. See the [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret/time-table/metro/weekend-metro.html Weekend metro] page for an overview. For tourists the most important metro stations are: '''Line A, B and C''' (East-West branch) * '''Blaak''': train station, interchange with trams and busses, cube houses, Markthal, ports * '''Beurs''': city center, shops, interchange with metro {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} * '''Eendrachtsplein''': museumpark * '''Coolhaven''': [https://euromast.nl/ Euromast] * '''Delfshaven''': historic port '''Line D and E''' (North-South branch) * '''Meijerplein''': bus service to Rotterdam The Hague Airport '''''(only line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}})''''' * '''Blijdorp:''' [https://www.diergaardeblijdorp.nl/en/ Rotterdam Zoo] '''''(only line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}})''''' * '''Rotterdam Centraal''': northern edge of the city centre, interchange with trams and buses, train station * '''Beurs''': city centre, shops, interchange with metro {{rint|Rotterdam|A}}, {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|C}} * '''Leuvehaven''': ports, museums, Erasmus Bridge, Waterbus * '''Wilhelminaplein:''' Erasmus Bridge, Cruise Terminal Rotterdam, [http://www.hotelnewyork.com/ hotel New York] * '''Rijnhaven:''' Katendrecht, bus service to SS Rotterdam ===By tram=== There are nine tram lines in the city. Each tram has a conductor. Tram stops provide a detailed map of the public transport system for on-the-go route-finding. Most lines operate every 10 minutes on workdays, with a more frequent service during rush hours on some lines. All trams except {{rint|Rotterdam|2}} will stop at ''Rotterdam Centraal'', the main train station of Rotterdam. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|1}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|11}}''' run from the suburbs in the [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|northwest]] to De Esch in [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk|Kralingen]], via [[Schiedam]], the north of [[Delfshaven]], and the city centre. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|2}}''' runs on the south side of the rivers, through the districts of [[Rotterdam/Zuid|Charlois, IJsselmonde]] and [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|3}}''' starts at the central station, and connects to the south bank via Feijenoord, IJsselmonde and [[Rotterdam/Zuid|Beverwaard]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|4}}''' starts from Heemsraadplein, connecting to much of the city centre and the neighbourhoods to its west, before connecting to [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|Hillegersberg]] via the central station, and Noord/Crooswijk. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|5}}''' originates from the central station, running to the south bank via Feijenoord and suburbs, before terminating in [[Barendrecht]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|6}}''' runs from Heemsraadplein to Kleiweg, just north of the A20 highway, running parallel with line 4 up to Rotterdam Noord railway station. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|7}}''' starts at Marconiplein, where the metro and lines 1, 8 and 11 meet, to Woudestein where it meets lines 1 and 11 again, via the central station and Erasmus University. Between Weena and Woudestein, lines 1 and 11 follow a more direct route via the Stadhuis, Beurs, Blaak and Oostplein metro stations, while line seven heads north via [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk|Crooswijk and Kralingen]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|8}}''', lastly, comes from [[Delfshaven|Spangen]], and then continues through most of Delfshaven roughly following the river up to Eendrachtsplein in [[Rotterdam/Centre|Cool]], from where it joins the main tram corridor through the city centre, to eventually terminate in [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|Schiebroek]]. * '''Line 12''' operates during football matches in the Kuip stadion only. ===By bus=== '''RET''' operates bus services across the city. Night bus service (BOB-bus) has been cancelled. Buses operated by '''[http://www.arriva.nl Arriva]''' and '''[http://www.connexxion.nl Connexxion]''' connect the city with suburbs. Use the front door when boarding a bus. ===By water taxi=== * {{listing | name=Watertaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=http://www.watertaxirotterdam.nl | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 10 403 03 03 | tollfree= | hours= | price=€ | lastedit=2022-07-27 | content=Rotterdam was built on a number of islands and if you want to travel from shore to shore, the nicest way to go is to take a '''Water Taxi'''. Fixed fares for rides between 50 docks in Rotterdam and Schiedam, with 3 fares zones, starting at €4.50 per person in the central zone. You can give them a call, or use the online tool to see availability and book a ride. It is advised to book in advance, especially on days with large events in the city. }} ===By taxi=== If you do need a taxi you will have to find yourself a taxi rank or call a taxi company. There is a minimum taxi fare of €2.30 (first it was {{EUR|7.50}} which included the first two kilometres). Additionally, each subsequent kilometre is charged €2.20. * {{go | name=Botlektaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://botlektaxi.nl | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 10 666 66 06 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-01-19 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Rotterdamse Taxi Centrale RTC N.V. | url=http://www.rtcnv.nl | phone=+31 10 462 60 60 }} * {{listing | name=Coöperatieve Taxi Onderneming St. Job u.a. | url=http://www.st-job.nl | phone=+31 10 425 70 00 }} * {{listing | name=Rolstoeltaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.rolstoeltaxirotterdam.nl | phone=+31 10 818 28 23 }} * {{listing | name=Taxi Rotterdam 010 | alt= | url=https://taxirotterdam010.nl | phone=+31 10 261 31 88 }} * {{listing | name=Rotterdamse Taxi | alt= | url= https://www.rotterdamsetaxi.nl | phone=+31 10 261 31 22 }} * {{listing | name=Stadstaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.stadstaxirotterdam.nl| phone=+31 10 818 28 23 }} * {{listing | name=Vliegveldtaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.vliegveldtaxirotterdam.nl | phone=+31 10 818 28 23 }} * {{listing | name=Zorgtaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.zorgtaxirotterdam.nl | phone=+31 10 818 28 23 }} ===By tuk-tuk=== * {{listing | name=Tuk Tuk Company | alt= | url=http://www.tuktukcompany.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 9009933399 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-05-23 | content=A Thai-influenced transportation service using three-wheeled, open-air (but covered) motorized vehicles called Tuk Tuk offers a more economical and fast way to get around the city centre when compared to taxis. Tuk-tuk pricing is based on a zone system. Within a zone, a ride is €3.50 per person, €5 for 2 persons and €6.50 for 3. If you go to another zone, €3.50 is added (irrespective of number of persons). This service is handy if it is past the regular tram/bus/metro service hours (approximately half past midnight). }} ===By bicycle=== Like any city in The Netherlands, Rotterdam is very, very bicycle-friendly. Getting around by bike is probably the fastest way of travel within the city. There are separate bike lanes on most major streets and there are separate traffic lights for bicyclists. Avoid getting your tire in the tram rails: always cross tram rails at an angle. Of course it is also strongly advisable to watch out for other traffic at all time. On the other hand bicyclists can rely on the fact that motorists and pedestrians are aware of bikes. Always lock your bike securely when leaving it (preferably chained to a fixed object) or go to a guarded bicycle parking station. ==== Rent a bike==== At Rotterdam Centraal, you can rent bicycles at the shop in the underground bicycle parking, below the Station square. Leave the station at the front, exit 'Stationsplein'. The entrance of the bicycle parking ('fietsenstalling', with the glass roof) is at your right, in front of grand cafe Engels. Use-it, rents out nice Kronan bikes (Schaatsbaan 41-45, leave Central Station towards the center. Turn right at restaurant Engels and take the 2nd right). Bikes can be rented by several other private companies. Holland-Cycling.com provides a list of [http://www.holland-cycling.com/rotterdam/getting-around-rotterdam/bicycle-rental-in-rotterdam addresses]. Another list you will find at [https://www.rotterdam.nl/vrije-tijd/fiets-huren/ Rotterdam.nl]{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. If you have a personal (rather than an anonymous) [[OV-chipkaart]], bicycles can be rented at many train and metro stations and other central locations by the [http://www.ns.nl/en/door-to-door/ov-fiets OV-fiets system]. ==== Guarded bicycle parking ==== * The larger train stations have their own guarded bicycle parking. * Rotterdam municipality has also [https://www.rotterdam.nl/fietsparkeren some free locations]. ==See== ===Landmarks=== [[File:VN5 HDR2.jpg|thumbnail|right|The Van Nellefabriek is regarded as a prime example of the ''International Style'']] Rotterdam has national notoriety for its architecture, and the city therefore is dotted with landmarks of all sorts. Most of them you will find in the [[Rotterdam/Centrum|city centre]], but [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord|Feijenoord]] is also quite dense with them. Rotterdam is known for some bridges, not in the last place the '''Erasmusbrug''', spanning the Nieuwe Maas between the city centre and Feijenoord. Also of historical importance is the former railway lifting bridge '''De Hef''', slightly upstream from the Erasmusbrug. '''Historical landmarks''' are somewhat rare to come across in Rotterdam's city centre, but the city itself isn't completely devoid of them. In the city centre, the 1920 '''City hall''' and the '''Great or Saint-Laurence church''', both survivors of the 1940 bombardment. Rotterdam is also home to the country's oldest known bronze statue, depicting Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam and dating from 1622. It is found opposite the Saint-Laurence church. '''De Verwoeste Stad''' (Destroyed City) is a cubist statue depicting a man in agony who just lost his heart (symbol of the bombed city centre). Feijenoord, despite being home to many modern redevelopments, houses some historical landmarks such as the '''former headquarters of the Holland-Amerikalijn'''. Also worth visiting are the '''Oude Haven''' (''Old Harbour'') and the nearby '''Witte Huis''' (''White House'') and '''Schielandshuis'''. '''Industrial landmarks''' are plenty in a city that mostly thrives off of harbour activities. Besides the many industrial sites found in the [[Rotterdam/Port of Rotterdam|Port of Rotterdam]], the '''Van Nellefabriek''' in [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|the north of the city]] is a listed UNESCO site. [[File:Erasmusbrug seen from Euromast.jpg|thumbnail|right|The modern skyline of Rotterdam can be truly appreciated from the Euromast.]] The skyline of Rotterdam can, of course, be observed from one of the many skyscrapers in the city - though you should probably book a hotel located in a skyscraper or find one with a publicly accessible roof, as trespass isn't welcomed. Another great site for views over the city though, is the '''Euromast''' on the border between the [[Rotterdam/Centrum|city centre]] and [[Rotterdam/Delfshaven|Delfshaven]], twice in its history the highest building of the Netherlands. For a relatively small entry fee, you can climb the tower or for a larger sum, you can dine inside of it. For those less comfortable with great heights though, a birds-eye overview of the city can also be obtained at '''Miniworld Rotterdam''', near the central station. The city is also well-known for its experimental and out-of-the-ordinary architecture, often being a testing ground for new concepts. A prime example of this are the '''Kubuswoningen''' (''Cube Houses'') at [[Rotterdam/Centrum|Blaak]]; one has been set aside as a museum, offering a view of the unique perspective and custom furniture that comes with living in one of the houses. Also striking are the '''Markthal''', harbour-crane inspired sculptures at the '''Schouwburgplein''' and the '''Koopgoot''', all found in the city centre. '''Historic churches:''' in the Netherlands churches are generally closed to visitors on Sundays. === Other sites === [[File:Rotterdam Erasmusbrug bij avond vanaf hoek Veerhaven-Westerkade.jpg|thumb|Erasmus bridge of Rotterdam]] [[File:Schielandshuis.jpg|thumbnail|right|Schielandshuis today stands surrounding by modern glass and steel buildings]] [[Image:Oude Haven (Rotterdam) 2011.jpg|thumb|"Het witte huis" in Old Harbour]] The area around the [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Other sites|'''Station Rotterdam Blaak''']] was destroyed by a Nazi bombardment during World War II. After the war this area was populated with some bold examples of modern architecture. The '''Kubuswoningen''' are literally cubes, tilted over by 45 degrees. '''Oude Haven''' (Old Harbour) is a nice place to see and sit at some café nearby. '''Witte Huis''' is a "skyscraper" built in 1898. '''Het Schielandshuis''' is the only remaining 17th-century building in the city centre of Rotterdam. [[File:Delfshaven Rotterdam (the Netherlands) 17.JPG|thumb|The old barges moored at the Delfshaven]] [[Rotterdam/Delfshaven|'''Delfshaven''']] is one of very few locations in the city which survived World War II bombings. Historic Delfshaven is a very scenic walk. It consists of an 17th-century area around two canals with a lot of charm. By day visit little shops in this neighbourhood, by night attractive pubs and restaurants make the visit worthwhile. * '''Chinatown''' in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Other sites|Centrum]] is full of Chinese restaurants and also Indonesian and other Asian restaurants. [[File:Rotterdam molens De Ster (l) en De Lelie (r) - tegenlicht.jpg|thumbnail|right|''De Ster'' and ''De Lelie'' at dusk]] ===Windmills=== Rotterdam has only seven windmills left. Of these, only ''De Ster'' and ''De Lelie'' in [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk#See|Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk]] are open to visitors on a regular basis. Other windmills are open to visitors when the mill is turning (easy enough to see), but there are some exceptions to this rule of thumb. A blue flag also indicates that the mill is open to visitors. Look for De Prinsenmolen, De Vier Winden, and De Speelman windmills in [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam#Windmills|Northern Rotterdam]] and De Zandweg in [[Rotterdam/Zuid#See|Rotterdam Zuid]]. ===Museums=== [[File:Overzicht achtergevel - Rotterdam - 20534511 - RCE.jpg|thumbnail|right|Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen]] [[Netherlands#Museumkaart|Museumkaart]] is accepted at the city's museums. The Museumpark area in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Museums|Centrum]] has many of the city's museums. '''Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen''' houses a rich, broad collection including masterpieces ranging from Pieter Brueghel the Elder's ''The "little" Tower of Babel'' (1563) to an important collection of surrealism, prominently featuring Salvador Dalí and René Magritte. '''Sylvette''' is a large work by Pablo Picasso was erected in 1973. It is one of the elaborations Picasso made based on the portraits of his muse Sylvette David. Definitely worth a look. '''Kunsthal''' houses some 25 exhibitions annually with a fascinating and widely varied repertoire. Het Nieuwe Instituut museum includes the '''Museum voor Architectuur, Design en Digitale cultuur''', a museum for architecture,deesign and digital culture, and '''Huis Sonneveld''', a building in the Bauhaus style. '''Chabot Museum''' is a neat little museum is housed in a splendid modernist 1930s villa. It houses a collection of works of the expressionist painter Hendrik Chabot. '''Natuurhistorisch Museum''' has changing expositions and a fixed collection of mammals, plants and fossils. The city has two maritime museums. The '''Maritiem Museum''' has a variety of expositions about the harbour of Rotterdam and maritime history, and a restored 19th-century gunboat that is a must-see for naval enthusiasts. The '''Mariniersmuseum''' shows the history of the centuries-old Narine Corps and its modern-day role. Special attention is given to the heroic role of the corps in the 1940 defence of Rotterdam. ====Other museums==== [[File:Façade Witte de With Center for Contemporary Art.jpg|thumbnail|right|Witte de With Center]] In [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Other museums|Centrum]], you can visit '''Museum Rotterdam''', which is dedicated to the modern day Rotterdam and its history; the '''Museum of Chess-Pieces''', which houses a diverse collection of chess games from ancient Chinese to cartoon characters; the '''Wereldmuseum''' (World Arts Museum), which focuses on encounters and cross-cultural inspiration; and '''Witte de With''' (Centre for Contemporary Arts). [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord#Q2191118|'''Nederlands Fotomuseum''']] shows the diversity of forms of photography, especially as a medium of social expression and commentary. [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk#Q2351733|'''SSN Museumstoomdepot''']] features old steam locomotives and trains. Besides a small museum it's a workshop where you can see restoration in progress. ==Do== [[File:Overzicht - Rotterdam - 20534496 - RCE.jpg|thumbnail|right|''De Doelen'' concert hall in Schouwbourgplein]] Upcoming events and performances are listed on the VVV and Use-it websites. The larger events are well documented on the VVV site, for smaller venues check Use-it (under Calendar) for a very attractive and well updated listing of music, expositions, movies and parties that need checking out. The [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Do|Uitburo office]] inside the Central Library provides information on theatre and music performances. It also sells tickets and offers an overview of performances that can be visited for free (''gratis''). ===Events=== [[File:North Sea Jazz Festival 2012 - ALOE BLACC.jpg|thumbnail|right|In July, you can enjoy the ''North Sea Jazz'' festival]] Rotterdam plays host to a lot of events, a lot of them yearly ones. Besides these there are a lot smaller ones that can be very nice, so ask around and check the VVV website. A few of these yearly events to name: * {{do | name=Six Days of Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.wielerzesdaagserotterdam.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2293105 | lastedit=2024-12-26 | content=A cycling competition in early December. }} * {{do | name=IFFR | alt= | url=http://www.filmfestivalrotterdam.com/en/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The International Film Festival Rotterdam, which mainly features independent films from all over the world in February. }} * {{do | name=Art Rotterdam | alt= | url=http://www.artrotterdam.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=In February, you can see (and buy) masterpieces of modern art. }} * {{do | name=World tennis Tournament | alt= | url=http://www.abnamrowtt.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=In February. }} * On the '''[http://www.rotterdamsemuseumnacht.nl/ Rotterdam Museum Night]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' in March, nearly all Rotterdam museums and galleries open their doors in the evening with special events. * {{do | name=Motel Mozaique | alt= | url=http://motelmozaique.nl/en/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Music, art & performance. Plus a sleeping project that enables sleeping in art or on special locations in Rotterdam (April) }} * [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Q1341108|'''Rotterdam Marathon''']], internationally reputed as a very fast marathon, is held in April in Centrum. * {{do | name=Poetry International | alt= | url=http://www.poetry.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Festival in June. }} * '''Metropolis Festival''' (music) on the first Sunday in July. * The sublime '''[http://www.northseajazz.com/ North Sea Jazz]''' festival in July with loads of worldfamous artists. * {{do | name=Summer Carnival | alt= | url=http://www.zomercarnaval.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A huge Caribbean-oriented parade and party in the city centre. }} * {{do | name=Heerlijk Rotterdam | alt= | url=http://www.heerlijkrotterdam.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Three day event where you can sample dishes from Michelin-star restaurants for a reduced price (dates vary, summer edition usually late August) }} * The '''[http://wereldhavendagen.nl/en/ World Port Days]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' a weekend full of activities centred around the large harbour of Rotterdam (early September) * The classical music '''[http://www.gergievfestival.nl/ Gergjev]''' festival in September, led by master-conductor Valery Gergjev. * The '''[http://www.rotterdamseoogst.nl/ Rotterdam Harvest Festival]''' in September. * '''Bazar Curieux''' (music) in December For full listings of events check [http://www.rotterdam.info/uk/ Rotterdam.info] and [http://www.use-it.nl/ Use-it]{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. === Tours === Several tours can be found in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Tours|Centrum]], including the tourist '''tram line 10''' through the city centre and historic parts of Rotterdam on classic trams; the '''Spido harbour trip''' through the first 8 km of the harbour; and De pannenkoekenboot, on which you cam eat as many pancakes as you want while you cruise the harbour. ===Cinema=== There are two huge megacinemas in Rotterdam. The one in the city centre is called '''Pathé Schouwburgplein''' (at the Schouwburgplein), the other one is on the southside of the city. It's called '''Pathé De Kuip''' (next to the Feyenoord stadium De Kuip). In these cinemas you can see Hollywood movies and occasionally an arthouse movie. To get to De Kuip, take tram {{rint|Rotterdam|12}} to stop Stadion Feijenoord. If you're more into alternative cinema go to '''[http://www.lantaren-venster.nl/ Lantaren/Venster]''' Cinema (Otto Reuchlinweg 996 (Wilhelminapier)). Here you'll get European, Asian and Latin American cinema in a nice atmosphere. It has a nice bar too. The other option is '''Cinerama''' (Westblaak 18) which shows a combination of art/house films and commercial Hollywood flicks. During the '''IFFR''' (International Film Festival Rotterdam), which usually takes place in February, art-house movies are shown at much more locations throughout the city. In August, an open air cinema at the '''Lloydkwartier''' shows both blockbusters and independent films. Entrance is free, and you can either bring your own chair or rent one onsite. To get there, take {{rint|Rotterdam|A}} to Coolhaven and walk for about 10–15 minutes towards the river in the south. ===Other attractions=== [[File:Erasmusbréck w.jpg|thumbnail|right|Rotterdam can be breathtaking from above]] When you want to combine a unique experience with a great view over the city of Rotterdam, you can make a (tandem) '''skydive''' at [http://www.skydiverotterdam.com Skydive Rotterdam]. At Skydive Rotterdam (also called the Flying Dutchman) you can book a tandem skydive or do a complete skydiving course and jump from a height of 3 or 4 kilometers. It's the only skydiving school in the "Randstad" area and the only place in the Netherlands where you can jump over a major city like Rotterdam. When the weather's good you will have a spectacular view over the Rotterdam skyline and other parts of the Randstad area, all the way to the coastline. An '''airplane''' can be rented at reasonable rates at Rotterdam Airport at [http://vliegen.rotterdamsweb.nl/ Happy Wing]. Nice tours above the city, its ports or the coastline are on offer. On summer Sundays, it is possible to lower yourself down from the '''Euromast'''. On last Sundays of summer months you can glide down in 15 seconds on a wire (tokkelen). Both: Not for the faint of heart! Check the website of [http://heightspecialists.nl/abseilen/ Heightspecialists]. ===With children=== [[File:Medusakop op kolom in giraffenweide - Rotterdam - 20348014 - RCE.jpg|thumbnail|right|The historic ''Diergaarde Blijdorp'' is definitely worth a visit]] '''Diergaarde Blijdorp''' (Rotterdam Zoo) in [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk#Q18775796|Kralingen-Crooswijk]] is one of the most popular day trips in the Netherlands. Walk through different parts of the world, seeing interesting animals that feel right at home in an approximation of their natural habitats. The Oceanium is filled with ocean and coastal dwellers, including exotic fish and puffins. '''Miniworld Rotterdam''' in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Do|Centrum]] is the largest indoor model railroad layout of the Netherlands. === Football === : Rotterdam has three professional soccer teams: * [https://www.feyenoord.nl/ '''Feyenoord'''] play in Eredivisie, the top tier. Their home ground is Stadion Feijenoord (capacity 51,000), better known as "De Kuip"; it's often also used for rock concerts and similar events. It's south of the river with its own railway station Rotterdam Stadion. * [https://www.sparta-rotterdam.nl/ '''Sparta Rotterdam'''] also play in Eredivisie. Their home ground is Het Kasteel ("The Castle", capacity 12,000), 3 km west of the centre. * [https://www.sbvexcelsior.nl/ '''SBV Excelsior'''] were relegated in 2024 so they play in Eerste Divisie the second tier. Their Stadion Woudestein (capacity 4500), now called Van Donge & De Roo Stadion, is 2 km east of city centre on the north bank of the river. ===Water sports and yachting=== [[File:Rotterdam kralingse plas.jpg|thumbnail|right|Kralingse Plas]] Being a major harbour and having lots of waterways and lakes, Rotterdam has a lot to offer for water-enthousiasts. Boating: There are four major lakes in Rotterdam. The Kralingse Plas, The double Bergse Plas, the Rottemeren and the Zevenhuizer Plas. All of them have active yachting communities and sometimes sailing races can be seen. The Zevenhuizer plas is mainly populated by Windsurf enthousiasts. Sailing boats can be rented at the Kralingse Plas at the [http://www.henkvangent.nl/ Van Gent sailing school], Plaszoom, a 10-minute walk from Metro Voorschoterlaan (walk through the Julianalaan until you reach Plaszoom). Rowing- and sailing boats can be rented at the windmill at the very end of the eastern Rottekade at [http://www.botenverhuurvanvliet.nl/ Van Vliet's] (Rottemeren, go by car or bike, a very nice ride). Yachting: When visiting Rotterdam with your own yacht you will find that most yachting harbours are on the inland waterways, where there are a lot of them. On the river Maas you will only find the [http://www.citymarinarotterdam.nl/ City Marina], behind a bascule bridge on the southern bank, and the [http://www.veerhavenrotterdam.nl/ Veerhaven], right in the city center on the northern bank. Unless you need the better shelter of the characterless City Marina, go for the admittedly a little choppy Veerhaven marina, very central and scenic. ===Beach=== The closest good beach is about 30 km away at [[Hook of Holland]]. Here you will find a very fine sand beach with good swimming and enough entertainment. To get there, take line {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} to Hoek van Holland Strand, its end point. For a more urban-party beach experience head to [[Scheveningen]] where you can find everything beach-party addicts dream about; Endless rows of beachside bars, restaurants and discothèques and a boulevard along a splendid fine-sand beach. It can get ''very'' crowded here. Take the train to [[Den Haag]] Centraal Station and tram {{rint|denhaag|9}} subsequently. Also at the same coast is Kijkduin, which is very recommended for children. To get there, get {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} to its northern end point, then take bus 24 to Kijkduin. If you want to go to the beach but want to stay in the city, consider taking {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} to its end point, Nesselande and walk across the Corsicalaan from there. You are at the Strand Nesselande. ==Buy== The main shopping areas are in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Buy|Centrum]]. '''Afrikaanderplein Markt''' in [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord#Buy|Feijenoord]] is a market of about 300 stalls geared towards Rotterdam's inhabitants of Antillian, South American or African descent (a lot of whom happen to live nearby). Dutch cheese is very famous, you can get some at grocery stores or wider variety at the marketplace. Other typical Dutch things are ''stroopwafels'', ''hagelslag'' and ''drop'' (liquorice). ==Eat== The area around metrostation ''Blaak'', called '''Oude haven''' (Old Harbour), is not only worth seeing but has also a lot of pubs and restaurants. The Rotterdam dining scene is developing very fast with new restaurants opening very often. While most of the attention focusses on new Michelin-star aspiring places, there is very much a trend towards high quality mid-range restaurants offering French/Dutch cuisine. ==Drink== [[Rotterdam/Centrum#|Centrum]] has a wide variety of bars, coffee shops and music venues. The [http://www.kaapsebrouwers.nl/ Kaapse Brouwers] brewery has four locations around the city. Each location has a whole wall of taps to choose from. They are popular place so waiting lines can be long. ==Sleep== See district articles for listings for camping, hostels and hotels. ==Connect== The telephone country code for the Netherlands is 31, and Rotterdam's city code is 010. In case of an '''Emergency''', dial '''1-1-2''' (free of charge). When staying for a longer time, buy a prepaid sim card for your mobile phone. ==Stay safe== You should take normal precautions against pickpockets and baggage theft, especially in the main shopping streets, at markets, in trams and trains, at stations, and anywhere where tourists congregate. It is not wise to hang around Stadhuisplein when nightlife ends. Fights often occur in this area after midnight. Rotterdam also has a reputation of mass venues getting out of hand, though you shouldn't worry too much about it. If violence breaks out at football festivities (not so unlikely) or at the end of sun soaked festive days, like Kings Day (even less unlikely, especially at the Stadhuisplein), just get out of the way and you're unlikely to be affected. It's advisable not to wear a football jersey of Ajax Amsterdam or any other stuff promoting Ajax or Amsterdam. In terms of general safety, at daylight most areas in the city are safe. But at night, some areas such as Spangen, Charlois and Hillesluis are wise to avoid. When you drive a car with a foreign numberplate (especially if it's a French or Belgian one) you might or will be approached by so-called ''drugsrunners''. This can occur on the motorways surrounding the city and in the city proper. These guys try to lure people to places where drugs are dealt. Do not respond to their signals and do not follow them. ==Go next== If you do not have a car, the hub for leaving the city will probably be '''Rotterdam Centraal''', from where trains leave in all directions at short intervals (you can generally drop in and catch the next train to your destination). Most regional and longer distance buses leave here too, with the exception of most buses to southerly destinations and the province of Zeeland that leave from '''metro station Zuidplein'''. In contrast with the trains, bus departure times should be checked in advance as they can be far and between. For trains to the North and the South travellers can also choose to depart from '''Rotterdam Blaak'''. '''The Hague''' can also be reached easily and rather quickly by metro line E. Nearby destinations like [[Schiedam]] or even [[Delft]] can also be reached by bike if you fancy a somewhat longer ride. Bike routes and directions are well marked and available in abundance. A good idea for a sunny day! Schiedam can be reached by train or by metro (in 15 minutes) too. [[Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region|MRDH]] is the area of the region Rotterdam-Schiedam-Delft-The Hague, see this page for more information on travel and cycling. ===Nearby=== * '''[[Kinderdijk]]''' — a [[UNESCO World Heritage List#Netherlands|UNESCO World Heritage]] site. 19 old windmills are still helping to control the water level there. Windmill #2 is open to the public, allowing you to see its inner workings. In season there is a direct waterbus service from an embankment at the Erasmus bridge (travel time ~1/2 hour). Alternatively, ''Arriva'' bus 90 from bus and metro station ''Zuidplein'' will get you there in 50 minutes. * '''[[Schiedam]]''' — visit the historic centre of this small town at the edge of Rotterdam, including the world's six tallest windmills. Also you can find there the ''Stedelijk Museum'', an attractive museum with some nice modern art exhibitions. Easily reached by bicycle, a train (from ''Rotterdam Centraal'' to ''Schiedam Centrum''), metro A, B or C line to ''Schiedam Centrum'' station, or tram lines 1 or 11 (''Broersvest'' or ''Koemarkt'' stop). ===Day trips=== * '''[[Delft]]''' — this famous town is a 15-minute train ride from ''Rotterdam Centraal''. Very historic and scenic, but also very touristy. * '''[[Dordrecht]]''' — a magnificent historic town with little tourism and an excellent old art museum (Dordrechts Museum). It is a 15-min train ride, or even better, take a ''[http://www.waterbus.nl/halte/dordrecht-merwekade/ waterbus]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''. * '''[[Gouda]]''' — visit this small picturesque postcard-like town and see the magnificent stained glass windows in the ''Sint Janskerk''. Also 20 min by train. * '''[[Delta Works]]''' — a series of construction projects protecting the Southwest of the Netherlands from the sea. The Oosterschelde storm surge barrier is the most impressive, and next to it is ''Neeltje Jans'', a water theme park dedicated to the Delta Works. * '''[[Brielle (Netherlands)|Brielle]]''' — a mediaeval fortified town. The centre is a nice ensemble of old houses and churches, enclosed by the original earthen defensive walls. There are some museums and the Roman Catholic shrine of the Martyrs of Gorcum. Walking around town and fortifications is a treat. You can easily spend a full day in Brielle. Take bus 103 at the ''Spijkenisse Centrum'' metro station. A journey takes about 70 min. * '''[[Schoonhoven]]''' — a nice small town with many well preserved medieval buildings on the ''Lek'' river in a halfway to Utrecht. From Station Capelsebrug, Rotterdam, take a bus 195 (direction Utrecht). A journey takes about 1 hour. * Go to the other cities of the [[Randstad]], e.g. '''[[The Hague]]''' is 1/2 hour by train or metro, '''[[Utrecht]]''' is around 45 min by train, '''[[Amsterdam]]''' about an hour. {{routebox | image1=NL-A15.png | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Brielle (Netherlands)|Brielle]] | minorl1=[[Spijkenisse]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Arnhem]] | minorr1=[[Dordrecht]] | image2=BE-E19.svg | imagesize2=20 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Amsterdam]] | minorl2=[[Delft]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Antwerp]] | minorr2=[[Zwijndrecht]] }} {{usablecity}} {{isPartOf|Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region}} {{geo|51.9239|4.4623|zoom=14}} 8nh04sctl7a1kh1c7dwehrrv735mdtw 5087082 5087080 2025-07-03T10:49:27Z Ikan Kekek 36420 /* Get in */ We can't have the same taxi companies listed twice in this guide per [[Wikivoyage:Don't tout]]. Are there any taxi companies that '''don't''' serve the airport? But more importantly, is it difficult to find taxis? 5087082 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Rotterdam Banner 4.jpg|dotm=yes|unesco=yes}} {{printDistricts}} '''Rotterdam''' is a very large city in the province of [[South Holland]] in the west of the [[Netherlands]]. The city is the second largest in the country with a population of approximately 650,000 inhabitants in the municipality (2020) and about 2.2 million inhabitants in the shared metropolitan area of the [[Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region]] (MRDH). Rotterdam is a vibrant, multicultural city; it is known for its university (Erasmus), cutting-edge architecture, lively cultural life, industrial riverside setting, its maritime heritage and colourful summer events. The municipality stretches all the way to the [[North Sea]] with gigantic areas like '''Europoort''' and '''Maasvlakte 1&2'''. All belong to the '''Port of Rotterdam'''. Starting as a dam constructed in 1270 on the Rotte River, Rotterdam has grown into a major international commercial centre. The port of Rotterdam is Europe's busiest port by cargo tonnage, and was the world's busiest from 1962 until it was surpassed by Shanghai in 2004. Rotterdam's commercial and strategic importance is based on its location near the mouth of the Nieuwe Maas (New Meuse), a channel in the delta formed by the Rhine and Meuse on the North Sea. These rivers lead directly into the centre of Europe, including the industrial Ruhr region, which is why Rotterdam is often called the "Gateway to Europe". Many relatively high buildings (by Dutch standards) have been emerging throughout and around the city centre. Daring and new styles of apartments, office buildings and recreation facilities resulted in Rotterdam becoming a city of modern architecture and the only city in the Netherlands with a modern skyline. Due to this, the city is especially interesting for Dutch people to visit. ==Districts== {{Mapframe|width=660|zoom=10|show=districts}} {{Mapshape|type=page|wikicommons=Rotterdam_Districts.map|group=districts}} {{Regionlist | regionmap= | regionmaptext= | regionmapsize= | region1name=[[Rotterdam/Centrum|Stadsdriehoek]] | region1color=#44aa99 | region1items=Rotterdam Centrum | region1description=Filled with highrise and out-of-the-box architecture, this district forms the heart of Rotterdam and gives the city its characteristic. | region2name=[[Rotterdam/Delfshaven|Delfshaven]] | region2color=#aa4499 | region2items=Delfshaven | region2description=Originally a part of [[Delft]], this town over time grew closer to Rotterdam, leading up to its incorporation in 1886. The former town still has a fair bit of its historic identity. | region3name=[[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk|Kralingen-Crooswijk]] | region3color=#117733 | region3items=Kralingen-Crooswijk, Noord | region3description=Famous for the Kralingse Plas, a large artificial lake and the surrounding park, as well as Blijdorp, the second-oldest still active zoo in the Netherlands. | region4name=[[Rotterdam/Feijenoord|Feijenoord]] | region4color=#ee99aa | region4items=Feijenoord | region4description=Namesake of a Dutch football club, Feijenoord is the heart of the south banks of the Meuse. | region5name=[[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|Northern Rotterdam]] | region5color=#d09440 | region5items=Overschie, Hillegersberg-Schiebroek | region5description=Home to Rotterdam's airport as well as Hilligersberg and the surrounding lakes and forests. | region6name=[[Rotterdam/Capelle en Noordoost|Capelle en Noordoost]] | region6color=#b5d29f | region6items=Prins Alexander, Capelle aan den IJssel | region6description=Largely home to Rotterdam's urban sprawl. | region7name=[[Rotterdam/Nieuwerkerk|Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel]] | region7color=#d56d76 | region7items=Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel | region7description=Though not incorporated into Rotterdam, Nieuwerkerk is largely an extension of the city. It is home to the lowest point of the famously low-lying Netherlands, at {{convert|6.76|m|yd}} below sea level. | region8name=[[Rotterdam/Zuid|Zuid]] | region8color=#6699cc | region8items=Charlois, IJsselmonde | region8description=The southernmost districts of Rotterdam. | region9name=[[Rotterdam/Port of Rotterdam|Port of Rotterdam]] | region9color=#ddcc77 | region9items=Pernis, Rozenburg, Botlek, Europoort, Eerste- en Tweede Maasvlakte | region9description=Best known as the largest seaport of Europe, the Port of Rotterdam has been built within a river delta as well as the sea. | region10name=[[Rotterdam/Hook of Holland|Hook of Holland]] | region10color=#44aa99 | region10items=Hoek van Holland | region10description=Formerly one of the main gateways into the Netherlands from anywhere reachable by ocean-going vessel, nowadays a popular beachfront. | region11name=[[Rotterdam/Albrandswaard|Albrandswaard]] | region11color=#882255 | region11items=Hoogvliet, Poortugaal, Rhoon | region11description=Island on the suburban fringes of Rotterdam, functioning as a suburb both to Rotterdam and [[Spijkenisse]]. }} ==Understand== ===History=== Settlement at the lower end of the fen stream ''Rotte'' dates from at least 900. Around 1150, large floods in the area ended development, leading to the construction of protective dikes and dams. A dam on the Rotte or 'Rotterdam' was built in the 1260s and was at the present-day ''Hoogstraat'' ('High Street'). Although Rotterdam did well after the Middle Ages and in the 'Golden Century' - roughly between 1650 and 1750 - it was not before the second part of the nineteenth century that the city started to develop itself rapidly. Helped by the digging of a new seaway (the Nieuwe Waterweg) Rotterdam was rid of access problems caused by the silting of the river and started receiving ever bigger ships with cargo for/from the booming Ruhrgebiet in Germany. Port related trade and industry skyrocketed, and the city started to draw lots of migrants from the then poor Brabant province, for whom the southern part of the city was constructed. At the turn of the twentieth century Rotterdam was well under way to become the largest economic centre in the Netherlands. It was between then and the second world war that large prestigious construction works were undertaken, in part to show off the new found economic pride. The German army invaded the Netherlands on 10 May 1940. Germany had planned to conquer the country in one day, but after meeting unexpectedly fierce resistance, it finally forced the Dutch army to capitulate on 14 May 1940 by bombing Rotterdam and threatening to bomb other cities. The heart of the city was almost completely destroyed by the German Luftwaffe, and 800 people were killed, while about 80,000 others were made homeless. During the war, Rotterdam was bombed several times during allied raids that were aimed at the harbour area but sometimes also hit the city. The City Hall survived the bombing. Unlike most other European cities however, the City Council did not aim at rebuilding what was lost, but on taking the opportunity to create a 'new' and better city. Damaged but not destroyed old buildings were torn down in the process. From the 1950s through the 1970s, the city was rebuilt. It remained quite windy and open until the city councils from the 1980s on began developing an active architectural policy. Daring and new styles of apartments, office buildings and recreation facilities resulted in a more 'livable' city center with a new skyline. In the 1990s, the ''Kop van Zuid'' was built on the south bank of the river as a new business center. ===Demographics=== In the Netherlands, Rotterdam has the highest percentage of foreigners from non-industrialised nations. Nearly 50% of the population are not native to the Netherlands or have at least one parent born outside the country. Muslims comprise close to 25% of the city's population. The city is also home to one of the largest Cape Verdean communities in the world, as well as the largest Dutch Antillean community. ===Atmosphere=== Rotterdam's culture is distinct from other cities in the Netherlands. The mentality of the people is described as 'can do'. From the waiters you meet to the businessmen and recent immigrants, everybody breathes a dream of getting forward with life. The modern design of the city, the bustle and the spree of buildings all add to this impression. That said, you might also find that people are sometimes too straight with you. And yes, the city is not the cosiest, or the most picturesque of towns, especially on drab winter days. But get acquainted with this small metropolis, easiest done on one of the festival days with nice weather. You will come to love it. [[File:Rotterdam haringvliet in winter.jpg|thumbnail|right|Winters in Rotterdam are moist and can be freezingly cold, but just as well uniquely beautiful]] ===Climate=== {{climate chart | Rotterdam |1.3|6.4|71 |1.1|7.1|66 |2.4|10.3|57 |4.8|14.3|42 |8.1|17.9|56 |11.0|20.6|69 |13.2|22.7|79 |12.9|22.6|92 |10.5|19.3|90 |7.2|14.9|87 |3.9|10.2|88 |1.4|7.0|86 |units = metric |float = right |clear = none |source = Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute}} Rotterdam gains a lot of charm when the sun is shining. Visiting in spring or summer may be more enjoyable than during the dark rainy winter. The summer months see temperatures averaging around {{c|22}} during the day and {{c|14}} at night; though temperatures near or above {{c|28}} during the day and {{c|16}} at night are not unheard of during heat waves. Daylight runs from 05:30 until 22:00 in the summer, and only between 08:45 and 16:30 in the winter. ===Tourist information=== *{{listing | type=listing | name=Rotterdam Tourist Information Coolsingel | alt=VVV | url=https://en.rotterdam.info/ | email=info@rotterdam.info | address=Coolsingel 114, 3011 AG Rotterdam | lat=51.918860 | long=4.481239 | directions=Metro {{rint|Rotterdam|A}} {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} : Beurs, at the garden of the Schielandshuis | phone=+31 10 790 01 85 | tollfree= | hours=09:30-18:00 | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=This well equipped and modern tourist office can provide loads of information like city maps, small guide books, souvenirs and the like, and offers tips and information on what to see and do in Rotterdam. Rotterdam.info also sells Rotterdam Welcome Cards, concert tickets, gift certificate, souvenirs, public transport tickets and parking vouchers. Check the website for upcoming events. }} *{{listing | type=listing | name=Rotterdam Tourist Information Central Station | alt=VVV | url= | email= | address=Stationsplein 21, 3013 AJ Rotterdam | lat=51.92410 | long=4.47030 | directions=main entrance, in the central hall of the central station | phone=+31 107900185 | tollfree= | hours=09:30-18:00 | price= | lastedit=2019-07-21 | content=With help from the service desk, a wide range of tourist information folders and the employees, you can find out what part of the city you would like to visit. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=Rotterdam Welcome Card | alt= | url=https://en.rotterdam.info/visitors-info/rotterdam-welcome-card/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=1 day (€13.50), 2 days (€19.50), or 3 days (€24.50) | lastedit=2022-07-27 | content= The card allows for unlimited use of all public transport by RET in the city and region, and offers at least 25% discounts on more than 50 attractions, museums, and restaurants. Available at Rotterdam Info (VVV) points and other locations. Without public transport, the card costs €6.00. }} ==Get in== ===By plane=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Rotterdam The Hague Airport | alt={{IATA|RTM}} | url=http://www.rotterdamthehagueairport.nl/en | email= | address= | lat=51.951248 | long=4.443541 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Rotterdam The Hague Airport | image=Rotterdam airport luchtfoto.jpg | wikidata=Q656807 | lastedit=2016-06-07 | content=It is the 3rd largest airport in the country. It is 6 km north of the city centre. There are direct flights from cities in [[Germany]], [[Italy]], [[France]], [[Spain]], and the [[United Kingdom]]. Commercial airlines that operate to the airport include Transavia, Lufthansa, British Airways, and Turkish Airlines. }} ====Services==== * {{listing|type=go | name=VVV Rotterdam-The Hague Airport information point | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rotterdam Airportplein 60 | lat= | long= | directions=at the arrivals hall | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= 07:30-23:45 | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=Come here if you have questions about Rotterdam. The place to hear history. The gift shop is open 09:30-18:00. }} ====How to reach==== To plan a trip (for all public transport in the Netherlands) see [https://9292.nl/en 9292.nl]{{Dead link|date=December 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} Depending on the amount of travel with public transit in The Netherlands it is possible to buy a so called ''[[OV-Chipkaart]]'' or it may be more convemient to pay with a contactless credit or debit card by touching in & touching out on each trip. see for more information under ''Get Around.'' ;By bus/metro * {{listing | type=go | name=Bus 33 | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-06-30 | content=Connects the airport with ''Meijersplein/Airport'' metro station, from where you can take metro line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} to ''Slinge'' (for ''Rotterdam Centraal'' and Rotterdam city center).See for more information the ''By Metro'' section under ''Get Around''. Bus 33 also connects to Rotterdam Centraal station via the Overschie district. }} * {{listing | name=Bus 300 | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= 15 July - 20 September, Fr-Mo only| price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-06-30 | content=Direct service to ''Rotterdam Centraal''. No stops in between. }} ;By taxi See [[#Get around]]. ====Other close airports==== * [[Schiphol Airport| Amsterdam Schiphol Airport]] ({{IATA|AMS}}) is 58 km north of Rotterdam and has much more flights than the Rotterdam airport. '''NS (Dutch Railways)''' operates ''[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/special-routes/intercity-direct.html Intercity Direct]'' high-speed rail service, every 30 minutes to Rotterdam. The journey takes 27 minutes. You have to pay an addition for the journey from Schiphol to Rotterdam, so regular intercities in direction Rotterdam Centraal and Rotterdam Blaak are cheaper (but slower) (these intercities also call at Schiphol). * [[Eindhoven#By plane| Eindhoven Airport]] ({{IATA|EIN}}) is 106 km southeast of Rotterdam. Ryanair and Wizzair operate flights to this airport. Take a bus to Eindhoven Centraal (approximately 20 minutes, the intercity train to Rotterdam Centraal takes about 63 minutes. * [[Brussels Airport]] ({{IATA|BRU}}) is 140 km south of Rotterdam. Many international carriers operate flights to this airport. The [https://www.b-europe.com/EN/Trains/InterCity train from Brussels] takes about 120 minutes and costs €35. Buses are also available, although less frequent. [[File:Rtd CS-III.JPG|thumbnail|right|Rotterdam Centraal has been completely reconstructed and now features a striking roof over the main concourse]] ===By train=== {{seealso|Rail travel in the Netherlands}} ==== International connections ==== * {{go | name=Rotterdam Centraal | alt= | url=https://www.ns.nl/stationsinformatie/rtd/rotterdam-centraal | email= | address= | lat=51.925 | long=4.469444 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q801388 | lastedit=2018-04-10 | content=The station is served by high-speed trains from [[Belgium]], [[France]] and the [[United Kingdom]]. }} **'''[http://www.thalys.com Thalys]''' operates [[high-speed trains]] from [[Antwerp]] (Antwerpen-Centraal, 35 min), [[Brussels]] (Brussel-Zuid/Midi, 1 hr 12 min), [[Paris]] (Gare du Nord, 2 hr 37 min) and [[Lille]] (Lille-Europe, 1 hr 55 min). Book well in advance to secure the best ticket deals. A cheaper but slower alternative to Thalys is the [https://www.b-europe.com/EN/Trains/InterCity Intercity Brussels] service between Amsterdam and Brussels. **Coming from Germany, Rotterdam Centraal can only be reached by changing trains in the Netherlands. When travelling on the German high-speed train '''[https://www.bahn.com/en/view/trains/long-distance/ice-ice-sprinter.shtml?dbkanal_007=L04_S02_D002_KIN0059_FLYOUT-ZUGFLOTTE-ICE_LZ01 ICE]{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' from [[Cologne]], [[Düsseldorf]] and [[Oberhausen]], the exchange will be in [[Utrecht]] Centraal station, and coming from [[Berlin]], [[Hanover]], [[Osnabrück]] (with the '''[https://www.bahn.com/en/view/trains/long-distance/intercity-eurocity.shtml?dbkanal_007=L04_S02_D002_KIN0059_FLYOUT-ZUGFLOTTE-IC_LZ01 DB-intercity]{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''') it is advisable to change at [[Amersfoort]]. Intercity-trains to Rotterdam depart from both Utrecht and Amersfoort. ** '''[http://www.eurostar.com Eurostar]''' runs a daily high speed service from [[London]] St Pancras International to Rotterdam Centraal. Prices start at £35 one way. The journey time is about 3 hr 30 min, but you must arrive at the station at least 90 minutes before departure in order to clear the extra border controls caused by COVID restrictions and Brexit. ==== National connections ==== The Dutch railway company NS runs high-speed ''[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/special-routes/intercity-direct.html Intercity Direct]'' trains between [[Amsterdam]], [[Amsterdam Airport Schiphol|Schiphol]], Rotterdam and [[Breda]]. The train stops only at those four stations and shaves 25-30 minutes in journey time between Amsterdam and Schiphol and Rotterdam versus the regular Intercity and Sprinter trains that stop in between. Beware that you have to pay a supplement (€2.60 during peak hours, €1.56 outside peak hours) to use the Intercity direct line to travel to Rotterdam if your journey involves Schiphol, (i.e. Amsterdam-Rotterdam journeys are subject to this supplement). You can purchase this supplement by tapping an anonymous or personal OV-chipkaart on a designated red pole found on the platform. Those without an anonymous or personal OV-chipkaart can use the ticketing machines or the NS website to purchase the supplement, however the discount may not be applicable to supplements purchased this way. Most unlimited day tickets including the Holland Travel Ticket can be used to travel on the Intercity Direct but a supplement purchase is still required. Thalys also offers seats for passengers travelling from Amsterdam to Rotterdam. The journey is less than 40 minutes, slightly faster than the Intercity Direct. However, reservations/advance bookings are required and most unlimited day tickets recognised by NS cannot be used on Thalys. Rotterdam is also well served by NS from other parts of the [[Netherlands]], with direct connections to [[Delft]], [[Amsterdam]], [[Eindhoven]], [[Gouda]], [[Leiden]], [[The Hague]], [[Utrecht]] and [[Vlissingen]]. Some intercities and sprinters also stop at '''[https://www.ns.nl/stationsinformatie/rtb/rotterdam-blaak Rotterdam Blaak]''' station which is in the middle of the city center. This station is also frequented by trams and metro. See also the [[Netherlands#Get in Netherlands]] page for further information on national rail. Alternatively, Rotterdam's Metro line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} provides a connection for passengers coming from [[The Hague]] at Den Haag Centraal. The journey from Den Haag Centraal to Rotterdam Centraal costs €4.43 with an anonymous or personalised OV-chipkaart, which is marginally cheaper than an NS journey (€4.90) between the same points but takes about five minutes longer to complete the journey. ===By bus=== * {{listing|type=go | name=Flixbus | alt= | url=https://www.flixbus.com/bus/rotterdam| email= | address=(bus stop) Rotterdam Centraal @ Conradstraat 52 | lat= | long= | directions=International bus stop platform 'GG' at Rotterdam Centraal. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-07-20 | content=Serving both domestic and international routes. They also have an extra stop at Rotterdam Zuidplein @ Gooilandsingel }} ===By boat=== ==== Ferries from [[England]] (UK) ==== You can also get to Rotterdam by [[Ferries to the British Mainland|ferry from the United Kingdom]]. No ferries arrive in the center. * '''[http://www.poferries.com P&O Ferries]''' has a daily overnight sailing from [[Kingston Upon Hull]] to Rotterdam Europoort. From Rotterdam Europoort P&O Ferries operates a shuttle bus service that takes you to the city center of Rotterdam. Please book this shuttle service while you book your sailing. * '''[http://www.stenaline.com StenaLine]''' has a daily day and a daily overnight sailing from [[Harwich (England)|Harwich]] to [[Hook of Holland]]. Next to the port is ''Hoek van Holland Haven'' metro station. Line B brings you to the city centre in approximately 30 minutes. * '''[http://www.dfdsseaways.co.uk/ferry-routes/holland/newcastle-to-amsterdam DFDS Seaways]''' has a daily overnight ferry crossing from Newcastle to Amsterdam. You can drive to Rotterdam in approx. 50 minutes. ==== Waterbus ==== [[File:ENI 02324345 ALBLAS (14).JPG|thumbnail|right|A WaterBus near [https://www.cityguiderotterdam.com/things-to-do/sights/old-harbour-rotterdam/ Oude Haven (Old Harbour)]]]The '''[http://www.waterbus.nl WaterBus]''' services provide connections between Rotterdam and the ''Drechtsteden'' ([[Dordrecht]] and surrounding cities, including [[UNESCO World Heritage List|UNESCO-site]] - the world-famous windmills - [[Kinderdijk]]). ===By metro=== Coming from [[The Hague]] or somewhere in between it can be advisable to use metroline {{rint|Rotterdam|E}}, see for more information the page about the [[Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region|whole region]]. ===By car=== [[File:Rotterdam Auto 01.JPG|thumbnail|right|Finding a good spot to park can be a problem in central Rotterdam]] Rotterdam is easily reached by car. From Amsterdam take the A4 South to Rotterdam Haven. From Utrecht take the A12 and change to the A20 just after [[Gouda]] on knooppunt Gouwe. Traffic congestion on highways is common during peak hours (morning and evening commutes). You can pay for '''on-street parking''' with debit and credit card. Remember your license plate number. Parking regulations are enforced regularly. '''[https://parkereninrotterdam.nl Parking garages]{{Dead link|date=April 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' can be easily found by following the sign-marked P-route. The easiest way to pay is by credit card, just insert your card on the way in, and insert it again on the way out, and the total time is automatically deducted. You can also pay with cash or debit card. '''Park & Ride (P&R)''' facilities outside the center of Rotterdam offer free or cheap parking with public transport connections into the city center. For some locations (Slinge A15, Kralingse Zoom A16/E19 and Alexander A20/E25), you can park for free if you have a valid check-out on your public transport card (OV-chipkaart). === By bike === As a Dutch city Rotterdam is well connected to extense (inter)national bicycle networks which use all kinds of infrastructural facilities. Most attractive for tourist to cycle over longer distances are the so called '''LF-routes'''. So the city center is croshed by '''LF2 Stedenroute ''(City Route)''''' from Amsterdam to Brussels and '''LF12 Maas- en Vestingroute''' follows the flow of river Maas all the way from The East. See for more information [http://www.holland.com/global/tourism/discover-holland/cycling/bicycle-route-planner.htm Bicycle Route Planner]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}: ''sellect more options and LF-Routes.'' ==Get around== {{Mapframe|51.9152|4.4791|zoom=14|layer=W|name=Map of Rotterdam (metro lines have thicker strokes than tram lines)}} {{Mapshapes|Q691704}} <!--Metro--> {{Mapshapes|Q1429091|stroke-width=2}} <!--Tram--> '''[https://www.ret.nl/en RET]''' operates the buses, trams, and metro within the city. You could find a journey planner and some [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret/maps.html network maps] there. Alternatively you'd use the pan-Netherlands journey planner – [https://9292.nl/en 9292.nl]. Transport generally arrives every 10 minutes during the day. Free Wi-Fi is available in some trams, buses and metro lines, and on the busier metro stations, you just need to accept the terms of use. ===Tickets=== You can [https://www.ovpay.nl/en use your contactless bank card]{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} to pay for any public transport that also accepts the [[OV-chipkaart]]. This system is called OV-Pay and is the most convenient way to travel. Debit and credit cards from Maestro, V PAY, Mastercard and Visa are supported. As anywhere else in the country OV-chipkaart can still be used to pay all kinds of public transport. The card costs €8.50 and you'd need to keep a positive balance there for at least €4. For using buses and trams, checking in and out has to be done in the vehicle, while for train and metro use the gates or card-reader poles at the entrance of the stations. Alternatively one of the city's transport travel cards could be used: * {{listing | name=RET travel cards | alt= | url=https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travel-products/products-and-fares.html | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=2 hours - €5.00; 1 (calendar) day - €11.00 | lastedit=2025-01-21 | content=To travel by bus, tram and metro with RET. Can be purchased via the RET Barcode app, at ticket machines in metro stations and at RET Sales and Information points. For children under 12 and age 65 and up there is a reduced price. The 1-day ticket is not a 24-hour ticket: it is only valid on the day of the first check-in, until 04:00 of the early morning the next day. Tickets are not sold on bus and tram anymore; use your bank card to check in instead. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=Tourist Day Ticket: Rotterdam & The Hague region | alt= | url=http://www.touristdaytickets.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=€17.00 for one day | lastedit=2025-01-21 | content=Unlimited travel on local transport (bus, tram, metro and waterbus. Note: trains excluded) in the Rotterdam and the Hague region. Available from ticket machines and service counters of RET and at tourist information. Ticket is valid for travel with RET, HTM, HTMbuzz, Arriva, Connexxion, EBS, QBuzz and Waterbus in South Holland. }} * [[#Rotterdam Welcome Card|Rotterdam Welcome Card]] also allows for unlimited use of public transport with RET in the city and region. Note that tickets must be purchased in advance, there is no ticket sale on board of bus, tram and metro. ===By metro=== [[Image:Metro Rotterdam future.svg|thumb|Rotterdam Metro reaches as far as [[the Hague]].]] There are 5 metro lines in the city. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|A}}, {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|C}}, share tracks between ''Schiedam Centrum'' and ''Capelsebrug'' and offer an east-west connection. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} share tracks between ''Rotterdam Centraal'' and ''Slinge'' and offer a north-south connection. Interchange between all lines is possible on ''Beurs'' station in the city center. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|A}}, {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|C}} operate every 10 minutes on working days and Saturday, which allows 3-4 minute intervals on the main section between ''Schiedam Centrum'' and ''Capelsebrug''. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} operate every 10 minutes on working days and Saturday, which give shorter intervals between ''Rotterdam Centraal'' and ''Slinge''. In the evening, on Saturday morning and Sunday the service is reduced to a 15-minute interval. The Rotterdam Metro operates from 05:30 until 00:00. On weekends the opening time is not until 07:00 Saturday, and 08:15 on Sunday. On Friday and Saturday nights the service is extended for a bit longer past midnight, but not on some parts of line B and E. See the [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret/time-table/metro/weekend-metro.html Weekend metro] page for an overview. For tourists the most important metro stations are: '''Line A, B and C''' (East-West branch) * '''Blaak''': train station, interchange with trams and busses, cube houses, Markthal, ports * '''Beurs''': city center, shops, interchange with metro {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} * '''Eendrachtsplein''': museumpark * '''Coolhaven''': [https://euromast.nl/ Euromast] * '''Delfshaven''': historic port '''Line D and E''' (North-South branch) * '''Meijerplein''': bus service to Rotterdam The Hague Airport '''''(only line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}})''''' * '''Blijdorp:''' [https://www.diergaardeblijdorp.nl/en/ Rotterdam Zoo] '''''(only line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}})''''' * '''Rotterdam Centraal''': northern edge of the city centre, interchange with trams and buses, train station * '''Beurs''': city centre, shops, interchange with metro {{rint|Rotterdam|A}}, {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|C}} * '''Leuvehaven''': ports, museums, Erasmus Bridge, Waterbus * '''Wilhelminaplein:''' Erasmus Bridge, Cruise Terminal Rotterdam, [http://www.hotelnewyork.com/ hotel New York] * '''Rijnhaven:''' Katendrecht, bus service to SS Rotterdam ===By tram=== There are nine tram lines in the city. Each tram has a conductor. Tram stops provide a detailed map of the public transport system for on-the-go route-finding. Most lines operate every 10 minutes on workdays, with a more frequent service during rush hours on some lines. All trams except {{rint|Rotterdam|2}} will stop at ''Rotterdam Centraal'', the main train station of Rotterdam. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|1}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|11}}''' run from the suburbs in the [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|northwest]] to De Esch in [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk|Kralingen]], via [[Schiedam]], the north of [[Delfshaven]], and the city centre. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|2}}''' runs on the south side of the rivers, through the districts of [[Rotterdam/Zuid|Charlois, IJsselmonde]] and [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|3}}''' starts at the central station, and connects to the south bank via Feijenoord, IJsselmonde and [[Rotterdam/Zuid|Beverwaard]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|4}}''' starts from Heemsraadplein, connecting to much of the city centre and the neighbourhoods to its west, before connecting to [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|Hillegersberg]] via the central station, and Noord/Crooswijk. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|5}}''' originates from the central station, running to the south bank via Feijenoord and suburbs, before terminating in [[Barendrecht]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|6}}''' runs from Heemsraadplein to Kleiweg, just north of the A20 highway, running parallel with line 4 up to Rotterdam Noord railway station. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|7}}''' starts at Marconiplein, where the metro and lines 1, 8 and 11 meet, to Woudestein where it meets lines 1 and 11 again, via the central station and Erasmus University. Between Weena and Woudestein, lines 1 and 11 follow a more direct route via the Stadhuis, Beurs, Blaak and Oostplein metro stations, while line seven heads north via [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk|Crooswijk and Kralingen]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|8}}''', lastly, comes from [[Delfshaven|Spangen]], and then continues through most of Delfshaven roughly following the river up to Eendrachtsplein in [[Rotterdam/Centre|Cool]], from where it joins the main tram corridor through the city centre, to eventually terminate in [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|Schiebroek]]. * '''Line 12''' operates during football matches in the Kuip stadion only. ===By bus=== '''RET''' operates bus services across the city. Night bus service (BOB-bus) has been cancelled. Buses operated by '''[http://www.arriva.nl Arriva]''' and '''[http://www.connexxion.nl Connexxion]''' connect the city with suburbs. Use the front door when boarding a bus. ===By water taxi=== * {{listing | name=Watertaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=http://www.watertaxirotterdam.nl | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 10 403 03 03 | tollfree= | hours= | price=€ | lastedit=2022-07-27 | content=Rotterdam was built on a number of islands and if you want to travel from shore to shore, the nicest way to go is to take a '''Water Taxi'''. Fixed fares for rides between 50 docks in Rotterdam and Schiedam, with 3 fares zones, starting at €4.50 per person in the central zone. You can give them a call, or use the online tool to see availability and book a ride. It is advised to book in advance, especially on days with large events in the city. }} ===By taxi=== If you do need a taxi you will have to find yourself a taxi rank or call a taxi company. There is a minimum taxi fare of €2.30 (first it was {{EUR|7.50}} which included the first two kilometres). Additionally, each subsequent kilometre is charged €2.20. * {{go | name=Botlektaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://botlektaxi.nl | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 10 666 66 06 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-01-19 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Rotterdamse Taxi Centrale RTC N.V. | url=http://www.rtcnv.nl | phone=+31 10 462 60 60 }} * {{listing | name=Coöperatieve Taxi Onderneming St. Job u.a. | url=http://www.st-job.nl | phone=+31 10 425 70 00 }} * {{listing | name=Rolstoeltaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.rolstoeltaxirotterdam.nl | phone=+31 10 818 28 23 }} * {{listing | name=Taxi Rotterdam 010 | alt= | url=https://taxirotterdam010.nl | phone=+31 10 261 31 88 }} * {{listing | name=Rotterdamse Taxi | alt= | url= https://www.rotterdamsetaxi.nl | phone=+31 10 261 31 22 }} * {{listing | name=Stadstaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.stadstaxirotterdam.nl| phone=+31 10 818 28 23 }} * {{listing | name=Vliegveldtaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.vliegveldtaxirotterdam.nl | phone=+31 10 818 28 23 }} * {{listing | name=Zorgtaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.zorgtaxirotterdam.nl | phone=+31 10 818 28 23 }} ===By tuk-tuk=== * {{listing | name=Tuk Tuk Company | alt= | url=http://www.tuktukcompany.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 9009933399 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-05-23 | content=A Thai-influenced transportation service using three-wheeled, open-air (but covered) motorized vehicles called Tuk Tuk offers a more economical and fast way to get around the city centre when compared to taxis. Tuk-tuk pricing is based on a zone system. Within a zone, a ride is €3.50 per person, €5 for 2 persons and €6.50 for 3. If you go to another zone, €3.50 is added (irrespective of number of persons). This service is handy if it is past the regular tram/bus/metro service hours (approximately half past midnight). }} ===By bicycle=== Like any city in The Netherlands, Rotterdam is very, very bicycle-friendly. Getting around by bike is probably the fastest way of travel within the city. There are separate bike lanes on most major streets and there are separate traffic lights for bicyclists. Avoid getting your tire in the tram rails: always cross tram rails at an angle. Of course it is also strongly advisable to watch out for other traffic at all time. On the other hand bicyclists can rely on the fact that motorists and pedestrians are aware of bikes. Always lock your bike securely when leaving it (preferably chained to a fixed object) or go to a guarded bicycle parking station. ==== Rent a bike==== At Rotterdam Centraal, you can rent bicycles at the shop in the underground bicycle parking, below the Station square. Leave the station at the front, exit 'Stationsplein'. The entrance of the bicycle parking ('fietsenstalling', with the glass roof) is at your right, in front of grand cafe Engels. Use-it, rents out nice Kronan bikes (Schaatsbaan 41-45, leave Central Station towards the center. Turn right at restaurant Engels and take the 2nd right). Bikes can be rented by several other private companies. Holland-Cycling.com provides a list of [http://www.holland-cycling.com/rotterdam/getting-around-rotterdam/bicycle-rental-in-rotterdam addresses]. Another list you will find at [https://www.rotterdam.nl/vrije-tijd/fiets-huren/ Rotterdam.nl]{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. If you have a personal (rather than an anonymous) [[OV-chipkaart]], bicycles can be rented at many train and metro stations and other central locations by the [http://www.ns.nl/en/door-to-door/ov-fiets OV-fiets system]. ==== Guarded bicycle parking ==== * The larger train stations have their own guarded bicycle parking. * Rotterdam municipality has also [https://www.rotterdam.nl/fietsparkeren some free locations]. ==See== ===Landmarks=== [[File:VN5 HDR2.jpg|thumbnail|right|The Van Nellefabriek is regarded as a prime example of the ''International Style'']] Rotterdam has national notoriety for its architecture, and the city therefore is dotted with landmarks of all sorts. Most of them you will find in the [[Rotterdam/Centrum|city centre]], but [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord|Feijenoord]] is also quite dense with them. Rotterdam is known for some bridges, not in the last place the '''Erasmusbrug''', spanning the Nieuwe Maas between the city centre and Feijenoord. Also of historical importance is the former railway lifting bridge '''De Hef''', slightly upstream from the Erasmusbrug. '''Historical landmarks''' are somewhat rare to come across in Rotterdam's city centre, but the city itself isn't completely devoid of them. In the city centre, the 1920 '''City hall''' and the '''Great or Saint-Laurence church''', both survivors of the 1940 bombardment. Rotterdam is also home to the country's oldest known bronze statue, depicting Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam and dating from 1622. It is found opposite the Saint-Laurence church. '''De Verwoeste Stad''' (Destroyed City) is a cubist statue depicting a man in agony who just lost his heart (symbol of the bombed city centre). Feijenoord, despite being home to many modern redevelopments, houses some historical landmarks such as the '''former headquarters of the Holland-Amerikalijn'''. Also worth visiting are the '''Oude Haven''' (''Old Harbour'') and the nearby '''Witte Huis''' (''White House'') and '''Schielandshuis'''. '''Industrial landmarks''' are plenty in a city that mostly thrives off of harbour activities. Besides the many industrial sites found in the [[Rotterdam/Port of Rotterdam|Port of Rotterdam]], the '''Van Nellefabriek''' in [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|the north of the city]] is a listed UNESCO site. [[File:Erasmusbrug seen from Euromast.jpg|thumbnail|right|The modern skyline of Rotterdam can be truly appreciated from the Euromast.]] The skyline of Rotterdam can, of course, be observed from one of the many skyscrapers in the city - though you should probably book a hotel located in a skyscraper or find one with a publicly accessible roof, as trespass isn't welcomed. Another great site for views over the city though, is the '''Euromast''' on the border between the [[Rotterdam/Centrum|city centre]] and [[Rotterdam/Delfshaven|Delfshaven]], twice in its history the highest building of the Netherlands. For a relatively small entry fee, you can climb the tower or for a larger sum, you can dine inside of it. For those less comfortable with great heights though, a birds-eye overview of the city can also be obtained at '''Miniworld Rotterdam''', near the central station. The city is also well-known for its experimental and out-of-the-ordinary architecture, often being a testing ground for new concepts. A prime example of this are the '''Kubuswoningen''' (''Cube Houses'') at [[Rotterdam/Centrum|Blaak]]; one has been set aside as a museum, offering a view of the unique perspective and custom furniture that comes with living in one of the houses. Also striking are the '''Markthal''', harbour-crane inspired sculptures at the '''Schouwburgplein''' and the '''Koopgoot''', all found in the city centre. '''Historic churches:''' in the Netherlands churches are generally closed to visitors on Sundays. === Other sites === [[File:Rotterdam Erasmusbrug bij avond vanaf hoek Veerhaven-Westerkade.jpg|thumb|Erasmus bridge of Rotterdam]] [[File:Schielandshuis.jpg|thumbnail|right|Schielandshuis today stands surrounding by modern glass and steel buildings]] [[Image:Oude Haven (Rotterdam) 2011.jpg|thumb|"Het witte huis" in Old Harbour]] The area around the [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Other sites|'''Station Rotterdam Blaak''']] was destroyed by a Nazi bombardment during World War II. After the war this area was populated with some bold examples of modern architecture. The '''Kubuswoningen''' are literally cubes, tilted over by 45 degrees. '''Oude Haven''' (Old Harbour) is a nice place to see and sit at some café nearby. '''Witte Huis''' is a "skyscraper" built in 1898. '''Het Schielandshuis''' is the only remaining 17th-century building in the city centre of Rotterdam. [[File:Delfshaven Rotterdam (the Netherlands) 17.JPG|thumb|The old barges moored at the Delfshaven]] [[Rotterdam/Delfshaven|'''Delfshaven''']] is one of very few locations in the city which survived World War II bombings. Historic Delfshaven is a very scenic walk. It consists of an 17th-century area around two canals with a lot of charm. By day visit little shops in this neighbourhood, by night attractive pubs and restaurants make the visit worthwhile. * '''Chinatown''' in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Other sites|Centrum]] is full of Chinese restaurants and also Indonesian and other Asian restaurants. [[File:Rotterdam molens De Ster (l) en De Lelie (r) - tegenlicht.jpg|thumbnail|right|''De Ster'' and ''De Lelie'' at dusk]] ===Windmills=== Rotterdam has only seven windmills left. Of these, only ''De Ster'' and ''De Lelie'' in [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk#See|Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk]] are open to visitors on a regular basis. Other windmills are open to visitors when the mill is turning (easy enough to see), but there are some exceptions to this rule of thumb. A blue flag also indicates that the mill is open to visitors. Look for De Prinsenmolen, De Vier Winden, and De Speelman windmills in [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam#Windmills|Northern Rotterdam]] and De Zandweg in [[Rotterdam/Zuid#See|Rotterdam Zuid]]. ===Museums=== [[File:Overzicht achtergevel - Rotterdam - 20534511 - RCE.jpg|thumbnail|right|Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen]] [[Netherlands#Museumkaart|Museumkaart]] is accepted at the city's museums. The Museumpark area in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Museums|Centrum]] has many of the city's museums. '''Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen''' houses a rich, broad collection including masterpieces ranging from Pieter Brueghel the Elder's ''The "little" Tower of Babel'' (1563) to an important collection of surrealism, prominently featuring Salvador Dalí and René Magritte. '''Sylvette''' is a large work by Pablo Picasso was erected in 1973. It is one of the elaborations Picasso made based on the portraits of his muse Sylvette David. Definitely worth a look. '''Kunsthal''' houses some 25 exhibitions annually with a fascinating and widely varied repertoire. Het Nieuwe Instituut museum includes the '''Museum voor Architectuur, Design en Digitale cultuur''', a museum for architecture,deesign and digital culture, and '''Huis Sonneveld''', a building in the Bauhaus style. '''Chabot Museum''' is a neat little museum is housed in a splendid modernist 1930s villa. It houses a collection of works of the expressionist painter Hendrik Chabot. '''Natuurhistorisch Museum''' has changing expositions and a fixed collection of mammals, plants and fossils. The city has two maritime museums. The '''Maritiem Museum''' has a variety of expositions about the harbour of Rotterdam and maritime history, and a restored 19th-century gunboat that is a must-see for naval enthusiasts. The '''Mariniersmuseum''' shows the history of the centuries-old Narine Corps and its modern-day role. Special attention is given to the heroic role of the corps in the 1940 defence of Rotterdam. ====Other museums==== [[File:Façade Witte de With Center for Contemporary Art.jpg|thumbnail|right|Witte de With Center]] In [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Other museums|Centrum]], you can visit '''Museum Rotterdam''', which is dedicated to the modern day Rotterdam and its history; the '''Museum of Chess-Pieces''', which houses a diverse collection of chess games from ancient Chinese to cartoon characters; the '''Wereldmuseum''' (World Arts Museum), which focuses on encounters and cross-cultural inspiration; and '''Witte de With''' (Centre for Contemporary Arts). [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord#Q2191118|'''Nederlands Fotomuseum''']] shows the diversity of forms of photography, especially as a medium of social expression and commentary. [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk#Q2351733|'''SSN Museumstoomdepot''']] features old steam locomotives and trains. Besides a small museum it's a workshop where you can see restoration in progress. ==Do== [[File:Overzicht - Rotterdam - 20534496 - RCE.jpg|thumbnail|right|''De Doelen'' concert hall in Schouwbourgplein]] Upcoming events and performances are listed on the VVV and Use-it websites. The larger events are well documented on the VVV site, for smaller venues check Use-it (under Calendar) for a very attractive and well updated listing of music, expositions, movies and parties that need checking out. The [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Do|Uitburo office]] inside the Central Library provides information on theatre and music performances. It also sells tickets and offers an overview of performances that can be visited for free (''gratis''). ===Events=== [[File:North Sea Jazz Festival 2012 - ALOE BLACC.jpg|thumbnail|right|In July, you can enjoy the ''North Sea Jazz'' festival]] Rotterdam plays host to a lot of events, a lot of them yearly ones. Besides these there are a lot smaller ones that can be very nice, so ask around and check the VVV website. A few of these yearly events to name: * {{do | name=Six Days of Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.wielerzesdaagserotterdam.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2293105 | lastedit=2024-12-26 | content=A cycling competition in early December. }} * {{do | name=IFFR | alt= | url=http://www.filmfestivalrotterdam.com/en/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The International Film Festival Rotterdam, which mainly features independent films from all over the world in February. }} * {{do | name=Art Rotterdam | alt= | url=http://www.artrotterdam.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=In February, you can see (and buy) masterpieces of modern art. }} * {{do | name=World tennis Tournament | alt= | url=http://www.abnamrowtt.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=In February. }} * On the '''[http://www.rotterdamsemuseumnacht.nl/ Rotterdam Museum Night]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' in March, nearly all Rotterdam museums and galleries open their doors in the evening with special events. * {{do | name=Motel Mozaique | alt= | url=http://motelmozaique.nl/en/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Music, art & performance. Plus a sleeping project that enables sleeping in art or on special locations in Rotterdam (April) }} * [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Q1341108|'''Rotterdam Marathon''']], internationally reputed as a very fast marathon, is held in April in Centrum. * {{do | name=Poetry International | alt= | url=http://www.poetry.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Festival in June. }} * '''Metropolis Festival''' (music) on the first Sunday in July. * The sublime '''[http://www.northseajazz.com/ North Sea Jazz]''' festival in July with loads of worldfamous artists. * {{do | name=Summer Carnival | alt= | url=http://www.zomercarnaval.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A huge Caribbean-oriented parade and party in the city centre. }} * {{do | name=Heerlijk Rotterdam | alt= | url=http://www.heerlijkrotterdam.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Three day event where you can sample dishes from Michelin-star restaurants for a reduced price (dates vary, summer edition usually late August) }} * The '''[http://wereldhavendagen.nl/en/ World Port Days]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' a weekend full of activities centred around the large harbour of Rotterdam (early September) * The classical music '''[http://www.gergievfestival.nl/ Gergjev]''' festival in September, led by master-conductor Valery Gergjev. * The '''[http://www.rotterdamseoogst.nl/ Rotterdam Harvest Festival]''' in September. * '''Bazar Curieux''' (music) in December For full listings of events check [http://www.rotterdam.info/uk/ Rotterdam.info] and [http://www.use-it.nl/ Use-it]{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. === Tours === Several tours can be found in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Tours|Centrum]], including the tourist '''tram line 10''' through the city centre and historic parts of Rotterdam on classic trams; the '''Spido harbour trip''' through the first 8 km of the harbour; and De pannenkoekenboot, on which you cam eat as many pancakes as you want while you cruise the harbour. ===Cinema=== There are two huge megacinemas in Rotterdam. The one in the city centre is called '''Pathé Schouwburgplein''' (at the Schouwburgplein), the other one is on the southside of the city. It's called '''Pathé De Kuip''' (next to the Feyenoord stadium De Kuip). In these cinemas you can see Hollywood movies and occasionally an arthouse movie. To get to De Kuip, take tram {{rint|Rotterdam|12}} to stop Stadion Feijenoord. If you're more into alternative cinema go to '''[http://www.lantaren-venster.nl/ Lantaren/Venster]''' Cinema (Otto Reuchlinweg 996 (Wilhelminapier)). Here you'll get European, Asian and Latin American cinema in a nice atmosphere. It has a nice bar too. The other option is '''Cinerama''' (Westblaak 18) which shows a combination of art/house films and commercial Hollywood flicks. During the '''IFFR''' (International Film Festival Rotterdam), which usually takes place in February, art-house movies are shown at much more locations throughout the city. In August, an open air cinema at the '''Lloydkwartier''' shows both blockbusters and independent films. Entrance is free, and you can either bring your own chair or rent one onsite. To get there, take {{rint|Rotterdam|A}} to Coolhaven and walk for about 10–15 minutes towards the river in the south. ===Other attractions=== [[File:Erasmusbréck w.jpg|thumbnail|right|Rotterdam can be breathtaking from above]] When you want to combine a unique experience with a great view over the city of Rotterdam, you can make a (tandem) '''skydive''' at [http://www.skydiverotterdam.com Skydive Rotterdam]. At Skydive Rotterdam (also called the Flying Dutchman) you can book a tandem skydive or do a complete skydiving course and jump from a height of 3 or 4 kilometers. It's the only skydiving school in the "Randstad" area and the only place in the Netherlands where you can jump over a major city like Rotterdam. When the weather's good you will have a spectacular view over the Rotterdam skyline and other parts of the Randstad area, all the way to the coastline. An '''airplane''' can be rented at reasonable rates at Rotterdam Airport at [http://vliegen.rotterdamsweb.nl/ Happy Wing]. Nice tours above the city, its ports or the coastline are on offer. On summer Sundays, it is possible to lower yourself down from the '''Euromast'''. On last Sundays of summer months you can glide down in 15 seconds on a wire (tokkelen). Both: Not for the faint of heart! Check the website of [http://heightspecialists.nl/abseilen/ Heightspecialists]. ===With children=== [[File:Medusakop op kolom in giraffenweide - Rotterdam - 20348014 - RCE.jpg|thumbnail|right|The historic ''Diergaarde Blijdorp'' is definitely worth a visit]] '''Diergaarde Blijdorp''' (Rotterdam Zoo) in [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk#Q18775796|Kralingen-Crooswijk]] is one of the most popular day trips in the Netherlands. Walk through different parts of the world, seeing interesting animals that feel right at home in an approximation of their natural habitats. The Oceanium is filled with ocean and coastal dwellers, including exotic fish and puffins. '''Miniworld Rotterdam''' in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Do|Centrum]] is the largest indoor model railroad layout of the Netherlands. === Football === : Rotterdam has three professional soccer teams: * [https://www.feyenoord.nl/ '''Feyenoord'''] play in Eredivisie, the top tier. Their home ground is Stadion Feijenoord (capacity 51,000), better known as "De Kuip"; it's often also used for rock concerts and similar events. It's south of the river with its own railway station Rotterdam Stadion. * [https://www.sparta-rotterdam.nl/ '''Sparta Rotterdam'''] also play in Eredivisie. Their home ground is Het Kasteel ("The Castle", capacity 12,000), 3 km west of the centre. * [https://www.sbvexcelsior.nl/ '''SBV Excelsior'''] were relegated in 2024 so they play in Eerste Divisie the second tier. Their Stadion Woudestein (capacity 4500), now called Van Donge & De Roo Stadion, is 2 km east of city centre on the north bank of the river. ===Water sports and yachting=== [[File:Rotterdam kralingse plas.jpg|thumbnail|right|Kralingse Plas]] Being a major harbour and having lots of waterways and lakes, Rotterdam has a lot to offer for water-enthousiasts. Boating: There are four major lakes in Rotterdam. The Kralingse Plas, The double Bergse Plas, the Rottemeren and the Zevenhuizer Plas. All of them have active yachting communities and sometimes sailing races can be seen. The Zevenhuizer plas is mainly populated by Windsurf enthousiasts. Sailing boats can be rented at the Kralingse Plas at the [http://www.henkvangent.nl/ Van Gent sailing school], Plaszoom, a 10-minute walk from Metro Voorschoterlaan (walk through the Julianalaan until you reach Plaszoom). Rowing- and sailing boats can be rented at the windmill at the very end of the eastern Rottekade at [http://www.botenverhuurvanvliet.nl/ Van Vliet's] (Rottemeren, go by car or bike, a very nice ride). Yachting: When visiting Rotterdam with your own yacht you will find that most yachting harbours are on the inland waterways, where there are a lot of them. On the river Maas you will only find the [http://www.citymarinarotterdam.nl/ City Marina], behind a bascule bridge on the southern bank, and the [http://www.veerhavenrotterdam.nl/ Veerhaven], right in the city center on the northern bank. Unless you need the better shelter of the characterless City Marina, go for the admittedly a little choppy Veerhaven marina, very central and scenic. ===Beach=== The closest good beach is about 30 km away at [[Hook of Holland]]. Here you will find a very fine sand beach with good swimming and enough entertainment. To get there, take line {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} to Hoek van Holland Strand, its end point. For a more urban-party beach experience head to [[Scheveningen]] where you can find everything beach-party addicts dream about; Endless rows of beachside bars, restaurants and discothèques and a boulevard along a splendid fine-sand beach. It can get ''very'' crowded here. Take the train to [[Den Haag]] Centraal Station and tram {{rint|denhaag|9}} subsequently. Also at the same coast is Kijkduin, which is very recommended for children. To get there, get {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} to its northern end point, then take bus 24 to Kijkduin. If you want to go to the beach but want to stay in the city, consider taking {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} to its end point, Nesselande and walk across the Corsicalaan from there. You are at the Strand Nesselande. ==Buy== The main shopping areas are in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Buy|Centrum]]. '''Afrikaanderplein Markt''' in [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord#Buy|Feijenoord]] is a market of about 300 stalls geared towards Rotterdam's inhabitants of Antillian, South American or African descent (a lot of whom happen to live nearby). Dutch cheese is very famous, you can get some at grocery stores or wider variety at the marketplace. Other typical Dutch things are ''stroopwafels'', ''hagelslag'' and ''drop'' (liquorice). ==Eat== The area around metrostation ''Blaak'', called '''Oude haven''' (Old Harbour), is not only worth seeing but has also a lot of pubs and restaurants. The Rotterdam dining scene is developing very fast with new restaurants opening very often. While most of the attention focusses on new Michelin-star aspiring places, there is very much a trend towards high quality mid-range restaurants offering French/Dutch cuisine. ==Drink== [[Rotterdam/Centrum#|Centrum]] has a wide variety of bars, coffee shops and music venues. The [http://www.kaapsebrouwers.nl/ Kaapse Brouwers] brewery has four locations around the city. Each location has a whole wall of taps to choose from. They are popular place so waiting lines can be long. ==Sleep== See district articles for listings for camping, hostels and hotels. ==Connect== The telephone country code for the Netherlands is 31, and Rotterdam's city code is 010. In case of an '''Emergency''', dial '''1-1-2''' (free of charge). When staying for a longer time, buy a prepaid sim card for your mobile phone. ==Stay safe== You should take normal precautions against pickpockets and baggage theft, especially in the main shopping streets, at markets, in trams and trains, at stations, and anywhere where tourists congregate. It is not wise to hang around Stadhuisplein when nightlife ends. Fights often occur in this area after midnight. Rotterdam also has a reputation of mass venues getting out of hand, though you shouldn't worry too much about it. If violence breaks out at football festivities (not so unlikely) or at the end of sun soaked festive days, like Kings Day (even less unlikely, especially at the Stadhuisplein), just get out of the way and you're unlikely to be affected. It's advisable not to wear a football jersey of Ajax Amsterdam or any other stuff promoting Ajax or Amsterdam. In terms of general safety, at daylight most areas in the city are safe. But at night, some areas such as Spangen, Charlois and Hillesluis are wise to avoid. When you drive a car with a foreign numberplate (especially if it's a French or Belgian one) you might or will be approached by so-called ''drugsrunners''. This can occur on the motorways surrounding the city and in the city proper. These guys try to lure people to places where drugs are dealt. Do not respond to their signals and do not follow them. ==Go next== If you do not have a car, the hub for leaving the city will probably be '''Rotterdam Centraal''', from where trains leave in all directions at short intervals (you can generally drop in and catch the next train to your destination). Most regional and longer distance buses leave here too, with the exception of most buses to southerly destinations and the province of Zeeland that leave from '''metro station Zuidplein'''. In contrast with the trains, bus departure times should be checked in advance as they can be far and between. For trains to the North and the South travellers can also choose to depart from '''Rotterdam Blaak'''. '''The Hague''' can also be reached easily and rather quickly by metro line E. Nearby destinations like [[Schiedam]] or even [[Delft]] can also be reached by bike if you fancy a somewhat longer ride. Bike routes and directions are well marked and available in abundance. A good idea for a sunny day! Schiedam can be reached by train or by metro (in 15 minutes) too. [[Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region|MRDH]] is the area of the region Rotterdam-Schiedam-Delft-The Hague, see this page for more information on travel and cycling. ===Nearby=== * '''[[Kinderdijk]]''' — a [[UNESCO World Heritage List#Netherlands|UNESCO World Heritage]] site. 19 old windmills are still helping to control the water level there. Windmill #2 is open to the public, allowing you to see its inner workings. In season there is a direct waterbus service from an embankment at the Erasmus bridge (travel time ~1/2 hour). Alternatively, ''Arriva'' bus 90 from bus and metro station ''Zuidplein'' will get you there in 50 minutes. * '''[[Schiedam]]''' — visit the historic centre of this small town at the edge of Rotterdam, including the world's six tallest windmills. Also you can find there the ''Stedelijk Museum'', an attractive museum with some nice modern art exhibitions. Easily reached by bicycle, a train (from ''Rotterdam Centraal'' to ''Schiedam Centrum''), metro A, B or C line to ''Schiedam Centrum'' station, or tram lines 1 or 11 (''Broersvest'' or ''Koemarkt'' stop). ===Day trips=== * '''[[Delft]]''' — this famous town is a 15-minute train ride from ''Rotterdam Centraal''. Very historic and scenic, but also very touristy. * '''[[Dordrecht]]''' — a magnificent historic town with little tourism and an excellent old art museum (Dordrechts Museum). It is a 15-min train ride, or even better, take a ''[http://www.waterbus.nl/halte/dordrecht-merwekade/ waterbus]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''. * '''[[Gouda]]''' — visit this small picturesque postcard-like town and see the magnificent stained glass windows in the ''Sint Janskerk''. Also 20 min by train. * '''[[Delta Works]]''' — a series of construction projects protecting the Southwest of the Netherlands from the sea. The Oosterschelde storm surge barrier is the most impressive, and next to it is ''Neeltje Jans'', a water theme park dedicated to the Delta Works. * '''[[Brielle (Netherlands)|Brielle]]''' — a mediaeval fortified town. The centre is a nice ensemble of old houses and churches, enclosed by the original earthen defensive walls. There are some museums and the Roman Catholic shrine of the Martyrs of Gorcum. Walking around town and fortifications is a treat. You can easily spend a full day in Brielle. Take bus 103 at the ''Spijkenisse Centrum'' metro station. A journey takes about 70 min. * '''[[Schoonhoven]]''' — a nice small town with many well preserved medieval buildings on the ''Lek'' river in a halfway to Utrecht. From Station Capelsebrug, Rotterdam, take a bus 195 (direction Utrecht). A journey takes about 1 hour. * Go to the other cities of the [[Randstad]], e.g. '''[[The Hague]]''' is 1/2 hour by train or metro, '''[[Utrecht]]''' is around 45 min by train, '''[[Amsterdam]]''' about an hour. {{routebox | image1=NL-A15.png | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Brielle (Netherlands)|Brielle]] | minorl1=[[Spijkenisse]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Arnhem]] | minorr1=[[Dordrecht]] | image2=BE-E19.svg | imagesize2=20 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Amsterdam]] | minorl2=[[Delft]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Antwerp]] | minorr2=[[Zwijndrecht]] }} {{usablecity}} {{isPartOf|Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region}} {{geo|51.9239|4.4623|zoom=14}} sb60s5d91u4rond5x1mo574rb0asdkk 5087093 5087082 2025-07-03T11:10:53Z 109.36.231.243 /* By taxi */ 5087093 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Rotterdam Banner 4.jpg|dotm=yes|unesco=yes}} {{printDistricts}} '''Rotterdam''' is a very large city in the province of [[South Holland]] in the west of the [[Netherlands]]. The city is the second largest in the country with a population of approximately 650,000 inhabitants in the municipality (2020) and about 2.2 million inhabitants in the shared metropolitan area of the [[Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region]] (MRDH). Rotterdam is a vibrant, multicultural city; it is known for its university (Erasmus), cutting-edge architecture, lively cultural life, industrial riverside setting, its maritime heritage and colourful summer events. The municipality stretches all the way to the [[North Sea]] with gigantic areas like '''Europoort''' and '''Maasvlakte 1&2'''. All belong to the '''Port of Rotterdam'''. Starting as a dam constructed in 1270 on the Rotte River, Rotterdam has grown into a major international commercial centre. The port of Rotterdam is Europe's busiest port by cargo tonnage, and was the world's busiest from 1962 until it was surpassed by Shanghai in 2004. Rotterdam's commercial and strategic importance is based on its location near the mouth of the Nieuwe Maas (New Meuse), a channel in the delta formed by the Rhine and Meuse on the North Sea. These rivers lead directly into the centre of Europe, including the industrial Ruhr region, which is why Rotterdam is often called the "Gateway to Europe". Many relatively high buildings (by Dutch standards) have been emerging throughout and around the city centre. Daring and new styles of apartments, office buildings and recreation facilities resulted in Rotterdam becoming a city of modern architecture and the only city in the Netherlands with a modern skyline. Due to this, the city is especially interesting for Dutch people to visit. ==Districts== {{Mapframe|width=660|zoom=10|show=districts}} {{Mapshape|type=page|wikicommons=Rotterdam_Districts.map|group=districts}} {{Regionlist | regionmap= | regionmaptext= | regionmapsize= | region1name=[[Rotterdam/Centrum|Stadsdriehoek]] | region1color=#44aa99 | region1items=Rotterdam Centrum | region1description=Filled with highrise and out-of-the-box architecture, this district forms the heart of Rotterdam and gives the city its characteristic. | region2name=[[Rotterdam/Delfshaven|Delfshaven]] | region2color=#aa4499 | region2items=Delfshaven | region2description=Originally a part of [[Delft]], this town over time grew closer to Rotterdam, leading up to its incorporation in 1886. The former town still has a fair bit of its historic identity. | region3name=[[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk|Kralingen-Crooswijk]] | region3color=#117733 | region3items=Kralingen-Crooswijk, Noord | region3description=Famous for the Kralingse Plas, a large artificial lake and the surrounding park, as well as Blijdorp, the second-oldest still active zoo in the Netherlands. | region4name=[[Rotterdam/Feijenoord|Feijenoord]] | region4color=#ee99aa | region4items=Feijenoord | region4description=Namesake of a Dutch football club, Feijenoord is the heart of the south banks of the Meuse. | region5name=[[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|Northern Rotterdam]] | region5color=#d09440 | region5items=Overschie, Hillegersberg-Schiebroek | region5description=Home to Rotterdam's airport as well as Hilligersberg and the surrounding lakes and forests. | region6name=[[Rotterdam/Capelle en Noordoost|Capelle en Noordoost]] | region6color=#b5d29f | region6items=Prins Alexander, Capelle aan den IJssel | region6description=Largely home to Rotterdam's urban sprawl. | region7name=[[Rotterdam/Nieuwerkerk|Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel]] | region7color=#d56d76 | region7items=Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel | region7description=Though not incorporated into Rotterdam, Nieuwerkerk is largely an extension of the city. It is home to the lowest point of the famously low-lying Netherlands, at {{convert|6.76|m|yd}} below sea level. | region8name=[[Rotterdam/Zuid|Zuid]] | region8color=#6699cc | region8items=Charlois, IJsselmonde | region8description=The southernmost districts of Rotterdam. | region9name=[[Rotterdam/Port of Rotterdam|Port of Rotterdam]] | region9color=#ddcc77 | region9items=Pernis, Rozenburg, Botlek, Europoort, Eerste- en Tweede Maasvlakte | region9description=Best known as the largest seaport of Europe, the Port of Rotterdam has been built within a river delta as well as the sea. | region10name=[[Rotterdam/Hook of Holland|Hook of Holland]] | region10color=#44aa99 | region10items=Hoek van Holland | region10description=Formerly one of the main gateways into the Netherlands from anywhere reachable by ocean-going vessel, nowadays a popular beachfront. | region11name=[[Rotterdam/Albrandswaard|Albrandswaard]] | region11color=#882255 | region11items=Hoogvliet, Poortugaal, Rhoon | region11description=Island on the suburban fringes of Rotterdam, functioning as a suburb both to Rotterdam and [[Spijkenisse]]. }} ==Understand== ===History=== Settlement at the lower end of the fen stream ''Rotte'' dates from at least 900. Around 1150, large floods in the area ended development, leading to the construction of protective dikes and dams. A dam on the Rotte or 'Rotterdam' was built in the 1260s and was at the present-day ''Hoogstraat'' ('High Street'). Although Rotterdam did well after the Middle Ages and in the 'Golden Century' - roughly between 1650 and 1750 - it was not before the second part of the nineteenth century that the city started to develop itself rapidly. Helped by the digging of a new seaway (the Nieuwe Waterweg) Rotterdam was rid of access problems caused by the silting of the river and started receiving ever bigger ships with cargo for/from the booming Ruhrgebiet in Germany. Port related trade and industry skyrocketed, and the city started to draw lots of migrants from the then poor Brabant province, for whom the southern part of the city was constructed. At the turn of the twentieth century Rotterdam was well under way to become the largest economic centre in the Netherlands. It was between then and the second world war that large prestigious construction works were undertaken, in part to show off the new found economic pride. The German army invaded the Netherlands on 10 May 1940. Germany had planned to conquer the country in one day, but after meeting unexpectedly fierce resistance, it finally forced the Dutch army to capitulate on 14 May 1940 by bombing Rotterdam and threatening to bomb other cities. The heart of the city was almost completely destroyed by the German Luftwaffe, and 800 people were killed, while about 80,000 others were made homeless. During the war, Rotterdam was bombed several times during allied raids that were aimed at the harbour area but sometimes also hit the city. The City Hall survived the bombing. Unlike most other European cities however, the City Council did not aim at rebuilding what was lost, but on taking the opportunity to create a 'new' and better city. Damaged but not destroyed old buildings were torn down in the process. From the 1950s through the 1970s, the city was rebuilt. It remained quite windy and open until the city councils from the 1980s on began developing an active architectural policy. Daring and new styles of apartments, office buildings and recreation facilities resulted in a more 'livable' city center with a new skyline. In the 1990s, the ''Kop van Zuid'' was built on the south bank of the river as a new business center. ===Demographics=== In the Netherlands, Rotterdam has the highest percentage of foreigners from non-industrialised nations. Nearly 50% of the population are not native to the Netherlands or have at least one parent born outside the country. Muslims comprise close to 25% of the city's population. The city is also home to one of the largest Cape Verdean communities in the world, as well as the largest Dutch Antillean community. ===Atmosphere=== Rotterdam's culture is distinct from other cities in the Netherlands. The mentality of the people is described as 'can do'. From the waiters you meet to the businessmen and recent immigrants, everybody breathes a dream of getting forward with life. The modern design of the city, the bustle and the spree of buildings all add to this impression. That said, you might also find that people are sometimes too straight with you. And yes, the city is not the cosiest, or the most picturesque of towns, especially on drab winter days. But get acquainted with this small metropolis, easiest done on one of the festival days with nice weather. You will come to love it. [[File:Rotterdam haringvliet in winter.jpg|thumbnail|right|Winters in Rotterdam are moist and can be freezingly cold, but just as well uniquely beautiful]] ===Climate=== {{climate chart | Rotterdam |1.3|6.4|71 |1.1|7.1|66 |2.4|10.3|57 |4.8|14.3|42 |8.1|17.9|56 |11.0|20.6|69 |13.2|22.7|79 |12.9|22.6|92 |10.5|19.3|90 |7.2|14.9|87 |3.9|10.2|88 |1.4|7.0|86 |units = metric |float = right |clear = none |source = Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute}} Rotterdam gains a lot of charm when the sun is shining. Visiting in spring or summer may be more enjoyable than during the dark rainy winter. The summer months see temperatures averaging around {{c|22}} during the day and {{c|14}} at night; though temperatures near or above {{c|28}} during the day and {{c|16}} at night are not unheard of during heat waves. Daylight runs from 05:30 until 22:00 in the summer, and only between 08:45 and 16:30 in the winter. ===Tourist information=== *{{listing | type=listing | name=Rotterdam Tourist Information Coolsingel | alt=VVV | url=https://en.rotterdam.info/ | email=info@rotterdam.info | address=Coolsingel 114, 3011 AG Rotterdam | lat=51.918860 | long=4.481239 | directions=Metro {{rint|Rotterdam|A}} {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} : Beurs, at the garden of the Schielandshuis | phone=+31 10 790 01 85 | tollfree= | hours=09:30-18:00 | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=This well equipped and modern tourist office can provide loads of information like city maps, small guide books, souvenirs and the like, and offers tips and information on what to see and do in Rotterdam. Rotterdam.info also sells Rotterdam Welcome Cards, concert tickets, gift certificate, souvenirs, public transport tickets and parking vouchers. Check the website for upcoming events. }} *{{listing | type=listing | name=Rotterdam Tourist Information Central Station | alt=VVV | url= | email= | address=Stationsplein 21, 3013 AJ Rotterdam | lat=51.92410 | long=4.47030 | directions=main entrance, in the central hall of the central station | phone=+31 107900185 | tollfree= | hours=09:30-18:00 | price= | lastedit=2019-07-21 | content=With help from the service desk, a wide range of tourist information folders and the employees, you can find out what part of the city you would like to visit. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=Rotterdam Welcome Card | alt= | url=https://en.rotterdam.info/visitors-info/rotterdam-welcome-card/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=1 day (€13.50), 2 days (€19.50), or 3 days (€24.50) | lastedit=2022-07-27 | content= The card allows for unlimited use of all public transport by RET in the city and region, and offers at least 25% discounts on more than 50 attractions, museums, and restaurants. Available at Rotterdam Info (VVV) points and other locations. Without public transport, the card costs €6.00. }} ==Get in== ===By plane=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Rotterdam The Hague Airport | alt={{IATA|RTM}} | url=http://www.rotterdamthehagueairport.nl/en | email= | address= | lat=51.951248 | long=4.443541 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Rotterdam The Hague Airport | image=Rotterdam airport luchtfoto.jpg | wikidata=Q656807 | lastedit=2016-06-07 | content=It is the 3rd largest airport in the country. It is 6 km north of the city centre. There are direct flights from cities in [[Germany]], [[Italy]], [[France]], [[Spain]], and the [[United Kingdom]]. Commercial airlines that operate to the airport include Transavia, Lufthansa, British Airways, and Turkish Airlines. }} ====Services==== * {{listing|type=go | name=VVV Rotterdam-The Hague Airport information point | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rotterdam Airportplein 60 | lat= | long= | directions=at the arrivals hall | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= 07:30-23:45 | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=Come here if you have questions about Rotterdam. The place to hear history. The gift shop is open 09:30-18:00. }} ====How to reach==== To plan a trip (for all public transport in the Netherlands) see [https://9292.nl/en 9292.nl]{{Dead link|date=December 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} Depending on the amount of travel with public transit in The Netherlands it is possible to buy a so called ''[[OV-Chipkaart]]'' or it may be more convemient to pay with a contactless credit or debit card by touching in & touching out on each trip. see for more information under ''Get Around.'' ;By bus/metro * {{listing | type=go | name=Bus 33 | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-06-30 | content=Connects the airport with ''Meijersplein/Airport'' metro station, from where you can take metro line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} to ''Slinge'' (for ''Rotterdam Centraal'' and Rotterdam city center).See for more information the ''By Metro'' section under ''Get Around''. Bus 33 also connects to Rotterdam Centraal station via the Overschie district. }} * {{listing | name=Bus 300 | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= 15 July - 20 September, Fr-Mo only| price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-06-30 | content=Direct service to ''Rotterdam Centraal''. No stops in between. }} ;By taxi See [[#Get around]]. ====Other close airports==== * [[Schiphol Airport| Amsterdam Schiphol Airport]] ({{IATA|AMS}}) is 58 km north of Rotterdam and has much more flights than the Rotterdam airport. '''NS (Dutch Railways)''' operates ''[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/special-routes/intercity-direct.html Intercity Direct]'' high-speed rail service, every 30 minutes to Rotterdam. The journey takes 27 minutes. You have to pay an addition for the journey from Schiphol to Rotterdam, so regular intercities in direction Rotterdam Centraal and Rotterdam Blaak are cheaper (but slower) (these intercities also call at Schiphol). * [[Eindhoven#By plane| Eindhoven Airport]] ({{IATA|EIN}}) is 106 km southeast of Rotterdam. Ryanair and Wizzair operate flights to this airport. Take a bus to Eindhoven Centraal (approximately 20 minutes, the intercity train to Rotterdam Centraal takes about 63 minutes. * [[Brussels Airport]] ({{IATA|BRU}}) is 140 km south of Rotterdam. Many international carriers operate flights to this airport. The [https://www.b-europe.com/EN/Trains/InterCity train from Brussels] takes about 120 minutes and costs €35. Buses are also available, although less frequent. [[File:Rtd CS-III.JPG|thumbnail|right|Rotterdam Centraal has been completely reconstructed and now features a striking roof over the main concourse]] ===By train=== {{seealso|Rail travel in the Netherlands}} ==== International connections ==== * {{go | name=Rotterdam Centraal | alt= | url=https://www.ns.nl/stationsinformatie/rtd/rotterdam-centraal | email= | address= | lat=51.925 | long=4.469444 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q801388 | lastedit=2018-04-10 | content=The station is served by high-speed trains from [[Belgium]], [[France]] and the [[United Kingdom]]. }} **'''[http://www.thalys.com Thalys]''' operates [[high-speed trains]] from [[Antwerp]] (Antwerpen-Centraal, 35 min), [[Brussels]] (Brussel-Zuid/Midi, 1 hr 12 min), [[Paris]] (Gare du Nord, 2 hr 37 min) and [[Lille]] (Lille-Europe, 1 hr 55 min). Book well in advance to secure the best ticket deals. A cheaper but slower alternative to Thalys is the [https://www.b-europe.com/EN/Trains/InterCity Intercity Brussels] service between Amsterdam and Brussels. **Coming from Germany, Rotterdam Centraal can only be reached by changing trains in the Netherlands. When travelling on the German high-speed train '''[https://www.bahn.com/en/view/trains/long-distance/ice-ice-sprinter.shtml?dbkanal_007=L04_S02_D002_KIN0059_FLYOUT-ZUGFLOTTE-ICE_LZ01 ICE]{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' from [[Cologne]], [[Düsseldorf]] and [[Oberhausen]], the exchange will be in [[Utrecht]] Centraal station, and coming from [[Berlin]], [[Hanover]], [[Osnabrück]] (with the '''[https://www.bahn.com/en/view/trains/long-distance/intercity-eurocity.shtml?dbkanal_007=L04_S02_D002_KIN0059_FLYOUT-ZUGFLOTTE-IC_LZ01 DB-intercity]{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''') it is advisable to change at [[Amersfoort]]. Intercity-trains to Rotterdam depart from both Utrecht and Amersfoort. ** '''[http://www.eurostar.com Eurostar]''' runs a daily high speed service from [[London]] St Pancras International to Rotterdam Centraal. Prices start at £35 one way. The journey time is about 3 hr 30 min, but you must arrive at the station at least 90 minutes before departure in order to clear the extra border controls caused by COVID restrictions and Brexit. ==== National connections ==== The Dutch railway company NS runs high-speed ''[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/special-routes/intercity-direct.html Intercity Direct]'' trains between [[Amsterdam]], [[Amsterdam Airport Schiphol|Schiphol]], Rotterdam and [[Breda]]. The train stops only at those four stations and shaves 25-30 minutes in journey time between Amsterdam and Schiphol and Rotterdam versus the regular Intercity and Sprinter trains that stop in between. Beware that you have to pay a supplement (€2.60 during peak hours, €1.56 outside peak hours) to use the Intercity direct line to travel to Rotterdam if your journey involves Schiphol, (i.e. Amsterdam-Rotterdam journeys are subject to this supplement). You can purchase this supplement by tapping an anonymous or personal OV-chipkaart on a designated red pole found on the platform. Those without an anonymous or personal OV-chipkaart can use the ticketing machines or the NS website to purchase the supplement, however the discount may not be applicable to supplements purchased this way. Most unlimited day tickets including the Holland Travel Ticket can be used to travel on the Intercity Direct but a supplement purchase is still required. Thalys also offers seats for passengers travelling from Amsterdam to Rotterdam. The journey is less than 40 minutes, slightly faster than the Intercity Direct. However, reservations/advance bookings are required and most unlimited day tickets recognised by NS cannot be used on Thalys. Rotterdam is also well served by NS from other parts of the [[Netherlands]], with direct connections to [[Delft]], [[Amsterdam]], [[Eindhoven]], [[Gouda]], [[Leiden]], [[The Hague]], [[Utrecht]] and [[Vlissingen]]. Some intercities and sprinters also stop at '''[https://www.ns.nl/stationsinformatie/rtb/rotterdam-blaak Rotterdam Blaak]''' station which is in the middle of the city center. This station is also frequented by trams and metro. See also the [[Netherlands#Get in Netherlands]] page for further information on national rail. Alternatively, Rotterdam's Metro line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} provides a connection for passengers coming from [[The Hague]] at Den Haag Centraal. The journey from Den Haag Centraal to Rotterdam Centraal costs €4.43 with an anonymous or personalised OV-chipkaart, which is marginally cheaper than an NS journey (€4.90) between the same points but takes about five minutes longer to complete the journey. ===By bus=== * {{listing|type=go | name=Flixbus | alt= | url=https://www.flixbus.com/bus/rotterdam| email= | address=(bus stop) Rotterdam Centraal @ Conradstraat 52 | lat= | long= | directions=International bus stop platform 'GG' at Rotterdam Centraal. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-07-20 | content=Serving both domestic and international routes. They also have an extra stop at Rotterdam Zuidplein @ Gooilandsingel }} ===By boat=== ==== Ferries from [[England]] (UK) ==== You can also get to Rotterdam by [[Ferries to the British Mainland|ferry from the United Kingdom]]. No ferries arrive in the center. * '''[http://www.poferries.com P&O Ferries]''' has a daily overnight sailing from [[Kingston Upon Hull]] to Rotterdam Europoort. From Rotterdam Europoort P&O Ferries operates a shuttle bus service that takes you to the city center of Rotterdam. Please book this shuttle service while you book your sailing. * '''[http://www.stenaline.com StenaLine]''' has a daily day and a daily overnight sailing from [[Harwich (England)|Harwich]] to [[Hook of Holland]]. Next to the port is ''Hoek van Holland Haven'' metro station. Line B brings you to the city centre in approximately 30 minutes. * '''[http://www.dfdsseaways.co.uk/ferry-routes/holland/newcastle-to-amsterdam DFDS Seaways]''' has a daily overnight ferry crossing from Newcastle to Amsterdam. You can drive to Rotterdam in approx. 50 minutes. ==== Waterbus ==== [[File:ENI 02324345 ALBLAS (14).JPG|thumbnail|right|A WaterBus near [https://www.cityguiderotterdam.com/things-to-do/sights/old-harbour-rotterdam/ Oude Haven (Old Harbour)]]]The '''[http://www.waterbus.nl WaterBus]''' services provide connections between Rotterdam and the ''Drechtsteden'' ([[Dordrecht]] and surrounding cities, including [[UNESCO World Heritage List|UNESCO-site]] - the world-famous windmills - [[Kinderdijk]]). ===By metro=== Coming from [[The Hague]] or somewhere in between it can be advisable to use metroline {{rint|Rotterdam|E}}, see for more information the page about the [[Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region|whole region]]. ===By car=== [[File:Rotterdam Auto 01.JPG|thumbnail|right|Finding a good spot to park can be a problem in central Rotterdam]] Rotterdam is easily reached by car. From Amsterdam take the A4 South to Rotterdam Haven. From Utrecht take the A12 and change to the A20 just after [[Gouda]] on knooppunt Gouwe. Traffic congestion on highways is common during peak hours (morning and evening commutes). You can pay for '''on-street parking''' with debit and credit card. Remember your license plate number. Parking regulations are enforced regularly. '''[https://parkereninrotterdam.nl Parking garages]{{Dead link|date=April 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' can be easily found by following the sign-marked P-route. The easiest way to pay is by credit card, just insert your card on the way in, and insert it again on the way out, and the total time is automatically deducted. You can also pay with cash or debit card. '''Park & Ride (P&R)''' facilities outside the center of Rotterdam offer free or cheap parking with public transport connections into the city center. For some locations (Slinge A15, Kralingse Zoom A16/E19 and Alexander A20/E25), you can park for free if you have a valid check-out on your public transport card (OV-chipkaart). === By bike === As a Dutch city Rotterdam is well connected to extense (inter)national bicycle networks which use all kinds of infrastructural facilities. Most attractive for tourist to cycle over longer distances are the so called '''LF-routes'''. So the city center is croshed by '''LF2 Stedenroute ''(City Route)''''' from Amsterdam to Brussels and '''LF12 Maas- en Vestingroute''' follows the flow of river Maas all the way from The East. See for more information [http://www.holland.com/global/tourism/discover-holland/cycling/bicycle-route-planner.htm Bicycle Route Planner]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}: ''sellect more options and LF-Routes.'' ==Get around== {{Mapframe|51.9152|4.4791|zoom=14|layer=W|name=Map of Rotterdam (metro lines have thicker strokes than tram lines)}} {{Mapshapes|Q691704}} <!--Metro--> {{Mapshapes|Q1429091|stroke-width=2}} <!--Tram--> '''[https://www.ret.nl/en RET]''' operates the buses, trams, and metro within the city. You could find a journey planner and some [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret/maps.html network maps] there. Alternatively you'd use the pan-Netherlands journey planner – [https://9292.nl/en 9292.nl]. Transport generally arrives every 10 minutes during the day. Free Wi-Fi is available in some trams, buses and metro lines, and on the busier metro stations, you just need to accept the terms of use. ===Tickets=== You can [https://www.ovpay.nl/en use your contactless bank card]{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} to pay for any public transport that also accepts the [[OV-chipkaart]]. This system is called OV-Pay and is the most convenient way to travel. Debit and credit cards from Maestro, V PAY, Mastercard and Visa are supported. As anywhere else in the country OV-chipkaart can still be used to pay all kinds of public transport. The card costs €8.50 and you'd need to keep a positive balance there for at least €4. For using buses and trams, checking in and out has to be done in the vehicle, while for train and metro use the gates or card-reader poles at the entrance of the stations. Alternatively one of the city's transport travel cards could be used: * {{listing | name=RET travel cards | alt= | url=https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travel-products/products-and-fares.html | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=2 hours - €5.00; 1 (calendar) day - €11.00 | lastedit=2025-01-21 | content=To travel by bus, tram and metro with RET. Can be purchased via the RET Barcode app, at ticket machines in metro stations and at RET Sales and Information points. For children under 12 and age 65 and up there is a reduced price. The 1-day ticket is not a 24-hour ticket: it is only valid on the day of the first check-in, until 04:00 of the early morning the next day. Tickets are not sold on bus and tram anymore; use your bank card to check in instead. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=Tourist Day Ticket: Rotterdam & The Hague region | alt= | url=http://www.touristdaytickets.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=€17.00 for one day | lastedit=2025-01-21 | content=Unlimited travel on local transport (bus, tram, metro and waterbus. Note: trains excluded) in the Rotterdam and the Hague region. Available from ticket machines and service counters of RET and at tourist information. Ticket is valid for travel with RET, HTM, HTMbuzz, Arriva, Connexxion, EBS, QBuzz and Waterbus in South Holland. }} * [[#Rotterdam Welcome Card|Rotterdam Welcome Card]] also allows for unlimited use of public transport with RET in the city and region. Note that tickets must be purchased in advance, there is no ticket sale on board of bus, tram and metro. ===By metro=== [[Image:Metro Rotterdam future.svg|thumb|Rotterdam Metro reaches as far as [[the Hague]].]] There are 5 metro lines in the city. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|A}}, {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|C}}, share tracks between ''Schiedam Centrum'' and ''Capelsebrug'' and offer an east-west connection. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} share tracks between ''Rotterdam Centraal'' and ''Slinge'' and offer a north-south connection. Interchange between all lines is possible on ''Beurs'' station in the city center. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|A}}, {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|C}} operate every 10 minutes on working days and Saturday, which allows 3-4 minute intervals on the main section between ''Schiedam Centrum'' and ''Capelsebrug''. Lines {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} operate every 10 minutes on working days and Saturday, which give shorter intervals between ''Rotterdam Centraal'' and ''Slinge''. In the evening, on Saturday morning and Sunday the service is reduced to a 15-minute interval. The Rotterdam Metro operates from 05:30 until 00:00. On weekends the opening time is not until 07:00 Saturday, and 08:15 on Sunday. On Friday and Saturday nights the service is extended for a bit longer past midnight, but not on some parts of line B and E. See the [https://www.ret.nl/en/home/travelling-with-the-ret/time-table/metro/weekend-metro.html Weekend metro] page for an overview. For tourists the most important metro stations are: '''Line A, B and C''' (East-West branch) * '''Blaak''': train station, interchange with trams and busses, cube houses, Markthal, ports * '''Beurs''': city center, shops, interchange with metro {{rint|Rotterdam|D}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} * '''Eendrachtsplein''': museumpark * '''Coolhaven''': [https://euromast.nl/ Euromast] * '''Delfshaven''': historic port '''Line D and E''' (North-South branch) * '''Meijerplein''': bus service to Rotterdam The Hague Airport '''''(only line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}})''''' * '''Blijdorp:''' [https://www.diergaardeblijdorp.nl/en/ Rotterdam Zoo] '''''(only line {{rint|Rotterdam|E}})''''' * '''Rotterdam Centraal''': northern edge of the city centre, interchange with trams and buses, train station * '''Beurs''': city centre, shops, interchange with metro {{rint|Rotterdam|A}}, {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|C}} * '''Leuvehaven''': ports, museums, Erasmus Bridge, Waterbus * '''Wilhelminaplein:''' Erasmus Bridge, Cruise Terminal Rotterdam, [http://www.hotelnewyork.com/ hotel New York] * '''Rijnhaven:''' Katendrecht, bus service to SS Rotterdam ===By tram=== There are nine tram lines in the city. Each tram has a conductor. Tram stops provide a detailed map of the public transport system for on-the-go route-finding. Most lines operate every 10 minutes on workdays, with a more frequent service during rush hours on some lines. All trams except {{rint|Rotterdam|2}} will stop at ''Rotterdam Centraal'', the main train station of Rotterdam. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|1}} and {{rint|Rotterdam|11}}''' run from the suburbs in the [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|northwest]] to De Esch in [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk|Kralingen]], via [[Schiedam]], the north of [[Delfshaven]], and the city centre. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|2}}''' runs on the south side of the rivers, through the districts of [[Rotterdam/Zuid|Charlois, IJsselmonde]] and [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|3}}''' starts at the central station, and connects to the south bank via Feijenoord, IJsselmonde and [[Rotterdam/Zuid|Beverwaard]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|4}}''' starts from Heemsraadplein, connecting to much of the city centre and the neighbourhoods to its west, before connecting to [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|Hillegersberg]] via the central station, and Noord/Crooswijk. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|5}}''' originates from the central station, running to the south bank via Feijenoord and suburbs, before terminating in [[Barendrecht]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|6}}''' runs from Heemsraadplein to Kleiweg, just north of the A20 highway, running parallel with line 4 up to Rotterdam Noord railway station. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|7}}''' starts at Marconiplein, where the metro and lines 1, 8 and 11 meet, to Woudestein where it meets lines 1 and 11 again, via the central station and Erasmus University. Between Weena and Woudestein, lines 1 and 11 follow a more direct route via the Stadhuis, Beurs, Blaak and Oostplein metro stations, while line seven heads north via [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk|Crooswijk and Kralingen]]. * '''Line {{rint|Rotterdam|8}}''', lastly, comes from [[Delfshaven|Spangen]], and then continues through most of Delfshaven roughly following the river up to Eendrachtsplein in [[Rotterdam/Centre|Cool]], from where it joins the main tram corridor through the city centre, to eventually terminate in [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|Schiebroek]]. * '''Line 12''' operates during football matches in the Kuip stadion only. ===By bus=== '''RET''' operates bus services across the city. Night bus service (BOB-bus) has been cancelled. Buses operated by '''[http://www.arriva.nl Arriva]''' and '''[http://www.connexxion.nl Connexxion]''' connect the city with suburbs. Use the front door when boarding a bus. ===By water taxi=== * {{listing | name=Watertaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=http://www.watertaxirotterdam.nl | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 10 403 03 03 | tollfree= | hours= | price=€ | lastedit=2022-07-27 | content=Rotterdam was built on a number of islands and if you want to travel from shore to shore, the nicest way to go is to take a '''Water Taxi'''. Fixed fares for rides between 50 docks in Rotterdam and Schiedam, with 3 fares zones, starting at €4.50 per person in the central zone. You can give them a call, or use the online tool to see availability and book a ride. It is advised to book in advance, especially on days with large events in the city. }} ===By taxi=== If you do need a taxi you will have to find yourself a taxi rank or call a taxi company. There is a minimum taxi fare of €2.30 (first it was {{EUR|7.50}} which included the first two kilometres). Additionally, each subsequent kilometre is charged €2.20. * {{go | name=Botlektaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://botlektaxi.nl | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 10 666 66 06 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-01-19 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Groepstaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.groepstaxirotterdam.nl | phone=+31 10 818 28 23 }} * {{listing | name=Rotterdamse Taxi Centrale RTC N.V. | url=http://www.rtcnv.nl | phone=+31 10 462 60 60 }} * {{listing | name=Coöperatieve Taxi Onderneming St. Job u.a. | url=http://www.st-job.nl | phone=+31 10 425 70 00 }} * {{listing | name=Rolstoeltaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.rolstoeltaxirotterdam.nl | phone=+31 10 818 28 23 }} * {{listing | name=Taxi Rotterdam 010 | alt= | url=https://taxirotterdam010.nl | phone=+31 10 261 31 88 }} * {{listing | name=Rotterdamse Taxi | alt= | url= https://www.rotterdamsetaxi.nl | phone=+31 10 261 31 22 }} * {{listing | name=Stadstaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.stadstaxirotterdam.nl| phone=+31 10 818 28 23 }} * {{listing | name=Vliegveldtaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.vliegveldtaxirotterdam.nl | phone=+31 10 818 28 23 }} * {{listing | name=Zorgtaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.zorgtaxirotterdam.nl | phone=+31 10 818 28 23 }} ===By tuk-tuk=== * {{listing | name=Tuk Tuk Company | alt= | url=http://www.tuktukcompany.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 9009933399 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-05-23 | content=A Thai-influenced transportation service using three-wheeled, open-air (but covered) motorized vehicles called Tuk Tuk offers a more economical and fast way to get around the city centre when compared to taxis. Tuk-tuk pricing is based on a zone system. Within a zone, a ride is €3.50 per person, €5 for 2 persons and €6.50 for 3. If you go to another zone, €3.50 is added (irrespective of number of persons). This service is handy if it is past the regular tram/bus/metro service hours (approximately half past midnight). }} ===By bicycle=== Like any city in The Netherlands, Rotterdam is very, very bicycle-friendly. Getting around by bike is probably the fastest way of travel within the city. There are separate bike lanes on most major streets and there are separate traffic lights for bicyclists. Avoid getting your tire in the tram rails: always cross tram rails at an angle. Of course it is also strongly advisable to watch out for other traffic at all time. On the other hand bicyclists can rely on the fact that motorists and pedestrians are aware of bikes. Always lock your bike securely when leaving it (preferably chained to a fixed object) or go to a guarded bicycle parking station. ==== Rent a bike==== At Rotterdam Centraal, you can rent bicycles at the shop in the underground bicycle parking, below the Station square. Leave the station at the front, exit 'Stationsplein'. The entrance of the bicycle parking ('fietsenstalling', with the glass roof) is at your right, in front of grand cafe Engels. Use-it, rents out nice Kronan bikes (Schaatsbaan 41-45, leave Central Station towards the center. Turn right at restaurant Engels and take the 2nd right). Bikes can be rented by several other private companies. Holland-Cycling.com provides a list of [http://www.holland-cycling.com/rotterdam/getting-around-rotterdam/bicycle-rental-in-rotterdam addresses]. Another list you will find at [https://www.rotterdam.nl/vrije-tijd/fiets-huren/ Rotterdam.nl]{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. If you have a personal (rather than an anonymous) [[OV-chipkaart]], bicycles can be rented at many train and metro stations and other central locations by the [http://www.ns.nl/en/door-to-door/ov-fiets OV-fiets system]. ==== Guarded bicycle parking ==== * The larger train stations have their own guarded bicycle parking. * Rotterdam municipality has also [https://www.rotterdam.nl/fietsparkeren some free locations]. ==See== ===Landmarks=== [[File:VN5 HDR2.jpg|thumbnail|right|The Van Nellefabriek is regarded as a prime example of the ''International Style'']] Rotterdam has national notoriety for its architecture, and the city therefore is dotted with landmarks of all sorts. Most of them you will find in the [[Rotterdam/Centrum|city centre]], but [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord|Feijenoord]] is also quite dense with them. Rotterdam is known for some bridges, not in the last place the '''Erasmusbrug''', spanning the Nieuwe Maas between the city centre and Feijenoord. Also of historical importance is the former railway lifting bridge '''De Hef''', slightly upstream from the Erasmusbrug. '''Historical landmarks''' are somewhat rare to come across in Rotterdam's city centre, but the city itself isn't completely devoid of them. In the city centre, the 1920 '''City hall''' and the '''Great or Saint-Laurence church''', both survivors of the 1940 bombardment. Rotterdam is also home to the country's oldest known bronze statue, depicting Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam and dating from 1622. It is found opposite the Saint-Laurence church. '''De Verwoeste Stad''' (Destroyed City) is a cubist statue depicting a man in agony who just lost his heart (symbol of the bombed city centre). Feijenoord, despite being home to many modern redevelopments, houses some historical landmarks such as the '''former headquarters of the Holland-Amerikalijn'''. Also worth visiting are the '''Oude Haven''' (''Old Harbour'') and the nearby '''Witte Huis''' (''White House'') and '''Schielandshuis'''. '''Industrial landmarks''' are plenty in a city that mostly thrives off of harbour activities. Besides the many industrial sites found in the [[Rotterdam/Port of Rotterdam|Port of Rotterdam]], the '''Van Nellefabriek''' in [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam|the north of the city]] is a listed UNESCO site. [[File:Erasmusbrug seen from Euromast.jpg|thumbnail|right|The modern skyline of Rotterdam can be truly appreciated from the Euromast.]] The skyline of Rotterdam can, of course, be observed from one of the many skyscrapers in the city - though you should probably book a hotel located in a skyscraper or find one with a publicly accessible roof, as trespass isn't welcomed. Another great site for views over the city though, is the '''Euromast''' on the border between the [[Rotterdam/Centrum|city centre]] and [[Rotterdam/Delfshaven|Delfshaven]], twice in its history the highest building of the Netherlands. For a relatively small entry fee, you can climb the tower or for a larger sum, you can dine inside of it. For those less comfortable with great heights though, a birds-eye overview of the city can also be obtained at '''Miniworld Rotterdam''', near the central station. The city is also well-known for its experimental and out-of-the-ordinary architecture, often being a testing ground for new concepts. A prime example of this are the '''Kubuswoningen''' (''Cube Houses'') at [[Rotterdam/Centrum|Blaak]]; one has been set aside as a museum, offering a view of the unique perspective and custom furniture that comes with living in one of the houses. Also striking are the '''Markthal''', harbour-crane inspired sculptures at the '''Schouwburgplein''' and the '''Koopgoot''', all found in the city centre. '''Historic churches:''' in the Netherlands churches are generally closed to visitors on Sundays. === Other sites === [[File:Rotterdam Erasmusbrug bij avond vanaf hoek Veerhaven-Westerkade.jpg|thumb|Erasmus bridge of Rotterdam]] [[File:Schielandshuis.jpg|thumbnail|right|Schielandshuis today stands surrounding by modern glass and steel buildings]] [[Image:Oude Haven (Rotterdam) 2011.jpg|thumb|"Het witte huis" in Old Harbour]] The area around the [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Other sites|'''Station Rotterdam Blaak''']] was destroyed by a Nazi bombardment during World War II. After the war this area was populated with some bold examples of modern architecture. The '''Kubuswoningen''' are literally cubes, tilted over by 45 degrees. '''Oude Haven''' (Old Harbour) is a nice place to see and sit at some café nearby. '''Witte Huis''' is a "skyscraper" built in 1898. '''Het Schielandshuis''' is the only remaining 17th-century building in the city centre of Rotterdam. [[File:Delfshaven Rotterdam (the Netherlands) 17.JPG|thumb|The old barges moored at the Delfshaven]] [[Rotterdam/Delfshaven|'''Delfshaven''']] is one of very few locations in the city which survived World War II bombings. Historic Delfshaven is a very scenic walk. It consists of an 17th-century area around two canals with a lot of charm. By day visit little shops in this neighbourhood, by night attractive pubs and restaurants make the visit worthwhile. * '''Chinatown''' in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Other sites|Centrum]] is full of Chinese restaurants and also Indonesian and other Asian restaurants. [[File:Rotterdam molens De Ster (l) en De Lelie (r) - tegenlicht.jpg|thumbnail|right|''De Ster'' and ''De Lelie'' at dusk]] ===Windmills=== Rotterdam has only seven windmills left. Of these, only ''De Ster'' and ''De Lelie'' in [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk#See|Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk]] are open to visitors on a regular basis. Other windmills are open to visitors when the mill is turning (easy enough to see), but there are some exceptions to this rule of thumb. A blue flag also indicates that the mill is open to visitors. Look for De Prinsenmolen, De Vier Winden, and De Speelman windmills in [[Rotterdam/Northern Rotterdam#Windmills|Northern Rotterdam]] and De Zandweg in [[Rotterdam/Zuid#See|Rotterdam Zuid]]. ===Museums=== [[File:Overzicht achtergevel - Rotterdam - 20534511 - RCE.jpg|thumbnail|right|Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen]] [[Netherlands#Museumkaart|Museumkaart]] is accepted at the city's museums. The Museumpark area in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Museums|Centrum]] has many of the city's museums. '''Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen''' houses a rich, broad collection including masterpieces ranging from Pieter Brueghel the Elder's ''The "little" Tower of Babel'' (1563) to an important collection of surrealism, prominently featuring Salvador Dalí and René Magritte. '''Sylvette''' is a large work by Pablo Picasso was erected in 1973. It is one of the elaborations Picasso made based on the portraits of his muse Sylvette David. Definitely worth a look. '''Kunsthal''' houses some 25 exhibitions annually with a fascinating and widely varied repertoire. Het Nieuwe Instituut museum includes the '''Museum voor Architectuur, Design en Digitale cultuur''', a museum for architecture,deesign and digital culture, and '''Huis Sonneveld''', a building in the Bauhaus style. '''Chabot Museum''' is a neat little museum is housed in a splendid modernist 1930s villa. It houses a collection of works of the expressionist painter Hendrik Chabot. '''Natuurhistorisch Museum''' has changing expositions and a fixed collection of mammals, plants and fossils. The city has two maritime museums. The '''Maritiem Museum''' has a variety of expositions about the harbour of Rotterdam and maritime history, and a restored 19th-century gunboat that is a must-see for naval enthusiasts. The '''Mariniersmuseum''' shows the history of the centuries-old Narine Corps and its modern-day role. Special attention is given to the heroic role of the corps in the 1940 defence of Rotterdam. ====Other museums==== [[File:Façade Witte de With Center for Contemporary Art.jpg|thumbnail|right|Witte de With Center]] In [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Other museums|Centrum]], you can visit '''Museum Rotterdam''', which is dedicated to the modern day Rotterdam and its history; the '''Museum of Chess-Pieces''', which houses a diverse collection of chess games from ancient Chinese to cartoon characters; the '''Wereldmuseum''' (World Arts Museum), which focuses on encounters and cross-cultural inspiration; and '''Witte de With''' (Centre for Contemporary Arts). [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord#Q2191118|'''Nederlands Fotomuseum''']] shows the diversity of forms of photography, especially as a medium of social expression and commentary. [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk#Q2351733|'''SSN Museumstoomdepot''']] features old steam locomotives and trains. Besides a small museum it's a workshop where you can see restoration in progress. ==Do== [[File:Overzicht - Rotterdam - 20534496 - RCE.jpg|thumbnail|right|''De Doelen'' concert hall in Schouwbourgplein]] Upcoming events and performances are listed on the VVV and Use-it websites. The larger events are well documented on the VVV site, for smaller venues check Use-it (under Calendar) for a very attractive and well updated listing of music, expositions, movies and parties that need checking out. The [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Do|Uitburo office]] inside the Central Library provides information on theatre and music performances. It also sells tickets and offers an overview of performances that can be visited for free (''gratis''). ===Events=== [[File:North Sea Jazz Festival 2012 - ALOE BLACC.jpg|thumbnail|right|In July, you can enjoy the ''North Sea Jazz'' festival]] Rotterdam plays host to a lot of events, a lot of them yearly ones. Besides these there are a lot smaller ones that can be very nice, so ask around and check the VVV website. A few of these yearly events to name: * {{do | name=Six Days of Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.wielerzesdaagserotterdam.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2293105 | lastedit=2024-12-26 | content=A cycling competition in early December. }} * {{do | name=IFFR | alt= | url=http://www.filmfestivalrotterdam.com/en/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The International Film Festival Rotterdam, which mainly features independent films from all over the world in February. }} * {{do | name=Art Rotterdam | alt= | url=http://www.artrotterdam.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=In February, you can see (and buy) masterpieces of modern art. }} * {{do | name=World tennis Tournament | alt= | url=http://www.abnamrowtt.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=In February. }} * On the '''[http://www.rotterdamsemuseumnacht.nl/ Rotterdam Museum Night]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' in March, nearly all Rotterdam museums and galleries open their doors in the evening with special events. * {{do | name=Motel Mozaique | alt= | url=http://motelmozaique.nl/en/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Music, art & performance. Plus a sleeping project that enables sleeping in art or on special locations in Rotterdam (April) }} * [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Q1341108|'''Rotterdam Marathon''']], internationally reputed as a very fast marathon, is held in April in Centrum. * {{do | name=Poetry International | alt= | url=http://www.poetry.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Festival in June. }} * '''Metropolis Festival''' (music) on the first Sunday in July. * The sublime '''[http://www.northseajazz.com/ North Sea Jazz]''' festival in July with loads of worldfamous artists. * {{do | name=Summer Carnival | alt= | url=http://www.zomercarnaval.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A huge Caribbean-oriented parade and party in the city centre. }} * {{do | name=Heerlijk Rotterdam | alt= | url=http://www.heerlijkrotterdam.nl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Three day event where you can sample dishes from Michelin-star restaurants for a reduced price (dates vary, summer edition usually late August) }} * The '''[http://wereldhavendagen.nl/en/ World Port Days]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' a weekend full of activities centred around the large harbour of Rotterdam (early September) * The classical music '''[http://www.gergievfestival.nl/ Gergjev]''' festival in September, led by master-conductor Valery Gergjev. * The '''[http://www.rotterdamseoogst.nl/ Rotterdam Harvest Festival]''' in September. * '''Bazar Curieux''' (music) in December For full listings of events check [http://www.rotterdam.info/uk/ Rotterdam.info] and [http://www.use-it.nl/ Use-it]{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. === Tours === Several tours can be found in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Tours|Centrum]], including the tourist '''tram line 10''' through the city centre and historic parts of Rotterdam on classic trams; the '''Spido harbour trip''' through the first 8 km of the harbour; and De pannenkoekenboot, on which you cam eat as many pancakes as you want while you cruise the harbour. ===Cinema=== There are two huge megacinemas in Rotterdam. The one in the city centre is called '''Pathé Schouwburgplein''' (at the Schouwburgplein), the other one is on the southside of the city. It's called '''Pathé De Kuip''' (next to the Feyenoord stadium De Kuip). In these cinemas you can see Hollywood movies and occasionally an arthouse movie. To get to De Kuip, take tram {{rint|Rotterdam|12}} to stop Stadion Feijenoord. If you're more into alternative cinema go to '''[http://www.lantaren-venster.nl/ Lantaren/Venster]''' Cinema (Otto Reuchlinweg 996 (Wilhelminapier)). Here you'll get European, Asian and Latin American cinema in a nice atmosphere. It has a nice bar too. The other option is '''Cinerama''' (Westblaak 18) which shows a combination of art/house films and commercial Hollywood flicks. During the '''IFFR''' (International Film Festival Rotterdam), which usually takes place in February, art-house movies are shown at much more locations throughout the city. In August, an open air cinema at the '''Lloydkwartier''' shows both blockbusters and independent films. Entrance is free, and you can either bring your own chair or rent one onsite. To get there, take {{rint|Rotterdam|A}} to Coolhaven and walk for about 10–15 minutes towards the river in the south. ===Other attractions=== [[File:Erasmusbréck w.jpg|thumbnail|right|Rotterdam can be breathtaking from above]] When you want to combine a unique experience with a great view over the city of Rotterdam, you can make a (tandem) '''skydive''' at [http://www.skydiverotterdam.com Skydive Rotterdam]. At Skydive Rotterdam (also called the Flying Dutchman) you can book a tandem skydive or do a complete skydiving course and jump from a height of 3 or 4 kilometers. It's the only skydiving school in the "Randstad" area and the only place in the Netherlands where you can jump over a major city like Rotterdam. When the weather's good you will have a spectacular view over the Rotterdam skyline and other parts of the Randstad area, all the way to the coastline. An '''airplane''' can be rented at reasonable rates at Rotterdam Airport at [http://vliegen.rotterdamsweb.nl/ Happy Wing]. Nice tours above the city, its ports or the coastline are on offer. On summer Sundays, it is possible to lower yourself down from the '''Euromast'''. On last Sundays of summer months you can glide down in 15 seconds on a wire (tokkelen). Both: Not for the faint of heart! Check the website of [http://heightspecialists.nl/abseilen/ Heightspecialists]. ===With children=== [[File:Medusakop op kolom in giraffenweide - Rotterdam - 20348014 - RCE.jpg|thumbnail|right|The historic ''Diergaarde Blijdorp'' is definitely worth a visit]] '''Diergaarde Blijdorp''' (Rotterdam Zoo) in [[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk#Q18775796|Kralingen-Crooswijk]] is one of the most popular day trips in the Netherlands. Walk through different parts of the world, seeing interesting animals that feel right at home in an approximation of their natural habitats. The Oceanium is filled with ocean and coastal dwellers, including exotic fish and puffins. '''Miniworld Rotterdam''' in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Do|Centrum]] is the largest indoor model railroad layout of the Netherlands. === Football === : Rotterdam has three professional soccer teams: * [https://www.feyenoord.nl/ '''Feyenoord'''] play in Eredivisie, the top tier. Their home ground is Stadion Feijenoord (capacity 51,000), better known as "De Kuip"; it's often also used for rock concerts and similar events. It's south of the river with its own railway station Rotterdam Stadion. * [https://www.sparta-rotterdam.nl/ '''Sparta Rotterdam'''] also play in Eredivisie. Their home ground is Het Kasteel ("The Castle", capacity 12,000), 3 km west of the centre. * [https://www.sbvexcelsior.nl/ '''SBV Excelsior'''] were relegated in 2024 so they play in Eerste Divisie the second tier. Their Stadion Woudestein (capacity 4500), now called Van Donge & De Roo Stadion, is 2 km east of city centre on the north bank of the river. ===Water sports and yachting=== [[File:Rotterdam kralingse plas.jpg|thumbnail|right|Kralingse Plas]] Being a major harbour and having lots of waterways and lakes, Rotterdam has a lot to offer for water-enthousiasts. Boating: There are four major lakes in Rotterdam. The Kralingse Plas, The double Bergse Plas, the Rottemeren and the Zevenhuizer Plas. All of them have active yachting communities and sometimes sailing races can be seen. The Zevenhuizer plas is mainly populated by Windsurf enthousiasts. Sailing boats can be rented at the Kralingse Plas at the [http://www.henkvangent.nl/ Van Gent sailing school], Plaszoom, a 10-minute walk from Metro Voorschoterlaan (walk through the Julianalaan until you reach Plaszoom). Rowing- and sailing boats can be rented at the windmill at the very end of the eastern Rottekade at [http://www.botenverhuurvanvliet.nl/ Van Vliet's] (Rottemeren, go by car or bike, a very nice ride). Yachting: When visiting Rotterdam with your own yacht you will find that most yachting harbours are on the inland waterways, where there are a lot of them. On the river Maas you will only find the [http://www.citymarinarotterdam.nl/ City Marina], behind a bascule bridge on the southern bank, and the [http://www.veerhavenrotterdam.nl/ Veerhaven], right in the city center on the northern bank. Unless you need the better shelter of the characterless City Marina, go for the admittedly a little choppy Veerhaven marina, very central and scenic. ===Beach=== The closest good beach is about 30 km away at [[Hook of Holland]]. Here you will find a very fine sand beach with good swimming and enough entertainment. To get there, take line {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} to Hoek van Holland Strand, its end point. For a more urban-party beach experience head to [[Scheveningen]] where you can find everything beach-party addicts dream about; Endless rows of beachside bars, restaurants and discothèques and a boulevard along a splendid fine-sand beach. It can get ''very'' crowded here. Take the train to [[Den Haag]] Centraal Station and tram {{rint|denhaag|9}} subsequently. Also at the same coast is Kijkduin, which is very recommended for children. To get there, get {{rint|Rotterdam|E}} to its northern end point, then take bus 24 to Kijkduin. If you want to go to the beach but want to stay in the city, consider taking {{rint|Rotterdam|B}} to its end point, Nesselande and walk across the Corsicalaan from there. You are at the Strand Nesselande. ==Buy== The main shopping areas are in [[Rotterdam/Centrum#Buy|Centrum]]. '''Afrikaanderplein Markt''' in [[Rotterdam/Feijenoord#Buy|Feijenoord]] is a market of about 300 stalls geared towards Rotterdam's inhabitants of Antillian, South American or African descent (a lot of whom happen to live nearby). Dutch cheese is very famous, you can get some at grocery stores or wider variety at the marketplace. Other typical Dutch things are ''stroopwafels'', ''hagelslag'' and ''drop'' (liquorice). ==Eat== The area around metrostation ''Blaak'', called '''Oude haven''' (Old Harbour), is not only worth seeing but has also a lot of pubs and restaurants. The Rotterdam dining scene is developing very fast with new restaurants opening very often. While most of the attention focusses on new Michelin-star aspiring places, there is very much a trend towards high quality mid-range restaurants offering French/Dutch cuisine. ==Drink== [[Rotterdam/Centrum#|Centrum]] has a wide variety of bars, coffee shops and music venues. The [http://www.kaapsebrouwers.nl/ Kaapse Brouwers] brewery has four locations around the city. Each location has a whole wall of taps to choose from. They are popular place so waiting lines can be long. ==Sleep== See district articles for listings for camping, hostels and hotels. ==Connect== The telephone country code for the Netherlands is 31, and Rotterdam's city code is 010. In case of an '''Emergency''', dial '''1-1-2''' (free of charge). When staying for a longer time, buy a prepaid sim card for your mobile phone. ==Stay safe== You should take normal precautions against pickpockets and baggage theft, especially in the main shopping streets, at markets, in trams and trains, at stations, and anywhere where tourists congregate. It is not wise to hang around Stadhuisplein when nightlife ends. Fights often occur in this area after midnight. Rotterdam also has a reputation of mass venues getting out of hand, though you shouldn't worry too much about it. If violence breaks out at football festivities (not so unlikely) or at the end of sun soaked festive days, like Kings Day (even less unlikely, especially at the Stadhuisplein), just get out of the way and you're unlikely to be affected. It's advisable not to wear a football jersey of Ajax Amsterdam or any other stuff promoting Ajax or Amsterdam. In terms of general safety, at daylight most areas in the city are safe. But at night, some areas such as Spangen, Charlois and Hillesluis are wise to avoid. When you drive a car with a foreign numberplate (especially if it's a French or Belgian one) you might or will be approached by so-called ''drugsrunners''. This can occur on the motorways surrounding the city and in the city proper. These guys try to lure people to places where drugs are dealt. Do not respond to their signals and do not follow them. ==Go next== If you do not have a car, the hub for leaving the city will probably be '''Rotterdam Centraal''', from where trains leave in all directions at short intervals (you can generally drop in and catch the next train to your destination). Most regional and longer distance buses leave here too, with the exception of most buses to southerly destinations and the province of Zeeland that leave from '''metro station Zuidplein'''. In contrast with the trains, bus departure times should be checked in advance as they can be far and between. For trains to the North and the South travellers can also choose to depart from '''Rotterdam Blaak'''. '''The Hague''' can also be reached easily and rather quickly by metro line E. Nearby destinations like [[Schiedam]] or even [[Delft]] can also be reached by bike if you fancy a somewhat longer ride. Bike routes and directions are well marked and available in abundance. A good idea for a sunny day! Schiedam can be reached by train or by metro (in 15 minutes) too. [[Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region|MRDH]] is the area of the region Rotterdam-Schiedam-Delft-The Hague, see this page for more information on travel and cycling. ===Nearby=== * '''[[Kinderdijk]]''' — a [[UNESCO World Heritage List#Netherlands|UNESCO World Heritage]] site. 19 old windmills are still helping to control the water level there. Windmill #2 is open to the public, allowing you to see its inner workings. In season there is a direct waterbus service from an embankment at the Erasmus bridge (travel time ~1/2 hour). Alternatively, ''Arriva'' bus 90 from bus and metro station ''Zuidplein'' will get you there in 50 minutes. * '''[[Schiedam]]''' — visit the historic centre of this small town at the edge of Rotterdam, including the world's six tallest windmills. Also you can find there the ''Stedelijk Museum'', an attractive museum with some nice modern art exhibitions. Easily reached by bicycle, a train (from ''Rotterdam Centraal'' to ''Schiedam Centrum''), metro A, B or C line to ''Schiedam Centrum'' station, or tram lines 1 or 11 (''Broersvest'' or ''Koemarkt'' stop). ===Day trips=== * '''[[Delft]]''' — this famous town is a 15-minute train ride from ''Rotterdam Centraal''. Very historic and scenic, but also very touristy. * '''[[Dordrecht]]''' — a magnificent historic town with little tourism and an excellent old art museum (Dordrechts Museum). It is a 15-min train ride, or even better, take a ''[http://www.waterbus.nl/halte/dordrecht-merwekade/ waterbus]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''. * '''[[Gouda]]''' — visit this small picturesque postcard-like town and see the magnificent stained glass windows in the ''Sint Janskerk''. Also 20 min by train. * '''[[Delta Works]]''' — a series of construction projects protecting the Southwest of the Netherlands from the sea. The Oosterschelde storm surge barrier is the most impressive, and next to it is ''Neeltje Jans'', a water theme park dedicated to the Delta Works. * '''[[Brielle (Netherlands)|Brielle]]''' — a mediaeval fortified town. The centre is a nice ensemble of old houses and churches, enclosed by the original earthen defensive walls. There are some museums and the Roman Catholic shrine of the Martyrs of Gorcum. Walking around town and fortifications is a treat. You can easily spend a full day in Brielle. Take bus 103 at the ''Spijkenisse Centrum'' metro station. A journey takes about 70 min. * '''[[Schoonhoven]]''' — a nice small town with many well preserved medieval buildings on the ''Lek'' river in a halfway to Utrecht. From Station Capelsebrug, Rotterdam, take a bus 195 (direction Utrecht). A journey takes about 1 hour. * Go to the other cities of the [[Randstad]], e.g. '''[[The Hague]]''' is 1/2 hour by train or metro, '''[[Utrecht]]''' is around 45 min by train, '''[[Amsterdam]]''' about an hour. {{routebox | image1=NL-A15.png | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Brielle (Netherlands)|Brielle]] | minorl1=[[Spijkenisse]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Arnhem]] | minorr1=[[Dordrecht]] | image2=BE-E19.svg | imagesize2=20 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Amsterdam]] | minorl2=[[Delft]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Antwerp]] | minorr2=[[Zwijndrecht]] }} {{usablecity}} {{isPartOf|Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region}} {{geo|51.9239|4.4623|zoom=14}} 86k6yewxjbja024sgwvwwgzgd7a3ijb 0 30559 5086651 5031497 2025-07-02T14:35:32Z Bluecoordinationfine 2327039 Moved listings over from the GR 10 article. 5086651 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port Wikivoyage Banner.jpg}} '''Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port''' is a town of 1,500 people (2019) in [[Pyrénées-Atlantiques]], [[France]]. It is a common starting point for the [[French Way]] of the pilgrim route [[Camino de Santiago]], to Santiago de Compostela in [[Galicia]]. Over 30,000 pilgrims started in this town in 2024. ==Understand== {{Climate | units = Metric | janhigh = 9 | febhigh = 10 | marhigh = 13 | aprhigh = 15 | mayhigh = 18 | junhigh = 22 | julhigh = 23 | aughigh = 24 | sephigh = 22 | octhigh = 18 | novhigh = 12 | dechigh = 10 | janlow = 2 | feblow = 2 | marlow = 4 | aprlow = 6 | maylow = 9 | junlow = 13 | jullow = 14 | auglow = 15 | seplow = 13 | octlow = 10 | novlow = 6 | declow = 3 | janprecip = 117 | febprecip = 105 | marprecip = 101 | aprprecip = 134 | mayprecip = 125 | junprecip = 103 | julprecip = 92 | augprecip = 95 | sepprecip = 98 | octprecip = 117 | novprecip = 144 | decprecip = 114 | description = }} [[File:FR-64-Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port09.JPG|thumb|upright 1.5|View of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port]] The town lies on the river Nive, {{nowrap|8 km}} from the Spanish border. It is the head town of the region of Cize (Basque: Garazi), and was the capital of the former Basque province of Lower Navarre. The town's name means "Saint John [at the] Foot of [the] Pass"; the pass leads through the Pyrenees to Spain. That's where the pilgrims go. ==Get in== === By plane === There are several airports around, from which you can reach the town quite easily. You can fly to [[Biarritz]]'s airport ({{IATA|BIQ}}) with direct flights from several countries and international one-stop connections by Air France. From the airport take a direct city bus to the train station of [[Bayonne (France)|Bayonne]] und then a train to {{marker|type=go|wikidata=Q2220150|name=Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port railway station}}. For an airport transfer, taxi, bus or coach service from Biarritz Airport to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, you can contact [https://www.expressbourricot.com/persons-transport/ Express Bourricot]{{Dead link|date=July 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}, [https://www.sea-lifts.com/transfers/st-jean-pied-de-port/ Sea-Lifts] or [http://www.biarritzairporttransfers.com/Biarritz-to-Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.html Biarritz Airport Transfers]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. The airport of [[Pamplona]] is served by international one-stop connections by Iberia. From the airport you can take a taxi to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port for more than €100 (January 2025). You may find other people at the airport to split the bill with. On the French side there are the airports of [[Toulouse]], [[Bordeaux]], [[Tarbes]] and [[Pau]]. All these towns have direct trains (and intercity buses) to Bayonne. From Bayonne take a train to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. On the Spanish side you will find international low-cost flights to the airport of [[Bilbao]]. From Bilbao take an intercity bus to Bayonne and from there a train to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. One more possibility is to fly the airport of [[San Sebastián]]. ===By train=== There are trains from [[Paris#By train|Gare Montparnasse in Paris]] to Bayonne: 4 hr, 4–6 trains/day. Book online at [https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/tgv/route/paris/bayonne SNCF Connect]. From [[Bayonne (France)|Bayonne]], there are trains onwards to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port: 1½ hr, 4–5 trains/day. Book at [https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/train/route/bayonne/saint-jean-pied-de-port SNCF Connect] ([https://www.sncf-connect.com/app/en-en/home/doorToDoor/itineraries at SNCF Connect] itinerary). There are also trains from the train station of [[Biarritz]] in the south of the town from which you need to change the train in Bayonne ([https://www.sncf-connect.com/app/en-en/home/doorToDoor/itineraries SNCF Connect]). From [[Madrid]], you can take a train to [[Pamplona]] and take a taxi from there. ===By pilgrimage=== Before the age of rail, most pilgrims had to walk all the way from home to reach Santiago de Compostela. Several of the [[Routes to Santiago de Compostela from France|routes through France]] pass through this town and still see use by pilgrims. However, the Napoleon route from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Pamplona is ''closed'' from November to March every year; in these months you need to take the route via [[French Way#Saint Jean Pied de Port to Pamplona|Valcarlos]]. ==Get around== [[File:Notre-Dame (St-Jean) choeur.jpg|thumb|upright 1.4|Choir of the church of Notre Dame in Saint-Jean]] Walk. ==See== There are many very old buildings, built of pink and grey schist, which retain distinctive features including inscriptions over their doors. * {{see | name=Cobbled Ru de la Citadelle | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Notre-dame-du-Bout-du-Pont | alt=Église de l'Assomption de la Vierge | url= | email= | address=Rue de la Citadelle | lat=43.16241 | long=-1.23713 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=It may have free trekking or hiking poles. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=porte Saint-Jacques | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q56682398 | lastedit=2020-05-15 | content= }} ==Do== [[File:Saint Jean - F 64220.jpg|thumb|St. John points the way to pilgrims]] Begin the [[French Way]] of the [[Camino de Santiago]] (Spanish also El Camino; Galician: O Camiño de Santiago, Ruta Xacobea; French: Chemin de St-Jacques, German: Jakobsweg) About 14 percent of the pilgrims who finish the French Way in Santiago started their journey in this town. Referred to as ''pilgrims'' (''pèlerins'' in France and ''peregrinos'' in Spanish), many international travellers choose this, as it is the starting point in France that is closest to the Spanish border. Pilgrims begin by reporting in to the Pilgrim's Office to obtain their ''credencial'' to begin their journey. * {{Do|name=Pilgrim Office|alt=Accueil aux Pèlerins / Amis du Chemin de Saint-Jacques |url=https://www.aucoeurduchemin.org/?lang=en |address=39 rue de la Citadelle |lat=43.1634508|long=-1.2358289 |hours=Daily 07:30–12:00, 13:30–20:00 |lastedit=2022-02-18 |content=Go pick up your Pilgrim Passport as soon as you arrive in town. }} ==Buy== There are ATMs. The biggest supermarkts near the centre are ''Lidl'', ''Carrefour Market'' and ''Intermarché Super''. * {{Buy |name=La Boutique du Pèlerin|url=|email=directioncompostelle@orange.fr |address=32 Rue de la Citadelle |lat=43.1631462|long=-1.2360994 |phone=+33 5 59 37 98 52|hours=Daily 06:30-20:30 |lastedit=2022-03-12 |content=Stock up on hiking supplies you forgot such as hiking sticks, backpacks, clothes, shoes, guidebooks, etc. }} * {{listing|type=buy|name=Maya-Sports|lat=43.166315301|long=-1.23308887678|address=18 Av. du Jai Alai, 64220 Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port|phone=+33 5 59 37 00 47|url=https://www.mayasport.fr/|content=Outdoor gear shop across from the train station. Open M-Sa 09:00-12:00 and 14:00-19:00.}} * Free trekking or hiking poles may be available at Notre-dame-du-Bout-du-Pont. See above under See. [[File:St-Jean-pied-de-port, Porte de Navarre HDR (1872407835).jpg|thumb|Porte de Navarre]] ==Eat== ===Budget=== * {{eat | name=Bar Brasserie Pizzeria | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Menu from €10 (Aug 2024) | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-01-01 | content=A casual spot offering a variety of savory pizzas, with a relaxed brasserie atmosphere. The focus is on classic pizza options alongside hearty brasserie-style meals. }} * {{eat | name=Café des Sports | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-01-01 | content=A traditional, cozy café serving simple yet flavorful dishes. The menu features a mix of local and French-inspired savory options in a laid-back environment. }} * {{eat | name=Pizz a Uhart Papy-Jo | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-01-01 | content=Known for its rustic pizzeria setting, it offers a wide selection of pizzas, with an emphasis on traditional, savory toppings and a homey feel. }} * {{eat | name=Damico's | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-01-01 | content=A comfortable and informal eatery that specializes in Italian cuisine. The savory menu includes a range of pizzas and pasta dishes, focusing on bold and rich flavors. }} * {{eat | name=Pizza Ona Garazi | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-01-01 | content=A pizzeria with a modern vibe, offering a variety of savory pizzas. The focus is on fresh, quality ingredients with a local touch. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=Restaurant "Comme A La Maison" | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=€20-30 | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-01-01 | content=A warm and inviting restaurant offering a menu filled with traditional French dishes. The focus is on hearty, savory meals made with fresh, local ingredients, served in a homely, comfortable setting. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Cidrerie Hurrup Eta Klik | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=€20-30 | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-01-01 | content=A rustic, cider-focused eatery with a regional touch, offering savory Basque-inspired dishes. The menu highlights local specialties, emphasizing fresh, seasonal ingredients in a traditional Basque style. }} * {{eat | name=Café de la Paix | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=€20-30 | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-01-01 | content=A classic café with a charming ambiance, serving a variety of savory French dishes. The menu combines traditional and regional flavors, offering simple yet flavorful meals in a cozy, relaxed atmosphere. }} ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{sleep |name=Beilari |alt=Esprit du Chemin |url=https://www.beilari.info |email=info@beilari.info |address=40 Rue de la Citadelle|lat=43.1632976|long=-1.2358085|directions=Across street from Pilgrim Office |phone=+33 5 59 37 24 68|checkin=06:30|checkout=22:00 |price=€40 per person including dinner and breakfast. |lastedit=2022-02-18 }} * {{sleep | name=Gite Makila | alt= | url=https://makila-saintjean.com/ | email=info@makila-saintjean.com | address=Rue de la Citadelle 35 | lat=43.163396 | long=-1.235955 | directions=2 doors down from Pilgrim's Office | phone=+33 6 63 10 13 46 | tollfree= | checkin=15:00-20:30 | checkout=08:30 | price=€25 including breakfast | lastedit=2022-04-18 | content=Nice hostel. Bunkbeds have curtain and individual electric outlets. }} * {{sleep |name=Refuge Municipal|alt=Ospitalia |url=|email= |address=55 Rue de la Citadelle |lat=43.1637244|long=-1.2347011 |directions= |phone=+33 6 17 10 31 89 |tollfree=|fax= |checkin=14:30|checkout= |hours= |price=Dorm €12, double €30 |lastedit=2022-02-18 |content=32 beds. }} ==Connect== ==Go next== [[Spain]] {{routebox| placename=Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port | image2=Vieira Xacobea.svg | imagesize2=20 | directionl2=w | majorl2=[[Roncesvalles|Roncesvalles, Spain]] | minorl2= Orisson | directionr2=E | majorr2=Staring point of The French way | minorr2= | link2=[[French way]] | caption2=Way of St. James }} {{geo|43.1667|-1.2333}} {{IsPartOf|Pyrénées-Atlantiques}} {{outlinecity}} l43qmohgcf2u5lc8nuunl2l6li5wb40 5086685 5086651 2025-07-02T16:35:39Z Bluecoordinationfine 2327039 Added two more listings from the GR 10 article. 5086685 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port Wikivoyage Banner.jpg}} '''Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port''' is a town of 1,500 people (2019) in [[Pyrénées-Atlantiques]], [[France]]. It is a common starting point for the [[French Way]] of the pilgrim route [[Camino de Santiago]], to Santiago de Compostela in [[Galicia]]. Over 30,000 pilgrims started in this town in 2024. ==Understand== {{Climate | units = Metric | janhigh = 9 | febhigh = 10 | marhigh = 13 | aprhigh = 15 | mayhigh = 18 | junhigh = 22 | julhigh = 23 | aughigh = 24 | sephigh = 22 | octhigh = 18 | novhigh = 12 | dechigh = 10 | janlow = 2 | feblow = 2 | marlow = 4 | aprlow = 6 | maylow = 9 | junlow = 13 | jullow = 14 | auglow = 15 | seplow = 13 | octlow = 10 | novlow = 6 | declow = 3 | janprecip = 117 | febprecip = 105 | marprecip = 101 | aprprecip = 134 | mayprecip = 125 | junprecip = 103 | julprecip = 92 | augprecip = 95 | sepprecip = 98 | octprecip = 117 | novprecip = 144 | decprecip = 114 | description = }} [[File:FR-64-Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port09.JPG|thumb|upright 1.5|View of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port]] The town lies on the river Nive, {{nowrap|8 km}} from the Spanish border. It is the head town of the region of Cize (Basque: Garazi), and was the capital of the former Basque province of Lower Navarre. The town's name means "Saint John [at the] Foot of [the] Pass"; the pass leads through the Pyrenees to Spain. That's where the pilgrims go. ==Get in== === By plane === There are several airports around, from which you can reach the town quite easily. You can fly to [[Biarritz]]'s airport ({{IATA|BIQ}}) with direct flights from several countries and international one-stop connections by Air France. From the airport take a direct city bus to the train station of [[Bayonne (France)|Bayonne]] und then a train to {{marker|type=go|wikidata=Q2220150|name=Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port railway station}}. For an airport transfer, taxi, bus or coach service from Biarritz Airport to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, you can contact [https://www.expressbourricot.com/persons-transport/ Express Bourricot]{{Dead link|date=July 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}, [https://www.sea-lifts.com/transfers/st-jean-pied-de-port/ Sea-Lifts] or [http://www.biarritzairporttransfers.com/Biarritz-to-Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.html Biarritz Airport Transfers]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. The airport of [[Pamplona]] is served by international one-stop connections by Iberia. From the airport you can take a taxi to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port for more than €100 (January 2025). You may find other people at the airport to split the bill with. On the French side there are the airports of [[Toulouse]], [[Bordeaux]], [[Tarbes]] and [[Pau]]. All these towns have direct trains (and intercity buses) to Bayonne. From Bayonne take a train to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. On the Spanish side you will find international low-cost flights to the airport of [[Bilbao]]. From Bilbao take an intercity bus to Bayonne and from there a train to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. One more possibility is to fly the airport of [[San Sebastián]]. ===By train=== There are trains from [[Paris#By train|Gare Montparnasse in Paris]] to Bayonne: 4 hr, 4–6 trains/day. Book online at [https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/tgv/route/paris/bayonne SNCF Connect]. From [[Bayonne (France)|Bayonne]], there are trains onwards to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port: 1½ hr, 4–5 trains/day. Book at [https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/train/route/bayonne/saint-jean-pied-de-port SNCF Connect] ([https://www.sncf-connect.com/app/en-en/home/doorToDoor/itineraries at SNCF Connect] itinerary). There are also trains from the train station of [[Biarritz]] in the south of the town from which you need to change the train in Bayonne ([https://www.sncf-connect.com/app/en-en/home/doorToDoor/itineraries SNCF Connect]). From [[Madrid]], you can take a train to [[Pamplona]] and take a taxi from there. ===By pilgrimage=== Before the age of rail, most pilgrims had to walk all the way from home to reach Santiago de Compostela. Several of the [[Routes to Santiago de Compostela from France|routes through France]] pass through this town and still see use by pilgrims. However, the Napoleon route from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Pamplona is ''closed'' from November to March every year; in these months you need to take the route via [[French Way#Saint Jean Pied de Port to Pamplona|Valcarlos]]. ==Get around== [[File:Notre-Dame (St-Jean) choeur.jpg|thumb|upright 1.4|Choir of the church of Notre Dame in Saint-Jean]] Walk. ==See== There are many very old buildings, built of pink and grey schist, which retain distinctive features including inscriptions over their doors. * {{see | name=Cobbled Ru de la Citadelle | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Notre-dame-du-Bout-du-Pont | alt=Église de l'Assomption de la Vierge | url= | email= | address=Rue de la Citadelle | lat=43.16241 | long=-1.23713 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=It may have free trekking or hiking poles. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=porte Saint-Jacques | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q56682398 | lastedit=2020-05-15 | content= }} ==Do== [[File:Saint Jean - F 64220.jpg|thumb|St. John points the way to pilgrims]] Begin the [[French Way]] of the [[Camino de Santiago]] (Spanish also El Camino; Galician: O Camiño de Santiago, Ruta Xacobea; French: Chemin de St-Jacques, German: Jakobsweg) About 14 percent of the pilgrims who finish the French Way in Santiago started their journey in this town. Referred to as ''pilgrims'' (''pèlerins'' in France and ''peregrinos'' in Spanish), many international travellers choose this, as it is the starting point in France that is closest to the Spanish border. Pilgrims begin by reporting in to the Pilgrim's Office to obtain their ''credencial'' to begin their journey. * {{Do|name=Pilgrim Office|alt=Accueil aux Pèlerins / Amis du Chemin de Saint-Jacques |url=https://www.aucoeurduchemin.org/?lang=en |address=39 rue de la Citadelle |lat=43.1634508|long=-1.2358289 |hours=Daily 07:30–12:00, 13:30–20:00 |lastedit=2022-02-18 |content=Go pick up your Pilgrim Passport as soon as you arrive in town. }} ==Buy== There are ATMs. The biggest supermarkts near the centre are ''Lidl'', ''Carrefour Market'' and ''Intermarché Super''. * {{Buy |name=La Boutique du Pèlerin|url=|email=directioncompostelle@orange.fr |address=32 Rue de la Citadelle |lat=43.1631462|long=-1.2360994 |phone=+33 5 59 37 98 52|hours=Daily 06:30-20:30 |lastedit=2022-03-12 |content=Stock up on hiking supplies you forgot such as hiking sticks, backpacks, clothes, shoes, guidebooks, etc. }} * {{listing|type=buy|name=Maya-Sports|lat=43.166315301|long=-1.23308887678|address=18 Av. du Jai Alai, 64220 Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port|phone=+33 5 59 37 00 47|url=https://www.mayasport.fr/|content=Outdoor gear shop across from the train station. Open M-Sa 09:00-12:00 and 14:00-19:00.}} * Free trekking or hiking poles may be available at Notre-dame-du-Bout-du-Pont. See above under See. [[File:St-Jean-pied-de-port, Porte de Navarre HDR (1872407835).jpg|thumb|Porte de Navarre]] ==Eat== ===Budget=== * {{eat | name=Bar Brasserie Pizzeria | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Menu from €10 (Aug 2024) | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-01-01 | content=A casual spot offering a variety of savory pizzas, with a relaxed brasserie atmosphere. The focus is on classic pizza options alongside hearty brasserie-style meals. }} * {{eat | name=Café des Sports | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-01-01 | content=A traditional, cozy café serving simple yet flavorful dishes. The menu features a mix of local and French-inspired savory options in a laid-back environment. }} * {{eat | name=Pizz a Uhart Papy-Jo | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-01-01 | content=Known for its rustic pizzeria setting, it offers a wide selection of pizzas, with an emphasis on traditional, savory toppings and a homey feel. }} * {{eat | name=Damico's | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-01-01 | content=A comfortable and informal eatery that specializes in Italian cuisine. The savory menu includes a range of pizzas and pasta dishes, focusing on bold and rich flavors. }} * {{eat | name=Pizza Ona Garazi | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-01-01 | content=A pizzeria with a modern vibe, offering a variety of savory pizzas. The focus is on fresh, quality ingredients with a local touch. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=Restaurant "Comme A La Maison" | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=€20-30 | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-01-01 | content=A warm and inviting restaurant offering a menu filled with traditional French dishes. The focus is on hearty, savory meals made with fresh, local ingredients, served in a homely, comfortable setting. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Cidrerie Hurrup Eta Klik | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=€20-30 | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-01-01 | content=A rustic, cider-focused eatery with a regional touch, offering savory Basque-inspired dishes. The menu highlights local specialties, emphasizing fresh, seasonal ingredients in a traditional Basque style. }} * {{eat | name=Café de la Paix | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=€20-30 | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-01-01 | content=A classic café with a charming ambiance, serving a variety of savory French dishes. The menu combines traditional and regional flavors, offering simple yet flavorful meals in a cozy, relaxed atmosphere. }} ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{sleep |name=Beilari |alt=Esprit du Chemin |url=https://www.beilari.info |email=info@beilari.info |address=40 Rue de la Citadelle|lat=43.1632976|long=-1.2358085|directions=Across street from Pilgrim Office |phone=+33 5 59 37 24 68|checkin=06:30|checkout=22:00 |price=€40 per person including dinner and breakfast. |lastedit=2022-02-18 }} * {{sleep | name=Gite Makila | alt= | url=https://makila-saintjean.com/ | email=info@makila-saintjean.com | address=Rue de la Citadelle 35 | lat=43.163396 | long=-1.235955 | directions=2 doors down from Pilgrim's Office | phone=+33 6 63 10 13 46 | tollfree= | checkin=15:00-20:30 | checkout=08:30 | price=€25 including breakfast | lastedit=2022-04-18 | content=Nice hostel. Bunkbeds have curtain and individual electric outlets. }} * {{sleep |name=Refuge Municipal|alt=Ospitalia |url=|email= |address=55 Rue de la Citadelle |lat=43.1637244|long=-1.2347011 |directions= |phone=+33 6 17 10 31 89 |tollfree=|fax= |checkin=14:30|checkout= |hours= |price=Dorm €12, double €30 |lastedit=2022-02-18 |content=32 beds. }} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping de La Truite|url=http://www.camping-delatruite.com/|content=Open March 1 - Dec 15.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Narbaitz|url=http://www.camping-narbaitz.com/|content=Closer to town. Open mid-March - mid-September; tent spaces from June 20.}} ==Connect== ==Go next== [[Spain]] {{routebox| placename=Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port | image2=Vieira Xacobea.svg | imagesize2=20 | directionl2=w | majorl2=[[Roncesvalles|Roncesvalles, Spain]] | minorl2= Orisson | directionr2=E | majorr2=Staring point of The French way | minorr2= | link2=[[French way]] | caption2=Way of St. James }} {{geo|43.1667|-1.2333}} {{IsPartOf|Pyrénées-Atlantiques}} {{outlinecity}} qvwy9ooq4qcqaopujptlsev1wyqgqe2 5086775 5086685 2025-07-02T20:11:07Z LPfi 79572 moved railway station from By plane to By train; "local and French-inspired" in France? combines traditional and regional flavours? c/e 5086775 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port Wikivoyage Banner.jpg}} '''Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port''' is a town of 1,500 people (2019) in [[Pyrénées-Atlantiques]], [[France]]. It is a common starting point for the [[French Way]] of the pilgrim route [[Camino de Santiago]], to Santiago de Compostela in [[Galicia]]. Over 30,000 pilgrims started in this town in 2024. ==Understand== {{Climate | units = Metric | janhigh = 9 | febhigh = 10 | marhigh = 13 | aprhigh = 15 | mayhigh = 18 | junhigh = 22 | julhigh = 23 | aughigh = 24 | sephigh = 22 | octhigh = 18 | novhigh = 12 | dechigh = 10 | janlow = 2 | feblow = 2 | marlow = 4 | aprlow = 6 | maylow = 9 | junlow = 13 | jullow = 14 | auglow = 15 | seplow = 13 | octlow = 10 | novlow = 6 | declow = 3 | janprecip = 117 | febprecip = 105 | marprecip = 101 | aprprecip = 134 | mayprecip = 125 | junprecip = 103 | julprecip = 92 | augprecip = 95 | sepprecip = 98 | octprecip = 117 | novprecip = 144 | decprecip = 114 | description = }} [[File:FR-64-Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port09.JPG|thumb|upright 1.5|View of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port]] The town lies on the river Nive, {{nowrap|8 km}} from the Spanish border. It is the head town of the region of Cize (Basque: Garazi), and was the capital of the former Basque province of Lower Navarre. The town's name means "Saint John [at the] Foot of [the] Pass"; the pass leads through the Pyrenees to Spain. That's where the pilgrims go. ==Get in== === By plane === There are several airports around, from which you can reach the town quite easily. You can fly to [[Biarritz]]'s airport ({{IATA|BIQ}}) with direct flights from several countries and international one-stop connections by Air France. From the airport take a direct city bus to the train station of [[Bayonne (France)|Bayonne]] und then a train to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. For an airport transfer, taxi, bus or coach service from Biarritz Airport to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, you can contact [https://www.expressbourricot.com/persons-transport/ Express Bourricot]{{Dead link|date=July 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}, [https://www.sea-lifts.com/transfers/st-jean-pied-de-port/ Sea-Lifts] or [http://www.biarritzairporttransfers.com/Biarritz-to-Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.html Biarritz Airport Transfers]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. The airport of [[Pamplona]] is served by international one-stop connections by Iberia. From the airport you can take a taxi to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port for more than €100 (January 2025). You may find other people at the airport to split the bill with. On the French side there are the airports of [[Toulouse]], [[Bordeaux]], [[Tarbes]] and [[Pau]]. All these towns have direct trains (and intercity buses) to Bayonne. From Bayonne take a train to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. On the Spanish side you will find international low-cost flights to the airport of [[Bilbao]]. From Bilbao take an intercity bus to Bayonne and from there a train to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. One more possibility is to fly the airport of [[San Sebastián]]. ===By train=== {{go | name=Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port railway station | wikidata=Q2220150 }} There are trains from [[Paris#By train|Gare Montparnasse in Paris]] to Bayonne: 4 hr, 4–6 trains/day. Book online at [https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/tgv/route/paris/bayonne SNCF Connect]. From [[Bayonne (France)|Bayonne]], there are trains onwards to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port: 1½ hr, 4–5 trains/day. Book at [https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/train/route/bayonne/saint-jean-pied-de-port SNCF Connect] ([https://www.sncf-connect.com/app/en-en/home/doorToDoor/itineraries at SNCF Connect] itinerary). There are also trains from the train station of [[Biarritz]] in the south of the town from which you need to change the train in Bayonne ([https://www.sncf-connect.com/app/en-en/home/doorToDoor/itineraries SNCF Connect]). From [[Madrid]], you can take a train to [[Pamplona]] and take a taxi from there. ===By pilgrimage=== Before the age of rail, most pilgrims had to walk all the way from home to reach Santiago de Compostela. Several of the [[Routes to Santiago de Compostela from France|routes through France]] pass through this town and still see use by pilgrims. However, the Napoleon route from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Pamplona is ''closed'' from November to March every year; in these months you need to take the route via [[French Way#Saint Jean Pied de Port to Pamplona|Valcarlos]]. ==Get around== [[File:Notre-Dame (St-Jean) choeur.jpg|thumb|upright 1.4|Choir of the church of Notre Dame in Saint-Jean]] Walk. ==See== There are many very old buildings, built of pink and grey schist, which retain distinctive features including inscriptions over their doors. * {{see | name=Cobbled Ru de la Citadelle | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Notre-dame-du-Bout-du-Pont | alt=Église de l'Assomption de la Vierge | url= | email= | address=Rue de la Citadelle | lat=43.16241 | long=-1.23713 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=It may have free trekking or hiking poles. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=porte Saint-Jacques | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q56682398 | lastedit=2020-05-15 | content= }} ==Do== [[File:Saint Jean - F 64220.jpg|thumb|St. John points the way to pilgrims]] Begin the [[French Way]] of the [[Camino de Santiago]] (Spanish also El Camino; Galician: O Camiño de Santiago, Ruta Xacobea; French: Chemin de St-Jacques, German: Jakobsweg) About 14 percent of the pilgrims who finish the French Way in Santiago started their journey in this town. Referred to as ''pilgrims'' (''pèlerins'' in France and ''peregrinos'' in Spanish), many international travellers choose this, as it is the starting point in France that is closest to the Spanish border. Pilgrims begin by reporting in to the Pilgrim's Office to obtain their ''credencial'' to begin their journey. * {{Do|name=Pilgrim Office|alt=Accueil aux Pèlerins / Amis du Chemin de Saint-Jacques |url=https://www.aucoeurduchemin.org/?lang=en |address=39 rue de la Citadelle |lat=43.1634508|long=-1.2358289 |hours=Daily 07:30–12:00, 13:30–20:00 |lastedit=2022-02-18 |content=Go pick up your Pilgrim Passport as soon as you arrive in town. }} ==Buy== There are ATMs. The biggest supermarkts near the centre are ''Lidl'', ''Carrefour Market'' and ''Intermarché Super''. * {{Buy |name=La Boutique du Pèlerin|url=|email=directioncompostelle@orange.fr |address=32 Rue de la Citadelle |lat=43.1631462|long=-1.2360994 |phone=+33 5 59 37 98 52|hours=Daily 06:30-20:30 |lastedit=2022-03-12 |content=Stock up on hiking supplies you forgot such as hiking sticks, backpacks, clothes, shoes, guidebooks, etc. }} * {{Buy | name=Maya-Sports |url=https://www.mayasport.fr | lat=43.1663|long=-1.2331 |address=18 Av. du Jai Alai | phone=+33 5 59 37 00 47 | hours=M–Sa 09:00–12:00 and 14:00–19:00. | content=Outdoor gear shop across from the train station. }} * Free trekking or hiking poles may be available at Notre-dame-du-Bout-du-Pont. See above under See. [[File:St-Jean-pied-de-port, Porte de Navarre HDR (1872407835).jpg|thumb|Porte de Navarre]] ==Eat== ===Budget=== * {{eat | name=Bar Brasserie Pizzeria | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Menu from €10 (Aug 2024) | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-01-01 | content=A casual spot offering a variety of pizzas, with a relaxed brasserie atmosphere. The focus is on classic pizza options alongside hearty brasserie-style meals. }} * {{eat | name=Café des Sports | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-01-01 | content=A traditional, cosy café serving simple yet flavourful dishes. The menu features a mix of local and generally French-style savoury options in a laid-back environment. }} * {{eat | name=Pizz a Uhart Papy-Jo | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-01-01 | content=Known for its rustic pizzeria setting, it offers a wide selection of pizzas, with an emphasis on traditional toppings and a homey feel. }} * {{eat | name=Damico's | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-01-01 | content=A comfortable and informal eatery that specialises in Italian cuisine. The savoury menu includes a range of pizzas and pasta dishes, focusing on bold and rich flavours. }} * {{eat | name=Pizza Ona Garazi | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-01-01 | content=A pizzeria with a modern vibe, offering a variety of pizzas. The focus is on fresh, quality ingredients with a local touch. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=Restaurant "Comme à la maison" | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=€20-30 | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-01-01 | content=A warm and inviting restaurant offering traditional French dishes. The focus is on hearty meals made with fresh, local ingredients, served in a homely setting. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Cidrerie Hurrup Eta Klik | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=€20-30 | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-01-01 | content=A rustic, cider-focused eatery with a regional touch, offering Basque-inspired dishes. The menu highlights local specialities, emphasizing fresh, seasonal ingredients in a traditional Basque style. }} * {{eat | name=Café de la Paix | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=€20-30 | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-01-01 | content=A classic café with a charming ambiance, serving French dishes. The menu offers simple yet flavourful meals in a cosy atmosphere. }} ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{sleep |name=Beilari |alt=Esprit du Chemin |url=https://www.beilari.info |email=info@beilari.info |address=40 Rue de la Citadelle|lat=43.1633|long=-1.2358 |directions=across the street from Pilgrim Office |phone=+33 5 59 37 24 68|checkin=06:30|checkout=22:00 |price=€40 per person including dinner and breakfast. |lastedit=2022-02-18 |content= }} * {{sleep | name=Gite Makila | alt= | url=https://makila-saintjean.com | email=info@makila-saintjean.com | address=Rue de la Citadelle 35 | lat=43.163396 | long=-1.235955 | directions=2 doors down from Pilgrim's Office | phone=+33 6 63 10 13 46 | tollfree= | checkin=15:00-20:30 | checkout=08:30 | price=€25 including breakfast | lastedit=2022-04-18 | content=Nice hostel. The bunk beds have curtains and individual electric outlets. }} * {{sleep |name=Refuge Municipal|alt=Ospitalia |url=|email= |address=55 Rue de la Citadelle |lat=43.1637244|long=-1.2347011 |directions= |phone=+33 6 17 10 31 89 |tollfree=|fax= |checkin=14:30|checkout= |hours= |price=Dorm €12, double €30 |lastedit=2022-02-18 |content=32 beds. }} * {{sleep | name=Camping de La Truite | url=http://www.camping-delatruite.com | hours=1 Mar–15 Dec | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Camping Narbaitz | url=http://www.camping-narbaitz.com | directions=closer to town than La Truite | hours=mid-Mar–mid-Sep; tent spaces from 20 June | content= }} ==Connect== ==Go next== [[Spain]] {{routebox| placename=Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port | image2=Vieira Xacobea.svg | imagesize2=20 | directionl2=w | majorl2=[[Roncesvalles|Roncesvalles, Spain]] | minorl2= Orisson | directionr2=E | majorr2=Staring point of The French way | minorr2= | link2=[[French way]] | caption2=Way of St. James }} {{geo|43.1667|-1.2333}} {{IsPartOf|Pyrénées-Atlantiques}} {{outlinecity}} 2swmhfmldnezficj9ehj536enrluymm 5086777 5086775 2025-07-02T20:12:15Z LPfi 79572 /* Understand */ first image before climate chart 5086777 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port Wikivoyage Banner.jpg}} '''Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port''' is a town of 1,500 people (2019) in [[Pyrénées-Atlantiques]], [[France]]. It is a common starting point for the [[French Way]] of the pilgrim route [[Camino de Santiago]], to Santiago de Compostela in [[Galicia]]. Over 30,000 pilgrims started in this town in 2024. ==Understand== [[File:FR-64-Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port09.JPG|thumb|upright 1.5|View of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port]] {{Climate | units = Metric | janhigh = 9 | febhigh = 10 | marhigh = 13 | aprhigh = 15 | mayhigh = 18 | junhigh = 22 | julhigh = 23 | aughigh = 24 | sephigh = 22 | octhigh = 18 | novhigh = 12 | dechigh = 10 | janlow = 2 | feblow = 2 | marlow = 4 | aprlow = 6 | maylow = 9 | junlow = 13 | jullow = 14 | auglow = 15 | seplow = 13 | octlow = 10 | novlow = 6 | declow = 3 | janprecip = 117 | febprecip = 105 | marprecip = 101 | aprprecip = 134 | mayprecip = 125 | junprecip = 103 | julprecip = 92 | augprecip = 95 | sepprecip = 98 | octprecip = 117 | novprecip = 144 | decprecip = 114 | description = }} The town lies on the river Nive, {{nowrap|8 km}} from the Spanish border. It is the head town of the region of Cize (Basque: Garazi), and was the capital of the former Basque province of Lower Navarre. The town's name means "Saint John [at the] Foot of [the] Pass"; the pass leads through the Pyrenees to Spain. That's where the pilgrims go. ==Get in== === By plane === There are several airports around, from which you can reach the town quite easily. You can fly to [[Biarritz]]'s airport ({{IATA|BIQ}}) with direct flights from several countries and international one-stop connections by Air France. From the airport take a direct city bus to the train station of [[Bayonne (France)|Bayonne]] und then a train to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. For an airport transfer, taxi, bus or coach service from Biarritz Airport to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, you can contact [https://www.expressbourricot.com/persons-transport/ Express Bourricot]{{Dead link|date=July 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}, [https://www.sea-lifts.com/transfers/st-jean-pied-de-port/ Sea-Lifts] or [http://www.biarritzairporttransfers.com/Biarritz-to-Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.html Biarritz Airport Transfers]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. The airport of [[Pamplona]] is served by international one-stop connections by Iberia. From the airport you can take a taxi to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port for more than €100 (January 2025). You may find other people at the airport to split the bill with. On the French side there are the airports of [[Toulouse]], [[Bordeaux]], [[Tarbes]] and [[Pau]]. All these towns have direct trains (and intercity buses) to Bayonne. From Bayonne take a train to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. On the Spanish side you will find international low-cost flights to the airport of [[Bilbao]]. From Bilbao take an intercity bus to Bayonne and from there a train to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. One more possibility is to fly the airport of [[San Sebastián]]. ===By train=== {{go | name=Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port railway station | wikidata=Q2220150 }} There are trains from [[Paris#By train|Gare Montparnasse in Paris]] to Bayonne: 4 hr, 4–6 trains/day. Book online at [https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/tgv/route/paris/bayonne SNCF Connect]. From [[Bayonne (France)|Bayonne]], there are trains onwards to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port: 1½ hr, 4–5 trains/day. Book at [https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/train/route/bayonne/saint-jean-pied-de-port SNCF Connect] ([https://www.sncf-connect.com/app/en-en/home/doorToDoor/itineraries at SNCF Connect] itinerary). There are also trains from the train station of [[Biarritz]] in the south of the town from which you need to change the train in Bayonne ([https://www.sncf-connect.com/app/en-en/home/doorToDoor/itineraries SNCF Connect]). From [[Madrid]], you can take a train to [[Pamplona]] and take a taxi from there. ===By pilgrimage=== Before the age of rail, most pilgrims had to walk all the way from home to reach Santiago de Compostela. Several of the [[Routes to Santiago de Compostela from France|routes through France]] pass through this town and still see use by pilgrims. However, the Napoleon route from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Pamplona is ''closed'' from November to March every year; in these months you need to take the route via [[French Way#Saint Jean Pied de Port to Pamplona|Valcarlos]]. ==Get around== [[File:Notre-Dame (St-Jean) choeur.jpg|thumb|upright 1.4|Choir of the church of Notre Dame in Saint-Jean]] Walk. ==See== There are many very old buildings, built of pink and grey schist, which retain distinctive features including inscriptions over their doors. * {{see | name=Cobbled Ru de la Citadelle | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Notre-dame-du-Bout-du-Pont | alt=Église de l'Assomption de la Vierge | url= | email= | address=Rue de la Citadelle | lat=43.16241 | long=-1.23713 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=It may have free trekking or hiking poles. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=porte Saint-Jacques | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q56682398 | lastedit=2020-05-15 | content= }} ==Do== [[File:Saint Jean - F 64220.jpg|thumb|St. John points the way to pilgrims]] Begin the [[French Way]] of the [[Camino de Santiago]] (Spanish also El Camino; Galician: O Camiño de Santiago, Ruta Xacobea; French: Chemin de St-Jacques, German: Jakobsweg) About 14 percent of the pilgrims who finish the French Way in Santiago started their journey in this town. Referred to as ''pilgrims'' (''pèlerins'' in France and ''peregrinos'' in Spanish), many international travellers choose this, as it is the starting point in France that is closest to the Spanish border. Pilgrims begin by reporting in to the Pilgrim's Office to obtain their ''credencial'' to begin their journey. * {{Do|name=Pilgrim Office|alt=Accueil aux Pèlerins / Amis du Chemin de Saint-Jacques |url=https://www.aucoeurduchemin.org/?lang=en |address=39 rue de la Citadelle |lat=43.1634508|long=-1.2358289 |hours=Daily 07:30–12:00, 13:30–20:00 |lastedit=2022-02-18 |content=Go pick up your Pilgrim Passport as soon as you arrive in town. }} ==Buy== There are ATMs. The biggest supermarkts near the centre are ''Lidl'', ''Carrefour Market'' and ''Intermarché Super''. * {{Buy |name=La Boutique du Pèlerin|url=|email=directioncompostelle@orange.fr |address=32 Rue de la Citadelle |lat=43.1631462|long=-1.2360994 |phone=+33 5 59 37 98 52|hours=Daily 06:30-20:30 |lastedit=2022-03-12 |content=Stock up on hiking supplies you forgot such as hiking sticks, backpacks, clothes, shoes, guidebooks, etc. }} * {{Buy | name=Maya-Sports |url=https://www.mayasport.fr | lat=43.1663|long=-1.2331 |address=18 Av. du Jai Alai | phone=+33 5 59 37 00 47 | hours=M–Sa 09:00–12:00 and 14:00–19:00. | content=Outdoor gear shop across from the train station. }} * Free trekking or hiking poles may be available at Notre-dame-du-Bout-du-Pont. See above under See. [[File:St-Jean-pied-de-port, Porte de Navarre HDR (1872407835).jpg|thumb|Porte de Navarre]] ==Eat== ===Budget=== * {{eat | name=Bar Brasserie Pizzeria | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Menu from €10 (Aug 2024) | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-01-01 | content=A casual spot offering a variety of pizzas, with a relaxed brasserie atmosphere. The focus is on classic pizza options alongside hearty brasserie-style meals. }} * {{eat | name=Café des Sports | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-01-01 | content=A traditional, cosy café serving simple yet flavourful dishes. The menu features a mix of local and generally French-style savoury options in a laid-back environment. }} * {{eat | name=Pizz a Uhart Papy-Jo | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-01-01 | content=Known for its rustic pizzeria setting, it offers a wide selection of pizzas, with an emphasis on traditional toppings and a homey feel. }} * {{eat | name=Damico's | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-01-01 | content=A comfortable and informal eatery that specialises in Italian cuisine. The savoury menu includes a range of pizzas and pasta dishes, focusing on bold and rich flavours. }} * {{eat | name=Pizza Ona Garazi | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-01-01 | content=A pizzeria with a modern vibe, offering a variety of pizzas. The focus is on fresh, quality ingredients with a local touch. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=Restaurant "Comme à la maison" | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=€20-30 | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-01-01 | content=A warm and inviting restaurant offering traditional French dishes. The focus is on hearty meals made with fresh, local ingredients, served in a homely setting. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Cidrerie Hurrup Eta Klik | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=€20-30 | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-01-01 | content=A rustic, cider-focused eatery with a regional touch, offering Basque-inspired dishes. The menu highlights local specialities, emphasizing fresh, seasonal ingredients in a traditional Basque style. }} * {{eat | name=Café de la Paix | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=€20-30 | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-01-01 | content=A classic café with a charming ambiance, serving French dishes. The menu offers simple yet flavourful meals in a cosy atmosphere. }} ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{sleep |name=Beilari |alt=Esprit du Chemin |url=https://www.beilari.info |email=info@beilari.info |address=40 Rue de la Citadelle|lat=43.1633|long=-1.2358 |directions=across the street from Pilgrim Office |phone=+33 5 59 37 24 68|checkin=06:30|checkout=22:00 |price=€40 per person including dinner and breakfast. |lastedit=2022-02-18 |content= }} * {{sleep | name=Gite Makila | alt= | url=https://makila-saintjean.com | email=info@makila-saintjean.com | address=Rue de la Citadelle 35 | lat=43.163396 | long=-1.235955 | directions=2 doors down from Pilgrim's Office | phone=+33 6 63 10 13 46 | tollfree= | checkin=15:00-20:30 | checkout=08:30 | price=€25 including breakfast | lastedit=2022-04-18 | content=Nice hostel. The bunk beds have curtains and individual electric outlets. }} * {{sleep |name=Refuge Municipal|alt=Ospitalia |url=|email= |address=55 Rue de la Citadelle |lat=43.1637244|long=-1.2347011 |directions= |phone=+33 6 17 10 31 89 |tollfree=|fax= |checkin=14:30|checkout= |hours= |price=Dorm €12, double €30 |lastedit=2022-02-18 |content=32 beds. }} * {{sleep | name=Camping de La Truite | url=http://www.camping-delatruite.com | hours=1 Mar–15 Dec | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Camping Narbaitz | url=http://www.camping-narbaitz.com | directions=closer to town than La Truite | hours=mid-Mar–mid-Sep; tent spaces from 20 June | content= }} ==Connect== ==Go next== [[Spain]] {{routebox| placename=Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port | image2=Vieira Xacobea.svg | imagesize2=20 | directionl2=w | majorl2=[[Roncesvalles|Roncesvalles, Spain]] | minorl2= Orisson | directionr2=E | majorr2=Staring point of The French way | minorr2= | link2=[[French way]] | caption2=Way of St. James }} {{geo|43.1667|-1.2333}} {{IsPartOf|Pyrénées-Atlantiques}} {{outlinecity}} f33gz02hd0s8trtijuctpwhm4y315gv 5086779 5086777 2025-07-02T20:14:19Z LPfi 79572 /* See */ 5086779 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port Wikivoyage Banner.jpg}} '''Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port''' is a town of 1,500 people (2019) in [[Pyrénées-Atlantiques]], [[France]]. It is a common starting point for the [[French Way]] of the pilgrim route [[Camino de Santiago]], to Santiago de Compostela in [[Galicia]]. Over 30,000 pilgrims started in this town in 2024. ==Understand== [[File:FR-64-Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port09.JPG|thumb|upright 1.5|View of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port]] {{Climate | units = Metric | janhigh = 9 | febhigh = 10 | marhigh = 13 | aprhigh = 15 | mayhigh = 18 | junhigh = 22 | julhigh = 23 | aughigh = 24 | sephigh = 22 | octhigh = 18 | novhigh = 12 | dechigh = 10 | janlow = 2 | feblow = 2 | marlow = 4 | aprlow = 6 | maylow = 9 | junlow = 13 | jullow = 14 | auglow = 15 | seplow = 13 | octlow = 10 | novlow = 6 | declow = 3 | janprecip = 117 | febprecip = 105 | marprecip = 101 | aprprecip = 134 | mayprecip = 125 | junprecip = 103 | julprecip = 92 | augprecip = 95 | sepprecip = 98 | octprecip = 117 | novprecip = 144 | decprecip = 114 | description = }} The town lies on the river Nive, {{nowrap|8 km}} from the Spanish border. It is the head town of the region of Cize (Basque: Garazi), and was the capital of the former Basque province of Lower Navarre. The town's name means "Saint John [at the] Foot of [the] Pass"; the pass leads through the Pyrenees to Spain. That's where the pilgrims go. ==Get in== === By plane === There are several airports around, from which you can reach the town quite easily. You can fly to [[Biarritz]]'s airport ({{IATA|BIQ}}) with direct flights from several countries and international one-stop connections by Air France. From the airport take a direct city bus to the train station of [[Bayonne (France)|Bayonne]] und then a train to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. For an airport transfer, taxi, bus or coach service from Biarritz Airport to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, you can contact [https://www.expressbourricot.com/persons-transport/ Express Bourricot]{{Dead link|date=July 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}, [https://www.sea-lifts.com/transfers/st-jean-pied-de-port/ Sea-Lifts] or [http://www.biarritzairporttransfers.com/Biarritz-to-Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.html Biarritz Airport Transfers]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. The airport of [[Pamplona]] is served by international one-stop connections by Iberia. From the airport you can take a taxi to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port for more than €100 (January 2025). You may find other people at the airport to split the bill with. On the French side there are the airports of [[Toulouse]], [[Bordeaux]], [[Tarbes]] and [[Pau]]. All these towns have direct trains (and intercity buses) to Bayonne. From Bayonne take a train to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. On the Spanish side you will find international low-cost flights to the airport of [[Bilbao]]. From Bilbao take an intercity bus to Bayonne and from there a train to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. One more possibility is to fly the airport of [[San Sebastián]]. ===By train=== {{go | name=Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port railway station | wikidata=Q2220150 }} There are trains from [[Paris#By train|Gare Montparnasse in Paris]] to Bayonne: 4 hr, 4–6 trains/day. Book online at [https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/tgv/route/paris/bayonne SNCF Connect]. From [[Bayonne (France)|Bayonne]], there are trains onwards to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port: 1½ hr, 4–5 trains/day. Book at [https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/train/route/bayonne/saint-jean-pied-de-port SNCF Connect] ([https://www.sncf-connect.com/app/en-en/home/doorToDoor/itineraries at SNCF Connect] itinerary). There are also trains from the train station of [[Biarritz]] in the south of the town from which you need to change the train in Bayonne ([https://www.sncf-connect.com/app/en-en/home/doorToDoor/itineraries SNCF Connect]). From [[Madrid]], you can take a train to [[Pamplona]] and take a taxi from there. ===By pilgrimage=== Before the age of rail, most pilgrims had to walk all the way from home to reach Santiago de Compostela. Several of the [[Routes to Santiago de Compostela from France|routes through France]] pass through this town and still see use by pilgrims. However, the Napoleon route from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Pamplona is ''closed'' from November to March every year; in these months you need to take the route via [[French Way#Saint Jean Pied de Port to Pamplona|Valcarlos]]. ==Get around== [[File:Notre-Dame (St-Jean) choeur.jpg|thumb|upright 1.4|Choir of the church of Notre Dame in Saint-Jean]] Walk. ==See== There are many very old buildings, built of pink and grey schist, which retain distinctive features including inscriptions over their doors. * {{see | name=Cobbled Ru de la Citadelle | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Notre-dame-du-Bout-du-Pont | alt=Église de l'Assomption de la Vierge | url= | email= | address=Rue de la Citadelle | lat=43.16241 | long=-1.23713 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=It may have free trekking or hiking poles. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Porte Saint-Jacques | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q56682398 | lastedit=2020-05-15 | content= }} ==Do== [[File:Saint Jean - F 64220.jpg|thumb|St. John points the way to pilgrims]] Begin the [[French Way]] of the [[Camino de Santiago]] (Spanish also El Camino; Galician: O Camiño de Santiago, Ruta Xacobea; French: Chemin de St-Jacques, German: Jakobsweg) About 14 percent of the pilgrims who finish the French Way in Santiago started their journey in this town. Referred to as ''pilgrims'' (''pèlerins'' in France and ''peregrinos'' in Spanish), many international travellers choose this, as it is the starting point in France that is closest to the Spanish border. Pilgrims begin by reporting in to the Pilgrim's Office to obtain their ''credencial'' to begin their journey. * {{Do|name=Pilgrim Office|alt=Accueil aux Pèlerins / Amis du Chemin de Saint-Jacques |url=https://www.aucoeurduchemin.org/?lang=en |address=39 rue de la Citadelle |lat=43.1634508|long=-1.2358289 |hours=Daily 07:30–12:00, 13:30–20:00 |lastedit=2022-02-18 |content=Go pick up your Pilgrim Passport as soon as you arrive in town. }} ==Buy== There are ATMs. The biggest supermarkts near the centre are ''Lidl'', ''Carrefour Market'' and ''Intermarché Super''. * {{Buy |name=La Boutique du Pèlerin|url=|email=directioncompostelle@orange.fr |address=32 Rue de la Citadelle |lat=43.1631462|long=-1.2360994 |phone=+33 5 59 37 98 52|hours=Daily 06:30-20:30 |lastedit=2022-03-12 |content=Stock up on hiking supplies you forgot such as hiking sticks, backpacks, clothes, shoes, guidebooks, etc. }} * {{Buy | name=Maya-Sports |url=https://www.mayasport.fr | lat=43.1663|long=-1.2331 |address=18 Av. du Jai Alai | phone=+33 5 59 37 00 47 | hours=M–Sa 09:00–12:00 and 14:00–19:00. | content=Outdoor gear shop across from the train station. }} * Free trekking or hiking poles may be available at Notre-dame-du-Bout-du-Pont. See above under See. [[File:St-Jean-pied-de-port, Porte de Navarre HDR (1872407835).jpg|thumb|Porte de Navarre]] ==Eat== ===Budget=== * {{eat | name=Bar Brasserie Pizzeria | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Menu from €10 (Aug 2024) | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-01-01 | content=A casual spot offering a variety of pizzas, with a relaxed brasserie atmosphere. The focus is on classic pizza options alongside hearty brasserie-style meals. }} * {{eat | name=Café des Sports | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-01-01 | content=A traditional, cosy café serving simple yet flavourful dishes. The menu features a mix of local and generally French-style savoury options in a laid-back environment. }} * {{eat | name=Pizz a Uhart Papy-Jo | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-01-01 | content=Known for its rustic pizzeria setting, it offers a wide selection of pizzas, with an emphasis on traditional toppings and a homey feel. }} * {{eat | name=Damico's | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-01-01 | content=A comfortable and informal eatery that specialises in Italian cuisine. The savoury menu includes a range of pizzas and pasta dishes, focusing on bold and rich flavours. }} * {{eat | name=Pizza Ona Garazi | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-01-01 | content=A pizzeria with a modern vibe, offering a variety of pizzas. The focus is on fresh, quality ingredients with a local touch. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=Restaurant "Comme à la maison" | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=€20-30 | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-01-01 | content=A warm and inviting restaurant offering traditional French dishes. The focus is on hearty meals made with fresh, local ingredients, served in a homely setting. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Cidrerie Hurrup Eta Klik | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=€20-30 | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-01-01 | content=A rustic, cider-focused eatery with a regional touch, offering Basque-inspired dishes. The menu highlights local specialities, emphasizing fresh, seasonal ingredients in a traditional Basque style. }} * {{eat | name=Café de la Paix | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=€20-30 | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-01-01 | content=A classic café with a charming ambiance, serving French dishes. The menu offers simple yet flavourful meals in a cosy atmosphere. }} ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{sleep |name=Beilari |alt=Esprit du Chemin |url=https://www.beilari.info |email=info@beilari.info |address=40 Rue de la Citadelle|lat=43.1633|long=-1.2358 |directions=across the street from Pilgrim Office |phone=+33 5 59 37 24 68|checkin=06:30|checkout=22:00 |price=€40 per person including dinner and breakfast. |lastedit=2022-02-18 |content= }} * {{sleep | name=Gite Makila | alt= | url=https://makila-saintjean.com | email=info@makila-saintjean.com | address=Rue de la Citadelle 35 | lat=43.163396 | long=-1.235955 | directions=2 doors down from Pilgrim's Office | phone=+33 6 63 10 13 46 | tollfree= | checkin=15:00-20:30 | checkout=08:30 | price=€25 including breakfast | lastedit=2022-04-18 | content=Nice hostel. The bunk beds have curtains and individual electric outlets. }} * {{sleep |name=Refuge Municipal|alt=Ospitalia |url=|email= |address=55 Rue de la Citadelle |lat=43.1637244|long=-1.2347011 |directions= |phone=+33 6 17 10 31 89 |tollfree=|fax= |checkin=14:30|checkout= |hours= |price=Dorm €12, double €30 |lastedit=2022-02-18 |content=32 beds. }} * {{sleep | name=Camping de La Truite | url=http://www.camping-delatruite.com | hours=1 Mar–15 Dec | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Camping Narbaitz | url=http://www.camping-narbaitz.com | directions=closer to town than La Truite | hours=mid-Mar–mid-Sep; tent spaces from 20 June | content= }} ==Connect== ==Go next== [[Spain]] {{routebox| placename=Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port | image2=Vieira Xacobea.svg | imagesize2=20 | directionl2=w | majorl2=[[Roncesvalles|Roncesvalles, Spain]] | minorl2= Orisson | directionr2=E | majorr2=Staring point of The French way | minorr2= | link2=[[French way]] | caption2=Way of St. James }} {{geo|43.1667|-1.2333}} {{IsPartOf|Pyrénées-Atlantiques}} {{outlinecity}} 4m52shuo5tfaw3ooqztufnay4bs1y4h 5086788 5086779 2025-07-02T20:40:37Z LPfi 79572 /* Sleep */ details from websites 5086788 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port Wikivoyage Banner.jpg}} '''Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port''' is a town of 1,500 people (2019) in [[Pyrénées-Atlantiques]], [[France]]. It is a common starting point for the [[French Way]] of the pilgrim route [[Camino de Santiago]], to Santiago de Compostela in [[Galicia]]. Over 30,000 pilgrims started in this town in 2024. ==Understand== [[File:FR-64-Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port09.JPG|thumb|upright 1.5|View of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port]] {{Climate | units = Metric | janhigh = 9 | febhigh = 10 | marhigh = 13 | aprhigh = 15 | mayhigh = 18 | junhigh = 22 | julhigh = 23 | aughigh = 24 | sephigh = 22 | octhigh = 18 | novhigh = 12 | dechigh = 10 | janlow = 2 | feblow = 2 | marlow = 4 | aprlow = 6 | maylow = 9 | junlow = 13 | jullow = 14 | auglow = 15 | seplow = 13 | octlow = 10 | novlow = 6 | declow = 3 | janprecip = 117 | febprecip = 105 | marprecip = 101 | aprprecip = 134 | mayprecip = 125 | junprecip = 103 | julprecip = 92 | augprecip = 95 | sepprecip = 98 | octprecip = 117 | novprecip = 144 | decprecip = 114 | description = }} The town lies on the river Nive, {{nowrap|8 km}} from the Spanish border. It is the head town of the region of Cize (Basque: Garazi), and was the capital of the former Basque province of Lower Navarre. The town's name means "Saint John [at the] Foot of [the] Pass"; the pass leads through the Pyrenees to Spain. That's where the pilgrims go. ==Get in== === By plane === There are several airports around, from which you can reach the town quite easily. You can fly to [[Biarritz]]'s airport ({{IATA|BIQ}}) with direct flights from several countries and international one-stop connections by Air France. From the airport take a direct city bus to the train station of [[Bayonne (France)|Bayonne]] und then a train to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. For an airport transfer, taxi, bus or coach service from Biarritz Airport to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, you can contact [https://www.expressbourricot.com/persons-transport/ Express Bourricot]{{Dead link|date=July 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}, [https://www.sea-lifts.com/transfers/st-jean-pied-de-port/ Sea-Lifts] or [http://www.biarritzairporttransfers.com/Biarritz-to-Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.html Biarritz Airport Transfers]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. The airport of [[Pamplona]] is served by international one-stop connections by Iberia. From the airport you can take a taxi to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port for more than €100 (January 2025). You may find other people at the airport to split the bill with. On the French side there are the airports of [[Toulouse]], [[Bordeaux]], [[Tarbes]] and [[Pau]]. All these towns have direct trains (and intercity buses) to Bayonne. From Bayonne take a train to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. On the Spanish side you will find international low-cost flights to the airport of [[Bilbao]]. From Bilbao take an intercity bus to Bayonne and from there a train to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. One more possibility is to fly the airport of [[San Sebastián]]. ===By train=== {{go | name=Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port railway station | wikidata=Q2220150 }} There are trains from [[Paris#By train|Gare Montparnasse in Paris]] to Bayonne: 4 hr, 4–6 trains/day. Book online at [https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/tgv/route/paris/bayonne SNCF Connect]. From [[Bayonne (France)|Bayonne]], there are trains onwards to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port: 1½ hr, 4–5 trains/day. Book at [https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/train/route/bayonne/saint-jean-pied-de-port SNCF Connect] ([https://www.sncf-connect.com/app/en-en/home/doorToDoor/itineraries at SNCF Connect] itinerary). There are also trains from the train station of [[Biarritz]] in the south of the town from which you need to change the train in Bayonne ([https://www.sncf-connect.com/app/en-en/home/doorToDoor/itineraries SNCF Connect]). From [[Madrid]], you can take a train to [[Pamplona]] and take a taxi from there. ===By pilgrimage=== Before the age of rail, most pilgrims had to walk all the way from home to reach Santiago de Compostela. Several of the [[Routes to Santiago de Compostela from France|routes through France]] pass through this town and still see use by pilgrims. However, the Napoleon route from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Pamplona is ''closed'' from November to March every year; in these months you need to take the route via [[French Way#Saint Jean Pied de Port to Pamplona|Valcarlos]]. ==Get around== [[File:Notre-Dame (St-Jean) choeur.jpg|thumb|upright 1.4|Choir of the church of Notre Dame in Saint-Jean]] Walk. ==See== There are many very old buildings, built of pink and grey schist, which retain distinctive features including inscriptions over their doors. * {{see | name=Cobbled Ru de la Citadelle | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Notre-dame-du-Bout-du-Pont | alt=Église de l'Assomption de la Vierge | url= | email= | address=Rue de la Citadelle | lat=43.16241 | long=-1.23713 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=It may have free trekking or hiking poles. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Porte Saint-Jacques | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q56682398 | lastedit=2020-05-15 | content= }} ==Do== [[File:Saint Jean - F 64220.jpg|thumb|St. John points the way to pilgrims]] Begin the [[French Way]] of the [[Camino de Santiago]] (Spanish also El Camino; Galician: O Camiño de Santiago, Ruta Xacobea; French: Chemin de St-Jacques, German: Jakobsweg) About 14 percent of the pilgrims who finish the French Way in Santiago started their journey in this town. Referred to as ''pilgrims'' (''pèlerins'' in France and ''peregrinos'' in Spanish), many international travellers choose this, as it is the starting point in France that is closest to the Spanish border. Pilgrims begin by reporting in to the Pilgrim's Office to obtain their ''credencial'' to begin their journey. * {{Do|name=Pilgrim Office|alt=Accueil aux Pèlerins / Amis du Chemin de Saint-Jacques |url=https://www.aucoeurduchemin.org/?lang=en |address=39 rue de la Citadelle |lat=43.1634508|long=-1.2358289 |hours=Daily 07:30–12:00, 13:30–20:00 |lastedit=2022-02-18 |content=Go pick up your Pilgrim Passport as soon as you arrive in town. }} ==Buy== There are ATMs. The biggest supermarkts near the centre are ''Lidl'', ''Carrefour Market'' and ''Intermarché Super''. * {{Buy |name=La Boutique du Pèlerin|url=|email=directioncompostelle@orange.fr |address=32 Rue de la Citadelle |lat=43.1631462|long=-1.2360994 |phone=+33 5 59 37 98 52|hours=Daily 06:30-20:30 |lastedit=2022-03-12 |content=Stock up on hiking supplies you forgot such as hiking sticks, backpacks, clothes, shoes, guidebooks, etc. }} * {{Buy | name=Maya-Sports |url=https://www.mayasport.fr | lat=43.1663|long=-1.2331 |address=18 Av. du Jai Alai | phone=+33 5 59 37 00 47 | hours=M–Sa 09:00–12:00 and 14:00–19:00. | content=Outdoor gear shop across from the train station. }} * Free trekking or hiking poles may be available at Notre-dame-du-Bout-du-Pont. See above under See. [[File:St-Jean-pied-de-port, Porte de Navarre HDR (1872407835).jpg|thumb|Porte de Navarre]] ==Eat== ===Budget=== * {{eat | name=Bar Brasserie Pizzeria | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Menu from €10 (Aug 2024) | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-01-01 | content=A casual spot offering a variety of pizzas, with a relaxed brasserie atmosphere. The focus is on classic pizza options alongside hearty brasserie-style meals. }} * {{eat | name=Café des Sports | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-01-01 | content=A traditional, cosy café serving simple yet flavourful dishes. The menu features a mix of local and generally French-style savoury options in a laid-back environment. }} * {{eat | name=Pizz a Uhart Papy-Jo | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-01-01 | content=Known for its rustic pizzeria setting, it offers a wide selection of pizzas, with an emphasis on traditional toppings and a homey feel. }} * {{eat | name=Damico's | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-01-01 | content=A comfortable and informal eatery that specialises in Italian cuisine. The savoury menu includes a range of pizzas and pasta dishes, focusing on bold and rich flavours. }} * {{eat | name=Pizza Ona Garazi | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-01-01 | content=A pizzeria with a modern vibe, offering a variety of pizzas. The focus is on fresh, quality ingredients with a local touch. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=Restaurant "Comme à la maison" | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=€20-30 | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-01-01 | content=A warm and inviting restaurant offering traditional French dishes. The focus is on hearty meals made with fresh, local ingredients, served in a homely setting. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Cidrerie Hurrup Eta Klik | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=€20-30 | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-01-01 | content=A rustic, cider-focused eatery with a regional touch, offering Basque-inspired dishes. The menu highlights local specialities, emphasizing fresh, seasonal ingredients in a traditional Basque style. }} * {{eat | name=Café de la Paix | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=€20-30 | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-01-01 | content=A classic café with a charming ambiance, serving French dishes. The menu offers simple yet flavourful meals in a cosy atmosphere. }} ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{sleep |name=Beilari |alt=Esprit du Chemin |url=https://www.beilari.info |email=info@beilari.info |address=40 Rue de la Citadelle|lat=43.1633|long=-1.2358 |directions=across the street from Pilgrim Office |phone=+33 5 59 37 24 68|checkin=06:30|checkout=22:00 |price=€40 per person including dinner and breakfast. |lastedit=2022-02-18 |content= }} * {{sleep | name=Gite Makila | alt= | url=https://makila-saintjean.com | email=info@makila-saintjean.com | address=Rue de la Citadelle 35 | lat=43.163396 | long=-1.235955 | directions=2 doors down from Pilgrim's Office | phone=+33 6 63 10 13 46 | tollfree= | checkin=15:00-20:30 | checkout=08:30 | price=€25 including breakfast | lastedit=2022-04-18 | content=Nice hostel. The bunk beds have curtains and individual electric outlets. }} * {{sleep |name=Refuge Municipal|alt=Ospitalia |url=|email= |address=55 Rue de la Citadelle |lat=43.1637244|long=-1.2347011 |directions= |phone=+33 6 17 10 31 89 |tollfree=|fax= |checkin=14:30|checkout= |hours= |price=Dorm €12, double €30 |lastedit=2022-02-18 |content=32 beds. }} * {{sleep | name=Camping de La Truite | url=http://www.camping-delatruite.com | email=camping.latruite@wanadoo.fr | address= | lat=43.19116 | long=-1.253471 | directions=farther from town than Narbaitz | phone +33 5 59 37 06 55 (landline), +33 6 12 83 52 01 (mobile) | hours=1 Mar–15 Dec | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Camping Narbaitz | url=http://www.camping-narbaitz.com | email=camping-narbaitz@wanadoo.fr | directions=a couple of kilometres towards Bayonne | phone=+33 5 59 37 10 13 (landline), +33 6 09 39 30 42 (mobile) | hours=mid-Mar–mid-Sep; tent spaces from 20 June | content= }} ==Connect== ==Go next== [[Spain]] {{routebox| placename=Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port | image2=Vieira Xacobea.svg | imagesize2=20 | directionl2=w | majorl2=[[Roncesvalles|Roncesvalles, Spain]] | minorl2= Orisson | directionr2=E | majorr2=Staring point of The French way | minorr2= | link2=[[French way]] | caption2=Way of St. James }} {{geo|43.1667|-1.2333}} {{IsPartOf|Pyrénées-Atlantiques}} {{outlinecity}} 0hs9c1f7wh5evwjdbavob0ba73n5vyy 5086791 5086788 2025-07-02T20:44:47Z LPfi 79572 +{{mapframe}} 5086791 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port Wikivoyage Banner.jpg}} '''Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port''' is a town of 1,500 people (2019) in [[Pyrénées-Atlantiques]], [[France]]. It is a common starting point for the [[French Way]] of the pilgrim route [[Camino de Santiago]], to Santiago de Compostela in [[Galicia]]. Over 30,000 pilgrims started in this town in 2024. ==Understand== [[File:FR-64-Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port09.JPG|thumb|upright 1.5|View of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port]] {{Climate | units = Metric | janhigh = 9 | febhigh = 10 | marhigh = 13 | aprhigh = 15 | mayhigh = 18 | junhigh = 22 | julhigh = 23 | aughigh = 24 | sephigh = 22 | octhigh = 18 | novhigh = 12 | dechigh = 10 | janlow = 2 | feblow = 2 | marlow = 4 | aprlow = 6 | maylow = 9 | junlow = 13 | jullow = 14 | auglow = 15 | seplow = 13 | octlow = 10 | novlow = 6 | declow = 3 | janprecip = 117 | febprecip = 105 | marprecip = 101 | aprprecip = 134 | mayprecip = 125 | junprecip = 103 | julprecip = 92 | augprecip = 95 | sepprecip = 98 | octprecip = 117 | novprecip = 144 | decprecip = 114 | description = }} The town lies on the river Nive, {{nowrap|8 km}} from the Spanish border. It is the head town of the region of Cize (Basque: Garazi), and was the capital of the former Basque province of Lower Navarre. The town's name means "Saint John [at the] Foot of [the] Pass"; the pass leads through the Pyrenees to Spain. That's where the pilgrims go. ==Get in== === By plane === There are several airports around, from which you can reach the town quite easily. You can fly to [[Biarritz]]'s airport ({{IATA|BIQ}}) with direct flights from several countries and international one-stop connections by Air France. From the airport take a direct city bus to the train station of [[Bayonne (France)|Bayonne]] und then a train to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. For an airport transfer, taxi, bus or coach service from Biarritz Airport to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, you can contact [https://www.expressbourricot.com/persons-transport/ Express Bourricot]{{Dead link|date=July 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}, [https://www.sea-lifts.com/transfers/st-jean-pied-de-port/ Sea-Lifts] or [http://www.biarritzairporttransfers.com/Biarritz-to-Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.html Biarritz Airport Transfers]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. The airport of [[Pamplona]] is served by international one-stop connections by Iberia. From the airport you can take a taxi to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port for more than €100 (January 2025). You may find other people at the airport to split the bill with. On the French side there are the airports of [[Toulouse]], [[Bordeaux]], [[Tarbes]] and [[Pau]]. All these towns have direct trains (and intercity buses) to Bayonne. From Bayonne take a train to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. On the Spanish side you will find international low-cost flights to the airport of [[Bilbao]]. From Bilbao take an intercity bus to Bayonne and from there a train to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. One more possibility is to fly the airport of [[San Sebastián]]. ===By train=== {{go | name=Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port railway station | wikidata=Q2220150 }} There are trains from [[Paris#By train|Gare Montparnasse in Paris]] to Bayonne: 4 hr, 4–6 trains/day. Book online at [https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/tgv/route/paris/bayonne SNCF Connect]. From [[Bayonne (France)|Bayonne]], there are trains onwards to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port: 1½ hr, 4–5 trains/day. Book at [https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/train/route/bayonne/saint-jean-pied-de-port SNCF Connect] ([https://www.sncf-connect.com/app/en-en/home/doorToDoor/itineraries at SNCF Connect] itinerary). There are also trains from the train station of [[Biarritz]] in the south of the town from which you need to change the train in Bayonne ([https://www.sncf-connect.com/app/en-en/home/doorToDoor/itineraries SNCF Connect]). From [[Madrid]], you can take a train to [[Pamplona]] and take a taxi from there. ===By pilgrimage=== Before the age of rail, most pilgrims had to walk all the way from home to reach Santiago de Compostela. Several of the [[Routes to Santiago de Compostela from France|routes through France]] pass through this town and still see use by pilgrims. However, the Napoleon route from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Pamplona is ''closed'' from November to March every year; in these months you need to take the route via [[French Way#Saint Jean Pied de Port to Pamplona|Valcarlos]]. ==Get around== {{mapframe}} Walk. ==See== [[File:Notre-Dame (St-Jean) choeur.jpg|thumb|upright 1.4|Choir of the church of Notre Dame in Saint-Jean]] There are many very old buildings, built of pink and grey schist, which retain distinctive features including inscriptions over their doors. * {{see | name=Cobbled Ru de la Citadelle | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Notre-dame-du-Bout-du-Pont | alt=Église de l'Assomption de la Vierge | url= | email= | address=Rue de la Citadelle | lat=43.16241 | long=-1.23713 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=It may have free trekking or hiking poles. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Porte Saint-Jacques | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q56682398 | lastedit=2020-05-15 | content= }} ==Do== [[File:Saint Jean - F 64220.jpg|thumb|St. John points the way to pilgrims]] Begin the [[French Way]] of the [[Camino de Santiago]] (Spanish also El Camino; Galician: O Camiño de Santiago, Ruta Xacobea; French: Chemin de St-Jacques, German: Jakobsweg) About 14 percent of the pilgrims who finish the French Way in Santiago started their journey in this town. Referred to as ''pilgrims'' (''pèlerins'' in France and ''peregrinos'' in Spanish), many international travellers choose this, as it is the starting point in France that is closest to the Spanish border. Pilgrims begin by reporting in to the Pilgrim's Office to obtain their ''credencial'' to begin their journey. * {{Do|name=Pilgrim Office|alt=Accueil aux Pèlerins / Amis du Chemin de Saint-Jacques |url=https://www.aucoeurduchemin.org/?lang=en |address=39 rue de la Citadelle |lat=43.1634508|long=-1.2358289 |hours=Daily 07:30–12:00, 13:30–20:00 |lastedit=2022-02-18 |content=Go pick up your Pilgrim Passport as soon as you arrive in town. }} ==Buy== There are ATMs. The biggest supermarkts near the centre are ''Lidl'', ''Carrefour Market'' and ''Intermarché Super''. * {{Buy |name=La Boutique du Pèlerin|url=|email=directioncompostelle@orange.fr |address=32 Rue de la Citadelle |lat=43.1631462|long=-1.2360994 |phone=+33 5 59 37 98 52|hours=Daily 06:30-20:30 |lastedit=2022-03-12 |content=Stock up on hiking supplies you forgot such as hiking sticks, backpacks, clothes, shoes, guidebooks, etc. }} * {{Buy | name=Maya-Sports |url=https://www.mayasport.fr | lat=43.1663|long=-1.2331 |address=18 Av. du Jai Alai | phone=+33 5 59 37 00 47 | hours=M–Sa 09:00–12:00 and 14:00–19:00. | content=Outdoor gear shop across from the train station. }} * Free trekking or hiking poles may be available at Notre-dame-du-Bout-du-Pont. See above under See. [[File:St-Jean-pied-de-port, Porte de Navarre HDR (1872407835).jpg|thumb|Porte de Navarre]] ==Eat== ===Budget=== * {{eat | name=Bar Brasserie Pizzeria | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Menu from €10 (Aug 2024) | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-01-01 | content=A casual spot offering a variety of pizzas, with a relaxed brasserie atmosphere. The focus is on classic pizza options alongside hearty brasserie-style meals. }} * {{eat | name=Café des Sports | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-01-01 | content=A traditional, cosy café serving simple yet flavourful dishes. The menu features a mix of local and generally French-style savoury options in a laid-back environment. }} * {{eat | name=Pizz a Uhart Papy-Jo | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-01-01 | content=Known for its rustic pizzeria setting, it offers a wide selection of pizzas, with an emphasis on traditional toppings and a homey feel. }} * {{eat | name=Damico's | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-01-01 | content=A comfortable and informal eatery that specialises in Italian cuisine. The savoury menu includes a range of pizzas and pasta dishes, focusing on bold and rich flavours. }} * {{eat | name=Pizza Ona Garazi | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-01-01 | content=A pizzeria with a modern vibe, offering a variety of pizzas. The focus is on fresh, quality ingredients with a local touch. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=Restaurant "Comme à la maison" | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=€20-30 | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-01-01 | content=A warm and inviting restaurant offering traditional French dishes. The focus is on hearty meals made with fresh, local ingredients, served in a homely setting. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Cidrerie Hurrup Eta Klik | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=€20-30 | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-01-01 | content=A rustic, cider-focused eatery with a regional touch, offering Basque-inspired dishes. The menu highlights local specialities, emphasizing fresh, seasonal ingredients in a traditional Basque style. }} * {{eat | name=Café de la Paix | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=€20-30 | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-01-01 | content=A classic café with a charming ambiance, serving French dishes. The menu offers simple yet flavourful meals in a cosy atmosphere. }} ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{sleep |name=Beilari |alt=Esprit du Chemin |url=https://www.beilari.info |email=info@beilari.info |address=40 Rue de la Citadelle|lat=43.1633|long=-1.2358 |directions=across the street from Pilgrim Office |phone=+33 5 59 37 24 68|checkin=06:30|checkout=22:00 |price=€40 per person including dinner and breakfast. |lastedit=2022-02-18 |content= }} * {{sleep | name=Gite Makila | alt= | url=https://makila-saintjean.com | email=info@makila-saintjean.com | address=Rue de la Citadelle 35 | lat=43.163396 | long=-1.235955 | directions=2 doors down from Pilgrim's Office | phone=+33 6 63 10 13 46 | tollfree= | checkin=15:00-20:30 | checkout=08:30 | price=€25 including breakfast | lastedit=2022-04-18 | content=Nice hostel. The bunk beds have curtains and individual electric outlets. }} * {{sleep |name=Refuge Municipal|alt=Ospitalia |url=|email= |address=55 Rue de la Citadelle |lat=43.1637244|long=-1.2347011 |directions= |phone=+33 6 17 10 31 89 |tollfree=|fax= |checkin=14:30|checkout= |hours= |price=Dorm €12, double €30 |lastedit=2022-02-18 |content=32 beds. }} * {{sleep | name=Camping de La Truite | url=http://www.camping-delatruite.com | email=camping.latruite@wanadoo.fr | address= | lat=43.19116 | long=-1.253471 | directions=some 5 km towards Bayonne | phone +33 5 59 37 06 55 (landline), +33 6 12 83 52 01 (mobile) | hours=1 Mar–15 Dec | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Camping Narbaitz | url=http://www.camping-narbaitz.com | email=camping-narbaitz@wanadoo.fr | directions=some 2 km towards Bayonne | phone=+33 5 59 37 10 13 (landline), +33 6 09 39 30 42 (mobile) | hours=mid-Mar–mid-Sep; tent spaces from 20 June | content= }} ==Connect== ==Go next== [[Spain]] {{routebox| placename=Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port | image2=Vieira Xacobea.svg | imagesize2=20 | directionl2=w | majorl2=[[Roncesvalles|Roncesvalles, Spain]] | minorl2= Orisson | directionr2=E | majorr2=Staring point of The French way | minorr2= | link2=[[French way]] | caption2=Way of St. James }} {{geo|43.1667|-1.2333}} {{IsPartOf|Pyrénées-Atlantiques}} {{outlinecity}} eqq7ds74mixc5v8ql4gi7bjl8ui5lvf 0 30756 5086933 5063094 2025-07-03T03:49:48Z 203.208.106.227 /* See */ Added listing for Arechi Castle 5086933 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Salerno banner.jpg|caption=Salerno seaview}} '''Salerno''' (Neapolitan: ''Salièrno'') is a city in [[Campania]], [[Italy]]. It is a lively port town, with a relaxing and open Mediterranean atmosphere. Worth a visit also is the Historical Old Town, which is a well-preserved historical town centre, full of tiny little passageways and hidden corners. Salerno is an ideal stopping off point on the way to [[Paestum]], [[Pompeii]] or [[Positano]], or the [[Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park]], which is a lesser known [[UNESCO World Heritage List|UNESCO World Heritage]] site. Placed as it is at one end of the [[Amalfi Coast]]line, it is an important passing point for the local tourism scene. ==Understand== [[File:Salerno- Panorama da castello di Arechi II.jpeg|thumb|400px|Panoramic view of Salerno and the gulf]] Salerno is the principal town of the province with the same name, and has around 128,000 inhabitants (2021). For a brief period (February to August 1944) Salerno was the capital city of Italy, during the liberation after the allied landings before the fall of Monte Cassino to the allies and the subsequent liberation of [[Rome]]. Salerno was the birthplace of the "Schola Medica Salernitana" in the 9th century, which was the most important source of medical information in Europe at the time, and provided an important impulse to medical learning in Europe. The port area is not particularly attractive, but once you get onto the promenade things get better. Worth a visit if you happen to be in the area are [[Vietri sul Mare]], for the traditional ceramics, [[Cava de' Tirreni]] for the important Abbey at La Badia and one of the few remaining Portici in [[Campania]]. ===Local information === * [http://www.comune.salerno.it/ Salerno city council] website ==Get in== ===By plane=== *{{listing | type=go | name=Naples International Airport | alt={{IATA|NAP}}, also known as '''Capodichino Airport''' | url=http://www.aeroportodinapoli.it/en/ | email=comunicazione@gesac.it | address= | lat=40.8782 | long=14.2828 | directions=60 km (37 miles) from Salerno | phone=+39 081 789 6111, +39 081 789 6259 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Naples International Airport | image=Napoli 2010-by-RaBoe-21.jpg | wikidata=Q849383 | content= Once you have landed, you'll have to take one of the methods listed below to cover the final leg of the journey. }} You can take a bus for €3 (called '''Alibus''') to Naples central railway station (get off here for connections to Salerno via train). It also stops on Piazza Municipio near the cruise port, from which you can take a 5-minute walk to catch the Bus (SITA). The route is not obvious, so see the section below. You can buy your ticket on the Alibus, and you can get to it by walking right out of the airport terminal to the bus stop which is less than 20 metres from the airport terminal exit. From Naples Airport there is a '''SITA''' bus running directly to Salerno (€7). It runs only 4 times a day, and not on Sunday. You have to walk for about 300 m to reach the bus. ===By train=== *{{marker |type=go |name=Salerno railway station |wikidata=Q964932}} is one of the main stations in Campania and a stop for high speed trains operated by both Trenitalia and Italo, giving a convenient connection to most major Italian cities. From Naples, you can also reach Salerno on Regional trains from Napoli Centrale which take about 50 minutes, or on some Metropolitan trains making several stops in Naples (80 minutes). For both of these, you can use a Unico Campania U-5 ticket, which you can buy for €4.10 from various stores and kiosks around the station. The 3T 3-day tourist transit pass also includes these trains. ===By rental car=== You can rent a car to cover the last stretch of the journey. If you are used to driving in Northern Europe or the US, you'll find the driving habits in this area to be very different. Cars drift around on the motorway hovering between two or three lanes, drivers talk and gesticulate instead of driving, and if you don't keep up with the traffic flow, you are likely to find someone tailgating you within 30 seconds or so. If you need any more convincing, take a look at the cars when you arrive in the area. There is a prize if you can spot one without dents. ===By bus=== [[File:Viva05busitalia.jpg|thumb|Busitalia coach in Salerno]] ====From Naples==== When you have to cross the road here, you'll find that traffic in Naples follows unwritten rules that are not accessible to foreigners (or even some Italians). Red traffic lights don't always stop the traffic (the locals know the 'important' traffic lights, and will stop at these). Mopeds regularly leave the road and drive on any other surface they can find. Follow the locals, and you should be OK. You should ask the way to the "SITA" (the name of the bus company that provides the service). If you stand where the bus stops, and face the sea (with the tall castle to your right), you will need to cross the main road and head towards the left. After about 400 m or so, you will see a small congregation of buses to your right. Check the destination written on the bus, or you can ask for "Salerno". The service is quite rapid for the first part of the journey, but then will leave the motorway and take a more tortuous route. The journey should take an hour or so. The ticket should cost €3-4 per person. For further journeys there is a regional ticket that allows you to travel with the bus (timed limit) or train (one journey): see [[Campania#Get around|Campania Unico]]. ====From the Amalfi coast==== You can catch a [http://www.sitabus.it/en/salerno-to-amalfi-coast-bus-timetable/ SITA bus] from the [[Amalfi Coast]] to Salerno, which runs along the winding roads of the coastline. The drivers are very experienced and swing effortlessly round the curves. In the height of summer, expect long delays, as tourist cars and buses tend to get overwhelmed by the road and vice versa; it is better to go by boat (see below). ===By boat=== [[File:Salerno Panorâmica (9693601497).jpg|thumb|300px|View of the city from the sea]] Travel by sea is seasonal, from around Easter to mid or late October, and may be canceled depending on weather conditions like strong winds. ====From the Amalfi Coast==== * Based in Amalfi, the company [http://www.coopsantandrea.com '''Coop Sant'Andrea'''] operates the ferry service for the Amalfi Coast, with services debuting every year from Easter weekend. Connections are to and between and return Salerno, [[Positano]] and [[Amalfi]]. In summer, the routes extend to [[Maiori]] and [[Minori]]. This is a much better way of enjoying the journey, and you will arrive with a smile on your face as it is very relaxing. You will find more info on their website. * Based in Naples, the '''Metro del Mare''' ferry network operates along the length of the Amalfi Coast. == Get around == {{mapframe | 40.680 | 14.770 | height=500 | width=600 | zoom=14 }} Salerno has three kinds of public transportation: buses, trains, and light metro. * The main bus stop is at the Salerno train station. '''[https://www.fsbusitalia.it/content/fsbusitalia/it/campania.html Busitalia]''' buses serve Salerno and other towns in the province. It is absolutely necessary to buy the ticket before getting on the bus. The buses leave from the station to the surrounding areas almost every 20 minutes. CSTP lines 4 and 9 connect the Salerno Maritime Terminal with the Train Station or Ferry Terminal. '''SITA buses''' leave from the train station and serve the region. One COSTIERASITA ticket (€10 in 2024) is valid 24 hours from the first validation and allows an unlimited number of journeys on public transport [http://www.sitasudtrasporti.it/ SITASUD] along the Amalfi coast. Two blocks west (toward the sea) of the train station is Piazza della Concordia, where the CSTP bus 34 leaves for Paestum. * Salerno train station is a hub for regional, inter-city, and high-speed trains to almost all the main Italian cities. From the train station, one can connect with the ferry terminal, only three blocks away just beyond the Piazza della Concordia, with boats to the Amalfi coast. * The Metro is more limited with only seven Metro stops over 8 km of light rail through the city centre, parallel to the coast. ==See== [[File:Salerno 2013-05-17 11-11-51.jpg|thumb|Cloister of the Duomo]] At night, you can take a walk along the '''Lungomare''', a boulevard with palmtrees and a nice view at the sea and the surrounding hills. The '''Villa Comunale''' is an oasis of green at the centre of the city. Big plants, giant flowers, lots of spaces to sit. If you're quiet enough, you will hear the music boxes sing their beautiful song. * {{see | name=Il Giardino della Minerva | alt=Garden of Minerva | url=http://www.giardinodellaminerva.it | email=info@giardinodellaminerva.it | address=Via Ferrante Sanseverino, 1 | lat=40.68111 | long=14.75372 | directions=you can walk from the old town, or take the handy communal elevator | phone=+39 089 252 423 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=hours change monthly, consult website. Closed on Monday | price=€3 | wikipedia=Minerva's Garden (Salerno) | image=GiardinodellaMinerva.jpg | wikidata=Q3763918 | lastedit=2017-04-04 | content=Beautiful botanical and herbal gardens on multiple terraces. The plants are well labeled with their scientific names as well as the locations where they are native. You can enjoy the sights and smells of the plants, the ingenuity of the irrigation system and a wonderful view of the town and seashore below, all while learning about the plants and the hundreds of years of history of the gardens. }} * {{see | name=Cathedral | alt=Duomo | url=http://www.cattedraledisalerno.it/ | email= | address=Piazza Alfano I | lat=40.6833 | long=14.7667 | directions= | phone=+39 089 231 387 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Salerno Cathedral | image=Salerno 2013-05-17 09-37-10.jpg | wikidata=Q2738834 | lastedit=2018-07-06 | content=Imposing church built in the 11th century with a mixture of Romanesque, Norman, Arab and Byzantine architectural elements. }} * {{see | name=Arechi Castle | alt= | url=http://www.ilcastellodiarechi.it | email= | address= | lat=40.684511 | long=14.754746 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1174435 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=Symbol of the city, the Castle originally built in the late Roman or Byzantine era. It was renewed by the Lombard prince Arechi II, from whom it takes its name, when he moved the court of the Principality of Benevento to Salerno in the 8th century and became the cornerstone of the city's triangular defense system. Subsequently expanded and fortified, the manor was never conquered. It currently hosts a museum, accommodation and conference activities and is a hub for nature trails and equipped paths. }} == Do == * '''Football:''' [https://www.ussalernitana1919.it/ Salernitana] were relegated in 2024 and now play soccer in Serie B, the second tier. Their home ground Stadio Arechi (capacity 37,800) is 5 km south along the coast with its own railway station. ==Buy== ==Eat== There are several good restaurants in Salerno and nearby, offering a wide range of food. In the center of the town, if you're looking for pizza you can go to: *'''Il Vicolo della Neve''', one of the oldest restaurants in Salerno. It's in the historic center. Pizza is served here, but they are also famous for their "pasta e fagioli" (pasta with beans). *'''Donna Margherita''' a very good pizzeria, serving also fish dishes. Not very expensive, with high quality. *'''Il Brigante''' serves mainly vegetable-based dishes. If you want to try local food, try the polpo! The food is basic but good and prices are low. ==Drink== ==Sleep== *{{sleep | name=Borgo Riccio | url=http://www.borgoriccio.com | email= | address=Strada Provinciale 86, n°56 Torchiara | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+39 0974 831554 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€80 | checkin=14:00 | checkout=12:00 | content=A great bed and breakfast with private rooms in the tranquility of the Cilento and Vallo del Diano National Park. Clean, cozy and friendly. Cooking facilities, English speaking staff, library. }} *{{sleep | name=Ostello Ave Gratia Plena | url=http://www.ostellodisalerno.it/ | email= | address=Via Dei Canali | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+39 089234776 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From €15 | checkin=14:00 | checkout=10:00 | content=A nice and good hostel in the heart of the Historic centre of Salerno. Friendly people, clean rooms and good service. Breakfast included, internet available. The hostel offers trips to Amalfi and other, adventurous hiking and biking trips. }} == Connect == [[File:Atrani -.JPG | thumb | 300px | The village of Atrani ]] As of June 2022, Salerno has 4G from TIM and 5G from Iliad, Vodafone and Wind Tre. == Go next == * [[Amalfi Coast]] - Venture out of Salerno towards Vietri sul Mare and head on one the most dramatic and breathtaking ''drives'' in the world, the [[Amalfi Coast]] Drive, passing trough: :* [[Cetara]], an enchanting fisherman's village, famous for anchovies and tuna fish, :* [[Maiori]], the only real beach along the Amalfi Coast, [[Minori]], the old pasta factory of the Amalfi Coast :* [[Atrani]], tiny little village, once here the Doges of the Amalfi Sea Republic were crowned here :* [[Amalfi]], the crown jewel and center of the Amalfi Coast :* [[Conca dei Marini]] :* [[Furore]], with a unique fiord, :* [[Praiano]] :and finally, :* [[Positano]] {{routebox | image1=Autostrada A2 Italia.svg | imagesize1=30 | directionl1=N | majorl1=END | minorl1= | directionr1=S | minorr1= | majorr1=[[Reggio di Calabria|Reggio Calabria]] | image2=Autostrada A3 Italia.svg | imagesize2=30 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Naples]] | minorl2=[[Herculaneum]] ← [[Pompeii]] ← [[Cava de' Tirreni]] | directionr2=S | minorr2= | majorr2=END | image3=Italian traffic signs - raccordo autostradale 2.svg | imagesize3=45 | directionl3=N | majorl3=[[Avellino]] | minorl3= | directionr3=S | minorr3= | majorr3=END | image4=Strada Statale 18 Italia.svg | imagesize4=45 | directionl4=N | majorl4=[[Naples]] | minorl4=[[Herculaneum]] ← [[Pompeii]] ← [[Cava de' Tirreni]] | directionr4=S | minorr4=[[Paestum]] → [[Praia a Mare]] | majorr4=[[Reggio di Calabria|Reggio Calabria]] }} {{geo|40.679028|14.756639}} {{isPartOf|Salerno (province)}} {{outlinecity}} 4tbipgexnuvjrr1rq3y1j5tx8i6kydc 5086937 5086933 2025-07-03T03:52:48Z Ikan Kekek 36420 /* See */ Copy edited. What are "equipped" paths? Equipped with what? 5086937 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Salerno banner.jpg|caption=Salerno seaview}} '''Salerno''' (Neapolitan: ''Salièrno'') is a city in [[Campania]], [[Italy]]. It is a lively port town, with a relaxing and open Mediterranean atmosphere. Worth a visit also is the Historical Old Town, which is a well-preserved historical town centre, full of tiny little passageways and hidden corners. Salerno is an ideal stopping off point on the way to [[Paestum]], [[Pompeii]] or [[Positano]], or the [[Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park]], which is a lesser known [[UNESCO World Heritage List|UNESCO World Heritage]] site. Placed as it is at one end of the [[Amalfi Coast]]line, it is an important passing point for the local tourism scene. ==Understand== [[File:Salerno- Panorama da castello di Arechi II.jpeg|thumb|400px|Panoramic view of Salerno and the gulf]] Salerno is the principal town of the province with the same name, and has around 128,000 inhabitants (2021). For a brief period (February to August 1944) Salerno was the capital city of Italy, during the liberation after the allied landings before the fall of Monte Cassino to the allies and the subsequent liberation of [[Rome]]. Salerno was the birthplace of the "Schola Medica Salernitana" in the 9th century, which was the most important source of medical information in Europe at the time, and provided an important impulse to medical learning in Europe. The port area is not particularly attractive, but once you get onto the promenade things get better. Worth a visit if you happen to be in the area are [[Vietri sul Mare]], for the traditional ceramics, [[Cava de' Tirreni]] for the important Abbey at La Badia and one of the few remaining Portici in [[Campania]]. ===Local information === * [http://www.comune.salerno.it/ Salerno city council] website ==Get in== ===By plane=== *{{listing | type=go | name=Naples International Airport | alt={{IATA|NAP}}, also known as '''Capodichino Airport''' | url=http://www.aeroportodinapoli.it/en/ | email=comunicazione@gesac.it | address= | lat=40.8782 | long=14.2828 | directions=60 km (37 miles) from Salerno | phone=+39 081 789 6111, +39 081 789 6259 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Naples International Airport | image=Napoli 2010-by-RaBoe-21.jpg | wikidata=Q849383 | content= Once you have landed, you'll have to take one of the methods listed below to cover the final leg of the journey. }} You can take a bus for €3 (called '''Alibus''') to Naples central railway station (get off here for connections to Salerno via train). It also stops on Piazza Municipio near the cruise port, from which you can take a 5-minute walk to catch the Bus (SITA). The route is not obvious, so see the section below. You can buy your ticket on the Alibus, and you can get to it by walking right out of the airport terminal to the bus stop which is less than 20 metres from the airport terminal exit. From Naples Airport there is a '''SITA''' bus running directly to Salerno (€7). It runs only 4 times a day, and not on Sunday. You have to walk for about 300 m to reach the bus. ===By train=== *{{marker |type=go |name=Salerno railway station |wikidata=Q964932}} is one of the main stations in Campania and a stop for high speed trains operated by both Trenitalia and Italo, giving a convenient connection to most major Italian cities. From Naples, you can also reach Salerno on Regional trains from Napoli Centrale which take about 50 minutes, or on some Metropolitan trains making several stops in Naples (80 minutes). For both of these, you can use a Unico Campania U-5 ticket, which you can buy for €4.10 from various stores and kiosks around the station. The 3T 3-day tourist transit pass also includes these trains. ===By rental car=== You can rent a car to cover the last stretch of the journey. If you are used to driving in Northern Europe or the US, you'll find the driving habits in this area to be very different. Cars drift around on the motorway hovering between two or three lanes, drivers talk and gesticulate instead of driving, and if you don't keep up with the traffic flow, you are likely to find someone tailgating you within 30 seconds or so. If you need any more convincing, take a look at the cars when you arrive in the area. There is a prize if you can spot one without dents. ===By bus=== [[File:Viva05busitalia.jpg|thumb|Busitalia coach in Salerno]] ====From Naples==== When you have to cross the road here, you'll find that traffic in Naples follows unwritten rules that are not accessible to foreigners (or even some Italians). Red traffic lights don't always stop the traffic (the locals know the 'important' traffic lights, and will stop at these). Mopeds regularly leave the road and drive on any other surface they can find. Follow the locals, and you should be OK. You should ask the way to the "SITA" (the name of the bus company that provides the service). If you stand where the bus stops, and face the sea (with the tall castle to your right), you will need to cross the main road and head towards the left. After about 400 m or so, you will see a small congregation of buses to your right. Check the destination written on the bus, or you can ask for "Salerno". The service is quite rapid for the first part of the journey, but then will leave the motorway and take a more tortuous route. The journey should take an hour or so. The ticket should cost €3-4 per person. For further journeys there is a regional ticket that allows you to travel with the bus (timed limit) or train (one journey): see [[Campania#Get around|Campania Unico]]. ====From the Amalfi coast==== You can catch a [http://www.sitabus.it/en/salerno-to-amalfi-coast-bus-timetable/ SITA bus] from the [[Amalfi Coast]] to Salerno, which runs along the winding roads of the coastline. The drivers are very experienced and swing effortlessly round the curves. In the height of summer, expect long delays, as tourist cars and buses tend to get overwhelmed by the road and vice versa; it is better to go by boat (see below). ===By boat=== [[File:Salerno Panorâmica (9693601497).jpg|thumb|300px|View of the city from the sea]] Travel by sea is seasonal, from around Easter to mid or late October, and may be canceled depending on weather conditions like strong winds. ====From the Amalfi Coast==== * Based in Amalfi, the company [http://www.coopsantandrea.com '''Coop Sant'Andrea'''] operates the ferry service for the Amalfi Coast, with services debuting every year from Easter weekend. Connections are to and between and return Salerno, [[Positano]] and [[Amalfi]]. In summer, the routes extend to [[Maiori]] and [[Minori]]. This is a much better way of enjoying the journey, and you will arrive with a smile on your face as it is very relaxing. You will find more info on their website. * Based in Naples, the '''Metro del Mare''' ferry network operates along the length of the Amalfi Coast. == Get around == {{mapframe | 40.680 | 14.770 | height=500 | width=600 | zoom=14 }} Salerno has three kinds of public transportation: buses, trains, and light metro. * The main bus stop is at the Salerno train station. '''[https://www.fsbusitalia.it/content/fsbusitalia/it/campania.html Busitalia]''' buses serve Salerno and other towns in the province. It is absolutely necessary to buy the ticket before getting on the bus. The buses leave from the station to the surrounding areas almost every 20 minutes. CSTP lines 4 and 9 connect the Salerno Maritime Terminal with the Train Station or Ferry Terminal. '''SITA buses''' leave from the train station and serve the region. One COSTIERASITA ticket (€10 in 2024) is valid 24 hours from the first validation and allows an unlimited number of journeys on public transport [http://www.sitasudtrasporti.it/ SITASUD] along the Amalfi coast. Two blocks west (toward the sea) of the train station is Piazza della Concordia, where the CSTP bus 34 leaves for Paestum. * Salerno train station is a hub for regional, inter-city, and high-speed trains to almost all the main Italian cities. From the train station, one can connect with the ferry terminal, only three blocks away just beyond the Piazza della Concordia, with boats to the Amalfi coast. * The Metro is more limited with only seven Metro stops over 8 km of light rail through the city centre, parallel to the coast. ==See== [[File:Salerno 2013-05-17 11-11-51.jpg|thumb|Cloister of the Duomo]] At night, you can take a walk along the '''Lungomare''', a boulevard with palmtrees and a nice view at the sea and the surrounding hills. The '''Villa Comunale''' is an oasis of green at the centre of the city. Big plants, giant flowers, lots of spaces to sit. If you're quiet enough, you will hear the music boxes sing their beautiful song. * {{see | name=Il Giardino della Minerva | alt=Garden of Minerva | url=http://www.giardinodellaminerva.it | email=info@giardinodellaminerva.it | address=Via Ferrante Sanseverino, 1 | lat=40.68111 | long=14.75372 | directions=you can walk from the old town, or take the handy communal elevator | phone=+39 089 252 423 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=hours change monthly, consult website. Closed on Monday | price=€3 | wikipedia=Minerva's Garden (Salerno) | image=GiardinodellaMinerva.jpg | wikidata=Q3763918 | lastedit=2017-04-04 | content=Beautiful botanical and herbal gardens on multiple terraces. The plants are well labeled with their scientific names as well as the locations where they are native. You can enjoy the sights and smells of the plants, the ingenuity of the irrigation system and a wonderful view of the town and seashore below, all while learning about the plants and the hundreds of years of history of the gardens. }} * {{see | name=Cathedral | alt=Duomo | url=http://www.cattedraledisalerno.it/ | email= | address=Piazza Alfano I | lat=40.6833 | long=14.7667 | directions= | phone=+39 089 231 387 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Salerno Cathedral | image=Salerno 2013-05-17 09-37-10.jpg | wikidata=Q2738834 | lastedit=2018-07-06 | content=Imposing church built in the 11th century with a mixture of Romanesque, Norman, Arab and Byzantine architectural elements. }} * {{see | name=Arechi Castle | alt= | url=http://www.ilcastellodiarechi.it | email= | address= | lat=40.684511 | long=14.754746 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1174435 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=Symbol of the city, the castle was built in the late Roman or Byzantine era. It was renovated by the Lombard prince Arechi II, from whom it takes its name, when he moved the court of the Principality of Benevento to Salerno in the 8th century and became the cornerstone of the city's triangular defense system. Subsequently expanded and fortified, the manor was never conquered. It currently hosts a museum, accommodation and conference activities and is a hub for nature trails and equipped paths. }} == Do == * '''Football:''' [https://www.ussalernitana1919.it/ Salernitana] were relegated in 2024 and now play soccer in Serie B, the second tier. Their home ground Stadio Arechi (capacity 37,800) is 5 km south along the coast with its own railway station. ==Buy== ==Eat== There are several good restaurants in Salerno and nearby, offering a wide range of food. In the center of the town, if you're looking for pizza you can go to: *'''Il Vicolo della Neve''', one of the oldest restaurants in Salerno. It's in the historic center. Pizza is served here, but they are also famous for their "pasta e fagioli" (pasta with beans). *'''Donna Margherita''' a very good pizzeria, serving also fish dishes. Not very expensive, with high quality. *'''Il Brigante''' serves mainly vegetable-based dishes. If you want to try local food, try the polpo! The food is basic but good and prices are low. ==Drink== ==Sleep== *{{sleep | name=Borgo Riccio | url=http://www.borgoriccio.com | email= | address=Strada Provinciale 86, n°56 Torchiara | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+39 0974 831554 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€80 | checkin=14:00 | checkout=12:00 | content=A great bed and breakfast with private rooms in the tranquility of the Cilento and Vallo del Diano National Park. Clean, cozy and friendly. Cooking facilities, English speaking staff, library. }} *{{sleep | name=Ostello Ave Gratia Plena | url=http://www.ostellodisalerno.it/ | email= | address=Via Dei Canali | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+39 089234776 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From €15 | checkin=14:00 | checkout=10:00 | content=A nice and good hostel in the heart of the Historic centre of Salerno. Friendly people, clean rooms and good service. Breakfast included, internet available. The hostel offers trips to Amalfi and other, adventurous hiking and biking trips. }} == Connect == [[File:Atrani -.JPG | thumb | 300px | The village of Atrani ]] As of June 2022, Salerno has 4G from TIM and 5G from Iliad, Vodafone and Wind Tre. == Go next == * [[Amalfi Coast]] - Venture out of Salerno towards Vietri sul Mare and head on one the most dramatic and breathtaking ''drives'' in the world, the [[Amalfi Coast]] Drive, passing trough: :* [[Cetara]], an enchanting fisherman's village, famous for anchovies and tuna fish, :* [[Maiori]], the only real beach along the Amalfi Coast, [[Minori]], the old pasta factory of the Amalfi Coast :* [[Atrani]], tiny little village, once here the Doges of the Amalfi Sea Republic were crowned here :* [[Amalfi]], the crown jewel and center of the Amalfi Coast :* [[Conca dei Marini]] :* [[Furore]], with a unique fiord, :* [[Praiano]] :and finally, :* [[Positano]] {{routebox | image1=Autostrada A2 Italia.svg | imagesize1=30 | directionl1=N | majorl1=END | minorl1= | directionr1=S | minorr1= | majorr1=[[Reggio di Calabria|Reggio Calabria]] | image2=Autostrada A3 Italia.svg | imagesize2=30 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Naples]] | minorl2=[[Herculaneum]] ← [[Pompeii]] ← [[Cava de' Tirreni]] | directionr2=S | minorr2= | majorr2=END | image3=Italian traffic signs - raccordo autostradale 2.svg | imagesize3=45 | directionl3=N | majorl3=[[Avellino]] | minorl3= | directionr3=S | minorr3= | majorr3=END | image4=Strada Statale 18 Italia.svg | imagesize4=45 | directionl4=N | majorl4=[[Naples]] | minorl4=[[Herculaneum]] ← [[Pompeii]] ← [[Cava de' Tirreni]] | directionr4=S | minorr4=[[Paestum]] → [[Praia a Mare]] | majorr4=[[Reggio di Calabria|Reggio Calabria]] }} {{geo|40.679028|14.756639}} {{isPartOf|Salerno (province)}} {{outlinecity}} men8fw7bglaxdw7ch4cwm4ilfmexiot 5086944 5086937 2025-07-03T04:04:45Z 203.208.106.227 /* See */ Added listing for San Giorgio 5086944 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Salerno banner.jpg|caption=Salerno seaview}} '''Salerno''' (Neapolitan: ''Salièrno'') is a city in [[Campania]], [[Italy]]. It is a lively port town, with a relaxing and open Mediterranean atmosphere. Worth a visit also is the Historical Old Town, which is a well-preserved historical town centre, full of tiny little passageways and hidden corners. Salerno is an ideal stopping off point on the way to [[Paestum]], [[Pompeii]] or [[Positano]], or the [[Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park]], which is a lesser known [[UNESCO World Heritage List|UNESCO World Heritage]] site. Placed as it is at one end of the [[Amalfi Coast]]line, it is an important passing point for the local tourism scene. ==Understand== [[File:Salerno- Panorama da castello di Arechi II.jpeg|thumb|400px|Panoramic view of Salerno and the gulf]] Salerno is the principal town of the province with the same name, and has around 128,000 inhabitants (2021). For a brief period (February to August 1944) Salerno was the capital city of Italy, during the liberation after the allied landings before the fall of Monte Cassino to the allies and the subsequent liberation of [[Rome]]. Salerno was the birthplace of the "Schola Medica Salernitana" in the 9th century, which was the most important source of medical information in Europe at the time, and provided an important impulse to medical learning in Europe. The port area is not particularly attractive, but once you get onto the promenade things get better. Worth a visit if you happen to be in the area are [[Vietri sul Mare]], for the traditional ceramics, [[Cava de' Tirreni]] for the important Abbey at La Badia and one of the few remaining Portici in [[Campania]]. ===Local information === * [http://www.comune.salerno.it/ Salerno city council] website ==Get in== ===By plane=== *{{listing | type=go | name=Naples International Airport | alt={{IATA|NAP}}, also known as '''Capodichino Airport''' | url=http://www.aeroportodinapoli.it/en/ | email=comunicazione@gesac.it | address= | lat=40.8782 | long=14.2828 | directions=60 km (37 miles) from Salerno | phone=+39 081 789 6111, +39 081 789 6259 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Naples International Airport | image=Napoli 2010-by-RaBoe-21.jpg | wikidata=Q849383 | content= Once you have landed, you'll have to take one of the methods listed below to cover the final leg of the journey. }} You can take a bus for €3 (called '''Alibus''') to Naples central railway station (get off here for connections to Salerno via train). It also stops on Piazza Municipio near the cruise port, from which you can take a 5-minute walk to catch the Bus (SITA). The route is not obvious, so see the section below. You can buy your ticket on the Alibus, and you can get to it by walking right out of the airport terminal to the bus stop which is less than 20 metres from the airport terminal exit. From Naples Airport there is a '''SITA''' bus running directly to Salerno (€7). It runs only 4 times a day, and not on Sunday. You have to walk for about 300 m to reach the bus. ===By train=== *{{marker |type=go |name=Salerno railway station |wikidata=Q964932}} is one of the main stations in Campania and a stop for high speed trains operated by both Trenitalia and Italo, giving a convenient connection to most major Italian cities. From Naples, you can also reach Salerno on Regional trains from Napoli Centrale which take about 50 minutes, or on some Metropolitan trains making several stops in Naples (80 minutes). For both of these, you can use a Unico Campania U-5 ticket, which you can buy for €4.10 from various stores and kiosks around the station. The 3T 3-day tourist transit pass also includes these trains. ===By rental car=== You can rent a car to cover the last stretch of the journey. If you are used to driving in Northern Europe or the US, you'll find the driving habits in this area to be very different. Cars drift around on the motorway hovering between two or three lanes, drivers talk and gesticulate instead of driving, and if you don't keep up with the traffic flow, you are likely to find someone tailgating you within 30 seconds or so. If you need any more convincing, take a look at the cars when you arrive in the area. There is a prize if you can spot one without dents. ===By bus=== [[File:Viva05busitalia.jpg|thumb|Busitalia coach in Salerno]] ====From Naples==== When you have to cross the road here, you'll find that traffic in Naples follows unwritten rules that are not accessible to foreigners (or even some Italians). Red traffic lights don't always stop the traffic (the locals know the 'important' traffic lights, and will stop at these). Mopeds regularly leave the road and drive on any other surface they can find. Follow the locals, and you should be OK. You should ask the way to the "SITA" (the name of the bus company that provides the service). If you stand where the bus stops, and face the sea (with the tall castle to your right), you will need to cross the main road and head towards the left. After about 400 m or so, you will see a small congregation of buses to your right. Check the destination written on the bus, or you can ask for "Salerno". The service is quite rapid for the first part of the journey, but then will leave the motorway and take a more tortuous route. The journey should take an hour or so. The ticket should cost €3-4 per person. For further journeys there is a regional ticket that allows you to travel with the bus (timed limit) or train (one journey): see [[Campania#Get around|Campania Unico]]. ====From the Amalfi coast==== You can catch a [http://www.sitabus.it/en/salerno-to-amalfi-coast-bus-timetable/ SITA bus] from the [[Amalfi Coast]] to Salerno, which runs along the winding roads of the coastline. The drivers are very experienced and swing effortlessly round the curves. In the height of summer, expect long delays, as tourist cars and buses tend to get overwhelmed by the road and vice versa; it is better to go by boat (see below). ===By boat=== [[File:Salerno Panorâmica (9693601497).jpg|thumb|300px|View of the city from the sea]] Travel by sea is seasonal, from around Easter to mid or late October, and may be canceled depending on weather conditions like strong winds. ====From the Amalfi Coast==== * Based in Amalfi, the company [http://www.coopsantandrea.com '''Coop Sant'Andrea'''] operates the ferry service for the Amalfi Coast, with services debuting every year from Easter weekend. Connections are to and between and return Salerno, [[Positano]] and [[Amalfi]]. In summer, the routes extend to [[Maiori]] and [[Minori]]. This is a much better way of enjoying the journey, and you will arrive with a smile on your face as it is very relaxing. You will find more info on their website. * Based in Naples, the '''Metro del Mare''' ferry network operates along the length of the Amalfi Coast. == Get around == {{mapframe | 40.680 | 14.770 | height=500 | width=600 | zoom=14 }} Salerno has three kinds of public transportation: buses, trains, and light metro. * The main bus stop is at the Salerno train station. '''[https://www.fsbusitalia.it/content/fsbusitalia/it/campania.html Busitalia]''' buses serve Salerno and other towns in the province. It is absolutely necessary to buy the ticket before getting on the bus. The buses leave from the station to the surrounding areas almost every 20 minutes. CSTP lines 4 and 9 connect the Salerno Maritime Terminal with the Train Station or Ferry Terminal. '''SITA buses''' leave from the train station and serve the region. One COSTIERASITA ticket (€10 in 2024) is valid 24 hours from the first validation and allows an unlimited number of journeys on public transport [http://www.sitasudtrasporti.it/ SITASUD] along the Amalfi coast. Two blocks west (toward the sea) of the train station is Piazza della Concordia, where the CSTP bus 34 leaves for Paestum. * Salerno train station is a hub for regional, inter-city, and high-speed trains to almost all the main Italian cities. From the train station, one can connect with the ferry terminal, only three blocks away just beyond the Piazza della Concordia, with boats to the Amalfi coast. * The Metro is more limited with only seven Metro stops over 8 km of light rail through the city centre, parallel to the coast. ==See== [[File:Salerno 2013-05-17 11-11-51.jpg|thumb|Cloister of the Duomo]] At night, you can take a walk along the '''Lungomare''', a boulevard with palmtrees and a nice view at the sea and the surrounding hills. The '''Villa Comunale''' is an oasis of green at the centre of the city. Big plants, giant flowers, lots of spaces to sit. If you're quiet enough, you will hear the music boxes sing their beautiful song. * {{see | name=Il Giardino della Minerva | alt=Garden of Minerva | url=http://www.giardinodellaminerva.it | email=info@giardinodellaminerva.it | address=Via Ferrante Sanseverino, 1 | lat=40.68111 | long=14.75372 | directions=you can walk from the old town, or take the handy communal elevator | phone=+39 089 252 423 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=hours change monthly, consult website. Closed on Monday | price=€3 | wikipedia=Minerva's Garden (Salerno) | image=GiardinodellaMinerva.jpg | wikidata=Q3763918 | lastedit=2017-04-04 | content=Beautiful botanical and herbal gardens on multiple terraces. The plants are well labeled with their scientific names as well as the locations where they are native. You can enjoy the sights and smells of the plants, the ingenuity of the irrigation system and a wonderful view of the town and seashore below, all while learning about the plants and the hundreds of years of history of the gardens. }} * {{see | name=Cathedral | alt=Duomo | url=http://www.cattedraledisalerno.it/ | email= | address=Piazza Alfano I | lat=40.6833 | long=14.7667 | directions= | phone=+39 089 231 387 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Salerno Cathedral | image=Salerno 2013-05-17 09-37-10.jpg | wikidata=Q2738834 | lastedit=2018-07-06 | content=Imposing church built in the 11th century with a mixture of Romanesque, Norman, Arab and Byzantine architectural elements. }} * {{see | name=Arechi Castle | alt= | url=http://www.ilcastellodiarechi.it | email= | address= | lat=40.684511 | long=14.754746 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1174435 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=Symbol of the city, the castle was built in the late Roman or Byzantine era. It was renovated by the Lombard prince Arechi II, from whom it takes its name, when he moved the court of the Principality of Benevento to Salerno in the 8th century and became the cornerstone of the city's triangular defense system. Subsequently expanded and fortified, the manor was never conquered. It currently hosts a museum, accommodation and conference activities and is a hub for nature trails and equipped paths. }} * {{see | name=San Giorgio | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.6788 | long=14.7591 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3670324 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=From the early 18th century, commonly called "the most beautiful baroque church" in the city. It houses the relics of the holy Salerno martyrs Santa Tecla, Archelaa and Susanna and has paintings by Andrea Sabatini. }} == Do == * '''Football:''' [https://www.ussalernitana1919.it/ Salernitana] were relegated in 2024 and now play soccer in Serie B, the second tier. Their home ground Stadio Arechi (capacity 37,800) is 5 km south along the coast with its own railway station. ==Buy== ==Eat== There are several good restaurants in Salerno and nearby, offering a wide range of food. In the center of the town, if you're looking for pizza you can go to: *'''Il Vicolo della Neve''', one of the oldest restaurants in Salerno. It's in the historic center. Pizza is served here, but they are also famous for their "pasta e fagioli" (pasta with beans). *'''Donna Margherita''' a very good pizzeria, serving also fish dishes. Not very expensive, with high quality. *'''Il Brigante''' serves mainly vegetable-based dishes. If you want to try local food, try the polpo! The food is basic but good and prices are low. ==Drink== ==Sleep== *{{sleep | name=Borgo Riccio | url=http://www.borgoriccio.com | email= | address=Strada Provinciale 86, n°56 Torchiara | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+39 0974 831554 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€80 | checkin=14:00 | checkout=12:00 | content=A great bed and breakfast with private rooms in the tranquility of the Cilento and Vallo del Diano National Park. Clean, cozy and friendly. Cooking facilities, English speaking staff, library. }} *{{sleep | name=Ostello Ave Gratia Plena | url=http://www.ostellodisalerno.it/ | email= | address=Via Dei Canali | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+39 089234776 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From €15 | checkin=14:00 | checkout=10:00 | content=A nice and good hostel in the heart of the Historic centre of Salerno. Friendly people, clean rooms and good service. Breakfast included, internet available. The hostel offers trips to Amalfi and other, adventurous hiking and biking trips. }} == Connect == [[File:Atrani -.JPG | thumb | 300px | The village of Atrani ]] As of June 2022, Salerno has 4G from TIM and 5G from Iliad, Vodafone and Wind Tre. == Go next == * [[Amalfi Coast]] - Venture out of Salerno towards Vietri sul Mare and head on one the most dramatic and breathtaking ''drives'' in the world, the [[Amalfi Coast]] Drive, passing trough: :* [[Cetara]], an enchanting fisherman's village, famous for anchovies and tuna fish, :* [[Maiori]], the only real beach along the Amalfi Coast, [[Minori]], the old pasta factory of the Amalfi Coast :* [[Atrani]], tiny little village, once here the Doges of the Amalfi Sea Republic were crowned here :* [[Amalfi]], the crown jewel and center of the Amalfi Coast :* [[Conca dei Marini]] :* [[Furore]], with a unique fiord, :* [[Praiano]] :and finally, :* [[Positano]] {{routebox | image1=Autostrada A2 Italia.svg | imagesize1=30 | directionl1=N | majorl1=END | minorl1= | directionr1=S | minorr1= | majorr1=[[Reggio di Calabria|Reggio Calabria]] | image2=Autostrada A3 Italia.svg | imagesize2=30 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Naples]] | minorl2=[[Herculaneum]] ← [[Pompeii]] ← [[Cava de' Tirreni]] | directionr2=S | minorr2= | majorr2=END | image3=Italian traffic signs - raccordo autostradale 2.svg | imagesize3=45 | directionl3=N | majorl3=[[Avellino]] | minorl3= | directionr3=S | minorr3= | majorr3=END | image4=Strada Statale 18 Italia.svg | imagesize4=45 | directionl4=N | majorl4=[[Naples]] | minorl4=[[Herculaneum]] ← [[Pompeii]] ← [[Cava de' Tirreni]] | directionr4=S | minorr4=[[Paestum]] → [[Praia a Mare]] | majorr4=[[Reggio di Calabria|Reggio Calabria]] }} {{geo|40.679028|14.756639}} {{isPartOf|Salerno (province)}} {{outlinecity}} hb9e7ep13staaci3lms0kn0qa8x2iiw 5086975 5086944 2025-07-03T05:32:24Z 203.208.106.227 /* See */ Added listing for Diocesan Museum of Salerno 5086975 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Salerno banner.jpg|caption=Salerno seaview}} '''Salerno''' (Neapolitan: ''Salièrno'') is a city in [[Campania]], [[Italy]]. It is a lively port town, with a relaxing and open Mediterranean atmosphere. Worth a visit also is the Historical Old Town, which is a well-preserved historical town centre, full of tiny little passageways and hidden corners. Salerno is an ideal stopping off point on the way to [[Paestum]], [[Pompeii]] or [[Positano]], or the [[Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park]], which is a lesser known [[UNESCO World Heritage List|UNESCO World Heritage]] site. Placed as it is at one end of the [[Amalfi Coast]]line, it is an important passing point for the local tourism scene. ==Understand== [[File:Salerno- Panorama da castello di Arechi II.jpeg|thumb|400px|Panoramic view of Salerno and the gulf]] Salerno is the principal town of the province with the same name, and has around 128,000 inhabitants (2021). For a brief period (February to August 1944) Salerno was the capital city of Italy, during the liberation after the allied landings before the fall of Monte Cassino to the allies and the subsequent liberation of [[Rome]]. Salerno was the birthplace of the "Schola Medica Salernitana" in the 9th century, which was the most important source of medical information in Europe at the time, and provided an important impulse to medical learning in Europe. The port area is not particularly attractive, but once you get onto the promenade things get better. Worth a visit if you happen to be in the area are [[Vietri sul Mare]], for the traditional ceramics, [[Cava de' Tirreni]] for the important Abbey at La Badia and one of the few remaining Portici in [[Campania]]. ===Local information === * [http://www.comune.salerno.it/ Salerno city council] website ==Get in== ===By plane=== *{{listing | type=go | name=Naples International Airport | alt={{IATA|NAP}}, also known as '''Capodichino Airport''' | url=http://www.aeroportodinapoli.it/en/ | email=comunicazione@gesac.it | address= | lat=40.8782 | long=14.2828 | directions=60 km (37 miles) from Salerno | phone=+39 081 789 6111, +39 081 789 6259 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Naples International Airport | image=Napoli 2010-by-RaBoe-21.jpg | wikidata=Q849383 | content= Once you have landed, you'll have to take one of the methods listed below to cover the final leg of the journey. }} You can take a bus for €3 (called '''Alibus''') to Naples central railway station (get off here for connections to Salerno via train). It also stops on Piazza Municipio near the cruise port, from which you can take a 5-minute walk to catch the Bus (SITA). The route is not obvious, so see the section below. You can buy your ticket on the Alibus, and you can get to it by walking right out of the airport terminal to the bus stop which is less than 20 metres from the airport terminal exit. From Naples Airport there is a '''SITA''' bus running directly to Salerno (€7). It runs only 4 times a day, and not on Sunday. You have to walk for about 300 m to reach the bus. ===By train=== *{{marker |type=go |name=Salerno railway station |wikidata=Q964932}} is one of the main stations in Campania and a stop for high speed trains operated by both Trenitalia and Italo, giving a convenient connection to most major Italian cities. From Naples, you can also reach Salerno on Regional trains from Napoli Centrale which take about 50 minutes, or on some Metropolitan trains making several stops in Naples (80 minutes). For both of these, you can use a Unico Campania U-5 ticket, which you can buy for €4.10 from various stores and kiosks around the station. The 3T 3-day tourist transit pass also includes these trains. ===By rental car=== You can rent a car to cover the last stretch of the journey. If you are used to driving in Northern Europe or the US, you'll find the driving habits in this area to be very different. Cars drift around on the motorway hovering between two or three lanes, drivers talk and gesticulate instead of driving, and if you don't keep up with the traffic flow, you are likely to find someone tailgating you within 30 seconds or so. If you need any more convincing, take a look at the cars when you arrive in the area. There is a prize if you can spot one without dents. ===By bus=== [[File:Viva05busitalia.jpg|thumb|Busitalia coach in Salerno]] ====From Naples==== When you have to cross the road here, you'll find that traffic in Naples follows unwritten rules that are not accessible to foreigners (or even some Italians). Red traffic lights don't always stop the traffic (the locals know the 'important' traffic lights, and will stop at these). Mopeds regularly leave the road and drive on any other surface they can find. Follow the locals, and you should be OK. You should ask the way to the "SITA" (the name of the bus company that provides the service). If you stand where the bus stops, and face the sea (with the tall castle to your right), you will need to cross the main road and head towards the left. After about 400 m or so, you will see a small congregation of buses to your right. Check the destination written on the bus, or you can ask for "Salerno". The service is quite rapid for the first part of the journey, but then will leave the motorway and take a more tortuous route. The journey should take an hour or so. The ticket should cost €3-4 per person. For further journeys there is a regional ticket that allows you to travel with the bus (timed limit) or train (one journey): see [[Campania#Get around|Campania Unico]]. ====From the Amalfi coast==== You can catch a [http://www.sitabus.it/en/salerno-to-amalfi-coast-bus-timetable/ SITA bus] from the [[Amalfi Coast]] to Salerno, which runs along the winding roads of the coastline. The drivers are very experienced and swing effortlessly round the curves. In the height of summer, expect long delays, as tourist cars and buses tend to get overwhelmed by the road and vice versa; it is better to go by boat (see below). ===By boat=== [[File:Salerno Panorâmica (9693601497).jpg|thumb|300px|View of the city from the sea]] Travel by sea is seasonal, from around Easter to mid or late October, and may be canceled depending on weather conditions like strong winds. ====From the Amalfi Coast==== * Based in Amalfi, the company [http://www.coopsantandrea.com '''Coop Sant'Andrea'''] operates the ferry service for the Amalfi Coast, with services debuting every year from Easter weekend. Connections are to and between and return Salerno, [[Positano]] and [[Amalfi]]. In summer, the routes extend to [[Maiori]] and [[Minori]]. This is a much better way of enjoying the journey, and you will arrive with a smile on your face as it is very relaxing. You will find more info on their website. * Based in Naples, the '''Metro del Mare''' ferry network operates along the length of the Amalfi Coast. == Get around == {{mapframe | 40.680 | 14.770 | height=500 | width=600 | zoom=14 }} Salerno has three kinds of public transportation: buses, trains, and light metro. * The main bus stop is at the Salerno train station. '''[https://www.fsbusitalia.it/content/fsbusitalia/it/campania.html Busitalia]''' buses serve Salerno and other towns in the province. It is absolutely necessary to buy the ticket before getting on the bus. The buses leave from the station to the surrounding areas almost every 20 minutes. CSTP lines 4 and 9 connect the Salerno Maritime Terminal with the Train Station or Ferry Terminal. '''SITA buses''' leave from the train station and serve the region. One COSTIERASITA ticket (€10 in 2024) is valid 24 hours from the first validation and allows an unlimited number of journeys on public transport [http://www.sitasudtrasporti.it/ SITASUD] along the Amalfi coast. Two blocks west (toward the sea) of the train station is Piazza della Concordia, where the CSTP bus 34 leaves for Paestum. * Salerno train station is a hub for regional, inter-city, and high-speed trains to almost all the main Italian cities. From the train station, one can connect with the ferry terminal, only three blocks away just beyond the Piazza della Concordia, with boats to the Amalfi coast. * The Metro is more limited with only seven Metro stops over 8 km of light rail through the city centre, parallel to the coast. ==See== [[File:Salerno 2013-05-17 11-11-51.jpg|thumb|Cloister of the Duomo]] At night, you can take a walk along the '''Lungomare''', a boulevard with palmtrees and a nice view at the sea and the surrounding hills. The '''Villa Comunale''' is an oasis of green at the centre of the city. Big plants, giant flowers, lots of spaces to sit. If you're quiet enough, you will hear the music boxes sing their beautiful song. * {{see | name=Il Giardino della Minerva | alt=Garden of Minerva | url=http://www.giardinodellaminerva.it | email=info@giardinodellaminerva.it | address=Via Ferrante Sanseverino, 1 | lat=40.68111 | long=14.75372 | directions=you can walk from the old town, or take the handy communal elevator | phone=+39 089 252 423 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=hours change monthly, consult website. Closed on Monday | price=€3 | wikipedia=Minerva's Garden (Salerno) | image=GiardinodellaMinerva.jpg | wikidata=Q3763918 | lastedit=2017-04-04 | content=Beautiful botanical and herbal gardens on multiple terraces. The plants are well labeled with their scientific names as well as the locations where they are native. You can enjoy the sights and smells of the plants, the ingenuity of the irrigation system and a wonderful view of the town and seashore below, all while learning about the plants and the hundreds of years of history of the gardens. }} * {{see | name=Cathedral | alt=Duomo | url=http://www.cattedraledisalerno.it/ | email= | address=Piazza Alfano I | lat=40.6833 | long=14.7667 | directions= | phone=+39 089 231 387 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Salerno Cathedral | image=Salerno 2013-05-17 09-37-10.jpg | wikidata=Q2738834 | lastedit=2018-07-06 | content=Imposing church built in the 11th century with a mixture of Romanesque, Norman, Arab and Byzantine architectural elements. }} * {{see | name=Arechi Castle | alt= | url=http://www.ilcastellodiarechi.it | email= | address= | lat=40.684511 | long=14.754746 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1174435 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=Symbol of the city, the castle was built in the late Roman or Byzantine era. It was renovated by the Lombard prince Arechi II, from whom it takes its name, when he moved the court of the Principality of Benevento to Salerno in the 8th century and became the cornerstone of the city's triangular defense system. Subsequently expanded and fortified, the manor was never conquered. It currently hosts a museum, accommodation and conference activities and is a hub for nature trails and equipped paths. }} * {{see | name=San Giorgio | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.6788 | long=14.7591 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3670324 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=From the early 18th century, commonly called "the most beautiful baroque church" in the city. It houses the relics of the holy Salerno martyrs Santa Tecla, Archelaa and Susanna and has paintings by Andrea Sabatini. }} * {{see | name=Diocesan Museum of Salerno | alt= | url=http://museodiocesanodisalerno.it/ | email=museodiocesano.sa@gmail.com | address= | lat=40.68078 | long=14.76041 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3868324 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=The Diocesan Museum of Salerno, housed in a former seminary near the cathedral, displays a rich collection of religious art and artifacts, with a strong focus on the medieval period. Its holdings provide a fascinating insight into the spiritual and artistic heritage of the city and surrounding region. }} == Do == * '''Football:''' [https://www.ussalernitana1919.it/ Salernitana] were relegated in 2024 and now play soccer in Serie B, the second tier. Their home ground Stadio Arechi (capacity 37,800) is 5 km south along the coast with its own railway station. ==Buy== ==Eat== There are several good restaurants in Salerno and nearby, offering a wide range of food. In the center of the town, if you're looking for pizza you can go to: *'''Il Vicolo della Neve''', one of the oldest restaurants in Salerno. It's in the historic center. Pizza is served here, but they are also famous for their "pasta e fagioli" (pasta with beans). *'''Donna Margherita''' a very good pizzeria, serving also fish dishes. Not very expensive, with high quality. *'''Il Brigante''' serves mainly vegetable-based dishes. If you want to try local food, try the polpo! The food is basic but good and prices are low. ==Drink== ==Sleep== *{{sleep | name=Borgo Riccio | url=http://www.borgoriccio.com | email= | address=Strada Provinciale 86, n°56 Torchiara | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+39 0974 831554 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€80 | checkin=14:00 | checkout=12:00 | content=A great bed and breakfast with private rooms in the tranquility of the Cilento and Vallo del Diano National Park. Clean, cozy and friendly. Cooking facilities, English speaking staff, library. }} *{{sleep | name=Ostello Ave Gratia Plena | url=http://www.ostellodisalerno.it/ | email= | address=Via Dei Canali | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+39 089234776 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From €15 | checkin=14:00 | checkout=10:00 | content=A nice and good hostel in the heart of the Historic centre of Salerno. Friendly people, clean rooms and good service. Breakfast included, internet available. The hostel offers trips to Amalfi and other, adventurous hiking and biking trips. }} == Connect == [[File:Atrani -.JPG | thumb | 300px | The village of Atrani ]] As of June 2022, Salerno has 4G from TIM and 5G from Iliad, Vodafone and Wind Tre. == Go next == * [[Amalfi Coast]] - Venture out of Salerno towards Vietri sul Mare and head on one the most dramatic and breathtaking ''drives'' in the world, the [[Amalfi Coast]] Drive, passing trough: :* [[Cetara]], an enchanting fisherman's village, famous for anchovies and tuna fish, :* [[Maiori]], the only real beach along the Amalfi Coast, [[Minori]], the old pasta factory of the Amalfi Coast :* [[Atrani]], tiny little village, once here the Doges of the Amalfi Sea Republic were crowned here :* [[Amalfi]], the crown jewel and center of the Amalfi Coast :* [[Conca dei Marini]] :* [[Furore]], with a unique fiord, :* [[Praiano]] :and finally, :* [[Positano]] {{routebox | image1=Autostrada A2 Italia.svg | imagesize1=30 | directionl1=N | majorl1=END | minorl1= | directionr1=S | minorr1= | majorr1=[[Reggio di Calabria|Reggio Calabria]] | image2=Autostrada A3 Italia.svg | imagesize2=30 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Naples]] | minorl2=[[Herculaneum]] ← [[Pompeii]] ← [[Cava de' Tirreni]] | directionr2=S | minorr2= | majorr2=END | image3=Italian traffic signs - raccordo autostradale 2.svg | imagesize3=45 | directionl3=N | majorl3=[[Avellino]] | minorl3= | directionr3=S | minorr3= | majorr3=END | image4=Strada Statale 18 Italia.svg | imagesize4=45 | directionl4=N | majorl4=[[Naples]] | minorl4=[[Herculaneum]] ← [[Pompeii]] ← [[Cava de' Tirreni]] | directionr4=S | minorr4=[[Paestum]] → [[Praia a Mare]] | majorr4=[[Reggio di Calabria|Reggio Calabria]] }} {{geo|40.679028|14.756639}} {{isPartOf|Salerno (province)}} {{outlinecity}} mecps63xhvl4nsymr0wzlskg3cj0t9o 5086977 5086975 2025-07-03T05:36:17Z 203.208.106.227 /* See */ Added listing for Medieval Aqueduct 5086977 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Salerno banner.jpg|caption=Salerno seaview}} '''Salerno''' (Neapolitan: ''Salièrno'') is a city in [[Campania]], [[Italy]]. It is a lively port town, with a relaxing and open Mediterranean atmosphere. Worth a visit also is the Historical Old Town, which is a well-preserved historical town centre, full of tiny little passageways and hidden corners. Salerno is an ideal stopping off point on the way to [[Paestum]], [[Pompeii]] or [[Positano]], or the [[Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park]], which is a lesser known [[UNESCO World Heritage List|UNESCO World Heritage]] site. Placed as it is at one end of the [[Amalfi Coast]]line, it is an important passing point for the local tourism scene. ==Understand== [[File:Salerno- Panorama da castello di Arechi II.jpeg|thumb|400px|Panoramic view of Salerno and the gulf]] Salerno is the principal town of the province with the same name, and has around 128,000 inhabitants (2021). For a brief period (February to August 1944) Salerno was the capital city of Italy, during the liberation after the allied landings before the fall of Monte Cassino to the allies and the subsequent liberation of [[Rome]]. Salerno was the birthplace of the "Schola Medica Salernitana" in the 9th century, which was the most important source of medical information in Europe at the time, and provided an important impulse to medical learning in Europe. The port area is not particularly attractive, but once you get onto the promenade things get better. Worth a visit if you happen to be in the area are [[Vietri sul Mare]], for the traditional ceramics, [[Cava de' Tirreni]] for the important Abbey at La Badia and one of the few remaining Portici in [[Campania]]. ===Local information === * [http://www.comune.salerno.it/ Salerno city council] website ==Get in== ===By plane=== *{{listing | type=go | name=Naples International Airport | alt={{IATA|NAP}}, also known as '''Capodichino Airport''' | url=http://www.aeroportodinapoli.it/en/ | email=comunicazione@gesac.it | address= | lat=40.8782 | long=14.2828 | directions=60 km (37 miles) from Salerno | phone=+39 081 789 6111, +39 081 789 6259 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Naples International Airport | image=Napoli 2010-by-RaBoe-21.jpg | wikidata=Q849383 | content= Once you have landed, you'll have to take one of the methods listed below to cover the final leg of the journey. }} You can take a bus for €3 (called '''Alibus''') to Naples central railway station (get off here for connections to Salerno via train). It also stops on Piazza Municipio near the cruise port, from which you can take a 5-minute walk to catch the Bus (SITA). The route is not obvious, so see the section below. You can buy your ticket on the Alibus, and you can get to it by walking right out of the airport terminal to the bus stop which is less than 20 metres from the airport terminal exit. From Naples Airport there is a '''SITA''' bus running directly to Salerno (€7). It runs only 4 times a day, and not on Sunday. You have to walk for about 300 m to reach the bus. ===By train=== *{{marker |type=go |name=Salerno railway station |wikidata=Q964932}} is one of the main stations in Campania and a stop for high speed trains operated by both Trenitalia and Italo, giving a convenient connection to most major Italian cities. From Naples, you can also reach Salerno on Regional trains from Napoli Centrale which take about 50 minutes, or on some Metropolitan trains making several stops in Naples (80 minutes). For both of these, you can use a Unico Campania U-5 ticket, which you can buy for €4.10 from various stores and kiosks around the station. The 3T 3-day tourist transit pass also includes these trains. ===By rental car=== You can rent a car to cover the last stretch of the journey. If you are used to driving in Northern Europe or the US, you'll find the driving habits in this area to be very different. Cars drift around on the motorway hovering between two or three lanes, drivers talk and gesticulate instead of driving, and if you don't keep up with the traffic flow, you are likely to find someone tailgating you within 30 seconds or so. If you need any more convincing, take a look at the cars when you arrive in the area. There is a prize if you can spot one without dents. ===By bus=== [[File:Viva05busitalia.jpg|thumb|Busitalia coach in Salerno]] ====From Naples==== When you have to cross the road here, you'll find that traffic in Naples follows unwritten rules that are not accessible to foreigners (or even some Italians). Red traffic lights don't always stop the traffic (the locals know the 'important' traffic lights, and will stop at these). Mopeds regularly leave the road and drive on any other surface they can find. Follow the locals, and you should be OK. You should ask the way to the "SITA" (the name of the bus company that provides the service). If you stand where the bus stops, and face the sea (with the tall castle to your right), you will need to cross the main road and head towards the left. After about 400 m or so, you will see a small congregation of buses to your right. Check the destination written on the bus, or you can ask for "Salerno". The service is quite rapid for the first part of the journey, but then will leave the motorway and take a more tortuous route. The journey should take an hour or so. The ticket should cost €3-4 per person. For further journeys there is a regional ticket that allows you to travel with the bus (timed limit) or train (one journey): see [[Campania#Get around|Campania Unico]]. ====From the Amalfi coast==== You can catch a [http://www.sitabus.it/en/salerno-to-amalfi-coast-bus-timetable/ SITA bus] from the [[Amalfi Coast]] to Salerno, which runs along the winding roads of the coastline. The drivers are very experienced and swing effortlessly round the curves. In the height of summer, expect long delays, as tourist cars and buses tend to get overwhelmed by the road and vice versa; it is better to go by boat (see below). ===By boat=== [[File:Salerno Panorâmica (9693601497).jpg|thumb|300px|View of the city from the sea]] Travel by sea is seasonal, from around Easter to mid or late October, and may be canceled depending on weather conditions like strong winds. ====From the Amalfi Coast==== * Based in Amalfi, the company [http://www.coopsantandrea.com '''Coop Sant'Andrea'''] operates the ferry service for the Amalfi Coast, with services debuting every year from Easter weekend. Connections are to and between and return Salerno, [[Positano]] and [[Amalfi]]. In summer, the routes extend to [[Maiori]] and [[Minori]]. This is a much better way of enjoying the journey, and you will arrive with a smile on your face as it is very relaxing. You will find more info on their website. * Based in Naples, the '''Metro del Mare''' ferry network operates along the length of the Amalfi Coast. == Get around == {{mapframe | 40.680 | 14.770 | height=500 | width=600 | zoom=14 }} Salerno has three kinds of public transportation: buses, trains, and light metro. * The main bus stop is at the Salerno train station. '''[https://www.fsbusitalia.it/content/fsbusitalia/it/campania.html Busitalia]''' buses serve Salerno and other towns in the province. It is absolutely necessary to buy the ticket before getting on the bus. The buses leave from the station to the surrounding areas almost every 20 minutes. CSTP lines 4 and 9 connect the Salerno Maritime Terminal with the Train Station or Ferry Terminal. '''SITA buses''' leave from the train station and serve the region. One COSTIERASITA ticket (€10 in 2024) is valid 24 hours from the first validation and allows an unlimited number of journeys on public transport [http://www.sitasudtrasporti.it/ SITASUD] along the Amalfi coast. Two blocks west (toward the sea) of the train station is Piazza della Concordia, where the CSTP bus 34 leaves for Paestum. * Salerno train station is a hub for regional, inter-city, and high-speed trains to almost all the main Italian cities. From the train station, one can connect with the ferry terminal, only three blocks away just beyond the Piazza della Concordia, with boats to the Amalfi coast. * The Metro is more limited with only seven Metro stops over 8 km of light rail through the city centre, parallel to the coast. ==See== [[File:Salerno 2013-05-17 11-11-51.jpg|thumb|Cloister of the Duomo]] At night, you can take a walk along the '''Lungomare''', a boulevard with palmtrees and a nice view at the sea and the surrounding hills. The '''Villa Comunale''' is an oasis of green at the centre of the city. Big plants, giant flowers, lots of spaces to sit. If you're quiet enough, you will hear the music boxes sing their beautiful song. * {{see | name=Il Giardino della Minerva | alt=Garden of Minerva | url=http://www.giardinodellaminerva.it | email=info@giardinodellaminerva.it | address=Via Ferrante Sanseverino, 1 | lat=40.68111 | long=14.75372 | directions=you can walk from the old town, or take the handy communal elevator | phone=+39 089 252 423 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=hours change monthly, consult website. Closed on Monday | price=€3 | wikipedia=Minerva's Garden (Salerno) | image=GiardinodellaMinerva.jpg | wikidata=Q3763918 | lastedit=2017-04-04 | content=Beautiful botanical and herbal gardens on multiple terraces. The plants are well labeled with their scientific names as well as the locations where they are native. You can enjoy the sights and smells of the plants, the ingenuity of the irrigation system and a wonderful view of the town and seashore below, all while learning about the plants and the hundreds of years of history of the gardens. }} * {{see | name=Cathedral | alt=Duomo | url=http://www.cattedraledisalerno.it/ | email= | address=Piazza Alfano I | lat=40.6833 | long=14.7667 | directions= | phone=+39 089 231 387 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Salerno Cathedral | image=Salerno 2013-05-17 09-37-10.jpg | wikidata=Q2738834 | lastedit=2018-07-06 | content=Imposing church built in the 11th century with a mixture of Romanesque, Norman, Arab and Byzantine architectural elements. }} * {{see | name=Arechi Castle | alt= | url=http://www.ilcastellodiarechi.it | email= | address= | lat=40.684511 | long=14.754746 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1174435 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=Symbol of the city, the castle was built in the late Roman or Byzantine era. It was renovated by the Lombard prince Arechi II, from whom it takes its name, when he moved the court of the Principality of Benevento to Salerno in the 8th century and became the cornerstone of the city's triangular defense system. Subsequently expanded and fortified, the manor was never conquered. It currently hosts a museum, accommodation and conference activities and is a hub for nature trails and equipped paths. }} * {{see | name=San Giorgio | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.6788 | long=14.7591 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3670324 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=From the early 18th century, commonly called "the most beautiful baroque church" in the city. It houses the relics of the holy Salerno martyrs Santa Tecla, Archelaa and Susanna and has paintings by Andrea Sabatini. }} * {{see | name=Diocesan Museum of Salerno | alt= | url=http://museodiocesanodisalerno.it/ | email=museodiocesano.sa@gmail.com | address= | lat=40.68078 | long=14.76041 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3868324 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=The Diocesan Museum of Salerno, housed in a former seminary near the cathedral, displays a rich collection of religious art and artifacts, with a strong focus on the medieval period. Its holdings provide a fascinating insight into the spiritual and artistic heritage of the city and surrounding region. }} * {{see | name=Medieval Aqueduct | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.6833 | long=14.7667 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3604732 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=Built by the Lombards in the 9th century to supply the monastery of San Benedetto and, via an underground passage, the convent of Piantanova. It consists of two branches, one coming from the north and one from the east, which join in via Arce and continue south towards the monastery. }} == Do == * '''Football:''' [https://www.ussalernitana1919.it/ Salernitana] were relegated in 2024 and now play soccer in Serie B, the second tier. Their home ground Stadio Arechi (capacity 37,800) is 5 km south along the coast with its own railway station. ==Buy== ==Eat== There are several good restaurants in Salerno and nearby, offering a wide range of food. In the center of the town, if you're looking for pizza you can go to: *'''Il Vicolo della Neve''', one of the oldest restaurants in Salerno. It's in the historic center. Pizza is served here, but they are also famous for their "pasta e fagioli" (pasta with beans). *'''Donna Margherita''' a very good pizzeria, serving also fish dishes. Not very expensive, with high quality. *'''Il Brigante''' serves mainly vegetable-based dishes. If you want to try local food, try the polpo! The food is basic but good and prices are low. ==Drink== ==Sleep== *{{sleep | name=Borgo Riccio | url=http://www.borgoriccio.com | email= | address=Strada Provinciale 86, n°56 Torchiara | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+39 0974 831554 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€80 | checkin=14:00 | checkout=12:00 | content=A great bed and breakfast with private rooms in the tranquility of the Cilento and Vallo del Diano National Park. Clean, cozy and friendly. Cooking facilities, English speaking staff, library. }} *{{sleep | name=Ostello Ave Gratia Plena | url=http://www.ostellodisalerno.it/ | email= | address=Via Dei Canali | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+39 089234776 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From €15 | checkin=14:00 | checkout=10:00 | content=A nice and good hostel in the heart of the Historic centre of Salerno. Friendly people, clean rooms and good service. Breakfast included, internet available. The hostel offers trips to Amalfi and other, adventurous hiking and biking trips. }} == Connect == [[File:Atrani -.JPG | thumb | 300px | The village of Atrani ]] As of June 2022, Salerno has 4G from TIM and 5G from Iliad, Vodafone and Wind Tre. == Go next == * [[Amalfi Coast]] - Venture out of Salerno towards Vietri sul Mare and head on one the most dramatic and breathtaking ''drives'' in the world, the [[Amalfi Coast]] Drive, passing trough: :* [[Cetara]], an enchanting fisherman's village, famous for anchovies and tuna fish, :* [[Maiori]], the only real beach along the Amalfi Coast, [[Minori]], the old pasta factory of the Amalfi Coast :* [[Atrani]], tiny little village, once here the Doges of the Amalfi Sea Republic were crowned here :* [[Amalfi]], the crown jewel and center of the Amalfi Coast :* [[Conca dei Marini]] :* [[Furore]], with a unique fiord, :* [[Praiano]] :and finally, :* [[Positano]] {{routebox | image1=Autostrada A2 Italia.svg | imagesize1=30 | directionl1=N | majorl1=END | minorl1= | directionr1=S | minorr1= | majorr1=[[Reggio di Calabria|Reggio Calabria]] | image2=Autostrada A3 Italia.svg | imagesize2=30 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Naples]] | minorl2=[[Herculaneum]] ← [[Pompeii]] ← [[Cava de' Tirreni]] | directionr2=S | minorr2= | majorr2=END | image3=Italian traffic signs - raccordo autostradale 2.svg | imagesize3=45 | directionl3=N | majorl3=[[Avellino]] | minorl3= | directionr3=S | minorr3= | majorr3=END | image4=Strada Statale 18 Italia.svg | imagesize4=45 | directionl4=N | majorl4=[[Naples]] | minorl4=[[Herculaneum]] ← [[Pompeii]] ← [[Cava de' Tirreni]] | directionr4=S | minorr4=[[Paestum]] → [[Praia a Mare]] | majorr4=[[Reggio di Calabria|Reggio Calabria]] }} {{geo|40.679028|14.756639}} {{isPartOf|Salerno (province)}} {{outlinecity}} s6kb4p63b8vnd5t03igcgsijvjuprmd 5086979 5086977 2025-07-03T05:49:28Z 203.208.106.227 /* See */ Added listing for Provincial Art Gallery of Salerno 5086979 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Salerno banner.jpg|caption=Salerno seaview}} '''Salerno''' (Neapolitan: ''Salièrno'') is a city in [[Campania]], [[Italy]]. It is a lively port town, with a relaxing and open Mediterranean atmosphere. Worth a visit also is the Historical Old Town, which is a well-preserved historical town centre, full of tiny little passageways and hidden corners. Salerno is an ideal stopping off point on the way to [[Paestum]], [[Pompeii]] or [[Positano]], or the [[Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park]], which is a lesser known [[UNESCO World Heritage List|UNESCO World Heritage]] site. Placed as it is at one end of the [[Amalfi Coast]]line, it is an important passing point for the local tourism scene. ==Understand== [[File:Salerno- Panorama da castello di Arechi II.jpeg|thumb|400px|Panoramic view of Salerno and the gulf]] Salerno is the principal town of the province with the same name, and has around 128,000 inhabitants (2021). For a brief period (February to August 1944) Salerno was the capital city of Italy, during the liberation after the allied landings before the fall of Monte Cassino to the allies and the subsequent liberation of [[Rome]]. Salerno was the birthplace of the "Schola Medica Salernitana" in the 9th century, which was the most important source of medical information in Europe at the time, and provided an important impulse to medical learning in Europe. The port area is not particularly attractive, but once you get onto the promenade things get better. Worth a visit if you happen to be in the area are [[Vietri sul Mare]], for the traditional ceramics, [[Cava de' Tirreni]] for the important Abbey at La Badia and one of the few remaining Portici in [[Campania]]. ===Local information === * [http://www.comune.salerno.it/ Salerno city council] website ==Get in== ===By plane=== *{{listing | type=go | name=Naples International Airport | alt={{IATA|NAP}}, also known as '''Capodichino Airport''' | url=http://www.aeroportodinapoli.it/en/ | email=comunicazione@gesac.it | address= | lat=40.8782 | long=14.2828 | directions=60 km (37 miles) from Salerno | phone=+39 081 789 6111, +39 081 789 6259 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Naples International Airport | image=Napoli 2010-by-RaBoe-21.jpg | wikidata=Q849383 | content= Once you have landed, you'll have to take one of the methods listed below to cover the final leg of the journey. }} You can take a bus for €3 (called '''Alibus''') to Naples central railway station (get off here for connections to Salerno via train). It also stops on Piazza Municipio near the cruise port, from which you can take a 5-minute walk to catch the Bus (SITA). The route is not obvious, so see the section below. You can buy your ticket on the Alibus, and you can get to it by walking right out of the airport terminal to the bus stop which is less than 20 metres from the airport terminal exit. From Naples Airport there is a '''SITA''' bus running directly to Salerno (€7). It runs only 4 times a day, and not on Sunday. You have to walk for about 300 m to reach the bus. ===By train=== *{{marker |type=go |name=Salerno railway station |wikidata=Q964932}} is one of the main stations in Campania and a stop for high speed trains operated by both Trenitalia and Italo, giving a convenient connection to most major Italian cities. From Naples, you can also reach Salerno on Regional trains from Napoli Centrale which take about 50 minutes, or on some Metropolitan trains making several stops in Naples (80 minutes). For both of these, you can use a Unico Campania U-5 ticket, which you can buy for €4.10 from various stores and kiosks around the station. The 3T 3-day tourist transit pass also includes these trains. ===By rental car=== You can rent a car to cover the last stretch of the journey. If you are used to driving in Northern Europe or the US, you'll find the driving habits in this area to be very different. Cars drift around on the motorway hovering between two or three lanes, drivers talk and gesticulate instead of driving, and if you don't keep up with the traffic flow, you are likely to find someone tailgating you within 30 seconds or so. If you need any more convincing, take a look at the cars when you arrive in the area. There is a prize if you can spot one without dents. ===By bus=== [[File:Viva05busitalia.jpg|thumb|Busitalia coach in Salerno]] ====From Naples==== When you have to cross the road here, you'll find that traffic in Naples follows unwritten rules that are not accessible to foreigners (or even some Italians). Red traffic lights don't always stop the traffic (the locals know the 'important' traffic lights, and will stop at these). Mopeds regularly leave the road and drive on any other surface they can find. Follow the locals, and you should be OK. You should ask the way to the "SITA" (the name of the bus company that provides the service). If you stand where the bus stops, and face the sea (with the tall castle to your right), you will need to cross the main road and head towards the left. After about 400 m or so, you will see a small congregation of buses to your right. Check the destination written on the bus, or you can ask for "Salerno". The service is quite rapid for the first part of the journey, but then will leave the motorway and take a more tortuous route. The journey should take an hour or so. The ticket should cost €3-4 per person. For further journeys there is a regional ticket that allows you to travel with the bus (timed limit) or train (one journey): see [[Campania#Get around|Campania Unico]]. ====From the Amalfi coast==== You can catch a [http://www.sitabus.it/en/salerno-to-amalfi-coast-bus-timetable/ SITA bus] from the [[Amalfi Coast]] to Salerno, which runs along the winding roads of the coastline. The drivers are very experienced and swing effortlessly round the curves. In the height of summer, expect long delays, as tourist cars and buses tend to get overwhelmed by the road and vice versa; it is better to go by boat (see below). ===By boat=== [[File:Salerno Panorâmica (9693601497).jpg|thumb|300px|View of the city from the sea]] Travel by sea is seasonal, from around Easter to mid or late October, and may be canceled depending on weather conditions like strong winds. ====From the Amalfi Coast==== * Based in Amalfi, the company [http://www.coopsantandrea.com '''Coop Sant'Andrea'''] operates the ferry service for the Amalfi Coast, with services debuting every year from Easter weekend. Connections are to and between and return Salerno, [[Positano]] and [[Amalfi]]. In summer, the routes extend to [[Maiori]] and [[Minori]]. This is a much better way of enjoying the journey, and you will arrive with a smile on your face as it is very relaxing. You will find more info on their website. * Based in Naples, the '''Metro del Mare''' ferry network operates along the length of the Amalfi Coast. == Get around == {{mapframe | 40.680 | 14.770 | height=500 | width=600 | zoom=14 }} Salerno has three kinds of public transportation: buses, trains, and light metro. * The main bus stop is at the Salerno train station. '''[https://www.fsbusitalia.it/content/fsbusitalia/it/campania.html Busitalia]''' buses serve Salerno and other towns in the province. It is absolutely necessary to buy the ticket before getting on the bus. The buses leave from the station to the surrounding areas almost every 20 minutes. CSTP lines 4 and 9 connect the Salerno Maritime Terminal with the Train Station or Ferry Terminal. '''SITA buses''' leave from the train station and serve the region. One COSTIERASITA ticket (€10 in 2024) is valid 24 hours from the first validation and allows an unlimited number of journeys on public transport [http://www.sitasudtrasporti.it/ SITASUD] along the Amalfi coast. Two blocks west (toward the sea) of the train station is Piazza della Concordia, where the CSTP bus 34 leaves for Paestum. * Salerno train station is a hub for regional, inter-city, and high-speed trains to almost all the main Italian cities. From the train station, one can connect with the ferry terminal, only three blocks away just beyond the Piazza della Concordia, with boats to the Amalfi coast. * The Metro is more limited with only seven Metro stops over 8 km of light rail through the city centre, parallel to the coast. ==See== [[File:Salerno 2013-05-17 11-11-51.jpg|thumb|Cloister of the Duomo]] At night, you can take a walk along the '''Lungomare''', a boulevard with palmtrees and a nice view at the sea and the surrounding hills. The '''Villa Comunale''' is an oasis of green at the centre of the city. Big plants, giant flowers, lots of spaces to sit. If you're quiet enough, you will hear the music boxes sing their beautiful song. * {{see | name=Il Giardino della Minerva | alt=Garden of Minerva | url=http://www.giardinodellaminerva.it | email=info@giardinodellaminerva.it | address=Via Ferrante Sanseverino, 1 | lat=40.68111 | long=14.75372 | directions=you can walk from the old town, or take the handy communal elevator | phone=+39 089 252 423 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=hours change monthly, consult website. Closed on Monday | price=€3 | wikipedia=Minerva's Garden (Salerno) | image=GiardinodellaMinerva.jpg | wikidata=Q3763918 | lastedit=2017-04-04 | content=Beautiful botanical and herbal gardens on multiple terraces. The plants are well labeled with their scientific names as well as the locations where they are native. You can enjoy the sights and smells of the plants, the ingenuity of the irrigation system and a wonderful view of the town and seashore below, all while learning about the plants and the hundreds of years of history of the gardens. }} * {{see | name=Cathedral | alt=Duomo | url=http://www.cattedraledisalerno.it/ | email= | address=Piazza Alfano I | lat=40.6833 | long=14.7667 | directions= | phone=+39 089 231 387 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Salerno Cathedral | image=Salerno 2013-05-17 09-37-10.jpg | wikidata=Q2738834 | lastedit=2018-07-06 | content=Imposing church built in the 11th century with a mixture of Romanesque, Norman, Arab and Byzantine architectural elements. }} * {{see | name=Arechi Castle | alt= | url=http://www.ilcastellodiarechi.it | email= | address= | lat=40.684511 | long=14.754746 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1174435 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=Symbol of the city, the castle was built in the late Roman or Byzantine era. It was renovated by the Lombard prince Arechi II, from whom it takes its name, when he moved the court of the Principality of Benevento to Salerno in the 8th century and became the cornerstone of the city's triangular defense system. Subsequently expanded and fortified, the manor was never conquered. It currently hosts a museum, accommodation and conference activities and is a hub for nature trails and equipped paths. }} * {{see | name=San Giorgio | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.6788 | long=14.7591 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3670324 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=From the early 18th century, commonly called "the most beautiful baroque church" in the city. It houses the relics of the holy Salerno martyrs Santa Tecla, Archelaa and Susanna and has paintings by Andrea Sabatini. }} * {{see | name=Diocesan Museum of Salerno | alt= | url=http://museodiocesanodisalerno.it/ | email=museodiocesano.sa@gmail.com | address= | lat=40.68078 | long=14.76041 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3868324 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=The Diocesan Museum of Salerno, housed in a former seminary near the cathedral, displays a rich collection of religious art and artifacts, with a strong focus on the medieval period. Its holdings provide a fascinating insight into the spiritual and artistic heritage of the city and surrounding region. }} * {{see | name=Medieval Aqueduct | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.6833 | long=14.7667 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3604732 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=Built by the Lombards in the 9th century to supply the monastery of San Benedetto and, via an underground passage, the convent of Piantanova. It consists of two branches, one coming from the north and one from the east, which join in via Arce and continue south towards the monastery. }} * {{see | name=Provincial Art Gallery of Salerno | alt= | url=http://www.pinacoteca.provinciasalerno.org | email=museiprovincialisalerno@virgilio.it | address= | lat=40.6788 | long=14.7598 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Free | wikidata=Q3905133 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=The Provincial Art Gallery of Salerno (Pinacoteca Provinciale) is housed in the 17th-century Palazzo Pinto in the heart of the old town. Its collection spans from the 15th to the early 20th century, showcasing works by local and regional artists, including Renaissance master Andrea Sabatini and Baroque painters from the Solimena family. Highlights also include landscapes from the Posillipo School. }} == Do == * '''Football:''' [https://www.ussalernitana1919.it/ Salernitana] were relegated in 2024 and now play soccer in Serie B, the second tier. Their home ground Stadio Arechi (capacity 37,800) is 5 km south along the coast with its own railway station. ==Buy== ==Eat== There are several good restaurants in Salerno and nearby, offering a wide range of food. In the center of the town, if you're looking for pizza you can go to: *'''Il Vicolo della Neve''', one of the oldest restaurants in Salerno. It's in the historic center. Pizza is served here, but they are also famous for their "pasta e fagioli" (pasta with beans). *'''Donna Margherita''' a very good pizzeria, serving also fish dishes. Not very expensive, with high quality. *'''Il Brigante''' serves mainly vegetable-based dishes. If you want to try local food, try the polpo! The food is basic but good and prices are low. ==Drink== ==Sleep== *{{sleep | name=Borgo Riccio | url=http://www.borgoriccio.com | email= | address=Strada Provinciale 86, n°56 Torchiara | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+39 0974 831554 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€80 | checkin=14:00 | checkout=12:00 | content=A great bed and breakfast with private rooms in the tranquility of the Cilento and Vallo del Diano National Park. Clean, cozy and friendly. Cooking facilities, English speaking staff, library. }} *{{sleep | name=Ostello Ave Gratia Plena | url=http://www.ostellodisalerno.it/ | email= | address=Via Dei Canali | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+39 089234776 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From €15 | checkin=14:00 | checkout=10:00 | content=A nice and good hostel in the heart of the Historic centre of Salerno. Friendly people, clean rooms and good service. Breakfast included, internet available. The hostel offers trips to Amalfi and other, adventurous hiking and biking trips. }} == Connect == [[File:Atrani -.JPG | thumb | 300px | The village of Atrani ]] As of June 2022, Salerno has 4G from TIM and 5G from Iliad, Vodafone and Wind Tre. == Go next == * [[Amalfi Coast]] - Venture out of Salerno towards Vietri sul Mare and head on one the most dramatic and breathtaking ''drives'' in the world, the [[Amalfi Coast]] Drive, passing trough: :* [[Cetara]], an enchanting fisherman's village, famous for anchovies and tuna fish, :* [[Maiori]], the only real beach along the Amalfi Coast, [[Minori]], the old pasta factory of the Amalfi Coast :* [[Atrani]], tiny little village, once here the Doges of the Amalfi Sea Republic were crowned here :* [[Amalfi]], the crown jewel and center of the Amalfi Coast :* [[Conca dei Marini]] :* [[Furore]], with a unique fiord, :* [[Praiano]] :and finally, :* [[Positano]] {{routebox | image1=Autostrada A2 Italia.svg | imagesize1=30 | directionl1=N | majorl1=END | minorl1= | directionr1=S | minorr1= | majorr1=[[Reggio di Calabria|Reggio Calabria]] | image2=Autostrada A3 Italia.svg | imagesize2=30 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Naples]] | minorl2=[[Herculaneum]] ← [[Pompeii]] ← [[Cava de' Tirreni]] | directionr2=S | minorr2= | majorr2=END | image3=Italian traffic signs - raccordo autostradale 2.svg | imagesize3=45 | directionl3=N | majorl3=[[Avellino]] | minorl3= | directionr3=S | minorr3= | majorr3=END | image4=Strada Statale 18 Italia.svg | imagesize4=45 | directionl4=N | majorl4=[[Naples]] | minorl4=[[Herculaneum]] ← [[Pompeii]] ← [[Cava de' Tirreni]] | directionr4=S | minorr4=[[Paestum]] → [[Praia a Mare]] | majorr4=[[Reggio di Calabria|Reggio Calabria]] }} {{geo|40.679028|14.756639}} {{isPartOf|Salerno (province)}} {{outlinecity}} si1k9zfdzl9kvfxcofoap5v6mw6obi2 5086981 5086979 2025-07-03T05:54:17Z 203.208.106.227 /* Get around */ Added listing for Provincial Archaeological Museum of Salerno 5086981 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Salerno banner.jpg|caption=Salerno seaview}} '''Salerno''' (Neapolitan: ''Salièrno'') is a city in [[Campania]], [[Italy]]. It is a lively port town, with a relaxing and open Mediterranean atmosphere. Worth a visit also is the Historical Old Town, which is a well-preserved historical town centre, full of tiny little passageways and hidden corners. Salerno is an ideal stopping off point on the way to [[Paestum]], [[Pompeii]] or [[Positano]], or the [[Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park]], which is a lesser known [[UNESCO World Heritage List|UNESCO World Heritage]] site. Placed as it is at one end of the [[Amalfi Coast]]line, it is an important passing point for the local tourism scene. ==Understand== [[File:Salerno- Panorama da castello di Arechi II.jpeg|thumb|400px|Panoramic view of Salerno and the gulf]] Salerno is the principal town of the province with the same name, and has around 128,000 inhabitants (2021). For a brief period (February to August 1944) Salerno was the capital city of Italy, during the liberation after the allied landings before the fall of Monte Cassino to the allies and the subsequent liberation of [[Rome]]. Salerno was the birthplace of the "Schola Medica Salernitana" in the 9th century, which was the most important source of medical information in Europe at the time, and provided an important impulse to medical learning in Europe. The port area is not particularly attractive, but once you get onto the promenade things get better. Worth a visit if you happen to be in the area are [[Vietri sul Mare]], for the traditional ceramics, [[Cava de' Tirreni]] for the important Abbey at La Badia and one of the few remaining Portici in [[Campania]]. ===Local information === * [http://www.comune.salerno.it/ Salerno city council] website ==Get in== ===By plane=== *{{listing | type=go | name=Naples International Airport | alt={{IATA|NAP}}, also known as '''Capodichino Airport''' | url=http://www.aeroportodinapoli.it/en/ | email=comunicazione@gesac.it | address= | lat=40.8782 | long=14.2828 | directions=60 km (37 miles) from Salerno | phone=+39 081 789 6111, +39 081 789 6259 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Naples International Airport | image=Napoli 2010-by-RaBoe-21.jpg | wikidata=Q849383 | content= Once you have landed, you'll have to take one of the methods listed below to cover the final leg of the journey. }} You can take a bus for €3 (called '''Alibus''') to Naples central railway station (get off here for connections to Salerno via train). It also stops on Piazza Municipio near the cruise port, from which you can take a 5-minute walk to catch the Bus (SITA). The route is not obvious, so see the section below. You can buy your ticket on the Alibus, and you can get to it by walking right out of the airport terminal to the bus stop which is less than 20 metres from the airport terminal exit. From Naples Airport there is a '''SITA''' bus running directly to Salerno (€7). It runs only 4 times a day, and not on Sunday. You have to walk for about 300 m to reach the bus. ===By train=== *{{marker |type=go |name=Salerno railway station |wikidata=Q964932}} is one of the main stations in Campania and a stop for high speed trains operated by both Trenitalia and Italo, giving a convenient connection to most major Italian cities. From Naples, you can also reach Salerno on Regional trains from Napoli Centrale which take about 50 minutes, or on some Metropolitan trains making several stops in Naples (80 minutes). For both of these, you can use a Unico Campania U-5 ticket, which you can buy for €4.10 from various stores and kiosks around the station. The 3T 3-day tourist transit pass also includes these trains. ===By rental car=== You can rent a car to cover the last stretch of the journey. If you are used to driving in Northern Europe or the US, you'll find the driving habits in this area to be very different. Cars drift around on the motorway hovering between two or three lanes, drivers talk and gesticulate instead of driving, and if you don't keep up with the traffic flow, you are likely to find someone tailgating you within 30 seconds or so. If you need any more convincing, take a look at the cars when you arrive in the area. There is a prize if you can spot one without dents. ===By bus=== [[File:Viva05busitalia.jpg|thumb|Busitalia coach in Salerno]] ====From Naples==== When you have to cross the road here, you'll find that traffic in Naples follows unwritten rules that are not accessible to foreigners (or even some Italians). Red traffic lights don't always stop the traffic (the locals know the 'important' traffic lights, and will stop at these). Mopeds regularly leave the road and drive on any other surface they can find. Follow the locals, and you should be OK. You should ask the way to the "SITA" (the name of the bus company that provides the service). If you stand where the bus stops, and face the sea (with the tall castle to your right), you will need to cross the main road and head towards the left. After about 400 m or so, you will see a small congregation of buses to your right. Check the destination written on the bus, or you can ask for "Salerno". The service is quite rapid for the first part of the journey, but then will leave the motorway and take a more tortuous route. The journey should take an hour or so. The ticket should cost €3-4 per person. For further journeys there is a regional ticket that allows you to travel with the bus (timed limit) or train (one journey): see [[Campania#Get around|Campania Unico]]. ====From the Amalfi coast==== You can catch a [http://www.sitabus.it/en/salerno-to-amalfi-coast-bus-timetable/ SITA bus] from the [[Amalfi Coast]] to Salerno, which runs along the winding roads of the coastline. The drivers are very experienced and swing effortlessly round the curves. In the height of summer, expect long delays, as tourist cars and buses tend to get overwhelmed by the road and vice versa; it is better to go by boat (see below). ===By boat=== [[File:Salerno Panorâmica (9693601497).jpg|thumb|300px|View of the city from the sea]] Travel by sea is seasonal, from around Easter to mid or late October, and may be canceled depending on weather conditions like strong winds. ====From the Amalfi Coast==== * Based in Amalfi, the company [http://www.coopsantandrea.com '''Coop Sant'Andrea'''] operates the ferry service for the Amalfi Coast, with services debuting every year from Easter weekend. Connections are to and between and return Salerno, [[Positano]] and [[Amalfi]]. In summer, the routes extend to [[Maiori]] and [[Minori]]. This is a much better way of enjoying the journey, and you will arrive with a smile on your face as it is very relaxing. You will find more info on their website. * Based in Naples, the '''Metro del Mare''' ferry network operates along the length of the Amalfi Coast. == Get around == {{mapframe | 40.680 | 14.770 | height=500 | width=600 | zoom=14 }} Salerno has three kinds of public transportation: buses, trains, and light metro. * The main bus stop is at the Salerno train station. '''[https://www.fsbusitalia.it/content/fsbusitalia/it/campania.html Busitalia]''' buses serve Salerno and other towns in the province. It is absolutely necessary to buy the ticket before getting on the bus. The buses leave from the station to the surrounding areas almost every 20 minutes. CSTP lines 4 and 9 connect the Salerno Maritime Terminal with the Train Station or Ferry Terminal. '''SITA buses''' leave from the train station and serve the region. One COSTIERASITA ticket (€10 in 2024) is valid 24 hours from the first validation and allows an unlimited number of journeys on public transport [http://www.sitasudtrasporti.it/ SITASUD] along the Amalfi coast. Two blocks west (toward the sea) of the train station is Piazza della Concordia, where the CSTP bus 34 leaves for Paestum. * Salerno train station is a hub for regional, inter-city, and high-speed trains to almost all the main Italian cities. From the train station, one can connect with the ferry terminal, only three blocks away just beyond the Piazza della Concordia, with boats to the Amalfi coast. * The Metro is more limited with only seven Metro stops over 8 km of light rail through the city centre, parallel to the coast. * {{go | name=Provincial Archaeological Museum of Salerno | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3867726 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=Located in the historic San Benedetto complex, the Provincial Archaeological Museum of Salerno houses a rich collection of artifacts spanning from prehistoric times to the late Roman period. Highlights include Roman statues, inscriptions, and funerary urns displayed in the outdoor lapidary garden, as well as a remarkable bronze head of Apollo retrieved from the Gulf of Salerno in 1930. }} ==See== [[File:Salerno 2013-05-17 11-11-51.jpg|thumb|Cloister of the Duomo]] At night, you can take a walk along the '''Lungomare''', a boulevard with palmtrees and a nice view at the sea and the surrounding hills. The '''Villa Comunale''' is an oasis of green at the centre of the city. Big plants, giant flowers, lots of spaces to sit. If you're quiet enough, you will hear the music boxes sing their beautiful song. * {{see | name=Il Giardino della Minerva | alt=Garden of Minerva | url=http://www.giardinodellaminerva.it | email=info@giardinodellaminerva.it | address=Via Ferrante Sanseverino, 1 | lat=40.68111 | long=14.75372 | directions=you can walk from the old town, or take the handy communal elevator | phone=+39 089 252 423 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=hours change monthly, consult website. Closed on Monday | price=€3 | wikipedia=Minerva's Garden (Salerno) | image=GiardinodellaMinerva.jpg | wikidata=Q3763918 | lastedit=2017-04-04 | content=Beautiful botanical and herbal gardens on multiple terraces. The plants are well labeled with their scientific names as well as the locations where they are native. You can enjoy the sights and smells of the plants, the ingenuity of the irrigation system and a wonderful view of the town and seashore below, all while learning about the plants and the hundreds of years of history of the gardens. }} * {{see | name=Cathedral | alt=Duomo | url=http://www.cattedraledisalerno.it/ | email= | address=Piazza Alfano I | lat=40.6833 | long=14.7667 | directions= | phone=+39 089 231 387 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Salerno Cathedral | image=Salerno 2013-05-17 09-37-10.jpg | wikidata=Q2738834 | lastedit=2018-07-06 | content=Imposing church built in the 11th century with a mixture of Romanesque, Norman, Arab and Byzantine architectural elements. }} * {{see | name=Arechi Castle | alt= | url=http://www.ilcastellodiarechi.it | email= | address= | lat=40.684511 | long=14.754746 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1174435 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=Symbol of the city, the castle was built in the late Roman or Byzantine era. It was renovated by the Lombard prince Arechi II, from whom it takes its name, when he moved the court of the Principality of Benevento to Salerno in the 8th century and became the cornerstone of the city's triangular defense system. Subsequently expanded and fortified, the manor was never conquered. It currently hosts a museum, accommodation and conference activities and is a hub for nature trails and equipped paths. }} * {{see | name=San Giorgio | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.6788 | long=14.7591 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3670324 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=From the early 18th century, commonly called "the most beautiful baroque church" in the city. It houses the relics of the holy Salerno martyrs Santa Tecla, Archelaa and Susanna and has paintings by Andrea Sabatini. }} * {{see | name=Diocesan Museum of Salerno | alt= | url=http://museodiocesanodisalerno.it/ | email=museodiocesano.sa@gmail.com | address= | lat=40.68078 | long=14.76041 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3868324 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=The Diocesan Museum of Salerno, housed in a former seminary near the cathedral, displays a rich collection of religious art and artifacts, with a strong focus on the medieval period. Its holdings provide a fascinating insight into the spiritual and artistic heritage of the city and surrounding region. }} * {{see | name=Medieval Aqueduct | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.6833 | long=14.7667 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3604732 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=Built by the Lombards in the 9th century to supply the monastery of San Benedetto and, via an underground passage, the convent of Piantanova. It consists of two branches, one coming from the north and one from the east, which join in via Arce and continue south towards the monastery. }} * {{see | name=Provincial Art Gallery of Salerno | alt= | url=http://www.pinacoteca.provinciasalerno.org | email=museiprovincialisalerno@virgilio.it | address= | lat=40.6788 | long=14.7598 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Free | wikidata=Q3905133 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=The Provincial Art Gallery of Salerno (Pinacoteca Provinciale) is housed in the 17th-century Palazzo Pinto in the heart of the old town. Its collection spans from the 15th to the early 20th century, showcasing works by local and regional artists, including Renaissance master Andrea Sabatini and Baroque painters from the Solimena family. Highlights also include landscapes from the Posillipo School. }} == Do == * '''Football:''' [https://www.ussalernitana1919.it/ Salernitana] were relegated in 2024 and now play soccer in Serie B, the second tier. Their home ground Stadio Arechi (capacity 37,800) is 5 km south along the coast with its own railway station. ==Buy== ==Eat== There are several good restaurants in Salerno and nearby, offering a wide range of food. In the center of the town, if you're looking for pizza you can go to: *'''Il Vicolo della Neve''', one of the oldest restaurants in Salerno. It's in the historic center. Pizza is served here, but they are also famous for their "pasta e fagioli" (pasta with beans). *'''Donna Margherita''' a very good pizzeria, serving also fish dishes. Not very expensive, with high quality. *'''Il Brigante''' serves mainly vegetable-based dishes. If you want to try local food, try the polpo! The food is basic but good and prices are low. ==Drink== ==Sleep== *{{sleep | name=Borgo Riccio | url=http://www.borgoriccio.com | email= | address=Strada Provinciale 86, n°56 Torchiara | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+39 0974 831554 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€80 | checkin=14:00 | checkout=12:00 | content=A great bed and breakfast with private rooms in the tranquility of the Cilento and Vallo del Diano National Park. Clean, cozy and friendly. Cooking facilities, English speaking staff, library. }} *{{sleep | name=Ostello Ave Gratia Plena | url=http://www.ostellodisalerno.it/ | email= | address=Via Dei Canali | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+39 089234776 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From €15 | checkin=14:00 | checkout=10:00 | content=A nice and good hostel in the heart of the Historic centre of Salerno. Friendly people, clean rooms and good service. Breakfast included, internet available. The hostel offers trips to Amalfi and other, adventurous hiking and biking trips. }} == Connect == [[File:Atrani -.JPG | thumb | 300px | The village of Atrani ]] As of June 2022, Salerno has 4G from TIM and 5G from Iliad, Vodafone and Wind Tre. == Go next == * [[Amalfi Coast]] - Venture out of Salerno towards Vietri sul Mare and head on one the most dramatic and breathtaking ''drives'' in the world, the [[Amalfi Coast]] Drive, passing trough: :* [[Cetara]], an enchanting fisherman's village, famous for anchovies and tuna fish, :* [[Maiori]], the only real beach along the Amalfi Coast, [[Minori]], the old pasta factory of the Amalfi Coast :* [[Atrani]], tiny little village, once here the Doges of the Amalfi Sea Republic were crowned here :* [[Amalfi]], the crown jewel and center of the Amalfi Coast :* [[Conca dei Marini]] :* [[Furore]], with a unique fiord, :* [[Praiano]] :and finally, :* [[Positano]] {{routebox | image1=Autostrada A2 Italia.svg | imagesize1=30 | directionl1=N | majorl1=END | minorl1= | directionr1=S | minorr1= | majorr1=[[Reggio di Calabria|Reggio Calabria]] | image2=Autostrada A3 Italia.svg | imagesize2=30 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Naples]] | minorl2=[[Herculaneum]] ← [[Pompeii]] ← [[Cava de' Tirreni]] | directionr2=S | minorr2= | majorr2=END | image3=Italian traffic signs - raccordo autostradale 2.svg | imagesize3=45 | directionl3=N | majorl3=[[Avellino]] | minorl3= | directionr3=S | minorr3= | majorr3=END | image4=Strada Statale 18 Italia.svg | imagesize4=45 | directionl4=N | majorl4=[[Naples]] | minorl4=[[Herculaneum]] ← [[Pompeii]] ← [[Cava de' Tirreni]] | directionr4=S | minorr4=[[Paestum]] → [[Praia a Mare]] | majorr4=[[Reggio di Calabria|Reggio Calabria]] }} {{geo|40.679028|14.756639}} {{isPartOf|Salerno (province)}} {{outlinecity}} ncn67funhcny0zyxqzo6u572m7f6i0o 5086982 5086981 2025-07-03T05:56:10Z 203.208.106.227 /* See */ Added listing for Provincial Archaeological Museum of Salerno 5086982 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Salerno banner.jpg|caption=Salerno seaview}} '''Salerno''' (Neapolitan: ''Salièrno'') is a city in [[Campania]], [[Italy]]. It is a lively port town, with a relaxing and open Mediterranean atmosphere. Worth a visit also is the Historical Old Town, which is a well-preserved historical town centre, full of tiny little passageways and hidden corners. Salerno is an ideal stopping off point on the way to [[Paestum]], [[Pompeii]] or [[Positano]], or the [[Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park]], which is a lesser known [[UNESCO World Heritage List|UNESCO World Heritage]] site. Placed as it is at one end of the [[Amalfi Coast]]line, it is an important passing point for the local tourism scene. ==Understand== [[File:Salerno- Panorama da castello di Arechi II.jpeg|thumb|400px|Panoramic view of Salerno and the gulf]] Salerno is the principal town of the province with the same name, and has around 128,000 inhabitants (2021). For a brief period (February to August 1944) Salerno was the capital city of Italy, during the liberation after the allied landings before the fall of Monte Cassino to the allies and the subsequent liberation of [[Rome]]. Salerno was the birthplace of the "Schola Medica Salernitana" in the 9th century, which was the most important source of medical information in Europe at the time, and provided an important impulse to medical learning in Europe. The port area is not particularly attractive, but once you get onto the promenade things get better. Worth a visit if you happen to be in the area are [[Vietri sul Mare]], for the traditional ceramics, [[Cava de' Tirreni]] for the important Abbey at La Badia and one of the few remaining Portici in [[Campania]]. ===Local information === * [http://www.comune.salerno.it/ Salerno city council] website ==Get in== ===By plane=== *{{listing | type=go | name=Naples International Airport | alt={{IATA|NAP}}, also known as '''Capodichino Airport''' | url=http://www.aeroportodinapoli.it/en/ | email=comunicazione@gesac.it | address= | lat=40.8782 | long=14.2828 | directions=60 km (37 miles) from Salerno | phone=+39 081 789 6111, +39 081 789 6259 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Naples International Airport | image=Napoli 2010-by-RaBoe-21.jpg | wikidata=Q849383 | content= Once you have landed, you'll have to take one of the methods listed below to cover the final leg of the journey. }} You can take a bus for €3 (called '''Alibus''') to Naples central railway station (get off here for connections to Salerno via train). It also stops on Piazza Municipio near the cruise port, from which you can take a 5-minute walk to catch the Bus (SITA). The route is not obvious, so see the section below. You can buy your ticket on the Alibus, and you can get to it by walking right out of the airport terminal to the bus stop which is less than 20 metres from the airport terminal exit. From Naples Airport there is a '''SITA''' bus running directly to Salerno (€7). It runs only 4 times a day, and not on Sunday. You have to walk for about 300 m to reach the bus. ===By train=== *{{marker |type=go |name=Salerno railway station |wikidata=Q964932}} is one of the main stations in Campania and a stop for high speed trains operated by both Trenitalia and Italo, giving a convenient connection to most major Italian cities. From Naples, you can also reach Salerno on Regional trains from Napoli Centrale which take about 50 minutes, or on some Metropolitan trains making several stops in Naples (80 minutes). For both of these, you can use a Unico Campania U-5 ticket, which you can buy for €4.10 from various stores and kiosks around the station. The 3T 3-day tourist transit pass also includes these trains. ===By rental car=== You can rent a car to cover the last stretch of the journey. If you are used to driving in Northern Europe or the US, you'll find the driving habits in this area to be very different. Cars drift around on the motorway hovering between two or three lanes, drivers talk and gesticulate instead of driving, and if you don't keep up with the traffic flow, you are likely to find someone tailgating you within 30 seconds or so. If you need any more convincing, take a look at the cars when you arrive in the area. There is a prize if you can spot one without dents. ===By bus=== [[File:Viva05busitalia.jpg|thumb|Busitalia coach in Salerno]] ====From Naples==== When you have to cross the road here, you'll find that traffic in Naples follows unwritten rules that are not accessible to foreigners (or even some Italians). Red traffic lights don't always stop the traffic (the locals know the 'important' traffic lights, and will stop at these). Mopeds regularly leave the road and drive on any other surface they can find. Follow the locals, and you should be OK. You should ask the way to the "SITA" (the name of the bus company that provides the service). If you stand where the bus stops, and face the sea (with the tall castle to your right), you will need to cross the main road and head towards the left. After about 400 m or so, you will see a small congregation of buses to your right. Check the destination written on the bus, or you can ask for "Salerno". The service is quite rapid for the first part of the journey, but then will leave the motorway and take a more tortuous route. The journey should take an hour or so. The ticket should cost €3-4 per person. For further journeys there is a regional ticket that allows you to travel with the bus (timed limit) or train (one journey): see [[Campania#Get around|Campania Unico]]. ====From the Amalfi coast==== You can catch a [http://www.sitabus.it/en/salerno-to-amalfi-coast-bus-timetable/ SITA bus] from the [[Amalfi Coast]] to Salerno, which runs along the winding roads of the coastline. The drivers are very experienced and swing effortlessly round the curves. In the height of summer, expect long delays, as tourist cars and buses tend to get overwhelmed by the road and vice versa; it is better to go by boat (see below). ===By boat=== [[File:Salerno Panorâmica (9693601497).jpg|thumb|300px|View of the city from the sea]] Travel by sea is seasonal, from around Easter to mid or late October, and may be canceled depending on weather conditions like strong winds. ====From the Amalfi Coast==== * Based in Amalfi, the company [http://www.coopsantandrea.com '''Coop Sant'Andrea'''] operates the ferry service for the Amalfi Coast, with services debuting every year from Easter weekend. Connections are to and between and return Salerno, [[Positano]] and [[Amalfi]]. In summer, the routes extend to [[Maiori]] and [[Minori]]. This is a much better way of enjoying the journey, and you will arrive with a smile on your face as it is very relaxing. You will find more info on their website. * Based in Naples, the '''Metro del Mare''' ferry network operates along the length of the Amalfi Coast. == Get around == {{mapframe | 40.680 | 14.770 | height=500 | width=600 | zoom=14 }} Salerno has three kinds of public transportation: buses, trains, and light metro. * The main bus stop is at the Salerno train station. '''[https://www.fsbusitalia.it/content/fsbusitalia/it/campania.html Busitalia]''' buses serve Salerno and other towns in the province. It is absolutely necessary to buy the ticket before getting on the bus. The buses leave from the station to the surrounding areas almost every 20 minutes. CSTP lines 4 and 9 connect the Salerno Maritime Terminal with the Train Station or Ferry Terminal. '''SITA buses''' leave from the train station and serve the region. One COSTIERASITA ticket (€10 in 2024) is valid 24 hours from the first validation and allows an unlimited number of journeys on public transport [http://www.sitasudtrasporti.it/ SITASUD] along the Amalfi coast. Two blocks west (toward the sea) of the train station is Piazza della Concordia, where the CSTP bus 34 leaves for Paestum. * Salerno train station is a hub for regional, inter-city, and high-speed trains to almost all the main Italian cities. From the train station, one can connect with the ferry terminal, only three blocks away just beyond the Piazza della Concordia, with boats to the Amalfi coast. * The Metro is more limited with only seven Metro stops over 8 km of light rail through the city centre, parallel to the coast. * {{go | name=Provincial Archaeological Museum of Salerno | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3867726 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=Located in the historic San Benedetto complex, the Provincial Archaeological Museum of Salerno houses a rich collection of artifacts spanning from prehistoric times to the late Roman period. Highlights include Roman statues, inscriptions, and funerary urns displayed in the outdoor lapidary garden, as well as a remarkable bronze head of Apollo retrieved from the Gulf of Salerno in 1930. }} ==See== [[File:Salerno 2013-05-17 11-11-51.jpg|thumb|Cloister of the Duomo]] At night, you can take a walk along the '''Lungomare''', a boulevard with palmtrees and a nice view at the sea and the surrounding hills. The '''Villa Comunale''' is an oasis of green at the centre of the city. Big plants, giant flowers, lots of spaces to sit. If you're quiet enough, you will hear the music boxes sing their beautiful song. * {{see | name=Il Giardino della Minerva | alt=Garden of Minerva | url=http://www.giardinodellaminerva.it | email=info@giardinodellaminerva.it | address=Via Ferrante Sanseverino, 1 | lat=40.68111 | long=14.75372 | directions=you can walk from the old town, or take the handy communal elevator | phone=+39 089 252 423 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=hours change monthly, consult website. Closed on Monday | price=€3 | wikipedia=Minerva's Garden (Salerno) | image=GiardinodellaMinerva.jpg | wikidata=Q3763918 | lastedit=2017-04-04 | content=Beautiful botanical and herbal gardens on multiple terraces. The plants are well labeled with their scientific names as well as the locations where they are native. You can enjoy the sights and smells of the plants, the ingenuity of the irrigation system and a wonderful view of the town and seashore below, all while learning about the plants and the hundreds of years of history of the gardens. }} * {{see | name=Cathedral | alt=Duomo | url=http://www.cattedraledisalerno.it/ | email= | address=Piazza Alfano I | lat=40.6833 | long=14.7667 | directions= | phone=+39 089 231 387 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Salerno Cathedral | image=Salerno 2013-05-17 09-37-10.jpg | wikidata=Q2738834 | lastedit=2018-07-06 | content=Imposing church built in the 11th century with a mixture of Romanesque, Norman, Arab and Byzantine architectural elements. }} * {{see | name=Arechi Castle | alt= | url=http://www.ilcastellodiarechi.it | email= | address= | lat=40.684511 | long=14.754746 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1174435 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=Symbol of the city, the castle was built in the late Roman or Byzantine era. It was renovated by the Lombard prince Arechi II, from whom it takes its name, when he moved the court of the Principality of Benevento to Salerno in the 8th century and became the cornerstone of the city's triangular defense system. Subsequently expanded and fortified, the manor was never conquered. It currently hosts a museum, accommodation and conference activities and is a hub for nature trails and equipped paths. }} * {{see | name=San Giorgio | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.6788 | long=14.7591 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3670324 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=From the early 18th century, commonly called "the most beautiful baroque church" in the city. It houses the relics of the holy Salerno martyrs Santa Tecla, Archelaa and Susanna and has paintings by Andrea Sabatini. }} * {{see | name=Diocesan Museum of Salerno | alt= | url=http://museodiocesanodisalerno.it/ | email=museodiocesano.sa@gmail.com | address= | lat=40.68078 | long=14.76041 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3868324 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=The Diocesan Museum of Salerno, housed in a former seminary near the cathedral, displays a rich collection of religious art and artifacts, with a strong focus on the medieval period. Its holdings provide a fascinating insight into the spiritual and artistic heritage of the city and surrounding region. }} * {{see | name=Medieval Aqueduct | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.6833 | long=14.7667 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3604732 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=Built by the Lombards in the 9th century to supply the monastery of San Benedetto and, via an underground passage, the convent of Piantanova. It consists of two branches, one coming from the north and one from the east, which join in via Arce and continue south towards the monastery. }} * {{see | name=Provincial Art Gallery of Salerno | alt= | url=http://www.pinacoteca.provinciasalerno.org | email=museiprovincialisalerno@virgilio.it | address= | lat=40.6788 | long=14.7598 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Free | wikidata=Q3905133 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=The Provincial Art Gallery of Salerno (Pinacoteca Provinciale) is housed in the 17th-century Palazzo Pinto in the heart of the old town. Its collection spans from the 15th to the early 20th century, showcasing works by local and regional artists, including Renaissance master Andrea Sabatini and Baroque painters from the Solimena family. Highlights also include landscapes from the Posillipo School. }} * {{see | name=Provincial Archaeological Museum of Salerno | alt= | url=http://www.museibiblioteche.provincia.salerno.it/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8&Itemid=113&lang=it | email=info@museoarcheologicosalerno.it | address= | lat=40.67902 | long=14.7623 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3867726 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=Located in the historic San Benedetto complex, the Provincial Archaeological Museum of Salerno houses a rich collection of artifacts spanning from prehistoric times to the late Roman period. Highlights include Roman statues, inscriptions, and funerary urns displayed in the outdoor lapidary garden, as well as a remarkable bronze head of Apollo retrieved from the Gulf of Salerno in 1930. }} == Do == * '''Football:''' [https://www.ussalernitana1919.it/ Salernitana] were relegated in 2024 and now play soccer in Serie B, the second tier. Their home ground Stadio Arechi (capacity 37,800) is 5 km south along the coast with its own railway station. ==Buy== ==Eat== There are several good restaurants in Salerno and nearby, offering a wide range of food. In the center of the town, if you're looking for pizza you can go to: *'''Il Vicolo della Neve''', one of the oldest restaurants in Salerno. It's in the historic center. Pizza is served here, but they are also famous for their "pasta e fagioli" (pasta with beans). *'''Donna Margherita''' a very good pizzeria, serving also fish dishes. Not very expensive, with high quality. *'''Il Brigante''' serves mainly vegetable-based dishes. If you want to try local food, try the polpo! The food is basic but good and prices are low. ==Drink== ==Sleep== *{{sleep | name=Borgo Riccio | url=http://www.borgoriccio.com | email= | address=Strada Provinciale 86, n°56 Torchiara | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+39 0974 831554 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€80 | checkin=14:00 | checkout=12:00 | content=A great bed and breakfast with private rooms in the tranquility of the Cilento and Vallo del Diano National Park. Clean, cozy and friendly. Cooking facilities, English speaking staff, library. }} *{{sleep | name=Ostello Ave Gratia Plena | url=http://www.ostellodisalerno.it/ | email= | address=Via Dei Canali | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+39 089234776 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From €15 | checkin=14:00 | checkout=10:00 | content=A nice and good hostel in the heart of the Historic centre of Salerno. Friendly people, clean rooms and good service. Breakfast included, internet available. The hostel offers trips to Amalfi and other, adventurous hiking and biking trips. }} == Connect == [[File:Atrani -.JPG | thumb | 300px | The village of Atrani ]] As of June 2022, Salerno has 4G from TIM and 5G from Iliad, Vodafone and Wind Tre. == Go next == * [[Amalfi Coast]] - Venture out of Salerno towards Vietri sul Mare and head on one the most dramatic and breathtaking ''drives'' in the world, the [[Amalfi Coast]] Drive, passing trough: :* [[Cetara]], an enchanting fisherman's village, famous for anchovies and tuna fish, :* [[Maiori]], the only real beach along the Amalfi Coast, [[Minori]], the old pasta factory of the Amalfi Coast :* [[Atrani]], tiny little village, once here the Doges of the Amalfi Sea Republic were crowned here :* [[Amalfi]], the crown jewel and center of the Amalfi Coast :* [[Conca dei Marini]] :* [[Furore]], with a unique fiord, :* [[Praiano]] :and finally, :* [[Positano]] {{routebox | image1=Autostrada A2 Italia.svg | imagesize1=30 | directionl1=N | majorl1=END | minorl1= | directionr1=S | minorr1= | majorr1=[[Reggio di Calabria|Reggio Calabria]] | image2=Autostrada A3 Italia.svg | imagesize2=30 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Naples]] | minorl2=[[Herculaneum]] ← [[Pompeii]] ← [[Cava de' Tirreni]] | directionr2=S | minorr2= | majorr2=END | image3=Italian traffic signs - raccordo autostradale 2.svg | imagesize3=45 | directionl3=N | majorl3=[[Avellino]] | minorl3= | directionr3=S | minorr3= | majorr3=END | image4=Strada Statale 18 Italia.svg | imagesize4=45 | directionl4=N | majorl4=[[Naples]] | minorl4=[[Herculaneum]] ← [[Pompeii]] ← [[Cava de' Tirreni]] | directionr4=S | minorr4=[[Paestum]] → [[Praia a Mare]] | majorr4=[[Reggio di Calabria|Reggio Calabria]] }} {{geo|40.679028|14.756639}} {{isPartOf|Salerno (province)}} {{outlinecity}} nxqr6z05285mprtniwpl2v18j7ctbcn 5087000 5086982 2025-07-03T07:19:07Z 203.208.106.227 /* See */ Added listing for Church of the Holy Cross 5087000 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Salerno banner.jpg|caption=Salerno seaview}} '''Salerno''' (Neapolitan: ''Salièrno'') is a city in [[Campania]], [[Italy]]. It is a lively port town, with a relaxing and open Mediterranean atmosphere. Worth a visit also is the Historical Old Town, which is a well-preserved historical town centre, full of tiny little passageways and hidden corners. Salerno is an ideal stopping off point on the way to [[Paestum]], [[Pompeii]] or [[Positano]], or the [[Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park]], which is a lesser known [[UNESCO World Heritage List|UNESCO World Heritage]] site. Placed as it is at one end of the [[Amalfi Coast]]line, it is an important passing point for the local tourism scene. ==Understand== [[File:Salerno- Panorama da castello di Arechi II.jpeg|thumb|400px|Panoramic view of Salerno and the gulf]] Salerno is the principal town of the province with the same name, and has around 128,000 inhabitants (2021). For a brief period (February to August 1944) Salerno was the capital city of Italy, during the liberation after the allied landings before the fall of Monte Cassino to the allies and the subsequent liberation of [[Rome]]. Salerno was the birthplace of the "Schola Medica Salernitana" in the 9th century, which was the most important source of medical information in Europe at the time, and provided an important impulse to medical learning in Europe. The port area is not particularly attractive, but once you get onto the promenade things get better. Worth a visit if you happen to be in the area are [[Vietri sul Mare]], for the traditional ceramics, [[Cava de' Tirreni]] for the important Abbey at La Badia and one of the few remaining Portici in [[Campania]]. ===Local information === * [http://www.comune.salerno.it/ Salerno city council] website ==Get in== ===By plane=== *{{listing | type=go | name=Naples International Airport | alt={{IATA|NAP}}, also known as '''Capodichino Airport''' | url=http://www.aeroportodinapoli.it/en/ | email=comunicazione@gesac.it | address= | lat=40.8782 | long=14.2828 | directions=60 km (37 miles) from Salerno | phone=+39 081 789 6111, +39 081 789 6259 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Naples International Airport | image=Napoli 2010-by-RaBoe-21.jpg | wikidata=Q849383 | content= Once you have landed, you'll have to take one of the methods listed below to cover the final leg of the journey. }} You can take a bus for €3 (called '''Alibus''') to Naples central railway station (get off here for connections to Salerno via train). It also stops on Piazza Municipio near the cruise port, from which you can take a 5-minute walk to catch the Bus (SITA). The route is not obvious, so see the section below. You can buy your ticket on the Alibus, and you can get to it by walking right out of the airport terminal to the bus stop which is less than 20 metres from the airport terminal exit. From Naples Airport there is a '''SITA''' bus running directly to Salerno (€7). It runs only 4 times a day, and not on Sunday. You have to walk for about 300 m to reach the bus. ===By train=== *{{marker |type=go |name=Salerno railway station |wikidata=Q964932}} is one of the main stations in Campania and a stop for high speed trains operated by both Trenitalia and Italo, giving a convenient connection to most major Italian cities. From Naples, you can also reach Salerno on Regional trains from Napoli Centrale which take about 50 minutes, or on some Metropolitan trains making several stops in Naples (80 minutes). For both of these, you can use a Unico Campania U-5 ticket, which you can buy for €4.10 from various stores and kiosks around the station. The 3T 3-day tourist transit pass also includes these trains. ===By rental car=== You can rent a car to cover the last stretch of the journey. If you are used to driving in Northern Europe or the US, you'll find the driving habits in this area to be very different. Cars drift around on the motorway hovering between two or three lanes, drivers talk and gesticulate instead of driving, and if you don't keep up with the traffic flow, you are likely to find someone tailgating you within 30 seconds or so. If you need any more convincing, take a look at the cars when you arrive in the area. There is a prize if you can spot one without dents. ===By bus=== [[File:Viva05busitalia.jpg|thumb|Busitalia coach in Salerno]] ====From Naples==== When you have to cross the road here, you'll find that traffic in Naples follows unwritten rules that are not accessible to foreigners (or even some Italians). Red traffic lights don't always stop the traffic (the locals know the 'important' traffic lights, and will stop at these). Mopeds regularly leave the road and drive on any other surface they can find. Follow the locals, and you should be OK. You should ask the way to the "SITA" (the name of the bus company that provides the service). If you stand where the bus stops, and face the sea (with the tall castle to your right), you will need to cross the main road and head towards the left. After about 400 m or so, you will see a small congregation of buses to your right. Check the destination written on the bus, or you can ask for "Salerno". The service is quite rapid for the first part of the journey, but then will leave the motorway and take a more tortuous route. The journey should take an hour or so. The ticket should cost €3-4 per person. For further journeys there is a regional ticket that allows you to travel with the bus (timed limit) or train (one journey): see [[Campania#Get around|Campania Unico]]. ====From the Amalfi coast==== You can catch a [http://www.sitabus.it/en/salerno-to-amalfi-coast-bus-timetable/ SITA bus] from the [[Amalfi Coast]] to Salerno, which runs along the winding roads of the coastline. The drivers are very experienced and swing effortlessly round the curves. In the height of summer, expect long delays, as tourist cars and buses tend to get overwhelmed by the road and vice versa; it is better to go by boat (see below). ===By boat=== [[File:Salerno Panorâmica (9693601497).jpg|thumb|300px|View of the city from the sea]] Travel by sea is seasonal, from around Easter to mid or late October, and may be canceled depending on weather conditions like strong winds. ====From the Amalfi Coast==== * Based in Amalfi, the company [http://www.coopsantandrea.com '''Coop Sant'Andrea'''] operates the ferry service for the Amalfi Coast, with services debuting every year from Easter weekend. Connections are to and between and return Salerno, [[Positano]] and [[Amalfi]]. In summer, the routes extend to [[Maiori]] and [[Minori]]. This is a much better way of enjoying the journey, and you will arrive with a smile on your face as it is very relaxing. You will find more info on their website. * Based in Naples, the '''Metro del Mare''' ferry network operates along the length of the Amalfi Coast. == Get around == {{mapframe | 40.680 | 14.770 | height=500 | width=600 | zoom=14 }} Salerno has three kinds of public transportation: buses, trains, and light metro. * The main bus stop is at the Salerno train station. '''[https://www.fsbusitalia.it/content/fsbusitalia/it/campania.html Busitalia]''' buses serve Salerno and other towns in the province. It is absolutely necessary to buy the ticket before getting on the bus. The buses leave from the station to the surrounding areas almost every 20 minutes. CSTP lines 4 and 9 connect the Salerno Maritime Terminal with the Train Station or Ferry Terminal. '''SITA buses''' leave from the train station and serve the region. One COSTIERASITA ticket (€10 in 2024) is valid 24 hours from the first validation and allows an unlimited number of journeys on public transport [http://www.sitasudtrasporti.it/ SITASUD] along the Amalfi coast. Two blocks west (toward the sea) of the train station is Piazza della Concordia, where the CSTP bus 34 leaves for Paestum. * Salerno train station is a hub for regional, inter-city, and high-speed trains to almost all the main Italian cities. From the train station, one can connect with the ferry terminal, only three blocks away just beyond the Piazza della Concordia, with boats to the Amalfi coast. * The Metro is more limited with only seven Metro stops over 8 km of light rail through the city centre, parallel to the coast. * {{go | name=Provincial Archaeological Museum of Salerno | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3867726 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=Located in the historic San Benedetto complex, the Provincial Archaeological Museum of Salerno houses a rich collection of artifacts spanning from prehistoric times to the late Roman period. Highlights include Roman statues, inscriptions, and funerary urns displayed in the outdoor lapidary garden, as well as a remarkable bronze head of Apollo retrieved from the Gulf of Salerno in 1930. }} ==See== [[File:Salerno 2013-05-17 11-11-51.jpg|thumb|Cloister of the Duomo]] At night, you can take a walk along the '''Lungomare''', a boulevard with palmtrees and a nice view at the sea and the surrounding hills. The '''Villa Comunale''' is an oasis of green at the centre of the city. Big plants, giant flowers, lots of spaces to sit. If you're quiet enough, you will hear the music boxes sing their beautiful song. * {{see | name=Il Giardino della Minerva | alt=Garden of Minerva | url=http://www.giardinodellaminerva.it | email=info@giardinodellaminerva.it | address=Via Ferrante Sanseverino, 1 | lat=40.68111 | long=14.75372 | directions=you can walk from the old town, or take the handy communal elevator | phone=+39 089 252 423 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=hours change monthly, consult website. Closed on Monday | price=€3 | wikipedia=Minerva's Garden (Salerno) | image=GiardinodellaMinerva.jpg | wikidata=Q3763918 | lastedit=2017-04-04 | content=Beautiful botanical and herbal gardens on multiple terraces. The plants are well labeled with their scientific names as well as the locations where they are native. You can enjoy the sights and smells of the plants, the ingenuity of the irrigation system and a wonderful view of the town and seashore below, all while learning about the plants and the hundreds of years of history of the gardens. }} * {{see | name=Cathedral | alt=Duomo | url=http://www.cattedraledisalerno.it/ | email= | address=Piazza Alfano I | lat=40.6833 | long=14.7667 | directions= | phone=+39 089 231 387 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Salerno Cathedral | image=Salerno 2013-05-17 09-37-10.jpg | wikidata=Q2738834 | lastedit=2018-07-06 | content=Imposing church built in the 11th century with a mixture of Romanesque, Norman, Arab and Byzantine architectural elements. }} * {{see | name=Arechi Castle | alt= | url=http://www.ilcastellodiarechi.it | email= | address= | lat=40.684511 | long=14.754746 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1174435 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=Symbol of the city, the castle was built in the late Roman or Byzantine era. It was renovated by the Lombard prince Arechi II, from whom it takes its name, when he moved the court of the Principality of Benevento to Salerno in the 8th century and became the cornerstone of the city's triangular defense system. Subsequently expanded and fortified, the manor was never conquered. It currently hosts a museum, accommodation and conference activities and is a hub for nature trails and equipped paths. }} * {{see | name=San Giorgio | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.6788 | long=14.7591 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3670324 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=From the early 18th century, commonly called "the most beautiful baroque church" in the city. It houses the relics of the holy Salerno martyrs Santa Tecla, Archelaa and Susanna and has paintings by Andrea Sabatini. }} * {{see | name=Diocesan Museum of Salerno | alt= | url=http://museodiocesanodisalerno.it/ | email=museodiocesano.sa@gmail.com | address= | lat=40.68078 | long=14.76041 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3868324 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=The Diocesan Museum of Salerno, housed in a former seminary near the cathedral, displays a rich collection of religious art and artifacts, with a strong focus on the medieval period. Its holdings provide a fascinating insight into the spiritual and artistic heritage of the city and surrounding region. }} * {{see | name=Medieval Aqueduct | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.6833 | long=14.7667 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3604732 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=Built by the Lombards in the 9th century to supply the monastery of San Benedetto and, via an underground passage, the convent of Piantanova. It consists of two branches, one coming from the north and one from the east, which join in via Arce and continue south towards the monastery. }} * {{see | name=Provincial Art Gallery of Salerno | alt= | url=http://www.pinacoteca.provinciasalerno.org | email=museiprovincialisalerno@virgilio.it | address= | lat=40.6788 | long=14.7598 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Free | wikidata=Q3905133 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=The Provincial Art Gallery of Salerno (Pinacoteca Provinciale) is housed in the 17th-century Palazzo Pinto in the heart of the old town. Its collection spans from the 15th to the early 20th century, showcasing works by local and regional artists, including Renaissance master Andrea Sabatini and Baroque painters from the Solimena family. Highlights also include landscapes from the Posillipo School. }} * {{see | name=Provincial Archaeological Museum of Salerno | alt= | url=http://www.museibiblioteche.provincia.salerno.it/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8&Itemid=113&lang=it | email=info@museoarcheologicosalerno.it | address= | lat=40.67902 | long=14.7623 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3867726 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=Located in the historic San Benedetto complex, the Provincial Archaeological Museum of Salerno houses a rich collection of artifacts spanning from prehistoric times to the late Roman period. Highlights include Roman statues, inscriptions, and funerary urns displayed in the outdoor lapidary garden, as well as a remarkable bronze head of Apollo retrieved from the Gulf of Salerno in 1930. }} * {{see | name=Church of the Holy Cross | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.6783 | long=14.7616 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q606869 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=13th century Romanesque style church once connected to the monastery of San Benedetto. }} == Do == * '''Football:''' [https://www.ussalernitana1919.it/ Salernitana] were relegated in 2024 and now play soccer in Serie B, the second tier. Their home ground Stadio Arechi (capacity 37,800) is 5 km south along the coast with its own railway station. ==Buy== ==Eat== There are several good restaurants in Salerno and nearby, offering a wide range of food. In the center of the town, if you're looking for pizza you can go to: *'''Il Vicolo della Neve''', one of the oldest restaurants in Salerno. It's in the historic center. Pizza is served here, but they are also famous for their "pasta e fagioli" (pasta with beans). *'''Donna Margherita''' a very good pizzeria, serving also fish dishes. Not very expensive, with high quality. *'''Il Brigante''' serves mainly vegetable-based dishes. If you want to try local food, try the polpo! The food is basic but good and prices are low. ==Drink== ==Sleep== *{{sleep | name=Borgo Riccio | url=http://www.borgoriccio.com | email= | address=Strada Provinciale 86, n°56 Torchiara | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+39 0974 831554 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€80 | checkin=14:00 | checkout=12:00 | content=A great bed and breakfast with private rooms in the tranquility of the Cilento and Vallo del Diano National Park. Clean, cozy and friendly. Cooking facilities, English speaking staff, library. }} *{{sleep | name=Ostello Ave Gratia Plena | url=http://www.ostellodisalerno.it/ | email= | address=Via Dei Canali | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+39 089234776 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From €15 | checkin=14:00 | checkout=10:00 | content=A nice and good hostel in the heart of the Historic centre of Salerno. Friendly people, clean rooms and good service. Breakfast included, internet available. The hostel offers trips to Amalfi and other, adventurous hiking and biking trips. }} == Connect == [[File:Atrani -.JPG | thumb | 300px | The village of Atrani ]] As of June 2022, Salerno has 4G from TIM and 5G from Iliad, Vodafone and Wind Tre. == Go next == * [[Amalfi Coast]] - Venture out of Salerno towards Vietri sul Mare and head on one the most dramatic and breathtaking ''drives'' in the world, the [[Amalfi Coast]] Drive, passing trough: :* [[Cetara]], an enchanting fisherman's village, famous for anchovies and tuna fish, :* [[Maiori]], the only real beach along the Amalfi Coast, [[Minori]], the old pasta factory of the Amalfi Coast :* [[Atrani]], tiny little village, once here the Doges of the Amalfi Sea Republic were crowned here :* [[Amalfi]], the crown jewel and center of the Amalfi Coast :* [[Conca dei Marini]] :* [[Furore]], with a unique fiord, :* [[Praiano]] :and finally, :* [[Positano]] {{routebox | image1=Autostrada A2 Italia.svg | imagesize1=30 | directionl1=N | majorl1=END | minorl1= | directionr1=S | minorr1= | majorr1=[[Reggio di Calabria|Reggio Calabria]] | image2=Autostrada A3 Italia.svg | imagesize2=30 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Naples]] | minorl2=[[Herculaneum]] ← [[Pompeii]] ← [[Cava de' Tirreni]] | directionr2=S | minorr2= | majorr2=END | image3=Italian traffic signs - raccordo autostradale 2.svg | imagesize3=45 | directionl3=N | majorl3=[[Avellino]] | minorl3= | directionr3=S | minorr3= | majorr3=END | image4=Strada Statale 18 Italia.svg | imagesize4=45 | directionl4=N | majorl4=[[Naples]] | minorl4=[[Herculaneum]] ← [[Pompeii]] ← [[Cava de' Tirreni]] | directionr4=S | minorr4=[[Paestum]] → [[Praia a Mare]] | majorr4=[[Reggio di Calabria|Reggio Calabria]] }} {{geo|40.679028|14.756639}} {{isPartOf|Salerno (province)}} {{outlinecity}} ecn8h2tv6l8slfnimegzgd8ayup7tj9 5087011 5087000 2025-07-03T07:43:15Z 203.208.106.227 /* See */ Added listing for Salerno War Cemetery 5087011 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Salerno banner.jpg|caption=Salerno seaview}} '''Salerno''' (Neapolitan: ''Salièrno'') is a city in [[Campania]], [[Italy]]. It is a lively port town, with a relaxing and open Mediterranean atmosphere. Worth a visit also is the Historical Old Town, which is a well-preserved historical town centre, full of tiny little passageways and hidden corners. Salerno is an ideal stopping off point on the way to [[Paestum]], [[Pompeii]] or [[Positano]], or the [[Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park]], which is a lesser known [[UNESCO World Heritage List|UNESCO World Heritage]] site. Placed as it is at one end of the [[Amalfi Coast]]line, it is an important passing point for the local tourism scene. ==Understand== [[File:Salerno- Panorama da castello di Arechi II.jpeg|thumb|400px|Panoramic view of Salerno and the gulf]] Salerno is the principal town of the province with the same name, and has around 128,000 inhabitants (2021). For a brief period (February to August 1944) Salerno was the capital city of Italy, during the liberation after the allied landings before the fall of Monte Cassino to the allies and the subsequent liberation of [[Rome]]. Salerno was the birthplace of the "Schola Medica Salernitana" in the 9th century, which was the most important source of medical information in Europe at the time, and provided an important impulse to medical learning in Europe. The port area is not particularly attractive, but once you get onto the promenade things get better. Worth a visit if you happen to be in the area are [[Vietri sul Mare]], for the traditional ceramics, [[Cava de' Tirreni]] for the important Abbey at La Badia and one of the few remaining Portici in [[Campania]]. ===Local information === * [http://www.comune.salerno.it/ Salerno city council] website ==Get in== ===By plane=== *{{listing | type=go | name=Naples International Airport | alt={{IATA|NAP}}, also known as '''Capodichino Airport''' | url=http://www.aeroportodinapoli.it/en/ | email=comunicazione@gesac.it | address= | lat=40.8782 | long=14.2828 | directions=60 km (37 miles) from Salerno | phone=+39 081 789 6111, +39 081 789 6259 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Naples International Airport | image=Napoli 2010-by-RaBoe-21.jpg | wikidata=Q849383 | content= Once you have landed, you'll have to take one of the methods listed below to cover the final leg of the journey. }} You can take a bus for €3 (called '''Alibus''') to Naples central railway station (get off here for connections to Salerno via train). It also stops on Piazza Municipio near the cruise port, from which you can take a 5-minute walk to catch the Bus (SITA). The route is not obvious, so see the section below. You can buy your ticket on the Alibus, and you can get to it by walking right out of the airport terminal to the bus stop which is less than 20 metres from the airport terminal exit. From Naples Airport there is a '''SITA''' bus running directly to Salerno (€7). It runs only 4 times a day, and not on Sunday. You have to walk for about 300 m to reach the bus. ===By train=== *{{marker |type=go |name=Salerno railway station |wikidata=Q964932}} is one of the main stations in Campania and a stop for high speed trains operated by both Trenitalia and Italo, giving a convenient connection to most major Italian cities. From Naples, you can also reach Salerno on Regional trains from Napoli Centrale which take about 50 minutes, or on some Metropolitan trains making several stops in Naples (80 minutes). For both of these, you can use a Unico Campania U-5 ticket, which you can buy for €4.10 from various stores and kiosks around the station. The 3T 3-day tourist transit pass also includes these trains. ===By rental car=== You can rent a car to cover the last stretch of the journey. If you are used to driving in Northern Europe or the US, you'll find the driving habits in this area to be very different. Cars drift around on the motorway hovering between two or three lanes, drivers talk and gesticulate instead of driving, and if you don't keep up with the traffic flow, you are likely to find someone tailgating you within 30 seconds or so. If you need any more convincing, take a look at the cars when you arrive in the area. There is a prize if you can spot one without dents. ===By bus=== [[File:Viva05busitalia.jpg|thumb|Busitalia coach in Salerno]] ====From Naples==== When you have to cross the road here, you'll find that traffic in Naples follows unwritten rules that are not accessible to foreigners (or even some Italians). Red traffic lights don't always stop the traffic (the locals know the 'important' traffic lights, and will stop at these). Mopeds regularly leave the road and drive on any other surface they can find. Follow the locals, and you should be OK. You should ask the way to the "SITA" (the name of the bus company that provides the service). If you stand where the bus stops, and face the sea (with the tall castle to your right), you will need to cross the main road and head towards the left. After about 400 m or so, you will see a small congregation of buses to your right. Check the destination written on the bus, or you can ask for "Salerno". The service is quite rapid for the first part of the journey, but then will leave the motorway and take a more tortuous route. The journey should take an hour or so. The ticket should cost €3-4 per person. For further journeys there is a regional ticket that allows you to travel with the bus (timed limit) or train (one journey): see [[Campania#Get around|Campania Unico]]. ====From the Amalfi coast==== You can catch a [http://www.sitabus.it/en/salerno-to-amalfi-coast-bus-timetable/ SITA bus] from the [[Amalfi Coast]] to Salerno, which runs along the winding roads of the coastline. The drivers are very experienced and swing effortlessly round the curves. In the height of summer, expect long delays, as tourist cars and buses tend to get overwhelmed by the road and vice versa; it is better to go by boat (see below). ===By boat=== [[File:Salerno Panorâmica (9693601497).jpg|thumb|300px|View of the city from the sea]] Travel by sea is seasonal, from around Easter to mid or late October, and may be canceled depending on weather conditions like strong winds. ====From the Amalfi Coast==== * Based in Amalfi, the company [http://www.coopsantandrea.com '''Coop Sant'Andrea'''] operates the ferry service for the Amalfi Coast, with services debuting every year from Easter weekend. Connections are to and between and return Salerno, [[Positano]] and [[Amalfi]]. In summer, the routes extend to [[Maiori]] and [[Minori]]. This is a much better way of enjoying the journey, and you will arrive with a smile on your face as it is very relaxing. You will find more info on their website. * Based in Naples, the '''Metro del Mare''' ferry network operates along the length of the Amalfi Coast. == Get around == {{mapframe | 40.680 | 14.770 | height=500 | width=600 | zoom=14 }} Salerno has three kinds of public transportation: buses, trains, and light metro. * The main bus stop is at the Salerno train station. '''[https://www.fsbusitalia.it/content/fsbusitalia/it/campania.html Busitalia]''' buses serve Salerno and other towns in the province. It is absolutely necessary to buy the ticket before getting on the bus. The buses leave from the station to the surrounding areas almost every 20 minutes. CSTP lines 4 and 9 connect the Salerno Maritime Terminal with the Train Station or Ferry Terminal. '''SITA buses''' leave from the train station and serve the region. One COSTIERASITA ticket (€10 in 2024) is valid 24 hours from the first validation and allows an unlimited number of journeys on public transport [http://www.sitasudtrasporti.it/ SITASUD] along the Amalfi coast. Two blocks west (toward the sea) of the train station is Piazza della Concordia, where the CSTP bus 34 leaves for Paestum. * Salerno train station is a hub for regional, inter-city, and high-speed trains to almost all the main Italian cities. From the train station, one can connect with the ferry terminal, only three blocks away just beyond the Piazza della Concordia, with boats to the Amalfi coast. * The Metro is more limited with only seven Metro stops over 8 km of light rail through the city centre, parallel to the coast. * {{go | name=Provincial Archaeological Museum of Salerno | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3867726 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=Located in the historic San Benedetto complex, the Provincial Archaeological Museum of Salerno houses a rich collection of artifacts spanning from prehistoric times to the late Roman period. Highlights include Roman statues, inscriptions, and funerary urns displayed in the outdoor lapidary garden, as well as a remarkable bronze head of Apollo retrieved from the Gulf of Salerno in 1930. }} ==See== [[File:Salerno 2013-05-17 11-11-51.jpg|thumb|Cloister of the Duomo]] At night, you can take a walk along the '''Lungomare''', a boulevard with palmtrees and a nice view at the sea and the surrounding hills. The '''Villa Comunale''' is an oasis of green at the centre of the city. Big plants, giant flowers, lots of spaces to sit. If you're quiet enough, you will hear the music boxes sing their beautiful song. * {{see | name=Il Giardino della Minerva | alt=Garden of Minerva | url=http://www.giardinodellaminerva.it | email=info@giardinodellaminerva.it | address=Via Ferrante Sanseverino, 1 | lat=40.68111 | long=14.75372 | directions=you can walk from the old town, or take the handy communal elevator | phone=+39 089 252 423 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=hours change monthly, consult website. Closed on Monday | price=€3 | wikipedia=Minerva's Garden (Salerno) | image=GiardinodellaMinerva.jpg | wikidata=Q3763918 | lastedit=2017-04-04 | content=Beautiful botanical and herbal gardens on multiple terraces. The plants are well labeled with their scientific names as well as the locations where they are native. You can enjoy the sights and smells of the plants, the ingenuity of the irrigation system and a wonderful view of the town and seashore below, all while learning about the plants and the hundreds of years of history of the gardens. }} * {{see | name=Cathedral | alt=Duomo | url=http://www.cattedraledisalerno.it/ | email= | address=Piazza Alfano I | lat=40.6833 | long=14.7667 | directions= | phone=+39 089 231 387 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Salerno Cathedral | image=Salerno 2013-05-17 09-37-10.jpg | wikidata=Q2738834 | lastedit=2018-07-06 | content=Imposing church built in the 11th century with a mixture of Romanesque, Norman, Arab and Byzantine architectural elements. }} * {{see | name=Arechi Castle | alt= | url=http://www.ilcastellodiarechi.it | email= | address= | lat=40.684511 | long=14.754746 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1174435 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=Symbol of the city, the castle was built in the late Roman or Byzantine era. It was renovated by the Lombard prince Arechi II, from whom it takes its name, when he moved the court of the Principality of Benevento to Salerno in the 8th century and became the cornerstone of the city's triangular defense system. Subsequently expanded and fortified, the manor was never conquered. It currently hosts a museum, accommodation and conference activities and is a hub for nature trails and equipped paths. }} * {{see | name=San Giorgio | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.6788 | long=14.7591 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3670324 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=From the early 18th century, commonly called "the most beautiful baroque church" in the city. It houses the relics of the holy Salerno martyrs Santa Tecla, Archelaa and Susanna and has paintings by Andrea Sabatini. }} * {{see | name=Diocesan Museum of Salerno | alt= | url=http://museodiocesanodisalerno.it/ | email=museodiocesano.sa@gmail.com | address= | lat=40.68078 | long=14.76041 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3868324 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=The Diocesan Museum of Salerno, housed in a former seminary near the cathedral, displays a rich collection of religious art and artifacts, with a strong focus on the medieval period. Its holdings provide a fascinating insight into the spiritual and artistic heritage of the city and surrounding region. }} * {{see | name=Medieval Aqueduct | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.6833 | long=14.7667 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3604732 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=Built by the Lombards in the 9th century to supply the monastery of San Benedetto and, via an underground passage, the convent of Piantanova. It consists of two branches, one coming from the north and one from the east, which join in via Arce and continue south towards the monastery. }} * {{see | name=Provincial Art Gallery of Salerno | alt= | url=http://www.pinacoteca.provinciasalerno.org | email=museiprovincialisalerno@virgilio.it | address= | lat=40.6788 | long=14.7598 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Free | wikidata=Q3905133 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=The Provincial Art Gallery of Salerno (Pinacoteca Provinciale) is housed in the 17th-century Palazzo Pinto in the heart of the old town. Its collection spans from the 15th to the early 20th century, showcasing works by local and regional artists, including Renaissance master Andrea Sabatini and Baroque painters from the Solimena family. Highlights also include landscapes from the Posillipo School. }} * {{see | name=Provincial Archaeological Museum of Salerno | alt= | url=http://www.museibiblioteche.provincia.salerno.it/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8&Itemid=113&lang=it | email=info@museoarcheologicosalerno.it | address= | lat=40.67902 | long=14.7623 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3867726 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=Located in the historic San Benedetto complex, the Provincial Archaeological Museum of Salerno houses a rich collection of artifacts spanning from prehistoric times to the late Roman period. Highlights include Roman statues, inscriptions, and funerary urns displayed in the outdoor lapidary garden, as well as a remarkable bronze head of Apollo retrieved from the Gulf of Salerno in 1930. }} * {{see | name=Church of the Holy Cross | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.6783 | long=14.7616 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q606869 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=13th century Romanesque style church once connected to the monastery of San Benedetto. }} * {{see | name=Salerno War Cemetery | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.62508 | long=14.92202 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q13522409 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=Established in November 1943, the cemetery was created to inter the remains of Commonwealth soldiers who perished during the fierce battles following the Salerno landings. Many of the burials are of those who died in the immediate aftermath of the invasion, while others were relocated from various parts of southwestern Italy. The site also includes a special memorial for a First World War casualty whose original grave was lost. }} == Do == * '''Football:''' [https://www.ussalernitana1919.it/ Salernitana] were relegated in 2024 and now play soccer in Serie B, the second tier. Their home ground Stadio Arechi (capacity 37,800) is 5 km south along the coast with its own railway station. ==Buy== ==Eat== There are several good restaurants in Salerno and nearby, offering a wide range of food. In the center of the town, if you're looking for pizza you can go to: *'''Il Vicolo della Neve''', one of the oldest restaurants in Salerno. It's in the historic center. Pizza is served here, but they are also famous for their "pasta e fagioli" (pasta with beans). *'''Donna Margherita''' a very good pizzeria, serving also fish dishes. Not very expensive, with high quality. *'''Il Brigante''' serves mainly vegetable-based dishes. If you want to try local food, try the polpo! The food is basic but good and prices are low. ==Drink== ==Sleep== *{{sleep | name=Borgo Riccio | url=http://www.borgoriccio.com | email= | address=Strada Provinciale 86, n°56 Torchiara | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+39 0974 831554 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€80 | checkin=14:00 | checkout=12:00 | content=A great bed and breakfast with private rooms in the tranquility of the Cilento and Vallo del Diano National Park. Clean, cozy and friendly. Cooking facilities, English speaking staff, library. }} *{{sleep | name=Ostello Ave Gratia Plena | url=http://www.ostellodisalerno.it/ | email= | address=Via Dei Canali | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+39 089234776 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From €15 | checkin=14:00 | checkout=10:00 | content=A nice and good hostel in the heart of the Historic centre of Salerno. Friendly people, clean rooms and good service. Breakfast included, internet available. The hostel offers trips to Amalfi and other, adventurous hiking and biking trips. }} == Connect == [[File:Atrani -.JPG | thumb | 300px | The village of Atrani ]] As of June 2022, Salerno has 4G from TIM and 5G from Iliad, Vodafone and Wind Tre. == Go next == * [[Amalfi Coast]] - Venture out of Salerno towards Vietri sul Mare and head on one the most dramatic and breathtaking ''drives'' in the world, the [[Amalfi Coast]] Drive, passing trough: :* [[Cetara]], an enchanting fisherman's village, famous for anchovies and tuna fish, :* [[Maiori]], the only real beach along the Amalfi Coast, [[Minori]], the old pasta factory of the Amalfi Coast :* [[Atrani]], tiny little village, once here the Doges of the Amalfi Sea Republic were crowned here :* [[Amalfi]], the crown jewel and center of the Amalfi Coast :* [[Conca dei Marini]] :* [[Furore]], with a unique fiord, :* [[Praiano]] :and finally, :* [[Positano]] {{routebox | image1=Autostrada A2 Italia.svg | imagesize1=30 | directionl1=N | majorl1=END | minorl1= | directionr1=S | minorr1= | majorr1=[[Reggio di Calabria|Reggio Calabria]] | image2=Autostrada A3 Italia.svg | imagesize2=30 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Naples]] | minorl2=[[Herculaneum]] ← [[Pompeii]] ← [[Cava de' Tirreni]] | directionr2=S | minorr2= | majorr2=END | image3=Italian traffic signs - raccordo autostradale 2.svg | imagesize3=45 | directionl3=N | majorl3=[[Avellino]] | minorl3= | directionr3=S | minorr3= | majorr3=END | image4=Strada Statale 18 Italia.svg | imagesize4=45 | directionl4=N | majorl4=[[Naples]] | minorl4=[[Herculaneum]] ← [[Pompeii]] ← [[Cava de' Tirreni]] | directionr4=S | minorr4=[[Paestum]] → [[Praia a Mare]] | majorr4=[[Reggio di Calabria|Reggio Calabria]] }} {{geo|40.679028|14.756639}} {{isPartOf|Salerno (province)}} {{outlinecity}} owl4s522qp5ghpd55qjhvghq2fgaowc 5087063 5087011 2025-07-03T10:02:57Z Ground Zero 1423298 /* Get around */ duplicated information 5087063 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Salerno banner.jpg|caption=Salerno seaview}} '''Salerno''' (Neapolitan: ''Salièrno'') is a city in [[Campania]], [[Italy]]. It is a lively port town, with a relaxing and open Mediterranean atmosphere. Worth a visit also is the Historical Old Town, which is a well-preserved historical town centre, full of tiny little passageways and hidden corners. Salerno is an ideal stopping off point on the way to [[Paestum]], [[Pompeii]] or [[Positano]], or the [[Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park]], which is a lesser known [[UNESCO World Heritage List|UNESCO World Heritage]] site. Placed as it is at one end of the [[Amalfi Coast]]line, it is an important passing point for the local tourism scene. ==Understand== [[File:Salerno- Panorama da castello di Arechi II.jpeg|thumb|400px|Panoramic view of Salerno and the gulf]] Salerno is the principal town of the province with the same name, and has around 128,000 inhabitants (2021). For a brief period (February to August 1944) Salerno was the capital city of Italy, during the liberation after the allied landings before the fall of Monte Cassino to the allies and the subsequent liberation of [[Rome]]. Salerno was the birthplace of the "Schola Medica Salernitana" in the 9th century, which was the most important source of medical information in Europe at the time, and provided an important impulse to medical learning in Europe. The port area is not particularly attractive, but once you get onto the promenade things get better. Worth a visit if you happen to be in the area are [[Vietri sul Mare]], for the traditional ceramics, [[Cava de' Tirreni]] for the important Abbey at La Badia and one of the few remaining Portici in [[Campania]]. ===Local information === * [http://www.comune.salerno.it/ Salerno city council] website ==Get in== ===By plane=== *{{listing | type=go | name=Naples International Airport | alt={{IATA|NAP}}, also known as '''Capodichino Airport''' | url=http://www.aeroportodinapoli.it/en/ | email=comunicazione@gesac.it | address= | lat=40.8782 | long=14.2828 | directions=60 km (37 miles) from Salerno | phone=+39 081 789 6111, +39 081 789 6259 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Naples International Airport | image=Napoli 2010-by-RaBoe-21.jpg | wikidata=Q849383 | content= Once you have landed, you'll have to take one of the methods listed below to cover the final leg of the journey. }} You can take a bus for €3 (called '''Alibus''') to Naples central railway station (get off here for connections to Salerno via train). It also stops on Piazza Municipio near the cruise port, from which you can take a 5-minute walk to catch the Bus (SITA). The route is not obvious, so see the section below. You can buy your ticket on the Alibus, and you can get to it by walking right out of the airport terminal to the bus stop which is less than 20 metres from the airport terminal exit. From Naples Airport there is a '''SITA''' bus running directly to Salerno (€7). It runs only 4 times a day, and not on Sunday. You have to walk for about 300 m to reach the bus. ===By train=== *{{marker |type=go |name=Salerno railway station |wikidata=Q964932}} is one of the main stations in Campania and a stop for high speed trains operated by both Trenitalia and Italo, giving a convenient connection to most major Italian cities. From Naples, you can also reach Salerno on Regional trains from Napoli Centrale which take about 50 minutes, or on some Metropolitan trains making several stops in Naples (80 minutes). For both of these, you can use a Unico Campania U-5 ticket, which you can buy for €4.10 from various stores and kiosks around the station. The 3T 3-day tourist transit pass also includes these trains. ===By rental car=== You can rent a car to cover the last stretch of the journey. If you are used to driving in Northern Europe or the US, you'll find the driving habits in this area to be very different. Cars drift around on the motorway hovering between two or three lanes, drivers talk and gesticulate instead of driving, and if you don't keep up with the traffic flow, you are likely to find someone tailgating you within 30 seconds or so. If you need any more convincing, take a look at the cars when you arrive in the area. There is a prize if you can spot one without dents. ===By bus=== [[File:Viva05busitalia.jpg|thumb|Busitalia coach in Salerno]] ====From Naples==== When you have to cross the road here, you'll find that traffic in Naples follows unwritten rules that are not accessible to foreigners (or even some Italians). Red traffic lights don't always stop the traffic (the locals know the 'important' traffic lights, and will stop at these). Mopeds regularly leave the road and drive on any other surface they can find. Follow the locals, and you should be OK. You should ask the way to the "SITA" (the name of the bus company that provides the service). If you stand where the bus stops, and face the sea (with the tall castle to your right), you will need to cross the main road and head towards the left. After about 400 m or so, you will see a small congregation of buses to your right. Check the destination written on the bus, or you can ask for "Salerno". The service is quite rapid for the first part of the journey, but then will leave the motorway and take a more tortuous route. The journey should take an hour or so. The ticket should cost €3-4 per person. For further journeys there is a regional ticket that allows you to travel with the bus (timed limit) or train (one journey): see [[Campania#Get around|Campania Unico]]. ====From the Amalfi coast==== You can catch a [http://www.sitabus.it/en/salerno-to-amalfi-coast-bus-timetable/ SITA bus] from the [[Amalfi Coast]] to Salerno, which runs along the winding roads of the coastline. The drivers are very experienced and swing effortlessly round the curves. In the height of summer, expect long delays, as tourist cars and buses tend to get overwhelmed by the road and vice versa; it is better to go by boat (see below). ===By boat=== [[File:Salerno Panorâmica (9693601497).jpg|thumb|300px|View of the city from the sea]] Travel by sea is seasonal, from around Easter to mid or late October, and may be canceled depending on weather conditions like strong winds. ====From the Amalfi Coast==== * Based in Amalfi, the company [http://www.coopsantandrea.com '''Coop Sant'Andrea'''] operates the ferry service for the Amalfi Coast, with services debuting every year from Easter weekend. Connections are to and between and return Salerno, [[Positano]] and [[Amalfi]]. In summer, the routes extend to [[Maiori]] and [[Minori]]. This is a much better way of enjoying the journey, and you will arrive with a smile on your face as it is very relaxing. You will find more info on their website. * Based in Naples, the '''Metro del Mare''' ferry network operates along the length of the Amalfi Coast. == Get around == {{mapframe | 40.680 | 14.770 | height=500 | width=600 | zoom=14 }} Salerno has three kinds of public transportation: buses, trains, and light metro. * The main bus stop is at the Salerno train station. '''[https://www.fsbusitalia.it/content/fsbusitalia/it/campania.html Busitalia]''' buses serve Salerno and other towns in the province. It is absolutely necessary to buy the ticket before getting on the bus. The buses leave from the station to the surrounding areas almost every 20 minutes. CSTP lines 4 and 9 connect the Salerno Maritime Terminal with the Train Station or Ferry Terminal. '''SITA buses''' leave from the train station and serve the region. One COSTIERASITA ticket (€10 in 2024) is valid 24 hours from the first validation and allows an unlimited number of journeys on public transport [http://www.sitasudtrasporti.it/ SITASUD] along the Amalfi coast. Two blocks west (toward the sea) of the train station is Piazza della Concordia, where the CSTP bus 34 leaves for Paestum. * Salerno train station is a hub for regional, inter-city, and high-speed trains to almost all the main Italian cities. From the train station, one can connect with the ferry terminal, only three blocks away just beyond the Piazza della Concordia, with boats to the Amalfi coast. * The Metro is more limited with only seven Metro stops over 8 km of light rail through the city centre, parallel to the coast. ==See== [[File:Salerno 2013-05-17 11-11-51.jpg|thumb|Cloister of the Duomo]] At night, you can take a walk along the '''Lungomare''', a boulevard with palmtrees and a nice view at the sea and the surrounding hills. The '''Villa Comunale''' is an oasis of green at the centre of the city. Big plants, giant flowers, lots of spaces to sit. If you're quiet enough, you will hear the music boxes sing their beautiful song. * {{see | name=Il Giardino della Minerva | alt=Garden of Minerva | url=http://www.giardinodellaminerva.it | email=info@giardinodellaminerva.it | address=Via Ferrante Sanseverino, 1 | lat=40.68111 | long=14.75372 | directions=you can walk from the old town, or take the handy communal elevator | phone=+39 089 252 423 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=hours change monthly, consult website. Closed on Monday | price=€3 | wikipedia=Minerva's Garden (Salerno) | image=GiardinodellaMinerva.jpg | wikidata=Q3763918 | lastedit=2017-04-04 | content=Beautiful botanical and herbal gardens on multiple terraces. The plants are well labeled with their scientific names as well as the locations where they are native. You can enjoy the sights and smells of the plants, the ingenuity of the irrigation system and a wonderful view of the town and seashore below, all while learning about the plants and the hundreds of years of history of the gardens. }} * {{see | name=Cathedral | alt=Duomo | url=http://www.cattedraledisalerno.it/ | email= | address=Piazza Alfano I | lat=40.6833 | long=14.7667 | directions= | phone=+39 089 231 387 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Salerno Cathedral | image=Salerno 2013-05-17 09-37-10.jpg | wikidata=Q2738834 | lastedit=2018-07-06 | content=Imposing church built in the 11th century with a mixture of Romanesque, Norman, Arab and Byzantine architectural elements. }} * {{see | name=Arechi Castle | alt= | url=http://www.ilcastellodiarechi.it | email= | address= | lat=40.684511 | long=14.754746 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1174435 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=Symbol of the city, the castle was built in the late Roman or Byzantine era. It was renovated by the Lombard prince Arechi II, from whom it takes its name, when he moved the court of the Principality of Benevento to Salerno in the 8th century and became the cornerstone of the city's triangular defense system. Subsequently expanded and fortified, the manor was never conquered. It currently hosts a museum, accommodation and conference activities and is a hub for nature trails and equipped paths. }} * {{see | name=San Giorgio | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.6788 | long=14.7591 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3670324 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=From the early 18th century, commonly called "the most beautiful baroque church" in the city. It houses the relics of the holy Salerno martyrs Santa Tecla, Archelaa and Susanna and has paintings by Andrea Sabatini. }} * {{see | name=Diocesan Museum of Salerno | alt= | url=http://museodiocesanodisalerno.it/ | email=museodiocesano.sa@gmail.com | address= | lat=40.68078 | long=14.76041 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3868324 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=The Diocesan Museum of Salerno, housed in a former seminary near the cathedral, displays a rich collection of religious art and artifacts, with a strong focus on the medieval period. Its holdings provide a fascinating insight into the spiritual and artistic heritage of the city and surrounding region. }} * {{see | name=Medieval Aqueduct | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.6833 | long=14.7667 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3604732 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=Built by the Lombards in the 9th century to supply the monastery of San Benedetto and, via an underground passage, the convent of Piantanova. It consists of two branches, one coming from the north and one from the east, which join in via Arce and continue south towards the monastery. }} * {{see | name=Provincial Art Gallery of Salerno | alt= | url=http://www.pinacoteca.provinciasalerno.org | email=museiprovincialisalerno@virgilio.it | address= | lat=40.6788 | long=14.7598 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Free | wikidata=Q3905133 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=The Provincial Art Gallery of Salerno (Pinacoteca Provinciale) is housed in the 17th-century Palazzo Pinto in the heart of the old town. Its collection spans from the 15th to the early 20th century, showcasing works by local and regional artists, including Renaissance master Andrea Sabatini and Baroque painters from the Solimena family. Highlights also include landscapes from the Posillipo School. }} * {{see | name=Provincial Archaeological Museum of Salerno | alt= | url=http://www.museibiblioteche.provincia.salerno.it/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8&Itemid=113&lang=it | email=info@museoarcheologicosalerno.it | address= | lat=40.67902 | long=14.7623 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3867726 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=Located in the historic San Benedetto complex, the Provincial Archaeological Museum of Salerno houses a rich collection of artifacts spanning from prehistoric times to the late Roman period. Highlights include Roman statues, inscriptions, and funerary urns displayed in the outdoor lapidary garden, as well as a remarkable bronze head of Apollo retrieved from the Gulf of Salerno in 1930. }} * {{see | name=Church of the Holy Cross | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.6783 | long=14.7616 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q606869 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=13th century Romanesque style church once connected to the monastery of San Benedetto. }} * {{see | name=Salerno War Cemetery | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.62508 | long=14.92202 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q13522409 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=Established in November 1943, the cemetery was created to inter the remains of Commonwealth soldiers who perished during the fierce battles following the Salerno landings. Many of the burials are of those who died in the immediate aftermath of the invasion, while others were relocated from various parts of southwestern Italy. The site also includes a special memorial for a First World War casualty whose original grave was lost. }} == Do == * '''Football:''' [https://www.ussalernitana1919.it/ Salernitana] were relegated in 2024 and now play soccer in Serie B, the second tier. Their home ground Stadio Arechi (capacity 37,800) is 5 km south along the coast with its own railway station. ==Buy== ==Eat== There are several good restaurants in Salerno and nearby, offering a wide range of food. In the center of the town, if you're looking for pizza you can go to: *'''Il Vicolo della Neve''', one of the oldest restaurants in Salerno. It's in the historic center. Pizza is served here, but they are also famous for their "pasta e fagioli" (pasta with beans). *'''Donna Margherita''' a very good pizzeria, serving also fish dishes. Not very expensive, with high quality. *'''Il Brigante''' serves mainly vegetable-based dishes. If you want to try local food, try the polpo! The food is basic but good and prices are low. ==Drink== ==Sleep== *{{sleep | name=Borgo Riccio | url=http://www.borgoriccio.com | email= | address=Strada Provinciale 86, n°56 Torchiara | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+39 0974 831554 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€80 | checkin=14:00 | checkout=12:00 | content=A great bed and breakfast with private rooms in the tranquility of the Cilento and Vallo del Diano National Park. Clean, cozy and friendly. Cooking facilities, English speaking staff, library. }} *{{sleep | name=Ostello Ave Gratia Plena | url=http://www.ostellodisalerno.it/ | email= | address=Via Dei Canali | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+39 089234776 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From €15 | checkin=14:00 | checkout=10:00 | content=A nice and good hostel in the heart of the Historic centre of Salerno. Friendly people, clean rooms and good service. Breakfast included, internet available. The hostel offers trips to Amalfi and other, adventurous hiking and biking trips. }} == Connect == [[File:Atrani -.JPG | thumb | 300px | The village of Atrani ]] As of June 2022, Salerno has 4G from TIM and 5G from Iliad, Vodafone and Wind Tre. == Go next == * [[Amalfi Coast]] - Venture out of Salerno towards Vietri sul Mare and head on one the most dramatic and breathtaking ''drives'' in the world, the [[Amalfi Coast]] Drive, passing trough: :* [[Cetara]], an enchanting fisherman's village, famous for anchovies and tuna fish, :* [[Maiori]], the only real beach along the Amalfi Coast, [[Minori]], the old pasta factory of the Amalfi Coast :* [[Atrani]], tiny little village, once here the Doges of the Amalfi Sea Republic were crowned here :* [[Amalfi]], the crown jewel and center of the Amalfi Coast :* [[Conca dei Marini]] :* [[Furore]], with a unique fiord, :* [[Praiano]] :and finally, :* [[Positano]] {{routebox | image1=Autostrada A2 Italia.svg | imagesize1=30 | directionl1=N | majorl1=END | minorl1= | directionr1=S | minorr1= | majorr1=[[Reggio di Calabria|Reggio Calabria]] | image2=Autostrada A3 Italia.svg | imagesize2=30 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Naples]] | minorl2=[[Herculaneum]] ← [[Pompeii]] ← [[Cava de' Tirreni]] | directionr2=S | minorr2= | majorr2=END | image3=Italian traffic signs - raccordo autostradale 2.svg | imagesize3=45 | directionl3=N | majorl3=[[Avellino]] | minorl3= | directionr3=S | minorr3= | majorr3=END | image4=Strada Statale 18 Italia.svg | imagesize4=45 | directionl4=N | majorl4=[[Naples]] | minorl4=[[Herculaneum]] ← [[Pompeii]] ← [[Cava de' Tirreni]] | directionr4=S | minorr4=[[Paestum]] → [[Praia a Mare]] | majorr4=[[Reggio di Calabria|Reggio Calabria]] }} {{geo|40.679028|14.756639}} {{isPartOf|Salerno (province)}} {{outlinecity}} j8ldgakeulec4w2esgwpdr0o65ztzmx 5087099 5087063 2025-07-03T11:20:23Z Ground Zero 1423298 Reduce repetition. Copyedit 5087099 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Salerno banner.jpg|caption=Salerno seaview}} '''Salerno''' (Neapolitan: ''Salièrno'') is a city in [[Campania]], [[Italy]]. It is a lively port town, with a relaxing and open Mediterranean atmosphere. Worth a visit also is the Historical Old Town, which is a well-preserved historical town centre, full of tiny little passageways and hidden corners. Salerno is an ideal stopping off point on the way to [[Paestum]], [[Pompeii]] or [[Positano]], or the [[Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park]], which is a lesser known [[UNESCO World Heritage List|UNESCO World Heritage]] site. Placed as it is at one end of the [[Amalfi Coast]]line, it is an important passing point for the local tourism scene. ==Understand== [[File:Salerno- Panorama da castello di Arechi II.jpeg|thumb|400px|Panoramic view of Salerno and the gulf]] Salerno is the principal town of the province with the same name, and has around 128,000 inhabitants (2021). For a brief period (February to August 1944) Salerno was the capital city of Italy, during the liberation after the allied landings before the fall of Monte Cassino to the allies and the subsequent liberation of [[Rome]]. Salerno was the birthplace of the "Schola Medica Salernitana" in the 9th century, which was the most important source of medical information in Europe at the time, and provided an important impulse to medical learning in Europe. The port area is not particularly attractive, but once you get onto the promenade things get better. Worth a visit if you happen to be in the area are [[Vietri sul Mare]], for the traditional ceramics, [[Cava de' Tirreni]] for the important Abbey at La Badia and one of the few remaining Portici in [[Campania]]. ===Local information === * [http://www.comune.salerno.it/ Salerno city council] website ==Get in== ===By plane=== *{{listing | type=go | name=Naples International Airport | alt={{IATA|NAP}}, also known as '''Capodichino Airport''' | url=http://www.aeroportodinapoli.it/en/ | email=comunicazione@gesac.it | address= | lat=40.8782 | long=14.2828 | directions=60 km (37 miles) from Salerno | phone=+39 081 789 6111, +39 081 789 6259 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Naples International Airport | image=Napoli 2010-by-RaBoe-21.jpg | wikidata=Q849383 | content= Once you have landed, you'll have to take one of the methods listed below to cover the final leg of the journey. }} You can take a bus for €3 (called '''Alibus''') to Naples central railway station (get off here for connections to Salerno via train). It also stops on Piazza Municipio near the cruise port, from which you can take a 5-minute walk to catch the Bus (SITA). The route is not obvious, so see the section below. You can buy your ticket on the Alibus, and you can get to it by walking right out of the airport terminal to the bus stop which is less than 20 metres from the airport terminal exit. From Naples Airport there is a '''SITA''' bus running directly to Salerno (€7). It runs only 4 times a day, and not on Sunday. You have to walk for about 300 m to reach the bus. ===By train=== *{{marker |type=go |name=Salerno railway station |wikidata=Q964932}} is one of the main stations in Campania and a stop for high speed trains operated by both Trenitalia and Italo, giving a convenient connection to most major Italian cities. From Naples, you can also reach Salerno on Regional trains from Napoli Centrale which take about 50 minutes, or on some Metropolitan trains making several stops in Naples (80 minutes). For both of these, you can use a Unico Campania U-5 ticket, which you can buy for €4.10 from various stores and kiosks around the station. The 3T 3-day tourist transit pass also includes these trains. ===By rental car=== You can rent a car to cover the last stretch of the journey. If you are used to driving in Northern Europe or the US, you'll find the driving habits in this area to be very different. Cars drift around on the motorway hovering between two or three lanes, drivers talk and gesticulate instead of driving, and if you don't keep up with the traffic flow, you are likely to find someone tailgating you within 30 seconds or so. If you need any more convincing, take a look at the cars when you arrive in the area. There is a prize if you can spot one without dents. ===By bus=== [[File:Viva05busitalia.jpg|thumb|Busitalia coach in Salerno]] ====From Naples==== When you have to cross the road here, you'll find that traffic in Naples follows unwritten rules that are not accessible to foreigners (or even some Italians). Red traffic lights don't always stop the traffic (the locals know the 'important' traffic lights, and will stop at these). Mopeds regularly leave the road and drive on any other surface they can find. Follow the locals, and you should be OK. You should ask the way to the "SITA" (the name of the bus company that provides the service). If you stand where the bus stops, and face the sea (with the tall castle to your right), you will need to cross the main road and head towards the left. After about 400 m or so, you will see a small congregation of buses to your right. Check the destination written on the bus, or you can ask for "Salerno". The service is quite rapid for the first part of the journey, but then will leave the motorway and take a more tortuous route. The journey should take an hour or so. The ticket should cost €3-4 per person. For further journeys there is a regional ticket that allows you to travel with the bus (timed limit) or train (one journey): see [[Campania#Get around|Campania Unico]]. ====From the Amalfi coast==== You can catch a [http://www.sitabus.it/en/salerno-to-amalfi-coast-bus-timetable/ SITA bus] from the [[Amalfi Coast]] to Salerno, which runs along the winding roads of the coastline. The drivers are very experienced and swing effortlessly round the curves. In the height of summer, expect long delays, as tourist cars and buses tend to get overwhelmed by the road and vice versa; it is better to go by boat (see below). ===By boat=== [[File:Salerno Panorâmica (9693601497).jpg|thumb|300px|View of the city from the sea]] Travel by sea is seasonal, from around Easter to mid or late October, and may be canceled depending on weather conditions like strong winds. ====From the Amalfi Coast==== * Based in Amalfi, the company [http://www.coopsantandrea.com '''Coop Sant'Andrea'''] operates the ferry service for the Amalfi Coast, with services debuting every year from Easter weekend. Connections are to and between and return Salerno, [[Positano]] and [[Amalfi]]. In summer, the routes extend to [[Maiori]] and [[Minori]]. This is a much better way of enjoying the journey, and you will arrive with a smile on your face as it is very relaxing. You will find more info on their website. * Based in Naples, the '''Metro del Mare''' ferry network operates along the length of the Amalfi Coast. == Get around == {{mapframe | 40.680 | 14.770 | height=500 | width=600 | zoom=14 }} Salerno has three kinds of public transportation: buses, trains, and light metro. * The main bus stop is at the Salerno train station. '''[https://www.fsbusitalia.it/content/fsbusitalia/it/campania.html Busitalia]''' buses serve Salerno and other towns in the province. It is absolutely necessary to buy the ticket before getting on the bus. The buses leave from the station to the surrounding areas almost every 20 minutes. CSTP lines 4 and 9 connect the Salerno Maritime Terminal with the Train Station or Ferry Terminal. '''SITA buses''' leave from the train station and serve the region. One COSTIERASITA ticket (€10 in 2024) is valid 24 hours from the first validation and allows an unlimited number of journeys on public transport [http://www.sitasudtrasporti.it/ SITASUD] along the Amalfi coast. Two blocks west (toward the sea) of the train station is Piazza della Concordia, where the CSTP bus 34 leaves for Paestum. * Salerno train station is a hub for regional, inter-city, and high-speed trains to almost all the main Italian cities. From the train station, one can connect with the ferry terminal, only three blocks away just beyond the Piazza della Concordia, with boats to the Amalfi coast. * The Metro is more limited with only seven Metro stops over 8 km of light rail through the city centre, parallel to the coast. ==See== [[File:Salerno 2013-05-17 11-11-51.jpg|thumb|Cloister of the Duomo]] At night, you can take a walk along the '''Lungomare''', a boulevard with palmtrees and a nice view at the sea and the surrounding hills. The '''Villa Comunale''' is an oasis of green at the centre of the city. Big plants, giant flowers, lots of spaces to sit. If you're quiet enough, you will hear the music boxes sing their beautiful song. * {{see | name=Il Giardino della Minerva | alt=Garden of Minerva | url=http://www.giardinodellaminerva.it | email=info@giardinodellaminerva.it | address=Via Ferrante Sanseverino, 1 | lat=40.68111 | long=14.75372 | directions=you can walk from the old town, or take the handy communal elevator | phone=+39 089 252 423 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=hours change monthly, consult website. Closed on Monday | price=€3 | wikipedia=Minerva's Garden (Salerno) | image=GiardinodellaMinerva.jpg | wikidata=Q3763918 | lastedit=2017-04-04 | content=A beautiful botanical and herbal gardens on multiple terraces. The plants are well labelled with their scientific names as well as the locations where they are native. You can enjoy the sights and smells of the plants, the ingenuity of the irrigation system and a wonderful view of the town and seashore below, all while learning about the plants and the hundreds of years of history of the gardens. }} * {{see | name=Cathedral | alt=Duomo | url=http://www.cattedraledisalerno.it/ | email= | address=Piazza Alfano I | lat=40.6833 | long=14.7667 | directions= | phone=+39 089 231 387 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Salerno Cathedral | image=Salerno 2013-05-17 09-37-10.jpg | wikidata=Q2738834 | lastedit=2018-07-06 | content=Imposing church built in the 11th century with a mixture of Romanesque, Norman, Arab and Byzantine architectural elements. }} * {{see | name=Arechi Castle | alt= | url=http://www.ilcastellodiarechi.it | email= | address= | lat=40.684511 | long=14.754746 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1174435 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=A symbol of the city, the castle was built in the late Roman or Byzantine era. It was renovated by the Lombard prince Arechi II, from whom it takes its name, when he moved the court of the Principality of Benevento to Salerno in the 8th century and became the cornerstone of the city's triangular defence system. It was expanded and fortified, but the manor was never conquered. It hosts a museum, accommodation and conference activities and is a hub for nature trails and equipped paths. }} * {{see | name=San Giorgio | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.6788 | long=14.7591 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3670324 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=From the early 18th century, it is commonly called "the most beautiful baroque church" in the city. It houses the relics of the holy Salerno martyrs Santa Tecla, Archelaa and Susanna and has paintings by Andrea Sabatini. }} * {{see | name=Diocesan Museum of Salerno | alt= | url=http://museodiocesanodisalerno.it/ | email=museodiocesano.sa@gmail.com | address= | lat=40.68078 | long=14.76041 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3868324 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=Housed in a former seminary near the cathedral, it displays a rich collection of religious art and artifacts, with a strong focus on the medieval period. Its holdings provide a fascinating insight into the spiritual and artistic heritage of the city and surrounding region. }} * {{see | name=Medieval Aqueduct | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.6833 | long=14.7667 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3604732 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=It was built by the Lombards in the 9th century to supply the monastery of San Benedetto and, via an underground passage, the convent of Piantanova. It consists of two branches, one coming from the north and one from the east, which join in via Arce and continue south towards the monastery. }} * {{see | name=Provincial Art Gallery of Salerno | alt=Pinacoteca Provinciale | url=http://www.pinacoteca.provinciasalerno.org | email=museiprovincialisalerno@virgilio.it | address= | lat=40.6788 | long=14.7598 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Free | wikidata=Q3905133 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=This art gallery is housed in the 17th-century Palazzo Pinto in the heart of the old town. Its collection spans from the 15th to the early 20th century, showcasing works by local and regional artists, including Renaissance master Andrea Sabatini and Baroque painters from the Solimena family. Highlights also include landscapes from the Posillipo School. }} * {{see | name=Provincial Archaeological Museum of Salerno | alt= | url=http://www.museibiblioteche.provincia.salerno.it/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8&Itemid=113&lang=it | email=info@museoarcheologicosalerno.it | address= | lat=40.67902 | long=14.7623 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3867726 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=Located in the historic San Benedetto complex, the museum houses a rich collection of artifacts spanning from prehistoric times to the late Roman period. Highlights include Roman statues, inscriptions, and funerary urns displayed in the outdoor lapidary garden, as well as a remarkable bronze head of Apollo retrieved from the Gulf of Salerno in 1930. }} * {{see | name=Church of the Holy Cross | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.6783 | long=14.7616 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q606869 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=A 13th-century Romanesque-style church, it was once connected to the monastery of San Benedetto. }} * {{see | name=Salerno War Cemetery | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.62508 | long=14.92202 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q13522409 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=Established in November 1943, the cemetery was created to inter the remains of Commonwealth soldiers who perished during the fierce battles following the Salerno landings. Many of the burials are of those who died in the immediate aftermath of the invasion, while others were relocated from various parts of southwestern Italy. The site also includes a special memorial for a First World War casualty whose original grave was lost. }} == Do == * '''Football:''' [https://www.ussalernitana1919.it/ Salernitana] were relegated in 2024 and now play soccer in Serie B, the second tier. Their home ground Stadio Arechi (capacity 37,800) is 5 km south along the coast with its own railway station. ==Buy== ==Eat== There are several good restaurants in Salerno and nearby, offering a wide range of food. In the center of the town, if you're looking for pizza you can go to: *'''Il Vicolo della Neve''', one of the oldest restaurants in Salerno. It's in the historic center. Pizza is served here, but they are also famous for their "pasta e fagioli" (pasta with beans). *'''Donna Margherita''' a very good pizzeria, serving also fish dishes. Not very expensive, with high quality. *'''Il Brigante''' serves mainly vegetable-based dishes. If you want to try local food, try the polpo! The food is basic but good and prices are low. ==Drink== ==Sleep== *{{sleep | name=Borgo Riccio | url=http://www.borgoriccio.com | email= | address=Strada Provinciale 86, n°56 Torchiara | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+39 0974 831554 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€80 | checkin=14:00 | checkout=12:00 | content=A great bed and breakfast with private rooms in the tranquility of the Cilento and Vallo del Diano National Park. Clean, cozy and friendly. Cooking facilities, English speaking staff, library. }} *{{sleep | name=Ostello Ave Gratia Plena | url=http://www.ostellodisalerno.it/ | email= | address=Via Dei Canali | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+39 089234776 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From €15 | checkin=14:00 | checkout=10:00 | content=A nice and good hostel in the heart of the Historic centre of Salerno. Friendly people, clean rooms and good service. Breakfast included, internet available. The hostel offers trips to Amalfi and other, adventurous hiking and biking trips. }} == Connect == [[File:Atrani -.JPG | thumb | 300px | The village of Atrani ]] As of June 2022, Salerno has 4G from TIM and 5G from Iliad, Vodafone and Wind Tre. == Go next == * [[Amalfi Coast]] - Venture out of Salerno towards Vietri sul Mare and head on one the most dramatic and breathtaking ''drives'' in the world, the [[Amalfi Coast]] Drive, passing trough: :* [[Cetara]], an enchanting fisherman's village, famous for anchovies and tuna fish, :* [[Maiori]], the only real beach along the Amalfi Coast, [[Minori]], the old pasta factory of the Amalfi Coast :* [[Atrani]], tiny little village, once here the Doges of the Amalfi Sea Republic were crowned here :* [[Amalfi]], the crown jewel and center of the Amalfi Coast :* [[Conca dei Marini]] :* [[Furore]], with a unique fiord, :* [[Praiano]] :and finally, :* [[Positano]] {{routebox | image1=Autostrada A2 Italia.svg | imagesize1=30 | directionl1=N | majorl1=END | minorl1= | directionr1=S | minorr1= | majorr1=[[Reggio di Calabria|Reggio Calabria]] | image2=Autostrada A3 Italia.svg | imagesize2=30 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Naples]] | minorl2=[[Herculaneum]] ← [[Pompeii]] ← [[Cava de' Tirreni]] | directionr2=S | minorr2= | majorr2=END | image3=Italian traffic signs - raccordo autostradale 2.svg | imagesize3=45 | directionl3=N | majorl3=[[Avellino]] | minorl3= | directionr3=S | minorr3= | majorr3=END | image4=Strada Statale 18 Italia.svg | imagesize4=45 | directionl4=N | majorl4=[[Naples]] | minorl4=[[Herculaneum]] ← [[Pompeii]] ← [[Cava de' Tirreni]] | directionr4=S | minorr4=[[Paestum]] → [[Praia a Mare]] | majorr4=[[Reggio di Calabria|Reggio Calabria]] }} {{geo|40.679028|14.756639}} {{isPartOf|Salerno (province)}} {{outlinecity}} smu7oi9t4c9pxhzivlo0b8luf27ifhr 5087100 5087099 2025-07-03T11:23:17Z Ground Zero 1423298 /* See */ names 5087100 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Salerno banner.jpg|caption=Salerno seaview}} '''Salerno''' (Neapolitan: ''Salièrno'') is a city in [[Campania]], [[Italy]]. It is a lively port town, with a relaxing and open Mediterranean atmosphere. Worth a visit also is the Historical Old Town, which is a well-preserved historical town centre, full of tiny little passageways and hidden corners. Salerno is an ideal stopping off point on the way to [[Paestum]], [[Pompeii]] or [[Positano]], or the [[Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park]], which is a lesser known [[UNESCO World Heritage List|UNESCO World Heritage]] site. Placed as it is at one end of the [[Amalfi Coast]]line, it is an important passing point for the local tourism scene. ==Understand== [[File:Salerno- Panorama da castello di Arechi II.jpeg|thumb|400px|Panoramic view of Salerno and the gulf]] Salerno is the principal town of the province with the same name, and has around 128,000 inhabitants (2021). For a brief period (February to August 1944) Salerno was the capital city of Italy, during the liberation after the allied landings before the fall of Monte Cassino to the allies and the subsequent liberation of [[Rome]]. Salerno was the birthplace of the "Schola Medica Salernitana" in the 9th century, which was the most important source of medical information in Europe at the time, and provided an important impulse to medical learning in Europe. The port area is not particularly attractive, but once you get onto the promenade things get better. Worth a visit if you happen to be in the area are [[Vietri sul Mare]], for the traditional ceramics, [[Cava de' Tirreni]] for the important Abbey at La Badia and one of the few remaining Portici in [[Campania]]. ===Local information === * [http://www.comune.salerno.it/ Salerno city council] website ==Get in== ===By plane=== *{{listing | type=go | name=Naples International Airport | alt={{IATA|NAP}}, also known as '''Capodichino Airport''' | url=http://www.aeroportodinapoli.it/en/ | email=comunicazione@gesac.it | address= | lat=40.8782 | long=14.2828 | directions=60 km (37 miles) from Salerno | phone=+39 081 789 6111, +39 081 789 6259 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Naples International Airport | image=Napoli 2010-by-RaBoe-21.jpg | wikidata=Q849383 | content= Once you have landed, you'll have to take one of the methods listed below to cover the final leg of the journey. }} You can take a bus for €3 (called '''Alibus''') to Naples central railway station (get off here for connections to Salerno via train). It also stops on Piazza Municipio near the cruise port, from which you can take a 5-minute walk to catch the Bus (SITA). The route is not obvious, so see the section below. You can buy your ticket on the Alibus, and you can get to it by walking right out of the airport terminal to the bus stop which is less than 20 metres from the airport terminal exit. From Naples Airport there is a '''SITA''' bus running directly to Salerno (€7). It runs only 4 times a day, and not on Sunday. You have to walk for about 300 m to reach the bus. ===By train=== *{{marker |type=go |name=Salerno railway station |wikidata=Q964932}} is one of the main stations in Campania and a stop for high speed trains operated by both Trenitalia and Italo, giving a convenient connection to most major Italian cities. From Naples, you can also reach Salerno on Regional trains from Napoli Centrale which take about 50 minutes, or on some Metropolitan trains making several stops in Naples (80 minutes). For both of these, you can use a Unico Campania U-5 ticket, which you can buy for €4.10 from various stores and kiosks around the station. The 3T 3-day tourist transit pass also includes these trains. ===By rental car=== You can rent a car to cover the last stretch of the journey. If you are used to driving in Northern Europe or the US, you'll find the driving habits in this area to be very different. Cars drift around on the motorway hovering between two or three lanes, drivers talk and gesticulate instead of driving, and if you don't keep up with the traffic flow, you are likely to find someone tailgating you within 30 seconds or so. If you need any more convincing, take a look at the cars when you arrive in the area. There is a prize if you can spot one without dents. ===By bus=== [[File:Viva05busitalia.jpg|thumb|Busitalia coach in Salerno]] ====From Naples==== When you have to cross the road here, you'll find that traffic in Naples follows unwritten rules that are not accessible to foreigners (or even some Italians). Red traffic lights don't always stop the traffic (the locals know the 'important' traffic lights, and will stop at these). Mopeds regularly leave the road and drive on any other surface they can find. Follow the locals, and you should be OK. You should ask the way to the "SITA" (the name of the bus company that provides the service). If you stand where the bus stops, and face the sea (with the tall castle to your right), you will need to cross the main road and head towards the left. After about 400 m or so, you will see a small congregation of buses to your right. Check the destination written on the bus, or you can ask for "Salerno". The service is quite rapid for the first part of the journey, but then will leave the motorway and take a more tortuous route. The journey should take an hour or so. The ticket should cost €3-4 per person. For further journeys there is a regional ticket that allows you to travel with the bus (timed limit) or train (one journey): see [[Campania#Get around|Campania Unico]]. ====From the Amalfi coast==== You can catch a [http://www.sitabus.it/en/salerno-to-amalfi-coast-bus-timetable/ SITA bus] from the [[Amalfi Coast]] to Salerno, which runs along the winding roads of the coastline. The drivers are very experienced and swing effortlessly round the curves. In the height of summer, expect long delays, as tourist cars and buses tend to get overwhelmed by the road and vice versa; it is better to go by boat (see below). ===By boat=== [[File:Salerno Panorâmica (9693601497).jpg|thumb|300px|View of the city from the sea]] Travel by sea is seasonal, from around Easter to mid or late October, and may be canceled depending on weather conditions like strong winds. ====From the Amalfi Coast==== * Based in Amalfi, the company [http://www.coopsantandrea.com '''Coop Sant'Andrea'''] operates the ferry service for the Amalfi Coast, with services debuting every year from Easter weekend. Connections are to and between and return Salerno, [[Positano]] and [[Amalfi]]. In summer, the routes extend to [[Maiori]] and [[Minori]]. This is a much better way of enjoying the journey, and you will arrive with a smile on your face as it is very relaxing. You will find more info on their website. * Based in Naples, the '''Metro del Mare''' ferry network operates along the length of the Amalfi Coast. == Get around == {{mapframe | 40.680 | 14.770 | height=500 | width=600 | zoom=14 }} Salerno has three kinds of public transportation: buses, trains, and light metro. * The main bus stop is at the Salerno train station. '''[https://www.fsbusitalia.it/content/fsbusitalia/it/campania.html Busitalia]''' buses serve Salerno and other towns in the province. It is absolutely necessary to buy the ticket before getting on the bus. The buses leave from the station to the surrounding areas almost every 20 minutes. CSTP lines 4 and 9 connect the Salerno Maritime Terminal with the Train Station or Ferry Terminal. '''SITA buses''' leave from the train station and serve the region. One COSTIERASITA ticket (€10 in 2024) is valid 24 hours from the first validation and allows an unlimited number of journeys on public transport [http://www.sitasudtrasporti.it/ SITASUD] along the Amalfi coast. Two blocks west (toward the sea) of the train station is Piazza della Concordia, where the CSTP bus 34 leaves for Paestum. * Salerno train station is a hub for regional, inter-city, and high-speed trains to almost all the main Italian cities. From the train station, one can connect with the ferry terminal, only three blocks away just beyond the Piazza della Concordia, with boats to the Amalfi coast. * The Metro is more limited with only seven Metro stops over 8 km of light rail through the city centre, parallel to the coast. ==See== [[File:Salerno 2013-05-17 11-11-51.jpg|thumb|Cloister of the Duomo]] At night, you can take a walk along the '''Lungomare''', a boulevard with palmtrees and a nice view at the sea and the surrounding hills. The '''Villa Comunale''' is an oasis of green at the centre of the city. Big plants, giant flowers, lots of spaces to sit. If you're quiet enough, you will hear the music boxes sing their beautiful song. * {{see | name=Garden of Minerva | alt=Il Giardino della Minerva | url=http://www.giardinodellaminerva.it | email=info@giardinodellaminerva.it | address=Via Ferrante Sanseverino, 1 | lat=40.68111 | long=14.75372 | directions=you can walk from the old town, or take the handy communal elevator | phone=+39 089 252 423 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=hours change monthly, consult website. Closed on Monday | price=€3 | wikipedia=Minerva's Garden (Salerno) | image=GiardinodellaMinerva.jpg | wikidata=Q3763918 | lastedit=2017-04-04 | content=A beautiful botanical and herbal gardens on multiple terraces. The plants are well labelled with their scientific names as well as the locations where they are native. You can enjoy the sights and smells of the plants, the ingenuity of the irrigation system and a wonderful view of the town and seashore below, all while learning about the plants and the hundreds of years of history of the gardens. }} * {{see | name=Cathedral | alt=Duomo | url=http://www.cattedraledisalerno.it/ | email= | address=Piazza Alfano I | lat=40.6833 | long=14.7667 | directions= | phone=+39 089 231 387 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Salerno Cathedral | image=Salerno 2013-05-17 09-37-10.jpg | wikidata=Q2738834 | lastedit=2018-07-06 | content=Imposing church built in the 11th century with a mixture of Romanesque, Norman, Arab and Byzantine architectural elements. }} * {{see | name=Arechi Castle | alt=Castello di Arechi | url=http://www.ilcastellodiarechi.it | email= | address= | lat=40.684511 | long=14.754746 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1174435 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=A symbol of the city, the castle was built in the late Roman or Byzantine era. It was renovated by the Lombard prince Arechi II, from whom it takes its name, when he moved the court of the Principality of Benevento to Salerno in the 8th century and became the cornerstone of the city's triangular defence system. It was expanded and fortified, but the manor was never conquered. It hosts a museum, accommodation and conference activities and is a hub for nature trails and equipped paths. }} * {{see | name=San Giorgio church | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.6788 | long=14.7591 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3670324 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=From the early 18th century, it is commonly called "the most beautiful baroque church" in the city. It houses the relics of the holy Salerno martyrs Santa Tecla, Archelaa and Susanna and has paintings by Andrea Sabatini. }} * {{see | name=Diocesan Museum of Salerno | alt=Museo Diocesano di Salerno | url=http://museodiocesanodisalerno.it/ | email=museodiocesano.sa@gmail.com | address= | lat=40.68078 | long=14.76041 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3868324 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=Housed in a former seminary near the cathedral, it displays a rich collection of religious art and artifacts, with a strong focus on the medieval period. Its holdings provide a fascinating insight into the spiritual and artistic heritage of the city and surrounding region. }} * {{see | name=Medieval Aqueduct | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.6833 | long=14.7667 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3604732 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=It was built by the Lombards in the 9th century to supply the monastery of San Benedetto and, via an underground passage, the convent of Piantanova. It consists of two branches, one coming from the north and one from the east, which join in via Arce and continue south towards the monastery. }} * {{see | name=Provincial Art Gallery of Salerno | alt=Pinacoteca Provinciale | url=http://www.pinacoteca.provinciasalerno.org | email=museiprovincialisalerno@virgilio.it | address= | lat=40.6788 | long=14.7598 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Free | wikidata=Q3905133 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=This art gallery is housed in the 17th-century Palazzo Pinto in the heart of the old town. Its collection spans from the 15th to the early 20th century, showcasing works by local and regional artists, including Renaissance master Andrea Sabatini and Baroque painters from the Solimena family. Highlights also include landscapes from the Posillipo School. }} * {{see | name=Provincial Archaeological Museum of Salerno | alt=Museo Archeologico | url=http://www.museibiblioteche.provincia.salerno.it/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8&Itemid=113&lang=it | email=info@museoarcheologicosalerno.it | address= | lat=40.67902 | long=14.7623 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3867726 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=Located in the historic San Benedetto complex, the museum houses a rich collection of artifacts spanning from prehistoric times to the late Roman period. Highlights include Roman statues, inscriptions, and funerary urns displayed in the outdoor lapidary garden, as well as a remarkable bronze head of Apollo retrieved from the Gulf of Salerno in 1930. }} * {{see | name=Church of the Holy Cross | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.6783 | long=14.7616 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q606869 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=A 13th-century Romanesque-style church, it was once connected to the monastery of San Benedetto. }} * {{see | name=Salerno War Cemetery | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.62508 | long=14.92202 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q13522409 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=Established in November 1943, the cemetery was created to inter the remains of Commonwealth soldiers who perished during the fierce battles following the Salerno landings. Many of the burials are of those who died in the immediate aftermath of the invasion, while others were relocated from various parts of southwestern Italy. The site also includes a special memorial for a First World War casualty whose original grave was lost. }} == Do == * '''Football:''' [https://www.ussalernitana1919.it/ Salernitana] were relegated in 2024 and now play soccer in Serie B, the second tier. Their home ground Stadio Arechi (capacity 37,800) is 5 km south along the coast with its own railway station. ==Buy== ==Eat== There are several good restaurants in Salerno and nearby, offering a wide range of food. In the center of the town, if you're looking for pizza you can go to: *'''Il Vicolo della Neve''', one of the oldest restaurants in Salerno. It's in the historic center. Pizza is served here, but they are also famous for their "pasta e fagioli" (pasta with beans). *'''Donna Margherita''' a very good pizzeria, serving also fish dishes. Not very expensive, with high quality. *'''Il Brigante''' serves mainly vegetable-based dishes. If you want to try local food, try the polpo! The food is basic but good and prices are low. ==Drink== ==Sleep== *{{sleep | name=Borgo Riccio | url=http://www.borgoriccio.com | email= | address=Strada Provinciale 86, n°56 Torchiara | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+39 0974 831554 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€80 | checkin=14:00 | checkout=12:00 | content=A great bed and breakfast with private rooms in the tranquility of the Cilento and Vallo del Diano National Park. Clean, cozy and friendly. Cooking facilities, English speaking staff, library. }} *{{sleep | name=Ostello Ave Gratia Plena | url=http://www.ostellodisalerno.it/ | email= | address=Via Dei Canali | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+39 089234776 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From €15 | checkin=14:00 | checkout=10:00 | content=A nice and good hostel in the heart of the Historic centre of Salerno. Friendly people, clean rooms and good service. Breakfast included, internet available. The hostel offers trips to Amalfi and other, adventurous hiking and biking trips. }} == Connect == [[File:Atrani -.JPG | thumb | 300px | The village of Atrani ]] As of June 2022, Salerno has 4G from TIM and 5G from Iliad, Vodafone and Wind Tre. == Go next == * [[Amalfi Coast]] - Venture out of Salerno towards Vietri sul Mare and head on one the most dramatic and breathtaking ''drives'' in the world, the [[Amalfi Coast]] Drive, passing trough: :* [[Cetara]], an enchanting fisherman's village, famous for anchovies and tuna fish, :* [[Maiori]], the only real beach along the Amalfi Coast, [[Minori]], the old pasta factory of the Amalfi Coast :* [[Atrani]], tiny little village, once here the Doges of the Amalfi Sea Republic were crowned here :* [[Amalfi]], the crown jewel and center of the Amalfi Coast :* [[Conca dei Marini]] :* [[Furore]], with a unique fiord, :* [[Praiano]] :and finally, :* [[Positano]] {{routebox | image1=Autostrada A2 Italia.svg | imagesize1=30 | directionl1=N | majorl1=END | minorl1= | directionr1=S | minorr1= | majorr1=[[Reggio di Calabria|Reggio Calabria]] | image2=Autostrada A3 Italia.svg | imagesize2=30 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Naples]] | minorl2=[[Herculaneum]] ← [[Pompeii]] ← [[Cava de' Tirreni]] | directionr2=S | minorr2= | majorr2=END | image3=Italian traffic signs - raccordo autostradale 2.svg | imagesize3=45 | directionl3=N | majorl3=[[Avellino]] | minorl3= | directionr3=S | minorr3= | majorr3=END | image4=Strada Statale 18 Italia.svg | imagesize4=45 | directionl4=N | majorl4=[[Naples]] | minorl4=[[Herculaneum]] ← [[Pompeii]] ← [[Cava de' Tirreni]] | directionr4=S | minorr4=[[Paestum]] → [[Praia a Mare]] | majorr4=[[Reggio di Calabria|Reggio Calabria]] }} {{geo|40.679028|14.756639}} {{isPartOf|Salerno (province)}} {{outlinecity}} ghamhxeiwjxrqxqdslcwroi2kjcgbl9 5087101 5087100 2025-07-03T11:24:08Z Ground Zero 1423298 /* See */ 5087101 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Salerno banner.jpg|caption=Salerno seaview}} '''Salerno''' (Neapolitan: ''Salièrno'') is a city in [[Campania]], [[Italy]]. It is a lively port town, with a relaxing and open Mediterranean atmosphere. Worth a visit also is the Historical Old Town, which is a well-preserved historical town centre, full of tiny little passageways and hidden corners. Salerno is an ideal stopping off point on the way to [[Paestum]], [[Pompeii]] or [[Positano]], or the [[Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park]], which is a lesser known [[UNESCO World Heritage List|UNESCO World Heritage]] site. Placed as it is at one end of the [[Amalfi Coast]]line, it is an important passing point for the local tourism scene. ==Understand== [[File:Salerno- Panorama da castello di Arechi II.jpeg|thumb|400px|Panoramic view of Salerno and the gulf]] Salerno is the principal town of the province with the same name, and has around 128,000 inhabitants (2021). For a brief period (February to August 1944) Salerno was the capital city of Italy, during the liberation after the allied landings before the fall of Monte Cassino to the allies and the subsequent liberation of [[Rome]]. Salerno was the birthplace of the "Schola Medica Salernitana" in the 9th century, which was the most important source of medical information in Europe at the time, and provided an important impulse to medical learning in Europe. The port area is not particularly attractive, but once you get onto the promenade things get better. Worth a visit if you happen to be in the area are [[Vietri sul Mare]], for the traditional ceramics, [[Cava de' Tirreni]] for the important Abbey at La Badia and one of the few remaining Portici in [[Campania]]. ===Local information === * [http://www.comune.salerno.it/ Salerno city council] website ==Get in== ===By plane=== *{{listing | type=go | name=Naples International Airport | alt={{IATA|NAP}}, also known as '''Capodichino Airport''' | url=http://www.aeroportodinapoli.it/en/ | email=comunicazione@gesac.it | address= | lat=40.8782 | long=14.2828 | directions=60 km (37 miles) from Salerno | phone=+39 081 789 6111, +39 081 789 6259 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Naples International Airport | image=Napoli 2010-by-RaBoe-21.jpg | wikidata=Q849383 | content= Once you have landed, you'll have to take one of the methods listed below to cover the final leg of the journey. }} You can take a bus for €3 (called '''Alibus''') to Naples central railway station (get off here for connections to Salerno via train). It also stops on Piazza Municipio near the cruise port, from which you can take a 5-minute walk to catch the Bus (SITA). The route is not obvious, so see the section below. You can buy your ticket on the Alibus, and you can get to it by walking right out of the airport terminal to the bus stop which is less than 20 metres from the airport terminal exit. From Naples Airport there is a '''SITA''' bus running directly to Salerno (€7). It runs only 4 times a day, and not on Sunday. You have to walk for about 300 m to reach the bus. ===By train=== *{{marker |type=go |name=Salerno railway station |wikidata=Q964932}} is one of the main stations in Campania and a stop for high speed trains operated by both Trenitalia and Italo, giving a convenient connection to most major Italian cities. From Naples, you can also reach Salerno on Regional trains from Napoli Centrale which take about 50 minutes, or on some Metropolitan trains making several stops in Naples (80 minutes). For both of these, you can use a Unico Campania U-5 ticket, which you can buy for €4.10 from various stores and kiosks around the station. The 3T 3-day tourist transit pass also includes these trains. ===By rental car=== You can rent a car to cover the last stretch of the journey. If you are used to driving in Northern Europe or the US, you'll find the driving habits in this area to be very different. Cars drift around on the motorway hovering between two or three lanes, drivers talk and gesticulate instead of driving, and if you don't keep up with the traffic flow, you are likely to find someone tailgating you within 30 seconds or so. If you need any more convincing, take a look at the cars when you arrive in the area. There is a prize if you can spot one without dents. ===By bus=== [[File:Viva05busitalia.jpg|thumb|Busitalia coach in Salerno]] ====From Naples==== When you have to cross the road here, you'll find that traffic in Naples follows unwritten rules that are not accessible to foreigners (or even some Italians). Red traffic lights don't always stop the traffic (the locals know the 'important' traffic lights, and will stop at these). Mopeds regularly leave the road and drive on any other surface they can find. Follow the locals, and you should be OK. You should ask the way to the "SITA" (the name of the bus company that provides the service). If you stand where the bus stops, and face the sea (with the tall castle to your right), you will need to cross the main road and head towards the left. After about 400 m or so, you will see a small congregation of buses to your right. Check the destination written on the bus, or you can ask for "Salerno". The service is quite rapid for the first part of the journey, but then will leave the motorway and take a more tortuous route. The journey should take an hour or so. The ticket should cost €3-4 per person. For further journeys there is a regional ticket that allows you to travel with the bus (timed limit) or train (one journey): see [[Campania#Get around|Campania Unico]]. ====From the Amalfi coast==== You can catch a [http://www.sitabus.it/en/salerno-to-amalfi-coast-bus-timetable/ SITA bus] from the [[Amalfi Coast]] to Salerno, which runs along the winding roads of the coastline. The drivers are very experienced and swing effortlessly round the curves. In the height of summer, expect long delays, as tourist cars and buses tend to get overwhelmed by the road and vice versa; it is better to go by boat (see below). ===By boat=== [[File:Salerno Panorâmica (9693601497).jpg|thumb|300px|View of the city from the sea]] Travel by sea is seasonal, from around Easter to mid or late October, and may be canceled depending on weather conditions like strong winds. ====From the Amalfi Coast==== * Based in Amalfi, the company [http://www.coopsantandrea.com '''Coop Sant'Andrea'''] operates the ferry service for the Amalfi Coast, with services debuting every year from Easter weekend. Connections are to and between and return Salerno, [[Positano]] and [[Amalfi]]. In summer, the routes extend to [[Maiori]] and [[Minori]]. This is a much better way of enjoying the journey, and you will arrive with a smile on your face as it is very relaxing. You will find more info on their website. * Based in Naples, the '''Metro del Mare''' ferry network operates along the length of the Amalfi Coast. == Get around == {{mapframe | 40.680 | 14.770 | height=500 | width=600 | zoom=14 }} Salerno has three kinds of public transportation: buses, trains, and light metro. * The main bus stop is at the Salerno train station. '''[https://www.fsbusitalia.it/content/fsbusitalia/it/campania.html Busitalia]''' buses serve Salerno and other towns in the province. It is absolutely necessary to buy the ticket before getting on the bus. The buses leave from the station to the surrounding areas almost every 20 minutes. CSTP lines 4 and 9 connect the Salerno Maritime Terminal with the Train Station or Ferry Terminal. '''SITA buses''' leave from the train station and serve the region. One COSTIERASITA ticket (€10 in 2024) is valid 24 hours from the first validation and allows an unlimited number of journeys on public transport [http://www.sitasudtrasporti.it/ SITASUD] along the Amalfi coast. Two blocks west (toward the sea) of the train station is Piazza della Concordia, where the CSTP bus 34 leaves for Paestum. * Salerno train station is a hub for regional, inter-city, and high-speed trains to almost all the main Italian cities. From the train station, one can connect with the ferry terminal, only three blocks away just beyond the Piazza della Concordia, with boats to the Amalfi coast. * The Metro is more limited with only seven Metro stops over 8 km of light rail through the city centre, parallel to the coast. ==See== [[File:Salerno 2013-05-17 11-11-51.jpg|thumb|Cloister of the Duomo]] At night, you can take a walk along the '''Lungomare''', a boulevard with palmtrees and a nice view at the sea and the surrounding hills. The '''Villa Comunale''' is an oasis of green at the centre of the city. Big plants, giant flowers, lots of spaces to sit. If you're quiet enough, you will hear the music boxes sing their beautiful song. * {{see | name=Garden of Minerva | alt=Il Giardino della Minerva | url=http://www.giardinodellaminerva.it | email=info@giardinodellaminerva.it | address=Via Ferrante Sanseverino, 1 | lat=40.68111 | long=14.75372 | directions=you can walk from the old town, or take the handy communal elevator | phone=+39 089 252 423 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=hours change monthly, consult website. Closed on Monday | price=€3 | wikipedia=Minerva's Garden (Salerno) | image=GiardinodellaMinerva.jpg | wikidata=Q3763918 | lastedit=2017-04-04 | content=A beautiful botanical and herbal gardens on multiple terraces. The plants are well labelled with their scientific names as well as the locations where they are native. You can enjoy the sights and smells of the plants, the ingenuity of the irrigation system and a wonderful view of the town and seashore below, all while learning about the plants and the hundreds of years of history of the gardens. }} * {{see | name=Cathedral | alt=Duomo | url=http://www.cattedraledisalerno.it/ | email= | address=Piazza Alfano I | lat=40.6833 | long=14.7667 | directions= | phone=+39 089 231 387 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Salerno Cathedral | image=Salerno 2013-05-17 09-37-10.jpg | wikidata=Q2738834 | lastedit=2018-07-06 | content=Imposing church built in the 11th century with a mixture of Romanesque, Norman, Arab and Byzantine architectural elements. }} * {{see | name=Arechi Castle | alt=Castello di Arechi | url=http://www.ilcastellodiarechi.it | email= | address= | lat=40.684511 | long=14.754746 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1174435 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=A symbol of the city, the castle was built in the late Roman or Byzantine era. It was renovated by the Lombard prince Arechi II, from whom it takes its name, when he moved the court of the Principality of Benevento to Salerno in the 8th century and became the cornerstone of the city's triangular defence system. It was expanded and fortified, but the manor was never conquered. It hosts a museum, accommodation and conference activities and is a hub for nature trails and equipped paths. }} * {{see | name=San Giorgio church | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.6788 | long=14.7591 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3670324 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=From the early 18th century, it is commonly called "the most beautiful baroque church" in the city. It houses the relics of the holy Salerno martyrs Santa Tecla, Archelaa and Susanna and has paintings by Andrea Sabatini. }} * {{see | name=Diocesan Museum of Salerno | alt=Museo Diocesano di Salerno | url=http://museodiocesanodisalerno.it/ | email=museodiocesano.sa@gmail.com | address= | lat=40.68078 | long=14.76041 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3868324 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=Housed in a former seminary near the cathedral, it displays a rich collection of religious art and artifacts, with a strong focus on the medieval period. Its holdings provide a fascinating insight into the spiritual and artistic heritage of the city and surrounding region. }} * {{see | name=Medieval Aqueduct | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.6833 | long=14.7667 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3604732 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=It was built by the Lombards in the 9th century to supply the monastery of San Benedetto and, via an underground passage, the convent of Piantanova. It consists of two branches, one coming from the north and one from the east, which join in via Arce and continue south towards the monastery. }} * {{see | name=Provincial Art Gallery of Salerno | alt=Pinacoteca Provinciale | url=http://www.pinacoteca.provinciasalerno.org | email=museiprovincialisalerno@virgilio.it | address= | lat=40.6788 | long=14.7598 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Free | wikidata=Q3905133 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=This art gallery is housed in the 17th-century Palazzo Pinto in the heart of the old town. Its collection spans from the 15th to the early 20th century, showcasing works by local and regional artists, including Renaissance master Andrea Sabatini and Baroque painters from the Solimena family. Highlights also include landscapes from the Posillipo School. }} * {{see | name=Provincial Archaeological Museum of Salerno | alt=Museo Archeologico | url=http://www.museibiblioteche.provincia.salerno.it/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8&Itemid=113&lang=it | email=info@museoarcheologicosalerno.it | address= | lat=40.67902 | long=14.7623 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3867726 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=Located in the historic San Benedetto complex, the museum houses a rich collection of artifacts spanning from prehistoric times to the late Roman period. Highlights include Roman statues, inscriptions, and funerary urns displayed in the outdoor lapidary garden, as well as a remarkable bronze head of Apollo retrieved from the Gulf of Salerno in 1930. }} * {{see | name=Church of the Holy Cross | alt=Chiesa del Santissimo Crocifisso | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.6783 | long=14.7616 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q606869 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=A 13th-century Romanesque-style church, it was once connected to the monastery of San Benedetto. }} * {{see | name=Salerno War Cemetery | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.62508 | long=14.92202 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q13522409 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=Established in November 1943, the cemetery was created to inter the remains of Commonwealth soldiers who perished during the fierce battles following the Salerno landings. Many of the burials are of those who died in the immediate aftermath of the invasion, while others were relocated from various parts of southwestern Italy. The site also includes a special memorial for a First World War casualty whose original grave was lost. }} == Do == * '''Football:''' [https://www.ussalernitana1919.it/ Salernitana] were relegated in 2024 and now play soccer in Serie B, the second tier. Their home ground Stadio Arechi (capacity 37,800) is 5 km south along the coast with its own railway station. ==Buy== ==Eat== There are several good restaurants in Salerno and nearby, offering a wide range of food. In the center of the town, if you're looking for pizza you can go to: *'''Il Vicolo della Neve''', one of the oldest restaurants in Salerno. It's in the historic center. Pizza is served here, but they are also famous for their "pasta e fagioli" (pasta with beans). *'''Donna Margherita''' a very good pizzeria, serving also fish dishes. Not very expensive, with high quality. *'''Il Brigante''' serves mainly vegetable-based dishes. If you want to try local food, try the polpo! The food is basic but good and prices are low. ==Drink== ==Sleep== *{{sleep | name=Borgo Riccio | url=http://www.borgoriccio.com | email= | address=Strada Provinciale 86, n°56 Torchiara | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+39 0974 831554 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€80 | checkin=14:00 | checkout=12:00 | content=A great bed and breakfast with private rooms in the tranquility of the Cilento and Vallo del Diano National Park. Clean, cozy and friendly. Cooking facilities, English speaking staff, library. }} *{{sleep | name=Ostello Ave Gratia Plena | url=http://www.ostellodisalerno.it/ | email= | address=Via Dei Canali | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+39 089234776 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From €15 | checkin=14:00 | checkout=10:00 | content=A nice and good hostel in the heart of the Historic centre of Salerno. Friendly people, clean rooms and good service. Breakfast included, internet available. The hostel offers trips to Amalfi and other, adventurous hiking and biking trips. }} == Connect == [[File:Atrani -.JPG | thumb | 300px | The village of Atrani ]] As of June 2022, Salerno has 4G from TIM and 5G from Iliad, Vodafone and Wind Tre. == Go next == * [[Amalfi Coast]] - Venture out of Salerno towards Vietri sul Mare and head on one the most dramatic and breathtaking ''drives'' in the world, the [[Amalfi Coast]] Drive, passing trough: :* [[Cetara]], an enchanting fisherman's village, famous for anchovies and tuna fish, :* [[Maiori]], the only real beach along the Amalfi Coast, [[Minori]], the old pasta factory of the Amalfi Coast :* [[Atrani]], tiny little village, once here the Doges of the Amalfi Sea Republic were crowned here :* [[Amalfi]], the crown jewel and center of the Amalfi Coast :* [[Conca dei Marini]] :* [[Furore]], with a unique fiord, :* [[Praiano]] :and finally, :* [[Positano]] {{routebox | image1=Autostrada A2 Italia.svg | imagesize1=30 | directionl1=N | majorl1=END | minorl1= | directionr1=S | minorr1= | majorr1=[[Reggio di Calabria|Reggio Calabria]] | image2=Autostrada A3 Italia.svg | imagesize2=30 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Naples]] | minorl2=[[Herculaneum]] ← [[Pompeii]] ← [[Cava de' Tirreni]] | directionr2=S | minorr2= | majorr2=END | image3=Italian traffic signs - raccordo autostradale 2.svg | imagesize3=45 | directionl3=N | majorl3=[[Avellino]] | minorl3= | directionr3=S | minorr3= | majorr3=END | image4=Strada Statale 18 Italia.svg | imagesize4=45 | directionl4=N | majorl4=[[Naples]] | minorl4=[[Herculaneum]] ← [[Pompeii]] ← [[Cava de' Tirreni]] | directionr4=S | minorr4=[[Paestum]] → [[Praia a Mare]] | majorr4=[[Reggio di Calabria|Reggio Calabria]] }} {{geo|40.679028|14.756639}} {{isPartOf|Salerno (province)}} {{outlinecity}} gdlr4snkzt7m76ttra6ni0ll12smada 0 31613 5087022 5038095 2025-07-03T08:10:36Z Wolverène 783378 /* Do */ there is place where cinema tickets are cheaper than 300 ₽ 5087022 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Saratov''' ([[Russian phrasebook|Russian]]: Сара́тов ''suh-RAH-tuhf'') is a city in the [[Volga Region|Volga]] region of [[Russia]]. == Understand == Saratov was built as one of the southern fortifications along the Volga river during the 16th century. Settlements in the area date back, however, much further: the nearby Uvek dates back to the Golden Horde and was destroyed in 1395 by Tamerlane. Saratov and Engels (just across the Volga) are intricately linked and form an agglomeration region with over 1 million inhabitants today. Due to Saratov's pretty provincial character it might surprise you that at the beginning of the 20th century, it was the third largest city in Russia after Moscow and St. Petersburg. The area around Saratov and Engels had a significant proportion of ethnic Germans (en. ''Volga Germans'', de. ''Wolgadeutsche'', ru. ''Поволжские немцы''). Volga Germans constituted nearly two thirds of the inhabitants of this area in the early 20th century. Germans were originally invited by Catherine II to settle in the West of the Russian Empire, but were deported further to the east during the end of the 19th century due to stronger Russificiation attempts. Volga Germans suffered another wave of deportation and expulsion during the time of Stalin's Great Terror and WW2, when they were suspected of collaboration with the Nazis. Today, there are only a few traces of this history in Saratov and Engels. Today, Saratov is a regional center along the Volga, in the same way as for example Volgograd, Samara, and Ulyanovsk. An illustrative piece of history is the constant renaming of Saratov's main pedestrian street. Originally it was called Nemetskaya Ulitsa ("German Street"). In the 1880s and again in 1914 there were ultimately rejected attempts to rename it in honor of General Skobelev. After the October Revolution, the name was eventually changed to Ulitsa Respubliki ("Republic Street") and later to Prospekt Kirova (named after the revolutionary leader Sergey Kirov). In April 2022, the street was once again renamed, this time in honor of Pyotr Stolypin, former governor of Saratov and a prime minister of the Russian Empire who introduced a lot of agrarian reforms. Note that you will still see addresses referring to the older name Prospekt Kirova. [[wikipedia:Mikhail_Skobelev]] ==Get in== [[File:Саратов Железнодорожный вокзал.jpg|thumb|Saratov Train Station]] ===By plane=== * {{go | name=Saratov Gagarin Airport | alt={{IATA|GSV}} | url=http://www.saratov.aero | email= | address=Saburovka village | lat=51.716667 | long=46.166667 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q333137 | lastedit=2024-01-15 | content=New airport northeast of Saratov. It replaced Saratov Tsentralny Airport in August 2019. Inside Russia it has regular flights from and to Moscow, St. Petersburg, Ekaterinburg, Makhachkala, Mineralnye Vody, Nizhniy Novgorod, Novosibirsk, Sochi, Surgut and Ufa. There are a number of international flights to and from Baku, Erevan, and Antalya. The airport is located about 1h drive from the city center. You can order a taxi from and to the airport via app, or negotiate a price with one of the many taxi drivers standing outside the exit. There is also an express train (38min travel time), which leaves 3 times a day from the station directly outside the airport (single ticket: 95 RUB). There is also a shuttle bus leaving roughly every hour to and from the central station (80min, 80 RUB). }} [[File:Saratov Gagarin airport April 2019.jpg|thumb|Saratov Gagarin airport]] ===By train=== Otherwise the best way to get there is by Saratov Rail from Moscow's Pavletsky Station, which takes approximately 15-16 hr. The trains operate overnight, departing in the afternoon/evening, arriving in the morning. Saratov is also accessible via rail from Samara to the north (train 10 hours, 400 km) and Volgograd and Astrakhan to the south. The St. Petersburg-Astrakhan' line passes through Saratov. It takes about 26 hours to travel from St. Petersburg to Saratov on train. * {{go | name=Saratov I railway station | alt=вокзал Саратов-1-Пассажирский | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4408414 | lastedit=2020-09-24 | content= }} ===By bus=== There are also buses between Saratov and many other cities, including Moscow. However, the comfort and value of the rail system over the vast distances involved makes the bus service a comparatively unattractive option. ===By boat=== River cruises down the Volga operate during the summer months (early May to end of September). Dozens of boats operated by different companies run from Moscow to Astrakhan. One way or return cruises may be reserved to/from practically any city along the Volga. Moscow to Astrakhan (one-way) with three daily meals is {{RUB|15000}}. Without meals, approximately {{RUB|8000-9000}}. ==Get around== {{mapframe|layer=W}} [[File:Saratov bridge in July 2020.jpg|thumb|Saratov Bridge, a 3-kilometre span linking the city with Engels]] [[File:Saratov tram map 2022-05.svg|thumb|Saratov tram map (2022)]] === Public transport === Saratov, like most provincial Russian towns, is served by a network of trams, buses, trolleybuses, and marshrutkas (set-route minibuses). The main terminus for most forms of transport is the area around the {{Marker|type=around|name=Mirnyy Pereulok (Мирный переулок)|lat=51.533083|long=46.017081}} at the top of Prospekt Stolypina (formerly Prospekt Kirova). Buses, trams, and trolleybuses work in pretty much the same way. They usually display a route number and also a list of major stops (written in Cyrillic). You get on, and a conductor will walk up to you to collect the fare. The fare is usually written very large on the inside of the vehicle and should be about {{RUB|30-40}} (Jan 2024). You don't really need to say anything, as there is only one price for a single ticket (no monthly passes, discounts, etc). You can pay in cash, (Russian) credit card, or SBP (quick payment system, provided you have a Russian bank account). You will get a small paper ticket with a 6-digit number in return. In some trolleybuses you pay directly to the drive when getting off (in which case there is no paper ticket). Just watch what other people are doing. Marshrutkas are minibuses that drive a fixed route but without set schedule or stops. They also have route numbers and usually display a list of main points of interest along their route. To get on, wave the marshrutka. Pay the fare (displayed with a huge sticker on the window directly in front of the entrance – you really can't miss it) directly to the driver when getting on. The fare varies between marshrutkas because these are essentially privately-operated taxis, but is usually the same as for buses, trams, and trolleybuses ({{RUB|30-40}} in Jan 2024). Drivers usually continue driving while counting your coins, give you your change, and (usually) give you a paper ticket. If it's very full, people sometimes just sit down and pass the money to the next person in front of them, until it reaches the driver. Then the chain goes the other way round, delivering the change and paper ticket back to the passenger. If someone taps you from behind and hands you a bunch of coins, just do the same to the person in front of you – it's fun! To get off, people usually just tell the driver to stop at the next intersection. === Taxis === If you don't want to go through the trouble of finding the correct route number, taxis are a widely available option. Yandex Go or its many competitors are a reliable way to get around, as you can order a taxi via an app for a predefined price (also in English). === Walking === Saratov is not exactly a small city, but its main pedestrian area along Prospekt Stolypina and onwards to the Volga is definitely walkable. There are plenty of well-marked pedestrian crossings and drivers do stop (because they get very serious fines if they don't). === Cycling and personal mobility === Bicycles and scooters are quite popular in Saratov. Similar to walking, most of the area in the center of the city is fairly accessible, although significant changes in elevation may pose a bit of challenge. Around those parts you may also find marked and separated bike lanes, although be aware of the pedestrians just in case. However, some areas with especially heavy foot traffic are explicitly closed for these vehicles, so look around for signs. In other districts it's a bit of a hit or miss, and usually there's no dedicated cycling infrastructure. Traffic incidents with cyclists is, unfortunately, not an uncommon occurrence, so stick to riding on the sidewalk for a bit of safety and avoid steep downhills. During summer there are active rental points for bicycles and scooters, you may also get a scooter through Yandex Go, Whoosh or Urent. ==See== [[File:Троицкий Собор Саратов.JPG|thumb|Trinity Cathedral on Moskovskaya Street]] [[File:Saratov museum.jpg|thumb|Radishchev Art Museum]] See the magnificent Volga river, the longest river in Europe. At the most popular spot (Naberezhnaya Kosmonavtov, the Cosmonauts Embankment) the Volga is 3 km wide, whereas at some other spots nearby Saratov its width reaches as much as 11 km. {{See|name=Victory Park|alt=Парк Победы|lat=51.545186|long=46.052789|directions=Main entrance from Bolshoy Zhuravlinyy proezd (Большой Журавлиный проезд)|hours=9:00 - 18:00|lastedit=2024-01-15|content=Large park with military hardware, WW2 memorials and some scenic views onto Saratov and the Volga. Best views from the crane memorial (Zhuravli). There is also an ethnic village park with typical houses from immigrants in the area (e.g. from Dagestan, Korea, Tatarstan, Armenia, Volga-Germans, etc).}} {{See|name=Limonarium|alt=Саратовский лимонарий|url=http://xn--80apbeghhhu.xn--p1ai/|address=Большая Сеченская ул., 6Б, Саратов|lat=51.556360|long=46.066697|hours=10:00 - 17:00|price=350 RUB|lastedit=2024-01-15|content=Greenhouse filled with interesting plants, including giant citrus fruits.}} {{See|name=Kirov square|alt=площадь имени С.М. Кирова|lat=51.532833|long=46.018701|price=Free|lastedit=2024-01-15|content=Main hub at the top of Saratov's main pedestrian street (Prospekt Stolypina). Many marshrutkas and trams leave from here. Notice the giant Lenin mosaic on the wall opposite of the old Saravia office. There is a statue dedicated to N. I. Vavilov, one of the Soviet Union's most influential geneticists who has been prosecuted by Stalin and eventually died in a prison in Saratov. The agricultural university is now named after him.}} {{See|name=Covered Market|alt=Крытый рынок|url=http://xn----qtbccogkcp3gbd.xn--p1ai/|address=ул. имени В.И. Чапаева, 59, Саратов|lat=51.532161|long=46.020288|directions=At the end of Kirov Square, opposite the Circus|hours=8:00 - 18:00|lastedit=2024-01-15|content=A large covered market hall dating back to pre-revolutionary Russia. Fruits, vegetables, meat, nuts and candies are sold here. The area behind the market building itself is also used to sell clothes and household products. There is a bronze statue of market women in the middle of the hall.}} {{See|name=Circus|alt=Саратовский государственный цирк имени братьев Никитиных|url=http://www.circus-saratov.ru/|address=ул. имени В.И. Чапаева, 61, Саратов|lat=51.534106|long=46.021285|hours=10:00 - 19:00|lastedit=2024-01-15|content=One of the oldest circuses in Russia, dating back to 1876. There is a statue of the three Nikitin brothers (who founded the circus in the Volga region) to the left of the circus building.}} {{See|name=Conservatory|alt=Саратовская государственная консерватория имени Л.В. Собинова|url=http://sarcons.ru/|address=просп. имени Петра Столыпина, 1, Саратов|lat=51.529814|long=46.034077|hours=9:00 - 18:00|lastedit=2024-01-15|content=One of Saratov's most recognizable sights. There are regular concerts.}} {{See|name=Saratov Panorama|alt=Панорама Саратова|address=Саратов, площадь имени Н.Г. Чернышевского|lat=51.529208|long=46.035100|price=Free|lastedit=2024-01-15|content=Art installation showing some of Saratov's 400-year history.}} {{See|name=Lipki Park|alt=Сад Липки|lat=51.528214|long=46.037091|hours=7:30 - 22:00|price=Free|lastedit=2024-01-15|content=Nice park in the center with many cultural installations, statues, etc. Also hosts a giant stadium ("Dynamo"), which is turned into an ice rink during winter.}} {{See|name=Tram No. 6|alt=Трамвай № 6|lat=51.529322|long=46.038600|price=Free|lastedit=2024-01-15|content=Old tram wagon placed at the corner of Lipki Park as an attraction.}} {{See|name=Theatre Square|alt=Театральная площадь|lat=51.533063|long=46.034062|lastedit=2024-01-15|content=Huge square. There is a big Lenin statue, a small Orthodox church, the Radishchev Museum, and of course the theatre. On the other side of the Moskovskaya street are a university and the regional government buildings, which feature a huge Soviet mosaic.}} {{See|name=Museum Square|alt=Музейная площадь|lat=51.528275|long=46.055637|lastedit=2024-01-15|content=On Moskovskaya ulitsa, almost near the Volga embankment. Here is an Orthodox cathedral (Свято-Троицкий кафедральный собор) with noticeably leaning clock tower. Diagonally across the street is a new square named after Peter I, who never even visited Saratov.}} {{See|name=Gagarin Statue|alt=Ю. А. Гагарин|lat=51.525848|long=46.051859|price=Free|lastedit=2024-01-15|content=Statue of Yuri Gagarin, first person in space. He trained in Saratov, hence a lot in the city is named after him. The statue is located right at the beginning of the Cosmonauts' Embankment (набережная Космонавтов). A local running gag is to view the statue from a particular angle (almost exactly from the North), from which Gagarin's thumb seems to take on the look of a very different body part.}} {{See|name=Cosmonauts' Embankment|alt=набережная Космонавтов|lat=51.524584|long=46.047471|lastedit=2024-01-15|content=Very long embankment with multiple footpaths on different levels along the Volga. Even though you can see quite a few fishermen walk on the ice during winter, it is not safe to do that. The embankment had some sections covered in nice graffiti, of which by now only a couple are left.}} {{See|name=Rotonda|alt=Ротонда|lat=51.522847|long=46.039715|lastedit=2024-01-15|content=Pavillion at the Volga, where the Cosmonauts' Embankment meets the Babushkin Vzvoz street (улица Бабушкин Взвоз).}} {{See|name=Beach of the Volga Conquerors|alt=Пляж покорителей Волги|lat=51.514797|long=46.013147|lastedit=2024-01-15|content=Newly opened beach with a lot of amenities nearby (toilets, cafes, playgrounds, benches, etc). This extends the embankment along the Volga up to the 2-ya Sadovaya street, making it around 4km long.}} {{See|name=Saratov Bridge|alt=Саратовский мост|lat=51.525850|long=46.064653|price=Free|lastedit=2024-01-15|content=Huge road bridge crossing the Volga towards Engels. With over 2.8km, it was the longest bridge in Europe and the Soviet Union when it was opened in 1965. It is very long and windy (and in summer: burning hot) to walk across the bridge. You can use a trolleybus, marshrutka or taxi to get across it to Engels. In summer there are also buses that stop at the halfway point, so you can get down to the artificial island in the Volga, which is a popular beach for swimming.}} {{see | name=City Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=51.519674 | long=46.000118 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-01-15 | content=Nice park with a lot of attractions and a big pond (you can rent a boat). There is a theme park, open almost all year round, with slightly unsafe looking but pretty fun rides. Try the steamed corn on the cob and stroll around the many monuments to popular children's fairy tales. }} {{See|name=Saratov Sign|alt=Постамент Саратов|lat=51.530149|long=46.061708|lastedit=2024-01-15|content=Huge sign at the beginning of the bridge across the Volga. Busy intersection, so it's difficult to get up close.}} {{See|name=Hay Market|alt=Сенной рынок|lat=51.546649|long=46.017867|lastedit=2024-01-15|content=Huge sprawling market where you can buy literally anything. Very messy, confusing and interesting.}} {{See|name=Church of the Icon Quench My Sorrows|alt=Церковь иконы Божией Матери Утоли моя печали|lat=51.530192|long=46.035850|hours=7:00 - 19:30|price=Free|lastedit=2024-01-15|content=Tiny, colorful Orthodox church.}} {{See|name=Melody Fountain|alt=Фонтан Мелодия|lat=51.530232|long=46.034446|price=Free|lastedit=2024-01-15|content=Large fountain located between the Vavilov University and the Conservatory. There is a light and music show every evening.}} {{See|name=Landing place of Yuri Gagarin|alt=Место приземления Ю. А. Гагарина|url=http://gauk-npc.ru/gagarin/|lat=51.270793|long=45.997483|directions=Located on the Engels side of the Volga. Only really accessible by car or taxi.|price=Free|lastedit=2024-01-15|content=The place where Yuri Gagarin landed after his first trip to space in 1961. The place is marked by a huge rocket sculpture with Gagarin's statue, a replica of the Vostok-1 capsule he flew in, and a couple of busts of other famous cosmonauts. There is also a newly opened info center (closed on Mondays).}} ==Do== [[File:Саратовский цирк 01.jpg|thumb|Saratov Circus]] Despite its provincial setting, Saratov has much to offer by way of culture. Enjoy a classical concert in the pseudo-gothic Conservatory on Prospekt Kirova, or an opera or ballet in the nearby Bolshoy Teatr. Tickets are very reasonably priced and available from the box offices of both venues. In January 2008 ticket prices were less than US$4 and represent an incredible bargain. Take in a play at the Saratov Kiselev Academic Youth Theater, known by the acronym TYuZ (Russian: "ТЮЗ"). TYuZ is about a block off of Prospect Kirova on Volskaya Street. Although described as a "children's theater", TYuZ is mostly visited by adults. The theater features a rotating list of light plays. For more serious fare, head over to Saratov Slonov Academic Drama Theater. Founded in 1802, the Saratov Drama Theater is one of the oldest theaters in Russia. Its current building, however, is very modern in style. Dom Kino (House of Cinema), on Oktyabrskaya Street, features foreign film and film series. Tickets cost {{RUB|300–500}} as of July 2025. It's on the second floor of a nondescript building on a side street. Dom Kino is rather difficult to find. The interior is modest: a large room with folding chairs and a projector screen. If you aren't interested in such quaint movie-watching experiences, check out Pobeda, Sinema Park, or Illuminator. Visit the circus, one of the first in Russia to be established in its own dedicated building. Go to the Radischev art gallery — the first public art gallery opened in Russia (19th century). Some fine European, as well as Russian pieces of art are gathered here. The gallery also features a computer room where visitors can access various art-related programmes, including one showing scenes of architectural gems lost under Communism and their modern replacements. Support the local soccer team — Sokol — and attend a match in the stadium beside the train station. Take a stroll in Gorodskii Park and try out the bumper cars, Ferris wheel and waltzers in its fairground. Most of the rides are open even on the coldest days of winter. Victory Park is another great place to visit. Before Christmas the area around Lenin's statue in the central part of the city is a fun place for kids with sleigh rides and photo opportunities with Russian version of Santa Claus. There is also an inexpensive large public outdoor ice skating rink a few blocks from Lenin's statue but although they rent skates be prepared for a long wait to rent them. There are also large beautiful forests in and around Saratov. There are several beaches on the Volga river including some on an island. {{Do|name=Kumysnaya Polyana|alt=Кумысная поляна|lat=51.554526|long=45.925541|price=Free|lastedit=2024-01-16|content=A huge forest with tons of recreational facilities from Soviet times. Excellent place to go alpine and cross-country skiing in winter, ski rentals are available. It's also a popular spot for hiking, barbecuing, etc.}} ==Buy== [[File:Saratov Markthal.jpg|thumb|Saratov Market Building]] The usual Russian souvenirs such as matryoshkas are available in Saratov, although if travelling through Moscow it is probably best to wait to get them there as they will be cheaper. The markets in Saratov are useful spots to pick up winter clothes if necessary, including coats, boots, leather gloves and of course hats. Haggling is indulged. Prospekt Kirova is the most upmarket shopping area in the city, with fancy boutiques selling expensive shoes, bags and jewellery. There are branches for Mango, Nike, Reebok, Adidas, United Colors of Benetton, and L'Occitane among others. Also on Prospekt Kirova is an excellent tobacconist, selling all kinds of pipes and tobacco including hookah pipes, as well as a speciality tea shop. Barrikada, on Ulitsa Gorkogo, is an excellent alternative music store that sells legitimate (i.e. non-pirate) albums and music DVDs at prices much cheaper than in Western Europe, and stocks a diversity of artists unparalleled by even Moscow's gargantuan Gorbushka market. Electronics can be purchased from one of the city's branches of El Dorado (one particularly large one is on the embankment near the river station). Dom Knigi, the book shop on the corner of Ulitsa Volskaya and Prospekt Kirova, has an English language section and is also a good spot to pick up postcards, maps and souvenirs such as books of old postcard views of Saratov. Noviy Knizhniy, on the fourth floor of the Aurora Shopping Center (Chapaeva and Sovetskaya), also features an English language section. Grab a coffee at the nearby cafe, bring your laptop, and enjoy the free wireless on the fourth floor. Despite its name, Detsky Mir ('Children's World') at the top of Prospekt Kirova near McDonalds, stocks all kinds of everything (clothes, accessories, stationery, hipflasks, penknives...) in cabinets, behind counters, and at individually manned stalls. TsUM (Tsentralniy Universalniy Magazin, 'Central Universal Store') across the way is a similar sort of operation. Credit cards are widely accepted in Saratov, even in small businesses like coffee spots and market stands. However, note that foreign VISA/MasterCard credit cards are not accepted as of 2022. If you have a Russian bank account, Russia's QR code-based quick payment system SBP is accepted nearly everywhere. Otherwise it is a good idea to bring cash in RUB (or EUR/USD and exchange in a bank). During the Christmas period banks have a very limited schedule of hours. Western Union transfers are very difficult if they are made to a foreigner since rules require not just a passport but that the passport be notarized by a Russian notary. There is a translation service on Bolshaia Kazakshia near the junction with Astrakhan street on the right when facing back towards the town centre. While there are money exchanges at both the Saratov airport and train station, the hours of operation are limited. Usually there are men in the train station who will exchange US dollars but at bad rates and with the risk of getting counterfeited rubles. Euros are probably easier to work with in Saratov. ATMs give good rates but the payouts are limited. Never take travellers cheques. Only Sberbank and only the main branch will deal with them and it takes 6-8 hr to go through the process. ==Eat== [[File:Саратовская православная духовная семинария 19.09.2014.JPG|thumb|Saratov Orthodox Theological Seminary]] Cafe Fortuna, above an internet cafe on Prospekt Kirova, is reliable for good Russian food like blini, borshch and solyanka, as well as omelettes and chips and the like. Papa's Irish Bar, also on the Prospekt, serves a decent menu including a fry and Irish stew, as well as other slightly Russified Western pub food. There is a Tinkoff Restaurant and Bar in Saratov. Tinkoff hosts live groups, as it does in its other locations in Russia. Decor inside is clean and swanky, with dimmed lights and lounge-style tables. The food is overpriced and uninspiring. Expect to go through security by stocky bouncers if you arrive to see a concert. There are a number of passable sushi restaurants around, while street food like shwarma and hot pirogi are readily available. There is also an ice-cream parlour called Pingvin on the Prospekt and a Baskin Robbins by the multi-coloured church off the end of the Prospekt. Near the circus there is perhaps Russia's only branch of Papa John's Pizza. Like many American fast-food imports, Russian Papa John's appears to be a decent, sit-down restaurant. The restaurant provides free wireless to its guests. Saratov is also home to a locally-owned chain of overpriced coffee shops called '''Vostok-Zapad''' ('East-West'), where no two cappuccinos are ever the same (or, indeed, ever much like a cappuccino). They are, however, a pleasant place to hang out and the coffee is decent enough, if not exactly what you may have in mind but the quality is consistently better than the used dishwater served in most US and UK branded coffee chains. Another café is '''Café et Chocolat''' which, as the name suggests, is a French-style establishment, serving crepes and pastries. They have several branches. === Budget === The withdrawal of Western companies from the Russian market following Russia's invasion of Ukraine is especially noticeable in fast food joints. Where Saratov used to have a whole lot of McDonald's, KFC, Subway, and Starbucks places, these are now all replaced by Russian versions that are almost, but not quite, entirely like the American original. The menu, taste, prices, and even corporate design remains nearly the same, only the names have been changed (but will be immediately obvious what it was originally). The {{Eat|name=Vkusno - i tochka|alt=Вкусно — и точка|address=просп. имени Петра Столыпина, 43, Саратов|lat=51.532435|long=46.022581|lastedit=2024-01-15}} was a McDonald's located right at the main pedestrian street, and is also still now a popular fast food place, especially with school kids. Further on the same street is a {{Eat|name=Rostic's|lat=51.530815|long=46.029961|lastedit=2024-01-15}} (formerly KFC). === Mid-range === On Prospekt Stolypina is {{Eat|name=Gastrodvor|alt=Гастродвор|url=https://gastrofood64.ru/|address=просп. имени Петра Столыпина, 29, Саратов|lat=51.531603|long=46.026322|hours=10:00 - 01:00 on weekends 10:00 - 03:00|lastedit=2024-01-15}}, a covered indoor yard where you can order food from the surrounding restaurants. It's somewhat like a food court, but more upscale, often featuring live music. You cannot reserve tables. You can order directly at the restaurant (mention your table number, they will bring it then), or you can use their website to call a waiter from the restaurant(s) of your choice. Gastrodvor has a variety of restaurants, including Vietnamese, Georgian, Israeli, etc. ==Drink== Bars along the main pedestrian street, Prospekt Kirova, include Pivnoy Zavod (Beer Factory, a microbrewery); Papa's Irish Pub; Pivnoy Bul'var (with American pool tables as well as Russian billiards); and Grand Michel (with bowling). There are also numerous wine bars around the city where wine can be sampled by the cup. Saratov's main nightclubs include Jumanji and Ars. Both operate rigorous security checks (metal detectors and body searches are par for the course) and face control policies (nonwhite ethnic minorities may be refused point blank). In summer, barges along the naberezhnaya (embankment) become floating bars and clubs. ==Sleep== Saratov does not offer much choice in terms of accommodation. Visitors on tourist visas are mainly confined to one of the following four hotels: *'''Hotel Volga''' — in the centre of the city, in a turn of the century (19th/20th) building on Prospekt Kirova. This is a small hotel; comfortable, but probably in need of some modernisation. {{sleep | name=Hotel Slovakia | alt= | url=https://www.hotelslovakia.ru/ | email= | address=Lermontova Street, 30 | lat=51.52650 | long=46.05392 | directions= | phone=+7 8452 28 95 01 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2017-09-06 | content=A large, purpose-built, more modern hotel located further from the centre, on the river embankment. Seems popular with business types. }} The other two hotels are Hotel Olympia and Hotel Zagreb. If you have a business visa then you are confined to the Slovakia and the Volga. However, the Bohemia, a very comfortable and modern hotel has an arrangement for registration with the Volga and will sometimes accept business travellers. {{sleep | name=Hotel Bohemia | alt=on Vavilova | url=http://www.bohemiahotel.ru/ | email= | address=Zheleznodorozhnaya Street, 72| lat=51.53597 | long=46.00671 | directions=1.5 km from Saratov-1 railway station | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-09-06 | content=The three locations of Hotel Bohemia can also be booked in advance via the only incoming tour operator in Saratov [http://www.primavera-tk.ru/ TK Primavera] (they speak English). The rates have been cheaper than the other four hotels. }} Alternatively, if you have local contacts, it is possible to book a furnished apartment in Saratov at a rate of {{RUB|600-900}} a night. As with the taxis, these rates explode if you are identified as a non-Russian. If you decide to do this, it is strongly recommended only with an advance stay of two nights at one of the hotels handling then the necessary registration with OWIR, the office of migration where all visitors (business or leisure) must register within three days upon arrival in Russia! == Cope == Considering that Saratov is a city where it snows for the better part of the year, you'd think the city's authorities would have learned to deal with the snow and ice – and you'd be wrong. Compacted snow covers practically all roads and sidewalks throughout the winter; it is cleared away really only on the main pedestrian street (Prospekt Stolypina) and in front of government buildings. Be super careful when walking near roofs and balconies – icicles can fall down without notice and have even killed people. Also pay attention to snow sliding down from the roof. If you see (printed or handwritten) signs with many exclamation points and/or fingers pointing upwards on the side of a building, don't walk under it! If you drive yourself, note that most major streets are one-way streets. Road markings are often not visible (especially in winter, when roads are completely covered in snow). The road quality varies a lot, but do expect potholes (and people swerving to avoid them) and not-so-level level crossings across tram and railroad tracks. There are stray dogs and they might have rabies. If you spot a dog without owner, it's best to make a large detour around it. This is especially true if there are multiple dogs. ==Go next== Just opposite Saratov, on the other side of the Volga, is the smaller town of [[Engels]], accessible via a quick bus journey across the bridge. Catch the bus on Ulitsa Moskovskaya or take a taxi (walking across the bridge is not recommended). Other towns in the [[Saratov Oblast]], accessible via marshrutka, include Marks, Balakovo, Atkarsk, and Volsk. There are shared minibuses that drive across the Russian-[[Kazakhstan|Kazakh]] border to [[Oral|Uralsk]], usually leaving very early in the morning. You can take a train to the neighboring regions, such as [[Volgograd]], [[Tambov]], [[Penza (Russia)|Penza]], [[Samara]], and [[Voronezh]]. {{outlinecity}} {{geo|51.5333|46.0167}} {{isPartOf|Saratov Oblast}} rpvrdbj0yywizt5d8x8at3t6ofhwoc3 5087023 5087022 2025-07-03T08:11:08Z Wolverène 783378 /* Do */ there is no* 5087023 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Saratov''' ([[Russian phrasebook|Russian]]: Сара́тов ''suh-RAH-tuhf'') is a city in the [[Volga Region|Volga]] region of [[Russia]]. == Understand == Saratov was built as one of the southern fortifications along the Volga river during the 16th century. Settlements in the area date back, however, much further: the nearby Uvek dates back to the Golden Horde and was destroyed in 1395 by Tamerlane. Saratov and Engels (just across the Volga) are intricately linked and form an agglomeration region with over 1 million inhabitants today. Due to Saratov's pretty provincial character it might surprise you that at the beginning of the 20th century, it was the third largest city in Russia after Moscow and St. Petersburg. The area around Saratov and Engels had a significant proportion of ethnic Germans (en. ''Volga Germans'', de. ''Wolgadeutsche'', ru. ''Поволжские немцы''). Volga Germans constituted nearly two thirds of the inhabitants of this area in the early 20th century. Germans were originally invited by Catherine II to settle in the West of the Russian Empire, but were deported further to the east during the end of the 19th century due to stronger Russificiation attempts. Volga Germans suffered another wave of deportation and expulsion during the time of Stalin's Great Terror and WW2, when they were suspected of collaboration with the Nazis. Today, there are only a few traces of this history in Saratov and Engels. Today, Saratov is a regional center along the Volga, in the same way as for example Volgograd, Samara, and Ulyanovsk. An illustrative piece of history is the constant renaming of Saratov's main pedestrian street. Originally it was called Nemetskaya Ulitsa ("German Street"). In the 1880s and again in 1914 there were ultimately rejected attempts to rename it in honor of General Skobelev. After the October Revolution, the name was eventually changed to Ulitsa Respubliki ("Republic Street") and later to Prospekt Kirova (named after the revolutionary leader Sergey Kirov). In April 2022, the street was once again renamed, this time in honor of Pyotr Stolypin, former governor of Saratov and a prime minister of the Russian Empire who introduced a lot of agrarian reforms. Note that you will still see addresses referring to the older name Prospekt Kirova. [[wikipedia:Mikhail_Skobelev]] ==Get in== [[File:Саратов Железнодорожный вокзал.jpg|thumb|Saratov Train Station]] ===By plane=== * {{go | name=Saratov Gagarin Airport | alt={{IATA|GSV}} | url=http://www.saratov.aero | email= | address=Saburovka village | lat=51.716667 | long=46.166667 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q333137 | lastedit=2024-01-15 | content=New airport northeast of Saratov. It replaced Saratov Tsentralny Airport in August 2019. Inside Russia it has regular flights from and to Moscow, St. Petersburg, Ekaterinburg, Makhachkala, Mineralnye Vody, Nizhniy Novgorod, Novosibirsk, Sochi, Surgut and Ufa. There are a number of international flights to and from Baku, Erevan, and Antalya. The airport is located about 1h drive from the city center. You can order a taxi from and to the airport via app, or negotiate a price with one of the many taxi drivers standing outside the exit. There is also an express train (38min travel time), which leaves 3 times a day from the station directly outside the airport (single ticket: 95 RUB). There is also a shuttle bus leaving roughly every hour to and from the central station (80min, 80 RUB). }} [[File:Saratov Gagarin airport April 2019.jpg|thumb|Saratov Gagarin airport]] ===By train=== Otherwise the best way to get there is by Saratov Rail from Moscow's Pavletsky Station, which takes approximately 15-16 hr. The trains operate overnight, departing in the afternoon/evening, arriving in the morning. Saratov is also accessible via rail from Samara to the north (train 10 hours, 400 km) and Volgograd and Astrakhan to the south. The St. Petersburg-Astrakhan' line passes through Saratov. It takes about 26 hours to travel from St. Petersburg to Saratov on train. * {{go | name=Saratov I railway station | alt=вокзал Саратов-1-Пассажирский | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4408414 | lastedit=2020-09-24 | content= }} ===By bus=== There are also buses between Saratov and many other cities, including Moscow. However, the comfort and value of the rail system over the vast distances involved makes the bus service a comparatively unattractive option. ===By boat=== River cruises down the Volga operate during the summer months (early May to end of September). Dozens of boats operated by different companies run from Moscow to Astrakhan. One way or return cruises may be reserved to/from practically any city along the Volga. Moscow to Astrakhan (one-way) with three daily meals is {{RUB|15000}}. Without meals, approximately {{RUB|8000-9000}}. ==Get around== {{mapframe|layer=W}} [[File:Saratov bridge in July 2020.jpg|thumb|Saratov Bridge, a 3-kilometre span linking the city with Engels]] [[File:Saratov tram map 2022-05.svg|thumb|Saratov tram map (2022)]] === Public transport === Saratov, like most provincial Russian towns, is served by a network of trams, buses, trolleybuses, and marshrutkas (set-route minibuses). The main terminus for most forms of transport is the area around the {{Marker|type=around|name=Mirnyy Pereulok (Мирный переулок)|lat=51.533083|long=46.017081}} at the top of Prospekt Stolypina (formerly Prospekt Kirova). Buses, trams, and trolleybuses work in pretty much the same way. They usually display a route number and also a list of major stops (written in Cyrillic). You get on, and a conductor will walk up to you to collect the fare. The fare is usually written very large on the inside of the vehicle and should be about {{RUB|30-40}} (Jan 2024). You don't really need to say anything, as there is only one price for a single ticket (no monthly passes, discounts, etc). You can pay in cash, (Russian) credit card, or SBP (quick payment system, provided you have a Russian bank account). You will get a small paper ticket with a 6-digit number in return. In some trolleybuses you pay directly to the drive when getting off (in which case there is no paper ticket). Just watch what other people are doing. Marshrutkas are minibuses that drive a fixed route but without set schedule or stops. They also have route numbers and usually display a list of main points of interest along their route. To get on, wave the marshrutka. Pay the fare (displayed with a huge sticker on the window directly in front of the entrance – you really can't miss it) directly to the driver when getting on. The fare varies between marshrutkas because these are essentially privately-operated taxis, but is usually the same as for buses, trams, and trolleybuses ({{RUB|30-40}} in Jan 2024). Drivers usually continue driving while counting your coins, give you your change, and (usually) give you a paper ticket. If it's very full, people sometimes just sit down and pass the money to the next person in front of them, until it reaches the driver. Then the chain goes the other way round, delivering the change and paper ticket back to the passenger. If someone taps you from behind and hands you a bunch of coins, just do the same to the person in front of you – it's fun! To get off, people usually just tell the driver to stop at the next intersection. === Taxis === If you don't want to go through the trouble of finding the correct route number, taxis are a widely available option. Yandex Go or its many competitors are a reliable way to get around, as you can order a taxi via an app for a predefined price (also in English). === Walking === Saratov is not exactly a small city, but its main pedestrian area along Prospekt Stolypina and onwards to the Volga is definitely walkable. There are plenty of well-marked pedestrian crossings and drivers do stop (because they get very serious fines if they don't). === Cycling and personal mobility === Bicycles and scooters are quite popular in Saratov. Similar to walking, most of the area in the center of the city is fairly accessible, although significant changes in elevation may pose a bit of challenge. Around those parts you may also find marked and separated bike lanes, although be aware of the pedestrians just in case. However, some areas with especially heavy foot traffic are explicitly closed for these vehicles, so look around for signs. In other districts it's a bit of a hit or miss, and usually there's no dedicated cycling infrastructure. Traffic incidents with cyclists is, unfortunately, not an uncommon occurrence, so stick to riding on the sidewalk for a bit of safety and avoid steep downhills. During summer there are active rental points for bicycles and scooters, you may also get a scooter through Yandex Go, Whoosh or Urent. ==See== [[File:Троицкий Собор Саратов.JPG|thumb|Trinity Cathedral on Moskovskaya Street]] [[File:Saratov museum.jpg|thumb|Radishchev Art Museum]] See the magnificent Volga river, the longest river in Europe. At the most popular spot (Naberezhnaya Kosmonavtov, the Cosmonauts Embankment) the Volga is 3 km wide, whereas at some other spots nearby Saratov its width reaches as much as 11 km. {{See|name=Victory Park|alt=Парк Победы|lat=51.545186|long=46.052789|directions=Main entrance from Bolshoy Zhuravlinyy proezd (Большой Журавлиный проезд)|hours=9:00 - 18:00|lastedit=2024-01-15|content=Large park with military hardware, WW2 memorials and some scenic views onto Saratov and the Volga. Best views from the crane memorial (Zhuravli). There is also an ethnic village park with typical houses from immigrants in the area (e.g. from Dagestan, Korea, Tatarstan, Armenia, Volga-Germans, etc).}} {{See|name=Limonarium|alt=Саратовский лимонарий|url=http://xn--80apbeghhhu.xn--p1ai/|address=Большая Сеченская ул., 6Б, Саратов|lat=51.556360|long=46.066697|hours=10:00 - 17:00|price=350 RUB|lastedit=2024-01-15|content=Greenhouse filled with interesting plants, including giant citrus fruits.}} {{See|name=Kirov square|alt=площадь имени С.М. Кирова|lat=51.532833|long=46.018701|price=Free|lastedit=2024-01-15|content=Main hub at the top of Saratov's main pedestrian street (Prospekt Stolypina). Many marshrutkas and trams leave from here. Notice the giant Lenin mosaic on the wall opposite of the old Saravia office. There is a statue dedicated to N. I. Vavilov, one of the Soviet Union's most influential geneticists who has been prosecuted by Stalin and eventually died in a prison in Saratov. The agricultural university is now named after him.}} {{See|name=Covered Market|alt=Крытый рынок|url=http://xn----qtbccogkcp3gbd.xn--p1ai/|address=ул. имени В.И. Чапаева, 59, Саратов|lat=51.532161|long=46.020288|directions=At the end of Kirov Square, opposite the Circus|hours=8:00 - 18:00|lastedit=2024-01-15|content=A large covered market hall dating back to pre-revolutionary Russia. Fruits, vegetables, meat, nuts and candies are sold here. The area behind the market building itself is also used to sell clothes and household products. There is a bronze statue of market women in the middle of the hall.}} {{See|name=Circus|alt=Саратовский государственный цирк имени братьев Никитиных|url=http://www.circus-saratov.ru/|address=ул. имени В.И. Чапаева, 61, Саратов|lat=51.534106|long=46.021285|hours=10:00 - 19:00|lastedit=2024-01-15|content=One of the oldest circuses in Russia, dating back to 1876. There is a statue of the three Nikitin brothers (who founded the circus in the Volga region) to the left of the circus building.}} {{See|name=Conservatory|alt=Саратовская государственная консерватория имени Л.В. Собинова|url=http://sarcons.ru/|address=просп. имени Петра Столыпина, 1, Саратов|lat=51.529814|long=46.034077|hours=9:00 - 18:00|lastedit=2024-01-15|content=One of Saratov's most recognizable sights. There are regular concerts.}} {{See|name=Saratov Panorama|alt=Панорама Саратова|address=Саратов, площадь имени Н.Г. Чернышевского|lat=51.529208|long=46.035100|price=Free|lastedit=2024-01-15|content=Art installation showing some of Saratov's 400-year history.}} {{See|name=Lipki Park|alt=Сад Липки|lat=51.528214|long=46.037091|hours=7:30 - 22:00|price=Free|lastedit=2024-01-15|content=Nice park in the center with many cultural installations, statues, etc. Also hosts a giant stadium ("Dynamo"), which is turned into an ice rink during winter.}} {{See|name=Tram No. 6|alt=Трамвай № 6|lat=51.529322|long=46.038600|price=Free|lastedit=2024-01-15|content=Old tram wagon placed at the corner of Lipki Park as an attraction.}} {{See|name=Theatre Square|alt=Театральная площадь|lat=51.533063|long=46.034062|lastedit=2024-01-15|content=Huge square. There is a big Lenin statue, a small Orthodox church, the Radishchev Museum, and of course the theatre. On the other side of the Moskovskaya street are a university and the regional government buildings, which feature a huge Soviet mosaic.}} {{See|name=Museum Square|alt=Музейная площадь|lat=51.528275|long=46.055637|lastedit=2024-01-15|content=On Moskovskaya ulitsa, almost near the Volga embankment. Here is an Orthodox cathedral (Свято-Троицкий кафедральный собор) with noticeably leaning clock tower. Diagonally across the street is a new square named after Peter I, who never even visited Saratov.}} {{See|name=Gagarin Statue|alt=Ю. А. Гагарин|lat=51.525848|long=46.051859|price=Free|lastedit=2024-01-15|content=Statue of Yuri Gagarin, first person in space. He trained in Saratov, hence a lot in the city is named after him. The statue is located right at the beginning of the Cosmonauts' Embankment (набережная Космонавтов). A local running gag is to view the statue from a particular angle (almost exactly from the North), from which Gagarin's thumb seems to take on the look of a very different body part.}} {{See|name=Cosmonauts' Embankment|alt=набережная Космонавтов|lat=51.524584|long=46.047471|lastedit=2024-01-15|content=Very long embankment with multiple footpaths on different levels along the Volga. Even though you can see quite a few fishermen walk on the ice during winter, it is not safe to do that. The embankment had some sections covered in nice graffiti, of which by now only a couple are left.}} {{See|name=Rotonda|alt=Ротонда|lat=51.522847|long=46.039715|lastedit=2024-01-15|content=Pavillion at the Volga, where the Cosmonauts' Embankment meets the Babushkin Vzvoz street (улица Бабушкин Взвоз).}} {{See|name=Beach of the Volga Conquerors|alt=Пляж покорителей Волги|lat=51.514797|long=46.013147|lastedit=2024-01-15|content=Newly opened beach with a lot of amenities nearby (toilets, cafes, playgrounds, benches, etc). This extends the embankment along the Volga up to the 2-ya Sadovaya street, making it around 4km long.}} {{See|name=Saratov Bridge|alt=Саратовский мост|lat=51.525850|long=46.064653|price=Free|lastedit=2024-01-15|content=Huge road bridge crossing the Volga towards Engels. With over 2.8km, it was the longest bridge in Europe and the Soviet Union when it was opened in 1965. It is very long and windy (and in summer: burning hot) to walk across the bridge. You can use a trolleybus, marshrutka or taxi to get across it to Engels. In summer there are also buses that stop at the halfway point, so you can get down to the artificial island in the Volga, which is a popular beach for swimming.}} {{see | name=City Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=51.519674 | long=46.000118 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-01-15 | content=Nice park with a lot of attractions and a big pond (you can rent a boat). There is a theme park, open almost all year round, with slightly unsafe looking but pretty fun rides. Try the steamed corn on the cob and stroll around the many monuments to popular children's fairy tales. }} {{See|name=Saratov Sign|alt=Постамент Саратов|lat=51.530149|long=46.061708|lastedit=2024-01-15|content=Huge sign at the beginning of the bridge across the Volga. Busy intersection, so it's difficult to get up close.}} {{See|name=Hay Market|alt=Сенной рынок|lat=51.546649|long=46.017867|lastedit=2024-01-15|content=Huge sprawling market where you can buy literally anything. Very messy, confusing and interesting.}} {{See|name=Church of the Icon Quench My Sorrows|alt=Церковь иконы Божией Матери Утоли моя печали|lat=51.530192|long=46.035850|hours=7:00 - 19:30|price=Free|lastedit=2024-01-15|content=Tiny, colorful Orthodox church.}} {{See|name=Melody Fountain|alt=Фонтан Мелодия|lat=51.530232|long=46.034446|price=Free|lastedit=2024-01-15|content=Large fountain located between the Vavilov University and the Conservatory. There is a light and music show every evening.}} {{See|name=Landing place of Yuri Gagarin|alt=Место приземления Ю. А. Гагарина|url=http://gauk-npc.ru/gagarin/|lat=51.270793|long=45.997483|directions=Located on the Engels side of the Volga. Only really accessible by car or taxi.|price=Free|lastedit=2024-01-15|content=The place where Yuri Gagarin landed after his first trip to space in 1961. The place is marked by a huge rocket sculpture with Gagarin's statue, a replica of the Vostok-1 capsule he flew in, and a couple of busts of other famous cosmonauts. There is also a newly opened info center (closed on Mondays).}} ==Do== [[File:Саратовский цирк 01.jpg|thumb|Saratov Circus]] Despite its provincial setting, Saratov has much to offer by way of culture. Enjoy a classical concert in the pseudo-gothic Conservatory on Prospekt Kirova, or an opera or ballet in the nearby Bolshoy Teatr. Tickets are very reasonably priced and available from the box offices of both venues. In January 2008 ticket prices were less than US$4 and represent an incredible bargain. Take in a play at the Saratov Kiselev Academic Youth Theater, known by the acronym TYuZ (Russian: "ТЮЗ"). TYuZ is about a block off of Prospect Kirova on Volskaya Street. Although described as a "children's theater", TYuZ is mostly visited by adults. The theater features a rotating list of light plays. For more serious fare, head over to Saratov Slonov Academic Drama Theater. Founded in 1802, the Saratov Drama Theater is one of the oldest theaters in Russia. Its current building, however, is very modern in style. Dom Kino (House of Cinema), on Oktyabrskaya Street, features foreign film and film series. Tickets cost up to {{RUB|500}} as of July 2025. It's on the second floor of a nondescript building on a side street. Dom Kino is rather difficult to find. The interior is modest: a large room with folding chairs and a projector screen. If you aren't interested in such quaint movie-watching experiences, check out Pobeda, Sinema Park, or Illuminator. Visit the circus, one of the first in Russia to be established in its own dedicated building. Go to the Radischev art gallery — the first public art gallery opened in Russia (19th century). Some fine European, as well as Russian pieces of art are gathered here. The gallery also features a computer room where visitors can access various art-related programmes, including one showing scenes of architectural gems lost under Communism and their modern replacements. Support the local soccer team — Sokol — and attend a match in the stadium beside the train station. Take a stroll in Gorodskii Park and try out the bumper cars, Ferris wheel and waltzers in its fairground. Most of the rides are open even on the coldest days of winter. Victory Park is another great place to visit. Before Christmas the area around Lenin's statue in the central part of the city is a fun place for kids with sleigh rides and photo opportunities with Russian version of Santa Claus. There is also an inexpensive large public outdoor ice skating rink a few blocks from Lenin's statue but although they rent skates be prepared for a long wait to rent them. There are also large beautiful forests in and around Saratov. There are several beaches on the Volga river including some on an island. {{Do|name=Kumysnaya Polyana|alt=Кумысная поляна|lat=51.554526|long=45.925541|price=Free|lastedit=2024-01-16|content=A huge forest with tons of recreational facilities from Soviet times. Excellent place to go alpine and cross-country skiing in winter, ski rentals are available. It's also a popular spot for hiking, barbecuing, etc.}} ==Buy== [[File:Saratov Markthal.jpg|thumb|Saratov Market Building]] The usual Russian souvenirs such as matryoshkas are available in Saratov, although if travelling through Moscow it is probably best to wait to get them there as they will be cheaper. The markets in Saratov are useful spots to pick up winter clothes if necessary, including coats, boots, leather gloves and of course hats. Haggling is indulged. Prospekt Kirova is the most upmarket shopping area in the city, with fancy boutiques selling expensive shoes, bags and jewellery. There are branches for Mango, Nike, Reebok, Adidas, United Colors of Benetton, and L'Occitane among others. Also on Prospekt Kirova is an excellent tobacconist, selling all kinds of pipes and tobacco including hookah pipes, as well as a speciality tea shop. Barrikada, on Ulitsa Gorkogo, is an excellent alternative music store that sells legitimate (i.e. non-pirate) albums and music DVDs at prices much cheaper than in Western Europe, and stocks a diversity of artists unparalleled by even Moscow's gargantuan Gorbushka market. Electronics can be purchased from one of the city's branches of El Dorado (one particularly large one is on the embankment near the river station). Dom Knigi, the book shop on the corner of Ulitsa Volskaya and Prospekt Kirova, has an English language section and is also a good spot to pick up postcards, maps and souvenirs such as books of old postcard views of Saratov. Noviy Knizhniy, on the fourth floor of the Aurora Shopping Center (Chapaeva and Sovetskaya), also features an English language section. Grab a coffee at the nearby cafe, bring your laptop, and enjoy the free wireless on the fourth floor. Despite its name, Detsky Mir ('Children's World') at the top of Prospekt Kirova near McDonalds, stocks all kinds of everything (clothes, accessories, stationery, hipflasks, penknives...) in cabinets, behind counters, and at individually manned stalls. TsUM (Tsentralniy Universalniy Magazin, 'Central Universal Store') across the way is a similar sort of operation. Credit cards are widely accepted in Saratov, even in small businesses like coffee spots and market stands. However, note that foreign VISA/MasterCard credit cards are not accepted as of 2022. If you have a Russian bank account, Russia's QR code-based quick payment system SBP is accepted nearly everywhere. Otherwise it is a good idea to bring cash in RUB (or EUR/USD and exchange in a bank). During the Christmas period banks have a very limited schedule of hours. Western Union transfers are very difficult if they are made to a foreigner since rules require not just a passport but that the passport be notarized by a Russian notary. There is a translation service on Bolshaia Kazakshia near the junction with Astrakhan street on the right when facing back towards the town centre. While there are money exchanges at both the Saratov airport and train station, the hours of operation are limited. Usually there are men in the train station who will exchange US dollars but at bad rates and with the risk of getting counterfeited rubles. Euros are probably easier to work with in Saratov. ATMs give good rates but the payouts are limited. Never take travellers cheques. Only Sberbank and only the main branch will deal with them and it takes 6-8 hr to go through the process. ==Eat== [[File:Саратовская православная духовная семинария 19.09.2014.JPG|thumb|Saratov Orthodox Theological Seminary]] Cafe Fortuna, above an internet cafe on Prospekt Kirova, is reliable for good Russian food like blini, borshch and solyanka, as well as omelettes and chips and the like. Papa's Irish Bar, also on the Prospekt, serves a decent menu including a fry and Irish stew, as well as other slightly Russified Western pub food. There is a Tinkoff Restaurant and Bar in Saratov. Tinkoff hosts live groups, as it does in its other locations in Russia. Decor inside is clean and swanky, with dimmed lights and lounge-style tables. The food is overpriced and uninspiring. Expect to go through security by stocky bouncers if you arrive to see a concert. There are a number of passable sushi restaurants around, while street food like shwarma and hot pirogi are readily available. There is also an ice-cream parlour called Pingvin on the Prospekt and a Baskin Robbins by the multi-coloured church off the end of the Prospekt. Near the circus there is perhaps Russia's only branch of Papa John's Pizza. Like many American fast-food imports, Russian Papa John's appears to be a decent, sit-down restaurant. The restaurant provides free wireless to its guests. Saratov is also home to a locally-owned chain of overpriced coffee shops called '''Vostok-Zapad''' ('East-West'), where no two cappuccinos are ever the same (or, indeed, ever much like a cappuccino). They are, however, a pleasant place to hang out and the coffee is decent enough, if not exactly what you may have in mind but the quality is consistently better than the used dishwater served in most US and UK branded coffee chains. Another café is '''Café et Chocolat''' which, as the name suggests, is a French-style establishment, serving crepes and pastries. They have several branches. === Budget === The withdrawal of Western companies from the Russian market following Russia's invasion of Ukraine is especially noticeable in fast food joints. Where Saratov used to have a whole lot of McDonald's, KFC, Subway, and Starbucks places, these are now all replaced by Russian versions that are almost, but not quite, entirely like the American original. The menu, taste, prices, and even corporate design remains nearly the same, only the names have been changed (but will be immediately obvious what it was originally). The {{Eat|name=Vkusno - i tochka|alt=Вкусно — и точка|address=просп. имени Петра Столыпина, 43, Саратов|lat=51.532435|long=46.022581|lastedit=2024-01-15}} was a McDonald's located right at the main pedestrian street, and is also still now a popular fast food place, especially with school kids. Further on the same street is a {{Eat|name=Rostic's|lat=51.530815|long=46.029961|lastedit=2024-01-15}} (formerly KFC). === Mid-range === On Prospekt Stolypina is {{Eat|name=Gastrodvor|alt=Гастродвор|url=https://gastrofood64.ru/|address=просп. имени Петра Столыпина, 29, Саратов|lat=51.531603|long=46.026322|hours=10:00 - 01:00 on weekends 10:00 - 03:00|lastedit=2024-01-15}}, a covered indoor yard where you can order food from the surrounding restaurants. It's somewhat like a food court, but more upscale, often featuring live music. You cannot reserve tables. You can order directly at the restaurant (mention your table number, they will bring it then), or you can use their website to call a waiter from the restaurant(s) of your choice. Gastrodvor has a variety of restaurants, including Vietnamese, Georgian, Israeli, etc. ==Drink== Bars along the main pedestrian street, Prospekt Kirova, include Pivnoy Zavod (Beer Factory, a microbrewery); Papa's Irish Pub; Pivnoy Bul'var (with American pool tables as well as Russian billiards); and Grand Michel (with bowling). There are also numerous wine bars around the city where wine can be sampled by the cup. Saratov's main nightclubs include Jumanji and Ars. Both operate rigorous security checks (metal detectors and body searches are par for the course) and face control policies (nonwhite ethnic minorities may be refused point blank). In summer, barges along the naberezhnaya (embankment) become floating bars and clubs. ==Sleep== Saratov does not offer much choice in terms of accommodation. Visitors on tourist visas are mainly confined to one of the following four hotels: *'''Hotel Volga''' — in the centre of the city, in a turn of the century (19th/20th) building on Prospekt Kirova. This is a small hotel; comfortable, but probably in need of some modernisation. {{sleep | name=Hotel Slovakia | alt= | url=https://www.hotelslovakia.ru/ | email= | address=Lermontova Street, 30 | lat=51.52650 | long=46.05392 | directions= | phone=+7 8452 28 95 01 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2017-09-06 | content=A large, purpose-built, more modern hotel located further from the centre, on the river embankment. Seems popular with business types. }} The other two hotels are Hotel Olympia and Hotel Zagreb. If you have a business visa then you are confined to the Slovakia and the Volga. However, the Bohemia, a very comfortable and modern hotel has an arrangement for registration with the Volga and will sometimes accept business travellers. {{sleep | name=Hotel Bohemia | alt=on Vavilova | url=http://www.bohemiahotel.ru/ | email= | address=Zheleznodorozhnaya Street, 72| lat=51.53597 | long=46.00671 | directions=1.5 km from Saratov-1 railway station | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-09-06 | content=The three locations of Hotel Bohemia can also be booked in advance via the only incoming tour operator in Saratov [http://www.primavera-tk.ru/ TK Primavera] (they speak English). The rates have been cheaper than the other four hotels. }} Alternatively, if you have local contacts, it is possible to book a furnished apartment in Saratov at a rate of {{RUB|600-900}} a night. As with the taxis, these rates explode if you are identified as a non-Russian. If you decide to do this, it is strongly recommended only with an advance stay of two nights at one of the hotels handling then the necessary registration with OWIR, the office of migration where all visitors (business or leisure) must register within three days upon arrival in Russia! == Cope == Considering that Saratov is a city where it snows for the better part of the year, you'd think the city's authorities would have learned to deal with the snow and ice – and you'd be wrong. Compacted snow covers practically all roads and sidewalks throughout the winter; it is cleared away really only on the main pedestrian street (Prospekt Stolypina) and in front of government buildings. Be super careful when walking near roofs and balconies – icicles can fall down without notice and have even killed people. Also pay attention to snow sliding down from the roof. If you see (printed or handwritten) signs with many exclamation points and/or fingers pointing upwards on the side of a building, don't walk under it! If you drive yourself, note that most major streets are one-way streets. Road markings are often not visible (especially in winter, when roads are completely covered in snow). The road quality varies a lot, but do expect potholes (and people swerving to avoid them) and not-so-level level crossings across tram and railroad tracks. There are stray dogs and they might have rabies. If you spot a dog without owner, it's best to make a large detour around it. This is especially true if there are multiple dogs. ==Go next== Just opposite Saratov, on the other side of the Volga, is the smaller town of [[Engels]], accessible via a quick bus journey across the bridge. Catch the bus on Ulitsa Moskovskaya or take a taxi (walking across the bridge is not recommended). Other towns in the [[Saratov Oblast]], accessible via marshrutka, include Marks, Balakovo, Atkarsk, and Volsk. There are shared minibuses that drive across the Russian-[[Kazakhstan|Kazakh]] border to [[Oral|Uralsk]], usually leaving very early in the morning. You can take a train to the neighboring regions, such as [[Volgograd]], [[Tambov]], [[Penza (Russia)|Penza]], [[Samara]], and [[Voronezh]]. {{outlinecity}} {{geo|51.5333|46.0167}} {{isPartOf|Saratov Oblast}} 5747ojhgym229vjwnvbjno2xr60fmc3 0 31675 5086901 4879542 2025-07-03T02:59:43Z Sgroey 2240936 /* Get in */ ce 5086901 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Satun Banner.jpg}} '''Satun''' (สตูล) is a town on the [[Southern Andaman Coast]] of [[Southern Thailand]]. It is the gateway to Thailand's southern islands on the Andaman Sea. There are mountainous forests with more than eighty beautiful surrounding islands. The best-known islands are [[Ko Tarutao]], [[Ko Adang]], [[Ko Rawi]], and [[Ko Lipe]]. == Understand == Satun is only a few kilometres from the Andaman coast but a whopping 940 km from Bangkok. Although a majority-Malay Muslim town, Satun has largely escaped the strife that plagues some of the neighbouring provinces such as Narathiwat, Yala and Pattani. Satun is a safe and very friendly place to visit. Satun had a population of 24,000 in 2020. The dialect of Malay spoken here is different from that spoken in the other southern Thai provinces, and is instead similar to the [[Kedah]] dialect of Malay. Satun is also the name of the province. When looking for transport to Satun, ensure you are booking tickets to Satun town, and not another place in Satun province. == Get in == === By plane === The nearest airport is at [[Hat Yai]], about 100 km away. From there, take a minivan, bus, or taxi to Satun. === By train === Nearest train stations to Satun town are in Hat Yai (100 km away) or [[Trang]] (160 km away). === By bus === ====From Malaysia==== Express buses to Kangar, Malaysia leave hourly from Butterworth (RM10.40, 2 hr 15 min). Then, head to Kangar city bus terminal from express bus terminal and take Mara Liner's Kuala Perlis bound bus (RM1.50, 35 min) to the jetty. This kind of city-bound bus departure is infrequent and it is always good to plan ahead. The approximate departure times are 11:45, 13:15, 14:45, and 16:45. The journey can only to be continued with longtail boat from Kuala Perlis's Lembaga Kemajuan Ikan Malaysia (LKIM) jetty, which is about 200 m further from the Langkawi-bound jetty. (See notes below, 2024) Upon reaching Satun Tammalang pier, take red songthaew to Satun (35 baht, 10 min). The songthaew is most probably available when ferry arrives. If you are stuck awaiting a songthaew, a motorcycle taxi is another option, although is more costly (60 baht). '''From Bangkok''' Overnight buses leave from Bangkok's Southern Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) to Satun town. These buses are run by Sri Suthep Tour, take about 16.5 hours and cost around 800 baht. The Transport Co. also run overnight buses from Bangkok's Mo Chit bus terminal to Satun town, taking 17.5 hours and also costing 800 baht. === By car === To travel by car from Malaysia, first take the road from Kangar towards Padang Besar and take a left turn towards Wang Kelian, approximately 8 km, before reaching Padang Besar. Pass the border checkpoints of Wang Kelian on the Malaysian side and of Wan Pra Chan on the Thai side. You may want to stop at the morning market at the border area for some fresh fruit and vegetables. Drive past some scenic mountains on the way to Khuang Don and take a left turn towards Satun. On the way you will pass by the town of Chalung. The trip from the border check points takes about 90 minutes. === By boat === [http://www.langkawi-ferry.com/ Langkawi Ferry] has two or three daily services, depends on the season, between [[Langkawi]], [[Malaysia]] and Satun. No reservations are possible, just show up. The trip takes 1 hr 15 min, and the fare is 350 baht/RM 35 one-way. Kuala Perlis Fisherman's Boat: Kuala Perlis situated on peninsular [[Malaysia]]. Gateway to [[Langkawi]], and Satun. No reservations are possible, just show up. Stay a night at Putra Brasmana Hotel and take a trip cruising the [[Perlis]] river to the pier. From there, take a longtail boat to Satun. The trip takes 45 minutes and the fare is 150 baht / RM15 one-way. (As of May 2024, the Thai side says this is no longer available. It may be seasonal.) == Get around == [[File:Songthaew in Satun 01.JPG|thumb|Songthaew in Satun]] Like elsewhere in Thailand, Songthaews ply fixed routes throughout Satun town. == See == ===Sights=== [[Image:Bunga Kuda.jpg|thumb|Bunga Kuda ({{lang-th|บุหงาปูดะ/ดอกลำเจียก}}; [[Royal Thai General System of Transcription|RTGS]]: Bu-nga Puda/Dok Lamchiak) - A Malay dessert common in Satun and in Perlis State, Malaysia]] '''Satun Central Mosque or Mambang Mosque (มัสยิดกลางจังหวัดสตูลหรือมัสยิดมำบัง)''' The mosque has modern architecture. Its white building is decorated with glazed tiles, marble, and glass. '''Satun National Museum – Kuden Mansion / ''Istana Tengku Kudin of Kedah'' (พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติสตูล – คฤหาสน์กูเด็น)''' During 1997–2000, the Fine Arts Department rebuilt the Kuden Mansion into a Western two-storey brick building. Its Thai-styled hip-roof is covered with Spanish terra cotta roof tiles. The top of the pediment is adorned with a star-shaped vent in accordance with Islamic architecture. '''Khao To Phaya Wang Public Park (สวนสาธารณะเขาโต๊ะพญาวัง)''' '''Wat Chanathip Chaloem (วัดชนาธิปเฉลิม)''' The first Buddhist temple in the town of Satun. It is a Thai-styled two-storey building. The first storey is a brick building used as a preaching hall. The second storey is a wooden building for religious practice by Buddhist monks. '''Laem Tanyong Po and Hat Sai Yao (แหลมตันหยงโปและหาดทรายยาว)''' A cape jutting into the Andaman Sea where there is a fishing village. Its long sandy beach is fringed with coconut trees and fisher's houses. '''Tarutao National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติตะรุเตา)''' The first marine national park of Thailand. The area was declared a national park on 19 April 1974, and an ASEAN Heritage Park and Reserve by UNESCO in 1982. :[[Image:Kuden Mansion.jpg|thumb|Kuden Mansion or Satun National Museum]]'''Ko Tarutao (เกาะตะรุเตา)''' The largest island of the park, covering an area of 152&nbsp;km². Mountains with moist evergreen forest predominate, with interesting species of plants and wildlife. There is a mangrove forest. There are many bays, both small and large, with beautiful beaches. Attractions on Ko Tarutao: :'''Ao Phante Melaka (อ่าวพันเตมะละกา)''' A bay with a clean long white beach. The headquarters of Tarutao National Park is here. :'''Ao Chak (อ่าวจาก)''' This small bay is next to Ao Phante Melaka. ::'''Ao Mo Lae (อ่าวเมาะและ)''' A bay with a clean white sandy beach. ::'''Ao Son (อ่าวสน)''' This curve-shaped bay has sandy beaches which are interspersed with rocky beaches. It is also an egg-laying ground for sea turtles. ::'''Ao Talo Wao (อ่าวตะโละวาว)''' A historical area where there was once a reformatory. The site has replicas of the original buildings. ::'''Ao Talo Udang (อ่าวตะโละอุดัง)''' A bay to the south of the island, 8&nbsp;km from Ko Langkawi. The park's Ranger Station To To 2 (Talo Udang) is here. In the past, it was where political prisoners from the Bowondet and Nai Sip rebels were detained. ::'''Namtok Ludu (น้ำตกลูดู)''' A small beautiful waterfall, around 3&nbsp;km from Ao Son. There is a nature trail from Ao Son to Namtok Ludu. ::'''Tham Chorakhe (ถ้ำจระเข้)''' A cave 300 m in depth. Inside, are stalactites and stalagmites. ::'''Pha To Bu Viewpoint (จุดชมวิวผาโต๊ะบู)''' A cliff 60 m above sea level. The viewpoint is behind park headquarters, overlooking the beaches of Ao Phante Melaka, Ko Bulon, Ko Klang, Ko Khai, Ko Adang, Ko Rawi, and Muko Phetra. '''Ko Khai (เกาะไข่)''' An island to the west of Ko Tarutao. This small island is between Ko Tarutao and Ko Adang. The famous feature of Ko Khai is its natural stone arch, the symbol of the Tarutao National Park. Coral reefs are found in the sea around Ko Khai. '''Muko Adang – Rawi (หมู่เกาะอาดัง – ราวี)''' Islands 40&nbsp;km to the southwest of Ko Tarutao, or 60&nbsp;km from the town of Satun. '''Ko Adang (เกาะอาดัง)''' The island has an area of around 30&nbsp;km², with many beaches of fine sand. It is surrounded by small islands, and is popular for diving. '''Ko Rawi (เกาะราวี)''' This island has an area of about 29&nbsp;km². '''Ko Lipeh or [[Ko Lipe]] (เกาะสิเป๊ะหรือเกาะหลีเป๊ะ)''' There is a community of Moken (Chao Le or Andaman Sea Gypsies) here. Most families earn a living by fishing. Most importantly, the villagers will build boats from Rakam wood and perform a ceremony to float the boat, according to their belief in the prediction of their fishing. Ko Lipe is becoming a major tourist destination with many bungalow complexes on the two main beaches, Pattaya and Sunrise. '''Ko Hin Ngam (เกาะหินงาม)''' A small island to the southwest of Ko Adang. On the beach, there are smooth black stones in different shapes and with beautiful patterns. '''Ko Yang or Ko Kata (เกาะยางหรือเกาะกาต๊ะ)''' '''Ko Chabang (เกาะจาบัง)''' A small island. Deep down around the submerged rocks is the habitat of soft corals, sea anemones, and schools of colourful fish. '''Muko Dong (หมู่เกาะดง)''' Islands on the farthest outer ring of Muko Adang – Rawi, around one hour from Ko Adang. There are coral reefs in both shallow and deep sea. Around Ko Dong are 4 – 5 satellite islands. One of them is Ko Hin Son, which prominently looks like superimposed rocks. '''Tham Lot Puyu (ถ้ำลอดปูยู)''' Khlong Tha Chin or Tha Chin Canal flows through the cave. Mangrove forests flank the canal throughout its course. Inside the cave, there are stalactites and stalagmites. '''Thale Ban National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติทะเลบัน)''' Most of the area are a complex of mountains and dense woods. Wild animals found here include serow, elephant, tapir, common wild pig, monkey, gibbon, and Khiat Wak, or Ma Nam (giant Asiatic toad or Malayan giant toad). Attractions in the Thale Ban National Park: :'''Bueng Thale Ban (บึงทะเลบัน)''' A freshwater lake in the middle of a valley flanked by the Chin and the Wang Pra Ranges. :'''Namtok Ya Roi (น้ำตกยาโรย)''' Waterfall originating from a source in the Hua Kraming Forest. :'''Namtok Ton Plio (น้ำตกโตนปลิว)''' Waterfall originating from Mount Chin. This large and beautiful multi-tiered waterfall flows from a high cliff. :'''Thai – Malaysian Border Zone or Wang Prachan Checkpoint (เขตชายแดนไทย – มาเลเซียหรือด่านวังประจัน)'''. It is just 2&nbsp;km from the park's headquarters. Located here is the Thale Ban National Park Ranger Station. :'''Namtok Thara Sawan Forest Park (วนอุทยานน้ำตกธาราสวรรค์)''' The area was declared a forest park by the [[Royal Forest Department]] on 23 July 1996. Regular rain causes an abundant evergreen forest here. :'''Namtok Panan (น้ำตกปาหนัน)''' In Tambon Thung Nui, 39&nbsp;km from the town of Satun. The waterfall originates from Mount Kaming. The surrounding nature is still intact. It has water flowing all year round. A power generating dam of a medium scale has been built in the waterfall area. :'''La-ngu Local Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์พื้นบ้านละงู)''' The museum building has 2 storeys. On the ground floor, there are local handicrafts and sweets for sale. A museum on the upper floor displays brassware, earthenware, silverware, etc., which are the private collection of Mr. Chaiwat Saikun. '''Muko Phetra National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติหมู่เกาะเภตรา)''' Most of the areas are high and steep mountains with valley plains and beaches. The national park has forests, mountains, wildlife, and colourful coral reefs. It is composed of large and small main islands. Attractions in the Muko Phetra National Park: :'''Ao Nun (อ่าวนุ่น)''' A bay where the park headquarters is located. :'''Hat Rawai (หาดราไว)''' The beach is fringed with lines of pine trees. :'''Ko Lidi Lek (เกาะลิดีเล็ก)''' The Ranger Station is here. A white sandy beach lies on the island. A mangrove forest grows at the island's side where various aquatic animals inhabit. :'''Ko Bulon (เกาะบุโหลน)''' There are scattered spots for snorkelling and scuba diving, such as Ko Ayam and Ko Hin Khao. At night, hermit crabs and ghost crabs can be seen on the beach. :'''Namtok Wang Sai Thong (น้ำตกวังสายทอง)''' The beauty of this waterfall is the limestone in the shape of multi-petalled lotus flowers settling on the bottom of the pools at each of its tiers. :'''Namtok Than Plio (น้ำตกธารปลิว)''' It originates from Mount Lung Khroe in the provincial areas of Satun and Trang. This two-tiered waterfall has a pool 40 m wide and 50 m long at its base. The surrounding area is shady with various plants. == Do == '''International Kite Festival''' Held every year around February at the Satun Airport, around {{km|4}} from the town of Satun. '''Tarutao – Adang Fishing Club Fair''' Held every year around March. '''Satun Marine Tourism Festival''' Held around December to mark the start of the marine tourism season in Satun. '''Boat Floating Tradition''' Observed by Chao Le or sea dwellers at Ko Lipe in Satun around the middle of the sixth and eleventh lunar months of every year. It is intended to dispel bad luck, as well as to call on spirits for bountiful fishing. There is not much excitement in the predominantly Muslim town of Satun. Most visitors head for Tarutao National Park (a group of beautiful islands about 2 hours by ferry from the jetty of Tammalang). Tammalang is the southern gateway to Satun (by ferry from Langkawi or from Kuala Perlis). From Tammalang, the ferry sails to the island of [[Ko Lipe]] at 12:30 and takes about three hours. To Ko Tarutao departs at 10:00, arriving at 16:00 (varies, the ferry may turn up at 17:00 or 18:00). Check out island activities at the local tour agent at the Tammalang jetty. After booking your tour, you may want to head back to Satun to stay the night. While in Satun, walk around to discover its quaint attractions and enjoy the local food. Local food includes spicy Thai food, Chinese-style fare, and Malaysian-influenced cooking of roti canai. There are a few pubs along the main town street. The only disco in town is about 3 km from the town centre. Wake up early and try to jog around the Monkey Park. It's just at the back of Phiman School and you will see a rocky mountain and a river besides it. You can circumnavigate this mountain by motorbike or by car as they have built concrete roads here and you will be amazed by the population of tamed monkeys here because they are used to the locals feeding them. Remember to bring some fruits and snacks, but the monkeys now prefer snacks, And be attentive to your belongings and the monkeys are prone to snatch them. There are also little caves around the base of the mountain that are worth photographing, Also, you can climb up the mountain by the concrete stairways. There are also cottages here for free if you want to listen to the gush of flowing water in the river and watch the monkeys playing. You can also go here in the afternoon before sunset around 16:00 as many locals go at this time. The ferry trip to Tarutao National Park costs about 1,000 baht return. Scuba and snorkelling gear is available for rent at island dive shops. So just bring your suntan lotion and cash (better to change currency on the mainland for better rates). == Buy == == Eat == Restaurants don't seem to have prominent signage or branding. As such it is difficult to label one better than another. Fortunately most of the food is good Thai food with a noticeable lack of Western franchises such as McDonald's or Starbucks. Don't be afraid to walk up to any place that looks as if it's serving food and just use sign language or simple English to order food. Most people are very receptive and will go out of their way to help you get something in your belly. Phonetically "Pad See Ewe" is fried noodles with various vegetable bits and perhaps some meat. Be adventurous, chew slowly, and watch out for bones. * {{eat | name=@On's The kitchen | alt= | url= | email=Onmarch13@hotmail.com | address=36 Buriwanich | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+66 81 0979783 | tollfree=+66 74 724133 | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-04-28 | content=Best place for Western food in Satun. Also a guesthouse.}} * {{eat | name=Kru Bareh | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=in the marketplace in the La-ngu District | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-05-01 | content=A Muslim breakfast restaurant, sells great fish curry with roti, mataba, rice with Muslim curry, and hot tea. }} * {{eat | name=Kwong Look Chin Plaa | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=next to the Rain Tong Hotel and the fresh food market | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-06-12 | content=It stands out from the surrounding buildings because of its bright red and yellow décor and it is immaculately clean. They specialise in seafood noodles and chicken soup. They also have some rice dishes and delicious ice cream sundaes, which can be compared to Swensons but at a fraction of the price. You can sit outside next to a serene mangrove forest full of fauna. It's possible to see giant lizards, otters, turtles and sea eagles on most days.}} * {{eat | name=Ti Baan Restaurant | alt=Ti Baan | url=http://www.ti-baan.com | email=welcome@ti-baan.com | address=79 Tirasathid Rd. Piman. | lat=6.6122 | long=100.0627 | directions= | phone=+66 857 995 152 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11:00-14:30 and 18:00-22:00 | price=100 baht | lastedit=2017-12-08 | content=Thai and French restaurant and bar. }} == Drink == Southern Thailand is predominantly Muslim which means that alcohol isn't as ubiquitous as it is in Bangkok. That said, it is available in some restaurants and in most mini-marts. There are a few bars and other places with karaoke machines. Nightlife tends to be quiet. For cool drinks and food: '''Port Satun''' at the fresh market and Rientong Pier. == Sleep == === Budget === * {{sleep | name=Ang Yee's Guesthouse and Art Cafe | alt= | url= | email=mail@angyeeshouse.com | address=21-23 Tirasathat | lat= | long= | directions=Satun centre opposite the Kasikorn Bank | phone=+66 80 5340057 or +66 74 723844 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Owned by an attentive Thai cliff-and-rock climbing enthusiast who is conversant in English. This two-storey budget guesthouse is a nice surprise. Fully air-conditioned rooms and fan rooms which are wide, well decorated and have a very Asian homey atmosphere. The comfort rooms and bathrooms are common and shared by guests, but it's clean and spacious. At the lobby is a mini-bar adorned with framed paintings on the wall and other memorabilia where they serve authentic Thai foods and selected beers and spirits. At the back is a serene oasis garden which can view the magnificent Wat Chanathip Chaloem Buddhist compound. For longer stays, they have a washing machine and offers discounted rates depending on duration of stay. Car and motorbike rentals. Free Wi-Fi. It's at the entrance to the Satun market. Ticket offices for ferries and services going to Ko Tarutao, Ko Lipe, and Langkawi are just a few steps away, along with food shops, convenience stores and boutiques. }} * {{sleep | name=Bungalow My House | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=about 3 km N of Satun | phone=+66 74 721700 or +66 74 721701 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Motel-like establishment. There are two rates on the wall in reception. One is written in Thai and is 350 baht and the other "VIP" option is written in English with a rate of 400 baht. The 400 baht room is clean, has air-con, a bath, TV, and the location is near food and mini-marts. No Wi-Fi. The staff is friendly but little English is spoken.}} * {{sleep | name=Farmkhai | url= | email=farmkhai@gmail.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions=from the national museum (Satuntanee Rd, Soi 5) follow the road beside the mountain past a little village over a bridge, 300 m on the right | phone=+66 89 6571885 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=200-300 baht | checkin= | checkout= | content=Thai-Swiss run eco-resort set in a natural environment. Bungalows. Cheaper rates for longer stays.}} * {{sleep | name=Satunthani Hotel | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=a few doors away from the local 7-Eleven | phone=+66 74 711010 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From 270 baht | checkin= | checkout= | content=Budget hotel within walking distance to lots of food stalls and awesome cheap places to eat. Non-air-con double rooms go for 270 baht and come with a fan, attached bathroom with cold shower, Western-style toilets, plus a sink and a TV.}}With air-con, hot shower 590 Baht single or 720 Baht twin includes breakfast. * {{sleep | name=Udomsuk Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=near Sathunthani, continue south then left and it is not far, on the first junction | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Fan room with bath, 200 baht (Jan 2015) | lastedit=2015-06-12 | content=Clean, towels, cover sheet, not too hard bed, squat toilet, friendly owner. Free WiFi. On Google Maps http://goo.gl/maps/cNsJ7. }} === Mid-range === === Splurge === == Go next == * [[Ko Lipe]] — the boat for Ko Lipe leaves at 12:30 from Tammalang pier and costs 650 baht for a one-way ticket, 1,200 baht for two one-way tickets. * [[Langkawi]] — this Malaysian island can be reached by ferry *Tammalang Pier - '''Songthaews''' - Satun to Tammalang Pier to connect with the ferry to Langkawi Island (June 2019). Songthaews depart from the front of the 7-Eleven store about 100 m from the intersection of 406 and 4051 (4051 is Pracha Uthid Rd on Google Maps). The 7-Eleven store is next to a Caltex petrol station (opposite Sulakanukoon 8 street and Highway 406). This 7-Eleven store is about a 750-m walk from the Clock Tower (which is next to Satun Central Mosque). From the Clock Tower, walk roughly south along Highway 406 (walk towards and past ON’s Bar and restaurant). The ferry departs to Langkawi Island at 11:30, 450 baht (May 2024). There is no boat to Kuala Perlis. The Songthaews depart at fixed times. The drivers do not wait until the vehicle is full. 40 Thai baht, 25 min (June 2019). Some hotel receptionists will tell you that there are no songthaews (Satun Tanee Hotel) and you will be told that there are only motor cycle taxis (80 baht) or a taxi (200 baht) while other receptionists (ON’s Bar and Restaurant) will tell you where to go to get the Songthaew and will also tell you the price. Rideshare is likely available (Grab, Bolt, Maxim). *Hat Yai - Van runs between 06:00 - 17:00, 100 baht. Ask a hotel to book a seat. {{geo|6.614722|100.068056}} {{isPartOf|Southern Andaman Coast}} {{outlinecity}} 4crnfc7t2z1b5771ft9r1po1mvejddc 0 31919 5086976 5080619 2025-07-03T05:35:29Z Graham87 41792 /* By train */ grammar 5086976 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Eilean Donan Castle banner.jpg|caption=Eilean Donan Castle|pgname=Scotland}} '''Scotland''' ([[Scottish Gaelic phrasebook|Scottish Gaelic]]: ''Alba''), one of the four constituent nations of the [[United Kingdom]], is a beautiful country well known for its dramatic scenery of mountains and valleys, rolling hills, green fields and forests, and rugged coastline. [[File:Stirling Castle and Sorroundings.JPG|thumb|Stirling Castle]] While most know about the magnificent scenery of the [[Scottish Highlands|Highlands]], Scotland is beautiful in the Lowlands, islands and the flat lands of the North-East as well. It also has lively and friendly cities, often of great architectural significance, and a rich history and heritage dating back thousands of years with many ancient and historic sites. Other characteristics that attract droves of visitors include golf (the game was created in Scotland and it has some of the world's best and most famous courses), whisky (many distilleries can be visited), family history (millions worldwide are descended from those who emigrated from Scotland when times were tough in the 18th and 19th centuries), hiking, wildlife and winter sports. Around [[Loch Ness]] in the north of the Highlands, you can also hunt for the Monster, or at least try. While the sun may not always shine, the warm welcome and wonderful diversity of places, landscapes and experiences mean that Scotland has much to offer any traveller. Sometimes awe-inspiring and majestic, sometimes ramshackle and faded, proud yet also modest, modern yet also ancient, eccentric yet also charming, few travellers leave Scotland unaffected by their encounter. [http://www.visitscotland.com Visit Scotland] is the tourist bureau. There are a few staffed [https://www.visitscotland.com/travel-planning/tourist-information physical tourist offices], branded iCentre. ==Regions== Wikivoyage divides Scotland into these regions for travel purposes based on culture and geography, from south to north: {{Regionlist | regionmap=Scotland region map.svg | regionmaptext=Regions of Scotland | regionmapsize=350px | regionInteractiveMap=map1 | region1name=[[South West (Scotland)|South West]] | region1color=#71B37B | region1description=Best known for Ayrshire, home of national poet Robert Burns and the "Glasgow Riviera", as well as the beautiful Isle of Arran. | region2name=[[Scottish Borders|Borders]] | region2color=#D56D76 | region2description=The eastern two-thirds of the districts north of the border with England, fought over for hundreds of years. The beautiful rolling hills and fields are dotted with pretty towns, ruined abbeys and battlefields. | region3name=[[Central Belt]] | region3color=#4F93C0 | region3description=Scotland's most urbanised region around and between the cities of [[Glasgow]] and [[Edinburgh]]. Most of the population of Scotland lives here. | region4name=[[Scottish Highlands|Highlands]] | region4color=#D5DC76 | region4description=Scotland's spectacular, mountainous north-west, encompassing the Great Glen and [[Loch Ness]] and at the furthest tip of Britain, [[John o'Groats]]. You can also visit the growing city of [[Inverness]]. | region5name=[[North East Scotland]] | region5color=#B383B3 | region5description=Centred on the cities of [[Aberdeen]] and the slightly smaller [[Dundee]], this beautiful region stretches from the Grampian mountains at the heart of Scotland to the dramatic east coast. It's a region of scenic agricultural land, quaint fishing ports, rugged mountains and hills, and dramatic castles. It's also the centre of two important Scottish industries, North Sea oil and whisky. | region6name=[[Hebrides]] | region6color=#AC5C91 | region6description=The many islands off the north-west Scottish coast, divided into the groups of the Inner Hebrides and Outer Hebrides. Well-known islands such as [[Skye]], Mull, Islay, and Colonsay in the Inner Hebrides and Lewis, North Uist, South Uist and Benbecula in the Outer Hebrides are just some of the spectacular isles here. They share a language (Scots Gaelic) and much of their culture with the Highlands. | region7name=[[Orkney Islands]] | region7color=#B5D29F | region7description=A group of islands immediately to the north of Scotland. The largest of the Orkney islands is known as the "Mainland" and islanders are called Orcadians. Inhabited for over 8000 years, they are the site of some of the best-preserved Neolithic sites in Europe, with UNESCO World Heritage Site status. | region8name=[[Shetland Islands]] | region8color=#578E86 | region8description=A group of islands north of the Orkney Islands, the northernmost inhabited parts of the United Kingdom. Like the Orkney Islands, they have been fought over by Scotland and [[Scandinavia]] and both aspects of their heritage are important today.}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#71B37B|title=[[South West (Scotland)|South West]]|wikidata=Q206926,Q209135,Q209131,Q126514,Q209142}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#D56D76|title=[[Scottish Borders|Borders]]|wikidata=Q211113}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#4F93C0|title=[[Central Belt]]|wikidata=Q23436,Q55934339,Q208271,Q207111,Q204940,Q206934,Q207257,Q207268,Q211091,Q217838,Q216802,Q208121,Q211889,Q211925}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#D5DC76|title=[[Scottish Highlands|Highlands]]|wikidata=Q208279,Q202174}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#B383B3|title=[[North East Scotland]]|wikidata=Q2357511,Q189912,Q36405,Q211106,Q202177,Q207679,Q201149}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#AC5C91|title=[[Hebrides]]|wikidata=Q80967}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#B5D29F|title=[[Orkney Islands]]|wikidata=Q100166}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#578E86|title=[[Shetland Islands]]|wikidata=Q47134}} ==Cities== Scotland has eight official cities - [[Glasgow]] is by far the largest with a population of approximately 620,000 people, with about 1.2 million in the surrounding conurbation. The capital, [[Edinburgh]], has around 450,000, while [[Aberdeen]] is next at about 200,000 inhabitants and [[Dundee]] is fourth with 160,000 inhabitants. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Edinburgh]]|url=|lat=55.953056|long=-3.188889|wikidata=Q23436}} (Gaelic: ''Dùn Èideann'') — the capital of Scotland, home to the world's largest Arts Festival every August and the First European City of Literature. It is often known as the "Festival City". Most of the city centre, with the dramatic and contrasting architecture of its Old Town and New Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Glasgow]]|url=|lat=55.858|long=-4.259|wikidata=Q4093}} (Gaelic: ''Glaschu'') — Scotland's largest and most vibrant city, with some of the best shopping in the UK outside London and some of its most exciting nightlife. At one time, it was the centre of the largest shipbuilding industry in the world. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Aberdeen]]|url=|lat=57.1526|long=-2.11|wikidata=Q36405}} (Gaelic: ''Obar Dheathain'') — Scotland's third largest city. Known for its impressive granite buildings, it is known as the "Granite City", the oil capital of Europe, and home to a large harbour and two renowned universities. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Dundee]]|url=|lat=56.462|long=-2.9707|wikidata=Q123709}} (Gaelic: ''Dùn Dè'') — vibrant city with high population of students and one of the most distinct (perhaps incomprehensible) accents you'll hear. It is known as the city of "jute, jam and journalism", and the "City of Discovery" for its history of scientific activities and the home of Scott and Shackleton's Antarctic vessel, the RRS ''Discovery''. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Inverness]]|url=|lat=57.4718|long=-4.2254|wikidata=Q160493}} (Gaelic: ''Inbhir Nis'') — the fast-growing capital of the Highlands, located on the River Ness and close to Loch Ness, where many tourists try (and fail) to find the monster. It is Britain's most northerly city. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Stirling]]|url=|lat=56.1172|long=-3.9397|wikidata=Q182923}} (Gaelic: ''Sruighlea'') — a royal fortress city dominated by the historic and dramatic castle, it was said that whoever controlled the castle, controlled Scotland (and many have tried!). Today, it also has a vibrant modern outlook. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Perth (Scotland)|Perth]]|url=|lat=56.397|long=-3.437|wikidata=Q203000}} (Gaelic: ''Peairt'') — an ancient royal burgh (i.e. a status of autonomous town/city granted by royal charter). It is the county seat of Perthshire. Much smaller than its Australian counterpart to whom it gave its name, it is sometimes known as "The Fair City" following a novel by Walter Scott. Once a major centre of the court of Scottish kings and queens, its city status was restored by Queen Elizabeth II in 2012. *{{Marker|type=city|name=[[Dunfermline]]|lat=56.068|long=-3.452}} (Gaelic: ''Dùn Phàrlain'') — a historic city in [[Fife]], 3 miles north of the Firth of Forth in central Scotland. It became a royal residence, ecclesiastical centre and effective capital of Scotland from the 11th century, and many monarchs are buried here. It's also the birthplace of tycoon philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. In 2016 the population was 53,100. ==Other destinations== Scotland has extensive wilderness areas, two of which have been proclaimed as '''[[United Kingdom National Parks|National Parks]]''': * {{marker|type=other|name=[[Cairngorms National Park]]|url=|lat=57.083333|long=-3.666667|wikidata=Q1025953}} &mdash; the largest National Park in Scotland, containing the Cairngorms mountain range centred on [[Aviemore]] * {{marker|type=other|name=[[Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park]]|url=|lat=56.229|long=-4.587|wikidata=Q116661}} &mdash; Scotland's first national park Many world-class scenic areas are not (yet) protected as National Parks, though some have other designations such as [[United Kingdom National Parks#National Scenic Areas|National Scenic Areas]] or Forest Parks: * {{marker|type=other|name=[[Glencoe]]|url=|lat=56.669|long=-5.026|wikidata=Q92671}} &mdash; impressive valley in the Lochaber region, and the site of the infamous Glencoe Massacre * {{marker|type=other|name=[[Ben Nevis]]|url=|lat=56.79685|long=-5.003508|wikidata=Q104674}} &mdash; Scotland's highest mountain * {{marker|type=other|name=[[Torridon]]|url=|lat=57.549|long=-5.52|wikidata=Q2388485}} and {{marker|type=other|name=[[Ross_and_Cromarty|Wester Ross]]|url=|lat=57.666|long=-5.219|wikidata=Q1586842}} &mdash; these two areas are popular mountaineering destinations * {{marker|type=other|name=[[Skye]]|url=|lat=57.307|long=-6.23|wikidata=Q107393}} &mdash; with the Black Cuillin which is most popular of all with climbers, but there's plenty of scope for walkers here as well It has many historic islands: * {{marker|type=other|name=[[Islay]]|url=|lat=55.766667|long=-6.15|wikidata=Q273}} &mdash; known as the Queen of Hebrides, has eight whisky distilleries, and you can still see today the parliament site of the Clan Donald from 1200 AD, when the Clan Donald ruled the western seaboard of Scotland * {{marker|type=other|name=[[Isle of Arran]]|url=|lat=55.57351|long=-5.25333|wikidata=Q211873}} &mdash; also a fantastic destination, known as Scotland in miniature. ==Understand== [[Image:Scotland.JPG|250px|thumb|Scottish Highlands]] [[Image:Scotland2.JPG|250px|thumb|Another view of the Highlands]] {{quote| From its destitution of trees, Scotland was once a by-word; now it is a garden of beauty.<br/> |author=Frederick Douglass }} Scotland borders [[England]] to the south, and is separated from [[Northern Ireland]] by the Irish Sea. It is surrounded by the bracing waters of the North Sea to the east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west and north. Scotland forms the northern part of Great Britain, and includes over 700 islands, most in groups to the west (the [[Hebrides|Inner Hebrides and Outer Hebrides]]) and north ([[Orkney Islands]] and [[Shetland Islands]]). The capital is [[Edinburgh]] and the largest city is [[Glasgow]]. A person from Scotland is called a '''Scot''', or described as '''Scottish'''. The word "Scotch" applies only to '''things''' - for example, whisky, Scotch eggs, Scotch beef and Scotch Corner (a road junction leading to Scotland). Do not refer to Scotland as England, or to Scottish as English: it is '''very likely''' to cause serious offence! Further, do not refer to Britain or the United Kingdom as England. England, as is the case with Scotland, forms only a part of Britain and the United Kingdom. Scotland has a rich and unique history; it first emerged as a kingdom in the ninth century and continued to exist as an independent country until the seventeenth century, during which time it entered into a political union with England to form the Kingdom of Great Britain. Scotland has always been the most administratively independent of the four constituent nations of the [[United Kingdom|UK]]. For example, it has its own educational and legal systems. Since the 1990s, and particularly since the Scottish Parliament was reconvened in 1999 (see subsection on "Government" below), a greater sense of self-identity as "Scottish" rather than "British" has been spreading throughout Scotland. Political issues such as Scottish independence have seen growing attention in the 21st century. This culminated in the pro-independence Scottish National Party (SNP) gaining power in the 2011 Scottish Parliament elections. On 18 September 2014, after 18 months of debate, a referendum on independence was held, but it failed to garner a majority (45% in favour to 55% opposed). Most Scots were in favour of remaining part of the UK but with increased powers for the Scottish Parliament - an option referred to as "devo plus" or "devo max". The exception was the [[Glasgow]] conurbation and [[Dundee]] where a majority of residents voted for Scotland to be an independent country. If one were to take the result of the Brexit referendum as a guide, Scotland is also the most pro-EU part of the UK as it is the only constituent country where every subdivision voted "remain" and its lopsided "remain" majority was outvoted by a narrow "leave" majority in England and Wales (Northern Ireland had a "remain" majority which followed the confessional divide to a large extent). In light of the exit of the United Kingdom from the EU, talk of another independence referendum has resumed. ===Geography=== Scotland is a small country about half the size of England, constituting the northern part of the island of Great Britain. Much of the terrain is hilly, particularly in the interior, and mountainous in the Highlands, which constitute the north-western part of the country. Areas in the south, east and north-east are generally flatter and are fertile agricultural land, which is more scarce in the Highlands. The coastline is very long and can be rugged, with many cliffs, inlets, beaches and rocks. There are a large number of islands, clustered into groups: the Inner and Outer Hebrides and the Northern Isles (consisting of the Orkney Islands and Shetland Islands). There are additional islands in and around the estuary of the River Clyde, such as the Isle of Arran and numerous others. There are many rivers, with the Tay, Forth, Clyde, Dee, Don, Spey and Ness being prominent. Wide river estuaries are known as "firths", with the Firth of Forth, Firth of Tay and Firth of Clyde being particularly large. There are also a large number of inland lakes called "lochs". There are eight cities, the largest of which are Edinburgh and Glasgow, with the others being comparatively small (usually less than 200,000 inhabitants). There are also a large number of smaller towns in which much of the population reside. Most of the population lives in the conurbations of Glasgow, Edinburgh, and the many towns around them. Together, this region is known as the "Central Belt". Other main centres of population are in the east and north-east of the country and particularly the east coast, in the counties of Fife, Angus, Aberdeenshire and the cities of Dundee and Aberdeen. Significant populations are also present in the south of the country and along the north-east coast. However, the Highlands (outside of the city of Inverness) are more sparsely populated. Many of the larger islands are inhabited, although there are hundreds of small islands with no human population. ===Time Zone=== Scotland has the same time zone as the rest of the United Kingdom. This is Greenwich Mean Time from the last Sunday in October to the last Sunday in March, and British Summer Time (BST = GMT+1) for the middle seven months of the year. So the clock is straightforward, but it means that the word "summer" is a slippery concept in Scotland. It may mean: * The period of BST: airline and ferry timetables usually mean this. (Often rendered as "April-Oct" on these pages, with "Nov-March" for winter, though these don't precisely match.) But bus and railway timetables ''do not change'' with the clocks - they have separate changeover dates. (So the 08:30 train still leaves at 08:30, but you need to adjust your watch to catch it.) * The summer school holidays, in July and August, when the tourist rush is on (summer holidays for schools in Scotland are 2-3 weeks earlier than those in England). Summer rates for hotels and visitor attractions usually mean this. * When it's warm and pleasant weather. There's just no saying . . . climate change has reached the lowlands and central cities of Scotland, but is less evident in the north and far west. The pages here strive to avoid ambiguity but sometimes the businesses themselves are vague. Although the same ambiguity affects all the UK, it's most acute in Scotland, where clock, calendar and climate often feel at odds. ===History=== {{seealso|Celts|Medieval Britain and Ireland|Early modern Britain and Ireland|Industrial Britain}} Scotland has a rich cultural history much of which is preserved in historic buildings throughout the country. Prehistoric settlements can be traced back to 9600 BC, as well as the famous standing stones in Lewis and Orkney. [[Roman Empire|The Romans]], fronted by Julius Caesar in 55 BC, made initial incursions but finally invaded Britain in 43AD, moving into the southern half of Scotland, but not occupying the country due to the fierce resistance efforts of the native Caledonian tribes. Today, [[Hadrian's Wall]] to the south of the Scottish-English border is one of the most famous Roman remains in the world. After the withdrawal of the Roman Empire around AD 411, the so-called Dark Ages followed. However, since the Roman occupation affected mostly just the south of the island of Britain, Scotland was unaffected as it had been even at the great battle at Mons Graupius. Because the grip of Roman hegemony had now loosened, all sorts of invaders now saw the island as open season. So the Angles arrived on the east coast around North Berwick. The early history of the new nation was marked by many conflicts with the English, and also [[Vikings and the Old Norse|the Vikings]] who invaded the north of Scotland. Today the [[Shetland Islands]] retain a strong Viking cultural identity. Another powerful impact on Scotland's story has been religion. Events leading up to the Scottish Reformation of 1560, including the destruction of the cathedral at St. Andrews the year before, had a strong impact on life in the country, and led to the Presbyterian Church of Scotland taking over from the Roman Catholic Church as the established state religion. It was a stricter form of Protestantism than the Anglicanism that developed in England, and was influenced by the teaching of Jean Calvin which had been brought back by John Knox. Religion would lead to many later political and military clashes, such as the Bishops' Wars that were part of the wider civil wars in England, Ireland and Scotland in the 17th century. [[File:JamesIEngland.jpg|thumb|James VI]] Wars with the English would dominate Scottish history for hundreds of years until the Union of the Crowns in 1603, when the King of Scots, James VI, inherited the English throne after the death of Queen Elizabeth I (who had executed his mother, Mary Queen of Scots). While this put an end to armed conflict, there were still conflicts between the Scottish and English parliaments on which monarch should succeed and various commercial disputes such as the ill-fated "Darien Scheme" to establish a colony in Panama. The disaster of the Darien scheme was due partly to incompetence and partly to interference from England, which feared competition with its own colonies. Almost a quarter of the money circulating in Scotland at the time was invested in the scheme, and its failure caused an economic catastrophe. This was one factor leading to the Act of Union, which involved removal of Scotland's debts and put the country on a much firmer economic footing. Following negotiations, on 1 May 1707, the Parliaments of Scotland and England were united, creating the Kingdom of Great Britain (it would not become the "United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland" until the forced "union" with the occupied Kingdom of Ireland in 1800). Scotland and England retained their own religion, education and legal systems (which is why these differ between the countries of the UK today). However, the union was controversial, with national poet Robert Burns famously saying that Scotland was "''bought and sold for English gold''". Despite the controversy, the Union provided a new stability and a climate in the 18th and 19th centuries in which commerce and new ways of thinking could flourish, and led to a major role for Scotland (and particularly its people) in the British Empire and the creation of the world we know today. Historian Simon Schama has written that "''What began as a hostile merger, would end in a full partnership in the most powerful going concern in the world ... it was one of the most astonishing transformations in European history.''" This began with the growth of commerce. Following the dramatic failure of the "Darien Scheme", Scottish merchants learned lessons from its mistakes and became skilled businessmen very quickly. They began to assert that Scotland had become the world's first commercial nation. From the 18th century, the "Scottish Enlightenment" saw vast industrial expansion, and the rise of the city of Glasgow as a major trading port and eventually "Second City" of the [[British Empire]]. However, the dark underbelly was that much of the prosperity of sugar and tobacco merchants, with their lavish houses in Glasgow, was based on slavery in the New World. At the same time, the Scottish Enlightenment led to an outpouring of intellectual and scientific accomplishments. Major advances in public education led to the most literate society the world had known up to that time. Further, key individuals produced work that is still influential today, such as economist Adam Smith (known as the father of capitalism), philosopher David Hume, poet and songwriter Robert Burns, geologist James Hutton, and inventor and industrialist James Watt whose work led to the Industrial Revolution; see also [[Industrial Britain]]. The Scottish Enlightenment is often seen as Scotland's "golden age" (in contrast to England, where the reign of Queen Elizabeth I in the 16th century is usually seen as such). However, this economic success was not shared with much of the population, and inequality of wealth and opportunity combined with poverty and greedy landlords drove vast numbers to emigrate to America, Canada, and other places. This was particularly pronounced in the Highlands, with the "Highland Clearances" driven by greed as landlords forced tenant farmers from the land and burned their homes to replace them with more profitable sheep. Universities flourished, and in the 19th and 20th centuries many of the great inventions of the world including television, the telephone and penicillin were invented by Scots. Scotland retained a strong industrial and commercial economy until the mid-20th century. However, following de-industrialization, many areas fell into decline, although the discovery of North Sea oil in the 1960s reversed this for areas in the North-East such as Aberdeen. In the mid-to-late 20th century Scotland saw increasing calls for autonomy from London, and finally in 1999 a Scottish Parliament was again established in Edinburgh, led by a First Minister and Scottish cabinet. Reforms made by the Scottish Parliament have helped the country to rediscover a level of prosperity, with cities regenerated (such as Glasgow) and industries re-aligned to include financial services (particularly in Edinburgh), retail, tourism, science and technology, oil and gas (particularly in Aberdeen) and renewable energy. Scotland's history and geography is reflected in the wide range of visitor attractions available, from castles and cathedrals to stunning countryside, and more modern attractions showcasing old and new Scottish cultural achievements. ===Government=== Scotland operates a devolved government as part of the UK. Matters internal to Scotland are controlled by the '''Scottish Parliament'''. The Scottish Parliament has the power to pass any law, except in those areas "reserved" to the UK Parliament at Westminster. A Scottish Parliament had governed Scotland when it was an independent nation, prior to the Act of Union with England of 1707. As part of a policy and following a referendum proposed by then Prime Minister Tony Blair (who incidentally is Scottish), the Scottish Parliament was reconvened in 1999 with powers transferred ("devolved") from the UK Parliament at Westminster. At the same time, similar developments took place in Wales and Northern Ireland. Although the UK Parliament can still pass laws relating to Scotland, it does not do so in the areas where the Scottish Parliament exercises power. Residents of Scotland, therefore, elect representative to two parliaments and look to two governments – in Edinburgh and in London – each controlling separate aspects of life. For example, while you apply for a passport or a driving licence from the UK Government, complaints about the education system are directed to Edinburgh. The Scottish Parliament is based at a modern, architecturally significant (PR-speak for outrageously expensive) building at '''Holyrood''' in Edinburgh, and you will hear the term "Holyrood" used to mean the Scottish Parliament similar to how "Capitol Hill" means the U.S. Congress. The UK parliament and UK government still control other matters that do not exclusively affect Scotland, such as defence, customs, immigration, etc., and Scots continue to elect members to serve at the UK Parliament in London. Scottish politics is decidedly left-wing compared to the rest of the UK and particularly compared to the United States. Most parties are to some extent socialist and are socially liberal, for example proposals to introduce same-sex marriage enjoyed wide support from all parties in the Parliament. Since it was reconvened in 1999, the Parliament has been dominated by left-wing and socialist parties. The only centre-right party, the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, is one of the smallest in the Parliament, and it is comparatively socially liberal. Although traditionally a Labour stronghold, since 2007, the pro-independence Scottish National Party (SNP) has overtaken Labour to become the dominant party in Scottish politics. The head of the Scottish Government is the '''First Minister''', who is prominent in public life and acts as the ''de facto'' leader of Scotland in internal matters and also represents Scotland's economic and cultural interests abroad (although foreign policy is a matter reserved to London). The people elect members to represent their local area and region, but do not directly elect the First Minister - he or she is chosen by the parliament. Following an election, the parliament's first act is to choose a First Minister - usually (but not necessarily) the leader of the largest party. The King then appoints him or her based on the parliament's advice. The First Minister then appoints other ministers, subject to parliament's approval. ===Culture=== [[File:Bagpiper in Edinburgh 001.jpg|thumb|Bagpiper in traditional dress, [[Edinburgh]]]] Scotland has a rich culture that is distinct from the other nations in the UK, though it has similarities (as is typical for countries which are located close together). Scottish people are often fiercely proud of their culture, which in the past was the target of attempts to suppress it to create a single "British" culture - based on English culture. Today, in more enlightened times, Scotland's cultural achievements are evident in numerous areas and are flourishing. Scotland has a great tradition of festivals (e.g. the Edinburgh Festivals), literature and achievement in the arts. Since the Scottish Enlightenment that followed the Act of Union, it has produced some of the greatest literary personalities, thinkers and writers of the world. Many ideas now seen as key to the modern world derive from the work of Scottish scholars, scientists and authors, such as Adam Smith. Scottish novelists have long enjoyed success, with Irvine Welsh joining this heritage in the 1990s. Scotland's great tradition of science has produced some of the greatest scientists and inventors of the world, including James Watt (pioneer of the Industrial Revolution), John Logie Baird (inventor of the television) and Alexander Fleming (discoverer of penicillin). In the 20th century, scientists in Aberdeen developed the MRI scanner and those in Edinburgh created Dolly the Sheep, the first cloned animal, and innovation continues in the 21st. There is also a thriving Scottish music scene. Outdoor popular music festivals attract vast crowds and attract internationally-renowned live music acts. Scottish bands and musicians are also prominent, particularly those originating from in and around Glasgow, the largest city in Scotland. This city is home to a fantastic music scene; must-visit destinations include King Tut's Wah Wah Hut (where Oasis were spotted and signed for their first record deal). Scottish folk music is also flourishing, with traditional and modern folk music sung in both English, Scottish Gaelic (and sometimes Scots). Folk music often features instruments such as fiddle/violin, acoustic guitar, harp, accordion, piano, various sorts of bagpipes, and other traditional instruments as well as voice. You may also encounter Scottish forms of dance which are also popular. This may range from simple, as at a ceilidh (pronounced "kay-lee", a mix of dances performed to traditional music and descended from ballroom and country dancing), to more complex Scottish Country Dancing which is a form of social dancing descended from Renaissance dance styles, to solo Highland Dancing (which has a military heritage) if you go to a Highland Games. These styles exist alongside other popular forms of music and dance also found in other modern countries. See also [[music on the British Isles]]. Scottish people suffer from a stereotype which portrays them as "dour" (i.e. unemotional, reserved and staid), and while this may have been accurate in the past, it no longer is. You will find most Scots to be friendly, warm, and with a strong sense of humour, although it can take more than one meeting with you for them to warm up. Younger Scots are often hedonistic, with the "night out" being a basic unit of social interaction for many people and packed pubs, bars, nightclubs and live music and comedy venues in cities. On the other hand, heavy drinking is a part of Scottish culture despite drink awareness campaigns; you are likely to hear younger people talk of being drunk as a nirvana-like ideal state. However, the flip side to this is that public drunkenness, disorderliness and alcoholism is a problem. While they may not be overly willing to make conversation with a stranger at a bus stop or other public place, nor trust you with their life story the first time they meet you, you will find most Scots to be enjoyable, lively and satisfying companions. ===Sport=== '''Football''', i.e. [[Football in Europe|association football]] or soccer: the Scottish league system has four tiers, with 12 teams in the Premiership, the top tier. As of 2022, these are Celtic and Rangers in Glasgow, Heart of Midlothian and Hibernian in Edinburgh, Dundee United, Aberdeen, Kilmarnock, St Johnstone in Perth, Livingston, Motherwell, Ross County in Dingwall and St Mirren in Paisley,. '''[[Rugby football]]''' in Scotland means Union, ie 15-a-side: rugby league (13-a-side) is seldom played. The top matches are the internationals, played at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, with the highlight being the '''[http://www.rbs6nations.com/ 6 Nations]{{Dead link|date=April 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' games played Jan-March each year between Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France, Italy and England. Edinburgh is packed for these games, which sell out well in advance. Also, regularly during winter there are club rugby matches. There are only two professional teams in Scotland, Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh Rugby, playing in the Pro-14, the Celtic super-league of mostly Irish and Welsh clubs. Scottish rugby is otherwise amateur. In its top tier, the Premiership, are five Edinburgh teams (Boroughmuir, Currie, Heriot's, Watsonians and Edinburgh Academicals) plus Ayr, Glasgow Hawks, Hawick, Melrose and Stirling County. Tickets will be no problem, just rock up at the stadium. As befits the nation that gave birth to it, '''golf''' is also popular, with a very large number of golf courses. Public golf courses are widespread, inexpensive and typically of high quality. The spiritual home of golf is the '''Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews''' in the city of [[St Andrews]], and the '''Old Course at St Andrews''', a public golf course that sits right next to the Royal and Ancient clubhouse and is popularly associated with it. Tennis has increased in popularity since Scottish tennis player Andy Murray has seen success in major championships. Scottish people are often passionate about sport and the full range of other sports available in the UK are played, with good facilities for all sports in most parts of the country. Nearly every town will have a "leisure centre" providing sports and exercise facilities, playing fields for outdoor sports, and/or a swimming pool. In sports other than soccer and rugby, Scottish sportsmen and sportswomen make a significant contribution to international competitions in a wide range of sports, representing Great Britain. ==Talk== [[File:A sign on the Ayrshire Coastal Path - geograph.org.uk - 808270.jpg|thumb|Sign in Scots]] English, Scots and Scottish Gaelic are the languages of Scotland. '''English''', sometimes spoken with a varying degree of Scots, is the everyday language spoken by all. Dialects vary enormously from region to region, and even between towns! However, all Scots can speak standard English, albeit with a distinctive Scottish accent. Accents also vary throughout the country. Not all Scots speak with a Scottish accent, as many upper class Scots who go to expensive public (i.e. private, fee-paying) schools are trained to speak with the King's/Queen's accent, former British prime minister Tony Blair and [[Game of Thrones tourism|Game of Thrones]] actress Rose Leslie perhaps being the best-known examples. '''Scots''' is an officially recognised language of Scotland, spoken by around 1.5 million people throughout the whole country. As with modern English, the language evolved from Anglo-Saxon. Scots is more or less intelligible to native speakers of English, especially in written form. There are debates over whether Scots is a language or a dialect. In some ways it resembles Middle English, and rather than being spoken purely, it is often found influencing informal English spoken by people in Scotland. A variety called Ulster Scots is spoken on the north coast of [[Northern Ireland]]. A few choice Scots words: Bairn = child, Buroo = dole money (Jobseeker's Allowance), Bridie = meat pastry, Chib = stab, Fleg = fright, Giz = give me, Ken = know, Lift = steal, Puss = face, Scajy = fury, Tatties = potatoes, Teuchter = Highlander, Tube = fool. '''[[Scottish Gaelic phrasebook|Scottish Gaelic]]''' (''Gàidhlig'', pronounced "Gah-lig"), meanwhile, is spoken by only around 60,000 people, mainly in the [[Scottish Highlands|Highlands]] (''a' Ghàidhealtachd'', pronounced "a Gale-tach") and the [[Outer Hebrides|Western Isles]] (''Na h-Eileanan Siar'', pron. "Na hyale-inan shar"). However, within these areas, Gaelic fluency / proficiency can be very high, for instance the island of [[Barra]], where 80% speak the language. You will more than likely hear locals speaking in Gaelic in the Western Isles and on the ferries to and from them. Signs on board some CalMac ferries to the Western Isles are in Gaelic first and English second. In addition, announcements on some ferries may be at least partially in Gaelic. The BBC also broadcasts a free-to-air Gaelic channel known as BBC Alba, and a Gaelic radio station called Radio nan Gàidheal. Everyone, however, speaks English as well, though Gaelic speakers are often enthusiastic about the language and welcome curiosity about it from foreigners. People in Scotland, like those in the rest of the UK, generally have rather poor '''foreign language''' skills, although those in tourism-related industries generally have better language skills. French, German and Spanish are the most commonly known foreign languages. Here are some words found in Scotland derived from Brittonic, Gaelic, Pictish or Old Norse: * Aber (or Inver) = river mouth (''[[Aberdeen]]'' or ''[[Inverness]]'') * Ben = mountain (''[[Fort William|Ben Nevis]]'') * Burn = stream (''[[Bannockburn]]'') * Dun (or Dum) - fort (''[[Dundee]]'' or [[Dumbarton]]) * Cèilidh = informal celebration, party (pr. KAY-lay) * Firth = estuary (''[[Edinburgh|Firth of Forth]]''), cognate with the Norwegian word ''fjord'' but broader in meaning * Glen = valley (''[[Glencoe]]'') * Kin = head (''[[Kinlochleven]]'') * Kyle = narrow strait of water, sound (''[[Kyle of Lochalsh]]'') * Loch = lake (''[[Loch Ness]]''), also fjord (''[[Fort William|Loch Linnhe]]'') - thus not all lochs are lakes * Lochan = small lake, pond * Strath = vale (''[[Strathspey]]'') Here are some Gaelic phrases often found in the Highlands and the Western Isles. For more, see the [[Scottish Gaelic phrasebook]]: * Fàilte gu ...... = Welcome to ...... * Deas = South * Tuath = North * Aiseag = Ferry * Traigh = Beach * Port Athar = Airport == Get in == Scotland has the same immigration and visa rules as the rest of the UK, see [[United Kingdom#Get in]]. Most European and North American visitors don't need a visa, but they may not take up work or stay longer than six months in any twelve. There are no internal border controls within the UK. This includes the land border with England, sea crossings from Northern Ireland, and UK domestic flights and ferries. You need to show photo ID such as a passport to board flights; ferries may or may not demand this. === By plane === International flights are mostly to Edinburgh or Glasgow, else connect via Manchester, the London airports or Amsterdam. UK flights are from London Heathrow ({{IATA|LHR}}), Gatwick ({{IATA|LGW}}), Stansted ({{IATA|STN}}) and Luton ({{IATA|LTN}}), plus Bristol and Southampton. Edinburgh ({{IATA|EDI}}) and Glasgow ({{IATA|GLA}}) airports are both about ten miles west of their cities, with swift buses to town, car hire, and motorway access. Other airports with international flights are Aberdeen ({{IATA|ABZ}}), [[Prestwick]] ({{IATA|PIK}}) near Ayr, and Inverness ({{IATA|INV}}). Smaller airports such as Dundee ({{IATA|DND}}) have only domestic flights. See below for flights to the Scottish islands, which avoid a long drive to the mainland ferry port then a lumpy sea crossing. ===By train=== : ''See also the guide to [[Rail travel in Great Britain]]'' Principal routes from England to Scotland are: : - London Kings Cross via Peterborough, York and Newcastle to Edinburgh, with some trains continuing to Glasgow, Inverness or Aberdeen. : - Penzance, Bristol, Birmingham, Sheffield and Leeds to join the main northeastern line at York to Edinburgh. : - London Euston, Birmingham, Manchester and Liverpool via Preston and Carlisle to Edinburgh and Glasgow. : - Caledonian Sleepers from London Euston via Preston and Carlisle: the Lowland Sleeper is for Edinburgh and Glasgow Central, the Highland Sleeper divides for Aberdeen, Inverness or Fort William. [[File:92038 Wembley Depot to Euston 5S95 (32259639106).jpg | thumb | The Caledonian Sleeper runs between London and Scotland ]] ===By car=== The main road from England to Edinburgh and the east side of Scotland is the A1. This runs north via Scotch Corner, Newcastle, Morpeth, and Berwick-upon-Tweed then turns west past Dunbar to Edinburgh. It's mostly lowland and very seldom blocked by bad weather, but can be congested around the cities. It's motorway standard as far as Morpeth, then mostly single carriageway through to Dunbar, then again motorway standard into Edinburgh. From there, good roads continue towards Glasgow, Aberdeen and the Highlands. Scenic alternatives towards Edinburgh are A68 from Darlington via Corrbridge and Jedburgh, A696 from Newcastle past the airport to join A68 near the border, and A697 from Morpeth via Wooller and Coldstream. They're undivided highway, often twisty or switchback, a good scenic drive in fine weather but not speedy. The main road from England to Glasgow and the west of Scotland is the M74 / A74(M). From the London area, follow M1 to M6 towards Carlisle. To reach it from the northeast of England (eg York), leave A1 at Scotch Corner and follow A66 west to Penrith where you join M6. This runs north via Carlisle to enter Scotland at Gretna - turn off onto A75 for routes to Dumfries & Galloway. M6 now becomes A74(M) and climbs the fells over Beattock then (as M74) descends past Motherwell to Glasgow. M6 and A74(M) are good motorways seldom blocked by bad weather or (once you're past Preston) by congestion - the problem is the A66, mostly undivided and beset by caravans and trucks in summer, and by hazardous weather in winter. A66 to M6 / A74(M) is also an alternative route to Edinburgh, branching off at Abingdon for A702. ===By bus=== Bus and coach services are the cheapest transport to Scotland, with advance fares as low as £10 from London Victoria to Edinburgh St Andrew Square or Glasgow Buchanan Street. [http://www.nationalexpress.com National Express] and [http://uk.megabus.com/ Megabus] are the main operators. These services run daily and overnight, taking 10-12 hours and calling at intermediate towns. A few run on to Dundee and Aberdeen but you'll usually have to change. === By boat === {{see also|Ferry routes to Great Britain}} Car ferries from Northern Ireland ply several times a day to Cairnryan near [[Stranraer]], taking two hours from either [[Belfast]] or [[Larne]]. An hour or two on the motorways across Ulster brings you to Derry or to Dublin in the Republic of Ireland. There are no ferries between Scotland and mainland Europe. The closest connection is an overnight ferry from IJmuiden near Amsterdam to [[Newcastle upon Tyne]], otherwise sail via Hull, Harwich or the Channel ports. Ferries no longer sail between Scotland and the Isle of Man, or to the Faeroes. ==Get around== Scotland operates a modern and effective transportation system, including high-quality road, railway and bus links, managed and regulated by the Scottish Government's department of transportation, Transport Scotland. Public transportation is generally a mix of state-operated and commercial services. If you are travelling across the water to and between the islands, air and sea travel is also an option. Urban transport and travel between major and minor towns and cities is effectively provided by public transportation (primarily bus and train). However, if you plan to tour the country, a car allows you to access more remote areas with poor or no public transportation. This applies particularly if you plan to visit the Highlands, Islands, mountains or rural areas. Hire cars are easily available from international companies in towns and cities. If you will be travelling by public transportation, the government provides a comprehensive website called [http://www.travelinescotland.com/ Traveline Scotland]. It includes a very useful online journey planner that allows you to plan a journey from any one point in the country to any other, using all forms of public transport. You can also download timetables for all public transportation services and check next bus times from any bus stop in Scotland. If you have a smartphone, it also provides an app for iPhone/iPad and Android. This app is extremely useful on the go, for example to check the time of the next bus. ===By plane=== Scotland is a small country, and rail travel in the lowlands is rapid, so there are no flights between Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Aberdeen. The Highlands and Islands are another matter, with often rough seas, bleak hills, and the long cold fingers of sea lochs forcing the roads to wind around and double back. Flying is therefore an excellent way to reach the islands and the far-flung mainland towns of [[Campbeltown]] and [[Wick (Scotland)|Wick]]. Fares are moderate and most places have at least two flights a day. Fares are subsidised by the Scottish government to keep the islands in business, as much for residents and visiting professionals as for tourists. On many islands, the plane is the school bus. [http://www.loganair.co.uk/ '''Loganair'''] operate most of Scotland's internal flights. They're a full-service airline, so your fare includes one checked bag up to 20 kg, and a reviving cup of coffee and shortbread biscuit as you lurch over dark, soggy moors. The aircraft are medium-sized twin turbos eg Saab 340 and can bounce around when it's windy, but flight times seldom exceed an hour, except to Shetland. Loganair fly from Glasgow to Campbeltown, Inverness, Islay (for Jura), Barra, Benbecula (for North & South Uist), Tiree, Stornoway (for Harris & Lewis), Kirkwall in the Orkney Islands, and Sumburgh in the Shetland Islands. They fly from Edinburgh to Kirkwall, Sumburgh, Stornoway and Wick. They also fly from Aberdeen and Inverness to Kirkwall and Sumburgh. Loganair also operate the inter-island flights in Orkney, in even smaller aircraft (eg BNF Islanders) with a 15 kg checked baggage limit. One of these is the '''world's shortest scheduled flight''', the two-minute hop between Westray and Papa Westray in the [[Orkney Islands]]. Another record that [[Barra]] has received is '''the world's only scheduled flight to use a beach as a runway.''' Naturally, flight schedules there are tide-dependent. Inter-island flights around Shetland are operated by Airtask. They fly from Tingwall Airport (basically a bungalow in a field 7 miles north of Lerwick), to Foula, Papa Stour and Fair Isle. They too use BNF Islanders and have limited capacity – they prioritise essential travellers and you can't book online, you need to call {{phone|+44 1595 840246}}. These flights don't connect to other air routes. From [[Oban]], Hebridean Airways fly to the islands of Coll, Tiree, Colonsay and Islay. These flights have very limited capacity and don't connect to other air routes. ===By train=== [[File:WaverlyTrain1.jpg|thumb|ScotRail train at Edinburgh Waverley station]] ''Wikivoyage has a guide to [[Rail travel in Great Britain]], including within Scotland.'' Train is one of the faster ways to get around many parts of the country. Journey times are often the same as by road – while there may be many stops, high speed between stops compensates for this. On some routes, the train is considerably faster (e.g. Edinburgh to Dunbar/North Berwick). However, on some routes the train is considerably slower than by road because of the convoluted route the train takes. For example, the maximum permitted speed on some sections of the Far North Line from Inverness to Wick is 90&nbsp;mph, however because the line runs around the Dornoch Firth and calls at Scotscalder, more than an hour is added to the journey. '''[http://www.scotrail.co.uk ScotRail]''' operates the majority of the Scottish rail network, which covers most of the country. You can also travel by inter-city services which will have started or have their final destination in [[England]]. These are provided by LNER, Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express and CrossCountry and are generally more comfortable with more facilities, e.g. wi-fi. LNER services also have a buffet car. The routes operated by LNER and CrossCountry are particularly useful for travel between Edinburgh and stations up the east coast of Scotland to Aberdeen. The main rail terminals are: * '''Aberdeen Station''' with trains to all Scottish cities. Lines radiate in the direction of Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness and call at intermediate stations. Services are also provided to London and most other parts of England. * '''Edinburgh Waverley Station''' with trains to Aberdeen, [[Fife]], Glasgow Queen Street, Inverness, Perth, Stirling and the Borders. There are also inter-city trains to most English destinations via the East Coast route. * '''Glasgow Queen Street Station''' with trains to Aberdeen, Edinburgh, [[Cumbernauld]], [[Dumbarton]], [[Helensburgh]], [[Fort William]], [[Mallaig]], Perth and Stirling. For trains to Inverness, change at Perth. * '''Glasgow Central Station''' for trains to South West Scotland including [[Ayr (Scotland)|Ayr]], [[Kilmarnock]] and [[Stranraer]]; West Scotland including [[Greenock]] and Lanarkshire including [[Hamilton (Scotland)|Hamilton]] and [[Lanark]]. Inter-city trains to English destinations (primarily [[Manchester]], [[Birmingham (England)|Birmingham]] and [[London|London (Euston)]]) via the West Coast route, and less frequently via [[Newcastle upon Tyne]] to [[Bristol]] and [[London|London (Kings Cross)]]. * '''Inverness Station''' for trains to [[Wick (Scotland)|Wick]] and [[Kyle of Lochalsh]]. Also connections for the East Coast and London The trains that run from Glasgow via the [[West Highland Line]] to Fort William and Mallaig take in some wonderful views. The [[Scottish Borders|Borders]] are served by a new line from '''Edinburgh Waverley to Tweedbank''', which opened in September 2015. However, the line only goes as far as the [[Galashiels]] and Tweedbank area, the largest conurbation in the Borders region. If you wish to travel further afield, to such towns as Kelso, [[Selkirk]], [[Jedburgh]], [[Peebles]] or [[Hawick]], there are bus connections available from the adjacent Galashiels Transport Interchange and at the line's terminus, Tweedbank station. Generally speaking, train fares in Scotland are comparable to the rest of the UK, and are more expensive than most European countries. If you buy a ticket right before you travel, a typical off-peak fare between Glasgow and Edinburgh might be £10 return, and between Edinburgh and Aberdeen £40 return. However, as throughout the UK rail system, '''advance purchase tickets''' offer cheaper fares (travellers may wish to read Wikivoyage's guide to [[Rail travel in Great Britain]]). It is best to avoid peak time services between Glasgow and Edinburgh or commuter lines around Glasgow, as trains are often overcrowded at rush hour. There are several rail passes available. The ''[https://www.scotrail.co.uk/offers/travel-passes/spirit-scotland-travelpass Spirit of Scotland Travelpass]'' gives unlimited travel on trains across Scotland, as well as some ferry and bus services. Costs £134 for 4 days out of 8, or £179 for 8 days out of 15. There is also a ''Highland Rover'' pass, covering trains in the north and west highlands, or a ''Central Scotland Rover'' for around Edinburgh and Glasgow. On some of the rural lines, services only run a couple of times a day. For example, the Far North Line (Inverness to Wick) and the Kyle of Lochalsh line (Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh) have only around 3 to 4 return journeys a day Monday to Saturday and just one on a Sunday. So take care when travelling along these lines, as if you miss your train it could be a while to wait for the next one. ===By road=== [[File:A82 looking north to Beinn Dorain - geograph.org.uk - 72440.jpg|thumb|A82 looking north to Beinn Dorain]] : ''I'm now arrived – thanks to the gods! / Thro' pathways rough and muddy, / A certain sign that makin roads / Is no this people's study'' : ''Altho' I'm not wi' Scripture cram'd, / I'm sure the Bible says / That heedless sinners shall be damn'd, / Unless they mend their ways.'' : – Robert Burns Like the rest of the UK, cars drive on the left-hand side of the road. In Scotland, a car enables you to reach almost any part of the country. It is also the best way to take in the spectacular scenery of mountainous, rural and Highland areas. However, despite the fact Scotland is not a big country, car travel can take significantly longer than you may expect. The mountainous terrain means that crossing from the east to the west usually involves taking circuitous routes. With the exception of the Central Belt and the North-East, where there are motorways and dual carriageways and travel is fast and easy, road conditions in Scotland can be below Western European standards. Beware of defects such as potholes, ruts, cracks and patches in both urban and rural roads – motorways and dual carriageways are maintained to a higher standard by the devolved Scottish Government. In urban areas, many road junctions are controlled by roundabouts as opposed to traffic lights. There are frequent speed cameras and traffic patrols on main roads. Many rural roads are narrow, have many bends and chicanes, are unlit at night, and are vulnerable to bad weather. If you have a car that handles well, these roads can be fun to drive on. Added to this, scenery is often breathtaking. However, do not be fooled into driving too fast or overtaking recklessly. As in the rest of the UK, the speed limit on country roads is usually {{mph|60}}. 60 mph is too fast for many roads, where you may easily run into a sharp blind hairpin bend without warning. Drive cautiously if a rural road is unfamiliar. In rural areas, road markings are rare. In remote areas, many roads are single track. Some single-track roads have "passing places" which allow vehicles to pass each other. Passing places are provided at intervals and are generally marked with a diamond-shaped white sign with the phrase "Passing Place" written on it. Signs remind drivers of vehicles to pull over into a passing place (or opposite it, if it is on the opposite side of the road) to let approaching vehicles pass, and most drivers oblige. Use your common sense on these roads. Also use Passing Places to allow following vehicles to overtake – locals who are familiar with these roads greatly appreciate this. On older, less-used, single track roads black and white striped poles may still be used as markers. If faster traffic comes up behind you, it is the rule that you should pull into a passing place and allow the other vehicle to pass. When two vehicles approach each other on a single-track road, experienced drivers will both adjust their speed so as to reach the passing place at the same time and pass each other slowly, avoiding the need for either vehicle to come to a stop. You should pull in to the passing place on your left or if the passing place is on the right hand side, stop opposite it so that the oncoming car can pull into it. Like in England, when driving on Scotland's rural roads (particularly where a driver has to pull in to allow you to pass) it is customary to thank the other driver, either by politely raising your hand to wave or simply raising a finger (or fingers) from the steering wheel. Either will be appreciated. Many bypasses have been built to allow faster travel, but the visitor will miss out on some of the beautiful scenery of Scotland. In some areas, road signs will indicate that the road on the next exit will rejoin the main route by showing a semi-circular exit and entrance with the destination name in the middle. This allows the driver confidence to take more scenic diversions into small towns or to find a place to stop and have lunch. Finally, '''do not drive if you have consumed alcohol'''. Drink driving is illegal in Scotland and is not tolerated by the police. It can be difficult to estimate how much is within the legal limit so the '''safe limit is zero'''. It attracts severe punishments by court judges: Sentences include jail terms (including lengthy jail terms if you cause an accident while drunk), large fines, confiscation of your car, and <!--if you are from the UK,--> disqualification from driving. Since 5 December 2014, the legal drink-driving alcohol limit is lower in Scotland (50 mg per 100 ml of blood) than in the rest of the UK (80 mg/100 ml). See also the [[List of itineraries|Itinerary]]: [[Driving tour of Scotland]]. ===By bus=== The bus is one of the cheapest ways of getting around in Scotland; however it is also the slowest and least comfortable. Bus journeys in and out of Glasgow or Edinburgh at peak times can become very unpredictable due to the congested motorway network in the Central Belt - therefore think twice before using buses as an option to make tight connections with other transport modes. '''[http://uk.megabus.com Megabus]''' services wholly within Scotland are run on a joint basis with '''[http://www.citylink.co.uk/ Citylink]''' and buses on these routes can be in the livery of either operator. Tickets for these services can be bought on both companies websites, often at different prices for identical services, or on the coach, subject to seat availability. You can get to most large towns and cities on the Citylink bus, but it is more expensive than Megabus. Megabus is a very cheap way to travel, as ticket prices start at £1 if booked weeks in advance, and rising to over £10 for peak-rate or last-minute fares. A 50p booking charge is applied to every ticket. Megabus departs from [[Aberdeen]], [[Dundee]], [[Edinburgh]], [[Glasgow]], [[Inverness]] and [[Perth (Scotland)|Perth]], going between these Scottish cities as well as to English destinations. With Megabus you can book only online, from 45 days up to 30 minutes before departure. Citylink runs a quarter-hourly bus service between Edinburgh and Glasgow which costs £4--you pay the driver. This service runs out of the main bus stations (Buchanan Street in Glasgow and Saint Andrew Square in Edinburgh), and the journey takes about an hour and ten minutes—some twenty minutes slower than the train but half the price of a peak-rate train ticket. In Argyll and Bute, buses are operated by [http://www.westcoastmotors.co.uk/ '''West Coast Motors'''] on behalf of Citylink. These leave from Glasgow, and travel to Campbeltown and Oban. The journey time to Campbeltown is approximately 4 hours, and Oban is approximately 3 hours. Road closures due to accidents and weather conditions can result in the buses having to take significant diversions which can add a large amount of time to journeys. The A83 from Tarbet to Inverary is often closed during winter due to landslides. '''MyBus''' is a transport scheme in the Strathclyde region (a huge chunk of southwest Scotland including Glasgow) that supplements the regular bus service. This is both for those who can't use regular bus services (eg with physical or sensory or learning difficulties, and their carers), and for areas where the normal bus service is impractical (eg if you live miles from a bus stop) for life's essentials, such as shopping or getting to the dentist. It generally doesn't cover holiday travel, but if you're staying in the area for a long spell (thus, might be considered a temporary resident), and especially if you are a resident of Strathclyde, you may be eligible: ring 0345 128 4025 to check what's feasible. The buses are usually single-decker "kneelers" suitable for wheelchairs, and fares equate to the standard fare - which is free with a concessionary card. On public transport, certain seats are set aside for the disabled, elderly, and women travelling with small children. These seats are usually at the front of buses or near the doors in train carriages, and are clearly marked. It is permitted for anyone to sit in these seats, but the young, men, and the able-bodied are expected to give them up for such people. It is commonplace in Scotland to thank the bus or coach driver after exiting the relevant vehicle. ===By ferry=== [[File:Ferry at Largs - geograph.org.uk - 822292.jpg|thumb|Caledonian MacBrayne ferry]] An extensive car ferry service operates between most large islands, usually daily, and frequently across the Firth of Clyde. Ferries have limited capacity and on some routes it is advisable to book a few weeks in advance. * '''[http://www.calmac.co.uk/ Caledonian MacBrayne]''' (usually known as ''CalMac'') is the largest ferry operator, serving the west of Scotland. Their main routes are around the Firth of Clyde (Arran, Bute, Cumbrae, Cowal and Kintyre), Southern Hebrides (Gigha, Islay, Jura & Colonsay), Inner Hebrides (Tiree, Coll and Mull), Skye, and the Outer Hebrides (Barra, North & South Uist, and Harris & Lewis). * '''Western Ferries''' operate the short hop across the Clyde between Gourock and Dunoon, every 20 mins. * '''[http://www.northlinkferries.co.uk/ NorthLink Ferries]''' sail overnight from Aberdeen to Kirkwall in the Orkney Islands and Lerwick in the Shetland Islands. They also ply the short crossing from Scrabster to Stromness in the Orkneys. * '''[http://www.pentlandferries.co.uk/ Pentland Ferries]''' and '''[http://www.jogferry.co.uk/ John O'Groats Ferries]''' provide alternative short routes to Orkney from the Scottish mainland. * '''[http://www.orkneyferries.co.uk/ Orkney Ferries]''' and '''[https://www.shetland.gov.uk/ferries Shetland Islands Council]''' operate the inter-island ferries in those areas. ===By thumb=== Hitch-hiking is surprisingly easy in Scotland, but better to do outside the big cities. In the Highlands you might need to wait for a long time until a car comes by. General caution must be taken. ==See== [[File:Edinburgh (4513556865).jpg|thumb|Edinburgh Castle]] Most historic sites are maintained either by the '''National Trust of Scotland''' or by '''Historic Environment Scotland'''. Both offer memberships (with free priority access and other discounts) for a year or a lifetime - and have reciprocal arrangements with their English and Welsh equivalents. Depending on how much you get around and how long you are staying, they may well be worth buying. Membership also contributes to the sites' preservation and new acquisitions. * {{see | name=Historic Environment Scotland | alt= | url=https://www.historicenvironment.scot/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Historic Environment Scotland | wikidata=Q21997561 | lastedit=2021-05-20 | content=Sites and prices, yearly membership starts at £47 adult, £87 family (properties include Edinburgh and Stirling Castles). Historic Scotland also offers a 3-day Explorer Pass. '''[https://www.historicenvironment.scot/our-reopening-plans-and-covid-19-response/ Summer 2021]: Some manned sites are open, advance booking is required.'''. }} * {{see | name=National Trust of Scotland | alt= | url=http://www.nts.org.uk/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=National Trust for Scotland | wikidata=Q599997 | lastedit=2021-05-20 | content=Sites and prices, yearly membership starts at £45 adult, £100 family (properties include Craigievar and Crathes Castles, numerous wilderness areas). '''Summer 2021: Most properties open, but advance booking is required and opening hours may be reduced.'''. }} * '''Spectator sport:''' [[Football_in_Europe#Scotland|Football]] is easily the most popular spectator sport. That said, most teams rarely play to full houses, therefore if you are in Scotland between mid-August and mid-May you should be able to obtain tickets for a match. The main exception is the '''Old Firm''' derby in [[Glasgow]] between Celtic and Rangers, which is notoriously intense with sectarian undertones, so matches between the two sides are guaranteed to sell out, and often only available to season ticket holders. Rugby union is popular, nowhere more so than in the Borders region. The indigenous game of shinty is played mostly in the Highlands during the summer months. ===Archaeological sites === [[File:Ring Cairn.jpg|thumb|Clava Ring Cairn]] * '''Callanish Chambered Cairn and Standing Stones''' ([[Lewis#Q3242938|Lewis]]), setting of tall megaliths * '''Clava Ring Cairn''' ([[Inverness#Q457879|Inverness]]), ring cairn between two passage graves * '''Dun Carloway Broch''' ([[Lewis#Q3242938|Lewis]]), one of the best preserved brochs with an elevation of about 30 ft above ground * '''Jarlshof Early Settlements and Broch''' ([[Sumburgh#Q1683532|Shetland]]), occupied from the early 2nd millennium BC, in the Late Bronze and early Iron Age until the erection of the broch, * '''Maes Howe Chambered Cairn''' ([[Stenness#Q507076|Orkney]]), chambered cairn representing the high standard of workmanship in Neolithic Britain, * '''Mousa Broch''' ([[Shetland Islands#Q923376|Shetland]]), best known example of a broch, with walls 50ft in diameter at the base and 43 ft above the ground, with complex internal stairs and galleries * '''Ring of Brodgar''' ([[Stenness#Q643631|Orkney]]), large henge monument magnificently placed between two lochs and remarkably well preserved * '''Rough Castle''' ([[Falkirk#Q7370801|Falkirk]]), Roman remains * '''Skara Brae''' ([[Orkney Islands#Q816437|Orkney]]), Neolithic settlement of houses built largely of stones which was buried under a mixture of midden material and blown sand until discovered in the 1930s * '''Traprain Law''' ([[Haddington#Q1119359|East Lothian]]), hill fort occupied for 1000 years from the middle of the first millennium BC onward ===Pictish and Early Christian Monuments=== * '''Aberlemno''' ([[Forfar#Q2293146|Angus]]), Pictish Symbol Stones in the churchyard * '''[[Iona]]''' (Inner Hebrides), island where St. Columba landed from Ireland in 563 beginning the Christianisation of Scotland, burial-place of the kings of Scotland * '''Meigle''' ([[Forfar#Q6810005|Perthshire]]), Pictish Symbol Stones * '''Ruthwell Cross''' ([[Dumfries#Q282923|Dumfriesshire]]), one of the best examples of Anglian sculpture and one of the major monuments of Europe in the Dark Ages * '''St.Vigean’s''' ([[Arbroath#Q2184969|Angus]]), Pictish Symbol Stones ===Castles === [[File:Balmoral Castle.jpg|thumb|Balmoral Castle]] [[File:2016 - Scone Palace (29914035844).jpg|thumb|Scone Palace]] * '''Balmoral Castle''' ([[Ballater#Q42049|Aberdeenshire]]). Summer residence of the King in the Dee Valley * '''Blair Castle''', [[Blair Atholl]] (Perthshire), seat of the Duke of Atholl * '''Craigievar Castle''' (near Alford, Aberdeenshire) * '''Crathes Castle''' ([[Banchory#Q2748806|Aberdeenshire]]), L-Plan tower house with magnificent early 18th century formal garden * '''Culzean Castle''' ([[Ayr (Scotland) |Ayrshire]]), fantastic castle created by Robert Adams in the 18th century overlooking the Firth of Clyde * '''Dunnottar Castle''' ([[Stonehaven#Q746983|Aberdeenshire]]), on an isolated rock projecting 2 miles off the coast * '''Dunvegan Castle''' ([[Skye#Q1266330|Skye]]), seat of the Clan MacLeod * '''Edinburgh Castle''' ([[Edinburgh/Old Town|Edinburgh]]) * '''Edzell Castle''' ([[Forfar#Q2373236|Angus]]) with a fine tower house and a spacious walled garden with symbolic decorations of the Cardinal Virtues, Liberal Arts and Planetary Deities, unique in Britain * '''Eilean Donan Castle''' ([[Dornie#Q20816698|Lochalsh]]), a picturesque island castle on the road to Skye * '''Falkland Palace''' ([[Leven#Q565345|Fife]]), enlarged in the reign of James IV and embellished by James V during preparations for his marriages with Magdalene of France and Mary of Lorraine. It is thought that James V died here after hearing news of the birth of his daughter Mary Queen of Scots. * '''Glamis Castle''' ([[Forfar#Q1529151|Angus]]), castle dating mainly from the last quarter of the 17th century * '''Palace of Holyroodhouse''' ([[Edinburgh/Old Town|Edinburgh]]) * '''Inveraray Castle''' ([[Inveraray#Q1671720|Argyll]]), seat of the dukes of Argyll, completed in 1770 * '''Linlithgow Palace''' ([[Linlithgow#Q564868|West Lothian]]), one of Scotland’s four royal palaces, birthplace of James V and Mary Queen of Scots * '''Scone Palace''' ([[Perth (Scotland)|Perth]]), one of the most historic places of Scotland, where the ‘Stone of Destiny’, the coronation stone of the Scottish kings, was kept from the times of Kenneth MacAlpine in the 9th century until the stone was stolen by King Edward of England * '''Stirling Castle''' ([[Stirling]]), with superb view and survivals of domestic buildings of the 16th, 17th and 18th century * '''Tantallon Castle''' ([[North Berwick#Q57803|East Lothian]]), stronghold of the Douglas family, in a magnificent situation on the coast opposite Bass Rock ===Abbeys and Abbey Ruins === * '''Dunfermline Abbey''' ([[Dunfermline#Q2044924|Fife]]) * '''Dryburgh Abbey''' ([[Selkirk#Q1261598|Berwickshire]]) * '''Jedburgh Abbey''' ([[Jedburgh|Roxburghshire]]) * '''Kelso Abbey''' ([[Kelso|Roxburghshire]]) * '''Melrose Abbey''' ([[Melrose (Scotland)|Roxburghshire]]) ===Churches and Cathedrals=== [[File:Elgin Cathedral view from rear.jpg|thumb|Elgin Cathedral]] * '''Elgin Cathedral''' (Moray). Known as "the Lantern of the North", once the most perfect of the Scottish cathedrals, burnt by Alexander Earl of Buchan, the "Wolf of Badenoch" in 1390 * '''High Kirk of St Giles''', High Street, (Edinburgh), first church of the Church of Scotland, * '''Roslyn Chapel''' (Midlothian) well known for its sculpture and elaborated carving with the famous "Prentice Pillar" * '''St Magnus Cathedral''', Kirkwall (Orkney) built in the 12th century, the only undamaged pre-Reformation cathedral * '''St Mungo's Cathedral''', (Glasgow), only example of pre-Reformation Gothic architecture on mainland Scotland ===Historic battlefields=== * '''Bannockburn''' (Stirlingshire), under the leadership of ‘’Robert Bruce’’ Scotland gained freedom that kept for centuries * '''Culloden''' (Invernessshire), scene of the last battle fought on the soil of the United Kingdom, site of the last battle in the Jacobean Rising of 1745 * '''Glencoe''' (Argyll), site of the massacre of the Macdonalds in 1692, * '''Killiecrankie''' (Perthshire), site of a battle between supporters of James VII under ‘’Bonnie Dundee’ and the forces of William III in 1689 ===Monuments=== * '''Charles II''', Parliament Square (Edinburgh) * '''Prince Charles Monument''', Glenfinnan (Inverness-shire) * '''Robert Bruce'''. Bannockburn (Stirlingshire) * '''Scott Monument''', East Princes Street Gardens (Edinburgh) &mdash; in honour of Scotland’s greatest novelist Sir Walter Scott ===Museums === [[File:SNGInt.jpg|thumb|Inside the National Gallery of Scotland]] * '''Kelvingrove Art Gallery''', [[Glasgow]] * '''National Gallery of Scotland''', [[Edinburgh]] picture gallery with paintings of European painters, as Filippino Lippi, Huge van der Goes, Titian, Tiepolo, Rembrandt, Velazquez, El Greco, Goya, Watteau, degas, Monet, Gauguin and others. * '''National Portrait Gallery''', [[Edinburgh]] with portraits of the Stuart kings and pictures of great events in Scottish history. ===Townscape=== * '''[[Culross]]''' ([[Fife]]), remarkably complete example of 16th and 17th cent Scottish architecture, * '''[[Dumfries]]''' (Dumfriesshire), the ‘’Queen of the South’’ * '''Royal Mile''' ([[Edinburgh/Old Town|Edinburgh]]) * '''[[Stirling]]''' (Stirlingshire) ===Landscape=== [[File:Track from Loch Moraig to Carn Liath - geograph.org.uk - 712385.jpg|thumb|Landscape in Cairngorms National Park]] [[File:Loch Ness Panorama.png|thumb|Loch Ness sunrise]] * '''[[Cairngorms National Park]]''' (Aberdeen, Banffshire, Inverness). A magnificent range of mountains between Speyside and Braemar * '''Duncansby Head''', John O’Groats (Caithness), the most northerly point of the British mainland, sheer sandstone cliffs up to {{ft|210}} high * '''Fingal’s Cave''', [[Staffa]], Inner Hebrides (Argyll) * '''Glen Affric''' (Inverness-shire), the old east-west route through the Highlands of Inverness-shire * '''[[Glencoe]]''' (Argyll), famous pass from the [[Rannoch Moor|Moor of Rannoch]] to Loch Leven in Inverness-shire, the most celebrated glen in Scotland * '''Glen More Forest Park''' (Inverness-shire) in the north-west corner of the Cairngorms, covered with pine and spruce woods * '''Glen Trool Forest Park''' (Kincardineshire), with the highest hill country in southern Scotland * '''Inverewe Gardens''' (Ross and Cromarty) benefits from the warm and moist Gulf Stream climate * '''[[Loch Lomond]]''' (Dunbartonshire, Stirlingshire), the largest inland water in Britain, and one of the country's most beautiful * '''Loch Maree''' (Ross and Cromarty), magnificent loch overlooked on all sides by beautiful mountains * '''Loch Ness''' (Inverness-shire), Great Glen, extending from {{mi|7}} south-west of Inverness for {{mi|24}} to Fort Augustus * '''[[Torridon|Loch Torridon]]''' (Ross and Cromarty), magnificient sea-loch opposite the North East of Skye * '''Queen’s View''' (Perthshire) * '''Smoo Cave''', [[Durness]] (Sutherland), whose largest cave is {{ft|200}} long and {{ft|120}} high * '''[[Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park]]''' (Perthshire), romantic valley between Loch Achray and Loch Katrine ===Places with Literary Connections=== * '''Abbotsford House''' (Roxburghshire), seat of Sir Walter Scott * '''Burn’s Cottage''', Alloway, (Ayrshire) * '''The Trossachs''' (Perthshire), one of the most celebrated literary beauty spots in Scotland, described by ‘’Sir Walter Scott’’ in his famous poem ‘’The Lady of the Lake’’, but also by ‘’Dorothy Wordsdworth’’ ===Other Places of Interest=== * '''The Blacksmith’s Shop, [[Gretna Green]]''' (Dumfriesshire), famous as the place where runaway couples from England got married under 18th century Scottish law by means of a declaration before witnesses. * '''Caledonian Canal''' (Invernessshire), running across Scotland from the Beauly Firth near Inverness in the North East to Loch Linnhe near Fort Williams in the South West. The canal was built in order to avoid the dangerous sailing round the North of Scotland by the Pentland Firth and Cape Wrath by the Scottish engineer Thomas Telford. ==Do== [[File:Royal Troon Golf Club in 2005.jpg|thumb|Scotland is the home of golf]] * '''Drive''' – take a [[Driving tour of Scotland]]. * '''Motorcycling''' – Scotland has some of the best motorcycle touring roads in the world, although you'll need good weather to get the most out of them. With good surfaces, little traffic outside of the main conurbations and welcoming cafes touring is a real pleasure. It is also possible to hire a motorcycle. * '''Cycling''' – Even though there are few cycle trails compared to England, Scotland makes a great cycling country as there are many roads with little traffic. See [[Cycling in Scotland]]. *'''Rail Travel''' – Scotland is home to the most scenic railway line in the world - the [[West Highland Railway]], and travelling the area by train is very much recommended. Fares can be high, but the scenery can be priceless. * '''Hillwalking''' and hiking – Scotland has 284 '''[http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/munros/ Munros]''', mountains higher than {{feet|3000}}. Only one of them requires technical rock-climbing skills, Sgùrr Dearg on Skye. A handful are difficult, but the rest (including the highest, Ben Nevis) are nothing worse than hard slog - though hazardous in bad weather. The best known long distance trail is the [[West Highland Way]], stretching for 95 miles / 153 km from Milngavie near Glasgow to Fort William. Lots more hikes and strolls everywhere, see the Tourist Board's [https://www.visitscotland.com/things-to-do/outdoor-activities/walking Walks in Scotland Guide], and there is detailed route info on [http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk Walk Highlands] of over 420 routes. See also [[Walking in the United Kingdom]]. * '''Visit a whisky distillery''' – Scotland has over 120 whisky distilleries in active production. Only a minority are open for tours, but that's still plenty; they're especially concentrated in the upper reaches of Aberdeenshire, Moray and Spey Valley, and on Islay. Those open to the public are usually producing single malt whisky, a premium product but in a crowded marketplace, so the tours are integral to their PR strategy. Many of the new small '''craft gin distilleries''' are likewise open. * '''[https://www.visitscotland.com/things-to-do/outdoor-activities/golf Golf]''' – Scotland is the birthplace of the game of golf and home to the oldest course in the world, St. Andrews. * The '''Edinburgh Festival''' (late July to Mid September) – The Festival is an umbrella term for several festivals, including the International Festival, the Fringe Festival, the International Jazz and Blues Festival, and the International Book Festival. See [[Edinburgh#Do|Edinburgh]] for details. VisitScotland, the official Scottish Tourist Board, maintain a calendar of events and festivals taking place throughout Scotland. * '''[https://www.visitscotland.com/see-do/events/highland-games/ Highland Games]''' (held throughout the country from April to Sept, but mostly on mid-summer weekends) – There's food, traditional music and dancing, and vendors selling Scottish handicrafts, but the highlight is large people in kilts in pipe bands, and performing athletic feats such as the unique style of Scottish hammer throwing and tossing the caber, where a huge log has to be thrown so it flips end over end. They're colourful and fun to watch but the competitors are in earnest and have trained hard. Games often coincide with an agricultural or food & flower show, or with a "Highland Gathering" where a particular clan convenes to show each other that they're all wearing the correct tartan. * '''Curling''' – Massive polished granite stones are slid across ice, to come to rest as close as possible to the target (or "house"). Nifty work with brushing the route or sprinkling it with water speeds or retards the stone, and can make it curl around an obstructing stone. The game was first described and painted in Scotland and the Netherlands in the 16th century. [https://competitions.scottishcurling.org/ Matches] are held Sept-April, always on indoor rinks as the Scottish climate is nowadays too mild for reliable natural ice. [http://www.trycurling.com/ Beginners' lessons] are held at rinks across Scotland. It is also contested at the [[Olympic Games|Winter Olympics]]. ==Learn== {{seealso|Studying abroad#United Kingdom}} Education in Scotland is generally taken very seriously, and the country was the first in the world to provide universal education to both boys and girls. Scotland has its own educational system, which differs significantly from those of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The country is home to 15 '''universities'''. All Scottish universities are public institutions, which means they are funded by the Scottish government. The most prestigious institutes of higher education in Scotland are the universities of '''[https://www.ed.ac.uk Edinburgh]''', '''[https://www.gla.ac.uk Glasgow]''', '''[https://www.abdn.ac.uk Aberdeen]''', and '''[https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk St Andrews]'''; these are regarded as some of the top universities in the world. Costs in Scotland tend to be lower than in other parts of the UK. [[Glasgow]] is cheaper to live in than, say, London. However, [[Edinburgh]] is more expensive than the UK average. * '''Scottish country dancing''' – You might find classes in the larger cities, but it's not difficult to just join in and pick it up as you go along. It's one of those agreeable activities that is flattering to folk devoid of athletic skills. * '''Bagpipes''' – The exact opposite, this will require a full year of daily practice to achieve anything other than painful results, even if you already play a wind instrument. And then practise, practise, practise, as the kilted buskers at the railway stations and coach stops are doing. * '''Scottish Gaelic''' – As with other languages, you can readily learn a few courtesies and basics, while achieving proficiency will take the rest of your life. It's probably best to start with CDs and online material, then consider a short residential course. There's a Gaelic college on Skye but this aims to provide courses on other subjects in Gaelic to those who are native speakers. Of course they teach the language, but at college not beginner level. ==Work== The regulations governing who can work in Scotland are the same as for the rest of the UK. A general shortage of skilled labour in the health sector means the National Health Service (NHS) actively recruits overseas, making it easier for those with specialist skills to work in the UK. The devolved Scottish Government is also keen to attract immigrants to Scotland to plug a perceived declining population. ==Buy== ===Currency=== As in the rest of the United Kingdom, Scotland uses the '''[[United Kingdom#Money|pound sterling (£)]]'''. Additionally, Scotland's three national clearing banks ''[https://www.bankofscotland.co.uk/ Bank of Scotland]'', ''[http://www.rbs.co.uk/ The Royal Bank of Scotland]'' and ''[http://www.cbonline.co.uk/ Clydesdale Bank]'' issue '''their own sterling banknotes'''. These notes are very common in Scotland and can be used interchangeably with Bank of England notes throughout Scotland and Northern Ireland. Outside of Scotland and Northern Ireland, some merchants may be reluctant to accept Scottish notes, especially larger denomination notes (the largest Bank of England note is £50, but all three Scottish banks also issue £100 notes). If you want to get Bank of England notes in Scotland, make a withdrawal from an ATM run by NatWest, Barclays or HSBC — although they are found only in major cities. In shops you can try asking for your change in Bank of England notes and similarly ask bank tellers for English notes when you exchange cash or travellers cheques. If you're in England or Wales with Scottish notes, then you can exchange them for English notes free of charge at any bank - or spend them at larger high street shops that are less likely to be fussy about what notes they accept. Before leaving the UK, change any excess into Bank of England banknotes, as Scottish banknotes can be difficult to exchange in other countries or have a worse exchange rate. Scotland like England has switched entirely to polymer bank notes, and paper notes are no longer legal tender. If you have these (for instance the Adam Smith £20, withdrawn in 2022) then change them at a bank. '''Euros''' are not accepted with the exception of a few high street shops and tourist stores, so change your money into sterling. ===Souvenirs=== [[File:Tartan Weaving in Lochcarron.jpg|thumb|Tartan weaving]] The classic tourist souvenir is a '''kilt''' and everything else involving the '''tartan'''. If you have a Scottish family name like McDonald or Clark, it may be worth trying to find your own family's tartan. There is also a large variety of other official tartans, representing anything from military regiments to religious communities (e.g. Scotland's Jewish and Muslim communities both have official tartans). A real kilt costs about £300–400 and is made of heavy wool (so it will not reveal what you might or might not be wearing underneath even in strong winds), but most souvenir stores offer only unauthentic thin ones. If you really want a genuine kilt or full traditional outfit (kilt, sporran, jacket, shirt, and shoes) the best place to look is a clothing hire shop. These specialise in hiring suits and kilts for weddings and often sell ex-hire stock at reduced prices – otherwise the kilt will have to be made to order – this usually takes several weeks. The traditional highland kilt is a section of cloth about 6 feet wide and 14 feet long. This is wrapped about the body then brought up over the shoulder and pinned in place, a little like a toga. The modern short kilt was introduced during the industrial revolution to give more freedom of movement. '''Whisky''' (''Scotch'') is also a common buy. There are two basic types – blended and single malt whiskies. Blended whiskies are made from, as the name suggests – several single malts blended together. Beware of souvenir shops selling small bottles of blended whisky for inflated prices – you can more often than not find the same bottle in a supermarket (or in airport duty-free) much cheaper! Single malt whiskies are more expensive, and worth paying the price premium. Single malts are very diverse depending on the region or town where the whisky was distilled and the type of barley used. The smaller, independent distilleries pride themselves on the quality of their product and their whisky is often only available in a small number of shops, or even directly. Mainstream brand single malts are still sold in supermarkets and duty-free shops. '''Orkney silver jewellery''' is produced in the [[Orkney Islands]] but available throughout Scotland. Styles are generally traditionally "Celtic" or modern variations of that style. Jewellery produced by highly regarded designers tends to be very elegant and not cheap. '''Woolen goods''' besides kilts are widely available. Scotland produces a lot of wool, much of it very high quality, so you can find very comfortable yet durable and attractive scarves, coats, sweaters/jumpers, etc., often for quite reasonable prices if you shop around. '''Harris Tweed''', from the island of [[Harris]], is particularly well-regarded. If you want something with your family tartan but don't want to spring for a kilt, then hats, handbags, ties, scarves, etc. are all available in a variety of official tartans. ===Cost of living=== Most visitors are disappointed by the high cost of living in Scotland. Although prices in Scotland are not as bad as in the south of England, compared to the United States, or most other parts of Europe, basic living expenses are still high. Most goods have an additional 20% Value Added Tax (VAT) applied although this is always included in the marked price for general consumer purchases. Petrol has a massive 70% excise tax and 20% VAT on top of that. Costs are highest in Edinburgh and in very remote places such as [[Stornoway]] (for example petrol prices often hit £1.50 per litre in some areas). As a basic rule, the further north you venture, the more expensive it's likely to get, mostly because of the expense of long supply chains and small turnovers. ==Eat== {{seealso|Cuisine of Britain and Ireland}} [[File:Cullen Skink.JPG|right|thumb|Cullen skink, a delicacy of [[Moray]]]] [[File:Haggis Mo.jpg|thumb|right|Haggis, neeps and tatties]] [[File:Scotch pie dissection.jpg|right|thumb|Scotch pie]] [[File:DeepFriedMarsBar.jpg|thumbnail|A Mars bar, deep fried]] While Scotland suffers from the stereotype of producing dreary food, the country now boasts excellent modern Scottish restaurants and numerous quality Indian, French, and Italian options. In fact, in parts of the country such as Edinburgh, it has become quite difficult to get a really bad meal. As in the rest of the UK, Indian and Chinese food is popular and readily available, even in many fairly small towns. In fact, the classic Indian dish Chicken Tikka Masala was (debatably) invented in Glasgow. Below are listed some of the highlights of the Scottish culinary scene: * '''Cullen skink''' – A hearty and delicious fish soup made from smoked haddock, potatoes, cream, and shellfish. '''Partan bree''' is a traditional seafood soup sometimes found in the northeast, made mainly of crab and rice. Other Scottish soups include the humble but very traditional '''cock-a-leekie''' - chicken soup with chopped leeks, and the heartier '''scotch broth''', made with barley, lamb or mutton, root vegetables, and dried peas or lentils. * '''Seafood''' – Scotland produces some of the best seafood in the world. Its langoustines, oysters, scallops, crabs, salmon and lobsters are prized by the finest chefs all over the world...and hence are mostly exported. Try half-a-dozen fresh oysters followed by langoustines in garlic butter mopped up with a chunk of organic bread at the [[Colbost#Eat|Three Chimneys]] in Skye. Heaven on a plate. If you're lucky enough to be near the coast you can buy freshly caught seafood at very good prices; just go to the docks and wait, it's worth it. Scotland also has some truly glorious '''fish and chips''': fresh haddock fried and battered to perfection with a side of golden chips and vinegar (haddock is traditional for fish and chips in Scotland, though higher-end chippies will often offer a choice of fish). '''Kippers''' (cured and smoked herring) are a breakfast favourite. Scottish '''smoked salmon''' is world-famous, and is eaten for breakfast all over the UK, typically served with scrambled eggs. If you're from North America, some fish, particularly cheaper ones, have different names in Europe than you're used to - for example "plaice" refers to what you likely know as "flounder," and "coley" is the same as "pollock." * '''Sizzling sirloin of Scotch beef''' – The five best beef breeds in the world are Scottish, the best-known being Aberdeen Angus. The others are Highland, Longhorn, Shorthorn and Galloway. There is a vast difference between how beef cattle are raised for the lower-cost end of the market and the top end of the market. Slap a sirloin of Aberdeen Angus on a hot grill and find out why. * '''Game''' – Scotland has game aplenty, from pheasants to venison. An inexpensive Highland autumn favourite is pheasant layered with a few strips of bacon and baked with seasonal vegetables. Venison (deer) is a common variety of game, prepared in similar ways to beef, commonly burgers, stews and pies; it is leaner and more flavoursome than beef. * '''Haggis''' – Scotland's national dish does sound quite disgusting to foreigners because of its ingredients, but is in fact surprisingly good. The texture is fairly similar to meatloaf like you might find in the USA, with a slightly stronger, more pungent flavour. Unless you simply can't abide any hint of organ-meat flavours, you should give it a try. Haggis is made up of chopped heart, liver and lungs of a sheep, mixed with onion, oatmeal and spices and then cooked in a sheep's stomach bag. Nowadays, you can buy and cook Haggis in plastic bags. It is served with turnips and mashed potatoes (often referred to as Scots words "neeps and tatties"). For the faint-hearted, vegetarian haggis is available. * '''Porridge''' – an oat meal many Scots eat for breakfast, usually with salt as a topping however other toppings like milk, cream, honey, fruit and jam are popular. * '''The square sausage''' – another common breakfast favourite; it is a flavoured thin square of beef (steak sausage) or pork (lorne sausage), fried or grilled, often served in a roll. * A '''full Scottish breakfast''' – Similar to a "full English" or "full Welsh," consisting (usually) of a bacon rasher, a link or square sausage, a slice of black pudding (a kind of blood sausage), an egg or two, baked beans in tomato sauce, sauteed mushrooms and tomatoes, toast, and a tattie scone, which is a type of potato pancake. Sometimes white pudding (a coarse sausage of pork meat and fat, cereals, but no blood) is substituted for black pudding. Not the kind of thing most people eat on a daily basis, but hits the spot if you went a little too hard the night before, or if you need to fuel up for a day's rambling in the countryside. * '''Scotch pie''' – A much-loved local delicacy. Originally containing mutton, but now usually made with an undefinable meat. Good ones are really good - slightly spiced and not greasy. Try one from a local bakery. A '''bridie''' is somewhat similar but is shaped more like a pasty, and sometimes contains onions. The ubiquitous '''Scotch Egg''' is another perennial dodgy favourite, which is essentially a boiled egg breadcrumbed with sausage meat. * '''Scotch tablet''' – Another local delicacy. It is very similar to fudge – but it is slightly brittle due to its being beaten for a time while it sets! Great for any cold hikes you may be planning. * The '''deep fried Mars bar''' – Regarded by many as an urban myth, ''does'' exist in Scotland. An NHS survey reported that roughly 22% of fast food joints and fish and chips shops in Scotland sell the item, at roughly 60 pence a go, mainly to school children and young adults. You will have to ask them to put one in the fryer, though. Despite being extremely rich and feeling very unhealthy, they are quite tasty. Your best bet is to share one with a friend. A chippy in [[Stonehaven]] claims to be the birthplace of this, er, "delicacy." Another equally improbable artery-clogging treat is '''deep-fried pizza'''. The ultimate 'heart-attack-on-a-plate' has to be the '''fribab''', the '''deep-fried kebab''' which can be done for ya in some of the crazier parts of Glasgow. Really, Scottish chippies will deep fry just about anything, including haggis. * The '''munchy box''' – Probably the ultimate in late night Scottish takeaway cuisine. The exact contents vary, as you can get them variously from chip shops as well as Middle Eastern, Indian, and Chinese places, but it's a variety of fast food classics, e.g. kebab meat, fried chicken, pakora, chips, etc. thrown together in a flat pizza box. Sometimes it will include a salad, you know, to make it healthy. It's unknown whether anyone has ever purchased a munchy box while sober. * The mass produced varieties of '''cheese''' are similar to the rest of the UK, although some is made in Scotland. Smaller specialist cheeses are worth looking for. '''Dunlop''' is similar to a Cheddar, and is named after a village in Ayrshire. '''Crowdie''' is a soft curd cheese, sold in tubs. '''Caboc''' is a soft cream cheese which is usually rolled in oatmeal to form a small log; variations are rolled in black pepper or garlic leaves. '''Mull Cheddar''' is a very strong artisan cheddar cheese from the [[Mull|Isle of Mull]]. Try spreading your cheese on an oatcake, a biscuit ideally suited to cheese (or honey). Vegetarian food isn't as hard to find as you would think, with virtually all restaurants and cafés offering more than one vegetarian option. Vegan food is harder to find, but not impossible. Edinburgh especially has a good number of exceptional vegetarian and vegan restaurants. ==Drink== [[File:Single Malt Scotch Whiskies.jpg|thumb|Scotch whiskies]] Scotland, and especially the Highlands, is famous for the hundreds of brands of Scotch '''[[whisky]]''' it produces (note the lack of an 'e'). It seems to the visitor that every village makes its own particular brand, so much so that somebody compared a tour of the Highlands as being similar to "driving through a drinks cabinet"! There are around 100 whisky distilleries in Scotland and nearly half of them welcome visitors. Opening days and times can be up to seven days a week in summer and sometimes they close in the winter. A good way to instantly endear yourself to the locals is when ordering Scotch in a pub, always ask for a "whisky" or simply "a half" – and the bartender will know exactly what you mean, in much the same way as asking for "a pint" in Ireland will mean you are automatically served Guinness. Asking for a "Scotch" or putting anything other than water in malt whisky will immediately identify you as a foreigner! '''Pubs''' are the places you meet people and where you have a good time. More than in other countries, pubs are very lively and it is easy to get to know people when you're travelling alone. Most Scottish people are usually very welcoming, so it's not unusual that they will buy you a drink even though you just met them. The '''legal drinking age''' is 18 years old, and many pubs and clubs will ask for ID of anyone who happens to look younger than 25. Penalties for those caught buying alcohol for those under 18 can include a large fine, and the penalties for drink-driving are severe. Drinking laws are complicated slightly by the fact that a single glass of wine may be served to a sixteen-year old, provided it is with a meal and are accompanied by an adult who is at least 18 years old. '''Beer''', especially the ales, is measured in pints (568 mL). Scottish micro-breweries are doing quite well, possibly thanks to the "Campaign for Real Ale". From 30 September 2024 there is a legal minimum price of 65p per UK Unit of Alcohol. This means that the minimum price of a bottle or 500ml can of beer or cider is around £1.62, depending on the strength, a bottle of wine is around £6.50 and a 70cl bottle of whisky is £18. This has no impact on prices in bars, but the cheapest drinks in supermarkets are more expensive than in England. '''[http://www.irn-bru.co.uk Irn Bru]''', also known as '''Scotland's other national drink''' (after whisky), is a very popular, fizzy, bright orange-coloured soft drink that is supposed to be the best cure for a hangover: it is full of caffeine and is acidic enough to clean coins, but then so can cola. In 2017, it was widely reported that Scotland is the only country in the world where the best-selling soft drink isn't Coca-Cola, which no other native soft drink can claim. Supposedly it is made from iron girders. '''Cream soda''', '''Red Kola''' and '''Sugarelly''' (liquorice water) are similarly consumed. '''Craft or boutique spirits''' have blossomed since 2009. It's long been legal in the UK to make your own beer or wine - and it used to be a common pastime, but supermarket products are nowadays so cheap. It was and remains illegal to distil your own spirits for personal consumption, but you're permitted under licence to set up a commercial distillery. That was held to mean a still of at least 1800 litres capacity, but in 2009 a legal case overthrew that minimum, and opened the door to micro-distilleries. These then popped up all over UK but very noticeably in Scotland. They usually produce gin, less often vodka, seldom whisky which has extra rules and has to mature several years before it may be sold. So you may well encounter "craft" or "boutique" gin from one of these new distilleries. == Sleep == '''All short-term accommodation in Scotland must be registered''', otherwise it's illegal and probably a flea-pit or fire-trap. This applies throughout Scotland but is especially pertinent to Edinburgh, where demand far exceeds supply and encourages exploitive providers. The law (which does not apply to England) was introduced in 2022 but there is considerable wriggle room until July 2024, so for the time being proprietors can reasonably say that their registration is still being processed. Be increasingly sceptical as the deadline approaches. It's a bit of unwelcome extra bureaucracy for B&Bs, campsites and so on but in the long-term should better protect travellers and honest providers. ===Self catering=== Self-catering holidays, in cottages wooden lodges or city flats, in Scotland have become popular. Many cottages are now furnished to a very high standard. ===Budget=== Scotland has plenty of '''[[Hostels]]''', both the '''[http://www.syha.org.uk Scottish Youth Hostel Association]''' (SYHA) and a large and developing network of '''Independent Hostels'''. Some of the buildings are very impressive. The SYHA traditionally involved guests performing chores and a ban on alcohol. The new breed of independent hostels have eschewed these concepts, causing the SYHA to loosen up its attitudes too. [[File:Camp Spidean Mialach - geograph.org.uk - 74217.jpg|thumb|Camping in Scotland]] '''[[Camping]]''' is another inexpensive way of touring Scotland, though the unpredictable weather makes it less appealing than in some other countries. In remote areas camp sites can be a significant distance apart so buy an up-to-date guide and plan your route. Booking is not usually necessary except in peak season. Generally, the rule is the more remote the camp site, the better the scenery and the lower the cost. Some camp sites may provide only basic amenities. "'''[[Wild camping]]'''" on private land outside recognised campsites is a legal right in Scotland (but only well away from roads and inhabited buildings): you are expected to move on after two or three nights in the same spot, not least to allow the ground to regenerate. Never camp next to a stream that could rapidly become swollen by overnight rain. Midges (tiny biting insects) can be a particular nuisance during August and September: the insects are harmless but incredibly irritating, especially when you are trying to sleep, so zip your tent religiously every time you get in or out. The good news is that midges fly more slowly than most people walk, and they dislike smoke. Chemical repellents are widely available but some people find them ineffective, unfortunately. '''Bed and Breakfast''' accommodation is widely available, even in remote areas and some very good deals can be found. Many people consider these to be more friendly and welcoming than a hotel. Local tourist information centres will help you find a room for the same night, and you may expect to pay in the region of £35 per person per night for room and full Scottish breakfast. If visiting the major cities, try staying in [[Falkirk]] or [[Polmont]]. Both are far cheaper than the hotels in [[Glasgow]] and [[Edinburgh]], and only 1/2 hour away from both on regular train services. The '''Premier Inn''' and '''Travelodge''' chains of motels in Scotland are widespread, with double rooms priced at around £55. In cities these are likely to prove cheaper than a hotel, especially if you are able to book in advance. ==Stay safe== In any emergency, call 999 or 112 (from a landline if you can) and ask for ambulance, fire, police, coast guard or mountain rescue when connected. ===Natural hazards=== Scotland's weather is highly changeable, but rarely extreme. In the mountainous regions of the north and west of the country, the weather can change swiftly and frequently even during the summer. What started as a bright morning can end as a very wet, very windy and very cold afternoon. Packing extra warm and waterproof clothing is advisable, whatever the time of year, but especially between the months of October and February. ===Driving=== As in the rest of the UK and Ireland, traffic in Scotland '''drives on the left'''. Drivers from other countries [[Driving#Driving on the other side of the road|should take special care]] if they are not used to driving on the left or if your car is left-hand drive. If driving a left-hand drive car, you may find it difficult to see traffic in your passenger-side door mirror and overtaking may be more difficult and hazardous. There are high accident rates in rural areas such as the Highlands and Aberdeenshire, especially as a result of speeding and reckless overtaking. Aggressive motorcycle riding is also a major problem on some of Scotland's rural roads, and the annual accident rate is abnormally higher than the UK average. Even if a driver is coming up fast behind you, do not be goaded into increasing your speed. They will overtake (at their own risk!) if you keep to a speed at which you are comfortable. Added to this, weather can be poor, particularly in the interior of the country. In winter, you are likely to find roads closed by snow, with "snow gates" being closed (literally a huge gate that traffic police use to close off the road). Most drivers in Scotland do not fit snow tyres or snow chains, and combined with reckless driving, the accident rate in winter weather is higher. In coastal areas, mist or fog can be a problem. Listen to radio traffic reports (e.g. BBC Radio Scotland) and avoid travelling by car in poor weather if you can. Many rural roads are poorly maintained and lack crash barriers, so you should drive carefully and never assume that it is clear around the next bend or over the next hill. Use full-beam headlights if visibility is less than 100 m (110 yards) ahead, but be considerate and don't dazzle other road users. You may also find cattle grids (also known as cattle guards or Texas gates), which are used if livestock is loose in the area and should be negotiated very slowly as they can have an adverse effect on your vehicle's steering. In these areas, keep your speed down and watch out for livestock such as horses, sheep, cattle and deer. You may sometimes have to share a narrow twisty road with stray sheep and occasionally cattle, so extra vigilance is required. These roads pass through some of Scotland's most spectacular areas and while the scenery may be awe-inspiring, extra attention and concentration is required when using them. Drink-driving is not tolerated by the authorities in Scotland and if you find yourself involved in any form of road incident that requires police attention, you will be breathalysed. If caught and convicted, a driving ban and/or imprisonment will normally follow. The drink-driving limit is stricter in Scotland than in England. If you have some drinks in England (for instance in a border town such as Berwick-upon-Tweed) and drive into Scotland, what was legal in England may immediately become illegal the moment you cross the border into Scotland. ===Crime and safety=== Scotland is generally a very safe country to visit. Like England and Wales, violent crime is a problem in some inner city areas, however, much of it occurs amongst hooligan-type, unarmed gangs, and violent crime against tourists is rare. Petty crimes such as thefts and pickpocketing are lower than many other European countries, but vigilance at all times is required, especially in crowded areas. Crime rates vary greatly from urban to rural areas. Public intoxication is a common occurrence, especially in some urban areas. You should approach pubs and nightclubs at night with caution, especially around closing time when drink-fuelled violence occurs, the best thing to do is use common sense and avoid any fighting. The same advice extends to using public transport - especially buses - in the evening. After around 21:00 it is unusual to see conductors or ticket examiners going about trains which are travelling to or from Edinburgh or Glasgow - if they cannot be found in the passenger areas of the train, they are likely to be found at the very rear of the train in the rear driving cab. If you feel insecure, or have a problem on the train - sit close to the back of the train or knock on the door, if you have a problem. Some trains however, are operated wholly by the driver. While the majority of these trains have ticket examiners, they can and do run without them. Again, late at night, they are more likely to be found in their "safe area" at the rear cab of the train. A simple knock should gain their attention if there is a problem. If there is no staff onboard and you are unhappy, try to sit where most passengers are. The British Transport Police's number is 0800 40 50 40, in an emergency call 999. If there is an incident which requires urgent attention operate the emergency alarm - '''this will stop the train''' - so it is usually best to operate the alarm at a station stop if your safety is not threatened by the movement of the train. ==Stay healthy== [[File:Ben Nevis from Glas Bhein Mhor over Glencoe hills - geograph.org.uk - 925276.jpg|thumb|Hillwalking offers wonderful views, though it can be dangerous if you're not prepared]] When hillwalking, you should always take along a compass, detailed maps, waterproof clothing, a torch (flashlight), and a good pair of boots. A charged mobile phone can be a lifesaver as some mountain areas have cell coverage from one or more of the networks, any phone is capable of making a 999 or 112 call if there is a signal available on any network, so a phone with no signal is most definitely better than no phone. The weather on the hills can change suddenly, with visibility falling to just a few metres. If hillwalking alone tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back. More advice is available from the [http://www.mountaineering-scotland.org.uk/leaflets/walksafe.html Mountaineering Council of Scotland] The [http://www.mwis.org.uk/ Mountain Weather Information Service (MWIS)] provides detailed weather forecasts for the mountain areas. Beware of midges! These small biting flying insects (similar in looks to small swarming mosquitoes) are prevalent in damp areas, particularly Western Scotland, from around May to September. The bites can itch but they don't carry disease. Midges don't tend to fly in direct sunshine or if it's windy, the worst times are dawn and dusk and near still water or damp areas. Men and boys are often bitten more than women and girls. It is advisable to take some strong insect repellent spray or if outdoors for a while, consider a face net. Tap water in Scotland is safe to drink, if sometimes heavily chlorinated. In some remote or Northern areas it is best to let the tap run for a few seconds before using the water as it may have a slight brown tint. This is due to traces of soil or peat in the supply and nothing dangerous. Generally the further north you go in Scotland the better the water will taste! ==Respect== <!--Before editing this section please view the discussion at [[Talk:Scotland#Respect_for_the_scottish..]]--> It is considered respectful to refer to people from Scotland as "Scots" or "Scottish" as opposed to "British". Most generally feel more Scottish than British so the latter term could cause annoyance with some. Some Scots may be offended by the word "Jock" or being referred to as "Scotch" as opposed to Scottish. Scottish people are often stereotyped as "anti-English" or "anti-British". The truth is that many Scots are critical of the way the [[United Kingdom|'''United Kingdom''']] is run. Most Scottish people still feel it's important to differentiate themselves as having a separate sense of nationality. While it's debated whether or not the Scots language is a variety of English, many Scots proudly consider it to be a separate language altogether. The issues of '''Scottish nationalism''' and '''Scottish independence''' are certainly much debated, and both issues have seen growing attention in the 21st century. An independence referendum was conducted in 2014 which resulted in a 55/45 vote in favour of remaining in the United Kingdom. However, many people who voted for secession remain deeply committed and continue to campaign for the cause. It remains a politically divisive issue, with the 2021 Scottish Parliament election resulting in an almost even vote share between pro-independence and pro-union parties. Whilst nowhere near as sensitive or divisive as in other parts of the world where such movements exist, taking a strong position in favour of either side or their associated political parties could cause some annoyance. Rivalries between various football clubs are a rather sensitive issue. It is a bad idea to wear the colours and shirts of football clubs on match days as this may cause offence or lead to violence if worn in the wrong place. This is a problem mainly confined to Glasgow's "Old Firm" (Celtic and Rangers) derby where there are still sectarian tensions (Celtic wear green and white, Rangers wear blue and white, however orange is also often associated with the latter). Due to the rivalry between the national teams of England and Scotland, you should also avoid wearing England national team shirts. If you find yourself in a pub or bar with Scots, be wary that one person may "buy a round": this is an unspoken convention where, rather than a single person buying drinks for themselves, everyone will take turns buying drinks for the entire party. Not buying a round after someone has bought you a drink may be considered rude. The traditional outfit being mocked or called the wrong name may cause annoyance. The "skirt" is called a '''kilt'''. The "purse" at the front (commonly accented with deer skin, leather and tassels hanging from a chain) is called a '''sporran'''. The hat with the red pom-pom on top is called a '''glengarry'''. It's common practice to carry a '''sgian-dubh''' (small knife) in the sock whilst wearing a kilt. Don't be alarmed by this as they are primarily for aesthetics (although in past times did serve their proper use for a knife) and are usually quite dull or artificial. Kilts are worn by men at formal occasions such as weddings, highland games, and traditional dances. It is crass to make jokes or ask about what someone wears under their kilt. Although it's becoming less common, you may see a burning cross occasionally used as a national symbol. It has historical roots in Scotland: a man would ride through the Highlands with a burning cross to raise an army if Scotland was invaded. The Ku Klux Klan ([[South (United States of America)#Reconstruction and Civil Rights Movement|KKK]]) in the U.S. adopted it. While most Scots are aware of this, here it is just a harmless patriotic image and has no connotation of racial hatred or violence. The Presbyterian '''Church of Scotland''' is the national church in Scotland, which stands in contrast to Anglicanism, the state religion of England and Wales. That said, modern Scotland is a largely secular society, and only a minority of Scots attend church regularly, though the religious background of someone's family often influences their choice of sports team. Most Scots take a live and let live approach towards religion, and as long as you do likewise, you should generally not run into any problems regardless of what religion you choose to practise. Many of the Hebrides and a few pockets of the Highlands lean heavily toward the '''Free Church of Scotland''', with its austere and strict version of Presbyterianism. Its adherents won't try to impose their religion on you, but you should expect many businesses in these areas to be closed on Sunday. You may hear some Scots refer to them as the "Wee Frees" but you shouldn't repeat that as it's often considered pejorative. == Connect == Scotland has the same mobile signal carriers as the rest of the UK: EE, O2, Three and Vodafone. The major cities have 5G and the towns have 4G, even in faraway places like Lerwick and Stornoway, see individual pages for details. Coverage is patchy out in the countryside, so don't rely on getting a signal if you sprain your ankle in the Cairngorms. The ferries have Wifi and mobile coverage but you may incur high charges if your call is routed via the Inmarsat network once you sail beyond reach of the mainland network. == Go next == * [[Northern Ireland]] is a two-hour ferry ride from Stranraer. See fascinating Belfast (with memories of the Titanic), Giant's Causeway on the Antrim coast, and the walled city of Derry. * [[Cumbria]] is the scenic but rain-lashed English Lake District. The main town is [[Keswick]]. * [[Northumberland]] has a dramatic coast, with wave-dashed castles and the Holy Island of [[Lindisfarne]]. {{geo | 57.000 | -5.000 | zoom=7}} {{IsPartOf|United Kingdom}} {{usableregion}} snzgs7e8ibbpp3cekkqrp9nb855i4pl 0 32671 5087007 4913734 2025-07-03T07:36:41Z Rangan Datta Wiki 124323 /* See */ 5087007 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Sibsagar banner.jpg|caption=Rang Ghar|unesco=yes}} '''Sibsagar''' or '''Sivasagar''' ([[Assamese]]: শিৱসাগৰ ''Śivasāgar'' xih-waw-xah-gawr) is a city in [[Upper Assam]]. Sibsagar is famous for its monuments of the [[Ahom kingdom]]. Now it is a multi-cultural city. ==Get in== The nearest airports are [[Jorhat]] (55 km), [[Dibrugarh]] (80 km), and [[Guwahati]] (369 km). Buses ply regularly from Jorhat, Dibrugarh and Guwahati. Sibsagar Town is the beautiful town & it also have a railway station. The Dibrugarh - Yesvantpur Express connects this station. The nearest railway station on the Tinsukia-Guwahati sector of North East Frontier Railways is Simaluguri, 16 km from Sibsagar town. Buses ply regularly from Simaluguri towards Sibsagar. Taxis are also available for hire from the railway station. It is approximately a half-hour bus ride from Simaluguri town. ==Get around== You can get on an autorickshaw as well as a pedal rickshaw. You can also take a tempo. For sightseeing you can hire a car from a local tour operator. ==See== {{Mapframe}} [[File:Charaideo Maidam of Ahom Kings at Charaideo in Sivasagar, Assam 1.jpg|thumb|Maidam no. 1 in Charaideo]] *{{see | name=Rang Ghar | alt=ৰংঘৰ ''Roṁghor'' | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A two-storied building, which was the royal sports-pavilion from which the Ahom kings and nobles witnessed games like buffalo fights and other sports at the Rupahi Pathar (pathar meaning field in Assamese) specially during Rangali Bihu festival in the Ahom capital, Rangpur. On the roof of the Rang Ghar is a design of an Ahom royal long boat. The building was constructed during the reign of Swargadeo Pramatta Singha in 1746. It is north east to the Talatal Ghar a multi-storied royal complex in Joysagar west of Sivasagar town, on the other side of the Assam Trunk (AT) Road in Sibsagar district in Assam.<br />The Rang Ghar is said to be the oldest amphitheater in Asia. The base of the monument has a series of arched entrances and atop the roof is a decorative pair of carved stone crocodiles. In many of these, only the brick framework exists with vestiges of sculptural adornments here and there. The Ahoms, who used special thin baked bricks, did not have the use of cement and, therefore, used a paste of rice and eggs as mortar for their construction. }} *{{see | name=Talatal Ghar | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Built by Rajeswara Singha (AD 1751-1769). All the rooms were connected with small passages. Talatal ghar had three storeys underground and four storeys above ground. The remains of this palace is standing tall in Sivasagar town. Though top levels of the palace having wooden works are completely destroyed. All the rooms were connected with small passages. Similarly the underground levels are closed for tourists. Bortop (guns) preserved in Talatal Ghar. }} * {{see | name=Maidams | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.941175 | long=94.876350 | directions=Charaideo village, 30 km east of Sibsagar | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-07-28 | content=Maidams or moidams, are burial mounds from the 13th-18th centuries. Royals of the Ahom people were buried here, instead of cremated according to usual Hindu practice. In 2024 the area was listed as a {{UNESCO}}, named "India Moidams – the Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty". }} ==Do== ==Buy== ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Burger Point | alt= | url= | email= | address=B.G. Road | lat= | long= | directions=near SBI ATM | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Brahmaputra Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=opposite bus stand | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Hotel Piccolo | url=http://www.hotelpiccolo.in | email=booking@hotelpiccolo.in | address=Arunodoi Path, Boarding Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +91 98592 87203| tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Brahmaputra Hotel | url= | email= | address= Opposite Bus Stand | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Raj Palace Hotel | url= | email= | address= AT Road, Station Charali | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Prashaanti Tourist Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Sivasagar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 772 222394 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2016-08-28 | content=The lodge is operated by Department of Tourism and Assam Tourism Development Corporation Limited. }} ==Connect== ==Go next== *[[Jorhat]] *[[Dibrugarh]] *[[Kaziranga National Park ]] *[[Guwahati]] {{geo|26.98|94.63}} {{IsPartOf|Upper Assam}} {{outlinecity}} fiat3cautrkodtowza8rxdpdgnch6yc 5087008 5087007 2025-07-03T07:37:51Z Rangan Datta Wiki 124323 /* See */ Updated listing for Rang Ghar 5087008 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Sibsagar banner.jpg|caption=Rang Ghar|unesco=yes}} '''Sibsagar''' or '''Sivasagar''' ([[Assamese]]: শিৱসাগৰ ''Śivasāgar'' xih-waw-xah-gawr) is a city in [[Upper Assam]]. Sibsagar is famous for its monuments of the [[Ahom kingdom]]. Now it is a multi-cultural city. ==Get in== The nearest airports are [[Jorhat]] (55 km), [[Dibrugarh]] (80 km), and [[Guwahati]] (369 km). Buses ply regularly from Jorhat, Dibrugarh and Guwahati. Sibsagar Town is the beautiful town & it also have a railway station. The Dibrugarh - Yesvantpur Express connects this station. The nearest railway station on the Tinsukia-Guwahati sector of North East Frontier Railways is Simaluguri, 16 km from Sibsagar town. Buses ply regularly from Simaluguri towards Sibsagar. Taxis are also available for hire from the railway station. It is approximately a half-hour bus ride from Simaluguri town. ==Get around== You can get on an autorickshaw as well as a pedal rickshaw. You can also take a tempo. For sightseeing you can hire a car from a local tour operator. ==See== {{Mapframe}} [[File:Charaideo Maidam of Ahom Kings at Charaideo in Sivasagar, Assam 1.jpg|thumb|Maidam no. 1 in Charaideo]] *{{see | name=Rang Ghar | alt=ৰংঘৰ ''Roṁghor'' | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.967367 | long=94.619149 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A two-storied building, which was the royal sports-pavilion from which the Ahom kings and nobles witnessed games like buffalo fights and other sports at the Rupahi Pathar (pathar meaning field in Assamese) specially during Rangali Bihu festival in the Ahom capital, Rangpur. On the roof of the Rang Ghar is a design of an Ahom royal long boat. The building was constructed during the reign of Swargadeo Pramatta Singha in 1746. It is north east to the Talatal Ghar a multi-storied royal complex in Joysagar west of Sivasagar town, on the other side of the Assam Trunk (AT) Road in Sibsagar district in Assam.<br />The Rang Ghar is said to be the oldest amphitheater in Asia. The base of the monument has a series of arched entrances and atop the roof is a decorative pair of carved stone crocodiles. In many of these, only the brick framework exists with vestiges of sculptural adornments here and there. The Ahoms, who used special thin baked bricks, did not have the use of cement and, therefore, used a paste of rice and eggs as mortar for their construction. }} *{{see | name=Talatal Ghar | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Built by Rajeswara Singha (AD 1751-1769). All the rooms were connected with small passages. Talatal ghar had three storeys underground and four storeys above ground. The remains of this palace is standing tall in Sivasagar town. Though top levels of the palace having wooden works are completely destroyed. All the rooms were connected with small passages. Similarly the underground levels are closed for tourists. Bortop (guns) preserved in Talatal Ghar. }} * {{see | name=Maidams | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.941175 | long=94.876350 | directions=Charaideo village, 30 km east of Sibsagar | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-07-28 | content=Maidams or moidams, are burial mounds from the 13th-18th centuries. Royals of the Ahom people were buried here, instead of cremated according to usual Hindu practice. In 2024 the area was listed as a {{UNESCO}}, named "India Moidams – the Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty". }} ==Do== ==Buy== ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Burger Point | alt= | url= | email= | address=B.G. Road | lat= | long= | directions=near SBI ATM | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Brahmaputra Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=opposite bus stand | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Hotel Piccolo | url=http://www.hotelpiccolo.in | email=booking@hotelpiccolo.in | address=Arunodoi Path, Boarding Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +91 98592 87203| tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Brahmaputra Hotel | url= | email= | address= Opposite Bus Stand | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Raj Palace Hotel | url= | email= | address= AT Road, Station Charali | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Prashaanti Tourist Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Sivasagar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 772 222394 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2016-08-28 | content=The lodge is operated by Department of Tourism and Assam Tourism Development Corporation Limited. }} ==Connect== ==Go next== *[[Jorhat]] *[[Dibrugarh]] *[[Kaziranga National Park ]] *[[Guwahati]] {{geo|26.98|94.63}} {{IsPartOf|Upper Assam}} {{outlinecity}} 434jb4a2xia7ovj9s943e3sst9b4gu7 5087009 5087008 2025-07-03T07:39:02Z Rangan Datta Wiki 124323 /* See */ Updated listing for Talatal Ghar 5087009 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Sibsagar banner.jpg|caption=Rang Ghar|unesco=yes}} '''Sibsagar''' or '''Sivasagar''' ([[Assamese]]: শিৱসাগৰ ''Śivasāgar'' xih-waw-xah-gawr) is a city in [[Upper Assam]]. Sibsagar is famous for its monuments of the [[Ahom kingdom]]. Now it is a multi-cultural city. ==Get in== The nearest airports are [[Jorhat]] (55 km), [[Dibrugarh]] (80 km), and [[Guwahati]] (369 km). Buses ply regularly from Jorhat, Dibrugarh and Guwahati. Sibsagar Town is the beautiful town & it also have a railway station. The Dibrugarh - Yesvantpur Express connects this station. The nearest railway station on the Tinsukia-Guwahati sector of North East Frontier Railways is Simaluguri, 16 km from Sibsagar town. Buses ply regularly from Simaluguri towards Sibsagar. Taxis are also available for hire from the railway station. It is approximately a half-hour bus ride from Simaluguri town. ==Get around== You can get on an autorickshaw as well as a pedal rickshaw. You can also take a tempo. For sightseeing you can hire a car from a local tour operator. ==See== {{Mapframe}} [[File:Charaideo Maidam of Ahom Kings at Charaideo in Sivasagar, Assam 1.jpg|thumb|Maidam no. 1 in Charaideo]] *{{see | name=Rang Ghar | alt=ৰংঘৰ ''Roṁghor'' | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.967367 | long=94.619149 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A two-storied building, which was the royal sports-pavilion from which the Ahom kings and nobles witnessed games like buffalo fights and other sports at the Rupahi Pathar (pathar meaning field in Assamese) specially during Rangali Bihu festival in the Ahom capital, Rangpur. On the roof of the Rang Ghar is a design of an Ahom royal long boat. The building was constructed during the reign of Swargadeo Pramatta Singha in 1746. It is north east to the Talatal Ghar a multi-storied royal complex in Joysagar west of Sivasagar town, on the other side of the Assam Trunk (AT) Road in Sibsagar district in Assam.<br />The Rang Ghar is said to be the oldest amphitheater in Asia. The base of the monument has a series of arched entrances and atop the roof is a decorative pair of carved stone crocodiles. In many of these, only the brick framework exists with vestiges of sculptural adornments here and there. The Ahoms, who used special thin baked bricks, did not have the use of cement and, therefore, used a paste of rice and eggs as mortar for their construction. }} *{{see | name=Talatal Ghar | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.966325 | long=94.624543 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Built by Rajeswara Singha (AD 1751-1769). All the rooms were connected with small passages. Talatal ghar had three storeys underground and four storeys above ground. The remains of this palace is standing tall in Sivasagar town. Though top levels of the palace having wooden works are completely destroyed. All the rooms were connected with small passages. Similarly the underground levels are closed for tourists. Bortop (guns) preserved in Talatal Ghar. }} * {{see | name=Maidams | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.941175 | long=94.876350 | directions=Charaideo village, 30 km east of Sibsagar | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-07-28 | content=Maidams or moidams, are burial mounds from the 13th-18th centuries. Royals of the Ahom people were buried here, instead of cremated according to usual Hindu practice. In 2024 the area was listed as a {{UNESCO}}, named "India Moidams – the Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty". }} ==Do== ==Buy== ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Burger Point | alt= | url= | email= | address=B.G. Road | lat= | long= | directions=near SBI ATM | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Brahmaputra Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=opposite bus stand | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Hotel Piccolo | url=http://www.hotelpiccolo.in | email=booking@hotelpiccolo.in | address=Arunodoi Path, Boarding Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +91 98592 87203| tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Brahmaputra Hotel | url= | email= | address= Opposite Bus Stand | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Raj Palace Hotel | url= | email= | address= AT Road, Station Charali | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Prashaanti Tourist Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Sivasagar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 772 222394 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2016-08-28 | content=The lodge is operated by Department of Tourism and Assam Tourism Development Corporation Limited. }} ==Connect== ==Go next== *[[Jorhat]] *[[Dibrugarh]] *[[Kaziranga National Park ]] *[[Guwahati]] {{geo|26.98|94.63}} {{IsPartOf|Upper Assam}} {{outlinecity}} jpbamfh9x9h87i9wimmbm9gbjw4zkoa 0 32681 5086752 5073612 2025-07-02T19:09:18Z Kned Wiki 2327203 /* Provinces */ Added new description for Trapani to show depth of the region's offering 5086752 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Sicily banner landscape.jpg|unesco=yes}} '''Sicily''' ([[Italian phrasebook|Italian]]: ''Sicilia'') is a rugged and beautiful island on the southern tip of [[Italy]]. Sicily's sunny, dry climate, scenery, cuisine, history, and architecture attract many tourists from the rest of Italy and abroad. Mount Etna, the beaches, the archaeological sites, and major cities such as Palermo, Catania, Syracuse and Ragusa are the favourite tourist destinations, but the old town of Taormina and the neighbouring seaside resort of Giardini Naxos draw visitors from all over the world, as do the Aeolian Islands, Erice, Terrasini, Castellammare del Golfo, Cefalù, Agrigento, the Pelagie Islands and Capo d'Orlando. The last features some of the best-preserved temples of the ancient Greek period. Many Mediterranean cruise ships stop in Sicily, and many wine tourists also visit the island. ==Provinces== {{Mapframe|37.521|14.002|zoom=7|width=650|staticmap=Map of region of Sicily, Italy, with provinces-it.svg}} {{Mapshape}} {{Regionlist | region1name=[[Agrigento (province)|Agrigento]] | region1color=#a5c15d | region1items= | region1description=The archaeological remains of Greek antiquity here are among the main tourist attractions of Italy. | region2name=[[Caltanissetta (province)|Caltanissetta]] | region2color=#ffb261 | region2items= | region2description=Tourism here is the least developed in Sicily, which provides opportunities for the more adventurous traveller. | region3name=[[Catania (province)|Metropolitan City of Catania]] | region3color=#b496cd | region3items= | region3description= [[Mount Etna]] (the highest active volcano in Europe) is a highlight of a visit to Sicily. | region4name=[[Enna (province)|Enna]] | region4color=#8fb6d9 | region4items= | region4description=In the only province that is not adjacent to the sea, the Villa '''Romana del Casale''' in [[Piazza Armerina]] is on the [[UNESCO World Heritage List]]. | region5name=[[Messina (province)|Metropolitan City of Messina]] | region5color=#f8c300 | region5items= | region5description= The gates to the island, also famous for [[Taormina]] and its '''Greek Theatre'''. | region6name=[[Palermo (province)|Metropolitan City of Palermo]] | region6color=#80d2bb | region6items= | region6description=A popular tourist destination, in particular the city of [[Palermo]] with its monumental art and culture, and the beaches of [[Mondello]] and [[Cefalù]]. | region7name=[[Ragusa (province)|Ragusa]] | region7color=#e4db5e | region7items= | region7description=The baroque towns of [[Ragusa]], [[Modica]] and [[Scicli]]. | region8name=[[Syracuse (province)|Syracuse]] | region8color=#89c7b6 | region8items= | region8description=The beautiful city of [[Syracuse (Italy)|Syracuse]], [[Noto]] and [[Palazzolo Acreide]], and the archaeological site [[Pantalica]], all included on the [[UNESCO World Heritage List]]. | region9name=[[Trapani (province)|Trapani]] | region9color=#bc8a99 | region9items= | region9description=Beaches meet mountains in reserves like [[Zingaro Nature Reserve|Zingaro]], with sailing to the [[Aegadian Islands]], ancient sites, the hilltop town of [[Erice]], and a strong [[Trapani Wine Region|wine]] tradition. }} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#a5c15d|title=[[Agrigento (province)|Agrigento]]|wikidata=Q16112}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#ffb261|title=[[Caltanissetta (province)|Caltanissetta]]|wikidata=Q16150}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#b496cd|title=[[Catania (province)|Catania]]|wikidata=Q16154}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#8fb6d9|title=[[Enna (province)|Enna]]|wikidata=Q16166}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#f8c300|title=[[Messina (province)|Messina]]|wikidata=Q16208}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#80d2bb|title=[[Palermo (province)|Palermo]]|wikidata=Q16227}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#e4db5e|title=[[Ragusa (province)|Ragusa]]|wikidata=Q16251}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#89c7b6|title=[[Syracuse (province)|Syracuse]]|wikidata=Q16277}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#bc8a99|title=[[Trapani (province)|Trapani]]|wikidata=Q16288}} ==Cities== [[File:Cefalù (3).jpg|thumb|500px|[[Cefalù]]]] <!--before changing this list, please discuss this first the Talk page. This list has a maximum of nine cities. --> *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Palermo]]|url=|lat=38.116667|long=13.366667|wikidata=Q2656}} – the throbbing capital city is noted for its history, culture, architecture and gastronomy; it is over 2,700 years old *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Agrigento]]|url=|lat=37.316667|long=13.583333|wikidata=Q13678}} – to the south and particularly noted for the Valle dei Templi (Valley of Temples) (UNESCO World Heritage) *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Catania]]|url=|lat=37.5016|long=15.0817|wikidata=Q1903}} – busy university city and economic centre, great for nightlife, the gate to Mount Etna (UNESCO World Heritage) *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Gela]]|url=|lat=37.0649|long=14.2528|wikidata=Q39971}} – one of the most important old Greek cities, archaeological centre and sea resort on the south coast *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Marsala]]|url=|lat=37.7982|long=12.4438|wikidata=Q481514}} – interesting museum, home of the famous wine *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Messina]]|url=|lat=38.1931|long=15.5527|wikidata=Q13666}} – busy city and link to the mainland *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Ragusa]]|url=|lat=36.9162|long=14.7152|wikidata=Q13674}} – impressive baroque architecture (UNESCO World Heritage) *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Syracuse (Italy)|Syracuse]]|url=|lat=37.0640|long=15.2930|wikidata=Q13670}} (''Siracusa'') – attractive old town mostly based on the small (1km by 500m) island of Ortigia and Greek ruins (UNESCO World Heritage) *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Trapani]]|url=|lat=38.0156|long=12.5427|wikidata=Q13664}} – attractive city and gateway to Pantelleria and the Egadi islands ==Other destinations== [[Image:Aeolian_islands.jpg|thumb|350px|The Aeolian Islands]] * '''Val di Noto''' – a region at SE of the Sicily, famous for its Baroque art. 8 towns are inscribed on the [[UNESCO_World_Heritage_List#Italy|UNESCO World Heritage List]]: [[Caltagirone]], [[Militello in Val di Catania]], [[Catania]], [[Modica]], [[Noto]], [[Palazzolo Acreide]], [[Ragusa]], and [[Scicli]]. *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Aegadian Islands]]|url=|lat=37.966667|long=12.2|wikidata=Q109576}} (''Isole Egadi'') – relaxing islands off the west coast *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Aeolian Islands]]|url=|lat=38.533333|long=14.9|wikidata=Q179883}} (''Isole Eolie'') – beautiful group of volcanic islands (UNESCO World Heritage) *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Madonie Regional Natural Park]]|url=|lat=37.883333|long=14.016667|wikidata=Q1858387}} – it has some of the highest mountains in Sicily *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Mount Etna]]|url=|lat=37.755|long=14.995|wikidata=Q16990}} – an impressive 3323m, Europe's highest active volcano *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Mozia]]|url=|lat=37.868333|long=12.468611|wikidata=Q962184}} – ancient Punic city built on the island of Mozia overlooking Marsala *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Pantelleria]]|url=|lat=36.833333|long=11.95|wikidata=Q481758}} – Arab-influenced solitude *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Pelagie Islands]]|url=|lat=35.676111|long=12.616389|wikidata=Q108489}} (''Isole Pelagie'') – most southern, in the Mediterranean Sea *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Segesta]]|url=|lat=37.941389|long=12.832222|wikidata=Q692847}} – another Greek temple, theatre and ruins *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Selinunte]]|url=|lat=37.583611|long=12.824722|wikidata=Q952173}} – another group of impressive Greek temples and ruins of Greek city *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Sciacca]]|url=|lat=37.509167|long=13.088889|wikidata=Q432681}} – small port town in the province Agrigento. ==Understand== Sicily is one of the country's 20 regions, and it is separated from the mainland region of [[Calabria]] by the 5-km '''Straits of Messina'''. Sicily has a long history of foreign domination, from the Phoenicians to the Greeks and the Romans, Arabs, Normans, and Catalans. The result is a mixed culture where every single domination left something to see, to taste, and to hear. The tourist season peaks in the summer months, although people visit the island all year round. It can get very hot during the summer, so it is better to visit during spring and autumn, while it is still quite pleasant during winter. The Sicilians are a proud people. Though most are somewhat conservative, they are open-minded to visitors. ===Climate=== Being the overall hottest region in Europe, Sicily has a '''Mediterranean climate''', with very hot, long and dry summers and very mild to warm winters. Sicily is very sunny, even in winter. Most cities only receive 40 days of precipitation throughout the year (with the exception of the quite rainy [[Messina]]) and when it does rain, it usually happens in winter. Humidity is generally low. The only exception to the stereotyped climate of Sicily is the little city of [[Enna]] (as well as some villages in the mountains), which is foggy and relatively cold in winter. This is due to the altitude of the city, the highest in Italy for a provincial capital (931 m). Enna is also the foggiest city in Italy, with about 140 foggy days a year on average. {{Climate| units = Metric | janhigh = 20 | febhigh = 21 | marhigh = 23 | aprhigh = 25 | mayhigh = 28 | junhigh = 33 | julhigh = 35 | aughigh = 36 | sephigh = 32 | octhigh = 28 | novhigh = 23 | dechigh = 20 | janlow = 12 | feblow = 13 | marlow = 15 | aprlow = 18 | maylow = 20 | junlow = 24 | jullow = 26 | auglow = 27 | seplow = 23 | octlow = 20 | novlow = 15 | declow = 12 | janprecip = 49 | febprecip = 40 | marprecip = 33 | aprprecip = 15 | mayprecip = 9 | junprecip = 3 | julprecip = 0 | augprecip = 1 | sepprecip = 8 | octprecip = 32 | novprecip = 56 | decprecip = 52 | description = Sicily Climate Averages }} ===Tourist information === * [http://www.visitsicily.info/en/ Visit Sicily] website ==Talk== Natives of Sicily speak '''Sicilian''', an ancient Romance language that is a separate language from [[Italian phrasebook|Italian]] (even if it's called ''dialetto''). The official language is '''Italian''', and almost all Sicilians speak it, often with a strong Sicilian accent. '''English''' is taught in all schools but few people can speak it. People who are more likely to speak English are the ones who work in the touristy areas; also, young and educated people usually can speak at least basic English, but with a funny pronunciation and a strong accent. That's because in most schools the teachers focus on grammar rather than pronunciation. People who study languages in university generally have a good pronunciation. Most people above 50 never studied English in schools and they are extremely unlikely to know more than a few words. ==Get in== ===By plane === Sicily's main airports are in Palermo and Catania. * [[Catania#By plane|Catania]] International Airport is the larger/busiest airport, with domestic flights to most parts of Italy, some international routes and many charter flights. * [[Palermo#By plane|Palermo]] Airport is the second airport, with a good range of domestic flights and international budget flights. * [[Trapani#By plane|Trapani]] Airport is the third airport which is served by low-cost Ryanair. * [[Ragusa#By plane|Comiso]] Airport near Ragusa is served by Ryanair. * There are also two other smaller airports in Sicily on the minor islands: [[Pantelleria#By plane|Pantelleria]] Airport and [[Lampedusa#By plane|Lampedusa]] Airport, which connect to Italy. * [[Palermo#By plane|Palermo]]-Boccadifalco is a military airport open to national civil traffic. ===By train=== Sicily is linked to the main Italian train network at [[Messina]]. Long distance trains from [[Rome]] and [[Naples]] and [[Milano]] cross the '''Straits of Messina''' by railferry and continue on to [[Palermo]] and [[Catania]]. From [[Naples]], it usually takes 8 hours, 10 from [[Rome]], the train stops at Villa San Giovanni train station for about 10-15 minutes. Then it's rolled down to the Villa S.G. ferry dock, where you wait about 20 minutes before the train rolls onto one of the ferries. On the ferry, you should get on the deck and watch the sea. It's a wonderful view, but don't forget the number of your train. The 2010 timetable offers these direct trains: * '''IC''' Roma - Napoli - Messina - Palermo / Siracusa ''2x daily'' * '''ICN''' Roma - Palermo ''InterCity Notte: Nighttrain, Seats, Couchette and Sleeper'' * '''ICN''' Roma - Siracusa ''InterCity Notte: Nighttrain, Seats, Couchette and Sleeper'' * '''E''' Venezia - Bologna - Firenze - Palermo/Siracusa ''Espresso: Fast-Train with Sleeper and Couchette only'' * '''E''' Milano - Bologna - Firenze - Palermo/Siracusa ''Espresso: Fast-Train with Sleeper and Couchette only'' * '''E''' Turino - Genova - Palermo/Siracusa ''Espresso: Fast-Train with Sleeper and Couchette only'' * '''E''' (Milano - ) Roma - Catania - Agrigento ''Espresso: Fast-Train only seating accommodation; from Milano 3x per week; from Roma daily'' But you don't have to take a direct train. You can also take a train from [[Rome]] to Villa San Giovanni, and walk onboard the rail ferries (or another BLUVIA ferry), and take a local train from Messina centrale to [[Palermo]] and [[Catania]] Detailed information is available at: * '''[http://www.trenitalia.it Trenitalia]''' '''Car-train''' There are running car-trains from [[Venezia]] and [[Rome]] to Catania and Palermo. This is a great offer for those who don't want to ride a car all day. you park your car onto a train. And some hours later, you can get your car at the Catania train station or Palermo, depends on what city you bought a ticket to. The car trains also run along with the night trains, so this is a great option. Be aware: some trains on the island are very slow, for example it takes more than 7 hours between Siracusa and Trapani and it's about 450 km. But the IC (InterCity) trains that travel between Sicily and other Italian cities run much faster. ===By bus=== [https://orariautobus.it/ Long-distance buses]{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} link [[Rome]] and [[Naples]] to [[Catania]] and [[Palermo]]. ===By boat=== Large, cruise-ferries link [[Palermo]] with [[Civitavecchia]], [[Naples]], [[Genoa]], [[Livorno]], [[Sardinia]] and other Mediterranean destinations (Be sure to reserva a place for your car, or yourself, if you are a pedestrian.) Because only the Messina Strait ferries are open without reservation. There are also car ferries between [[Milazzo]], the [[Aeolian Islands]] and [[Naples]], and between [[Trapani]] and [[Tunis]]. From [[Catania]] you can reach [[Naples]] and [[Malta]]. From [[Messina]] you can reach [[Salerno]]. See all current ferry connections at [https://ferryroutes.com/sicily/ Ferryroutes] or [https://www.ferryhopper.com/ Ferryhopper]. Is Across the Straits of Messina, there are at least hourly ferries between [[Messina]] on Sicily and [[Villa San Giovanni]] (14 km north of ''Reggio di Calabria'') on the mainland. There are at least twenty of them, so don't worry about timetables or waiting too long. If you only drive a car, you can also drive on-board the BLUVIA rail/train ferries. There are also several hydrofoils each day between Messina and [[Reggio di Calabria]]. If you do worry about timetables, which is not necessary, check [https://carontetourist.it/en carontetourist.it]: * This one takes you right into [[Messina]] city and connects you to the [[Palermo]] - [[Catania]] highway: * And this one takes you to [[Messina]] Sud (Tremestieri) And does also connect you to the highway. This route is more for the people driving towards Catania: And there are also ferries running from [[Reggio di Calabria]], to Messina-Sud (Tremestieri): [http://www.meridianolines.it/orari.html] There are Catamarans and ferries running from [[Malta]] to [[Pozzallo]] (90 min) and [[Catania]] (3 hr). [http://www.virtuferries.com]{{Dead link|date=April 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} ==Get around== Although public transport is very good during the week, there are not many services on '''Sundays''' - check the timetable carefully and ask the locals. ===By car=== The main roads are good, with four motorways (Catania-Palermo, Palermo-Mazara and Catania-Noto which are toll-free and Messina-Palermo where you have to pay). Little roads, mainly in mountain zones, are slower but offer great views. For some regions you need to have snow chains in your car. For instance around [[Mount Etna]] you need them on board from 1 December until 31 March. These roads are marked "transito con catene". Fines start at €80. '''Motorways''' *A18 Messina - Catania ('''toll''') *A18 Catania - Siracusa *A18 Siracusa - Ragusa - Gela (under construction - open from Siracusa to Noto) *A19 Palermo - Catania (free) *A20 Messina - Palermo ('''toll''') *A29 Palermo - Mazzara (free) *A29dir Alcamo - Trapani (free) ===By train=== The [http://www.ferroviedellostato.it railway network] in Sicily is quite good and cheap. Regular, quite fast trains run on the main lines between [[Messina]] and [[Palermo]] and [[Catania]], with fewer trains on the other routes. Trains on some routes can be infrequent and slow so it's worth checking times in advance and having a plan B. Sometimes a service listed on a station timetable is actually a bus service leaving from outside the station. As in the rest of Italy, tickets '''must''' be validated in the yellow machines found at stations - conductors ''may'' be lenient to tourists who didn't know this, but not necessarily. ===By bus=== The bus network in Sicily is quite extensive and cheap. The main hubs are [[Palermo]] and [[Catania]], but routes link most of the main towns frequently and most small towns at least once a day. From virtually any town you will be able to get a bus direct to Palermo. For the AST company, go to the [http://www.aziendasicilianatrasporti.it/ website] and click on 'Autolinee'. There is also [http://www.interbus.it/ Interbus]. ===By boat=== There are regular ferries and hydrofoils from Sicily to its islands, although services are somewhat reduced during Spring and Autumn and even more so during Winter. Individual companies: SIREMAR [http://www.siremar.it/], [http://eng.libertylines.it/ Liberty Lines]{{Dead link|date=May 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} and [http://www.ngi-spa.it/default.asp NGI]. The main routes are: *The [[Aeolian Islands]] from [[Milazzo]]. A few also run in Summer from [[Napoli]], [[Cefalu]], [[Palermo]] and [[Messina]]. *[[Ustica]] from [[Palermo]]. *[[Trapani]] to the [[Egadi Islands]] and [[Pantelleria]]. *[[Porto Empedocle]] (near [[Agrigento]]) to [[Lampedusa]] and ''Linosa'' ===By plane=== If you have less time and more money, there are flights to [[Pantelleria]] and [[Lampedusa]]. From [[Enna]] Water Aerodrome (Nicoletti Lake) with amphibious aircraft you can reach the [[Aeolian Islands]], Palermo and [[Siracusa]]. ==See== [[File:Agrigent BW 2012-10-07 12-52-27.JPG|thumb|300px|Temple of Concord, Agrigento]] See locations pages for respective list of attractions. Check with the [https://www.visitsicily.info/en/ region's tourism web pages] for updates. ==Do== The Parks and the Nature Reserve are not very well organized but for this reason you'll have the opportunity to enjoy and discover the Sicilian Mountains and nature. There are some wonderful treks on which to enjoy the beauty of the main Sicilian sites such as the Nebrodi mountains, Madonie mountains, Etna volcano. ==Eat== [[Image:SyracuseFishMarket.jpg|thumb|Fish market at Syracuse]] Making the most of its island coasts, Sicily has one of the world's best cuisines to offer. Much of the island's food is made with creatures of the sea. Unlike in the northern parts of Italy, cream and butter are hardly used for typical dishes in Sicily. Instead, the natives usually substitute tomatoes, lard (rarely) or olive oil. The cuisine uses many spices, and has a number of unique flavours. Sicilians cultivate a uniquely Sicilian type of olive tree, which they affectionately call the "saracena". The food is typically Mediterranean but there are strong hints of Arabic and Spanish flavour (Sicily was conquered by many peoples during its long history). Sicilians like spices and have particular affinity for almond, jasmine, rosemary, mint and basil. Sicilians notoriously have a sweet tooth and are among the best dessert-makers in Italy. Try 'cannoli' (tubular pastries filled with sweet ricotta cheese), 'granita' (ices mixed with real crushed fruit and juices), and their most famous export, 'cassata' (Arabic-inspired cake). Make sure to try the very popular pine-nut and almond biscuits. 'Arancini' (sometimes ''Arancine''), fried rice balls with fillings, is a Sicilian fast food that is relatively cheap. They can be hard to find outside Sicily, so try them while you're there. ==Drink== Sicilians are not big alcohol drinkers (Sicily has the lowest rate of alcoholism in Italy) although the island is home to more vineyards than any other Italian region and has one of Italy's most progressive wine industries. Noted mainly in the past for strong bulk wines and often sweet Moscato and Marsala, the island has switched its emphasis toward lighter, fruitier white and red wines. Sicily is divided into three main producing wine districts: * Trapani province in the west; * Etna in the east; * Noto and Ragusa on the southeast tip. Best known Sicilian wines: Marsala, Nero d'Avola, Bianco d'Alcamo, Malvasia, Passito di Pantelleria, Cerasuolo di Vittoria, Etna Rosso, Etna Bianco. Some Sicilian wine producers: Planeta; Cusumano; Tasca d’Almerita; Tenuta di Donnafugata; Feudo Principi di Butera (Zonin); Morgante; Duca di Salaparuta; Benanti; Palari; Firriato; Marco De Batoli; Salvatore Murana; Icone. Sicilians enjoy a fruity lemon liqueur called Limoncello during the long, hot and dry summers. ==Stay safe== Most of Sicily's small/middle-sized cities and villages are completely safe. Big cities like Palermo, Catania and Messina are also safe but you should be aware of pickpockets and scammers in touristy areas. Some suburbs of Palermo (Zen, Brancaccio, Borgo Nuovo) and Catania (San Cristoforo, Librino) are quite dangerous, but are almost never visited by tourists. The well-known mafia, which is also present in most parts of Italy, is almost never involved in crimes against visitors. '''Driving habits''' in Sicily (and in most of the south of Italy) are very different from what you may be accustomed to, especially in big cities. Turn signals are not used, and parking is haphazard. Driving outside the big cities is OK, especially in highways (''Autostrade'') and in the main roads in general. Provincial roads in the interior of the island can be in bad condition. On trains, especially during the night, keep your wits about you, and try to stay with other passengers. ==Respect== Even if it's constantly decreasing, the '''Mafia''' is still active in some parts of Sicily, causing many problems and damaging the region's economy. Most Sicilians know that and are very upset about it; they are also very aware of the mafia-related crimes that have happened in the region. Many organisations, like AddioPizzo and Libera, have been founded specifically to fight the mafia. ''Do not'' make jokes about the mafia, and ''never'' say that all Sicilians are "mafiosi", even if it's a joke. In general Sicilians are quite conservative and religious, although most young and educated people are becoming fairly liberal, especially in big cities. However public displays of affection between LGBT couples are best avoided: even in big cities, stares and whispers are almost always guaranteed, and sometimes something more can happen. Shorts and clothes showing much skin are OK everywhere but in churches. Although quite common in the centre and north of Italy, '''blasphemy''' is definitely not cool in Sicily. Most people in Sicily are Catholic and expect visitors to respect their religion. ==Go next== Why not explore neighbouring [[Sardinia]]? You have the chance to visit the second-largest island in the Mediterranean. You can also explore more of what [[Southern Italy]] has to offer. {{outlineregion}} {{geo|37.5000|14.0000|zoom=8}} {{isPartOf|Italy}} p945j0yqdi7zezzcm1hgjc3s0b4uwud 5086760 5086752 2025-07-02T19:32:17Z Kned Wiki 2327203 /* Other destinations */ Added western Sicily destinations 5086760 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Sicily banner landscape.jpg|unesco=yes}} '''Sicily''' ([[Italian phrasebook|Italian]]: ''Sicilia'') is a rugged and beautiful island on the southern tip of [[Italy]]. Sicily's sunny, dry climate, scenery, cuisine, history, and architecture attract many tourists from the rest of Italy and abroad. Mount Etna, the beaches, the archaeological sites, and major cities such as Palermo, Catania, Syracuse and Ragusa are the favourite tourist destinations, but the old town of Taormina and the neighbouring seaside resort of Giardini Naxos draw visitors from all over the world, as do the Aeolian Islands, Erice, Terrasini, Castellammare del Golfo, Cefalù, Agrigento, the Pelagie Islands and Capo d'Orlando. The last features some of the best-preserved temples of the ancient Greek period. Many Mediterranean cruise ships stop in Sicily, and many wine tourists also visit the island. ==Provinces== {{Mapframe|37.521|14.002|zoom=7|width=650|staticmap=Map of region of Sicily, Italy, with provinces-it.svg}} {{Mapshape}} {{Regionlist | region1name=[[Agrigento (province)|Agrigento]] | region1color=#a5c15d | region1items= | region1description=The archaeological remains of Greek antiquity here are among the main tourist attractions of Italy. | region2name=[[Caltanissetta (province)|Caltanissetta]] | region2color=#ffb261 | region2items= | region2description=Tourism here is the least developed in Sicily, which provides opportunities for the more adventurous traveller. | region3name=[[Catania (province)|Metropolitan City of Catania]] | region3color=#b496cd | region3items= | region3description= [[Mount Etna]] (the highest active volcano in Europe) is a highlight of a visit to Sicily. | region4name=[[Enna (province)|Enna]] | region4color=#8fb6d9 | region4items= | region4description=In the only province that is not adjacent to the sea, the Villa '''Romana del Casale''' in [[Piazza Armerina]] is on the [[UNESCO World Heritage List]]. | region5name=[[Messina (province)|Metropolitan City of Messina]] | region5color=#f8c300 | region5items= | region5description= The gates to the island, also famous for [[Taormina]] and its '''Greek Theatre'''. | region6name=[[Palermo (province)|Metropolitan City of Palermo]] | region6color=#80d2bb | region6items= | region6description=A popular tourist destination, in particular the city of [[Palermo]] with its monumental art and culture, and the beaches of [[Mondello]] and [[Cefalù]]. | region7name=[[Ragusa (province)|Ragusa]] | region7color=#e4db5e | region7items= | region7description=The baroque towns of [[Ragusa]], [[Modica]] and [[Scicli]]. | region8name=[[Syracuse (province)|Syracuse]] | region8color=#89c7b6 | region8items= | region8description=The beautiful city of [[Syracuse (Italy)|Syracuse]], [[Noto]] and [[Palazzolo Acreide]], and the archaeological site [[Pantalica]], all included on the [[UNESCO World Heritage List]]. | region9name=[[Trapani (province)|Trapani]] | region9color=#bc8a99 | region9items= | region9description=Beaches meet mountains in reserves like [[Zingaro Nature Reserve|Zingaro]], with sailing to the [[Aegadian Islands]], ancient sites, the hilltop town of [[Erice]], and a strong [[Trapani Wine Region|wine]] tradition. }} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#a5c15d|title=[[Agrigento (province)|Agrigento]]|wikidata=Q16112}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#ffb261|title=[[Caltanissetta (province)|Caltanissetta]]|wikidata=Q16150}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#b496cd|title=[[Catania (province)|Catania]]|wikidata=Q16154}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#8fb6d9|title=[[Enna (province)|Enna]]|wikidata=Q16166}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#f8c300|title=[[Messina (province)|Messina]]|wikidata=Q16208}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#80d2bb|title=[[Palermo (province)|Palermo]]|wikidata=Q16227}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#e4db5e|title=[[Ragusa (province)|Ragusa]]|wikidata=Q16251}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#89c7b6|title=[[Syracuse (province)|Syracuse]]|wikidata=Q16277}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#bc8a99|title=[[Trapani (province)|Trapani]]|wikidata=Q16288}} ==Cities== [[File:Cefalù (3).jpg|thumb|500px|[[Cefalù]]]] <!--before changing this list, please discuss this first the Talk page. This list has a maximum of nine cities. --> *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Palermo]]|url=|lat=38.116667|long=13.366667|wikidata=Q2656}} – the throbbing capital city is noted for its history, culture, architecture and gastronomy; it is over 2,700 years old *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Agrigento]]|url=|lat=37.316667|long=13.583333|wikidata=Q13678}} – to the south and particularly noted for the Valle dei Templi (Valley of Temples) (UNESCO World Heritage) *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Catania]]|url=|lat=37.5016|long=15.0817|wikidata=Q1903}} – busy university city and economic centre, great for nightlife, the gate to Mount Etna (UNESCO World Heritage) *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Gela]]|url=|lat=37.0649|long=14.2528|wikidata=Q39971}} – one of the most important old Greek cities, archaeological centre and sea resort on the south coast *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Marsala]]|url=|lat=37.7982|long=12.4438|wikidata=Q481514}} – interesting museum, home of the famous wine *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Messina]]|url=|lat=38.1931|long=15.5527|wikidata=Q13666}} – busy city and link to the mainland *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Ragusa]]|url=|lat=36.9162|long=14.7152|wikidata=Q13674}} – impressive baroque architecture (UNESCO World Heritage) *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Syracuse (Italy)|Syracuse]]|url=|lat=37.0640|long=15.2930|wikidata=Q13670}} (''Siracusa'') – attractive old town mostly based on the small (1km by 500m) island of Ortigia and Greek ruins (UNESCO World Heritage) *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Trapani]]|url=|lat=38.0156|long=12.5427|wikidata=Q13664}} – attractive city and gateway to Pantelleria and the Egadi islands ==Other destinations== [[Image:Aeolian_islands.jpg|thumb|350px|The Aeolian Islands]] * '''Val di Noto''' – a region at SE of the Sicily, famous for its Baroque art. 8 towns are inscribed on the [[UNESCO_World_Heritage_List#Italy|UNESCO World Heritage List]]: [[Caltagirone]], [[Militello in Val di Catania]], [[Catania]], [[Modica]], [[Noto]], [[Palazzolo Acreide]], [[Ragusa]], and [[Scicli]]. *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Aegadian Islands]]|url=|lat=37.966667|long=12.2|wikidata=Q109576}} (''Isole Egadi'') – relaxing islands off the west coast *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Aeolian Islands]]|url=|lat=38.533333|long=14.9|wikidata=Q179883}} (''Isole Eolie'') – beautiful group of volcanic islands (UNESCO World Heritage) *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Madonie Regional Natural Park]]|url=|lat=37.883333|long=14.016667|wikidata=Q1858387}} – it has some of the highest mountains in Sicily *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Monte Cofano Nature Reserve]]|wikidata=Q738956}} — a reserve offering hiking paths, caves, and dramatic limestone cliffs *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Mount Etna]]|url=|lat=37.755|long=14.995|wikidata=Q16990}} – an impressive 3323m, Europe's highest active volcano *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Mozia]]|url=|lat=37.868333|long=12.468611|wikidata=Q962184}} – ancient Punic city built on the island of Mozia overlooking Marsala *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Pantelleria]]|url=|lat=36.833333|long=11.95|wikidata=Q481758}} – Arab-influenced solitude *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Pelagie Islands]]|url=|lat=35.676111|long=12.616389|wikidata=Q108489}} (''Isole Pelagie'') – most southern, in the Mediterranean Sea *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Salt Pans of Trapani and Paceco]]|wikidata=Q490208}} — WWF-managed reserve known for its centuries-old salt-harvesting tradition *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Sciacca]]|url=|lat=37.509167|long=13.088889|wikidata=Q432681}} – small port town in the province Agrigento. *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Segesta]]|url=|lat=37.941389|long=12.832222|wikidata=Q692847}} – another Greek temple, theatre and ruins *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Selinunte]]|url=|lat=37.583611|long=12.824722|wikidata=Q952173}} – another group of impressive Greek temples and ruins of Greek city *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Stagnone Lagoon and Islands Nature Reserve]]|wikidata=Q3936896}} — a shimmering shallow lagoon and islands with crystal-clear water *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Zingaro Nature Reserve]]|wikidata=Q1435077}} — Sicily’s first protected natural area, featuring rugged coastal trails ==Understand== Sicily is one of the country's 20 regions, and it is separated from the mainland region of [[Calabria]] by the 5-km '''Straits of Messina'''. Sicily has a long history of foreign domination, from the Phoenicians to the Greeks and the Romans, Arabs, Normans, and Catalans. The result is a mixed culture where every single domination left something to see, to taste, and to hear. The tourist season peaks in the summer months, although people visit the island all year round. It can get very hot during the summer, so it is better to visit during spring and autumn, while it is still quite pleasant during winter. The Sicilians are a proud people. Though most are somewhat conservative, they are open-minded to visitors. ===Climate=== Being the overall hottest region in Europe, Sicily has a '''Mediterranean climate''', with very hot, long and dry summers and very mild to warm winters. Sicily is very sunny, even in winter. Most cities only receive 40 days of precipitation throughout the year (with the exception of the quite rainy [[Messina]]) and when it does rain, it usually happens in winter. Humidity is generally low. The only exception to the stereotyped climate of Sicily is the little city of [[Enna]] (as well as some villages in the mountains), which is foggy and relatively cold in winter. This is due to the altitude of the city, the highest in Italy for a provincial capital (931 m). Enna is also the foggiest city in Italy, with about 140 foggy days a year on average. {{Climate| units = Metric | janhigh = 20 | febhigh = 21 | marhigh = 23 | aprhigh = 25 | mayhigh = 28 | junhigh = 33 | julhigh = 35 | aughigh = 36 | sephigh = 32 | octhigh = 28 | novhigh = 23 | dechigh = 20 | janlow = 12 | feblow = 13 | marlow = 15 | aprlow = 18 | maylow = 20 | junlow = 24 | jullow = 26 | auglow = 27 | seplow = 23 | octlow = 20 | novlow = 15 | declow = 12 | janprecip = 49 | febprecip = 40 | marprecip = 33 | aprprecip = 15 | mayprecip = 9 | junprecip = 3 | julprecip = 0 | augprecip = 1 | sepprecip = 8 | octprecip = 32 | novprecip = 56 | decprecip = 52 | description = Sicily Climate Averages }} ===Tourist information === * [http://www.visitsicily.info/en/ Visit Sicily] website ==Talk== Natives of Sicily speak '''Sicilian''', an ancient Romance language that is a separate language from [[Italian phrasebook|Italian]] (even if it's called ''dialetto''). The official language is '''Italian''', and almost all Sicilians speak it, often with a strong Sicilian accent. '''English''' is taught in all schools but few people can speak it. People who are more likely to speak English are the ones who work in the touristy areas; also, young and educated people usually can speak at least basic English, but with a funny pronunciation and a strong accent. That's because in most schools the teachers focus on grammar rather than pronunciation. People who study languages in university generally have a good pronunciation. Most people above 50 never studied English in schools and they are extremely unlikely to know more than a few words. ==Get in== ===By plane === Sicily's main airports are in Palermo and Catania. * [[Catania#By plane|Catania]] International Airport is the larger/busiest airport, with domestic flights to most parts of Italy, some international routes and many charter flights. * [[Palermo#By plane|Palermo]] Airport is the second airport, with a good range of domestic flights and international budget flights. * [[Trapani#By plane|Trapani]] Airport is the third airport which is served by low-cost Ryanair. * [[Ragusa#By plane|Comiso]] Airport near Ragusa is served by Ryanair. * There are also two other smaller airports in Sicily on the minor islands: [[Pantelleria#By plane|Pantelleria]] Airport and [[Lampedusa#By plane|Lampedusa]] Airport, which connect to Italy. * [[Palermo#By plane|Palermo]]-Boccadifalco is a military airport open to national civil traffic. ===By train=== Sicily is linked to the main Italian train network at [[Messina]]. Long distance trains from [[Rome]] and [[Naples]] and [[Milano]] cross the '''Straits of Messina''' by railferry and continue on to [[Palermo]] and [[Catania]]. From [[Naples]], it usually takes 8 hours, 10 from [[Rome]], the train stops at Villa San Giovanni train station for about 10-15 minutes. Then it's rolled down to the Villa S.G. ferry dock, where you wait about 20 minutes before the train rolls onto one of the ferries. On the ferry, you should get on the deck and watch the sea. It's a wonderful view, but don't forget the number of your train. The 2010 timetable offers these direct trains: * '''IC''' Roma - Napoli - Messina - Palermo / Siracusa ''2x daily'' * '''ICN''' Roma - Palermo ''InterCity Notte: Nighttrain, Seats, Couchette and Sleeper'' * '''ICN''' Roma - Siracusa ''InterCity Notte: Nighttrain, Seats, Couchette and Sleeper'' * '''E''' Venezia - Bologna - Firenze - Palermo/Siracusa ''Espresso: Fast-Train with Sleeper and Couchette only'' * '''E''' Milano - Bologna - Firenze - Palermo/Siracusa ''Espresso: Fast-Train with Sleeper and Couchette only'' * '''E''' Turino - Genova - Palermo/Siracusa ''Espresso: Fast-Train with Sleeper and Couchette only'' * '''E''' (Milano - ) Roma - Catania - Agrigento ''Espresso: Fast-Train only seating accommodation; from Milano 3x per week; from Roma daily'' But you don't have to take a direct train. You can also take a train from [[Rome]] to Villa San Giovanni, and walk onboard the rail ferries (or another BLUVIA ferry), and take a local train from Messina centrale to [[Palermo]] and [[Catania]] Detailed information is available at: * '''[http://www.trenitalia.it Trenitalia]''' '''Car-train''' There are running car-trains from [[Venezia]] and [[Rome]] to Catania and Palermo. This is a great offer for those who don't want to ride a car all day. you park your car onto a train. And some hours later, you can get your car at the Catania train station or Palermo, depends on what city you bought a ticket to. The car trains also run along with the night trains, so this is a great option. Be aware: some trains on the island are very slow, for example it takes more than 7 hours between Siracusa and Trapani and it's about 450 km. But the IC (InterCity) trains that travel between Sicily and other Italian cities run much faster. ===By bus=== [https://orariautobus.it/ Long-distance buses]{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} link [[Rome]] and [[Naples]] to [[Catania]] and [[Palermo]]. ===By boat=== Large, cruise-ferries link [[Palermo]] with [[Civitavecchia]], [[Naples]], [[Genoa]], [[Livorno]], [[Sardinia]] and other Mediterranean destinations (Be sure to reserva a place for your car, or yourself, if you are a pedestrian.) Because only the Messina Strait ferries are open without reservation. There are also car ferries between [[Milazzo]], the [[Aeolian Islands]] and [[Naples]], and between [[Trapani]] and [[Tunis]]. From [[Catania]] you can reach [[Naples]] and [[Malta]]. From [[Messina]] you can reach [[Salerno]]. See all current ferry connections at [https://ferryroutes.com/sicily/ Ferryroutes] or [https://www.ferryhopper.com/ Ferryhopper]. Is Across the Straits of Messina, there are at least hourly ferries between [[Messina]] on Sicily and [[Villa San Giovanni]] (14 km north of ''Reggio di Calabria'') on the mainland. There are at least twenty of them, so don't worry about timetables or waiting too long. If you only drive a car, you can also drive on-board the BLUVIA rail/train ferries. There are also several hydrofoils each day between Messina and [[Reggio di Calabria]]. If you do worry about timetables, which is not necessary, check [https://carontetourist.it/en carontetourist.it]: * This one takes you right into [[Messina]] city and connects you to the [[Palermo]] - [[Catania]] highway: * And this one takes you to [[Messina]] Sud (Tremestieri) And does also connect you to the highway. This route is more for the people driving towards Catania: And there are also ferries running from [[Reggio di Calabria]], to Messina-Sud (Tremestieri): [http://www.meridianolines.it/orari.html] There are Catamarans and ferries running from [[Malta]] to [[Pozzallo]] (90 min) and [[Catania]] (3 hr). [http://www.virtuferries.com]{{Dead link|date=April 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} ==Get around== Although public transport is very good during the week, there are not many services on '''Sundays''' - check the timetable carefully and ask the locals. ===By car=== The main roads are good, with four motorways (Catania-Palermo, Palermo-Mazara and Catania-Noto which are toll-free and Messina-Palermo where you have to pay). Little roads, mainly in mountain zones, are slower but offer great views. For some regions you need to have snow chains in your car. For instance around [[Mount Etna]] you need them on board from 1 December until 31 March. These roads are marked "transito con catene". Fines start at €80. '''Motorways''' *A18 Messina - Catania ('''toll''') *A18 Catania - Siracusa *A18 Siracusa - Ragusa - Gela (under construction - open from Siracusa to Noto) *A19 Palermo - Catania (free) *A20 Messina - Palermo ('''toll''') *A29 Palermo - Mazzara (free) *A29dir Alcamo - Trapani (free) ===By train=== The [http://www.ferroviedellostato.it railway network] in Sicily is quite good and cheap. Regular, quite fast trains run on the main lines between [[Messina]] and [[Palermo]] and [[Catania]], with fewer trains on the other routes. Trains on some routes can be infrequent and slow so it's worth checking times in advance and having a plan B. Sometimes a service listed on a station timetable is actually a bus service leaving from outside the station. As in the rest of Italy, tickets '''must''' be validated in the yellow machines found at stations - conductors ''may'' be lenient to tourists who didn't know this, but not necessarily. ===By bus=== The bus network in Sicily is quite extensive and cheap. The main hubs are [[Palermo]] and [[Catania]], but routes link most of the main towns frequently and most small towns at least once a day. From virtually any town you will be able to get a bus direct to Palermo. For the AST company, go to the [http://www.aziendasicilianatrasporti.it/ website] and click on 'Autolinee'. There is also [http://www.interbus.it/ Interbus]. ===By boat=== There are regular ferries and hydrofoils from Sicily to its islands, although services are somewhat reduced during Spring and Autumn and even more so during Winter. Individual companies: SIREMAR [http://www.siremar.it/], [http://eng.libertylines.it/ Liberty Lines]{{Dead link|date=May 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} and [http://www.ngi-spa.it/default.asp NGI]. The main routes are: *The [[Aeolian Islands]] from [[Milazzo]]. A few also run in Summer from [[Napoli]], [[Cefalu]], [[Palermo]] and [[Messina]]. *[[Ustica]] from [[Palermo]]. *[[Trapani]] to the [[Egadi Islands]] and [[Pantelleria]]. *[[Porto Empedocle]] (near [[Agrigento]]) to [[Lampedusa]] and ''Linosa'' ===By plane=== If you have less time and more money, there are flights to [[Pantelleria]] and [[Lampedusa]]. From [[Enna]] Water Aerodrome (Nicoletti Lake) with amphibious aircraft you can reach the [[Aeolian Islands]], Palermo and [[Siracusa]]. ==See== [[File:Agrigent BW 2012-10-07 12-52-27.JPG|thumb|300px|Temple of Concord, Agrigento]] See locations pages for respective list of attractions. Check with the [https://www.visitsicily.info/en/ region's tourism web pages] for updates. ==Do== The Parks and the Nature Reserve are not very well organized but for this reason you'll have the opportunity to enjoy and discover the Sicilian Mountains and nature. There are some wonderful treks on which to enjoy the beauty of the main Sicilian sites such as the Nebrodi mountains, Madonie mountains, Etna volcano. ==Eat== [[Image:SyracuseFishMarket.jpg|thumb|Fish market at Syracuse]] Making the most of its island coasts, Sicily has one of the world's best cuisines to offer. Much of the island's food is made with creatures of the sea. Unlike in the northern parts of Italy, cream and butter are hardly used for typical dishes in Sicily. Instead, the natives usually substitute tomatoes, lard (rarely) or olive oil. The cuisine uses many spices, and has a number of unique flavours. Sicilians cultivate a uniquely Sicilian type of olive tree, which they affectionately call the "saracena". The food is typically Mediterranean but there are strong hints of Arabic and Spanish flavour (Sicily was conquered by many peoples during its long history). Sicilians like spices and have particular affinity for almond, jasmine, rosemary, mint and basil. Sicilians notoriously have a sweet tooth and are among the best dessert-makers in Italy. Try 'cannoli' (tubular pastries filled with sweet ricotta cheese), 'granita' (ices mixed with real crushed fruit and juices), and their most famous export, 'cassata' (Arabic-inspired cake). Make sure to try the very popular pine-nut and almond biscuits. 'Arancini' (sometimes ''Arancine''), fried rice balls with fillings, is a Sicilian fast food that is relatively cheap. They can be hard to find outside Sicily, so try them while you're there. ==Drink== Sicilians are not big alcohol drinkers (Sicily has the lowest rate of alcoholism in Italy) although the island is home to more vineyards than any other Italian region and has one of Italy's most progressive wine industries. Noted mainly in the past for strong bulk wines and often sweet Moscato and Marsala, the island has switched its emphasis toward lighter, fruitier white and red wines. Sicily is divided into three main producing wine districts: * Trapani province in the west; * Etna in the east; * Noto and Ragusa on the southeast tip. Best known Sicilian wines: Marsala, Nero d'Avola, Bianco d'Alcamo, Malvasia, Passito di Pantelleria, Cerasuolo di Vittoria, Etna Rosso, Etna Bianco. Some Sicilian wine producers: Planeta; Cusumano; Tasca d’Almerita; Tenuta di Donnafugata; Feudo Principi di Butera (Zonin); Morgante; Duca di Salaparuta; Benanti; Palari; Firriato; Marco De Batoli; Salvatore Murana; Icone. Sicilians enjoy a fruity lemon liqueur called Limoncello during the long, hot and dry summers. ==Stay safe== Most of Sicily's small/middle-sized cities and villages are completely safe. Big cities like Palermo, Catania and Messina are also safe but you should be aware of pickpockets and scammers in touristy areas. Some suburbs of Palermo (Zen, Brancaccio, Borgo Nuovo) and Catania (San Cristoforo, Librino) are quite dangerous, but are almost never visited by tourists. The well-known mafia, which is also present in most parts of Italy, is almost never involved in crimes against visitors. '''Driving habits''' in Sicily (and in most of the south of Italy) are very different from what you may be accustomed to, especially in big cities. Turn signals are not used, and parking is haphazard. Driving outside the big cities is OK, especially in highways (''Autostrade'') and in the main roads in general. Provincial roads in the interior of the island can be in bad condition. On trains, especially during the night, keep your wits about you, and try to stay with other passengers. ==Respect== Even if it's constantly decreasing, the '''Mafia''' is still active in some parts of Sicily, causing many problems and damaging the region's economy. Most Sicilians know that and are very upset about it; they are also very aware of the mafia-related crimes that have happened in the region. Many organisations, like AddioPizzo and Libera, have been founded specifically to fight the mafia. ''Do not'' make jokes about the mafia, and ''never'' say that all Sicilians are "mafiosi", even if it's a joke. In general Sicilians are quite conservative and religious, although most young and educated people are becoming fairly liberal, especially in big cities. However public displays of affection between LGBT couples are best avoided: even in big cities, stares and whispers are almost always guaranteed, and sometimes something more can happen. Shorts and clothes showing much skin are OK everywhere but in churches. Although quite common in the centre and north of Italy, '''blasphemy''' is definitely not cool in Sicily. Most people in Sicily are Catholic and expect visitors to respect their religion. ==Go next== Why not explore neighbouring [[Sardinia]]? You have the chance to visit the second-largest island in the Mediterranean. You can also explore more of what [[Southern Italy]] has to offer. {{outlineregion}} {{geo|37.5000|14.0000|zoom=8}} {{isPartOf|Italy}} shbi8yulp4unsgwxnyp4msb0d7dy8wm 5086762 5086760 2025-07-02T19:36:17Z Kned Wiki 2327203 /* Drink */ Added link to the Trapani Wine Region page 5086762 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Sicily banner landscape.jpg|unesco=yes}} '''Sicily''' ([[Italian phrasebook|Italian]]: ''Sicilia'') is a rugged and beautiful island on the southern tip of [[Italy]]. Sicily's sunny, dry climate, scenery, cuisine, history, and architecture attract many tourists from the rest of Italy and abroad. Mount Etna, the beaches, the archaeological sites, and major cities such as Palermo, Catania, Syracuse and Ragusa are the favourite tourist destinations, but the old town of Taormina and the neighbouring seaside resort of Giardini Naxos draw visitors from all over the world, as do the Aeolian Islands, Erice, Terrasini, Castellammare del Golfo, Cefalù, Agrigento, the Pelagie Islands and Capo d'Orlando. The last features some of the best-preserved temples of the ancient Greek period. Many Mediterranean cruise ships stop in Sicily, and many wine tourists also visit the island. ==Provinces== {{Mapframe|37.521|14.002|zoom=7|width=650|staticmap=Map of region of Sicily, Italy, with provinces-it.svg}} {{Mapshape}} {{Regionlist | region1name=[[Agrigento (province)|Agrigento]] | region1color=#a5c15d | region1items= | region1description=The archaeological remains of Greek antiquity here are among the main tourist attractions of Italy. | region2name=[[Caltanissetta (province)|Caltanissetta]] | region2color=#ffb261 | region2items= | region2description=Tourism here is the least developed in Sicily, which provides opportunities for the more adventurous traveller. | region3name=[[Catania (province)|Metropolitan City of Catania]] | region3color=#b496cd | region3items= | region3description= [[Mount Etna]] (the highest active volcano in Europe) is a highlight of a visit to Sicily. | region4name=[[Enna (province)|Enna]] | region4color=#8fb6d9 | region4items= | region4description=In the only province that is not adjacent to the sea, the Villa '''Romana del Casale''' in [[Piazza Armerina]] is on the [[UNESCO World Heritage List]]. | region5name=[[Messina (province)|Metropolitan City of Messina]] | region5color=#f8c300 | region5items= | region5description= The gates to the island, also famous for [[Taormina]] and its '''Greek Theatre'''. | region6name=[[Palermo (province)|Metropolitan City of Palermo]] | region6color=#80d2bb | region6items= | region6description=A popular tourist destination, in particular the city of [[Palermo]] with its monumental art and culture, and the beaches of [[Mondello]] and [[Cefalù]]. | region7name=[[Ragusa (province)|Ragusa]] | region7color=#e4db5e | region7items= | region7description=The baroque towns of [[Ragusa]], [[Modica]] and [[Scicli]]. | region8name=[[Syracuse (province)|Syracuse]] | region8color=#89c7b6 | region8items= | region8description=The beautiful city of [[Syracuse (Italy)|Syracuse]], [[Noto]] and [[Palazzolo Acreide]], and the archaeological site [[Pantalica]], all included on the [[UNESCO World Heritage List]]. | region9name=[[Trapani (province)|Trapani]] | region9color=#bc8a99 | region9items= | region9description=Beaches meet mountains in reserves like [[Zingaro Nature Reserve|Zingaro]], with sailing to the [[Aegadian Islands]], ancient sites, the hilltop town of [[Erice]], and a strong [[Trapani Wine Region|wine]] tradition. }} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#a5c15d|title=[[Agrigento (province)|Agrigento]]|wikidata=Q16112}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#ffb261|title=[[Caltanissetta (province)|Caltanissetta]]|wikidata=Q16150}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#b496cd|title=[[Catania (province)|Catania]]|wikidata=Q16154}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#8fb6d9|title=[[Enna (province)|Enna]]|wikidata=Q16166}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#f8c300|title=[[Messina (province)|Messina]]|wikidata=Q16208}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#80d2bb|title=[[Palermo (province)|Palermo]]|wikidata=Q16227}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#e4db5e|title=[[Ragusa (province)|Ragusa]]|wikidata=Q16251}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#89c7b6|title=[[Syracuse (province)|Syracuse]]|wikidata=Q16277}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#bc8a99|title=[[Trapani (province)|Trapani]]|wikidata=Q16288}} ==Cities== [[File:Cefalù (3).jpg|thumb|500px|[[Cefalù]]]] <!--before changing this list, please discuss this first the Talk page. This list has a maximum of nine cities. --> *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Palermo]]|url=|lat=38.116667|long=13.366667|wikidata=Q2656}} – the throbbing capital city is noted for its history, culture, architecture and gastronomy; it is over 2,700 years old *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Agrigento]]|url=|lat=37.316667|long=13.583333|wikidata=Q13678}} – to the south and particularly noted for the Valle dei Templi (Valley of Temples) (UNESCO World Heritage) *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Catania]]|url=|lat=37.5016|long=15.0817|wikidata=Q1903}} – busy university city and economic centre, great for nightlife, the gate to Mount Etna (UNESCO World Heritage) *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Gela]]|url=|lat=37.0649|long=14.2528|wikidata=Q39971}} – one of the most important old Greek cities, archaeological centre and sea resort on the south coast *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Marsala]]|url=|lat=37.7982|long=12.4438|wikidata=Q481514}} – interesting museum, home of the famous wine *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Messina]]|url=|lat=38.1931|long=15.5527|wikidata=Q13666}} – busy city and link to the mainland *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Ragusa]]|url=|lat=36.9162|long=14.7152|wikidata=Q13674}} – impressive baroque architecture (UNESCO World Heritage) *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Syracuse (Italy)|Syracuse]]|url=|lat=37.0640|long=15.2930|wikidata=Q13670}} (''Siracusa'') – attractive old town mostly based on the small (1km by 500m) island of Ortigia and Greek ruins (UNESCO World Heritage) *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Trapani]]|url=|lat=38.0156|long=12.5427|wikidata=Q13664}} – attractive city and gateway to Pantelleria and the Egadi islands ==Other destinations== [[Image:Aeolian_islands.jpg|thumb|350px|The Aeolian Islands]] * '''Val di Noto''' – a region at SE of the Sicily, famous for its Baroque art. 8 towns are inscribed on the [[UNESCO_World_Heritage_List#Italy|UNESCO World Heritage List]]: [[Caltagirone]], [[Militello in Val di Catania]], [[Catania]], [[Modica]], [[Noto]], [[Palazzolo Acreide]], [[Ragusa]], and [[Scicli]]. *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Aegadian Islands]]|url=|lat=37.966667|long=12.2|wikidata=Q109576}} (''Isole Egadi'') – relaxing islands off the west coast *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Aeolian Islands]]|url=|lat=38.533333|long=14.9|wikidata=Q179883}} (''Isole Eolie'') – beautiful group of volcanic islands (UNESCO World Heritage) *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Madonie Regional Natural Park]]|url=|lat=37.883333|long=14.016667|wikidata=Q1858387}} – it has some of the highest mountains in Sicily *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Monte Cofano Nature Reserve]]|wikidata=Q738956}} — a reserve offering hiking paths, caves, and dramatic limestone cliffs *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Mount Etna]]|url=|lat=37.755|long=14.995|wikidata=Q16990}} – an impressive 3323m, Europe's highest active volcano *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Mozia]]|url=|lat=37.868333|long=12.468611|wikidata=Q962184}} – ancient Punic city built on the island of Mozia overlooking Marsala *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Pantelleria]]|url=|lat=36.833333|long=11.95|wikidata=Q481758}} – Arab-influenced solitude *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Pelagie Islands]]|url=|lat=35.676111|long=12.616389|wikidata=Q108489}} (''Isole Pelagie'') – most southern, in the Mediterranean Sea *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Salt Pans of Trapani and Paceco]]|wikidata=Q490208}} — WWF-managed reserve known for its centuries-old salt-harvesting tradition *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Sciacca]]|url=|lat=37.509167|long=13.088889|wikidata=Q432681}} – small port town in the province Agrigento. *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Segesta]]|url=|lat=37.941389|long=12.832222|wikidata=Q692847}} – another Greek temple, theatre and ruins *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Selinunte]]|url=|lat=37.583611|long=12.824722|wikidata=Q952173}} – another group of impressive Greek temples and ruins of Greek city *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Stagnone Lagoon and Islands Nature Reserve]]|wikidata=Q3936896}} — a shimmering shallow lagoon and islands with crystal-clear water *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Zingaro Nature Reserve]]|wikidata=Q1435077}} — Sicily’s first protected natural area, featuring rugged coastal trails ==Understand== Sicily is one of the country's 20 regions, and it is separated from the mainland region of [[Calabria]] by the 5-km '''Straits of Messina'''. Sicily has a long history of foreign domination, from the Phoenicians to the Greeks and the Romans, Arabs, Normans, and Catalans. The result is a mixed culture where every single domination left something to see, to taste, and to hear. The tourist season peaks in the summer months, although people visit the island all year round. It can get very hot during the summer, so it is better to visit during spring and autumn, while it is still quite pleasant during winter. The Sicilians are a proud people. Though most are somewhat conservative, they are open-minded to visitors. ===Climate=== Being the overall hottest region in Europe, Sicily has a '''Mediterranean climate''', with very hot, long and dry summers and very mild to warm winters. Sicily is very sunny, even in winter. Most cities only receive 40 days of precipitation throughout the year (with the exception of the quite rainy [[Messina]]) and when it does rain, it usually happens in winter. Humidity is generally low. The only exception to the stereotyped climate of Sicily is the little city of [[Enna]] (as well as some villages in the mountains), which is foggy and relatively cold in winter. This is due to the altitude of the city, the highest in Italy for a provincial capital (931 m). Enna is also the foggiest city in Italy, with about 140 foggy days a year on average. {{Climate| units = Metric | janhigh = 20 | febhigh = 21 | marhigh = 23 | aprhigh = 25 | mayhigh = 28 | junhigh = 33 | julhigh = 35 | aughigh = 36 | sephigh = 32 | octhigh = 28 | novhigh = 23 | dechigh = 20 | janlow = 12 | feblow = 13 | marlow = 15 | aprlow = 18 | maylow = 20 | junlow = 24 | jullow = 26 | auglow = 27 | seplow = 23 | octlow = 20 | novlow = 15 | declow = 12 | janprecip = 49 | febprecip = 40 | marprecip = 33 | aprprecip = 15 | mayprecip = 9 | junprecip = 3 | julprecip = 0 | augprecip = 1 | sepprecip = 8 | octprecip = 32 | novprecip = 56 | decprecip = 52 | description = Sicily Climate Averages }} ===Tourist information === * [http://www.visitsicily.info/en/ Visit Sicily] website ==Talk== Natives of Sicily speak '''Sicilian''', an ancient Romance language that is a separate language from [[Italian phrasebook|Italian]] (even if it's called ''dialetto''). The official language is '''Italian''', and almost all Sicilians speak it, often with a strong Sicilian accent. '''English''' is taught in all schools but few people can speak it. People who are more likely to speak English are the ones who work in the touristy areas; also, young and educated people usually can speak at least basic English, but with a funny pronunciation and a strong accent. That's because in most schools the teachers focus on grammar rather than pronunciation. People who study languages in university generally have a good pronunciation. Most people above 50 never studied English in schools and they are extremely unlikely to know more than a few words. ==Get in== ===By plane === Sicily's main airports are in Palermo and Catania. * [[Catania#By plane|Catania]] International Airport is the larger/busiest airport, with domestic flights to most parts of Italy, some international routes and many charter flights. * [[Palermo#By plane|Palermo]] Airport is the second airport, with a good range of domestic flights and international budget flights. * [[Trapani#By plane|Trapani]] Airport is the third airport which is served by low-cost Ryanair. * [[Ragusa#By plane|Comiso]] Airport near Ragusa is served by Ryanair. * There are also two other smaller airports in Sicily on the minor islands: [[Pantelleria#By plane|Pantelleria]] Airport and [[Lampedusa#By plane|Lampedusa]] Airport, which connect to Italy. * [[Palermo#By plane|Palermo]]-Boccadifalco is a military airport open to national civil traffic. ===By train=== Sicily is linked to the main Italian train network at [[Messina]]. Long distance trains from [[Rome]] and [[Naples]] and [[Milano]] cross the '''Straits of Messina''' by railferry and continue on to [[Palermo]] and [[Catania]]. From [[Naples]], it usually takes 8 hours, 10 from [[Rome]], the train stops at Villa San Giovanni train station for about 10-15 minutes. Then it's rolled down to the Villa S.G. ferry dock, where you wait about 20 minutes before the train rolls onto one of the ferries. On the ferry, you should get on the deck and watch the sea. It's a wonderful view, but don't forget the number of your train. The 2010 timetable offers these direct trains: * '''IC''' Roma - Napoli - Messina - Palermo / Siracusa ''2x daily'' * '''ICN''' Roma - Palermo ''InterCity Notte: Nighttrain, Seats, Couchette and Sleeper'' * '''ICN''' Roma - Siracusa ''InterCity Notte: Nighttrain, Seats, Couchette and Sleeper'' * '''E''' Venezia - Bologna - Firenze - Palermo/Siracusa ''Espresso: Fast-Train with Sleeper and Couchette only'' * '''E''' Milano - Bologna - Firenze - Palermo/Siracusa ''Espresso: Fast-Train with Sleeper and Couchette only'' * '''E''' Turino - Genova - Palermo/Siracusa ''Espresso: Fast-Train with Sleeper and Couchette only'' * '''E''' (Milano - ) Roma - Catania - Agrigento ''Espresso: Fast-Train only seating accommodation; from Milano 3x per week; from Roma daily'' But you don't have to take a direct train. You can also take a train from [[Rome]] to Villa San Giovanni, and walk onboard the rail ferries (or another BLUVIA ferry), and take a local train from Messina centrale to [[Palermo]] and [[Catania]] Detailed information is available at: * '''[http://www.trenitalia.it Trenitalia]''' '''Car-train''' There are running car-trains from [[Venezia]] and [[Rome]] to Catania and Palermo. This is a great offer for those who don't want to ride a car all day. you park your car onto a train. And some hours later, you can get your car at the Catania train station or Palermo, depends on what city you bought a ticket to. The car trains also run along with the night trains, so this is a great option. Be aware: some trains on the island are very slow, for example it takes more than 7 hours between Siracusa and Trapani and it's about 450 km. But the IC (InterCity) trains that travel between Sicily and other Italian cities run much faster. ===By bus=== [https://orariautobus.it/ Long-distance buses]{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} link [[Rome]] and [[Naples]] to [[Catania]] and [[Palermo]]. ===By boat=== Large, cruise-ferries link [[Palermo]] with [[Civitavecchia]], [[Naples]], [[Genoa]], [[Livorno]], [[Sardinia]] and other Mediterranean destinations (Be sure to reserva a place for your car, or yourself, if you are a pedestrian.) Because only the Messina Strait ferries are open without reservation. There are also car ferries between [[Milazzo]], the [[Aeolian Islands]] and [[Naples]], and between [[Trapani]] and [[Tunis]]. From [[Catania]] you can reach [[Naples]] and [[Malta]]. From [[Messina]] you can reach [[Salerno]]. See all current ferry connections at [https://ferryroutes.com/sicily/ Ferryroutes] or [https://www.ferryhopper.com/ Ferryhopper]. Is Across the Straits of Messina, there are at least hourly ferries between [[Messina]] on Sicily and [[Villa San Giovanni]] (14 km north of ''Reggio di Calabria'') on the mainland. There are at least twenty of them, so don't worry about timetables or waiting too long. If you only drive a car, you can also drive on-board the BLUVIA rail/train ferries. There are also several hydrofoils each day between Messina and [[Reggio di Calabria]]. If you do worry about timetables, which is not necessary, check [https://carontetourist.it/en carontetourist.it]: * This one takes you right into [[Messina]] city and connects you to the [[Palermo]] - [[Catania]] highway: * And this one takes you to [[Messina]] Sud (Tremestieri) And does also connect you to the highway. This route is more for the people driving towards Catania: And there are also ferries running from [[Reggio di Calabria]], to Messina-Sud (Tremestieri): [http://www.meridianolines.it/orari.html] There are Catamarans and ferries running from [[Malta]] to [[Pozzallo]] (90 min) and [[Catania]] (3 hr). [http://www.virtuferries.com]{{Dead link|date=April 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} ==Get around== Although public transport is very good during the week, there are not many services on '''Sundays''' - check the timetable carefully and ask the locals. ===By car=== The main roads are good, with four motorways (Catania-Palermo, Palermo-Mazara and Catania-Noto which are toll-free and Messina-Palermo where you have to pay). Little roads, mainly in mountain zones, are slower but offer great views. For some regions you need to have snow chains in your car. For instance around [[Mount Etna]] you need them on board from 1 December until 31 March. These roads are marked "transito con catene". Fines start at €80. '''Motorways''' *A18 Messina - Catania ('''toll''') *A18 Catania - Siracusa *A18 Siracusa - Ragusa - Gela (under construction - open from Siracusa to Noto) *A19 Palermo - Catania (free) *A20 Messina - Palermo ('''toll''') *A29 Palermo - Mazzara (free) *A29dir Alcamo - Trapani (free) ===By train=== The [http://www.ferroviedellostato.it railway network] in Sicily is quite good and cheap. Regular, quite fast trains run on the main lines between [[Messina]] and [[Palermo]] and [[Catania]], with fewer trains on the other routes. Trains on some routes can be infrequent and slow so it's worth checking times in advance and having a plan B. Sometimes a service listed on a station timetable is actually a bus service leaving from outside the station. As in the rest of Italy, tickets '''must''' be validated in the yellow machines found at stations - conductors ''may'' be lenient to tourists who didn't know this, but not necessarily. ===By bus=== The bus network in Sicily is quite extensive and cheap. The main hubs are [[Palermo]] and [[Catania]], but routes link most of the main towns frequently and most small towns at least once a day. From virtually any town you will be able to get a bus direct to Palermo. For the AST company, go to the [http://www.aziendasicilianatrasporti.it/ website] and click on 'Autolinee'. There is also [http://www.interbus.it/ Interbus]. ===By boat=== There are regular ferries and hydrofoils from Sicily to its islands, although services are somewhat reduced during Spring and Autumn and even more so during Winter. Individual companies: SIREMAR [http://www.siremar.it/], [http://eng.libertylines.it/ Liberty Lines]{{Dead link|date=May 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} and [http://www.ngi-spa.it/default.asp NGI]. The main routes are: *The [[Aeolian Islands]] from [[Milazzo]]. A few also run in Summer from [[Napoli]], [[Cefalu]], [[Palermo]] and [[Messina]]. *[[Ustica]] from [[Palermo]]. *[[Trapani]] to the [[Egadi Islands]] and [[Pantelleria]]. *[[Porto Empedocle]] (near [[Agrigento]]) to [[Lampedusa]] and ''Linosa'' ===By plane=== If you have less time and more money, there are flights to [[Pantelleria]] and [[Lampedusa]]. From [[Enna]] Water Aerodrome (Nicoletti Lake) with amphibious aircraft you can reach the [[Aeolian Islands]], Palermo and [[Siracusa]]. ==See== [[File:Agrigent BW 2012-10-07 12-52-27.JPG|thumb|300px|Temple of Concord, Agrigento]] See locations pages for respective list of attractions. Check with the [https://www.visitsicily.info/en/ region's tourism web pages] for updates. ==Do== The Parks and the Nature Reserve are not very well organized but for this reason you'll have the opportunity to enjoy and discover the Sicilian Mountains and nature. There are some wonderful treks on which to enjoy the beauty of the main Sicilian sites such as the Nebrodi mountains, Madonie mountains, Etna volcano. ==Eat== [[Image:SyracuseFishMarket.jpg|thumb|Fish market at Syracuse]] Making the most of its island coasts, Sicily has one of the world's best cuisines to offer. Much of the island's food is made with creatures of the sea. Unlike in the northern parts of Italy, cream and butter are hardly used for typical dishes in Sicily. Instead, the natives usually substitute tomatoes, lard (rarely) or olive oil. The cuisine uses many spices, and has a number of unique flavours. Sicilians cultivate a uniquely Sicilian type of olive tree, which they affectionately call the "saracena". The food is typically Mediterranean but there are strong hints of Arabic and Spanish flavour (Sicily was conquered by many peoples during its long history). Sicilians like spices and have particular affinity for almond, jasmine, rosemary, mint and basil. Sicilians notoriously have a sweet tooth and are among the best dessert-makers in Italy. Try 'cannoli' (tubular pastries filled with sweet ricotta cheese), 'granita' (ices mixed with real crushed fruit and juices), and their most famous export, 'cassata' (Arabic-inspired cake). Make sure to try the very popular pine-nut and almond biscuits. 'Arancini' (sometimes ''Arancine''), fried rice balls with fillings, is a Sicilian fast food that is relatively cheap. They can be hard to find outside Sicily, so try them while you're there. ==Drink== Sicilians are not big alcohol drinkers (Sicily has the lowest rate of alcoholism in Italy) although the island is home to more vineyards than any other Italian region and has one of Italy's most progressive wine industries. Noted mainly in the past for strong bulk wines and often sweet Moscato and Marsala, the island has switched its emphasis toward lighter, fruitier white and red wines. Sicily is divided into three main wine producing districts: * '''[[Trapani Wine Region]]''' – a rural and coastal area of western Sicily known for historic wine production, DOC-designated vineyards, and agrotourism. The region includes wine areas around [[Erice]], [[Marsala]], Salaparuta, and Paceco. * '''Etna''' in the east * '''Noto and Ragusa''' on the southeast tip Best known Sicilian wines: Marsala, Nero d'Avola, Bianco d'Alcamo, Malvasia, Passito di Pantelleria, Cerasuolo di Vittoria, Etna Rosso, Etna Bianco. Some Sicilian wine producers: Planeta; Cusumano; Tasca d’Almerita; Tenuta di Donnafugata; Feudo Principi di Butera (Zonin); Morgante; Duca di Salaparuta; Benanti; Palari; Firriato; Marco De Batoli; Salvatore Murana; Icone. Sicilians enjoy a fruity lemon liqueur called Limoncello during the long, hot and dry summers. ==Stay safe== Most of Sicily's small/middle-sized cities and villages are completely safe. Big cities like Palermo, Catania and Messina are also safe but you should be aware of pickpockets and scammers in touristy areas. Some suburbs of Palermo (Zen, Brancaccio, Borgo Nuovo) and Catania (San Cristoforo, Librino) are quite dangerous, but are almost never visited by tourists. The well-known mafia, which is also present in most parts of Italy, is almost never involved in crimes against visitors. '''Driving habits''' in Sicily (and in most of the south of Italy) are very different from what you may be accustomed to, especially in big cities. Turn signals are not used, and parking is haphazard. Driving outside the big cities is OK, especially in highways (''Autostrade'') and in the main roads in general. Provincial roads in the interior of the island can be in bad condition. On trains, especially during the night, keep your wits about you, and try to stay with other passengers. ==Respect== Even if it's constantly decreasing, the '''Mafia''' is still active in some parts of Sicily, causing many problems and damaging the region's economy. Most Sicilians know that and are very upset about it; they are also very aware of the mafia-related crimes that have happened in the region. Many organisations, like AddioPizzo and Libera, have been founded specifically to fight the mafia. ''Do not'' make jokes about the mafia, and ''never'' say that all Sicilians are "mafiosi", even if it's a joke. In general Sicilians are quite conservative and religious, although most young and educated people are becoming fairly liberal, especially in big cities. However public displays of affection between LGBT couples are best avoided: even in big cities, stares and whispers are almost always guaranteed, and sometimes something more can happen. Shorts and clothes showing much skin are OK everywhere but in churches. Although quite common in the centre and north of Italy, '''blasphemy''' is definitely not cool in Sicily. Most people in Sicily are Catholic and expect visitors to respect their religion. ==Go next== Why not explore neighbouring [[Sardinia]]? You have the chance to visit the second-largest island in the Mediterranean. You can also explore more of what [[Southern Italy]] has to offer. {{outlineregion}} {{geo|37.5000|14.0000|zoom=8}} {{isPartOf|Italy}} eu9nqr2lrdjvut2hal4f40cg78bl7mb 0 32695 5086883 5034816 2025-07-03T02:20:51Z InternetArchiveBot 2253620 Rescuing 0 sources and tagging 1 as dead.) #IABot (v2.0.9.5 5086883 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Sidney banner waterfront pier.jpg|pgname=Sidney}} '''Sidney''' is a town of about 11,500 people (2016) north of [[Victoria (British Columbia)|Victoria]], on [[Vancouver Island]]. It is generally considered part of the Victoria metropolitan area. ==Understand== The town west of Highway 17 (also called Patricia Bay Highway, locally abbreviated as the Pat Bay Highway) has a mixture of single-family residences and light industry. The majority of the town is east of Highway 17. Single-family units are also present east of the highway, but the eastern sector also has many condominium-type buildings, plus most of the service and retail outlets. The island-studded Haro Strait, part of the Salish Sea forms Sidney's eastern boundary. [[File:Fish Market, Sidney, British Columbia, Canada 01.jpg|thumb|Fish Market]] Sidney is mainly an industrial town, with most people working in the construction, manufacturing, and warehousing fields (26%). Retail accounts for approximately 10% of the employment. Healthcare and social assistance employs 13%. There is a large boating and marine industry in the area, ranging from marinas to boatbuilders and marine suppliers. Sidney is well known for having an abundance of senior citizens, producing a median age of 60.4 in 2016 as compared with the British Columbia median age of 43.0. ===Climate=== Sidney enjoys a cool climate with year-round mild temperatures and moderate rainfall. Most years see very little snow. Daily temperatures seldom climb above 31 °C (88 °F), or dip below −7 °C (19 °F). In the mildest winters, minimum temperatures stay above −3 °C (27 °F). Damaging winds are less frequent than in most other maritime areas of Canada. ===Visitor information === * [https://www.sidney.ca/discover-sidney/ Sidney municipal website] ==Get in== ===By boat=== ==== From within [[British Columbia]] ==== * {{go|name=BC Ferries|alt=|url=https://www.bcferries.com/|email=|address=|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=|tollfree=+1-888-223-3779|hours=|price=|lastedit=2022-04-30|content=Operates ferries connecting coastal British Columbia communities.|wikipedia=BC Ferries|wikidata=Q795723}} ** {{go | name=Victoria (Swartz Bay) ferry terminal | alt= | url=https://www.bcferries.com/travel-boarding/terminal-directions-parking-food/victoria-swartz-bay/SWB | email= | address=11300 Patricia Bay Hwy | lat=48.68688 | long=-123.40942 | directions=6 km (4 mi) north of Sidney on Highway 17 | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Swartz Bay ferry terminal | wikidata=Q1507888 | lastedit=2022-04-03 | content= }} *** Destinations served by this terminal, all using ferries that carry vehicles and foot passengers **** From Vancouver (Tsawwassen) ferry terminal in [[Delta (British Columbia)|Delta]] with 1 hour 35 minutes crossing time. Inbound and outbound ferries normally depart at the top of the hour on odd numbered hours with first departure normally at 7AM and with last departure normally at 9PM. During the summer, ferries depart hourly for most of the day. **** From [[Salt Spring Island|Saltspring Island]] (Fulford harbour) with 35 minutes crossing time. Operates every 2 hours most of the year and every 1 hour 40 minutes in the summer. **** From other large [[Southern Gulf Islands]] ([[Galiano Island]], [[Mayne Island]], [[Pender Island]], [[Saturna Island]]) with variable crossing times depending how many stops are made on route. Operates a limited number of times per destination daily and may require transferring to connecting ferries to reach destination. *** Reservations **** Reservations can be completed on BC Ferries' website or by phone. **** Reservations are a generally good idea, as ferries can fill up. If you book far enough in advance and prepay with saver fare is available, you may even pay less than showing up at the terminal. Otherwise, reservations increase the cost of the trip, between increasing cost between $2.50 extra and $17, depending on which option you choose. **** For ferries serving the Southern Gulf Island, reservations are free and are strongly recommended, especially in the summer. **** Drivers must redeem their reservation at the ferry terminal at least 30 minutes before the scheduled sailing or they lose their guarantee to be on the sailing and are given the same priority as anyone else showing up at the ferry terminal without a reservation. ***Fare payment ****Payment can be made by cash or credit card, and debit cards can be used at an automatic ticket terminal for foot passengers, but not on the ferry or at the vehicle toll booths. *** Public transit **** Victoria (Swartz Bay) ferry terminal is served by [https://www.bctransit.com/victoria BC Transit] on several routes including ***** Routes 70, 71, and 72, connecting with downtown [[Victoria (British Columbia)|Victoria]] via Sidney. Route 70 is makes limited stops and is the fastest option. ***** Route 81, a bus route connecting to Butchart Gardens (in Brentwood) via Sidney **** [https://www.translink.ca/ TransLink's] bus route 620 operates limited stop service between Bridgeport station (SkyTrain Canada Line) in [[Richmond (British Columbia)|Richmond]] and the ferry terminal via Ladner Exchange in Delta. **** Saltspring Island (Vesuvius) ferry terminal is served by [https://www.bctransit.com/salt-spring-island BC Transit] by bus route 3, which travels to the island's hamlet of Ganges **** No other destination ferry terminals served from Victoria (Swartz Bay) ferry terminal have public transit. *** Parking options **** Short-term and long-term parking are available at the ferry terminal, but parking availability may be limited at peak times. BC Ferries' website [https://www.bcferries.com/travel-boarding/terminal-directions-parking-food/victoria-swartz-bay/SWB identifies the current amount of long-term parking remaining]. *** Amenities **** Wi-Fi: Free service at the ferry terminal. Not offered on the ferries. **** Washrooms: Available in the terminal and on board ferries. **** Eating and shopping: A coffee shop is located within the terminal. A cafeteria style-restaurant and a gift shop are on board the ferries. ==== From [[Washington (state)|Washington]] state in the [[United States of America]] ==== {{cautionbox|The Sidney-Anacortes ferry service [https://www.timescolonist.com/business/no-sidney-anacortes-ferry-for-at-least-seven-years-6628055 has been suspended] and will not resume until at least 2030.| lastedit=2023-03-01}} {{go | name=Washington State Ferries | alt= | url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/travel/washington-state-ferries | email= | address=2499 Ocean Ave, Sidney | lat=48.64362 | long=-123.39743 | directions=About 1 km south of downtown Sidney | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Washington State Ferries | wikidata=Q3500373 | lastedit=2023-03-02 | content=Operates ferries connecting coastal [[British Columbia]] communities. Operates seasonal service (late March to late December) to Sidney connecting with [[Anacortes]] via [[Friday Harbor]] on [[San Juan Island]]. The ferry makes one round trip per day in the Spring and Fall, and two round trips in the Summer. Reservations can be made online. For security and immigration processing when travelling between the two countries, a 60 minute advance arrival at the terminal is strongly suggested. Walk on passengers need to arrive 30 minutes in advance. Vehicle reservations are recommended. Passports are required to enter either country. Service to Sidney has been suspended since the Covid-19 pandemic and the operator has announced that service to Sidney is suspended until at least 2030 due to the lack of available ferries and crew. }} === By car === Sidney sits along Highway 17, which bisects the town from north to south. Highway 17 connects [[Victoria (British Columbia)|Victoria]] and Victoria (Swartz Bay) ferry terminal. ===By plane=== ==== Main airport ==== * {{go | name=Victoria International Airport | alt={{IATA|YYJ}} | url=https://www.victoriaairport.com | email= | address=1640 Electra Blvd | lat=48.6472 | long=-123.426 | directions=terminal | phone=+1 250-953-7500 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Victoria International Airport | image=YYJ-Terminal.jpg | wikidata=Q130193 | lastedit=2022-04-25 | content=The airport is located 4.5 km southwest of downtown Sidney and 27 km north of downtown [[Victoria (British Columbia)|Victoria]]. }} ==== Destinations ==== Direct flights to Victoria within Canada include from [[Calgary]] (1.5 hours), from [[Edmonton]] (1.5-2 hours), from [[Kelowna]] (1 hour), from [[Toronto]] (5-5.25 hours), and from [[Vancouver]] (30 minutes). Direct international flights to Victoria include from [[Seattle]] (45-50 minutes). There are multiple flights from Vancouver and the [[Lower Mainland]], served mainly by smaller airlines and the regional subsidiaries of mainline carriers. A number of daily flights depart from a few airline hubs the US west coast (namely [[Seattle]], [[Las Vegas]], and [[San Francisco]]), as well as from smaller airports within Vancouver Island. ==== Airlines ==== Canadian airlines operating to Victoria: * {{listing | name=Air Canada | alt= | url=https://www.aircanada.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 514-393-3333 | tollfree=+1-888-247-2262 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Air Canada | wikidata=Q185339 | lastedit=2022-04-25 | content=Canada's largest airline with hubs in [[Vancouver]], [[Calgary]], [[Toronto]], and [[Montreal]]. It operates across Canada and services international destinations. }} * {{listing | name=Air North | alt= | url=https://www.flyairnorth.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-800-661-0407 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Air North | wikidata=Q407673 | lastedit=2022-04-25 | content=A regional airline operating flights within the [[Yukon]] and flights in Canada traveling to the Yukon. }} * {{listing | name=Flair Airlines | alt= | url=https://flyflair.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-833-711-2333 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Flair Airlines | wikidata=Q4038797 | lastedit=2022-04-25 | content=A new low-cost airline with flights across much of Canada. }} * {{listing | name=Pacific Coastal Airlines | alt= | url=https://www.pacificcoastal.com/ | email=reserve@pacificcoastal.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-604-273-8666 | tollfree=+1-800-663-2872 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Pacific Coastal Airlines | wikidata=Q1427310 | lastedit=2022-04-25 | content=Operates flights primarily in the south coast area of [[British Columbia]] with its hub in Vancouver. }} * {{listing | name=WestJet | alt= | url=https://www.westjet.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-877-952-0100 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=WestJet | wikidata=Q1059770 | lastedit=2022-04-25 | content=Canada's second largest airline services with hubs in [[Calgary]] and [[Toronto]]. It operates across Canada and services international destinations. }} Other airlines operating to Victoria: * {{listing | name=Alaska Airlines | alt= | url=https://www.alaskaair.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-800-252-7522 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Alaska Airlines | wikidata=Q822614 | lastedit=2022-04-26 | content=A major airline in the United States of America with flights across the country and to other parts of North America. Has hubs in [[Anchorage]], [[Los Angeles]], [[Portland (Oregon)|Portland]], [[San Francisco]], and [[Seattle]]. }} ==== Public transit ==== * {{listing | name=BC Transit (Victoria Regional Transit System) | alt= | url=https://www.bctransit.com/victoria/home | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 250-382-6161 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=BC Transit | wikidata=Q4179186 | lastedit=2022-03-27 | content=Operates routes that enable travelers to reach Victoria International Airport.The following are key bus routes to enable travel to Sidney and Victoria: }} ** Route 88 operates between the airport, McTavish Exchange, and downtown Sidney on a half hourly frequency from Monday to Friday, and an hourly frequency on Saturdays and Sundays. ** Route 70 operates between Victoria (Swartz Bay) ferry terminal and downtown Victoria via downtown Sidney and McTavish Exchange. It is a limited stop service, which is faster than route 72. ** Route 72 operates between Victoria (Swartz Bay) ferry terminal and downtown Victoria via downtown Sidney and McTavish Exchange. ==== Other ground transportation ==== * {{listing|name=YYJ Airport Shuttle Bus|alt=|url=http://www.yyjairportshuttle.com/|email=|address=|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=+1 778-351-4995|tollfree=+1 855-351-4995|hours=|price=|wikipedia=|wikidata=|lastedit=|content=picks you up from the airport and takes you to many downtown hotels, 45 minutes one-way, adults $24}} ==Get around== {{Mapframe|48.6577|-123.4102|zoom=14|height=640|width=440|layer=M|staticmap=}} Sidney is not a large place so most of its amenities can best be explored on foot. Park on one of the side streets and take to the sidewalks. It's much less frustrating than trying to battle the traffic in your car. === By public transit === * {{listing | name=BC Transit (Victoria Regional Transit System) | alt= | url=https://www.bctransit.com/victoria/home | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 250-382-6161 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=BC Transit | wikidata=Q4179186 | lastedit=2022-03-27 | content=Runs a bus network within [[Victoria (British Columbia)|Victoria]], between Victoria and the Saanich Peninsula including Sidney, and between Victoria and cities to the west including [[Langford]] and [[Sooke]]. }} Some notable bus routes: ** 70 - Route between downtown Victoria and Swartz Bay ferry terminal including stops at McTavish Exchange and in downtown Sidney. Operates daily with numerous trips. Travel time to downtown Sidney from downtown Victoria is 45-50 minutes and from Swartz Bay ferry terminal is 10 minutes. This is a limited stop route and the fastest option. ** 72 - Route between downtown Victoria and Swartz Bay ferry terminal with stops at McTavish Exchange and in downtown Sidney. Operates daily with numerous trips. Travel time to downtown Sidney from downtown Victoria is 1 hour and from Swartz Bay ferry terminal is 15 minutes. ** 81 - Route between Butchart Gardens and Swartz Bay ferry terminal with stops at McTavish Exchange and in downtown Sidney. Operates Monday to Friday with numerous trips, and Saturday and Sunday with a number of trips. Travel time to Butchart Gardens from downtown Sidney is 40 minutes and from Swartz Bay is 50 minutes. ** 87 - Route between Saanichton, Sidney, and Victoria International Airport with stops at McTavish Exchange and in downtown Sidney. Operates Monday to Friday with a number of trips. This route supplements Route 88, and makes all stops covered by Route 88. ** 88 - Route between Sidney and Victoria International Airport with stops at McTavish Exchange and in downtown Sidney. Operates daily with a number of trips. Travel time between the airport and Sidney is 17 minutes. Travel time between the airport and McTavish Exchange is 4 minutes. === By taxi === * {{Listing|name=Victoria Taxi|url=https://victoriataxi.com/|phone=+1 250-383-7111|tollfree=+1-888-842-7111|lastedit=2022-07-28}} * {{Listing|name=Yellow Cab of Victoria|url=http://www.yellowcabvictoria.com/|phone=+1 250-381-2222|tollfree=+1-800-808-6881|lastedit=2022-07-28}} ==See== * {{see | name=British Columbia Aviation Museum | alt= | url=https://www.bcam.net/ | email= | address=1910 Norseman Rd | lat=48.641 | long=-123.419 | directions= | phone=+1 250-655-3300 | tollfree= | hours=May 1- Sep 30: daily 10AM-4PM; Oct 1 - Apr 30: daily 11AM-3PM | price=$10 adults, $8 seniors & youth, $4 children | wikipedia=British Columbia Aviation Museum | image=Spitfire Replica.jpg | wikidata=Q4969676 | lastedit=2017-04-06 | content=In Sidney on the north edge of the Victoria International Airport. Displays, artifacts, restored historical aircraft and an ongoing vintage aircraft restoration workshop. }} *{{see | name=Fisherman's Wharf | alt= | url= | email= | address=End of Beacon Ave | lat=48.64911 | long=-123.3934 | directions=go east on Beacon Ave to the end | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=}} *{{see | name=Gulf Islands National Park Reserve | alt= | url=https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/bc/gulf/ | email=gulf.islands@pc.gc.ca | address= | lat=48.850556 | long=-123.447778 | directions= | phone=+1 250-654-4000 | tollfree=+1-866-944-1744 | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q775595 | lastedit=2019-05-27 | content=Includes Sidney Spit; other "Gulf Islands National Park Reserve" properties on Saturna, Mayne and Pender Islands can be accessed by [http://www.bcferries.com/ BC Ferries], while the smaller islands of D'Arcy, Isle-de-Lis (Rum Island), Princess Margaret (Portland Island), Prevost, Russell, Cabbage and Tumbo can be best accessed by private watercraft or [http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/bc/gulf/activ/activ9/list.aspx marine charter]. Visit the islands for whale-watching, bird-watching, kayaking and scuba-diving. }} *{{see | name=Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea | alt= | url=https://www.salishseacentre.org/ | email=info@oceandiscovery.ca | address=9811 Seaport Place | lat=48.64956 | long=-123.39485 | directions= | phone=+1 250-665-7511 | tollfree= | hours=Winter/spring daily 10AM-4PM; summer 10AM-5PM | price=Adult $15; child $5 | content= }} * {{see | name=Sidney Museum and Archives | alt= | url=https://sidneymuseum.ca/ | email=info@sidneymuseum.ca | address=2423 Beacon Ave | lat=48.64874 | long=-123.3993 | directions= | phone=+1 250-655-6355 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 10AM-4PM | price=By donation | lastedit=2018-05-02 | content=Features displays about the history of the surrounding Peninsula, the natural history of the area, the First Nations, the railways on the Saanich Peninsula, and numerous temporary exhibits. }} ==Do== *{{do | name=Sidney Spit | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=48.63433 | long=-123.32883 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-866-944-1744 | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q22622252 | content=Accessed by private ferry. Sidney Spit also offers incredible opportunities for bird watching, as Sidney Island is a popular stop-over for migrating shorebirds. Visitors who wish to camp at Sidney Spit must be registered at a designated campsite before the last ferry leaves the island for the day. Please note that while there is water available on Sidney Spit, it contains high levels of sodium and may not be suitable for people with heart or kidney ailments. }} * {{do | name=John Dean Provincial Park | alt= | url=https://bcparks.ca/lau-welnew-john-dean-park/ | email= | address= | lat=48.61839 | long=-123.4465 | directions=Access Dean Park Rd from East Saanich Rd | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=174 hectares of woodland with 6 km of hiking trails on top of Mt Newton; no vehicle access in winter. }} * {{do | name=Shoal Harbour Bird Sanctuary | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=48.67169 | long=-123.40754 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Bird watching. The adjoining Sidney Channel Important Bird Area is an internationally recognized site important to a variety of seabirds and waterfowl. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=El Dorado Treasures Sidney Store | alt= | url= | email= | address=2448B Beacon Ave | lat=48.64909 | long=-123.39839 | directions= | phone=+1-7787006804 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-03-10 | content=Organic cotton and Alpaca wool handmade clothing. }} *{{buy | name=Provedence Fine Things Ltd | alt= | url=https://sidneyprovenance.wixsite.com/provenancefinethings | email= | address=2536 Beacon Ave | lat=48.649074 | long=-123.394643 | directions= | phone=+1 250 656-5676 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-03-05 | content=Jewellery and home decor shop with a large selection of Pandora bracelets and accessories. }} ==Eat== *{{eat | name=Fish on Fifth | alt= | url=https://fishon5th.com/ | email= | address=9812 5th Street | lat=48.64934 | long=-123.40045 | directions=Beacon at Fifth | phone=+1 250-656-4022 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2023-03-05| content=Specializes in fish & chips.}} *{{eat | name=Fish O Chips | alt= | url=http://www.fishochips.ca/ | email= | address=10153 Resthaven Dr | lat=48.65726 | long=-123.40270 | directions= | phone=+1 250-656-4435 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-Su 11:30AM-10PM | price= |lastedit=2023-03-05| content=}} *{{eat | name=Maria's Souvlaki | alt= | url= | email= | address=9812 Second St | lat=48.64933 | long=-123.39668 | directions= | phone=+1 250 656-9944 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Greek cuisine.}} *{{eat | name=Sabhai Thai Restaurant | alt= | url=https://sabhai.ca/ | email= | address=2493 Beacon Avenue | lat=48.64880 | long=-123.39690 | directions= | phone=+1 250-655-4085 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2023-03-05| content=Asian cuisine; reservations recommended.}} * {{eat | name=Sidney Bakery | alt= | url=https://www.sidneybakery.ca/ | email= | address=2507 Beacon Ave | lat=48.64879 | long=-123.39612 | directions= | phone=+1 250-656-1012 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 7AM-5:30PM, Su 9AM-5PM | price= |lastedit=2023-03-05| content=}} * {{eat | name=10 Acres at The Pier | alt= | url=https://10acres.ca/pier-restaurant/ | email= | address=2538 Beacon Ave | lat=48.64922 | long=-123.39447 | directions= | phone=+1 250-655-9763 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-02-29 | content=An artisan farm-to-table restaurant serving west coast and Italian fare. }} * {{eat | name=The Surly Mermaid | alt= | url=https://www.surlymermaid.ca/ | email= | address=9851 Seaport Pl | lat=48.650536 | long=-123.394627 | directions= | phone=+1 778-351-1544 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-02-29 | content=Elevated pub fare & seasonal draft beer offered in a warm, casual setting with a patio & buzzy vibe. }} * {{eat | name=The Pier Bistro | alt= | url=https://www.alpinegroup.ca/businesses/sidney-pier-bistro/ | email= | address=2550 Beacon Ave | lat=48.649209 | long=-123.3928 | directions= | phone=+1 250-655-4995 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-02-29 | content=Classic comfort food & drinks in a family-friendly setting with nautical decor & views of the water. }} * {{eat | name=Riva | alt= | url=http://rivasidney.ca | email= | address=2537 Beacon Ave | lat=48.648717 | long=-123.3944 | directions= | phone=+1 250 656-6690 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-02-29 | content=Italian fare of favourite items such as flatbreads, paninis, fresh seafood and beautiful house-made desserts. }} * {{eat | name=Quince Cafe | alt= | url= | email= | address=2527 Beacon Ave | lat=48.648776 | long=-123.395939 | directions= | phone=+1 250-656-1657 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-02-29 | content=Coffee shop serving baked goods made from scratch and fresh daily. }} * {{eat | name=Beacon Café | alt= | url=https://www.instagram.com/the_beacon_cafe/ | email= | address=2505 Beacon Avenue | lat=48.648768 | long=-123.396437 | directions= | phone=+1 778-426-3663 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-02-29 | content=Quaint coffee house with baked goods and sandwiches. }} * {{eat | name=Sidney Harbour Chinese Restaurant | alt= | url=http://www.sidneyharbourchineserestaurant.com/ | email= | address=2500 Beacon Ave | lat=48.649088 | long=-123.396875 | directions= | phone=+1 778-426-3888 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-03-01 | content=Chinese restaurant with favourites like Chow Mein, Chop Suey and Egg Foo Young. }} * {{eat | name=3rd Street Cafe | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/3rdStreetCafeSidney/?rf=209335009102603 | email= | address=2466 Beacon Ave | lat=48.649054 | long=-123.397663 | directions= | phone=+1 250-656-3035 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-03-01 | content=Casual storefront diner & coffee shop offering hearty breakfast, brunch & lunch menus all day. }} * {{eat | name=Good Fortune Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.goodfortunerestaurantsidney.ca/menu | email= | address=9775 Third St | lat=48.648157 | long=-123.397399 | directions= | phone=+1 250-656-5112 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-03-01 | content=Family-run restaurant serving up delectable dishes to Sidney residents with a fast and friendly service. }} * {{eat | name=The Red Brick Cafe | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100041815162177 | email= | address=2423 Beacon Ave | lat=48.648759 | long=-123.399508 | directions= | phone=+1 778-351-1322 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-03-01 | content=Coffee and Home Made Meals from Scratch. }} * {{eat | name=Grays Café | alt= | url=https://www.instagram.com/grays_cafe | email= | address=2526 Bevan Ave | lat=48.647757 | long=-123.395804 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-03-01 | content=Quality coffee, savoury and sweet food with many plant-based options. }} * {{eat | name=Fresh Tandoori Flavour | alt= | url=https://freshtandooriflavour.ca/ | email= | address=2395 Beacon Ave | lat=48.648695 | long=-123.400564 | directions= | phone=+1 250-655-4500 | tollfree= | hours=11AM - 9:30PM | price= | lastedit=2024-03-03 | content=Indian food. }} * {{eat | name=Tonollis Deli & Café | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/Tonollis/ | email= | address=2400 Bevan Ave | lat=48.647770 | long=-123.400048 | directions= | phone=+1 778-351-1288 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-03-03 | content=Italian deli with coffee, pastries and sandwiches. }} * {{eat | name=Alexander's Coffee | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/alexanderscoffeecompany/ | email= | address=2385 Beacon Ave | lat=48.648657 | long=-123.400800 | directions= | phone=+1 250-656-3234 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-03-03 | content=Coffee beverages, baked goods, paninis, soup, light lunches, bubble tea & smoothies. }} * {{eat | name=Bevan Bistro | alt= | url=http://facebook.com/bevan.bistro | email= | address=2376 Bevan Ave | lat=48.648053 | long=-123.401123 | directions= | phone=+1 250-656-2021 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-03-03 | content=Café with unique dishes like breakfast poutine, pulled pork bennies & lunch items such as chicken tenders & sandwiches. }} * {{eat | name=Dakota Café | alt= | url=https://www.dakotacafesidney.com | email= | address=1852 Canso Rd | lat=48.645435 | long=-123.421247 | directions= | phone=+1 250-655-9395 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-03-03 | content=Hip café next to the airport with coffee, sandwiches and a signature wonton soup made Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. }} * {{eat | name=Mary's Bleue Moon Cafe | alt= | url=http://marysbleuemoon.com | email= | address=9535 Canora Rd | lat=48.640609 | long=-123.416910 | directions= | phone=+1 250-655-4450 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-03-03 | content=Bar and restaurant with pub favourites like burgers, chicken strips, nachos etc. }} * {{eat | name=The Fickle Fig Express | alt= | url=https://www.theficklefig.ca | email= | address=2489 Beacon Ave | lat=48.648771 | long=-123.397133 | directions= | phone=+1 778-426-0404 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-03-03 | content=Farm-to-table café focusing on local meats and produce with a rotating daily menu. }} * {{eat | name=Sea Glass Waterfront Grill | alt= | url=http://seaglasswaterfrontgrill.com | email= | address=2320 Harbour Rd | lat=48.667391 | long=-123.404144 | directions= | phone=+1 778-351-3663 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-03-03 | content=Classy upscale west coast restaurant with burgers, sockeye salmon, steaks etc. }} * {{eat | name=Homestead Café | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/CarronsHomesteadCafe | email= | address=10025 Galaran Rd | lat=48.653722 | long=-123.412068 | directions= | phone=+1 250-655-1844 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-03-03 | content=Breakfast and lunch spot with coffee, burgers, omelettes and milkshakes. }} * {{eat | name=Sea Breeze Vietnamese Cuisine | alt= | url=https://seabreezevictoria.com | email= | address=9819 Fifth St | lat=48.649560 | long=-123.400142 | directions= | phone=+1 250-655-0280 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-03-03 | content=Traditional Vietnamese dishes such as beef pho, chicken pork pho, fish noodle soup and banh mi. }} * {{eat | name=900° BiSTRO | alt= | url=https://900degrees.ca/locations/900-degrees-bistro-sidney | email= | address=2360 Beacon Ave | lat=48.649065 | long=-123.401215 | directions= | phone=+1 778-426-7059 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-03-03 | content=Italian restaurant with fresh made pastas and woodfire Neopalitan pizzas. }} * {{eat | name=The Five & Dime Diner | alt= | url=https://fiveanddimediner.com/ | email= | address=2305 Beacon Ave | lat=48.648547 | long=-123.403293 | directions= | phone=+1 778-351-1555 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-03-03 | content=Easygoing restaurant serving hearty all-day breakfast alongside burgers, salads & sandwiches. }} * {{eat | name=Serious Coffee Sidney | alt= | url=https://www.seriouscoffee.com/sidney/ | email= | address=2417 Beacon Ave | lat=48.648773 | long=-123.399715 | directions= | phone=+1 250-655-7255 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-03-03 | content=Local coffee shop chain with baked goods and sandwiches. }} * {{eat | name=Thai Corner Restaurant | alt= | url=https://thai-corner-restaurant.ca/ | email= | address=2359 Beacon Ave W | lat=48.648782 | long=-123.401232 | directions= | phone=+1 778-426-4680 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-03-03 | content=Thai restaurant serving stir-fry, curry and noodles. }} * {{eat | name=Taco Shell | alt= | url=http://tacoshell.ca | email= | address=2367 Beacon Ave | lat=48.648774 | long=-123.401122 | directions= | phone=+1 778-351-3003 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-03-03 | content=Mexican casual dining with favourites such as tacos, burritos, enchiladas and quesadillas. }} * {{eat | name=J Kitchen Korean & Japanese Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/JKitchensidney?fref=ts&ref=br_tf | email= | address=2305 Beacon Ave W | lat=48.648514 | long=-123.403212 | directions= | phone=+1 250-655-0033 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-03-03 | content=Korean and Japanese cuisine. }} * {{eat | name=Scotty's Dog Shack | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/Scottysdogshack/ | email= | address=2380 Beacon Ave W | lat=48.649061 | long=-123.400658 | directions= | phone=+1 250-655-1013 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-03-03 | content=Takeaway spot with hotdogs, milkshakes and ice cream. }} * {{eat | name=Odyssia Salads, Pizza and Pasta | alt= | url=http://odyssia.ca | email= | address=9785 Fifth St | lat=48.648653 | long=-123.400141 | directions= | phone=+1 250-656-5596 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-03-03 | content=Family-owned and -operated Greek steakhouse & restaurant serving Sidney since the 1980s. Take out only. }} * {{eat | name=Atelier by Matt Jackson | alt= | url=https://www.ateliersidney.ca/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=wix_google_business_profile&utm_campaign=17126848090239331594 | email= | address=9804 Fifth St | lat=48.649194 | long=-123.40046 | directions= | phone=+1 250-818-1845 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-03-03 | content=Elevated French-inspired cuisine with fresh, local ingredients from the Saanich Peninsula and surrounding areas. }} * {{eat | name=C.S. Chan Wontons & Dumplings | alt= | url= | email= | address=2350 Beacon Ave | lat=48.649051 | long=-123.401689 | directions= | phone=+1 778-351-1188 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-03-03 | content=Chinese restaurant specializing in wontons and dumplings. }} * {{eat | name=The Farmer's Daughter | alt= | url=https://www.thefarmersdaughter.co/ | email= | address=2360 Beacon Ave | lat=48.649061 | long=-123.401021 | directions= | phone=+1 778 351-3500 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-03-04 | content=Sophisticated artisan cheese and wine bar/deli with international products and appetizers. }} ==Drink== * {{drink | name=Small Gods Brewing Co. | alt= | url=https://smallgods.ca/ | email= | address=9835 Third St | lat=48.649924 | long=-123.397457 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-02-28 | content=Hip craft brewery with large selection of beer and sandwiches. }} * {{drink | name=Beacon Brewing | alt= | url=https://beaconbrewing.ca/ | email= | address=9829 Third St | lat=48.649856 | long=-123.397470 | directions= | phone=+1 250-544-6398 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-02-28 | content=Small batch craft brewery with beer and snacks. }} * {{drink | name=Victoria Distillers | alt= | url=https://victoriadistillers.com/ | email= | address=9891 Seaport Pl | lat=48.650206 | long=-123.394277 | directions= | phone=+1 250 544-8217 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-03-04 | content=Tasting room featuring gin and cocktails from award winning distillery. }} ==Sleep== *{{sleep | name=Best Western Plus Emerald Isle Motor Inn Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.bwemeraldisle.com/ | email= | address=2306 Beacon Ave | lat=48.64931 | long=-123.40304 | directions= | phone=+1 250-656-4441 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= |lastedit=2023-03-05| content=Convenient to BC Ferries, Washington State Ferry Terminal, Victoria International Airport, and Greater Victoria Area.}} *{{sleep | name=Macdonald Campground | alt= | url= | email= | address=10740 Macdonald Park Rd, North Saanich | lat=48.6737 | long=-123.42629 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-877-737-3783 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Minutes from the BC Ferries terminal; a good base to start exploring [[Gulf Islands National Park Reserve]]. }} *{{sleep | name=Days Inn Victoria Airport | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/en-ca/days-inn/sidney-british-columbia/days-inn-victoria-airport-sidney/overview | email= | address=2280 Beacon Ave | lat=48.64876 | long=-123.40484 | directions= | phone=+1 250-656-1176 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2023-03-05 | content= }} ==Connect== Most restaurants, bars and hotels will have free Wi-Fi. Cell service is good. *{{listing | name=Vancouver Island Regional Library | alt= | url=https://virl.bc.ca/ | email= | address=10091 Resthaven Dr | lat=48.65479 | long=-123.40247 | directions= | phone=+1 250-656-0944 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Vancouver Island Regional Library | wikidata=Q4391945 | lastedit=2023-03-05 | content=Free Wi-Fi available here. }} == Cope == * {{Listing|name=Saanich Peninsula Hospital|url=https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-locations/hospitals-health-centre-locations/saanich-peninsula-hospital|address=2166 Mt. Newton X Rd, Saanichton|lat=48.59632|long=-123.40977|phone=+1 250-544-7676|lastedit=2023-04-02|content=The nearest hospital to Sidney. It has an emergency department operating 24/7.}} ==Go next== Sidney is at one end of [[Vancouver Island]] and there is much to see as one travels north. Out on the Pacific Coast side of the Island is '''[[Pacific Rim National Park Reserve|Pacific Rim National Park]]''' and the communities of [[Ucluelet]] and [[Tofino]]. At the northern end of Vancouver Island is Cape Scott Provincial Park, occupying a more remote and wilder part of the Island. The '''[https://ibooked.ca/juandefucamarinetrail Juan de Fuca Marine Trail]{{Dead link|date=July 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' is a very worthwhile hiking route accessed through [[Sooke]], not far from [[Victoria (British Columbia)|Victoria]]. The trail runs between Port Renfrew and Jordan River and can be done as a series of day trips or as a multi-day backpacking trip. This is a good choice if you want a marine hike without the logistical challenges of the '''[https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/bc/pacificrim/activ/SCO-WCT West Coast Trail]'''. {{routebox | placename=Sidney | image1=BC-17.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=N | majorl1=[[Vancouver]] via [[File:BC-99.svg|16px|link=]] | minorl1=[[Delta (British Columbia)|Delta]] ← {{rint|ferry}} | directionr1=S | majorr1=END | minorr1='''[[Victoria (British Columbia)|Victoria]]''' }} {{geo|48.650556|-123.398611}} {{IsPartOf|South Vancouver Island}} {{usablecity}} g5103g7j2x2rk6iz5feogxxot58g10r 0 33299 5086887 4959877 2025-07-03T02:38:33Z InternetArchiveBot 2253620 Rescuing 0 sources and tagging 1 as dead.) #IABot (v2.0.9.5 5086887 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|2021-11-20 02 Wikivoyage banner image of Sooke BC Canada.jpg}} '''[https://sooke.ca Sooke]''' is a town of 13,000 people (2016) at the southernmost end of [[Vancouver Island]]. Sooke is best done as a day trip from [[Victoria (British Columbia)|Victoria]] but can also be a stopover on the way to [[Port Renfrew]]. [[Image:Looking South from Whiffen Spit.jpg|thumb|350px|Looking south from Whiffen Spit]] ==Get in== From Victoria, take Highway 1 northbound to [[Langford]]. Exit on to Highway 14 (exit for Millstream Road) and follow the highway to Sooke. It is also possible to bike (or walk!) to Sooke along the Galloping Goose Regional Trail, which is connected to Victoria and Langford and passes just east of Sooke. ==Get around== {{Mapframe|48.3982|-123.7019|zoom=11}} The best way to explore Sooke is on foot, but once you want to go see some of the sights beyond the four block town centre, you will need a car. === By public transit === * {{listing | name=BC Transit (Victoria Regional Transit System) | alt= | url=https://www.bctransit.com/victoria/home | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-250-382-6161 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=BC Transit | wikidata=Q4179186 | lastedit=2022-03-27 | content=Runs a bus network within [[Victoria (British Columbia)|Victoria]], between Victoria and the Saanich Peninsula including [[Sidney (British Columbia)|Sidney]], and between Victoria and cities to the west including [[Langford]] and Sooke. }} ** Bus route 61 operates during morning and afternoon rush hours from Monday to Friday travels between downtown Victoria and Sooke. Outside of those hours it operates between Langford and Sooke, in which case a transfer with route 95 is needed between Victoria and Langford. Route operates daily with numerous trips. A direct trip between Victoria and Sooke takes roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes and costs $3.00. ** There is bus service to East Sooke via Sooke and the bus stop at the 17 Mile Pub. This allows access by bus to the Anderson Cove entrance to East Sooke Park. ==See== The town of Sooke is a regional centre for the smaller communities in the area, and a starting point for trips farther west up the island. It is rapidly growing; its population is increasing roughly twice as fast as average for the Greater Victoria region. {{see | name=Sooke Region Museum | alt= | url=https://sookeregionmuseum.ca/ | email=info@sookeregionmuseum.com | address=2070 Phillips Rd | lat=48.38428 | long=-123.7064 | directions= | phone=+1 250-642-6351 | tollfree=+1-866-888-4748 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Sooke Region Museum | wikidata=Q24190327 | lastedit=2023-02-14 | content=A museum of the region that includes indoor and outdoor exhibits. }} ==Do== [[Image:East_sooke_park_rainforest.jpg|thumb|300px|Lush rainforest in East Sooke Park]] Check out a few of the interesting shops in the town's heart. Once you tire of this, jump in your car and head out to see some of the town's more natural sights: *{{do | name=East Sooke Regional Park | alt= | url=https://www.crd.bc.ca/parks-recreation-culture/parks-trails/find-park-trail/east-sooke | email= | address= | lat=48.3451 | long=-123.6818 | directions=To reach, drive east out of Sooke along Highway 14 and turn right on Gillespie Road (turn left, just past the 17 Mile Pub if coming from Langford or Victoria). Follow Gillespie Road to East Sooke Road where you can turn right to access the Pike Road and Anderson Cove entrances, or turn left then right on Becher Bay Road to reach the Aylard Farm entrance | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q114568654 | lastedit=2023-02-14 | content=Is a huge regional park located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. With over 50 km of hiking trails through forests and along rocky coasts, this is one of the most underappreciated hiking locations in Greater Victoria. }} *{{Do|name=Roche Cove Regional Park|url=https://www.crd.bc.ca/parks-recreation-culture/parks-trails/find-park-trail/roche-cove|lat=48.3709|long=-123.6179|lastedit=2023-02-14|content=You will pass Roche Cove Park on Gillespie Road on your way to East Sooke. There are a few trails here and if you don't have time to explore the expansive East Sooke Regional Park, then this is a nice alternative.}} * [[File:Potholes-SPPP.jpg|thumb|Sooke Potholes Provincial Park]]{{do | name=Sooke Potholes Provincial Park | alt= | url=https://bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/sooke_potholes/ | email= | address= | lat=48.44577 | long=-123.72683 | directions=Turn onto Sooke River Road on the east side of the Sooke River bridge (left if heading from Sooke, right if heading from Victoria) and follow the road to the park. | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Sooke Potholes Provincial Park | wikidata=Q7562657 | lastedit=2022-08-21 | content=A very popular location for a dip during the summer for Victoria residents. The Sooke River plunges through a series of deep pits creating perfect cool pools to take a plunge on a hot day. }} *{{Do|name=Whiffin Spit|lat=48.35745|long=-123.72125|lastedit=2023-07-19|content=Is a 1-km-long spit of sand that stretches out into the ocean, protecting Sooke Harbour. A pleasant walk to the tip of the spit past sandy beaches can be done here. The ideal time to visit is during a tide shift when you can watch the seals eat salmon and fish as they are washed out of the basin. To reach, follow Highway 14 west out of town, then turn left on Whiffen Spit Road.}} *{{do | name=Sooke Philharmonic Orchestra | alt= | url=https://www.sookephil.ca/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q110895192 | lastedit=2022-08-21 | content=Under the direction of Norman Nelson since 1997, performs six sets of concerts annually. There is a workshop for musicians who need a tune-up, and a concerto competition for tomorrow's stars. See their website for concert dates and venues. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Marshall-Inman Gallery | alt= | url=https://www.marshallinman.com/ | email= | address=4568 Otter Point Rd | lat=48.37059 | long=-123.83104 | directions=take Hwy 14/Sooke Road (which becomes West Coast Road) for 10 km, turn right into Otter Point Road at Gordons Beach (and ''not'' before), take the second entrance on right | phone= +1 250 642-5555 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 10AM-5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-05-02 | content=Wood & pottery workshops and gallery on a llama farm overlooking the Juan de Fuca Strait 10 min from Sooke Village. Call ahead. Woodwork, hand-crafted furniture, pottery & clay art. }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=17 Mile House Pub | alt= | url=https://www.17milehouse.com/ | email= | address=5126 Sooke Rd | lat=48.39471 | long=-123.62703 | directions= | phone = +1 250-642-5942 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2023-02-16| content=This pub-style restaurant is (you guessed it!) 17 miles away from Victoria, along Highway 14. If heading from Sooke it will be on your left. }} * {{eat | name=Mom's Cafe | alt= | url= | email= | address=2036 Shields Road | lat=48.37703 | long=-123.72567 | directions= | phone = +1 250-642-3314 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Mom's is the most popular restaurant in Sooke and the perfect place to fill yourself up after a hike at East Sooke. This diner-style restaurant that opened in the 1970s is on the corner of Shields Road and Eustace Road in downtown Sooke.}} * {{eat | name=Stone Pipe Grill | alt= | url= | email= | address=2038 Otter Point Rd | lat=48.37740 | long=-123.72425 | directions=corner of Sooke/West Coast Rd & Otter Point Rd | phone=+1 250-642-0566 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 11AM - 9PM | price= | content=Serves a tasty mix of sandwiches, burgers, steaks and curries. }} * {{eat | name=Point No Point Resort | alt= | url=https://pointnopointresort.com/ | email= | address=10829 West Coast Road | lat=48.39790 | long=-123.98427 | directions= | phone = +1 250 646-2020 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2023-02-16| content=West, outside of Sooke. Serves lunch and tea daily.}} * {{eat | name=Sooke Harbour House | alt= | url=https://sookeharbourhouse.com/ | email=info@sookeharbourhouse.com | address=1528 Whiffen Spit Road | lat=48.35641 | long=-123.72757 | directions= | phone=+1 250-642-3421 | tollfree=+1-800-889-9688 | fax= | hours=5:30PM-9PM | price= | lastedit=2015-06-18 | content= }} ==Sleep== There are numerous B&Bs and campgrounds around Sooke, but here is a selection of some of the pricier and more interesting accomnodations: * {{sleep | name=Point No Point Resort | alt= | url=https://pointnopointresort.com/ | email= | address=10829 West Coast Road | lat=48.39794 | long=-123.98450 | directions= | phone = +1 250-646-2020 | tollfree= | fax= | price=$130-220 | checkin= | checkout= |lastedit=2023-02-16| content=This beautiful resort is on a rocky point, west of Sooke on Highway 14 (West Coast Road). There are a selection of cabins along that coast that are available. }} * {{sleep | name=Sooke Harbour House Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.sookeharbourhouse.com | email=info@sookeharbourhouse.com | address=1528 Whiffen Spit Road | lat=48.35648 | long=-123.72769 | directions= | phone=+1 250 642-3421 | tollfree=+1-800-889-9688 | fax=+1 250 642-6988 | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=From $199 |lastedit=2023-02-16| content= }} * {{sleep | name=Sooke Harbour Resort & Marina | alt= | url=https://www.sookeharbourmarina.ca/ | email=reservations@sookeharbourmarina.ca | address=6971 West Coast Rd | lat=48.366464 | long=-123.731219 | directions= | phone=+1 250-642-3236 | tollfree=+1-866-616-3236 | checkin=4PM | checkout=10AM | price=$199-399 | lastedit=2015-08-11 | content=Offers boutique-style 2, 3, & 4 bedroom vacation homes. Each beautifully furnished suite offers spectacular ocean views and equipped kitchens. }} * {{sleep | name=Sunny Shores Resort & Marina | alt= | url=https://www.sunnyshoresresort.com/ | email= | address=5621 Sooke Rd | lat=48.39022 | long=-123.66459 | directions= | phone=+1 250 642-5731 | tollfree=+1-888-805-3932 | fax= | price=$175-500 | checkin= | checkout= |lastedit=2023-02-16| content= }} == Cope == * The nearest hospital is in [[Victoria (British Columbia)|Victoria]]. ==Go next== Your only real options are to drive west along Highway 14 to explore the Juan de Fuca beaches and Port Renfrew, or head back to Victoria. However, the '''[https://www.gallopinggoosetrail.com/ Galloping Goose Trail]''', a hiking and biking trail between Victoria and Sooke, passes near the town. Two convenient access points are the {{marker|type=do|name=Ludlow Rd Parking Lot|lat=48.39547|long=-123.65953}} and the {{marker|type=do|name=Sooke River Rd Parking Lot|lat=48.40573|long=-123.70382}}. If you have a couple of days and want a coastal hike, consider the '''[https://ibooked.ca/juandefucamarinetrail Juan de Fuca Marine Trail]{{Dead link|date=July 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' which runs between Port Renfrew and Jordan River. Unlike the longer West Coast Trail, the Juan de Fuca Trail has fewer logistical challenges and has several access trails along the route so it is possible to complete the whole distance or do shorter day trips as time or weather dictates. {{routebox | image1=BC-14.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Port Renfrew]] | minorl1=[[Juan de Fuca Provincial Park]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Victoria (British Columbia)|Victoria]] via [[File:BC-1 (TCH).svg|15px|link=]] | minorr1=[[Langford]] }} {{Usablecity}} {{geo|48.376111|-123.737778}} {{isPartOf|South Vancouver Island}} mtl70zs0ap5zw729dbrpbb489e5uf7q 0 33724 5086834 4995346 2025-07-02T23:09:41Z Brycehughes 43226 marketing / no evidence of presence in south sudan 5086834 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Yei township (South Sudan) banner.jpg|caption=Straw huts in Yei township}} {{warningbox|Many governments continue to advise citizens to '''avoid all travel''' due to the possibility of armed conflicts and inter-ethnic violence and because of widespread violent crime. While a ceasefire has been in place since 2018, the situation is volatile. Land borders with Sudan and Ethiopia remain hazardous. Rural areas may contain landmines. Civilians and aid workers are at risk of shootings, carjackings, ambushes, violent assaults, harassment and robberies. Some embassies are operating skeleton staff and may not be able to provide assistance to travellers. |australia=https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/africa/south-sudan |canada=https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/south-sudan |nz=https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/south-sudan |uk=https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/south-sudan |us=https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/south-sudan-travel-advisory.html |de=https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/suedsudansicherheit/244250 |ie=https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/a-z-list-of-countries/south-sudan/ |in=https://mea.gov.in/press-releases.htm?dtl/27010/travel+advisory+for+indian+nationals+travelling+to+south+sudan |lastedit=2024-01-02 }} '''South Sudan''' ([[Arabic phrasebook|Arabic]]: '''جنوب السودان''', ''Janūb as-Sūdān'') is a country in [[Central Africa]]. The world’s youngest country, it was a part of [[Sudan]] until it became an independent country on 9 July 2011. ==Regions== {{Regionlist | regionmap=South Sudan regions map.png | regionmaptext= | regionmapsize=upright=1.8 | region1name=[[Bahr el Ghazal]] | region1color=#9ccb94 | region1items= | region1description= | region2name=[[Equatoria]] | region2color=#8fa3a0 | region2items= | region2description= | region3name=[[Greater Upper Nile]] | region3color=#b6c797 | region3items= | region3description= }} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#9ccb94|title=[[Bahr el Ghazal]]|wikidata=Q803639}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#8fa3a0|title=[[Equatoria]]|wikidata=Q255572}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#b6c797|title=[[Greater Upper Nile]]|wikidata=Q2017655}} ==Cities== <!-- Please do not add more than 9 cities here, use talk page to discuss any changes, thank you! --> * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Juba]]|wikidata=Q1947}} – the capital * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Aweil]]|wikidata=Q791685}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Bentiu]]|wikidata=Q818284}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Malakal]]|wikidata=Q220049}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Nimule]]|wikidata=Q1992727}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Rumbek]]|wikidata=Q607336}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Wau (South Sudan)|Wau]]|wikidata=Q276534}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Yambio]]|wikidata=Q986355}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Yei]]|wikidata=Q1561403}} ==Other destinations== * {{marker|name=[[Bandingilo National Park]]|wikidata=Q2706891}} * {{marker|name=[[Boma National Park]]|wikidata=Q891743}} * {{marker|name=[[Southern National Park]]|wikidata=Q3232660}} * {{marker|name=[[Nimule National Park]]|wikidata=Q1992720}} – a national park along the White Nile ==Understand== {{quickbar|location=South Sudan in its region (claimed).svg}} [[File:Cattle of the Dinka people, Juba, South Sudan - 20101230-06.jpg|thumbnail|Cattle in South Sudan]] [[File:Soldiers - Flickr - Al Jazeera English (1).jpg|thumbnail|Soldiers in South Sudan]] ===History=== South Sudan was part of Sudan until it gained its independence in 2011, following a long war in which over 1 million people were killed, and a historic referendum. Although South Sudan was granted independence by Sudan after an overwhelming vote for independence in the referendum, relations between the two Sudans remain tense. Sudan depends on hard currency obtained from transshipping oil from South Sudan through [[Port Sudan]] on the Red Sea, while the landlocked South Sudan depends on access to that port, and the two countries have argued about terms for transshipment. There has also been some armed conflict over the oil-rich Abyei District which is ruled by Sudan but borders on South Sudan, and the Sudan People's Liberation Army - North, which fought alongside the Sudan People's Liberation Army that now rules South Sudan, continues to fight in the Sudanese provinces of Blue Nile and South Kordofan, with the sympathy and, allegedly, military aid of the South Sudanese government. ===People=== South Sudan has more than 60 indigenous ethnicities. The '''Dinka''' comprise 40% of the population. ===Climate=== South Sudan's climate is similar to an equatorial or tropical climate, and has a rainy season of high humidity and large amounts of rainfall followed by a drier season. ===Holidays=== * 9 January: Peace Agreement Day * 16 May: SPLA Day * 9 July: Independence Day * 30 July: Martyrs' Day * 25 December: Christmas Day ===Books=== * ''They Poured Fire on Us From the Sky: The True Story of Three Lost Boys from Sudan'', by Benson Deng, Alephonsion Deng, and Benjamin Ajak. Not exactly something to advertise South Sudan as an appealing destination, but it's a vivid and moving account of the war that preceded the country's independence. * ''Warchild'' by Emmanuel Jal * ''What is the What'' by Valentino Achak Deng and Dave Eggers ==Get in== [[File:Visa policy of South Sudan.png|thumb|375px|A map showing the visa requirements of South Sudan, with countries in green having visa-free access]] ===Visa requirements=== Visas are issued for US$100 at all border crossings and Juba International Airport. The length of the visas issued seems to vary randomly between 1 and 6 months. An invitation letter may be required depending on which official is at the desk on your day of arrival. The process can take 3 hours. If you do not have a local contact with official connections, it would be safer to get a visa before arriving in the country. Visas are now available from the [http://embrss.org.uk/ embassy in London] for UK₤50 cash and typically take 5 working days to process. The embassy in Nairobi is also a popular place to get a visa. Once in South Sudan, foreign visitors must register their presence in the country within 72 hours of arrival. Visitors must do this in person. As of April 2024, you can apply for e-visa on this website: https://evisa.gov.ss/. Single entry visa is 100 USD, three months multiple entry visa is 300 USD and six months multiple entry visa 350 USD. Make sure you have your Yellow Fever Vaccine card with you. ===By plane=== Until June 2022, there are no direct commercial flights from outside Africa, with the exception of service from Dubai on [https://www.flydubai.com/en/destinations/africa/south-sudan/ flydubai]. Turkish Airlines expect to operate 3 flights per week from June 2022. Changing planes is necessary; most airlines flying into Juba depart from [[Cairo]] ([[Egypt]]), [[Addis Ababa]] ([[Ethiopia]]), [[Entebbe]] ([[Uganda]]), [[Nairobi]] ([[Kenya]]) and [[Khartoum]] ([[Sudan]]) from where you should be able to manage flights to and from [[Europe]], Asia or the Americas. Be careful on taking photos in the airport as this is actually not allowed but an increasing number of people are observed to take photos at the airport these days. ===By car=== Overland crossing from [[Sudan]] to South Sudan was closed from the latter's secession in 2011; Sudanese leaders have announced plans to re-open the border in 2016.[https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jan/27/sudan-opens-border-with-south-for-first-time-since-2011] As of April 2024, crossing from Uganda to South Sudan is possible. The Renk crossing for Sudan to South Sudan is also flooded with refugees and returnees fleeing from Sudan. ===By bus=== A bus can be taken from [[Kampala]] to [[Juba]]. ===By train=== There is one railway line in South Sudan that enters from Sudan in the north and terminates at [[Wau (South Sudan)|Wau]]. Before independence there were services between Wau and [[Babanosa]], which had rail connections to Khartoum. As of 2014, however, there are no scheduled passenger services; indeed, the entire Sudanese rail network has come to a halt. Sporadic and non-scheduled trains may, however, still run, so you can try contacting the [http://www.sudanrailways.gov.sd Sudan Railways Corporation] for more information. ==Get around== [[Image:Train_Sudan_towards_Wau.jpg|thumb|There is always room on top! Travelling by train towards [[Wau (South Sudan)|Wau]].|320px]] <!-- ===By bus=== ===By plane=== ===By train=== --> === By car === Roads are unpaved, and during the rainy season from July to October and November, they often become impassable. Infrastructure is non-existent, ==Talk== English and [[Arabic phrasebook|Arabic]] (Juba Arabic) are the official languages of South Sudan, although [[Dinka phrasebook|Dinka]] is the most widely spoken language. Jur Modo, Nuer, Chollo/Shilluk, and Zande languages are also spoken there. ==See== * East African wildlife in [[Nimule National Park]]. * Rumbec Freedom Square in [[Rumbek]]. * ''White Nile.'' See the White Nile and the locals taking a drip from any of the restaurants located on its bank like Da Vinci and Afex. * ''Afex.'' This restaurant has the best view of the iconic sinking ship that every humanitarian has on their Facebook page. * ''Jebel Kujur.'' Hike up this 684m-high rock and get a good view of the city. However, it is crowded during the weekends. Check the security situation of the area before hiking up. ==Do== Safaris to Boma National Park and Nimule National Park. See the parks by 4x4 vehicle or aircraft. See the greatest migration of mammals on the earth. If you're feeling charitable, visit the Angels of East Africa orphanage (as featured in the film ''Machine Gun Preacher''), also located in Nimule. ==Buy== ===Money=== {{exchange rates | currency=South Sudanese pound | currencyCode=SSP | date=December 2024 | USD=3900 | EUR=4100 | GBP=4900 | source=[https://boss.gov.ss/exchange-rates/ Bank of South Sudan official exchange rate] }} The currency of the country is the '''South Sudanese pound''' (ISO currency code: '''SSP'''). It is divided into 100 piasters. The official rate or "bank exchange rate" (above) is what you would see on sites like Oanda and mataf.net. As of Sep 2024, central bank actions reduced the black market rate to only 10% more than the official rate. You can exchange your money by paying in USD at supermarkets like Juba Mall, Lily's, and Phoenicia. They will ask you if you want your change to be in USD or SSP. There are also money changers that line some streets with stacks of SSPs but be wary of them. Coins in South Sudan come in denominations of 10-, 20 and 50 piasters, 1 and 2 South Sudanese pounds. Banknotes in South Sudan come in denominations of 5-, 10 and 25 piasters, 1-, 5-, 10-, 20-, 25-, 50-, 100-, 500 and 1,000 South Sudanese pounds. You can withdraw money with a Visa card or Mastercard in any of the Ecobank or Equity bank ATMs in South Sudan. '''Souvenirs:''' * ''Maasai Market.'' The Maasai Market is a souvenir place but the items sold here are souvenirs from Kenya and Uganda, not from Juba. * ''Shea butter.'' You can buy unprocessed shea butter from the market. ==Eat== South Sudanese cuisine is mostly based on grains such as maize, sorghum. The national dish of South Sudan is Kisra, sorghum pancake. It is heavily influenced by Arab cuisine. The following are the most common dishes served: * Kisra. This is the main source of carbohydrate. It looks similar to Ethiopia's injeera but is more fermented, has a stronger sour smell, and has a rougher texture. It's color depends on what grain is used but most are made from sorghum, which gives its deeper brown color. * Mandazi. Deep fried square donuts. * Wala-wala, millet porridge. * Aseeda, sorghum porridge * Shaiyyah. Pan fried meat. * Mahshi. Similar to the Middle Eastern dolma. Zucchini, tomatoes and bell peppers are stuffed with minced meat, rice, onions etc. in a bed of tomato sauce. * Gurassa, yeasted pancake. * Kajaik, fish stew. * Ful sudani, peanut sweet. * Molokhia. Made of Molokhia or Jews mallow leaves cooked in a meat based soup. * Tamia, falafel. ==Drink== In the towns of South Sudan such as Rumbek and Juba, Kenyan and Ugandan beers are starting to appear in bars at inflated cross-border prices. In Renk, you can even buy Red Horse, a Filipino beer! Fresh fruit juices are available throughout South Sudan. One of the local juices is "aradeab"(tamarind) and juice made from the baobab fruit. The cloves-flavoured tea (chai) is very good. Outside the capital, you'll pay usually 10 SSP for one cup. Also the ginger-flavoured coffee is to be tried. In Renk, one cup of this is 100SSP (2019). Both are very sweet, so if you don't want sugar or you want it separately, say "Sukar bara" (serve sugar separate) when you order. ==Sleep== * Radisson Blu Hotel * Pyramid Continental Hotel and * Juba Grand Hotel * Palm Africa Hotel * Acacia Hotel ==Stay safe == [[File:Sudan Juba hut 30dez2005.jpg|thumbnail|Village hut in South Sudan]] Although the level of violence has subsided since the establishment of the country and the end of the civil war, South Sudan remains dangerous for travel as ceasefire violations and boundary disputes have continued. Guns are freely and readily available to the populace, and it is not uncommon to hear gunshots being fired in broad daylight. Travel near the Sudan or Central African Republic borders is '''extremely dangerous'''. Western governments continue to '''advise against all travel''' to South Sudan and the adjacent regions in Sudan. Violent crime remains problematic; unexploded ordnance from years of civil war also poses hazards to civilians. === Photography === South Sudan has '''very strict''' photography laws. For any kind of photography, you are required to obtain a photography permit from the Ministry of Interior. Be very mindful of what you take pictures of, and do not take photos randomly; foreign tourists have been arrested and physically assaulted by South Sudanese law enforcement for simply taking photographs. To err on the side of safety, keep the following in mind: * Never take a photograph of a '''South Sudanese person''' without their explicit permission. * Never take photographs of '''government buildings, vehicles, military personnel, or law enforcement personnel'''. * Never take photographs of '''airports, bridges, or gas stations'''. === Authorities === South Sudan is one of the most unstable, lawless, and corrupt countries in the world. Many scholars regard South Sudan as a kleptocracy. '''Do not''' expect the South Sudanese police to help you or solve your problems in the event you run into any kind of difficulties during your stay; the South Sudanese police are '''extremely corrupt''' and are written off as hapless, abusive, and ineffective. Low salaries are the main reason why there's a high level of corruption among the police force. As a foreigner, you may attract unwanted attention from corrupt officials. Be aware of your surroundings at all times, and keep your emotions under control; getting into a fight with corrupt, abusive officials or the wrong person in a country far away from home is not something you (or anyone) would want to do. === Journalists and bloggers === As tempting as it may be to write about South Sudan, it is illegal to report on the country without permission from the South Sudanese Media Authority. ==Stay healthy== It's a '''[[malaria]]l''' area, so before arriving, visit a tropical vaccination center to get prophylactic treatment and the necessary '''vaccines''', including yellow fever, polio and hepatitis A and B. Be sure to sleep under a '''mosquito net''' and use mosquito repellent. Most of the South Sudanese drink '''[[water]]''' from the rivers, which exposes them to diarrhoea and cholera. If bottled water is not available, boil/chlorinate the river water before drinking it. ==Respect== ==Connect== Telephone country code for South Sudan is +211, previous to 2011 it used the Sudan country code +249 so some numbers printed may need to be corrected. Local numbers are a 7 digit number preceded by a 2 digit provider code, those starting with a 1 are fixed line those with 9 mobile. Roaming with foreign phones/SIM cards does not usually work in South Sudan. For mobile communications, you will need to purchase a SIM card from one of the local networks (Zain or MTN). Bring an unlocked phone. {{geo|7.30798|29.90479|zoom=7}} {{isPartOf|Central Africa}} {{outlinecountry}} h311xy14khfqozgnn5ldchb8bg39ihf 5086835 5086834 2025-07-02T23:10:05Z Brycehughes 43226 /* Get in */ spacing 5086835 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Yei township (South Sudan) banner.jpg|caption=Straw huts in Yei township}} {{warningbox|Many governments continue to advise citizens to '''avoid all travel''' due to the possibility of armed conflicts and inter-ethnic violence and because of widespread violent crime. While a ceasefire has been in place since 2018, the situation is volatile. Land borders with Sudan and Ethiopia remain hazardous. Rural areas may contain landmines. Civilians and aid workers are at risk of shootings, carjackings, ambushes, violent assaults, harassment and robberies. Some embassies are operating skeleton staff and may not be able to provide assistance to travellers. |australia=https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/africa/south-sudan |canada=https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/south-sudan |nz=https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/south-sudan |uk=https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/south-sudan |us=https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/south-sudan-travel-advisory.html |de=https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/suedsudansicherheit/244250 |ie=https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/a-z-list-of-countries/south-sudan/ |in=https://mea.gov.in/press-releases.htm?dtl/27010/travel+advisory+for+indian+nationals+travelling+to+south+sudan |lastedit=2024-01-02 }} '''South Sudan''' ([[Arabic phrasebook|Arabic]]: '''جنوب السودان''', ''Janūb as-Sūdān'') is a country in [[Central Africa]]. The world’s youngest country, it was a part of [[Sudan]] until it became an independent country on 9 July 2011. ==Regions== {{Regionlist | regionmap=South Sudan regions map.png | regionmaptext= | regionmapsize=upright=1.8 | region1name=[[Bahr el Ghazal]] | region1color=#9ccb94 | region1items= | region1description= | region2name=[[Equatoria]] | region2color=#8fa3a0 | region2items= | region2description= | region3name=[[Greater Upper Nile]] | region3color=#b6c797 | region3items= | region3description= }} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#9ccb94|title=[[Bahr el Ghazal]]|wikidata=Q803639}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#8fa3a0|title=[[Equatoria]]|wikidata=Q255572}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#b6c797|title=[[Greater Upper Nile]]|wikidata=Q2017655}} ==Cities== <!-- Please do not add more than 9 cities here, use talk page to discuss any changes, thank you! --> * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Juba]]|wikidata=Q1947}} – the capital * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Aweil]]|wikidata=Q791685}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Bentiu]]|wikidata=Q818284}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Malakal]]|wikidata=Q220049}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Nimule]]|wikidata=Q1992727}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Rumbek]]|wikidata=Q607336}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Wau (South Sudan)|Wau]]|wikidata=Q276534}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Yambio]]|wikidata=Q986355}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Yei]]|wikidata=Q1561403}} ==Other destinations== * {{marker|name=[[Bandingilo National Park]]|wikidata=Q2706891}} * {{marker|name=[[Boma National Park]]|wikidata=Q891743}} * {{marker|name=[[Southern National Park]]|wikidata=Q3232660}} * {{marker|name=[[Nimule National Park]]|wikidata=Q1992720}} – a national park along the White Nile ==Understand== {{quickbar|location=South Sudan in its region (claimed).svg}} [[File:Cattle of the Dinka people, Juba, South Sudan - 20101230-06.jpg|thumbnail|Cattle in South Sudan]] [[File:Soldiers - Flickr - Al Jazeera English (1).jpg|thumbnail|Soldiers in South Sudan]] ===History=== South Sudan was part of Sudan until it gained its independence in 2011, following a long war in which over 1 million people were killed, and a historic referendum. Although South Sudan was granted independence by Sudan after an overwhelming vote for independence in the referendum, relations between the two Sudans remain tense. Sudan depends on hard currency obtained from transshipping oil from South Sudan through [[Port Sudan]] on the Red Sea, while the landlocked South Sudan depends on access to that port, and the two countries have argued about terms for transshipment. There has also been some armed conflict over the oil-rich Abyei District which is ruled by Sudan but borders on South Sudan, and the Sudan People's Liberation Army - North, which fought alongside the Sudan People's Liberation Army that now rules South Sudan, continues to fight in the Sudanese provinces of Blue Nile and South Kordofan, with the sympathy and, allegedly, military aid of the South Sudanese government. ===People=== South Sudan has more than 60 indigenous ethnicities. The '''Dinka''' comprise 40% of the population. ===Climate=== South Sudan's climate is similar to an equatorial or tropical climate, and has a rainy season of high humidity and large amounts of rainfall followed by a drier season. ===Holidays=== * 9 January: Peace Agreement Day * 16 May: SPLA Day * 9 July: Independence Day * 30 July: Martyrs' Day * 25 December: Christmas Day ===Books=== * ''They Poured Fire on Us From the Sky: The True Story of Three Lost Boys from Sudan'', by Benson Deng, Alephonsion Deng, and Benjamin Ajak. Not exactly something to advertise South Sudan as an appealing destination, but it's a vivid and moving account of the war that preceded the country's independence. * ''Warchild'' by Emmanuel Jal * ''What is the What'' by Valentino Achak Deng and Dave Eggers ==Get in== [[File:Visa policy of South Sudan.png|thumb|375px|A map showing the visa requirements of South Sudan, with countries in green having visa-free access]] ===Visa requirements=== Visas are issued for US$100 at all border crossings and Juba International Airport. The length of the visas issued seems to vary randomly between 1 and 6 months. An invitation letter may be required depending on which official is at the desk on your day of arrival. The process can take 3 hours. If you do not have a local contact with official connections, it would be safer to get a visa before arriving in the country. Visas are now available from the [http://embrss.org.uk/ embassy in London] for UK₤50 cash and typically take 5 working days to process. The embassy in Nairobi is also a popular place to get a visa. Once in South Sudan, foreign visitors must register their presence in the country within 72 hours of arrival. Visitors must do this in person. As of April 2024, you can apply for e-visa on this website: https://evisa.gov.ss/. Single entry visa is 100 USD, three months multiple entry visa is 300 USD and six months multiple entry visa 350 USD. Make sure you have your Yellow Fever Vaccine card with you. ===By plane=== Until June 2022, there are no direct commercial flights from outside Africa, with the exception of service from Dubai on [https://www.flydubai.com/en/destinations/africa/south-sudan/ flydubai]. Turkish Airlines expect to operate 3 flights per week from June 2022. Changing planes is necessary; most airlines flying into Juba depart from [[Cairo]] ([[Egypt]]), [[Addis Ababa]] ([[Ethiopia]]), [[Entebbe]] ([[Uganda]]), [[Nairobi]] ([[Kenya]]) and [[Khartoum]] ([[Sudan]]) from where you should be able to manage flights to and from [[Europe]], Asia or the Americas. Be careful on taking photos in the airport as this is actually not allowed but an increasing number of people are observed to take photos at the airport these days. ===By car=== Overland crossing from [[Sudan]] to South Sudan was closed from the latter's secession in 2011; Sudanese leaders have announced plans to re-open the border in 2016.[https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jan/27/sudan-opens-border-with-south-for-first-time-since-2011] As of April 2024, crossing from Uganda to South Sudan is possible. The Renk crossing for Sudan to South Sudan is also flooded with refugees and returnees fleeing from Sudan. ===By bus=== A bus can be taken from [[Kampala]] to [[Juba]]. ===By train=== There is one railway line in South Sudan that enters from Sudan in the north and terminates at [[Wau (South Sudan)|Wau]]. Before independence there were services between Wau and [[Babanosa]], which had rail connections to Khartoum. As of 2014, however, there are no scheduled passenger services; indeed, the entire Sudanese rail network has come to a halt. Sporadic and non-scheduled trains may, however, still run, so you can try contacting the [http://www.sudanrailways.gov.sd Sudan Railways Corporation] for more information. ==Get around== [[Image:Train_Sudan_towards_Wau.jpg|thumb|There is always room on top! Travelling by train towards [[Wau (South Sudan)|Wau]].|320px]] <!-- ===By bus=== ===By plane=== ===By train=== --> === By car === Roads are unpaved, and during the rainy season from July to October and November, they often become impassable. Infrastructure is non-existent, ==Talk== English and [[Arabic phrasebook|Arabic]] (Juba Arabic) are the official languages of South Sudan, although [[Dinka phrasebook|Dinka]] is the most widely spoken language. Jur Modo, Nuer, Chollo/Shilluk, and Zande languages are also spoken there. ==See== * East African wildlife in [[Nimule National Park]]. * Rumbec Freedom Square in [[Rumbek]]. * ''White Nile.'' See the White Nile and the locals taking a drip from any of the restaurants located on its bank like Da Vinci and Afex. * ''Afex.'' This restaurant has the best view of the iconic sinking ship that every humanitarian has on their Facebook page. * ''Jebel Kujur.'' Hike up this 684m-high rock and get a good view of the city. However, it is crowded during the weekends. Check the security situation of the area before hiking up. ==Do== Safaris to Boma National Park and Nimule National Park. See the parks by 4x4 vehicle or aircraft. See the greatest migration of mammals on the earth. If you're feeling charitable, visit the Angels of East Africa orphanage (as featured in the film ''Machine Gun Preacher''), also located in Nimule. ==Buy== ===Money=== {{exchange rates | currency=South Sudanese pound | currencyCode=SSP | date=December 2024 | USD=3900 | EUR=4100 | GBP=4900 | source=[https://boss.gov.ss/exchange-rates/ Bank of South Sudan official exchange rate] }} The currency of the country is the '''South Sudanese pound''' (ISO currency code: '''SSP'''). It is divided into 100 piasters. The official rate or "bank exchange rate" (above) is what you would see on sites like Oanda and mataf.net. As of Sep 2024, central bank actions reduced the black market rate to only 10% more than the official rate. You can exchange your money by paying in USD at supermarkets like Juba Mall, Lily's, and Phoenicia. They will ask you if you want your change to be in USD or SSP. There are also money changers that line some streets with stacks of SSPs but be wary of them. Coins in South Sudan come in denominations of 10-, 20 and 50 piasters, 1 and 2 South Sudanese pounds. Banknotes in South Sudan come in denominations of 5-, 10 and 25 piasters, 1-, 5-, 10-, 20-, 25-, 50-, 100-, 500 and 1,000 South Sudanese pounds. You can withdraw money with a Visa card or Mastercard in any of the Ecobank or Equity bank ATMs in South Sudan. '''Souvenirs:''' * ''Maasai Market.'' The Maasai Market is a souvenir place but the items sold here are souvenirs from Kenya and Uganda, not from Juba. * ''Shea butter.'' You can buy unprocessed shea butter from the market. ==Eat== South Sudanese cuisine is mostly based on grains such as maize, sorghum. The national dish of South Sudan is Kisra, sorghum pancake. It is heavily influenced by Arab cuisine. The following are the most common dishes served: * Kisra. This is the main source of carbohydrate. It looks similar to Ethiopia's injeera but is more fermented, has a stronger sour smell, and has a rougher texture. It's color depends on what grain is used but most are made from sorghum, which gives its deeper brown color. * Mandazi. Deep fried square donuts. * Wala-wala, millet porridge. * Aseeda, sorghum porridge * Shaiyyah. Pan fried meat. * Mahshi. Similar to the Middle Eastern dolma. Zucchini, tomatoes and bell peppers are stuffed with minced meat, rice, onions etc. in a bed of tomato sauce. * Gurassa, yeasted pancake. * Kajaik, fish stew. * Ful sudani, peanut sweet. * Molokhia. Made of Molokhia or Jews mallow leaves cooked in a meat based soup. * Tamia, falafel. ==Drink== In the towns of South Sudan such as Rumbek and Juba, Kenyan and Ugandan beers are starting to appear in bars at inflated cross-border prices. In Renk, you can even buy Red Horse, a Filipino beer! Fresh fruit juices are available throughout South Sudan. One of the local juices is "aradeab"(tamarind) and juice made from the baobab fruit. The cloves-flavoured tea (chai) is very good. Outside the capital, you'll pay usually 10 SSP for one cup. Also the ginger-flavoured coffee is to be tried. In Renk, one cup of this is 100SSP (2019). Both are very sweet, so if you don't want sugar or you want it separately, say "Sukar bara" (serve sugar separate) when you order. ==Sleep== * Radisson Blu Hotel * Pyramid Continental Hotel and * Juba Grand Hotel * Palm Africa Hotel * Acacia Hotel ==Stay safe == [[File:Sudan Juba hut 30dez2005.jpg|thumbnail|Village hut in South Sudan]] Although the level of violence has subsided since the establishment of the country and the end of the civil war, South Sudan remains dangerous for travel as ceasefire violations and boundary disputes have continued. Guns are freely and readily available to the populace, and it is not uncommon to hear gunshots being fired in broad daylight. Travel near the Sudan or Central African Republic borders is '''extremely dangerous'''. Western governments continue to '''advise against all travel''' to South Sudan and the adjacent regions in Sudan. Violent crime remains problematic; unexploded ordnance from years of civil war also poses hazards to civilians. === Photography === South Sudan has '''very strict''' photography laws. For any kind of photography, you are required to obtain a photography permit from the Ministry of Interior. Be very mindful of what you take pictures of, and do not take photos randomly; foreign tourists have been arrested and physically assaulted by South Sudanese law enforcement for simply taking photographs. To err on the side of safety, keep the following in mind: * Never take a photograph of a '''South Sudanese person''' without their explicit permission. * Never take photographs of '''government buildings, vehicles, military personnel, or law enforcement personnel'''. * Never take photographs of '''airports, bridges, or gas stations'''. === Authorities === South Sudan is one of the most unstable, lawless, and corrupt countries in the world. Many scholars regard South Sudan as a kleptocracy. '''Do not''' expect the South Sudanese police to help you or solve your problems in the event you run into any kind of difficulties during your stay; the South Sudanese police are '''extremely corrupt''' and are written off as hapless, abusive, and ineffective. Low salaries are the main reason why there's a high level of corruption among the police force. As a foreigner, you may attract unwanted attention from corrupt officials. Be aware of your surroundings at all times, and keep your emotions under control; getting into a fight with corrupt, abusive officials or the wrong person in a country far away from home is not something you (or anyone) would want to do. === Journalists and bloggers === As tempting as it may be to write about South Sudan, it is illegal to report on the country without permission from the South Sudanese Media Authority. ==Stay healthy== It's a '''[[malaria]]l''' area, so before arriving, visit a tropical vaccination center to get prophylactic treatment and the necessary '''vaccines''', including yellow fever, polio and hepatitis A and B. Be sure to sleep under a '''mosquito net''' and use mosquito repellent. Most of the South Sudanese drink '''[[water]]''' from the rivers, which exposes them to diarrhoea and cholera. If bottled water is not available, boil/chlorinate the river water before drinking it. ==Respect== ==Connect== Telephone country code for South Sudan is +211, previous to 2011 it used the Sudan country code +249 so some numbers printed may need to be corrected. Local numbers are a 7 digit number preceded by a 2 digit provider code, those starting with a 1 are fixed line those with 9 mobile. Roaming with foreign phones/SIM cards does not usually work in South Sudan. For mobile communications, you will need to purchase a SIM card from one of the local networks (Zain or MTN). Bring an unlocked phone. {{geo|7.30798|29.90479|zoom=7}} {{isPartOf|Central Africa}} {{outlinecountry}} 1aw84nc7hrer3czqjyoynhbybde27jz 0 33913 5086626 5049542 2025-07-02T13:45:42Z 155.190.33.5 /* See */ Added listing for Britannia mine museum - attraction was not listed on Squamish page 5086626 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Squamish banner climbing at smoke bluffs.jpg|caption=Rock climbing at Smoke Bluffs Park, Squamish}} '''[https://squamish.ca/ Squamish]''' is a town of about 20,000 people (2016) in the [[Sea to Sky]] region of [[British Columbia]] half-way between [[Vancouver]] and [[Whistler]]. Squamish calls itself '''the Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada''' due to the abundant rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking, golf, fishing, kayaking, bouldering, white-water rafting, horseback riding, scuba diving and other activities readily available in the area. ==Understand== ===History=== The town of Squamish had its beginning during the construction of the Pacific Great Eastern Railway in the 1910s. It was the first southern terminus of that railway (now a part of Canadian National Railway). The town remains important in the operations of the line and also the port. Forestry has traditionally been the main industry in the area, and the town's largest employer was the Western Forest Products pulp mill. However, Western Pulp's Squamish Operation shut down in 2006. Before the pulp mill, the town's largest employer had been International Forest Products' ([[wikipedia:Interfor_Corporation|Interfor]]) sawmill and logging operation, which closed in 2004. Squamish has become popular with Vancouver and Whistler residents escaping the increased cost of living in those places, both less than one hour away by highway. Tourism is an increasingly important part of the town's economy, with an emphasis on outdoor recreation. ===Climate=== Squamish is one of the wettest inhabited locations in Canada, with over 2,200 millimetres (87 in) of rainfall per year, often falling in long stretches through the winter. Located at the head of North America's southern-most fjord, glacier capped mountains rise from the Pacific waters to create stunning views from the protected waters below. Steady, predictable winds practically assure a great day of sailing every day between May and Sept. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|49.71|-123.148|height=470|zoom=12}} ===By car=== Squamish is on '''Highway 99''', 60 km north of downtown [[Vancouver]] (about a 45-minute drive). ===By bus=== * {{listing | name=YVR Skylynx | alt= | url=https://yvrskylynx.com/ | email=info@yvrskylynx.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-604-326-1616 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=YVR Skylynx | wikidata=Q60786665 | lastedit=2022-04-05 | content=Operates a daily bus route between [[Vancouver International Airport]] and [[Whistler]] with stops in Vancouver (Pacific Central Station and downtown) and Squamish. Travel time to Squamish from the airport is 2 hours, from Pacific Central Station is 1 hour 20 minutes, from downtown Vancouver is 1 hour, and from Whistler is 1 hour. }} ===By plane=== Private aircraft can fly into {{marker|type=go|name=Squamish Airport|lat=49.781667|long=-123.161944}}. ==Get around== Squamish sprawls over a large area for a town its size, so a car is the easiest way to get around. === By public transit === * {{listing | name=BC Transit (Squamish Transit System) | alt= | url=https://www.bctransit.com/squamish/home | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-604-892-5559 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=BC Transit | wikidata=Q4179186 | lastedit=2022-04-08 | content=Operates bus routes within Squamish. The main bus routes operate daily, multiple times per day. }} === By taxi === * {{Listing|name=Squamish Taxi|url=http://squamishtaxi.ca/|email=booking@squamishtaxi.ca|phone=+1 604-567-1111|lastedit=2022-07-28}} ==See== <!--[[Image:Royal hudson.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The "Royal Hudson" at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park]]--> * {{see | name=Eagle Run | url= | email= | address=Government Rd, near the Easter Seal Camp | lat=49.75234 | long=-123.14147 | directions=turn west off Highway 99 at Garibaldi Way -- a right turn if coming from Whistler; left turn from Vancouver -- a Petrocan, 7-11, and Husky mark the corner. Turn right on Government Rd at the T-junction 30 m later, and wind down the road about 1 km. There is ample parking next to the Easter Seal Camp/Camp Summit area | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | content=Between mid-November and late February, Squamish hosts hundreds of Bald Eagles who winter here and feast on the plentiful salmon coming up the rivers to spawn. The most popular viewing area is Eagle Run on the Squamish River. There are a number of interpretive displays and seats in the viewing area. Eaglewatch volunteers usually staff the viewing area on weekends from Dec to early Feb and may set up telescopes at the interpretive centre. }} * {{see | name=Shannon Falls Provincial Park | alt= | url=https://bcparks.ca/shannon-falls-park/ | email= | address=Highway 99 & Shannon Falls Park Rd | lat=49.67103 | long=-123.15776 | directions=turn at the lights 2 km south of Squamish | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q38481 | content=Shannon Falls are the third highest falls in British Columbia at 335 m. The main trail is a paved ten minute walk from the parking lot to a viewpoint at the bottom of the falls. Another, steeper trail (also about ten minutes), leads to a second viewpoint. There are also other hiking trails in the park and some rock climbing routes. }} * {{see | name=Railway Museum of British Columbia | alt=West Coast Railway Heritage Park | url=https://www.wcra.org/ | email= | address=39645 Government Rd | lat=49.728 | long=-123.1607 | directions= | phone=+1 604 898-9336 | tollfree= | hours=10AM-5PM | price=Student $10, senior $12, adult $15 | image=West Coast Railway Heritage Park 01.jpg | wikidata=Q7984827 | content=A treasure trove of old train paraphernalia reflecting Western Canada's Heritage. The star attraction is "The Royal Hudson", a steam train that is being restored there, but there are a variety of cars and locomotives to see and tour. The 3-km miniature train ride is good fun for kids of all ages. }} * {{see | name=Britannia mine museum | alt= | url=https://www.britanniaminemuseum.ca/ | email=company.store@bcmm.ca | address=150 Copper Drive | lat=49.624605 | long=-123.204958 | directions=Off the Sea to Sky Highway 99, approx 10 minutes south of Squamish | phone=604.896.2233 | tollfree=1.800.896.4044 | hours=9:00 AM - 4:30 PM | price=$41.95CAD (Adult) $23.95 (Child) $147.00 (Family) | wikipedia=Britannia_Mine_Museum | image=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Britannia_Mine_Museum_2013.JPG | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content=Musem of the largest copper mine in British Columbia, with shop and cafe. "Admission to the Britannia Mine Museum includes a 75 minute guided tour into the underground and Mill No.3 to watch the award-winning show BOOM! Tours run regularly throughout the day. Reservations are highly recommended." }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Alice Lake Provincial Park | alt= | url=https://bcparks.ca/alice-lake-park/ | email= | address=Alice Lake Rd | lat=49.77917 | long=-123.12439 | directions=access road is 11 km north of Squamish where Squamish Valley Rd meets Hwy 99 | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Day use area is free. Canoe, double kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals are $28 for the first hour and $40 for two hours. Single kayak rentals are $19 for one hour and $32 for two hours | wikidata=Q2646937 | lastedit=2019-08-09 | content=Park set amidst forests, four lakes and mountains. The day use area at Alice Lake has a good number of picnic tables, a playground, a kids bike skills park, and two sandy beaches with swimming areas that are popular in summer. Boat rentals are also available daily on Alice Lake during the summer months. There is a variety of hiking trails from fairly flat and wide around Alice Lake to steeper climbs to viewpoints. [[Mountain biking]] is permitted on some trails within the park and a large number of trails outside the park's boundary. }} * '''Rafting''' - Squamish has amazing rafting on the Elaho and Squamish Rivers 40 km (25 miles) north of the town in the Squamish Valley. The rapids are class 3 and 4, including the spectacular "Devils Elbow." [[Image:Chief RP(2).JPG|thumb|right|The Stawamus Chief]] * '''Rock climbing''' - Squamish is world renowned among climbers. The towering granite monolith, the Stawamus Chief, serves as the primary draw. There are over 600 established routes in the area, most of them traditional in nature, requiring the placement of gear for protection. There are many sport routes in the area with fixed/bolted protection though the majority of sport climbing in the area is along the Squamish-Whistler corridor. The boulders located at the base of the Stawamus Chief are starting to attract many climbers. This is to be partially attributed to the climbing DVD ''Rampage'' starring Chris Sharma. There are several quality guide books available for the established climbers as well as several commercial guides for hire. * {{do | name=Sea to Sky Gondola | alt= | url=https://www.seatoskygondola.com/ | email= | address=36800 Hwy 99 | lat=49.6754 | long=-123.157 | directions= | phone=+1 604-892-2550 | tollfree= | hours=Mid May - mid Oct: Su-Th 10AM-6PM, F-Sa 10AM-8PM; Nov-mid May: 10AM-4PM daily | price=$48 adult, $44 senior, $30 youth 13-18, $18 child 6-12. 7% discount if tickets purchased on-line. One-way download $15 | wikipedia=Sea to Sky Gondola | wikidata=Q120484727 | lastedit=2020-02-08 | content=Climb aboard a gondola for some great views of Howe Sound, the Chief and Squamish. The ride is 10-12 minutes and climbs 885 m up Mount Halbrich. Up top, there is a chalet/restaurant, suspension bridge, some hiking trails and three viewing platforms. The Summit Lodge Viewing Deck is the most accessible (it's next to the restaurant and the top of the gondola) and provides views of Howe Sound. The nearby Spirit Viewing Platform also provides views of Howe Sound, as well as information on the local First Nations people. The Chief Overlook Viewing Platform, with possibly the best views, looks out over the Chief and the Squamish Valley. It is accessed by the 1.6-km Panorama Trail, which is fairly wide and mostly packed dirt but does involve some hilly terrain. From the chalet, there is also access to backcountry hiking, rock climbing and mountaineering. For those who want a workout, you can hike from the base of the gondola to the top and then pay to take the gondola down. }} * {{do | name=Stawamus Chief Provincial Park | alt= | url=https://bcparks.ca/stawamus-chief-park/ | email= | address=Highway 99 | lat=49.6787 | long=-123.1544 | directions=1 km south of town | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1277588 | content=The park provides a number of hiking trails that lead to each of the three peaks on the Stawamus Chief. It takes some effort to get to the top but the views of Howe Sound and the Squamish River valley are outstanding. Hiking times range from 3-6 hours, with the hike to the first peak being the shortest. }} * {{do | name=Garibaldi Springs Golf Club | alt=Garibaldi Highlands Golf Club | url= | email= | address=40850 Tantalus Rd | lat=49.7493 | long=-123.13285 | directions=from Hwy 99, turn east onto Garibaldi Highlands by the 7-11 and gas stations; after one block, turn north onto Tantalus Rd | phone=+1 604 898-8356 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Club house and restaurant. }} * {{do | name=Squamish Valley Golf & Country Club | alt=Squamish Golf Club | url=https://squamishvalleygolf.com/ | email=info@squamishvalleygolf.com | address=2458 Mamquam Rd | lat=49.7341 | long=-123.1174 | directions=from Hwy 99 turn east onto Mamquam Rd by the Canadian Tire in Garibaldi Highlands | phone=+1 604 898-9691 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Club house, restaurant and proshop. }} * {{do | name=Canadian Coastal Sailing | alt= | url=https://canadiancoastal.com/ | email= | address=37778 Loggers Lane | lat=49.6947 | long=-123.15512 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=$99-139 for a 3-hour sailing trip with a local host | lastedit=2020-06-08 | content=Group sailing excursions (12 people) aboard a {{ft|40}} sailing yacht in North America's southern-most fjord. Reliable winds from May to Sep. Private charters available. }} ==Buy== ==Eat== Along Highway 99 you'll find the usual fast food fare, with a higher concentration near the city centre turnoff (Cleveland Avenue). * {{eat | name=Dragon Terrace Chinese Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.dragonterrace.com/ | email= | address=38037 Cleveland Ave | lat=49.69908 | long=-123.15325 | directions= | phone=+1 604 892-3717 | tollfree= | hours=W-M 3:30PM-8PM | price=$10-15 | content=Tasty Chinese meals at affordable prices. }} * {{eat | name=Fergie's Cafe | alt= | url=https://fergiescafe.ca/ | email= | address=70002 Squamish Valley Rd | lat=49.79914 | long=-123.15658 | directions=coming from Hwy 99, it's on your right just before the bridge over the Cheakamus River | phone=+1 604 898-1537 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 8AM-3PM | price=Bunch $16-19 | lastedit=2020-06-09 | content=Cute little restaurant with brunch and lunch dishes like eggs benedict, hashes, sandwiches and house specialties like home-made sausages, all mostly sourced from local farms. Part of the charm is the seating — there are some tables inside but most of the seating is outside at picnic tables set on their attractive grounds with lots of room for kids to run around. It's a pricey for a sandwich, but the food is good quality and the portions are a good size. The service can be ''very'' slow though when busy. }} * {{eat | name=Howe Sound Brewpub | alt= | url=https://www.howesound.com/ | email= | address=37801 Cleveland Ave | lat=49.69544 | long=-123.15641 | directions=at the Howe Sound Inn & Brewing Co | phone=+1 604 892-2603 | tollfree= | hours= | price=$6-15 for an appetizer, $11-15 for a main | content=Brewpub known for its in-house beers. The menu has a selection of burgers, pizzas and normal pub favourites. Brunch is served on weekends and holidays. There is also a dining room with a different menu and an inn. }} ==Drink== * {{drink | name=Chieftain Pub | alt= | url= | email= | address=38005 Cleveland Ave | lat=49.69864 | long=-123.15363 | directions= | phone=+1 604 892-9119 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Howe Sound Inn & Brewing Company | alt= | url=https://www.howesound.com/ | email= | address=37801 Cleveland Ave | lat=49.69544 | long=-123.15644 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Sleep== *{{sleep | name=August Jack Motor Inn | alt= | url=https://augustjack.com/ | email= | address=37947 Cleveland Ave | lat=49.6975 | long=-123.1545 | directions= | phone=+1 604 892-3504 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$65-75, kitchenette $15 extra | content=Non-descript on the outside but clean and functional rooms. There is high-speed internet in the lobby and most rooms can access the free Wi-Fi. Some rooms have kitchenettes. }} * {{sleep | name=Sea To Sky Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.seatoskyhotel.com/ | email= | address=40330 Tantalus Way | lat=49.7394 | long=-123.1332 | directions= | phone=+1 604 898-4874 | tollfree=+1-866-845-8511 | checkin= | checkout= | price=$139-199 | content=Choose from standard rooms with two queen beds or one-bedroom suites. Rooms include microwave, mini-fridge and complimentary breakfast. Wireless internet is also available. }} == Cope == * {{Listing|name=Squamish General Hospital|url=https://www.vch.ca/en/location/squamish-general-hospital|address=38140 Behrner Dr|lat=49.69866|long=-123.14061|phone=+1 604-892-5211|lastedit=2023-04-02|content=Has an emergency department that operates 24/7.}} ==Go next== Visiting other spots in the [[Sea to Sky]] corridor holds many sightseeing and recreation possibilities: * [[Lions Bay-Britannia Beach|Britannia Beach]] - 10 minutes south of Squamish by car. It has the BC Mining Museum and scuba diving can be done at nearby Porteau Cove. * [[Garibaldi Provincial Park]] - hiking to beautiful alpine lakes and vistas. * [[Whistler]] - 55 km north of town, Whistler is one of the biggest ski resorts in North America and an all-year playground of recreational activities. {{routebox | image1=BC-99.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=N | majorl1=[[Whistler]] | minorl1=[[Garibaldi Provincial Park]] | directionr1=S | majorr1=[[Vancouver]] | minorr1=[[Lions Bay-Britannia Beach]] }} {{IsPartOf|Sea to Sky}} {{usablecity}} {{geo|49.701|-123.1583}} iihoepalohr4ed6smhmlfocuso7sacc 5086984 5086626 2025-07-03T05:57:42Z 92.21.137.132 Fix phone number format 5086984 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Squamish banner climbing at smoke bluffs.jpg|caption=Rock climbing at Smoke Bluffs Park, Squamish}} '''[https://squamish.ca/ Squamish]''' is a town of about 20,000 people (2016) in the [[Sea to Sky]] region of [[British Columbia]] half-way between [[Vancouver]] and [[Whistler]]. Squamish calls itself '''the Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada''' due to the abundant rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking, golf, fishing, kayaking, bouldering, white-water rafting, horseback riding, scuba diving and other activities readily available in the area. ==Understand== ===History=== The town of Squamish had its beginning during the construction of the Pacific Great Eastern Railway in the 1910s. It was the first southern terminus of that railway (now a part of Canadian National Railway). The town remains important in the operations of the line and also the port. Forestry has traditionally been the main industry in the area, and the town's largest employer was the Western Forest Products pulp mill. However, Western Pulp's Squamish Operation shut down in 2006. Before the pulp mill, the town's largest employer had been International Forest Products' ([[wikipedia:Interfor_Corporation|Interfor]]) sawmill and logging operation, which closed in 2004. Squamish has become popular with Vancouver and Whistler residents escaping the increased cost of living in those places, both less than one hour away by highway. Tourism is an increasingly important part of the town's economy, with an emphasis on outdoor recreation. ===Climate=== Squamish is one of the wettest inhabited locations in Canada, with over 2,200 millimetres (87 in) of rainfall per year, often falling in long stretches through the winter. Located at the head of North America's southern-most fjord, glacier capped mountains rise from the Pacific waters to create stunning views from the protected waters below. Steady, predictable winds practically assure a great day of sailing every day between May and Sept. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|49.71|-123.148|height=470|zoom=12}} ===By car=== Squamish is on '''Highway 99''', 60 km north of downtown [[Vancouver]] (about a 45-minute drive). ===By bus=== * {{listing | name=YVR Skylynx | alt= | url=https://yvrskylynx.com/ | email=info@yvrskylynx.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-604-326-1616 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=YVR Skylynx | wikidata=Q60786665 | lastedit=2022-04-05 | content=Operates a daily bus route between [[Vancouver International Airport]] and [[Whistler]] with stops in Vancouver (Pacific Central Station and downtown) and Squamish. Travel time to Squamish from the airport is 2 hours, from Pacific Central Station is 1 hour 20 minutes, from downtown Vancouver is 1 hour, and from Whistler is 1 hour. }} ===By plane=== Private aircraft can fly into {{marker|type=go|name=Squamish Airport|lat=49.781667|long=-123.161944}}. ==Get around== Squamish sprawls over a large area for a town its size, so a car is the easiest way to get around. === By public transit === * {{listing | name=BC Transit (Squamish Transit System) | alt= | url=https://www.bctransit.com/squamish/home | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-604-892-5559 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=BC Transit | wikidata=Q4179186 | lastedit=2022-04-08 | content=Operates bus routes within Squamish. The main bus routes operate daily, multiple times per day. }} === By taxi === * {{Listing|name=Squamish Taxi|url=http://squamishtaxi.ca/|email=booking@squamishtaxi.ca|phone=+1 604-567-1111|lastedit=2022-07-28}} ==See== <!--[[Image:Royal hudson.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The "Royal Hudson" at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park]]--> * {{see | name=Eagle Run | url= | email= | address=Government Rd, near the Easter Seal Camp | lat=49.75234 | long=-123.14147 | directions=turn west off Highway 99 at Garibaldi Way -- a right turn if coming from Whistler; left turn from Vancouver -- a Petrocan, 7-11, and Husky mark the corner. Turn right on Government Rd at the T-junction 30 m later, and wind down the road about 1 km. There is ample parking next to the Easter Seal Camp/Camp Summit area | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | content=Between mid-November and late February, Squamish hosts hundreds of Bald Eagles who winter here and feast on the plentiful salmon coming up the rivers to spawn. The most popular viewing area is Eagle Run on the Squamish River. There are a number of interpretive displays and seats in the viewing area. Eaglewatch volunteers usually staff the viewing area on weekends from Dec to early Feb and may set up telescopes at the interpretive centre. }} * {{see | name=Shannon Falls Provincial Park | alt= | url=https://bcparks.ca/shannon-falls-park/ | email= | address=Highway 99 & Shannon Falls Park Rd | lat=49.67103 | long=-123.15776 | directions=turn at the lights 2 km south of Squamish | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q38481 | content=Shannon Falls are the third highest falls in British Columbia at 335 m. The main trail is a paved ten minute walk from the parking lot to a viewpoint at the bottom of the falls. Another, steeper trail (also about ten minutes), leads to a second viewpoint. There are also other hiking trails in the park and some rock climbing routes. }} * {{see | name=Railway Museum of British Columbia | alt=West Coast Railway Heritage Park | url=https://www.wcra.org/ | email= | address=39645 Government Rd | lat=49.728 | long=-123.1607 | directions= | phone=+1 604 898-9336 | tollfree= | hours=10AM-5PM | price=Student $10, senior $12, adult $15 | image=West Coast Railway Heritage Park 01.jpg | wikidata=Q7984827 | content=A treasure trove of old train paraphernalia reflecting Western Canada's Heritage. The star attraction is "The Royal Hudson", a steam train that is being restored there, but there are a variety of cars and locomotives to see and tour. The 3-km miniature train ride is good fun for kids of all ages. }} * {{see | name=Britannia mine museum | alt= | url=https://www.britanniaminemuseum.ca/ | email=company.store@bcmm.ca | address=150 Copper Drive | lat=49.624605 | long=-123.204958 | directions=Off the Sea to Sky Highway 99, approx 10 minutes south of Squamish | phone=+1 604 896-2233 | tollfree=+1 800 896 4044 | hours=9:00AM - 4:30PM | price=$41.95CAD (Adult) $23.95 (Child) $147.00 (Family) | wikipedia=Britannia_Mine_Museum | image=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Britannia_Mine_Museum_2013.JPG | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content=Museum of the largest copper mine in British Columbia, with shop and cafe. Admission to the Britannia Mine Museum includes a 75 minute guided tour into the underground and Mill No.3 to watch the award-winning show BOOM! Tours run regularly throughout the day. Reservations are highly recommended. }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Alice Lake Provincial Park | alt= | url=https://bcparks.ca/alice-lake-park/ | email= | address=Alice Lake Rd | lat=49.77917 | long=-123.12439 | directions=access road is 11 km north of Squamish where Squamish Valley Rd meets Hwy 99 | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Day use area is free. Canoe, double kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals are $28 for the first hour and $40 for two hours. Single kayak rentals are $19 for one hour and $32 for two hours | wikidata=Q2646937 | lastedit=2019-08-09 | content=Park set amidst forests, four lakes and mountains. The day use area at Alice Lake has a good number of picnic tables, a playground, a kids bike skills park, and two sandy beaches with swimming areas that are popular in summer. Boat rentals are also available daily on Alice Lake during the summer months. There is a variety of hiking trails from fairly flat and wide around Alice Lake to steeper climbs to viewpoints. [[Mountain biking]] is permitted on some trails within the park and a large number of trails outside the park's boundary. }} * '''Rafting''' - Squamish has amazing rafting on the Elaho and Squamish Rivers 40 km (25 miles) north of the town in the Squamish Valley. The rapids are class 3 and 4, including the spectacular "Devils Elbow." [[Image:Chief RP(2).JPG|thumb|right|The Stawamus Chief]] * '''Rock climbing''' - Squamish is world renowned among climbers. The towering granite monolith, the Stawamus Chief, serves as the primary draw. There are over 600 established routes in the area, most of them traditional in nature, requiring the placement of gear for protection. There are many sport routes in the area with fixed/bolted protection though the majority of sport climbing in the area is along the Squamish-Whistler corridor. The boulders located at the base of the Stawamus Chief are starting to attract many climbers. This is to be partially attributed to the climbing DVD ''Rampage'' starring Chris Sharma. There are several quality guide books available for the established climbers as well as several commercial guides for hire. * {{do | name=Sea to Sky Gondola | alt= | url=https://www.seatoskygondola.com/ | email= | address=36800 Hwy 99 | lat=49.6754 | long=-123.157 | directions= | phone=+1 604-892-2550 | tollfree= | hours=Mid May - mid Oct: Su-Th 10AM-6PM, F-Sa 10AM-8PM; Nov-mid May: 10AM-4PM daily | price=$48 adult, $44 senior, $30 youth 13-18, $18 child 6-12. 7% discount if tickets purchased on-line. One-way download $15 | wikipedia=Sea to Sky Gondola | wikidata=Q120484727 | lastedit=2020-02-08 | content=Climb aboard a gondola for some great views of Howe Sound, the Chief and Squamish. The ride is 10-12 minutes and climbs 885 m up Mount Halbrich. Up top, there is a chalet/restaurant, suspension bridge, some hiking trails and three viewing platforms. The Summit Lodge Viewing Deck is the most accessible (it's next to the restaurant and the top of the gondola) and provides views of Howe Sound. The nearby Spirit Viewing Platform also provides views of Howe Sound, as well as information on the local First Nations people. The Chief Overlook Viewing Platform, with possibly the best views, looks out over the Chief and the Squamish Valley. It is accessed by the 1.6-km Panorama Trail, which is fairly wide and mostly packed dirt but does involve some hilly terrain. From the chalet, there is also access to backcountry hiking, rock climbing and mountaineering. For those who want a workout, you can hike from the base of the gondola to the top and then pay to take the gondola down. }} * {{do | name=Stawamus Chief Provincial Park | alt= | url=https://bcparks.ca/stawamus-chief-park/ | email= | address=Highway 99 | lat=49.6787 | long=-123.1544 | directions=1 km south of town | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1277588 | content=The park provides a number of hiking trails that lead to each of the three peaks on the Stawamus Chief. It takes some effort to get to the top but the views of Howe Sound and the Squamish River valley are outstanding. Hiking times range from 3-6 hours, with the hike to the first peak being the shortest. }} * {{do | name=Garibaldi Springs Golf Club | alt=Garibaldi Highlands Golf Club | url= | email= | address=40850 Tantalus Rd | lat=49.7493 | long=-123.13285 | directions=from Hwy 99, turn east onto Garibaldi Highlands by the 7-11 and gas stations; after one block, turn north onto Tantalus Rd | phone=+1 604 898-8356 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Club house and restaurant. }} * {{do | name=Squamish Valley Golf & Country Club | alt=Squamish Golf Club | url=https://squamishvalleygolf.com/ | email=info@squamishvalleygolf.com | address=2458 Mamquam Rd | lat=49.7341 | long=-123.1174 | directions=from Hwy 99 turn east onto Mamquam Rd by the Canadian Tire in Garibaldi Highlands | phone=+1 604 898-9691 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Club house, restaurant and proshop. }} * {{do | name=Canadian Coastal Sailing | alt= | url=https://canadiancoastal.com/ | email= | address=37778 Loggers Lane | lat=49.6947 | long=-123.15512 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=$99-139 for a 3-hour sailing trip with a local host | lastedit=2020-06-08 | content=Group sailing excursions (12 people) aboard a {{ft|40}} sailing yacht in North America's southern-most fjord. Reliable winds from May to Sep. Private charters available. }} ==Buy== ==Eat== Along Highway 99 you'll find the usual fast food fare, with a higher concentration near the city centre turnoff (Cleveland Avenue). * {{eat | name=Dragon Terrace Chinese Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.dragonterrace.com/ | email= | address=38037 Cleveland Ave | lat=49.69908 | long=-123.15325 | directions= | phone=+1 604 892-3717 | tollfree= | hours=W-M 3:30PM-8PM | price=$10-15 | content=Tasty Chinese meals at affordable prices. }} * {{eat | name=Fergie's Cafe | alt= | url=https://fergiescafe.ca/ | email= | address=70002 Squamish Valley Rd | lat=49.79914 | long=-123.15658 | directions=coming from Hwy 99, it's on your right just before the bridge over the Cheakamus River | phone=+1 604 898-1537 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 8AM-3PM | price=Bunch $16-19 | lastedit=2020-06-09 | content=Cute little restaurant with brunch and lunch dishes like eggs benedict, hashes, sandwiches and house specialties like home-made sausages, all mostly sourced from local farms. Part of the charm is the seating — there are some tables inside but most of the seating is outside at picnic tables set on their attractive grounds with lots of room for kids to run around. It's a pricey for a sandwich, but the food is good quality and the portions are a good size. The service can be ''very'' slow though when busy. }} * {{eat | name=Howe Sound Brewpub | alt= | url=https://www.howesound.com/ | email= | address=37801 Cleveland Ave | lat=49.69544 | long=-123.15641 | directions=at the Howe Sound Inn & Brewing Co | phone=+1 604 892-2603 | tollfree= | hours= | price=$6-15 for an appetizer, $11-15 for a main | content=Brewpub known for its in-house beers. The menu has a selection of burgers, pizzas and normal pub favourites. Brunch is served on weekends and holidays. There is also a dining room with a different menu and an inn. }} ==Drink== * {{drink | name=Chieftain Pub | alt= | url= | email= | address=38005 Cleveland Ave | lat=49.69864 | long=-123.15363 | directions= | phone=+1 604 892-9119 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Howe Sound Inn & Brewing Company | alt= | url=https://www.howesound.com/ | email= | address=37801 Cleveland Ave | lat=49.69544 | long=-123.15644 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Sleep== *{{sleep | name=August Jack Motor Inn | alt= | url=https://augustjack.com/ | email= | address=37947 Cleveland Ave | lat=49.6975 | long=-123.1545 | directions= | phone=+1 604 892-3504 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$65-75, kitchenette $15 extra | content=Non-descript on the outside but clean and functional rooms. There is high-speed internet in the lobby and most rooms can access the free Wi-Fi. Some rooms have kitchenettes. }} * {{sleep | name=Sea To Sky Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.seatoskyhotel.com/ | email= | address=40330 Tantalus Way | lat=49.7394 | long=-123.1332 | directions= | phone=+1 604 898-4874 | tollfree=+1-866-845-8511 | checkin= | checkout= | price=$139-199 | content=Choose from standard rooms with two queen beds or one-bedroom suites. Rooms include microwave, mini-fridge and complimentary breakfast. Wireless internet is also available. }} == Cope == * {{Listing|name=Squamish General Hospital|url=https://www.vch.ca/en/location/squamish-general-hospital|address=38140 Behrner Dr|lat=49.69866|long=-123.14061|phone=+1 604-892-5211|lastedit=2023-04-02|content=Has an emergency department that operates 24/7.}} ==Go next== Visiting other spots in the [[Sea to Sky]] corridor holds many sightseeing and recreation possibilities: * [[Lions Bay-Britannia Beach|Britannia Beach]] - 10 minutes south of Squamish by car. It has the BC Mining Museum and scuba diving can be done at nearby Porteau Cove. * [[Garibaldi Provincial Park]] - hiking to beautiful alpine lakes and vistas. * [[Whistler]] - 55 km north of town, Whistler is one of the biggest ski resorts in North America and an all-year playground of recreational activities. {{routebox | image1=BC-99.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=N | majorl1=[[Whistler]] | minorl1=[[Garibaldi Provincial Park]] | directionr1=S | majorr1=[[Vancouver]] | minorr1=[[Lions Bay-Britannia Beach]] }} {{IsPartOf|Sea to Sky}} {{usablecity}} {{geo|49.701|-123.1583}} 8j7emaowt0c0lux43pqa0kvzbqrj7ba 0 34396 5086664 5073168 2025-07-02T15:17:58Z Fengning9c 2328860 /* Go next */ 5086664 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Banner - Strasbourg 4.jpg|unesco=yes}} '''Strasbourg''' (German: ''Straßburg'', Alsatian: ''Strossburi'') is the capital of the [[Grand-Est]] region of [[France]] and is most widely known for hosting a number of important European institutions. It is also famous for its beautiful historical centre - the Grande Île, which was the first city centre to be classified entirely as a [[World Heritage Site]] by UNESCO. ==Understand== [[Image:Garedestrasbourg.jpg|thumb|300px|Strasbourg railway station, known for the sky dome]] Strasbourg is the ninth largest city in France with nearly half a million inhabitants in a metropolitan area spanning across the river into the [[Germany|German]] city of [[Kehl]], on the eastern bank of the Rhine. The city is the seat of the Council of Europe, the European Court of Human Rights, the European Ombudsman, the Eurocorps, the European Audiovisual Observatory and, most famously, the [http://www.europarl.europa.eu/portal/en European Parliament], which also holds sessions in [[Brussels]]. Strasbourg is a popular tourist destination primarily thanks to the beautifully preserved and pedestrian-friendly city centre, which can be explored on foot or bicycle in a few days. Don't forget that Strasbourg's appeal now brings tourists to the city throughout the year, with large tour groups especially frequent during the summer months and during the annual winter market. {{listing | type=go | name=Tourist Office of Strasbourg | alt= | url=https://www.visit.alsace/en/223005658-tourist-office-of-strasbourg/ | email= | address=Place de la Cathédrale | lat=48.58197 | long=7.74998 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=09:00 to 19:00 | price= | lastedit=2024-08-18 | content=If you ask whether they have maps they try to sell you one for €1.50 - be sure to ask if they have free maps, what you then get is basically the same as the paid one. They also sell a variety of self-guided walking tours through the town (Middle Ages, Renaissance, Modern and Contemporary) for €1 each, and can arrange bike tours through the Faubourgs (the suburbs of Neudorf and Neuhof). }} ==Talk== While you will very likely find people who will engage in a conversation in Alsatian Germam (which may vaguely sound like Standard German to you), the lingua franca of Strasbourg (and all of Alsace) is [[French]]. It is possible to hear Alsatian spoken on the streets, especially around the Cathedral. Alsatian (the historic Germanic language of Alsace) is a declining German dialect, spoken mostly by the region's older residents or in rural areas but efforts are underway to revive it. Due to the presence of the EU, chances are you might encounter locals that speak pretty good English. As Germany is right next door and due to heavy tourism from there, nearly everyone in the tourism sector can speak some German. German and English are very frequently learned foreign languages in Alsace. ==Get in== ===By plane=== Strasbourg has its own airport, however there are (relatively) nearby airports which have a wider range of destinations: * {{listing | type=go | name=Strasbourg International Airport | alt={{IATA|SXB}} | url=http://strasbourg.aeroport.fr/en | email= | address= | lat=48.5445 | long=7.6276 | directions=southwest of the city, at Entzheim | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Strasbourg Airport | image=Strasbourg-Enzheim Aéroport.JPG | wikidata=Q1165367 |lastedit=2023-03-20| content=There are domestic nd international flights. [http://www.airfrance.fr/ Air France] is the principal operator. Destinations include [[Casablanca]], [[Istanbul]], [[Madrid Barajas]], [[Brussels]] and [[Amsterdam Schiphol]] among others. A train runs to the town centre (€4, including a tram connection, valid for 90 min. If you only need to get to the central station, buy your ticket not from the machines in the arrivals hall but on the train platform directly where the ticket will cost €2.30). The travel time is 9 minutes and the frequency is 15 minutes. }} * '''[[Basel]]-Mulhouse-Freiburg Airport''' {{IATA|BSL}}: there is a short bus connection to the railway station of Saint-Louis, which is 1 hr 20 min by train, from the main Strasbourg train station. * '''[[Karlsruhe]]/Baden-Baden Airport''' {{IATA|FKB}} is about {{km|60}} away in Germany. The best way to get to Strasbourg is by bus from the airport to [[Baden-Baden]] ''Hauptbahnhof'' (Main Station); from here [http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en trains]{{Dead link|date=January 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} run to Strasbourg, normally with one change (45 min-1 hr). [http://www.flibco.com Flibco] operates buses to from the airport and on to Strasbourg. *'''[[Stuttgart]] Airport''' {{IATA|STR}} is about {{km|110}} away. Driving by car should take about 2 hr in normal traffic. There are direct buses connecting the city to Stuttgart airport in 2 hr 15 min. Travelling by train, you will most likely have to change once or twice. * Due to the excellent train connection to Paris, it may make sense to fly into [[Charles de Gaulle airport]] and take the TGV from there. Air France and some of its partners offer combined tickets in an [[air rail alliance]]. ===By train=== Strasbourg is well served by regional, national and international train services, predominantly by SNCF (French Railways), but also by Deutsche Bahn (German Railways). Strasbourg is the eastern terminus of a major [[high speed rail]] line and thus served by numerous TGV and some ICE trains, most of which continue onwards to Paris or Germany respectively. Major destinations include the following major towns and cities with multiple daily departures. Journey times are approximate, some require TGV trains: [[Paris]] 1 hr 50 min, [[Dijon]] 2 hr, [[Lyon]] 3 hr 40 min, [[Metz]] 1 hr 15 min, [[Nancy]] 50 min, [[Marseille]] 5 hr 30 min, [[Besancon]] 1 hr 40 min, [[Luxembourg]] 1 hr 40 min, [[Mulhouse]] 50 min, [[Basel]] 1 hr 25 min, [[Frankfurt]] 1 hr 45 min, [[Stuttgart]] 1 hr 20 min, [[Munich]] 3 hr 40 min, [[Saarbrücken]] 1 hr 30 min by direct local train, [[Brussels]] 3 hr 40 min. The TGV Est Européen provides direct services to: [[Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport]] 2 hr 25 min, [[Lille]] 3 hr 20 min (for same-station connections via Eurostar to [[London]]), [[Rennes]] 5 hr 15 min, [[Nantes]] 5 hr 10 min, [[Bordeaux]] 6 hr 45 min. Coming from Germany with the '''Deutschland-Ticket''' you can stay in the RB25 from Offenburg to Strasbourg, but you need to buy an extra ticket for Kehl-Strasbourg for €4.70, which can be bought online. Or you leave the train in Kehl and take a tram to any point in Strasbourg for €1.90{{Go|lastedit=2024-02-09}} From [[Saarbrücken]], Saar-Elsass ticket can be purchased for €35 on weekends that enables round-trip for up to 5 travellers. More details are found [http://www.bahn.de/regional/view/regionen/saar/freizeit/saar_elsass.shtml here]. The main train station in Strasbourg is the {{listing|type=go|name=Gare de Strasbourg | url=https://www.gares-sncf.com/fr/gare/fraeg/strasbourg | address=20 Place de la Gare | lat=48.585144 | long=7.734263 | wikipedia=Gare de Strasbourg | image=Gare de Strasbourg Interior, Alsace, France - Diliff.jpg | wikidata=Q801473 | content= }}. The station, impressively renovated with a new glass cocoon frontage, is a short walk west of the town center. There are connections to the tram system and buses, with many taxis waiting outside (to the left of the station forecourt). Luggage lockers (open until 9PM) are located on platform 1 and cost €5.50 for a small (which fits a carry on roller bag) or €7.50 for a medium (Nov 2024). You need to put your luggage through an x-ray first and be sure to ask the staff for change if you need it. The machines accept exact change only. For details of all services, and to make reservations, contact '''[https://www.sncf-connect.com/ SNCF]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}'''. For regional travel, check [http://www.ter-sncf.com/alsace/ SNCF TER Alsace] {{dead link|December 2020}} who co-ordinate the efficient and well served regional train network. When planning trips east of Strasbourg into Germany or countries beyond, you could save money by comparing the fares offered by [http://www.bahn.de/ Deutsche Bahn] to those of the [http://www.voyages-sncf.fr SNCF]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. ===By bus=== {{seealso|Intercity buses in France}} * [http://www.flixbus.com/ Flixbus] is by far the biggest player in the German market and a big player in the French market as well. {{listing|type=go | name=Bus station | alt= | url= | email= | address=Parc de l'Étoile | lat=48.57426 | long=7.75430 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-02-10 | content=Drop off point for Flixbus, ALSA and BlablaCar Bus. ''Getting there:'' take {{rint|strasbourg|A}} {{rint|strasbourg|D}} trams. }} ===By tram=== The German town of [[Kehl]] just across the border was linked to the Strasbourg tram network in 2017. It is one of only a handful of places worldwide where you can just hop on an [[urban rail]] service and let it take you across an international border. Both sides being within the [[Schengen Agreement|Schengen Area]], you don't need to take a passport or answer the question "business or pleasure" and you'll likely not be asked by customs agents how much booze you are carrying, either (and the limits are ''very'' generous at any rate). There are of course fare inspectors, so don't forget to get a ticket. ===By car=== You can reach Strasbourg by various highways: *from the west ([[Paris]], [[Benelux]]) taking the A4 highway (E25). About 4 hours from Paris and 2 hr 15 min from Luxembourg. *from the south ([[Switzerland]], [[Lyon]]), taking the A35 highway (E25). About 5 hours from Lyon *from the north and east (Germany), taking the A5 highway (E35). Driving into Strasbourg's old city is relatively easy although there are a few streets off limits to cars. There are many large garages surrounding the old city if your hotel does not have its own parking facility. Some carparks are more expensive than other, especially for longer stays. The one at [http://www.parcus.com/fr/produits-parcus/ Petite France Ste Marguerite]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} is the cheapest at €7.20/24 hour and €5.20 for each consecutive day. [https://www.cts-strasbourg.eu/en/getting-around/park-and-ride/ Tickets P+R] (parking for the day plus return fare on the tram for up to 7 passengers of the car): €4.10, P+R Rotonde: €4.60. ==Get around== {{mapframe|48.5833333|7.75|zoom=12}} {{mapshape}} Strasbourg is most easily explored on foot, and the historic city centre can easily be explored in a day or two. To be able to cover more ground, you should consider hiring a bike or using the public transport network. ===By bike=== Strasbourg is ideal for cycling - the city center is flat and there are plenty of bike lanes and bike paths. You can rent bikes at: *the automatic or manned bike sharing stations [http://www.velhop.strasbourg.eu/ vélhop]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. *''rue du Maire Kuss'', in front of the train station *''rue des Bouchers'', on the south bank of the Ill river, near the rue d'Austerlitz and the ''Porte de l'Hôpital'' tramway station. Bikes are allowed on trams except during peak hours. More information on cycling in Strasbourg is available [http://en.strasbourg.eu/en/transport-and-environment/getting-around-in-strasbourg/cycling/ on the Strasbourg website]. ===By bus and tram=== [[File:14-02-07-straszburg-RalfR-51.jpg|thumb|Tram in Strasbourg|left]] [[File:Strasbourg - Straßenbahn - Netzplan (mit Erweiterungen).png|thumb|Map of the tram system in Strasbourg]] Buses and trams in Strasbourg are operated by the [http://www.cts-strasbourg.fr/ Compagnie des Transports Strasbourgeois (CTS)]. A few dozen numbered bus lines and six tram lines (named A to F) and two bus rapid transit/BRT ('BHNS') lines (named G and H) serve the city. A single ticketing system covers bus and tram. Tickets are sold in 'tabacs' (newsagents), tourist offices, CTS boutiques or from vending machines at tram stops. Tickets (even ones from the vending machines) should be validated before use, either in the machines on tram station platforms or in the machine by the driver when you board the bus. Summary of fares (as of may 2025): [https://www.cts-strasbourg.eu/en/online-store/fares/tickets/ CTS fares website] * Aller Simple (one way) €2.50 * Aller Retour (round trip) €3.80 * 10 x Aller Simple (1 contactless ticket suitable only for one person) €17.30 * 24H Individuel (24-hr ticket for one person) €4.60 * Trio (one day ticket for up to three people) €10.40 Prices are slightly lower if loaded onto a Badgéo card, CTS App or topped up on contactless ticket. CTS App works only with French Sim cards (as of Oct 2018). If you're using the buses and trams a lot, Europass tickets are available from all automatic ticket machines for either 24 hours or seven days. The Europass Mini is valid on all local tram, bus and train services, including those that cross the border to [[Kehl]]. The full Europass ticket also covers the local transport of the Ortenau Tarifverbund in Germany including [[Offenburg]] [http://www.ortenaulinie.de/ (information in German only)]. ===Parking=== * {{go | name=P+R Ducs d'Alsace | alt= | url=https://www.cts-strasbourg.eu/fr/se-deplacer/Parkings-relais/# | email= | address= Rue des Ducs| lat= 48.589273| long=7.715659 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=€7.20/day | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-05-26 | content= Park & Ride. Combines parking plus tram ticket. 8 min ride to downtown with tram {{rint|strasbourg|A}} }} * {{go | name=P+R Baggersee | alt= | url=https://www.cts-strasbourg.eu/fr/se-deplacer/Parkings-relais/# | email= | address= Avenue de Strasbourg | lat=48.544569 | long=7.735662 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=€7.20/day | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-05-26 | content=Park & Ride. Combines parking plus tram ticket. 15 min ride to downtown with tram {{rint|strasbourg|A}} or {{rint|strasbourg|E}} }} * {{go | name= P+R Elsau| alt= | url=https://www.cts-strasbourg.eu/fr/se-deplacer/Parkings-relais/# | email= | address= Rue Suzanne Valadon| lat=48.568195| long=7.729611 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=€7.20/day, Motorhomes €9.8/day . | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-05-26 | content=Park & Ride. Combines parking plus tram ticket. 11 min ride to downtown with tram {{rint|strasbourg|B}}. Ideal for '''Motorhomes'''. }} * {{go | name= P+R Espace Européen de l'Entreprise| alt= | url=https://www.cts-strasbourg.eu/fr/se-deplacer/Parkings-relais/# | email= | address= Carrefour de l'Europe|lat=48.616692| long=7.719339 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=€7.20/day | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-05-26 | content=Park & Ride. Combines parking plus tram ticket. 20 min ride to downtown with bus {{rint|strasbourg|G}}. }} * {{go | name=P+R Hoenheim Gare | alt= | url=https://www.cts-strasbourg.eu/fr/se-deplacer/Parkings-relais/# | email= | address= Route de la Wantzenau| lat=48.627395 | long=7.758359 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=€7.20/day | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-05-26 | content=Park & Ride. Combines parking plus tram ticket. 20 min ride to downtown with tram {{rint|strasbourg|B}}. }} ==See== [[File:Strasbourg Capitainerie NW.jpg|thumb|The former capitainerie of the Port on the Rhine in Strasbourg]] ===Grand Île=== * {{see | name=Cathédrale Notre Dame | alt= | url=http://www.cathedrale-strasbourg.fr/ | email= | address= | lat=48.581667 | long=7.750833 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free admission | wikipedia=Strasbourg Cathedral | image=Strasbourg Cathedral Exterior - Diliff.jpg | wikidata=Q745460 | lastedit=2018-09-30 | content=Built between 1176 and 1439 and with a 142-m tower (the highest cathedral tower in France), the [[Gothic architecture|Gothic]] cathedral is undoubtedly Strasbourg's finest architectural highlight. Check out the '''astrometric clock''' inside the cathedral. }} * {{see | name=Musée de l'Oeuvre Notre Dame - Medieval and Renaissance Art | alt= | url=https://www.musees.strasbourg.eu/musee-de-l-oeuvre-notre-dame | email= | address=place du Château | lat=48.580833 | long=7.751389 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€6.5 | wikipedia=Musée de l’Œuvre Notre-Dame | image=Musée de l'Œuvre Notre-Dame - panoramio.jpg | wikidata=Q847007 | lastedit=2018-09-30 | content=A splendid museum of medieval religious art related to the cathedral. }} * {{see | name=Maison Kammerzell | alt=The Kammerzell house | url=http://www.maison-kammerzell.com | email= | address= | lat=48.581944 | long=7.749722 | directions=to the left of the front of the cathedral | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Kammerzell House | image=Strassburg um 1900.jpg | wikidata=Q661723 | lastedit=2018-09-30 | content=The intricately carved half-timbered frames decorating the upper floors date from 1589. }} * {{see | name=Palais des Rohan | alt= | url=http://www.musees.strasbourg.eu/index.php?page=le-palais-rohan | email= | address= | lat=48.581 | long=7.752 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Palais Rohan, Strasbourg | image=Cathedrale-de-Strasbourg-IMG 1331.jpg | wikidata=Q1561438 | lastedit=2010-09-30 | content=French-style palace, built after the acquisition of the town by the French (1681). Home to the Museum of Fine Arts, the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Applied Arts. }} * {{see | name=Musée Alsacien | alt=Alsatian Museum | url=https://en.musees.strasbourg.eu/alsatian-museum | email= | address=23-25, Quai Saint-Nicolas | lat=48.579167 | long=7.750556 | directions=just across the river from the Ancienne Douane | phone=+33 3 88 52 50 01 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M W-F 12:00-18:00, Sa Su 10:00-18:00 | price=Admission €6.5 | wikipedia=Musée alsacien (Strasbourg) | image=Strasbourg Musée alsacien 01.jpg | wikidata=Q565125 | lastedit=2018-09-30 | content=This museum features articles from the daily lives of Alsatian peoples from the 13th to 19th centuries: clothing, furniture, toys, tools of artisans and farmers, and religious objects used in Christian, Jewish, and even pagan rites. The exhibits are in rooms connected by wooden staircases and balconies in adjacent multistory Renaissance-era houses around a central courtyard. }} ===Petite France=== [[File:Petite France, Strasbourg.jpg|thumb|Houses in the "Petite France" area]] Petite France is the name given to the small area between the rivers, just south of the Grande Île. It is home to some of Strasbourg's prettiest and most photogenic streets and buildings, with half timbered townhouses leaning out over the narrow cobbled streets. Petite France resembles [[Colmar]] (a city an hour south), with picturesque canal and half-timber houses. * {{see | name=Ponts Couverts | alt=Covered Bridges | url= | email= | address=Ponts Couverts | lat=48.580155 | long=7.73935 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-03 | content=The Ponts Couverts are three bridges dominated by four towers from the 12th and 14th centuries. The bridges got their name from their roofs, which they lost in the 18th century. The towers are the remains of the ancient ramparts. }} * {{see | name=Barrage Vauban | alt=Vauban Dam | url= | email= | address=Place du Quartier Blanc | lat=48.57962 | long=7.73802 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-08-17 | content=The Barrage Vauban is a bridge, weir and defensive work erected in the 17th century. At that time, it was known as the Great Lock (grande écluse), although it does not function as a navigation lock in the modern sense of the word. Today it serves to display sculptures and has a viewing terrace on its roof, with views of the earlier Ponts Couverts bridges and Petite France quarter. }} ===European district=== Use ''bus lines #6, 30, 72'' to get there. * {{see | name=Council of Europe's seat | alt=Le Palais de l'Europe | url= | email= | address= | lat=48.59516 | long=7.77189 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Palace of Europe | image=Council of Europe Palais de l'Europe.JPG | wikidata=Q465591 | lastedit=2018-09-30 | content=Built in 1977 by Henry Bernard. }} * {{see | name=European Court of Human Rights | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=48.59728 | long= 7.77460| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-09-30 | content=Built in 1995 by Richard Rogers }} * {{see | name=European Parliament | alt= | url=http://www.europarl.europa.eu | email= | address= | lat=48.597403 | long=7.768825 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Seat of the European Parliament in Strasbourg | image=European Parliament Strasbourg 2015-10-28 02.jpg | wikidata=Q5438305 | lastedit=2018-09-30 | content=The parliament tends to meet in [[Brussels]] more and the arrangement with the parliament moving shop between Brussels and Strasbourg several times a year has been criticized as wasteful of money by EU skeptics and penny-pinchers. }} ===Elsewhere in Strasbourg=== [[File:European Parliament Strasbourg Hemicycle - Diliff.jpg|thumb|The Hemicycle of the European Parliament]] * {{see | name=Parc de l'Orangerie | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=48.59291 | long=7.77377 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=Absolute Pavillon Joséphine 01.jpg | wikidata=Q3364190 | lastedit=2010-09-30 | content=A beautiful classical park. It has a small free zoo featuring birds and a few other animals. Also has an excellent playground for young children. }} * {{see | name=Stockfeld | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=48.5292 | long=7.7672 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-09-30 | content=Garden city built in the early 20th century in the south-east of the Neuhof (southern part of the town). Use ''bus line #24'' to get there. }} * {{see | name=ARTE Television headquarters | alt= | url= | email= | address=4, quai du Chanoine Winterer | lat=48.59396 | long=7.76598 | directions=near the European district | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-09-30 | content= }} * {{see | name=B-line tramway terminus at Hoenheim | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=northern conurbation | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-09-30 | content=Built in 2001 by the contemporary architect Zaha Hadid. }} * {{see | name=Place de la République | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=48.5873 | long=7.75397 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Place de la République (Strasbourg) | image=Espace vert de la Place de la République, Strasbourg.jpg | wikidata=Q3390435 | lastedit=2018-09-30 | content=A central crossroad encircled by neoclassical public buildings. }} * {{see | name=Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art | alt=Musée d'Art Moderne et Contemporain | url=https://en.musees.strasbourg.eu/museum-of-modern-and-contemporary-art | email= | address= | lat=48.57947 | long=7.73609 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=€10 | wikipedia=Strasbourg Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art | wikidata=Q845468 | lastedit=2018-09-30 | content=It's recommended also because of the interesting building. }} * {{see | name=Historical Museum | alt= | url=https://en.musees.strasbourg.eu/historical-museum | email= | address= | lat= 48.58002| long=7.75092 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=€6.5 | wikipedia=Musée historique de Strasbourg | wikidata=Q3330600 | lastedit=2018-09-30 | content=Museum of Strasbourg's history. }} * {{see | name=Zoological Museum | alt= | url=https://en.musees.strasbourg.eu/zoological-museum | email= | address= | lat=48.583056 | long=7.764722 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 10:00-18:00 | price=€8 | wikipedia=Musée zoologique de la ville de Strasbourg | image=Musée zoologique de Strasbourg.JPG | wikidata=Q220280 | lastedit=2018-09-30 | content= }} * {{see | name=Archeological Museum | alt= | url=https://en.musees.strasbourg.eu/archaeological-museum | email= | address= | lat=48.581111 | long=7.752222 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€6.5 | wikipedia=Musée archéologique (Strasbourg) | image=Musée archéologique de Strasbourg-Galerie centrale.jpg | wikidata=Q782003 | lastedit=2018-09-30 | content= }} * {{see | name=Museum of Decorative Arts | alt= | url=https://en.musees.strasbourg.eu/museum-of-decorative-arts | email= | address= | lat=48.581111 | long=7.752222 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€6.5 | wikipedia=Musée des Arts décoratifs, Strasbourg | image=Détail du salon des évêques du Palais des Rohans, à Strasbourg.jpg | wikidata=Q1955722 | lastedit=2018-09-30 | content= }} * {{see | name=Museum of fine Arts | alt= | url=https://en.musees.strasbourg.eu/museum-of-fine-arts | email= | address= | lat=48.581111 | long=7.752222 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€6.5 | wikipedia=Musée des Beaux-Arts de Strasbourg | image=Le Palais des Rohans.jpg | wikidata=Q1535963 | lastedit=2018-09-30 | content= }} * {{see | name=Museum Tomi Ungerer | alt= | url=https://en.musees.strasbourg.eu/museum-tomi-ungerer | email= | address= | lat=48.585694 | long=7.755139 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=10:00-18:00; Tu off | price=€6.5 | wikipedia=Tomi Ungerer Museum | wikidata=Q3329373 | lastedit=2018-09-30 | content= }} ===Further afield=== * {{see | name=Lalique Museum | alt=Musée Lalique | url=http://www.musee-lalique.com/en | email= | address=Rue du Hochberg, Wingen-sur-Moder | lat=48.926673 | long=7.321655 | directions=about 2&nbsp;km NW of Wingen-sur-Moder (served by TER&nbsp;Alsace rail) on Rue du Hochberg (D919), and 65 km NW of Strasbourg | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Apr-Sep: daily 09:30-18:30; Feb Mar Oct Nov: Tu-Sa 10:00-18:00; Dec: daily 10:00-18:00; closed 25 Dec and January | price=€8 adults; €4 children 6-18 and students; children under 6 are free | lastedit=2024-08-23 | content=A very large collection of works by René Lalique, a renowned French glassmaker and jeweller active from the 1880s until his death in 1945. The museum is adjacent to the sole production facility operated by Lalique (the company he founded), opened in 1921 and is on the site of a glass-making factory dating to the 18th century. }} ==Do== [[File:Passerelle des Deux Rives.JPG | thumb | 300px | ''Passerelle des Deux Rives'' spans from Strasbourg (top) to Kehl in Germany ]] * Walking around the old town is a very nice way to pass a day. And there are lots of good cafes to stop and rest in as you make your tour. * '''Boat tours''' along the Rhine offer views over both Strasbourg and neighbouring Germany. [https://www.batorama.com/en Batorama] offer several river tours lasting from around 45 minutes to a few hours, costing around €10 per person. 45-min tours run around the town center and the European district. Boats can be found below {{lang|fr|Place du Marché aux Poissons}}. * '''Football:''' [https://www.rcstrasbourgalsace.fr/ RC Strasbourg Alsace] play soccer in Ligue 1, the top tier in France. Their home ground Stade de la Meinau (capacity 26,300) is 2 km south of town centre. * '''[[Christmas Markets]]''' can be found in many places, but the most important and beautiful are {{lang|fr|place Broglie}} and {{lang|fr|place de la Cathédrale}}, although they are crowded. They are the best places to drink mulled wine (''{{lang|fr|vin chaud}}'') and to eat Christmas cookies (''Brädeles''). ==Buy== From time to time, the city organizes a general market in vast parts of the center, where many street vendors offer various products and the shops join in with special discounts. Then, the city center on the island is partly closed for parking or driving and the trams don't go on the rue des Francs Bourgeois. Information about regular market dates is hard to find on the net. If you manage to track down the date of this market, write it here and don't miss it. * {{buy | name=Marché aux Puces | alt=flea market | url= | email= | address=rue de Vieil-Hôpital | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=W and Sa | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2010-09-30 | content= }} * {{buy | name=Place des Halles | alt= | url=http://www.placedeshalles.com | email= | address=24, place des Halles | lat=48.5861 | long=7.7425 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 09:00 - 20:00, and Sa until 20:00 | price= | image=Place des Halles-Strasbourg.JPG | wikidata=Q3390515 | lastedit=2010-09-30 | content=A shopping centre with over 100 shops and restaurants north of the city center, but within walking distance. }} * {{buy | name=Shopping centre Rivetoile | alt= | url= | email= | address=Place d'etoile | lat= | long= | directions=between the Etoile Polygone and Etoile Bourse tram stops | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2010-09-30 | content=This new development has shops similar to Place des Halles as well as higher budget shops and a selection of cafes. }} Try Galeries Lafayettes at rue du 22 Novembre and Printemps at 1-5 rue de la Haute Montée. '''Rue Hellebardes and Gutenberg''' offer designer clothes and men's clothes. [http://www.bruno-saint-hilaire.com/ Bruno Saint Hilaire]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} has designer clothes for men and a shop in 8, rue Gutenberg. There is a low-budget, secondhand clothing shop in 6, rue de la Lanterne, and various gadget shops can be found in rue des Juifs. For cheap groceries, including local wines and beers, try one of the '''three outlets of Norma''', a German discount chain whose three outlets are at the corner of rue St Michel and rue Ste Marguerite near the central train station; at 79, Grand'Rue near the centre of Grand Île; and at 27, rue des Frères near the Cathedral. Open M-F 10:00-20:00, Sa 09:30-19:00. ==Eat== Alsatian specialties are numerous and can be eaten in many traditional restaurants, in the city or in the neighborhood. Particularly you shouldn't visit Alsace without having the '''sauerkraut''' (''choucroute'' in French). Choucroute seems to have a standard price throughout Alsace of €14. Don't be too dismayed by this seemingly high price as what is brought to you is a heaping plate of Sauerkraut (big enough for 2 people) as well as sausages and other meats. This is usually translated as "garnished sauerkraut" on English menus, when in doubt ask your server. There is also a delicious fish choucroute. Other specialties include the Alsatian pork-butcher's meat, '''Flammeküche''' or ''flams'' (''tartes flambées'' in French) which is a sort of wafer thin pizza made with onion-cream sauce, '''Baeckeoffe''', beef and pork stew cooked, with potatoes and carrots, usually served for two or more persons and '''Fleischnackas''', mixed beef meat presented like spirals and served with salads. ===Budget=== * {{eat | name=Au Brasseur | url=http://www.aubrasseur.fr | email= | address=22 Rue des Veaux | lat=48.582605 | long=7.755417 | directions= | phone =+33 3 88 36 12 13 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-09-01 | content=This a restaurant and microbrewery. Try one of their beers and a tarte flambé. Has a small children's menu. }} * {{eat | name=Flam's | alt= | url=http://www.flams.fr/restaurant_strasbourg.php | email= | address=rue des Frères | lat=48.583089 | long=7.753600 | directions=near the Cathédrale | phone=+33 3 88 36 36 90 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-09-01 | content=Serves a great variety of flams (tartes flambés) and has an amazing winelist for a budget joint. }} * {{eat | name=L'Épicerie | url=https://www.epicerie-strasbourg.com | email= | address=6 Rue du Vieux Seigle | lat=48.581860 | long=7.746933 | directions= | phone =+33 3 88 32 52 41 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-09-01 | content=Features sandwiches "tartines". Food from noon to night. Tables on street and inside. }} * {{eat | name=Le Frangin | url= | email= | address=33 Rue des Frères | lat=48.583075 | long=7.753812 | directions= | phone = +33 3 88 35 04 14 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-09-01 | content=Two doors down from Flam's, it serves a wide range of home-cooked pasta and pizzas at reasonable prices. Offering pizza and pasta main courses, meat dishes and Alsatian beer. The owner is friendly and the food is good, satisfying Italian cooking. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant universitaire La Gallia | url=http://www.crous-strasbourg.fr | email= | address=1 Place de l'Université | lat=48.584640 | long= 7.759867 | directions= | phone =+33 3 88 15 73 72 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-09-01 | content=The oldest university restaurant in France, in a 19th-century building, built by the Germans (which explains the ceiling decorations). It is the last French university restaurant that is managed by students. Not a culinary triumph, but very affordable. }} * {{eat | name=Le Saladin | url= | email= | address=41, Grand'Rue | lat=48.582202 | long=7.741686 | directions= | phone=+33 3 88 32 12 32 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-09-01 | content=Tunisian/Algerian couscous and kebabs. No alcohol. }} * {{eat | name=Le Zorba | url= | email= | address=61 Rue de Zurich | lat=48.578983 | long=7.759072 | directions= | phone =+33 3 88 36 99 51 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-09-01 | content=This little Greek restaurant in the Krutenau area features sandwiches, souvlaki, and kebabs. }} * {{eat | name=Al Boustane | url= | email= | address=31 Rue de la Krutenau | lat=48.580063 | long=7.757846 | directions= | phone =+33 3 88 36 27 85 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-04-01 | content= This Lebanese restaurant features sandwiches and kebabs. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=Chez Yvonne | url=http://www.chez-yvonne.net | email= | address=10 Rue du Sanglier | lat=48.582759 | long=7.749504 | directions= | phone =+33 3 88 32 84 15 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-02-05 | content=Usually frequented by Jacques Chirac, when he comes to Strasbourg, because of its well-known ''tête de veau'' (cooked veal head). More expensive. }} ====Traditional restaurants==== * {{eat | name=Au Petit Bois Vert | url=http://www.aupetitboisvert.fr | email= | address=2 Quai de la Bruche | lat=48.580897 | long=7.738978 | directions= | phone =+33 3 88 32 66 32 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-02-05 | content= In the Petite France district, serves well-prepared ''flams'' and Alsatian specialties in a small room with smiling waiters. The chef usually comes by at the end of the evening. Great terrace during the summer under a big tree on the bank of the river. No reservation, mid-range prices. }} * {{eat | name=Maison Kirn | alt=le restaurant | url=http://www.kirn-traiteur.fr/ | email=traiteur@kirn.fr | address=17-19, rue du 22 novembre | lat=48.582807 | long=7.743295 | directions=at the intersection of Fossé des Tanneurs west of Place Kleber | phone = +33 3 88 321610 | tollfree= | fax=+33 3 88 320865 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-02-05 | content=The restaurant is above a fine Alsatian specialty food shop on the ground floor. }} * {{eat | name=Au Dauphin | url=http://www.restaurant-dauphin-strasbourg.fr/ | email=au-dauphin@wanadoo.fr | address=13, place de la Cathédrale | lat=48.581826 | long=7.749577 | directions=on the corner of cathedral square next to Hotel de la Cathédrale; look for a red awning and walk through the inner courtyard to get to it | phone = +33 388 21 01 46 | tollfree= | fax=+33 388 21 03 87 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-02-05 | content=Try the choucroute aux trois poissons; it is very fresh and a wonderful take on the traditional sauerkraut dish. They also serve the traditional choucroute garnie, with up to seven types of meat, including headcheese. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Au Sanglier | url= | email= | alt='The boar' | address=11 Rue du Sanglier | lat=48.582669 | long=7.749709 | directions=in the Carré d'Or district, near the cathedral | phone =+33 3 88 32 64 58 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-02-05 | content= A small restaurant with a traditional setting. If you want a Baeckoffe, you must inform the restaurant 24 hr before. Mid-range prices. }} ===Splurge=== * {{eat | name=Au Crocodile | alt= | url= | email= | address=10 Rue de l'Outre | lat=48.5836891 | long=7.7474850 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-02-05 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Brasserie Des Haras | alt= | url= | email= | address=23 Rue des Glacières | lat=48.5775934 | long= 7.7427951 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-02-05 | content= }} * {{eat | name=L'Oignon | alt= | url= | email= | address=4 Rue des Moulins | lat=48.5814433 | long= 7.7414829 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-02-05 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant La Vieille Tour | alt= | url= | email= | address=1 R. Adolphe Seyboth | lat= 48.5813276 | long=7.7394595 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-02-05 | content= }} ==Drink== *'''Beer''': Alsace is the first beer-producing region of France and Strasbourg has many breweries. Best known are ''Kronenbourg'' and ''Fischer'', whose factories can be visited for free, with free drinks at the end of the tour. *Alsatian white wine: usually drunk with Alsatian food, but also with fish. The main varieties are Gewürtztraminer, Riesling and Pinot Gris. They have a particularly floral flavour and are well worth investigating. Explore it on the Alsace Wine Route with free tastings everywhere. ===Bars=== *{{drink | name=Les BerThoM | url=http://www.lesberthom.com | email= | address=18 Rue des Tonneliers | lat=48.580179 | long=7.749185 | directions= | phone=+33 3 88 32 81 18 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Beer bar near la place Gutenburg. Spacious with an agreeable atmosphere. }} *{{drink | name=Café Bar de l'Odyssée | url=https://www.facebook.com/cafe.bar.odyssee | email= | address=3 Rue des Francs-Bourgeois | lat=48.582621 | long=7.745925 | directions= | phone=+33 3 88 16 22 03 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Bar with an intimate interior. Great place to enjoy a game of backgammon. }} ==Sleep== There are many hotels around the station, especially in the ''place de la Gare'' and in the ''rue du Maire Kuss'', but this area does not offer consistent quality for accommodations. Most international hotel chains are represented with the usual 2- or 3-star hotels, many of which host the large tour groups who come on weekend breaks. If your budget allows, try staying on the Grande Île (city centre). Most of Strasbourg's hotels are fully booked during the Christmas Market period (December) and when the EU parliament is in session for a few days every month, usually for the period around the tenth. Book ahead if in doubt, as last minute accommodation can be difficult to find during these periods. ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=CIARUS | alt= | url=http://www.ciarus.com | email= | address=7 Rue Finkmatt | lat=48.589356 | long=7.747457 | directions= | phone=+33 3 88 15 27 88 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2017-03-14 | content=offers a variety of hostel accommodation, with rooms from 1 to 8 beds. Rates start at €27/night, and there's a canteen. }} * {{sleep | name=Auberge de Jeunesse HI Strasbourg | alt= | url=http://www.hifrance.org/auberge-de-jeunesse/strasbourg--2-rives.html | email=strasbourg@hifrance.org | address=9, Rue des Cavaliers | lat=48.565835 | long=7.800284 | directions= | phone=+33 388 45 54 20 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2017-03-14 | content=20 minutes bus ride from town and fifteen minutes from the European Institutions, this youth hostel is in a leafy suburb close to the Rhine. }} * {{sleep | name=Auberge de Jeunesse René Cassin | alt= | url=http://www.fuaj.org/fra/auberges/aj_fiche.php?aj_id=89 {{dead link|October 2017|December 2020}} | email= | address=9 Rue de l'Auberge de jeunesse | lat=48.574514 | long=7.717256 | directions= | phone=+33 3 88 30 35 16 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2017-03-14 | content=Ten minutes from the city centre, this hostel offers a restaurant, bar and activities for guests. }} * {{sleep | name=Hôtel F1 | alt= | url=https://all.accor.com/hotel/2248/index.en.shtml | email= | address=55 Av. du Rhin | lat=48.572979 | long=7.792897 | directions= | phone=+33 891 70 54 01 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2017-03-14 | content=A budget hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=PV-Holidays Adagio Strasbourg Place Kleber | alt= | url=http://www.pv-holidays.com/scripts/fiche_produit.php?id_ofr=463&id_sai_passe=1 | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+33 1 58 21 55 84 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Self-catering apartments situated in the heart of the historical quarter of the “Grande île”, just 10 minutes walk from the TGV station. Each of the 57 apartments sleep 2-4 people, are air-conditioned and completely fitted out: kitchen, television with international channels, etc. Located in the centre of the Alsatian capital makes this Aparthotel an ideal stopover location for business trips or for a long weekend. Car park less than 300 m away. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Cardinal de Rohan | url=http://www.hotel-rohan.com/F/index.html | email= | address=17, rue du Maroquin | lat=48.580951 | long=7.750425 | directions=right by the cathedral | phone = +33 3 88 328511 | tollfree= | fax=+33 3 88 756537 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hôtel Cathédrale | url=http://www.hotel-cathedrale.fr/ | email= | address=12-13 Place de la Cathedrale | lat=48.581837 | long=7.749620 | directions=right across from the cathedral | phone = +33 3 88 221212 | tollfree= | fax=+33 3 88 322302 | hours= | price=€55-150 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Best location of any hotel in Strasbourg, stylishly decorated, and more affordable for rooms without views of the cathedral. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Hannong | url=http://www.hotel-hannong.com/ | email= | address=15, rue du 22 Novembre | lat=48.582827 | long=7.743075 | directions=near the center of Grand Ile | phone = +33 3 88 321622 | tollfree= | fax=+33 3 88 226387 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=It has a stylish bar and restaurant, facing a fairly quiet street. }} * {{sleep | name=Hôtel Vendôme | url=http://www.hotel-vendome.com/ | email= | address=9, place de la Gare / 19 rue du Maire Kuss | lat=48.584132 | long=7.736354 | directions=across from the train station | phone = +33 3 88 324523 | tollfree= | fax=+33 3 88 322302 | hours= | price=€45-73 | checkin= | checkout= | content=10 minutes from the Cathedral. Free wireless internet. }} * {{sleep | name=Mercure Strasbourg Centre Gare Hotel | alt= | url=https://all.accor.com/hotel/2149/index.en.shtml | email=H2149@accor.com | address=14-15, place de la Gare | lat=48.585337 | long=7.736573 | directions=near the central train station | phone=+33 3 88 157815 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2017-05-28 | content=A 3-star hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=Château de Pourtalès | url=http://www.chateau-pourtales.eu/ | email=info@chateau-pourtales.eu | address=161, rue Mélanie | lat=48.608450 | long=7.799965 | directions=near the EU Parliament in the neighborhood Robertsau | phone=+33 3 88 45 84 64 | tollfree= | fax= +33 3 88 45 84 60 | hours= | price= | checkin=14:00 | checkout=11:00 | content=A 3-star hotel. }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Régent Contades | url=http://www.regent-hotel.com/ | email=rc@regent-hotels.com | address=8, avenue de la Liberté | lat=48.585766 | long=7.758333 | directions= | phone = +33 3 88 150505 | tollfree= | fax=+33 3 88 150515 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=An old building in the heart of the city. }} * {{sleep | name=Régent Petite France | alt= | url=http://www.regent-hotel.com/ | email=rpf@regent-hotels.com | address=5, rue des Moulins | lat=48.580814 | long=7.741715 | directions= | phone=+33 3 88 764343 | tollfree= | fax=+33 3 88 764376 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Sofitel Strasbourg Grande Ile | alt= | url=https://all.accor.com/hotel/0568/index.en.shtml | email= | address=4, place Saint Pierre le Jeune | lat=48.585168 | long=7.746206 | directions= | phone=+33 3 88 154900 | tollfree= | checkin=15:00 | checkout=12:00 | price= | lastedit=2017-05-28 | content=Not far from both the Cathedral and Petite France. }} ==Stay safe== Strasbourg is just like any other major French city: there are safe areas and there are unsafe areas. In any case, standard safety precautions need to be applied. In the city center, watch out for pickpockets near the Cathedral (and even inside, according to the signs), during the high tourist season, and throughout the old town. The areas immediately surrounding the railway station might look unsavory at night, but there are usually lots of people around there, and the streets are well-lit. Avoid looking like a lost tourist and you will be fine. If you do feel uncomfortable, don't hesitate to approach a police officer or taxi driver. Some areas in the south (especially the Neuhof neighborhood, which often ranks among France's worst neighborhoods) and west (Hautepierre, Cronenbourg) of the city might be iffy, especially at night, but they have little tourist appeal. ==Connect== ===Phone=== Local mobile phone services are provided by Orange, SFR and Bouygues Télécom. Payphone kiosks are plentiful and international calling cards can be purchased in post offices and 'tabacs' (corner shops). Most travellers will of course use video calling apps on their smartphone to keep in touch with friends and family for free. ===Internet=== * In most McDonald's in Strasbourg you get free Wi-Fi. ==Cope== ===Consulates=== * {{flag|Greece}} {{listing | name=Greece | url= | email= | address=49, Avenue des Vosges | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+33 388-354024 | tollfree= | fax=+33 388-250524 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Japan}} {{listing | name=Japan | url=http://www.strasbourg.fr.emb-japan.go.jp/ | email= | address=20, Place des Halles | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+33 3 88-52-85-00 | tollfree= | fax=+33 3 88-22-62-39 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Romania}} {{listing | name=Romania | alt= | url=http://strasbourg.mae.ro/en | email=strasbourg@mae.ro | address=41, rue Schweighaeuser | lat= | long= | directions=Blvd. Tauler | phone=+33 3 69 32 19 38 | tollfree= | fax=+33 3 88 61 44 25 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-03 | content= }} * {{flag|Russia}} {{listing | name=Russia | url=http://strasbourg.mid.ru | email=rusconsulat@wanadoo.fr | address=6, place Sébastien Brant | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+33 3 88 36 73 15 | tollfree= | fax=+33 3 88 35 34 81 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Serbia}} {{listing | name=Serbia | url=http://strasbourg.mfa.gov.rs | email=consulate.strasbourg@mfa.rs | address=26, Avenue de la Forêt Noire | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+33 3 88 35 39 80 | tollfree= | fax=+33 3 88 36 09 49 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Spain}} {{listing | name=Spain | url=http://www.exteriores.gob.es/consulados/estrasburgo/es/Paginas/inicio.aspx | email=cog.estrasburgo@maec.es | address=13, Quai Kléber | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+33 3 88 32 67 27, +33 7 64 20 33 33 (emergency) | tollfree= | fax=+33 3 88 23 07 17 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Switzerland}} {{listing | name=Switzerland| url=https://www.eda.admin.ch/countries/france/en/home/representations/embassy/generalkonsulat-strasbourg.html | email=stc.vertretung@eda.admin.ch | address=23, rue Herder | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+33 388 35 00 70 | tollfree= | fax=+33 388 36 73 54 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|United States}} {{listing | name=United States | alt= | url=https://fr.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/strasbourg/ | email=USAStrasbourg@state.gov | address=15, Avenue d'Alsace | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+33 3 88 353 104 | tollfree= | fax=+33 3 88 240 695 | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Go next== [[Image:Pedestrian Bridge between Strasbourg and Kehl.JPG|thumb|Pedestrian Bridge to Kehl, Germany]] *[[Sélestat]] — with Haut-Koenigsbourg castle nearby *[[Alsatian Vineyard Route]] *[[Colmar]] *[[Kaysersberg]] *[[Riquewihr]] *[[Obernai]] *[[Marmoutier]] — about {{km|35}} from Strasbourg, has a beautiful 12th-century abbey church *Germany, in the [[Black Forest]] region: **[[Kehl]] is a short ride or walk across the river (bring your passport if you're not a EU citizen - the German police do spot border checks - July 2025). **[[Offenburg]] is the end of the TER line, a 30-minute ride away, at the foot of the mountains of the Black Forest. {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|Grand Est}} {{geo|48.5833333|7.75}} swp59ftw26upikpercw9efdi86vm9m2 0 35249 5086956 5034441 2025-07-03T04:17:17Z Veracious 1298114 /* Get around */ 5086956 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Tana Toraja banner.jpg|caption=}} '''Tana Toraja''', literally "Torajaland", is a highland region of [[Southern Sulawesi]] in [[Indonesia]]. This article also covers '''Toraja Utara''' (North Toraja Regency). Tana Toraja, the famed "Land of the Heavenly Kings", lies about 328 km north of Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi Province, in the central highlands of South Sulawesi. == Towns == *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Makale]]|wikidata=Q57079173}} — a scenic town surrounded by mountains *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Rantepao]]|wikidata=Q2131182}} — the main town in the Tana Toraja region, and a good base for exploring the ==Understand== ===Culture=== [[File:Traditional Toraja House.JPG|thumb|Traditional Toraja houses]][[File:Tana Toraja, Palawa, painted front of a tongkonan (6823231508).jpg|thumb|Painted Front of a Tongkonan]] In the land of the Toraja people, many people are notionally Christian, but most are, in practice, animist. They are above all famed for their spectacular (and rather gruesome) '''burial rites'''. After a person's death, the body is kept &mdash; often for several months or even years &mdash; while money is saved to pay for the actual funeral ceremony, known as ''tomate''. During the festival, which may last up to a week, ritual dances and buffalo fights are held, and buffaloes and pigs are slaughtered to ferry the soul of the deceased to the afterlife (''puya''). The deceased is then finally buried either in a small cave, often with a ''tau-tau'' effigy placed in front, inside a hollow tree or even left exposed to the elements in a bamboo frame hanging from a cliff. Tana Toraja has unique culture set in stunning scenery. Globalisation and tourism may have impact, but if you venture away from the tarmac roads you will find soon a way of life that may seem to a visitor as if it has not changed much in the last 100 years. Traditional Tongkonan houses stand proudly in this setting. These intricately decorated houses with upward-sloping roofs are the centre of all Aluktodolo (Torajan religion before the coming of missionaries; the ancestors' belief) rites; from storing the harvest in the carved rice barns, "alang", to slaughtering sacred water buffaloes at funeral ceremonies that last a week or longer. Tana Toraja's beauty is also reflected in its people. Although they are mostly devoutly Christian (there is a small number of Muslims especially in the southern area), they combine this religious belief with magic and mysticism, and welcome visitors to witness their ceremonies. Tana Toraja is a sleepy rural region cultivating rice, cacao, coffee, and cloves most of the year. Toraja's arabica coffee carries a high reputation and is something that visitors may be interested in trying. During the dry season, from June until September, when children are home from school, the rice is harvested and it's time for a "rambu solo'", a complex funeral ceremony of the ancestors. During the time, [[Rantepao]] is transformed into a major tourist attraction for national and international visitors. Nevertheless, the region remains far less touristy than many other tourist spots in Indonesia (such as many places in [[Java]] or [[Bali]]), perhaps due to the relatively long way to come until there (which includes at least 10 hours of transportation from [[Makassar]]). ===Terrain=== At 300 to 2,880 metres above sea level, Tana Toraja combines tropical lushness with alpine freshness, with daily temperatures between 16 and 28 degrees Celsius. Bright green rice terraces, tall limestone outcrops and bamboo graves are set against a backdrop of blue misty mountains. ===Time=== Toraja is in the UTC+8 time zone (known in Indonesia as WITA, ''Waktu Indonesia Tengah''), same as [[Western Australia]], [[Kuala Lumpur]], [[Singapore]], [[Taiwan]], [[Hong Kong]], mainland [[China]], [[Bali]] but one hour ahead of [[Jakarta]]. ===When to go=== Prime funeral season is after the harvest in July to October. ==Get in== ===By plane=== From the Hasanuddin Airport in [[Makassar]], you can fly to Pongtiku Airport ({{IATA|Rantepao}}) with a 900-metre runway in Tana Toraja. TransNusa airline and Trigana Air Service fly to [[Makassar]]. The flight takes about 55 minutes. The flight could be cancelled, however, at the last minute due to aircraft maintenance or insufficient passengers. Buntukunik Airport has a 1,900-meter runway in Tana Toraja. It is going through technical trial operation, and will be opened soon to accommodate ATR 72. ===By bus=== Tana Toraja is a solid 300-km, 8-to-10-hour drive from [[Makassar]] with various stops between the route to take some rest. Most companies run both a morning and an overnight bus, with various degrees of comfort. Frequent mikrolets/bemos leave from Makassar to the Daya Bus Terminal and take about 40 minutes. The buses from Makassar to Tana Toraja come with various levels of comfort. Routes going further north are generally slower, in poor condition and far less comfortable. The most expensive are luxury class buses with sleepers, relatively clean and comfortable. Generally, most regular commuters between Makassar and Tana Toraja understand the importance of riding new buses with better engines. Hence the ticket prices differ not only based on the classes but also on the engines as well. Better engine means the price will be more expensive. ===By taxi or charted vehicle=== A chartered car usually costs 850,000 - 1,200,000 Rp one-way from Makassar. It is possible to find one for a few hundred thousand less if you can coordinate with someone who is driving in that direction. If you plan on staying for a few days and would like the return trip as well, a driver with car should cost about 550,000 Rp per day. Please beware that if you are planning to drive your own car, the stretch of road from Makassar, starting from Maros district area up to the town of Pare Pare is undergoing a road widening works. You may have to suddenly switch onto the opposite lane, because the lane you are on is blocked for the construction work. Be very careful and watch out for this kind of roadblock, because road signs indicating this is virtually non existent. This problem is made incredibly worse during night time by the absence of proper street light, so exercise extreme caution. The road from the town of Enrekang to Makele (the town before Rantepao) is a stretch of unlit, small, winding, uphill road, accompanied with some fogging and drizzle at night. Along this road, you will frequently come across big buses going downhill from Makele. Gas station is few and far between, with intermittent local shops along the way. Again, these conditions make night time self driving best avoided. ==Get around== {{mapframe|layer=W}} The best way to go around is by motorbike (about 80,000 Rp per day, as of 2016). This said, using public transportation is possible for most sites too. Most of the spots can be visited without a guide (despite what your hotel will try to make you believe), though a guide may be useful for some of the more distant villages. Bemo/mikrolet rides run from 2,000 Rp for short rides of a few kilometers up to 10,000 Rp. Bolu Bus Terminal 2 km north east from [[Rantepao]] is a good place to find public transportation towards the north of Rantepao. {{clr}} ==See== Although it can be expensive if you are on a budget, a guide can provide a lot of insight into the local practices and customs. A problem is that most guides are not certified, and will not explain more to you than the Wikipedia page on Tana Toraja. {{cautionbox| '''Where to find reliable information?''' In Tana Toraja, on the one hand, the entire tourism industry (transportation offices and drivers, restaurants owners, hotel staff, including their nice and smiling manager) will do their best to take as much money from you as they can. Do not expect any reliable information from them. They wouldn't give you the sites where the funerals take place, nor the prices or itineraries of public transportation, nor where to rent a (cheaper) motorbike. They will also put pressure to hire a local guide (from 400,000 Rp a day as of 2016). Also remember that all cafés, restaurants and hotels have agreements with guides (or fake guides), and will take a commission. On the other hand, the rest of the population will certainly be very helpful to you, always willing to help when they can. If you are white, you will be even better treated. Do not hesitate to hitchhike, as most locals will be happy to help a foreigner. Of course, speaking basic Indonesian will help. }} If you still want to hire a guide, the usual base price for one day is 375,000 Rp (as of 2016), plus the motorbike (about 80,000 Rp) if you don't drive yourself. Of course, the prices quoted first may be much higher. A price of 400,000 Rp for one day and one person that doesn't drive (and hence that will share the guide motorbike) is considered as a reasonably good price, as of 2016. If more than one person, the price shouldn't vary much, although you may need a longer time to bargain! Of course, guides will try to make you believe that you should pay a lot of extras (lunch, tax, etc.), but it is a grift. A famous scam is to make you believe you will eat in a good restaurant (for which you had to pay in advance), and then change the schedule at the last minute to go immediately to the funeral (and hence skip the restaurant, which probably doesn't even exist). It is possible to visit most of the famous sites and funerals on your own, although information can be hard to find from most hotel operators, as they will put a lot of pressure on you to hire a driver or a guide. * '''Bolu Buffalo Market''' (''Pasar Bolu'') north of [[Rantepao#See|Rantepao]] takes place on Tuesday and Saturday mornings. [[Image:Toraja tumbs.jpg|thumb|right|Tombs in Tana Toraja]] * '''Bori Parinding''', north of Rantepao, is a combination of ceremonial grounds and burials. The ceremonial ground is an open space used for traditional ceremonies, including rituals for the dead and thanksgiving. * '''Buntu Pune''': The sites of Buntu Pune and Rante Karassik used to belong to one integrated settlement. * '''Rante Karassik''' is a ceremonial ground on a sloping hill. * '''Deri''', north of [[Rantepao#See|Rantepao]], has several tombs in full nature (in particular a particularly impressive forest of giant bamboos). The site is much less interesting than other equivalent ones in Tana Toraja, but the road reaching Deri is very scenic, with many villages as beautiful as Kete Kesu but without any tourists here. * '''Kande Api''' consists of a compound of houses and granaries, ceremonial ground and burial places. * '''Ke'te Kesu'''', south of Rantepao: Ke'te' Kesu' is the most complete settlement. The site consists of a compound of houses and granaries, burial place, ceremonial ground, ricefields and water-buffalo pasture. * '''Lemo''', south of Rantepao, near the main road, is also a cliff burial site with galleries of ancestor statues. One of the most interesting (and visited) sites. * '''Londa''', south of Rantepao, is a grave site where two methods of burial are customary. One of the most interesting (and visited) sites. * '''Nanggala''' is principally a compound of 2 houses (tongkonan) and 16 granaries (alang), arranged in rows and aligned east-west. * '''Pala' Toke'''' is principally a burial place on a towering limestone hill, from where a rice field extends to the north, east and west. * '''Pallawa site''', north of Rantepao, is also a compound of houses and granaries. There are 11 houses and 15 granaries. * '''Tumakke''' displays a distinctive traditional house built on a raised terrace. ===Itineraries=== There are many walks (1-3 hours) that pass by many different types of grave sites, including the most popular sites. Most can be reached by short bemo rides from Rantepao and do not require guides. ==Do== ===Attend a funeral=== [[File:A funeral ceremony in Tana Toraja.jpg|thumb|A funeral ceremony in Tana Toraja]] [[File:LUTA Resort Hotel , Tedong Bonga on Sa'dan River - panoramio.jpg|thumb|Tedong Bonga or Buffalo with Flower Spots, Buffalo with the most magnificent flower spots can be valued US$75,000 each, need for meat at funeral ceremony]] If you come to Tana Toraja during the funeral season (peak is in July and August), attending a funeral is certainly a must-do. Funerals (entrance fee 20,000 Rp) are public events and served by public transport. Avoid offers by guides, telling you that they are private or difficult to access! Your hotel probably will not help you to locate the funeral, claiming it is hard to find by yourself (it is not). In summer, (fake) guides might tell you that you are a lucky person because there is a funeral exactly the day you came. In fact, during the funeral season (July and August), there are funerals virtually every day except perhaps Sunday. To go to a funeral, simply spot the pick-ups loaded with people with (more or less) black clothes, that go throughout [[Rantepao]] all day long. Just flag one down, and they will certainly be happy to have you on board. The custom is to bring a present for the family of the deceased; most guides will tell you to bring (several packets of) cigarettes, but tea or candies for children can also do. There is no official tourist information in Tana Toraja, but you may go to Tora Tora Primitive Art Gallery, which has a very friendly English-speaking owner who provides free maps of the area. It is on the main street in [[Rantepao]]. Beware of every offer that may look suspicious, though. ==Eat== ===Restaurants=== There are some restaurants in Rantepao and Makale. They serve menus of Indonesian, Chinese and Western food. Torajan specialties, such as pa'piong (chicken/pork or fish cooked with vegetables in bamboo tubes), are also available and usually must be ordered in advance (usually at least 2 hours). See the [[Rantepao]] page for restaurants in Rantepao. Some restaurants in Makale or along the road between Rantepao and Makale: *Wae Rumbang, Main Road to Makale, Pao Rura *Rama, Main Road Makale - Rantepao *Flamboyan, Main Road Makale - Rantepao *Sallebayu, Ke'te kesu' st. ==Drink== ===Ballo=== Local Torajan palm wine, Ballo', is easily found. Buy it on the street. The darker, the stronger but be warned, it can be very strong. ===Coffee=== The Tana Toraja region is famed for its coffee. In your local coffee house it will cost a small fortune. Drink the real thing here for a fraction of the cost. There are many places to drink coffee (see the [[Rantepao]] listings). ==Sleep== Besides [[Makassar]], Tana Toraja is the only area in the Province of South Sulawesi which owns several star hotels. Some widely known star hotels in Tana Toraja are [http://www.torajaheritage.com/ Toraja Heritage Hotel]{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}, [http://www.torajamisiliana.com/ Toraja Misiliana Hotel], Toraja Prince Hotel and Toraja Sahid Hotel and Tongkonan Layuk Lion. There are also a number of non-star hotels, home-stays and local residences available for accommodation. Most of the hotels provide standard facilities such as single and double bed, hot and cold water, telephone, entertainment, meals while some provide additional ones like sports facility, spa and massage, laundry and others. ==Stay safe== ===Climate=== Do not get fooled by the relatively more comfortable temperatures than in [[Makassar]] (the temperature hardly goes above 28°, and nights tend to be cool): the sun is dangerous here, and you will use a lot of sun screen. Also bring a pullover for outdoor evenings or nights. It often rains in Tana Toraja, even during the "dry season", and much more than, e.g., in [[Makassar]]. As a rule of thumb, it tends to rain more often in the afternoon or evening than in the morning. ===Malaria=== There is a low risk of malaria in Tana Toraja. Contact your favorite tropical doctor before departure to decide whether you need a treatment. In any case, try to avoid mosquito bites, as the region is also infected by dengue. ===Rabies=== Avoid contact with dogs and other animals that may carry rabies. ===Pollution=== The air quality along the main road of [[Rantepao]] (along which most touristic facilities are located) is extremely bad, and bringing an N95 mask may be of great help. ==Connect== International phone operators: 101. International Direct Dialing prefix: 001, 007, or 008. Directory inquires * 108 (if using a cell phone locally dial 0423 108) ===Internet=== The 3G connection is overall bad (and often non-existing) in Tana Toraja. Only parts of [[Rantepao]] have 3G, the rest only getting a slow edge network. Most tourist sites (Lemo, Londa...) won't be connected to any Internet network, and sometimes not even to any phone network. ===Emergency=== * Ambulance: 118. * Police stations: **Polsek Rantepao, Jl. Budi Utomo, Rantepao. Tel: +62 423 21358 *Army Headquarter: **Kodim 1414 Tana Toraja, Jl. Pong Tiku, Rantepao. Tel: +62 423 21255 '''Hospitals:''' * {{listing | name=Fatimah Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl. Nusantara | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62 423 22058 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q110241840 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Elim Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl.Jend. Ahmad Yani | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62 423 21258 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q110242351 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Marampa' Childbirth Hospital | alt=RS Santa Teresa Marampa | url= | email= | address=Jl. A.Mappanyukki | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62 423 21036 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} The hospital is fairly serviceable by developing world standards, however, for serious problems you should return to [[Makassar]]. For more serious problems, head immediately to [[Singapore]] or [[Australia]]. ==Go next== {{usableregion}} {{IsPartOf|Southern Sulawesi}} {{geo|-3|120|zoom=9}} 45owiurv275e5499bcynordhc1lcmi7 5086957 5086956 2025-07-03T04:17:38Z Veracious 1298114 Undo revision [[Special:Diff/5086956|5086956]] by [[Special:Contributions/Veracious|Veracious]] ([[User talk:Veracious|talk]]) 5086957 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Tana Toraja banner.jpg|caption=}} '''Tana Toraja''', literally "Torajaland", is a highland region of [[Southern Sulawesi]] in [[Indonesia]]. This article also covers '''Toraja Utara''' (North Toraja Regency). Tana Toraja, the famed "Land of the Heavenly Kings", lies about 328 km north of Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi Province, in the central highlands of South Sulawesi. == Towns == *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Makale]]|wikidata=Q57079173}} — a scenic town surrounded by mountains *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Rantepao]]|wikidata=Q2131182}} — the main town in the Tana Toraja region, and a good base for exploring the ==Understand== ===Culture=== [[File:Traditional Toraja House.JPG|thumb|Traditional Toraja houses]][[File:Tana Toraja, Palawa, painted front of a tongkonan (6823231508).jpg|thumb|Painted Front of a Tongkonan]] In the land of the Toraja people, many people are notionally Christian, but most are, in practice, animist. They are above all famed for their spectacular (and rather gruesome) '''burial rites'''. After a person's death, the body is kept &mdash; often for several months or even years &mdash; while money is saved to pay for the actual funeral ceremony, known as ''tomate''. During the festival, which may last up to a week, ritual dances and buffalo fights are held, and buffaloes and pigs are slaughtered to ferry the soul of the deceased to the afterlife (''puya''). The deceased is then finally buried either in a small cave, often with a ''tau-tau'' effigy placed in front, inside a hollow tree or even left exposed to the elements in a bamboo frame hanging from a cliff. Tana Toraja has unique culture set in stunning scenery. Globalisation and tourism may have impact, but if you venture away from the tarmac roads you will find soon a way of life that may seem to a visitor as if it has not changed much in the last 100 years. Traditional Tongkonan houses stand proudly in this setting. These intricately decorated houses with upward-sloping roofs are the centre of all Aluktodolo (Torajan religion before the coming of missionaries; the ancestors' belief) rites; from storing the harvest in the carved rice barns, "alang", to slaughtering sacred water buffaloes at funeral ceremonies that last a week or longer. Tana Toraja's beauty is also reflected in its people. Although they are mostly devoutly Christian (there is a small number of Muslims especially in the southern area), they combine this religious belief with magic and mysticism, and welcome visitors to witness their ceremonies. Tana Toraja is a sleepy rural region cultivating rice, cacao, coffee, and cloves most of the year. Toraja's arabica coffee carries a high reputation and is something that visitors may be interested in trying. During the dry season, from June until September, when children are home from school, the rice is harvested and it's time for a "rambu solo'", a complex funeral ceremony of the ancestors. During the time, [[Rantepao]] is transformed into a major tourist attraction for national and international visitors. Nevertheless, the region remains far less touristy than many other tourist spots in Indonesia (such as many places in [[Java]] or [[Bali]]), perhaps due to the relatively long way to come until there (which includes at least 10 hours of transportation from [[Makassar]]). ===Terrain=== At 300 to 2,880 metres above sea level, Tana Toraja combines tropical lushness with alpine freshness, with daily temperatures between 16 and 28 degrees Celsius. Bright green rice terraces, tall limestone outcrops and bamboo graves are set against a backdrop of blue misty mountains. ===Time=== Toraja is in the UTC+8 time zone (known in Indonesia as WITA, ''Waktu Indonesia Tengah''), same as [[Western Australia]], [[Kuala Lumpur]], [[Singapore]], [[Taiwan]], [[Hong Kong]], mainland [[China]], [[Bali]] but one hour ahead of [[Jakarta]]. ===When to go=== Prime funeral season is after the harvest in July to October. ==Get in== ===By plane=== From the Hasanuddin Airport in [[Makassar]], you can fly to Pongtiku Airport ({{IATA|Rantepao}}) with a 900-metre runway in Tana Toraja. TransNusa airline and Trigana Air Service fly to [[Makassar]]. The flight takes about 55 minutes. The flight could be cancelled, however, at the last minute due to aircraft maintenance or insufficient passengers. Buntukunik Airport has a 1,900-meter runway in Tana Toraja. It is going through technical trial operation, and will be opened soon to accommodate ATR 72. ===By bus=== Tana Toraja is a solid 300-km, 8-to-10-hour drive from [[Makassar]] with various stops between the route to take some rest. Most companies run both a morning and an overnight bus, with various degrees of comfort. Frequent mikrolets/bemos leave from Makassar to the Daya Bus Terminal and take about 40 minutes. The buses from Makassar to Tana Toraja come with various levels of comfort. Routes going further north are generally slower, in poor condition and far less comfortable. The most expensive are luxury class buses with sleepers, relatively clean and comfortable. Generally, most regular commuters between Makassar and Tana Toraja understand the importance of riding new buses with better engines. Hence the ticket prices differ not only based on the classes but also on the engines as well. Better engine means the price will be more expensive. ===By taxi or charted vehicle=== A chartered car usually costs 850,000 - 1,200,000 Rp one-way from Makassar. It is possible to find one for a few hundred thousand less if you can coordinate with someone who is driving in that direction. If you plan on staying for a few days and would like the return trip as well, a driver with car should cost about 550,000 Rp per day. Please beware that if you are planning to drive your own car, the stretch of road from Makassar, starting from Maros district area up to the town of Pare Pare is undergoing a road widening works. You may have to suddenly switch onto the opposite lane, because the lane you are on is blocked for the construction work. Be very careful and watch out for this kind of roadblock, because road signs indicating this is virtually non existent. This problem is made incredibly worse during night time by the absence of proper street light, so exercise extreme caution. The road from the town of Enrekang to Makele (the town before Rantepao) is a stretch of unlit, small, winding, uphill road, accompanied with some fogging and drizzle at night. Along this road, you will frequently come across big buses going downhill from Makele. Gas station is few and far between, with intermittent local shops along the way. Again, these conditions make night time self driving best avoided. ==Get around== {{mapframe|layer=W}} The best way to go around is by motorbike (about 80,000 Rp per day, as of 2016). This said, using public transportation is possible for most sites too. Most of the spots can be visited without a guide (despite what your hotel will try to make you believe), though a guide may be useful for some of the more distant villages. Bemo/mikrolet rides run from 2,000 Rp for short rides of a few kilometers up to 10,000 Rp. Bolu Bus Terminal 2 km north east from [[Rantepao]] is a good place to find public transportation towards the north of Rantepao. ==See== Although it can be expensive if you are on a budget, a guide can provide a lot of insight into the local practices and customs. A problem is that most guides are not certified, and will not explain more to you than the Wikipedia page on Tana Toraja. {{cautionbox| '''Where to find reliable information?''' In Tana Toraja, on the one hand, the entire tourism industry (transportation offices and drivers, restaurants owners, hotel staff, including their nice and smiling manager) will do their best to take as much money from you as they can. Do not expect any reliable information from them. They wouldn't give you the sites where the funerals take place, nor the prices or itineraries of public transportation, nor where to rent a (cheaper) motorbike. They will also put pressure to hire a local guide (from 400,000 Rp a day as of 2016). Also remember that all cafés, restaurants and hotels have agreements with guides (or fake guides), and will take a commission. On the other hand, the rest of the population will certainly be very helpful to you, always willing to help when they can. If you are white, you will be even better treated. Do not hesitate to hitchhike, as most locals will be happy to help a foreigner. Of course, speaking basic Indonesian will help. }} If you still want to hire a guide, the usual base price for one day is 375,000 Rp (as of 2016), plus the motorbike (about 80,000 Rp) if you don't drive yourself. Of course, the prices quoted first may be much higher. A price of 400,000 Rp for one day and one person that doesn't drive (and hence that will share the guide motorbike) is considered as a reasonably good price, as of 2016. If more than one person, the price shouldn't vary much, although you may need a longer time to bargain! Of course, guides will try to make you believe that you should pay a lot of extras (lunch, tax, etc.), but it is a grift. A famous scam is to make you believe you will eat in a good restaurant (for which you had to pay in advance), and then change the schedule at the last minute to go immediately to the funeral (and hence skip the restaurant, which probably doesn't even exist). It is possible to visit most of the famous sites and funerals on your own, although information can be hard to find from most hotel operators, as they will put a lot of pressure on you to hire a driver or a guide. * '''Bolu Buffalo Market''' (''Pasar Bolu'') north of [[Rantepao#See|Rantepao]] takes place on Tuesday and Saturday mornings. [[Image:Toraja tumbs.jpg|thumb|right|Tombs in Tana Toraja]] * '''Bori Parinding''', north of Rantepao, is a combination of ceremonial grounds and burials. The ceremonial ground is an open space used for traditional ceremonies, including rituals for the dead and thanksgiving. * '''Buntu Pune''': The sites of Buntu Pune and Rante Karassik used to belong to one integrated settlement. * '''Rante Karassik''' is a ceremonial ground on a sloping hill. * '''Deri''', north of [[Rantepao#See|Rantepao]], has several tombs in full nature (in particular a particularly impressive forest of giant bamboos). The site is much less interesting than other equivalent ones in Tana Toraja, but the road reaching Deri is very scenic, with many villages as beautiful as Kete Kesu but without any tourists here. * '''Kande Api''' consists of a compound of houses and granaries, ceremonial ground and burial places. * '''Ke'te Kesu'''', south of Rantepao: Ke'te' Kesu' is the most complete settlement. The site consists of a compound of houses and granaries, burial place, ceremonial ground, ricefields and water-buffalo pasture. * '''Lemo''', south of Rantepao, near the main road, is also a cliff burial site with galleries of ancestor statues. One of the most interesting (and visited) sites. * '''Londa''', south of Rantepao, is a grave site where two methods of burial are customary. One of the most interesting (and visited) sites. * '''Nanggala''' is principally a compound of 2 houses (tongkonan) and 16 granaries (alang), arranged in rows and aligned east-west. * '''Pala' Toke'''' is principally a burial place on a towering limestone hill, from where a rice field extends to the north, east and west. * '''Pallawa site''', north of Rantepao, is also a compound of houses and granaries. There are 11 houses and 15 granaries. * '''Tumakke''' displays a distinctive traditional house built on a raised terrace. ===Itineraries=== There are many walks (1-3 hours) that pass by many different types of grave sites, including the most popular sites. Most can be reached by short bemo rides from Rantepao and do not require guides. ==Do== ===Attend a funeral=== [[File:A funeral ceremony in Tana Toraja.jpg|thumb|A funeral ceremony in Tana Toraja]] [[File:LUTA Resort Hotel , Tedong Bonga on Sa'dan River - panoramio.jpg|thumb|Tedong Bonga or Buffalo with Flower Spots, Buffalo with the most magnificent flower spots can be valued US$75,000 each, need for meat at funeral ceremony]] If you come to Tana Toraja during the funeral season (peak is in July and August), attending a funeral is certainly a must-do. Funerals (entrance fee 20,000 Rp) are public events and served by public transport. Avoid offers by guides, telling you that they are private or difficult to access! Your hotel probably will not help you to locate the funeral, claiming it is hard to find by yourself (it is not). In summer, (fake) guides might tell you that you are a lucky person because there is a funeral exactly the day you came. In fact, during the funeral season (July and August), there are funerals virtually every day except perhaps Sunday. To go to a funeral, simply spot the pick-ups loaded with people with (more or less) black clothes, that go throughout [[Rantepao]] all day long. Just flag one down, and they will certainly be happy to have you on board. The custom is to bring a present for the family of the deceased; most guides will tell you to bring (several packets of) cigarettes, but tea or candies for children can also do. There is no official tourist information in Tana Toraja, but you may go to Tora Tora Primitive Art Gallery, which has a very friendly English-speaking owner who provides free maps of the area. It is on the main street in [[Rantepao]]. Beware of every offer that may look suspicious, though. ==Eat== ===Restaurants=== There are some restaurants in Rantepao and Makale. They serve menus of Indonesian, Chinese and Western food. Torajan specialties, such as pa'piong (chicken/pork or fish cooked with vegetables in bamboo tubes), are also available and usually must be ordered in advance (usually at least 2 hours). See the [[Rantepao]] page for restaurants in Rantepao. Some restaurants in Makale or along the road between Rantepao and Makale: *Wae Rumbang, Main Road to Makale, Pao Rura *Rama, Main Road Makale - Rantepao *Flamboyan, Main Road Makale - Rantepao *Sallebayu, Ke'te kesu' st. ==Drink== ===Ballo=== Local Torajan palm wine, Ballo', is easily found. Buy it on the street. The darker, the stronger but be warned, it can be very strong. ===Coffee=== The Tana Toraja region is famed for its coffee. In your local coffee house it will cost a small fortune. Drink the real thing here for a fraction of the cost. There are many places to drink coffee (see the [[Rantepao]] listings). ==Sleep== Besides [[Makassar]], Tana Toraja is the only area in the Province of South Sulawesi which owns several star hotels. Some widely known star hotels in Tana Toraja are [http://www.torajaheritage.com/ Toraja Heritage Hotel]{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}, [http://www.torajamisiliana.com/ Toraja Misiliana Hotel], Toraja Prince Hotel and Toraja Sahid Hotel and Tongkonan Layuk Lion. There are also a number of non-star hotels, home-stays and local residences available for accommodation. Most of the hotels provide standard facilities such as single and double bed, hot and cold water, telephone, entertainment, meals while some provide additional ones like sports facility, spa and massage, laundry and others. ==Stay safe== ===Climate=== Do not get fooled by the relatively more comfortable temperatures than in [[Makassar]] (the temperature hardly goes above 28°, and nights tend to be cool): the sun is dangerous here, and you will use a lot of sun screen. Also bring a pullover for outdoor evenings or nights. It often rains in Tana Toraja, even during the "dry season", and much more than, e.g., in [[Makassar]]. As a rule of thumb, it tends to rain more often in the afternoon or evening than in the morning. ===Malaria=== There is a low risk of malaria in Tana Toraja. Contact your favorite tropical doctor before departure to decide whether you need a treatment. In any case, try to avoid mosquito bites, as the region is also infected by dengue. ===Rabies=== Avoid contact with dogs and other animals that may carry rabies. ===Pollution=== The air quality along the main road of [[Rantepao]] (along which most touristic facilities are located) is extremely bad, and bringing an N95 mask may be of great help. ==Connect== International phone operators: 101. International Direct Dialing prefix: 001, 007, or 008. Directory inquires * 108 (if using a cell phone locally dial 0423 108) ===Internet=== The 3G connection is overall bad (and often non-existing) in Tana Toraja. Only parts of [[Rantepao]] have 3G, the rest only getting a slow edge network. Most tourist sites (Lemo, Londa...) won't be connected to any Internet network, and sometimes not even to any phone network. ===Emergency=== * Ambulance: 118. * Police stations: **Polsek Rantepao, Jl. Budi Utomo, Rantepao. Tel: +62 423 21358 *Army Headquarter: **Kodim 1414 Tana Toraja, Jl. Pong Tiku, Rantepao. Tel: +62 423 21255 '''Hospitals:''' * {{listing | name=Fatimah Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl. Nusantara | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62 423 22058 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q110241840 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Elim Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl.Jend. Ahmad Yani | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62 423 21258 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q110242351 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Marampa' Childbirth Hospital | alt=RS Santa Teresa Marampa | url= | email= | address=Jl. A.Mappanyukki | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62 423 21036 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} The hospital is fairly serviceable by developing world standards, however, for serious problems you should return to [[Makassar]]. For more serious problems, head immediately to [[Singapore]] or [[Australia]]. ==Go next== {{usableregion}} {{IsPartOf|Southern Sulawesi}} {{geo|-3|120|zoom=9}} jiu9tu2hco2jpdoi5gcqb6ae03hhi27 5086958 5086957 2025-07-03T04:18:32Z Veracious 1298114 /* Go next */ 5086958 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Tana Toraja banner.jpg|caption=}} '''Tana Toraja''', literally "Torajaland", is a highland region of [[Southern Sulawesi]] in [[Indonesia]]. This article also covers '''Toraja Utara''' (North Toraja Regency). Tana Toraja, the famed "Land of the Heavenly Kings", lies about 328 km north of Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi Province, in the central highlands of South Sulawesi. == Towns == *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Makale]]|wikidata=Q57079173}} — a scenic town surrounded by mountains *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Rantepao]]|wikidata=Q2131182}} — the main town in the Tana Toraja region, and a good base for exploring the ==Understand== ===Culture=== [[File:Traditional Toraja House.JPG|thumb|Traditional Toraja houses]][[File:Tana Toraja, Palawa, painted front of a tongkonan (6823231508).jpg|thumb|Painted Front of a Tongkonan]] In the land of the Toraja people, many people are notionally Christian, but most are, in practice, animist. They are above all famed for their spectacular (and rather gruesome) '''burial rites'''. After a person's death, the body is kept &mdash; often for several months or even years &mdash; while money is saved to pay for the actual funeral ceremony, known as ''tomate''. During the festival, which may last up to a week, ritual dances and buffalo fights are held, and buffaloes and pigs are slaughtered to ferry the soul of the deceased to the afterlife (''puya''). The deceased is then finally buried either in a small cave, often with a ''tau-tau'' effigy placed in front, inside a hollow tree or even left exposed to the elements in a bamboo frame hanging from a cliff. Tana Toraja has unique culture set in stunning scenery. Globalisation and tourism may have impact, but if you venture away from the tarmac roads you will find soon a way of life that may seem to a visitor as if it has not changed much in the last 100 years. Traditional Tongkonan houses stand proudly in this setting. These intricately decorated houses with upward-sloping roofs are the centre of all Aluktodolo (Torajan religion before the coming of missionaries; the ancestors' belief) rites; from storing the harvest in the carved rice barns, "alang", to slaughtering sacred water buffaloes at funeral ceremonies that last a week or longer. Tana Toraja's beauty is also reflected in its people. Although they are mostly devoutly Christian (there is a small number of Muslims especially in the southern area), they combine this religious belief with magic and mysticism, and welcome visitors to witness their ceremonies. Tana Toraja is a sleepy rural region cultivating rice, cacao, coffee, and cloves most of the year. Toraja's arabica coffee carries a high reputation and is something that visitors may be interested in trying. During the dry season, from June until September, when children are home from school, the rice is harvested and it's time for a "rambu solo'", a complex funeral ceremony of the ancestors. During the time, [[Rantepao]] is transformed into a major tourist attraction for national and international visitors. Nevertheless, the region remains far less touristy than many other tourist spots in Indonesia (such as many places in [[Java]] or [[Bali]]), perhaps due to the relatively long way to come until there (which includes at least 10 hours of transportation from [[Makassar]]). ===Terrain=== At 300 to 2,880 metres above sea level, Tana Toraja combines tropical lushness with alpine freshness, with daily temperatures between 16 and 28 degrees Celsius. Bright green rice terraces, tall limestone outcrops and bamboo graves are set against a backdrop of blue misty mountains. ===Time=== Toraja is in the UTC+8 time zone (known in Indonesia as WITA, ''Waktu Indonesia Tengah''), same as [[Western Australia]], [[Kuala Lumpur]], [[Singapore]], [[Taiwan]], [[Hong Kong]], mainland [[China]], [[Bali]] but one hour ahead of [[Jakarta]]. ===When to go=== Prime funeral season is after the harvest in July to October. ==Get in== ===By plane=== From the Hasanuddin Airport in [[Makassar]], you can fly to Pongtiku Airport ({{IATA|Rantepao}}) with a 900-metre runway in Tana Toraja. TransNusa airline and Trigana Air Service fly to [[Makassar]]. The flight takes about 55 minutes. The flight could be cancelled, however, at the last minute due to aircraft maintenance or insufficient passengers. Buntukunik Airport has a 1,900-meter runway in Tana Toraja. It is going through technical trial operation, and will be opened soon to accommodate ATR 72. ===By bus=== Tana Toraja is a solid 300-km, 8-to-10-hour drive from [[Makassar]] with various stops between the route to take some rest. Most companies run both a morning and an overnight bus, with various degrees of comfort. Frequent mikrolets/bemos leave from Makassar to the Daya Bus Terminal and take about 40 minutes. The buses from Makassar to Tana Toraja come with various levels of comfort. Routes going further north are generally slower, in poor condition and far less comfortable. The most expensive are luxury class buses with sleepers, relatively clean and comfortable. Generally, most regular commuters between Makassar and Tana Toraja understand the importance of riding new buses with better engines. Hence the ticket prices differ not only based on the classes but also on the engines as well. Better engine means the price will be more expensive. ===By taxi or charted vehicle=== A chartered car usually costs 850,000 - 1,200,000 Rp one-way from Makassar. It is possible to find one for a few hundred thousand less if you can coordinate with someone who is driving in that direction. If you plan on staying for a few days and would like the return trip as well, a driver with car should cost about 550,000 Rp per day. Please beware that if you are planning to drive your own car, the stretch of road from Makassar, starting from Maros district area up to the town of Pare Pare is undergoing a road widening works. You may have to suddenly switch onto the opposite lane, because the lane you are on is blocked for the construction work. Be very careful and watch out for this kind of roadblock, because road signs indicating this is virtually non existent. This problem is made incredibly worse during night time by the absence of proper street light, so exercise extreme caution. The road from the town of Enrekang to Makele (the town before Rantepao) is a stretch of unlit, small, winding, uphill road, accompanied with some fogging and drizzle at night. Along this road, you will frequently come across big buses going downhill from Makele. Gas station is few and far between, with intermittent local shops along the way. Again, these conditions make night time self driving best avoided. ==Get around== {{mapframe|layer=W}} The best way to go around is by motorbike (about 80,000 Rp per day, as of 2016). This said, using public transportation is possible for most sites too. Most of the spots can be visited without a guide (despite what your hotel will try to make you believe), though a guide may be useful for some of the more distant villages. Bemo/mikrolet rides run from 2,000 Rp for short rides of a few kilometers up to 10,000 Rp. Bolu Bus Terminal 2 km north east from [[Rantepao]] is a good place to find public transportation towards the north of Rantepao. ==See== Although it can be expensive if you are on a budget, a guide can provide a lot of insight into the local practices and customs. A problem is that most guides are not certified, and will not explain more to you than the Wikipedia page on Tana Toraja. {{cautionbox| '''Where to find reliable information?''' In Tana Toraja, on the one hand, the entire tourism industry (transportation offices and drivers, restaurants owners, hotel staff, including their nice and smiling manager) will do their best to take as much money from you as they can. Do not expect any reliable information from them. They wouldn't give you the sites where the funerals take place, nor the prices or itineraries of public transportation, nor where to rent a (cheaper) motorbike. They will also put pressure to hire a local guide (from 400,000 Rp a day as of 2016). Also remember that all cafés, restaurants and hotels have agreements with guides (or fake guides), and will take a commission. On the other hand, the rest of the population will certainly be very helpful to you, always willing to help when they can. If you are white, you will be even better treated. Do not hesitate to hitchhike, as most locals will be happy to help a foreigner. Of course, speaking basic Indonesian will help. }} If you still want to hire a guide, the usual base price for one day is 375,000 Rp (as of 2016), plus the motorbike (about 80,000 Rp) if you don't drive yourself. Of course, the prices quoted first may be much higher. A price of 400,000 Rp for one day and one person that doesn't drive (and hence that will share the guide motorbike) is considered as a reasonably good price, as of 2016. If more than one person, the price shouldn't vary much, although you may need a longer time to bargain! Of course, guides will try to make you believe that you should pay a lot of extras (lunch, tax, etc.), but it is a grift. A famous scam is to make you believe you will eat in a good restaurant (for which you had to pay in advance), and then change the schedule at the last minute to go immediately to the funeral (and hence skip the restaurant, which probably doesn't even exist). It is possible to visit most of the famous sites and funerals on your own, although information can be hard to find from most hotel operators, as they will put a lot of pressure on you to hire a driver or a guide. * '''Bolu Buffalo Market''' (''Pasar Bolu'') north of [[Rantepao#See|Rantepao]] takes place on Tuesday and Saturday mornings. [[Image:Toraja tumbs.jpg|thumb|right|Tombs in Tana Toraja]] * '''Bori Parinding''', north of Rantepao, is a combination of ceremonial grounds and burials. The ceremonial ground is an open space used for traditional ceremonies, including rituals for the dead and thanksgiving. * '''Buntu Pune''': The sites of Buntu Pune and Rante Karassik used to belong to one integrated settlement. * '''Rante Karassik''' is a ceremonial ground on a sloping hill. * '''Deri''', north of [[Rantepao#See|Rantepao]], has several tombs in full nature (in particular a particularly impressive forest of giant bamboos). The site is much less interesting than other equivalent ones in Tana Toraja, but the road reaching Deri is very scenic, with many villages as beautiful as Kete Kesu but without any tourists here. * '''Kande Api''' consists of a compound of houses and granaries, ceremonial ground and burial places. * '''Ke'te Kesu'''', south of Rantepao: Ke'te' Kesu' is the most complete settlement. The site consists of a compound of houses and granaries, burial place, ceremonial ground, ricefields and water-buffalo pasture. * '''Lemo''', south of Rantepao, near the main road, is also a cliff burial site with galleries of ancestor statues. One of the most interesting (and visited) sites. * '''Londa''', south of Rantepao, is a grave site where two methods of burial are customary. One of the most interesting (and visited) sites. * '''Nanggala''' is principally a compound of 2 houses (tongkonan) and 16 granaries (alang), arranged in rows and aligned east-west. * '''Pala' Toke'''' is principally a burial place on a towering limestone hill, from where a rice field extends to the north, east and west. * '''Pallawa site''', north of Rantepao, is also a compound of houses and granaries. There are 11 houses and 15 granaries. * '''Tumakke''' displays a distinctive traditional house built on a raised terrace. ===Itineraries=== There are many walks (1-3 hours) that pass by many different types of grave sites, including the most popular sites. Most can be reached by short bemo rides from Rantepao and do not require guides. ==Do== ===Attend a funeral=== [[File:A funeral ceremony in Tana Toraja.jpg|thumb|A funeral ceremony in Tana Toraja]] [[File:LUTA Resort Hotel , Tedong Bonga on Sa'dan River - panoramio.jpg|thumb|Tedong Bonga or Buffalo with Flower Spots, Buffalo with the most magnificent flower spots can be valued US$75,000 each, need for meat at funeral ceremony]] If you come to Tana Toraja during the funeral season (peak is in July and August), attending a funeral is certainly a must-do. Funerals (entrance fee 20,000 Rp) are public events and served by public transport. Avoid offers by guides, telling you that they are private or difficult to access! Your hotel probably will not help you to locate the funeral, claiming it is hard to find by yourself (it is not). In summer, (fake) guides might tell you that you are a lucky person because there is a funeral exactly the day you came. In fact, during the funeral season (July and August), there are funerals virtually every day except perhaps Sunday. To go to a funeral, simply spot the pick-ups loaded with people with (more or less) black clothes, that go throughout [[Rantepao]] all day long. Just flag one down, and they will certainly be happy to have you on board. The custom is to bring a present for the family of the deceased; most guides will tell you to bring (several packets of) cigarettes, but tea or candies for children can also do. There is no official tourist information in Tana Toraja, but you may go to Tora Tora Primitive Art Gallery, which has a very friendly English-speaking owner who provides free maps of the area. It is on the main street in [[Rantepao]]. Beware of every offer that may look suspicious, though. ==Eat== ===Restaurants=== There are some restaurants in Rantepao and Makale. They serve menus of Indonesian, Chinese and Western food. Torajan specialties, such as pa'piong (chicken/pork or fish cooked with vegetables in bamboo tubes), are also available and usually must be ordered in advance (usually at least 2 hours). See the [[Rantepao]] page for restaurants in Rantepao. Some restaurants in Makale or along the road between Rantepao and Makale: *Wae Rumbang, Main Road to Makale, Pao Rura *Rama, Main Road Makale - Rantepao *Flamboyan, Main Road Makale - Rantepao *Sallebayu, Ke'te kesu' st. ==Drink== ===Ballo=== Local Torajan palm wine, Ballo', is easily found. Buy it on the street. The darker, the stronger but be warned, it can be very strong. ===Coffee=== The Tana Toraja region is famed for its coffee. In your local coffee house it will cost a small fortune. Drink the real thing here for a fraction of the cost. There are many places to drink coffee (see the [[Rantepao]] listings). ==Sleep== Besides [[Makassar]], Tana Toraja is the only area in the Province of South Sulawesi which owns several star hotels. Some widely known star hotels in Tana Toraja are [http://www.torajaheritage.com/ Toraja Heritage Hotel]{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}, [http://www.torajamisiliana.com/ Toraja Misiliana Hotel], Toraja Prince Hotel and Toraja Sahid Hotel and Tongkonan Layuk Lion. There are also a number of non-star hotels, home-stays and local residences available for accommodation. Most of the hotels provide standard facilities such as single and double bed, hot and cold water, telephone, entertainment, meals while some provide additional ones like sports facility, spa and massage, laundry and others. ==Stay safe== ===Climate=== Do not get fooled by the relatively more comfortable temperatures than in [[Makassar]] (the temperature hardly goes above 28°, and nights tend to be cool): the sun is dangerous here, and you will use a lot of sun screen. Also bring a pullover for outdoor evenings or nights. It often rains in Tana Toraja, even during the "dry season", and much more than, e.g., in [[Makassar]]. As a rule of thumb, it tends to rain more often in the afternoon or evening than in the morning. ===Malaria=== There is a low risk of malaria in Tana Toraja. Contact your favorite tropical doctor before departure to decide whether you need a treatment. In any case, try to avoid mosquito bites, as the region is also infected by dengue. ===Rabies=== Avoid contact with dogs and other animals that may carry rabies. ===Pollution=== The air quality along the main road of [[Rantepao]] (along which most touristic facilities are located) is extremely bad, and bringing an N95 mask may be of great help. ==Connect== International phone operators: 101. International Direct Dialing prefix: 001, 007, or 008. Directory inquires * 108 (if using a cell phone locally dial 0423 108) ===Internet=== The 3G connection is overall bad (and often non-existing) in Tana Toraja. Only parts of [[Rantepao]] have 3G, the rest only getting a slow edge network. Most tourist sites (Lemo, Londa...) won't be connected to any Internet network, and sometimes not even to any phone network. ===Emergency=== * Ambulance: 118. * Police stations: **Polsek Rantepao, Jl. Budi Utomo, Rantepao. Tel: +62 423 21358 *Army Headquarter: **Kodim 1414 Tana Toraja, Jl. Pong Tiku, Rantepao. Tel: +62 423 21255 '''Hospitals:''' * {{listing | name=Fatimah Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl. Nusantara | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62 423 22058 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q110241840 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Elim Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jl.Jend. Ahmad Yani | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62 423 21258 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q110242351 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Marampa' Childbirth Hospital | alt=RS Santa Teresa Marampa | url= | email= | address=Jl. A.Mappanyukki | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62 423 21036 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} The hospital is fairly serviceable by developing world standards, however, for serious problems you should return to [[Makassar]]. For more serious problems, head immediately to [[Singapore]] or [[Australia]]. ==Go next== * [[Tana Luwu]] {{usableregion}} {{IsPartOf|Southern Sulawesi}} {{geo|-3|120|zoom=9}} 04igxddi57flbyhy5tdyu04lmm7u56q 0 36315 5086960 4890462 2025-07-03T04:25:05Z Lazarus1255 2236161 /* See */Updated link 5086960 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Toms River banner.jpg|caption=}} '''Toms River''' is the county seat of [[Ocean County]], [[New Jersey]]. It is a few miles west of the beaches of the [[Jersey Shore|Jersey Shore Region]], midway between New York and Philadelphia and a short distance from Atlantic City. Toms River is easy to get to by car as the Garden State Parkway bisects the town, and it is served by express bus service to and from New York City. ==Understand== The body of water the town is named after is actually a tidal inlet from the Barnegat Bay. {{climate chart | |22|41|3.92 |24|44|3.30 |30|51|4.79 |39|61|4.07 |49|71|3.73 |59|80|3.80 |64|85|4.60 |62|83|4.69 |55|77|3.79 |43|67|3.90 |35|57|4.11 |27|46|4.51 |float=right |clear=right |units=imperial }} ===History=== The first settlers of the area included many that were exiled from nearby colonies on basis on religion. Toms River was founded in 1767, then known as Dover Township. The involvement of Toms River in the Revolutionary War has often been overlooked. The town had America's sole garrison, making it one of the key targets for the British Loyalists, who attacked the settlement at least thrice. The first attempt was unsuccessful, but the second and especially the third attacks breached the town's defenses. Captain Joshua Huddy, one of the defenders, was captured by a group of Loyalists while defending the Toms River Blockhouse and hanged without trial. The town was subsequently razed by arson, with the exception of two houses. Despite this, the founders sought to rise back up from the rubble. New industries, such as the iron and then the charcoal industries, had come and gone. The first Mormon Branch in the state was established here in 1838. The 1850s saw an abrupt rise of cranberry farming in the vicinity. It was also when Dover Township, encompassing much more that it occupies today, became the county seat of the newly formed Ocean County. A new railroad through Toms River fueled further growth, although the population didn't rise above 10,000 for the first half of the 20th century. The completion of the Garden State Parkway, which passes directly through the town, caused Toms River to sprawl beyond the downtown core, with droves of new residents raising the population to over 50,000 before 1980. In 1998, the Toms River Little League team was declared the victor of the World Series, which was celebrated by a parade on Route 37, now named to honor the victory. The name of Dover Township was changed to Toms River Township in 2006 following a referendum. In 2021, it was home to 97,000 people. Toms River's notoriety has grown among Orthodox Jews in the United States because of its growing religious population, spilling over from nearby Lakewood. This article also covers Beachwood, Island Heights, Ocean Gate, Pine Beach and South Toms River, but not the portion of Toms River Township on Pelican Island or the Barnegat Peninsula. ==Get in== ===By plane=== Toms River is 90 minutes from [[Newark Liberty International Airport]] and an hour from [[Atlantic City#By plane|Atlantic City International Airport]]. Those wanting to travel to the nearby regions including Atlantic City can use the SJTA TransIT Link shuttle to travel between Atlantic City International Airport and the Pleasantville Bus Terminal. At the bus terminal you can catch another NJ Transit bus to Ocean County. Car rental services are available at both airports. * {{go | name=Ocean County Airport | alt={{IATA|MJX}} | url=http://www.oceanaire.net | email=info@oceanaire.net | address=101 Airport Rd, Bayville | lat=39.9275 | long=-74.2925 | directions= | phone=+1 732-797-1077 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q10849322 | lastedit=2023-01-19 | content=A general-aviation airport served by Ocean Aire. The airport hosts the Ocean County Fair every July. }} ===By train=== Amtrak does not have a station in Toms River, but at stations in [[Point Pleasant (New Jersey)|Point Pleasant]] approximately 20 miles away and in [[Trenton]], [[New Brunswick (New Jersey)|New Brunswick]], and [[Princeton|Princeton Junction]], around 40 miles away. New Jersey Transit trains also serve [[Point Pleasant (New Jersey)|Point Pleasant]], which is about 16 miles away by car and is connected by Ocean Ride to Lakewood Terminal, which in turn is served by NJ Transit buses to Toms River. ===By bus=== New Jersey Transit buses arrive approximately four times an hour, twice en route from New York to Atlantic City and twice en route from Atlantic City to New York. The local New Jersey Transit bus service runs up and down the main north-south route (Route 9) between Lakewood and Atlantic City. Those from Philadelphia and points west can ride the bus to Atlantic City, which is directly connected to Toms River by bus. The main bus station is on Highland Parkway South, within walking distance of downtown. Other stops include the Ocean County Mall and Ocean County College, served by NJ Transit Bus 67 from Newark. Buses 137 and 559 also stop at the station and come from New York and Atlantic City, respectively. [https://www.co.ocean.nj.us/WebContentFiles/a1c23138-80d5-4b86-84ec-82ee4a81681b.pdf Ocean Ride] provides transport from the mall to downtown every day except Sundays after Labor Day weekend before May 4, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. ===By car=== Toms River is located off the Garden State Parkway exit 82(A) which leads visitors to the main commercial corridor, NJ-37. Downtown is easily accessible from exit 81. NJ-70 passes through Toms River from the west. ===By boat=== There are marinas and docks for small craft to park, though most of them require a fee to rent. ==Get around== {{mapframe}} {{mapshape|wikidata=Q7820392,Q1083342,Q1083396,Q1083556,Q1086210,Q653651}} ===By car=== A car is the best method for getting around Toms River and the surrounding area. There are free parking lots along West Water Street and metered streetside parking by the Ocean County Library and other downtown streets. * {{go | name=Municipal Garage | alt=Public Parking | url= | email= | address=Main St and W Water St | lat=39.9518 | long=-74.1967 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M-F after 5PM, Sa-Su | price=Free on Saturdays | content=A three-level parking garage. }} * {{go | name=Ocean County Garage | alt= | url= | email= | address=Madison Ave | lat=39.9543 | long=-74.1915 | directions=Next to Hooper Ave | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Free | lastedit=2023-02-20 | content=A multi-level parking garage. }} ===By taxi=== There are a number of taxi services around and within Toms River as well as services like Uber and Lyft. Fares vary. * {{listing | name=Ocean Taxi | alt= | url=https://www.oceantaxi-tomsriver.com/ | email= | address=1350 U.S. 9 | lat=39.9926 | long=-74.2119 | directions= | phone=+1 848 448-1231 | tollfree= | hours=4AM-2AM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-02-12 | content=Email via [https://www.oceantaxi-tomsriver.com/contact online contact form]. }} ===By bike and on foot=== Downtown is more walkable than other sections of the town. The bus terminal is about 15 minutes by foot from the heart of downtown Toms River. There are places to rent bikes to get around for the day. ==See== [[File:57 Water Toms River Ocean Co NJ.JPG|thumb|Historic Stewart House]] The '''[https://hiddenhistorytrail.com/ Hidden History trail]''' passes by local historical sites as well as museums and halls-of-fame dedicated to them. <!--The walk visits sites such as Huddy Park, a Revolutionary War site, the Toms River Seaport Society Maritime Museum, and the 1850 courthouse.--> There are QR codes to learn about each site. Also, look out for statues on Washington Street and murals near Main Street. * {{see | name=Cattus Island Park | alt= | url=https://www.oceancountyparks.org/frmRegContentPrks?ID=0751673c-9513-4ecc-8f3e-3e65b0f2ec45 | email= | address=1170 Cattus Island Blvd | lat=39.981 | long=-74.129 | directions= | phone=+1 732-270-6960 | tollfree= | hours=7AM-dusk | price=Free | lastedit=2022-10-02 | content=Includes many miles of trails with unspoiled views of Silver Bay. There is a small environmental center to learn about local flora and fauna of this bayside environment. In the park, there are places to go fishing, crabbing, cycling, and picnicking. }} * {{see | name=Huddy Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.9509 | long=-74.1977 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Huddy Park.png | wikidata=Q18153221 | lastedit=2022-01-17 | content=This park in downtown Toms River hosts a replica constructed in 1931 of the Revolutionary War fort that was once standing near the site. The park is named after Joshua Huddy. Nearby is one of the anchors of the USS ''Randolph'', an aircraft carrier which played a role in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. }} * {{see | name=Insectropolis | alt=The Bugseum of New Jersey | url=http://www.insectropolis.com/ | email= | address=1761 Route 9 | lat=40.0149 | long=-74.2163 | directions=Route 9 northbound | phone=+1 732-349-7090 | tollfree= | hours=F-Su 10AM-3PM, school summer vacation M-F 10AM-3PM | price=$10, free for children 2 and under | lastedit=2023-01-23 | content=The museum that has everything about insects! Here you can not only learn about bugs, but also see them live. There is a praying mantis statue on the road to the museum. }} * {{see | name=John F. Peto Studio Museum | alt= | url=https://petomuseum.org | email=info@petomuseum.org | address=102 Cedar Ave, Island Heights | lat=39.9411 | long=-74.1414 | directions= | phone=+1 732-929-4949 | tollfree= | hours=Apr-Dec Sa Su 1-3PM, by appointment otherwise | price=$10 adults, $8 seniors and students | lastedit=2023-01-20 | content=A showcase of John Frederick Peto, known for trompe l’oeil-style paintings. Fully accessible. }} * {{see | name=Ocean County Artists’ Guild | alt= | url=https://www.ocartistsguild.org | email=info@ocartistsguild.org | address=22 Chestnut Ave, Island Heights | lat=39.9422 | long=-74.1533 | directions= | phone=+1 732-270-3111 | tollfree= | hours=M W 10AM–3PM; Tu Th noon–5PM; F 10AM–4PM; Sa Su 1-4PM | price= | lastedit=2023-01-20 | content=Artists from all over the county exhibit their works here. }} * {{see | name=Ocean County Historical Museum | alt= | url= | email=oceancounty.history@verizon.net | address=26 Hadley Ave | lat=39.9530 | long=-74.1912 | directions= | phone=+1 732-341-1880 | tollfree= | hours=1st and 3rd Sa of month, 1–3PM by appointment | price=Free | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=The museum building was named after Elizabeth Sculthorp Force, a local social reformer. On the lower level, the Birdsall Room showcases the county's past, while the Pauline S. Miller Exhibit holds temporary exhibits. Historical clothing can be found on the upper level in the Pierson Emporium. The online bookstore sells vintage maps and local history books. }} * {{see | name=Toms River Seaport Society & Maritime Museum | alt=Barnegat Bay Maritime Museum | url=https://www.barnegatbaymaritimemuseum.org/ | email= | address=78 East Water St | lat=39.9513 | long=-74.1936 | directions= | phone=+1 732-349-9209 | tollfree= | hours=Tu Th Sa 10AM-2PM | price= | lastedit=2022-10-02 | content=A small museum featuring historic boats from around the Jersey Shore, with a library and gift shop. }} ==Do== *{{do | name=Winding River Skating Center | alt= | url=https://tomsrivertownship.com/213/Winding-River-Rink | email= | address=1211 Whitesville Rd | lat=39.9889 | long=-74.2162 | directions= | phone=+1 732-244-0720 | tollfree= | hours=Public skating, indoors: M W F 10AM-noon, Tu Th 10AM-2PM, Sa Su 2-4PM; Public skating, outdoors: W 4-6PM, Sa Su 10AM-noon | price=General admission: $7-10/adult, $6-8/child or senior; $4-5 skate rental; Freestyle $15-20; DJ Skate $15; Open Hockey $15 | content=There is an outdoor rink and an indoor rink, which has vending machines and an upper seating area. There is a DJ every Friday 8:30-10:30PM and Saturday 8-10PM. }} *{{do | name=Bey Lea Golf Course | alt= | url=https://tomsrivertownship.com/159 | email= | address=1536 North Bay Ave | lat=39.9882 | long=-74.1856 | directions= | phone=+1 732-349-0566 | tollfree= | hours=Mar, Dec 9AM-dusk, Apr, Sep-Nov 8AM-dusk, May-Aug 7AM-dusk | price=$34 weekdays, $41 weekends | lastedit=2023-01-20 | content=This golf course is on the easier side, with larger greens than usual. Golf attire required. }} * {{do | name=Exit 82 Theatre | alt= | url=https://www.exit82theatre.com | email=exit82theatre@gmail.com | address=73 Main St | lat=39.95332 | long=-74.19801 | directions=2nd floor | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=$30 | lastedit=2022-10-02 | content=A nonprofit performing arts organization with theatrical programming featuring its own performing arts academy of secondary school students, as well as adults. A BYOB venue for those over 21. }} * {{do | name=Jakes Branch County Park | alt= | url= | email= | address=1100 Double Trouble Rd, Beachwood | lat=39.928 | long=-74.212 | directions= | phone=+1 732-281-2750 | tollfree= | hours=7AM-dusk | price=Free | lastedit=2023-01-19 | content=Tucked in the Pine Barrens, this park provides several miles of trails, sports fields, and an educational nature center with an observation deck. }} * {{do | name=Toms River Skate Park | alt= | url= | email= | address=1545 N Bay Ave | lat=39.98876 | long=-74.18440 | directions=next to the Castle Park playground | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Free (waiver required, available at 1555 N Bay Ave) | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=The skating facility, with a bowl and structures for street-style skating, is illuminated after dusk. }} ===On the river=== There are several companies that provide kayak and sailboat rentals for exploring by boat. * {{do | name=River Lady | alt= | url=https://riverlady.com | email=info@riverlady.com | address=1 Robbins Pkwy | lat=39.9503 | long=-74.1973 | directions= | phone=+1 732-349-8664 | tollfree= | hours=May-Oct | price=$15-60/person depending on cruise type and age | lastedit=2022-10-02 | content=Cruise along the only genuine paddleboat in New Jersey. There are several options available, including a sightseeing cruise. Tickets must be paid in advance. }} *{{do | name=Route 37 Watersports | alt= | url=https://www.route37watersports.com | email=rt37watersports@gmail.com | address=3430 Rte 37 E | lat=39.9497 | long=-74.114 | directions= | phone=+1 732-270-0075 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Carolina skiff from $160 for a half day | lastedit=2023-01-23 | content=Jet Ski, waverunner and boat rentals, no boating license required, however age restrictions are in force; bring valid photo ID. }} ===Beaches=== Toms River has some beaches on the mainland, though not as popular as those on the Barnegat Peninsula. A beach badge is required to access the main beaches of Toms River Township. They can be purchased for a single day, an entire week, or a full season. Beach badges can only be purchased in-person using cash or check, and are only valid for a specific municipality. They are sold at discounted prices starting in April before the season at the Recreation Administration Office on 1810 Warren Pointe Road, or at full price during the season there or on the beach. Prices shown are for daily badges purchased during the season. * {{do | name=Shelter Cove | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.969 | long=-74.114 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=$10-11 | lastedit=2023-01-16 | content=Beach with free showers, playgrounds, softball fields, tennis and basketball courts. }} ===Events=== * {{do | name=Toms River Pride Festival | alt= | url=https://www.exit82theatre.com/tr-pride | email= | address=Washington St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-01-23 | content=Every June, on a weekend. This downtown gathering of the regional LGBT community is one of the largest on the Jersey Shore. Pop-op food vendors and live performances. Family-friendly. }} * {{do | name=Comfort Food Festival | alt= | url=https://downtowntomsriver.com/comfort-food-festival/ | email= | address=Washington St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Free | lastedit=2023-01-23 | content=Every September, food trucks from all over the Jersey Shore provide opportunities to sample the local cuisine for the afternoon. Live music, crafts, kids activities and beer + winegarden. }} * {{do | name=Toms River Halloween Parade | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/trfchalloweenparade/ | email= | address=Main St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-01-23 | content=Every October 31 since 1919, one of the largest Halloween parades in the region features decorated vehicles and floats by people of all ages. }} ==Buy== There are many local shops downtown. There are several large grocery stores that serve the area as well as a number of smaller specialty stores. [[File:9 Allen Toms River NJ.JPG|thumb|Historic A A Brant House]] * {{buy | name=Ocean County Mall | alt= | url=http://www.simon.com/mall/ocean-county-mall | email= | address=1201 Hooper Ave | lat=39.98 | long=-74.178 | directions= | phone=+1 732-244-8200 | tollfree= | hours=10AM-9:30PM | price= | wikipedia=Ocean County Mall | image=Ocean County Mall.jpg | wikidata=Q7075972 | content=Mostly a single-story mall with typical mall fare, but also with more local chains such as Turning Point (serving breakfast) and Rare Pairs (selling sneakers). Ocean Ride has its hub here, and there's a place to get brochures about Ocean County. There is also a lifestyle center at the site of the former Sears. }} * {{buy | name=Main Street Antique Center | alt= | url= | email= | address=251 Main St | lat=39.9551 | long=-74.1985 | directions= | phone=+1 732-349-5764 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 10AM-3:30PM, Sa 10AM-4:30PM, Su noon-4:30PM | price= | lastedit=2022-10-03 | content=Beyond the seemingly small facade, there is a wide selection of items, including glassware, furniture, and decor. The staff there are friendly and knowledgeable. }} ==Eat and drink== Toms River is home to many family-owned Italian restaurants. * {{eat | name=Enzo's Caffe Italia | alt= | url=https://www.caffeitaliatomsriver.com | email= | address=2414 NJ-37 East | lat=39.9506 | long=-74.1298 | directions=Westbound side | phone=+1 732-929-0808 | tollfree= | hours=Su noon-9:30PM, M 11AM-9:30PM, W Th 11AM-9:30PM, F Sa 11AM-10PM | price=$40 | lastedit=2022-10-03 | content=Traditional Italian dishes, including pizza. }} * {{eat | name=Capone's | alt= | url=http://caponestr.com | email=number1chef23@aol.com | address=17 Washington St | lat=39.95321 | long=-74.1974 | directions= | phone=+1 732-473-1777 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 10AM-10PM, F 10AM-11PM, Sa 11AM-11PM | price=$25 | lastedit=2022-10-03 | content=Family-owned Italian restaurant with a wood-fired oven. }} * {{eat | name=Shogun Legacy | alt= | url=https://www.shogunlegacy.com | email=info@shogunlegacy.com | address=1536 North Bay Ave | lat=39.9883 | long=-74.1856 | directions=on Bey Lea golf course | phone=+1 732-286-9888 | tollfree= | hours=Lunch: M–F noon–3PM; dinner: M–Th 5–10PM, F 5–11PM, Sa 4:30–11PM, Su 3–10PM | price=$25 | content=Serves fresh Japanese cuisine. They have hibachi tables which are great for birthdays and a group of people. Also has tables for sushi and other menu selections. }} * {{eat | name=Four Seasons | alt= | url=https://www.fourseasonsdiner.com | email= | address=823 Fischer Blvd | lat=39.9696 | long=-74.1326 | directions= | phone=+1 732-270-8778 | tollfree= | hours=7:30AM - 9PM | price=$27 | lastedit=2023-01-15 | content=Serves breakfast, pizza baked in a brick oven, lunch and dinner. }} * {{eat | name=Aqua Blu | alt= | url=http://aquablurestaurant.com | email= | address=3410 NJ-37 East | lat=39.9491 | long=-74.1161 | directions= | phone=+1 732-270-1180 | tollfree= | hours=W-Sa 2-10PM, Su 4-10PM | price=$60 | lastedit=2022-10-02 | content=An American restaurant serving Italian-inspired foods made from locally-sourced ingredients, as well as a wide selection of alcoholic beverages. The menus change every season, and there is live entertainment almost every day. }} * {{eat | name=The Office Lounge | alt= | url=https://www.theofficelounge.net | email= | address=820 Main St | lat=39.962 | long=-74.2008 | directions= | phone=+1 732-349-0800 | tollfree= | hours=11:30AM-2AM | price=$40 | lastedit=2022-10-02 | content=This popular restaurant, serving sushi, pizza and other items, is busy all times of day, especially during lunch, when it is packed with workers from downtown. Also a popular bar on weekend nights. }} * {{eat | name=Water Street Bar & Grille | alt= | url=https://waterstreetnj.com | email= | address=4 Robbins Pkwy | lat=39.9503 | long=-74.1969 | directions= | phone=+1 732-240-4800 | tollfree= | hours=Su-Th 11:30AM-midnight, F Sa 11:30AM-1AM | price=$45 | lastedit=2022-10-03 | content=Good waterfront restaurant in the riverfront area to visit in the summer months to enjoy live music on Friday and Saturday, fresh seafood and watch as the boats pull into the docks at the end of the day. It is moderately priced with a full bar. }} * {{eat | name=Villa Amalfi | alt= | url=https://villaamalfitomsriver.com | email= | address=1006 Lakewood Road | lat=39.9707 | long=-74.2048 | directions=NJ-166 | phone=+1 732-286-6044 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 11AM-9PM F-Su 11AM-10PM | price=$36 | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=An Italian restaurant with large windows overlooking a garden and a bar serving wine by the bottle. }} * {{eat | name=Uncle Dood's Donnts | alt= | url= | email= | address=4 Robbins St | lat=39.95192 | long=-74.19775 | directions= | phone=+1 -609-462-3517 | tollfree= | hours=6:30AM-1PM (closed M) | price= | lastedit=2024-06-07 | content=With over a dozen different types of donuts to choose from, including classics and some unusual flavors, this donut shop has something to offer for everyone with a sweet tooth. There are also some flavors that are only available for a month out of the year. }} ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Clarion Hotel & Conference Center | alt= | url=https://www.choicehotels.com/new-jersey/toms-river/clarion-hotels/nj036 | email= | address=815 Route 37 West | lat=39.9705 | long=-74.237 | directions= | phone=+1 732-341-2400 | tollfree= | checkin=4PM | checkout=11AM | price=$150 | lastedit=2022-10-03 | content=Along with a conference center, this hotel also has an outdoor pool, business center with computers, restaurant and fitness center. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=Days Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/days-inn/toms-river-new-jersey/days-hotel-toms-river-jersey-shores/overview | email= | address= | lat=39.9609 | long=-74.1753 | directions= | phone=+1 732-244-4000 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=$160 | lastedit=2022-10-03 | content=The employees there can cater to those who speak a foreign language and those with disabilities. An indoor pool. The on-site Palms Restaurant serves breakfast and dinner. Two ballrooms, a business center, and a gym are also available on the premises. }} * {{sleep | name=Howard Johnson Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/hojo/toms-river-new-jersey/howard-johnson-hotel-toms-river/overview | email= | address=955 Hooper Avenue | lat=39.9642 | long=-74.1864 | directions= | phone=+1 732-244-1000 | tollfree=+1 732-908-7694 | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | price=$130 | lastedit=2022-10-02 | content=Two-storey, pet-friendly hotel with an indoor pool, restaurant, free Wi-Fi and breakfast. }} * {{sleep | name=Mathis House | alt= | url=https://www.mathishouse600main.com | email=innkeeper@mathishouse600main.com | address=600 Main St | lat=39.958 | long=-74.1996 | directions= | phone=+1 732-818-7580 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$140 | lastedit=2022-10-03 | content=A Victorian-style bed and breakfast with modern luxuries. Every suite has its own feel. }} * {{sleep | name=Ocean View Inn & Suites | alt= | url=https://www.oceanviewinnandsuites.com | email=oceanviewinnandsuites@gmail.com | address=2122 NJ-37 E | lat=39.9512 | long=-74.1378 | directions=Westbound side | phone=+1 732-929-3333 | tollfree= | checkin=2PM | checkout=10AM | price= | lastedit=2023-01-21 | content=A budget hotel with balconies (albeit without an ocean view), basic amenities and a pool. }} ==Stay safe== You'll be glad to hear that crime isn't as prevalent in Toms River compared to cities such as Atlantic City, Camden and Trenton. ==Connect== * {{listing | name=Toms River Branch Library | alt=Ocean County Library | url=https://theoceancountylibrary.org/Branches/TR/tr.htm | email= | address=101 Washington St | lat=39.9526 | long=-74.1957 | directions= | phone=+1 732 349-6200 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 9AM-9PM, F Sa 9AM-5PM, Su 1-5PM | price= | lastedit=2023-01-23 | content=In addition to Wi-Fi access, the library also has publicly-available computers and a 3D printing service. }} ==Go next== * [[Seaside Heights]] can be reached by crossing the Mathis Bridge carrying Route 37. * [[Lakewood (New Jersey)|Lakewood]], north of Toms River, has a rapidly growing population with Jewish influence. * [[Southern Ocean County]] has some petting zoos, along with the Albert Music Hall and Tuckerton Seaport. * [[Long Beach Island]], further south along the shore, is known for the Barnegat Lighthouse. * [[Atlantic City]], the state's gambling hub, is accessible by taking the GSP South to the Atlantic City Expressway. {{routebox | image1=GSPkwy Shield.svg | imagesize1=22 | caption1=Garden State Parkway | directionl1=N | majorl1=[[Newark (New Jersey)|Newark]] | minorl1=[[Lakewood (New Jersey)|Lakewood]] | directionr1=S | majorr1=[[Cape May]] | minorr1=[[Southern Ocean County|Lacey]] | image2=US 9.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[New York City]] | minorl2=[[Lakewood (New Jersey)|Lakewood]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Cape May]] | minorr2=[[Southern Ocean County|Lacey]] | image3=Elongated_circle_70.svg | directionl3=W | majorl3=[[Pennsauken]] | minorl3=[[Lakehurst–Manchester]] | directionr3=E | majorr3=[[Wall (New Jersey)|Wall]] | minorr3=[[Brick]] }} {{IsPartOf|Ocean County}} {{guidecity}} {{geo|39.954|-74.198}} 61opcxczydtrikrpiqsp7akqgxr8zpf 0 36376 5086727 5071537 2025-07-02T18:04:47Z 162 etc. 2252661 Merged 5086727 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Toronto banner skyline at dusk.jpg|caption=Toronto skyline at dusk|disambig=yes}} {{printDistricts}} '''Toronto''' is a diverse, energetic and liveable city, home to many tourist attractions, and seemingly endless dining, shopping and entertainment possibilities. It's the most populous city in [[Canada]], the centre of the country's financial sector, and the provincial capital of [[Ontario]]. Toronto is one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse cities in the world: more than 80 ethnic communities are represented, and over half of the city's residents were born outside Canada. {{See also|Toronto/Yonge Street|LGBT Toronto}} ==Districts== Toronto is made up of varied and unique neighbourhoods. Covering more than {{km2|600}}, Toronto stretches some {{km|32}} along the shores of Lake Ontario. The city is laid out on a very straightforward grid pattern. Streets rarely deviate from the grid, except when topography interferes, such as the curving Don River Valley, and to a lesser degree the Humber and Rouge valleys at opposite ends of the city. Some main thoroughfares intersect the grid at angles. For travel purposes, we have divided Toronto into twelve districts: ====Central Toronto==== The dense urban core of Toronto. It includes many of the city's attractions and hotels. {{Regionlist | regionmap=Toronto WV downtown districts map.png | regionmaptext=Districts of Downtown Toronto | regionmapsize=400px | region1name=[[Toronto/Yonge-Dundas|Yonge-Dundas]] | region1color=#fdf989 | region1description=The heart of downtown Toronto with Yonge St, the Eaton Centre, theatres and City Hall. | region2name=[[Toronto/Entertainment and Financial Districts|Entertainment and Financial Districts]] | region2color=#cdafda | region2description=The entertainment and financial heart of the city, including some of the city's most prominent tourist attractions: the CN Tower, Rogers Centre, Union Station and the Hockey Hall of Fame. | region3name=[[Toronto/Kensington-Chinatown|Kensington-Chinatown]] | region3color=#f9a4a6 | region3description=Diverse neighbourhoods with lots of little shops, markets and restaurants, and some of the city's best known bars for live music. Includes Queen West and the Fashion District to the south. | region4name=[[Toronto/Yorkville and the Annex|Yorkville and the Annex]] | region4color=#bccdee | region4description=The boutiques of Yorkville and the museums and student energy of the Annex and University neighbourhoods. | region5name=[[Toronto/Harbourfront|Harbourfront]] | region5color=#F4A460 | region5description=South of Downtown, this area is popular for its parks and recreational activities. Walk along the water's edge, take a harbour tour by boat, have some family fun at various events at Exhibition Place, or take in a Major League Soccer or Canadian Football League game at BMO Field. | region6name=[[Toronto/Islands|Toronto Islands]] | region6color=#FFDAB9 | region6description=Take the ferry to the Toronto Islands. Stroll through the parkland, enjoy the beaches, see the petting zoo, have fun in the amusement park, see the quaint cottages and front-yard gardens of the permanent island community. | region7name=[[Toronto/Downtown East|Downtown East]] | region7color=#cbf6a9 | region7description=Older neighbourhoods between Church St and the Don Valley. Includes Church & Wellesley (Toronto's gay village), Cabbagetown, the St Lawrence Market, Old Town Toronto, and the Distillery District. |regionInteractiveMap=map1|regionmapLat=43.6577|regionmapLong=-79.3812|regionmapZoom=13}} {{mapshape|type=page|wikicommons=Central_toronto_districts.map}} ====Outside Central Toronto==== {{Mapshape|wikidata=Q172|type=geomask}} {{Mapshapes|Q20379}} {{mapshapes|Q249404}} {{mapshapes|Q28971910}} These are the older suburbs that ring the downtown followed by an outer ring of post-war suburbs. There are fewer attractions here, but if you have the time, some of the neighbourhoods are well worth visiting. {{Regionlist | regionmap=Toronto WV districts map.png | regionmaptext=Map of Toronto | regionmapsize=401px | region1name=[[Toronto/Midtown|Midtown]] | region1color=#e2d8e5 | region1items=Yonge & Eglinton, Davisville Village, Forest Hill | region1description=Upscale neighbourhoods with grand old mansions housing the city's moneyed and elite, beautiful parks, and ravines that extend for kilometres. Yonge & Eglinton is becoming a new urban core. | region2name=[[Toronto/West End|West End]] | region2color=#d9d5b1 | region2items=Little Italy, Little Portugal, West Queen West, Parkdale, Roncesvalles, High Park | region2description=Ethnic enclaves, dive bars, and hipsters abound in this rapidly gentrifying part of town. High Park preserves a slice of green space north from Humber Bay, providing an escape from noisy city life. | region3name=[[Toronto/East End|East End]] | region3color=#c6e0e6 | region3items=Greektown, Leslieville and The Beaches | region3description=The West End's quainter, quieter alternative, with low-key neighbourhoods and nice beaches. This area hosts ethnic and cultural festivals throughout the summer months. The Beach, centred along Queen Street east of Kingston Road, is alive with weekend foot traffic year-round, out to take in the local businesses, and the lake breezes in the summer. | region4name=[[Toronto/Etobicoke|Etobicoke]] | region4color=#e4ebc9 | region4description=An economically diverse suburb with some undiscovered gems along Bloor Street and near the lake in Mimico, New Toronto and Long Branch. | region5name=[[Toronto/North York|North York]] | region5color=#e4d1c6 | region5description=This district is largely suburban but has something to offer the casual tourist. The centre of this district is more densely urban in nature, as it was designed to serve as the downtown of the former City of North York. | region6name=[[Toronto/Scarborough|Scarborough]] | region6color=#c4e1c7 | region6description=The eastern suburb of the city has lots to offer, including the Scarborough Bluffs, Rouge National Urban Park, authentic (and affordable) ethnic cuisine, and the Toronto Zoo. |regionInteractiveMap=map2|regionmapLat=43.6992|regionmapLong=-79.3838|regionmapZoom=10}} ==== Outer suburbs and Greater Toronto Area ==== Although there are fewer attractions, there are ethnic enclaves with ethnic foods and other activities that may be of interest to a traveller in the newer, outer suburbs of Toronto. For example, [[Markham]]'s population is 48% Chinese and has a lot of interesting shops, businesses, and restaurants. For travel information for the newer suburbs, see the [[Greater Toronto Area]] article. == Understand == Toronto has a population of 2.7 million, and is the heart of the [[Greater Toronto Area]] (GTA) which has 6.4 million people. It also anchors the [[Golden Horseshoe]] region, which wraps around Lake Ontario from Toronto to Niagara Falls, home to over 9.2 million residents, approximately a quarter of Canada's entire population. Toronto is the fourth largest city and fifth largest urban agglomeration in [[North America]]. Distances between cities in the area can be great as it sprawls along, outward and even wraps around the western end of Lake Ontario; public transit is not always effective enough to make it a quick or seamless trip. Many suburban residents rely on private cars to get around. Toronto is also known as "the 416" after its first area code (although now 647 and 437 area codes are also used); or since 2014, "the 6", a term coined by the rapper Drake, which represents the area code). Outlying suburbs are also known as "the 905" after ''their'' area code, although this code is also used in the [[Hamilton (Ontario)|Hamilton]] and the [[Niagara Peninsula]], stretching from [[Cobourg]] and Colborne in the east to the border in [[Niagara Falls (Ontario)|Niagara Falls]] to the southwest. More than half of its residents were born outside of Canada, and as a result the city is fortunate to host many vibrant bustling neighbourhoods with street signs in several languages. A popular urban myth has it that the United Nations rated Toronto as "the most multicultural city in the world". While the UN and its agencies are not in the habit of rating cities, it remains a fact that Canada is a nation of immigrants, and Toronto demonstrates this abundantly. A UN agency lists Toronto as second only to Miami as the city with the most foreign-born residents, as about half the city's residents were born outside of Canada. This has been true since the early 20th century, meaning that new waves of immigrants from diverse places have arrived. Toronto's residents represent far more cultural and language groups than Miami, which may be a better measure of multi-culturalism. Most immigrants either pass through Toronto on their way to other parts of the country or stay in Toronto permanently. Many people born abroad consider themselves Canadian as much as native-born Canadians and will be offended if treated otherwise. Within Toronto, most ethnic groups have worked their way into the fabric of Canadian society but retain their distinct ways such as language, dress (if only for special occasions), customs, and food. Toronto is home to many ethnic festivals throughout the year, several radio stations that broadcast in various languages, and two multilingual television channels. The City of Toronto provides services in 16 different languages while its public transit helpline provides service in 70 languages. Even large department stores such as The Bay in downtown Toronto advertise service in 9 languages. The ''lingua franca'' of Toronto, however, remains English. While older tourist promotional material may claim the Toronto means "meeting place", the city most likely takes its name from the Mohawk word Tkaronto, meaning "where there are trees standing in the water." ===History=== Spawned out of post-glacial alluvial deposits and bluffs, the area was populated at different times by Iroquois and later Wyandot (Huron) peoples. European settlement began in the mid-1700s when, drawn by the natural harbour formed by the Toronto Peninsula (now the Toronto Islands), the French built a seldom-occupied fort (Fort Rouillé) near today's Exhibition Place. The city then grew out of a backwoods English trading post established as York in 1793 (it was re-named "Toronto" in 1834). During the War of 1812, Fort York was an important base for the British, and was destroyed during a major battle. In the 1960s and 1970s, Toronto overtook Montreal as the financial and economic powerhouse of Canada. In 1998, the cities of Toronto, [[Scarborough]], North York, [[Toronto/Etobicoke|Etobicoke]], and York and the Borough of East York amalgamated to form the current City of Toronto. === Climate === {{Climate | units = Metric | janhigh = -.3 | febhigh = 0.6 | marhigh = 5.1 | aprhigh = 11.7 | mayhigh = 18.8 | junhigh = 24.2 | julhigh = 27.0 | aughigh = 26.1 | sephigh = 22.0 | octhigh = 14.6 | novhigh = 8.1 | dechigh = 2.6 | janlow = -6.7 | feblow = -6.0 | marlow = -1.8 | aprlow = 3.9 | maylow = 10.0 | junlow = 15.3 | jullow = 18.1 | auglow = 17.7 | seplow = 13.8 | octlow = 7.7 | novlow = 2.3 | declow = -2.7 | janprecip = 64.6 | febprecip = 53.9 | marprecip = 52.8 | aprprecip = 78.0 | mayprecip = 76.4 | junprecip = 81.6 | julprecip = 76.5 | augprecip = 71.9 | sepprecip = 69.4 | octprecip = 69.1 | novprecip = 70.8 | decprecip = 57.8 | janh2o = | febh2o = | marh2o = | aprh2o = | mayh2o = | junh2o = | julh2o = | augh2o = | seph2o = | octh2o = | novh2o = | dech2o = | description = See the Toronto 7 day forecast at [https://www.weather.gc.ca/city/pages/on-143_metric_e.html Environment Canada] }} Toronto's climate is on the whole on the cool side, and variable conditions can be expected. Come prepared for winter: winters are cold (temperatures average -3.8°C (25°F) in January), mostly cloudy, at times snowy and uncomfortably windy. However, the type of extreme cold experienced further north in Canada usually lasts for no more than a couple of days at a time. Sometimes during the winter, severe storms can slow down transportation and activities in the city for a day or two. Daylight hours are short and run from 7:45AM to 4:45PM. The city experiences warm and humid summers, but still milder than many US cities. Average daytime highs are around {{c|27}} and {{c|18}} for overnight lows in July/August, with many muggy evenings but rarely extreme heat. On average, the temperature exceeds {{c|30}} only 12 days per year, but hotter air masses often arrive with moderately high humidity levels. This can raise the humidex to around 38°C or even higher (equivalent to a heat index of {{c|33}}); and increase overnight lows to {{c|22}} or above on particularly sweltering days. In the summer, thunderstorms occur from time to time, most lasting less than an hour. Summer days are long, with the sun up as late as 9PM, and sunrises around 5:45AM. Late spring/early summer and early fall are generally considered to be the best times to visit for weather and less crowds, mid-summer is the peak tourist season, but visitors will find that Toronto's vibrancy extends through the winter with outdoor skating rinks and bundled up club-goers, etc. Toronto's public buildings are nearly all air-conditioned and fully heated. Areas closer to the downtown core are generally 1 to 1.5°C warmer in winter due to the urban heat island effect. For the rest of the year, areas close to Lake Ontario are warmer by about 1°C due to the moderating effects of the lake. This is especially prominent in March and November when the city receives rain while areas just north of the city receive snow. ===Visitor information=== * {{listing | name=Ontario Travel Information Centre | alt= | url=http://www.ontariotravel.net | email=ontariotravel.toronto@ontario.ca | address=65 Front Street West | lat=43.644829 | long=-79.381781 | directions=within Union Station; follow signs towards UP Express | phone=+1 416-314-5899 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 9AM-5PM (closed Su) | price= | lastedit=2024-01-29 | content= }} * {{listing | name= Destination Toronto| alt= | url=https://www.destinationtoronto.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-01-29 | content=Tourist information from the Toronto Convention and Visitors Association. }} == Get in == === By plane === ==== Toronto Pearson ==== {{main|Toronto Pearson International Airport}} [[File:YYZ Aerial.jpg|thumbnail|right|Pearson International sees the most traffic and connections of all airports in Canada]] {{go | name=Toronto Pearson International Airport | alt={{IATA|YYZ}} | url=https://www.torontopearson.com | email= | address= | lat=43.6777 | long=79.6248 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Toronto Pearson International Airport | wikidata=Q242066 | lastedit=2022-05-26 | content= }}, in [[Mississauga]], is 30-50 minutes by car (depending on traffic) or 25 minutes by train from downtown Toronto and is served by most major international carriers. There are two terminals: Terminal 1 hosts all Air Canada flights and a few other international (mostly Star Alliance) carriers while Terminal 3 hosts all other airlines. When travelling from Toronto International (and other major Canadian airports) to the United States, travellers will go through United States immigration and customs pre-clearance in Toronto, and should leave some extra time to account for this. The airport has free WiFi internet access. The main article describes [[Toronto Pearson International Airport#Ground transportation|ground transportation]] to and from Toronto Pearson. ==== Billy Bishop Airport ==== [[File:Porter Airlines.Dash-8.YTZ.2008.jpg|thumbnail|right|Porter Airlines offers a network of connections across eastern Canada and northeastern US from their base at Billy Bishop Airport.]] * {{go | name=Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport | alt={{IATA|YTZ}} | url=http://www.portstoronto.com/airport.aspx | email= | address= | lat=43.6275 | long=-79.396111 | directions= | phone=+1 416-203-6942 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport | image=Toronto City Center Airport.jpg | wikidata=Q117708 | lastedit=2022-06-26 | content=This airport serves short-haul flights only and is close to downtown. It is named for a World War I fighter ace, but some locals may call it “Toronto island airport” or simply “Billy Bishop”}} ==== Airlines at Billy Bishop Airport ==== * {{listing | name=Porter Airlines | alt= | url=https://www.flyporter.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-888-619-8622 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Porter Airlines | wikidata=Q1811473 | lastedit=2022-04-27 | content=This airline uses Billy Bishop as their hub. They are a short-haul carrier that operates Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 turboprop planes to many cities in eastern Canada (Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City, Halifax, St. John's and others) and parts of the United States (Boston, Chicago, New York/Newark, Washington Dulles and Myrtle Beach). Porter is aggressively fighting for market share and you can take advantage of it by getting low fares, especially if booked 2 weeks or more in advance, combined with complimentary drinks onboard and a waiting lounge with amenities. }} * {{listing | name=Air Canada | alt= | url=https://www.aircanada.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-514-393-3333 | tollfree=+1-888-247-2262 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Air Canada | wikidata=Q185339 | lastedit=2022-04-25 | content=Canada's largest airline. Operates flights to Billy Bishop Airport from [[Montreal]] and [[Ottawa]], on Bombardier Q400 turboprop planes. [[Toronto Pearson International Airport]] is a hub for this airline with far more flight options including from international destinations. }} ==== Ground transit from Billy Bishop Airport ==== One of the main benefits of flying into Billy Bishop is its proximity to the downtown core. Upon landing, you can be downtown within ten minutes. A pedestrian tunnel under the channel takes you to the city. A free ferry service also makes the short crossing: it is just 121 metres, the world's shortest regularly-scheduled ferry route. It operates between TCCA and the mainland every 15 minutes: see [https://www.billybishopairport.com/to-from/ferry full schedule]. Once on the mainland, a [https://www.billybishopairport.com/to-from/shuttle/ free shuttle bus] connects the terminal with the Fairmont Royal York Hotel, across the street from Union Station. TTC streetcars are available within a short walk from the mainland ferry terminal: * Route 509 Harbourfront travels east along the waterfront (Queens Quay) to Union Station. Streetcar stops are at the corner of Queens Quay & Bathurst; 4 minute walk. * Route 511 Bathurst provides service north along Bathurst, to Bathurst subway station. Stops are near the corner of Fleet St & Bathurst St; 6 minute walk. * Both of these routes also travel a short distance to the west, terminating at Exhibition Place. * Route 510 Spadina travels north along Spadina Ave to Spadina subway station. It's a bit of a longer walk (900m; about 15 minutes along Queens Quay to Spadina Ave) but can be a good choice if your destination lies along Spadina Ave. That said, the most convenient connection to TTC subway and [[GO Transit]] services remains the free shuttle bus to Union Station. ==== Other airports ==== '''[https://flyhamilton.ca/ Hamilton International Airport]''', ({{IATA|YHM}}), about {{km|80}} from downtown Toronto and Niagara Falls, is served by WestJet along with seasonal service by Air Transat and Sunwing to sun destinations. See section on [[Hamilton (Ontario)#John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport|John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport]] for ground transportation including buses to Toronto. For frugal travellers coming from the United States, '''[https://www.buffaloairport.com/ Buffalo-Niagara International Airport]''', ({{IATA|BUF}}), is another option. Flights to Buffalo tend to be significantly cheaper than to Pearson, but then you still have to get to Toronto. '''[http://www.megabus.com Megabus]''', the airline-type coach service with varying prices and required early booking, runs a daily bus that takes 3 hours, including the border crossing. Several private livery agencies will drive you there for a fee (usually in the $200 range, give or take), or rental cars are available at the airport if you prefer to do the drive yourself. === By bus === ====Bus terminals==== The main bus terminal is in downtown Toronto adjacent to Union railway station: * {{go | name=Union Station Bus Terminal | alt=GO bus terminal | url= | email= | address=81 Bay St | lat=43.6441 | long=-79.3779 | directions=interior pedestrian connection to Union Station rail & subway services | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Union Station Bus Terminal | wikidata=Q7886117 | lastedit=2020-12-05 | content=Union Station Bus Terminal (USBT) serves '''GO Transit''', '''Megabus''', '''Greyhound''', '''Rider Express''', and '''Ontario Northland''' buses. Like an airport, there are no predetermined bus platform assignments. Check display monitors for the bus departure zone; 10 minutes before departure, monitors will display the bus departure gate. The bus terminal moved to its new location on December 5, 2020; maps might still indicate the older, now closed bus location; the new location is south of the railway corridor. The Toronto Coach Terminal near Dundas subway station is closed. }} Here is a list of minor terminals and stops in various parts of the city. Check the Wikipedia link for a list of bus routes serving each terminal. * {{go | name=Yorkdale Bus Terminal | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=43.725129 | long=-79.449034 | directions=across a footbridge from Yorkdale subway station on Line 1 | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Yorkdale Bus Terminal | wikidata=Q8055620 | lastedit=2019-03-17 | content='''GO Transit''' buses from [[Toronto Pearson International Airport]], [[Mississauga]], [[Milton (Ontario)|Milton]], [[Brampton]] and [[Oshawa]]; '''Ontario Northland''' buses from [[North Bay (Ontario)|North Bay]], [[Sudbury (Ontario)|Sudbury]], and [[Timmins]]; '''Megabus''' once daily from [[Kingston (Ontario)|Kingston]]. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=York Mills Bus Terminal | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=43.745129 | long=-79.406375 | directions=at York Mills subway station on Line 1 | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=York Mills Bus Terminal | wikidata=Q8055501 | lastedit=2019-03-17 | content='''GO Transit''' buses from Mississauga, Milton, Brampton and Oshawa. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Finch Bus Terminal | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=43.782132 | long=-79.415775 | directions=adjacent to Finch subway station on Line 1 | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Finch Bus Terminal | wikidata=Q5449818 | lastedit=2019-03-17 | content='''GO Transit''' buses from Toronto Pearson International Airport, Mississauga, Milton, Brampton, [[Keswick]] and Oshawa. }} * {{go | name=Scarborough Centre Bus Terminal | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=near Scarborough Centre Station on subway Line 3 Scarborough | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Scarborough Centre Bus Terminal | wikidata=Q7430270 | lastedit=2023-08-12 | content=Because of the closure of the Scarborough Centre Bus Terminal until about 2030, stops for intercity buses are scattered around the Scarborough Centre district. See [[Toronto/Scarborough#By bus]] for details by carrier. '''GO Transit''', '''Megabus''', and '''FlixBus''' stop at Scarborough Centre. }} See also Toronto Pearson International Airport, [[Toronto Pearson International Airport#Ground Transportation|Ground Transportation]], for more intercity bus routes. ====Bus operators==== * {{listing | name=FlixBus | alt= | url=https://www.flixbus.ca/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= |wikidata=Q15712258| lastedit=2022-04-08 | content=Bus service to Toronto from [[Ottawa]] (4.75 hours), [[Peterborough (Ontario)|Peterborough]], [[Kingston (Ontario)|Kingston]], [[Whitby (Ontario)|Whitby]], [[Kitchener]] (2-2.25 hours), [[St. Catharines]] (1.5 hours), [[Niagara Falls (Ontario)|Niagara Falls]] (1.75 hours), [[Welland]], [[Port Colborne]], [[Hamilton (Ontario)|Hamilton]], [[Brantford]], [[Chatham-Kent]], [[London (Ontario)|London]] (3 hours), [[Sarnia]], [[Windsor (Ontario)|Windsor]] (6 hours), [[Sudbury (Ontario)|Sudbury]], [[Parry Sound]], [[Barrie]], [[Owen Sound]], [[Detroit]] (6.25-6.5 hours), and [[Buffalo]] (2.75-4 hours). }} *{{listing | name=GO Transit | alt= | url=https://www.gotransit.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-416-869-3200 | tollfree=+1-888-438-6646 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=GO Transit | wikidata=Q1357727 | lastedit=2022-05-23 | content=[[GO Transit]] runs bus and rail commuter/regional transit within and near the [[Greater Toronto Area]]. GO Transit buses make connections to many nearby cities including: [[Oshawa]], [[Peterborough (Ontario)|Peterborough]], [[Hamilton (Ontario)|Hamilton]], [[Niagara Falls (Ontario)|Niagara Falls]], [[Barrie]], [[Guelph]], and [[Kitchener]]. }} * {{listing | name=Intercity Bus | alt= | url=https://www.intercitybus.ca/routes/| email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-03-16 | content=Service from [[London (Ontario)|London]], [[Sarnia]], [[Strathroy]], [[Woodstock (Ontario)|Woodstock]], and [[Kitchener]]. }} *{{listing | name=Megabus | alt=Coach Canada | url=https://ca.megabus.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-866-488-4452 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Megabus (North America) | wikidata=Q6808155 | lastedit=2022-04-22 | content=Operates buses to Toronto from [[Montreal]] (5.75-7 hr) or [[Ottawa]] (5.25 hr) via [[Kingston (Ontario)|Kingston]] (3 hr); from [[Grimsby (Ontario)|Grimsby]], [[St. Catharines]], and [[Niagara Falls (Ontario)|Niagara Falls]] (2 hr). Megabus offers Wi-Fi and electrical outlets on many of its buses. A service from [[London (Ontario)|London]] is offered by Megabus through Badder Bus. Service from the United States (Buffalo, New York City, Philadelphia, Washington D. C.) is also available. }} *{{listing | name=Ontario Northland | alt= | url=https://www.ontarionorthland.ca/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-800-461-8558 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ontario Northland Motor Coach Services | wikidata=Q7094858 | lastedit=2022-04-23 | content=Operates bus routes primarily in [[Northern Ontario]]. Routes travel as far west as [[Winnipeg]], Manitoba and as far east as [[Ottawa]]. }} The following routes travel to Toronto: **To Toronto from [[North Bay (Ontario)|North Bay]] including stops in [[Huntsville (Ontario)|Huntsville]], [[Bracebridge]], [[Gravenhurst]], [[Washago]] (some trips), [[Orillia]] (stop trips), and [[Barrie]]. Travel time to Toronto from North Bay is 5.75-6 hours, from Huntsville is 3.25-4 hours, from Barrie is 1.25 hours. Connections available at North Bay from [[Cochrane (Ontario)|Cochrane]], [[Kirkland Lake]], [[Ottawa]], and [[Timmins]]. **To Toronto from [[Sudbury (Ontario)|Sudbury]] including stops in [[Parry Sound]], Orillia (some trips), and Barrie. Travel time to Toronto from Sudbury is 5.5-6.5 hours, from Parry Sound is 3.5-3.75 hours, and from Barrie is 1-1.5 hours. Connections available at North Bay from [[Ottawa]], [[Sault Sainte Marie (Ontario)|Sault Sainte Marie]], and [[Timmins]]. ***Travel to Toronto from Winnipeg involves timed transfers between bus routes at [[Thunder Bay]], [[Sault Ste. Marie (Ontario)|Sault Ste. Marie]], and Sudbury. To reach Toronto from Winnipeg is 1 day 9 hours. *{{listing | name=Onex Bus | alt= | url=https://www.onexbus.com/home | email=info@onexbus.ca | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-647-477-5500 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-07-25 | content=Bus service to Toronto from [[Guelph]], [[Kitchener]], [[Stratford (Ontario)|Stratford]], and [[London (Ontario)|London]]. }} *{{listing | name=Orléans Express | alt= | url=https://www.orleansexpress.com/en/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= |wikidata=Q7122769| lastedit=2025-05-08 | content=Service from [[Kingston (Ontario)|Kingston]], [[Ottawa]], and [[Montreal]]. }} *{{go | name=Rider Express | alt= | url=https://riderexpress.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-833-583-3636 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-03-19 | content=Offers service to Toronto from [[Ottawa]] via [[Kingston (Ontario)|Kingston]] and [[Belleville (Ontario)|Belleville]]. Travel time to Toronto from Ottawa is 5.25 hours and from Kingston is 3 hours. Also service from Ottawa via [[Peterborough (Ontario)|Peterborough]], and service from Niagara Falls via St. Catharines and Hamilton. }} *{{go|name=TOK Coachlines|alt=|url=https://tokcoachlines.com/|email=info@tokcoachlines.com|address=|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=|tollfree=+1-800-387-7097|hours=|price=|lastedit=2021-03-19|content=Service from [[Port Elgin (Ontario)|Port Elgin]], [[Kincardine (Ontario)|Kincardine]], [[Walkerton]], [[Hanover (Ontario)|Hanover]], and [[Orangeville (Ontario)|Orangeville]] to [[Toronto Pearson Airport]] and [[Vaughan]] Metropolitan Centre.}} * {{listing | name= Trailways of New York| alt= | url=https://trailways.com/| email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-04-07 | content= Service from [[Detroit]], Windsor, London, and Chatham-Kent. }} === By train === {{Seealso|Rail travel in Canada|GO Transit}}[[File:Toronto - ON - Union Station.jpg|thumb|Union Station]] {{go | name=Union Station | alt={{IATA|YBZ}} | url=https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/venues-facilities-bookings/booking-city-facilities/union-station/ | email= | address=65 Front Street West | lat=43.645278 | long=-79.380556 | directions=between Bay St and York St | phone= | tollfree= | hours=5:30AM-12:45AM or until last train | price= | wikipedia=Union Station (Toronto) | image=Toronto - ON - Union Station.jpg | wikidata=Q511316 | content=Opened in 1927, Toronto's Union Station is one of the grandest, most impressive train stations in North America, with the ceiling of its enormous Great Hall rising to a height equivalent to seven stories. The Grand Hall accommodates the VIA Rail ticket counters and gives access to VIA train platforms via the branching VIA Concourse. The {{marker|type=go|name=Union Pearson Express station|lat=43.644376|long=-79.383462}} is 250 metres west of the Great Hall via an enclosed pedestrian corridor. The GO York Concourse on the lower level at the west (York Street) end of the station has GO Transit ticket counters and access to GO train platforms. (A food court is below the GO York Concourse.) [[#Union Station Bus Terminal|Union Station Bus Terminal]] is on the east side of Bay Street, south of the railway tracks. The TTC Union subway station is at the north-east corner of the main building, and serves subway Line 1, and the 509 and 510 streetcars through the [[Toronto/Harbourfront|Harbourfront district]]. }} The following are the railway services operating out of Union Station: *{{listing | name=Amtrak | alt= | url=https://www.amtrak.com/home | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-215-856-7924 | tollfree=+1-800-872-7245 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Amtrak | wikidata=Q23239 | lastedit=2022-07-04 | content=Operates trains throughout the [[United States of America]]. }} Amtrak operates the [[Maple Leaf]] train service daily between Toronto and [[New York City]], in partnership with [https://www.viarail.ca/ VIA Rail Canada]. Stops between Toronto and New York City include in [[Oakville (Ontario)|Oakville]], [[Burlington (Ontario)|Burlington]], [[Grimsby (Ontario)|Grimsby,]] [[St. Catharines]], [[Niagara Falls (Ontario)]], [[Niagara Falls (New York)]], [[Buffalo]], Buffalo ([[Cheektowaga|Depew]]), [[Rochester (New York)|Rochester]], [[Syracuse (New York)|Syracuse]], [[Rome (New York)|Rome]], [[Utica]], [[Schenectady]], Albany ([[Rensselaer (New York)#By train|Rensselaer]]), [[Hudson (New York)|Hudson]], [[Rhinecliff]], [[Poughkeepsie]], [[Croton-on-Hudson]], and [[Yonkers]]. Travel time to Toronto from Niagara Falls (Ontario) is 2 hours, from Buffalo is 4.25 hours, from Syracuse is 6.75 hours, from Albany is 9.5 hours, and from New York City is 12.5 hours. Border crossing processing takes place in Niagara Falls, where passengers must detrain with their baggage. Train crew members are staffed by VIA Rail within Canada, and by Amtrak within the United States. *{{listing | name=GO Transit | alt= | url=https://www.gotransit.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-416-869-3200 | tollfree=+1-888-438-6646 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=GO Transit | wikidata=Q1357727 | lastedit=2022-05-23 | content=[[GO Transit]] operates 7 commuter rail lines radiating from Toronto serving smaller cities within and near the [[Greater Toronto Area]]. The lines have various service levels varying from all-day service to limited mid-day service to only rush-hour, peak-direction service. Most fares can be paid by credit, debit or [[Presto card|Presto]] card. The following are some of the destinations.}} **The Barrie line serves [[Vaughan]] and [[Aurora (Ontario)|Aurora]] plus limited weekend service to [[Newmarket (Ontario)|Newmarket]], [[East Gwillimbury]] and [[Barrie]]. **The Kitchener line serves [[Brampton]] with limited weekday service to [[Georgetown (Ontario)|Georgetown]], [[Acton (Ontario)|Acton]], [[Guelph]] and [[Kitchener]]. **The Lakeshore West line operates daily serving [[Mississauga]], [[Oakville (Ontario)|Oakville]], [[Burlington (Ontario)|Burlington]], [[Hamilton (Ontario)|Hamilton]] and on weekends [[St. Catharines]] and [[Niagara Falls (Ontario)|Niagara Falls]]. **The Lakeshore East line operates daily serving [[Pickering (Ontario)|Pickering]], [[Ajax]], and [[Whitby]] and [[Oshawa]]. **The Stouffville line operates daily serving [[Markham]]. **Other GO rail destinations have only rush-hour, peak-direction service. *{{listing | name=Union Pearson Express | alt=UP Express | url=https://www.upexpress.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-869-3300 | tollfree=+1-844-438-6687 | hours= | price=As of April 2022, one-way fare for adults is $12.35, but it is $9.25 if paid by credit, debit or Presto card | lastedit=2022-05-23 | content=Operates trains between Union Station and Toronto Pearson International Airport. Trip time is 25 minutes. Trains operate every 30 minutes daily from early morning until the late evening. }} *{{listing | name=VIA Rail Canada | alt= | url=https://www.viarail.ca/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-888-842-7245 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Via Rail | wikidata=Q876720 | lastedit=2022-04-22 | content=Operates many intercity trains across [[Canada]]. }} See [[Rail travel in Canada]] for more details. Train routes operating to Toronto: **Between [[Montreal]] and Toronto including stops in [[Montreal/West Island|Dorval]], [[Cornwall (Ontario)|Cornwall]], [[Brockville]], [[Kingston (Ontario)|Kingston]], [[Belleville (Ontario)|Belleville]], [[Cobourg]], and [[Oshawa]]. Travel time to Toronto from Montreal is 5.25-5.5 hours and from Kingston is 2.5-2.75 hours. **Between [[Ottawa]] and Toronto including stops in [[Smiths Falls]], Brockville, [[Gananoque]], Kingston, [[Napanee]], Belleville, [[Trenton (Ontario)|Trenton]], Cobourg, [[Port Hope]], and Oshawa. Travel time to Toronto from Ottawa is 4.25-4.75 hours and from Kingston is 2.5-2.75 hours. **Between [[Sarnia]] and Toronto including stops in [[London (Ontario)|London]], [[St. Marys (Ontario)|St. Marys]], [[Stratford (Ontario)|Stratford]], [[Kitchener]], [[Guelph]], [[Georgetown (Ontario)|Georgetown]], [[Brampton]], and [[Mississauga]]. Travel time to Toronto from Sarnia is 5 hours, from London is 3.75 hours, and from Kitchener is 1.5 hours. **Between [[Vancouver]] and Toronto on [[The Canadian]], which operates several trips per week. Travel time to Toronto from [[Vancouver]] is 3 days 20.5 hours, from [[Kamloops]] is 3 days 10.25 hours, from [[Jasper]] is 3 days, from [[Edmonton]] is 2 days 16.75 hours, from [[Saskatoon]] is 2 days 5.5 hours, from [[Winnipeg]] is 1 day 14 hours, and from [[Sudbury (Ontario)|Sudbury]] is 9.75 hours. Stops between Sudbury and Toronto include [[Parry Sound]] (5.75 hours from Toronto) and [[Washago]]. **Between [[Windsor (Ontario)|Windsor]] and Toronto including stops in [[Chatham-Kent|Chatham]], London, [[Ingersoll (Ontario)|Ingersoll]], [[Woodstock (Ontario)|Woodstock]], [[Brantford]], [[Burlington (Ontario)|Burlington]], and [[Oakville (Ontario)|Oakville]]. Travel time to Toronto from Windsor is 4.25-4.5 hours, from London is 3.25-3.5 hours, and from Brantford is 1.25 hours. There are no direct trains from [[Chicago]], but you can catch Amtrak's ''Wolverine'' service from Chicago to Detroit, then transfer onto one of VIA Rail's trains after crossing the border into Windsor by public transport. === By car === Major highways leading into Toronto are the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW), the 404, the 401, the 400, and the 427. Toronto is the largest city in Canada, so signs pointing you to Toronto are common. Traffic on incoming highways can be extremely heavy especially during rush hours. In the downtown core there are many turn restrictions, particularly from main thoroughfares to other main thoroughfares (e.g. Yonge to Dundas Streets). The main streets in Toronto are laid out in a grid pattern that makes it one of the easiest cities to get around in by car. Getting from point to point anywhere in the city can be achieved with only a few turns. Parking in the downtown core can be expensive and hard to find, but tends to be plentiful and inexpensive or free in the outer districts of [[Toronto/Etobicoke|Etobicoke]], [[Toronto/North York|North York]] and [[Toronto/Scarborough|Scarborough]]. Although there is an extensive grid of local bus routes, travel by automobile may be faster and more convenient in the outer districts. ==== Transit bylaws ==== Toronto follows some bylaws related to the transit system (especially streetcars) that often confuse or surprise visiting drivers: * Yield to public transit buses signalling to merge left into traffic from a bus stop. * Stay out of reserved public transit lanes during the rush hours, except to make a right-hand turn at the next cross street. A few transit lanes have restrictions from 7AM-7PM. While the restrictions are in effect, only transit vehicles, taxis and bicycles may use these lanes. * Avoid King Street between Jarvis and Bathurst streets as [https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/streets-parking-transportation/transportation-projects/king-street-pilot/how-to-use-the-king-street-transit-pilot/ no through automobile traffic] is allowed; such traffic must turn right after travelling a few blocks as per signage. Through traffic in this zone is allowed only for streetcars (trams) and bicycles. * Never pass a streetcar running in your direction that is stopped in the middle of the street with its doors open. Passing is illegal and dangerous for passengers boarding or leaving the streetcar. Also, you should yield to people entering the street to board an approaching streetcar. Continue only after the streetcar doors close. Exception: You may pass a streetcar where there is a boarding platform between the streetcar and traffic lane, but watch out for pedestrians walking between the platform and the sidewalk. * Give wide berth to streetcars turning at a street intersection; streetcars have a wide overhang on curves, which is indicated on the road by dashed white lines. If your car is stopped too close to a streetcar curve, you may be forced to back up or squeeze more to the right. * Give wide berth to emergency vehicles with sirens or flashing red lights, and pull over to the side of the road safely but quickly. == Get around == Toronto is huge, and most roads run for very long distances. Streetcar rail, subway rail, and intercity rail services are clean and efficient, and it's entirely possible to get around Toronto without a car, especially downtown. You may find it quicker and easier to drive, but the highways regularly backup during rush hour (7AM-10AM and 4PM-7PM). Toronto has plentiful parking garages downtown, but they are very expensive. Many in Toronto travel by bicycle (especially in the warmer months) and this mode is very convenient for getting around the downtown district. Not all motorists will give way to cyclists, and not all cyclists comply with the rules of the road; caution is recommended. === By car === Getting around by car is the easiest method to get around outside of the downtown area. Roads are wide, have many lanes, and parking is free and plentiful. Arterial roads are generally laid out {{km|2}} apart, although they are closer in the west and east ends of the city. There are many freeways within Toronto. *'''Highway 401''' ''(locally, the four-oh-one)'' crosses the north side of the city and is very busy. Highway 401 has a collector-express system. The express lanes of the highway have fewer exits, while the collector lanes generally have all the exits. After every 3 or 4 exits, there is an interchange between the collectors and express lanes, so motorists who need to exit can get into the collectors, and those travelling a longer distance can go into the express lanes. When there's a lot of traffic, it is possible for the collectors to be jammed, but not the express, and vice versa. It is best to listen to traffic reports in order to avoid traffic in this case. AM 680 on your radio has traffic and weather reports every 10 minutes (on the 1's). *'''Highway 427''' crosses the west side of the city. It begins at the QEW/Gardiner Expressway interchange and ends in [[Vaughan]]. It also has a short express-collector system near the airport; be sure to follow the signs in order to get where you need to go. *'''Highway 400''' has a short stub in Toronto and ends at Highway 401. Highway 400 goes north into the suburbs and later to [[Barrie]]. *'''Allen Road''' is a short freeway that was supposed to be part of a longer Spadina Expressway. The rest of the expressway was cancelled and Allen Road was the short stub that remained. Allen Road begins at Eglinton Avenue, and ends north of Highway 401 and becomes Dufferin Street. Traffic going south is usually backed up because the freeway ends abruptly at a signalized T-intersection at Eglinton. *'''Highway 404''' also has a short stub in Toronto, and goes north to the suburbs, such as [[Aurora (Ontario)|Aurora]] and [[Newmarket (Ontario)|Newmarket]]. Highway 404, after interchanging with Highway 401 when going south, becomes the Don Valley Parkway. *'''Don Valley Parkway''' (DVP) is a freeway that connects northern Toronto to downtown Toronto. Exits on the DVP require motorists to slow down more than you would on other Ontario expressways, due to the nature of the terrain. The DVP begins at the Gardiner Expressway in downtown and ends at Highway 401 in the north, then contines as Highway 404. *'''Gardiner Expressway''' is a freeway serving downtown Toronto. It begins at QEW/Highway 427 interchange and crossing downtown Toronto, ending at Don Valley Parkway. Half of the route is elevated, making for great views of the city. *'''Highway 409''' is a short freeway designed to connect directly with [[Toronto Pearson International Airport]]. It begins at Highway 401, interchanges with Highway 427, and ends at the airport. Getting around in downtown Toronto by car is a lot harder, however, and perhaps taking transit might be better. Parking is scarce and could be expensive, depending on where you park and whether you park on the street or on private lots. Driving on downtown streets also takes a lot more patience as speeds are slower, and hazards are more numerous. === By public transit === {{listing | name=Toronto Transit Commission | alt=TTC | url=https://www.ttc.ca/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-393-4636 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-25 | content=Toronto's main transit system. TTC consists of buses, streetcars (trams) and subway lines. }} ====Fares==== The following are the fares effective August 15, 2023: * Cash fare: adult (20-64) $3.35, senior (65+) $2.30, youth (13-19) $2.40 * Contactless credit or debit card: adult fare only, $3.30 * Presto card: adult $3.30, senior $2.25, youth $2.35 * Presto ticket: adult fare only, one-ride $3.35, two-ride $6.70, day pass $13.50 * Children (12 or younger): free Child, youth and senior riders must be prepared to show proof of age for reduced fares. =====Paying by Presto===== [[Presto card|Presto]] is an electronic fare payment system used on the TTC where riders pay fares by tapping a contactless '''credit or debit card''', Presto card or Presto ticket on a Presto fare reader. The Presto fare system is used by most public transit services in the Greater Toronto Area, including the TTC and GO Transit. [[Image:Presto_subway_vending_machines.jpg|right|thumb|The Presto machine on the right sells Presto cards & tickets. Both can upload funds to a Presto card.]] '''Presto card''' is a multiple-use, electronic fare card with a stored balance. Unless you are eligible for reduced senior/youth fares, it is simpler to use a credit or debit card instead of purchasing a Presto card. Presto cards can be purchased for $4 plus a minimum balance ($5 or less) at the [https://www.upexpress.com/Tickets/UpPrestoPDF UP Express service counter] at Pearson International Airport, from vending machines at subway stations and Pearson International Airport (cash, credit cards and debit cards are accepted at the large black machines), at the GO Transit service counter at Union Station, TTC head office at Davisville station and at most Shoppers Drug Mart and Loblaws stores across the city. Presto cards are automatically configured to deduct the regular adult fare. For reduced senior/youth fares, the customer must have the card's fare type changed at a purchase point (not a vending machine); proof of age may be required. Presto card holders are entitled to [https://www.prestocard.ca/en/about/presto-perks discounts or offers] for certain attractions in the Greater Toronto Area. '''Presto tickets''' are single-use, paper-disposable electronic tickets with no stored balance which must be used within 90 days of purchase. If you are paying a single-ride fare with a credit or debit card, you do not need Presto tickets. They can only be used for TTC services, (they are accepted at all subway stations regardless of whether they are located in Toronto or York Region, and on surface routes/vehicles within the City of Toronto limits and for TTC buses going to and from Pearson Airport). They are sold from Presto vending machines at all TTC subway stations and at most Shoppers Drug Mart and Loblaws locations across Toronto and come in three varieties: one-ride, two-ride and day pass. The TTC Presto day pass allows one person unlimited travel on the day of use from first tap until 3AM the next morning. Using Presto, you must tap your credit or debit card, Presto card or Presto ticket on the Presto fare reader each time you enter a subway station, or board a streetcar or bus. To avoid accidental double charging, keep any unused credit and debit cards away from the Presto reader, and always tap the same card or ticket during your trip. If travelling as a group, each rider must use a separate card or ticket. Customers paying a single-ride TTC fare with a credit, debit or Presto card, or a 1-ride Presto ticket are entitled to two hours of unlimited travel on all TTC services, allowing unlimited stopovers or a round trip. For riders paying by credit, debit or Presto card, free or discounted transfers are available between the TTC and the following transit operators: [[GO Transit]], [[Hamilton (Ontario)|Hamilton]] Street Railway, [[Burlington (Ontario)|Burlington]] Transit, [[Oakville (Ontario)|Oakville]] Transit, MiWay ([[Mississauga]]), [[Brampton]] Transit, [[York Region]] Transit and [[Durham (region, Ontario)|Durham Region]] Transit. For such trips, riders pay only one fare instead of paying multiple fares when transferring from one transit operator to another. If transferring to or from GO Transit, only the GO fare is charged by the end of the trip. Such trips must be completed within two hours, or three hours if using GO Transit. This free or discounted transfer is '''not''' available to riders paying by cash, Presto ticket or using UP Express trains operating between Union Station and Pearson Airport. =====Paying by cash===== If you pay by cash, exact cash (no change provided) is required. You must request for paper transfer (also called a POP ticket) to serve as proof of payment for fare inspectors and to transfer to another TTC vehicle on connecting TTC vehicles. Paper transfers are valid for a one-way continuous trip and stopovers and return trips are not permitted (unlike paying by credit, debit or Presto card). Unstaffed automated subway entrances do not accept paper transfers. If you are paying the adult cash fare, Presto tickets are a better alternative than paying exact cash. The procedures for cash payment vary by vehicle mode: * At subway stations, there is at least one staffed entrance where you can deposit exact cash into a fare box. After passing the fare gates, obtain a transfer from a red machine labelled "transfer/POP". * On buses, pay exact cash fare at the front door of the vehicle, and ask the driver for a paper transfer. * On streetcars, there are cash payment machines near the second and third doors of the vehicle. After you insert exact cash fare into the vending machine, it will give you a paper POP/transfer. ====Subway==== The subway is the fastest means to move across the city, with trains typically arriving every few minutes. Trains operate M-Sa roughly 6AM-1:30AM, and Su 8AM-1:30AM. [[File:Toronto_rapid_transit_map_2023.svg|thumb|Toronto subway system]] The subway system has three lines: *Line {{rint|toronto|1}} Yonge-University runs in a 'U' shape, travelling from North York south along Yonge Street, through the downtown area to Union Station, then travelling north through North York to [[Vaughan]]. *Line {{rint|toronto|2}} Bloor-Danforth runs east-west along Bloor Street and Danforth Avenue. *Line {{rint|toronto|4}} Sheppard runs east from Line 1 along Sheppard Avenue to Fairview Mall at Don Mills Station. Line {{rint|toronto|3}} Scarborough is no longer in service. Until the extension of the Line 2 underground subway opens (estimated 2030), the service has been replaced by interim bus services including the 903 Kennedy-Scarborough Express running between Kennedy and Scarborough Centre stations, and 8 other TTC bus routes. These routes have been extended from Scarborough Centre to operate as express services to Kennedy station. (All TTC bus routes that depart from Platform B at Kennedy station service Scarborough Centre station before continuing along their respective routes.) Sections of the subway system often close on weekends or late evening for maintenance, with buses replacing each closed section. The TTC gives [https://www.ttc.ca/service-alerts notice] of such closures a few days in advance. Expect a longer travel time during such closures; staff will be on hand to direct passengers. ====Streetcars ==== * [https://cdn.ttc.ca/-/media/Project/TTC/DevProto/Images/Home/Routes-and-Schedules/Landing-page-pdfs/TTC_SubwayStreetcarMap_2021-11.pdf TTC Subway and Streetcar Map], omitting most streetcar diversions<!-- * [https://stevemunro.ca/2024/08/29/ttc-service-changes-effective-september-1-2024-preliminary/#jp-carousel-63749 TTC streetcar map] as of September 1, 2024, showing long-term streetcar diversions and bus replacements--> * [https://www.ttc.ca/service-advisories/Streetcar-Service-Changes Streetcar Service Changes], explaining diversions and bus replacements by route with maps Toronto is one of the few cities in North America (and the only city in Canada) to have kept any of its streetcar routes. Most streetcar lines serve the south, central part of the city. Note the following: * The TTC often diverts streetcars around construction projects potentially resulting in a substantially changed route for several months. Maps posted on the TTC website, in stations and in waiting shelters generally do not reflect such diversions. Ideally, riders should check the ''Streetcar Services Changes'' link above for diversions to avoid ending up in the wrong place. * Buses replacing all or part of a streetcar route will bear the streetcar route number and route name. * When getting on and off streetcars, make sure that the traffic is stopped in the lane next to the streetcar. Also, be aware of pickpockets in crowded rush hour situations. ====Other services==== From roughly 1:30AM to 6AM (8AM on Sundays), the subway system and all day-time streetcar and bus routes are replaced by the [https://cdn.ttc.ca/-/media/Project/TTC/DevProto/Images/Home/Routes-and-Schedules/Landing-page-pdfs/TTC_BlueNightNetworkMap_2024-03.pdf '''Blue Night Network''']. Night bus and streetcar routes are all numbered in the 300-series, and use the same fares as day-time routes. Night route 320 Yonge replaces the subway line 1 and offers frequent service. Most other night routes have 30-minute frequency. [https://cdn.ttc.ca/-/media/Project/TTC/DevProto/Images/Home/Routes-and-Schedules/Landing-page-pdfs/TTC_ExpressNetworkMap_2021-11.pdf '''Express bus routes'''] (numbered in the 900 series) often follow local bus routes but with fewer stops, stopping mainly at transfer points. The [https://www.ttc.ca/riding-the-ttc/Service-to-the-airport/Toronto-Pearson-International-Airport 900 Airport Express] goes to Toronto Pearson Airport. Some express routes operate all day, every day; others may run only during rush hours. Fares are the same as on other TTC routes. <!--suspended until further notice as of Oct 2021: '''Downtown Express routes''' (141–145) operate only during the rush hours, and only to downtown in the morning, returning in the evening. These buses charge double fare. --> === By taxi === Taxis are plentiful and safe, but not cheap. The base rate is $4.25, with an average {{km|5}} trip costing $13. As with most big cities, driving a car downtown can be annoying; parking is often hard to find and expensive, and traffic along certain streets can make vehicle travel slower than mass transit. However, traveling longer distances, when not close to subway lines is often significantly faster by car or taxi. === By ride hailing === * {{Listing|name=Lyft|url=https://www.lyft.com/rider/cities/city-of-toronto-on|lastedit=2022-07-31}} * {{Listing|name=Uber|url=https://www.uber.com/cities/toronto|lastedit=2022-07-31|content=UberX service is available via smartphone app throughout the city with fares running roughly half the price of a taxi. An average 5 km (3.1 mi) trip costs roughly $8.25.}} === By bicycle === [[File:BikeShareTorontoBayAlbert2.jpg|thumb|''Bike Share Toronto'' rack near the Toronto City Hall.]] Toronto is trying very hard to become a bike-friendly city, with dedicated bike lanes being added all the time. There are many casual cyclists out all the time. And it is fast: door to door, in all of downtown Toronto, a bike beats a car or transit nearly every time. There can be hostility between automobiles and cyclists. Generally speaking, if you are on the road, you are expected to obey the same laws as cars, and you are not allowed to ride on the sidewalk. The city is predominantly flat, aside from a general climb away from Lake Ontario and the deeply indented, forested Don Valley and Humber River Valley. Post-and-ring locking posts are present throughout the city. There are many bike-only lanes on major roads and threading through various neighbourhoods and parks. The city publishes a cycling map, available on the [http://www.toronto.ca/cycling/map/index.htm city website]. [http://www.bikesharetoronto.com/ Bike Share Toronto] provides a public bike system with 1,000 bikes available at 80 stations throughout downtown. Subscriptions start at $5 for 24 hours and allow you to use a bike for 30 minutes or less, as much as you like (usage fees apply for trips longer than 30 minutes). It operates 24 hours a day, all year long (but see the warning below about winter biking). Several businesses also offer [http://www.yellowpages.ca/search/si/1/Bicycle+Rental/Toronto+ON bicycle rentals]. It is a provincial law that cyclists under 18 must wear a helmet, and all riders must have a bike with reflectors and a bell. This tends to only be enforced when the police go on their annual "cycling blitz". Some dangers: * Beware of parked cars - often accidents are not caused by moving cars, but rather by careless drivers or passengers who unexpectedly open their driver's side door. * Be cautious of streetcar tracks as bike wheels can be easily caught and cause a spill. * Although you will certainly see many locals riding the streets year-round, biking in the winter months is enjoyable only with proper equipment and reasonable skills; winter weather is cold, it can be quite windy, and snow removal is often imperfect. Some recommended cycling routes: * By far one of the most popular bike paths is the Martin Goodman Trail, the east-west route that hugs Lake Ontario, spanning the city from Etobicoke to the eastern ends of the city. This path is also often used by pedestrians and rollerbladers. * The Don River trail system begins at the lake (near Queen and Broadview) and travels very far north and east. During or after heavy rains, avoid lower sections of the trails. * A special treat for bikers of all levels is a tour through Tommy Thompson Park (Leslie St Spit) to the lighthouse and bird sanctuaries (no cars!), which is open on weekends only. Start at Queen and Leslie and head south. * A visit to [[Toronto/Islands|Toronto Islands]] from the ferry docks at the southern end of Bay Street is a great way to spend a bike-friendly, relaxed afternoon by bike. There are no private cars on the Toronto Islands. === By ferry === The trip to the [[Toronto/Islands|Toronto Islands]] from the downtown core (Bay St and Queens Quay) is a pleasant 15-minute ferry ride, with frequent summer service and the best views of the Toronto skyline. There are also guided sailing vessels that take tours of the inner and outer harbours, and circumnavigate Toronto Islands. Ticket booths are found behind Harbourfront Centre in the [[Toronto/Harbourfront|Harbourfront]] district. ==See== {{seeDistricts}} ===Museums=== [[Image:Toronto ROM 01.jpg|thumbnail|The Royal Ontario Museum]] [[Image:CasaLomaToronto.jpg|thumbnail|Casa Loma]] [[Image:Rogers Center-restitched.jpg|thumbnail|CN Tower viewed from Rogers Centre]] [[File:Toronto City Hall night view.jpg|thumbnail|Toronto City Hall at night]] * '''[[Toronto/Kensington-Chinatown#Art Gallery of Ontario|Art Gallery of Ontario]]'''. The largest art gallery in Canada. It has a great Canadian paintings exhibit and the world's largest collection of Henry Moore sculptures. The European paintings exhibit has a few excellent pieces including Ruben's ''The Massacre of the Innocents''. * [[Toronto/Yorkville and the Annex#Bata Shoe Museum|'''Bata Shoe Museum''']]. This offbeat museum is devoted to shoes and footwear from cultures all over the world. * [[Toronto/North York#Black Creek Pioneer Village|'''Black Creek Pioneer Village''']] is a recreation of life in 19th-century Ontario and consists of over 40 historic buildings, decorated in the style of the 1860s with period furnishings and actors portraying villagers. * [[Toronto/Midtown#Casa Loma|'''Casa Loma''']] is a step back in time to a period of European elegance and splendour. The museum has decorated suites, secret passages, a 250-m-long tunnel, towers, stables and beautiful 5-acre estate gardens. * [[Toronto/Yorkville and the Annex#Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art|'''Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art''']]. Dedicated to ceramics in an exquisite contemporary building. * [[Toronto/Entertainment and Financial Districts#Hockey Hall of Fame|'''Hockey Hall of Fame''']] is both a museum and a hall of fame dedicated to the history of ice hockey. * [[Toronto/Yorkville and the Annex#Royal Ontario Museum|'''Royal Ontario Museum''']] is a museum of art, world culture and natural history. It is one of the largest museums in North America, and the largest in Canada. * [[Toronto/Midtown#Spadina House Museum|'''Spadina House Museum''']] is in a historic mansion dating from the 1860s. The grounds contain a beautiful garden. * '''[[Toronto/Yonge-Dundas#Textile Museum of Canada|Textile Museum of Canada]]'''. Shows drawn from a 13,000-piece collection of textiles from around the world and from other collections. ===Landmarks=== * [[Toronto/Entertainment and Financial Districts#CN Tower|'''CN Tower''']]. At 533 metres tall, the CN Tower is the third tallest free-standing structure in the world, and the tallest in North America. * '''[[Toronto/Entertainment and Financial Districts#Rogers Centre|Rogers Centre]]''' is a large multi-purpose stadium with a retractable roof. It is home to the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball. * [[Toronto/Yonge-Dundas#City Hall|'''Toronto City Hall''']]. Two buildings forming a semi-circle overlooking Nathan Phillips Square. Architecturally stunning, and next door to [[Toronto/Yonge-Dundas#Old City Hall|'''Old City Hall''']] (now a court house) which has a more classical architecture. ===Parks=== * [[Toronto/Scarborough#Toronto Zoo|'''Toronto Zoo''']] is Canada's premier zoo showcasing over 3,000 animals and over 300 species. ==Do== {{seeDistricts}} ===Outdoors=== * Toronto is "[https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/parks-gardens-beaches/ the city within a park]", with miles and miles of parkland following the streams and rivers that flow through the city. '''Edwards Gardens''' and the '''Toronto Botanical Gardens''' in the neighbourhood of [[Toronto/North York|North York]] might just be the place to start exploring this natural environment. * The City of Toronto has designated various '''[https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/streets-parking-transportation/walking-in-toronto/walking-tours/etobicoke-walking-tours/ Discovery Walks]''' which highlight the natural and human history of the region. These can be found with brown circular signs along the route and highlight other regions such as the Belt Line, Garrison Creek and the Humber River as well as the downtown core. * '''Beaches'''. Toronto has three main sections of beach along Lake Ontario. The most popular of these is in the aptly-named [[Toronto/The Beach|Beaches]] neighbourhood. A less popular alternative is the beaches in the western end of the city in the [[Toronto/Parkdale|Parkdale]] neighbourhood; this was once Toronto's Coney Island, with an amusement park and numerous beach-style attractions; however in the 1950s the city built the Gardiner Expressway along the lakeshore, effectively separating the beaches from the city and causing the demolition of the amusement park; over the years attempts have been made to re-energize this area, but the Gardiner remains a major barrier, as well as a source of noise and pollution to keep away would-be beach-goers. On the plus side, the beaches are largely empty most of the time, providing solitude for those who seek it. The third major beach area in the city runs along the south shore of the [[Toronto/Islands|Toronto Islands]]. This area is pleasantly secluded, with most of the islands covered with parkland and a small amusement park. Hanlan's Point Beach on the western shore of the islands is the City of Toronto's only officially recognized clothing optional beach, and a popular gay hangout. Despite these options, many Torontonians prefer to leave the city for beach trips; the most popular beaches are those in the Georgian Bay area north of Toronto, [[Wasaga Beach]] in particular is very popular during the summer. ===Arts & entertainment=== * '''Comedy'''. World-renowned [http://www.secondcity.com/ Second City] comedy/improv theatre has a location in Toronto. See great improv and situation comedy performed live with audience participation over dinner and drinks in the heart of the club district of downtown Toronto. * '''Theatre'''. Toronto has a great theatre scene for every taste and budget. Check out the big theatres on Yonge Street for the big splashy shows. Small theatres in the Annex and elsewhere offer smaller productions that range from original Canadian works, avant-garde, experimental theatre, small budget musicals to British murder mysteries. A variety of theatre festivals such as the New Ideas, Rhubarb and Fringe festivals are the seed for many commercial success such as ''The Drowsy Chaperone''. Also try to check out the [https://www.coc.ca/Venue-Information/fourseasonscentre Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts], the home of the [https://www.coc.ca/ Canadian Opera Company] and the [https://national.ballet.ca/Tickets/Box-Office? National Ballet of Canada]. The [https://www.tso.ca/ Toronto Symphony] plays in the acoustically renovated [https://roythomsonhall.mhrth.com/ Roy Thomson Hall]. '''[http://www.totix.ca TO Tix]''' in Yonge-Dundas Square is the best place to get full-price advance and day-of discounts on shows across Toronto. It also offers theatre and dining packages, partnering Toronto’s theatre, dance and opera companies with local downtown restaurants and cultural attractions. ===Annual events=== * {{do | name=Canadian National Exhibition | alt=The Ex, CNE | url=http://theex.com/ | email= | address=Exhibition Place | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=From mid-August to Labour Day | price= |wikidata=Q857399 | lastedit=2016-01-20 | content=The Ex is an annual fair offering an amusement park (the Midway), a casino, live entertainment, an international market, agricultural exhibits including livestock and a variety of other exhibits. It is Canada's largest fair and the fifth largest in North America, with an average annual attendance of 1.3 million. }} * {{do | name=Doors Open | alt= | url=https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/doors-open-toronto/ | email= | address=Various locations | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Free admission | wikidata=Q3036912 | lastedit=2022-03-21 | content=This event, held the last weekend of May, offers residents and visitors an opportunity to take a peek behind the doors of more than 100 architecturally, historically, culturally and socially significant buildings across the city. Many of these buildings are normally not open to the public. A number of the city's museums offer free admission on the Doors Open weekend. }} * {{do | name=Fan Expo Canda | alt= | url=https://fanexpohq.com/fanexpocanada/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Metro Toronto Convention Centre | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5433535 | lastedit=2022-02-27 | content=Canada's answer to the San Diego and New York Comic-Cons, Fan Expo Canada draws over 150,000 attendees each year to celebrate superheroes, science fiction, fantasy, and other popular franchises. It's the largest such event in Canada and one of the biggest in the world, now taking up both the north and south buildings of the Convention Centre. It usually takes place over four days at the end of August. }} * {{do | name=Pride Toronto | alt= | url=http://www.pridetoronto.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Held the last week of June | price= | lastedit=2016-01-20 | content=Pride Toronto is the annual LGBT festival which includes the very popular Pride Parade which draws crowds of straight people to discover how LGBT people have fun. ''See also [[LGBT Toronto]].''}} * {{do | name=Toronto Black Film Festival | alt=TBFF | url=http://torontoblackfilm.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Held in February | price= | lastedit=2016-01-20 | content=TBFF showcases the noteworthy black films and provides a forum to debate major cultural, social and socio-economic issues. }} * {{do | name=Toronto International Film Festival | alt=TIFF | url=http://tiff.net/festivals/festival15 | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Starts the Thursday night after Labour Day | price= | lastedit=2016-01-20 | content=This publicly attended festival of international film takes place in various theatres and draws many celebrities and celebrity spotters. }} * {{listing | type=do | name=Inside Out LGBT Film & Video Festival | alt= | url=https://insideout.ca/ | email= | address=TIFF Bell Lightbox, 350 King St W | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= |fax=| hours=Late May/early June | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata=Q6037764 | lastedit=2020-01-26 | content=180 Canadian ind international films and videos over ten days, produced by and about LGBT people. }} * {{do | name=Toronto International Festival of Authors | alt= | url=https://festivalofauthors.ca/ | email=info@festivalofauthors.ca | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Late October to early November, with related events throughout the year | price=Most events are free. Some events, including the book clubs and the writing workshops, have admission fees: check the festival's website for details | wikidata=Q6037764 | lastedit=2020-11-15 | content=One of the largest literary festivals in the world. The annual festival attracts many well-known and up-and-coming authors, with a focus on Canadian and Indigenous authors. Due to COVID-19, the 2020 festival was held online. Events included author readings and discussions, writing workshops, book club meetings, events for children and families, and audio walking tours of Toronto neighbourhoods that inspired stories about the city. The festival's Instagram page @festofauthors sometimes hosts live online events and announces updates throughout the year. }} ===Exploring neighbourhoods=== [[File:Chinatown Toronto.JPG|thumbnail|Crowds along Chinatown, on Spadina.]] [[File:Koreatown toronto 2009h.JPG|thumbnail|Pedestrian streets in Koreatown.]] Toronto has so many eclectic neighbourhoods that a random walk is fascinating in its own right. You might start in the Downtown area and then try other neighbourhoods around the city. Here are a few suggestions of neighbourhoods to visit. More details and more examples are found in the [[Toronto#Districts|district]] articles. * [[Toronto/Downtown East|'''Distillery District''']]. The former Gooderham & Worts distillery lands have been rejuvenated into a pedestrian-only village dedicated to the arts and entertainment. It has fantastic restaurants, festivals, and art galleries housed in its 19th-century distillery buildings. * [[Toronto/Harbourfront|'''Harbourfront''']], Toronto's former industrial port, is today largely parkland with biking and walking trails and excellent views of the harbour. Harbourfront Centre is situated right by the lake, and is home to numerous cultural events of which most are free or relatively inexpensive. Take in some of the worlds most critically acclaimed performing arts productions, or enjoy one of the many world festivals that take place every weekend. * [[Toronto/Islands|'''Toronto Islands''']]. A short inexpensive ferry ride from the foot of Bay Street and you leave the bustle of the city behind. Visually, the views of the skyline from the islands are stunning, and for cycling, walking, picnics or just relaxing, the Toronto Islands are hard to beat. There is even a small amusement park for kids, Centreville. On hot summer days, temperatures here will often be about 2-3C lower than the mainland providing relief. By mid-summer the water is warm enough to swim at Hanlan's Point or for the more adventurous, a nude beach is nearby. * [[Toronto/West End|'''Little Italy''']] is the spot to get a sense of the Western Mediterranean. Sit at one of the many coffee shops and watch the world go by on the weekends. A great time to visit is during the men's FIFA World Cup competition (in football/soccer), regardless of where in the world it is actually being held as local communities face off and rivalries reach a fever pitch. Support can be passionate and even in adjacent communities and it is not unusual to see them draped in a mind-numbing variety of flags once every four years. * '''[[Toronto/Chinatown|Toronto's Chinatown]]''' is a great way to sample a tiny bit of cities like Hong Kong, without spending the airfare. Vast crowds crush the sidewalks as vendors sell authentic Chinese and Vietnamese food, and not-so-authentic knock-offs. It is one of North America's largest Chinatowns, and with many shops aimed at tourists, it is a good place to pick up some unusual and inexpensive souvenirs. The area is also home to a growing number of Korean and Vietnamese shops and restaurants. Toronto's multicultural mosaic never stops evolving. For a complete tour, travel along Spadina (north/south) starting at College Street in the north or Queen Street in the south. However, those looking for good, authentic Chinese food may be disappointed, and most of the restaurants here are tourist traps; these days the best Chinese food can be found in the suburbs of [[Markham]] and [[Richmond Hill]]. * [[Toronto/Kensington-Chinatown|'''Kensington Market''']] was once a centre of Jewish life that has morphed into the centre of Toronto's bohemian scene. Visitors will be assaulted by sounds and smells unlike anywhere else in the city, as narrow streets bustle with immigrants, punks, and yuppies alike. Stores include surplus shops, coffee houses, small restaurants (including vegetarian), clothing vendors, and record stores. Fish and fruit markets are also present in great numbers, and the area is experiencing a boom of South American food stalls of late. * [[Toronto/West End|'''Koreatown''']] has many Korean retail businesses and restaurants where Korean is as prominent as English in the signage. (There is also another Koreatown in [[Toronto/North York|North York]]. * [[Toronto/East End|'''Gerrard India Bazaar (Little India)''']] If you want to get a sense of Toronto's vibrant South Asian community, this is where you want to be; not only is Indian culture represented - visible Pakistani and Afghan communities are also alive along the street. * The '''501 Queen streetcar''' has been recognized in ''National Geographic'' magazine for being the longest streetcar route in North America (one of the longest in the world). The journey from one end to the other takes a couple of hours and passes through a wide range of ethnic and cultural neighbourhoods. === Sports teams & arenas === Toronto has several major league and minor league sports teams: * '''[http://argonauts.ca Toronto Argonauts]''' - Canadian Football League, playing at BMO Field on the Exhibition Place grounds. * '''[https://www.mlb.com/bluejays Toronto Blue Jays]''' – Major League Baseball, playing at the Rogers Centre (formerly known as SkyDome, and still generally called such by locals). * '''[http://mapleleafs.nhl.com Toronto Maple Leafs]''' – National Hockey League, playing at the Scotiabank Arena (formerly known as Air Canada Centre). * '''[http://www.nba.com/raptors/ Toronto Raptors]''' – National Basketball Association, playing at the Scotiabank Arena. * '''[http://www.torontorock.com Toronto Rock]''' – National Lacrosse League, playing at the Scotiabank Arena. * '''[http://www.torontofc.ca Toronto Football Club]''' (also known as Toronto FC or TFC) – Major League Soccer, playing at BMO Field. * '''[https://toronto.thepwhl.com/en/ Toronto Sceptres]''' – Professional Women's Hockey League, playing at the Coca-Cola Coliseum (formerly the Ricoh Coliseum). * '''[http://marlies.ca/ Toronto Marlies]''' – American Hockey League (Toronto Maple Leafs farm team), also playing at the Coca-Cola Coliseum. * '''[https://yorkunitedfc.canpl.ca/ York United FC]''' – Pro soccer team in the Canadian Premier League. They play home games at York Lions Stadium on the campus of York University in North York, but have long-term plans to build their own stadium in the York Region. * '''[https://www.torontofc.ca/tfc2/ Toronto FC II]''' – MLS Next Pro (Toronto FC reserve team); as of 2024, TFC II shares York Lions Stadium with York United. A couple of home games are played at BMO Field as part of a doubleheader with the parent club. * '''[http://www.torontowolfpack.com Toronto Wolfpack]''' – Rugby league team playing in Super League, the top level of England's rugby league pyramid, which also includes 10 teams from England and one from France. The Wolfpack play at Lamport Stadium in the Liberty Village neighbourhood. * In 2026, Coca-Cola Coliseum will also become home to an '''[https://tempo.wnba.com/ Toronto Tempo]''' WNBA team. The '''[https://www.scotiabankarena.com/ Scotiabank Arena]''', 40 Bay St. It was called the Air Canada Centre (or "the Hangar") until 2018. The '''[https://www.mlb.com/bluejays/ballpark Rogers Centre] ''', 1 Blue Jays Way. Most often referred to by its original "SkyDome" name. The '''[http://www.mattamyathleticcentre.ca/ Maple Leaf Gardens]''', 60 Carlton Street. Historic arena in Toronto, on the northwest corner of Carlton Street and Church Street in Toronto's Garden District; now converted into a Loblaws supermarket and an athletic centre for Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University), the Mattamy Athletic Centre at the Gardens. The '''[http://www.sobeysstadium.com Sobey's Stadium]''' (formerly Aviva Centre), 1 Shoreham Drive. A tennis complex that serves mainly as a training facility, but also includes a main stadium court that frequently hosts seasonal concerts. The most notable use of the complex is for the annual Canadian Open (sponsored as the National Bank Open formerly Rogers Cup), a high-profile event on both the men's ATP Tour and women's WTA Tour. The Aviva Centre hosts the ATP event in even-numbered years and the WTA event in odd-numbered years, alternating with Montreal in both cases. == Buy == Toronto has ample opportunities for shopping, and nearly any section of the city has unique places to shop: [[Image:Toronto-Eaton-Centre.JPG|thumb|right|250px|Interior view of the Toronto Eaton Centre.]] * '''Toronto Eaton Centre''' – At [[Toronto/Yonge-Dundas|Yonge-Dundas Square]]. Over 285 shops and services, including most of North America's most popular brands, and two food courts catering for every taste. * {{buy | name=The 'PATH' System | alt= | url=http://www.toronto.ca/path/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Linking 1,200 stores and 50 buildings, The PATH is an underground shopping mall has been created for all the commuters to get from Union Station to their offices and back without ever going outside. In a city of Toronto's summer heat and winter cold, this is essential. }} * [[Toronto/Bloor-Yorkville|'''Mink Mile''']]. If you head west from the corner of Yonge and Bloor, you are in the most upscale of Toronto's shopping districts, easily accessible from the Bloor-Yonge or Bay subway station. Bloor Street between Yonge and Avenue is regarded as Toronto's version of Fifth Avenue, with upscale names such as Hermes and Louis Vuitton, and the flagship Holt Renfrew department store. * [[Toronto/Bloor-Yorkville|'''Yorkville''']]. This high-end shopping district just north of Bloor Street and west of Bay Street is home to many designer boutiques. It also has many galleries selling art. * [[Toronto/Kensington-Chinatown|'''Kensington Market''']] provides a bohemian shopping experience especially along the southern end of Kensington Avenue. The houses lining both sides of the street have been turned into shops with racks of clothes displayed in the front yard. * There are many local, neighbourhood shopping districts in the inner city. These are mostly along major thoroughfares lined on one or both sides with shops in low-rise buildings. A few examples are '''Queen Street West''' (especially [[Toronto/Kensington-Chinatown|east of Spadina Avenue]] and extending westward into the [[Toronto/West End|West End]]), '''[[Toronto/Midtown|Uptown Yonge]]''' north of Eglinton Avenue on Yonge Street, and '''[[Toronto/West End|Roncesvalles Village]]'''. There are many more areas with store-lined streets within the inner city but few in suburban districts such as [[Toronto/Etobicoke|Etobicoke]], [[Toronto/North York|North York]] and [[Toronto/Scarborough|Scarborough]] which tend to prefer malls. Consult the [[Toronto#Districts|district articles]]. * {{buy | name=Yorkdale Shopping Centre | alt= | url=http://www.yorkdale.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A shopping centre in the north of the city, accessible from Yorkdale subway station. This is a full-service, upscale mall with hundreds of stores, but which is also rife with packs of roving teenagers who use the facilities as a social scene. Make use of the subway if possible on weekends, as locals pack the parking areas to capacity. }} ===Money=== '''Changing money''' at a recognized bank or financial institution is best; there are a few specialized ''bureaux de change'' in Toronto's financial district and in Mississauga in the airport terminals. Some hotels, souvenir shops and tourist offices exchange money, but their rates won't put a smile on your dial. Many places in Toronto accept US dollars for small transactions – with a rough 1:1 exchange rate – and it is advised to obtain some Canadian dollars if you will use cash. US coins are often mixed in with Canadian coins at stores since they are similar in appearance. <!-- *'''Thomas Cook''' (www.thomascook.ca) branches include: ** Bloor-Yorkville (+1 416-975-9940, +1-800-267-8891; 1168 Bay St; M-F 9AM-5:30PM; Bloor-Yonge) ** Financial District (+1 416-366-1961; 10 King St E; M-F 9AM-5PM; King) --> *'''Travelex''' (www.travelex.com/ca) has branches in the Financial District (+1 416-304-6130; First Canadian Place, Bank of Montréal, 100 King St W; M-F 8AM-5PM) and at [[Toronto Pearson International Airport|the airport]] in Mississauga. *'''Calforex Currency Services''' (290 Queen St West) give good rates for cash, buying and selling GBP, USD, EUR; on substantial sums can be as little as 1% from interbank rates. *American Express branches in Toronto only function as travel agencies and don't handle financial transactions. *Cheque-cashing firms such as Money Mart (+1 416-920-4146, multiple locations) can usually exchange US to CAD, but the rates tend to be worse than at other financial institutions. == Eat == Toronto is generally considered to be one of North America's top food cities. It has the same variety as New York or San Francisco and the compact and safe downtown keeps them closer together. As one of the most (if not the most) multicultural cities in the world, Toronto has authentic ethnic cuisine like no other city in North America. It is easy to eat out in Toronto and have a superb meal for cheap. A few of these cheap (i.e., can be easily procured for less than $20 or, in many instances, $10), iconic dishes are must-try meals for any visitor to Toronto—and represent the diversity that makes this city so special. === Roti === Roti (never plural, and make the effort to pronounce the "T", like "row-tee") is probably the city's most iconic dish. Originating in Trinidad and Guyana, roti is essentially a curry wrapped in a roti shell, i.e., a thin paratha or dhalpuri flatbread. Typical curries found in roti include goat, chicken, lamb, beef, shrimp and a range of veggie options (channa, spinach, pumpkin, cabbage, potato). Occasionally you can find duck and oxtail options, if you're lucky. While the best roti is found in the outer suburbs of Scarborough and Brampton, a handful of shops persist in the city proper, including: * Pam's (Bloorcourt) * Ali's West Indian Roti Shop (Parkdale) * Island Foods (West Queen West) * Paul's Roti Shop (Cabbagetown) * Randy's Roti and Doubles (Bloor/Yonge) A second variety of roti is a true Toronto original, despite the constituent ingredients being from India. Enterprising Indian cooks in the city saw the popularity of the Caribbean/West Indian-style wrap and adapted it to their own curries; the East Indian variety is now much more easily found than the West Indian original, but it must be said the quality ranges from divine to barely tolerable. Classic choices include butter chicken, matar paneer, channa and lamb korma. Your best bets for consistently excellent Indian roti: * Roti Mahal (Queen West) * Matha Roti (Harbord Village) * Mother India Roti (Parkdale) === Jerk chicken === Toronto's home to one of the largest Jamaican populations outside of Jamaica, and with that comes a dazzling array of incredible jerk chicken options in nearly every corner of the city. This spicy-sweet-savoury chicken is usually served with rice and peas (kidney beans) and coleslaw; ask for extra oxtail gravy for the true taste. Meals can be had for $10–15, often with lunch specials. Little Jamaica, along Eglinton Ave., has about a dozen or so exceptional options; some classics closer to the core of the city include: * The Real Jerk (Gerrard East—they filmed the music video for Rihanna's "Work" ft. Drake here!) * Allwyn's (Queen West) * Fahmee Bakery (Little Portugal) * Chubby's (King West—a more expensive but supremely delicious version) * Tasty's (Chinatown) * Jerk King (numerous locations including Chinatown, the Annex and Bloor/Dufferin) * Mr. Jerk (Cabbagetown) * Diner's Corner (Yonge/Wellesly) * Albert's (St. Clair) === Patties (or "Jamaican patties" or "beef patties") === Patties are a flaky-crust pastry usually filled with seasoned ground beef and can be purchased from Jamaican restaurants, convenience stores, and even a couple subway stations. Vegetable and chicken versions can be found with a little effort as well; for a huge range of fillings (shrimp curry, callaloo, goat, ackee and saltfish), head to Golden Patty in Kensington Market. === Doubles === Doubles are the "little snack that fill you up big"—curried chickpeas in a fried, doughy flatbread, often with some tamarind sauce and hot sauce thrown in for good measure. Originating in Trinidad and Tobago, these can be found pretty much wherever you can find Caribbean roti, and typically will cost you under $5. Randy's and Ali's make particularly great doubles. === Italian veal sandwiches === Bring your appetite for these massive sandwiches. A Toronto Italian classic, veal sandwiches usually feature two or three breaded veal cutlets in tomato sauce with cheese, onions and peppers, all served on an Italian roll. Most veal sandwich shops also offer chicken cutlets and eggplant options as well for those looking for something somewhat lighter. More easily found around the West End than anywhere else in town, put yourself in a food coma at one of these shops: * California Sandwiches (Little Italy) * Bitondo's (Little Italy) * San Francesco Foods (Little Italy) * Tony and Nick's (Little Portugal) * Papamio (Annex/Seaton Village) * Uno Mustachio (St. Lawrence Market) === Portuguese tarts === Toronto has one of the largest Portuguese populations of any city outside of Portugal or Brazil, which means you can find excellent pasteis de nata—flaky custard tarts—at bakeries all over the city. While gentrification of the traditionally Portuguese areas of Toronto's West End has resulted in the closures of many iconic bakeries since the 2010s, options still abound. Many bakeries will put their own spins on the tarts, with chocolate and nutella being popular options. Check out these bakeries for quality pasteis: * Nova Era (multiple locations, including Dundas, St. Clair and Dupont) * Golden Wheat (Little Italy) * Caldense (Little Portugal) * Brockton Village Bakery (Little Portugal) * Bom Dia (Parkdale) * Progress Bakery (Dovercourt Village) === Street meat === Like any proper North American city, Toronto has a distinct regional spin on the hot dog, albeit one that is much less fussy than you would find in Montreal, Chicago, Tucson or Detroit. "Street meat" carts are found all over downtown, with many options clustered along Front Street near the Rogers Centre as well as near Nathan Phillips Square. Most carts will offer four sausage options: hot dog, Italian sausage, Polish sausage and veggie; hot dogs will run you ~$4, with sausages going for a dollar or so more. You dress the dogs yourself, with common toppings including ketchup, mustard, relish, onions, sauerkraut, pickles, banana peppers and bacon bits. There's no agreed-upon "standard" set of toppings; just do what feels right! === Farmer's markets === Surrounded by the extensive fertile farmlands of Southern Ontario, Toronto has an abundance of farmer's markets - one is happening, in season, almost every day. Several markets are year round, while others are seasonal, generally running from May to October. * [[Toronto/Downtown East#Q7589489|'''St. Lawrence Market''']]: The larger main building has over 50 specialty vendors, with a large seafood section, a dozen butchers, several bakeries, and three very extensive cheese shops. In the basement, there is a specialty area for handcrafters, and an extensive foodcourt. The temporary building is home to a Farmer's Market, open Saturdays year round. It features fresh vegetables in season, preserves, spices and herbs, honey direct from the beekeeper or maple syrup from the people who tapped and boiled it, and quality Ontario wines. * '''Riverdale Farm''' in [[Toronto/Downtown East#Q7338138|Downtown East]] is a working farm with an onsite store. Seasonal farmers' markets are held at City Hall's Nathan Phillips Square, in the [[Toronto/Yonge-Dundas#Q2915521|Yonge-Dundas]] area, East York Civic Centre in the [[Toronto/East End#Q5329721|East End]], Etobicoke Civic Centre in [[Etobicoke#Q5404735|Etobicoke]], North York Civic Centre at [[Toronto/North York#Q6810763|Mel Lastman Square]], Scarborough Civic Centre in [[Toronto/Scarborough#Q7430272|Scarborough]], Dufferin Grove Park in the [[Toronto/West End#Q5312339|West End]], and Green Barn Market in the [[Toronto/West End#Q8039569|West End]] === Interesting food districts === * '''Kensington Market''' is a historic market near Chinatown with food and drink options of all kinds. These days, Latin food (especially Mexican tacos and South American empanadas) is particularly well represented, but Caribbean, Italian, Middle Eastern and Canadian food are all found in abundance, along with coffee shops, bars, food stores and vintage stores. * '''Cabbagetown''' is a designated Historic District in the eastern half of the downtown core. * '''University District''': small section of Baldwin Street (''east of Spadina, north of Dundas'') has many small outdoor cafes ideal for summer lunches. * '''Chinese food''' can naturally be found in Chinatown, but these days many ethnic Chinese residents will tell you that the suburbs of [[Markham]] and [[Richmond Hill]], not Chinatown, have the best Chinese food in the Toronto area. Other areas with a good selection of Chinese food include the suburbs of [[Scarborough]] and [[North York]], as well as the neighbourhood of East Chinatown, about 4 km east of the original Chinatown. * '''Chinatown''' also has many Vietnamese and Thai restaurants. * '''Hakka food''' is a style of Chinese food that originated in India with the migrant Chinese of Kolkata. Also known as Indian-style Chinese food, outside of India and certain Southeast Asian countries, Toronto is the only city in the world to have such a variety of Hakka restaurants. * '''Little Jamaica''' along Eglinton is home to countless jerk chicken restaurants as well as options for beef patties, ital (vegan) food and more. * '''Little India''' along Gerrard Street East features a wide range of Indian and Pakistani cuisine with plenty of options for vegetarian diners. * '''Koreatown''' along Bloor West between Bathurst and Christie Pits has dozens of Korean restaurants at every price point, as well as Korean karaoke bars and an incredible Korean grocery store, the P.A.T. (don't skip the fish waffles!). * '''Little Tibet''' in Parkdale is home to more than 20 Tibetan restaurants, one of the largest such communities outside of Tibet. Wherever you go, try the momos (dumplings with hot sauce)! * '''Greektown''' along the Danforth features plenty of places for souvlaki, meze, gyros and glorious dips of all kinds. * '''Little Portugal''' along Dundas West has gentrified considerably but there are a few remaining bakeries with pasteis de nata (custard tarts), bifana (pork sandwiches) and the like. * King Street between University Avenue and Spadina Avenue has many restaurants appealing to theatre goers. * Queen Street East between Empire and Leslie has a number of casual, trendy restaurants that match the vibe of Leslieville. * College Street to the west of Bathurst has a cheaper set of eclectic restaurants popular with university students from nearby University of Toronto. * Bayview Avenue south of Eglinton is the location of some of Toronto's best French pastry shops. * Bloor Street to the west of Spadina in the Annex has a similar set of restaurants to College St, with a particularly heavy concentration of budget-friendly Korean and Japanese restaurants. Most restaurants tend to be very laid back. * '''Yorkville''': it's more about being seen than actually eating but there are a few hidden gems, and this area is famous for sightseeing celebrities. Restaurants often charge a premium for otherwise mediocre meals. * The city's largest newspaper, the ''Toronto Star'', once chose the Downsview Park Flea Market food court as the best in the city. Although it is open only on weekends and rather remote, it offers a variety of authentic food from Afghan to Trinidadian and lacks the chain restaurants that dominate the city's food courts. It is north of downtown, but is accessible from the Downsview subway station on the Spadina line and shares space with over 400 independent retailers. === Cafés === :''Check the district articles for independent coffee shops.'' * {{eat | name=Aroma Espresso Bar | alt= | url=https://www.aromacafe.ca/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-08-04 | content=This cafe chain has locations throughout the city. Aroma might be the best of the large coffee chains for espresso coffees and rivals the quality at many independent coffee shops. The coffee is served in a cup and saucer with a metal spoon (you might not get the spoon at some other places), and you get a piece of chocolate (a nice touch). }} * {{eat | name=Balzac's | alt= | url= http://www.balzacs.com| email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-01-18 | content=Balzac's is a small chain of cafes in interesting neighbourhoods. It serves only organic, Fair Trade coffee, cocoa and sugar, and its milk is locally sourced and organic. }} === Vegetarian === Some districts with vegetarian restaurants are [[Toronto/Kensington-Chinatown#Eat|Kensington-Chinatown]], [[Toronto/Yorkville and the Annex#Eat|The Annex]], and [[Toronto/East End#Eat|Chinatown East]]. ==Drink== <!--Please only give an overview of drinking possibilities in Toronto here. Listings go in the separate district articles--> Historically, the majority of nightlife in Toronto has been centred on the appropriately named [[Toronto/Clubland|Clubland]] and in the [[Toronto/Fashion District|fashion district]] on Queen Street West. Nearly everywhere is packed to the brim with pubs and bars, but none so much as Adelaide and Queen Street in those districts. Clubs tend to operate on Richmond and Adelaide streets (both run east-west, 1 block apart); names change frequently, but the district keeps on going. John Street between Adelaide and Richmond is always a hub of activity, especially after Blue Jays games, and is a convenient spot for those staying downtown. Two other clubs of note outside this district: The (long-lasting) Phoenix (on Sherbourne) and Rebel (literally operating on part of Toronto's commercial port, but this place has an outstanding view of the city on warm summer nights, and boasts an extensive entertainment complex). Some of Toronto's newest and hottest nightclubs have opened up in the King Street West/Liberty Village area. This area tends to attract a more mature (25+ years old) crowd; however this comes at a cost as drinks and admission into the venues are typically a bit more expensive here than in [[Toronto/Clubland|Clubland]]. Hip art and music oriented crowds tend to gravitate towards Parkdale (Queen West past Bellwoods Park). The hipsters hangout in the wide array of bars, galleries and clubs that dot the area, including the Rhino, Happy Wine Bar, Tammy's, Motel, Pharmacy Bar, Danu, Food & Liquor, the Grand Trunk and the Drake and its poor cousin Gladstone Hotels. The same folks also frequent the Annex, Dundas West and Kensington Market areas of the city at night for club nights, casual drinks and art and music events. One of the main "corsos" of the city is ''Little Italy'': College Street, between Bathurst and Ossington flows over with music, sidewalk cafes and excellent food and a crowd that enjoys the summer heat and the offerings. College Street, east of Bathurst, is home to many student hangouts, including Sneaky Dee's which is famous among locals for its nachos. The legal minimum drinking age is 19. More recently, Dundas West has emerged as the preferred stretch of bars and restaurants catering to the taste-making proclivities of West Enders. From Bathurst until Dundas hits Roncesvalles, you will come across all kinds of bars at all kinds of price points: high-end cocktail bars (the aptly named Cocktail Bar, Rhum Bar, Northern Belle, Bluebird), dive-ish bars (Wasted Youth, Lucky Shrike, Hank's Liquor, Swan Dive), wine bars (Tommy's, Milou, Grapewitches, Midfield), cozy date spots (Communist's Daughter, Bathurst Local, Black Dice, Archive, Loveless), live music venues (the Garrison, Lula Lounge, the Dakota); you name it, you can find it. Ossington between Dundas and Queen has cemented its status as a nightlife hotspot with more than a dozen bars, packed sidewalks and bustling restaurants. While there are certainly a few trend-chasing spots catering to 905ers and basic Millennials, there are some real gems along this stretch, including Sweaty Betty's, Reposado, Bellwoods Brewery and Painted Lady. Bloor Street West from Christie Pits Park until Lansdowne is also home to a great stretch of bars, including Civil Liberties, Paradise Grapevine, Hurricane's, Grey Tiger, Burdock Brewing, Three Speed, Bar Neon and many, many more. These cater more to the millennial crowd than some of the younger-oriented bars further south but are where you'll find a more authentic expression of what 2020s Toronto is all about. Toronto has over a dozen '''microbreweries'''. One popular microbrewery is Steam Whistle Brewing (south of the CN Tower in the [[Toronto/Entertainment and Financial Districts#Drink|Entertainment District]]) which offers tours of its brewery in a former locomotive roundhouse. Unlike Steam Whistle, most microbreweries in Toronto are '''brewpubs''' serving in-house brews with pub fare. About half of the brewpubs are in the [[Toronto/West End#Drink|West End]] district. Other districts having a brewpub are [[Toronto/Harbourfront#Drink|Harbourfront]] (Amsterdam BrewHouse), [[Toronto/Downtown East#Drink|Distillery District]] (Mill St. Brew Pub), [[Toronto/Midtown#Drink|Midtown]] (Granite Brewery) and [[Toronto/East End#Drink|East End]] (Left Field Brewery). As of 2023, craft breweries have consolidated in two general areas: the East End, mostly along Queen East (Eastbound, Radical Road, Avling, Rorschach, Saulter Street, Black Lab) and Gerrard (Left Field, Godspeed); and the West End, particularly near Bloordale/Junction (Steadfast, Henderson, Halo, Indie Ale House, Junction Craft, Burdock, Bandit, Woodhouse, High Park). A few other neighbourhood breweries worth exploring include Bellwoods Brewery (Ossington, near Trinity-Bellwoods), Blood Brothers (Geary Ave.), Kensington Brewing (Kensington Market) and Mascot (Downtown core). For an exceptional beer bar, visit either Bar Volo (near Bloor/Yonge) or its sister shop, Birreria Volo (College near Bathurst). Toronto has long been a beer and whiskey town, and while it lacks a drinking identity like that of Philadelphia or Boston, asking a bartender for a blackbird shot (Montenegro and Wild Turkey) will endear to you many. Some bars will offer a shot of Jameson + bottle of beer for $10 or so; Wasted Youth and Lucky Shrike on Dundas being two such examples. ==Sleep== <!-- Please don't list individual lodgings here. Instead, list them in the relevant district article - thanks. --> {{seeDistricts}} Most hotels and hostels are situated directly outside the downtown core. Prices for rooms generally range from $150 for a standard hotel, $60–80 for a motel, and $20–40 for a bed in a hostel. ===Hotels=== Toronto has a wide variety of hotels that can suit every budget. Many are located in the [[Toronto/Entertainment and Financial Districts|Entertainment and Financial Districts]] and [[Toronto/Yonge-Dundas|Yonge-Dundas]] areas. ===Hostels=== Toronto has several youth hostels, including ones in the downtown area, such as '''[http://www.hostellingtoronto.com/ HI-Toronto Hostel]''' at the foot of Church Street. ===Bed & Breakfast=== Another popular alternative for over nighters are bed & breakfasts, of which Toronto has hundreds, many of them in the downtown core. Prices range from $60 to several hundred dollars depending on the house and amenities offered. ==Learn== [[File:Uoft universitycollege2.jpg|thumb|University College at the University of Toronto]] International students often prefer to study in Toronto because of its safety, proximity to other tourist destinations, and favourable exchange rates and visa policies. However, despite its status as the largest city in the country and Canada's economic centre, it is surprisingly under-served by universities. This lack of post-secondary education has led to the development of major universities in the mid-sized cities that surround Toronto: the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University in [[Waterloo (Ontario)|Waterloo]], the University of Guelph in [[Guelph]], McMaster University in [[Hamilton (Ontario)|Hamilton]], Brock University in [[St. Catharines]] and Trent University in [[Peterborough (Ontario)|Peterborough]]. The universities in Toronto remain some of the best in the country: * '''The [https://www.utoronto.ca/ University of Toronto]'''. Canada's largest university, is spread out all over the city (including the main downtown campus, an east-end Scarborough campus, and University of Toronto at Mississauga (UTM) in the neighbouring city of [[Mississauga]]). This university is consistently rated among the top three in the country and is part of the "Canadian Ivy League." Due to its size, the University of Toronto's downtown campus, known as the St George campus, after the street that runs through it, has its own "sphere of influence," turning the surrounding neighbourhoods into miniature college towns, with plenty of bars, restaurants, bookshops, grocery stores and cheap take-out joints. Click the [[Toronto/Yorkville and the Annex#University of Toronto|link]] for a guide to the U of T campus. * '''[https://www.yorku.ca/ York University]'''. The third largest university in Canada, York University has two campuses - the Keele Campus near Keele Street and Steeles Avenue West at the northern border of the city, and the original Glendon College at Lawrence Avenue East and Bayview Avenue. York University station on subway Line 1 Yonge–University is within the Keele campus. Buses 124 and 162 connect Lawrence Station (also on Line 1 Yonge–University) to Glendon College. * '''[https://www.torontomu.ca/ Toronto Metropolitan University]''' (TMU – formerly Ryerson University). In the heart of the downtown core. It was once a polytechnic, but is now Toronto's third university. The university is particularly well known for its school of management, and for its journalism program. Its campus is centred on the Kerr Hall, which forms a square around a central quad, it fills the block bounded by Gould, Gerrard, Victoria and Church streets. TMU also has buildings throughout this section of the city, including the Ted Rogers School of Management, at Bay and Dundas streets. * '''[https://www.ocadu.ca/ OCAD University]'''. The university focuses exclusively on art and design. The campus is on Dundas Street West near Spadina. * '''[https://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/ Seneca College]'''. Canada's largest college is spread out over the city with over 16 campuses of varying sizes. * '''[https://www.georgebrown.ca/ George Brown College]'''. Three campuses: St. James (downtown), Casa Loma (midtown) and Waterfront (Harbourfront). * '''[https://www.humber.ca/ Humber College]'''. Two campuses: Lakeshore and North. Toronto, like other Canadian cities, also has dozens of '''English as a Second Language''' (ESL) schools. The largest association of private English and French language schools is the [http://www.capls.com Canadian Association of Private Language Schools]. ==Connect== '''Calling''' For life-threatening emergencies or crime in progress, dial '''9-1-1''' on any landline, mobile or pay phone (toll-free). Local calls at pay phones cost 50 cents. Toronto's local calling area extends roughly from [[Oakville (Ontario)|Oakville]] to [[Ajax]]; [[Oshawa]], [[Hamilton (Ontario)|Hamilton]] and their adjacent suburbs are long-distance. Local calls are not metered, so you can talk as long as you want. Due to the popularity of cellphones, there are fewer pay phone booths than in previous years, so they can be difficult to locate. Most large public facilities still have ample pay phones to use. In malls, pay phones are usually between the inner and outer doors at the entrances. Payphones are also routinely provided in TTC subway stations, including on the platforms, as a safety feature. 5G cellular service is available in all subway stations, and coverage is now rolling out in the tunnels with completion expected by late 2026. In other underground areas, such as the lower levels of malls and in the PATH, reception is generally available, if somewhat weaker. In addition, many public facilities (such as shopping malls) now also have phones which provide free local calls, which are funded by advertisements run on colour LCD screens. Watch for large, wall-mounted ovals in high-traffic areas. Toronto has four area codes: 416, 647, 437, and 942. These area codes are all associated with the same geographic area. The suburban areas outside of the city have three overlapping area codes: 905, 289, and 365. As a result, Toronto has '''10-digit local dialling'''. You must always dial the area code as part of the number you are trying to reach. International calling cards are widely available to many countries for reasonable rates. As coin-paid long distance calls are overpriced (Bell payphones charge nearly $5 in the first minute and a lower rate thereafter, competitors are $1 for three minutes), if you must place toll calls from telephone booths, it's best to buy prepaid cards. ===Internet=== Most coffee shops, chain restaurants, shopping centres and public buildings provide free Wi-Fi. Major attractions such as the Art Gallery of Ontario, Royal Ontario Museum, the Scotiabank Arena and Rogers Centre provide free Wi-Fi to guests. Wi-Fi and free internet access is available on computers at '''[https://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/ Toronto Public Library]''' branches. Computer access requires a library card, but the library offers a card for in-library services for non-residents without an annual fee. All TTC subway stations have 5G mobile phone coverage, but free Wi-Fi is no longer offered since the TCONNECT network was shut down in December 2024. ===Mail=== Generally stamps are purchased and parcels are weighed and shipped at a postal outlet in a retail store such as a variety store or a drug store such as Shoppers Drug Mart. Postal outlets may sell philatelic items (recent issues only). ===Newspapers=== * '''[https://www.thestar.com/ The Toronto Star]''', a broadsheet daily newspaper, politically left of centre, covering local, national, and world news. Superman co-creator Joe Shuster, who once delivered this paper, used the Old Toronto Star Building (no longer extant) as inspiration for "The Daily Planet" newspaper. * '''[https://torontosun.com/ The Toronto Sun]''', a tabloid daily newspaper, politically conservative, covering local, national, and world news. *'''[https://www.theglobeandmail.com/ The Globe and Mail]''', a broadsheet national daily with local edition, published in Toronto. Extensive business and stock market coverage, politically centrist. *'''[https://nationalpost.com/ The National Post]''', a broadsheet national daily, moderately conservative. Depending on where you go in Toronto, you will be able to find locally printed newspapers in a variety of languages. For example, in Chinatown, you will find Chinese newspapers. In "Little Italy", you'll find Italian newspapers. You'll also find newspapers in French, Spanish, Portuguese, Persian, Arabic, Tagalog, Greek, Urdu and more. ==Stay safe== ===Crime=== The overall violent crime rate in Canada, and particularly in Toronto, is lower than that found in major cities in the United States. Petty crime is generally not a serious problem in Toronto, but be vigilant with your possessions. Car and bike theft are comparable to other large North American cities. There are neighbourhoods which are known in the media and on the street as being more dangerous, though police statistics are not commonly used to justify these beliefs. Nevertheless, while assaults and other crimes can happen anywhere, especially late at night when few people are around, it is reasonable to avoid certain areas (again, generally late at night). These areas include in the old city and inner bouroughs: Crescent Town, Regent Park, parts of Parkdale, parts of St. Jamestown, Moss Park, Alexandra Park, Flemingdon Park/Victoria Village and Weston-Mount Dennis. Outer areas: Jane and Finch ("Jane Corridor"), Lawrence Heights, the Peanut (i.e., Don Mills and Sheppard), Rexdale/Jamestown Crescent, Malvern, Kingston and Galloway, Steeles-The Amoureaux, Dorset Park, Westminster-Branson and Eglinton East-Kennedy Park. Stay away from dodgy looking areas, where drugs, prostitution and violent crime such as armed robberies can occur. These neighbourhoods become noticeably worse from a visual standpoint, giving ample warning to turn around. ===Homeless=== Toronto has a visible homeless population, many of whom will ask you for money. Beggars in Toronto have been known to ask for handouts on the pretext that they need TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) fare. Homeless people can also be seen in many subway stations and sleeping across multiple seats in subway cars. Cases of open drug use in the subway are also not uncommon. There have also been instances in the past with "squeegee kids" who would jump into intersections when traffic is stopped at lights and solicit money for cleaning windshields. This is becoming less common as this form of interference with vehicle traffic is expressly illegal under Ontario's Highway Traffic Act and may be reported to police. ===Pedestrians=== Be careful when getting off the streetcars and always look to your right before leaving the car. Although vehicles are supposed to stop when the streetcar doors open, some motorists and cyclists will ignore this and keep going. The proliferation of mobile phones has led to "multitasking" in a large percentage of the pedestrian population of this city. If driving, cycling, or even walking, in Toronto do not forget to keep an eye open for a pedestrian who may be more focused on his or her device. ===Weather=== Avoid river/creek banks or bridge underpasses during periods of excessive rain, during/after heavy thundershowers or melting snow. Flooding can soften soil and cause it to suddenly collapse into the water under any weight. Occasionally, Toronto will be hit with a severe winter storm accompanied by significant snowfall (quite often mixed with freezing rain/ice/sleet). Avoid driving during and immediately after the storms if at all possible. This is especially true for those unfamiliar with winter driving and controlling a car in a skid. Take public transit, walk, or stay inside. ==Cope== '''The Office of International Relations and Protocol''' manages the Government of Ontario’s interaction with the largest consular corps in Canada (and one of the largest in the world). Approximately [https://www.ontario.ca/page/consular-offices 100 countries] are represented in Toronto. ===Consulates=== {| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" ! [[Diplomatic missions]] ! list |- | style="vertical-align:top;width:50%;" | * {{flag|Afghanistan}} {{listing | name=Afghanistan | alt= | url=https://www.toronto.mfa.af/ | email= | address=477 Richmond Street West, Suite 901 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-385-1033 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-385-3810 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Angola}} {{listing | name=Angola | alt= | url= | email=info@angola.org | address=77 Bloor Street West, Suite 1103 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Antigua and Barbuda}} {{listing | name=Antigua and Barbuda | alt= | url=https://www.antiguabarbudaconsulate.com/ | email=antiguabarbudaconsulateto@ab.gov.ag | address=1500 Don Mills Road, Suite 714 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-961-3143 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-961-7218 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Argentina}} {{listing | name=Argentina | alt= | url=https://ctoro.cancilleria.gob.ar/en | email=consular_ctoro@mrecic.gov.ar | address=5001 Yonge Street, Suite 201 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-955-9075 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-955-0868 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Australia}} {{listing | name=Australia | alt= | url=https://www.austrade.gov.au/ | email=canada@austrade.gov.au | address=175 Bloor Street East, Suite 1100 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-323-4280 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-323-4295 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Austria}} {{listing | name=Austria | alt= | url= | email=austrianconsulateTO@lautens.com | address=30 St. Clair Avenue West, Suite 1402 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-967-3348 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-967-4101 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Bahamas}} {{listing | name=Bahamas | alt= | url= | email= | address=68 Thorncrest Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-233-6776 | tollfree= |fax=+1 416-233-6776 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Bangladesh}} {{listing | name=Bangladesh | alt= | url= | email=mission.toronto@mofa.gov.bd | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 647-812-2791 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-492-3171 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Barbados}} {{listing | name=Barbados | alt= | url= | email=toronto@foreign.gov.bb | address=110 Sheppard Avenue East, Suite 205 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-214-9805 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-214-9815 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-09-04 | content= }} * {{flag|Belgium}} {{listing | name=Belgium | alt= | url= | email=djohnston@airdberlis.com | address=181 Bay Street, Suite 1800, Box 754; c/o Aird & Berlis | lat= | long= | directions=Brookfield Place | phone=+1 416-865-3072 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Bhutan}} {{listing | name=Bhutan | alt= | url=http://bhutancanada.org/ | email=samblyth@blytheducation.com | address=20 Boswell Avenue | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-543-2590 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-960-9506 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Botswana}} {{listing | name=Botswana | alt= | url= | email= | address=5160 Explorer Drive, Unit 31 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Brazil}} {{listing | name=Brazil | url=http://toronto.itamaraty.gov.br/en-us/ | email= | address=77 Bloor Street West, Suite 1109 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-922-2503 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-922-1832 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Bulgaria}} {{listing | name=Bulgaria | alt= | url=http://www.bgconsultoronto.info/ | email=consulate.toronto@mfa.bg | address=65 Overlea Boulevard, Suite 230 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-696-2420 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-696-8019 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Cambodia}} {{listing | name=Cambodia | alt= | url= | email=info@cambodiaconsulate.ca | address=60 Caledonia Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 647-533-9335 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Chile}} {{listing | name=Chile | alt= | url=https://www.chile.gob.cl/en/toronto | email=toronto@consulado.gob.cl | address=2 Bloor Street West, Suite 1801 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-924-0106 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-924-2627 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|China}} {{listing | name=China | alt= | url=http://toronto.china-consulate.org/eng/ | email= | address=240 St. George St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-964-7260 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Colombia}} {{listing | name=Colombia | alt= | url=http://toronto.consulado.gov.co/ | email=ctoronto@cancilleria.gov.co | address=40 University Avenue, Suite 604 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-977-0098 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-977-1025 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Comoros}} {{listing | name=Comoros | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 905-319-1244 | tollfree= | fax=+1 905-331-8580 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Republic of the Congo}} {{listing | name=Republic of the Congo | alt= | url= | email=consulofcongo@yahoo.ca | address=50 Gervais Drive, 4th floor | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-315-1549 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-391-3969 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Ivory Coast}} {{listing | name=Côte d'Ivoire | alt=Ivory Coast | url= | email=pdawes@warringtoninternational.com | address=260 Adelaide Street East, Suite 110 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-366-8490 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-947-1534 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Croatia}} {{listing | name=Croatia | alt= | url= | email=croconsulate.miss@mvep.hr | address=918 Dundas Street East, Suite 302, [[Mississauga]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 905-277-9051 | tollfree= | fax=+1 905-277-5432 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Cuba}} {{listing | name=Cuba | alt= | url=https://misiones.cubaminrex.cu/en/node/1757 | email= | address=5353 Dundas Street West, Suite 205, Etobicoke | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-234-8181 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-234-2754 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Czech Republic}} {{listing | name=Czech Republic | alt= | url=http://www.mzv.cz/toronto | email=toronto@embassy.mzv.cz | address=2 Bloor Street West, Suite 1500 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-972-1476 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-972-6991 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Denmark}} {{listing | name=Denmark | alt= | url=https://canada.um.dk/en | email=yyzgkl@um.dk | address=2 Bloor Street West, Suite 2109 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-962-5669 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Dominican Republic}} {{listing | name=Dominican Republic | alt= | url=https://www.consulrdtoronto.com/ | email=infodominicanconsulate@gmail.com | address=121 Richmond Street West, Suite 301 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-369-0403 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-369-1685 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Ecuador}} {{listing | name=Ecuador | alt= | url= | email=ctoronto@rogers.com | address=151 Bloor Street West, Suite 450 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-968-2077 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-968-3348 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|El Salvador}} {{listing | name=El Salvador | url= | email=103504.2104@compuserver.com | address=151 Bloor Street West, Suite 320 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-975-0812 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-975-0283 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Eritrea}} {{listing | name=Eritrea | alt= | url= | email= | address=120 Carlton Street, Suite 317 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-306-2865 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-306-2866 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Finland}} {{listing | name=Finland | alt= | url=https://www.finlandabroad.fi/canada | email=Toronto.ott@formin.fi | address=2 Bloor Street West, Suite 2109 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-964-0066 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|France}} {{listing | name=France | alt= | url=https://toronto.consulfrance.org/-english- | email=info@consulfrance-toronto.org | address=2 Bloor Street East, Suite 2200 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-847-1900 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-847-1901 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Germany}} {{listing | name=Germany | alt= | url=https://canada.diplo.de/ca-en | email=info@toronto.diplo.de | address=2 Bloor Street East, 25th Floor | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-925-2813 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-925-2818 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Ghana}} {{listing | name=Ghana | alt= | url=https://toronto.mfa.gov.gh/ | email=toronto.consulate@mfa.gov.gh | address=8977 Woodbine Avenue, [[Markham]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 365-608-5007 | tollfree= | fax=+1 905-604-1906 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Greece}} {{listing | name=Greece | url=https://www.mfa.gr/canada/en/consulate-general-toronto | email=toronto@mfa.gr | address=1075 Bay Street, Suite 600 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-515-0133 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-515-0209 | hours= | price= | content= Additional number: {{phone|+1 416-515-0134}} }} * {{flag|Grenada}} {{listing | name=Grenada | alt= | url= | email=adminassistant@grenadaconsulate.com | address=90 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 605 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-595-1343 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-595-8278 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Guinea}} {{listing | name=Guinea | alt= | url= | email=conguitoronto@yahoo.ca | address=1201 Dundas Street West, Suite 100 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-904-8429 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-536-3913 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= Additional phone: {{phone|+1 416-319-9077}} }} * {{flag|Guyana}} {{listing | name=Guyana | alt= | url= | email=info@guyanaconsulate.com | address=505 Consumer Road, Suite 707 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-494-6040 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-494-1530 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Haiti}} {{listing | name=Haiti | alt= | url= | email=eapierre@hotmail.com | address=26 Cotswold Crescent, North York | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 647-710-8661 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Hungary}} {{listing | name=Hungary | alt= | url=https://toronto.mfa.gov.hu/eng | email=mission.tor@mfa.gov.hu | address=175 Bloor Street East, Suite 1109 (South Tower) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 647-349-2550 | tollfree= | fax=+1 647-349-2559 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Iceland}} {{listing | name=Iceland | alt= | url= | email=KalbfleischA@bennettjones.com | address=3400 One First Canadian Place, PO Box 130, c/o Bennett Jones LLP | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-777-6445 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|India}} {{listing | name=India | url=https://www.cgitoronto.gov.in/ | email= | address=365 Bloor Street East | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-960-0751 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 9AM to 11:30AM | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Indonesia}} {{listing | name=Indonesia | alt= | url=https://www.kemlu.go.id/toronto/en | email=admin@indonesiatoronto.org | address=129 Jarvis Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-360-4020 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-360-4295 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Iraq}} {{listing | name=Iraq | alt= | url= | email=torcg@mofa.gov.iq | address=320 Matheson Boulevard West, Suite 114, [[Mississauga]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 289-328-4727 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Israel}} {{listing | name=Israel | alt= | url= | email=cg-sec@toronto.mfa.gov.il | address=2 Bloor Street East, Suite 400 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-640-8500 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-640-8555 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= Alternative email [[mailto:provincial@toronto.mfa.gov.il]] }} * {{flag|Ireland}} {{listing | name=Ireland | alt= | url=https://www.dfa.ie/irish-consulate/toronto | email= | address=320 Bay Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 437 290 6315 | tollfree= | hours=By appointment only; phone lines open M to F 10AM-12:30PM | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Italy}} {{listing | name=Italy | url=http://www.constoronto.esteri.it/Consolato_Toronto | email= | address=136 Beverley St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-977-1566 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-977-1119 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Jamaica}} {{listing | name=Jamaica | alt= | url=https://jcgtoronto.ca/ | email=info@jcgtoronto.ca | address=303 Eglinton Avenue East | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-598-3008 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-598-4928 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Japan}} {{listing | name=Japan | url=http://www.toronto.ca.emb-japan.go.jp/english/english.htm | email=access@to.mofa.go.jp | address=77 King St West Suite 3300, PO Box 10 (Royal Trust Tower) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-363-7038 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-367-9392 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Kazakhstan}} {{listing | name=Kazakhstan | alt= | url=http://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-toronto?lang=en | email=toronto@mfa.kz | address=4576 Yonge Street, Suite 413 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-221-0111 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Kenya}} {{listing | name=Kenya | alt= | url= | email=sunir_chandaria@conros.com | address=41 Lesmill Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-357-0013 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|South Korea}} {{listing | name=South Korea | alt= | url= | email=toronto@mofat.go.kr | address=555 Avenue Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-920-3809 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-924-7305 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Kosovo}} {{listing | name=Kosovo | alt= | url= | email=consulategeneral.ca@rks-gov.net | address=150 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 400 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-322-5769 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-322-6874 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Lebanon}} {{listing | name=Lebanon | alt= | url= | email=info@lebaneseconsulatetoronto.com | address=1832 Pine Grove Avenue, [[Pickering (Ontario) |Pickering]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 647-330-9292 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Lithuania}} {{listing | name=Lithuania | alt= | url=https://ca.mfa.lt/ca/en/ | email=pvk@rogers.com | address=1573 Bloor Street West | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-998-2711 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-201-8993 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Luxembourg}} {{listing | name=Luxembourg | alt= | url= | email=toronto@consul-hon.lu | address=1318 Cleaver Drive, [[Oakville (Ontario)|Oakville]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Malaysia}} {{listing | name=Malaysia | alt= | url= | email=henrylblee@rogers.com | address=200 Consumers Road, Suite 808 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-618-0966 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Mali}} {{listing | name=Mali | alt= | url= | email=consulatemalitoronto@gmail.com | address=1 Cardiff Rd, Suite 901 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-489-4849 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-489-0379 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Malta}} {{listing | name=Malta | alt= | url= | email=maltaconsulate.toronto@gov.mt | address=3280 Bloor Street West, Suite 1060, (10th floor, Centre Tower) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 437-293-8720 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-207-0986 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Mexico}} {{listing | name=Mexico | alt= | url=https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/toronto/index.php/en/ | email=comunicacionestor@sre.gob.mx | address=11 King Street West, Suite 350 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-368-2875 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-368-8342 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Monaco}} {{listing | name=Monaco | alt= | url= | email=blette@lette.ca | address=467 Broadway Avenue | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-971-4898 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-971-4898 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Mongolia}} {{listing | name=Mongolia | alt= | url=https://cgmongolia.ca/ | email=wilferthcm@gmail.com | address=251 Consumers Road, Suite 1405, North York | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-409-9930 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Montenegro}} {{listing | name=Montenegro | alt= | url= | email=delliott@cambridgellp.com | address=333 Adelaide Street West, Suite 400 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-477-7007 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Morocco}} {{listing | name=Morocco | alt= | url= | email= | address=5001 Yonge Street, Suite 1515, North York | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-223-0900 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Nepal}} {{listing | name=Nepal | alt= | url= | email=info@kunjarsharma.com | address=120 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 707 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-975-0910 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-322-2928 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|the Netherlands}} {{listing | name=Netherlands | url=https://www.netherlandsandyou.nl/web/canada/about-us/consulate-general-toronto | email=tor-cdp@minbuza.nl | address=1 Dundas St W, Suite 2106, PO Box 2 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-598-2534 | tollfree=+1-877-DUTCHHELP | fax=+1 416-598-8064 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|New Zealand}} {{listing | name=New Zealand | alt= | url=https://www.mfat.govt.nz/ | email=pcrawley@globeandmail.com | address=351 King Street East, Suite 1600 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-585-5880 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Macedonia}} {{listing | name=North Macedonia | url= | email=toronto@mfa.gov.mk | address=90 Eglinton Ave. East, Suite 210 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-322-2196 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-322-2412 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Norway}} {{listing | name=Norway | alt= | url=http://www.norway.no/en/canada | email=NorwegianConsulateGeneral.TO@gmail.com | address=2 Bloor Street West, Suite 2109 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 437-225-2233 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-920-0536 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Pakistan}} {{listing | name=Pakistan | alt= | url=http://www.pakmission.ca/ | email=pakconsulate@pakmission.ca | address=7880 Keele Street, Unit 14, [[Vaughan]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 905-532-0042 | tollfree= | fax=+1 905-532-9531 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Panama}} {{listing | name=Panama | alt= | url=http://www.consulatepanama.com/ | email=info@consulatepanama.com | address=4789 Yonge Street, Suite 412 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-651-2350 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Peru}} {{listing | name=Peru | alt= | url= | email=info@conperutoronto.com | address=67 Young Street, Suite 900 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-963-9696 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Philippines}} {{listing | name=Philippines | alt= | url= | email=consularmatters@philcongen-toronto.com | address=160 Eglinton Avenue East, 7th floor | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-922-7181 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-922-2638 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Poland}} {{listing | name=Poland | alt= | url=http://www.gov.pl/canada-en | email=toronto.info@msz.gov.pl | address=2603 Lake Shore Blvd West | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-252-5471 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-252-0509 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Portugal}} {{listing | name=Portugal | alt= | url= | email=consulado.toronto@mne.pt | address=438 University Avenue, Suite 1400, PO Box 41 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-217-0966 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-217-0973 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Romania}} {{listing | name=Romania | url=http://toronto.mae.ro/ | email=toronto@mae.ro | address=789 Don Mills Rd Unit 501 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416 585 2444 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416 585 9192 | hours= | price= | content=General consulate }} * {{flag|Russia}} {{listing | name=Russia | url=http://www.toronto.mid.ru | email=visaruscons@bellnet.ca | address=175 Bloor Street East, South Tower, Suite 801 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-962-9911 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-962-6611 | hours=M-F 9:30AM to 12:30PM| price= | content= }} * {{flag|Saint Kitts and Nevis}} {{listing | name=Saint Kitts and Nevis | alt= | url= | email=info@cgstkittsnevis.ca | address=133 Richmond Street West, Suite 311 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-368-7319 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-368-3934 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Saint Lucia}} {{listing | name=Saint Lucia | alt= | url=http://www.stluciaconsulate.ca/ | email=info@stluciaconsulate.ca | address=60 St. Clair Avenue, Suite 909 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-203-8400 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-203-8486 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Saint Vincent and the Grenadines}} {{listing | name=Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | alt= | url= | email=consulategeneral@rogers.com | address=55 Town Centre Court, Unit 624 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-398-4003 | tollfree= | fax=+1 647-438-5312 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= Alternative phone number: {{phone|+1 416-398-4277}} }} * {{flag|San Marino}} {{listing | name=San Marino | alt= | url= | email=paul.scargall@sokllp.com | address=17 Leader Lane | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-869-3417 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-869-2201 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Serbia}} {{listing | name=Serbia | alt= | url=http://toronto.mfa.gov.rs/ | email=gkrstoronto@rogers.com | address=40 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 701 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-483-1080 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-483-1847 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Seychelles}} {{listing | name=Seychelles | alt= | url= | email= | address=18 Doon Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Singapore}} {{listing | name=Singapore | alt= | url= | email=cchua@mccarthy.ca | address=66 Wellington Street West, Suite 5300 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-601-7979 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-868-0673 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Slovakia}} {{listing | name=Slovakia | alt= | url= | email=slovakconsulateto@gmail.com | address=649 Brooker Ridge, [[Newmarket (Ontario)|Newmarket]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 647-290-9304 | tollfree= | fax=+1 905-898-0166 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Slovenia}} {{listing | name=Slovenia | alt= | url= | email=jdoma@sloveniacg.com | address=5096 South Service Road, Suite 102, [[Burlington (Ontario)|Burlington]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-201-8307 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|South Africa}} {{listing | name=South Africa | url=http://www.southafrica-canada.ca/ | email= | address=110 Sheppard Ave E, Suite 600, North York | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-944-8825 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-944-0925 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Spain}} {{listing | name=Spain | alt= | url=https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/toronto/en/Consulado/Paginas/index.aspx | email=cog.toronto@maec.es | address=2 Bloor Street East, Suite 1201 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-977-1661 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-593-4949 | hours=M to F 9AM-1PM | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Sri Lanka}} {{listing | name=Sri Lanka | alt= | url=https://www.torontoslcg.org/ | email=srilanka@bellnet.ca | address=1 Eglinton Avenue East, Unit 501 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-323-9133 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-323-3205 | hours=M to F 9AM-1:30PM and 2:15PM to 3:30PM | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Sweden}} {{listing | name=Sweden | alt= | url= | email=lars.henriksson@swedishconsulates.ca | address=2 Bloor Street West, Unit 2109 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-963-8768 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Switzerland}} {{listing | name=Switzerland | alt= | url= | email=toronto@honrep.ch | address=40 University Avenue, Suite 904 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 647-351-7811 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content=Honourary Consul. }} * {{flag|Tanzania}} {{listing | name=Tanzania | alt= | url= | email=tanzaniahonoraryc@gmail.com | address=5830 Campus Road, Suite 100 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-887-2121 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content=Honourary Consulate. }} * {{flag|Thailand}} {{listing | name=Thailand | alt= | url= | email=info@thaiconsulatetoronto.com | address=17 Isabella Street, Suite 100 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-850-0110 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-850-1431 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content=Honourary Consul General }} * {{flag|Trinidad and Tobago}} {{listing | name=Trinidad and Tobago | alt= | url=https://foreign.gov.tt/missions-consuls/tt-missions-abroad/diplomatic-missions/consulate-general-toronto-canada/ | email=congentoronto@foreign.gov.tt | address=185 Sheppard Avenue West | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-495-9443 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-495-6934 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Turkey}} {{listing | name=Turkey | alt= | url=https://toronto-bk.mfa.gov.tr/Mission | email=consulate.toronto@mfa.gov.tr | address=10 Lower Spadina Avenue, Suite 300 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 647-777-4106 | tollfree= |fax=+1 647-258-2725 | hours=M to F 9AM-5PM | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{flag|Uganda}} {{listing | name=Uganda | alt= | url= | email= | address=41 Lesmill Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content=Honorary Consul. }} * {{flag|Ukraine}} {{Listing |name=Ukraine |url=https://toronto.mfa.gov.ua/en |email=gc_cat@mfa.gov.ua |address=2275 Lake Shore Boulevard West, Unit 301 |lat= |long= |directions= |phone=+1 437-518-0708 |tollfree= |fax=+1 416-763-2051 |hours= |price= |content= }} * {{flag|United Kingdom}} {{listing | name=United Kingdom | url=http://ukincanada.fco.gov.uk/en/about-us/other-locations/consulate-general-toronto | email=britcon.toronto@fco.gov.uk | address=777 Bay St, Suite 2800 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-593-1290 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-593-1229 | hours=M and Tu 9:30AM to 1:30PM; W 2PM to 5:30PM; Th and F 9:30AM to 1:30PM | price= | content= }} * {{flag|United States}} {{listing | name=United States | url=https://ca.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/toronto/ | email= | address=360 University Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-595-1700 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-595-1090 | hours=9AM-1PM | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Uruguay}} {{listing | name=Uruguay | alt= | url= | email=cgtoronto@mrree.gub.uy | address=300 Sheppard Avenue West, Suite 302 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-730-1289 | tollfree= |fax=+1 416-730-0192 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content= }} * {{Flag|Uzbekistan}} {{listing | name=Uzbekistan | alt= | url= | email=joedanielparl@gmail.com | address=69 Godstone Road, Unit 114 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 647-823-3951 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content=Honourary Consul. }} |} ==Go next== Toronto is a great starting point for exploring southern [[Ontario]]. There are many golden '''sand beaches''' along the clean fresh waters of the [[Great Lakes]] that are ideal for hot summer days. Popular beach destinations within 1½-2½ hours of Toronto include Wasaga, [[Sauble Beach]], Sandbanks, Grand Bend, Long Point, and Turkey Point. ===Golden Horseshoe=== * '''[[Niagara Peninsula|Niagara Region]]''' — A lush region known primarily for its orchards and vineyards as well as the thundering waterfalls at [[Niagara Falls (Ontario)|Niagara Falls]] and the beautiful town of [[Niagara-on-the-Lake]]. On the American side of the Falls are several outlet malls. 1-1½ hours south along the QEW; a few tour buses make the same-day return trip. It is one of the principal [[Wine Regions of Ontario]], and several companies do wine-tasting tours by bus from Toronto, starting at $125 (tax included), such as [https://www.niagaraairbus.com/Niagara-Winery-Tours/ Niagara Airbus]. *'''[[Unionville (Ontario)|Main Street Unionville]]''', in the suburban city of '''[[Markham]]''' north of Toronto, is a historic village developed in the 1840s. As typical of a small village, it has many quaint period buildings in an idyllic surrounding. *'''[[Region of Waterloo (Ontario)|Waterloo Region]]''' — This area 1-1½ hours west of Toronto has large university campuses, rolling farm hills and Mennonite culture. *'''The Niagara Escarpment''' — A world biosphere, protected by UN mandate running from the Niagara Falls west to [[Hamilton (Ontario)|Hamilton]] then northward to Georgian Bay. It is covered by forest with high cliff views along the Bruce Trail bordering the western edge of the Greater Toronto Area, at its closest point it is about a ½-hour drive from the western end of Toronto. *'''[[Newmarket (Ontario)|Newmarket]]''' has its attractive Main Street Heritage Conservation District and many heritage buildings within a walkable area. *'''[[Canada's Wonderland]]''' is a popular, seasonal theme park operated by Cedar Fair in [[Vaughan]]. It is a 20-minute drive away without traffic, and there are buses from downtown in the summer. ===Ontario=== *'''[[Muskoka]]''', '''[[Georgian Triangle]]''' and '''[[Kawarthas|The Kawarthas]]''' — All 1½–2 hours north are cottage country areas with more rocky and hilly terrain speckled with hundreds of lakes and waterways. Muskoka and the Kawarthas are known for their country inns, cottages, spas/resorts, provincial parks, and a wealth of outdoor activities including camping, fishing/hunting, snowmobiling, nature viewing, and hiking set among natural beauty. The Georgian Bay area is where the hilly terrain and cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment meet its shores, the area has renowned ski facilities frequently blasted with high snowfall amounts but beaches [[Wasaga Beach]], wineries and golfing are the choices in summer. * '''[[Stratford (Ontario)|Stratford]]''' — This cute town 2 hours west of Toronto is host to the world-renowned Stratford Shakespeare Festival (April–November). * '''[[Thousand Islands]]''' and '''[[Kingston (Ontario)|Kingston]]''' — This scenic area and its nearby historic city are 3 hours east, on the way to Ottawa * '''[[Ottawa]]''' — The Canadian capital is about a 4½-hour drive from Toronto. * '''[[Windsor (Ontario)|Windsor]]''', '''[[London (Ontario)|London]]''', and '''[[Sarnia]]''' are at the southwestern corner of Ontario, and the southernmost point of Canada. It is a 3-hour drive. ===United States=== * '''[[Buffalo]]''' — Gorgeous early 20th-century architecture including some Frank Lloyd Wright work and excellent museums are a 1½-hour drive from Toronto. * Across the Detroit River from Windsor is '''[[Detroit]]''', offering Motown music, automobile museums, historic buildings, museums, and theatres. It is 4 hours away. * The city that never sleeps, '''[[New York City]]''', is only 8-10 hours away without traffic, via I-90 and I-87. You can also take Amtrak or a 2-hour flight there. * Also an 8- to 9-hour drive away, '''[[Chicago]]''' is home to blues music, Millennium Park, windy weather, and deep-dish pizza. *If you are into history and want to see the capital of the United States, '''[[Washington, D.C.]]''', you have to drive 8-10 hours. ===Elsewhere in Canada=== *'''[[Montreal]]''' is a 6- to 7-hour drive to the east, or a 4½-hour train ride. Bilingual Montreal is home to French-Canadian culture, nice architecture, and the '''[[Laurentians]]''' are not far away. * You can hop onto a VIA rail train to many parts of Canada, including '''[[Winnipeg]]''', '''[[Edmonton]]''', and '''[[Vancouver]]'''. {{routebox | image1=VIA Rail Canadian icon.png | imagesize1=100 | link1=The Canadian | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Winnipeg]] | minorl1=[[Washago]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=END | minorr1= | image2=VIA Rail Sarnia Toronto icon.png | imagesize2=100 | link2=Windsor-Quebec corridor | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Kitchener]] | minorl2=[[Mississauga]] | directionr2=E | majorr2=END | minorr2= | image3=VIA Rail Toronto Montreal icon.png | imagesize3=100 | image3a=VIA Rail Toronto Ottawa icon.png | imagesize3a=100 | link3=Windsor-Quebec corridor | directionl3=W | majorl3=END | minorl3= | directionr3=E | majorr3=[[Montreal]] / [[Ottawa]] | minorr3=[[Oshawa]] | image4=VIA Rail Windsor Toronto icon.png | imagesize4=100 | link4=Windsor-Quebec corridor | directionl4=W | majorl4=[[London (Ontario)|London]] | minorl4=[[Oakville (Ontario)|Oakville]] | directionr4=E | majorr4=END | minorr4= | image5=Amtrak Maple Leaf icon.png | link5=Maple Leaf | imagesize5=100 | directionl5=W | majorl5=END | minorl5= | directionr5=E | majorr5=[[Niagara Falls (Ontario)|Niagara Falls]] | minorr5=[[Oakville (Ontario)|Oakville]] | image6=Ontario 400.svg | imagesize6=20 | directionl6=&thinsp;N | majorl6=[[Barrie]] | minorl6=[[Vaughan]] | directionr6=S | majorr6=Ends at [[File:Ontario 401.svg|16px]] | minorr6= | image7=Ontario 401.svg | imagesize7=20 | directionl7=W | majorl7=[[London (Ontario)|London]] | minorl7=[[Mississauga]] | directionr7=E | majorr7=[[Kingston (Ontario)|Kingston]] | minorr7=[[Pickering (Ontario)|Pickering]] | image8=Ontario 404.svg | imagesize8=20 | directionl8=&thinsp;N | majorl8=[[Newmarket (Ontario)|Newmarket]] | minorl8=[[Markham]] | directionr8=S | majorr8=Ends at [[File:Ontario 401.svg|16px]] | minorr8= | image9=Ontario 427.svg | imagesize9=20 | directionl9=&thinsp;N | majorl9=[[Vaughan]] | minorl9=[[Mississauga]] | directionr9=S | majorr9=Ends at [[File:Ontario QEW.svg|16px]] | minorr9= | image10=Ontario QEW.svg | imagesize10=20 | directionl10=W | majorl10=[[Hamilton (Ontario)|Hamilton]] | minorl10=[[Mississauga]] | directionr10=E | majorr10=Ends at [[File:Ontario 427.svg|16px]] | minorr10= }} {{geo|43.7|-79.4167|zoom=11}} {{isPartOf|Greater Toronto Area}} {{usablecity}} 5dx2jq61j0ilizy247s23se0lammv4l 0 36568 5086668 5086291 2025-07-02T15:49:21Z Kned Wiki 2327203 Adapting the intro paragraph/s to better show the depth of the region's offering 5086668 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg|pgname=Trapani}} [[Image:Province of Trapani map-bjs.png|thumb|250px|Province of Trapani]] '''Trapani''' is the westernmost part of [[Sicily]], a region of rugged coastlines, mountain ranges, and clear Mediterranean waters. The province includes the [[Aegadian Islands]], the medieval hilltop town of [[Erice]], and ancient sites like [[Segesta]] and [[Selinunte]]. Its beaches, considered among the best in Italy, draw visitors for sun, sea, and laid-back charm. Nature lovers can explore the dramatic coves of [[Zingaro Nature Reserve|Zingaro]] and [[Monte Cofano Nature Reserve|Monte Cofano]], sail from the port of [[Trapani]], or visit the shimmering [[Stagnone Lagoon and Islands Nature Reserve|Stagnone Lagoon]] and centuries-old [[Salt Pans of Trapani and Paceco|salt pans]] — both rich in birdlife and scenic beauty. Trapani also offers cultural depth and innovation. [[Marsala]] is famous for its fortified wines and serves as a gateway to the surrounding [[Trapani Wine Region|wine region]]. Further inland, the rebuilt town of [[Gibellina]] has become a surreal open-air museum of contemporary art. ==Cities== {{mapframe|width=520|37.8631|12.6549|zoom=9}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Trapani]]|lat=38.016667|long=12.516667|wikidata=Q13664}} — attractive city and gateway to Pantelleria and the Egadi islands *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Alcamo]]|lat=37.977778|long=12.963889|wikidata=Q481544}} — a provincial town known for its wine production *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Calatafimi Segesta]]|lat=37.9|long=12.85|wikidata=Q481594}} — home to the Castle of Eufemio, is characterised by its lanes and small streets of Arab derivation *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Castellammare del Golfo]]|lat=38.03075|long=12.881889|wikidata=Q481642}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Erice]]|lat=38.036944|long=12.586389|wikidata=Q192917}} — stunning medieval hilltop town with impressive Elymian–Punic walls, the medieval Castle of Venus built over an ancient temple to Aphrodite, and narrow lanes preserving centuries of history. Offers sweeping views over the west-coast and [[Salt Pans of Trapani and Paceco|salt pans]] *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Gibellina]]|lat=37.8125|long=12.8931|wikidata=Q481720}} — rebuilt after the 1968 earthquake, it's now an open-air museum of avant-garde art and architecture, with bold urban design and the striking Cretto di Burri memorial nearby *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Marausa]]|lat=38.016667|long=12.516667|wikidata=Q14224116}} — town and beach just south of Trapani *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Marsala]]|lat=37.8|long=12.433333|wikidata=Q481514}} — interesting museum, home of the famous wine *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Mazara del Vallo]]|lat=37.65|long=12.583333|wikidata=Q481730}} — Arab influences including a couscous festival *{{marker|type=city|name=[[San Vito lo Capo]]|lat=38.166667|long=12.75|wikidata=Q481890}} — beautiful beach surrounded by mountains *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Scopello]]|lat=38.076|long=12.815|wikidata=Q3476021}} — a maritime village near the Nature Reserve dello Zingaro ==Other destinations== *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Aegadian Islands|Aegadian (Egadi) Islands]]|lat=37.966667|long=12.2|wikidata=Q109576}} — relaxing islands off the west coast *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Monte Cofano Nature Reserve]]|wikidata=Q738956}} — a quiet coastal park offering hiking paths, caves, and dramatic limestone cliffs near Custonaci *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Mozia]]|lat=7.868333|long=12.468611|wikidata=Q962184}} — ancient Punic city built on the island of Mozia overlooking Marsala. It contains a small but fascinating museum and is accessible by boat through the Stagnone Lagoon *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Pantelleria]]|lat=36.833333|long=11.95|wikidata=Q481758}} — Arab-influenced solitude between Sicily and Tunisia *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Salt Pans of Trapani and Paceco]]|wikidata=Q490208}} — WWF-managed coastal reserve south of [[Trapani]], known for its centuries-old salt-harvesting tradition, restored windmills, flamingos, and the Salt Museum. Scenic at sunset and accessible by bike or guided tour *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Segesta]]|lat=37.941389|long=12.832222|wikidata=Q692847}} — an outstanding Doric temple and ancient Greek theatre set in a rural valley; one of Sicily's most atmospheric ruins *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Selinunte]]|lat=37.583611|long=12.824722|wikidata=Q952173}} — a group of impressive Greek temples and ruins of Greek city; one of Europe's largest archaeological parks, featuring acropolis walls and seafront views *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Stagnone Lagoon and Islands Nature Reserve]]|wikidata=Q3936896}} — a shimmering shallow lagoon near [[Marsala]] with crystal-clear water, saltpans, and migratory birds. Popular for wind- and kitesurfing, it also includes the archaeological island of [[Mozia]] and iconic red-roofed windmills *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Zingaro Nature Reserve]]|wikidata=Q3936896}} — Sicily’s first protected natural area, featuring rugged coastal trails, secluded coves, and Mediterranean flora between [[Scopello]] and [[San Vito lo Capo|San Vito lo Cap]] ==Understand== Trapani encompasses the western tip of Sicily. It is surrounded by the sea on three sides, with higher mountains only in the northeast. Trapani includes the offshore Aegadian Islands and the island of Pantelleria. The area was occupied successively by the Carthaginians, Greeks and latterly by the Romans. The port of Trapani, first known as Drepana, then Drepanon, was inhabited by the Sicani and the Elymi becoming a prosperous Phoenician trading centre by the 8th century BC. It was taken by the Carthaginians in 260 BC and by the Romans in 240 BC, becoming a ''civitas romana'' until 440 AD when it was sacked by the Vandals, then by the Byzantines and ultimately by the Muslims in 830. In the 16th century, it received privileges under Emperor Charles V of Spain, who also strengthened the town walls. ===Climate=== Sicily has an arid Mediterranean climate. In midsummer, temperatures become almost unbearable for some Central Europeans. Early summer and autumn are ideal months for travel, although occasional thunderstorms must be expected. In winter, daytime temperatures around 10°C are often pleasant even for walks. The last snowfall years ago is still a bad memory for most Sicilians. ==Get in== ===By plane === Trapani-Birgi Airport (IATA: TPS) receives flights from a number of airlines, including international flights by Ryanair. ===By car=== The northern part of the province can be reached from Palermo on the toll-free A29 Palermo - Trapani motorway; from the junction west of Alcamo, the access road to Trapani is called A29dir. The southern part of the province, including Mazara del Vallo, can also be reached from Palermo via the A29 motorway, but at Alcamo, you stay on the motorway heading south, which ends just before Mazara del Vallo. To reach Marsala from Palermo, you can take the route via Trapani or Mazara del Vallo (a little further away). A large stretch of country road remains in use in both cases. From Messina (ferry port) or Catania the easiest way is via Palermo, from Syracuse and the towns in the south (Gela, Agrigento) you can use the southern coastal road SS115, which runs along the entire south coast of Sicily from Syracuse to Trapani. ===By bus=== Bus connections are provided by numerous companies, with buses operated by Autoservici Segesta or AST (Azienda Siciliana Trasporti) providing regular connections between Palermo and all major cities in the region. === By train=== Palermo - Trapani and Trapani - Marsala lines of the Ferrovie dello Stato ===By boat === Ferry connections from Civitavecchia and Tunis (Grimaldi Lines) arrive at the Trapani ferry port. There are also ferry connections to Pantelleria and the Aegadian Islands. ==Get around== There is a railway connection between Trapani and Marsala, but otherwise the best way to get around is by road, either by car or motorbike or by using the well-developed public bus service. ==See== ===Nature reserves=== * '''Bosco d'Alcamo (Alcamo Forest)''' – A pine-covered nature park with picnic areas, panoramic views, and access to trails on Monte Bonifato above [[Alcamo]]. ==Do== Excursions are availble to the nature reserves around the Monte Cofano and from Zingaro Crossing to the island of Mozia; excursions also go to the Aegadian Islands. The [[Trapani Wine Region]] features vineyards and historic cellars producing Marsala, Zibibbo, Grillo, and Nero d’Avola wines. Many estates near Marsala, Erice, and Alcamo offer guided tastings, food pairings, and visits to aging cellars. Booking recommended. ==Eat== In the west of the island, more fish dishes are served, and due to the short distance to the fishing ports, the fish can often be enjoyed freshly caught. Trapani and its territory are affected in their gastronomy, more than other areas of Sicily, by the greater number of foreign influences and in particular by the Arab domination. But it assumes a fundamental difference in the massive use of fish instead of meat. === Typical dishes === * '''Cuscus alla trapanese''': Handmade semolina couscous steamed in a traditional terracotta pot (''mafaradda''), typically served with a rich fish broth instead of the meat-based seasonings common in North Africa. * '''Pasta cull'agghia''': A local variation of pesto made with basil, garlic, olive oil, and raw almonds, tomatoes, and pecorino cheese—known as ''pesto alla trapanese''. * '''Traditional sweets''': In addition to Sicilian cassata and cannoli, look for regional specialties such as cassatelle (ricotta-filled pastries from Dattilo and Napola), cosi duci (almond-based sweets from Castellammare del Golfo and the Erice hills), bocconcini di Erice (marzipan with citron liqueur filling), and cassata ericina. === Traditional ingredients === [[File:Busiate trapanese.jpg|thumb|400px|Busiate pasta served with pesto alla trapanese]] The Trapani area has a distinctive pasta culture shaped by local techniques and Mediterranean ingredients: * '''Busiati''' (or ''busiato''): The signature pasta of western Sicily, hand-rolled around a thin rod (''busu'') to form spiral shapes. Often served with ''pesto alla trapanese''. * '''Gnoccoli''': Similar to busiati, but with the ends pinched to create a tapered, elongated form. Commonly served with tuna ragù. * '''Cuscus''': Couscous is traditionally made by hand (''incucciata''), rolling semolina between the palms to form grains the size of peppercorns. Steamed in a ''mafaradda'' and typically served with saffron-scented fish soup. * '''Bottarga''': Salted and dried tuna (or mullet) roe, traditionally grated or shaved over pasta, crostini, or salads. In Trapani and surrounding coastal towns (like Favignana and San Vito Lo Capo), bottarga is often made from bluefin tuna, a nod to the region’s historic ''tonnare'' (tuna traps) and fishing traditions. ==== Cheeses ==== The Trapani hinterland is home to several unique cheeses, many of which are recognised as traditional agri-food products (P.A.T.) or have protected designation status (DOP): * '''Vastedda della Valle del Belìce (DOP)''': The only sheep’s milk stretched-curd cheese in Italy, with a soft, tangy flavour. Produced in nine municipalities of Trapani province. * '''Ericino (P.A.T.)''': A mixed-milk cheese (sheep and cow) from the Erice region, aged and often eaten with bread or in rustic dishes. * '''Caciotta degli Elimi (P.A.T.)''': A semi-cooked sheep’s-milk cheese from the Calatafimi area, named after the ancient Elymian people. * '''Cofanetto (P.A.T.)''': A traditional sheep cheese from the slopes of Monte Cofano. * '''Piddiato (P.A.T.)''': A stretched-curd cheese, born from repurposing Pecorino curds. * '''Pecorino Siciliano (DOP)''': Widely produced in Trapani and throughout Sicily; salty, aged, and robust in flavour. See also: '''[[Trapani Wine Region]]''' for more on wine and olive oil estates open to visitors. ==Drink== Trapani is Sicily’s largest wine-producing province, home to DOC zones including Marsala, Erice, and Alcamo. Local wines range from dry whites to full-bodied reds and dessert wines like Marsala and Passito di Pantelleria. See '''[[Trapani Wine Region]]''' for winery visits and tasting tours. ==Stay safe== Even though Trapani has made headlines as a mafia stronghold, tourists aren't effected. Mafia activities primarily involved diverting funds from road construction and infrastructure projects. Petty crime is at a normal level, so the usual security measures are sufficient. Valuables should not be left openly in cars, and men should not carry their thick wallets in their pockets in the crowds at the market. ==Go next== *[[Agrigento (province)|Agrigento province]] – next province on the south coast, featuring ancient Greek temples and ruins *[[Palermo (province)|Palermo province]] – next province on the north coast, including the [[Palermo|city of Palermo]] with its monumental art and culture {{IsPartOf|Sicily}} {{outlineregion}} {{geo|37.9|12.7|zoom=10}} r09qxm3ue922qreei746bq30fuwhf82 5086674 5086668 2025-07-02T16:15:58Z Kned Wiki 2327203 Fixing the wikidata marker for Zingaro ... it was duplicated with Stagnone 5086674 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg|pgname=Trapani}} [[Image:Province of Trapani map-bjs.png|thumb|250px|Province of Trapani]] '''Trapani''' is the westernmost part of [[Sicily]], a region of rugged coastlines, mountain ranges, and clear Mediterranean waters. The province includes the [[Aegadian Islands]], the medieval hilltop town of [[Erice]], and ancient sites like [[Segesta]] and [[Selinunte]]. Its beaches, considered among the best in Italy, draw visitors for sun, sea, and laid-back charm. Nature lovers can explore the dramatic coves of [[Zingaro Nature Reserve|Zingaro]] and [[Monte Cofano Nature Reserve|Monte Cofano]], sail from the port of [[Trapani]], or visit the shimmering [[Stagnone Lagoon and Islands Nature Reserve|Stagnone Lagoon]] and centuries-old [[Salt Pans of Trapani and Paceco|salt pans]] — both rich in birdlife and scenic beauty. Trapani also offers cultural depth and innovation. [[Marsala]] is famous for its fortified wines and serves as a gateway to the surrounding [[Trapani Wine Region|wine region]]. Further inland, the rebuilt town of [[Gibellina]] has become a surreal open-air museum of contemporary art. ==Cities== {{mapframe|width=520|37.8631|12.6549|zoom=9}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Trapani]]|lat=38.016667|long=12.516667|wikidata=Q13664}} — attractive city and gateway to Pantelleria and the Egadi islands *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Alcamo]]|lat=37.977778|long=12.963889|wikidata=Q481544}} — a provincial town known for its wine production *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Calatafimi Segesta]]|lat=37.9|long=12.85|wikidata=Q481594}} — home to the Castle of Eufemio, is characterised by its lanes and small streets of Arab derivation *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Castellammare del Golfo]]|lat=38.03075|long=12.881889|wikidata=Q481642}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Erice]]|lat=38.036944|long=12.586389|wikidata=Q192917}} — stunning medieval hilltop town with impressive Elymian–Punic walls, the medieval Castle of Venus built over an ancient temple to Aphrodite, and narrow lanes preserving centuries of history. Offers sweeping views over the west-coast and [[Salt Pans of Trapani and Paceco|salt pans]] *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Gibellina]]|lat=37.8125|long=12.8931|wikidata=Q481720}} — rebuilt after the 1968 earthquake, it's now an open-air museum of avant-garde art and architecture, with bold urban design and the striking Cretto di Burri memorial nearby *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Marausa]]|lat=38.016667|long=12.516667|wikidata=Q14224116}} — town and beach just south of Trapani *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Marsala]]|lat=37.8|long=12.433333|wikidata=Q481514}} — interesting museum, home of the famous wine *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Mazara del Vallo]]|lat=37.65|long=12.583333|wikidata=Q481730}} — Arab influences including a couscous festival *{{marker|type=city|name=[[San Vito lo Capo]]|lat=38.166667|long=12.75|wikidata=Q481890}} — beautiful beach surrounded by mountains *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Scopello]]|lat=38.076|long=12.815|wikidata=Q3476021}} — a maritime village near the Nature Reserve dello Zingaro ==Other destinations== *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Aegadian Islands|Aegadian (Egadi) Islands]]|lat=37.966667|long=12.2|wikidata=Q109576}} — relaxing islands off the west coast *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Monte Cofano Nature Reserve]]|wikidata=Q738956}} — a quiet coastal park offering hiking paths, caves, and dramatic limestone cliffs near Custonaci *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Mozia]]|lat=7.868333|long=12.468611|wikidata=Q962184}} — ancient Punic city built on the island of Mozia overlooking Marsala. It contains a small but fascinating museum and is accessible by boat through the Stagnone Lagoon *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Pantelleria]]|lat=36.833333|long=11.95|wikidata=Q481758}} — Arab-influenced solitude between Sicily and Tunisia *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Salt Pans of Trapani and Paceco]]|wikidata=Q490208}} — WWF-managed coastal reserve south of [[Trapani]], known for its centuries-old salt-harvesting tradition, restored windmills, flamingos, and the Salt Museum. Scenic at sunset and accessible by bike or guided tour *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Segesta]]|lat=37.941389|long=12.832222|wikidata=Q692847}} — an outstanding Doric temple and ancient Greek theatre set in a rural valley; one of Sicily's most atmospheric ruins *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Selinunte]]|lat=37.583611|long=12.824722|wikidata=Q952173}} — a group of impressive Greek temples and ruins of Greek city; one of Europe's largest archaeological parks, featuring acropolis walls and seafront views *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Stagnone Lagoon and Islands Nature Reserve]]|wikidata=Q3936896}} — a shimmering shallow lagoon near [[Marsala]] with crystal-clear water, saltpans, and migratory birds. Popular for wind- and kitesurfing, it also includes the archaeological island of [[Mozia]] and iconic red-roofed windmills *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Zingaro Nature Reserve]]|wikidata=Q1435077}} — Sicily’s first protected natural area, featuring rugged coastal trails, secluded coves, and Mediterranean flora between [[Scopello]] and [[San Vito lo Capo|San Vito lo Cap]] ==Understand== Trapani encompasses the western tip of Sicily. It is surrounded by the sea on three sides, with higher mountains only in the northeast. Trapani includes the offshore Aegadian Islands and the island of Pantelleria. The area was occupied successively by the Carthaginians, Greeks and latterly by the Romans. The port of Trapani, first known as Drepana, then Drepanon, was inhabited by the Sicani and the Elymi becoming a prosperous Phoenician trading centre by the 8th century BC. It was taken by the Carthaginians in 260 BC and by the Romans in 240 BC, becoming a ''civitas romana'' until 440 AD when it was sacked by the Vandals, then by the Byzantines and ultimately by the Muslims in 830. In the 16th century, it received privileges under Emperor Charles V of Spain, who also strengthened the town walls. ===Climate=== Sicily has an arid Mediterranean climate. In midsummer, temperatures become almost unbearable for some Central Europeans. Early summer and autumn are ideal months for travel, although occasional thunderstorms must be expected. In winter, daytime temperatures around 10°C are often pleasant even for walks. The last snowfall years ago is still a bad memory for most Sicilians. ==Get in== ===By plane === Trapani-Birgi Airport (IATA: TPS) receives flights from a number of airlines, including international flights by Ryanair. ===By car=== The northern part of the province can be reached from Palermo on the toll-free A29 Palermo - Trapani motorway; from the junction west of Alcamo, the access road to Trapani is called A29dir. The southern part of the province, including Mazara del Vallo, can also be reached from Palermo via the A29 motorway, but at Alcamo, you stay on the motorway heading south, which ends just before Mazara del Vallo. To reach Marsala from Palermo, you can take the route via Trapani or Mazara del Vallo (a little further away). A large stretch of country road remains in use in both cases. From Messina (ferry port) or Catania the easiest way is via Palermo, from Syracuse and the towns in the south (Gela, Agrigento) you can use the southern coastal road SS115, which runs along the entire south coast of Sicily from Syracuse to Trapani. ===By bus=== Bus connections are provided by numerous companies, with buses operated by Autoservici Segesta or AST (Azienda Siciliana Trasporti) providing regular connections between Palermo and all major cities in the region. === By train=== Palermo - Trapani and Trapani - Marsala lines of the Ferrovie dello Stato ===By boat === Ferry connections from Civitavecchia and Tunis (Grimaldi Lines) arrive at the Trapani ferry port. There are also ferry connections to Pantelleria and the Aegadian Islands. ==Get around== There is a railway connection between Trapani and Marsala, but otherwise the best way to get around is by road, either by car or motorbike or by using the well-developed public bus service. ==See== ===Nature reserves=== * '''Bosco d'Alcamo (Alcamo Forest)''' – A pine-covered nature park with picnic areas, panoramic views, and access to trails on Monte Bonifato above [[Alcamo]]. ==Do== Excursions are availble to the nature reserves around the Monte Cofano and from Zingaro Crossing to the island of Mozia; excursions also go to the Aegadian Islands. The [[Trapani Wine Region]] features vineyards and historic cellars producing Marsala, Zibibbo, Grillo, and Nero d’Avola wines. Many estates near Marsala, Erice, and Alcamo offer guided tastings, food pairings, and visits to aging cellars. Booking recommended. ==Eat== In the west of the island, more fish dishes are served, and due to the short distance to the fishing ports, the fish can often be enjoyed freshly caught. Trapani and its territory are affected in their gastronomy, more than other areas of Sicily, by the greater number of foreign influences and in particular by the Arab domination. But it assumes a fundamental difference in the massive use of fish instead of meat. === Typical dishes === * '''Cuscus alla trapanese''': Handmade semolina couscous steamed in a traditional terracotta pot (''mafaradda''), typically served with a rich fish broth instead of the meat-based seasonings common in North Africa. * '''Pasta cull'agghia''': A local variation of pesto made with basil, garlic, olive oil, and raw almonds, tomatoes, and pecorino cheese—known as ''pesto alla trapanese''. * '''Traditional sweets''': In addition to Sicilian cassata and cannoli, look for regional specialties such as cassatelle (ricotta-filled pastries from Dattilo and Napola), cosi duci (almond-based sweets from Castellammare del Golfo and the Erice hills), bocconcini di Erice (marzipan with citron liqueur filling), and cassata ericina. === Traditional ingredients === [[File:Busiate trapanese.jpg|thumb|400px|Busiate pasta served with pesto alla trapanese]] The Trapani area has a distinctive pasta culture shaped by local techniques and Mediterranean ingredients: * '''Busiati''' (or ''busiato''): The signature pasta of western Sicily, hand-rolled around a thin rod (''busu'') to form spiral shapes. Often served with ''pesto alla trapanese''. * '''Gnoccoli''': Similar to busiati, but with the ends pinched to create a tapered, elongated form. Commonly served with tuna ragù. * '''Cuscus''': Couscous is traditionally made by hand (''incucciata''), rolling semolina between the palms to form grains the size of peppercorns. Steamed in a ''mafaradda'' and typically served with saffron-scented fish soup. * '''Bottarga''': Salted and dried tuna (or mullet) roe, traditionally grated or shaved over pasta, crostini, or salads. In Trapani and surrounding coastal towns (like Favignana and San Vito Lo Capo), bottarga is often made from bluefin tuna, a nod to the region’s historic ''tonnare'' (tuna traps) and fishing traditions. ==== Cheeses ==== The Trapani hinterland is home to several unique cheeses, many of which are recognised as traditional agri-food products (P.A.T.) or have protected designation status (DOP): * '''Vastedda della Valle del Belìce (DOP)''': The only sheep’s milk stretched-curd cheese in Italy, with a soft, tangy flavour. Produced in nine municipalities of Trapani province. * '''Ericino (P.A.T.)''': A mixed-milk cheese (sheep and cow) from the Erice region, aged and often eaten with bread or in rustic dishes. * '''Caciotta degli Elimi (P.A.T.)''': A semi-cooked sheep’s-milk cheese from the Calatafimi area, named after the ancient Elymian people. * '''Cofanetto (P.A.T.)''': A traditional sheep cheese from the slopes of Monte Cofano. * '''Piddiato (P.A.T.)''': A stretched-curd cheese, born from repurposing Pecorino curds. * '''Pecorino Siciliano (DOP)''': Widely produced in Trapani and throughout Sicily; salty, aged, and robust in flavour. See also: '''[[Trapani Wine Region]]''' for more on wine and olive oil estates open to visitors. ==Drink== Trapani is Sicily’s largest wine-producing province, home to DOC zones including Marsala, Erice, and Alcamo. Local wines range from dry whites to full-bodied reds and dessert wines like Marsala and Passito di Pantelleria. See '''[[Trapani Wine Region]]''' for winery visits and tasting tours. ==Stay safe== Even though Trapani has made headlines as a mafia stronghold, tourists aren't effected. Mafia activities primarily involved diverting funds from road construction and infrastructure projects. Petty crime is at a normal level, so the usual security measures are sufficient. Valuables should not be left openly in cars, and men should not carry their thick wallets in their pockets in the crowds at the market. ==Go next== *[[Agrigento (province)|Agrigento province]] – next province on the south coast, featuring ancient Greek temples and ruins *[[Palermo (province)|Palermo province]] – next province on the north coast, including the [[Palermo|city of Palermo]] with its monumental art and culture {{IsPartOf|Sicily}} {{outlineregion}} {{geo|37.9|12.7|zoom=10}} ajfulamxmw4qsdhl6slusjrm0uker5y 5086700 5086674 2025-07-02T17:05:15Z Kned Wiki 2327203 Replacing the small map of Trapani province with a more evocative photo; the province position in Sicily is clear from the interactive map below. 5086700 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg|pgname=Trapani}} [[File:Gondolowa kolej linowa z Trapani do Erice, panorama prowincji Trapani , na lewo widoczne pola solne, Sicilia. Włochy, lipiec 2024.jpg|thumb|350px|Trapani and the Aegadian Islands from Erice cableway]] '''Trapani''' is the westernmost part of [[Sicily]], a region of rugged coastlines, mountain ranges, and clear Mediterranean waters. The province includes the [[Aegadian Islands]], the medieval hilltop town of [[Erice]], and ancient sites like [[Segesta]] and [[Selinunte]]. Its beaches, considered among the best in Italy, draw visitors for sun, sea, and laid-back charm. Nature lovers can explore the dramatic coves of [[Zingaro Nature Reserve|Zingaro]] and [[Monte Cofano Nature Reserve|Monte Cofano]], sail from the port of [[Trapani]], or visit the shimmering [[Stagnone Lagoon and Islands Nature Reserve|Stagnone Lagoon]] and centuries-old [[Salt Pans of Trapani and Paceco|salt pans]] — both rich in birdlife and scenic beauty. Trapani also offers cultural depth and innovation. [[Marsala]] is famous for its fortified wines and serves as a gateway to the surrounding [[Trapani Wine Region|wine region]]. Further inland, the rebuilt town of [[Gibellina]] has become a surreal open-air museum of contemporary art. ==Cities== {{mapframe|width=520|37.8631|12.6549|zoom=9}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Trapani]]|lat=38.016667|long=12.516667|wikidata=Q13664}} — attractive city and gateway to Pantelleria and the Egadi islands *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Alcamo]]|lat=37.977778|long=12.963889|wikidata=Q481544}} — a provincial town known for its wine production *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Calatafimi Segesta]]|lat=37.9|long=12.85|wikidata=Q481594}} — home to the Castle of Eufemio, is characterised by its lanes and small streets of Arab derivation *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Castellammare del Golfo]]|lat=38.03075|long=12.881889|wikidata=Q481642}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Erice]]|lat=38.036944|long=12.586389|wikidata=Q192917}} — stunning medieval hilltop town with impressive Elymian–Punic walls, the medieval Castle of Venus built over an ancient temple to Aphrodite, and narrow lanes preserving centuries of history. Offers sweeping views over the west-coast and [[Salt Pans of Trapani and Paceco|salt pans]] *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Gibellina]]|lat=37.8125|long=12.8931|wikidata=Q481720}} — rebuilt after the 1968 earthquake, it's now an open-air museum of avant-garde art and architecture, with bold urban design and the striking Cretto di Burri memorial nearby *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Marausa]]|lat=38.016667|long=12.516667|wikidata=Q14224116}} — town and beach just south of Trapani *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Marsala]]|lat=37.8|long=12.433333|wikidata=Q481514}} — interesting museum, home of the famous wine *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Mazara del Vallo]]|lat=37.65|long=12.583333|wikidata=Q481730}} — Arab influences including a couscous festival *{{marker|type=city|name=[[San Vito lo Capo]]|lat=38.166667|long=12.75|wikidata=Q481890}} — beautiful beach surrounded by mountains *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Scopello]]|lat=38.076|long=12.815|wikidata=Q3476021}} — a maritime village near the Nature Reserve dello Zingaro ==Other destinations== *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Aegadian Islands|Aegadian (Egadi) Islands]]|lat=37.966667|long=12.2|wikidata=Q109576}} — relaxing islands off the west coast *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Monte Cofano Nature Reserve]]|wikidata=Q738956}} — a quiet coastal park offering hiking paths, caves, and dramatic limestone cliffs near Custonaci *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Mozia]]|lat=7.868333|long=12.468611|wikidata=Q962184}} — ancient Punic city built on the island of Mozia overlooking Marsala. It contains a small but fascinating museum and is accessible by boat through the Stagnone Lagoon *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Pantelleria]]|lat=36.833333|long=11.95|wikidata=Q481758}} — Arab-influenced solitude between Sicily and Tunisia *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Salt Pans of Trapani and Paceco]]|wikidata=Q490208}} — WWF-managed coastal reserve south of [[Trapani]], known for its centuries-old salt-harvesting tradition, restored windmills, flamingos, and the Salt Museum. Scenic at sunset and accessible by bike or guided tour *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Segesta]]|lat=37.941389|long=12.832222|wikidata=Q692847}} — an outstanding Doric temple and ancient Greek theatre set in a rural valley; one of Sicily's most atmospheric ruins *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Selinunte]]|lat=37.583611|long=12.824722|wikidata=Q952173}} — a group of impressive Greek temples and ruins of Greek city; one of Europe's largest archaeological parks, featuring acropolis walls and seafront views *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Stagnone Lagoon and Islands Nature Reserve]]|wikidata=Q3936896}} — a shimmering shallow lagoon near [[Marsala]] with crystal-clear water, saltpans, and migratory birds. Popular for wind- and kitesurfing, it also includes the archaeological island of [[Mozia]] and iconic red-roofed windmills *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Zingaro Nature Reserve]]|wikidata=Q1435077}} — Sicily’s first protected natural area, featuring rugged coastal trails, secluded coves, and Mediterranean flora between [[Scopello]] and [[San Vito lo Capo|San Vito lo Cap]] ==Understand== Trapani encompasses the western tip of Sicily. It is surrounded by the sea on three sides, with higher mountains only in the northeast. Trapani includes the offshore Aegadian Islands and the island of Pantelleria. The area was occupied successively by the Carthaginians, Greeks and latterly by the Romans. The port of Trapani, first known as Drepana, then Drepanon, was inhabited by the Sicani and the Elymi becoming a prosperous Phoenician trading centre by the 8th century BC. It was taken by the Carthaginians in 260 BC and by the Romans in 240 BC, becoming a ''civitas romana'' until 440 AD when it was sacked by the Vandals, then by the Byzantines and ultimately by the Muslims in 830. In the 16th century, it received privileges under Emperor Charles V of Spain, who also strengthened the town walls. ===Climate=== Sicily has an arid Mediterranean climate. In midsummer, temperatures become almost unbearable for some Central Europeans. Early summer and autumn are ideal months for travel, although occasional thunderstorms must be expected. In winter, daytime temperatures around 10°C are often pleasant even for walks. The last snowfall years ago is still a bad memory for most Sicilians. ==Get in== ===By plane === Trapani-Birgi Airport (IATA: TPS) receives flights from a number of airlines, including international flights by Ryanair. ===By car=== The northern part of the province can be reached from Palermo on the toll-free A29 Palermo - Trapani motorway; from the junction west of Alcamo, the access road to Trapani is called A29dir. The southern part of the province, including Mazara del Vallo, can also be reached from Palermo via the A29 motorway, but at Alcamo, you stay on the motorway heading south, which ends just before Mazara del Vallo. To reach Marsala from Palermo, you can take the route via Trapani or Mazara del Vallo (a little further away). A large stretch of country road remains in use in both cases. From Messina (ferry port) or Catania the easiest way is via Palermo, from Syracuse and the towns in the south (Gela, Agrigento) you can use the southern coastal road SS115, which runs along the entire south coast of Sicily from Syracuse to Trapani. ===By bus=== Bus connections are provided by numerous companies, with buses operated by Autoservici Segesta or AST (Azienda Siciliana Trasporti) providing regular connections between Palermo and all major cities in the region. === By train=== Palermo - Trapani and Trapani - Marsala lines of the Ferrovie dello Stato ===By boat === Ferry connections from Civitavecchia and Tunis (Grimaldi Lines) arrive at the Trapani ferry port. There are also ferry connections to Pantelleria and the Aegadian Islands. ==Get around== There is a railway connection between Trapani and Marsala, but otherwise the best way to get around is by road, either by car or motorbike or by using the well-developed public bus service. ==See== ===Nature reserves=== * '''Bosco d'Alcamo (Alcamo Forest)''' – A pine-covered nature park with picnic areas, panoramic views, and access to trails on Monte Bonifato above [[Alcamo]]. ==Do== Excursions are availble to the nature reserves around the Monte Cofano and from Zingaro Crossing to the island of Mozia; excursions also go to the Aegadian Islands. The [[Trapani Wine Region]] features vineyards and historic cellars producing Marsala, Zibibbo, Grillo, and Nero d’Avola wines. Many estates near Marsala, Erice, and Alcamo offer guided tastings, food pairings, and visits to aging cellars. Booking recommended. ==Eat== In the west of the island, more fish dishes are served, and due to the short distance to the fishing ports, the fish can often be enjoyed freshly caught. Trapani and its territory are affected in their gastronomy, more than other areas of Sicily, by the greater number of foreign influences and in particular by the Arab domination. But it assumes a fundamental difference in the massive use of fish instead of meat. === Typical dishes === * '''Cuscus alla trapanese''': Handmade semolina couscous steamed in a traditional terracotta pot (''mafaradda''), typically served with a rich fish broth instead of the meat-based seasonings common in North Africa. * '''Pasta cull'agghia''': A local variation of pesto made with basil, garlic, olive oil, and raw almonds, tomatoes, and pecorino cheese—known as ''pesto alla trapanese''. * '''Traditional sweets''': In addition to Sicilian cassata and cannoli, look for regional specialties such as cassatelle (ricotta-filled pastries from Dattilo and Napola), cosi duci (almond-based sweets from Castellammare del Golfo and the Erice hills), bocconcini di Erice (marzipan with citron liqueur filling), and cassata ericina. === Traditional ingredients === [[File:Busiate trapanese.jpg|thumb|400px|Busiate pasta served with pesto alla trapanese]] The Trapani area has a distinctive pasta culture shaped by local techniques and Mediterranean ingredients: * '''Busiati''' (or ''busiato''): The signature pasta of western Sicily, hand-rolled around a thin rod (''busu'') to form spiral shapes. Often served with ''pesto alla trapanese''. * '''Gnoccoli''': Similar to busiati, but with the ends pinched to create a tapered, elongated form. Commonly served with tuna ragù. * '''Cuscus''': Couscous is traditionally made by hand (''incucciata''), rolling semolina between the palms to form grains the size of peppercorns. Steamed in a ''mafaradda'' and typically served with saffron-scented fish soup. * '''Bottarga''': Salted and dried tuna (or mullet) roe, traditionally grated or shaved over pasta, crostini, or salads. In Trapani and surrounding coastal towns (like Favignana and San Vito Lo Capo), bottarga is often made from bluefin tuna, a nod to the region’s historic ''tonnare'' (tuna traps) and fishing traditions. ==== Cheeses ==== The Trapani hinterland is home to several unique cheeses, many of which are recognised as traditional agri-food products (P.A.T.) or have protected designation status (DOP): * '''Vastedda della Valle del Belìce (DOP)''': The only sheep’s milk stretched-curd cheese in Italy, with a soft, tangy flavour. Produced in nine municipalities of Trapani province. * '''Ericino (P.A.T.)''': A mixed-milk cheese (sheep and cow) from the Erice region, aged and often eaten with bread or in rustic dishes. * '''Caciotta degli Elimi (P.A.T.)''': A semi-cooked sheep’s-milk cheese from the Calatafimi area, named after the ancient Elymian people. * '''Cofanetto (P.A.T.)''': A traditional sheep cheese from the slopes of Monte Cofano. * '''Piddiato (P.A.T.)''': A stretched-curd cheese, born from repurposing Pecorino curds. * '''Pecorino Siciliano (DOP)''': Widely produced in Trapani and throughout Sicily; salty, aged, and robust in flavour. See also: '''[[Trapani Wine Region]]''' for more on wine and olive oil estates open to visitors. ==Drink== Trapani is Sicily’s largest wine-producing province, home to DOC zones including Marsala, Erice, and Alcamo. Local wines range from dry whites to full-bodied reds and dessert wines like Marsala and Passito di Pantelleria. See '''[[Trapani Wine Region]]''' for winery visits and tasting tours. ==Stay safe== Even though Trapani has made headlines as a mafia stronghold, tourists aren't effected. Mafia activities primarily involved diverting funds from road construction and infrastructure projects. Petty crime is at a normal level, so the usual security measures are sufficient. Valuables should not be left openly in cars, and men should not carry their thick wallets in their pockets in the crowds at the market. ==Go next== *[[Agrigento (province)|Agrigento province]] – next province on the south coast, featuring ancient Greek temples and ruins *[[Palermo (province)|Palermo province]] – next province on the north coast, including the [[Palermo|city of Palermo]] with its monumental art and culture {{IsPartOf|Sicily}} {{outlineregion}} {{geo|37.9|12.7|zoom=10}} c30fvprgtzrewg465lrdcasfs4f5v0k 0 36957 5087012 5080344 2025-07-03T07:53:15Z 81.217.135.208 /* History */ Correct 5087012 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Turku Wikivoyage banner.jpg|caption=Turku seen from the tower of the cathedral|otbp=yes}} '''Turku''' ([[Swedish phrasebook|Swedish]]: ''Åbo'') is [[Finland|Finland's]] oldest city, and used to be the country's largest until the mid-19th century. Believed to have been founded in the early 13th century, it is the cradle of modern Finnish culture and has extensively influenced Finnish history. Turku's fantastic culinary scene has earned it the nickname "the [[Paris]] of Finland" and the city has been called "Finland's gateway to the West". Bisecting Turku city centre, the River Aura is the heart and soul of the city: this is where Turku was born, and a large part of city life – museums, sights, restaurants and cafés – is still concentrated on the riverside. The river banks form a national urban park allowing for a pleasant stroll from the Turku Cathedral to the Turku Castle. Close to the river mouth is the island of Ruissalo, with oak forests and 19th-century villas. Turku is at its best in summertime, when it hosts many festivals, including rock festivals, chamber music festivals and a medieval fair. But do not forget the winter atmosphere, if you are lucky you may be able to have a thrilling walk on the ice cover of River Aura. In addition to the cultural sights and museums, this city of 195,000 people (2021) attracts visitors due to the [[Archipelago Sea]], which stretches all the way from Turku to [[Åland]] and on to [[Stockholm]], forming the largest archipelago in the world by the number of islands and islets. ==Understand== [[File:Turun tuomiokirkko.jpg|thumb|Turku Cathedral, important as symbol and well visible as a landmark]] [[Finland Proper#Greater Turku|Greater Turku]] (as defined here) includes a few surrounding towns and some countryside. Of these '''Raisio''' in the north-west is included here, while [[Kaarina]] and [[Naantali]] have their own articles, as has the [[Turku countryside]] in the north, including (west to east) Masku, Rusko, Paattinen (part of Turku) and Lieto. === Name === The origin of the word "Turku" the old Old East Slavic word търгъ (''tŭrgŭ''), which means "marketplace". The [[Swedish]] name of the city is '''Åbo''', the origin of which is unclear. ===History=== {{seealso|Nordic history}} Turku is Finland’s oldest city and one of the oldest in the entire Nordic region. The city came into existence at Koroinen on the banks of river Aura, a few kilometres north from the current market square. It was a centre for trade in the 1150s, and in 1229, the bishopric was transferred there as well. The Aura River Valley had already been a prosperous and relatively densely populated area since the Iron Age. The year 1229 is, somewhat arbitrarily, regarded as the year in which the City of Turku was founded. The construction of Turku Castle began in the 1280s, the Dominican monastery of St. Olof was being built on Samppalinna Hill and Turku Cathedral was consecrated in the year 1300. From this point on, the city held an important position in the Swedish realm and it had staple town charter (the right to conduct foreign trade), assuring that trading was brisk. The German bourgeoisie of Turku held a major role in the early development of the city, and Turku had a community that was part of the [[Hansa|Hanseatic League]], which dominated trade along the coasts of Northern Europe. The tradition of declaring [[Winter in the Nordic countries#Christmas|Christmas Peace]] has continued from the 14th century to these days (and is broadcast in several countries). During Swedish rule, Turku was the largest and most important city in what now is Finland, as well as a major city of the Swedish Kingdom. Queen Christina of Sweden founded Sweden's third university in Turku in 1640, following the old [[Uppsala]] University and the Academia Gustaviana in [[Tartu]], Estonia. Turku was long the provincial capital of much of the eastern half of Sweden, was capital of the Grand Duchy of Finland in 1809–1812, and remains the seat of the archdiocese of Finland. [[Russian Empire|Russia]], after overtaking Finland from Sweden 1809, moved the capital to [[Helsinki]], which was closer to [[Saint Petersburg]] and farther from [[Stockholm]]. Turku remained Finland's largest city until the end of the 1840s, but its ambitions were dealt a death blow in 1827, when a raging fire destroyed most of the city. ''Turun palo'' (the "Great Fire of Turku") is still the largest urban fire in the history of the Nordic countries. The city was almost completely destroyed, and the rest of the major institutions with the exception of the archbishop's seat were moved to Helsinki. The burnt city needed an altogether new town plan, which was drawn up by German architect Carl Ludvig Engel the following year. The current universities in Turku were inaugurated soon after independence, both to restore Turku's status and as part of the language strife: the bilingualism of Helsinki university was a red rag to the Fennomans, while the Svecomans saw the Swedish language threatened there. Turku is still a gateway to Sweden. The competition between cruise ferry companies led to ferries ever increasing in size and features, which let the Turku shipyard develop into a world leader of building large cruise ships, with customers such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival and TUI Cruises. Turku shipyard directly and indirectly employs some 8,000 people. In 2011 Turku was the European Capital of Culture along with [[Tallinn]], the capital of [[Estonia]]. Afterwards Turku has seen a huge boost in domestic and foreign visitors. ===People=== [[File:People at aurariver (cropped).jpg|thumb|The Aura River's banks are very popular among Turku residents, for walking, biking or enjoying nice weather.]] Turku remains a regional capital of [[Finland Proper]] and is the third most populous city-region in Finland and the eighth largest urban area in the [[Nordic countries]], with around 330,000 inhabitants living in the Turku sub-region (200,000 in Turku proper). Turku is a major academic town for Finland: there are two universities (TY with Finnish, ÅA with Swedish as its language) with business schools, law schools and a medical school, and four universities of applied sciences. Consequently, you will find that the city is bustling with young adults. The large number of students means that restaurants, live music clubs and nightlife are ample. There is a cultural spirit in the city, and some of the proud residents are still irked that Helsinki took over as Finland's capital back in 1812. In other parts of Finland people from Turku are stereotypically thought of as being bit reserved and uppish in their views of their home town. The fierce competition with Tampere in the 1970s on being the country's second city probably influences this. However, if you have a coffee at the Market Square and chat with the locals, you will soon find out that this is not the case. The Swedish community (ca 5%) has its own institutions and associations. Serving all Finland, ÅA's size is out of proportion to the local Swedish-speaking population, which shows in the demographics and the cultural life. Most of the Swedish-speaking are fluent in Finnish. Among the Finnish, the relation to Swedish is split: there are queues to the language-immersion daycare (and follow-up school) and many are bilingual with Swedish, while non-academic people born before 1965 and many born after the 1980s have a weak Swedish that they may refuse to use. The Turku dialect of Finnish has many influences from Swedish and historically also from Estonian. ===Read=== [[File:Turku Castle.jpg|thumb|Turku Castle.]] * ''Vares'' (book series) (Reijo Mäki, 1986–13). Finnish crime literature usually focuses more on police procedurals, or the psychological and sociological fallout from crime. One writer, Reijo Mäki, however, has written a series of books about a private investigator called Jussi Vares. He is your regular hardboiled PI: he drinks, makes love, hates everyone, and gets beaten up and mugged on a regular basis. All Vares books take place in Turku, which is also home to the books' writer. Mäki is a celebrity in Turku, where you can perhaps catch him in his favourite bar, Uusi Apteekki (New Pharmacy). * ''The Home of Dark Butterflies'' (Leena Lander, 1991). Writer Leena Lander tells the story of a fourteen-year-old boy named Juhani, who is haunted by his traumatic past. Juhani has been shuttled between foster homes and temporary families for the past six years, leaving any prospect of stability in his life a faded dream. When Juhani winds up in a remote shelter for troubled youth known as The Island, he has little idea of how ruthless superintendent Olavi Harjula can truly be. In addition to Harjula and the six other boys, The Island is also home to the superintendent's wife Irene, the couple's two young daughters, and Tynne, who tends to the local livestock in addition to catering all the meals. The island of the story has actually existed, though the boys' home was closed already in 1968. The story was also made into a film of the same name in 2008 and shooting took place on the actual island in the Turku archipelago. The film was also Finland's Oscar nominee for a foreign language film in 2008. ===Watch=== * ''Restless'' (Aku Louhimies, 2000) is a story about Ari (Mikko Nousiainen), a 27-year-old ambulance doctor living in Turku, whose main pastime is one-night stands. He doesn't want to meet any of the girls again because he is certain that commitment equals pain. But one day Ari realizes that he cannot feel anything at all. Then he meets a woman named Tiina (Laura Malmivaara) on the beach. Without really intending to, they start dating each other, reaching the point where Tiina, falling in love, begins to look for commitment. Ari is introduced to Tiina's friends, including two other couples. Ari then ends up having sex with Tiina's two best friends (Ilona and Hanna-Riikka). Meanwhile Tiina continues to love Ari. During this Tiina manages to commit Ari to reluctantly become the father of her to be born child. * ''Vares movies'' (Aleksi Mäkelä, 2004-2012). Vares books proved so popular in Finland that in 2004 a film was released, starring Juha Veijonen as the detective, and directed by Aleksi Mäkelä, considered by many the number one action-director in Finland. A second film appeared a few years later, and the two films' success led to a series of all together eight films. *''Man Exposed'' (Aku Louhimies, 2006) is a comedy-drama film about a rebel minister working in Turku's St Michael's Church, who is suddenly asked to run for bishop. At the same time he is running into problems in his marriage and life in general. *''Tears of April'' (Aku Louhimies, 2008) is a war drama film based on the novel by Leena Lander, the film is set in the final stages of the Finnish Civil War. The film tells a story of a captured female Red Guard fighter, Miina, and the soldier Aaro who escorts her to her trial. *''Love and Other Troubles'' (Samuli Valkama, 2012) is a Finnish romantic comedy film set in Turku. It stars Emilie de Ravin as Sara, an American line dance teacher, who meets Ville (Jussi Nikkilä), a 25-year-old former child star, and his father (Ville Virtanen), an ex-rock star, who both fall in love with her. *''The Girl King'' (Mika Kaurismäki, 2015) is a biographical drama about Christina, Queen of Sweden, who reigned from 1632 until her abdication in 1654. ===Climate=== [[File:Air temperature in Turku 2016.jpg|thumb|upright=2|Temperatures in Turku in 2016: averages, highs and lows]] [[File:Kommunalsjukhusvägen vintern 2010.jpg|thumb|Walk- and bikeway in winter, near the Kupittaa park]] Turku, like the rest of Finland, has four distinct seasons. Situated by the Baltic Sea and sheltered by the islands of the Archipelago Sea, Turku has a humid continental climate. Like much of southern Finland, the city experiences warm summers, with temperatures ranging up to 30°C (85°F), and winters with frequent snowfall and temperatures down to about −25°C (−15°F), though mostly between {{C|0}} and {{C|-15}}. The best time to visit is definitely the warm period from late May to early September, when day temperatures typically are {{C|20-25}}. If visiting in wintertime and meeting slush, ride somewhat more inland (a local bus can get you far enough) and you will probably find the real snow. Once in a while you can find it in Turku city centre too. In good winters people walk, ski and skate on the ice of the river and there are skiing tracks all around the suburbs. In lesser winters there will still be a shorter skiing track at Impivaara and skating opportunities at Parkin kenttä (by the bus station), in the Kupittaa park and in most suburbs, at least part of the season. Current weather forecasts can be checked at the [http://en.ilmatieteenlaitos.fi/weather/turku Finnish Meteorological Institute website]. ===Visitor information=== Turku's official tourist agency is ''Turku Touring''. It serves also the larger region. *{{listing | name=Visit Turku |alt=| url=http://www.visitturku.fi/en | email=info@visitturku.fi | address=Aurakatu 2 | lat=60.44906 | long=22.26784 | directions=next to the City Hall, near the Aura bridge; at busy times also the back door is open<!-- and when it is locked, notices may be absent or confusing--> | phone=+358 2 262-7444 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 262-7679 | hours=Sep–Mar: daily 10:00–15:00; Apr–Sep: M–F 08:30–18:00, Sa Su 10:00–18:00 | price= |wikipedia=|wikidata=|image=|lastedit=2018-03-13| content=Turku Touring's office offers advice, sight-seeing tours, maps, guide books, souvenirs, bicycle hire instructions, group outings and more. }} ==Get in== Turku is well connected to the rest of the country by rail and road, and has flights from Helsinki and Mariehamn. From the west (Åland and Sweden), ferries are the main option, although there are flights for those in a hurry. The ferries take cars. There are a few flights also from across the Baltic Sea and from some more distant places. Turku is a good yachting destinations, for those on the Baltic Sea or ready to make the longer voyage. ===By plane=== ====Turku Airport (TKU)==== [[File:Aero Airlines ATR 72 ES-KRL at EFTU on 20060714.jpg|thumb|Passengers boarding a Finnair flight to Helsinki at Turku airport.]] *{{listing | type=go | name=Turku Airport | alt={{IATA|TKU}} | url=http://www.finavia.fi/en/turku | email= | address= | lat=60.5109 | long=22.2743 | directions= 8&nbsp;km north of the city centre | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Turku Airport | image=Terminaali 1, Turun lentoasema, Turku, 11.7.2010.JPG | wikidata=Q1130231 | content=It is a compact airport with two terminals for check-in }} Typically, there are daily flights to Turku from [[Mariehamn]], [[Stockholm]] and [[Copenhagen]], and from a few locations further away, such as [[Gdańsk]] or [[Riga]]. These latter tend to change as budget airlines come and go. Domestic Finnair flights from [[Helsinki]] have been discontinued and replaced by coaches operated by Finnair instead. As of January 2023, [http://wizzair.com/en-GB/ Wizz Air] flies to Turku from Gdańsk and [[Rome]], [https://www.sas.se/en/ SAS] from Stockholm and Copenhagen (since April 2025), and [https://www.finnair.com Finnair] from Mariehamn, with additional charter holiday flights operated by TUI and Tjäreborg, among others. Bus line 1 departs from the airport every 20&nbsp;minutes and goes via the centre to the Port of Turku. Several hotels happen to be along the route. Tickets are available on board for {{EUR|3}}/{{EUR|1.50}} by contactless card, or {{EUR|4}}/{{EUR|2}} by cash. Children under 7 years old travel for free when accompanied by an adult, and after 23:00 the trips cost {{EUR|1}} more. Free transfers for two hours included, see [[#By bus 2|Get around]] for details. The line operates from 05:20 to 00:45. The day's last bus waits as long as 15 minutes if necessary, to allow passengers to catch it. The last buses operate only to Kauppatori, not to the harbour. ====Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL)==== If coming by air, a common option is to fly to the internationally well connected [[Helsinki Airport]] ({{IATA|HEL}}). Turku is 166 km away from Helsinki and easily reached by train (transfer in Helsinki centre) or coach. By car, the voyage by the Finnish national road 1 ([[E18]]) takes around 1hr40min. There is an almost hourly coach connection from Helsinki Airport to the Turku bus station. Coaches are operated by various companies, but tickets are sold on the [https://www.matkahuolto.fi/en Matkahuolto] platform regardless of the operator. As of 2024, Finnair has discontinued their domestic flights to Turku, but they do sell plane tickets to Turku where you then transfer to Finnair buses at Helsinki Airport. Coach services operate around the clock, although there may be a gap of two hours between services in the small hours of the night. The trip takes between 2 hr 15 min and 2 hr 55 min, depending on whether the service calls in towns on the way. [http://www.onnibus.com Onnibus.com] is typically a bit cheaper, but they leave from the central bus station of Helsinki and not directly from the airport. The Onnibus buses are red double-deckers with free Wi-Fi but little legroom. They also have special restrictions on children, pets and luggage. Book tickets online in advance for a cheaper price; bargains are available if booking early enough. ===By train=== [[File:Turku railways 2018.jpg|thumb|Pendolino train in Turku in 2018, with Logomo in the background]] {{cautionbox|The central railway station has moved to Logomo and the Logomo bridge. Trains from Helsinki again continue to there and some of them to the harbour. The old central station is abandoned and bus connections have changed. Works continue and a new central station is to be built. |lastedit=2024-12-15 }} Links between Turku and the rest of the country (except [[Satakunta]]) are frequent and excellent, from Helsinki (close to hourly) and Tampere, travel time approximately 2 hours, and services also from [[Jyväskylä]] (3.5 hr), [[Kuopio]] (5.5 hr) and [[Oulu]] (7 hr); VR sometimes suggests services via Helsinki e.g. from Tampere, but these are seldom relevant. There is an overnight car and sleeper train connection from [[Rovaniemi]] in [[Finnish Lapland|Lapland]] (10–15 hr, usually with a transfer in Tampere – if a sleeper cabin is suggested also for the remaining journey, check how much you pay for that add-on). Some of the services have a "restaurant" car (café/pub with sandwiches etc., mostly no real dining, although there may also be simple meals available), most others a cart with drinks and snacks. The IC2 services have a family car, with space for prams, a playing corner upstairs and the accessible toilet doubling as family room. From western Europe, you can travel by train to Stockholm and take a ferry cruise from there. This can be a scenic option, and most of the European railway companies offer discounts for the ferry connection. '''[http://www.vr.fi/en VR]''', the state-owned railway company, operates the trains. Turku has three railway stations: the central railway station in the north, Kupittaa in the east and Turku harbour in the west. The former two have ticket vending machines, waiting room, toilets, and service for the disabled on advance request. VR has no service desk in Turku. There are no local or regional trains as of the 2020s. Trains arriving from the direction of [[Helsinki]] stop at Kupittaa before arriving at the central station, while trains from [[Tampere]] don't pass the former. Some of the trains continue onward to the harbour – handy if you are connecting to a passenger ferry towards [[Stockholm]] or [[Mariehamn]]. * {{go | name=Central railway station | alt=Turku/Åbo | url=https://www.vr.fi/en/railway-stations-and-routes/turku | email= | address=Ajurinkatu 143 | lat=60.4564 | long=22.2588 | directions=on the northern edge of the centre; access to platforms by the Logomo bridge, which connects to the centre | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-12-16 | content=The platforms at the central station were moved in August 2024, now accessed by the pedestrian bridge over the rails between Logomo and the city centre, 400 m away from the former station, 750 m from Kauppatori (go forward one block, turn left, then right along Kauppiaskatu; the passage through the park may be nicer but is hard to find, with steep stairs). Services such as lounge, toilets, café and restaurant are at Logomo. A new railway station is planned to be taken into use in 2026. The station is primarily served by bus lines 1B and 1C, which stop near the centre-end of the Logomo bridge on their way from Kauppatori to the bus station, from where they continue back to Kauppatori, 1B further to the harbour. Either passes every 15 min 05:05–23:05. P3 stops at the next street. On the Logomo side there are the buses 20, 61, 61T, 3P, 201 and 203. These pass on the other side of Logomo, in Köydenpunojankatu 200 m from the main entrance. }} * {{go |name=Kupittaa railway station | alt=Kupittaa/Kuppis | url=https://www.vr.fi/en/railway-stations-and-routes/kupittaa | lat=60.4505 | long=22.2970 | directions=on the eastern edge of the centre | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-12-16 | content=Intermediate stop for trains from Helsinki, convenient for visits to the universities. The station is well connected by local bus: lines 32 and 42 have their stop 200 m away across the street and either passes each 10 min in daytime, continuing through the centre; use either the ascent by the train or the one closest ahead to get to the stop, the latter is more direct but lands you close to traffic, watch out for your children. The stairs farthest ahead are the nicest for walking towards the campus or the centre. There are also a few other bus lines passing by (there or at another stop). The centre is at walking distance (2 km). In 2022–2024 the parking by the station exit was chaotic, but this might have got improved since trains again continue onwards. }} * {{go | name=Turku harbour railway stop | alt=Turun Satama/Åbo hamn | url=https://www.vr.fi/en/railway-stations-and-routes/turku-port | address= |lat=60.43448 | long=22.22334 | directions=near the Viking terminal | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-12-16 | content=Trains from the directions of Helsinki and Tampere, serving cruise ferry passengers. No services at the station; buy your ticket in advance. }} There are bike sharing stations by the railway stations in the summer season (April–October or as weather allows); see [[#By bicycle|By bicycle]] below. There are cycleways. ===By bus=== [[File:Busstation of Turku.jpg|thumb|Turku bus station seen over Aninkaistenkatu. The platforms are behind the station building.]] Long-distance services usually terminate at {{marker|type=go|name=Turku bus station|lat=60.45712 | long=22.26808}}, as do some regional services. The station is at the northern edge of the city centre within walking distance from the central railway station (1 km) and Kauppatori (the market square, 800 m). Matkahuolto abandoned the station building; facilities are open again (R kiosk, timetable displays, café, hamburgers and snacks), but Matkahuolto (with ticket sale and freight) still uses the freight terminal across Läntinen pitkäkatu. The bus station has good local bus connections, although it is not the hub for them. There are stops for local and regional lines at a few different places on or around the station, note where your bus stops. Some coach lines arriving at the station continue to the Port of Turku, if needed. If going there, tell that when buying your ticket and when boarding. By the station are Hotel Helmi, the café of which offers breakfast, lunch, light meals and take away, and three hamburger restaurants (Hesburger, Mac Donald's and an independent). * {{go | name=Matkahuolto Turku | alt= | url= | email= | address=Läntinen Pitkäkatu 7–9 | lat=60.45699 | long=22.26563 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M–F 07:00–19:00, Sa 09:00–15:00, Su closed | price= | content= }} Normal coach connections from Kamppi in '''[[Helsinki]]''' leave for Turku more or less every half an hour during the day and every hour or two during the night. Coming via [[Tallinn]], there may be a coach directly from the port, mostly via Kamppi. Direct connections and connections with transfer are available from Helsinki-Vantaa airport. All these connections are either express or special express (there may also be a few hard-to-find "regular" connections). Tickets cost around €30 (round trip around €55) for adults, around €20 for children aged 12–16, €15 for children aged 4–11 and Finnish students (ISIC ''not'' accepted). Children under the age of four travel for free. Cheaper tickets can often be had in advance on the net (check also the individual companies' websites). There are normally more or less hourly connections from '''[[Tampere]]''' and '''[[Pori]]''' in daytime, and each two hours from '''[[Vaasa]]''', some all the way from '''[[Oulu]]'''. <!-- Check: There is a line from '''[[Tampere]]''' hourly in daytime, the last coach arriving 00:55, from '''[[Pori]]''' about hourly (check!) and from '''[[Vaasa]]''' about every two hours, the last arriving 21:20. --> For timetables, for the above mentioned or other connections, see [https://www.matkahuolto.fi/en Matkahuolto]. Also [http://www.onnibus.fi Onnibus] has connections to Turku. Tickets to these buses vary in price, cheapest well in advance on the net, for same day usually about €10 when bought online, €15–20 from Helsinki if bought when boarding (with busy services often sold out). Direct bus services from [[Saint Petersburg]] are provided by [http://ensi-bus.ru/?p=30 Ensi-Bus]{{Dead link|date=July 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} and [https://www.transgold.ru/marshrutka-v-turku/ Transgold] (check whether the sanctions have affected them). ===By ferry=== [[File:Viking Grace Ruissalo.jpg|thumb|''Viking Grace'' passing Ruissalo island on its way to [[Stockholm]].]] The most scenic way to get to Turku is by taking a [[Baltic sea ferries|cruise ferry]] across the Baltic Sea from [[Sweden]], from [[Stockholm]] or Kapellskär ([[Norrtälje]]) via [[Mariehamn]] or Långnäs, [[Åland]]. The {{marker|type=go |url=http://www.portofturku.fi/portal/en |name=Port of Turku|lat=60.43482 | long=22.21966}} is next to Turku Castle and is easily accessible on bus line 1, which travels between the port and the airport via the centre. The port also has its own railway and bus station (by the Viking terminal) and some trains and coaches depart at the port (see [[#By train|By train]] and [[#By bus|By bus]] above). To get from the port to the centre, buses 1 and 1B run frequently at the ferry arrivals and stop by the terminals. The buses still get crowded at these times and the boarding is a bit chaotic, as people are searching for their money, card or phones; try to minimise the hassle you are causing. Some drivers don't speak English or Swedish, but there is certainly some polyglot around. If you are getting off before Kauppatori, try to get a seat or stand close to the middle (or back) door. Regardless, the ride is reasonably smooth and people tend to be helpful. Taxis are also available, of course. With light luggage [[Turku riverside walk|strolling along the river]] to the centre can be a nice option (3 km to Kauppatori, buses within reach all the time). A new ferry terminal is planned to be ready for use in 2025; there will be changes in arrangements during the construction works. The main cruise ferry option is Finnish [https://www.sales.vikingline.com/ Viking Line] with daily departures from central Stockholm: one in the morning (via Mariehamn), arriving in the evening, and one in the evening (via Långnäs), arriving in the morning. For a scenic view, and less expensive prices, a morning departure is advisable. Going in the night, you avoid one night at a hotel, but the effective sleeping time is short, as you are probably waked up for cleaning of the cabin well before arrival (generous, although not cheap, breakfast is available). Evening departures provide adequate night club activities on board if you want to cut loose before arriving; there is entertainment also on the day cruises. Estonian [http://www.tallinksilja.com/en/web/int/book-a-cruise Tallink] (formerly Finnish Silja, sometimes still using that brand) also operates cruise ferries from Sweden, in summer two daily arrivals from Stockholm, in winter one daily departure from Kapellskär via Långnäs, arriving in Turku 16:30 and returning in the night. There are also more quiet ropax ferries from Kapellskär via Långnäs to [[Naantali]] 20 km from Turku, by [http://www.finnlines.com Finnlines]. By bus, take line N14 from the harbour and transfer to line 6 or 7 in Naantali centre (local bus fee, transfer included). Two new ferries were taken into use in the winter 2023–2024, intended to attract more leisure travellers, still more quiet than the alternatives. When comparing prices, note costs of meals, included on some ferries. Pedestrians are welcome from Kapellskär (check whether this is true also in summer), but not from Långnäs in the night. Bikers should wear reflective vests in the harbour areas. Nearly all ferries make a brief stop in Åland, in either [[Mariehamn]] or Långnäs. Due to this stop, plus a Finnish-demanded exception to [[European Union]] rules, passengers can make [[Duty free shopping|duty-free]] purchases on the ferries. The tax-free prices tend to be slightly cheaper than prices on the shore, but are seldom bargains; know the on-shore price levels if you want one. Looking for special offers may save a lot of money on the ferry passage. Prices vary from day to day according to demand, with a one-way overnight cruise typically from €30–100/cabin (Friday or Saturday evening departures tend to be more expensive). A "fuel fee" may be added (since 2022, due to extraordinary fuel prices), for cruise offers also a voucher (guaranteeing minimum spending aboard). In summer, book early if you have a car, especially if it exceeds standard dimensions. Youth travelling by themselves should check age restrictions. It is also possible to take '''smaller ferries from Åland''', connecting islands of Åland and the [[Archipelago Sea]] with each other and with the mainland. Using the small ferries is more complicated and possibly more expensive, but can be rewarding. See [[Åland#Get around]], [[Korpo]], [[Brändö]] and [[Houtskär]]. ===By yacht=== [[File:Summer scene at Turku guest harbour.jpg|thumb|Summer scene at Turku guest harbour.]] Many people also from other regions, including Helsinki, spend their summer vacation yachting around the [[Archipelago Sea]] surrounding Turku. The Sea of Åland and the Gulf of Finland, coming from Sweden and Estonia respectively, can easily be crossed in a day, while a voyage directly from [[Gotland]] requires overnight sailing. There is an abundance of minor guest harbours on the remaining distance through the archipelago. Turku Guest Harbour is on the Aura river halfway between the port and Kauppatori, while the TPS guest harbour, Ruissalo Marina and Ruissalon Telakka are on the scenic island of Ruissalo, with buses (line 8) to the city centre once an hour or half an hour in daytime. Except Telakka, they have fuel stations and septic tank emptying. There is also a free mooring site above the Aura bridge, but only for short visits without high mast, perhaps a nice tour if you have a suitable dinghy (bridge height 3.6 m; max 3 hr 08:00–22:00). From the cathedral upstream the river is shallow; there are shallows especially in the middle of the river and perhaps at the bridges, some rocks elsewhere. There is a portage at the Halinen rapids and dam north of the centre; upstream from there it is a popular canoeing route. * {{go | name=Turku Guest Harbour | alt= | url=http://www.turunvierasvenesatama.fi/en | email=info@turunvierasvenesatama.fi | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 57 | lat=60.4401 | long=22.2447 | directions=in the centre, 2 km from Kauppatori | phone=+358 400-536-613 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Oct–Apr €25, May–16 Jun & 2–30 Sep €35, 17 Jun–1 Sep €40; except during DBTL, Ruisrock and Tall Ships' Races | lastedit=2024-05-01 | content=City guest harbour. Good services, including non-free laundromat. May be full in peak season; some moorings can be reserved beforehand. For size over 15m×5.2m, check special arrangements. When the harbour office is closed, use restaurant Nooa instead. }} * {{listing|type=go | name=Ruissalon Telakka | alt= | url=https://ruissalontelakka.fi | email= | address=Hevoskarintie 23 | lat=60.4367 | long=22.2057 | directions=Ruissalo, opposite Port of Turku | phone=+358 400-330-413 | tollfree= | hours= | price=€25 | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-06-28 | content=Former boat yard; some of the yachts built here again call the harbour home, and part of the moorings are reserved for classical yachts. From here to the centre you can either take the [https://www.foli.fi/en/waterbus water bus] (daytime in season, bikes free) or walk 400 m to the bus stop for a 12-min ride with line 8. Both options use the Föli tickets. Café and pizzeria. Toilets and showers, but no fuel or septic tank emptying. }} * {{listing|type=go | name=TPS Guest Harbour | alt= | url=http://turunpursiseura.fi/satamat/vierassatama-guest-harbour/ | email=toimisto@turunpursiseura.fi | address=Pursiseuranranta 30 | lat=60.4265 | long=22.1593 | directions= | phone=+358 44-376-2655 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€20 | lastedit=2019-06-28 | content=Marina of one of the local yacht clubs. On the island Ruissalo, a 20-minute bus ride (line 8) from the centre. Services include sauna and Wi-Fi. Restaurant. Guiding to the mooring from the fuel pier, off hours look for orange cones instead. }} * {{listing|type=go | name=Ruissalo Marina | alt= | url=https://www.ruissalomarina.fi | email= | address=Ruissalon puistotie 618 | lat=60.4261 | long=22.1073 | directions= | phone=+358 2 445-5926 (10:00–19:00), +358 2 445-40 (off hours) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€30 | lastedit=2019-06-28 | content=By the Ruissalon Kylpylä spa hotel near the western end of the island, a 25-minute bus ride (line 8) from the centre. Reservation recommended. }} ===By car=== [[File:Saariston rengastie 11.jpg|thumb|Sign at the [[Archipelago Trail]]]] Turku is well connected by roads to other parts of Finland. Main routes are national road 1 ([[E18]] until [[Piikkiö]]) from [[Saint Petersburg]] and [[Helsinki]], 8 ([[E8 through Finland and Norway|E8]]) from [[Tromsø]], [[Vaasa]] and [[Pori]] along the west coast, 9 (E63) from [[Kuopio]], [[Jyväskylä]] and [[Tampere]], and 10 from [[Hämeenlinna]]. E18 is a high-speed controlled-access highway all the way from Russia, but deviates towards [[Naantali]] along the Turku bypass (road 40), stay on highway 1. Highways 8 and 9 are motorways for some distance outside the city. Turku can be reached from Helsinki in around 1 hr 40 min in summer and 2 hrs 40 in winter. The former main road from Helsinki, now regional road 110, is somewhat slower but allows your seeing more of the landscape. From Sweden or Åland, use the [[#By ferry|above]] mentioned ferries. Those to Turku and Naantali, and on the routes from Åland via Korpo or via Brändö and Kustavi, all take cars. There are a few scenic roads around Turku as well: * '''[[Archipelago Trail|The Archipelago Trail]]''' (''Skärgårdens ringväg'', ''Saariston Rengastie'') allows travellers to access [[Archipelago Sea|the archipelago]] without a boat of their own. Part of the "trail" can be used when coming from Sweden via [[Åland]]: drive to Långnäs and take the ferry to Korpo, or use the ferries via Brändö and Kustavi. * '''[[Hämeen Härkätie]]''' leads to Turku from [[Hämeenlinna]] and is the most important road of early Finnish history. The route was once used by merchants, pilgrims, and kings. Along the route, with small detours, you will find a splendid array of interesting sites, such as museums, churches and shopping spots. If you want to really experience a journey in time, you can stay at an old manor house or inn along the way. * The partly medieval '''[[King's Road]]''' (''Kuninkaantie'', ''Kungsvägen'') leads to Turku along the south coast all the way from the eastern border of Finland, passing Helsinki. It is part of the old post roads, dating back to the 14th century, that lead from Stockholm to Christiania (Oslo) and Bergen on the Atlantic coast (of Norway), and, crossing the [[Archipelago Sea]], via Turku to Viborg (now Vyborg in Russia). The modern tourist route is extended all the way to Saint Petersburg. You can see lots of medieval churches, museums and old villages along the road. === By bike === Bikes can be taken on the ferry from Sweden or Åland for €5–12. The fee on trains and coaches is similar. Onnibus does not take bikes. For getting in from Åland, the [[Archipelago Trail]] can be used, taking a ferry to Korpo, Houtskär, Iniö or Kustavi and continuing along the trail from there. The [https://en.eurovelo.com/ev10/finland Eurovelo 10] route around the Baltic Sea goes through Turku. From the east (Vaalimaa–Helsinki–Ekenäs–Salo) it is developed and signposted (not the Russian leg though). From the north it is developed from Vaasa to Turku, with signposting incomplete as of 2024. ==Get around== {{Mapframe|60.4493|22.2683|zoom=10|height=320|width=420|layer=|staticmap=|align=|name=}} {{mapshape|type=geomask|Q38511,Q372075}}<!-- Turku, Raisio; [[Turku countryside]] should be excluded --> {{nowrap|The market square,}} ''Kauppatori'' (Swedish: ''Salutorget'') is often considered the midpoint of the city, and most sights and restaurants, and most businesses in the centre, are within a kilometre from there. Nearly all buses pass by or have their terminus near Kauppatori, and reach every corner of the city, mostly with reasonable frequency. A bike is still the quickest way to get around and cycleways are generally good, but in the central business district you may have to cycle among cars or lead your bike. === By foot=== {{see also|Turku riverside walk}} The vast majority of the city's sights are within a kilometre or two from Kauppatori. The river Aura passes through the centre, and its banks are very popular, allowing for a pleasant stroll from, say, the national shrine of Finland, the Turku Cathedral, to the Turku Castle, which used to house Swedish Kings – or upstream to experience some countryside. Turku Touring, the official tourist agency of the city, offers different walking tours for visitors. There are also leaflets with self guided walking tours, such as Sculpture walk, ArchitecTour, Romantic Turku and Stepping it up. You can get a map from the main library (Linnankatu 2) or the tourist information (Aurakatu 2). If you have a smartphone you can download a Citynomadi app and get a map there. ===By bicycle === The fastest and most flexible way of seeing Turku is on a bike. There are good bike paths mostly as needed, although at the very heart of the city you have to know the routes or sometimes join car traffic, or get off the bike unless sufficiently experienced; not all the best routes are obvious. Some routes in the centre are brushed and salted in winter: along the river, around the campuses and through the central business district. Elsewhere cycleways and roads are not always maintained sufficiently in the winter for easy (in the centre: safe) biking, but local hardcore cyclists are biking throughout the year. Main biking routes are well signposted. In the centre there are often temporary disruption of these routes (markets, roadworks etc.), and bicycle arrangements are then often neglected. This is more seldom a problem elsewhere. The map at [https://kartta.turku.fi/IMS/en/Map kartta.turku.fi] can show biking routes: open the layers menu in the upper left corner, choose Traffic, then Bicycle paths, and use the check boxes. Regional biking route 1 goes to the tip of the recreation island Ruissalo, route 2 to Naantali, route 4 to Naantali via Raisio centre, route 9 to Lieto along Hämeentie, route 10 to Piikkiö via Nummi, Varissuo and Littoinen, route 11 along Uudenmaantie via Kaarina and [[Piikkiö]] to Paimio, route 12 via Hirvensalo and Satava to Kakskerta, For getting farther out of the city, bikes can be loaded on the local buses (including regional buses in the Föli cooperation) for €5 at the driver's discretion, i.e. probably when there are not too many passengers. Cost on coaches varies by company, often about the price of a children's ticket for longer voyages, sometimes a flat €6. The city tourist office can suggest cycling routes. They also rent bikes (€23/day). '''Bike theft''' is common and vandalism happens. A lock gives some protection. If leaving the bike close to the river it should be locked to something. ====Bike sharing==== [https://www.foli.fi/en/f%C3%B6li-bikes Fölläri bike sharing] is since 2022 in cooperation with [[Urban cycling#Donkey Republic|Donkey Republic]], with 700 three-geared bikes (as of 2023 not equipped for winter use). You will need an app; using the bikes requires a smartphone (Apple/Android; Sailfish Android emulation does not suffice) with Bluetooth and GPS enabled. There are 200 stations, many of which virtual (just leave the bike in the designated area found by the app and register the end of journey as usual). The hire can also be ended outside stations, for an additional fee. Usage for one hour at the time costs €2 per time, €9 per month or €35 for all season (April to October or December, weather permitting). Additional time costs €2 for 1 hr, €5 for 4 hr, €12 for a day. Thus, for a one-off one-day rental, the cost is €14. The monthly or seasonal payments count as Donkey Republic membership in other towns; it seems you can use such a membership also in Turku. Usage (except the fee for additional time and usage in other towns) is included in the 30 day Föli bus tickets. * {{listing|type=around | name=Donkey Republic customer service | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 2 4885-8185 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 07:00–21:00 Sa–Su 10:00–21:00 | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-12 | content=Customer service for the Fölläri bikes. }} Other options include: * {{listing|type=around | name=10Bikes | alt= | url=https://www.10bikes.fi/ | email=info@10bikes.fi | address=Puutarhakatu 40 | lat=60.44578 | long=22.2416 | directions= | phone=+358 400-176-100 | tollfree= | hours=Shop 10:00–18:00 | price=€5+€5/hr | content=Local business. Electricity assisted bikes for rent. City bikes and bikes for gravel. }} * {{listing|type=around | name=Polkupyörävuokraamo | alt= | url=http://www.polkupyoravuokraamo.fi | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=in the harbour | phone=+358 440-224-161 | tollfree= | hours= | price=€14/day, €63/week | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Bike rental. Also tandems and trailers. }} ====Bicycle service==== There are several bike shops offering service for bikers. Here some of them: * {{listing|type=around | name=Visan polkupyörähuolto | url=http://www.visainen.com | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 8 | lat=60.454 | long=22.273 | directions=in the corner of Aninkaistenkatu and Yliopistonkatu | phone=+358 2 231-1191 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Competent bicycle shop hidden in a back yard. Does not sell only mainstream stuff. }} * {{listing|type=around | name=Raispo | alt= | url=http://www.raispo.fi | email=info@raispo.fi | address=Itäinen Pitkäkatu 38-40 | lat=60.444481 | long=22.277783 | directions= | phone=+358 40-557-7158 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 10:00-18:00, Sa Su 10:00-14:00 | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-04-13 | content=Bike shop with bike service. }} ===By bus === <!-- [[File:Åbo salutorg 2010, Blommor och grönsaker.jpg|thumb|Streets around Kauppatori normally form the hub for the local and some regional bus lines – not 2018–2020.]] --> [[File:Föli bus -1 in front of Turku Castle.jpg|thumb|Turku city bus, line 1, by the castle]] [[File:Passenger ferry on Aurajoki.jpg|thumb|Water bus (passenger ferry) on the river]] Tickets are harmonized with some of the surrounding municipalities – Raisio, [[Naantali]], [[Kaarina]], [[Turku countryside|Rusko]], [[Turku countryside|Lieto]] and [[Paimio]] – as the "'''[http://www.foli.fi/en Föli]'''" cooperation. Tickets are handled as if all buses serving the area were local, except for lines 117, 118, 119 and 802. Coaches without line numbers are not covered (nor Onnibus, which has its own numbering scheme). * {{listing|type=around | name=Monitori | alt= | url= | email=joukkoliikenne@turku.fi | address=Aurakatu 8 | lat=60.45034 | long=22.26664 | directions=in KOP-kolmio by Kauppatori | phone=+358 2 262-0100 | tollfree= | hours={{show by date|2025|01|30|hour=16|M–F 08:00–16:00|M–Th 08:00–18:00 F 09:00–16:00}} | price= | lastedit=2018-06-05 | content=Bus customer service, combined with municipal services. }} {{cautionbox|The bus lines will be revamped 1 July 2025. Check routes and line numbers if you are arriving then. |lastedit=2025-03-21}} }} For occasional bus travel, use your debit/credit card (EMV-NFC payment). Use the same card for all your Föli travels, to have your previous payment taken into account on transfers etc. For any special circumstances (such as paying for two), explain what you want to the driver before using your card. I single ticket with 2 hr transfer time is €3.15/1.55, by cash €4.50/2, €1 more in the night. Child fare applies for 7–15 years old; younger children not travelling alone travel for free, as do adults with a wheelchair (also an assistant) or pram. The Föli pages have several map views (e.g. one showing the current locations of buses) and tailored timetable views (such as for a specific stop) and a '''route planner'''. The planner works well in most situations, but some sanity checks are needed: the planner can guess at destinations with "similar" spelling, it thinks "Bus station, Turku" means the one in the port, and it may behave oddly when no suitable bus is found for whatever reason. You can also use the [http://nysse.mobi Nysse] mobile app for journey planning. Most buses go through the centre, passing '''Kauppatori'''. However, city bus stops are spread out along a few blocks of Eerikinkatu and Aurakatu and regional buses mostly depart from Puutori/Trätorget (one block diagonally towards the bus station) or from the bus station. To avoid walking a few hundred metres, you can often transfer at some other stops, shared or closer one to the other. Lines 4xx and 6xx north- or north-eastward to or via some part of Lieto, lines 7xx eastward to or via Piikkiö (except 702 and 72x), line 20 and line 206 leave from Puutori; lines 702 and 72x via Piikkiö towards Kimitoön and lines 8xx and 9xx to or via Pargas from the bus station. The rest of the 2xx and 3xx lines have their stops near Kauppatori. There are few 'circle lines', so usually if you need to transfer, you will need to take one bus to the centre, then transfer there to the bus taking you to your final destination. Often the most convenient transfer point is the stop before or after the stop by Kauppatori. The Föli route planner does a good job at finding optimal transfer spots for specific times, optimising for speed or optionally minimising walking. As buses generally go in two directions from the centre, make sure that you are taking the correct numbered bus in the correct direction as well. Destinations are mentioned on some stops and alternating between languages on most buses, but you should still note the numbers of the lines you intend to use. If going towards Kauppatori it is mostly enough to know on what side of the street to stand. Many buses announce the next stop by voice and display. Buses passing the municipality border mostly have 3-digit numbers (notable exceptions: lines 6 and 7). Buses not reaching Turku (often minibuses with sparse schedules) have their number prefixed with a letter, such as L for Lieto – but "P" means Turku lines meant primary for seniors. There are some quirks, e.g. some '''regional buses''' use stops for city buses, others those for coaches (notably 702, 90x). To add to the confusion, a few coach stops have had their signs changed to bus stop signs (there have been similar changes elsewhere in the region). The main stop affected is the one at the cathedral, where all services along Uudenmaankatu stop by either of the signs. Regional buses with destinations outside the Föli area are usually part of the cooperation inside it, but for trips out of the area you cannot use Föli tickets even to the border (notably 7xx, 8xx and 9xx via Kaarina, and some 4xx buses through Lieto). A few such buses (117–119 and 802) don't take Föli tickets at all. Electronic displays and timetables at bus stops ignore some regional buses. Single '''tickets''' are valid for unlimited transfers within two hours of the ticket's purchase. They can be bought with debit/credit cards (Visa, Mastercard or Eurocard) that have contactless (EMV-NFC) payment enabled, with the Föli app or in advance for €3.15, children 7–14: €1.55. Bought by cash from the driver they cost €4.50/2. If you want tickets for other than a single adult, tell the driver and show your card to the device only when the correct option has been registered. In the night (23:00–04:00) tickets cost €1 more. Notes of more than €20 are usually not accepted. Persons in wheelchair and the person assisting travel for free, as does a person with an infant or toddler in a baby carriage (use the middle door, the driver will help with the wheelchair ramp; there is usually sufficient space). Children under 7 years old need a ticket only when travelling alone. If you intend to take the bus more than twice a day (read: in more than two 2-hr periods), it becomes economical to ask the bus driver for a 24-hour ticket. The electronic payments should do this automatically and subtract already paid single tickets from the price, given that you use the same card or smartphone all the time. They also keep count of the 2 hr transfer period. The office at Kauppatori, R kiosks and other service points sell cards for one day and more, costing €8.30 for one day, €57 for 30 days. The equivalent can also be bought in the app. If you are going to travel much also outside the Föli area, check the [[Finland Proper#Get around|Seutu plus]] tickets (single, 10-trip and 30-day tickets available for a rang of regions). Those staying more than a few days or travelling as a group may want to check other options also, e.g. "value cards", with which trips (including transfers) cost €2.60/1.20, plus €1 in the night. For groups, ask for a group card (ordinary children's cards are personal, adults' cards valid for three persons). Show the card to the machine once for each person the first time, once for all the group at "transfers". Value (and days) can be added on the Internet, in the Föli bureau and at some other locations. Once upon the time modifier letters (as in 12A and 12B) got removed and numbers changed (in this case to 32 and 42). The lines are ordered according to these associations: 1, 2, 2A, 3, 30, 4,… Often the '''associated lines''' behave the same most of the route, but have different destinations in one end. In a few cases the destination varies without any change in line number, usually with a sign in the front window of the bus. The corresponding notes in the timetable are often incomprehensible without some understanding of the individual lines, but usually you know when you need to understand them and can ignore them otherwise. The worst trap is some extra rush hour buses on long lines stopping prematurely: check that you get the one going all the way to your stop. From 1 July 2025 the line number scheme changes, with lines with low numbers having frequent services, and other new logic; only a few lines retain their old numbers and some routes disappear or change significantly. '''Timetable''' booklets (fetch one from the Föli service point) give starting times at the ends of the route and at Kauppatori, and an estimated duration of the trip to or from Kauppatori. Some lines are (only or additionally) listed in groups, with information for common (possibly intermediate) destinations. Sometimes a line being in the booklet twice is not evident, check carefully if relevant. The timetables at major stops instead give the estimated passing time of the bus (and line number, as lines are grouped together). A map might be for sale separately (€2; not including the neighbouring towns, nor the extreme points of Turku). School buses, night lines, rush hour lines and lines serving the elderly, and the quirks of these, are partly handled in their own maps, chapters and booklets, although tickets are valid as usual. <!-- oops: the scheme seems to have changed, unclear how, until winter 2025 it was as follows: Timetables differ between winter, shoulder season and the schools' summer vacations, with new timetables published before the spring and winter seasons. Individual lines may change at other times, noted in their timetables. --> Some interesting or useful lines include: * '''1 Seaport – centre – bus station – airport''' The line to use to and from the seaport and airport. '''1B''' skips the airport leg. Departs from the airport and seaport every 20 minutes on weekdays and Saturdays, twice an hour on Sundays, more often to and from the harbour at ferry arrival and departure times. Much cheaper than taking a cab. The route happens to pass by several hotels. * '''8 Centre – Railway station – Ruissalo''' The bus route through the large Ruissalo island, a popular summer destination with beaches, villas, a botanic garden and a nature reserve. * '''14, 15 Saramäki – Oriketo – centre – Erikvalla / Kakskerta''' Bus lines which go to islands of Satava (14) and Kakskerta (15), which have beautiful countryside and archipelago nature to enjoy. 40-min ride from Kauppatori (one way). * '''21, 23 Centre – Paattinen – Tortinmäki''' Long countryside route which you can ride at no more cost than the ordinary city bus ticket. Tortinmäki is a 6-km walk (or bike ride) from [[Kurjenrahka National Park]], in season some of the services extend to the park. * '''32, 42 Varissuo – Pansio/Perno via railway stations''' Between a major suburb and a major employer (the shipyard), so frequent. The routes go via the Kupitta railway station, Kauppatori and the central railway station. Line 32 also passes near the exhibition centre. * '''99 Ilpoinen / Uittamo – Skanssi – Länsikeskus – Perno / Pansio''' A long "suburb sightseeing" line bypassing the centre; a one-way ride takes over an hour. * '''[https://www.foli.fi/en/waterbus 180 water bus] Martinsilta – Pikisaari and Ruissalo''' A water bus using Föli tickets, bikes free; late May through August, some September weekends). See [[#By ferry 2|By ferry below]]. ===By taxi === [[File:Aurakatu Turku 3 kesä 2011.jpg|thumb|Aura street in central Turku.]] Taxis are abundant and easily available throughout the city. There are three crunch times when getting a taxi might be problematic: the morning and evening ferry departure times (particularly in summer), around 08:00 and 21:00, and the bar closing times (particularly on weekends) around 04:00. Quick 1–3 km trips cost in the €8–18 vicinity (the 10-km 15-min example ride mostly costs around €35) – prices have gone up with the deregulation as Helsinki-based companies have harmonised prices across the country. Taxis generally accept major international credit cards. At the railway station and similar places there may also be a "Kimppataxi" offering rides together with strangers (cf ''minivans'' in some countries), which in some cases is considerably cheaper. Don't be afraid of "wild" drivers found at the railway station or other busy taxi stands (and available by a call), just check that their prices aren't rip-offs – which could be a problem in the night. Any taxi should have the yellow taxi sign and a meter. Most taxis use the Taxidata call centre. There are several other companies, including Taksi Länsi-Suomi (serving most of Finland Proper), the Helsinki based companies (at least Menevä) and some small ones, but their cars are mainly found at certain taxi ranks. If using their call centres it might be wise to check that there is a taxi available nearby before committing. Pre-booking is free for some of these competitors. Like elsewhere in Finland, the taxis belong to smaller companies with just an agreement with the call centre. * {{listing|type=around | name=Taxidata | alt= | url=http://taxidata.fi/hinnasto/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 2 100-41 | tollfree= | hours= | price=€1.67/call+pvm/mpm (app free); flag-fall M–F 06:00–18:00, Sa 06:00–16:00 €3.90, other times €6.90; €1.10/km + €0.90/min for 1–4 passengers or €1.59/km + €0.90/min for 5–8 passengers. Example: 4 persons 5 km in the evening, 30 km/h, called by phone: €1.67+6.90+5.50+9+mpm = €23.07+mpm | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2017-06-30 | content=Also bookable by app. Calling centre used by most taxis. }} * {{listing | type=around | name=Menevä Turku | url=https://www.meneva.fi/en/service-areas/varsinais-suomi/turku | email=leif@meneva.fi | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 50-471-0470 (head of office) | tollfree=0800-02120 (booking) | hours= | price=Flag fall M–Sa 06:00–18:00: €4, other times and holidays: €7; 1–4 persons €0.90/km + €0.90/km, 5–8 persons minimum €20, €1.60/km + €0.90/min (July 2020) | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-25 | content=Also bookable by app or web. Fixed price based on calculated route and time if destination address given when booking by app or web. }} * {{listing | type=around | name=Taksi Länsi-Suomi | alt= | url=https://www.taksilansisuomi.fi/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 20-003-000 (extra charge?) | tollfree= | hours= | price=Flag fall M–F 06:00–20:00, Sa 06:00–16:00 €4.90, other times €8.90; 1–4 persons €1.49/km + €0.99/min, 5–8 persons €1.89/km + €0.99/min | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-06-19 | content=Serves most of Finland Proper. Call centre in cooperation with Taksi Helsinki. Available also through the Valopilkku app. }} * {{listing | type=around | name=iTaksi | alt= | url=https://www.itaksi.fi | email=info@itaksi.fi | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 10-212-0000 (extra charge?) | tollfree= | hours= | price=€4.00/6.00+€0.90/km+€0.85/min | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Also bookable by app or web. Fixed price based on calculated route and time if destination address given when booking by app or web. }} * {{listing|type=around | name=Yango | alt= | url=https://yango.yandex.com/turku/tariff | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=€6.00+€1.10/km+€0.40/min (Starting fare includes 5 min and 2 km) | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-12-17 | content=Yango is a Russian company which offers cheap fares. }} * Smartphone apps: Valopilkku, 02 Taksi, Uber, Taksinappi, Bolt ===By electric kick scooter=== Swedish [http://www.voiscooters.com Voi], German [https://tier.app Tier] and Norwegian [https://www.ryde-technology.com Ryde] have electric kick scooters for rent, to use in the centre. Dott seems to be coming. See [[Finland#By motorised scooter|Finland &sect; By motorised scooter]]. Don't drive in Kauppatori, but park in the vicinity. ===By ferry === [[Image:Turku Ferry across river Aura.jpg|thumb|Föri crossing Aura river in front of the guest harbour.]] * {{marker|type=around|url=|name=Föri|lat=60.4411 | long=22.2479 |wikipedia=Föri |wikidata=Q1480060 |image=Turku, Finland - panoramio (27).jpg |hours=06:15–21:00 daily, in summer 06:15–23:00, replaced by boardwalk in cold winters |price=Free |content=This city ferry shuttles people and their bikes (no cars allowed) across the Aura River since a century, first taking passengers in 1904. Beloved by Turku citizens, the little orange ferry covers a grand distance of 78 metres and takes about a minute and a half. A running local gag is to ask visitors if they have taken the trip from Turku across to Åbo on the Föri yet; actually, both sides of the river are called the same, Åbo is just the Swedish name. Incidentally, the name comes from the Swedish ''färja'' and is related to the English word "ferry". }} * {{listing|type=around | name=Pikkuföri | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=by Forum Marinum | phone= | tollfree= | hours=July | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-07-08 | content=A smaller pedestrian ferry that crosses the river downstream in peak tourist season. }} * {{listing|type=around|url=https://www.foli.fi/en/waterbus|name=Föli water buses |price=Ordinary Föli ticket, bikes free |hours=2022: daily 23 May–28 Aug, Sa–Su until 17 September. Every 45 min, round trip 1.5 hr. First departure 10:15, last return back by Martinsilta 19:55, an additional evening tour to and from Telakka in June–July |content=m/s ''Ruissalo'' and m/s ''Jaarli'' go from just downstream from Martinsilta (eastern, left bank) to the Kansanpuisto park on Ruissalo (this call skipped around the Ruisrock event), via Forum Marinum and either Pikisaari on Hirvensalo or the Telakka marina on Ruissalo. Tip: Take a bicycle with you without extra fee if the ferry is not too crowded. }} * {{listing|type=around|url=http://jakkejokilautta.fi/|name=Jakke Jokilautta| image=Jakke Jokilautta.jpg |price=€5/2 (children 3–14), family (2+2) €12 |content=''River ferry Jakke'' is a café ferry going up and down the river all the way from the castle to the cathedral. Along the way you can enjoy refreshments and the wonderful views of the city. Some of the cruises are also guided. There are five stops along the river for the ferry: Tintå restaurant, Pharmacy museum, Esposito, Turku guest harbour and Crichton street. The ferry always stops at the Pharmacy museum and Crichton street, and if there are people waiting for the ferry, also on the other stops. }} ====Archipelago cruises==== [[File:SS Ukkopekka Kultaranta 2004.jpg|thumb|Ukkopekka on its way from Naantali to Turku.]] There are a number of cruises in and tour boat connections to the archipelago, e.g. to the island [[Rymättylä#Recreation islands|Vepsä]], a recreational area of the city (1 hr one way), to [[Nagu]] parish village or [[Själö]] (2 hr across Airisto, back in the evening), to [[Utö (Finland)|Utö]] in the very outskirts of the Archipelago Sea (5 hr; twice a week, overnight stay at the island necessary due to the distance) or to [[Naantali]] with the Moomin world, Kultaranta (the summer residence of the President of Finland) and a nice wooden old town. Most ferries taking passengers to the archipelago can be found between Martinsilta bridge and Föri. Some of the tours are available only in summertime, others continue as long as ice conditions permit. On your way out from the city you can see the old ships by Forum Marinum, Turku castle, the harbour and Pikisaari and Ruissalo with their old charming villas, before you reach the open Airisto. * {{listing|type=around|url=http://www.ukkopekka.fi/en |name=s/s Ukkopekka | wikipedia=SS Ukkopekka |image=SS Ukkopekkaa.jpg |wikidata=Q4412741 | directions=just downstream of the Martinsilta bridge |lat=60.44416 | long=22.25336 |phone= |price=Naantali: €24 single, €29 return, family €66/80, lunch €14; Loistokari: €48–55; children 3–12/3–14 half price |content=Family-owned steamship. Archipelago cruises from Turku to Naantali (day cruises; 1 hr 45 min each way, immediate return or 2 hr in Naantali) and to the island of Loistokari (evening cruises, dance at the Loistokari pier, buffet meal included) in the summer season. }} * {{listing|type=around |name=m/s Rudolfina |url=http://www.rudolfina.fi | email=rudolfina@rudolfina.fi |lat=60.4433 | long=22.2515 |phone=+358 2 250-2995, +358 40-846-3000 |price=€30–40, including a meal |wikidata=Q52333105 |image=Rudolfina Aurajoella 2.JPG |content=Lunch and diner cruises. }} * {{listing|type=around | name=Rosita |alt= |url=http://www.rosita.fi/reittiliikenne.php | email=info@rosita.fi | image=Lily Turku.JPG |lat=60.44401 | long=22.25297 | phone=+358 2 213-1500 | price=Return €20/9, single €12/6, family €47, pets €4; children 0–11; reduction €2/ticket on internet | lastedit=2024-07-28 | content=With '''m/s ''Lily''''' you can depart for a two-hour cruise in the Airisto or spend the entire summer's day (or a few) on the Vepsä island. The voyage is an hour each way. There is a café on board. The main deck consist of a bright 100-person lounge, with a 40-seater cabinet downstairs and a large deck and sun terrace upstairs. Also plain cruises. }} * {{listing|type=around | name=m/s Norrskär | alt= | url=https://vitharun.fi/en/timetables/turku-seili-nagu/ | email=info@vitharun.fi | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 37 | lat=60.4431 | long=22.25099 | directions= | phone=+358 400-176-684 | tollfree= | hours=2021: 8 May–19 September Sa–Su, 12 Jun–29 Aug daily; 09:30 or 10:00 from Turku, 11:15 at Själö, 12:15 in Kyrkbacken, start from Kyrkbacken 16:00 or 16:15, back 18:15 or 18:30 | price=Själö or Kyrkbacken single €25/15, return €37/23; bike €6, return €10; children 3–15 years | lastedit=2021-05-24 | content=Connects Turku with Själö and Kyrkbacken. Times with guided tours on Själö. Kiosk on board. Lunch possible in Själö or Kyrkbacken. }} ===By car === Parking lots by the street are sparse in some hours, but otherwise you should be able to park your car for a while quite near the place where you are going. Short time parking is often free, as is public parking in nights and Sundays, and free parking lots can be found in the outskirts of the city. In weekdays (M–F 09:00–20:00, Sa 09:00–17:00), public paid parking costs €3.60/1.80/0.60 per hour depending on area; app or credit/debit card needed. Private paid parking usually has no free hours, but can be cheaper for long stays. When parking in the street, especially in winter and spring, note times reserved for maintenance. Parking halls, such as the underground {{marker|type=around |url=https://www.aimopark.fi/en/cities/turku/louhi/ |name=P Louhi |lat=60.45490 | long=22.26060}} (stairs/lift to Kauppatori and the pedestrian street) usually have plenty of free space. Q-Park operates several parking halls in central Turku. Most of the largest hotels have their own parking halls. ===By funicular=== * {{listing |type=around | name=Kakola funicular | alt= | url=https://www.turku.fi/en/funicular | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q26723781 | lastedit=2022-07-28 | content=The Kakola funicular opened in 2019, takes passengers up to the Kakola hill. The first funicular in Finland, it's more of an elevator as it lacks a driver. Kakola was known for the prison that operated there until 2007 after which the buildings were renovated into offices and apartments. Riding the funicular is free of charge but as it has been riddled with problems since the opening, and has become infamous for being out of service every now and then there's a chance you don't get to try out ride at all. }} ==See== The vast majority of the city's sights are within a kilometre or two from Kauppatori. Two sights in the city are considered above others (by Finnish visitors): the medieval castle, which is the symbol of Turku, and Turku cathedral, the national shrine of Finland, but there are several more modest pearls to find. Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova invites visitors to explore the medieval history and culture of Turku and to reflect upon thought-provoking contemporary art. ''Luostarinmäki'' is the only larger part of the city that survived the great fire of Turku in 1827. Nowadays it houses an open air living handicrafts museum, with local artisans working in traditional ways. The ''biological museum'' has dioramas showing Finnish fauna of different biotops. The ''museum of art'' has a collection from the time of national awakening in the 19th century, besides more modern works. The '''Museokortti''' card gives free entrance to most museums. ===History and museums=== [[File:Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova Turku 06.jpg|thumb|Ruin hall in Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova, with the vaults reconstructed as light bands]] * {{see | name=Aboa Vetus et Ars Nova | alt= | url=https://avan.fi/en | email=info@aboavetusarsnova.fi | address=Itäinen Rantakatu 4–6 | lat=60.449844 | long=22.273457 | directions= | phone=+358 20-718-640 | tollfree= | hours=11:00–19:00 | price=€10/7/5.50, family ticket €24, children under 7 free | wikidata=Q3022430 | content=Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova combines history and contemporary art; Aboa Vetus tells about the history of Turku and about archaeology, with a nice touch for children. Ars Nova is a museum of modern art. The permanent exhibition of Aboa Vetus illuminates the medieval life of Turku. The museum consists of the ruins of stone buildings exposed in archaeological excavations. Now you can actually step in and walk on the medieval streets of Turku, which used to be buried underground. The largest museum shop in Turku, Laurentius museum shop, is by the entrance. It sells jewellery, toys, cards, books and other souvenirs. The museum also houses [https://avan.fi/en/cafe-pegasus M Kitchen and Café], the brunch of which is especially popular among Turku residents. In the summertime the [https://www.linnateatteri.fi/ Linnateatteri] theatre company also performs comedy in the museums courtyard. }} * {{see | name=Botanical Garden | alt= | url=https://sites.utu.fi/kasvitieteellinen-puutarha/en/ | email=puutarharuissalo@utu.fi | address=Ruissalon puistotie 215 | lat=60.4333 | long=22.17334 | directions= | phone=+358 2 276-1900 | tollfree= | hours=Indoor gardens daily 10:00–17:00, outdoor gardens daily 08:00–20:00 | price=Indoor gardens €6/4/free, Outdoor gardens are free | content=The Turku University Botanical Garden on the Island of Ruissalo is both a centre for scientific research and a public showcase for the fascinating world of plants. The outdoor and indoor gardens display over 5000 species and varieties of plants. In the greenhouses are a wide range of succulent plants and a collection of tropical species. Next to the modern greenhouse is the outdoor garden where the edible plants, roses, meadow flowers, rock plants and exotic trees and shrubs all flourish. Another distinguishing feature of the new landscapes are the artificial ponds containing colourful waterlilies and other wetland plants. There's also a cafeteria on the garden premises. }} * {{see | name=Biological Museum | alt=Biologinen museo/Biologiska museet | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/biologicalmuseum | email=biologinenmuseo@turku.fi | address=Neitsytpolku 1 | lat=60.4446 | long=22.2645 | directions=by Urheilupuisto | phone=+358 2 262-0340 | tollfree= | hours=In summer daily 10:00–18:00, in winter Tu–Su 09:00–17:00 | price=adults €7, children (7–15) €2.50, family €16, Museum Card valid | wikidata=Q4086898 | lastedit=2024-07-28 | content=A diorama-museum that resides in a beautiful wooden Art Nouveau building. Thirteen nature scenes present the fauna and flora of Finland, from the archipelago all the way to the fells of Lapland. In all, 30 common Finnish mammals and 136 bird species are on display. The museum is great for all those interested in nature and cultural history. It was established in 1907 and most of the dioramas date back all the way to that period. Since spring 2024 they are complemented by digital content, such as animal sounds, and things that can be touched; also the yard has been included, with e.g. an insect hotel (take a quick tour around the house). There are also varying small-scale exhibitions and other types of annual events held at the museum. The museum is a popular visiting destination for school groups and it is also a suitable visiting destination for younger children. A small museum shop sells postcards, posters and other assorted items related to the museum. }}<!-- -->[[File:Brinkhallin kartano.jpg|thumb|Brinkhall Manor]] * {{see | name=Brinkhall Manor | alt= | url=https://www.brinkhall.fi/ | email=brinkhall@kulttuuriperinto.fi | address=Brinkhallintie 414 | lat=60.3700 | long=22.2408 | directions= | phone=+358 440-940-048 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=24 Jun-17 Aug: Tu–Su 10:00–18:00 | price= | content=The Brinkhall Manor, on the island of Kakskerta, can trace its history back to the 16th century. The manor consists of some 20 buildings and 34 hectares of park, gardens, agricultural land and forest as well as sea and lake shores. Brinkhall’s neoclassical main building was built in 1793. In the beginning of the 20th century major renovations were carried out, also in the classical style. Brinkhall´s English garden was one of the first in this style in Finland in the beginning of 19th century. A few years ago Brinkhall provided the location for a historical TV-drama series called ''Hovimäki'', which became widely celebrated in Finland. Before filming, the manor had been empty for decades. Now Brinkhall Manor has a café, where you can also find the Interior Museum and exhibitions. In mid July Brinkhall is the site of a music festival ''[http://www.brinkhallsoi.fi Brinkhall Soi]''. }}<!-- -->[[File:Ett Hem 03.JPG|thumb|''Ett Hem'' -Museum]] * {{see | name=Ett Hem | alt="A home" | url=http://etthem.fi/?lang=en | email=etthem@stiftelsenabo.fi | address=Piispankatu 14 | lat=60.45386 | long=22.27879 | directions=behind the Cathedral, opposite the Sibelius Museum. | phone=+358 50-363-2982 | tollfree= | hours=May–Sep and 30 Nov–5 Jan: W–Su 11:00–16:00; groups by agreements | price=€5, pensioners €4, students and children €2; museum card valid | wikidata=Q4165181 | lastedit=2024-10-20 | content=In their will Alfred and Hélène Jacobsson donated their 19th century house to the Swedish university of Turku, ''Åbo Akademi'', as a museum. The idea was to preserve the atmosphere of upper class life in Turku. They owned a two storey building at Hämeenkatu 30, designed by the German architect Carl Ludwig Engel. Later the interiors were moved to more humble surroundings and the museum is now in a wooden Empire-style building. The age and style of the different artefacts vary, but as a whole "Ett hem" ("A home") is decorated according to the neo-renaissance principles. The museum has both a cultural and historical value. Especially important is the art collection, where most of the famous Finnish artists of the Golden Age of Finnish art, the period around 1900, are represented. }} * {{see | name=Forum Marinum | alt= | url=http://www.forum-marinum.fi/en | email= | address=Linnankatu 72 | lat=60.4366 | long=22.2349 | directions=Just after the guest harbor when going downstream towards Turku Castle, you can't miss it, bus line 1 | phone=+358 2 267-9511 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 267-9515 | hours=wintertime: Daily 11:00–19:00 | price=€9/5/– for the museum; €6/4 ships | wikidata=Q3917218 | content=The Forum Marinum Maritime Centre is a lively and versatile centre for maritime activities, comprising a national special maritime museum, and the Finnish Navy Museum. There are temporary exhibitions and a very interesting [http://www.forum-marinum.fi/en/exhibitions/museum-ships/ boat and ship collection]: two tall sail ships, ''Suomen Joutsen (Swan of Finland)'' and ''Sigyn'', four naval ships and several smaller vessels, ranging from a steam harbour tugboat to a police boat. The museum ships are open during the summer months only, while the exhibitions are open throughout the year. The museum also houses a Café Restaurant called Daphne, which serves café delicacies and a tasty, varied buffet lunch. The Museum Shop offers maritime gifts and other articles, literature and high-quality textiles. }} * {{see | name=Healthcare Museum | alt= | url=https://www.turku.fi/toimipaikat/turun-terveydenhuoltomuseo | email= | address=Kunnallissairaalantie 20 | lat=60.4413 | long=22.2753 | directions= | phone=+358 2 266-2421 | tollfree= | hours=Every last Monday of the month 16:00–18:00 and by appointment | price=€4, children under 16 years free | content=At the Turku Health Care Museum you get an insight into the history of healthcare. How were people treated for such things as tuberculosis or polio? What instruments would you find in the operating room? At the Turku Health Care Museum you can see the evil of diseases such as cholera and tuberculosis, view medical and autopsy equipment, electro-shock devices, as well as the operating room and the instruments used. The museum also displays artefacts from maternity and childcare clinics as well as items from medical schools from years ago. See an example of a baby carriage box that the midwives and nurses used to carry the new born babies of mothers with tuberculosis to the ''Joulumerkkikoti'' nursery to keep them safe from infection. Another attraction is an entire collection of uniforms for hospital personnel. Many of the styles were abandoned because of the conflict concerning the money spent on uniforms. Of pride of place in the middle of the museum is the ''Heideken'' exhibition showing christening gown, baptismal font, Bible, and the maternity hospital with its equipment. }}<!-- -->[[File:Kuralan kylämäki.jpg|thumb|Kuralan Kylämäki – Village of Living History]] * {{see | name=Kuralan Kylämäki – Village of Living History | alt=Kuralan Kylämäki | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/kylamakivillage | email=infopiste.kurala@turku.fi | address=Jaanintie 45 | lat=60.4622 | long=22.3365 | directions=Bus lines 2 and 2A | phone=+358 2 262-0420 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=summertime Tu–Su 10:00–18:00, also open around Christmas | price=Free | wikidata=Q11873640 | content=Kylämäki in Kurala is a village of living history, where visitors can travel back in time to a typical farm of south-west Finland in the 1950s, complete with authentic scents and rural atmosphere. It is made up of four farms with buildings standing at their original sites. The Kylämäki Village is ideal for families with children, since touching and experiencing is allowed – and there are corners with period toys and playing equipment. The village has been inhabited since the 7th century. In the summer months, you can see women at their domestic chores in the Iso-Kohmo House, making juices and jams, or dairy treats traditionally prepared around Midsummer. Visitors get to participate in some of the farm's tasks, such as hay making and handicraft: 1950s-style items out of clay, paper, yarn or fabric, tablet weaving with plant-dyed yarns and making leather belts and pouches. The themes vary, check in advance to time right. There is also an '''experimental archaeology workshop'''. In addition to research, it lets children explore prehistoric working methods and test their hunting skills using ancient weaponry. There is cooperation with revival associations. The workshop is open all year round. }}<!-- -->[[File:Women with baskets at the Luostarinmäki (Cloister Hill) Handicrafts Museum in Turku.jpeg|thumb|Women with baskets at the Luostarinmäki outdoor museum.]] * {{see | name=Luostarinmäki | alt=Cloister Hill | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/handicraftsmuseum | email= | address=Vartiovuorenkatu 2 | lat=60.44702 | long=22.27673 | directions= | phone=+358 2 262-0350 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€7/4/4, family €18 | wikidata=Q1979979 | content=In 1827 a fire destroyed almost all of Turku. The Luostarinmäki area (then a quite poor area in the outskirts of the town) was the only larger part of the city that was saved. Now the area is preserved and it houses the Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum (''Käsityöläismuseo''), an outdoor museum with charming late 18th century wooden house quarters. All the buildings are in their original places, which is extremely rare in an outdoor museum. Over thirty workshops from different fields of craftsmanship display the City's handicrafts history and old dwellings. During the summer season, the museum's workshops have craftsmen working there every day. The museum's shops, postal office and cafeteria serve customers round the year. The highlight of the year are the Handicrafts Days in August. During the days, masters of different professions, i.e. Golden Apple Guild masters and apprentices get together and their products are sold in the museum's shops. }} * {{see | name=Old Great Square | alt=Vanha Suurtori | url= | email=kulttuuri.tilat@turku.fi | address=Vanha Suurtori 7 | lat=60.45076 | long=22.27582 | directions=across the parks by Turku Cathedral | phone=+358 2 262-0961 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Old Great Square area is part of the old Turku city centre. Today, this exceptionally handsome milieu serves as the perfect setting for such events as the annual declaration of Christmas peace and the Medieval Market. The Old Great Square was a major traffic hub, marketplace and administrative centre from the 13th century to the beginning of the 19th century. Today, the square has four historically significant buildings: the Brinkkala Mansion, Old City Hall, Hjelt Mansion and Juselius Mansion. The old buildings have been fully restored for use as cultural venues. The Old Great Square comes to life with a wide variety of events. At Christmastime, the square is transformed into a Christmas Market, and in the summer it is time for the Medieval Market. Old Great Square and its vicinities are home to several important neoclassical buildings including the {{marker|type=see|name=Old Academy Building|lat=60.45176 | long=22.27965}} and the {{marker|type=see|name=Old Town Hall|lat=60.45051 | long=22.27613}} }}<!-- -->[[File:Turun apteekkimuseo.jpg|thumb|The Qwensel House, with the Pharmacy Museum.]] * {{see | name=The Qwensel House and Pharmacy Museum | alt=Apteekkimuseo | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/pharmacymuseum | email=apteekkimuseo@turku.fi | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 13 | lat=60.4486 | long=22.26769 | directions= | phone=+358 2 262-0280 | tollfree= | hours=Tu–Su 10:00–18:00 | price=Adults €7, concession €3.50, children 7–15 €2.50, 0–6 free, Family admission (2+2?) €16 | wikidata=Q4356801 | lastedit=2025-06-05 | content=The Qwensel House is the oldest bourgeois housing from the autarchic times that has survived in its entirety in Turku. The house was built approximately in the year 1700 to an area that was reserved for the nobility in the city plan put up by Count Per Brahe the Younger. A pharmacy from the 19th century has been furnished in the shop wing of the building. The pharmacy has a material room and a herb room, two laboratories and an office. The office has the oldest surviving pharmacy interior in Finland. The exhibition wing of the building has an extensive collection of pharmacy utensils on display. There is also a pharmaceutical research laboratory and pharmacy history exhibition in the wing. In addition to the main exhibitions, there are also varying smaller exhibitions and events held at the museum every year. The former stable, outhouse and barn are at the northern end of the baker wing of the building. The Pipping family used to have an orchard by the Linnankatu Street. The cafeteria, in the Pharmacy Museum's inner courtyard, is a charming spot of old milieu in the heart of the city. During the summer there are chickens and roosters in the yard and you can really feel you have travelled back in time. The café serves home-made pastries prepared according to recipes from the 18th century. Also their teas are worth checking. The two chambers, are in the wing that was housed by the building's owners in the 18th century. The chambers have been furnished in 18th-century fashion. The same wing used to have a kitchen, a chamber, maid's chamber, a shed, a carriage shed and a granary according to fire insurance documents from 1791. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=The Scout Museum of Finland | alt= | url=http://partiomuseo.fi/en/ | email=partiomuseo@partio.fi | address=Läntinen Pitkäkatu 13 | lat=60.4560 | long=22.2633 | directions= | phone=+358 2 237-7692 | tollfree= | hours=1 September–31 May Sa 12:00–15:00 or by agreement (additional €8) | price=€2/1 | content=Finland's Scout Museum is a national special museum that is maintained by the Finnish Scouting Museum Association. It displays uniforms, insignia, flags and literature related to the scout movement in Finland. }} * {{see | name=Turku Castle | alt=Turun linna | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/turkucastle | email=turunlinna@turku.fi | address=Linnankatu 80 | lat=60.4353 | long=22.2287 | directions=near the harbour, bus 1 | phone=+358 2 262-0300 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Su 10:00–17:00 | price=€16, students etc. €8, children (7–15) €7, family (2 adults, up to 4 children) €39, students of the field and museum staff (ICOM) free; public guided tour €3, private tours €70–300 | image=Castle of Turku, old side.jpg | wikidata=Q136893 | lastedit=2025-06-05 | content=Turku castle is one of Finland's most popular tourist attractions. The castle, which at times housed Swedish royalty, is the largest castle in Finland, and dates back to end of the 13th century. In addition to telling about the castle and its history, the castle functions as the general historic museum of the region. There are two loops, one around the old (Medieval and 16th century) part, one around the new part. Some of the rooms have been renovated to the style of different periods in the castle's history, although with scarce furniture, some are pure exhibitions. A room redesigned as church in the 19th century still functions as such. Tours of the castle are given hourly in English during high season (check!) and they give a good account of its history. There are also a children's workshop and children's tours. Private tours can be arranged even in off hours, book well in advance. There are many steep and narrow staircases in the old part and there are few shortcuts, check if that might be an issue. }} ===Art=== [[File:Turku Art Museum in 2011.jpg|thumb|Turku Art Museum]] * {{see | name=Turku Art Museum | alt=Turun taidemuseo | url=http://www.turuntaidemuseo.fi/en/ | email=info@turuntaidemuseo.fi | address=Aurakatu 26 | lat=60.45410 | long=22.26188 | directions=dominates the Puolala hill, between Kauppatori and the railway station | phone=+358 40-632-3378, +358 2 262-7100 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–F 11:00–19:00, Sa Su 11:00–17:00 | price=€13/8, children under 16 for free, museum card valid | wikidata=Q4502138 | content=The museum focuses on Nordic art. The Golden Age of Finnish art, of around 1900, is well represented – the museum opened in 1904. There are national treasures including self-portraits, landscapes, Finnish surrealism as well as pop art. The museum's Art Nouveau national romantic granite façade rises at the end of Aurakatu. Tours are available in Finnish, Swedish, English and Russian. }}<!-- -->[[File:Wäinö Aaltosen museo.jpg|thumb|Wäinö Aaltonen Museum of Art]] * {{see | name=Wäinö Aaltonen Museum of Art | alt=WAM | url=http://www.wam.fi/en | email=wam@turku.fi | address={{show by date|2026|11|30|Nunnankatu 4|Itäinen Rantakatu 38}} | lat={{show by date|2026|11|30|60.4498|60.44498 }} | long={{show by date|2026|11|30|22.2749|long=22.26018 }} | directions={{show by date|2026|11|30|Art House Turku, near the Old Great Square|close to the left-hand end of Myllysilta; walk or take bus 14 or 15}} | phone=+358 2 262-0850 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–Su 10:00–18:00 | price=€10/4/2/– | wikidata=Q3019261 | lastedit= | content=Named in honour of the artist and sculptor ''Wäinö Aaltonen'' (1896–1966), born in Turku, the museum has a good collection of his works. Otherwise it features changing exhibitions, new and experimental art projects, and various cultural events. The permanent exhibition is based on the art collection of City of Turku, which includes a large collection of works by Wäinö Aaltonen himself. Temporary exhibitions focus on Finnish and international modern art. The museum also houses [http://www.cafewaino.fi Café Wäinö] which offers lunch and small art exhibitions on the café walls. During the renovation 2024–2026, exhibitions are in the Art House by Nunnankatu, instead of in the museum building by Itäinen Rantakatu. }} * {{see | name=Sibelius Museum | alt= | url=http://www.sibeliusmuseum.abo.fi | email= | address=Piispankatu 17 | lat=60.45370 | long=22.27748 | directions=150 m from the cathedral; a low modern concrete building | phone=+358 50-337-6906 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–Su 11:00–16:00, W also 18:00–20:00 | price=€7/5, guiding included, children under 18 free; concerts have varying prices | wikidata=Q4306382 | content=The most significant museum of music in Finland and is named after the famous Finnish composer. The museum building, itself considered as a pearl of modernist architecture, exhibits the life and music of the master composer as well as an interesting collection of musical instruments from all around the globe. The museum also organizes exhibitions and events. On Wednesday evenings the Chamber Music Hall hosts concerts during the spring and autumn season. }} * '''Art galleries'''. Turku is home to a number of smaller art galleries scattered around the city. The Turku Artists’ Association maintains a [http://www.turkuart.fi list of the galleries]. ===Churches=== Most of the churches are quite frequently used for concerts. * {{see | name=Turku Cathedral | alt= | url=https://www.turuntuomiokirkko.fi/english | email= | address= | lat=60.4524 | long=22.2783 | directions= | phone=+358 40-341-7100 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 09:00–18:00; note services and other events; main services Su 10:00 in Finnish, 12:00 in Swedish (not all Sundays), 14:30 in German and 16:00 in English | price=Free. Museum upstairs is €2/1/1 | wikipedia=Turku Cathedral | wikidata=Q1187606 | content=Dedicated to the Virgin Mary and Finland’s first bishop, St Henry, Turku Cathedral, on the hillock of Unikankare, is Finland’s National Sanctuary. It was consecrated in 1300 and is considered to be Finland’s most valuable historical monument as well as the mother church of the Lutheran Church of Finland. It is familiar, even dear to practically every Finn. Its bells chime at noon over the radio throughout Finland, and they also proclaim the Christmas peace to the country. Every part of the cathedral reflects the details of Finland and Turku's history; resting under the protection of the arches are bishops, captains of war, and one queen, Catherine Månsdotter of Sweden. The south gallery of the cathedral houses a museum, which takes you on a journey through history from the early 1300s. Displayed in the museum, among other things, are sculptures of saints, and church silverware from the Catholic era. Tours run 09:00–19:00 mid-September to mid-April and 09:00-20:00 mid-April to mid-September. }}[[File:St Michael's Church, Turku.jpg|thumb|upright|St Michael's Church.]] * {{see | name=St Michael's Church |alt=Mikaelinkirkko | url= | email= | address=Puistokatu 16 | lat=60.44871 | long=22.24801 | directions=10 minute walk from Market Square | phone=+358 40-341-7110 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 261-7112 | hours=Jun–Aug: M-F 11:00–18:00, Sa 10:00–13:00, Su 11:00–13:00 | price=Free | wikipedia=St Michael's Church, Turku |wikidata=Q2981811 | lastedit= | content=The western skyline of the city of Turku is dominated by Michael's Church which was consecrated in 1905. It was designed by Professor Lars Sonck. When he won the competition for the church in 1894, Sonck was only a 23-year old architectural student. Michael's church is a distinguished example of the neogothic style in architecture. It is a long church with three aisles, galleries and a multifaceted choir. In addition to the main entrance there are also doors at each corner of the church. The sacristy is behind the choir. The main spire rises to a height of 77 meters from the foundations. Many locals favour it as a wedding Church. }} * {{see | name=Martin's Church | alt=Martinkirkko | url= | email= | address=Huovinkatu | lat=60.44079 | long=22.25434 | directions=By foot 15 min from Market Square | phone=+358 40-341-7120 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open by agreement. Service in Finnish on Sundays at 10:00 | price=Free | wikipedia=Martin's Church | wikidata=Q2336184 | lastedit= | content=Martin's parish was founded in 1921 after which the parish council decided to build a church of its own. The church was consecrated on the 450th anniversary of the birth of Martin Luther, on 12 Nov 1933. The designers of the church were the architects Totti Sora and Gunnar Wahlroos. The church represents architectural [[Functionalist architecture in Finland|functionalism]]. Martin's church is a long church with three aisles with very narrow side aisles. The church has a functional and singular practicality of its own. The barrel-vaulting of the roof is one of the most outstanding features of the church. The whole altar wall is covered with an ''al secco'' painting of the Saviour nailed to the cross at Golgatha. This massive work is 15 m high and 9.5 m in breadth. At the time of painting this was the largest painting of its type in the whole of Scandinavia. }} * {{see | name=Orthodox Church | alt=Church of the Holy Martyr Empress Alexandra | url=http://www.ort.fi/en | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 19 | lat=60.45228 | long=22.26598 | directions=on the north side of Kauppatori | phone=+358 2 277-5443 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 10-15 | price= | wikipedia=Turku Orthodox Church | wikidata=Q2601450 | content=Main church of the Turku orthodox parish, affiliated with the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. The church was built by the plans of architect Carl Ludvig Engel and was ordered by Czar Nicholas I of Russia on 5 January 1838. Construction, which began in 1839, cost 67,886&nbsp;rubles and was completed in 1845. The church was consecrated on 2 September 1845. The church was dedicated to Alexandra, the spouse of Diocletian who had publicly became Christian and thus suffered a martyr’s death on 23 April 303. Most of the icons of the iconostasis have been made in [[Valaam|Valaam Monastery]]. There is also another Orthodox church in Turku, a small wooden one by the Russian consulate, under the Moscow Patriarchate. }} * {{see | name=Turku synagogue | alt= | url=https://www.jcturku.fi | email= | address=Brahenkatu 17 | lat=60.455746 | long=22.266539 | directions= | phone=+358 400-526-009 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Turku Synagogue | image=Turku Jewish Synagogue.jpg | wikidata=Q2601015 | content=One of two synagogues in Finland. Built 1912. }} * {{see | name=St Catherine's Church | alt=Pyhän Katariinan kirkko | url= | email= | address=Kirkkotie 46 | lat=60.46221 | long=22.29355 | directions=by the Student Village | phone=+358 2 261-7130 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open by arrangement, and special events | price=Free | wikipedia= St. Catherine's Church, Turku | wikidata=Q838441 | lastedit= | content=St Catherine's Church represents old medieval church building tradition. Although it was completely destroyed and has undergone several renovations, it has preserved something of its original appearance and retains the basic plan of a medieval Finnish church. There is a cemetery by the church. }} * {{see | name=St Mary's Church | alt=Maarian kirkko | url= | email= | address=Maunu Tavastinkatu 2 | lat=60.47341 | long=22.29327 | directions=Bus line 15 | phone=+358 40-341-7140 | tollfree= | hours=Jun–Aug: M–F 12:00-17:00. In wintertime open by agreement. Service in Finnish on Sundays at 10:00 | price=Free | wikipedia=St. Mary's Church, Turku | wikidata=Q7594443 | content=Probably built in the 1440s, partly later in the 15th century. According to folk tradition, St Mary's Church was built at a place where sacrifices had been performed in heathen times, in the village of Räntämäki. It had also been the site of the village burial ground and a place of assembly. The village of Räntämäki was renamed after the patron saint of the Church, St Mary, and in the records it is sometimes referred to as the parish of Räntämäki, sometimes as St Mary's. The church took the name of St Mary from the nearby episcopal church of Koroinen, its original patron saint having been the first Bishop of Paris, Saint Dionysios. More of the original decorations have survived than in most other Finnish Medieval churches. There is a cemetery by the church. }}<!-- -->[[File:Ecumenical Art Chapel of St. Henry in.jpg|thumb|upright|Interior of the Ecumenical Hirvensalo Art Chapel.]] * {{see | name=Kakskerta Church | alt=Kakskerran kirkko | url= | email= | address=Kakskerran kirkkotie 110 | lat=60.36998 | long=22.21967 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Kakskerta Church |wikidata=Q6349661 | lastedit= | content=Kakskerta Church was built in 1765–1769, and dedicated in 1770. It was designed by Christian Schroder, and is oblong in shape. The altarpiece is from the 17th century, and the interior of the church was renovated in 1940 after the plan by Erik Bryggman. The belfry was designed by C. Bassi in 1824. }} * {{see | name=Ecumenical Art Chapel | alt=Taidekappeli | url=https://www.taidekappeli.fi/in-english/ | email=taide.kappeli@gmail.com | address=Seiskarinkatu 35 | lat=60.4073 | long=22.2521 | directions=bus 54 | phone=+358 2 265-7777 | tollfree= | hours=Tu–F 11:00–15:00 (May–Aug 11:00–16:00), Th 11:00–18:30, Sa Su 12:00–15:00, except during private events | price=€3, guided tours €5 | wikidata=Q296532 | content=Wooden chapel with art exhibitions. Built 2004–2005. }} * {{see | name=Turku cemetery | alt=Turun hautausmaa, Begravningsplatsen i Åbo | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.4324 | long=22.3087 | directions=3 km south-east from Kauppatori, by Uudenmaantie (road 110) towards Helsinki | phone= | tollfree= | hours=24 hr daily | price=Free | wikidata=Q7855547 | content=The main cemetery of Turku, inaugurated in 1807, now covering {{ha|60}}. Wood and mossy outcrops blend into the cemetery landscape, probably a quite uniquely Finnish touch. The old part, closer to the centre, is the more interesting one for most, where there are many graves with elaborate sculptures. There is also a Jewish and an Orthodox part inaugurated in the 19th century, the Muslim Tatar part from 1915 and the Catholic part from 1936. In the old part there is the [[Functionalist architecture in Finland#Q11902931|Resurrection Chapel]] from the 1940s (easiest access from Hautausmaantie 21) and by the new part (by Skarpkullantie 2) there is the Holy Cross Chapels from the 1960s. If you just want to see an ordinary Finnish cemetery, there are smaller ones e.g. by [[#St. Catherine's Church|St. Catherine's Church]] and by [[#Saint Mary's church|Saint Mary's church]]. }} * {{see | name=Buddhist monastery | alt=Buddhalaistemppeli | url= | email= | address=Moisiontie 225 | lat=60.5417 | long=22.2978 | directions=Yli-Maaria, 11 km from the centre by Tampereen Valtatie, highway 9, most of the lines 21–23x | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-08-25 | content=Vietnamese Buddhist monastery and temple, one of three in Finland. }} ===Nature=== [[File:Turku - Ruissalo Island (6119923392).jpg|thumb|Evening view at Ruissalo.]] * {{see | name=Ruissalo Island | alt= | url=https://www.visitturku.fi/en/ruissalo-island_en | email= | address= | lat=60.428 | long=22.151 | directions=5 km from Kauppatori. Travel past the harbour district and you cannot miss signs pointing towards Ruissalo. Bus line 8 in every 30 minutes. During summer also a ferry connection. | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2097015 | content=The unique nature, culture and history of the fascinating Island of Ruissalo is to be found flanking the Turku estuary. Once the hunting island for the court of Turku Castle, the island is easily accessible by land or by sea. The oak forests, charming 19th century villas, [https://ruissalospa.fi/en/ Ruissalo Spa hotel], Ruissalo nature reserve, Ruisrock rock concert, [https://www.honkapirtti.fi/ Honkapirtti] (pea soup daily 11–16, Su also fish soup – the Karelian house is worth a visit for lunch or a bun despite the short menu) and the [https://sites.utu.fi/kasvitieteellinen-puutarha/en/ Botanical Gardens] have all combined to make the island famous. Scenic and well-maintained bike paths offer comfortable distances for the whole family. The rocky outcrops, beautiful sandy beaches, distinctive nature, rolling fields and pretty gardens will lead to love at first sight for all who visit the island. There is a camping area at [https://ruissalo.sportum.info/stable/tuotteet.jsp?kieli=UKN Saaronniemi] on the outermost tip of the island. The tourist services of this well-equipped camping and caravan park include beaches, barbecue sites, saunas, a small shop and various amenities including hot showers and a laundry. With mini-golf, volleyball, badminton and basketball courts, a fitness trail, playgrounds and a café-restaurant. Many of the facilities of the campsite are available also to non-guests There is also a championship level golf course, [https://auragolf.fi/eng/aura-golf-in-english/ Aura Golf], founded in 1958 nearby. }} * {{marker|type=see|name=The riverside |lat=60.4554|long=22.2762}} upstream from Tuomiokirkkosilta bridge (right bank) or Åbo Akademi (left bank) make for a very [[Turku riverside walk|nice stroll or biking trip]]. Between Tuomiokirkkosilta and the railway bridge there is a walking path close to the water on the right, north-western bank (not for bikes), elsewhere the route is above the river in park-like milieu, upstream (from Vähäjoki and Koroinen, and near Halinen) also in agricultural landscapes. A café in Koroinen on Sundays, sometimes with handicraft exhibitions or workshops, the Myllärintupa café with canoe rental by the Halinen rapids in summer (Tu–Su 10:00–18:00; also small scale exhibitions). Bikers could continue upstream to [[Turku countryside#Vanhalinna|Vanhalinna]] in Lieto, a hillfort with splendid views ([https://vanhalinna.fi/en/ mansion] by the hill in use by Turku university; café, summer theatre and exhibitions in or by the mansion if you time right).<!-- -->[[File:Autumn Ruissalo.jpg|thumb|Pikisaari on Hirvensalo seen from Ruissalo.]] * {{marker|type=see|name=Hirvensalo|lat=60.4051 | long=22.2111}}, {{marker|type=see|name=Satava|lat=60.372 | long=22.169}} and {{marker|type=see|name=Kakskerta|lat=60.359 | long=22.233}} are three large islands in line right off the coastline of Turku. The parts facing the city are suburbs, with winding roads lined with often nice villas, while much of the islands are countryside with fields and natural forest. The bus lines 50–56 reach different parts of Hirvensalo, while 14 and 15 continue to Satava and Kakskerta, which once were an independent municipality. Pikisaari on Hirvensalo faces the shipping lane. Today, Hirvensalo is a haven for single-family homes and good, clean living. Some famous names from Hirvensalo are sculptor and academic, Wäinö Aaltonen and artist Jan-Erik Andersson, whose unique leaf-shaped house is near the Hirvensalo bridge. Hirvensalo also has a [http://www.hirvensalo.fi sports centre], where visitors can ski downhill in the winter and ride [http://www.mccaction.com/turku/ downhill cars] in the summer. On the last island of the three, Kakskerta (bus 15) you can enjoy lovely archipelago nature, the golf course at Harjattula or the site of the TV series Hovimäki at Brinkhall Manor. There is also a stone church from the 1760s. * {{see | name=Vepsä Island | alt= | url=http://www.vepsa.fi/english.php | email=vepsansaari@gmail.com | address= | lat=60.3742 | long=22.0766 | directions=One hour ferry trip from Turku, ferry leaves from river Aura. | phone=+358 50 411-4963 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open during the summer season only, from 1 June to 31 August | price=Return ticket for the ferry €16/6. Cabin €55–90/night, tent site €5/person. | wikidata=Q24345730 | content=Vepsä island is a beautiful island in the Turku archipelago. From the vantage point on the rugged rock, you can see glittering waters and awesome landscapes of ''Airisto''. On the way up, you can search for geocaches, if you want. Former hiding place of smugglers hides nowadays modern hobbies and hobby equipments. You can go for a walk, swim on a child safe beach, have a barbecue, take a sauna bath, play miniature golf, and enjoy other summery activities. People who like water sports can rent a boat or a canoe. One of the new activities is sumo wrestling in air filled suites. After an active day you can eat in the island's own café-restaurant. Ice-creams and snacks are for sale also in a kiosk. You can go to Vepsä for a one day trip, or stay for a longer time. Cosy summer cabins offer you warm surroundings to stay over night, and are very popular among visitors. There are three saunas to hire, one of them is reserved for enterprises. You can reserve the representation sauna and a barred hot tub beforehand. Three close-by islands – Mustaluoto, Vähä-Tervi and Pikku-Vepsä – are charming targets to visit and available for Vepsä visitors. }} === Itineraries === * [[Turku riverside walk]] ==Do== Turku is especially lively during the summer season, from the latter part of May to early September, as well as around the Advent and Christmas period in December. The banks of the river Aura are regarded Turku's summertime living room. The shores are the setting for many urban events and are also popular for picnic and relaxing. ===Theatre, performing arts and cinema=== [[File:Åbo Svenska Teater.jpg|thumb|Turku Swedish Theatre 2018]] For chamber music, check also the weekly concerts at the Wäinö Aaltonen and Sibelius museums. One-off performances can be harder to find, as information channels vary. * {{do | name=Turku City Theatre | alt=Turun kaupunginteatteri | url=http://teatteri.turku.fi/en | email=kaupunginteatteri@turku.fi | address=Itäinen Rantakatu 14 | lat=60.44604 | long=22.26386 | directions=by the Theatre Bridge | phone=+358 2 262-0030 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 262-0065 | hours= | price=€30–50/15–40 | lastedit=2017-02-01 | wikidata=Q3739478 | content=The main theatre building on the banks of river Aura has gone through a thorough renovation. Turku City Theatre offers performances on four different stages. It offers serious drama, musicals and children's theatre, including visiting productions. }} * {{do | name=Logomo | alt= | url=https://logomo.fi/ | email=info@logomo.fi | address=Köydenpunojankatu 14 | lat=60.4569 | long=22.2576 | directions=behind the train station | phone=+358 29-1234-800 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q18660595 | lastedit= | content=Logomo is in an old locomotive workshop, and was the main venue for the Capital of Culture year in 2011. It is next to the Turku city centre and the Central Railway Station (as which it will serve from 5 August 2024, beside other functions). It provides spaces for several exhibitions and major performance throughout the year. It also has a café and a shop. }} * {{do | name=Turku Philharmonic Orchestra | alt=Turun filharmoninen orkesteri | url=http://www.tfo.fi/en | address=Aninkaistenkatu 9 | lat=60.45556 | long=22.27035 | directions=by the Puutori square | phone=+358 2 262-0804 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Ticket office: M–F 11:00–17:00 and before events | price=Usually €21/9 | wikidata=Q2082994 | lastedit=2018 | content=Turku Concert Hall, built in 1952, was the first concert hall in Finland. It is mainly used by Turku Philharmonic Orchestra. }} * {{do | name=Swedish Theatre of Turku | alt=Åbo Svenska Teater | url=http://www.abosvenskateater.fi | email=info@abosvenskateater.fi | address=Eerikinkatu 13 | lat=60.4507 | long=22.2660 | directions=by Kauppatori | phone=+358 2 277-7377 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2632947 | lastedit= | content=This is Finland's oldest theatre. The beautiful theatre house reached its 175th anniversary in January 2014. The big scene reflects the age, with splendid decorations, the moderate size allowing quite an intimate experience. Here most performances are musicals or traditional drama. There are two smaller scenes, which also offer more experimental theatre and children's plays. }} * {{do | name=Linnateatteri | alt= | url=http://linnateatteri.fi | email=info@linnateatteri.fi | address=Linnankatu 31 | lat=60.4467 | long=22.2586 | directions= | phone=+358 2 232-1215 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q11875977 | lastedit= | content=Linnateatteri is a professional theatre, which performs both in the house and the garden. Linnateatteri has over the last decade presented such comical shows as ''the Amazing History of Turku'' and ''the Amazing Near-history of Turku''. In addition to comedy and stand-up performances there's also drama, concerts and children theatre among its repertoire. During summer you can also catch up with Linnateatteri on the courtyard stage of Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova. }} * {{do | name=Samppalinna Summer Theatre | alt=Samppalinnan kesäteatteri | url=http://www.samppalinnanteatteri.fi | email= | address=Paavo Nurmen Puistotie 3 | lat=60.4442 | long=22.2609 | directions=by the Samppalinna mill in the park Urheilupuisto | phone=+358 2 232-9050 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q18661856 | lastedit= | content=Samppalinna summer theatre, with its first premières in 1960, is Finland’s largest summer musical theatre. It specializes in musicals. }} * {{do | name=Kinopalatsi | alt=Kinopalatsi Cinema Complex | url=http://www.finnkino.fi/eng/ | email= | address=Kauppiaskatu 11 | lat=60.4531 | long=22.2669 | directions= | phone=+358 9 131-191 (€1.97/min + pvm/mpm) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=around €12 | wikidata=Q11871619 | lastedit= | content=This modern cinema complex opened in Turku in the spring 2001. All 9 auditoriums has been invested in the audience comfort. Seat rows are strongly staggered and leg room between rows is optimal. The technique is the highest quality with digital sound and big screens. }} ===Sport arenas=== [[File:Turkuhalli inside.jpg|thumb|Turkuhalli]] * {{do | name=Turkuhalli | alt=Gatorade Center | url=https://turku-areenat.fi/fi/gatorade-center | email=info@turku-areenat.fi | address=Artukaistentie 8 | lat=60.4562 | long=22.1869 | directions= | phone=+358 2 21-900 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=This ice hockey and music arena hosts large public events and the games of [https://www.turunpalloseura.fi/ TPS (''Turun Palloseura'')], Turku's number one ice hockey team. It offers a large arena and grandstands in addition to smaller function rooms. Restaurants serve before the entertainment, during the intermission or at breaks, and often even after the event. Big screens and TV monitors ensure the arena atmosphere fills the restaurant and lobby areas. }} * {{do | name=Marli Areena | alt=Ice Hockey Arena | url=https://turku-areenat.fi/en/home | email= | address=Hippoksentie 2 | lat=60.4422 | long=22.2896 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Marli Arena is next to the Kupittaa park, and is primarily used for ice hockey. It is the home arena of [http://www.tutohockey.fi/fi/uutiset TuTo (''Turun Toverit'') hockey team]. TuTo plays in the second highest ice hockey league in Finland, Mestis, but the atmosphere in the games can be even better than in the TPS games, since the fans really love the team and arena is compact. Tickets are also less expensive and the Marli Arena is just around 15 minutes walking distance away from the city center. }} * {{do | name=Veritas Stadion | alt=football (soccer) stadium | url=https://veritasstadion.fi/in-english/ | email=varaukset@veritasstadion.com | address=Hippoksentie 6 | lat=60.44282 | long=22.29175 | directions= | phone=+358 2-2722-00 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=In the heart of Turku at the Kupittaa Park, Veritas Stadium is Turku's number one football stadium. Both Turku-based major soccer teams – [http://fcinter.fi/ FC Inter] and [https://fc.tps.fi/in-english/ FC TPS] – play on the grounds of the stadium. }} ===Parks and sports grounds=== * {{do | name=Kupittaa Park | alt=Kupittaanpuisto | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.4457 | long=22.2894 | directions=Near the Turku city centre, on the east bank of the river Aura, around 15 minutes walk from the Old Great Square and Cathedral | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5486539 | content=Finland's largest and oldest city park is popular for picnic as well as for children and sports. There are ice skaters in the winter, in-line skaters in the summer, skateboarders, cyclists, ballplayers, petanque enthusiasts and everyone out for some exercise. Urban athletes can catch some air and grind some rails at the skatepark. Pump some iron at the Turku city's official gym or hit the lanes at the bowling hall. Kupittaa Park also offers families with kids the ever popular Traffic-City, Adventure Park, Kupittaa Outdoor Pool and the Sports Wonderland for Kids (Sundays 17:00–19:00 in the sports hall, free). Watch birds in action at the Bird Pond. Visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to picnicking. The wide-open lawns of Kupittaa Park are perfect for everything from football to croquet, while frisbees and kites vie for space in the skies above. One end of the park is dominated by the Veritas Stadium, which is the home pitch of local football teams, TPS and Inter. And when it's time for a bite to eat, Kupittaa Pavilion will serve up a tasty treat right in the heart of the park. Veritas Stadium is also home to the full-service Olè restaurant. }} ** {{do | name=Adventure Park | alt=Seikkailupuisto | url=https://www.turku.fi/en/adventure-park-seikkailupuisto | email=seikkailupuisto@turku.fi | address=Kupittaankatu 2 | lat=60.4472 | long=22.2907 | directions=Bus line 32 (jump out at the bus stop just before the corner of Kerttulinkatu and Sirkkalankatu) | phone=+358 44-907-2986 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Su 10:00–17:00 | price=Free | wikidata=Q11892816 | content=Just on the edge of Kupittaa Park, the Adventure Park is the ideal environment for encouraging imagination and creative play. You are allowed to get wet in the mushroom fountain and get a thrill from the zip line. In addition to a large assortment of playground stuff in the lush park area, to be used freely, the adventure park offers guided activities from art and handicraft workshops to songs and music at the music playschool, and theatre performances. There is a kiosk where you can buy ice cream, drinks and snacks. It is also possible to grill your own food at the barbecue sites. Nearby in the park there is a bouncy castle and a traffic town. }} * {{do | name=Hohtogolf Westcoast | alt=Glow Minigolf and Curling | url=http://www.hohtogolf.fi/turku/ | email=turku@hohtogolf.fi | address=Yliopistonkatu 17 | lat=60.45242 | long=22.26652 | directions= underground -- entrance is next to the Turku Orthodox Church | phone=+358 2 253-4355 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= W–Th 17:00–21:00, F 17:00–00:00, Sa 12:00–00:00, Su–Tu closed | price=€10/12 | content=At Hohtogolf Westcoast is a glow-in-the-dark 15-hole miniature golf course with over-the-top mechanized special effects and a special "horror" section. Fun thing to do in a group, especially after a few drinks from the bar. As a new feature they also offer a small curling track. }} * {{do | name=Urheilupuisto Sports Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.4427 | long=22.2632 | directions=in the Turku city centre, on the east bank of the river Aura behind the City Theater | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q11898812 | content=Urheilupuisto is home to the Paavo Nurmi Stadium and many other sporting facilities. This extensive parkland holds many places to exercise, come winter, come summer. In addition to the Paavo Nurmi Stadium, there is e.g. the Karikon lenkki running track, tennis courts, basketball courts, a volleyball court, an artificial turf playing field and a frisbee golf course. In the winter months the Sports Park, naturally, has its ice field and a popular sledding hill. [http://www.turkutrojans.com Turku Trojans], one of the oldest American Football teams in Finland, plays its games on the upper field of Turku Sports Park. }} ===Winter sports=== [[File:Hirvensalon laskettelukeskus.jpg|thumb|Slopes at the Hirvensalo Ski Resort]] * {{do | name=Skating worm | alt=Luistelumato | url=https://www.turku.fi/en/culture-and-sports/sports/sports-facilities/outdoor-sports-facilities/ice-skating-rinks/kupittaa | email= | address= | lat=60.447 | long=22.292 | directions=Kupittaanpuisto, behind the sports hall | phone=+358 50-554-6300 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Equipment rental M W F 17:00–20:00, Sa Su 10:00–18:00, from middle Dec, unless raining | price=Free; skates: adults €5, children €1; hiking skates €5/2hr, €12/week; roller skates €5; drinks €1; skating free | content=Meandering skating lane forming a circle, 5–6 m wide and 500 m long. Skate rental (also hiking skates), hot drinks for sale. Roller skating in the summer. }} * {{do | name=Parkki Artificial Ice Field | alt=Parkin kenttä | url=https://www.turku.fi/en/culture-and-sports/sports/sports-facilities/courts-and-fields/artificial-turf-fields | email=liikunta@turku.fi | address=Tuureporinkatu 2 | lat=60.457 | long=22.272 | directions=near the bus station, across Aninkaistenkatu | phone=+358 50-431-0016 | tollfree= | hours=2023: from 4 December; M–F 08:00–21:00, Sa 10:00–20:00, Su 09:00–20:00 (maintenance daily 15:45–16:45); tickets and equipment rental M–F 17:00–19:00, Sa Su 10:00–16:00 | price=€3.50; from 2024: prime time at counter €8/4, other times by mobile €3.50/3.50; wristband: €8+€16/10 entries, from 2024: €8+€60/30 | lastedit=2023-12-01 | content=Big skating field, usually most of it for ice hockey. Sometimes music and most of the area for general skating. Skates and hockey sticks for rent. The entrance fee can be paid at the entrance when manned, otherwise by pre-bought tickets ("Exercise Wristband", can be used for several persons) or mobile phone (0600- number posted at the gate, enter immediately after calling). }} * {{do | name=Impivaaran jäähalli | alt= | url=https://www.turku.fi/en/culture-and-sports/sports/sports-facilities/ice-halls/impivaara-ice-hall | email= | address=Eskonkatu 1 | lat=60.477474 | long=22.250511 | directions=bus 13 and 18. | phone=+358 2 262-3550 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M 14:00–14:50, 16:45–17:35, W 13:45–14:35, Sa 10:30–11:20 | price= | lastedit=2017-12-05 | content=Indoor ice field, skating for the public (no ice hockey) at certain hours when not in other use. }} * {{do | name=Varissuon jäähalli | alt= | url=https://www.turku.fi/en/culture-and-sports/sports/sports-facilities/ice-halls/varissuo-ice-hall | email= | address=Suurpäänkatu 2 | lat=60.443250 | long=22.354862 | directions=bus 32 and 42. | phone=+358 2 262-3570 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 13:45–14:35, Th also 18:00–18:50, Su 10:00–10:50 | price=Free | lastedit=2017-12-05 | content=Ice field in an underground hall, skating for the public (no ice hockey) at certain hours when not in other use. }} * {{do | name=Minor skating fields | alt= | url=https://www.turku.fi/en/culture-and-sports/sports/sports-facilities/outdoor-sports-facilities/ice-skating-rinks/natural-1 | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | lastedit=2017-12-05 | content=There are minor skating fields in most residential areas, without artificial cooling and thus more dependant on weather. Some have ice hockey rinks, some have changing rooms. }} * {{do | name=Hirvensalo Ski Resort | alt= | url=http://www.hirvensalo.fi/ | email=toimisto@tusla.net | address=Kakskerrantie 111 | lat=60.4175 | long=22.2277 | directions=on the island Hirvensalo, 5 km from the city centre; bus lines 14, 15, 51, 53 and 55; parking for private transport | phone=+358 45-106-3011 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€17–28 | content=There are four well managed and lit slopes at the Turun Hirvensalo Ski Centre in Turku: 1, 2 and 3-slopes and a slope for children. There are three lifts in Hirvensalo. The longest slope is 300m and the greatest altitude difference is 60m. The degree of difficulty of the slopes ranges from easy to difficult and there are several boxes and rails. Hirvensalo Ski Centre is the perfect place for both beginners and experts, without mentioning families. Services also include Slope café, ski school, and equipment rental. }} * {{do | name=Cross-country skiing | alt= | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/culture-and-sports/recreation/trails-routes-and-ski-tracks/ski-tracks | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 50-554-6219 (administration),+358 50-523-8447 (equipment rental) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free; equipment €5/3/1 (children: <20yrs) | content=There are skiing tracks in most suburbs, as jogging routes are transformed to [http://www.turku.fi/sv/kultur-och-motion/friluftsomraden/stigar-rutter-och-skidspar/skidspar skiing routes], with groomed tracks and a lane for freestyle skiing (80 km maintained by the city in good winters). The Nunnavuori routes (0.35 and 1 km on flat ground, 1.7 km in easy hilly terrain) are maintained also in adverse weather, which gives them the longest season (in 2021–2022: from 5 Dec). At one of its starting points, Eskonkatu/Kurrapolku near Impivaara, there is equipment for rent (Sa–Su 11:00–16:00; equipment to be returned 20 min before closing) and coffee, warm juice and snacks for sale (by a charity; usually somewhat longer hours than the rental; sausage €1, coffee and bun €2). Many of the routes have lighting 06:00–22:00. }} ===Climbing=== Be aware of the inherent dangers of [[Rock climbing|climbing]]. Safety cannot be guaranteed even if the businesses take security seriously. Make sure you have understood the instructions. Children usually need permission from their custodians, must respect instructions, and might need to be accompanied. * {{do | name=Flowpark | alt=Climbing park | url=http://www.flowpark.fi/turku/?lang=en | email=info.turku@flowpark.fi | address=Skanssinkatu 10 | lat=60.4287 | long=22.3180 | directions= | phone=+358 400-864-862 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=May–Oct: M–Sa 12:00–20:00, Su 12:00–18:00. Closed Nov–April except around special Winter Feast days in January | price=Day ticket €22 | content=Adventure trails up in the trees. There are fifteen different trails and nearly one hundred missions, where you can test your balance, coordination and nerve. For the high ropes adventure trails children must be at least seven years old and 120 cm tall. For the smaller fast and fearless climber there is a specially built children's trail closer to ground. Flowpark is in the leafy green courtyard of shopping centre Skanssi, with good transportation connections from the centre. }} * {{do | name=Irti Maasta | alt= | url=https://irtimaasta.fi/puistot/raisio | email=info.raisio@irtimaasta.fi | address=Myllynkatu 1142 | lat= | long= | directions=in the shopping centre Mylly, Raisio | phone=+358 400-820-037 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 14:00–20:00, Sa–Su 10:00–18:00 | price=€16 | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-05-27 | content=Climbing centre with playful routes and challenges. Weight limits: 15–150 kg. Automatic belaying. No age limit, but children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. }} * {{do | name=Kiipeilypalatsi | alt= | url=https://www.kiipeilypalatsi.com | email= | address=Vesilinnantie 1 | lat=60.4557 | long=22.2846 | directions=a cube-formed building on the hill in the TY campus behind the cathedral | phone=+358 45-670-5991 | tollfree= | hours=Tu–W 15:30–20:30, Sa 13:00–17:00, groups also by agreement | price=€11 + harness, shoes and magnesium €4 | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=[[Rock climbing|Climbing]] walls inside a former water tower. Not solo, as you need your own belayer. Newcomers to the sport are welcome, but must tell about being inexperienced. Belayer instruction included. Minors need parent's permission, children under 14 need an adult belayer. }} ===Boating and canoeing=== For skippered yacht cruises or yacht chartering, see [[Archipelago Sea#By yacht and small boats|Archipelago Sea]]. Here are options for smaller vessels and quick trips: * {{do | name=Låna | alt= | url=http://www.lanaturku.fi/?lang=en | email= | address=Linnankatu 3 | lat=60.451766 | long=22.273120 | directions=the river shore at Vähätori, by Tuomiokirkko bridge | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€60/hour, €100/2 hours | lastedit=2018 | content=Open boats (max 8 persons) for cruising down the river and back, perhaps while having a picnic (speed limit on the river 6 km/h i.e. 3 knots), with electric motor. Also Buster Rent boats available, but rent those at the guest harbour instead (not ideal for cruising the river, and you get the whole day for the price of 3 hr). }} * {{do | name=Buster Rent | alt= | url=http://vuokraa.buster.fi | email=info@buster-rent.fi | address= | lat= | long= | directions=delivery at the guest harbour or by trailer | phone= +358 20-769-1270| tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€140–400/one day, weekend €330–800; trailer included; trailering by agreement | lastedit=2016-05-13 | content=Open or semi-open boats for rent, with outboard motor. Usable also for longer voyages given suitable weather. Two berths in the biggest boats. }} * {{do | name=Sea kayaking | alt=Aavameri | url=http://www.aavameri.fi/en | email=info@aavameri.fi | address= | lat=60.421828 | long=22.095435 | directions=bus 8 from Puutori to Saaronniemi, walk to the beach | phone=+358 44-980-7788 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Jun–Aug: M 10:30, F 17:00 (Puutori 10:00/16:30), by agreement other days throughout the year | price=Evening tour €65; day tour €110/person; child reductions for 8–12 and 13–15 years old; rental: first day €60 | lastedit=2019-04-05 | content=Day or evening tour with kayak and guide (7 or 3½ hr) from Ruissalo. Register before 17:00/12:00, pay online. The day and evening tours do not require previous experience and moderate fitness is enough, trips are tailored to suite the participants (3–8 in the group). Also longer full service guided trips and supported solo expeditions with transportation from and back to Turku are available. }} * {{do | name=Saaristomeren melojat | alt= | url=http://melojat.net | email=posti@melojat.net | address=Rykmentintie 55 | lat=60.413961 | long=22.265418 | directions=Uittamo, bus line 13 | phone=+358 41-456-5223 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu Th 17–20, Sa Su 11:00–15:00 or 11:00–17:00 (check!) | price=Kayak €10/hour, €40/day, €80/weekend, €120/week; twin or canoe €20, €60, €120, 180; courses €40/100 | lastedit=2018 | content=Local canoe/kayak club, equipment for rent. Also short and three-evening courses. Quick intro on-site, if you need more advice, ask in advance (instructions about equipment etc. in Finnish on the website). Pay in cash. }} * {{do | name=Aurajokisäätiö | alt= | url=http://aurajoki.net/melonta | email= | address=Valkkimyllynkuja 2 | lat=60.465310 | long=22.305333 | directions=Myllärintupa by Halistenkoski rapids | phone=+358 44-553-7408 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=1 Jun–31 Aug: Tu–Su 10:00–18:00 | price=Kayak €19/two hours, €39/one day; canoe €24/€39; guide €36/hour | lastedit=2018 | content=Kayak/canoe rental for trips on the river. Also guided tours. }} ===Swimming=== [[File:Impivaaran uimahalli.JPG|thumb|Impivaara Swimming Centre]] [[File:Ice swimming in Turku.jpg|thumb|Ice Swimming at the Ispoinen Beach is a popular hobby among locals during the winter months]] Due to its location at the shores of the [[Archipelago Sea]], Turku has a number of great [https://www.turku.fi/sv/motion/badstrander-och-vinterbad number of '''beaches'''] easily reachable from the city centre. There are also two outdoor pools (0.75 km and 1.7 km from Kauppatori), a water park, indoor swimming pools and arenas. Most indoor facilities – and some outdoor ones – are in use round the year. The beaches are free, mostly with lifeguards in the busiest times, some with a kiosk, café or similar service, most with a play area for children (with climbing frames and swings). * {{marker|type=do|name=Ispoinen Beach|lat=60.41441 | long=22.25957}} is within easy reach from Turku Centre by bus number 9 or 13. * {{marker|type=do|name=Ruissalo camping beaches |lat=60.42144 | long=22.09492}} are the favourites of many locals. They are at Saaronniemi at the very end of the Ruissalo Island (bus line 8) and on a beautiful summer day you can really feel the archipelago here. A few separate beaches of different character. * {{marker|type=do|name=Ekvalla beach|lat=60.37939 | long=22.22598}} is on the Satava island (bus lines 14 and 15). When the Finnish summer gets hot, this sandy beach is a good choice for families and sun seekers as well as disabled. Whatever your physical impairment you can have a dip as Ekvalla beach has specially designed walkways and a wheelchair ramp into the water. Lifeguards are supervising swimming on all of the beaches mentioned above daily in the busy hours from the beginning of June to the end of August (covering the schools' summer vacation). * Other smaller beaches include ** {{marker|type=do|name=Brinkhall beach|lat=60.36557 | long=22.23673}}, ** {{marker|type=do|name=Moikoinen beach|lat=60.4167 | long=22.2506}}, ** {{marker|type=do|name=Sorttamäki beach|lat=60.4084 | long=22.2547}} and ** {{marker|type=do|name=Maaria beach|lat=60.5307 | long=22.3540}}. [[Winter swimming]]: * {{marker|type=do|name=Saaronniemen saukot |url=http://saaronniemensaukot.fi |lat=60.4309|long=22.1416}} arrange winter swimming at Tammirannantie 39 (and swimming in summer, too). * {{do | name=Turku's Winter Outdoor Swimmers Club | alt=Turun avantouimarit | url=https://www.turunavantouimarit.fi/languages/in-english/ | email= | address=Rykmentintie 51 | lat=60.41495 | long=22.25929 | directions=Ispoinen Beach | phone=+358 44-377-5475 | tollfree= | hours=M 15:00–19:45, W 15:00–20:45, F–Sa 15:00–19:45, Su 15:00–20:45 | price=Non-member single ticket: adults €5.20, children under 16 €1.50, accompanied children under 7 free | content=Sauna, ice swimming and club room. Members are happy to help newcomers. }} Outdoor pools, arenas and water parks: * {{do | name=JukuPark Waterpark | alt= | url=https://jukupark.fi/ | email= | address=Kurrapolku 1 | lat=60.4782 | long=22.2562 | directions= | phone=+358 400-174-640 | tollfree= | hours=7 Jun–10 Aug: daily 11:00 to 17-19:00 | price=€21, children under 4 year free | content=JukuPark is a paradise for the whole family 3 km from Turku center. At JukuPark, come rain or shine, you're sure to get soaking wet! You’re guaranteed a great day with many spectacular water-slides, large heated swimming pools, sunbathing areas together with saunas, shower rooms and the Pirate Island water-world for the little ones. When hunger surprises there are Juku Park’s grills, cafés, kiosk services and terraces available. }} * {{do | name=Kupittaa Outdoor Swimming Arena | alt= | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/culture-and-sports/sports/sports-facilities/swimming-places-and-water-sport/kupittaa-outdoor | email=liikunta@turku.fi | address=Kupittaankatu 10 | lat=60.4451 | long=22.2909 | directions=in the middle of the Kupittaa park | phone=+358 44-907-2702 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Mid-May to mid-Aug: daily 10:00–19:00 | price=Adults €5.50, discount groups €3, children under 16 €2.5, children under 5 years free | content=Kupittaa has offered facilities for swimming for over a hundred years. It's next to the Adventure Park and is a favourite of families especially. In addition to the large 50-m pool, there is a smaller 25-m pool, a 0.6–0.9 m deep children's pool as well as a play area for the little ones and a lawn area for relaxation. The pool area has a kiosk. The nearby Blomberginaukio square offers ample parking. }} * {{do | name=Samppalinna Swimming Stadium | alt= | url=https://www.turku.fi/en/places/samppalinna-outdoor-swimming-stadium | email=liikunta@turku.fi | address=Volter Kilven katu 2 | lat=60.4457 | long=22.2655 | directions= | phone=+358 2 262-3590 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=From mid-May to mid-Sept: M–Th 06:00–20:00, F 06:00–19:00, Sa Su 08:00–19:00 | price=Adults €5.50, discount groups €3.50, children under 16 €3, children under 5 years free | wikidata=Q18661857 | content=A refreshing oasis in the middle of the city, on a warm summer day Samppalinna is really popular with the locals. An olympic-size swimming and diving boards where swimmers can jump from the tower. Children have their own pool and there is sunbathing among the stadium’s sunny banks; a park area included: picnics possible, basic play yard. The changing areas are indoors, good sauna and shower facilities. The lockers can be locked with a 50-cent coin. }} Swimming halls and indoor water parks: * {{do | name=Caribia | alt= | url=https://www.holidayclubresorts.com/turuncaribia | email= | address=Kongressgränden 1 | lat=60.46038 | long=22.29047 | directions=in [[#Caribia Spa Hotel|the hotel]] in the Student Village | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-07-29 | content=Indoor water park. Also one normal swimming pool. }} * {{do | name=Impivaara Swimming Centre | alt= | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/impivaara-swimming-centre | email=liikunta@turku.fi | address=Uimahallinpolku 4 | lat=60.4783 | long=22.2599 | directions=last stop of bus 13 when marked "u" in the timetable; 18 passes reasonably close | phone=+358 2 262-3588 | tollfree= | hours=M–Th 06:00–20:00, F 11:00–18:00, Sa Su 09:00–17:00 | price=Single entry €8/5/3 (children fare for 4–16 years old); 10-time card €60/40/24 | wikidata=Q11864792 | content=The stunning and newly renovated facilities are named after characters and places in author Aleksis Kivi’s classic novel, Seven Brothers. The swimming area comprises eight pools, called Venla (50 m), Juhani (25 m), Tuomas (diving pool), Aapo (multipurpose pool), Simeoni (family pool), Timo (teaching pool), Lauri (paddling pool) and Eero (cold pool). Impivaara gyms Jukola, Toukola and Männistö have comprehensive and spacious strength training and aerobics facilities. }} * {{listing | type=do | name=Turun uimahalli | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rehtoripellonkatu 3 | lat=60.4543 | long=22.2875 | directions=in the student union's house | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata=Q18662487 | lastedit= | content=First swimming hall of Turku. Clothing optional, with genders separated by day of week. }} * {{do | name=Ulpukka | alt= | url=https://www.raisio.fi/fi/kulttuuri-ja-vapaa-aika/uintikeskus-ulpukka | email=ulpukka.asiakaspalvelu@raisio.fi | address=Eeronkuja 5 | lat=60.4783 | long=22.1615 | directions=1 km south-west of Raisio centre (along Nesteentie); bus lines 220 and 221 from Turku pass by | phone=+358 44-797-1681 | tollfree= | hours=Winter: M Tu Th F 06:00–21:00, W 11:00–21:00 Sa–Su 11:00–18:00; summer: M Tu Th F 06:00–09:00, 13:30–21:00, W 13:30–21:00, weekends closed; entry min. 1 hr before closing | price=€5–7 (mornings cheaper), students €4.50, children 5–15 years €3, family (2+3) €16; 2 hr | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-05-27 | content=Swimming hall. Nice also for children. Accessible for the mobility impaired (ask for directions). }} ===Social dancing=== [[File:UIttamon lava 2.JPG|thumb|The Uittamo dance pavilion]]<!-- should be changed to a seaside view --> Foxtrot, waltz, jive, cha cha, what have you… The [[Social dancing in Finland|dance pavilions]] are an essential part of the Finnish summer for many, although not any more for a majority, and some keep dancing all year. There are clubs for specific styles; at the pavilions the music plaid usually covers the gamut. Pavilions and other sites in Turku and Raisio, and popular ones in the surroundings, include: * {{do | name=Huvilintu | alt= | url=http://www.huvilintu.com | email=markku.appel@dnainternet.net | address=Linnuksentie 39 | lat=60.5198 | long=22.1339 | directions=Raisio countryside, 12 km from Turku centre: turn left from highway 8 north of Raisio centre, towards Kustavi (road 192), after 1 km turn towards Piuha along Maskuntie, after 1 km more turn right to Linnuksentie, drive 390 m, the pavilion is to your left; by bike you can also follow the cycleway to Raisio and along Highway 8 and reach the other end of Linnuksentie; bus 300 (e.g. Kauppatori E2 17:52) gets you to the Kirjakallionkatu stop across Kustavintie (turn back to cross it), 1.8 km from the pavilion, the last buses back at midnight (23:15, 00:05) | phone=+358 2 437-2830 (during dances), +358 44-782-1323 (otherwise) | tollfree= | hours=30 Apr–20 Sep Sa 19:00–23:00/24:00 (Midsummer also F), nights with two bands end at midnight | price=€20–25+€2 | lastedit=2025-04-30 | content=Dance pavilion. Guarded cloakroom. Also beer at the café (no age limit at the dance floor). }} * {{do | name=Uittamon paviljonki | alt= | url=http://uittamo.fi/tanssit/ | email=johanna.tuomola@magnumlive.fi | address=Rykmentintie 29 | lat= 60.4206 | long= 22.2528| directions=bus no 9 towards Katariina, bus stop "Tanssilava" | phone=+358 44-906-1910 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Dances mid May–August Su 18:00–23:00, Midsummer F 20:00–01:00; dance courses M 17:30–19:30 (beginners) 19:30–22:30 (advanced) | price=€20 | lastedit=2023-01-10 | content=Dance pavilion by the sea. Also dance courses. }} * {{do | name=[[Kaarina#Littoistenjärvi dance pavilion| Littoisten lava]] | alt= | url=http://www.sekahaku.net/tanssit/ | email=erja.vuorinen@sekahaku.net | address=Vanha Littoistentie 153 | lat=60.4596 | long=22.3779 | directions=by the Littoistenjärvi lake and beach in [[Kaarina]]; {{show by date|2025|06|27|bus 2B or 2C, last bus back 23:20|check bus schedules, changing on 1 Jul}} | phone=+358 45-894-8383 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=2025: 8 May–11 Sep: Th 18:00/19:30–23:00, also F–Sa 15–16 Aug | price=Dances mostly €20/7/-, courses €14/7; reduced price for the young and on some beginners' courses | lastedit=2025-04-20 | content=Dance pavilion run by Sekahaku (see below). 1½-hr dance course before the dances included in the price. Separate courses most other evenings. }} * {{do | name=[[Pöytyä#Valasranta| Valasranta]] | alt= | url=http://www.valasranta.fi | email= | address=Valasrannantie 363 | lat= 60.8961 |long= 22.3476 | directions=by Pyhäjärvi in [[Pöytyä|Yläne]], 60 km north from Turku | phone=+358 40-647-4187 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Mid May–Sep: Sa 20:00–01:00 | price=€20 | lastedit=2017-05-11 | content=Dance pavilion by the Pyhäjärvi lake. }} The '''[[#Q4356997|main library]]''' has free dances in its yard, Tuesdays 17:00–18:15, from late June to late August (with weather reservation). Mostly old couples (the generation which never attended dance courses), mostly Finnish tango, waltz and ''humppa'', and you might be unlikely to be asked to dance – but asking somebody to should be possible regardless of whether you are a man or woman. In the '''winter''' season, part of the dancing crowd is found at Rientola and in Aura (in addition to dance restaurants): <!-- the site to be demolished, listing kept as comment for copying to the new one when facts are confirmed * {{do | name=Pyrkivä/Sekahaku | alt= | url=https://sekahaku.net/tanssit/ | email=erja.vuorinen@sekahaku.net | address=Tuureporinkatu 2 | lat=60.4568 | long=22.2706 | directions=near the bus station, across Aninkaistenkatu | phone=+358 45-894-8383 (enquiries) | tollfree= | hours=Until 27 Apr 2025: F 18:30/20:00–23:30; courses M W Th 18:00–21:15 Tu 19:30–21:00 Su 17:00–20:15 | price=€18, youth under 25 years €7, children under 15 free with accompanying adult; course, cloakroom and water included; separate courses €14/€7 | lastedit=2024-09-04 | content=Dances with mostly skilled dancers. While the hall is a multi-purpose one, it is quite nice, and you'll mostly be looking at dancers or the orchestra anyway. One dance is presented in a course preceding the dancing proper, starting from beginner level but with something also for those who know it. The dance proper starts with pairs formed at random, dancing only one dance each; the rest of the night there is the normal asking scheme, with mixed asking in the last set. You can keep to your own pair if you wish, but few do. Café.<br />The [https://sekahaku.net/tanssikurssit/turku/viikkokurssit-turku courses] (1½ hr) range from beginners' (''perusteet'') to advanced level (''jatko''), usually in a series of two, where you should start from the first unless you pick up reasonably quickly. For the intermediate level ("keskitaso") you should know the basic steps or pick up very quickly. Pairs are formed in a rotating system, so you can turn up alone or in a single-gender group (you can form your own pairs, but that is usually not optimal). Instruction is usually in Finnish, so you have to use your eyes and occasionally ask your pair. The courses W 19:45 and Su 17:00 are for people with little or no dancing experience and have the youth price for all (some advanced dancers participate, facilitating learning). For the courses, take your own bottle of water. }} --> * {{do | name=Sekahaku | alt= | url=https://sekahaku.net/tanssit/ | email=erja.vuorinen@sekahaku.net | address=Pulmussuonkatu 86 | lat=60.48262 | long=22.28164 | directions=Rientolan Urheilutalo, Kärsämäki | phone=+358 45-894-8383 (enquiries) | tollfree= | hours=Mid September–mid April F 18:30/20:00–23:30 | price=€20, youth under 25 €7, accompanied children under 15 free | content=Dances to live music. A 1½-hr course on one dance before the dancing proper included in the price, beginning with the basics but soon advancing quickly with something for advanced dancers at the end. Rotating system/random pairs on the course and in the first hour of the dancing proper (instead forming your own pairs is allowed), then men's/women's/mixed asking. Quite many skilled dancers, friendly atmosphere, no alcohol. }} * {{do | name=[[Pöytyä#Auran nuortentalo|Auran Nuortentalo]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.6223 | long=22.5330 | directions=25 km from Turku centre by Highway 9 towards Tampere, 4 km before the main settlement; the namesake bus stop or Aura may have usable services to get there, but probably not back in the night | phone= | tollfree= | hours=October–April Sa 19:00–24:00 | price=€18–25 | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-08-18 | content=Dances popular among young and old alike, with many of the dancers coming from Turku. Women may want to bring company to get introduced on the floor. }} ===Events=== [[File:Sariola Tivoli in Turku in 2008.jpg|thumb|Tivoli Sariola comes to the Kupittaa Park for ''Vappu'']] [[File:Medieval band at Turku Medieval market 2015.jpg|thumb|right|A Medieval band playing at the Turku Medieval Market, by the river]] * {{do | name=Maritime Markets | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.447958 | long=22.265621 | directions=Along the river Aura | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=A long weekend in April and October; Th–Sa 09:00–18:00, Su 09:00–16:00 | price= | content=Traditional and very popular markets are held every April and October on the riverfront right in the Turku city centre. Archipelago Market in April and Herring Market in October bring fish delicacies as well as handicrafts to the riverside. Both markets bring professional fishermen from the Archipelago Sea to the heart of the city to sell their products, some still straight from their boats. Also e.g. sea-buckthorn juice, honey and bread are sold, in addition to meals and standard market fare. }} * {{do | name=Walpurgis night and May Day | alt=Vappu | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=main events at Vartiovuori, Puolalanmäki, Kauppatori | phone=| tollfree= | fax= | hours=30 April–1 May | price= | wikipedia=Vappu#Finland | content=Vappu is one of the four biggest holidays in Finland, along with Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve, and Midsummer. Walpurgis witnesses the biggest carnival-style festival held in the streets of Finland's towns and cities. Student traditions are one of the main characteristics of Vappu, and you'll see lots of students – and former university students – on the streets wearing a traditional student cap. In the evening Swedish students, or anybody identifying with them in some way, gather on Vårdberget (Vartiovuori), to mingle and listen to the student choirs of ÅA (18:00, broadcast by YLE), while the Finnish students similarly gather in Puolalanpuisto. At 19:00 they join at the Lilja statue by the river (to give her a student cap), and the rest of the eve streets are filled with party people. A market is held in Kauppatori with vendors selling cheap carnival paraphernalia. On May Day the parks, especially the Vartiovuori Park, are filled with Finns having a picnic, many treating their hungover. There are also working union parades around the city centre and politicians from all different parties giving speeches. }} * {{do | name=New Potato Festival | alt=Neitsytperunafestivaali | url=http://www.neitsytperunafestivaali.fi | email=info@kaffeli.fi | address=Courtyard of the Brewery Restaurant Koulu, Eerikinkatu 18 | lat=60.449764 | long=22.264272 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Mid June | price= | content=The festival celebrates the opening of the early-harvest potato season in June. It’s a true cultural feast of fabulous flavours and local food. The very first crops from the Turku archipelago will reach the River Aura shores with this traditional ceremony. During the festival, the potatoes will be enjoyed with local fish treats and herring. The festival will also include competitions for best recipes, getting to know different potato varieties and cultivation methods. The new potatoes from Finland Proper are unique plants with gastronomic qualities to match other celebrated European seasonal products like asparagus, globe artichoke and truffle. The flavour is unique to early potatoes of Finland Proper and neighbouring countries with a similar climate. }} * {{do | name=The Medieval Market | alt= | url=https://keskiajanturku.fi/en | email=info@keskiaikaisetmarkkinat.fi | address=Vanha Suurtori 3 (Old Great Square) | lat=60.4506 | long=22.2759 | directions= | phone=+358 40-132-9992 | tollfree= | hours=End of June; Th F 12:00–20:00, Sa Su 12:00–18:00 | price=Free of charge, but charges for food, drink and souvenirs | content=This is the best (and original) Medieval Market in Finland. Follow the rows of market stalls at the Old Great Square and take a trip back in time to Medieval Market with performing groups, jesters and minstrels. People working at the festival dress up in medieval costumes and act out scenes in the middle of the street, rather than on stages, giving you a feeling you're genuinely in medieval Turku (the theme is some specific year, and you may hear references to "current" events).<br />In the area for work displays artisans will demonstrate medieval working methods. Visitors can watch the smith working away at their forges, see how beer is brewed using ancient recipes and touch freshly tanned leather. At the children's activities area the smallest of the family can get into baskets of a roundabout. The Old Town Hall hosts events for science, art and fashion. The whole family can enjoy the medieval amusement.<br />Medieval costumes for adults and children are available for hire at the event. Medieval-style food, clothes and souvenirs available on site. }} * {{do | name=International Market of Turku | alt= | url=http://www.eurooppamarkkinat.fi | email= | address=Around Old Great Square, Vähätori and the banks of river Aura | lat=60.451728 | long=22.272968 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Mid-June; W–Sa 10:00–20:00 | price= | content=The key idea of the International Market is to bring different countries and provinces around the world to showcase their specialities. There are around 100 traders from around 35 countries taking part in the market. Europe has usually a strong presence, but there are also traders from America and Asia. From the market you'll usually find For example, authentic Dutch cheese merchant, French bakeries, different delicacies from Italy, Bavarian sausages and German bakeries as well as artisans from such countries as Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Spain. Finnish provinces are also presenting their own specialities. }} * {{do | name=Midsummer | alt=Juhannus/Midsommar | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=The weekend between 19 and 27 June | price= | wikipedia=Midsummer | wikidata= | content=Juhannus (Midsummer) is a main national holiday in Finland. Originally a celebration of the summer solstice, it is typically spent with friends and family at a summer cottage away from the city, either partying or relaxing (many leave already in Thursday, as the main celebration is in the eve, on Friday). Large bonfires are lit on the islands Ruissalo and Vepsä. Otherwise the streets are often empty, even though some people have acquired a new habit of spending Midsummer in town. }}<!-- --><!-- Every few years, hide for now -- * {{do | name=Swan European Regatta | alt= | url=https://www.nautorswan.com/news/2023/02/turku-to-host-swan-european-regatta-in-summer-2023/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=2023: 19–23 July | price= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Sailing yachts of the Swan brand gather in Turku, having a regatta in the archipelago. The Swans, built by [[Jakobstad|Ostrobothnian]] Nautor, combine a fibreglass hull with a luxurious interior, and were traditionally made to be comfortable, safe and fast. Several models have seen victories in famed races, such as the Cowes Week and Whitbread Round the World. Most new designs are targeted at the luxury cruising sector, but in Turku you'll see many of the old-timers, from the first Swan and some of her sisters from 1967–1970 to boats of the 1980s, in addition to a number of later designs. There are free public events at Forum Marinum. The races can be seen on a big screen there, from Kuuva on Ruissalo or by boat on Airisto. The regatta is held in Turku every few years. }} --> * {{do | name=Tall Ships' Races | alt= | url=https://sailtraininginternational.org/event/tall-ships-races-2024 | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=mooring downstream from the bridges; parade of sails on Airisto | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Next edition in 2028 | price= | lastedit=2022-03-10 | content=The Tall Ships' Races have become a regular event in Turku. Every four years sailing ships large and small moor in the river on their Baltic Sea race, offering opportunities to visit some of the vessels, including schooners, barques and full-rigged ships, and attending programmes arranged for spectators and crews. The event usually attracts half of the city's population. Some vessels offer cruises to Airisto. The parade of sails is best seen from a boat, but most spectators flock to the shores of Kuuva on Ruissalo. }} * {{do | name=Airisto Classic Regatta | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=on Airisto, moorings at the guest harbour Telakka | phone= | tollfree= | hours=2023: 27–30 July | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-07-25 | content=Yearly race for classic yachts (those of wood or riveted plates built before 1970), arranged by Airisto Segelsällskap in cooperation with Telakka. About 30 yachts, some built in the 1920s. Most participants are from Finland, some from Sweden or farther away. In 2025, the world championship of the 8mR class will be held in Turku. }} * {{do | name=The Night of Arts | alt= | url= | email= | address=Around Turku Central Business District | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Mid August | price= | content=A versatile cultural event that is held annually in mid-August around the city centre. The venues include the Fortuna-block, Vähätori, Puutori, Piispankatu, the Turku Main Library Courtyard, as well as book stores, museums and galleries. Programme usually includes musical and art performances, literature, theatre, dance, museums and street culture. }} * {{do | name=Turku Day | alt= | url=http://www.turku.fi/turunpaiva | email= | address=Events take place all around the city | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Third Sunday of September | price= | content=The shops in the city centre are open, there are markets and bazaars in different parts of the city, open houses and guided tours, museums and music, art and dance. The day culminates with fireworks at the Samppalinna Park hill at 21:00. }} ====Easter==== [[Easter]] is celebrated in the churches, with many '''services'''. Specifically, you might want to experience the '''Orthodox Easter Vigil''', even if not Orthodox yourself. There are several '''concerts''' with Christian music, particularly, ''passions'' may be performed. There may be a reenactment of the '''Way of the Cross'''. * {{do | name=Easter at Cloister Hill | alt=Påsk på Klosterbacken | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/luostarinmaki-handicrafts-museum/then-now/luostarinmaki-throughout-year | email= | address=Vartiovuorenkatu 2 | lat=60.447387 | long=22.275542 | directions=Cloister Hill outdoor museum, | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Around Easter; 10:00–16:00 | price=Adults €6, Children aged 7–15 €4, 4–6 €1, Family ticket €13 |lastedit=2023-05-12| content=Cloister Hill outdoor museum offers a unique perspective to Easter traditions in Finland. During the festivities you can participate in egg rotation competition and explore the different traditions of decorating Easter eggs. Professional Easter egg decorators are performing as well as confectioners who make Easter eggs and bunnies out of marzipan. This event is especially recommendable to visitors with children. }} ==== Advent and Christmas ==== [[File:BD, Flora och AO, advent 2008.jpg|thumb|The student choirs' concerts in the cathedral mark the start of Advent]] The [https://www.turku.fi/joulukaupunki Christmas season] starts more or less with the turning on of Christmas lights in the pedestrian part of Yliopistonkatu a week before Advent. The market at the Old Great Square opens, department stores and many shops have nice Christmas displays in their windows, Christmas music is played, Charity bazaars in many schools, parish halls, etc. Usually the first snow has come and melt away, and there will probably again be snow several times during Advent. With good luck the snow will stay. White Christmases are quite common, but there is no guarantee. The lights on the Christmas tree of the cathedral are turned on the Saturday a week before Advent begins (programme usually begins at 17:00). The big spruce arrives and is risen the preceding Wednesday at about 13:00–14:00, perhaps worth watching if you are around. A "[https://www.turku.fi/en/pathlight light path]{{Dead link|date=March 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}" in the form of light installations for a few days (2023: 6–9 Dec) get many people out on a walk along the river in a happy mood. Most every choir gives some kind of Christmas concert in or immediately before Advent. Among the most ambitious are the ones by the student choirs of Åbo Akademi (BD and Flora) and Akademiska Orkestern, in the cathedral on Friday and Saturday leading to Advent ([[European classical music|classical music]] from the 16th century to world premières, including some beloved Christmas songs); most seats are sold out days before, but a few are often left to be got at the door an hour before the concerts. The Church arranges sing-alongs with collect to their development aid. Many museums, also some that otherwise are closed in winter, have displays or events related to the season; table settings and food of Christmas in different times and social classes are shown at the castle, the Qwensel house and the handicraft museum. Handicraft workshops (such as of making candles) are arranged at Seikkailupuisto and Kurala. There are also events at other institutions, such as candlelight swimming at Impivaara and Petrelius. Independence Day, December 6th, is celebrated by the philharmonic orchestra by two free day concerts (tickets are distributed a few weeks in advance). The latter, starting 15:00, can be seen on screens at the Old Great Square. There are services in the churches (mostly at 10:00). Charity bazaars. The students have a torch parade to the war graves (start 18:00). People light candles in their windows (originally a silent protest against Russian oppression), which makes for a nice evening stroll. A few associations arrange balls, the one of Turku folk dancers ([http://www.rytky.fi Rytky]) is open for the public, with a dance course in the preceding weeks. On December 13th, Lucia is crowned in the morning, blessed in the cathedral in the evening (be early if you want a seat), and then performing in the Hansa shopping centre. Programme for the rest of the season is changed yearly but generally Lucia and her company will be seen on many occasions, mostly in retirement homes and the like, but also e.g. at the Christmas market. The ecumenical plea for peace is made in the cathedral in Advent (2023: 14 Dec), to be broadcast on television before noon on 24 December. The audience should arrive at latest 17:40, the event starts at 18:00. Christmas peace is declared at noon of Christmas Eve in the Old Great Square, with thousands of spectators (programme starts 11:30; if you are early you can get glögg, gingerbread and words for the national anthem; have some coins for the servings). The Swedish service in the cathedral afterwards welcomes also the international audience. Most people are going to spend the evening and the Christmas Day with their family; the city will mostly close. Bus traffic in town continues to 20:00 and is then suspended for Christmas Day. The [[#Learn|main library]] is open 11:00–18:00 on Christmas Eve, with also some programme. Lights on the graves. Services in the churches. Some restaurants are open also in Christmas, but booking a table may be necessary. The cruise ferries may have cruises instead of route traffic. [[File:Julmarknad Gamla Stortorget lillajul 2010.jpg|thumb|Christmas Market at the Old Great Square]] * {{do | name=Christmas Market at the Old Great Square | alt= | url=https://www.joulukaupunkiturku.fi/en/christmas-city/christmas-market | email= | address=Old Great Square | lat=60.450783 | long=22.276609 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Four weekends before Christmas (the last one the 3rd Sunday of Advent), 11:00–17:00 | price= | lastedit=2018-03-14 | content=The Old Great Square fills with high quality handicrafts, Christmas delicacies and various music, theatre and circus performances. And of course, there’s also Santa Claus and his family! In addition, you can enjoy the lovely winter weather with a cup of warm ''glögg'' or a bowl of Christmas porridge (in the Brinkkala yard), find something nice at the Christmas ornaments’ exchange point, get warm and escape the hustle and bustle to an indoors café (e.g. upstairs in the Brinkkala house) or to the Christmas concerts of the Old Town Hall. }} * {{do | name=Christmas Market at Kauppatori | alt=Joulutori | url= | email= | address=Kauppatori | lat=60.451667 | long=22.266944 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=25 Nov–23 Dec, M–F 12:00–19:00, Sa 10:00–16:00, Su 12:00–16:00 | price= | lastedit=2017-11-28 | content=Much smaller market, but open daily. }} ====Music festivals==== [[File:Ruisrock 2008.jpg|thumb|Ruisrock atmosphere in 2008]] [[File:Turku M.A.Numminen at DBTL 2006.jpg|thumbnail|M. A. Numminen performs at DBTL in 2006.]] There is some music festival in Turku nearly every weekend in summer (all back after the pandemic). Here some, in more or less chronological order: * {{do | name=Turku Jazz | alt= | url=https://www.turkujazz.fi | email= | address= | lat=60.456692 | long=22.256300 | directions=mainly in Logomo | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Beginning of March; 2024: 1–10 March | price= | wikidata=Q18662446 | lastedit=2018 | content=Second oldest jazz festival in Finland. Performers include leading Finnish jazz musicians and special international guests. Concerts are held in restaurants and entertainment venues throughout the city of Turku. }} * {{do | name=Turku Modern | alt= | url= | email=toimisto@turkumodern.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Annually, 2023: 26–27 May | price=€35-65 | wikidata=Q11898751 | lastedit=2018 | content=Turku Modern, the festival for electronic music, storms Turku clubs and galleries annual in July. It brings forward top foreign artists and accomplished domestic performers focusing on electronic and dance music. It takes place in central Turku on the banks of the river Aura in clubs, bars, stages and especially the charming river boats. }} * {{do | name=Ruisrock | alt= | url=http://www.ruisrock.fi | email=palaute@ruisrock.fi | address= | lat=60.428771 | long=22.178021 | directions=Kansanpuisto, Ruissalo | phone=+358 44-966-1384 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Beginning of July, in 2023: 7–9 July | price=Three-day ticket €175, 2 days €155, 1 day €99; children under 7 years free with a paying adult; people over 70 free | wikidata=Q259936 | lastedit=2018 | content=Ruisrock, founded in 1970, is the second oldest rock festival in Europe, and the oldest still going in the Nordic countries and Finland. During the three-day event fans are offered international names, domestic stars and the hottest new acts. Ruisrock attracts almost 100,000 visitors every year from Finland and abroad and it is the biggest music festival in Turku. The festival has attracted world-famous artists throughout its lifetime including such names as Nirvana, Björk, The Cure, Bob Dylan, Bon Jovi, Ozzy Osbourne, Pet Shop Boys, Oasis, Aerosmith and Rammstein. The festival takes place in the Ruissalo Island, right next to central Turku. The area where the festival takes place is divided into two sections, Niittyalue ("meadow section") and Ranta-alue ("beach section"). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTVUAweys8U Introduction video for the festival] can be seen in YouTube. Festival site can be reached with the festival bus or by bike from Turku city centre. The festival buses run from Turku city centre to the festival bus station. There is a clearly marked walking route of about 2 km (about 1.2 miles) between the festival bus station and the festival site. }} * {{do | name=Down by the Laituri (DBTL) | alt= | url=http://www.dbtl.fi | email= | address= | lat=60.443022 | long=22.266042 | directions=Turku centre | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=End of July | price=€55–165 | wikidata=Q5302936 | lastedit=2018 | content=Finland´s oldest and most legendary city festival, DBTL was sparked into life in the late 1980s by the rock-club of the Student Union of the Turku University. Its popularity spread like a blaze and nowadays it attracts around 70,000 visitors. Mostly pop and rock. }} * {{do | name=Aura Fest | alt= | url=http://www.aurafest.fi | email= | address= | lat=60.442576 | long=22.248648 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Annually in early August, 2023: 11–12 Aug | price=€90–200 | wikidata=Q25452937 | lastedit= | content= }} * {{do | name=Turku Music Festival | alt=Turun musiikkijuhlat | url=https://turunmusiikkijuhlat.fi/en | email=info@tmj.fi | address= | lat= | long= | directions=around Turku | phone=+358 2 262-0812 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Annually in August, 2023: 10–24 Aug | price= | wikidata=Q7855559 | lastedit=2018 | content=Large orchestral concerts, chamber music, recitals, jazz and outdoor events as well as experiences for the whole family. A variety of venues, both modern and historical, are imaginatively used. Turku Music Festival is the oldest continuously running festival in Finland, since 1960. }} * {{do | name=Seikkisrock | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.445103 | long=22.291159 | directions=Turku Adventure Park, Kupittaa | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Annually, 2023: 18–19 Sep | price= | wikidata=Q18661924 | content=A two-day festival, organized in early June since 1999, offers a wonderful entertainment for children of all ages and childlike persons. Over the years, numerous leading children´s music artists and special guests have had performances at Seikkisrock. The festival's main focus is on music, but there are also crafts and art workshops, plays, circus, magicians and dancers – not forgetting the bouncy castle. Non-governmental organizations are also involved in the event; they are presented to children in their own ”World village” with the themes of tolerance and sustainable development. The Adventure Park offers verdant, comfortable and stimulating environment for the Seikkisrock. Performances that take place at two stages and smaller shows throughout the area guarantee great and memorable festival experience. }} ====Expos==== [[File:Turkuhalli.jpg|thumb|Turku Hall, next to the Turku Fair and Congress Center, hosts number of big concerts and hockey tournaments.]] There's a great number of expos and fairs held in Turku annually. Most of the fairs take place outside the summer season in autumn and spring. Large part of these fairs take place in the {{marker|type=do|name=Turku Fair and Congress Center|lat=60.4540 | long=22.1845}}, which is a diverse setting for fairs, meetings, congresses and grand public events. * {{do | name=Turku Fine Art and Antique Fair | alt=Annually end of March, 18 to 19 March in 2017 | url= | email= | address=Turku Fair and Congress Center, Messukentänkatu 9-13 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Turku Fine Art and Antiques Fair is a premier trade event where a vast array of antiques and art are exhibited. More than 10,000 people visit the fair annually and witness how world renowned artists and antique collectors gather in this exhibition and showcase their art and antique collections. }} * {{do | name=Turku International Book Fair | alt=Beginning of October, 5-7 October in 2018 | url= | email= | address=Turku Fair and Congress Center, Messukentänkatu 9-13 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=The Turku International Book Fair is Finland’s oldest book fair. The Turku Fair and Congress Center hosts the annual event, which brings together visitors, program creators and exhibitors from all over Finland and abroad. The Turku Book Fair garners an abundance of praise and publicity thanks to its solid reputation, long history and cozy atmosphere. The mingling of visitors and exhibitors enables spontaneous encounters between authors and readers. The fair plays host to a variety of events, large and small. The first Turku Book Fair was held in 1990, and in 2012 an all-time record was set, with 25,000 people attending the fair. Each year, the Turku Book Fair selects one country as the special focus, in addition to a Finnish-focused theme. }} * {{do | name=Turku Food and Wine Fair | alt=Beginning of October, 5-7 October in 2018 | url= | email= | address=Turku Fair and Congress Center, Messukentänkatu 9-13 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Arranged at the same time as the Turku International Book Fair | price= | content=The Turku Food and Wine Fair is one of autumn’s highlights in the city. In October, thousands of food, wine and culture enthusiasts will gather at the Turku Fair and Congress Centre to find new products and services, experience new tastes, learn and shop. }} ====Sport events==== [[File:Kalevan Kisat 2011 Turussa (Finnish Championships in Athletics 2011 in Turku).jpg|thumb|Paavo Nurmi Stadium]] <!--* {{do | name=Women's Kuntovitonen 5km Run | alt= | url=http://www.kuntovitonen.fi/ | email=info@vitostapahtumat.fi | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 44-725-5055 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=End of May, 26 May in 2018; not arranged 2019 | price= | content=The Women's Kuntovitonen 5km run energizes the Turku Sports Park in May, when spring is in full bloom. Here the sweatbands are more fashionable then functional. In addition to the five or ten kilometer routes there will be star performers on stage, guided group aerobics and a diverse exhibition area and a play park to leave your children and spouse to spend the day while you enjoy yourself. }}--> * '''Watch football''' at [https://fcinter.fi/ FC Inter Turku]. They play soccer in Veikkausliiga, the top tier in Finland. Their home ground is Veritas Stadium, capacity 9400, in Kupitaa district east of town centre. They share it with [http://www.fc.tps.fi/ Turun Palloseura] or TPS, who yo-yo between the top and second tiers. * {{do | name=Paavo Nurmi Games | alt= | url=http://paavonurmigames.fi | email=info@paavonurmisports.fi | address= | lat=60.4427 | long=22.2603 | directions= | phone=+358 2 431-0812 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=June, 18 June in 2024 | price= | content=The first Paavo Nurmi Games was arranged in 1957 as a birthday present to Nurmi on his 60th birthday. During his career Nurmi took 9 Olympic Gold medals and was among the first athletes to be nominated in the IAAF Hall of Fame. The tradition has gone on ever since and the event is held every year at the Paavo Nurmi Stadium named after the legendary runner. Now a track & field classic, the Turku Paavo Nurmi Games are part of the EA Premium Permit circuit. }} * {{do | name=Paavo Nurmi Marathon | alt= | url=http://paavonurmimarathon.fi/en/ | email=info@paavonurmisports.com | address=Around central Turku and Ruissalo island | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 2 431-0811 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=17 august in 2019, 12:00– | price= | content=Paavo Nurmi was a Finnish runner who achieved 9 gold and 3 silver medals in the Olympic games during his career. He was born in Turku and is celebrated by a number of sporting events every year. One of the highlights is Paavo Nurmi Marathon, which is one of the leading running events in Finland. One can choose to participate in the full marathon, half marathon or a 10-km races. The total number of participants has been around 3500 runners annually. The beautiful route of the marathon showcases the most attractive sides of Turku from the shores of the river Aura to Ruissalo Island and back. Right after the start the runners pass by the famous Paavo Nurmi statue, sculpted by Turku born sculptor Wäinö Aaltonen. }} * {{do | name=Challenge Turku, Swim, bike and run | alt= | url=http://www.challengeturku.com | email=info@sbrfinland.com | address=Around central Turku and Ruissalo island | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10 to 11 August 2019 | price= | content=Want to provide yourself with a new kind of challenge? The triathlon is ideal for those looking for variation, because it includes swimming, cycling and running. }} * {{do | name=FightBack Run | alt= | url=http://fightbackrun.fi | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Saturday in beginning of September | price=Participants: €25, €0 for children < 10 years and the accessible route; after-run dinner €65 | lastedit=2022-09-03 | content=No-one in Finland is unaware of Pekka Hyysalo and his Fight Back charity project. Hyysalo, a young man from Turku, had his promising career as freestyle skier cut short after a serious head injury in 2010. Hyysalo fought his way from the hospital bed to get back on his feet, teaching his body to do everything from scratch, from eating to tying his shoelaces. In September 2014 he ran for the first time in the FightBack Run. The first FightBack Run had a distance of 2.6 km and the plan was to double the distance every year, for a full marathon in 2019. Now there is a 2.7 km circle route in the centre, along the river, to be run or walked as many times as you can during 2 hr. There is also a 300-m route for the mobility impaired. }} * {{do | name=Ruissalo races | alt= | url=http://www.ruissalojuoksut.fi | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=End of September, 21 September in 2019 | price= | content=The traditional Ruissalo races are organized on the end of September in the beautiful island of Ruissalo next to central Turku. The distances to choose from are half-marathon called "Ruisrääkki" and 10-km run "Ruisriikki". }} ==Learn== [[File:Turun hovioikeus.jpg|thumb|Academy House used to be the main building of the Turku Academy, but nowadays it houses the Turku Court of Appeal.]] Turku has a long academic history: Queen Christina of Sweden founded the first university of Finland in Turku in 1640. At that point it was only Sweden's third university following Uppsala University and the Academia Gustaviana in [[Tartu]]. Nowadays Turku is still a major academic town in Finland and because of this the city is bustling with students. Almost 20 per cent of Turku residents are students and many of them are exchange students or otherwise from abroad. The universities have many courses in English and some study programs targeted at exchange students, often in cooperation between the universities. Both universities are legal deposit repositories, which means they have everything of value printed in Finland since the 1920s, usually available at least for reading in both or either, if requested a day or a few in advance. Students can either rent on the private market or apply for a room or flat for students through the Student Village Foundation or, students at ÅAU, from its student union. Rents for the student rooms and flats are mostly in the range of €225–1,000/month, including heating, water, internet etc., and access to some communal facilities. Exchange student can borrow a set of basic utensils from the student unions. * {{listing | name=University of Turku | alt=Turun yliopisto | url=http://www.utu.fi/en/ | email= | address= | lat=60.4542 | long=22.2848 | directions= | phone=+358 2 333-51 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q501841 | content=The University of Turku is the second largest university in Finland only behind the University of Helsinki. It houses over 20,000 students in seven faculties: Humanities, Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Medicine, Law, Social Sciences, Education and Economics. It offers lectures for children and has an open university for anyone to role in. [http://www.utu.fi/en/units/open-university/Pages/home.aspx Turku Open University] offers several courses also in English. }} * {{listing | name=Åbo Akademi University | alt=Åbo Akademi | url=http://www.abo.fi/?lang=en | email=infowww@abo.fi | address= | lat=60.4510 | long=22.2775 | directions= | phone=+358 2 215-31 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q917874 | content=Åbo Akademi is the only Swedish-language university in Finland. It is at the forefront of research in such areas as biosciences, computer science, democracy, human rights, material sciences, process chemistry and psychology. It houses around 6,000 students, of which 1/7 are from abroad, and has special collections and museums for visitors to enjoy. Many courses are in English and there are several [https://www.abo.fi/en/study/study-abroad/exchange-students/ exchange programs]. ÅA also has an open university and is partner of [[Hanko#Hangö sommaruni|Hangö sommaruni]], together with i.a. Novia. }} * {{listing | name=Turku University of Applied Sciences | alt=Turun Ammattikorkeakoulu | url=http://www.tuas.fi/en/ | email=ammattikorkeakoulu@turkuamk.fi | address= | lat=60.4470 | long=22.2990 | directions= | phone=+358 2 330-000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7855557 | content=TUAS, one of the leading universities of applied sciences in Finland, hosts 9,500 students studying for a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. Its academies and faculties range from economics to art, technology, environment and healthcare. It also offers three English taught Bachelor's and two Master’s programmes as well as open studies for anyone willing to join. }} * {{listing | name=Novia University of Applied Sciences | alt=Novia | url=https://www.novia.fi/en/ | email=admissions@novia.fi | address=Henrikinkatu 7 | lat=60.453496 | long=22.280558 | directions= | phone=+358 6 328 5000 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Instruction in Swedish, with some courses and modules offered in English. Novia's campus in Turku offers courses in e.g. tourism, social services, design and maritime management. }} * {{listing | name=Turku City Library | alt=Turun kaupunginkirjasto, Åbo stadsbibliotek | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/turku-city-library | email=kaupunginkirjasto@turku.fi | address=Linnankatu 2 | lat=60.4504 | long=22.271 | directions=between Kauppatori and the cathedral | phone=+358 2 262-0624 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 09:00–20:00, Sa Su11:00–17::00 | price=Free | wikidata=Q4356997 | lastedit=2023-08-29 | content=Libraries could be boring in other cities, but not in Turku. Turku City Library is open every day and most city residents have taken to it as their second living room. The old and the architecturally distinguished new building also offer facilities for many events and exhibitions. Weekly sing-alongs and dances in the yard in summer. It is a great place to just chill, check e-mail (free Wi-Fi; "15 min" computers available without library card), charge one's phone (USB-C/-mini/Iphone), read a newspaper (quite some foreign ones available), have a coffee or lunch at the inner courtyard's restaurant (or own snacks at a specific table by the newspapers) or enjoy a book from the wide selection of foreign language literature. }} ==Buy== [[File:Turku Car-free zone.jpg|thumb|Yliopistonkatu next to the Market Square is a pedestrian zone; there are a variety of services in it]] There are plenty of opportunities to part with your cash in Turku. The city centre is full of major retail and independent shops. Shopping in Turku is generally more affordable than in Helsinki, but, as with the rest of Finland, it is by no means cheap by international standards. The numerous second-hand and antique stores represent a unique shopping alternative. If arriving in the night, there are grocery stores that are open 24 hr daily (except perhaps some holidays), including Citymarket Kupittaa and some K-market and Sale stores (in or near the centre). Some more grocery stores are open to 23:00 or 24:00, most close 21:00 or 22:00, often earlier in the weekend. ===Money=== Getting cash is rarely a problem, as ATM's ("Otto") are common around the centre and they can be operated with international credit and debit cards (Visa, Visa Electron, MasterCard, Maestro). Currencies other than the euro are generally ''not'' accepted, but at least the Swedish krona is accepted on the ferries from Sweden, and the Stockmann department store accepts the krona, dollars and pounds. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but know your PIN and be prepared to show your passport or ID card. Some stalls at Kauppatori accept only cash, and you may be out of luck with cards also at some small-business stalls at temporary markets. Most bank offices do not handle money exchange. * {{buy | name=Forex Bank | alt= | url=https://www.forex.fi/en | email= | address=Eerikinkatu 13 | lat=60.4496 | long=22.2633 | directions=by Kauppatori | phone=+358 2 251-8620 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 10:00–17:30 Sa 09:30–17:00 Su closed | price= | content=The most convenient place to change currencies in most situations, unless you can use ATMs. However, rates can be bad even for big currencies. }} As a rule, '''tipping''' is never necessary, although appreciated by some service personnel (see [[Finland#Tipping]]). Cloakrooms (''narikka'') in nightclubs, theatres and better restaurants often have ''non-negotiable'' fees (usually clearly signposted, €2 is standard), and – in the few hotels that employ them – hotel porters will expect around the same per bag. ===Traditional shopping=== [[File:Lounashetki Turun kauppahallissa.jpg|thumb|Turku Market Hall]] * {{buy | name=Market Square | alt=Kauppatori | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.4516 | long=22.2671 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 07:00–18:00, Sa 07:00–15:00; best in summer before 14:00, when most farmers leave | price= | wikidata=Q4411397 | content=The centre point of Turku's commercial centre is, without a doubt, the market square, with its market and surrounding shopping centres, department stores and independent shops. The market square itself has been a popular shopping and meeting place and an authentic tourist attraction – locals dominate and many do some of their grocery shopping here. Have a coffee and watch the scene, or buy groceries from the stalls of many local producers (those with just a bench sell their own, those selling from trailers are mostly selling produce of others, although e.g. a few fish stands buy from local fishermen or sell own catch). If you are on a budget, check the units, as no per kg prices are required. In 2018–2022, a parking cave was being built under the square, but the market activity and most bus stops have returned. }} * {{buy | name=Turku Market Hall | alt=Kauppahalli | url=http://www.kauppahalli.fi/en/ | email= | address=Eerikinkatu 16 | lat=60.4497 | long=22.2661 | directions=50 metres from Kauppatori downstream along the Eerikinkatu | phone=+358 2 262-4126 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 08:00–18:00, Sa 08:00–16:00 | price= | wikidata=Q10726161 | content=Completed in 1896, the Turku Market Hall brings a delightful atmosphere reminiscent of times gone by. The old and new meet in the corridors. The market hall, which extends the length of an entire block, was designed by architect Gustaf Nyström. There are traditional meat and fish counters, delicatessen and speciality shops, bread, milk and cheese shops as well as restaurants and cafés. Stop by the fish shop S. Wallin, try some reindeer meat from Poronlihan erikoisliike Heinonen or buy some cheese at Juustopuoti. Have a coffee and cake in Aschan Blue Train café or shop for souvenirs at the nostalgic Wanha Turku Kauppa (''Old Turku Store''). There is also a great lunch court at the market hall, where you can choose to eat either ethnic or domestic food. }} ===Shopping centres=== [[File:Turku Hansa panorama.jpg|thumb|View inside the Hansa Shopping Centre]] * {{buy | name=Forum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.4506 | long=22.2679 | directions=adjacent to Kauppatori, the block towards the river | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Smaller than Hansa, with less mainstream shops. Local design and even second hand. }} * {{buy | name=Hansa | alt= | url=https://hansakortteli.fi/en/in-english/ | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 20 | lat=60.4507 | long=22.2644 | directions=adjacent to Kauppatori, on the downstream side | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M–F 07:00–21:00, Sa 07:30–19:30, Su 10:00–19:00 | price= | content=More than 150 shops found under one roof, Turku’s oldest and largest shopping centre with a number of specialist shops, including some nice Finnish design brands, and the classy department store Stockmann. A number of cafés and restaurants. }} * {{buy | name=KOP-Kolmio | alt= | url=http://www.kop-kolmio.fi | email= | address=Aurakatu 8 | lat=60.4503 | long=22.2665 | directions=adjacent to Kauppatori, across the street from Hansa | phone=+358 2 6516-6680 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 10:00–20:00, Sa 10:00–18:00, Su 12:00–16:00 | price= | content=KOP-Kolmio is a smaller shopping centre. It offers mostly fashion stores and a few cosy cafés. Also the Föli customer service, combined with Turku social services etc. The building is mostly home to companies, on the upper floors of the building, including the local branch of ''Yleisradio (YLE)'', Finland's national broadcast company. }} * {{buy | name=Mylly | alt= | url=http://www.kauppakeskusmylly.fi | email= | address=Myllynkatu 1–99 | lat=60.4906 | long=22.2010 | directions=in [[Raisio]], 10 min drive from Turku centre; 30–40 min by bus line 300 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 10:00–21:00, Sa 09:00–18:00, Su 12:00–18:00 | price= | content=A hundred shops, cafés and restaurants. Free play area and childcare points. Consistent opening hours across all stores (except Alko and office services). Plenty of parking. }} * {{buy | name=Skanssi | alt= | url=http://www.skanssi.fi | email= | address=Skanssinkatu 10 | lat=60.4300 | long=22.3230 | directions=4 km from the city centre, 20 minutes by bus line 9 towards Vaala | phone=+358 40-195-3742 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 08:00–21:00, Sa 08:00–18:00, Su 12:00–18:00 | price= | content=Ninety special stores, a hypermarket, a wide variety of cafés and restaurants, an indoor playground, dog sitting service and underground parking. }} ===Department stores=== [[File:Stockmann Department Store in Turku.jpg|thumb|The department store Stockmann in central Turku]] * {{buy | name=Stockmann | alt= | url=https://stockmann.com/fi | email= | address= | lat=60.4507 | long=22.2628 | directions=in the Hansa shopping centre | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 09:00–20:00, Sa 09:00–19:00, Su 11:00–18:00 | price= | content=Regarded a bit upmarket, Stockmann has products from top fashion to electronics, including Finnish design brands like Arabia, Iittala, Marimekko and Aarikka. There is also a visitor centre which provides advice and help on tax-free purchases and buying tickets to events and venues. Opposite to the department store in the shopping centre is the bookshop Akateeminen Kirjakauppa, formerly part of Stockmann like the excellent supermarket in the basement. There is also a café with great lunch. }} * {{buy | name=Wiklund | alt= | url=https://www.s-kanava.fi/toimipaikka/sokos-wiklund-turku/501019327 | email= | address=Eerikinkatu 11 | lat=60.4517 | long=22.2688 | directions=by Kauppatori | phone=+358 10-76-5020 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 08:00–21:00, Sa 09:00–20:00, Su 11:00-18:00 | price= | content=Wiklund offers women's and men's fashion, beauty, home and children, outdoor activities and exercise, as well as entertainment. Department store services are complemented by the Café Wiklund, a hair salon, Alko wine and alcohol store, pharmacy, shoemaker and Eurokangas fabric store. }} ===Design=== [[File:Turku design bag.jpg|thumb|This design bag asks in Swedish "Varför Paris, vi har ju Åbo" ''(Why Paris, when we have Turku)'']] National brands, such as [https://www.finlayson.fi Finlayson], [https://www.iittala.com Iittala] and [https://www.marimekko.com/eu_en/ Marimekko]{{Dead link|date=June 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}, are found in most department stores, although they also have their own shops. Marimekko has shops in the shopping centres of Hansa, Mylly and Skanssi. * {{buy | name=Baobab Kids and lifestyle | alt= | url= | email=baobab.baby@gmail.com | address=Yliopistonkatu 11 | lat=60.45360 | long=22.26986 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 10:00–17:00, Sa 10:00–15:00 | price= | content=Baobab Kids & lifestyle is a shop aimed for families with children. Their products range from kids clothing from 56cm up to 128cm, a selection of pregnancy clothing, nostalgic wooden toys, retro bags and backpacks, as well as some lovely gifts. }} * {{buy | name=Casagrande | alt= | url=https://casagrande.fi/ | email=info@casagrande.fi | address=Linnankatu 9-11 | lat=60.45019 | long=22.26917 | directions=at Forum Kortteli | phone=+358 2 231 4693 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 10:00–18:00, Sa 10:00–16:00 | price= | content=A toy store with a comprehensive selection, selling everything from traditional toys to puzzles, craft tools and fun children's costumes. Founded in 1912 by the Italian-born Antonio Casagrande, the family business is today one of the oldest toy stores in the country. }} * {{buy | name=Idea Estradi | alt= | url=http://www.ideaestradi.fi/index.htm | email= | address=Humalistonkatu 4 | lat=60.44954 | long=22.26030 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 10:00–17:00, Sa 11:00–14:00 | price= | content=Idea Estradi sells only Finnish handmade products: interior decoration, business gift, souvenirs, jewellery, bags, candles, ceramics and glass products, paintings, soft toys, textiles, towels, cards, and everything else you can think of to need from a handicrafts shop. }} * {{buy | name=Joutomaa | alt= | url=http://joutomaassa.blogspot.fi | email= | address=Kellonsoittajankatu 8 | lat=60.44775 | long=22.28549 | directions=between the cathedral and Kupittaa | phone=+358 50-362-8003 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–F 11:00–17:00 | price= | content=Joutomaa (literally meaning ''Wasteland'') is a small and funny gift shop, which is full of lovely hand-made treasures for yourself or for a friend. Most of the design products are made by the owner Reetta Isotupa-Siltanen, who is specially famous for her cards and prints, which combine old gloss photos which she has found and prints made by herself. She also has a great online store. }} * {{buy | name=Niinmun Design | alt= | url=https://www.niinmun.fi | email=info@niinmun.fi | address=Eerikinkatu 13 | lat=60.4506 | long=22.2663 | directions=by Hansa | phone=+358 40-756-1567 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 10:00–18:00 Sa 10:00–16:00 Su 12:00–16:00 | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-07-29 | content=Women's clothing and accessories, timeless design inspired by the archipelago. The clothes are mostly sewn in Finland, most fabrics woven in Europe. }} * {{buy | name=Punainen Norsu | alt=Red Elephant | url=http://www.punainennorsu.com/en | email=info@punainennorsu.com | address=Forum shopping centre| lat=60.44999 | long=22.24741 | directions= | phone=+358 44-501-1510 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 11:00–18:00, Sa 11:00–15:00 | price= | content=Punainen Norsu (''Red Elephant'') is a children's clothing line originating from Turku. All the colourful and graphic clothes are made mostly from recycled materials. }} * {{buy | name=Sylvi Salonen | alt= | url=http://www.sylvisalonen.fi | email=info@sylvisalonen.fi | address=Linnankatu 14 | lat=60.44910 | long=22.26689 | directions=one block from Kauppatori, near the back entrance of the Qwensel house | phone=+358 20-766-0830 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This boutique is in an old stall building of the 1880s in central Turku. It was founded in 1928 by Sylvi Salonen, who started selling her own embroidery designs. Nowadays Sylvi Salonen still offers a wide selection of embroidery and handwork accessories but also high quality gifts and trendy home décor items, Finnish handicrafts, Home décor and Scandinavian design. Also a versatile range of tableware accessories, candles and lanterns. }} * {{buy | name=Televisio Lifestyle Store | alt= | url=http://www.televisioon.fi | email=info@televisioon.fi | address=Hämeenkatu 32 | lat=60.4481 | long=22.2712 | directions= | phone=+358 2 231-0400 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-F 11:00–19:00, Sa 11:00–16:00 | price= | content=Near the east end of the Aura Bridge, in a secluded courtyard, you'll find a personal boutique offering a wide selection of clothes, shoes, bags, hats, jewellery, accessories and little bit of art as well. Everything in store is from young Finnish and Nordic designers. }} ===Vintage=== * {{buy | name=VintagEija`s | alt= | url=http://www.vintageijas.com | email=eija.mannila@kolumbus.fi | address=Maariankatu 10 | lat=60.4540 | long=22.2666 | directions=a few blocks from the Market Square | phone=+358 50-574-6034 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–F 12:00–18:00, Sa 11:00–14:00 | price= | content=VintagEija's sells gift, vintage wear and accessories, specializing in American style vintage. There is a rockabilly and burlesque atmosphere in this small boutique, with clothing from 1940s, 50s and 60s. In addition they sell new garment which have been made in the style of vintage for both men and women. }} * {{buy | name=Boutique Minne | alt= | url=http://www.boutiqueminne.com | email=info@boutiqueminne.com | address=Kaskenkatu 2 | lat=60.44781 | long=22.27122 | directions= | phone=+358 50-516-6124 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=W–F 11:00–17:30 | price= | content=Boutique Minne, in the Kaskenmäki Hill in central Turku, is a small boutique and sewing workshop selling and making women's vintage clothing. Minne's range includes lovely vintage dresses and new production of bridal and formal wear for women. You'll also find new and old accessories, jewellery, local arts and crafts, and unique design. }} ===Record stores=== * {{buy | name=8raita | alt= | url=http://www.8raita.fi/shop/ | email=shop@8raita.fi | address=Yliopistonkatu 11 | lat=60.45409 | long=22.27258 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 10:00–19:00, Sa 10:00–17:00 | price= | content=8raita sells all kinds of records ranging from second-hand CDs and LPs to music DVDs and other products. It also has a good online-store and staff that can give you great recommendations. }} * {{buy | name=Iki-Pop | alt= | url=http://www.ikipop.fi/ | email=joska@ikipop.inet.fi | address=Linnankatu 7 | lat=60.45070 | long=22.27066 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This personal tiny record store, opposite the Main City Library, sells second-hand CDs and LPs, but the main focus is on vinyl. This is a real haven for those who like to dig through loads of old goodies and find the one you've been looking everywhere. }} ==Eat== {{quote|''Varför Paris, vi har ju Åbo!''<br/>"Why Paris, we have Turku!"|author=Quote from a Swedish journalist}} Turku and other parts of [[Finland Proper]] are home to the more western influenced Finnish cuisine, which has features, especially from Sweden, Denmark and Germany. The long traditions of farming and fishing in the area have contributed to the local food culture. Fish, especially herring – the regional fish of Finland Proper – has been at the heart of the region's culinary traditions for centuries. It is eaten all year round salted, fried, grilled and smoked. In addition, perch, whitefish and pike are often used. You must also remember to try the famous raisin sausage, a regional speciality which you can buy for example from the Market Hall. Another regional speciality is the sweet malt bread from the archipelago: ''skärgårdslimpa''. As a dessert enjoy a good cup of coffee together with ''pulla'' (cinnamon roll) or ''Piispanmunkki'' ("Bishops Doughnut"), as people here call the traditional North German pastry ''Berliner''. Lunch offers, meals at kebab-pizzerias and fast food meals (including drinks and chips) usually cost €8.50–12.50. Simpler proper restaurant meals of some simple pasta, a soup or a salad, with water or a soft drink, are usually around €10–20. For meals with a high-grade steak and good wine, expect to pay at least €30–60. Proper restaurants are often open until 22:00, with the kitchen closing at 21:00. Some restaurants keep the bar open until later in the night. Fast food chains and some kebab-pizzerias, grills and other such places are open later at night, some as late as 03:00–05:00. ===Lunch and brunch=== [[File:Aboa Vetus Ars Nova, kesäterassi.jpg|thumb|Summer terrace at the Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova courtyard.]] [[File:Kåren 2017 studentkaféet.jpg|thumb|The lunch café Kåren]] Most restaurants have offers of €8.50–12.50 at lunch time, mostly at least weekdays 11:00–14:00. There are also lunch restaurants or cafés serving meals only at lunch time, including student cafés and lunch restaurants for big workplaces, often having a very affordable price also for outsiders. For the student cafés some timing may be needed to avoid long queues (don't try them 11:30–12:30). A few student restaurants serve cheap lunch also later or in the weekend. The department stores Wiklund and Stockman have family friendly cafés that can come handy. * {{eat | name=Amica Mäntymäki | alt= | url=https://www.amica.fi/ravintolat/ravintolat-kaupungeittain/turku/mantymaki/ | email=ravintokeskus.mantymaki@amica.fi | address=Luolavuorentie 2 | lat=60.439415 | long=22.275665 | directions=K-floor | phone=+358 40-482-8556 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 10:30–13:30 | price=€10.15, dessert €1.00 | lastedit=2022-06-08 | content=The staff restaurant at the main health station, which is also open to outsiders. }} * {{eat | name=Elvina Café | alt= | url=http://www.elvina.fi | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 15 | lat=60.45292 | long=22.26801 | directions=near Kauppatori | phone=+358 2 536-8502 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 09:00–18:00, Sa 11:00–15:00 | price= | content=In a 1920s building, seeking an atmosphere of that time. Lunch and café products. }} * {{eat | name=Fontana Café | alt= | url=https://www.fontana.fi/?lang=en | email= | address=Aurakatu 1 | lat=60.44962 | long=22.26859 | directions=opposite the city hall and tourist office near Aura bridge | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 10:00–22:00, F 10:00–23:00, Sa 11:00–00:00, Su 12:00–20:00 (brunch served 12:00–16:00) | price= | content=Fresh products from own bakery. Bar opens in the evening. Popular brunch in weekends. }} * {{eat | name=Honkapirtti | alt= | url=http://www.honkapirtti.fi | email=info@honkapirtti.fi | address=Albert Ravilan raitti | lat=60.42856 | long=22.14769 | directions=Ruissalo island | phone=+358 44-756-7922 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 11:00–17:00, Sa Su 10:00–17:00 | price= | content=East Karelian-style large cabin, since decades a stopping point for people enjoying the nature on the island. Unpretentious lunch consisting of traditional pea soup and delicious pancakes. Its coffee table also has a range of traditional delicacies, cakes and pies. }} * {{eat | name=Kaarea TYKS U restaurant | alt= | url=https://kaarea.fi/ | email=asiakaspalvelu@kaarea.fi | address=Kiinamyllynkatu 4 | lat=60.453379 | long=22.289324 | directions= | phone=+358 20 764 9850 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 10:30–-13:30 | price=€7.55–€9.15 | lastedit=2022-06-08 | content=Staff restaurant in the U building of Turku University Hospital, also open to outsiders. Sale of surplus food after lunch 13:30–13:40. }} * {{eat | name=PullaPuoti | alt= | url=http://www.pullapuoti.fi | email= | address=Puistokatu 3 | lat=60.44589 | long=22.25407 | directions= | phone=+358 2 236-2121 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 08:00–17:00 | price= | content=Close to the Turku Police Station and Hostel Turku. Pastries, snack foods, coffee and filled sandwiches and cakes. For lunch you can choose a soup, salad, pan pizza or pasta. Assortment of gluten-free products. }} * {{eat | name=Teboil Herkku | alt= | url=https://www.tbherkku.fi/ravintola/ | email=turku.rautatehtaankatu@huoltoasemat.teboil.fi | address=Rautatehtaankatu 1 | lat=60.4497729 | long=22.1989227 | directions= | phone=+358 10 583 9900 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 10:30-16:00, Sa 11:00-16:00 | price=€10.70 | lastedit=2020-10-13 | content=Home cooking styled lunch and dessert. }} * {{eat | name=Unica Restaurants | alt= | url=http://www.unica.fi/en/ | email= | address=Rehtoripellonkatu 4 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 2 232-5444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Outsiders: €9 | content=Unica, owned by the Student Union of the University of Turku, has several student restaurants around the campus area behind Turku Cathedral. }} ** {{eat | name=Assarin ullakko and Brygge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rehtorinpellonkatu 3 | lat=60.4543 | long=22.2873 | directions=below the university hill on the Kupittaa side; own entrances, upstairs | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M–F 10:30–20:00 Sa 10:30–18:00 Su 12:00–16:00; Brygge bar W–Th 18:00–21:00 F 18:00–22:00 Sa 16:00–22:00 | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-12-08 | content=In the student union's house. }} * {{eat | name=ÅAS student cafés | alt=Gadolinia Kb | url=https://www.karkafeerna.fi/en/lunch | email=anne.peltonen@abo.fi | address=Hämeenkatu 22 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 2 215-3703 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Lunch for outsiders: €8.50 | image=Kåren, Åbo.jpg | lastedit=1018 | content=Cafés of the student union of ÅA. Decent everyday food. }} ** {{eat | name=Arken | alt= | url= | email= | address=Fabriksgatan 2 | lat=60.4571 | long=22.2791 | directions=near Piispankatu on a cross street, in the yard | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M–Th 08:00–15.30 F 08:00–15:00; lunch 11:00–15:00, F 11:00–14:30; open also in summer | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-12-08 | content=In the main Humanities building of ÅA, a renovated former iron manufacture. The cuisine has a tad more foreign influences than at most of the student restaurants. }} ** {{eat | name=Aurum | alt= | url= | email= | address=Henriksgatan 2 | lat=60.4548 | long=22.2824 | directions=ground floor, main entrance, to the right | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M–Th 07:30–18:00 F 07:30–14:30 Sa 12:00–15:00; lunch M–Th 10:30–18:00 F 10:30–14.30 Sa 12:00–15:00 | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-12-08 | content=In a big 2020s university building, shared between ÅA and TY, with science and technology. }} ** {{eat | name=Kåren | alt= | url= | email= | address=Tavastgatan 22 | lat=60.4496 | long=22.2761 | directions=across Hämeenkatu from the Old Great Square quartier; main entrance, upstairs | phone= | tollfree= | hours=11:00–14:00 | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-12-08 | content=The student union's house, by famous architect Erik Bryggman, with office, banquet hall and student housing in addition to the lunch restaurant, which usually is quiet except at noon – which allows a slightly more home-made touch, e.g. the bread is often their own. The house is also an event venue, and there is a private bar and grill restaurant on the ground floor: Suntti. }} ===Budget=== [[File:Hesburger hamburger.jpg|thumb|Hesburger originates in Turku, and is the largest hamburger restaurant chain in Finland.]] [[File:Beef Kung Po at restaurant Kiinanmuuri in Turku.jpg|thumb|right|Beef Kung Po at Kiinanmuuri]] : ''For lunch, see [[#Lunch and brunch|Lunch and brunch]] above.'' Pizzerias are frequently cheap kebab-pizzerias, offering kebab, falafel and pizza. There are a lot of these in the centre, and eateries in the suburbs are often this kind. Unfortunately, the restaurants offering the finest kebabs are in the suburbs. Prices are comparable to the lunch offers of other restaurants; their own lunch offers are usually limited to including coffee or offering more options at their lower prices. [https://www.kotipizza.fi Kotipizza] is a slightly more expensive non-immigrant chain, primarily for take-away. There are also pizza restaurants in the mid-range or splurge categories, offering quite another experience. [http://www.hesburger.com Hesburger] is the dominant hamburger chain in Finland, leaving McDonald's and Burger King as marginal players, and it is especially popular in Turku, where it was founded and still is based. It is almost hard not to pass one when walking around the city centre; you'll find four Hesburgers just around the Kauppatori area. The company is still run by the family that started it in the 1960s. And ask any of the locals: Hesburger burgers really do taste better! If you are in a hurry you can order the food through their mobile app. There are still some grill kiosks, for a smaller quick meal, primarily sausage, hot dog, ''makkaraperunat'', ''lihapiirakka'', or hamburger. * {{eat | name=Kiinanmuuri | alt=Great Wall of China | url=http://www.chinamarket.fi/kiinanmuuri/index.php | email=peng@chinamarket.fi | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Kiinanmuuri is one of the best Chinese restaurants in Turku. Even though it's usually crowded around noon, decorations are outdated and it seems a bit suspicious, their food is superb. All the ingredients are very fresh and the portions are usually huge. Lunchtime service is really fast. If you're extra hungry or wish to survive a couple of days on one portion, try the take away to get even larger portions. }} ** {{eat | name= | alt= | url= | email= | address=Sirkkalankatu 27 | lat=60.44523 | long=22.27496 | directions= | phone=+358 2 233-5968 | tollfree= | hours=Lunch 11:00–15:00 | price= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ** {{eat | name= | alt= | url= | email= | address=Vähä-Hämeenkatu 1 | lat=60.4524 | long=22.2878 | directions= | phone=+358 2 250-2888 | tollfree= | hours=M–Th 10:30–21:00 F 10:30–22:00 Sa 12:00–22:00 Su 12:00–21:00; lunch M–F 10:30–16:00 Sa 12:00–17:00 | price=Lunch buffet €11.50 | lastedit=2023-01-11 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Kortteliravintola Kerttu | alt=Quarter Restaurant Kerttu | url=https://www.kerttu.fi/ | email= | address=Läntinen pitkäkatu 35 | lat=60.45388 | long=22.25704 | directions=near the railway station | phone=+358 2 250-6990 | tollfree= | hours=M–Th 10:30–23:00, F 10:30–00:00, Sa 12:00–00:00 | price= | content=Kerttu is a popular quarter restaurant with a reasonably priced menu for both omni- and herbivores. Kerttu is very popular amongst students, and there is even a laundromat in the restaurant for visitors to use, while they are enjoying their meals. On weekends they have a special hamburger buffet, that is very popular among locals. Staff is very friendly and welcoming. }} ** {{eat | name=Rantakerttu | alt= | url=http://www.rantakerttu.fi | email= | address=Läntinen rantakatu 55 | lat=60.44050 | long=22.24486 | directions=close to the ''Föri'' ferry | phone=+358 2 258-8000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M 11:00-15:00, Tu–Th 11:00–22:00, F 11:00–23:00, Sa 12:00–23:00, Su 12:00–18:00 | price= | content=Kortteliravintola Kerttu's sister restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Latte Café and Gourmand | alt= | url=http://www.lattecafe.biz | email= | address=Eerikinkatu 37 | lat=60.4462 | long=22.2533 | directions= | phone=+358 449-756-699 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 10:00–17:00, Sa–Su during events | price= | content=Sweet little café, which also serves very inexpensive lunch. Huge list of different coffees from every corner of the earth (to be drank or bought). Menu includes toasts, paninis, salads, and bagels. No need to go to a restaurant because of hunger because the sizes of these foods are big. Atmosphere is very relaxing thanks to jazz and Latin sounds and warm colours. If you feel like you want more privacy, you can go to the back room and sit on the cosy couch. And during summer you can also sit outside. }} * {{eat | name=Mantun grilli | alt= | url= | email= | address=Olavintie 2 | lat=60.4478 | long=22.2705 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=W–Su evening-small hours | price=€3–13 | lastedit=2024-10-20 | content=Traditional Finnish grill kiosk, otherwise a dying breed. No proper meals, but long list of hot dogs, burgers, meat pies & al. Expect a queue in the night. }} * {{eat | name=Rax Buffet | alt= | url=http://www.rax.fi | email= | address=Aurakatu 12 | lat=60.45122 | long=22.26536 | directions= | phone=+358 20-766-4911 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 11:00–20:00, F 11:00–21:00, Sa 11:00–19:00, Su 12:00–19:00 | price=Lunch €12, off lunch hours €14, weekends €16; children 3–6 years €5, 7–11 years €9 | content=Chain. Offers an all-you-can-eat style buffet that includes pizza, barbecue food, salads, ice cream and soft-drinks. Good option if you feel like really filling your stomach for a long time inexpensively. }} * {{eat | name=Taco Nito | alt= | url=https://www.taconito.fi/ | email= | address=Aurakatu 3 | lat=60.45013 | long=22.26778 | directions= | phone=+358 40-653-3112 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Around €10 | content=Owned by Mexican brothers, Taco Nito serves simple but very tasty finger food. Corn, meat, salsa, beans, chili and avocado are cornerstones of the food. Restaurant has continuously had good feedback from customers and has relatively low prices. }} * {{eat | name=Yasukon Keittiö | alt=Yasuko's Kitchen | url=http://www.yasukonkeittio.com | email=yasuko@yasukonkeittio.com | address=Yliopistonkatu 26 C (second floor) | lat=60.45012 | long=22.26080 | directions= | phone=+358 440-335-507 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Yasuko's kitchen is a tiny Japanese restaurant that serves everyday home cooked Japanese meals, and some sushi and other more common dishes. Everything is well-prepared and the atmosphere in the restaurant is very authentic. Yasuko's seats less than 20 people, but more than 10 customers mean you might have to wait for your food, but it's worth it. }} ===Mid-range=== [[File:Meal at restaurant Harald in Turku.jpg|thumb|Meal at restaurant Harald in Turku.]] * {{eat | name=Delhi Darbar | alt= | url=http://delhidarbar.fi | email=ravintola@delhidarbar.fi | address=Hämeenkatu 8 | lat=60.45189 | long=22.28305 | directions= | phone=+358 2 233-3988 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 10:30–22:00, F 10:30–23:00, Sa 12:00–23:00, Su 12:00–22:00 | price= | content=Excellent and authentic Indian food. Short walk from the Cathedral. }} * {{eat | name=Kado Sushi | alt= | url=http://www.kadosushi.fi | email=info@kadosushi.fi | address=Inside the Market Hall, Eerikinkatu 16 | lat=60.44940 | long=22.26658 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= M–F 11:00–18:00, Sa 11:00–16:00 | price= | content= Kado sushi combines the wholesome delicacies with aesthetic pleasures, all prepared using fresh ingredients. Japanese cuisine. }} * {{eat | name=Kobe sushi | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/KOBESUSHIRAVINTOLA/ | email= | address=Martinkatu 3 | lat=60.4433 | long=22.2570 | directions=20 minute walk from city centre or by bus line 9 | phone=+358 44 9877251 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–F 11:00-21:00, Sa Su 12:00–21:00 | price=Buffet €13 | lastedit=2018-03-19 | content=Authentic Japanese food. }} * {{eat | name=Pinella | alt= | url=http://www.pinella.fi | email=varaukset.turku@viatribunali.fi | address=Vanha Suurtori 2 | lat=60.45121 | long=22.27488 | directions= | phone=+358 50-554-3733 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 11:00–20:30, F 11:00–22:00, Sa 12:00–22:00, Su 12:00–20:00 | price=€15–20, lunch €12.50 | lastedit=2022-12-10 | content=Pinella is a landmark building on the river. It is now a Via Tribunali chain pizzeria, serving Neapolitan-style pizzas. }} * {{eat | name=Pippurimylly | alt=Pepper Mill | url=http://pippurimylly.fi/ | email= | address=Stålarminkatu 2 | lat=60.43905 | long=22.25935 | directions=behind the Sports Park | phone=+358 2 277-3350| tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 11:00–23:00, Sa 12:00–23:00, Su 12:00–21:00, kitchen closes 1 hour before closing time | price= | content=Pippurimylly ''(Pepper Mill)'' is a traditional family-owned restaurant that has served locals for decades, and little has changed – nostalgia! It uses Finnish products and is well known for its steaks. }} * {{eat | name=Sergio's | alt= | url=http://www.sergio.fi | email=ravintola@sergio.fi | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 27 | lat=60.44696 | long=22.26216 | directions= | phone=+358 20-769-8585 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= M–F 16:00–23:00, Sa 13:00–23:00 | price= | content=Authentic Italian restaurant in a 1787 wooden house by the river. Most of the ingredients are imported from Italy. Also, as a rule, the staff is Italian, but the service is of course also in Finnish and English. Pizzas, pasta, fish, meat, risottos, vegetarian dishes and Italian desserts. Good wine selection as well. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Trattoria Romana | alt= | url= | email= | address=Hämeenkatu 9 | lat=60.45182 | long=22.28137 | directions= | phone=+358 2 251-9554 | tollfree= | hours=A la carte Tu–F 14:00–23:00, Sa 13:00–23:00, Su 13:00–20:00 (kitchen closes 1 hr earlier); lunch Tu–F 11:00–14:30 | price=Lunch €13 | lastedit=2024-04-19 | content=Authentic Italian trattoria, owned and run by Italians. Excellent value for money. Often crowded. }} * {{eat | name=Viking Restaurant Harald | alt=Viikinkiravintola Harald | url=http://www.ravintolaharald.fi | email=turku@ravintolaharald.fi | address=Aurakatu 3 | lat=60.45002 | long=22.26800 | directions=between Kauppatori and Auransilta bridge | phone=+358 44-766-8204 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M 12:00–23:00 Th–F 12:00–24:00, Sa 12:00–01:00, Su 15:00–22:00 | price=€18–50, children €9–12; lunch from €12.50 | lastedit=2018-06-17 | content=Quasi-authentic with furs on the walls and rustic furniture, with some humour. Good food with surprising combinations, such as jam or berries with the main courses. Perhaps the way the Vikings had it, but never mind if not. Toilets called Harald (gents) and Helga (ladies). }} ===Splurge=== [[File:Turku cafe.jpg|thumb|Most of the restaurants, cafés and bars have outdoor terraces during the summer season.]] The biggest concentration of top restaurants is along the river, at the right bank downstream from the cathedral bridge. Others are scattered around, such as Kaskis, which got a Michelin star in 2022. * {{eat | name=E. Ekblom | alt= | url=https://www.eekblom.fi | email=info@eekblom.fi | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 3 | lat=60.44978 | long=22.27157 | directions= | phone=+358 2 536-9445 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=W Th 17:00–23:00, F Sa 17:00–01:00 | price= | content=Comfortable high quality wine restaurant. Its carefully selected wines offer wide variety with seasonal changes. In a beautiful, respectfully renovated premises on two floors. Kitchen offers sweet and savoury delicacies to accompany the wine, while the summer terrace has great views towards the river. }} * {{eat | name=Gustavo | alt= | url=http://gustavo.fi | email=info@gustavo.fi | address=Linnankatu 1 | lat=60.4525 | long=22.2743 | directions=Vähätori, next to the bridge |image=Gustavon terassi.jpg | phone=+358 46-922-2488 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Th–F 11:00–14:00 and 17:00–22:00, Sa 15:00–22:00 | price= | lastedit=2018-03-19 | content=Mediterranean kitchen with a Scandinavian twist. Tip: gather a few Portuguese pinchos with pizza and share with your friends. Do not hesitate to ask anything that surprises you, staff is very kind and helpful. Gustavo also imports wines of its own. }} * {{eat | name=Kaskis | alt= | url=http://kaskis.fi | email=info@kaskis.fi | address=Kaskenkatu 6 A | lat=60.44672 | long=22.27265 | directions= | phone=+358 44-723-0200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–Th 16:00–23:00, F Sa 16:00–00:00, Su M closed | price= | content=Named after its location on the Kaskenmäki hill, Kaskis was opened in 2014 by three friends. Fine dining influenced especially by Southern European, Scandinavian and Asian kitchens. Michelin star. Try to book your table well in advance, busy times are outsold months before. }} * {{eat | name=Mami | alt= | url=http://www.mami.fi | email=mami@mami.fi | address=Linnankatu 3 | lat=60.45174 | long=22.27335 | directions=Vähätori | phone=+358 2 231-1111 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–F lunch 11:00–15:00, à la carte 17:00–22:00, Sa à la carte 13:00–22:00, Su M closed | price=Lunch €10–25 | content=The tiny Mami is considered one of the best restaurants in Turku. It has relaxed service, carefully prepared food and a comfortable and modern environment. The summer terrace offers the most beautiful views. They also serve a great lunch. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Samppalinna | alt= | url= | email=info@ravintolasamppalinna.fi | address=Itäinen Rantakatu 10 | lat=60.44745 | long=22.26835 | directions= | phone=+358 10-764-5391 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Summer only | price= | content=Restaurant Samppalinna (opened in 1832) is a spectacular wooden villa in the park, with terraces towards the river. For lovers of good food, drink and theatre. }} * {{eat | name=Roster | alt= | url=https://rosterturku.com | email=myyntipalvelu@royalravintolat.com | address=Tuomiokirkonkatu 6 | lat=60.4515 | long=22.2786 | directions=behind the cathedral as seen from the bridge | phone=+358 9 6128-6850 (chain head office?) | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M 11:30–22:00, Tu-F 11:30–23:00, Sa 15:00–23:00, Su 12:00–18:00 | price= | lastedit=2018-03-19 | content=Roster offers a place to wine and dine in a nice milieu. Have a drink before dinner in a fancy cocktail bar. And another after the dinner too. }} * {{eat | name=Smör | alt= | url=http://www.smor.fi | email=info@smor.fi | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 3 | lat=60.45014 | long=22.27206 | directions= | phone=+358 2 536-9444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The menu changes according to the seasons. Midst the milieu of the cellar vaults, Smör serves at lunchtime and in the evening. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Suomalainen Pohja | alt= | url=http://www.suomalainenpohja.fi | email=ravintola@suomalainenpohja.com | address=Aurakatu 24 | lat=60.45340 | long=22.26194 | directions= | phone=+358 2 251-2000 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 11:00–20:00 | price= | content=Club Restaurant Suomalainen Pohja (''Finnish Base'') was built in 1980 and was designed by architect Sigvard Eklund. The interiors were designed by an Englishman, Sir George Salmon. The plan has been the basis for an English club activities. Pohja serves traditional fine dining food and atmosphere. }} * {{eat | name=Tintå | alt= | url=http://www.tinta.fi | email=info@tinta.fi | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 9 | lat=60.44916 | long=22.27006 | directions=right bank, by Aurasilta | phone=+358 2 230-7023 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M 11:00–00:00, Tu–Th 11:00–01:00, F 11:00–02:00, Sa 12:00–02:00, Su 12:00–22:00 | price= | content=Tintå is a wine restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere, by the river. It serves more than a hundred different wines, and a short but good menu of gourmet pizzas and tasty lunch on weekdays. Terrace completes the river landscape. }} * {{eat | name=Tårget | alt= | url=http://www.matbar.fi | email=info@matbar.fi | address=Linnankatu 3 | lat=60.45156 | long=22.27305 | directions=Vähätori | phone=+358 400-522-707 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 11:00–22:00, F 11:00–03:00, Sa 12:00–03:00. Lunch is served M–F 11:00–15:00; those days à la carte is available 16:00– | price= | content=Italian, international and Scandinavian cuisine. It also houses a great wine-bar, which is one of the hot spots of the city especially during the summer. Trendy but casual bistro-style restaurant. }} ===Gastropub=== [[File:Tiirikkala_turku.jpg|thumb|Bartender making a drink in Tiirikkala]] * {{eat | name=Hunsvotti | alt= | url=http://www.satamakapakkahunsvotti.fi | email= | address=Län­tinen Ran­ta­katu 55 | lat=60.44108 | long=22.24608 | directions=near Föri | phone=+358 2 258-8000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 11:00–22:00, F 11:00–23:00, Sa 12:00–23:00, Su 12:00–19:00 | price= | content=A combination of a sports bar and gastropub, since you can order food from the Rantakerttu restaurant to the pub. }} * {{eat | name=Löytö | alt= | url=https://www.gastropubloyto.fi | email=palaute@ravintolateini.fi | address=Uudenmaankatu 1 | lat=60.4525 | long=22.2740 | directions=Near Cathedral | phone=+358 2 233-0203 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 11:00–00:00, F 11:00–02:00, Sa 14:00–02:00, Su 15:00–22:00 | price=lunch €8–12; à la carte €3 (fingerfood) – €32 (steak) | lastedit=2018-03-19 | content=Idyllic cellar underground. }} * {{eat | name=Pikku-Torre | alt= | url=http://www.pikkutorre.fi/ | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 30 | lat=60.44953 | long=22.25908 | directions= | phone=+358 2 274-4866 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M Tu 11:00–00:00, W Th 11:00–01:00, F 11:00–03:00, Sa 12:00–03:00, Su 12:00–00:00 | price= | content=Pikku-Torre (Little Torre) is combination of restaurant, sports bar and club. It has a good menu full of steaks, burgers and salads. It also serves lunch every day. In the evening it turns more into a bar and nightclub. }} * {{eat | name=Pub Niska | alt= | url=http://www.niskaturku.com | email=niska@niskaturku.com | address=Kristiinankatu 1 | lat=60.44810 | long=22.26623 | directions= | phone=+358 40-739-1006 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 11:00–22:00, F 11:00–23:00, Sa 12:00–23:00, Su 12:00–22:00 | price= | content=Pub Niska Turku is a restaurant concept developed by chef Michael Björklund from the Åland Islands. Known for its archipelago pizzas made from fresh, high-quality ingredients that mainly come from Åland. Their list includes filling salads, desserts and a versatile drink selection. }} * {{eat | name=Tiirikkala | alt= | url=http://www.tiirikkala.fi | email=tiirikkala@tiirikkala.fi | address=Linnankatu 3 | lat=60.45181 | long=22.27351 | directions= | phone=+358 44-756-6160 | tollfree= | hours=M 19:30–00:00, Tu-Th 11:00–22:00, F Sa 11:00–02:00, Su 12:00–22:00 | price= | content=In addition to a good selection of wine and drinks, Tiirikkala offers traditional Danish smørrebrød sandwiches and pastries that are handmade on the site. The interior design of the restaurant is very Scandinavian, reflecting its dishes. It serves Finnish Microbrewery beers from its taps. }} * {{eat | name=Vaakahuoneen Paviljonki | alt= | url=http://www.vaakahuone.fi | email= | address=Linnankatu 38 | lat=60.4446 | long=22.25374 | directions= | phone=+358 2 515-3300 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Pavilion restaurant Vaakahuone is an entertainment complex by the river. It offers live music (for dancing or otherwise), a speciality coffee shop, a pizza restaurant, and an à la carte restaurant. The end of the building also serves as S/S Ukkopekka's ticket office. }} ===Vegetarian=== * {{eat | name=Kasvis-ravintola | alt= | url=http://www.turunkasvisravintola.fi | email=info@turunkasvisravintola.fi | address=Yliopistonkatu 29 a | lat=60.4511 | long=22.2604 | directions=in the ground floor of the Betel Church in the yard, door in the short wall, follow the signs | phone=+358 50-326-5122 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 11:00–15:00 | price=€7.70–11.50, children 7–12 €5; takeaway €14.50/kg | lastedit=2018-06-08 | content=Vegetarian restaurant serving a lunch buffet, using mostly organic and locally grown products. Vegans can eat most things offered, just check the whiteboard (vegan alternatives often available when needed) and choose the outs milk for your coffee (but unless you must, try the included teas of the day instead). The dining rooms are bland in spite of the exterior, but the food is good. }} * {{eat | name=Kahvila Koroinen | alt= | url=https://koroinen.info/kahvilakoroinen.php | email= | address=Catilluksentie 2 | lat=60.4664 | long=22.2911 | directions=by the Koroinen peninsula | phone=+358 40-360-0830 (M–F) | tollfree= | hours=Café and bike shop Su 12:00–16:00 (off season); bike repairs Th 14–18 | price=Lunch €10, coffee with cake €7 | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-05-21 | content=Café with lunch at the former Koroinen farm. The main lunch option usually has a focus on fresh local vegetables, with a nice non-conventional touch. They don't market themself as vegetarian, but most fare seems to be vegan. The association that runs the place, Elävän Kulttuurin Koroinen, furthers handicraft by natural materials, small-scale sustainable agriculture and related themes, which shows. Popular by families. The house is not accessible by wheelchair, but most people sit in the yard anyhow; accessible outhouse toilet 100 m away. Other activities at the site include a ceramics workshop (buy a cuckoo ocarina!) and a shop for recycled bikes (including spares) arranging do-it-yourself bike repairs (oil and pump available around the clock). Also courses and cultural events. }} * {{eat | name=Kuori | alt= | url=http://www.ravintolakuori.fi | email=info@ravintolakuori.fi | address=Hämeenkatu 8 | lat=60.4519 | long=22.2830 | directions=200 metres from the cathedral | phone=+358 20-794-0330 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M 11:00–15:00, Tu–Th 11:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00, F 11:00–15:00, 17:00–23:00, Sa 17:00–23:00 | price=Lunch €12.70, tasting menu €56 | lastedit=2018-03-19 | content=Very popular vegetarian restaurant. Tip: try 6 courses tasting menu. Its sister restaurant Roots Kitchen in the market hall is a great place for eating, although it might be crowded during lunch time. }} * {{eat | name=VG Wok | alt= | url=https://www.vgwok.fi/en/etusivu-2/ | email= | address=Rauninaukio | lat=60.4629 | long=22.2631 | directions=150 m past the railway bridge by the bus station | phone=+358 45-665-1793 | tollfree= | hours=M–Th 11:00–18:00, F 11:00–20:00, Sa 12:00–20:00, Su | price=Main dishes €7.50 | lastedit=2018-03-19 | content=Really nice vegetarian budget place. Vg Wok has sister restaurants in Tykistönkatu and Arvinkatu. Authentic Asian food. }} ==Drink== The minimum age required to enter bars, pubs and nightclubs differs; for legal reasons, one must be at least 18 to enter places that serve alcohol, but many clubs and bars have higher age limits (mostly 20–24 yrs). Restaurants and bars have varying closing hours, but generally, the popular nightclubs and discos are open until 04:00. Last call always occurs half an hour before closing time, and is indicated by the bar staff turning the lights off for a few seconds, then turning them back on. They may repeat this a few times in quick succession to make sure the patrons get it. It's generally smart to leave about ten minutes before the last call, to avoid being caught in the rush of everybody trying to leave at once, especially if you are planning to get back to your night spot by a taxi. The times are changing somewhat, as the legislation now allow them to keep open after 04:00, which will probably be the new time of last call. Night clubs tend to have guarded cloakrooms where you can leave any of your outer garments in exchange for a ticket. Using the coat service is generally considered mandatory even if this is not explicitly pointed out. The cloakroom fee is usually €2 or €2.50. Do not lose the ticket; the bar staff will often not want to hash out ticket confusions during closing time when things are at their most chaotic. If you lose the ticket, you may be told to come back the following day to get your things, expect to be able to prove the jacket is yours by telling the staff the make of the jacket, colour of lining or contents of pockets. For dancing other than disco, there are a few dance restaurants and cruises, but the main venues for social dancing are the dance pavilions and, off season, a few other locations, where you will find sober and skilful dancers. see [[#Social dancing|Social dancing]] above. Each of these venues usually have a dance once or twice a week. ===Cafés=== [[File:Qwenselska gården uteservering 2.jpg|thumb|Courtyard of the Qwensel house, with café and the Pharmacy Museum.]] There are many cafés in Turku. The ones listed here are not representative, but mostly more odd ones. See also [[#Lunch and brunch|Lunch and brunch]] above. * {{drink | name=Café Art | alt= | url=http://www.cafeart.fi | email= | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 5 | lat=60.44951 | long=22.27102 | directions=in the centre by the river | phone=+358 40-158-3383 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 10:00–19:00, Sa 10:00–17:00, Su 11:00–17:00 | price= | content=Special coffees along with delicious cakes. }} * {{drink | name=Aschan | alt= | url=http://www.aschan.fi | email= | address=Eerikinkatu 15 (in Hansa Shopping Center) | lat=60.45054 | long=22.26493 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 08:00–20:00, Sa 09:00–18:00, Su 12:00–18:00 | price= | content=Aschan is a café and lunch restaurant, until 2018 a popular confectory and café in Turku, now with franchises in Turku and Helsinki. It sells all kinds of coffee, drinks and sweet and salty bakeries, beard, pies and cakes. }} * {{drink | name=Fabbes Café | alt= | url=https://fabbescafe.com/en | email=fabbescafe@gmail.com | address=Tehtaankatu 6 | lat=60.45641 | long=22.28056 | directions= | phone=+358 50-535-3647 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 08:00–16:00; lunch 11:00–15:00, late lunch if anything left | price=Breakfast €7, lunch €6–7 (late lunch €4), coffee with bun €4 | lastedit=2021-10-26 | content=Fabbes café is a cosy small café in the beautiful Biskopsgatan area (ÅA campus). 2–3 lunch options, one of which is vegan. Coffee included. They have a nice selection of pies (sweet and savoury), cakes, cinnamon rolls and home-made sweet treats, smoothies, etc. Nearly everything at Fabbe's is baked or produced in house, and you can tell the difference – nothing factory made and no additives. }} * {{drink | name=Gaggui | alt= | url=http://gaggui.fi | email= | address=Humalistonkatu 15 | lat=60.45299 | long=22.25618 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–F 10:00–19:00, Sa 10:00–18:00, Su 12:00–18:00 | price= | content=In this tiny café the cakes are the main thing. They are fantastic and made by hand on the site. Coffee is also top-notch and the service is super friendly. }} * {{drink | name=Kirjakahvila | alt=Book Café | url=http://www.kirjakahvila.org | email= | address=Vanha Suurtori 1 | lat=60.45038 | long=22.27564 | directions=in the Brinkkala yard | phone=+358 2 469-1396 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 11:00–19:00, often live acoustic music or other cultural events in the evening | price= | content=At the historical Old Great Square, this is a culture café and a bookshop (books from small publishers, also foreign ones) run by volunteers. Besides books there are also a lot of comics, postcards and posters by local artists for sale. Freshly baked cakes every day. All food vegan. Free wireless Internet available, ask the staff for passwords. }} * {{drink | name=Kisälli | alt= | url= | email= | address=Vartiovuorenkatu 2 | lat=60.44706 | long=22.27613 | directions=next to the entrance of the Luostarimäki outdoor museum | phone=+358 40-630-5988 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–Su 09:00–17:00 or by agreement | price= | lastedit=2022-12-19 | content=Old-fashioned style to partly match the location. Self-made fresh bread rolls, buns, doughnuts and pies. Every day there's also pancake and a variety of sweet and savoury pies. And of course, great coffee and other drinks. }} * {{drink | name=Nuvola Gelateria | alt= | url= | email= | address=Eerikinkatu 13 | lat=60.45049 | long=22.26560 | directions=in Hansa Shopping Centre | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 11:00–20:00, Sa 10:00–18:00, Su 11:00–18:00 | price= | content=The owners, Italians Angelo and Stefano, make traditional Italian ice cream on the site, without any artificial elements. The atmosphere is relaxed and happy with an Italian touch. }} * {{drink | name=Kahvila Promenade | alt= | url=http://www.villapromenade.fi | email=myynti@villapromenade.fi | address=Kansanpuistontie 76 | lat=60.42760 | long=22.18140 | directions=Kansanpuisto ("folk park") in Ruissalo | phone=+358 40-158-8424 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 14 May–30 August and Sa–Su in spring 10:00–18:00 | price= | content=In the park, with view towards the shore. Savoury and sweet pastries as well as a range of coffees, and ice cream. }} * {{drink | name=Café Qwensel | alt= | url=http://cafeqwensel.fi | email=cc.catering.cc@gmail.com | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 13 B | lat=60.44872 | long=22.26731 | directions=in the courtyard of the Pharmacy Museum, entrance to the yard to the left of the main building | phone=+358 50-395-0021 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–Su 10:00–18:00 | price= | lastedit=2022-12-13 | content=Café Qwensel is a charming spot of old milieu in the heart of the city. During the summer there are chickens and roosters on the yard and you can really feel you have travelled back in time. The café serves home-made pastries that have been prepared according to recipes from the 18th century. Also their tea is worth checking. Lunch on weekdays. }} ===Pubs=== [[File:Panimoravintola koulu.jpg|thumb|Brewery Restaurant Koulu]] * {{drink | name=Cosmic Comic Café | alt= | url=http://cosmic.fi | email= | address=Kauppiaskatu 4 (in the Forum shopping centre) | lat=60.45074 | long=22.26944 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su–Tu 16:00–00:00, W–Th 15:00–02:00 F–Sa 15:00–03:00 | price= | content=Cosmic Comic Café has a comics gallery and a comical atmosphere, where beer meets comic books, board games and a relaxed "second living room" atmosphere. It's very popular among students, so sometimes it can be very overcrowded. Bar owner Sakke knows everything about beer so do not hesitate to ask for tips. }} * {{drink | name=Daily News | alt= | url=http://dailyravintolat.fi/dailynews/ | email=dailynews@dailyravintolat.fi | address=Yliopistonkatu 33 | lat=60.4496 | long=22.2583 | directions=5 minute walk from Market Square | phone=+358 50-571-1537 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 09:00–02:00 | price= | lastedit=2018-03-19 | content=A plenty of daily newspapers and perhaps the cheapest beer in the centre. }} * {{drink | name=Brewery Restaurant Koulu | alt= | url=http://www.panimoravintolakoulu.fi/?lang=en | email= | address=Eerikinkatu 18 | lat=60.44967 | long=22.26454 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 11:00–02:00. The Winestube M–Th 17:00–23:00, F 17:00–02:00, Sa 17:00–02:00. Dining room M–Th 11:00–22:00, F 11:00–00:00, Sa 12:00–00:00. Lunch M–F 11:00–14:00 | price= | content=An old school building converted into a brewery restaurant serving their own and other beers, good food and an excellent selection of wines. A cosy biergarten in the green backyard is open in the summer and is favourite of locals. }} * {{drink | name=Mallaskukko | alt= | url=http://www.mallaskukko.fi | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 37 | lat=60.44893 | long=22.25634 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 14:00–02:00, F Sa 12:00–02:00, Su 14:00-00:00 | price= | content=Another good beer pub in Turku, with a great selection of beers, scotch whiskies and ciders. Mallaskukko truly feels like a living room of the locals. Good place to watch sports from the many TV screens on the walls. }} * {{drink | name=Seurusteluravintola Uusi apteekki | alt=New Pharmacy | url=http://www.uusiapteekki.fi | email= | address=Kaskenkatu 1 | lat=60.44764 | long=22.27063 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 10:00–02:00 | price= | content=Uusi Apteekki (literally meaning New Pharmacy) is a beer pub in a former pharmacy built in 1907. Great selection of beer and spirits, and the decorations alone are worth seeing. In weekend this pub gets really crowded with locals so be prepared to stand while enjoying your beer. If you are lucky, it's also a good place to catch up with writer Reijo Mäki who has written the famous Vares detective stories that are huge in Finland. }} * {{drink | name=Whisky Bar | alt= | url=http://whiskybarfin.net/ | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 19 | lat=60.45246 | long=22.26533 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Su–Th 18:00–02:00, F Sa 18:00–03:00 | price= | content=A wide selection of whiskies, but also beer and other spirits. Nowadays it is strongly orientated to heavy metal by its music and atmosphere. }} ===Bars=== * {{drink | name=Alvar | alt= | url=http://alvarbaari.fi/ | email= | address=Humalistonkatu 7 | lat=60.45140 | long=22.25841 | directions=Halfway between Central Railway Station and Market Square | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 14:00-02:00, Su 18:00-00:00 | price= | content=Alvar, in a building designed by the famous Finnish modernist architect Alvar Aalto, is a comfortable place with nice staff and a large selection of beer. Free wireless internet connection is also available for visitors to use. You can also reserve time for a special beer tasting if you visit with a group of friends. }} * {{drink | name=Fontti | alt= | url=https://skaal.fi/ | email= | address=Kauppiaskatu 5 | lat=60.45095 | long=22.26987 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M–Th 16:00–23:00, F 16:00–04:00, Sa 13:00–04:00 | price= | content=It's in the old customers office of the regional newspaper ''Turun-Sanomat''. Fontti (literally meaning font) is a restaurant and serves great food in addition to drinks and coffees. Service can be little slow but otherwise this bar is nice place to spend your weekend evening. }} * {{drink | name=Bar Kuka | alt=Bar Who | url=http://www.barkuka.fi/ | email= | address=Linnankatu 17 | lat=60.44882 | long=22.26520 | directions= | phone=+358 50-411-6603 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 18:00-04:00, Age limit 18 | price= | content=On the corner of Linnankatu and Kristiinankatu, Bar Kuka with its retro 1960s and 70s decoration has a loyal fanbase, who think it's the best and cosiest bar you'll ever find in Turku. Kuka offers lots of live music, DJ gigs, stand-up and theme nights. }} * {{drink | name=Rento | url=http://www.rentobar.fi/index.php | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 23 | lat=60.45175 | long=22.26470 | directions= | phone=+358 20-786-2240 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–W 11:00–02:00, Th–Sa 11:00–03:00, Su 12:00–02:00 | price= | content=Rento, literally meaning casual and relaxed, has probably one of the best locations for a bar in Turku right at the end of the pedestrian street next to the Market Square and Hansa Shopping Center. You can either sit inside or on a nice terrace outside. Large selection of beers and little snacks as well. }} * {{drink | name=5piste5 | alt= | url=https://www.5piste5.fi | email=info@5piste5.fi | address=Brahenkatu 2 | lat=60.451394 | long=22.272067 | directions= | phone=+358 40-683-0880 | tollfree= | hours=15:00 to midnight, closed Su-Mo | price= | lastedit=2024-07-27 | content=A popular bar in central Turku. A speciality is its "candy store" where you can order small 1 dL samples of various fruity-flavoured beers. }} ===Riverboats=== [[File:Esposito Turku.JPG|thumb|Esposito]] Riverboats are a unique feature in the Turku cityscape. In the summertime, it is very popular to spend the early evening until midnight or so on one of them, and when it gets a little chilly, move indoors to a restaurant or night club. They are at the riverside of river Aura. Some of them also house fine restaurants while some are mostly just pubs. * {{drink | name=Donna | alt= | url=http://www.donna.fi | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu | lat=60.44798 | long=22.26828 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Svarte Rudolf | alt= | url= | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu | lat=60.44773 | long=22.26744 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Papa Joe | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/RavintolalaivaPapaJoe?rf=197109880325096 | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu | lat=60.44746 | long=22.26656 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Cindy | alt= | url=http://www.cindy.fi | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu | lat=60.44720 | long=22.26569 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Katarina | alt= | url=https://ravintolalaivakatarina.fi | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu | lat=60.44654 | long=22.26337 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Majland | alt= | url= | email= | address=Läntinen rantakatu | lat=60.44510 | long=22.25640 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Esposito | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/ravintolalaivaesposito/ | email= | address=Läntinen rantakatu | lat=60.44141 | long=22.24767 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Merihelmi | alt= | url= | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu | lat=60.44140 | long=22.24920 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Bruno | alt= | url=https://www.brunot.fi | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu | lat=60.44114 | long=22.24868 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Wanha Rahtilaiva | alt= | url=http://www.rahtis.fi/ | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu | lat=60.44075 | long=22.24799 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ===Nightclubs=== * {{drink | name=Forte | alt= | url=https://nightclub.fi | email= | address=Kristiinankatu 8 | lat=60.44996 | long=22.26295 | directions= | phone=+358 40-091-6403 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 22:00–04:00 | price= | content=Forte has been one favourite of the locals since 1996. It tends to be busy thanks to cheap drinks and daily opening hours, as opposed to majority of the other clubs in the city. The concept of 'SuFo' (='Sunday Forte'), MoFo, etc., is widely recognized among students in Turku. }} * {{drink | name=Apollo Nightclub | alt= | url=https://www.apolloturku.fi | email= | address=Humalistonkatu 6 | lat=60.45007 | long=22.25957 | directions= | phone=+358 40-827-4268 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=F Sa 22:00–04:00 | price= | content=Age limit 22. Apollo serves live music by bands playing mostly cover music hits by domestic and international stars. Music ranges from rock to pop and disco, old and new. There's also a VIP section which you can reserve. Next door is Armas karaoke bar, which has same opening hours and age limitation. }} * {{drink | name=Dynamo | alt= | url=http://www.dynamoklubi.com | email=palaute@dynamoklubi.com | address=Linnankatu 7 | lat=60.45085 | long=22.27106 | directions= | phone=+358 2 250-4904 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–Sa 21:00–04:00 | price= | content=Age limit 20. At Linnankatu, opposite the main library, caters for hipsters with a passion for slightly more eclectic sound. Downstairs indie pop, electro and rock 'n' roll are the main draws, upstairs it's chiefly soul, funk and disco. Live music gigs from hot domestic artists are also frequent. Attracts a healthy number of exchange students. }} * {{drink | name=Night Club Marilyn | alt= | url=http://www.clubmarilyn.fi | email=lyn@clubmarilyn.fi | address=Eerikinkatu 19 | lat=60.44944 | long=22.26261 | directions= | phone=+358 2 232-2111 | tollfree= | hours=Tu–Sa 22:00–04:00 | price= | content=For the late teens-early 20s crowd, the Night Club Marilyn is particularly popular as a disco/night club. It is the oldest privately owned Night Club in Turku and has seen all the other clubs come and go. In its history it has been chosen as the Best Nightclub in the city on several occasions. }} * {{drink | name=Naima | alt= | url= | email= | address= Aurakatu 6 | lat=60.44992 | long=22.26731 | directions= | phone=+358 44-444-1234| tollfree= | fax= | hours=W–Sa 20:00–04:00 | price= | content=For [[#Social dancing|proper dancing]] (not night club dancing) in a nightclub setting, Naima is the recommended place in Turku. The age group skews towards the 30s, 40s and 50s. Often music includes live performances by some of the biggest names in Finnish ''Iskelmä'' (entertainer music) music. }} * {{drink | name=suXes | alt= | url=http://www.suxes.fi | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 9 | lat=60.45378 | long=22.27049 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 19:00–02:00 | price= | content=Turku, like other larger Finnish cities in general, is quite gay-friendly, though public gestures of affection are not common even for straight couples and might raise some eyebrows. You'll fit in at practically all of the clubs in Turku, but perhaps feel specially at home in suXes, the only gay bar and café in Turku. There you can be openly yourself while enjoying the atmosphere, coffee and drinks. }} * {{drink | name=ShowTime & SaunaTime | alt= | url=https://showtime.fi/ | email= | address=Käsityöläiskatu 10 | lat=60.45052 | long=22.25614 | directions= | phone=+358 40-044-4547 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=W–Th 22:00–02:00, F–Sa 22:00–03:00 | price=€6 (W–Th), €12 (F–Sa) | content=A strip club with sauna. }} ==Sleep== ===Camping=== See also [[Naantali]]. * {{sleep | name=Ruissalo Camping | alt= | url=https://ruissalo.sportum.info/stable/tuotteet.jsp?kieli=UKN | email=ruissalo.camping@turku.fi | address=Saarontie 25 | lat=60.4226 | long=22.0941 | directions=bus 8 | phone=+358 2 262-5100 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=€40/€160; tent €18+€5/2 per person | content=Camping and indoor accommodation at the outermost tip of the Ruissalo island. The well-equipped camping and caravan area has a beach, sauna, a convenience store and various other amenities, including hot showers and laundry facilities. The entertainment options include mini-golf, volleyball, badminton and basketball courts, fitness trail, playgrounds and a café-restaurant. Open June–August. }} ===Budget=== [[File:Bore (1960) takaisin Turussa 2010.jpg|thumb|Hostel Borea]] [[File:Turku Catholic Church.jpg|thumb|upright|Bridgettine Convent Guest House is next to the Catholic Church.]] * {{sleep | name=Hostel Borea | alt= | url= | email=hostelborea@turku.fi | address=River Aura, Linnankatu 72 | lat=60.4350 | long=22.2337 | directions=by the yard of Forum Marinum | phone=+358 40-843-6611 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Single €51, twin €82 | content=s/s Bore on the River Aura has unique atmosphere. Built for the Turku–Stockholm route, many remember her as cruise ship in different waters, but now the former steamship is permanently moored on the banks of the River Aura and beside other functions houses an inexpensive hostel with 130 cabins. In most of the (small) cabins there is a private shower and toilet. The prices include linen, towels and breakfast, which is served in the buffet restaurant of the ship. Luggage storage, laundry facilities, and free Wi-Fi. Nearby you'll find the Turku Castle and Forum Marinum. Lots of narrow stairs, not suitable for the disabled. }} * {{sleep | name=Bridgettine Convent Guest House | alt= | url=https://birgittalaissisaret.fi/en.html | email=birgitta.turku@kolumbus.fi | address=Ursininkatu 15 A | lat=60.44988 | long=22.25492 | directions= | phone=+358 2 250-1910 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-250-3078 | checkin=12:00–21:00 | checkout= | price=Single €60, twin €80, triple €100 | content=You'll receive a warm welcome and a friendly smile from the Catholic Sisters who run this guesthouse in a central but quiet location in Turku. The rooms are basic and clean, with en suite facilities and free Wi-Fi. Email can be read at a computer in the library. There is secure parking behind the guesthouse and a continental breakfast is included. Only cash is accepted (2025). }} * {{sleep | name=Guesthouse Tapuli | alt= | url=https://www.tapulitalo.fi/en-gb/home | email= | address=Kaivokatu 14 | lat=60.4496 | long=22.2894 | directions=between the university and the Kupittaa park | phone=+358 2 250-1600 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Single €50, double €65 | lastedit=2020-01-01 | content=Small guesthouse with cosy rooms with TV. No breakfast, kitchen is available for self service. Toilets and showers are by the corridor. Sauna is warm every day (included). There is also free Wi-Fi. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Harriet | alt= | url= | email= | address=Käsityöläiskatu 11 | lat=60.4511 | long=22.2560 | directions= | phone=+358 40-910-3333 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-231-1110 | checkin= | checkout= | price=€45/€139 | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Modern hotel and hostel-quality rooms in the centre. }} * {{sleep | name=Hesehotelli | alt= | url=https://www.hesburger.fi/hesehotelli | email= | address=Läntinen Pitkäkatu 1 | lat=60.45762 | long=22.26761 | directions=next to Turku bus station | phone=+358 45-634-3443 | tollfree= | fax= | price= From €50 | checkin=M–W 07:30–03:30, Th 07:30–00:00, F Sa 24 hr and Sun 00:00–03:00 (following day) | checkout= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Hesehotel is owned by the burger chain Hesburger, and it's on the second floor of one of their biggest restaurants. It has 15 rooms and 46 beds. Room equipment includes air conditioning, a fridge, digital TV and free Wi-Fi. You can order breakfast and other food from the restaurant below and check-in is also done at the counter of the restaurant. Parking space reservation price is €5/day. }} * {{sleep | name=Interpoint Hostel | alt= | url= | email= | address=Vähä-Hämeenkatu 12 A | lat=60.45022 | long=22.28193 | directions= | phone=+358 400-821-905 | tollfree= | fax= | price=€10/person | checkin= | checkout= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Operated by the YWCA of Turku, this is the cheapest place to sleep in the town, but for good reason: it is just 30 mattresses on the floor, and one shower. If that is enough for you, then this is your place. }} * {{sleep | name=Linnasmäki | alt= | url=http://linnasmaki.fi/en | email=info@linnasmaki.fi | address=Lustokatu 7 | lat=60.4804 | long=22.2962 | directions=Räntämäki, 4 km from Turku centre; several bus lines 400–500 m from the hostel | phone=+358 2 412-3500 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=Reception: Sep–May: 08:30–15:30, Jun–Aug: 08:00–20:00 | checkout= | price=Single €60, twin €70 | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Accommodation in peaceful surroundings, in partnership with the Turku Christian Institute. Guests can use the swimming pool and sauna area. There are plenty of hiking routes with bicycles available to rent during summer. Guests can stay in either a hotel or a refurbished hostel that also offers family rooms and apartments. Individual rooms equipped for disabled guests are also available. Plenty of free parking for guests. }} * {{sleep | name=Bed & Breakfast Tuure | alt= | url=https://www.tuure.fi/en/ | email=tuure@netti.fi | address=Tuureporinkatu 17 C, third floor | lat=60.45534 | long=22.26557 | directions= | phone=+358 2 233-0230 | tollfree= | checkin=Reception opens at 08:00 and after that you can bring in your luggage when needed. Check-in 14:00–16:00 | checkout= | price=€45/€97 | content=A cosy, non-smoking guest house that has provides affordable accommodation only three blocks away from the Market Square. 15 rooms, 5 shared showers/toilets along the corridor, a breakfast room and a kitchen. They also have computers and Wi-Fi as well as washing machine and other necessities of a home all free for the guests to use. Breakfast is plentiful and included in the room price. }} ===Mid-range=== [[File:Park Hotel, Rauhankatu 1, Turku.jpg|thumb|upright|Park Hotel]] * {{sleep | name=Centro Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.centrohotel.com/fi/ | email=centro@centrohotel.com | address=Yliopistonkatu 12 A | lat=60.4532 | long=22.2705 | directions= | phone=+358 2 211-8100 | tollfree= | fax= | price=€110–150 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Modern hotel in the inner courtyard of its building block. Family-owned hotel, a bit more personal than the chain hotels in Turku. }} * {{sleep | name=Omena Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.omenahotels.com/fi/hotellit/suomi/turku/ | email= | address=Humalistonkatu 7 | lat=60.4512 | long=22.2587 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price=€80–90 | checkin=16 | checkout=12 | content=No reception staff and no breakfast, but prices are considerably cheaper. Booking is done online, and you get a code which you can use to get into the building and onto your room. There are also vending machines for you to buy snacks and food. }} * {{sleep | name=Park Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.parkhotelturku.fi/en | email=info@parkhotelturku.fi | address=Rauhankatu 1 | lat=60.4531 | long=22.2579 | directions=in the Puolala park between the railway station and Kauppatori | phone=+358 2 273-2555 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 251-9696 | price=€140–150 | checkin=14:00 | checkout=12:00 | content=Park Hotel is one of the oldest boutique hotels in Finland. In an Art Nouveau building, built in 1902. }} * {{sleep | name=Scandic Hotel Plaza | alt= | url=http://www.scandichotels.com/Hotels/Finland/Turku/Scandic-Plaza-Turku/#.U3CWqPl_t8E | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 29 | lat=60.4508 | long=22.2618 | directions= | phone=+358 2 332-00 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 332-0111 | price=125–190 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Restaurant. Sauna. 24-hour gym. Bike can be borrowed. }} * {{sleep | name=Best Western Hotel Seaport | url=http://www.hotelseaport.fi | email=seaport@hotelseaport.fi | address=Toinen Poikkikatu 2 | lat=60.43443 | long=22.22115 | directions=at the port | phone=+358 2 283-3000 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-283-3100 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Family-owned basic hotel in an old customs house. }} * {{sleep | name=Sokos Hotel Seurahuone | alt= | url=https://www.sokoshotels.fi/en/turku/sokos-hotel-seurahuone | email=myynti.turku@sokoshotels.fi | address=Eerikinkatu 23 | lat=60.44897 | long=22.26110 | directions= | phone=+358 2 337-301 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 337-2200 | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=A bit more business-oriented than the other Sokos Hotels in the city. The hotel restaurant is intended to be Spanish-style. }} * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Turku | alt= | url=http://www.finland.holidayinn.com/hotellit/turku/en_GB/turku/ | email=turku.holidayinn@restel.fi | address=Eerikinkatu 28 | lat=60.44793 | long=22.25930 | directions= | phone=+358 2 338-211 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 338-2299 | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Moderately priced. Breakfast spread is decent }} * {{sleep | name=Cumulus Turku | url=http://www.cumulus.fi/hotellit/turku/en_GB/turku/ | email=turku.cumulus@restel.fi | address=Eerikinkatu 30 | lat=60.44772 | long=22.25863 | directions= | phone=+358 2 218-1000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Mid-priced business hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Helmi | alt= | url=https://www.hotellihelmi.fi/en-gb/home | email=hotellihelmi@hotellihelmi.fi | address=Tuureporinkatu 11 | lat=60.45627 | long=22.26824 | directions= | phone=+358 20-786-2770 | tollfree= | hours=Café M–F 06:30–17:00, Sa–Su 07:00–12:00; lunch M–F 11:00–14:30; breakfast M–F 06:30–10:00, Sa–Su 07:00–12:00 | checkin= | checkout= | price=€95–110; lunch €10.70, breakfast €11.50, children 4–12 €6.90 | content=Small mid-priced hotel next to the bus station, part of the original station plan. The hotel building is an old gas station, which was owned by Shell, hence the name ''Pearl''. Good basic quality no-frills hotel, very good value for money. The café offers also take away breakfast/lunch/snacks. }} ===Splurge=== [[File:Hotel Marina Palace Radisson Blu 2012.jpg|thumb|Hotel Marina Palace]] * {{sleep | name=Radisson Blu Marina Palace Hotel, Turku | alt= | url=https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-blu-marina-turku | email=info.turku@radissonblu.com | address=Linnankatu 32 | lat=60.4466 | long=22.2603 | directions= | phone=+358 20-123-4710 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=On Linnankatu overlooking the River Aura Hotel Marina Palace is considered by many to be the best hotel in Turku. It has housed many celebrities visiting Turku, including Queen Elizabeth II and the royal family of Sweden. With well-appointed rooms overlooking the Aura River. You can dine at two on-site restaurants including the popular ''Grill it! Marina''. Fully equipped gym. Quay for guests (bridges too low for sailing yachts). }} * {{sleep | name=Sokos Hotel Wiklund | alt= | url=https://www.sokoshotels.fi/en/turku/original-sokos-hotel-wiklund | email=myyntipalvelu.turku@sokoshotels.fi | address=Kauppiaskatu 6 | lat=60.4511 | long=22.2687 | directions=in the Wiklund department store by Kauppatori | phone=+358 2 337-381 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Good discounts are often available if you book a package together with the ferry companies. }} * {{sleep | name=Scandic Julia | alt= | url=http://www.scandichotels.com/Hotels/Finland/Turku/Scandic-Julia/#.U3CL8vl_t8E | email=julia@scandichotels.com | address=Eerikinkatu 4 | lat=60.4522 | long=22.2721 | directions= | phone=+358 2 336-000 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 3360-2211 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Clean comfortable rooms, excellent friendly service, quality breakfast, perhaps the best brunch in town. Fully equipped rooms. Great value for money. }} ===Spa hotels=== [[File:Rslo airphoto 72ppi web.jpg|thumb|Ruissalo Spa]] * {{sleep | name=Spa Hotel Caribia | alt= | url=https://www.holidayclubresorts.com/en/resorts/caribia/ | email=customer.service@holidayclub.fi | address=Kongressikuja 1 | lat=60.4606 | long=22.2909 | directions=by the student village, behind the universities, 2 km from Kauppatori; buses 50–54 | phone=+358 300-870-900 (sales; €0.60/min including waiting time max €3 + mvm/pvm), +358 300-870-929 (hotel reception; price like the sales)| tollfree= | hours=Spa for non-guests M–F 12:00–21:00, Sa 10:00–21:00, Su 10:00–20:00 | checkin= | checkout= | price=€140, with spa access €165; parking €1/hr, €13/day; spa €22/16 (students, pensioners and children 4–14 at the reduced price), family ticket (1+3/2+2) €60 | wikidata=Q11894020 | lastedit=2022-09-20 | content=Spa decorated in Caribbean style, popular with families. The hotel also houses lots of conferences and other events. Don't miss the big pink statue in the vicinity by the contemporary artist Alvar Gullichsen; it's a mix between Duck and Pig called ''Posankka''. }} * {{sleep | name=Ruissalo Spa | alt= | url=http://www.ruissalospa.fi/en | email=info@ruissalospa.fi | address=Ruissalon puistotie 640 | lat=60.4248 | long=22.1037 | directions=Bus 8 | phone=+358 2 445-40 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 445-4590 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Ruissalo Spa is located on and named after the scenic Ruissalo Island. The spa is by the sea and you can choose to swim on the pools or in the sea as well. The location is beautiful and there's a golf course and guest harbour right next to the hotel. Beware though: This is the favourite location for elderly locals, so if you're looking for something more youth-oriented, this might not be the place for you. }} ==Stay safe== {{infobox|[[Risks]] in Turku |Crime/violence: '''Low''' * Drunk people on weekend nights, bouncers in clubs, pickpockets Authorities/corruption: '''Low''' Transportation: '''Low''' Health: '''Low'''<br> Nature: '''Low'''<br> * [[Ticks]] carrying TBE or borreliosis }} Turku is generally a safe city. Turku faces some problems with street violence and organised crime, but common street sense should be enough in most cases. There are no no-go areas. On weekend nights drunken people may cause annoyance, especially after last call. Swimming in the river is forbidden for good reason: the river banks provide very little access to the shore; what was intended as a quick refreshing dip will result in an expensive rescue operation or worse. In emergencies, always call '''112''', which is the general emergency number for police affairs, fire, medical care and social services. If in doubt, it is always better to call and ask. For non-emergency medical care, the City of Turku provides medical advice over the phone at {{phone|+358 2 100-23}}. Lines are open weekdays 08:00–15:00. The hearing-impaired have their own service for the evaluation of medical care, counselling and making an appointment at a health centre. This can be contacted during office hours by sending an SMS message to {{phone|+358 44-907-3824}}. Turku University Hospital's T-Hospital is the region’s accident and emergency hospital, as well as healthcare centre off hours and for non-locals. It provides specialized medical care and treatment around the clock to those who have fallen suddenly ill or sustained injury. * {{listing | name=Turku University Hospital Emergency Department | alt= | url=https://www.tyks.fi/en/patients-and-visitors/treatments-and-examinations/emergency | email= | address=Savitehtaankatu 1 | lat=60.45347 | long=22.29749 | directions="T-sairaala", across the railway and highway 1, by highway 10, near Kupittaa railway station | phone=+358 2 313-8800 (helpdesk), +358 2 313-1420 (regarding children), +358 50-592-4740 (SMS for those who cannot speak), +358 2 313-8930 (enquiries by next of kin) | tollfree= | hours=24 hr daily | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content=Call for advice before coming, queues are often long. }} * Emergency '''social services''' can be contacted through 112; in business hours (weekdays 08:30–15:30) call {{phone|+358 2 262-6003}}. Also life management. * {{listing | name=Police | alt= | url=https://www.poliisi.fi/en | email= | address= | lat=60.4455 | long=22.2525 | directions= | phone=+358 295-440-501 (non-urgent – urgent: 112) | tollfree= | hours=M–F 8–17 (shorter hours for many matters) | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-06-04 | content= }} In daytime there are several pharmacies to choose from, some with quite long hours. If you get a prescription, you could ask about the handiest one. * {{listing | name=Yliopiston apteekki | alt= | url=https://yliopistonapteekki.fi/yhteystiedot/turku | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 18 | lat=60.4516 | long=22.2649 | directions=by Kauppatori | phone=+358 300-20200 (€0.69/min + pvm/mpm; queuing pvm/mpm) | tollfree= | hours=Daily 07:00–23:00 | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-10-24 | content=Pharmacy in the centre, with long hours, owned by the University of Helsinki. }} ==Respect== * Avoid walking in the cycle lanes. Dedicated cycleways are clearly marked, but sometimes run directly next to the pavement (sidewalk). On the other hand, when biking close to people, especially on cycleways shared with pedestrians, be careful when passing children, dogs or people who might lose their balance if scared. * When waiting in lines, be patient and polite. Finns never jump queues – but make sure you actually stand in the line. If unsure, ask. In many places you are expected to get a queue number from a machine. * Do not feed seagulls or pigeons especially in the city centre. Seagulls taking people's ice creams or sandwiches is a real problem in some areas, and feeding them is encouraging that behaviour. Feeding birds is officially prohibited in many areas. In other places it might be allowed and encouraged, but check official advice. ==Connect== Students and personnel from participating institutions get free Wi-Fi through the Eduroam network. The city main library (see [[#Turku City Library|above]]) offers Wi-Fi (pick a note with the password or ask) and public computers with Internet access (without booking, mostly there are some free ones). The "15 min" computers can be used without logging in. ==Cope== [[File:Åbo stadsbibliotek 2015 tidningsläsesalen.jpg|thumb|Newspaper reading room of Turku City Library, with public computers]] === Press === An assortment of foreign newspapers is available for reading in the main library (see [[#Turku City Library|above]]) and for sale at some locations (e.g. R-kioski at the main railway station or at Kauppatori). Expect to find some well-known ones at least in Swedish, English, German, French and Spanish (although increasingly only their weekly journals are available). At the main library there are also some more odd ones, e.g. from Russian Karelia. The local papers are Finnish ''Turun Sanomat'', Swedish ''Åbo Underrättelser'' and the free ''Turkulainen''; many locals also subscribe to ''Helsingin Sanomat'' or ''Hufvudstadsbladet'' of Helsinki. === Children === Most any park has a playground with swings, sandbox, some climbing frames, and perhaps a simple playhouse and some more unusual features. For picnics, the Kupittaa and Vartiovuori parks are popular. The swimming pools of Kupittaa and Samppalinna also have picnic areas. There is a playing corner for small children in the city library (and nice scenes in small exhibits hidden in the shelves and in the floor). The Hansa shopping centre in the centre has a room for children, with family toilet and facilities for warming food. Also several other businesses and shopping centres have some facilities or entertainment for children. [[#Q11892816|Kupittaa Adventure Park]] is a large playground area where also older children can enjoy themselves for quite a while. [[#Q11873640|Kuralan kylämäki]] is a quiet living history museum consisting of a few farms with life of the 1950s. In the main building personnel are doing their domestic chores, while ready to talk to any visitor. Children will find a play corner with period toys, another in the barn, with bigger equipment, and many opportunities to invent their own plays and games. Sheep flock at the pasture fence to be caressed. [[#Q3022430|Aboa Vetus]] allows you to walk in authentic streets in the ruins of medieval Turku. There are computer screens to lead children through the displays in the footsteps of children of the times exhibited, perhaps a sandbox for trying at being an archaeologist, and similar activities. [[#Q136893|Turku Castle]] has Knights' and Ladies' Days, where a group of children is led through the castle, ending with dubbing the participants. Check the language issue. If you are into biology, the [[#Q4086898|Biological Museum]] is a pearl. It features stuffed animals in natural landscapes: see wolves and elks, spot the small birds in the tree, an ermine in the snow, and acquaint yourselves to the different biotopes of Finland. These are beyond glass screens, but there are minor touchable or interactive features. Other museums may or may not suit your children, depending on their interests. For a longer trip, the Moomin World in [[Naantali]] and Zoolandia in [[Turku countryside|Lieto]] may be worth considering. You might also want to take a walk in some wood, to eat wild berries fresh from the shrubs – especially if that's something you cannot do at home. Make sure you recognise at least bilberries, which you'll find in most any suburban wood in July–August. Have a map and find any wood reasonably close to a bus stop. For the best experience, prepare a picnic, take the bus and take a walk of a few kilometres. Let the children take their time watching ants and other natural wonders. Don't confine yourself to the broad gravel paths, but immerse in the wood and climb the rocks (in nature reserves you may be confined to the trails, so prefer unprotected woods). You won't get lost: although there are places where you feel like being alone with nature, inside the Turku bypass the nearest house is never more than 500 m away. ===Laundry=== Unless you have [[laundry]] facilities at your lodging, you might want to use a laundrette service: * {{listing | name=24pesula | alt= | url=https://24pesula.fi/en/city/turku/ | email=asiakaspalvelu@pesula.fi | address=Uudenmaantie 19 | lat=60.4419 | long=22.2858 | directions=K-Citymarket Kupittaa; also Mylly, Prisma Länsikeskus, Prisma Piispanristi | phone=+358 10-292-7799 (shared cost?) | tollfree= | hours=Daily, daytime or round the clock | price=€6/std machine (9 kg, 30 min), tumbler +€4/30 min | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Laundrettes in some shopping centres, self service, no reservations. Detergent included. Pay by card. }} === Dogs === {{see also|Travel with pets#Finland}} Popular walks include the river banks east of the railway bridge (i.e. by Raunistula and the Student Village). There are compost containers for litter at some locations, but you can also use normal trash bins. There are havens in several locations, where dogs can run and play without being on a leash. They have a part for small dogs and another for big ones, use common sense for choosing. Don't go there if your dog is ill, aggressive or could otherwise be disruptive for other dogs. * {{do | name=Kupittaa dog haven | alt= | url= | email= | address=Lemminkäisenkatu | lat=60.4456 | long=22.2994 | directions=at the north-east edge of the park Kupittaanpuisto | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-03-24 | content= }} * {{do | name=Nummenranta dog haven | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.4651 | long=22.2952 | directions=at the walk on the left river bank, by the Student Village | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-03-24 | content= }} * {{do | name=Jäkäläpuisto dog haven | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jäkäläpolku | lat=60.4308 | long=22.2698 | directions=Luolavuori, the path to the haven starts at Rätiälänkatu | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-03-24 | content= }} ===Places of worship=== See [[#Churches|Churches]] above for Lutheran and Orthodox churches, [[#Q2601015|the synagogue]] and a [[#Buddhist monastery|Buddhist temple]]. [[#Q1187606|The cathedral]] has services also for a few expat churches and [[#Q2601450|the Orthodox church]] has services in a few languages. There is another Orthodox church, belonging to the Moscow Patriarchate, by [[#Q1979979|the handicraft museum]] (by the former Russian consulate). There is a Catholic church by the [[#Bridgettine Convent Guest House|Bridgettine Convent]]. There are also places of worship of JW, LDS, Pentecostals, Adventists, the Salvation Army and a few more Christian denominations, and humble mosques. === Consulates === {| |- | style="vertical-align:top;width:50%;" | * {{flag|Austria}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Austria | url= | email=mika.sippolainen@simsport.com | address=Linnankatu 36 B 11 | lat=60.44607 | long=22.25819 | directions= | phone=+358 2-275-1411 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-275-1414 | hours=09:00-11:00 | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Belgium}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Belgium | url= | email=antti@wihanto.fi | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 35 | lat=60.44578 | long=22.25752 | directions= | phone=+358 2-515-1655 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-515-1590 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Brazil}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Brazil | url= | email= | address=Aurakatu 8 | lat=60.44969 | long=22.26759 | directions= | phone=+358 2-651-6680 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Denmark}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Denmark | url= | email=ljo@lundbeck.com | address=Joukahaisenkatu 6 | lat=60.44797 | long=22.29920 | directions= | phone=+358 2-276-5000 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-276-5001 | hours= 09:00-14:00 | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Estonia}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Estonia | url= | email=rector@utu.fi | address=Vanha Suurtori 3 | lat=60.45028 | long=22.27671 | directions= | phone=+358 2-333-6122 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|France}} {{listing | name=Consulate of France | url= | email=enrico.casagrande@dlc.fi | address=Linnankatu 3 A | lat=60.45159 | long=22.27302 | directions= | phone=+358 2-250-0061 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-250-0013 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Germany}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Germany | url= | email=turku@hk-diplo.de | address=c/o Sunborn Oy Juhana Herttuan puistokatu 23 | lat=60.45259 | long=22.27170 | directions= | phone=+358 2-445-4501 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-445-4520 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Greece}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Greece | url= | email=fredrik.sunde@nordea.fi | address=Kauppiaskatu 9 B | lat=60.45242 | long=22.26788 | directions= | phone=+358 2-334-4201 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-334-5414 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Honduras}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Honduras | url= | email=ericlockmer@gmail.com | address=Eristäjänmutka 17 | lat=60.4785 | long=22.2163 | directions= | phone=+358 40-022-2244 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-254-7762 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Hungary}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Hungary | url= | email=urpo-kivikari@tukkk.fi | address=Linnankatu 8 | lat=60.44979 | long=22.26898 | directions= | phone=+358 2-231-2182 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Iceland}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Iceland | url= | email= | address=Lukkarinkatu 6 | lat=60.47668 | long=22.29837 | directions= | phone=+358 40-052-4234 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Italy}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Italy | url= | email= | address=Linnankatu 3 A | lat=60.45177 | long=22.27283 | directions= | phone=+358 400-522-557 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Netherlands}} {{listing | name=Consulate of the Netherlands | url= | email=kjell.sundstrom@abo.fi | address=Kauppiaskatu 9 | lat=60.45223 | long=22.26827 | directions= | phone=+358 207-861-419 | tollfree= | fax=+358 9-163-96417 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Norway}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Norway | url= | email=jan-erik.stenman@veritas.fi | address=Olavintie 2 | lat=60.44735 | long=22.26986 | directions= | phone=+358 50-343-2299 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=09:00-16:00 | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Poland}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Poland | url= | email=etacom@kolumbus.fi | address=Veistämönaukio 1 | lat=60.43980 | long=22.24039 | directions= | phone=+358 2-281-3186 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Portugal}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Portugal | url= | email= | address=Linnankatu 35 | lat=60.44554 | long=22.25555 | directions= | phone=+358 21-275-5314 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 09:00-16:00 | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Spain}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Spain | url= | email=info@silverland.fi | address=Yliopistonkatu 24 | lat=60.44979 | long=22.25987 | directions= | phone=+358 40-543-2094 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Sweden}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Sweden | url= | email=sihteerit@ts.fi | address=Kauppiaskatu 5 | lat=60.45113 | long=22.26966 | directions= | phone=+358 2-269-3303 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-269-3543 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|United Kingdom}} {{listing | name=Consulate of the United Kingdom | url= | email=jari.lahteenmaki@turku.chamber.fi | address=Puolalankatu 1 | lat=60.45170 | long=22.26306 | directions= | phone=+358 2-274-3410 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} |} ==Go next== [[File:Turku - Ruissalo Island (6119923392).jpg|thumb|Sailing off Ruissalo]] * '''[[Archipelago Sea]]''' – Stretching all the way from Turku to Åland and on to Stockholm, Archipelago Sea forms the largest archipelago in the world by number of islands and includes a national park. Best way to visit is definitely by bike and camping gear – unless you know how to handle a yacht or kayak or can afford a one-week charter of a manned yacht. ** The [[Archipelago Trail]] is a tourist route of 125 or 250 km, using the roads and inter-island ferries to provide access to the archipelago without a boat of your own – and without backtracking. The route can be taken clockwise or counter clockwise, starting from Turku, and continuing through rural archipelago villages and astonishing Baltic Sea sceneries. * '''[[Kurjenrahka National Park]]''' – Kurjenrahka is the largest and most diverse protected mire area in the region, the park includes also lakes and old growth forest. One of the best-known sights in the park is the old boundary mark of eight municipalities. Usually a day trip destination, hikes can be extended to last a couple of days. Beginning 2018 you can reach Kurjenrahka by local bus in summer. * The other chartered '''towns of medieval Finland''' were<!-- by time of chartering, but what is the order? -->: ** [[Porvoo]] (Borgå) – in Eastern Uusimaa, reachable by [[E18]] or the [[King's Road (Finland)|King's Road]]. ** [[Rauma]] (Raumo) – with a [[UNESCO World Heritage List|UNESCO World Heritage listed]] old town, Rauma can be reached by coach from Turku in 1½ hr. ** [[Ulvila]] (Ulvsby) – by Pori in the north of the historic Turku and Pori province ** [[Naantali]] (Nådendal, Vallis Gratiæ) – with the summer residence of the President of Finland ''Kultaranta'', the theme park ''Moomin World'' and a beautiful wooden old town, 20-min away by local bus. ** [[Vyborg]] (Viipuri, Viborg) – in its heyday the most metropolitan of Finnish cities; past Porvoo, now in Russia. * '''[[Åland islands]]''' – If you have a day or two to spare there are overnight and day [[Baltic Sea ferries|ferries]] to [[Sweden]] and the [[Åland|Åland Islands]]. [[Stockholm]] is 10 hours away, [[Mariehamn]] on the Åland islands about 5 hours. While the big ferries take you directly from Turku to the Åland mainland, you can also do some island hopping by taking a smaller ferry operated by Ålandstrafiken from Korpo or Kustavi in the Archipelago Sea. {{routebox | image1=Simple gold crown.svg | imagesize1=40 | directionl1=W | majorl1=END | minorl1= | directionr1=E | minorr1=[[Kaarina]] | majorr1=[[Helsinki]] | link1=King's Road (Finland) | caption1=King's Road | image2=Tabliczka_E8.svg | imagesize2=40 | directionl2=NW | majorl2=[[Pori]] | minorl2=[[Turku countryside]] | directionr2=SE | minorr2= | majorr2=END | link2=E8 through Finland and Norway | image3=Tabliczka E18.svg | imagesize3=40 | directionl3=W | majorl3=[[Stockholm]] | minorl3=[[Naantali]] | directionr3=E | minorr3=[[Kaarina]] | majorr3=[[Helsinki]] | link3=E18 | image4=Tabliczka E63.svg | imagesize4=40 | directionl4=SW | majorl4=END | minorl4= | directionr4=NE | minorr4=[[Turku countryside]] | majorr4=[[Tampere]] | image5=Finland road sign F29-10.svg | imagesize5=32 | directionl5=SW | majorl5=END | minorl5= | directionr5=NE | minorr5=[[Kaarina]] | majorr5=[[Hämeenlinna]] }} {{guidecity}} {{geo|60.4500|22.2667}} {{IsPartOf|Archipelago Sea}} 93e8wdc1gzefbfdba56fnfvtmayeo4l 5087032 5087012 2025-07-03T08:46:16Z 81.217.135.208 /* By bus */ ME 5087032 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Turku Wikivoyage banner.jpg|caption=Turku seen from the tower of the cathedral|otbp=yes}} '''Turku''' ([[Swedish phrasebook|Swedish]]: ''Åbo'') is [[Finland|Finland's]] oldest city, and used to be the country's largest until the mid-19th century. Believed to have been founded in the early 13th century, it is the cradle of modern Finnish culture and has extensively influenced Finnish history. Turku's fantastic culinary scene has earned it the nickname "the [[Paris]] of Finland" and the city has been called "Finland's gateway to the West". Bisecting Turku city centre, the River Aura is the heart and soul of the city: this is where Turku was born, and a large part of city life – museums, sights, restaurants and cafés – is still concentrated on the riverside. The river banks form a national urban park allowing for a pleasant stroll from the Turku Cathedral to the Turku Castle. Close to the river mouth is the island of Ruissalo, with oak forests and 19th-century villas. Turku is at its best in summertime, when it hosts many festivals, including rock festivals, chamber music festivals and a medieval fair. But do not forget the winter atmosphere, if you are lucky you may be able to have a thrilling walk on the ice cover of River Aura. In addition to the cultural sights and museums, this city of 195,000 people (2021) attracts visitors due to the [[Archipelago Sea]], which stretches all the way from Turku to [[Åland]] and on to [[Stockholm]], forming the largest archipelago in the world by the number of islands and islets. ==Understand== [[File:Turun tuomiokirkko.jpg|thumb|Turku Cathedral, important as symbol and well visible as a landmark]] [[Finland Proper#Greater Turku|Greater Turku]] (as defined here) includes a few surrounding towns and some countryside. Of these '''Raisio''' in the north-west is included here, while [[Kaarina]] and [[Naantali]] have their own articles, as has the [[Turku countryside]] in the north, including (west to east) Masku, Rusko, Paattinen (part of Turku) and Lieto. === Name === The origin of the word "Turku" the old Old East Slavic word търгъ (''tŭrgŭ''), which means "marketplace". The [[Swedish]] name of the city is '''Åbo''', the origin of which is unclear. ===History=== {{seealso|Nordic history}} Turku is Finland’s oldest city and one of the oldest in the entire Nordic region. The city came into existence at Koroinen on the banks of river Aura, a few kilometres north from the current market square. It was a centre for trade in the 1150s, and in 1229, the bishopric was transferred there as well. The Aura River Valley had already been a prosperous and relatively densely populated area since the Iron Age. The year 1229 is, somewhat arbitrarily, regarded as the year in which the City of Turku was founded. The construction of Turku Castle began in the 1280s, the Dominican monastery of St. Olof was being built on Samppalinna Hill and Turku Cathedral was consecrated in the year 1300. From this point on, the city held an important position in the Swedish realm and it had staple town charter (the right to conduct foreign trade), assuring that trading was brisk. The German bourgeoisie of Turku held a major role in the early development of the city, and Turku had a community that was part of the [[Hansa|Hanseatic League]], which dominated trade along the coasts of Northern Europe. The tradition of declaring [[Winter in the Nordic countries#Christmas|Christmas Peace]] has continued from the 14th century to these days (and is broadcast in several countries). During Swedish rule, Turku was the largest and most important city in what now is Finland, as well as a major city of the Swedish Kingdom. Queen Christina of Sweden founded Sweden's third university in Turku in 1640, following the old [[Uppsala]] University and the Academia Gustaviana in [[Tartu]], Estonia. Turku was long the provincial capital of much of the eastern half of Sweden, was capital of the Grand Duchy of Finland in 1809–1812, and remains the seat of the archdiocese of Finland. [[Russian Empire|Russia]], after overtaking Finland from Sweden 1809, moved the capital to [[Helsinki]], which was closer to [[Saint Petersburg]] and farther from [[Stockholm]]. Turku remained Finland's largest city until the end of the 1840s, but its ambitions were dealt a death blow in 1827, when a raging fire destroyed most of the city. ''Turun palo'' (the "Great Fire of Turku") is still the largest urban fire in the history of the Nordic countries. The city was almost completely destroyed, and the rest of the major institutions with the exception of the archbishop's seat were moved to Helsinki. The burnt city needed an altogether new town plan, which was drawn up by German architect Carl Ludvig Engel the following year. The current universities in Turku were inaugurated soon after independence, both to restore Turku's status and as part of the language strife: the bilingualism of Helsinki university was a red rag to the Fennomans, while the Svecomans saw the Swedish language threatened there. Turku is still a gateway to Sweden. The competition between cruise ferry companies led to ferries ever increasing in size and features, which let the Turku shipyard develop into a world leader of building large cruise ships, with customers such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival and TUI Cruises. Turku shipyard directly and indirectly employs some 8,000 people. In 2011 Turku was the European Capital of Culture along with [[Tallinn]], the capital of [[Estonia]]. Afterwards Turku has seen a huge boost in domestic and foreign visitors. ===People=== [[File:People at aurariver (cropped).jpg|thumb|The Aura River's banks are very popular among Turku residents, for walking, biking or enjoying nice weather.]] Turku remains a regional capital of [[Finland Proper]] and is the third most populous city-region in Finland and the eighth largest urban area in the [[Nordic countries]], with around 330,000 inhabitants living in the Turku sub-region (200,000 in Turku proper). Turku is a major academic town for Finland: there are two universities (TY with Finnish, ÅA with Swedish as its language) with business schools, law schools and a medical school, and four universities of applied sciences. Consequently, you will find that the city is bustling with young adults. The large number of students means that restaurants, live music clubs and nightlife are ample. There is a cultural spirit in the city, and some of the proud residents are still irked that Helsinki took over as Finland's capital back in 1812. In other parts of Finland people from Turku are stereotypically thought of as being bit reserved and uppish in their views of their home town. The fierce competition with Tampere in the 1970s on being the country's second city probably influences this. However, if you have a coffee at the Market Square and chat with the locals, you will soon find out that this is not the case. The Swedish community (ca 5%) has its own institutions and associations. Serving all Finland, ÅA's size is out of proportion to the local Swedish-speaking population, which shows in the demographics and the cultural life. Most of the Swedish-speaking are fluent in Finnish. Among the Finnish, the relation to Swedish is split: there are queues to the language-immersion daycare (and follow-up school) and many are bilingual with Swedish, while non-academic people born before 1965 and many born after the 1980s have a weak Swedish that they may refuse to use. The Turku dialect of Finnish has many influences from Swedish and historically also from Estonian. ===Read=== [[File:Turku Castle.jpg|thumb|Turku Castle.]] * ''Vares'' (book series) (Reijo Mäki, 1986–13). Finnish crime literature usually focuses more on police procedurals, or the psychological and sociological fallout from crime. One writer, Reijo Mäki, however, has written a series of books about a private investigator called Jussi Vares. He is your regular hardboiled PI: he drinks, makes love, hates everyone, and gets beaten up and mugged on a regular basis. All Vares books take place in Turku, which is also home to the books' writer. Mäki is a celebrity in Turku, where you can perhaps catch him in his favourite bar, Uusi Apteekki (New Pharmacy). * ''The Home of Dark Butterflies'' (Leena Lander, 1991). Writer Leena Lander tells the story of a fourteen-year-old boy named Juhani, who is haunted by his traumatic past. Juhani has been shuttled between foster homes and temporary families for the past six years, leaving any prospect of stability in his life a faded dream. When Juhani winds up in a remote shelter for troubled youth known as The Island, he has little idea of how ruthless superintendent Olavi Harjula can truly be. In addition to Harjula and the six other boys, The Island is also home to the superintendent's wife Irene, the couple's two young daughters, and Tynne, who tends to the local livestock in addition to catering all the meals. The island of the story has actually existed, though the boys' home was closed already in 1968. The story was also made into a film of the same name in 2008 and shooting took place on the actual island in the Turku archipelago. The film was also Finland's Oscar nominee for a foreign language film in 2008. ===Watch=== * ''Restless'' (Aku Louhimies, 2000) is a story about Ari (Mikko Nousiainen), a 27-year-old ambulance doctor living in Turku, whose main pastime is one-night stands. He doesn't want to meet any of the girls again because he is certain that commitment equals pain. But one day Ari realizes that he cannot feel anything at all. Then he meets a woman named Tiina (Laura Malmivaara) on the beach. Without really intending to, they start dating each other, reaching the point where Tiina, falling in love, begins to look for commitment. Ari is introduced to Tiina's friends, including two other couples. Ari then ends up having sex with Tiina's two best friends (Ilona and Hanna-Riikka). Meanwhile Tiina continues to love Ari. During this Tiina manages to commit Ari to reluctantly become the father of her to be born child. * ''Vares movies'' (Aleksi Mäkelä, 2004-2012). Vares books proved so popular in Finland that in 2004 a film was released, starring Juha Veijonen as the detective, and directed by Aleksi Mäkelä, considered by many the number one action-director in Finland. A second film appeared a few years later, and the two films' success led to a series of all together eight films. *''Man Exposed'' (Aku Louhimies, 2006) is a comedy-drama film about a rebel minister working in Turku's St Michael's Church, who is suddenly asked to run for bishop. At the same time he is running into problems in his marriage and life in general. *''Tears of April'' (Aku Louhimies, 2008) is a war drama film based on the novel by Leena Lander, the film is set in the final stages of the Finnish Civil War. The film tells a story of a captured female Red Guard fighter, Miina, and the soldier Aaro who escorts her to her trial. *''Love and Other Troubles'' (Samuli Valkama, 2012) is a Finnish romantic comedy film set in Turku. It stars Emilie de Ravin as Sara, an American line dance teacher, who meets Ville (Jussi Nikkilä), a 25-year-old former child star, and his father (Ville Virtanen), an ex-rock star, who both fall in love with her. *''The Girl King'' (Mika Kaurismäki, 2015) is a biographical drama about Christina, Queen of Sweden, who reigned from 1632 until her abdication in 1654. ===Climate=== [[File:Air temperature in Turku 2016.jpg|thumb|upright=2|Temperatures in Turku in 2016: averages, highs and lows]] [[File:Kommunalsjukhusvägen vintern 2010.jpg|thumb|Walk- and bikeway in winter, near the Kupittaa park]] Turku, like the rest of Finland, has four distinct seasons. Situated by the Baltic Sea and sheltered by the islands of the Archipelago Sea, Turku has a humid continental climate. Like much of southern Finland, the city experiences warm summers, with temperatures ranging up to 30°C (85°F), and winters with frequent snowfall and temperatures down to about −25°C (−15°F), though mostly between {{C|0}} and {{C|-15}}. The best time to visit is definitely the warm period from late May to early September, when day temperatures typically are {{C|20-25}}. If visiting in wintertime and meeting slush, ride somewhat more inland (a local bus can get you far enough) and you will probably find the real snow. Once in a while you can find it in Turku city centre too. In good winters people walk, ski and skate on the ice of the river and there are skiing tracks all around the suburbs. In lesser winters there will still be a shorter skiing track at Impivaara and skating opportunities at Parkin kenttä (by the bus station), in the Kupittaa park and in most suburbs, at least part of the season. Current weather forecasts can be checked at the [http://en.ilmatieteenlaitos.fi/weather/turku Finnish Meteorological Institute website]. ===Visitor information=== Turku's official tourist agency is ''Turku Touring''. It serves also the larger region. *{{listing | name=Visit Turku |alt=| url=http://www.visitturku.fi/en | email=info@visitturku.fi | address=Aurakatu 2 | lat=60.44906 | long=22.26784 | directions=next to the City Hall, near the Aura bridge; at busy times also the back door is open<!-- and when it is locked, notices may be absent or confusing--> | phone=+358 2 262-7444 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 262-7679 | hours=Sep–Mar: daily 10:00–15:00; Apr–Sep: M–F 08:30–18:00, Sa Su 10:00–18:00 | price= |wikipedia=|wikidata=|image=|lastedit=2018-03-13| content=Turku Touring's office offers advice, sight-seeing tours, maps, guide books, souvenirs, bicycle hire instructions, group outings and more. }} ==Get in== Turku is well connected to the rest of the country by rail and road, and has flights from Helsinki and Mariehamn. From the west (Åland and Sweden), ferries are the main option, although there are flights for those in a hurry. The ferries take cars. There are a few flights also from across the Baltic Sea and from some more distant places. Turku is a good yachting destinations, for those on the Baltic Sea or ready to make the longer voyage. ===By plane=== ====Turku Airport (TKU)==== [[File:Aero Airlines ATR 72 ES-KRL at EFTU on 20060714.jpg|thumb|Passengers boarding a Finnair flight to Helsinki at Turku airport.]] *{{listing | type=go | name=Turku Airport | alt={{IATA|TKU}} | url=http://www.finavia.fi/en/turku | email= | address= | lat=60.5109 | long=22.2743 | directions= 8&nbsp;km north of the city centre | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Turku Airport | image=Terminaali 1, Turun lentoasema, Turku, 11.7.2010.JPG | wikidata=Q1130231 | content=It is a compact airport with two terminals for check-in }} Typically, there are daily flights to Turku from [[Mariehamn]], [[Stockholm]] and [[Copenhagen]], and from a few locations further away, such as [[Gdańsk]] or [[Riga]]. These latter tend to change as budget airlines come and go. Domestic Finnair flights from [[Helsinki]] have been discontinued and replaced by coaches operated by Finnair instead. As of January 2023, [http://wizzair.com/en-GB/ Wizz Air] flies to Turku from Gdańsk and [[Rome]], [https://www.sas.se/en/ SAS] from Stockholm and Copenhagen (since April 2025), and [https://www.finnair.com Finnair] from Mariehamn, with additional charter holiday flights operated by TUI and Tjäreborg, among others. Bus line 1 departs from the airport every 20&nbsp;minutes and goes via the centre to the Port of Turku. Several hotels happen to be along the route. Tickets are available on board for {{EUR|3}}/{{EUR|1.50}} by contactless card, or {{EUR|4}}/{{EUR|2}} by cash. Children under 7 years old travel for free when accompanied by an adult, and after 23:00 the trips cost {{EUR|1}} more. Free transfers for two hours included, see [[#By bus 2|Get around]] for details. The line operates from 05:20 to 00:45. The day's last bus waits as long as 15 minutes if necessary, to allow passengers to catch it. The last buses operate only to Kauppatori, not to the harbour. ====Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL)==== If coming by air, a common option is to fly to the internationally well connected [[Helsinki Airport]] ({{IATA|HEL}}). Turku is 166 km away from Helsinki and easily reached by train (transfer in Helsinki centre) or coach. By car, the voyage by the Finnish national road 1 ([[E18]]) takes around 1hr40min. There is an almost hourly coach connection from Helsinki Airport to the Turku bus station. Coaches are operated by various companies, but tickets are sold on the [https://www.matkahuolto.fi/en Matkahuolto] platform regardless of the operator. As of 2024, Finnair has discontinued their domestic flights to Turku, but they do sell plane tickets to Turku where you then transfer to Finnair buses at Helsinki Airport. Coach services operate around the clock, although there may be a gap of two hours between services in the small hours of the night. The trip takes between 2 hr 15 min and 2 hr 55 min, depending on whether the service calls in towns on the way. [http://www.onnibus.com Onnibus.com] is typically a bit cheaper, but they leave from the central bus station of Helsinki and not directly from the airport. The Onnibus buses are red double-deckers with free Wi-Fi but little legroom. They also have special restrictions on children, pets and luggage. Book tickets online in advance for a cheaper price; bargains are available if booking early enough. ===By train=== [[File:Turku railways 2018.jpg|thumb|Pendolino train in Turku in 2018, with Logomo in the background]] {{cautionbox|The central railway station has moved to Logomo and the Logomo bridge. Trains from Helsinki again continue to there and some of them to the harbour. The old central station is abandoned and bus connections have changed. Works continue and a new central station is to be built. |lastedit=2024-12-15 }} Links between Turku and the rest of the country (except [[Satakunta]]) are frequent and excellent, from Helsinki (close to hourly) and Tampere, travel time approximately 2 hours, and services also from [[Jyväskylä]] (3.5 hr), [[Kuopio]] (5.5 hr) and [[Oulu]] (7 hr); VR sometimes suggests services via Helsinki e.g. from Tampere, but these are seldom relevant. There is an overnight car and sleeper train connection from [[Rovaniemi]] in [[Finnish Lapland|Lapland]] (10–15 hr, usually with a transfer in Tampere – if a sleeper cabin is suggested also for the remaining journey, check how much you pay for that add-on). Some of the services have a "restaurant" car (café/pub with sandwiches etc., mostly no real dining, although there may also be simple meals available), most others a cart with drinks and snacks. The IC2 services have a family car, with space for prams, a playing corner upstairs and the accessible toilet doubling as family room. From western Europe, you can travel by train to Stockholm and take a ferry cruise from there. This can be a scenic option, and most of the European railway companies offer discounts for the ferry connection. '''[http://www.vr.fi/en VR]''', the state-owned railway company, operates the trains. Turku has three railway stations: the central railway station in the north, Kupittaa in the east and Turku harbour in the west. The former two have ticket vending machines, waiting room, toilets, and service for the disabled on advance request. VR has no service desk in Turku. There are no local or regional trains as of the 2020s. Trains arriving from the direction of [[Helsinki]] stop at Kupittaa before arriving at the central station, while trains from [[Tampere]] don't pass the former. Some of the trains continue onward to the harbour – handy if you are connecting to a passenger ferry towards [[Stockholm]] or [[Mariehamn]]. * {{go | name=Central railway station | alt=Turku/Åbo | url=https://www.vr.fi/en/railway-stations-and-routes/turku | email= | address=Ajurinkatu 143 | lat=60.4564 | long=22.2588 | directions=on the northern edge of the centre; access to platforms by the Logomo bridge, which connects to the centre | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-12-16 | content=The platforms at the central station were moved in August 2024, now accessed by the pedestrian bridge over the rails between Logomo and the city centre, 400 m away from the former station, 750 m from Kauppatori (go forward one block, turn left, then right along Kauppiaskatu; the passage through the park may be nicer but is hard to find, with steep stairs). Services such as lounge, toilets, café and restaurant are at Logomo. A new railway station is planned to be taken into use in 2026. The station is primarily served by bus lines 1B and 1C, which stop near the centre-end of the Logomo bridge on their way from Kauppatori to the bus station, from where they continue back to Kauppatori, 1B further to the harbour. Either passes every 15 min 05:05–23:05. P3 stops at the next street. On the Logomo side there are the buses 20, 61, 61T, 3P, 201 and 203. These pass on the other side of Logomo, in Köydenpunojankatu 200 m from the main entrance. }} * {{go |name=Kupittaa railway station | alt=Kupittaa/Kuppis | url=https://www.vr.fi/en/railway-stations-and-routes/kupittaa | lat=60.4505 | long=22.2970 | directions=on the eastern edge of the centre | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-12-16 | content=Intermediate stop for trains from Helsinki, convenient for visits to the universities. The station is well connected by local bus: lines 32 and 42 have their stop 200 m away across the street and either passes each 10 min in daytime, continuing through the centre; use either the ascent by the train or the one closest ahead to get to the stop, the latter is more direct but lands you close to traffic, watch out for your children. The stairs farthest ahead are the nicest for walking towards the campus or the centre. There are also a few other bus lines passing by (there or at another stop). The centre is at walking distance (2 km). In 2022–2024 the parking by the station exit was chaotic, but this might have got improved since trains again continue onwards. }} * {{go | name=Turku harbour railway stop | alt=Turun Satama/Åbo hamn | url=https://www.vr.fi/en/railway-stations-and-routes/turku-port | address= |lat=60.43448 | long=22.22334 | directions=near the Viking terminal | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-12-16 | content=Trains from the directions of Helsinki and Tampere, serving cruise ferry passengers. No services at the station; buy your ticket in advance. }} There are bike sharing stations by the railway stations in the summer season (April–October or as weather allows); see [[#By bicycle|By bicycle]] below. There are cycleways. ===By bus=== [[File:Busstation of Turku.jpg|thumb|Turku bus station seen over Aninkaistenkatu. The platforms are behind the station building.]] Long-distance services usually terminate at {{marker|type=go|name=Turku bus station|lat=60.45712 | long=22.26808}}, as do some regional services. The station is at the northern edge of the city centre within walking distance from the central railway station (1 km) and Kauppatori (the market square, 800 m). Matkahuolto abandoned the station building; facilities are open again (R kiosk, timetable displays, café, hamburgers and snacks), but Matkahuolto (with ticket sale and freight) still uses the freight terminal across Läntinen pitkäkatu. The bus station has good local bus connections, although it is not the hub for them. There are stops for local and regional lines at a few different places on or around the station, note where your bus stops. Some coach lines arriving at the station continue to the Port of Turku, if needed. If going there, tell that when buying your ticket and when boarding. By the station are Hotel Helmi, the café of which offers breakfast, lunch, light meals and take away, and three hamburger restaurants (Hesburger, Mac Donald's and an independent). * {{go | name=Matkahuolto Turku | alt= | url= | email= | address=Läntinen Pitkäkatu 7–9 | lat=60.45699 | long=22.26563 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M–F 07:00–19:00, Sa 09:00–15:00, Su closed | price= | content= }} Normal coach connections from Kamppi in '''[[Helsinki]]''' leave for Turku more or less every half an hour during the day and every hour or two during the night. Coming via [[Tallinn]], there may be a coach directly from the port, mostly via Kamppi. Direct connections and connections with transfer are available from Helsinki-Vantaa airport. All these connections are either express or special express (there may also be a few hard-to-find "regular" connections). Tickets cost around €30 (round trip around €55) for adults, around €20 for children aged 12–16, €15 for children aged 4–11 and Finnish students (ISIC ''not'' accepted). Children under the age of four travel for free. Cheaper tickets can often be had in advance on the net (check also the individual companies' websites). There are normally more or less hourly connections from '''[[Tampere]]''' and '''[[Pori]]''' in daytime, and each two hours from '''[[Vaasa]]''', some all the way from '''[[Oulu]]'''. <!-- Check: There is a line from '''[[Tampere]]''' hourly in daytime, the last coach arriving 00:55, from '''[[Pori]]''' about hourly (check!) and from '''[[Vaasa]]''' about every two hours, the last arriving 21:20. --> For timetables, for the above mentioned or other connections, see [https://www.matkahuolto.fi/en Matkahuolto]. Also [http://www.onnibus.fi Onnibus] has connections to Turku. Tickets to these buses vary in price, cheapest well in advance on the net, for same day usually about €10 when bought online, €15–20 from Helsinki if bought when boarding (with busy services often sold out). Direct bus services from [[Saint Petersburg]] are provided by [http://ensi-bus.ru/?p=30 Ensi-Bus]{{Dead link|date=July 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} and [https://www.transgold.ru/marshrutka-v-turku/ Transgold] (check whether the sanctions have affected them). ===By ferry=== [[File:Viking Grace Ruissalo.jpg|thumb|''Viking Grace'' passing Ruissalo island on its way to [[Stockholm]].]] The most scenic way to get to Turku is by taking a [[Baltic sea ferries|cruise ferry]] across the Baltic Sea from [[Sweden]], from [[Stockholm]] or Kapellskär ([[Norrtälje]]) via [[Mariehamn]] or Långnäs, [[Åland]]. The {{marker|type=go |url=http://www.portofturku.fi/portal/en |name=Port of Turku|lat=60.43482 | long=22.21966}} is next to Turku Castle and is easily accessible on bus line 1, which travels between the port and the airport via the centre. The port also has its own railway and bus station (by the Viking terminal) and some trains and coaches depart at the port (see [[#By train|By train]] and [[#By bus|By bus]] above). To get from the port to the centre, buses 1 and 1B run frequently at the ferry arrivals and stop by the terminals. The buses still get crowded at these times and the boarding is a bit chaotic, as people are searching for their money, card or phones; try to minimise the hassle you are causing. Some drivers don't speak English or Swedish, but there is certainly some polyglot around. If you are getting off before Kauppatori, try to get a seat or stand close to the middle (or back) door. Regardless, the ride is reasonably smooth and people tend to be helpful. Taxis are also available, of course. With light luggage [[Turku riverside walk|strolling along the river]] to the centre can be a nice option (3 km to Kauppatori, buses within reach all the time). A new ferry terminal is planned to be ready for use in 2025; there will be changes in arrangements during the construction works. The main cruise ferry option is Finnish [https://www.sales.vikingline.com/ Viking Line] with daily departures from central Stockholm: one in the morning (via Mariehamn), arriving in the evening, and one in the evening (via Långnäs), arriving in the morning. For a scenic view, and less expensive prices, a morning departure is advisable. Going in the night, you avoid one night at a hotel, but the effective sleeping time is short, as you are probably waked up for cleaning of the cabin well before arrival (generous, although not cheap, breakfast is available). Evening departures provide adequate night club activities on board if you want to cut loose before arriving; there is entertainment also on the day cruises. Estonian [http://www.tallinksilja.com/en/web/int/book-a-cruise Tallink] (formerly Finnish Silja, sometimes still using that brand) also operates cruise ferries from Sweden, in summer two daily arrivals from Stockholm, in winter one daily departure from Kapellskär via Långnäs, arriving in Turku 16:30 and returning in the night. There are also more quiet ropax ferries from Kapellskär via Långnäs to [[Naantali]] 20 km from Turku, by [http://www.finnlines.com Finnlines]. By bus, take line N14 from the harbour and transfer to line 6 or 7 in Naantali centre (local bus fee, transfer included). Two new ferries were taken into use in the winter 2023–2024, intended to attract more leisure travellers, still more quiet than the alternatives. When comparing prices, note costs of meals, included on some ferries. Pedestrians are welcome from Kapellskär (check whether this is true also in summer), but not from Långnäs in the night. Bikers should wear reflective vests in the harbour areas. Nearly all ferries make a brief stop in Åland, in either [[Mariehamn]] or Långnäs. Due to this stop, plus a Finnish-demanded exception to [[European Union]] rules, passengers can make [[Duty free shopping|duty-free]] purchases on the ferries. The tax-free prices tend to be slightly cheaper than prices on the shore, but are seldom bargains; know the on-shore price levels if you want one. Looking for special offers may save a lot of money on the ferry passage. Prices vary from day to day according to demand, with a one-way overnight cruise typically from €30–100/cabin (Friday or Saturday evening departures tend to be more expensive). A "fuel fee" may be added (since 2022, due to extraordinary fuel prices), for cruise offers also a voucher (guaranteeing minimum spending aboard). In summer, book early if you have a car, especially if it exceeds standard dimensions. Youth travelling by themselves should check age restrictions. It is also possible to take '''smaller ferries from Åland''', connecting islands of Åland and the [[Archipelago Sea]] with each other and with the mainland. Using the small ferries is more complicated and possibly more expensive, but can be rewarding. See [[Åland#Get around]], [[Korpo]], [[Brändö]] and [[Houtskär]]. ===By yacht=== [[File:Summer scene at Turku guest harbour.jpg|thumb|Summer scene at Turku guest harbour.]] Many people also from other regions, including Helsinki, spend their summer vacation yachting around the [[Archipelago Sea]] surrounding Turku. The Sea of Åland and the Gulf of Finland, coming from Sweden and Estonia respectively, can easily be crossed in a day, while a voyage directly from [[Gotland]] requires overnight sailing. There is an abundance of minor guest harbours on the remaining distance through the archipelago. Turku Guest Harbour is on the Aura river halfway between the port and Kauppatori, while the TPS guest harbour, Ruissalo Marina and Ruissalon Telakka are on the scenic island of Ruissalo, with buses (line 8) to the city centre once an hour or half an hour in daytime. Except Telakka, they have fuel stations and septic tank emptying. There is also a free mooring site above the Aura bridge, but only for short visits without high mast, perhaps a nice tour if you have a suitable dinghy (bridge height 3.6 m; max 3 hr 08:00–22:00). From the cathedral upstream the river is shallow; there are shallows especially in the middle of the river and perhaps at the bridges, some rocks elsewhere. There is a portage at the Halinen rapids and dam north of the centre; upstream from there it is a popular canoeing route. * {{go | name=Turku Guest Harbour | alt= | url=http://www.turunvierasvenesatama.fi/en | email=info@turunvierasvenesatama.fi | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 57 | lat=60.4401 | long=22.2447 | directions=in the centre, 2 km from Kauppatori | phone=+358 400-536-613 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Oct–Apr €25, May–16 Jun & 2–30 Sep €35, 17 Jun–1 Sep €40; except during DBTL, Ruisrock and Tall Ships' Races | lastedit=2024-05-01 | content=City guest harbour. Good services, including non-free laundromat. May be full in peak season; some moorings can be reserved beforehand. For size over 15m×5.2m, check special arrangements. When the harbour office is closed, use restaurant Nooa instead. }} * {{listing|type=go | name=Ruissalon Telakka | alt= | url=https://ruissalontelakka.fi | email= | address=Hevoskarintie 23 | lat=60.4367 | long=22.2057 | directions=Ruissalo, opposite Port of Turku | phone=+358 400-330-413 | tollfree= | hours= | price=€25 | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-06-28 | content=Former boat yard; some of the yachts built here again call the harbour home, and part of the moorings are reserved for classical yachts. From here to the centre you can either take the [https://www.foli.fi/en/waterbus water bus] (daytime in season, bikes free) or walk 400 m to the bus stop for a 12-min ride with line 8. Both options use the Föli tickets. Café and pizzeria. Toilets and showers, but no fuel or septic tank emptying. }} * {{listing|type=go | name=TPS Guest Harbour | alt= | url=http://turunpursiseura.fi/satamat/vierassatama-guest-harbour/ | email=toimisto@turunpursiseura.fi | address=Pursiseuranranta 30 | lat=60.4265 | long=22.1593 | directions= | phone=+358 44-376-2655 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€20 | lastedit=2019-06-28 | content=Marina of one of the local yacht clubs. On the island Ruissalo, a 20-minute bus ride (line 8) from the centre. Services include sauna and Wi-Fi. Restaurant. Guiding to the mooring from the fuel pier, off hours look for orange cones instead. }} * {{listing|type=go | name=Ruissalo Marina | alt= | url=https://www.ruissalomarina.fi | email= | address=Ruissalon puistotie 618 | lat=60.4261 | long=22.1073 | directions= | phone=+358 2 445-5926 (10:00–19:00), +358 2 445-40 (off hours) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€30 | lastedit=2019-06-28 | content=By the Ruissalon Kylpylä spa hotel near the western end of the island, a 25-minute bus ride (line 8) from the centre. Reservation recommended. }} ===By car=== [[File:Saariston rengastie 11.jpg|thumb|Sign at the [[Archipelago Trail]]]] Turku is well connected by roads to other parts of Finland. Main routes are national road 1 ([[E18]] until [[Piikkiö]]) from [[Saint Petersburg]] and [[Helsinki]], 8 ([[E8 through Finland and Norway|E8]]) from [[Tromsø]], [[Vaasa]] and [[Pori]] along the west coast, 9 (E63) from [[Kuopio]], [[Jyväskylä]] and [[Tampere]], and 10 from [[Hämeenlinna]]. E18 is a high-speed controlled-access highway all the way from Russia, but deviates towards [[Naantali]] along the Turku bypass (road 40), stay on highway 1. Highways 8 and 9 are motorways for some distance outside the city. Turku can be reached from Helsinki in around 1 hr 40 min in summer and 2 hrs 40 in winter. The former main road from Helsinki, now regional road 110, is somewhat slower but allows your seeing more of the landscape. From Sweden or Åland, use the [[#By ferry|above]] mentioned ferries. Those to Turku and Naantali, and on the routes from Åland via Korpo or via Brändö and Kustavi, all take cars. There are a few scenic roads around Turku as well: * '''[[Archipelago Trail|The Archipelago Trail]]''' (''Skärgårdens ringväg'', ''Saariston Rengastie'') allows travellers to access [[Archipelago Sea|the archipelago]] without a boat of their own. Part of the "trail" can be used when coming from Sweden via [[Åland]]: drive to Långnäs and take the ferry to Korpo, or use the ferries via Brändö and Kustavi. * '''[[Hämeen Härkätie]]''' leads to Turku from [[Hämeenlinna]] and is the most important road of early Finnish history. The route was once used by merchants, pilgrims, and kings. Along the route, with small detours, you will find a splendid array of interesting sites, such as museums, churches and shopping spots. If you want to really experience a journey in time, you can stay at an old manor house or inn along the way. * The partly medieval '''[[King's Road]]''' (''Kuninkaantie'', ''Kungsvägen'') leads to Turku along the south coast all the way from the eastern border of Finland, passing Helsinki. It is part of the old post roads, dating back to the 14th century, that lead from Stockholm to Christiania (Oslo) and Bergen on the Atlantic coast (of Norway), and, crossing the [[Archipelago Sea]], via Turku to Viborg (now Vyborg in Russia). The modern tourist route is extended all the way to Saint Petersburg. You can see lots of medieval churches, museums and old villages along the road. === By bike === Bikes can be taken on the ferry from Sweden or Åland for €5–12. The fee on trains and coaches is similar. Onnibus does not take bikes. For getting in from Åland, the [[Archipelago Trail]] can be used, taking a ferry to Korpo, Houtskär, Iniö or Kustavi and continuing along the trail from there. The [https://en.eurovelo.com/ev10/finland Eurovelo 10] route around the Baltic Sea goes through Turku. From the east (Vaalimaa–Helsinki–Ekenäs–Salo) it is developed and signposted (not the Russian leg though). From the north it is developed from Vaasa to Turku, with signposting incomplete as of 2024. ==Get around== {{Mapframe|60.4493|22.2683|zoom=10|height=320|width=420|layer=|staticmap=|align=|name=}} {{mapshape|type=geomask|Q38511,Q372075}}<!-- Turku, Raisio; [[Turku countryside]] should be excluded --> {{nowrap|The market square,}} ''Kauppatori'' (Swedish: ''Salutorget'') is often considered the midpoint of the city, and most sights and restaurants, and most businesses in the centre, are within a kilometre from there. Nearly all buses pass by or have their terminus near Kauppatori, and reach every corner of the city, mostly with reasonable frequency. A bike is still the quickest way to get around and cycleways are generally good, but in the central business district you may have to cycle among cars or lead your bike. === By foot=== {{see also|Turku riverside walk}} The vast majority of the city's sights are within a kilometre or two from Kauppatori. The river Aura passes through the centre, and its banks are very popular, allowing for a pleasant stroll from, say, the national shrine of Finland, the Turku Cathedral, to the Turku Castle, which used to house Swedish Kings – or upstream to experience some countryside. Turku Touring, the official tourist agency of the city, offers different walking tours for visitors. There are also leaflets with self guided walking tours, such as Sculpture walk, ArchitecTour, Romantic Turku and Stepping it up. You can get a map from the main library (Linnankatu 2) or the tourist information (Aurakatu 2). If you have a smartphone you can download a Citynomadi app and get a map there. ===By bicycle === The fastest and most flexible way of seeing Turku is on a bike. There are good bike paths mostly as needed, although at the very heart of the city you have to know the routes or sometimes join car traffic, or get off the bike unless sufficiently experienced; not all the best routes are obvious. Some routes in the centre are brushed and salted in winter: along the river, around the campuses and through the central business district. Elsewhere cycleways and roads are not always maintained sufficiently in the winter for easy (in the centre: safe) biking, but local hardcore cyclists are biking throughout the year. Main biking routes are well signposted. In the centre there are often temporary disruption of these routes (markets, roadworks etc.), and bicycle arrangements are then often neglected. This is more seldom a problem elsewhere. The map at [https://kartta.turku.fi/IMS/en/Map kartta.turku.fi] can show biking routes: open the layers menu in the upper left corner, choose Traffic, then Bicycle paths, and use the check boxes. Regional biking route 1 goes to the tip of the recreation island Ruissalo, route 2 to Naantali, route 4 to Naantali via Raisio centre, route 9 to Lieto along Hämeentie, route 10 to Piikkiö via Nummi, Varissuo and Littoinen, route 11 along Uudenmaantie via Kaarina and [[Piikkiö]] to Paimio, route 12 via Hirvensalo and Satava to Kakskerta, For getting farther out of the city, bikes can be loaded on the local buses (including regional buses in the Föli cooperation) for €5 at the driver's discretion, i.e. probably when there are not too many passengers. Cost on coaches varies by company, often about the price of a children's ticket for longer voyages, sometimes a flat €6. The city tourist office can suggest cycling routes. They also rent bikes (€23/day). '''Bike theft''' is common and vandalism happens. A lock gives some protection. If leaving the bike close to the river it should be locked to something. ====Bike sharing==== [https://www.foli.fi/en/f%C3%B6li-bikes Fölläri bike sharing] is since 2022 in cooperation with [[Urban cycling#Donkey Republic|Donkey Republic]], with 700 three-geared bikes (as of 2023 not equipped for winter use). You will need an app; using the bikes requires a smartphone (Apple/Android; Sailfish Android emulation does not suffice) with Bluetooth and GPS enabled. There are 200 stations, many of which virtual (just leave the bike in the designated area found by the app and register the end of journey as usual). The hire can also be ended outside stations, for an additional fee. Usage for one hour at the time costs €2 per time, €9 per month or €35 for all season (April to October or December, weather permitting). Additional time costs €2 for 1 hr, €5 for 4 hr, €12 for a day. Thus, for a one-off one-day rental, the cost is €14. The monthly or seasonal payments count as Donkey Republic membership in other towns; it seems you can use such a membership also in Turku. Usage (except the fee for additional time and usage in other towns) is included in the 30 day Föli bus tickets. * {{listing|type=around | name=Donkey Republic customer service | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 2 4885-8185 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 07:00–21:00 Sa–Su 10:00–21:00 | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-12 | content=Customer service for the Fölläri bikes. }} Other options include: * {{listing|type=around | name=10Bikes | alt= | url=https://www.10bikes.fi/ | email=info@10bikes.fi | address=Puutarhakatu 40 | lat=60.44578 | long=22.2416 | directions= | phone=+358 400-176-100 | tollfree= | hours=Shop 10:00–18:00 | price=€5+€5/hr | content=Local business. Electricity assisted bikes for rent. City bikes and bikes for gravel. }} * {{listing|type=around | name=Polkupyörävuokraamo | alt= | url=http://www.polkupyoravuokraamo.fi | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=in the harbour | phone=+358 440-224-161 | tollfree= | hours= | price=€14/day, €63/week | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Bike rental. Also tandems and trailers. }} ====Bicycle service==== There are several bike shops offering service for bikers. Here some of them: * {{listing|type=around | name=Visan polkupyörähuolto | url=http://www.visainen.com | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 8 | lat=60.454 | long=22.273 | directions=in the corner of Aninkaistenkatu and Yliopistonkatu | phone=+358 2 231-1191 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Competent bicycle shop hidden in a back yard. Does not sell only mainstream stuff. }} * {{listing|type=around | name=Raispo | alt= | url=http://www.raispo.fi | email=info@raispo.fi | address=Itäinen Pitkäkatu 38-40 | lat=60.444481 | long=22.277783 | directions= | phone=+358 40-557-7158 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 10:00-18:00, Sa Su 10:00-14:00 | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-04-13 | content=Bike shop with bike service. }} ===By bus === <!-- [[File:Åbo salutorg 2010, Blommor och grönsaker.jpg|thumb|Streets around Kauppatori normally form the hub for the local and some regional bus lines – not 2018–2020.]] --> [[File:Föli bus -1 in front of Turku Castle.jpg|thumb|Turku city bus, line 1, by the castle]] [[File:Passenger ferry on Aurajoki.jpg|thumb|Water bus (passenger ferry) on the river]] Tickets are harmonized with some of the surrounding municipalities – Raisio, [[Naantali]], [[Kaarina]], [[Turku countryside|Rusko]], [[Turku countryside|Lieto]] and [[Paimio]] – as the "'''[http://www.foli.fi/en Föli]'''" cooperation. Tickets are handled as if all buses serving the area were local, except for lines 117, 118, 119 and 802. Coaches without line numbers are not covered (nor Onnibus, which has its own numbering scheme). * {{listing|type=around | name=Monitori | alt= | url= | email=joukkoliikenne@turku.fi | address=Aurakatu 8 | lat=60.45034 | long=22.26664 | directions=in KOP-kolmio by Kauppatori | phone=+358 2 262-0100 | tollfree= | hours={{show by date|2025|01|30|hour=16|M–F 08:00–16:00|M–Th 08:00–18:00 F 09:00–16:00}} | price= | lastedit=2018-06-05 | content=Bus customer service, combined with municipal services. }} {{cautionbox|The bus lines will be revamped 1 July 2025. Check routes and line numbers if you are arriving then. |lastedit=2025-03-21}}For occasional bus travel, use your debit/credit card (EMV-NFC payment). Use the same card for all your Föli travels, to have your previous payment taken into account on transfers etc. For any special circumstances (such as paying for two), explain what you want to the driver before using your card. I single ticket with 2 hr transfer time is €3.15/1.55, by cash €4.50/2, €1 more in the night. Child fare applies for 7–15 years old; younger children not travelling alone travel for free, as do adults with a wheelchair (also an assistant) or pram. The Föli pages have several map views (e.g. one showing the current locations of buses) and tailored timetable views (such as for a specific stop) and a '''route planner'''. The planner works well in most situations, but some sanity checks are needed: the planner can guess at destinations with "similar" spelling, it thinks "Bus station, Turku" means the one in the port, and it may behave oddly when no suitable bus is found for whatever reason. You can also use the [http://nysse.mobi Nysse] mobile app for journey planning. Most buses go through the centre, passing '''Kauppatori'''. However, city bus stops are spread out along a few blocks of Eerikinkatu and Aurakatu and regional buses mostly depart from Puutori/Trätorget (one block diagonally towards the bus station) or from the bus station. To avoid walking a few hundred metres, you can often transfer at some other stops, shared or closer one to the other. Lines 4xx and 6xx north- or north-eastward to or via some part of Lieto, lines 7xx eastward to or via Piikkiö (except 702 and 72x), line 20 and line 206 leave from Puutori; lines 702 and 72x via Piikkiö towards Kimitoön and lines 8xx and 9xx to or via Pargas from the bus station. The rest of the 2xx and 3xx lines have their stops near Kauppatori. There are few 'circle lines', so usually if you need to transfer, you will need to take one bus to the centre, then transfer there to the bus taking you to your final destination. Often the most convenient transfer point is the stop before or after the stop by Kauppatori. The Föli route planner does a good job at finding optimal transfer spots for specific times, optimising for speed or optionally minimising walking. As buses generally go in two directions from the centre, make sure that you are taking the correct numbered bus in the correct direction as well. Destinations are mentioned on some stops and alternating between languages on most buses, but you should still note the numbers of the lines you intend to use. If going towards Kauppatori it is mostly enough to know on what side of the street to stand. Many buses announce the next stop by voice and display. Buses passing the municipality border mostly have 3-digit numbers (notable exceptions: lines 6 and 7). Buses not reaching Turku (often minibuses with sparse schedules) have their number prefixed with a letter, such as L for Lieto – but "P" means Turku lines meant primary for seniors. There are some quirks, e.g. some '''regional buses''' use stops for city buses, others those for coaches (notably 702, 90x). To add to the confusion, a few coach stops have had their signs changed to bus stop signs (there have been similar changes elsewhere in the region). The main stop affected is the one at the cathedral, where all services along Uudenmaankatu stop by either of the signs. Regional buses with destinations outside the Föli area are usually part of the cooperation inside it, but for trips out of the area you cannot use Föli tickets even to the border (notably 7xx, 8xx and 9xx via Kaarina, and some 4xx buses through Lieto). A few such buses (117–119 and 802) don't take Föli tickets at all. Electronic displays and timetables at bus stops ignore some regional buses. Single '''tickets''' are valid for unlimited transfers within two hours of the ticket's purchase. They can be bought with debit/credit cards (Visa, Mastercard or Eurocard) that have contactless (EMV-NFC) payment enabled, with the Föli app or in advance for €3.15, children 7–14: €1.55. Bought by cash from the driver they cost €4.50/2. If you want tickets for other than a single adult, tell the driver and show your card to the device only when the correct option has been registered. In the night (23:00–04:00) tickets cost €1 more. Notes of more than €20 are usually not accepted. Persons in wheelchair and the person assisting travel for free, as does a person with an infant or toddler in a baby carriage (use the middle door, the driver will help with the wheelchair ramp; there is usually sufficient space). Children under 7 years old need a ticket only when travelling alone. If you intend to take the bus more than twice a day (read: in more than two 2-hr periods), it becomes economical to ask the bus driver for a 24-hour ticket. The electronic payments should do this automatically and subtract already paid single tickets from the price, given that you use the same card or smartphone all the time. They also keep count of the 2 hr transfer period. The office at Kauppatori, R kiosks and other service points sell cards for one day and more, costing €8.30 for one day, €57 for 30 days. The equivalent can also be bought in the app. If you are going to travel much also outside the Föli area, check the [[Finland Proper#Get around|Seutu plus]] tickets (single, 10-trip and 30-day tickets available for a rang of regions). Those staying more than a few days or travelling as a group may want to check other options also, e.g. "value cards", with which trips (including transfers) cost €2.60/1.20, plus €1 in the night. For groups, ask for a group card (ordinary children's cards are personal, adults' cards valid for three persons). Show the card to the machine once for each person the first time, once for all the group at "transfers". Value (and days) can be added on the Internet, in the Föli bureau and at some other locations. Once upon the time modifier letters (as in 12A and 12B) got removed and numbers changed (in this case to 32 and 42). The lines are ordered according to these associations: 1, 2, 2A, 3, 30, 4,… Often the '''associated lines''' behave the same most of the route, but have different destinations in one end. In a few cases the destination varies without any change in line number, usually with a sign in the front window of the bus. The corresponding notes in the timetable are often incomprehensible without some understanding of the individual lines, but usually you know when you need to understand them and can ignore them otherwise. The worst trap is some extra rush hour buses on long lines stopping prematurely: check that you get the one going all the way to your stop. From 1 July 2025 the line number scheme changes, with lines with low numbers having frequent services, and other new logic; only a few lines retain their old numbers and some routes disappear or change significantly. '''Timetable''' booklets (fetch one from the Föli service point) give starting times at the ends of the route and at Kauppatori, and an estimated duration of the trip to or from Kauppatori. Some lines are (only or additionally) listed in groups, with information for common (possibly intermediate) destinations. Sometimes a line being in the booklet twice is not evident, check carefully if relevant. The timetables at major stops instead give the estimated passing time of the bus (and line number, as lines are grouped together). A map might be for sale separately (€2; not including the neighbouring towns, nor the extreme points of Turku). School buses, night lines, rush hour lines and lines serving the elderly, and the quirks of these, are partly handled in their own maps, chapters and booklets, although tickets are valid as usual. <!-- oops: the scheme seems to have changed, unclear how, until winter 2025 it was as follows: Timetables differ between winter, shoulder season and the schools' summer vacations, with new timetables published before the spring and winter seasons. Individual lines may change at other times, noted in their timetables. --> Some interesting or useful lines include: * '''1 Seaport – centre – bus station – airport''' The line to use to and from the seaport and airport. '''1B''' skips the airport leg. Departs from the airport and seaport every 20 minutes on weekdays and Saturdays, twice an hour on Sundays, more often to and from the harbour at ferry arrival and departure times. Much cheaper than taking a cab. The route happens to pass by several hotels. * '''8 Centre – Railway station – Ruissalo''' The bus route through the large Ruissalo island, a popular summer destination with beaches, villas, a botanic garden and a nature reserve. * '''14, 15 Saramäki – Oriketo – centre – Erikvalla / Kakskerta''' Bus lines which go to islands of Satava (14) and Kakskerta (15), which have beautiful countryside and archipelago nature to enjoy. 40-min ride from Kauppatori (one way). * '''21, 23 Centre – Paattinen – Tortinmäki''' Long countryside route which you can ride at no more cost than the ordinary city bus ticket. Tortinmäki is a 6-km walk (or bike ride) from [[Kurjenrahka National Park]], in season some of the services extend to the park. * '''32, 42 Varissuo – Pansio/Perno via railway stations''' Between a major suburb and a major employer (the shipyard), so frequent. The routes go via the Kupitta railway station, Kauppatori and the central railway station. Line 32 also passes near the exhibition centre. * '''99 Ilpoinen / Uittamo – Skanssi – Länsikeskus – Perno / Pansio''' A long "suburb sightseeing" line bypassing the centre; a one-way ride takes over an hour. * '''[https://www.foli.fi/en/waterbus 180 water bus] Martinsilta – Pikisaari and Ruissalo''' A water bus using Föli tickets, bikes free; late May through August, some September weekends). See [[#By ferry 2|By ferry below]]. ===By taxi === [[File:Aurakatu Turku 3 kesä 2011.jpg|thumb|Aura street in central Turku.]] Taxis are abundant and easily available throughout the city. There are three crunch times when getting a taxi might be problematic: the morning and evening ferry departure times (particularly in summer), around 08:00 and 21:00, and the bar closing times (particularly on weekends) around 04:00. Quick 1–3 km trips cost in the €8–18 vicinity (the 10-km 15-min example ride mostly costs around €35) – prices have gone up with the deregulation as Helsinki-based companies have harmonised prices across the country. Taxis generally accept major international credit cards. At the railway station and similar places there may also be a "Kimppataxi" offering rides together with strangers (cf ''minivans'' in some countries), which in some cases is considerably cheaper. Don't be afraid of "wild" drivers found at the railway station or other busy taxi stands (and available by a call), just check that their prices aren't rip-offs – which could be a problem in the night. Any taxi should have the yellow taxi sign and a meter. Most taxis use the Taxidata call centre. There are several other companies, including Taksi Länsi-Suomi (serving most of Finland Proper), the Helsinki based companies (at least Menevä) and some small ones, but their cars are mainly found at certain taxi ranks. If using their call centres it might be wise to check that there is a taxi available nearby before committing. Pre-booking is free for some of these competitors. Like elsewhere in Finland, the taxis belong to smaller companies with just an agreement with the call centre. * {{listing|type=around | name=Taxidata | alt= | url=http://taxidata.fi/hinnasto/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 2 100-41 | tollfree= | hours= | price=€1.67/call+pvm/mpm (app free); flag-fall M–F 06:00–18:00, Sa 06:00–16:00 €3.90, other times €6.90; €1.10/km + €0.90/min for 1–4 passengers or €1.59/km + €0.90/min for 5–8 passengers. Example: 4 persons 5 km in the evening, 30 km/h, called by phone: €1.67+6.90+5.50+9+mpm = €23.07+mpm | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2017-06-30 | content=Also bookable by app. Calling centre used by most taxis. }} * {{listing | type=around | name=Menevä Turku | url=https://www.meneva.fi/en/service-areas/varsinais-suomi/turku | email=leif@meneva.fi | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 50-471-0470 (head of office) | tollfree=0800-02120 (booking) | hours= | price=Flag fall M–Sa 06:00–18:00: €4, other times and holidays: €7; 1–4 persons €0.90/km + €0.90/km, 5–8 persons minimum €20, €1.60/km + €0.90/min (July 2020) | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-25 | content=Also bookable by app or web. Fixed price based on calculated route and time if destination address given when booking by app or web. }} * {{listing | type=around | name=Taksi Länsi-Suomi | alt= | url=https://www.taksilansisuomi.fi/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 20-003-000 (extra charge?) | tollfree= | hours= | price=Flag fall M–F 06:00–20:00, Sa 06:00–16:00 €4.90, other times €8.90; 1–4 persons €1.49/km + €0.99/min, 5–8 persons €1.89/km + €0.99/min | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-06-19 | content=Serves most of Finland Proper. Call centre in cooperation with Taksi Helsinki. Available also through the Valopilkku app. }} * {{listing | type=around | name=iTaksi | alt= | url=https://www.itaksi.fi | email=info@itaksi.fi | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 10-212-0000 (extra charge?) | tollfree= | hours= | price=€4.00/6.00+€0.90/km+€0.85/min | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Also bookable by app or web. Fixed price based on calculated route and time if destination address given when booking by app or web. }} * {{listing|type=around | name=Yango | alt= | url=https://yango.yandex.com/turku/tariff | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=€6.00+€1.10/km+€0.40/min (Starting fare includes 5 min and 2 km) | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-12-17 | content=Yango is a Russian company which offers cheap fares. }} * Smartphone apps: Valopilkku, 02 Taksi, Uber, Taksinappi, Bolt ===By electric kick scooter=== Swedish [http://www.voiscooters.com Voi], German [https://tier.app Tier] and Norwegian [https://www.ryde-technology.com Ryde] have electric kick scooters for rent, to use in the centre. Dott seems to be coming. See [[Finland#By motorised scooter|Finland &sect; By motorised scooter]]. Don't drive in Kauppatori, but park in the vicinity. ===By ferry === [[Image:Turku Ferry across river Aura.jpg|thumb|Föri crossing Aura river in front of the guest harbour.]] * {{marker|type=around|url=|name=Föri|lat=60.4411 | long=22.2479 |wikipedia=Föri |wikidata=Q1480060 |image=Turku, Finland - panoramio (27).jpg |hours=06:15–21:00 daily, in summer 06:15–23:00, replaced by boardwalk in cold winters |price=Free |content=This city ferry shuttles people and their bikes (no cars allowed) across the Aura River since a century, first taking passengers in 1904. Beloved by Turku citizens, the little orange ferry covers a grand distance of 78 metres and takes about a minute and a half. A running local gag is to ask visitors if they have taken the trip from Turku across to Åbo on the Föri yet; actually, both sides of the river are called the same, Åbo is just the Swedish name. Incidentally, the name comes from the Swedish ''färja'' and is related to the English word "ferry". }} * {{listing|type=around | name=Pikkuföri | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=by Forum Marinum | phone= | tollfree= | hours=July | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-07-08 | content=A smaller pedestrian ferry that crosses the river downstream in peak tourist season. }} * {{listing|type=around|url=https://www.foli.fi/en/waterbus|name=Föli water buses |price=Ordinary Föli ticket, bikes free |hours=2022: daily 23 May–28 Aug, Sa–Su until 17 September. Every 45 min, round trip 1.5 hr. First departure 10:15, last return back by Martinsilta 19:55, an additional evening tour to and from Telakka in June–July |content=m/s ''Ruissalo'' and m/s ''Jaarli'' go from just downstream from Martinsilta (eastern, left bank) to the Kansanpuisto park on Ruissalo (this call skipped around the Ruisrock event), via Forum Marinum and either Pikisaari on Hirvensalo or the Telakka marina on Ruissalo. Tip: Take a bicycle with you without extra fee if the ferry is not too crowded. }} * {{listing|type=around|url=http://jakkejokilautta.fi/|name=Jakke Jokilautta| image=Jakke Jokilautta.jpg |price=€5/2 (children 3–14), family (2+2) €12 |content=''River ferry Jakke'' is a café ferry going up and down the river all the way from the castle to the cathedral. Along the way you can enjoy refreshments and the wonderful views of the city. Some of the cruises are also guided. There are five stops along the river for the ferry: Tintå restaurant, Pharmacy museum, Esposito, Turku guest harbour and Crichton street. The ferry always stops at the Pharmacy museum and Crichton street, and if there are people waiting for the ferry, also on the other stops. }} ====Archipelago cruises==== [[File:SS Ukkopekka Kultaranta 2004.jpg|thumb|Ukkopekka on its way from Naantali to Turku.]] There are a number of cruises in and tour boat connections to the archipelago, e.g. to the island [[Rymättylä#Recreation islands|Vepsä]], a recreational area of the city (1 hr one way), to [[Nagu]] parish village or [[Själö]] (2 hr across Airisto, back in the evening), to [[Utö (Finland)|Utö]] in the very outskirts of the Archipelago Sea (5 hr; twice a week, overnight stay at the island necessary due to the distance) or to [[Naantali]] with the Moomin world, Kultaranta (the summer residence of the President of Finland) and a nice wooden old town. Most ferries taking passengers to the archipelago can be found between Martinsilta bridge and Föri. Some of the tours are available only in summertime, others continue as long as ice conditions permit. On your way out from the city you can see the old ships by Forum Marinum, Turku castle, the harbour and Pikisaari and Ruissalo with their old charming villas, before you reach the open Airisto. * {{listing|type=around|url=http://www.ukkopekka.fi/en |name=s/s Ukkopekka | wikipedia=SS Ukkopekka |image=SS Ukkopekkaa.jpg |wikidata=Q4412741 | directions=just downstream of the Martinsilta bridge |lat=60.44416 | long=22.25336 |phone= |price=Naantali: €24 single, €29 return, family €66/80, lunch €14; Loistokari: €48–55; children 3–12/3–14 half price |content=Family-owned steamship. Archipelago cruises from Turku to Naantali (day cruises; 1 hr 45 min each way, immediate return or 2 hr in Naantali) and to the island of Loistokari (evening cruises, dance at the Loistokari pier, buffet meal included) in the summer season. }} * {{listing|type=around |name=m/s Rudolfina |url=http://www.rudolfina.fi | email=rudolfina@rudolfina.fi |lat=60.4433 | long=22.2515 |phone=+358 2 250-2995, +358 40-846-3000 |price=€30–40, including a meal |wikidata=Q52333105 |image=Rudolfina Aurajoella 2.JPG |content=Lunch and diner cruises. }} * {{listing|type=around | name=Rosita |alt= |url=http://www.rosita.fi/reittiliikenne.php | email=info@rosita.fi | image=Lily Turku.JPG |lat=60.44401 | long=22.25297 | phone=+358 2 213-1500 | price=Return €20/9, single €12/6, family €47, pets €4; children 0–11; reduction €2/ticket on internet | lastedit=2024-07-28 | content=With '''m/s ''Lily''''' you can depart for a two-hour cruise in the Airisto or spend the entire summer's day (or a few) on the Vepsä island. The voyage is an hour each way. There is a café on board. The main deck consist of a bright 100-person lounge, with a 40-seater cabinet downstairs and a large deck and sun terrace upstairs. Also plain cruises. }} * {{listing|type=around | name=m/s Norrskär | alt= | url=https://vitharun.fi/en/timetables/turku-seili-nagu/ | email=info@vitharun.fi | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 37 | lat=60.4431 | long=22.25099 | directions= | phone=+358 400-176-684 | tollfree= | hours=2021: 8 May–19 September Sa–Su, 12 Jun–29 Aug daily; 09:30 or 10:00 from Turku, 11:15 at Själö, 12:15 in Kyrkbacken, start from Kyrkbacken 16:00 or 16:15, back 18:15 or 18:30 | price=Själö or Kyrkbacken single €25/15, return €37/23; bike €6, return €10; children 3–15 years | lastedit=2021-05-24 | content=Connects Turku with Själö and Kyrkbacken. Times with guided tours on Själö. Kiosk on board. Lunch possible in Själö or Kyrkbacken. }} ===By car === Parking lots by the street are sparse in some hours, but otherwise you should be able to park your car for a while quite near the place where you are going. Short time parking is often free, as is public parking in nights and Sundays, and free parking lots can be found in the outskirts of the city. In weekdays (M–F 09:00–20:00, Sa 09:00–17:00), public paid parking costs €3.60/1.80/0.60 per hour depending on area; app or credit/debit card needed. Private paid parking usually has no free hours, but can be cheaper for long stays. When parking in the street, especially in winter and spring, note times reserved for maintenance. Parking halls, such as the underground {{marker|type=around |url=https://www.aimopark.fi/en/cities/turku/louhi/ |name=P Louhi |lat=60.45490 | long=22.26060}} (stairs/lift to Kauppatori and the pedestrian street) usually have plenty of free space. Q-Park operates several parking halls in central Turku. Most of the largest hotels have their own parking halls. ===By funicular=== * {{listing |type=around | name=Kakola funicular | alt= | url=https://www.turku.fi/en/funicular | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q26723781 | lastedit=2022-07-28 | content=The Kakola funicular opened in 2019, takes passengers up to the Kakola hill. The first funicular in Finland, it's more of an elevator as it lacks a driver. Kakola was known for the prison that operated there until 2007 after which the buildings were renovated into offices and apartments. Riding the funicular is free of charge but as it has been riddled with problems since the opening, and has become infamous for being out of service every now and then there's a chance you don't get to try out ride at all. }} ==See== The vast majority of the city's sights are within a kilometre or two from Kauppatori. Two sights in the city are considered above others (by Finnish visitors): the medieval castle, which is the symbol of Turku, and Turku cathedral, the national shrine of Finland, but there are several more modest pearls to find. Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova invites visitors to explore the medieval history and culture of Turku and to reflect upon thought-provoking contemporary art. ''Luostarinmäki'' is the only larger part of the city that survived the great fire of Turku in 1827. Nowadays it houses an open air living handicrafts museum, with local artisans working in traditional ways. The ''biological museum'' has dioramas showing Finnish fauna of different biotops. The ''museum of art'' has a collection from the time of national awakening in the 19th century, besides more modern works. The '''Museokortti''' card gives free entrance to most museums. ===History and museums=== [[File:Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova Turku 06.jpg|thumb|Ruin hall in Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova, with the vaults reconstructed as light bands]] * {{see | name=Aboa Vetus et Ars Nova | alt= | url=https://avan.fi/en | email=info@aboavetusarsnova.fi | address=Itäinen Rantakatu 4–6 | lat=60.449844 | long=22.273457 | directions= | phone=+358 20-718-640 | tollfree= | hours=11:00–19:00 | price=€10/7/5.50, family ticket €24, children under 7 free | wikidata=Q3022430 | content=Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova combines history and contemporary art; Aboa Vetus tells about the history of Turku and about archaeology, with a nice touch for children. Ars Nova is a museum of modern art. The permanent exhibition of Aboa Vetus illuminates the medieval life of Turku. The museum consists of the ruins of stone buildings exposed in archaeological excavations. Now you can actually step in and walk on the medieval streets of Turku, which used to be buried underground. The largest museum shop in Turku, Laurentius museum shop, is by the entrance. It sells jewellery, toys, cards, books and other souvenirs. The museum also houses [https://avan.fi/en/cafe-pegasus M Kitchen and Café], the brunch of which is especially popular among Turku residents. In the summertime the [https://www.linnateatteri.fi/ Linnateatteri] theatre company also performs comedy in the museums courtyard. }} * {{see | name=Botanical Garden | alt= | url=https://sites.utu.fi/kasvitieteellinen-puutarha/en/ | email=puutarharuissalo@utu.fi | address=Ruissalon puistotie 215 | lat=60.4333 | long=22.17334 | directions= | phone=+358 2 276-1900 | tollfree= | hours=Indoor gardens daily 10:00–17:00, outdoor gardens daily 08:00–20:00 | price=Indoor gardens €6/4/free, Outdoor gardens are free | content=The Turku University Botanical Garden on the Island of Ruissalo is both a centre for scientific research and a public showcase for the fascinating world of plants. The outdoor and indoor gardens display over 5000 species and varieties of plants. In the greenhouses are a wide range of succulent plants and a collection of tropical species. Next to the modern greenhouse is the outdoor garden where the edible plants, roses, meadow flowers, rock plants and exotic trees and shrubs all flourish. Another distinguishing feature of the new landscapes are the artificial ponds containing colourful waterlilies and other wetland plants. There's also a cafeteria on the garden premises. }} * {{see | name=Biological Museum | alt=Biologinen museo/Biologiska museet | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/biologicalmuseum | email=biologinenmuseo@turku.fi | address=Neitsytpolku 1 | lat=60.4446 | long=22.2645 | directions=by Urheilupuisto | phone=+358 2 262-0340 | tollfree= | hours=In summer daily 10:00–18:00, in winter Tu–Su 09:00–17:00 | price=adults €7, children (7–15) €2.50, family €16, Museum Card valid | wikidata=Q4086898 | lastedit=2024-07-28 | content=A diorama-museum that resides in a beautiful wooden Art Nouveau building. Thirteen nature scenes present the fauna and flora of Finland, from the archipelago all the way to the fells of Lapland. In all, 30 common Finnish mammals and 136 bird species are on display. The museum is great for all those interested in nature and cultural history. It was established in 1907 and most of the dioramas date back all the way to that period. Since spring 2024 they are complemented by digital content, such as animal sounds, and things that can be touched; also the yard has been included, with e.g. an insect hotel (take a quick tour around the house). There are also varying small-scale exhibitions and other types of annual events held at the museum. The museum is a popular visiting destination for school groups and it is also a suitable visiting destination for younger children. A small museum shop sells postcards, posters and other assorted items related to the museum. }}<!-- -->[[File:Brinkhallin kartano.jpg|thumb|Brinkhall Manor]] * {{see | name=Brinkhall Manor | alt= | url=https://www.brinkhall.fi/ | email=brinkhall@kulttuuriperinto.fi | address=Brinkhallintie 414 | lat=60.3700 | long=22.2408 | directions= | phone=+358 440-940-048 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=24 Jun-17 Aug: Tu–Su 10:00–18:00 | price= | content=The Brinkhall Manor, on the island of Kakskerta, can trace its history back to the 16th century. The manor consists of some 20 buildings and 34 hectares of park, gardens, agricultural land and forest as well as sea and lake shores. Brinkhall’s neoclassical main building was built in 1793. In the beginning of the 20th century major renovations were carried out, also in the classical style. Brinkhall´s English garden was one of the first in this style in Finland in the beginning of 19th century. A few years ago Brinkhall provided the location for a historical TV-drama series called ''Hovimäki'', which became widely celebrated in Finland. Before filming, the manor had been empty for decades. Now Brinkhall Manor has a café, where you can also find the Interior Museum and exhibitions. In mid July Brinkhall is the site of a music festival ''[http://www.brinkhallsoi.fi Brinkhall Soi]''. }}<!-- -->[[File:Ett Hem 03.JPG|thumb|''Ett Hem'' -Museum]] * {{see | name=Ett Hem | alt="A home" | url=http://etthem.fi/?lang=en | email=etthem@stiftelsenabo.fi | address=Piispankatu 14 | lat=60.45386 | long=22.27879 | directions=behind the Cathedral, opposite the Sibelius Museum. | phone=+358 50-363-2982 | tollfree= | hours=May–Sep and 30 Nov–5 Jan: W–Su 11:00–16:00; groups by agreements | price=€5, pensioners €4, students and children €2; museum card valid | wikidata=Q4165181 | lastedit=2024-10-20 | content=In their will Alfred and Hélène Jacobsson donated their 19th century house to the Swedish university of Turku, ''Åbo Akademi'', as a museum. The idea was to preserve the atmosphere of upper class life in Turku. They owned a two storey building at Hämeenkatu 30, designed by the German architect Carl Ludwig Engel. Later the interiors were moved to more humble surroundings and the museum is now in a wooden Empire-style building. The age and style of the different artefacts vary, but as a whole "Ett hem" ("A home") is decorated according to the neo-renaissance principles. The museum has both a cultural and historical value. Especially important is the art collection, where most of the famous Finnish artists of the Golden Age of Finnish art, the period around 1900, are represented. }} * {{see | name=Forum Marinum | alt= | url=http://www.forum-marinum.fi/en | email= | address=Linnankatu 72 | lat=60.4366 | long=22.2349 | directions=Just after the guest harbor when going downstream towards Turku Castle, you can't miss it, bus line 1 | phone=+358 2 267-9511 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 267-9515 | hours=wintertime: Daily 11:00–19:00 | price=€9/5/– for the museum; €6/4 ships | wikidata=Q3917218 | content=The Forum Marinum Maritime Centre is a lively and versatile centre for maritime activities, comprising a national special maritime museum, and the Finnish Navy Museum. There are temporary exhibitions and a very interesting [http://www.forum-marinum.fi/en/exhibitions/museum-ships/ boat and ship collection]: two tall sail ships, ''Suomen Joutsen (Swan of Finland)'' and ''Sigyn'', four naval ships and several smaller vessels, ranging from a steam harbour tugboat to a police boat. The museum ships are open during the summer months only, while the exhibitions are open throughout the year. The museum also houses a Café Restaurant called Daphne, which serves café delicacies and a tasty, varied buffet lunch. The Museum Shop offers maritime gifts and other articles, literature and high-quality textiles. }} * {{see | name=Healthcare Museum | alt= | url=https://www.turku.fi/toimipaikat/turun-terveydenhuoltomuseo | email= | address=Kunnallissairaalantie 20 | lat=60.4413 | long=22.2753 | directions= | phone=+358 2 266-2421 | tollfree= | hours=Every last Monday of the month 16:00–18:00 and by appointment | price=€4, children under 16 years free | content=At the Turku Health Care Museum you get an insight into the history of healthcare. How were people treated for such things as tuberculosis or polio? What instruments would you find in the operating room? At the Turku Health Care Museum you can see the evil of diseases such as cholera and tuberculosis, view medical and autopsy equipment, electro-shock devices, as well as the operating room and the instruments used. The museum also displays artefacts from maternity and childcare clinics as well as items from medical schools from years ago. See an example of a baby carriage box that the midwives and nurses used to carry the new born babies of mothers with tuberculosis to the ''Joulumerkkikoti'' nursery to keep them safe from infection. Another attraction is an entire collection of uniforms for hospital personnel. Many of the styles were abandoned because of the conflict concerning the money spent on uniforms. Of pride of place in the middle of the museum is the ''Heideken'' exhibition showing christening gown, baptismal font, Bible, and the maternity hospital with its equipment. }}<!-- -->[[File:Kuralan kylämäki.jpg|thumb|Kuralan Kylämäki – Village of Living History]] * {{see | name=Kuralan Kylämäki – Village of Living History | alt=Kuralan Kylämäki | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/kylamakivillage | email=infopiste.kurala@turku.fi | address=Jaanintie 45 | lat=60.4622 | long=22.3365 | directions=Bus lines 2 and 2A | phone=+358 2 262-0420 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=summertime Tu–Su 10:00–18:00, also open around Christmas | price=Free | wikidata=Q11873640 | content=Kylämäki in Kurala is a village of living history, where visitors can travel back in time to a typical farm of south-west Finland in the 1950s, complete with authentic scents and rural atmosphere. It is made up of four farms with buildings standing at their original sites. The Kylämäki Village is ideal for families with children, since touching and experiencing is allowed – and there are corners with period toys and playing equipment. The village has been inhabited since the 7th century. In the summer months, you can see women at their domestic chores in the Iso-Kohmo House, making juices and jams, or dairy treats traditionally prepared around Midsummer. Visitors get to participate in some of the farm's tasks, such as hay making and handicraft: 1950s-style items out of clay, paper, yarn or fabric, tablet weaving with plant-dyed yarns and making leather belts and pouches. The themes vary, check in advance to time right. There is also an '''experimental archaeology workshop'''. In addition to research, it lets children explore prehistoric working methods and test their hunting skills using ancient weaponry. There is cooperation with revival associations. The workshop is open all year round. }}<!-- -->[[File:Women with baskets at the Luostarinmäki (Cloister Hill) Handicrafts Museum in Turku.jpeg|thumb|Women with baskets at the Luostarinmäki outdoor museum.]] * {{see | name=Luostarinmäki | alt=Cloister Hill | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/handicraftsmuseum | email= | address=Vartiovuorenkatu 2 | lat=60.44702 | long=22.27673 | directions= | phone=+358 2 262-0350 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€7/4/4, family €18 | wikidata=Q1979979 | content=In 1827 a fire destroyed almost all of Turku. The Luostarinmäki area (then a quite poor area in the outskirts of the town) was the only larger part of the city that was saved. Now the area is preserved and it houses the Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum (''Käsityöläismuseo''), an outdoor museum with charming late 18th century wooden house quarters. All the buildings are in their original places, which is extremely rare in an outdoor museum. Over thirty workshops from different fields of craftsmanship display the City's handicrafts history and old dwellings. During the summer season, the museum's workshops have craftsmen working there every day. The museum's shops, postal office and cafeteria serve customers round the year. The highlight of the year are the Handicrafts Days in August. During the days, masters of different professions, i.e. Golden Apple Guild masters and apprentices get together and their products are sold in the museum's shops. }} * {{see | name=Old Great Square | alt=Vanha Suurtori | url= | email=kulttuuri.tilat@turku.fi | address=Vanha Suurtori 7 | lat=60.45076 | long=22.27582 | directions=across the parks by Turku Cathedral | phone=+358 2 262-0961 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Old Great Square area is part of the old Turku city centre. Today, this exceptionally handsome milieu serves as the perfect setting for such events as the annual declaration of Christmas peace and the Medieval Market. The Old Great Square was a major traffic hub, marketplace and administrative centre from the 13th century to the beginning of the 19th century. Today, the square has four historically significant buildings: the Brinkkala Mansion, Old City Hall, Hjelt Mansion and Juselius Mansion. The old buildings have been fully restored for use as cultural venues. The Old Great Square comes to life with a wide variety of events. At Christmastime, the square is transformed into a Christmas Market, and in the summer it is time for the Medieval Market. Old Great Square and its vicinities are home to several important neoclassical buildings including the {{marker|type=see|name=Old Academy Building|lat=60.45176 | long=22.27965}} and the {{marker|type=see|name=Old Town Hall|lat=60.45051 | long=22.27613}} }}<!-- -->[[File:Turun apteekkimuseo.jpg|thumb|The Qwensel House, with the Pharmacy Museum.]] * {{see | name=The Qwensel House and Pharmacy Museum | alt=Apteekkimuseo | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/pharmacymuseum | email=apteekkimuseo@turku.fi | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 13 | lat=60.4486 | long=22.26769 | directions= | phone=+358 2 262-0280 | tollfree= | hours=Tu–Su 10:00–18:00 | price=Adults €7, concession €3.50, children 7–15 €2.50, 0–6 free, Family admission (2+2?) €16 | wikidata=Q4356801 | lastedit=2025-06-05 | content=The Qwensel House is the oldest bourgeois housing from the autarchic times that has survived in its entirety in Turku. The house was built approximately in the year 1700 to an area that was reserved for the nobility in the city plan put up by Count Per Brahe the Younger. A pharmacy from the 19th century has been furnished in the shop wing of the building. The pharmacy has a material room and a herb room, two laboratories and an office. The office has the oldest surviving pharmacy interior in Finland. The exhibition wing of the building has an extensive collection of pharmacy utensils on display. There is also a pharmaceutical research laboratory and pharmacy history exhibition in the wing. In addition to the main exhibitions, there are also varying smaller exhibitions and events held at the museum every year. The former stable, outhouse and barn are at the northern end of the baker wing of the building. The Pipping family used to have an orchard by the Linnankatu Street. The cafeteria, in the Pharmacy Museum's inner courtyard, is a charming spot of old milieu in the heart of the city. During the summer there are chickens and roosters in the yard and you can really feel you have travelled back in time. The café serves home-made pastries prepared according to recipes from the 18th century. Also their teas are worth checking. The two chambers, are in the wing that was housed by the building's owners in the 18th century. The chambers have been furnished in 18th-century fashion. The same wing used to have a kitchen, a chamber, maid's chamber, a shed, a carriage shed and a granary according to fire insurance documents from 1791. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=The Scout Museum of Finland | alt= | url=http://partiomuseo.fi/en/ | email=partiomuseo@partio.fi | address=Läntinen Pitkäkatu 13 | lat=60.4560 | long=22.2633 | directions= | phone=+358 2 237-7692 | tollfree= | hours=1 September–31 May Sa 12:00–15:00 or by agreement (additional €8) | price=€2/1 | content=Finland's Scout Museum is a national special museum that is maintained by the Finnish Scouting Museum Association. It displays uniforms, insignia, flags and literature related to the scout movement in Finland. }} * {{see | name=Turku Castle | alt=Turun linna | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/turkucastle | email=turunlinna@turku.fi | address=Linnankatu 80 | lat=60.4353 | long=22.2287 | directions=near the harbour, bus 1 | phone=+358 2 262-0300 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Su 10:00–17:00 | price=€16, students etc. €8, children (7–15) €7, family (2 adults, up to 4 children) €39, students of the field and museum staff (ICOM) free; public guided tour €3, private tours €70–300 | image=Castle of Turku, old side.jpg | wikidata=Q136893 | lastedit=2025-06-05 | content=Turku castle is one of Finland's most popular tourist attractions. The castle, which at times housed Swedish royalty, is the largest castle in Finland, and dates back to end of the 13th century. In addition to telling about the castle and its history, the castle functions as the general historic museum of the region. There are two loops, one around the old (Medieval and 16th century) part, one around the new part. Some of the rooms have been renovated to the style of different periods in the castle's history, although with scarce furniture, some are pure exhibitions. A room redesigned as church in the 19th century still functions as such. Tours of the castle are given hourly in English during high season (check!) and they give a good account of its history. There are also a children's workshop and children's tours. Private tours can be arranged even in off hours, book well in advance. There are many steep and narrow staircases in the old part and there are few shortcuts, check if that might be an issue. }} ===Art=== [[File:Turku Art Museum in 2011.jpg|thumb|Turku Art Museum]] * {{see | name=Turku Art Museum | alt=Turun taidemuseo | url=http://www.turuntaidemuseo.fi/en/ | email=info@turuntaidemuseo.fi | address=Aurakatu 26 | lat=60.45410 | long=22.26188 | directions=dominates the Puolala hill, between Kauppatori and the railway station | phone=+358 40-632-3378, +358 2 262-7100 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–F 11:00–19:00, Sa Su 11:00–17:00 | price=€13/8, children under 16 for free, museum card valid | wikidata=Q4502138 | content=The museum focuses on Nordic art. The Golden Age of Finnish art, of around 1900, is well represented – the museum opened in 1904. There are national treasures including self-portraits, landscapes, Finnish surrealism as well as pop art. The museum's Art Nouveau national romantic granite façade rises at the end of Aurakatu. Tours are available in Finnish, Swedish, English and Russian. }}<!-- -->[[File:Wäinö Aaltosen museo.jpg|thumb|Wäinö Aaltonen Museum of Art]] * {{see | name=Wäinö Aaltonen Museum of Art | alt=WAM | url=http://www.wam.fi/en | email=wam@turku.fi | address={{show by date|2026|11|30|Nunnankatu 4|Itäinen Rantakatu 38}} | lat={{show by date|2026|11|30|60.4498|60.44498 }} | long={{show by date|2026|11|30|22.2749|long=22.26018 }} | directions={{show by date|2026|11|30|Art House Turku, near the Old Great Square|close to the left-hand end of Myllysilta; walk or take bus 14 or 15}} | phone=+358 2 262-0850 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–Su 10:00–18:00 | price=€10/4/2/– | wikidata=Q3019261 | lastedit= | content=Named in honour of the artist and sculptor ''Wäinö Aaltonen'' (1896–1966), born in Turku, the museum has a good collection of his works. Otherwise it features changing exhibitions, new and experimental art projects, and various cultural events. The permanent exhibition is based on the art collection of City of Turku, which includes a large collection of works by Wäinö Aaltonen himself. Temporary exhibitions focus on Finnish and international modern art. The museum also houses [http://www.cafewaino.fi Café Wäinö] which offers lunch and small art exhibitions on the café walls. During the renovation 2024–2026, exhibitions are in the Art House by Nunnankatu, instead of in the museum building by Itäinen Rantakatu. }} * {{see | name=Sibelius Museum | alt= | url=http://www.sibeliusmuseum.abo.fi | email= | address=Piispankatu 17 | lat=60.45370 | long=22.27748 | directions=150 m from the cathedral; a low modern concrete building | phone=+358 50-337-6906 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–Su 11:00–16:00, W also 18:00–20:00 | price=€7/5, guiding included, children under 18 free; concerts have varying prices | wikidata=Q4306382 | content=The most significant museum of music in Finland and is named after the famous Finnish composer. The museum building, itself considered as a pearl of modernist architecture, exhibits the life and music of the master composer as well as an interesting collection of musical instruments from all around the globe. The museum also organizes exhibitions and events. On Wednesday evenings the Chamber Music Hall hosts concerts during the spring and autumn season. }} * '''Art galleries'''. Turku is home to a number of smaller art galleries scattered around the city. The Turku Artists’ Association maintains a [http://www.turkuart.fi list of the galleries]. ===Churches=== Most of the churches are quite frequently used for concerts. * {{see | name=Turku Cathedral | alt= | url=https://www.turuntuomiokirkko.fi/english | email= | address= | lat=60.4524 | long=22.2783 | directions= | phone=+358 40-341-7100 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 09:00–18:00; note services and other events; main services Su 10:00 in Finnish, 12:00 in Swedish (not all Sundays), 14:30 in German and 16:00 in English | price=Free. Museum upstairs is €2/1/1 | wikipedia=Turku Cathedral | wikidata=Q1187606 | content=Dedicated to the Virgin Mary and Finland’s first bishop, St Henry, Turku Cathedral, on the hillock of Unikankare, is Finland’s National Sanctuary. It was consecrated in 1300 and is considered to be Finland’s most valuable historical monument as well as the mother church of the Lutheran Church of Finland. It is familiar, even dear to practically every Finn. Its bells chime at noon over the radio throughout Finland, and they also proclaim the Christmas peace to the country. Every part of the cathedral reflects the details of Finland and Turku's history; resting under the protection of the arches are bishops, captains of war, and one queen, Catherine Månsdotter of Sweden. The south gallery of the cathedral houses a museum, which takes you on a journey through history from the early 1300s. Displayed in the museum, among other things, are sculptures of saints, and church silverware from the Catholic era. Tours run 09:00–19:00 mid-September to mid-April and 09:00-20:00 mid-April to mid-September. }}[[File:St Michael's Church, Turku.jpg|thumb|upright|St Michael's Church.]] * {{see | name=St Michael's Church |alt=Mikaelinkirkko | url= | email= | address=Puistokatu 16 | lat=60.44871 | long=22.24801 | directions=10 minute walk from Market Square | phone=+358 40-341-7110 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 261-7112 | hours=Jun–Aug: M-F 11:00–18:00, Sa 10:00–13:00, Su 11:00–13:00 | price=Free | wikipedia=St Michael's Church, Turku |wikidata=Q2981811 | lastedit= | content=The western skyline of the city of Turku is dominated by Michael's Church which was consecrated in 1905. It was designed by Professor Lars Sonck. When he won the competition for the church in 1894, Sonck was only a 23-year old architectural student. Michael's church is a distinguished example of the neogothic style in architecture. It is a long church with three aisles, galleries and a multifaceted choir. In addition to the main entrance there are also doors at each corner of the church. The sacristy is behind the choir. The main spire rises to a height of 77 meters from the foundations. Many locals favour it as a wedding Church. }} * {{see | name=Martin's Church | alt=Martinkirkko | url= | email= | address=Huovinkatu | lat=60.44079 | long=22.25434 | directions=By foot 15 min from Market Square | phone=+358 40-341-7120 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open by agreement. Service in Finnish on Sundays at 10:00 | price=Free | wikipedia=Martin's Church | wikidata=Q2336184 | lastedit= | content=Martin's parish was founded in 1921 after which the parish council decided to build a church of its own. The church was consecrated on the 450th anniversary of the birth of Martin Luther, on 12 Nov 1933. The designers of the church were the architects Totti Sora and Gunnar Wahlroos. The church represents architectural [[Functionalist architecture in Finland|functionalism]]. Martin's church is a long church with three aisles with very narrow side aisles. The church has a functional and singular practicality of its own. The barrel-vaulting of the roof is one of the most outstanding features of the church. The whole altar wall is covered with an ''al secco'' painting of the Saviour nailed to the cross at Golgatha. This massive work is 15 m high and 9.5 m in breadth. At the time of painting this was the largest painting of its type in the whole of Scandinavia. }} * {{see | name=Orthodox Church | alt=Church of the Holy Martyr Empress Alexandra | url=http://www.ort.fi/en | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 19 | lat=60.45228 | long=22.26598 | directions=on the north side of Kauppatori | phone=+358 2 277-5443 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 10-15 | price= | wikipedia=Turku Orthodox Church | wikidata=Q2601450 | content=Main church of the Turku orthodox parish, affiliated with the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. The church was built by the plans of architect Carl Ludvig Engel and was ordered by Czar Nicholas I of Russia on 5 January 1838. Construction, which began in 1839, cost 67,886&nbsp;rubles and was completed in 1845. The church was consecrated on 2 September 1845. The church was dedicated to Alexandra, the spouse of Diocletian who had publicly became Christian and thus suffered a martyr’s death on 23 April 303. Most of the icons of the iconostasis have been made in [[Valaam|Valaam Monastery]]. There is also another Orthodox church in Turku, a small wooden one by the Russian consulate, under the Moscow Patriarchate. }} * {{see | name=Turku synagogue | alt= | url=https://www.jcturku.fi | email= | address=Brahenkatu 17 | lat=60.455746 | long=22.266539 | directions= | phone=+358 400-526-009 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Turku Synagogue | image=Turku Jewish Synagogue.jpg | wikidata=Q2601015 | content=One of two synagogues in Finland. Built 1912. }} * {{see | name=St Catherine's Church | alt=Pyhän Katariinan kirkko | url= | email= | address=Kirkkotie 46 | lat=60.46221 | long=22.29355 | directions=by the Student Village | phone=+358 2 261-7130 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open by arrangement, and special events | price=Free | wikipedia= St. Catherine's Church, Turku | wikidata=Q838441 | lastedit= | content=St Catherine's Church represents old medieval church building tradition. Although it was completely destroyed and has undergone several renovations, it has preserved something of its original appearance and retains the basic plan of a medieval Finnish church. There is a cemetery by the church. }} * {{see | name=St Mary's Church | alt=Maarian kirkko | url= | email= | address=Maunu Tavastinkatu 2 | lat=60.47341 | long=22.29327 | directions=Bus line 15 | phone=+358 40-341-7140 | tollfree= | hours=Jun–Aug: M–F 12:00-17:00. In wintertime open by agreement. Service in Finnish on Sundays at 10:00 | price=Free | wikipedia=St. Mary's Church, Turku | wikidata=Q7594443 | content=Probably built in the 1440s, partly later in the 15th century. According to folk tradition, St Mary's Church was built at a place where sacrifices had been performed in heathen times, in the village of Räntämäki. It had also been the site of the village burial ground and a place of assembly. The village of Räntämäki was renamed after the patron saint of the Church, St Mary, and in the records it is sometimes referred to as the parish of Räntämäki, sometimes as St Mary's. The church took the name of St Mary from the nearby episcopal church of Koroinen, its original patron saint having been the first Bishop of Paris, Saint Dionysios. More of the original decorations have survived than in most other Finnish Medieval churches. There is a cemetery by the church. }}<!-- -->[[File:Ecumenical Art Chapel of St. Henry in.jpg|thumb|upright|Interior of the Ecumenical Hirvensalo Art Chapel.]] * {{see | name=Kakskerta Church | alt=Kakskerran kirkko | url= | email= | address=Kakskerran kirkkotie 110 | lat=60.36998 | long=22.21967 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Kakskerta Church |wikidata=Q6349661 | lastedit= | content=Kakskerta Church was built in 1765–1769, and dedicated in 1770. It was designed by Christian Schroder, and is oblong in shape. The altarpiece is from the 17th century, and the interior of the church was renovated in 1940 after the plan by Erik Bryggman. The belfry was designed by C. Bassi in 1824. }} * {{see | name=Ecumenical Art Chapel | alt=Taidekappeli | url=https://www.taidekappeli.fi/in-english/ | email=taide.kappeli@gmail.com | address=Seiskarinkatu 35 | lat=60.4073 | long=22.2521 | directions=bus 54 | phone=+358 2 265-7777 | tollfree= | hours=Tu–F 11:00–15:00 (May–Aug 11:00–16:00), Th 11:00–18:30, Sa Su 12:00–15:00, except during private events | price=€3, guided tours €5 | wikidata=Q296532 | content=Wooden chapel with art exhibitions. Built 2004–2005. }} * {{see | name=Turku cemetery | alt=Turun hautausmaa, Begravningsplatsen i Åbo | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.4324 | long=22.3087 | directions=3 km south-east from Kauppatori, by Uudenmaantie (road 110) towards Helsinki | phone= | tollfree= | hours=24 hr daily | price=Free | wikidata=Q7855547 | content=The main cemetery of Turku, inaugurated in 1807, now covering {{ha|60}}. Wood and mossy outcrops blend into the cemetery landscape, probably a quite uniquely Finnish touch. The old part, closer to the centre, is the more interesting one for most, where there are many graves with elaborate sculptures. There is also a Jewish and an Orthodox part inaugurated in the 19th century, the Muslim Tatar part from 1915 and the Catholic part from 1936. In the old part there is the [[Functionalist architecture in Finland#Q11902931|Resurrection Chapel]] from the 1940s (easiest access from Hautausmaantie 21) and by the new part (by Skarpkullantie 2) there is the Holy Cross Chapels from the 1960s. If you just want to see an ordinary Finnish cemetery, there are smaller ones e.g. by [[#St. Catherine's Church|St. Catherine's Church]] and by [[#Saint Mary's church|Saint Mary's church]]. }} * {{see | name=Buddhist monastery | alt=Buddhalaistemppeli | url= | email= | address=Moisiontie 225 | lat=60.5417 | long=22.2978 | directions=Yli-Maaria, 11 km from the centre by Tampereen Valtatie, highway 9, most of the lines 21–23x | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-08-25 | content=Vietnamese Buddhist monastery and temple, one of three in Finland. }} ===Nature=== [[File:Turku - Ruissalo Island (6119923392).jpg|thumb|Evening view at Ruissalo.]] * {{see | name=Ruissalo Island | alt= | url=https://www.visitturku.fi/en/ruissalo-island_en | email= | address= | lat=60.428 | long=22.151 | directions=5 km from Kauppatori. Travel past the harbour district and you cannot miss signs pointing towards Ruissalo. Bus line 8 in every 30 minutes. During summer also a ferry connection. | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2097015 | content=The unique nature, culture and history of the fascinating Island of Ruissalo is to be found flanking the Turku estuary. Once the hunting island for the court of Turku Castle, the island is easily accessible by land or by sea. The oak forests, charming 19th century villas, [https://ruissalospa.fi/en/ Ruissalo Spa hotel], Ruissalo nature reserve, Ruisrock rock concert, [https://www.honkapirtti.fi/ Honkapirtti] (pea soup daily 11–16, Su also fish soup – the Karelian house is worth a visit for lunch or a bun despite the short menu) and the [https://sites.utu.fi/kasvitieteellinen-puutarha/en/ Botanical Gardens] have all combined to make the island famous. Scenic and well-maintained bike paths offer comfortable distances for the whole family. The rocky outcrops, beautiful sandy beaches, distinctive nature, rolling fields and pretty gardens will lead to love at first sight for all who visit the island. There is a camping area at [https://ruissalo.sportum.info/stable/tuotteet.jsp?kieli=UKN Saaronniemi] on the outermost tip of the island. The tourist services of this well-equipped camping and caravan park include beaches, barbecue sites, saunas, a small shop and various amenities including hot showers and a laundry. With mini-golf, volleyball, badminton and basketball courts, a fitness trail, playgrounds and a café-restaurant. Many of the facilities of the campsite are available also to non-guests There is also a championship level golf course, [https://auragolf.fi/eng/aura-golf-in-english/ Aura Golf], founded in 1958 nearby. }} * {{marker|type=see|name=The riverside |lat=60.4554|long=22.2762}} upstream from Tuomiokirkkosilta bridge (right bank) or Åbo Akademi (left bank) make for a very [[Turku riverside walk|nice stroll or biking trip]]. Between Tuomiokirkkosilta and the railway bridge there is a walking path close to the water on the right, north-western bank (not for bikes), elsewhere the route is above the river in park-like milieu, upstream (from Vähäjoki and Koroinen, and near Halinen) also in agricultural landscapes. A café in Koroinen on Sundays, sometimes with handicraft exhibitions or workshops, the Myllärintupa café with canoe rental by the Halinen rapids in summer (Tu–Su 10:00–18:00; also small scale exhibitions). Bikers could continue upstream to [[Turku countryside#Vanhalinna|Vanhalinna]] in Lieto, a hillfort with splendid views ([https://vanhalinna.fi/en/ mansion] by the hill in use by Turku university; café, summer theatre and exhibitions in or by the mansion if you time right).<!-- -->[[File:Autumn Ruissalo.jpg|thumb|Pikisaari on Hirvensalo seen from Ruissalo.]] * {{marker|type=see|name=Hirvensalo|lat=60.4051 | long=22.2111}}, {{marker|type=see|name=Satava|lat=60.372 | long=22.169}} and {{marker|type=see|name=Kakskerta|lat=60.359 | long=22.233}} are three large islands in line right off the coastline of Turku. The parts facing the city are suburbs, with winding roads lined with often nice villas, while much of the islands are countryside with fields and natural forest. The bus lines 50–56 reach different parts of Hirvensalo, while 14 and 15 continue to Satava and Kakskerta, which once were an independent municipality. Pikisaari on Hirvensalo faces the shipping lane. Today, Hirvensalo is a haven for single-family homes and good, clean living. Some famous names from Hirvensalo are sculptor and academic, Wäinö Aaltonen and artist Jan-Erik Andersson, whose unique leaf-shaped house is near the Hirvensalo bridge. Hirvensalo also has a [http://www.hirvensalo.fi sports centre], where visitors can ski downhill in the winter and ride [http://www.mccaction.com/turku/ downhill cars] in the summer. On the last island of the three, Kakskerta (bus 15) you can enjoy lovely archipelago nature, the golf course at Harjattula or the site of the TV series Hovimäki at Brinkhall Manor. There is also a stone church from the 1760s. * {{see | name=Vepsä Island | alt= | url=http://www.vepsa.fi/english.php | email=vepsansaari@gmail.com | address= | lat=60.3742 | long=22.0766 | directions=One hour ferry trip from Turku, ferry leaves from river Aura. | phone=+358 50 411-4963 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open during the summer season only, from 1 June to 31 August | price=Return ticket for the ferry €16/6. Cabin €55–90/night, tent site €5/person. | wikidata=Q24345730 | content=Vepsä island is a beautiful island in the Turku archipelago. From the vantage point on the rugged rock, you can see glittering waters and awesome landscapes of ''Airisto''. On the way up, you can search for geocaches, if you want. Former hiding place of smugglers hides nowadays modern hobbies and hobby equipments. You can go for a walk, swim on a child safe beach, have a barbecue, take a sauna bath, play miniature golf, and enjoy other summery activities. People who like water sports can rent a boat or a canoe. One of the new activities is sumo wrestling in air filled suites. After an active day you can eat in the island's own café-restaurant. Ice-creams and snacks are for sale also in a kiosk. You can go to Vepsä for a one day trip, or stay for a longer time. Cosy summer cabins offer you warm surroundings to stay over night, and are very popular among visitors. There are three saunas to hire, one of them is reserved for enterprises. You can reserve the representation sauna and a barred hot tub beforehand. Three close-by islands – Mustaluoto, Vähä-Tervi and Pikku-Vepsä – are charming targets to visit and available for Vepsä visitors. }} === Itineraries === * [[Turku riverside walk]] ==Do== Turku is especially lively during the summer season, from the latter part of May to early September, as well as around the Advent and Christmas period in December. The banks of the river Aura are regarded Turku's summertime living room. The shores are the setting for many urban events and are also popular for picnic and relaxing. ===Theatre, performing arts and cinema=== [[File:Åbo Svenska Teater.jpg|thumb|Turku Swedish Theatre 2018]] For chamber music, check also the weekly concerts at the Wäinö Aaltonen and Sibelius museums. One-off performances can be harder to find, as information channels vary. * {{do | name=Turku City Theatre | alt=Turun kaupunginteatteri | url=http://teatteri.turku.fi/en | email=kaupunginteatteri@turku.fi | address=Itäinen Rantakatu 14 | lat=60.44604 | long=22.26386 | directions=by the Theatre Bridge | phone=+358 2 262-0030 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 262-0065 | hours= | price=€30–50/15–40 | lastedit=2017-02-01 | wikidata=Q3739478 | content=The main theatre building on the banks of river Aura has gone through a thorough renovation. Turku City Theatre offers performances on four different stages. It offers serious drama, musicals and children's theatre, including visiting productions. }} * {{do | name=Logomo | alt= | url=https://logomo.fi/ | email=info@logomo.fi | address=Köydenpunojankatu 14 | lat=60.4569 | long=22.2576 | directions=behind the train station | phone=+358 29-1234-800 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q18660595 | lastedit= | content=Logomo is in an old locomotive workshop, and was the main venue for the Capital of Culture year in 2011. It is next to the Turku city centre and the Central Railway Station (as which it will serve from 5 August 2024, beside other functions). It provides spaces for several exhibitions and major performance throughout the year. It also has a café and a shop. }} * {{do | name=Turku Philharmonic Orchestra | alt=Turun filharmoninen orkesteri | url=http://www.tfo.fi/en | address=Aninkaistenkatu 9 | lat=60.45556 | long=22.27035 | directions=by the Puutori square | phone=+358 2 262-0804 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Ticket office: M–F 11:00–17:00 and before events | price=Usually €21/9 | wikidata=Q2082994 | lastedit=2018 | content=Turku Concert Hall, built in 1952, was the first concert hall in Finland. It is mainly used by Turku Philharmonic Orchestra. }} * {{do | name=Swedish Theatre of Turku | alt=Åbo Svenska Teater | url=http://www.abosvenskateater.fi | email=info@abosvenskateater.fi | address=Eerikinkatu 13 | lat=60.4507 | long=22.2660 | directions=by Kauppatori | phone=+358 2 277-7377 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2632947 | lastedit= | content=This is Finland's oldest theatre. The beautiful theatre house reached its 175th anniversary in January 2014. The big scene reflects the age, with splendid decorations, the moderate size allowing quite an intimate experience. Here most performances are musicals or traditional drama. There are two smaller scenes, which also offer more experimental theatre and children's plays. }} * {{do | name=Linnateatteri | alt= | url=http://linnateatteri.fi | email=info@linnateatteri.fi | address=Linnankatu 31 | lat=60.4467 | long=22.2586 | directions= | phone=+358 2 232-1215 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q11875977 | lastedit= | content=Linnateatteri is a professional theatre, which performs both in the house and the garden. Linnateatteri has over the last decade presented such comical shows as ''the Amazing History of Turku'' and ''the Amazing Near-history of Turku''. In addition to comedy and stand-up performances there's also drama, concerts and children theatre among its repertoire. During summer you can also catch up with Linnateatteri on the courtyard stage of Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova. }} * {{do | name=Samppalinna Summer Theatre | alt=Samppalinnan kesäteatteri | url=http://www.samppalinnanteatteri.fi | email= | address=Paavo Nurmen Puistotie 3 | lat=60.4442 | long=22.2609 | directions=by the Samppalinna mill in the park Urheilupuisto | phone=+358 2 232-9050 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q18661856 | lastedit= | content=Samppalinna summer theatre, with its first premières in 1960, is Finland’s largest summer musical theatre. It specializes in musicals. }} * {{do | name=Kinopalatsi | alt=Kinopalatsi Cinema Complex | url=http://www.finnkino.fi/eng/ | email= | address=Kauppiaskatu 11 | lat=60.4531 | long=22.2669 | directions= | phone=+358 9 131-191 (€1.97/min + pvm/mpm) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=around €12 | wikidata=Q11871619 | lastedit= | content=This modern cinema complex opened in Turku in the spring 2001. All 9 auditoriums has been invested in the audience comfort. Seat rows are strongly staggered and leg room between rows is optimal. The technique is the highest quality with digital sound and big screens. }} ===Sport arenas=== [[File:Turkuhalli inside.jpg|thumb|Turkuhalli]] * {{do | name=Turkuhalli | alt=Gatorade Center | url=https://turku-areenat.fi/fi/gatorade-center | email=info@turku-areenat.fi | address=Artukaistentie 8 | lat=60.4562 | long=22.1869 | directions= | phone=+358 2 21-900 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=This ice hockey and music arena hosts large public events and the games of [https://www.turunpalloseura.fi/ TPS (''Turun Palloseura'')], Turku's number one ice hockey team. It offers a large arena and grandstands in addition to smaller function rooms. Restaurants serve before the entertainment, during the intermission or at breaks, and often even after the event. Big screens and TV monitors ensure the arena atmosphere fills the restaurant and lobby areas. }} * {{do | name=Marli Areena | alt=Ice Hockey Arena | url=https://turku-areenat.fi/en/home | email= | address=Hippoksentie 2 | lat=60.4422 | long=22.2896 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Marli Arena is next to the Kupittaa park, and is primarily used for ice hockey. It is the home arena of [http://www.tutohockey.fi/fi/uutiset TuTo (''Turun Toverit'') hockey team]. TuTo plays in the second highest ice hockey league in Finland, Mestis, but the atmosphere in the games can be even better than in the TPS games, since the fans really love the team and arena is compact. Tickets are also less expensive and the Marli Arena is just around 15 minutes walking distance away from the city center. }} * {{do | name=Veritas Stadion | alt=football (soccer) stadium | url=https://veritasstadion.fi/in-english/ | email=varaukset@veritasstadion.com | address=Hippoksentie 6 | lat=60.44282 | long=22.29175 | directions= | phone=+358 2-2722-00 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=In the heart of Turku at the Kupittaa Park, Veritas Stadium is Turku's number one football stadium. Both Turku-based major soccer teams – [http://fcinter.fi/ FC Inter] and [https://fc.tps.fi/in-english/ FC TPS] – play on the grounds of the stadium. }} ===Parks and sports grounds=== * {{do | name=Kupittaa Park | alt=Kupittaanpuisto | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.4457 | long=22.2894 | directions=Near the Turku city centre, on the east bank of the river Aura, around 15 minutes walk from the Old Great Square and Cathedral | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5486539 | content=Finland's largest and oldest city park is popular for picnic as well as for children and sports. There are ice skaters in the winter, in-line skaters in the summer, skateboarders, cyclists, ballplayers, petanque enthusiasts and everyone out for some exercise. Urban athletes can catch some air and grind some rails at the skatepark. Pump some iron at the Turku city's official gym or hit the lanes at the bowling hall. Kupittaa Park also offers families with kids the ever popular Traffic-City, Adventure Park, Kupittaa Outdoor Pool and the Sports Wonderland for Kids (Sundays 17:00–19:00 in the sports hall, free). Watch birds in action at the Bird Pond. Visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to picnicking. The wide-open lawns of Kupittaa Park are perfect for everything from football to croquet, while frisbees and kites vie for space in the skies above. One end of the park is dominated by the Veritas Stadium, which is the home pitch of local football teams, TPS and Inter. And when it's time for a bite to eat, Kupittaa Pavilion will serve up a tasty treat right in the heart of the park. Veritas Stadium is also home to the full-service Olè restaurant. }} ** {{do | name=Adventure Park | alt=Seikkailupuisto | url=https://www.turku.fi/en/adventure-park-seikkailupuisto | email=seikkailupuisto@turku.fi | address=Kupittaankatu 2 | lat=60.4472 | long=22.2907 | directions=Bus line 32 (jump out at the bus stop just before the corner of Kerttulinkatu and Sirkkalankatu) | phone=+358 44-907-2986 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Su 10:00–17:00 | price=Free | wikidata=Q11892816 | content=Just on the edge of Kupittaa Park, the Adventure Park is the ideal environment for encouraging imagination and creative play. You are allowed to get wet in the mushroom fountain and get a thrill from the zip line. In addition to a large assortment of playground stuff in the lush park area, to be used freely, the adventure park offers guided activities from art and handicraft workshops to songs and music at the music playschool, and theatre performances. There is a kiosk where you can buy ice cream, drinks and snacks. It is also possible to grill your own food at the barbecue sites. Nearby in the park there is a bouncy castle and a traffic town. }} * {{do | name=Hohtogolf Westcoast | alt=Glow Minigolf and Curling | url=http://www.hohtogolf.fi/turku/ | email=turku@hohtogolf.fi | address=Yliopistonkatu 17 | lat=60.45242 | long=22.26652 | directions= underground -- entrance is next to the Turku Orthodox Church | phone=+358 2 253-4355 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= W–Th 17:00–21:00, F 17:00–00:00, Sa 12:00–00:00, Su–Tu closed | price=€10/12 | content=At Hohtogolf Westcoast is a glow-in-the-dark 15-hole miniature golf course with over-the-top mechanized special effects and a special "horror" section. Fun thing to do in a group, especially after a few drinks from the bar. As a new feature they also offer a small curling track. }} * {{do | name=Urheilupuisto Sports Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.4427 | long=22.2632 | directions=in the Turku city centre, on the east bank of the river Aura behind the City Theater | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q11898812 | content=Urheilupuisto is home to the Paavo Nurmi Stadium and many other sporting facilities. This extensive parkland holds many places to exercise, come winter, come summer. In addition to the Paavo Nurmi Stadium, there is e.g. the Karikon lenkki running track, tennis courts, basketball courts, a volleyball court, an artificial turf playing field and a frisbee golf course. In the winter months the Sports Park, naturally, has its ice field and a popular sledding hill. [http://www.turkutrojans.com Turku Trojans], one of the oldest American Football teams in Finland, plays its games on the upper field of Turku Sports Park. }} ===Winter sports=== [[File:Hirvensalon laskettelukeskus.jpg|thumb|Slopes at the Hirvensalo Ski Resort]] * {{do | name=Skating worm | alt=Luistelumato | url=https://www.turku.fi/en/culture-and-sports/sports/sports-facilities/outdoor-sports-facilities/ice-skating-rinks/kupittaa | email= | address= | lat=60.447 | long=22.292 | directions=Kupittaanpuisto, behind the sports hall | phone=+358 50-554-6300 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Equipment rental M W F 17:00–20:00, Sa Su 10:00–18:00, from middle Dec, unless raining | price=Free; skates: adults €5, children €1; hiking skates €5/2hr, €12/week; roller skates €5; drinks €1; skating free | content=Meandering skating lane forming a circle, 5–6 m wide and 500 m long. Skate rental (also hiking skates), hot drinks for sale. Roller skating in the summer. }} * {{do | name=Parkki Artificial Ice Field | alt=Parkin kenttä | url=https://www.turku.fi/en/culture-and-sports/sports/sports-facilities/courts-and-fields/artificial-turf-fields | email=liikunta@turku.fi | address=Tuureporinkatu 2 | lat=60.457 | long=22.272 | directions=near the bus station, across Aninkaistenkatu | phone=+358 50-431-0016 | tollfree= | hours=2023: from 4 December; M–F 08:00–21:00, Sa 10:00–20:00, Su 09:00–20:00 (maintenance daily 15:45–16:45); tickets and equipment rental M–F 17:00–19:00, Sa Su 10:00–16:00 | price=€3.50; from 2024: prime time at counter €8/4, other times by mobile €3.50/3.50; wristband: €8+€16/10 entries, from 2024: €8+€60/30 | lastedit=2023-12-01 | content=Big skating field, usually most of it for ice hockey. Sometimes music and most of the area for general skating. Skates and hockey sticks for rent. The entrance fee can be paid at the entrance when manned, otherwise by pre-bought tickets ("Exercise Wristband", can be used for several persons) or mobile phone (0600- number posted at the gate, enter immediately after calling). }} * {{do | name=Impivaaran jäähalli | alt= | url=https://www.turku.fi/en/culture-and-sports/sports/sports-facilities/ice-halls/impivaara-ice-hall | email= | address=Eskonkatu 1 | lat=60.477474 | long=22.250511 | directions=bus 13 and 18. | phone=+358 2 262-3550 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M 14:00–14:50, 16:45–17:35, W 13:45–14:35, Sa 10:30–11:20 | price= | lastedit=2017-12-05 | content=Indoor ice field, skating for the public (no ice hockey) at certain hours when not in other use. }} * {{do | name=Varissuon jäähalli | alt= | url=https://www.turku.fi/en/culture-and-sports/sports/sports-facilities/ice-halls/varissuo-ice-hall | email= | address=Suurpäänkatu 2 | lat=60.443250 | long=22.354862 | directions=bus 32 and 42. | phone=+358 2 262-3570 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 13:45–14:35, Th also 18:00–18:50, Su 10:00–10:50 | price=Free | lastedit=2017-12-05 | content=Ice field in an underground hall, skating for the public (no ice hockey) at certain hours when not in other use. }} * {{do | name=Minor skating fields | alt= | url=https://www.turku.fi/en/culture-and-sports/sports/sports-facilities/outdoor-sports-facilities/ice-skating-rinks/natural-1 | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | lastedit=2017-12-05 | content=There are minor skating fields in most residential areas, without artificial cooling and thus more dependant on weather. Some have ice hockey rinks, some have changing rooms. }} * {{do | name=Hirvensalo Ski Resort | alt= | url=http://www.hirvensalo.fi/ | email=toimisto@tusla.net | address=Kakskerrantie 111 | lat=60.4175 | long=22.2277 | directions=on the island Hirvensalo, 5 km from the city centre; bus lines 14, 15, 51, 53 and 55; parking for private transport | phone=+358 45-106-3011 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€17–28 | content=There are four well managed and lit slopes at the Turun Hirvensalo Ski Centre in Turku: 1, 2 and 3-slopes and a slope for children. There are three lifts in Hirvensalo. The longest slope is 300m and the greatest altitude difference is 60m. The degree of difficulty of the slopes ranges from easy to difficult and there are several boxes and rails. Hirvensalo Ski Centre is the perfect place for both beginners and experts, without mentioning families. Services also include Slope café, ski school, and equipment rental. }} * {{do | name=Cross-country skiing | alt= | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/culture-and-sports/recreation/trails-routes-and-ski-tracks/ski-tracks | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 50-554-6219 (administration),+358 50-523-8447 (equipment rental) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free; equipment €5/3/1 (children: <20yrs) | content=There are skiing tracks in most suburbs, as jogging routes are transformed to [http://www.turku.fi/sv/kultur-och-motion/friluftsomraden/stigar-rutter-och-skidspar/skidspar skiing routes], with groomed tracks and a lane for freestyle skiing (80 km maintained by the city in good winters). The Nunnavuori routes (0.35 and 1 km on flat ground, 1.7 km in easy hilly terrain) are maintained also in adverse weather, which gives them the longest season (in 2021–2022: from 5 Dec). At one of its starting points, Eskonkatu/Kurrapolku near Impivaara, there is equipment for rent (Sa–Su 11:00–16:00; equipment to be returned 20 min before closing) and coffee, warm juice and snacks for sale (by a charity; usually somewhat longer hours than the rental; sausage €1, coffee and bun €2). Many of the routes have lighting 06:00–22:00. }} ===Climbing=== Be aware of the inherent dangers of [[Rock climbing|climbing]]. Safety cannot be guaranteed even if the businesses take security seriously. Make sure you have understood the instructions. Children usually need permission from their custodians, must respect instructions, and might need to be accompanied. * {{do | name=Flowpark | alt=Climbing park | url=http://www.flowpark.fi/turku/?lang=en | email=info.turku@flowpark.fi | address=Skanssinkatu 10 | lat=60.4287 | long=22.3180 | directions= | phone=+358 400-864-862 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=May–Oct: M–Sa 12:00–20:00, Su 12:00–18:00. Closed Nov–April except around special Winter Feast days in January | price=Day ticket €22 | content=Adventure trails up in the trees. There are fifteen different trails and nearly one hundred missions, where you can test your balance, coordination and nerve. For the high ropes adventure trails children must be at least seven years old and 120 cm tall. For the smaller fast and fearless climber there is a specially built children's trail closer to ground. Flowpark is in the leafy green courtyard of shopping centre Skanssi, with good transportation connections from the centre. }} * {{do | name=Irti Maasta | alt= | url=https://irtimaasta.fi/puistot/raisio | email=info.raisio@irtimaasta.fi | address=Myllynkatu 1142 | lat= | long= | directions=in the shopping centre Mylly, Raisio | phone=+358 400-820-037 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 14:00–20:00, Sa–Su 10:00–18:00 | price=€16 | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-05-27 | content=Climbing centre with playful routes and challenges. Weight limits: 15–150 kg. Automatic belaying. No age limit, but children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. }} * {{do | name=Kiipeilypalatsi | alt= | url=https://www.kiipeilypalatsi.com | email= | address=Vesilinnantie 1 | lat=60.4557 | long=22.2846 | directions=a cube-formed building on the hill in the TY campus behind the cathedral | phone=+358 45-670-5991 | tollfree= | hours=Tu–W 15:30–20:30, Sa 13:00–17:00, groups also by agreement | price=€11 + harness, shoes and magnesium €4 | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=[[Rock climbing|Climbing]] walls inside a former water tower. Not solo, as you need your own belayer. Newcomers to the sport are welcome, but must tell about being inexperienced. Belayer instruction included. Minors need parent's permission, children under 14 need an adult belayer. }} ===Boating and canoeing=== For skippered yacht cruises or yacht chartering, see [[Archipelago Sea#By yacht and small boats|Archipelago Sea]]. Here are options for smaller vessels and quick trips: * {{do | name=Låna | alt= | url=http://www.lanaturku.fi/?lang=en | email= | address=Linnankatu 3 | lat=60.451766 | long=22.273120 | directions=the river shore at Vähätori, by Tuomiokirkko bridge | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€60/hour, €100/2 hours | lastedit=2018 | content=Open boats (max 8 persons) for cruising down the river and back, perhaps while having a picnic (speed limit on the river 6 km/h i.e. 3 knots), with electric motor. Also Buster Rent boats available, but rent those at the guest harbour instead (not ideal for cruising the river, and you get the whole day for the price of 3 hr). }} * {{do | name=Buster Rent | alt= | url=http://vuokraa.buster.fi | email=info@buster-rent.fi | address= | lat= | long= | directions=delivery at the guest harbour or by trailer | phone= +358 20-769-1270| tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€140–400/one day, weekend €330–800; trailer included; trailering by agreement | lastedit=2016-05-13 | content=Open or semi-open boats for rent, with outboard motor. Usable also for longer voyages given suitable weather. Two berths in the biggest boats. }} * {{do | name=Sea kayaking | alt=Aavameri | url=http://www.aavameri.fi/en | email=info@aavameri.fi | address= | lat=60.421828 | long=22.095435 | directions=bus 8 from Puutori to Saaronniemi, walk to the beach | phone=+358 44-980-7788 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Jun–Aug: M 10:30, F 17:00 (Puutori 10:00/16:30), by agreement other days throughout the year | price=Evening tour €65; day tour €110/person; child reductions for 8–12 and 13–15 years old; rental: first day €60 | lastedit=2019-04-05 | content=Day or evening tour with kayak and guide (7 or 3½ hr) from Ruissalo. Register before 17:00/12:00, pay online. The day and evening tours do not require previous experience and moderate fitness is enough, trips are tailored to suite the participants (3–8 in the group). Also longer full service guided trips and supported solo expeditions with transportation from and back to Turku are available. }} * {{do | name=Saaristomeren melojat | alt= | url=http://melojat.net | email=posti@melojat.net | address=Rykmentintie 55 | lat=60.413961 | long=22.265418 | directions=Uittamo, bus line 13 | phone=+358 41-456-5223 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu Th 17–20, Sa Su 11:00–15:00 or 11:00–17:00 (check!) | price=Kayak €10/hour, €40/day, €80/weekend, €120/week; twin or canoe €20, €60, €120, 180; courses €40/100 | lastedit=2018 | content=Local canoe/kayak club, equipment for rent. Also short and three-evening courses. Quick intro on-site, if you need more advice, ask in advance (instructions about equipment etc. in Finnish on the website). Pay in cash. }} * {{do | name=Aurajokisäätiö | alt= | url=http://aurajoki.net/melonta | email= | address=Valkkimyllynkuja 2 | lat=60.465310 | long=22.305333 | directions=Myllärintupa by Halistenkoski rapids | phone=+358 44-553-7408 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=1 Jun–31 Aug: Tu–Su 10:00–18:00 | price=Kayak €19/two hours, €39/one day; canoe €24/€39; guide €36/hour | lastedit=2018 | content=Kayak/canoe rental for trips on the river. Also guided tours. }} ===Swimming=== [[File:Impivaaran uimahalli.JPG|thumb|Impivaara Swimming Centre]] [[File:Ice swimming in Turku.jpg|thumb|Ice Swimming at the Ispoinen Beach is a popular hobby among locals during the winter months]] Due to its location at the shores of the [[Archipelago Sea]], Turku has a number of great [https://www.turku.fi/sv/motion/badstrander-och-vinterbad number of '''beaches'''] easily reachable from the city centre. There are also two outdoor pools (0.75 km and 1.7 km from Kauppatori), a water park, indoor swimming pools and arenas. Most indoor facilities – and some outdoor ones – are in use round the year. The beaches are free, mostly with lifeguards in the busiest times, some with a kiosk, café or similar service, most with a play area for children (with climbing frames and swings). * {{marker|type=do|name=Ispoinen Beach|lat=60.41441 | long=22.25957}} is within easy reach from Turku Centre by bus number 9 or 13. * {{marker|type=do|name=Ruissalo camping beaches |lat=60.42144 | long=22.09492}} are the favourites of many locals. They are at Saaronniemi at the very end of the Ruissalo Island (bus line 8) and on a beautiful summer day you can really feel the archipelago here. A few separate beaches of different character. * {{marker|type=do|name=Ekvalla beach|lat=60.37939 | long=22.22598}} is on the Satava island (bus lines 14 and 15). When the Finnish summer gets hot, this sandy beach is a good choice for families and sun seekers as well as disabled. Whatever your physical impairment you can have a dip as Ekvalla beach has specially designed walkways and a wheelchair ramp into the water. Lifeguards are supervising swimming on all of the beaches mentioned above daily in the busy hours from the beginning of June to the end of August (covering the schools' summer vacation). * Other smaller beaches include ** {{marker|type=do|name=Brinkhall beach|lat=60.36557 | long=22.23673}}, ** {{marker|type=do|name=Moikoinen beach|lat=60.4167 | long=22.2506}}, ** {{marker|type=do|name=Sorttamäki beach|lat=60.4084 | long=22.2547}} and ** {{marker|type=do|name=Maaria beach|lat=60.5307 | long=22.3540}}. [[Winter swimming]]: * {{marker|type=do|name=Saaronniemen saukot |url=http://saaronniemensaukot.fi |lat=60.4309|long=22.1416}} arrange winter swimming at Tammirannantie 39 (and swimming in summer, too). * {{do | name=Turku's Winter Outdoor Swimmers Club | alt=Turun avantouimarit | url=https://www.turunavantouimarit.fi/languages/in-english/ | email= | address=Rykmentintie 51 | lat=60.41495 | long=22.25929 | directions=Ispoinen Beach | phone=+358 44-377-5475 | tollfree= | hours=M 15:00–19:45, W 15:00–20:45, F–Sa 15:00–19:45, Su 15:00–20:45 | price=Non-member single ticket: adults €5.20, children under 16 €1.50, accompanied children under 7 free | content=Sauna, ice swimming and club room. Members are happy to help newcomers. }} Outdoor pools, arenas and water parks: * {{do | name=JukuPark Waterpark | alt= | url=https://jukupark.fi/ | email= | address=Kurrapolku 1 | lat=60.4782 | long=22.2562 | directions= | phone=+358 400-174-640 | tollfree= | hours=7 Jun–10 Aug: daily 11:00 to 17-19:00 | price=€21, children under 4 year free | content=JukuPark is a paradise for the whole family 3 km from Turku center. At JukuPark, come rain or shine, you're sure to get soaking wet! You’re guaranteed a great day with many spectacular water-slides, large heated swimming pools, sunbathing areas together with saunas, shower rooms and the Pirate Island water-world for the little ones. When hunger surprises there are Juku Park’s grills, cafés, kiosk services and terraces available. }} * {{do | name=Kupittaa Outdoor Swimming Arena | alt= | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/culture-and-sports/sports/sports-facilities/swimming-places-and-water-sport/kupittaa-outdoor | email=liikunta@turku.fi | address=Kupittaankatu 10 | lat=60.4451 | long=22.2909 | directions=in the middle of the Kupittaa park | phone=+358 44-907-2702 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Mid-May to mid-Aug: daily 10:00–19:00 | price=Adults €5.50, discount groups €3, children under 16 €2.5, children under 5 years free | content=Kupittaa has offered facilities for swimming for over a hundred years. It's next to the Adventure Park and is a favourite of families especially. In addition to the large 50-m pool, there is a smaller 25-m pool, a 0.6–0.9 m deep children's pool as well as a play area for the little ones and a lawn area for relaxation. The pool area has a kiosk. The nearby Blomberginaukio square offers ample parking. }} * {{do | name=Samppalinna Swimming Stadium | alt= | url=https://www.turku.fi/en/places/samppalinna-outdoor-swimming-stadium | email=liikunta@turku.fi | address=Volter Kilven katu 2 | lat=60.4457 | long=22.2655 | directions= | phone=+358 2 262-3590 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=From mid-May to mid-Sept: M–Th 06:00–20:00, F 06:00–19:00, Sa Su 08:00–19:00 | price=Adults €5.50, discount groups €3.50, children under 16 €3, children under 5 years free | wikidata=Q18661857 | content=A refreshing oasis in the middle of the city, on a warm summer day Samppalinna is really popular with the locals. An olympic-size swimming and diving boards where swimmers can jump from the tower. Children have their own pool and there is sunbathing among the stadium’s sunny banks; a park area included: picnics possible, basic play yard. The changing areas are indoors, good sauna and shower facilities. The lockers can be locked with a 50-cent coin. }} Swimming halls and indoor water parks: * {{do | name=Caribia | alt= | url=https://www.holidayclubresorts.com/turuncaribia | email= | address=Kongressgränden 1 | lat=60.46038 | long=22.29047 | directions=in [[#Caribia Spa Hotel|the hotel]] in the Student Village | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-07-29 | content=Indoor water park. Also one normal swimming pool. }} * {{do | name=Impivaara Swimming Centre | alt= | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/impivaara-swimming-centre | email=liikunta@turku.fi | address=Uimahallinpolku 4 | lat=60.4783 | long=22.2599 | directions=last stop of bus 13 when marked "u" in the timetable; 18 passes reasonably close | phone=+358 2 262-3588 | tollfree= | hours=M–Th 06:00–20:00, F 11:00–18:00, Sa Su 09:00–17:00 | price=Single entry €8/5/3 (children fare for 4–16 years old); 10-time card €60/40/24 | wikidata=Q11864792 | content=The stunning and newly renovated facilities are named after characters and places in author Aleksis Kivi’s classic novel, Seven Brothers. The swimming area comprises eight pools, called Venla (50 m), Juhani (25 m), Tuomas (diving pool), Aapo (multipurpose pool), Simeoni (family pool), Timo (teaching pool), Lauri (paddling pool) and Eero (cold pool). Impivaara gyms Jukola, Toukola and Männistö have comprehensive and spacious strength training and aerobics facilities. }} * {{listing | type=do | name=Turun uimahalli | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rehtoripellonkatu 3 | lat=60.4543 | long=22.2875 | directions=in the student union's house | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata=Q18662487 | lastedit= | content=First swimming hall of Turku. Clothing optional, with genders separated by day of week. }} * {{do | name=Ulpukka | alt= | url=https://www.raisio.fi/fi/kulttuuri-ja-vapaa-aika/uintikeskus-ulpukka | email=ulpukka.asiakaspalvelu@raisio.fi | address=Eeronkuja 5 | lat=60.4783 | long=22.1615 | directions=1 km south-west of Raisio centre (along Nesteentie); bus lines 220 and 221 from Turku pass by | phone=+358 44-797-1681 | tollfree= | hours=Winter: M Tu Th F 06:00–21:00, W 11:00–21:00 Sa–Su 11:00–18:00; summer: M Tu Th F 06:00–09:00, 13:30–21:00, W 13:30–21:00, weekends closed; entry min. 1 hr before closing | price=€5–7 (mornings cheaper), students €4.50, children 5–15 years €3, family (2+3) €16; 2 hr | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-05-27 | content=Swimming hall. Nice also for children. Accessible for the mobility impaired (ask for directions). }} ===Social dancing=== [[File:UIttamon lava 2.JPG|thumb|The Uittamo dance pavilion]]<!-- should be changed to a seaside view --> Foxtrot, waltz, jive, cha cha, what have you… The [[Social dancing in Finland|dance pavilions]] are an essential part of the Finnish summer for many, although not any more for a majority, and some keep dancing all year. There are clubs for specific styles; at the pavilions the music plaid usually covers the gamut. Pavilions and other sites in Turku and Raisio, and popular ones in the surroundings, include: * {{do | name=Huvilintu | alt= | url=http://www.huvilintu.com | email=markku.appel@dnainternet.net | address=Linnuksentie 39 | lat=60.5198 | long=22.1339 | directions=Raisio countryside, 12 km from Turku centre: turn left from highway 8 north of Raisio centre, towards Kustavi (road 192), after 1 km turn towards Piuha along Maskuntie, after 1 km more turn right to Linnuksentie, drive 390 m, the pavilion is to your left; by bike you can also follow the cycleway to Raisio and along Highway 8 and reach the other end of Linnuksentie; bus 300 (e.g. Kauppatori E2 17:52) gets you to the Kirjakallionkatu stop across Kustavintie (turn back to cross it), 1.8 km from the pavilion, the last buses back at midnight (23:15, 00:05) | phone=+358 2 437-2830 (during dances), +358 44-782-1323 (otherwise) | tollfree= | hours=30 Apr–20 Sep Sa 19:00–23:00/24:00 (Midsummer also F), nights with two bands end at midnight | price=€20–25+€2 | lastedit=2025-04-30 | content=Dance pavilion. Guarded cloakroom. Also beer at the café (no age limit at the dance floor). }} * {{do | name=Uittamon paviljonki | alt= | url=http://uittamo.fi/tanssit/ | email=johanna.tuomola@magnumlive.fi | address=Rykmentintie 29 | lat= 60.4206 | long= 22.2528| directions=bus no 9 towards Katariina, bus stop "Tanssilava" | phone=+358 44-906-1910 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Dances mid May–August Su 18:00–23:00, Midsummer F 20:00–01:00; dance courses M 17:30–19:30 (beginners) 19:30–22:30 (advanced) | price=€20 | lastedit=2023-01-10 | content=Dance pavilion by the sea. Also dance courses. }} * {{do | name=[[Kaarina#Littoistenjärvi dance pavilion| Littoisten lava]] | alt= | url=http://www.sekahaku.net/tanssit/ | email=erja.vuorinen@sekahaku.net | address=Vanha Littoistentie 153 | lat=60.4596 | long=22.3779 | directions=by the Littoistenjärvi lake and beach in [[Kaarina]]; {{show by date|2025|06|27|bus 2B or 2C, last bus back 23:20|check bus schedules, changing on 1 Jul}} | phone=+358 45-894-8383 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=2025: 8 May–11 Sep: Th 18:00/19:30–23:00, also F–Sa 15–16 Aug | price=Dances mostly €20/7/-, courses €14/7; reduced price for the young and on some beginners' courses | lastedit=2025-04-20 | content=Dance pavilion run by Sekahaku (see below). 1½-hr dance course before the dances included in the price. Separate courses most other evenings. }} * {{do | name=[[Pöytyä#Valasranta| Valasranta]] | alt= | url=http://www.valasranta.fi | email= | address=Valasrannantie 363 | lat= 60.8961 |long= 22.3476 | directions=by Pyhäjärvi in [[Pöytyä|Yläne]], 60 km north from Turku | phone=+358 40-647-4187 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Mid May–Sep: Sa 20:00–01:00 | price=€20 | lastedit=2017-05-11 | content=Dance pavilion by the Pyhäjärvi lake. }} The '''[[#Q4356997|main library]]''' has free dances in its yard, Tuesdays 17:00–18:15, from late June to late August (with weather reservation). Mostly old couples (the generation which never attended dance courses), mostly Finnish tango, waltz and ''humppa'', and you might be unlikely to be asked to dance – but asking somebody to should be possible regardless of whether you are a man or woman. In the '''winter''' season, part of the dancing crowd is found at Rientola and in Aura (in addition to dance restaurants): <!-- the site to be demolished, listing kept as comment for copying to the new one when facts are confirmed * {{do | name=Pyrkivä/Sekahaku | alt= | url=https://sekahaku.net/tanssit/ | email=erja.vuorinen@sekahaku.net | address=Tuureporinkatu 2 | lat=60.4568 | long=22.2706 | directions=near the bus station, across Aninkaistenkatu | phone=+358 45-894-8383 (enquiries) | tollfree= | hours=Until 27 Apr 2025: F 18:30/20:00–23:30; courses M W Th 18:00–21:15 Tu 19:30–21:00 Su 17:00–20:15 | price=€18, youth under 25 years €7, children under 15 free with accompanying adult; course, cloakroom and water included; separate courses €14/€7 | lastedit=2024-09-04 | content=Dances with mostly skilled dancers. While the hall is a multi-purpose one, it is quite nice, and you'll mostly be looking at dancers or the orchestra anyway. One dance is presented in a course preceding the dancing proper, starting from beginner level but with something also for those who know it. The dance proper starts with pairs formed at random, dancing only one dance each; the rest of the night there is the normal asking scheme, with mixed asking in the last set. You can keep to your own pair if you wish, but few do. Café.<br />The [https://sekahaku.net/tanssikurssit/turku/viikkokurssit-turku courses] (1½ hr) range from beginners' (''perusteet'') to advanced level (''jatko''), usually in a series of two, where you should start from the first unless you pick up reasonably quickly. For the intermediate level ("keskitaso") you should know the basic steps or pick up very quickly. Pairs are formed in a rotating system, so you can turn up alone or in a single-gender group (you can form your own pairs, but that is usually not optimal). Instruction is usually in Finnish, so you have to use your eyes and occasionally ask your pair. The courses W 19:45 and Su 17:00 are for people with little or no dancing experience and have the youth price for all (some advanced dancers participate, facilitating learning). For the courses, take your own bottle of water. }} --> * {{do | name=Sekahaku | alt= | url=https://sekahaku.net/tanssit/ | email=erja.vuorinen@sekahaku.net | address=Pulmussuonkatu 86 | lat=60.48262 | long=22.28164 | directions=Rientolan Urheilutalo, Kärsämäki | phone=+358 45-894-8383 (enquiries) | tollfree= | hours=Mid September–mid April F 18:30/20:00–23:30 | price=€20, youth under 25 €7, accompanied children under 15 free | content=Dances to live music. A 1½-hr course on one dance before the dancing proper included in the price, beginning with the basics but soon advancing quickly with something for advanced dancers at the end. Rotating system/random pairs on the course and in the first hour of the dancing proper (instead forming your own pairs is allowed), then men's/women's/mixed asking. Quite many skilled dancers, friendly atmosphere, no alcohol. }} * {{do | name=[[Pöytyä#Auran nuortentalo|Auran Nuortentalo]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.6223 | long=22.5330 | directions=25 km from Turku centre by Highway 9 towards Tampere, 4 km before the main settlement; the namesake bus stop or Aura may have usable services to get there, but probably not back in the night | phone= | tollfree= | hours=October–April Sa 19:00–24:00 | price=€18–25 | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-08-18 | content=Dances popular among young and old alike, with many of the dancers coming from Turku. Women may want to bring company to get introduced on the floor. }} ===Events=== [[File:Sariola Tivoli in Turku in 2008.jpg|thumb|Tivoli Sariola comes to the Kupittaa Park for ''Vappu'']] [[File:Medieval band at Turku Medieval market 2015.jpg|thumb|right|A Medieval band playing at the Turku Medieval Market, by the river]] * {{do | name=Maritime Markets | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.447958 | long=22.265621 | directions=Along the river Aura | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=A long weekend in April and October; Th–Sa 09:00–18:00, Su 09:00–16:00 | price= | content=Traditional and very popular markets are held every April and October on the riverfront right in the Turku city centre. Archipelago Market in April and Herring Market in October bring fish delicacies as well as handicrafts to the riverside. Both markets bring professional fishermen from the Archipelago Sea to the heart of the city to sell their products, some still straight from their boats. Also e.g. sea-buckthorn juice, honey and bread are sold, in addition to meals and standard market fare. }} * {{do | name=Walpurgis night and May Day | alt=Vappu | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=main events at Vartiovuori, Puolalanmäki, Kauppatori | phone=| tollfree= | fax= | hours=30 April–1 May | price= | wikipedia=Vappu#Finland | content=Vappu is one of the four biggest holidays in Finland, along with Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve, and Midsummer. Walpurgis witnesses the biggest carnival-style festival held in the streets of Finland's towns and cities. Student traditions are one of the main characteristics of Vappu, and you'll see lots of students – and former university students – on the streets wearing a traditional student cap. In the evening Swedish students, or anybody identifying with them in some way, gather on Vårdberget (Vartiovuori), to mingle and listen to the student choirs of ÅA (18:00, broadcast by YLE), while the Finnish students similarly gather in Puolalanpuisto. At 19:00 they join at the Lilja statue by the river (to give her a student cap), and the rest of the eve streets are filled with party people. A market is held in Kauppatori with vendors selling cheap carnival paraphernalia. On May Day the parks, especially the Vartiovuori Park, are filled with Finns having a picnic, many treating their hungover. There are also working union parades around the city centre and politicians from all different parties giving speeches. }} * {{do | name=New Potato Festival | alt=Neitsytperunafestivaali | url=http://www.neitsytperunafestivaali.fi | email=info@kaffeli.fi | address=Courtyard of the Brewery Restaurant Koulu, Eerikinkatu 18 | lat=60.449764 | long=22.264272 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Mid June | price= | content=The festival celebrates the opening of the early-harvest potato season in June. It’s a true cultural feast of fabulous flavours and local food. The very first crops from the Turku archipelago will reach the River Aura shores with this traditional ceremony. During the festival, the potatoes will be enjoyed with local fish treats and herring. The festival will also include competitions for best recipes, getting to know different potato varieties and cultivation methods. The new potatoes from Finland Proper are unique plants with gastronomic qualities to match other celebrated European seasonal products like asparagus, globe artichoke and truffle. The flavour is unique to early potatoes of Finland Proper and neighbouring countries with a similar climate. }} * {{do | name=The Medieval Market | alt= | url=https://keskiajanturku.fi/en | email=info@keskiaikaisetmarkkinat.fi | address=Vanha Suurtori 3 (Old Great Square) | lat=60.4506 | long=22.2759 | directions= | phone=+358 40-132-9992 | tollfree= | hours=End of June; Th F 12:00–20:00, Sa Su 12:00–18:00 | price=Free of charge, but charges for food, drink and souvenirs | content=This is the best (and original) Medieval Market in Finland. Follow the rows of market stalls at the Old Great Square and take a trip back in time to Medieval Market with performing groups, jesters and minstrels. People working at the festival dress up in medieval costumes and act out scenes in the middle of the street, rather than on stages, giving you a feeling you're genuinely in medieval Turku (the theme is some specific year, and you may hear references to "current" events).<br />In the area for work displays artisans will demonstrate medieval working methods. Visitors can watch the smith working away at their forges, see how beer is brewed using ancient recipes and touch freshly tanned leather. At the children's activities area the smallest of the family can get into baskets of a roundabout. The Old Town Hall hosts events for science, art and fashion. The whole family can enjoy the medieval amusement.<br />Medieval costumes for adults and children are available for hire at the event. Medieval-style food, clothes and souvenirs available on site. }} * {{do | name=International Market of Turku | alt= | url=http://www.eurooppamarkkinat.fi | email= | address=Around Old Great Square, Vähätori and the banks of river Aura | lat=60.451728 | long=22.272968 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Mid-June; W–Sa 10:00–20:00 | price= | content=The key idea of the International Market is to bring different countries and provinces around the world to showcase their specialities. There are around 100 traders from around 35 countries taking part in the market. Europe has usually a strong presence, but there are also traders from America and Asia. From the market you'll usually find For example, authentic Dutch cheese merchant, French bakeries, different delicacies from Italy, Bavarian sausages and German bakeries as well as artisans from such countries as Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Spain. Finnish provinces are also presenting their own specialities. }} * {{do | name=Midsummer | alt=Juhannus/Midsommar | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=The weekend between 19 and 27 June | price= | wikipedia=Midsummer | wikidata= | content=Juhannus (Midsummer) is a main national holiday in Finland. Originally a celebration of the summer solstice, it is typically spent with friends and family at a summer cottage away from the city, either partying or relaxing (many leave already in Thursday, as the main celebration is in the eve, on Friday). Large bonfires are lit on the islands Ruissalo and Vepsä. Otherwise the streets are often empty, even though some people have acquired a new habit of spending Midsummer in town. }}<!-- --><!-- Every few years, hide for now -- * {{do | name=Swan European Regatta | alt= | url=https://www.nautorswan.com/news/2023/02/turku-to-host-swan-european-regatta-in-summer-2023/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=2023: 19–23 July | price= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Sailing yachts of the Swan brand gather in Turku, having a regatta in the archipelago. The Swans, built by [[Jakobstad|Ostrobothnian]] Nautor, combine a fibreglass hull with a luxurious interior, and were traditionally made to be comfortable, safe and fast. Several models have seen victories in famed races, such as the Cowes Week and Whitbread Round the World. Most new designs are targeted at the luxury cruising sector, but in Turku you'll see many of the old-timers, from the first Swan and some of her sisters from 1967–1970 to boats of the 1980s, in addition to a number of later designs. There are free public events at Forum Marinum. The races can be seen on a big screen there, from Kuuva on Ruissalo or by boat on Airisto. The regatta is held in Turku every few years. }} --> * {{do | name=Tall Ships' Races | alt= | url=https://sailtraininginternational.org/event/tall-ships-races-2024 | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=mooring downstream from the bridges; parade of sails on Airisto | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Next edition in 2028 | price= | lastedit=2022-03-10 | content=The Tall Ships' Races have become a regular event in Turku. Every four years sailing ships large and small moor in the river on their Baltic Sea race, offering opportunities to visit some of the vessels, including schooners, barques and full-rigged ships, and attending programmes arranged for spectators and crews. The event usually attracts half of the city's population. Some vessels offer cruises to Airisto. The parade of sails is best seen from a boat, but most spectators flock to the shores of Kuuva on Ruissalo. }} * {{do | name=Airisto Classic Regatta | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=on Airisto, moorings at the guest harbour Telakka | phone= | tollfree= | hours=2023: 27–30 July | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-07-25 | content=Yearly race for classic yachts (those of wood or riveted plates built before 1970), arranged by Airisto Segelsällskap in cooperation with Telakka. About 30 yachts, some built in the 1920s. Most participants are from Finland, some from Sweden or farther away. In 2025, the world championship of the 8mR class will be held in Turku. }} * {{do | name=The Night of Arts | alt= | url= | email= | address=Around Turku Central Business District | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Mid August | price= | content=A versatile cultural event that is held annually in mid-August around the city centre. The venues include the Fortuna-block, Vähätori, Puutori, Piispankatu, the Turku Main Library Courtyard, as well as book stores, museums and galleries. Programme usually includes musical and art performances, literature, theatre, dance, museums and street culture. }} * {{do | name=Turku Day | alt= | url=http://www.turku.fi/turunpaiva | email= | address=Events take place all around the city | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Third Sunday of September | price= | content=The shops in the city centre are open, there are markets and bazaars in different parts of the city, open houses and guided tours, museums and music, art and dance. The day culminates with fireworks at the Samppalinna Park hill at 21:00. }} ====Easter==== [[Easter]] is celebrated in the churches, with many '''services'''. Specifically, you might want to experience the '''Orthodox Easter Vigil''', even if not Orthodox yourself. There are several '''concerts''' with Christian music, particularly, ''passions'' may be performed. There may be a reenactment of the '''Way of the Cross'''. * {{do | name=Easter at Cloister Hill | alt=Påsk på Klosterbacken | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/luostarinmaki-handicrafts-museum/then-now/luostarinmaki-throughout-year | email= | address=Vartiovuorenkatu 2 | lat=60.447387 | long=22.275542 | directions=Cloister Hill outdoor museum, | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Around Easter; 10:00–16:00 | price=Adults €6, Children aged 7–15 €4, 4–6 €1, Family ticket €13 |lastedit=2023-05-12| content=Cloister Hill outdoor museum offers a unique perspective to Easter traditions in Finland. During the festivities you can participate in egg rotation competition and explore the different traditions of decorating Easter eggs. Professional Easter egg decorators are performing as well as confectioners who make Easter eggs and bunnies out of marzipan. This event is especially recommendable to visitors with children. }} ==== Advent and Christmas ==== [[File:BD, Flora och AO, advent 2008.jpg|thumb|The student choirs' concerts in the cathedral mark the start of Advent]] The [https://www.turku.fi/joulukaupunki Christmas season] starts more or less with the turning on of Christmas lights in the pedestrian part of Yliopistonkatu a week before Advent. The market at the Old Great Square opens, department stores and many shops have nice Christmas displays in their windows, Christmas music is played, Charity bazaars in many schools, parish halls, etc. Usually the first snow has come and melt away, and there will probably again be snow several times during Advent. With good luck the snow will stay. White Christmases are quite common, but there is no guarantee. The lights on the Christmas tree of the cathedral are turned on the Saturday a week before Advent begins (programme usually begins at 17:00). The big spruce arrives and is risen the preceding Wednesday at about 13:00–14:00, perhaps worth watching if you are around. A "[https://www.turku.fi/en/pathlight light path]{{Dead link|date=March 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}" in the form of light installations for a few days (2023: 6–9 Dec) get many people out on a walk along the river in a happy mood. Most every choir gives some kind of Christmas concert in or immediately before Advent. Among the most ambitious are the ones by the student choirs of Åbo Akademi (BD and Flora) and Akademiska Orkestern, in the cathedral on Friday and Saturday leading to Advent ([[European classical music|classical music]] from the 16th century to world premières, including some beloved Christmas songs); most seats are sold out days before, but a few are often left to be got at the door an hour before the concerts. The Church arranges sing-alongs with collect to their development aid. Many museums, also some that otherwise are closed in winter, have displays or events related to the season; table settings and food of Christmas in different times and social classes are shown at the castle, the Qwensel house and the handicraft museum. Handicraft workshops (such as of making candles) are arranged at Seikkailupuisto and Kurala. There are also events at other institutions, such as candlelight swimming at Impivaara and Petrelius. Independence Day, December 6th, is celebrated by the philharmonic orchestra by two free day concerts (tickets are distributed a few weeks in advance). The latter, starting 15:00, can be seen on screens at the Old Great Square. There are services in the churches (mostly at 10:00). Charity bazaars. The students have a torch parade to the war graves (start 18:00). People light candles in their windows (originally a silent protest against Russian oppression), which makes for a nice evening stroll. A few associations arrange balls, the one of Turku folk dancers ([http://www.rytky.fi Rytky]) is open for the public, with a dance course in the preceding weeks. On December 13th, Lucia is crowned in the morning, blessed in the cathedral in the evening (be early if you want a seat), and then performing in the Hansa shopping centre. Programme for the rest of the season is changed yearly but generally Lucia and her company will be seen on many occasions, mostly in retirement homes and the like, but also e.g. at the Christmas market. The ecumenical plea for peace is made in the cathedral in Advent (2023: 14 Dec), to be broadcast on television before noon on 24 December. The audience should arrive at latest 17:40, the event starts at 18:00. Christmas peace is declared at noon of Christmas Eve in the Old Great Square, with thousands of spectators (programme starts 11:30; if you are early you can get glögg, gingerbread and words for the national anthem; have some coins for the servings). The Swedish service in the cathedral afterwards welcomes also the international audience. Most people are going to spend the evening and the Christmas Day with their family; the city will mostly close. Bus traffic in town continues to 20:00 and is then suspended for Christmas Day. The [[#Learn|main library]] is open 11:00–18:00 on Christmas Eve, with also some programme. Lights on the graves. Services in the churches. Some restaurants are open also in Christmas, but booking a table may be necessary. The cruise ferries may have cruises instead of route traffic. [[File:Julmarknad Gamla Stortorget lillajul 2010.jpg|thumb|Christmas Market at the Old Great Square]] * {{do | name=Christmas Market at the Old Great Square | alt= | url=https://www.joulukaupunkiturku.fi/en/christmas-city/christmas-market | email= | address=Old Great Square | lat=60.450783 | long=22.276609 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Four weekends before Christmas (the last one the 3rd Sunday of Advent), 11:00–17:00 | price= | lastedit=2018-03-14 | content=The Old Great Square fills with high quality handicrafts, Christmas delicacies and various music, theatre and circus performances. And of course, there’s also Santa Claus and his family! In addition, you can enjoy the lovely winter weather with a cup of warm ''glögg'' or a bowl of Christmas porridge (in the Brinkkala yard), find something nice at the Christmas ornaments’ exchange point, get warm and escape the hustle and bustle to an indoors café (e.g. upstairs in the Brinkkala house) or to the Christmas concerts of the Old Town Hall. }} * {{do | name=Christmas Market at Kauppatori | alt=Joulutori | url= | email= | address=Kauppatori | lat=60.451667 | long=22.266944 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=25 Nov–23 Dec, M–F 12:00–19:00, Sa 10:00–16:00, Su 12:00–16:00 | price= | lastedit=2017-11-28 | content=Much smaller market, but open daily. }} ====Music festivals==== [[File:Ruisrock 2008.jpg|thumb|Ruisrock atmosphere in 2008]] [[File:Turku M.A.Numminen at DBTL 2006.jpg|thumbnail|M. A. Numminen performs at DBTL in 2006.]] There is some music festival in Turku nearly every weekend in summer (all back after the pandemic). Here some, in more or less chronological order: * {{do | name=Turku Jazz | alt= | url=https://www.turkujazz.fi | email= | address= | lat=60.456692 | long=22.256300 | directions=mainly in Logomo | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Beginning of March; 2024: 1–10 March | price= | wikidata=Q18662446 | lastedit=2018 | content=Second oldest jazz festival in Finland. Performers include leading Finnish jazz musicians and special international guests. Concerts are held in restaurants and entertainment venues throughout the city of Turku. }} * {{do | name=Turku Modern | alt= | url= | email=toimisto@turkumodern.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Annually, 2023: 26–27 May | price=€35-65 | wikidata=Q11898751 | lastedit=2018 | content=Turku Modern, the festival for electronic music, storms Turku clubs and galleries annual in July. It brings forward top foreign artists and accomplished domestic performers focusing on electronic and dance music. It takes place in central Turku on the banks of the river Aura in clubs, bars, stages and especially the charming river boats. }} * {{do | name=Ruisrock | alt= | url=http://www.ruisrock.fi | email=palaute@ruisrock.fi | address= | lat=60.428771 | long=22.178021 | directions=Kansanpuisto, Ruissalo | phone=+358 44-966-1384 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Beginning of July, in 2023: 7–9 July | price=Three-day ticket €175, 2 days €155, 1 day €99; children under 7 years free with a paying adult; people over 70 free | wikidata=Q259936 | lastedit=2018 | content=Ruisrock, founded in 1970, is the second oldest rock festival in Europe, and the oldest still going in the Nordic countries and Finland. During the three-day event fans are offered international names, domestic stars and the hottest new acts. Ruisrock attracts almost 100,000 visitors every year from Finland and abroad and it is the biggest music festival in Turku. The festival has attracted world-famous artists throughout its lifetime including such names as Nirvana, Björk, The Cure, Bob Dylan, Bon Jovi, Ozzy Osbourne, Pet Shop Boys, Oasis, Aerosmith and Rammstein. The festival takes place in the Ruissalo Island, right next to central Turku. The area where the festival takes place is divided into two sections, Niittyalue ("meadow section") and Ranta-alue ("beach section"). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTVUAweys8U Introduction video for the festival] can be seen in YouTube. Festival site can be reached with the festival bus or by bike from Turku city centre. The festival buses run from Turku city centre to the festival bus station. There is a clearly marked walking route of about 2 km (about 1.2 miles) between the festival bus station and the festival site. }} * {{do | name=Down by the Laituri (DBTL) | alt= | url=http://www.dbtl.fi | email= | address= | lat=60.443022 | long=22.266042 | directions=Turku centre | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=End of July | price=€55–165 | wikidata=Q5302936 | lastedit=2018 | content=Finland´s oldest and most legendary city festival, DBTL was sparked into life in the late 1980s by the rock-club of the Student Union of the Turku University. Its popularity spread like a blaze and nowadays it attracts around 70,000 visitors. Mostly pop and rock. }} * {{do | name=Aura Fest | alt= | url=http://www.aurafest.fi | email= | address= | lat=60.442576 | long=22.248648 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Annually in early August, 2023: 11–12 Aug | price=€90–200 | wikidata=Q25452937 | lastedit= | content= }} * {{do | name=Turku Music Festival | alt=Turun musiikkijuhlat | url=https://turunmusiikkijuhlat.fi/en | email=info@tmj.fi | address= | lat= | long= | directions=around Turku | phone=+358 2 262-0812 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Annually in August, 2023: 10–24 Aug | price= | wikidata=Q7855559 | lastedit=2018 | content=Large orchestral concerts, chamber music, recitals, jazz and outdoor events as well as experiences for the whole family. A variety of venues, both modern and historical, are imaginatively used. Turku Music Festival is the oldest continuously running festival in Finland, since 1960. }} * {{do | name=Seikkisrock | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.445103 | long=22.291159 | directions=Turku Adventure Park, Kupittaa | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Annually, 2023: 18–19 Sep | price= | wikidata=Q18661924 | content=A two-day festival, organized in early June since 1999, offers a wonderful entertainment for children of all ages and childlike persons. Over the years, numerous leading children´s music artists and special guests have had performances at Seikkisrock. The festival's main focus is on music, but there are also crafts and art workshops, plays, circus, magicians and dancers – not forgetting the bouncy castle. Non-governmental organizations are also involved in the event; they are presented to children in their own ”World village” with the themes of tolerance and sustainable development. The Adventure Park offers verdant, comfortable and stimulating environment for the Seikkisrock. Performances that take place at two stages and smaller shows throughout the area guarantee great and memorable festival experience. }} ====Expos==== [[File:Turkuhalli.jpg|thumb|Turku Hall, next to the Turku Fair and Congress Center, hosts number of big concerts and hockey tournaments.]] There's a great number of expos and fairs held in Turku annually. Most of the fairs take place outside the summer season in autumn and spring. Large part of these fairs take place in the {{marker|type=do|name=Turku Fair and Congress Center|lat=60.4540 | long=22.1845}}, which is a diverse setting for fairs, meetings, congresses and grand public events. * {{do | name=Turku Fine Art and Antique Fair | alt=Annually end of March, 18 to 19 March in 2017 | url= | email= | address=Turku Fair and Congress Center, Messukentänkatu 9-13 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Turku Fine Art and Antiques Fair is a premier trade event where a vast array of antiques and art are exhibited. More than 10,000 people visit the fair annually and witness how world renowned artists and antique collectors gather in this exhibition and showcase their art and antique collections. }} * {{do | name=Turku International Book Fair | alt=Beginning of October, 5-7 October in 2018 | url= | email= | address=Turku Fair and Congress Center, Messukentänkatu 9-13 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=The Turku International Book Fair is Finland’s oldest book fair. The Turku Fair and Congress Center hosts the annual event, which brings together visitors, program creators and exhibitors from all over Finland and abroad. The Turku Book Fair garners an abundance of praise and publicity thanks to its solid reputation, long history and cozy atmosphere. The mingling of visitors and exhibitors enables spontaneous encounters between authors and readers. The fair plays host to a variety of events, large and small. The first Turku Book Fair was held in 1990, and in 2012 an all-time record was set, with 25,000 people attending the fair. Each year, the Turku Book Fair selects one country as the special focus, in addition to a Finnish-focused theme. }} * {{do | name=Turku Food and Wine Fair | alt=Beginning of October, 5-7 October in 2018 | url= | email= | address=Turku Fair and Congress Center, Messukentänkatu 9-13 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Arranged at the same time as the Turku International Book Fair | price= | content=The Turku Food and Wine Fair is one of autumn’s highlights in the city. In October, thousands of food, wine and culture enthusiasts will gather at the Turku Fair and Congress Centre to find new products and services, experience new tastes, learn and shop. }} ====Sport events==== [[File:Kalevan Kisat 2011 Turussa (Finnish Championships in Athletics 2011 in Turku).jpg|thumb|Paavo Nurmi Stadium]] <!--* {{do | name=Women's Kuntovitonen 5km Run | alt= | url=http://www.kuntovitonen.fi/ | email=info@vitostapahtumat.fi | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 44-725-5055 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=End of May, 26 May in 2018; not arranged 2019 | price= | content=The Women's Kuntovitonen 5km run energizes the Turku Sports Park in May, when spring is in full bloom. Here the sweatbands are more fashionable then functional. In addition to the five or ten kilometer routes there will be star performers on stage, guided group aerobics and a diverse exhibition area and a play park to leave your children and spouse to spend the day while you enjoy yourself. }}--> * '''Watch football''' at [https://fcinter.fi/ FC Inter Turku]. They play soccer in Veikkausliiga, the top tier in Finland. Their home ground is Veritas Stadium, capacity 9400, in Kupitaa district east of town centre. They share it with [http://www.fc.tps.fi/ Turun Palloseura] or TPS, who yo-yo between the top and second tiers. * {{do | name=Paavo Nurmi Games | alt= | url=http://paavonurmigames.fi | email=info@paavonurmisports.fi | address= | lat=60.4427 | long=22.2603 | directions= | phone=+358 2 431-0812 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=June, 18 June in 2024 | price= | content=The first Paavo Nurmi Games was arranged in 1957 as a birthday present to Nurmi on his 60th birthday. During his career Nurmi took 9 Olympic Gold medals and was among the first athletes to be nominated in the IAAF Hall of Fame. The tradition has gone on ever since and the event is held every year at the Paavo Nurmi Stadium named after the legendary runner. Now a track & field classic, the Turku Paavo Nurmi Games are part of the EA Premium Permit circuit. }} * {{do | name=Paavo Nurmi Marathon | alt= | url=http://paavonurmimarathon.fi/en/ | email=info@paavonurmisports.com | address=Around central Turku and Ruissalo island | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 2 431-0811 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=17 august in 2019, 12:00– | price= | content=Paavo Nurmi was a Finnish runner who achieved 9 gold and 3 silver medals in the Olympic games during his career. He was born in Turku and is celebrated by a number of sporting events every year. One of the highlights is Paavo Nurmi Marathon, which is one of the leading running events in Finland. One can choose to participate in the full marathon, half marathon or a 10-km races. The total number of participants has been around 3500 runners annually. The beautiful route of the marathon showcases the most attractive sides of Turku from the shores of the river Aura to Ruissalo Island and back. Right after the start the runners pass by the famous Paavo Nurmi statue, sculpted by Turku born sculptor Wäinö Aaltonen. }} * {{do | name=Challenge Turku, Swim, bike and run | alt= | url=http://www.challengeturku.com | email=info@sbrfinland.com | address=Around central Turku and Ruissalo island | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10 to 11 August 2019 | price= | content=Want to provide yourself with a new kind of challenge? The triathlon is ideal for those looking for variation, because it includes swimming, cycling and running. }} * {{do | name=FightBack Run | alt= | url=http://fightbackrun.fi | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Saturday in beginning of September | price=Participants: €25, €0 for children < 10 years and the accessible route; after-run dinner €65 | lastedit=2022-09-03 | content=No-one in Finland is unaware of Pekka Hyysalo and his Fight Back charity project. Hyysalo, a young man from Turku, had his promising career as freestyle skier cut short after a serious head injury in 2010. Hyysalo fought his way from the hospital bed to get back on his feet, teaching his body to do everything from scratch, from eating to tying his shoelaces. In September 2014 he ran for the first time in the FightBack Run. The first FightBack Run had a distance of 2.6 km and the plan was to double the distance every year, for a full marathon in 2019. Now there is a 2.7 km circle route in the centre, along the river, to be run or walked as many times as you can during 2 hr. There is also a 300-m route for the mobility impaired. }} * {{do | name=Ruissalo races | alt= | url=http://www.ruissalojuoksut.fi | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=End of September, 21 September in 2019 | price= | content=The traditional Ruissalo races are organized on the end of September in the beautiful island of Ruissalo next to central Turku. The distances to choose from are half-marathon called "Ruisrääkki" and 10-km run "Ruisriikki". }} ==Learn== [[File:Turun hovioikeus.jpg|thumb|Academy House used to be the main building of the Turku Academy, but nowadays it houses the Turku Court of Appeal.]] Turku has a long academic history: Queen Christina of Sweden founded the first university of Finland in Turku in 1640. At that point it was only Sweden's third university following Uppsala University and the Academia Gustaviana in [[Tartu]]. Nowadays Turku is still a major academic town in Finland and because of this the city is bustling with students. Almost 20 per cent of Turku residents are students and many of them are exchange students or otherwise from abroad. The universities have many courses in English and some study programs targeted at exchange students, often in cooperation between the universities. Both universities are legal deposit repositories, which means they have everything of value printed in Finland since the 1920s, usually available at least for reading in both or either, if requested a day or a few in advance. Students can either rent on the private market or apply for a room or flat for students through the Student Village Foundation or, students at ÅAU, from its student union. Rents for the student rooms and flats are mostly in the range of €225–1,000/month, including heating, water, internet etc., and access to some communal facilities. Exchange student can borrow a set of basic utensils from the student unions. * {{listing | name=University of Turku | alt=Turun yliopisto | url=http://www.utu.fi/en/ | email= | address= | lat=60.4542 | long=22.2848 | directions= | phone=+358 2 333-51 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q501841 | content=The University of Turku is the second largest university in Finland only behind the University of Helsinki. It houses over 20,000 students in seven faculties: Humanities, Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Medicine, Law, Social Sciences, Education and Economics. It offers lectures for children and has an open university for anyone to role in. [http://www.utu.fi/en/units/open-university/Pages/home.aspx Turku Open University] offers several courses also in English. }} * {{listing | name=Åbo Akademi University | alt=Åbo Akademi | url=http://www.abo.fi/?lang=en | email=infowww@abo.fi | address= | lat=60.4510 | long=22.2775 | directions= | phone=+358 2 215-31 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q917874 | content=Åbo Akademi is the only Swedish-language university in Finland. It is at the forefront of research in such areas as biosciences, computer science, democracy, human rights, material sciences, process chemistry and psychology. It houses around 6,000 students, of which 1/7 are from abroad, and has special collections and museums for visitors to enjoy. Many courses are in English and there are several [https://www.abo.fi/en/study/study-abroad/exchange-students/ exchange programs]. ÅA also has an open university and is partner of [[Hanko#Hangö sommaruni|Hangö sommaruni]], together with i.a. Novia. }} * {{listing | name=Turku University of Applied Sciences | alt=Turun Ammattikorkeakoulu | url=http://www.tuas.fi/en/ | email=ammattikorkeakoulu@turkuamk.fi | address= | lat=60.4470 | long=22.2990 | directions= | phone=+358 2 330-000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7855557 | content=TUAS, one of the leading universities of applied sciences in Finland, hosts 9,500 students studying for a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. Its academies and faculties range from economics to art, technology, environment and healthcare. It also offers three English taught Bachelor's and two Master’s programmes as well as open studies for anyone willing to join. }} * {{listing | name=Novia University of Applied Sciences | alt=Novia | url=https://www.novia.fi/en/ | email=admissions@novia.fi | address=Henrikinkatu 7 | lat=60.453496 | long=22.280558 | directions= | phone=+358 6 328 5000 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Instruction in Swedish, with some courses and modules offered in English. Novia's campus in Turku offers courses in e.g. tourism, social services, design and maritime management. }} * {{listing | name=Turku City Library | alt=Turun kaupunginkirjasto, Åbo stadsbibliotek | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/turku-city-library | email=kaupunginkirjasto@turku.fi | address=Linnankatu 2 | lat=60.4504 | long=22.271 | directions=between Kauppatori and the cathedral | phone=+358 2 262-0624 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 09:00–20:00, Sa Su11:00–17::00 | price=Free | wikidata=Q4356997 | lastedit=2023-08-29 | content=Libraries could be boring in other cities, but not in Turku. Turku City Library is open every day and most city residents have taken to it as their second living room. The old and the architecturally distinguished new building also offer facilities for many events and exhibitions. Weekly sing-alongs and dances in the yard in summer. It is a great place to just chill, check e-mail (free Wi-Fi; "15 min" computers available without library card), charge one's phone (USB-C/-mini/Iphone), read a newspaper (quite some foreign ones available), have a coffee or lunch at the inner courtyard's restaurant (or own snacks at a specific table by the newspapers) or enjoy a book from the wide selection of foreign language literature. }} ==Buy== [[File:Turku Car-free zone.jpg|thumb|Yliopistonkatu next to the Market Square is a pedestrian zone; there are a variety of services in it]] There are plenty of opportunities to part with your cash in Turku. The city centre is full of major retail and independent shops. Shopping in Turku is generally more affordable than in Helsinki, but, as with the rest of Finland, it is by no means cheap by international standards. The numerous second-hand and antique stores represent a unique shopping alternative. If arriving in the night, there are grocery stores that are open 24 hr daily (except perhaps some holidays), including Citymarket Kupittaa and some K-market and Sale stores (in or near the centre). Some more grocery stores are open to 23:00 or 24:00, most close 21:00 or 22:00, often earlier in the weekend. ===Money=== Getting cash is rarely a problem, as ATM's ("Otto") are common around the centre and they can be operated with international credit and debit cards (Visa, Visa Electron, MasterCard, Maestro). Currencies other than the euro are generally ''not'' accepted, but at least the Swedish krona is accepted on the ferries from Sweden, and the Stockmann department store accepts the krona, dollars and pounds. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but know your PIN and be prepared to show your passport or ID card. Some stalls at Kauppatori accept only cash, and you may be out of luck with cards also at some small-business stalls at temporary markets. Most bank offices do not handle money exchange. * {{buy | name=Forex Bank | alt= | url=https://www.forex.fi/en | email= | address=Eerikinkatu 13 | lat=60.4496 | long=22.2633 | directions=by Kauppatori | phone=+358 2 251-8620 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 10:00–17:30 Sa 09:30–17:00 Su closed | price= | content=The most convenient place to change currencies in most situations, unless you can use ATMs. However, rates can be bad even for big currencies. }} As a rule, '''tipping''' is never necessary, although appreciated by some service personnel (see [[Finland#Tipping]]). Cloakrooms (''narikka'') in nightclubs, theatres and better restaurants often have ''non-negotiable'' fees (usually clearly signposted, €2 is standard), and – in the few hotels that employ them – hotel porters will expect around the same per bag. ===Traditional shopping=== [[File:Lounashetki Turun kauppahallissa.jpg|thumb|Turku Market Hall]] * {{buy | name=Market Square | alt=Kauppatori | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.4516 | long=22.2671 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 07:00–18:00, Sa 07:00–15:00; best in summer before 14:00, when most farmers leave | price= | wikidata=Q4411397 | content=The centre point of Turku's commercial centre is, without a doubt, the market square, with its market and surrounding shopping centres, department stores and independent shops. The market square itself has been a popular shopping and meeting place and an authentic tourist attraction – locals dominate and many do some of their grocery shopping here. Have a coffee and watch the scene, or buy groceries from the stalls of many local producers (those with just a bench sell their own, those selling from trailers are mostly selling produce of others, although e.g. a few fish stands buy from local fishermen or sell own catch). If you are on a budget, check the units, as no per kg prices are required. In 2018–2022, a parking cave was being built under the square, but the market activity and most bus stops have returned. }} * {{buy | name=Turku Market Hall | alt=Kauppahalli | url=http://www.kauppahalli.fi/en/ | email= | address=Eerikinkatu 16 | lat=60.4497 | long=22.2661 | directions=50 metres from Kauppatori downstream along the Eerikinkatu | phone=+358 2 262-4126 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 08:00–18:00, Sa 08:00–16:00 | price= | wikidata=Q10726161 | content=Completed in 1896, the Turku Market Hall brings a delightful atmosphere reminiscent of times gone by. The old and new meet in the corridors. The market hall, which extends the length of an entire block, was designed by architect Gustaf Nyström. There are traditional meat and fish counters, delicatessen and speciality shops, bread, milk and cheese shops as well as restaurants and cafés. Stop by the fish shop S. Wallin, try some reindeer meat from Poronlihan erikoisliike Heinonen or buy some cheese at Juustopuoti. Have a coffee and cake in Aschan Blue Train café or shop for souvenirs at the nostalgic Wanha Turku Kauppa (''Old Turku Store''). There is also a great lunch court at the market hall, where you can choose to eat either ethnic or domestic food. }} ===Shopping centres=== [[File:Turku Hansa panorama.jpg|thumb|View inside the Hansa Shopping Centre]] * {{buy | name=Forum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.4506 | long=22.2679 | directions=adjacent to Kauppatori, the block towards the river | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Smaller than Hansa, with less mainstream shops. Local design and even second hand. }} * {{buy | name=Hansa | alt= | url=https://hansakortteli.fi/en/in-english/ | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 20 | lat=60.4507 | long=22.2644 | directions=adjacent to Kauppatori, on the downstream side | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M–F 07:00–21:00, Sa 07:30–19:30, Su 10:00–19:00 | price= | content=More than 150 shops found under one roof, Turku’s oldest and largest shopping centre with a number of specialist shops, including some nice Finnish design brands, and the classy department store Stockmann. A number of cafés and restaurants. }} * {{buy | name=KOP-Kolmio | alt= | url=http://www.kop-kolmio.fi | email= | address=Aurakatu 8 | lat=60.4503 | long=22.2665 | directions=adjacent to Kauppatori, across the street from Hansa | phone=+358 2 6516-6680 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 10:00–20:00, Sa 10:00–18:00, Su 12:00–16:00 | price= | content=KOP-Kolmio is a smaller shopping centre. It offers mostly fashion stores and a few cosy cafés. Also the Föli customer service, combined with Turku social services etc. The building is mostly home to companies, on the upper floors of the building, including the local branch of ''Yleisradio (YLE)'', Finland's national broadcast company. }} * {{buy | name=Mylly | alt= | url=http://www.kauppakeskusmylly.fi | email= | address=Myllynkatu 1–99 | lat=60.4906 | long=22.2010 | directions=in [[Raisio]], 10 min drive from Turku centre; 30–40 min by bus line 300 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 10:00–21:00, Sa 09:00–18:00, Su 12:00–18:00 | price= | content=A hundred shops, cafés and restaurants. Free play area and childcare points. Consistent opening hours across all stores (except Alko and office services). Plenty of parking. }} * {{buy | name=Skanssi | alt= | url=http://www.skanssi.fi | email= | address=Skanssinkatu 10 | lat=60.4300 | long=22.3230 | directions=4 km from the city centre, 20 minutes by bus line 9 towards Vaala | phone=+358 40-195-3742 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 08:00–21:00, Sa 08:00–18:00, Su 12:00–18:00 | price= | content=Ninety special stores, a hypermarket, a wide variety of cafés and restaurants, an indoor playground, dog sitting service and underground parking. }} ===Department stores=== [[File:Stockmann Department Store in Turku.jpg|thumb|The department store Stockmann in central Turku]] * {{buy | name=Stockmann | alt= | url=https://stockmann.com/fi | email= | address= | lat=60.4507 | long=22.2628 | directions=in the Hansa shopping centre | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 09:00–20:00, Sa 09:00–19:00, Su 11:00–18:00 | price= | content=Regarded a bit upmarket, Stockmann has products from top fashion to electronics, including Finnish design brands like Arabia, Iittala, Marimekko and Aarikka. There is also a visitor centre which provides advice and help on tax-free purchases and buying tickets to events and venues. Opposite to the department store in the shopping centre is the bookshop Akateeminen Kirjakauppa, formerly part of Stockmann like the excellent supermarket in the basement. There is also a café with great lunch. }} * {{buy | name=Wiklund | alt= | url=https://www.s-kanava.fi/toimipaikka/sokos-wiklund-turku/501019327 | email= | address=Eerikinkatu 11 | lat=60.4517 | long=22.2688 | directions=by Kauppatori | phone=+358 10-76-5020 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 08:00–21:00, Sa 09:00–20:00, Su 11:00-18:00 | price= | content=Wiklund offers women's and men's fashion, beauty, home and children, outdoor activities and exercise, as well as entertainment. Department store services are complemented by the Café Wiklund, a hair salon, Alko wine and alcohol store, pharmacy, shoemaker and Eurokangas fabric store. }} ===Design=== [[File:Turku design bag.jpg|thumb|This design bag asks in Swedish "Varför Paris, vi har ju Åbo" ''(Why Paris, when we have Turku)'']] National brands, such as [https://www.finlayson.fi Finlayson], [https://www.iittala.com Iittala] and [https://www.marimekko.com/eu_en/ Marimekko]{{Dead link|date=June 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}, are found in most department stores, although they also have their own shops. Marimekko has shops in the shopping centres of Hansa, Mylly and Skanssi. * {{buy | name=Baobab Kids and lifestyle | alt= | url= | email=baobab.baby@gmail.com | address=Yliopistonkatu 11 | lat=60.45360 | long=22.26986 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 10:00–17:00, Sa 10:00–15:00 | price= | content=Baobab Kids & lifestyle is a shop aimed for families with children. Their products range from kids clothing from 56cm up to 128cm, a selection of pregnancy clothing, nostalgic wooden toys, retro bags and backpacks, as well as some lovely gifts. }} * {{buy | name=Casagrande | alt= | url=https://casagrande.fi/ | email=info@casagrande.fi | address=Linnankatu 9-11 | lat=60.45019 | long=22.26917 | directions=at Forum Kortteli | phone=+358 2 231 4693 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 10:00–18:00, Sa 10:00–16:00 | price= | content=A toy store with a comprehensive selection, selling everything from traditional toys to puzzles, craft tools and fun children's costumes. Founded in 1912 by the Italian-born Antonio Casagrande, the family business is today one of the oldest toy stores in the country. }} * {{buy | name=Idea Estradi | alt= | url=http://www.ideaestradi.fi/index.htm | email= | address=Humalistonkatu 4 | lat=60.44954 | long=22.26030 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 10:00–17:00, Sa 11:00–14:00 | price= | content=Idea Estradi sells only Finnish handmade products: interior decoration, business gift, souvenirs, jewellery, bags, candles, ceramics and glass products, paintings, soft toys, textiles, towels, cards, and everything else you can think of to need from a handicrafts shop. }} * {{buy | name=Joutomaa | alt= | url=http://joutomaassa.blogspot.fi | email= | address=Kellonsoittajankatu 8 | lat=60.44775 | long=22.28549 | directions=between the cathedral and Kupittaa | phone=+358 50-362-8003 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–F 11:00–17:00 | price= | content=Joutomaa (literally meaning ''Wasteland'') is a small and funny gift shop, which is full of lovely hand-made treasures for yourself or for a friend. Most of the design products are made by the owner Reetta Isotupa-Siltanen, who is specially famous for her cards and prints, which combine old gloss photos which she has found and prints made by herself. She also has a great online store. }} * {{buy | name=Niinmun Design | alt= | url=https://www.niinmun.fi | email=info@niinmun.fi | address=Eerikinkatu 13 | lat=60.4506 | long=22.2663 | directions=by Hansa | phone=+358 40-756-1567 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 10:00–18:00 Sa 10:00–16:00 Su 12:00–16:00 | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-07-29 | content=Women's clothing and accessories, timeless design inspired by the archipelago. The clothes are mostly sewn in Finland, most fabrics woven in Europe. }} * {{buy | name=Punainen Norsu | alt=Red Elephant | url=http://www.punainennorsu.com/en | email=info@punainennorsu.com | address=Forum shopping centre| lat=60.44999 | long=22.24741 | directions= | phone=+358 44-501-1510 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 11:00–18:00, Sa 11:00–15:00 | price= | content=Punainen Norsu (''Red Elephant'') is a children's clothing line originating from Turku. All the colourful and graphic clothes are made mostly from recycled materials. }} * {{buy | name=Sylvi Salonen | alt= | url=http://www.sylvisalonen.fi | email=info@sylvisalonen.fi | address=Linnankatu 14 | lat=60.44910 | long=22.26689 | directions=one block from Kauppatori, near the back entrance of the Qwensel house | phone=+358 20-766-0830 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This boutique is in an old stall building of the 1880s in central Turku. It was founded in 1928 by Sylvi Salonen, who started selling her own embroidery designs. Nowadays Sylvi Salonen still offers a wide selection of embroidery and handwork accessories but also high quality gifts and trendy home décor items, Finnish handicrafts, Home décor and Scandinavian design. Also a versatile range of tableware accessories, candles and lanterns. }} * {{buy | name=Televisio Lifestyle Store | alt= | url=http://www.televisioon.fi | email=info@televisioon.fi | address=Hämeenkatu 32 | lat=60.4481 | long=22.2712 | directions= | phone=+358 2 231-0400 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-F 11:00–19:00, Sa 11:00–16:00 | price= | content=Near the east end of the Aura Bridge, in a secluded courtyard, you'll find a personal boutique offering a wide selection of clothes, shoes, bags, hats, jewellery, accessories and little bit of art as well. Everything in store is from young Finnish and Nordic designers. }} ===Vintage=== * {{buy | name=VintagEija`s | alt= | url=http://www.vintageijas.com | email=eija.mannila@kolumbus.fi | address=Maariankatu 10 | lat=60.4540 | long=22.2666 | directions=a few blocks from the Market Square | phone=+358 50-574-6034 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–F 12:00–18:00, Sa 11:00–14:00 | price= | content=VintagEija's sells gift, vintage wear and accessories, specializing in American style vintage. There is a rockabilly and burlesque atmosphere in this small boutique, with clothing from 1940s, 50s and 60s. In addition they sell new garment which have been made in the style of vintage for both men and women. }} * {{buy | name=Boutique Minne | alt= | url=http://www.boutiqueminne.com | email=info@boutiqueminne.com | address=Kaskenkatu 2 | lat=60.44781 | long=22.27122 | directions= | phone=+358 50-516-6124 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=W–F 11:00–17:30 | price= | content=Boutique Minne, in the Kaskenmäki Hill in central Turku, is a small boutique and sewing workshop selling and making women's vintage clothing. Minne's range includes lovely vintage dresses and new production of bridal and formal wear for women. You'll also find new and old accessories, jewellery, local arts and crafts, and unique design. }} ===Record stores=== * {{buy | name=8raita | alt= | url=http://www.8raita.fi/shop/ | email=shop@8raita.fi | address=Yliopistonkatu 11 | lat=60.45409 | long=22.27258 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 10:00–19:00, Sa 10:00–17:00 | price= | content=8raita sells all kinds of records ranging from second-hand CDs and LPs to music DVDs and other products. It also has a good online-store and staff that can give you great recommendations. }} * {{buy | name=Iki-Pop | alt= | url=http://www.ikipop.fi/ | email=joska@ikipop.inet.fi | address=Linnankatu 7 | lat=60.45070 | long=22.27066 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This personal tiny record store, opposite the Main City Library, sells second-hand CDs and LPs, but the main focus is on vinyl. This is a real haven for those who like to dig through loads of old goodies and find the one you've been looking everywhere. }} ==Eat== {{quote|''Varför Paris, vi har ju Åbo!''<br/>"Why Paris, we have Turku!"|author=Quote from a Swedish journalist}} Turku and other parts of [[Finland Proper]] are home to the more western influenced Finnish cuisine, which has features, especially from Sweden, Denmark and Germany. The long traditions of farming and fishing in the area have contributed to the local food culture. Fish, especially herring – the regional fish of Finland Proper – has been at the heart of the region's culinary traditions for centuries. It is eaten all year round salted, fried, grilled and smoked. In addition, perch, whitefish and pike are often used. You must also remember to try the famous raisin sausage, a regional speciality which you can buy for example from the Market Hall. Another regional speciality is the sweet malt bread from the archipelago: ''skärgårdslimpa''. As a dessert enjoy a good cup of coffee together with ''pulla'' (cinnamon roll) or ''Piispanmunkki'' ("Bishops Doughnut"), as people here call the traditional North German pastry ''Berliner''. Lunch offers, meals at kebab-pizzerias and fast food meals (including drinks and chips) usually cost €8.50–12.50. Simpler proper restaurant meals of some simple pasta, a soup or a salad, with water or a soft drink, are usually around €10–20. For meals with a high-grade steak and good wine, expect to pay at least €30–60. Proper restaurants are often open until 22:00, with the kitchen closing at 21:00. Some restaurants keep the bar open until later in the night. Fast food chains and some kebab-pizzerias, grills and other such places are open later at night, some as late as 03:00–05:00. ===Lunch and brunch=== [[File:Aboa Vetus Ars Nova, kesäterassi.jpg|thumb|Summer terrace at the Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova courtyard.]] [[File:Kåren 2017 studentkaféet.jpg|thumb|The lunch café Kåren]] Most restaurants have offers of €8.50–12.50 at lunch time, mostly at least weekdays 11:00–14:00. There are also lunch restaurants or cafés serving meals only at lunch time, including student cafés and lunch restaurants for big workplaces, often having a very affordable price also for outsiders. For the student cafés some timing may be needed to avoid long queues (don't try them 11:30–12:30). A few student restaurants serve cheap lunch also later or in the weekend. The department stores Wiklund and Stockman have family friendly cafés that can come handy. * {{eat | name=Amica Mäntymäki | alt= | url=https://www.amica.fi/ravintolat/ravintolat-kaupungeittain/turku/mantymaki/ | email=ravintokeskus.mantymaki@amica.fi | address=Luolavuorentie 2 | lat=60.439415 | long=22.275665 | directions=K-floor | phone=+358 40-482-8556 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 10:30–13:30 | price=€10.15, dessert €1.00 | lastedit=2022-06-08 | content=The staff restaurant at the main health station, which is also open to outsiders. }} * {{eat | name=Elvina Café | alt= | url=http://www.elvina.fi | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 15 | lat=60.45292 | long=22.26801 | directions=near Kauppatori | phone=+358 2 536-8502 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 09:00–18:00, Sa 11:00–15:00 | price= | content=In a 1920s building, seeking an atmosphere of that time. Lunch and café products. }} * {{eat | name=Fontana Café | alt= | url=https://www.fontana.fi/?lang=en | email= | address=Aurakatu 1 | lat=60.44962 | long=22.26859 | directions=opposite the city hall and tourist office near Aura bridge | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 10:00–22:00, F 10:00–23:00, Sa 11:00–00:00, Su 12:00–20:00 (brunch served 12:00–16:00) | price= | content=Fresh products from own bakery. Bar opens in the evening. Popular brunch in weekends. }} * {{eat | name=Honkapirtti | alt= | url=http://www.honkapirtti.fi | email=info@honkapirtti.fi | address=Albert Ravilan raitti | lat=60.42856 | long=22.14769 | directions=Ruissalo island | phone=+358 44-756-7922 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 11:00–17:00, Sa Su 10:00–17:00 | price= | content=East Karelian-style large cabin, since decades a stopping point for people enjoying the nature on the island. Unpretentious lunch consisting of traditional pea soup and delicious pancakes. Its coffee table also has a range of traditional delicacies, cakes and pies. }} * {{eat | name=Kaarea TYKS U restaurant | alt= | url=https://kaarea.fi/ | email=asiakaspalvelu@kaarea.fi | address=Kiinamyllynkatu 4 | lat=60.453379 | long=22.289324 | directions= | phone=+358 20 764 9850 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 10:30–-13:30 | price=€7.55–€9.15 | lastedit=2022-06-08 | content=Staff restaurant in the U building of Turku University Hospital, also open to outsiders. Sale of surplus food after lunch 13:30–13:40. }} * {{eat | name=PullaPuoti | alt= | url=http://www.pullapuoti.fi | email= | address=Puistokatu 3 | lat=60.44589 | long=22.25407 | directions= | phone=+358 2 236-2121 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 08:00–17:00 | price= | content=Close to the Turku Police Station and Hostel Turku. Pastries, snack foods, coffee and filled sandwiches and cakes. For lunch you can choose a soup, salad, pan pizza or pasta. Assortment of gluten-free products. }} * {{eat | name=Teboil Herkku | alt= | url=https://www.tbherkku.fi/ravintola/ | email=turku.rautatehtaankatu@huoltoasemat.teboil.fi | address=Rautatehtaankatu 1 | lat=60.4497729 | long=22.1989227 | directions= | phone=+358 10 583 9900 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 10:30-16:00, Sa 11:00-16:00 | price=€10.70 | lastedit=2020-10-13 | content=Home cooking styled lunch and dessert. }} * {{eat | name=Unica Restaurants | alt= | url=http://www.unica.fi/en/ | email= | address=Rehtoripellonkatu 4 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 2 232-5444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Outsiders: €9 | content=Unica, owned by the Student Union of the University of Turku, has several student restaurants around the campus area behind Turku Cathedral. }} ** {{eat | name=Assarin ullakko and Brygge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rehtorinpellonkatu 3 | lat=60.4543 | long=22.2873 | directions=below the university hill on the Kupittaa side; own entrances, upstairs | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M–F 10:30–20:00 Sa 10:30–18:00 Su 12:00–16:00; Brygge bar W–Th 18:00–21:00 F 18:00–22:00 Sa 16:00–22:00 | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-12-08 | content=In the student union's house. }} * {{eat | name=ÅAS student cafés | alt=Gadolinia Kb | url=https://www.karkafeerna.fi/en/lunch | email=anne.peltonen@abo.fi | address=Hämeenkatu 22 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 2 215-3703 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Lunch for outsiders: €8.50 | image=Kåren, Åbo.jpg | lastedit=1018 | content=Cafés of the student union of ÅA. Decent everyday food. }} ** {{eat | name=Arken | alt= | url= | email= | address=Fabriksgatan 2 | lat=60.4571 | long=22.2791 | directions=near Piispankatu on a cross street, in the yard | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M–Th 08:00–15.30 F 08:00–15:00; lunch 11:00–15:00, F 11:00–14:30; open also in summer | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-12-08 | content=In the main Humanities building of ÅA, a renovated former iron manufacture. The cuisine has a tad more foreign influences than at most of the student restaurants. }} ** {{eat | name=Aurum | alt= | url= | email= | address=Henriksgatan 2 | lat=60.4548 | long=22.2824 | directions=ground floor, main entrance, to the right | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M–Th 07:30–18:00 F 07:30–14:30 Sa 12:00–15:00; lunch M–Th 10:30–18:00 F 10:30–14.30 Sa 12:00–15:00 | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-12-08 | content=In a big 2020s university building, shared between ÅA and TY, with science and technology. }} ** {{eat | name=Kåren | alt= | url= | email= | address=Tavastgatan 22 | lat=60.4496 | long=22.2761 | directions=across Hämeenkatu from the Old Great Square quartier; main entrance, upstairs | phone= | tollfree= | hours=11:00–14:00 | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-12-08 | content=The student union's house, by famous architect Erik Bryggman, with office, banquet hall and student housing in addition to the lunch restaurant, which usually is quiet except at noon – which allows a slightly more home-made touch, e.g. the bread is often their own. The house is also an event venue, and there is a private bar and grill restaurant on the ground floor: Suntti. }} ===Budget=== [[File:Hesburger hamburger.jpg|thumb|Hesburger originates in Turku, and is the largest hamburger restaurant chain in Finland.]] [[File:Beef Kung Po at restaurant Kiinanmuuri in Turku.jpg|thumb|right|Beef Kung Po at Kiinanmuuri]] : ''For lunch, see [[#Lunch and brunch|Lunch and brunch]] above.'' Pizzerias are frequently cheap kebab-pizzerias, offering kebab, falafel and pizza. There are a lot of these in the centre, and eateries in the suburbs are often this kind. Unfortunately, the restaurants offering the finest kebabs are in the suburbs. Prices are comparable to the lunch offers of other restaurants; their own lunch offers are usually limited to including coffee or offering more options at their lower prices. [https://www.kotipizza.fi Kotipizza] is a slightly more expensive non-immigrant chain, primarily for take-away. There are also pizza restaurants in the mid-range or splurge categories, offering quite another experience. [http://www.hesburger.com Hesburger] is the dominant hamburger chain in Finland, leaving McDonald's and Burger King as marginal players, and it is especially popular in Turku, where it was founded and still is based. It is almost hard not to pass one when walking around the city centre; you'll find four Hesburgers just around the Kauppatori area. The company is still run by the family that started it in the 1960s. And ask any of the locals: Hesburger burgers really do taste better! If you are in a hurry you can order the food through their mobile app. There are still some grill kiosks, for a smaller quick meal, primarily sausage, hot dog, ''makkaraperunat'', ''lihapiirakka'', or hamburger. * {{eat | name=Kiinanmuuri | alt=Great Wall of China | url=http://www.chinamarket.fi/kiinanmuuri/index.php | email=peng@chinamarket.fi | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Kiinanmuuri is one of the best Chinese restaurants in Turku. Even though it's usually crowded around noon, decorations are outdated and it seems a bit suspicious, their food is superb. All the ingredients are very fresh and the portions are usually huge. Lunchtime service is really fast. If you're extra hungry or wish to survive a couple of days on one portion, try the take away to get even larger portions. }} ** {{eat | name= | alt= | url= | email= | address=Sirkkalankatu 27 | lat=60.44523 | long=22.27496 | directions= | phone=+358 2 233-5968 | tollfree= | hours=Lunch 11:00–15:00 | price= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ** {{eat | name= | alt= | url= | email= | address=Vähä-Hämeenkatu 1 | lat=60.4524 | long=22.2878 | directions= | phone=+358 2 250-2888 | tollfree= | hours=M–Th 10:30–21:00 F 10:30–22:00 Sa 12:00–22:00 Su 12:00–21:00; lunch M–F 10:30–16:00 Sa 12:00–17:00 | price=Lunch buffet €11.50 | lastedit=2023-01-11 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Kortteliravintola Kerttu | alt=Quarter Restaurant Kerttu | url=https://www.kerttu.fi/ | email= | address=Läntinen pitkäkatu 35 | lat=60.45388 | long=22.25704 | directions=near the railway station | phone=+358 2 250-6990 | tollfree= | hours=M–Th 10:30–23:00, F 10:30–00:00, Sa 12:00–00:00 | price= | content=Kerttu is a popular quarter restaurant with a reasonably priced menu for both omni- and herbivores. Kerttu is very popular amongst students, and there is even a laundromat in the restaurant for visitors to use, while they are enjoying their meals. On weekends they have a special hamburger buffet, that is very popular among locals. Staff is very friendly and welcoming. }} ** {{eat | name=Rantakerttu | alt= | url=http://www.rantakerttu.fi | email= | address=Läntinen rantakatu 55 | lat=60.44050 | long=22.24486 | directions=close to the ''Föri'' ferry | phone=+358 2 258-8000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M 11:00-15:00, Tu–Th 11:00–22:00, F 11:00–23:00, Sa 12:00–23:00, Su 12:00–18:00 | price= | content=Kortteliravintola Kerttu's sister restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Latte Café and Gourmand | alt= | url=http://www.lattecafe.biz | email= | address=Eerikinkatu 37 | lat=60.4462 | long=22.2533 | directions= | phone=+358 449-756-699 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 10:00–17:00, Sa–Su during events | price= | content=Sweet little café, which also serves very inexpensive lunch. Huge list of different coffees from every corner of the earth (to be drank or bought). Menu includes toasts, paninis, salads, and bagels. No need to go to a restaurant because of hunger because the sizes of these foods are big. Atmosphere is very relaxing thanks to jazz and Latin sounds and warm colours. If you feel like you want more privacy, you can go to the back room and sit on the cosy couch. And during summer you can also sit outside. }} * {{eat | name=Mantun grilli | alt= | url= | email= | address=Olavintie 2 | lat=60.4478 | long=22.2705 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=W–Su evening-small hours | price=€3–13 | lastedit=2024-10-20 | content=Traditional Finnish grill kiosk, otherwise a dying breed. No proper meals, but long list of hot dogs, burgers, meat pies & al. Expect a queue in the night. }} * {{eat | name=Rax Buffet | alt= | url=http://www.rax.fi | email= | address=Aurakatu 12 | lat=60.45122 | long=22.26536 | directions= | phone=+358 20-766-4911 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 11:00–20:00, F 11:00–21:00, Sa 11:00–19:00, Su 12:00–19:00 | price=Lunch €12, off lunch hours €14, weekends €16; children 3–6 years €5, 7–11 years €9 | content=Chain. Offers an all-you-can-eat style buffet that includes pizza, barbecue food, salads, ice cream and soft-drinks. Good option if you feel like really filling your stomach for a long time inexpensively. }} * {{eat | name=Taco Nito | alt= | url=https://www.taconito.fi/ | email= | address=Aurakatu 3 | lat=60.45013 | long=22.26778 | directions= | phone=+358 40-653-3112 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Around €10 | content=Owned by Mexican brothers, Taco Nito serves simple but very tasty finger food. Corn, meat, salsa, beans, chili and avocado are cornerstones of the food. Restaurant has continuously had good feedback from customers and has relatively low prices. }} * {{eat | name=Yasukon Keittiö | alt=Yasuko's Kitchen | url=http://www.yasukonkeittio.com | email=yasuko@yasukonkeittio.com | address=Yliopistonkatu 26 C (second floor) | lat=60.45012 | long=22.26080 | directions= | phone=+358 440-335-507 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Yasuko's kitchen is a tiny Japanese restaurant that serves everyday home cooked Japanese meals, and some sushi and other more common dishes. Everything is well-prepared and the atmosphere in the restaurant is very authentic. Yasuko's seats less than 20 people, but more than 10 customers mean you might have to wait for your food, but it's worth it. }} ===Mid-range=== [[File:Meal at restaurant Harald in Turku.jpg|thumb|Meal at restaurant Harald in Turku.]] * {{eat | name=Delhi Darbar | alt= | url=http://delhidarbar.fi | email=ravintola@delhidarbar.fi | address=Hämeenkatu 8 | lat=60.45189 | long=22.28305 | directions= | phone=+358 2 233-3988 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 10:30–22:00, F 10:30–23:00, Sa 12:00–23:00, Su 12:00–22:00 | price= | content=Excellent and authentic Indian food. Short walk from the Cathedral. }} * {{eat | name=Kado Sushi | alt= | url=http://www.kadosushi.fi | email=info@kadosushi.fi | address=Inside the Market Hall, Eerikinkatu 16 | lat=60.44940 | long=22.26658 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= M–F 11:00–18:00, Sa 11:00–16:00 | price= | content= Kado sushi combines the wholesome delicacies with aesthetic pleasures, all prepared using fresh ingredients. Japanese cuisine. }} * {{eat | name=Kobe sushi | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/KOBESUSHIRAVINTOLA/ | email= | address=Martinkatu 3 | lat=60.4433 | long=22.2570 | directions=20 minute walk from city centre or by bus line 9 | phone=+358 44 9877251 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–F 11:00-21:00, Sa Su 12:00–21:00 | price=Buffet €13 | lastedit=2018-03-19 | content=Authentic Japanese food. }} * {{eat | name=Pinella | alt= | url=http://www.pinella.fi | email=varaukset.turku@viatribunali.fi | address=Vanha Suurtori 2 | lat=60.45121 | long=22.27488 | directions= | phone=+358 50-554-3733 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 11:00–20:30, F 11:00–22:00, Sa 12:00–22:00, Su 12:00–20:00 | price=€15–20, lunch €12.50 | lastedit=2022-12-10 | content=Pinella is a landmark building on the river. It is now a Via Tribunali chain pizzeria, serving Neapolitan-style pizzas. }} * {{eat | name=Pippurimylly | alt=Pepper Mill | url=http://pippurimylly.fi/ | email= | address=Stålarminkatu 2 | lat=60.43905 | long=22.25935 | directions=behind the Sports Park | phone=+358 2 277-3350| tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 11:00–23:00, Sa 12:00–23:00, Su 12:00–21:00, kitchen closes 1 hour before closing time | price= | content=Pippurimylly ''(Pepper Mill)'' is a traditional family-owned restaurant that has served locals for decades, and little has changed – nostalgia! It uses Finnish products and is well known for its steaks. }} * {{eat | name=Sergio's | alt= | url=http://www.sergio.fi | email=ravintola@sergio.fi | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 27 | lat=60.44696 | long=22.26216 | directions= | phone=+358 20-769-8585 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= M–F 16:00–23:00, Sa 13:00–23:00 | price= | content=Authentic Italian restaurant in a 1787 wooden house by the river. Most of the ingredients are imported from Italy. Also, as a rule, the staff is Italian, but the service is of course also in Finnish and English. Pizzas, pasta, fish, meat, risottos, vegetarian dishes and Italian desserts. Good wine selection as well. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Trattoria Romana | alt= | url= | email= | address=Hämeenkatu 9 | lat=60.45182 | long=22.28137 | directions= | phone=+358 2 251-9554 | tollfree= | hours=A la carte Tu–F 14:00–23:00, Sa 13:00–23:00, Su 13:00–20:00 (kitchen closes 1 hr earlier); lunch Tu–F 11:00–14:30 | price=Lunch €13 | lastedit=2024-04-19 | content=Authentic Italian trattoria, owned and run by Italians. Excellent value for money. Often crowded. }} * {{eat | name=Viking Restaurant Harald | alt=Viikinkiravintola Harald | url=http://www.ravintolaharald.fi | email=turku@ravintolaharald.fi | address=Aurakatu 3 | lat=60.45002 | long=22.26800 | directions=between Kauppatori and Auransilta bridge | phone=+358 44-766-8204 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M 12:00–23:00 Th–F 12:00–24:00, Sa 12:00–01:00, Su 15:00–22:00 | price=€18–50, children €9–12; lunch from €12.50 | lastedit=2018-06-17 | content=Quasi-authentic with furs on the walls and rustic furniture, with some humour. Good food with surprising combinations, such as jam or berries with the main courses. Perhaps the way the Vikings had it, but never mind if not. Toilets called Harald (gents) and Helga (ladies). }} ===Splurge=== [[File:Turku cafe.jpg|thumb|Most of the restaurants, cafés and bars have outdoor terraces during the summer season.]] The biggest concentration of top restaurants is along the river, at the right bank downstream from the cathedral bridge. Others are scattered around, such as Kaskis, which got a Michelin star in 2022. * {{eat | name=E. Ekblom | alt= | url=https://www.eekblom.fi | email=info@eekblom.fi | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 3 | lat=60.44978 | long=22.27157 | directions= | phone=+358 2 536-9445 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=W Th 17:00–23:00, F Sa 17:00–01:00 | price= | content=Comfortable high quality wine restaurant. Its carefully selected wines offer wide variety with seasonal changes. In a beautiful, respectfully renovated premises on two floors. Kitchen offers sweet and savoury delicacies to accompany the wine, while the summer terrace has great views towards the river. }} * {{eat | name=Gustavo | alt= | url=http://gustavo.fi | email=info@gustavo.fi | address=Linnankatu 1 | lat=60.4525 | long=22.2743 | directions=Vähätori, next to the bridge |image=Gustavon terassi.jpg | phone=+358 46-922-2488 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Th–F 11:00–14:00 and 17:00–22:00, Sa 15:00–22:00 | price= | lastedit=2018-03-19 | content=Mediterranean kitchen with a Scandinavian twist. Tip: gather a few Portuguese pinchos with pizza and share with your friends. Do not hesitate to ask anything that surprises you, staff is very kind and helpful. Gustavo also imports wines of its own. }} * {{eat | name=Kaskis | alt= | url=http://kaskis.fi | email=info@kaskis.fi | address=Kaskenkatu 6 A | lat=60.44672 | long=22.27265 | directions= | phone=+358 44-723-0200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–Th 16:00–23:00, F Sa 16:00–00:00, Su M closed | price= | content=Named after its location on the Kaskenmäki hill, Kaskis was opened in 2014 by three friends. Fine dining influenced especially by Southern European, Scandinavian and Asian kitchens. Michelin star. Try to book your table well in advance, busy times are outsold months before. }} * {{eat | name=Mami | alt= | url=http://www.mami.fi | email=mami@mami.fi | address=Linnankatu 3 | lat=60.45174 | long=22.27335 | directions=Vähätori | phone=+358 2 231-1111 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–F lunch 11:00–15:00, à la carte 17:00–22:00, Sa à la carte 13:00–22:00, Su M closed | price=Lunch €10–25 | content=The tiny Mami is considered one of the best restaurants in Turku. It has relaxed service, carefully prepared food and a comfortable and modern environment. The summer terrace offers the most beautiful views. They also serve a great lunch. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Samppalinna | alt= | url= | email=info@ravintolasamppalinna.fi | address=Itäinen Rantakatu 10 | lat=60.44745 | long=22.26835 | directions= | phone=+358 10-764-5391 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Summer only | price= | content=Restaurant Samppalinna (opened in 1832) is a spectacular wooden villa in the park, with terraces towards the river. For lovers of good food, drink and theatre. }} * {{eat | name=Roster | alt= | url=https://rosterturku.com | email=myyntipalvelu@royalravintolat.com | address=Tuomiokirkonkatu 6 | lat=60.4515 | long=22.2786 | directions=behind the cathedral as seen from the bridge | phone=+358 9 6128-6850 (chain head office?) | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M 11:30–22:00, Tu-F 11:30–23:00, Sa 15:00–23:00, Su 12:00–18:00 | price= | lastedit=2018-03-19 | content=Roster offers a place to wine and dine in a nice milieu. Have a drink before dinner in a fancy cocktail bar. And another after the dinner too. }} * {{eat | name=Smör | alt= | url=http://www.smor.fi | email=info@smor.fi | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 3 | lat=60.45014 | long=22.27206 | directions= | phone=+358 2 536-9444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The menu changes according to the seasons. Midst the milieu of the cellar vaults, Smör serves at lunchtime and in the evening. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Suomalainen Pohja | alt= | url=http://www.suomalainenpohja.fi | email=ravintola@suomalainenpohja.com | address=Aurakatu 24 | lat=60.45340 | long=22.26194 | directions= | phone=+358 2 251-2000 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 11:00–20:00 | price= | content=Club Restaurant Suomalainen Pohja (''Finnish Base'') was built in 1980 and was designed by architect Sigvard Eklund. The interiors were designed by an Englishman, Sir George Salmon. The plan has been the basis for an English club activities. Pohja serves traditional fine dining food and atmosphere. }} * {{eat | name=Tintå | alt= | url=http://www.tinta.fi | email=info@tinta.fi | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 9 | lat=60.44916 | long=22.27006 | directions=right bank, by Aurasilta | phone=+358 2 230-7023 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M 11:00–00:00, Tu–Th 11:00–01:00, F 11:00–02:00, Sa 12:00–02:00, Su 12:00–22:00 | price= | content=Tintå is a wine restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere, by the river. It serves more than a hundred different wines, and a short but good menu of gourmet pizzas and tasty lunch on weekdays. Terrace completes the river landscape. }} * {{eat | name=Tårget | alt= | url=http://www.matbar.fi | email=info@matbar.fi | address=Linnankatu 3 | lat=60.45156 | long=22.27305 | directions=Vähätori | phone=+358 400-522-707 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 11:00–22:00, F 11:00–03:00, Sa 12:00–03:00. Lunch is served M–F 11:00–15:00; those days à la carte is available 16:00– | price= | content=Italian, international and Scandinavian cuisine. It also houses a great wine-bar, which is one of the hot spots of the city especially during the summer. Trendy but casual bistro-style restaurant. }} ===Gastropub=== [[File:Tiirikkala_turku.jpg|thumb|Bartender making a drink in Tiirikkala]] * {{eat | name=Hunsvotti | alt= | url=http://www.satamakapakkahunsvotti.fi | email= | address=Län­tinen Ran­ta­katu 55 | lat=60.44108 | long=22.24608 | directions=near Föri | phone=+358 2 258-8000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 11:00–22:00, F 11:00–23:00, Sa 12:00–23:00, Su 12:00–19:00 | price= | content=A combination of a sports bar and gastropub, since you can order food from the Rantakerttu restaurant to the pub. }} * {{eat | name=Löytö | alt= | url=https://www.gastropubloyto.fi | email=palaute@ravintolateini.fi | address=Uudenmaankatu 1 | lat=60.4525 | long=22.2740 | directions=Near Cathedral | phone=+358 2 233-0203 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 11:00–00:00, F 11:00–02:00, Sa 14:00–02:00, Su 15:00–22:00 | price=lunch €8–12; à la carte €3 (fingerfood) – €32 (steak) | lastedit=2018-03-19 | content=Idyllic cellar underground. }} * {{eat | name=Pikku-Torre | alt= | url=http://www.pikkutorre.fi/ | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 30 | lat=60.44953 | long=22.25908 | directions= | phone=+358 2 274-4866 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M Tu 11:00–00:00, W Th 11:00–01:00, F 11:00–03:00, Sa 12:00–03:00, Su 12:00–00:00 | price= | content=Pikku-Torre (Little Torre) is combination of restaurant, sports bar and club. It has a good menu full of steaks, burgers and salads. It also serves lunch every day. In the evening it turns more into a bar and nightclub. }} * {{eat | name=Pub Niska | alt= | url=http://www.niskaturku.com | email=niska@niskaturku.com | address=Kristiinankatu 1 | lat=60.44810 | long=22.26623 | directions= | phone=+358 40-739-1006 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 11:00–22:00, F 11:00–23:00, Sa 12:00–23:00, Su 12:00–22:00 | price= | content=Pub Niska Turku is a restaurant concept developed by chef Michael Björklund from the Åland Islands. Known for its archipelago pizzas made from fresh, high-quality ingredients that mainly come from Åland. Their list includes filling salads, desserts and a versatile drink selection. }} * {{eat | name=Tiirikkala | alt= | url=http://www.tiirikkala.fi | email=tiirikkala@tiirikkala.fi | address=Linnankatu 3 | lat=60.45181 | long=22.27351 | directions= | phone=+358 44-756-6160 | tollfree= | hours=M 19:30–00:00, Tu-Th 11:00–22:00, F Sa 11:00–02:00, Su 12:00–22:00 | price= | content=In addition to a good selection of wine and drinks, Tiirikkala offers traditional Danish smørrebrød sandwiches and pastries that are handmade on the site. The interior design of the restaurant is very Scandinavian, reflecting its dishes. It serves Finnish Microbrewery beers from its taps. }} * {{eat | name=Vaakahuoneen Paviljonki | alt= | url=http://www.vaakahuone.fi | email= | address=Linnankatu 38 | lat=60.4446 | long=22.25374 | directions= | phone=+358 2 515-3300 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Pavilion restaurant Vaakahuone is an entertainment complex by the river. It offers live music (for dancing or otherwise), a speciality coffee shop, a pizza restaurant, and an à la carte restaurant. The end of the building also serves as S/S Ukkopekka's ticket office. }} ===Vegetarian=== * {{eat | name=Kasvis-ravintola | alt= | url=http://www.turunkasvisravintola.fi | email=info@turunkasvisravintola.fi | address=Yliopistonkatu 29 a | lat=60.4511 | long=22.2604 | directions=in the ground floor of the Betel Church in the yard, door in the short wall, follow the signs | phone=+358 50-326-5122 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 11:00–15:00 | price=€7.70–11.50, children 7–12 €5; takeaway €14.50/kg | lastedit=2018-06-08 | content=Vegetarian restaurant serving a lunch buffet, using mostly organic and locally grown products. Vegans can eat most things offered, just check the whiteboard (vegan alternatives often available when needed) and choose the outs milk for your coffee (but unless you must, try the included teas of the day instead). The dining rooms are bland in spite of the exterior, but the food is good. }} * {{eat | name=Kahvila Koroinen | alt= | url=https://koroinen.info/kahvilakoroinen.php | email= | address=Catilluksentie 2 | lat=60.4664 | long=22.2911 | directions=by the Koroinen peninsula | phone=+358 40-360-0830 (M–F) | tollfree= | hours=Café and bike shop Su 12:00–16:00 (off season); bike repairs Th 14–18 | price=Lunch €10, coffee with cake €7 | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-05-21 | content=Café with lunch at the former Koroinen farm. The main lunch option usually has a focus on fresh local vegetables, with a nice non-conventional touch. They don't market themself as vegetarian, but most fare seems to be vegan. The association that runs the place, Elävän Kulttuurin Koroinen, furthers handicraft by natural materials, small-scale sustainable agriculture and related themes, which shows. Popular by families. The house is not accessible by wheelchair, but most people sit in the yard anyhow; accessible outhouse toilet 100 m away. Other activities at the site include a ceramics workshop (buy a cuckoo ocarina!) and a shop for recycled bikes (including spares) arranging do-it-yourself bike repairs (oil and pump available around the clock). Also courses and cultural events. }} * {{eat | name=Kuori | alt= | url=http://www.ravintolakuori.fi | email=info@ravintolakuori.fi | address=Hämeenkatu 8 | lat=60.4519 | long=22.2830 | directions=200 metres from the cathedral | phone=+358 20-794-0330 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M 11:00–15:00, Tu–Th 11:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00, F 11:00–15:00, 17:00–23:00, Sa 17:00–23:00 | price=Lunch €12.70, tasting menu €56 | lastedit=2018-03-19 | content=Very popular vegetarian restaurant. Tip: try 6 courses tasting menu. Its sister restaurant Roots Kitchen in the market hall is a great place for eating, although it might be crowded during lunch time. }} * {{eat | name=VG Wok | alt= | url=https://www.vgwok.fi/en/etusivu-2/ | email= | address=Rauninaukio | lat=60.4629 | long=22.2631 | directions=150 m past the railway bridge by the bus station | phone=+358 45-665-1793 | tollfree= | hours=M–Th 11:00–18:00, F 11:00–20:00, Sa 12:00–20:00, Su | price=Main dishes €7.50 | lastedit=2018-03-19 | content=Really nice vegetarian budget place. Vg Wok has sister restaurants in Tykistönkatu and Arvinkatu. Authentic Asian food. }} ==Drink== The minimum age required to enter bars, pubs and nightclubs differs; for legal reasons, one must be at least 18 to enter places that serve alcohol, but many clubs and bars have higher age limits (mostly 20–24 yrs). Restaurants and bars have varying closing hours, but generally, the popular nightclubs and discos are open until 04:00. Last call always occurs half an hour before closing time, and is indicated by the bar staff turning the lights off for a few seconds, then turning them back on. They may repeat this a few times in quick succession to make sure the patrons get it. It's generally smart to leave about ten minutes before the last call, to avoid being caught in the rush of everybody trying to leave at once, especially if you are planning to get back to your night spot by a taxi. The times are changing somewhat, as the legislation now allow them to keep open after 04:00, which will probably be the new time of last call. Night clubs tend to have guarded cloakrooms where you can leave any of your outer garments in exchange for a ticket. Using the coat service is generally considered mandatory even if this is not explicitly pointed out. The cloakroom fee is usually €2 or €2.50. Do not lose the ticket; the bar staff will often not want to hash out ticket confusions during closing time when things are at their most chaotic. If you lose the ticket, you may be told to come back the following day to get your things, expect to be able to prove the jacket is yours by telling the staff the make of the jacket, colour of lining or contents of pockets. For dancing other than disco, there are a few dance restaurants and cruises, but the main venues for social dancing are the dance pavilions and, off season, a few other locations, where you will find sober and skilful dancers. see [[#Social dancing|Social dancing]] above. Each of these venues usually have a dance once or twice a week. ===Cafés=== [[File:Qwenselska gården uteservering 2.jpg|thumb|Courtyard of the Qwensel house, with café and the Pharmacy Museum.]] There are many cafés in Turku. The ones listed here are not representative, but mostly more odd ones. See also [[#Lunch and brunch|Lunch and brunch]] above. * {{drink | name=Café Art | alt= | url=http://www.cafeart.fi | email= | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 5 | lat=60.44951 | long=22.27102 | directions=in the centre by the river | phone=+358 40-158-3383 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 10:00–19:00, Sa 10:00–17:00, Su 11:00–17:00 | price= | content=Special coffees along with delicious cakes. }} * {{drink | name=Aschan | alt= | url=http://www.aschan.fi | email= | address=Eerikinkatu 15 (in Hansa Shopping Center) | lat=60.45054 | long=22.26493 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 08:00–20:00, Sa 09:00–18:00, Su 12:00–18:00 | price= | content=Aschan is a café and lunch restaurant, until 2018 a popular confectory and café in Turku, now with franchises in Turku and Helsinki. It sells all kinds of coffee, drinks and sweet and salty bakeries, beard, pies and cakes. }} * {{drink | name=Fabbes Café | alt= | url=https://fabbescafe.com/en | email=fabbescafe@gmail.com | address=Tehtaankatu 6 | lat=60.45641 | long=22.28056 | directions= | phone=+358 50-535-3647 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 08:00–16:00; lunch 11:00–15:00, late lunch if anything left | price=Breakfast €7, lunch €6–7 (late lunch €4), coffee with bun €4 | lastedit=2021-10-26 | content=Fabbes café is a cosy small café in the beautiful Biskopsgatan area (ÅA campus). 2–3 lunch options, one of which is vegan. Coffee included. They have a nice selection of pies (sweet and savoury), cakes, cinnamon rolls and home-made sweet treats, smoothies, etc. Nearly everything at Fabbe's is baked or produced in house, and you can tell the difference – nothing factory made and no additives. }} * {{drink | name=Gaggui | alt= | url=http://gaggui.fi | email= | address=Humalistonkatu 15 | lat=60.45299 | long=22.25618 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–F 10:00–19:00, Sa 10:00–18:00, Su 12:00–18:00 | price= | content=In this tiny café the cakes are the main thing. They are fantastic and made by hand on the site. Coffee is also top-notch and the service is super friendly. }} * {{drink | name=Kirjakahvila | alt=Book Café | url=http://www.kirjakahvila.org | email= | address=Vanha Suurtori 1 | lat=60.45038 | long=22.27564 | directions=in the Brinkkala yard | phone=+358 2 469-1396 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 11:00–19:00, often live acoustic music or other cultural events in the evening | price= | content=At the historical Old Great Square, this is a culture café and a bookshop (books from small publishers, also foreign ones) run by volunteers. Besides books there are also a lot of comics, postcards and posters by local artists for sale. Freshly baked cakes every day. All food vegan. Free wireless Internet available, ask the staff for passwords. }} * {{drink | name=Kisälli | alt= | url= | email= | address=Vartiovuorenkatu 2 | lat=60.44706 | long=22.27613 | directions=next to the entrance of the Luostarimäki outdoor museum | phone=+358 40-630-5988 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–Su 09:00–17:00 or by agreement | price= | lastedit=2022-12-19 | content=Old-fashioned style to partly match the location. Self-made fresh bread rolls, buns, doughnuts and pies. Every day there's also pancake and a variety of sweet and savoury pies. And of course, great coffee and other drinks. }} * {{drink | name=Nuvola Gelateria | alt= | url= | email= | address=Eerikinkatu 13 | lat=60.45049 | long=22.26560 | directions=in Hansa Shopping Centre | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 11:00–20:00, Sa 10:00–18:00, Su 11:00–18:00 | price= | content=The owners, Italians Angelo and Stefano, make traditional Italian ice cream on the site, without any artificial elements. The atmosphere is relaxed and happy with an Italian touch. }} * {{drink | name=Kahvila Promenade | alt= | url=http://www.villapromenade.fi | email=myynti@villapromenade.fi | address=Kansanpuistontie 76 | lat=60.42760 | long=22.18140 | directions=Kansanpuisto ("folk park") in Ruissalo | phone=+358 40-158-8424 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 14 May–30 August and Sa–Su in spring 10:00–18:00 | price= | content=In the park, with view towards the shore. Savoury and sweet pastries as well as a range of coffees, and ice cream. }} * {{drink | name=Café Qwensel | alt= | url=http://cafeqwensel.fi | email=cc.catering.cc@gmail.com | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 13 B | lat=60.44872 | long=22.26731 | directions=in the courtyard of the Pharmacy Museum, entrance to the yard to the left of the main building | phone=+358 50-395-0021 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–Su 10:00–18:00 | price= | lastedit=2022-12-13 | content=Café Qwensel is a charming spot of old milieu in the heart of the city. During the summer there are chickens and roosters on the yard and you can really feel you have travelled back in time. The café serves home-made pastries that have been prepared according to recipes from the 18th century. Also their tea is worth checking. Lunch on weekdays. }} ===Pubs=== [[File:Panimoravintola koulu.jpg|thumb|Brewery Restaurant Koulu]] * {{drink | name=Cosmic Comic Café | alt= | url=http://cosmic.fi | email= | address=Kauppiaskatu 4 (in the Forum shopping centre) | lat=60.45074 | long=22.26944 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su–Tu 16:00–00:00, W–Th 15:00–02:00 F–Sa 15:00–03:00 | price= | content=Cosmic Comic Café has a comics gallery and a comical atmosphere, where beer meets comic books, board games and a relaxed "second living room" atmosphere. It's very popular among students, so sometimes it can be very overcrowded. Bar owner Sakke knows everything about beer so do not hesitate to ask for tips. }} * {{drink | name=Daily News | alt= | url=http://dailyravintolat.fi/dailynews/ | email=dailynews@dailyravintolat.fi | address=Yliopistonkatu 33 | lat=60.4496 | long=22.2583 | directions=5 minute walk from Market Square | phone=+358 50-571-1537 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 09:00–02:00 | price= | lastedit=2018-03-19 | content=A plenty of daily newspapers and perhaps the cheapest beer in the centre. }} * {{drink | name=Brewery Restaurant Koulu | alt= | url=http://www.panimoravintolakoulu.fi/?lang=en | email= | address=Eerikinkatu 18 | lat=60.44967 | long=22.26454 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 11:00–02:00. The Winestube M–Th 17:00–23:00, F 17:00–02:00, Sa 17:00–02:00. Dining room M–Th 11:00–22:00, F 11:00–00:00, Sa 12:00–00:00. Lunch M–F 11:00–14:00 | price= | content=An old school building converted into a brewery restaurant serving their own and other beers, good food and an excellent selection of wines. A cosy biergarten in the green backyard is open in the summer and is favourite of locals. }} * {{drink | name=Mallaskukko | alt= | url=http://www.mallaskukko.fi | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 37 | lat=60.44893 | long=22.25634 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 14:00–02:00, F Sa 12:00–02:00, Su 14:00-00:00 | price= | content=Another good beer pub in Turku, with a great selection of beers, scotch whiskies and ciders. Mallaskukko truly feels like a living room of the locals. Good place to watch sports from the many TV screens on the walls. }} * {{drink | name=Seurusteluravintola Uusi apteekki | alt=New Pharmacy | url=http://www.uusiapteekki.fi | email= | address=Kaskenkatu 1 | lat=60.44764 | long=22.27063 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 10:00–02:00 | price= | content=Uusi Apteekki (literally meaning New Pharmacy) is a beer pub in a former pharmacy built in 1907. Great selection of beer and spirits, and the decorations alone are worth seeing. In weekend this pub gets really crowded with locals so be prepared to stand while enjoying your beer. If you are lucky, it's also a good place to catch up with writer Reijo Mäki who has written the famous Vares detective stories that are huge in Finland. }} * {{drink | name=Whisky Bar | alt= | url=http://whiskybarfin.net/ | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 19 | lat=60.45246 | long=22.26533 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Su–Th 18:00–02:00, F Sa 18:00–03:00 | price= | content=A wide selection of whiskies, but also beer and other spirits. Nowadays it is strongly orientated to heavy metal by its music and atmosphere. }} ===Bars=== * {{drink | name=Alvar | alt= | url=http://alvarbaari.fi/ | email= | address=Humalistonkatu 7 | lat=60.45140 | long=22.25841 | directions=Halfway between Central Railway Station and Market Square | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 14:00-02:00, Su 18:00-00:00 | price= | content=Alvar, in a building designed by the famous Finnish modernist architect Alvar Aalto, is a comfortable place with nice staff and a large selection of beer. Free wireless internet connection is also available for visitors to use. You can also reserve time for a special beer tasting if you visit with a group of friends. }} * {{drink | name=Fontti | alt= | url=https://skaal.fi/ | email= | address=Kauppiaskatu 5 | lat=60.45095 | long=22.26987 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M–Th 16:00–23:00, F 16:00–04:00, Sa 13:00–04:00 | price= | content=It's in the old customers office of the regional newspaper ''Turun-Sanomat''. Fontti (literally meaning font) is a restaurant and serves great food in addition to drinks and coffees. Service can be little slow but otherwise this bar is nice place to spend your weekend evening. }} * {{drink | name=Bar Kuka | alt=Bar Who | url=http://www.barkuka.fi/ | email= | address=Linnankatu 17 | lat=60.44882 | long=22.26520 | directions= | phone=+358 50-411-6603 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 18:00-04:00, Age limit 18 | price= | content=On the corner of Linnankatu and Kristiinankatu, Bar Kuka with its retro 1960s and 70s decoration has a loyal fanbase, who think it's the best and cosiest bar you'll ever find in Turku. Kuka offers lots of live music, DJ gigs, stand-up and theme nights. }} * {{drink | name=Rento | url=http://www.rentobar.fi/index.php | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 23 | lat=60.45175 | long=22.26470 | directions= | phone=+358 20-786-2240 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–W 11:00–02:00, Th–Sa 11:00–03:00, Su 12:00–02:00 | price= | content=Rento, literally meaning casual and relaxed, has probably one of the best locations for a bar in Turku right at the end of the pedestrian street next to the Market Square and Hansa Shopping Center. You can either sit inside or on a nice terrace outside. Large selection of beers and little snacks as well. }} * {{drink | name=5piste5 | alt= | url=https://www.5piste5.fi | email=info@5piste5.fi | address=Brahenkatu 2 | lat=60.451394 | long=22.272067 | directions= | phone=+358 40-683-0880 | tollfree= | hours=15:00 to midnight, closed Su-Mo | price= | lastedit=2024-07-27 | content=A popular bar in central Turku. A speciality is its "candy store" where you can order small 1 dL samples of various fruity-flavoured beers. }} ===Riverboats=== [[File:Esposito Turku.JPG|thumb|Esposito]] Riverboats are a unique feature in the Turku cityscape. In the summertime, it is very popular to spend the early evening until midnight or so on one of them, and when it gets a little chilly, move indoors to a restaurant or night club. They are at the riverside of river Aura. Some of them also house fine restaurants while some are mostly just pubs. * {{drink | name=Donna | alt= | url=http://www.donna.fi | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu | lat=60.44798 | long=22.26828 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Svarte Rudolf | alt= | url= | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu | lat=60.44773 | long=22.26744 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Papa Joe | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/RavintolalaivaPapaJoe?rf=197109880325096 | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu | lat=60.44746 | long=22.26656 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Cindy | alt= | url=http://www.cindy.fi | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu | lat=60.44720 | long=22.26569 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Katarina | alt= | url=https://ravintolalaivakatarina.fi | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu | lat=60.44654 | long=22.26337 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Majland | alt= | url= | email= | address=Läntinen rantakatu | lat=60.44510 | long=22.25640 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Esposito | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/ravintolalaivaesposito/ | email= | address=Läntinen rantakatu | lat=60.44141 | long=22.24767 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Merihelmi | alt= | url= | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu | lat=60.44140 | long=22.24920 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Bruno | alt= | url=https://www.brunot.fi | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu | lat=60.44114 | long=22.24868 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Wanha Rahtilaiva | alt= | url=http://www.rahtis.fi/ | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu | lat=60.44075 | long=22.24799 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ===Nightclubs=== * {{drink | name=Forte | alt= | url=https://nightclub.fi | email= | address=Kristiinankatu 8 | lat=60.44996 | long=22.26295 | directions= | phone=+358 40-091-6403 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 22:00–04:00 | price= | content=Forte has been one favourite of the locals since 1996. It tends to be busy thanks to cheap drinks and daily opening hours, as opposed to majority of the other clubs in the city. The concept of 'SuFo' (='Sunday Forte'), MoFo, etc., is widely recognized among students in Turku. }} * {{drink | name=Apollo Nightclub | alt= | url=https://www.apolloturku.fi | email= | address=Humalistonkatu 6 | lat=60.45007 | long=22.25957 | directions= | phone=+358 40-827-4268 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=F Sa 22:00–04:00 | price= | content=Age limit 22. Apollo serves live music by bands playing mostly cover music hits by domestic and international stars. Music ranges from rock to pop and disco, old and new. There's also a VIP section which you can reserve. Next door is Armas karaoke bar, which has same opening hours and age limitation. }} * {{drink | name=Dynamo | alt= | url=http://www.dynamoklubi.com | email=palaute@dynamoklubi.com | address=Linnankatu 7 | lat=60.45085 | long=22.27106 | directions= | phone=+358 2 250-4904 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–Sa 21:00–04:00 | price= | content=Age limit 20. At Linnankatu, opposite the main library, caters for hipsters with a passion for slightly more eclectic sound. Downstairs indie pop, electro and rock 'n' roll are the main draws, upstairs it's chiefly soul, funk and disco. Live music gigs from hot domestic artists are also frequent. Attracts a healthy number of exchange students. }} * {{drink | name=Night Club Marilyn | alt= | url=http://www.clubmarilyn.fi | email=lyn@clubmarilyn.fi | address=Eerikinkatu 19 | lat=60.44944 | long=22.26261 | directions= | phone=+358 2 232-2111 | tollfree= | hours=Tu–Sa 22:00–04:00 | price= | content=For the late teens-early 20s crowd, the Night Club Marilyn is particularly popular as a disco/night club. It is the oldest privately owned Night Club in Turku and has seen all the other clubs come and go. In its history it has been chosen as the Best Nightclub in the city on several occasions. }} * {{drink | name=Naima | alt= | url= | email= | address= Aurakatu 6 | lat=60.44992 | long=22.26731 | directions= | phone=+358 44-444-1234| tollfree= | fax= | hours=W–Sa 20:00–04:00 | price= | content=For [[#Social dancing|proper dancing]] (not night club dancing) in a nightclub setting, Naima is the recommended place in Turku. The age group skews towards the 30s, 40s and 50s. Often music includes live performances by some of the biggest names in Finnish ''Iskelmä'' (entertainer music) music. }} * {{drink | name=suXes | alt= | url=http://www.suxes.fi | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 9 | lat=60.45378 | long=22.27049 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 19:00–02:00 | price= | content=Turku, like other larger Finnish cities in general, is quite gay-friendly, though public gestures of affection are not common even for straight couples and might raise some eyebrows. You'll fit in at practically all of the clubs in Turku, but perhaps feel specially at home in suXes, the only gay bar and café in Turku. There you can be openly yourself while enjoying the atmosphere, coffee and drinks. }} * {{drink | name=ShowTime & SaunaTime | alt= | url=https://showtime.fi/ | email= | address=Käsityöläiskatu 10 | lat=60.45052 | long=22.25614 | directions= | phone=+358 40-044-4547 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=W–Th 22:00–02:00, F–Sa 22:00–03:00 | price=€6 (W–Th), €12 (F–Sa) | content=A strip club with sauna. }} ==Sleep== ===Camping=== See also [[Naantali]]. * {{sleep | name=Ruissalo Camping | alt= | url=https://ruissalo.sportum.info/stable/tuotteet.jsp?kieli=UKN | email=ruissalo.camping@turku.fi | address=Saarontie 25 | lat=60.4226 | long=22.0941 | directions=bus 8 | phone=+358 2 262-5100 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=€40/€160; tent €18+€5/2 per person | content=Camping and indoor accommodation at the outermost tip of the Ruissalo island. The well-equipped camping and caravan area has a beach, sauna, a convenience store and various other amenities, including hot showers and laundry facilities. The entertainment options include mini-golf, volleyball, badminton and basketball courts, fitness trail, playgrounds and a café-restaurant. Open June–August. }} ===Budget=== [[File:Bore (1960) takaisin Turussa 2010.jpg|thumb|Hostel Borea]] [[File:Turku Catholic Church.jpg|thumb|upright|Bridgettine Convent Guest House is next to the Catholic Church.]] * {{sleep | name=Hostel Borea | alt= | url= | email=hostelborea@turku.fi | address=River Aura, Linnankatu 72 | lat=60.4350 | long=22.2337 | directions=by the yard of Forum Marinum | phone=+358 40-843-6611 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Single €51, twin €82 | content=s/s Bore on the River Aura has unique atmosphere. Built for the Turku–Stockholm route, many remember her as cruise ship in different waters, but now the former steamship is permanently moored on the banks of the River Aura and beside other functions houses an inexpensive hostel with 130 cabins. In most of the (small) cabins there is a private shower and toilet. The prices include linen, towels and breakfast, which is served in the buffet restaurant of the ship. Luggage storage, laundry facilities, and free Wi-Fi. Nearby you'll find the Turku Castle and Forum Marinum. Lots of narrow stairs, not suitable for the disabled. }} * {{sleep | name=Bridgettine Convent Guest House | alt= | url=https://birgittalaissisaret.fi/en.html | email=birgitta.turku@kolumbus.fi | address=Ursininkatu 15 A | lat=60.44988 | long=22.25492 | directions= | phone=+358 2 250-1910 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-250-3078 | checkin=12:00–21:00 | checkout= | price=Single €60, twin €80, triple €100 | content=You'll receive a warm welcome and a friendly smile from the Catholic Sisters who run this guesthouse in a central but quiet location in Turku. The rooms are basic and clean, with en suite facilities and free Wi-Fi. Email can be read at a computer in the library. There is secure parking behind the guesthouse and a continental breakfast is included. Only cash is accepted (2025). }} * {{sleep | name=Guesthouse Tapuli | alt= | url=https://www.tapulitalo.fi/en-gb/home | email= | address=Kaivokatu 14 | lat=60.4496 | long=22.2894 | directions=between the university and the Kupittaa park | phone=+358 2 250-1600 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Single €50, double €65 | lastedit=2020-01-01 | content=Small guesthouse with cosy rooms with TV. No breakfast, kitchen is available for self service. Toilets and showers are by the corridor. Sauna is warm every day (included). There is also free Wi-Fi. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Harriet | alt= | url= | email= | address=Käsityöläiskatu 11 | lat=60.4511 | long=22.2560 | directions= | phone=+358 40-910-3333 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-231-1110 | checkin= | checkout= | price=€45/€139 | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Modern hotel and hostel-quality rooms in the centre. }} * {{sleep | name=Hesehotelli | alt= | url=https://www.hesburger.fi/hesehotelli | email= | address=Läntinen Pitkäkatu 1 | lat=60.45762 | long=22.26761 | directions=next to Turku bus station | phone=+358 45-634-3443 | tollfree= | fax= | price= From €50 | checkin=M–W 07:30–03:30, Th 07:30–00:00, F Sa 24 hr and Sun 00:00–03:00 (following day) | checkout= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Hesehotel is owned by the burger chain Hesburger, and it's on the second floor of one of their biggest restaurants. It has 15 rooms and 46 beds. Room equipment includes air conditioning, a fridge, digital TV and free Wi-Fi. You can order breakfast and other food from the restaurant below and check-in is also done at the counter of the restaurant. Parking space reservation price is €5/day. }} * {{sleep | name=Interpoint Hostel | alt= | url= | email= | address=Vähä-Hämeenkatu 12 A | lat=60.45022 | long=22.28193 | directions= | phone=+358 400-821-905 | tollfree= | fax= | price=€10/person | checkin= | checkout= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Operated by the YWCA of Turku, this is the cheapest place to sleep in the town, but for good reason: it is just 30 mattresses on the floor, and one shower. If that is enough for you, then this is your place. }} * {{sleep | name=Linnasmäki | alt= | url=http://linnasmaki.fi/en | email=info@linnasmaki.fi | address=Lustokatu 7 | lat=60.4804 | long=22.2962 | directions=Räntämäki, 4 km from Turku centre; several bus lines 400–500 m from the hostel | phone=+358 2 412-3500 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=Reception: Sep–May: 08:30–15:30, Jun–Aug: 08:00–20:00 | checkout= | price=Single €60, twin €70 | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Accommodation in peaceful surroundings, in partnership with the Turku Christian Institute. Guests can use the swimming pool and sauna area. There are plenty of hiking routes with bicycles available to rent during summer. Guests can stay in either a hotel or a refurbished hostel that also offers family rooms and apartments. Individual rooms equipped for disabled guests are also available. Plenty of free parking for guests. }} * {{sleep | name=Bed & Breakfast Tuure | alt= | url=https://www.tuure.fi/en/ | email=tuure@netti.fi | address=Tuureporinkatu 17 C, third floor | lat=60.45534 | long=22.26557 | directions= | phone=+358 2 233-0230 | tollfree= | checkin=Reception opens at 08:00 and after that you can bring in your luggage when needed. Check-in 14:00–16:00 | checkout= | price=€45/€97 | content=A cosy, non-smoking guest house that has provides affordable accommodation only three blocks away from the Market Square. 15 rooms, 5 shared showers/toilets along the corridor, a breakfast room and a kitchen. They also have computers and Wi-Fi as well as washing machine and other necessities of a home all free for the guests to use. Breakfast is plentiful and included in the room price. }} ===Mid-range=== [[File:Park Hotel, Rauhankatu 1, Turku.jpg|thumb|upright|Park Hotel]] * {{sleep | name=Centro Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.centrohotel.com/fi/ | email=centro@centrohotel.com | address=Yliopistonkatu 12 A | lat=60.4532 | long=22.2705 | directions= | phone=+358 2 211-8100 | tollfree= | fax= | price=€110–150 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Modern hotel in the inner courtyard of its building block. Family-owned hotel, a bit more personal than the chain hotels in Turku. }} * {{sleep | name=Omena Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.omenahotels.com/fi/hotellit/suomi/turku/ | email= | address=Humalistonkatu 7 | lat=60.4512 | long=22.2587 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price=€80–90 | checkin=16 | checkout=12 | content=No reception staff and no breakfast, but prices are considerably cheaper. Booking is done online, and you get a code which you can use to get into the building and onto your room. There are also vending machines for you to buy snacks and food. }} * {{sleep | name=Park Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.parkhotelturku.fi/en | email=info@parkhotelturku.fi | address=Rauhankatu 1 | lat=60.4531 | long=22.2579 | directions=in the Puolala park between the railway station and Kauppatori | phone=+358 2 273-2555 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 251-9696 | price=€140–150 | checkin=14:00 | checkout=12:00 | content=Park Hotel is one of the oldest boutique hotels in Finland. In an Art Nouveau building, built in 1902. }} * {{sleep | name=Scandic Hotel Plaza | alt= | url=http://www.scandichotels.com/Hotels/Finland/Turku/Scandic-Plaza-Turku/#.U3CWqPl_t8E | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 29 | lat=60.4508 | long=22.2618 | directions= | phone=+358 2 332-00 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 332-0111 | price=125–190 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Restaurant. Sauna. 24-hour gym. Bike can be borrowed. }} * {{sleep | name=Best Western Hotel Seaport | url=http://www.hotelseaport.fi | email=seaport@hotelseaport.fi | address=Toinen Poikkikatu 2 | lat=60.43443 | long=22.22115 | directions=at the port | phone=+358 2 283-3000 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-283-3100 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Family-owned basic hotel in an old customs house. }} * {{sleep | name=Sokos Hotel Seurahuone | alt= | url=https://www.sokoshotels.fi/en/turku/sokos-hotel-seurahuone | email=myynti.turku@sokoshotels.fi | address=Eerikinkatu 23 | lat=60.44897 | long=22.26110 | directions= | phone=+358 2 337-301 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 337-2200 | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=A bit more business-oriented than the other Sokos Hotels in the city. The hotel restaurant is intended to be Spanish-style. }} * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Turku | alt= | url=http://www.finland.holidayinn.com/hotellit/turku/en_GB/turku/ | email=turku.holidayinn@restel.fi | address=Eerikinkatu 28 | lat=60.44793 | long=22.25930 | directions= | phone=+358 2 338-211 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 338-2299 | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Moderately priced. Breakfast spread is decent }} * {{sleep | name=Cumulus Turku | url=http://www.cumulus.fi/hotellit/turku/en_GB/turku/ | email=turku.cumulus@restel.fi | address=Eerikinkatu 30 | lat=60.44772 | long=22.25863 | directions= | phone=+358 2 218-1000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Mid-priced business hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Helmi | alt= | url=https://www.hotellihelmi.fi/en-gb/home | email=hotellihelmi@hotellihelmi.fi | address=Tuureporinkatu 11 | lat=60.45627 | long=22.26824 | directions= | phone=+358 20-786-2770 | tollfree= | hours=Café M–F 06:30–17:00, Sa–Su 07:00–12:00; lunch M–F 11:00–14:30; breakfast M–F 06:30–10:00, Sa–Su 07:00–12:00 | checkin= | checkout= | price=€95–110; lunch €10.70, breakfast €11.50, children 4–12 €6.90 | content=Small mid-priced hotel next to the bus station, part of the original station plan. The hotel building is an old gas station, which was owned by Shell, hence the name ''Pearl''. Good basic quality no-frills hotel, very good value for money. The café offers also take away breakfast/lunch/snacks. }} ===Splurge=== [[File:Hotel Marina Palace Radisson Blu 2012.jpg|thumb|Hotel Marina Palace]] * {{sleep | name=Radisson Blu Marina Palace Hotel, Turku | alt= | url=https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-blu-marina-turku | email=info.turku@radissonblu.com | address=Linnankatu 32 | lat=60.4466 | long=22.2603 | directions= | phone=+358 20-123-4710 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=On Linnankatu overlooking the River Aura Hotel Marina Palace is considered by many to be the best hotel in Turku. It has housed many celebrities visiting Turku, including Queen Elizabeth II and the royal family of Sweden. With well-appointed rooms overlooking the Aura River. You can dine at two on-site restaurants including the popular ''Grill it! Marina''. Fully equipped gym. Quay for guests (bridges too low for sailing yachts). }} * {{sleep | name=Sokos Hotel Wiklund | alt= | url=https://www.sokoshotels.fi/en/turku/original-sokos-hotel-wiklund | email=myyntipalvelu.turku@sokoshotels.fi | address=Kauppiaskatu 6 | lat=60.4511 | long=22.2687 | directions=in the Wiklund department store by Kauppatori | phone=+358 2 337-381 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Good discounts are often available if you book a package together with the ferry companies. }} * {{sleep | name=Scandic Julia | alt= | url=http://www.scandichotels.com/Hotels/Finland/Turku/Scandic-Julia/#.U3CL8vl_t8E | email=julia@scandichotels.com | address=Eerikinkatu 4 | lat=60.4522 | long=22.2721 | directions= | phone=+358 2 336-000 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 3360-2211 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Clean comfortable rooms, excellent friendly service, quality breakfast, perhaps the best brunch in town. Fully equipped rooms. Great value for money. }} ===Spa hotels=== [[File:Rslo airphoto 72ppi web.jpg|thumb|Ruissalo Spa]] * {{sleep | name=Spa Hotel Caribia | alt= | url=https://www.holidayclubresorts.com/en/resorts/caribia/ | email=customer.service@holidayclub.fi | address=Kongressikuja 1 | lat=60.4606 | long=22.2909 | directions=by the student village, behind the universities, 2 km from Kauppatori; buses 50–54 | phone=+358 300-870-900 (sales; €0.60/min including waiting time max €3 + mvm/pvm), +358 300-870-929 (hotel reception; price like the sales)| tollfree= | hours=Spa for non-guests M–F 12:00–21:00, Sa 10:00–21:00, Su 10:00–20:00 | checkin= | checkout= | price=€140, with spa access €165; parking €1/hr, €13/day; spa €22/16 (students, pensioners and children 4–14 at the reduced price), family ticket (1+3/2+2) €60 | wikidata=Q11894020 | lastedit=2022-09-20 | content=Spa decorated in Caribbean style, popular with families. The hotel also houses lots of conferences and other events. Don't miss the big pink statue in the vicinity by the contemporary artist Alvar Gullichsen; it's a mix between Duck and Pig called ''Posankka''. }} * {{sleep | name=Ruissalo Spa | alt= | url=http://www.ruissalospa.fi/en | email=info@ruissalospa.fi | address=Ruissalon puistotie 640 | lat=60.4248 | long=22.1037 | directions=Bus 8 | phone=+358 2 445-40 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 445-4590 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Ruissalo Spa is located on and named after the scenic Ruissalo Island. The spa is by the sea and you can choose to swim on the pools or in the sea as well. The location is beautiful and there's a golf course and guest harbour right next to the hotel. Beware though: This is the favourite location for elderly locals, so if you're looking for something more youth-oriented, this might not be the place for you. }} ==Stay safe== {{infobox|[[Risks]] in Turku |Crime/violence: '''Low''' * Drunk people on weekend nights, bouncers in clubs, pickpockets Authorities/corruption: '''Low''' Transportation: '''Low''' Health: '''Low'''<br> Nature: '''Low'''<br> * [[Ticks]] carrying TBE or borreliosis }} Turku is generally a safe city. Turku faces some problems with street violence and organised crime, but common street sense should be enough in most cases. There are no no-go areas. On weekend nights drunken people may cause annoyance, especially after last call. Swimming in the river is forbidden for good reason: the river banks provide very little access to the shore; what was intended as a quick refreshing dip will result in an expensive rescue operation or worse. In emergencies, always call '''112''', which is the general emergency number for police affairs, fire, medical care and social services. If in doubt, it is always better to call and ask. For non-emergency medical care, the City of Turku provides medical advice over the phone at {{phone|+358 2 100-23}}. Lines are open weekdays 08:00–15:00. The hearing-impaired have their own service for the evaluation of medical care, counselling and making an appointment at a health centre. This can be contacted during office hours by sending an SMS message to {{phone|+358 44-907-3824}}. Turku University Hospital's T-Hospital is the region’s accident and emergency hospital, as well as healthcare centre off hours and for non-locals. It provides specialized medical care and treatment around the clock to those who have fallen suddenly ill or sustained injury. * {{listing | name=Turku University Hospital Emergency Department | alt= | url=https://www.tyks.fi/en/patients-and-visitors/treatments-and-examinations/emergency | email= | address=Savitehtaankatu 1 | lat=60.45347 | long=22.29749 | directions="T-sairaala", across the railway and highway 1, by highway 10, near Kupittaa railway station | phone=+358 2 313-8800 (helpdesk), +358 2 313-1420 (regarding children), +358 50-592-4740 (SMS for those who cannot speak), +358 2 313-8930 (enquiries by next of kin) | tollfree= | hours=24 hr daily | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content=Call for advice before coming, queues are often long. }} * Emergency '''social services''' can be contacted through 112; in business hours (weekdays 08:30–15:30) call {{phone|+358 2 262-6003}}. Also life management. * {{listing | name=Police | alt= | url=https://www.poliisi.fi/en | email= | address= | lat=60.4455 | long=22.2525 | directions= | phone=+358 295-440-501 (non-urgent – urgent: 112) | tollfree= | hours=M–F 8–17 (shorter hours for many matters) | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-06-04 | content= }} In daytime there are several pharmacies to choose from, some with quite long hours. If you get a prescription, you could ask about the handiest one. * {{listing | name=Yliopiston apteekki | alt= | url=https://yliopistonapteekki.fi/yhteystiedot/turku | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 18 | lat=60.4516 | long=22.2649 | directions=by Kauppatori | phone=+358 300-20200 (€0.69/min + pvm/mpm; queuing pvm/mpm) | tollfree= | hours=Daily 07:00–23:00 | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-10-24 | content=Pharmacy in the centre, with long hours, owned by the University of Helsinki. }} ==Respect== * Avoid walking in the cycle lanes. Dedicated cycleways are clearly marked, but sometimes run directly next to the pavement (sidewalk). On the other hand, when biking close to people, especially on cycleways shared with pedestrians, be careful when passing children, dogs or people who might lose their balance if scared. * When waiting in lines, be patient and polite. Finns never jump queues – but make sure you actually stand in the line. If unsure, ask. In many places you are expected to get a queue number from a machine. * Do not feed seagulls or pigeons especially in the city centre. Seagulls taking people's ice creams or sandwiches is a real problem in some areas, and feeding them is encouraging that behaviour. Feeding birds is officially prohibited in many areas. In other places it might be allowed and encouraged, but check official advice. ==Connect== Students and personnel from participating institutions get free Wi-Fi through the Eduroam network. The city main library (see [[#Turku City Library|above]]) offers Wi-Fi (pick a note with the password or ask) and public computers with Internet access (without booking, mostly there are some free ones). The "15 min" computers can be used without logging in. ==Cope== [[File:Åbo stadsbibliotek 2015 tidningsläsesalen.jpg|thumb|Newspaper reading room of Turku City Library, with public computers]] === Press === An assortment of foreign newspapers is available for reading in the main library (see [[#Turku City Library|above]]) and for sale at some locations (e.g. R-kioski at the main railway station or at Kauppatori). Expect to find some well-known ones at least in Swedish, English, German, French and Spanish (although increasingly only their weekly journals are available). At the main library there are also some more odd ones, e.g. from Russian Karelia. The local papers are Finnish ''Turun Sanomat'', Swedish ''Åbo Underrättelser'' and the free ''Turkulainen''; many locals also subscribe to ''Helsingin Sanomat'' or ''Hufvudstadsbladet'' of Helsinki. === Children === Most any park has a playground with swings, sandbox, some climbing frames, and perhaps a simple playhouse and some more unusual features. For picnics, the Kupittaa and Vartiovuori parks are popular. The swimming pools of Kupittaa and Samppalinna also have picnic areas. There is a playing corner for small children in the city library (and nice scenes in small exhibits hidden in the shelves and in the floor). The Hansa shopping centre in the centre has a room for children, with family toilet and facilities for warming food. Also several other businesses and shopping centres have some facilities or entertainment for children. [[#Q11892816|Kupittaa Adventure Park]] is a large playground area where also older children can enjoy themselves for quite a while. [[#Q11873640|Kuralan kylämäki]] is a quiet living history museum consisting of a few farms with life of the 1950s. In the main building personnel are doing their domestic chores, while ready to talk to any visitor. Children will find a play corner with period toys, another in the barn, with bigger equipment, and many opportunities to invent their own plays and games. Sheep flock at the pasture fence to be caressed. [[#Q3022430|Aboa Vetus]] allows you to walk in authentic streets in the ruins of medieval Turku. There are computer screens to lead children through the displays in the footsteps of children of the times exhibited, perhaps a sandbox for trying at being an archaeologist, and similar activities. [[#Q136893|Turku Castle]] has Knights' and Ladies' Days, where a group of children is led through the castle, ending with dubbing the participants. Check the language issue. If you are into biology, the [[#Q4086898|Biological Museum]] is a pearl. It features stuffed animals in natural landscapes: see wolves and elks, spot the small birds in the tree, an ermine in the snow, and acquaint yourselves to the different biotopes of Finland. These are beyond glass screens, but there are minor touchable or interactive features. Other museums may or may not suit your children, depending on their interests. For a longer trip, the Moomin World in [[Naantali]] and Zoolandia in [[Turku countryside|Lieto]] may be worth considering. You might also want to take a walk in some wood, to eat wild berries fresh from the shrubs – especially if that's something you cannot do at home. Make sure you recognise at least bilberries, which you'll find in most any suburban wood in July–August. Have a map and find any wood reasonably close to a bus stop. For the best experience, prepare a picnic, take the bus and take a walk of a few kilometres. Let the children take their time watching ants and other natural wonders. Don't confine yourself to the broad gravel paths, but immerse in the wood and climb the rocks (in nature reserves you may be confined to the trails, so prefer unprotected woods). You won't get lost: although there are places where you feel like being alone with nature, inside the Turku bypass the nearest house is never more than 500 m away. ===Laundry=== Unless you have [[laundry]] facilities at your lodging, you might want to use a laundrette service: * {{listing | name=24pesula | alt= | url=https://24pesula.fi/en/city/turku/ | email=asiakaspalvelu@pesula.fi | address=Uudenmaantie 19 | lat=60.4419 | long=22.2858 | directions=K-Citymarket Kupittaa; also Mylly, Prisma Länsikeskus, Prisma Piispanristi | phone=+358 10-292-7799 (shared cost?) | tollfree= | hours=Daily, daytime or round the clock | price=€6/std machine (9 kg, 30 min), tumbler +€4/30 min | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Laundrettes in some shopping centres, self service, no reservations. Detergent included. Pay by card. }} === Dogs === {{see also|Travel with pets#Finland}} Popular walks include the river banks east of the railway bridge (i.e. by Raunistula and the Student Village). There are compost containers for litter at some locations, but you can also use normal trash bins. There are havens in several locations, where dogs can run and play without being on a leash. They have a part for small dogs and another for big ones, use common sense for choosing. Don't go there if your dog is ill, aggressive or could otherwise be disruptive for other dogs. * {{do | name=Kupittaa dog haven | alt= | url= | email= | address=Lemminkäisenkatu | lat=60.4456 | long=22.2994 | directions=at the north-east edge of the park Kupittaanpuisto | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-03-24 | content= }} * {{do | name=Nummenranta dog haven | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.4651 | long=22.2952 | directions=at the walk on the left river bank, by the Student Village | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-03-24 | content= }} * {{do | name=Jäkäläpuisto dog haven | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jäkäläpolku | lat=60.4308 | long=22.2698 | directions=Luolavuori, the path to the haven starts at Rätiälänkatu | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-03-24 | content= }} ===Places of worship=== See [[#Churches|Churches]] above for Lutheran and Orthodox churches, [[#Q2601015|the synagogue]] and a [[#Buddhist monastery|Buddhist temple]]. [[#Q1187606|The cathedral]] has services also for a few expat churches and [[#Q2601450|the Orthodox church]] has services in a few languages. There is another Orthodox church, belonging to the Moscow Patriarchate, by [[#Q1979979|the handicraft museum]] (by the former Russian consulate). There is a Catholic church by the [[#Bridgettine Convent Guest House|Bridgettine Convent]]. There are also places of worship of JW, LDS, Pentecostals, Adventists, the Salvation Army and a few more Christian denominations, and humble mosques. === Consulates === {| |- | style="vertical-align:top;width:50%;" | * {{flag|Austria}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Austria | url= | email=mika.sippolainen@simsport.com | address=Linnankatu 36 B 11 | lat=60.44607 | long=22.25819 | directions= | phone=+358 2-275-1411 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-275-1414 | hours=09:00-11:00 | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Belgium}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Belgium | url= | email=antti@wihanto.fi | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 35 | lat=60.44578 | long=22.25752 | directions= | phone=+358 2-515-1655 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-515-1590 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Brazil}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Brazil | url= | email= | address=Aurakatu 8 | lat=60.44969 | long=22.26759 | directions= | phone=+358 2-651-6680 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Denmark}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Denmark | url= | email=ljo@lundbeck.com | address=Joukahaisenkatu 6 | lat=60.44797 | long=22.29920 | directions= | phone=+358 2-276-5000 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-276-5001 | hours= 09:00-14:00 | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Estonia}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Estonia | url= | email=rector@utu.fi | address=Vanha Suurtori 3 | lat=60.45028 | long=22.27671 | directions= | phone=+358 2-333-6122 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|France}} {{listing | name=Consulate of France | url= | email=enrico.casagrande@dlc.fi | address=Linnankatu 3 A | lat=60.45159 | long=22.27302 | directions= | phone=+358 2-250-0061 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-250-0013 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Germany}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Germany | url= | email=turku@hk-diplo.de | address=c/o Sunborn Oy Juhana Herttuan puistokatu 23 | lat=60.45259 | long=22.27170 | directions= | phone=+358 2-445-4501 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-445-4520 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Greece}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Greece | url= | email=fredrik.sunde@nordea.fi | address=Kauppiaskatu 9 B | lat=60.45242 | long=22.26788 | directions= | phone=+358 2-334-4201 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-334-5414 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Honduras}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Honduras | url= | email=ericlockmer@gmail.com | address=Eristäjänmutka 17 | lat=60.4785 | long=22.2163 | directions= | phone=+358 40-022-2244 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-254-7762 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Hungary}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Hungary | url= | email=urpo-kivikari@tukkk.fi | address=Linnankatu 8 | lat=60.44979 | long=22.26898 | directions= | phone=+358 2-231-2182 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Iceland}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Iceland | url= | email= | address=Lukkarinkatu 6 | lat=60.47668 | long=22.29837 | directions= | phone=+358 40-052-4234 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Italy}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Italy | url= | email= | address=Linnankatu 3 A | lat=60.45177 | long=22.27283 | directions= | phone=+358 400-522-557 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Netherlands}} {{listing | name=Consulate of the Netherlands | url= | email=kjell.sundstrom@abo.fi | address=Kauppiaskatu 9 | lat=60.45223 | long=22.26827 | directions= | phone=+358 207-861-419 | tollfree= | fax=+358 9-163-96417 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Norway}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Norway | url= | email=jan-erik.stenman@veritas.fi | address=Olavintie 2 | lat=60.44735 | long=22.26986 | directions= | phone=+358 50-343-2299 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=09:00-16:00 | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Poland}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Poland | url= | email=etacom@kolumbus.fi | address=Veistämönaukio 1 | lat=60.43980 | long=22.24039 | directions= | phone=+358 2-281-3186 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Portugal}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Portugal | url= | email= | address=Linnankatu 35 | lat=60.44554 | long=22.25555 | directions= | phone=+358 21-275-5314 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 09:00-16:00 | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Spain}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Spain | url= | email=info@silverland.fi | address=Yliopistonkatu 24 | lat=60.44979 | long=22.25987 | directions= | phone=+358 40-543-2094 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Sweden}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Sweden | url= | email=sihteerit@ts.fi | address=Kauppiaskatu 5 | lat=60.45113 | long=22.26966 | directions= | phone=+358 2-269-3303 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-269-3543 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|United Kingdom}} {{listing | name=Consulate of the United Kingdom | url= | email=jari.lahteenmaki@turku.chamber.fi | address=Puolalankatu 1 | lat=60.45170 | long=22.26306 | directions= | phone=+358 2-274-3410 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} |} ==Go next== [[File:Turku - Ruissalo Island (6119923392).jpg|thumb|Sailing off Ruissalo]] * '''[[Archipelago Sea]]''' – Stretching all the way from Turku to Åland and on to Stockholm, Archipelago Sea forms the largest archipelago in the world by number of islands and includes a national park. Best way to visit is definitely by bike and camping gear – unless you know how to handle a yacht or kayak or can afford a one-week charter of a manned yacht. ** The [[Archipelago Trail]] is a tourist route of 125 or 250 km, using the roads and inter-island ferries to provide access to the archipelago without a boat of your own – and without backtracking. The route can be taken clockwise or counter clockwise, starting from Turku, and continuing through rural archipelago villages and astonishing Baltic Sea sceneries. * '''[[Kurjenrahka National Park]]''' – Kurjenrahka is the largest and most diverse protected mire area in the region, the park includes also lakes and old growth forest. One of the best-known sights in the park is the old boundary mark of eight municipalities. Usually a day trip destination, hikes can be extended to last a couple of days. Beginning 2018 you can reach Kurjenrahka by local bus in summer. * The other chartered '''towns of medieval Finland''' were<!-- by time of chartering, but what is the order? -->: ** [[Porvoo]] (Borgå) – in Eastern Uusimaa, reachable by [[E18]] or the [[King's Road (Finland)|King's Road]]. ** [[Rauma]] (Raumo) – with a [[UNESCO World Heritage List|UNESCO World Heritage listed]] old town, Rauma can be reached by coach from Turku in 1½ hr. ** [[Ulvila]] (Ulvsby) – by Pori in the north of the historic Turku and Pori province ** [[Naantali]] (Nådendal, Vallis Gratiæ) – with the summer residence of the President of Finland ''Kultaranta'', the theme park ''Moomin World'' and a beautiful wooden old town, 20-min away by local bus. ** [[Vyborg]] (Viipuri, Viborg) – in its heyday the most metropolitan of Finnish cities; past Porvoo, now in Russia. * '''[[Åland islands]]''' – If you have a day or two to spare there are overnight and day [[Baltic Sea ferries|ferries]] to [[Sweden]] and the [[Åland|Åland Islands]]. [[Stockholm]] is 10 hours away, [[Mariehamn]] on the Åland islands about 5 hours. While the big ferries take you directly from Turku to the Åland mainland, you can also do some island hopping by taking a smaller ferry operated by Ålandstrafiken from Korpo or Kustavi in the Archipelago Sea. {{routebox | image1=Simple gold crown.svg | imagesize1=40 | directionl1=W | majorl1=END | minorl1= | directionr1=E | minorr1=[[Kaarina]] | majorr1=[[Helsinki]] | link1=King's Road (Finland) | caption1=King's Road | image2=Tabliczka_E8.svg | imagesize2=40 | directionl2=NW | majorl2=[[Pori]] | minorl2=[[Turku countryside]] | directionr2=SE | minorr2= | majorr2=END | link2=E8 through Finland and Norway | image3=Tabliczka E18.svg | imagesize3=40 | directionl3=W | majorl3=[[Stockholm]] | minorl3=[[Naantali]] | directionr3=E | minorr3=[[Kaarina]] | majorr3=[[Helsinki]] | link3=E18 | image4=Tabliczka E63.svg | imagesize4=40 | directionl4=SW | majorl4=END | minorl4= | directionr4=NE | minorr4=[[Turku countryside]] | majorr4=[[Tampere]] | image5=Finland road sign F29-10.svg | imagesize5=32 | directionl5=SW | majorl5=END | minorl5= | directionr5=NE | minorr5=[[Kaarina]] | majorr5=[[Hämeenlinna]] }} {{guidecity}} {{geo|60.4500|22.2667}} {{IsPartOf|Archipelago Sea}} t58e07d54ey61bxul0hmsg07268q301 5087070 5087032 2025-07-03T10:26:34Z LPfi 79572 Undo revision [[Special:Diff/5087032|5087032]] by [[Special:Contributions/81.217.135.208|81.217.135.208]] ([[User talk:81.217.135.208|talk]]): ough? newlines are good for wikitext readability 5087070 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Turku Wikivoyage banner.jpg|caption=Turku seen from the tower of the cathedral|otbp=yes}} '''Turku''' ([[Swedish phrasebook|Swedish]]: ''Åbo'') is [[Finland|Finland's]] oldest city, and used to be the country's largest until the mid-19th century. Believed to have been founded in the early 13th century, it is the cradle of modern Finnish culture and has extensively influenced Finnish history. Turku's fantastic culinary scene has earned it the nickname "the [[Paris]] of Finland" and the city has been called "Finland's gateway to the West". Bisecting Turku city centre, the River Aura is the heart and soul of the city: this is where Turku was born, and a large part of city life – museums, sights, restaurants and cafés – is still concentrated on the riverside. The river banks form a national urban park allowing for a pleasant stroll from the Turku Cathedral to the Turku Castle. Close to the river mouth is the island of Ruissalo, with oak forests and 19th-century villas. Turku is at its best in summertime, when it hosts many festivals, including rock festivals, chamber music festivals and a medieval fair. But do not forget the winter atmosphere, if you are lucky you may be able to have a thrilling walk on the ice cover of River Aura. In addition to the cultural sights and museums, this city of 195,000 people (2021) attracts visitors due to the [[Archipelago Sea]], which stretches all the way from Turku to [[Åland]] and on to [[Stockholm]], forming the largest archipelago in the world by the number of islands and islets. ==Understand== [[File:Turun tuomiokirkko.jpg|thumb|Turku Cathedral, important as symbol and well visible as a landmark]] [[Finland Proper#Greater Turku|Greater Turku]] (as defined here) includes a few surrounding towns and some countryside. Of these '''Raisio''' in the north-west is included here, while [[Kaarina]] and [[Naantali]] have their own articles, as has the [[Turku countryside]] in the north, including (west to east) Masku, Rusko, Paattinen (part of Turku) and Lieto. === Name === The origin of the word "Turku" the old Old East Slavic word търгъ (''tŭrgŭ''), which means "marketplace". The [[Swedish]] name of the city is '''Åbo''', the origin of which is unclear. ===History=== {{seealso|Nordic history}} Turku is Finland’s oldest city and one of the oldest in the entire Nordic region. The city came into existence at Koroinen on the banks of river Aura, a few kilometres north from the current market square. It was a centre for trade in the 1150s, and in 1229, the bishopric was transferred there as well. The Aura River Valley had already been a prosperous and relatively densely populated area since the Iron Age. The year 1229 is, somewhat arbitrarily, regarded as the year in which the City of Turku was founded. The construction of Turku Castle began in the 1280s, the Dominican monastery of St. Olof was being built on Samppalinna Hill and Turku Cathedral was consecrated in the year 1300. From this point on, the city held an important position in the Swedish realm and it had staple town charter (the right to conduct foreign trade), assuring that trading was brisk. The German bourgeoisie of Turku held a major role in the early development of the city, and Turku had a community that was part of the [[Hansa|Hanseatic League]], which dominated trade along the coasts of Northern Europe. The tradition of declaring [[Winter in the Nordic countries#Christmas|Christmas Peace]] has continued from the 14th century to these days (and is broadcast in several countries). During Swedish rule, Turku was the largest and most important city in what now is Finland, as well as a major city of the Swedish Kingdom. Queen Christina of Sweden founded Sweden's third university in Turku in 1640, following the old [[Uppsala]] University and the Academia Gustaviana in [[Tartu]], Estonia. Turku was long the provincial capital of much of the eastern half of Sweden, was capital of the Grand Duchy of Finland in 1809–1812, and remains the seat of the archdiocese of Finland. [[Russian Empire|Russia]], after overtaking Finland from Sweden 1809, moved the capital to [[Helsinki]], which was closer to [[Saint Petersburg]] and farther from [[Stockholm]]. Turku remained Finland's largest city until the end of the 1840s, but its ambitions were dealt a death blow in 1827, when a raging fire destroyed most of the city. ''Turun palo'' (the "Great Fire of Turku") is still the largest urban fire in the history of the Nordic countries. The city was almost completely destroyed, and the rest of the major institutions with the exception of the archbishop's seat were moved to Helsinki. The burnt city needed an altogether new town plan, which was drawn up by German architect Carl Ludvig Engel the following year. The current universities in Turku were inaugurated soon after independence, both to restore Turku's status and as part of the language strife: the bilingualism of Helsinki university was a red rag to the Fennomans, while the Svecomans saw the Swedish language threatened there. Turku is still a gateway to Sweden. The competition between cruise ferry companies led to ferries ever increasing in size and features, which let the Turku shipyard develop into a world leader of building large cruise ships, with customers such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival and TUI Cruises. Turku shipyard directly and indirectly employs some 8,000 people. In 2011 Turku was the European Capital of Culture along with [[Tallinn]], the capital of [[Estonia]]. Afterwards Turku has seen a huge boost in domestic and foreign visitors. ===People=== [[File:People at aurariver (cropped).jpg|thumb|The Aura River's banks are very popular among Turku residents, for walking, biking or enjoying nice weather.]] Turku remains a regional capital of [[Finland Proper]] and is the third most populous city-region in Finland and the eighth largest urban area in the [[Nordic countries]], with around 330,000 inhabitants living in the Turku sub-region (200,000 in Turku proper). Turku is a major academic town for Finland: there are two universities (TY with Finnish, ÅA with Swedish as its language) with business schools, law schools and a medical school, and four universities of applied sciences. Consequently, you will find that the city is bustling with young adults. The large number of students means that restaurants, live music clubs and nightlife are ample. There is a cultural spirit in the city, and some of the proud residents are still irked that Helsinki took over as Finland's capital back in 1812. In other parts of Finland people from Turku are stereotypically thought of as being bit reserved and uppish in their views of their home town. The fierce competition with Tampere in the 1970s on being the country's second city probably influences this. However, if you have a coffee at the Market Square and chat with the locals, you will soon find out that this is not the case. The Swedish community (ca 5%) has its own institutions and associations. Serving all Finland, ÅA's size is out of proportion to the local Swedish-speaking population, which shows in the demographics and the cultural life. Most of the Swedish-speaking are fluent in Finnish. Among the Finnish, the relation to Swedish is split: there are queues to the language-immersion daycare (and follow-up school) and many are bilingual with Swedish, while non-academic people born before 1965 and many born after the 1980s have a weak Swedish that they may refuse to use. The Turku dialect of Finnish has many influences from Swedish and historically also from Estonian. ===Read=== [[File:Turku Castle.jpg|thumb|Turku Castle.]] * ''Vares'' (book series) (Reijo Mäki, 1986–13). Finnish crime literature usually focuses more on police procedurals, or the psychological and sociological fallout from crime. One writer, Reijo Mäki, however, has written a series of books about a private investigator called Jussi Vares. He is your regular hardboiled PI: he drinks, makes love, hates everyone, and gets beaten up and mugged on a regular basis. All Vares books take place in Turku, which is also home to the books' writer. Mäki is a celebrity in Turku, where you can perhaps catch him in his favourite bar, Uusi Apteekki (New Pharmacy). * ''The Home of Dark Butterflies'' (Leena Lander, 1991). Writer Leena Lander tells the story of a fourteen-year-old boy named Juhani, who is haunted by his traumatic past. Juhani has been shuttled between foster homes and temporary families for the past six years, leaving any prospect of stability in his life a faded dream. When Juhani winds up in a remote shelter for troubled youth known as The Island, he has little idea of how ruthless superintendent Olavi Harjula can truly be. In addition to Harjula and the six other boys, The Island is also home to the superintendent's wife Irene, the couple's two young daughters, and Tynne, who tends to the local livestock in addition to catering all the meals. The island of the story has actually existed, though the boys' home was closed already in 1968. The story was also made into a film of the same name in 2008 and shooting took place on the actual island in the Turku archipelago. The film was also Finland's Oscar nominee for a foreign language film in 2008. ===Watch=== * ''Restless'' (Aku Louhimies, 2000) is a story about Ari (Mikko Nousiainen), a 27-year-old ambulance doctor living in Turku, whose main pastime is one-night stands. He doesn't want to meet any of the girls again because he is certain that commitment equals pain. But one day Ari realizes that he cannot feel anything at all. Then he meets a woman named Tiina (Laura Malmivaara) on the beach. Without really intending to, they start dating each other, reaching the point where Tiina, falling in love, begins to look for commitment. Ari is introduced to Tiina's friends, including two other couples. Ari then ends up having sex with Tiina's two best friends (Ilona and Hanna-Riikka). Meanwhile Tiina continues to love Ari. During this Tiina manages to commit Ari to reluctantly become the father of her to be born child. * ''Vares movies'' (Aleksi Mäkelä, 2004-2012). Vares books proved so popular in Finland that in 2004 a film was released, starring Juha Veijonen as the detective, and directed by Aleksi Mäkelä, considered by many the number one action-director in Finland. A second film appeared a few years later, and the two films' success led to a series of all together eight films. *''Man Exposed'' (Aku Louhimies, 2006) is a comedy-drama film about a rebel minister working in Turku's St Michael's Church, who is suddenly asked to run for bishop. At the same time he is running into problems in his marriage and life in general. *''Tears of April'' (Aku Louhimies, 2008) is a war drama film based on the novel by Leena Lander, the film is set in the final stages of the Finnish Civil War. The film tells a story of a captured female Red Guard fighter, Miina, and the soldier Aaro who escorts her to her trial. *''Love and Other Troubles'' (Samuli Valkama, 2012) is a Finnish romantic comedy film set in Turku. It stars Emilie de Ravin as Sara, an American line dance teacher, who meets Ville (Jussi Nikkilä), a 25-year-old former child star, and his father (Ville Virtanen), an ex-rock star, who both fall in love with her. *''The Girl King'' (Mika Kaurismäki, 2015) is a biographical drama about Christina, Queen of Sweden, who reigned from 1632 until her abdication in 1654. ===Climate=== [[File:Air temperature in Turku 2016.jpg|thumb|upright=2|Temperatures in Turku in 2016: averages, highs and lows]] [[File:Kommunalsjukhusvägen vintern 2010.jpg|thumb|Walk- and bikeway in winter, near the Kupittaa park]] Turku, like the rest of Finland, has four distinct seasons. Situated by the Baltic Sea and sheltered by the islands of the Archipelago Sea, Turku has a humid continental climate. Like much of southern Finland, the city experiences warm summers, with temperatures ranging up to 30°C (85°F), and winters with frequent snowfall and temperatures down to about −25°C (−15°F), though mostly between {{C|0}} and {{C|-15}}. The best time to visit is definitely the warm period from late May to early September, when day temperatures typically are {{C|20-25}}. If visiting in wintertime and meeting slush, ride somewhat more inland (a local bus can get you far enough) and you will probably find the real snow. Once in a while you can find it in Turku city centre too. In good winters people walk, ski and skate on the ice of the river and there are skiing tracks all around the suburbs. In lesser winters there will still be a shorter skiing track at Impivaara and skating opportunities at Parkin kenttä (by the bus station), in the Kupittaa park and in most suburbs, at least part of the season. Current weather forecasts can be checked at the [http://en.ilmatieteenlaitos.fi/weather/turku Finnish Meteorological Institute website]. ===Visitor information=== Turku's official tourist agency is ''Turku Touring''. It serves also the larger region. *{{listing | name=Visit Turku |alt=| url=http://www.visitturku.fi/en | email=info@visitturku.fi | address=Aurakatu 2 | lat=60.44906 | long=22.26784 | directions=next to the City Hall, near the Aura bridge; at busy times also the back door is open<!-- and when it is locked, notices may be absent or confusing--> | phone=+358 2 262-7444 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 262-7679 | hours=Sep–Mar: daily 10:00–15:00; Apr–Sep: M–F 08:30–18:00, Sa Su 10:00–18:00 | price= |wikipedia=|wikidata=|image=|lastedit=2018-03-13| content=Turku Touring's office offers advice, sight-seeing tours, maps, guide books, souvenirs, bicycle hire instructions, group outings and more. }} ==Get in== Turku is well connected to the rest of the country by rail and road, and has flights from Helsinki and Mariehamn. From the west (Åland and Sweden), ferries are the main option, although there are flights for those in a hurry. The ferries take cars. There are a few flights also from across the Baltic Sea and from some more distant places. Turku is a good yachting destinations, for those on the Baltic Sea or ready to make the longer voyage. ===By plane=== ====Turku Airport (TKU)==== [[File:Aero Airlines ATR 72 ES-KRL at EFTU on 20060714.jpg|thumb|Passengers boarding a Finnair flight to Helsinki at Turku airport.]] *{{listing | type=go | name=Turku Airport | alt={{IATA|TKU}} | url=http://www.finavia.fi/en/turku | email= | address= | lat=60.5109 | long=22.2743 | directions= 8&nbsp;km north of the city centre | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Turku Airport | image=Terminaali 1, Turun lentoasema, Turku, 11.7.2010.JPG | wikidata=Q1130231 | content=It is a compact airport with two terminals for check-in }} Typically, there are daily flights to Turku from [[Mariehamn]], [[Stockholm]] and [[Copenhagen]], and from a few locations further away, such as [[Gdańsk]] or [[Riga]]. These latter tend to change as budget airlines come and go. Domestic Finnair flights from [[Helsinki]] have been discontinued and replaced by coaches operated by Finnair instead. As of January 2023, [http://wizzair.com/en-GB/ Wizz Air] flies to Turku from Gdańsk and [[Rome]], [https://www.sas.se/en/ SAS] from Stockholm and Copenhagen (since April 2025), and [https://www.finnair.com Finnair] from Mariehamn, with additional charter holiday flights operated by TUI and Tjäreborg, among others. Bus line 1 departs from the airport every 20&nbsp;minutes and goes via the centre to the Port of Turku. Several hotels happen to be along the route. Tickets are available on board for {{EUR|3}}/{{EUR|1.50}} by contactless card, or {{EUR|4}}/{{EUR|2}} by cash. Children under 7 years old travel for free when accompanied by an adult, and after 23:00 the trips cost {{EUR|1}} more. Free transfers for two hours included, see [[#By bus 2|Get around]] for details. The line operates from 05:20 to 00:45. The day's last bus waits as long as 15 minutes if necessary, to allow passengers to catch it. The last buses operate only to Kauppatori, not to the harbour. ====Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL)==== If coming by air, a common option is to fly to the internationally well connected [[Helsinki Airport]] ({{IATA|HEL}}). Turku is 166 km away from Helsinki and easily reached by train (transfer in Helsinki centre) or coach. By car, the voyage by the Finnish national road 1 ([[E18]]) takes around 1hr40min. There is an almost hourly coach connection from Helsinki Airport to the Turku bus station. Coaches are operated by various companies, but tickets are sold on the [https://www.matkahuolto.fi/en Matkahuolto] platform regardless of the operator. As of 2024, Finnair has discontinued their domestic flights to Turku, but they do sell plane tickets to Turku where you then transfer to Finnair buses at Helsinki Airport. Coach services operate around the clock, although there may be a gap of two hours between services in the small hours of the night. The trip takes between 2 hr 15 min and 2 hr 55 min, depending on whether the service calls in towns on the way. [http://www.onnibus.com Onnibus.com] is typically a bit cheaper, but they leave from the central bus station of Helsinki and not directly from the airport. The Onnibus buses are red double-deckers with free Wi-Fi but little legroom. They also have special restrictions on children, pets and luggage. Book tickets online in advance for a cheaper price; bargains are available if booking early enough. ===By train=== [[File:Turku railways 2018.jpg|thumb|Pendolino train in Turku in 2018, with Logomo in the background]] {{cautionbox|The central railway station has moved to Logomo and the Logomo bridge. Trains from Helsinki again continue to there and some of them to the harbour. The old central station is abandoned and bus connections have changed. Works continue and a new central station is to be built. |lastedit=2024-12-15 }} Links between Turku and the rest of the country (except [[Satakunta]]) are frequent and excellent, from Helsinki (close to hourly) and Tampere, travel time approximately 2 hours, and services also from [[Jyväskylä]] (3.5 hr), [[Kuopio]] (5.5 hr) and [[Oulu]] (7 hr); VR sometimes suggests services via Helsinki e.g. from Tampere, but these are seldom relevant. There is an overnight car and sleeper train connection from [[Rovaniemi]] in [[Finnish Lapland|Lapland]] (10–15 hr, usually with a transfer in Tampere – if a sleeper cabin is suggested also for the remaining journey, check how much you pay for that add-on). Some of the services have a "restaurant" car (café/pub with sandwiches etc., mostly no real dining, although there may also be simple meals available), most others a cart with drinks and snacks. The IC2 services have a family car, with space for prams, a playing corner upstairs and the accessible toilet doubling as family room. From western Europe, you can travel by train to Stockholm and take a ferry cruise from there. This can be a scenic option, and most of the European railway companies offer discounts for the ferry connection. '''[http://www.vr.fi/en VR]''', the state-owned railway company, operates the trains. Turku has three railway stations: the central railway station in the north, Kupittaa in the east and Turku harbour in the west. The former two have ticket vending machines, waiting room, toilets, and service for the disabled on advance request. VR has no service desk in Turku. There are no local or regional trains as of the 2020s. Trains arriving from the direction of [[Helsinki]] stop at Kupittaa before arriving at the central station, while trains from [[Tampere]] don't pass the former. Some of the trains continue onward to the harbour – handy if you are connecting to a passenger ferry towards [[Stockholm]] or [[Mariehamn]]. * {{go | name=Central railway station | alt=Turku/Åbo | url=https://www.vr.fi/en/railway-stations-and-routes/turku | email= | address=Ajurinkatu 143 | lat=60.4564 | long=22.2588 | directions=on the northern edge of the centre; access to platforms by the Logomo bridge, which connects to the centre | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-12-16 | content=The platforms at the central station were moved in August 2024, now accessed by the pedestrian bridge over the rails between Logomo and the city centre, 400 m away from the former station, 750 m from Kauppatori (go forward one block, turn left, then right along Kauppiaskatu; the passage through the park may be nicer but is hard to find, with steep stairs). Services such as lounge, toilets, café and restaurant are at Logomo. A new railway station is planned to be taken into use in 2026. The station is primarily served by bus lines 1B and 1C, which stop near the centre-end of the Logomo bridge on their way from Kauppatori to the bus station, from where they continue back to Kauppatori, 1B further to the harbour. Either passes every 15 min 05:05–23:05. P3 stops at the next street. On the Logomo side there are the buses 20, 61, 61T, 3P, 201 and 203. These pass on the other side of Logomo, in Köydenpunojankatu 200 m from the main entrance. }} * {{go |name=Kupittaa railway station | alt=Kupittaa/Kuppis | url=https://www.vr.fi/en/railway-stations-and-routes/kupittaa | lat=60.4505 | long=22.2970 | directions=on the eastern edge of the centre | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-12-16 | content=Intermediate stop for trains from Helsinki, convenient for visits to the universities. The station is well connected by local bus: lines 32 and 42 have their stop 200 m away across the street and either passes each 10 min in daytime, continuing through the centre; use either the ascent by the train or the one closest ahead to get to the stop, the latter is more direct but lands you close to traffic, watch out for your children. The stairs farthest ahead are the nicest for walking towards the campus or the centre. There are also a few other bus lines passing by (there or at another stop). The centre is at walking distance (2 km). In 2022–2024 the parking by the station exit was chaotic, but this might have got improved since trains again continue onwards. }} * {{go | name=Turku harbour railway stop | alt=Turun Satama/Åbo hamn | url=https://www.vr.fi/en/railway-stations-and-routes/turku-port | address= |lat=60.43448 | long=22.22334 | directions=near the Viking terminal | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-12-16 | content=Trains from the directions of Helsinki and Tampere, serving cruise ferry passengers. No services at the station; buy your ticket in advance. }} There are bike sharing stations by the railway stations in the summer season (April–October or as weather allows); see [[#By bicycle|By bicycle]] below. There are cycleways. ===By bus=== [[File:Busstation of Turku.jpg|thumb|Turku bus station seen over Aninkaistenkatu. The platforms are behind the station building.]] Long-distance services usually terminate at {{marker|type=go|name=Turku bus station|lat=60.45712 | long=22.26808}}, as do some regional services. The station is at the northern edge of the city centre within walking distance from the central railway station (1 km) and Kauppatori (the market square, 800 m). Matkahuolto abandoned the station building; facilities are open again (R kiosk, timetable displays, café, hamburgers and snacks), but Matkahuolto (with ticket sale and freight) still uses the freight terminal across Läntinen pitkäkatu. The bus station has good local bus connections, although it is not the hub for them. There are stops for local and regional lines at a few different places on or around the station, note where your bus stops. Some coach lines arriving at the station continue to the Port of Turku, if needed. If going there, tell that when buying your ticket and when boarding. By the station are Hotel Helmi, the café of which offers breakfast, lunch, light meals and take away, and three hamburger restaurants (Hesburger, Mac Donald's and an independent). * {{go | name=Matkahuolto Turku | alt= | url= | email= | address=Läntinen Pitkäkatu 7–9 | lat=60.45699 | long=22.26563 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M–F 07:00–19:00, Sa 09:00–15:00, Su closed | price= | content= }} Normal coach connections from Kamppi in '''[[Helsinki]]''' leave for Turku more or less every half an hour during the day and every hour or two during the night. Coming via [[Tallinn]], there may be a coach directly from the port, mostly via Kamppi. Direct connections and connections with transfer are available from Helsinki-Vantaa airport. All these connections are either express or special express (there may also be a few hard-to-find "regular" connections). Tickets cost around €30 (round trip around €55) for adults, around €20 for children aged 12–16, €15 for children aged 4–11 and Finnish students (ISIC ''not'' accepted). Children under the age of four travel for free. Cheaper tickets can often be had in advance on the net (check also the individual companies' websites). There are normally more or less hourly connections from '''[[Tampere]]''' and '''[[Pori]]''' in daytime, and each two hours from '''[[Vaasa]]''', some all the way from '''[[Oulu]]'''. <!-- Check: There is a line from '''[[Tampere]]''' hourly in daytime, the last coach arriving 00:55, from '''[[Pori]]''' about hourly (check!) and from '''[[Vaasa]]''' about every two hours, the last arriving 21:20. --> For timetables, for the above mentioned or other connections, see [https://www.matkahuolto.fi/en Matkahuolto]. Also [http://www.onnibus.fi Onnibus] has connections to Turku. Tickets to these buses vary in price, cheapest well in advance on the net, for same day usually about €10 when bought online, €15–20 from Helsinki if bought when boarding (with busy services often sold out). Direct bus services from [[Saint Petersburg]] are provided by [http://ensi-bus.ru/?p=30 Ensi-Bus]{{Dead link|date=July 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} and [https://www.transgold.ru/marshrutka-v-turku/ Transgold] (check whether the sanctions have affected them). ===By ferry=== [[File:Viking Grace Ruissalo.jpg|thumb|''Viking Grace'' passing Ruissalo island on its way to [[Stockholm]].]] The most scenic way to get to Turku is by taking a [[Baltic sea ferries|cruise ferry]] across the Baltic Sea from [[Sweden]], from [[Stockholm]] or Kapellskär ([[Norrtälje]]) via [[Mariehamn]] or Långnäs, [[Åland]]. The {{marker|type=go |url=http://www.portofturku.fi/portal/en |name=Port of Turku|lat=60.43482 | long=22.21966}} is next to Turku Castle and is easily accessible on bus line 1, which travels between the port and the airport via the centre. The port also has its own railway and bus station (by the Viking terminal) and some trains and coaches depart at the port (see [[#By train|By train]] and [[#By bus|By bus]] above). To get from the port to the centre, buses 1 and 1B run frequently at the ferry arrivals and stop by the terminals. The buses still get crowded at these times and the boarding is a bit chaotic, as people are searching for their money, card or phones; try to minimise the hassle you are causing. Some drivers don't speak English or Swedish, but there is certainly some polyglot around. If you are getting off before Kauppatori, try to get a seat or stand close to the middle (or back) door. Regardless, the ride is reasonably smooth and people tend to be helpful. Taxis are also available, of course. With light luggage [[Turku riverside walk|strolling along the river]] to the centre can be a nice option (3 km to Kauppatori, buses within reach all the time). A new ferry terminal is planned to be ready for use in 2025; there will be changes in arrangements during the construction works. The main cruise ferry option is Finnish [https://www.sales.vikingline.com/ Viking Line] with daily departures from central Stockholm: one in the morning (via Mariehamn), arriving in the evening, and one in the evening (via Långnäs), arriving in the morning. For a scenic view, and less expensive prices, a morning departure is advisable. Going in the night, you avoid one night at a hotel, but the effective sleeping time is short, as you are probably waked up for cleaning of the cabin well before arrival (generous, although not cheap, breakfast is available). Evening departures provide adequate night club activities on board if you want to cut loose before arriving; there is entertainment also on the day cruises. Estonian [http://www.tallinksilja.com/en/web/int/book-a-cruise Tallink] (formerly Finnish Silja, sometimes still using that brand) also operates cruise ferries from Sweden, in summer two daily arrivals from Stockholm, in winter one daily departure from Kapellskär via Långnäs, arriving in Turku 16:30 and returning in the night. There are also more quiet ropax ferries from Kapellskär via Långnäs to [[Naantali]] 20 km from Turku, by [http://www.finnlines.com Finnlines]. By bus, take line N14 from the harbour and transfer to line 6 or 7 in Naantali centre (local bus fee, transfer included). Two new ferries were taken into use in the winter 2023–2024, intended to attract more leisure travellers, still more quiet than the alternatives. When comparing prices, note costs of meals, included on some ferries. Pedestrians are welcome from Kapellskär (check whether this is true also in summer), but not from Långnäs in the night. Bikers should wear reflective vests in the harbour areas. Nearly all ferries make a brief stop in Åland, in either [[Mariehamn]] or Långnäs. Due to this stop, plus a Finnish-demanded exception to [[European Union]] rules, passengers can make [[Duty free shopping|duty-free]] purchases on the ferries. The tax-free prices tend to be slightly cheaper than prices on the shore, but are seldom bargains; know the on-shore price levels if you want one. Looking for special offers may save a lot of money on the ferry passage. Prices vary from day to day according to demand, with a one-way overnight cruise typically from €30–100/cabin (Friday or Saturday evening departures tend to be more expensive). A "fuel fee" may be added (since 2022, due to extraordinary fuel prices), for cruise offers also a voucher (guaranteeing minimum spending aboard). In summer, book early if you have a car, especially if it exceeds standard dimensions. Youth travelling by themselves should check age restrictions. It is also possible to take '''smaller ferries from Åland''', connecting islands of Åland and the [[Archipelago Sea]] with each other and with the mainland. Using the small ferries is more complicated and possibly more expensive, but can be rewarding. See [[Åland#Get around]], [[Korpo]], [[Brändö]] and [[Houtskär]]. ===By yacht=== [[File:Summer scene at Turku guest harbour.jpg|thumb|Summer scene at Turku guest harbour.]] Many people also from other regions, including Helsinki, spend their summer vacation yachting around the [[Archipelago Sea]] surrounding Turku. The Sea of Åland and the Gulf of Finland, coming from Sweden and Estonia respectively, can easily be crossed in a day, while a voyage directly from [[Gotland]] requires overnight sailing. There is an abundance of minor guest harbours on the remaining distance through the archipelago. Turku Guest Harbour is on the Aura river halfway between the port and Kauppatori, while the TPS guest harbour, Ruissalo Marina and Ruissalon Telakka are on the scenic island of Ruissalo, with buses (line 8) to the city centre once an hour or half an hour in daytime. Except Telakka, they have fuel stations and septic tank emptying. There is also a free mooring site above the Aura bridge, but only for short visits without high mast, perhaps a nice tour if you have a suitable dinghy (bridge height 3.6 m; max 3 hr 08:00–22:00). From the cathedral upstream the river is shallow; there are shallows especially in the middle of the river and perhaps at the bridges, some rocks elsewhere. There is a portage at the Halinen rapids and dam north of the centre; upstream from there it is a popular canoeing route. * {{go | name=Turku Guest Harbour | alt= | url=http://www.turunvierasvenesatama.fi/en | email=info@turunvierasvenesatama.fi | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 57 | lat=60.4401 | long=22.2447 | directions=in the centre, 2 km from Kauppatori | phone=+358 400-536-613 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Oct–Apr €25, May–16 Jun & 2–30 Sep €35, 17 Jun–1 Sep €40; except during DBTL, Ruisrock and Tall Ships' Races | lastedit=2024-05-01 | content=City guest harbour. Good services, including non-free laundromat. May be full in peak season; some moorings can be reserved beforehand. For size over 15m×5.2m, check special arrangements. When the harbour office is closed, use restaurant Nooa instead. }} * {{listing|type=go | name=Ruissalon Telakka | alt= | url=https://ruissalontelakka.fi | email= | address=Hevoskarintie 23 | lat=60.4367 | long=22.2057 | directions=Ruissalo, opposite Port of Turku | phone=+358 400-330-413 | tollfree= | hours= | price=€25 | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-06-28 | content=Former boat yard; some of the yachts built here again call the harbour home, and part of the moorings are reserved for classical yachts. From here to the centre you can either take the [https://www.foli.fi/en/waterbus water bus] (daytime in season, bikes free) or walk 400 m to the bus stop for a 12-min ride with line 8. Both options use the Föli tickets. Café and pizzeria. Toilets and showers, but no fuel or septic tank emptying. }} * {{listing|type=go | name=TPS Guest Harbour | alt= | url=http://turunpursiseura.fi/satamat/vierassatama-guest-harbour/ | email=toimisto@turunpursiseura.fi | address=Pursiseuranranta 30 | lat=60.4265 | long=22.1593 | directions= | phone=+358 44-376-2655 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€20 | lastedit=2019-06-28 | content=Marina of one of the local yacht clubs. On the island Ruissalo, a 20-minute bus ride (line 8) from the centre. Services include sauna and Wi-Fi. Restaurant. Guiding to the mooring from the fuel pier, off hours look for orange cones instead. }} * {{listing|type=go | name=Ruissalo Marina | alt= | url=https://www.ruissalomarina.fi | email= | address=Ruissalon puistotie 618 | lat=60.4261 | long=22.1073 | directions= | phone=+358 2 445-5926 (10:00–19:00), +358 2 445-40 (off hours) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€30 | lastedit=2019-06-28 | content=By the Ruissalon Kylpylä spa hotel near the western end of the island, a 25-minute bus ride (line 8) from the centre. Reservation recommended. }} ===By car=== [[File:Saariston rengastie 11.jpg|thumb|Sign at the [[Archipelago Trail]]]] Turku is well connected by roads to other parts of Finland. Main routes are national road 1 ([[E18]] until [[Piikkiö]]) from [[Saint Petersburg]] and [[Helsinki]], 8 ([[E8 through Finland and Norway|E8]]) from [[Tromsø]], [[Vaasa]] and [[Pori]] along the west coast, 9 (E63) from [[Kuopio]], [[Jyväskylä]] and [[Tampere]], and 10 from [[Hämeenlinna]]. E18 is a high-speed controlled-access highway all the way from Russia, but deviates towards [[Naantali]] along the Turku bypass (road 40), stay on highway 1. Highways 8 and 9 are motorways for some distance outside the city. Turku can be reached from Helsinki in around 1 hr 40 min in summer and 2 hrs 40 in winter. The former main road from Helsinki, now regional road 110, is somewhat slower but allows your seeing more of the landscape. From Sweden or Åland, use the [[#By ferry|above]] mentioned ferries. Those to Turku and Naantali, and on the routes from Åland via Korpo or via Brändö and Kustavi, all take cars. There are a few scenic roads around Turku as well: * '''[[Archipelago Trail|The Archipelago Trail]]''' (''Skärgårdens ringväg'', ''Saariston Rengastie'') allows travellers to access [[Archipelago Sea|the archipelago]] without a boat of their own. Part of the "trail" can be used when coming from Sweden via [[Åland]]: drive to Långnäs and take the ferry to Korpo, or use the ferries via Brändö and Kustavi. * '''[[Hämeen Härkätie]]''' leads to Turku from [[Hämeenlinna]] and is the most important road of early Finnish history. The route was once used by merchants, pilgrims, and kings. Along the route, with small detours, you will find a splendid array of interesting sites, such as museums, churches and shopping spots. If you want to really experience a journey in time, you can stay at an old manor house or inn along the way. * The partly medieval '''[[King's Road]]''' (''Kuninkaantie'', ''Kungsvägen'') leads to Turku along the south coast all the way from the eastern border of Finland, passing Helsinki. It is part of the old post roads, dating back to the 14th century, that lead from Stockholm to Christiania (Oslo) and Bergen on the Atlantic coast (of Norway), and, crossing the [[Archipelago Sea]], via Turku to Viborg (now Vyborg in Russia). The modern tourist route is extended all the way to Saint Petersburg. You can see lots of medieval churches, museums and old villages along the road. === By bike === Bikes can be taken on the ferry from Sweden or Åland for €5–12. The fee on trains and coaches is similar. Onnibus does not take bikes. For getting in from Åland, the [[Archipelago Trail]] can be used, taking a ferry to Korpo, Houtskär, Iniö or Kustavi and continuing along the trail from there. The [https://en.eurovelo.com/ev10/finland Eurovelo 10] route around the Baltic Sea goes through Turku. From the east (Vaalimaa–Helsinki–Ekenäs–Salo) it is developed and signposted (not the Russian leg though). From the north it is developed from Vaasa to Turku, with signposting incomplete as of 2024. ==Get around== {{Mapframe|60.4493|22.2683|zoom=10|height=320|width=420|layer=|staticmap=|align=|name=}} {{mapshape|type=geomask|Q38511,Q372075}}<!-- Turku, Raisio; [[Turku countryside]] should be excluded --> {{nowrap|The market square,}} ''Kauppatori'' (Swedish: ''Salutorget'') is often considered the midpoint of the city, and most sights and restaurants, and most businesses in the centre, are within a kilometre from there. Nearly all buses pass by or have their terminus near Kauppatori, and reach every corner of the city, mostly with reasonable frequency. A bike is still the quickest way to get around and cycleways are generally good, but in the central business district you may have to cycle among cars or lead your bike. === By foot=== {{see also|Turku riverside walk}} The vast majority of the city's sights are within a kilometre or two from Kauppatori. The river Aura passes through the centre, and its banks are very popular, allowing for a pleasant stroll from, say, the national shrine of Finland, the Turku Cathedral, to the Turku Castle, which used to house Swedish Kings – or upstream to experience some countryside. Turku Touring, the official tourist agency of the city, offers different walking tours for visitors. There are also leaflets with self guided walking tours, such as Sculpture walk, ArchitecTour, Romantic Turku and Stepping it up. You can get a map from the main library (Linnankatu 2) or the tourist information (Aurakatu 2). If you have a smartphone you can download a Citynomadi app and get a map there. ===By bicycle === The fastest and most flexible way of seeing Turku is on a bike. There are good bike paths mostly as needed, although at the very heart of the city you have to know the routes or sometimes join car traffic, or get off the bike unless sufficiently experienced; not all the best routes are obvious. Some routes in the centre are brushed and salted in winter: along the river, around the campuses and through the central business district. Elsewhere cycleways and roads are not always maintained sufficiently in the winter for easy (in the centre: safe) biking, but local hardcore cyclists are biking throughout the year. Main biking routes are well signposted. In the centre there are often temporary disruption of these routes (markets, roadworks etc.), and bicycle arrangements are then often neglected. This is more seldom a problem elsewhere. The map at [https://kartta.turku.fi/IMS/en/Map kartta.turku.fi] can show biking routes: open the layers menu in the upper left corner, choose Traffic, then Bicycle paths, and use the check boxes. Regional biking route 1 goes to the tip of the recreation island Ruissalo, route 2 to Naantali, route 4 to Naantali via Raisio centre, route 9 to Lieto along Hämeentie, route 10 to Piikkiö via Nummi, Varissuo and Littoinen, route 11 along Uudenmaantie via Kaarina and [[Piikkiö]] to Paimio, route 12 via Hirvensalo and Satava to Kakskerta, For getting farther out of the city, bikes can be loaded on the local buses (including regional buses in the Föli cooperation) for €5 at the driver's discretion, i.e. probably when there are not too many passengers. Cost on coaches varies by company, often about the price of a children's ticket for longer voyages, sometimes a flat €6. The city tourist office can suggest cycling routes. They also rent bikes (€23/day). '''Bike theft''' is common and vandalism happens. A lock gives some protection. If leaving the bike close to the river it should be locked to something. ====Bike sharing==== [https://www.foli.fi/en/f%C3%B6li-bikes Fölläri bike sharing] is since 2022 in cooperation with [[Urban cycling#Donkey Republic|Donkey Republic]], with 700 three-geared bikes (as of 2023 not equipped for winter use). You will need an app; using the bikes requires a smartphone (Apple/Android; Sailfish Android emulation does not suffice) with Bluetooth and GPS enabled. There are 200 stations, many of which virtual (just leave the bike in the designated area found by the app and register the end of journey as usual). The hire can also be ended outside stations, for an additional fee. Usage for one hour at the time costs €2 per time, €9 per month or €35 for all season (April to October or December, weather permitting). Additional time costs €2 for 1 hr, €5 for 4 hr, €12 for a day. Thus, for a one-off one-day rental, the cost is €14. The monthly or seasonal payments count as Donkey Republic membership in other towns; it seems you can use such a membership also in Turku. Usage (except the fee for additional time and usage in other towns) is included in the 30 day Föli bus tickets. * {{listing|type=around | name=Donkey Republic customer service | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 2 4885-8185 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 07:00–21:00 Sa–Su 10:00–21:00 | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-12 | content=Customer service for the Fölläri bikes. }} Other options include: * {{listing|type=around | name=10Bikes | alt= | url=https://www.10bikes.fi/ | email=info@10bikes.fi | address=Puutarhakatu 40 | lat=60.44578 | long=22.2416 | directions= | phone=+358 400-176-100 | tollfree= | hours=Shop 10:00–18:00 | price=€5+€5/hr | content=Local business. Electricity assisted bikes for rent. City bikes and bikes for gravel. }} * {{listing|type=around | name=Polkupyörävuokraamo | alt= | url=http://www.polkupyoravuokraamo.fi | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=in the harbour | phone=+358 440-224-161 | tollfree= | hours= | price=€14/day, €63/week | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Bike rental. Also tandems and trailers. }} ====Bicycle service==== There are several bike shops offering service for bikers. Here some of them: * {{listing|type=around | name=Visan polkupyörähuolto | url=http://www.visainen.com | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 8 | lat=60.454 | long=22.273 | directions=in the corner of Aninkaistenkatu and Yliopistonkatu | phone=+358 2 231-1191 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Competent bicycle shop hidden in a back yard. Does not sell only mainstream stuff. }} * {{listing|type=around | name=Raispo | alt= | url=http://www.raispo.fi | email=info@raispo.fi | address=Itäinen Pitkäkatu 38-40 | lat=60.444481 | long=22.277783 | directions= | phone=+358 40-557-7158 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 10:00-18:00, Sa Su 10:00-14:00 | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-04-13 | content=Bike shop with bike service. }} ===By bus === <!-- [[File:Åbo salutorg 2010, Blommor och grönsaker.jpg|thumb|Streets around Kauppatori normally form the hub for the local and some regional bus lines – not 2018–2020.]] --> [[File:Föli bus -1 in front of Turku Castle.jpg|thumb|Turku city bus, line 1, by the castle]] [[File:Passenger ferry on Aurajoki.jpg|thumb|Water bus (passenger ferry) on the river]] Tickets are harmonized with some of the surrounding municipalities – Raisio, [[Naantali]], [[Kaarina]], [[Turku countryside|Rusko]], [[Turku countryside|Lieto]] and [[Paimio]] – as the "'''[http://www.foli.fi/en Föli]'''" cooperation. Tickets are handled as if all buses serving the area were local, except for lines 117, 118, 119 and 802. Coaches without line numbers are not covered (nor Onnibus, which has its own numbering scheme). * {{listing|type=around | name=Monitori | alt= | url= | email=joukkoliikenne@turku.fi | address=Aurakatu 8 | lat=60.45034 | long=22.26664 | directions=in KOP-kolmio by Kauppatori | phone=+358 2 262-0100 | tollfree= | hours={{show by date|2025|01|30|hour=16|M–F 08:00–16:00|M–Th 08:00–18:00 F 09:00–16:00}} | price= | lastedit=2018-06-05 | content=Bus customer service, combined with municipal services. }} {{cautionbox|The bus lines will be revamped 1 July 2025. Check routes and line numbers if you are arriving then. |lastedit=2025-03-21}} }} For occasional bus travel, use your debit/credit card (EMV-NFC payment). Use the same card for all your Föli travels, to have your previous payment taken into account on transfers etc. For any special circumstances (such as paying for two), explain what you want to the driver before using your card. I single ticket with 2 hr transfer time is €3.15/1.55, by cash €4.50/2, €1 more in the night. Child fare applies for 7–15 years old; younger children not travelling alone travel for free, as do adults with a wheelchair (also an assistant) or pram. The Föli pages have several map views (e.g. one showing the current locations of buses) and tailored timetable views (such as for a specific stop) and a '''route planner'''. The planner works well in most situations, but some sanity checks are needed: the planner can guess at destinations with "similar" spelling, it thinks "Bus station, Turku" means the one in the port, and it may behave oddly when no suitable bus is found for whatever reason. You can also use the [http://nysse.mobi Nysse] mobile app for journey planning. Most buses go through the centre, passing '''Kauppatori'''. However, city bus stops are spread out along a few blocks of Eerikinkatu and Aurakatu and regional buses mostly depart from Puutori/Trätorget (one block diagonally towards the bus station) or from the bus station. To avoid walking a few hundred metres, you can often transfer at some other stops, shared or closer one to the other. Lines 4xx and 6xx north- or north-eastward to or via some part of Lieto, lines 7xx eastward to or via Piikkiö (except 702 and 72x), line 20 and line 206 leave from Puutori; lines 702 and 72x via Piikkiö towards Kimitoön and lines 8xx and 9xx to or via Pargas from the bus station. The rest of the 2xx and 3xx lines have their stops near Kauppatori. There are few 'circle lines', so usually if you need to transfer, you will need to take one bus to the centre, then transfer there to the bus taking you to your final destination. Often the most convenient transfer point is the stop before or after the stop by Kauppatori. The Föli route planner does a good job at finding optimal transfer spots for specific times, optimising for speed or optionally minimising walking. As buses generally go in two directions from the centre, make sure that you are taking the correct numbered bus in the correct direction as well. Destinations are mentioned on some stops and alternating between languages on most buses, but you should still note the numbers of the lines you intend to use. If going towards Kauppatori it is mostly enough to know on what side of the street to stand. Many buses announce the next stop by voice and display. Buses passing the municipality border mostly have 3-digit numbers (notable exceptions: lines 6 and 7). Buses not reaching Turku (often minibuses with sparse schedules) have their number prefixed with a letter, such as L for Lieto – but "P" means Turku lines meant primary for seniors. There are some quirks, e.g. some '''regional buses''' use stops for city buses, others those for coaches (notably 702, 90x). To add to the confusion, a few coach stops have had their signs changed to bus stop signs (there have been similar changes elsewhere in the region). The main stop affected is the one at the cathedral, where all services along Uudenmaankatu stop by either of the signs. Regional buses with destinations outside the Föli area are usually part of the cooperation inside it, but for trips out of the area you cannot use Föli tickets even to the border (notably 7xx, 8xx and 9xx via Kaarina, and some 4xx buses through Lieto). A few such buses (117–119 and 802) don't take Föli tickets at all. Electronic displays and timetables at bus stops ignore some regional buses. Single '''tickets''' are valid for unlimited transfers within two hours of the ticket's purchase. They can be bought with debit/credit cards (Visa, Mastercard or Eurocard) that have contactless (EMV-NFC) payment enabled, with the Föli app or in advance for €3.15, children 7–14: €1.55. Bought by cash from the driver they cost €4.50/2. If you want tickets for other than a single adult, tell the driver and show your card to the device only when the correct option has been registered. In the night (23:00–04:00) tickets cost €1 more. Notes of more than €20 are usually not accepted. Persons in wheelchair and the person assisting travel for free, as does a person with an infant or toddler in a baby carriage (use the middle door, the driver will help with the wheelchair ramp; there is usually sufficient space). Children under 7 years old need a ticket only when travelling alone. If you intend to take the bus more than twice a day (read: in more than two 2-hr periods), it becomes economical to ask the bus driver for a 24-hour ticket. The electronic payments should do this automatically and subtract already paid single tickets from the price, given that you use the same card or smartphone all the time. They also keep count of the 2 hr transfer period. The office at Kauppatori, R kiosks and other service points sell cards for one day and more, costing €8.30 for one day, €57 for 30 days. The equivalent can also be bought in the app. If you are going to travel much also outside the Föli area, check the [[Finland Proper#Get around|Seutu plus]] tickets (single, 10-trip and 30-day tickets available for a rang of regions). Those staying more than a few days or travelling as a group may want to check other options also, e.g. "value cards", with which trips (including transfers) cost €2.60/1.20, plus €1 in the night. For groups, ask for a group card (ordinary children's cards are personal, adults' cards valid for three persons). Show the card to the machine once for each person the first time, once for all the group at "transfers". Value (and days) can be added on the Internet, in the Föli bureau and at some other locations. Once upon the time modifier letters (as in 12A and 12B) got removed and numbers changed (in this case to 32 and 42). The lines are ordered according to these associations: 1, 2, 2A, 3, 30, 4,… Often the '''associated lines''' behave the same most of the route, but have different destinations in one end. In a few cases the destination varies without any change in line number, usually with a sign in the front window of the bus. The corresponding notes in the timetable are often incomprehensible without some understanding of the individual lines, but usually you know when you need to understand them and can ignore them otherwise. The worst trap is some extra rush hour buses on long lines stopping prematurely: check that you get the one going all the way to your stop. From 1 July 2025 the line number scheme changes, with lines with low numbers having frequent services, and other new logic; only a few lines retain their old numbers and some routes disappear or change significantly. '''Timetable''' booklets (fetch one from the Föli service point) give starting times at the ends of the route and at Kauppatori, and an estimated duration of the trip to or from Kauppatori. Some lines are (only or additionally) listed in groups, with information for common (possibly intermediate) destinations. Sometimes a line being in the booklet twice is not evident, check carefully if relevant. The timetables at major stops instead give the estimated passing time of the bus (and line number, as lines are grouped together). A map might be for sale separately (€2; not including the neighbouring towns, nor the extreme points of Turku). School buses, night lines, rush hour lines and lines serving the elderly, and the quirks of these, are partly handled in their own maps, chapters and booklets, although tickets are valid as usual. <!-- oops: the scheme seems to have changed, unclear how, until winter 2025 it was as follows: Timetables differ between winter, shoulder season and the schools' summer vacations, with new timetables published before the spring and winter seasons. Individual lines may change at other times, noted in their timetables. --> Some interesting or useful lines include: * '''1 Seaport – centre – bus station – airport''' The line to use to and from the seaport and airport. '''1B''' skips the airport leg. Departs from the airport and seaport every 20 minutes on weekdays and Saturdays, twice an hour on Sundays, more often to and from the harbour at ferry arrival and departure times. Much cheaper than taking a cab. The route happens to pass by several hotels. * '''8 Centre – Railway station – Ruissalo''' The bus route through the large Ruissalo island, a popular summer destination with beaches, villas, a botanic garden and a nature reserve. * '''14, 15 Saramäki – Oriketo – centre – Erikvalla / Kakskerta''' Bus lines which go to islands of Satava (14) and Kakskerta (15), which have beautiful countryside and archipelago nature to enjoy. 40-min ride from Kauppatori (one way). * '''21, 23 Centre – Paattinen – Tortinmäki''' Long countryside route which you can ride at no more cost than the ordinary city bus ticket. Tortinmäki is a 6-km walk (or bike ride) from [[Kurjenrahka National Park]], in season some of the services extend to the park. * '''32, 42 Varissuo – Pansio/Perno via railway stations''' Between a major suburb and a major employer (the shipyard), so frequent. The routes go via the Kupitta railway station, Kauppatori and the central railway station. Line 32 also passes near the exhibition centre. * '''99 Ilpoinen / Uittamo – Skanssi – Länsikeskus – Perno / Pansio''' A long "suburb sightseeing" line bypassing the centre; a one-way ride takes over an hour. * '''[https://www.foli.fi/en/waterbus 180 water bus] Martinsilta – Pikisaari and Ruissalo''' A water bus using Föli tickets, bikes free; late May through August, some September weekends). See [[#By ferry 2|By ferry below]]. ===By taxi === [[File:Aurakatu Turku 3 kesä 2011.jpg|thumb|Aura street in central Turku.]] Taxis are abundant and easily available throughout the city. There are three crunch times when getting a taxi might be problematic: the morning and evening ferry departure times (particularly in summer), around 08:00 and 21:00, and the bar closing times (particularly on weekends) around 04:00. Quick 1–3 km trips cost in the €8–18 vicinity (the 10-km 15-min example ride mostly costs around €35) – prices have gone up with the deregulation as Helsinki-based companies have harmonised prices across the country. Taxis generally accept major international credit cards. At the railway station and similar places there may also be a "Kimppataxi" offering rides together with strangers (cf ''minivans'' in some countries), which in some cases is considerably cheaper. Don't be afraid of "wild" drivers found at the railway station or other busy taxi stands (and available by a call), just check that their prices aren't rip-offs – which could be a problem in the night. Any taxi should have the yellow taxi sign and a meter. Most taxis use the Taxidata call centre. There are several other companies, including Taksi Länsi-Suomi (serving most of Finland Proper), the Helsinki based companies (at least Menevä) and some small ones, but their cars are mainly found at certain taxi ranks. If using their call centres it might be wise to check that there is a taxi available nearby before committing. Pre-booking is free for some of these competitors. Like elsewhere in Finland, the taxis belong to smaller companies with just an agreement with the call centre. * {{listing|type=around | name=Taxidata | alt= | url=http://taxidata.fi/hinnasto/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 2 100-41 | tollfree= | hours= | price=€1.67/call+pvm/mpm (app free); flag-fall M–F 06:00–18:00, Sa 06:00–16:00 €3.90, other times €6.90; €1.10/km + €0.90/min for 1–4 passengers or €1.59/km + €0.90/min for 5–8 passengers. Example: 4 persons 5 km in the evening, 30 km/h, called by phone: €1.67+6.90+5.50+9+mpm = €23.07+mpm | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2017-06-30 | content=Also bookable by app. Calling centre used by most taxis. }} * {{listing | type=around | name=Menevä Turku | url=https://www.meneva.fi/en/service-areas/varsinais-suomi/turku | email=leif@meneva.fi | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 50-471-0470 (head of office) | tollfree=0800-02120 (booking) | hours= | price=Flag fall M–Sa 06:00–18:00: €4, other times and holidays: €7; 1–4 persons €0.90/km + €0.90/km, 5–8 persons minimum €20, €1.60/km + €0.90/min (July 2020) | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-25 | content=Also bookable by app or web. Fixed price based on calculated route and time if destination address given when booking by app or web. }} * {{listing | type=around | name=Taksi Länsi-Suomi | alt= | url=https://www.taksilansisuomi.fi/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 20-003-000 (extra charge?) | tollfree= | hours= | price=Flag fall M–F 06:00–20:00, Sa 06:00–16:00 €4.90, other times €8.90; 1–4 persons €1.49/km + €0.99/min, 5–8 persons €1.89/km + €0.99/min | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-06-19 | content=Serves most of Finland Proper. Call centre in cooperation with Taksi Helsinki. Available also through the Valopilkku app. }} * {{listing | type=around | name=iTaksi | alt= | url=https://www.itaksi.fi | email=info@itaksi.fi | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 10-212-0000 (extra charge?) | tollfree= | hours= | price=€4.00/6.00+€0.90/km+€0.85/min | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Also bookable by app or web. Fixed price based on calculated route and time if destination address given when booking by app or web. }} * {{listing|type=around | name=Yango | alt= | url=https://yango.yandex.com/turku/tariff | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=€6.00+€1.10/km+€0.40/min (Starting fare includes 5 min and 2 km) | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-12-17 | content=Yango is a Russian company which offers cheap fares. }} * Smartphone apps: Valopilkku, 02 Taksi, Uber, Taksinappi, Bolt ===By electric kick scooter=== Swedish [http://www.voiscooters.com Voi], German [https://tier.app Tier] and Norwegian [https://www.ryde-technology.com Ryde] have electric kick scooters for rent, to use in the centre. Dott seems to be coming. See [[Finland#By motorised scooter|Finland &sect; By motorised scooter]]. Don't drive in Kauppatori, but park in the vicinity. ===By ferry === [[Image:Turku Ferry across river Aura.jpg|thumb|Föri crossing Aura river in front of the guest harbour.]] * {{marker|type=around|url=|name=Föri|lat=60.4411 | long=22.2479 |wikipedia=Föri |wikidata=Q1480060 |image=Turku, Finland - panoramio (27).jpg |hours=06:15–21:00 daily, in summer 06:15–23:00, replaced by boardwalk in cold winters |price=Free |content=This city ferry shuttles people and their bikes (no cars allowed) across the Aura River since a century, first taking passengers in 1904. Beloved by Turku citizens, the little orange ferry covers a grand distance of 78 metres and takes about a minute and a half. A running local gag is to ask visitors if they have taken the trip from Turku across to Åbo on the Föri yet; actually, both sides of the river are called the same, Åbo is just the Swedish name. Incidentally, the name comes from the Swedish ''färja'' and is related to the English word "ferry". }} * {{listing|type=around | name=Pikkuföri | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=by Forum Marinum | phone= | tollfree= | hours=July | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-07-08 | content=A smaller pedestrian ferry that crosses the river downstream in peak tourist season. }} * {{listing|type=around|url=https://www.foli.fi/en/waterbus|name=Föli water buses |price=Ordinary Föli ticket, bikes free |hours=2022: daily 23 May–28 Aug, Sa–Su until 17 September. Every 45 min, round trip 1.5 hr. First departure 10:15, last return back by Martinsilta 19:55, an additional evening tour to and from Telakka in June–July |content=m/s ''Ruissalo'' and m/s ''Jaarli'' go from just downstream from Martinsilta (eastern, left bank) to the Kansanpuisto park on Ruissalo (this call skipped around the Ruisrock event), via Forum Marinum and either Pikisaari on Hirvensalo or the Telakka marina on Ruissalo. Tip: Take a bicycle with you without extra fee if the ferry is not too crowded. }} * {{listing|type=around|url=http://jakkejokilautta.fi/|name=Jakke Jokilautta| image=Jakke Jokilautta.jpg |price=€5/2 (children 3–14), family (2+2) €12 |content=''River ferry Jakke'' is a café ferry going up and down the river all the way from the castle to the cathedral. Along the way you can enjoy refreshments and the wonderful views of the city. Some of the cruises are also guided. There are five stops along the river for the ferry: Tintå restaurant, Pharmacy museum, Esposito, Turku guest harbour and Crichton street. The ferry always stops at the Pharmacy museum and Crichton street, and if there are people waiting for the ferry, also on the other stops. }} ====Archipelago cruises==== [[File:SS Ukkopekka Kultaranta 2004.jpg|thumb|Ukkopekka on its way from Naantali to Turku.]] There are a number of cruises in and tour boat connections to the archipelago, e.g. to the island [[Rymättylä#Recreation islands|Vepsä]], a recreational area of the city (1 hr one way), to [[Nagu]] parish village or [[Själö]] (2 hr across Airisto, back in the evening), to [[Utö (Finland)|Utö]] in the very outskirts of the Archipelago Sea (5 hr; twice a week, overnight stay at the island necessary due to the distance) or to [[Naantali]] with the Moomin world, Kultaranta (the summer residence of the President of Finland) and a nice wooden old town. Most ferries taking passengers to the archipelago can be found between Martinsilta bridge and Föri. Some of the tours are available only in summertime, others continue as long as ice conditions permit. On your way out from the city you can see the old ships by Forum Marinum, Turku castle, the harbour and Pikisaari and Ruissalo with their old charming villas, before you reach the open Airisto. * {{listing|type=around|url=http://www.ukkopekka.fi/en |name=s/s Ukkopekka | wikipedia=SS Ukkopekka |image=SS Ukkopekkaa.jpg |wikidata=Q4412741 | directions=just downstream of the Martinsilta bridge |lat=60.44416 | long=22.25336 |phone= |price=Naantali: €24 single, €29 return, family €66/80, lunch €14; Loistokari: €48–55; children 3–12/3–14 half price |content=Family-owned steamship. Archipelago cruises from Turku to Naantali (day cruises; 1 hr 45 min each way, immediate return or 2 hr in Naantali) and to the island of Loistokari (evening cruises, dance at the Loistokari pier, buffet meal included) in the summer season. }} * {{listing|type=around |name=m/s Rudolfina |url=http://www.rudolfina.fi | email=rudolfina@rudolfina.fi |lat=60.4433 | long=22.2515 |phone=+358 2 250-2995, +358 40-846-3000 |price=€30–40, including a meal |wikidata=Q52333105 |image=Rudolfina Aurajoella 2.JPG |content=Lunch and diner cruises. }} * {{listing|type=around | name=Rosita |alt= |url=http://www.rosita.fi/reittiliikenne.php | email=info@rosita.fi | image=Lily Turku.JPG |lat=60.44401 | long=22.25297 | phone=+358 2 213-1500 | price=Return €20/9, single €12/6, family €47, pets €4; children 0–11; reduction €2/ticket on internet | lastedit=2024-07-28 | content=With '''m/s ''Lily''''' you can depart for a two-hour cruise in the Airisto or spend the entire summer's day (or a few) on the Vepsä island. The voyage is an hour each way. There is a café on board. The main deck consist of a bright 100-person lounge, with a 40-seater cabinet downstairs and a large deck and sun terrace upstairs. Also plain cruises. }} * {{listing|type=around | name=m/s Norrskär | alt= | url=https://vitharun.fi/en/timetables/turku-seili-nagu/ | email=info@vitharun.fi | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 37 | lat=60.4431 | long=22.25099 | directions= | phone=+358 400-176-684 | tollfree= | hours=2021: 8 May–19 September Sa–Su, 12 Jun–29 Aug daily; 09:30 or 10:00 from Turku, 11:15 at Själö, 12:15 in Kyrkbacken, start from Kyrkbacken 16:00 or 16:15, back 18:15 or 18:30 | price=Själö or Kyrkbacken single €25/15, return €37/23; bike €6, return €10; children 3–15 years | lastedit=2021-05-24 | content=Connects Turku with Själö and Kyrkbacken. Times with guided tours on Själö. Kiosk on board. Lunch possible in Själö or Kyrkbacken. }} ===By car === Parking lots by the street are sparse in some hours, but otherwise you should be able to park your car for a while quite near the place where you are going. Short time parking is often free, as is public parking in nights and Sundays, and free parking lots can be found in the outskirts of the city. In weekdays (M–F 09:00–20:00, Sa 09:00–17:00), public paid parking costs €3.60/1.80/0.60 per hour depending on area; app or credit/debit card needed. Private paid parking usually has no free hours, but can be cheaper for long stays. When parking in the street, especially in winter and spring, note times reserved for maintenance. Parking halls, such as the underground {{marker|type=around |url=https://www.aimopark.fi/en/cities/turku/louhi/ |name=P Louhi |lat=60.45490 | long=22.26060}} (stairs/lift to Kauppatori and the pedestrian street) usually have plenty of free space. Q-Park operates several parking halls in central Turku. Most of the largest hotels have their own parking halls. ===By funicular=== * {{listing |type=around | name=Kakola funicular | alt= | url=https://www.turku.fi/en/funicular | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q26723781 | lastedit=2022-07-28 | content=The Kakola funicular opened in 2019, takes passengers up to the Kakola hill. The first funicular in Finland, it's more of an elevator as it lacks a driver. Kakola was known for the prison that operated there until 2007 after which the buildings were renovated into offices and apartments. Riding the funicular is free of charge but as it has been riddled with problems since the opening, and has become infamous for being out of service every now and then there's a chance you don't get to try out ride at all. }} ==See== The vast majority of the city's sights are within a kilometre or two from Kauppatori. Two sights in the city are considered above others (by Finnish visitors): the medieval castle, which is the symbol of Turku, and Turku cathedral, the national shrine of Finland, but there are several more modest pearls to find. Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova invites visitors to explore the medieval history and culture of Turku and to reflect upon thought-provoking contemporary art. ''Luostarinmäki'' is the only larger part of the city that survived the great fire of Turku in 1827. Nowadays it houses an open air living handicrafts museum, with local artisans working in traditional ways. The ''biological museum'' has dioramas showing Finnish fauna of different biotops. The ''museum of art'' has a collection from the time of national awakening in the 19th century, besides more modern works. The '''Museokortti''' card gives free entrance to most museums. ===History and museums=== [[File:Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova Turku 06.jpg|thumb|Ruin hall in Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova, with the vaults reconstructed as light bands]] * {{see | name=Aboa Vetus et Ars Nova | alt= | url=https://avan.fi/en | email=info@aboavetusarsnova.fi | address=Itäinen Rantakatu 4–6 | lat=60.449844 | long=22.273457 | directions= | phone=+358 20-718-640 | tollfree= | hours=11:00–19:00 | price=€10/7/5.50, family ticket €24, children under 7 free | wikidata=Q3022430 | content=Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova combines history and contemporary art; Aboa Vetus tells about the history of Turku and about archaeology, with a nice touch for children. Ars Nova is a museum of modern art. The permanent exhibition of Aboa Vetus illuminates the medieval life of Turku. The museum consists of the ruins of stone buildings exposed in archaeological excavations. Now you can actually step in and walk on the medieval streets of Turku, which used to be buried underground. The largest museum shop in Turku, Laurentius museum shop, is by the entrance. It sells jewellery, toys, cards, books and other souvenirs. The museum also houses [https://avan.fi/en/cafe-pegasus M Kitchen and Café], the brunch of which is especially popular among Turku residents. In the summertime the [https://www.linnateatteri.fi/ Linnateatteri] theatre company also performs comedy in the museums courtyard. }} * {{see | name=Botanical Garden | alt= | url=https://sites.utu.fi/kasvitieteellinen-puutarha/en/ | email=puutarharuissalo@utu.fi | address=Ruissalon puistotie 215 | lat=60.4333 | long=22.17334 | directions= | phone=+358 2 276-1900 | tollfree= | hours=Indoor gardens daily 10:00–17:00, outdoor gardens daily 08:00–20:00 | price=Indoor gardens €6/4/free, Outdoor gardens are free | content=The Turku University Botanical Garden on the Island of Ruissalo is both a centre for scientific research and a public showcase for the fascinating world of plants. The outdoor and indoor gardens display over 5000 species and varieties of plants. In the greenhouses are a wide range of succulent plants and a collection of tropical species. Next to the modern greenhouse is the outdoor garden where the edible plants, roses, meadow flowers, rock plants and exotic trees and shrubs all flourish. Another distinguishing feature of the new landscapes are the artificial ponds containing colourful waterlilies and other wetland plants. There's also a cafeteria on the garden premises. }} * {{see | name=Biological Museum | alt=Biologinen museo/Biologiska museet | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/biologicalmuseum | email=biologinenmuseo@turku.fi | address=Neitsytpolku 1 | lat=60.4446 | long=22.2645 | directions=by Urheilupuisto | phone=+358 2 262-0340 | tollfree= | hours=In summer daily 10:00–18:00, in winter Tu–Su 09:00–17:00 | price=adults €7, children (7–15) €2.50, family €16, Museum Card valid | wikidata=Q4086898 | lastedit=2024-07-28 | content=A diorama-museum that resides in a beautiful wooden Art Nouveau building. Thirteen nature scenes present the fauna and flora of Finland, from the archipelago all the way to the fells of Lapland. In all, 30 common Finnish mammals and 136 bird species are on display. The museum is great for all those interested in nature and cultural history. It was established in 1907 and most of the dioramas date back all the way to that period. Since spring 2024 they are complemented by digital content, such as animal sounds, and things that can be touched; also the yard has been included, with e.g. an insect hotel (take a quick tour around the house). There are also varying small-scale exhibitions and other types of annual events held at the museum. The museum is a popular visiting destination for school groups and it is also a suitable visiting destination for younger children. A small museum shop sells postcards, posters and other assorted items related to the museum. }}<!-- -->[[File:Brinkhallin kartano.jpg|thumb|Brinkhall Manor]] * {{see | name=Brinkhall Manor | alt= | url=https://www.brinkhall.fi/ | email=brinkhall@kulttuuriperinto.fi | address=Brinkhallintie 414 | lat=60.3700 | long=22.2408 | directions= | phone=+358 440-940-048 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=24 Jun-17 Aug: Tu–Su 10:00–18:00 | price= | content=The Brinkhall Manor, on the island of Kakskerta, can trace its history back to the 16th century. The manor consists of some 20 buildings and 34 hectares of park, gardens, agricultural land and forest as well as sea and lake shores. Brinkhall’s neoclassical main building was built in 1793. In the beginning of the 20th century major renovations were carried out, also in the classical style. Brinkhall´s English garden was one of the first in this style in Finland in the beginning of 19th century. A few years ago Brinkhall provided the location for a historical TV-drama series called ''Hovimäki'', which became widely celebrated in Finland. Before filming, the manor had been empty for decades. Now Brinkhall Manor has a café, where you can also find the Interior Museum and exhibitions. In mid July Brinkhall is the site of a music festival ''[http://www.brinkhallsoi.fi Brinkhall Soi]''. }}<!-- -->[[File:Ett Hem 03.JPG|thumb|''Ett Hem'' -Museum]] * {{see | name=Ett Hem | alt="A home" | url=http://etthem.fi/?lang=en | email=etthem@stiftelsenabo.fi | address=Piispankatu 14 | lat=60.45386 | long=22.27879 | directions=behind the Cathedral, opposite the Sibelius Museum. | phone=+358 50-363-2982 | tollfree= | hours=May–Sep and 30 Nov–5 Jan: W–Su 11:00–16:00; groups by agreements | price=€5, pensioners €4, students and children €2; museum card valid | wikidata=Q4165181 | lastedit=2024-10-20 | content=In their will Alfred and Hélène Jacobsson donated their 19th century house to the Swedish university of Turku, ''Åbo Akademi'', as a museum. The idea was to preserve the atmosphere of upper class life in Turku. They owned a two storey building at Hämeenkatu 30, designed by the German architect Carl Ludwig Engel. Later the interiors were moved to more humble surroundings and the museum is now in a wooden Empire-style building. The age and style of the different artefacts vary, but as a whole "Ett hem" ("A home") is decorated according to the neo-renaissance principles. The museum has both a cultural and historical value. Especially important is the art collection, where most of the famous Finnish artists of the Golden Age of Finnish art, the period around 1900, are represented. }} * {{see | name=Forum Marinum | alt= | url=http://www.forum-marinum.fi/en | email= | address=Linnankatu 72 | lat=60.4366 | long=22.2349 | directions=Just after the guest harbor when going downstream towards Turku Castle, you can't miss it, bus line 1 | phone=+358 2 267-9511 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 267-9515 | hours=wintertime: Daily 11:00–19:00 | price=€9/5/– for the museum; €6/4 ships | wikidata=Q3917218 | content=The Forum Marinum Maritime Centre is a lively and versatile centre for maritime activities, comprising a national special maritime museum, and the Finnish Navy Museum. There are temporary exhibitions and a very interesting [http://www.forum-marinum.fi/en/exhibitions/museum-ships/ boat and ship collection]: two tall sail ships, ''Suomen Joutsen (Swan of Finland)'' and ''Sigyn'', four naval ships and several smaller vessels, ranging from a steam harbour tugboat to a police boat. The museum ships are open during the summer months only, while the exhibitions are open throughout the year. The museum also houses a Café Restaurant called Daphne, which serves café delicacies and a tasty, varied buffet lunch. The Museum Shop offers maritime gifts and other articles, literature and high-quality textiles. }} * {{see | name=Healthcare Museum | alt= | url=https://www.turku.fi/toimipaikat/turun-terveydenhuoltomuseo | email= | address=Kunnallissairaalantie 20 | lat=60.4413 | long=22.2753 | directions= | phone=+358 2 266-2421 | tollfree= | hours=Every last Monday of the month 16:00–18:00 and by appointment | price=€4, children under 16 years free | content=At the Turku Health Care Museum you get an insight into the history of healthcare. How were people treated for such things as tuberculosis or polio? What instruments would you find in the operating room? At the Turku Health Care Museum you can see the evil of diseases such as cholera and tuberculosis, view medical and autopsy equipment, electro-shock devices, as well as the operating room and the instruments used. The museum also displays artefacts from maternity and childcare clinics as well as items from medical schools from years ago. See an example of a baby carriage box that the midwives and nurses used to carry the new born babies of mothers with tuberculosis to the ''Joulumerkkikoti'' nursery to keep them safe from infection. Another attraction is an entire collection of uniforms for hospital personnel. Many of the styles were abandoned because of the conflict concerning the money spent on uniforms. Of pride of place in the middle of the museum is the ''Heideken'' exhibition showing christening gown, baptismal font, Bible, and the maternity hospital with its equipment. }}<!-- -->[[File:Kuralan kylämäki.jpg|thumb|Kuralan Kylämäki – Village of Living History]] * {{see | name=Kuralan Kylämäki – Village of Living History | alt=Kuralan Kylämäki | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/kylamakivillage | email=infopiste.kurala@turku.fi | address=Jaanintie 45 | lat=60.4622 | long=22.3365 | directions=Bus lines 2 and 2A | phone=+358 2 262-0420 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=summertime Tu–Su 10:00–18:00, also open around Christmas | price=Free | wikidata=Q11873640 | content=Kylämäki in Kurala is a village of living history, where visitors can travel back in time to a typical farm of south-west Finland in the 1950s, complete with authentic scents and rural atmosphere. It is made up of four farms with buildings standing at their original sites. The Kylämäki Village is ideal for families with children, since touching and experiencing is allowed – and there are corners with period toys and playing equipment. The village has been inhabited since the 7th century. In the summer months, you can see women at their domestic chores in the Iso-Kohmo House, making juices and jams, or dairy treats traditionally prepared around Midsummer. Visitors get to participate in some of the farm's tasks, such as hay making and handicraft: 1950s-style items out of clay, paper, yarn or fabric, tablet weaving with plant-dyed yarns and making leather belts and pouches. The themes vary, check in advance to time right. There is also an '''experimental archaeology workshop'''. In addition to research, it lets children explore prehistoric working methods and test their hunting skills using ancient weaponry. There is cooperation with revival associations. The workshop is open all year round. }}<!-- -->[[File:Women with baskets at the Luostarinmäki (Cloister Hill) Handicrafts Museum in Turku.jpeg|thumb|Women with baskets at the Luostarinmäki outdoor museum.]] * {{see | name=Luostarinmäki | alt=Cloister Hill | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/handicraftsmuseum | email= | address=Vartiovuorenkatu 2 | lat=60.44702 | long=22.27673 | directions= | phone=+358 2 262-0350 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€7/4/4, family €18 | wikidata=Q1979979 | content=In 1827 a fire destroyed almost all of Turku. The Luostarinmäki area (then a quite poor area in the outskirts of the town) was the only larger part of the city that was saved. Now the area is preserved and it houses the Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum (''Käsityöläismuseo''), an outdoor museum with charming late 18th century wooden house quarters. All the buildings are in their original places, which is extremely rare in an outdoor museum. Over thirty workshops from different fields of craftsmanship display the City's handicrafts history and old dwellings. During the summer season, the museum's workshops have craftsmen working there every day. The museum's shops, postal office and cafeteria serve customers round the year. The highlight of the year are the Handicrafts Days in August. During the days, masters of different professions, i.e. Golden Apple Guild masters and apprentices get together and their products are sold in the museum's shops. }} * {{see | name=Old Great Square | alt=Vanha Suurtori | url= | email=kulttuuri.tilat@turku.fi | address=Vanha Suurtori 7 | lat=60.45076 | long=22.27582 | directions=across the parks by Turku Cathedral | phone=+358 2 262-0961 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Old Great Square area is part of the old Turku city centre. Today, this exceptionally handsome milieu serves as the perfect setting for such events as the annual declaration of Christmas peace and the Medieval Market. The Old Great Square was a major traffic hub, marketplace and administrative centre from the 13th century to the beginning of the 19th century. Today, the square has four historically significant buildings: the Brinkkala Mansion, Old City Hall, Hjelt Mansion and Juselius Mansion. The old buildings have been fully restored for use as cultural venues. The Old Great Square comes to life with a wide variety of events. At Christmastime, the square is transformed into a Christmas Market, and in the summer it is time for the Medieval Market. Old Great Square and its vicinities are home to several important neoclassical buildings including the {{marker|type=see|name=Old Academy Building|lat=60.45176 | long=22.27965}} and the {{marker|type=see|name=Old Town Hall|lat=60.45051 | long=22.27613}} }}<!-- -->[[File:Turun apteekkimuseo.jpg|thumb|The Qwensel House, with the Pharmacy Museum.]] * {{see | name=The Qwensel House and Pharmacy Museum | alt=Apteekkimuseo | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/pharmacymuseum | email=apteekkimuseo@turku.fi | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 13 | lat=60.4486 | long=22.26769 | directions= | phone=+358 2 262-0280 | tollfree= | hours=Tu–Su 10:00–18:00 | price=Adults €7, concession €3.50, children 7–15 €2.50, 0–6 free, Family admission (2+2?) €16 | wikidata=Q4356801 | lastedit=2025-06-05 | content=The Qwensel House is the oldest bourgeois housing from the autarchic times that has survived in its entirety in Turku. The house was built approximately in the year 1700 to an area that was reserved for the nobility in the city plan put up by Count Per Brahe the Younger. A pharmacy from the 19th century has been furnished in the shop wing of the building. The pharmacy has a material room and a herb room, two laboratories and an office. The office has the oldest surviving pharmacy interior in Finland. The exhibition wing of the building has an extensive collection of pharmacy utensils on display. There is also a pharmaceutical research laboratory and pharmacy history exhibition in the wing. In addition to the main exhibitions, there are also varying smaller exhibitions and events held at the museum every year. The former stable, outhouse and barn are at the northern end of the baker wing of the building. The Pipping family used to have an orchard by the Linnankatu Street. The cafeteria, in the Pharmacy Museum's inner courtyard, is a charming spot of old milieu in the heart of the city. During the summer there are chickens and roosters in the yard and you can really feel you have travelled back in time. The café serves home-made pastries prepared according to recipes from the 18th century. Also their teas are worth checking. The two chambers, are in the wing that was housed by the building's owners in the 18th century. The chambers have been furnished in 18th-century fashion. The same wing used to have a kitchen, a chamber, maid's chamber, a shed, a carriage shed and a granary according to fire insurance documents from 1791. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=The Scout Museum of Finland | alt= | url=http://partiomuseo.fi/en/ | email=partiomuseo@partio.fi | address=Läntinen Pitkäkatu 13 | lat=60.4560 | long=22.2633 | directions= | phone=+358 2 237-7692 | tollfree= | hours=1 September–31 May Sa 12:00–15:00 or by agreement (additional €8) | price=€2/1 | content=Finland's Scout Museum is a national special museum that is maintained by the Finnish Scouting Museum Association. It displays uniforms, insignia, flags and literature related to the scout movement in Finland. }} * {{see | name=Turku Castle | alt=Turun linna | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/turkucastle | email=turunlinna@turku.fi | address=Linnankatu 80 | lat=60.4353 | long=22.2287 | directions=near the harbour, bus 1 | phone=+358 2 262-0300 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Su 10:00–17:00 | price=€16, students etc. €8, children (7–15) €7, family (2 adults, up to 4 children) €39, students of the field and museum staff (ICOM) free; public guided tour €3, private tours €70–300 | image=Castle of Turku, old side.jpg | wikidata=Q136893 | lastedit=2025-06-05 | content=Turku castle is one of Finland's most popular tourist attractions. The castle, which at times housed Swedish royalty, is the largest castle in Finland, and dates back to end of the 13th century. In addition to telling about the castle and its history, the castle functions as the general historic museum of the region. There are two loops, one around the old (Medieval and 16th century) part, one around the new part. Some of the rooms have been renovated to the style of different periods in the castle's history, although with scarce furniture, some are pure exhibitions. A room redesigned as church in the 19th century still functions as such. Tours of the castle are given hourly in English during high season (check!) and they give a good account of its history. There are also a children's workshop and children's tours. Private tours can be arranged even in off hours, book well in advance. There are many steep and narrow staircases in the old part and there are few shortcuts, check if that might be an issue. }} ===Art=== [[File:Turku Art Museum in 2011.jpg|thumb|Turku Art Museum]] * {{see | name=Turku Art Museum | alt=Turun taidemuseo | url=http://www.turuntaidemuseo.fi/en/ | email=info@turuntaidemuseo.fi | address=Aurakatu 26 | lat=60.45410 | long=22.26188 | directions=dominates the Puolala hill, between Kauppatori and the railway station | phone=+358 40-632-3378, +358 2 262-7100 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–F 11:00–19:00, Sa Su 11:00–17:00 | price=€13/8, children under 16 for free, museum card valid | wikidata=Q4502138 | content=The museum focuses on Nordic art. The Golden Age of Finnish art, of around 1900, is well represented – the museum opened in 1904. There are national treasures including self-portraits, landscapes, Finnish surrealism as well as pop art. The museum's Art Nouveau national romantic granite façade rises at the end of Aurakatu. Tours are available in Finnish, Swedish, English and Russian. }}<!-- -->[[File:Wäinö Aaltosen museo.jpg|thumb|Wäinö Aaltonen Museum of Art]] * {{see | name=Wäinö Aaltonen Museum of Art | alt=WAM | url=http://www.wam.fi/en | email=wam@turku.fi | address={{show by date|2026|11|30|Nunnankatu 4|Itäinen Rantakatu 38}} | lat={{show by date|2026|11|30|60.4498|60.44498 }} | long={{show by date|2026|11|30|22.2749|long=22.26018 }} | directions={{show by date|2026|11|30|Art House Turku, near the Old Great Square|close to the left-hand end of Myllysilta; walk or take bus 14 or 15}} | phone=+358 2 262-0850 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–Su 10:00–18:00 | price=€10/4/2/– | wikidata=Q3019261 | lastedit= | content=Named in honour of the artist and sculptor ''Wäinö Aaltonen'' (1896–1966), born in Turku, the museum has a good collection of his works. Otherwise it features changing exhibitions, new and experimental art projects, and various cultural events. The permanent exhibition is based on the art collection of City of Turku, which includes a large collection of works by Wäinö Aaltonen himself. Temporary exhibitions focus on Finnish and international modern art. The museum also houses [http://www.cafewaino.fi Café Wäinö] which offers lunch and small art exhibitions on the café walls. During the renovation 2024–2026, exhibitions are in the Art House by Nunnankatu, instead of in the museum building by Itäinen Rantakatu. }} * {{see | name=Sibelius Museum | alt= | url=http://www.sibeliusmuseum.abo.fi | email= | address=Piispankatu 17 | lat=60.45370 | long=22.27748 | directions=150 m from the cathedral; a low modern concrete building | phone=+358 50-337-6906 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–Su 11:00–16:00, W also 18:00–20:00 | price=€7/5, guiding included, children under 18 free; concerts have varying prices | wikidata=Q4306382 | content=The most significant museum of music in Finland and is named after the famous Finnish composer. The museum building, itself considered as a pearl of modernist architecture, exhibits the life and music of the master composer as well as an interesting collection of musical instruments from all around the globe. The museum also organizes exhibitions and events. On Wednesday evenings the Chamber Music Hall hosts concerts during the spring and autumn season. }} * '''Art galleries'''. Turku is home to a number of smaller art galleries scattered around the city. The Turku Artists’ Association maintains a [http://www.turkuart.fi list of the galleries]. ===Churches=== Most of the churches are quite frequently used for concerts. * {{see | name=Turku Cathedral | alt= | url=https://www.turuntuomiokirkko.fi/english | email= | address= | lat=60.4524 | long=22.2783 | directions= | phone=+358 40-341-7100 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 09:00–18:00; note services and other events; main services Su 10:00 in Finnish, 12:00 in Swedish (not all Sundays), 14:30 in German and 16:00 in English | price=Free. Museum upstairs is €2/1/1 | wikipedia=Turku Cathedral | wikidata=Q1187606 | content=Dedicated to the Virgin Mary and Finland’s first bishop, St Henry, Turku Cathedral, on the hillock of Unikankare, is Finland’s National Sanctuary. It was consecrated in 1300 and is considered to be Finland’s most valuable historical monument as well as the mother church of the Lutheran Church of Finland. It is familiar, even dear to practically every Finn. Its bells chime at noon over the radio throughout Finland, and they also proclaim the Christmas peace to the country. Every part of the cathedral reflects the details of Finland and Turku's history; resting under the protection of the arches are bishops, captains of war, and one queen, Catherine Månsdotter of Sweden. The south gallery of the cathedral houses a museum, which takes you on a journey through history from the early 1300s. Displayed in the museum, among other things, are sculptures of saints, and church silverware from the Catholic era. Tours run 09:00–19:00 mid-September to mid-April and 09:00-20:00 mid-April to mid-September. }}[[File:St Michael's Church, Turku.jpg|thumb|upright|St Michael's Church.]] * {{see | name=St Michael's Church |alt=Mikaelinkirkko | url= | email= | address=Puistokatu 16 | lat=60.44871 | long=22.24801 | directions=10 minute walk from Market Square | phone=+358 40-341-7110 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 261-7112 | hours=Jun–Aug: M-F 11:00–18:00, Sa 10:00–13:00, Su 11:00–13:00 | price=Free | wikipedia=St Michael's Church, Turku |wikidata=Q2981811 | lastedit= | content=The western skyline of the city of Turku is dominated by Michael's Church which was consecrated in 1905. It was designed by Professor Lars Sonck. When he won the competition for the church in 1894, Sonck was only a 23-year old architectural student. Michael's church is a distinguished example of the neogothic style in architecture. It is a long church with three aisles, galleries and a multifaceted choir. In addition to the main entrance there are also doors at each corner of the church. The sacristy is behind the choir. The main spire rises to a height of 77 meters from the foundations. Many locals favour it as a wedding Church. }} * {{see | name=Martin's Church | alt=Martinkirkko | url= | email= | address=Huovinkatu | lat=60.44079 | long=22.25434 | directions=By foot 15 min from Market Square | phone=+358 40-341-7120 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open by agreement. Service in Finnish on Sundays at 10:00 | price=Free | wikipedia=Martin's Church | wikidata=Q2336184 | lastedit= | content=Martin's parish was founded in 1921 after which the parish council decided to build a church of its own. The church was consecrated on the 450th anniversary of the birth of Martin Luther, on 12 Nov 1933. The designers of the church were the architects Totti Sora and Gunnar Wahlroos. The church represents architectural [[Functionalist architecture in Finland|functionalism]]. Martin's church is a long church with three aisles with very narrow side aisles. The church has a functional and singular practicality of its own. The barrel-vaulting of the roof is one of the most outstanding features of the church. The whole altar wall is covered with an ''al secco'' painting of the Saviour nailed to the cross at Golgatha. This massive work is 15 m high and 9.5 m in breadth. At the time of painting this was the largest painting of its type in the whole of Scandinavia. }} * {{see | name=Orthodox Church | alt=Church of the Holy Martyr Empress Alexandra | url=http://www.ort.fi/en | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 19 | lat=60.45228 | long=22.26598 | directions=on the north side of Kauppatori | phone=+358 2 277-5443 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 10-15 | price= | wikipedia=Turku Orthodox Church | wikidata=Q2601450 | content=Main church of the Turku orthodox parish, affiliated with the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. The church was built by the plans of architect Carl Ludvig Engel and was ordered by Czar Nicholas I of Russia on 5 January 1838. Construction, which began in 1839, cost 67,886&nbsp;rubles and was completed in 1845. The church was consecrated on 2 September 1845. The church was dedicated to Alexandra, the spouse of Diocletian who had publicly became Christian and thus suffered a martyr’s death on 23 April 303. Most of the icons of the iconostasis have been made in [[Valaam|Valaam Monastery]]. There is also another Orthodox church in Turku, a small wooden one by the Russian consulate, under the Moscow Patriarchate. }} * {{see | name=Turku synagogue | alt= | url=https://www.jcturku.fi | email= | address=Brahenkatu 17 | lat=60.455746 | long=22.266539 | directions= | phone=+358 400-526-009 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Turku Synagogue | image=Turku Jewish Synagogue.jpg | wikidata=Q2601015 | content=One of two synagogues in Finland. Built 1912. }} * {{see | name=St Catherine's Church | alt=Pyhän Katariinan kirkko | url= | email= | address=Kirkkotie 46 | lat=60.46221 | long=22.29355 | directions=by the Student Village | phone=+358 2 261-7130 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open by arrangement, and special events | price=Free | wikipedia= St. Catherine's Church, Turku | wikidata=Q838441 | lastedit= | content=St Catherine's Church represents old medieval church building tradition. Although it was completely destroyed and has undergone several renovations, it has preserved something of its original appearance and retains the basic plan of a medieval Finnish church. There is a cemetery by the church. }} * {{see | name=St Mary's Church | alt=Maarian kirkko | url= | email= | address=Maunu Tavastinkatu 2 | lat=60.47341 | long=22.29327 | directions=Bus line 15 | phone=+358 40-341-7140 | tollfree= | hours=Jun–Aug: M–F 12:00-17:00. In wintertime open by agreement. Service in Finnish on Sundays at 10:00 | price=Free | wikipedia=St. Mary's Church, Turku | wikidata=Q7594443 | content=Probably built in the 1440s, partly later in the 15th century. According to folk tradition, St Mary's Church was built at a place where sacrifices had been performed in heathen times, in the village of Räntämäki. It had also been the site of the village burial ground and a place of assembly. The village of Räntämäki was renamed after the patron saint of the Church, St Mary, and in the records it is sometimes referred to as the parish of Räntämäki, sometimes as St Mary's. The church took the name of St Mary from the nearby episcopal church of Koroinen, its original patron saint having been the first Bishop of Paris, Saint Dionysios. More of the original decorations have survived than in most other Finnish Medieval churches. There is a cemetery by the church. }}<!-- -->[[File:Ecumenical Art Chapel of St. Henry in.jpg|thumb|upright|Interior of the Ecumenical Hirvensalo Art Chapel.]] * {{see | name=Kakskerta Church | alt=Kakskerran kirkko | url= | email= | address=Kakskerran kirkkotie 110 | lat=60.36998 | long=22.21967 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Kakskerta Church |wikidata=Q6349661 | lastedit= | content=Kakskerta Church was built in 1765–1769, and dedicated in 1770. It was designed by Christian Schroder, and is oblong in shape. The altarpiece is from the 17th century, and the interior of the church was renovated in 1940 after the plan by Erik Bryggman. The belfry was designed by C. Bassi in 1824. }} * {{see | name=Ecumenical Art Chapel | alt=Taidekappeli | url=https://www.taidekappeli.fi/in-english/ | email=taide.kappeli@gmail.com | address=Seiskarinkatu 35 | lat=60.4073 | long=22.2521 | directions=bus 54 | phone=+358 2 265-7777 | tollfree= | hours=Tu–F 11:00–15:00 (May–Aug 11:00–16:00), Th 11:00–18:30, Sa Su 12:00–15:00, except during private events | price=€3, guided tours €5 | wikidata=Q296532 | content=Wooden chapel with art exhibitions. Built 2004–2005. }} * {{see | name=Turku cemetery | alt=Turun hautausmaa, Begravningsplatsen i Åbo | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.4324 | long=22.3087 | directions=3 km south-east from Kauppatori, by Uudenmaantie (road 110) towards Helsinki | phone= | tollfree= | hours=24 hr daily | price=Free | wikidata=Q7855547 | content=The main cemetery of Turku, inaugurated in 1807, now covering {{ha|60}}. Wood and mossy outcrops blend into the cemetery landscape, probably a quite uniquely Finnish touch. The old part, closer to the centre, is the more interesting one for most, where there are many graves with elaborate sculptures. There is also a Jewish and an Orthodox part inaugurated in the 19th century, the Muslim Tatar part from 1915 and the Catholic part from 1936. In the old part there is the [[Functionalist architecture in Finland#Q11902931|Resurrection Chapel]] from the 1940s (easiest access from Hautausmaantie 21) and by the new part (by Skarpkullantie 2) there is the Holy Cross Chapels from the 1960s. If you just want to see an ordinary Finnish cemetery, there are smaller ones e.g. by [[#St. Catherine's Church|St. Catherine's Church]] and by [[#Saint Mary's church|Saint Mary's church]]. }} * {{see | name=Buddhist monastery | alt=Buddhalaistemppeli | url= | email= | address=Moisiontie 225 | lat=60.5417 | long=22.2978 | directions=Yli-Maaria, 11 km from the centre by Tampereen Valtatie, highway 9, most of the lines 21–23x | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-08-25 | content=Vietnamese Buddhist monastery and temple, one of three in Finland. }} ===Nature=== [[File:Turku - Ruissalo Island (6119923392).jpg|thumb|Evening view at Ruissalo.]] * {{see | name=Ruissalo Island | alt= | url=https://www.visitturku.fi/en/ruissalo-island_en | email= | address= | lat=60.428 | long=22.151 | directions=5 km from Kauppatori. Travel past the harbour district and you cannot miss signs pointing towards Ruissalo. Bus line 8 in every 30 minutes. During summer also a ferry connection. | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2097015 | content=The unique nature, culture and history of the fascinating Island of Ruissalo is to be found flanking the Turku estuary. Once the hunting island for the court of Turku Castle, the island is easily accessible by land or by sea. The oak forests, charming 19th century villas, [https://ruissalospa.fi/en/ Ruissalo Spa hotel], Ruissalo nature reserve, Ruisrock rock concert, [https://www.honkapirtti.fi/ Honkapirtti] (pea soup daily 11–16, Su also fish soup – the Karelian house is worth a visit for lunch or a bun despite the short menu) and the [https://sites.utu.fi/kasvitieteellinen-puutarha/en/ Botanical Gardens] have all combined to make the island famous. Scenic and well-maintained bike paths offer comfortable distances for the whole family. The rocky outcrops, beautiful sandy beaches, distinctive nature, rolling fields and pretty gardens will lead to love at first sight for all who visit the island. There is a camping area at [https://ruissalo.sportum.info/stable/tuotteet.jsp?kieli=UKN Saaronniemi] on the outermost tip of the island. The tourist services of this well-equipped camping and caravan park include beaches, barbecue sites, saunas, a small shop and various amenities including hot showers and a laundry. With mini-golf, volleyball, badminton and basketball courts, a fitness trail, playgrounds and a café-restaurant. Many of the facilities of the campsite are available also to non-guests There is also a championship level golf course, [https://auragolf.fi/eng/aura-golf-in-english/ Aura Golf], founded in 1958 nearby. }} * {{marker|type=see|name=The riverside |lat=60.4554|long=22.2762}} upstream from Tuomiokirkkosilta bridge (right bank) or Åbo Akademi (left bank) make for a very [[Turku riverside walk|nice stroll or biking trip]]. Between Tuomiokirkkosilta and the railway bridge there is a walking path close to the water on the right, north-western bank (not for bikes), elsewhere the route is above the river in park-like milieu, upstream (from Vähäjoki and Koroinen, and near Halinen) also in agricultural landscapes. A café in Koroinen on Sundays, sometimes with handicraft exhibitions or workshops, the Myllärintupa café with canoe rental by the Halinen rapids in summer (Tu–Su 10:00–18:00; also small scale exhibitions). Bikers could continue upstream to [[Turku countryside#Vanhalinna|Vanhalinna]] in Lieto, a hillfort with splendid views ([https://vanhalinna.fi/en/ mansion] by the hill in use by Turku university; café, summer theatre and exhibitions in or by the mansion if you time right).<!-- -->[[File:Autumn Ruissalo.jpg|thumb|Pikisaari on Hirvensalo seen from Ruissalo.]] * {{marker|type=see|name=Hirvensalo|lat=60.4051 | long=22.2111}}, {{marker|type=see|name=Satava|lat=60.372 | long=22.169}} and {{marker|type=see|name=Kakskerta|lat=60.359 | long=22.233}} are three large islands in line right off the coastline of Turku. The parts facing the city are suburbs, with winding roads lined with often nice villas, while much of the islands are countryside with fields and natural forest. The bus lines 50–56 reach different parts of Hirvensalo, while 14 and 15 continue to Satava and Kakskerta, which once were an independent municipality. Pikisaari on Hirvensalo faces the shipping lane. Today, Hirvensalo is a haven for single-family homes and good, clean living. Some famous names from Hirvensalo are sculptor and academic, Wäinö Aaltonen and artist Jan-Erik Andersson, whose unique leaf-shaped house is near the Hirvensalo bridge. Hirvensalo also has a [http://www.hirvensalo.fi sports centre], where visitors can ski downhill in the winter and ride [http://www.mccaction.com/turku/ downhill cars] in the summer. On the last island of the three, Kakskerta (bus 15) you can enjoy lovely archipelago nature, the golf course at Harjattula or the site of the TV series Hovimäki at Brinkhall Manor. There is also a stone church from the 1760s. * {{see | name=Vepsä Island | alt= | url=http://www.vepsa.fi/english.php | email=vepsansaari@gmail.com | address= | lat=60.3742 | long=22.0766 | directions=One hour ferry trip from Turku, ferry leaves from river Aura. | phone=+358 50 411-4963 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open during the summer season only, from 1 June to 31 August | price=Return ticket for the ferry €16/6. Cabin €55–90/night, tent site €5/person. | wikidata=Q24345730 | content=Vepsä island is a beautiful island in the Turku archipelago. From the vantage point on the rugged rock, you can see glittering waters and awesome landscapes of ''Airisto''. On the way up, you can search for geocaches, if you want. Former hiding place of smugglers hides nowadays modern hobbies and hobby equipments. You can go for a walk, swim on a child safe beach, have a barbecue, take a sauna bath, play miniature golf, and enjoy other summery activities. People who like water sports can rent a boat or a canoe. One of the new activities is sumo wrestling in air filled suites. After an active day you can eat in the island's own café-restaurant. Ice-creams and snacks are for sale also in a kiosk. You can go to Vepsä for a one day trip, or stay for a longer time. Cosy summer cabins offer you warm surroundings to stay over night, and are very popular among visitors. There are three saunas to hire, one of them is reserved for enterprises. You can reserve the representation sauna and a barred hot tub beforehand. Three close-by islands – Mustaluoto, Vähä-Tervi and Pikku-Vepsä – are charming targets to visit and available for Vepsä visitors. }} === Itineraries === * [[Turku riverside walk]] ==Do== Turku is especially lively during the summer season, from the latter part of May to early September, as well as around the Advent and Christmas period in December. The banks of the river Aura are regarded Turku's summertime living room. The shores are the setting for many urban events and are also popular for picnic and relaxing. ===Theatre, performing arts and cinema=== [[File:Åbo Svenska Teater.jpg|thumb|Turku Swedish Theatre 2018]] For chamber music, check also the weekly concerts at the Wäinö Aaltonen and Sibelius museums. One-off performances can be harder to find, as information channels vary. * {{do | name=Turku City Theatre | alt=Turun kaupunginteatteri | url=http://teatteri.turku.fi/en | email=kaupunginteatteri@turku.fi | address=Itäinen Rantakatu 14 | lat=60.44604 | long=22.26386 | directions=by the Theatre Bridge | phone=+358 2 262-0030 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 262-0065 | hours= | price=€30–50/15–40 | lastedit=2017-02-01 | wikidata=Q3739478 | content=The main theatre building on the banks of river Aura has gone through a thorough renovation. Turku City Theatre offers performances on four different stages. It offers serious drama, musicals and children's theatre, including visiting productions. }} * {{do | name=Logomo | alt= | url=https://logomo.fi/ | email=info@logomo.fi | address=Köydenpunojankatu 14 | lat=60.4569 | long=22.2576 | directions=behind the train station | phone=+358 29-1234-800 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q18660595 | lastedit= | content=Logomo is in an old locomotive workshop, and was the main venue for the Capital of Culture year in 2011. It is next to the Turku city centre and the Central Railway Station (as which it will serve from 5 August 2024, beside other functions). It provides spaces for several exhibitions and major performance throughout the year. It also has a café and a shop. }} * {{do | name=Turku Philharmonic Orchestra | alt=Turun filharmoninen orkesteri | url=http://www.tfo.fi/en | address=Aninkaistenkatu 9 | lat=60.45556 | long=22.27035 | directions=by the Puutori square | phone=+358 2 262-0804 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Ticket office: M–F 11:00–17:00 and before events | price=Usually €21/9 | wikidata=Q2082994 | lastedit=2018 | content=Turku Concert Hall, built in 1952, was the first concert hall in Finland. It is mainly used by Turku Philharmonic Orchestra. }} * {{do | name=Swedish Theatre of Turku | alt=Åbo Svenska Teater | url=http://www.abosvenskateater.fi | email=info@abosvenskateater.fi | address=Eerikinkatu 13 | lat=60.4507 | long=22.2660 | directions=by Kauppatori | phone=+358 2 277-7377 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2632947 | lastedit= | content=This is Finland's oldest theatre. The beautiful theatre house reached its 175th anniversary in January 2014. The big scene reflects the age, with splendid decorations, the moderate size allowing quite an intimate experience. Here most performances are musicals or traditional drama. There are two smaller scenes, which also offer more experimental theatre and children's plays. }} * {{do | name=Linnateatteri | alt= | url=http://linnateatteri.fi | email=info@linnateatteri.fi | address=Linnankatu 31 | lat=60.4467 | long=22.2586 | directions= | phone=+358 2 232-1215 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q11875977 | lastedit= | content=Linnateatteri is a professional theatre, which performs both in the house and the garden. Linnateatteri has over the last decade presented such comical shows as ''the Amazing History of Turku'' and ''the Amazing Near-history of Turku''. In addition to comedy and stand-up performances there's also drama, concerts and children theatre among its repertoire. During summer you can also catch up with Linnateatteri on the courtyard stage of Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova. }} * {{do | name=Samppalinna Summer Theatre | alt=Samppalinnan kesäteatteri | url=http://www.samppalinnanteatteri.fi | email= | address=Paavo Nurmen Puistotie 3 | lat=60.4442 | long=22.2609 | directions=by the Samppalinna mill in the park Urheilupuisto | phone=+358 2 232-9050 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q18661856 | lastedit= | content=Samppalinna summer theatre, with its first premières in 1960, is Finland’s largest summer musical theatre. It specializes in musicals. }} * {{do | name=Kinopalatsi | alt=Kinopalatsi Cinema Complex | url=http://www.finnkino.fi/eng/ | email= | address=Kauppiaskatu 11 | lat=60.4531 | long=22.2669 | directions= | phone=+358 9 131-191 (€1.97/min + pvm/mpm) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=around €12 | wikidata=Q11871619 | lastedit= | content=This modern cinema complex opened in Turku in the spring 2001. All 9 auditoriums has been invested in the audience comfort. Seat rows are strongly staggered and leg room between rows is optimal. The technique is the highest quality with digital sound and big screens. }} ===Sport arenas=== [[File:Turkuhalli inside.jpg|thumb|Turkuhalli]] * {{do | name=Turkuhalli | alt=Gatorade Center | url=https://turku-areenat.fi/fi/gatorade-center | email=info@turku-areenat.fi | address=Artukaistentie 8 | lat=60.4562 | long=22.1869 | directions= | phone=+358 2 21-900 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=This ice hockey and music arena hosts large public events and the games of [https://www.turunpalloseura.fi/ TPS (''Turun Palloseura'')], Turku's number one ice hockey team. It offers a large arena and grandstands in addition to smaller function rooms. Restaurants serve before the entertainment, during the intermission or at breaks, and often even after the event. Big screens and TV monitors ensure the arena atmosphere fills the restaurant and lobby areas. }} * {{do | name=Marli Areena | alt=Ice Hockey Arena | url=https://turku-areenat.fi/en/home | email= | address=Hippoksentie 2 | lat=60.4422 | long=22.2896 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Marli Arena is next to the Kupittaa park, and is primarily used for ice hockey. It is the home arena of [http://www.tutohockey.fi/fi/uutiset TuTo (''Turun Toverit'') hockey team]. TuTo plays in the second highest ice hockey league in Finland, Mestis, but the atmosphere in the games can be even better than in the TPS games, since the fans really love the team and arena is compact. Tickets are also less expensive and the Marli Arena is just around 15 minutes walking distance away from the city center. }} * {{do | name=Veritas Stadion | alt=football (soccer) stadium | url=https://veritasstadion.fi/in-english/ | email=varaukset@veritasstadion.com | address=Hippoksentie 6 | lat=60.44282 | long=22.29175 | directions= | phone=+358 2-2722-00 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=In the heart of Turku at the Kupittaa Park, Veritas Stadium is Turku's number one football stadium. Both Turku-based major soccer teams – [http://fcinter.fi/ FC Inter] and [https://fc.tps.fi/in-english/ FC TPS] – play on the grounds of the stadium. }} ===Parks and sports grounds=== * {{do | name=Kupittaa Park | alt=Kupittaanpuisto | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.4457 | long=22.2894 | directions=Near the Turku city centre, on the east bank of the river Aura, around 15 minutes walk from the Old Great Square and Cathedral | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5486539 | content=Finland's largest and oldest city park is popular for picnic as well as for children and sports. There are ice skaters in the winter, in-line skaters in the summer, skateboarders, cyclists, ballplayers, petanque enthusiasts and everyone out for some exercise. Urban athletes can catch some air and grind some rails at the skatepark. Pump some iron at the Turku city's official gym or hit the lanes at the bowling hall. Kupittaa Park also offers families with kids the ever popular Traffic-City, Adventure Park, Kupittaa Outdoor Pool and the Sports Wonderland for Kids (Sundays 17:00–19:00 in the sports hall, free). Watch birds in action at the Bird Pond. Visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to picnicking. The wide-open lawns of Kupittaa Park are perfect for everything from football to croquet, while frisbees and kites vie for space in the skies above. One end of the park is dominated by the Veritas Stadium, which is the home pitch of local football teams, TPS and Inter. And when it's time for a bite to eat, Kupittaa Pavilion will serve up a tasty treat right in the heart of the park. Veritas Stadium is also home to the full-service Olè restaurant. }} ** {{do | name=Adventure Park | alt=Seikkailupuisto | url=https://www.turku.fi/en/adventure-park-seikkailupuisto | email=seikkailupuisto@turku.fi | address=Kupittaankatu 2 | lat=60.4472 | long=22.2907 | directions=Bus line 32 (jump out at the bus stop just before the corner of Kerttulinkatu and Sirkkalankatu) | phone=+358 44-907-2986 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Su 10:00–17:00 | price=Free | wikidata=Q11892816 | content=Just on the edge of Kupittaa Park, the Adventure Park is the ideal environment for encouraging imagination and creative play. You are allowed to get wet in the mushroom fountain and get a thrill from the zip line. In addition to a large assortment of playground stuff in the lush park area, to be used freely, the adventure park offers guided activities from art and handicraft workshops to songs and music at the music playschool, and theatre performances. There is a kiosk where you can buy ice cream, drinks and snacks. It is also possible to grill your own food at the barbecue sites. Nearby in the park there is a bouncy castle and a traffic town. }} * {{do | name=Hohtogolf Westcoast | alt=Glow Minigolf and Curling | url=http://www.hohtogolf.fi/turku/ | email=turku@hohtogolf.fi | address=Yliopistonkatu 17 | lat=60.45242 | long=22.26652 | directions= underground -- entrance is next to the Turku Orthodox Church | phone=+358 2 253-4355 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= W–Th 17:00–21:00, F 17:00–00:00, Sa 12:00–00:00, Su–Tu closed | price=€10/12 | content=At Hohtogolf Westcoast is a glow-in-the-dark 15-hole miniature golf course with over-the-top mechanized special effects and a special "horror" section. Fun thing to do in a group, especially after a few drinks from the bar. As a new feature they also offer a small curling track. }} * {{do | name=Urheilupuisto Sports Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.4427 | long=22.2632 | directions=in the Turku city centre, on the east bank of the river Aura behind the City Theater | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q11898812 | content=Urheilupuisto is home to the Paavo Nurmi Stadium and many other sporting facilities. This extensive parkland holds many places to exercise, come winter, come summer. In addition to the Paavo Nurmi Stadium, there is e.g. the Karikon lenkki running track, tennis courts, basketball courts, a volleyball court, an artificial turf playing field and a frisbee golf course. In the winter months the Sports Park, naturally, has its ice field and a popular sledding hill. [http://www.turkutrojans.com Turku Trojans], one of the oldest American Football teams in Finland, plays its games on the upper field of Turku Sports Park. }} ===Winter sports=== [[File:Hirvensalon laskettelukeskus.jpg|thumb|Slopes at the Hirvensalo Ski Resort]] * {{do | name=Skating worm | alt=Luistelumato | url=https://www.turku.fi/en/culture-and-sports/sports/sports-facilities/outdoor-sports-facilities/ice-skating-rinks/kupittaa | email= | address= | lat=60.447 | long=22.292 | directions=Kupittaanpuisto, behind the sports hall | phone=+358 50-554-6300 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Equipment rental M W F 17:00–20:00, Sa Su 10:00–18:00, from middle Dec, unless raining | price=Free; skates: adults €5, children €1; hiking skates €5/2hr, €12/week; roller skates €5; drinks €1; skating free | content=Meandering skating lane forming a circle, 5–6 m wide and 500 m long. Skate rental (also hiking skates), hot drinks for sale. Roller skating in the summer. }} * {{do | name=Parkki Artificial Ice Field | alt=Parkin kenttä | url=https://www.turku.fi/en/culture-and-sports/sports/sports-facilities/courts-and-fields/artificial-turf-fields | email=liikunta@turku.fi | address=Tuureporinkatu 2 | lat=60.457 | long=22.272 | directions=near the bus station, across Aninkaistenkatu | phone=+358 50-431-0016 | tollfree= | hours=2023: from 4 December; M–F 08:00–21:00, Sa 10:00–20:00, Su 09:00–20:00 (maintenance daily 15:45–16:45); tickets and equipment rental M–F 17:00–19:00, Sa Su 10:00–16:00 | price=€3.50; from 2024: prime time at counter €8/4, other times by mobile €3.50/3.50; wristband: €8+€16/10 entries, from 2024: €8+€60/30 | lastedit=2023-12-01 | content=Big skating field, usually most of it for ice hockey. Sometimes music and most of the area for general skating. Skates and hockey sticks for rent. The entrance fee can be paid at the entrance when manned, otherwise by pre-bought tickets ("Exercise Wristband", can be used for several persons) or mobile phone (0600- number posted at the gate, enter immediately after calling). }} * {{do | name=Impivaaran jäähalli | alt= | url=https://www.turku.fi/en/culture-and-sports/sports/sports-facilities/ice-halls/impivaara-ice-hall | email= | address=Eskonkatu 1 | lat=60.477474 | long=22.250511 | directions=bus 13 and 18. | phone=+358 2 262-3550 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M 14:00–14:50, 16:45–17:35, W 13:45–14:35, Sa 10:30–11:20 | price= | lastedit=2017-12-05 | content=Indoor ice field, skating for the public (no ice hockey) at certain hours when not in other use. }} * {{do | name=Varissuon jäähalli | alt= | url=https://www.turku.fi/en/culture-and-sports/sports/sports-facilities/ice-halls/varissuo-ice-hall | email= | address=Suurpäänkatu 2 | lat=60.443250 | long=22.354862 | directions=bus 32 and 42. | phone=+358 2 262-3570 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 13:45–14:35, Th also 18:00–18:50, Su 10:00–10:50 | price=Free | lastedit=2017-12-05 | content=Ice field in an underground hall, skating for the public (no ice hockey) at certain hours when not in other use. }} * {{do | name=Minor skating fields | alt= | url=https://www.turku.fi/en/culture-and-sports/sports/sports-facilities/outdoor-sports-facilities/ice-skating-rinks/natural-1 | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | lastedit=2017-12-05 | content=There are minor skating fields in most residential areas, without artificial cooling and thus more dependant on weather. Some have ice hockey rinks, some have changing rooms. }} * {{do | name=Hirvensalo Ski Resort | alt= | url=http://www.hirvensalo.fi/ | email=toimisto@tusla.net | address=Kakskerrantie 111 | lat=60.4175 | long=22.2277 | directions=on the island Hirvensalo, 5 km from the city centre; bus lines 14, 15, 51, 53 and 55; parking for private transport | phone=+358 45-106-3011 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€17–28 | content=There are four well managed and lit slopes at the Turun Hirvensalo Ski Centre in Turku: 1, 2 and 3-slopes and a slope for children. There are three lifts in Hirvensalo. The longest slope is 300m and the greatest altitude difference is 60m. The degree of difficulty of the slopes ranges from easy to difficult and there are several boxes and rails. Hirvensalo Ski Centre is the perfect place for both beginners and experts, without mentioning families. Services also include Slope café, ski school, and equipment rental. }} * {{do | name=Cross-country skiing | alt= | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/culture-and-sports/recreation/trails-routes-and-ski-tracks/ski-tracks | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 50-554-6219 (administration),+358 50-523-8447 (equipment rental) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free; equipment €5/3/1 (children: <20yrs) | content=There are skiing tracks in most suburbs, as jogging routes are transformed to [http://www.turku.fi/sv/kultur-och-motion/friluftsomraden/stigar-rutter-och-skidspar/skidspar skiing routes], with groomed tracks and a lane for freestyle skiing (80 km maintained by the city in good winters). The Nunnavuori routes (0.35 and 1 km on flat ground, 1.7 km in easy hilly terrain) are maintained also in adverse weather, which gives them the longest season (in 2021–2022: from 5 Dec). At one of its starting points, Eskonkatu/Kurrapolku near Impivaara, there is equipment for rent (Sa–Su 11:00–16:00; equipment to be returned 20 min before closing) and coffee, warm juice and snacks for sale (by a charity; usually somewhat longer hours than the rental; sausage €1, coffee and bun €2). Many of the routes have lighting 06:00–22:00. }} ===Climbing=== Be aware of the inherent dangers of [[Rock climbing|climbing]]. Safety cannot be guaranteed even if the businesses take security seriously. Make sure you have understood the instructions. Children usually need permission from their custodians, must respect instructions, and might need to be accompanied. * {{do | name=Flowpark | alt=Climbing park | url=http://www.flowpark.fi/turku/?lang=en | email=info.turku@flowpark.fi | address=Skanssinkatu 10 | lat=60.4287 | long=22.3180 | directions= | phone=+358 400-864-862 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=May–Oct: M–Sa 12:00–20:00, Su 12:00–18:00. Closed Nov–April except around special Winter Feast days in January | price=Day ticket €22 | content=Adventure trails up in the trees. There are fifteen different trails and nearly one hundred missions, where you can test your balance, coordination and nerve. For the high ropes adventure trails children must be at least seven years old and 120 cm tall. For the smaller fast and fearless climber there is a specially built children's trail closer to ground. Flowpark is in the leafy green courtyard of shopping centre Skanssi, with good transportation connections from the centre. }} * {{do | name=Irti Maasta | alt= | url=https://irtimaasta.fi/puistot/raisio | email=info.raisio@irtimaasta.fi | address=Myllynkatu 1142 | lat= | long= | directions=in the shopping centre Mylly, Raisio | phone=+358 400-820-037 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 14:00–20:00, Sa–Su 10:00–18:00 | price=€16 | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-05-27 | content=Climbing centre with playful routes and challenges. Weight limits: 15–150 kg. Automatic belaying. No age limit, but children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. }} * {{do | name=Kiipeilypalatsi | alt= | url=https://www.kiipeilypalatsi.com | email= | address=Vesilinnantie 1 | lat=60.4557 | long=22.2846 | directions=a cube-formed building on the hill in the TY campus behind the cathedral | phone=+358 45-670-5991 | tollfree= | hours=Tu–W 15:30–20:30, Sa 13:00–17:00, groups also by agreement | price=€11 + harness, shoes and magnesium €4 | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=[[Rock climbing|Climbing]] walls inside a former water tower. Not solo, as you need your own belayer. Newcomers to the sport are welcome, but must tell about being inexperienced. Belayer instruction included. Minors need parent's permission, children under 14 need an adult belayer. }} ===Boating and canoeing=== For skippered yacht cruises or yacht chartering, see [[Archipelago Sea#By yacht and small boats|Archipelago Sea]]. Here are options for smaller vessels and quick trips: * {{do | name=Låna | alt= | url=http://www.lanaturku.fi/?lang=en | email= | address=Linnankatu 3 | lat=60.451766 | long=22.273120 | directions=the river shore at Vähätori, by Tuomiokirkko bridge | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€60/hour, €100/2 hours | lastedit=2018 | content=Open boats (max 8 persons) for cruising down the river and back, perhaps while having a picnic (speed limit on the river 6 km/h i.e. 3 knots), with electric motor. Also Buster Rent boats available, but rent those at the guest harbour instead (not ideal for cruising the river, and you get the whole day for the price of 3 hr). }} * {{do | name=Buster Rent | alt= | url=http://vuokraa.buster.fi | email=info@buster-rent.fi | address= | lat= | long= | directions=delivery at the guest harbour or by trailer | phone= +358 20-769-1270| tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€140–400/one day, weekend €330–800; trailer included; trailering by agreement | lastedit=2016-05-13 | content=Open or semi-open boats for rent, with outboard motor. Usable also for longer voyages given suitable weather. Two berths in the biggest boats. }} * {{do | name=Sea kayaking | alt=Aavameri | url=http://www.aavameri.fi/en | email=info@aavameri.fi | address= | lat=60.421828 | long=22.095435 | directions=bus 8 from Puutori to Saaronniemi, walk to the beach | phone=+358 44-980-7788 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Jun–Aug: M 10:30, F 17:00 (Puutori 10:00/16:30), by agreement other days throughout the year | price=Evening tour €65; day tour €110/person; child reductions for 8–12 and 13–15 years old; rental: first day €60 | lastedit=2019-04-05 | content=Day or evening tour with kayak and guide (7 or 3½ hr) from Ruissalo. Register before 17:00/12:00, pay online. The day and evening tours do not require previous experience and moderate fitness is enough, trips are tailored to suite the participants (3–8 in the group). Also longer full service guided trips and supported solo expeditions with transportation from and back to Turku are available. }} * {{do | name=Saaristomeren melojat | alt= | url=http://melojat.net | email=posti@melojat.net | address=Rykmentintie 55 | lat=60.413961 | long=22.265418 | directions=Uittamo, bus line 13 | phone=+358 41-456-5223 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu Th 17–20, Sa Su 11:00–15:00 or 11:00–17:00 (check!) | price=Kayak €10/hour, €40/day, €80/weekend, €120/week; twin or canoe €20, €60, €120, 180; courses €40/100 | lastedit=2018 | content=Local canoe/kayak club, equipment for rent. Also short and three-evening courses. Quick intro on-site, if you need more advice, ask in advance (instructions about equipment etc. in Finnish on the website). Pay in cash. }} * {{do | name=Aurajokisäätiö | alt= | url=http://aurajoki.net/melonta | email= | address=Valkkimyllynkuja 2 | lat=60.465310 | long=22.305333 | directions=Myllärintupa by Halistenkoski rapids | phone=+358 44-553-7408 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=1 Jun–31 Aug: Tu–Su 10:00–18:00 | price=Kayak €19/two hours, €39/one day; canoe €24/€39; guide €36/hour | lastedit=2018 | content=Kayak/canoe rental for trips on the river. Also guided tours. }} ===Swimming=== [[File:Impivaaran uimahalli.JPG|thumb|Impivaara Swimming Centre]] [[File:Ice swimming in Turku.jpg|thumb|Ice Swimming at the Ispoinen Beach is a popular hobby among locals during the winter months]] Due to its location at the shores of the [[Archipelago Sea]], Turku has a number of great [https://www.turku.fi/sv/motion/badstrander-och-vinterbad number of '''beaches'''] easily reachable from the city centre. There are also two outdoor pools (0.75 km and 1.7 km from Kauppatori), a water park, indoor swimming pools and arenas. Most indoor facilities – and some outdoor ones – are in use round the year. The beaches are free, mostly with lifeguards in the busiest times, some with a kiosk, café or similar service, most with a play area for children (with climbing frames and swings). * {{marker|type=do|name=Ispoinen Beach|lat=60.41441 | long=22.25957}} is within easy reach from Turku Centre by bus number 9 or 13. * {{marker|type=do|name=Ruissalo camping beaches |lat=60.42144 | long=22.09492}} are the favourites of many locals. They are at Saaronniemi at the very end of the Ruissalo Island (bus line 8) and on a beautiful summer day you can really feel the archipelago here. A few separate beaches of different character. * {{marker|type=do|name=Ekvalla beach|lat=60.37939 | long=22.22598}} is on the Satava island (bus lines 14 and 15). When the Finnish summer gets hot, this sandy beach is a good choice for families and sun seekers as well as disabled. Whatever your physical impairment you can have a dip as Ekvalla beach has specially designed walkways and a wheelchair ramp into the water. Lifeguards are supervising swimming on all of the beaches mentioned above daily in the busy hours from the beginning of June to the end of August (covering the schools' summer vacation). * Other smaller beaches include ** {{marker|type=do|name=Brinkhall beach|lat=60.36557 | long=22.23673}}, ** {{marker|type=do|name=Moikoinen beach|lat=60.4167 | long=22.2506}}, ** {{marker|type=do|name=Sorttamäki beach|lat=60.4084 | long=22.2547}} and ** {{marker|type=do|name=Maaria beach|lat=60.5307 | long=22.3540}}. [[Winter swimming]]: * {{marker|type=do|name=Saaronniemen saukot |url=http://saaronniemensaukot.fi |lat=60.4309|long=22.1416}} arrange winter swimming at Tammirannantie 39 (and swimming in summer, too). * {{do | name=Turku's Winter Outdoor Swimmers Club | alt=Turun avantouimarit | url=https://www.turunavantouimarit.fi/languages/in-english/ | email= | address=Rykmentintie 51 | lat=60.41495 | long=22.25929 | directions=Ispoinen Beach | phone=+358 44-377-5475 | tollfree= | hours=M 15:00–19:45, W 15:00–20:45, F–Sa 15:00–19:45, Su 15:00–20:45 | price=Non-member single ticket: adults €5.20, children under 16 €1.50, accompanied children under 7 free | content=Sauna, ice swimming and club room. Members are happy to help newcomers. }} Outdoor pools, arenas and water parks: * {{do | name=JukuPark Waterpark | alt= | url=https://jukupark.fi/ | email= | address=Kurrapolku 1 | lat=60.4782 | long=22.2562 | directions= | phone=+358 400-174-640 | tollfree= | hours=7 Jun–10 Aug: daily 11:00 to 17-19:00 | price=€21, children under 4 year free | content=JukuPark is a paradise for the whole family 3 km from Turku center. At JukuPark, come rain or shine, you're sure to get soaking wet! You’re guaranteed a great day with many spectacular water-slides, large heated swimming pools, sunbathing areas together with saunas, shower rooms and the Pirate Island water-world for the little ones. When hunger surprises there are Juku Park’s grills, cafés, kiosk services and terraces available. }} * {{do | name=Kupittaa Outdoor Swimming Arena | alt= | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/culture-and-sports/sports/sports-facilities/swimming-places-and-water-sport/kupittaa-outdoor | email=liikunta@turku.fi | address=Kupittaankatu 10 | lat=60.4451 | long=22.2909 | directions=in the middle of the Kupittaa park | phone=+358 44-907-2702 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Mid-May to mid-Aug: daily 10:00–19:00 | price=Adults €5.50, discount groups €3, children under 16 €2.5, children under 5 years free | content=Kupittaa has offered facilities for swimming for over a hundred years. It's next to the Adventure Park and is a favourite of families especially. In addition to the large 50-m pool, there is a smaller 25-m pool, a 0.6–0.9 m deep children's pool as well as a play area for the little ones and a lawn area for relaxation. The pool area has a kiosk. The nearby Blomberginaukio square offers ample parking. }} * {{do | name=Samppalinna Swimming Stadium | alt= | url=https://www.turku.fi/en/places/samppalinna-outdoor-swimming-stadium | email=liikunta@turku.fi | address=Volter Kilven katu 2 | lat=60.4457 | long=22.2655 | directions= | phone=+358 2 262-3590 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=From mid-May to mid-Sept: M–Th 06:00–20:00, F 06:00–19:00, Sa Su 08:00–19:00 | price=Adults €5.50, discount groups €3.50, children under 16 €3, children under 5 years free | wikidata=Q18661857 | content=A refreshing oasis in the middle of the city, on a warm summer day Samppalinna is really popular with the locals. An olympic-size swimming and diving boards where swimmers can jump from the tower. Children have their own pool and there is sunbathing among the stadium’s sunny banks; a park area included: picnics possible, basic play yard. The changing areas are indoors, good sauna and shower facilities. The lockers can be locked with a 50-cent coin. }} Swimming halls and indoor water parks: * {{do | name=Caribia | alt= | url=https://www.holidayclubresorts.com/turuncaribia | email= | address=Kongressgränden 1 | lat=60.46038 | long=22.29047 | directions=in [[#Caribia Spa Hotel|the hotel]] in the Student Village | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-07-29 | content=Indoor water park. Also one normal swimming pool. }} * {{do | name=Impivaara Swimming Centre | alt= | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/impivaara-swimming-centre | email=liikunta@turku.fi | address=Uimahallinpolku 4 | lat=60.4783 | long=22.2599 | directions=last stop of bus 13 when marked "u" in the timetable; 18 passes reasonably close | phone=+358 2 262-3588 | tollfree= | hours=M–Th 06:00–20:00, F 11:00–18:00, Sa Su 09:00–17:00 | price=Single entry €8/5/3 (children fare for 4–16 years old); 10-time card €60/40/24 | wikidata=Q11864792 | content=The stunning and newly renovated facilities are named after characters and places in author Aleksis Kivi’s classic novel, Seven Brothers. The swimming area comprises eight pools, called Venla (50 m), Juhani (25 m), Tuomas (diving pool), Aapo (multipurpose pool), Simeoni (family pool), Timo (teaching pool), Lauri (paddling pool) and Eero (cold pool). Impivaara gyms Jukola, Toukola and Männistö have comprehensive and spacious strength training and aerobics facilities. }} * {{listing | type=do | name=Turun uimahalli | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rehtoripellonkatu 3 | lat=60.4543 | long=22.2875 | directions=in the student union's house | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata=Q18662487 | lastedit= | content=First swimming hall of Turku. Clothing optional, with genders separated by day of week. }} * {{do | name=Ulpukka | alt= | url=https://www.raisio.fi/fi/kulttuuri-ja-vapaa-aika/uintikeskus-ulpukka | email=ulpukka.asiakaspalvelu@raisio.fi | address=Eeronkuja 5 | lat=60.4783 | long=22.1615 | directions=1 km south-west of Raisio centre (along Nesteentie); bus lines 220 and 221 from Turku pass by | phone=+358 44-797-1681 | tollfree= | hours=Winter: M Tu Th F 06:00–21:00, W 11:00–21:00 Sa–Su 11:00–18:00; summer: M Tu Th F 06:00–09:00, 13:30–21:00, W 13:30–21:00, weekends closed; entry min. 1 hr before closing | price=€5–7 (mornings cheaper), students €4.50, children 5–15 years €3, family (2+3) €16; 2 hr | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-05-27 | content=Swimming hall. Nice also for children. Accessible for the mobility impaired (ask for directions). }} ===Social dancing=== [[File:UIttamon lava 2.JPG|thumb|The Uittamo dance pavilion]]<!-- should be changed to a seaside view --> Foxtrot, waltz, jive, cha cha, what have you… The [[Social dancing in Finland|dance pavilions]] are an essential part of the Finnish summer for many, although not any more for a majority, and some keep dancing all year. There are clubs for specific styles; at the pavilions the music plaid usually covers the gamut. Pavilions and other sites in Turku and Raisio, and popular ones in the surroundings, include: * {{do | name=Huvilintu | alt= | url=http://www.huvilintu.com | email=markku.appel@dnainternet.net | address=Linnuksentie 39 | lat=60.5198 | long=22.1339 | directions=Raisio countryside, 12 km from Turku centre: turn left from highway 8 north of Raisio centre, towards Kustavi (road 192), after 1 km turn towards Piuha along Maskuntie, after 1 km more turn right to Linnuksentie, drive 390 m, the pavilion is to your left; by bike you can also follow the cycleway to Raisio and along Highway 8 and reach the other end of Linnuksentie; bus 300 (e.g. Kauppatori E2 17:52) gets you to the Kirjakallionkatu stop across Kustavintie (turn back to cross it), 1.8 km from the pavilion, the last buses back at midnight (23:15, 00:05) | phone=+358 2 437-2830 (during dances), +358 44-782-1323 (otherwise) | tollfree= | hours=30 Apr–20 Sep Sa 19:00–23:00/24:00 (Midsummer also F), nights with two bands end at midnight | price=€20–25+€2 | lastedit=2025-04-30 | content=Dance pavilion. Guarded cloakroom. Also beer at the café (no age limit at the dance floor). }} * {{do | name=Uittamon paviljonki | alt= | url=http://uittamo.fi/tanssit/ | email=johanna.tuomola@magnumlive.fi | address=Rykmentintie 29 | lat= 60.4206 | long= 22.2528| directions=bus no 9 towards Katariina, bus stop "Tanssilava" | phone=+358 44-906-1910 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Dances mid May–August Su 18:00–23:00, Midsummer F 20:00–01:00; dance courses M 17:30–19:30 (beginners) 19:30–22:30 (advanced) | price=€20 | lastedit=2023-01-10 | content=Dance pavilion by the sea. Also dance courses. }} * {{do | name=[[Kaarina#Littoistenjärvi dance pavilion| Littoisten lava]] | alt= | url=http://www.sekahaku.net/tanssit/ | email=erja.vuorinen@sekahaku.net | address=Vanha Littoistentie 153 | lat=60.4596 | long=22.3779 | directions=by the Littoistenjärvi lake and beach in [[Kaarina]]; {{show by date|2025|06|27|bus 2B or 2C, last bus back 23:20|check bus schedules, changing on 1 Jul}} | phone=+358 45-894-8383 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=2025: 8 May–11 Sep: Th 18:00/19:30–23:00, also F–Sa 15–16 Aug | price=Dances mostly €20/7/-, courses €14/7; reduced price for the young and on some beginners' courses | lastedit=2025-04-20 | content=Dance pavilion run by Sekahaku (see below). 1½-hr dance course before the dances included in the price. Separate courses most other evenings. }} * {{do | name=[[Pöytyä#Valasranta| Valasranta]] | alt= | url=http://www.valasranta.fi | email= | address=Valasrannantie 363 | lat= 60.8961 |long= 22.3476 | directions=by Pyhäjärvi in [[Pöytyä|Yläne]], 60 km north from Turku | phone=+358 40-647-4187 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Mid May–Sep: Sa 20:00–01:00 | price=€20 | lastedit=2017-05-11 | content=Dance pavilion by the Pyhäjärvi lake. }} The '''[[#Q4356997|main library]]''' has free dances in its yard, Tuesdays 17:00–18:15, from late June to late August (with weather reservation). Mostly old couples (the generation which never attended dance courses), mostly Finnish tango, waltz and ''humppa'', and you might be unlikely to be asked to dance – but asking somebody to should be possible regardless of whether you are a man or woman. In the '''winter''' season, part of the dancing crowd is found at Rientola and in Aura (in addition to dance restaurants): <!-- the site to be demolished, listing kept as comment for copying to the new one when facts are confirmed * {{do | name=Pyrkivä/Sekahaku | alt= | url=https://sekahaku.net/tanssit/ | email=erja.vuorinen@sekahaku.net | address=Tuureporinkatu 2 | lat=60.4568 | long=22.2706 | directions=near the bus station, across Aninkaistenkatu | phone=+358 45-894-8383 (enquiries) | tollfree= | hours=Until 27 Apr 2025: F 18:30/20:00–23:30; courses M W Th 18:00–21:15 Tu 19:30–21:00 Su 17:00–20:15 | price=€18, youth under 25 years €7, children under 15 free with accompanying adult; course, cloakroom and water included; separate courses €14/€7 | lastedit=2024-09-04 | content=Dances with mostly skilled dancers. While the hall is a multi-purpose one, it is quite nice, and you'll mostly be looking at dancers or the orchestra anyway. One dance is presented in a course preceding the dancing proper, starting from beginner level but with something also for those who know it. The dance proper starts with pairs formed at random, dancing only one dance each; the rest of the night there is the normal asking scheme, with mixed asking in the last set. You can keep to your own pair if you wish, but few do. Café.<br />The [https://sekahaku.net/tanssikurssit/turku/viikkokurssit-turku courses] (1½ hr) range from beginners' (''perusteet'') to advanced level (''jatko''), usually in a series of two, where you should start from the first unless you pick up reasonably quickly. For the intermediate level ("keskitaso") you should know the basic steps or pick up very quickly. Pairs are formed in a rotating system, so you can turn up alone or in a single-gender group (you can form your own pairs, but that is usually not optimal). Instruction is usually in Finnish, so you have to use your eyes and occasionally ask your pair. The courses W 19:45 and Su 17:00 are for people with little or no dancing experience and have the youth price for all (some advanced dancers participate, facilitating learning). For the courses, take your own bottle of water. }} --> * {{do | name=Sekahaku | alt= | url=https://sekahaku.net/tanssit/ | email=erja.vuorinen@sekahaku.net | address=Pulmussuonkatu 86 | lat=60.48262 | long=22.28164 | directions=Rientolan Urheilutalo, Kärsämäki | phone=+358 45-894-8383 (enquiries) | tollfree= | hours=Mid September–mid April F 18:30/20:00–23:30 | price=€20, youth under 25 €7, accompanied children under 15 free | content=Dances to live music. A 1½-hr course on one dance before the dancing proper included in the price, beginning with the basics but soon advancing quickly with something for advanced dancers at the end. Rotating system/random pairs on the course and in the first hour of the dancing proper (instead forming your own pairs is allowed), then men's/women's/mixed asking. Quite many skilled dancers, friendly atmosphere, no alcohol. }} * {{do | name=[[Pöytyä#Auran nuortentalo|Auran Nuortentalo]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.6223 | long=22.5330 | directions=25 km from Turku centre by Highway 9 towards Tampere, 4 km before the main settlement; the namesake bus stop or Aura may have usable services to get there, but probably not back in the night | phone= | tollfree= | hours=October–April Sa 19:00–24:00 | price=€18–25 | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-08-18 | content=Dances popular among young and old alike, with many of the dancers coming from Turku. Women may want to bring company to get introduced on the floor. }} ===Events=== [[File:Sariola Tivoli in Turku in 2008.jpg|thumb|Tivoli Sariola comes to the Kupittaa Park for ''Vappu'']] [[File:Medieval band at Turku Medieval market 2015.jpg|thumb|right|A Medieval band playing at the Turku Medieval Market, by the river]] * {{do | name=Maritime Markets | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.447958 | long=22.265621 | directions=Along the river Aura | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=A long weekend in April and October; Th–Sa 09:00–18:00, Su 09:00–16:00 | price= | content=Traditional and very popular markets are held every April and October on the riverfront right in the Turku city centre. Archipelago Market in April and Herring Market in October bring fish delicacies as well as handicrafts to the riverside. Both markets bring professional fishermen from the Archipelago Sea to the heart of the city to sell their products, some still straight from their boats. Also e.g. sea-buckthorn juice, honey and bread are sold, in addition to meals and standard market fare. }} * {{do | name=Walpurgis night and May Day | alt=Vappu | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=main events at Vartiovuori, Puolalanmäki, Kauppatori | phone=| tollfree= | fax= | hours=30 April–1 May | price= | wikipedia=Vappu#Finland | content=Vappu is one of the four biggest holidays in Finland, along with Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve, and Midsummer. Walpurgis witnesses the biggest carnival-style festival held in the streets of Finland's towns and cities. Student traditions are one of the main characteristics of Vappu, and you'll see lots of students – and former university students – on the streets wearing a traditional student cap. In the evening Swedish students, or anybody identifying with them in some way, gather on Vårdberget (Vartiovuori), to mingle and listen to the student choirs of ÅA (18:00, broadcast by YLE), while the Finnish students similarly gather in Puolalanpuisto. At 19:00 they join at the Lilja statue by the river (to give her a student cap), and the rest of the eve streets are filled with party people. A market is held in Kauppatori with vendors selling cheap carnival paraphernalia. On May Day the parks, especially the Vartiovuori Park, are filled with Finns having a picnic, many treating their hungover. There are also working union parades around the city centre and politicians from all different parties giving speeches. }} * {{do | name=New Potato Festival | alt=Neitsytperunafestivaali | url=http://www.neitsytperunafestivaali.fi | email=info@kaffeli.fi | address=Courtyard of the Brewery Restaurant Koulu, Eerikinkatu 18 | lat=60.449764 | long=22.264272 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Mid June | price= | content=The festival celebrates the opening of the early-harvest potato season in June. It’s a true cultural feast of fabulous flavours and local food. The very first crops from the Turku archipelago will reach the River Aura shores with this traditional ceremony. During the festival, the potatoes will be enjoyed with local fish treats and herring. The festival will also include competitions for best recipes, getting to know different potato varieties and cultivation methods. The new potatoes from Finland Proper are unique plants with gastronomic qualities to match other celebrated European seasonal products like asparagus, globe artichoke and truffle. The flavour is unique to early potatoes of Finland Proper and neighbouring countries with a similar climate. }} * {{do | name=The Medieval Market | alt= | url=https://keskiajanturku.fi/en | email=info@keskiaikaisetmarkkinat.fi | address=Vanha Suurtori 3 (Old Great Square) | lat=60.4506 | long=22.2759 | directions= | phone=+358 40-132-9992 | tollfree= | hours=End of June; Th F 12:00–20:00, Sa Su 12:00–18:00 | price=Free of charge, but charges for food, drink and souvenirs | content=This is the best (and original) Medieval Market in Finland. Follow the rows of market stalls at the Old Great Square and take a trip back in time to Medieval Market with performing groups, jesters and minstrels. People working at the festival dress up in medieval costumes and act out scenes in the middle of the street, rather than on stages, giving you a feeling you're genuinely in medieval Turku (the theme is some specific year, and you may hear references to "current" events).<br />In the area for work displays artisans will demonstrate medieval working methods. Visitors can watch the smith working away at their forges, see how beer is brewed using ancient recipes and touch freshly tanned leather. At the children's activities area the smallest of the family can get into baskets of a roundabout. The Old Town Hall hosts events for science, art and fashion. The whole family can enjoy the medieval amusement.<br />Medieval costumes for adults and children are available for hire at the event. Medieval-style food, clothes and souvenirs available on site. }} * {{do | name=International Market of Turku | alt= | url=http://www.eurooppamarkkinat.fi | email= | address=Around Old Great Square, Vähätori and the banks of river Aura | lat=60.451728 | long=22.272968 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Mid-June; W–Sa 10:00–20:00 | price= | content=The key idea of the International Market is to bring different countries and provinces around the world to showcase their specialities. There are around 100 traders from around 35 countries taking part in the market. Europe has usually a strong presence, but there are also traders from America and Asia. From the market you'll usually find For example, authentic Dutch cheese merchant, French bakeries, different delicacies from Italy, Bavarian sausages and German bakeries as well as artisans from such countries as Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Spain. Finnish provinces are also presenting their own specialities. }} * {{do | name=Midsummer | alt=Juhannus/Midsommar | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=The weekend between 19 and 27 June | price= | wikipedia=Midsummer | wikidata= | content=Juhannus (Midsummer) is a main national holiday in Finland. Originally a celebration of the summer solstice, it is typically spent with friends and family at a summer cottage away from the city, either partying or relaxing (many leave already in Thursday, as the main celebration is in the eve, on Friday). Large bonfires are lit on the islands Ruissalo and Vepsä. Otherwise the streets are often empty, even though some people have acquired a new habit of spending Midsummer in town. }}<!-- --><!-- Every few years, hide for now -- * {{do | name=Swan European Regatta | alt= | url=https://www.nautorswan.com/news/2023/02/turku-to-host-swan-european-regatta-in-summer-2023/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=2023: 19–23 July | price= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Sailing yachts of the Swan brand gather in Turku, having a regatta in the archipelago. The Swans, built by [[Jakobstad|Ostrobothnian]] Nautor, combine a fibreglass hull with a luxurious interior, and were traditionally made to be comfortable, safe and fast. Several models have seen victories in famed races, such as the Cowes Week and Whitbread Round the World. Most new designs are targeted at the luxury cruising sector, but in Turku you'll see many of the old-timers, from the first Swan and some of her sisters from 1967–1970 to boats of the 1980s, in addition to a number of later designs. There are free public events at Forum Marinum. The races can be seen on a big screen there, from Kuuva on Ruissalo or by boat on Airisto. The regatta is held in Turku every few years. }} --> * {{do | name=Tall Ships' Races | alt= | url=https://sailtraininginternational.org/event/tall-ships-races-2024 | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=mooring downstream from the bridges; parade of sails on Airisto | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Next edition in 2028 | price= | lastedit=2022-03-10 | content=The Tall Ships' Races have become a regular event in Turku. Every four years sailing ships large and small moor in the river on their Baltic Sea race, offering opportunities to visit some of the vessels, including schooners, barques and full-rigged ships, and attending programmes arranged for spectators and crews. The event usually attracts half of the city's population. Some vessels offer cruises to Airisto. The parade of sails is best seen from a boat, but most spectators flock to the shores of Kuuva on Ruissalo. }} * {{do | name=Airisto Classic Regatta | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=on Airisto, moorings at the guest harbour Telakka | phone= | tollfree= | hours=2023: 27–30 July | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-07-25 | content=Yearly race for classic yachts (those of wood or riveted plates built before 1970), arranged by Airisto Segelsällskap in cooperation with Telakka. About 30 yachts, some built in the 1920s. Most participants are from Finland, some from Sweden or farther away. In 2025, the world championship of the 8mR class will be held in Turku. }} * {{do | name=The Night of Arts | alt= | url= | email= | address=Around Turku Central Business District | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Mid August | price= | content=A versatile cultural event that is held annually in mid-August around the city centre. The venues include the Fortuna-block, Vähätori, Puutori, Piispankatu, the Turku Main Library Courtyard, as well as book stores, museums and galleries. Programme usually includes musical and art performances, literature, theatre, dance, museums and street culture. }} * {{do | name=Turku Day | alt= | url=http://www.turku.fi/turunpaiva | email= | address=Events take place all around the city | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Third Sunday of September | price= | content=The shops in the city centre are open, there are markets and bazaars in different parts of the city, open houses and guided tours, museums and music, art and dance. The day culminates with fireworks at the Samppalinna Park hill at 21:00. }} ====Easter==== [[Easter]] is celebrated in the churches, with many '''services'''. Specifically, you might want to experience the '''Orthodox Easter Vigil''', even if not Orthodox yourself. There are several '''concerts''' with Christian music, particularly, ''passions'' may be performed. There may be a reenactment of the '''Way of the Cross'''. * {{do | name=Easter at Cloister Hill | alt=Påsk på Klosterbacken | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/luostarinmaki-handicrafts-museum/then-now/luostarinmaki-throughout-year | email= | address=Vartiovuorenkatu 2 | lat=60.447387 | long=22.275542 | directions=Cloister Hill outdoor museum, | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Around Easter; 10:00–16:00 | price=Adults €6, Children aged 7–15 €4, 4–6 €1, Family ticket €13 |lastedit=2023-05-12| content=Cloister Hill outdoor museum offers a unique perspective to Easter traditions in Finland. During the festivities you can participate in egg rotation competition and explore the different traditions of decorating Easter eggs. Professional Easter egg decorators are performing as well as confectioners who make Easter eggs and bunnies out of marzipan. This event is especially recommendable to visitors with children. }} ==== Advent and Christmas ==== [[File:BD, Flora och AO, advent 2008.jpg|thumb|The student choirs' concerts in the cathedral mark the start of Advent]] The [https://www.turku.fi/joulukaupunki Christmas season] starts more or less with the turning on of Christmas lights in the pedestrian part of Yliopistonkatu a week before Advent. The market at the Old Great Square opens, department stores and many shops have nice Christmas displays in their windows, Christmas music is played, Charity bazaars in many schools, parish halls, etc. Usually the first snow has come and melt away, and there will probably again be snow several times during Advent. With good luck the snow will stay. White Christmases are quite common, but there is no guarantee. The lights on the Christmas tree of the cathedral are turned on the Saturday a week before Advent begins (programme usually begins at 17:00). The big spruce arrives and is risen the preceding Wednesday at about 13:00–14:00, perhaps worth watching if you are around. A "[https://www.turku.fi/en/pathlight light path]{{Dead link|date=March 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}" in the form of light installations for a few days (2023: 6–9 Dec) get many people out on a walk along the river in a happy mood. Most every choir gives some kind of Christmas concert in or immediately before Advent. Among the most ambitious are the ones by the student choirs of Åbo Akademi (BD and Flora) and Akademiska Orkestern, in the cathedral on Friday and Saturday leading to Advent ([[European classical music|classical music]] from the 16th century to world premières, including some beloved Christmas songs); most seats are sold out days before, but a few are often left to be got at the door an hour before the concerts. The Church arranges sing-alongs with collect to their development aid. Many museums, also some that otherwise are closed in winter, have displays or events related to the season; table settings and food of Christmas in different times and social classes are shown at the castle, the Qwensel house and the handicraft museum. Handicraft workshops (such as of making candles) are arranged at Seikkailupuisto and Kurala. There are also events at other institutions, such as candlelight swimming at Impivaara and Petrelius. Independence Day, December 6th, is celebrated by the philharmonic orchestra by two free day concerts (tickets are distributed a few weeks in advance). The latter, starting 15:00, can be seen on screens at the Old Great Square. There are services in the churches (mostly at 10:00). Charity bazaars. The students have a torch parade to the war graves (start 18:00). People light candles in their windows (originally a silent protest against Russian oppression), which makes for a nice evening stroll. A few associations arrange balls, the one of Turku folk dancers ([http://www.rytky.fi Rytky]) is open for the public, with a dance course in the preceding weeks. On December 13th, Lucia is crowned in the morning, blessed in the cathedral in the evening (be early if you want a seat), and then performing in the Hansa shopping centre. Programme for the rest of the season is changed yearly but generally Lucia and her company will be seen on many occasions, mostly in retirement homes and the like, but also e.g. at the Christmas market. The ecumenical plea for peace is made in the cathedral in Advent (2023: 14 Dec), to be broadcast on television before noon on 24 December. The audience should arrive at latest 17:40, the event starts at 18:00. Christmas peace is declared at noon of Christmas Eve in the Old Great Square, with thousands of spectators (programme starts 11:30; if you are early you can get glögg, gingerbread and words for the national anthem; have some coins for the servings). The Swedish service in the cathedral afterwards welcomes also the international audience. Most people are going to spend the evening and the Christmas Day with their family; the city will mostly close. Bus traffic in town continues to 20:00 and is then suspended for Christmas Day. The [[#Learn|main library]] is open 11:00–18:00 on Christmas Eve, with also some programme. Lights on the graves. Services in the churches. Some restaurants are open also in Christmas, but booking a table may be necessary. The cruise ferries may have cruises instead of route traffic. [[File:Julmarknad Gamla Stortorget lillajul 2010.jpg|thumb|Christmas Market at the Old Great Square]] * {{do | name=Christmas Market at the Old Great Square | alt= | url=https://www.joulukaupunkiturku.fi/en/christmas-city/christmas-market | email= | address=Old Great Square | lat=60.450783 | long=22.276609 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Four weekends before Christmas (the last one the 3rd Sunday of Advent), 11:00–17:00 | price= | lastedit=2018-03-14 | content=The Old Great Square fills with high quality handicrafts, Christmas delicacies and various music, theatre and circus performances. And of course, there’s also Santa Claus and his family! In addition, you can enjoy the lovely winter weather with a cup of warm ''glögg'' or a bowl of Christmas porridge (in the Brinkkala yard), find something nice at the Christmas ornaments’ exchange point, get warm and escape the hustle and bustle to an indoors café (e.g. upstairs in the Brinkkala house) or to the Christmas concerts of the Old Town Hall. }} * {{do | name=Christmas Market at Kauppatori | alt=Joulutori | url= | email= | address=Kauppatori | lat=60.451667 | long=22.266944 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=25 Nov–23 Dec, M–F 12:00–19:00, Sa 10:00–16:00, Su 12:00–16:00 | price= | lastedit=2017-11-28 | content=Much smaller market, but open daily. }} ====Music festivals==== [[File:Ruisrock 2008.jpg|thumb|Ruisrock atmosphere in 2008]] [[File:Turku M.A.Numminen at DBTL 2006.jpg|thumbnail|M. A. Numminen performs at DBTL in 2006.]] There is some music festival in Turku nearly every weekend in summer (all back after the pandemic). Here some, in more or less chronological order: * {{do | name=Turku Jazz | alt= | url=https://www.turkujazz.fi | email= | address= | lat=60.456692 | long=22.256300 | directions=mainly in Logomo | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Beginning of March; 2024: 1–10 March | price= | wikidata=Q18662446 | lastedit=2018 | content=Second oldest jazz festival in Finland. Performers include leading Finnish jazz musicians and special international guests. Concerts are held in restaurants and entertainment venues throughout the city of Turku. }} * {{do | name=Turku Modern | alt= | url= | email=toimisto@turkumodern.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Annually, 2023: 26–27 May | price=€35-65 | wikidata=Q11898751 | lastedit=2018 | content=Turku Modern, the festival for electronic music, storms Turku clubs and galleries annual in July. It brings forward top foreign artists and accomplished domestic performers focusing on electronic and dance music. It takes place in central Turku on the banks of the river Aura in clubs, bars, stages and especially the charming river boats. }} * {{do | name=Ruisrock | alt= | url=http://www.ruisrock.fi | email=palaute@ruisrock.fi | address= | lat=60.428771 | long=22.178021 | directions=Kansanpuisto, Ruissalo | phone=+358 44-966-1384 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Beginning of July, in 2023: 7–9 July | price=Three-day ticket €175, 2 days €155, 1 day €99; children under 7 years free with a paying adult; people over 70 free | wikidata=Q259936 | lastedit=2018 | content=Ruisrock, founded in 1970, is the second oldest rock festival in Europe, and the oldest still going in the Nordic countries and Finland. During the three-day event fans are offered international names, domestic stars and the hottest new acts. Ruisrock attracts almost 100,000 visitors every year from Finland and abroad and it is the biggest music festival in Turku. The festival has attracted world-famous artists throughout its lifetime including such names as Nirvana, Björk, The Cure, Bob Dylan, Bon Jovi, Ozzy Osbourne, Pet Shop Boys, Oasis, Aerosmith and Rammstein. The festival takes place in the Ruissalo Island, right next to central Turku. The area where the festival takes place is divided into two sections, Niittyalue ("meadow section") and Ranta-alue ("beach section"). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTVUAweys8U Introduction video for the festival] can be seen in YouTube. Festival site can be reached with the festival bus or by bike from Turku city centre. The festival buses run from Turku city centre to the festival bus station. There is a clearly marked walking route of about 2 km (about 1.2 miles) between the festival bus station and the festival site. }} * {{do | name=Down by the Laituri (DBTL) | alt= | url=http://www.dbtl.fi | email= | address= | lat=60.443022 | long=22.266042 | directions=Turku centre | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=End of July | price=€55–165 | wikidata=Q5302936 | lastedit=2018 | content=Finland´s oldest and most legendary city festival, DBTL was sparked into life in the late 1980s by the rock-club of the Student Union of the Turku University. Its popularity spread like a blaze and nowadays it attracts around 70,000 visitors. Mostly pop and rock. }} * {{do | name=Aura Fest | alt= | url=http://www.aurafest.fi | email= | address= | lat=60.442576 | long=22.248648 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Annually in early August, 2023: 11–12 Aug | price=€90–200 | wikidata=Q25452937 | lastedit= | content= }} * {{do | name=Turku Music Festival | alt=Turun musiikkijuhlat | url=https://turunmusiikkijuhlat.fi/en | email=info@tmj.fi | address= | lat= | long= | directions=around Turku | phone=+358 2 262-0812 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Annually in August, 2023: 10–24 Aug | price= | wikidata=Q7855559 | lastedit=2018 | content=Large orchestral concerts, chamber music, recitals, jazz and outdoor events as well as experiences for the whole family. A variety of venues, both modern and historical, are imaginatively used. Turku Music Festival is the oldest continuously running festival in Finland, since 1960. }} * {{do | name=Seikkisrock | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.445103 | long=22.291159 | directions=Turku Adventure Park, Kupittaa | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Annually, 2023: 18–19 Sep | price= | wikidata=Q18661924 | content=A two-day festival, organized in early June since 1999, offers a wonderful entertainment for children of all ages and childlike persons. Over the years, numerous leading children´s music artists and special guests have had performances at Seikkisrock. The festival's main focus is on music, but there are also crafts and art workshops, plays, circus, magicians and dancers – not forgetting the bouncy castle. Non-governmental organizations are also involved in the event; they are presented to children in their own ”World village” with the themes of tolerance and sustainable development. The Adventure Park offers verdant, comfortable and stimulating environment for the Seikkisrock. Performances that take place at two stages and smaller shows throughout the area guarantee great and memorable festival experience. }} ====Expos==== [[File:Turkuhalli.jpg|thumb|Turku Hall, next to the Turku Fair and Congress Center, hosts number of big concerts and hockey tournaments.]] There's a great number of expos and fairs held in Turku annually. Most of the fairs take place outside the summer season in autumn and spring. Large part of these fairs take place in the {{marker|type=do|name=Turku Fair and Congress Center|lat=60.4540 | long=22.1845}}, which is a diverse setting for fairs, meetings, congresses and grand public events. * {{do | name=Turku Fine Art and Antique Fair | alt=Annually end of March, 18 to 19 March in 2017 | url= | email= | address=Turku Fair and Congress Center, Messukentänkatu 9-13 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Turku Fine Art and Antiques Fair is a premier trade event where a vast array of antiques and art are exhibited. More than 10,000 people visit the fair annually and witness how world renowned artists and antique collectors gather in this exhibition and showcase their art and antique collections. }} * {{do | name=Turku International Book Fair | alt=Beginning of October, 5-7 October in 2018 | url= | email= | address=Turku Fair and Congress Center, Messukentänkatu 9-13 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=The Turku International Book Fair is Finland’s oldest book fair. The Turku Fair and Congress Center hosts the annual event, which brings together visitors, program creators and exhibitors from all over Finland and abroad. The Turku Book Fair garners an abundance of praise and publicity thanks to its solid reputation, long history and cozy atmosphere. The mingling of visitors and exhibitors enables spontaneous encounters between authors and readers. The fair plays host to a variety of events, large and small. The first Turku Book Fair was held in 1990, and in 2012 an all-time record was set, with 25,000 people attending the fair. Each year, the Turku Book Fair selects one country as the special focus, in addition to a Finnish-focused theme. }} * {{do | name=Turku Food and Wine Fair | alt=Beginning of October, 5-7 October in 2018 | url= | email= | address=Turku Fair and Congress Center, Messukentänkatu 9-13 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Arranged at the same time as the Turku International Book Fair | price= | content=The Turku Food and Wine Fair is one of autumn’s highlights in the city. In October, thousands of food, wine and culture enthusiasts will gather at the Turku Fair and Congress Centre to find new products and services, experience new tastes, learn and shop. }} ====Sport events==== [[File:Kalevan Kisat 2011 Turussa (Finnish Championships in Athletics 2011 in Turku).jpg|thumb|Paavo Nurmi Stadium]] <!--* {{do | name=Women's Kuntovitonen 5km Run | alt= | url=http://www.kuntovitonen.fi/ | email=info@vitostapahtumat.fi | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 44-725-5055 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=End of May, 26 May in 2018; not arranged 2019 | price= | content=The Women's Kuntovitonen 5km run energizes the Turku Sports Park in May, when spring is in full bloom. Here the sweatbands are more fashionable then functional. In addition to the five or ten kilometer routes there will be star performers on stage, guided group aerobics and a diverse exhibition area and a play park to leave your children and spouse to spend the day while you enjoy yourself. }}--> * '''Watch football''' at [https://fcinter.fi/ FC Inter Turku]. They play soccer in Veikkausliiga, the top tier in Finland. Their home ground is Veritas Stadium, capacity 9400, in Kupitaa district east of town centre. They share it with [http://www.fc.tps.fi/ Turun Palloseura] or TPS, who yo-yo between the top and second tiers. * {{do | name=Paavo Nurmi Games | alt= | url=http://paavonurmigames.fi | email=info@paavonurmisports.fi | address= | lat=60.4427 | long=22.2603 | directions= | phone=+358 2 431-0812 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=June, 18 June in 2024 | price= | content=The first Paavo Nurmi Games was arranged in 1957 as a birthday present to Nurmi on his 60th birthday. During his career Nurmi took 9 Olympic Gold medals and was among the first athletes to be nominated in the IAAF Hall of Fame. The tradition has gone on ever since and the event is held every year at the Paavo Nurmi Stadium named after the legendary runner. Now a track & field classic, the Turku Paavo Nurmi Games are part of the EA Premium Permit circuit. }} * {{do | name=Paavo Nurmi Marathon | alt= | url=http://paavonurmimarathon.fi/en/ | email=info@paavonurmisports.com | address=Around central Turku and Ruissalo island | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 2 431-0811 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=17 august in 2019, 12:00– | price= | content=Paavo Nurmi was a Finnish runner who achieved 9 gold and 3 silver medals in the Olympic games during his career. He was born in Turku and is celebrated by a number of sporting events every year. One of the highlights is Paavo Nurmi Marathon, which is one of the leading running events in Finland. One can choose to participate in the full marathon, half marathon or a 10-km races. The total number of participants has been around 3500 runners annually. The beautiful route of the marathon showcases the most attractive sides of Turku from the shores of the river Aura to Ruissalo Island and back. Right after the start the runners pass by the famous Paavo Nurmi statue, sculpted by Turku born sculptor Wäinö Aaltonen. }} * {{do | name=Challenge Turku, Swim, bike and run | alt= | url=http://www.challengeturku.com | email=info@sbrfinland.com | address=Around central Turku and Ruissalo island | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10 to 11 August 2019 | price= | content=Want to provide yourself with a new kind of challenge? The triathlon is ideal for those looking for variation, because it includes swimming, cycling and running. }} * {{do | name=FightBack Run | alt= | url=http://fightbackrun.fi | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Saturday in beginning of September | price=Participants: €25, €0 for children < 10 years and the accessible route; after-run dinner €65 | lastedit=2022-09-03 | content=No-one in Finland is unaware of Pekka Hyysalo and his Fight Back charity project. Hyysalo, a young man from Turku, had his promising career as freestyle skier cut short after a serious head injury in 2010. Hyysalo fought his way from the hospital bed to get back on his feet, teaching his body to do everything from scratch, from eating to tying his shoelaces. In September 2014 he ran for the first time in the FightBack Run. The first FightBack Run had a distance of 2.6 km and the plan was to double the distance every year, for a full marathon in 2019. Now there is a 2.7 km circle route in the centre, along the river, to be run or walked as many times as you can during 2 hr. There is also a 300-m route for the mobility impaired. }} * {{do | name=Ruissalo races | alt= | url=http://www.ruissalojuoksut.fi | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=End of September, 21 September in 2019 | price= | content=The traditional Ruissalo races are organized on the end of September in the beautiful island of Ruissalo next to central Turku. The distances to choose from are half-marathon called "Ruisrääkki" and 10-km run "Ruisriikki". }} ==Learn== [[File:Turun hovioikeus.jpg|thumb|Academy House used to be the main building of the Turku Academy, but nowadays it houses the Turku Court of Appeal.]] Turku has a long academic history: Queen Christina of Sweden founded the first university of Finland in Turku in 1640. At that point it was only Sweden's third university following Uppsala University and the Academia Gustaviana in [[Tartu]]. Nowadays Turku is still a major academic town in Finland and because of this the city is bustling with students. Almost 20 per cent of Turku residents are students and many of them are exchange students or otherwise from abroad. The universities have many courses in English and some study programs targeted at exchange students, often in cooperation between the universities. Both universities are legal deposit repositories, which means they have everything of value printed in Finland since the 1920s, usually available at least for reading in both or either, if requested a day or a few in advance. Students can either rent on the private market or apply for a room or flat for students through the Student Village Foundation or, students at ÅAU, from its student union. Rents for the student rooms and flats are mostly in the range of €225–1,000/month, including heating, water, internet etc., and access to some communal facilities. Exchange student can borrow a set of basic utensils from the student unions. * {{listing | name=University of Turku | alt=Turun yliopisto | url=http://www.utu.fi/en/ | email= | address= | lat=60.4542 | long=22.2848 | directions= | phone=+358 2 333-51 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q501841 | content=The University of Turku is the second largest university in Finland only behind the University of Helsinki. It houses over 20,000 students in seven faculties: Humanities, Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Medicine, Law, Social Sciences, Education and Economics. It offers lectures for children and has an open university for anyone to role in. [http://www.utu.fi/en/units/open-university/Pages/home.aspx Turku Open University] offers several courses also in English. }} * {{listing | name=Åbo Akademi University | alt=Åbo Akademi | url=http://www.abo.fi/?lang=en | email=infowww@abo.fi | address= | lat=60.4510 | long=22.2775 | directions= | phone=+358 2 215-31 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q917874 | content=Åbo Akademi is the only Swedish-language university in Finland. It is at the forefront of research in such areas as biosciences, computer science, democracy, human rights, material sciences, process chemistry and psychology. It houses around 6,000 students, of which 1/7 are from abroad, and has special collections and museums for visitors to enjoy. Many courses are in English and there are several [https://www.abo.fi/en/study/study-abroad/exchange-students/ exchange programs]. ÅA also has an open university and is partner of [[Hanko#Hangö sommaruni|Hangö sommaruni]], together with i.a. Novia. }} * {{listing | name=Turku University of Applied Sciences | alt=Turun Ammattikorkeakoulu | url=http://www.tuas.fi/en/ | email=ammattikorkeakoulu@turkuamk.fi | address= | lat=60.4470 | long=22.2990 | directions= | phone=+358 2 330-000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7855557 | content=TUAS, one of the leading universities of applied sciences in Finland, hosts 9,500 students studying for a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. Its academies and faculties range from economics to art, technology, environment and healthcare. It also offers three English taught Bachelor's and two Master’s programmes as well as open studies for anyone willing to join. }} * {{listing | name=Novia University of Applied Sciences | alt=Novia | url=https://www.novia.fi/en/ | email=admissions@novia.fi | address=Henrikinkatu 7 | lat=60.453496 | long=22.280558 | directions= | phone=+358 6 328 5000 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Instruction in Swedish, with some courses and modules offered in English. Novia's campus in Turku offers courses in e.g. tourism, social services, design and maritime management. }} * {{listing | name=Turku City Library | alt=Turun kaupunginkirjasto, Åbo stadsbibliotek | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/turku-city-library | email=kaupunginkirjasto@turku.fi | address=Linnankatu 2 | lat=60.4504 | long=22.271 | directions=between Kauppatori and the cathedral | phone=+358 2 262-0624 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 09:00–20:00, Sa Su11:00–17::00 | price=Free | wikidata=Q4356997 | lastedit=2023-08-29 | content=Libraries could be boring in other cities, but not in Turku. Turku City Library is open every day and most city residents have taken to it as their second living room. The old and the architecturally distinguished new building also offer facilities for many events and exhibitions. Weekly sing-alongs and dances in the yard in summer. It is a great place to just chill, check e-mail (free Wi-Fi; "15 min" computers available without library card), charge one's phone (USB-C/-mini/Iphone), read a newspaper (quite some foreign ones available), have a coffee or lunch at the inner courtyard's restaurant (or own snacks at a specific table by the newspapers) or enjoy a book from the wide selection of foreign language literature. }} ==Buy== [[File:Turku Car-free zone.jpg|thumb|Yliopistonkatu next to the Market Square is a pedestrian zone; there are a variety of services in it]] There are plenty of opportunities to part with your cash in Turku. The city centre is full of major retail and independent shops. Shopping in Turku is generally more affordable than in Helsinki, but, as with the rest of Finland, it is by no means cheap by international standards. The numerous second-hand and antique stores represent a unique shopping alternative. If arriving in the night, there are grocery stores that are open 24 hr daily (except perhaps some holidays), including Citymarket Kupittaa and some K-market and Sale stores (in or near the centre). Some more grocery stores are open to 23:00 or 24:00, most close 21:00 or 22:00, often earlier in the weekend. ===Money=== Getting cash is rarely a problem, as ATM's ("Otto") are common around the centre and they can be operated with international credit and debit cards (Visa, Visa Electron, MasterCard, Maestro). Currencies other than the euro are generally ''not'' accepted, but at least the Swedish krona is accepted on the ferries from Sweden, and the Stockmann department store accepts the krona, dollars and pounds. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but know your PIN and be prepared to show your passport or ID card. Some stalls at Kauppatori accept only cash, and you may be out of luck with cards also at some small-business stalls at temporary markets. Most bank offices do not handle money exchange. * {{buy | name=Forex Bank | alt= | url=https://www.forex.fi/en | email= | address=Eerikinkatu 13 | lat=60.4496 | long=22.2633 | directions=by Kauppatori | phone=+358 2 251-8620 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 10:00–17:30 Sa 09:30–17:00 Su closed | price= | content=The most convenient place to change currencies in most situations, unless you can use ATMs. However, rates can be bad even for big currencies. }} As a rule, '''tipping''' is never necessary, although appreciated by some service personnel (see [[Finland#Tipping]]). Cloakrooms (''narikka'') in nightclubs, theatres and better restaurants often have ''non-negotiable'' fees (usually clearly signposted, €2 is standard), and – in the few hotels that employ them – hotel porters will expect around the same per bag. ===Traditional shopping=== [[File:Lounashetki Turun kauppahallissa.jpg|thumb|Turku Market Hall]] * {{buy | name=Market Square | alt=Kauppatori | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.4516 | long=22.2671 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 07:00–18:00, Sa 07:00–15:00; best in summer before 14:00, when most farmers leave | price= | wikidata=Q4411397 | content=The centre point of Turku's commercial centre is, without a doubt, the market square, with its market and surrounding shopping centres, department stores and independent shops. The market square itself has been a popular shopping and meeting place and an authentic tourist attraction – locals dominate and many do some of their grocery shopping here. Have a coffee and watch the scene, or buy groceries from the stalls of many local producers (those with just a bench sell their own, those selling from trailers are mostly selling produce of others, although e.g. a few fish stands buy from local fishermen or sell own catch). If you are on a budget, check the units, as no per kg prices are required. In 2018–2022, a parking cave was being built under the square, but the market activity and most bus stops have returned. }} * {{buy | name=Turku Market Hall | alt=Kauppahalli | url=http://www.kauppahalli.fi/en/ | email= | address=Eerikinkatu 16 | lat=60.4497 | long=22.2661 | directions=50 metres from Kauppatori downstream along the Eerikinkatu | phone=+358 2 262-4126 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 08:00–18:00, Sa 08:00–16:00 | price= | wikidata=Q10726161 | content=Completed in 1896, the Turku Market Hall brings a delightful atmosphere reminiscent of times gone by. The old and new meet in the corridors. The market hall, which extends the length of an entire block, was designed by architect Gustaf Nyström. There are traditional meat and fish counters, delicatessen and speciality shops, bread, milk and cheese shops as well as restaurants and cafés. Stop by the fish shop S. Wallin, try some reindeer meat from Poronlihan erikoisliike Heinonen or buy some cheese at Juustopuoti. Have a coffee and cake in Aschan Blue Train café or shop for souvenirs at the nostalgic Wanha Turku Kauppa (''Old Turku Store''). There is also a great lunch court at the market hall, where you can choose to eat either ethnic or domestic food. }} ===Shopping centres=== [[File:Turku Hansa panorama.jpg|thumb|View inside the Hansa Shopping Centre]] * {{buy | name=Forum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.4506 | long=22.2679 | directions=adjacent to Kauppatori, the block towards the river | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Smaller than Hansa, with less mainstream shops. Local design and even second hand. }} * {{buy | name=Hansa | alt= | url=https://hansakortteli.fi/en/in-english/ | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 20 | lat=60.4507 | long=22.2644 | directions=adjacent to Kauppatori, on the downstream side | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M–F 07:00–21:00, Sa 07:30–19:30, Su 10:00–19:00 | price= | content=More than 150 shops found under one roof, Turku’s oldest and largest shopping centre with a number of specialist shops, including some nice Finnish design brands, and the classy department store Stockmann. A number of cafés and restaurants. }} * {{buy | name=KOP-Kolmio | alt= | url=http://www.kop-kolmio.fi | email= | address=Aurakatu 8 | lat=60.4503 | long=22.2665 | directions=adjacent to Kauppatori, across the street from Hansa | phone=+358 2 6516-6680 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 10:00–20:00, Sa 10:00–18:00, Su 12:00–16:00 | price= | content=KOP-Kolmio is a smaller shopping centre. It offers mostly fashion stores and a few cosy cafés. Also the Föli customer service, combined with Turku social services etc. The building is mostly home to companies, on the upper floors of the building, including the local branch of ''Yleisradio (YLE)'', Finland's national broadcast company. }} * {{buy | name=Mylly | alt= | url=http://www.kauppakeskusmylly.fi | email= | address=Myllynkatu 1–99 | lat=60.4906 | long=22.2010 | directions=in [[Raisio]], 10 min drive from Turku centre; 30–40 min by bus line 300 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 10:00–21:00, Sa 09:00–18:00, Su 12:00–18:00 | price= | content=A hundred shops, cafés and restaurants. Free play area and childcare points. Consistent opening hours across all stores (except Alko and office services). Plenty of parking. }} * {{buy | name=Skanssi | alt= | url=http://www.skanssi.fi | email= | address=Skanssinkatu 10 | lat=60.4300 | long=22.3230 | directions=4 km from the city centre, 20 minutes by bus line 9 towards Vaala | phone=+358 40-195-3742 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 08:00–21:00, Sa 08:00–18:00, Su 12:00–18:00 | price= | content=Ninety special stores, a hypermarket, a wide variety of cafés and restaurants, an indoor playground, dog sitting service and underground parking. }} ===Department stores=== [[File:Stockmann Department Store in Turku.jpg|thumb|The department store Stockmann in central Turku]] * {{buy | name=Stockmann | alt= | url=https://stockmann.com/fi | email= | address= | lat=60.4507 | long=22.2628 | directions=in the Hansa shopping centre | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 09:00–20:00, Sa 09:00–19:00, Su 11:00–18:00 | price= | content=Regarded a bit upmarket, Stockmann has products from top fashion to electronics, including Finnish design brands like Arabia, Iittala, Marimekko and Aarikka. There is also a visitor centre which provides advice and help on tax-free purchases and buying tickets to events and venues. Opposite to the department store in the shopping centre is the bookshop Akateeminen Kirjakauppa, formerly part of Stockmann like the excellent supermarket in the basement. There is also a café with great lunch. }} * {{buy | name=Wiklund | alt= | url=https://www.s-kanava.fi/toimipaikka/sokos-wiklund-turku/501019327 | email= | address=Eerikinkatu 11 | lat=60.4517 | long=22.2688 | directions=by Kauppatori | phone=+358 10-76-5020 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 08:00–21:00, Sa 09:00–20:00, Su 11:00-18:00 | price= | content=Wiklund offers women's and men's fashion, beauty, home and children, outdoor activities and exercise, as well as entertainment. Department store services are complemented by the Café Wiklund, a hair salon, Alko wine and alcohol store, pharmacy, shoemaker and Eurokangas fabric store. }} ===Design=== [[File:Turku design bag.jpg|thumb|This design bag asks in Swedish "Varför Paris, vi har ju Åbo" ''(Why Paris, when we have Turku)'']] National brands, such as [https://www.finlayson.fi Finlayson], [https://www.iittala.com Iittala] and [https://www.marimekko.com/eu_en/ Marimekko]{{Dead link|date=June 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}, are found in most department stores, although they also have their own shops. Marimekko has shops in the shopping centres of Hansa, Mylly and Skanssi. * {{buy | name=Baobab Kids and lifestyle | alt= | url= | email=baobab.baby@gmail.com | address=Yliopistonkatu 11 | lat=60.45360 | long=22.26986 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 10:00–17:00, Sa 10:00–15:00 | price= | content=Baobab Kids & lifestyle is a shop aimed for families with children. Their products range from kids clothing from 56cm up to 128cm, a selection of pregnancy clothing, nostalgic wooden toys, retro bags and backpacks, as well as some lovely gifts. }} * {{buy | name=Casagrande | alt= | url=https://casagrande.fi/ | email=info@casagrande.fi | address=Linnankatu 9-11 | lat=60.45019 | long=22.26917 | directions=at Forum Kortteli | phone=+358 2 231 4693 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 10:00–18:00, Sa 10:00–16:00 | price= | content=A toy store with a comprehensive selection, selling everything from traditional toys to puzzles, craft tools and fun children's costumes. Founded in 1912 by the Italian-born Antonio Casagrande, the family business is today one of the oldest toy stores in the country. }} * {{buy | name=Idea Estradi | alt= | url=http://www.ideaestradi.fi/index.htm | email= | address=Humalistonkatu 4 | lat=60.44954 | long=22.26030 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 10:00–17:00, Sa 11:00–14:00 | price= | content=Idea Estradi sells only Finnish handmade products: interior decoration, business gift, souvenirs, jewellery, bags, candles, ceramics and glass products, paintings, soft toys, textiles, towels, cards, and everything else you can think of to need from a handicrafts shop. }} * {{buy | name=Joutomaa | alt= | url=http://joutomaassa.blogspot.fi | email= | address=Kellonsoittajankatu 8 | lat=60.44775 | long=22.28549 | directions=between the cathedral and Kupittaa | phone=+358 50-362-8003 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–F 11:00–17:00 | price= | content=Joutomaa (literally meaning ''Wasteland'') is a small and funny gift shop, which is full of lovely hand-made treasures for yourself or for a friend. Most of the design products are made by the owner Reetta Isotupa-Siltanen, who is specially famous for her cards and prints, which combine old gloss photos which she has found and prints made by herself. She also has a great online store. }} * {{buy | name=Niinmun Design | alt= | url=https://www.niinmun.fi | email=info@niinmun.fi | address=Eerikinkatu 13 | lat=60.4506 | long=22.2663 | directions=by Hansa | phone=+358 40-756-1567 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 10:00–18:00 Sa 10:00–16:00 Su 12:00–16:00 | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-07-29 | content=Women's clothing and accessories, timeless design inspired by the archipelago. The clothes are mostly sewn in Finland, most fabrics woven in Europe. }} * {{buy | name=Punainen Norsu | alt=Red Elephant | url=http://www.punainennorsu.com/en | email=info@punainennorsu.com | address=Forum shopping centre| lat=60.44999 | long=22.24741 | directions= | phone=+358 44-501-1510 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 11:00–18:00, Sa 11:00–15:00 | price= | content=Punainen Norsu (''Red Elephant'') is a children's clothing line originating from Turku. All the colourful and graphic clothes are made mostly from recycled materials. }} * {{buy | name=Sylvi Salonen | alt= | url=http://www.sylvisalonen.fi | email=info@sylvisalonen.fi | address=Linnankatu 14 | lat=60.44910 | long=22.26689 | directions=one block from Kauppatori, near the back entrance of the Qwensel house | phone=+358 20-766-0830 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This boutique is in an old stall building of the 1880s in central Turku. It was founded in 1928 by Sylvi Salonen, who started selling her own embroidery designs. Nowadays Sylvi Salonen still offers a wide selection of embroidery and handwork accessories but also high quality gifts and trendy home décor items, Finnish handicrafts, Home décor and Scandinavian design. Also a versatile range of tableware accessories, candles and lanterns. }} * {{buy | name=Televisio Lifestyle Store | alt= | url=http://www.televisioon.fi | email=info@televisioon.fi | address=Hämeenkatu 32 | lat=60.4481 | long=22.2712 | directions= | phone=+358 2 231-0400 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-F 11:00–19:00, Sa 11:00–16:00 | price= | content=Near the east end of the Aura Bridge, in a secluded courtyard, you'll find a personal boutique offering a wide selection of clothes, shoes, bags, hats, jewellery, accessories and little bit of art as well. Everything in store is from young Finnish and Nordic designers. }} ===Vintage=== * {{buy | name=VintagEija`s | alt= | url=http://www.vintageijas.com | email=eija.mannila@kolumbus.fi | address=Maariankatu 10 | lat=60.4540 | long=22.2666 | directions=a few blocks from the Market Square | phone=+358 50-574-6034 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–F 12:00–18:00, Sa 11:00–14:00 | price= | content=VintagEija's sells gift, vintage wear and accessories, specializing in American style vintage. There is a rockabilly and burlesque atmosphere in this small boutique, with clothing from 1940s, 50s and 60s. In addition they sell new garment which have been made in the style of vintage for both men and women. }} * {{buy | name=Boutique Minne | alt= | url=http://www.boutiqueminne.com | email=info@boutiqueminne.com | address=Kaskenkatu 2 | lat=60.44781 | long=22.27122 | directions= | phone=+358 50-516-6124 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=W–F 11:00–17:30 | price= | content=Boutique Minne, in the Kaskenmäki Hill in central Turku, is a small boutique and sewing workshop selling and making women's vintage clothing. Minne's range includes lovely vintage dresses and new production of bridal and formal wear for women. You'll also find new and old accessories, jewellery, local arts and crafts, and unique design. }} ===Record stores=== * {{buy | name=8raita | alt= | url=http://www.8raita.fi/shop/ | email=shop@8raita.fi | address=Yliopistonkatu 11 | lat=60.45409 | long=22.27258 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 10:00–19:00, Sa 10:00–17:00 | price= | content=8raita sells all kinds of records ranging from second-hand CDs and LPs to music DVDs and other products. It also has a good online-store and staff that can give you great recommendations. }} * {{buy | name=Iki-Pop | alt= | url=http://www.ikipop.fi/ | email=joska@ikipop.inet.fi | address=Linnankatu 7 | lat=60.45070 | long=22.27066 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This personal tiny record store, opposite the Main City Library, sells second-hand CDs and LPs, but the main focus is on vinyl. This is a real haven for those who like to dig through loads of old goodies and find the one you've been looking everywhere. }} ==Eat== {{quote|''Varför Paris, vi har ju Åbo!''<br/>"Why Paris, we have Turku!"|author=Quote from a Swedish journalist}} Turku and other parts of [[Finland Proper]] are home to the more western influenced Finnish cuisine, which has features, especially from Sweden, Denmark and Germany. The long traditions of farming and fishing in the area have contributed to the local food culture. Fish, especially herring – the regional fish of Finland Proper – has been at the heart of the region's culinary traditions for centuries. It is eaten all year round salted, fried, grilled and smoked. In addition, perch, whitefish and pike are often used. You must also remember to try the famous raisin sausage, a regional speciality which you can buy for example from the Market Hall. Another regional speciality is the sweet malt bread from the archipelago: ''skärgårdslimpa''. As a dessert enjoy a good cup of coffee together with ''pulla'' (cinnamon roll) or ''Piispanmunkki'' ("Bishops Doughnut"), as people here call the traditional North German pastry ''Berliner''. Lunch offers, meals at kebab-pizzerias and fast food meals (including drinks and chips) usually cost €8.50–12.50. Simpler proper restaurant meals of some simple pasta, a soup or a salad, with water or a soft drink, are usually around €10–20. For meals with a high-grade steak and good wine, expect to pay at least €30–60. Proper restaurants are often open until 22:00, with the kitchen closing at 21:00. Some restaurants keep the bar open until later in the night. Fast food chains and some kebab-pizzerias, grills and other such places are open later at night, some as late as 03:00–05:00. ===Lunch and brunch=== [[File:Aboa Vetus Ars Nova, kesäterassi.jpg|thumb|Summer terrace at the Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova courtyard.]] [[File:Kåren 2017 studentkaféet.jpg|thumb|The lunch café Kåren]] Most restaurants have offers of €8.50–12.50 at lunch time, mostly at least weekdays 11:00–14:00. There are also lunch restaurants or cafés serving meals only at lunch time, including student cafés and lunch restaurants for big workplaces, often having a very affordable price also for outsiders. For the student cafés some timing may be needed to avoid long queues (don't try them 11:30–12:30). A few student restaurants serve cheap lunch also later or in the weekend. The department stores Wiklund and Stockman have family friendly cafés that can come handy. * {{eat | name=Amica Mäntymäki | alt= | url=https://www.amica.fi/ravintolat/ravintolat-kaupungeittain/turku/mantymaki/ | email=ravintokeskus.mantymaki@amica.fi | address=Luolavuorentie 2 | lat=60.439415 | long=22.275665 | directions=K-floor | phone=+358 40-482-8556 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 10:30–13:30 | price=€10.15, dessert €1.00 | lastedit=2022-06-08 | content=The staff restaurant at the main health station, which is also open to outsiders. }} * {{eat | name=Elvina Café | alt= | url=http://www.elvina.fi | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 15 | lat=60.45292 | long=22.26801 | directions=near Kauppatori | phone=+358 2 536-8502 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 09:00–18:00, Sa 11:00–15:00 | price= | content=In a 1920s building, seeking an atmosphere of that time. Lunch and café products. }} * {{eat | name=Fontana Café | alt= | url=https://www.fontana.fi/?lang=en | email= | address=Aurakatu 1 | lat=60.44962 | long=22.26859 | directions=opposite the city hall and tourist office near Aura bridge | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 10:00–22:00, F 10:00–23:00, Sa 11:00–00:00, Su 12:00–20:00 (brunch served 12:00–16:00) | price= | content=Fresh products from own bakery. Bar opens in the evening. Popular brunch in weekends. }} * {{eat | name=Honkapirtti | alt= | url=http://www.honkapirtti.fi | email=info@honkapirtti.fi | address=Albert Ravilan raitti | lat=60.42856 | long=22.14769 | directions=Ruissalo island | phone=+358 44-756-7922 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 11:00–17:00, Sa Su 10:00–17:00 | price= | content=East Karelian-style large cabin, since decades a stopping point for people enjoying the nature on the island. Unpretentious lunch consisting of traditional pea soup and delicious pancakes. Its coffee table also has a range of traditional delicacies, cakes and pies. }} * {{eat | name=Kaarea TYKS U restaurant | alt= | url=https://kaarea.fi/ | email=asiakaspalvelu@kaarea.fi | address=Kiinamyllynkatu 4 | lat=60.453379 | long=22.289324 | directions= | phone=+358 20 764 9850 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 10:30–-13:30 | price=€7.55–€9.15 | lastedit=2022-06-08 | content=Staff restaurant in the U building of Turku University Hospital, also open to outsiders. Sale of surplus food after lunch 13:30–13:40. }} * {{eat | name=PullaPuoti | alt= | url=http://www.pullapuoti.fi | email= | address=Puistokatu 3 | lat=60.44589 | long=22.25407 | directions= | phone=+358 2 236-2121 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 08:00–17:00 | price= | content=Close to the Turku Police Station and Hostel Turku. Pastries, snack foods, coffee and filled sandwiches and cakes. For lunch you can choose a soup, salad, pan pizza or pasta. Assortment of gluten-free products. }} * {{eat | name=Teboil Herkku | alt= | url=https://www.tbherkku.fi/ravintola/ | email=turku.rautatehtaankatu@huoltoasemat.teboil.fi | address=Rautatehtaankatu 1 | lat=60.4497729 | long=22.1989227 | directions= | phone=+358 10 583 9900 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 10:30-16:00, Sa 11:00-16:00 | price=€10.70 | lastedit=2020-10-13 | content=Home cooking styled lunch and dessert. }} * {{eat | name=Unica Restaurants | alt= | url=http://www.unica.fi/en/ | email= | address=Rehtoripellonkatu 4 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 2 232-5444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Outsiders: €9 | content=Unica, owned by the Student Union of the University of Turku, has several student restaurants around the campus area behind Turku Cathedral. }} ** {{eat | name=Assarin ullakko and Brygge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rehtorinpellonkatu 3 | lat=60.4543 | long=22.2873 | directions=below the university hill on the Kupittaa side; own entrances, upstairs | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M–F 10:30–20:00 Sa 10:30–18:00 Su 12:00–16:00; Brygge bar W–Th 18:00–21:00 F 18:00–22:00 Sa 16:00–22:00 | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-12-08 | content=In the student union's house. }} * {{eat | name=ÅAS student cafés | alt=Gadolinia Kb | url=https://www.karkafeerna.fi/en/lunch | email=anne.peltonen@abo.fi | address=Hämeenkatu 22 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 2 215-3703 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Lunch for outsiders: €8.50 | image=Kåren, Åbo.jpg | lastedit=1018 | content=Cafés of the student union of ÅA. Decent everyday food. }} ** {{eat | name=Arken | alt= | url= | email= | address=Fabriksgatan 2 | lat=60.4571 | long=22.2791 | directions=near Piispankatu on a cross street, in the yard | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M–Th 08:00–15.30 F 08:00–15:00; lunch 11:00–15:00, F 11:00–14:30; open also in summer | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-12-08 | content=In the main Humanities building of ÅA, a renovated former iron manufacture. The cuisine has a tad more foreign influences than at most of the student restaurants. }} ** {{eat | name=Aurum | alt= | url= | email= | address=Henriksgatan 2 | lat=60.4548 | long=22.2824 | directions=ground floor, main entrance, to the right | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M–Th 07:30–18:00 F 07:30–14:30 Sa 12:00–15:00; lunch M–Th 10:30–18:00 F 10:30–14.30 Sa 12:00–15:00 | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-12-08 | content=In a big 2020s university building, shared between ÅA and TY, with science and technology. }} ** {{eat | name=Kåren | alt= | url= | email= | address=Tavastgatan 22 | lat=60.4496 | long=22.2761 | directions=across Hämeenkatu from the Old Great Square quartier; main entrance, upstairs | phone= | tollfree= | hours=11:00–14:00 | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-12-08 | content=The student union's house, by famous architect Erik Bryggman, with office, banquet hall and student housing in addition to the lunch restaurant, which usually is quiet except at noon – which allows a slightly more home-made touch, e.g. the bread is often their own. The house is also an event venue, and there is a private bar and grill restaurant on the ground floor: Suntti. }} ===Budget=== [[File:Hesburger hamburger.jpg|thumb|Hesburger originates in Turku, and is the largest hamburger restaurant chain in Finland.]] [[File:Beef Kung Po at restaurant Kiinanmuuri in Turku.jpg|thumb|right|Beef Kung Po at Kiinanmuuri]] : ''For lunch, see [[#Lunch and brunch|Lunch and brunch]] above.'' Pizzerias are frequently cheap kebab-pizzerias, offering kebab, falafel and pizza. There are a lot of these in the centre, and eateries in the suburbs are often this kind. Unfortunately, the restaurants offering the finest kebabs are in the suburbs. Prices are comparable to the lunch offers of other restaurants; their own lunch offers are usually limited to including coffee or offering more options at their lower prices. [https://www.kotipizza.fi Kotipizza] is a slightly more expensive non-immigrant chain, primarily for take-away. There are also pizza restaurants in the mid-range or splurge categories, offering quite another experience. [http://www.hesburger.com Hesburger] is the dominant hamburger chain in Finland, leaving McDonald's and Burger King as marginal players, and it is especially popular in Turku, where it was founded and still is based. It is almost hard not to pass one when walking around the city centre; you'll find four Hesburgers just around the Kauppatori area. The company is still run by the family that started it in the 1960s. And ask any of the locals: Hesburger burgers really do taste better! If you are in a hurry you can order the food through their mobile app. There are still some grill kiosks, for a smaller quick meal, primarily sausage, hot dog, ''makkaraperunat'', ''lihapiirakka'', or hamburger. * {{eat | name=Kiinanmuuri | alt=Great Wall of China | url=http://www.chinamarket.fi/kiinanmuuri/index.php | email=peng@chinamarket.fi | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Kiinanmuuri is one of the best Chinese restaurants in Turku. Even though it's usually crowded around noon, decorations are outdated and it seems a bit suspicious, their food is superb. All the ingredients are very fresh and the portions are usually huge. Lunchtime service is really fast. If you're extra hungry or wish to survive a couple of days on one portion, try the take away to get even larger portions. }} ** {{eat | name= | alt= | url= | email= | address=Sirkkalankatu 27 | lat=60.44523 | long=22.27496 | directions= | phone=+358 2 233-5968 | tollfree= | hours=Lunch 11:00–15:00 | price= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ** {{eat | name= | alt= | url= | email= | address=Vähä-Hämeenkatu 1 | lat=60.4524 | long=22.2878 | directions= | phone=+358 2 250-2888 | tollfree= | hours=M–Th 10:30–21:00 F 10:30–22:00 Sa 12:00–22:00 Su 12:00–21:00; lunch M–F 10:30–16:00 Sa 12:00–17:00 | price=Lunch buffet €11.50 | lastedit=2023-01-11 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Kortteliravintola Kerttu | alt=Quarter Restaurant Kerttu | url=https://www.kerttu.fi/ | email= | address=Läntinen pitkäkatu 35 | lat=60.45388 | long=22.25704 | directions=near the railway station | phone=+358 2 250-6990 | tollfree= | hours=M–Th 10:30–23:00, F 10:30–00:00, Sa 12:00–00:00 | price= | content=Kerttu is a popular quarter restaurant with a reasonably priced menu for both omni- and herbivores. Kerttu is very popular amongst students, and there is even a laundromat in the restaurant for visitors to use, while they are enjoying their meals. On weekends they have a special hamburger buffet, that is very popular among locals. Staff is very friendly and welcoming. }} ** {{eat | name=Rantakerttu | alt= | url=http://www.rantakerttu.fi | email= | address=Läntinen rantakatu 55 | lat=60.44050 | long=22.24486 | directions=close to the ''Föri'' ferry | phone=+358 2 258-8000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M 11:00-15:00, Tu–Th 11:00–22:00, F 11:00–23:00, Sa 12:00–23:00, Su 12:00–18:00 | price= | content=Kortteliravintola Kerttu's sister restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Latte Café and Gourmand | alt= | url=http://www.lattecafe.biz | email= | address=Eerikinkatu 37 | lat=60.4462 | long=22.2533 | directions= | phone=+358 449-756-699 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 10:00–17:00, Sa–Su during events | price= | content=Sweet little café, which also serves very inexpensive lunch. Huge list of different coffees from every corner of the earth (to be drank or bought). Menu includes toasts, paninis, salads, and bagels. No need to go to a restaurant because of hunger because the sizes of these foods are big. Atmosphere is very relaxing thanks to jazz and Latin sounds and warm colours. If you feel like you want more privacy, you can go to the back room and sit on the cosy couch. And during summer you can also sit outside. }} * {{eat | name=Mantun grilli | alt= | url= | email= | address=Olavintie 2 | lat=60.4478 | long=22.2705 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=W–Su evening-small hours | price=€3–13 | lastedit=2024-10-20 | content=Traditional Finnish grill kiosk, otherwise a dying breed. No proper meals, but long list of hot dogs, burgers, meat pies & al. Expect a queue in the night. }} * {{eat | name=Rax Buffet | alt= | url=http://www.rax.fi | email= | address=Aurakatu 12 | lat=60.45122 | long=22.26536 | directions= | phone=+358 20-766-4911 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 11:00–20:00, F 11:00–21:00, Sa 11:00–19:00, Su 12:00–19:00 | price=Lunch €12, off lunch hours €14, weekends €16; children 3–6 years €5, 7–11 years €9 | content=Chain. Offers an all-you-can-eat style buffet that includes pizza, barbecue food, salads, ice cream and soft-drinks. Good option if you feel like really filling your stomach for a long time inexpensively. }} * {{eat | name=Taco Nito | alt= | url=https://www.taconito.fi/ | email= | address=Aurakatu 3 | lat=60.45013 | long=22.26778 | directions= | phone=+358 40-653-3112 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Around €10 | content=Owned by Mexican brothers, Taco Nito serves simple but very tasty finger food. Corn, meat, salsa, beans, chili and avocado are cornerstones of the food. Restaurant has continuously had good feedback from customers and has relatively low prices. }} * {{eat | name=Yasukon Keittiö | alt=Yasuko's Kitchen | url=http://www.yasukonkeittio.com | email=yasuko@yasukonkeittio.com | address=Yliopistonkatu 26 C (second floor) | lat=60.45012 | long=22.26080 | directions= | phone=+358 440-335-507 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Yasuko's kitchen is a tiny Japanese restaurant that serves everyday home cooked Japanese meals, and some sushi and other more common dishes. Everything is well-prepared and the atmosphere in the restaurant is very authentic. Yasuko's seats less than 20 people, but more than 10 customers mean you might have to wait for your food, but it's worth it. }} ===Mid-range=== [[File:Meal at restaurant Harald in Turku.jpg|thumb|Meal at restaurant Harald in Turku.]] * {{eat | name=Delhi Darbar | alt= | url=http://delhidarbar.fi | email=ravintola@delhidarbar.fi | address=Hämeenkatu 8 | lat=60.45189 | long=22.28305 | directions= | phone=+358 2 233-3988 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 10:30–22:00, F 10:30–23:00, Sa 12:00–23:00, Su 12:00–22:00 | price= | content=Excellent and authentic Indian food. Short walk from the Cathedral. }} * {{eat | name=Kado Sushi | alt= | url=http://www.kadosushi.fi | email=info@kadosushi.fi | address=Inside the Market Hall, Eerikinkatu 16 | lat=60.44940 | long=22.26658 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= M–F 11:00–18:00, Sa 11:00–16:00 | price= | content= Kado sushi combines the wholesome delicacies with aesthetic pleasures, all prepared using fresh ingredients. Japanese cuisine. }} * {{eat | name=Kobe sushi | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/KOBESUSHIRAVINTOLA/ | email= | address=Martinkatu 3 | lat=60.4433 | long=22.2570 | directions=20 minute walk from city centre or by bus line 9 | phone=+358 44 9877251 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–F 11:00-21:00, Sa Su 12:00–21:00 | price=Buffet €13 | lastedit=2018-03-19 | content=Authentic Japanese food. }} * {{eat | name=Pinella | alt= | url=http://www.pinella.fi | email=varaukset.turku@viatribunali.fi | address=Vanha Suurtori 2 | lat=60.45121 | long=22.27488 | directions= | phone=+358 50-554-3733 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 11:00–20:30, F 11:00–22:00, Sa 12:00–22:00, Su 12:00–20:00 | price=€15–20, lunch €12.50 | lastedit=2022-12-10 | content=Pinella is a landmark building on the river. It is now a Via Tribunali chain pizzeria, serving Neapolitan-style pizzas. }} * {{eat | name=Pippurimylly | alt=Pepper Mill | url=http://pippurimylly.fi/ | email= | address=Stålarminkatu 2 | lat=60.43905 | long=22.25935 | directions=behind the Sports Park | phone=+358 2 277-3350| tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 11:00–23:00, Sa 12:00–23:00, Su 12:00–21:00, kitchen closes 1 hour before closing time | price= | content=Pippurimylly ''(Pepper Mill)'' is a traditional family-owned restaurant that has served locals for decades, and little has changed – nostalgia! It uses Finnish products and is well known for its steaks. }} * {{eat | name=Sergio's | alt= | url=http://www.sergio.fi | email=ravintola@sergio.fi | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 27 | lat=60.44696 | long=22.26216 | directions= | phone=+358 20-769-8585 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= M–F 16:00–23:00, Sa 13:00–23:00 | price= | content=Authentic Italian restaurant in a 1787 wooden house by the river. Most of the ingredients are imported from Italy. Also, as a rule, the staff is Italian, but the service is of course also in Finnish and English. Pizzas, pasta, fish, meat, risottos, vegetarian dishes and Italian desserts. Good wine selection as well. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Trattoria Romana | alt= | url= | email= | address=Hämeenkatu 9 | lat=60.45182 | long=22.28137 | directions= | phone=+358 2 251-9554 | tollfree= | hours=A la carte Tu–F 14:00–23:00, Sa 13:00–23:00, Su 13:00–20:00 (kitchen closes 1 hr earlier); lunch Tu–F 11:00–14:30 | price=Lunch €13 | lastedit=2024-04-19 | content=Authentic Italian trattoria, owned and run by Italians. Excellent value for money. Often crowded. }} * {{eat | name=Viking Restaurant Harald | alt=Viikinkiravintola Harald | url=http://www.ravintolaharald.fi | email=turku@ravintolaharald.fi | address=Aurakatu 3 | lat=60.45002 | long=22.26800 | directions=between Kauppatori and Auransilta bridge | phone=+358 44-766-8204 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M 12:00–23:00 Th–F 12:00–24:00, Sa 12:00–01:00, Su 15:00–22:00 | price=€18–50, children €9–12; lunch from €12.50 | lastedit=2018-06-17 | content=Quasi-authentic with furs on the walls and rustic furniture, with some humour. Good food with surprising combinations, such as jam or berries with the main courses. Perhaps the way the Vikings had it, but never mind if not. Toilets called Harald (gents) and Helga (ladies). }} ===Splurge=== [[File:Turku cafe.jpg|thumb|Most of the restaurants, cafés and bars have outdoor terraces during the summer season.]] The biggest concentration of top restaurants is along the river, at the right bank downstream from the cathedral bridge. Others are scattered around, such as Kaskis, which got a Michelin star in 2022. * {{eat | name=E. Ekblom | alt= | url=https://www.eekblom.fi | email=info@eekblom.fi | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 3 | lat=60.44978 | long=22.27157 | directions= | phone=+358 2 536-9445 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=W Th 17:00–23:00, F Sa 17:00–01:00 | price= | content=Comfortable high quality wine restaurant. Its carefully selected wines offer wide variety with seasonal changes. In a beautiful, respectfully renovated premises on two floors. Kitchen offers sweet and savoury delicacies to accompany the wine, while the summer terrace has great views towards the river. }} * {{eat | name=Gustavo | alt= | url=http://gustavo.fi | email=info@gustavo.fi | address=Linnankatu 1 | lat=60.4525 | long=22.2743 | directions=Vähätori, next to the bridge |image=Gustavon terassi.jpg | phone=+358 46-922-2488 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Th–F 11:00–14:00 and 17:00–22:00, Sa 15:00–22:00 | price= | lastedit=2018-03-19 | content=Mediterranean kitchen with a Scandinavian twist. Tip: gather a few Portuguese pinchos with pizza and share with your friends. Do not hesitate to ask anything that surprises you, staff is very kind and helpful. Gustavo also imports wines of its own. }} * {{eat | name=Kaskis | alt= | url=http://kaskis.fi | email=info@kaskis.fi | address=Kaskenkatu 6 A | lat=60.44672 | long=22.27265 | directions= | phone=+358 44-723-0200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–Th 16:00–23:00, F Sa 16:00–00:00, Su M closed | price= | content=Named after its location on the Kaskenmäki hill, Kaskis was opened in 2014 by three friends. Fine dining influenced especially by Southern European, Scandinavian and Asian kitchens. Michelin star. Try to book your table well in advance, busy times are outsold months before. }} * {{eat | name=Mami | alt= | url=http://www.mami.fi | email=mami@mami.fi | address=Linnankatu 3 | lat=60.45174 | long=22.27335 | directions=Vähätori | phone=+358 2 231-1111 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–F lunch 11:00–15:00, à la carte 17:00–22:00, Sa à la carte 13:00–22:00, Su M closed | price=Lunch €10–25 | content=The tiny Mami is considered one of the best restaurants in Turku. It has relaxed service, carefully prepared food and a comfortable and modern environment. The summer terrace offers the most beautiful views. They also serve a great lunch. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Samppalinna | alt= | url= | email=info@ravintolasamppalinna.fi | address=Itäinen Rantakatu 10 | lat=60.44745 | long=22.26835 | directions= | phone=+358 10-764-5391 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Summer only | price= | content=Restaurant Samppalinna (opened in 1832) is a spectacular wooden villa in the park, with terraces towards the river. For lovers of good food, drink and theatre. }} * {{eat | name=Roster | alt= | url=https://rosterturku.com | email=myyntipalvelu@royalravintolat.com | address=Tuomiokirkonkatu 6 | lat=60.4515 | long=22.2786 | directions=behind the cathedral as seen from the bridge | phone=+358 9 6128-6850 (chain head office?) | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M 11:30–22:00, Tu-F 11:30–23:00, Sa 15:00–23:00, Su 12:00–18:00 | price= | lastedit=2018-03-19 | content=Roster offers a place to wine and dine in a nice milieu. Have a drink before dinner in a fancy cocktail bar. And another after the dinner too. }} * {{eat | name=Smör | alt= | url=http://www.smor.fi | email=info@smor.fi | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 3 | lat=60.45014 | long=22.27206 | directions= | phone=+358 2 536-9444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The menu changes according to the seasons. Midst the milieu of the cellar vaults, Smör serves at lunchtime and in the evening. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Suomalainen Pohja | alt= | url=http://www.suomalainenpohja.fi | email=ravintola@suomalainenpohja.com | address=Aurakatu 24 | lat=60.45340 | long=22.26194 | directions= | phone=+358 2 251-2000 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 11:00–20:00 | price= | content=Club Restaurant Suomalainen Pohja (''Finnish Base'') was built in 1980 and was designed by architect Sigvard Eklund. The interiors were designed by an Englishman, Sir George Salmon. The plan has been the basis for an English club activities. Pohja serves traditional fine dining food and atmosphere. }} * {{eat | name=Tintå | alt= | url=http://www.tinta.fi | email=info@tinta.fi | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 9 | lat=60.44916 | long=22.27006 | directions=right bank, by Aurasilta | phone=+358 2 230-7023 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M 11:00–00:00, Tu–Th 11:00–01:00, F 11:00–02:00, Sa 12:00–02:00, Su 12:00–22:00 | price= | content=Tintå is a wine restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere, by the river. It serves more than a hundred different wines, and a short but good menu of gourmet pizzas and tasty lunch on weekdays. Terrace completes the river landscape. }} * {{eat | name=Tårget | alt= | url=http://www.matbar.fi | email=info@matbar.fi | address=Linnankatu 3 | lat=60.45156 | long=22.27305 | directions=Vähätori | phone=+358 400-522-707 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 11:00–22:00, F 11:00–03:00, Sa 12:00–03:00. Lunch is served M–F 11:00–15:00; those days à la carte is available 16:00– | price= | content=Italian, international and Scandinavian cuisine. It also houses a great wine-bar, which is one of the hot spots of the city especially during the summer. Trendy but casual bistro-style restaurant. }} ===Gastropub=== [[File:Tiirikkala_turku.jpg|thumb|Bartender making a drink in Tiirikkala]] * {{eat | name=Hunsvotti | alt= | url=http://www.satamakapakkahunsvotti.fi | email= | address=Län­tinen Ran­ta­katu 55 | lat=60.44108 | long=22.24608 | directions=near Föri | phone=+358 2 258-8000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 11:00–22:00, F 11:00–23:00, Sa 12:00–23:00, Su 12:00–19:00 | price= | content=A combination of a sports bar and gastropub, since you can order food from the Rantakerttu restaurant to the pub. }} * {{eat | name=Löytö | alt= | url=https://www.gastropubloyto.fi | email=palaute@ravintolateini.fi | address=Uudenmaankatu 1 | lat=60.4525 | long=22.2740 | directions=Near Cathedral | phone=+358 2 233-0203 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 11:00–00:00, F 11:00–02:00, Sa 14:00–02:00, Su 15:00–22:00 | price=lunch €8–12; à la carte €3 (fingerfood) – €32 (steak) | lastedit=2018-03-19 | content=Idyllic cellar underground. }} * {{eat | name=Pikku-Torre | alt= | url=http://www.pikkutorre.fi/ | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 30 | lat=60.44953 | long=22.25908 | directions= | phone=+358 2 274-4866 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M Tu 11:00–00:00, W Th 11:00–01:00, F 11:00–03:00, Sa 12:00–03:00, Su 12:00–00:00 | price= | content=Pikku-Torre (Little Torre) is combination of restaurant, sports bar and club. It has a good menu full of steaks, burgers and salads. It also serves lunch every day. In the evening it turns more into a bar and nightclub. }} * {{eat | name=Pub Niska | alt= | url=http://www.niskaturku.com | email=niska@niskaturku.com | address=Kristiinankatu 1 | lat=60.44810 | long=22.26623 | directions= | phone=+358 40-739-1006 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 11:00–22:00, F 11:00–23:00, Sa 12:00–23:00, Su 12:00–22:00 | price= | content=Pub Niska Turku is a restaurant concept developed by chef Michael Björklund from the Åland Islands. Known for its archipelago pizzas made from fresh, high-quality ingredients that mainly come from Åland. Their list includes filling salads, desserts and a versatile drink selection. }} * {{eat | name=Tiirikkala | alt= | url=http://www.tiirikkala.fi | email=tiirikkala@tiirikkala.fi | address=Linnankatu 3 | lat=60.45181 | long=22.27351 | directions= | phone=+358 44-756-6160 | tollfree= | hours=M 19:30–00:00, Tu-Th 11:00–22:00, F Sa 11:00–02:00, Su 12:00–22:00 | price= | content=In addition to a good selection of wine and drinks, Tiirikkala offers traditional Danish smørrebrød sandwiches and pastries that are handmade on the site. The interior design of the restaurant is very Scandinavian, reflecting its dishes. It serves Finnish Microbrewery beers from its taps. }} * {{eat | name=Vaakahuoneen Paviljonki | alt= | url=http://www.vaakahuone.fi | email= | address=Linnankatu 38 | lat=60.4446 | long=22.25374 | directions= | phone=+358 2 515-3300 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Pavilion restaurant Vaakahuone is an entertainment complex by the river. It offers live music (for dancing or otherwise), a speciality coffee shop, a pizza restaurant, and an à la carte restaurant. The end of the building also serves as S/S Ukkopekka's ticket office. }} ===Vegetarian=== * {{eat | name=Kasvis-ravintola | alt= | url=http://www.turunkasvisravintola.fi | email=info@turunkasvisravintola.fi | address=Yliopistonkatu 29 a | lat=60.4511 | long=22.2604 | directions=in the ground floor of the Betel Church in the yard, door in the short wall, follow the signs | phone=+358 50-326-5122 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 11:00–15:00 | price=€7.70–11.50, children 7–12 €5; takeaway €14.50/kg | lastedit=2018-06-08 | content=Vegetarian restaurant serving a lunch buffet, using mostly organic and locally grown products. Vegans can eat most things offered, just check the whiteboard (vegan alternatives often available when needed) and choose the outs milk for your coffee (but unless you must, try the included teas of the day instead). The dining rooms are bland in spite of the exterior, but the food is good. }} * {{eat | name=Kahvila Koroinen | alt= | url=https://koroinen.info/kahvilakoroinen.php | email= | address=Catilluksentie 2 | lat=60.4664 | long=22.2911 | directions=by the Koroinen peninsula | phone=+358 40-360-0830 (M–F) | tollfree= | hours=Café and bike shop Su 12:00–16:00 (off season); bike repairs Th 14–18 | price=Lunch €10, coffee with cake €7 | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-05-21 | content=Café with lunch at the former Koroinen farm. The main lunch option usually has a focus on fresh local vegetables, with a nice non-conventional touch. They don't market themself as vegetarian, but most fare seems to be vegan. The association that runs the place, Elävän Kulttuurin Koroinen, furthers handicraft by natural materials, small-scale sustainable agriculture and related themes, which shows. Popular by families. The house is not accessible by wheelchair, but most people sit in the yard anyhow; accessible outhouse toilet 100 m away. Other activities at the site include a ceramics workshop (buy a cuckoo ocarina!) and a shop for recycled bikes (including spares) arranging do-it-yourself bike repairs (oil and pump available around the clock). Also courses and cultural events. }} * {{eat | name=Kuori | alt= | url=http://www.ravintolakuori.fi | email=info@ravintolakuori.fi | address=Hämeenkatu 8 | lat=60.4519 | long=22.2830 | directions=200 metres from the cathedral | phone=+358 20-794-0330 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M 11:00–15:00, Tu–Th 11:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00, F 11:00–15:00, 17:00–23:00, Sa 17:00–23:00 | price=Lunch €12.70, tasting menu €56 | lastedit=2018-03-19 | content=Very popular vegetarian restaurant. Tip: try 6 courses tasting menu. Its sister restaurant Roots Kitchen in the market hall is a great place for eating, although it might be crowded during lunch time. }} * {{eat | name=VG Wok | alt= | url=https://www.vgwok.fi/en/etusivu-2/ | email= | address=Rauninaukio | lat=60.4629 | long=22.2631 | directions=150 m past the railway bridge by the bus station | phone=+358 45-665-1793 | tollfree= | hours=M–Th 11:00–18:00, F 11:00–20:00, Sa 12:00–20:00, Su | price=Main dishes €7.50 | lastedit=2018-03-19 | content=Really nice vegetarian budget place. Vg Wok has sister restaurants in Tykistönkatu and Arvinkatu. Authentic Asian food. }} ==Drink== The minimum age required to enter bars, pubs and nightclubs differs; for legal reasons, one must be at least 18 to enter places that serve alcohol, but many clubs and bars have higher age limits (mostly 20–24 yrs). Restaurants and bars have varying closing hours, but generally, the popular nightclubs and discos are open until 04:00. Last call always occurs half an hour before closing time, and is indicated by the bar staff turning the lights off for a few seconds, then turning them back on. They may repeat this a few times in quick succession to make sure the patrons get it. It's generally smart to leave about ten minutes before the last call, to avoid being caught in the rush of everybody trying to leave at once, especially if you are planning to get back to your night spot by a taxi. The times are changing somewhat, as the legislation now allow them to keep open after 04:00, which will probably be the new time of last call. Night clubs tend to have guarded cloakrooms where you can leave any of your outer garments in exchange for a ticket. Using the coat service is generally considered mandatory even if this is not explicitly pointed out. The cloakroom fee is usually €2 or €2.50. Do not lose the ticket; the bar staff will often not want to hash out ticket confusions during closing time when things are at their most chaotic. If you lose the ticket, you may be told to come back the following day to get your things, expect to be able to prove the jacket is yours by telling the staff the make of the jacket, colour of lining or contents of pockets. For dancing other than disco, there are a few dance restaurants and cruises, but the main venues for social dancing are the dance pavilions and, off season, a few other locations, where you will find sober and skilful dancers. see [[#Social dancing|Social dancing]] above. Each of these venues usually have a dance once or twice a week. ===Cafés=== [[File:Qwenselska gården uteservering 2.jpg|thumb|Courtyard of the Qwensel house, with café and the Pharmacy Museum.]] There are many cafés in Turku. The ones listed here are not representative, but mostly more odd ones. See also [[#Lunch and brunch|Lunch and brunch]] above. * {{drink | name=Café Art | alt= | url=http://www.cafeart.fi | email= | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 5 | lat=60.44951 | long=22.27102 | directions=in the centre by the river | phone=+358 40-158-3383 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 10:00–19:00, Sa 10:00–17:00, Su 11:00–17:00 | price= | content=Special coffees along with delicious cakes. }} * {{drink | name=Aschan | alt= | url=http://www.aschan.fi | email= | address=Eerikinkatu 15 (in Hansa Shopping Center) | lat=60.45054 | long=22.26493 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 08:00–20:00, Sa 09:00–18:00, Su 12:00–18:00 | price= | content=Aschan is a café and lunch restaurant, until 2018 a popular confectory and café in Turku, now with franchises in Turku and Helsinki. It sells all kinds of coffee, drinks and sweet and salty bakeries, beard, pies and cakes. }} * {{drink | name=Fabbes Café | alt= | url=https://fabbescafe.com/en | email=fabbescafe@gmail.com | address=Tehtaankatu 6 | lat=60.45641 | long=22.28056 | directions= | phone=+358 50-535-3647 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 08:00–16:00; lunch 11:00–15:00, late lunch if anything left | price=Breakfast €7, lunch €6–7 (late lunch €4), coffee with bun €4 | lastedit=2021-10-26 | content=Fabbes café is a cosy small café in the beautiful Biskopsgatan area (ÅA campus). 2–3 lunch options, one of which is vegan. Coffee included. They have a nice selection of pies (sweet and savoury), cakes, cinnamon rolls and home-made sweet treats, smoothies, etc. Nearly everything at Fabbe's is baked or produced in house, and you can tell the difference – nothing factory made and no additives. }} * {{drink | name=Gaggui | alt= | url=http://gaggui.fi | email= | address=Humalistonkatu 15 | lat=60.45299 | long=22.25618 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–F 10:00–19:00, Sa 10:00–18:00, Su 12:00–18:00 | price= | content=In this tiny café the cakes are the main thing. They are fantastic and made by hand on the site. Coffee is also top-notch and the service is super friendly. }} * {{drink | name=Kirjakahvila | alt=Book Café | url=http://www.kirjakahvila.org | email= | address=Vanha Suurtori 1 | lat=60.45038 | long=22.27564 | directions=in the Brinkkala yard | phone=+358 2 469-1396 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 11:00–19:00, often live acoustic music or other cultural events in the evening | price= | content=At the historical Old Great Square, this is a culture café and a bookshop (books from small publishers, also foreign ones) run by volunteers. Besides books there are also a lot of comics, postcards and posters by local artists for sale. Freshly baked cakes every day. All food vegan. Free wireless Internet available, ask the staff for passwords. }} * {{drink | name=Kisälli | alt= | url= | email= | address=Vartiovuorenkatu 2 | lat=60.44706 | long=22.27613 | directions=next to the entrance of the Luostarimäki outdoor museum | phone=+358 40-630-5988 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–Su 09:00–17:00 or by agreement | price= | lastedit=2022-12-19 | content=Old-fashioned style to partly match the location. Self-made fresh bread rolls, buns, doughnuts and pies. Every day there's also pancake and a variety of sweet and savoury pies. And of course, great coffee and other drinks. }} * {{drink | name=Nuvola Gelateria | alt= | url= | email= | address=Eerikinkatu 13 | lat=60.45049 | long=22.26560 | directions=in Hansa Shopping Centre | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 11:00–20:00, Sa 10:00–18:00, Su 11:00–18:00 | price= | content=The owners, Italians Angelo and Stefano, make traditional Italian ice cream on the site, without any artificial elements. The atmosphere is relaxed and happy with an Italian touch. }} * {{drink | name=Kahvila Promenade | alt= | url=http://www.villapromenade.fi | email=myynti@villapromenade.fi | address=Kansanpuistontie 76 | lat=60.42760 | long=22.18140 | directions=Kansanpuisto ("folk park") in Ruissalo | phone=+358 40-158-8424 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 14 May–30 August and Sa–Su in spring 10:00–18:00 | price= | content=In the park, with view towards the shore. Savoury and sweet pastries as well as a range of coffees, and ice cream. }} * {{drink | name=Café Qwensel | alt= | url=http://cafeqwensel.fi | email=cc.catering.cc@gmail.com | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 13 B | lat=60.44872 | long=22.26731 | directions=in the courtyard of the Pharmacy Museum, entrance to the yard to the left of the main building | phone=+358 50-395-0021 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–Su 10:00–18:00 | price= | lastedit=2022-12-13 | content=Café Qwensel is a charming spot of old milieu in the heart of the city. During the summer there are chickens and roosters on the yard and you can really feel you have travelled back in time. The café serves home-made pastries that have been prepared according to recipes from the 18th century. Also their tea is worth checking. Lunch on weekdays. }} ===Pubs=== [[File:Panimoravintola koulu.jpg|thumb|Brewery Restaurant Koulu]] * {{drink | name=Cosmic Comic Café | alt= | url=http://cosmic.fi | email= | address=Kauppiaskatu 4 (in the Forum shopping centre) | lat=60.45074 | long=22.26944 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su–Tu 16:00–00:00, W–Th 15:00–02:00 F–Sa 15:00–03:00 | price= | content=Cosmic Comic Café has a comics gallery and a comical atmosphere, where beer meets comic books, board games and a relaxed "second living room" atmosphere. It's very popular among students, so sometimes it can be very overcrowded. Bar owner Sakke knows everything about beer so do not hesitate to ask for tips. }} * {{drink | name=Daily News | alt= | url=http://dailyravintolat.fi/dailynews/ | email=dailynews@dailyravintolat.fi | address=Yliopistonkatu 33 | lat=60.4496 | long=22.2583 | directions=5 minute walk from Market Square | phone=+358 50-571-1537 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 09:00–02:00 | price= | lastedit=2018-03-19 | content=A plenty of daily newspapers and perhaps the cheapest beer in the centre. }} * {{drink | name=Brewery Restaurant Koulu | alt= | url=http://www.panimoravintolakoulu.fi/?lang=en | email= | address=Eerikinkatu 18 | lat=60.44967 | long=22.26454 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 11:00–02:00. The Winestube M–Th 17:00–23:00, F 17:00–02:00, Sa 17:00–02:00. Dining room M–Th 11:00–22:00, F 11:00–00:00, Sa 12:00–00:00. Lunch M–F 11:00–14:00 | price= | content=An old school building converted into a brewery restaurant serving their own and other beers, good food and an excellent selection of wines. A cosy biergarten in the green backyard is open in the summer and is favourite of locals. }} * {{drink | name=Mallaskukko | alt= | url=http://www.mallaskukko.fi | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 37 | lat=60.44893 | long=22.25634 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 14:00–02:00, F Sa 12:00–02:00, Su 14:00-00:00 | price= | content=Another good beer pub in Turku, with a great selection of beers, scotch whiskies and ciders. Mallaskukko truly feels like a living room of the locals. Good place to watch sports from the many TV screens on the walls. }} * {{drink | name=Seurusteluravintola Uusi apteekki | alt=New Pharmacy | url=http://www.uusiapteekki.fi | email= | address=Kaskenkatu 1 | lat=60.44764 | long=22.27063 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 10:00–02:00 | price= | content=Uusi Apteekki (literally meaning New Pharmacy) is a beer pub in a former pharmacy built in 1907. Great selection of beer and spirits, and the decorations alone are worth seeing. In weekend this pub gets really crowded with locals so be prepared to stand while enjoying your beer. If you are lucky, it's also a good place to catch up with writer Reijo Mäki who has written the famous Vares detective stories that are huge in Finland. }} * {{drink | name=Whisky Bar | alt= | url=http://whiskybarfin.net/ | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 19 | lat=60.45246 | long=22.26533 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Su–Th 18:00–02:00, F Sa 18:00–03:00 | price= | content=A wide selection of whiskies, but also beer and other spirits. Nowadays it is strongly orientated to heavy metal by its music and atmosphere. }} ===Bars=== * {{drink | name=Alvar | alt= | url=http://alvarbaari.fi/ | email= | address=Humalistonkatu 7 | lat=60.45140 | long=22.25841 | directions=Halfway between Central Railway Station and Market Square | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 14:00-02:00, Su 18:00-00:00 | price= | content=Alvar, in a building designed by the famous Finnish modernist architect Alvar Aalto, is a comfortable place with nice staff and a large selection of beer. Free wireless internet connection is also available for visitors to use. You can also reserve time for a special beer tasting if you visit with a group of friends. }} * {{drink | name=Fontti | alt= | url=https://skaal.fi/ | email= | address=Kauppiaskatu 5 | lat=60.45095 | long=22.26987 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M–Th 16:00–23:00, F 16:00–04:00, Sa 13:00–04:00 | price= | content=It's in the old customers office of the regional newspaper ''Turun-Sanomat''. Fontti (literally meaning font) is a restaurant and serves great food in addition to drinks and coffees. Service can be little slow but otherwise this bar is nice place to spend your weekend evening. }} * {{drink | name=Bar Kuka | alt=Bar Who | url=http://www.barkuka.fi/ | email= | address=Linnankatu 17 | lat=60.44882 | long=22.26520 | directions= | phone=+358 50-411-6603 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 18:00-04:00, Age limit 18 | price= | content=On the corner of Linnankatu and Kristiinankatu, Bar Kuka with its retro 1960s and 70s decoration has a loyal fanbase, who think it's the best and cosiest bar you'll ever find in Turku. Kuka offers lots of live music, DJ gigs, stand-up and theme nights. }} * {{drink | name=Rento | url=http://www.rentobar.fi/index.php | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 23 | lat=60.45175 | long=22.26470 | directions= | phone=+358 20-786-2240 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–W 11:00–02:00, Th–Sa 11:00–03:00, Su 12:00–02:00 | price= | content=Rento, literally meaning casual and relaxed, has probably one of the best locations for a bar in Turku right at the end of the pedestrian street next to the Market Square and Hansa Shopping Center. You can either sit inside or on a nice terrace outside. Large selection of beers and little snacks as well. }} * {{drink | name=5piste5 | alt= | url=https://www.5piste5.fi | email=info@5piste5.fi | address=Brahenkatu 2 | lat=60.451394 | long=22.272067 | directions= | phone=+358 40-683-0880 | tollfree= | hours=15:00 to midnight, closed Su-Mo | price= | lastedit=2024-07-27 | content=A popular bar in central Turku. A speciality is its "candy store" where you can order small 1 dL samples of various fruity-flavoured beers. }} ===Riverboats=== [[File:Esposito Turku.JPG|thumb|Esposito]] Riverboats are a unique feature in the Turku cityscape. In the summertime, it is very popular to spend the early evening until midnight or so on one of them, and when it gets a little chilly, move indoors to a restaurant or night club. They are at the riverside of river Aura. Some of them also house fine restaurants while some are mostly just pubs. * {{drink | name=Donna | alt= | url=http://www.donna.fi | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu | lat=60.44798 | long=22.26828 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Svarte Rudolf | alt= | url= | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu | lat=60.44773 | long=22.26744 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Papa Joe | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/RavintolalaivaPapaJoe?rf=197109880325096 | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu | lat=60.44746 | long=22.26656 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Cindy | alt= | url=http://www.cindy.fi | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu | lat=60.44720 | long=22.26569 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Katarina | alt= | url=https://ravintolalaivakatarina.fi | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu | lat=60.44654 | long=22.26337 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Majland | alt= | url= | email= | address=Läntinen rantakatu | lat=60.44510 | long=22.25640 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Esposito | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/ravintolalaivaesposito/ | email= | address=Läntinen rantakatu | lat=60.44141 | long=22.24767 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Merihelmi | alt= | url= | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu | lat=60.44140 | long=22.24920 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Bruno | alt= | url=https://www.brunot.fi | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu | lat=60.44114 | long=22.24868 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Wanha Rahtilaiva | alt= | url=http://www.rahtis.fi/ | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu | lat=60.44075 | long=22.24799 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ===Nightclubs=== * {{drink | name=Forte | alt= | url=https://nightclub.fi | email= | address=Kristiinankatu 8 | lat=60.44996 | long=22.26295 | directions= | phone=+358 40-091-6403 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 22:00–04:00 | price= | content=Forte has been one favourite of the locals since 1996. It tends to be busy thanks to cheap drinks and daily opening hours, as opposed to majority of the other clubs in the city. The concept of 'SuFo' (='Sunday Forte'), MoFo, etc., is widely recognized among students in Turku. }} * {{drink | name=Apollo Nightclub | alt= | url=https://www.apolloturku.fi | email= | address=Humalistonkatu 6 | lat=60.45007 | long=22.25957 | directions= | phone=+358 40-827-4268 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=F Sa 22:00–04:00 | price= | content=Age limit 22. Apollo serves live music by bands playing mostly cover music hits by domestic and international stars. Music ranges from rock to pop and disco, old and new. There's also a VIP section which you can reserve. Next door is Armas karaoke bar, which has same opening hours and age limitation. }} * {{drink | name=Dynamo | alt= | url=http://www.dynamoklubi.com | email=palaute@dynamoklubi.com | address=Linnankatu 7 | lat=60.45085 | long=22.27106 | directions= | phone=+358 2 250-4904 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–Sa 21:00–04:00 | price= | content=Age limit 20. At Linnankatu, opposite the main library, caters for hipsters with a passion for slightly more eclectic sound. Downstairs indie pop, electro and rock 'n' roll are the main draws, upstairs it's chiefly soul, funk and disco. Live music gigs from hot domestic artists are also frequent. Attracts a healthy number of exchange students. }} * {{drink | name=Night Club Marilyn | alt= | url=http://www.clubmarilyn.fi | email=lyn@clubmarilyn.fi | address=Eerikinkatu 19 | lat=60.44944 | long=22.26261 | directions= | phone=+358 2 232-2111 | tollfree= | hours=Tu–Sa 22:00–04:00 | price= | content=For the late teens-early 20s crowd, the Night Club Marilyn is particularly popular as a disco/night club. It is the oldest privately owned Night Club in Turku and has seen all the other clubs come and go. In its history it has been chosen as the Best Nightclub in the city on several occasions. }} * {{drink | name=Naima | alt= | url= | email= | address= Aurakatu 6 | lat=60.44992 | long=22.26731 | directions= | phone=+358 44-444-1234| tollfree= | fax= | hours=W–Sa 20:00–04:00 | price= | content=For [[#Social dancing|proper dancing]] (not night club dancing) in a nightclub setting, Naima is the recommended place in Turku. The age group skews towards the 30s, 40s and 50s. Often music includes live performances by some of the biggest names in Finnish ''Iskelmä'' (entertainer music) music. }} * {{drink | name=suXes | alt= | url=http://www.suxes.fi | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 9 | lat=60.45378 | long=22.27049 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 19:00–02:00 | price= | content=Turku, like other larger Finnish cities in general, is quite gay-friendly, though public gestures of affection are not common even for straight couples and might raise some eyebrows. You'll fit in at practically all of the clubs in Turku, but perhaps feel specially at home in suXes, the only gay bar and café in Turku. There you can be openly yourself while enjoying the atmosphere, coffee and drinks. }} * {{drink | name=ShowTime & SaunaTime | alt= | url=https://showtime.fi/ | email= | address=Käsityöläiskatu 10 | lat=60.45052 | long=22.25614 | directions= | phone=+358 40-044-4547 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=W–Th 22:00–02:00, F–Sa 22:00–03:00 | price=€6 (W–Th), €12 (F–Sa) | content=A strip club with sauna. }} ==Sleep== ===Camping=== See also [[Naantali]]. * {{sleep | name=Ruissalo Camping | alt= | url=https://ruissalo.sportum.info/stable/tuotteet.jsp?kieli=UKN | email=ruissalo.camping@turku.fi | address=Saarontie 25 | lat=60.4226 | long=22.0941 | directions=bus 8 | phone=+358 2 262-5100 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=€40/€160; tent €18+€5/2 per person | content=Camping and indoor accommodation at the outermost tip of the Ruissalo island. The well-equipped camping and caravan area has a beach, sauna, a convenience store and various other amenities, including hot showers and laundry facilities. The entertainment options include mini-golf, volleyball, badminton and basketball courts, fitness trail, playgrounds and a café-restaurant. Open June–August. }} ===Budget=== [[File:Bore (1960) takaisin Turussa 2010.jpg|thumb|Hostel Borea]] [[File:Turku Catholic Church.jpg|thumb|upright|Bridgettine Convent Guest House is next to the Catholic Church.]] * {{sleep | name=Hostel Borea | alt= | url= | email=hostelborea@turku.fi | address=River Aura, Linnankatu 72 | lat=60.4350 | long=22.2337 | directions=by the yard of Forum Marinum | phone=+358 40-843-6611 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Single €51, twin €82 | content=s/s Bore on the River Aura has unique atmosphere. Built for the Turku–Stockholm route, many remember her as cruise ship in different waters, but now the former steamship is permanently moored on the banks of the River Aura and beside other functions houses an inexpensive hostel with 130 cabins. In most of the (small) cabins there is a private shower and toilet. The prices include linen, towels and breakfast, which is served in the buffet restaurant of the ship. Luggage storage, laundry facilities, and free Wi-Fi. Nearby you'll find the Turku Castle and Forum Marinum. Lots of narrow stairs, not suitable for the disabled. }} * {{sleep | name=Bridgettine Convent Guest House | alt= | url=https://birgittalaissisaret.fi/en.html | email=birgitta.turku@kolumbus.fi | address=Ursininkatu 15 A | lat=60.44988 | long=22.25492 | directions= | phone=+358 2 250-1910 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-250-3078 | checkin=12:00–21:00 | checkout= | price=Single €60, twin €80, triple €100 | content=You'll receive a warm welcome and a friendly smile from the Catholic Sisters who run this guesthouse in a central but quiet location in Turku. The rooms are basic and clean, with en suite facilities and free Wi-Fi. Email can be read at a computer in the library. There is secure parking behind the guesthouse and a continental breakfast is included. Only cash is accepted (2025). }} * {{sleep | name=Guesthouse Tapuli | alt= | url=https://www.tapulitalo.fi/en-gb/home | email= | address=Kaivokatu 14 | lat=60.4496 | long=22.2894 | directions=between the university and the Kupittaa park | phone=+358 2 250-1600 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Single €50, double €65 | lastedit=2020-01-01 | content=Small guesthouse with cosy rooms with TV. No breakfast, kitchen is available for self service. Toilets and showers are by the corridor. Sauna is warm every day (included). There is also free Wi-Fi. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Harriet | alt= | url= | email= | address=Käsityöläiskatu 11 | lat=60.4511 | long=22.2560 | directions= | phone=+358 40-910-3333 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-231-1110 | checkin= | checkout= | price=€45/€139 | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Modern hotel and hostel-quality rooms in the centre. }} * {{sleep | name=Hesehotelli | alt= | url=https://www.hesburger.fi/hesehotelli | email= | address=Läntinen Pitkäkatu 1 | lat=60.45762 | long=22.26761 | directions=next to Turku bus station | phone=+358 45-634-3443 | tollfree= | fax= | price= From €50 | checkin=M–W 07:30–03:30, Th 07:30–00:00, F Sa 24 hr and Sun 00:00–03:00 (following day) | checkout= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Hesehotel is owned by the burger chain Hesburger, and it's on the second floor of one of their biggest restaurants. It has 15 rooms and 46 beds. Room equipment includes air conditioning, a fridge, digital TV and free Wi-Fi. You can order breakfast and other food from the restaurant below and check-in is also done at the counter of the restaurant. Parking space reservation price is €5/day. }} * {{sleep | name=Interpoint Hostel | alt= | url= | email= | address=Vähä-Hämeenkatu 12 A | lat=60.45022 | long=22.28193 | directions= | phone=+358 400-821-905 | tollfree= | fax= | price=€10/person | checkin= | checkout= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Operated by the YWCA of Turku, this is the cheapest place to sleep in the town, but for good reason: it is just 30 mattresses on the floor, and one shower. If that is enough for you, then this is your place. }} * {{sleep | name=Linnasmäki | alt= | url=http://linnasmaki.fi/en | email=info@linnasmaki.fi | address=Lustokatu 7 | lat=60.4804 | long=22.2962 | directions=Räntämäki, 4 km from Turku centre; several bus lines 400–500 m from the hostel | phone=+358 2 412-3500 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=Reception: Sep–May: 08:30–15:30, Jun–Aug: 08:00–20:00 | checkout= | price=Single €60, twin €70 | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Accommodation in peaceful surroundings, in partnership with the Turku Christian Institute. Guests can use the swimming pool and sauna area. There are plenty of hiking routes with bicycles available to rent during summer. Guests can stay in either a hotel or a refurbished hostel that also offers family rooms and apartments. Individual rooms equipped for disabled guests are also available. Plenty of free parking for guests. }} * {{sleep | name=Bed & Breakfast Tuure | alt= | url=https://www.tuure.fi/en/ | email=tuure@netti.fi | address=Tuureporinkatu 17 C, third floor | lat=60.45534 | long=22.26557 | directions= | phone=+358 2 233-0230 | tollfree= | checkin=Reception opens at 08:00 and after that you can bring in your luggage when needed. Check-in 14:00–16:00 | checkout= | price=€45/€97 | content=A cosy, non-smoking guest house that has provides affordable accommodation only three blocks away from the Market Square. 15 rooms, 5 shared showers/toilets along the corridor, a breakfast room and a kitchen. They also have computers and Wi-Fi as well as washing machine and other necessities of a home all free for the guests to use. Breakfast is plentiful and included in the room price. }} ===Mid-range=== [[File:Park Hotel, Rauhankatu 1, Turku.jpg|thumb|upright|Park Hotel]] * {{sleep | name=Centro Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.centrohotel.com/fi/ | email=centro@centrohotel.com | address=Yliopistonkatu 12 A | lat=60.4532 | long=22.2705 | directions= | phone=+358 2 211-8100 | tollfree= | fax= | price=€110–150 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Modern hotel in the inner courtyard of its building block. Family-owned hotel, a bit more personal than the chain hotels in Turku. }} * {{sleep | name=Omena Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.omenahotels.com/fi/hotellit/suomi/turku/ | email= | address=Humalistonkatu 7 | lat=60.4512 | long=22.2587 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price=€80–90 | checkin=16 | checkout=12 | content=No reception staff and no breakfast, but prices are considerably cheaper. Booking is done online, and you get a code which you can use to get into the building and onto your room. There are also vending machines for you to buy snacks and food. }} * {{sleep | name=Park Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.parkhotelturku.fi/en | email=info@parkhotelturku.fi | address=Rauhankatu 1 | lat=60.4531 | long=22.2579 | directions=in the Puolala park between the railway station and Kauppatori | phone=+358 2 273-2555 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 251-9696 | price=€140–150 | checkin=14:00 | checkout=12:00 | content=Park Hotel is one of the oldest boutique hotels in Finland. In an Art Nouveau building, built in 1902. }} * {{sleep | name=Scandic Hotel Plaza | alt= | url=http://www.scandichotels.com/Hotels/Finland/Turku/Scandic-Plaza-Turku/#.U3CWqPl_t8E | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 29 | lat=60.4508 | long=22.2618 | directions= | phone=+358 2 332-00 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 332-0111 | price=125–190 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Restaurant. Sauna. 24-hour gym. Bike can be borrowed. }} * {{sleep | name=Best Western Hotel Seaport | url=http://www.hotelseaport.fi | email=seaport@hotelseaport.fi | address=Toinen Poikkikatu 2 | lat=60.43443 | long=22.22115 | directions=at the port | phone=+358 2 283-3000 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-283-3100 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Family-owned basic hotel in an old customs house. }} * {{sleep | name=Sokos Hotel Seurahuone | alt= | url=https://www.sokoshotels.fi/en/turku/sokos-hotel-seurahuone | email=myynti.turku@sokoshotels.fi | address=Eerikinkatu 23 | lat=60.44897 | long=22.26110 | directions= | phone=+358 2 337-301 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 337-2200 | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=A bit more business-oriented than the other Sokos Hotels in the city. The hotel restaurant is intended to be Spanish-style. }} * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Turku | alt= | url=http://www.finland.holidayinn.com/hotellit/turku/en_GB/turku/ | email=turku.holidayinn@restel.fi | address=Eerikinkatu 28 | lat=60.44793 | long=22.25930 | directions= | phone=+358 2 338-211 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 338-2299 | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Moderately priced. Breakfast spread is decent }} * {{sleep | name=Cumulus Turku | url=http://www.cumulus.fi/hotellit/turku/en_GB/turku/ | email=turku.cumulus@restel.fi | address=Eerikinkatu 30 | lat=60.44772 | long=22.25863 | directions= | phone=+358 2 218-1000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Mid-priced business hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Helmi | alt= | url=https://www.hotellihelmi.fi/en-gb/home | email=hotellihelmi@hotellihelmi.fi | address=Tuureporinkatu 11 | lat=60.45627 | long=22.26824 | directions= | phone=+358 20-786-2770 | tollfree= | hours=Café M–F 06:30–17:00, Sa–Su 07:00–12:00; lunch M–F 11:00–14:30; breakfast M–F 06:30–10:00, Sa–Su 07:00–12:00 | checkin= | checkout= | price=€95–110; lunch €10.70, breakfast €11.50, children 4–12 €6.90 | content=Small mid-priced hotel next to the bus station, part of the original station plan. The hotel building is an old gas station, which was owned by Shell, hence the name ''Pearl''. Good basic quality no-frills hotel, very good value for money. The café offers also take away breakfast/lunch/snacks. }} ===Splurge=== [[File:Hotel Marina Palace Radisson Blu 2012.jpg|thumb|Hotel Marina Palace]] * {{sleep | name=Radisson Blu Marina Palace Hotel, Turku | alt= | url=https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-blu-marina-turku | email=info.turku@radissonblu.com | address=Linnankatu 32 | lat=60.4466 | long=22.2603 | directions= | phone=+358 20-123-4710 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=On Linnankatu overlooking the River Aura Hotel Marina Palace is considered by many to be the best hotel in Turku. It has housed many celebrities visiting Turku, including Queen Elizabeth II and the royal family of Sweden. With well-appointed rooms overlooking the Aura River. You can dine at two on-site restaurants including the popular ''Grill it! Marina''. Fully equipped gym. Quay for guests (bridges too low for sailing yachts). }} * {{sleep | name=Sokos Hotel Wiklund | alt= | url=https://www.sokoshotels.fi/en/turku/original-sokos-hotel-wiklund | email=myyntipalvelu.turku@sokoshotels.fi | address=Kauppiaskatu 6 | lat=60.4511 | long=22.2687 | directions=in the Wiklund department store by Kauppatori | phone=+358 2 337-381 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Good discounts are often available if you book a package together with the ferry companies. }} * {{sleep | name=Scandic Julia | alt= | url=http://www.scandichotels.com/Hotels/Finland/Turku/Scandic-Julia/#.U3CL8vl_t8E | email=julia@scandichotels.com | address=Eerikinkatu 4 | lat=60.4522 | long=22.2721 | directions= | phone=+358 2 336-000 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 3360-2211 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Clean comfortable rooms, excellent friendly service, quality breakfast, perhaps the best brunch in town. Fully equipped rooms. Great value for money. }} ===Spa hotels=== [[File:Rslo airphoto 72ppi web.jpg|thumb|Ruissalo Spa]] * {{sleep | name=Spa Hotel Caribia | alt= | url=https://www.holidayclubresorts.com/en/resorts/caribia/ | email=customer.service@holidayclub.fi | address=Kongressikuja 1 | lat=60.4606 | long=22.2909 | directions=by the student village, behind the universities, 2 km from Kauppatori; buses 50–54 | phone=+358 300-870-900 (sales; €0.60/min including waiting time max €3 + mvm/pvm), +358 300-870-929 (hotel reception; price like the sales)| tollfree= | hours=Spa for non-guests M–F 12:00–21:00, Sa 10:00–21:00, Su 10:00–20:00 | checkin= | checkout= | price=€140, with spa access €165; parking €1/hr, €13/day; spa €22/16 (students, pensioners and children 4–14 at the reduced price), family ticket (1+3/2+2) €60 | wikidata=Q11894020 | lastedit=2022-09-20 | content=Spa decorated in Caribbean style, popular with families. The hotel also houses lots of conferences and other events. Don't miss the big pink statue in the vicinity by the contemporary artist Alvar Gullichsen; it's a mix between Duck and Pig called ''Posankka''. }} * {{sleep | name=Ruissalo Spa | alt= | url=http://www.ruissalospa.fi/en | email=info@ruissalospa.fi | address=Ruissalon puistotie 640 | lat=60.4248 | long=22.1037 | directions=Bus 8 | phone=+358 2 445-40 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 445-4590 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Ruissalo Spa is located on and named after the scenic Ruissalo Island. The spa is by the sea and you can choose to swim on the pools or in the sea as well. The location is beautiful and there's a golf course and guest harbour right next to the hotel. Beware though: This is the favourite location for elderly locals, so if you're looking for something more youth-oriented, this might not be the place for you. }} ==Stay safe== {{infobox|[[Risks]] in Turku |Crime/violence: '''Low''' * Drunk people on weekend nights, bouncers in clubs, pickpockets Authorities/corruption: '''Low''' Transportation: '''Low''' Health: '''Low'''<br> Nature: '''Low'''<br> * [[Ticks]] carrying TBE or borreliosis }} Turku is generally a safe city. Turku faces some problems with street violence and organised crime, but common street sense should be enough in most cases. There are no no-go areas. On weekend nights drunken people may cause annoyance, especially after last call. Swimming in the river is forbidden for good reason: the river banks provide very little access to the shore; what was intended as a quick refreshing dip will result in an expensive rescue operation or worse. In emergencies, always call '''112''', which is the general emergency number for police affairs, fire, medical care and social services. If in doubt, it is always better to call and ask. For non-emergency medical care, the City of Turku provides medical advice over the phone at {{phone|+358 2 100-23}}. Lines are open weekdays 08:00–15:00. The hearing-impaired have their own service for the evaluation of medical care, counselling and making an appointment at a health centre. This can be contacted during office hours by sending an SMS message to {{phone|+358 44-907-3824}}. Turku University Hospital's T-Hospital is the region’s accident and emergency hospital, as well as healthcare centre off hours and for non-locals. It provides specialized medical care and treatment around the clock to those who have fallen suddenly ill or sustained injury. * {{listing | name=Turku University Hospital Emergency Department | alt= | url=https://www.tyks.fi/en/patients-and-visitors/treatments-and-examinations/emergency | email= | address=Savitehtaankatu 1 | lat=60.45347 | long=22.29749 | directions="T-sairaala", across the railway and highway 1, by highway 10, near Kupittaa railway station | phone=+358 2 313-8800 (helpdesk), +358 2 313-1420 (regarding children), +358 50-592-4740 (SMS for those who cannot speak), +358 2 313-8930 (enquiries by next of kin) | tollfree= | hours=24 hr daily | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content=Call for advice before coming, queues are often long. }} * Emergency '''social services''' can be contacted through 112; in business hours (weekdays 08:30–15:30) call {{phone|+358 2 262-6003}}. Also life management. * {{listing | name=Police | alt= | url=https://www.poliisi.fi/en | email= | address= | lat=60.4455 | long=22.2525 | directions= | phone=+358 295-440-501 (non-urgent – urgent: 112) | tollfree= | hours=M–F 8–17 (shorter hours for many matters) | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-06-04 | content= }} In daytime there are several pharmacies to choose from, some with quite long hours. If you get a prescription, you could ask about the handiest one. * {{listing | name=Yliopiston apteekki | alt= | url=https://yliopistonapteekki.fi/yhteystiedot/turku | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 18 | lat=60.4516 | long=22.2649 | directions=by Kauppatori | phone=+358 300-20200 (€0.69/min + pvm/mpm; queuing pvm/mpm) | tollfree= | hours=Daily 07:00–23:00 | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-10-24 | content=Pharmacy in the centre, with long hours, owned by the University of Helsinki. }} ==Respect== * Avoid walking in the cycle lanes. Dedicated cycleways are clearly marked, but sometimes run directly next to the pavement (sidewalk). On the other hand, when biking close to people, especially on cycleways shared with pedestrians, be careful when passing children, dogs or people who might lose their balance if scared. * When waiting in lines, be patient and polite. Finns never jump queues – but make sure you actually stand in the line. If unsure, ask. In many places you are expected to get a queue number from a machine. * Do not feed seagulls or pigeons especially in the city centre. Seagulls taking people's ice creams or sandwiches is a real problem in some areas, and feeding them is encouraging that behaviour. Feeding birds is officially prohibited in many areas. In other places it might be allowed and encouraged, but check official advice. ==Connect== Students and personnel from participating institutions get free Wi-Fi through the Eduroam network. The city main library (see [[#Turku City Library|above]]) offers Wi-Fi (pick a note with the password or ask) and public computers with Internet access (without booking, mostly there are some free ones). The "15 min" computers can be used without logging in. ==Cope== [[File:Åbo stadsbibliotek 2015 tidningsläsesalen.jpg|thumb|Newspaper reading room of Turku City Library, with public computers]] === Press === An assortment of foreign newspapers is available for reading in the main library (see [[#Turku City Library|above]]) and for sale at some locations (e.g. R-kioski at the main railway station or at Kauppatori). Expect to find some well-known ones at least in Swedish, English, German, French and Spanish (although increasingly only their weekly journals are available). At the main library there are also some more odd ones, e.g. from Russian Karelia. The local papers are Finnish ''Turun Sanomat'', Swedish ''Åbo Underrättelser'' and the free ''Turkulainen''; many locals also subscribe to ''Helsingin Sanomat'' or ''Hufvudstadsbladet'' of Helsinki. === Children === Most any park has a playground with swings, sandbox, some climbing frames, and perhaps a simple playhouse and some more unusual features. For picnics, the Kupittaa and Vartiovuori parks are popular. The swimming pools of Kupittaa and Samppalinna also have picnic areas. There is a playing corner for small children in the city library (and nice scenes in small exhibits hidden in the shelves and in the floor). The Hansa shopping centre in the centre has a room for children, with family toilet and facilities for warming food. Also several other businesses and shopping centres have some facilities or entertainment for children. [[#Q11892816|Kupittaa Adventure Park]] is a large playground area where also older children can enjoy themselves for quite a while. [[#Q11873640|Kuralan kylämäki]] is a quiet living history museum consisting of a few farms with life of the 1950s. In the main building personnel are doing their domestic chores, while ready to talk to any visitor. Children will find a play corner with period toys, another in the barn, with bigger equipment, and many opportunities to invent their own plays and games. Sheep flock at the pasture fence to be caressed. [[#Q3022430|Aboa Vetus]] allows you to walk in authentic streets in the ruins of medieval Turku. There are computer screens to lead children through the displays in the footsteps of children of the times exhibited, perhaps a sandbox for trying at being an archaeologist, and similar activities. [[#Q136893|Turku Castle]] has Knights' and Ladies' Days, where a group of children is led through the castle, ending with dubbing the participants. Check the language issue. If you are into biology, the [[#Q4086898|Biological Museum]] is a pearl. It features stuffed animals in natural landscapes: see wolves and elks, spot the small birds in the tree, an ermine in the snow, and acquaint yourselves to the different biotopes of Finland. These are beyond glass screens, but there are minor touchable or interactive features. Other museums may or may not suit your children, depending on their interests. For a longer trip, the Moomin World in [[Naantali]] and Zoolandia in [[Turku countryside|Lieto]] may be worth considering. You might also want to take a walk in some wood, to eat wild berries fresh from the shrubs – especially if that's something you cannot do at home. Make sure you recognise at least bilberries, which you'll find in most any suburban wood in July–August. Have a map and find any wood reasonably close to a bus stop. For the best experience, prepare a picnic, take the bus and take a walk of a few kilometres. Let the children take their time watching ants and other natural wonders. Don't confine yourself to the broad gravel paths, but immerse in the wood and climb the rocks (in nature reserves you may be confined to the trails, so prefer unprotected woods). You won't get lost: although there are places where you feel like being alone with nature, inside the Turku bypass the nearest house is never more than 500 m away. ===Laundry=== Unless you have [[laundry]] facilities at your lodging, you might want to use a laundrette service: * {{listing | name=24pesula | alt= | url=https://24pesula.fi/en/city/turku/ | email=asiakaspalvelu@pesula.fi | address=Uudenmaantie 19 | lat=60.4419 | long=22.2858 | directions=K-Citymarket Kupittaa; also Mylly, Prisma Länsikeskus, Prisma Piispanristi | phone=+358 10-292-7799 (shared cost?) | tollfree= | hours=Daily, daytime or round the clock | price=€6/std machine (9 kg, 30 min), tumbler +€4/30 min | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Laundrettes in some shopping centres, self service, no reservations. Detergent included. Pay by card. }} === Dogs === {{see also|Travel with pets#Finland}} Popular walks include the river banks east of the railway bridge (i.e. by Raunistula and the Student Village). There are compost containers for litter at some locations, but you can also use normal trash bins. There are havens in several locations, where dogs can run and play without being on a leash. They have a part for small dogs and another for big ones, use common sense for choosing. Don't go there if your dog is ill, aggressive or could otherwise be disruptive for other dogs. * {{do | name=Kupittaa dog haven | alt= | url= | email= | address=Lemminkäisenkatu | lat=60.4456 | long=22.2994 | directions=at the north-east edge of the park Kupittaanpuisto | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-03-24 | content= }} * {{do | name=Nummenranta dog haven | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.4651 | long=22.2952 | directions=at the walk on the left river bank, by the Student Village | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-03-24 | content= }} * {{do | name=Jäkäläpuisto dog haven | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jäkäläpolku | lat=60.4308 | long=22.2698 | directions=Luolavuori, the path to the haven starts at Rätiälänkatu | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-03-24 | content= }} ===Places of worship=== See [[#Churches|Churches]] above for Lutheran and Orthodox churches, [[#Q2601015|the synagogue]] and a [[#Buddhist monastery|Buddhist temple]]. [[#Q1187606|The cathedral]] has services also for a few expat churches and [[#Q2601450|the Orthodox church]] has services in a few languages. There is another Orthodox church, belonging to the Moscow Patriarchate, by [[#Q1979979|the handicraft museum]] (by the former Russian consulate). There is a Catholic church by the [[#Bridgettine Convent Guest House|Bridgettine Convent]]. There are also places of worship of JW, LDS, Pentecostals, Adventists, the Salvation Army and a few more Christian denominations, and humble mosques. === Consulates === {| |- | style="vertical-align:top;width:50%;" | * {{flag|Austria}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Austria | url= | email=mika.sippolainen@simsport.com | address=Linnankatu 36 B 11 | lat=60.44607 | long=22.25819 | directions= | phone=+358 2-275-1411 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-275-1414 | hours=09:00-11:00 | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Belgium}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Belgium | url= | email=antti@wihanto.fi | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 35 | lat=60.44578 | long=22.25752 | directions= | phone=+358 2-515-1655 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-515-1590 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Brazil}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Brazil | url= | email= | address=Aurakatu 8 | lat=60.44969 | long=22.26759 | directions= | phone=+358 2-651-6680 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Denmark}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Denmark | url= | email=ljo@lundbeck.com | address=Joukahaisenkatu 6 | lat=60.44797 | long=22.29920 | directions= | phone=+358 2-276-5000 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-276-5001 | hours= 09:00-14:00 | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Estonia}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Estonia | url= | email=rector@utu.fi | address=Vanha Suurtori 3 | lat=60.45028 | long=22.27671 | directions= | phone=+358 2-333-6122 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|France}} {{listing | name=Consulate of France | url= | email=enrico.casagrande@dlc.fi | address=Linnankatu 3 A | lat=60.45159 | long=22.27302 | directions= | phone=+358 2-250-0061 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-250-0013 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Germany}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Germany | url= | email=turku@hk-diplo.de | address=c/o Sunborn Oy Juhana Herttuan puistokatu 23 | lat=60.45259 | long=22.27170 | directions= | phone=+358 2-445-4501 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-445-4520 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Greece}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Greece | url= | email=fredrik.sunde@nordea.fi | address=Kauppiaskatu 9 B | lat=60.45242 | long=22.26788 | directions= | phone=+358 2-334-4201 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-334-5414 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Honduras}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Honduras | url= | email=ericlockmer@gmail.com | address=Eristäjänmutka 17 | lat=60.4785 | long=22.2163 | directions= | phone=+358 40-022-2244 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-254-7762 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Hungary}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Hungary | url= | email=urpo-kivikari@tukkk.fi | address=Linnankatu 8 | lat=60.44979 | long=22.26898 | directions= | phone=+358 2-231-2182 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Iceland}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Iceland | url= | email= | address=Lukkarinkatu 6 | lat=60.47668 | long=22.29837 | directions= | phone=+358 40-052-4234 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Italy}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Italy | url= | email= | address=Linnankatu 3 A | lat=60.45177 | long=22.27283 | directions= | phone=+358 400-522-557 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Netherlands}} {{listing | name=Consulate of the Netherlands | url= | email=kjell.sundstrom@abo.fi | address=Kauppiaskatu 9 | lat=60.45223 | long=22.26827 | directions= | phone=+358 207-861-419 | tollfree= | fax=+358 9-163-96417 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Norway}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Norway | url= | email=jan-erik.stenman@veritas.fi | address=Olavintie 2 | lat=60.44735 | long=22.26986 | directions= | phone=+358 50-343-2299 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=09:00-16:00 | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Poland}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Poland | url= | email=etacom@kolumbus.fi | address=Veistämönaukio 1 | lat=60.43980 | long=22.24039 | directions= | phone=+358 2-281-3186 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Portugal}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Portugal | url= | email= | address=Linnankatu 35 | lat=60.44554 | long=22.25555 | directions= | phone=+358 21-275-5314 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 09:00-16:00 | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Spain}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Spain | url= | email=info@silverland.fi | address=Yliopistonkatu 24 | lat=60.44979 | long=22.25987 | directions= | phone=+358 40-543-2094 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Sweden}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Sweden | url= | email=sihteerit@ts.fi | address=Kauppiaskatu 5 | lat=60.45113 | long=22.26966 | directions= | phone=+358 2-269-3303 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-269-3543 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|United Kingdom}} {{listing | name=Consulate of the United Kingdom | url= | email=jari.lahteenmaki@turku.chamber.fi | address=Puolalankatu 1 | lat=60.45170 | long=22.26306 | directions= | phone=+358 2-274-3410 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} |} ==Go next== [[File:Turku - Ruissalo Island (6119923392).jpg|thumb|Sailing off Ruissalo]] * '''[[Archipelago Sea]]''' – Stretching all the way from Turku to Åland and on to Stockholm, Archipelago Sea forms the largest archipelago in the world by number of islands and includes a national park. Best way to visit is definitely by bike and camping gear – unless you know how to handle a yacht or kayak or can afford a one-week charter of a manned yacht. ** The [[Archipelago Trail]] is a tourist route of 125 or 250 km, using the roads and inter-island ferries to provide access to the archipelago without a boat of your own – and without backtracking. The route can be taken clockwise or counter clockwise, starting from Turku, and continuing through rural archipelago villages and astonishing Baltic Sea sceneries. * '''[[Kurjenrahka National Park]]''' – Kurjenrahka is the largest and most diverse protected mire area in the region, the park includes also lakes and old growth forest. One of the best-known sights in the park is the old boundary mark of eight municipalities. Usually a day trip destination, hikes can be extended to last a couple of days. Beginning 2018 you can reach Kurjenrahka by local bus in summer. * The other chartered '''towns of medieval Finland''' were<!-- by time of chartering, but what is the order? -->: ** [[Porvoo]] (Borgå) – in Eastern Uusimaa, reachable by [[E18]] or the [[King's Road (Finland)|King's Road]]. ** [[Rauma]] (Raumo) – with a [[UNESCO World Heritage List|UNESCO World Heritage listed]] old town, Rauma can be reached by coach from Turku in 1½ hr. ** [[Ulvila]] (Ulvsby) – by Pori in the north of the historic Turku and Pori province ** [[Naantali]] (Nådendal, Vallis Gratiæ) – with the summer residence of the President of Finland ''Kultaranta'', the theme park ''Moomin World'' and a beautiful wooden old town, 20-min away by local bus. ** [[Vyborg]] (Viipuri, Viborg) – in its heyday the most metropolitan of Finnish cities; past Porvoo, now in Russia. * '''[[Åland islands]]''' – If you have a day or two to spare there are overnight and day [[Baltic Sea ferries|ferries]] to [[Sweden]] and the [[Åland|Åland Islands]]. [[Stockholm]] is 10 hours away, [[Mariehamn]] on the Åland islands about 5 hours. While the big ferries take you directly from Turku to the Åland mainland, you can also do some island hopping by taking a smaller ferry operated by Ålandstrafiken from Korpo or Kustavi in the Archipelago Sea. {{routebox | image1=Simple gold crown.svg | imagesize1=40 | directionl1=W | majorl1=END | minorl1= | directionr1=E | minorr1=[[Kaarina]] | majorr1=[[Helsinki]] | link1=King's Road (Finland) | caption1=King's Road | image2=Tabliczka_E8.svg | imagesize2=40 | directionl2=NW | majorl2=[[Pori]] | minorl2=[[Turku countryside]] | directionr2=SE | minorr2= | majorr2=END | link2=E8 through Finland and Norway | image3=Tabliczka E18.svg | imagesize3=40 | directionl3=W | majorl3=[[Stockholm]] | minorl3=[[Naantali]] | directionr3=E | minorr3=[[Kaarina]] | majorr3=[[Helsinki]] | link3=E18 | image4=Tabliczka E63.svg | imagesize4=40 | directionl4=SW | majorl4=END | minorl4= | directionr4=NE | minorr4=[[Turku countryside]] | majorr4=[[Tampere]] | image5=Finland road sign F29-10.svg | imagesize5=32 | directionl5=SW | majorl5=END | minorl5= | directionr5=NE | minorr5=[[Kaarina]] | majorr5=[[Hämeenlinna]] }} {{guidecity}} {{geo|60.4500|22.2667}} {{IsPartOf|Archipelago Sea}} 93e8wdc1gzefbfdba56fnfvtmayeo4l 5087072 5087070 2025-07-03T10:30:32Z LPfi 79572 /* By bus */ the rewamping has been done, information still according to the old numbering scheme and old lines 5087072 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Turku Wikivoyage banner.jpg|caption=Turku seen from the tower of the cathedral|otbp=yes}} '''Turku''' ([[Swedish phrasebook|Swedish]]: ''Åbo'') is [[Finland|Finland's]] oldest city, and used to be the country's largest until the mid-19th century. Believed to have been founded in the early 13th century, it is the cradle of modern Finnish culture and has extensively influenced Finnish history. Turku's fantastic culinary scene has earned it the nickname "the [[Paris]] of Finland" and the city has been called "Finland's gateway to the West". Bisecting Turku city centre, the River Aura is the heart and soul of the city: this is where Turku was born, and a large part of city life – museums, sights, restaurants and cafés – is still concentrated on the riverside. The river banks form a national urban park allowing for a pleasant stroll from the Turku Cathedral to the Turku Castle. Close to the river mouth is the island of Ruissalo, with oak forests and 19th-century villas. Turku is at its best in summertime, when it hosts many festivals, including rock festivals, chamber music festivals and a medieval fair. But do not forget the winter atmosphere, if you are lucky you may be able to have a thrilling walk on the ice cover of River Aura. In addition to the cultural sights and museums, this city of 195,000 people (2021) attracts visitors due to the [[Archipelago Sea]], which stretches all the way from Turku to [[Åland]] and on to [[Stockholm]], forming the largest archipelago in the world by the number of islands and islets. ==Understand== [[File:Turun tuomiokirkko.jpg|thumb|Turku Cathedral, important as symbol and well visible as a landmark]] [[Finland Proper#Greater Turku|Greater Turku]] (as defined here) includes a few surrounding towns and some countryside. Of these '''Raisio''' in the north-west is included here, while [[Kaarina]] and [[Naantali]] have their own articles, as has the [[Turku countryside]] in the north, including (west to east) Masku, Rusko, Paattinen (part of Turku) and Lieto. === Name === The origin of the word "Turku" the old Old East Slavic word търгъ (''tŭrgŭ''), which means "marketplace". The [[Swedish]] name of the city is '''Åbo''', the origin of which is unclear. ===History=== {{seealso|Nordic history}} Turku is Finland’s oldest city and one of the oldest in the entire Nordic region. The city came into existence at Koroinen on the banks of river Aura, a few kilometres north from the current market square. It was a centre for trade in the 1150s, and in 1229, the bishopric was transferred there as well. The Aura River Valley had already been a prosperous and relatively densely populated area since the Iron Age. The year 1229 is, somewhat arbitrarily, regarded as the year in which the City of Turku was founded. The construction of Turku Castle began in the 1280s, the Dominican monastery of St. Olof was being built on Samppalinna Hill and Turku Cathedral was consecrated in the year 1300. From this point on, the city held an important position in the Swedish realm and it had staple town charter (the right to conduct foreign trade), assuring that trading was brisk. The German bourgeoisie of Turku held a major role in the early development of the city, and Turku had a community that was part of the [[Hansa|Hanseatic League]], which dominated trade along the coasts of Northern Europe. The tradition of declaring [[Winter in the Nordic countries#Christmas|Christmas Peace]] has continued from the 14th century to these days (and is broadcast in several countries). During Swedish rule, Turku was the largest and most important city in what now is Finland, as well as a major city of the Swedish Kingdom. Queen Christina of Sweden founded Sweden's third university in Turku in 1640, following the old [[Uppsala]] University and the Academia Gustaviana in [[Tartu]], Estonia. Turku was long the provincial capital of much of the eastern half of Sweden, was capital of the Grand Duchy of Finland in 1809–1812, and remains the seat of the archdiocese of Finland. [[Russian Empire|Russia]], after overtaking Finland from Sweden 1809, moved the capital to [[Helsinki]], which was closer to [[Saint Petersburg]] and farther from [[Stockholm]]. Turku remained Finland's largest city until the end of the 1840s, but its ambitions were dealt a death blow in 1827, when a raging fire destroyed most of the city. ''Turun palo'' (the "Great Fire of Turku") is still the largest urban fire in the history of the Nordic countries. The city was almost completely destroyed, and the rest of the major institutions with the exception of the archbishop's seat were moved to Helsinki. The burnt city needed an altogether new town plan, which was drawn up by German architect Carl Ludvig Engel the following year. The current universities in Turku were inaugurated soon after independence, both to restore Turku's status and as part of the language strife: the bilingualism of Helsinki university was a red rag to the Fennomans, while the Svecomans saw the Swedish language threatened there. Turku is still a gateway to Sweden. The competition between cruise ferry companies led to ferries ever increasing in size and features, which let the Turku shipyard develop into a world leader of building large cruise ships, with customers such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival and TUI Cruises. Turku shipyard directly and indirectly employs some 8,000 people. In 2011 Turku was the European Capital of Culture along with [[Tallinn]], the capital of [[Estonia]]. Afterwards Turku has seen a huge boost in domestic and foreign visitors. ===People=== [[File:People at aurariver (cropped).jpg|thumb|The Aura River's banks are very popular among Turku residents, for walking, biking or enjoying nice weather.]] Turku remains a regional capital of [[Finland Proper]] and is the third most populous city-region in Finland and the eighth largest urban area in the [[Nordic countries]], with around 330,000 inhabitants living in the Turku sub-region (200,000 in Turku proper). Turku is a major academic town for Finland: there are two universities (TY with Finnish, ÅA with Swedish as its language) with business schools, law schools and a medical school, and four universities of applied sciences. Consequently, you will find that the city is bustling with young adults. The large number of students means that restaurants, live music clubs and nightlife are ample. There is a cultural spirit in the city, and some of the proud residents are still irked that Helsinki took over as Finland's capital back in 1812. In other parts of Finland people from Turku are stereotypically thought of as being bit reserved and uppish in their views of their home town. The fierce competition with Tampere in the 1970s on being the country's second city probably influences this. However, if you have a coffee at the Market Square and chat with the locals, you will soon find out that this is not the case. The Swedish community (ca 5%) has its own institutions and associations. Serving all Finland, ÅA's size is out of proportion to the local Swedish-speaking population, which shows in the demographics and the cultural life. Most of the Swedish-speaking are fluent in Finnish. Among the Finnish, the relation to Swedish is split: there are queues to the language-immersion daycare (and follow-up school) and many are bilingual with Swedish, while non-academic people born before 1965 and many born after the 1980s have a weak Swedish that they may refuse to use. The Turku dialect of Finnish has many influences from Swedish and historically also from Estonian. ===Read=== [[File:Turku Castle.jpg|thumb|Turku Castle.]] * ''Vares'' (book series) (Reijo Mäki, 1986–13). Finnish crime literature usually focuses more on police procedurals, or the psychological and sociological fallout from crime. One writer, Reijo Mäki, however, has written a series of books about a private investigator called Jussi Vares. He is your regular hardboiled PI: he drinks, makes love, hates everyone, and gets beaten up and mugged on a regular basis. All Vares books take place in Turku, which is also home to the books' writer. Mäki is a celebrity in Turku, where you can perhaps catch him in his favourite bar, Uusi Apteekki (New Pharmacy). * ''The Home of Dark Butterflies'' (Leena Lander, 1991). Writer Leena Lander tells the story of a fourteen-year-old boy named Juhani, who is haunted by his traumatic past. Juhani has been shuttled between foster homes and temporary families for the past six years, leaving any prospect of stability in his life a faded dream. When Juhani winds up in a remote shelter for troubled youth known as The Island, he has little idea of how ruthless superintendent Olavi Harjula can truly be. In addition to Harjula and the six other boys, The Island is also home to the superintendent's wife Irene, the couple's two young daughters, and Tynne, who tends to the local livestock in addition to catering all the meals. The island of the story has actually existed, though the boys' home was closed already in 1968. The story was also made into a film of the same name in 2008 and shooting took place on the actual island in the Turku archipelago. The film was also Finland's Oscar nominee for a foreign language film in 2008. ===Watch=== * ''Restless'' (Aku Louhimies, 2000) is a story about Ari (Mikko Nousiainen), a 27-year-old ambulance doctor living in Turku, whose main pastime is one-night stands. He doesn't want to meet any of the girls again because he is certain that commitment equals pain. But one day Ari realizes that he cannot feel anything at all. Then he meets a woman named Tiina (Laura Malmivaara) on the beach. Without really intending to, they start dating each other, reaching the point where Tiina, falling in love, begins to look for commitment. Ari is introduced to Tiina's friends, including two other couples. Ari then ends up having sex with Tiina's two best friends (Ilona and Hanna-Riikka). Meanwhile Tiina continues to love Ari. During this Tiina manages to commit Ari to reluctantly become the father of her to be born child. * ''Vares movies'' (Aleksi Mäkelä, 2004-2012). Vares books proved so popular in Finland that in 2004 a film was released, starring Juha Veijonen as the detective, and directed by Aleksi Mäkelä, considered by many the number one action-director in Finland. A second film appeared a few years later, and the two films' success led to a series of all together eight films. *''Man Exposed'' (Aku Louhimies, 2006) is a comedy-drama film about a rebel minister working in Turku's St Michael's Church, who is suddenly asked to run for bishop. At the same time he is running into problems in his marriage and life in general. *''Tears of April'' (Aku Louhimies, 2008) is a war drama film based on the novel by Leena Lander, the film is set in the final stages of the Finnish Civil War. The film tells a story of a captured female Red Guard fighter, Miina, and the soldier Aaro who escorts her to her trial. *''Love and Other Troubles'' (Samuli Valkama, 2012) is a Finnish romantic comedy film set in Turku. It stars Emilie de Ravin as Sara, an American line dance teacher, who meets Ville (Jussi Nikkilä), a 25-year-old former child star, and his father (Ville Virtanen), an ex-rock star, who both fall in love with her. *''The Girl King'' (Mika Kaurismäki, 2015) is a biographical drama about Christina, Queen of Sweden, who reigned from 1632 until her abdication in 1654. ===Climate=== [[File:Air temperature in Turku 2016.jpg|thumb|upright=2|Temperatures in Turku in 2016: averages, highs and lows]] [[File:Kommunalsjukhusvägen vintern 2010.jpg|thumb|Walk- and bikeway in winter, near the Kupittaa park]] Turku, like the rest of Finland, has four distinct seasons. Situated by the Baltic Sea and sheltered by the islands of the Archipelago Sea, Turku has a humid continental climate. Like much of southern Finland, the city experiences warm summers, with temperatures ranging up to 30°C (85°F), and winters with frequent snowfall and temperatures down to about −25°C (−15°F), though mostly between {{C|0}} and {{C|-15}}. The best time to visit is definitely the warm period from late May to early September, when day temperatures typically are {{C|20-25}}. If visiting in wintertime and meeting slush, ride somewhat more inland (a local bus can get you far enough) and you will probably find the real snow. Once in a while you can find it in Turku city centre too. In good winters people walk, ski and skate on the ice of the river and there are skiing tracks all around the suburbs. In lesser winters there will still be a shorter skiing track at Impivaara and skating opportunities at Parkin kenttä (by the bus station), in the Kupittaa park and in most suburbs, at least part of the season. Current weather forecasts can be checked at the [http://en.ilmatieteenlaitos.fi/weather/turku Finnish Meteorological Institute website]. ===Visitor information=== Turku's official tourist agency is ''Turku Touring''. It serves also the larger region. *{{listing | name=Visit Turku |alt=| url=http://www.visitturku.fi/en | email=info@visitturku.fi | address=Aurakatu 2 | lat=60.44906 | long=22.26784 | directions=next to the City Hall, near the Aura bridge; at busy times also the back door is open<!-- and when it is locked, notices may be absent or confusing--> | phone=+358 2 262-7444 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 262-7679 | hours=Sep–Mar: daily 10:00–15:00; Apr–Sep: M–F 08:30–18:00, Sa Su 10:00–18:00 | price= |wikipedia=|wikidata=|image=|lastedit=2018-03-13| content=Turku Touring's office offers advice, sight-seeing tours, maps, guide books, souvenirs, bicycle hire instructions, group outings and more. }} ==Get in== Turku is well connected to the rest of the country by rail and road, and has flights from Helsinki and Mariehamn. From the west (Åland and Sweden), ferries are the main option, although there are flights for those in a hurry. The ferries take cars. There are a few flights also from across the Baltic Sea and from some more distant places. Turku is a good yachting destinations, for those on the Baltic Sea or ready to make the longer voyage. ===By plane=== ====Turku Airport (TKU)==== [[File:Aero Airlines ATR 72 ES-KRL at EFTU on 20060714.jpg|thumb|Passengers boarding a Finnair flight to Helsinki at Turku airport.]] *{{listing | type=go | name=Turku Airport | alt={{IATA|TKU}} | url=http://www.finavia.fi/en/turku | email= | address= | lat=60.5109 | long=22.2743 | directions= 8&nbsp;km north of the city centre | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Turku Airport | image=Terminaali 1, Turun lentoasema, Turku, 11.7.2010.JPG | wikidata=Q1130231 | content=It is a compact airport with two terminals for check-in }} Typically, there are daily flights to Turku from [[Mariehamn]], [[Stockholm]] and [[Copenhagen]], and from a few locations further away, such as [[Gdańsk]] or [[Riga]]. These latter tend to change as budget airlines come and go. Domestic Finnair flights from [[Helsinki]] have been discontinued and replaced by coaches operated by Finnair instead. As of January 2023, [http://wizzair.com/en-GB/ Wizz Air] flies to Turku from Gdańsk and [[Rome]], [https://www.sas.se/en/ SAS] from Stockholm and Copenhagen (since April 2025), and [https://www.finnair.com Finnair] from Mariehamn, with additional charter holiday flights operated by TUI and Tjäreborg, among others. Bus line 1 departs from the airport every 20&nbsp;minutes and goes via the centre to the Port of Turku. Several hotels happen to be along the route. Tickets are available on board for {{EUR|3}}/{{EUR|1.50}} by contactless card, or {{EUR|4}}/{{EUR|2}} by cash. Children under 7 years old travel for free when accompanied by an adult, and after 23:00 the trips cost {{EUR|1}} more. Free transfers for two hours included, see [[#By bus 2|Get around]] for details. The line operates from 05:20 to 00:45. The day's last bus waits as long as 15 minutes if necessary, to allow passengers to catch it. The last buses operate only to Kauppatori, not to the harbour. ====Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL)==== If coming by air, a common option is to fly to the internationally well connected [[Helsinki Airport]] ({{IATA|HEL}}). Turku is 166 km away from Helsinki and easily reached by train (transfer in Helsinki centre) or coach. By car, the voyage by the Finnish national road 1 ([[E18]]) takes around 1hr40min. There is an almost hourly coach connection from Helsinki Airport to the Turku bus station. Coaches are operated by various companies, but tickets are sold on the [https://www.matkahuolto.fi/en Matkahuolto] platform regardless of the operator. As of 2024, Finnair has discontinued their domestic flights to Turku, but they do sell plane tickets to Turku where you then transfer to Finnair buses at Helsinki Airport. Coach services operate around the clock, although there may be a gap of two hours between services in the small hours of the night. The trip takes between 2 hr 15 min and 2 hr 55 min, depending on whether the service calls in towns on the way. [http://www.onnibus.com Onnibus.com] is typically a bit cheaper, but they leave from the central bus station of Helsinki and not directly from the airport. The Onnibus buses are red double-deckers with free Wi-Fi but little legroom. They also have special restrictions on children, pets and luggage. Book tickets online in advance for a cheaper price; bargains are available if booking early enough. ===By train=== [[File:Turku railways 2018.jpg|thumb|Pendolino train in Turku in 2018, with Logomo in the background]] {{cautionbox|The central railway station has moved to Logomo and the Logomo bridge. Trains from Helsinki again continue to there and some of them to the harbour. The old central station is abandoned and bus connections have changed. Works continue and a new central station is to be built. |lastedit=2024-12-15 }} Links between Turku and the rest of the country (except [[Satakunta]]) are frequent and excellent, from Helsinki (close to hourly) and Tampere, travel time approximately 2 hours, and services also from [[Jyväskylä]] (3.5 hr), [[Kuopio]] (5.5 hr) and [[Oulu]] (7 hr); VR sometimes suggests services via Helsinki e.g. from Tampere, but these are seldom relevant. There is an overnight car and sleeper train connection from [[Rovaniemi]] in [[Finnish Lapland|Lapland]] (10–15 hr, usually with a transfer in Tampere – if a sleeper cabin is suggested also for the remaining journey, check how much you pay for that add-on). Some of the services have a "restaurant" car (café/pub with sandwiches etc., mostly no real dining, although there may also be simple meals available), most others a cart with drinks and snacks. The IC2 services have a family car, with space for prams, a playing corner upstairs and the accessible toilet doubling as family room. From western Europe, you can travel by train to Stockholm and take a ferry cruise from there. This can be a scenic option, and most of the European railway companies offer discounts for the ferry connection. '''[http://www.vr.fi/en VR]''', the state-owned railway company, operates the trains. Turku has three railway stations: the central railway station in the north, Kupittaa in the east and Turku harbour in the west. The former two have ticket vending machines, waiting room, toilets, and service for the disabled on advance request. VR has no service desk in Turku. There are no local or regional trains as of the 2020s. Trains arriving from the direction of [[Helsinki]] stop at Kupittaa before arriving at the central station, while trains from [[Tampere]] don't pass the former. Some of the trains continue onward to the harbour – handy if you are connecting to a passenger ferry towards [[Stockholm]] or [[Mariehamn]]. * {{go | name=Central railway station | alt=Turku/Åbo | url=https://www.vr.fi/en/railway-stations-and-routes/turku | email= | address=Ajurinkatu 143 | lat=60.4564 | long=22.2588 | directions=on the northern edge of the centre; access to platforms by the Logomo bridge, which connects to the centre | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-12-16 | content=The platforms at the central station were moved in August 2024, now accessed by the pedestrian bridge over the rails between Logomo and the city centre, 400 m away from the former station, 750 m from Kauppatori (go forward one block, turn left, then right along Kauppiaskatu; the passage through the park may be nicer but is hard to find, with steep stairs). Services such as lounge, toilets, café and restaurant are at Logomo. A new railway station is planned to be taken into use in 2026. The station is primarily served by bus lines 1B and 1C, which stop near the centre-end of the Logomo bridge on their way from Kauppatori to the bus station, from where they continue back to Kauppatori, 1B further to the harbour. Either passes every 15 min 05:05–23:05. P3 stops at the next street. On the Logomo side there are the buses 20, 61, 61T, 3P, 201 and 203. These pass on the other side of Logomo, in Köydenpunojankatu 200 m from the main entrance. }} * {{go |name=Kupittaa railway station | alt=Kupittaa/Kuppis | url=https://www.vr.fi/en/railway-stations-and-routes/kupittaa | lat=60.4505 | long=22.2970 | directions=on the eastern edge of the centre | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-12-16 | content=Intermediate stop for trains from Helsinki, convenient for visits to the universities. The station is well connected by local bus: lines 32 and 42 have their stop 200 m away across the street and either passes each 10 min in daytime, continuing through the centre; use either the ascent by the train or the one closest ahead to get to the stop, the latter is more direct but lands you close to traffic, watch out for your children. The stairs farthest ahead are the nicest for walking towards the campus or the centre. There are also a few other bus lines passing by (there or at another stop). The centre is at walking distance (2 km). In 2022–2024 the parking by the station exit was chaotic, but this might have got improved since trains again continue onwards. }} * {{go | name=Turku harbour railway stop | alt=Turun Satama/Åbo hamn | url=https://www.vr.fi/en/railway-stations-and-routes/turku-port | address= |lat=60.43448 | long=22.22334 | directions=near the Viking terminal | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-12-16 | content=Trains from the directions of Helsinki and Tampere, serving cruise ferry passengers. No services at the station; buy your ticket in advance. }} There are bike sharing stations by the railway stations in the summer season (April–October or as weather allows); see [[#By bicycle|By bicycle]] below. There are cycleways. ===By bus=== [[File:Busstation of Turku.jpg|thumb|Turku bus station seen over Aninkaistenkatu. The platforms are behind the station building.]] Long-distance services usually terminate at {{marker|type=go|name=Turku bus station|lat=60.45712 | long=22.26808}}, as do some regional services. The station is at the northern edge of the city centre within walking distance from the central railway station (1 km) and Kauppatori (the market square, 800 m). Matkahuolto abandoned the station building; facilities are open again (R kiosk, timetable displays, café, hamburgers and snacks), but Matkahuolto (with ticket sale and freight) still uses the freight terminal across Läntinen pitkäkatu. The bus station has good local bus connections, although it is not the hub for them. There are stops for local and regional lines at a few different places on or around the station, note where your bus stops. Some coach lines arriving at the station continue to the Port of Turku, if needed. If going there, tell that when buying your ticket and when boarding. By the station are Hotel Helmi, the café of which offers breakfast, lunch, light meals and take away, and three hamburger restaurants (Hesburger, Mac Donald's and an independent). * {{go | name=Matkahuolto Turku | alt= | url= | email= | address=Läntinen Pitkäkatu 7–9 | lat=60.45699 | long=22.26563 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M–F 07:00–19:00, Sa 09:00–15:00, Su closed | price= | content= }} Normal coach connections from Kamppi in '''[[Helsinki]]''' leave for Turku more or less every half an hour during the day and every hour or two during the night. Coming via [[Tallinn]], there may be a coach directly from the port, mostly via Kamppi. Direct connections and connections with transfer are available from Helsinki-Vantaa airport. All these connections are either express or special express (there may also be a few hard-to-find "regular" connections). Tickets cost around €30 (round trip around €55) for adults, around €20 for children aged 12–16, €15 for children aged 4–11 and Finnish students (ISIC ''not'' accepted). Children under the age of four travel for free. Cheaper tickets can often be had in advance on the net (check also the individual companies' websites). There are normally more or less hourly connections from '''[[Tampere]]''' and '''[[Pori]]''' in daytime, and each two hours from '''[[Vaasa]]''', some all the way from '''[[Oulu]]'''. <!-- Check: There is a line from '''[[Tampere]]''' hourly in daytime, the last coach arriving 00:55, from '''[[Pori]]''' about hourly (check!) and from '''[[Vaasa]]''' about every two hours, the last arriving 21:20. --> For timetables, for the above mentioned or other connections, see [https://www.matkahuolto.fi/en Matkahuolto]. Also [http://www.onnibus.fi Onnibus] has connections to Turku. Tickets to these buses vary in price, cheapest well in advance on the net, for same day usually about €10 when bought online, €15–20 from Helsinki if bought when boarding (with busy services often sold out). Direct bus services from [[Saint Petersburg]] are provided by [http://ensi-bus.ru/?p=30 Ensi-Bus]{{Dead link|date=July 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} and [https://www.transgold.ru/marshrutka-v-turku/ Transgold] (check whether the sanctions have affected them). ===By ferry=== [[File:Viking Grace Ruissalo.jpg|thumb|''Viking Grace'' passing Ruissalo island on its way to [[Stockholm]].]] The most scenic way to get to Turku is by taking a [[Baltic sea ferries|cruise ferry]] across the Baltic Sea from [[Sweden]], from [[Stockholm]] or Kapellskär ([[Norrtälje]]) via [[Mariehamn]] or Långnäs, [[Åland]]. The {{marker|type=go |url=http://www.portofturku.fi/portal/en |name=Port of Turku|lat=60.43482 | long=22.21966}} is next to Turku Castle and is easily accessible on bus line 1, which travels between the port and the airport via the centre. The port also has its own railway and bus station (by the Viking terminal) and some trains and coaches depart at the port (see [[#By train|By train]] and [[#By bus|By bus]] above). To get from the port to the centre, buses 1 and 1B run frequently at the ferry arrivals and stop by the terminals. The buses still get crowded at these times and the boarding is a bit chaotic, as people are searching for their money, card or phones; try to minimise the hassle you are causing. Some drivers don't speak English or Swedish, but there is certainly some polyglot around. If you are getting off before Kauppatori, try to get a seat or stand close to the middle (or back) door. Regardless, the ride is reasonably smooth and people tend to be helpful. Taxis are also available, of course. With light luggage [[Turku riverside walk|strolling along the river]] to the centre can be a nice option (3 km to Kauppatori, buses within reach all the time). A new ferry terminal is planned to be ready for use in 2025; there will be changes in arrangements during the construction works. The main cruise ferry option is Finnish [https://www.sales.vikingline.com/ Viking Line] with daily departures from central Stockholm: one in the morning (via Mariehamn), arriving in the evening, and one in the evening (via Långnäs), arriving in the morning. For a scenic view, and less expensive prices, a morning departure is advisable. Going in the night, you avoid one night at a hotel, but the effective sleeping time is short, as you are probably waked up for cleaning of the cabin well before arrival (generous, although not cheap, breakfast is available). Evening departures provide adequate night club activities on board if you want to cut loose before arriving; there is entertainment also on the day cruises. Estonian [http://www.tallinksilja.com/en/web/int/book-a-cruise Tallink] (formerly Finnish Silja, sometimes still using that brand) also operates cruise ferries from Sweden, in summer two daily arrivals from Stockholm, in winter one daily departure from Kapellskär via Långnäs, arriving in Turku 16:30 and returning in the night. There are also more quiet ropax ferries from Kapellskär via Långnäs to [[Naantali]] 20 km from Turku, by [http://www.finnlines.com Finnlines]. By bus, take line N14 from the harbour and transfer to line 6 or 7 in Naantali centre (local bus fee, transfer included). Two new ferries were taken into use in the winter 2023–2024, intended to attract more leisure travellers, still more quiet than the alternatives. When comparing prices, note costs of meals, included on some ferries. Pedestrians are welcome from Kapellskär (check whether this is true also in summer), but not from Långnäs in the night. Bikers should wear reflective vests in the harbour areas. Nearly all ferries make a brief stop in Åland, in either [[Mariehamn]] or Långnäs. Due to this stop, plus a Finnish-demanded exception to [[European Union]] rules, passengers can make [[Duty free shopping|duty-free]] purchases on the ferries. The tax-free prices tend to be slightly cheaper than prices on the shore, but are seldom bargains; know the on-shore price levels if you want one. Looking for special offers may save a lot of money on the ferry passage. Prices vary from day to day according to demand, with a one-way overnight cruise typically from €30–100/cabin (Friday or Saturday evening departures tend to be more expensive). A "fuel fee" may be added (since 2022, due to extraordinary fuel prices), for cruise offers also a voucher (guaranteeing minimum spending aboard). In summer, book early if you have a car, especially if it exceeds standard dimensions. Youth travelling by themselves should check age restrictions. It is also possible to take '''smaller ferries from Åland''', connecting islands of Åland and the [[Archipelago Sea]] with each other and with the mainland. Using the small ferries is more complicated and possibly more expensive, but can be rewarding. See [[Åland#Get around]], [[Korpo]], [[Brändö]] and [[Houtskär]]. ===By yacht=== [[File:Summer scene at Turku guest harbour.jpg|thumb|Summer scene at Turku guest harbour.]] Many people also from other regions, including Helsinki, spend their summer vacation yachting around the [[Archipelago Sea]] surrounding Turku. The Sea of Åland and the Gulf of Finland, coming from Sweden and Estonia respectively, can easily be crossed in a day, while a voyage directly from [[Gotland]] requires overnight sailing. There is an abundance of minor guest harbours on the remaining distance through the archipelago. Turku Guest Harbour is on the Aura river halfway between the port and Kauppatori, while the TPS guest harbour, Ruissalo Marina and Ruissalon Telakka are on the scenic island of Ruissalo, with buses (line 8) to the city centre once an hour or half an hour in daytime. Except Telakka, they have fuel stations and septic tank emptying. There is also a free mooring site above the Aura bridge, but only for short visits without high mast, perhaps a nice tour if you have a suitable dinghy (bridge height 3.6 m; max 3 hr 08:00–22:00). From the cathedral upstream the river is shallow; there are shallows especially in the middle of the river and perhaps at the bridges, some rocks elsewhere. There is a portage at the Halinen rapids and dam north of the centre; upstream from there it is a popular canoeing route. * {{go | name=Turku Guest Harbour | alt= | url=http://www.turunvierasvenesatama.fi/en | email=info@turunvierasvenesatama.fi | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 57 | lat=60.4401 | long=22.2447 | directions=in the centre, 2 km from Kauppatori | phone=+358 400-536-613 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Oct–Apr €25, May–16 Jun & 2–30 Sep €35, 17 Jun–1 Sep €40; except during DBTL, Ruisrock and Tall Ships' Races | lastedit=2024-05-01 | content=City guest harbour. Good services, including non-free laundromat. May be full in peak season; some moorings can be reserved beforehand. For size over 15m×5.2m, check special arrangements. When the harbour office is closed, use restaurant Nooa instead. }} * {{listing|type=go | name=Ruissalon Telakka | alt= | url=https://ruissalontelakka.fi | email= | address=Hevoskarintie 23 | lat=60.4367 | long=22.2057 | directions=Ruissalo, opposite Port of Turku | phone=+358 400-330-413 | tollfree= | hours= | price=€25 | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-06-28 | content=Former boat yard; some of the yachts built here again call the harbour home, and part of the moorings are reserved for classical yachts. From here to the centre you can either take the [https://www.foli.fi/en/waterbus water bus] (daytime in season, bikes free) or walk 400 m to the bus stop for a 12-min ride with line 8. Both options use the Föli tickets. Café and pizzeria. Toilets and showers, but no fuel or septic tank emptying. }} * {{listing|type=go | name=TPS Guest Harbour | alt= | url=http://turunpursiseura.fi/satamat/vierassatama-guest-harbour/ | email=toimisto@turunpursiseura.fi | address=Pursiseuranranta 30 | lat=60.4265 | long=22.1593 | directions= | phone=+358 44-376-2655 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€20 | lastedit=2019-06-28 | content=Marina of one of the local yacht clubs. On the island Ruissalo, a 20-minute bus ride (line 8) from the centre. Services include sauna and Wi-Fi. Restaurant. Guiding to the mooring from the fuel pier, off hours look for orange cones instead. }} * {{listing|type=go | name=Ruissalo Marina | alt= | url=https://www.ruissalomarina.fi | email= | address=Ruissalon puistotie 618 | lat=60.4261 | long=22.1073 | directions= | phone=+358 2 445-5926 (10:00–19:00), +358 2 445-40 (off hours) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€30 | lastedit=2019-06-28 | content=By the Ruissalon Kylpylä spa hotel near the western end of the island, a 25-minute bus ride (line 8) from the centre. Reservation recommended. }} ===By car=== [[File:Saariston rengastie 11.jpg|thumb|Sign at the [[Archipelago Trail]]]] Turku is well connected by roads to other parts of Finland. Main routes are national road 1 ([[E18]] until [[Piikkiö]]) from [[Saint Petersburg]] and [[Helsinki]], 8 ([[E8 through Finland and Norway|E8]]) from [[Tromsø]], [[Vaasa]] and [[Pori]] along the west coast, 9 (E63) from [[Kuopio]], [[Jyväskylä]] and [[Tampere]], and 10 from [[Hämeenlinna]]. E18 is a high-speed controlled-access highway all the way from Russia, but deviates towards [[Naantali]] along the Turku bypass (road 40), stay on highway 1. Highways 8 and 9 are motorways for some distance outside the city. Turku can be reached from Helsinki in around 1 hr 40 min in summer and 2 hrs 40 in winter. The former main road from Helsinki, now regional road 110, is somewhat slower but allows your seeing more of the landscape. From Sweden or Åland, use the [[#By ferry|above]] mentioned ferries. Those to Turku and Naantali, and on the routes from Åland via Korpo or via Brändö and Kustavi, all take cars. There are a few scenic roads around Turku as well: * '''[[Archipelago Trail|The Archipelago Trail]]''' (''Skärgårdens ringväg'', ''Saariston Rengastie'') allows travellers to access [[Archipelago Sea|the archipelago]] without a boat of their own. Part of the "trail" can be used when coming from Sweden via [[Åland]]: drive to Långnäs and take the ferry to Korpo, or use the ferries via Brändö and Kustavi. * '''[[Hämeen Härkätie]]''' leads to Turku from [[Hämeenlinna]] and is the most important road of early Finnish history. The route was once used by merchants, pilgrims, and kings. Along the route, with small detours, you will find a splendid array of interesting sites, such as museums, churches and shopping spots. If you want to really experience a journey in time, you can stay at an old manor house or inn along the way. * The partly medieval '''[[King's Road]]''' (''Kuninkaantie'', ''Kungsvägen'') leads to Turku along the south coast all the way from the eastern border of Finland, passing Helsinki. It is part of the old post roads, dating back to the 14th century, that lead from Stockholm to Christiania (Oslo) and Bergen on the Atlantic coast (of Norway), and, crossing the [[Archipelago Sea]], via Turku to Viborg (now Vyborg in Russia). The modern tourist route is extended all the way to Saint Petersburg. You can see lots of medieval churches, museums and old villages along the road. === By bike === Bikes can be taken on the ferry from Sweden or Åland for €5–12. The fee on trains and coaches is similar. Onnibus does not take bikes. For getting in from Åland, the [[Archipelago Trail]] can be used, taking a ferry to Korpo, Houtskär, Iniö or Kustavi and continuing along the trail from there. The [https://en.eurovelo.com/ev10/finland Eurovelo 10] route around the Baltic Sea goes through Turku. From the east (Vaalimaa–Helsinki–Ekenäs–Salo) it is developed and signposted (not the Russian leg though). From the north it is developed from Vaasa to Turku, with signposting incomplete as of 2024. ==Get around== {{Mapframe|60.4493|22.2683|zoom=10|height=320|width=420|layer=|staticmap=|align=|name=}} {{mapshape|type=geomask|Q38511,Q372075}}<!-- Turku, Raisio; [[Turku countryside]] should be excluded --> {{nowrap|The market square,}} ''Kauppatori'' (Swedish: ''Salutorget'') is often considered the midpoint of the city, and most sights and restaurants, and most businesses in the centre, are within a kilometre from there. Nearly all buses pass by or have their terminus near Kauppatori, and reach every corner of the city, mostly with reasonable frequency. A bike is still the quickest way to get around and cycleways are generally good, but in the central business district you may have to cycle among cars or lead your bike. === By foot=== {{see also|Turku riverside walk}} The vast majority of the city's sights are within a kilometre or two from Kauppatori. The river Aura passes through the centre, and its banks are very popular, allowing for a pleasant stroll from, say, the national shrine of Finland, the Turku Cathedral, to the Turku Castle, which used to house Swedish Kings – or upstream to experience some countryside. Turku Touring, the official tourist agency of the city, offers different walking tours for visitors. There are also leaflets with self guided walking tours, such as Sculpture walk, ArchitecTour, Romantic Turku and Stepping it up. You can get a map from the main library (Linnankatu 2) or the tourist information (Aurakatu 2). If you have a smartphone you can download a Citynomadi app and get a map there. ===By bicycle === The fastest and most flexible way of seeing Turku is on a bike. There are good bike paths mostly as needed, although at the very heart of the city you have to know the routes or sometimes join car traffic, or get off the bike unless sufficiently experienced; not all the best routes are obvious. Some routes in the centre are brushed and salted in winter: along the river, around the campuses and through the central business district. Elsewhere cycleways and roads are not always maintained sufficiently in the winter for easy (in the centre: safe) biking, but local hardcore cyclists are biking throughout the year. Main biking routes are well signposted. In the centre there are often temporary disruption of these routes (markets, roadworks etc.), and bicycle arrangements are then often neglected. This is more seldom a problem elsewhere. The map at [https://kartta.turku.fi/IMS/en/Map kartta.turku.fi] can show biking routes: open the layers menu in the upper left corner, choose Traffic, then Bicycle paths, and use the check boxes. Regional biking route 1 goes to the tip of the recreation island Ruissalo, route 2 to Naantali, route 4 to Naantali via Raisio centre, route 9 to Lieto along Hämeentie, route 10 to Piikkiö via Nummi, Varissuo and Littoinen, route 11 along Uudenmaantie via Kaarina and [[Piikkiö]] to Paimio, route 12 via Hirvensalo and Satava to Kakskerta, For getting farther out of the city, bikes can be loaded on the local buses (including regional buses in the Föli cooperation) for €5 at the driver's discretion, i.e. probably when there are not too many passengers. Cost on coaches varies by company, often about the price of a children's ticket for longer voyages, sometimes a flat €6. The city tourist office can suggest cycling routes. They also rent bikes (€23/day). '''Bike theft''' is common and vandalism happens. A lock gives some protection. If leaving the bike close to the river it should be locked to something. ====Bike sharing==== [https://www.foli.fi/en/f%C3%B6li-bikes Fölläri bike sharing] is since 2022 in cooperation with [[Urban cycling#Donkey Republic|Donkey Republic]], with 700 three-geared bikes (as of 2023 not equipped for winter use). You will need an app; using the bikes requires a smartphone (Apple/Android; Sailfish Android emulation does not suffice) with Bluetooth and GPS enabled. There are 200 stations, many of which virtual (just leave the bike in the designated area found by the app and register the end of journey as usual). The hire can also be ended outside stations, for an additional fee. Usage for one hour at the time costs €2 per time, €9 per month or €35 for all season (April to October or December, weather permitting). Additional time costs €2 for 1 hr, €5 for 4 hr, €12 for a day. Thus, for a one-off one-day rental, the cost is €14. The monthly or seasonal payments count as Donkey Republic membership in other towns; it seems you can use such a membership also in Turku. Usage (except the fee for additional time and usage in other towns) is included in the 30 day Föli bus tickets. * {{listing|type=around | name=Donkey Republic customer service | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 2 4885-8185 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 07:00–21:00 Sa–Su 10:00–21:00 | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-12 | content=Customer service for the Fölläri bikes. }} Other options include: * {{listing|type=around | name=10Bikes | alt= | url=https://www.10bikes.fi/ | email=info@10bikes.fi | address=Puutarhakatu 40 | lat=60.44578 | long=22.2416 | directions= | phone=+358 400-176-100 | tollfree= | hours=Shop 10:00–18:00 | price=€5+€5/hr | content=Local business. Electricity assisted bikes for rent. City bikes and bikes for gravel. }} * {{listing|type=around | name=Polkupyörävuokraamo | alt= | url=http://www.polkupyoravuokraamo.fi | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=in the harbour | phone=+358 440-224-161 | tollfree= | hours= | price=€14/day, €63/week | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Bike rental. Also tandems and trailers. }} ====Bicycle service==== There are several bike shops offering service for bikers. Here some of them: * {{listing|type=around | name=Visan polkupyörähuolto | url=http://www.visainen.com | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 8 | lat=60.454 | long=22.273 | directions=in the corner of Aninkaistenkatu and Yliopistonkatu | phone=+358 2 231-1191 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Competent bicycle shop hidden in a back yard. Does not sell only mainstream stuff. }} * {{listing|type=around | name=Raispo | alt= | url=http://www.raispo.fi | email=info@raispo.fi | address=Itäinen Pitkäkatu 38-40 | lat=60.444481 | long=22.277783 | directions= | phone=+358 40-557-7158 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 10:00-18:00, Sa Su 10:00-14:00 | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-04-13 | content=Bike shop with bike service. }} ===By bus === <!-- [[File:Åbo salutorg 2010, Blommor och grönsaker.jpg|thumb|Streets around Kauppatori normally form the hub for the local and some regional bus lines – not 2018–2020.]] --> [[File:Föli bus -1 in front of Turku Castle.jpg|thumb|Turku city bus, line 1, by the castle]] [[File:Passenger ferry on Aurajoki.jpg|thumb|Water bus (passenger ferry) on the river]] Tickets are harmonized with some of the surrounding municipalities – Raisio, [[Naantali]], [[Kaarina]], [[Turku countryside|Rusko]], [[Turku countryside|Lieto]] and [[Paimio]] – as the "'''[http://www.foli.fi/en Föli]'''" cooperation. Tickets are handled as if all buses serving the area were local, except for lines 117, 118, 119 and 802. Coaches without line numbers are not covered (nor Onnibus, which has its own numbering scheme). * {{listing|type=around | name=Monitori | alt= | url= | email=joukkoliikenne@turku.fi | address=Aurakatu 8 | lat=60.45034 | long=22.26664 | directions=in KOP-kolmio by Kauppatori | phone=+358 2 262-0100 | tollfree= | hours={{show by date|2025|01|30|hour=16|M–F 08:00–16:00|M–Th 08:00–18:00 F 09:00–16:00}} | price= | lastedit=2018-06-05 | content=Bus customer service, combined with municipal services. }} {{cautionbox|The bus lines were revamped 1 July 2025. Check routes and line numbers. |lastedit=2025-03-21 }} For occasional bus travel, use your debit/credit card (EMV-NFC payment). Use the same card for all your Föli travels, to have your previous payment taken into account on transfers etc. For any special circumstances (such as paying for two), explain what you want to the driver before using your card. I single ticket with 2 hr transfer time is €3.15/1.55, by cash €4.50/2, €1 more in the night. Child fare applies for 7–15 years old; younger children not travelling alone travel for free, as do adults with a wheelchair (also an assistant) or pram. The Föli pages have several map views (e.g. one showing the current locations of buses) and tailored timetable views (such as for a specific stop) and a '''route planner'''. The planner works well in most situations, but some sanity checks are needed: the planner can guess at destinations with "similar" spelling, it thinks "Bus station, Turku" means the one in the port, and it may behave oddly when no suitable bus is found for whatever reason. You can also use the [http://nysse.mobi Nysse] mobile app for journey planning. Most buses go through the centre, passing '''Kauppatori'''. However, city bus stops are spread out along a few blocks of Eerikinkatu and Aurakatu and regional buses mostly depart from Puutori/Trätorget (one block diagonally towards the bus station) or from the bus station. To avoid walking a few hundred metres, you can often transfer at some other stops, shared or closer one to the other. Lines 4xx and 6xx north- or north-eastward to or via some part of Lieto, lines 7xx eastward to or via Piikkiö (except 702 and 72x), line 20 and line 206 leave from Puutori; lines 702 and 72x via Piikkiö towards Kimitoön and lines 8xx and 9xx to or via Pargas from the bus station. The rest of the 2xx and 3xx lines have their stops near Kauppatori. There are few 'circle lines', so usually if you need to transfer, you will need to take one bus to the centre, then transfer there to the bus taking you to your final destination. Often the most convenient transfer point is the stop before or after the stop by Kauppatori. The Föli route planner does a good job at finding optimal transfer spots for specific times, optimising for speed or optionally minimising walking. As buses generally go in two directions from the centre, make sure that you are taking the correct numbered bus in the correct direction as well. Destinations are mentioned on some stops and alternating between languages on most buses, but you should still note the numbers of the lines you intend to use. If going towards Kauppatori it is mostly enough to know on what side of the street to stand. Many buses announce the next stop by voice and display. Buses passing the municipality border mostly have 3-digit numbers (notable exceptions: lines 6 and 7). Buses not reaching Turku (often minibuses with sparse schedules) have their number prefixed with a letter, such as L for Lieto – but "P" means Turku lines meant primary for seniors. There are some quirks, e.g. some '''regional buses''' use stops for city buses, others those for coaches (notably 702, 90x). To add to the confusion, a few coach stops have had their signs changed to bus stop signs (there have been similar changes elsewhere in the region). The main stop affected is the one at the cathedral, where all services along Uudenmaankatu stop by either of the signs. Regional buses with destinations outside the Föli area are usually part of the cooperation inside it, but for trips out of the area you cannot use Föli tickets even to the border (notably 7xx, 8xx and 9xx via Kaarina, and some 4xx buses through Lieto). A few such buses (117–119 and 802) don't take Föli tickets at all. Electronic displays and timetables at bus stops ignore some regional buses. Single '''tickets''' are valid for unlimited transfers within two hours of the ticket's purchase. They can be bought with debit/credit cards (Visa, Mastercard or Eurocard) that have contactless (EMV-NFC) payment enabled, with the Föli app or in advance for €3.15, children 7–14: €1.55. Bought by cash from the driver they cost €4.50/2. If you want tickets for other than a single adult, tell the driver and show your card to the device only when the correct option has been registered. In the night (23:00–04:00) tickets cost €1 more. Notes of more than €20 are usually not accepted. Persons in wheelchair and the person assisting travel for free, as does a person with an infant or toddler in a baby carriage (use the middle door, the driver will help with the wheelchair ramp; there is usually sufficient space). Children under 7 years old need a ticket only when travelling alone. If you intend to take the bus more than twice a day (read: in more than two 2-hr periods), it becomes economical to ask the bus driver for a 24-hour ticket. The electronic payments should do this automatically and subtract already paid single tickets from the price, given that you use the same card or smartphone all the time. They also keep count of the 2 hr transfer period. The office at Kauppatori, R kiosks and other service points sell cards for one day and more, costing €8.30 for one day, €57 for 30 days. The equivalent can also be bought in the app. If you are going to travel much also outside the Föli area, check the [[Finland Proper#Get around|Seutu plus]] tickets (single, 10-trip and 30-day tickets available for a rang of regions). Those staying more than a few days or travelling as a group may want to check other options also, e.g. "value cards", with which trips (including transfers) cost €2.60/1.20, plus €1 in the night. For groups, ask for a group card (ordinary children's cards are personal, adults' cards valid for three persons). Show the card to the machine once for each person the first time, once for all the group at "transfers". Value (and days) can be added on the Internet, in the Föli bureau and at some other locations. Once upon the time modifier letters (as in 12A and 12B) got removed and numbers changed (in this case to 32 and 42). The lines are ordered according to these associations: 1, 2, 2A, 3, 30, 4,… Often the '''associated lines''' behave the same most of the route, but have different destinations in one end. In a few cases the destination varies without any change in line number, usually with a sign in the front window of the bus. The corresponding notes in the timetable are often incomprehensible without some understanding of the individual lines, but usually you know when you need to understand them and can ignore them otherwise. The worst trap is some extra rush hour buses on long lines stopping prematurely: check that you get the one going all the way to your stop. '''From 1 July 2025 the line number scheme changed''', with lines with low numbers having frequent services, and other new logic; only a few lines retain their old numbers and some routes disappear or change significantly. '''Timetable''' booklets (fetch one from the Föli service point) give starting times at the ends of the route and at Kauppatori, and an estimated duration of the trip to or from Kauppatori. Some lines are (only or additionally) listed in groups, with information for common (possibly intermediate) destinations. Sometimes a line being in the booklet twice is not evident, check carefully if relevant. The timetables at major stops instead give the estimated passing time of the bus (and line number, as lines are grouped together). A map might be for sale separately (€2; not including the neighbouring towns, nor the extreme points of Turku). School buses, night lines, rush hour lines and lines serving the elderly, and the quirks of these, are partly handled in their own maps, chapters and booklets, although tickets are valid as usual. <!-- oops: the scheme seems to have changed, unclear how, until winter 2025 it was as follows: Timetables differ between winter, shoulder season and the schools' summer vacations, with new timetables published before the spring and winter seasons. Individual lines may change at other times, noted in their timetables. --> Some interesting or useful lines include: * '''1 Seaport – centre – bus station – airport''' The line to use to and from the seaport and airport. '''1B''' skips the airport leg. Departs from the airport and seaport every 20 minutes on weekdays and Saturdays, twice an hour on Sundays, more often to and from the harbour at ferry arrival and departure times. Much cheaper than taking a cab. The route happens to pass by several hotels. * '''8 Centre – Railway station – Ruissalo''' The bus route through the large Ruissalo island, a popular summer destination with beaches, villas, a botanic garden and a nature reserve. * '''14, 15 Saramäki – Oriketo – centre – Erikvalla / Kakskerta''' Bus lines which go to islands of Satava (14) and Kakskerta (15), which have beautiful countryside and archipelago nature to enjoy. 40-min ride from Kauppatori (one way). * '''21, 23 Centre – Paattinen – Tortinmäki''' Long countryside route which you can ride at no more cost than the ordinary city bus ticket. Tortinmäki is a 6-km walk (or bike ride) from [[Kurjenrahka National Park]], in season some of the services extend to the park. * '''32, 42 Varissuo – Pansio/Perno via railway stations''' Between a major suburb and a major employer (the shipyard), so frequent. The routes go via the Kupitta railway station, Kauppatori and the central railway station. Line 32 also passes near the exhibition centre. * '''99 Ilpoinen / Uittamo – Skanssi – Länsikeskus – Perno / Pansio''' A long "suburb sightseeing" line bypassing the centre; a one-way ride takes over an hour. * '''[https://www.foli.fi/en/waterbus 180 water bus] Martinsilta – Pikisaari and Ruissalo''' A water bus using Föli tickets, bikes free; late May through August, some September weekends). See [[#By ferry 2|By ferry below]]. ===By taxi === [[File:Aurakatu Turku 3 kesä 2011.jpg|thumb|Aura street in central Turku.]] Taxis are abundant and easily available throughout the city. There are three crunch times when getting a taxi might be problematic: the morning and evening ferry departure times (particularly in summer), around 08:00 and 21:00, and the bar closing times (particularly on weekends) around 04:00. Quick 1–3 km trips cost in the €8–18 vicinity (the 10-km 15-min example ride mostly costs around €35) – prices have gone up with the deregulation as Helsinki-based companies have harmonised prices across the country. Taxis generally accept major international credit cards. At the railway station and similar places there may also be a "Kimppataxi" offering rides together with strangers (cf ''minivans'' in some countries), which in some cases is considerably cheaper. Don't be afraid of "wild" drivers found at the railway station or other busy taxi stands (and available by a call), just check that their prices aren't rip-offs – which could be a problem in the night. Any taxi should have the yellow taxi sign and a meter. Most taxis use the Taxidata call centre. There are several other companies, including Taksi Länsi-Suomi (serving most of Finland Proper), the Helsinki based companies (at least Menevä) and some small ones, but their cars are mainly found at certain taxi ranks. If using their call centres it might be wise to check that there is a taxi available nearby before committing. Pre-booking is free for some of these competitors. Like elsewhere in Finland, the taxis belong to smaller companies with just an agreement with the call centre. * {{listing|type=around | name=Taxidata | alt= | url=http://taxidata.fi/hinnasto/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 2 100-41 | tollfree= | hours= | price=€1.67/call+pvm/mpm (app free); flag-fall M–F 06:00–18:00, Sa 06:00–16:00 €3.90, other times €6.90; €1.10/km + €0.90/min for 1–4 passengers or €1.59/km + €0.90/min for 5–8 passengers. Example: 4 persons 5 km in the evening, 30 km/h, called by phone: €1.67+6.90+5.50+9+mpm = €23.07+mpm | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2017-06-30 | content=Also bookable by app. Calling centre used by most taxis. }} * {{listing | type=around | name=Menevä Turku | url=https://www.meneva.fi/en/service-areas/varsinais-suomi/turku | email=leif@meneva.fi | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 50-471-0470 (head of office) | tollfree=0800-02120 (booking) | hours= | price=Flag fall M–Sa 06:00–18:00: €4, other times and holidays: €7; 1–4 persons €0.90/km + €0.90/km, 5–8 persons minimum €20, €1.60/km + €0.90/min (July 2020) | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-25 | content=Also bookable by app or web. Fixed price based on calculated route and time if destination address given when booking by app or web. }} * {{listing | type=around | name=Taksi Länsi-Suomi | alt= | url=https://www.taksilansisuomi.fi/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 20-003-000 (extra charge?) | tollfree= | hours= | price=Flag fall M–F 06:00–20:00, Sa 06:00–16:00 €4.90, other times €8.90; 1–4 persons €1.49/km + €0.99/min, 5–8 persons €1.89/km + €0.99/min | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-06-19 | content=Serves most of Finland Proper. Call centre in cooperation with Taksi Helsinki. Available also through the Valopilkku app. }} * {{listing | type=around | name=iTaksi | alt= | url=https://www.itaksi.fi | email=info@itaksi.fi | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 10-212-0000 (extra charge?) | tollfree= | hours= | price=€4.00/6.00+€0.90/km+€0.85/min | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Also bookable by app or web. Fixed price based on calculated route and time if destination address given when booking by app or web. }} * {{listing|type=around | name=Yango | alt= | url=https://yango.yandex.com/turku/tariff | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=€6.00+€1.10/km+€0.40/min (Starting fare includes 5 min and 2 km) | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-12-17 | content=Yango is a Russian company which offers cheap fares. }} * Smartphone apps: Valopilkku, 02 Taksi, Uber, Taksinappi, Bolt ===By electric kick scooter=== Swedish [http://www.voiscooters.com Voi], German [https://tier.app Tier] and Norwegian [https://www.ryde-technology.com Ryde] have electric kick scooters for rent, to use in the centre. Dott seems to be coming. See [[Finland#By motorised scooter|Finland &sect; By motorised scooter]]. Don't drive in Kauppatori, but park in the vicinity. ===By ferry === [[Image:Turku Ferry across river Aura.jpg|thumb|Föri crossing Aura river in front of the guest harbour.]] * {{marker|type=around|url=|name=Föri|lat=60.4411 | long=22.2479 |wikipedia=Föri |wikidata=Q1480060 |image=Turku, Finland - panoramio (27).jpg |hours=06:15–21:00 daily, in summer 06:15–23:00, replaced by boardwalk in cold winters |price=Free |content=This city ferry shuttles people and their bikes (no cars allowed) across the Aura River since a century, first taking passengers in 1904. Beloved by Turku citizens, the little orange ferry covers a grand distance of 78 metres and takes about a minute and a half. A running local gag is to ask visitors if they have taken the trip from Turku across to Åbo on the Föri yet; actually, both sides of the river are called the same, Åbo is just the Swedish name. Incidentally, the name comes from the Swedish ''färja'' and is related to the English word "ferry". }} * {{listing|type=around | name=Pikkuföri | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=by Forum Marinum | phone= | tollfree= | hours=July | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-07-08 | content=A smaller pedestrian ferry that crosses the river downstream in peak tourist season. }} * {{listing|type=around|url=https://www.foli.fi/en/waterbus|name=Föli water buses |price=Ordinary Föli ticket, bikes free |hours=2022: daily 23 May–28 Aug, Sa–Su until 17 September. Every 45 min, round trip 1.5 hr. First departure 10:15, last return back by Martinsilta 19:55, an additional evening tour to and from Telakka in June–July |content=m/s ''Ruissalo'' and m/s ''Jaarli'' go from just downstream from Martinsilta (eastern, left bank) to the Kansanpuisto park on Ruissalo (this call skipped around the Ruisrock event), via Forum Marinum and either Pikisaari on Hirvensalo or the Telakka marina on Ruissalo. Tip: Take a bicycle with you without extra fee if the ferry is not too crowded. }} * {{listing|type=around|url=http://jakkejokilautta.fi/|name=Jakke Jokilautta| image=Jakke Jokilautta.jpg |price=€5/2 (children 3–14), family (2+2) €12 |content=''River ferry Jakke'' is a café ferry going up and down the river all the way from the castle to the cathedral. Along the way you can enjoy refreshments and the wonderful views of the city. Some of the cruises are also guided. There are five stops along the river for the ferry: Tintå restaurant, Pharmacy museum, Esposito, Turku guest harbour and Crichton street. The ferry always stops at the Pharmacy museum and Crichton street, and if there are people waiting for the ferry, also on the other stops. }} ====Archipelago cruises==== [[File:SS Ukkopekka Kultaranta 2004.jpg|thumb|Ukkopekka on its way from Naantali to Turku.]] There are a number of cruises in and tour boat connections to the archipelago, e.g. to the island [[Rymättylä#Recreation islands|Vepsä]], a recreational area of the city (1 hr one way), to [[Nagu]] parish village or [[Själö]] (2 hr across Airisto, back in the evening), to [[Utö (Finland)|Utö]] in the very outskirts of the Archipelago Sea (5 hr; twice a week, overnight stay at the island necessary due to the distance) or to [[Naantali]] with the Moomin world, Kultaranta (the summer residence of the President of Finland) and a nice wooden old town. Most ferries taking passengers to the archipelago can be found between Martinsilta bridge and Föri. Some of the tours are available only in summertime, others continue as long as ice conditions permit. On your way out from the city you can see the old ships by Forum Marinum, Turku castle, the harbour and Pikisaari and Ruissalo with their old charming villas, before you reach the open Airisto. * {{listing|type=around|url=http://www.ukkopekka.fi/en |name=s/s Ukkopekka | wikipedia=SS Ukkopekka |image=SS Ukkopekkaa.jpg |wikidata=Q4412741 | directions=just downstream of the Martinsilta bridge |lat=60.44416 | long=22.25336 |phone= |price=Naantali: €24 single, €29 return, family €66/80, lunch €14; Loistokari: €48–55; children 3–12/3–14 half price |content=Family-owned steamship. Archipelago cruises from Turku to Naantali (day cruises; 1 hr 45 min each way, immediate return or 2 hr in Naantali) and to the island of Loistokari (evening cruises, dance at the Loistokari pier, buffet meal included) in the summer season. }} * {{listing|type=around |name=m/s Rudolfina |url=http://www.rudolfina.fi | email=rudolfina@rudolfina.fi |lat=60.4433 | long=22.2515 |phone=+358 2 250-2995, +358 40-846-3000 |price=€30–40, including a meal |wikidata=Q52333105 |image=Rudolfina Aurajoella 2.JPG |content=Lunch and diner cruises. }} * {{listing|type=around | name=Rosita |alt= |url=http://www.rosita.fi/reittiliikenne.php | email=info@rosita.fi | image=Lily Turku.JPG |lat=60.44401 | long=22.25297 | phone=+358 2 213-1500 | price=Return €20/9, single €12/6, family €47, pets €4; children 0–11; reduction €2/ticket on internet | lastedit=2024-07-28 | content=With '''m/s ''Lily''''' you can depart for a two-hour cruise in the Airisto or spend the entire summer's day (or a few) on the Vepsä island. The voyage is an hour each way. There is a café on board. The main deck consist of a bright 100-person lounge, with a 40-seater cabinet downstairs and a large deck and sun terrace upstairs. Also plain cruises. }} * {{listing|type=around | name=m/s Norrskär | alt= | url=https://vitharun.fi/en/timetables/turku-seili-nagu/ | email=info@vitharun.fi | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 37 | lat=60.4431 | long=22.25099 | directions= | phone=+358 400-176-684 | tollfree= | hours=2021: 8 May–19 September Sa–Su, 12 Jun–29 Aug daily; 09:30 or 10:00 from Turku, 11:15 at Själö, 12:15 in Kyrkbacken, start from Kyrkbacken 16:00 or 16:15, back 18:15 or 18:30 | price=Själö or Kyrkbacken single €25/15, return €37/23; bike €6, return €10; children 3–15 years | lastedit=2021-05-24 | content=Connects Turku with Själö and Kyrkbacken. Times with guided tours on Själö. Kiosk on board. Lunch possible in Själö or Kyrkbacken. }} ===By car === Parking lots by the street are sparse in some hours, but otherwise you should be able to park your car for a while quite near the place where you are going. Short time parking is often free, as is public parking in nights and Sundays, and free parking lots can be found in the outskirts of the city. In weekdays (M–F 09:00–20:00, Sa 09:00–17:00), public paid parking costs €3.60/1.80/0.60 per hour depending on area; app or credit/debit card needed. Private paid parking usually has no free hours, but can be cheaper for long stays. When parking in the street, especially in winter and spring, note times reserved for maintenance. Parking halls, such as the underground {{marker|type=around |url=https://www.aimopark.fi/en/cities/turku/louhi/ |name=P Louhi |lat=60.45490 | long=22.26060}} (stairs/lift to Kauppatori and the pedestrian street) usually have plenty of free space. Q-Park operates several parking halls in central Turku. Most of the largest hotels have their own parking halls. ===By funicular=== * {{listing |type=around | name=Kakola funicular | alt= | url=https://www.turku.fi/en/funicular | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q26723781 | lastedit=2022-07-28 | content=The Kakola funicular opened in 2019, takes passengers up to the Kakola hill. The first funicular in Finland, it's more of an elevator as it lacks a driver. Kakola was known for the prison that operated there until 2007 after which the buildings were renovated into offices and apartments. Riding the funicular is free of charge but as it has been riddled with problems since the opening, and has become infamous for being out of service every now and then there's a chance you don't get to try out ride at all. }} ==See== The vast majority of the city's sights are within a kilometre or two from Kauppatori. Two sights in the city are considered above others (by Finnish visitors): the medieval castle, which is the symbol of Turku, and Turku cathedral, the national shrine of Finland, but there are several more modest pearls to find. Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova invites visitors to explore the medieval history and culture of Turku and to reflect upon thought-provoking contemporary art. ''Luostarinmäki'' is the only larger part of the city that survived the great fire of Turku in 1827. Nowadays it houses an open air living handicrafts museum, with local artisans working in traditional ways. The ''biological museum'' has dioramas showing Finnish fauna of different biotops. The ''museum of art'' has a collection from the time of national awakening in the 19th century, besides more modern works. The '''Museokortti''' card gives free entrance to most museums. ===History and museums=== [[File:Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova Turku 06.jpg|thumb|Ruin hall in Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova, with the vaults reconstructed as light bands]] * {{see | name=Aboa Vetus et Ars Nova | alt= | url=https://avan.fi/en | email=info@aboavetusarsnova.fi | address=Itäinen Rantakatu 4–6 | lat=60.449844 | long=22.273457 | directions= | phone=+358 20-718-640 | tollfree= | hours=11:00–19:00 | price=€10/7/5.50, family ticket €24, children under 7 free | wikidata=Q3022430 | content=Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova combines history and contemporary art; Aboa Vetus tells about the history of Turku and about archaeology, with a nice touch for children. Ars Nova is a museum of modern art. The permanent exhibition of Aboa Vetus illuminates the medieval life of Turku. The museum consists of the ruins of stone buildings exposed in archaeological excavations. Now you can actually step in and walk on the medieval streets of Turku, which used to be buried underground. The largest museum shop in Turku, Laurentius museum shop, is by the entrance. It sells jewellery, toys, cards, books and other souvenirs. The museum also houses [https://avan.fi/en/cafe-pegasus M Kitchen and Café], the brunch of which is especially popular among Turku residents. In the summertime the [https://www.linnateatteri.fi/ Linnateatteri] theatre company also performs comedy in the museums courtyard. }} * {{see | name=Botanical Garden | alt= | url=https://sites.utu.fi/kasvitieteellinen-puutarha/en/ | email=puutarharuissalo@utu.fi | address=Ruissalon puistotie 215 | lat=60.4333 | long=22.17334 | directions= | phone=+358 2 276-1900 | tollfree= | hours=Indoor gardens daily 10:00–17:00, outdoor gardens daily 08:00–20:00 | price=Indoor gardens €6/4/free, Outdoor gardens are free | content=The Turku University Botanical Garden on the Island of Ruissalo is both a centre for scientific research and a public showcase for the fascinating world of plants. The outdoor and indoor gardens display over 5000 species and varieties of plants. In the greenhouses are a wide range of succulent plants and a collection of tropical species. Next to the modern greenhouse is the outdoor garden where the edible plants, roses, meadow flowers, rock plants and exotic trees and shrubs all flourish. Another distinguishing feature of the new landscapes are the artificial ponds containing colourful waterlilies and other wetland plants. There's also a cafeteria on the garden premises. }} * {{see | name=Biological Museum | alt=Biologinen museo/Biologiska museet | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/biologicalmuseum | email=biologinenmuseo@turku.fi | address=Neitsytpolku 1 | lat=60.4446 | long=22.2645 | directions=by Urheilupuisto | phone=+358 2 262-0340 | tollfree= | hours=In summer daily 10:00–18:00, in winter Tu–Su 09:00–17:00 | price=adults €7, children (7–15) €2.50, family €16, Museum Card valid | wikidata=Q4086898 | lastedit=2024-07-28 | content=A diorama-museum that resides in a beautiful wooden Art Nouveau building. Thirteen nature scenes present the fauna and flora of Finland, from the archipelago all the way to the fells of Lapland. In all, 30 common Finnish mammals and 136 bird species are on display. The museum is great for all those interested in nature and cultural history. It was established in 1907 and most of the dioramas date back all the way to that period. Since spring 2024 they are complemented by digital content, such as animal sounds, and things that can be touched; also the yard has been included, with e.g. an insect hotel (take a quick tour around the house). There are also varying small-scale exhibitions and other types of annual events held at the museum. The museum is a popular visiting destination for school groups and it is also a suitable visiting destination for younger children. A small museum shop sells postcards, posters and other assorted items related to the museum. }}<!-- -->[[File:Brinkhallin kartano.jpg|thumb|Brinkhall Manor]] * {{see | name=Brinkhall Manor | alt= | url=https://www.brinkhall.fi/ | email=brinkhall@kulttuuriperinto.fi | address=Brinkhallintie 414 | lat=60.3700 | long=22.2408 | directions= | phone=+358 440-940-048 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=24 Jun-17 Aug: Tu–Su 10:00–18:00 | price= | content=The Brinkhall Manor, on the island of Kakskerta, can trace its history back to the 16th century. The manor consists of some 20 buildings and 34 hectares of park, gardens, agricultural land and forest as well as sea and lake shores. Brinkhall’s neoclassical main building was built in 1793. In the beginning of the 20th century major renovations were carried out, also in the classical style. Brinkhall´s English garden was one of the first in this style in Finland in the beginning of 19th century. A few years ago Brinkhall provided the location for a historical TV-drama series called ''Hovimäki'', which became widely celebrated in Finland. Before filming, the manor had been empty for decades. Now Brinkhall Manor has a café, where you can also find the Interior Museum and exhibitions. In mid July Brinkhall is the site of a music festival ''[http://www.brinkhallsoi.fi Brinkhall Soi]''. }}<!-- -->[[File:Ett Hem 03.JPG|thumb|''Ett Hem'' -Museum]] * {{see | name=Ett Hem | alt="A home" | url=http://etthem.fi/?lang=en | email=etthem@stiftelsenabo.fi | address=Piispankatu 14 | lat=60.45386 | long=22.27879 | directions=behind the Cathedral, opposite the Sibelius Museum. | phone=+358 50-363-2982 | tollfree= | hours=May–Sep and 30 Nov–5 Jan: W–Su 11:00–16:00; groups by agreements | price=€5, pensioners €4, students and children €2; museum card valid | wikidata=Q4165181 | lastedit=2024-10-20 | content=In their will Alfred and Hélène Jacobsson donated their 19th century house to the Swedish university of Turku, ''Åbo Akademi'', as a museum. The idea was to preserve the atmosphere of upper class life in Turku. They owned a two storey building at Hämeenkatu 30, designed by the German architect Carl Ludwig Engel. Later the interiors were moved to more humble surroundings and the museum is now in a wooden Empire-style building. The age and style of the different artefacts vary, but as a whole "Ett hem" ("A home") is decorated according to the neo-renaissance principles. The museum has both a cultural and historical value. Especially important is the art collection, where most of the famous Finnish artists of the Golden Age of Finnish art, the period around 1900, are represented. }} * {{see | name=Forum Marinum | alt= | url=http://www.forum-marinum.fi/en | email= | address=Linnankatu 72 | lat=60.4366 | long=22.2349 | directions=Just after the guest harbor when going downstream towards Turku Castle, you can't miss it, bus line 1 | phone=+358 2 267-9511 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 267-9515 | hours=wintertime: Daily 11:00–19:00 | price=€9/5/– for the museum; €6/4 ships | wikidata=Q3917218 | content=The Forum Marinum Maritime Centre is a lively and versatile centre for maritime activities, comprising a national special maritime museum, and the Finnish Navy Museum. There are temporary exhibitions and a very interesting [http://www.forum-marinum.fi/en/exhibitions/museum-ships/ boat and ship collection]: two tall sail ships, ''Suomen Joutsen (Swan of Finland)'' and ''Sigyn'', four naval ships and several smaller vessels, ranging from a steam harbour tugboat to a police boat. The museum ships are open during the summer months only, while the exhibitions are open throughout the year. The museum also houses a Café Restaurant called Daphne, which serves café delicacies and a tasty, varied buffet lunch. The Museum Shop offers maritime gifts and other articles, literature and high-quality textiles. }} * {{see | name=Healthcare Museum | alt= | url=https://www.turku.fi/toimipaikat/turun-terveydenhuoltomuseo | email= | address=Kunnallissairaalantie 20 | lat=60.4413 | long=22.2753 | directions= | phone=+358 2 266-2421 | tollfree= | hours=Every last Monday of the month 16:00–18:00 and by appointment | price=€4, children under 16 years free | content=At the Turku Health Care Museum you get an insight into the history of healthcare. How were people treated for such things as tuberculosis or polio? What instruments would you find in the operating room? At the Turku Health Care Museum you can see the evil of diseases such as cholera and tuberculosis, view medical and autopsy equipment, electro-shock devices, as well as the operating room and the instruments used. The museum also displays artefacts from maternity and childcare clinics as well as items from medical schools from years ago. See an example of a baby carriage box that the midwives and nurses used to carry the new born babies of mothers with tuberculosis to the ''Joulumerkkikoti'' nursery to keep them safe from infection. Another attraction is an entire collection of uniforms for hospital personnel. Many of the styles were abandoned because of the conflict concerning the money spent on uniforms. Of pride of place in the middle of the museum is the ''Heideken'' exhibition showing christening gown, baptismal font, Bible, and the maternity hospital with its equipment. }}<!-- -->[[File:Kuralan kylämäki.jpg|thumb|Kuralan Kylämäki – Village of Living History]] * {{see | name=Kuralan Kylämäki – Village of Living History | alt=Kuralan Kylämäki | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/kylamakivillage | email=infopiste.kurala@turku.fi | address=Jaanintie 45 | lat=60.4622 | long=22.3365 | directions=Bus lines 2 and 2A | phone=+358 2 262-0420 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=summertime Tu–Su 10:00–18:00, also open around Christmas | price=Free | wikidata=Q11873640 | content=Kylämäki in Kurala is a village of living history, where visitors can travel back in time to a typical farm of south-west Finland in the 1950s, complete with authentic scents and rural atmosphere. It is made up of four farms with buildings standing at their original sites. The Kylämäki Village is ideal for families with children, since touching and experiencing is allowed – and there are corners with period toys and playing equipment. The village has been inhabited since the 7th century. In the summer months, you can see women at their domestic chores in the Iso-Kohmo House, making juices and jams, or dairy treats traditionally prepared around Midsummer. Visitors get to participate in some of the farm's tasks, such as hay making and handicraft: 1950s-style items out of clay, paper, yarn or fabric, tablet weaving with plant-dyed yarns and making leather belts and pouches. The themes vary, check in advance to time right. There is also an '''experimental archaeology workshop'''. In addition to research, it lets children explore prehistoric working methods and test their hunting skills using ancient weaponry. There is cooperation with revival associations. The workshop is open all year round. }}<!-- -->[[File:Women with baskets at the Luostarinmäki (Cloister Hill) Handicrafts Museum in Turku.jpeg|thumb|Women with baskets at the Luostarinmäki outdoor museum.]] * {{see | name=Luostarinmäki | alt=Cloister Hill | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/handicraftsmuseum | email= | address=Vartiovuorenkatu 2 | lat=60.44702 | long=22.27673 | directions= | phone=+358 2 262-0350 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€7/4/4, family €18 | wikidata=Q1979979 | content=In 1827 a fire destroyed almost all of Turku. The Luostarinmäki area (then a quite poor area in the outskirts of the town) was the only larger part of the city that was saved. Now the area is preserved and it houses the Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum (''Käsityöläismuseo''), an outdoor museum with charming late 18th century wooden house quarters. All the buildings are in their original places, which is extremely rare in an outdoor museum. Over thirty workshops from different fields of craftsmanship display the City's handicrafts history and old dwellings. During the summer season, the museum's workshops have craftsmen working there every day. The museum's shops, postal office and cafeteria serve customers round the year. The highlight of the year are the Handicrafts Days in August. During the days, masters of different professions, i.e. Golden Apple Guild masters and apprentices get together and their products are sold in the museum's shops. }} * {{see | name=Old Great Square | alt=Vanha Suurtori | url= | email=kulttuuri.tilat@turku.fi | address=Vanha Suurtori 7 | lat=60.45076 | long=22.27582 | directions=across the parks by Turku Cathedral | phone=+358 2 262-0961 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Old Great Square area is part of the old Turku city centre. Today, this exceptionally handsome milieu serves as the perfect setting for such events as the annual declaration of Christmas peace and the Medieval Market. The Old Great Square was a major traffic hub, marketplace and administrative centre from the 13th century to the beginning of the 19th century. Today, the square has four historically significant buildings: the Brinkkala Mansion, Old City Hall, Hjelt Mansion and Juselius Mansion. The old buildings have been fully restored for use as cultural venues. The Old Great Square comes to life with a wide variety of events. At Christmastime, the square is transformed into a Christmas Market, and in the summer it is time for the Medieval Market. Old Great Square and its vicinities are home to several important neoclassical buildings including the {{marker|type=see|name=Old Academy Building|lat=60.45176 | long=22.27965}} and the {{marker|type=see|name=Old Town Hall|lat=60.45051 | long=22.27613}} }}<!-- -->[[File:Turun apteekkimuseo.jpg|thumb|The Qwensel House, with the Pharmacy Museum.]] * {{see | name=The Qwensel House and Pharmacy Museum | alt=Apteekkimuseo | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/pharmacymuseum | email=apteekkimuseo@turku.fi | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 13 | lat=60.4486 | long=22.26769 | directions= | phone=+358 2 262-0280 | tollfree= | hours=Tu–Su 10:00–18:00 | price=Adults €7, concession €3.50, children 7–15 €2.50, 0–6 free, Family admission (2+2?) €16 | wikidata=Q4356801 | lastedit=2025-06-05 | content=The Qwensel House is the oldest bourgeois housing from the autarchic times that has survived in its entirety in Turku. The house was built approximately in the year 1700 to an area that was reserved for the nobility in the city plan put up by Count Per Brahe the Younger. A pharmacy from the 19th century has been furnished in the shop wing of the building. The pharmacy has a material room and a herb room, two laboratories and an office. The office has the oldest surviving pharmacy interior in Finland. The exhibition wing of the building has an extensive collection of pharmacy utensils on display. There is also a pharmaceutical research laboratory and pharmacy history exhibition in the wing. In addition to the main exhibitions, there are also varying smaller exhibitions and events held at the museum every year. The former stable, outhouse and barn are at the northern end of the baker wing of the building. The Pipping family used to have an orchard by the Linnankatu Street. The cafeteria, in the Pharmacy Museum's inner courtyard, is a charming spot of old milieu in the heart of the city. During the summer there are chickens and roosters in the yard and you can really feel you have travelled back in time. The café serves home-made pastries prepared according to recipes from the 18th century. Also their teas are worth checking. The two chambers, are in the wing that was housed by the building's owners in the 18th century. The chambers have been furnished in 18th-century fashion. The same wing used to have a kitchen, a chamber, maid's chamber, a shed, a carriage shed and a granary according to fire insurance documents from 1791. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=The Scout Museum of Finland | alt= | url=http://partiomuseo.fi/en/ | email=partiomuseo@partio.fi | address=Läntinen Pitkäkatu 13 | lat=60.4560 | long=22.2633 | directions= | phone=+358 2 237-7692 | tollfree= | hours=1 September–31 May Sa 12:00–15:00 or by agreement (additional €8) | price=€2/1 | content=Finland's Scout Museum is a national special museum that is maintained by the Finnish Scouting Museum Association. It displays uniforms, insignia, flags and literature related to the scout movement in Finland. }} * {{see | name=Turku Castle | alt=Turun linna | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/turkucastle | email=turunlinna@turku.fi | address=Linnankatu 80 | lat=60.4353 | long=22.2287 | directions=near the harbour, bus 1 | phone=+358 2 262-0300 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Su 10:00–17:00 | price=€16, students etc. €8, children (7–15) €7, family (2 adults, up to 4 children) €39, students of the field and museum staff (ICOM) free; public guided tour €3, private tours €70–300 | image=Castle of Turku, old side.jpg | wikidata=Q136893 | lastedit=2025-06-05 | content=Turku castle is one of Finland's most popular tourist attractions. The castle, which at times housed Swedish royalty, is the largest castle in Finland, and dates back to end of the 13th century. In addition to telling about the castle and its history, the castle functions as the general historic museum of the region. There are two loops, one around the old (Medieval and 16th century) part, one around the new part. Some of the rooms have been renovated to the style of different periods in the castle's history, although with scarce furniture, some are pure exhibitions. A room redesigned as church in the 19th century still functions as such. Tours of the castle are given hourly in English during high season (check!) and they give a good account of its history. There are also a children's workshop and children's tours. Private tours can be arranged even in off hours, book well in advance. There are many steep and narrow staircases in the old part and there are few shortcuts, check if that might be an issue. }} ===Art=== [[File:Turku Art Museum in 2011.jpg|thumb|Turku Art Museum]] * {{see | name=Turku Art Museum | alt=Turun taidemuseo | url=http://www.turuntaidemuseo.fi/en/ | email=info@turuntaidemuseo.fi | address=Aurakatu 26 | lat=60.45410 | long=22.26188 | directions=dominates the Puolala hill, between Kauppatori and the railway station | phone=+358 40-632-3378, +358 2 262-7100 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–F 11:00–19:00, Sa Su 11:00–17:00 | price=€13/8, children under 16 for free, museum card valid | wikidata=Q4502138 | content=The museum focuses on Nordic art. The Golden Age of Finnish art, of around 1900, is well represented – the museum opened in 1904. There are national treasures including self-portraits, landscapes, Finnish surrealism as well as pop art. The museum's Art Nouveau national romantic granite façade rises at the end of Aurakatu. Tours are available in Finnish, Swedish, English and Russian. }}<!-- -->[[File:Wäinö Aaltosen museo.jpg|thumb|Wäinö Aaltonen Museum of Art]] * {{see | name=Wäinö Aaltonen Museum of Art | alt=WAM | url=http://www.wam.fi/en | email=wam@turku.fi | address={{show by date|2026|11|30|Nunnankatu 4|Itäinen Rantakatu 38}} | lat={{show by date|2026|11|30|60.4498|60.44498 }} | long={{show by date|2026|11|30|22.2749|long=22.26018 }} | directions={{show by date|2026|11|30|Art House Turku, near the Old Great Square|close to the left-hand end of Myllysilta; walk or take bus 14 or 15}} | phone=+358 2 262-0850 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–Su 10:00–18:00 | price=€10/4/2/– | wikidata=Q3019261 | lastedit= | content=Named in honour of the artist and sculptor ''Wäinö Aaltonen'' (1896–1966), born in Turku, the museum has a good collection of his works. Otherwise it features changing exhibitions, new and experimental art projects, and various cultural events. The permanent exhibition is based on the art collection of City of Turku, which includes a large collection of works by Wäinö Aaltonen himself. Temporary exhibitions focus on Finnish and international modern art. The museum also houses [http://www.cafewaino.fi Café Wäinö] which offers lunch and small art exhibitions on the café walls. During the renovation 2024–2026, exhibitions are in the Art House by Nunnankatu, instead of in the museum building by Itäinen Rantakatu. }} * {{see | name=Sibelius Museum | alt= | url=http://www.sibeliusmuseum.abo.fi | email= | address=Piispankatu 17 | lat=60.45370 | long=22.27748 | directions=150 m from the cathedral; a low modern concrete building | phone=+358 50-337-6906 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–Su 11:00–16:00, W also 18:00–20:00 | price=€7/5, guiding included, children under 18 free; concerts have varying prices | wikidata=Q4306382 | content=The most significant museum of music in Finland and is named after the famous Finnish composer. The museum building, itself considered as a pearl of modernist architecture, exhibits the life and music of the master composer as well as an interesting collection of musical instruments from all around the globe. The museum also organizes exhibitions and events. On Wednesday evenings the Chamber Music Hall hosts concerts during the spring and autumn season. }} * '''Art galleries'''. Turku is home to a number of smaller art galleries scattered around the city. The Turku Artists’ Association maintains a [http://www.turkuart.fi list of the galleries]. ===Churches=== Most of the churches are quite frequently used for concerts. * {{see | name=Turku Cathedral | alt= | url=https://www.turuntuomiokirkko.fi/english | email= | address= | lat=60.4524 | long=22.2783 | directions= | phone=+358 40-341-7100 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 09:00–18:00; note services and other events; main services Su 10:00 in Finnish, 12:00 in Swedish (not all Sundays), 14:30 in German and 16:00 in English | price=Free. Museum upstairs is €2/1/1 | wikipedia=Turku Cathedral | wikidata=Q1187606 | content=Dedicated to the Virgin Mary and Finland’s first bishop, St Henry, Turku Cathedral, on the hillock of Unikankare, is Finland’s National Sanctuary. It was consecrated in 1300 and is considered to be Finland’s most valuable historical monument as well as the mother church of the Lutheran Church of Finland. It is familiar, even dear to practically every Finn. Its bells chime at noon over the radio throughout Finland, and they also proclaim the Christmas peace to the country. Every part of the cathedral reflects the details of Finland and Turku's history; resting under the protection of the arches are bishops, captains of war, and one queen, Catherine Månsdotter of Sweden. The south gallery of the cathedral houses a museum, which takes you on a journey through history from the early 1300s. Displayed in the museum, among other things, are sculptures of saints, and church silverware from the Catholic era. Tours run 09:00–19:00 mid-September to mid-April and 09:00-20:00 mid-April to mid-September. }}[[File:St Michael's Church, Turku.jpg|thumb|upright|St Michael's Church.]] * {{see | name=St Michael's Church |alt=Mikaelinkirkko | url= | email= | address=Puistokatu 16 | lat=60.44871 | long=22.24801 | directions=10 minute walk from Market Square | phone=+358 40-341-7110 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 261-7112 | hours=Jun–Aug: M-F 11:00–18:00, Sa 10:00–13:00, Su 11:00–13:00 | price=Free | wikipedia=St Michael's Church, Turku |wikidata=Q2981811 | lastedit= | content=The western skyline of the city of Turku is dominated by Michael's Church which was consecrated in 1905. It was designed by Professor Lars Sonck. When he won the competition for the church in 1894, Sonck was only a 23-year old architectural student. Michael's church is a distinguished example of the neogothic style in architecture. It is a long church with three aisles, galleries and a multifaceted choir. In addition to the main entrance there are also doors at each corner of the church. The sacristy is behind the choir. The main spire rises to a height of 77 meters from the foundations. Many locals favour it as a wedding Church. }} * {{see | name=Martin's Church | alt=Martinkirkko | url= | email= | address=Huovinkatu | lat=60.44079 | long=22.25434 | directions=By foot 15 min from Market Square | phone=+358 40-341-7120 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open by agreement. Service in Finnish on Sundays at 10:00 | price=Free | wikipedia=Martin's Church | wikidata=Q2336184 | lastedit= | content=Martin's parish was founded in 1921 after which the parish council decided to build a church of its own. The church was consecrated on the 450th anniversary of the birth of Martin Luther, on 12 Nov 1933. The designers of the church were the architects Totti Sora and Gunnar Wahlroos. The church represents architectural [[Functionalist architecture in Finland|functionalism]]. Martin's church is a long church with three aisles with very narrow side aisles. The church has a functional and singular practicality of its own. The barrel-vaulting of the roof is one of the most outstanding features of the church. The whole altar wall is covered with an ''al secco'' painting of the Saviour nailed to the cross at Golgatha. This massive work is 15 m high and 9.5 m in breadth. At the time of painting this was the largest painting of its type in the whole of Scandinavia. }} * {{see | name=Orthodox Church | alt=Church of the Holy Martyr Empress Alexandra | url=http://www.ort.fi/en | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 19 | lat=60.45228 | long=22.26598 | directions=on the north side of Kauppatori | phone=+358 2 277-5443 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 10-15 | price= | wikipedia=Turku Orthodox Church | wikidata=Q2601450 | content=Main church of the Turku orthodox parish, affiliated with the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. The church was built by the plans of architect Carl Ludvig Engel and was ordered by Czar Nicholas I of Russia on 5 January 1838. Construction, which began in 1839, cost 67,886&nbsp;rubles and was completed in 1845. The church was consecrated on 2 September 1845. The church was dedicated to Alexandra, the spouse of Diocletian who had publicly became Christian and thus suffered a martyr’s death on 23 April 303. Most of the icons of the iconostasis have been made in [[Valaam|Valaam Monastery]]. There is also another Orthodox church in Turku, a small wooden one by the Russian consulate, under the Moscow Patriarchate. }} * {{see | name=Turku synagogue | alt= | url=https://www.jcturku.fi | email= | address=Brahenkatu 17 | lat=60.455746 | long=22.266539 | directions= | phone=+358 400-526-009 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Turku Synagogue | image=Turku Jewish Synagogue.jpg | wikidata=Q2601015 | content=One of two synagogues in Finland. Built 1912. }} * {{see | name=St Catherine's Church | alt=Pyhän Katariinan kirkko | url= | email= | address=Kirkkotie 46 | lat=60.46221 | long=22.29355 | directions=by the Student Village | phone=+358 2 261-7130 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open by arrangement, and special events | price=Free | wikipedia= St. Catherine's Church, Turku | wikidata=Q838441 | lastedit= | content=St Catherine's Church represents old medieval church building tradition. Although it was completely destroyed and has undergone several renovations, it has preserved something of its original appearance and retains the basic plan of a medieval Finnish church. There is a cemetery by the church. }} * {{see | name=St Mary's Church | alt=Maarian kirkko | url= | email= | address=Maunu Tavastinkatu 2 | lat=60.47341 | long=22.29327 | directions=Bus line 15 | phone=+358 40-341-7140 | tollfree= | hours=Jun–Aug: M–F 12:00-17:00. In wintertime open by agreement. Service in Finnish on Sundays at 10:00 | price=Free | wikipedia=St. Mary's Church, Turku | wikidata=Q7594443 | content=Probably built in the 1440s, partly later in the 15th century. According to folk tradition, St Mary's Church was built at a place where sacrifices had been performed in heathen times, in the village of Räntämäki. It had also been the site of the village burial ground and a place of assembly. The village of Räntämäki was renamed after the patron saint of the Church, St Mary, and in the records it is sometimes referred to as the parish of Räntämäki, sometimes as St Mary's. The church took the name of St Mary from the nearby episcopal church of Koroinen, its original patron saint having been the first Bishop of Paris, Saint Dionysios. More of the original decorations have survived than in most other Finnish Medieval churches. There is a cemetery by the church. }}<!-- -->[[File:Ecumenical Art Chapel of St. Henry in.jpg|thumb|upright|Interior of the Ecumenical Hirvensalo Art Chapel.]] * {{see | name=Kakskerta Church | alt=Kakskerran kirkko | url= | email= | address=Kakskerran kirkkotie 110 | lat=60.36998 | long=22.21967 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Kakskerta Church |wikidata=Q6349661 | lastedit= | content=Kakskerta Church was built in 1765–1769, and dedicated in 1770. It was designed by Christian Schroder, and is oblong in shape. The altarpiece is from the 17th century, and the interior of the church was renovated in 1940 after the plan by Erik Bryggman. The belfry was designed by C. Bassi in 1824. }} * {{see | name=Ecumenical Art Chapel | alt=Taidekappeli | url=https://www.taidekappeli.fi/in-english/ | email=taide.kappeli@gmail.com | address=Seiskarinkatu 35 | lat=60.4073 | long=22.2521 | directions=bus 54 | phone=+358 2 265-7777 | tollfree= | hours=Tu–F 11:00–15:00 (May–Aug 11:00–16:00), Th 11:00–18:30, Sa Su 12:00–15:00, except during private events | price=€3, guided tours €5 | wikidata=Q296532 | content=Wooden chapel with art exhibitions. Built 2004–2005. }} * {{see | name=Turku cemetery | alt=Turun hautausmaa, Begravningsplatsen i Åbo | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.4324 | long=22.3087 | directions=3 km south-east from Kauppatori, by Uudenmaantie (road 110) towards Helsinki | phone= | tollfree= | hours=24 hr daily | price=Free | wikidata=Q7855547 | content=The main cemetery of Turku, inaugurated in 1807, now covering {{ha|60}}. Wood and mossy outcrops blend into the cemetery landscape, probably a quite uniquely Finnish touch. The old part, closer to the centre, is the more interesting one for most, where there are many graves with elaborate sculptures. There is also a Jewish and an Orthodox part inaugurated in the 19th century, the Muslim Tatar part from 1915 and the Catholic part from 1936. In the old part there is the [[Functionalist architecture in Finland#Q11902931|Resurrection Chapel]] from the 1940s (easiest access from Hautausmaantie 21) and by the new part (by Skarpkullantie 2) there is the Holy Cross Chapels from the 1960s. If you just want to see an ordinary Finnish cemetery, there are smaller ones e.g. by [[#St. Catherine's Church|St. Catherine's Church]] and by [[#Saint Mary's church|Saint Mary's church]]. }} * {{see | name=Buddhist monastery | alt=Buddhalaistemppeli | url= | email= | address=Moisiontie 225 | lat=60.5417 | long=22.2978 | directions=Yli-Maaria, 11 km from the centre by Tampereen Valtatie, highway 9, most of the lines 21–23x | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-08-25 | content=Vietnamese Buddhist monastery and temple, one of three in Finland. }} ===Nature=== [[File:Turku - Ruissalo Island (6119923392).jpg|thumb|Evening view at Ruissalo.]] * {{see | name=Ruissalo Island | alt= | url=https://www.visitturku.fi/en/ruissalo-island_en | email= | address= | lat=60.428 | long=22.151 | directions=5 km from Kauppatori. Travel past the harbour district and you cannot miss signs pointing towards Ruissalo. Bus line 8 in every 30 minutes. During summer also a ferry connection. | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2097015 | content=The unique nature, culture and history of the fascinating Island of Ruissalo is to be found flanking the Turku estuary. Once the hunting island for the court of Turku Castle, the island is easily accessible by land or by sea. The oak forests, charming 19th century villas, [https://ruissalospa.fi/en/ Ruissalo Spa hotel], Ruissalo nature reserve, Ruisrock rock concert, [https://www.honkapirtti.fi/ Honkapirtti] (pea soup daily 11–16, Su also fish soup – the Karelian house is worth a visit for lunch or a bun despite the short menu) and the [https://sites.utu.fi/kasvitieteellinen-puutarha/en/ Botanical Gardens] have all combined to make the island famous. Scenic and well-maintained bike paths offer comfortable distances for the whole family. The rocky outcrops, beautiful sandy beaches, distinctive nature, rolling fields and pretty gardens will lead to love at first sight for all who visit the island. There is a camping area at [https://ruissalo.sportum.info/stable/tuotteet.jsp?kieli=UKN Saaronniemi] on the outermost tip of the island. The tourist services of this well-equipped camping and caravan park include beaches, barbecue sites, saunas, a small shop and various amenities including hot showers and a laundry. With mini-golf, volleyball, badminton and basketball courts, a fitness trail, playgrounds and a café-restaurant. Many of the facilities of the campsite are available also to non-guests There is also a championship level golf course, [https://auragolf.fi/eng/aura-golf-in-english/ Aura Golf], founded in 1958 nearby. }} * {{marker|type=see|name=The riverside |lat=60.4554|long=22.2762}} upstream from Tuomiokirkkosilta bridge (right bank) or Åbo Akademi (left bank) make for a very [[Turku riverside walk|nice stroll or biking trip]]. Between Tuomiokirkkosilta and the railway bridge there is a walking path close to the water on the right, north-western bank (not for bikes), elsewhere the route is above the river in park-like milieu, upstream (from Vähäjoki and Koroinen, and near Halinen) also in agricultural landscapes. A café in Koroinen on Sundays, sometimes with handicraft exhibitions or workshops, the Myllärintupa café with canoe rental by the Halinen rapids in summer (Tu–Su 10:00–18:00; also small scale exhibitions). Bikers could continue upstream to [[Turku countryside#Vanhalinna|Vanhalinna]] in Lieto, a hillfort with splendid views ([https://vanhalinna.fi/en/ mansion] by the hill in use by Turku university; café, summer theatre and exhibitions in or by the mansion if you time right).<!-- -->[[File:Autumn Ruissalo.jpg|thumb|Pikisaari on Hirvensalo seen from Ruissalo.]] * {{marker|type=see|name=Hirvensalo|lat=60.4051 | long=22.2111}}, {{marker|type=see|name=Satava|lat=60.372 | long=22.169}} and {{marker|type=see|name=Kakskerta|lat=60.359 | long=22.233}} are three large islands in line right off the coastline of Turku. The parts facing the city are suburbs, with winding roads lined with often nice villas, while much of the islands are countryside with fields and natural forest. The bus lines 50–56 reach different parts of Hirvensalo, while 14 and 15 continue to Satava and Kakskerta, which once were an independent municipality. Pikisaari on Hirvensalo faces the shipping lane. Today, Hirvensalo is a haven for single-family homes and good, clean living. Some famous names from Hirvensalo are sculptor and academic, Wäinö Aaltonen and artist Jan-Erik Andersson, whose unique leaf-shaped house is near the Hirvensalo bridge. Hirvensalo also has a [http://www.hirvensalo.fi sports centre], where visitors can ski downhill in the winter and ride [http://www.mccaction.com/turku/ downhill cars] in the summer. On the last island of the three, Kakskerta (bus 15) you can enjoy lovely archipelago nature, the golf course at Harjattula or the site of the TV series Hovimäki at Brinkhall Manor. There is also a stone church from the 1760s. * {{see | name=Vepsä Island | alt= | url=http://www.vepsa.fi/english.php | email=vepsansaari@gmail.com | address= | lat=60.3742 | long=22.0766 | directions=One hour ferry trip from Turku, ferry leaves from river Aura. | phone=+358 50 411-4963 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open during the summer season only, from 1 June to 31 August | price=Return ticket for the ferry €16/6. Cabin €55–90/night, tent site €5/person. | wikidata=Q24345730 | content=Vepsä island is a beautiful island in the Turku archipelago. From the vantage point on the rugged rock, you can see glittering waters and awesome landscapes of ''Airisto''. On the way up, you can search for geocaches, if you want. Former hiding place of smugglers hides nowadays modern hobbies and hobby equipments. You can go for a walk, swim on a child safe beach, have a barbecue, take a sauna bath, play miniature golf, and enjoy other summery activities. People who like water sports can rent a boat or a canoe. One of the new activities is sumo wrestling in air filled suites. After an active day you can eat in the island's own café-restaurant. Ice-creams and snacks are for sale also in a kiosk. You can go to Vepsä for a one day trip, or stay for a longer time. Cosy summer cabins offer you warm surroundings to stay over night, and are very popular among visitors. There are three saunas to hire, one of them is reserved for enterprises. You can reserve the representation sauna and a barred hot tub beforehand. Three close-by islands – Mustaluoto, Vähä-Tervi and Pikku-Vepsä – are charming targets to visit and available for Vepsä visitors. }} === Itineraries === * [[Turku riverside walk]] ==Do== Turku is especially lively during the summer season, from the latter part of May to early September, as well as around the Advent and Christmas period in December. The banks of the river Aura are regarded Turku's summertime living room. The shores are the setting for many urban events and are also popular for picnic and relaxing. ===Theatre, performing arts and cinema=== [[File:Åbo Svenska Teater.jpg|thumb|Turku Swedish Theatre 2018]] For chamber music, check also the weekly concerts at the Wäinö Aaltonen and Sibelius museums. One-off performances can be harder to find, as information channels vary. * {{do | name=Turku City Theatre | alt=Turun kaupunginteatteri | url=http://teatteri.turku.fi/en | email=kaupunginteatteri@turku.fi | address=Itäinen Rantakatu 14 | lat=60.44604 | long=22.26386 | directions=by the Theatre Bridge | phone=+358 2 262-0030 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 262-0065 | hours= | price=€30–50/15–40 | lastedit=2017-02-01 | wikidata=Q3739478 | content=The main theatre building on the banks of river Aura has gone through a thorough renovation. Turku City Theatre offers performances on four different stages. It offers serious drama, musicals and children's theatre, including visiting productions. }} * {{do | name=Logomo | alt= | url=https://logomo.fi/ | email=info@logomo.fi | address=Köydenpunojankatu 14 | lat=60.4569 | long=22.2576 | directions=behind the train station | phone=+358 29-1234-800 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q18660595 | lastedit= | content=Logomo is in an old locomotive workshop, and was the main venue for the Capital of Culture year in 2011. It is next to the Turku city centre and the Central Railway Station (as which it will serve from 5 August 2024, beside other functions). It provides spaces for several exhibitions and major performance throughout the year. It also has a café and a shop. }} * {{do | name=Turku Philharmonic Orchestra | alt=Turun filharmoninen orkesteri | url=http://www.tfo.fi/en | address=Aninkaistenkatu 9 | lat=60.45556 | long=22.27035 | directions=by the Puutori square | phone=+358 2 262-0804 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Ticket office: M–F 11:00–17:00 and before events | price=Usually €21/9 | wikidata=Q2082994 | lastedit=2018 | content=Turku Concert Hall, built in 1952, was the first concert hall in Finland. It is mainly used by Turku Philharmonic Orchestra. }} * {{do | name=Swedish Theatre of Turku | alt=Åbo Svenska Teater | url=http://www.abosvenskateater.fi | email=info@abosvenskateater.fi | address=Eerikinkatu 13 | lat=60.4507 | long=22.2660 | directions=by Kauppatori | phone=+358 2 277-7377 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2632947 | lastedit= | content=This is Finland's oldest theatre. The beautiful theatre house reached its 175th anniversary in January 2014. The big scene reflects the age, with splendid decorations, the moderate size allowing quite an intimate experience. Here most performances are musicals or traditional drama. There are two smaller scenes, which also offer more experimental theatre and children's plays. }} * {{do | name=Linnateatteri | alt= | url=http://linnateatteri.fi | email=info@linnateatteri.fi | address=Linnankatu 31 | lat=60.4467 | long=22.2586 | directions= | phone=+358 2 232-1215 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q11875977 | lastedit= | content=Linnateatteri is a professional theatre, which performs both in the house and the garden. Linnateatteri has over the last decade presented such comical shows as ''the Amazing History of Turku'' and ''the Amazing Near-history of Turku''. In addition to comedy and stand-up performances there's also drama, concerts and children theatre among its repertoire. During summer you can also catch up with Linnateatteri on the courtyard stage of Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova. }} * {{do | name=Samppalinna Summer Theatre | alt=Samppalinnan kesäteatteri | url=http://www.samppalinnanteatteri.fi | email= | address=Paavo Nurmen Puistotie 3 | lat=60.4442 | long=22.2609 | directions=by the Samppalinna mill in the park Urheilupuisto | phone=+358 2 232-9050 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q18661856 | lastedit= | content=Samppalinna summer theatre, with its first premières in 1960, is Finland’s largest summer musical theatre. It specializes in musicals. }} * {{do | name=Kinopalatsi | alt=Kinopalatsi Cinema Complex | url=http://www.finnkino.fi/eng/ | email= | address=Kauppiaskatu 11 | lat=60.4531 | long=22.2669 | directions= | phone=+358 9 131-191 (€1.97/min + pvm/mpm) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=around €12 | wikidata=Q11871619 | lastedit= | content=This modern cinema complex opened in Turku in the spring 2001. All 9 auditoriums has been invested in the audience comfort. Seat rows are strongly staggered and leg room between rows is optimal. The technique is the highest quality with digital sound and big screens. }} ===Sport arenas=== [[File:Turkuhalli inside.jpg|thumb|Turkuhalli]] * {{do | name=Turkuhalli | alt=Gatorade Center | url=https://turku-areenat.fi/fi/gatorade-center | email=info@turku-areenat.fi | address=Artukaistentie 8 | lat=60.4562 | long=22.1869 | directions= | phone=+358 2 21-900 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=This ice hockey and music arena hosts large public events and the games of [https://www.turunpalloseura.fi/ TPS (''Turun Palloseura'')], Turku's number one ice hockey team. It offers a large arena and grandstands in addition to smaller function rooms. Restaurants serve before the entertainment, during the intermission or at breaks, and often even after the event. Big screens and TV monitors ensure the arena atmosphere fills the restaurant and lobby areas. }} * {{do | name=Marli Areena | alt=Ice Hockey Arena | url=https://turku-areenat.fi/en/home | email= | address=Hippoksentie 2 | lat=60.4422 | long=22.2896 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Marli Arena is next to the Kupittaa park, and is primarily used for ice hockey. It is the home arena of [http://www.tutohockey.fi/fi/uutiset TuTo (''Turun Toverit'') hockey team]. TuTo plays in the second highest ice hockey league in Finland, Mestis, but the atmosphere in the games can be even better than in the TPS games, since the fans really love the team and arena is compact. Tickets are also less expensive and the Marli Arena is just around 15 minutes walking distance away from the city center. }} * {{do | name=Veritas Stadion | alt=football (soccer) stadium | url=https://veritasstadion.fi/in-english/ | email=varaukset@veritasstadion.com | address=Hippoksentie 6 | lat=60.44282 | long=22.29175 | directions= | phone=+358 2-2722-00 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=In the heart of Turku at the Kupittaa Park, Veritas Stadium is Turku's number one football stadium. Both Turku-based major soccer teams – [http://fcinter.fi/ FC Inter] and [https://fc.tps.fi/in-english/ FC TPS] – play on the grounds of the stadium. }} ===Parks and sports grounds=== * {{do | name=Kupittaa Park | alt=Kupittaanpuisto | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.4457 | long=22.2894 | directions=Near the Turku city centre, on the east bank of the river Aura, around 15 minutes walk from the Old Great Square and Cathedral | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5486539 | content=Finland's largest and oldest city park is popular for picnic as well as for children and sports. There are ice skaters in the winter, in-line skaters in the summer, skateboarders, cyclists, ballplayers, petanque enthusiasts and everyone out for some exercise. Urban athletes can catch some air and grind some rails at the skatepark. Pump some iron at the Turku city's official gym or hit the lanes at the bowling hall. Kupittaa Park also offers families with kids the ever popular Traffic-City, Adventure Park, Kupittaa Outdoor Pool and the Sports Wonderland for Kids (Sundays 17:00–19:00 in the sports hall, free). Watch birds in action at the Bird Pond. Visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to picnicking. The wide-open lawns of Kupittaa Park are perfect for everything from football to croquet, while frisbees and kites vie for space in the skies above. One end of the park is dominated by the Veritas Stadium, which is the home pitch of local football teams, TPS and Inter. And when it's time for a bite to eat, Kupittaa Pavilion will serve up a tasty treat right in the heart of the park. Veritas Stadium is also home to the full-service Olè restaurant. }} ** {{do | name=Adventure Park | alt=Seikkailupuisto | url=https://www.turku.fi/en/adventure-park-seikkailupuisto | email=seikkailupuisto@turku.fi | address=Kupittaankatu 2 | lat=60.4472 | long=22.2907 | directions=Bus line 32 (jump out at the bus stop just before the corner of Kerttulinkatu and Sirkkalankatu) | phone=+358 44-907-2986 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Su 10:00–17:00 | price=Free | wikidata=Q11892816 | content=Just on the edge of Kupittaa Park, the Adventure Park is the ideal environment for encouraging imagination and creative play. You are allowed to get wet in the mushroom fountain and get a thrill from the zip line. In addition to a large assortment of playground stuff in the lush park area, to be used freely, the adventure park offers guided activities from art and handicraft workshops to songs and music at the music playschool, and theatre performances. There is a kiosk where you can buy ice cream, drinks and snacks. It is also possible to grill your own food at the barbecue sites. Nearby in the park there is a bouncy castle and a traffic town. }} * {{do | name=Hohtogolf Westcoast | alt=Glow Minigolf and Curling | url=http://www.hohtogolf.fi/turku/ | email=turku@hohtogolf.fi | address=Yliopistonkatu 17 | lat=60.45242 | long=22.26652 | directions= underground -- entrance is next to the Turku Orthodox Church | phone=+358 2 253-4355 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= W–Th 17:00–21:00, F 17:00–00:00, Sa 12:00–00:00, Su–Tu closed | price=€10/12 | content=At Hohtogolf Westcoast is a glow-in-the-dark 15-hole miniature golf course with over-the-top mechanized special effects and a special "horror" section. Fun thing to do in a group, especially after a few drinks from the bar. As a new feature they also offer a small curling track. }} * {{do | name=Urheilupuisto Sports Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.4427 | long=22.2632 | directions=in the Turku city centre, on the east bank of the river Aura behind the City Theater | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q11898812 | content=Urheilupuisto is home to the Paavo Nurmi Stadium and many other sporting facilities. This extensive parkland holds many places to exercise, come winter, come summer. In addition to the Paavo Nurmi Stadium, there is e.g. the Karikon lenkki running track, tennis courts, basketball courts, a volleyball court, an artificial turf playing field and a frisbee golf course. In the winter months the Sports Park, naturally, has its ice field and a popular sledding hill. [http://www.turkutrojans.com Turku Trojans], one of the oldest American Football teams in Finland, plays its games on the upper field of Turku Sports Park. }} ===Winter sports=== [[File:Hirvensalon laskettelukeskus.jpg|thumb|Slopes at the Hirvensalo Ski Resort]] * {{do | name=Skating worm | alt=Luistelumato | url=https://www.turku.fi/en/culture-and-sports/sports/sports-facilities/outdoor-sports-facilities/ice-skating-rinks/kupittaa | email= | address= | lat=60.447 | long=22.292 | directions=Kupittaanpuisto, behind the sports hall | phone=+358 50-554-6300 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Equipment rental M W F 17:00–20:00, Sa Su 10:00–18:00, from middle Dec, unless raining | price=Free; skates: adults €5, children €1; hiking skates €5/2hr, €12/week; roller skates €5; drinks €1; skating free | content=Meandering skating lane forming a circle, 5–6 m wide and 500 m long. Skate rental (also hiking skates), hot drinks for sale. Roller skating in the summer. }} * {{do | name=Parkki Artificial Ice Field | alt=Parkin kenttä | url=https://www.turku.fi/en/culture-and-sports/sports/sports-facilities/courts-and-fields/artificial-turf-fields | email=liikunta@turku.fi | address=Tuureporinkatu 2 | lat=60.457 | long=22.272 | directions=near the bus station, across Aninkaistenkatu | phone=+358 50-431-0016 | tollfree= | hours=2023: from 4 December; M–F 08:00–21:00, Sa 10:00–20:00, Su 09:00–20:00 (maintenance daily 15:45–16:45); tickets and equipment rental M–F 17:00–19:00, Sa Su 10:00–16:00 | price=€3.50; from 2024: prime time at counter €8/4, other times by mobile €3.50/3.50; wristband: €8+€16/10 entries, from 2024: €8+€60/30 | lastedit=2023-12-01 | content=Big skating field, usually most of it for ice hockey. Sometimes music and most of the area for general skating. Skates and hockey sticks for rent. The entrance fee can be paid at the entrance when manned, otherwise by pre-bought tickets ("Exercise Wristband", can be used for several persons) or mobile phone (0600- number posted at the gate, enter immediately after calling). }} * {{do | name=Impivaaran jäähalli | alt= | url=https://www.turku.fi/en/culture-and-sports/sports/sports-facilities/ice-halls/impivaara-ice-hall | email= | address=Eskonkatu 1 | lat=60.477474 | long=22.250511 | directions=bus 13 and 18. | phone=+358 2 262-3550 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M 14:00–14:50, 16:45–17:35, W 13:45–14:35, Sa 10:30–11:20 | price= | lastedit=2017-12-05 | content=Indoor ice field, skating for the public (no ice hockey) at certain hours when not in other use. }} * {{do | name=Varissuon jäähalli | alt= | url=https://www.turku.fi/en/culture-and-sports/sports/sports-facilities/ice-halls/varissuo-ice-hall | email= | address=Suurpäänkatu 2 | lat=60.443250 | long=22.354862 | directions=bus 32 and 42. | phone=+358 2 262-3570 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 13:45–14:35, Th also 18:00–18:50, Su 10:00–10:50 | price=Free | lastedit=2017-12-05 | content=Ice field in an underground hall, skating for the public (no ice hockey) at certain hours when not in other use. }} * {{do | name=Minor skating fields | alt= | url=https://www.turku.fi/en/culture-and-sports/sports/sports-facilities/outdoor-sports-facilities/ice-skating-rinks/natural-1 | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | lastedit=2017-12-05 | content=There are minor skating fields in most residential areas, without artificial cooling and thus more dependant on weather. Some have ice hockey rinks, some have changing rooms. }} * {{do | name=Hirvensalo Ski Resort | alt= | url=http://www.hirvensalo.fi/ | email=toimisto@tusla.net | address=Kakskerrantie 111 | lat=60.4175 | long=22.2277 | directions=on the island Hirvensalo, 5 km from the city centre; bus lines 14, 15, 51, 53 and 55; parking for private transport | phone=+358 45-106-3011 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€17–28 | content=There are four well managed and lit slopes at the Turun Hirvensalo Ski Centre in Turku: 1, 2 and 3-slopes and a slope for children. There are three lifts in Hirvensalo. The longest slope is 300m and the greatest altitude difference is 60m. The degree of difficulty of the slopes ranges from easy to difficult and there are several boxes and rails. Hirvensalo Ski Centre is the perfect place for both beginners and experts, without mentioning families. Services also include Slope café, ski school, and equipment rental. }} * {{do | name=Cross-country skiing | alt= | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/culture-and-sports/recreation/trails-routes-and-ski-tracks/ski-tracks | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 50-554-6219 (administration),+358 50-523-8447 (equipment rental) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free; equipment €5/3/1 (children: <20yrs) | content=There are skiing tracks in most suburbs, as jogging routes are transformed to [http://www.turku.fi/sv/kultur-och-motion/friluftsomraden/stigar-rutter-och-skidspar/skidspar skiing routes], with groomed tracks and a lane for freestyle skiing (80 km maintained by the city in good winters). The Nunnavuori routes (0.35 and 1 km on flat ground, 1.7 km in easy hilly terrain) are maintained also in adverse weather, which gives them the longest season (in 2021–2022: from 5 Dec). At one of its starting points, Eskonkatu/Kurrapolku near Impivaara, there is equipment for rent (Sa–Su 11:00–16:00; equipment to be returned 20 min before closing) and coffee, warm juice and snacks for sale (by a charity; usually somewhat longer hours than the rental; sausage €1, coffee and bun €2). Many of the routes have lighting 06:00–22:00. }} ===Climbing=== Be aware of the inherent dangers of [[Rock climbing|climbing]]. Safety cannot be guaranteed even if the businesses take security seriously. Make sure you have understood the instructions. Children usually need permission from their custodians, must respect instructions, and might need to be accompanied. * {{do | name=Flowpark | alt=Climbing park | url=http://www.flowpark.fi/turku/?lang=en | email=info.turku@flowpark.fi | address=Skanssinkatu 10 | lat=60.4287 | long=22.3180 | directions= | phone=+358 400-864-862 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=May–Oct: M–Sa 12:00–20:00, Su 12:00–18:00. Closed Nov–April except around special Winter Feast days in January | price=Day ticket €22 | content=Adventure trails up in the trees. There are fifteen different trails and nearly one hundred missions, where you can test your balance, coordination and nerve. For the high ropes adventure trails children must be at least seven years old and 120 cm tall. For the smaller fast and fearless climber there is a specially built children's trail closer to ground. Flowpark is in the leafy green courtyard of shopping centre Skanssi, with good transportation connections from the centre. }} * {{do | name=Irti Maasta | alt= | url=https://irtimaasta.fi/puistot/raisio | email=info.raisio@irtimaasta.fi | address=Myllynkatu 1142 | lat= | long= | directions=in the shopping centre Mylly, Raisio | phone=+358 400-820-037 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 14:00–20:00, Sa–Su 10:00–18:00 | price=€16 | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-05-27 | content=Climbing centre with playful routes and challenges. Weight limits: 15–150 kg. Automatic belaying. No age limit, but children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. }} * {{do | name=Kiipeilypalatsi | alt= | url=https://www.kiipeilypalatsi.com | email= | address=Vesilinnantie 1 | lat=60.4557 | long=22.2846 | directions=a cube-formed building on the hill in the TY campus behind the cathedral | phone=+358 45-670-5991 | tollfree= | hours=Tu–W 15:30–20:30, Sa 13:00–17:00, groups also by agreement | price=€11 + harness, shoes and magnesium €4 | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=[[Rock climbing|Climbing]] walls inside a former water tower. Not solo, as you need your own belayer. Newcomers to the sport are welcome, but must tell about being inexperienced. Belayer instruction included. Minors need parent's permission, children under 14 need an adult belayer. }} ===Boating and canoeing=== For skippered yacht cruises or yacht chartering, see [[Archipelago Sea#By yacht and small boats|Archipelago Sea]]. Here are options for smaller vessels and quick trips: * {{do | name=Låna | alt= | url=http://www.lanaturku.fi/?lang=en | email= | address=Linnankatu 3 | lat=60.451766 | long=22.273120 | directions=the river shore at Vähätori, by Tuomiokirkko bridge | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€60/hour, €100/2 hours | lastedit=2018 | content=Open boats (max 8 persons) for cruising down the river and back, perhaps while having a picnic (speed limit on the river 6 km/h i.e. 3 knots), with electric motor. Also Buster Rent boats available, but rent those at the guest harbour instead (not ideal for cruising the river, and you get the whole day for the price of 3 hr). }} * {{do | name=Buster Rent | alt= | url=http://vuokraa.buster.fi | email=info@buster-rent.fi | address= | lat= | long= | directions=delivery at the guest harbour or by trailer | phone= +358 20-769-1270| tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€140–400/one day, weekend €330–800; trailer included; trailering by agreement | lastedit=2016-05-13 | content=Open or semi-open boats for rent, with outboard motor. Usable also for longer voyages given suitable weather. Two berths in the biggest boats. }} * {{do | name=Sea kayaking | alt=Aavameri | url=http://www.aavameri.fi/en | email=info@aavameri.fi | address= | lat=60.421828 | long=22.095435 | directions=bus 8 from Puutori to Saaronniemi, walk to the beach | phone=+358 44-980-7788 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Jun–Aug: M 10:30, F 17:00 (Puutori 10:00/16:30), by agreement other days throughout the year | price=Evening tour €65; day tour €110/person; child reductions for 8–12 and 13–15 years old; rental: first day €60 | lastedit=2019-04-05 | content=Day or evening tour with kayak and guide (7 or 3½ hr) from Ruissalo. Register before 17:00/12:00, pay online. The day and evening tours do not require previous experience and moderate fitness is enough, trips are tailored to suite the participants (3–8 in the group). Also longer full service guided trips and supported solo expeditions with transportation from and back to Turku are available. }} * {{do | name=Saaristomeren melojat | alt= | url=http://melojat.net | email=posti@melojat.net | address=Rykmentintie 55 | lat=60.413961 | long=22.265418 | directions=Uittamo, bus line 13 | phone=+358 41-456-5223 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu Th 17–20, Sa Su 11:00–15:00 or 11:00–17:00 (check!) | price=Kayak €10/hour, €40/day, €80/weekend, €120/week; twin or canoe €20, €60, €120, 180; courses €40/100 | lastedit=2018 | content=Local canoe/kayak club, equipment for rent. Also short and three-evening courses. Quick intro on-site, if you need more advice, ask in advance (instructions about equipment etc. in Finnish on the website). Pay in cash. }} * {{do | name=Aurajokisäätiö | alt= | url=http://aurajoki.net/melonta | email= | address=Valkkimyllynkuja 2 | lat=60.465310 | long=22.305333 | directions=Myllärintupa by Halistenkoski rapids | phone=+358 44-553-7408 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=1 Jun–31 Aug: Tu–Su 10:00–18:00 | price=Kayak €19/two hours, €39/one day; canoe €24/€39; guide €36/hour | lastedit=2018 | content=Kayak/canoe rental for trips on the river. Also guided tours. }} ===Swimming=== [[File:Impivaaran uimahalli.JPG|thumb|Impivaara Swimming Centre]] [[File:Ice swimming in Turku.jpg|thumb|Ice Swimming at the Ispoinen Beach is a popular hobby among locals during the winter months]] Due to its location at the shores of the [[Archipelago Sea]], Turku has a number of great [https://www.turku.fi/sv/motion/badstrander-och-vinterbad number of '''beaches'''] easily reachable from the city centre. There are also two outdoor pools (0.75 km and 1.7 km from Kauppatori), a water park, indoor swimming pools and arenas. Most indoor facilities – and some outdoor ones – are in use round the year. The beaches are free, mostly with lifeguards in the busiest times, some with a kiosk, café or similar service, most with a play area for children (with climbing frames and swings). * {{marker|type=do|name=Ispoinen Beach|lat=60.41441 | long=22.25957}} is within easy reach from Turku Centre by bus number 9 or 13. * {{marker|type=do|name=Ruissalo camping beaches |lat=60.42144 | long=22.09492}} are the favourites of many locals. They are at Saaronniemi at the very end of the Ruissalo Island (bus line 8) and on a beautiful summer day you can really feel the archipelago here. A few separate beaches of different character. * {{marker|type=do|name=Ekvalla beach|lat=60.37939 | long=22.22598}} is on the Satava island (bus lines 14 and 15). When the Finnish summer gets hot, this sandy beach is a good choice for families and sun seekers as well as disabled. Whatever your physical impairment you can have a dip as Ekvalla beach has specially designed walkways and a wheelchair ramp into the water. Lifeguards are supervising swimming on all of the beaches mentioned above daily in the busy hours from the beginning of June to the end of August (covering the schools' summer vacation). * Other smaller beaches include ** {{marker|type=do|name=Brinkhall beach|lat=60.36557 | long=22.23673}}, ** {{marker|type=do|name=Moikoinen beach|lat=60.4167 | long=22.2506}}, ** {{marker|type=do|name=Sorttamäki beach|lat=60.4084 | long=22.2547}} and ** {{marker|type=do|name=Maaria beach|lat=60.5307 | long=22.3540}}. [[Winter swimming]]: * {{marker|type=do|name=Saaronniemen saukot |url=http://saaronniemensaukot.fi |lat=60.4309|long=22.1416}} arrange winter swimming at Tammirannantie 39 (and swimming in summer, too). * {{do | name=Turku's Winter Outdoor Swimmers Club | alt=Turun avantouimarit | url=https://www.turunavantouimarit.fi/languages/in-english/ | email= | address=Rykmentintie 51 | lat=60.41495 | long=22.25929 | directions=Ispoinen Beach | phone=+358 44-377-5475 | tollfree= | hours=M 15:00–19:45, W 15:00–20:45, F–Sa 15:00–19:45, Su 15:00–20:45 | price=Non-member single ticket: adults €5.20, children under 16 €1.50, accompanied children under 7 free | content=Sauna, ice swimming and club room. Members are happy to help newcomers. }} Outdoor pools, arenas and water parks: * {{do | name=JukuPark Waterpark | alt= | url=https://jukupark.fi/ | email= | address=Kurrapolku 1 | lat=60.4782 | long=22.2562 | directions= | phone=+358 400-174-640 | tollfree= | hours=7 Jun–10 Aug: daily 11:00 to 17-19:00 | price=€21, children under 4 year free | content=JukuPark is a paradise for the whole family 3 km from Turku center. At JukuPark, come rain or shine, you're sure to get soaking wet! You’re guaranteed a great day with many spectacular water-slides, large heated swimming pools, sunbathing areas together with saunas, shower rooms and the Pirate Island water-world for the little ones. When hunger surprises there are Juku Park’s grills, cafés, kiosk services and terraces available. }} * {{do | name=Kupittaa Outdoor Swimming Arena | alt= | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/culture-and-sports/sports/sports-facilities/swimming-places-and-water-sport/kupittaa-outdoor | email=liikunta@turku.fi | address=Kupittaankatu 10 | lat=60.4451 | long=22.2909 | directions=in the middle of the Kupittaa park | phone=+358 44-907-2702 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Mid-May to mid-Aug: daily 10:00–19:00 | price=Adults €5.50, discount groups €3, children under 16 €2.5, children under 5 years free | content=Kupittaa has offered facilities for swimming for over a hundred years. It's next to the Adventure Park and is a favourite of families especially. In addition to the large 50-m pool, there is a smaller 25-m pool, a 0.6–0.9 m deep children's pool as well as a play area for the little ones and a lawn area for relaxation. The pool area has a kiosk. The nearby Blomberginaukio square offers ample parking. }} * {{do | name=Samppalinna Swimming Stadium | alt= | url=https://www.turku.fi/en/places/samppalinna-outdoor-swimming-stadium | email=liikunta@turku.fi | address=Volter Kilven katu 2 | lat=60.4457 | long=22.2655 | directions= | phone=+358 2 262-3590 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=From mid-May to mid-Sept: M–Th 06:00–20:00, F 06:00–19:00, Sa Su 08:00–19:00 | price=Adults €5.50, discount groups €3.50, children under 16 €3, children under 5 years free | wikidata=Q18661857 | content=A refreshing oasis in the middle of the city, on a warm summer day Samppalinna is really popular with the locals. An olympic-size swimming and diving boards where swimmers can jump from the tower. Children have their own pool and there is sunbathing among the stadium’s sunny banks; a park area included: picnics possible, basic play yard. The changing areas are indoors, good sauna and shower facilities. The lockers can be locked with a 50-cent coin. }} Swimming halls and indoor water parks: * {{do | name=Caribia | alt= | url=https://www.holidayclubresorts.com/turuncaribia | email= | address=Kongressgränden 1 | lat=60.46038 | long=22.29047 | directions=in [[#Caribia Spa Hotel|the hotel]] in the Student Village | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-07-29 | content=Indoor water park. Also one normal swimming pool. }} * {{do | name=Impivaara Swimming Centre | alt= | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/impivaara-swimming-centre | email=liikunta@turku.fi | address=Uimahallinpolku 4 | lat=60.4783 | long=22.2599 | directions=last stop of bus 13 when marked "u" in the timetable; 18 passes reasonably close | phone=+358 2 262-3588 | tollfree= | hours=M–Th 06:00–20:00, F 11:00–18:00, Sa Su 09:00–17:00 | price=Single entry €8/5/3 (children fare for 4–16 years old); 10-time card €60/40/24 | wikidata=Q11864792 | content=The stunning and newly renovated facilities are named after characters and places in author Aleksis Kivi’s classic novel, Seven Brothers. The swimming area comprises eight pools, called Venla (50 m), Juhani (25 m), Tuomas (diving pool), Aapo (multipurpose pool), Simeoni (family pool), Timo (teaching pool), Lauri (paddling pool) and Eero (cold pool). Impivaara gyms Jukola, Toukola and Männistö have comprehensive and spacious strength training and aerobics facilities. }} * {{listing | type=do | name=Turun uimahalli | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rehtoripellonkatu 3 | lat=60.4543 | long=22.2875 | directions=in the student union's house | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata=Q18662487 | lastedit= | content=First swimming hall of Turku. Clothing optional, with genders separated by day of week. }} * {{do | name=Ulpukka | alt= | url=https://www.raisio.fi/fi/kulttuuri-ja-vapaa-aika/uintikeskus-ulpukka | email=ulpukka.asiakaspalvelu@raisio.fi | address=Eeronkuja 5 | lat=60.4783 | long=22.1615 | directions=1 km south-west of Raisio centre (along Nesteentie); bus lines 220 and 221 from Turku pass by | phone=+358 44-797-1681 | tollfree= | hours=Winter: M Tu Th F 06:00–21:00, W 11:00–21:00 Sa–Su 11:00–18:00; summer: M Tu Th F 06:00–09:00, 13:30–21:00, W 13:30–21:00, weekends closed; entry min. 1 hr before closing | price=€5–7 (mornings cheaper), students €4.50, children 5–15 years €3, family (2+3) €16; 2 hr | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-05-27 | content=Swimming hall. Nice also for children. Accessible for the mobility impaired (ask for directions). }} ===Social dancing=== [[File:UIttamon lava 2.JPG|thumb|The Uittamo dance pavilion]]<!-- should be changed to a seaside view --> Foxtrot, waltz, jive, cha cha, what have you… The [[Social dancing in Finland|dance pavilions]] are an essential part of the Finnish summer for many, although not any more for a majority, and some keep dancing all year. There are clubs for specific styles; at the pavilions the music plaid usually covers the gamut. Pavilions and other sites in Turku and Raisio, and popular ones in the surroundings, include: * {{do | name=Huvilintu | alt= | url=http://www.huvilintu.com | email=markku.appel@dnainternet.net | address=Linnuksentie 39 | lat=60.5198 | long=22.1339 | directions=Raisio countryside, 12 km from Turku centre: turn left from highway 8 north of Raisio centre, towards Kustavi (road 192), after 1 km turn towards Piuha along Maskuntie, after 1 km more turn right to Linnuksentie, drive 390 m, the pavilion is to your left; by bike you can also follow the cycleway to Raisio and along Highway 8 and reach the other end of Linnuksentie; bus 300 (e.g. Kauppatori E2 17:52) gets you to the Kirjakallionkatu stop across Kustavintie (turn back to cross it), 1.8 km from the pavilion, the last buses back at midnight (23:15, 00:05) | phone=+358 2 437-2830 (during dances), +358 44-782-1323 (otherwise) | tollfree= | hours=30 Apr–20 Sep Sa 19:00–23:00/24:00 (Midsummer also F), nights with two bands end at midnight | price=€20–25+€2 | lastedit=2025-04-30 | content=Dance pavilion. Guarded cloakroom. Also beer at the café (no age limit at the dance floor). }} * {{do | name=Uittamon paviljonki | alt= | url=http://uittamo.fi/tanssit/ | email=johanna.tuomola@magnumlive.fi | address=Rykmentintie 29 | lat= 60.4206 | long= 22.2528| directions=bus no 9 towards Katariina, bus stop "Tanssilava" | phone=+358 44-906-1910 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Dances mid May–August Su 18:00–23:00, Midsummer F 20:00–01:00; dance courses M 17:30–19:30 (beginners) 19:30–22:30 (advanced) | price=€20 | lastedit=2023-01-10 | content=Dance pavilion by the sea. Also dance courses. }} * {{do | name=[[Kaarina#Littoistenjärvi dance pavilion| Littoisten lava]] | alt= | url=http://www.sekahaku.net/tanssit/ | email=erja.vuorinen@sekahaku.net | address=Vanha Littoistentie 153 | lat=60.4596 | long=22.3779 | directions=by the Littoistenjärvi lake and beach in [[Kaarina]]; {{show by date|2025|06|27|bus 2B or 2C, last bus back 23:20|check bus schedules, changing on 1 Jul}} | phone=+358 45-894-8383 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=2025: 8 May–11 Sep: Th 18:00/19:30–23:00, also F–Sa 15–16 Aug | price=Dances mostly €20/7/-, courses €14/7; reduced price for the young and on some beginners' courses | lastedit=2025-04-20 | content=Dance pavilion run by Sekahaku (see below). 1½-hr dance course before the dances included in the price. Separate courses most other evenings. }} * {{do | name=[[Pöytyä#Valasranta| Valasranta]] | alt= | url=http://www.valasranta.fi | email= | address=Valasrannantie 363 | lat= 60.8961 |long= 22.3476 | directions=by Pyhäjärvi in [[Pöytyä|Yläne]], 60 km north from Turku | phone=+358 40-647-4187 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Mid May–Sep: Sa 20:00–01:00 | price=€20 | lastedit=2017-05-11 | content=Dance pavilion by the Pyhäjärvi lake. }} The '''[[#Q4356997|main library]]''' has free dances in its yard, Tuesdays 17:00–18:15, from late June to late August (with weather reservation). Mostly old couples (the generation which never attended dance courses), mostly Finnish tango, waltz and ''humppa'', and you might be unlikely to be asked to dance – but asking somebody to should be possible regardless of whether you are a man or woman. In the '''winter''' season, part of the dancing crowd is found at Rientola and in Aura (in addition to dance restaurants): <!-- the site to be demolished, listing kept as comment for copying to the new one when facts are confirmed * {{do | name=Pyrkivä/Sekahaku | alt= | url=https://sekahaku.net/tanssit/ | email=erja.vuorinen@sekahaku.net | address=Tuureporinkatu 2 | lat=60.4568 | long=22.2706 | directions=near the bus station, across Aninkaistenkatu | phone=+358 45-894-8383 (enquiries) | tollfree= | hours=Until 27 Apr 2025: F 18:30/20:00–23:30; courses M W Th 18:00–21:15 Tu 19:30–21:00 Su 17:00–20:15 | price=€18, youth under 25 years €7, children under 15 free with accompanying adult; course, cloakroom and water included; separate courses €14/€7 | lastedit=2024-09-04 | content=Dances with mostly skilled dancers. While the hall is a multi-purpose one, it is quite nice, and you'll mostly be looking at dancers or the orchestra anyway. One dance is presented in a course preceding the dancing proper, starting from beginner level but with something also for those who know it. The dance proper starts with pairs formed at random, dancing only one dance each; the rest of the night there is the normal asking scheme, with mixed asking in the last set. You can keep to your own pair if you wish, but few do. Café.<br />The [https://sekahaku.net/tanssikurssit/turku/viikkokurssit-turku courses] (1½ hr) range from beginners' (''perusteet'') to advanced level (''jatko''), usually in a series of two, where you should start from the first unless you pick up reasonably quickly. For the intermediate level ("keskitaso") you should know the basic steps or pick up very quickly. Pairs are formed in a rotating system, so you can turn up alone or in a single-gender group (you can form your own pairs, but that is usually not optimal). Instruction is usually in Finnish, so you have to use your eyes and occasionally ask your pair. The courses W 19:45 and Su 17:00 are for people with little or no dancing experience and have the youth price for all (some advanced dancers participate, facilitating learning). For the courses, take your own bottle of water. }} --> * {{do | name=Sekahaku | alt= | url=https://sekahaku.net/tanssit/ | email=erja.vuorinen@sekahaku.net | address=Pulmussuonkatu 86 | lat=60.48262 | long=22.28164 | directions=Rientolan Urheilutalo, Kärsämäki | phone=+358 45-894-8383 (enquiries) | tollfree= | hours=Mid September–mid April F 18:30/20:00–23:30 | price=€20, youth under 25 €7, accompanied children under 15 free | content=Dances to live music. A 1½-hr course on one dance before the dancing proper included in the price, beginning with the basics but soon advancing quickly with something for advanced dancers at the end. Rotating system/random pairs on the course and in the first hour of the dancing proper (instead forming your own pairs is allowed), then men's/women's/mixed asking. Quite many skilled dancers, friendly atmosphere, no alcohol. }} * {{do | name=[[Pöytyä#Auran nuortentalo|Auran Nuortentalo]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.6223 | long=22.5330 | directions=25 km from Turku centre by Highway 9 towards Tampere, 4 km before the main settlement; the namesake bus stop or Aura may have usable services to get there, but probably not back in the night | phone= | tollfree= | hours=October–April Sa 19:00–24:00 | price=€18–25 | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-08-18 | content=Dances popular among young and old alike, with many of the dancers coming from Turku. Women may want to bring company to get introduced on the floor. }} ===Events=== [[File:Sariola Tivoli in Turku in 2008.jpg|thumb|Tivoli Sariola comes to the Kupittaa Park for ''Vappu'']] [[File:Medieval band at Turku Medieval market 2015.jpg|thumb|right|A Medieval band playing at the Turku Medieval Market, by the river]] * {{do | name=Maritime Markets | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.447958 | long=22.265621 | directions=Along the river Aura | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=A long weekend in April and October; Th–Sa 09:00–18:00, Su 09:00–16:00 | price= | content=Traditional and very popular markets are held every April and October on the riverfront right in the Turku city centre. Archipelago Market in April and Herring Market in October bring fish delicacies as well as handicrafts to the riverside. Both markets bring professional fishermen from the Archipelago Sea to the heart of the city to sell their products, some still straight from their boats. Also e.g. sea-buckthorn juice, honey and bread are sold, in addition to meals and standard market fare. }} * {{do | name=Walpurgis night and May Day | alt=Vappu | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=main events at Vartiovuori, Puolalanmäki, Kauppatori | phone=| tollfree= | fax= | hours=30 April–1 May | price= | wikipedia=Vappu#Finland | content=Vappu is one of the four biggest holidays in Finland, along with Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve, and Midsummer. Walpurgis witnesses the biggest carnival-style festival held in the streets of Finland's towns and cities. Student traditions are one of the main characteristics of Vappu, and you'll see lots of students – and former university students – on the streets wearing a traditional student cap. In the evening Swedish students, or anybody identifying with them in some way, gather on Vårdberget (Vartiovuori), to mingle and listen to the student choirs of ÅA (18:00, broadcast by YLE), while the Finnish students similarly gather in Puolalanpuisto. At 19:00 they join at the Lilja statue by the river (to give her a student cap), and the rest of the eve streets are filled with party people. A market is held in Kauppatori with vendors selling cheap carnival paraphernalia. On May Day the parks, especially the Vartiovuori Park, are filled with Finns having a picnic, many treating their hungover. There are also working union parades around the city centre and politicians from all different parties giving speeches. }} * {{do | name=New Potato Festival | alt=Neitsytperunafestivaali | url=http://www.neitsytperunafestivaali.fi | email=info@kaffeli.fi | address=Courtyard of the Brewery Restaurant Koulu, Eerikinkatu 18 | lat=60.449764 | long=22.264272 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Mid June | price= | content=The festival celebrates the opening of the early-harvest potato season in June. It’s a true cultural feast of fabulous flavours and local food. The very first crops from the Turku archipelago will reach the River Aura shores with this traditional ceremony. During the festival, the potatoes will be enjoyed with local fish treats and herring. The festival will also include competitions for best recipes, getting to know different potato varieties and cultivation methods. The new potatoes from Finland Proper are unique plants with gastronomic qualities to match other celebrated European seasonal products like asparagus, globe artichoke and truffle. The flavour is unique to early potatoes of Finland Proper and neighbouring countries with a similar climate. }} * {{do | name=The Medieval Market | alt= | url=https://keskiajanturku.fi/en | email=info@keskiaikaisetmarkkinat.fi | address=Vanha Suurtori 3 (Old Great Square) | lat=60.4506 | long=22.2759 | directions= | phone=+358 40-132-9992 | tollfree= | hours=End of June; Th F 12:00–20:00, Sa Su 12:00–18:00 | price=Free of charge, but charges for food, drink and souvenirs | content=This is the best (and original) Medieval Market in Finland. Follow the rows of market stalls at the Old Great Square and take a trip back in time to Medieval Market with performing groups, jesters and minstrels. People working at the festival dress up in medieval costumes and act out scenes in the middle of the street, rather than on stages, giving you a feeling you're genuinely in medieval Turku (the theme is some specific year, and you may hear references to "current" events).<br />In the area for work displays artisans will demonstrate medieval working methods. Visitors can watch the smith working away at their forges, see how beer is brewed using ancient recipes and touch freshly tanned leather. At the children's activities area the smallest of the family can get into baskets of a roundabout. The Old Town Hall hosts events for science, art and fashion. The whole family can enjoy the medieval amusement.<br />Medieval costumes for adults and children are available for hire at the event. Medieval-style food, clothes and souvenirs available on site. }} * {{do | name=International Market of Turku | alt= | url=http://www.eurooppamarkkinat.fi | email= | address=Around Old Great Square, Vähätori and the banks of river Aura | lat=60.451728 | long=22.272968 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Mid-June; W–Sa 10:00–20:00 | price= | content=The key idea of the International Market is to bring different countries and provinces around the world to showcase their specialities. There are around 100 traders from around 35 countries taking part in the market. Europe has usually a strong presence, but there are also traders from America and Asia. From the market you'll usually find For example, authentic Dutch cheese merchant, French bakeries, different delicacies from Italy, Bavarian sausages and German bakeries as well as artisans from such countries as Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Spain. Finnish provinces are also presenting their own specialities. }} * {{do | name=Midsummer | alt=Juhannus/Midsommar | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=The weekend between 19 and 27 June | price= | wikipedia=Midsummer | wikidata= | content=Juhannus (Midsummer) is a main national holiday in Finland. Originally a celebration of the summer solstice, it is typically spent with friends and family at a summer cottage away from the city, either partying or relaxing (many leave already in Thursday, as the main celebration is in the eve, on Friday). Large bonfires are lit on the islands Ruissalo and Vepsä. Otherwise the streets are often empty, even though some people have acquired a new habit of spending Midsummer in town. }}<!-- --><!-- Every few years, hide for now -- * {{do | name=Swan European Regatta | alt= | url=https://www.nautorswan.com/news/2023/02/turku-to-host-swan-european-regatta-in-summer-2023/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=2023: 19–23 July | price= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Sailing yachts of the Swan brand gather in Turku, having a regatta in the archipelago. The Swans, built by [[Jakobstad|Ostrobothnian]] Nautor, combine a fibreglass hull with a luxurious interior, and were traditionally made to be comfortable, safe and fast. Several models have seen victories in famed races, such as the Cowes Week and Whitbread Round the World. Most new designs are targeted at the luxury cruising sector, but in Turku you'll see many of the old-timers, from the first Swan and some of her sisters from 1967–1970 to boats of the 1980s, in addition to a number of later designs. There are free public events at Forum Marinum. The races can be seen on a big screen there, from Kuuva on Ruissalo or by boat on Airisto. The regatta is held in Turku every few years. }} --> * {{do | name=Tall Ships' Races | alt= | url=https://sailtraininginternational.org/event/tall-ships-races-2024 | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=mooring downstream from the bridges; parade of sails on Airisto | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Next edition in 2028 | price= | lastedit=2022-03-10 | content=The Tall Ships' Races have become a regular event in Turku. Every four years sailing ships large and small moor in the river on their Baltic Sea race, offering opportunities to visit some of the vessels, including schooners, barques and full-rigged ships, and attending programmes arranged for spectators and crews. The event usually attracts half of the city's population. Some vessels offer cruises to Airisto. The parade of sails is best seen from a boat, but most spectators flock to the shores of Kuuva on Ruissalo. }} * {{do | name=Airisto Classic Regatta | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=on Airisto, moorings at the guest harbour Telakka | phone= | tollfree= | hours=2023: 27–30 July | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-07-25 | content=Yearly race for classic yachts (those of wood or riveted plates built before 1970), arranged by Airisto Segelsällskap in cooperation with Telakka. About 30 yachts, some built in the 1920s. Most participants are from Finland, some from Sweden or farther away. In 2025, the world championship of the 8mR class will be held in Turku. }} * {{do | name=The Night of Arts | alt= | url= | email= | address=Around Turku Central Business District | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Mid August | price= | content=A versatile cultural event that is held annually in mid-August around the city centre. The venues include the Fortuna-block, Vähätori, Puutori, Piispankatu, the Turku Main Library Courtyard, as well as book stores, museums and galleries. Programme usually includes musical and art performances, literature, theatre, dance, museums and street culture. }} * {{do | name=Turku Day | alt= | url=http://www.turku.fi/turunpaiva | email= | address=Events take place all around the city | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Third Sunday of September | price= | content=The shops in the city centre are open, there are markets and bazaars in different parts of the city, open houses and guided tours, museums and music, art and dance. The day culminates with fireworks at the Samppalinna Park hill at 21:00. }} ====Easter==== [[Easter]] is celebrated in the churches, with many '''services'''. Specifically, you might want to experience the '''Orthodox Easter Vigil''', even if not Orthodox yourself. There are several '''concerts''' with Christian music, particularly, ''passions'' may be performed. There may be a reenactment of the '''Way of the Cross'''. * {{do | name=Easter at Cloister Hill | alt=Påsk på Klosterbacken | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/luostarinmaki-handicrafts-museum/then-now/luostarinmaki-throughout-year | email= | address=Vartiovuorenkatu 2 | lat=60.447387 | long=22.275542 | directions=Cloister Hill outdoor museum, | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Around Easter; 10:00–16:00 | price=Adults €6, Children aged 7–15 €4, 4–6 €1, Family ticket €13 |lastedit=2023-05-12| content=Cloister Hill outdoor museum offers a unique perspective to Easter traditions in Finland. During the festivities you can participate in egg rotation competition and explore the different traditions of decorating Easter eggs. Professional Easter egg decorators are performing as well as confectioners who make Easter eggs and bunnies out of marzipan. This event is especially recommendable to visitors with children. }} ==== Advent and Christmas ==== [[File:BD, Flora och AO, advent 2008.jpg|thumb|The student choirs' concerts in the cathedral mark the start of Advent]] The [https://www.turku.fi/joulukaupunki Christmas season] starts more or less with the turning on of Christmas lights in the pedestrian part of Yliopistonkatu a week before Advent. The market at the Old Great Square opens, department stores and many shops have nice Christmas displays in their windows, Christmas music is played, Charity bazaars in many schools, parish halls, etc. Usually the first snow has come and melt away, and there will probably again be snow several times during Advent. With good luck the snow will stay. White Christmases are quite common, but there is no guarantee. The lights on the Christmas tree of the cathedral are turned on the Saturday a week before Advent begins (programme usually begins at 17:00). The big spruce arrives and is risen the preceding Wednesday at about 13:00–14:00, perhaps worth watching if you are around. A "[https://www.turku.fi/en/pathlight light path]{{Dead link|date=March 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}" in the form of light installations for a few days (2023: 6–9 Dec) get many people out on a walk along the river in a happy mood. Most every choir gives some kind of Christmas concert in or immediately before Advent. Among the most ambitious are the ones by the student choirs of Åbo Akademi (BD and Flora) and Akademiska Orkestern, in the cathedral on Friday and Saturday leading to Advent ([[European classical music|classical music]] from the 16th century to world premières, including some beloved Christmas songs); most seats are sold out days before, but a few are often left to be got at the door an hour before the concerts. The Church arranges sing-alongs with collect to their development aid. Many museums, also some that otherwise are closed in winter, have displays or events related to the season; table settings and food of Christmas in different times and social classes are shown at the castle, the Qwensel house and the handicraft museum. Handicraft workshops (such as of making candles) are arranged at Seikkailupuisto and Kurala. There are also events at other institutions, such as candlelight swimming at Impivaara and Petrelius. Independence Day, December 6th, is celebrated by the philharmonic orchestra by two free day concerts (tickets are distributed a few weeks in advance). The latter, starting 15:00, can be seen on screens at the Old Great Square. There are services in the churches (mostly at 10:00). Charity bazaars. The students have a torch parade to the war graves (start 18:00). People light candles in their windows (originally a silent protest against Russian oppression), which makes for a nice evening stroll. A few associations arrange balls, the one of Turku folk dancers ([http://www.rytky.fi Rytky]) is open for the public, with a dance course in the preceding weeks. On December 13th, Lucia is crowned in the morning, blessed in the cathedral in the evening (be early if you want a seat), and then performing in the Hansa shopping centre. Programme for the rest of the season is changed yearly but generally Lucia and her company will be seen on many occasions, mostly in retirement homes and the like, but also e.g. at the Christmas market. The ecumenical plea for peace is made in the cathedral in Advent (2023: 14 Dec), to be broadcast on television before noon on 24 December. The audience should arrive at latest 17:40, the event starts at 18:00. Christmas peace is declared at noon of Christmas Eve in the Old Great Square, with thousands of spectators (programme starts 11:30; if you are early you can get glögg, gingerbread and words for the national anthem; have some coins for the servings). The Swedish service in the cathedral afterwards welcomes also the international audience. Most people are going to spend the evening and the Christmas Day with their family; the city will mostly close. Bus traffic in town continues to 20:00 and is then suspended for Christmas Day. The [[#Learn|main library]] is open 11:00–18:00 on Christmas Eve, with also some programme. Lights on the graves. Services in the churches. Some restaurants are open also in Christmas, but booking a table may be necessary. The cruise ferries may have cruises instead of route traffic. [[File:Julmarknad Gamla Stortorget lillajul 2010.jpg|thumb|Christmas Market at the Old Great Square]] * {{do | name=Christmas Market at the Old Great Square | alt= | url=https://www.joulukaupunkiturku.fi/en/christmas-city/christmas-market | email= | address=Old Great Square | lat=60.450783 | long=22.276609 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Four weekends before Christmas (the last one the 3rd Sunday of Advent), 11:00–17:00 | price= | lastedit=2018-03-14 | content=The Old Great Square fills with high quality handicrafts, Christmas delicacies and various music, theatre and circus performances. And of course, there’s also Santa Claus and his family! In addition, you can enjoy the lovely winter weather with a cup of warm ''glögg'' or a bowl of Christmas porridge (in the Brinkkala yard), find something nice at the Christmas ornaments’ exchange point, get warm and escape the hustle and bustle to an indoors café (e.g. upstairs in the Brinkkala house) or to the Christmas concerts of the Old Town Hall. }} * {{do | name=Christmas Market at Kauppatori | alt=Joulutori | url= | email= | address=Kauppatori | lat=60.451667 | long=22.266944 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=25 Nov–23 Dec, M–F 12:00–19:00, Sa 10:00–16:00, Su 12:00–16:00 | price= | lastedit=2017-11-28 | content=Much smaller market, but open daily. }} ====Music festivals==== [[File:Ruisrock 2008.jpg|thumb|Ruisrock atmosphere in 2008]] [[File:Turku M.A.Numminen at DBTL 2006.jpg|thumbnail|M. A. Numminen performs at DBTL in 2006.]] There is some music festival in Turku nearly every weekend in summer (all back after the pandemic). Here some, in more or less chronological order: * {{do | name=Turku Jazz | alt= | url=https://www.turkujazz.fi | email= | address= | lat=60.456692 | long=22.256300 | directions=mainly in Logomo | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Beginning of March; 2024: 1–10 March | price= | wikidata=Q18662446 | lastedit=2018 | content=Second oldest jazz festival in Finland. Performers include leading Finnish jazz musicians and special international guests. Concerts are held in restaurants and entertainment venues throughout the city of Turku. }} * {{do | name=Turku Modern | alt= | url= | email=toimisto@turkumodern.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Annually, 2023: 26–27 May | price=€35-65 | wikidata=Q11898751 | lastedit=2018 | content=Turku Modern, the festival for electronic music, storms Turku clubs and galleries annual in July. It brings forward top foreign artists and accomplished domestic performers focusing on electronic and dance music. It takes place in central Turku on the banks of the river Aura in clubs, bars, stages and especially the charming river boats. }} * {{do | name=Ruisrock | alt= | url=http://www.ruisrock.fi | email=palaute@ruisrock.fi | address= | lat=60.428771 | long=22.178021 | directions=Kansanpuisto, Ruissalo | phone=+358 44-966-1384 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Beginning of July, in 2023: 7–9 July | price=Three-day ticket €175, 2 days €155, 1 day €99; children under 7 years free with a paying adult; people over 70 free | wikidata=Q259936 | lastedit=2018 | content=Ruisrock, founded in 1970, is the second oldest rock festival in Europe, and the oldest still going in the Nordic countries and Finland. During the three-day event fans are offered international names, domestic stars and the hottest new acts. Ruisrock attracts almost 100,000 visitors every year from Finland and abroad and it is the biggest music festival in Turku. The festival has attracted world-famous artists throughout its lifetime including such names as Nirvana, Björk, The Cure, Bob Dylan, Bon Jovi, Ozzy Osbourne, Pet Shop Boys, Oasis, Aerosmith and Rammstein. The festival takes place in the Ruissalo Island, right next to central Turku. The area where the festival takes place is divided into two sections, Niittyalue ("meadow section") and Ranta-alue ("beach section"). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTVUAweys8U Introduction video for the festival] can be seen in YouTube. Festival site can be reached with the festival bus or by bike from Turku city centre. The festival buses run from Turku city centre to the festival bus station. There is a clearly marked walking route of about 2 km (about 1.2 miles) between the festival bus station and the festival site. }} * {{do | name=Down by the Laituri (DBTL) | alt= | url=http://www.dbtl.fi | email= | address= | lat=60.443022 | long=22.266042 | directions=Turku centre | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=End of July | price=€55–165 | wikidata=Q5302936 | lastedit=2018 | content=Finland´s oldest and most legendary city festival, DBTL was sparked into life in the late 1980s by the rock-club of the Student Union of the Turku University. Its popularity spread like a blaze and nowadays it attracts around 70,000 visitors. Mostly pop and rock. }} * {{do | name=Aura Fest | alt= | url=http://www.aurafest.fi | email= | address= | lat=60.442576 | long=22.248648 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Annually in early August, 2023: 11–12 Aug | price=€90–200 | wikidata=Q25452937 | lastedit= | content= }} * {{do | name=Turku Music Festival | alt=Turun musiikkijuhlat | url=https://turunmusiikkijuhlat.fi/en | email=info@tmj.fi | address= | lat= | long= | directions=around Turku | phone=+358 2 262-0812 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Annually in August, 2023: 10–24 Aug | price= | wikidata=Q7855559 | lastedit=2018 | content=Large orchestral concerts, chamber music, recitals, jazz and outdoor events as well as experiences for the whole family. A variety of venues, both modern and historical, are imaginatively used. Turku Music Festival is the oldest continuously running festival in Finland, since 1960. }} * {{do | name=Seikkisrock | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.445103 | long=22.291159 | directions=Turku Adventure Park, Kupittaa | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Annually, 2023: 18–19 Sep | price= | wikidata=Q18661924 | content=A two-day festival, organized in early June since 1999, offers a wonderful entertainment for children of all ages and childlike persons. Over the years, numerous leading children´s music artists and special guests have had performances at Seikkisrock. The festival's main focus is on music, but there are also crafts and art workshops, plays, circus, magicians and dancers – not forgetting the bouncy castle. Non-governmental organizations are also involved in the event; they are presented to children in their own ”World village” with the themes of tolerance and sustainable development. The Adventure Park offers verdant, comfortable and stimulating environment for the Seikkisrock. Performances that take place at two stages and smaller shows throughout the area guarantee great and memorable festival experience. }} ====Expos==== [[File:Turkuhalli.jpg|thumb|Turku Hall, next to the Turku Fair and Congress Center, hosts number of big concerts and hockey tournaments.]] There's a great number of expos and fairs held in Turku annually. Most of the fairs take place outside the summer season in autumn and spring. Large part of these fairs take place in the {{marker|type=do|name=Turku Fair and Congress Center|lat=60.4540 | long=22.1845}}, which is a diverse setting for fairs, meetings, congresses and grand public events. * {{do | name=Turku Fine Art and Antique Fair | alt=Annually end of March, 18 to 19 March in 2017 | url= | email= | address=Turku Fair and Congress Center, Messukentänkatu 9-13 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Turku Fine Art and Antiques Fair is a premier trade event where a vast array of antiques and art are exhibited. More than 10,000 people visit the fair annually and witness how world renowned artists and antique collectors gather in this exhibition and showcase their art and antique collections. }} * {{do | name=Turku International Book Fair | alt=Beginning of October, 5-7 October in 2018 | url= | email= | address=Turku Fair and Congress Center, Messukentänkatu 9-13 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=The Turku International Book Fair is Finland’s oldest book fair. The Turku Fair and Congress Center hosts the annual event, which brings together visitors, program creators and exhibitors from all over Finland and abroad. The Turku Book Fair garners an abundance of praise and publicity thanks to its solid reputation, long history and cozy atmosphere. The mingling of visitors and exhibitors enables spontaneous encounters between authors and readers. The fair plays host to a variety of events, large and small. The first Turku Book Fair was held in 1990, and in 2012 an all-time record was set, with 25,000 people attending the fair. Each year, the Turku Book Fair selects one country as the special focus, in addition to a Finnish-focused theme. }} * {{do | name=Turku Food and Wine Fair | alt=Beginning of October, 5-7 October in 2018 | url= | email= | address=Turku Fair and Congress Center, Messukentänkatu 9-13 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Arranged at the same time as the Turku International Book Fair | price= | content=The Turku Food and Wine Fair is one of autumn’s highlights in the city. In October, thousands of food, wine and culture enthusiasts will gather at the Turku Fair and Congress Centre to find new products and services, experience new tastes, learn and shop. }} ====Sport events==== [[File:Kalevan Kisat 2011 Turussa (Finnish Championships in Athletics 2011 in Turku).jpg|thumb|Paavo Nurmi Stadium]] <!--* {{do | name=Women's Kuntovitonen 5km Run | alt= | url=http://www.kuntovitonen.fi/ | email=info@vitostapahtumat.fi | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 44-725-5055 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=End of May, 26 May in 2018; not arranged 2019 | price= | content=The Women's Kuntovitonen 5km run energizes the Turku Sports Park in May, when spring is in full bloom. Here the sweatbands are more fashionable then functional. In addition to the five or ten kilometer routes there will be star performers on stage, guided group aerobics and a diverse exhibition area and a play park to leave your children and spouse to spend the day while you enjoy yourself. }}--> * '''Watch football''' at [https://fcinter.fi/ FC Inter Turku]. They play soccer in Veikkausliiga, the top tier in Finland. Their home ground is Veritas Stadium, capacity 9400, in Kupitaa district east of town centre. They share it with [http://www.fc.tps.fi/ Turun Palloseura] or TPS, who yo-yo between the top and second tiers. * {{do | name=Paavo Nurmi Games | alt= | url=http://paavonurmigames.fi | email=info@paavonurmisports.fi | address= | lat=60.4427 | long=22.2603 | directions= | phone=+358 2 431-0812 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=June, 18 June in 2024 | price= | content=The first Paavo Nurmi Games was arranged in 1957 as a birthday present to Nurmi on his 60th birthday. During his career Nurmi took 9 Olympic Gold medals and was among the first athletes to be nominated in the IAAF Hall of Fame. The tradition has gone on ever since and the event is held every year at the Paavo Nurmi Stadium named after the legendary runner. Now a track & field classic, the Turku Paavo Nurmi Games are part of the EA Premium Permit circuit. }} * {{do | name=Paavo Nurmi Marathon | alt= | url=http://paavonurmimarathon.fi/en/ | email=info@paavonurmisports.com | address=Around central Turku and Ruissalo island | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 2 431-0811 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=17 august in 2019, 12:00– | price= | content=Paavo Nurmi was a Finnish runner who achieved 9 gold and 3 silver medals in the Olympic games during his career. He was born in Turku and is celebrated by a number of sporting events every year. One of the highlights is Paavo Nurmi Marathon, which is one of the leading running events in Finland. One can choose to participate in the full marathon, half marathon or a 10-km races. The total number of participants has been around 3500 runners annually. The beautiful route of the marathon showcases the most attractive sides of Turku from the shores of the river Aura to Ruissalo Island and back. Right after the start the runners pass by the famous Paavo Nurmi statue, sculpted by Turku born sculptor Wäinö Aaltonen. }} * {{do | name=Challenge Turku, Swim, bike and run | alt= | url=http://www.challengeturku.com | email=info@sbrfinland.com | address=Around central Turku and Ruissalo island | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10 to 11 August 2019 | price= | content=Want to provide yourself with a new kind of challenge? The triathlon is ideal for those looking for variation, because it includes swimming, cycling and running. }} * {{do | name=FightBack Run | alt= | url=http://fightbackrun.fi | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Saturday in beginning of September | price=Participants: €25, €0 for children < 10 years and the accessible route; after-run dinner €65 | lastedit=2022-09-03 | content=No-one in Finland is unaware of Pekka Hyysalo and his Fight Back charity project. Hyysalo, a young man from Turku, had his promising career as freestyle skier cut short after a serious head injury in 2010. Hyysalo fought his way from the hospital bed to get back on his feet, teaching his body to do everything from scratch, from eating to tying his shoelaces. In September 2014 he ran for the first time in the FightBack Run. The first FightBack Run had a distance of 2.6 km and the plan was to double the distance every year, for a full marathon in 2019. Now there is a 2.7 km circle route in the centre, along the river, to be run or walked as many times as you can during 2 hr. There is also a 300-m route for the mobility impaired. }} * {{do | name=Ruissalo races | alt= | url=http://www.ruissalojuoksut.fi | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=End of September, 21 September in 2019 | price= | content=The traditional Ruissalo races are organized on the end of September in the beautiful island of Ruissalo next to central Turku. The distances to choose from are half-marathon called "Ruisrääkki" and 10-km run "Ruisriikki". }} ==Learn== [[File:Turun hovioikeus.jpg|thumb|Academy House used to be the main building of the Turku Academy, but nowadays it houses the Turku Court of Appeal.]] Turku has a long academic history: Queen Christina of Sweden founded the first university of Finland in Turku in 1640. At that point it was only Sweden's third university following Uppsala University and the Academia Gustaviana in [[Tartu]]. Nowadays Turku is still a major academic town in Finland and because of this the city is bustling with students. Almost 20 per cent of Turku residents are students and many of them are exchange students or otherwise from abroad. The universities have many courses in English and some study programs targeted at exchange students, often in cooperation between the universities. Both universities are legal deposit repositories, which means they have everything of value printed in Finland since the 1920s, usually available at least for reading in both or either, if requested a day or a few in advance. Students can either rent on the private market or apply for a room or flat for students through the Student Village Foundation or, students at ÅAU, from its student union. Rents for the student rooms and flats are mostly in the range of €225–1,000/month, including heating, water, internet etc., and access to some communal facilities. Exchange student can borrow a set of basic utensils from the student unions. * {{listing | name=University of Turku | alt=Turun yliopisto | url=http://www.utu.fi/en/ | email= | address= | lat=60.4542 | long=22.2848 | directions= | phone=+358 2 333-51 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q501841 | content=The University of Turku is the second largest university in Finland only behind the University of Helsinki. It houses over 20,000 students in seven faculties: Humanities, Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Medicine, Law, Social Sciences, Education and Economics. It offers lectures for children and has an open university for anyone to role in. [http://www.utu.fi/en/units/open-university/Pages/home.aspx Turku Open University] offers several courses also in English. }} * {{listing | name=Åbo Akademi University | alt=Åbo Akademi | url=http://www.abo.fi/?lang=en | email=infowww@abo.fi | address= | lat=60.4510 | long=22.2775 | directions= | phone=+358 2 215-31 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q917874 | content=Åbo Akademi is the only Swedish-language university in Finland. It is at the forefront of research in such areas as biosciences, computer science, democracy, human rights, material sciences, process chemistry and psychology. It houses around 6,000 students, of which 1/7 are from abroad, and has special collections and museums for visitors to enjoy. Many courses are in English and there are several [https://www.abo.fi/en/study/study-abroad/exchange-students/ exchange programs]. ÅA also has an open university and is partner of [[Hanko#Hangö sommaruni|Hangö sommaruni]], together with i.a. Novia. }} * {{listing | name=Turku University of Applied Sciences | alt=Turun Ammattikorkeakoulu | url=http://www.tuas.fi/en/ | email=ammattikorkeakoulu@turkuamk.fi | address= | lat=60.4470 | long=22.2990 | directions= | phone=+358 2 330-000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7855557 | content=TUAS, one of the leading universities of applied sciences in Finland, hosts 9,500 students studying for a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. Its academies and faculties range from economics to art, technology, environment and healthcare. It also offers three English taught Bachelor's and two Master’s programmes as well as open studies for anyone willing to join. }} * {{listing | name=Novia University of Applied Sciences | alt=Novia | url=https://www.novia.fi/en/ | email=admissions@novia.fi | address=Henrikinkatu 7 | lat=60.453496 | long=22.280558 | directions= | phone=+358 6 328 5000 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Instruction in Swedish, with some courses and modules offered in English. Novia's campus in Turku offers courses in e.g. tourism, social services, design and maritime management. }} * {{listing | name=Turku City Library | alt=Turun kaupunginkirjasto, Åbo stadsbibliotek | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/turku-city-library | email=kaupunginkirjasto@turku.fi | address=Linnankatu 2 | lat=60.4504 | long=22.271 | directions=between Kauppatori and the cathedral | phone=+358 2 262-0624 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 09:00–20:00, Sa Su11:00–17::00 | price=Free | wikidata=Q4356997 | lastedit=2023-08-29 | content=Libraries could be boring in other cities, but not in Turku. Turku City Library is open every day and most city residents have taken to it as their second living room. The old and the architecturally distinguished new building also offer facilities for many events and exhibitions. Weekly sing-alongs and dances in the yard in summer. It is a great place to just chill, check e-mail (free Wi-Fi; "15 min" computers available without library card), charge one's phone (USB-C/-mini/Iphone), read a newspaper (quite some foreign ones available), have a coffee or lunch at the inner courtyard's restaurant (or own snacks at a specific table by the newspapers) or enjoy a book from the wide selection of foreign language literature. }} ==Buy== [[File:Turku Car-free zone.jpg|thumb|Yliopistonkatu next to the Market Square is a pedestrian zone; there are a variety of services in it]] There are plenty of opportunities to part with your cash in Turku. The city centre is full of major retail and independent shops. Shopping in Turku is generally more affordable than in Helsinki, but, as with the rest of Finland, it is by no means cheap by international standards. The numerous second-hand and antique stores represent a unique shopping alternative. If arriving in the night, there are grocery stores that are open 24 hr daily (except perhaps some holidays), including Citymarket Kupittaa and some K-market and Sale stores (in or near the centre). Some more grocery stores are open to 23:00 or 24:00, most close 21:00 or 22:00, often earlier in the weekend. ===Money=== Getting cash is rarely a problem, as ATM's ("Otto") are common around the centre and they can be operated with international credit and debit cards (Visa, Visa Electron, MasterCard, Maestro). Currencies other than the euro are generally ''not'' accepted, but at least the Swedish krona is accepted on the ferries from Sweden, and the Stockmann department store accepts the krona, dollars and pounds. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but know your PIN and be prepared to show your passport or ID card. Some stalls at Kauppatori accept only cash, and you may be out of luck with cards also at some small-business stalls at temporary markets. Most bank offices do not handle money exchange. * {{buy | name=Forex Bank | alt= | url=https://www.forex.fi/en | email= | address=Eerikinkatu 13 | lat=60.4496 | long=22.2633 | directions=by Kauppatori | phone=+358 2 251-8620 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 10:00–17:30 Sa 09:30–17:00 Su closed | price= | content=The most convenient place to change currencies in most situations, unless you can use ATMs. However, rates can be bad even for big currencies. }} As a rule, '''tipping''' is never necessary, although appreciated by some service personnel (see [[Finland#Tipping]]). Cloakrooms (''narikka'') in nightclubs, theatres and better restaurants often have ''non-negotiable'' fees (usually clearly signposted, €2 is standard), and – in the few hotels that employ them – hotel porters will expect around the same per bag. ===Traditional shopping=== [[File:Lounashetki Turun kauppahallissa.jpg|thumb|Turku Market Hall]] * {{buy | name=Market Square | alt=Kauppatori | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.4516 | long=22.2671 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 07:00–18:00, Sa 07:00–15:00; best in summer before 14:00, when most farmers leave | price= | wikidata=Q4411397 | content=The centre point of Turku's commercial centre is, without a doubt, the market square, with its market and surrounding shopping centres, department stores and independent shops. The market square itself has been a popular shopping and meeting place and an authentic tourist attraction – locals dominate and many do some of their grocery shopping here. Have a coffee and watch the scene, or buy groceries from the stalls of many local producers (those with just a bench sell their own, those selling from trailers are mostly selling produce of others, although e.g. a few fish stands buy from local fishermen or sell own catch). If you are on a budget, check the units, as no per kg prices are required. In 2018–2022, a parking cave was being built under the square, but the market activity and most bus stops have returned. }} * {{buy | name=Turku Market Hall | alt=Kauppahalli | url=http://www.kauppahalli.fi/en/ | email= | address=Eerikinkatu 16 | lat=60.4497 | long=22.2661 | directions=50 metres from Kauppatori downstream along the Eerikinkatu | phone=+358 2 262-4126 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 08:00–18:00, Sa 08:00–16:00 | price= | wikidata=Q10726161 | content=Completed in 1896, the Turku Market Hall brings a delightful atmosphere reminiscent of times gone by. The old and new meet in the corridors. The market hall, which extends the length of an entire block, was designed by architect Gustaf Nyström. There are traditional meat and fish counters, delicatessen and speciality shops, bread, milk and cheese shops as well as restaurants and cafés. Stop by the fish shop S. Wallin, try some reindeer meat from Poronlihan erikoisliike Heinonen or buy some cheese at Juustopuoti. Have a coffee and cake in Aschan Blue Train café or shop for souvenirs at the nostalgic Wanha Turku Kauppa (''Old Turku Store''). There is also a great lunch court at the market hall, where you can choose to eat either ethnic or domestic food. }} ===Shopping centres=== [[File:Turku Hansa panorama.jpg|thumb|View inside the Hansa Shopping Centre]] * {{buy | name=Forum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.4506 | long=22.2679 | directions=adjacent to Kauppatori, the block towards the river | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Smaller than Hansa, with less mainstream shops. Local design and even second hand. }} * {{buy | name=Hansa | alt= | url=https://hansakortteli.fi/en/in-english/ | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 20 | lat=60.4507 | long=22.2644 | directions=adjacent to Kauppatori, on the downstream side | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M–F 07:00–21:00, Sa 07:30–19:30, Su 10:00–19:00 | price= | content=More than 150 shops found under one roof, Turku’s oldest and largest shopping centre with a number of specialist shops, including some nice Finnish design brands, and the classy department store Stockmann. A number of cafés and restaurants. }} * {{buy | name=KOP-Kolmio | alt= | url=http://www.kop-kolmio.fi | email= | address=Aurakatu 8 | lat=60.4503 | long=22.2665 | directions=adjacent to Kauppatori, across the street from Hansa | phone=+358 2 6516-6680 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 10:00–20:00, Sa 10:00–18:00, Su 12:00–16:00 | price= | content=KOP-Kolmio is a smaller shopping centre. It offers mostly fashion stores and a few cosy cafés. Also the Föli customer service, combined with Turku social services etc. The building is mostly home to companies, on the upper floors of the building, including the local branch of ''Yleisradio (YLE)'', Finland's national broadcast company. }} * {{buy | name=Mylly | alt= | url=http://www.kauppakeskusmylly.fi | email= | address=Myllynkatu 1–99 | lat=60.4906 | long=22.2010 | directions=in [[Raisio]], 10 min drive from Turku centre; 30–40 min by bus line 300 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 10:00–21:00, Sa 09:00–18:00, Su 12:00–18:00 | price= | content=A hundred shops, cafés and restaurants. Free play area and childcare points. Consistent opening hours across all stores (except Alko and office services). Plenty of parking. }} * {{buy | name=Skanssi | alt= | url=http://www.skanssi.fi | email= | address=Skanssinkatu 10 | lat=60.4300 | long=22.3230 | directions=4 km from the city centre, 20 minutes by bus line 9 towards Vaala | phone=+358 40-195-3742 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 08:00–21:00, Sa 08:00–18:00, Su 12:00–18:00 | price= | content=Ninety special stores, a hypermarket, a wide variety of cafés and restaurants, an indoor playground, dog sitting service and underground parking. }} ===Department stores=== [[File:Stockmann Department Store in Turku.jpg|thumb|The department store Stockmann in central Turku]] * {{buy | name=Stockmann | alt= | url=https://stockmann.com/fi | email= | address= | lat=60.4507 | long=22.2628 | directions=in the Hansa shopping centre | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 09:00–20:00, Sa 09:00–19:00, Su 11:00–18:00 | price= | content=Regarded a bit upmarket, Stockmann has products from top fashion to electronics, including Finnish design brands like Arabia, Iittala, Marimekko and Aarikka. There is also a visitor centre which provides advice and help on tax-free purchases and buying tickets to events and venues. Opposite to the department store in the shopping centre is the bookshop Akateeminen Kirjakauppa, formerly part of Stockmann like the excellent supermarket in the basement. There is also a café with great lunch. }} * {{buy | name=Wiklund | alt= | url=https://www.s-kanava.fi/toimipaikka/sokos-wiklund-turku/501019327 | email= | address=Eerikinkatu 11 | lat=60.4517 | long=22.2688 | directions=by Kauppatori | phone=+358 10-76-5020 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 08:00–21:00, Sa 09:00–20:00, Su 11:00-18:00 | price= | content=Wiklund offers women's and men's fashion, beauty, home and children, outdoor activities and exercise, as well as entertainment. Department store services are complemented by the Café Wiklund, a hair salon, Alko wine and alcohol store, pharmacy, shoemaker and Eurokangas fabric store. }} ===Design=== [[File:Turku design bag.jpg|thumb|This design bag asks in Swedish "Varför Paris, vi har ju Åbo" ''(Why Paris, when we have Turku)'']] National brands, such as [https://www.finlayson.fi Finlayson], [https://www.iittala.com Iittala] and [https://www.marimekko.com/eu_en/ Marimekko]{{Dead link|date=June 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}, are found in most department stores, although they also have their own shops. Marimekko has shops in the shopping centres of Hansa, Mylly and Skanssi. * {{buy | name=Baobab Kids and lifestyle | alt= | url= | email=baobab.baby@gmail.com | address=Yliopistonkatu 11 | lat=60.45360 | long=22.26986 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 10:00–17:00, Sa 10:00–15:00 | price= | content=Baobab Kids & lifestyle is a shop aimed for families with children. Their products range from kids clothing from 56cm up to 128cm, a selection of pregnancy clothing, nostalgic wooden toys, retro bags and backpacks, as well as some lovely gifts. }} * {{buy | name=Casagrande | alt= | url=https://casagrande.fi/ | email=info@casagrande.fi | address=Linnankatu 9-11 | lat=60.45019 | long=22.26917 | directions=at Forum Kortteli | phone=+358 2 231 4693 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 10:00–18:00, Sa 10:00–16:00 | price= | content=A toy store with a comprehensive selection, selling everything from traditional toys to puzzles, craft tools and fun children's costumes. Founded in 1912 by the Italian-born Antonio Casagrande, the family business is today one of the oldest toy stores in the country. }} * {{buy | name=Idea Estradi | alt= | url=http://www.ideaestradi.fi/index.htm | email= | address=Humalistonkatu 4 | lat=60.44954 | long=22.26030 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 10:00–17:00, Sa 11:00–14:00 | price= | content=Idea Estradi sells only Finnish handmade products: interior decoration, business gift, souvenirs, jewellery, bags, candles, ceramics and glass products, paintings, soft toys, textiles, towels, cards, and everything else you can think of to need from a handicrafts shop. }} * {{buy | name=Joutomaa | alt= | url=http://joutomaassa.blogspot.fi | email= | address=Kellonsoittajankatu 8 | lat=60.44775 | long=22.28549 | directions=between the cathedral and Kupittaa | phone=+358 50-362-8003 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–F 11:00–17:00 | price= | content=Joutomaa (literally meaning ''Wasteland'') is a small and funny gift shop, which is full of lovely hand-made treasures for yourself or for a friend. Most of the design products are made by the owner Reetta Isotupa-Siltanen, who is specially famous for her cards and prints, which combine old gloss photos which she has found and prints made by herself. She also has a great online store. }} * {{buy | name=Niinmun Design | alt= | url=https://www.niinmun.fi | email=info@niinmun.fi | address=Eerikinkatu 13 | lat=60.4506 | long=22.2663 | directions=by Hansa | phone=+358 40-756-1567 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 10:00–18:00 Sa 10:00–16:00 Su 12:00–16:00 | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-07-29 | content=Women's clothing and accessories, timeless design inspired by the archipelago. The clothes are mostly sewn in Finland, most fabrics woven in Europe. }} * {{buy | name=Punainen Norsu | alt=Red Elephant | url=http://www.punainennorsu.com/en | email=info@punainennorsu.com | address=Forum shopping centre| lat=60.44999 | long=22.24741 | directions= | phone=+358 44-501-1510 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 11:00–18:00, Sa 11:00–15:00 | price= | content=Punainen Norsu (''Red Elephant'') is a children's clothing line originating from Turku. All the colourful and graphic clothes are made mostly from recycled materials. }} * {{buy | name=Sylvi Salonen | alt= | url=http://www.sylvisalonen.fi | email=info@sylvisalonen.fi | address=Linnankatu 14 | lat=60.44910 | long=22.26689 | directions=one block from Kauppatori, near the back entrance of the Qwensel house | phone=+358 20-766-0830 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This boutique is in an old stall building of the 1880s in central Turku. It was founded in 1928 by Sylvi Salonen, who started selling her own embroidery designs. Nowadays Sylvi Salonen still offers a wide selection of embroidery and handwork accessories but also high quality gifts and trendy home décor items, Finnish handicrafts, Home décor and Scandinavian design. Also a versatile range of tableware accessories, candles and lanterns. }} * {{buy | name=Televisio Lifestyle Store | alt= | url=http://www.televisioon.fi | email=info@televisioon.fi | address=Hämeenkatu 32 | lat=60.4481 | long=22.2712 | directions= | phone=+358 2 231-0400 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-F 11:00–19:00, Sa 11:00–16:00 | price= | content=Near the east end of the Aura Bridge, in a secluded courtyard, you'll find a personal boutique offering a wide selection of clothes, shoes, bags, hats, jewellery, accessories and little bit of art as well. Everything in store is from young Finnish and Nordic designers. }} ===Vintage=== * {{buy | name=VintagEija`s | alt= | url=http://www.vintageijas.com | email=eija.mannila@kolumbus.fi | address=Maariankatu 10 | lat=60.4540 | long=22.2666 | directions=a few blocks from the Market Square | phone=+358 50-574-6034 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–F 12:00–18:00, Sa 11:00–14:00 | price= | content=VintagEija's sells gift, vintage wear and accessories, specializing in American style vintage. There is a rockabilly and burlesque atmosphere in this small boutique, with clothing from 1940s, 50s and 60s. In addition they sell new garment which have been made in the style of vintage for both men and women. }} * {{buy | name=Boutique Minne | alt= | url=http://www.boutiqueminne.com | email=info@boutiqueminne.com | address=Kaskenkatu 2 | lat=60.44781 | long=22.27122 | directions= | phone=+358 50-516-6124 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=W–F 11:00–17:30 | price= | content=Boutique Minne, in the Kaskenmäki Hill in central Turku, is a small boutique and sewing workshop selling and making women's vintage clothing. Minne's range includes lovely vintage dresses and new production of bridal and formal wear for women. You'll also find new and old accessories, jewellery, local arts and crafts, and unique design. }} ===Record stores=== * {{buy | name=8raita | alt= | url=http://www.8raita.fi/shop/ | email=shop@8raita.fi | address=Yliopistonkatu 11 | lat=60.45409 | long=22.27258 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 10:00–19:00, Sa 10:00–17:00 | price= | content=8raita sells all kinds of records ranging from second-hand CDs and LPs to music DVDs and other products. It also has a good online-store and staff that can give you great recommendations. }} * {{buy | name=Iki-Pop | alt= | url=http://www.ikipop.fi/ | email=joska@ikipop.inet.fi | address=Linnankatu 7 | lat=60.45070 | long=22.27066 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This personal tiny record store, opposite the Main City Library, sells second-hand CDs and LPs, but the main focus is on vinyl. This is a real haven for those who like to dig through loads of old goodies and find the one you've been looking everywhere. }} ==Eat== {{quote|''Varför Paris, vi har ju Åbo!''<br/>"Why Paris, we have Turku!"|author=Quote from a Swedish journalist}} Turku and other parts of [[Finland Proper]] are home to the more western influenced Finnish cuisine, which has features, especially from Sweden, Denmark and Germany. The long traditions of farming and fishing in the area have contributed to the local food culture. Fish, especially herring – the regional fish of Finland Proper – has been at the heart of the region's culinary traditions for centuries. It is eaten all year round salted, fried, grilled and smoked. In addition, perch, whitefish and pike are often used. You must also remember to try the famous raisin sausage, a regional speciality which you can buy for example from the Market Hall. Another regional speciality is the sweet malt bread from the archipelago: ''skärgårdslimpa''. As a dessert enjoy a good cup of coffee together with ''pulla'' (cinnamon roll) or ''Piispanmunkki'' ("Bishops Doughnut"), as people here call the traditional North German pastry ''Berliner''. Lunch offers, meals at kebab-pizzerias and fast food meals (including drinks and chips) usually cost €8.50–12.50. Simpler proper restaurant meals of some simple pasta, a soup or a salad, with water or a soft drink, are usually around €10–20. For meals with a high-grade steak and good wine, expect to pay at least €30–60. Proper restaurants are often open until 22:00, with the kitchen closing at 21:00. Some restaurants keep the bar open until later in the night. Fast food chains and some kebab-pizzerias, grills and other such places are open later at night, some as late as 03:00–05:00. ===Lunch and brunch=== [[File:Aboa Vetus Ars Nova, kesäterassi.jpg|thumb|Summer terrace at the Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova courtyard.]] [[File:Kåren 2017 studentkaféet.jpg|thumb|The lunch café Kåren]] Most restaurants have offers of €8.50–12.50 at lunch time, mostly at least weekdays 11:00–14:00. There are also lunch restaurants or cafés serving meals only at lunch time, including student cafés and lunch restaurants for big workplaces, often having a very affordable price also for outsiders. For the student cafés some timing may be needed to avoid long queues (don't try them 11:30–12:30). A few student restaurants serve cheap lunch also later or in the weekend. The department stores Wiklund and Stockman have family friendly cafés that can come handy. * {{eat | name=Amica Mäntymäki | alt= | url=https://www.amica.fi/ravintolat/ravintolat-kaupungeittain/turku/mantymaki/ | email=ravintokeskus.mantymaki@amica.fi | address=Luolavuorentie 2 | lat=60.439415 | long=22.275665 | directions=K-floor | phone=+358 40-482-8556 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 10:30–13:30 | price=€10.15, dessert €1.00 | lastedit=2022-06-08 | content=The staff restaurant at the main health station, which is also open to outsiders. }} * {{eat | name=Elvina Café | alt= | url=http://www.elvina.fi | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 15 | lat=60.45292 | long=22.26801 | directions=near Kauppatori | phone=+358 2 536-8502 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 09:00–18:00, Sa 11:00–15:00 | price= | content=In a 1920s building, seeking an atmosphere of that time. Lunch and café products. }} * {{eat | name=Fontana Café | alt= | url=https://www.fontana.fi/?lang=en | email= | address=Aurakatu 1 | lat=60.44962 | long=22.26859 | directions=opposite the city hall and tourist office near Aura bridge | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 10:00–22:00, F 10:00–23:00, Sa 11:00–00:00, Su 12:00–20:00 (brunch served 12:00–16:00) | price= | content=Fresh products from own bakery. Bar opens in the evening. Popular brunch in weekends. }} * {{eat | name=Honkapirtti | alt= | url=http://www.honkapirtti.fi | email=info@honkapirtti.fi | address=Albert Ravilan raitti | lat=60.42856 | long=22.14769 | directions=Ruissalo island | phone=+358 44-756-7922 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 11:00–17:00, Sa Su 10:00–17:00 | price= | content=East Karelian-style large cabin, since decades a stopping point for people enjoying the nature on the island. Unpretentious lunch consisting of traditional pea soup and delicious pancakes. Its coffee table also has a range of traditional delicacies, cakes and pies. }} * {{eat | name=Kaarea TYKS U restaurant | alt= | url=https://kaarea.fi/ | email=asiakaspalvelu@kaarea.fi | address=Kiinamyllynkatu 4 | lat=60.453379 | long=22.289324 | directions= | phone=+358 20 764 9850 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 10:30–-13:30 | price=€7.55–€9.15 | lastedit=2022-06-08 | content=Staff restaurant in the U building of Turku University Hospital, also open to outsiders. Sale of surplus food after lunch 13:30–13:40. }} * {{eat | name=PullaPuoti | alt= | url=http://www.pullapuoti.fi | email= | address=Puistokatu 3 | lat=60.44589 | long=22.25407 | directions= | phone=+358 2 236-2121 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 08:00–17:00 | price= | content=Close to the Turku Police Station and Hostel Turku. Pastries, snack foods, coffee and filled sandwiches and cakes. For lunch you can choose a soup, salad, pan pizza or pasta. Assortment of gluten-free products. }} * {{eat | name=Teboil Herkku | alt= | url=https://www.tbherkku.fi/ravintola/ | email=turku.rautatehtaankatu@huoltoasemat.teboil.fi | address=Rautatehtaankatu 1 | lat=60.4497729 | long=22.1989227 | directions= | phone=+358 10 583 9900 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 10:30-16:00, Sa 11:00-16:00 | price=€10.70 | lastedit=2020-10-13 | content=Home cooking styled lunch and dessert. }} * {{eat | name=Unica Restaurants | alt= | url=http://www.unica.fi/en/ | email= | address=Rehtoripellonkatu 4 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 2 232-5444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Outsiders: €9 | content=Unica, owned by the Student Union of the University of Turku, has several student restaurants around the campus area behind Turku Cathedral. }} ** {{eat | name=Assarin ullakko and Brygge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rehtorinpellonkatu 3 | lat=60.4543 | long=22.2873 | directions=below the university hill on the Kupittaa side; own entrances, upstairs | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M–F 10:30–20:00 Sa 10:30–18:00 Su 12:00–16:00; Brygge bar W–Th 18:00–21:00 F 18:00–22:00 Sa 16:00–22:00 | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-12-08 | content=In the student union's house. }} * {{eat | name=ÅAS student cafés | alt=Gadolinia Kb | url=https://www.karkafeerna.fi/en/lunch | email=anne.peltonen@abo.fi | address=Hämeenkatu 22 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 2 215-3703 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Lunch for outsiders: €8.50 | image=Kåren, Åbo.jpg | lastedit=1018 | content=Cafés of the student union of ÅA. Decent everyday food. }} ** {{eat | name=Arken | alt= | url= | email= | address=Fabriksgatan 2 | lat=60.4571 | long=22.2791 | directions=near Piispankatu on a cross street, in the yard | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M–Th 08:00–15.30 F 08:00–15:00; lunch 11:00–15:00, F 11:00–14:30; open also in summer | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-12-08 | content=In the main Humanities building of ÅA, a renovated former iron manufacture. The cuisine has a tad more foreign influences than at most of the student restaurants. }} ** {{eat | name=Aurum | alt= | url= | email= | address=Henriksgatan 2 | lat=60.4548 | long=22.2824 | directions=ground floor, main entrance, to the right | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M–Th 07:30–18:00 F 07:30–14:30 Sa 12:00–15:00; lunch M–Th 10:30–18:00 F 10:30–14.30 Sa 12:00–15:00 | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-12-08 | content=In a big 2020s university building, shared between ÅA and TY, with science and technology. }} ** {{eat | name=Kåren | alt= | url= | email= | address=Tavastgatan 22 | lat=60.4496 | long=22.2761 | directions=across Hämeenkatu from the Old Great Square quartier; main entrance, upstairs | phone= | tollfree= | hours=11:00–14:00 | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-12-08 | content=The student union's house, by famous architect Erik Bryggman, with office, banquet hall and student housing in addition to the lunch restaurant, which usually is quiet except at noon – which allows a slightly more home-made touch, e.g. the bread is often their own. The house is also an event venue, and there is a private bar and grill restaurant on the ground floor: Suntti. }} ===Budget=== [[File:Hesburger hamburger.jpg|thumb|Hesburger originates in Turku, and is the largest hamburger restaurant chain in Finland.]] [[File:Beef Kung Po at restaurant Kiinanmuuri in Turku.jpg|thumb|right|Beef Kung Po at Kiinanmuuri]] : ''For lunch, see [[#Lunch and brunch|Lunch and brunch]] above.'' Pizzerias are frequently cheap kebab-pizzerias, offering kebab, falafel and pizza. There are a lot of these in the centre, and eateries in the suburbs are often this kind. Unfortunately, the restaurants offering the finest kebabs are in the suburbs. Prices are comparable to the lunch offers of other restaurants; their own lunch offers are usually limited to including coffee or offering more options at their lower prices. [https://www.kotipizza.fi Kotipizza] is a slightly more expensive non-immigrant chain, primarily for take-away. There are also pizza restaurants in the mid-range or splurge categories, offering quite another experience. [http://www.hesburger.com Hesburger] is the dominant hamburger chain in Finland, leaving McDonald's and Burger King as marginal players, and it is especially popular in Turku, where it was founded and still is based. It is almost hard not to pass one when walking around the city centre; you'll find four Hesburgers just around the Kauppatori area. The company is still run by the family that started it in the 1960s. And ask any of the locals: Hesburger burgers really do taste better! If you are in a hurry you can order the food through their mobile app. There are still some grill kiosks, for a smaller quick meal, primarily sausage, hot dog, ''makkaraperunat'', ''lihapiirakka'', or hamburger. * {{eat | name=Kiinanmuuri | alt=Great Wall of China | url=http://www.chinamarket.fi/kiinanmuuri/index.php | email=peng@chinamarket.fi | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Kiinanmuuri is one of the best Chinese restaurants in Turku. Even though it's usually crowded around noon, decorations are outdated and it seems a bit suspicious, their food is superb. All the ingredients are very fresh and the portions are usually huge. Lunchtime service is really fast. If you're extra hungry or wish to survive a couple of days on one portion, try the take away to get even larger portions. }} ** {{eat | name= | alt= | url= | email= | address=Sirkkalankatu 27 | lat=60.44523 | long=22.27496 | directions= | phone=+358 2 233-5968 | tollfree= | hours=Lunch 11:00–15:00 | price= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ** {{eat | name= | alt= | url= | email= | address=Vähä-Hämeenkatu 1 | lat=60.4524 | long=22.2878 | directions= | phone=+358 2 250-2888 | tollfree= | hours=M–Th 10:30–21:00 F 10:30–22:00 Sa 12:00–22:00 Su 12:00–21:00; lunch M–F 10:30–16:00 Sa 12:00–17:00 | price=Lunch buffet €11.50 | lastedit=2023-01-11 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Kortteliravintola Kerttu | alt=Quarter Restaurant Kerttu | url=https://www.kerttu.fi/ | email= | address=Läntinen pitkäkatu 35 | lat=60.45388 | long=22.25704 | directions=near the railway station | phone=+358 2 250-6990 | tollfree= | hours=M–Th 10:30–23:00, F 10:30–00:00, Sa 12:00–00:00 | price= | content=Kerttu is a popular quarter restaurant with a reasonably priced menu for both omni- and herbivores. Kerttu is very popular amongst students, and there is even a laundromat in the restaurant for visitors to use, while they are enjoying their meals. On weekends they have a special hamburger buffet, that is very popular among locals. Staff is very friendly and welcoming. }} ** {{eat | name=Rantakerttu | alt= | url=http://www.rantakerttu.fi | email= | address=Läntinen rantakatu 55 | lat=60.44050 | long=22.24486 | directions=close to the ''Föri'' ferry | phone=+358 2 258-8000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M 11:00-15:00, Tu–Th 11:00–22:00, F 11:00–23:00, Sa 12:00–23:00, Su 12:00–18:00 | price= | content=Kortteliravintola Kerttu's sister restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Latte Café and Gourmand | alt= | url=http://www.lattecafe.biz | email= | address=Eerikinkatu 37 | lat=60.4462 | long=22.2533 | directions= | phone=+358 449-756-699 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 10:00–17:00, Sa–Su during events | price= | content=Sweet little café, which also serves very inexpensive lunch. Huge list of different coffees from every corner of the earth (to be drank or bought). Menu includes toasts, paninis, salads, and bagels. No need to go to a restaurant because of hunger because the sizes of these foods are big. Atmosphere is very relaxing thanks to jazz and Latin sounds and warm colours. If you feel like you want more privacy, you can go to the back room and sit on the cosy couch. And during summer you can also sit outside. }} * {{eat | name=Mantun grilli | alt= | url= | email= | address=Olavintie 2 | lat=60.4478 | long=22.2705 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=W–Su evening-small hours | price=€3–13 | lastedit=2024-10-20 | content=Traditional Finnish grill kiosk, otherwise a dying breed. No proper meals, but long list of hot dogs, burgers, meat pies & al. Expect a queue in the night. }} * {{eat | name=Rax Buffet | alt= | url=http://www.rax.fi | email= | address=Aurakatu 12 | lat=60.45122 | long=22.26536 | directions= | phone=+358 20-766-4911 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 11:00–20:00, F 11:00–21:00, Sa 11:00–19:00, Su 12:00–19:00 | price=Lunch €12, off lunch hours €14, weekends €16; children 3–6 years €5, 7–11 years €9 | content=Chain. Offers an all-you-can-eat style buffet that includes pizza, barbecue food, salads, ice cream and soft-drinks. Good option if you feel like really filling your stomach for a long time inexpensively. }} * {{eat | name=Taco Nito | alt= | url=https://www.taconito.fi/ | email= | address=Aurakatu 3 | lat=60.45013 | long=22.26778 | directions= | phone=+358 40-653-3112 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Around €10 | content=Owned by Mexican brothers, Taco Nito serves simple but very tasty finger food. Corn, meat, salsa, beans, chili and avocado are cornerstones of the food. Restaurant has continuously had good feedback from customers and has relatively low prices. }} * {{eat | name=Yasukon Keittiö | alt=Yasuko's Kitchen | url=http://www.yasukonkeittio.com | email=yasuko@yasukonkeittio.com | address=Yliopistonkatu 26 C (second floor) | lat=60.45012 | long=22.26080 | directions= | phone=+358 440-335-507 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Yasuko's kitchen is a tiny Japanese restaurant that serves everyday home cooked Japanese meals, and some sushi and other more common dishes. Everything is well-prepared and the atmosphere in the restaurant is very authentic. Yasuko's seats less than 20 people, but more than 10 customers mean you might have to wait for your food, but it's worth it. }} ===Mid-range=== [[File:Meal at restaurant Harald in Turku.jpg|thumb|Meal at restaurant Harald in Turku.]] * {{eat | name=Delhi Darbar | alt= | url=http://delhidarbar.fi | email=ravintola@delhidarbar.fi | address=Hämeenkatu 8 | lat=60.45189 | long=22.28305 | directions= | phone=+358 2 233-3988 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 10:30–22:00, F 10:30–23:00, Sa 12:00–23:00, Su 12:00–22:00 | price= | content=Excellent and authentic Indian food. Short walk from the Cathedral. }} * {{eat | name=Kado Sushi | alt= | url=http://www.kadosushi.fi | email=info@kadosushi.fi | address=Inside the Market Hall, Eerikinkatu 16 | lat=60.44940 | long=22.26658 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= M–F 11:00–18:00, Sa 11:00–16:00 | price= | content= Kado sushi combines the wholesome delicacies with aesthetic pleasures, all prepared using fresh ingredients. Japanese cuisine. }} * {{eat | name=Kobe sushi | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/KOBESUSHIRAVINTOLA/ | email= | address=Martinkatu 3 | lat=60.4433 | long=22.2570 | directions=20 minute walk from city centre or by bus line 9 | phone=+358 44 9877251 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–F 11:00-21:00, Sa Su 12:00–21:00 | price=Buffet €13 | lastedit=2018-03-19 | content=Authentic Japanese food. }} * {{eat | name=Pinella | alt= | url=http://www.pinella.fi | email=varaukset.turku@viatribunali.fi | address=Vanha Suurtori 2 | lat=60.45121 | long=22.27488 | directions= | phone=+358 50-554-3733 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 11:00–20:30, F 11:00–22:00, Sa 12:00–22:00, Su 12:00–20:00 | price=€15–20, lunch €12.50 | lastedit=2022-12-10 | content=Pinella is a landmark building on the river. It is now a Via Tribunali chain pizzeria, serving Neapolitan-style pizzas. }} * {{eat | name=Pippurimylly | alt=Pepper Mill | url=http://pippurimylly.fi/ | email= | address=Stålarminkatu 2 | lat=60.43905 | long=22.25935 | directions=behind the Sports Park | phone=+358 2 277-3350| tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 11:00–23:00, Sa 12:00–23:00, Su 12:00–21:00, kitchen closes 1 hour before closing time | price= | content=Pippurimylly ''(Pepper Mill)'' is a traditional family-owned restaurant that has served locals for decades, and little has changed – nostalgia! It uses Finnish products and is well known for its steaks. }} * {{eat | name=Sergio's | alt= | url=http://www.sergio.fi | email=ravintola@sergio.fi | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 27 | lat=60.44696 | long=22.26216 | directions= | phone=+358 20-769-8585 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= M–F 16:00–23:00, Sa 13:00–23:00 | price= | content=Authentic Italian restaurant in a 1787 wooden house by the river. Most of the ingredients are imported from Italy. Also, as a rule, the staff is Italian, but the service is of course also in Finnish and English. Pizzas, pasta, fish, meat, risottos, vegetarian dishes and Italian desserts. Good wine selection as well. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Trattoria Romana | alt= | url= | email= | address=Hämeenkatu 9 | lat=60.45182 | long=22.28137 | directions= | phone=+358 2 251-9554 | tollfree= | hours=A la carte Tu–F 14:00–23:00, Sa 13:00–23:00, Su 13:00–20:00 (kitchen closes 1 hr earlier); lunch Tu–F 11:00–14:30 | price=Lunch €13 | lastedit=2024-04-19 | content=Authentic Italian trattoria, owned and run by Italians. Excellent value for money. Often crowded. }} * {{eat | name=Viking Restaurant Harald | alt=Viikinkiravintola Harald | url=http://www.ravintolaharald.fi | email=turku@ravintolaharald.fi | address=Aurakatu 3 | lat=60.45002 | long=22.26800 | directions=between Kauppatori and Auransilta bridge | phone=+358 44-766-8204 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M 12:00–23:00 Th–F 12:00–24:00, Sa 12:00–01:00, Su 15:00–22:00 | price=€18–50, children €9–12; lunch from €12.50 | lastedit=2018-06-17 | content=Quasi-authentic with furs on the walls and rustic furniture, with some humour. Good food with surprising combinations, such as jam or berries with the main courses. Perhaps the way the Vikings had it, but never mind if not. Toilets called Harald (gents) and Helga (ladies). }} ===Splurge=== [[File:Turku cafe.jpg|thumb|Most of the restaurants, cafés and bars have outdoor terraces during the summer season.]] The biggest concentration of top restaurants is along the river, at the right bank downstream from the cathedral bridge. Others are scattered around, such as Kaskis, which got a Michelin star in 2022. * {{eat | name=E. Ekblom | alt= | url=https://www.eekblom.fi | email=info@eekblom.fi | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 3 | lat=60.44978 | long=22.27157 | directions= | phone=+358 2 536-9445 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=W Th 17:00–23:00, F Sa 17:00–01:00 | price= | content=Comfortable high quality wine restaurant. Its carefully selected wines offer wide variety with seasonal changes. In a beautiful, respectfully renovated premises on two floors. Kitchen offers sweet and savoury delicacies to accompany the wine, while the summer terrace has great views towards the river. }} * {{eat | name=Gustavo | alt= | url=http://gustavo.fi | email=info@gustavo.fi | address=Linnankatu 1 | lat=60.4525 | long=22.2743 | directions=Vähätori, next to the bridge |image=Gustavon terassi.jpg | phone=+358 46-922-2488 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Th–F 11:00–14:00 and 17:00–22:00, Sa 15:00–22:00 | price= | lastedit=2018-03-19 | content=Mediterranean kitchen with a Scandinavian twist. Tip: gather a few Portuguese pinchos with pizza and share with your friends. Do not hesitate to ask anything that surprises you, staff is very kind and helpful. Gustavo also imports wines of its own. }} * {{eat | name=Kaskis | alt= | url=http://kaskis.fi | email=info@kaskis.fi | address=Kaskenkatu 6 A | lat=60.44672 | long=22.27265 | directions= | phone=+358 44-723-0200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–Th 16:00–23:00, F Sa 16:00–00:00, Su M closed | price= | content=Named after its location on the Kaskenmäki hill, Kaskis was opened in 2014 by three friends. Fine dining influenced especially by Southern European, Scandinavian and Asian kitchens. Michelin star. Try to book your table well in advance, busy times are outsold months before. }} * {{eat | name=Mami | alt= | url=http://www.mami.fi | email=mami@mami.fi | address=Linnankatu 3 | lat=60.45174 | long=22.27335 | directions=Vähätori | phone=+358 2 231-1111 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–F lunch 11:00–15:00, à la carte 17:00–22:00, Sa à la carte 13:00–22:00, Su M closed | price=Lunch €10–25 | content=The tiny Mami is considered one of the best restaurants in Turku. It has relaxed service, carefully prepared food and a comfortable and modern environment. The summer terrace offers the most beautiful views. They also serve a great lunch. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Samppalinna | alt= | url= | email=info@ravintolasamppalinna.fi | address=Itäinen Rantakatu 10 | lat=60.44745 | long=22.26835 | directions= | phone=+358 10-764-5391 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Summer only | price= | content=Restaurant Samppalinna (opened in 1832) is a spectacular wooden villa in the park, with terraces towards the river. For lovers of good food, drink and theatre. }} * {{eat | name=Roster | alt= | url=https://rosterturku.com | email=myyntipalvelu@royalravintolat.com | address=Tuomiokirkonkatu 6 | lat=60.4515 | long=22.2786 | directions=behind the cathedral as seen from the bridge | phone=+358 9 6128-6850 (chain head office?) | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M 11:30–22:00, Tu-F 11:30–23:00, Sa 15:00–23:00, Su 12:00–18:00 | price= | lastedit=2018-03-19 | content=Roster offers a place to wine and dine in a nice milieu. Have a drink before dinner in a fancy cocktail bar. And another after the dinner too. }} * {{eat | name=Smör | alt= | url=http://www.smor.fi | email=info@smor.fi | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 3 | lat=60.45014 | long=22.27206 | directions= | phone=+358 2 536-9444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The menu changes according to the seasons. Midst the milieu of the cellar vaults, Smör serves at lunchtime and in the evening. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Suomalainen Pohja | alt= | url=http://www.suomalainenpohja.fi | email=ravintola@suomalainenpohja.com | address=Aurakatu 24 | lat=60.45340 | long=22.26194 | directions= | phone=+358 2 251-2000 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 11:00–20:00 | price= | content=Club Restaurant Suomalainen Pohja (''Finnish Base'') was built in 1980 and was designed by architect Sigvard Eklund. The interiors were designed by an Englishman, Sir George Salmon. The plan has been the basis for an English club activities. Pohja serves traditional fine dining food and atmosphere. }} * {{eat | name=Tintå | alt= | url=http://www.tinta.fi | email=info@tinta.fi | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 9 | lat=60.44916 | long=22.27006 | directions=right bank, by Aurasilta | phone=+358 2 230-7023 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M 11:00–00:00, Tu–Th 11:00–01:00, F 11:00–02:00, Sa 12:00–02:00, Su 12:00–22:00 | price= | content=Tintå is a wine restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere, by the river. It serves more than a hundred different wines, and a short but good menu of gourmet pizzas and tasty lunch on weekdays. Terrace completes the river landscape. }} * {{eat | name=Tårget | alt= | url=http://www.matbar.fi | email=info@matbar.fi | address=Linnankatu 3 | lat=60.45156 | long=22.27305 | directions=Vähätori | phone=+358 400-522-707 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 11:00–22:00, F 11:00–03:00, Sa 12:00–03:00. Lunch is served M–F 11:00–15:00; those days à la carte is available 16:00– | price= | content=Italian, international and Scandinavian cuisine. It also houses a great wine-bar, which is one of the hot spots of the city especially during the summer. Trendy but casual bistro-style restaurant. }} ===Gastropub=== [[File:Tiirikkala_turku.jpg|thumb|Bartender making a drink in Tiirikkala]] * {{eat | name=Hunsvotti | alt= | url=http://www.satamakapakkahunsvotti.fi | email= | address=Län­tinen Ran­ta­katu 55 | lat=60.44108 | long=22.24608 | directions=near Föri | phone=+358 2 258-8000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 11:00–22:00, F 11:00–23:00, Sa 12:00–23:00, Su 12:00–19:00 | price= | content=A combination of a sports bar and gastropub, since you can order food from the Rantakerttu restaurant to the pub. }} * {{eat | name=Löytö | alt= | url=https://www.gastropubloyto.fi | email=palaute@ravintolateini.fi | address=Uudenmaankatu 1 | lat=60.4525 | long=22.2740 | directions=Near Cathedral | phone=+358 2 233-0203 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 11:00–00:00, F 11:00–02:00, Sa 14:00–02:00, Su 15:00–22:00 | price=lunch €8–12; à la carte €3 (fingerfood) – €32 (steak) | lastedit=2018-03-19 | content=Idyllic cellar underground. }} * {{eat | name=Pikku-Torre | alt= | url=http://www.pikkutorre.fi/ | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 30 | lat=60.44953 | long=22.25908 | directions= | phone=+358 2 274-4866 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M Tu 11:00–00:00, W Th 11:00–01:00, F 11:00–03:00, Sa 12:00–03:00, Su 12:00–00:00 | price= | content=Pikku-Torre (Little Torre) is combination of restaurant, sports bar and club. It has a good menu full of steaks, burgers and salads. It also serves lunch every day. In the evening it turns more into a bar and nightclub. }} * {{eat | name=Pub Niska | alt= | url=http://www.niskaturku.com | email=niska@niskaturku.com | address=Kristiinankatu 1 | lat=60.44810 | long=22.26623 | directions= | phone=+358 40-739-1006 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 11:00–22:00, F 11:00–23:00, Sa 12:00–23:00, Su 12:00–22:00 | price= | content=Pub Niska Turku is a restaurant concept developed by chef Michael Björklund from the Åland Islands. Known for its archipelago pizzas made from fresh, high-quality ingredients that mainly come from Åland. Their list includes filling salads, desserts and a versatile drink selection. }} * {{eat | name=Tiirikkala | alt= | url=http://www.tiirikkala.fi | email=tiirikkala@tiirikkala.fi | address=Linnankatu 3 | lat=60.45181 | long=22.27351 | directions= | phone=+358 44-756-6160 | tollfree= | hours=M 19:30–00:00, Tu-Th 11:00–22:00, F Sa 11:00–02:00, Su 12:00–22:00 | price= | content=In addition to a good selection of wine and drinks, Tiirikkala offers traditional Danish smørrebrød sandwiches and pastries that are handmade on the site. The interior design of the restaurant is very Scandinavian, reflecting its dishes. It serves Finnish Microbrewery beers from its taps. }} * {{eat | name=Vaakahuoneen Paviljonki | alt= | url=http://www.vaakahuone.fi | email= | address=Linnankatu 38 | lat=60.4446 | long=22.25374 | directions= | phone=+358 2 515-3300 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Pavilion restaurant Vaakahuone is an entertainment complex by the river. It offers live music (for dancing or otherwise), a speciality coffee shop, a pizza restaurant, and an à la carte restaurant. The end of the building also serves as S/S Ukkopekka's ticket office. }} ===Vegetarian=== * {{eat | name=Kasvis-ravintola | alt= | url=http://www.turunkasvisravintola.fi | email=info@turunkasvisravintola.fi | address=Yliopistonkatu 29 a | lat=60.4511 | long=22.2604 | directions=in the ground floor of the Betel Church in the yard, door in the short wall, follow the signs | phone=+358 50-326-5122 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 11:00–15:00 | price=€7.70–11.50, children 7–12 €5; takeaway €14.50/kg | lastedit=2018-06-08 | content=Vegetarian restaurant serving a lunch buffet, using mostly organic and locally grown products. Vegans can eat most things offered, just check the whiteboard (vegan alternatives often available when needed) and choose the outs milk for your coffee (but unless you must, try the included teas of the day instead). The dining rooms are bland in spite of the exterior, but the food is good. }} * {{eat | name=Kahvila Koroinen | alt= | url=https://koroinen.info/kahvilakoroinen.php | email= | address=Catilluksentie 2 | lat=60.4664 | long=22.2911 | directions=by the Koroinen peninsula | phone=+358 40-360-0830 (M–F) | tollfree= | hours=Café and bike shop Su 12:00–16:00 (off season); bike repairs Th 14–18 | price=Lunch €10, coffee with cake €7 | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-05-21 | content=Café with lunch at the former Koroinen farm. The main lunch option usually has a focus on fresh local vegetables, with a nice non-conventional touch. They don't market themself as vegetarian, but most fare seems to be vegan. The association that runs the place, Elävän Kulttuurin Koroinen, furthers handicraft by natural materials, small-scale sustainable agriculture and related themes, which shows. Popular by families. The house is not accessible by wheelchair, but most people sit in the yard anyhow; accessible outhouse toilet 100 m away. Other activities at the site include a ceramics workshop (buy a cuckoo ocarina!) and a shop for recycled bikes (including spares) arranging do-it-yourself bike repairs (oil and pump available around the clock). Also courses and cultural events. }} * {{eat | name=Kuori | alt= | url=http://www.ravintolakuori.fi | email=info@ravintolakuori.fi | address=Hämeenkatu 8 | lat=60.4519 | long=22.2830 | directions=200 metres from the cathedral | phone=+358 20-794-0330 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M 11:00–15:00, Tu–Th 11:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00, F 11:00–15:00, 17:00–23:00, Sa 17:00–23:00 | price=Lunch €12.70, tasting menu €56 | lastedit=2018-03-19 | content=Very popular vegetarian restaurant. Tip: try 6 courses tasting menu. Its sister restaurant Roots Kitchen in the market hall is a great place for eating, although it might be crowded during lunch time. }} * {{eat | name=VG Wok | alt= | url=https://www.vgwok.fi/en/etusivu-2/ | email= | address=Rauninaukio | lat=60.4629 | long=22.2631 | directions=150 m past the railway bridge by the bus station | phone=+358 45-665-1793 | tollfree= | hours=M–Th 11:00–18:00, F 11:00–20:00, Sa 12:00–20:00, Su | price=Main dishes €7.50 | lastedit=2018-03-19 | content=Really nice vegetarian budget place. Vg Wok has sister restaurants in Tykistönkatu and Arvinkatu. Authentic Asian food. }} ==Drink== The minimum age required to enter bars, pubs and nightclubs differs; for legal reasons, one must be at least 18 to enter places that serve alcohol, but many clubs and bars have higher age limits (mostly 20–24 yrs). Restaurants and bars have varying closing hours, but generally, the popular nightclubs and discos are open until 04:00. Last call always occurs half an hour before closing time, and is indicated by the bar staff turning the lights off for a few seconds, then turning them back on. They may repeat this a few times in quick succession to make sure the patrons get it. It's generally smart to leave about ten minutes before the last call, to avoid being caught in the rush of everybody trying to leave at once, especially if you are planning to get back to your night spot by a taxi. The times are changing somewhat, as the legislation now allow them to keep open after 04:00, which will probably be the new time of last call. Night clubs tend to have guarded cloakrooms where you can leave any of your outer garments in exchange for a ticket. Using the coat service is generally considered mandatory even if this is not explicitly pointed out. The cloakroom fee is usually €2 or €2.50. Do not lose the ticket; the bar staff will often not want to hash out ticket confusions during closing time when things are at their most chaotic. If you lose the ticket, you may be told to come back the following day to get your things, expect to be able to prove the jacket is yours by telling the staff the make of the jacket, colour of lining or contents of pockets. For dancing other than disco, there are a few dance restaurants and cruises, but the main venues for social dancing are the dance pavilions and, off season, a few other locations, where you will find sober and skilful dancers. see [[#Social dancing|Social dancing]] above. Each of these venues usually have a dance once or twice a week. ===Cafés=== [[File:Qwenselska gården uteservering 2.jpg|thumb|Courtyard of the Qwensel house, with café and the Pharmacy Museum.]] There are many cafés in Turku. The ones listed here are not representative, but mostly more odd ones. See also [[#Lunch and brunch|Lunch and brunch]] above. * {{drink | name=Café Art | alt= | url=http://www.cafeart.fi | email= | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 5 | lat=60.44951 | long=22.27102 | directions=in the centre by the river | phone=+358 40-158-3383 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 10:00–19:00, Sa 10:00–17:00, Su 11:00–17:00 | price= | content=Special coffees along with delicious cakes. }} * {{drink | name=Aschan | alt= | url=http://www.aschan.fi | email= | address=Eerikinkatu 15 (in Hansa Shopping Center) | lat=60.45054 | long=22.26493 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 08:00–20:00, Sa 09:00–18:00, Su 12:00–18:00 | price= | content=Aschan is a café and lunch restaurant, until 2018 a popular confectory and café in Turku, now with franchises in Turku and Helsinki. It sells all kinds of coffee, drinks and sweet and salty bakeries, beard, pies and cakes. }} * {{drink | name=Fabbes Café | alt= | url=https://fabbescafe.com/en | email=fabbescafe@gmail.com | address=Tehtaankatu 6 | lat=60.45641 | long=22.28056 | directions= | phone=+358 50-535-3647 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 08:00–16:00; lunch 11:00–15:00, late lunch if anything left | price=Breakfast €7, lunch €6–7 (late lunch €4), coffee with bun €4 | lastedit=2021-10-26 | content=Fabbes café is a cosy small café in the beautiful Biskopsgatan area (ÅA campus). 2–3 lunch options, one of which is vegan. Coffee included. They have a nice selection of pies (sweet and savoury), cakes, cinnamon rolls and home-made sweet treats, smoothies, etc. Nearly everything at Fabbe's is baked or produced in house, and you can tell the difference – nothing factory made and no additives. }} * {{drink | name=Gaggui | alt= | url=http://gaggui.fi | email= | address=Humalistonkatu 15 | lat=60.45299 | long=22.25618 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–F 10:00–19:00, Sa 10:00–18:00, Su 12:00–18:00 | price= | content=In this tiny café the cakes are the main thing. They are fantastic and made by hand on the site. Coffee is also top-notch and the service is super friendly. }} * {{drink | name=Kirjakahvila | alt=Book Café | url=http://www.kirjakahvila.org | email= | address=Vanha Suurtori 1 | lat=60.45038 | long=22.27564 | directions=in the Brinkkala yard | phone=+358 2 469-1396 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 11:00–19:00, often live acoustic music or other cultural events in the evening | price= | content=At the historical Old Great Square, this is a culture café and a bookshop (books from small publishers, also foreign ones) run by volunteers. Besides books there are also a lot of comics, postcards and posters by local artists for sale. Freshly baked cakes every day. All food vegan. Free wireless Internet available, ask the staff for passwords. }} * {{drink | name=Kisälli | alt= | url= | email= | address=Vartiovuorenkatu 2 | lat=60.44706 | long=22.27613 | directions=next to the entrance of the Luostarimäki outdoor museum | phone=+358 40-630-5988 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–Su 09:00–17:00 or by agreement | price= | lastedit=2022-12-19 | content=Old-fashioned style to partly match the location. Self-made fresh bread rolls, buns, doughnuts and pies. Every day there's also pancake and a variety of sweet and savoury pies. And of course, great coffee and other drinks. }} * {{drink | name=Nuvola Gelateria | alt= | url= | email= | address=Eerikinkatu 13 | lat=60.45049 | long=22.26560 | directions=in Hansa Shopping Centre | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 11:00–20:00, Sa 10:00–18:00, Su 11:00–18:00 | price= | content=The owners, Italians Angelo and Stefano, make traditional Italian ice cream on the site, without any artificial elements. The atmosphere is relaxed and happy with an Italian touch. }} * {{drink | name=Kahvila Promenade | alt= | url=http://www.villapromenade.fi | email=myynti@villapromenade.fi | address=Kansanpuistontie 76 | lat=60.42760 | long=22.18140 | directions=Kansanpuisto ("folk park") in Ruissalo | phone=+358 40-158-8424 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 14 May–30 August and Sa–Su in spring 10:00–18:00 | price= | content=In the park, with view towards the shore. Savoury and sweet pastries as well as a range of coffees, and ice cream. }} * {{drink | name=Café Qwensel | alt= | url=http://cafeqwensel.fi | email=cc.catering.cc@gmail.com | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 13 B | lat=60.44872 | long=22.26731 | directions=in the courtyard of the Pharmacy Museum, entrance to the yard to the left of the main building | phone=+358 50-395-0021 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–Su 10:00–18:00 | price= | lastedit=2022-12-13 | content=Café Qwensel is a charming spot of old milieu in the heart of the city. During the summer there are chickens and roosters on the yard and you can really feel you have travelled back in time. The café serves home-made pastries that have been prepared according to recipes from the 18th century. Also their tea is worth checking. Lunch on weekdays. }} ===Pubs=== [[File:Panimoravintola koulu.jpg|thumb|Brewery Restaurant Koulu]] * {{drink | name=Cosmic Comic Café | alt= | url=http://cosmic.fi | email= | address=Kauppiaskatu 4 (in the Forum shopping centre) | lat=60.45074 | long=22.26944 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su–Tu 16:00–00:00, W–Th 15:00–02:00 F–Sa 15:00–03:00 | price= | content=Cosmic Comic Café has a comics gallery and a comical atmosphere, where beer meets comic books, board games and a relaxed "second living room" atmosphere. It's very popular among students, so sometimes it can be very overcrowded. Bar owner Sakke knows everything about beer so do not hesitate to ask for tips. }} * {{drink | name=Daily News | alt= | url=http://dailyravintolat.fi/dailynews/ | email=dailynews@dailyravintolat.fi | address=Yliopistonkatu 33 | lat=60.4496 | long=22.2583 | directions=5 minute walk from Market Square | phone=+358 50-571-1537 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 09:00–02:00 | price= | lastedit=2018-03-19 | content=A plenty of daily newspapers and perhaps the cheapest beer in the centre. }} * {{drink | name=Brewery Restaurant Koulu | alt= | url=http://www.panimoravintolakoulu.fi/?lang=en | email= | address=Eerikinkatu 18 | lat=60.44967 | long=22.26454 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 11:00–02:00. The Winestube M–Th 17:00–23:00, F 17:00–02:00, Sa 17:00–02:00. Dining room M–Th 11:00–22:00, F 11:00–00:00, Sa 12:00–00:00. Lunch M–F 11:00–14:00 | price= | content=An old school building converted into a brewery restaurant serving their own and other beers, good food and an excellent selection of wines. A cosy biergarten in the green backyard is open in the summer and is favourite of locals. }} * {{drink | name=Mallaskukko | alt= | url=http://www.mallaskukko.fi | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 37 | lat=60.44893 | long=22.25634 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 14:00–02:00, F Sa 12:00–02:00, Su 14:00-00:00 | price= | content=Another good beer pub in Turku, with a great selection of beers, scotch whiskies and ciders. Mallaskukko truly feels like a living room of the locals. Good place to watch sports from the many TV screens on the walls. }} * {{drink | name=Seurusteluravintola Uusi apteekki | alt=New Pharmacy | url=http://www.uusiapteekki.fi | email= | address=Kaskenkatu 1 | lat=60.44764 | long=22.27063 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 10:00–02:00 | price= | content=Uusi Apteekki (literally meaning New Pharmacy) is a beer pub in a former pharmacy built in 1907. Great selection of beer and spirits, and the decorations alone are worth seeing. In weekend this pub gets really crowded with locals so be prepared to stand while enjoying your beer. If you are lucky, it's also a good place to catch up with writer Reijo Mäki who has written the famous Vares detective stories that are huge in Finland. }} * {{drink | name=Whisky Bar | alt= | url=http://whiskybarfin.net/ | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 19 | lat=60.45246 | long=22.26533 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Su–Th 18:00–02:00, F Sa 18:00–03:00 | price= | content=A wide selection of whiskies, but also beer and other spirits. Nowadays it is strongly orientated to heavy metal by its music and atmosphere. }} ===Bars=== * {{drink | name=Alvar | alt= | url=http://alvarbaari.fi/ | email= | address=Humalistonkatu 7 | lat=60.45140 | long=22.25841 | directions=Halfway between Central Railway Station and Market Square | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 14:00-02:00, Su 18:00-00:00 | price= | content=Alvar, in a building designed by the famous Finnish modernist architect Alvar Aalto, is a comfortable place with nice staff and a large selection of beer. Free wireless internet connection is also available for visitors to use. You can also reserve time for a special beer tasting if you visit with a group of friends. }} * {{drink | name=Fontti | alt= | url=https://skaal.fi/ | email= | address=Kauppiaskatu 5 | lat=60.45095 | long=22.26987 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M–Th 16:00–23:00, F 16:00–04:00, Sa 13:00–04:00 | price= | content=It's in the old customers office of the regional newspaper ''Turun-Sanomat''. Fontti (literally meaning font) is a restaurant and serves great food in addition to drinks and coffees. Service can be little slow but otherwise this bar is nice place to spend your weekend evening. }} * {{drink | name=Bar Kuka | alt=Bar Who | url=http://www.barkuka.fi/ | email= | address=Linnankatu 17 | lat=60.44882 | long=22.26520 | directions= | phone=+358 50-411-6603 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 18:00-04:00, Age limit 18 | price= | content=On the corner of Linnankatu and Kristiinankatu, Bar Kuka with its retro 1960s and 70s decoration has a loyal fanbase, who think it's the best and cosiest bar you'll ever find in Turku. Kuka offers lots of live music, DJ gigs, stand-up and theme nights. }} * {{drink | name=Rento | url=http://www.rentobar.fi/index.php | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 23 | lat=60.45175 | long=22.26470 | directions= | phone=+358 20-786-2240 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–W 11:00–02:00, Th–Sa 11:00–03:00, Su 12:00–02:00 | price= | content=Rento, literally meaning casual and relaxed, has probably one of the best locations for a bar in Turku right at the end of the pedestrian street next to the Market Square and Hansa Shopping Center. You can either sit inside or on a nice terrace outside. Large selection of beers and little snacks as well. }} * {{drink | name=5piste5 | alt= | url=https://www.5piste5.fi | email=info@5piste5.fi | address=Brahenkatu 2 | lat=60.451394 | long=22.272067 | directions= | phone=+358 40-683-0880 | tollfree= | hours=15:00 to midnight, closed Su-Mo | price= | lastedit=2024-07-27 | content=A popular bar in central Turku. A speciality is its "candy store" where you can order small 1 dL samples of various fruity-flavoured beers. }} ===Riverboats=== [[File:Esposito Turku.JPG|thumb|Esposito]] Riverboats are a unique feature in the Turku cityscape. In the summertime, it is very popular to spend the early evening until midnight or so on one of them, and when it gets a little chilly, move indoors to a restaurant or night club. They are at the riverside of river Aura. Some of them also house fine restaurants while some are mostly just pubs. * {{drink | name=Donna | alt= | url=http://www.donna.fi | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu | lat=60.44798 | long=22.26828 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Svarte Rudolf | alt= | url= | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu | lat=60.44773 | long=22.26744 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Papa Joe | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/RavintolalaivaPapaJoe?rf=197109880325096 | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu | lat=60.44746 | long=22.26656 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Cindy | alt= | url=http://www.cindy.fi | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu | lat=60.44720 | long=22.26569 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Katarina | alt= | url=https://ravintolalaivakatarina.fi | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu | lat=60.44654 | long=22.26337 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Majland | alt= | url= | email= | address=Läntinen rantakatu | lat=60.44510 | long=22.25640 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Esposito | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/ravintolalaivaesposito/ | email= | address=Läntinen rantakatu | lat=60.44141 | long=22.24767 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Merihelmi | alt= | url= | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu | lat=60.44140 | long=22.24920 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Bruno | alt= | url=https://www.brunot.fi | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu | lat=60.44114 | long=22.24868 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Wanha Rahtilaiva | alt= | url=http://www.rahtis.fi/ | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu | lat=60.44075 | long=22.24799 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ===Nightclubs=== * {{drink | name=Forte | alt= | url=https://nightclub.fi | email= | address=Kristiinankatu 8 | lat=60.44996 | long=22.26295 | directions= | phone=+358 40-091-6403 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 22:00–04:00 | price= | content=Forte has been one favourite of the locals since 1996. It tends to be busy thanks to cheap drinks and daily opening hours, as opposed to majority of the other clubs in the city. The concept of 'SuFo' (='Sunday Forte'), MoFo, etc., is widely recognized among students in Turku. }} * {{drink | name=Apollo Nightclub | alt= | url=https://www.apolloturku.fi | email= | address=Humalistonkatu 6 | lat=60.45007 | long=22.25957 | directions= | phone=+358 40-827-4268 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=F Sa 22:00–04:00 | price= | content=Age limit 22. Apollo serves live music by bands playing mostly cover music hits by domestic and international stars. Music ranges from rock to pop and disco, old and new. There's also a VIP section which you can reserve. Next door is Armas karaoke bar, which has same opening hours and age limitation. }} * {{drink | name=Dynamo | alt= | url=http://www.dynamoklubi.com | email=palaute@dynamoklubi.com | address=Linnankatu 7 | lat=60.45085 | long=22.27106 | directions= | phone=+358 2 250-4904 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–Sa 21:00–04:00 | price= | content=Age limit 20. At Linnankatu, opposite the main library, caters for hipsters with a passion for slightly more eclectic sound. Downstairs indie pop, electro and rock 'n' roll are the main draws, upstairs it's chiefly soul, funk and disco. Live music gigs from hot domestic artists are also frequent. Attracts a healthy number of exchange students. }} * {{drink | name=Night Club Marilyn | alt= | url=http://www.clubmarilyn.fi | email=lyn@clubmarilyn.fi | address=Eerikinkatu 19 | lat=60.44944 | long=22.26261 | directions= | phone=+358 2 232-2111 | tollfree= | hours=Tu–Sa 22:00–04:00 | price= | content=For the late teens-early 20s crowd, the Night Club Marilyn is particularly popular as a disco/night club. It is the oldest privately owned Night Club in Turku and has seen all the other clubs come and go. In its history it has been chosen as the Best Nightclub in the city on several occasions. }} * {{drink | name=Naima | alt= | url= | email= | address= Aurakatu 6 | lat=60.44992 | long=22.26731 | directions= | phone=+358 44-444-1234| tollfree= | fax= | hours=W–Sa 20:00–04:00 | price= | content=For [[#Social dancing|proper dancing]] (not night club dancing) in a nightclub setting, Naima is the recommended place in Turku. The age group skews towards the 30s, 40s and 50s. Often music includes live performances by some of the biggest names in Finnish ''Iskelmä'' (entertainer music) music. }} * {{drink | name=suXes | alt= | url=http://www.suxes.fi | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 9 | lat=60.45378 | long=22.27049 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 19:00–02:00 | price= | content=Turku, like other larger Finnish cities in general, is quite gay-friendly, though public gestures of affection are not common even for straight couples and might raise some eyebrows. You'll fit in at practically all of the clubs in Turku, but perhaps feel specially at home in suXes, the only gay bar and café in Turku. There you can be openly yourself while enjoying the atmosphere, coffee and drinks. }} * {{drink | name=ShowTime & SaunaTime | alt= | url=https://showtime.fi/ | email= | address=Käsityöläiskatu 10 | lat=60.45052 | long=22.25614 | directions= | phone=+358 40-044-4547 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=W–Th 22:00–02:00, F–Sa 22:00–03:00 | price=€6 (W–Th), €12 (F–Sa) | content=A strip club with sauna. }} ==Sleep== ===Camping=== See also [[Naantali]]. * {{sleep | name=Ruissalo Camping | alt= | url=https://ruissalo.sportum.info/stable/tuotteet.jsp?kieli=UKN | email=ruissalo.camping@turku.fi | address=Saarontie 25 | lat=60.4226 | long=22.0941 | directions=bus 8 | phone=+358 2 262-5100 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=€40/€160; tent €18+€5/2 per person | content=Camping and indoor accommodation at the outermost tip of the Ruissalo island. The well-equipped camping and caravan area has a beach, sauna, a convenience store and various other amenities, including hot showers and laundry facilities. The entertainment options include mini-golf, volleyball, badminton and basketball courts, fitness trail, playgrounds and a café-restaurant. Open June–August. }} ===Budget=== [[File:Bore (1960) takaisin Turussa 2010.jpg|thumb|Hostel Borea]] [[File:Turku Catholic Church.jpg|thumb|upright|Bridgettine Convent Guest House is next to the Catholic Church.]] * {{sleep | name=Hostel Borea | alt= | url= | email=hostelborea@turku.fi | address=River Aura, Linnankatu 72 | lat=60.4350 | long=22.2337 | directions=by the yard of Forum Marinum | phone=+358 40-843-6611 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Single €51, twin €82 | content=s/s Bore on the River Aura has unique atmosphere. Built for the Turku–Stockholm route, many remember her as cruise ship in different waters, but now the former steamship is permanently moored on the banks of the River Aura and beside other functions houses an inexpensive hostel with 130 cabins. In most of the (small) cabins there is a private shower and toilet. The prices include linen, towels and breakfast, which is served in the buffet restaurant of the ship. Luggage storage, laundry facilities, and free Wi-Fi. Nearby you'll find the Turku Castle and Forum Marinum. Lots of narrow stairs, not suitable for the disabled. }} * {{sleep | name=Bridgettine Convent Guest House | alt= | url=https://birgittalaissisaret.fi/en.html | email=birgitta.turku@kolumbus.fi | address=Ursininkatu 15 A | lat=60.44988 | long=22.25492 | directions= | phone=+358 2 250-1910 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-250-3078 | checkin=12:00–21:00 | checkout= | price=Single €60, twin €80, triple €100 | content=You'll receive a warm welcome and a friendly smile from the Catholic Sisters who run this guesthouse in a central but quiet location in Turku. The rooms are basic and clean, with en suite facilities and free Wi-Fi. Email can be read at a computer in the library. There is secure parking behind the guesthouse and a continental breakfast is included. Only cash is accepted (2025). }} * {{sleep | name=Guesthouse Tapuli | alt= | url=https://www.tapulitalo.fi/en-gb/home | email= | address=Kaivokatu 14 | lat=60.4496 | long=22.2894 | directions=between the university and the Kupittaa park | phone=+358 2 250-1600 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Single €50, double €65 | lastedit=2020-01-01 | content=Small guesthouse with cosy rooms with TV. No breakfast, kitchen is available for self service. Toilets and showers are by the corridor. Sauna is warm every day (included). There is also free Wi-Fi. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Harriet | alt= | url= | email= | address=Käsityöläiskatu 11 | lat=60.4511 | long=22.2560 | directions= | phone=+358 40-910-3333 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-231-1110 | checkin= | checkout= | price=€45/€139 | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Modern hotel and hostel-quality rooms in the centre. }} * {{sleep | name=Hesehotelli | alt= | url=https://www.hesburger.fi/hesehotelli | email= | address=Läntinen Pitkäkatu 1 | lat=60.45762 | long=22.26761 | directions=next to Turku bus station | phone=+358 45-634-3443 | tollfree= | fax= | price= From €50 | checkin=M–W 07:30–03:30, Th 07:30–00:00, F Sa 24 hr and Sun 00:00–03:00 (following day) | checkout= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Hesehotel is owned by the burger chain Hesburger, and it's on the second floor of one of their biggest restaurants. It has 15 rooms and 46 beds. Room equipment includes air conditioning, a fridge, digital TV and free Wi-Fi. You can order breakfast and other food from the restaurant below and check-in is also done at the counter of the restaurant. Parking space reservation price is €5/day. }} * {{sleep | name=Interpoint Hostel | alt= | url= | email= | address=Vähä-Hämeenkatu 12 A | lat=60.45022 | long=22.28193 | directions= | phone=+358 400-821-905 | tollfree= | fax= | price=€10/person | checkin= | checkout= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Operated by the YWCA of Turku, this is the cheapest place to sleep in the town, but for good reason: it is just 30 mattresses on the floor, and one shower. If that is enough for you, then this is your place. }} * {{sleep | name=Linnasmäki | alt= | url=http://linnasmaki.fi/en | email=info@linnasmaki.fi | address=Lustokatu 7 | lat=60.4804 | long=22.2962 | directions=Räntämäki, 4 km from Turku centre; several bus lines 400–500 m from the hostel | phone=+358 2 412-3500 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=Reception: Sep–May: 08:30–15:30, Jun–Aug: 08:00–20:00 | checkout= | price=Single €60, twin €70 | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Accommodation in peaceful surroundings, in partnership with the Turku Christian Institute. Guests can use the swimming pool and sauna area. There are plenty of hiking routes with bicycles available to rent during summer. Guests can stay in either a hotel or a refurbished hostel that also offers family rooms and apartments. Individual rooms equipped for disabled guests are also available. Plenty of free parking for guests. }} * {{sleep | name=Bed & Breakfast Tuure | alt= | url=https://www.tuure.fi/en/ | email=tuure@netti.fi | address=Tuureporinkatu 17 C, third floor | lat=60.45534 | long=22.26557 | directions= | phone=+358 2 233-0230 | tollfree= | checkin=Reception opens at 08:00 and after that you can bring in your luggage when needed. Check-in 14:00–16:00 | checkout= | price=€45/€97 | content=A cosy, non-smoking guest house that has provides affordable accommodation only three blocks away from the Market Square. 15 rooms, 5 shared showers/toilets along the corridor, a breakfast room and a kitchen. They also have computers and Wi-Fi as well as washing machine and other necessities of a home all free for the guests to use. Breakfast is plentiful and included in the room price. }} ===Mid-range=== [[File:Park Hotel, Rauhankatu 1, Turku.jpg|thumb|upright|Park Hotel]] * {{sleep | name=Centro Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.centrohotel.com/fi/ | email=centro@centrohotel.com | address=Yliopistonkatu 12 A | lat=60.4532 | long=22.2705 | directions= | phone=+358 2 211-8100 | tollfree= | fax= | price=€110–150 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Modern hotel in the inner courtyard of its building block. Family-owned hotel, a bit more personal than the chain hotels in Turku. }} * {{sleep | name=Omena Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.omenahotels.com/fi/hotellit/suomi/turku/ | email= | address=Humalistonkatu 7 | lat=60.4512 | long=22.2587 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price=€80–90 | checkin=16 | checkout=12 | content=No reception staff and no breakfast, but prices are considerably cheaper. Booking is done online, and you get a code which you can use to get into the building and onto your room. There are also vending machines for you to buy snacks and food. }} * {{sleep | name=Park Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.parkhotelturku.fi/en | email=info@parkhotelturku.fi | address=Rauhankatu 1 | lat=60.4531 | long=22.2579 | directions=in the Puolala park between the railway station and Kauppatori | phone=+358 2 273-2555 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 251-9696 | price=€140–150 | checkin=14:00 | checkout=12:00 | content=Park Hotel is one of the oldest boutique hotels in Finland. In an Art Nouveau building, built in 1902. }} * {{sleep | name=Scandic Hotel Plaza | alt= | url=http://www.scandichotels.com/Hotels/Finland/Turku/Scandic-Plaza-Turku/#.U3CWqPl_t8E | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 29 | lat=60.4508 | long=22.2618 | directions= | phone=+358 2 332-00 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 332-0111 | price=125–190 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Restaurant. Sauna. 24-hour gym. Bike can be borrowed. }} * {{sleep | name=Best Western Hotel Seaport | url=http://www.hotelseaport.fi | email=seaport@hotelseaport.fi | address=Toinen Poikkikatu 2 | lat=60.43443 | long=22.22115 | directions=at the port | phone=+358 2 283-3000 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-283-3100 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Family-owned basic hotel in an old customs house. }} * {{sleep | name=Sokos Hotel Seurahuone | alt= | url=https://www.sokoshotels.fi/en/turku/sokos-hotel-seurahuone | email=myynti.turku@sokoshotels.fi | address=Eerikinkatu 23 | lat=60.44897 | long=22.26110 | directions= | phone=+358 2 337-301 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 337-2200 | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=A bit more business-oriented than the other Sokos Hotels in the city. The hotel restaurant is intended to be Spanish-style. }} * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Turku | alt= | url=http://www.finland.holidayinn.com/hotellit/turku/en_GB/turku/ | email=turku.holidayinn@restel.fi | address=Eerikinkatu 28 | lat=60.44793 | long=22.25930 | directions= | phone=+358 2 338-211 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 338-2299 | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Moderately priced. Breakfast spread is decent }} * {{sleep | name=Cumulus Turku | url=http://www.cumulus.fi/hotellit/turku/en_GB/turku/ | email=turku.cumulus@restel.fi | address=Eerikinkatu 30 | lat=60.44772 | long=22.25863 | directions= | phone=+358 2 218-1000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Mid-priced business hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Helmi | alt= | url=https://www.hotellihelmi.fi/en-gb/home | email=hotellihelmi@hotellihelmi.fi | address=Tuureporinkatu 11 | lat=60.45627 | long=22.26824 | directions= | phone=+358 20-786-2770 | tollfree= | hours=Café M–F 06:30–17:00, Sa–Su 07:00–12:00; lunch M–F 11:00–14:30; breakfast M–F 06:30–10:00, Sa–Su 07:00–12:00 | checkin= | checkout= | price=€95–110; lunch €10.70, breakfast €11.50, children 4–12 €6.90 | content=Small mid-priced hotel next to the bus station, part of the original station plan. The hotel building is an old gas station, which was owned by Shell, hence the name ''Pearl''. Good basic quality no-frills hotel, very good value for money. The café offers also take away breakfast/lunch/snacks. }} ===Splurge=== [[File:Hotel Marina Palace Radisson Blu 2012.jpg|thumb|Hotel Marina Palace]] * {{sleep | name=Radisson Blu Marina Palace Hotel, Turku | alt= | url=https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-blu-marina-turku | email=info.turku@radissonblu.com | address=Linnankatu 32 | lat=60.4466 | long=22.2603 | directions= | phone=+358 20-123-4710 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=On Linnankatu overlooking the River Aura Hotel Marina Palace is considered by many to be the best hotel in Turku. It has housed many celebrities visiting Turku, including Queen Elizabeth II and the royal family of Sweden. With well-appointed rooms overlooking the Aura River. You can dine at two on-site restaurants including the popular ''Grill it! Marina''. Fully equipped gym. Quay for guests (bridges too low for sailing yachts). }} * {{sleep | name=Sokos Hotel Wiklund | alt= | url=https://www.sokoshotels.fi/en/turku/original-sokos-hotel-wiklund | email=myyntipalvelu.turku@sokoshotels.fi | address=Kauppiaskatu 6 | lat=60.4511 | long=22.2687 | directions=in the Wiklund department store by Kauppatori | phone=+358 2 337-381 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Good discounts are often available if you book a package together with the ferry companies. }} * {{sleep | name=Scandic Julia | alt= | url=http://www.scandichotels.com/Hotels/Finland/Turku/Scandic-Julia/#.U3CL8vl_t8E | email=julia@scandichotels.com | address=Eerikinkatu 4 | lat=60.4522 | long=22.2721 | directions= | phone=+358 2 336-000 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 3360-2211 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Clean comfortable rooms, excellent friendly service, quality breakfast, perhaps the best brunch in town. Fully equipped rooms. Great value for money. }} ===Spa hotels=== [[File:Rslo airphoto 72ppi web.jpg|thumb|Ruissalo Spa]] * {{sleep | name=Spa Hotel Caribia | alt= | url=https://www.holidayclubresorts.com/en/resorts/caribia/ | email=customer.service@holidayclub.fi | address=Kongressikuja 1 | lat=60.4606 | long=22.2909 | directions=by the student village, behind the universities, 2 km from Kauppatori; buses 50–54 | phone=+358 300-870-900 (sales; €0.60/min including waiting time max €3 + mvm/pvm), +358 300-870-929 (hotel reception; price like the sales)| tollfree= | hours=Spa for non-guests M–F 12:00–21:00, Sa 10:00–21:00, Su 10:00–20:00 | checkin= | checkout= | price=€140, with spa access €165; parking €1/hr, €13/day; spa €22/16 (students, pensioners and children 4–14 at the reduced price), family ticket (1+3/2+2) €60 | wikidata=Q11894020 | lastedit=2022-09-20 | content=Spa decorated in Caribbean style, popular with families. The hotel also houses lots of conferences and other events. Don't miss the big pink statue in the vicinity by the contemporary artist Alvar Gullichsen; it's a mix between Duck and Pig called ''Posankka''. }} * {{sleep | name=Ruissalo Spa | alt= | url=http://www.ruissalospa.fi/en | email=info@ruissalospa.fi | address=Ruissalon puistotie 640 | lat=60.4248 | long=22.1037 | directions=Bus 8 | phone=+358 2 445-40 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 445-4590 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Ruissalo Spa is located on and named after the scenic Ruissalo Island. The spa is by the sea and you can choose to swim on the pools or in the sea as well. The location is beautiful and there's a golf course and guest harbour right next to the hotel. Beware though: This is the favourite location for elderly locals, so if you're looking for something more youth-oriented, this might not be the place for you. }} ==Stay safe== {{infobox|[[Risks]] in Turku |Crime/violence: '''Low''' * Drunk people on weekend nights, bouncers in clubs, pickpockets Authorities/corruption: '''Low''' Transportation: '''Low''' Health: '''Low'''<br> Nature: '''Low'''<br> * [[Ticks]] carrying TBE or borreliosis }} Turku is generally a safe city. Turku faces some problems with street violence and organised crime, but common street sense should be enough in most cases. There are no no-go areas. On weekend nights drunken people may cause annoyance, especially after last call. Swimming in the river is forbidden for good reason: the river banks provide very little access to the shore; what was intended as a quick refreshing dip will result in an expensive rescue operation or worse. In emergencies, always call '''112''', which is the general emergency number for police affairs, fire, medical care and social services. If in doubt, it is always better to call and ask. For non-emergency medical care, the City of Turku provides medical advice over the phone at {{phone|+358 2 100-23}}. Lines are open weekdays 08:00–15:00. The hearing-impaired have their own service for the evaluation of medical care, counselling and making an appointment at a health centre. This can be contacted during office hours by sending an SMS message to {{phone|+358 44-907-3824}}. Turku University Hospital's T-Hospital is the region’s accident and emergency hospital, as well as healthcare centre off hours and for non-locals. It provides specialized medical care and treatment around the clock to those who have fallen suddenly ill or sustained injury. * {{listing | name=Turku University Hospital Emergency Department | alt= | url=https://www.tyks.fi/en/patients-and-visitors/treatments-and-examinations/emergency | email= | address=Savitehtaankatu 1 | lat=60.45347 | long=22.29749 | directions="T-sairaala", across the railway and highway 1, by highway 10, near Kupittaa railway station | phone=+358 2 313-8800 (helpdesk), +358 2 313-1420 (regarding children), +358 50-592-4740 (SMS for those who cannot speak), +358 2 313-8930 (enquiries by next of kin) | tollfree= | hours=24 hr daily | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content=Call for advice before coming, queues are often long. }} * Emergency '''social services''' can be contacted through 112; in business hours (weekdays 08:30–15:30) call {{phone|+358 2 262-6003}}. Also life management. * {{listing | name=Police | alt= | url=https://www.poliisi.fi/en | email= | address= | lat=60.4455 | long=22.2525 | directions= | phone=+358 295-440-501 (non-urgent – urgent: 112) | tollfree= | hours=M–F 8–17 (shorter hours for many matters) | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-06-04 | content= }} In daytime there are several pharmacies to choose from, some with quite long hours. If you get a prescription, you could ask about the handiest one. * {{listing | name=Yliopiston apteekki | alt= | url=https://yliopistonapteekki.fi/yhteystiedot/turku | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 18 | lat=60.4516 | long=22.2649 | directions=by Kauppatori | phone=+358 300-20200 (€0.69/min + pvm/mpm; queuing pvm/mpm) | tollfree= | hours=Daily 07:00–23:00 | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-10-24 | content=Pharmacy in the centre, with long hours, owned by the University of Helsinki. }} ==Respect== * Avoid walking in the cycle lanes. Dedicated cycleways are clearly marked, but sometimes run directly next to the pavement (sidewalk). On the other hand, when biking close to people, especially on cycleways shared with pedestrians, be careful when passing children, dogs or people who might lose their balance if scared. * When waiting in lines, be patient and polite. Finns never jump queues – but make sure you actually stand in the line. If unsure, ask. In many places you are expected to get a queue number from a machine. * Do not feed seagulls or pigeons especially in the city centre. Seagulls taking people's ice creams or sandwiches is a real problem in some areas, and feeding them is encouraging that behaviour. Feeding birds is officially prohibited in many areas. In other places it might be allowed and encouraged, but check official advice. ==Connect== Students and personnel from participating institutions get free Wi-Fi through the Eduroam network. The city main library (see [[#Turku City Library|above]]) offers Wi-Fi (pick a note with the password or ask) and public computers with Internet access (without booking, mostly there are some free ones). The "15 min" computers can be used without logging in. ==Cope== [[File:Åbo stadsbibliotek 2015 tidningsläsesalen.jpg|thumb|Newspaper reading room of Turku City Library, with public computers]] === Press === An assortment of foreign newspapers is available for reading in the main library (see [[#Turku City Library|above]]) and for sale at some locations (e.g. R-kioski at the main railway station or at Kauppatori). Expect to find some well-known ones at least in Swedish, English, German, French and Spanish (although increasingly only their weekly journals are available). At the main library there are also some more odd ones, e.g. from Russian Karelia. The local papers are Finnish ''Turun Sanomat'', Swedish ''Åbo Underrättelser'' and the free ''Turkulainen''; many locals also subscribe to ''Helsingin Sanomat'' or ''Hufvudstadsbladet'' of Helsinki. === Children === Most any park has a playground with swings, sandbox, some climbing frames, and perhaps a simple playhouse and some more unusual features. For picnics, the Kupittaa and Vartiovuori parks are popular. The swimming pools of Kupittaa and Samppalinna also have picnic areas. There is a playing corner for small children in the city library (and nice scenes in small exhibits hidden in the shelves and in the floor). The Hansa shopping centre in the centre has a room for children, with family toilet and facilities for warming food. Also several other businesses and shopping centres have some facilities or entertainment for children. [[#Q11892816|Kupittaa Adventure Park]] is a large playground area where also older children can enjoy themselves for quite a while. [[#Q11873640|Kuralan kylämäki]] is a quiet living history museum consisting of a few farms with life of the 1950s. In the main building personnel are doing their domestic chores, while ready to talk to any visitor. Children will find a play corner with period toys, another in the barn, with bigger equipment, and many opportunities to invent their own plays and games. Sheep flock at the pasture fence to be caressed. [[#Q3022430|Aboa Vetus]] allows you to walk in authentic streets in the ruins of medieval Turku. There are computer screens to lead children through the displays in the footsteps of children of the times exhibited, perhaps a sandbox for trying at being an archaeologist, and similar activities. [[#Q136893|Turku Castle]] has Knights' and Ladies' Days, where a group of children is led through the castle, ending with dubbing the participants. Check the language issue. If you are into biology, the [[#Q4086898|Biological Museum]] is a pearl. It features stuffed animals in natural landscapes: see wolves and elks, spot the small birds in the tree, an ermine in the snow, and acquaint yourselves to the different biotopes of Finland. These are beyond glass screens, but there are minor touchable or interactive features. Other museums may or may not suit your children, depending on their interests. For a longer trip, the Moomin World in [[Naantali]] and Zoolandia in [[Turku countryside|Lieto]] may be worth considering. You might also want to take a walk in some wood, to eat wild berries fresh from the shrubs – especially if that's something you cannot do at home. Make sure you recognise at least bilberries, which you'll find in most any suburban wood in July–August. Have a map and find any wood reasonably close to a bus stop. For the best experience, prepare a picnic, take the bus and take a walk of a few kilometres. Let the children take their time watching ants and other natural wonders. Don't confine yourself to the broad gravel paths, but immerse in the wood and climb the rocks (in nature reserves you may be confined to the trails, so prefer unprotected woods). You won't get lost: although there are places where you feel like being alone with nature, inside the Turku bypass the nearest house is never more than 500 m away. ===Laundry=== Unless you have [[laundry]] facilities at your lodging, you might want to use a laundrette service: * {{listing | name=24pesula | alt= | url=https://24pesula.fi/en/city/turku/ | email=asiakaspalvelu@pesula.fi | address=Uudenmaantie 19 | lat=60.4419 | long=22.2858 | directions=K-Citymarket Kupittaa; also Mylly, Prisma Länsikeskus, Prisma Piispanristi | phone=+358 10-292-7799 (shared cost?) | tollfree= | hours=Daily, daytime or round the clock | price=€6/std machine (9 kg, 30 min), tumbler +€4/30 min | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Laundrettes in some shopping centres, self service, no reservations. Detergent included. Pay by card. }} === Dogs === {{see also|Travel with pets#Finland}} Popular walks include the river banks east of the railway bridge (i.e. by Raunistula and the Student Village). There are compost containers for litter at some locations, but you can also use normal trash bins. There are havens in several locations, where dogs can run and play without being on a leash. They have a part for small dogs and another for big ones, use common sense for choosing. Don't go there if your dog is ill, aggressive or could otherwise be disruptive for other dogs. * {{do | name=Kupittaa dog haven | alt= | url= | email= | address=Lemminkäisenkatu | lat=60.4456 | long=22.2994 | directions=at the north-east edge of the park Kupittaanpuisto | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-03-24 | content= }} * {{do | name=Nummenranta dog haven | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.4651 | long=22.2952 | directions=at the walk on the left river bank, by the Student Village | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-03-24 | content= }} * {{do | name=Jäkäläpuisto dog haven | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jäkäläpolku | lat=60.4308 | long=22.2698 | directions=Luolavuori, the path to the haven starts at Rätiälänkatu | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-03-24 | content= }} ===Places of worship=== See [[#Churches|Churches]] above for Lutheran and Orthodox churches, [[#Q2601015|the synagogue]] and a [[#Buddhist monastery|Buddhist temple]]. [[#Q1187606|The cathedral]] has services also for a few expat churches and [[#Q2601450|the Orthodox church]] has services in a few languages. There is another Orthodox church, belonging to the Moscow Patriarchate, by [[#Q1979979|the handicraft museum]] (by the former Russian consulate). There is a Catholic church by the [[#Bridgettine Convent Guest House|Bridgettine Convent]]. There are also places of worship of JW, LDS, Pentecostals, Adventists, the Salvation Army and a few more Christian denominations, and humble mosques. === Consulates === {| |- | style="vertical-align:top;width:50%;" | * {{flag|Austria}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Austria | url= | email=mika.sippolainen@simsport.com | address=Linnankatu 36 B 11 | lat=60.44607 | long=22.25819 | directions= | phone=+358 2-275-1411 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-275-1414 | hours=09:00-11:00 | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Belgium}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Belgium | url= | email=antti@wihanto.fi | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 35 | lat=60.44578 | long=22.25752 | directions= | phone=+358 2-515-1655 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-515-1590 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Brazil}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Brazil | url= | email= | address=Aurakatu 8 | lat=60.44969 | long=22.26759 | directions= | phone=+358 2-651-6680 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Denmark}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Denmark | url= | email=ljo@lundbeck.com | address=Joukahaisenkatu 6 | lat=60.44797 | long=22.29920 | directions= | phone=+358 2-276-5000 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-276-5001 | hours= 09:00-14:00 | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Estonia}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Estonia | url= | email=rector@utu.fi | address=Vanha Suurtori 3 | lat=60.45028 | long=22.27671 | directions= | phone=+358 2-333-6122 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|France}} {{listing | name=Consulate of France | url= | email=enrico.casagrande@dlc.fi | address=Linnankatu 3 A | lat=60.45159 | long=22.27302 | directions= | phone=+358 2-250-0061 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-250-0013 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Germany}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Germany | url= | email=turku@hk-diplo.de | address=c/o Sunborn Oy Juhana Herttuan puistokatu 23 | lat=60.45259 | long=22.27170 | directions= | phone=+358 2-445-4501 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-445-4520 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Greece}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Greece | url= | email=fredrik.sunde@nordea.fi | address=Kauppiaskatu 9 B | lat=60.45242 | long=22.26788 | directions= | phone=+358 2-334-4201 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-334-5414 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Honduras}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Honduras | url= | email=ericlockmer@gmail.com | address=Eristäjänmutka 17 | lat=60.4785 | long=22.2163 | directions= | phone=+358 40-022-2244 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-254-7762 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Hungary}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Hungary | url= | email=urpo-kivikari@tukkk.fi | address=Linnankatu 8 | lat=60.44979 | long=22.26898 | directions= | phone=+358 2-231-2182 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Iceland}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Iceland | url= | email= | address=Lukkarinkatu 6 | lat=60.47668 | long=22.29837 | directions= | phone=+358 40-052-4234 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Italy}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Italy | url= | email= | address=Linnankatu 3 A | lat=60.45177 | long=22.27283 | directions= | phone=+358 400-522-557 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Netherlands}} {{listing | name=Consulate of the Netherlands | url= | email=kjell.sundstrom@abo.fi | address=Kauppiaskatu 9 | lat=60.45223 | long=22.26827 | directions= | phone=+358 207-861-419 | tollfree= | fax=+358 9-163-96417 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Norway}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Norway | url= | email=jan-erik.stenman@veritas.fi | address=Olavintie 2 | lat=60.44735 | long=22.26986 | directions= | phone=+358 50-343-2299 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=09:00-16:00 | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Poland}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Poland | url= | email=etacom@kolumbus.fi | address=Veistämönaukio 1 | lat=60.43980 | long=22.24039 | directions= | phone=+358 2-281-3186 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Portugal}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Portugal | url= | email= | address=Linnankatu 35 | lat=60.44554 | long=22.25555 | directions= | phone=+358 21-275-5314 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 09:00-16:00 | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Spain}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Spain | url= | email=info@silverland.fi | address=Yliopistonkatu 24 | lat=60.44979 | long=22.25987 | directions= | phone=+358 40-543-2094 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Sweden}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Sweden | url= | email=sihteerit@ts.fi | address=Kauppiaskatu 5 | lat=60.45113 | long=22.26966 | directions= | phone=+358 2-269-3303 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-269-3543 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|United Kingdom}} {{listing | name=Consulate of the United Kingdom | url= | email=jari.lahteenmaki@turku.chamber.fi | address=Puolalankatu 1 | lat=60.45170 | long=22.26306 | directions= | phone=+358 2-274-3410 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} |} ==Go next== [[File:Turku - Ruissalo Island (6119923392).jpg|thumb|Sailing off Ruissalo]] * '''[[Archipelago Sea]]''' – Stretching all the way from Turku to Åland and on to Stockholm, Archipelago Sea forms the largest archipelago in the world by number of islands and includes a national park. Best way to visit is definitely by bike and camping gear – unless you know how to handle a yacht or kayak or can afford a one-week charter of a manned yacht. ** The [[Archipelago Trail]] is a tourist route of 125 or 250 km, using the roads and inter-island ferries to provide access to the archipelago without a boat of your own – and without backtracking. The route can be taken clockwise or counter clockwise, starting from Turku, and continuing through rural archipelago villages and astonishing Baltic Sea sceneries. * '''[[Kurjenrahka National Park]]''' – Kurjenrahka is the largest and most diverse protected mire area in the region, the park includes also lakes and old growth forest. One of the best-known sights in the park is the old boundary mark of eight municipalities. Usually a day trip destination, hikes can be extended to last a couple of days. Beginning 2018 you can reach Kurjenrahka by local bus in summer. * The other chartered '''towns of medieval Finland''' were<!-- by time of chartering, but what is the order? -->: ** [[Porvoo]] (Borgå) – in Eastern Uusimaa, reachable by [[E18]] or the [[King's Road (Finland)|King's Road]]. ** [[Rauma]] (Raumo) – with a [[UNESCO World Heritage List|UNESCO World Heritage listed]] old town, Rauma can be reached by coach from Turku in 1½ hr. ** [[Ulvila]] (Ulvsby) – by Pori in the north of the historic Turku and Pori province ** [[Naantali]] (Nådendal, Vallis Gratiæ) – with the summer residence of the President of Finland ''Kultaranta'', the theme park ''Moomin World'' and a beautiful wooden old town, 20-min away by local bus. ** [[Vyborg]] (Viipuri, Viborg) – in its heyday the most metropolitan of Finnish cities; past Porvoo, now in Russia. * '''[[Åland islands]]''' – If you have a day or two to spare there are overnight and day [[Baltic Sea ferries|ferries]] to [[Sweden]] and the [[Åland|Åland Islands]]. [[Stockholm]] is 10 hours away, [[Mariehamn]] on the Åland islands about 5 hours. While the big ferries take you directly from Turku to the Åland mainland, you can also do some island hopping by taking a smaller ferry operated by Ålandstrafiken from Korpo or Kustavi in the Archipelago Sea. {{routebox | image1=Simple gold crown.svg | imagesize1=40 | directionl1=W | majorl1=END | minorl1= | directionr1=E | minorr1=[[Kaarina]] | majorr1=[[Helsinki]] | link1=King's Road (Finland) | caption1=King's Road | image2=Tabliczka_E8.svg | imagesize2=40 | directionl2=NW | majorl2=[[Pori]] | minorl2=[[Turku countryside]] | directionr2=SE | minorr2= | majorr2=END | link2=E8 through Finland and Norway | image3=Tabliczka E18.svg | imagesize3=40 | directionl3=W | majorl3=[[Stockholm]] | minorl3=[[Naantali]] | directionr3=E | minorr3=[[Kaarina]] | majorr3=[[Helsinki]] | link3=E18 | image4=Tabliczka E63.svg | imagesize4=40 | directionl4=SW | majorl4=END | minorl4= | directionr4=NE | minorr4=[[Turku countryside]] | majorr4=[[Tampere]] | image5=Finland road sign F29-10.svg | imagesize5=32 | directionl5=SW | majorl5=END | minorl5= | directionr5=NE | minorr5=[[Kaarina]] | majorr5=[[Hämeenlinna]] }} {{guidecity}} {{geo|60.4500|22.2667}} {{IsPartOf|Archipelago Sea}} rhn188e4vuqfztmqmvgvozba343sg94 0 37263 5087081 5086263 2025-07-03T10:48:19Z Casabaya 2328911 Added a brief mention of a notable UAE-based fashion brand (Crystal Abaya Studio) under the shopping section to highlight local designer options in modest fashion, similar to how regional brands are highlighted in the Spain section. The edit aligns with existing tone and structure, offering relevant info for travelers interested in locally-inspired clothing. 5087081 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner |Dubai_WV_banner.jpg}} The '''United Arab Emirates''' ([[Arabic phrasebook|Arabic]]: الإمارات العربية المتحدة ''al-ʾImārāt al-ʿArabīyah al-Muttaḥidah'') or simply the '''Emirates''' (الإمارات ''al-ʾImārāt'') is a country rich in history and culture at the entrance to the Persian Gulf. Boasting attractions ranging from the glittering and cosmopolitan cities of [[Dubai]] and [[Abu Dhabi]], to the vast and unforgiving desert landscapes of the [[Empty Quarter]], it makes an easy starting point for travels in the [[Middle East]]. ==Regions== The UAE is a federation of seven emirates (''imarat'', singular: ''imarah''): {{mapframe|height=|width=500|24.199|54.091|zoom=7}} {{Mapshape|title=[[Abu Dhabi (emirate)|Emirate of Abu Dhabi]]|type=geoshape|wikidata=Q187712|fill=#e3e989}} {{Mapshape|title=Emirate of Dubai|type=geoshape|wikidata=Q613|fill=#b383b3}} {{Mapshape|title=Emirate of Sharjah|type=geoshape|wikidata=Q188810|fill=#d69c4b}} {{Mapshape|title=Emirate of [[Ajman]]|type=geoshape|wikidata=Q159477|fill=#0000ff}} {{Mapshape|title=Emirate of [[Umm al Quwain]]|type=geoshape|wikidata=Q175021|fill=#d76972}} {{Mapshape|title=Emirate of [[Ras al Khaimah]]|type=geoshape|wikidata=Q170024|fill=#71b37b}} {{Mapshape|title=Emirate of [[Fujairah]]|type=geoshape|wikidata=Q4091|fill=#4f93c0}} <!--Fujairah--> {{Regionlist | region1name=[[Abu Dhabi (emirate)|Emirate of Abu Dhabi]] | region1color=#e3e989 | region1items=[[Abu Dhabi]] and [[Al Ain]] | region1description= | region2name=Emirate of Dubai | region2color=#b383b3 | region2items=[[Dubai]] and [[Hatta]] | region2description= | region3name=[[Sharjah (emirate)|Emirate of Sharjah]] | region3color=#d69c4b | region3items=[[Sharjah]], [[Dibba (United Arab Emirates)|Dibba]], [[Kalba]], [[Khor Fakkan]] and [[Nahwa]] | region3description= | region4name=Emirate of Ajman | region4color=#0000ff | region4items=[[Ajman]] | region4description= | region5name=Emirate of Umm al Quwain | region5color=#d76972 | region5items=[[Umm al Quwain]] | region5description= | region6name=Emirate of Ras al Khaimah | region6color=#71b37b | region6items=[[Ras al Khaimah]] | region6description= | region7name=Emirate of Fujairah | region7color=#4f93c0 | region7items=[[Fujairah]] | region7description= }} The largest of these ''by far'' is [[Abu Dhabi]], while probably the best known is [[Dubai]]. ==Cities== The United Arab Emirates has multiple cities, towns, and villages across the country. The eponymous capitals of the seven emirates constitute the major city and transport hub in each respective emirate. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Abu Dhabi]]|wikidata=Q1519}} (Arabic: أبو ظبي‎‎) – The nation's capital, filled with major museums and monuments. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Dubai]]|wikidata=Q612}} (Arabic: دبي‎‎) – The financial capital and commerce center and largest city of the UAE. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Sharjah]]|wikidata=Q289693}} (Arabic: الشارقة) – The nation's cultural hub famous for its Arabic and Islamic architecture. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Ajman]]|wikidata=Q159477}} (Arabic: عجمان) – The smallest emirate, one of the quiet destinations with a relaxed atmosphere. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Umm al Quwain]]|wikidata=Q175021}} (Arabic: أم القيوين) – A peninsular town extending into the gulf with multiple beach resorts. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Ras al Khaimah]]|wikidata=Q2126436}} (Arabic: راس الخيمة) – An adventure hub of the Middle East, with the highest mountain in UAE and many thrill activities. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Fujairah]]|wikidata=Q4091}} (Arabic: الفجيرة) – Popular tourist and stay-cation destination on the gulf of Oman. Nicknamed as ''The Bride of the Eastern Coast''. ==Other destinations== Other famous destinations include the following: * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Al Ain]]|wikidata=Q234600}} (Arabic: العين‎‎) – Once a small oasis and now a major town close to the Omani border town of Buraimi. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Hatta]]|wikidata=Q770233}} (Arabic: حتا‎‎) – Once a mountainous village, but now a major adventure destination for kayaking and hiking. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Khor Fakkan]]|wikidata=Q764279}} (Arabic: خورفكان‎‎) – A town set on a picturesque bay with multiple historical watch towers and a traditional Friday's Market. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Liwa Oasis]]|wikidata=Q615949}} (Arabic: واحة ليوا‎‎‎) – A crescent of farms around an oasis on the edge of the [[Empty Quarter]]. Provides an easy access to the Empty Quarter and famous for off road adventures across sand dunes. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Ruwais]]|wikidata=Q1023786}} (Arabic: الرويس) – An industrial and energy town located in the western region in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. ==Understand== {{quickbar}} Located on the coastlines of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, the United Arab Emirates covers an area of 83,600 km², slightly smaller than Austria. As a tribal federation, the country is like a visionary fairy tale of the ''[[One Thousand and One Nights]]''; however, in recent times, it has developed into an international financial centre. Even well into the 20th century, the UAE was not on anybody's tourist itinerary. But investment of fabulous oil and gas wealth, as well as a comparatively liberal interpretation of Islam (if you are a wealthy foreigner, that is), have changed that in a big way – megaprojects including artificial islands, gargantuan malls with everything on offer for those of wallets large enough, and the tallest building in the world have created a lot of buzz around the Emirates. The rapid expansion of the UAE's aviation industry in the 21st century, in large part due to the explosive growth of [[Dubai]]-based Emirates and [[Abu Dhabi]]-based Etihad Airways, has arguably turned the UAE into the center of the world. The less well-known side of the UAE includes remote, magnificent desert dunes on the edge of the [[Empty Quarter]] and awe-inspiring wadis and mountains in the northeast emirates bordering [[Oman]]. Beneath the glittering façade, however, there is a vast underclass of poorly-paid migrant workers who are often horribly mistreated, not to mention a rather authoritarian set of ruling families who won't brook criticism from anyone – not even "unruly" members of their own families. ===History=== The arrival of envoys from the Islamic prophet Muhammad in 630 heralded the conversion of the region to [[Islam]]. After Muhammad, one of the major battles fought at [[Dibba (United Arab Emirates)|Dibba]] resulted in the defeat of the non-Muslims and the triumph of Islam in the Arabian Peninsula. <!--there's a lot missing there isn't there?--> Historically as a collection of port towns on the coast and oases in the desert, the Emirates is a collection of seven tribal affiliations ruled by Sheikhs who joined hands to form one federal state. The Sheikhs of the different emirates decided to form a union and pooled their resources to counter other tribal expansionism which was dominant in Arabia then and around the surrounding region, particularly the Saudi's and Omani's expansionism. The Sheikhs of the 7 emirates agreed to become a British protectorate in 1820, and were known as the Trucial States. The United Arab Emirates declared independence from the United Kingdom on 2 December 1971 when the Sheikhs of Abu Dhabi and Dubai met and Sheikh Zayed of Abu Dhabi proposed forming a union with Sheikh Rashid of Dubai. Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al Quwain, and Fujairah all accepted the invitation and agreed to the union. Ras Al Khaimah agreed to join a couple of months later on 10 February 1972. Sheikh Zayed was seen as the driving force of creating the UAE and is credited with the formation of the state as its founding father. Sheikh Zayed and the rest of the Sheikhs of the emirates are all referred to as the UAE's founding fathers. ===Geography=== The country is mostly [[desert]], however, other terrains can also be found. In multiple emirates, particularly Ras Al Khaimah, mountains and wadis can be seen everywhere. The different landscape gives the northern emirates their own distinct features. Water dams and local wildlife can be experienced around the country. Several mangrove swamps are present around the coast, particularly in Abu Dhabi and Umm al Quwain where you may be able to kayak around them. Inside major cities, you will almost forget that you're in the desert as the cities are decorated with greenery, parks, and wide grass fields. ===Culture=== There are three different groups that have influenced the Emirati cultural landscape. The first is the traditional Islamic Bedouin culture including the traditional items of clothing. Men wear white garments called kandora, while women wear black clothing called abaya. Slavery was integral to this society, and its legacy survives in the second group: many poorly-paid immigrants (mostly from South Asia and the Philippines) make up a large underclass, serving their Emirati and Western masters. This third group, the "Westerners," are often used to project an appearance of modernity and progressivism onto the UAE, but it's all for show: the glitzy shopping malls, high degree of English proficiency, and luxury items serve to whitewash the exploitation that this autocratic society is built upon. Naturally, these three groups tend to clash, sometimes glaringly, but for the most part, the native Emiratis are content to participate in the fossil fuel wealth and ignore all but the most blatant "un-Islamic" practices of wealthy foreigners as long as they keep the tourism and shopping going. However, in some off-the-beaten-path places, the locals still live a more traditional lifestyle and expect behaviour in accordance with it. Nightlife is evident in major cities such as Dubai. The nightlife continues into the night in all emirates (except maybe in small villages or towns). Illumination isn't turned off. Most restaurants, retail shops, malls, and other services continue to operate till approximately 10PM during weekdays and sometimes midnight during weekends. Alcohol is widely available at many restaurants and bars in all emirates except for [[Sharjah]], although liquor stores are few. A license to buy alcohol may be needed. The alcohol license is proof that the bearer is a non-Muslim; a passport will not suffice. However, you can purchase alcohol duty-free at the airport to bring into the UAE. Sharjah emirate is almost completely dry. An alcohol license is required in the emirates of Dubai, Sharjah (for bringing your own and for drinking in private), and [[Ajman]]; the remaining emirates of Abu Dhabi, [[Ras Al Khaimah]], [[Fujairah]], and [[Umm al Quwain]] do not require any type of license. The requirement is sometimes overlooked at certain stores. ===Politics=== [[File:Dubai aerial view.jpg|thumb|Dubai skyline. The tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa, can be seen in the background.]] The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates, each of which is an absolute monarchy headed by its own sheikh. Each emirate retains considerable autonomy, each with its own laws. Each emirate's sheikh is the driving force for its emirate's most well-known attribute. For example, Dubai is progressive and has become more cosmopolitan and a major tourist destination as the result of its sheikh's vision for Dubai to be a tourist hub. The ruling sheikh of Sharjah is more conservative and a big advocate of education as well as Arabic literature and architecture, thus Sharjah hosts multiple universities, has many Abbasid and Ummayyad architectural buildings, and alcohol is not served anywhere in the city. Abu Dhabi is the capital of the Emirates and has the Presidential Palace (called Qasr al Watan), all the major country's national institutions, and all foreign embassies. Abu Dhabi also hosts many monuments, museums, and has more of a political atmosphere. In theory, the President and Prime Minister are elected by the Federal Supreme Council, which is composed of the sheikhs of each of the seven emirates. In practice, the sheikh of Abu Dhabi is always elected President while the sheikh of Dubai is always elected Prime Minister. ===Infrastructure=== The infrastructure in the UAE is all modern and well-developed. Most buildings are brand new. Lights shine on almost all streets, potholes are almost non-existent, crime rates are very low, no homelessness can be seen, telecommunication signals can be found everywhere, and road signs with bilingual Arabic and English languages are well placed in all cities. Date palm trees are the symbolic tree of the country and can be seen lining almost all roads. The country is fairly new, so a lot of things change rapidly and new buildings sprout out of nowhere. It's almost like Sim City on steroids. The roads and other public facilities are modern if, at times, extremely crowded. Supermarkets offer a vast assortment of products from Europe and the US, depending on the shop, along with local and regional items. Major international chains such as Ikea, Carrefour, and Géant have a presence and fast-food chains (nearly all major chains) such as McDonald's and KFC operate widely. On the other hand, there are still a few crowded traditional ''souks'' filled with products from around the world and rug stores. These can be hard to find for the average traveler, as the malls tend to gain an overwhelming amount of attention. The souks are usually present in the old historic districts of the cities, which are usually the most crowded as well as the most culturally appealing areas. ===Climate=== The country's [[climate]] is extraordinarily [[arid region safety|dry]], getting only a few days of rain a year. [[Water]] usage is however very high, with broad swaths of grass in the major public parks and often extensive landscaping in the resorts or other public places. Most of this water comes from desalination. The weather from late October through mid-March is quite pleasant, with temperatures ranging from highs around {{C|27}} to lows around {{C|15}}. Winters can get a bit chilly where you might require a warmed jacket or sweater but nothing annoyingly cold (the desert tends to be freezing cold though). It is almost always sunny. Rain can fall between November and February, and can cause road hazards when it does. In the summer, temperatures soar and humidity is close to unbearable. The average temperature for July ranges from {{C|35}} to {{C|37}}. Temperatures may rise above {{C|45}} and in extreme cases even {{C|50}}. The highest recorded temperature is {{C|52}} and was recorded in 2017. ===People=== {{Infobox|Seven emirates, many peoples|After landing in the UAE, you might not think it is an Arab country. You might think you are in [[India]] or the [[Philippines]]. Dubai, since the founding of the oil industry, has attracted thousands of migrants in search of jobs from all over the world, notably from [[Pakistan]], India, [[Bangladesh]] and the Philippines. Today, Indians and Filipinos have left their influence in the emirate: Indian restaurants and Pakistani bakeshops are everywhere, while Filipino supermarkets are growing. Europeans (mostly British and French) and Sri Lankans form the next largest communities. Chinese and Indonesian migrants are increasing.}} The population is incredibly diverse. Only 20% are native Emiratis; the rest come from the Indian subcontinent: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh or Sri Lanka (50%); other parts of Asia, particularly the Philippines and Malaysia; and Western countries (Europe, Australia, North America, 5–6%), with the remainder from everywhere else. On any given day in Dubai or Sharjah, for example, you can see people from every continent and every social class. With this diversity, one of the few unifying factors is language, and consequently, nearly everyone speaks some version of English. All road or other information signs are in English and Arabic, and English is widely spoken, particularly in the hospitality industry. As a result of its substantial oil wealth and high GDP, the United Arab Emirates provides its citizens with one of the world's most comprehensive welfare states despite not levying any income tax on them. However, this welfare state does not cover the country's large and often poorly-paid migrant workforce. ===Holidays=== {{ramadandates}} The weekend in the UAE for most government and public services as well as businesses runs from '''Friday to Saturday'''; for many, Thursday may be a half day (although most often work all day on Saturdays). In nearly every city, commercial activity will be muted on Friday mornings, but after the noon services at the mosques most businesses open and Friday evenings can be crowded. The major exception is during the fasting month of '''Ramadan''', when the rhythm of life changes drastically. Restaurants (outside tourist hotels) stay closed during the daylight hours, and while most offices and shops open in the morning from 8AM to 2PM or so, they usually close in the afternoon while people wait (or sleep) out the last hours of the fast. After sundown, people gather to break their fast with a meal known as ''iftar'', often held in outdoor tents (not uncommonly air-conditioned in the UAE), which traditionally starts with dates and a sweet drink. Some offices reopen after 8PM or so and stay open well after midnight, as many people stay up late until the morning hours. Just before sunrise, a meal called ''sohoor'' is eaten, and then the cycle repeats again. *'''''New Year's Day''''' (1 January) *'''''Prophet's Ascension''''' (Based on Hijri calendar; date varies in Georgian calendar) *'''''Eid al-Fitr''''' (Based on Hijri calendar; date varies in Georgian calendar) *'''''Eid al-Adha''''' (Based on Hijri calendar; date varies in Georgian calendar) *'''''Islamic New Year''''' (Based on Hijri calendar; date varies in Georgian calendar) *'''''Mawlid''''' (Based on Hijri calendar; date varies in Georgian calendar) *'''''Commemoration Day''''' (30 November) – Commemorates the date of the first fallen Emirati soldier. *'''''National Day''''' (2 December) – The date of the union and formation of the UAE. ===Tourist information === * [https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/visiting-and-exploring-the-uae/travel-and-tourism UAE Tourism] ==Talk== The official language is '''[[Arabic phrasebook|Arabic]]''', although the majority of the population do not speak it. Expatriates from Iran, India, the Philippines and Western countries far outnumber Emirati citizens, particularly in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah. '''English''' is the ''lingua franca'', and the great majority of Emiratis know how to speak it. All traffic, shops, and destination signs are written in both Arabic and English, and most retail staff are Indians or Filipinos, not Emiratis. Speaking in English to anyone in the Emirates should be fine, and you will not have to learn any Arabic to get around. But if you can learn to speak some Arabic, it will certainly impress the locals. As Arabic is the official language, government documents may be written in Arabic only, though English translations or versions are usually available for those that are of interest to foreigners. Emiratis speak the Gulf dialect of Arabic. The UAE has a very diverse population; many languages and communities exist. Languages with large numbers of speakers in the UAE include Hindustani (Hindi & Urdu), Malayalam, Bengali, Tamil, Farsi (Persian), and Tagalog (Filipino). Most people have at least a basic command of English, though it is not uncommon to meet people whose English is limited. As a major hub for Arabs, Middle Easterners, and Asians who do not speak the English language as a mother language, expect their English to be in a beginner or an intermediate level. In this Muslim-majority country, expect to be greeted with the Arabic phrase of ''as-salām `alaykum'' ("Peace be upon you") – even if you are not a Muslim. The proper response would be to state ''wa-`alaykumu s-salām'' ("Peace be upon you too"). ==Get in== ===''Entry requirements''=== ====Visa-free or visa on arrival==== Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries ([[Bahrain]], [[Kuwait]], [[Oman]], [[Qatar]] and [[Saudi Arabia]]) do not require a visa and may stay in the UAE indefinitely with no restrictions including on employment. They do not require a passport and may use their National ID Cards to enter the UAE. Citizens of [[Mexico]] may visit for up to 180 days without a visa. Citizens of [[Argentina]], [[Austria]], [[Bahamas]], [[Barbados]], [[Belarus]], [[Belgium]], [[Brazil]], [[Bulgaria]], [[Chile]], [[Costa Rica]], [[Croatia]], [[Cyprus]], [[Czech Republic]], [[Denmark]], [[El Salvador]], [[Estonia]], [[Finland]], [[France]], [[Germany]], [[Greece]], [[Honduras]], [[Hungary]], [[Iceland]], [[Israel]], [[Italy]], [[Latvia]], [[Liechtenstein]], [[Lithuania]], [[Luxembourg]], [[Maldives]], [[Malta]], [[Montenegro]], [[Nauru]], [[Netherlands]], [[Norway]], [[Paraguay]], [[Poland]], [[Portugal]], [[Romania]], [[Russia]], [[San Marino]], [[Serbia]], [[Seychelles]], [[Slovakia]], [[Slovenia]], [[Solomon Islands]], [[South Korea]], [[Spain]], [[Saint Vincent and the Grenadines]], [[Sweden]], [[Switzerland]] and [[Uruguay]] may visit for up to 90 days without a visa Citizens of [[Andorra]], [[Australia]], [[Brunei]], [[Canada]], [[China]] (mainland), [[Hong Kong]], [[Ireland]], [[Japan]], [[Kazakhstan]], [[Macau]], [[Malaysia]], [[Mauritius]], [[Monaco]], [[New Zealand]], [[Singapore]], [[Ukraine]], [[United Kingdom]] (British citizen only), [[United States of America|United States]] and the [[Vatican City]] may visit for up to 30 days without a visa. Citizens of [[India]] may obtain a 14-day visa-on-arrival for 120 dirham if they are legal permanent residents of the United States, the United Kingdom or any [[European Union]] country, or they hold a valid tourist visa for the United States. The residence permit or visa must be valid for at least 6 months from their date of entry into the UAE. They may extend their stay for another 14 days for 250 dirham. Note, if you exit the country through one the automated passport gates in the airport, you won't receive any exit stamp, contrary to the entry stamp. This is of course not a problem. Everyone else needs to obtain a visa in advance. ====Obtaining a visa==== All other nationalities not exempt from visa are required to apply for a visa in advance. You will require a sponsorship by an Emirati airline, hotel or tour operator to be able to apply for a visa. Each UAE airline offers visa services when you fly with them. Apart from that, travel agents and hotels can also arrange a tourist visa for you. The cost of a visa as of 2015 is 250 dirham plus travel agency fee for 30 days single entry, and there are no extensions available anymore. The new visa tariff and rule is to avoid letting tourists look for work in UAE. Transit visas are sponsored by the airlines, and cost 100 dirhams, allowing you to stay for up to 96 hours. Unlike many countries in the region, the UAE and Israel have established diplomatic relations, with regular flights between Tel Aviv and Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Israelis and Emiratis may enter each other's countries visa-free. If you are a citizen of India or Pakistan and you're traveling from your country of citizenship, and you have the ECR stamp in your passport you will require to get 'OK to Board' approval. You will also require this if you are a citizen of Sri Lanka or Bangladesh traveling outside of India or Pakistan. Most of the time it is arranged by your travel agent or airline. If it isn't, as soon as you get your visa, take it, your passport and ticket to your airline office and get the stamp of 'OK to board'. Without this you might not be allowed to travel to the UAE. Passports must be valid for 6 months from date of arrival. ====Customs regulations==== Each non-Muslim adult can bring in '''four items of alcohol''', e.g. four bottles of wine, or four bottles of spirits, or four cases of beer (regardless of alcohol content). The UAE takes an infamously strict line on '''[[medication|medicines]]''', with many common drugs, notably anything containing '''codeine''', '''diazepam''' (Valium) or '''dextromethorphan''' (Robitussin) being banned unless you have a ''notarized and authenticated'' doctor's prescription. The UAE, Dubai in particular, is used by drug traffickers as a gateway to ship drugs from the east to the west and hence laws regarding drug possession or use are strict. Visitors breaking the rules, even inadvertently, have found themselves deported or jailed. The government online portal maintains [https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/health-and-fitness/drugs-and-controlled-medicines instructions, advice, and a list of controlled substances that are prohibited]. Some drugs that are used and tolerated around neighboring countries are also prohibited. Using khat/qat (a flowering plant that contains an alkaloid called cathinone), which is popular e.g. in [[Yemen]], is highly illegal. [[Cannabis]] and CBD-related products are illegal. ===By plane=== The main international airports are: [[File:DXB Terminal 3 in early morning.jpg|thumb|230px|Inside Dubai International Airport (DXB) Terminal 3.]] * '''[[Dubai International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|DXB}}) – This airport is served by several major airlines, most notably Dubai's flag carrier '''[https://www.emirates.com/ Emirates]'''. Dubai has direct flights from [[Durban]], [[Johannesburg]]<!--WHICH AIRPORT?-->, [[London]]<!--WHICH AIRPORT?-->, [[Sydney]]<!--WHICH AIRPORT?-->, [[Melbourne]], [[Karachi]], [[Tehran]], [[Riyadh]], [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport|Mumbai (BOM)]], [[Kolkata]], [[Hong Kong]], [[Paris_Charles_de_Gaulle_Airport|Paris (CDG)]], [[Zurich]], [[Frankfurt Airport|Frankfurt]], [[Milan]]<!--WHICH AIRPORT?-->, [[Madrid Barajas]], [[Chicago O'Hare International Airport|Chicago (ORD)]], [[John F Kennedy International Airport|New York City (JFK)]], [[Los Angeles International Airport|Los Angeles (LAX)]], [[San Francisco Airport]], [[Seattle-Tacoma_International_Airport|Seattle]], [[São_Paulo-Guarulhos_International_Airport|São Paulo (GRU)]], [[Toronto_Pearson_International_Airport|Toronto (YYZ)]] and many other major cities in [[Europe]], [[Asia]], [[Oceania]] and [[Africa]]. Chances are carriers from your country will offer flights to Dubai.<!-- -->[[File:13-08-06-abu-dhabi-airport-40.jpg|thumb|230px|Passport control in Abu Dhabi International Airport]] * '''[[Abu Dhabi International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|AUH}}) – This airport has the next best international connections after Dubai. Abu Dhabi's flag carrier '''[https://www.etihadairways.com Etihad Airways]''' now offers direct flights from Chicago (ORD), [[New York City|New York]]<!--WHICH AIRPORT?-->, [[Toronto]]<!--WHICH AIRPORT?--> and many other airports in [[Europe]] and [[Asia]]. Other major airlines serving Abu Dhabi include '''[https://www.wizzair.com WizzAir]''' from many cities in Eastern Europe, [https://www.britishairways.com British Airways] from [[London-Heathrow]], [https://www.klm.com KLM] from [[Amsterdam Schiphol]] and [https://www.lufthansa.de Lufthansa] from Frankfurt. * '''[[SHJ|Sharjah International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|SHJ}}) – It is the home of the low-cost carrier '''[https://www.airarabia.com Air Arabia]''', which has connections with various Middle East and Indian Subcontinent cities. Also, '''[http://www.airindiaexpress.in Air India Express]''' connects most larger airports in India to Sharjah – a good way to fly into smaller places directly, like [[Leh]] in [[Ladakh]], instead of going through Delhi first. * '''[[AAN|Al Ain International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|AAN}}) – A small airport with a few flights from [[Kozhikode]] and [[Cairo]]. ====Low-cost airlines==== For low-cost flights, try the following: * '''[http://www.airarabia.com Air Arabia]''' – Set up its hub at [[Sharjah]] airport (which is very close to Dubai), and flies there from many cities in [[Africa]], [[Europe]], [[Middle East]] and [[India]]. * '''[http://www.airindiaexpress.in Air India Express]''' – Connects Sharjah with many larger and smaller cities in India. * '''[https://www.cebupacificair.com Cebu Pacific]''' – Connects Dubai and [[Manila]] ([[Philippines]]) with fares from as low as US$150. * '''Fly Dubai''' – Connects Dubai to the Middle East, Europe, Africa and India. * '''Pegasus Airlines''' – Connect Dubai with Turkey and many cities in Europe via there. * '''WizzAir''' – Connects Abu Dhabi with many cities in Europe. * '''Smartwings Airlines''' – Connects Dubai and Abu Dhabi with many cities in Europe, some however only as part of package tours. ===By car=== There is road access to the United Arab Emirates from Saudi Arabia in the south and Oman in the east. All highways in the UAE are in excellent condition and installed with street lights. There is a huge amount of traffic between Sharjah and Dubai during rush hour. All the emirates are connected through highways with multiple gas stations, food and rest stops, and highway police. The longest highway connects the city of Abu Dhabi to the city of Ras Al Khaimah. The highway extends from Abu Dhabi to connect to Ruwais and then to the border with Saudi Arabia. Multiple electronic toll gates system are used in roads in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. A toll of 4 dirham is charged to cross the Salik toll gate in Dubai. A prepaid Salik Tag is required for this. A toll gate system which charges 4 dirham during rush hours and 2 dirham during off peak hours is also required to access Abu Dhabi island in the capital city Abu Dhabi. As of November of 2022, you can drive through the Mazyad / Batha al Ashkar border crossing from Oman as a foreigner. ===By boat=== There's a twice-weekly ferry service from [[Bandar Abbas]] in [[Iran]] to the port of Sharjah by the Iranian shipping company Valfajre-8. It's an overnight ferry taking 10-12 hours, departing early evenings on Sundays and Thursdays. Prices start at 160 dirham for economy class. Apart from regular services, there is a large network of traditional ''dhow'' trading routes which transports goods throughout the Gulf and even to [[India]]. It may be possible to buy passage on one of these boats. Depending on which dhow you end up on they can call at all coastal cities in the UAE, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi. ==Get around== Distances in the UAE are relatively short and are all connected with lighted roads, highways, and abundant transportation methods. The UAE is not very walking friendly to get around mainly due to the hot weather, strong sun, and relatively spaced out attractions. Transportation is increasingly being expanded with a train connecting all the emirates being built, as well as a functioning massive network of public transportation network which can transport you to any place in the UAE with ease. ===By public transport=== Public transportation within cities is widely available and advanced, with bus stations in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah offering shaded air conditioned bus stops to protect people from the sun and hot weather in the summer. The transportation is provided by the '''Roads and Transport Authority''' (RTA) by each emirate. There is an extensive metro system in Dubai that connects various parts of the city, as well as a monorail in Palm Jumeriah and a tram in Dubai Marina area. All public transport systems across all the cities in the UAE are connected, either by a taxi, bus, metro, monorail, or tram. Inter-city buses are also numerous with buses taking you as far as Muscat in Oman. Intercity bus services are fast, comfortable and reasonably frequent. While the transport systems of Dubai ([https://www.rta.ae/wps/portal/rta/ae/public-transport Dubai RTA]), Abu Dhabi ([https://www.rta.ae/wps/portal/rta/ae/public-transport/journeyplanner Abu Dhabi RTA]) and Sharjah ([https://eforms.srta.gov.ae/eforms/busschedule.aspx Sharjah RTA]) are widely overlapping, they are not compatible with each other, run different routes, and each one of them requiring their own smart card for travelling (Dubai and Abu Dhabi) or cash payment (Sharjah and Abu Dhabi). Check timetable and journey planners under the links provided before. ===By taxi=== In all cities of the UAE, taxis are widely available and relatively affordable. Local ride share apps such as '''Uber''' and '''Careem''' are also common in the UAE; however, the prices are relatively the same compared to taxis as not to create a disparate market competition prices. Do note that in Dubai there are different grades of taxi (e.g. standard taxi v limo) with different prices; the differences between the taxi types may not be enough for some travellers to be worth the higher prices, so do be mindful when getting into a taxi. ===By car=== [[File:Dunebashing group Dubai.jpg|thumb|Group of off-road cars going for a desert safari around the desert in Dubai.]] [[File:DUBAI SANDSTORM APRIL 2015.webm|thumb|A sandstorm in the UAE. Sandstorms are generally uncommon but may occur sometimes.]] The UAE has a modern road infrastructure with right sided traffic. Renting a car or driving in the UAE requires an international driver's license, which is simply a translation of your standard license and can be acquired at a local automobile association. If you are a resident, you will need to obtain a local driver's license as an international drivers license use cannot be used if you are a resident. If you have a driving license from a different country you may be able to exchange it for an Emirati driving license. This is a simple process and can be done in twenty minutes but only if you are from a specific list of countries. If you are from a country which is not exempt, you have to undergo 40 classes at a local driving school and get through a pretty tough license exam. This is changing, though, and license exchange may apply to all nationalities soon so check the [https://government.ae/en/information-and-services/transportation/get-a-driving-licence UAE government official online Portal - Transportation] to see if your country is among the countries eligible to convert your alien driving license. Car rentals are slightly cheaper than in North America. There is a flat fee per day for renting a car, based upon the car's size. Petrol (gasoline) is, by international standards, inexpensive. The road system is based on European standards, with many roundabouts and highly channeled traffic. Signs are all bilingual (Arabic and English) and are readily understandable and are, in most places, clear and coherent. The speed limits are all documented in western Arabic numerals. Gas stations are available all around highways as well as inside cities. Tesla superchargers are also available and are being increased in number. ====Driving laws==== [[File:Warning signs for a Camel.JPG|thumb|A warning traffic sign for camel crossings.]] Overtaking is performed from the left. If you are driving slowly on the most left side lane, expect to be "flashed" by light from a faster incoming car behind you. It is a courtesy in this case to move from the left lane and allow the car behind you to overtake. If you ignore such signal, this is considered offensive and you may encounter a road rage. Do not use the left most lane if you are driving slow, neither should you make any insulting gestures while driving. Using insulting gestures is forbidden by law and considered a form of verbal assault, and you may find yourself in police custody or in court. Most roads have a solid yellow line on their margins, which serve as shoulders for emergency, breakdown, and stranded vehicles after accident. Do not cross the yellow line in any other case, as you will be fined. The third-highest cause of death in the UAE is from traffic accidents (after cardiovascular diseases and cancer). People in the UAE drive ''extremely'' fast, and some are completely reckless. As a result, most of the roads are highly monitored and adhere to strict speed limit laws. The speed limit has a margin of about 20 km/h (except in Abu Dhabi where there is no margin). Most roads are monitored through speed traps. Speeders will receive the ticket through a message in your phone (if your phone is tied to the car in registration) and you will be required to pay all traffic fines you encounter before leaving the UAE. Drones also monitor the highways and roads in rural areas. ====Desert safaris==== Desert safaris and dune bashing are good attractions in the vicinity of all the emirates, but great care needs to be taken while choosing a hired vehicle; it should be a four wheel drive. Desert safaris are also generally designed with travel agents and can give you good deal as well on quantity. Do not attempt to enter the desert using one car or alone. As a general rule of thumb, more than two four wheel drive cars should enter the desert together so that if one of them gets stuck, the other can pull it out. Desert driving is a hard skill to learn. Safaris and tour groups usually take you for a desert safari and you may even be able to dune bash yourself if you desire. Four wheel drives such as the Toyoto Land Cruiser or Nissan Patrol and trucks such as the Ford Raptor are popular in the Emirates due to the natural desert terrain and necessary off-roading in some areas. Most cars are tinted black for both privacy and to keep the hot sun rays from entering the car, hence providing a cooler temperature in the car. While driving to the desert, make sure to pay attention to any camels that may be crossing the roads. === By train === United Arab Emirates is constructing a national railway system, with passenger trains starting service sometime around 2025. Travel times between the two major cities of [[Abu Dhabi]] and [[Dubai]] is expected to be around 45-50 minutes. ==See== <!-- This section should really link to the specific articles on WV where the sights are detailed further. --> [[File:Hotel - panoramio (24).jpg|thumb|Qasr al Sarab in Liwa Oasis.]] [[File:Jebel Al Jais.jpg|thumb|Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah.]] There are plenty of things to see in the United Arab Emirates, both in terms of the Earth's natural wonderful landscape as well as the best of human's constructed attractions. From the world's largest tower in Dubai to the world's largest contiguous sand desert in the world in Liwa Oasis (which was the film set of planet Jakku in Star Wars: The Force Awakens). Most of the United Arab Emirates lies on the coast of the Persian Gulf, except for Fujairah which lies on the Gulf of Oman, offering both experiences of beautiful beaches in both gulf waters. The western side of the UAE's landscape is a sand terrain, with the Empty Quarter desert forming the south side of the UAE and containing some of the largest sand dunes in the world. The golden sand dunes form a wonderful sight and offer great adventurous safari rides into the wilderness of the desert. The northeastern side terrain is mountainous, offering mountain climbing activities in Ras Al Khaimah as well as the world's longest zip line that shoots from the tops of a mountain. The UAE was initially a collection of small fishing villages with Eastern Arabian culture which has boomed significantly after the unification of the seven emirates. Hence, in every emirate's capital you will find an old district with old buildings consistent of mostly windcatchers and military forts that were common in the region then, and more progressive glass skyscrapers that signify the advanced progression of the emirates. Archealogical sites from the Umm Al Nar period are scattered across the emirates, with distinctive cultural variations found in the Hajar Mountains in the northeastern emirates. In the western side of the UAE, oases are common across vast majority of desert landscape as they formed the major population centers in these areas such as Al Ain city (once only an oasis, now an entire city) and Liwa Oasis. Although outdoors in UAE may seem dull and uninteresting to the knowledgeable traveler, there are actually amazing natural destinations in the UAE - the difficulty is in knowing where to find them! There are pristine waterfalls, cliffs lined with fossils, even freshwater lakes. Other than the natural beauty of the Arabian desert and mountainous regions of the Hajar Mountains which may seem dangerous due to the rough surrounding environment, the UAE offers tourists a whole new experience in terms of comfortable living with tall skyscrapers and skylines and enormous malls and huge indoor theme parks as well as an entire indoor ski resorts in the middle of the desert! There are also multiple islands around cities in the United Arab Emirates. Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, is surrounded by natural islands with green mangroves surrounding the city. The water surrounding Abu Dhabi is light blue in color and is considered one of the biggest coral reefs in the entire Persian Gulf region. In Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah, there are man-made islands that extend from the desert into the sea such as Palm Jumeriah and Murjan Island, allowing people to live in close proximity to the sea and green landscape while surrounded to a rough desert in Dubai and rough mountains in Ras Al Khaimah just south of these two respective cities. ===Attractions=== The United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers a diverse range of captivating attractions for visitors to enjoy. It presents an intriguing blend of contemporary urban marvels and culturally significant sites.[[File:Dubai Skyline (10400048016).jpg|thumb|Dubai's skyline]] * '''[[Dubai/Jumeirah#Q12495|Burj Khalifa]]''' – The world's tallest skyscraper since 2009 extending to 828 meters and is located in Dubai. It is the easiest sighted landmark once you land in Dubai and a major tourist attraction site. You can see the vast desert outside Dubai and the sheen and progressive buildings that form Dubai from the top. You can also see planes flying from the top! * '''[[Abu Dhabi#Q695604|Grand Sheikh Zayed Mosque]]''' – One of the most beautifully created mosques in the world. The architecture and designs of the mosque is a marvel and attracts tourists from all over the world to this magnificent religious site. The mosque is open to non-Muslims and allows people of all faith to visit and explore the structure. * '''[[Hajar Mountains]]''' – In the south and easily distinguished by the rough and rugged landscape that pop out of suddenly from the desert. [[Al Ain#Q1261870|Jebel Hafeet]] in Al Ain is an accessible peak that is considered the outline of the Hajar Mountains. The rough mountainous landscape forms a major hiking, trekking, and bird-watching opportunities, while the vast amount of picturesque wadis in the area are fun to explore. It offers a different landscape than just the desert found mainly in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. * '''Museums''' – From Islamic museums in Sharjah to international and global museums in Abu Dhabi, the UAE offers voyagers a great deal of museums that dig into the area's historical past as well as displays the historical artifacts of the empires surrounding the region. Most popular museums are the Louvre museum in Abu Dhabi, the Sharjah Arts museum, and the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation. Of course, each emirate has its own national museum which showcases the emirates original history and displays iconic eastern Arabian items such as dhows, khanjars, and other aspects of earlier life such as clothing and vocation. * '''Jebel Jais''' – The highest accessible mountainous peak in the UAE and a great site for major hiking, trekking and mountain climbing, and for camping in the winter. In [[Ras Al Khaimah]]. * '''[[Fujairah#Q4115363|Al Bidyah mosque]]''' – This is the oldest mosque in the UAE, located in Fujairah. The mosque and its surroundings are a major archaeological site. This is a great attraction for history and archaeology fans. Although the mosque is very simple and modest in size, many excavations of pottery and metal artifacts are found in this area. * '''[[Dubai/Jebel Ali|Palm Jumeirah]]''' – An artificial island in the shape of a palm tree, Palm Jumeirah is a famous luxury destination in Dubai. It's home to upscale hotels, resorts, and private residences. Visitors can enjoy beautiful beaches, water sports, and fine dining while staying in one of the world's most unique man-made developments. * '''[[Yas Island#Q673656|Ferrari World]]''' – An indoor amusement park, located in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. A paradise for thrill-seekers. It features exciting roller coasters, including the world's fastest one, inspired by Ferrari cars. The park also has interactive exhibits about the history of the brand. * '''Desert Safari''' – For those seeking adventure, a desert safari is a must-do activity. Visitors can experience the exhilaration of dune bashing, ride camels, try sandboarding, and enjoy traditional Arabian entertainment and cuisine in a desert setting. * '''[[Dubai/Jumeirah#Q1133309|Dubai Mall]]''' – As one of the largest shopping mall in the world, [https://thedubaimall.com/ Dubai Mall] is a paradise for shoppers and entertainment seekers. Apart from an array of international brands, it features attractions like an indoor ice rink, an indoor waterfall, an aquarium, and even an indoor theme park, making it a heaven for families and visitors of all ages. * '''Ski Dubai''' – Within the mall of the Emirates in Dubai, [https://www.skidxb.com/en-ae/ski-dubai Ski Dubai] offers an indoor skiing and snowboarding experience. It has real snow and multiple slopes for varying skill levels. Visitors can also interact with penguins and enjoy snow-based activities in the middle of the desert. * '''Barajeel''' - These are a type of square-shaped windcatcher, being a common sight in the UAE. Its towers are used as a design to cool homes for natural ventilation and passive cooling in traditional homes, especially in sweltering climates. ==Do== [[Image:MarinaMall Causeway.JPG|thumb|The turquoise waters surrounding the Islands of [[Abu Dhabi]] along the Corniche.]] [[Image:Al Bithnah Fort, Fujairah, UAE.jpg|thumb|Fujairah fort in Fujairah.]] One of the main focuses of tourist life (other than shopping) is the '''beach'''. The waters of the UAE, although cloudy due to heavy coastal construction, are still, for those from less torrid climes, remarkably warm, clean, and beautiful. There are long stretches of white-sand beaches, ranging from completely undeveloped to highly touristed (even in cities like Dubai). The snorkeling and diving can be magnificent, especially along the eastern (Indian Ocean) coast. Vast swaths of desert stretch to the south of the major urban areas, offering dramatic views and terrifying rides in fast-driven safaris. The mountains are dramatic, steep rocky crags, and a visit to them (for example, the town of [[Hatta]]) is well rewarded with amazing views. Women wearing bathing suits will draw unwanted attention at the public beaches; it is advisable to pay for a one-day entry pass to a private beach at a hotel. There are plenty of man-made wonders to enjoy as well. Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi is the world's largest indoor theme park, and as the name suggests, is centered around experiencing the world of Ferrari and includes the fastest rollercoaster in the world, accelerating from 0 to 149 mph (240 km/h) in 4 seconds. This is alongside the Yas Marina Circuit, which hosts the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix. The Yas Marina Circuit is widely known as the most technologically advanced circuit on the planet, and, along with Formula One, hosts various national and international racing series, including the GP2 and GP3 series, and V8 Supercars. The Burj Khalifa in Dubai is the tallest building in the world, and visitors can travel up it to a viewing station situated near the building's peak to enjoy stunning views of the city and beyond. Wild Wadi and Aquaventure are two world class water parks that cater to the whole family. Those looking for proper retail therapy can visit Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in the world, and also the location of the world's largest dancing fountain, with multiple shows starting after sunset, and one of the world's largest indoor aquariums, Dubai Aquarium. Ski Dubai in Dubai Emirates Mall is the world's third largest indoor ski slope, measuring 400 m and using 6000 tons of snow. [http://www.skidubai.com/ Ski Dubai resort] is the first UAE indoor ski slope to open, and more are planned. All equipment, except for gloves and a hat, are provided—skis/snowboards, snowsuits, boots and socks are all included in the price (the socks are disposable). The adjoining ski store sells equipment, including gloves. A ski slope in [[Ra's al Khaymah]] is also in the works. "Desert safari" trips can be a fun experience for tourists. They can be booked ahead, but can often be booked as late as the day before, and most hotel receptionists can arrange this for you. Trips normally start late afternoon and end late evening. You will be collected from your hotel and driven to the desert in a 4x4 vehicle. Most packages include a heart-pumping drive over the dunes, a short camel ride, an Arabic buffet and a belly dancer. Another option would be renting/buying a 4x4 and joining the many growing 4x4 clubs in the UAE, which are varied and each carry their own different flavour: [http://www.ad4x4.com ad4x4], [http://www.uaeoffroaders.com uaeoffroaders]{{Dead link|date=July 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}, etc. They offer a free learning experience for all newcomers with scheduled weekly trips to suit all levels of driving skills. Some of them have over 2,000 members from many nationalities. ==Buy== ===Money=== {{exchange rates | currency=Emirati dirham | currencyCodeAfter=&nbsp;dirham | date=January 2025 | USD=3.67 (fixed) | EUR=3.8 | GBP=4.6 | SAR=0.98 (fixed) | source=[https://www.xe.com/currency/aed-emirati-dirham XE.com] }} The currency is the '''United Arab Emirates dirham''' denoted by the symbol "''' د.إ'''" or "'''dh'''" (ISO code: '''AED'''). It is pegged to the US dollar at 3.67 dirham for $1. Two sets of notes are in circulation in the United Arab Emirates, the paper and polymer series and are issued in denonimations of 5 (paper and polymer), 10 (paper and polymer), 20 (paper), 50 (paper and polymer), 100 (paper and polymer), 200 (paper), 500 (paper and polymer), and 1,000 (paper and polymer) dirhams. There is a one dirham coin with sub-units of 25 and 50 fils coins (100 fils = 1 dirham). There are 5 fils and 10 fils coins but these are rarely seen (and provide an excuse for traders to 'short change'). Cash and travellers' cheques can be changed at exchanges located at the airports or in all the major shopping malls. ATMs are numerous and generously distributed. Credit cards are widely accepted. They accept all the major chain cards: Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, etc. ====Enforced dynamic currency conversion==== If you pay with an overseas credit or debit card, most merchants will attempt to apply [[Money#Dynamic currency conversion|dynamic currency conversion]] (DCC)—see article for more details, charging several percent more than the card issuer conversion would have cost. Generally, a credit card terminal will offer the choice of whether the conversion should be accepted, but merchants will '''not''' ask you about this, and will choose to accept the conversion. If you pay attention, you can intervene and ask for "No" to be answered. If you ask upfront, some merchants will have no idea what you mean, but many will. It is always better to accept to be debited in the local currency instead of accepting this conversion into your home country's currency. ===Costs=== Basic commodities used to be cheaper than in most Western countries, although this is changing rapidly (Dubai has moved up the ranking to be the 25th most expensive city to live in; Abu Dhabi is close behind). Hotel rates are not cheap—there is a shortage of hotel rooms available, especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which often keeps the hotels at above 90% occupancy. Vast numbers of new hotels are scheduled to come on line during the next five to ten years, but as tourism is on the rise, it is unlikely that prices will come down. All things touristy also tend to be rather expensive. Rents in Dubai are starting to compete with cities like Paris or London, and other prices tend to follow. Some places have shared accommodations available and are quite reasonable. ===Shopping=== One of the things the UAE is most famous for is shopping, but it is very difficult to find any real bargains as the standard of living is high. [[Dubai]] and [[Abu Dhabi]] both boast an incredibly array of luxury shopping malls where you can shop to your heart's content, and every city has at least one traditional souk where you can shop for Middle Eastern handicrafts. Most purchases in the UAE are subject to a 5% value-added tax (VAT). Foreign tourists may request a VAT exemption when making purchases at a participating shop provided the cost exceeds 250 dirhams in a single transaction, and you depart the UAE with the goods within 90 days of making the purchase. To do this, you will need to present your passport or GCC National ID card to the cashier when making your payment, and you will be given a receipt and a tax-free tag. When departing the UAE, go to the VAT refund kiosk with your passport/GCC National ID, receipt and tax-free tag before checking in your bags, as they will need to verify that you are bringing the goods out of the country with you. ==== Designer brands ==== Besides international fashion chains and global luxury labels widely available across the UAE (such as [https://zara.com Zara], [[HM|H&M]], [https://www.sephora.me/ae-en Sephora], and Gucci), the country is also home to several homegrown designer brands—particularly in modest fashion and abayas. These are worth exploring for travelers looking for unique, locally-inspired fashion pieces. '''Crystal Abaya Studio.''' A Dubai-based [https://casbasics.com/ abaya] brand known for modern designs with Emirati roots. Offers a wide range of stylish and affordable abayas—from workwear to occasion-ready styles. Outlets available in Abu Dhabi and Ajman, with regular new collections and seasonal promotions. ==Eat== {{See also|Middle Eastern cuisine}} [[File:Lugainat.jpg|thumb|240px|Popular Emirati dessert called Lugaimat.]] [[Image:Arabic MixedGrill.JPG|thumb|240px|A fancy Arabic-cuisine mixed grill. Clockwise from top: lamb ''kofta'', chicken ''shish tawuk'', beef ''shish kebab'', ''pilaf'' (Arabic rice), vegetables.]] The UAE's traditional cuisine is the Emirati and Eastern Arabian cuisine; however, the country also offers a global cuisine. The more than 165 nationalities residing in the Emirates have made the country a destination which offers and caterers to all cuisines or religious compliant food for everyone. ===Eastern Arabian cuisine=== Eastern Arabian cuisine forms the major traditional food in the UAE. Emirati cuisine is sampled and widely marketed as the traditional food of the state. However, traditional Emirati cuisine is somewhat difficult to find in restaurants due to the fact that Emiratis are a minority in their own country. Al Fanar restaurant is a famous and common Emirati-style restaurant that was established to offer an authentic Emirati experience for foreigners wishing to experience the country's traditional cuisine. Emirati food is typified by platters of fragrant rice topped with lamb, camel meat, chicken or fish that has been slow-roasted in a pit. If you have Emirati friends, being invited to their homes would generally be the best chance you have to sample the local cuisine. Arabic coffee, camel milk, and dates form the staple food which Emiratis have lived on for generations. Camel milk is widely available in supermarkets and is a common sight in Emirati grocery stores. There are even chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry camel milk. Camel milk or date-flavored milkshakes are common in the UAE. Chocolate made of camel milk is also available. The UAE has established companies that use camel milk and camel meat as a major alternative to the regular chicken, lamb, and beef that are commonly available worldwide. Camel milk and meat are commonly available and inexpensive in the UAE, so a visit to the Emirates is a good opportunity to try some. Lugaimat (called Luqaimat in standard Arabic) is a famous Emirati dessert. It is offered at almost all Emirati gatherings and is sold in a lot of restaurants and outlets as well. Ramadan is a great time to be invited to an Emirati house to experience a lot of their traditional foods for ''iftar''. [[File:SMCCU Cultural Meal program.jpg|thumb|Tourists in Dubai being presented with Emirati food and taught about the eating etiquette.]] ===Global cuisines=== [[Abu Dhabi]] and [[Dubai]] and, to a lesser extent, the other emirates, all offer a vast spread of food from most of the world's major cuisines. By Western standards most restaurants are quite affordable, though it is easy to find extremely expensive food too. Most high-end restaurants are located in hotels. South Asian (e.g. Indian or Pakistani) restaurants are also widely available and can be found in every corner. Arabic cuisine such as Lebanese, Syrian and Jordanian cuisines are also available. Persian cuisine is also available due to the proximity of Iran, with the restaurant at the Iranian Club in Dubai being popular among Iranian expatriates. African cuisines are not as widespread, but can still be found. Chinese restaurants are also increasing in number due to the growing Chinese community in the country. There's even a North Korean restaurant in Dubai. Pork is sold in some supermarkets, albeit in a specifically designated location marked "For Non-Muslims". ===Restaurants=== Famous restaurant chains have also established branches in the country. Restaurants by the world's most famous chefs such as Gordon Ramsay, Gary Rhodes, Guy Fieri, Nobuyuki Matsuhisa, and Salt Bae all operate restaurants around the country. In fact, some of the world famous chefs, such as Salt Bae, primary restaurant and base of operation is in Dubai such as Salt Bae's Nusr-Et restaurant in Four Season Hotel in Jumeriah (Visited by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, among others). Other international food chains such as Cheesecake factory, Texas Fried Chicken, Red Lobster, PF Chang's, Chili's and many more all operate branches throughout the country. Fast food is also common, with many chains such as McDonald's, KFC, Burger King, Popeye's, Hardee's, and Wendy's are almost found everywhere. The major ice cream chain is Baskin Robbins, but other ice cream brands such as Cold Stone Creamery, Marbles Lab, Moishi, and Amorino are all available. Local branches of gelato and other desserts are also common. Pakistani and Indian restaurants are also very common. South Asian food in the UAE is more authentic than the food found in Europe or elsewhere due to the proximity of India and Pakistan to the Emirates. Indians, Pakistanis, Malayalis, Malabaris and Sri Lankans can be found everywhere and form the majority of the population in the Emirates. The UAE is a favorite destination for Keralites outside of Kerala, and proper authentic eastern Asian restaurants are found all over the Emirates. During Ramadan, many restaurants serve elaborate ''iftar'' meals after sunset, but be sure to make your reservations well in advance as these are extremely popular with the locals. ===Etiquette=== [[File:The Grand Majlis.jpg|thumb|240px|An Emirati Majlis. A majlis can be way larger depending on the event or who's invited.]] In public, general global and mostly western etiquette is required to be adhered. If you are invited to an Emirati's house for food, it depends on how cultural the family is. You may be required to sit on the ground, eat with your hands, or share the same plate with everyone. It is not uncommon for Emiratis to present a feast in one big platter, and everyone sits around it and eats with their hands. The key thing to remember when doing so is to '''use only your right hand''', as the left hand is traditionally reserved for handling dirty things. Being invited to break bread or share a platter with Emiratis is a considered a huge sign of respect and fondness. Young Emiratis are however, very understanding if you choose to have your own plate or eat with utensils, and some Emiratis don't even adhere to the traditional floor sitting and eating with hands style of cultural eating etiquette. A more modern etiquette is to sit on the ground with everyone having their own plate, spoon, fork, and knife while eating the food in front of you or politely asking someone next to you to serve the food away from you. Do not get up and attempt to move to the place where a certain type of food is placed. If you are invited to a Majlis (a traditional and common gathering commonly men-only or women-only), you will be presented with dates and Arabic coffee (called gahwa). The majlis is a big room or a tent with places to sit where people talk and converse. A person will rotate around the maljlis and offer you dates, dessert, or Arabic coffee. If you eat dates, remember to take them in odd numbers (1 or 3, etc..). Taking dates in even numbers is not a problem but its preferred to take them in odd numbers to adhere to the Arabic culture. If you are presented with Arabic coffee the person who rotates to pour the coffee will continue to pour you coffee until you shake the cup while presenting it to him. This signals that you do not want more coffee and he will take the cup from you. In a traditional setting, if you are entering a majlis you'll be required to move to the chair closest to your right and shake hands with the person starting from there until you shake hands with everyone. If you're sitting in a chair and someone is coming to greet you, you will be required to stand up and shake hands with that person before sitting down. If there is a Sheikh in the majlis, its customary to greet him first before going back and shaking hands with everyone else. Arabic men from the same tribe perform a nose kiss (also called Eskimo kiss). It may also be performed by very close friends. In a non-traditional majlis, its not customary to do any of that and simply going in and goofing around with your friends is totally fine. If you are presented with food in an Emirati house, its customary to eat. It's considered disrespectful if you do not eat anything. If you're full, eating small amounts is better than rejecting the food entirely. You will be presented with a lot of food if you visit an Emirati house for lunch or dinner, as Emiratis consider generosity a virtue and you'll be disrespecting them if you don't eat or touch any food they present you with. ===Religious diets=== Virtually all food in the UAE is halal. Kosher food is also increasingly available. Companies and restaurants such as Kosher Arabia and Eli's Kosher Kitchen, which is supervised by Chief Rabbi of the UAE Rabbi Yehuda Sarna, are also available. Vegetarian restaurants are also widely available due to the major presence of Hindus in the country. Finding your local, favorite or religiously compliant cuisine should not be a problem in the Emirates. ==Drink== [[File:Fast Track Lobby Bar at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Abu Dhabi Yas Island.jpg|thumb|300px|Fast Track Lobby Bar at the Radisson Blu Hotel in the capital Abu Dhabi.]] The legal drinking age in the UAE is 21. Dubai has a burgeoning nightlife scene and even formerly straitlaced Abu Dhabi has loosened up and tried to catch up. Alcohol is available in alcohol stores, 5-star hotel restaurants and bars in all emirates except Sharjah. Sharjah is a dry emirate, but it is legal for non-Muslims to bring in alcohol purchased elsewhere for consumption in private. As a tourist, you do not need a license to purchase alcohol, but will need to present your passport with the immigration entry stamp. If you are a foreign resident, you may need a license to purchase alcohol depending on what emirate you are in; Abu Dhabi does not require a license, while Dubai requires one that can be applied for free-of-charge at any liquor store. Public drinking outside licensed venues is illegal in the UAE. During Ramadan, no alcohol is served during daylight (fasting) hours. Dubai and Abu Dhabi permit bars to serve alcohol at night, but bands stop playing, background music is off or quiet, no dancing is allowed and nightclubs are usually closed. On certain holy days in the Islamic calendar, no alcohol is served publicly in any of the UAE. Do ''not'' under any circumstance drink and drive in the UAE. If by chance you are in an accident, this becomes a card for going directly to jail &mdash; especially during Ramadan. Taxis and ride-share apps such as Uber are widely available if you have been drinking and are a much safer and wiser option given the insane driving habits in the region. ===Coffee and tea=== [[File:Luqaimat.jpg|thumb|Arabic coffee with ''luqaimat'' sweets]] Coffee (قهوة ''qahwah'') is extremely popular in the UAE. While it's easy enough to find Starbucks and competitors, it's worth seeking out Arabic coffee, often flavored with cardamom and served black and strong in tiny little cups. The coffee is unfiltered, so sip carefully or you'll get a mouthful of grounds! Tradition demands that your cup be refilled as long as you keep drinking. Tea (شاي ''shay'') is also popular, typically served strong, dark and with sugar. ''Suleimani'' tea adds a dash of spice, often cinnamon or fresh mint leaves. A uniquely UAE twist is ''karak chai'' ("hard tea"), made with evaporated milk; it's originally a subcontinental import, but has been adopted across the country. ==Sleep== [[File:Atlantis auf Palm Jumeirah - أتلانتيس في نخلة جميرا - panoramio.jpg |thumb |upright=1.5 |Palm Jumeirah in Dubai]] For the visitor, the UAE has one of the most spectacular ranges of tourist accommodations in the world. There are staggeringly beautiful, modern hotels, which can be expensive. However, more modest housing is also available. Hotels and accommodation in the Emirates are always available - in fact, hotels are a major revenue source for investors in the UAE. The hotels and accommodation throughout the Emirates are stunning and extraordinarily luxurious because of the high luxury standards in the Emirates (particularly in Dubai) as well as the relatively new buildings and skyscrapers. Some of the most famous lodging destinations that are famous for being portrayed in movies are the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi and the Burj Al Arab in Dubai. Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi also serves as a lodging destination for foreign head of states or diplomats visiting the capital city Abu Dhabi. Almost all hotels serve alcohol with the notable exception of hotels in Sharjah. Most hotels also have various bars, night clubs, and meeting hot spots. Most resorts are built on artificial made islands such as the Palm Jumeriah in Dubai and Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah. Beach access and amenities are a given when booking a resort or a hotel on a beach. ==Learn== [[File:UniversityCityHall.jpg|thumb|250px|University City Hall in University City, Sharjah.]] Per the Times Higher Education (THE) and the QS World University rankings in 2019, the highest ranking universities in the UAE are: *1- Khalifa University *2- United Arab Emirates University *3- American University in Sharjah *4- American University in Dubai *5- University of Sharjah *6- Abu Dhabi University *7- Zayed University *8- Ajman University The UAE has government-sponsored universities that are limited only to citizens or high achieving non citizens only. The four local government-sponsored universities are [https://www.ku.ac.ae/ Khalifa University], the [http://www.uaeu.ac.ae/ar/ United Arab Emirates University] in [[Al Ain]], the [http://www.hct.ac.ae/ar/ Higher Colleges of Technology] with various campuses throughout the UAE, and [http://www.zu.ac.ae/main/en/index.aspx Zayed University] with campuses in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. In addition to the local universities, the UAE also hosts branches of several well-known American and European universities. These are primarily concentrated in the cities of [[Dubai]] and [[Abu Dhabi]]. Examples of global universities with campuses in the UAE include New York University Abu Dhabi, Paris-Sorbonne Abu Dhabi, London Business School, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, and University of Exeter. ==Work== You will need a work visa to be allowed to work in the UAE, and receiving one requires a local company or sponsor to apply on your behalf. 10-year, 5-year, and 6-month visa schemes are also available for investors, entrepreneurs and outstanding students. The [https://government.ae/en/information-and-services/visa-and-emirates-id/residence-visa/long-term-residence-visas-in-the-uae UAE government official online portal] has all the details to apply for visas or long term visas. Qualifying investors, entrepreneurs, professional talents, researchers in various fields of science and knowledge, and outstanding students are offered a permanent residency scheme called the Gold Card. Obtaining UAE citizenship is only possible for foreign women who are married to Emirati men (but ''not'' for foreign men married to Emirati women), but is otherwise next to impossible for other foreigners. A foreign woman must be married for 7 years with at least one child or 10 years with no children to be eligible for citizenship. Citizenship may also be granted by a decree from the president if a person has done extraordinary accomplishments for the country. ==Respect== [[File:Haribya Band.jpg|thumb|Emirati men wearing traditional attire while performing the Emirati weapon dance Razfah]] Emiratis share a common culture with the rest of the Arab world, so what would be good manners in other Arab countries would generally be good manners in the Emirates too. Emiratis are proud but welcoming people and, when not in their cars, are generally extremely civil and friendly. Their culture can be very conservative, but they are quite attuned to the ways, customs, events, media, and manners of the world. Local men usually wear a "Kandoura", a long robe (typically white), and ghutra, a red-checked or white headdress. Local women wear a black robe-like garment (abaya) and a black head scarf (shayla). Travelers should be aware and respect the more traditional outlook in the UAE, but Western travelers will find most of the UAE quite comfortable. Although women are not legally required to wear the ''hijab'', revealing fashions such as tank tops and shorts are discouraged. Hijab and modest clothing are necessary to visit mosques or religious sites. Some mosques such as the Sheikh Zayed mosque in Abu Dhabi provide modest clothing for tourists visiting the site. Short skirts and shorts might incur stares. There are quite a few tourist- or expatriate-dominated zones where even "provocative" dress may be seen, although not welcomed, and swimwear such as bikinis can be worn. These include many areas of the Emirate of Dubai and, for example, beach resorts in Ajman or Fujairah. Public nudity anywhere is strictly forbidden. Sharjah is the most conservative of the Emirates with public decency statutes forbidding overly revealing clothing including certain kinds of beach wear, with varying enforcement. Public display of affection towards a spouse is considered impolite or ill-mannered to the Emirati population. On the other hand, it is not uncommon for Emirati men or women to show physical affection to persons of the same sex; Emirati men often kiss one another's noses in greeting, and women greet one another with cheek kisses and may hold hands or link arms. Doing this in public as a non-heterosexual may be risky; the Emirates are not LGBT-friendly. However, discretion is the key: like many things in Emirati society, what happens behind closed doors just happens. '''Business cards''' should be given and received using only your '''right hand'''. Using the left hand is very disrespectful as it is considered unclean. ==Stay safe== [[File:Dubai Police at work (12385410394).jpg|thumb|Dubai Police uses a fleet of super-cars. The super cars police patrols are found in tourist hot spots and allows tourists to take pictures with the officers.]]{{Warningbox|Hostilities in the region and between Israel and Iran have the potential to deteriorate further, quickly and without warning. On 22 June the US launched military strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities and on 23 June Iran launched military strikes against a US military base in Qatar. There is a possibility of travel disruption, including short-notice airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights, and other unanticipated travel impacts. As a precautionary measure we encourage you to: -monitor local and international media for the latest information -be vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities -take shelter and stay away from windows if instructed. If you require urgent assistance call 999 -avoid military or security facilities -check with relevant airlines for the latest updates before travelling|australia=https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/middle-east/united-arab-emirates|canada=https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/united-arab-emirates|uk=https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/united-arab-emirates|us=https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/united-arab-emirates-travel-advisory.html}}{{Warningbox|Militant groups operating in Yemen have threatened neighboring countries, including the UAE, with missile and drone attacks. Across the region, terrorists may attack with little or no warning and may target tourist locations, transportation hubs, shopping areas, places of worship, and government facilities.|lastedit=2025/06/24|us=https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/united-arab-emirates-travel-advisory.html|uk=https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/united-arab-emirates|australia=https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/middle-east/united-arab-emirates|canada=https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/united-arab-emirates}} The UAE is one of the safest countries in the world with regard to crime. However, there is a very high rate of automobile accidents, so you should take extra care when driving a vehicle or crossing the road. Also, the law enforcement is harsh, with severe punishments for what in most places would pass as just inappropriate behaviour or at most a misdemeanor. Homosexuality is illegal in the UAE, and it may carry the penalty of death or life in prison, so gay and lesbian tourists should be discreet and avoid any public displays of affection. Sex outside marriage is illegal, but the penalty is not enforced unless it results in pregnancy. Public displays of affection are also illegal and punishable by fine or jail regardless of gender or sexual orientation. Caution is definitely advised. Public sex, nudity, and any form of sexual activity conducted in public is illegal. The UAE has extremely strict laws on drug usage; the punishment for possession is typically 4 years in prison, and tourists have been arrested and sentenced under this law for having microscopic specks of drugs or even drug ingredients on their clothing without their knowledge. Another trap for the unwary is that if you are suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, a blood test can be taken, and if it shows evidence of substances that are illegal in the UAE, then you will probably end up in jail even if the substances were ingested abroad. In addition to testing your blood, they will likely check your belongings. Some common painkillers, like codeine, are illegal narcotics in the UAE. Don't bring any with you unless you carry a copy of your prescription or you may join others who have received jail sentences. In contrast, antibiotics are freely available over the counter at pharmacies. If you receive a prescription for controlled drugs in the UAE, such as some painkillers and antidepressants, be sure to keep the copy of the prescription with you when traveling out of the country. Under cyber-crime laws, if a person makes or has made a defamatory statement about someone in the UAE on social media, even if a number of years ago in another country, they can be jailed or fined. ==Stay healthy== General '''medical care''' in the Emirates is quite good, with clinics for general and specialized care widely available, including some which are now open 24 hours. Hospitals in the major centers are well-equipped to deal with any medical emergencies. There is an ambulance system in all major population centres; however, coverage can be patchy in the more remote areas. Ambulances are designed for transportation rather than providing care as first responders, so don't expect top-flight on-site care. The main government hospital in Abu Dhabi is quite good; as is the Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, now managed by Cleveland Clinic. In Dubai, the government hospitals are Rashid hospital, which has a new Trauma Centre and Dubai Hospital which are very good. Welcare Hospital International Modern Hospital American Hospital Zulekha Hospital NMC Hospital, and Belhoul Hospital in the private sector all have a good reputation. The country is free of [[malaria]] and prophylaxis is not needed. In Sharjah, the Kuwaiti (government) Hospital accepts expatriates. The private hospitals in Sharjah are the Zahra hospital, Zulekha Hospital and Central Private Hospital. Prices including healthcare are generally cheaper in Sharjah and although all hospitals meet the Ministry of Health standards the Central Private Hospital and Zulekha Hospitals are considered more affordable. Al Ain is served by modern hospitals and care centers: Tawam Hospital, now managed by Johns Hopkins, and host to the UAE University Faculty of Medicine and Health Science; Al Ain Hospital (also called Al Jimi Hospital as it is in the district of Al Jimi), now managed by the Vienna Medical University; and the private Oasis Hospital, previously known as Kennedy Hospital, which was founded and run by Christian missionaries, and which was the first hospital in the city. The '''[[water]]''' is safe to drink in the UAE, although most people prefer bottled water for its taste. The food is clean and in most restaurants is served to Western standards, particularly in tourist areas; however, hygiene can be an issue in some establishments outside, particularly roadside stalls. That said, food poisoning does happen, so use your common sense! The '''heat in summer''' can reach 50°C (122°F), so avoid outdoor activity at the height of the day and watch out for signs of heat stroke. Be sure to drink lots of water as dehydration happens easily in such heat. If travelling off road (most of the country is desert), ensure you carry sufficient water to allow you to walk to the road should vehicles become bogged. Although the UAE is somewhat more accommodating to '''[[travellers with disabilities]]''' than other countries in the Mideast, it would nonetheless be a difficult country to navigate in a wheelchair. Curbs are high and there are few, if any, ramps or other accommodations. This includes an almost complete lack of handicapped-friendly bathrooms. ==Connect== As of March 2022, tourists passing through passport control are given a free SIM card valid for one day, and tied to their passport identity. This is an initiative of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) to welcome new tourists. As this is only a 24h SIM card, you may still want to organise an [[Mobile phones#eSIM technology|eSIM]] for data access on a compatible phone before your travel: vendors of these can be found on the internet. {{Infobox|Landline area codes|The country's international calling code is +971 in reference to its independence year (1971) *01 - was intended to be used by the planned capital 'Al Karama' but never put in use. *02 - Abu Dhabi area code *03 - Al Ain area code *04 - Dubai area code *06 - Sharjah, Ajman, Um al Quwain area codes *07 - Ras Al Khaimah area code *09 - Fujairah area code Calling internationally, 971 + (the second number of the area code) followed by the number calls a specific landline in that area. }} ===By phone=== The country code is 971. The mobile phone network uses the GSM technology (as in [[Europe]] and [[Africa]]) and use is widespread. The format for dialing is: +971-#-### ####, where the first "#" designates the area code. Key area codes include Dubai (4), Sharjah (6) and Abu Dhabi (2). Calls to mobile phones use the operator's area codes: (50/56/58) for Etisalat and (52/55) for Du. Like many other countries, when dialing locally, "00" is used to access an international number (and followed by the country code) and "0" is used to access a national number (followed by the area code). ===By Internet=== UAE Internet service providers and Wi-Fi operators ban pornography, politically sensitive material, anything against the perceived moral values of the UAE, certain web archiving services, and certain cryptocurrency news sites (while others are allowed). Making '''voice or video calls''' on many popular apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and Snapchat are blocked, although messaging and "corporate" video call tools like Zoom and Microsoft Teams work fine. Most people use a VPN service to bypass local Internet restrictions, but VPN usage is formally illegal, especially if used to conceal committing a crime. Also, most common and commercial VPNs are blocked, so you will really need a company VPN or a personal VPN with dedicated but unknown IP. Foreign SIMs (used in roaming) may enable VoIP access. Internet cafés are fairly common in the larger cities. ===By post=== [[File:Stamp Abu 1967 40f-170px.jpg|thumb|A postal stamp from Abu Dhabi in 1967.]] The United Arab Emirates has a fairly efficient postal system run by the '''[https://www.emiratespost.ae/ Emirates Post]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}'''. There are dozens of post offices scattered across the major cities. It costs 4.50 dirham at standard rates to send a standard letter weighing 29-30 gr (1 oz) locally and between the emirates within the country; 5 dirham to neighboring Gulf states (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain); 9 dirham across the gulf to Iran; and 11 to 13 dirham to most other countries. Mailing to nearby conflict zones (Iraq, Syria, Yemen) can only be sent on the premium rate starting at 165 dirham. Sending parcels can get costly, being counted per kilogram and by distance. As the rates depends on the type of item you post and where you send it, you can get estimated rates by weight and distance from the [https://www.emiratespost.ae/all-services/get-rates Emirates Post official website]. All mail sent within and to the country are sent only to PO Boxes without zip or post codes. Therefore, addresses should be formatted as: :Name of recipient :Name of company or organization if relevant :PO Box xxxx :NAME OF EMIRATE :COUNTRY IF MAILING FROM OUTSIDE THE COUNTRY Such as: :John Doe :Raffles World Academy :PO Box 122900 :DUBAI :UNITED ARAB EMIRATES If sending by private courier (DHL, FedEx, UPS, etc) to a physical address be sure to confirm the delivery address with recipient and provide the recipient's telephone number on the package so that the delivery driver can call to clarify the location if necessary as physical addresses are vague and inconsistent. Such as: :John Doe :Raffles World Academy :Al Marcup Street Umm Suqeim 3 :Jumera 3 :DUBAI :UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Many expats working in the UAE typically use their employer's PO Box to receive personal mail. But, there is no concept of 'privacy' and mail can be opened by the employer, especially after the employee has left the company. Therefore, it is recommended that anybody staying long term to establish their ''own'' mailing address than to have personal mail sent to them via their employer. ==Go next== The land border can be crossed to [[Oman]] and [[Saudi Arabia]]. There are ferries to [[Iran]]. {{outlinecountry}} {{geo|24.4|54.3|zoom=8}} {{isPartOf|Middle East}} f93bikqnwdiahzxwfw6anbzkinp88oy 5087114 5087081 2025-07-03T11:44:44Z Ikan Kekek 36420 Seems [[tout]]y, and highly niche for visitors. Undo revision [[Special:Diff/5087081|5087081]] by [[Special:Contributions/Casabaya|Casabaya]] ([[User talk:Casabaya|talk]]) 5087114 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner |Dubai_WV_banner.jpg}} The '''United Arab Emirates''' ([[Arabic phrasebook|Arabic]]: الإمارات العربية المتحدة ''al-ʾImārāt al-ʿArabīyah al-Muttaḥidah'') or simply the '''Emirates''' (الإمارات ''al-ʾImārāt'') is a country rich in history and culture at the entrance to the Persian Gulf. Boasting attractions ranging from the glittering and cosmopolitan cities of [[Dubai]] and [[Abu Dhabi]], to the vast and unforgiving desert landscapes of the [[Empty Quarter]], it makes an easy starting point for travels in the [[Middle East]]. ==Regions== The UAE is a federation of seven emirates (''imarat'', singular: ''imarah''): {{mapframe|height=|width=500|24.199|54.091|zoom=7}} {{Mapshape|title=[[Abu Dhabi (emirate)|Emirate of Abu Dhabi]]|type=geoshape|wikidata=Q187712|fill=#e3e989}} {{Mapshape|title=Emirate of Dubai|type=geoshape|wikidata=Q613|fill=#b383b3}} {{Mapshape|title=Emirate of Sharjah|type=geoshape|wikidata=Q188810|fill=#d69c4b}} {{Mapshape|title=Emirate of [[Ajman]]|type=geoshape|wikidata=Q159477|fill=#0000ff}} {{Mapshape|title=Emirate of [[Umm al Quwain]]|type=geoshape|wikidata=Q175021|fill=#d76972}} {{Mapshape|title=Emirate of [[Ras al Khaimah]]|type=geoshape|wikidata=Q170024|fill=#71b37b}} {{Mapshape|title=Emirate of [[Fujairah]]|type=geoshape|wikidata=Q4091|fill=#4f93c0}} <!--Fujairah--> {{Regionlist | region1name=[[Abu Dhabi (emirate)|Emirate of Abu Dhabi]] | region1color=#e3e989 | region1items=[[Abu Dhabi]] and [[Al Ain]] | region1description= | region2name=Emirate of Dubai | region2color=#b383b3 | region2items=[[Dubai]] and [[Hatta]] | region2description= | region3name=[[Sharjah (emirate)|Emirate of Sharjah]] | region3color=#d69c4b | region3items=[[Sharjah]], [[Dibba (United Arab Emirates)|Dibba]], [[Kalba]], [[Khor Fakkan]] and [[Nahwa]] | region3description= | region4name=Emirate of Ajman | region4color=#0000ff | region4items=[[Ajman]] | region4description= | region5name=Emirate of Umm al Quwain | region5color=#d76972 | region5items=[[Umm al Quwain]] | region5description= | region6name=Emirate of Ras al Khaimah | region6color=#71b37b | region6items=[[Ras al Khaimah]] | region6description= | region7name=Emirate of Fujairah | region7color=#4f93c0 | region7items=[[Fujairah]] | region7description= }} The largest of these ''by far'' is [[Abu Dhabi]], while probably the best known is [[Dubai]]. ==Cities== The United Arab Emirates has multiple cities, towns, and villages across the country. The eponymous capitals of the seven emirates constitute the major city and transport hub in each respective emirate. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Abu Dhabi]]|wikidata=Q1519}} (Arabic: أبو ظبي‎‎) – The nation's capital, filled with major museums and monuments. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Dubai]]|wikidata=Q612}} (Arabic: دبي‎‎) – The financial capital and commerce center and largest city of the UAE. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Sharjah]]|wikidata=Q289693}} (Arabic: الشارقة) – The nation's cultural hub famous for its Arabic and Islamic architecture. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Ajman]]|wikidata=Q159477}} (Arabic: عجمان) – The smallest emirate, one of the quiet destinations with a relaxed atmosphere. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Umm al Quwain]]|wikidata=Q175021}} (Arabic: أم القيوين) – A peninsular town extending into the gulf with multiple beach resorts. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Ras al Khaimah]]|wikidata=Q2126436}} (Arabic: راس الخيمة) – An adventure hub of the Middle East, with the highest mountain in UAE and many thrill activities. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Fujairah]]|wikidata=Q4091}} (Arabic: الفجيرة) – Popular tourist and stay-cation destination on the gulf of Oman. Nicknamed as ''The Bride of the Eastern Coast''. ==Other destinations== Other famous destinations include the following: * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Al Ain]]|wikidata=Q234600}} (Arabic: العين‎‎) – Once a small oasis and now a major town close to the Omani border town of Buraimi. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Hatta]]|wikidata=Q770233}} (Arabic: حتا‎‎) – Once a mountainous village, but now a major adventure destination for kayaking and hiking. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Khor Fakkan]]|wikidata=Q764279}} (Arabic: خورفكان‎‎) – A town set on a picturesque bay with multiple historical watch towers and a traditional Friday's Market. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Liwa Oasis]]|wikidata=Q615949}} (Arabic: واحة ليوا‎‎‎) – A crescent of farms around an oasis on the edge of the [[Empty Quarter]]. Provides an easy access to the Empty Quarter and famous for off road adventures across sand dunes. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Ruwais]]|wikidata=Q1023786}} (Arabic: الرويس) – An industrial and energy town located in the western region in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. ==Understand== {{quickbar}} Located on the coastlines of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, the United Arab Emirates covers an area of 83,600 km², slightly smaller than Austria. As a tribal federation, the country is like a visionary fairy tale of the ''[[One Thousand and One Nights]]''; however, in recent times, it has developed into an international financial centre. Even well into the 20th century, the UAE was not on anybody's tourist itinerary. But investment of fabulous oil and gas wealth, as well as a comparatively liberal interpretation of Islam (if you are a wealthy foreigner, that is), have changed that in a big way – megaprojects including artificial islands, gargantuan malls with everything on offer for those of wallets large enough, and the tallest building in the world have created a lot of buzz around the Emirates. The rapid expansion of the UAE's aviation industry in the 21st century, in large part due to the explosive growth of [[Dubai]]-based Emirates and [[Abu Dhabi]]-based Etihad Airways, has arguably turned the UAE into the center of the world. The less well-known side of the UAE includes remote, magnificent desert dunes on the edge of the [[Empty Quarter]] and awe-inspiring wadis and mountains in the northeast emirates bordering [[Oman]]. Beneath the glittering façade, however, there is a vast underclass of poorly-paid migrant workers who are often horribly mistreated, not to mention a rather authoritarian set of ruling families who won't brook criticism from anyone – not even "unruly" members of their own families. ===History=== The arrival of envoys from the Islamic prophet Muhammad in 630 heralded the conversion of the region to [[Islam]]. After Muhammad, one of the major battles fought at [[Dibba (United Arab Emirates)|Dibba]] resulted in the defeat of the non-Muslims and the triumph of Islam in the Arabian Peninsula. <!--there's a lot missing there isn't there?--> Historically as a collection of port towns on the coast and oases in the desert, the Emirates is a collection of seven tribal affiliations ruled by Sheikhs who joined hands to form one federal state. The Sheikhs of the different emirates decided to form a union and pooled their resources to counter other tribal expansionism which was dominant in Arabia then and around the surrounding region, particularly the Saudi's and Omani's expansionism. The Sheikhs of the 7 emirates agreed to become a British protectorate in 1820, and were known as the Trucial States. The United Arab Emirates declared independence from the United Kingdom on 2 December 1971 when the Sheikhs of Abu Dhabi and Dubai met and Sheikh Zayed of Abu Dhabi proposed forming a union with Sheikh Rashid of Dubai. Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al Quwain, and Fujairah all accepted the invitation and agreed to the union. Ras Al Khaimah agreed to join a couple of months later on 10 February 1972. Sheikh Zayed was seen as the driving force of creating the UAE and is credited with the formation of the state as its founding father. Sheikh Zayed and the rest of the Sheikhs of the emirates are all referred to as the UAE's founding fathers. ===Geography=== The country is mostly [[desert]], however, other terrains can also be found. In multiple emirates, particularly Ras Al Khaimah, mountains and wadis can be seen everywhere. The different landscape gives the northern emirates their own distinct features. Water dams and local wildlife can be experienced around the country. Several mangrove swamps are present around the coast, particularly in Abu Dhabi and Umm al Quwain where you may be able to kayak around them. Inside major cities, you will almost forget that you're in the desert as the cities are decorated with greenery, parks, and wide grass fields. ===Culture=== There are three different groups that have influenced the Emirati cultural landscape. The first is the traditional Islamic Bedouin culture including the traditional items of clothing. Men wear white garments called kandora, while women wear black clothing called abaya. Slavery was integral to this society, and its legacy survives in the second group: many poorly-paid immigrants (mostly from South Asia and the Philippines) make up a large underclass, serving their Emirati and Western masters. This third group, the "Westerners," are often used to project an appearance of modernity and progressivism onto the UAE, but it's all for show: the glitzy shopping malls, high degree of English proficiency, and luxury items serve to whitewash the exploitation that this autocratic society is built upon. Naturally, these three groups tend to clash, sometimes glaringly, but for the most part, the native Emiratis are content to participate in the fossil fuel wealth and ignore all but the most blatant "un-Islamic" practices of wealthy foreigners as long as they keep the tourism and shopping going. However, in some off-the-beaten-path places, the locals still live a more traditional lifestyle and expect behaviour in accordance with it. Nightlife is evident in major cities such as Dubai. The nightlife continues into the night in all emirates (except maybe in small villages or towns). Illumination isn't turned off. Most restaurants, retail shops, malls, and other services continue to operate till approximately 10PM during weekdays and sometimes midnight during weekends. Alcohol is widely available at many restaurants and bars in all emirates except for [[Sharjah]], although liquor stores are few. A license to buy alcohol may be needed. The alcohol license is proof that the bearer is a non-Muslim; a passport will not suffice. However, you can purchase alcohol duty-free at the airport to bring into the UAE. Sharjah emirate is almost completely dry. An alcohol license is required in the emirates of Dubai, Sharjah (for bringing your own and for drinking in private), and [[Ajman]]; the remaining emirates of Abu Dhabi, [[Ras Al Khaimah]], [[Fujairah]], and [[Umm al Quwain]] do not require any type of license. The requirement is sometimes overlooked at certain stores. ===Politics=== [[File:Dubai aerial view.jpg|thumb|Dubai skyline. The tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa, can be seen in the background.]] The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates, each of which is an absolute monarchy headed by its own sheikh. Each emirate retains considerable autonomy, each with its own laws. Each emirate's sheikh is the driving force for its emirate's most well-known attribute. For example, Dubai is progressive and has become more cosmopolitan and a major tourist destination as the result of its sheikh's vision for Dubai to be a tourist hub. The ruling sheikh of Sharjah is more conservative and a big advocate of education as well as Arabic literature and architecture, thus Sharjah hosts multiple universities, has many Abbasid and Ummayyad architectural buildings, and alcohol is not served anywhere in the city. Abu Dhabi is the capital of the Emirates and has the Presidential Palace (called Qasr al Watan), all the major country's national institutions, and all foreign embassies. Abu Dhabi also hosts many monuments, museums, and has more of a political atmosphere. In theory, the President and Prime Minister are elected by the Federal Supreme Council, which is composed of the sheikhs of each of the seven emirates. In practice, the sheikh of Abu Dhabi is always elected President while the sheikh of Dubai is always elected Prime Minister. ===Infrastructure=== The infrastructure in the UAE is all modern and well-developed. Most buildings are brand new. Lights shine on almost all streets, potholes are almost non-existent, crime rates are very low, no homelessness can be seen, telecommunication signals can be found everywhere, and road signs with bilingual Arabic and English languages are well placed in all cities. Date palm trees are the symbolic tree of the country and can be seen lining almost all roads. The country is fairly new, so a lot of things change rapidly and new buildings sprout out of nowhere. It's almost like Sim City on steroids. The roads and other public facilities are modern if, at times, extremely crowded. Supermarkets offer a vast assortment of products from Europe and the US, depending on the shop, along with local and regional items. Major international chains such as Ikea, Carrefour, and Géant have a presence and fast-food chains (nearly all major chains) such as McDonald's and KFC operate widely. On the other hand, there are still a few crowded traditional ''souks'' filled with products from around the world and rug stores. These can be hard to find for the average traveler, as the malls tend to gain an overwhelming amount of attention. The souks are usually present in the old historic districts of the cities, which are usually the most crowded as well as the most culturally appealing areas. ===Climate=== The country's [[climate]] is extraordinarily [[arid region safety|dry]], getting only a few days of rain a year. [[Water]] usage is however very high, with broad swaths of grass in the major public parks and often extensive landscaping in the resorts or other public places. Most of this water comes from desalination. The weather from late October through mid-March is quite pleasant, with temperatures ranging from highs around {{C|27}} to lows around {{C|15}}. Winters can get a bit chilly where you might require a warmed jacket or sweater but nothing annoyingly cold (the desert tends to be freezing cold though). It is almost always sunny. Rain can fall between November and February, and can cause road hazards when it does. In the summer, temperatures soar and humidity is close to unbearable. The average temperature for July ranges from {{C|35}} to {{C|37}}. Temperatures may rise above {{C|45}} and in extreme cases even {{C|50}}. The highest recorded temperature is {{C|52}} and was recorded in 2017. ===People=== {{Infobox|Seven emirates, many peoples|After landing in the UAE, you might not think it is an Arab country. You might think you are in [[India]] or the [[Philippines]]. Dubai, since the founding of the oil industry, has attracted thousands of migrants in search of jobs from all over the world, notably from [[Pakistan]], India, [[Bangladesh]] and the Philippines. Today, Indians and Filipinos have left their influence in the emirate: Indian restaurants and Pakistani bakeshops are everywhere, while Filipino supermarkets are growing. Europeans (mostly British and French) and Sri Lankans form the next largest communities. Chinese and Indonesian migrants are increasing.}} The population is incredibly diverse. Only 20% are native Emiratis; the rest come from the Indian subcontinent: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh or Sri Lanka (50%); other parts of Asia, particularly the Philippines and Malaysia; and Western countries (Europe, Australia, North America, 5–6%), with the remainder from everywhere else. On any given day in Dubai or Sharjah, for example, you can see people from every continent and every social class. With this diversity, one of the few unifying factors is language, and consequently, nearly everyone speaks some version of English. All road or other information signs are in English and Arabic, and English is widely spoken, particularly in the hospitality industry. As a result of its substantial oil wealth and high GDP, the United Arab Emirates provides its citizens with one of the world's most comprehensive welfare states despite not levying any income tax on them. However, this welfare state does not cover the country's large and often poorly-paid migrant workforce. ===Holidays=== {{ramadandates}} The weekend in the UAE for most government and public services as well as businesses runs from '''Friday to Saturday'''; for many, Thursday may be a half day (although most often work all day on Saturdays). In nearly every city, commercial activity will be muted on Friday mornings, but after the noon services at the mosques most businesses open and Friday evenings can be crowded. The major exception is during the fasting month of '''Ramadan''', when the rhythm of life changes drastically. Restaurants (outside tourist hotels) stay closed during the daylight hours, and while most offices and shops open in the morning from 8AM to 2PM or so, they usually close in the afternoon while people wait (or sleep) out the last hours of the fast. After sundown, people gather to break their fast with a meal known as ''iftar'', often held in outdoor tents (not uncommonly air-conditioned in the UAE), which traditionally starts with dates and a sweet drink. Some offices reopen after 8PM or so and stay open well after midnight, as many people stay up late until the morning hours. Just before sunrise, a meal called ''sohoor'' is eaten, and then the cycle repeats again. *'''''New Year's Day''''' (1 January) *'''''Prophet's Ascension''''' (Based on Hijri calendar; date varies in Georgian calendar) *'''''Eid al-Fitr''''' (Based on Hijri calendar; date varies in Georgian calendar) *'''''Eid al-Adha''''' (Based on Hijri calendar; date varies in Georgian calendar) *'''''Islamic New Year''''' (Based on Hijri calendar; date varies in Georgian calendar) *'''''Mawlid''''' (Based on Hijri calendar; date varies in Georgian calendar) *'''''Commemoration Day''''' (30 November) – Commemorates the date of the first fallen Emirati soldier. *'''''National Day''''' (2 December) – The date of the union and formation of the UAE. ===Tourist information === * [https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/visiting-and-exploring-the-uae/travel-and-tourism UAE Tourism] ==Talk== The official language is '''[[Arabic phrasebook|Arabic]]''', although the majority of the population do not speak it. Expatriates from Iran, India, the Philippines and Western countries far outnumber Emirati citizens, particularly in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah. '''English''' is the ''lingua franca'', and the great majority of Emiratis know how to speak it. All traffic, shops, and destination signs are written in both Arabic and English, and most retail staff are Indians or Filipinos, not Emiratis. Speaking in English to anyone in the Emirates should be fine, and you will not have to learn any Arabic to get around. But if you can learn to speak some Arabic, it will certainly impress the locals. As Arabic is the official language, government documents may be written in Arabic only, though English translations or versions are usually available for those that are of interest to foreigners. Emiratis speak the Gulf dialect of Arabic. The UAE has a very diverse population; many languages and communities exist. Languages with large numbers of speakers in the UAE include Hindustani (Hindi & Urdu), Malayalam, Bengali, Tamil, Farsi (Persian), and Tagalog (Filipino). Most people have at least a basic command of English, though it is not uncommon to meet people whose English is limited. As a major hub for Arabs, Middle Easterners, and Asians who do not speak the English language as a mother language, expect their English to be in a beginner or an intermediate level. In this Muslim-majority country, expect to be greeted with the Arabic phrase of ''as-salām `alaykum'' ("Peace be upon you") – even if you are not a Muslim. The proper response would be to state ''wa-`alaykumu s-salām'' ("Peace be upon you too"). ==Get in== ===''Entry requirements''=== ====Visa-free or visa on arrival==== Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries ([[Bahrain]], [[Kuwait]], [[Oman]], [[Qatar]] and [[Saudi Arabia]]) do not require a visa and may stay in the UAE indefinitely with no restrictions including on employment. They do not require a passport and may use their National ID Cards to enter the UAE. Citizens of [[Mexico]] may visit for up to 180 days without a visa. Citizens of [[Argentina]], [[Austria]], [[Bahamas]], [[Barbados]], [[Belarus]], [[Belgium]], [[Brazil]], [[Bulgaria]], [[Chile]], [[Costa Rica]], [[Croatia]], [[Cyprus]], [[Czech Republic]], [[Denmark]], [[El Salvador]], [[Estonia]], [[Finland]], [[France]], [[Germany]], [[Greece]], [[Honduras]], [[Hungary]], [[Iceland]], [[Israel]], [[Italy]], [[Latvia]], [[Liechtenstein]], [[Lithuania]], [[Luxembourg]], [[Maldives]], [[Malta]], [[Montenegro]], [[Nauru]], [[Netherlands]], [[Norway]], [[Paraguay]], [[Poland]], [[Portugal]], [[Romania]], [[Russia]], [[San Marino]], [[Serbia]], [[Seychelles]], [[Slovakia]], [[Slovenia]], [[Solomon Islands]], [[South Korea]], [[Spain]], [[Saint Vincent and the Grenadines]], [[Sweden]], [[Switzerland]] and [[Uruguay]] may visit for up to 90 days without a visa Citizens of [[Andorra]], [[Australia]], [[Brunei]], [[Canada]], [[China]] (mainland), [[Hong Kong]], [[Ireland]], [[Japan]], [[Kazakhstan]], [[Macau]], [[Malaysia]], [[Mauritius]], [[Monaco]], [[New Zealand]], [[Singapore]], [[Ukraine]], [[United Kingdom]] (British citizen only), [[United States of America|United States]] and the [[Vatican City]] may visit for up to 30 days without a visa. Citizens of [[India]] may obtain a 14-day visa-on-arrival for 120 dirham if they are legal permanent residents of the United States, the United Kingdom or any [[European Union]] country, or they hold a valid tourist visa for the United States. The residence permit or visa must be valid for at least 6 months from their date of entry into the UAE. They may extend their stay for another 14 days for 250 dirham. Note, if you exit the country through one the automated passport gates in the airport, you won't receive any exit stamp, contrary to the entry stamp. This is of course not a problem. Everyone else needs to obtain a visa in advance. ====Obtaining a visa==== All other nationalities not exempt from visa are required to apply for a visa in advance. You will require a sponsorship by an Emirati airline, hotel or tour operator to be able to apply for a visa. Each UAE airline offers visa services when you fly with them. Apart from that, travel agents and hotels can also arrange a tourist visa for you. The cost of a visa as of 2015 is 250 dirham plus travel agency fee for 30 days single entry, and there are no extensions available anymore. The new visa tariff and rule is to avoid letting tourists look for work in UAE. Transit visas are sponsored by the airlines, and cost 100 dirhams, allowing you to stay for up to 96 hours. Unlike many countries in the region, the UAE and Israel have established diplomatic relations, with regular flights between Tel Aviv and Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Israelis and Emiratis may enter each other's countries visa-free. If you are a citizen of India or Pakistan and you're traveling from your country of citizenship, and you have the ECR stamp in your passport you will require to get 'OK to Board' approval. You will also require this if you are a citizen of Sri Lanka or Bangladesh traveling outside of India or Pakistan. Most of the time it is arranged by your travel agent or airline. If it isn't, as soon as you get your visa, take it, your passport and ticket to your airline office and get the stamp of 'OK to board'. Without this you might not be allowed to travel to the UAE. Passports must be valid for 6 months from date of arrival. ====Customs regulations==== Each non-Muslim adult can bring in '''four items of alcohol''', e.g. four bottles of wine, or four bottles of spirits, or four cases of beer (regardless of alcohol content). The UAE takes an infamously strict line on '''[[medication|medicines]]''', with many common drugs, notably anything containing '''codeine''', '''diazepam''' (Valium) or '''dextromethorphan''' (Robitussin) being banned unless you have a ''notarized and authenticated'' doctor's prescription. The UAE, Dubai in particular, is used by drug traffickers as a gateway to ship drugs from the east to the west and hence laws regarding drug possession or use are strict. Visitors breaking the rules, even inadvertently, have found themselves deported or jailed. The government online portal maintains [https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/health-and-fitness/drugs-and-controlled-medicines instructions, advice, and a list of controlled substances that are prohibited]. Some drugs that are used and tolerated around neighboring countries are also prohibited. Using khat/qat (a flowering plant that contains an alkaloid called cathinone), which is popular e.g. in [[Yemen]], is highly illegal. [[Cannabis]] and CBD-related products are illegal. ===By plane=== The main international airports are: [[File:DXB Terminal 3 in early morning.jpg|thumb|230px|Inside Dubai International Airport (DXB) Terminal 3.]] * '''[[Dubai International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|DXB}}) – This airport is served by several major airlines, most notably Dubai's flag carrier '''[https://www.emirates.com/ Emirates]'''. Dubai has direct flights from [[Durban]], [[Johannesburg]]<!--WHICH AIRPORT?-->, [[London]]<!--WHICH AIRPORT?-->, [[Sydney]]<!--WHICH AIRPORT?-->, [[Melbourne]], [[Karachi]], [[Tehran]], [[Riyadh]], [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport|Mumbai (BOM)]], [[Kolkata]], [[Hong Kong]], [[Paris_Charles_de_Gaulle_Airport|Paris (CDG)]], [[Zurich]], [[Frankfurt Airport|Frankfurt]], [[Milan]]<!--WHICH AIRPORT?-->, [[Madrid Barajas]], [[Chicago O'Hare International Airport|Chicago (ORD)]], [[John F Kennedy International Airport|New York City (JFK)]], [[Los Angeles International Airport|Los Angeles (LAX)]], [[San Francisco Airport]], [[Seattle-Tacoma_International_Airport|Seattle]], [[São_Paulo-Guarulhos_International_Airport|São Paulo (GRU)]], [[Toronto_Pearson_International_Airport|Toronto (YYZ)]] and many other major cities in [[Europe]], [[Asia]], [[Oceania]] and [[Africa]]. Chances are carriers from your country will offer flights to Dubai.<!-- -->[[File:13-08-06-abu-dhabi-airport-40.jpg|thumb|230px|Passport control in Abu Dhabi International Airport]] * '''[[Abu Dhabi International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|AUH}}) – This airport has the next best international connections after Dubai. Abu Dhabi's flag carrier '''[https://www.etihadairways.com Etihad Airways]''' now offers direct flights from Chicago (ORD), [[New York City|New York]]<!--WHICH AIRPORT?-->, [[Toronto]]<!--WHICH AIRPORT?--> and many other airports in [[Europe]] and [[Asia]]. Other major airlines serving Abu Dhabi include '''[https://www.wizzair.com WizzAir]''' from many cities in Eastern Europe, [https://www.britishairways.com British Airways] from [[London-Heathrow]], [https://www.klm.com KLM] from [[Amsterdam Schiphol]] and [https://www.lufthansa.de Lufthansa] from Frankfurt. * '''[[SHJ|Sharjah International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|SHJ}}) – It is the home of the low-cost carrier '''[https://www.airarabia.com Air Arabia]''', which has connections with various Middle East and Indian Subcontinent cities. Also, '''[http://www.airindiaexpress.in Air India Express]''' connects most larger airports in India to Sharjah – a good way to fly into smaller places directly, like [[Leh]] in [[Ladakh]], instead of going through Delhi first. * '''[[AAN|Al Ain International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|AAN}}) – A small airport with a few flights from [[Kozhikode]] and [[Cairo]]. ====Low-cost airlines==== For low-cost flights, try the following: * '''[http://www.airarabia.com Air Arabia]''' – Set up its hub at [[Sharjah]] airport (which is very close to Dubai), and flies there from many cities in [[Africa]], [[Europe]], [[Middle East]] and [[India]]. * '''[http://www.airindiaexpress.in Air India Express]''' – Connects Sharjah with many larger and smaller cities in India. * '''[https://www.cebupacificair.com Cebu Pacific]''' – Connects Dubai and [[Manila]] ([[Philippines]]) with fares from as low as US$150. * '''Fly Dubai''' – Connects Dubai to the Middle East, Europe, Africa and India. * '''Pegasus Airlines''' – Connect Dubai with Turkey and many cities in Europe via there. * '''WizzAir''' – Connects Abu Dhabi with many cities in Europe. * '''Smartwings Airlines''' – Connects Dubai and Abu Dhabi with many cities in Europe, some however only as part of package tours. ===By car=== There is road access to the United Arab Emirates from Saudi Arabia in the south and Oman in the east. All highways in the UAE are in excellent condition and installed with street lights. There is a huge amount of traffic between Sharjah and Dubai during rush hour. All the emirates are connected through highways with multiple gas stations, food and rest stops, and highway police. The longest highway connects the city of Abu Dhabi to the city of Ras Al Khaimah. The highway extends from Abu Dhabi to connect to Ruwais and then to the border with Saudi Arabia. Multiple electronic toll gates system are used in roads in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. A toll of 4 dirham is charged to cross the Salik toll gate in Dubai. A prepaid Salik Tag is required for this. A toll gate system which charges 4 dirham during rush hours and 2 dirham during off peak hours is also required to access Abu Dhabi island in the capital city Abu Dhabi. As of November of 2022, you can drive through the Mazyad / Batha al Ashkar border crossing from Oman as a foreigner. ===By boat=== There's a twice-weekly ferry service from [[Bandar Abbas]] in [[Iran]] to the port of Sharjah by the Iranian shipping company Valfajre-8. It's an overnight ferry taking 10-12 hours, departing early evenings on Sundays and Thursdays. Prices start at 160 dirham for economy class. Apart from regular services, there is a large network of traditional ''dhow'' trading routes which transports goods throughout the Gulf and even to [[India]]. It may be possible to buy passage on one of these boats. Depending on which dhow you end up on they can call at all coastal cities in the UAE, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi. ==Get around== Distances in the UAE are relatively short and are all connected with lighted roads, highways, and abundant transportation methods. The UAE is not very walking friendly to get around mainly due to the hot weather, strong sun, and relatively spaced out attractions. Transportation is increasingly being expanded with a train connecting all the emirates being built, as well as a functioning massive network of public transportation network which can transport you to any place in the UAE with ease. ===By public transport=== Public transportation within cities is widely available and advanced, with bus stations in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah offering shaded air conditioned bus stops to protect people from the sun and hot weather in the summer. The transportation is provided by the '''Roads and Transport Authority''' (RTA) by each emirate. There is an extensive metro system in Dubai that connects various parts of the city, as well as a monorail in Palm Jumeriah and a tram in Dubai Marina area. All public transport systems across all the cities in the UAE are connected, either by a taxi, bus, metro, monorail, or tram. Inter-city buses are also numerous with buses taking you as far as Muscat in Oman. Intercity bus services are fast, comfortable and reasonably frequent. While the transport systems of Dubai ([https://www.rta.ae/wps/portal/rta/ae/public-transport Dubai RTA]), Abu Dhabi ([https://www.rta.ae/wps/portal/rta/ae/public-transport/journeyplanner Abu Dhabi RTA]) and Sharjah ([https://eforms.srta.gov.ae/eforms/busschedule.aspx Sharjah RTA]) are widely overlapping, they are not compatible with each other, run different routes, and each one of them requiring their own smart card for travelling (Dubai and Abu Dhabi) or cash payment (Sharjah and Abu Dhabi). Check timetable and journey planners under the links provided before. ===By taxi=== In all cities of the UAE, taxis are widely available and relatively affordable. Local ride share apps such as '''Uber''' and '''Careem''' are also common in the UAE; however, the prices are relatively the same compared to taxis as not to create a disparate market competition prices. Do note that in Dubai there are different grades of taxi (e.g. standard taxi v limo) with different prices; the differences between the taxi types may not be enough for some travellers to be worth the higher prices, so do be mindful when getting into a taxi. ===By car=== [[File:Dunebashing group Dubai.jpg|thumb|Group of off-road cars going for a desert safari around the desert in Dubai.]] [[File:DUBAI SANDSTORM APRIL 2015.webm|thumb|A sandstorm in the UAE. Sandstorms are generally uncommon but may occur sometimes.]] The UAE has a modern road infrastructure with right sided traffic. Renting a car or driving in the UAE requires an international driver's license, which is simply a translation of your standard license and can be acquired at a local automobile association. If you are a resident, you will need to obtain a local driver's license as an international drivers license use cannot be used if you are a resident. If you have a driving license from a different country you may be able to exchange it for an Emirati driving license. This is a simple process and can be done in twenty minutes but only if you are from a specific list of countries. If you are from a country which is not exempt, you have to undergo 40 classes at a local driving school and get through a pretty tough license exam. This is changing, though, and license exchange may apply to all nationalities soon so check the [https://government.ae/en/information-and-services/transportation/get-a-driving-licence UAE government official online Portal - Transportation] to see if your country is among the countries eligible to convert your alien driving license. Car rentals are slightly cheaper than in North America. There is a flat fee per day for renting a car, based upon the car's size. Petrol (gasoline) is, by international standards, inexpensive. The road system is based on European standards, with many roundabouts and highly channeled traffic. Signs are all bilingual (Arabic and English) and are readily understandable and are, in most places, clear and coherent. The speed limits are all documented in western Arabic numerals. Gas stations are available all around highways as well as inside cities. Tesla superchargers are also available and are being increased in number. ====Driving laws==== [[File:Warning signs for a Camel.JPG|thumb|A warning traffic sign for camel crossings.]] Overtaking is performed from the left. If you are driving slowly on the most left side lane, expect to be "flashed" by light from a faster incoming car behind you. It is a courtesy in this case to move from the left lane and allow the car behind you to overtake. If you ignore such signal, this is considered offensive and you may encounter a road rage. Do not use the left most lane if you are driving slow, neither should you make any insulting gestures while driving. Using insulting gestures is forbidden by law and considered a form of verbal assault, and you may find yourself in police custody or in court. Most roads have a solid yellow line on their margins, which serve as shoulders for emergency, breakdown, and stranded vehicles after accident. Do not cross the yellow line in any other case, as you will be fined. The third-highest cause of death in the UAE is from traffic accidents (after cardiovascular diseases and cancer). People in the UAE drive ''extremely'' fast, and some are completely reckless. As a result, most of the roads are highly monitored and adhere to strict speed limit laws. The speed limit has a margin of about 20 km/h (except in Abu Dhabi where there is no margin). Most roads are monitored through speed traps. Speeders will receive the ticket through a message in your phone (if your phone is tied to the car in registration) and you will be required to pay all traffic fines you encounter before leaving the UAE. Drones also monitor the highways and roads in rural areas. ====Desert safaris==== Desert safaris and dune bashing are good attractions in the vicinity of all the emirates, but great care needs to be taken while choosing a hired vehicle; it should be a four wheel drive. Desert safaris are also generally designed with travel agents and can give you good deal as well on quantity. Do not attempt to enter the desert using one car or alone. As a general rule of thumb, more than two four wheel drive cars should enter the desert together so that if one of them gets stuck, the other can pull it out. Desert driving is a hard skill to learn. Safaris and tour groups usually take you for a desert safari and you may even be able to dune bash yourself if you desire. Four wheel drives such as the Toyoto Land Cruiser or Nissan Patrol and trucks such as the Ford Raptor are popular in the Emirates due to the natural desert terrain and necessary off-roading in some areas. Most cars are tinted black for both privacy and to keep the hot sun rays from entering the car, hence providing a cooler temperature in the car. While driving to the desert, make sure to pay attention to any camels that may be crossing the roads. === By train === United Arab Emirates is constructing a national railway system, with passenger trains starting service sometime around 2025. Travel times between the two major cities of [[Abu Dhabi]] and [[Dubai]] is expected to be around 45-50 minutes. ==See== <!-- This section should really link to the specific articles on WV where the sights are detailed further. --> [[File:Hotel - panoramio (24).jpg|thumb|Qasr al Sarab in Liwa Oasis.]] [[File:Jebel Al Jais.jpg|thumb|Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah.]] There are plenty of things to see in the United Arab Emirates, both in terms of the Earth's natural wonderful landscape as well as the best of human's constructed attractions. From the world's largest tower in Dubai to the world's largest contiguous sand desert in the world in Liwa Oasis (which was the film set of planet Jakku in Star Wars: The Force Awakens). Most of the United Arab Emirates lies on the coast of the Persian Gulf, except for Fujairah which lies on the Gulf of Oman, offering both experiences of beautiful beaches in both gulf waters. The western side of the UAE's landscape is a sand terrain, with the Empty Quarter desert forming the south side of the UAE and containing some of the largest sand dunes in the world. The golden sand dunes form a wonderful sight and offer great adventurous safari rides into the wilderness of the desert. The northeastern side terrain is mountainous, offering mountain climbing activities in Ras Al Khaimah as well as the world's longest zip line that shoots from the tops of a mountain. The UAE was initially a collection of small fishing villages with Eastern Arabian culture which has boomed significantly after the unification of the seven emirates. Hence, in every emirate's capital you will find an old district with old buildings consistent of mostly windcatchers and military forts that were common in the region then, and more progressive glass skyscrapers that signify the advanced progression of the emirates. Archealogical sites from the Umm Al Nar period are scattered across the emirates, with distinctive cultural variations found in the Hajar Mountains in the northeastern emirates. In the western side of the UAE, oases are common across vast majority of desert landscape as they formed the major population centers in these areas such as Al Ain city (once only an oasis, now an entire city) and Liwa Oasis. Although outdoors in UAE may seem dull and uninteresting to the knowledgeable traveler, there are actually amazing natural destinations in the UAE - the difficulty is in knowing where to find them! There are pristine waterfalls, cliffs lined with fossils, even freshwater lakes. Other than the natural beauty of the Arabian desert and mountainous regions of the Hajar Mountains which may seem dangerous due to the rough surrounding environment, the UAE offers tourists a whole new experience in terms of comfortable living with tall skyscrapers and skylines and enormous malls and huge indoor theme parks as well as an entire indoor ski resorts in the middle of the desert! There are also multiple islands around cities in the United Arab Emirates. Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, is surrounded by natural islands with green mangroves surrounding the city. The water surrounding Abu Dhabi is light blue in color and is considered one of the biggest coral reefs in the entire Persian Gulf region. In Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah, there are man-made islands that extend from the desert into the sea such as Palm Jumeriah and Murjan Island, allowing people to live in close proximity to the sea and green landscape while surrounded to a rough desert in Dubai and rough mountains in Ras Al Khaimah just south of these two respective cities. ===Attractions=== The United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers a diverse range of captivating attractions for visitors to enjoy. It presents an intriguing blend of contemporary urban marvels and culturally significant sites.[[File:Dubai Skyline (10400048016).jpg|thumb|Dubai's skyline]] * '''[[Dubai/Jumeirah#Q12495|Burj Khalifa]]''' – The world's tallest skyscraper since 2009 extending to 828 meters and is located in Dubai. It is the easiest sighted landmark once you land in Dubai and a major tourist attraction site. You can see the vast desert outside Dubai and the sheen and progressive buildings that form Dubai from the top. You can also see planes flying from the top! * '''[[Abu Dhabi#Q695604|Grand Sheikh Zayed Mosque]]''' – One of the most beautifully created mosques in the world. The architecture and designs of the mosque is a marvel and attracts tourists from all over the world to this magnificent religious site. The mosque is open to non-Muslims and allows people of all faith to visit and explore the structure. * '''[[Hajar Mountains]]''' – In the south and easily distinguished by the rough and rugged landscape that pop out of suddenly from the desert. [[Al Ain#Q1261870|Jebel Hafeet]] in Al Ain is an accessible peak that is considered the outline of the Hajar Mountains. The rough mountainous landscape forms a major hiking, trekking, and bird-watching opportunities, while the vast amount of picturesque wadis in the area are fun to explore. It offers a different landscape than just the desert found mainly in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. * '''Museums''' – From Islamic museums in Sharjah to international and global museums in Abu Dhabi, the UAE offers voyagers a great deal of museums that dig into the area's historical past as well as displays the historical artifacts of the empires surrounding the region. Most popular museums are the Louvre museum in Abu Dhabi, the Sharjah Arts museum, and the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation. Of course, each emirate has its own national museum which showcases the emirates original history and displays iconic eastern Arabian items such as dhows, khanjars, and other aspects of earlier life such as clothing and vocation. * '''Jebel Jais''' – The highest accessible mountainous peak in the UAE and a great site for major hiking, trekking and mountain climbing, and for camping in the winter. In [[Ras Al Khaimah]]. * '''[[Fujairah#Q4115363|Al Bidyah mosque]]''' – This is the oldest mosque in the UAE, located in Fujairah. The mosque and its surroundings are a major archaeological site. This is a great attraction for history and archaeology fans. Although the mosque is very simple and modest in size, many excavations of pottery and metal artifacts are found in this area. * '''[[Dubai/Jebel Ali|Palm Jumeirah]]''' – An artificial island in the shape of a palm tree, Palm Jumeirah is a famous luxury destination in Dubai. It's home to upscale hotels, resorts, and private residences. Visitors can enjoy beautiful beaches, water sports, and fine dining while staying in one of the world's most unique man-made developments. * '''[[Yas Island#Q673656|Ferrari World]]''' – An indoor amusement park, located in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. A paradise for thrill-seekers. It features exciting roller coasters, including the world's fastest one, inspired by Ferrari cars. The park also has interactive exhibits about the history of the brand. * '''Desert Safari''' – For those seeking adventure, a desert safari is a must-do activity. Visitors can experience the exhilaration of dune bashing, ride camels, try sandboarding, and enjoy traditional Arabian entertainment and cuisine in a desert setting. * '''[[Dubai/Jumeirah#Q1133309|Dubai Mall]]''' – As one of the largest shopping mall in the world, [https://thedubaimall.com/ Dubai Mall] is a paradise for shoppers and entertainment seekers. Apart from an array of international brands, it features attractions like an indoor ice rink, an indoor waterfall, an aquarium, and even an indoor theme park, making it a heaven for families and visitors of all ages. * '''Ski Dubai''' – Within the mall of the Emirates in Dubai, [https://www.skidxb.com/en-ae/ski-dubai Ski Dubai] offers an indoor skiing and snowboarding experience. It has real snow and multiple slopes for varying skill levels. Visitors can also interact with penguins and enjoy snow-based activities in the middle of the desert. * '''Barajeel''' - These are a type of square-shaped windcatcher, being a common sight in the UAE. Its towers are used as a design to cool homes for natural ventilation and passive cooling in traditional homes, especially in sweltering climates. ==Do== [[Image:MarinaMall Causeway.JPG|thumb|The turquoise waters surrounding the Islands of [[Abu Dhabi]] along the Corniche.]] [[Image:Al Bithnah Fort, Fujairah, UAE.jpg|thumb|Fujairah fort in Fujairah.]] One of the main focuses of tourist life (other than shopping) is the '''beach'''. The waters of the UAE, although cloudy due to heavy coastal construction, are still, for those from less torrid climes, remarkably warm, clean, and beautiful. There are long stretches of white-sand beaches, ranging from completely undeveloped to highly touristed (even in cities like Dubai). The snorkeling and diving can be magnificent, especially along the eastern (Indian Ocean) coast. Vast swaths of desert stretch to the south of the major urban areas, offering dramatic views and terrifying rides in fast-driven safaris. The mountains are dramatic, steep rocky crags, and a visit to them (for example, the town of [[Hatta]]) is well rewarded with amazing views. Women wearing bathing suits will draw unwanted attention at the public beaches; it is advisable to pay for a one-day entry pass to a private beach at a hotel. There are plenty of man-made wonders to enjoy as well. Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi is the world's largest indoor theme park, and as the name suggests, is centered around experiencing the world of Ferrari and includes the fastest rollercoaster in the world, accelerating from 0 to 149 mph (240 km/h) in 4 seconds. This is alongside the Yas Marina Circuit, which hosts the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix. The Yas Marina Circuit is widely known as the most technologically advanced circuit on the planet, and, along with Formula One, hosts various national and international racing series, including the GP2 and GP3 series, and V8 Supercars. The Burj Khalifa in Dubai is the tallest building in the world, and visitors can travel up it to a viewing station situated near the building's peak to enjoy stunning views of the city and beyond. Wild Wadi and Aquaventure are two world class water parks that cater to the whole family. Those looking for proper retail therapy can visit Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in the world, and also the location of the world's largest dancing fountain, with multiple shows starting after sunset, and one of the world's largest indoor aquariums, Dubai Aquarium. Ski Dubai in Dubai Emirates Mall is the world's third largest indoor ski slope, measuring 400 m and using 6000 tons of snow. [http://www.skidubai.com/ Ski Dubai resort] is the first UAE indoor ski slope to open, and more are planned. All equipment, except for gloves and a hat, are provided—skis/snowboards, snowsuits, boots and socks are all included in the price (the socks are disposable). The adjoining ski store sells equipment, including gloves. A ski slope in [[Ra's al Khaymah]] is also in the works. "Desert safari" trips can be a fun experience for tourists. They can be booked ahead, but can often be booked as late as the day before, and most hotel receptionists can arrange this for you. Trips normally start late afternoon and end late evening. You will be collected from your hotel and driven to the desert in a 4x4 vehicle. Most packages include a heart-pumping drive over the dunes, a short camel ride, an Arabic buffet and a belly dancer. Another option would be renting/buying a 4x4 and joining the many growing 4x4 clubs in the UAE, which are varied and each carry their own different flavour: [http://www.ad4x4.com ad4x4], [http://www.uaeoffroaders.com uaeoffroaders]{{Dead link|date=July 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}, etc. They offer a free learning experience for all newcomers with scheduled weekly trips to suit all levels of driving skills. Some of them have over 2,000 members from many nationalities. ==Buy== ===Money=== {{exchange rates | currency=Emirati dirham | currencyCodeAfter=&nbsp;dirham | date=January 2025 | USD=3.67 (fixed) | EUR=3.8 | GBP=4.6 | SAR=0.98 (fixed) | source=[https://www.xe.com/currency/aed-emirati-dirham XE.com] }} The currency is the '''United Arab Emirates dirham''' denoted by the symbol "''' د.إ'''" or "'''dh'''" (ISO code: '''AED'''). It is pegged to the US dollar at 3.67 dirham for $1. Two sets of notes are in circulation in the United Arab Emirates, the paper and polymer series and are issued in denonimations of 5 (paper and polymer), 10 (paper and polymer), 20 (paper), 50 (paper and polymer), 100 (paper and polymer), 200 (paper), 500 (paper and polymer), and 1,000 (paper and polymer) dirhams. There is a one dirham coin with sub-units of 25 and 50 fils coins (100 fils = 1 dirham). There are 5 fils and 10 fils coins but these are rarely seen (and provide an excuse for traders to 'short change'). Cash and travellers' cheques can be changed at exchanges located at the airports or in all the major shopping malls. ATMs are numerous and generously distributed. Credit cards are widely accepted. They accept all the major chain cards: Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, etc. ====Enforced dynamic currency conversion==== If you pay with an overseas credit or debit card, most merchants will attempt to apply [[Money#Dynamic currency conversion|dynamic currency conversion]] (DCC)—see article for more details, charging several percent more than the card issuer conversion would have cost. Generally, a credit card terminal will offer the choice of whether the conversion should be accepted, but merchants will '''not''' ask you about this, and will choose to accept the conversion. If you pay attention, you can intervene and ask for "No" to be answered. If you ask upfront, some merchants will have no idea what you mean, but many will. It is always better to accept to be debited in the local currency instead of accepting this conversion into your home country's currency. ===Costs=== Basic commodities used to be cheaper than in most Western countries, although this is changing rapidly (Dubai has moved up the ranking to be the 25th most expensive city to live in; Abu Dhabi is close behind). Hotel rates are not cheap—there is a shortage of hotel rooms available, especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which often keeps the hotels at above 90% occupancy. Vast numbers of new hotels are scheduled to come on line during the next five to ten years, but as tourism is on the rise, it is unlikely that prices will come down. All things touristy also tend to be rather expensive. Rents in Dubai are starting to compete with cities like Paris or London, and other prices tend to follow. Some places have shared accommodations available and are quite reasonable. ===Shopping=== One of the things the UAE is most famous for is shopping, but it is very difficult to find any real bargains as the standard of living is high. [[Dubai]] and [[Abu Dhabi]] both boast an incredibly array of luxury shopping malls where you can shop to your heart's content, and every city has at least one traditional souk where you can shop for Middle Eastern handicrafts. Most purchases in the UAE are subject to a 5% value-added tax (VAT). Foreign tourists may request a VAT exemption when making purchases at a participating shop provided the cost exceeds 250 dirhams in a single transaction, and you depart the UAE with the goods within 90 days of making the purchase. To do this, you will need to present your passport or GCC National ID card to the cashier when making your payment, and you will be given a receipt and a tax-free tag. When departing the UAE, go to the VAT refund kiosk with your passport/GCC National ID, receipt and tax-free tag before checking in your bags, as they will need to verify that you are bringing the goods out of the country with you. ==Eat== {{See also|Middle Eastern cuisine}} [[File:Lugainat.jpg|thumb|240px|Popular Emirati dessert called Lugaimat.]] [[Image:Arabic MixedGrill.JPG|thumb|240px|A fancy Arabic-cuisine mixed grill. Clockwise from top: lamb ''kofta'', chicken ''shish tawuk'', beef ''shish kebab'', ''pilaf'' (Arabic rice), vegetables.]] The UAE's traditional cuisine is the Emirati and Eastern Arabian cuisine; however, the country also offers a global cuisine. The more than 165 nationalities residing in the Emirates have made the country a destination which offers and caterers to all cuisines or religious compliant food for everyone. ===Eastern Arabian cuisine=== Eastern Arabian cuisine forms the major traditional food in the UAE. Emirati cuisine is sampled and widely marketed as the traditional food of the state. However, traditional Emirati cuisine is somewhat difficult to find in restaurants due to the fact that Emiratis are a minority in their own country. Al Fanar restaurant is a famous and common Emirati-style restaurant that was established to offer an authentic Emirati experience for foreigners wishing to experience the country's traditional cuisine. Emirati food is typified by platters of fragrant rice topped with lamb, camel meat, chicken or fish that has been slow-roasted in a pit. If you have Emirati friends, being invited to their homes would generally be the best chance you have to sample the local cuisine. Arabic coffee, camel milk, and dates form the staple food which Emiratis have lived on for generations. Camel milk is widely available in supermarkets and is a common sight in Emirati grocery stores. There are even chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry camel milk. Camel milk or date-flavored milkshakes are common in the UAE. Chocolate made of camel milk is also available. The UAE has established companies that use camel milk and camel meat as a major alternative to the regular chicken, lamb, and beef that are commonly available worldwide. Camel milk and meat are commonly available and inexpensive in the UAE, so a visit to the Emirates is a good opportunity to try some. Lugaimat (called Luqaimat in standard Arabic) is a famous Emirati dessert. It is offered at almost all Emirati gatherings and is sold in a lot of restaurants and outlets as well. Ramadan is a great time to be invited to an Emirati house to experience a lot of their traditional foods for ''iftar''. [[File:SMCCU Cultural Meal program.jpg|thumb|Tourists in Dubai being presented with Emirati food and taught about the eating etiquette.]] ===Global cuisines=== [[Abu Dhabi]] and [[Dubai]] and, to a lesser extent, the other emirates, all offer a vast spread of food from most of the world's major cuisines. By Western standards most restaurants are quite affordable, though it is easy to find extremely expensive food too. Most high-end restaurants are located in hotels. South Asian (e.g. Indian or Pakistani) restaurants are also widely available and can be found in every corner. Arabic cuisine such as Lebanese, Syrian and Jordanian cuisines are also available. Persian cuisine is also available due to the proximity of Iran, with the restaurant at the Iranian Club in Dubai being popular among Iranian expatriates. African cuisines are not as widespread, but can still be found. Chinese restaurants are also increasing in number due to the growing Chinese community in the country. There's even a North Korean restaurant in Dubai. Pork is sold in some supermarkets, albeit in a specifically designated location marked "For Non-Muslims". ===Restaurants=== Famous restaurant chains have also established branches in the country. Restaurants by the world's most famous chefs such as Gordon Ramsay, Gary Rhodes, Guy Fieri, Nobuyuki Matsuhisa, and Salt Bae all operate restaurants around the country. In fact, some of the world famous chefs, such as Salt Bae, primary restaurant and base of operation is in Dubai such as Salt Bae's Nusr-Et restaurant in Four Season Hotel in Jumeriah (Visited by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, among others). Other international food chains such as Cheesecake factory, Texas Fried Chicken, Red Lobster, PF Chang's, Chili's and many more all operate branches throughout the country. Fast food is also common, with many chains such as McDonald's, KFC, Burger King, Popeye's, Hardee's, and Wendy's are almost found everywhere. The major ice cream chain is Baskin Robbins, but other ice cream brands such as Cold Stone Creamery, Marbles Lab, Moishi, and Amorino are all available. Local branches of gelato and other desserts are also common. Pakistani and Indian restaurants are also very common. South Asian food in the UAE is more authentic than the food found in Europe or elsewhere due to the proximity of India and Pakistan to the Emirates. Indians, Pakistanis, Malayalis, Malabaris and Sri Lankans can be found everywhere and form the majority of the population in the Emirates. The UAE is a favorite destination for Keralites outside of Kerala, and proper authentic eastern Asian restaurants are found all over the Emirates. During Ramadan, many restaurants serve elaborate ''iftar'' meals after sunset, but be sure to make your reservations well in advance as these are extremely popular with the locals. ===Etiquette=== [[File:The Grand Majlis.jpg|thumb|240px|An Emirati Majlis. A majlis can be way larger depending on the event or who's invited.]] In public, general global and mostly western etiquette is required to be adhered. If you are invited to an Emirati's house for food, it depends on how cultural the family is. You may be required to sit on the ground, eat with your hands, or share the same plate with everyone. It is not uncommon for Emiratis to present a feast in one big platter, and everyone sits around it and eats with their hands. The key thing to remember when doing so is to '''use only your right hand''', as the left hand is traditionally reserved for handling dirty things. Being invited to break bread or share a platter with Emiratis is a considered a huge sign of respect and fondness. Young Emiratis are however, very understanding if you choose to have your own plate or eat with utensils, and some Emiratis don't even adhere to the traditional floor sitting and eating with hands style of cultural eating etiquette. A more modern etiquette is to sit on the ground with everyone having their own plate, spoon, fork, and knife while eating the food in front of you or politely asking someone next to you to serve the food away from you. Do not get up and attempt to move to the place where a certain type of food is placed. If you are invited to a Majlis (a traditional and common gathering commonly men-only or women-only), you will be presented with dates and Arabic coffee (called gahwa). The majlis is a big room or a tent with places to sit where people talk and converse. A person will rotate around the maljlis and offer you dates, dessert, or Arabic coffee. If you eat dates, remember to take them in odd numbers (1 or 3, etc..). Taking dates in even numbers is not a problem but its preferred to take them in odd numbers to adhere to the Arabic culture. If you are presented with Arabic coffee the person who rotates to pour the coffee will continue to pour you coffee until you shake the cup while presenting it to him. This signals that you do not want more coffee and he will take the cup from you. In a traditional setting, if you are entering a majlis you'll be required to move to the chair closest to your right and shake hands with the person starting from there until you shake hands with everyone. If you're sitting in a chair and someone is coming to greet you, you will be required to stand up and shake hands with that person before sitting down. If there is a Sheikh in the majlis, its customary to greet him first before going back and shaking hands with everyone else. Arabic men from the same tribe perform a nose kiss (also called Eskimo kiss). It may also be performed by very close friends. In a non-traditional majlis, its not customary to do any of that and simply going in and goofing around with your friends is totally fine. If you are presented with food in an Emirati house, its customary to eat. It's considered disrespectful if you do not eat anything. If you're full, eating small amounts is better than rejecting the food entirely. You will be presented with a lot of food if you visit an Emirati house for lunch or dinner, as Emiratis consider generosity a virtue and you'll be disrespecting them if you don't eat or touch any food they present you with. ===Religious diets=== Virtually all food in the UAE is halal. Kosher food is also increasingly available. Companies and restaurants such as Kosher Arabia and Eli's Kosher Kitchen, which is supervised by Chief Rabbi of the UAE Rabbi Yehuda Sarna, are also available. Vegetarian restaurants are also widely available due to the major presence of Hindus in the country. Finding your local, favorite or religiously compliant cuisine should not be a problem in the Emirates. ==Drink== [[File:Fast Track Lobby Bar at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Abu Dhabi Yas Island.jpg|thumb|300px|Fast Track Lobby Bar at the Radisson Blu Hotel in the capital Abu Dhabi.]] The legal drinking age in the UAE is 21. Dubai has a burgeoning nightlife scene and even formerly straitlaced Abu Dhabi has loosened up and tried to catch up. Alcohol is available in alcohol stores, 5-star hotel restaurants and bars in all emirates except Sharjah. Sharjah is a dry emirate, but it is legal for non-Muslims to bring in alcohol purchased elsewhere for consumption in private. As a tourist, you do not need a license to purchase alcohol, but will need to present your passport with the immigration entry stamp. If you are a foreign resident, you may need a license to purchase alcohol depending on what emirate you are in; Abu Dhabi does not require a license, while Dubai requires one that can be applied for free-of-charge at any liquor store. Public drinking outside licensed venues is illegal in the UAE. During Ramadan, no alcohol is served during daylight (fasting) hours. Dubai and Abu Dhabi permit bars to serve alcohol at night, but bands stop playing, background music is off or quiet, no dancing is allowed and nightclubs are usually closed. On certain holy days in the Islamic calendar, no alcohol is served publicly in any of the UAE. Do ''not'' under any circumstance drink and drive in the UAE. If by chance you are in an accident, this becomes a card for going directly to jail &mdash; especially during Ramadan. Taxis and ride-share apps such as Uber are widely available if you have been drinking and are a much safer and wiser option given the insane driving habits in the region. ===Coffee and tea=== [[File:Luqaimat.jpg|thumb|Arabic coffee with ''luqaimat'' sweets]] Coffee (قهوة ''qahwah'') is extremely popular in the UAE. While it's easy enough to find Starbucks and competitors, it's worth seeking out Arabic coffee, often flavored with cardamom and served black and strong in tiny little cups. The coffee is unfiltered, so sip carefully or you'll get a mouthful of grounds! Tradition demands that your cup be refilled as long as you keep drinking. Tea (شاي ''shay'') is also popular, typically served strong, dark and with sugar. ''Suleimani'' tea adds a dash of spice, often cinnamon or fresh mint leaves. A uniquely UAE twist is ''karak chai'' ("hard tea"), made with evaporated milk; it's originally a subcontinental import, but has been adopted across the country. ==Sleep== [[File:Atlantis auf Palm Jumeirah - أتلانتيس في نخلة جميرا - panoramio.jpg |thumb |upright=1.5 |Palm Jumeirah in Dubai]] For the visitor, the UAE has one of the most spectacular ranges of tourist accommodations in the world. There are staggeringly beautiful, modern hotels, which can be expensive. However, more modest housing is also available. Hotels and accommodation in the Emirates are always available - in fact, hotels are a major revenue source for investors in the UAE. The hotels and accommodation throughout the Emirates are stunning and extraordinarily luxurious because of the high luxury standards in the Emirates (particularly in Dubai) as well as the relatively new buildings and skyscrapers. Some of the most famous lodging destinations that are famous for being portrayed in movies are the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi and the Burj Al Arab in Dubai. Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi also serves as a lodging destination for foreign head of states or diplomats visiting the capital city Abu Dhabi. Almost all hotels serve alcohol with the notable exception of hotels in Sharjah. Most hotels also have various bars, night clubs, and meeting hot spots. Most resorts are built on artificial made islands such as the Palm Jumeriah in Dubai and Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah. Beach access and amenities are a given when booking a resort or a hotel on a beach. ==Learn== [[File:UniversityCityHall.jpg|thumb|250px|University City Hall in University City, Sharjah.]] Per the Times Higher Education (THE) and the QS World University rankings in 2019, the highest ranking universities in the UAE are: *1- Khalifa University *2- United Arab Emirates University *3- American University in Sharjah *4- American University in Dubai *5- University of Sharjah *6- Abu Dhabi University *7- Zayed University *8- Ajman University The UAE has government-sponsored universities that are limited only to citizens or high achieving non citizens only. The four local government-sponsored universities are [https://www.ku.ac.ae/ Khalifa University], the [http://www.uaeu.ac.ae/ar/ United Arab Emirates University] in [[Al Ain]], the [http://www.hct.ac.ae/ar/ Higher Colleges of Technology] with various campuses throughout the UAE, and [http://www.zu.ac.ae/main/en/index.aspx Zayed University] with campuses in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. In addition to the local universities, the UAE also hosts branches of several well-known American and European universities. These are primarily concentrated in the cities of [[Dubai]] and [[Abu Dhabi]]. Examples of global universities with campuses in the UAE include New York University Abu Dhabi, Paris-Sorbonne Abu Dhabi, London Business School, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, and University of Exeter. ==Work== You will need a work visa to be allowed to work in the UAE, and receiving one requires a local company or sponsor to apply on your behalf. 10-year, 5-year, and 6-month visa schemes are also available for investors, entrepreneurs and outstanding students. The [https://government.ae/en/information-and-services/visa-and-emirates-id/residence-visa/long-term-residence-visas-in-the-uae UAE government official online portal] has all the details to apply for visas or long term visas. Qualifying investors, entrepreneurs, professional talents, researchers in various fields of science and knowledge, and outstanding students are offered a permanent residency scheme called the Gold Card. Obtaining UAE citizenship is only possible for foreign women who are married to Emirati men (but ''not'' for foreign men married to Emirati women), but is otherwise next to impossible for other foreigners. A foreign woman must be married for 7 years with at least one child or 10 years with no children to be eligible for citizenship. Citizenship may also be granted by a decree from the president if a person has done extraordinary accomplishments for the country. ==Respect== [[File:Haribya Band.jpg|thumb|Emirati men wearing traditional attire while performing the Emirati weapon dance Razfah]] Emiratis share a common culture with the rest of the Arab world, so what would be good manners in other Arab countries would generally be good manners in the Emirates too. Emiratis are proud but welcoming people and, when not in their cars, are generally extremely civil and friendly. Their culture can be very conservative, but they are quite attuned to the ways, customs, events, media, and manners of the world. Local men usually wear a "Kandoura", a long robe (typically white), and ghutra, a red-checked or white headdress. Local women wear a black robe-like garment (abaya) and a black head scarf (shayla). Travelers should be aware and respect the more traditional outlook in the UAE, but Western travelers will find most of the UAE quite comfortable. Although women are not legally required to wear the ''hijab'', revealing fashions such as tank tops and shorts are discouraged. Hijab and modest clothing are necessary to visit mosques or religious sites. Some mosques such as the Sheikh Zayed mosque in Abu Dhabi provide modest clothing for tourists visiting the site. Short skirts and shorts might incur stares. There are quite a few tourist- or expatriate-dominated zones where even "provocative" dress may be seen, although not welcomed, and swimwear such as bikinis can be worn. These include many areas of the Emirate of Dubai and, for example, beach resorts in Ajman or Fujairah. Public nudity anywhere is strictly forbidden. Sharjah is the most conservative of the Emirates with public decency statutes forbidding overly revealing clothing including certain kinds of beach wear, with varying enforcement. Public display of affection towards a spouse is considered impolite or ill-mannered to the Emirati population. On the other hand, it is not uncommon for Emirati men or women to show physical affection to persons of the same sex; Emirati men often kiss one another's noses in greeting, and women greet one another with cheek kisses and may hold hands or link arms. Doing this in public as a non-heterosexual may be risky; the Emirates are not LGBT-friendly. However, discretion is the key: like many things in Emirati society, what happens behind closed doors just happens. '''Business cards''' should be given and received using only your '''right hand'''. Using the left hand is very disrespectful as it is considered unclean. ==Stay safe== [[File:Dubai Police at work (12385410394).jpg|thumb|Dubai Police uses a fleet of super-cars. The super cars police patrols are found in tourist hot spots and allows tourists to take pictures with the officers.]]{{Warningbox|Hostilities in the region and between Israel and Iran have the potential to deteriorate further, quickly and without warning. On 22 June the US launched military strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities and on 23 June Iran launched military strikes against a US military base in Qatar. There is a possibility of travel disruption, including short-notice airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights, and other unanticipated travel impacts. As a precautionary measure we encourage you to: -monitor local and international media for the latest information -be vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities -take shelter and stay away from windows if instructed. If you require urgent assistance call 999 -avoid military or security facilities -check with relevant airlines for the latest updates before travelling|australia=https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/middle-east/united-arab-emirates|canada=https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/united-arab-emirates|uk=https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/united-arab-emirates|us=https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/united-arab-emirates-travel-advisory.html}}{{Warningbox|Militant groups operating in Yemen have threatened neighboring countries, including the UAE, with missile and drone attacks. Across the region, terrorists may attack with little or no warning and may target tourist locations, transportation hubs, shopping areas, places of worship, and government facilities.|lastedit=2025/06/24|us=https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/united-arab-emirates-travel-advisory.html|uk=https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/united-arab-emirates|australia=https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/middle-east/united-arab-emirates|canada=https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/united-arab-emirates}} The UAE is one of the safest countries in the world with regard to crime. However, there is a very high rate of automobile accidents, so you should take extra care when driving a vehicle or crossing the road. Also, the law enforcement is harsh, with severe punishments for what in most places would pass as just inappropriate behaviour or at most a misdemeanor. Homosexuality is illegal in the UAE, and it may carry the penalty of death or life in prison, so gay and lesbian tourists should be discreet and avoid any public displays of affection. Sex outside marriage is illegal, but the penalty is not enforced unless it results in pregnancy. Public displays of affection are also illegal and punishable by fine or jail regardless of gender or sexual orientation. Caution is definitely advised. Public sex, nudity, and any form of sexual activity conducted in public is illegal. The UAE has extremely strict laws on drug usage; the punishment for possession is typically 4 years in prison, and tourists have been arrested and sentenced under this law for having microscopic specks of drugs or even drug ingredients on their clothing without their knowledge. Another trap for the unwary is that if you are suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, a blood test can be taken, and if it shows evidence of substances that are illegal in the UAE, then you will probably end up in jail even if the substances were ingested abroad. In addition to testing your blood, they will likely check your belongings. Some common painkillers, like codeine, are illegal narcotics in the UAE. Don't bring any with you unless you carry a copy of your prescription or you may join others who have received jail sentences. In contrast, antibiotics are freely available over the counter at pharmacies. If you receive a prescription for controlled drugs in the UAE, such as some painkillers and antidepressants, be sure to keep the copy of the prescription with you when traveling out of the country. Under cyber-crime laws, if a person makes or has made a defamatory statement about someone in the UAE on social media, even if a number of years ago in another country, they can be jailed or fined. ==Stay healthy== General '''medical care''' in the Emirates is quite good, with clinics for general and specialized care widely available, including some which are now open 24 hours. Hospitals in the major centers are well-equipped to deal with any medical emergencies. There is an ambulance system in all major population centres; however, coverage can be patchy in the more remote areas. Ambulances are designed for transportation rather than providing care as first responders, so don't expect top-flight on-site care. The main government hospital in Abu Dhabi is quite good; as is the Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, now managed by Cleveland Clinic. In Dubai, the government hospitals are Rashid hospital, which has a new Trauma Centre and Dubai Hospital which are very good. Welcare Hospital International Modern Hospital American Hospital Zulekha Hospital NMC Hospital, and Belhoul Hospital in the private sector all have a good reputation. The country is free of [[malaria]] and prophylaxis is not needed. In Sharjah, the Kuwaiti (government) Hospital accepts expatriates. The private hospitals in Sharjah are the Zahra hospital, Zulekha Hospital and Central Private Hospital. Prices including healthcare are generally cheaper in Sharjah and although all hospitals meet the Ministry of Health standards the Central Private Hospital and Zulekha Hospitals are considered more affordable. Al Ain is served by modern hospitals and care centers: Tawam Hospital, now managed by Johns Hopkins, and host to the UAE University Faculty of Medicine and Health Science; Al Ain Hospital (also called Al Jimi Hospital as it is in the district of Al Jimi), now managed by the Vienna Medical University; and the private Oasis Hospital, previously known as Kennedy Hospital, which was founded and run by Christian missionaries, and which was the first hospital in the city. The '''[[water]]''' is safe to drink in the UAE, although most people prefer bottled water for its taste. The food is clean and in most restaurants is served to Western standards, particularly in tourist areas; however, hygiene can be an issue in some establishments outside, particularly roadside stalls. That said, food poisoning does happen, so use your common sense! The '''heat in summer''' can reach 50°C (122°F), so avoid outdoor activity at the height of the day and watch out for signs of heat stroke. Be sure to drink lots of water as dehydration happens easily in such heat. If travelling off road (most of the country is desert), ensure you carry sufficient water to allow you to walk to the road should vehicles become bogged. Although the UAE is somewhat more accommodating to '''[[travellers with disabilities]]''' than other countries in the Mideast, it would nonetheless be a difficult country to navigate in a wheelchair. Curbs are high and there are few, if any, ramps or other accommodations. This includes an almost complete lack of handicapped-friendly bathrooms. ==Connect== As of March 2022, tourists passing through passport control are given a free SIM card valid for one day, and tied to their passport identity. This is an initiative of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) to welcome new tourists. As this is only a 24h SIM card, you may still want to organise an [[Mobile phones#eSIM technology|eSIM]] for data access on a compatible phone before your travel: vendors of these can be found on the internet. {{Infobox|Landline area codes|The country's international calling code is +971 in reference to its independence year (1971) *01 - was intended to be used by the planned capital 'Al Karama' but never put in use. *02 - Abu Dhabi area code *03 - Al Ain area code *04 - Dubai area code *06 - Sharjah, Ajman, Um al Quwain area codes *07 - Ras Al Khaimah area code *09 - Fujairah area code Calling internationally, 971 + (the second number of the area code) followed by the number calls a specific landline in that area. }} ===By phone=== The country code is 971. The mobile phone network uses the GSM technology (as in [[Europe]] and [[Africa]]) and use is widespread. The format for dialing is: +971-#-### ####, where the first "#" designates the area code. Key area codes include Dubai (4), Sharjah (6) and Abu Dhabi (2). Calls to mobile phones use the operator's area codes: (50/56/58) for Etisalat and (52/55) for Du. Like many other countries, when dialing locally, "00" is used to access an international number (and followed by the country code) and "0" is used to access a national number (followed by the area code). ===By Internet=== UAE Internet service providers and Wi-Fi operators ban pornography, politically sensitive material, anything against the perceived moral values of the UAE, certain web archiving services, and certain cryptocurrency news sites (while others are allowed). Making '''voice or video calls''' on many popular apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and Snapchat are blocked, although messaging and "corporate" video call tools like Zoom and Microsoft Teams work fine. Most people use a VPN service to bypass local Internet restrictions, but VPN usage is formally illegal, especially if used to conceal committing a crime. Also, most common and commercial VPNs are blocked, so you will really need a company VPN or a personal VPN with dedicated but unknown IP. Foreign SIMs (used in roaming) may enable VoIP access. Internet cafés are fairly common in the larger cities. ===By post=== [[File:Stamp Abu 1967 40f-170px.jpg|thumb|A postal stamp from Abu Dhabi in 1967.]] The United Arab Emirates has a fairly efficient postal system run by the '''[https://www.emiratespost.ae/ Emirates Post]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}'''. There are dozens of post offices scattered across the major cities. It costs 4.50 dirham at standard rates to send a standard letter weighing 29-30 gr (1 oz) locally and between the emirates within the country; 5 dirham to neighboring Gulf states (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain); 9 dirham across the gulf to Iran; and 11 to 13 dirham to most other countries. Mailing to nearby conflict zones (Iraq, Syria, Yemen) can only be sent on the premium rate starting at 165 dirham. Sending parcels can get costly, being counted per kilogram and by distance. As the rates depends on the type of item you post and where you send it, you can get estimated rates by weight and distance from the [https://www.emiratespost.ae/all-services/get-rates Emirates Post official website]. All mail sent within and to the country are sent only to PO Boxes without zip or post codes. Therefore, addresses should be formatted as: :Name of recipient :Name of company or organization if relevant :PO Box xxxx :NAME OF EMIRATE :COUNTRY IF MAILING FROM OUTSIDE THE COUNTRY Such as: :John Doe :Raffles World Academy :PO Box 122900 :DUBAI :UNITED ARAB EMIRATES If sending by private courier (DHL, FedEx, UPS, etc) to a physical address be sure to confirm the delivery address with recipient and provide the recipient's telephone number on the package so that the delivery driver can call to clarify the location if necessary as physical addresses are vague and inconsistent. Such as: :John Doe :Raffles World Academy :Al Marcup Street Umm Suqeim 3 :Jumera 3 :DUBAI :UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Many expats working in the UAE typically use their employer's PO Box to receive personal mail. But, there is no concept of 'privacy' and mail can be opened by the employer, especially after the employee has left the company. Therefore, it is recommended that anybody staying long term to establish their ''own'' mailing address than to have personal mail sent to them via their employer. ==Go next== The land border can be crossed to [[Oman]] and [[Saudi Arabia]]. There are ferries to [[Iran]]. {{outlinecountry}} {{geo|24.4|54.3|zoom=8}} {{isPartOf|Middle East}} 3r3z14vop8ygs10hjuvrzez5phrkgy6 0 37386 5086713 5082721 2025-07-02T17:30:46Z Mrkstvns 144844 /* Other destinations */ 5086713 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Playa Pocitos Pano banner 2.jpg}} '''Uruguay''' is the second-smallest country in [[South America]], wedged between two of the world's largest countries ― [[Argentina]] and [[Brazil]]. Known for its colonial-era historic districts in [[Colonia]] and [[Montevideo]], amazing beaches on the [[Atlantic Coast (Uruguay)|Atlantic Coast]], its socially progressive society, and beef production, Uruguay is a true gem among South American nations, as it boasts a level of stability that few countries on the continent can match. ==Regions== Uruguay is divided into 19 departments, which can be very roughly grouped into the following four general regions. [[Montevideo]], the capital of Uruguay, is its own department. Each of the other departments has a capital city, which sometimes has the same name as the department. This can occasionally lead to confusion—if someone says they're going to (for instance) Tacuarembó, you might have to ask whether they mean [[Tacuarembó|Tacuarembó the city]] or Tacuarembó the department. There's another bit of terminology that may be confusing to outsiders: Uruguayans use the word "interior" to refer to the whole country except Montevideo, not just the inland area. {{mapframe|staticmap=Uruguay Regions map.png|width=400}} {{Regionlist | region1name=[[Atlantic Coast (Uruguay)|Atlantic Coast]] | region1color=#83a8c1 | region1items=Departments of Maldonado and Rocha | region1description=Popular and varied beach resorts on the Atlantic Ocean | region2name=[[Rio de la Plata]] | region2color=#dbe086 | region2items=Departments of Canelones, Colonia, Montevideo, Río Negro, San José, and Soriano | region2description=Riverside beaches and historic colonial architecture sandwiched between the center of Uruguayan life in Montevideo and the metropolis of Buenos Aires, Argentina | region3name=[[Northern Interior (Uruguay)|Northern Interior]] | region3color=#71b37b | region3items=Departments of Artigas, Paysandú, Rivera, Salto, and Tacuarembó | region3description=Citrus production, strong presence of ''gauchos'' (South American cowboys) and important border towns next to Argentina and Brazil | region4name=[[Central Interior (Uruguay)|Central Interior]] | region4color=#b5d29f | region4items=Departments of Cerro Largo, Durazno, Flores, Florida, Lavalleja, and Treinta y Tres | region4description=Rolling hills, agriculture, and idyllic countryside resorts }} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#83a8c1|title=[[Atlantic Coast (Uruguay)|Atlantic Coast]]|wikidata=Q16582,Q331196|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#dbe086|title=[[Rio de la Plata]]|wikidata=Q1335,Q16577,Q16579,Q16580,Q16584,Q16596|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#71b37b|title=[[Northern Interior (Uruguay)|Northern Interior]]|wikidata=Q16603,Q16609,Q16587,Q16595,Q16576|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#b5d29f|title=[[Central Interior (Uruguay)|Central Interior]]|wikidata=Q16575,Q16591,Q16578,Q16593,Q460435,Q16610|stroke-opacity=0.1}} ==Cities== *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Montevideo]]|wikidata=Q1335}} – Uruguay's capital and largest city. A third of the country's population lives here and it is replete with stunning architecture, as well as beaches, museums, and festivals. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Punta del Este]]|wikidata=Q56069}} – a super-popular beach resort town known as the "[[Monaco]] of the South". *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Colonia]]|wikidata=Q56064}} (Colonia del Sacramento) - a well preserved old colonial town and [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]] *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Piriapolis]]|wikidata=Q1006155}} – a beach resort, a bit more laid back than Punta del Este *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Rivera]]|wikidata=Q646498}} – a hilly city in the north, right on the border with [[Brazil]] *{{marker|type=city|name=[[La Paloma]]|wikidata=Q893173}} – another summer beach town *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Paysandú]]|wikidata=Q309442}} – across the river from Argentina, with hot springs, riverside beaches, and more *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Salto]]|wikidata=Q335506}} – located on the border with Argentina and known for its hot springs and historic buildings ==Other destinations== *[[Uruguay national parks|National parks]] protect the country's natural resources and sometimes historical or cultural sites, such as old forts or indigenous settlements *Beaches on the '''[[Atlantic Coast (Uruguay)|Atlantic Coast]]''' – in addition to the major beach towns mentioned above, there are some quieter spots worth a visit: ** {{marker|name=[[Barra de Valizas]]|wikidata=}} ** {{marker|name=[[Cabo Polonio]]|wikidata=Q1024895}} ** {{marker|name=[[Punta del Diablo]]|wikidata=Q1749947}} ** {{marker|name=[[Santa Teresa National Park]]|wikidata=Q2054006}} , including the colonial fortress ''Fortaleza de Santa Teresa'' * {{marker|name=[[Quebrada de los Cuervos]]|wikidata=}} – "Ravens' Gorge", a protected landscape of rolling hills and a deep gorge * Remains of precolumbian settlements in '''[[Flores (Uruguay)|Flores Department]]''' * '''[http://sierradelasanimas.com/ Sierra de las Ánimas]{{Dead link|date=November 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' – a mountain range including one of Uruguay's highest peaks * '''Cerro Pan de Azúcar''' – the third highest peak in Uruguay, topped with a large cross, near [[Piriapolis]] ===Itineraries=== * '''[[Along the coast of Uruguay]]''' – a tour of Uruguay's coast, including the most popular tourist destinations and beaches galore * '''[[La Redota]]''' – retracing the 1811–12 journey of national hero José Artigas ==Understand== {{quickbar|location=LocationUruguay.png}} Uruguay is formally known as the '''Oriental Republic of Uruguay''' (''República Oriental del Uruguay''). The name Uruguay means ''river of the colorful birds''. It is related to the name [[Guyana]]: Arawak Guayana, land of many waters. Often called the [[Switzerland]] of [[South America]] not for geographical features, but for a stable democracy and social benefits such as free education. In 2002, Uruguay faced one of its biggest economic crises which had very negative effects on safety due to the rise in crime, and although the activity levels in 2008 were at pre-crisis levels, crime is still relatively high, but still low for the region. Long a desired country for immigration, Uruguay has been suffering from high levels of emigration for almost four decades, mainly of highly trained workers and people with high level studies (brain drain) seeking better opportunities abroad. Uruguay has a rich agricultural and civic history. It has more than three times as many cattle as people (the highest ratio of any country in the world by far). The dominant pre-20th century live stock driving techniques are still utilized in some areas, and are less visited tourist attractions than the pleasant beaches and city centers. The country has a mostly low-lying landscape. Cerro Catedral, the country's highest point, is {{m|514}} high. ===Climate=== [[File:Calle Washington Barbot.JPG|thumbnail|Leaves falling in May, Colonia]] Uruguay is the only South American country located entirely in the temperate zone. The country is flat grassland and all locations are particularly vulnerable to rapid changes from weather fronts and forceful winds as there are no high mountains that could act as shields. As Uruguay is located south of the Equator (approximately at the same latitude as [[Johannesburg]] and [[Sydney]]), summer and winter are reversed compared to the Northern Hemisphere. In the winter temperatures under freezing are rare but not unheard of. === People === Uruguay, like many countries in the Western Hemisphere, is a melting pot of cultures. Most Uruguayans are descendants of Spanish and Italian immigrants who migrated to the country centuries ago. Uruguay has one of the largest Italian communities in the world ― it is believed that 44% of the population are of full or partial Italian descent. ===History=== [[File:Artigas mausoleum.JPG|thumbnail|Inside the Artigas mausoleum in Montevideo]] [[File:Uruguay (5886752274).jpg|thumbnail|Calle de los Suspiros in the old town of Colonia del Sacramento]] Uruguay was discovered by Spanish Adelantados in the late 16th century, and was part of the United Provinces of the River Plate until 1811. (Although ''plata'' literally means "silver" in Spanish, "plate" is the traditional and correct translation as it was used as a synonym for precious metals up until the 19th century.) Originally, Uruguay was simply known as the Banda Oriental, or Eastern Band, of colonies along the eastern edge of the Uruguay and Plate Rivers. When Buenos Aires expelled the last Viceroy, Baltasar Cisneros, the capital moved to Montevideo. The rebel navy sailed from Buenos Aires in an attempt to overcome the Spanish troops in that city, aided by the local rebel troops. When Montevideo was finally freed from Spain, Uruguay intended to secede from Buenos Aires, only to be invaded by the Brazilian Empire, which started the Argentine-Brazilian war in 1813. After a variety of confusing twists, the war ultimately ended in a stalemate. With the assistance of mediation by the British government, both warring countries agreed to end their territorial claims on the Banda Oriental in 1828, thus giving birth to the new Eastern Republic of Uruguay. A constitution was subsequently drafted and adopted in 1830. British assistance in the creation of Uruguay led to a long history of British influence (including the habit of driving on the left), which ended only with World War II. The Argentinian Civil War which ravaged that country during the 19th century was not a stranger to Uruguay, which soon gave birth to two opposing parties, the Whites (liberals) and the Reds (traditionalists) that eventually also led to a Uruguayan Civil War that went on in various hot and cold phases until the beginnings of the twentieth century. The story goes that the parties' colors originally came from armbands allegedly torn from the Uruguayan flag, but the conservatives switched to red armbands when they realized that red faded less quickly in the sun than blue. However, the simmering tension between the left and right wings of Uruguayan politics persisted. From 1954 to 1967, Uruguay tried an unusual solution borrowed from Switzerland: a collegiate Executive Office in which a different member was designated President every year. In this way, Uruguay became the "Latin American Switzerland" for a while, acting as model of democracy and banking liberties until a military coup ended all this. A Marxist urban guerrilla movement, the Tupamaros, launched in the late 1960s, led Uruguay's president Juan María Bordaberry to "agree" to military control of his administration in 1973. (They returned the favor by firing him from his job in 1976 and appointing the first of several puppet presidents.) By the end of 1974 the rebels had been brutally crushed (and Tupamaro leader and future president Jose Mujica was imprisoned at the bottom of a well), but the military continued to expand its hold over the government, by engaging in widespread torture and disappearances of alleged insurgents and anyone unfortunate enough to be perceived as opponents of the regime. Civilian and democratic rule was not restored until 1985. In 1986, major economies of the world gathered in [[Punta del Este]], Uruguay to negotiate a trade agreement, commonly known as the Uruguay Round. After 7.5 years, negotiations concluded in [[Marrakesh]], Morocco in 1994 where the World Trade Organization was established. Today, Uruguay's political and labor conditions are among the most free on the continent. It ranks 18th in the Democracy Index. In 2004, a center-left to left-wing coalition (the ''Frente Amplio'' or Broad Front) which included the Tupamaros won elections which left them in control of both houses of congress, the presidency, and most city and regional governments. In 2009, former guerrilla leader Mujica was elected president. ===Culture=== Culturally the country is closest to its neighbors Argentina and the Brazilian state of [[Rio Grande do Sul]], with which it shares its traditional elements of ''gaucho'' (South American cowboy) culture. In Montevideo and on the coast the ''gaucho'' is more of a national symbol than a part of daily life, but in the north (cities like [[Rivera]] and [[Bella Unión]]) you'll see modern-day gauchos going about their lives, riding horses in traditional clothing. Uruguay also has Lusitanian influences, like the large [[Rio]]-like carnivals in the first months of the year in many cities, the historical old town of [[Colonia]] — a 17th-century Portuguese outpost and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as ''portuñol'', a mix of Spanish and Portuguese spoken near the Brazilian border. Amerindian traits can be found in Uruguayan culture, from cuisine to vocabulary, but there is no Amerindian population left. Finally the Uruguayans share the passion for association football/soccer with Argentina and Brazil and the very first FIFA World Cup was actually held in Montevideo in 1930 — won by the host nation. ===Holidays=== * '''January 1''' - New Year's Day * '''January 6''' - Wise Men's Day * '''Carnival''' (moveable) * '''Holy Week''' (officially Tourism Week; moveable) * '''April 19''' - Landing of the 33 Patriots Day * '''May 18''' - Battle of Las Piedras * '''June 19''' - Birthday of José Gervasio Artigas * '''July 18''' - Constitution Day * '''August 25''' - Independence Day * '''December 25''' - Christmas (officially Family Day) ===Visitor information=== * [https://www.gub.uy/ministerio-turismo/ Tourism website] ==Get in== [[File:Visa policy of Uruguay.svg|thumb|375px|A map showing the visa requirements of Uruguay, with countries in yellow and blue having visa-free access]] === Visa requirements === Citizens of Mercosur member states ― [[Argentina]], [[Bolivia]], [[Brazil]], [[Chile]], [[Colombia]], [[Ecuador]], [[Paraguay]], and [[Peru]] ― enjoy freedom of movement in Uruguay. They can just enter with their National ID card. Citizens of the following countries can enter without a '''visa''': * '''Up to 90 days''': [[Andorra]], [[Argentina]], [[Armenia]], [[Australia]], [[Austria]], [[Bahamas]], [[Barbados]], [[Belgium]], [[Belize]], [[Bolivia]], [[Brazil]], [[Bulgaria]], [[Canada]], [[Chile]], [[Colombia]], [[Costa Rica]], [[Croatia]], [[Cyprus]], [[Czech Republic]], [[Denmark]], [[Dominican Republic]], [[Ecuador]], [[El Salvador]], [[Estonia]], [[Finland]], [[France]], [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]], [[Germany]], [[Greece]], [[Grenada]], [[Guatemala]], [[Guyana]], [[Honduras]], [[Hong Kong]], [[Hungary]], [[Iceland]], [[Ireland]], [[Israel]], [[Italy]], [[Jamaica]], [[Japan]], [[Latvia]], [[Liechtenstein]], [[Lithuania]], [[Luxembourg]], [[Macau]], [[Malta]], [[Mexico]], [[Monaco]], [[Netherlands]], [[New Zealand]], [[Nicaragua]], [[Norway]], [[Panama]], [[Paraguay]], [[Peru]], [[Poland]], [[Portugal]], [[Romania]], [[Russia]], [[Saint Kitts and Nevis]], [[Saint Vincent and the Grenadines]], [[San Marino]], [[Serbia]], [[Seychelles]], [[Singapore]], [[Slovakia]], [[Slovenia]], [[South Africa]], [[Spain]], [[Sweden]], [[Switzerland]], [[Trinidad and Tobago]], [[Turkey]], [[United Kingdom]], [[United States of America|United States]] and [[Venezuela]]. * '''Up to 30 days''': [[Malaysia]] and [[Mongolia]]. If you're not a citizen of any of the countries listed above, you must apply for a visa at a Uruguayan embassy. If you want to stay longer than 90 days as a tourist, you'll need to either leave the country and re-enter with a fresh stamp for another 90 days ([[Buenos Aires]] and [[Chuí]] are popular and convenient options for these "visa runs"; see [[#By car]] below for others), or bring your passport to the appropriate government office to get an extension. Travellers from other countries should contact the local consular section of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. But usually Uruguay has its borders open to tourists and visitors from all countries and it is quite easy to get in or out. ==== Visa application requirements ==== If you need a visa to visit Uruguay, you're normally required submit the following documents: * A completed visa application form * A copy of your passport (must have a validity of more than six months) * A passport-sized photograph * A letter of invitation from your host in Uruguay (a hotel reservation will suffice) * Round-trip tickets to Uruguay Note: * Some embassies may require you to submit a health certificate * Some embassies may require you to submit a bank statement '''Incomplete visa applications will be denied''', so get everything you need. ===By plane=== [[File:Aerop 15265.jpg|thumbnail|Carrasco International Airport, Montevideo]] The country's largest airport and primary hub is {{marker|type=go|name=Carrasco International Airport|url=http://www.aeropuertodecarrasco.com.uy|wikidata=Q9064}}, {{km|20}} east of Montevideo. Carrasco is a relatively small airport and most travelers outside Latin America will have to connect at least once or twice to get there. From Carrasco there are flights to several destinations in [[Argentina]] and [[Brazil]], [[Buenos Aires]] and [[São Paulo]] having direct connections to many major airports on other continents. Other Latin American destinations include [[Santiago]], [[Asunción]], [[Santa_Cruz_(city,_Bolivia)|Santa Cruz]], [[Lima]] and [[Panama]]. Moreover there are flights to [[MIA|Miami]], [[Barajas Airport|Madrid]] and [[CDG|Paris]]. Other airports in the country exist, but they have just a one or two flights to Montevideo or Buenos Aires a week — given the short distances and affordable and frequent bus transportation these airports are of marginal use for most travelers. If you are heading to western Uruguay, consider flying into Buenos Aires and continuing by bus or ferry. Some airlines demand a return or onward travel ticket when checking in for a flight into Uruguay, like AirEuropa and American Airlines. Inquire with your airline whether this is needed or hold something ready. However, a convincing fake copy might do, since airport staff will not really be able to verify any such proof. ===By train=== There are no international train lines to Uruguay. ===By car=== The main border crossings from Argentina and Brazil are (from south to north): * from '''Argentina''': [[Fray Bentos]]/[[Gualeguaychú]], [[Paysandú]]/[[Colon (Argentina)|Colón]], [[Salto]]/[[Concordia (Argentina)|Concordia]] * from '''Brazil''': [[Chuy]]/[[Chuí]], [[Río Branco]]/[[Jaguarão]], [[Aceguá]]/[[Aceguá]], [[Rivera]]/[[Santana do Livramento]], [[Artigas]]/[[Quaraí]], [[Bella Unión]]/[[Barra do Quaraí]] Some ferries between Buenos Aires and Colonia also carry vehicles. However, taking the land border crossing can be convenient for a more complete route including Salto, Paysandú and Carmelo and the cities on the Argentinian side on your trip between Argentina and Uruguay. ===By bus=== [http://www.trescruces.com.uy Terminal Tres Cruces] is Montevideo's main hub. Travel by bus is very safe. International services are available to Montevideo from [[Porto Alegre]] and [[Florianópolis]] (Brazil), most of the Argentinian provinces ([[Buenos Aires (province)|Buenos Aires]], [[Córdoba (province, Argentina)|Cordoba]], [[Mendoza (province)|Mendoza]], [[Entre Rios]]), [[Asunción]] (Paraguay) and [[Santiago]]. There are also buses to [[Punta del Este]] from Porto Alegre and Florianópolis. The service is catered and buses have an outstanding level of service, much better than the average European service. Coming from Brazil, it is also possible to take a bus to a border town ([[Chuí]] and [[Santana do Livramento]] are the most popular), walk across the border, and continue on a domestic bus within Uruguay. If you go this route, make sure you remember to get your passport stamped on both sides of the border. The passport controls on each side are sometimes located some distance from the border, but if necessary, the bus driver should stop at them for you if you ask. (On international buses, the bus company will handle the border formalities without you needing to ask.) '''Note''' after pandemia a very useful app to travel Uruguay by bus ([https://www.urubus.com.uy/en/ '''URUBUS'''] ) is available to buy tickets online of all companies at the same price than Terminal Tres Cruces. ===By boat=== [[File:Buquebus silvia ana.jpg|thumbnail|The ferry between Buenos Aires and Colonia]] The '''[http://www.buquebus.com/ Buquebus]''' ferry service operates between Buenos Aires, Argentina, and both Colonia del Sacramento and Montevideo, Uruguay. Some services continue from there to Punta del Este. For the Buquebus-Ferry from Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento there are two options. One takes three hours and the other one hour to get there. The fast Buquebus catamaran ferry (one hour) costs around US$70 return (when booked in advance) and around US$110 when booked the day prior and is usually quite crowded with day tourists and travel groups. '''[http://www.coloniaexpress.com Colonia Express]''' operates between Buenos Aires and Colonia by one hour ferry and then by bus to Montevideo. Ticket prices to Montevideo or Colonia are between US$25&ndash;50, depending on the day of week and time. '''[https://www.seacatcolonia.com/Portal/SeacatARG/home Seacat Colonia]{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' operates as well between Buenos Aires and Colonia by one hour ferry and then by bus to Montevideo and Punta del Este. Another and potentially cheaper possibility is to take a boat from Tigre (north of Buenos Aires) through the scenic waterways of the river to '''Carmelo''' in Uruguay. From Carmelo, transfer via Colonia or head north. Great landscape and also drops off kids from school along the way. AR$500 as of Feb 2018. Make sure you book in advance for weekends and the peak season (late November until the end of February). '''Note''' that there is also the [http://directferries.com directferries.com]/[http://directferries.co.uk .co.uk] Website, which offers all those trips and ferries, at a however inflated price. In addition, it sometimes requires you to book business seats, which adds even more to the bill. In the end prices can easily be threefold for a simple one way ticket. ==Get around== ===By train=== There are limited '''commuter train''' services around Montevideo, provided by the '''[http://www.afe.com.uy/ Administración de Ferrocarriles del Estado]'''. As of Jan 2025, the commuter train is inactive due modernization of the tracks. There are some '''tourist trains''' which do not have a fixed schedule. You need to find announcements for them at the Montevideo train station, located at the corner of Nicaragua and Paraguay. There is, except a slow train connection between Taucarembó and Rivera in the far north, no regular '''long distance train''' service. The most usual means of public transport is the bus (local buses inside Montevideo and from Montevideo to other main cities of the country). === By bus === Uruguay has an '''extensive internal bus system''', in practice the only way of getting around between cities if you aren't driving. From [[Montevideo]] interdepartmental buses leave from the Tres Cruces station which also serves the international buses. There are often several companies serving the routes and the buses are frequent, safe, comfortable and affordable. Buses generally depart right on time. Depending on the company, tickets can usually be bought online, at bus stations and on board the buses themselves. If you buy tickets before departure you will get a reserved seat, otherwise you can sit at seats that don't happen to be occupied (otherwise there's place to stand in the aisle). Usually, there is a separate inspector on board selling and checking tickets. The inspector may ask you where you're getting off; if you're planning to get off at your destination's bus terminal, you can just say "''terminal''". Companies offering long-distance bus transport include [http://www.cot.com.uy/ COT] (Compañía de Ómnibus Turismo), [https://www.copsa.com.uy/en/ COPSA] (Compañía Oriental de Transportes S.A.), [http://www.rutasdelplata.com.uy/ Rutas del Plata], [https://www.turil.com.uy/ Turil], [https://www.turismar.com.uy/ Turismar], Rutas del Sol, Buquebus, Agencia Central, Nossar, Tata, Copay, Nuñez and Chadre. Several cities also have local bus systems; Montevideo's is naturally the largest. It can be hard to find information online about [https://horariosdeomnibus.org/ local bus routes], especially for cities other than Montevideo, but if you ask a local they'll usually know which routes go where. For both local and interdepartmental buses, you can flag them down at a bus stop by stretching your arm out horizontally to your side, perpendicular to the road, as if pointing to the other side of the street. One-day bus strikes (''paros'') are not uncommon, resulting in limited service or none at all. Often they are just for interdepartmental buses while local buses run with no disruption. === By taxi === Taxis in Uruguay are safe and fairly affordable, costing about US{{USD|2}} per km. All taxis in Montevideo use meters and have fixed costs. Some meters do not display the price of the trip in pesos but in "fichas" (tokens) which have to be converted into pesos according to a chart that should be shown to the passengers. Taxis in some smaller cities may not use meters. Uber is available in Montevideo and Punta del Este. === By car === The main highway is the one that goes from Montevideo to Punta Del Este (main tourist city of Uruguay), it is double lane from both sides. However this is the exception and most of the highways are single lane and therefore you should take precautions when driving long distances (a "long distance" in Uruguay is 500 km max), trying to pass another car. Always keep your distance from the car in front of you. In the central areas of major cities, and on most major highways, the roads are good, but if you go a little off the beaten path, be prepared for potholes and dirt roads. ====Car rentals==== To rent a car in Uruguay, residents of many countries need only their driver's license, passport, and credit card; only residents of certain countries must obtain an International Driver's Permit. Vehicle imports and gasoline are both heavily taxed. Therefore, most Uruguayans prefer to buy cars with fuel-efficient manual transmissions, which in turn means that vehicles with automatic transmissions are rarer and much more expensive. If you can drive a manual transmission, you are looking at about US{{USD|50}}/day and up, while those who can only drive automatic transmissions are looking at US{{USD|90}}/day and up for a car rental. It will cost US{{USD|60}} and up to fill up the gas tank just on a regular small sedan like a Chevy Aveo. Traditionally, the sole gasoline retailer in Uruguay was the state-owned monopoly, ANCAP. (ANCAP is the "National Administration" for "combustibles," alcohol, and Portland cement, hence the name.) Today, ANCAP competes with Petrobras and Esso. All gas stations are full service, so you will need to know enough rudimentary Spanish to tell the attendant to fill it up. ====Driving==== [[File:Uruguayan road.jpg|thumbnail|National Route 1]] Driving in Uruguay is very similar to European driving, but with less traffic lights and lots of roundabouts. North Americans accustomed to wild big-city driving (New York or Los Angeles) will not find it too difficult to adapt to. As in many developing countries and parts of Europe, Uruguayans have a tendency to split lanes or make their own lane. Since manual transmissions take longer to spin up, Uruguayans like to watch for the cross-traffic's yellow light and then jump the green about a second in advance, which means you should ''never'' run yellow lights if you can brake safely. Many intersections are marked only with yield signs. If you don't see a sign, treat it as a yield. If you see a stop sign ("Pare"), it means stop, ''please stop'', probably because it's a blind intersection and someone was killed there. You should have the "carta verde" licence to drive in Uruguay, you can find it in the embassy. The legal limit of alcohol concentration is 0.0%—do not drive after drinking. Drive on the right just like in most of the rest of South America. Uruguay has not yet implemented sensor loops, so all traffic lights are on timers and you will have to sit there regardless of whether the cross-street has traffic. (Some local drivers will just run the red after sitting for a few minutes if cross-traffic is nonexistent.) Right turns on red after stop are not allowed. Headlights must be turned on at all times while moving. Like much of Latin America, Uruguay has a fondness for giant speed bumps at the edge of towns the road passes through, this is true also for major roads. These are signed well in advance and require drivers to brake to {{kmh|20}} or less; failure to brake in time will send one's car flying. Uruguayan law requires drivers to keep both hands on the steering wheel while moving, which means you cannot use a handheld cell phone while driving. The speed limit ranges between {{kmh|75 and 110}} on most intercity highways, with {{kmh|90}} standard on most stretches, but it's not enforced. Uruguay does not have any long-distance freeways or expressways. Some short stretches of Routes 1 and 5 to the west of Montevideo have been upgraded to freeways. Look out for pedestrians and slow-moving traffic in the roadway, especially in rural areas and poorer suburbs. Because automobiles are so expensive, many Uruguayans get around solely by foot, taxi, scooter, motorcycle, or bus. Like many developing countries, Uruguay lacks the resources to properly maintain sidewalks in poor neighborhoods, so sidewalks often have cracks, potholes, or worse. Therefore, you will see pedestrians frequently walking in the street even when there appears to be a sidewalk or footpath next to the road. ====Navigation==== [[File:R-IBuy.jpg|thumbnail|Toll booth at Ruta Interbalnearia between Montevideo and Punta del Este]] Uruguayan national highways are well-maintained, well-designed, easy to drive, and in excellent condition; they are maintained by the private Highway Corporation of Uruguay (CVU) under the supervision of the National Highway Directorate (DNV). CVU charges a standard toll (U$90 for a regular auto) to traffic in both directions at toll plazas strategically sited throughout the country near bridges over major rivers (where it is difficult to find a toll-free detour). Transitions between CVU/DNV and local department highway maintenance are always marked with large signs (if the jarring change in the quality of the pavement doesn't already make it obvious). Roads under local maintenance tend to vary widely in terms of quality. The most important long-distance highway in Uruguay is the Ruta Interbalneria (IB) linking Montevideo to Punta Del Este, which is a four-lane road with a broad median. Note that the IB was built as what people from western North America call an expressway; that is, cross-traffic still crosses at-grade at intersections rather than at interchanges with overpasses and underpasses. Most other highways are two-lane highways. It is nearly impossible to obtain paper road maps of Uruguay outside of the country. Fortunately, ANCAP sells an excellent map package at all its gas stations which, as of 2012, includes three maps. Two are large foldable sheet maps. One is an overview-level highway map, which has the entire Mercosur bloc on one side and all of Uruguay on the other. The other is a detailed street map of Montevideo. The third map is a booklet with detailed street maps of all departmental capital cities and several other major cities, including Punta del Este. Google Maps, Bing Maps from Microsoft, and OpenStreetMap all have excellent coverage of Montevideo, and the first two also have good coverage of the rest of the country. Although there are now mobile apps available which enable users to download OpenStreetMap data in advance to one's mobile phone, OpenStreetMap's coverage of areas outside of Montevideo and Punta del Este is still incomplete. Another important quirk to keep in mind is that ''only'' online map services accurately depict the one-way streets common in Montevideo and other Uruguayan cities and towns. Virtually all Uruguayan paper road maps (including the ANCAP maps and the official maps from the Ministry of Tourism and Sport) lack arrows to show the direction of one-way streets. ====Emergencies==== Take notice of the emergency phone numbers prominently posted on the highways and keep them in mind. Uruguay is not a dangerous country, but since it is mostly agricultural and very sparsely populated between the towns, if your car breaks down it can take you a long time to walk to the nearest pay phone. It is recommended to carry a cell phone with you. Antel is the state company and the main provider. === By motorbike === Many Uruguayans use motorbikes as their preferred mode of transport. These are also available for rent to tourists in many larger cities. For motorbikes there is no road toll. === By thumb === :''Also, read the [[Hitchhiking|general guide on hitchhiking]].'' In rural areas hitchhiking is fairly common and as safe as hitching is anywhere. Uruguay has the lowest level of violent crime in the Americas, outside Canada. If you are female don't hitchhike alone. Play it safe but it's more likely that the car is going to crash (1 in 100 chance) than something bad is going to happen. Always use your seatbelts, while drivers that take you along the way can be very open, they can also be a little reckless in driving, kind of related probably. ==Talk== {{seealso|Spanish phrasebook}} '''[[Spanish phrasebook|Spanish]]''' is the country's official and national language. The pronunciation and the use of the ''vos'' pronoun instead of ''tú'' is practically the same as the Spanish variety spoken in Argentina, also known as ''Rioplatense Spanish''. However it is remarkably different from the Spanish spoken in Spain when it comes to pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary. If you are not familiar with the local dialect, be prepared to regularly having to ask people you're talking with to repeat themselves. Although most Uruguayans have studied '''English''' at school, they do not actually speak or use it. However, some Uruguayans have studied English at private institutes, so they can speak it well. Outside Montevideo, Colonia and Punta del Este, there are few English speakers. In most tourist spots (shopping centers and in Punta del Este), there is someone who is proficient in English and upscale restaurants and those that cater to tourists often have someone on staff who speaks English. In practice, knowledge of basic Spanish is ''indispensable'' for independent travel in Uruguay. If you try to communicate in Spanish or with gestures, most Uruguayans will try to help you out. Those who can speak English will often single you out and begin a conversation themselves, eager to try out their English. People are kind and helpful, and they will be glad to meet with a foreigner. In major tourist spots and anywhere near the Brazilian border, you can get by with '''[[Brazilian Portuguese phrasebook|Portuguese]]'''. Don't be surprised if you talk to someone in Portuguese and they just respond in Spanish, figuring that if you speak Portuguese you can understand enough Spanish to get what they're saying. Near the border, you may also hear '''Portuñol''', a mixture of Portuguese and Spanish. The deaf community in Uruguay uses '''Uruguayan Sign Language''' (''lengua de señas uruguaya''). If you want to study Spanish in a language academy, you may want to check out the Grupo de Turismo Idiomático, a private sector initiative supported by the Ministry of Tourism. ==See== [[File:Castillo Piria, emblemático por su historia vinculada a la alquimia.JPG|thumbnail|Castillo de Piria]] While there are interesting things to see all over Uruguay, the main sights of interest are concentrated on the coastline. Perhaps unsurprisingly the largest concentration of things to see is the capital, [[Montevideo]]. There the "father of Uruguayan nationhood", general Jose Artigas rests in a mausoleum under an equestrian statue of himself in the middle of Plaza Independencia surrounded by buildings iconic to the capital such as Palacio Salvo, the old and new presidential palaces, the city gate and the Edificio Ciudadela. Passing through the city gate one will arrive in the old town of Montevideo hosting several museums, old buildings that once were the residences of wealthy families as well as the Puerto del Mercado. Other points of interest not to be missed in Montevideo include the neoclassical parliament building Palacio Legislativo, the Centenario Stadium and the adjacent football museum and the 22 km long beach promenade Rambla stretching along the Atlantic shore with several sights next to or nearby it. A two and a half hour bus trip west takes you to [[Colonia del Sacramento]], a city established in 1680 by the Portuguese. While the modern part of the city isn't much of a tourist attraction, the well-preserved colonial ''barrio histórico'' is a [[UNESCO World Heritage site]]. As it is located a mere one hour from Buenos Aires by catamaran, it is also a popular day trip for visitors to the Argentinian capital. East of Montevideo is [[Punta del Este]], a beach resort popular among the rich and famous and the city where the Los Dedos sculpture and the Casa Pueblo resort museum are located. Just north of Punta del Este is the city of Maldonado with the lighthouse of José Ignacio. Closer to the capital is the city of [[Piriápolis]] where you can visit the Castillo de Piria. Further off the beaten path, check out Uruguay's industrial history in [[Fray Bentos]], where a former meat processing plant is also a World Heritage site. And of course that meat had to come from somewhere—Uruguay also has a strong history of agriculture, and visitors can tour ''estancias'' (ranches) dotted throughout the country's interior. In the [[Northern Interior (Uruguay)|northern interior]], you're sure to encounter ''gauchos'': Uruguayan cowboys who still wear traditional clothes and ride horses alongside the highway. ==Do== [[File:Paisaje Punta del Este.JPG|thumbnail|Beach in Punta del Este]] * One of the best experiences to have during your stay in Uruguay is to '''watch a football game''' between Nacional and Peñarol, the two most followed football teams in the nation, but be careful with the radical fans of both teams, since they can engage in fights and violence. * '''Sunbathing, surfing and swimming''' at the beaches of the Atlantic coast. The most important beaches are in Punta del Este, Piriapolis, La Paloma, La Pedrera, Cabo Polonio, Punta del Diablo and Santa Teresa (national park and campground). * '''[[Stargazing]]''' at places mentioned by the project [https://www.miralasestrellas.com/ Mirá las Estrellas]{{Dead link|date=January 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} by [https://www.darksky.org/fefo-bouvier-monthly-star/ Fefo Bouvier] * '''[[Birdwatching]]''' at Rocha's tourist "estancias". ===Events=== * Llamadas de Reyes - candombe drums - January 6 in [[Montevideo]] * Desfile de Llamadas - candombe parade - first Friday of February in Barrio Sur, [[Montevideo]] * Concurso de Carnaval - popular stage-productions divided in different styles: murgas, revistas, humoristas, parodistas and lubolos - February in [[Montevideo]] * [[Tacuarembó#Fiesta_de_la_Patria_Gaucha|Fiesta de la Patria Gaucha]] - celebrating gaucho culture - first week of March in [[Tacuarembó]] * Noche de la nostalgia (Nostalgia Night) - August 24, the night before Independence Day, when the nightclubs play oldies music and Uruguayans party the night away ==Buy== ===Money=== {{exchange rates | currency=Uruguayan peso | currencyCode=U$ | date=January 2025 | USD=44 | EUR=45 | GBP=55 | source=[https://www.xe.com/currency/uyu-uruguayan-peso XE.com] }} The Uruguayan currency is the '''peso''' (ISO code: '''UYU'''). Prices are quoted using the ''U$'' symbol, which may be easily confused with the US dollar symbol. Prices on costlier goods and services (over US$100, generally speaking) are often quoted in American dollars instead of pesos, and US dollars are surprisingly widely accepted even at some fast food restaurants. Places that cater to foreign visitors often also accept Argentinian pesos or Brazilian reals. All of these currencies use the symbol "$", so check which currency the prices are in if you're unsure. Coins in Uruguay come in denominations of 1, 2, 5 and 10 pesos Uruguayos. Banknotes in Uruguay come in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000 and 2,000 pesos Uruguayos. === Banking === ====Cash, ATMs and credit cards==== Credit cards are not as widely accepted as in North America or Europe - smaller establishments often accept only cash (''efectivo''). Try to have more or less exact change as they even in a mid-size supermarket can have some problems giving you change back if you are paying for U$600 worth of purchases with a U$1000 bill. You can exchange a large bill for smaller change without paying a commission at '''Abitab''', a one-stop shop with branches all over Uruguay that offers all kinds of services, including paying bills, buying tickets for performances, and adding money to transit cards. Many Uruguayan ATMs can dispense US dollars in addition to pesos. You can find ATMs by looking for signs saying "BanRed" or "RedBrou". RedBrou has lower fees, but many of their machines are deposit-only. Alternatively, head for a branch of Banco República, which usually has ATMs; they state a fee of US$0.75-1.50, which however apparently does not apply to certain cards, e.g. some German credit cards that offer free withdrawals worldwide. So, best to try once, then you know. You can bring euros but exchange rates are usually 5-10% off the official rate, whereas many credit card rates only are 1% off plus the usual card fee of 0-3%. So, coming from Europe probably cards are to be preferred considering their safety and convenience. US dollars however can be exchanged at highly competitive rates, inheriting a fee of often just 1% or less. Cambios (aka ''Bureau de change'') are numerous and widespread; wherever you have a bank or a (Red)Brou, there will most likely also be a Cambio in town. Exchanging euros at the airport is expensive with rates about 20% off the official interbank rates. ===Shopping=== [[File:Portones Shopping Mall.png|thumbnail|Portones shopping mall, Montevideo]] Uruguay is like many developing countries in that the retail industry is still dominated by small specialized shops, small supermarkets, and small, crowded shopping malls. There are no true department stores in the country remotely comparable to the giant stores found in New York or Paris. Even the shopping buildings along Avenida 18 de Julio in central Montevideo are not department stores but collections of 10-20 smaller stores. In the entire country, there is only ''one'' true hypermarket, Geant (operated a joint venture between local chain Disco and the French chain Geant), that constitutes a reasonably decent facsimile of hypermarkets elsewhere (down to the huge parking lot, high ceiling and wide aisles). Uruguay does not have the big box "category killer" stores for which the U.S. is famous (and which have been copied to a lesser extent in Australia and Europe). One quite widespread supermarket chain is [http://www.tata.com.uy Ta-ta]. These relatively small supermarkets sell a wide range of products from food and household items to clothes and even things you can bring home as souvenirs. If you've forgotten to bring something for your trip you can probably find it there. Most of them are open seven days a week. Day stores such as '''Ta-Ta''', '''Devoto''', '''[https://www.tiendainglesa.com.uy/ Tienda Inglesa]''' and '''Disco''' do close early, commonly at 21:00, but essential goods can be bought at '''gas stations''' that remain open 24/7 all over the country. There are several so-called shopping centers, four of them located in the capital: '''Montevideo Shopping Center''', '''Punta Carretas Shopping Center''', '''Portones Shopping''', '''Tres Cruces Shopping''' (which also serves as a long-distance bus station), and the newly opened '''Nuevo Centro'''. ===Products=== Uruguay does not manufacture most consumer goods locally. Most items in the stores have either been imported from China, or from Argentina or Brazil. Even worse, Uruguay charges high import tariffs and high value-added tax (IVA) of about 22% on virtually everything. Accordingly, imported goods cost as much as in Australia, Canada, or Europe. Uruguayan products on the other hand - chiefly comprised of food and leather products - can be very affordable. Some parts of Uruguayan stores feature numerous high-quality brands familiar to any North American, like Dove soap, Colgate toothpaste, Listerine mouthwash, Del Monte canned fruit, and so on. There are other brands with familiar logos but strange names; for example, Coca-Cola's South American juice brand is del Valle, which has a logo similar to Coca-Cola's North American juice brand, Minute Maid. However, Uruguay is not a major priority for most other brands found in the developed world, which means their products are (luckily!) rare or nonexistent here. Locally available brands (as noted, imported mostly from China) tend to be of poor quality. Because the Uruguayan market is so small and most Uruguayans are still relatively poor compared to consumers elsewhere, Uruguayan retailers lack the bargaining power of their North American or European counterparts. In turn, Chinese factories often sell their highest-quality product lines to the dominant First World markets and send their mediocre-quality product lines to Uruguay and other small developing countries. For example, while American and European consumers are accustomed to advertisements for luxury bedding made of more than 700 thread count textiles woven from Egyptian or pima cotton, luxury bedding in Uruguay consists of more than 250 thread count textiles woven from cotton/polyester blends. Popular items to buy include '''yerba mate''' gourds, antiques, wool textiles, and leather goods: jackets, purses, wallets, belts, etc. With regard to textiles and leather goods, although the prices may look like great bargains, one must keep in mind that local designs are inferior to designs elsewhere. Uruguay is still decades behind other countries when it comes to the quality of metalworking, which is a serious problem since leather goods like purses and belts have metal parts like clasps and buckles. ===Tipping=== Tipping is not mandatory. Usually 10% in restaurants will be enough. Tipping taxi drivers is entirely optional. ==Eat== [[File:La chacra del puerto Asado.JPG|thumbnail|Asado, traditional barbecue]] Uruguayan cuisine is typical for temperate countries, high on butter, fat, and grains, low on spice. It has an important Italian influence due to the strong Italian immigration. If you are from the Mediterranean or Mexico, you will find it bland, but if you come from the Northern Europe, Russia or the US, you won't have trouble getting used to it. ===Prices=== As of May 2014, breakfast for 4 people (a liter of fruit juice and two packages of biscuits) can cost as little as U$100 in a supermarket, a serving of fast food costs about the same while meals in sit down restaurants generally speaking start from U$300. Many restaurants have a cover charge. Restaurants and some other services give discounts if you pay with a foreign credit card. (The discount, which was established by the government to encourage tourism, is a reduction in value-added tax.) ===Specialties=== There are many public '''markets''' where you can get a hundred varieties of '''meat'''. '''Vegetarians''' can order '''ravioli''' or other '''pasta''' just about anywhere, but check to make sure the sauce doesn't contain meat. '''Vegans''' may have trouble as meat and dairy are nearly ubiquitous; restaurants with good vegan options exist, but they're few and far between. '''Empanadas''' (hand-sized meat or cheese pies) make an excellent portable, inexpensive, and delicious snack or lunch. You can find them easily at many corner bakeries. [[File:Chivito al plato.JPG|thumbnail|Chivito al plato]] Uruguay has traditionally been a ranching country, with cattle outnumbering people more than two-to-one, and therefore features excellent (and affordable) '''steaks'''. One dish that should not be missed is '''chivito''', a heart-attack-on-a-platter sandwich (some guidebooks call it a "cholesterol bomb") that is made of a combination of grilled tenderloin steak, tomato, lettuce, onion, eggs (hard-boiled and then sliced), ham, bacon, mozzarella cheese and mayonnaise and fries. There are two versions of chivito. ''Al pan'' means it's served "on bread", this is the classic variant and it looks like a hamburger served on a plate. If it is served ''al plato'' it is like a hamburger minus the bread and often with more vegetables. '''Asado''' is a typical Uruguayan barbeque, consisting of a variety of grilled meats (beef short ribs, sausage, blood sausage and sweetbreads and other offal) over wood coals. Almost all Uruguayans know how to make it and its variations appear on most restaurant menus. For a traditional experience, try it at the "Mercado del Puerto" market, in Montevideo's port area. As many of the European immigrants to the area around Rio de la Plata a century ago came from Italy, '''Italian dishes''' have a special place in the local cuisine, often with a local twist. The Central European ''schnitzel's'' local relative '''Milanesa''' is made with beef instead of pork and is also available as a sandwich. '''Bizcochos''' are popular pastries that can be bought at local bakeries among with other local confectioneries and sandwiches such as the '''sandwich olímpico''', which can also be found at most supermarkets. '''Tortas fritas''' (a sort of fried pancake), '''pasteles''' and '''garrapiñada''' (sugar-roasted peanuts) among with '''hamburgers''' and '''choripanes''' are commonly sold on the street. Uruguay, with its long shoreline, also enjoys an excellent variety of '''seafood and fish'''. The flavor of the most commonly offered fish, ''brotola'', may be familiar to people from North America, where it is called hake. For desserts, '''dulce de leche''', a kind of caramel made with sweetened milk, is found in all manner of confections, from ice cream to '''alfajores''' (dulce de leche-filled cookie sandwiches), '''Ricardito''' and '''chajá''' (available in all supermarkets). ==Drink== [[File:TipicoMateUruguayo.jpg|thumbnail|Thermos bottle, gourd with mate and bombilla]] *'''Mate''' (''MAH-teh'') &ndash; Mate is derived from the ''yerba mate'' plant that was originally used by the indigenous Guarani living near the ''Rio de la Plata''. This traditional drink is ubiquitous&mdash;you will see more people carrying a mate gourd and thermos bottle on the streets of Montevideo than people with take-away coffee in New York. However, it can hardly be ordered in restaurants; as young and old go around with their own cup and thermos bottle on the street, there would likely be no-one ordering it in a café or restaurant if they offered it. You may have to buy a package at a supermarket and make your own. The drinking gourds are widely available and range from economical to super-deluxe silver and horn. Most Uruguayans prefer to drink their mate without sugar, called a ''Mate amargo''. Gourds and horns are constantly being refilled with the brew from sun-up to sun-down. But as everyone prepares their own mate, ''cafés and restaurants seldom serve it.'' Mate is a social drink. If you are with a group of Uruguayans they will probably offer you some, do be mindful, it will be hot and may taste somewhat bitter. If you try some it will make everybody happy. *'''Salus''' &ndash; A mineral water bottled in Uruguay. If you're a little apprehensive about drinking tap water, this is a great way to go! *'''Tutti Frutti''' &mdash; A mix of delicious freshly squeezed fruit juice with ice. *'''Beer''' &ndash; Alcohol is relatively inexpensive. Beer is often sold in 1L bottles. You basically have a selection of typical lagers. The most commonly found are Patricia or Pilsen, with Zillertal also often available. You can also order a chopp, which is a draft beer (and if not specified, it is normally Patricia). Uruguayan beers can be bought at U$80 in supermarkets. The rise of craft brewing has been warmly embraced in Uruguay, particularly in [[Montevideo]], where you will find at least a dozen craft breweries producing a wide range of artesanal beer styles. *'''Uvita''' &ndash; A specialty of Bar Fun Fun, raisin-flavoured liquor served in a shot glass. *'''Medio y Medio''' &ndash; A special mix of drinks made by "Roldós", in the '''Mercado del Puerto''' * '''Paso de los Toros''' (an exotic pomelo-based soda) * '''Whisky''' &ndash; The most common strong alcohol beverage is surprisingly whisky, even many famous brands such as Johnnie Walker being manufactured in Uruguay under license. A 1l bottle of the cheapest brands can be bought for U$250 in a supermarket. * '''Grappa''' &ndash; Even cheaper strong alcohols are the locally distilled ''grappas'' and ''cañas'' that can be bought at most supermarkets and also can be tasted in many pizzerias where they also sell ''grappa con limón'', the same liquor flavoured with lemon. * Compared to Brazil the coffee served in both cafés and hotels is reportedly rather tasteless, however in the ice cream café chain Freddo they do have good coffee. '''Nightlife''' goes late in Uruguay. Nightclubs often waive the cover charge for "early" arrivals until midnight, and it's not uncommon for a concert or a night of partying to end around dawn. ===Wine=== Uruguay is acquiring a reputation for its fine wines, especially red wines made from the Tannat grape. The "VCP" label (''Vino de Calidad Preferente'') identifies qualify wines, in contrast to table wines (''vinos de mesa''). A bottled mix of wines called '''medio y medio''' can be found at most stores. Most of Uruguay's wineries can be found between [[Montevideo]] and the small city of [[Canelones]], with a number of vineyards scattered just east of this area in Canelones Department, which is by far the largest wine producing area of the country, although small wineries can be found throughout the country. About 180 wineries operate in Uruguay, many of which are family-run businesses that have been handed down through generations. ==Sleep== [[File:Pradera y bosque de ribera Uruguay.JPG|thumbnail|Landscape in San José department in the southern part of the country]] For nature lovers, birdwatchers, and those seeking a respite from the fast-paced world, there are many "estancias" in serene and peaceful environments, surrounded by many species of native and migrating birds, which offer a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature. There are many more beach houses to rent along the coast than actual hotel rooms. They are plentiful, and outside the high season affordable. During the first two weeks of January it's impossible to find anything, every cottage and hotel room is booked months in advance. In addition, '''camping''' is possible in many places (free or including amenities), especially near the beach. However, consider that many grounds are private property, so you should not camp here. Consult [https://www.openstreetmap.org/#map=16/-33.9805/-53.5380 OpenStreetMap], which many mobile Apps like OsmAnd or Mapy.cz use, to find places which have been tagged by other people as possible camping sites. == Learn == Uruguayan society underscores the importance of education and the country has one of the highest literacy rates and most respectable educational systems in South America. Educators are generally well-respected members of Uruguayan society; they take their duties very seriously, there's virtually no corruption in the educational system, and teachers are expected to play a vital role in shaping the future of the country. However, Uruguay isn't a hugely popular destination for foreign students and the country has a moderate number of universities. Most universities conduct classes in [[Spanish phrasebook|Spanish]]; therefore, having an excellent knowledge of Spanish is essential to unlock the full range of learning opportunities in the country. The '''[https://udelar.edu.uy/ University of the Republic]''' is the country's oldest and most prestigious university, with over 150,000 students. ==Work== Finding employment in Uruguay can be a competitive affair; the small size of the economy and an oversupply of educated labour mean that there's not enough work for people and these factors prompt many Uruguayans to seek employment opportunities abroad. There are numerous English language schools which are looking for native speakers as [[Teaching English|teachers]]. They can arrange papers or pay teachers under the table. The pay is not good, but enough to live on in Montevideo. Work permits are not particularly difficult to obtain and Uruguay lets you convert a tourist visa to a work visa without leaving the country. Residency visas without permission to work simply require you prove access to US$500 a month. '''Volunteering''' (and learning Spanish at the same time) is big in South America&mdash;check out the general information in the [[South America#Work|South America article]]. ==Cope== Facebook has a [https://www.facebook.com/groups/BoliviaParaguayUruguayBackpackerTraveler/ Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay Backpacker / Traveler group] where you can find other travellers and up-to-date information on the country. In general, also see [[South America#Cope]]. ==Stay safe== [[File:Plaza Matriz night.JPG|thumbnail|Night view of Plaza Constitución in Montevideo's old town]] Historically, Uruguay has enjoyed a very '''low rate of violent crime compared to its neighbors'''. Thus, Argentines and Brazilians traditionally go on vacation in Uruguay because they love not having to worry about being carjacked, kidnapped, or murdered while on vacation. Even today, Uruguay is still relatively free of those types of crimes. However, this does not mean that Uruguay is crime free. The major differences are that most Uruguayan crimes are either nonconfrontational or do not involve the gratuitous use of firearms. Montevideo in particular has seen its crime rate gradually rise since the severe 2001-2002 financial crisis, and now has moderately high levels of theft, burglary, and robbery similar to those found in major U.S. cities. Fortunately, Punta del Este and most rural areas continue to enjoy relatively low crime levels. In Montevideo, take precautions: use a money belt and/or hotel safe for valuables, look alert, keep out of obvious slums, and avoid wandering around unfamiliar or iffy neighborhoods at night. Overall, Montevideo about as safe as large European cities like Paris, Berlin, London or Madrid. In a security emergency, call '''911''' or '''999'''. For firefighters, call, '''104'''. For ambulance, call '''105'''. '''[[Cannabis]]''' is one of the most widely used drugs in the country and legal as well. Uruguay is the first country in the world where the sale, growth and distribution of cannabis is legal. Regarding the legality of marijuana, possession for personal use is not penalized if it concerns minor quantities (a few grams), either Uruguayan or foreign. '''Possession of major quantities''' (for example, one kilogram) '''is illegal and punishable by law'''. The [http://archivo.presidencia.gub.uy/sci/leyes/2013/12/cons_min_803.pdf 2013 legalization of this drug] for personal use (medicinal or recreational), sale or storage of the plant (~480 grams per year) is only for Uruguayan citizens of 18 years and above (natural or legal citizenship) with legal capacity. Likewise with alcohol, driving under the influence of marijuana is not allowed, and such breach may carry a fine. '''Stray dogs''' can be found all over Uruguay. They might follow you around a bit hoping for food, but they are rarely [[Aggressive dogs|aggressive]]. If they come too close for your taste, (pretend to) pick up a stone and they will understand. ===Natural disasters=== Uruguay is vulnerable to '''floods'''. If it rains too much, roads can become impassable and riverside houses may need to be evacuated. Uruguay is also vulnerable to '''tornados''' and is part of the '''South America Tornado Corridor''', the second most tornado-prone area in the world (behind the United States Tornado Alley). Monitor local media notices and if you see that the sky is dark, the light take on a greenish-yellow cast or a loud sound that sounds like a freight train, this could be an indication of a tornado. Find shelter immediately. Refer to the [[tornado safety]] article for analysis of the issues here. ==Stay healthy== Uruguay has one of the best healthcare systems in South America; most medical facilities are comparable to US standards and the country has one of the highest life expectancies on the continent. '''[[Tap water]]''' is safe to drink in all major cities, though most locals prefer to drink bottled water. That said, if your hotel or host tells you to drink bottled water, you should follow their instructions—some houses have water storage tanks that may not be completely clean. The Hospital Britanico (British Hospital), SUMMUM and BlueCross & BlueShield Uruguay have European-quality service and they are clean and efficient. Asociación Española, Medica Uruguaya and CASMU are the largest healthcare companies in Uruguay and they have European-quality level. Just don't make any unwise alcohol drinking decisions. '''[[Tropical diseases]]''' are not a major concern in Uruguay; the malaria and dengue present in parts of nearby countries are absent here. Vaccines are generally recommended for Hepatitis A and typhoid, though. In the Southern Hemisphere winter you won't encounter many insects in Uruguay, but in the summer there are some mosquitoes, especially after big rainstorms. ==Respect== [[File:Los Academicos 1.JPG|thumbnail|Supporters of the samba school Los Academicos in Artigas]] Uruguay is a socially progressive country. Women got the vote in Uruguay 12 years before France. Uruguay is a secular state unlike Argentina, Chile or Paraguay; the Uruguayan state has not supported any religion since 1917. Even national holidays are officially referred to with secular names—the week before Easter is officially "Tourism Week" and December 25th is "Family Day"! The population is mainly Catholic, but not very practicing. Uruguay is considered to be safe and welcoming to '''gay and lesbian visitors''': it is ranked 12th in the world in the [http://www.spartacusworld.com/gaytravelindex.pdf Spartacus Gay Travel Index]. It was the first Latin American country to pass a civil union law, and same-sex marriage was legalized in mid-2013. Even in rural areas, gay travelers experience little overt discrimination. There are a few gay and lesbian bars in Montevideo and in Punta del Este. The only public monument to sexual diversity is in Ciudad Vieja (the old city) in Montevideo. On the last Friday of September, Montevideo celebrates "Diversity Month" with a parade on 18 of July in the center of the city. Like in other Latin American countries, it's common to greet people with a kiss on the cheek. But unlike most other countries, where this is only done between two women or between a woman and a man, in Uruguay it's not uncommon for men to greet each other this way too! (Those men who prefer not to kiss another man on the cheek will shake hands instead.) As in many countries, these kisses are really more of a cheek-to-cheek touch with a kiss in the air. Punctuality is not essential here – meeting a few minutes late is not uncommon nor considered rude. Uruguayans normally keep their shoes on when entering a house; conventional wisdom here is that walking around your house barefoot makes it easier to catch a cold. Despite their strong resemblance to neighboring Argentina, Uruguayans are a proud people and will make it clear to you that they are not like the "porteños" (a nickname for Buenos Aires residents). Therefore, keep in mind that any comments like "Montevideo is a suburb of Buenos Aires" will upset the locals. ===Body language=== The "OK" sign (thumb and index finger in a circle) is an exceptionally offensive gesture. Do not exhibit it. A thumbs up is okay and not offensive. Brushing the back of your hand under your chin means "I don't know" or "I don't know what you're talking about". Do not put your feet on a chair, desk, or table. ==Connect== [[File:Montevideo pay phone.JPG|thumbnail|Antel pay phone in Montevideo]] ===Telephone=== The national landline telephone monopoly is [http://www.antel.com.uy/antel/ Antel]{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}, which provides all public pay phones and is also the sole provider of landline Internet service. Although Antel pay phones only take Antel's proprietary magnetic cards (that are difficult if not impossible to obtain), it is possible to use international calling cards to call home by taking the phone off the hook, waiting for a dial tone, and dialing the correct access code. However, note that many public pay phones are not properly maintained. If you do not hear a touch tone emitted for each key, that means the phone is defective and you must try another one. Uruguay's country code is +598. Montevideo and suburbs have landline numbers beginning in 2, while the rest of the country has landline numbers beginning with 4. ====Cell phone==== Antel also operates a cell phone network, and competes with two private companies, Movistar and Claro. All three have numerous kiosks and stores throughout the country. Both the European (1800 MHz) and North American (1900 MHz) frequencies are used. Some hostels in tourist areas, such as [[Colonia]] or the [[Atlantic Coast (Uruguay)|Atlantic Coast]] during summer, offer free SIM cards, and the operators usually sponsor big events, in which free SIM cards might also be given out. As of 2023, free Antel SIM cards are given at the Carrasco airport information desk. All three companies offer GSM, 3G HSPA and 4G LTE connectivity. As of early 2018, Claro charged a flat rate of U$15 a day for mobile data use, and also had many other packs available. Antel charges per data usage, and local knowledge has it that U$200 is enough for a month. ===Mail=== The national postal service is [http://www.correo.com.uy/home Correo Uruguayo]. Most of their post offices are very hard to find and are open M-F 09:00-17:00; some are open Sa 09:00-12:00. Letterboxes for depositing outbound mail are made out of cheap blue translucent plastic and are extremely difficult to find outside of post offices. Some post offices have three boxes: one for the local city, one for domestic mail ("interior") and one for international ("exterior"). Uruguayan letterboxes are designed only for indoor use. Keep in mind that Correos licenses many retailers, such as pharmacies, as postal agents, and letterboxes can sometimes be found around those agents' premises as well. ===Internet=== Antel is the ''only'' provider of landline Internet service, while Dedicado is the main provider of fixed wireless Internet service. WiFi is ubiquitous and can be found in virtually all decent hotels as well as many restaurants, cybercafes, and shopping malls. Antel WiFi hotspots are normally available only to Antel landline Internet subscribers, unless you are in a place with free service like Carrasco International Airport, in which case a public username and password for free access are prominently posted and always username: antel password: wifi. Dedicado WiFi hotspots are free for everyone. Some public parks also have free (but unreliable) WiFi provided by the government—look for a network with a name like "Ceibal" or "Ceibalwifi". ==Go next== Uruguay borders [[Argentina]] to the west and [[Brazil]] to the east. [[Buenos Aires]], the capital of Argentina, is just a ferry ride away, and [[Rio Grande do Sul]], the southernmost state in Brazil, has deep cultural connections with Uruguay. The border of [[Paraguay]], the next closest country, is about 500 kilometers away from the extreme northwest of Uruguay. Its capital, [[Asunción]], can be reached most conveniently by plane or most cheaply by bus from [[Montevideo]]. {{usablecountry}} {{geo|-32.8833|-56.1667|zoom=7}} {{isPartOf|South_America}} 0ewuvtif0sflwtg8r39gidjadxtffl8 5086714 5086713 2025-07-02T17:31:04Z Mrkstvns 144844 /* Other destinations */ 5086714 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Playa Pocitos Pano banner 2.jpg}} '''Uruguay''' is the second-smallest country in [[South America]], wedged between two of the world's largest countries ― [[Argentina]] and [[Brazil]]. Known for its colonial-era historic districts in [[Colonia]] and [[Montevideo]], amazing beaches on the [[Atlantic Coast (Uruguay)|Atlantic Coast]], its socially progressive society, and beef production, Uruguay is a true gem among South American nations, as it boasts a level of stability that few countries on the continent can match. ==Regions== Uruguay is divided into 19 departments, which can be very roughly grouped into the following four general regions. [[Montevideo]], the capital of Uruguay, is its own department. Each of the other departments has a capital city, which sometimes has the same name as the department. This can occasionally lead to confusion—if someone says they're going to (for instance) Tacuarembó, you might have to ask whether they mean [[Tacuarembó|Tacuarembó the city]] or Tacuarembó the department. There's another bit of terminology that may be confusing to outsiders: Uruguayans use the word "interior" to refer to the whole country except Montevideo, not just the inland area. {{mapframe|staticmap=Uruguay Regions map.png|width=400}} {{Regionlist | region1name=[[Atlantic Coast (Uruguay)|Atlantic Coast]] | region1color=#83a8c1 | region1items=Departments of Maldonado and Rocha | region1description=Popular and varied beach resorts on the Atlantic Ocean | region2name=[[Rio de la Plata]] | region2color=#dbe086 | region2items=Departments of Canelones, Colonia, Montevideo, Río Negro, San José, and Soriano | region2description=Riverside beaches and historic colonial architecture sandwiched between the center of Uruguayan life in Montevideo and the metropolis of Buenos Aires, Argentina | region3name=[[Northern Interior (Uruguay)|Northern Interior]] | region3color=#71b37b | region3items=Departments of Artigas, Paysandú, Rivera, Salto, and Tacuarembó | region3description=Citrus production, strong presence of ''gauchos'' (South American cowboys) and important border towns next to Argentina and Brazil | region4name=[[Central Interior (Uruguay)|Central Interior]] | region4color=#b5d29f | region4items=Departments of Cerro Largo, Durazno, Flores, Florida, Lavalleja, and Treinta y Tres | region4description=Rolling hills, agriculture, and idyllic countryside resorts }} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#83a8c1|title=[[Atlantic Coast (Uruguay)|Atlantic Coast]]|wikidata=Q16582,Q331196|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#dbe086|title=[[Rio de la Plata]]|wikidata=Q1335,Q16577,Q16579,Q16580,Q16584,Q16596|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#71b37b|title=[[Northern Interior (Uruguay)|Northern Interior]]|wikidata=Q16603,Q16609,Q16587,Q16595,Q16576|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#b5d29f|title=[[Central Interior (Uruguay)|Central Interior]]|wikidata=Q16575,Q16591,Q16578,Q16593,Q460435,Q16610|stroke-opacity=0.1}} ==Cities== *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Montevideo]]|wikidata=Q1335}} – Uruguay's capital and largest city. A third of the country's population lives here and it is replete with stunning architecture, as well as beaches, museums, and festivals. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Punta del Este]]|wikidata=Q56069}} – a super-popular beach resort town known as the "[[Monaco]] of the South". *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Colonia]]|wikidata=Q56064}} (Colonia del Sacramento) - a well preserved old colonial town and [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]] *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Piriapolis]]|wikidata=Q1006155}} – a beach resort, a bit more laid back than Punta del Este *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Rivera]]|wikidata=Q646498}} – a hilly city in the north, right on the border with [[Brazil]] *{{marker|type=city|name=[[La Paloma]]|wikidata=Q893173}} – another summer beach town *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Paysandú]]|wikidata=Q309442}} – across the river from Argentina, with hot springs, riverside beaches, and more *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Salto]]|wikidata=Q335506}} – located on the border with Argentina and known for its hot springs and historic buildings ==Other destinations== *[[Uruguayan national parks|National parks]] protect the country's natural resources and sometimes historical or cultural sites, such as old forts or indigenous settlements *Beaches on the '''[[Atlantic Coast (Uruguay)|Atlantic Coast]]''' – in addition to the major beach towns mentioned above, there are some quieter spots worth a visit: ** {{marker|name=[[Barra de Valizas]]|wikidata=}} ** {{marker|name=[[Cabo Polonio]]|wikidata=Q1024895}} ** {{marker|name=[[Punta del Diablo]]|wikidata=Q1749947}} ** {{marker|name=[[Santa Teresa National Park]]|wikidata=Q2054006}} , including the colonial fortress ''Fortaleza de Santa Teresa'' * {{marker|name=[[Quebrada de los Cuervos]]|wikidata=}} – "Ravens' Gorge", a protected landscape of rolling hills and a deep gorge * Remains of precolumbian settlements in '''[[Flores (Uruguay)|Flores Department]]''' * '''[http://sierradelasanimas.com/ Sierra de las Ánimas]{{Dead link|date=November 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' – a mountain range including one of Uruguay's highest peaks * '''Cerro Pan de Azúcar''' – the third highest peak in Uruguay, topped with a large cross, near [[Piriapolis]] ===Itineraries=== * '''[[Along the coast of Uruguay]]''' – a tour of Uruguay's coast, including the most popular tourist destinations and beaches galore * '''[[La Redota]]''' – retracing the 1811–12 journey of national hero José Artigas ==Understand== {{quickbar|location=LocationUruguay.png}} Uruguay is formally known as the '''Oriental Republic of Uruguay''' (''República Oriental del Uruguay''). The name Uruguay means ''river of the colorful birds''. It is related to the name [[Guyana]]: Arawak Guayana, land of many waters. Often called the [[Switzerland]] of [[South America]] not for geographical features, but for a stable democracy and social benefits such as free education. In 2002, Uruguay faced one of its biggest economic crises which had very negative effects on safety due to the rise in crime, and although the activity levels in 2008 were at pre-crisis levels, crime is still relatively high, but still low for the region. Long a desired country for immigration, Uruguay has been suffering from high levels of emigration for almost four decades, mainly of highly trained workers and people with high level studies (brain drain) seeking better opportunities abroad. Uruguay has a rich agricultural and civic history. It has more than three times as many cattle as people (the highest ratio of any country in the world by far). The dominant pre-20th century live stock driving techniques are still utilized in some areas, and are less visited tourist attractions than the pleasant beaches and city centers. The country has a mostly low-lying landscape. Cerro Catedral, the country's highest point, is {{m|514}} high. ===Climate=== [[File:Calle Washington Barbot.JPG|thumbnail|Leaves falling in May, Colonia]] Uruguay is the only South American country located entirely in the temperate zone. The country is flat grassland and all locations are particularly vulnerable to rapid changes from weather fronts and forceful winds as there are no high mountains that could act as shields. As Uruguay is located south of the Equator (approximately at the same latitude as [[Johannesburg]] and [[Sydney]]), summer and winter are reversed compared to the Northern Hemisphere. In the winter temperatures under freezing are rare but not unheard of. === People === Uruguay, like many countries in the Western Hemisphere, is a melting pot of cultures. Most Uruguayans are descendants of Spanish and Italian immigrants who migrated to the country centuries ago. Uruguay has one of the largest Italian communities in the world ― it is believed that 44% of the population are of full or partial Italian descent. ===History=== [[File:Artigas mausoleum.JPG|thumbnail|Inside the Artigas mausoleum in Montevideo]] [[File:Uruguay (5886752274).jpg|thumbnail|Calle de los Suspiros in the old town of Colonia del Sacramento]] Uruguay was discovered by Spanish Adelantados in the late 16th century, and was part of the United Provinces of the River Plate until 1811. (Although ''plata'' literally means "silver" in Spanish, "plate" is the traditional and correct translation as it was used as a synonym for precious metals up until the 19th century.) Originally, Uruguay was simply known as the Banda Oriental, or Eastern Band, of colonies along the eastern edge of the Uruguay and Plate Rivers. When Buenos Aires expelled the last Viceroy, Baltasar Cisneros, the capital moved to Montevideo. The rebel navy sailed from Buenos Aires in an attempt to overcome the Spanish troops in that city, aided by the local rebel troops. When Montevideo was finally freed from Spain, Uruguay intended to secede from Buenos Aires, only to be invaded by the Brazilian Empire, which started the Argentine-Brazilian war in 1813. After a variety of confusing twists, the war ultimately ended in a stalemate. With the assistance of mediation by the British government, both warring countries agreed to end their territorial claims on the Banda Oriental in 1828, thus giving birth to the new Eastern Republic of Uruguay. A constitution was subsequently drafted and adopted in 1830. British assistance in the creation of Uruguay led to a long history of British influence (including the habit of driving on the left), which ended only with World War II. The Argentinian Civil War which ravaged that country during the 19th century was not a stranger to Uruguay, which soon gave birth to two opposing parties, the Whites (liberals) and the Reds (traditionalists) that eventually also led to a Uruguayan Civil War that went on in various hot and cold phases until the beginnings of the twentieth century. The story goes that the parties' colors originally came from armbands allegedly torn from the Uruguayan flag, but the conservatives switched to red armbands when they realized that red faded less quickly in the sun than blue. However, the simmering tension between the left and right wings of Uruguayan politics persisted. From 1954 to 1967, Uruguay tried an unusual solution borrowed from Switzerland: a collegiate Executive Office in which a different member was designated President every year. In this way, Uruguay became the "Latin American Switzerland" for a while, acting as model of democracy and banking liberties until a military coup ended all this. A Marxist urban guerrilla movement, the Tupamaros, launched in the late 1960s, led Uruguay's president Juan María Bordaberry to "agree" to military control of his administration in 1973. (They returned the favor by firing him from his job in 1976 and appointing the first of several puppet presidents.) By the end of 1974 the rebels had been brutally crushed (and Tupamaro leader and future president Jose Mujica was imprisoned at the bottom of a well), but the military continued to expand its hold over the government, by engaging in widespread torture and disappearances of alleged insurgents and anyone unfortunate enough to be perceived as opponents of the regime. Civilian and democratic rule was not restored until 1985. In 1986, major economies of the world gathered in [[Punta del Este]], Uruguay to negotiate a trade agreement, commonly known as the Uruguay Round. After 7.5 years, negotiations concluded in [[Marrakesh]], Morocco in 1994 where the World Trade Organization was established. Today, Uruguay's political and labor conditions are among the most free on the continent. It ranks 18th in the Democracy Index. In 2004, a center-left to left-wing coalition (the ''Frente Amplio'' or Broad Front) which included the Tupamaros won elections which left them in control of both houses of congress, the presidency, and most city and regional governments. In 2009, former guerrilla leader Mujica was elected president. ===Culture=== Culturally the country is closest to its neighbors Argentina and the Brazilian state of [[Rio Grande do Sul]], with which it shares its traditional elements of ''gaucho'' (South American cowboy) culture. In Montevideo and on the coast the ''gaucho'' is more of a national symbol than a part of daily life, but in the north (cities like [[Rivera]] and [[Bella Unión]]) you'll see modern-day gauchos going about their lives, riding horses in traditional clothing. Uruguay also has Lusitanian influences, like the large [[Rio]]-like carnivals in the first months of the year in many cities, the historical old town of [[Colonia]] — a 17th-century Portuguese outpost and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as ''portuñol'', a mix of Spanish and Portuguese spoken near the Brazilian border. Amerindian traits can be found in Uruguayan culture, from cuisine to vocabulary, but there is no Amerindian population left. Finally the Uruguayans share the passion for association football/soccer with Argentina and Brazil and the very first FIFA World Cup was actually held in Montevideo in 1930 — won by the host nation. ===Holidays=== * '''January 1''' - New Year's Day * '''January 6''' - Wise Men's Day * '''Carnival''' (moveable) * '''Holy Week''' (officially Tourism Week; moveable) * '''April 19''' - Landing of the 33 Patriots Day * '''May 18''' - Battle of Las Piedras * '''June 19''' - Birthday of José Gervasio Artigas * '''July 18''' - Constitution Day * '''August 25''' - Independence Day * '''December 25''' - Christmas (officially Family Day) ===Visitor information=== * [https://www.gub.uy/ministerio-turismo/ Tourism website] ==Get in== [[File:Visa policy of Uruguay.svg|thumb|375px|A map showing the visa requirements of Uruguay, with countries in yellow and blue having visa-free access]] === Visa requirements === Citizens of Mercosur member states ― [[Argentina]], [[Bolivia]], [[Brazil]], [[Chile]], [[Colombia]], [[Ecuador]], [[Paraguay]], and [[Peru]] ― enjoy freedom of movement in Uruguay. They can just enter with their National ID card. Citizens of the following countries can enter without a '''visa''': * '''Up to 90 days''': [[Andorra]], [[Argentina]], [[Armenia]], [[Australia]], [[Austria]], [[Bahamas]], [[Barbados]], [[Belgium]], [[Belize]], [[Bolivia]], [[Brazil]], [[Bulgaria]], [[Canada]], [[Chile]], [[Colombia]], [[Costa Rica]], [[Croatia]], [[Cyprus]], [[Czech Republic]], [[Denmark]], [[Dominican Republic]], [[Ecuador]], [[El Salvador]], [[Estonia]], [[Finland]], [[France]], [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]], [[Germany]], [[Greece]], [[Grenada]], [[Guatemala]], [[Guyana]], [[Honduras]], [[Hong Kong]], [[Hungary]], [[Iceland]], [[Ireland]], [[Israel]], [[Italy]], [[Jamaica]], [[Japan]], [[Latvia]], [[Liechtenstein]], [[Lithuania]], [[Luxembourg]], [[Macau]], [[Malta]], [[Mexico]], [[Monaco]], [[Netherlands]], [[New Zealand]], [[Nicaragua]], [[Norway]], [[Panama]], [[Paraguay]], [[Peru]], [[Poland]], [[Portugal]], [[Romania]], [[Russia]], [[Saint Kitts and Nevis]], [[Saint Vincent and the Grenadines]], [[San Marino]], [[Serbia]], [[Seychelles]], [[Singapore]], [[Slovakia]], [[Slovenia]], [[South Africa]], [[Spain]], [[Sweden]], [[Switzerland]], [[Trinidad and Tobago]], [[Turkey]], [[United Kingdom]], [[United States of America|United States]] and [[Venezuela]]. * '''Up to 30 days''': [[Malaysia]] and [[Mongolia]]. If you're not a citizen of any of the countries listed above, you must apply for a visa at a Uruguayan embassy. If you want to stay longer than 90 days as a tourist, you'll need to either leave the country and re-enter with a fresh stamp for another 90 days ([[Buenos Aires]] and [[Chuí]] are popular and convenient options for these "visa runs"; see [[#By car]] below for others), or bring your passport to the appropriate government office to get an extension. Travellers from other countries should contact the local consular section of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. But usually Uruguay has its borders open to tourists and visitors from all countries and it is quite easy to get in or out. ==== Visa application requirements ==== If you need a visa to visit Uruguay, you're normally required submit the following documents: * A completed visa application form * A copy of your passport (must have a validity of more than six months) * A passport-sized photograph * A letter of invitation from your host in Uruguay (a hotel reservation will suffice) * Round-trip tickets to Uruguay Note: * Some embassies may require you to submit a health certificate * Some embassies may require you to submit a bank statement '''Incomplete visa applications will be denied''', so get everything you need. ===By plane=== [[File:Aerop 15265.jpg|thumbnail|Carrasco International Airport, Montevideo]] The country's largest airport and primary hub is {{marker|type=go|name=Carrasco International Airport|url=http://www.aeropuertodecarrasco.com.uy|wikidata=Q9064}}, {{km|20}} east of Montevideo. Carrasco is a relatively small airport and most travelers outside Latin America will have to connect at least once or twice to get there. From Carrasco there are flights to several destinations in [[Argentina]] and [[Brazil]], [[Buenos Aires]] and [[São Paulo]] having direct connections to many major airports on other continents. Other Latin American destinations include [[Santiago]], [[Asunción]], [[Santa_Cruz_(city,_Bolivia)|Santa Cruz]], [[Lima]] and [[Panama]]. Moreover there are flights to [[MIA|Miami]], [[Barajas Airport|Madrid]] and [[CDG|Paris]]. Other airports in the country exist, but they have just a one or two flights to Montevideo or Buenos Aires a week — given the short distances and affordable and frequent bus transportation these airports are of marginal use for most travelers. If you are heading to western Uruguay, consider flying into Buenos Aires and continuing by bus or ferry. Some airlines demand a return or onward travel ticket when checking in for a flight into Uruguay, like AirEuropa and American Airlines. Inquire with your airline whether this is needed or hold something ready. However, a convincing fake copy might do, since airport staff will not really be able to verify any such proof. ===By train=== There are no international train lines to Uruguay. ===By car=== The main border crossings from Argentina and Brazil are (from south to north): * from '''Argentina''': [[Fray Bentos]]/[[Gualeguaychú]], [[Paysandú]]/[[Colon (Argentina)|Colón]], [[Salto]]/[[Concordia (Argentina)|Concordia]] * from '''Brazil''': [[Chuy]]/[[Chuí]], [[Río Branco]]/[[Jaguarão]], [[Aceguá]]/[[Aceguá]], [[Rivera]]/[[Santana do Livramento]], [[Artigas]]/[[Quaraí]], [[Bella Unión]]/[[Barra do Quaraí]] Some ferries between Buenos Aires and Colonia also carry vehicles. However, taking the land border crossing can be convenient for a more complete route including Salto, Paysandú and Carmelo and the cities on the Argentinian side on your trip between Argentina and Uruguay. ===By bus=== [http://www.trescruces.com.uy Terminal Tres Cruces] is Montevideo's main hub. Travel by bus is very safe. International services are available to Montevideo from [[Porto Alegre]] and [[Florianópolis]] (Brazil), most of the Argentinian provinces ([[Buenos Aires (province)|Buenos Aires]], [[Córdoba (province, Argentina)|Cordoba]], [[Mendoza (province)|Mendoza]], [[Entre Rios]]), [[Asunción]] (Paraguay) and [[Santiago]]. There are also buses to [[Punta del Este]] from Porto Alegre and Florianópolis. The service is catered and buses have an outstanding level of service, much better than the average European service. Coming from Brazil, it is also possible to take a bus to a border town ([[Chuí]] and [[Santana do Livramento]] are the most popular), walk across the border, and continue on a domestic bus within Uruguay. If you go this route, make sure you remember to get your passport stamped on both sides of the border. The passport controls on each side are sometimes located some distance from the border, but if necessary, the bus driver should stop at them for you if you ask. (On international buses, the bus company will handle the border formalities without you needing to ask.) '''Note''' after pandemia a very useful app to travel Uruguay by bus ([https://www.urubus.com.uy/en/ '''URUBUS'''] ) is available to buy tickets online of all companies at the same price than Terminal Tres Cruces. ===By boat=== [[File:Buquebus silvia ana.jpg|thumbnail|The ferry between Buenos Aires and Colonia]] The '''[http://www.buquebus.com/ Buquebus]''' ferry service operates between Buenos Aires, Argentina, and both Colonia del Sacramento and Montevideo, Uruguay. Some services continue from there to Punta del Este. For the Buquebus-Ferry from Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento there are two options. One takes three hours and the other one hour to get there. The fast Buquebus catamaran ferry (one hour) costs around US$70 return (when booked in advance) and around US$110 when booked the day prior and is usually quite crowded with day tourists and travel groups. '''[http://www.coloniaexpress.com Colonia Express]''' operates between Buenos Aires and Colonia by one hour ferry and then by bus to Montevideo. Ticket prices to Montevideo or Colonia are between US$25&ndash;50, depending on the day of week and time. '''[https://www.seacatcolonia.com/Portal/SeacatARG/home Seacat Colonia]{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' operates as well between Buenos Aires and Colonia by one hour ferry and then by bus to Montevideo and Punta del Este. Another and potentially cheaper possibility is to take a boat from Tigre (north of Buenos Aires) through the scenic waterways of the river to '''Carmelo''' in Uruguay. From Carmelo, transfer via Colonia or head north. Great landscape and also drops off kids from school along the way. AR$500 as of Feb 2018. Make sure you book in advance for weekends and the peak season (late November until the end of February). '''Note''' that there is also the [http://directferries.com directferries.com]/[http://directferries.co.uk .co.uk] Website, which offers all those trips and ferries, at a however inflated price. In addition, it sometimes requires you to book business seats, which adds even more to the bill. In the end prices can easily be threefold for a simple one way ticket. ==Get around== ===By train=== There are limited '''commuter train''' services around Montevideo, provided by the '''[http://www.afe.com.uy/ Administración de Ferrocarriles del Estado]'''. As of Jan 2025, the commuter train is inactive due modernization of the tracks. There are some '''tourist trains''' which do not have a fixed schedule. You need to find announcements for them at the Montevideo train station, located at the corner of Nicaragua and Paraguay. There is, except a slow train connection between Taucarembó and Rivera in the far north, no regular '''long distance train''' service. The most usual means of public transport is the bus (local buses inside Montevideo and from Montevideo to other main cities of the country). === By bus === Uruguay has an '''extensive internal bus system''', in practice the only way of getting around between cities if you aren't driving. From [[Montevideo]] interdepartmental buses leave from the Tres Cruces station which also serves the international buses. There are often several companies serving the routes and the buses are frequent, safe, comfortable and affordable. Buses generally depart right on time. Depending on the company, tickets can usually be bought online, at bus stations and on board the buses themselves. If you buy tickets before departure you will get a reserved seat, otherwise you can sit at seats that don't happen to be occupied (otherwise there's place to stand in the aisle). Usually, there is a separate inspector on board selling and checking tickets. The inspector may ask you where you're getting off; if you're planning to get off at your destination's bus terminal, you can just say "''terminal''". Companies offering long-distance bus transport include [http://www.cot.com.uy/ COT] (Compañía de Ómnibus Turismo), [https://www.copsa.com.uy/en/ COPSA] (Compañía Oriental de Transportes S.A.), [http://www.rutasdelplata.com.uy/ Rutas del Plata], [https://www.turil.com.uy/ Turil], [https://www.turismar.com.uy/ Turismar], Rutas del Sol, Buquebus, Agencia Central, Nossar, Tata, Copay, Nuñez and Chadre. Several cities also have local bus systems; Montevideo's is naturally the largest. It can be hard to find information online about [https://horariosdeomnibus.org/ local bus routes], especially for cities other than Montevideo, but if you ask a local they'll usually know which routes go where. For both local and interdepartmental buses, you can flag them down at a bus stop by stretching your arm out horizontally to your side, perpendicular to the road, as if pointing to the other side of the street. One-day bus strikes (''paros'') are not uncommon, resulting in limited service or none at all. Often they are just for interdepartmental buses while local buses run with no disruption. === By taxi === Taxis in Uruguay are safe and fairly affordable, costing about US{{USD|2}} per km. All taxis in Montevideo use meters and have fixed costs. Some meters do not display the price of the trip in pesos but in "fichas" (tokens) which have to be converted into pesos according to a chart that should be shown to the passengers. Taxis in some smaller cities may not use meters. Uber is available in Montevideo and Punta del Este. === By car === The main highway is the one that goes from Montevideo to Punta Del Este (main tourist city of Uruguay), it is double lane from both sides. However this is the exception and most of the highways are single lane and therefore you should take precautions when driving long distances (a "long distance" in Uruguay is 500 km max), trying to pass another car. Always keep your distance from the car in front of you. In the central areas of major cities, and on most major highways, the roads are good, but if you go a little off the beaten path, be prepared for potholes and dirt roads. ====Car rentals==== To rent a car in Uruguay, residents of many countries need only their driver's license, passport, and credit card; only residents of certain countries must obtain an International Driver's Permit. Vehicle imports and gasoline are both heavily taxed. Therefore, most Uruguayans prefer to buy cars with fuel-efficient manual transmissions, which in turn means that vehicles with automatic transmissions are rarer and much more expensive. If you can drive a manual transmission, you are looking at about US{{USD|50}}/day and up, while those who can only drive automatic transmissions are looking at US{{USD|90}}/day and up for a car rental. It will cost US{{USD|60}} and up to fill up the gas tank just on a regular small sedan like a Chevy Aveo. Traditionally, the sole gasoline retailer in Uruguay was the state-owned monopoly, ANCAP. (ANCAP is the "National Administration" for "combustibles," alcohol, and Portland cement, hence the name.) Today, ANCAP competes with Petrobras and Esso. All gas stations are full service, so you will need to know enough rudimentary Spanish to tell the attendant to fill it up. ====Driving==== [[File:Uruguayan road.jpg|thumbnail|National Route 1]] Driving in Uruguay is very similar to European driving, but with less traffic lights and lots of roundabouts. North Americans accustomed to wild big-city driving (New York or Los Angeles) will not find it too difficult to adapt to. As in many developing countries and parts of Europe, Uruguayans have a tendency to split lanes or make their own lane. Since manual transmissions take longer to spin up, Uruguayans like to watch for the cross-traffic's yellow light and then jump the green about a second in advance, which means you should ''never'' run yellow lights if you can brake safely. Many intersections are marked only with yield signs. If you don't see a sign, treat it as a yield. If you see a stop sign ("Pare"), it means stop, ''please stop'', probably because it's a blind intersection and someone was killed there. You should have the "carta verde" licence to drive in Uruguay, you can find it in the embassy. The legal limit of alcohol concentration is 0.0%—do not drive after drinking. Drive on the right just like in most of the rest of South America. Uruguay has not yet implemented sensor loops, so all traffic lights are on timers and you will have to sit there regardless of whether the cross-street has traffic. (Some local drivers will just run the red after sitting for a few minutes if cross-traffic is nonexistent.) Right turns on red after stop are not allowed. Headlights must be turned on at all times while moving. Like much of Latin America, Uruguay has a fondness for giant speed bumps at the edge of towns the road passes through, this is true also for major roads. These are signed well in advance and require drivers to brake to {{kmh|20}} or less; failure to brake in time will send one's car flying. Uruguayan law requires drivers to keep both hands on the steering wheel while moving, which means you cannot use a handheld cell phone while driving. The speed limit ranges between {{kmh|75 and 110}} on most intercity highways, with {{kmh|90}} standard on most stretches, but it's not enforced. Uruguay does not have any long-distance freeways or expressways. Some short stretches of Routes 1 and 5 to the west of Montevideo have been upgraded to freeways. Look out for pedestrians and slow-moving traffic in the roadway, especially in rural areas and poorer suburbs. Because automobiles are so expensive, many Uruguayans get around solely by foot, taxi, scooter, motorcycle, or bus. Like many developing countries, Uruguay lacks the resources to properly maintain sidewalks in poor neighborhoods, so sidewalks often have cracks, potholes, or worse. Therefore, you will see pedestrians frequently walking in the street even when there appears to be a sidewalk or footpath next to the road. ====Navigation==== [[File:R-IBuy.jpg|thumbnail|Toll booth at Ruta Interbalnearia between Montevideo and Punta del Este]] Uruguayan national highways are well-maintained, well-designed, easy to drive, and in excellent condition; they are maintained by the private Highway Corporation of Uruguay (CVU) under the supervision of the National Highway Directorate (DNV). CVU charges a standard toll (U$90 for a regular auto) to traffic in both directions at toll plazas strategically sited throughout the country near bridges over major rivers (where it is difficult to find a toll-free detour). Transitions between CVU/DNV and local department highway maintenance are always marked with large signs (if the jarring change in the quality of the pavement doesn't already make it obvious). Roads under local maintenance tend to vary widely in terms of quality. The most important long-distance highway in Uruguay is the Ruta Interbalneria (IB) linking Montevideo to Punta Del Este, which is a four-lane road with a broad median. Note that the IB was built as what people from western North America call an expressway; that is, cross-traffic still crosses at-grade at intersections rather than at interchanges with overpasses and underpasses. Most other highways are two-lane highways. It is nearly impossible to obtain paper road maps of Uruguay outside of the country. Fortunately, ANCAP sells an excellent map package at all its gas stations which, as of 2012, includes three maps. Two are large foldable sheet maps. One is an overview-level highway map, which has the entire Mercosur bloc on one side and all of Uruguay on the other. The other is a detailed street map of Montevideo. The third map is a booklet with detailed street maps of all departmental capital cities and several other major cities, including Punta del Este. Google Maps, Bing Maps from Microsoft, and OpenStreetMap all have excellent coverage of Montevideo, and the first two also have good coverage of the rest of the country. Although there are now mobile apps available which enable users to download OpenStreetMap data in advance to one's mobile phone, OpenStreetMap's coverage of areas outside of Montevideo and Punta del Este is still incomplete. Another important quirk to keep in mind is that ''only'' online map services accurately depict the one-way streets common in Montevideo and other Uruguayan cities and towns. Virtually all Uruguayan paper road maps (including the ANCAP maps and the official maps from the Ministry of Tourism and Sport) lack arrows to show the direction of one-way streets. ====Emergencies==== Take notice of the emergency phone numbers prominently posted on the highways and keep them in mind. Uruguay is not a dangerous country, but since it is mostly agricultural and very sparsely populated between the towns, if your car breaks down it can take you a long time to walk to the nearest pay phone. It is recommended to carry a cell phone with you. Antel is the state company and the main provider. === By motorbike === Many Uruguayans use motorbikes as their preferred mode of transport. These are also available for rent to tourists in many larger cities. For motorbikes there is no road toll. === By thumb === :''Also, read the [[Hitchhiking|general guide on hitchhiking]].'' In rural areas hitchhiking is fairly common and as safe as hitching is anywhere. Uruguay has the lowest level of violent crime in the Americas, outside Canada. If you are female don't hitchhike alone. Play it safe but it's more likely that the car is going to crash (1 in 100 chance) than something bad is going to happen. Always use your seatbelts, while drivers that take you along the way can be very open, they can also be a little reckless in driving, kind of related probably. ==Talk== {{seealso|Spanish phrasebook}} '''[[Spanish phrasebook|Spanish]]''' is the country's official and national language. The pronunciation and the use of the ''vos'' pronoun instead of ''tú'' is practically the same as the Spanish variety spoken in Argentina, also known as ''Rioplatense Spanish''. However it is remarkably different from the Spanish spoken in Spain when it comes to pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary. If you are not familiar with the local dialect, be prepared to regularly having to ask people you're talking with to repeat themselves. Although most Uruguayans have studied '''English''' at school, they do not actually speak or use it. However, some Uruguayans have studied English at private institutes, so they can speak it well. Outside Montevideo, Colonia and Punta del Este, there are few English speakers. In most tourist spots (shopping centers and in Punta del Este), there is someone who is proficient in English and upscale restaurants and those that cater to tourists often have someone on staff who speaks English. In practice, knowledge of basic Spanish is ''indispensable'' for independent travel in Uruguay. If you try to communicate in Spanish or with gestures, most Uruguayans will try to help you out. Those who can speak English will often single you out and begin a conversation themselves, eager to try out their English. People are kind and helpful, and they will be glad to meet with a foreigner. In major tourist spots and anywhere near the Brazilian border, you can get by with '''[[Brazilian Portuguese phrasebook|Portuguese]]'''. Don't be surprised if you talk to someone in Portuguese and they just respond in Spanish, figuring that if you speak Portuguese you can understand enough Spanish to get what they're saying. Near the border, you may also hear '''Portuñol''', a mixture of Portuguese and Spanish. The deaf community in Uruguay uses '''Uruguayan Sign Language''' (''lengua de señas uruguaya''). If you want to study Spanish in a language academy, you may want to check out the Grupo de Turismo Idiomático, a private sector initiative supported by the Ministry of Tourism. ==See== [[File:Castillo Piria, emblemático por su historia vinculada a la alquimia.JPG|thumbnail|Castillo de Piria]] While there are interesting things to see all over Uruguay, the main sights of interest are concentrated on the coastline. Perhaps unsurprisingly the largest concentration of things to see is the capital, [[Montevideo]]. There the "father of Uruguayan nationhood", general Jose Artigas rests in a mausoleum under an equestrian statue of himself in the middle of Plaza Independencia surrounded by buildings iconic to the capital such as Palacio Salvo, the old and new presidential palaces, the city gate and the Edificio Ciudadela. Passing through the city gate one will arrive in the old town of Montevideo hosting several museums, old buildings that once were the residences of wealthy families as well as the Puerto del Mercado. Other points of interest not to be missed in Montevideo include the neoclassical parliament building Palacio Legislativo, the Centenario Stadium and the adjacent football museum and the 22 km long beach promenade Rambla stretching along the Atlantic shore with several sights next to or nearby it. A two and a half hour bus trip west takes you to [[Colonia del Sacramento]], a city established in 1680 by the Portuguese. While the modern part of the city isn't much of a tourist attraction, the well-preserved colonial ''barrio histórico'' is a [[UNESCO World Heritage site]]. As it is located a mere one hour from Buenos Aires by catamaran, it is also a popular day trip for visitors to the Argentinian capital. East of Montevideo is [[Punta del Este]], a beach resort popular among the rich and famous and the city where the Los Dedos sculpture and the Casa Pueblo resort museum are located. Just north of Punta del Este is the city of Maldonado with the lighthouse of José Ignacio. Closer to the capital is the city of [[Piriápolis]] where you can visit the Castillo de Piria. Further off the beaten path, check out Uruguay's industrial history in [[Fray Bentos]], where a former meat processing plant is also a World Heritage site. And of course that meat had to come from somewhere—Uruguay also has a strong history of agriculture, and visitors can tour ''estancias'' (ranches) dotted throughout the country's interior. In the [[Northern Interior (Uruguay)|northern interior]], you're sure to encounter ''gauchos'': Uruguayan cowboys who still wear traditional clothes and ride horses alongside the highway. ==Do== [[File:Paisaje Punta del Este.JPG|thumbnail|Beach in Punta del Este]] * One of the best experiences to have during your stay in Uruguay is to '''watch a football game''' between Nacional and Peñarol, the two most followed football teams in the nation, but be careful with the radical fans of both teams, since they can engage in fights and violence. * '''Sunbathing, surfing and swimming''' at the beaches of the Atlantic coast. The most important beaches are in Punta del Este, Piriapolis, La Paloma, La Pedrera, Cabo Polonio, Punta del Diablo and Santa Teresa (national park and campground). * '''[[Stargazing]]''' at places mentioned by the project [https://www.miralasestrellas.com/ Mirá las Estrellas]{{Dead link|date=January 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} by [https://www.darksky.org/fefo-bouvier-monthly-star/ Fefo Bouvier] * '''[[Birdwatching]]''' at Rocha's tourist "estancias". ===Events=== * Llamadas de Reyes - candombe drums - January 6 in [[Montevideo]] * Desfile de Llamadas - candombe parade - first Friday of February in Barrio Sur, [[Montevideo]] * Concurso de Carnaval - popular stage-productions divided in different styles: murgas, revistas, humoristas, parodistas and lubolos - February in [[Montevideo]] * [[Tacuarembó#Fiesta_de_la_Patria_Gaucha|Fiesta de la Patria Gaucha]] - celebrating gaucho culture - first week of March in [[Tacuarembó]] * Noche de la nostalgia (Nostalgia Night) - August 24, the night before Independence Day, when the nightclubs play oldies music and Uruguayans party the night away ==Buy== ===Money=== {{exchange rates | currency=Uruguayan peso | currencyCode=U$ | date=January 2025 | USD=44 | EUR=45 | GBP=55 | source=[https://www.xe.com/currency/uyu-uruguayan-peso XE.com] }} The Uruguayan currency is the '''peso''' (ISO code: '''UYU'''). Prices are quoted using the ''U$'' symbol, which may be easily confused with the US dollar symbol. Prices on costlier goods and services (over US$100, generally speaking) are often quoted in American dollars instead of pesos, and US dollars are surprisingly widely accepted even at some fast food restaurants. Places that cater to foreign visitors often also accept Argentinian pesos or Brazilian reals. All of these currencies use the symbol "$", so check which currency the prices are in if you're unsure. Coins in Uruguay come in denominations of 1, 2, 5 and 10 pesos Uruguayos. Banknotes in Uruguay come in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000 and 2,000 pesos Uruguayos. === Banking === ====Cash, ATMs and credit cards==== Credit cards are not as widely accepted as in North America or Europe - smaller establishments often accept only cash (''efectivo''). Try to have more or less exact change as they even in a mid-size supermarket can have some problems giving you change back if you are paying for U$600 worth of purchases with a U$1000 bill. You can exchange a large bill for smaller change without paying a commission at '''Abitab''', a one-stop shop with branches all over Uruguay that offers all kinds of services, including paying bills, buying tickets for performances, and adding money to transit cards. Many Uruguayan ATMs can dispense US dollars in addition to pesos. You can find ATMs by looking for signs saying "BanRed" or "RedBrou". RedBrou has lower fees, but many of their machines are deposit-only. Alternatively, head for a branch of Banco República, which usually has ATMs; they state a fee of US$0.75-1.50, which however apparently does not apply to certain cards, e.g. some German credit cards that offer free withdrawals worldwide. So, best to try once, then you know. You can bring euros but exchange rates are usually 5-10% off the official rate, whereas many credit card rates only are 1% off plus the usual card fee of 0-3%. So, coming from Europe probably cards are to be preferred considering their safety and convenience. US dollars however can be exchanged at highly competitive rates, inheriting a fee of often just 1% or less. Cambios (aka ''Bureau de change'') are numerous and widespread; wherever you have a bank or a (Red)Brou, there will most likely also be a Cambio in town. Exchanging euros at the airport is expensive with rates about 20% off the official interbank rates. ===Shopping=== [[File:Portones Shopping Mall.png|thumbnail|Portones shopping mall, Montevideo]] Uruguay is like many developing countries in that the retail industry is still dominated by small specialized shops, small supermarkets, and small, crowded shopping malls. There are no true department stores in the country remotely comparable to the giant stores found in New York or Paris. Even the shopping buildings along Avenida 18 de Julio in central Montevideo are not department stores but collections of 10-20 smaller stores. In the entire country, there is only ''one'' true hypermarket, Geant (operated a joint venture between local chain Disco and the French chain Geant), that constitutes a reasonably decent facsimile of hypermarkets elsewhere (down to the huge parking lot, high ceiling and wide aisles). Uruguay does not have the big box "category killer" stores for which the U.S. is famous (and which have been copied to a lesser extent in Australia and Europe). One quite widespread supermarket chain is [http://www.tata.com.uy Ta-ta]. These relatively small supermarkets sell a wide range of products from food and household items to clothes and even things you can bring home as souvenirs. If you've forgotten to bring something for your trip you can probably find it there. Most of them are open seven days a week. Day stores such as '''Ta-Ta''', '''Devoto''', '''[https://www.tiendainglesa.com.uy/ Tienda Inglesa]''' and '''Disco''' do close early, commonly at 21:00, but essential goods can be bought at '''gas stations''' that remain open 24/7 all over the country. There are several so-called shopping centers, four of them located in the capital: '''Montevideo Shopping Center''', '''Punta Carretas Shopping Center''', '''Portones Shopping''', '''Tres Cruces Shopping''' (which also serves as a long-distance bus station), and the newly opened '''Nuevo Centro'''. ===Products=== Uruguay does not manufacture most consumer goods locally. Most items in the stores have either been imported from China, or from Argentina or Brazil. Even worse, Uruguay charges high import tariffs and high value-added tax (IVA) of about 22% on virtually everything. Accordingly, imported goods cost as much as in Australia, Canada, or Europe. Uruguayan products on the other hand - chiefly comprised of food and leather products - can be very affordable. Some parts of Uruguayan stores feature numerous high-quality brands familiar to any North American, like Dove soap, Colgate toothpaste, Listerine mouthwash, Del Monte canned fruit, and so on. There are other brands with familiar logos but strange names; for example, Coca-Cola's South American juice brand is del Valle, which has a logo similar to Coca-Cola's North American juice brand, Minute Maid. However, Uruguay is not a major priority for most other brands found in the developed world, which means their products are (luckily!) rare or nonexistent here. Locally available brands (as noted, imported mostly from China) tend to be of poor quality. Because the Uruguayan market is so small and most Uruguayans are still relatively poor compared to consumers elsewhere, Uruguayan retailers lack the bargaining power of their North American or European counterparts. In turn, Chinese factories often sell their highest-quality product lines to the dominant First World markets and send their mediocre-quality product lines to Uruguay and other small developing countries. For example, while American and European consumers are accustomed to advertisements for luxury bedding made of more than 700 thread count textiles woven from Egyptian or pima cotton, luxury bedding in Uruguay consists of more than 250 thread count textiles woven from cotton/polyester blends. Popular items to buy include '''yerba mate''' gourds, antiques, wool textiles, and leather goods: jackets, purses, wallets, belts, etc. With regard to textiles and leather goods, although the prices may look like great bargains, one must keep in mind that local designs are inferior to designs elsewhere. Uruguay is still decades behind other countries when it comes to the quality of metalworking, which is a serious problem since leather goods like purses and belts have metal parts like clasps and buckles. ===Tipping=== Tipping is not mandatory. Usually 10% in restaurants will be enough. Tipping taxi drivers is entirely optional. ==Eat== [[File:La chacra del puerto Asado.JPG|thumbnail|Asado, traditional barbecue]] Uruguayan cuisine is typical for temperate countries, high on butter, fat, and grains, low on spice. It has an important Italian influence due to the strong Italian immigration. If you are from the Mediterranean or Mexico, you will find it bland, but if you come from the Northern Europe, Russia or the US, you won't have trouble getting used to it. ===Prices=== As of May 2014, breakfast for 4 people (a liter of fruit juice and two packages of biscuits) can cost as little as U$100 in a supermarket, a serving of fast food costs about the same while meals in sit down restaurants generally speaking start from U$300. Many restaurants have a cover charge. Restaurants and some other services give discounts if you pay with a foreign credit card. (The discount, which was established by the government to encourage tourism, is a reduction in value-added tax.) ===Specialties=== There are many public '''markets''' where you can get a hundred varieties of '''meat'''. '''Vegetarians''' can order '''ravioli''' or other '''pasta''' just about anywhere, but check to make sure the sauce doesn't contain meat. '''Vegans''' may have trouble as meat and dairy are nearly ubiquitous; restaurants with good vegan options exist, but they're few and far between. '''Empanadas''' (hand-sized meat or cheese pies) make an excellent portable, inexpensive, and delicious snack or lunch. You can find them easily at many corner bakeries. [[File:Chivito al plato.JPG|thumbnail|Chivito al plato]] Uruguay has traditionally been a ranching country, with cattle outnumbering people more than two-to-one, and therefore features excellent (and affordable) '''steaks'''. One dish that should not be missed is '''chivito''', a heart-attack-on-a-platter sandwich (some guidebooks call it a "cholesterol bomb") that is made of a combination of grilled tenderloin steak, tomato, lettuce, onion, eggs (hard-boiled and then sliced), ham, bacon, mozzarella cheese and mayonnaise and fries. There are two versions of chivito. ''Al pan'' means it's served "on bread", this is the classic variant and it looks like a hamburger served on a plate. If it is served ''al plato'' it is like a hamburger minus the bread and often with more vegetables. '''Asado''' is a typical Uruguayan barbeque, consisting of a variety of grilled meats (beef short ribs, sausage, blood sausage and sweetbreads and other offal) over wood coals. Almost all Uruguayans know how to make it and its variations appear on most restaurant menus. For a traditional experience, try it at the "Mercado del Puerto" market, in Montevideo's port area. As many of the European immigrants to the area around Rio de la Plata a century ago came from Italy, '''Italian dishes''' have a special place in the local cuisine, often with a local twist. The Central European ''schnitzel's'' local relative '''Milanesa''' is made with beef instead of pork and is also available as a sandwich. '''Bizcochos''' are popular pastries that can be bought at local bakeries among with other local confectioneries and sandwiches such as the '''sandwich olímpico''', which can also be found at most supermarkets. '''Tortas fritas''' (a sort of fried pancake), '''pasteles''' and '''garrapiñada''' (sugar-roasted peanuts) among with '''hamburgers''' and '''choripanes''' are commonly sold on the street. Uruguay, with its long shoreline, also enjoys an excellent variety of '''seafood and fish'''. The flavor of the most commonly offered fish, ''brotola'', may be familiar to people from North America, where it is called hake. For desserts, '''dulce de leche''', a kind of caramel made with sweetened milk, is found in all manner of confections, from ice cream to '''alfajores''' (dulce de leche-filled cookie sandwiches), '''Ricardito''' and '''chajá''' (available in all supermarkets). ==Drink== [[File:TipicoMateUruguayo.jpg|thumbnail|Thermos bottle, gourd with mate and bombilla]] *'''Mate''' (''MAH-teh'') &ndash; Mate is derived from the ''yerba mate'' plant that was originally used by the indigenous Guarani living near the ''Rio de la Plata''. This traditional drink is ubiquitous&mdash;you will see more people carrying a mate gourd and thermos bottle on the streets of Montevideo than people with take-away coffee in New York. However, it can hardly be ordered in restaurants; as young and old go around with their own cup and thermos bottle on the street, there would likely be no-one ordering it in a café or restaurant if they offered it. You may have to buy a package at a supermarket and make your own. The drinking gourds are widely available and range from economical to super-deluxe silver and horn. Most Uruguayans prefer to drink their mate without sugar, called a ''Mate amargo''. Gourds and horns are constantly being refilled with the brew from sun-up to sun-down. But as everyone prepares their own mate, ''cafés and restaurants seldom serve it.'' Mate is a social drink. If you are with a group of Uruguayans they will probably offer you some, do be mindful, it will be hot and may taste somewhat bitter. If you try some it will make everybody happy. *'''Salus''' &ndash; A mineral water bottled in Uruguay. If you're a little apprehensive about drinking tap water, this is a great way to go! *'''Tutti Frutti''' &mdash; A mix of delicious freshly squeezed fruit juice with ice. *'''Beer''' &ndash; Alcohol is relatively inexpensive. Beer is often sold in 1L bottles. You basically have a selection of typical lagers. The most commonly found are Patricia or Pilsen, with Zillertal also often available. You can also order a chopp, which is a draft beer (and if not specified, it is normally Patricia). Uruguayan beers can be bought at U$80 in supermarkets. The rise of craft brewing has been warmly embraced in Uruguay, particularly in [[Montevideo]], where you will find at least a dozen craft breweries producing a wide range of artesanal beer styles. *'''Uvita''' &ndash; A specialty of Bar Fun Fun, raisin-flavoured liquor served in a shot glass. *'''Medio y Medio''' &ndash; A special mix of drinks made by "Roldós", in the '''Mercado del Puerto''' * '''Paso de los Toros''' (an exotic pomelo-based soda) * '''Whisky''' &ndash; The most common strong alcohol beverage is surprisingly whisky, even many famous brands such as Johnnie Walker being manufactured in Uruguay under license. A 1l bottle of the cheapest brands can be bought for U$250 in a supermarket. * '''Grappa''' &ndash; Even cheaper strong alcohols are the locally distilled ''grappas'' and ''cañas'' that can be bought at most supermarkets and also can be tasted in many pizzerias where they also sell ''grappa con limón'', the same liquor flavoured with lemon. * Compared to Brazil the coffee served in both cafés and hotels is reportedly rather tasteless, however in the ice cream café chain Freddo they do have good coffee. '''Nightlife''' goes late in Uruguay. Nightclubs often waive the cover charge for "early" arrivals until midnight, and it's not uncommon for a concert or a night of partying to end around dawn. ===Wine=== Uruguay is acquiring a reputation for its fine wines, especially red wines made from the Tannat grape. The "VCP" label (''Vino de Calidad Preferente'') identifies qualify wines, in contrast to table wines (''vinos de mesa''). A bottled mix of wines called '''medio y medio''' can be found at most stores. Most of Uruguay's wineries can be found between [[Montevideo]] and the small city of [[Canelones]], with a number of vineyards scattered just east of this area in Canelones Department, which is by far the largest wine producing area of the country, although small wineries can be found throughout the country. About 180 wineries operate in Uruguay, many of which are family-run businesses that have been handed down through generations. ==Sleep== [[File:Pradera y bosque de ribera Uruguay.JPG|thumbnail|Landscape in San José department in the southern part of the country]] For nature lovers, birdwatchers, and those seeking a respite from the fast-paced world, there are many "estancias" in serene and peaceful environments, surrounded by many species of native and migrating birds, which offer a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature. There are many more beach houses to rent along the coast than actual hotel rooms. They are plentiful, and outside the high season affordable. During the first two weeks of January it's impossible to find anything, every cottage and hotel room is booked months in advance. In addition, '''camping''' is possible in many places (free or including amenities), especially near the beach. However, consider that many grounds are private property, so you should not camp here. Consult [https://www.openstreetmap.org/#map=16/-33.9805/-53.5380 OpenStreetMap], which many mobile Apps like OsmAnd or Mapy.cz use, to find places which have been tagged by other people as possible camping sites. == Learn == Uruguayan society underscores the importance of education and the country has one of the highest literacy rates and most respectable educational systems in South America. Educators are generally well-respected members of Uruguayan society; they take their duties very seriously, there's virtually no corruption in the educational system, and teachers are expected to play a vital role in shaping the future of the country. However, Uruguay isn't a hugely popular destination for foreign students and the country has a moderate number of universities. Most universities conduct classes in [[Spanish phrasebook|Spanish]]; therefore, having an excellent knowledge of Spanish is essential to unlock the full range of learning opportunities in the country. The '''[https://udelar.edu.uy/ University of the Republic]''' is the country's oldest and most prestigious university, with over 150,000 students. ==Work== Finding employment in Uruguay can be a competitive affair; the small size of the economy and an oversupply of educated labour mean that there's not enough work for people and these factors prompt many Uruguayans to seek employment opportunities abroad. There are numerous English language schools which are looking for native speakers as [[Teaching English|teachers]]. They can arrange papers or pay teachers under the table. The pay is not good, but enough to live on in Montevideo. Work permits are not particularly difficult to obtain and Uruguay lets you convert a tourist visa to a work visa without leaving the country. Residency visas without permission to work simply require you prove access to US$500 a month. '''Volunteering''' (and learning Spanish at the same time) is big in South America&mdash;check out the general information in the [[South America#Work|South America article]]. ==Cope== Facebook has a [https://www.facebook.com/groups/BoliviaParaguayUruguayBackpackerTraveler/ Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay Backpacker / Traveler group] where you can find other travellers and up-to-date information on the country. In general, also see [[South America#Cope]]. ==Stay safe== [[File:Plaza Matriz night.JPG|thumbnail|Night view of Plaza Constitución in Montevideo's old town]] Historically, Uruguay has enjoyed a very '''low rate of violent crime compared to its neighbors'''. Thus, Argentines and Brazilians traditionally go on vacation in Uruguay because they love not having to worry about being carjacked, kidnapped, or murdered while on vacation. Even today, Uruguay is still relatively free of those types of crimes. However, this does not mean that Uruguay is crime free. The major differences are that most Uruguayan crimes are either nonconfrontational or do not involve the gratuitous use of firearms. Montevideo in particular has seen its crime rate gradually rise since the severe 2001-2002 financial crisis, and now has moderately high levels of theft, burglary, and robbery similar to those found in major U.S. cities. Fortunately, Punta del Este and most rural areas continue to enjoy relatively low crime levels. In Montevideo, take precautions: use a money belt and/or hotel safe for valuables, look alert, keep out of obvious slums, and avoid wandering around unfamiliar or iffy neighborhoods at night. Overall, Montevideo about as safe as large European cities like Paris, Berlin, London or Madrid. In a security emergency, call '''911''' or '''999'''. For firefighters, call, '''104'''. For ambulance, call '''105'''. '''[[Cannabis]]''' is one of the most widely used drugs in the country and legal as well. Uruguay is the first country in the world where the sale, growth and distribution of cannabis is legal. Regarding the legality of marijuana, possession for personal use is not penalized if it concerns minor quantities (a few grams), either Uruguayan or foreign. '''Possession of major quantities''' (for example, one kilogram) '''is illegal and punishable by law'''. The [http://archivo.presidencia.gub.uy/sci/leyes/2013/12/cons_min_803.pdf 2013 legalization of this drug] for personal use (medicinal or recreational), sale or storage of the plant (~480 grams per year) is only for Uruguayan citizens of 18 years and above (natural or legal citizenship) with legal capacity. Likewise with alcohol, driving under the influence of marijuana is not allowed, and such breach may carry a fine. '''Stray dogs''' can be found all over Uruguay. They might follow you around a bit hoping for food, but they are rarely [[Aggressive dogs|aggressive]]. If they come too close for your taste, (pretend to) pick up a stone and they will understand. ===Natural disasters=== Uruguay is vulnerable to '''floods'''. If it rains too much, roads can become impassable and riverside houses may need to be evacuated. Uruguay is also vulnerable to '''tornados''' and is part of the '''South America Tornado Corridor''', the second most tornado-prone area in the world (behind the United States Tornado Alley). Monitor local media notices and if you see that the sky is dark, the light take on a greenish-yellow cast or a loud sound that sounds like a freight train, this could be an indication of a tornado. Find shelter immediately. Refer to the [[tornado safety]] article for analysis of the issues here. ==Stay healthy== Uruguay has one of the best healthcare systems in South America; most medical facilities are comparable to US standards and the country has one of the highest life expectancies on the continent. '''[[Tap water]]''' is safe to drink in all major cities, though most locals prefer to drink bottled water. That said, if your hotel or host tells you to drink bottled water, you should follow their instructions—some houses have water storage tanks that may not be completely clean. The Hospital Britanico (British Hospital), SUMMUM and BlueCross & BlueShield Uruguay have European-quality service and they are clean and efficient. Asociación Española, Medica Uruguaya and CASMU are the largest healthcare companies in Uruguay and they have European-quality level. Just don't make any unwise alcohol drinking decisions. '''[[Tropical diseases]]''' are not a major concern in Uruguay; the malaria and dengue present in parts of nearby countries are absent here. Vaccines are generally recommended for Hepatitis A and typhoid, though. In the Southern Hemisphere winter you won't encounter many insects in Uruguay, but in the summer there are some mosquitoes, especially after big rainstorms. ==Respect== [[File:Los Academicos 1.JPG|thumbnail|Supporters of the samba school Los Academicos in Artigas]] Uruguay is a socially progressive country. Women got the vote in Uruguay 12 years before France. Uruguay is a secular state unlike Argentina, Chile or Paraguay; the Uruguayan state has not supported any religion since 1917. Even national holidays are officially referred to with secular names—the week before Easter is officially "Tourism Week" and December 25th is "Family Day"! The population is mainly Catholic, but not very practicing. Uruguay is considered to be safe and welcoming to '''gay and lesbian visitors''': it is ranked 12th in the world in the [http://www.spartacusworld.com/gaytravelindex.pdf Spartacus Gay Travel Index]. It was the first Latin American country to pass a civil union law, and same-sex marriage was legalized in mid-2013. Even in rural areas, gay travelers experience little overt discrimination. There are a few gay and lesbian bars in Montevideo and in Punta del Este. The only public monument to sexual diversity is in Ciudad Vieja (the old city) in Montevideo. On the last Friday of September, Montevideo celebrates "Diversity Month" with a parade on 18 of July in the center of the city. Like in other Latin American countries, it's common to greet people with a kiss on the cheek. But unlike most other countries, where this is only done between two women or between a woman and a man, in Uruguay it's not uncommon for men to greet each other this way too! (Those men who prefer not to kiss another man on the cheek will shake hands instead.) As in many countries, these kisses are really more of a cheek-to-cheek touch with a kiss in the air. Punctuality is not essential here – meeting a few minutes late is not uncommon nor considered rude. Uruguayans normally keep their shoes on when entering a house; conventional wisdom here is that walking around your house barefoot makes it easier to catch a cold. Despite their strong resemblance to neighboring Argentina, Uruguayans are a proud people and will make it clear to you that they are not like the "porteños" (a nickname for Buenos Aires residents). Therefore, keep in mind that any comments like "Montevideo is a suburb of Buenos Aires" will upset the locals. ===Body language=== The "OK" sign (thumb and index finger in a circle) is an exceptionally offensive gesture. Do not exhibit it. A thumbs up is okay and not offensive. Brushing the back of your hand under your chin means "I don't know" or "I don't know what you're talking about". Do not put your feet on a chair, desk, or table. ==Connect== [[File:Montevideo pay phone.JPG|thumbnail|Antel pay phone in Montevideo]] ===Telephone=== The national landline telephone monopoly is [http://www.antel.com.uy/antel/ Antel]{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}, which provides all public pay phones and is also the sole provider of landline Internet service. Although Antel pay phones only take Antel's proprietary magnetic cards (that are difficult if not impossible to obtain), it is possible to use international calling cards to call home by taking the phone off the hook, waiting for a dial tone, and dialing the correct access code. However, note that many public pay phones are not properly maintained. If you do not hear a touch tone emitted for each key, that means the phone is defective and you must try another one. Uruguay's country code is +598. Montevideo and suburbs have landline numbers beginning in 2, while the rest of the country has landline numbers beginning with 4. ====Cell phone==== Antel also operates a cell phone network, and competes with two private companies, Movistar and Claro. All three have numerous kiosks and stores throughout the country. Both the European (1800 MHz) and North American (1900 MHz) frequencies are used. Some hostels in tourist areas, such as [[Colonia]] or the [[Atlantic Coast (Uruguay)|Atlantic Coast]] during summer, offer free SIM cards, and the operators usually sponsor big events, in which free SIM cards might also be given out. As of 2023, free Antel SIM cards are given at the Carrasco airport information desk. All three companies offer GSM, 3G HSPA and 4G LTE connectivity. As of early 2018, Claro charged a flat rate of U$15 a day for mobile data use, and also had many other packs available. Antel charges per data usage, and local knowledge has it that U$200 is enough for a month. ===Mail=== The national postal service is [http://www.correo.com.uy/home Correo Uruguayo]. Most of their post offices are very hard to find and are open M-F 09:00-17:00; some are open Sa 09:00-12:00. Letterboxes for depositing outbound mail are made out of cheap blue translucent plastic and are extremely difficult to find outside of post offices. Some post offices have three boxes: one for the local city, one for domestic mail ("interior") and one for international ("exterior"). Uruguayan letterboxes are designed only for indoor use. Keep in mind that Correos licenses many retailers, such as pharmacies, as postal agents, and letterboxes can sometimes be found around those agents' premises as well. ===Internet=== Antel is the ''only'' provider of landline Internet service, while Dedicado is the main provider of fixed wireless Internet service. WiFi is ubiquitous and can be found in virtually all decent hotels as well as many restaurants, cybercafes, and shopping malls. Antel WiFi hotspots are normally available only to Antel landline Internet subscribers, unless you are in a place with free service like Carrasco International Airport, in which case a public username and password for free access are prominently posted and always username: antel password: wifi. Dedicado WiFi hotspots are free for everyone. Some public parks also have free (but unreliable) WiFi provided by the government—look for a network with a name like "Ceibal" or "Ceibalwifi". ==Go next== Uruguay borders [[Argentina]] to the west and [[Brazil]] to the east. [[Buenos Aires]], the capital of Argentina, is just a ferry ride away, and [[Rio Grande do Sul]], the southernmost state in Brazil, has deep cultural connections with Uruguay. The border of [[Paraguay]], the next closest country, is about 500 kilometers away from the extreme northwest of Uruguay. Its capital, [[Asunción]], can be reached most conveniently by plane or most cheaply by bus from [[Montevideo]]. {{usablecountry}} {{geo|-32.8833|-56.1667|zoom=7}} {{isPartOf|South_America}} 5guld886jp1tzrc7jb0qtb2clv3tb1y 0 38108 5086637 5086540 2025-07-02T14:07:54Z Sbb1413 2217354 /* Splurge */ Updated listing for Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach 5086637 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|VisakhapatnamH.jpg}} [[Image:Visakhapatnam 2010.jpg|thumb|Crescent Beach, Visakhapatnam]] [[File:Rock-cut Lord --Buddha-- Statue at Bojjanakonda near Anakapalle of Visakhapatnam dist in AP.jpg|thumb|Rock-cut Buddha Statue at Bojjannakonda near Anakapalle]] '''Visakhapatnam''' ([[Telugu]]: విశాఖపట్నం ''Viśākhapaṭnam''), popularly known as '''Vizag''', is the largest city in [[Andhra Pradesh]]. It is primarily an industrial city, but also attracts tourists due to its unspoilt sandy beaches, well built and maintained parks, Buddhist Remnant sites and nearby scenic areas, such as [[Araku Valley]]. The city has a population of about 2 million. ==Understand== [[File:VUDA park water pond, Visakhapatnam.JPG|thumb|VMRDA Park]] Vizag is sometimes called ''The Goa of the East''. Just like its [[Goa|west coast counterpart]], it has beautiful virgin beaches, laterite hillocks, smooth roads and stunning landscape. Health-tourism is a fast developing industry. Visakhapatnam is variously called ''Jewel on the Coromandel Coast'', ''Steel City'', and the ''City of Destiny''. There is a considerable concentration of Marwaris, Odias, Bengalis, Punjabis, Tamils and Malayalis. In addition, there is a large population of migrant workers from other parts of India who have been drawn to the area by the abundance of work at locally based companies, such as Vizag Steel Plant and Hindustan Shipyard. ==Get in== ===By plane=== * {{go | name=Visakhapatnam Airport | alt={{IATA|VTZ}} | url=https://www.aai.aero/en/airports/visakhapatnam | email= | address=Viman Nagar | lat=17.721111 | long=83.224444 | directions=opposite NH 16 | phone=+91 891 2851169 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2247541 | lastedit=2023-10-30 | content=Visakhapatnam is connected by air to [[Hyderabad]], [[Bangalore]], [[Chennai]], [[Tirupati]], [[Delhi]], [[Mumbai]], [[Bhubaneswar]], [[Kochi]], [[Dubai]], [[Kuala Lumpur]] and [[Singapore]] through its customs airport, an airport with restricted access, by Air India, SpiceJet and IndiGo. AirAsia and Batik Air from Malaysia operate scheduled flights from Kuala Lumpur. }} ===By train=== [[File:Visakhapatnam railway station.jpg|thumb|Visakhapatnam Junction railway station]] {{marker|type=go|name={{station|Visakhapatnam Junction|city=india|ecor}}|wikidata=Q7935582}} is on the [[Kolkata]]–[[Chennai]] line and is connected to several cities of the country by rail. All trains including fast expresses stop at the station. Visakhapatnam comes under the East Coast Railway (ECoR) zone and is one of the principal divisional headquarters (under the British name Waltair). It has eight platforms, the first in ECoR to have this many, and all of them can accommodate trains with up to 28 coaches. You may want to verify the timings with [http://www.indianrail.gov.in Indian Railways], since they change from time to time. Train berths can be reserved [http://www.irctc.co.in online]. However, this being a major destination, availability of seats is at times difficult even with a one month's advance planning. ===By car=== [[File:Visakhapatnam, Beach Road from Kailashagiri.jpg|thumb|Visakhapatnam Beach Road from Kailasagiri]] Visakhapatnam is connected to [[Chennai]] and [[Kolkata]] via [[Bhubaneswar]] and [[Vijayawada]] by National Highway 16 (dual-carriageway, 120 km/h). ===By bus=== The Andhra Pradesh State Road Travel Corporation (APSRTC) runs buses from almost every city and town to Visakhapatnam, along with some private operators, who run buses from a few of the major cities. Please check with APSRTC for timings. There is also a Garuda fleet of bus service (Volvo) to Vizag from Chennai, Bangalore, Vijayawada and Hyderabad which is very comfortable and happy going. This is the best way to do it if you want to travel by bus. APSRTC has several other bus services which have varied luxury levels and transit speeds. You might want to check the APSRTC at least 3 days in advance to be sure you have a reservation. ==Get around== {{mapframe|17.7245|83.315|width=480|height=450|zoom=13}} {{Mapshape|wikidata=Q15394}} Visakhapatnam has no commuter rail service. However, apart from the bus service, taxis or autorickshaws can also be hired. ===By bus=== APSRTC operates a lit of buses from 6 principal bus complexes in the city. They are: * Simhachalam * Gajuwaka * Maddilapalem * Visakha Steel City * Waltair * Madhurawada Dwarka Bus Station or RTC Complex depot is the largest bus station and complex in the city. There are mainly two types of buses operated for suburban travel in Visakhapatnam. * '''City Ordinary:''' can be identified by its orange or red colour. It is operated on almost all suburban routes. Some of the main routes include RTC Complex–Gajuwaka (via NAD), Maddilapalem–Railway Station, RTC Complex–Gajuwaka (via Scindia), Railway Station–Madhurawada, etc. These buses stop at almost every bus stop. The frequency is more than that of Metro Express buses. These buses sometimes become overcrowded during peak hours on weekdays. Some popular route numbers include 222, 400, 99, 25, 900, 60C, 300, 6A, 28, 38 and 12D. * '''Metro Express:''' can be identified by their blue and white colour. These buses run in most important routes such as 400, 211, 500, 99, 28, 38 etc. These buses don't stop at all bus stops and the fare for these buses is also a bit higher than that for city ordinary buses. Many of these buses are JNNURM funded and sport digital display boards which display route number and route details in both English and Telugu. Also most of these have cushioned seats which are comfortable and many of them also have air-suspension which makes the journey more comfortable. These buses don't get as crowded as City Ordinary buses. The junction and Maddilapalem joins the Asilametta-Ramatalkies road to the National Highway 5. Buses from Madilapalem ply to the extreme ends of the city, including Anakapalle and Thagarapuvalasa. ====Fares==== [[File:Visakha Museum - Maritime Wing.jpeg|thumb|Visakha Museum the Maritime Wing]] The bus fare to get to Madilapalem from the railway station is only ₹8. Buses operate within a 5 minute frequency in routes with high demand. The minimum frequency in which buses operate is 40 minutes, i.e., every route is covered by an APSRTC bus once in every 40 minutes. Apart from buying tickets on the bus, you may also avail an ''RTC-Pass'', which is a special type of pass that can be renewed once in a month. With the pass, you can board any APSRTC bus and travel anywhere within the city limits. An ordinary RTC-Pass costs just {{INR|750}}. The RTC complex is to the southeast of Asilametta. RTC complex is generally referred to as ''complex'' and is connected to every other region in the city. ==See== [[File:Ropeway car at Kailasagiri.jpg|thumb|Ropeway car at Kailasagiri]] [[Image:Kambalakonda.jpg|thumb|Kambalakonda]] [[File:Lord narasimha rock statue backyard simhachalam temple.jpg|thumb|Lord Narasimha rock-cut statue at Simhachalam temple]] * {{see | name=Kailasagiri | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.748992 | long=83.342236 | directions={{km|6}} away from the city centre | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q17061607 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=The ride to this hill offers a spectacular view of the sea. There is a park atop the hill, with a beautiful view of the city, the sea and Eastern Ghats merging into the sea. Sagarnagar Beach and Rushikonda Beach are on the right and left-hand sides. There is a huge sculpture of Shiva and Parvati. One can take a ropeway directly facing the sea and the city. On the hilltop, there is a beautiful toy train offering a tour of nature. Several viewpoints give a pleasant look at nature, especially in the evening, when the city is lit up. This is less commercial than other hill stations and there is less hassle from tourist guides. After descending from Kailasagiri, one should visit Tenneti Beach Park. Its beauty and luxuriant carpet grass intertwined with concrete pathways make it ideal for romantic couples. There are several points from which the beautiful rocky beach down beneath can be seen. This provides spectacular views of sunrise, sunset and the pristine waters. Many movies were shot here. Hillocks in the park, which are about {{ft|50}} in elevation give a beautiful view of the sea, beach road and the beach park. The hilltop includes a children's play area, a doll museum and a couple of eating areas. It has several viewpoints offering wonderful views of the city on one side and winding beaches adjoining green hills on the other side. It is a likeable beach city, especially after visiting Kailasagiri. }} * {{see | name=Shilparamam Jathara | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.805201 | long=83.353244 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q39060704 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=A crafts village showcasing and preserving the old, including woodwork, jewellery, clothes and local crafts of rural India. There are 36 stalls where you can buy assorted handicrafts and artwork. There is also an entire village where you can find realistic-looking sculptures of villagers carrying out their traditional crafts. }} * {{see | name=Telugu Samskruthika Niketanam | alt= | url=http://www.worldtelugu.co/samskritikaniketanam.html | email= | address= | lat=17.751688 | long=83.335479 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q39049320 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content= }} ===Beach Road=== [[File:INS Kursura at RK Beach Vizag.JPG|thumb|INS Kursura at RK Beach]] * {{see | name=INS Kursura Museum | alt= | url=http://vmrda.gov.in/kursura.aspx | email= | address=RK Beach Rd, Kirlampudi Layout, Chinna Waltair, Pandurangapuram | lat=17.717293 | long=83.330116 | directions= | phone=+91 89125 63429 | tollfree= | hours= | price=₹40 for adults, ₹20 for children | image=Submarine - Front View (4759833761).jpg | wikidata=Q11706566 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=A museum in a decommissioned submarine of the Indian Navy. This is the first of its kind in South Asia. This submarine is one of the earliest submarines procured from Russia. The experience of working in the submarine is explained. The museum is manned by retired naval people. There is a fee to take a camera or video camera inside... }} * {{see | name=Matsyadarshini Aquarium | alt= | url= | email= | address=Beach Rd | lat=17.712809 | long=83.319843 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=It has marine and freshwater fish. The exit gate of the aquarium resembles the open mouth of a huge white tipped shark. 'Kala Shrusti', a handicrafts shop, is atop the aquarium. }} * {{see | name=Sea Harrier Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.71722 | long=83.328352 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Sea Harrier Museum Vizag.jpg | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{see | name=TU-142 Aircraft Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.718002 | long=83.329812 | directions=opposite INS Kursura Museum | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q60743815 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=This museum houses a decommissioned Tupolev Tu-142 anti-submarine aircraft of Russian origin, which has been restored for the public. It is possible to see the inside of the aircraft, and real engines are displayed. It justifies the ₹100 entry fee for adults. }} * {{see | name=UH3H Helicopter Museum | alt=Sea King Museum | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.717452 | long=83.329089 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{see | name=Victory at Sea Memorial | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.7187 | long=83.3322 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q38479267 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=This is a remembrance of the Victory at Sea in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war. It is on the Beach Road, opposite the Submarine Museum. There is a fighter plane, a tank and few replicas of missiles kept as exhibits. There is no entry fee and it can be viewed from the road. }} * {{see | name=Visakha Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.720707 | long=83.333831 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q17027516 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=It houses the historical treasures and artefacts of Northern Andhra. Collections available for viewing in the museum include ancient armoury, crockery, coins, silk costumes, jewellery, stuffed animals, portraits, manuscripts, letters, diaries, scrapbooks, periodicals and maps. }} ===Religious attractions=== <!-- Darga Pahad has the tomb of the Muslim saint, Sayed Ali Medina alias Ishak Medina, visited by Hindu and Muslim devotees alike. Attached to this is a mosque. Sri Venkateswara Konda, the third hillock, has a temple dedicated to the Lord. It is believed to have been built by an Englishman, Captain Blackmoor, in the 19th century. There is a view of the port channel, once ships' entrance to the inner harbour. --> * {{see | name=Ross Hill Church | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.690433 | long=83.287086 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q125739002 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=A house built by Monsieur Ross in 1864, later converted into a Mother Mary's Church. The pathway to the shrine is strewn with Catholic icons. }} * {{see | name=Simhachalam Temple | alt= | url=http://simhachalamdevasthanam.net/ | email= | address= | lat=17.766389 | long=83.250556 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2620389 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=This is an architectural splendour, although some of the sculptures were defaced during the Islamic invasions. The temple inscriptions date the earliest donors to the 10th-11th centuries. The exact date of construction is unknown. It is 15 km from the city and is dedicated to the Narasimha avatar of Lord Vishnu, which is his half-man, half-lion avatar. The temple bears reference to the Chola and Chalukya styles of architecture. It also has a local railway station. }} * {{see | name=Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.689196 | long=83.288894 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q125738422 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} ====Buddhist sites==== [[File:Bavikonda stupas.JPG|thumb|Bavikonda Stupas]] [[File:Maha Stupa at Thotlakonda Monastic Complex.jpg|thumb|Maha Stupa at Thotlakonda Monastic Complex]] Bojjannakonda, Thotlakonda and Bavikonda in and around Visakhapatnam were centres of Buddhism during the second century CE. Several Buddhist monuments such as stupas and chaityas were erected at these places. It is said that some of the corporal relics of the Buddha were preserved at these places. Hence all these places became sacred places. * {{see | name=Bojjannakonda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.71 | long=83.0161 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4938681 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=It offers architectural remnants of the Buddhist period, one of the earliest of its class in Southern India. It constitutes one of the most remarkable groups of Buddhist monuments dated from 200 BCE to 700 CE, found during excavations in 1906. On the eastern hill, there are a series of rock-cut caves, numerous groups of monolithic dagobas, standing on rock platform in tiers above each other and, crowning all, a rock-cut stupa with extensive structural remains. On the western side of the eastern hill is a stairway, partly rock-cut and partly structural, which leads up to a large double-storied cave. The cave is entered by a doorway and is flanked on each side by huge dwarapalas. The cave chamber is rectangular in shape and is divided into 20 compartments by four cross rocks of 16 massive pillars. In the centre is the rock-cut stupa standing on a square platform. }} * {{see | name=Bavikonda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.817222 | long=83.390833 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q154651 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content= }} * {{see | name=Pavurallakonda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.888611 | long=83.437222 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q190985 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{see | name=Thotlakonda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.8264 | long=83.4094 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7796914 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=A collection of Buddhist monuments at the hilltop. It consists of a Maha Stupa, along with other votive stupas. It has a beautiful beach nearby. }} ==Do== ===Beaches=== {{cautionbox|Swimming in these beaches can be dangerous. People have died due to treacherous rip currents and rocky outcrops.|lastedit=permanent}} [[File:Beach view at Tenneti Park in Visakhapatnam.JPG|thumb|Beach view at Tenneti Park]] [[File:Boats at Bhimili beach Visakhapatnam District.JPG|thumb|Boats at Bhimili Beach]] [[File:Rushikonda beach view 001.jpg|thumb|Rushikonda beach view]] More than anything else, Vizag is known for its beaches. It boasts a number of beaches that are scenic and uncrowded. A few virgin beaches span along the eastern side of the city and stretch for miles. A spectacular beach only the locals are aware of is called the "Yarada" beach. Except for the occasional RTC bus, there is no public transport available. Still, the adventurous mind finds it rewarding if they can make an effort to get there. It's a private beach coming under ''Agrigold plantations'', therefore you need to pay a fee of ₹30/- to get onto the beach, but it's worth it. The beaches are lovely, but there are water sporting activities which started out initially like marine rafting and scuba diving, there are few beach cafes and restaurants. A water sports centre was started in Rushikonda. Vizagites are traditionally quite conservative, and though the beaches and the hills are beautiful, there is much here to interest the average tourist. Must want is the sunrise or a moonrise on a full moon day at Tennati Park (near foot of Rope way) on the Vizag-Bhimili Beach Road it's truly a feast for nature lovers. The sea looks orange and is a wonderful sight. * {{do | name=Bheemili Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.890382 | long=83.455465 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q18110547 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=About 25&nbsp;km from the city and is what used to be a small village also called "Bheemunipatnam". Apart from the beach, the village has the remains of a Portuguese church, Dutch cemeteries and a Buddhist Monastery (Pavurallakonda). }}. * {{do | name=Ramakrishna Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.71416 | long=83.32366 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2021-10-05| content=R.K.Beach is the most popular beach in the sense that you can find the locals hanging out during the hot summers, and relatively less hot winters. On weekends and holidays, one can see that the entire beach comes alive, but not in a Western sense where people take a plunge in the water or surf. You can see people dressed in their best clothes, just sitting on the benches, or walking along. Take an evening stroll at RK Beach; it offers good pedestrian tracks, beautiful parks, museums, beaches and some wonderful open-air restaurants. }} * {{do | name=Rushikonda Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.78257 | long=83.38367 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q24946142 | content=11&nbsp;km away from the city, this has become a popular tourist spot that even the locals frequent. A lot safer to wade into than the R.K. Beach, cradled among hills, this used to be an excellent beach away from the madding crowds. AP Tourism Development Corporation has a beach resort (Punnami) on the hillside overlooking the beach. }} * {{do | name=Yarada Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.65413 | long=83.26710 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2021-10-05| content=It is perceived as a private beach but actually it is not. Tourists can visit the beach directly or through the village. Yarada is the village behind the dolphin's nose. To go to this beach, a bus facility is available from Scindia junction. Also you can hire a cab to go there. The view of the beach and Vizag city from the top of the Dolphin's nose is memorable. The drive from Scindia to the top of the dolphin nose, dolphin nose to Yarada is really enjoyable. }} ===Parks and stadiums=== * {{do | name=Indira Gandhi Zoological Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.7691 | long=83.35 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6025038 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=The zoo is home to native mammals like [[elephants]], one-horned rhinos, [[tigers]], lions, leopards, striped hyenas, dholes, sloth bears, gaurs, sambar deer and rhesus macaques, as well as exotic mammals like hippos, giraffes, zebras and chimpanzees. It also has birds including ostriches, rosy pelicans, grey herons, Indian peafowl and black swans. Furthermore, there are reptiles like crocodiles and gavials. }} * {{do | name=Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary | alt= | url=http://forest.ap.nic.in/WL%20KAMBALAKONDA.htm | email= | address= | lat=17.825278 | long=83.308611 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q12060948 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=A gorgeous nature preserve that many people in Vizag itself seem to be unaware of. Kambalakonda is uncrowded and peaceful and within 20-25 minutes drive from the city centre. A nominal entrance fee of ₹10 is charged per adult. The greenery, the hiking trail and the fantastic view of the ocean from the rather flimsy viewing tower give a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city. }} * {{do | name=Lumbini Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.741196 | long=83.344157 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=Not to be confused with the one in [[Hyderabad/Central|Central Hyderabad]]. }} * {{do | name=Meghadri Gedda Reservoir | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.771376 | long=83.183766 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q48729346 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{do | name=Tenneti Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.747944 | long=83.349915 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q28154517 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=A coastal park in the city, known for its scenery and recreational amenities. Overlooking the Bay of Bengal, the park has views of the sea with the surrounding coastline and the cityscape. Named after Tenneti Viswanadham, a freedom fighter and social reformer, the park features greenery, gardens and walking paths. Additionally, Tenneti Park is a destination for outdoor activities such as picnics, family outings, and photography, attracting both locals and tourists alike. }} * {{do | name=ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.797358 | long=83.351944 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q23975544 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{do | name=VMRDA City Central Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.721753 | long=83.305728 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q38250834 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content= }} * {{do | name=VMRDA Park | alt=VUDA Park | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.72408 | long=83.339281 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q24945964 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content= }} ==Buy== Vizag offers a reasonably large selection of stores selling clothing, jewellery, books, Araku Coffee etc. * {{buy | name=Jagadamba Centre | alt=Jagadamba Junction | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.7425 | long=83.3169 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q18126154 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=Most of the famous shopping centres and malls can be found here. Named after the Jagadamba movie theatre, one of the best movie auditoriums of the country when it was constructed and even today.. }} === Clothing === There are several locations from which clothing can be purchased. However they tend to be concentrated in few locations. One such is Jagadamba Centre. Few of the many clothing stores are: * Chandana Brothers * Bommana Brothers * Kankatala silk palace === Jewellery === Similar to clothing stores, there are several shops from where jewellery can be purchased. The centres are distributed, but the prominent ones are between RTC Complex and Railway station, Jagadamba Centre and near old Town Kotharoad. Some of the prominent stores are: * Vaibhav Jewellers * Mahaveer Jewellers * Tanishq Jewellers * Khazana Jewellers * {{buy | name=Joyalukkas Jewellery | alt= | url= | email= | address=Sampath Vinayaka Temple Rd, Near Sampath Vinayaka Temple, CBM Compound, Asilmetta | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 89125 61916 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-01-13 | content= }} * Sanghvi * Kalyan * Kirtilals === Memoribilia === While definitely not considered a shopper's paradise, Vizag offers some unique handicrafts and can found in by the Andhra Pradesh State-owned handicraft store, Lepakshi, at Jagadamba center. It has an impressive collection of sandalwood sculptures, stone art, etc. === Books === The stretch of road called Dabagardens has many bookstores. Police Barracks has numerous small stores that buy and sell second-hand books, including technical textbooks. * Jyoti Book Depot === Pubs === * Waves * Ironhill === Shopping malls === * Shoppers stop * Spencers * Big Bazaar * CMR Shopping Mall * South India Shopping Mall * Shoppers Stop *{{buy | name=CMR Central | url= | email= | address=Maddilapalem | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=You can find Subway, KFC, and Pizza Hut here. Also a lot of shopping is possible, if you have money here, at Reliance Trends and Reliance Digital. Also one could see a movie if one has time at INOX. }} *{{buy | name=Visakhapatnam Central |alt=| url= | email= | address= | directions=beside CP office | lat= | long= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2017-11-21| content=Most happening place is Visakhapatnam Central, where you will get all branded apparels, fashion jewelries, life style merchandise like watches, shades and color cosmetics. It is typical of malls which you can find anywhere in metro cities. Very expensive too. }} ==Eat== [[File:Authentic North East Andhra Cuisine.JPG|thumbnail|Vizag lunch consists of steamed rice with country chicken stew, dry fish curry, topa, seruva, teepe semiya and crab stew.]] If spicy fare from Southern India appeals to your gastronomic senses, then Vizag has some excellent restaurants. Many of the eating joints meant or frequented by tourists are in the Siripuram area. A walk around there can give you access to a variety of cuisines. *{{eat | name=Blue Sea Fine Dining| | alt= | url= | email= | address=Pakkis Complex, Opposite ICICI Bank Road, Dwarakanagar 2nd Lane, Dwaraka Nagar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891 646 5399 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Daspalla Executive Court | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891 2717300 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2717444 | hours= | price= | content= }}{{listing | type=eat | name=Eleven | alt= | url=http://www.facebook.com/elevenfinedining | email= | address=10-1-4 & 5, 4th floor, Siripuram | lat= | long= | directions=Infront of Ice Age | phone=+91 8916461111 | tollfree= | hours=Noon to 11PM | price= | content=This is one of the best new restaurants opened for Fine Dining. Food is value for money and tasty. They probably serve the best food in Vizag. }} *{{eat | name=Flying Spaghetti Monster | alt=FSM | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Opp waltair club | phone=+91 891-2766652 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-11PM | price=Cheap | content=The 'Flying Spaghetti Monster' a.k.a. FSM is Vizag's first authentic Italian restaurant. Great place with amazing Italian fare. Be sure not to miss out the Chocolate bomb. }} * '''Horizon''' (live music during dinner) at Dolphin Hotel, +91 891 2567000. *{{eat | name=Hotel Daspalla | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891 2564825 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2562043 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Hotel Green Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +91 891 6615151 | tollfree= | fax=+091 891 2563763 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Hotel Jabilly Beach Inn | alt= | url=http://www.jaabilybeachinn.com | email= | address=on R K Beach | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891 270 6026 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=noon | price=₹650 to 1200 | content=All rooms face the sea, pure Bengali food is available. }} * '''Subway - Subs & Salads''' in Siripuram's Dutt Island, +91 891 278491. * Ambica sea green - on Beach Road, Kirlampudi Layout, ph. 08912821818 * {{eat | name=Nihuusravee Home Foods | alt=| url=https://nihuusravee.com | email=nihuusravee@gmail.com | address=Kailash Nagar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 945 945 9739 | tollfree= | hours=9am to 7pm | price=₹300 | lastedit=2024-03-29 | content=Traditional home food. }} ==Drink== Some interesting bars in the city are in the Five Star hotels mentioned above and typically are expensive even by Western standards. The '''Park Hotel''' has a decent bar - try the Screwdriver. Daspalla has another bar and restaurant called '''Dimple''' that serves various drinks and can be noisy at time. Two new really cool breweries have opened up in the city . *'''Punnami''', near Rishikonda has pub very close to the beach and serves alcohol. *{{drink | name=Vihar | url= | email= | address=Near Rishikonda, Opp. GITAM University | lat= | long= | directions= 8 km from the city | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Best hangout place with friends, only concern is it was too far from the city. Even though, worth visiting "Offshores" at Vihar. There's an Awesome beach view from the middle of the hill. }} *Ironhill brewery- above pmj jwellers, siripuram. ==Sleep== Vizag has both high end hotels and affordable lodges. The Daspalla, The Grand Central Hotel and Green Park are well-known. ===Budget=== ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=99 Residency | alt=Value for Money Hotel | url= | email= | address=# 10-50-39/2, Waltair Main Road, Ramnagar | lat= | long= | directions=Next to Waltair Club | phone=+91-891-2474448 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891-2505545 | checkin=Noon | checkout=Noon | price=starting from ₹1,500 per night | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Athidhi The Guest House | phone=+91 9000415656, +91 9949662424 }} * {{sleep | name=Beach View Guest House | alt= | url= | email=beachview.vizag@gmail.com | address=RK Beach main road, besides Novotel Hotel (Varun Beach) | lat=17.71017 | long=83.31603 | directions=towards collecter office route from novotel | phone=+91 9985034321 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2015-09-03 | content=All rooms face the beach. Wi-Fi available. }} * {{sleep | name=Dolphin | phone=+91 891 2567000 | fax=+91 891 2567555 }} * {{sleep | name=Dwaraka Inn | directions=At Dwaraka Nagar }} * {{sleep | name=Fortune Inn Sree Kanya | alt= | url=http://www.fortunehotels.in/hotel/Visakhapatnam-Fortune_Inn_Sree_Kanya.aspx | email= | address=Dwaraknagar, Diamond Park | lat= | long= | directions=Sree Kanya Road | phone=+91-891-3988444 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=The Grand Central Hotel | directions=at Jagadamba Junction }} * {{sleep | name=Green Park | phone=+91 891 2564444 |fax=+91 891 2563763 }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Hotel Akshaya | alt= | url=https://akshayahotel.business.site/ | email= | address=Station Rd | lat= | long= | directions=Opp to D.R.M.Office. | phone=+91 2598111, +91 2598144, +91 9177892359 (mobile) | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Athidiinn | alt= | url=https://athidihotels.chobs.in/ | email=athidi.inn@gmail.com | address=D.No.9-1-47, New Resapuvanapalem | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891-2727567, +91 9396548333 (mobile) | tollfree= | fax=+91 891-2727678 | checkin=24 hr | checkout= | price=₹1,500-2,200 per 24 hours | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Daspalla | alt= | url=https://www.daspallahotels.com/visakhapatnam/ | email= | address=28-2-48, Suryabagh, Jagadamba Junction | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 89125 64825 | tollfree= | checkin=24 hour check-in | checkout= | price=From ₹4,000 per night | content=Complementary breakfast, free WiFi, four restaurants and wheelchair accessible. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Saraswathi Orchid | alt= | url= | email=hotelsaraswathiorchid@yahoo.com | address=#30-15-193,Opp: Dolphin Hotel Garden Gate, Main Road, Dabagardens | lat= | long= | directions=Opp: Dolphin Hotel | phone=+91-891-2712881 | tollfree= | fax=+91-891-6635657 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Supreme | address=At R.K.Beach }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Talasila Continental | phone=+91-891-2598598 | address=Station Road, Dondaparthi }} * {{sleep | name=Meghalaya | phone=+91 891 2755141 | fax=+91 891 2755824 }} * {{sleep | name=Royal Fort }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Four Points by Sheraton Visakhapatnam | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/vtzfp-four-points-visakhapatnam/ | email= | address=10-28-3, Waltair Main Road | lat=17.7206 | long=83.31252 | directions= | phone=+91 891 305 1111 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 3051000 | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹7,700-₹8,700 | wikidata=Q111402182 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach | alt= | url=https://all.accor.com/hotel/7535/index.en.shtml | email= | address=Beach Road | lat=17.710655 | long=83.315859 | directions= | phone=+91 891 282 2222 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2822244 | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=₹9,670 | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=The Gateway Hotel | alt= | url=https://gateway.tajhotels.com/en-in/beach-road-visakhapatnam/?_ga=1.134407865.974920459.1476353462 | email=gateway.visakhapatnam@tajhotels.com | address=Beach Road | lat=17.711559 | long=83.316771 | directions= | phone=+91 891 662 3670 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2564370 | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2016-10-13 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=The Park Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.theparkhotels.com | email=resv.viz@theparkhotels.com | address=Beach Rd | lat=17.721364 | long=83.336836 | directions= | phone=+91 891 304 5678 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2754181 | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2016-10-13 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Radisson Blu Resort Visakhapatnam | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Welcomhotel Devee Grand Bay | alt= | url=https://www.itchotels.com/in/en/welcomhoteldeveegrandbay-visakhapatnam | email=reservations@itchotels.in | address=Beach Rd | lat=17.711851 | long=83.315468 | directions= | phone=+91 891 660 0101 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2550691 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2016-10-13 | content= }} * Fairfield by Marriott - KSR prime R&B junction Visakhapatnam * Palm Beach hotel - beside the park hotel *{{Sleep|name=Best Western Ramachandra|alt=|url=http://bwramachandra.co.in|email=info@bwramachandra.co.in|address=8-8-36, Gajuwaka|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=+ 91 891 2579777|tollfree=|fax=|checkin=|checkout=|price=|lastedit=2020-03-20|content=}} *{{Sleep|name=QualityInn Ramachandra Hotel|alt=|url=http://qualityinnramachandra.com|email=qualityinnramachandra@gmail.com|address=31-41/10/1, Duvvada|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=+91 891 2762855|tollfree=|fax=|checkin=|checkout=|price=|lastedit=2020-03-20|content=3-Star Hotel}} ==Go next== * [[Araku Valley]] ({{km|110}}) — Many tourists visit Araku Valley along with Visakhapatnam. It is a scenic valley that can be reached by train or bus. It is definitely not a day trip, but the APTDC facilities can serve as a decent lodging. November to February are the best months to visit. * [[Hyderabad]] * [[Chennai]] * [[Kolkata]] * [[Vijayawada]] * [[Guntur]] {{geo|17.688378|83.218758}} {{IsPartOf|Northern Coast (Andhra Pradesh)}} {{usablecity}} ec6as24ko46u2aycareink0wvzy20xo 5086640 5086637 2025-07-02T14:09:18Z Sbb1413 2217354 /* Splurge */ Updated listing for The Gateway Hotel 5086640 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|VisakhapatnamH.jpg}} [[Image:Visakhapatnam 2010.jpg|thumb|Crescent Beach, Visakhapatnam]] [[File:Rock-cut Lord --Buddha-- Statue at Bojjanakonda near Anakapalle of Visakhapatnam dist in AP.jpg|thumb|Rock-cut Buddha Statue at Bojjannakonda near Anakapalle]] '''Visakhapatnam''' ([[Telugu]]: విశాఖపట్నం ''Viśākhapaṭnam''), popularly known as '''Vizag''', is the largest city in [[Andhra Pradesh]]. It is primarily an industrial city, but also attracts tourists due to its unspoilt sandy beaches, well built and maintained parks, Buddhist Remnant sites and nearby scenic areas, such as [[Araku Valley]]. The city has a population of about 2 million. ==Understand== [[File:VUDA park water pond, Visakhapatnam.JPG|thumb|VMRDA Park]] Vizag is sometimes called ''The Goa of the East''. Just like its [[Goa|west coast counterpart]], it has beautiful virgin beaches, laterite hillocks, smooth roads and stunning landscape. Health-tourism is a fast developing industry. Visakhapatnam is variously called ''Jewel on the Coromandel Coast'', ''Steel City'', and the ''City of Destiny''. There is a considerable concentration of Marwaris, Odias, Bengalis, Punjabis, Tamils and Malayalis. In addition, there is a large population of migrant workers from other parts of India who have been drawn to the area by the abundance of work at locally based companies, such as Vizag Steel Plant and Hindustan Shipyard. ==Get in== ===By plane=== * {{go | name=Visakhapatnam Airport | alt={{IATA|VTZ}} | url=https://www.aai.aero/en/airports/visakhapatnam | email= | address=Viman Nagar | lat=17.721111 | long=83.224444 | directions=opposite NH 16 | phone=+91 891 2851169 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2247541 | lastedit=2023-10-30 | content=Visakhapatnam is connected by air to [[Hyderabad]], [[Bangalore]], [[Chennai]], [[Tirupati]], [[Delhi]], [[Mumbai]], [[Bhubaneswar]], [[Kochi]], [[Dubai]], [[Kuala Lumpur]] and [[Singapore]] through its customs airport, an airport with restricted access, by Air India, SpiceJet and IndiGo. AirAsia and Batik Air from Malaysia operate scheduled flights from Kuala Lumpur. }} ===By train=== [[File:Visakhapatnam railway station.jpg|thumb|Visakhapatnam Junction railway station]] {{marker|type=go|name={{station|Visakhapatnam Junction|city=india|ecor}}|wikidata=Q7935582}} is on the [[Kolkata]]–[[Chennai]] line and is connected to several cities of the country by rail. All trains including fast expresses stop at the station. Visakhapatnam comes under the East Coast Railway (ECoR) zone and is one of the principal divisional headquarters (under the British name Waltair). It has eight platforms, the first in ECoR to have this many, and all of them can accommodate trains with up to 28 coaches. You may want to verify the timings with [http://www.indianrail.gov.in Indian Railways], since they change from time to time. Train berths can be reserved [http://www.irctc.co.in online]. However, this being a major destination, availability of seats is at times difficult even with a one month's advance planning. ===By car=== [[File:Visakhapatnam, Beach Road from Kailashagiri.jpg|thumb|Visakhapatnam Beach Road from Kailasagiri]] Visakhapatnam is connected to [[Chennai]] and [[Kolkata]] via [[Bhubaneswar]] and [[Vijayawada]] by National Highway 16 (dual-carriageway, 120 km/h). ===By bus=== The Andhra Pradesh State Road Travel Corporation (APSRTC) runs buses from almost every city and town to Visakhapatnam, along with some private operators, who run buses from a few of the major cities. Please check with APSRTC for timings. There is also a Garuda fleet of bus service (Volvo) to Vizag from Chennai, Bangalore, Vijayawada and Hyderabad which is very comfortable and happy going. This is the best way to do it if you want to travel by bus. APSRTC has several other bus services which have varied luxury levels and transit speeds. You might want to check the APSRTC at least 3 days in advance to be sure you have a reservation. ==Get around== {{mapframe|17.7245|83.315|width=480|height=450|zoom=13}} {{Mapshape|wikidata=Q15394}} Visakhapatnam has no commuter rail service. However, apart from the bus service, taxis or autorickshaws can also be hired. ===By bus=== APSRTC operates a lit of buses from 6 principal bus complexes in the city. They are: * Simhachalam * Gajuwaka * Maddilapalem * Visakha Steel City * Waltair * Madhurawada Dwarka Bus Station or RTC Complex depot is the largest bus station and complex in the city. There are mainly two types of buses operated for suburban travel in Visakhapatnam. * '''City Ordinary:''' can be identified by its orange or red colour. It is operated on almost all suburban routes. Some of the main routes include RTC Complex–Gajuwaka (via NAD), Maddilapalem–Railway Station, RTC Complex–Gajuwaka (via Scindia), Railway Station–Madhurawada, etc. These buses stop at almost every bus stop. The frequency is more than that of Metro Express buses. These buses sometimes become overcrowded during peak hours on weekdays. Some popular route numbers include 222, 400, 99, 25, 900, 60C, 300, 6A, 28, 38 and 12D. * '''Metro Express:''' can be identified by their blue and white colour. These buses run in most important routes such as 400, 211, 500, 99, 28, 38 etc. These buses don't stop at all bus stops and the fare for these buses is also a bit higher than that for city ordinary buses. Many of these buses are JNNURM funded and sport digital display boards which display route number and route details in both English and Telugu. Also most of these have cushioned seats which are comfortable and many of them also have air-suspension which makes the journey more comfortable. These buses don't get as crowded as City Ordinary buses. The junction and Maddilapalem joins the Asilametta-Ramatalkies road to the National Highway 5. Buses from Madilapalem ply to the extreme ends of the city, including Anakapalle and Thagarapuvalasa. ====Fares==== [[File:Visakha Museum - Maritime Wing.jpeg|thumb|Visakha Museum the Maritime Wing]] The bus fare to get to Madilapalem from the railway station is only ₹8. Buses operate within a 5 minute frequency in routes with high demand. The minimum frequency in which buses operate is 40 minutes, i.e., every route is covered by an APSRTC bus once in every 40 minutes. Apart from buying tickets on the bus, you may also avail an ''RTC-Pass'', which is a special type of pass that can be renewed once in a month. With the pass, you can board any APSRTC bus and travel anywhere within the city limits. An ordinary RTC-Pass costs just {{INR|750}}. The RTC complex is to the southeast of Asilametta. RTC complex is generally referred to as ''complex'' and is connected to every other region in the city. ==See== [[File:Ropeway car at Kailasagiri.jpg|thumb|Ropeway car at Kailasagiri]] [[Image:Kambalakonda.jpg|thumb|Kambalakonda]] [[File:Lord narasimha rock statue backyard simhachalam temple.jpg|thumb|Lord Narasimha rock-cut statue at Simhachalam temple]] * {{see | name=Kailasagiri | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.748992 | long=83.342236 | directions={{km|6}} away from the city centre | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q17061607 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=The ride to this hill offers a spectacular view of the sea. There is a park atop the hill, with a beautiful view of the city, the sea and Eastern Ghats merging into the sea. Sagarnagar Beach and Rushikonda Beach are on the right and left-hand sides. There is a huge sculpture of Shiva and Parvati. One can take a ropeway directly facing the sea and the city. On the hilltop, there is a beautiful toy train offering a tour of nature. Several viewpoints give a pleasant look at nature, especially in the evening, when the city is lit up. This is less commercial than other hill stations and there is less hassle from tourist guides. After descending from Kailasagiri, one should visit Tenneti Beach Park. Its beauty and luxuriant carpet grass intertwined with concrete pathways make it ideal for romantic couples. There are several points from which the beautiful rocky beach down beneath can be seen. This provides spectacular views of sunrise, sunset and the pristine waters. Many movies were shot here. Hillocks in the park, which are about {{ft|50}} in elevation give a beautiful view of the sea, beach road and the beach park. The hilltop includes a children's play area, a doll museum and a couple of eating areas. It has several viewpoints offering wonderful views of the city on one side and winding beaches adjoining green hills on the other side. It is a likeable beach city, especially after visiting Kailasagiri. }} * {{see | name=Shilparamam Jathara | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.805201 | long=83.353244 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q39060704 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=A crafts village showcasing and preserving the old, including woodwork, jewellery, clothes and local crafts of rural India. There are 36 stalls where you can buy assorted handicrafts and artwork. There is also an entire village where you can find realistic-looking sculptures of villagers carrying out their traditional crafts. }} * {{see | name=Telugu Samskruthika Niketanam | alt= | url=http://www.worldtelugu.co/samskritikaniketanam.html | email= | address= | lat=17.751688 | long=83.335479 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q39049320 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content= }} ===Beach Road=== [[File:INS Kursura at RK Beach Vizag.JPG|thumb|INS Kursura at RK Beach]] * {{see | name=INS Kursura Museum | alt= | url=http://vmrda.gov.in/kursura.aspx | email= | address=RK Beach Rd, Kirlampudi Layout, Chinna Waltair, Pandurangapuram | lat=17.717293 | long=83.330116 | directions= | phone=+91 89125 63429 | tollfree= | hours= | price=₹40 for adults, ₹20 for children | image=Submarine - Front View (4759833761).jpg | wikidata=Q11706566 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=A museum in a decommissioned submarine of the Indian Navy. This is the first of its kind in South Asia. This submarine is one of the earliest submarines procured from Russia. The experience of working in the submarine is explained. The museum is manned by retired naval people. There is a fee to take a camera or video camera inside... }} * {{see | name=Matsyadarshini Aquarium | alt= | url= | email= | address=Beach Rd | lat=17.712809 | long=83.319843 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=It has marine and freshwater fish. The exit gate of the aquarium resembles the open mouth of a huge white tipped shark. 'Kala Shrusti', a handicrafts shop, is atop the aquarium. }} * {{see | name=Sea Harrier Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.71722 | long=83.328352 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Sea Harrier Museum Vizag.jpg | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{see | name=TU-142 Aircraft Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.718002 | long=83.329812 | directions=opposite INS Kursura Museum | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q60743815 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=This museum houses a decommissioned Tupolev Tu-142 anti-submarine aircraft of Russian origin, which has been restored for the public. It is possible to see the inside of the aircraft, and real engines are displayed. It justifies the ₹100 entry fee for adults. }} * {{see | name=UH3H Helicopter Museum | alt=Sea King Museum | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.717452 | long=83.329089 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{see | name=Victory at Sea Memorial | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.7187 | long=83.3322 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q38479267 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=This is a remembrance of the Victory at Sea in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war. It is on the Beach Road, opposite the Submarine Museum. There is a fighter plane, a tank and few replicas of missiles kept as exhibits. There is no entry fee and it can be viewed from the road. }} * {{see | name=Visakha Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.720707 | long=83.333831 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q17027516 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=It houses the historical treasures and artefacts of Northern Andhra. Collections available for viewing in the museum include ancient armoury, crockery, coins, silk costumes, jewellery, stuffed animals, portraits, manuscripts, letters, diaries, scrapbooks, periodicals and maps. }} ===Religious attractions=== <!-- Darga Pahad has the tomb of the Muslim saint, Sayed Ali Medina alias Ishak Medina, visited by Hindu and Muslim devotees alike. Attached to this is a mosque. Sri Venkateswara Konda, the third hillock, has a temple dedicated to the Lord. It is believed to have been built by an Englishman, Captain Blackmoor, in the 19th century. There is a view of the port channel, once ships' entrance to the inner harbour. --> * {{see | name=Ross Hill Church | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.690433 | long=83.287086 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q125739002 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=A house built by Monsieur Ross in 1864, later converted into a Mother Mary's Church. The pathway to the shrine is strewn with Catholic icons. }} * {{see | name=Simhachalam Temple | alt= | url=http://simhachalamdevasthanam.net/ | email= | address= | lat=17.766389 | long=83.250556 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2620389 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=This is an architectural splendour, although some of the sculptures were defaced during the Islamic invasions. The temple inscriptions date the earliest donors to the 10th-11th centuries. The exact date of construction is unknown. It is 15 km from the city and is dedicated to the Narasimha avatar of Lord Vishnu, which is his half-man, half-lion avatar. The temple bears reference to the Chola and Chalukya styles of architecture. It also has a local railway station. }} * {{see | name=Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.689196 | long=83.288894 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q125738422 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} ====Buddhist sites==== [[File:Bavikonda stupas.JPG|thumb|Bavikonda Stupas]] [[File:Maha Stupa at Thotlakonda Monastic Complex.jpg|thumb|Maha Stupa at Thotlakonda Monastic Complex]] Bojjannakonda, Thotlakonda and Bavikonda in and around Visakhapatnam were centres of Buddhism during the second century CE. Several Buddhist monuments such as stupas and chaityas were erected at these places. It is said that some of the corporal relics of the Buddha were preserved at these places. Hence all these places became sacred places. * {{see | name=Bojjannakonda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.71 | long=83.0161 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4938681 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=It offers architectural remnants of the Buddhist period, one of the earliest of its class in Southern India. It constitutes one of the most remarkable groups of Buddhist monuments dated from 200 BCE to 700 CE, found during excavations in 1906. On the eastern hill, there are a series of rock-cut caves, numerous groups of monolithic dagobas, standing on rock platform in tiers above each other and, crowning all, a rock-cut stupa with extensive structural remains. On the western side of the eastern hill is a stairway, partly rock-cut and partly structural, which leads up to a large double-storied cave. The cave is entered by a doorway and is flanked on each side by huge dwarapalas. The cave chamber is rectangular in shape and is divided into 20 compartments by four cross rocks of 16 massive pillars. In the centre is the rock-cut stupa standing on a square platform. }} * {{see | name=Bavikonda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.817222 | long=83.390833 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q154651 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content= }} * {{see | name=Pavurallakonda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.888611 | long=83.437222 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q190985 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{see | name=Thotlakonda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.8264 | long=83.4094 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7796914 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=A collection of Buddhist monuments at the hilltop. It consists of a Maha Stupa, along with other votive stupas. It has a beautiful beach nearby. }} ==Do== ===Beaches=== {{cautionbox|Swimming in these beaches can be dangerous. People have died due to treacherous rip currents and rocky outcrops.|lastedit=permanent}} [[File:Beach view at Tenneti Park in Visakhapatnam.JPG|thumb|Beach view at Tenneti Park]] [[File:Boats at Bhimili beach Visakhapatnam District.JPG|thumb|Boats at Bhimili Beach]] [[File:Rushikonda beach view 001.jpg|thumb|Rushikonda beach view]] More than anything else, Vizag is known for its beaches. It boasts a number of beaches that are scenic and uncrowded. A few virgin beaches span along the eastern side of the city and stretch for miles. A spectacular beach only the locals are aware of is called the "Yarada" beach. Except for the occasional RTC bus, there is no public transport available. Still, the adventurous mind finds it rewarding if they can make an effort to get there. It's a private beach coming under ''Agrigold plantations'', therefore you need to pay a fee of ₹30/- to get onto the beach, but it's worth it. The beaches are lovely, but there are water sporting activities which started out initially like marine rafting and scuba diving, there are few beach cafes and restaurants. A water sports centre was started in Rushikonda. Vizagites are traditionally quite conservative, and though the beaches and the hills are beautiful, there is much here to interest the average tourist. Must want is the sunrise or a moonrise on a full moon day at Tennati Park (near foot of Rope way) on the Vizag-Bhimili Beach Road it's truly a feast for nature lovers. The sea looks orange and is a wonderful sight. * {{do | name=Bheemili Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.890382 | long=83.455465 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q18110547 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=About 25&nbsp;km from the city and is what used to be a small village also called "Bheemunipatnam". Apart from the beach, the village has the remains of a Portuguese church, Dutch cemeteries and a Buddhist Monastery (Pavurallakonda). }}. * {{do | name=Ramakrishna Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.71416 | long=83.32366 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2021-10-05| content=R.K.Beach is the most popular beach in the sense that you can find the locals hanging out during the hot summers, and relatively less hot winters. On weekends and holidays, one can see that the entire beach comes alive, but not in a Western sense where people take a plunge in the water or surf. You can see people dressed in their best clothes, just sitting on the benches, or walking along. Take an evening stroll at RK Beach; it offers good pedestrian tracks, beautiful parks, museums, beaches and some wonderful open-air restaurants. }} * {{do | name=Rushikonda Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.78257 | long=83.38367 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q24946142 | content=11&nbsp;km away from the city, this has become a popular tourist spot that even the locals frequent. A lot safer to wade into than the R.K. Beach, cradled among hills, this used to be an excellent beach away from the madding crowds. AP Tourism Development Corporation has a beach resort (Punnami) on the hillside overlooking the beach. }} * {{do | name=Yarada Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.65413 | long=83.26710 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2021-10-05| content=It is perceived as a private beach but actually it is not. Tourists can visit the beach directly or through the village. Yarada is the village behind the dolphin's nose. To go to this beach, a bus facility is available from Scindia junction. Also you can hire a cab to go there. The view of the beach and Vizag city from the top of the Dolphin's nose is memorable. The drive from Scindia to the top of the dolphin nose, dolphin nose to Yarada is really enjoyable. }} ===Parks and stadiums=== * {{do | name=Indira Gandhi Zoological Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.7691 | long=83.35 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6025038 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=The zoo is home to native mammals like [[elephants]], one-horned rhinos, [[tigers]], lions, leopards, striped hyenas, dholes, sloth bears, gaurs, sambar deer and rhesus macaques, as well as exotic mammals like hippos, giraffes, zebras and chimpanzees. It also has birds including ostriches, rosy pelicans, grey herons, Indian peafowl and black swans. Furthermore, there are reptiles like crocodiles and gavials. }} * {{do | name=Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary | alt= | url=http://forest.ap.nic.in/WL%20KAMBALAKONDA.htm | email= | address= | lat=17.825278 | long=83.308611 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q12060948 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=A gorgeous nature preserve that many people in Vizag itself seem to be unaware of. Kambalakonda is uncrowded and peaceful and within 20-25 minutes drive from the city centre. A nominal entrance fee of ₹10 is charged per adult. The greenery, the hiking trail and the fantastic view of the ocean from the rather flimsy viewing tower give a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city. }} * {{do | name=Lumbini Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.741196 | long=83.344157 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=Not to be confused with the one in [[Hyderabad/Central|Central Hyderabad]]. }} * {{do | name=Meghadri Gedda Reservoir | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.771376 | long=83.183766 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q48729346 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{do | name=Tenneti Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.747944 | long=83.349915 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q28154517 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=A coastal park in the city, known for its scenery and recreational amenities. Overlooking the Bay of Bengal, the park has views of the sea with the surrounding coastline and the cityscape. Named after Tenneti Viswanadham, a freedom fighter and social reformer, the park features greenery, gardens and walking paths. Additionally, Tenneti Park is a destination for outdoor activities such as picnics, family outings, and photography, attracting both locals and tourists alike. }} * {{do | name=ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.797358 | long=83.351944 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q23975544 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{do | name=VMRDA City Central Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.721753 | long=83.305728 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q38250834 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content= }} * {{do | name=VMRDA Park | alt=VUDA Park | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.72408 | long=83.339281 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q24945964 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content= }} ==Buy== Vizag offers a reasonably large selection of stores selling clothing, jewellery, books, Araku Coffee etc. * {{buy | name=Jagadamba Centre | alt=Jagadamba Junction | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.7425 | long=83.3169 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q18126154 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=Most of the famous shopping centres and malls can be found here. Named after the Jagadamba movie theatre, one of the best movie auditoriums of the country when it was constructed and even today.. }} === Clothing === There are several locations from which clothing can be purchased. However they tend to be concentrated in few locations. One such is Jagadamba Centre. Few of the many clothing stores are: * Chandana Brothers * Bommana Brothers * Kankatala silk palace === Jewellery === Similar to clothing stores, there are several shops from where jewellery can be purchased. The centres are distributed, but the prominent ones are between RTC Complex and Railway station, Jagadamba Centre and near old Town Kotharoad. Some of the prominent stores are: * Vaibhav Jewellers * Mahaveer Jewellers * Tanishq Jewellers * Khazana Jewellers * {{buy | name=Joyalukkas Jewellery | alt= | url= | email= | address=Sampath Vinayaka Temple Rd, Near Sampath Vinayaka Temple, CBM Compound, Asilmetta | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 89125 61916 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-01-13 | content= }} * Sanghvi * Kalyan * Kirtilals === Memoribilia === While definitely not considered a shopper's paradise, Vizag offers some unique handicrafts and can found in by the Andhra Pradesh State-owned handicraft store, Lepakshi, at Jagadamba center. It has an impressive collection of sandalwood sculptures, stone art, etc. === Books === The stretch of road called Dabagardens has many bookstores. Police Barracks has numerous small stores that buy and sell second-hand books, including technical textbooks. * Jyoti Book Depot === Pubs === * Waves * Ironhill === Shopping malls === * Shoppers stop * Spencers * Big Bazaar * CMR Shopping Mall * South India Shopping Mall * Shoppers Stop *{{buy | name=CMR Central | url= | email= | address=Maddilapalem | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=You can find Subway, KFC, and Pizza Hut here. Also a lot of shopping is possible, if you have money here, at Reliance Trends and Reliance Digital. Also one could see a movie if one has time at INOX. }} *{{buy | name=Visakhapatnam Central |alt=| url= | email= | address= | directions=beside CP office | lat= | long= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2017-11-21| content=Most happening place is Visakhapatnam Central, where you will get all branded apparels, fashion jewelries, life style merchandise like watches, shades and color cosmetics. It is typical of malls which you can find anywhere in metro cities. Very expensive too. }} ==Eat== [[File:Authentic North East Andhra Cuisine.JPG|thumbnail|Vizag lunch consists of steamed rice with country chicken stew, dry fish curry, topa, seruva, teepe semiya and crab stew.]] If spicy fare from Southern India appeals to your gastronomic senses, then Vizag has some excellent restaurants. Many of the eating joints meant or frequented by tourists are in the Siripuram area. A walk around there can give you access to a variety of cuisines. *{{eat | name=Blue Sea Fine Dining| | alt= | url= | email= | address=Pakkis Complex, Opposite ICICI Bank Road, Dwarakanagar 2nd Lane, Dwaraka Nagar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891 646 5399 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Daspalla Executive Court | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891 2717300 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2717444 | hours= | price= | content= }}{{listing | type=eat | name=Eleven | alt= | url=http://www.facebook.com/elevenfinedining | email= | address=10-1-4 & 5, 4th floor, Siripuram | lat= | long= | directions=Infront of Ice Age | phone=+91 8916461111 | tollfree= | hours=Noon to 11PM | price= | content=This is one of the best new restaurants opened for Fine Dining. Food is value for money and tasty. They probably serve the best food in Vizag. }} *{{eat | name=Flying Spaghetti Monster | alt=FSM | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Opp waltair club | phone=+91 891-2766652 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-11PM | price=Cheap | content=The 'Flying Spaghetti Monster' a.k.a. FSM is Vizag's first authentic Italian restaurant. Great place with amazing Italian fare. Be sure not to miss out the Chocolate bomb. }} * '''Horizon''' (live music during dinner) at Dolphin Hotel, +91 891 2567000. *{{eat | name=Hotel Daspalla | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891 2564825 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2562043 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Hotel Green Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +91 891 6615151 | tollfree= | fax=+091 891 2563763 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Hotel Jabilly Beach Inn | alt= | url=http://www.jaabilybeachinn.com | email= | address=on R K Beach | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891 270 6026 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=noon | price=₹650 to 1200 | content=All rooms face the sea, pure Bengali food is available. }} * '''Subway - Subs & Salads''' in Siripuram's Dutt Island, +91 891 278491. * Ambica sea green - on Beach Road, Kirlampudi Layout, ph. 08912821818 * {{eat | name=Nihuusravee Home Foods | alt=| url=https://nihuusravee.com | email=nihuusravee@gmail.com | address=Kailash Nagar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 945 945 9739 | tollfree= | hours=9am to 7pm | price=₹300 | lastedit=2024-03-29 | content=Traditional home food. }} ==Drink== Some interesting bars in the city are in the Five Star hotels mentioned above and typically are expensive even by Western standards. The '''Park Hotel''' has a decent bar - try the Screwdriver. Daspalla has another bar and restaurant called '''Dimple''' that serves various drinks and can be noisy at time. Two new really cool breweries have opened up in the city . *'''Punnami''', near Rishikonda has pub very close to the beach and serves alcohol. *{{drink | name=Vihar | url= | email= | address=Near Rishikonda, Opp. GITAM University | lat= | long= | directions= 8 km from the city | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Best hangout place with friends, only concern is it was too far from the city. Even though, worth visiting "Offshores" at Vihar. There's an Awesome beach view from the middle of the hill. }} *Ironhill brewery- above pmj jwellers, siripuram. ==Sleep== Vizag has both high end hotels and affordable lodges. The Daspalla, The Grand Central Hotel and Green Park are well-known. ===Budget=== ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=99 Residency | alt=Value for Money Hotel | url= | email= | address=# 10-50-39/2, Waltair Main Road, Ramnagar | lat= | long= | directions=Next to Waltair Club | phone=+91-891-2474448 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891-2505545 | checkin=Noon | checkout=Noon | price=starting from ₹1,500 per night | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Athidhi The Guest House | phone=+91 9000415656, +91 9949662424 }} * {{sleep | name=Beach View Guest House | alt= | url= | email=beachview.vizag@gmail.com | address=RK Beach main road, besides Novotel Hotel (Varun Beach) | lat=17.71017 | long=83.31603 | directions=towards collecter office route from novotel | phone=+91 9985034321 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2015-09-03 | content=All rooms face the beach. Wi-Fi available. }} * {{sleep | name=Dolphin | phone=+91 891 2567000 | fax=+91 891 2567555 }} * {{sleep | name=Dwaraka Inn | directions=At Dwaraka Nagar }} * {{sleep | name=Fortune Inn Sree Kanya | alt= | url=http://www.fortunehotels.in/hotel/Visakhapatnam-Fortune_Inn_Sree_Kanya.aspx | email= | address=Dwaraknagar, Diamond Park | lat= | long= | directions=Sree Kanya Road | phone=+91-891-3988444 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=The Grand Central Hotel | directions=at Jagadamba Junction }} * {{sleep | name=Green Park | phone=+91 891 2564444 |fax=+91 891 2563763 }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Hotel Akshaya | alt= | url=https://akshayahotel.business.site/ | email= | address=Station Rd | lat= | long= | directions=Opp to D.R.M.Office. | phone=+91 2598111, +91 2598144, +91 9177892359 (mobile) | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Athidiinn | alt= | url=https://athidihotels.chobs.in/ | email=athidi.inn@gmail.com | address=D.No.9-1-47, New Resapuvanapalem | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891-2727567, +91 9396548333 (mobile) | tollfree= | fax=+91 891-2727678 | checkin=24 hr | checkout= | price=₹1,500-2,200 per 24 hours | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Daspalla | alt= | url=https://www.daspallahotels.com/visakhapatnam/ | email= | address=28-2-48, Suryabagh, Jagadamba Junction | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 89125 64825 | tollfree= | checkin=24 hour check-in | checkout= | price=From ₹4,000 per night | content=Complementary breakfast, free WiFi, four restaurants and wheelchair accessible. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Saraswathi Orchid | alt= | url= | email=hotelsaraswathiorchid@yahoo.com | address=#30-15-193,Opp: Dolphin Hotel Garden Gate, Main Road, Dabagardens | lat= | long= | directions=Opp: Dolphin Hotel | phone=+91-891-2712881 | tollfree= | fax=+91-891-6635657 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Supreme | address=At R.K.Beach }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Talasila Continental | phone=+91-891-2598598 | address=Station Road, Dondaparthi }} * {{sleep | name=Meghalaya | phone=+91 891 2755141 | fax=+91 891 2755824 }} * {{sleep | name=Royal Fort }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Four Points by Sheraton Visakhapatnam | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/vtzfp-four-points-visakhapatnam/ | email= | address=10-28-3, Waltair Main Road | lat=17.7206 | long=83.31252 | directions= | phone=+91 891 305 1111 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 3051000 | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹7,700-₹8,700 | wikidata=Q111402182 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach | alt= | url=https://all.accor.com/hotel/7535/index.en.shtml | email= | address=Beach Road | lat=17.710655 | long=83.315859 | directions= | phone=+91 891 282 2222 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2822244 | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=₹9,670 | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=The Gateway Hotel | alt= | url=https://gateway.tajhotels.com/en-in/beach-road-visakhapatnam/?_ga=1.134407865.974920459.1476353462 | email=gateway.visakhapatnam@tajhotels.com | address=Beach Road | lat=17.711559 | long=83.316771 | directions= | phone=+91 891 662 3670 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2564370 | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | price= | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=The Park Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.theparkhotels.com | email=resv.viz@theparkhotels.com | address=Beach Rd | lat=17.721364 | long=83.336836 | directions= | phone=+91 891 304 5678 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2754181 | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2016-10-13 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Radisson Blu Resort Visakhapatnam | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Welcomhotel Devee Grand Bay | alt= | url=https://www.itchotels.com/in/en/welcomhoteldeveegrandbay-visakhapatnam | email=reservations@itchotels.in | address=Beach Rd | lat=17.711851 | long=83.315468 | directions= | phone=+91 891 660 0101 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2550691 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2016-10-13 | content= }} * Fairfield by Marriott - KSR prime R&B junction Visakhapatnam * Palm Beach hotel - beside the park hotel *{{Sleep|name=Best Western Ramachandra|alt=|url=http://bwramachandra.co.in|email=info@bwramachandra.co.in|address=8-8-36, Gajuwaka|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=+ 91 891 2579777|tollfree=|fax=|checkin=|checkout=|price=|lastedit=2020-03-20|content=}} *{{Sleep|name=QualityInn Ramachandra Hotel|alt=|url=http://qualityinnramachandra.com|email=qualityinnramachandra@gmail.com|address=31-41/10/1, Duvvada|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=+91 891 2762855|tollfree=|fax=|checkin=|checkout=|price=|lastedit=2020-03-20|content=3-Star Hotel}} ==Go next== * [[Araku Valley]] ({{km|110}}) — Many tourists visit Araku Valley along with Visakhapatnam. It is a scenic valley that can be reached by train or bus. It is definitely not a day trip, but the APTDC facilities can serve as a decent lodging. November to February are the best months to visit. * [[Hyderabad]] * [[Chennai]] * [[Kolkata]] * [[Vijayawada]] * [[Guntur]] {{geo|17.688378|83.218758}} {{IsPartOf|Northern Coast (Andhra Pradesh)}} {{usablecity}} l1jn4azag6wpspd2cw4mek6n1466xxi 5086643 5086640 2025-07-02T14:12:13Z Sbb1413 2217354 /* Splurge */ Updated listing for Radisson Blu Resort Visakhapatnam 5086643 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|VisakhapatnamH.jpg}} [[Image:Visakhapatnam 2010.jpg|thumb|Crescent Beach, Visakhapatnam]] [[File:Rock-cut Lord --Buddha-- Statue at Bojjanakonda near Anakapalle of Visakhapatnam dist in AP.jpg|thumb|Rock-cut Buddha Statue at Bojjannakonda near Anakapalle]] '''Visakhapatnam''' ([[Telugu]]: విశాఖపట్నం ''Viśākhapaṭnam''), popularly known as '''Vizag''', is the largest city in [[Andhra Pradesh]]. It is primarily an industrial city, but also attracts tourists due to its unspoilt sandy beaches, well built and maintained parks, Buddhist Remnant sites and nearby scenic areas, such as [[Araku Valley]]. The city has a population of about 2 million. ==Understand== [[File:VUDA park water pond, Visakhapatnam.JPG|thumb|VMRDA Park]] Vizag is sometimes called ''The Goa of the East''. Just like its [[Goa|west coast counterpart]], it has beautiful virgin beaches, laterite hillocks, smooth roads and stunning landscape. Health-tourism is a fast developing industry. Visakhapatnam is variously called ''Jewel on the Coromandel Coast'', ''Steel City'', and the ''City of Destiny''. There is a considerable concentration of Marwaris, Odias, Bengalis, Punjabis, Tamils and Malayalis. In addition, there is a large population of migrant workers from other parts of India who have been drawn to the area by the abundance of work at locally based companies, such as Vizag Steel Plant and Hindustan Shipyard. ==Get in== ===By plane=== * {{go | name=Visakhapatnam Airport | alt={{IATA|VTZ}} | url=https://www.aai.aero/en/airports/visakhapatnam | email= | address=Viman Nagar | lat=17.721111 | long=83.224444 | directions=opposite NH 16 | phone=+91 891 2851169 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2247541 | lastedit=2023-10-30 | content=Visakhapatnam is connected by air to [[Hyderabad]], [[Bangalore]], [[Chennai]], [[Tirupati]], [[Delhi]], [[Mumbai]], [[Bhubaneswar]], [[Kochi]], [[Dubai]], [[Kuala Lumpur]] and [[Singapore]] through its customs airport, an airport with restricted access, by Air India, SpiceJet and IndiGo. AirAsia and Batik Air from Malaysia operate scheduled flights from Kuala Lumpur. }} ===By train=== [[File:Visakhapatnam railway station.jpg|thumb|Visakhapatnam Junction railway station]] {{marker|type=go|name={{station|Visakhapatnam Junction|city=india|ecor}}|wikidata=Q7935582}} is on the [[Kolkata]]–[[Chennai]] line and is connected to several cities of the country by rail. All trains including fast expresses stop at the station. Visakhapatnam comes under the East Coast Railway (ECoR) zone and is one of the principal divisional headquarters (under the British name Waltair). It has eight platforms, the first in ECoR to have this many, and all of them can accommodate trains with up to 28 coaches. You may want to verify the timings with [http://www.indianrail.gov.in Indian Railways], since they change from time to time. Train berths can be reserved [http://www.irctc.co.in online]. However, this being a major destination, availability of seats is at times difficult even with a one month's advance planning. ===By car=== [[File:Visakhapatnam, Beach Road from Kailashagiri.jpg|thumb|Visakhapatnam Beach Road from Kailasagiri]] Visakhapatnam is connected to [[Chennai]] and [[Kolkata]] via [[Bhubaneswar]] and [[Vijayawada]] by National Highway 16 (dual-carriageway, 120 km/h). ===By bus=== The Andhra Pradesh State Road Travel Corporation (APSRTC) runs buses from almost every city and town to Visakhapatnam, along with some private operators, who run buses from a few of the major cities. Please check with APSRTC for timings. There is also a Garuda fleet of bus service (Volvo) to Vizag from Chennai, Bangalore, Vijayawada and Hyderabad which is very comfortable and happy going. This is the best way to do it if you want to travel by bus. APSRTC has several other bus services which have varied luxury levels and transit speeds. You might want to check the APSRTC at least 3 days in advance to be sure you have a reservation. ==Get around== {{mapframe|17.7245|83.315|width=480|height=450|zoom=13}} {{Mapshape|wikidata=Q15394}} Visakhapatnam has no commuter rail service. However, apart from the bus service, taxis or autorickshaws can also be hired. ===By bus=== APSRTC operates a lit of buses from 6 principal bus complexes in the city. They are: * Simhachalam * Gajuwaka * Maddilapalem * Visakha Steel City * Waltair * Madhurawada Dwarka Bus Station or RTC Complex depot is the largest bus station and complex in the city. There are mainly two types of buses operated for suburban travel in Visakhapatnam. * '''City Ordinary:''' can be identified by its orange or red colour. It is operated on almost all suburban routes. Some of the main routes include RTC Complex–Gajuwaka (via NAD), Maddilapalem–Railway Station, RTC Complex–Gajuwaka (via Scindia), Railway Station–Madhurawada, etc. These buses stop at almost every bus stop. The frequency is more than that of Metro Express buses. These buses sometimes become overcrowded during peak hours on weekdays. Some popular route numbers include 222, 400, 99, 25, 900, 60C, 300, 6A, 28, 38 and 12D. * '''Metro Express:''' can be identified by their blue and white colour. These buses run in most important routes such as 400, 211, 500, 99, 28, 38 etc. These buses don't stop at all bus stops and the fare for these buses is also a bit higher than that for city ordinary buses. Many of these buses are JNNURM funded and sport digital display boards which display route number and route details in both English and Telugu. Also most of these have cushioned seats which are comfortable and many of them also have air-suspension which makes the journey more comfortable. These buses don't get as crowded as City Ordinary buses. The junction and Maddilapalem joins the Asilametta-Ramatalkies road to the National Highway 5. Buses from Madilapalem ply to the extreme ends of the city, including Anakapalle and Thagarapuvalasa. ====Fares==== [[File:Visakha Museum - Maritime Wing.jpeg|thumb|Visakha Museum the Maritime Wing]] The bus fare to get to Madilapalem from the railway station is only ₹8. Buses operate within a 5 minute frequency in routes with high demand. The minimum frequency in which buses operate is 40 minutes, i.e., every route is covered by an APSRTC bus once in every 40 minutes. Apart from buying tickets on the bus, you may also avail an ''RTC-Pass'', which is a special type of pass that can be renewed once in a month. With the pass, you can board any APSRTC bus and travel anywhere within the city limits. An ordinary RTC-Pass costs just {{INR|750}}. The RTC complex is to the southeast of Asilametta. RTC complex is generally referred to as ''complex'' and is connected to every other region in the city. ==See== [[File:Ropeway car at Kailasagiri.jpg|thumb|Ropeway car at Kailasagiri]] [[Image:Kambalakonda.jpg|thumb|Kambalakonda]] [[File:Lord narasimha rock statue backyard simhachalam temple.jpg|thumb|Lord Narasimha rock-cut statue at Simhachalam temple]] * {{see | name=Kailasagiri | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.748992 | long=83.342236 | directions={{km|6}} away from the city centre | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q17061607 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=The ride to this hill offers a spectacular view of the sea. There is a park atop the hill, with a beautiful view of the city, the sea and Eastern Ghats merging into the sea. Sagarnagar Beach and Rushikonda Beach are on the right and left-hand sides. There is a huge sculpture of Shiva and Parvati. One can take a ropeway directly facing the sea and the city. On the hilltop, there is a beautiful toy train offering a tour of nature. Several viewpoints give a pleasant look at nature, especially in the evening, when the city is lit up. This is less commercial than other hill stations and there is less hassle from tourist guides. After descending from Kailasagiri, one should visit Tenneti Beach Park. Its beauty and luxuriant carpet grass intertwined with concrete pathways make it ideal for romantic couples. There are several points from which the beautiful rocky beach down beneath can be seen. This provides spectacular views of sunrise, sunset and the pristine waters. Many movies were shot here. Hillocks in the park, which are about {{ft|50}} in elevation give a beautiful view of the sea, beach road and the beach park. The hilltop includes a children's play area, a doll museum and a couple of eating areas. It has several viewpoints offering wonderful views of the city on one side and winding beaches adjoining green hills on the other side. It is a likeable beach city, especially after visiting Kailasagiri. }} * {{see | name=Shilparamam Jathara | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.805201 | long=83.353244 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q39060704 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=A crafts village showcasing and preserving the old, including woodwork, jewellery, clothes and local crafts of rural India. There are 36 stalls where you can buy assorted handicrafts and artwork. There is also an entire village where you can find realistic-looking sculptures of villagers carrying out their traditional crafts. }} * {{see | name=Telugu Samskruthika Niketanam | alt= | url=http://www.worldtelugu.co/samskritikaniketanam.html | email= | address= | lat=17.751688 | long=83.335479 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q39049320 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content= }} ===Beach Road=== [[File:INS Kursura at RK Beach Vizag.JPG|thumb|INS Kursura at RK Beach]] * {{see | name=INS Kursura Museum | alt= | url=http://vmrda.gov.in/kursura.aspx | email= | address=RK Beach Rd, Kirlampudi Layout, Chinna Waltair, Pandurangapuram | lat=17.717293 | long=83.330116 | directions= | phone=+91 89125 63429 | tollfree= | hours= | price=₹40 for adults, ₹20 for children | image=Submarine - Front View (4759833761).jpg | wikidata=Q11706566 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=A museum in a decommissioned submarine of the Indian Navy. This is the first of its kind in South Asia. This submarine is one of the earliest submarines procured from Russia. The experience of working in the submarine is explained. The museum is manned by retired naval people. There is a fee to take a camera or video camera inside... }} * {{see | name=Matsyadarshini Aquarium | alt= | url= | email= | address=Beach Rd | lat=17.712809 | long=83.319843 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=It has marine and freshwater fish. The exit gate of the aquarium resembles the open mouth of a huge white tipped shark. 'Kala Shrusti', a handicrafts shop, is atop the aquarium. }} * {{see | name=Sea Harrier Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.71722 | long=83.328352 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Sea Harrier Museum Vizag.jpg | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{see | name=TU-142 Aircraft Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.718002 | long=83.329812 | directions=opposite INS Kursura Museum | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q60743815 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=This museum houses a decommissioned Tupolev Tu-142 anti-submarine aircraft of Russian origin, which has been restored for the public. It is possible to see the inside of the aircraft, and real engines are displayed. It justifies the ₹100 entry fee for adults. }} * {{see | name=UH3H Helicopter Museum | alt=Sea King Museum | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.717452 | long=83.329089 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{see | name=Victory at Sea Memorial | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.7187 | long=83.3322 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q38479267 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=This is a remembrance of the Victory at Sea in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war. It is on the Beach Road, opposite the Submarine Museum. There is a fighter plane, a tank and few replicas of missiles kept as exhibits. There is no entry fee and it can be viewed from the road. }} * {{see | name=Visakha Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.720707 | long=83.333831 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q17027516 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=It houses the historical treasures and artefacts of Northern Andhra. Collections available for viewing in the museum include ancient armoury, crockery, coins, silk costumes, jewellery, stuffed animals, portraits, manuscripts, letters, diaries, scrapbooks, periodicals and maps. }} ===Religious attractions=== <!-- Darga Pahad has the tomb of the Muslim saint, Sayed Ali Medina alias Ishak Medina, visited by Hindu and Muslim devotees alike. Attached to this is a mosque. Sri Venkateswara Konda, the third hillock, has a temple dedicated to the Lord. It is believed to have been built by an Englishman, Captain Blackmoor, in the 19th century. There is a view of the port channel, once ships' entrance to the inner harbour. --> * {{see | name=Ross Hill Church | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.690433 | long=83.287086 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q125739002 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=A house built by Monsieur Ross in 1864, later converted into a Mother Mary's Church. The pathway to the shrine is strewn with Catholic icons. }} * {{see | name=Simhachalam Temple | alt= | url=http://simhachalamdevasthanam.net/ | email= | address= | lat=17.766389 | long=83.250556 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2620389 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=This is an architectural splendour, although some of the sculptures were defaced during the Islamic invasions. The temple inscriptions date the earliest donors to the 10th-11th centuries. The exact date of construction is unknown. It is 15 km from the city and is dedicated to the Narasimha avatar of Lord Vishnu, which is his half-man, half-lion avatar. The temple bears reference to the Chola and Chalukya styles of architecture. It also has a local railway station. }} * {{see | name=Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.689196 | long=83.288894 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q125738422 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} ====Buddhist sites==== [[File:Bavikonda stupas.JPG|thumb|Bavikonda Stupas]] [[File:Maha Stupa at Thotlakonda Monastic Complex.jpg|thumb|Maha Stupa at Thotlakonda Monastic Complex]] Bojjannakonda, Thotlakonda and Bavikonda in and around Visakhapatnam were centres of Buddhism during the second century CE. Several Buddhist monuments such as stupas and chaityas were erected at these places. It is said that some of the corporal relics of the Buddha were preserved at these places. Hence all these places became sacred places. * {{see | name=Bojjannakonda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.71 | long=83.0161 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4938681 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=It offers architectural remnants of the Buddhist period, one of the earliest of its class in Southern India. It constitutes one of the most remarkable groups of Buddhist monuments dated from 200 BCE to 700 CE, found during excavations in 1906. On the eastern hill, there are a series of rock-cut caves, numerous groups of monolithic dagobas, standing on rock platform in tiers above each other and, crowning all, a rock-cut stupa with extensive structural remains. On the western side of the eastern hill is a stairway, partly rock-cut and partly structural, which leads up to a large double-storied cave. The cave is entered by a doorway and is flanked on each side by huge dwarapalas. The cave chamber is rectangular in shape and is divided into 20 compartments by four cross rocks of 16 massive pillars. In the centre is the rock-cut stupa standing on a square platform. }} * {{see | name=Bavikonda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.817222 | long=83.390833 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q154651 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content= }} * {{see | name=Pavurallakonda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.888611 | long=83.437222 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q190985 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{see | name=Thotlakonda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.8264 | long=83.4094 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7796914 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=A collection of Buddhist monuments at the hilltop. It consists of a Maha Stupa, along with other votive stupas. It has a beautiful beach nearby. }} ==Do== ===Beaches=== {{cautionbox|Swimming in these beaches can be dangerous. People have died due to treacherous rip currents and rocky outcrops.|lastedit=permanent}} [[File:Beach view at Tenneti Park in Visakhapatnam.JPG|thumb|Beach view at Tenneti Park]] [[File:Boats at Bhimili beach Visakhapatnam District.JPG|thumb|Boats at Bhimili Beach]] [[File:Rushikonda beach view 001.jpg|thumb|Rushikonda beach view]] More than anything else, Vizag is known for its beaches. It boasts a number of beaches that are scenic and uncrowded. A few virgin beaches span along the eastern side of the city and stretch for miles. A spectacular beach only the locals are aware of is called the "Yarada" beach. Except for the occasional RTC bus, there is no public transport available. Still, the adventurous mind finds it rewarding if they can make an effort to get there. It's a private beach coming under ''Agrigold plantations'', therefore you need to pay a fee of ₹30/- to get onto the beach, but it's worth it. The beaches are lovely, but there are water sporting activities which started out initially like marine rafting and scuba diving, there are few beach cafes and restaurants. A water sports centre was started in Rushikonda. Vizagites are traditionally quite conservative, and though the beaches and the hills are beautiful, there is much here to interest the average tourist. Must want is the sunrise or a moonrise on a full moon day at Tennati Park (near foot of Rope way) on the Vizag-Bhimili Beach Road it's truly a feast for nature lovers. The sea looks orange and is a wonderful sight. * {{do | name=Bheemili Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.890382 | long=83.455465 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q18110547 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=About 25&nbsp;km from the city and is what used to be a small village also called "Bheemunipatnam". Apart from the beach, the village has the remains of a Portuguese church, Dutch cemeteries and a Buddhist Monastery (Pavurallakonda). }}. * {{do | name=Ramakrishna Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.71416 | long=83.32366 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2021-10-05| content=R.K.Beach is the most popular beach in the sense that you can find the locals hanging out during the hot summers, and relatively less hot winters. On weekends and holidays, one can see that the entire beach comes alive, but not in a Western sense where people take a plunge in the water or surf. You can see people dressed in their best clothes, just sitting on the benches, or walking along. Take an evening stroll at RK Beach; it offers good pedestrian tracks, beautiful parks, museums, beaches and some wonderful open-air restaurants. }} * {{do | name=Rushikonda Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.78257 | long=83.38367 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q24946142 | content=11&nbsp;km away from the city, this has become a popular tourist spot that even the locals frequent. A lot safer to wade into than the R.K. Beach, cradled among hills, this used to be an excellent beach away from the madding crowds. AP Tourism Development Corporation has a beach resort (Punnami) on the hillside overlooking the beach. }} * {{do | name=Yarada Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.65413 | long=83.26710 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2021-10-05| content=It is perceived as a private beach but actually it is not. Tourists can visit the beach directly or through the village. Yarada is the village behind the dolphin's nose. To go to this beach, a bus facility is available from Scindia junction. Also you can hire a cab to go there. The view of the beach and Vizag city from the top of the Dolphin's nose is memorable. The drive from Scindia to the top of the dolphin nose, dolphin nose to Yarada is really enjoyable. }} ===Parks and stadiums=== * {{do | name=Indira Gandhi Zoological Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.7691 | long=83.35 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6025038 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=The zoo is home to native mammals like [[elephants]], one-horned rhinos, [[tigers]], lions, leopards, striped hyenas, dholes, sloth bears, gaurs, sambar deer and rhesus macaques, as well as exotic mammals like hippos, giraffes, zebras and chimpanzees. It also has birds including ostriches, rosy pelicans, grey herons, Indian peafowl and black swans. Furthermore, there are reptiles like crocodiles and gavials. }} * {{do | name=Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary | alt= | url=http://forest.ap.nic.in/WL%20KAMBALAKONDA.htm | email= | address= | lat=17.825278 | long=83.308611 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q12060948 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=A gorgeous nature preserve that many people in Vizag itself seem to be unaware of. Kambalakonda is uncrowded and peaceful and within 20-25 minutes drive from the city centre. A nominal entrance fee of ₹10 is charged per adult. The greenery, the hiking trail and the fantastic view of the ocean from the rather flimsy viewing tower give a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city. }} * {{do | name=Lumbini Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.741196 | long=83.344157 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=Not to be confused with the one in [[Hyderabad/Central|Central Hyderabad]]. }} * {{do | name=Meghadri Gedda Reservoir | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.771376 | long=83.183766 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q48729346 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{do | name=Tenneti Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.747944 | long=83.349915 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q28154517 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=A coastal park in the city, known for its scenery and recreational amenities. Overlooking the Bay of Bengal, the park has views of the sea with the surrounding coastline and the cityscape. Named after Tenneti Viswanadham, a freedom fighter and social reformer, the park features greenery, gardens and walking paths. Additionally, Tenneti Park is a destination for outdoor activities such as picnics, family outings, and photography, attracting both locals and tourists alike. }} * {{do | name=ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.797358 | long=83.351944 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q23975544 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{do | name=VMRDA City Central Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.721753 | long=83.305728 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q38250834 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content= }} * {{do | name=VMRDA Park | alt=VUDA Park | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.72408 | long=83.339281 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q24945964 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content= }} ==Buy== Vizag offers a reasonably large selection of stores selling clothing, jewellery, books, Araku Coffee etc. * {{buy | name=Jagadamba Centre | alt=Jagadamba Junction | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.7425 | long=83.3169 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q18126154 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=Most of the famous shopping centres and malls can be found here. Named after the Jagadamba movie theatre, one of the best movie auditoriums of the country when it was constructed and even today.. }} === Clothing === There are several locations from which clothing can be purchased. However they tend to be concentrated in few locations. One such is Jagadamba Centre. Few of the many clothing stores are: * Chandana Brothers * Bommana Brothers * Kankatala silk palace === Jewellery === Similar to clothing stores, there are several shops from where jewellery can be purchased. The centres are distributed, but the prominent ones are between RTC Complex and Railway station, Jagadamba Centre and near old Town Kotharoad. Some of the prominent stores are: * Vaibhav Jewellers * Mahaveer Jewellers * Tanishq Jewellers * Khazana Jewellers * {{buy | name=Joyalukkas Jewellery | alt= | url= | email= | address=Sampath Vinayaka Temple Rd, Near Sampath Vinayaka Temple, CBM Compound, Asilmetta | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 89125 61916 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-01-13 | content= }} * Sanghvi * Kalyan * Kirtilals === Memoribilia === While definitely not considered a shopper's paradise, Vizag offers some unique handicrafts and can found in by the Andhra Pradesh State-owned handicraft store, Lepakshi, at Jagadamba center. It has an impressive collection of sandalwood sculptures, stone art, etc. === Books === The stretch of road called Dabagardens has many bookstores. Police Barracks has numerous small stores that buy and sell second-hand books, including technical textbooks. * Jyoti Book Depot === Pubs === * Waves * Ironhill === Shopping malls === * Shoppers stop * Spencers * Big Bazaar * CMR Shopping Mall * South India Shopping Mall * Shoppers Stop *{{buy | name=CMR Central | url= | email= | address=Maddilapalem | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=You can find Subway, KFC, and Pizza Hut here. Also a lot of shopping is possible, if you have money here, at Reliance Trends and Reliance Digital. Also one could see a movie if one has time at INOX. }} *{{buy | name=Visakhapatnam Central |alt=| url= | email= | address= | directions=beside CP office | lat= | long= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2017-11-21| content=Most happening place is Visakhapatnam Central, where you will get all branded apparels, fashion jewelries, life style merchandise like watches, shades and color cosmetics. It is typical of malls which you can find anywhere in metro cities. Very expensive too. }} ==Eat== [[File:Authentic North East Andhra Cuisine.JPG|thumbnail|Vizag lunch consists of steamed rice with country chicken stew, dry fish curry, topa, seruva, teepe semiya and crab stew.]] If spicy fare from Southern India appeals to your gastronomic senses, then Vizag has some excellent restaurants. Many of the eating joints meant or frequented by tourists are in the Siripuram area. A walk around there can give you access to a variety of cuisines. *{{eat | name=Blue Sea Fine Dining| | alt= | url= | email= | address=Pakkis Complex, Opposite ICICI Bank Road, Dwarakanagar 2nd Lane, Dwaraka Nagar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891 646 5399 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Daspalla Executive Court | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891 2717300 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2717444 | hours= | price= | content= }}{{listing | type=eat | name=Eleven | alt= | url=http://www.facebook.com/elevenfinedining | email= | address=10-1-4 & 5, 4th floor, Siripuram | lat= | long= | directions=Infront of Ice Age | phone=+91 8916461111 | tollfree= | hours=Noon to 11PM | price= | content=This is one of the best new restaurants opened for Fine Dining. Food is value for money and tasty. They probably serve the best food in Vizag. }} *{{eat | name=Flying Spaghetti Monster | alt=FSM | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Opp waltair club | phone=+91 891-2766652 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-11PM | price=Cheap | content=The 'Flying Spaghetti Monster' a.k.a. FSM is Vizag's first authentic Italian restaurant. Great place with amazing Italian fare. Be sure not to miss out the Chocolate bomb. }} * '''Horizon''' (live music during dinner) at Dolphin Hotel, +91 891 2567000. *{{eat | name=Hotel Daspalla | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891 2564825 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2562043 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Hotel Green Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +91 891 6615151 | tollfree= | fax=+091 891 2563763 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Hotel Jabilly Beach Inn | alt= | url=http://www.jaabilybeachinn.com | email= | address=on R K Beach | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891 270 6026 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=noon | price=₹650 to 1200 | content=All rooms face the sea, pure Bengali food is available. }} * '''Subway - Subs & Salads''' in Siripuram's Dutt Island, +91 891 278491. * Ambica sea green - on Beach Road, Kirlampudi Layout, ph. 08912821818 * {{eat | name=Nihuusravee Home Foods | alt=| url=https://nihuusravee.com | email=nihuusravee@gmail.com | address=Kailash Nagar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 945 945 9739 | tollfree= | hours=9am to 7pm | price=₹300 | lastedit=2024-03-29 | content=Traditional home food. }} ==Drink== Some interesting bars in the city are in the Five Star hotels mentioned above and typically are expensive even by Western standards. The '''Park Hotel''' has a decent bar - try the Screwdriver. Daspalla has another bar and restaurant called '''Dimple''' that serves various drinks and can be noisy at time. Two new really cool breweries have opened up in the city . *'''Punnami''', near Rishikonda has pub very close to the beach and serves alcohol. *{{drink | name=Vihar | url= | email= | address=Near Rishikonda, Opp. GITAM University | lat= | long= | directions= 8 km from the city | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Best hangout place with friends, only concern is it was too far from the city. Even though, worth visiting "Offshores" at Vihar. There's an Awesome beach view from the middle of the hill. }} *Ironhill brewery- above pmj jwellers, siripuram. ==Sleep== Vizag has both high end hotels and affordable lodges. The Daspalla, The Grand Central Hotel and Green Park are well-known. ===Budget=== ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=99 Residency | alt=Value for Money Hotel | url= | email= | address=# 10-50-39/2, Waltair Main Road, Ramnagar | lat= | long= | directions=Next to Waltair Club | phone=+91-891-2474448 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891-2505545 | checkin=Noon | checkout=Noon | price=starting from ₹1,500 per night | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Athidhi The Guest House | phone=+91 9000415656, +91 9949662424 }} * {{sleep | name=Beach View Guest House | alt= | url= | email=beachview.vizag@gmail.com | address=RK Beach main road, besides Novotel Hotel (Varun Beach) | lat=17.71017 | long=83.31603 | directions=towards collecter office route from novotel | phone=+91 9985034321 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2015-09-03 | content=All rooms face the beach. Wi-Fi available. }} * {{sleep | name=Dolphin | phone=+91 891 2567000 | fax=+91 891 2567555 }} * {{sleep | name=Dwaraka Inn | directions=At Dwaraka Nagar }} * {{sleep | name=Fortune Inn Sree Kanya | alt= | url=http://www.fortunehotels.in/hotel/Visakhapatnam-Fortune_Inn_Sree_Kanya.aspx | email= | address=Dwaraknagar, Diamond Park | lat= | long= | directions=Sree Kanya Road | phone=+91-891-3988444 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=The Grand Central Hotel | directions=at Jagadamba Junction }} * {{sleep | name=Green Park | phone=+91 891 2564444 |fax=+91 891 2563763 }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Hotel Akshaya | alt= | url=https://akshayahotel.business.site/ | email= | address=Station Rd | lat= | long= | directions=Opp to D.R.M.Office. | phone=+91 2598111, +91 2598144, +91 9177892359 (mobile) | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Athidiinn | alt= | url=https://athidihotels.chobs.in/ | email=athidi.inn@gmail.com | address=D.No.9-1-47, New Resapuvanapalem | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891-2727567, +91 9396548333 (mobile) | tollfree= | fax=+91 891-2727678 | checkin=24 hr | checkout= | price=₹1,500-2,200 per 24 hours | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Daspalla | alt= | url=https://www.daspallahotels.com/visakhapatnam/ | email= | address=28-2-48, Suryabagh, Jagadamba Junction | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 89125 64825 | tollfree= | checkin=24 hour check-in | checkout= | price=From ₹4,000 per night | content=Complementary breakfast, free WiFi, four restaurants and wheelchair accessible. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Saraswathi Orchid | alt= | url= | email=hotelsaraswathiorchid@yahoo.com | address=#30-15-193,Opp: Dolphin Hotel Garden Gate, Main Road, Dabagardens | lat= | long= | directions=Opp: Dolphin Hotel | phone=+91-891-2712881 | tollfree= | fax=+91-891-6635657 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Supreme | address=At R.K.Beach }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Talasila Continental | phone=+91-891-2598598 | address=Station Road, Dondaparthi }} * {{sleep | name=Meghalaya | phone=+91 891 2755141 | fax=+91 891 2755824 }} * {{sleep | name=Royal Fort }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Four Points by Sheraton Visakhapatnam | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/vtzfp-four-points-visakhapatnam/ | email= | address=10-28-3, Waltair Main Road | lat=17.7206 | long=83.31252 | directions= | phone=+91 891 305 1111 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 3051000 | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹7,700-₹8,700 | wikidata=Q111402182 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach | alt= | url=https://all.accor.com/hotel/7535/index.en.shtml | email= | address=Beach Road | lat=17.710655 | long=83.315859 | directions= | phone=+91 891 282 2222 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2822244 | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=₹9,670 | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=The Gateway Hotel | alt= | url=https://gateway.tajhotels.com/en-in/beach-road-visakhapatnam/?_ga=1.134407865.974920459.1476353462 | email=gateway.visakhapatnam@tajhotels.com | address=Beach Road | lat=17.711559 | long=83.316771 | directions= | phone=+91 891 662 3670 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2564370 | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | price= | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=The Park Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.theparkhotels.com | email=resv.viz@theparkhotels.com | address=Beach Rd | lat=17.721364 | long=83.336836 | directions= | phone=+91 891 304 5678 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2754181 | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2016-10-13 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Radisson Blu Resort Visakhapatnam | alt= | url=https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-blu-resort-visakhapatnam | email= | address= | lat=17.77147 | long=83.37299 | directions= | phone=+91 891 667 7666 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=₹12,980 | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Welcomhotel Devee Grand Bay | alt= | url=https://www.itchotels.com/in/en/welcomhoteldeveegrandbay-visakhapatnam | email=reservations@itchotels.in | address=Beach Rd | lat=17.711851 | long=83.315468 | directions= | phone=+91 891 660 0101 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2550691 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2016-10-13 | content= }} * Fairfield by Marriott - KSR prime R&B junction Visakhapatnam * Palm Beach hotel - beside the park hotel *{{Sleep|name=Best Western Ramachandra|alt=|url=http://bwramachandra.co.in|email=info@bwramachandra.co.in|address=8-8-36, Gajuwaka|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=+ 91 891 2579777|tollfree=|fax=|checkin=|checkout=|price=|lastedit=2020-03-20|content=}} *{{Sleep|name=QualityInn Ramachandra Hotel|alt=|url=http://qualityinnramachandra.com|email=qualityinnramachandra@gmail.com|address=31-41/10/1, Duvvada|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=+91 891 2762855|tollfree=|fax=|checkin=|checkout=|price=|lastedit=2020-03-20|content=3-Star Hotel}} ==Go next== * [[Araku Valley]] ({{km|110}}) — Many tourists visit Araku Valley along with Visakhapatnam. It is a scenic valley that can be reached by train or bus. It is definitely not a day trip, but the APTDC facilities can serve as a decent lodging. November to February are the best months to visit. * [[Hyderabad]] * [[Chennai]] * [[Kolkata]] * [[Vijayawada]] * [[Guntur]] {{geo|17.688378|83.218758}} {{IsPartOf|Northern Coast (Andhra Pradesh)}} {{usablecity}} czz36f2czlrk4dacjzqn6weqg09iu54 5086666 5086643 2025-07-02T15:34:49Z Sbb1413 2217354 /* Splurge */ 5086666 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|VisakhapatnamH.jpg}} [[Image:Visakhapatnam 2010.jpg|thumb|Crescent Beach, Visakhapatnam]] [[File:Rock-cut Lord --Buddha-- Statue at Bojjanakonda near Anakapalle of Visakhapatnam dist in AP.jpg|thumb|Rock-cut Buddha Statue at Bojjannakonda near Anakapalle]] '''Visakhapatnam''' ([[Telugu]]: విశాఖపట్నం ''Viśākhapaṭnam''), popularly known as '''Vizag''', is the largest city in [[Andhra Pradesh]]. It is primarily an industrial city, but also attracts tourists due to its unspoilt sandy beaches, well built and maintained parks, Buddhist Remnant sites and nearby scenic areas, such as [[Araku Valley]]. The city has a population of about 2 million. ==Understand== [[File:VUDA park water pond, Visakhapatnam.JPG|thumb|VMRDA Park]] Vizag is sometimes called ''The Goa of the East''. Just like its [[Goa|west coast counterpart]], it has beautiful virgin beaches, laterite hillocks, smooth roads and stunning landscape. Health-tourism is a fast developing industry. Visakhapatnam is variously called ''Jewel on the Coromandel Coast'', ''Steel City'', and the ''City of Destiny''. There is a considerable concentration of Marwaris, Odias, Bengalis, Punjabis, Tamils and Malayalis. In addition, there is a large population of migrant workers from other parts of India who have been drawn to the area by the abundance of work at locally based companies, such as Vizag Steel Plant and Hindustan Shipyard. ==Get in== ===By plane=== * {{go | name=Visakhapatnam Airport | alt={{IATA|VTZ}} | url=https://www.aai.aero/en/airports/visakhapatnam | email= | address=Viman Nagar | lat=17.721111 | long=83.224444 | directions=opposite NH 16 | phone=+91 891 2851169 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2247541 | lastedit=2023-10-30 | content=Visakhapatnam is connected by air to [[Hyderabad]], [[Bangalore]], [[Chennai]], [[Tirupati]], [[Delhi]], [[Mumbai]], [[Bhubaneswar]], [[Kochi]], [[Dubai]], [[Kuala Lumpur]] and [[Singapore]] through its customs airport, an airport with restricted access, by Air India, SpiceJet and IndiGo. AirAsia and Batik Air from Malaysia operate scheduled flights from Kuala Lumpur. }} ===By train=== [[File:Visakhapatnam railway station.jpg|thumb|Visakhapatnam Junction railway station]] {{marker|type=go|name={{station|Visakhapatnam Junction|city=india|ecor}}|wikidata=Q7935582}} is on the [[Kolkata]]–[[Chennai]] line and is connected to several cities of the country by rail. All trains including fast expresses stop at the station. Visakhapatnam comes under the East Coast Railway (ECoR) zone and is one of the principal divisional headquarters (under the British name Waltair). It has eight platforms, the first in ECoR to have this many, and all of them can accommodate trains with up to 28 coaches. You may want to verify the timings with [http://www.indianrail.gov.in Indian Railways], since they change from time to time. Train berths can be reserved [http://www.irctc.co.in online]. However, this being a major destination, availability of seats is at times difficult even with a one month's advance planning. ===By car=== [[File:Visakhapatnam, Beach Road from Kailashagiri.jpg|thumb|Visakhapatnam Beach Road from Kailasagiri]] Visakhapatnam is connected to [[Chennai]] and [[Kolkata]] via [[Bhubaneswar]] and [[Vijayawada]] by National Highway 16 (dual-carriageway, 120 km/h). ===By bus=== The Andhra Pradesh State Road Travel Corporation (APSRTC) runs buses from almost every city and town to Visakhapatnam, along with some private operators, who run buses from a few of the major cities. Please check with APSRTC for timings. There is also a Garuda fleet of bus service (Volvo) to Vizag from Chennai, Bangalore, Vijayawada and Hyderabad which is very comfortable and happy going. This is the best way to do it if you want to travel by bus. APSRTC has several other bus services which have varied luxury levels and transit speeds. You might want to check the APSRTC at least 3 days in advance to be sure you have a reservation. ==Get around== {{mapframe|17.7245|83.315|width=480|height=450|zoom=13}} {{Mapshape|wikidata=Q15394}} Visakhapatnam has no commuter rail service. However, apart from the bus service, taxis or autorickshaws can also be hired. ===By bus=== APSRTC operates a lit of buses from 6 principal bus complexes in the city. They are: * Simhachalam * Gajuwaka * Maddilapalem * Visakha Steel City * Waltair * Madhurawada Dwarka Bus Station or RTC Complex depot is the largest bus station and complex in the city. There are mainly two types of buses operated for suburban travel in Visakhapatnam. * '''City Ordinary:''' can be identified by its orange or red colour. It is operated on almost all suburban routes. Some of the main routes include RTC Complex–Gajuwaka (via NAD), Maddilapalem–Railway Station, RTC Complex–Gajuwaka (via Scindia), Railway Station–Madhurawada, etc. These buses stop at almost every bus stop. The frequency is more than that of Metro Express buses. These buses sometimes become overcrowded during peak hours on weekdays. Some popular route numbers include 222, 400, 99, 25, 900, 60C, 300, 6A, 28, 38 and 12D. * '''Metro Express:''' can be identified by their blue and white colour. These buses run in most important routes such as 400, 211, 500, 99, 28, 38 etc. These buses don't stop at all bus stops and the fare for these buses is also a bit higher than that for city ordinary buses. Many of these buses are JNNURM funded and sport digital display boards which display route number and route details in both English and Telugu. Also most of these have cushioned seats which are comfortable and many of them also have air-suspension which makes the journey more comfortable. These buses don't get as crowded as City Ordinary buses. The junction and Maddilapalem joins the Asilametta-Ramatalkies road to the National Highway 5. Buses from Madilapalem ply to the extreme ends of the city, including Anakapalle and Thagarapuvalasa. ====Fares==== [[File:Visakha Museum - Maritime Wing.jpeg|thumb|Visakha Museum the Maritime Wing]] The bus fare to get to Madilapalem from the railway station is only ₹8. Buses operate within a 5 minute frequency in routes with high demand. The minimum frequency in which buses operate is 40 minutes, i.e., every route is covered by an APSRTC bus once in every 40 minutes. Apart from buying tickets on the bus, you may also avail an ''RTC-Pass'', which is a special type of pass that can be renewed once in a month. With the pass, you can board any APSRTC bus and travel anywhere within the city limits. An ordinary RTC-Pass costs just {{INR|750}}. The RTC complex is to the southeast of Asilametta. RTC complex is generally referred to as ''complex'' and is connected to every other region in the city. ==See== [[File:Ropeway car at Kailasagiri.jpg|thumb|Ropeway car at Kailasagiri]] [[Image:Kambalakonda.jpg|thumb|Kambalakonda]] [[File:Lord narasimha rock statue backyard simhachalam temple.jpg|thumb|Lord Narasimha rock-cut statue at Simhachalam temple]] * {{see | name=Kailasagiri | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.748992 | long=83.342236 | directions={{km|6}} away from the city centre | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q17061607 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=The ride to this hill offers a spectacular view of the sea. There is a park atop the hill, with a beautiful view of the city, the sea and Eastern Ghats merging into the sea. Sagarnagar Beach and Rushikonda Beach are on the right and left-hand sides. There is a huge sculpture of Shiva and Parvati. One can take a ropeway directly facing the sea and the city. On the hilltop, there is a beautiful toy train offering a tour of nature. Several viewpoints give a pleasant look at nature, especially in the evening, when the city is lit up. This is less commercial than other hill stations and there is less hassle from tourist guides. After descending from Kailasagiri, one should visit Tenneti Beach Park. Its beauty and luxuriant carpet grass intertwined with concrete pathways make it ideal for romantic couples. There are several points from which the beautiful rocky beach down beneath can be seen. This provides spectacular views of sunrise, sunset and the pristine waters. Many movies were shot here. Hillocks in the park, which are about {{ft|50}} in elevation give a beautiful view of the sea, beach road and the beach park. The hilltop includes a children's play area, a doll museum and a couple of eating areas. It has several viewpoints offering wonderful views of the city on one side and winding beaches adjoining green hills on the other side. It is a likeable beach city, especially after visiting Kailasagiri. }} * {{see | name=Shilparamam Jathara | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.805201 | long=83.353244 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q39060704 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=A crafts village showcasing and preserving the old, including woodwork, jewellery, clothes and local crafts of rural India. There are 36 stalls where you can buy assorted handicrafts and artwork. There is also an entire village where you can find realistic-looking sculptures of villagers carrying out their traditional crafts. }} * {{see | name=Telugu Samskruthika Niketanam | alt= | url=http://www.worldtelugu.co/samskritikaniketanam.html | email= | address= | lat=17.751688 | long=83.335479 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q39049320 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content= }} ===Beach Road=== [[File:INS Kursura at RK Beach Vizag.JPG|thumb|INS Kursura at RK Beach]] * {{see | name=INS Kursura Museum | alt= | url=http://vmrda.gov.in/kursura.aspx | email= | address=RK Beach Rd, Kirlampudi Layout, Chinna Waltair, Pandurangapuram | lat=17.717293 | long=83.330116 | directions= | phone=+91 89125 63429 | tollfree= | hours= | price=₹40 for adults, ₹20 for children | image=Submarine - Front View (4759833761).jpg | wikidata=Q11706566 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=A museum in a decommissioned submarine of the Indian Navy. This is the first of its kind in South Asia. This submarine is one of the earliest submarines procured from Russia. The experience of working in the submarine is explained. The museum is manned by retired naval people. There is a fee to take a camera or video camera inside... }} * {{see | name=Matsyadarshini Aquarium | alt= | url= | email= | address=Beach Rd | lat=17.712809 | long=83.319843 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=It has marine and freshwater fish. The exit gate of the aquarium resembles the open mouth of a huge white tipped shark. 'Kala Shrusti', a handicrafts shop, is atop the aquarium. }} * {{see | name=Sea Harrier Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.71722 | long=83.328352 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Sea Harrier Museum Vizag.jpg | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{see | name=TU-142 Aircraft Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.718002 | long=83.329812 | directions=opposite INS Kursura Museum | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q60743815 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=This museum houses a decommissioned Tupolev Tu-142 anti-submarine aircraft of Russian origin, which has been restored for the public. It is possible to see the inside of the aircraft, and real engines are displayed. It justifies the ₹100 entry fee for adults. }} * {{see | name=UH3H Helicopter Museum | alt=Sea King Museum | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.717452 | long=83.329089 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{see | name=Victory at Sea Memorial | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.7187 | long=83.3322 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q38479267 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=This is a remembrance of the Victory at Sea in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war. It is on the Beach Road, opposite the Submarine Museum. There is a fighter plane, a tank and few replicas of missiles kept as exhibits. There is no entry fee and it can be viewed from the road. }} * {{see | name=Visakha Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.720707 | long=83.333831 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q17027516 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=It houses the historical treasures and artefacts of Northern Andhra. Collections available for viewing in the museum include ancient armoury, crockery, coins, silk costumes, jewellery, stuffed animals, portraits, manuscripts, letters, diaries, scrapbooks, periodicals and maps. }} ===Religious attractions=== <!-- Darga Pahad has the tomb of the Muslim saint, Sayed Ali Medina alias Ishak Medina, visited by Hindu and Muslim devotees alike. Attached to this is a mosque. Sri Venkateswara Konda, the third hillock, has a temple dedicated to the Lord. It is believed to have been built by an Englishman, Captain Blackmoor, in the 19th century. There is a view of the port channel, once ships' entrance to the inner harbour. --> * {{see | name=Ross Hill Church | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.690433 | long=83.287086 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q125739002 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=A house built by Monsieur Ross in 1864, later converted into a Mother Mary's Church. The pathway to the shrine is strewn with Catholic icons. }} * {{see | name=Simhachalam Temple | alt= | url=http://simhachalamdevasthanam.net/ | email= | address= | lat=17.766389 | long=83.250556 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2620389 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=This is an architectural splendour, although some of the sculptures were defaced during the Islamic invasions. The temple inscriptions date the earliest donors to the 10th-11th centuries. The exact date of construction is unknown. It is 15 km from the city and is dedicated to the Narasimha avatar of Lord Vishnu, which is his half-man, half-lion avatar. The temple bears reference to the Chola and Chalukya styles of architecture. It also has a local railway station. }} * {{see | name=Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.689196 | long=83.288894 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q125738422 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} ====Buddhist sites==== [[File:Bavikonda stupas.JPG|thumb|Bavikonda Stupas]] [[File:Maha Stupa at Thotlakonda Monastic Complex.jpg|thumb|Maha Stupa at Thotlakonda Monastic Complex]] Bojjannakonda, Thotlakonda and Bavikonda in and around Visakhapatnam were centres of Buddhism during the second century CE. Several Buddhist monuments such as stupas and chaityas were erected at these places. It is said that some of the corporal relics of the Buddha were preserved at these places. Hence all these places became sacred places. * {{see | name=Bojjannakonda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.71 | long=83.0161 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4938681 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=It offers architectural remnants of the Buddhist period, one of the earliest of its class in Southern India. It constitutes one of the most remarkable groups of Buddhist monuments dated from 200 BCE to 700 CE, found during excavations in 1906. On the eastern hill, there are a series of rock-cut caves, numerous groups of monolithic dagobas, standing on rock platform in tiers above each other and, crowning all, a rock-cut stupa with extensive structural remains. On the western side of the eastern hill is a stairway, partly rock-cut and partly structural, which leads up to a large double-storied cave. The cave is entered by a doorway and is flanked on each side by huge dwarapalas. The cave chamber is rectangular in shape and is divided into 20 compartments by four cross rocks of 16 massive pillars. In the centre is the rock-cut stupa standing on a square platform. }} * {{see | name=Bavikonda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.817222 | long=83.390833 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q154651 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content= }} * {{see | name=Pavurallakonda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.888611 | long=83.437222 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q190985 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{see | name=Thotlakonda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.8264 | long=83.4094 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7796914 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=A collection of Buddhist monuments at the hilltop. It consists of a Maha Stupa, along with other votive stupas. It has a beautiful beach nearby. }} ==Do== ===Beaches=== {{cautionbox|Swimming in these beaches can be dangerous. People have died due to treacherous rip currents and rocky outcrops.|lastedit=permanent}} [[File:Beach view at Tenneti Park in Visakhapatnam.JPG|thumb|Beach view at Tenneti Park]] [[File:Boats at Bhimili beach Visakhapatnam District.JPG|thumb|Boats at Bhimili Beach]] [[File:Rushikonda beach view 001.jpg|thumb|Rushikonda beach view]] More than anything else, Vizag is known for its beaches. It boasts a number of beaches that are scenic and uncrowded. A few virgin beaches span along the eastern side of the city and stretch for miles. A spectacular beach only the locals are aware of is called the "Yarada" beach. Except for the occasional RTC bus, there is no public transport available. Still, the adventurous mind finds it rewarding if they can make an effort to get there. It's a private beach coming under ''Agrigold plantations'', therefore you need to pay a fee of ₹30/- to get onto the beach, but it's worth it. The beaches are lovely, but there are water sporting activities which started out initially like marine rafting and scuba diving, there are few beach cafes and restaurants. A water sports centre was started in Rushikonda. Vizagites are traditionally quite conservative, and though the beaches and the hills are beautiful, there is much here to interest the average tourist. Must want is the sunrise or a moonrise on a full moon day at Tennati Park (near foot of Rope way) on the Vizag-Bhimili Beach Road it's truly a feast for nature lovers. The sea looks orange and is a wonderful sight. * {{do | name=Bheemili Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.890382 | long=83.455465 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q18110547 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=About 25&nbsp;km from the city and is what used to be a small village also called "Bheemunipatnam". Apart from the beach, the village has the remains of a Portuguese church, Dutch cemeteries and a Buddhist Monastery (Pavurallakonda). }}. * {{do | name=Ramakrishna Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.71416 | long=83.32366 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2021-10-05| content=R.K.Beach is the most popular beach in the sense that you can find the locals hanging out during the hot summers, and relatively less hot winters. On weekends and holidays, one can see that the entire beach comes alive, but not in a Western sense where people take a plunge in the water or surf. You can see people dressed in their best clothes, just sitting on the benches, or walking along. Take an evening stroll at RK Beach; it offers good pedestrian tracks, beautiful parks, museums, beaches and some wonderful open-air restaurants. }} * {{do | name=Rushikonda Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.78257 | long=83.38367 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q24946142 | content=11&nbsp;km away from the city, this has become a popular tourist spot that even the locals frequent. A lot safer to wade into than the R.K. Beach, cradled among hills, this used to be an excellent beach away from the madding crowds. AP Tourism Development Corporation has a beach resort (Punnami) on the hillside overlooking the beach. }} * {{do | name=Yarada Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.65413 | long=83.26710 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2021-10-05| content=It is perceived as a private beach but actually it is not. Tourists can visit the beach directly or through the village. Yarada is the village behind the dolphin's nose. To go to this beach, a bus facility is available from Scindia junction. Also you can hire a cab to go there. The view of the beach and Vizag city from the top of the Dolphin's nose is memorable. The drive from Scindia to the top of the dolphin nose, dolphin nose to Yarada is really enjoyable. }} ===Parks and stadiums=== * {{do | name=Indira Gandhi Zoological Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.7691 | long=83.35 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6025038 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=The zoo is home to native mammals like [[elephants]], one-horned rhinos, [[tigers]], lions, leopards, striped hyenas, dholes, sloth bears, gaurs, sambar deer and rhesus macaques, as well as exotic mammals like hippos, giraffes, zebras and chimpanzees. It also has birds including ostriches, rosy pelicans, grey herons, Indian peafowl and black swans. Furthermore, there are reptiles like crocodiles and gavials. }} * {{do | name=Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary | alt= | url=http://forest.ap.nic.in/WL%20KAMBALAKONDA.htm | email= | address= | lat=17.825278 | long=83.308611 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q12060948 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=A gorgeous nature preserve that many people in Vizag itself seem to be unaware of. Kambalakonda is uncrowded and peaceful and within 20-25 minutes drive from the city centre. A nominal entrance fee of ₹10 is charged per adult. The greenery, the hiking trail and the fantastic view of the ocean from the rather flimsy viewing tower give a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city. }} * {{do | name=Lumbini Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.741196 | long=83.344157 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=Not to be confused with the one in [[Hyderabad/Central|Central Hyderabad]]. }} * {{do | name=Meghadri Gedda Reservoir | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.771376 | long=83.183766 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q48729346 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{do | name=Tenneti Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.747944 | long=83.349915 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q28154517 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=A coastal park in the city, known for its scenery and recreational amenities. Overlooking the Bay of Bengal, the park has views of the sea with the surrounding coastline and the cityscape. Named after Tenneti Viswanadham, a freedom fighter and social reformer, the park features greenery, gardens and walking paths. Additionally, Tenneti Park is a destination for outdoor activities such as picnics, family outings, and photography, attracting both locals and tourists alike. }} * {{do | name=ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.797358 | long=83.351944 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q23975544 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{do | name=VMRDA City Central Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.721753 | long=83.305728 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q38250834 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content= }} * {{do | name=VMRDA Park | alt=VUDA Park | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.72408 | long=83.339281 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q24945964 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content= }} ==Buy== Vizag offers a reasonably large selection of stores selling clothing, jewellery, books, Araku Coffee etc. * {{buy | name=Jagadamba Centre | alt=Jagadamba Junction | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.7425 | long=83.3169 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q18126154 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=Most of the famous shopping centres and malls can be found here. Named after the Jagadamba movie theatre, one of the best movie auditoriums of the country when it was constructed and even today.. }} === Clothing === There are several locations from which clothing can be purchased. However they tend to be concentrated in few locations. One such is Jagadamba Centre. Few of the many clothing stores are: * Chandana Brothers * Bommana Brothers * Kankatala silk palace === Jewellery === Similar to clothing stores, there are several shops from where jewellery can be purchased. The centres are distributed, but the prominent ones are between RTC Complex and Railway station, Jagadamba Centre and near old Town Kotharoad. Some of the prominent stores are: * Vaibhav Jewellers * Mahaveer Jewellers * Tanishq Jewellers * Khazana Jewellers * {{buy | name=Joyalukkas Jewellery | alt= | url= | email= | address=Sampath Vinayaka Temple Rd, Near Sampath Vinayaka Temple, CBM Compound, Asilmetta | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 89125 61916 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-01-13 | content= }} * Sanghvi * Kalyan * Kirtilals === Memoribilia === While definitely not considered a shopper's paradise, Vizag offers some unique handicrafts and can found in by the Andhra Pradesh State-owned handicraft store, Lepakshi, at Jagadamba center. It has an impressive collection of sandalwood sculptures, stone art, etc. === Books === The stretch of road called Dabagardens has many bookstores. Police Barracks has numerous small stores that buy and sell second-hand books, including technical textbooks. * Jyoti Book Depot === Pubs === * Waves * Ironhill === Shopping malls === * Shoppers stop * Spencers * Big Bazaar * CMR Shopping Mall * South India Shopping Mall * Shoppers Stop *{{buy | name=CMR Central | url= | email= | address=Maddilapalem | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=You can find Subway, KFC, and Pizza Hut here. Also a lot of shopping is possible, if you have money here, at Reliance Trends and Reliance Digital. Also one could see a movie if one has time at INOX. }} *{{buy | name=Visakhapatnam Central |alt=| url= | email= | address= | directions=beside CP office | lat= | long= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2017-11-21| content=Most happening place is Visakhapatnam Central, where you will get all branded apparels, fashion jewelries, life style merchandise like watches, shades and color cosmetics. It is typical of malls which you can find anywhere in metro cities. Very expensive too. }} ==Eat== [[File:Authentic North East Andhra Cuisine.JPG|thumbnail|Vizag lunch consists of steamed rice with country chicken stew, dry fish curry, topa, seruva, teepe semiya and crab stew.]] If spicy fare from Southern India appeals to your gastronomic senses, then Vizag has some excellent restaurants. Many of the eating joints meant or frequented by tourists are in the Siripuram area. A walk around there can give you access to a variety of cuisines. *{{eat | name=Blue Sea Fine Dining| | alt= | url= | email= | address=Pakkis Complex, Opposite ICICI Bank Road, Dwarakanagar 2nd Lane, Dwaraka Nagar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891 646 5399 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Daspalla Executive Court | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891 2717300 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2717444 | hours= | price= | content= }}{{listing | type=eat | name=Eleven | alt= | url=http://www.facebook.com/elevenfinedining | email= | address=10-1-4 & 5, 4th floor, Siripuram | lat= | long= | directions=Infront of Ice Age | phone=+91 8916461111 | tollfree= | hours=Noon to 11PM | price= | content=This is one of the best new restaurants opened for Fine Dining. Food is value for money and tasty. They probably serve the best food in Vizag. }} *{{eat | name=Flying Spaghetti Monster | alt=FSM | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Opp waltair club | phone=+91 891-2766652 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-11PM | price=Cheap | content=The 'Flying Spaghetti Monster' a.k.a. FSM is Vizag's first authentic Italian restaurant. Great place with amazing Italian fare. Be sure not to miss out the Chocolate bomb. }} * '''Horizon''' (live music during dinner) at Dolphin Hotel, +91 891 2567000. *{{eat | name=Hotel Daspalla | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891 2564825 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2562043 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Hotel Green Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +91 891 6615151 | tollfree= | fax=+091 891 2563763 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Hotel Jabilly Beach Inn | alt= | url=http://www.jaabilybeachinn.com | email= | address=on R K Beach | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891 270 6026 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=noon | price=₹650 to 1200 | content=All rooms face the sea, pure Bengali food is available. }} * '''Subway - Subs & Salads''' in Siripuram's Dutt Island, +91 891 278491. * Ambica sea green - on Beach Road, Kirlampudi Layout, ph. 08912821818 * {{eat | name=Nihuusravee Home Foods | alt=| url=https://nihuusravee.com | email=nihuusravee@gmail.com | address=Kailash Nagar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 945 945 9739 | tollfree= | hours=9am to 7pm | price=₹300 | lastedit=2024-03-29 | content=Traditional home food. }} ==Drink== Some interesting bars in the city are in the Five Star hotels mentioned above and typically are expensive even by Western standards. The '''Park Hotel''' has a decent bar - try the Screwdriver. Daspalla has another bar and restaurant called '''Dimple''' that serves various drinks and can be noisy at time. Two new really cool breweries have opened up in the city . *'''Punnami''', near Rishikonda has pub very close to the beach and serves alcohol. *{{drink | name=Vihar | url= | email= | address=Near Rishikonda, Opp. GITAM University | lat= | long= | directions= 8 km from the city | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Best hangout place with friends, only concern is it was too far from the city. Even though, worth visiting "Offshores" at Vihar. There's an Awesome beach view from the middle of the hill. }} *Ironhill brewery- above pmj jwellers, siripuram. ==Sleep== Vizag has both high end hotels and affordable lodges. The Daspalla, The Grand Central Hotel and Green Park are well-known. ===Budget=== ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=99 Residency | alt=Value for Money Hotel | url= | email= | address=# 10-50-39/2, Waltair Main Road, Ramnagar | lat= | long= | directions=Next to Waltair Club | phone=+91-891-2474448 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891-2505545 | checkin=Noon | checkout=Noon | price=starting from ₹1,500 per night | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Athidhi The Guest House | phone=+91 9000415656, +91 9949662424 }} * {{sleep | name=Beach View Guest House | alt= | url= | email=beachview.vizag@gmail.com | address=RK Beach main road, besides Novotel Hotel (Varun Beach) | lat=17.71017 | long=83.31603 | directions=towards collecter office route from novotel | phone=+91 9985034321 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2015-09-03 | content=All rooms face the beach. Wi-Fi available. }} * {{sleep | name=Dolphin | phone=+91 891 2567000 | fax=+91 891 2567555 }} * {{sleep | name=Dwaraka Inn | directions=At Dwaraka Nagar }} * {{sleep | name=Fortune Inn Sree Kanya | alt= | url=http://www.fortunehotels.in/hotel/Visakhapatnam-Fortune_Inn_Sree_Kanya.aspx | email= | address=Dwaraknagar, Diamond Park | lat= | long= | directions=Sree Kanya Road | phone=+91-891-3988444 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=The Grand Central Hotel | directions=at Jagadamba Junction }} * {{sleep | name=Green Park | phone=+91 891 2564444 |fax=+91 891 2563763 }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Hotel Akshaya | alt= | url=https://akshayahotel.business.site/ | email= | address=Station Rd | lat= | long= | directions=Opp to D.R.M.Office. | phone=+91 2598111, +91 2598144, +91 9177892359 (mobile) | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Athidiinn | alt= | url=https://athidihotels.chobs.in/ | email=athidi.inn@gmail.com | address=D.No.9-1-47, New Resapuvanapalem | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891-2727567, +91 9396548333 (mobile) | tollfree= | fax=+91 891-2727678 | checkin=24 hr | checkout= | price=₹1,500-2,200 per 24 hours | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Daspalla | alt= | url=https://www.daspallahotels.com/visakhapatnam/ | email= | address=28-2-48, Suryabagh, Jagadamba Junction | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 89125 64825 | tollfree= | checkin=24 hour check-in | checkout= | price=From ₹4,000 per night | content=Complementary breakfast, free WiFi, four restaurants and wheelchair accessible. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Saraswathi Orchid | alt= | url= | email=hotelsaraswathiorchid@yahoo.com | address=#30-15-193,Opp: Dolphin Hotel Garden Gate, Main Road, Dabagardens | lat= | long= | directions=Opp: Dolphin Hotel | phone=+91-891-2712881 | tollfree= | fax=+91-891-6635657 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Supreme | address=At R.K.Beach }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Talasila Continental | phone=+91-891-2598598 | address=Station Road, Dondaparthi }} * {{sleep | name=Meghalaya | phone=+91 891 2755141 | fax=+91 891 2755824 }} * {{sleep | name=Royal Fort }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Four Points by Sheraton Visakhapatnam | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/vtzfp-four-points-visakhapatnam/ | email= | address=10-28-3, Waltair Main Road | lat=17.7206 | long=83.31252 | directions= | phone=+91 891 305 1111 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 3051000 | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹7,700-₹8,700 | wikidata=Q111402182 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach | alt= | url=https://all.accor.com/hotel/7535/index.en.shtml | email= | address=Beach Road | lat=17.710655 | long=83.315859 | directions= | phone=+91 891 282 2222 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2822244 | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=₹9,670 | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=The Gateway Hotel | alt= | url=https://gateway.tajhotels.com/en-in/beach-road-visakhapatnam/?_ga=1.134407865.974920459.1476353462 | email=gateway.visakhapatnam@tajhotels.com | address=Beach Road | lat=17.711559 | long=83.316771 | directions= | phone=+91 891 662 3670 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2564370 | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | price= | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=The Palm Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.720933 | long=83.335872 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=The Park Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.theparkhotels.com | email=resv.viz@theparkhotels.com | address=Beach Rd | lat=17.721364 | long=83.336836 | directions= | phone=+91 891 304 5678 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2754181 | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2016-10-13 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Radisson Blu Resort Visakhapatnam | alt= | url=https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-blu-resort-visakhapatnam | email= | address= | lat=17.77147 | long=83.37299 | directions= | phone=+91 891 667 7666 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=₹12,980 | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Welcomhotel Devee Grand Bay | alt= | url=https://www.itchotels.com/in/en/welcomhoteldeveegrandbay-visakhapatnam | email=reservations@itchotels.in | address=Beach Rd | lat=17.711851 | long=83.315468 | directions= | phone=+91 891 660 0101 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2550691 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2016-10-13 | content= }} * Fairfield by Marriott - KSR prime R&B junction Visakhapatnam *{{Sleep|name=Best Western Ramachandra|alt=|url=http://bwramachandra.co.in|email=info@bwramachandra.co.in|address=8-8-36, Gajuwaka|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=+ 91 891 2579777|tollfree=|fax=|checkin=|checkout=|price=|lastedit=2020-03-20|content=}} *{{Sleep|name=QualityInn Ramachandra Hotel|alt=|url=http://qualityinnramachandra.com|email=qualityinnramachandra@gmail.com|address=31-41/10/1, Duvvada|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=+91 891 2762855|tollfree=|fax=|checkin=|checkout=|price=|lastedit=2020-03-20|content=3-Star Hotel}} ==Go next== * [[Araku Valley]] ({{km|110}}) — Many tourists visit Araku Valley along with Visakhapatnam. It is a scenic valley that can be reached by train or bus. It is definitely not a day trip, but the APTDC facilities can serve as a decent lodging. November to February are the best months to visit. * [[Hyderabad]] * [[Chennai]] * [[Kolkata]] * [[Vijayawada]] * [[Guntur]] {{geo|17.688378|83.218758}} {{IsPartOf|Northern Coast (Andhra Pradesh)}} {{usablecity}} dukyky2ta0iwub5fhdebk5e73up1n55 5086965 5086666 2025-07-03T04:50:50Z Sbb1413 2217354 /* Beach Road */ Updated listing for TU-142 Aircraft Museum 5086965 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|VisakhapatnamH.jpg}} [[Image:Visakhapatnam 2010.jpg|thumb|Crescent Beach, Visakhapatnam]] [[File:Rock-cut Lord --Buddha-- Statue at Bojjanakonda near Anakapalle of Visakhapatnam dist in AP.jpg|thumb|Rock-cut Buddha Statue at Bojjannakonda near Anakapalle]] '''Visakhapatnam''' ([[Telugu]]: విశాఖపట్నం ''Viśākhapaṭnam''), popularly known as '''Vizag''', is the largest city in [[Andhra Pradesh]]. It is primarily an industrial city, but also attracts tourists due to its unspoilt sandy beaches, well built and maintained parks, Buddhist Remnant sites and nearby scenic areas, such as [[Araku Valley]]. The city has a population of about 2 million. ==Understand== [[File:VUDA park water pond, Visakhapatnam.JPG|thumb|VMRDA Park]] Vizag is sometimes called ''The Goa of the East''. Just like its [[Goa|west coast counterpart]], it has beautiful virgin beaches, laterite hillocks, smooth roads and stunning landscape. Health-tourism is a fast developing industry. Visakhapatnam is variously called ''Jewel on the Coromandel Coast'', ''Steel City'', and the ''City of Destiny''. There is a considerable concentration of Marwaris, Odias, Bengalis, Punjabis, Tamils and Malayalis. In addition, there is a large population of migrant workers from other parts of India who have been drawn to the area by the abundance of work at locally based companies, such as Vizag Steel Plant and Hindustan Shipyard. ==Get in== ===By plane=== * {{go | name=Visakhapatnam Airport | alt={{IATA|VTZ}} | url=https://www.aai.aero/en/airports/visakhapatnam | email= | address=Viman Nagar | lat=17.721111 | long=83.224444 | directions=opposite NH 16 | phone=+91 891 2851169 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2247541 | lastedit=2023-10-30 | content=Visakhapatnam is connected by air to [[Hyderabad]], [[Bangalore]], [[Chennai]], [[Tirupati]], [[Delhi]], [[Mumbai]], [[Bhubaneswar]], [[Kochi]], [[Dubai]], [[Kuala Lumpur]] and [[Singapore]] through its customs airport, an airport with restricted access, by Air India, SpiceJet and IndiGo. AirAsia and Batik Air from Malaysia operate scheduled flights from Kuala Lumpur. }} ===By train=== [[File:Visakhapatnam railway station.jpg|thumb|Visakhapatnam Junction railway station]] {{marker|type=go|name={{station|Visakhapatnam Junction|city=india|ecor}}|wikidata=Q7935582}} is on the [[Kolkata]]–[[Chennai]] line and is connected to several cities of the country by rail. All trains including fast expresses stop at the station. Visakhapatnam comes under the East Coast Railway (ECoR) zone and is one of the principal divisional headquarters (under the British name Waltair). It has eight platforms, the first in ECoR to have this many, and all of them can accommodate trains with up to 28 coaches. You may want to verify the timings with [http://www.indianrail.gov.in Indian Railways], since they change from time to time. Train berths can be reserved [http://www.irctc.co.in online]. However, this being a major destination, availability of seats is at times difficult even with a one month's advance planning. ===By car=== [[File:Visakhapatnam, Beach Road from Kailashagiri.jpg|thumb|Visakhapatnam Beach Road from Kailasagiri]] Visakhapatnam is connected to [[Chennai]] and [[Kolkata]] via [[Bhubaneswar]] and [[Vijayawada]] by National Highway 16 (dual-carriageway, 120 km/h). ===By bus=== The Andhra Pradesh State Road Travel Corporation (APSRTC) runs buses from almost every city and town to Visakhapatnam, along with some private operators, who run buses from a few of the major cities. Please check with APSRTC for timings. There is also a Garuda fleet of bus service (Volvo) to Vizag from Chennai, Bangalore, Vijayawada and Hyderabad which is very comfortable and happy going. This is the best way to do it if you want to travel by bus. APSRTC has several other bus services which have varied luxury levels and transit speeds. You might want to check the APSRTC at least 3 days in advance to be sure you have a reservation. ==Get around== {{mapframe|17.7245|83.315|width=480|height=450|zoom=13}} {{Mapshape|wikidata=Q15394}} Visakhapatnam has no commuter rail service. However, apart from the bus service, taxis or autorickshaws can also be hired. ===By bus=== APSRTC operates a lit of buses from 6 principal bus complexes in the city. They are: * Simhachalam * Gajuwaka * Maddilapalem * Visakha Steel City * Waltair * Madhurawada Dwarka Bus Station or RTC Complex depot is the largest bus station and complex in the city. There are mainly two types of buses operated for suburban travel in Visakhapatnam. * '''City Ordinary:''' can be identified by its orange or red colour. It is operated on almost all suburban routes. Some of the main routes include RTC Complex–Gajuwaka (via NAD), Maddilapalem–Railway Station, RTC Complex–Gajuwaka (via Scindia), Railway Station–Madhurawada, etc. These buses stop at almost every bus stop. The frequency is more than that of Metro Express buses. These buses sometimes become overcrowded during peak hours on weekdays. Some popular route numbers include 222, 400, 99, 25, 900, 60C, 300, 6A, 28, 38 and 12D. * '''Metro Express:''' can be identified by their blue and white colour. These buses run in most important routes such as 400, 211, 500, 99, 28, 38 etc. These buses don't stop at all bus stops and the fare for these buses is also a bit higher than that for city ordinary buses. Many of these buses are JNNURM funded and sport digital display boards which display route number and route details in both English and Telugu. Also most of these have cushioned seats which are comfortable and many of them also have air-suspension which makes the journey more comfortable. These buses don't get as crowded as City Ordinary buses. The junction and Maddilapalem joins the Asilametta-Ramatalkies road to the National Highway 5. Buses from Madilapalem ply to the extreme ends of the city, including Anakapalle and Thagarapuvalasa. ====Fares==== [[File:Visakha Museum - Maritime Wing.jpeg|thumb|Visakha Museum the Maritime Wing]] The bus fare to get to Madilapalem from the railway station is only ₹8. Buses operate within a 5 minute frequency in routes with high demand. The minimum frequency in which buses operate is 40 minutes, i.e., every route is covered by an APSRTC bus once in every 40 minutes. Apart from buying tickets on the bus, you may also avail an ''RTC-Pass'', which is a special type of pass that can be renewed once in a month. With the pass, you can board any APSRTC bus and travel anywhere within the city limits. An ordinary RTC-Pass costs just {{INR|750}}. The RTC complex is to the southeast of Asilametta. RTC complex is generally referred to as ''complex'' and is connected to every other region in the city. ==See== [[File:Ropeway car at Kailasagiri.jpg|thumb|Ropeway car at Kailasagiri]] [[Image:Kambalakonda.jpg|thumb|Kambalakonda]] [[File:Lord narasimha rock statue backyard simhachalam temple.jpg|thumb|Lord Narasimha rock-cut statue at Simhachalam temple]] * {{see | name=Kailasagiri | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.748992 | long=83.342236 | directions={{km|6}} away from the city centre | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q17061607 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=The ride to this hill offers a spectacular view of the sea. There is a park atop the hill, with a beautiful view of the city, the sea and Eastern Ghats merging into the sea. Sagarnagar Beach and Rushikonda Beach are on the right and left-hand sides. There is a huge sculpture of Shiva and Parvati. One can take a ropeway directly facing the sea and the city. On the hilltop, there is a beautiful toy train offering a tour of nature. Several viewpoints give a pleasant look at nature, especially in the evening, when the city is lit up. This is less commercial than other hill stations and there is less hassle from tourist guides. After descending from Kailasagiri, one should visit Tenneti Beach Park. Its beauty and luxuriant carpet grass intertwined with concrete pathways make it ideal for romantic couples. There are several points from which the beautiful rocky beach down beneath can be seen. This provides spectacular views of sunrise, sunset and the pristine waters. Many movies were shot here. Hillocks in the park, which are about {{ft|50}} in elevation give a beautiful view of the sea, beach road and the beach park. The hilltop includes a children's play area, a doll museum and a couple of eating areas. It has several viewpoints offering wonderful views of the city on one side and winding beaches adjoining green hills on the other side. It is a likeable beach city, especially after visiting Kailasagiri. }} * {{see | name=Shilparamam Jathara | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.805201 | long=83.353244 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q39060704 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=A crafts village showcasing and preserving the old, including woodwork, jewellery, clothes and local crafts of rural India. There are 36 stalls where you can buy assorted handicrafts and artwork. There is also an entire village where you can find realistic-looking sculptures of villagers carrying out their traditional crafts. }} * {{see | name=Telugu Samskruthika Niketanam | alt= | url=http://www.worldtelugu.co/samskritikaniketanam.html | email= | address= | lat=17.751688 | long=83.335479 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q39049320 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content= }} ===Beach Road=== [[File:INS Kursura at RK Beach Vizag.JPG|thumb|INS Kursura at RK Beach]] * {{see | name=INS Kursura Museum | alt= | url=http://vmrda.gov.in/kursura.aspx | email= | address=RK Beach Rd, Kirlampudi Layout, Chinna Waltair, Pandurangapuram | lat=17.717293 | long=83.330116 | directions= | phone=+91 89125 63429 | tollfree= | hours= | price=₹40 for adults, ₹20 for children | image=Submarine - Front View (4759833761).jpg | wikidata=Q11706566 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=A museum in a decommissioned submarine of the Indian Navy. This is the first of its kind in South Asia. This submarine is one of the earliest submarines procured from Russia. The experience of working in the submarine is explained. The museum is manned by retired naval people. There is a fee to take a camera or video camera inside... }} * {{see | name=Matsyadarshini Aquarium | alt= | url= | email= | address=Beach Rd | lat=17.712809 | long=83.319843 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=It has marine and freshwater fish. The exit gate of the aquarium resembles the open mouth of a huge white tipped shark. 'Kala Shrusti', a handicrafts shop, is atop the aquarium. }} * {{see | name=Sea Harrier Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.71722 | long=83.328352 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Sea Harrier Museum Vizag.jpg | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{see | name=TU-142 Aircraft Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.718002 | long=83.329812 | directions=opposite INS Kursura Museum | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Adults: ₹70; children (4-10): ₹40 | wikidata=Q60743815 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=This museum houses a decommissioned Tupolev Tu-142 anti-submarine aircraft of Russian origin, which has been restored for the public. It is possible to see the inside of the aircraft, and real engines are displayed. }} * {{see | name=UH3H Helicopter Museum | alt=Sea King Museum | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.717452 | long=83.329089 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{see | name=Victory at Sea Memorial | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.7187 | long=83.3322 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q38479267 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=This is a remembrance of the Victory at Sea in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war. It is on the Beach Road, opposite the Submarine Museum. There is a fighter plane, a tank and few replicas of missiles kept as exhibits. There is no entry fee and it can be viewed from the road. }} * {{see | name=Visakha Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.720707 | long=83.333831 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q17027516 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=It houses the historical treasures and artefacts of Northern Andhra. Collections available for viewing in the museum include ancient armoury, crockery, coins, silk costumes, jewellery, stuffed animals, portraits, manuscripts, letters, diaries, scrapbooks, periodicals and maps. }} ===Religious attractions=== <!-- Darga Pahad has the tomb of the Muslim saint, Sayed Ali Medina alias Ishak Medina, visited by Hindu and Muslim devotees alike. Attached to this is a mosque. Sri Venkateswara Konda, the third hillock, has a temple dedicated to the Lord. It is believed to have been built by an Englishman, Captain Blackmoor, in the 19th century. There is a view of the port channel, once ships' entrance to the inner harbour. --> * {{see | name=Ross Hill Church | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.690433 | long=83.287086 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q125739002 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=A house built by Monsieur Ross in 1864, later converted into a Mother Mary's Church. The pathway to the shrine is strewn with Catholic icons. }} * {{see | name=Simhachalam Temple | alt= | url=http://simhachalamdevasthanam.net/ | email= | address= | lat=17.766389 | long=83.250556 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2620389 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=This is an architectural splendour, although some of the sculptures were defaced during the Islamic invasions. The temple inscriptions date the earliest donors to the 10th-11th centuries. The exact date of construction is unknown. It is 15 km from the city and is dedicated to the Narasimha avatar of Lord Vishnu, which is his half-man, half-lion avatar. The temple bears reference to the Chola and Chalukya styles of architecture. It also has a local railway station. }} * {{see | name=Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.689196 | long=83.288894 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q125738422 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} ====Buddhist sites==== [[File:Bavikonda stupas.JPG|thumb|Bavikonda Stupas]] [[File:Maha Stupa at Thotlakonda Monastic Complex.jpg|thumb|Maha Stupa at Thotlakonda Monastic Complex]] Bojjannakonda, Thotlakonda and Bavikonda in and around Visakhapatnam were centres of Buddhism during the second century CE. Several Buddhist monuments such as stupas and chaityas were erected at these places. It is said that some of the corporal relics of the Buddha were preserved at these places. Hence all these places became sacred places. * {{see | name=Bojjannakonda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.71 | long=83.0161 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4938681 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=It offers architectural remnants of the Buddhist period, one of the earliest of its class in Southern India. It constitutes one of the most remarkable groups of Buddhist monuments dated from 200 BCE to 700 CE, found during excavations in 1906. On the eastern hill, there are a series of rock-cut caves, numerous groups of monolithic dagobas, standing on rock platform in tiers above each other and, crowning all, a rock-cut stupa with extensive structural remains. On the western side of the eastern hill is a stairway, partly rock-cut and partly structural, which leads up to a large double-storied cave. The cave is entered by a doorway and is flanked on each side by huge dwarapalas. The cave chamber is rectangular in shape and is divided into 20 compartments by four cross rocks of 16 massive pillars. In the centre is the rock-cut stupa standing on a square platform. }} * {{see | name=Bavikonda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.817222 | long=83.390833 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q154651 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content= }} * {{see | name=Pavurallakonda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.888611 | long=83.437222 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q190985 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{see | name=Thotlakonda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.8264 | long=83.4094 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7796914 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=A collection of Buddhist monuments at the hilltop. It consists of a Maha Stupa, along with other votive stupas. It has a beautiful beach nearby. }} ==Do== ===Beaches=== {{cautionbox|Swimming in these beaches can be dangerous. People have died due to treacherous rip currents and rocky outcrops.|lastedit=permanent}} [[File:Beach view at Tenneti Park in Visakhapatnam.JPG|thumb|Beach view at Tenneti Park]] [[File:Boats at Bhimili beach Visakhapatnam District.JPG|thumb|Boats at Bhimili Beach]] [[File:Rushikonda beach view 001.jpg|thumb|Rushikonda beach view]] More than anything else, Vizag is known for its beaches. It boasts a number of beaches that are scenic and uncrowded. A few virgin beaches span along the eastern side of the city and stretch for miles. A spectacular beach only the locals are aware of is called the "Yarada" beach. Except for the occasional RTC bus, there is no public transport available. Still, the adventurous mind finds it rewarding if they can make an effort to get there. It's a private beach coming under ''Agrigold plantations'', therefore you need to pay a fee of ₹30/- to get onto the beach, but it's worth it. The beaches are lovely, but there are water sporting activities which started out initially like marine rafting and scuba diving, there are few beach cafes and restaurants. A water sports centre was started in Rushikonda. Vizagites are traditionally quite conservative, and though the beaches and the hills are beautiful, there is much here to interest the average tourist. Must want is the sunrise or a moonrise on a full moon day at Tennati Park (near foot of Rope way) on the Vizag-Bhimili Beach Road it's truly a feast for nature lovers. The sea looks orange and is a wonderful sight. * {{do | name=Bheemili Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.890382 | long=83.455465 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q18110547 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=About 25&nbsp;km from the city and is what used to be a small village also called "Bheemunipatnam". Apart from the beach, the village has the remains of a Portuguese church, Dutch cemeteries and a Buddhist Monastery (Pavurallakonda). }}. * {{do | name=Ramakrishna Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.71416 | long=83.32366 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2021-10-05| content=R.K.Beach is the most popular beach in the sense that you can find the locals hanging out during the hot summers, and relatively less hot winters. On weekends and holidays, one can see that the entire beach comes alive, but not in a Western sense where people take a plunge in the water or surf. You can see people dressed in their best clothes, just sitting on the benches, or walking along. Take an evening stroll at RK Beach; it offers good pedestrian tracks, beautiful parks, museums, beaches and some wonderful open-air restaurants. }} * {{do | name=Rushikonda Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.78257 | long=83.38367 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q24946142 | content=11&nbsp;km away from the city, this has become a popular tourist spot that even the locals frequent. A lot safer to wade into than the R.K. Beach, cradled among hills, this used to be an excellent beach away from the madding crowds. AP Tourism Development Corporation has a beach resort (Punnami) on the hillside overlooking the beach. }} * {{do | name=Yarada Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.65413 | long=83.26710 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2021-10-05| content=It is perceived as a private beach but actually it is not. Tourists can visit the beach directly or through the village. Yarada is the village behind the dolphin's nose. To go to this beach, a bus facility is available from Scindia junction. Also you can hire a cab to go there. The view of the beach and Vizag city from the top of the Dolphin's nose is memorable. The drive from Scindia to the top of the dolphin nose, dolphin nose to Yarada is really enjoyable. }} ===Parks and stadiums=== * {{do | name=Indira Gandhi Zoological Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.7691 | long=83.35 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6025038 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=The zoo is home to native mammals like [[elephants]], one-horned rhinos, [[tigers]], lions, leopards, striped hyenas, dholes, sloth bears, gaurs, sambar deer and rhesus macaques, as well as exotic mammals like hippos, giraffes, zebras and chimpanzees. It also has birds including ostriches, rosy pelicans, grey herons, Indian peafowl and black swans. Furthermore, there are reptiles like crocodiles and gavials. }} * {{do | name=Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary | alt= | url=http://forest.ap.nic.in/WL%20KAMBALAKONDA.htm | email= | address= | lat=17.825278 | long=83.308611 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q12060948 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=A gorgeous nature preserve that many people in Vizag itself seem to be unaware of. Kambalakonda is uncrowded and peaceful and within 20-25 minutes drive from the city centre. A nominal entrance fee of ₹10 is charged per adult. The greenery, the hiking trail and the fantastic view of the ocean from the rather flimsy viewing tower give a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city. }} * {{do | name=Lumbini Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.741196 | long=83.344157 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=Not to be confused with the one in [[Hyderabad/Central|Central Hyderabad]]. }} * {{do | name=Meghadri Gedda Reservoir | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.771376 | long=83.183766 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q48729346 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{do | name=Tenneti Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.747944 | long=83.349915 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q28154517 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=A coastal park in the city, known for its scenery and recreational amenities. Overlooking the Bay of Bengal, the park has views of the sea with the surrounding coastline and the cityscape. Named after Tenneti Viswanadham, a freedom fighter and social reformer, the park features greenery, gardens and walking paths. Additionally, Tenneti Park is a destination for outdoor activities such as picnics, family outings, and photography, attracting both locals and tourists alike. }} * {{do | name=ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.797358 | long=83.351944 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q23975544 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{do | name=VMRDA City Central Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.721753 | long=83.305728 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q38250834 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content= }} * {{do | name=VMRDA Park | alt=VUDA Park | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.72408 | long=83.339281 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q24945964 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content= }} ==Buy== Vizag offers a reasonably large selection of stores selling clothing, jewellery, books, Araku Coffee etc. * {{buy | name=Jagadamba Centre | alt=Jagadamba Junction | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.7425 | long=83.3169 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q18126154 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=Most of the famous shopping centres and malls can be found here. Named after the Jagadamba movie theatre, one of the best movie auditoriums of the country when it was constructed and even today.. }} === Clothing === There are several locations from which clothing can be purchased. However they tend to be concentrated in few locations. One such is Jagadamba Centre. Few of the many clothing stores are: * Chandana Brothers * Bommana Brothers * Kankatala silk palace === Jewellery === Similar to clothing stores, there are several shops from where jewellery can be purchased. The centres are distributed, but the prominent ones are between RTC Complex and Railway station, Jagadamba Centre and near old Town Kotharoad. Some of the prominent stores are: * Vaibhav Jewellers * Mahaveer Jewellers * Tanishq Jewellers * Khazana Jewellers * {{buy | name=Joyalukkas Jewellery | alt= | url= | email= | address=Sampath Vinayaka Temple Rd, Near Sampath Vinayaka Temple, CBM Compound, Asilmetta | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 89125 61916 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-01-13 | content= }} * Sanghvi * Kalyan * Kirtilals === Memoribilia === While definitely not considered a shopper's paradise, Vizag offers some unique handicrafts and can found in by the Andhra Pradesh State-owned handicraft store, Lepakshi, at Jagadamba center. It has an impressive collection of sandalwood sculptures, stone art, etc. === Books === The stretch of road called Dabagardens has many bookstores. Police Barracks has numerous small stores that buy and sell second-hand books, including technical textbooks. * Jyoti Book Depot === Pubs === * Waves * Ironhill === Shopping malls === * Shoppers stop * Spencers * Big Bazaar * CMR Shopping Mall * South India Shopping Mall * Shoppers Stop *{{buy | name=CMR Central | url= | email= | address=Maddilapalem | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=You can find Subway, KFC, and Pizza Hut here. Also a lot of shopping is possible, if you have money here, at Reliance Trends and Reliance Digital. Also one could see a movie if one has time at INOX. }} *{{buy | name=Visakhapatnam Central |alt=| url= | email= | address= | directions=beside CP office | lat= | long= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2017-11-21| content=Most happening place is Visakhapatnam Central, where you will get all branded apparels, fashion jewelries, life style merchandise like watches, shades and color cosmetics. It is typical of malls which you can find anywhere in metro cities. Very expensive too. }} ==Eat== [[File:Authentic North East Andhra Cuisine.JPG|thumbnail|Vizag lunch consists of steamed rice with country chicken stew, dry fish curry, topa, seruva, teepe semiya and crab stew.]] If spicy fare from Southern India appeals to your gastronomic senses, then Vizag has some excellent restaurants. Many of the eating joints meant or frequented by tourists are in the Siripuram area. A walk around there can give you access to a variety of cuisines. *{{eat | name=Blue Sea Fine Dining| | alt= | url= | email= | address=Pakkis Complex, Opposite ICICI Bank Road, Dwarakanagar 2nd Lane, Dwaraka Nagar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891 646 5399 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Daspalla Executive Court | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891 2717300 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2717444 | hours= | price= | content= }}{{listing | type=eat | name=Eleven | alt= | url=http://www.facebook.com/elevenfinedining | email= | address=10-1-4 & 5, 4th floor, Siripuram | lat= | long= | directions=Infront of Ice Age | phone=+91 8916461111 | tollfree= | hours=Noon to 11PM | price= | content=This is one of the best new restaurants opened for Fine Dining. Food is value for money and tasty. They probably serve the best food in Vizag. }} *{{eat | name=Flying Spaghetti Monster | alt=FSM | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Opp waltair club | phone=+91 891-2766652 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-11PM | price=Cheap | content=The 'Flying Spaghetti Monster' a.k.a. FSM is Vizag's first authentic Italian restaurant. Great place with amazing Italian fare. Be sure not to miss out the Chocolate bomb. }} * '''Horizon''' (live music during dinner) at Dolphin Hotel, +91 891 2567000. *{{eat | name=Hotel Daspalla | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891 2564825 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2562043 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Hotel Green Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +91 891 6615151 | tollfree= | fax=+091 891 2563763 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Hotel Jabilly Beach Inn | alt= | url=http://www.jaabilybeachinn.com | email= | address=on R K Beach | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891 270 6026 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=noon | price=₹650 to 1200 | content=All rooms face the sea, pure Bengali food is available. }} * '''Subway - Subs & Salads''' in Siripuram's Dutt Island, +91 891 278491. * Ambica sea green - on Beach Road, Kirlampudi Layout, ph. 08912821818 * {{eat | name=Nihuusravee Home Foods | alt=| url=https://nihuusravee.com | email=nihuusravee@gmail.com | address=Kailash Nagar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 945 945 9739 | tollfree= | hours=9am to 7pm | price=₹300 | lastedit=2024-03-29 | content=Traditional home food. }} ==Drink== Some interesting bars in the city are in the Five Star hotels mentioned above and typically are expensive even by Western standards. The '''Park Hotel''' has a decent bar - try the Screwdriver. Daspalla has another bar and restaurant called '''Dimple''' that serves various drinks and can be noisy at time. Two new really cool breweries have opened up in the city . *'''Punnami''', near Rishikonda has pub very close to the beach and serves alcohol. *{{drink | name=Vihar | url= | email= | address=Near Rishikonda, Opp. GITAM University | lat= | long= | directions= 8 km from the city | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Best hangout place with friends, only concern is it was too far from the city. Even though, worth visiting "Offshores" at Vihar. There's an Awesome beach view from the middle of the hill. }} *Ironhill brewery- above pmj jwellers, siripuram. ==Sleep== Vizag has both high end hotels and affordable lodges. The Daspalla, The Grand Central Hotel and Green Park are well-known. ===Budget=== ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=99 Residency | alt=Value for Money Hotel | url= | email= | address=# 10-50-39/2, Waltair Main Road, Ramnagar | lat= | long= | directions=Next to Waltair Club | phone=+91-891-2474448 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891-2505545 | checkin=Noon | checkout=Noon | price=starting from ₹1,500 per night | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Athidhi The Guest House | phone=+91 9000415656, +91 9949662424 }} * {{sleep | name=Beach View Guest House | alt= | url= | email=beachview.vizag@gmail.com | address=RK Beach main road, besides Novotel Hotel (Varun Beach) | lat=17.71017 | long=83.31603 | directions=towards collecter office route from novotel | phone=+91 9985034321 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2015-09-03 | content=All rooms face the beach. Wi-Fi available. }} * {{sleep | name=Dolphin | phone=+91 891 2567000 | fax=+91 891 2567555 }} * {{sleep | name=Dwaraka Inn | directions=At Dwaraka Nagar }} * {{sleep | name=Fortune Inn Sree Kanya | alt= | url=http://www.fortunehotels.in/hotel/Visakhapatnam-Fortune_Inn_Sree_Kanya.aspx | email= | address=Dwaraknagar, Diamond Park | lat= | long= | directions=Sree Kanya Road | phone=+91-891-3988444 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=The Grand Central Hotel | directions=at Jagadamba Junction }} * {{sleep | name=Green Park | phone=+91 891 2564444 |fax=+91 891 2563763 }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Hotel Akshaya | alt= | url=https://akshayahotel.business.site/ | email= | address=Station Rd | lat= | long= | directions=Opp to D.R.M.Office. | phone=+91 2598111, +91 2598144, +91 9177892359 (mobile) | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Athidiinn | alt= | url=https://athidihotels.chobs.in/ | email=athidi.inn@gmail.com | address=D.No.9-1-47, New Resapuvanapalem | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891-2727567, +91 9396548333 (mobile) | tollfree= | fax=+91 891-2727678 | checkin=24 hr | checkout= | price=₹1,500-2,200 per 24 hours | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Daspalla | alt= | url=https://www.daspallahotels.com/visakhapatnam/ | email= | address=28-2-48, Suryabagh, Jagadamba Junction | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 89125 64825 | tollfree= | checkin=24 hour check-in | checkout= | price=From ₹4,000 per night | content=Complementary breakfast, free WiFi, four restaurants and wheelchair accessible. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Saraswathi Orchid | alt= | url= | email=hotelsaraswathiorchid@yahoo.com | address=#30-15-193,Opp: Dolphin Hotel Garden Gate, Main Road, Dabagardens | lat= | long= | directions=Opp: Dolphin Hotel | phone=+91-891-2712881 | tollfree= | fax=+91-891-6635657 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Supreme | address=At R.K.Beach }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Talasila Continental | phone=+91-891-2598598 | address=Station Road, Dondaparthi }} * {{sleep | name=Meghalaya | phone=+91 891 2755141 | fax=+91 891 2755824 }} * {{sleep | name=Royal Fort }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Four Points by Sheraton Visakhapatnam | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/vtzfp-four-points-visakhapatnam/ | email= | address=10-28-3, Waltair Main Road | lat=17.7206 | long=83.31252 | directions= | phone=+91 891 305 1111 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 3051000 | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹7,700-₹8,700 | wikidata=Q111402182 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach | alt= | url=https://all.accor.com/hotel/7535/index.en.shtml | email= | address=Beach Road | lat=17.710655 | long=83.315859 | directions= | phone=+91 891 282 2222 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2822244 | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=₹9,670 | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=The Gateway Hotel | alt= | url=https://gateway.tajhotels.com/en-in/beach-road-visakhapatnam/?_ga=1.134407865.974920459.1476353462 | email=gateway.visakhapatnam@tajhotels.com | address=Beach Road | lat=17.711559 | long=83.316771 | directions= | phone=+91 891 662 3670 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2564370 | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | price= | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=The Palm Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.720933 | long=83.335872 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=The Park Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.theparkhotels.com | email=resv.viz@theparkhotels.com | address=Beach Rd | lat=17.721364 | long=83.336836 | directions= | phone=+91 891 304 5678 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2754181 | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2016-10-13 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Radisson Blu Resort Visakhapatnam | alt= | url=https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-blu-resort-visakhapatnam | email= | address= | lat=17.77147 | long=83.37299 | directions= | phone=+91 891 667 7666 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=₹12,980 | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Welcomhotel Devee Grand Bay | alt= | url=https://www.itchotels.com/in/en/welcomhoteldeveegrandbay-visakhapatnam | email=reservations@itchotels.in | address=Beach Rd | lat=17.711851 | long=83.315468 | directions= | phone=+91 891 660 0101 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2550691 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2016-10-13 | content= }} * Fairfield by Marriott - KSR prime R&B junction Visakhapatnam *{{Sleep|name=Best Western Ramachandra|alt=|url=http://bwramachandra.co.in|email=info@bwramachandra.co.in|address=8-8-36, Gajuwaka|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=+ 91 891 2579777|tollfree=|fax=|checkin=|checkout=|price=|lastedit=2020-03-20|content=}} *{{Sleep|name=QualityInn Ramachandra Hotel|alt=|url=http://qualityinnramachandra.com|email=qualityinnramachandra@gmail.com|address=31-41/10/1, Duvvada|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=+91 891 2762855|tollfree=|fax=|checkin=|checkout=|price=|lastedit=2020-03-20|content=3-Star Hotel}} ==Go next== * [[Araku Valley]] ({{km|110}}) — Many tourists visit Araku Valley along with Visakhapatnam. It is a scenic valley that can be reached by train or bus. It is definitely not a day trip, but the APTDC facilities can serve as a decent lodging. November to February are the best months to visit. * [[Hyderabad]] * [[Chennai]] * [[Kolkata]] * [[Vijayawada]] * [[Guntur]] {{geo|17.688378|83.218758}} {{IsPartOf|Northern Coast (Andhra Pradesh)}} {{usablecity}} 5lfoxca1vhlhx269eewliasiy7m5ctz 5086971 5086965 2025-07-03T05:12:41Z Sbb1413 2217354 /* Parks and stadiums */ Updated listing for Tenneti Park 5086971 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|VisakhapatnamH.jpg}} [[Image:Visakhapatnam 2010.jpg|thumb|Crescent Beach, Visakhapatnam]] [[File:Rock-cut Lord --Buddha-- Statue at Bojjanakonda near Anakapalle of Visakhapatnam dist in AP.jpg|thumb|Rock-cut Buddha Statue at Bojjannakonda near Anakapalle]] '''Visakhapatnam''' ([[Telugu]]: విశాఖపట్నం ''Viśākhapaṭnam''), popularly known as '''Vizag''', is the largest city in [[Andhra Pradesh]]. It is primarily an industrial city, but also attracts tourists due to its unspoilt sandy beaches, well built and maintained parks, Buddhist Remnant sites and nearby scenic areas, such as [[Araku Valley]]. The city has a population of about 2 million. ==Understand== [[File:VUDA park water pond, Visakhapatnam.JPG|thumb|VMRDA Park]] Vizag is sometimes called ''The Goa of the East''. Just like its [[Goa|west coast counterpart]], it has beautiful virgin beaches, laterite hillocks, smooth roads and stunning landscape. Health-tourism is a fast developing industry. Visakhapatnam is variously called ''Jewel on the Coromandel Coast'', ''Steel City'', and the ''City of Destiny''. There is a considerable concentration of Marwaris, Odias, Bengalis, Punjabis, Tamils and Malayalis. In addition, there is a large population of migrant workers from other parts of India who have been drawn to the area by the abundance of work at locally based companies, such as Vizag Steel Plant and Hindustan Shipyard. ==Get in== ===By plane=== * {{go | name=Visakhapatnam Airport | alt={{IATA|VTZ}} | url=https://www.aai.aero/en/airports/visakhapatnam | email= | address=Viman Nagar | lat=17.721111 | long=83.224444 | directions=opposite NH 16 | phone=+91 891 2851169 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2247541 | lastedit=2023-10-30 | content=Visakhapatnam is connected by air to [[Hyderabad]], [[Bangalore]], [[Chennai]], [[Tirupati]], [[Delhi]], [[Mumbai]], [[Bhubaneswar]], [[Kochi]], [[Dubai]], [[Kuala Lumpur]] and [[Singapore]] through its customs airport, an airport with restricted access, by Air India, SpiceJet and IndiGo. AirAsia and Batik Air from Malaysia operate scheduled flights from Kuala Lumpur. }} ===By train=== [[File:Visakhapatnam railway station.jpg|thumb|Visakhapatnam Junction railway station]] {{marker|type=go|name={{station|Visakhapatnam Junction|city=india|ecor}}|wikidata=Q7935582}} is on the [[Kolkata]]–[[Chennai]] line and is connected to several cities of the country by rail. All trains including fast expresses stop at the station. Visakhapatnam comes under the East Coast Railway (ECoR) zone and is one of the principal divisional headquarters (under the British name Waltair). It has eight platforms, the first in ECoR to have this many, and all of them can accommodate trains with up to 28 coaches. You may want to verify the timings with [http://www.indianrail.gov.in Indian Railways], since they change from time to time. Train berths can be reserved [http://www.irctc.co.in online]. However, this being a major destination, availability of seats is at times difficult even with a one month's advance planning. ===By car=== [[File:Visakhapatnam, Beach Road from Kailashagiri.jpg|thumb|Visakhapatnam Beach Road from Kailasagiri]] Visakhapatnam is connected to [[Chennai]] and [[Kolkata]] via [[Bhubaneswar]] and [[Vijayawada]] by National Highway 16 (dual-carriageway, 120 km/h). ===By bus=== The Andhra Pradesh State Road Travel Corporation (APSRTC) runs buses from almost every city and town to Visakhapatnam, along with some private operators, who run buses from a few of the major cities. Please check with APSRTC for timings. There is also a Garuda fleet of bus service (Volvo) to Vizag from Chennai, Bangalore, Vijayawada and Hyderabad which is very comfortable and happy going. This is the best way to do it if you want to travel by bus. APSRTC has several other bus services which have varied luxury levels and transit speeds. You might want to check the APSRTC at least 3 days in advance to be sure you have a reservation. ==Get around== {{mapframe|17.7245|83.315|width=480|height=450|zoom=13}} {{Mapshape|wikidata=Q15394}} Visakhapatnam has no commuter rail service. However, apart from the bus service, taxis or autorickshaws can also be hired. ===By bus=== APSRTC operates a lit of buses from 6 principal bus complexes in the city. They are: * Simhachalam * Gajuwaka * Maddilapalem * Visakha Steel City * Waltair * Madhurawada Dwarka Bus Station or RTC Complex depot is the largest bus station and complex in the city. There are mainly two types of buses operated for suburban travel in Visakhapatnam. * '''City Ordinary:''' can be identified by its orange or red colour. It is operated on almost all suburban routes. Some of the main routes include RTC Complex–Gajuwaka (via NAD), Maddilapalem–Railway Station, RTC Complex–Gajuwaka (via Scindia), Railway Station–Madhurawada, etc. These buses stop at almost every bus stop. The frequency is more than that of Metro Express buses. These buses sometimes become overcrowded during peak hours on weekdays. Some popular route numbers include 222, 400, 99, 25, 900, 60C, 300, 6A, 28, 38 and 12D. * '''Metro Express:''' can be identified by their blue and white colour. These buses run in most important routes such as 400, 211, 500, 99, 28, 38 etc. These buses don't stop at all bus stops and the fare for these buses is also a bit higher than that for city ordinary buses. Many of these buses are JNNURM funded and sport digital display boards which display route number and route details in both English and Telugu. Also most of these have cushioned seats which are comfortable and many of them also have air-suspension which makes the journey more comfortable. These buses don't get as crowded as City Ordinary buses. The junction and Maddilapalem joins the Asilametta-Ramatalkies road to the National Highway 5. Buses from Madilapalem ply to the extreme ends of the city, including Anakapalle and Thagarapuvalasa. ====Fares==== [[File:Visakha Museum - Maritime Wing.jpeg|thumb|Visakha Museum the Maritime Wing]] The bus fare to get to Madilapalem from the railway station is only ₹8. Buses operate within a 5 minute frequency in routes with high demand. The minimum frequency in which buses operate is 40 minutes, i.e., every route is covered by an APSRTC bus once in every 40 minutes. Apart from buying tickets on the bus, you may also avail an ''RTC-Pass'', which is a special type of pass that can be renewed once in a month. With the pass, you can board any APSRTC bus and travel anywhere within the city limits. An ordinary RTC-Pass costs just {{INR|750}}. The RTC complex is to the southeast of Asilametta. RTC complex is generally referred to as ''complex'' and is connected to every other region in the city. ==See== [[File:Ropeway car at Kailasagiri.jpg|thumb|Ropeway car at Kailasagiri]] [[Image:Kambalakonda.jpg|thumb|Kambalakonda]] [[File:Lord narasimha rock statue backyard simhachalam temple.jpg|thumb|Lord Narasimha rock-cut statue at Simhachalam temple]] * {{see | name=Kailasagiri | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.748992 | long=83.342236 | directions={{km|6}} away from the city centre | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q17061607 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=The ride to this hill offers a spectacular view of the sea. There is a park atop the hill, with a beautiful view of the city, the sea and Eastern Ghats merging into the sea. Sagarnagar Beach and Rushikonda Beach are on the right and left-hand sides. There is a huge sculpture of Shiva and Parvati. One can take a ropeway directly facing the sea and the city. On the hilltop, there is a beautiful toy train offering a tour of nature. Several viewpoints give a pleasant look at nature, especially in the evening, when the city is lit up. This is less commercial than other hill stations and there is less hassle from tourist guides. After descending from Kailasagiri, one should visit Tenneti Beach Park. Its beauty and luxuriant carpet grass intertwined with concrete pathways make it ideal for romantic couples. There are several points from which the beautiful rocky beach down beneath can be seen. This provides spectacular views of sunrise, sunset and the pristine waters. Many movies were shot here. Hillocks in the park, which are about {{ft|50}} in elevation give a beautiful view of the sea, beach road and the beach park. The hilltop includes a children's play area, a doll museum and a couple of eating areas. It has several viewpoints offering wonderful views of the city on one side and winding beaches adjoining green hills on the other side. It is a likeable beach city, especially after visiting Kailasagiri. }} * {{see | name=Shilparamam Jathara | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.805201 | long=83.353244 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q39060704 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=A crafts village showcasing and preserving the old, including woodwork, jewellery, clothes and local crafts of rural India. There are 36 stalls where you can buy assorted handicrafts and artwork. There is also an entire village where you can find realistic-looking sculptures of villagers carrying out their traditional crafts. }} * {{see | name=Telugu Samskruthika Niketanam | alt= | url=http://www.worldtelugu.co/samskritikaniketanam.html | email= | address= | lat=17.751688 | long=83.335479 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q39049320 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content= }} ===Beach Road=== [[File:INS Kursura at RK Beach Vizag.JPG|thumb|INS Kursura at RK Beach]] * {{see | name=INS Kursura Museum | alt= | url=http://vmrda.gov.in/kursura.aspx | email= | address=RK Beach Rd, Kirlampudi Layout, Chinna Waltair, Pandurangapuram | lat=17.717293 | long=83.330116 | directions= | phone=+91 89125 63429 | tollfree= | hours= | price=₹40 for adults, ₹20 for children | image=Submarine - Front View (4759833761).jpg | wikidata=Q11706566 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=A museum in a decommissioned submarine of the Indian Navy. This is the first of its kind in South Asia. This submarine is one of the earliest submarines procured from Russia. The experience of working in the submarine is explained. The museum is manned by retired naval people. There is a fee to take a camera or video camera inside... }} * {{see | name=Matsyadarshini Aquarium | alt= | url= | email= | address=Beach Rd | lat=17.712809 | long=83.319843 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=It has marine and freshwater fish. The exit gate of the aquarium resembles the open mouth of a huge white tipped shark. 'Kala Shrusti', a handicrafts shop, is atop the aquarium. }} * {{see | name=Sea Harrier Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.71722 | long=83.328352 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Sea Harrier Museum Vizag.jpg | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{see | name=TU-142 Aircraft Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.718002 | long=83.329812 | directions=opposite INS Kursura Museum | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Adults: ₹70; children (4-10): ₹40 | wikidata=Q60743815 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=This museum houses a decommissioned Tupolev Tu-142 anti-submarine aircraft of Russian origin, which has been restored for the public. It is possible to see the inside of the aircraft, and real engines are displayed. }} * {{see | name=UH3H Helicopter Museum | alt=Sea King Museum | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.717452 | long=83.329089 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{see | name=Victory at Sea Memorial | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.7187 | long=83.3322 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q38479267 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=This is a remembrance of the Victory at Sea in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war. It is on the Beach Road, opposite the Submarine Museum. There is a fighter plane, a tank and few replicas of missiles kept as exhibits. There is no entry fee and it can be viewed from the road. }} * {{see | name=Visakha Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.720707 | long=83.333831 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q17027516 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=It houses the historical treasures and artefacts of Northern Andhra. Collections available for viewing in the museum include ancient armoury, crockery, coins, silk costumes, jewellery, stuffed animals, portraits, manuscripts, letters, diaries, scrapbooks, periodicals and maps. }} ===Religious attractions=== <!-- Darga Pahad has the tomb of the Muslim saint, Sayed Ali Medina alias Ishak Medina, visited by Hindu and Muslim devotees alike. Attached to this is a mosque. Sri Venkateswara Konda, the third hillock, has a temple dedicated to the Lord. It is believed to have been built by an Englishman, Captain Blackmoor, in the 19th century. There is a view of the port channel, once ships' entrance to the inner harbour. --> * {{see | name=Ross Hill Church | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.690433 | long=83.287086 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q125739002 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=A house built by Monsieur Ross in 1864, later converted into a Mother Mary's Church. The pathway to the shrine is strewn with Catholic icons. }} * {{see | name=Simhachalam Temple | alt= | url=http://simhachalamdevasthanam.net/ | email= | address= | lat=17.766389 | long=83.250556 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2620389 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=This is an architectural splendour, although some of the sculptures were defaced during the Islamic invasions. The temple inscriptions date the earliest donors to the 10th-11th centuries. The exact date of construction is unknown. It is 15 km from the city and is dedicated to the Narasimha avatar of Lord Vishnu, which is his half-man, half-lion avatar. The temple bears reference to the Chola and Chalukya styles of architecture. It also has a local railway station. }} * {{see | name=Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.689196 | long=83.288894 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q125738422 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} ====Buddhist sites==== [[File:Bavikonda stupas.JPG|thumb|Bavikonda Stupas]] [[File:Maha Stupa at Thotlakonda Monastic Complex.jpg|thumb|Maha Stupa at Thotlakonda Monastic Complex]] Bojjannakonda, Thotlakonda and Bavikonda in and around Visakhapatnam were centres of Buddhism during the second century CE. Several Buddhist monuments such as stupas and chaityas were erected at these places. It is said that some of the corporal relics of the Buddha were preserved at these places. Hence all these places became sacred places. * {{see | name=Bojjannakonda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.71 | long=83.0161 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4938681 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=It offers architectural remnants of the Buddhist period, one of the earliest of its class in Southern India. It constitutes one of the most remarkable groups of Buddhist monuments dated from 200 BCE to 700 CE, found during excavations in 1906. On the eastern hill, there are a series of rock-cut caves, numerous groups of monolithic dagobas, standing on rock platform in tiers above each other and, crowning all, a rock-cut stupa with extensive structural remains. On the western side of the eastern hill is a stairway, partly rock-cut and partly structural, which leads up to a large double-storied cave. The cave is entered by a doorway and is flanked on each side by huge dwarapalas. The cave chamber is rectangular in shape and is divided into 20 compartments by four cross rocks of 16 massive pillars. In the centre is the rock-cut stupa standing on a square platform. }} * {{see | name=Bavikonda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.817222 | long=83.390833 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q154651 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content= }} * {{see | name=Pavurallakonda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.888611 | long=83.437222 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q190985 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{see | name=Thotlakonda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.8264 | long=83.4094 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7796914 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=A collection of Buddhist monuments at the hilltop. It consists of a Maha Stupa, along with other votive stupas. It has a beautiful beach nearby. }} ==Do== ===Beaches=== {{cautionbox|Swimming in these beaches can be dangerous. People have died due to treacherous rip currents and rocky outcrops.|lastedit=permanent}} [[File:Beach view at Tenneti Park in Visakhapatnam.JPG|thumb|Beach view at Tenneti Park]] [[File:Boats at Bhimili beach Visakhapatnam District.JPG|thumb|Boats at Bhimili Beach]] [[File:Rushikonda beach view 001.jpg|thumb|Rushikonda beach view]] More than anything else, Vizag is known for its beaches. It boasts a number of beaches that are scenic and uncrowded. A few virgin beaches span along the eastern side of the city and stretch for miles. A spectacular beach only the locals are aware of is called the "Yarada" beach. Except for the occasional RTC bus, there is no public transport available. Still, the adventurous mind finds it rewarding if they can make an effort to get there. It's a private beach coming under ''Agrigold plantations'', therefore you need to pay a fee of ₹30/- to get onto the beach, but it's worth it. The beaches are lovely, but there are water sporting activities which started out initially like marine rafting and scuba diving, there are few beach cafes and restaurants. A water sports centre was started in Rushikonda. Vizagites are traditionally quite conservative, and though the beaches and the hills are beautiful, there is much here to interest the average tourist. Must want is the sunrise or a moonrise on a full moon day at Tennati Park (near foot of Rope way) on the Vizag-Bhimili Beach Road it's truly a feast for nature lovers. The sea looks orange and is a wonderful sight. * {{do | name=Bheemili Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.890382 | long=83.455465 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q18110547 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=About 25&nbsp;km from the city and is what used to be a small village also called "Bheemunipatnam". Apart from the beach, the village has the remains of a Portuguese church, Dutch cemeteries and a Buddhist Monastery (Pavurallakonda). }}. * {{do | name=Ramakrishna Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.71416 | long=83.32366 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2021-10-05| content=R.K.Beach is the most popular beach in the sense that you can find the locals hanging out during the hot summers, and relatively less hot winters. On weekends and holidays, one can see that the entire beach comes alive, but not in a Western sense where people take a plunge in the water or surf. You can see people dressed in their best clothes, just sitting on the benches, or walking along. Take an evening stroll at RK Beach; it offers good pedestrian tracks, beautiful parks, museums, beaches and some wonderful open-air restaurants. }} * {{do | name=Rushikonda Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.78257 | long=83.38367 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q24946142 | content=11&nbsp;km away from the city, this has become a popular tourist spot that even the locals frequent. A lot safer to wade into than the R.K. Beach, cradled among hills, this used to be an excellent beach away from the madding crowds. AP Tourism Development Corporation has a beach resort (Punnami) on the hillside overlooking the beach. }} * {{do | name=Yarada Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.65413 | long=83.26710 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2021-10-05| content=It is perceived as a private beach but actually it is not. Tourists can visit the beach directly or through the village. Yarada is the village behind the dolphin's nose. To go to this beach, a bus facility is available from Scindia junction. Also you can hire a cab to go there. The view of the beach and Vizag city from the top of the Dolphin's nose is memorable. The drive from Scindia to the top of the dolphin nose, dolphin nose to Yarada is really enjoyable. }} ===Parks and stadiums=== * {{do | name=Indira Gandhi Zoological Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.7691 | long=83.35 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6025038 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=The zoo is home to native mammals like [[elephants]], one-horned rhinos, [[tigers]], lions, leopards, striped hyenas, dholes, sloth bears, gaurs, sambar deer and rhesus macaques, as well as exotic mammals like hippos, giraffes, zebras and chimpanzees. It also has birds including ostriches, rosy pelicans, grey herons, Indian peafowl and black swans. Furthermore, there are reptiles like crocodiles and gavials. }} * {{do | name=Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary | alt= | url=http://forest.ap.nic.in/WL%20KAMBALAKONDA.htm | email= | address= | lat=17.825278 | long=83.308611 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q12060948 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=A gorgeous nature preserve that many people in Vizag itself seem to be unaware of. Kambalakonda is uncrowded and peaceful and within 20-25 minutes drive from the city centre. A nominal entrance fee of ₹10 is charged per adult. The greenery, the hiking trail and the fantastic view of the ocean from the rather flimsy viewing tower give a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city. }} * {{do | name=Lumbini Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.741196 | long=83.344157 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=Not to be confused with the one in [[Hyderabad/Central|Central Hyderabad]]. }} * {{do | name=Meghadri Gedda Reservoir | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.771376 | long=83.183766 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q48729346 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{do | name=Tenneti Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.747944 | long=83.349915 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Free | wikidata=Q28154517 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=A coastal park in the city, known for its scenery and recreational amenities. Overlooking the Bay of Bengal, the park has views of the sea with the surrounding coastline and the cityscape. Named after Tenneti Viswanadham, a freedom fighter and social reformer, the park features greenery, gardens and walking paths. Additionally, Tenneti Park is a destination for outdoor activities such as picnics, family outings, and photography, attracting both locals and tourists alike. }} * {{do | name=ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.797358 | long=83.351944 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q23975544 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{do | name=VMRDA City Central Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.721753 | long=83.305728 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q38250834 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content= }} * {{do | name=VMRDA Park | alt=VUDA Park | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.72408 | long=83.339281 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q24945964 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content= }} ==Buy== Vizag offers a reasonably large selection of stores selling clothing, jewellery, books, Araku Coffee etc. * {{buy | name=Jagadamba Centre | alt=Jagadamba Junction | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.7425 | long=83.3169 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q18126154 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=Most of the famous shopping centres and malls can be found here. Named after the Jagadamba movie theatre, one of the best movie auditoriums of the country when it was constructed and even today.. }} === Clothing === There are several locations from which clothing can be purchased. However they tend to be concentrated in few locations. One such is Jagadamba Centre. Few of the many clothing stores are: * Chandana Brothers * Bommana Brothers * Kankatala silk palace === Jewellery === Similar to clothing stores, there are several shops from where jewellery can be purchased. The centres are distributed, but the prominent ones are between RTC Complex and Railway station, Jagadamba Centre and near old Town Kotharoad. Some of the prominent stores are: * Vaibhav Jewellers * Mahaveer Jewellers * Tanishq Jewellers * Khazana Jewellers * {{buy | name=Joyalukkas Jewellery | alt= | url= | email= | address=Sampath Vinayaka Temple Rd, Near Sampath Vinayaka Temple, CBM Compound, Asilmetta | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 89125 61916 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-01-13 | content= }} * Sanghvi * Kalyan * Kirtilals === Memoribilia === While definitely not considered a shopper's paradise, Vizag offers some unique handicrafts and can found in by the Andhra Pradesh State-owned handicraft store, Lepakshi, at Jagadamba center. It has an impressive collection of sandalwood sculptures, stone art, etc. === Books === The stretch of road called Dabagardens has many bookstores. Police Barracks has numerous small stores that buy and sell second-hand books, including technical textbooks. * Jyoti Book Depot === Pubs === * Waves * Ironhill === Shopping malls === * Shoppers stop * Spencers * Big Bazaar * CMR Shopping Mall * South India Shopping Mall * Shoppers Stop *{{buy | name=CMR Central | url= | email= | address=Maddilapalem | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=You can find Subway, KFC, and Pizza Hut here. Also a lot of shopping is possible, if you have money here, at Reliance Trends and Reliance Digital. Also one could see a movie if one has time at INOX. }} *{{buy | name=Visakhapatnam Central |alt=| url= | email= | address= | directions=beside CP office | lat= | long= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2017-11-21| content=Most happening place is Visakhapatnam Central, where you will get all branded apparels, fashion jewelries, life style merchandise like watches, shades and color cosmetics. It is typical of malls which you can find anywhere in metro cities. Very expensive too. }} ==Eat== [[File:Authentic North East Andhra Cuisine.JPG|thumbnail|Vizag lunch consists of steamed rice with country chicken stew, dry fish curry, topa, seruva, teepe semiya and crab stew.]] If spicy fare from Southern India appeals to your gastronomic senses, then Vizag has some excellent restaurants. Many of the eating joints meant or frequented by tourists are in the Siripuram area. A walk around there can give you access to a variety of cuisines. *{{eat | name=Blue Sea Fine Dining| | alt= | url= | email= | address=Pakkis Complex, Opposite ICICI Bank Road, Dwarakanagar 2nd Lane, Dwaraka Nagar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891 646 5399 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Daspalla Executive Court | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891 2717300 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2717444 | hours= | price= | content= }}{{listing | type=eat | name=Eleven | alt= | url=http://www.facebook.com/elevenfinedining | email= | address=10-1-4 & 5, 4th floor, Siripuram | lat= | long= | directions=Infront of Ice Age | phone=+91 8916461111 | tollfree= | hours=Noon to 11PM | price= | content=This is one of the best new restaurants opened for Fine Dining. Food is value for money and tasty. They probably serve the best food in Vizag. }} *{{eat | name=Flying Spaghetti Monster | alt=FSM | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Opp waltair club | phone=+91 891-2766652 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-11PM | price=Cheap | content=The 'Flying Spaghetti Monster' a.k.a. FSM is Vizag's first authentic Italian restaurant. Great place with amazing Italian fare. Be sure not to miss out the Chocolate bomb. }} * '''Horizon''' (live music during dinner) at Dolphin Hotel, +91 891 2567000. *{{eat | name=Hotel Daspalla | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891 2564825 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2562043 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Hotel Green Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +91 891 6615151 | tollfree= | fax=+091 891 2563763 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Hotel Jabilly Beach Inn | alt= | url=http://www.jaabilybeachinn.com | email= | address=on R K Beach | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891 270 6026 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=noon | price=₹650 to 1200 | content=All rooms face the sea, pure Bengali food is available. }} * '''Subway - Subs & Salads''' in Siripuram's Dutt Island, +91 891 278491. * Ambica sea green - on Beach Road, Kirlampudi Layout, ph. 08912821818 * {{eat | name=Nihuusravee Home Foods | alt=| url=https://nihuusravee.com | email=nihuusravee@gmail.com | address=Kailash Nagar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 945 945 9739 | tollfree= | hours=9am to 7pm | price=₹300 | lastedit=2024-03-29 | content=Traditional home food. }} ==Drink== Some interesting bars in the city are in the Five Star hotels mentioned above and typically are expensive even by Western standards. The '''Park Hotel''' has a decent bar - try the Screwdriver. Daspalla has another bar and restaurant called '''Dimple''' that serves various drinks and can be noisy at time. Two new really cool breweries have opened up in the city . *'''Punnami''', near Rishikonda has pub very close to the beach and serves alcohol. *{{drink | name=Vihar | url= | email= | address=Near Rishikonda, Opp. GITAM University | lat= | long= | directions= 8 km from the city | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Best hangout place with friends, only concern is it was too far from the city. Even though, worth visiting "Offshores" at Vihar. There's an Awesome beach view from the middle of the hill. }} *Ironhill brewery- above pmj jwellers, siripuram. ==Sleep== Vizag has both high end hotels and affordable lodges. The Daspalla, The Grand Central Hotel and Green Park are well-known. ===Budget=== ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=99 Residency | alt=Value for Money Hotel | url= | email= | address=# 10-50-39/2, Waltair Main Road, Ramnagar | lat= | long= | directions=Next to Waltair Club | phone=+91-891-2474448 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891-2505545 | checkin=Noon | checkout=Noon | price=starting from ₹1,500 per night | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Athidhi The Guest House | phone=+91 9000415656, +91 9949662424 }} * {{sleep | name=Beach View Guest House | alt= | url= | email=beachview.vizag@gmail.com | address=RK Beach main road, besides Novotel Hotel (Varun Beach) | lat=17.71017 | long=83.31603 | directions=towards collecter office route from novotel | phone=+91 9985034321 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2015-09-03 | content=All rooms face the beach. Wi-Fi available. }} * {{sleep | name=Dolphin | phone=+91 891 2567000 | fax=+91 891 2567555 }} * {{sleep | name=Dwaraka Inn | directions=At Dwaraka Nagar }} * {{sleep | name=Fortune Inn Sree Kanya | alt= | url=http://www.fortunehotels.in/hotel/Visakhapatnam-Fortune_Inn_Sree_Kanya.aspx | email= | address=Dwaraknagar, Diamond Park | lat= | long= | directions=Sree Kanya Road | phone=+91-891-3988444 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=The Grand Central Hotel | directions=at Jagadamba Junction }} * {{sleep | name=Green Park | phone=+91 891 2564444 |fax=+91 891 2563763 }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Hotel Akshaya | alt= | url=https://akshayahotel.business.site/ | email= | address=Station Rd | lat= | long= | directions=Opp to D.R.M.Office. | phone=+91 2598111, +91 2598144, +91 9177892359 (mobile) | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Athidiinn | alt= | url=https://athidihotels.chobs.in/ | email=athidi.inn@gmail.com | address=D.No.9-1-47, New Resapuvanapalem | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891-2727567, +91 9396548333 (mobile) | tollfree= | fax=+91 891-2727678 | checkin=24 hr | checkout= | price=₹1,500-2,200 per 24 hours | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Daspalla | alt= | url=https://www.daspallahotels.com/visakhapatnam/ | email= | address=28-2-48, Suryabagh, Jagadamba Junction | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 89125 64825 | tollfree= | checkin=24 hour check-in | checkout= | price=From ₹4,000 per night | content=Complementary breakfast, free WiFi, four restaurants and wheelchair accessible. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Saraswathi Orchid | alt= | url= | email=hotelsaraswathiorchid@yahoo.com | address=#30-15-193,Opp: Dolphin Hotel Garden Gate, Main Road, Dabagardens | lat= | long= | directions=Opp: Dolphin Hotel | phone=+91-891-2712881 | tollfree= | fax=+91-891-6635657 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Supreme | address=At R.K.Beach }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Talasila Continental | phone=+91-891-2598598 | address=Station Road, Dondaparthi }} * {{sleep | name=Meghalaya | phone=+91 891 2755141 | fax=+91 891 2755824 }} * {{sleep | name=Royal Fort }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Four Points by Sheraton Visakhapatnam | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/vtzfp-four-points-visakhapatnam/ | email= | address=10-28-3, Waltair Main Road | lat=17.7206 | long=83.31252 | directions= | phone=+91 891 305 1111 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 3051000 | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹7,700-₹8,700 | wikidata=Q111402182 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach | alt= | url=https://all.accor.com/hotel/7535/index.en.shtml | email= | address=Beach Road | lat=17.710655 | long=83.315859 | directions= | phone=+91 891 282 2222 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2822244 | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=₹9,670 | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=The Gateway Hotel | alt= | url=https://gateway.tajhotels.com/en-in/beach-road-visakhapatnam/?_ga=1.134407865.974920459.1476353462 | email=gateway.visakhapatnam@tajhotels.com | address=Beach Road | lat=17.711559 | long=83.316771 | directions= | phone=+91 891 662 3670 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2564370 | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | price= | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=The Palm Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.720933 | long=83.335872 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=The Park Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.theparkhotels.com | email=resv.viz@theparkhotels.com | address=Beach Rd | lat=17.721364 | long=83.336836 | directions= | phone=+91 891 304 5678 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2754181 | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2016-10-13 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Radisson Blu Resort Visakhapatnam | alt= | url=https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-blu-resort-visakhapatnam | email= | address= | lat=17.77147 | long=83.37299 | directions= | phone=+91 891 667 7666 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=₹12,980 | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Welcomhotel Devee Grand Bay | alt= | url=https://www.itchotels.com/in/en/welcomhoteldeveegrandbay-visakhapatnam | email=reservations@itchotels.in | address=Beach Rd | lat=17.711851 | long=83.315468 | directions= | phone=+91 891 660 0101 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2550691 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2016-10-13 | content= }} * Fairfield by Marriott - KSR prime R&B junction Visakhapatnam *{{Sleep|name=Best Western Ramachandra|alt=|url=http://bwramachandra.co.in|email=info@bwramachandra.co.in|address=8-8-36, Gajuwaka|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=+ 91 891 2579777|tollfree=|fax=|checkin=|checkout=|price=|lastedit=2020-03-20|content=}} *{{Sleep|name=QualityInn Ramachandra Hotel|alt=|url=http://qualityinnramachandra.com|email=qualityinnramachandra@gmail.com|address=31-41/10/1, Duvvada|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=+91 891 2762855|tollfree=|fax=|checkin=|checkout=|price=|lastedit=2020-03-20|content=3-Star Hotel}} ==Go next== * [[Araku Valley]] ({{km|110}}) — Many tourists visit Araku Valley along with Visakhapatnam. It is a scenic valley that can be reached by train or bus. It is definitely not a day trip, but the APTDC facilities can serve as a decent lodging. November to February are the best months to visit. * [[Hyderabad]] * [[Chennai]] * [[Kolkata]] * [[Vijayawada]] * [[Guntur]] {{geo|17.688378|83.218758}} {{IsPartOf|Northern Coast (Andhra Pradesh)}} {{usablecity}} klqq15ewrb1olb6c7vmoie58n603cn4 5086972 5086971 2025-07-03T05:13:16Z Sbb1413 2217354 /* Beach Road */ Updated listing for INS Kursura Museum 5086972 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|VisakhapatnamH.jpg}} [[Image:Visakhapatnam 2010.jpg|thumb|Crescent Beach, Visakhapatnam]] [[File:Rock-cut Lord --Buddha-- Statue at Bojjanakonda near Anakapalle of Visakhapatnam dist in AP.jpg|thumb|Rock-cut Buddha Statue at Bojjannakonda near Anakapalle]] '''Visakhapatnam''' ([[Telugu]]: విశాఖపట్నం ''Viśākhapaṭnam''), popularly known as '''Vizag''', is the largest city in [[Andhra Pradesh]]. It is primarily an industrial city, but also attracts tourists due to its unspoilt sandy beaches, well built and maintained parks, Buddhist Remnant sites and nearby scenic areas, such as [[Araku Valley]]. The city has a population of about 2 million. ==Understand== [[File:VUDA park water pond, Visakhapatnam.JPG|thumb|VMRDA Park]] Vizag is sometimes called ''The Goa of the East''. Just like its [[Goa|west coast counterpart]], it has beautiful virgin beaches, laterite hillocks, smooth roads and stunning landscape. Health-tourism is a fast developing industry. Visakhapatnam is variously called ''Jewel on the Coromandel Coast'', ''Steel City'', and the ''City of Destiny''. There is a considerable concentration of Marwaris, Odias, Bengalis, Punjabis, Tamils and Malayalis. In addition, there is a large population of migrant workers from other parts of India who have been drawn to the area by the abundance of work at locally based companies, such as Vizag Steel Plant and Hindustan Shipyard. ==Get in== ===By plane=== * {{go | name=Visakhapatnam Airport | alt={{IATA|VTZ}} | url=https://www.aai.aero/en/airports/visakhapatnam | email= | address=Viman Nagar | lat=17.721111 | long=83.224444 | directions=opposite NH 16 | phone=+91 891 2851169 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2247541 | lastedit=2023-10-30 | content=Visakhapatnam is connected by air to [[Hyderabad]], [[Bangalore]], [[Chennai]], [[Tirupati]], [[Delhi]], [[Mumbai]], [[Bhubaneswar]], [[Kochi]], [[Dubai]], [[Kuala Lumpur]] and [[Singapore]] through its customs airport, an airport with restricted access, by Air India, SpiceJet and IndiGo. AirAsia and Batik Air from Malaysia operate scheduled flights from Kuala Lumpur. }} ===By train=== [[File:Visakhapatnam railway station.jpg|thumb|Visakhapatnam Junction railway station]] {{marker|type=go|name={{station|Visakhapatnam Junction|city=india|ecor}}|wikidata=Q7935582}} is on the [[Kolkata]]–[[Chennai]] line and is connected to several cities of the country by rail. All trains including fast expresses stop at the station. Visakhapatnam comes under the East Coast Railway (ECoR) zone and is one of the principal divisional headquarters (under the British name Waltair). It has eight platforms, the first in ECoR to have this many, and all of them can accommodate trains with up to 28 coaches. You may want to verify the timings with [http://www.indianrail.gov.in Indian Railways], since they change from time to time. Train berths can be reserved [http://www.irctc.co.in online]. However, this being a major destination, availability of seats is at times difficult even with a one month's advance planning. ===By car=== [[File:Visakhapatnam, Beach Road from Kailashagiri.jpg|thumb|Visakhapatnam Beach Road from Kailasagiri]] Visakhapatnam is connected to [[Chennai]] and [[Kolkata]] via [[Bhubaneswar]] and [[Vijayawada]] by National Highway 16 (dual-carriageway, 120 km/h). ===By bus=== The Andhra Pradesh State Road Travel Corporation (APSRTC) runs buses from almost every city and town to Visakhapatnam, along with some private operators, who run buses from a few of the major cities. Please check with APSRTC for timings. There is also a Garuda fleet of bus service (Volvo) to Vizag from Chennai, Bangalore, Vijayawada and Hyderabad which is very comfortable and happy going. This is the best way to do it if you want to travel by bus. APSRTC has several other bus services which have varied luxury levels and transit speeds. You might want to check the APSRTC at least 3 days in advance to be sure you have a reservation. ==Get around== {{mapframe|17.7245|83.315|width=480|height=450|zoom=13}} {{Mapshape|wikidata=Q15394}} Visakhapatnam has no commuter rail service. However, apart from the bus service, taxis or autorickshaws can also be hired. ===By bus=== APSRTC operates a lit of buses from 6 principal bus complexes in the city. They are: * Simhachalam * Gajuwaka * Maddilapalem * Visakha Steel City * Waltair * Madhurawada Dwarka Bus Station or RTC Complex depot is the largest bus station and complex in the city. There are mainly two types of buses operated for suburban travel in Visakhapatnam. * '''City Ordinary:''' can be identified by its orange or red colour. It is operated on almost all suburban routes. Some of the main routes include RTC Complex–Gajuwaka (via NAD), Maddilapalem–Railway Station, RTC Complex–Gajuwaka (via Scindia), Railway Station–Madhurawada, etc. These buses stop at almost every bus stop. The frequency is more than that of Metro Express buses. These buses sometimes become overcrowded during peak hours on weekdays. Some popular route numbers include 222, 400, 99, 25, 900, 60C, 300, 6A, 28, 38 and 12D. * '''Metro Express:''' can be identified by their blue and white colour. These buses run in most important routes such as 400, 211, 500, 99, 28, 38 etc. These buses don't stop at all bus stops and the fare for these buses is also a bit higher than that for city ordinary buses. Many of these buses are JNNURM funded and sport digital display boards which display route number and route details in both English and Telugu. Also most of these have cushioned seats which are comfortable and many of them also have air-suspension which makes the journey more comfortable. These buses don't get as crowded as City Ordinary buses. The junction and Maddilapalem joins the Asilametta-Ramatalkies road to the National Highway 5. Buses from Madilapalem ply to the extreme ends of the city, including Anakapalle and Thagarapuvalasa. ====Fares==== [[File:Visakha Museum - Maritime Wing.jpeg|thumb|Visakha Museum the Maritime Wing]] The bus fare to get to Madilapalem from the railway station is only ₹8. Buses operate within a 5 minute frequency in routes with high demand. The minimum frequency in which buses operate is 40 minutes, i.e., every route is covered by an APSRTC bus once in every 40 minutes. Apart from buying tickets on the bus, you may also avail an ''RTC-Pass'', which is a special type of pass that can be renewed once in a month. With the pass, you can board any APSRTC bus and travel anywhere within the city limits. An ordinary RTC-Pass costs just {{INR|750}}. The RTC complex is to the southeast of Asilametta. RTC complex is generally referred to as ''complex'' and is connected to every other region in the city. ==See== [[File:Ropeway car at Kailasagiri.jpg|thumb|Ropeway car at Kailasagiri]] [[Image:Kambalakonda.jpg|thumb|Kambalakonda]] [[File:Lord narasimha rock statue backyard simhachalam temple.jpg|thumb|Lord Narasimha rock-cut statue at Simhachalam temple]] * {{see | name=Kailasagiri | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.748992 | long=83.342236 | directions={{km|6}} away from the city centre | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q17061607 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=The ride to this hill offers a spectacular view of the sea. There is a park atop the hill, with a beautiful view of the city, the sea and Eastern Ghats merging into the sea. Sagarnagar Beach and Rushikonda Beach are on the right and left-hand sides. There is a huge sculpture of Shiva and Parvati. One can take a ropeway directly facing the sea and the city. On the hilltop, there is a beautiful toy train offering a tour of nature. Several viewpoints give a pleasant look at nature, especially in the evening, when the city is lit up. This is less commercial than other hill stations and there is less hassle from tourist guides. After descending from Kailasagiri, one should visit Tenneti Beach Park. Its beauty and luxuriant carpet grass intertwined with concrete pathways make it ideal for romantic couples. There are several points from which the beautiful rocky beach down beneath can be seen. This provides spectacular views of sunrise, sunset and the pristine waters. Many movies were shot here. Hillocks in the park, which are about {{ft|50}} in elevation give a beautiful view of the sea, beach road and the beach park. The hilltop includes a children's play area, a doll museum and a couple of eating areas. It has several viewpoints offering wonderful views of the city on one side and winding beaches adjoining green hills on the other side. It is a likeable beach city, especially after visiting Kailasagiri. }} * {{see | name=Shilparamam Jathara | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.805201 | long=83.353244 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q39060704 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=A crafts village showcasing and preserving the old, including woodwork, jewellery, clothes and local crafts of rural India. There are 36 stalls where you can buy assorted handicrafts and artwork. There is also an entire village where you can find realistic-looking sculptures of villagers carrying out their traditional crafts. }} * {{see | name=Telugu Samskruthika Niketanam | alt= | url=http://www.worldtelugu.co/samskritikaniketanam.html | email= | address= | lat=17.751688 | long=83.335479 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q39049320 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content= }} ===Beach Road=== [[File:INS Kursura at RK Beach Vizag.JPG|thumb|INS Kursura at RK Beach]] * {{see | name=INS Kursura Museum | alt= | url=http://vmrda.gov.in/kursura.aspx | email= | address=RK Beach Rd, Kirlampudi Layout, Chinna Waltair, Pandurangapuram | lat=17.717293 | long=83.330116 | directions= | phone=+91 89125 63429 | tollfree= | hours= | price=₹40 for adults, ₹20 for children | image=Submarine - Front View (4759833761).jpg | wikidata=Q11706566 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=A museum in a decommissioned submarine of the Indian Navy. This is the first of its kind in South Asia. This submarine is one of the earliest submarines procured from Russia. The experience of working in the submarine is explained. The museum is manned by retired naval people. There is a fee to take a camera or video camera inside. }} * {{see | name=Matsyadarshini Aquarium | alt= | url= | email= | address=Beach Rd | lat=17.712809 | long=83.319843 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=It has marine and freshwater fish. The exit gate of the aquarium resembles the open mouth of a huge white tipped shark. 'Kala Shrusti', a handicrafts shop, is atop the aquarium. }} * {{see | name=Sea Harrier Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.71722 | long=83.328352 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Sea Harrier Museum Vizag.jpg | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{see | name=TU-142 Aircraft Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.718002 | long=83.329812 | directions=opposite INS Kursura Museum | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Adults: ₹70; children (4-10): ₹40 | wikidata=Q60743815 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=This museum houses a decommissioned Tupolev Tu-142 anti-submarine aircraft of Russian origin, which has been restored for the public. It is possible to see the inside of the aircraft, and real engines are displayed. }} * {{see | name=UH3H Helicopter Museum | alt=Sea King Museum | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.717452 | long=83.329089 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{see | name=Victory at Sea Memorial | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.7187 | long=83.3322 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q38479267 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=This is a remembrance of the Victory at Sea in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war. It is on the Beach Road, opposite the Submarine Museum. There is a fighter plane, a tank and few replicas of missiles kept as exhibits. There is no entry fee and it can be viewed from the road. }} * {{see | name=Visakha Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.720707 | long=83.333831 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q17027516 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=It houses the historical treasures and artefacts of Northern Andhra. Collections available for viewing in the museum include ancient armoury, crockery, coins, silk costumes, jewellery, stuffed animals, portraits, manuscripts, letters, diaries, scrapbooks, periodicals and maps. }} ===Religious attractions=== <!-- Darga Pahad has the tomb of the Muslim saint, Sayed Ali Medina alias Ishak Medina, visited by Hindu and Muslim devotees alike. Attached to this is a mosque. Sri Venkateswara Konda, the third hillock, has a temple dedicated to the Lord. It is believed to have been built by an Englishman, Captain Blackmoor, in the 19th century. There is a view of the port channel, once ships' entrance to the inner harbour. --> * {{see | name=Ross Hill Church | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.690433 | long=83.287086 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q125739002 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=A house built by Monsieur Ross in 1864, later converted into a Mother Mary's Church. The pathway to the shrine is strewn with Catholic icons. }} * {{see | name=Simhachalam Temple | alt= | url=http://simhachalamdevasthanam.net/ | email= | address= | lat=17.766389 | long=83.250556 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2620389 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=This is an architectural splendour, although some of the sculptures were defaced during the Islamic invasions. The temple inscriptions date the earliest donors to the 10th-11th centuries. The exact date of construction is unknown. It is 15 km from the city and is dedicated to the Narasimha avatar of Lord Vishnu, which is his half-man, half-lion avatar. The temple bears reference to the Chola and Chalukya styles of architecture. It also has a local railway station. }} * {{see | name=Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.689196 | long=83.288894 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q125738422 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} ====Buddhist sites==== [[File:Bavikonda stupas.JPG|thumb|Bavikonda Stupas]] [[File:Maha Stupa at Thotlakonda Monastic Complex.jpg|thumb|Maha Stupa at Thotlakonda Monastic Complex]] Bojjannakonda, Thotlakonda and Bavikonda in and around Visakhapatnam were centres of Buddhism during the second century CE. Several Buddhist monuments such as stupas and chaityas were erected at these places. It is said that some of the corporal relics of the Buddha were preserved at these places. Hence all these places became sacred places. * {{see | name=Bojjannakonda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.71 | long=83.0161 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4938681 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=It offers architectural remnants of the Buddhist period, one of the earliest of its class in Southern India. It constitutes one of the most remarkable groups of Buddhist monuments dated from 200 BCE to 700 CE, found during excavations in 1906. On the eastern hill, there are a series of rock-cut caves, numerous groups of monolithic dagobas, standing on rock platform in tiers above each other and, crowning all, a rock-cut stupa with extensive structural remains. On the western side of the eastern hill is a stairway, partly rock-cut and partly structural, which leads up to a large double-storied cave. The cave is entered by a doorway and is flanked on each side by huge dwarapalas. The cave chamber is rectangular in shape and is divided into 20 compartments by four cross rocks of 16 massive pillars. In the centre is the rock-cut stupa standing on a square platform. }} * {{see | name=Bavikonda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.817222 | long=83.390833 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q154651 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content= }} * {{see | name=Pavurallakonda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.888611 | long=83.437222 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q190985 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{see | name=Thotlakonda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.8264 | long=83.4094 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7796914 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=A collection of Buddhist monuments at the hilltop. It consists of a Maha Stupa, along with other votive stupas. It has a beautiful beach nearby. }} ==Do== ===Beaches=== {{cautionbox|Swimming in these beaches can be dangerous. People have died due to treacherous rip currents and rocky outcrops.|lastedit=permanent}} [[File:Beach view at Tenneti Park in Visakhapatnam.JPG|thumb|Beach view at Tenneti Park]] [[File:Boats at Bhimili beach Visakhapatnam District.JPG|thumb|Boats at Bhimili Beach]] [[File:Rushikonda beach view 001.jpg|thumb|Rushikonda beach view]] More than anything else, Vizag is known for its beaches. It boasts a number of beaches that are scenic and uncrowded. A few virgin beaches span along the eastern side of the city and stretch for miles. A spectacular beach only the locals are aware of is called the "Yarada" beach. Except for the occasional RTC bus, there is no public transport available. Still, the adventurous mind finds it rewarding if they can make an effort to get there. It's a private beach coming under ''Agrigold plantations'', therefore you need to pay a fee of ₹30/- to get onto the beach, but it's worth it. The beaches are lovely, but there are water sporting activities which started out initially like marine rafting and scuba diving, there are few beach cafes and restaurants. A water sports centre was started in Rushikonda. Vizagites are traditionally quite conservative, and though the beaches and the hills are beautiful, there is much here to interest the average tourist. Must want is the sunrise or a moonrise on a full moon day at Tennati Park (near foot of Rope way) on the Vizag-Bhimili Beach Road it's truly a feast for nature lovers. The sea looks orange and is a wonderful sight. * {{do | name=Bheemili Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.890382 | long=83.455465 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q18110547 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=About 25&nbsp;km from the city and is what used to be a small village also called "Bheemunipatnam". Apart from the beach, the village has the remains of a Portuguese church, Dutch cemeteries and a Buddhist Monastery (Pavurallakonda). }}. * {{do | name=Ramakrishna Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.71416 | long=83.32366 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2021-10-05| content=R.K.Beach is the most popular beach in the sense that you can find the locals hanging out during the hot summers, and relatively less hot winters. On weekends and holidays, one can see that the entire beach comes alive, but not in a Western sense where people take a plunge in the water or surf. You can see people dressed in their best clothes, just sitting on the benches, or walking along. Take an evening stroll at RK Beach; it offers good pedestrian tracks, beautiful parks, museums, beaches and some wonderful open-air restaurants. }} * {{do | name=Rushikonda Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.78257 | long=83.38367 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q24946142 | content=11&nbsp;km away from the city, this has become a popular tourist spot that even the locals frequent. A lot safer to wade into than the R.K. Beach, cradled among hills, this used to be an excellent beach away from the madding crowds. AP Tourism Development Corporation has a beach resort (Punnami) on the hillside overlooking the beach. }} * {{do | name=Yarada Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.65413 | long=83.26710 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2021-10-05| content=It is perceived as a private beach but actually it is not. Tourists can visit the beach directly or through the village. Yarada is the village behind the dolphin's nose. To go to this beach, a bus facility is available from Scindia junction. Also you can hire a cab to go there. The view of the beach and Vizag city from the top of the Dolphin's nose is memorable. The drive from Scindia to the top of the dolphin nose, dolphin nose to Yarada is really enjoyable. }} ===Parks and stadiums=== * {{do | name=Indira Gandhi Zoological Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.7691 | long=83.35 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6025038 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=The zoo is home to native mammals like [[elephants]], one-horned rhinos, [[tigers]], lions, leopards, striped hyenas, dholes, sloth bears, gaurs, sambar deer and rhesus macaques, as well as exotic mammals like hippos, giraffes, zebras and chimpanzees. It also has birds including ostriches, rosy pelicans, grey herons, Indian peafowl and black swans. Furthermore, there are reptiles like crocodiles and gavials. }} * {{do | name=Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary | alt= | url=http://forest.ap.nic.in/WL%20KAMBALAKONDA.htm | email= | address= | lat=17.825278 | long=83.308611 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q12060948 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=A gorgeous nature preserve that many people in Vizag itself seem to be unaware of. Kambalakonda is uncrowded and peaceful and within 20-25 minutes drive from the city centre. A nominal entrance fee of ₹10 is charged per adult. The greenery, the hiking trail and the fantastic view of the ocean from the rather flimsy viewing tower give a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city. }} * {{do | name=Lumbini Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.741196 | long=83.344157 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=Not to be confused with the one in [[Hyderabad/Central|Central Hyderabad]]. }} * {{do | name=Meghadri Gedda Reservoir | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.771376 | long=83.183766 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q48729346 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{do | name=Tenneti Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.747944 | long=83.349915 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Free | wikidata=Q28154517 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=A coastal park in the city, known for its scenery and recreational amenities. Overlooking the Bay of Bengal, the park has views of the sea with the surrounding coastline and the cityscape. Named after Tenneti Viswanadham, a freedom fighter and social reformer, the park features greenery, gardens and walking paths. Additionally, Tenneti Park is a destination for outdoor activities such as picnics, family outings, and photography, attracting both locals and tourists alike. }} * {{do | name=ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.797358 | long=83.351944 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q23975544 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{do | name=VMRDA City Central Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.721753 | long=83.305728 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q38250834 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content= }} * {{do | name=VMRDA Park | alt=VUDA Park | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.72408 | long=83.339281 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q24945964 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content= }} ==Buy== Vizag offers a reasonably large selection of stores selling clothing, jewellery, books, Araku Coffee etc. * {{buy | name=Jagadamba Centre | alt=Jagadamba Junction | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.7425 | long=83.3169 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q18126154 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=Most of the famous shopping centres and malls can be found here. Named after the Jagadamba movie theatre, one of the best movie auditoriums of the country when it was constructed and even today.. }} === Clothing === There are several locations from which clothing can be purchased. However they tend to be concentrated in few locations. One such is Jagadamba Centre. Few of the many clothing stores are: * Chandana Brothers * Bommana Brothers * Kankatala silk palace === Jewellery === Similar to clothing stores, there are several shops from where jewellery can be purchased. The centres are distributed, but the prominent ones are between RTC Complex and Railway station, Jagadamba Centre and near old Town Kotharoad. Some of the prominent stores are: * Vaibhav Jewellers * Mahaveer Jewellers * Tanishq Jewellers * Khazana Jewellers * {{buy | name=Joyalukkas Jewellery | alt= | url= | email= | address=Sampath Vinayaka Temple Rd, Near Sampath Vinayaka Temple, CBM Compound, Asilmetta | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 89125 61916 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-01-13 | content= }} * Sanghvi * Kalyan * Kirtilals === Memoribilia === While definitely not considered a shopper's paradise, Vizag offers some unique handicrafts and can found in by the Andhra Pradesh State-owned handicraft store, Lepakshi, at Jagadamba center. It has an impressive collection of sandalwood sculptures, stone art, etc. === Books === The stretch of road called Dabagardens has many bookstores. Police Barracks has numerous small stores that buy and sell second-hand books, including technical textbooks. * Jyoti Book Depot === Pubs === * Waves * Ironhill === Shopping malls === * Shoppers stop * Spencers * Big Bazaar * CMR Shopping Mall * South India Shopping Mall * Shoppers Stop *{{buy | name=CMR Central | url= | email= | address=Maddilapalem | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=You can find Subway, KFC, and Pizza Hut here. Also a lot of shopping is possible, if you have money here, at Reliance Trends and Reliance Digital. Also one could see a movie if one has time at INOX. }} *{{buy | name=Visakhapatnam Central |alt=| url= | email= | address= | directions=beside CP office | lat= | long= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2017-11-21| content=Most happening place is Visakhapatnam Central, where you will get all branded apparels, fashion jewelries, life style merchandise like watches, shades and color cosmetics. It is typical of malls which you can find anywhere in metro cities. Very expensive too. }} ==Eat== [[File:Authentic North East Andhra Cuisine.JPG|thumbnail|Vizag lunch consists of steamed rice with country chicken stew, dry fish curry, topa, seruva, teepe semiya and crab stew.]] If spicy fare from Southern India appeals to your gastronomic senses, then Vizag has some excellent restaurants. Many of the eating joints meant or frequented by tourists are in the Siripuram area. A walk around there can give you access to a variety of cuisines. *{{eat | name=Blue Sea Fine Dining| | alt= | url= | email= | address=Pakkis Complex, Opposite ICICI Bank Road, Dwarakanagar 2nd Lane, Dwaraka Nagar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891 646 5399 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Daspalla Executive Court | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891 2717300 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2717444 | hours= | price= | content= }}{{listing | type=eat | name=Eleven | alt= | url=http://www.facebook.com/elevenfinedining | email= | address=10-1-4 & 5, 4th floor, Siripuram | lat= | long= | directions=Infront of Ice Age | phone=+91 8916461111 | tollfree= | hours=Noon to 11PM | price= | content=This is one of the best new restaurants opened for Fine Dining. Food is value for money and tasty. They probably serve the best food in Vizag. }} *{{eat | name=Flying Spaghetti Monster | alt=FSM | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Opp waltair club | phone=+91 891-2766652 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-11PM | price=Cheap | content=The 'Flying Spaghetti Monster' a.k.a. FSM is Vizag's first authentic Italian restaurant. Great place with amazing Italian fare. Be sure not to miss out the Chocolate bomb. }} * '''Horizon''' (live music during dinner) at Dolphin Hotel, +91 891 2567000. *{{eat | name=Hotel Daspalla | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891 2564825 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2562043 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Hotel Green Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +91 891 6615151 | tollfree= | fax=+091 891 2563763 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Hotel Jabilly Beach Inn | alt= | url=http://www.jaabilybeachinn.com | email= | address=on R K Beach | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891 270 6026 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=noon | price=₹650 to 1200 | content=All rooms face the sea, pure Bengali food is available. }} * '''Subway - Subs & Salads''' in Siripuram's Dutt Island, +91 891 278491. * Ambica sea green - on Beach Road, Kirlampudi Layout, ph. 08912821818 * {{eat | name=Nihuusravee Home Foods | alt=| url=https://nihuusravee.com | email=nihuusravee@gmail.com | address=Kailash Nagar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 945 945 9739 | tollfree= | hours=9am to 7pm | price=₹300 | lastedit=2024-03-29 | content=Traditional home food. }} ==Drink== Some interesting bars in the city are in the Five Star hotels mentioned above and typically are expensive even by Western standards. The '''Park Hotel''' has a decent bar - try the Screwdriver. Daspalla has another bar and restaurant called '''Dimple''' that serves various drinks and can be noisy at time. Two new really cool breweries have opened up in the city . *'''Punnami''', near Rishikonda has pub very close to the beach and serves alcohol. *{{drink | name=Vihar | url= | email= | address=Near Rishikonda, Opp. GITAM University | lat= | long= | directions= 8 km from the city | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Best hangout place with friends, only concern is it was too far from the city. Even though, worth visiting "Offshores" at Vihar. There's an Awesome beach view from the middle of the hill. }} *Ironhill brewery- above pmj jwellers, siripuram. ==Sleep== Vizag has both high end hotels and affordable lodges. The Daspalla, The Grand Central Hotel and Green Park are well-known. ===Budget=== ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=99 Residency | alt=Value for Money Hotel | url= | email= | address=# 10-50-39/2, Waltair Main Road, Ramnagar | lat= | long= | directions=Next to Waltair Club | phone=+91-891-2474448 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891-2505545 | checkin=Noon | checkout=Noon | price=starting from ₹1,500 per night | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Athidhi The Guest House | phone=+91 9000415656, +91 9949662424 }} * {{sleep | name=Beach View Guest House | alt= | url= | email=beachview.vizag@gmail.com | address=RK Beach main road, besides Novotel Hotel (Varun Beach) | lat=17.71017 | long=83.31603 | directions=towards collecter office route from novotel | phone=+91 9985034321 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2015-09-03 | content=All rooms face the beach. Wi-Fi available. }} * {{sleep | name=Dolphin | phone=+91 891 2567000 | fax=+91 891 2567555 }} * {{sleep | name=Dwaraka Inn | directions=At Dwaraka Nagar }} * {{sleep | name=Fortune Inn Sree Kanya | alt= | url=http://www.fortunehotels.in/hotel/Visakhapatnam-Fortune_Inn_Sree_Kanya.aspx | email= | address=Dwaraknagar, Diamond Park | lat= | long= | directions=Sree Kanya Road | phone=+91-891-3988444 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=The Grand Central Hotel | directions=at Jagadamba Junction }} * {{sleep | name=Green Park | phone=+91 891 2564444 |fax=+91 891 2563763 }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Hotel Akshaya | alt= | url=https://akshayahotel.business.site/ | email= | address=Station Rd | lat= | long= | directions=Opp to D.R.M.Office. | phone=+91 2598111, +91 2598144, +91 9177892359 (mobile) | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Athidiinn | alt= | url=https://athidihotels.chobs.in/ | email=athidi.inn@gmail.com | address=D.No.9-1-47, New Resapuvanapalem | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891-2727567, +91 9396548333 (mobile) | tollfree= | fax=+91 891-2727678 | checkin=24 hr | checkout= | price=₹1,500-2,200 per 24 hours | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Daspalla | alt= | url=https://www.daspallahotels.com/visakhapatnam/ | email= | address=28-2-48, Suryabagh, Jagadamba Junction | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 89125 64825 | tollfree= | checkin=24 hour check-in | checkout= | price=From ₹4,000 per night | content=Complementary breakfast, free WiFi, four restaurants and wheelchair accessible. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Saraswathi Orchid | alt= | url= | email=hotelsaraswathiorchid@yahoo.com | address=#30-15-193,Opp: Dolphin Hotel Garden Gate, Main Road, Dabagardens | lat= | long= | directions=Opp: Dolphin Hotel | phone=+91-891-2712881 | tollfree= | fax=+91-891-6635657 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Supreme | address=At R.K.Beach }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Talasila Continental | phone=+91-891-2598598 | address=Station Road, Dondaparthi }} * {{sleep | name=Meghalaya | phone=+91 891 2755141 | fax=+91 891 2755824 }} * {{sleep | name=Royal Fort }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Four Points by Sheraton Visakhapatnam | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/vtzfp-four-points-visakhapatnam/ | email= | address=10-28-3, Waltair Main Road | lat=17.7206 | long=83.31252 | directions= | phone=+91 891 305 1111 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 3051000 | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹7,700-₹8,700 | wikidata=Q111402182 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach | alt= | url=https://all.accor.com/hotel/7535/index.en.shtml | email= | address=Beach Road | lat=17.710655 | long=83.315859 | directions= | phone=+91 891 282 2222 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2822244 | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=₹9,670 | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=The Gateway Hotel | alt= | url=https://gateway.tajhotels.com/en-in/beach-road-visakhapatnam/?_ga=1.134407865.974920459.1476353462 | email=gateway.visakhapatnam@tajhotels.com | address=Beach Road | lat=17.711559 | long=83.316771 | directions= | phone=+91 891 662 3670 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2564370 | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | price= | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=The Palm Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.720933 | long=83.335872 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=The Park Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.theparkhotels.com | email=resv.viz@theparkhotels.com | address=Beach Rd | lat=17.721364 | long=83.336836 | directions= | phone=+91 891 304 5678 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2754181 | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2016-10-13 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Radisson Blu Resort Visakhapatnam | alt= | url=https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-blu-resort-visakhapatnam | email= | address= | lat=17.77147 | long=83.37299 | directions= | phone=+91 891 667 7666 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=₹12,980 | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Welcomhotel Devee Grand Bay | alt= | url=https://www.itchotels.com/in/en/welcomhoteldeveegrandbay-visakhapatnam | email=reservations@itchotels.in | address=Beach Rd | lat=17.711851 | long=83.315468 | directions= | phone=+91 891 660 0101 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2550691 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2016-10-13 | content= }} * Fairfield by Marriott - KSR prime R&B junction Visakhapatnam *{{Sleep|name=Best Western Ramachandra|alt=|url=http://bwramachandra.co.in|email=info@bwramachandra.co.in|address=8-8-36, Gajuwaka|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=+ 91 891 2579777|tollfree=|fax=|checkin=|checkout=|price=|lastedit=2020-03-20|content=}} *{{Sleep|name=QualityInn Ramachandra Hotel|alt=|url=http://qualityinnramachandra.com|email=qualityinnramachandra@gmail.com|address=31-41/10/1, Duvvada|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=+91 891 2762855|tollfree=|fax=|checkin=|checkout=|price=|lastedit=2020-03-20|content=3-Star Hotel}} ==Go next== * [[Araku Valley]] ({{km|110}}) — Many tourists visit Araku Valley along with Visakhapatnam. It is a scenic valley that can be reached by train or bus. It is definitely not a day trip, but the APTDC facilities can serve as a decent lodging. November to February are the best months to visit. * [[Hyderabad]] * [[Chennai]] * [[Kolkata]] * [[Vijayawada]] * [[Guntur]] {{geo|17.688378|83.218758}} {{IsPartOf|Northern Coast (Andhra Pradesh)}} {{usablecity}} e599ez1auuzmfz4zqrxcao7jlas4v63 5087020 5086972 2025-07-03T08:05:52Z Sbb1413 2217354 /* Religious attractions */ Updated listing for Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple 5087020 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|VisakhapatnamH.jpg}} [[Image:Visakhapatnam 2010.jpg|thumb|Crescent Beach, Visakhapatnam]] [[File:Rock-cut Lord --Buddha-- Statue at Bojjanakonda near Anakapalle of Visakhapatnam dist in AP.jpg|thumb|Rock-cut Buddha Statue at Bojjannakonda near Anakapalle]] '''Visakhapatnam''' ([[Telugu]]: విశాఖపట్నం ''Viśākhapaṭnam''), popularly known as '''Vizag''', is the largest city in [[Andhra Pradesh]]. It is primarily an industrial city, but also attracts tourists due to its unspoilt sandy beaches, well built and maintained parks, Buddhist Remnant sites and nearby scenic areas, such as [[Araku Valley]]. The city has a population of about 2 million. ==Understand== [[File:VUDA park water pond, Visakhapatnam.JPG|thumb|VMRDA Park]] Vizag is sometimes called ''The Goa of the East''. Just like its [[Goa|west coast counterpart]], it has beautiful virgin beaches, laterite hillocks, smooth roads and stunning landscape. Health-tourism is a fast developing industry. Visakhapatnam is variously called ''Jewel on the Coromandel Coast'', ''Steel City'', and the ''City of Destiny''. There is a considerable concentration of Marwaris, Odias, Bengalis, Punjabis, Tamils and Malayalis. In addition, there is a large population of migrant workers from other parts of India who have been drawn to the area by the abundance of work at locally based companies, such as Vizag Steel Plant and Hindustan Shipyard. ==Get in== ===By plane=== * {{go | name=Visakhapatnam Airport | alt={{IATA|VTZ}} | url=https://www.aai.aero/en/airports/visakhapatnam | email= | address=Viman Nagar | lat=17.721111 | long=83.224444 | directions=opposite NH 16 | phone=+91 891 2851169 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2247541 | lastedit=2023-10-30 | content=Visakhapatnam is connected by air to [[Hyderabad]], [[Bangalore]], [[Chennai]], [[Tirupati]], [[Delhi]], [[Mumbai]], [[Bhubaneswar]], [[Kochi]], [[Dubai]], [[Kuala Lumpur]] and [[Singapore]] through its customs airport, an airport with restricted access, by Air India, SpiceJet and IndiGo. AirAsia and Batik Air from Malaysia operate scheduled flights from Kuala Lumpur. }} ===By train=== [[File:Visakhapatnam railway station.jpg|thumb|Visakhapatnam Junction railway station]] {{marker|type=go|name={{station|Visakhapatnam Junction|city=india|ecor}}|wikidata=Q7935582}} is on the [[Kolkata]]–[[Chennai]] line and is connected to several cities of the country by rail. All trains including fast expresses stop at the station. Visakhapatnam comes under the East Coast Railway (ECoR) zone and is one of the principal divisional headquarters (under the British name Waltair). It has eight platforms, the first in ECoR to have this many, and all of them can accommodate trains with up to 28 coaches. You may want to verify the timings with [http://www.indianrail.gov.in Indian Railways], since they change from time to time. Train berths can be reserved [http://www.irctc.co.in online]. However, this being a major destination, availability of seats is at times difficult even with a one month's advance planning. ===By car=== [[File:Visakhapatnam, Beach Road from Kailashagiri.jpg|thumb|Visakhapatnam Beach Road from Kailasagiri]] Visakhapatnam is connected to [[Chennai]] and [[Kolkata]] via [[Bhubaneswar]] and [[Vijayawada]] by National Highway 16 (dual-carriageway, 120 km/h). ===By bus=== The Andhra Pradesh State Road Travel Corporation (APSRTC) runs buses from almost every city and town to Visakhapatnam, along with some private operators, who run buses from a few of the major cities. Please check with APSRTC for timings. There is also a Garuda fleet of bus service (Volvo) to Vizag from Chennai, Bangalore, Vijayawada and Hyderabad which is very comfortable and happy going. This is the best way to do it if you want to travel by bus. APSRTC has several other bus services which have varied luxury levels and transit speeds. You might want to check the APSRTC at least 3 days in advance to be sure you have a reservation. ==Get around== {{mapframe|17.7245|83.315|width=480|height=450|zoom=13}} {{Mapshape|wikidata=Q15394}} Visakhapatnam has no commuter rail service. However, apart from the bus service, taxis or autorickshaws can also be hired. ===By bus=== APSRTC operates a lit of buses from 6 principal bus complexes in the city. They are: * Simhachalam * Gajuwaka * Maddilapalem * Visakha Steel City * Waltair * Madhurawada Dwarka Bus Station or RTC Complex depot is the largest bus station and complex in the city. There are mainly two types of buses operated for suburban travel in Visakhapatnam. * '''City Ordinary:''' can be identified by its orange or red colour. It is operated on almost all suburban routes. Some of the main routes include RTC Complex–Gajuwaka (via NAD), Maddilapalem–Railway Station, RTC Complex–Gajuwaka (via Scindia), Railway Station–Madhurawada, etc. These buses stop at almost every bus stop. The frequency is more than that of Metro Express buses. These buses sometimes become overcrowded during peak hours on weekdays. Some popular route numbers include 222, 400, 99, 25, 900, 60C, 300, 6A, 28, 38 and 12D. * '''Metro Express:''' can be identified by their blue and white colour. These buses run in most important routes such as 400, 211, 500, 99, 28, 38 etc. These buses don't stop at all bus stops and the fare for these buses is also a bit higher than that for city ordinary buses. Many of these buses are JNNURM funded and sport digital display boards which display route number and route details in both English and Telugu. Also most of these have cushioned seats which are comfortable and many of them also have air-suspension which makes the journey more comfortable. These buses don't get as crowded as City Ordinary buses. The junction and Maddilapalem joins the Asilametta-Ramatalkies road to the National Highway 5. Buses from Madilapalem ply to the extreme ends of the city, including Anakapalle and Thagarapuvalasa. ====Fares==== [[File:Visakha Museum - Maritime Wing.jpeg|thumb|Visakha Museum the Maritime Wing]] The bus fare to get to Madilapalem from the railway station is only ₹8. Buses operate within a 5 minute frequency in routes with high demand. The minimum frequency in which buses operate is 40 minutes, i.e., every route is covered by an APSRTC bus once in every 40 minutes. Apart from buying tickets on the bus, you may also avail an ''RTC-Pass'', which is a special type of pass that can be renewed once in a month. With the pass, you can board any APSRTC bus and travel anywhere within the city limits. An ordinary RTC-Pass costs just {{INR|750}}. The RTC complex is to the southeast of Asilametta. RTC complex is generally referred to as ''complex'' and is connected to every other region in the city. ==See== [[File:Ropeway car at Kailasagiri.jpg|thumb|Ropeway car at Kailasagiri]] [[Image:Kambalakonda.jpg|thumb|Kambalakonda]] [[File:Lord narasimha rock statue backyard simhachalam temple.jpg|thumb|Lord Narasimha rock-cut statue at Simhachalam temple]] * {{see | name=Kailasagiri | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.748992 | long=83.342236 | directions={{km|6}} away from the city centre | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q17061607 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=The ride to this hill offers a spectacular view of the sea. There is a park atop the hill, with a beautiful view of the city, the sea and Eastern Ghats merging into the sea. Sagarnagar Beach and Rushikonda Beach are on the right and left-hand sides. There is a huge sculpture of Shiva and Parvati. One can take a ropeway directly facing the sea and the city. On the hilltop, there is a beautiful toy train offering a tour of nature. Several viewpoints give a pleasant look at nature, especially in the evening, when the city is lit up. This is less commercial than other hill stations and there is less hassle from tourist guides. After descending from Kailasagiri, one should visit Tenneti Beach Park. Its beauty and luxuriant carpet grass intertwined with concrete pathways make it ideal for romantic couples. There are several points from which the beautiful rocky beach down beneath can be seen. This provides spectacular views of sunrise, sunset and the pristine waters. Many movies were shot here. Hillocks in the park, which are about {{ft|50}} in elevation give a beautiful view of the sea, beach road and the beach park. The hilltop includes a children's play area, a doll museum and a couple of eating areas. It has several viewpoints offering wonderful views of the city on one side and winding beaches adjoining green hills on the other side. It is a likeable beach city, especially after visiting Kailasagiri. }} * {{see | name=Shilparamam Jathara | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.805201 | long=83.353244 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q39060704 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=A crafts village showcasing and preserving the old, including woodwork, jewellery, clothes and local crafts of rural India. There are 36 stalls where you can buy assorted handicrafts and artwork. There is also an entire village where you can find realistic-looking sculptures of villagers carrying out their traditional crafts. }} * {{see | name=Telugu Samskruthika Niketanam | alt= | url=http://www.worldtelugu.co/samskritikaniketanam.html | email= | address= | lat=17.751688 | long=83.335479 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q39049320 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content= }} ===Beach Road=== [[File:INS Kursura at RK Beach Vizag.JPG|thumb|INS Kursura at RK Beach]] * {{see | name=INS Kursura Museum | alt= | url=http://vmrda.gov.in/kursura.aspx | email= | address=RK Beach Rd, Kirlampudi Layout, Chinna Waltair, Pandurangapuram | lat=17.717293 | long=83.330116 | directions= | phone=+91 89125 63429 | tollfree= | hours= | price=₹40 for adults, ₹20 for children | image=Submarine - Front View (4759833761).jpg | wikidata=Q11706566 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=A museum in a decommissioned submarine of the Indian Navy. This is the first of its kind in South Asia. This submarine is one of the earliest submarines procured from Russia. The experience of working in the submarine is explained. The museum is manned by retired naval people. There is a fee to take a camera or video camera inside. }} * {{see | name=Matsyadarshini Aquarium | alt= | url= | email= | address=Beach Rd | lat=17.712809 | long=83.319843 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=It has marine and freshwater fish. The exit gate of the aquarium resembles the open mouth of a huge white tipped shark. 'Kala Shrusti', a handicrafts shop, is atop the aquarium. }} * {{see | name=Sea Harrier Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.71722 | long=83.328352 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Sea Harrier Museum Vizag.jpg | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{see | name=TU-142 Aircraft Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.718002 | long=83.329812 | directions=opposite INS Kursura Museum | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Adults: ₹70; children (4-10): ₹40 | wikidata=Q60743815 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=This museum houses a decommissioned Tupolev Tu-142 anti-submarine aircraft of Russian origin, which has been restored for the public. It is possible to see the inside of the aircraft, and real engines are displayed. }} * {{see | name=UH3H Helicopter Museum | alt=Sea King Museum | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.717452 | long=83.329089 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{see | name=Victory at Sea Memorial | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.7187 | long=83.3322 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q38479267 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=This is a remembrance of the Victory at Sea in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war. It is on the Beach Road, opposite the Submarine Museum. There is a fighter plane, a tank and few replicas of missiles kept as exhibits. There is no entry fee and it can be viewed from the road. }} * {{see | name=Visakha Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.720707 | long=83.333831 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q17027516 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=It houses the historical treasures and artefacts of Northern Andhra. Collections available for viewing in the museum include ancient armoury, crockery, coins, silk costumes, jewellery, stuffed animals, portraits, manuscripts, letters, diaries, scrapbooks, periodicals and maps. }} ===Religious attractions=== <!-- Darga Pahad has the tomb of the Muslim saint, Sayed Ali Medina alias Ishak Medina, visited by Hindu and Muslim devotees alike. Attached to this is a mosque. Sri Venkateswara Konda, the third hillock, has a temple dedicated to the Lord. It is believed to have been built by an Englishman, Captain Blackmoor, in the 19th century. There is a view of the port channel, once ships' entrance to the inner harbour. --> * {{see | name=Ross Hill Church | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.690433 | long=83.287086 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q125739002 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=A house built by Monsieur Ross in 1864, later converted into a Mother Mary's Church. The pathway to the shrine is strewn with Catholic icons. }} * {{see | name=Simhachalam Temple | alt= | url=http://simhachalamdevasthanam.net/ | email= | address= | lat=17.766389 | long=83.250556 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2620389 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=This is an architectural splendour, although some of the sculptures were defaced during the Islamic invasions. The temple inscriptions date the earliest donors to the 10th-11th centuries. The exact date of construction is unknown. It is 15 km from the city and is dedicated to the Narasimha avatar of Lord Vishnu, which is his half-man, half-lion avatar. The temple bears reference to the Chola and Chalukya styles of architecture. It also has a local railway station. }} * {{see | name=Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple | alt= | url= | email= | address=Ross Hill | lat=17.689196 | long=83.288894 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q125738422 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} ====Buddhist sites==== [[File:Bavikonda stupas.JPG|thumb|Bavikonda Stupas]] [[File:Maha Stupa at Thotlakonda Monastic Complex.jpg|thumb|Maha Stupa at Thotlakonda Monastic Complex]] Bojjannakonda, Thotlakonda and Bavikonda in and around Visakhapatnam were centres of Buddhism during the second century CE. Several Buddhist monuments such as stupas and chaityas were erected at these places. It is said that some of the corporal relics of the Buddha were preserved at these places. Hence all these places became sacred places. * {{see | name=Bojjannakonda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.71 | long=83.0161 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4938681 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=It offers architectural remnants of the Buddhist period, one of the earliest of its class in Southern India. It constitutes one of the most remarkable groups of Buddhist monuments dated from 200 BCE to 700 CE, found during excavations in 1906. On the eastern hill, there are a series of rock-cut caves, numerous groups of monolithic dagobas, standing on rock platform in tiers above each other and, crowning all, a rock-cut stupa with extensive structural remains. On the western side of the eastern hill is a stairway, partly rock-cut and partly structural, which leads up to a large double-storied cave. The cave is entered by a doorway and is flanked on each side by huge dwarapalas. The cave chamber is rectangular in shape and is divided into 20 compartments by four cross rocks of 16 massive pillars. In the centre is the rock-cut stupa standing on a square platform. }} * {{see | name=Bavikonda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.817222 | long=83.390833 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q154651 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content= }} * {{see | name=Pavurallakonda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.888611 | long=83.437222 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q190985 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{see | name=Thotlakonda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.8264 | long=83.4094 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7796914 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=A collection of Buddhist monuments at the hilltop. It consists of a Maha Stupa, along with other votive stupas. It has a beautiful beach nearby. }} ==Do== ===Beaches=== {{cautionbox|Swimming in these beaches can be dangerous. People have died due to treacherous rip currents and rocky outcrops.|lastedit=permanent}} [[File:Beach view at Tenneti Park in Visakhapatnam.JPG|thumb|Beach view at Tenneti Park]] [[File:Boats at Bhimili beach Visakhapatnam District.JPG|thumb|Boats at Bhimili Beach]] [[File:Rushikonda beach view 001.jpg|thumb|Rushikonda beach view]] More than anything else, Vizag is known for its beaches. It boasts a number of beaches that are scenic and uncrowded. A few virgin beaches span along the eastern side of the city and stretch for miles. A spectacular beach only the locals are aware of is called the "Yarada" beach. Except for the occasional RTC bus, there is no public transport available. Still, the adventurous mind finds it rewarding if they can make an effort to get there. It's a private beach coming under ''Agrigold plantations'', therefore you need to pay a fee of ₹30/- to get onto the beach, but it's worth it. The beaches are lovely, but there are water sporting activities which started out initially like marine rafting and scuba diving, there are few beach cafes and restaurants. A water sports centre was started in Rushikonda. Vizagites are traditionally quite conservative, and though the beaches and the hills are beautiful, there is much here to interest the average tourist. Must want is the sunrise or a moonrise on a full moon day at Tennati Park (near foot of Rope way) on the Vizag-Bhimili Beach Road it's truly a feast for nature lovers. The sea looks orange and is a wonderful sight. * {{do | name=Bheemili Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.890382 | long=83.455465 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q18110547 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=About 25&nbsp;km from the city and is what used to be a small village also called "Bheemunipatnam". Apart from the beach, the village has the remains of a Portuguese church, Dutch cemeteries and a Buddhist Monastery (Pavurallakonda). }}. * {{do | name=Ramakrishna Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.71416 | long=83.32366 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2021-10-05| content=R.K.Beach is the most popular beach in the sense that you can find the locals hanging out during the hot summers, and relatively less hot winters. On weekends and holidays, one can see that the entire beach comes alive, but not in a Western sense where people take a plunge in the water or surf. You can see people dressed in their best clothes, just sitting on the benches, or walking along. Take an evening stroll at RK Beach; it offers good pedestrian tracks, beautiful parks, museums, beaches and some wonderful open-air restaurants. }} * {{do | name=Rushikonda Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.78257 | long=83.38367 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q24946142 | content=11&nbsp;km away from the city, this has become a popular tourist spot that even the locals frequent. A lot safer to wade into than the R.K. Beach, cradled among hills, this used to be an excellent beach away from the madding crowds. AP Tourism Development Corporation has a beach resort (Punnami) on the hillside overlooking the beach. }} * {{do | name=Yarada Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.65413 | long=83.26710 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2021-10-05| content=It is perceived as a private beach but actually it is not. Tourists can visit the beach directly or through the village. Yarada is the village behind the dolphin's nose. To go to this beach, a bus facility is available from Scindia junction. Also you can hire a cab to go there. The view of the beach and Vizag city from the top of the Dolphin's nose is memorable. The drive from Scindia to the top of the dolphin nose, dolphin nose to Yarada is really enjoyable. }} ===Parks and stadiums=== * {{do | name=Indira Gandhi Zoological Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.7691 | long=83.35 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6025038 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=The zoo is home to native mammals like [[elephants]], one-horned rhinos, [[tigers]], lions, leopards, striped hyenas, dholes, sloth bears, gaurs, sambar deer and rhesus macaques, as well as exotic mammals like hippos, giraffes, zebras and chimpanzees. It also has birds including ostriches, rosy pelicans, grey herons, Indian peafowl and black swans. Furthermore, there are reptiles like crocodiles and gavials. }} * {{do | name=Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary | alt= | url=http://forest.ap.nic.in/WL%20KAMBALAKONDA.htm | email= | address= | lat=17.825278 | long=83.308611 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q12060948 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=A gorgeous nature preserve that many people in Vizag itself seem to be unaware of. Kambalakonda is uncrowded and peaceful and within 20-25 minutes drive from the city centre. A nominal entrance fee of ₹10 is charged per adult. The greenery, the hiking trail and the fantastic view of the ocean from the rather flimsy viewing tower give a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city. }} * {{do | name=Lumbini Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.741196 | long=83.344157 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=Not to be confused with the one in [[Hyderabad/Central|Central Hyderabad]]. }} * {{do | name=Meghadri Gedda Reservoir | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.771376 | long=83.183766 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q48729346 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{do | name=Tenneti Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.747944 | long=83.349915 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Free | wikidata=Q28154517 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=A coastal park in the city, known for its scenery and recreational amenities. Overlooking the Bay of Bengal, the park has views of the sea with the surrounding coastline and the cityscape. Named after Tenneti Viswanadham, a freedom fighter and social reformer, the park features greenery, gardens and walking paths. Additionally, Tenneti Park is a destination for outdoor activities such as picnics, family outings, and photography, attracting both locals and tourists alike. }} * {{do | name=ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.797358 | long=83.351944 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q23975544 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{do | name=VMRDA City Central Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.721753 | long=83.305728 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q38250834 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content= }} * {{do | name=VMRDA Park | alt=VUDA Park | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.72408 | long=83.339281 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q24945964 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content= }} ==Buy== Vizag offers a reasonably large selection of stores selling clothing, jewellery, books, Araku Coffee etc. * {{buy | name=Jagadamba Centre | alt=Jagadamba Junction | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.7425 | long=83.3169 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q18126154 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=Most of the famous shopping centres and malls can be found here. Named after the Jagadamba movie theatre, one of the best movie auditoriums of the country when it was constructed and even today.. }} === Clothing === There are several locations from which clothing can be purchased. However they tend to be concentrated in few locations. One such is Jagadamba Centre. Few of the many clothing stores are: * Chandana Brothers * Bommana Brothers * Kankatala silk palace === Jewellery === Similar to clothing stores, there are several shops from where jewellery can be purchased. The centres are distributed, but the prominent ones are between RTC Complex and Railway station, Jagadamba Centre and near old Town Kotharoad. Some of the prominent stores are: * Vaibhav Jewellers * Mahaveer Jewellers * Tanishq Jewellers * Khazana Jewellers * {{buy | name=Joyalukkas Jewellery | alt= | url= | email= | address=Sampath Vinayaka Temple Rd, Near Sampath Vinayaka Temple, CBM Compound, Asilmetta | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 89125 61916 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-01-13 | content= }} * Sanghvi * Kalyan * Kirtilals === Memoribilia === While definitely not considered a shopper's paradise, Vizag offers some unique handicrafts and can found in by the Andhra Pradesh State-owned handicraft store, Lepakshi, at Jagadamba center. It has an impressive collection of sandalwood sculptures, stone art, etc. === Books === The stretch of road called Dabagardens has many bookstores. Police Barracks has numerous small stores that buy and sell second-hand books, including technical textbooks. * Jyoti Book Depot === Pubs === * Waves * Ironhill === Shopping malls === * Shoppers stop * Spencers * Big Bazaar * CMR Shopping Mall * South India Shopping Mall * Shoppers Stop *{{buy | name=CMR Central | url= | email= | address=Maddilapalem | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=You can find Subway, KFC, and Pizza Hut here. Also a lot of shopping is possible, if you have money here, at Reliance Trends and Reliance Digital. Also one could see a movie if one has time at INOX. }} *{{buy | name=Visakhapatnam Central |alt=| url= | email= | address= | directions=beside CP office | lat= | long= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2017-11-21| content=Most happening place is Visakhapatnam Central, where you will get all branded apparels, fashion jewelries, life style merchandise like watches, shades and color cosmetics. It is typical of malls which you can find anywhere in metro cities. Very expensive too. }} ==Eat== [[File:Authentic North East Andhra Cuisine.JPG|thumbnail|Vizag lunch consists of steamed rice with country chicken stew, dry fish curry, topa, seruva, teepe semiya and crab stew.]] If spicy fare from Southern India appeals to your gastronomic senses, then Vizag has some excellent restaurants. Many of the eating joints meant or frequented by tourists are in the Siripuram area. A walk around there can give you access to a variety of cuisines. *{{eat | name=Blue Sea Fine Dining| | alt= | url= | email= | address=Pakkis Complex, Opposite ICICI Bank Road, Dwarakanagar 2nd Lane, Dwaraka Nagar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891 646 5399 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Daspalla Executive Court | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891 2717300 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2717444 | hours= | price= | content= }}{{listing | type=eat | name=Eleven | alt= | url=http://www.facebook.com/elevenfinedining | email= | address=10-1-4 & 5, 4th floor, Siripuram | lat= | long= | directions=Infront of Ice Age | phone=+91 8916461111 | tollfree= | hours=Noon to 11PM | price= | content=This is one of the best new restaurants opened for Fine Dining. Food is value for money and tasty. They probably serve the best food in Vizag. }} *{{eat | name=Flying Spaghetti Monster | alt=FSM | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Opp waltair club | phone=+91 891-2766652 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-11PM | price=Cheap | content=The 'Flying Spaghetti Monster' a.k.a. FSM is Vizag's first authentic Italian restaurant. Great place with amazing Italian fare. Be sure not to miss out the Chocolate bomb. }} * '''Horizon''' (live music during dinner) at Dolphin Hotel, +91 891 2567000. *{{eat | name=Hotel Daspalla | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891 2564825 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2562043 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Hotel Green Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +91 891 6615151 | tollfree= | fax=+091 891 2563763 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Hotel Jabilly Beach Inn | alt= | url=http://www.jaabilybeachinn.com | email= | address=on R K Beach | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891 270 6026 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=noon | price=₹650 to 1200 | content=All rooms face the sea, pure Bengali food is available. }} * '''Subway - Subs & Salads''' in Siripuram's Dutt Island, +91 891 278491. * Ambica sea green - on Beach Road, Kirlampudi Layout, ph. 08912821818 * {{eat | name=Nihuusravee Home Foods | alt=| url=https://nihuusravee.com | email=nihuusravee@gmail.com | address=Kailash Nagar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 945 945 9739 | tollfree= | hours=9am to 7pm | price=₹300 | lastedit=2024-03-29 | content=Traditional home food. }} ==Drink== Some interesting bars in the city are in the Five Star hotels mentioned above and typically are expensive even by Western standards. The '''Park Hotel''' has a decent bar - try the Screwdriver. Daspalla has another bar and restaurant called '''Dimple''' that serves various drinks and can be noisy at time. Two new really cool breweries have opened up in the city . *'''Punnami''', near Rishikonda has pub very close to the beach and serves alcohol. *{{drink | name=Vihar | url= | email= | address=Near Rishikonda, Opp. GITAM University | lat= | long= | directions= 8 km from the city | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Best hangout place with friends, only concern is it was too far from the city. Even though, worth visiting "Offshores" at Vihar. There's an Awesome beach view from the middle of the hill. }} *Ironhill brewery- above pmj jwellers, siripuram. ==Sleep== Vizag has both high end hotels and affordable lodges. The Daspalla, The Grand Central Hotel and Green Park are well-known. ===Budget=== ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=99 Residency | alt=Value for Money Hotel | url= | email= | address=# 10-50-39/2, Waltair Main Road, Ramnagar | lat= | long= | directions=Next to Waltair Club | phone=+91-891-2474448 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891-2505545 | checkin=Noon | checkout=Noon | price=starting from ₹1,500 per night | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Athidhi The Guest House | phone=+91 9000415656, +91 9949662424 }} * {{sleep | name=Beach View Guest House | alt= | url= | email=beachview.vizag@gmail.com | address=RK Beach main road, besides Novotel Hotel (Varun Beach) | lat=17.71017 | long=83.31603 | directions=towards collecter office route from novotel | phone=+91 9985034321 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2015-09-03 | content=All rooms face the beach. Wi-Fi available. }} * {{sleep | name=Dolphin | phone=+91 891 2567000 | fax=+91 891 2567555 }} * {{sleep | name=Dwaraka Inn | directions=At Dwaraka Nagar }} * {{sleep | name=Fortune Inn Sree Kanya | alt= | url=http://www.fortunehotels.in/hotel/Visakhapatnam-Fortune_Inn_Sree_Kanya.aspx | email= | address=Dwaraknagar, Diamond Park | lat= | long= | directions=Sree Kanya Road | phone=+91-891-3988444 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=The Grand Central Hotel | directions=at Jagadamba Junction }} * {{sleep | name=Green Park | phone=+91 891 2564444 |fax=+91 891 2563763 }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Hotel Akshaya | alt= | url=https://akshayahotel.business.site/ | email= | address=Station Rd | lat= | long= | directions=Opp to D.R.M.Office. | phone=+91 2598111, +91 2598144, +91 9177892359 (mobile) | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Athidiinn | alt= | url=https://athidihotels.chobs.in/ | email=athidi.inn@gmail.com | address=D.No.9-1-47, New Resapuvanapalem | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891-2727567, +91 9396548333 (mobile) | tollfree= | fax=+91 891-2727678 | checkin=24 hr | checkout= | price=₹1,500-2,200 per 24 hours | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Daspalla | alt= | url=https://www.daspallahotels.com/visakhapatnam/ | email= | address=28-2-48, Suryabagh, Jagadamba Junction | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 89125 64825 | tollfree= | checkin=24 hour check-in | checkout= | price=From ₹4,000 per night | content=Complementary breakfast, free WiFi, four restaurants and wheelchair accessible. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Saraswathi Orchid | alt= | url= | email=hotelsaraswathiorchid@yahoo.com | address=#30-15-193,Opp: Dolphin Hotel Garden Gate, Main Road, Dabagardens | lat= | long= | directions=Opp: Dolphin Hotel | phone=+91-891-2712881 | tollfree= | fax=+91-891-6635657 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Supreme | address=At R.K.Beach }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Talasila Continental | phone=+91-891-2598598 | address=Station Road, Dondaparthi }} * {{sleep | name=Meghalaya | phone=+91 891 2755141 | fax=+91 891 2755824 }} * {{sleep | name=Royal Fort }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Four Points by Sheraton Visakhapatnam | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/vtzfp-four-points-visakhapatnam/ | email= | address=10-28-3, Waltair Main Road | lat=17.7206 | long=83.31252 | directions= | phone=+91 891 305 1111 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 3051000 | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹7,700-₹8,700 | wikidata=Q111402182 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach | alt= | url=https://all.accor.com/hotel/7535/index.en.shtml | email= | address=Beach Road | lat=17.710655 | long=83.315859 | directions= | phone=+91 891 282 2222 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2822244 | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=₹9,670 | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=The Gateway Hotel | alt= | url=https://gateway.tajhotels.com/en-in/beach-road-visakhapatnam/?_ga=1.134407865.974920459.1476353462 | email=gateway.visakhapatnam@tajhotels.com | address=Beach Road | lat=17.711559 | long=83.316771 | directions= | phone=+91 891 662 3670 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2564370 | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | price= | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=The Palm Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.720933 | long=83.335872 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=The Park Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.theparkhotels.com | email=resv.viz@theparkhotels.com | address=Beach Rd | lat=17.721364 | long=83.336836 | directions= | phone=+91 891 304 5678 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2754181 | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2016-10-13 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Radisson Blu Resort Visakhapatnam | alt= | url=https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-blu-resort-visakhapatnam | email= | address= | lat=17.77147 | long=83.37299 | directions= | phone=+91 891 667 7666 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=₹12,980 | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Welcomhotel Devee Grand Bay | alt= | url=https://www.itchotels.com/in/en/welcomhoteldeveegrandbay-visakhapatnam | email=reservations@itchotels.in | address=Beach Rd | lat=17.711851 | long=83.315468 | directions= | phone=+91 891 660 0101 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2550691 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2016-10-13 | content= }} * Fairfield by Marriott - KSR prime R&B junction Visakhapatnam *{{Sleep|name=Best Western Ramachandra|alt=|url=http://bwramachandra.co.in|email=info@bwramachandra.co.in|address=8-8-36, Gajuwaka|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=+ 91 891 2579777|tollfree=|fax=|checkin=|checkout=|price=|lastedit=2020-03-20|content=}} *{{Sleep|name=QualityInn Ramachandra Hotel|alt=|url=http://qualityinnramachandra.com|email=qualityinnramachandra@gmail.com|address=31-41/10/1, Duvvada|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=+91 891 2762855|tollfree=|fax=|checkin=|checkout=|price=|lastedit=2020-03-20|content=3-Star Hotel}} ==Go next== * [[Araku Valley]] ({{km|110}}) — Many tourists visit Araku Valley along with Visakhapatnam. It is a scenic valley that can be reached by train or bus. It is definitely not a day trip, but the APTDC facilities can serve as a decent lodging. November to February are the best months to visit. * [[Hyderabad]] * [[Chennai]] * [[Kolkata]] * [[Vijayawada]] * [[Guntur]] {{geo|17.688378|83.218758}} {{IsPartOf|Northern Coast (Andhra Pradesh)}} {{usablecity}} 20iwnfjin9rafs3admsiiirdy6tndlt 5087071 5087020 2025-07-03T10:28:47Z Sbb1413 2217354 /* Get around */ 5087071 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|VisakhapatnamH.jpg}} [[Image:Visakhapatnam 2010.jpg|thumb|Crescent Beach, Visakhapatnam]] [[File:Rock-cut Lord --Buddha-- Statue at Bojjanakonda near Anakapalle of Visakhapatnam dist in AP.jpg|thumb|Rock-cut Buddha Statue at Bojjannakonda near Anakapalle]] '''Visakhapatnam''' ([[Telugu]]: విశాఖపట్నం ''Viśākhapaṭnam''), popularly known as '''Vizag''', is the largest city in [[Andhra Pradesh]]. It is primarily an industrial city, but also attracts tourists due to its unspoilt sandy beaches, well built and maintained parks, Buddhist Remnant sites and nearby scenic areas, such as [[Araku Valley]]. The city has a population of about 2 million. ==Understand== [[File:VUDA park water pond, Visakhapatnam.JPG|thumb|VMRDA Park]] Vizag is sometimes called ''The Goa of the East''. Just like its [[Goa|west coast counterpart]], it has beautiful virgin beaches, laterite hillocks, smooth roads and stunning landscape. Health-tourism is a fast developing industry. Visakhapatnam is variously called ''Jewel on the Coromandel Coast'', ''Steel City'', and the ''City of Destiny''. There is a considerable concentration of Marwaris, Odias, Bengalis, Punjabis, Tamils and Malayalis. In addition, there is a large population of migrant workers from other parts of India who have been drawn to the area by the abundance of work at locally based companies, such as Vizag Steel Plant and Hindustan Shipyard. ==Get in== ===By plane=== * {{go | name=Visakhapatnam Airport | alt={{IATA|VTZ}} | url=https://www.aai.aero/en/airports/visakhapatnam | email= | address=Viman Nagar | lat=17.721111 | long=83.224444 | directions=opposite NH 16 | phone=+91 891 2851169 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2247541 | lastedit=2023-10-30 | content=Visakhapatnam is connected by air to [[Hyderabad]], [[Bangalore]], [[Chennai]], [[Tirupati]], [[Delhi]], [[Mumbai]], [[Bhubaneswar]], [[Kochi]], [[Dubai]], [[Kuala Lumpur]] and [[Singapore]] through its customs airport, an airport with restricted access, by Air India, SpiceJet and IndiGo. AirAsia and Batik Air from Malaysia operate scheduled flights from Kuala Lumpur. }} ===By train=== [[File:Visakhapatnam railway station.jpg|thumb|Visakhapatnam Junction railway station]] {{marker|type=go|name={{station|Visakhapatnam Junction|city=india|ecor}}|wikidata=Q7935582}} is on the [[Kolkata]]–[[Chennai]] line and is connected to several cities of the country by rail. All trains including fast expresses stop at the station. Visakhapatnam comes under the East Coast Railway (ECoR) zone and is one of the principal divisional headquarters (under the British name Waltair). It has eight platforms, the first in ECoR to have this many, and all of them can accommodate trains with up to 28 coaches. You may want to verify the timings with [http://www.indianrail.gov.in Indian Railways], since they change from time to time. Train berths can be reserved [http://www.irctc.co.in online]. However, this being a major destination, availability of seats is at times difficult even with a one month's advance planning. ===By car=== [[File:Visakhapatnam, Beach Road from Kailashagiri.jpg|thumb|Visakhapatnam Beach Road from Kailasagiri]] Visakhapatnam is connected to [[Chennai]] and [[Kolkata]] via [[Bhubaneswar]] and [[Vijayawada]] by National Highway 16 (dual-carriageway, 120 km/h). ===By bus=== The Andhra Pradesh State Road Travel Corporation (APSRTC) runs buses from almost every city and town to Visakhapatnam, along with some private operators, who run buses from a few of the major cities. Please check with APSRTC for timings. There is also a Garuda fleet of bus service (Volvo) to Vizag from Chennai, Bangalore, Vijayawada and Hyderabad which is very comfortable and happy going. This is the best way to do it if you want to travel by bus. APSRTC has several other bus services which have varied luxury levels and transit speeds. You might want to check the APSRTC at least 3 days in advance to be sure you have a reservation. ==Get around== {{mapframe|17.7245|83.315|width=480|height=450|zoom=13}} {{Mapshape|wikidata=Q15394,Q110714857}} Visakhapatnam has no commuter rail service. However, apart from the bus service, taxis or autorickshaws can also be hired. ===By bus=== APSRTC operates a lit of buses from 6 principal bus complexes in the city. They are: * Simhachalam * Gajuwaka * Maddilapalem * Visakha Steel City * Waltair * Madhurawada Dwarka Bus Station or RTC Complex depot is the largest bus station and complex in the city. There are mainly two types of buses operated for suburban travel in Visakhapatnam. * '''City Ordinary:''' can be identified by its orange or red colour. It is operated on almost all suburban routes. Some of the main routes include RTC Complex–Gajuwaka (via NAD), Maddilapalem–Railway Station, RTC Complex–Gajuwaka (via Scindia), Railway Station–Madhurawada, etc. These buses stop at almost every bus stop. The frequency is more than that of Metro Express buses. These buses sometimes become overcrowded during peak hours on weekdays. Some popular route numbers include 222, 400, 99, 25, 900, 60C, 300, 6A, 28, 38 and 12D. * '''Metro Express:''' can be identified by their blue and white colour. These buses run in most important routes such as 400, 211, 500, 99, 28, 38 etc. These buses don't stop at all bus stops and the fare for these buses is also a bit higher than that for city ordinary buses. Many of these buses are JNNURM funded and sport digital display boards which display route number and route details in both English and Telugu. Also most of these have cushioned seats which are comfortable and many of them also have air-suspension which makes the journey more comfortable. These buses don't get as crowded as City Ordinary buses. The junction and Maddilapalem joins the Asilametta-Ramatalkies road to the National Highway 5. Buses from Madilapalem ply to the extreme ends of the city, including Anakapalle and Thagarapuvalasa. ====Fares==== [[File:Visakha Museum - Maritime Wing.jpeg|thumb|Visakha Museum the Maritime Wing]] The bus fare to get to Madilapalem from the railway station is only ₹8. Buses operate within a 5 minute frequency in routes with high demand. The minimum frequency in which buses operate is 40 minutes, i.e., every route is covered by an APSRTC bus once in every 40 minutes. Apart from buying tickets on the bus, you may also avail an ''RTC-Pass'', which is a special type of pass that can be renewed once in a month. With the pass, you can board any APSRTC bus and travel anywhere within the city limits. An ordinary RTC-Pass costs just {{INR|750}}. The RTC complex is to the southeast of Asilametta. RTC complex is generally referred to as ''complex'' and is connected to every other region in the city. ==See== [[File:Ropeway car at Kailasagiri.jpg|thumb|Ropeway car at Kailasagiri]] [[Image:Kambalakonda.jpg|thumb|Kambalakonda]] [[File:Lord narasimha rock statue backyard simhachalam temple.jpg|thumb|Lord Narasimha rock-cut statue at Simhachalam temple]] * {{see | name=Kailasagiri | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.748992 | long=83.342236 | directions={{km|6}} away from the city centre | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q17061607 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=The ride to this hill offers a spectacular view of the sea. There is a park atop the hill, with a beautiful view of the city, the sea and Eastern Ghats merging into the sea. Sagarnagar Beach and Rushikonda Beach are on the right and left-hand sides. There is a huge sculpture of Shiva and Parvati. One can take a ropeway directly facing the sea and the city. On the hilltop, there is a beautiful toy train offering a tour of nature. Several viewpoints give a pleasant look at nature, especially in the evening, when the city is lit up. This is less commercial than other hill stations and there is less hassle from tourist guides. After descending from Kailasagiri, one should visit Tenneti Beach Park. Its beauty and luxuriant carpet grass intertwined with concrete pathways make it ideal for romantic couples. There are several points from which the beautiful rocky beach down beneath can be seen. This provides spectacular views of sunrise, sunset and the pristine waters. Many movies were shot here. Hillocks in the park, which are about {{ft|50}} in elevation give a beautiful view of the sea, beach road and the beach park. The hilltop includes a children's play area, a doll museum and a couple of eating areas. It has several viewpoints offering wonderful views of the city on one side and winding beaches adjoining green hills on the other side. It is a likeable beach city, especially after visiting Kailasagiri. }} * {{see | name=Shilparamam Jathara | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.805201 | long=83.353244 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q39060704 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=A crafts village showcasing and preserving the old, including woodwork, jewellery, clothes and local crafts of rural India. There are 36 stalls where you can buy assorted handicrafts and artwork. There is also an entire village where you can find realistic-looking sculptures of villagers carrying out their traditional crafts. }} * {{see | name=Telugu Samskruthika Niketanam | alt= | url=http://www.worldtelugu.co/samskritikaniketanam.html | email= | address= | lat=17.751688 | long=83.335479 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q39049320 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content= }} ===Beach Road=== [[File:INS Kursura at RK Beach Vizag.JPG|thumb|INS Kursura at RK Beach]] * {{see | name=INS Kursura Museum | alt= | url=http://vmrda.gov.in/kursura.aspx | email= | address=RK Beach Rd, Kirlampudi Layout, Chinna Waltair, Pandurangapuram | lat=17.717293 | long=83.330116 | directions= | phone=+91 89125 63429 | tollfree= | hours= | price=₹40 for adults, ₹20 for children | image=Submarine - Front View (4759833761).jpg | wikidata=Q11706566 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=A museum in a decommissioned submarine of the Indian Navy. This is the first of its kind in South Asia. This submarine is one of the earliest submarines procured from Russia. The experience of working in the submarine is explained. The museum is manned by retired naval people. There is a fee to take a camera or video camera inside. }} * {{see | name=Matsyadarshini Aquarium | alt= | url= | email= | address=Beach Rd | lat=17.712809 | long=83.319843 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=It has marine and freshwater fish. The exit gate of the aquarium resembles the open mouth of a huge white tipped shark. 'Kala Shrusti', a handicrafts shop, is atop the aquarium. }} * {{see | name=Sea Harrier Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.71722 | long=83.328352 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Sea Harrier Museum Vizag.jpg | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{see | name=TU-142 Aircraft Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.718002 | long=83.329812 | directions=opposite INS Kursura Museum | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Adults: ₹70; children (4-10): ₹40 | wikidata=Q60743815 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=This museum houses a decommissioned Tupolev Tu-142 anti-submarine aircraft of Russian origin, which has been restored for the public. It is possible to see the inside of the aircraft, and real engines are displayed. }} * {{see | name=UH3H Helicopter Museum | alt=Sea King Museum | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.717452 | long=83.329089 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{see | name=Victory at Sea Memorial | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.7187 | long=83.3322 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q38479267 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=This is a remembrance of the Victory at Sea in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war. It is on the Beach Road, opposite the Submarine Museum. There is a fighter plane, a tank and few replicas of missiles kept as exhibits. There is no entry fee and it can be viewed from the road. }} * {{see | name=Visakha Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.720707 | long=83.333831 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q17027516 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=It houses the historical treasures and artefacts of Northern Andhra. Collections available for viewing in the museum include ancient armoury, crockery, coins, silk costumes, jewellery, stuffed animals, portraits, manuscripts, letters, diaries, scrapbooks, periodicals and maps. }} ===Religious attractions=== <!-- Darga Pahad has the tomb of the Muslim saint, Sayed Ali Medina alias Ishak Medina, visited by Hindu and Muslim devotees alike. Attached to this is a mosque. Sri Venkateswara Konda, the third hillock, has a temple dedicated to the Lord. It is believed to have been built by an Englishman, Captain Blackmoor, in the 19th century. There is a view of the port channel, once ships' entrance to the inner harbour. --> * {{see | name=Ross Hill Church | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.690433 | long=83.287086 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q125739002 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=A house built by Monsieur Ross in 1864, later converted into a Mother Mary's Church. The pathway to the shrine is strewn with Catholic icons. }} * {{see | name=Simhachalam Temple | alt= | url=http://simhachalamdevasthanam.net/ | email= | address= | lat=17.766389 | long=83.250556 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2620389 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=This is an architectural splendour, although some of the sculptures were defaced during the Islamic invasions. The temple inscriptions date the earliest donors to the 10th-11th centuries. The exact date of construction is unknown. It is 15 km from the city and is dedicated to the Narasimha avatar of Lord Vishnu, which is his half-man, half-lion avatar. The temple bears reference to the Chola and Chalukya styles of architecture. It also has a local railway station. }} * {{see | name=Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple | alt= | url= | email= | address=Ross Hill | lat=17.689196 | long=83.288894 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q125738422 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} ====Buddhist sites==== [[File:Bavikonda stupas.JPG|thumb|Bavikonda Stupas]] [[File:Maha Stupa at Thotlakonda Monastic Complex.jpg|thumb|Maha Stupa at Thotlakonda Monastic Complex]] Bojjannakonda, Thotlakonda and Bavikonda in and around Visakhapatnam were centres of Buddhism during the second century CE. Several Buddhist monuments such as stupas and chaityas were erected at these places. It is said that some of the corporal relics of the Buddha were preserved at these places. Hence all these places became sacred places. * {{see | name=Bojjannakonda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.71 | long=83.0161 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4938681 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=It offers architectural remnants of the Buddhist period, one of the earliest of its class in Southern India. It constitutes one of the most remarkable groups of Buddhist monuments dated from 200 BCE to 700 CE, found during excavations in 1906. On the eastern hill, there are a series of rock-cut caves, numerous groups of monolithic dagobas, standing on rock platform in tiers above each other and, crowning all, a rock-cut stupa with extensive structural remains. On the western side of the eastern hill is a stairway, partly rock-cut and partly structural, which leads up to a large double-storied cave. The cave is entered by a doorway and is flanked on each side by huge dwarapalas. The cave chamber is rectangular in shape and is divided into 20 compartments by four cross rocks of 16 massive pillars. In the centre is the rock-cut stupa standing on a square platform. }} * {{see | name=Bavikonda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.817222 | long=83.390833 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q154651 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content= }} * {{see | name=Pavurallakonda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.888611 | long=83.437222 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q190985 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{see | name=Thotlakonda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.8264 | long=83.4094 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7796914 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=A collection of Buddhist monuments at the hilltop. It consists of a Maha Stupa, along with other votive stupas. It has a beautiful beach nearby. }} ==Do== ===Beaches=== {{cautionbox|Swimming in these beaches can be dangerous. People have died due to treacherous rip currents and rocky outcrops.|lastedit=permanent}} [[File:Beach view at Tenneti Park in Visakhapatnam.JPG|thumb|Beach view at Tenneti Park]] [[File:Boats at Bhimili beach Visakhapatnam District.JPG|thumb|Boats at Bhimili Beach]] [[File:Rushikonda beach view 001.jpg|thumb|Rushikonda beach view]] More than anything else, Vizag is known for its beaches. It boasts a number of beaches that are scenic and uncrowded. A few virgin beaches span along the eastern side of the city and stretch for miles. A spectacular beach only the locals are aware of is called the "Yarada" beach. Except for the occasional RTC bus, there is no public transport available. Still, the adventurous mind finds it rewarding if they can make an effort to get there. It's a private beach coming under ''Agrigold plantations'', therefore you need to pay a fee of ₹30/- to get onto the beach, but it's worth it. The beaches are lovely, but there are water sporting activities which started out initially like marine rafting and scuba diving, there are few beach cafes and restaurants. A water sports centre was started in Rushikonda. Vizagites are traditionally quite conservative, and though the beaches and the hills are beautiful, there is much here to interest the average tourist. Must want is the sunrise or a moonrise on a full moon day at Tennati Park (near foot of Rope way) on the Vizag-Bhimili Beach Road it's truly a feast for nature lovers. The sea looks orange and is a wonderful sight. * {{do | name=Bheemili Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.890382 | long=83.455465 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q18110547 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=About 25&nbsp;km from the city and is what used to be a small village also called "Bheemunipatnam". Apart from the beach, the village has the remains of a Portuguese church, Dutch cemeteries and a Buddhist Monastery (Pavurallakonda). }}. * {{do | name=Ramakrishna Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.71416 | long=83.32366 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2021-10-05| content=R.K.Beach is the most popular beach in the sense that you can find the locals hanging out during the hot summers, and relatively less hot winters. On weekends and holidays, one can see that the entire beach comes alive, but not in a Western sense where people take a plunge in the water or surf. You can see people dressed in their best clothes, just sitting on the benches, or walking along. Take an evening stroll at RK Beach; it offers good pedestrian tracks, beautiful parks, museums, beaches and some wonderful open-air restaurants. }} * {{do | name=Rushikonda Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.78257 | long=83.38367 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q24946142 | content=11&nbsp;km away from the city, this has become a popular tourist spot that even the locals frequent. A lot safer to wade into than the R.K. Beach, cradled among hills, this used to be an excellent beach away from the madding crowds. AP Tourism Development Corporation has a beach resort (Punnami) on the hillside overlooking the beach. }} * {{do | name=Yarada Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.65413 | long=83.26710 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2021-10-05| content=It is perceived as a private beach but actually it is not. Tourists can visit the beach directly or through the village. Yarada is the village behind the dolphin's nose. To go to this beach, a bus facility is available from Scindia junction. Also you can hire a cab to go there. The view of the beach and Vizag city from the top of the Dolphin's nose is memorable. The drive from Scindia to the top of the dolphin nose, dolphin nose to Yarada is really enjoyable. }} ===Parks and stadiums=== * {{do | name=Indira Gandhi Zoological Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.7691 | long=83.35 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6025038 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=The zoo is home to native mammals like [[elephants]], one-horned rhinos, [[tigers]], lions, leopards, striped hyenas, dholes, sloth bears, gaurs, sambar deer and rhesus macaques, as well as exotic mammals like hippos, giraffes, zebras and chimpanzees. It also has birds including ostriches, rosy pelicans, grey herons, Indian peafowl and black swans. Furthermore, there are reptiles like crocodiles and gavials. }} * {{do | name=Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary | alt= | url=http://forest.ap.nic.in/WL%20KAMBALAKONDA.htm | email= | address= | lat=17.825278 | long=83.308611 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q12060948 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=A gorgeous nature preserve that many people in Vizag itself seem to be unaware of. Kambalakonda is uncrowded and peaceful and within 20-25 minutes drive from the city centre. A nominal entrance fee of ₹10 is charged per adult. The greenery, the hiking trail and the fantastic view of the ocean from the rather flimsy viewing tower give a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city. }} * {{do | name=Lumbini Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.741196 | long=83.344157 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=Not to be confused with the one in [[Hyderabad/Central|Central Hyderabad]]. }} * {{do | name=Meghadri Gedda Reservoir | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.771376 | long=83.183766 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q48729346 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{do | name=Tenneti Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.747944 | long=83.349915 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Free | wikidata=Q28154517 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=A coastal park in the city, known for its scenery and recreational amenities. Overlooking the Bay of Bengal, the park has views of the sea with the surrounding coastline and the cityscape. Named after Tenneti Viswanadham, a freedom fighter and social reformer, the park features greenery, gardens and walking paths. Additionally, Tenneti Park is a destination for outdoor activities such as picnics, family outings, and photography, attracting both locals and tourists alike. }} * {{do | name=ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.797358 | long=83.351944 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q23975544 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{do | name=VMRDA City Central Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.721753 | long=83.305728 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q38250834 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content= }} * {{do | name=VMRDA Park | alt=VUDA Park | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.72408 | long=83.339281 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q24945964 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content= }} ==Buy== Vizag offers a reasonably large selection of stores selling clothing, jewellery, books, Araku Coffee etc. * {{buy | name=Jagadamba Centre | alt=Jagadamba Junction | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.7425 | long=83.3169 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q18126154 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=Most of the famous shopping centres and malls can be found here. Named after the Jagadamba movie theatre, one of the best movie auditoriums of the country when it was constructed and even today.. }} === Clothing === There are several locations from which clothing can be purchased. However they tend to be concentrated in few locations. One such is Jagadamba Centre. Few of the many clothing stores are: * Chandana Brothers * Bommana Brothers * Kankatala silk palace === Jewellery === Similar to clothing stores, there are several shops from where jewellery can be purchased. The centres are distributed, but the prominent ones are between RTC Complex and Railway station, Jagadamba Centre and near old Town Kotharoad. Some of the prominent stores are: * Vaibhav Jewellers * Mahaveer Jewellers * Tanishq Jewellers * Khazana Jewellers * {{buy | name=Joyalukkas Jewellery | alt= | url= | email= | address=Sampath Vinayaka Temple Rd, Near Sampath Vinayaka Temple, CBM Compound, Asilmetta | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 89125 61916 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-01-13 | content= }} * Sanghvi * Kalyan * Kirtilals === Memoribilia === While definitely not considered a shopper's paradise, Vizag offers some unique handicrafts and can found in by the Andhra Pradesh State-owned handicraft store, Lepakshi, at Jagadamba center. It has an impressive collection of sandalwood sculptures, stone art, etc. === Books === The stretch of road called Dabagardens has many bookstores. Police Barracks has numerous small stores that buy and sell second-hand books, including technical textbooks. * Jyoti Book Depot === Pubs === * Waves * Ironhill === Shopping malls === * Shoppers stop * Spencers * Big Bazaar * CMR Shopping Mall * South India Shopping Mall * Shoppers Stop *{{buy | name=CMR Central | url= | email= | address=Maddilapalem | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=You can find Subway, KFC, and Pizza Hut here. Also a lot of shopping is possible, if you have money here, at Reliance Trends and Reliance Digital. Also one could see a movie if one has time at INOX. }} *{{buy | name=Visakhapatnam Central |alt=| url= | email= | address= | directions=beside CP office | lat= | long= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2017-11-21| content=Most happening place is Visakhapatnam Central, where you will get all branded apparels, fashion jewelries, life style merchandise like watches, shades and color cosmetics. It is typical of malls which you can find anywhere in metro cities. Very expensive too. }} ==Eat== [[File:Authentic North East Andhra Cuisine.JPG|thumbnail|Vizag lunch consists of steamed rice with country chicken stew, dry fish curry, topa, seruva, teepe semiya and crab stew.]] If spicy fare from Southern India appeals to your gastronomic senses, then Vizag has some excellent restaurants. Many of the eating joints meant or frequented by tourists are in the Siripuram area. A walk around there can give you access to a variety of cuisines. *{{eat | name=Blue Sea Fine Dining| | alt= | url= | email= | address=Pakkis Complex, Opposite ICICI Bank Road, Dwarakanagar 2nd Lane, Dwaraka Nagar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891 646 5399 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Daspalla Executive Court | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891 2717300 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2717444 | hours= | price= | content= }}{{listing | type=eat | name=Eleven | alt= | url=http://www.facebook.com/elevenfinedining | email= | address=10-1-4 & 5, 4th floor, Siripuram | lat= | long= | directions=Infront of Ice Age | phone=+91 8916461111 | tollfree= | hours=Noon to 11PM | price= | content=This is one of the best new restaurants opened for Fine Dining. Food is value for money and tasty. They probably serve the best food in Vizag. }} *{{eat | name=Flying Spaghetti Monster | alt=FSM | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Opp waltair club | phone=+91 891-2766652 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-11PM | price=Cheap | content=The 'Flying Spaghetti Monster' a.k.a. FSM is Vizag's first authentic Italian restaurant. Great place with amazing Italian fare. Be sure not to miss out the Chocolate bomb. }} * '''Horizon''' (live music during dinner) at Dolphin Hotel, +91 891 2567000. *{{eat | name=Hotel Daspalla | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891 2564825 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2562043 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Hotel Green Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +91 891 6615151 | tollfree= | fax=+091 891 2563763 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Hotel Jabilly Beach Inn | alt= | url=http://www.jaabilybeachinn.com | email= | address=on R K Beach | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891 270 6026 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=noon | price=₹650 to 1200 | content=All rooms face the sea, pure Bengali food is available. }} * '''Subway - Subs & Salads''' in Siripuram's Dutt Island, +91 891 278491. * Ambica sea green - on Beach Road, Kirlampudi Layout, ph. 08912821818 * {{eat | name=Nihuusravee Home Foods | alt=| url=https://nihuusravee.com | email=nihuusravee@gmail.com | address=Kailash Nagar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 945 945 9739 | tollfree= | hours=9am to 7pm | price=₹300 | lastedit=2024-03-29 | content=Traditional home food. }} ==Drink== Some interesting bars in the city are in the Five Star hotels mentioned above and typically are expensive even by Western standards. The '''Park Hotel''' has a decent bar - try the Screwdriver. Daspalla has another bar and restaurant called '''Dimple''' that serves various drinks and can be noisy at time. Two new really cool breweries have opened up in the city . *'''Punnami''', near Rishikonda has pub very close to the beach and serves alcohol. *{{drink | name=Vihar | url= | email= | address=Near Rishikonda, Opp. GITAM University | lat= | long= | directions= 8 km from the city | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Best hangout place with friends, only concern is it was too far from the city. Even though, worth visiting "Offshores" at Vihar. There's an Awesome beach view from the middle of the hill. }} *Ironhill brewery- above pmj jwellers, siripuram. ==Sleep== Vizag has both high end hotels and affordable lodges. The Daspalla, The Grand Central Hotel and Green Park are well-known. ===Budget=== ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=99 Residency | alt=Value for Money Hotel | url= | email= | address=# 10-50-39/2, Waltair Main Road, Ramnagar | lat= | long= | directions=Next to Waltair Club | phone=+91-891-2474448 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891-2505545 | checkin=Noon | checkout=Noon | price=starting from ₹1,500 per night | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Athidhi The Guest House | phone=+91 9000415656, +91 9949662424 }} * {{sleep | name=Beach View Guest House | alt= | url= | email=beachview.vizag@gmail.com | address=RK Beach main road, besides Novotel Hotel (Varun Beach) | lat=17.71017 | long=83.31603 | directions=towards collecter office route from novotel | phone=+91 9985034321 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2015-09-03 | content=All rooms face the beach. Wi-Fi available. }} * {{sleep | name=Dolphin | phone=+91 891 2567000 | fax=+91 891 2567555 }} * {{sleep | name=Dwaraka Inn | directions=At Dwaraka Nagar }} * {{sleep | name=Fortune Inn Sree Kanya | alt= | url=http://www.fortunehotels.in/hotel/Visakhapatnam-Fortune_Inn_Sree_Kanya.aspx | email= | address=Dwaraknagar, Diamond Park | lat= | long= | directions=Sree Kanya Road | phone=+91-891-3988444 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=The Grand Central Hotel | directions=at Jagadamba Junction }} * {{sleep | name=Green Park | phone=+91 891 2564444 |fax=+91 891 2563763 }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Hotel Akshaya | alt= | url=https://akshayahotel.business.site/ | email= | address=Station Rd | lat= | long= | directions=Opp to D.R.M.Office. | phone=+91 2598111, +91 2598144, +91 9177892359 (mobile) | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Athidiinn | alt= | url=https://athidihotels.chobs.in/ | email=athidi.inn@gmail.com | address=D.No.9-1-47, New Resapuvanapalem | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891-2727567, +91 9396548333 (mobile) | tollfree= | fax=+91 891-2727678 | checkin=24 hr | checkout= | price=₹1,500-2,200 per 24 hours | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Daspalla | alt= | url=https://www.daspallahotels.com/visakhapatnam/ | email= | address=28-2-48, Suryabagh, Jagadamba Junction | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 89125 64825 | tollfree= | checkin=24 hour check-in | checkout= | price=From ₹4,000 per night | content=Complementary breakfast, free WiFi, four restaurants and wheelchair accessible. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Saraswathi Orchid | alt= | url= | email=hotelsaraswathiorchid@yahoo.com | address=#30-15-193,Opp: Dolphin Hotel Garden Gate, Main Road, Dabagardens | lat= | long= | directions=Opp: Dolphin Hotel | phone=+91-891-2712881 | tollfree= | fax=+91-891-6635657 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Supreme | address=At R.K.Beach }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Talasila Continental | phone=+91-891-2598598 | address=Station Road, Dondaparthi }} * {{sleep | name=Meghalaya | phone=+91 891 2755141 | fax=+91 891 2755824 }} * {{sleep | name=Royal Fort }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Four Points by Sheraton Visakhapatnam | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/vtzfp-four-points-visakhapatnam/ | email= | address=10-28-3, Waltair Main Road | lat=17.7206 | long=83.31252 | directions= | phone=+91 891 305 1111 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 3051000 | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹7,700-₹8,700 | wikidata=Q111402182 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach | alt= | url=https://all.accor.com/hotel/7535/index.en.shtml | email= | address=Beach Road | lat=17.710655 | long=83.315859 | directions= | phone=+91 891 282 2222 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2822244 | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=₹9,670 | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=The Gateway Hotel | alt= | url=https://gateway.tajhotels.com/en-in/beach-road-visakhapatnam/?_ga=1.134407865.974920459.1476353462 | email=gateway.visakhapatnam@tajhotels.com | address=Beach Road | lat=17.711559 | long=83.316771 | directions= | phone=+91 891 662 3670 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2564370 | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | price= | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=The Palm Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.720933 | long=83.335872 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=The Park Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.theparkhotels.com | email=resv.viz@theparkhotels.com | address=Beach Rd | lat=17.721364 | long=83.336836 | directions= | phone=+91 891 304 5678 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2754181 | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2016-10-13 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Radisson Blu Resort Visakhapatnam | alt= | url=https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-blu-resort-visakhapatnam | email= | address= | lat=17.77147 | long=83.37299 | directions= | phone=+91 891 667 7666 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=₹12,980 | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Welcomhotel Devee Grand Bay | alt= | url=https://www.itchotels.com/in/en/welcomhoteldeveegrandbay-visakhapatnam | email=reservations@itchotels.in | address=Beach Rd | lat=17.711851 | long=83.315468 | directions= | phone=+91 891 660 0101 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2550691 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2016-10-13 | content= }} * Fairfield by Marriott - KSR prime R&B junction Visakhapatnam *{{Sleep|name=Best Western Ramachandra|alt=|url=http://bwramachandra.co.in|email=info@bwramachandra.co.in|address=8-8-36, Gajuwaka|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=+ 91 891 2579777|tollfree=|fax=|checkin=|checkout=|price=|lastedit=2020-03-20|content=}} *{{Sleep|name=QualityInn Ramachandra Hotel|alt=|url=http://qualityinnramachandra.com|email=qualityinnramachandra@gmail.com|address=31-41/10/1, Duvvada|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=+91 891 2762855|tollfree=|fax=|checkin=|checkout=|price=|lastedit=2020-03-20|content=3-Star Hotel}} ==Go next== * [[Araku Valley]] ({{km|110}}) — Many tourists visit Araku Valley along with Visakhapatnam. It is a scenic valley that can be reached by train or bus. It is definitely not a day trip, but the APTDC facilities can serve as a decent lodging. November to February are the best months to visit. * [[Hyderabad]] * [[Chennai]] * [[Kolkata]] * [[Vijayawada]] * [[Guntur]] {{geo|17.688378|83.218758}} {{IsPartOf|Northern Coast (Andhra Pradesh)}} {{usablecity}} j67uvuzs9kluwd75p253pyq1xkl14xq 5087073 5087071 2025-07-03T10:36:09Z Sbb1413 2217354 /* Beaches */ 5087073 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|VisakhapatnamH.jpg}} [[Image:Visakhapatnam 2010.jpg|thumb|Crescent Beach, Visakhapatnam]] [[File:Rock-cut Lord --Buddha-- Statue at Bojjanakonda near Anakapalle of Visakhapatnam dist in AP.jpg|thumb|Rock-cut Buddha Statue at Bojjannakonda near Anakapalle]] '''Visakhapatnam''' ([[Telugu]]: విశాఖపట్నం ''Viśākhapaṭnam''), popularly known as '''Vizag''', is the largest city in [[Andhra Pradesh]]. It is primarily an industrial city, but also attracts tourists due to its unspoilt sandy beaches, well built and maintained parks, Buddhist Remnant sites and nearby scenic areas, such as [[Araku Valley]]. The city has a population of about 2 million. ==Understand== [[File:VUDA park water pond, Visakhapatnam.JPG|thumb|VMRDA Park]] Vizag is sometimes called ''The Goa of the East''. Just like its [[Goa|west coast counterpart]], it has beautiful virgin beaches, laterite hillocks, smooth roads and stunning landscape. Health-tourism is a fast developing industry. Visakhapatnam is variously called ''Jewel on the Coromandel Coast'', ''Steel City'', and the ''City of Destiny''. There is a considerable concentration of Marwaris, Odias, Bengalis, Punjabis, Tamils and Malayalis. In addition, there is a large population of migrant workers from other parts of India who have been drawn to the area by the abundance of work at locally based companies, such as Vizag Steel Plant and Hindustan Shipyard. ==Get in== ===By plane=== * {{go | name=Visakhapatnam Airport | alt={{IATA|VTZ}} | url=https://www.aai.aero/en/airports/visakhapatnam | email= | address=Viman Nagar | lat=17.721111 | long=83.224444 | directions=opposite NH 16 | phone=+91 891 2851169 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2247541 | lastedit=2023-10-30 | content=Visakhapatnam is connected by air to [[Hyderabad]], [[Bangalore]], [[Chennai]], [[Tirupati]], [[Delhi]], [[Mumbai]], [[Bhubaneswar]], [[Kochi]], [[Dubai]], [[Kuala Lumpur]] and [[Singapore]] through its customs airport, an airport with restricted access, by Air India, SpiceJet and IndiGo. AirAsia and Batik Air from Malaysia operate scheduled flights from Kuala Lumpur. }} ===By train=== [[File:Visakhapatnam railway station.jpg|thumb|Visakhapatnam Junction railway station]] {{marker|type=go|name={{station|Visakhapatnam Junction|city=india|ecor}}|wikidata=Q7935582}} is on the [[Kolkata]]–[[Chennai]] line and is connected to several cities of the country by rail. All trains including fast expresses stop at the station. Visakhapatnam comes under the East Coast Railway (ECoR) zone and is one of the principal divisional headquarters (under the British name Waltair). It has eight platforms, the first in ECoR to have this many, and all of them can accommodate trains with up to 28 coaches. You may want to verify the timings with [http://www.indianrail.gov.in Indian Railways], since they change from time to time. Train berths can be reserved [http://www.irctc.co.in online]. However, this being a major destination, availability of seats is at times difficult even with a one month's advance planning. ===By car=== [[File:Visakhapatnam, Beach Road from Kailashagiri.jpg|thumb|Visakhapatnam Beach Road from Kailasagiri]] Visakhapatnam is connected to [[Chennai]] and [[Kolkata]] via [[Bhubaneswar]] and [[Vijayawada]] by National Highway 16 (dual-carriageway, 120 km/h). ===By bus=== The Andhra Pradesh State Road Travel Corporation (APSRTC) runs buses from almost every city and town to Visakhapatnam, along with some private operators, who run buses from a few of the major cities. Please check with APSRTC for timings. There is also a Garuda fleet of bus service (Volvo) to Vizag from Chennai, Bangalore, Vijayawada and Hyderabad which is very comfortable and happy going. This is the best way to do it if you want to travel by bus. APSRTC has several other bus services which have varied luxury levels and transit speeds. You might want to check the APSRTC at least 3 days in advance to be sure you have a reservation. ==Get around== {{mapframe|17.7245|83.315|width=480|height=450|zoom=13}} {{Mapshape|wikidata=Q15394,Q110714857}} Visakhapatnam has no commuter rail service. However, apart from the bus service, taxis or autorickshaws can also be hired. ===By bus=== APSRTC operates a lit of buses from 6 principal bus complexes in the city. They are: * Simhachalam * Gajuwaka * Maddilapalem * Visakha Steel City * Waltair * Madhurawada Dwarka Bus Station or RTC Complex depot is the largest bus station and complex in the city. There are mainly two types of buses operated for suburban travel in Visakhapatnam. * '''City Ordinary:''' can be identified by its orange or red colour. It is operated on almost all suburban routes. Some of the main routes include RTC Complex–Gajuwaka (via NAD), Maddilapalem–Railway Station, RTC Complex–Gajuwaka (via Scindia), Railway Station–Madhurawada, etc. These buses stop at almost every bus stop. The frequency is more than that of Metro Express buses. These buses sometimes become overcrowded during peak hours on weekdays. Some popular route numbers include 222, 400, 99, 25, 900, 60C, 300, 6A, 28, 38 and 12D. * '''Metro Express:''' can be identified by their blue and white colour. These buses run in most important routes such as 400, 211, 500, 99, 28, 38 etc. These buses don't stop at all bus stops and the fare for these buses is also a bit higher than that for city ordinary buses. Many of these buses are JNNURM funded and sport digital display boards which display route number and route details in both English and Telugu. Also most of these have cushioned seats which are comfortable and many of them also have air-suspension which makes the journey more comfortable. These buses don't get as crowded as City Ordinary buses. The junction and Maddilapalem joins the Asilametta-Ramatalkies road to the National Highway 5. Buses from Madilapalem ply to the extreme ends of the city, including Anakapalle and Thagarapuvalasa. ====Fares==== [[File:Visakha Museum - Maritime Wing.jpeg|thumb|Visakha Museum the Maritime Wing]] The bus fare to get to Madilapalem from the railway station is only ₹8. Buses operate within a 5 minute frequency in routes with high demand. The minimum frequency in which buses operate is 40 minutes, i.e., every route is covered by an APSRTC bus once in every 40 minutes. Apart from buying tickets on the bus, you may also avail an ''RTC-Pass'', which is a special type of pass that can be renewed once in a month. With the pass, you can board any APSRTC bus and travel anywhere within the city limits. An ordinary RTC-Pass costs just {{INR|750}}. The RTC complex is to the southeast of Asilametta. RTC complex is generally referred to as ''complex'' and is connected to every other region in the city. ==See== [[File:Ropeway car at Kailasagiri.jpg|thumb|Ropeway car at Kailasagiri]] [[Image:Kambalakonda.jpg|thumb|Kambalakonda]] [[File:Lord narasimha rock statue backyard simhachalam temple.jpg|thumb|Lord Narasimha rock-cut statue at Simhachalam temple]] * {{see | name=Kailasagiri | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.748992 | long=83.342236 | directions={{km|6}} away from the city centre | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q17061607 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=The ride to this hill offers a spectacular view of the sea. There is a park atop the hill, with a beautiful view of the city, the sea and Eastern Ghats merging into the sea. Sagarnagar Beach and Rushikonda Beach are on the right and left-hand sides. There is a huge sculpture of Shiva and Parvati. One can take a ropeway directly facing the sea and the city. On the hilltop, there is a beautiful toy train offering a tour of nature. Several viewpoints give a pleasant look at nature, especially in the evening, when the city is lit up. This is less commercial than other hill stations and there is less hassle from tourist guides. After descending from Kailasagiri, one should visit Tenneti Beach Park. Its beauty and luxuriant carpet grass intertwined with concrete pathways make it ideal for romantic couples. There are several points from which the beautiful rocky beach down beneath can be seen. This provides spectacular views of sunrise, sunset and the pristine waters. Many movies were shot here. Hillocks in the park, which are about {{ft|50}} in elevation give a beautiful view of the sea, beach road and the beach park. The hilltop includes a children's play area, a doll museum and a couple of eating areas. It has several viewpoints offering wonderful views of the city on one side and winding beaches adjoining green hills on the other side. It is a likeable beach city, especially after visiting Kailasagiri. }} * {{see | name=Shilparamam Jathara | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.805201 | long=83.353244 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q39060704 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=A crafts village showcasing and preserving the old, including woodwork, jewellery, clothes and local crafts of rural India. There are 36 stalls where you can buy assorted handicrafts and artwork. There is also an entire village where you can find realistic-looking sculptures of villagers carrying out their traditional crafts. }} * {{see | name=Telugu Samskruthika Niketanam | alt= | url=http://www.worldtelugu.co/samskritikaniketanam.html | email= | address= | lat=17.751688 | long=83.335479 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q39049320 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content= }} ===Beach Road=== [[File:INS Kursura at RK Beach Vizag.JPG|thumb|INS Kursura at RK Beach]] * {{see | name=INS Kursura Museum | alt= | url=http://vmrda.gov.in/kursura.aspx | email= | address=RK Beach Rd, Kirlampudi Layout, Chinna Waltair, Pandurangapuram | lat=17.717293 | long=83.330116 | directions= | phone=+91 89125 63429 | tollfree= | hours= | price=₹40 for adults, ₹20 for children | image=Submarine - Front View (4759833761).jpg | wikidata=Q11706566 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=A museum in a decommissioned submarine of the Indian Navy. This is the first of its kind in South Asia. This submarine is one of the earliest submarines procured from Russia. The experience of working in the submarine is explained. The museum is manned by retired naval people. There is a fee to take a camera or video camera inside. }} * {{see | name=Matsyadarshini Aquarium | alt= | url= | email= | address=Beach Rd | lat=17.712809 | long=83.319843 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=It has marine and freshwater fish. The exit gate of the aquarium resembles the open mouth of a huge white tipped shark. 'Kala Shrusti', a handicrafts shop, is atop the aquarium. }} * {{see | name=Sea Harrier Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.71722 | long=83.328352 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Sea Harrier Museum Vizag.jpg | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{see | name=TU-142 Aircraft Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.718002 | long=83.329812 | directions=opposite INS Kursura Museum | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Adults: ₹70; children (4-10): ₹40 | wikidata=Q60743815 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=This museum houses a decommissioned Tupolev Tu-142 anti-submarine aircraft of Russian origin, which has been restored for the public. It is possible to see the inside of the aircraft, and real engines are displayed. }} * {{see | name=UH3H Helicopter Museum | alt=Sea King Museum | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.717452 | long=83.329089 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{see | name=Victory at Sea Memorial | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.7187 | long=83.3322 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q38479267 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=This is a remembrance of the Victory at Sea in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war. It is on the Beach Road, opposite the Submarine Museum. There is a fighter plane, a tank and few replicas of missiles kept as exhibits. There is no entry fee and it can be viewed from the road. }} * {{see | name=Visakha Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.720707 | long=83.333831 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q17027516 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=It houses the historical treasures and artefacts of Northern Andhra. Collections available for viewing in the museum include ancient armoury, crockery, coins, silk costumes, jewellery, stuffed animals, portraits, manuscripts, letters, diaries, scrapbooks, periodicals and maps. }} ===Religious attractions=== <!-- Darga Pahad has the tomb of the Muslim saint, Sayed Ali Medina alias Ishak Medina, visited by Hindu and Muslim devotees alike. Attached to this is a mosque. Sri Venkateswara Konda, the third hillock, has a temple dedicated to the Lord. It is believed to have been built by an Englishman, Captain Blackmoor, in the 19th century. There is a view of the port channel, once ships' entrance to the inner harbour. --> * {{see | name=Ross Hill Church | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.690433 | long=83.287086 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q125739002 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=A house built by Monsieur Ross in 1864, later converted into a Mother Mary's Church. The pathway to the shrine is strewn with Catholic icons. }} * {{see | name=Simhachalam Temple | alt= | url=http://simhachalamdevasthanam.net/ | email= | address= | lat=17.766389 | long=83.250556 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2620389 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=This is an architectural splendour, although some of the sculptures were defaced during the Islamic invasions. The temple inscriptions date the earliest donors to the 10th-11th centuries. The exact date of construction is unknown. It is 15 km from the city and is dedicated to the Narasimha avatar of Lord Vishnu, which is his half-man, half-lion avatar. The temple bears reference to the Chola and Chalukya styles of architecture. It also has a local railway station. }} * {{see | name=Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple | alt= | url= | email= | address=Ross Hill | lat=17.689196 | long=83.288894 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q125738422 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} ====Buddhist sites==== [[File:Bavikonda stupas.JPG|thumb|Bavikonda Stupas]] [[File:Maha Stupa at Thotlakonda Monastic Complex.jpg|thumb|Maha Stupa at Thotlakonda Monastic Complex]] Bojjannakonda, Thotlakonda and Bavikonda in and around Visakhapatnam were centres of Buddhism during the second century CE. Several Buddhist monuments such as stupas and chaityas were erected at these places. It is said that some of the corporal relics of the Buddha were preserved at these places. Hence all these places became sacred places. * {{see | name=Bojjannakonda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.71 | long=83.0161 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4938681 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=It offers architectural remnants of the Buddhist period, one of the earliest of its class in Southern India. It constitutes one of the most remarkable groups of Buddhist monuments dated from 200 BCE to 700 CE, found during excavations in 1906. On the eastern hill, there are a series of rock-cut caves, numerous groups of monolithic dagobas, standing on rock platform in tiers above each other and, crowning all, a rock-cut stupa with extensive structural remains. On the western side of the eastern hill is a stairway, partly rock-cut and partly structural, which leads up to a large double-storied cave. The cave is entered by a doorway and is flanked on each side by huge dwarapalas. The cave chamber is rectangular in shape and is divided into 20 compartments by four cross rocks of 16 massive pillars. In the centre is the rock-cut stupa standing on a square platform. }} * {{see | name=Bavikonda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.817222 | long=83.390833 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q154651 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content= }} * {{see | name=Pavurallakonda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.888611 | long=83.437222 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q190985 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{see | name=Thotlakonda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.8264 | long=83.4094 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7796914 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=A collection of Buddhist monuments at the hilltop. It consists of a Maha Stupa, along with other votive stupas. It has a beautiful beach nearby. }} ==Do== ===Beaches=== {{cautionbox|Swimming in these beaches can be dangerous. People have died due to treacherous rip currents and rocky outcrops.|lastedit=permanent}} [[File:Beach view at Tenneti Park in Visakhapatnam.JPG|thumb|Beach view at Tenneti Park]] [[File:Boats at Bhimili beach Visakhapatnam District.JPG|thumb|Boats at Bhimili Beach]] [[File:Rushikonda beach view 001.jpg|thumb|Rushikonda beach view]] More than anything else, Vizag is known for its beaches. It boasts a number of beaches that are scenic and uncrowded. A few virgin beaches span along the eastern side of the city and stretch for miles. A spectacular beach only the locals are aware of is called the "Yarada" beach. Except for the occasional RTC bus, there is no public transport available. Still, the adventurous mind finds it rewarding if they can make an effort to get there. It's a private beach coming under ''Agrigold plantations'', therefore you need to pay a fee of ₹30/- to get onto the beach, but it's worth it. The beaches are lovely, but there are water sporting activities which started out initially like marine rafting and scuba diving, there are few beach cafes and restaurants. A water sports centre was started in Rushikonda. Vizagites are traditionally quite conservative, and though the beaches and the hills are beautiful, there is much here to interest the average tourist. Must want is the sunrise or a moonrise on a full moon day at Tennati Park (near foot of Rope way) on the Vizag-Bhimili Beach Road it's truly a feast for nature lovers. The sea looks orange and is a wonderful sight. * {{do | name=Bheemili Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.890382 | long=83.455465 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q18110547 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=About 25&nbsp;km from the city centre and is what used to be a small village also called "Bheemunipatnam". Apart from the beach, the village has the remains of a Portuguese church, Dutch cemeteries and a Buddhist Monastery (Pavurallakonda). }}. * {{do | name=Crescent Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content= }} * {{do | name=Ramakrishna Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.71416 | long=83.32366 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2021-10-05| content=R.K.Beach is the most popular beach in the sense that you can find the locals hanging out during the hot summers, and relatively less hot winters. On weekends and holidays, one can see that the entire beach comes alive, but not in a Western sense where people take a plunge in the water or surf. You can see people dressed in their best clothes, just sitting on the benches, or walking along. Take an evening stroll at RK Beach; it offers good pedestrian tracks, beautiful parks, museums, beaches and some wonderful open-air restaurants. }} * {{do | name=Rushikonda Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.78257 | long=83.38367 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q24946142 | content=11&nbsp;km away from the city, this has become a popular tourist spot that even the locals frequent. A lot safer to wade into than the R.K. Beach, cradled among hills, this used to be an excellent beach away from the madding crowds. AP Tourism Development Corporation has a beach resort (Punnami) on the hillside overlooking the beach. }} * {{do | name=Sagarnagar Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content= }} * {{do | name=Thotlakonda Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content= }} * {{do | name=Yarada Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.65413 | long=83.26710 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2021-10-05| content=It is perceived as a private beach but actually it is not. Tourists can visit the beach directly or through the village. Yarada is the village behind the dolphin's nose. To go to this beach, a bus facility is available from Scindia junction. Also you can hire a cab to go there. The view of the beach and Vizag city from the top of the Dolphin's nose is memorable. The drive from Scindia to the top of the dolphin nose, dolphin nose to Yarada is really enjoyable. }} ===Parks and stadiums=== * {{do | name=Indira Gandhi Zoological Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.7691 | long=83.35 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6025038 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=The zoo is home to native mammals like [[elephants]], one-horned rhinos, [[tigers]], lions, leopards, striped hyenas, dholes, sloth bears, gaurs, sambar deer and rhesus macaques, as well as exotic mammals like hippos, giraffes, zebras and chimpanzees. It also has birds including ostriches, rosy pelicans, grey herons, Indian peafowl and black swans. Furthermore, there are reptiles like crocodiles and gavials. }} * {{do | name=Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary | alt= | url=http://forest.ap.nic.in/WL%20KAMBALAKONDA.htm | email= | address= | lat=17.825278 | long=83.308611 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q12060948 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=A gorgeous nature preserve that many people in Vizag itself seem to be unaware of. Kambalakonda is uncrowded and peaceful and within 20-25 minutes drive from the city centre. A nominal entrance fee of ₹10 is charged per adult. The greenery, the hiking trail and the fantastic view of the ocean from the rather flimsy viewing tower give a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city. }} * {{do | name=Lumbini Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.741196 | long=83.344157 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=Not to be confused with the one in [[Hyderabad/Central|Central Hyderabad]]. }} * {{do | name=Meghadri Gedda Reservoir | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.771376 | long=83.183766 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q48729346 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{do | name=Tenneti Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.747944 | long=83.349915 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Free | wikidata=Q28154517 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=A coastal park in the city, known for its scenery and recreational amenities. Overlooking the Bay of Bengal, the park has views of the sea with the surrounding coastline and the cityscape. Named after Tenneti Viswanadham, a freedom fighter and social reformer, the park features greenery, gardens and walking paths. Additionally, Tenneti Park is a destination for outdoor activities such as picnics, family outings, and photography, attracting both locals and tourists alike. }} * {{do | name=ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.797358 | long=83.351944 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q23975544 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{do | name=VMRDA City Central Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.721753 | long=83.305728 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q38250834 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content= }} * {{do | name=VMRDA Park | alt=VUDA Park | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.72408 | long=83.339281 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q24945964 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content= }} ==Buy== Vizag offers a reasonably large selection of stores selling clothing, jewellery, books, Araku Coffee etc. * {{buy | name=Jagadamba Centre | alt=Jagadamba Junction | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.7425 | long=83.3169 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q18126154 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=Most of the famous shopping centres and malls can be found here. Named after the Jagadamba movie theatre, one of the best movie auditoriums of the country when it was constructed and even today.. }} === Clothing === There are several locations from which clothing can be purchased. However they tend to be concentrated in few locations. One such is Jagadamba Centre. Few of the many clothing stores are: * Chandana Brothers * Bommana Brothers * Kankatala silk palace === Jewellery === Similar to clothing stores, there are several shops from where jewellery can be purchased. The centres are distributed, but the prominent ones are between RTC Complex and Railway station, Jagadamba Centre and near old Town Kotharoad. Some of the prominent stores are: * Vaibhav Jewellers * Mahaveer Jewellers * Tanishq Jewellers * Khazana Jewellers * {{buy | name=Joyalukkas Jewellery | alt= | url= | email= | address=Sampath Vinayaka Temple Rd, Near Sampath Vinayaka Temple, CBM Compound, Asilmetta | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 89125 61916 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-01-13 | content= }} * Sanghvi * Kalyan * Kirtilals === Memoribilia === While definitely not considered a shopper's paradise, Vizag offers some unique handicrafts and can found in by the Andhra Pradesh State-owned handicraft store, Lepakshi, at Jagadamba center. It has an impressive collection of sandalwood sculptures, stone art, etc. === Books === The stretch of road called Dabagardens has many bookstores. Police Barracks has numerous small stores that buy and sell second-hand books, including technical textbooks. * Jyoti Book Depot === Pubs === * Waves * Ironhill === Shopping malls === * Shoppers stop * Spencers * Big Bazaar * CMR Shopping Mall * South India Shopping Mall * Shoppers Stop *{{buy | name=CMR Central | url= | email= | address=Maddilapalem | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=You can find Subway, KFC, and Pizza Hut here. Also a lot of shopping is possible, if you have money here, at Reliance Trends and Reliance Digital. Also one could see a movie if one has time at INOX. }} *{{buy | name=Visakhapatnam Central |alt=| url= | email= | address= | directions=beside CP office | lat= | long= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2017-11-21| content=Most happening place is Visakhapatnam Central, where you will get all branded apparels, fashion jewelries, life style merchandise like watches, shades and color cosmetics. It is typical of malls which you can find anywhere in metro cities. Very expensive too. }} ==Eat== [[File:Authentic North East Andhra Cuisine.JPG|thumbnail|Vizag lunch consists of steamed rice with country chicken stew, dry fish curry, topa, seruva, teepe semiya and crab stew.]] If spicy fare from Southern India appeals to your gastronomic senses, then Vizag has some excellent restaurants. Many of the eating joints meant or frequented by tourists are in the Siripuram area. A walk around there can give you access to a variety of cuisines. *{{eat | name=Blue Sea Fine Dining| | alt= | url= | email= | address=Pakkis Complex, Opposite ICICI Bank Road, Dwarakanagar 2nd Lane, Dwaraka Nagar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891 646 5399 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Daspalla Executive Court | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891 2717300 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2717444 | hours= | price= | content= }}{{listing | type=eat | name=Eleven | alt= | url=http://www.facebook.com/elevenfinedining | email= | address=10-1-4 & 5, 4th floor, Siripuram | lat= | long= | directions=Infront of Ice Age | phone=+91 8916461111 | tollfree= | hours=Noon to 11PM | price= | content=This is one of the best new restaurants opened for Fine Dining. Food is value for money and tasty. They probably serve the best food in Vizag. }} *{{eat | name=Flying Spaghetti Monster | alt=FSM | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Opp waltair club | phone=+91 891-2766652 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-11PM | price=Cheap | content=The 'Flying Spaghetti Monster' a.k.a. FSM is Vizag's first authentic Italian restaurant. Great place with amazing Italian fare. Be sure not to miss out the Chocolate bomb. }} * '''Horizon''' (live music during dinner) at Dolphin Hotel, +91 891 2567000. *{{eat | name=Hotel Daspalla | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891 2564825 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2562043 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Hotel Green Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +91 891 6615151 | tollfree= | fax=+091 891 2563763 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Hotel Jabilly Beach Inn | alt= | url=http://www.jaabilybeachinn.com | email= | address=on R K Beach | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891 270 6026 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=noon | price=₹650 to 1200 | content=All rooms face the sea, pure Bengali food is available. }} * '''Subway - Subs & Salads''' in Siripuram's Dutt Island, +91 891 278491. * Ambica sea green - on Beach Road, Kirlampudi Layout, ph. 08912821818 * {{eat | name=Nihuusravee Home Foods | alt=| url=https://nihuusravee.com | email=nihuusravee@gmail.com | address=Kailash Nagar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 945 945 9739 | tollfree= | hours=9am to 7pm | price=₹300 | lastedit=2024-03-29 | content=Traditional home food. }} ==Drink== Some interesting bars in the city are in the Five Star hotels mentioned above and typically are expensive even by Western standards. The '''Park Hotel''' has a decent bar - try the Screwdriver. Daspalla has another bar and restaurant called '''Dimple''' that serves various drinks and can be noisy at time. Two new really cool breweries have opened up in the city . *'''Punnami''', near Rishikonda has pub very close to the beach and serves alcohol. *{{drink | name=Vihar | url= | email= | address=Near Rishikonda, Opp. GITAM University | lat= | long= | directions= 8 km from the city | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Best hangout place with friends, only concern is it was too far from the city. Even though, worth visiting "Offshores" at Vihar. There's an Awesome beach view from the middle of the hill. }} *Ironhill brewery- above pmj jwellers, siripuram. ==Sleep== Vizag has both high end hotels and affordable lodges. The Daspalla, The Grand Central Hotel and Green Park are well-known. ===Budget=== ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=99 Residency | alt=Value for Money Hotel | url= | email= | address=# 10-50-39/2, Waltair Main Road, Ramnagar | lat= | long= | directions=Next to Waltair Club | phone=+91-891-2474448 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891-2505545 | checkin=Noon | checkout=Noon | price=starting from ₹1,500 per night | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Athidhi The Guest House | phone=+91 9000415656, +91 9949662424 }} * {{sleep | name=Beach View Guest House | alt= | url= | email=beachview.vizag@gmail.com | address=RK Beach main road, besides Novotel Hotel (Varun Beach) | lat=17.71017 | long=83.31603 | directions=towards collecter office route from novotel | phone=+91 9985034321 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2015-09-03 | content=All rooms face the beach. Wi-Fi available. }} * {{sleep | name=Dolphin | phone=+91 891 2567000 | fax=+91 891 2567555 }} * {{sleep | name=Dwaraka Inn | directions=At Dwaraka Nagar }} * {{sleep | name=Fortune Inn Sree Kanya | alt= | url=http://www.fortunehotels.in/hotel/Visakhapatnam-Fortune_Inn_Sree_Kanya.aspx | email= | address=Dwaraknagar, Diamond Park | lat= | long= | directions=Sree Kanya Road | phone=+91-891-3988444 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=The Grand Central Hotel | directions=at Jagadamba Junction }} * {{sleep | name=Green Park | phone=+91 891 2564444 |fax=+91 891 2563763 }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Hotel Akshaya | alt= | url=https://akshayahotel.business.site/ | email= | address=Station Rd | lat= | long= | directions=Opp to D.R.M.Office. | phone=+91 2598111, +91 2598144, +91 9177892359 (mobile) | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Athidiinn | alt= | url=https://athidihotels.chobs.in/ | email=athidi.inn@gmail.com | address=D.No.9-1-47, New Resapuvanapalem | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891-2727567, +91 9396548333 (mobile) | tollfree= | fax=+91 891-2727678 | checkin=24 hr | checkout= | price=₹1,500-2,200 per 24 hours | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Daspalla | alt= | url=https://www.daspallahotels.com/visakhapatnam/ | email= | address=28-2-48, Suryabagh, Jagadamba Junction | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 89125 64825 | tollfree= | checkin=24 hour check-in | checkout= | price=From ₹4,000 per night | content=Complementary breakfast, free WiFi, four restaurants and wheelchair accessible. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Saraswathi Orchid | alt= | url= | email=hotelsaraswathiorchid@yahoo.com | address=#30-15-193,Opp: Dolphin Hotel Garden Gate, Main Road, Dabagardens | lat= | long= | directions=Opp: Dolphin Hotel | phone=+91-891-2712881 | tollfree= | fax=+91-891-6635657 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Supreme | address=At R.K.Beach }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Talasila Continental | phone=+91-891-2598598 | address=Station Road, Dondaparthi }} * {{sleep | name=Meghalaya | phone=+91 891 2755141 | fax=+91 891 2755824 }} * {{sleep | name=Royal Fort }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Four Points by Sheraton Visakhapatnam | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/vtzfp-four-points-visakhapatnam/ | email= | address=10-28-3, Waltair Main Road | lat=17.7206 | long=83.31252 | directions= | phone=+91 891 305 1111 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 3051000 | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹7,700-₹8,700 | wikidata=Q111402182 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach | alt= | url=https://all.accor.com/hotel/7535/index.en.shtml | email= | address=Beach Road | lat=17.710655 | long=83.315859 | directions= | phone=+91 891 282 2222 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2822244 | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=₹9,670 | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=The Gateway Hotel | alt= | url=https://gateway.tajhotels.com/en-in/beach-road-visakhapatnam/?_ga=1.134407865.974920459.1476353462 | email=gateway.visakhapatnam@tajhotels.com | address=Beach Road | lat=17.711559 | long=83.316771 | directions= | phone=+91 891 662 3670 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2564370 | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | price= | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=The Palm Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.720933 | long=83.335872 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=The Park Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.theparkhotels.com | email=resv.viz@theparkhotels.com | address=Beach Rd | lat=17.721364 | long=83.336836 | directions= | phone=+91 891 304 5678 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2754181 | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2016-10-13 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Radisson Blu Resort Visakhapatnam | alt= | url=https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-blu-resort-visakhapatnam | email= | address= | lat=17.77147 | long=83.37299 | directions= | phone=+91 891 667 7666 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=₹12,980 | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Welcomhotel Devee Grand Bay | alt= | url=https://www.itchotels.com/in/en/welcomhoteldeveegrandbay-visakhapatnam | email=reservations@itchotels.in | address=Beach Rd | lat=17.711851 | long=83.315468 | directions= | phone=+91 891 660 0101 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2550691 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2016-10-13 | content= }} * Fairfield by Marriott - KSR prime R&B junction Visakhapatnam *{{Sleep|name=Best Western Ramachandra|alt=|url=http://bwramachandra.co.in|email=info@bwramachandra.co.in|address=8-8-36, Gajuwaka|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=+ 91 891 2579777|tollfree=|fax=|checkin=|checkout=|price=|lastedit=2020-03-20|content=}} *{{Sleep|name=QualityInn Ramachandra Hotel|alt=|url=http://qualityinnramachandra.com|email=qualityinnramachandra@gmail.com|address=31-41/10/1, Duvvada|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=+91 891 2762855|tollfree=|fax=|checkin=|checkout=|price=|lastedit=2020-03-20|content=3-Star Hotel}} ==Go next== * [[Araku Valley]] ({{km|110}}) — Many tourists visit Araku Valley along with Visakhapatnam. It is a scenic valley that can be reached by train or bus. It is definitely not a day trip, but the APTDC facilities can serve as a decent lodging. November to February are the best months to visit. * [[Hyderabad]] * [[Chennai]] * [[Kolkata]] * [[Vijayawada]] * [[Guntur]] {{geo|17.688378|83.218758}} {{IsPartOf|Northern Coast (Andhra Pradesh)}} {{usablecity}} 80po05yh50dcxjxqcdub768gnwr55hv 5087075 5087073 2025-07-03T10:38:31Z Sbb1413 2217354 /* Beaches */ Updated listing for Thotlakonda Beach 5087075 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|VisakhapatnamH.jpg}} [[Image:Visakhapatnam 2010.jpg|thumb|Crescent Beach, Visakhapatnam]] [[File:Rock-cut Lord --Buddha-- Statue at Bojjanakonda near Anakapalle of Visakhapatnam dist in AP.jpg|thumb|Rock-cut Buddha Statue at Bojjannakonda near Anakapalle]] '''Visakhapatnam''' ([[Telugu]]: విశాఖపట్నం ''Viśākhapaṭnam''), popularly known as '''Vizag''', is the largest city in [[Andhra Pradesh]]. It is primarily an industrial city, but also attracts tourists due to its unspoilt sandy beaches, well built and maintained parks, Buddhist Remnant sites and nearby scenic areas, such as [[Araku Valley]]. The city has a population of about 2 million. ==Understand== [[File:VUDA park water pond, Visakhapatnam.JPG|thumb|VMRDA Park]] Vizag is sometimes called ''The Goa of the East''. Just like its [[Goa|west coast counterpart]], it has beautiful virgin beaches, laterite hillocks, smooth roads and stunning landscape. Health-tourism is a fast developing industry. Visakhapatnam is variously called ''Jewel on the Coromandel Coast'', ''Steel City'', and the ''City of Destiny''. There is a considerable concentration of Marwaris, Odias, Bengalis, Punjabis, Tamils and Malayalis. In addition, there is a large population of migrant workers from other parts of India who have been drawn to the area by the abundance of work at locally based companies, such as Vizag Steel Plant and Hindustan Shipyard. ==Get in== ===By plane=== * {{go | name=Visakhapatnam Airport | alt={{IATA|VTZ}} | url=https://www.aai.aero/en/airports/visakhapatnam | email= | address=Viman Nagar | lat=17.721111 | long=83.224444 | directions=opposite NH 16 | phone=+91 891 2851169 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2247541 | lastedit=2023-10-30 | content=Visakhapatnam is connected by air to [[Hyderabad]], [[Bangalore]], [[Chennai]], [[Tirupati]], [[Delhi]], [[Mumbai]], [[Bhubaneswar]], [[Kochi]], [[Dubai]], [[Kuala Lumpur]] and [[Singapore]] through its customs airport, an airport with restricted access, by Air India, SpiceJet and IndiGo. AirAsia and Batik Air from Malaysia operate scheduled flights from Kuala Lumpur. }} ===By train=== [[File:Visakhapatnam railway station.jpg|thumb|Visakhapatnam Junction railway station]] {{marker|type=go|name={{station|Visakhapatnam Junction|city=india|ecor}}|wikidata=Q7935582}} is on the [[Kolkata]]–[[Chennai]] line and is connected to several cities of the country by rail. All trains including fast expresses stop at the station. Visakhapatnam comes under the East Coast Railway (ECoR) zone and is one of the principal divisional headquarters (under the British name Waltair). It has eight platforms, the first in ECoR to have this many, and all of them can accommodate trains with up to 28 coaches. You may want to verify the timings with [http://www.indianrail.gov.in Indian Railways], since they change from time to time. Train berths can be reserved [http://www.irctc.co.in online]. However, this being a major destination, availability of seats is at times difficult even with a one month's advance planning. ===By car=== [[File:Visakhapatnam, Beach Road from Kailashagiri.jpg|thumb|Visakhapatnam Beach Road from Kailasagiri]] Visakhapatnam is connected to [[Chennai]] and [[Kolkata]] via [[Bhubaneswar]] and [[Vijayawada]] by National Highway 16 (dual-carriageway, 120 km/h). ===By bus=== The Andhra Pradesh State Road Travel Corporation (APSRTC) runs buses from almost every city and town to Visakhapatnam, along with some private operators, who run buses from a few of the major cities. Please check with APSRTC for timings. There is also a Garuda fleet of bus service (Volvo) to Vizag from Chennai, Bangalore, Vijayawada and Hyderabad which is very comfortable and happy going. This is the best way to do it if you want to travel by bus. APSRTC has several other bus services which have varied luxury levels and transit speeds. You might want to check the APSRTC at least 3 days in advance to be sure you have a reservation. ==Get around== {{mapframe|17.7245|83.315|width=480|height=450|zoom=13}} {{Mapshape|wikidata=Q15394,Q110714857}} Visakhapatnam has no commuter rail service. However, apart from the bus service, taxis or autorickshaws can also be hired. ===By bus=== APSRTC operates a lit of buses from 6 principal bus complexes in the city. They are: * Simhachalam * Gajuwaka * Maddilapalem * Visakha Steel City * Waltair * Madhurawada Dwarka Bus Station or RTC Complex depot is the largest bus station and complex in the city. There are mainly two types of buses operated for suburban travel in Visakhapatnam. * '''City Ordinary:''' can be identified by its orange or red colour. It is operated on almost all suburban routes. Some of the main routes include RTC Complex–Gajuwaka (via NAD), Maddilapalem–Railway Station, RTC Complex–Gajuwaka (via Scindia), Railway Station–Madhurawada, etc. These buses stop at almost every bus stop. The frequency is more than that of Metro Express buses. These buses sometimes become overcrowded during peak hours on weekdays. Some popular route numbers include 222, 400, 99, 25, 900, 60C, 300, 6A, 28, 38 and 12D. * '''Metro Express:''' can be identified by their blue and white colour. These buses run in most important routes such as 400, 211, 500, 99, 28, 38 etc. These buses don't stop at all bus stops and the fare for these buses is also a bit higher than that for city ordinary buses. Many of these buses are JNNURM funded and sport digital display boards which display route number and route details in both English and Telugu. Also most of these have cushioned seats which are comfortable and many of them also have air-suspension which makes the journey more comfortable. These buses don't get as crowded as City Ordinary buses. The junction and Maddilapalem joins the Asilametta-Ramatalkies road to the National Highway 5. Buses from Madilapalem ply to the extreme ends of the city, including Anakapalle and Thagarapuvalasa. ====Fares==== [[File:Visakha Museum - Maritime Wing.jpeg|thumb|Visakha Museum the Maritime Wing]] The bus fare to get to Madilapalem from the railway station is only ₹8. Buses operate within a 5 minute frequency in routes with high demand. The minimum frequency in which buses operate is 40 minutes, i.e., every route is covered by an APSRTC bus once in every 40 minutes. Apart from buying tickets on the bus, you may also avail an ''RTC-Pass'', which is a special type of pass that can be renewed once in a month. With the pass, you can board any APSRTC bus and travel anywhere within the city limits. An ordinary RTC-Pass costs just {{INR|750}}. The RTC complex is to the southeast of Asilametta. RTC complex is generally referred to as ''complex'' and is connected to every other region in the city. ==See== [[File:Ropeway car at Kailasagiri.jpg|thumb|Ropeway car at Kailasagiri]] [[Image:Kambalakonda.jpg|thumb|Kambalakonda]] [[File:Lord narasimha rock statue backyard simhachalam temple.jpg|thumb|Lord Narasimha rock-cut statue at Simhachalam temple]] * {{see | name=Kailasagiri | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.748992 | long=83.342236 | directions={{km|6}} away from the city centre | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q17061607 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=The ride to this hill offers a spectacular view of the sea. There is a park atop the hill, with a beautiful view of the city, the sea and Eastern Ghats merging into the sea. Sagarnagar Beach and Rushikonda Beach are on the right and left-hand sides. There is a huge sculpture of Shiva and Parvati. One can take a ropeway directly facing the sea and the city. On the hilltop, there is a beautiful toy train offering a tour of nature. Several viewpoints give a pleasant look at nature, especially in the evening, when the city is lit up. This is less commercial than other hill stations and there is less hassle from tourist guides. After descending from Kailasagiri, one should visit Tenneti Beach Park. Its beauty and luxuriant carpet grass intertwined with concrete pathways make it ideal for romantic couples. There are several points from which the beautiful rocky beach down beneath can be seen. This provides spectacular views of sunrise, sunset and the pristine waters. Many movies were shot here. Hillocks in the park, which are about {{ft|50}} in elevation give a beautiful view of the sea, beach road and the beach park. The hilltop includes a children's play area, a doll museum and a couple of eating areas. It has several viewpoints offering wonderful views of the city on one side and winding beaches adjoining green hills on the other side. It is a likeable beach city, especially after visiting Kailasagiri. }} * {{see | name=Shilparamam Jathara | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.805201 | long=83.353244 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q39060704 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=A crafts village showcasing and preserving the old, including woodwork, jewellery, clothes and local crafts of rural India. There are 36 stalls where you can buy assorted handicrafts and artwork. There is also an entire village where you can find realistic-looking sculptures of villagers carrying out their traditional crafts. }} * {{see | name=Telugu Samskruthika Niketanam | alt= | url=http://www.worldtelugu.co/samskritikaniketanam.html | email= | address= | lat=17.751688 | long=83.335479 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q39049320 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content= }} ===Beach Road=== [[File:INS Kursura at RK Beach Vizag.JPG|thumb|INS Kursura at RK Beach]] * {{see | name=INS Kursura Museum | alt= | url=http://vmrda.gov.in/kursura.aspx | email= | address=RK Beach Rd, Kirlampudi Layout, Chinna Waltair, Pandurangapuram | lat=17.717293 | long=83.330116 | directions= | phone=+91 89125 63429 | tollfree= | hours= | price=₹40 for adults, ₹20 for children | image=Submarine - Front View (4759833761).jpg | wikidata=Q11706566 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=A museum in a decommissioned submarine of the Indian Navy. This is the first of its kind in South Asia. This submarine is one of the earliest submarines procured from Russia. The experience of working in the submarine is explained. The museum is manned by retired naval people. There is a fee to take a camera or video camera inside. }} * {{see | name=Matsyadarshini Aquarium | alt= | url= | email= | address=Beach Rd | lat=17.712809 | long=83.319843 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=It has marine and freshwater fish. The exit gate of the aquarium resembles the open mouth of a huge white tipped shark. 'Kala Shrusti', a handicrafts shop, is atop the aquarium. }} * {{see | name=Sea Harrier Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.71722 | long=83.328352 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Sea Harrier Museum Vizag.jpg | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{see | name=TU-142 Aircraft Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.718002 | long=83.329812 | directions=opposite INS Kursura Museum | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Adults: ₹70; children (4-10): ₹40 | wikidata=Q60743815 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=This museum houses a decommissioned Tupolev Tu-142 anti-submarine aircraft of Russian origin, which has been restored for the public. It is possible to see the inside of the aircraft, and real engines are displayed. }} * {{see | name=UH3H Helicopter Museum | alt=Sea King Museum | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.717452 | long=83.329089 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{see | name=Victory at Sea Memorial | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.7187 | long=83.3322 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q38479267 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=This is a remembrance of the Victory at Sea in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war. It is on the Beach Road, opposite the Submarine Museum. There is a fighter plane, a tank and few replicas of missiles kept as exhibits. There is no entry fee and it can be viewed from the road. }} * {{see | name=Visakha Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.720707 | long=83.333831 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q17027516 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=It houses the historical treasures and artefacts of Northern Andhra. Collections available for viewing in the museum include ancient armoury, crockery, coins, silk costumes, jewellery, stuffed animals, portraits, manuscripts, letters, diaries, scrapbooks, periodicals and maps. }} ===Religious attractions=== <!-- Darga Pahad has the tomb of the Muslim saint, Sayed Ali Medina alias Ishak Medina, visited by Hindu and Muslim devotees alike. Attached to this is a mosque. Sri Venkateswara Konda, the third hillock, has a temple dedicated to the Lord. It is believed to have been built by an Englishman, Captain Blackmoor, in the 19th century. There is a view of the port channel, once ships' entrance to the inner harbour. --> * {{see | name=Ross Hill Church | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.690433 | long=83.287086 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q125739002 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=A house built by Monsieur Ross in 1864, later converted into a Mother Mary's Church. The pathway to the shrine is strewn with Catholic icons. }} * {{see | name=Simhachalam Temple | alt= | url=http://simhachalamdevasthanam.net/ | email= | address= | lat=17.766389 | long=83.250556 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2620389 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=This is an architectural splendour, although some of the sculptures were defaced during the Islamic invasions. The temple inscriptions date the earliest donors to the 10th-11th centuries. The exact date of construction is unknown. It is 15 km from the city and is dedicated to the Narasimha avatar of Lord Vishnu, which is his half-man, half-lion avatar. The temple bears reference to the Chola and Chalukya styles of architecture. It also has a local railway station. }} * {{see | name=Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple | alt= | url= | email= | address=Ross Hill | lat=17.689196 | long=83.288894 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q125738422 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} ====Buddhist sites==== [[File:Bavikonda stupas.JPG|thumb|Bavikonda Stupas]] [[File:Maha Stupa at Thotlakonda Monastic Complex.jpg|thumb|Maha Stupa at Thotlakonda Monastic Complex]] Bojjannakonda, Thotlakonda and Bavikonda in and around Visakhapatnam were centres of Buddhism during the second century CE. Several Buddhist monuments such as stupas and chaityas were erected at these places. It is said that some of the corporal relics of the Buddha were preserved at these places. Hence all these places became sacred places. * {{see | name=Bojjannakonda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.71 | long=83.0161 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4938681 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=It offers architectural remnants of the Buddhist period, one of the earliest of its class in Southern India. It constitutes one of the most remarkable groups of Buddhist monuments dated from 200 BCE to 700 CE, found during excavations in 1906. On the eastern hill, there are a series of rock-cut caves, numerous groups of monolithic dagobas, standing on rock platform in tiers above each other and, crowning all, a rock-cut stupa with extensive structural remains. On the western side of the eastern hill is a stairway, partly rock-cut and partly structural, which leads up to a large double-storied cave. The cave is entered by a doorway and is flanked on each side by huge dwarapalas. The cave chamber is rectangular in shape and is divided into 20 compartments by four cross rocks of 16 massive pillars. In the centre is the rock-cut stupa standing on a square platform. }} * {{see | name=Bavikonda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.817222 | long=83.390833 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q154651 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content= }} * {{see | name=Pavurallakonda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.888611 | long=83.437222 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q190985 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{see | name=Thotlakonda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.8264 | long=83.4094 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7796914 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=A collection of Buddhist monuments at the hilltop. It consists of a Maha Stupa, along with other votive stupas. It has a beautiful beach nearby. }} ==Do== ===Beaches=== {{cautionbox|Swimming in these beaches can be dangerous. People have died due to treacherous rip currents and rocky outcrops.|lastedit=permanent}} [[File:Beach view at Tenneti Park in Visakhapatnam.JPG|thumb|Beach view at Tenneti Park]] [[File:Boats at Bhimili beach Visakhapatnam District.JPG|thumb|Boats at Bhimili Beach]] [[File:Rushikonda beach view 001.jpg|thumb|Rushikonda beach view]] More than anything else, Vizag is known for its beaches. It boasts a number of beaches that are scenic and uncrowded. A few virgin beaches span along the eastern side of the city and stretch for miles. A spectacular beach only the locals are aware of is called the "Yarada" beach. Except for the occasional RTC bus, there is no public transport available. Still, the adventurous mind finds it rewarding if they can make an effort to get there. It's a private beach coming under ''Agrigold plantations'', therefore you need to pay a fee of ₹30/- to get onto the beach, but it's worth it. The beaches are lovely, but there are water sporting activities which started out initially like marine rafting and scuba diving, there are few beach cafes and restaurants. A water sports centre was started in Rushikonda. Vizagites are traditionally quite conservative, and though the beaches and the hills are beautiful, there is much here to interest the average tourist. Must want is the sunrise or a moonrise on a full moon day at Tennati Park (near foot of Rope way) on the Vizag-Bhimili Beach Road it's truly a feast for nature lovers. The sea looks orange and is a wonderful sight. * {{do | name=Bheemili Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.890382 | long=83.455465 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q18110547 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=About 25&nbsp;km from the city centre and is what used to be a small village also called "Bheemunipatnam". Apart from the beach, the village has the remains of a Portuguese church, Dutch cemeteries and a Buddhist Monastery (Pavurallakonda). }}. * {{do | name=Crescent Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content= }} * {{do | name=Ramakrishna Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.71416 | long=83.32366 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2021-10-05| content=R.K.Beach is the most popular beach in the sense that you can find the locals hanging out during the hot summers, and relatively less hot winters. On weekends and holidays, one can see that the entire beach comes alive, but not in a Western sense where people take a plunge in the water or surf. You can see people dressed in their best clothes, just sitting on the benches, or walking along. Take an evening stroll at RK Beach; it offers good pedestrian tracks, beautiful parks, museums, beaches and some wonderful open-air restaurants. }} * {{do | name=Rushikonda Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.78257 | long=83.38367 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q24946142 | content=11&nbsp;km away from the city, this has become a popular tourist spot that even the locals frequent. A lot safer to wade into than the R.K. Beach, cradled among hills, this used to be an excellent beach away from the madding crowds. AP Tourism Development Corporation has a beach resort (Punnami) on the hillside overlooking the beach. }} * {{do | name=Sagarnagar Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content= }} * {{do | name=Thotlakonda Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.8221 | long=83.4152 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content= }} * {{do | name=Yarada Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.65413 | long=83.26710 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2021-10-05| content=It is perceived as a private beach but actually it is not. Tourists can visit the beach directly or through the village. Yarada is the village behind the dolphin's nose. To go to this beach, a bus facility is available from Scindia junction. Also you can hire a cab to go there. The view of the beach and Vizag city from the top of the Dolphin's nose is memorable. The drive from Scindia to the top of the dolphin nose, dolphin nose to Yarada is really enjoyable. }} ===Parks and stadiums=== * {{do | name=Indira Gandhi Zoological Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.7691 | long=83.35 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6025038 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=The zoo is home to native mammals like [[elephants]], one-horned rhinos, [[tigers]], lions, leopards, striped hyenas, dholes, sloth bears, gaurs, sambar deer and rhesus macaques, as well as exotic mammals like hippos, giraffes, zebras and chimpanzees. It also has birds including ostriches, rosy pelicans, grey herons, Indian peafowl and black swans. Furthermore, there are reptiles like crocodiles and gavials. }} * {{do | name=Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary | alt= | url=http://forest.ap.nic.in/WL%20KAMBALAKONDA.htm | email= | address= | lat=17.825278 | long=83.308611 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q12060948 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=A gorgeous nature preserve that many people in Vizag itself seem to be unaware of. Kambalakonda is uncrowded and peaceful and within 20-25 minutes drive from the city centre. A nominal entrance fee of ₹10 is charged per adult. The greenery, the hiking trail and the fantastic view of the ocean from the rather flimsy viewing tower give a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city. }} * {{do | name=Lumbini Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.741196 | long=83.344157 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=Not to be confused with the one in [[Hyderabad/Central|Central Hyderabad]]. }} * {{do | name=Meghadri Gedda Reservoir | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.771376 | long=83.183766 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q48729346 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{do | name=Tenneti Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.747944 | long=83.349915 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Free | wikidata=Q28154517 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=A coastal park in the city, known for its scenery and recreational amenities. Overlooking the Bay of Bengal, the park has views of the sea with the surrounding coastline and the cityscape. Named after Tenneti Viswanadham, a freedom fighter and social reformer, the park features greenery, gardens and walking paths. Additionally, Tenneti Park is a destination for outdoor activities such as picnics, family outings, and photography, attracting both locals and tourists alike. }} * {{do | name=ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.797358 | long=83.351944 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q23975544 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{do | name=VMRDA City Central Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.721753 | long=83.305728 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q38250834 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content= }} * {{do | name=VMRDA Park | alt=VUDA Park | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.72408 | long=83.339281 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q24945964 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content= }} ==Buy== Vizag offers a reasonably large selection of stores selling clothing, jewellery, books, Araku Coffee etc. * {{buy | name=Jagadamba Centre | alt=Jagadamba Junction | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.7425 | long=83.3169 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q18126154 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=Most of the famous shopping centres and malls can be found here. Named after the Jagadamba movie theatre, one of the best movie auditoriums of the country when it was constructed and even today.. }} === Clothing === There are several locations from which clothing can be purchased. However they tend to be concentrated in few locations. One such is Jagadamba Centre. Few of the many clothing stores are: * Chandana Brothers * Bommana Brothers * Kankatala silk palace === Jewellery === Similar to clothing stores, there are several shops from where jewellery can be purchased. The centres are distributed, but the prominent ones are between RTC Complex and Railway station, Jagadamba Centre and near old Town Kotharoad. Some of the prominent stores are: * Vaibhav Jewellers * Mahaveer Jewellers * Tanishq Jewellers * Khazana Jewellers * {{buy | name=Joyalukkas Jewellery | alt= | url= | email= | address=Sampath Vinayaka Temple Rd, Near Sampath Vinayaka Temple, CBM Compound, Asilmetta | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 89125 61916 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-01-13 | content= }} * Sanghvi * Kalyan * Kirtilals === Memoribilia === While definitely not considered a shopper's paradise, Vizag offers some unique handicrafts and can found in by the Andhra Pradesh State-owned handicraft store, Lepakshi, at Jagadamba center. It has an impressive collection of sandalwood sculptures, stone art, etc. === Books === The stretch of road called Dabagardens has many bookstores. Police Barracks has numerous small stores that buy and sell second-hand books, including technical textbooks. * Jyoti Book Depot === Pubs === * Waves * Ironhill === Shopping malls === * Shoppers stop * Spencers * Big Bazaar * CMR Shopping Mall * South India Shopping Mall * Shoppers Stop *{{buy | name=CMR Central | url= | email= | address=Maddilapalem | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=You can find Subway, KFC, and Pizza Hut here. Also a lot of shopping is possible, if you have money here, at Reliance Trends and Reliance Digital. Also one could see a movie if one has time at INOX. }} *{{buy | name=Visakhapatnam Central |alt=| url= | email= | address= | directions=beside CP office | lat= | long= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2017-11-21| content=Most happening place is Visakhapatnam Central, where you will get all branded apparels, fashion jewelries, life style merchandise like watches, shades and color cosmetics. It is typical of malls which you can find anywhere in metro cities. Very expensive too. }} ==Eat== [[File:Authentic North East Andhra Cuisine.JPG|thumbnail|Vizag lunch consists of steamed rice with country chicken stew, dry fish curry, topa, seruva, teepe semiya and crab stew.]] If spicy fare from Southern India appeals to your gastronomic senses, then Vizag has some excellent restaurants. Many of the eating joints meant or frequented by tourists are in the Siripuram area. A walk around there can give you access to a variety of cuisines. *{{eat | name=Blue Sea Fine Dining| | alt= | url= | email= | address=Pakkis Complex, Opposite ICICI Bank Road, Dwarakanagar 2nd Lane, Dwaraka Nagar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891 646 5399 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Daspalla Executive Court | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891 2717300 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2717444 | hours= | price= | content= }}{{listing | type=eat | name=Eleven | alt= | url=http://www.facebook.com/elevenfinedining | email= | address=10-1-4 & 5, 4th floor, Siripuram | lat= | long= | directions=Infront of Ice Age | phone=+91 8916461111 | tollfree= | hours=Noon to 11PM | price= | content=This is one of the best new restaurants opened for Fine Dining. Food is value for money and tasty. They probably serve the best food in Vizag. }} *{{eat | name=Flying Spaghetti Monster | alt=FSM | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Opp waltair club | phone=+91 891-2766652 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-11PM | price=Cheap | content=The 'Flying Spaghetti Monster' a.k.a. FSM is Vizag's first authentic Italian restaurant. Great place with amazing Italian fare. Be sure not to miss out the Chocolate bomb. }} * '''Horizon''' (live music during dinner) at Dolphin Hotel, +91 891 2567000. *{{eat | name=Hotel Daspalla | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891 2564825 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2562043 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Hotel Green Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +91 891 6615151 | tollfree= | fax=+091 891 2563763 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Hotel Jabilly Beach Inn | alt= | url=http://www.jaabilybeachinn.com | email= | address=on R K Beach | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891 270 6026 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=noon | price=₹650 to 1200 | content=All rooms face the sea, pure Bengali food is available. }} * '''Subway - Subs & Salads''' in Siripuram's Dutt Island, +91 891 278491. * Ambica sea green - on Beach Road, Kirlampudi Layout, ph. 08912821818 * {{eat | name=Nihuusravee Home Foods | alt=| url=https://nihuusravee.com | email=nihuusravee@gmail.com | address=Kailash Nagar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 945 945 9739 | tollfree= | hours=9am to 7pm | price=₹300 | lastedit=2024-03-29 | content=Traditional home food. }} ==Drink== Some interesting bars in the city are in the Five Star hotels mentioned above and typically are expensive even by Western standards. The '''Park Hotel''' has a decent bar - try the Screwdriver. Daspalla has another bar and restaurant called '''Dimple''' that serves various drinks and can be noisy at time. Two new really cool breweries have opened up in the city . *'''Punnami''', near Rishikonda has pub very close to the beach and serves alcohol. *{{drink | name=Vihar | url= | email= | address=Near Rishikonda, Opp. GITAM University | lat= | long= | directions= 8 km from the city | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Best hangout place with friends, only concern is it was too far from the city. Even though, worth visiting "Offshores" at Vihar. There's an Awesome beach view from the middle of the hill. }} *Ironhill brewery- above pmj jwellers, siripuram. ==Sleep== Vizag has both high end hotels and affordable lodges. The Daspalla, The Grand Central Hotel and Green Park are well-known. ===Budget=== ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=99 Residency | alt=Value for Money Hotel | url= | email= | address=# 10-50-39/2, Waltair Main Road, Ramnagar | lat= | long= | directions=Next to Waltair Club | phone=+91-891-2474448 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891-2505545 | checkin=Noon | checkout=Noon | price=starting from ₹1,500 per night | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Athidhi The Guest House | phone=+91 9000415656, +91 9949662424 }} * {{sleep | name=Beach View Guest House | alt= | url= | email=beachview.vizag@gmail.com | address=RK Beach main road, besides Novotel Hotel (Varun Beach) | lat=17.71017 | long=83.31603 | directions=towards collecter office route from novotel | phone=+91 9985034321 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2015-09-03 | content=All rooms face the beach. Wi-Fi available. }} * {{sleep | name=Dolphin | phone=+91 891 2567000 | fax=+91 891 2567555 }} * {{sleep | name=Dwaraka Inn | directions=At Dwaraka Nagar }} * {{sleep | name=Fortune Inn Sree Kanya | alt= | url=http://www.fortunehotels.in/hotel/Visakhapatnam-Fortune_Inn_Sree_Kanya.aspx | email= | address=Dwaraknagar, Diamond Park | lat= | long= | directions=Sree Kanya Road | phone=+91-891-3988444 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=The Grand Central Hotel | directions=at Jagadamba Junction }} * {{sleep | name=Green Park | phone=+91 891 2564444 |fax=+91 891 2563763 }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Hotel Akshaya | alt= | url=https://akshayahotel.business.site/ | email= | address=Station Rd | lat= | long= | directions=Opp to D.R.M.Office. | phone=+91 2598111, +91 2598144, +91 9177892359 (mobile) | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Athidiinn | alt= | url=https://athidihotels.chobs.in/ | email=athidi.inn@gmail.com | address=D.No.9-1-47, New Resapuvanapalem | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891-2727567, +91 9396548333 (mobile) | tollfree= | fax=+91 891-2727678 | checkin=24 hr | checkout= | price=₹1,500-2,200 per 24 hours | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Daspalla | alt= | url=https://www.daspallahotels.com/visakhapatnam/ | email= | address=28-2-48, Suryabagh, Jagadamba Junction | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 89125 64825 | tollfree= | checkin=24 hour check-in | checkout= | price=From ₹4,000 per night | content=Complementary breakfast, free WiFi, four restaurants and wheelchair accessible. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Saraswathi Orchid | alt= | url= | email=hotelsaraswathiorchid@yahoo.com | address=#30-15-193,Opp: Dolphin Hotel Garden Gate, Main Road, Dabagardens | lat= | long= | directions=Opp: Dolphin Hotel | phone=+91-891-2712881 | tollfree= | fax=+91-891-6635657 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Supreme | address=At R.K.Beach }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Talasila Continental | phone=+91-891-2598598 | address=Station Road, Dondaparthi }} * {{sleep | name=Meghalaya | phone=+91 891 2755141 | fax=+91 891 2755824 }} * {{sleep | name=Royal Fort }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Four Points by Sheraton Visakhapatnam | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/vtzfp-four-points-visakhapatnam/ | email= | address=10-28-3, Waltair Main Road | lat=17.7206 | long=83.31252 | directions= | phone=+91 891 305 1111 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 3051000 | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹7,700-₹8,700 | wikidata=Q111402182 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach | alt= | url=https://all.accor.com/hotel/7535/index.en.shtml | email= | address=Beach Road | lat=17.710655 | long=83.315859 | directions= | phone=+91 891 282 2222 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2822244 | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=₹9,670 | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=The Gateway Hotel | alt= | url=https://gateway.tajhotels.com/en-in/beach-road-visakhapatnam/?_ga=1.134407865.974920459.1476353462 | email=gateway.visakhapatnam@tajhotels.com | address=Beach Road | lat=17.711559 | long=83.316771 | directions= | phone=+91 891 662 3670 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2564370 | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | price= | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=The Palm Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.720933 | long=83.335872 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=The Park Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.theparkhotels.com | email=resv.viz@theparkhotels.com | address=Beach Rd | lat=17.721364 | long=83.336836 | directions= | phone=+91 891 304 5678 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2754181 | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2016-10-13 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Radisson Blu Resort Visakhapatnam | alt= | url=https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-blu-resort-visakhapatnam | email= | address= | lat=17.77147 | long=83.37299 | directions= | phone=+91 891 667 7666 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=₹12,980 | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Welcomhotel Devee Grand Bay | alt= | url=https://www.itchotels.com/in/en/welcomhoteldeveegrandbay-visakhapatnam | email=reservations@itchotels.in | address=Beach Rd | lat=17.711851 | long=83.315468 | directions= | phone=+91 891 660 0101 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2550691 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2016-10-13 | content= }} * Fairfield by Marriott - KSR prime R&B junction Visakhapatnam *{{Sleep|name=Best Western Ramachandra|alt=|url=http://bwramachandra.co.in|email=info@bwramachandra.co.in|address=8-8-36, Gajuwaka|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=+ 91 891 2579777|tollfree=|fax=|checkin=|checkout=|price=|lastedit=2020-03-20|content=}} *{{Sleep|name=QualityInn Ramachandra Hotel|alt=|url=http://qualityinnramachandra.com|email=qualityinnramachandra@gmail.com|address=31-41/10/1, Duvvada|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=+91 891 2762855|tollfree=|fax=|checkin=|checkout=|price=|lastedit=2020-03-20|content=3-Star Hotel}} ==Go next== * [[Araku Valley]] ({{km|110}}) — Many tourists visit Araku Valley along with Visakhapatnam. It is a scenic valley that can be reached by train or bus. It is definitely not a day trip, but the APTDC facilities can serve as a decent lodging. November to February are the best months to visit. * [[Hyderabad]] * [[Chennai]] * [[Kolkata]] * [[Vijayawada]] * [[Guntur]] {{geo|17.688378|83.218758}} {{IsPartOf|Northern Coast (Andhra Pradesh)}} {{usablecity}} cdiv85eq4tb9tsr07k55htblof150mi 5087077 5087075 2025-07-03T10:39:57Z Sbb1413 2217354 /* Beaches */ Updated listing for Sagarnagar Beach 5087077 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|VisakhapatnamH.jpg}} [[Image:Visakhapatnam 2010.jpg|thumb|Crescent Beach, Visakhapatnam]] [[File:Rock-cut Lord --Buddha-- Statue at Bojjanakonda near Anakapalle of Visakhapatnam dist in AP.jpg|thumb|Rock-cut Buddha Statue at Bojjannakonda near Anakapalle]] '''Visakhapatnam''' ([[Telugu]]: విశాఖపట్నం ''Viśākhapaṭnam''), popularly known as '''Vizag''', is the largest city in [[Andhra Pradesh]]. It is primarily an industrial city, but also attracts tourists due to its unspoilt sandy beaches, well built and maintained parks, Buddhist Remnant sites and nearby scenic areas, such as [[Araku Valley]]. The city has a population of about 2 million. ==Understand== [[File:VUDA park water pond, Visakhapatnam.JPG|thumb|VMRDA Park]] Vizag is sometimes called ''The Goa of the East''. Just like its [[Goa|west coast counterpart]], it has beautiful virgin beaches, laterite hillocks, smooth roads and stunning landscape. Health-tourism is a fast developing industry. Visakhapatnam is variously called ''Jewel on the Coromandel Coast'', ''Steel City'', and the ''City of Destiny''. There is a considerable concentration of Marwaris, Odias, Bengalis, Punjabis, Tamils and Malayalis. In addition, there is a large population of migrant workers from other parts of India who have been drawn to the area by the abundance of work at locally based companies, such as Vizag Steel Plant and Hindustan Shipyard. ==Get in== ===By plane=== * {{go | name=Visakhapatnam Airport | alt={{IATA|VTZ}} | url=https://www.aai.aero/en/airports/visakhapatnam | email= | address=Viman Nagar | lat=17.721111 | long=83.224444 | directions=opposite NH 16 | phone=+91 891 2851169 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2247541 | lastedit=2023-10-30 | content=Visakhapatnam is connected by air to [[Hyderabad]], [[Bangalore]], [[Chennai]], [[Tirupati]], [[Delhi]], [[Mumbai]], [[Bhubaneswar]], [[Kochi]], [[Dubai]], [[Kuala Lumpur]] and [[Singapore]] through its customs airport, an airport with restricted access, by Air India, SpiceJet and IndiGo. AirAsia and Batik Air from Malaysia operate scheduled flights from Kuala Lumpur. }} ===By train=== [[File:Visakhapatnam railway station.jpg|thumb|Visakhapatnam Junction railway station]] {{marker|type=go|name={{station|Visakhapatnam Junction|city=india|ecor}}|wikidata=Q7935582}} is on the [[Kolkata]]–[[Chennai]] line and is connected to several cities of the country by rail. All trains including fast expresses stop at the station. Visakhapatnam comes under the East Coast Railway (ECoR) zone and is one of the principal divisional headquarters (under the British name Waltair). It has eight platforms, the first in ECoR to have this many, and all of them can accommodate trains with up to 28 coaches. You may want to verify the timings with [http://www.indianrail.gov.in Indian Railways], since they change from time to time. Train berths can be reserved [http://www.irctc.co.in online]. However, this being a major destination, availability of seats is at times difficult even with a one month's advance planning. ===By car=== [[File:Visakhapatnam, Beach Road from Kailashagiri.jpg|thumb|Visakhapatnam Beach Road from Kailasagiri]] Visakhapatnam is connected to [[Chennai]] and [[Kolkata]] via [[Bhubaneswar]] and [[Vijayawada]] by National Highway 16 (dual-carriageway, 120 km/h). ===By bus=== The Andhra Pradesh State Road Travel Corporation (APSRTC) runs buses from almost every city and town to Visakhapatnam, along with some private operators, who run buses from a few of the major cities. Please check with APSRTC for timings. There is also a Garuda fleet of bus service (Volvo) to Vizag from Chennai, Bangalore, Vijayawada and Hyderabad which is very comfortable and happy going. This is the best way to do it if you want to travel by bus. APSRTC has several other bus services which have varied luxury levels and transit speeds. You might want to check the APSRTC at least 3 days in advance to be sure you have a reservation. ==Get around== {{mapframe|17.7245|83.315|width=480|height=450|zoom=13}} {{Mapshape|wikidata=Q15394,Q110714857}} Visakhapatnam has no commuter rail service. However, apart from the bus service, taxis or autorickshaws can also be hired. ===By bus=== APSRTC operates a lit of buses from 6 principal bus complexes in the city. They are: * Simhachalam * Gajuwaka * Maddilapalem * Visakha Steel City * Waltair * Madhurawada Dwarka Bus Station or RTC Complex depot is the largest bus station and complex in the city. There are mainly two types of buses operated for suburban travel in Visakhapatnam. * '''City Ordinary:''' can be identified by its orange or red colour. It is operated on almost all suburban routes. Some of the main routes include RTC Complex–Gajuwaka (via NAD), Maddilapalem–Railway Station, RTC Complex–Gajuwaka (via Scindia), Railway Station–Madhurawada, etc. These buses stop at almost every bus stop. The frequency is more than that of Metro Express buses. These buses sometimes become overcrowded during peak hours on weekdays. Some popular route numbers include 222, 400, 99, 25, 900, 60C, 300, 6A, 28, 38 and 12D. * '''Metro Express:''' can be identified by their blue and white colour. These buses run in most important routes such as 400, 211, 500, 99, 28, 38 etc. These buses don't stop at all bus stops and the fare for these buses is also a bit higher than that for city ordinary buses. Many of these buses are JNNURM funded and sport digital display boards which display route number and route details in both English and Telugu. Also most of these have cushioned seats which are comfortable and many of them also have air-suspension which makes the journey more comfortable. These buses don't get as crowded as City Ordinary buses. The junction and Maddilapalem joins the Asilametta-Ramatalkies road to the National Highway 5. Buses from Madilapalem ply to the extreme ends of the city, including Anakapalle and Thagarapuvalasa. ====Fares==== [[File:Visakha Museum - Maritime Wing.jpeg|thumb|Visakha Museum the Maritime Wing]] The bus fare to get to Madilapalem from the railway station is only ₹8. Buses operate within a 5 minute frequency in routes with high demand. The minimum frequency in which buses operate is 40 minutes, i.e., every route is covered by an APSRTC bus once in every 40 minutes. Apart from buying tickets on the bus, you may also avail an ''RTC-Pass'', which is a special type of pass that can be renewed once in a month. With the pass, you can board any APSRTC bus and travel anywhere within the city limits. An ordinary RTC-Pass costs just {{INR|750}}. The RTC complex is to the southeast of Asilametta. RTC complex is generally referred to as ''complex'' and is connected to every other region in the city. ==See== [[File:Ropeway car at Kailasagiri.jpg|thumb|Ropeway car at Kailasagiri]] [[Image:Kambalakonda.jpg|thumb|Kambalakonda]] [[File:Lord narasimha rock statue backyard simhachalam temple.jpg|thumb|Lord Narasimha rock-cut statue at Simhachalam temple]] * {{see | name=Kailasagiri | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.748992 | long=83.342236 | directions={{km|6}} away from the city centre | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q17061607 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=The ride to this hill offers a spectacular view of the sea. There is a park atop the hill, with a beautiful view of the city, the sea and Eastern Ghats merging into the sea. Sagarnagar Beach and Rushikonda Beach are on the right and left-hand sides. There is a huge sculpture of Shiva and Parvati. One can take a ropeway directly facing the sea and the city. On the hilltop, there is a beautiful toy train offering a tour of nature. Several viewpoints give a pleasant look at nature, especially in the evening, when the city is lit up. This is less commercial than other hill stations and there is less hassle from tourist guides. After descending from Kailasagiri, one should visit Tenneti Beach Park. Its beauty and luxuriant carpet grass intertwined with concrete pathways make it ideal for romantic couples. There are several points from which the beautiful rocky beach down beneath can be seen. This provides spectacular views of sunrise, sunset and the pristine waters. Many movies were shot here. Hillocks in the park, which are about {{ft|50}} in elevation give a beautiful view of the sea, beach road and the beach park. The hilltop includes a children's play area, a doll museum and a couple of eating areas. It has several viewpoints offering wonderful views of the city on one side and winding beaches adjoining green hills on the other side. It is a likeable beach city, especially after visiting Kailasagiri. }} * {{see | name=Shilparamam Jathara | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.805201 | long=83.353244 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q39060704 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=A crafts village showcasing and preserving the old, including woodwork, jewellery, clothes and local crafts of rural India. There are 36 stalls where you can buy assorted handicrafts and artwork. There is also an entire village where you can find realistic-looking sculptures of villagers carrying out their traditional crafts. }} * {{see | name=Telugu Samskruthika Niketanam | alt= | url=http://www.worldtelugu.co/samskritikaniketanam.html | email= | address= | lat=17.751688 | long=83.335479 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q39049320 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content= }} ===Beach Road=== [[File:INS Kursura at RK Beach Vizag.JPG|thumb|INS Kursura at RK Beach]] * {{see | name=INS Kursura Museum | alt= | url=http://vmrda.gov.in/kursura.aspx | email= | address=RK Beach Rd, Kirlampudi Layout, Chinna Waltair, Pandurangapuram | lat=17.717293 | long=83.330116 | directions= | phone=+91 89125 63429 | tollfree= | hours= | price=₹40 for adults, ₹20 for children | image=Submarine - Front View (4759833761).jpg | wikidata=Q11706566 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=A museum in a decommissioned submarine of the Indian Navy. This is the first of its kind in South Asia. This submarine is one of the earliest submarines procured from Russia. The experience of working in the submarine is explained. The museum is manned by retired naval people. There is a fee to take a camera or video camera inside. }} * {{see | name=Matsyadarshini Aquarium | alt= | url= | email= | address=Beach Rd | lat=17.712809 | long=83.319843 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=It has marine and freshwater fish. The exit gate of the aquarium resembles the open mouth of a huge white tipped shark. 'Kala Shrusti', a handicrafts shop, is atop the aquarium. }} * {{see | name=Sea Harrier Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.71722 | long=83.328352 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Sea Harrier Museum Vizag.jpg | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{see | name=TU-142 Aircraft Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.718002 | long=83.329812 | directions=opposite INS Kursura Museum | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Adults: ₹70; children (4-10): ₹40 | wikidata=Q60743815 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=This museum houses a decommissioned Tupolev Tu-142 anti-submarine aircraft of Russian origin, which has been restored for the public. It is possible to see the inside of the aircraft, and real engines are displayed. }} * {{see | name=UH3H Helicopter Museum | alt=Sea King Museum | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.717452 | long=83.329089 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{see | name=Victory at Sea Memorial | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.7187 | long=83.3322 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q38479267 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=This is a remembrance of the Victory at Sea in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war. It is on the Beach Road, opposite the Submarine Museum. There is a fighter plane, a tank and few replicas of missiles kept as exhibits. There is no entry fee and it can be viewed from the road. }} * {{see | name=Visakha Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.720707 | long=83.333831 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q17027516 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=It houses the historical treasures and artefacts of Northern Andhra. Collections available for viewing in the museum include ancient armoury, crockery, coins, silk costumes, jewellery, stuffed animals, portraits, manuscripts, letters, diaries, scrapbooks, periodicals and maps. }} ===Religious attractions=== <!-- Darga Pahad has the tomb of the Muslim saint, Sayed Ali Medina alias Ishak Medina, visited by Hindu and Muslim devotees alike. Attached to this is a mosque. Sri Venkateswara Konda, the third hillock, has a temple dedicated to the Lord. It is believed to have been built by an Englishman, Captain Blackmoor, in the 19th century. There is a view of the port channel, once ships' entrance to the inner harbour. --> * {{see | name=Ross Hill Church | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.690433 | long=83.287086 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q125739002 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=A house built by Monsieur Ross in 1864, later converted into a Mother Mary's Church. The pathway to the shrine is strewn with Catholic icons. }} * {{see | name=Simhachalam Temple | alt= | url=http://simhachalamdevasthanam.net/ | email= | address= | lat=17.766389 | long=83.250556 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2620389 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=This is an architectural splendour, although some of the sculptures were defaced during the Islamic invasions. The temple inscriptions date the earliest donors to the 10th-11th centuries. The exact date of construction is unknown. It is 15 km from the city and is dedicated to the Narasimha avatar of Lord Vishnu, which is his half-man, half-lion avatar. The temple bears reference to the Chola and Chalukya styles of architecture. It also has a local railway station. }} * {{see | name=Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple | alt= | url= | email= | address=Ross Hill | lat=17.689196 | long=83.288894 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q125738422 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} ====Buddhist sites==== [[File:Bavikonda stupas.JPG|thumb|Bavikonda Stupas]] [[File:Maha Stupa at Thotlakonda Monastic Complex.jpg|thumb|Maha Stupa at Thotlakonda Monastic Complex]] Bojjannakonda, Thotlakonda and Bavikonda in and around Visakhapatnam were centres of Buddhism during the second century CE. Several Buddhist monuments such as stupas and chaityas were erected at these places. It is said that some of the corporal relics of the Buddha were preserved at these places. Hence all these places became sacred places. * {{see | name=Bojjannakonda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.71 | long=83.0161 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4938681 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=It offers architectural remnants of the Buddhist period, one of the earliest of its class in Southern India. It constitutes one of the most remarkable groups of Buddhist monuments dated from 200 BCE to 700 CE, found during excavations in 1906. On the eastern hill, there are a series of rock-cut caves, numerous groups of monolithic dagobas, standing on rock platform in tiers above each other and, crowning all, a rock-cut stupa with extensive structural remains. On the western side of the eastern hill is a stairway, partly rock-cut and partly structural, which leads up to a large double-storied cave. The cave is entered by a doorway and is flanked on each side by huge dwarapalas. The cave chamber is rectangular in shape and is divided into 20 compartments by four cross rocks of 16 massive pillars. In the centre is the rock-cut stupa standing on a square platform. }} * {{see | name=Bavikonda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.817222 | long=83.390833 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q154651 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content= }} * {{see | name=Pavurallakonda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.888611 | long=83.437222 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q190985 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{see | name=Thotlakonda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.8264 | long=83.4094 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7796914 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=A collection of Buddhist monuments at the hilltop. It consists of a Maha Stupa, along with other votive stupas. It has a beautiful beach nearby. }} ==Do== ===Beaches=== {{cautionbox|Swimming in these beaches can be dangerous. People have died due to treacherous rip currents and rocky outcrops.|lastedit=permanent}} [[File:Beach view at Tenneti Park in Visakhapatnam.JPG|thumb|Beach view at Tenneti Park]] [[File:Boats at Bhimili beach Visakhapatnam District.JPG|thumb|Boats at Bhimili Beach]] [[File:Rushikonda beach view 001.jpg|thumb|Rushikonda beach view]] More than anything else, Vizag is known for its beaches. It boasts a number of beaches that are scenic and uncrowded. A few virgin beaches span along the eastern side of the city and stretch for miles. A spectacular beach only the locals are aware of is called the "Yarada" beach. Except for the occasional RTC bus, there is no public transport available. Still, the adventurous mind finds it rewarding if they can make an effort to get there. It's a private beach coming under ''Agrigold plantations'', therefore you need to pay a fee of ₹30/- to get onto the beach, but it's worth it. The beaches are lovely, but there are water sporting activities which started out initially like marine rafting and scuba diving, there are few beach cafes and restaurants. A water sports centre was started in Rushikonda. Vizagites are traditionally quite conservative, and though the beaches and the hills are beautiful, there is much here to interest the average tourist. Must want is the sunrise or a moonrise on a full moon day at Tennati Park (near foot of Rope way) on the Vizag-Bhimili Beach Road it's truly a feast for nature lovers. The sea looks orange and is a wonderful sight. * {{do | name=Bheemili Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.890382 | long=83.455465 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q18110547 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=About 25&nbsp;km from the city centre and is what used to be a small village also called "Bheemunipatnam". Apart from the beach, the village has the remains of a Portuguese church, Dutch cemeteries and a Buddhist Monastery (Pavurallakonda). }}. * {{do | name=Crescent Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content= }} * {{do | name=Ramakrishna Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.71416 | long=83.32366 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2021-10-05| content=R.K.Beach is the most popular beach in the sense that you can find the locals hanging out during the hot summers, and relatively less hot winters. On weekends and holidays, one can see that the entire beach comes alive, but not in a Western sense where people take a plunge in the water or surf. You can see people dressed in their best clothes, just sitting on the benches, or walking along. Take an evening stroll at RK Beach; it offers good pedestrian tracks, beautiful parks, museums, beaches and some wonderful open-air restaurants. }} * {{do | name=Rushikonda Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.78257 | long=83.38367 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q24946142 | content=11&nbsp;km away from the city, this has become a popular tourist spot that even the locals frequent. A lot safer to wade into than the R.K. Beach, cradled among hills, this used to be an excellent beach away from the madding crowds. AP Tourism Development Corporation has a beach resort (Punnami) on the hillside overlooking the beach. }} * {{do | name=Sagarnagar Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.7617 | long=83.36 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content= }} * {{do | name=Thotlakonda Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.8221 | long=83.4152 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content= }} * {{do | name=Yarada Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.65413 | long=83.26710 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2021-10-05| content=It is perceived as a private beach but actually it is not. Tourists can visit the beach directly or through the village. Yarada is the village behind the dolphin's nose. To go to this beach, a bus facility is available from Scindia junction. Also you can hire a cab to go there. The view of the beach and Vizag city from the top of the Dolphin's nose is memorable. The drive from Scindia to the top of the dolphin nose, dolphin nose to Yarada is really enjoyable. }} ===Parks and stadiums=== * {{do | name=Indira Gandhi Zoological Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.7691 | long=83.35 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6025038 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=The zoo is home to native mammals like [[elephants]], one-horned rhinos, [[tigers]], lions, leopards, striped hyenas, dholes, sloth bears, gaurs, sambar deer and rhesus macaques, as well as exotic mammals like hippos, giraffes, zebras and chimpanzees. It also has birds including ostriches, rosy pelicans, grey herons, Indian peafowl and black swans. Furthermore, there are reptiles like crocodiles and gavials. }} * {{do | name=Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary | alt= | url=http://forest.ap.nic.in/WL%20KAMBALAKONDA.htm | email= | address= | lat=17.825278 | long=83.308611 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q12060948 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=A gorgeous nature preserve that many people in Vizag itself seem to be unaware of. Kambalakonda is uncrowded and peaceful and within 20-25 minutes drive from the city centre. A nominal entrance fee of ₹10 is charged per adult. The greenery, the hiking trail and the fantastic view of the ocean from the rather flimsy viewing tower give a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city. }} * {{do | name=Lumbini Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.741196 | long=83.344157 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=Not to be confused with the one in [[Hyderabad/Central|Central Hyderabad]]. }} * {{do | name=Meghadri Gedda Reservoir | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.771376 | long=83.183766 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q48729346 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{do | name=Tenneti Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.747944 | long=83.349915 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Free | wikidata=Q28154517 | lastedit=2025-07-03 | content=A coastal park in the city, known for its scenery and recreational amenities. Overlooking the Bay of Bengal, the park has views of the sea with the surrounding coastline and the cityscape. Named after Tenneti Viswanadham, a freedom fighter and social reformer, the park features greenery, gardens and walking paths. Additionally, Tenneti Park is a destination for outdoor activities such as picnics, family outings, and photography, attracting both locals and tourists alike. }} * {{do | name=ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.797358 | long=83.351944 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q23975544 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{do | name=VMRDA City Central Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.721753 | long=83.305728 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q38250834 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content= }} * {{do | name=VMRDA Park | alt=VUDA Park | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.72408 | long=83.339281 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q24945964 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content= }} ==Buy== Vizag offers a reasonably large selection of stores selling clothing, jewellery, books, Araku Coffee etc. * {{buy | name=Jagadamba Centre | alt=Jagadamba Junction | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.7425 | long=83.3169 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q18126154 | lastedit=2024-04-09 | content=Most of the famous shopping centres and malls can be found here. Named after the Jagadamba movie theatre, one of the best movie auditoriums of the country when it was constructed and even today.. }} === Clothing === There are several locations from which clothing can be purchased. However they tend to be concentrated in few locations. One such is Jagadamba Centre. Few of the many clothing stores are: * Chandana Brothers * Bommana Brothers * Kankatala silk palace === Jewellery === Similar to clothing stores, there are several shops from where jewellery can be purchased. The centres are distributed, but the prominent ones are between RTC Complex and Railway station, Jagadamba Centre and near old Town Kotharoad. Some of the prominent stores are: * Vaibhav Jewellers * Mahaveer Jewellers * Tanishq Jewellers * Khazana Jewellers * {{buy | name=Joyalukkas Jewellery | alt= | url= | email= | address=Sampath Vinayaka Temple Rd, Near Sampath Vinayaka Temple, CBM Compound, Asilmetta | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 89125 61916 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-01-13 | content= }} * Sanghvi * Kalyan * Kirtilals === Memoribilia === While definitely not considered a shopper's paradise, Vizag offers some unique handicrafts and can found in by the Andhra Pradesh State-owned handicraft store, Lepakshi, at Jagadamba center. It has an impressive collection of sandalwood sculptures, stone art, etc. === Books === The stretch of road called Dabagardens has many bookstores. Police Barracks has numerous small stores that buy and sell second-hand books, including technical textbooks. * Jyoti Book Depot === Pubs === * Waves * Ironhill === Shopping malls === * Shoppers stop * Spencers * Big Bazaar * CMR Shopping Mall * South India Shopping Mall * Shoppers Stop *{{buy | name=CMR Central | url= | email= | address=Maddilapalem | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=You can find Subway, KFC, and Pizza Hut here. Also a lot of shopping is possible, if you have money here, at Reliance Trends and Reliance Digital. Also one could see a movie if one has time at INOX. }} *{{buy | name=Visakhapatnam Central |alt=| url= | email= | address= | directions=beside CP office | lat= | long= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2017-11-21| content=Most happening place is Visakhapatnam Central, where you will get all branded apparels, fashion jewelries, life style merchandise like watches, shades and color cosmetics. It is typical of malls which you can find anywhere in metro cities. Very expensive too. }} ==Eat== [[File:Authentic North East Andhra Cuisine.JPG|thumbnail|Vizag lunch consists of steamed rice with country chicken stew, dry fish curry, topa, seruva, teepe semiya and crab stew.]] If spicy fare from Southern India appeals to your gastronomic senses, then Vizag has some excellent restaurants. Many of the eating joints meant or frequented by tourists are in the Siripuram area. A walk around there can give you access to a variety of cuisines. *{{eat | name=Blue Sea Fine Dining| | alt= | url= | email= | address=Pakkis Complex, Opposite ICICI Bank Road, Dwarakanagar 2nd Lane, Dwaraka Nagar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891 646 5399 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Daspalla Executive Court | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891 2717300 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2717444 | hours= | price= | content= }}{{listing | type=eat | name=Eleven | alt= | url=http://www.facebook.com/elevenfinedining | email= | address=10-1-4 & 5, 4th floor, Siripuram | lat= | long= | directions=Infront of Ice Age | phone=+91 8916461111 | tollfree= | hours=Noon to 11PM | price= | content=This is one of the best new restaurants opened for Fine Dining. Food is value for money and tasty. They probably serve the best food in Vizag. }} *{{eat | name=Flying Spaghetti Monster | alt=FSM | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Opp waltair club | phone=+91 891-2766652 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-11PM | price=Cheap | content=The 'Flying Spaghetti Monster' a.k.a. FSM is Vizag's first authentic Italian restaurant. Great place with amazing Italian fare. Be sure not to miss out the Chocolate bomb. }} * '''Horizon''' (live music during dinner) at Dolphin Hotel, +91 891 2567000. *{{eat | name=Hotel Daspalla | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891 2564825 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2562043 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Hotel Green Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +91 891 6615151 | tollfree= | fax=+091 891 2563763 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Hotel Jabilly Beach Inn | alt= | url=http://www.jaabilybeachinn.com | email= | address=on R K Beach | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891 270 6026 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=noon | price=₹650 to 1200 | content=All rooms face the sea, pure Bengali food is available. }} * '''Subway - Subs & Salads''' in Siripuram's Dutt Island, +91 891 278491. * Ambica sea green - on Beach Road, Kirlampudi Layout, ph. 08912821818 * {{eat | name=Nihuusravee Home Foods | alt=| url=https://nihuusravee.com | email=nihuusravee@gmail.com | address=Kailash Nagar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 945 945 9739 | tollfree= | hours=9am to 7pm | price=₹300 | lastedit=2024-03-29 | content=Traditional home food. }} ==Drink== Some interesting bars in the city are in the Five Star hotels mentioned above and typically are expensive even by Western standards. The '''Park Hotel''' has a decent bar - try the Screwdriver. Daspalla has another bar and restaurant called '''Dimple''' that serves various drinks and can be noisy at time. Two new really cool breweries have opened up in the city . *'''Punnami''', near Rishikonda has pub very close to the beach and serves alcohol. *{{drink | name=Vihar | url= | email= | address=Near Rishikonda, Opp. GITAM University | lat= | long= | directions= 8 km from the city | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Best hangout place with friends, only concern is it was too far from the city. Even though, worth visiting "Offshores" at Vihar. There's an Awesome beach view from the middle of the hill. }} *Ironhill brewery- above pmj jwellers, siripuram. ==Sleep== Vizag has both high end hotels and affordable lodges. The Daspalla, The Grand Central Hotel and Green Park are well-known. ===Budget=== ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=99 Residency | alt=Value for Money Hotel | url= | email= | address=# 10-50-39/2, Waltair Main Road, Ramnagar | lat= | long= | directions=Next to Waltair Club | phone=+91-891-2474448 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891-2505545 | checkin=Noon | checkout=Noon | price=starting from ₹1,500 per night | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Athidhi The Guest House | phone=+91 9000415656, +91 9949662424 }} * {{sleep | name=Beach View Guest House | alt= | url= | email=beachview.vizag@gmail.com | address=RK Beach main road, besides Novotel Hotel (Varun Beach) | lat=17.71017 | long=83.31603 | directions=towards collecter office route from novotel | phone=+91 9985034321 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2015-09-03 | content=All rooms face the beach. Wi-Fi available. }} * {{sleep | name=Dolphin | phone=+91 891 2567000 | fax=+91 891 2567555 }} * {{sleep | name=Dwaraka Inn | directions=At Dwaraka Nagar }} * {{sleep | name=Fortune Inn Sree Kanya | alt= | url=http://www.fortunehotels.in/hotel/Visakhapatnam-Fortune_Inn_Sree_Kanya.aspx | email= | address=Dwaraknagar, Diamond Park | lat= | long= | directions=Sree Kanya Road | phone=+91-891-3988444 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=The Grand Central Hotel | directions=at Jagadamba Junction }} * {{sleep | name=Green Park | phone=+91 891 2564444 |fax=+91 891 2563763 }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Hotel Akshaya | alt= | url=https://akshayahotel.business.site/ | email= | address=Station Rd | lat= | long= | directions=Opp to D.R.M.Office. | phone=+91 2598111, +91 2598144, +91 9177892359 (mobile) | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Athidiinn | alt= | url=https://athidihotels.chobs.in/ | email=athidi.inn@gmail.com | address=D.No.9-1-47, New Resapuvanapalem | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 891-2727567, +91 9396548333 (mobile) | tollfree= | fax=+91 891-2727678 | checkin=24 hr | checkout= | price=₹1,500-2,200 per 24 hours | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Daspalla | alt= | url=https://www.daspallahotels.com/visakhapatnam/ | email= | address=28-2-48, Suryabagh, Jagadamba Junction | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 89125 64825 | tollfree= | checkin=24 hour check-in | checkout= | price=From ₹4,000 per night | content=Complementary breakfast, free WiFi, four restaurants and wheelchair accessible. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Saraswathi Orchid | alt= | url= | email=hotelsaraswathiorchid@yahoo.com | address=#30-15-193,Opp: Dolphin Hotel Garden Gate, Main Road, Dabagardens | lat= | long= | directions=Opp: Dolphin Hotel | phone=+91-891-2712881 | tollfree= | fax=+91-891-6635657 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Supreme | address=At R.K.Beach }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Talasila Continental | phone=+91-891-2598598 | address=Station Road, Dondaparthi }} * {{sleep | name=Meghalaya | phone=+91 891 2755141 | fax=+91 891 2755824 }} * {{sleep | name=Royal Fort }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Four Points by Sheraton Visakhapatnam | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/vtzfp-four-points-visakhapatnam/ | email= | address=10-28-3, Waltair Main Road | lat=17.7206 | long=83.31252 | directions= | phone=+91 891 305 1111 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 3051000 | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹7,700-₹8,700 | wikidata=Q111402182 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach | alt= | url=https://all.accor.com/hotel/7535/index.en.shtml | email= | address=Beach Road | lat=17.710655 | long=83.315859 | directions= | phone=+91 891 282 2222 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2822244 | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=₹9,670 | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=The Gateway Hotel | alt= | url=https://gateway.tajhotels.com/en-in/beach-road-visakhapatnam/?_ga=1.134407865.974920459.1476353462 | email=gateway.visakhapatnam@tajhotels.com | address=Beach Road | lat=17.711559 | long=83.316771 | directions= | phone=+91 891 662 3670 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2564370 | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | price= | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=The Palm Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.720933 | long=83.335872 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=The Park Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.theparkhotels.com | email=resv.viz@theparkhotels.com | address=Beach Rd | lat=17.721364 | long=83.336836 | directions= | phone=+91 891 304 5678 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2754181 | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2016-10-13 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Radisson Blu Resort Visakhapatnam | alt= | url=https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-blu-resort-visakhapatnam | email= | address= | lat=17.77147 | long=83.37299 | directions= | phone=+91 891 667 7666 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=₹12,980 | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Welcomhotel Devee Grand Bay | alt= | url=https://www.itchotels.com/in/en/welcomhoteldeveegrandbay-visakhapatnam | email=reservations@itchotels.in | address=Beach Rd | lat=17.711851 | long=83.315468 | directions= | phone=+91 891 660 0101 | tollfree= | fax=+91 891 2550691 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2016-10-13 | content= }} * Fairfield by Marriott - KSR prime R&B junction Visakhapatnam *{{Sleep|name=Best Western Ramachandra|alt=|url=http://bwramachandra.co.in|email=info@bwramachandra.co.in|address=8-8-36, Gajuwaka|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=+ 91 891 2579777|tollfree=|fax=|checkin=|checkout=|price=|lastedit=2020-03-20|content=}} *{{Sleep|name=QualityInn Ramachandra Hotel|alt=|url=http://qualityinnramachandra.com|email=qualityinnramachandra@gmail.com|address=31-41/10/1, Duvvada|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=+91 891 2762855|tollfree=|fax=|checkin=|checkout=|price=|lastedit=2020-03-20|content=3-Star Hotel}} ==Go next== * [[Araku Valley]] ({{km|110}}) — Many tourists visit Araku Valley along with Visakhapatnam. It is a scenic valley that can be reached by train or bus. It is definitely not a day trip, but the APTDC facilities can serve as a decent lodging. November to February are the best months to visit. * [[Hyderabad]] * [[Chennai]] * [[Kolkata]] * [[Vijayawada]] * [[Guntur]] {{geo|17.688378|83.218758}} {{IsPartOf|Northern Coast (Andhra Pradesh)}} {{usablecity}} 0cmjh3jm4nvrgq4ztm7j8sk7movyvl1 0 38529 5086721 5077745 2025-07-02T17:53:04Z 81.101.9.96 /* Safety advice */ added some advice 5086721 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Egyptian soldiers (1983) banner.jpg}} {{warningbox|Do not visit a region in this category without seriously considering the risks and how to mitigate them. For the vast majority of travellers, including all tourists, these areas should be avoided at all costs. Other travellers should also consider avoiding them. This article is for those who absolutely need to go, or who get caught somewhere when a conflict erupts suddenly. Your insurance may be considered void by your country of origin if you do not follow the travel advice |lastedit=permanent |uk=https://www.gov.uk/guidance/reduce-your-risk-from-terrorism-while-abroad|us=https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/emergencies/terrorism.html|australia=https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/while-youre-away/when-things-go-wrong}} War zones or former war zones, often called '''hostile environments''', are distinctly dangerous. It is highly unusual for anyone other than professionals sent with a specific mission, or locals who cannot or will not leave, to be wandering around war zones. [[Diplomatic missions]] are typically unable to provide any assistance to their citizens who are travelling in war zones. [[Image:M120 Mortar in Zabol Province, Afghanistan.jpg|300px|thumb|Zabul Province, [[Afghanistan]]]] Some people must travel to these areas as part of their job; these include soldiers, reporters, diplomats, military or security contractors, and often people employed by various governments, international agencies and NGOs to provide relief from some of the ravages of war, to deal with refugee problems, or to rebuild after a war. Usually, those people will have had special training and the organization will provide extensive support &mdash; almost always a professional security team and heavily-secured buildings, often armored vehicles and/or armed guards for any required travel. They may also be partly protected by [[Diplomatic missions#Diplomatic immunity|diplomatic immunity]], by press credentials, or by some symbol like a Red Cross or the blue helmets of UN peacekeepers. Going into such an area for '''tourism is a spectacularly bad idea''' since you may not have the training and will certainly not have the backup or protections that the professionals do. If your country has military forces in the area or is supporting one side in the conflict, those groups are quite unlikely to think their mission includes protecting tourists but the other side is almost certain to consider you hostile. Even a tourist with no hostile intentions may provoke heated reactions; among other things, you may be taken for a spy. Tourists can be just as much a target of hostility as any military force. Indeed, tourists are a soft target, much easier to attack than the professionals. Some may be specifically targeted because of their home country, religion or ethnic group. In some areas, such as Afghanistan and the southern Philippines, '''tourists are prime targets for kidnapping'''. Many national governments have a policy of not paying ransoms for citizens who are kidnapped to avoid (effectively) subsidising kidnapping. Even if your government, employer or family is willing to pay a ransom, some of the kidnappers would rather have a beheading video that helps publicise their cause than just get some money. ==Safety advice== In general, national governments strongly advise against visiting war zones for any reason, and only send diplomats and other official representatives into these areas when they are accompanied by security teams or are located in a well-protected area. Acting against such advice may invalidate your [[travel insurance]], incur large costs for rescue in case of an emergency, or be illegal under the laws of either the home country or the destination. Other organizations also provide safety information to interested groups, such as non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and humanitarian aid groups that work in war zones. Sources of information and [[travel advisories]] include: * Australian [https://www.smartraveller.gov.au Department of Foreign Affairs – Smartraveller] provides travel advice for countries and events, travel tips and safety information * Canadian federal government's [https://travel.gc.ca Travel and Tourism] website includes travel advice and advisories for travel to foreign countries * British [https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-office Foreign & Commonwealth Office] provides travel advice *International [https://ngosafety.org NGO Safety Organisation] exists to provide information and assistance to enable safer circumstances for NGOs * US [https://travel.state.gov State Department] provides travel advice, warnings and country information. As a rule of thumb, if a country announces the evacuation of diplomats in a destination (assuming that there is no diplomatic dispute), war is often looming and you ought not challenge the odds. Wikipedia also has a list of [[:Wikipedia:List of ongoing military conflicts|ongoing conflicts]], though it should not be assumed to be entirely up to date or accurate. ===Passports=== If you are a dual citizen, it is likely wise to carry only one of your passports for some travel. For example, if you have both Israeli and Russian passports, you might be safer identifying as a Russian in some countries. However, to visit countries that have sanctions against Russia, you might need to use the Israeli passport. Of course in most places you could use either, and there may be places where neither is a desirable choice; for example, many Afghans detest both Russians and Israelis. Some travellers carry a camouflage passport, which is a faux passport "issued" by a non-existent country. Camouflage passports are used to throw off terrorists and abductors, who may be looking to single out a person from a specific nation. Camouflage passports cannot be used for official business, because anyone can purchase these passports with minimal identity verification. It is debatable whether these are worthwhile; they may fool a rather dumb attacker, but not one who searches you and finds the real passport, or who knows enough to realise the issuer is bogus, or who checks the visa stamps and notices the passport lacks one for the country you are in. In those cases all the bogus passport does is provoke the attacker. ===Training courses=== Anyone planning a visit to a country that could be considered a war zone should get professional training. Such courses are becoming increasingly easy to find. A search of the Internet for 'Hostile environment course' will probably provide the address of a local company. A course will normally cover all the issues discussed here in far greater detail, usually with practical experience. They can be a lot of fun too. A course will normally be from 2-5 days and will involve role play, a lot of first aid and sometimes weapons training. Most NGO staff, journalists, diplomats, et al., will have taken these courses. * [http://www.pilgrimsgroup.co.uk/ Pilgrims Group]{{Dead link|date=May 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} offer training in the UK. * [https://www.athenaintelligence.co.uk/ Athena Security & Intelligence Consultants] (ASIC) offer training both in the UK and globally. They are experts in the delivery of Kidnap Avoidance and Hostage Survival training as well as offering a variety of other training specialisations. * [https://onpointtactical.com/ OnPoint Tactical]{{Dead link|date=October 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. located in the US. Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape training for civilians and military alike. * [https://warzonetours.com/ War Zone Tours]{{Dead link|date=October 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} conduct regular hostile environment/anti-kidnap training for travelers visiting high risk regions of the world. * The UN has [https://www.unssc.org/courses courses] that are required for all staff it sends to such areas. If an employer wants to send you to a war zone, ask them to pay for training. ===Publications=== Books and magazines dealing with wilderness survival are common, but publications dealing with war zones are few. * Robert Young Pelton's ''[[Special:Booksources/1569521409|The World's Most Dangerous Places]]'' is a thousand-page-plus book that provides advice, contacts, and country by country information. His web site [http://www.comebackalive.com Comebackalive] features a forum, Black Flag Cafe, for updates and contacts. * There is also the BBC TV series ''[https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b007nqnj/episodes/guide Holidays in the Danger Zone]''. ==Land mines and unexploded ordnance== [[File:Sign_DangerMines.JPG|thumb|Land mine warning sign, [[Cambodia]]]] [[File:Land mines in Afghanistan.jpg|thumb|Minefield atop a hill in Bamiyan, [[Afghanistan]]. Note the red and white painted rocks]] [[File:Stanley Road, Falkland Islands (7875522944).jpg|thumb|A marked minefield in the [[Falkland Islands]], since cleared. Many minefields in current or former conflict zones are not marked.]] Most places that have seen armed conflict can be affected by mines or unexploded ordnance (UXO). In some cases, unexploded ordnance '''may remain dangerous for decades''' after the conflict ends – for example, China has had some deaths in the 21st century from left over [[World War II]] munitions, and bombs from the same conflict are still discovered (and dangerous) in both Germany and the UK. In fact older devices are sometimes more dangerous than new ones because the explosives – or the trigger – break down over time. There are still places off-limits due to mines in many parts of the world, including somewhere the conflict ended decades ago. After a few years heavily populated or heavily visited areas will generally have been cleaned up, but out-of-the-way places may still be dangerous. Mines fall into two categories: anti-personnel and anti-tank. * The most common type of '''anti-personnel mine''' is dug into the ground and triggered when someone steps on it. Another type is attached to a tree or a wall and is equipped with a tripping wire; these are more likely to take out several people. If you trigger an anti-personnel mine, it ''explodes immediately''; there is no click or any other warning like you see in the movies. These mines are not generally designed to kill; maiming an enemy combatant is more effective than killing, since resources are needed to evacuate and treat the wounded. * '''Anti-tank mines''' will not normally be triggered if you step on one; they are designed to be triggered by a vehicle. They are considerably more powerful than anti-personnel mines, capable of stopping a tank or completely destroying a truck. * Some areas have '''both''' anti-tank and anti-personnel mines, to make clearing the mines more difficult. [[File:Lascar A booby trap with bamboo spikes - Cu Chi tunnels (4607992038).jpg|thumb|A [[Indochina Wars|Vietnam-War-era]] booby trap in Cu Chi Tunnel]] Although '''booby traps''' may not involve explosives, given their purpose and secrecy, they can be considered as another kind of mines. The best advice for any of these devices is to stay well clear. There are sometimes warning signs of their presence. This can be as subtle as an untouched field in the midst of a heavily farmed area or an abandoned house in a busy district. Packing crates for mines or ammunition may be present, where they have been discarded. A convenient path may be disused. Where mines or UXO have been found, the affected area may be marked. Red paint on rocks is a sure sign. Pieces of cloth or cans hanging from a fence is another. Dead cattle or a pattern of craters are also possible. The best source of advice may be from local people and humanitarian aid organisations such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees or the United Nations group that is tasked to the area. Even if minefields are marked, in time rain and rivers can move devices into other areas. This has been a problem in the Balkans, where death and injury from mines on river banks are common. When in an area that is known or suspected to be mined, stay on paved roads when possible. If not possible, follow car tracks or well-trod foot paths. Should you, despite your best efforts, find yourself in a mined area, '''stop'''. Stay where you are and call for assistance from someone who knows what they are doing. If this is not possible, retrace your exact steps back to safety (this is very dangerous). If you have a long rod, you may be able to check for mines and escape the area. Insert the rod into the ground at a very shallow angle. Mines will not normally be triggered when they are hit from the side. You need to check an area just big enough for your foot. Keep doing this for every step. It could take hours, even days to get out of the danger area, but you should be alive. It's a bad idea to use pens or other short objects for this; remember that mines are ''designed to inflict injury'' on body parts near them! The [https://www.mineaction.org/en UN Mine Action Service] (UNMAS) publishes a mobile app, available free on [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.makedu.unmas.ied Google Play]. It is mainly aimed at aid workers but contains several useful tips on mine/UXO safety and a user can even claim a certificate in ERW/IED awareness if they pass the in-app tests. Both UNMAS and groups such as the [https://www.halotrust.org/ HALO Trust] and [https://www.maginternational.org/ Mag International] sometimes recruit [[volunteer]]s or paid staff to help eliminate land mines in various regions. Generally such work does not start until the shooting and bombing has ended, but it is not without risk. There is an [http://www.icbl.org/ International Campaign to Ban Landmines] and the [https://www.un.org/disarmament/geneva/aplc/ Ottawa Convention] of 1999 banning anti-personnel mines now has over 150 nations as signatories. However that convention does not cover anti-tank mines and some of the most important nations, including the [[USA]], [[Russia]] and [[China]], have not signed it. Neither [[North Korea]] nor [[South Korea]] has signed; both consider mines essential for defense against the other, and the area along their border has large numbers of both anti-personnel and anti-tank mines. Most mines contain metal and are thus relatively easy to detect; those that don't are outlawed by another treaty, due to the long-lasting risk they pose because it is virtually impossible to make sure a former minefield has been totally cleared of them. Again, though, not all nations have signed, and not all deployed mines conform to such standard. ==Insurance== Travel insurance generally does not cover you for travel to war zones. People who go to war zones as part of their work are usually covered by special insurance with very high premiums, the cost of which is usually borne by the employer. ==Road blocks and checkpoints== Road blocks or checkpoints are common, not just in war zones. They will usually be hidden around a corner in the road (especially if they are not official). Road blocks are sometimes an opportunity for the people manning them to extort money or items from passers by. [[File:Highway checkpoint in Afghanistan.jpg|thumb|right|U.S. Marines at a checkpoint in Afghanistan]] The people manning a roadblock are usually armed, often nervous, and sometimes various sorts of more-or-less crazy fanatic; it is important not to do anything likely to upset them. First, keep your hands in sight at all times; that way, no one will think you may have a weapon. Move slowly; do not make any sudden movements. Look pleased to see the people who have stopped you, even if you feel contempt for them. Be polite. Keep calm. A flustered, panicked individual is more cause for suspicion than an easy-going one. Try to stay in the vehicle. If this is not possible, try to stay together, especially if you or others in your group are female. Keep all doors locked and if possible windows closed. Keep any cameras hidden. Learn basic local language, so that you can have at least a basic idea of what is being said or asked of or about you. Do not photograph any military checkpoints, personnel, roadblocks or facilities. Also do not photograph sensitive areas like bridges, border checkpoints, communications facilities and airports. When in doubt, ask for permission beforehand. In many nations it is an offense to photograph these items even in peacetime — the military may suspect you are gathering information for hostile forces to use in an attack. ==Kidnapping and abduction== There are techniques that can reduce the risk of kidnapping or abduction. Perhaps the most important are avoiding risky areas and having professional bodyguards or a security team. Should you be taken captive, there are things you can and should be doing in order to maximise the chances of safe repatriation and to minimise unnecessary harm befalling you or other captives. [[#Training courses|Specialist training]] in kidnap avoidance and hostage survival is available and should be sought by those intending to operate in high-risk areas, or whose personal or corporate profile renders them at an increased risk of kidnap. In any kidnapping or abduction, the kidnappers have the least control right at the start. As time passes, their control over the situation increases and the opportunity for the victim to act is reduced. Many kidnap attempts are foiled because the intended victim reacts to the attempt in a way that the kidnappers did not expect. If driving a vehicle, reversing away from danger or changing direction may help (but may get you shot at). Specialist courses are available for drivers. Note that many governments have a policy of not paying ransoms to kidnappers. However, they seek to free their citizens who are taken hostage by working with the government of the country they are being held in and providing consular support to the family and employers of hostages. Due to the great dangers involved, government agencies only undertake raids which attempt to free hostages as a last resort and usually only in very specific circumstances; these operations often lead to the hostages being killed or wounded. As an example of the support governments provide to the victims of kidnapping, see the advice published by the Australian Government [http://smartraveller.gov.au/guide/all-travellers/avoiding-danger/pages/kidnapping.aspx here]. Be sure someone from outside the country knows your agenda at all times and have regularly scheduled check-in times so that if you go missing an alarm can be raised shortly thereafter. ==Shooting== If you are unfamiliar with firearms and what they can do, get training before you enter a hostile environment. As an unarmed civilian, your best bet is to avoid active conflict areas. Remember the basic fact that any gun is a weapon designed to kill. Apart from combat scenarios, shots may also be fired as a way to express celebration or other emotions by locals, a common practice in conflict areas like the [[Middle East]] and [[Balkans]]. Stray bullets kill, and your best option is to seek firm cover, as falling stray bullets can penetrate weak covers like tile roofs. Unlike movie and TV sound effects, real-life gun sounds vary. Pistols and silenced guns may sound like exploded balloons or firecrackers, while the sound of rifles and shotguns is more similar to the commonly known "bang" sound. If you are shot at, move and move fast. If you can, move across the line of fire – not directly away from the shooting – and seek cover. If you are part of a group, scatter in different directions. This may confuse the person with the firearm long enough to find cover. Pay attention to what direction the shots are coming from and going to if possible so that you know where to seek cover safely. Remember to breathe and try to remain calm. When taking fire as an unarmed civilian, remember one of Murphy's Laws of Combat: ''anything you do can get you killed, including doing nothing''. [[File:US Navy 100525-N-7764M-112 Master-at-Arms Seaman Recruit Hector Ramirez and Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Gerald Provost crouch behind a truck while training in an active-shooter scenario at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay.jpg|thumb|The engine block may sometimes be a reasonable cover — provided that the shooter has only small arms.]] Do not take cover behind vehicles. Pistol bullets easily pass through both doors of a car; rifle bullets can pass through a vehicle lengthwise; grenades, mortars and cannon shells can destroy most vehicles altogether. Stopped or disabled vehicles are "bullet magnets" that draw fire. The best protection provided by a car or truck is its ability to move away at high speed. If forced to take cover behind a vehicle or inside one, put the engine block between yourself and the shooter — it rarely gets penetrated by small arms fire. Even when your vehicle is bulletproof, the bulletproof windshield may be penetrated if two or more bullets hit the same spot. Walls, trees, and structures provide concealment but ''not'' cover. The 7.62 mm round used by the AK-47, a common assault rifle in war zones, can pass through a concrete block. The less powerful 9 mm pistol round can go through a dozen layers of sheetrock. The 12.7 and 14.7 mm rounds used by heavy machine guns and anti-material snipers can penetrate almost everything, including all kinds of bulletproof vests and helmets. One rule of thumb is the 'three-second rule' which states if you need to move to another place of cover, it should not be more than a three second sprint away. A good phrase to remember is: 'I'm up, He's seen me, I'm down.' Basically, you are up out of cover and moving (fast), you assume the shooter has seen you and is taking aim, and then you are back down behind suitable defensive cover before he can fire. The saying that "Three on a match is bad luck" originated during [[World War I]] from this sort of thinking. Note, however, that ''applying this rule in some situations is almost certain to get you killed''. If the enemy knows where you are and is waiting for you to move, or if he is just covering a particular area and is ready to shoot anyone who appears there, then he can fire accurately in well under a second. Also, if he has an automatic weapon (as most military or guerrilla fighters do), then he need not take time to aim; he can just spray bullets in your general direction and hope one of them hits. If you or someone else was shot, instead of taking out the bullet (leave that to be done at the hospital), your top priority is to ''stop the bleeding as soon as possible'', while securing the casualty's airway. A quick bandage and fixation of the wound before sending to hospital or arranging for medical evacuation should be followed, to prevent further bleeding and accidental injury due to bone fracture. Learn to use a tourniquet for wounds in the limbs. ==Airstrikes== [[File:MQ-9 Reaper UAV.jpg|thumb|A US military drone that is frequently used in airstrikes]] In war zones, it is not uncommon for belligerents obtaining air superiority to conduct airstrikes and missile strikes against enemy targets. With the widespread availability of mass-market drones and 3D printers, irregular forces such as terrorists or insurgents have taken to producing their own drones in the 2010s and 2020s. While some of them are only used for reconnaissance, there are also those that are armed with explosives or air to surface missiles which take advantage of the usually weaker armour on the upper side of military vehicles. Military drones are characterized by the loud buzzing noise that they make, like that of a bee or a lawnmower. For larger drones, you may also see the aircraft circling overhead. Do not: * lie down and drop something on a road (it looks like you are laying an improvised explosive device); * run; * point at the aircraft. * attempt to conceal your face, including wearing medical masks in some situations. These actions may result in the aircraft opening fire at you. Just pretend that you haven't noticed the drone. Stay away from anything and anyone you suspect will be targeted, in which you risk being caught in the blast radius of the aircraft's weapons. If your destination still retains some governance or civil defense abilities, wailing air raid sirens may be used to warn of upcoming airstrikes. In such situations (see also [[#Explosions|Explosions]] below): * Grab the bag filled with necessities like durable food and clothes you prepared, and take it along. * Take cover in a shelter. As long as they aren't too shallow, metro/subway stations are generally good air raid shelters. They've been used from London in 1940 to Kyiv in 2022. * If there is no nearby shelter, head for a building, and place yourself as far as you can from windows, or other nearby fragile objects. * If no building is nearby, lie down on your belly and put your hands on the back of your head. ==Explosions== The chances of being caught up in an explosion will depend upon your location. Avoiding high-risk locations, such as restaurants or bars frequented by people who could be targets, is a preventive option. If there is some distance between you and the explosion site, you will see the explosion before the shock wave and explosion sound arrives at your location. Make good use of time to duck and cover immediately. During an explosion: *If you are in a building: **Duck and take cover under a sturdy table or desk. Close your eyes, cover your ears and open your mouth to minimize blast injuries. **After the explosion, leave quickly, watching for obviously weakened floors and stairways. Stay low if there is smoke. **Check for fire and other hazards. **If you are trapped in debris, use a flashlight, whistle or tap on pipes to signal your location to rescuers. Also refer to tips at [[Earthquake safety]]. **Shout only as a last resort to avoid inhaling dangerous dust. *Once you are out, do not stand in front of windows, glass doors or other potentially hazardous areas. *Cover your nose and mouth with anything you have on hand. *Leave as quickly as possible, as a common tactic is to trigger one explosion followed by another to catch crowds and rescuers. ==CBRN defense== Although belligerents tend to be cautious when using '''c'''hemical, '''b'''iological, '''r'''adiological or '''n'''uclear weapons, they are still powerful weapons that may be unleashed. The civil war in [[Syria]], for example, had multiple instances where chemical weapons were used on the civilian population. ===Nuclear Weapons=== There is no defense against a nuclear weapon if you are within the blast radius. This can be only a few hundred meters for a "tactical nuke" such as might be fired from an artillery piece, but dozens of km for a large bomb detonated as an air burst to spread the effects most widely. The intense radiant heat, the gamma rays, or the neutrons for some bombs can also kill. If you are further away, your main worry is radioactive fallout. All nuclear weapons produce '''fallout''' – radioactive dust that is blown high in the air and comes down over a wide area – and "dirty bombs" are specifically designed to maximize fallout; for example a hydrogen bomb can be wrapped with a layer of U₂₃₈ to give more fallout. It is also possible to build a device that uses conventional explosives to spread radioactive material; this may appeal to some actors because it needs less technology and resources, but the effect is neither as severe or as widespread as fallout from a nuclear bomb. The best way to deal with fallout is to leave any area where it is likely, that is anywhere downwind of a nuclear blast. If that is not possible, go to a fallout shelter if you can. Failing that, the following measures will help: * Cover your nose and mouth with a cloth to reduce the risk of breathing in radioactive dust or smoke. * Don’t touch objects or fragments scattered by the explosion. * Quickly go into a building where walls and windows are intact to shield yourself from radiation. * Shut all windows and outside doors. Turn off fans and heating and air conditioning systems that bring in air from outside. ** If walls and windows of the building are broken, go to an interior room and do not leave. If the building has been heavily damaged, quickly go into another building where walls and windows are not broken. * Once inside, take off your outer layer of clothing and seal it in a plastic bag, if available. If not, use whatever that can hold the clothing and can be closed and removed. Removing outer clothes can get rid of most radioactive dust. * Put the plastic bag where others will not touch it. If possible, isolate the plastic bag with bulky items. * Shower or wash with soap and water to remove any remaining dust. * If possible, tune to local radio or news for more instructions. You should also prepare for evacuating from the affected region. ===Chemical and biological weapons=== Although some chemical weapons have distinct smells (such as an especially strong bleach smell for chlorine), some (including Sarin and VX) are '''odorless and colorless'''. Maintain your situational awareness, and if you find something wrong with your sense or surroundings, trust your instinct. In a chemical or biological weapon attack: * Avoid any obvious plume or vapor cloud. * If a chemical or biological weapon is released indoors (such as the case of the 1995 Tokyo Subway Sarin attack), leave the site as soon as possible and evacuate to higher or windward locations. * Evacuate from the site and into an intact building in order to shelter-in-place. * Lock doors, close windows, air vents and other openings. * Turn off fans, air conditioning, and forced air heating systems. * Go into a room with as few windows as possible. * Seal all windows, doors, and air vents with plastic sheeting and duct tape. * Improvise with what is on hand to seal gaps to create a barrier from any contamination. * Remove outer clothing and place it in a sealed plastic bag. * Shower or wash with soap and water. Flush eyes with water if they are irritated. * Put on clean clothes. * If possible, seek medical attention even if no symptoms develop. * Watch TV, listen to the radio, or check the Internet if available. You should also prepare for evacuating from the affected region. == Equipment== When transporting necessary equipment for your tour in war zones, you should comply with all customs and importation and exportation regulations — while your destination can be lawless, your departure place is usually not. For example, there have been cases where war correspondents are arrested by customs for arms trafficking after they bring PPEs like bulletproof vests and helmets without proper procedures. ===Bullet-resistant vests=== [[File:Contract security, Baghdad.jpg|thumb|250px|A private military contractor in Iraq]] A bullet-resistant vest (sometimes called bulletproof vests or body armour) might save your life in some circumstances, but there are problems. No vest can protect body parts that it does not cover, and not all bullet-resistant vests will stop a knife; if knives are a threat, then you need to choose one that will or use two vests. Also, a vest cannot reduce the energy of a bullet, only spread it across more of your body. Getting hit is likely to feel about like being kicked by a horse; a huge bruise and perhaps a few broken ribs is certainly a lot better than having your heart pierced, but it is still definitely not good. Vests designed to stop pistol bullets and shrapnel are reasonably light and comfortable, but they will not stop anything heavier. In particular, vests with the common level IIIa rating will not stop shots from assault rifles. Armour strong enough to stop most rifle bullets exists, but it is heavy, bulky, uncomfortable, and conspicuous. Cloth alone cannot provide that level of protection; steel or ceramic plates are needed as well. No form of body armour can protect against a heavy machine gun or sniper round such as .50 calibre; some will prevent the bullet penetrating, but the trauma will still be lethal. Vendors such as [https://miguelcaballero.com Miguel Caballero], [https://wonderhoodie.com/ Wonder Hoodie], [https://bulletproofzone.com/collections/bulletproof-clothing Bulletproof Zone], [https://www.bulletblocker.com/bullet-proof-clothing.html Bullet Blocker], and [https://www.thykskynn.com/ Thyk Skynn] offer clothing that looks fairly normal, even stylish, but is actually bullet-resistant. This may be a good option because it is less conspicuous and easier to wear all the time. Bullet-resistant backpacks, briefcases, laptop cases and shoulder bags are also available; these are also inconspicuous and they may handle heavier rounds than clothing since it is relatively easy to include armour plates in their design. Both the garments and the bags are expensive – ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per item – but if your life is at risk and you can get the funds, it is obviously worth it. If an employer wants to send you to a war zone, tell them they should pay for this. A pair of boots with steel in the soles, as used by construction workers, may somewhat reduce the damage if you step on a land mine but will not even come close to giving complete protection. However, they will protect against broken glass, sharp-edged rubble, and some types of booby traps. ===Weapons=== In some areas, some travellers go armed; for example civilian contractors in Iraq are sometimes advised to carry weapons. However, for most travellers, carrying a weapon will increase the risks rather than reducing them. For one thing, if you are not well-trained in its use, any weapon will probably be useless, and wearing one likely increases your chance of being shot. Also, even if you are an expert, it may be useless if you are outnumbered or outgunned. Against several people with assault rifles, for example, reaching for a pistol is suicidal. Perhaps most important, if you carry a weapon, you are not a civilian. You may be seen as a spy or soldier, and treated as such by armed groups. The Geneva Convention on treatment of prisoners of war applies ''only'' to people who are in uniform or at least wearing some marker visible at a distance – such as an armband or a distinctive hat. The US routinely treats prisoners at [[Guantánamo Bay]] in ways that would be illegal if the Geneva Convention applied. Anyone going armed in a war zone while wearing unmarked civilian clothing is therefore taking a ''huge risk''. Traveling with armed guards is generally a better alternative than arming yourself. ==First aid== A [[first aid]] course is beyond the scope of this article. Remember if you need to use first aid that the first step is to stay calm, then to get to safety and only then to apply first aid. Basic first aid, such as what is taught by a local Red Cross in [https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class the USA] or [https://www.redcross.ca/training-and-certification Canada], will show you how to treat minor injuries and perform CPR. These and similar courses are often inexpensive or free. Hostile environment, combat medic, or "defensive medical" courses focus on control of bleeding, shock, airway management, and trauma care. They usually include training in the use of tourniquets, H-bandages, nasal airways, and hemostatic agents like QuikClot or CELOX. [http://lmsdefense.com/ LMS Defense] provides combat medical training in the USA. ==See also== * [[Business travel]]; visitors typically do not come for pleasure * [[Corruption and bribery]]; the degeneration of local governance is a catalyst for corruption * [[Crime]]; the collapse of legal institution, and the shortage of resources, might motivate crime * [[Military tourism]] for historic war zones * [[Next-to-impossible destinations]]; to a certain extent similar to war zones * [[Stay healthy]]; destruction of health infrastructure can make curable diseases deadly: the ongoing cholera outbreak in [[Yemen]] is a prime example of this {{PartOfTopic|Stay safe}} {{usabletopic}} lgvc8v4mppdjzrcya1xe63umpx00c0e 5086747 5086721 2025-07-02T18:46:55Z Pashley 1822 5086747 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Egyptian soldiers (1983) banner.jpg}} {{warningbox|Do not visit a region in this category without seriously considering the risks and how to mitigate them. For the vast majority of travellers, including all tourists, these areas should be avoided at all costs. Other travellers should also consider avoiding them. This article is for those who absolutely need to go, or who get caught somewhere when a conflict erupts suddenly. |uk=https://www.gov.uk/guidance/reduce-your-risk-from-terrorism-while-abroad|us=https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/emergencies/terrorism.html|australia=https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/while-youre-away/when-things-go-wrong}} War zones or former war zones, often called '''hostile environments''', are distinctly dangerous. It is highly unusual for anyone other than professionals sent with a specific mission, or locals who cannot or will not leave, to be wandering around war zones. [[Diplomatic missions]] are typically unable to provide any assistance to their citizens who are travelling in war zones. [[Image:M120 Mortar in Zabol Province, Afghanistan.jpg|300px|thumb|Zabul Province, [[Afghanistan]]]] Some people must travel to these areas as part of their job; these include soldiers, reporters, diplomats, military or security contractors, and often people employed by various governments, international agencies and NGOs to provide relief from some of the ravages of war, to deal with refugee problems, or to rebuild after a war. Usually, those people will have had special training and the organization will provide extensive support &mdash; almost always a professional security team and heavily-secured buildings, often armored vehicles and/or armed guards for any required travel. They may also be partly protected by [[Diplomatic missions#Diplomatic immunity|diplomatic immunity]], by press credentials, or by some symbol like a Red Cross or the blue helmets of UN peacekeepers. Going into such an area for '''tourism is a spectacularly bad idea''' since you may not have the training and will certainly not have the backup or protections that the professionals do. If your country has military forces in the area or is supporting one side in the conflict, those groups are quite unlikely to think their mission includes protecting tourists but the other side is almost certain to consider you hostile. Even a tourist with no hostile intentions may provoke heated reactions; among other things, you may be taken for a spy. Tourists can be just as much a target of hostility as any military force. Indeed, tourists are a soft target, much easier to attack than the professionals. Some may be specifically targeted because of their home country, religion or ethnic group. In some areas, such as Afghanistan and the southern Philippines, '''tourists are prime targets for kidnapping'''. Many national governments have a policy of not paying ransoms for citizens who are kidnapped to avoid (effectively) subsidising kidnapping. Even if your government, employer or family is willing to pay a ransom, some of the kidnappers would rather have a beheading video that helps publicise their cause than just get some money. ==Safety advice== In general, national governments strongly advise against visiting war zones for any reason, and only send diplomats and other official representatives into these areas when they are accompanied by security teams or are located in a well-protected area. Acting against such advice may invalidate your [[travel insurance]], incur large costs for rescue in case of an emergency, or be illegal under the laws of either the home country or the destination. Other organizations also provide safety information to interested groups, such as non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and humanitarian aid groups that work in war zones. Sources of information and [[travel advisories]] include: * Australian [https://www.smartraveller.gov.au Department of Foreign Affairs – Smartraveller] provides travel advice for countries and events, travel tips and safety information * Canadian federal government's [https://travel.gc.ca Travel and Tourism] website includes travel advice and advisories for travel to foreign countries * British [https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-office Foreign & Commonwealth Office] provides travel advice *International [https://ngosafety.org NGO Safety Organisation] exists to provide information and assistance to enable safer circumstances for NGOs * US [https://travel.state.gov State Department] provides travel advice, warnings and country information. As a rule of thumb, if a country announces the evacuation of diplomats in a destination (assuming that there is no diplomatic dispute), war is often looming and you ought not challenge the odds. Wikipedia also has a list of [[:Wikipedia:List of ongoing military conflicts|ongoing conflicts]], though it should not be assumed to be entirely up to date or accurate. ===Passports=== If you are a dual citizen, it is likely wise to carry only one of your passports for some travel. For example, if you have both Israeli and Russian passports, you might be safer identifying as a Russian in some countries. However, to visit countries that have sanctions against Russia, you might need to use the Israeli passport. Of course in most places you could use either, and there may be places where neither is a desirable choice; for example, many Afghans detest both Russians and Israelis. Some travellers carry a camouflage passport, which is a faux passport "issued" by a non-existent country. Camouflage passports are used to throw off terrorists and abductors, who may be looking to single out a person from a specific nation. Camouflage passports cannot be used for official business, because anyone can purchase these passports with minimal identity verification. It is debatable whether these are worthwhile; they may fool a rather dumb attacker, but not one who searches you and finds the real passport, or who knows enough to realise the issuer is bogus, or who checks the visa stamps and notices the passport lacks one for the country you are in. In those cases all the bogus passport does is provoke the attacker. ===Training courses=== Anyone planning a visit to a country that could be considered a war zone should get professional training. Such courses are becoming increasingly easy to find. A search of the Internet for 'Hostile environment course' will probably provide the address of a local company. A course will normally cover all the issues discussed here in far greater detail, usually with practical experience. They can be a lot of fun too. A course will normally be from 2-5 days and will involve role play, a lot of first aid and sometimes weapons training. Most NGO staff, journalists, diplomats, et al., will have taken these courses. * [http://www.pilgrimsgroup.co.uk/ Pilgrims Group]{{Dead link|date=May 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} offer training in the UK. * [https://www.athenaintelligence.co.uk/ Athena Security & Intelligence Consultants] (ASIC) offer training both in the UK and globally. They are experts in the delivery of Kidnap Avoidance and Hostage Survival training as well as offering a variety of other training specialisations. * [https://onpointtactical.com/ OnPoint Tactical]{{Dead link|date=October 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. located in the US. Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape training for civilians and military alike. * [https://warzonetours.com/ War Zone Tours]{{Dead link|date=October 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} conduct regular hostile environment/anti-kidnap training for travelers visiting high risk regions of the world. * The UN has [https://www.unssc.org/courses courses] that are required for all staff it sends to such areas. If an employer wants to send you to a war zone, ask them to pay for training. ===Publications=== Books and magazines dealing with wilderness survival are common, but publications dealing with war zones are few. * Robert Young Pelton's ''[[Special:Booksources/1569521409|The World's Most Dangerous Places]]'' is a thousand-page-plus book that provides advice, contacts, and country by country information. His web site [http://www.comebackalive.com Comebackalive] features a forum, Black Flag Cafe, for updates and contacts. * There is also the BBC TV series ''[https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b007nqnj/episodes/guide Holidays in the Danger Zone]''. ==Land mines and unexploded ordnance== [[File:Sign_DangerMines.JPG|thumb|Land mine warning sign, [[Cambodia]]]] [[File:Land mines in Afghanistan.jpg|thumb|Minefield atop a hill in Bamiyan, [[Afghanistan]]. Note the red and white painted rocks]] [[File:Stanley Road, Falkland Islands (7875522944).jpg|thumb|A marked minefield in the [[Falkland Islands]], since cleared. Many minefields in current or former conflict zones are not marked.]] Most places that have seen armed conflict can be affected by mines or unexploded ordnance (UXO). In some cases, unexploded ordnance '''may remain dangerous for decades''' after the conflict ends – for example, China has had some deaths in the 21st century from left over [[World War II]] munitions, and bombs from the same conflict are still discovered (and dangerous) in both Germany and the UK. In fact older devices are sometimes more dangerous than new ones because the explosives – or the trigger – break down over time. There are still places off-limits due to mines in many parts of the world, including somewhere the conflict ended decades ago. After a few years heavily populated or heavily visited areas will generally have been cleaned up, but out-of-the-way places may still be dangerous. Mines fall into two categories: anti-personnel and anti-tank. * The most common type of '''anti-personnel mine''' is dug into the ground and triggered when someone steps on it. Another type is attached to a tree or a wall and is equipped with a tripping wire; these are more likely to take out several people. If you trigger an anti-personnel mine, it ''explodes immediately''; there is no click or any other warning like you see in the movies. These mines are not generally designed to kill; maiming an enemy combatant is more effective than killing, since resources are needed to evacuate and treat the wounded. * '''Anti-tank mines''' will not normally be triggered if you step on one; they are designed to be triggered by a vehicle. They are considerably more powerful than anti-personnel mines, capable of stopping a tank or completely destroying a truck. * Some areas have '''both''' anti-tank and anti-personnel mines, to make clearing the mines more difficult. [[File:Lascar A booby trap with bamboo spikes - Cu Chi tunnels (4607992038).jpg|thumb|A [[Indochina Wars|Vietnam-War-era]] booby trap in Cu Chi Tunnel]] Although '''booby traps''' may not involve explosives, given their purpose and secrecy, they can be considered as another kind of mines. The best advice for any of these devices is to stay well clear. There are sometimes warning signs of their presence. This can be as subtle as an untouched field in the midst of a heavily farmed area or an abandoned house in a busy district. Packing crates for mines or ammunition may be present, where they have been discarded. A convenient path may be disused. Where mines or UXO have been found, the affected area may be marked. Red paint on rocks is a sure sign. Pieces of cloth or cans hanging from a fence is another. Dead cattle or a pattern of craters are also possible. The best source of advice may be from local people and humanitarian aid organisations such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees or the United Nations group that is tasked to the area. Even if minefields are marked, in time rain and rivers can move devices into other areas. This has been a problem in the Balkans, where death and injury from mines on river banks are common. When in an area that is known or suspected to be mined, stay on paved roads when possible. If not possible, follow car tracks or well-trod foot paths. Should you, despite your best efforts, find yourself in a mined area, '''stop'''. Stay where you are and call for assistance from someone who knows what they are doing. If this is not possible, retrace your exact steps back to safety (this is very dangerous). If you have a long rod, you may be able to check for mines and escape the area. Insert the rod into the ground at a very shallow angle. Mines will not normally be triggered when they are hit from the side. You need to check an area just big enough for your foot. Keep doing this for every step. It could take hours, even days to get out of the danger area, but you should be alive. It's a bad idea to use pens or other short objects for this; remember that mines are ''designed to inflict injury'' on body parts near them! The [https://www.mineaction.org/en UN Mine Action Service] (UNMAS) publishes a mobile app, available free on [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.makedu.unmas.ied Google Play]. It is mainly aimed at aid workers but contains several useful tips on mine/UXO safety and a user can even claim a certificate in ERW/IED awareness if they pass the in-app tests. Both UNMAS and groups such as the [https://www.halotrust.org/ HALO Trust] and [https://www.maginternational.org/ Mag International] sometimes recruit [[volunteer]]s or paid staff to help eliminate land mines in various regions. Generally such work does not start until the shooting and bombing has ended, but it is not without risk. There is an [http://www.icbl.org/ International Campaign to Ban Landmines] and the [https://www.un.org/disarmament/geneva/aplc/ Ottawa Convention] of 1999 banning anti-personnel mines now has over 150 nations as signatories. However that convention does not cover anti-tank mines and some of the most important nations, including the [[USA]], [[Russia]] and [[China]], have not signed it. Neither [[North Korea]] nor [[South Korea]] has signed; both consider mines essential for defense against the other, and the area along their border has large numbers of both anti-personnel and anti-tank mines. Most mines contain metal and are thus relatively easy to detect; those that don't are outlawed by another treaty, due to the long-lasting risk they pose because it is virtually impossible to make sure a former minefield has been totally cleared of them. Again, though, not all nations have signed, and not all deployed mines conform to such standard. ==Insurance== Travel insurance generally does not cover you for travel to war zones. People who go to war zones as part of their work are usually covered by special insurance with very high premiums, the cost of which is usually borne by the employer. ==Road blocks and checkpoints== Road blocks or checkpoints are common, not just in war zones. They will usually be hidden around a corner in the road (especially if they are not official). Road blocks are sometimes an opportunity for the people manning them to extort money or items from passers by. [[File:Highway checkpoint in Afghanistan.jpg|thumb|right|U.S. Marines at a checkpoint in Afghanistan]] The people manning a roadblock are usually armed, often nervous, and sometimes various sorts of more-or-less crazy fanatic; it is important not to do anything likely to upset them. First, keep your hands in sight at all times; that way, no one will think you may have a weapon. Move slowly; do not make any sudden movements. Look pleased to see the people who have stopped you, even if you feel contempt for them. Be polite. Keep calm. A flustered, panicked individual is more cause for suspicion than an easy-going one. Try to stay in the vehicle. If this is not possible, try to stay together, especially if you or others in your group are female. Keep all doors locked and if possible windows closed. Keep any cameras hidden. Learn basic local language, so that you can have at least a basic idea of what is being said or asked of or about you. Do not photograph any military checkpoints, personnel, roadblocks or facilities. Also do not photograph sensitive areas like bridges, border checkpoints, communications facilities and airports. When in doubt, ask for permission beforehand. In many nations it is an offense to photograph these items even in peacetime — the military may suspect you are gathering information for hostile forces to use in an attack. ==Kidnapping and abduction== There are techniques that can reduce the risk of kidnapping or abduction. Perhaps the most important are avoiding risky areas and having professional bodyguards or a security team. Should you be taken captive, there are things you can and should be doing in order to maximise the chances of safe repatriation and to minimise unnecessary harm befalling you or other captives. [[#Training courses|Specialist training]] in kidnap avoidance and hostage survival is available and should be sought by those intending to operate in high-risk areas, or whose personal or corporate profile renders them at an increased risk of kidnap. In any kidnapping or abduction, the kidnappers have the least control right at the start. As time passes, their control over the situation increases and the opportunity for the victim to act is reduced. Many kidnap attempts are foiled because the intended victim reacts to the attempt in a way that the kidnappers did not expect. If driving a vehicle, reversing away from danger or changing direction may help (but may get you shot at). Specialist courses are available for drivers. Note that many governments have a policy of not paying ransoms to kidnappers. However, they seek to free their citizens who are taken hostage by working with the government of the country they are being held in and providing consular support to the family and employers of hostages. Due to the great dangers involved, government agencies only undertake raids which attempt to free hostages as a last resort and usually only in very specific circumstances; these operations often lead to the hostages being killed or wounded. As an example of the support governments provide to the victims of kidnapping, see the advice published by the Australian Government [http://smartraveller.gov.au/guide/all-travellers/avoiding-danger/pages/kidnapping.aspx here]. Be sure someone from outside the country knows your agenda at all times and have regularly scheduled check-in times so that if you go missing an alarm can be raised shortly thereafter. ==Shooting== If you are unfamiliar with firearms and what they can do, get training before you enter a hostile environment. As an unarmed civilian, your best bet is to avoid active conflict areas. Remember the basic fact that any gun is a weapon designed to kill. Apart from combat scenarios, shots may also be fired as a way to express celebration or other emotions by locals, a common practice in conflict areas like the [[Middle East]] and [[Balkans]]. Stray bullets kill, and your best option is to seek firm cover, as falling stray bullets can penetrate weak covers like tile roofs. Unlike movie and TV sound effects, real-life gun sounds vary. Pistols and silenced guns may sound like exploded balloons or firecrackers, while the sound of rifles and shotguns is more similar to the commonly known "bang" sound. If you are shot at, move and move fast. If you can, move across the line of fire – not directly away from the shooting – and seek cover. If you are part of a group, scatter in different directions. This may confuse the person with the firearm long enough to find cover. Pay attention to what direction the shots are coming from and going to if possible so that you know where to seek cover safely. Remember to breathe and try to remain calm. When taking fire as an unarmed civilian, remember one of Murphy's Laws of Combat: ''anything you do can get you killed, including doing nothing''. [[File:US Navy 100525-N-7764M-112 Master-at-Arms Seaman Recruit Hector Ramirez and Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Gerald Provost crouch behind a truck while training in an active-shooter scenario at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay.jpg|thumb|The engine block may sometimes be a reasonable cover — provided that the shooter has only small arms.]] Do not take cover behind vehicles. Pistol bullets easily pass through both doors of a car; rifle bullets can pass through a vehicle lengthwise; grenades, mortars and cannon shells can destroy most vehicles altogether. Stopped or disabled vehicles are "bullet magnets" that draw fire. The best protection provided by a car or truck is its ability to move away at high speed. If forced to take cover behind a vehicle or inside one, put the engine block between yourself and the shooter — it rarely gets penetrated by small arms fire. Even when your vehicle is bulletproof, the bulletproof windshield may be penetrated if two or more bullets hit the same spot. Walls, trees, and structures provide concealment but ''not'' cover. The 7.62 mm round used by the AK-47, a common assault rifle in war zones, can pass through a concrete block. The less powerful 9 mm pistol round can go through a dozen layers of sheetrock. The 12.7 and 14.7 mm rounds used by heavy machine guns and anti-material snipers can penetrate almost everything, including all kinds of bulletproof vests and helmets. One rule of thumb is the 'three-second rule' which states if you need to move to another place of cover, it should not be more than a three second sprint away. A good phrase to remember is: 'I'm up, He's seen me, I'm down.' Basically, you are up out of cover and moving (fast), you assume the shooter has seen you and is taking aim, and then you are back down behind suitable defensive cover before he can fire. The saying that "Three on a match is bad luck" originated during [[World War I]] from this sort of thinking. Note, however, that ''applying this rule in some situations is almost certain to get you killed''. If the enemy knows where you are and is waiting for you to move, or if he is just covering a particular area and is ready to shoot anyone who appears there, then he can fire accurately in well under a second. Also, if he has an automatic weapon (as most military or guerrilla fighters do), then he need not take time to aim; he can just spray bullets in your general direction and hope one of them hits. If you or someone else was shot, instead of taking out the bullet (leave that to be done at the hospital), your top priority is to ''stop the bleeding as soon as possible'', while securing the casualty's airway. A quick bandage and fixation of the wound before sending to hospital or arranging for medical evacuation should be followed, to prevent further bleeding and accidental injury due to bone fracture. Learn to use a tourniquet for wounds in the limbs. ==Airstrikes== [[File:MQ-9 Reaper UAV.jpg|thumb|A US military drone that is frequently used in airstrikes]] In war zones, it is not uncommon for belligerents obtaining air superiority to conduct airstrikes and missile strikes against enemy targets. With the widespread availability of mass-market drones and 3D printers, irregular forces such as terrorists or insurgents have taken to producing their own drones in the 2010s and 2020s. While some of them are only used for reconnaissance, there are also those that are armed with explosives or air to surface missiles which take advantage of the usually weaker armour on the upper side of military vehicles. Military drones are characterized by the loud buzzing noise that they make, like that of a bee or a lawnmower. For larger drones, you may also see the aircraft circling overhead. Do not: * lie down and drop something on a road (it looks like you are laying an improvised explosive device); * run; * point at the aircraft. * attempt to conceal your face, including wearing medical masks in some situations. These actions may result in the aircraft opening fire at you. Just pretend that you haven't noticed the drone. Stay away from anything and anyone you suspect will be targeted, in which you risk being caught in the blast radius of the aircraft's weapons. If your destination still retains some governance or civil defense abilities, wailing air raid sirens may be used to warn of upcoming airstrikes. In such situations (see also [[#Explosions|Explosions]] below): * Grab the bag filled with necessities like durable food and clothes you prepared, and take it along. * Take cover in a shelter. As long as they aren't too shallow, metro/subway stations are generally good air raid shelters. They've been used from London in 1940 to Kyiv in 2022. * If there is no nearby shelter, head for a building, and place yourself as far as you can from windows, or other nearby fragile objects. * If no building is nearby, lie down on your belly and put your hands on the back of your head. ==Explosions== The chances of being caught up in an explosion will depend upon your location. Avoiding high-risk locations, such as restaurants or bars frequented by people who could be targets, is a preventive option. If there is some distance between you and the explosion site, you will see the explosion before the shock wave and explosion sound arrives at your location. Make good use of time to duck and cover immediately. During an explosion: *If you are in a building: **Duck and take cover under a sturdy table or desk. Close your eyes, cover your ears and open your mouth to minimize blast injuries. **After the explosion, leave quickly, watching for obviously weakened floors and stairways. Stay low if there is smoke. **Check for fire and other hazards. **If you are trapped in debris, use a flashlight, whistle or tap on pipes to signal your location to rescuers. Also refer to tips at [[Earthquake safety]]. **Shout only as a last resort to avoid inhaling dangerous dust. *Once you are out, do not stand in front of windows, glass doors or other potentially hazardous areas. *Cover your nose and mouth with anything you have on hand. *Leave as quickly as possible, as a common tactic is to trigger one explosion followed by another to catch crowds and rescuers. ==CBRN defense== Although belligerents tend to be cautious when using '''c'''hemical, '''b'''iological, '''r'''adiological or '''n'''uclear weapons, they are still powerful weapons that may be unleashed. The civil war in [[Syria]], for example, had multiple instances where chemical weapons were used on the civilian population. ===Nuclear Weapons=== There is no defense against a nuclear weapon if you are within the blast radius. This can be only a few hundred meters for a "tactical nuke" such as might be fired from an artillery piece, but dozens of km for a large bomb detonated as an air burst to spread the effects most widely. The intense radiant heat, the gamma rays, or the neutrons for some bombs can also kill. If you are further away, your main worry is radioactive fallout. All nuclear weapons produce '''fallout''' – radioactive dust that is blown high in the air and comes down over a wide area – and "dirty bombs" are specifically designed to maximize fallout; for example a hydrogen bomb can be wrapped with a layer of U₂₃₈ to give more fallout. It is also possible to build a device that uses conventional explosives to spread radioactive material; this may appeal to some actors because it needs less technology and resources, but the effect is neither as severe or as widespread as fallout from a nuclear bomb. The best way to deal with fallout is to leave any area where it is likely, that is anywhere downwind of a nuclear blast. If that is not possible, go to a fallout shelter if you can. Failing that, the following measures will help: * Cover your nose and mouth with a cloth to reduce the risk of breathing in radioactive dust or smoke. * Don’t touch objects or fragments scattered by the explosion. * Quickly go into a building where walls and windows are intact to shield yourself from radiation. * Shut all windows and outside doors. Turn off fans and heating and air conditioning systems that bring in air from outside. ** If walls and windows of the building are broken, go to an interior room and do not leave. If the building has been heavily damaged, quickly go into another building where walls and windows are not broken. * Once inside, take off your outer layer of clothing and seal it in a plastic bag, if available. If not, use whatever that can hold the clothing and can be closed and removed. Removing outer clothes can get rid of most radioactive dust. * Put the plastic bag where others will not touch it. If possible, isolate the plastic bag with bulky items. * Shower or wash with soap and water to remove any remaining dust. * If possible, tune to local radio or news for more instructions. You should also prepare for evacuating from the affected region. ===Chemical and biological weapons=== Although some chemical weapons have distinct smells (such as an especially strong bleach smell for chlorine), some (including Sarin and VX) are '''odorless and colorless'''. Maintain your situational awareness, and if you find something wrong with your sense or surroundings, trust your instinct. In a chemical or biological weapon attack: * Avoid any obvious plume or vapor cloud. * If a chemical or biological weapon is released indoors (such as the case of the 1995 Tokyo Subway Sarin attack), leave the site as soon as possible and evacuate to higher or windward locations. * Evacuate from the site and into an intact building in order to shelter-in-place. * Lock doors, close windows, air vents and other openings. * Turn off fans, air conditioning, and forced air heating systems. * Go into a room with as few windows as possible. * Seal all windows, doors, and air vents with plastic sheeting and duct tape. * Improvise with what is on hand to seal gaps to create a barrier from any contamination. * Remove outer clothing and place it in a sealed plastic bag. * Shower or wash with soap and water. Flush eyes with water if they are irritated. * Put on clean clothes. * If possible, seek medical attention even if no symptoms develop. * Watch TV, listen to the radio, or check the Internet if available. You should also prepare for evacuating from the affected region. == Equipment== When transporting necessary equipment for your tour in war zones, you should comply with all customs and importation and exportation regulations — while your destination can be lawless, your departure place is usually not. For example, there have been cases where war correspondents are arrested by customs for arms trafficking after they bring PPEs like bulletproof vests and helmets without proper procedures. ===Bullet-resistant vests=== [[File:Contract security, Baghdad.jpg|thumb|250px|A private military contractor in Iraq]] A bullet-resistant vest (sometimes called bulletproof vests or body armour) might save your life in some circumstances, but there are problems. No vest can protect body parts that it does not cover, and not all bullet-resistant vests will stop a knife; if knives are a threat, then you need to choose one that will or use two vests. Also, a vest cannot reduce the energy of a bullet, only spread it across more of your body. Getting hit is likely to feel about like being kicked by a horse; a huge bruise and perhaps a few broken ribs is certainly a lot better than having your heart pierced, but it is still definitely not good. Vests designed to stop pistol bullets and shrapnel are reasonably light and comfortable, but they will not stop anything heavier. In particular, vests with the common level IIIa rating will not stop shots from assault rifles. Armour strong enough to stop most rifle bullets exists, but it is heavy, bulky, uncomfortable, and conspicuous. Cloth alone cannot provide that level of protection; steel or ceramic plates are needed as well. No form of body armour can protect against a heavy machine gun or sniper round such as .50 calibre; some will prevent the bullet penetrating, but the trauma will still be lethal. Vendors such as [https://miguelcaballero.com Miguel Caballero], [https://wonderhoodie.com/ Wonder Hoodie], [https://bulletproofzone.com/collections/bulletproof-clothing Bulletproof Zone], [https://www.bulletblocker.com/bullet-proof-clothing.html Bullet Blocker], and [https://www.thykskynn.com/ Thyk Skynn] offer clothing that looks fairly normal, even stylish, but is actually bullet-resistant. This may be a good option because it is less conspicuous and easier to wear all the time. Bullet-resistant backpacks, briefcases, laptop cases and shoulder bags are also available; these are also inconspicuous and they may handle heavier rounds than clothing since it is relatively easy to include armour plates in their design. Both the garments and the bags are expensive – ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per item – but if your life is at risk and you can get the funds, it is obviously worth it. If an employer wants to send you to a war zone, tell them they should pay for this. A pair of boots with steel in the soles, as used by construction workers, may somewhat reduce the damage if you step on a land mine but will not even come close to giving complete protection. However, they will protect against broken glass, sharp-edged rubble, and some types of booby traps. ===Weapons=== In some areas, some travellers go armed; for example civilian contractors in Iraq are sometimes advised to carry weapons. However, for most travellers, carrying a weapon will increase the risks rather than reducing them. For one thing, if you are not well-trained in its use, any weapon will probably be useless, and wearing one likely increases your chance of being shot. Also, even if you are an expert, it may be useless if you are outnumbered or outgunned. Against several people with assault rifles, for example, reaching for a pistol is suicidal. Perhaps most important, if you carry a weapon, you are not a civilian. You may be seen as a spy or soldier, and treated as such by armed groups. The Geneva Convention on treatment of prisoners of war applies ''only'' to people who are in uniform or at least wearing some marker visible at a distance – such as an armband or a distinctive hat. The US routinely treats prisoners at [[Guantánamo Bay]] in ways that would be illegal if the Geneva Convention applied. Anyone going armed in a war zone while wearing unmarked civilian clothing is therefore taking a ''huge risk''. Traveling with armed guards is generally a better alternative than arming yourself. ==First aid== A [[first aid]] course is beyond the scope of this article. Remember if you need to use first aid that the first step is to stay calm, then to get to safety and only then to apply first aid. Basic first aid, such as what is taught by a local Red Cross in [https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class the USA] or [https://www.redcross.ca/training-and-certification Canada], will show you how to treat minor injuries and perform CPR. These and similar courses are often inexpensive or free. Hostile environment, combat medic, or "defensive medical" courses focus on control of bleeding, shock, airway management, and trauma care. They usually include training in the use of tourniquets, H-bandages, nasal airways, and hemostatic agents like QuikClot or CELOX. [http://lmsdefense.com/ LMS Defense] provides combat medical training in the USA. ==See also== * [[Business travel]]; visitors typically do not come for pleasure * [[Corruption and bribery]]; the degeneration of local governance is a catalyst for corruption * [[Crime]]; the collapse of legal institution, and the shortage of resources, might motivate crime * [[Military tourism]] for historic war zones * [[Next-to-impossible destinations]]; to a certain extent similar to war zones * [[Stay healthy]]; destruction of health infrastructure can make curable diseases deadly: the ongoing cholera outbreak in [[Yemen]] is a prime example of this {{PartOfTopic|Stay safe}} {{usabletopic}} objv59edobz4xruiin0vtsz717yjxh1 5086749 5086747 2025-07-02T18:59:02Z Pashley 1822 5086749 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Egyptian soldiers (1983) banner.jpg}} {{warningbox|Do not visit a region in this category without seriously considering the risks and how to mitigate them. For the vast majority of travellers, including all tourists, these areas should be avoided at all costs. Other travellers should also consider avoiding them. This article is for those who absolutely need to go, or who get caught somewhere when a conflict erupts suddenly. Many governments issue [[travel advisories]] warning of various hazards abroad, including war or civil unrest; see the linked article for details. Some governments have specific advice for terrorism or war: [https://www.gov.uk/guidance/reduce-your-risk-from-terrorism-while-abroad UK] [https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/emergencies/terrorism.html US] [https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/while-youre-away/when-things-go-wrong Australia] }} War zones or former war zones, often called '''hostile environments''', are distinctly dangerous. It is highly unusual for anyone other than professionals sent with a specific mission, or locals who cannot or will not leave, to be wandering around war zones. [[Diplomatic missions]] are typically unable to provide any assistance to their citizens who are travelling in war zones. [[Image:M120 Mortar in Zabol Province, Afghanistan.jpg|300px|thumb|Zabul Province, [[Afghanistan]]]] Some people must travel to these areas as part of their job; these include soldiers, reporters, diplomats, military or security contractors, and often people employed by various governments, international agencies and NGOs to provide relief from some of the ravages of war, to deal with refugee problems, or to rebuild after a war. Usually, those people will have had special training and the organization will provide extensive support &mdash; almost always a professional security team and heavily-secured buildings, often armored vehicles and/or armed guards for any required travel. They may also be partly protected by [[Diplomatic missions#Diplomatic immunity|diplomatic immunity]], by press credentials, or by some symbol like a Red Cross or the blue helmets of UN peacekeepers. Going into such an area for '''tourism is a spectacularly bad idea''' since you may not have the training and will certainly not have the backup or protections that the professionals do. If your country has military forces in the area or is supporting one side in the conflict, those groups are quite unlikely to think their mission includes protecting tourists but the other side is almost certain to consider you hostile. Even a tourist with no hostile intentions may provoke heated reactions; among other things, you may be taken for a spy. Tourists can be just as much a target of hostility as any military force. Indeed, tourists are a soft target, much easier to attack than the professionals. Some may be specifically targeted because of their home country, religion or ethnic group. In some areas, such as Afghanistan and the southern Philippines, '''tourists are prime targets for kidnapping'''. Many national governments have a policy of not paying ransoms for citizens who are kidnapped to avoid (effectively) subsidising kidnapping. Even if your government, employer or family is willing to pay a ransom, some of the kidnappers would rather have a beheading video that helps publicise their cause than just get some money. ==Safety advice== In general, national governments strongly advise against visiting war zones for any reason, and only send diplomats and other official representatives into these areas when they are accompanied by security teams or are located in a well-protected area. Acting against such advice may invalidate your [[travel insurance]], incur large costs for rescue in case of an emergency, or be illegal under the laws of either the home country or the destination. Other organizations also provide safety information to interested groups, such as non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and humanitarian aid groups that work in war zones. Sources of information and [[travel advisories]] include: * Australian [https://www.smartraveller.gov.au Department of Foreign Affairs – Smartraveller] provides travel advice for countries and events, travel tips and safety information * Canadian federal government's [https://travel.gc.ca Travel and Tourism] website includes travel advice and advisories for travel to foreign countries * British [https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-office Foreign & Commonwealth Office] provides travel advice *International [https://ngosafety.org NGO Safety Organisation] exists to provide information and assistance to enable safer circumstances for NGOs * US [https://travel.state.gov State Department] provides travel advice, warnings and country information. As a rule of thumb, if a country announces the evacuation of diplomats in a destination (assuming that there is no diplomatic dispute), war is often looming and you ought not challenge the odds. Wikipedia also has a list of [[:Wikipedia:List of ongoing military conflicts|ongoing conflicts]], though it should not be assumed to be entirely up to date or accurate. ===Passports=== If you are a dual citizen, it is likely wise to carry only one of your passports for some travel. For example, if you have both Israeli and Russian passports, you might be safer identifying as a Russian in some countries. However, to visit countries that have sanctions against Russia, you might need to use the Israeli passport. Of course in most places you could use either, and there may be places where neither is a desirable choice; for example, many Afghans detest both Russians and Israelis. Some travellers carry a camouflage passport, which is a faux passport "issued" by a non-existent country. Camouflage passports are used to throw off terrorists and abductors, who may be looking to single out a person from a specific nation. Camouflage passports cannot be used for official business, because anyone can purchase these passports with minimal identity verification. It is debatable whether these are worthwhile; they may fool a rather dumb attacker, but not one who searches you and finds the real passport, or who knows enough to realise the issuer is bogus, or who checks the visa stamps and notices the passport lacks one for the country you are in. In those cases all the bogus passport does is provoke the attacker. ===Training courses=== Anyone planning a visit to a country that could be considered a war zone should get professional training. Such courses are becoming increasingly easy to find. A search of the Internet for 'Hostile environment course' will probably provide the address of a local company. A course will normally cover all the issues discussed here in far greater detail, usually with practical experience. They can be a lot of fun too. A course will normally be from 2-5 days and will involve role play, a lot of first aid and sometimes weapons training. Most NGO staff, journalists, diplomats, et al., will have taken these courses. * [http://www.pilgrimsgroup.co.uk/ Pilgrims Group]{{Dead link|date=May 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} offer training in the UK. * [https://www.athenaintelligence.co.uk/ Athena Security & Intelligence Consultants] (ASIC) offer training both in the UK and globally. They are experts in the delivery of Kidnap Avoidance and Hostage Survival training as well as offering a variety of other training specialisations. * [https://onpointtactical.com/ OnPoint Tactical]{{Dead link|date=October 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. located in the US. Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape training for civilians and military alike. * [https://warzonetours.com/ War Zone Tours]{{Dead link|date=October 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} conduct regular hostile environment/anti-kidnap training for travelers visiting high risk regions of the world. * The UN has [https://www.unssc.org/courses courses] that are required for all staff it sends to such areas. If an employer wants to send you to a war zone, ask them to pay for training. ===Publications=== Books and magazines dealing with wilderness survival are common, but publications dealing with war zones are few. * Robert Young Pelton's ''[[Special:Booksources/1569521409|The World's Most Dangerous Places]]'' is a thousand-page-plus book that provides advice, contacts, and country by country information. His web site [http://www.comebackalive.com Comebackalive] features a forum, Black Flag Cafe, for updates and contacts. * There is also the BBC TV series ''[https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b007nqnj/episodes/guide Holidays in the Danger Zone]''. ==Land mines and unexploded ordnance== [[File:Sign_DangerMines.JPG|thumb|Land mine warning sign, [[Cambodia]]]] [[File:Land mines in Afghanistan.jpg|thumb|Minefield atop a hill in Bamiyan, [[Afghanistan]]. Note the red and white painted rocks]] [[File:Stanley Road, Falkland Islands (7875522944).jpg|thumb|A marked minefield in the [[Falkland Islands]], since cleared. Many minefields in current or former conflict zones are not marked.]] Most places that have seen armed conflict can be affected by mines or unexploded ordnance (UXO). In some cases, unexploded ordnance '''may remain dangerous for decades''' after the conflict ends – for example, China has had some deaths in the 21st century from left over [[World War II]] munitions, and bombs from the same conflict are still discovered (and dangerous) in both Germany and the UK. In fact older devices are sometimes more dangerous than new ones because the explosives – or the trigger – break down over time. There are still places off-limits due to mines in many parts of the world, including somewhere the conflict ended decades ago. After a few years heavily populated or heavily visited areas will generally have been cleaned up, but out-of-the-way places may still be dangerous. Mines fall into two categories: anti-personnel and anti-tank. * The most common type of '''anti-personnel mine''' is dug into the ground and triggered when someone steps on it. Another type is attached to a tree or a wall and is equipped with a tripping wire; these are more likely to take out several people. If you trigger an anti-personnel mine, it ''explodes immediately''; there is no click or any other warning like you see in the movies. These mines are not generally designed to kill; maiming an enemy combatant is more effective than killing, since resources are needed to evacuate and treat the wounded. * '''Anti-tank mines''' will not normally be triggered if you step on one; they are designed to be triggered by a vehicle. They are considerably more powerful than anti-personnel mines, capable of stopping a tank or completely destroying a truck. * Some areas have '''both''' anti-tank and anti-personnel mines, to make clearing the mines more difficult. [[File:Lascar A booby trap with bamboo spikes - Cu Chi tunnels (4607992038).jpg|thumb|A [[Indochina Wars|Vietnam-War-era]] booby trap in Cu Chi Tunnel]] Although '''booby traps''' may not involve explosives, given their purpose and secrecy, they can be considered as another kind of mines. The best advice for any of these devices is to stay well clear. There are sometimes warning signs of their presence. This can be as subtle as an untouched field in the midst of a heavily farmed area or an abandoned house in a busy district. Packing crates for mines or ammunition may be present, where they have been discarded. A convenient path may be disused. Where mines or UXO have been found, the affected area may be marked. Red paint on rocks is a sure sign. Pieces of cloth or cans hanging from a fence is another. Dead cattle or a pattern of craters are also possible. The best source of advice may be from local people and humanitarian aid organisations such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees or the United Nations group that is tasked to the area. Even if minefields are marked, in time rain and rivers can move devices into other areas. This has been a problem in the Balkans, where death and injury from mines on river banks are common. When in an area that is known or suspected to be mined, stay on paved roads when possible. If not possible, follow car tracks or well-trod foot paths. Should you, despite your best efforts, find yourself in a mined area, '''stop'''. Stay where you are and call for assistance from someone who knows what they are doing. If this is not possible, retrace your exact steps back to safety (this is very dangerous). If you have a long rod, you may be able to check for mines and escape the area. Insert the rod into the ground at a very shallow angle. Mines will not normally be triggered when they are hit from the side. You need to check an area just big enough for your foot. Keep doing this for every step. It could take hours, even days to get out of the danger area, but you should be alive. It's a bad idea to use pens or other short objects for this; remember that mines are ''designed to inflict injury'' on body parts near them! The [https://www.mineaction.org/en UN Mine Action Service] (UNMAS) publishes a mobile app, available free on [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.makedu.unmas.ied Google Play]. It is mainly aimed at aid workers but contains several useful tips on mine/UXO safety and a user can even claim a certificate in ERW/IED awareness if they pass the in-app tests. Both UNMAS and groups such as the [https://www.halotrust.org/ HALO Trust] and [https://www.maginternational.org/ Mag International] sometimes recruit [[volunteer]]s or paid staff to help eliminate land mines in various regions. Generally such work does not start until the shooting and bombing has ended, but it is not without risk. There is an [http://www.icbl.org/ International Campaign to Ban Landmines] and the [https://www.un.org/disarmament/geneva/aplc/ Ottawa Convention] of 1999 banning anti-personnel mines now has over 150 nations as signatories. However that convention does not cover anti-tank mines and some of the most important nations, including the [[USA]], [[Russia]] and [[China]], have not signed it. Neither [[North Korea]] nor [[South Korea]] has signed; both consider mines essential for defense against the other, and the area along their border has large numbers of both anti-personnel and anti-tank mines. Most mines contain metal and are thus relatively easy to detect; those that don't are outlawed by another treaty, due to the long-lasting risk they pose because it is virtually impossible to make sure a former minefield has been totally cleared of them. Again, though, not all nations have signed, and not all deployed mines conform to such standard. ==Insurance== Travel insurance generally does not cover you for travel to war zones. People who go to war zones as part of their work are usually covered by special insurance with very high premiums, the cost of which is usually borne by the employer. ==Road blocks and checkpoints== Road blocks or checkpoints are common, not just in war zones. They will usually be hidden around a corner in the road (especially if they are not official). Road blocks are sometimes an opportunity for the people manning them to extort money or items from passers by. [[File:Highway checkpoint in Afghanistan.jpg|thumb|right|U.S. Marines at a checkpoint in Afghanistan]] The people manning a roadblock are usually armed, often nervous, and sometimes various sorts of more-or-less crazy fanatic; it is important not to do anything likely to upset them. First, keep your hands in sight at all times; that way, no one will think you may have a weapon. Move slowly; do not make any sudden movements. Look pleased to see the people who have stopped you, even if you feel contempt for them. Be polite. Keep calm. A flustered, panicked individual is more cause for suspicion than an easy-going one. Try to stay in the vehicle. If this is not possible, try to stay together, especially if you or others in your group are female. Keep all doors locked and if possible windows closed. Keep any cameras hidden. Learn basic local language, so that you can have at least a basic idea of what is being said or asked of or about you. Do not photograph any military checkpoints, personnel, roadblocks or facilities. Also do not photograph sensitive areas like bridges, border checkpoints, communications facilities and airports. When in doubt, ask for permission beforehand. In many nations it is an offense to photograph these items even in peacetime — the military may suspect you are gathering information for hostile forces to use in an attack. ==Kidnapping and abduction== There are techniques that can reduce the risk of kidnapping or abduction. Perhaps the most important are avoiding risky areas and having professional bodyguards or a security team. Should you be taken captive, there are things you can and should be doing in order to maximise the chances of safe repatriation and to minimise unnecessary harm befalling you or other captives. [[#Training courses|Specialist training]] in kidnap avoidance and hostage survival is available and should be sought by those intending to operate in high-risk areas, or whose personal or corporate profile renders them at an increased risk of kidnap. In any kidnapping or abduction, the kidnappers have the least control right at the start. As time passes, their control over the situation increases and the opportunity for the victim to act is reduced. Many kidnap attempts are foiled because the intended victim reacts to the attempt in a way that the kidnappers did not expect. If driving a vehicle, reversing away from danger or changing direction may help (but may get you shot at). Specialist courses are available for drivers. Note that many governments have a policy of not paying ransoms to kidnappers. However, they seek to free their citizens who are taken hostage by working with the government of the country they are being held in and providing consular support to the family and employers of hostages. Due to the great dangers involved, government agencies only undertake raids which attempt to free hostages as a last resort and usually only in very specific circumstances; these operations often lead to the hostages being killed or wounded. As an example of the support governments provide to the victims of kidnapping, see the advice published by the Australian Government [http://smartraveller.gov.au/guide/all-travellers/avoiding-danger/pages/kidnapping.aspx here]. Be sure someone from outside the country knows your agenda at all times and have regularly scheduled check-in times so that if you go missing an alarm can be raised shortly thereafter. ==Shooting== If you are unfamiliar with firearms and what they can do, get training before you enter a hostile environment. As an unarmed civilian, your best bet is to avoid active conflict areas. Remember the basic fact that any gun is a weapon designed to kill. Apart from combat scenarios, shots may also be fired as a way to express celebration or other emotions by locals, a common practice in conflict areas like the [[Middle East]] and [[Balkans]]. Stray bullets kill, and your best option is to seek firm cover, as falling stray bullets can penetrate weak covers like tile roofs. Unlike movie and TV sound effects, real-life gun sounds vary. Pistols and silenced guns may sound like exploded balloons or firecrackers, while the sound of rifles and shotguns is more similar to the commonly known "bang" sound. If you are shot at, move and move fast. If you can, move across the line of fire – not directly away from the shooting – and seek cover. If you are part of a group, scatter in different directions. This may confuse the person with the firearm long enough to find cover. Pay attention to what direction the shots are coming from and going to if possible so that you know where to seek cover safely. Remember to breathe and try to remain calm. When taking fire as an unarmed civilian, remember one of Murphy's Laws of Combat: ''anything you do can get you killed, including doing nothing''. [[File:US Navy 100525-N-7764M-112 Master-at-Arms Seaman Recruit Hector Ramirez and Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Gerald Provost crouch behind a truck while training in an active-shooter scenario at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay.jpg|thumb|The engine block may sometimes be a reasonable cover — provided that the shooter has only small arms.]] Do not take cover behind vehicles. Pistol bullets easily pass through both doors of a car; rifle bullets can pass through a vehicle lengthwise; grenades, mortars and cannon shells can destroy most vehicles altogether. Stopped or disabled vehicles are "bullet magnets" that draw fire. The best protection provided by a car or truck is its ability to move away at high speed. If forced to take cover behind a vehicle or inside one, put the engine block between yourself and the shooter — it rarely gets penetrated by small arms fire. Even when your vehicle is bulletproof, the bulletproof windshield may be penetrated if two or more bullets hit the same spot. Walls, trees, and structures provide concealment but ''not'' cover. The 7.62 mm round used by the AK-47, a common assault rifle in war zones, can pass through a concrete block. The less powerful 9 mm pistol round can go through a dozen layers of sheetrock. The 12.7 and 14.7 mm rounds used by heavy machine guns and anti-material snipers can penetrate almost everything, including all kinds of bulletproof vests and helmets. One rule of thumb is the 'three-second rule' which states if you need to move to another place of cover, it should not be more than a three second sprint away. A good phrase to remember is: 'I'm up, He's seen me, I'm down.' Basically, you are up out of cover and moving (fast), you assume the shooter has seen you and is taking aim, and then you are back down behind suitable defensive cover before he can fire. The saying that "Three on a match is bad luck" originated during [[World War I]] from this sort of thinking. Note, however, that ''applying this rule in some situations is almost certain to get you killed''. If the enemy knows where you are and is waiting for you to move, or if he is just covering a particular area and is ready to shoot anyone who appears there, then he can fire accurately in well under a second. Also, if he has an automatic weapon (as most military or guerrilla fighters do), then he need not take time to aim; he can just spray bullets in your general direction and hope one of them hits. If you or someone else was shot, instead of taking out the bullet (leave that to be done at the hospital), your top priority is to ''stop the bleeding as soon as possible'', while securing the casualty's airway. A quick bandage and fixation of the wound before sending to hospital or arranging for medical evacuation should be followed, to prevent further bleeding and accidental injury due to bone fracture. Learn to use a tourniquet for wounds in the limbs. ==Airstrikes== [[File:MQ-9 Reaper UAV.jpg|thumb|A US military drone that is frequently used in airstrikes]] In war zones, it is not uncommon for belligerents obtaining air superiority to conduct airstrikes and missile strikes against enemy targets. With the widespread availability of mass-market drones and 3D printers, irregular forces such as terrorists or insurgents have taken to producing their own drones in the 2010s and 2020s. While some of them are only used for reconnaissance, there are also those that are armed with explosives or air to surface missiles which take advantage of the usually weaker armour on the upper side of military vehicles. Military drones are characterized by the loud buzzing noise that they make, like that of a bee or a lawnmower. For larger drones, you may also see the aircraft circling overhead. Do not: * lie down and drop something on a road (it looks like you are laying an improvised explosive device); * run; * point at the aircraft. * attempt to conceal your face, including wearing medical masks in some situations. These actions may result in the aircraft opening fire at you. Just pretend that you haven't noticed the drone. Stay away from anything and anyone you suspect will be targeted, in which you risk being caught in the blast radius of the aircraft's weapons. If your destination still retains some governance or civil defense abilities, wailing air raid sirens may be used to warn of upcoming airstrikes. In such situations (see also [[#Explosions|Explosions]] below): * Grab the bag filled with necessities like durable food and clothes you prepared, and take it along. * Take cover in a shelter. As long as they aren't too shallow, metro/subway stations are generally good air raid shelters. They've been used from London in 1940 to Kyiv in 2022. * If there is no nearby shelter, head for a building, and place yourself as far as you can from windows, or other nearby fragile objects. * If no building is nearby, lie down on your belly and put your hands on the back of your head. ==Explosions== The chances of being caught up in an explosion will depend upon your location. Avoiding high-risk locations, such as restaurants or bars frequented by people who could be targets, is a preventive option. If there is some distance between you and the explosion site, you will see the explosion before the shock wave and explosion sound arrives at your location. Make good use of time to duck and cover immediately. During an explosion: *If you are in a building: **Duck and take cover under a sturdy table or desk. Close your eyes, cover your ears and open your mouth to minimize blast injuries. **After the explosion, leave quickly, watching for obviously weakened floors and stairways. Stay low if there is smoke. **Check for fire and other hazards. **If you are trapped in debris, use a flashlight, whistle or tap on pipes to signal your location to rescuers. Also refer to tips at [[Earthquake safety]]. **Shout only as a last resort to avoid inhaling dangerous dust. *Once you are out, do not stand in front of windows, glass doors or other potentially hazardous areas. *Cover your nose and mouth with anything you have on hand. *Leave as quickly as possible, as a common tactic is to trigger one explosion followed by another to catch crowds and rescuers. ==CBRN defense== Although belligerents tend to be cautious when using '''c'''hemical, '''b'''iological, '''r'''adiological or '''n'''uclear weapons, they are still powerful weapons that may be unleashed. The civil war in [[Syria]], for example, had multiple instances where chemical weapons were used on the civilian population. ===Nuclear Weapons=== There is no defense against a nuclear weapon if you are within the blast radius. This can be only a few hundred meters for a "tactical nuke" such as might be fired from an artillery piece, but dozens of km for a large bomb detonated as an air burst to spread the effects most widely. The intense radiant heat, the gamma rays, or the neutrons for some bombs can also kill. If you are further away, your main worry is radioactive fallout. All nuclear weapons produce '''fallout''' – radioactive dust that is blown high in the air and comes down over a wide area – and "dirty bombs" are specifically designed to maximize fallout; for example a hydrogen bomb can be wrapped with a layer of U₂₃₈ to give more fallout. It is also possible to build a device that uses conventional explosives to spread radioactive material; this may appeal to some actors because it needs less technology and resources, but the effect is neither as severe or as widespread as fallout from a nuclear bomb. The best way to deal with fallout is to leave any area where it is likely, that is anywhere downwind of a nuclear blast. If that is not possible, go to a fallout shelter if you can. Failing that, the following measures will help: * Cover your nose and mouth with a cloth to reduce the risk of breathing in radioactive dust or smoke. * Don’t touch objects or fragments scattered by the explosion. * Quickly go into a building where walls and windows are intact to shield yourself from radiation. * Shut all windows and outside doors. Turn off fans and heating and air conditioning systems that bring in air from outside. ** If walls and windows of the building are broken, go to an interior room and do not leave. If the building has been heavily damaged, quickly go into another building where walls and windows are not broken. * Once inside, take off your outer layer of clothing and seal it in a plastic bag, if available. If not, use whatever that can hold the clothing and can be closed and removed. Removing outer clothes can get rid of most radioactive dust. * Put the plastic bag where others will not touch it. If possible, isolate the plastic bag with bulky items. * Shower or wash with soap and water to remove any remaining dust. * If possible, tune to local radio or news for more instructions. You should also prepare for evacuating from the affected region. ===Chemical and biological weapons=== Although some chemical weapons have distinct smells (such as an especially strong bleach smell for chlorine), some (including Sarin and VX) are '''odorless and colorless'''. Maintain your situational awareness, and if you find something wrong with your sense or surroundings, trust your instinct. In a chemical or biological weapon attack: * Avoid any obvious plume or vapor cloud. * If a chemical or biological weapon is released indoors (such as the case of the 1995 Tokyo Subway Sarin attack), leave the site as soon as possible and evacuate to higher or windward locations. * Evacuate from the site and into an intact building in order to shelter-in-place. * Lock doors, close windows, air vents and other openings. * Turn off fans, air conditioning, and forced air heating systems. * Go into a room with as few windows as possible. * Seal all windows, doors, and air vents with plastic sheeting and duct tape. * Improvise with what is on hand to seal gaps to create a barrier from any contamination. * Remove outer clothing and place it in a sealed plastic bag. * Shower or wash with soap and water. Flush eyes with water if they are irritated. * Put on clean clothes. * If possible, seek medical attention even if no symptoms develop. * Watch TV, listen to the radio, or check the Internet if available. You should also prepare for evacuating from the affected region. == Equipment== When transporting necessary equipment for your tour in war zones, you should comply with all customs and importation and exportation regulations — while your destination can be lawless, your departure place is usually not. For example, there have been cases where war correspondents are arrested by customs for arms trafficking after they bring PPEs like bulletproof vests and helmets without proper procedures. ===Bullet-resistant vests=== [[File:Contract security, Baghdad.jpg|thumb|250px|A private military contractor in Iraq]] A bullet-resistant vest (sometimes called bulletproof vests or body armour) might save your life in some circumstances, but there are problems. No vest can protect body parts that it does not cover, and not all bullet-resistant vests will stop a knife; if knives are a threat, then you need to choose one that will or use two vests. Also, a vest cannot reduce the energy of a bullet, only spread it across more of your body. Getting hit is likely to feel about like being kicked by a horse; a huge bruise and perhaps a few broken ribs is certainly a lot better than having your heart pierced, but it is still definitely not good. Vests designed to stop pistol bullets and shrapnel are reasonably light and comfortable, but they will not stop anything heavier. In particular, vests with the common level IIIa rating will not stop shots from assault rifles. Armour strong enough to stop most rifle bullets exists, but it is heavy, bulky, uncomfortable, and conspicuous. Cloth alone cannot provide that level of protection; steel or ceramic plates are needed as well. No form of body armour can protect against a heavy machine gun or sniper round such as .50 calibre; some will prevent the bullet penetrating, but the trauma will still be lethal. Vendors such as [https://miguelcaballero.com Miguel Caballero], [https://wonderhoodie.com/ Wonder Hoodie], [https://bulletproofzone.com/collections/bulletproof-clothing Bulletproof Zone], [https://www.bulletblocker.com/bullet-proof-clothing.html Bullet Blocker], and [https://www.thykskynn.com/ Thyk Skynn] offer clothing that looks fairly normal, even stylish, but is actually bullet-resistant. This may be a good option because it is less conspicuous and easier to wear all the time. Bullet-resistant backpacks, briefcases, laptop cases and shoulder bags are also available; these are also inconspicuous and they may handle heavier rounds than clothing since it is relatively easy to include armour plates in their design. Both the garments and the bags are expensive – ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per item – but if your life is at risk and you can get the funds, it is obviously worth it. If an employer wants to send you to a war zone, tell them they should pay for this. A pair of boots with steel in the soles, as used by construction workers, may somewhat reduce the damage if you step on a land mine but will not even come close to giving complete protection. However, they will protect against broken glass, sharp-edged rubble, and some types of booby traps. ===Weapons=== In some areas, some travellers go armed; for example civilian contractors in Iraq are sometimes advised to carry weapons. However, for most travellers, carrying a weapon will increase the risks rather than reducing them. For one thing, if you are not well-trained in its use, any weapon will probably be useless, and wearing one likely increases your chance of being shot. Also, even if you are an expert, it may be useless if you are outnumbered or outgunned. Against several people with assault rifles, for example, reaching for a pistol is suicidal. Perhaps most important, if you carry a weapon, you are not a civilian. You may be seen as a spy or soldier, and treated as such by armed groups. The Geneva Convention on treatment of prisoners of war applies ''only'' to people who are in uniform or at least wearing some marker visible at a distance – such as an armband or a distinctive hat. The US routinely treats prisoners at [[Guantánamo Bay]] in ways that would be illegal if the Geneva Convention applied. Anyone going armed in a war zone while wearing unmarked civilian clothing is therefore taking a ''huge risk''. Traveling with armed guards is generally a better alternative than arming yourself. ==First aid== A [[first aid]] course is beyond the scope of this article. Remember if you need to use first aid that the first step is to stay calm, then to get to safety and only then to apply first aid. Basic first aid, such as what is taught by a local Red Cross in [https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class the USA] or [https://www.redcross.ca/training-and-certification Canada], will show you how to treat minor injuries and perform CPR. These and similar courses are often inexpensive or free. Hostile environment, combat medic, or "defensive medical" courses focus on control of bleeding, shock, airway management, and trauma care. They usually include training in the use of tourniquets, H-bandages, nasal airways, and hemostatic agents like QuikClot or CELOX. [http://lmsdefense.com/ LMS Defense] provides combat medical training in the USA. ==See also== * [[Business travel]]; visitors typically do not come for pleasure * [[Corruption and bribery]]; the degeneration of local governance is a catalyst for corruption * [[Crime]]; the collapse of legal institution, and the shortage of resources, might motivate crime * [[Military tourism]] for historic war zones * [[Next-to-impossible destinations]]; to a certain extent similar to war zones * [[Stay healthy]]; destruction of health infrastructure can make curable diseases deadly: the ongoing cholera outbreak in [[Yemen]] is a prime example of this {{PartOfTopic|Stay safe}} {{usabletopic}} 7l00zf1qpmfwxpjwkovrjqdygqlud60 5086796 5086749 2025-07-02T21:04:15Z LPfi 79572 c/e 5086796 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Egyptian soldiers (1983) banner.jpg}} {{warningbox|Do not visit a region in this category without seriously considering the risks and how to mitigate them. For the vast majority of travellers, including all tourists, these areas should be avoided at all costs. Other travellers should also consider avoiding them. This article is for those who absolutely need to go, or who get caught somewhere when a conflict erupts suddenly. Many governments issue [[travel advisories]] warning of various hazards abroad, including war or civil unrest; see the linked article for details. Some governments have specific advice for terrorism or war: [https://www.gov.uk/guidance/reduce-your-risk-from-terrorism-while-abroad UK] [https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/emergencies/terrorism.html US] [https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/while-youre-away/when-things-go-wrong Australia] }} War zones or former war zones, often called '''hostile environments''', are distinctly dangerous. It is highly unusual for anyone other than professionals sent with a specific mission, or locals who cannot or will not leave, to be wandering around war zones. [[Diplomatic missions]] are typically unable to provide any assistance to their citizens who are travelling in war zones. [[Image:M120 Mortar in Zabol Province, Afghanistan.jpg|300px|thumb|Zabul Province, [[Afghanistan]]]] Some people must travel to these areas as part of their job; these include soldiers, reporters, diplomats, military or security contractors, and often people employed by various governments, international agencies and NGOs to provide relief from some of the ravages of war, to deal with refugee problems, or to rebuild after a war. Usually, those people will have had special training and the organization will provide extensive support – almost always a professional security team and heavily-secured buildings, often armored vehicles or armed guards for any required travel. They may also be partly protected by [[Diplomatic missions#Diplomatic immunity|diplomatic immunity]], by press credentials, or by some symbol like a Red Cross or the blue helmets of UN peacekeepers. Going into such an area for '''tourism is a spectacularly bad idea''' since you may not have the training and will certainly not have the backup or protections that the professionals do. If your country has military forces in the area or is supporting one side in the conflict, those groups are quite unlikely to think their mission includes protecting tourists but the other side is almost certain to consider you hostile. Even a tourist with no hostile intentions may provoke heated reactions; among other things, you may be taken for a spy. Tourists can be just as much a target of hostility as any military force. Indeed, tourists are a soft target, much easier to attack than the professionals. Some may be specifically targeted because of their home country, religion or ethnic group. In some areas, such as Afghanistan and the southern Philippines, '''tourists are prime targets for kidnapping'''. Many national governments have a policy of not paying ransoms for citizens who are kidnapped to avoid (effectively) subsidising kidnapping. Even if your government, employer or family is willing to pay a ransom, some of the kidnappers would rather have a beheading video that helps publicise their cause than just get some money. ==Safety advice== In general, national governments strongly advise against visiting war zones for any reason, and only send diplomats and other official representatives into these areas when they are accompanied by security teams or are located in a well-protected area. Acting against such advice may invalidate your [[travel insurance]], incur large costs for rescue in case of an emergency, or be illegal under the laws of either the home country or the destination. Other organizations also provide safety information to interested groups, such as non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and humanitarian aid groups that work in war zones. Sources of information and [[travel advisories]] include: * Australian [https://www.smartraveller.gov.au Department of Foreign Affairs – Smartraveller] provides travel advice for countries and events, travel tips and safety information * Canadian federal government's [https://travel.gc.ca Travel and Tourism] website includes travel advice and advisories for travel to foreign countries * British [https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-office Foreign & Commonwealth Office] provides travel advice *International [https://ngosafety.org NGO Safety Organisation] exists to provide information and assistance to enable safer circumstances for NGOs * US [https://travel.state.gov State Department] provides travel advice, warnings and country information. As a rule of thumb, if a country announces the evacuation of diplomats in a destination (assuming that there is no diplomatic dispute), war is often looming and you ought not challenge the odds. Wikipedia also has a list of [[:Wikipedia:List of ongoing military conflicts|ongoing conflicts]], though it should not be assumed to be entirely up to date or accurate. ===Passports=== If you are a dual citizen, it is likely wise to carry only one of your passports for some travel. For example, if you have both Israeli and Russian passports, you might be safer identifying as a Russian in some countries. However, to visit countries that have sanctions against Russia, you might need to use the Israeli passport. Of course in most places you could use either, and there may be places where neither is a desirable choice; for example, many Afghans detest both Russians and Israelis. Some travellers carry a camouflage passport, which is a faux passport "issued" by a non-existent country. Camouflage passports are used to throw off terrorists and abductors, who may be looking to single out a person from a specific nation. Camouflage passports cannot be used for official business, because anyone can purchase these passports with minimal identity verification. It is debatable whether these are worthwhile; they may fool a rather dumb attacker, but not one who searches you and finds the real passport, or who knows enough to realise the issuer is bogus, or who checks the visa stamps and notices the passport lacks one for the country you are in. In those cases all the bogus passport does is provoke the attacker. ===Training courses=== Anyone planning a visit to a country that could be considered a war zone should get professional training. Such courses are becoming increasingly easy to find. A search of the Internet for 'Hostile environment course' will probably provide the address of a local company. A course will normally cover all the issues discussed here in far greater detail, usually with practical experience. They can be a lot of fun too. A course will normally be from 2–5 days and will involve role play, a lot of first aid and sometimes weapons training. Most NGO staff, journalists, diplomats, et al., will have taken these courses. * [http://www.pilgrimsgroup.co.uk/ Pilgrims Group]{{Dead link|date=May 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} offer training in the UK. * [https://www.athenaintelligence.co.uk/ Athena Security & Intelligence Consultants] (ASIC) offer training both in the UK and globally. They are experts in the delivery of Kidnap Avoidance and Hostage Survival training as well as offering a variety of other training specialisations. * [https://onpointtactical.com/ OnPoint Tactical]{{Dead link|date=October 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. located in the US. Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape training for civilians and military alike. * [https://warzonetours.com/ War Zone Tours]{{Dead link|date=October 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} conduct regular hostile environment/anti-kidnap training for travelers visiting high risk regions of the world. * The UN has [https://www.unssc.org/courses courses] that are required for all staff it sends to such areas. If an employer wants to send you to a war zone, ask them to pay for training. ===Publications=== Books and magazines dealing with wilderness survival are common, but publications dealing with war zones are few. * Robert Young Pelton's ''[[Special:Booksources/1569521409|The World's Most Dangerous Places]]'' is a thousand-page-plus book that provides advice, contacts, and country by country information. His web site [http://www.comebackalive.com Comebackalive] features a forum, Black Flag Cafe, for updates and contacts. * There is also the BBC TV series ''[https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b007nqnj/episodes/guide Holidays in the Danger Zone]''. ==Land mines and unexploded ordnance== [[File:Sign_DangerMines.JPG|thumb|Land mine warning sign, [[Cambodia]]]] [[File:Land mines in Afghanistan.jpg|thumb|Minefield atop a hill in Bamiyan, [[Afghanistan]]. Note the red and white painted rocks]] [[File:Stanley Road, Falkland Islands (7875522944).jpg|thumb|A marked minefield in the [[Falkland Islands]], since cleared. Many minefields in current or former conflict zones are not marked.]] Most places that have seen armed conflict can be affected by mines or unexploded ordnance (UXO). In some cases, unexploded ordnance '''may remain dangerous for decades''' after the conflict ends – for example, China has had some deaths in the 21st century from left over [[World War II]] munitions, and bombs from the same conflict are still discovered (and dangerous) in both Germany and the UK. In fact older devices are sometimes more dangerous than new ones because the explosives – or the trigger – break down over time. There are still places off-limits due to mines in many parts of the world, including somewhere the conflict ended decades ago. After a few years heavily populated or heavily visited areas will generally have been cleaned up, but out-of-the-way places may still be dangerous. Mines fall into two categories: anti-personnel and anti-tank. * The most common type of '''anti-personnel mine''' is dug into the ground and triggered when someone steps on it. Another type is attached to a tree or a wall and is equipped with a tripping wire; these are more likely to take out several people. If you trigger an anti-personnel mine, it ''explodes immediately''; there is no click or any other warning like you see in the movies. These mines are not generally designed to kill; maiming an enemy combatant is more effective than killing, since resources are needed to evacuate and treat the wounded. * '''Anti-tank mines''' will not normally be triggered if you step on one; they are designed to be triggered by a vehicle. They are considerably more powerful than anti-personnel mines, capable of stopping a tank or completely destroying a truck. * Some areas have '''both''' anti-tank and anti-personnel mines, to make clearing the mines more difficult. [[File:Lascar A booby trap with bamboo spikes - Cu Chi tunnels (4607992038).jpg|thumb|A [[Indochina Wars|Vietnam-War-era]] booby trap in Cu Chi Tunnel]] Although '''booby traps''' may not involve explosives, given their purpose and secrecy, they can be considered as another kind of mines. The best advice for any of these devices is to stay well clear. There are sometimes warning signs of their presence. This can be as subtle as an untouched field in the midst of a heavily farmed area or an abandoned house in a busy district. Packing crates for mines or ammunition may be present, where they have been discarded. A convenient path may be disused. Where mines or UXO have been found, the affected area may be marked. Red paint on rocks is a sure sign. Pieces of cloth or cans hanging from a fence is another. Dead cattle or a pattern of craters are also possible. The best source of advice may be from local people and humanitarian aid organisations such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees or the United Nations group that is tasked to the area. Even if minefields are marked, in time rain and rivers can move devices into other areas. This has been a problem in the Balkans, where death and injury from mines on river banks are common. When in an area that is known or suspected to be mined, stay on paved roads when possible. If not possible, follow car tracks or well-trod foot paths. Should you, despite your best efforts, find yourself in a mined area, '''stop'''. Stay where you are and call for assistance from someone who knows what they are doing. If this is not possible, retrace your exact steps back to safety (this is very dangerous). If you have a long rod, you may be able to check for mines and escape the area. Insert the rod into the ground at a very shallow angle. Mines will not normally be triggered when they are hit from the side. You need to check an area just big enough for your foot. Keep doing this for every step. It could take hours, even days to get out of the danger area, but you should be alive. It's a bad idea to use pens or other short objects for this; remember that mines are ''designed to inflict injury'' on body parts near them! The [https://www.mineaction.org/en UN Mine Action Service] (UNMAS) publishes a mobile app, available free on [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.makedu.unmas.ied Google Play]. It is mainly aimed at aid workers but contains several useful tips on mine/UXO safety and a user can even claim a certificate in ERW/IED awareness if they pass the in-app tests. Both UNMAS and groups such as the [https://www.halotrust.org/ HALO Trust] and [https://www.maginternational.org/ Mag International] sometimes recruit [[volunteer]]s or paid staff to help eliminate land mines in various regions. Generally such work does not start until the shooting and bombing has ended, but it is not without risk. There is an [http://www.icbl.org/ International Campaign to Ban Landmines] and the [https://www.un.org/disarmament/geneva/aplc/ Ottawa Convention] of 1999 banning anti-personnel mines now has over 150 nations as signatories. However that convention does not cover anti-tank mines and some of the most important nations, including the [[USA]], [[Russia]] and [[China]], have not signed it. Neither [[North Korea]] nor [[South Korea]] has signed; both consider mines essential for defense against the other, and the area along their border has large numbers of both anti-personnel and anti-tank mines. Most mines contain metal and are thus relatively easy to detect; those that don't are outlawed by another treaty, due to the long-lasting risk they pose because it is virtually impossible to make sure a former minefield has been totally cleared of them. Again, though, not all nations have signed, and not all deployed mines conform to such standard. ==Insurance== Travel insurance generally does not cover you for travel to war zones. People who go to war zones as part of their work are usually covered by special insurance with very high premiums, the cost of which is usually borne by the employer. ==Road blocks and checkpoints== Road blocks or checkpoints are common, not just in war zones. They will usually be hidden around a corner in the road (especially if they are not official). Road blocks are sometimes an opportunity for the people manning them to extort money or items from passers by. [[File:Highway checkpoint in Afghanistan.jpg|thumb|right|U.S. Marines at a checkpoint in Afghanistan]] The people manning a roadblock are usually armed, often nervous, and sometimes various sorts of more-or-less crazy fanatic; it is important not to do anything likely to upset them. First, keep your hands in sight at all times; that way, no one will think you may have a weapon. Move slowly; do not make any sudden movements. Look pleased to see the people who have stopped you, even if you feel contempt for them. Be polite. Keep calm. A flustered, panicked individual is more cause for suspicion than an easy-going one. Try to stay in the vehicle. If this is not possible, try to stay together, especially if you or others in your group are female. Keep all doors locked and if possible windows closed. Keep any cameras hidden. Learn basic local language, so that you can have at least a basic idea of what is being said or asked of or about you. Do not photograph any military checkpoints, personnel, roadblocks or facilities. Also do not photograph sensitive areas like bridges, border checkpoints, communications facilities and airports. When in doubt, ask for permission beforehand. In many nations it is an offense to photograph these items even in peacetime — the military may suspect you are gathering information for hostile forces to use in an attack. ==Kidnapping and abduction== There are techniques that can reduce the risk of kidnapping or abduction. Perhaps the most important are avoiding risky areas and having professional bodyguards or a security team. Should you be taken captive, there are things you can and should be doing in order to maximise the chances of safe repatriation and to minimise unnecessary harm befalling you or other captives. [[#Training courses|Specialist training]] in kidnap avoidance and hostage survival is available and should be sought by those intending to operate in high-risk areas, or whose personal or corporate profile renders them at an increased risk of kidnap. In any kidnapping or abduction, the kidnappers have the least control right at the start. As time passes, their control over the situation increases and the opportunity for the victim to act is reduced. Many kidnap attempts are foiled because the intended victim reacts to the attempt in a way that the kidnappers did not expect. If driving a vehicle, reversing away from danger or changing direction may help (but may get you shot at). Specialist courses are available for drivers. Note that many governments have a policy of not paying ransoms to kidnappers. However, they seek to free their citizens who are taken hostage by working with the government of the country they are being held in and providing consular support to the family and employers of hostages. Due to the great dangers involved, government agencies only undertake raids which attempt to free hostages as a last resort and usually only in very specific circumstances; these operations often lead to the hostages being killed or wounded. As an example of the support governments provide to the victims of kidnapping, see the advice published by the Australian Government [http://smartraveller.gov.au/guide/all-travellers/avoiding-danger/pages/kidnapping.aspx here]. Be sure someone from outside the country knows your agenda at all times and have regularly scheduled check-in times so that if you go missing an alarm can be raised shortly thereafter. ==Shooting== If you are unfamiliar with firearms and what they can do, get training before you enter a hostile environment. As an unarmed civilian, your best bet is to avoid active conflict areas. Remember the basic fact that any gun is a weapon designed to kill. Apart from combat scenarios, shots may also be fired as a way to express celebration or other emotions by locals, a common practice in conflict areas like the [[Middle East]] and [[Balkans]]. Stray bullets kill, and your best option is to seek firm cover, as falling stray bullets can penetrate weak covers like tile roofs. Unlike movie and TV sound effects, real-life gun sounds vary. Pistols and silenced guns may sound like exploded balloons or firecrackers, while the sound of rifles and shotguns is more similar to the commonly known "bang" sound. If you are shot at, move and move fast. If you can, move across the line of fire – not directly away from the shooting – and seek cover. If you are part of a group, scatter in different directions. This may confuse the person with the firearm long enough to find cover. Pay attention to what direction the shots are coming from and going to if possible so that you know where to seek cover safely. Remember to breathe and try to remain calm. When taking fire as an unarmed civilian, remember one of Murphy's Laws of Combat: ''anything you do can get you killed, including doing nothing''. [[File:US Navy 100525-N-7764M-112 Master-at-Arms Seaman Recruit Hector Ramirez and Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Gerald Provost crouch behind a truck while training in an active-shooter scenario at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay.jpg|thumb|The engine block may sometimes be a reasonable cover — provided that the shooter has only small arms.]] Do not take cover behind vehicles. Pistol bullets easily pass through both doors of a car; rifle bullets can pass through a vehicle lengthwise; grenades, mortars and cannon shells can destroy most vehicles altogether. Stopped or disabled vehicles are "bullet magnets" that draw fire. The best protection provided by a car or truck is its ability to move away at high speed. If forced to take cover behind a vehicle or inside one, put the engine block between yourself and the shooter — it rarely gets penetrated by small arms fire. Even when your vehicle is bulletproof, the bulletproof windshield may be penetrated if two or more bullets hit the same spot. Walls, trees, and structures provide concealment but ''not'' cover. The 7.62 mm round used by the AK-47, a common assault rifle in war zones, can pass through a concrete block. The less powerful 9 mm pistol round can go through a dozen layers of sheetrock. The 12.7 and 14.7 mm rounds used by heavy machine guns and anti-material snipers can penetrate almost everything, including all kinds of bulletproof vests and helmets. One rule of thumb is the 'three-second rule' which states if you need to move to another place of cover, it should not be more than a three second sprint away. A good phrase to remember is: 'I'm up, He's seen me, I'm down.' Basically, you are up out of cover and moving (fast), you assume the shooter has seen you and is taking aim, and then you are back down behind suitable defensive cover before he can fire. The saying that "Three on a match is bad luck" originated during [[World War I]] from this sort of thinking. Note, however, that ''applying this rule in some situations is almost certain to get you killed''. If the enemy knows where you are and is waiting for you to move, or if he is just covering a particular area and is ready to shoot anyone who appears there, then he can fire accurately in well under a second. Also, if he has an automatic weapon (as most military or guerrilla fighters do), then he need not take time to aim; he can just spray bullets in your general direction and hope one of them hits. If you or someone else was shot, instead of taking out the bullet (leave that to be done at the hospital), your top priority is to ''stop the bleeding as soon as possible'', while securing the casualty's airway. A quick bandage and fixation of the wound before sending to hospital or arranging for medical evacuation should be followed, to prevent further bleeding and accidental injury due to bone fracture. Learn to use a tourniquet for wounds in the limbs. ==Airstrikes== [[File:MQ-9 Reaper UAV.jpg|thumb|A US military drone that is frequently used in airstrikes]] In war zones, it is not uncommon for belligerents obtaining air superiority to conduct airstrikes and missile strikes against enemy targets. With the widespread availability of mass-market drones and 3D printers, irregular forces such as terrorists or insurgents have taken to producing their own drones in the 2010s and 2020s. While some of them are only used for reconnaissance, there are also those that are armed with explosives or air to surface missiles which take advantage of the usually weaker armour on the upper side of military vehicles. Military drones are characterized by the loud buzzing noise that they make, like that of a bee or a lawnmower. For larger drones, you may also see the aircraft circling overhead. Do not: * lie down and drop something on a road (it looks like you are laying an improvised explosive device); * run; * point at the aircraft. * attempt to conceal your face, including wearing medical masks in some situations. These actions may result in the aircraft opening fire at you. Just pretend that you haven't noticed the drone. Stay away from anything and anyone you suspect will be targeted, in which you risk being caught in the blast radius of the aircraft's weapons. If your destination still retains some governance or civil defense abilities, wailing air raid sirens may be used to warn of upcoming airstrikes. In such situations (see also [[#Explosions|Explosions]] below): * Grab the bag filled with necessities like durable food and clothes you prepared, and take it along. * Take cover in a shelter. As long as they aren't too shallow, metro/subway stations are generally good air raid shelters. They've been used from London in 1940 to Kyiv in 2022. * If there is no nearby shelter, head for a building, and place yourself as far as you can from windows, or other nearby fragile objects. * If no building is nearby, lie down on your belly and put your hands on the back of your head. ==Explosions== The chances of being caught up in an explosion will depend upon your location. Avoiding high-risk locations, such as restaurants or bars frequented by people who could be targets, is a preventive option. If there is some distance between you and the explosion site, you will see the explosion before the shock wave and explosion sound arrives at your location. Make good use of time to duck and cover immediately. During an explosion: *If you are in a building: **Duck and take cover under a sturdy table or desk. Close your eyes, cover your ears and open your mouth to minimize blast injuries. **After the explosion, leave quickly, watching for obviously weakened floors and stairways. Stay low if there is smoke. **Check for fire and other hazards. **If you are trapped in debris, use a flashlight, whistle or tap on pipes to signal your location to rescuers. Also refer to tips at [[Earthquake safety]]. **Shout only as a last resort to avoid inhaling dangerous dust. *Once you are out, do not stand in front of windows, glass doors or other potentially hazardous areas. *Cover your nose and mouth with anything you have on hand. *Leave as quickly as possible, as a common tactic is to trigger one explosion followed by another to catch crowds and rescuers. ==CBRN defense== Although belligerents tend to be cautious when using '''c'''hemical, '''b'''iological, '''r'''adiological or '''n'''uclear weapons, they are still powerful weapons that may be unleashed. The civil war in [[Syria]], for example, had multiple instances where chemical weapons were used on the civilian population. ===Nuclear Weapons=== There is no defense against a nuclear weapon if you are within the blast radius. This can be only a few hundred meters for a "tactical nuke" such as might be fired from an artillery piece, but dozens of km for a large bomb detonated as an air burst to spread the effects most widely. The intense radiant heat, the gamma rays, or the neutrons for some bombs can also kill. If you are further away, your main worry is radioactive fallout. All nuclear weapons produce '''fallout''' – radioactive dust that is blown high in the air and comes down over a wide area – and "dirty bombs" are specifically designed to maximize fallout; for example a hydrogen bomb can be wrapped with a layer of U₂₃₈ to give more fallout. It is also possible to build a device that uses conventional explosives to spread radioactive material; this may appeal to some actors because it needs less technology and resources, but the effect is neither as severe or as widespread as fallout from a nuclear bomb. The best way to deal with fallout is to leave any area where it is likely, that is anywhere downwind of a nuclear blast. If that is not possible, go to a fallout shelter if you can. Failing that, the following measures will help: * Cover your nose and mouth with a cloth to reduce the risk of breathing in radioactive dust or smoke. * Don’t touch objects or fragments scattered by the explosion. * Quickly go into a building where walls and windows are intact to shield yourself from radiation. * Shut all windows and outside doors. Turn off fans and heating and air conditioning systems that bring in air from outside. ** If walls and windows of the building are broken, go to an interior room and do not leave. If the building has been heavily damaged, quickly go into another building where walls and windows are not broken. * Once inside, take off your outer layer of clothing and seal it in a plastic bag, if available. If not, use whatever that can hold the clothing and can be closed and removed. Removing outer clothes can get rid of most radioactive dust. * Put the plastic bag where others will not touch it. If possible, isolate the plastic bag with bulky items. * Shower or wash with soap and water to remove any remaining dust. * If possible, tune to local radio or news for more instructions. You should also prepare for evacuating from the affected region. ===Chemical and biological weapons=== Although some chemical weapons have distinct smells (such as an especially strong bleach smell for chlorine), some (including Sarin and VX) are '''odorless and colorless'''. Maintain your situational awareness, and if you find something wrong with your sense or surroundings, trust your instinct. In a chemical or biological weapon attack: * Avoid any obvious plume or vapor cloud. * If a chemical or biological weapon is released indoors (such as the case of the 1995 Tokyo Subway Sarin attack), leave the site as soon as possible and evacuate to higher or windward locations. * Evacuate from the site and into an intact building in order to shelter-in-place. * Lock doors, close windows, air vents and other openings. * Turn off fans, air conditioning, and forced air heating systems. * Go into a room with as few windows as possible. * Seal all windows, doors, and air vents with plastic sheeting and duct tape. * Improvise with what is on hand to seal gaps to create a barrier from any contamination. * Remove outer clothing and place it in a sealed plastic bag. * Shower or wash with soap and water. Flush eyes with water if they are irritated. * Put on clean clothes. * If possible, seek medical attention even if no symptoms develop. * Watch TV, listen to the radio, or check the Internet if available. You should also prepare for evacuating from the affected region. == Equipment== When transporting necessary equipment for your tour in war zones, you should comply with all customs and importation and exportation regulations — while your destination can be lawless, your departure place is usually not. For example, there have been cases where war correspondents are arrested by customs for arms trafficking after they bring PPEs like bulletproof vests and helmets without proper procedures. ===Bullet-resistant vests=== [[File:Contract security, Baghdad.jpg|thumb|250px|A private military contractor in Iraq]] A bullet-resistant vest (sometimes called bulletproof vests or body armour) might save your life in some circumstances, but there are problems. No vest can protect body parts that it does not cover, and not all bullet-resistant vests will stop a knife; if knives are a threat, then you need to choose one that will or use two vests. Also, a vest cannot reduce the energy of a bullet, only spread it across more of your body. Getting hit is likely to feel about like being kicked by a horse; a huge bruise and perhaps a few broken ribs is certainly a lot better than having your heart pierced, but it is still definitely not good. Vests designed to stop pistol bullets and shrapnel are reasonably light and comfortable, but they will not stop anything heavier. In particular, vests with the common level IIIa rating will not stop shots from assault rifles. Armour strong enough to stop most rifle bullets exists, but it is heavy, bulky, uncomfortable, and conspicuous. Cloth alone cannot provide that level of protection; steel or ceramic plates are needed as well. No form of body armour can protect against a heavy machine gun or sniper round such as .50 calibre; some will prevent the bullet penetrating, but the trauma will still be lethal. Vendors such as [https://miguelcaballero.com Miguel Caballero], [https://wonderhoodie.com/ Wonder Hoodie], [https://bulletproofzone.com/collections/bulletproof-clothing Bulletproof Zone], [https://www.bulletblocker.com/bullet-proof-clothing.html Bullet Blocker], and [https://www.thykskynn.com/ Thyk Skynn] offer clothing that looks fairly normal, even stylish, but is actually bullet-resistant. This may be a good option because it is less conspicuous and easier to wear all the time. Bullet-resistant backpacks, briefcases, laptop cases and shoulder bags are also available; these are also inconspicuous and they may handle heavier rounds than clothing since it is relatively easy to include armour plates in their design. Both the garments and the bags are expensive – ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per item – but if your life is at risk and you can get the funds, it is obviously worth it. If an employer wants to send you to a war zone, tell them they should pay for this. A pair of boots with steel in the soles, as used by construction workers, may somewhat reduce the damage if you step on a land mine but will not even come close to giving complete protection. However, they will protect against broken glass, sharp-edged rubble, and some types of booby traps. ===Weapons=== In some areas, some travellers go armed; for example civilian contractors in Iraq are sometimes advised to carry weapons. However, for most travellers, carrying a weapon will increase the risks rather than reducing them. For one thing, if you are not well-trained in its use, any weapon will probably be useless, and wearing one likely increases your chance of being shot. Also, even if you are an expert, it may be useless if you are outnumbered or outgunned. Against several people with assault rifles, for example, reaching for a pistol is suicidal. Perhaps most important, if you carry a weapon, you are not a civilian. You may be seen as a spy or soldier, and treated as such by armed groups. The Geneva Convention on treatment of prisoners of war applies ''only'' to people who are in uniform or at least wearing some marker visible at a distance – such as an armband or a distinctive hat. The US routinely treats prisoners at [[Guantánamo Bay]] in ways that would be illegal if the Geneva Convention applied. Anyone going armed in a war zone while wearing unmarked civilian clothing is therefore taking a ''huge risk''. Traveling with armed guards is generally a better alternative than arming yourself. ==First aid== A [[first aid]] course is beyond the scope of this article. Remember if you need to use first aid that the first step is to stay calm, then to get to safety and only then to apply first aid. Basic first aid, such as what is taught by a local Red Cross in [https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class the USA] or [https://www.redcross.ca/training-and-certification Canada], will show you how to treat minor injuries and perform CPR. These and similar courses are often inexpensive or free. Hostile environment, combat medic, or "defensive medical" courses focus on control of bleeding, shock, airway management, and trauma care. They usually include training in the use of tourniquets, H-bandages, nasal airways, and hemostatic agents like QuikClot or CELOX. [http://lmsdefense.com/ LMS Defense] provides combat medical training in the USA. ==See also== * [[Business travel]]; visitors typically do not come for pleasure * [[Corruption and bribery]]; the degeneration of local governance is a catalyst for corruption * [[Crime]]; the collapse of legal institution, and the shortage of resources, might motivate crime * [[Military tourism]] for historic war zones * [[Next-to-impossible destinations]]; to a certain extent similar to war zones * [[Stay healthy]]; destruction of health infrastructure can make curable diseases deadly: the ongoing cholera outbreak in [[Yemen]] is a prime example of this {{PartOfTopic|Stay safe}} {{usabletopic}} mys3lqsr85l5ac15w30tigarrcebqmd 5087103 5086796 2025-07-03T11:29:42Z Pashley 1822 /* Land mines and unexploded ordnance */ 5087103 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Egyptian soldiers (1983) banner.jpg}} {{warningbox|Do not visit a region in this category without seriously considering the risks and how to mitigate them. For the vast majority of travellers, including all tourists, these areas should be avoided at all costs. Other travellers should also consider avoiding them. This article is for those who absolutely need to go, or who get caught somewhere when a conflict erupts suddenly. Many governments issue [[travel advisories]] warning of various hazards abroad, including war or civil unrest; see the linked article for details. Some governments have specific advice for terrorism or war: [https://www.gov.uk/guidance/reduce-your-risk-from-terrorism-while-abroad UK] [https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/emergencies/terrorism.html US] [https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/while-youre-away/when-things-go-wrong Australia] }} War zones or former war zones, often called '''hostile environments''', are distinctly dangerous. It is highly unusual for anyone other than professionals sent with a specific mission, or locals who cannot or will not leave, to be wandering around war zones. [[Diplomatic missions]] are typically unable to provide any assistance to their citizens who are travelling in war zones. [[Image:M120 Mortar in Zabol Province, Afghanistan.jpg|300px|thumb|Zabul Province, [[Afghanistan]]]] Some people must travel to these areas as part of their job; these include soldiers, reporters, diplomats, military or security contractors, and often people employed by various governments, international agencies and NGOs to provide relief from some of the ravages of war, to deal with refugee problems, or to rebuild after a war. Usually, those people will have had special training and the organization will provide extensive support – almost always a professional security team and heavily-secured buildings, often armored vehicles or armed guards for any required travel. They may also be partly protected by [[Diplomatic missions#Diplomatic immunity|diplomatic immunity]], by press credentials, or by some symbol like a Red Cross or the blue helmets of UN peacekeepers. Going into such an area for '''tourism is a spectacularly bad idea''' since you may not have the training and will certainly not have the backup or protections that the professionals do. If your country has military forces in the area or is supporting one side in the conflict, those groups are quite unlikely to think their mission includes protecting tourists but the other side is almost certain to consider you hostile. Even a tourist with no hostile intentions may provoke heated reactions; among other things, you may be taken for a spy. Tourists can be just as much a target of hostility as any military force. Indeed, tourists are a soft target, much easier to attack than the professionals. Some may be specifically targeted because of their home country, religion or ethnic group. In some areas, such as Afghanistan and the southern Philippines, '''tourists are prime targets for kidnapping'''. Many national governments have a policy of not paying ransoms for citizens who are kidnapped to avoid (effectively) subsidising kidnapping. Even if your government, employer or family is willing to pay a ransom, some of the kidnappers would rather have a beheading video that helps publicise their cause than just get some money. ==Safety advice== In general, national governments strongly advise against visiting war zones for any reason, and only send diplomats and other official representatives into these areas when they are accompanied by security teams or are located in a well-protected area. Acting against such advice may invalidate your [[travel insurance]], incur large costs for rescue in case of an emergency, or be illegal under the laws of either the home country or the destination. Other organizations also provide safety information to interested groups, such as non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and humanitarian aid groups that work in war zones. Sources of information and [[travel advisories]] include: * Australian [https://www.smartraveller.gov.au Department of Foreign Affairs – Smartraveller] provides travel advice for countries and events, travel tips and safety information * Canadian federal government's [https://travel.gc.ca Travel and Tourism] website includes travel advice and advisories for travel to foreign countries * British [https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-office Foreign & Commonwealth Office] provides travel advice *International [https://ngosafety.org NGO Safety Organisation] exists to provide information and assistance to enable safer circumstances for NGOs * US [https://travel.state.gov State Department] provides travel advice, warnings and country information. As a rule of thumb, if a country announces the evacuation of diplomats in a destination (assuming that there is no diplomatic dispute), war is often looming and you ought not challenge the odds. Wikipedia also has a list of [[:Wikipedia:List of ongoing military conflicts|ongoing conflicts]], though it should not be assumed to be entirely up to date or accurate. ===Passports=== If you are a dual citizen, it is likely wise to carry only one of your passports for some travel. For example, if you have both Israeli and Russian passports, you might be safer identifying as a Russian in some countries. However, to visit countries that have sanctions against Russia, you might need to use the Israeli passport. Of course in most places you could use either, and there may be places where neither is a desirable choice; for example, many Afghans detest both Russians and Israelis. Some travellers carry a camouflage passport, which is a faux passport "issued" by a non-existent country. Camouflage passports are used to throw off terrorists and abductors, who may be looking to single out a person from a specific nation. Camouflage passports cannot be used for official business, because anyone can purchase these passports with minimal identity verification. It is debatable whether these are worthwhile; they may fool a rather dumb attacker, but not one who searches you and finds the real passport, or who knows enough to realise the issuer is bogus, or who checks the visa stamps and notices the passport lacks one for the country you are in. In those cases all the bogus passport does is provoke the attacker. ===Training courses=== Anyone planning a visit to a country that could be considered a war zone should get professional training. Such courses are becoming increasingly easy to find. A search of the Internet for 'Hostile environment course' will probably provide the address of a local company. A course will normally cover all the issues discussed here in far greater detail, usually with practical experience. They can be a lot of fun too. A course will normally be from 2–5 days and will involve role play, a lot of first aid and sometimes weapons training. Most NGO staff, journalists, diplomats, et al., will have taken these courses. * [http://www.pilgrimsgroup.co.uk/ Pilgrims Group]{{Dead link|date=May 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} offer training in the UK. * [https://www.athenaintelligence.co.uk/ Athena Security & Intelligence Consultants] (ASIC) offer training both in the UK and globally. They are experts in the delivery of Kidnap Avoidance and Hostage Survival training as well as offering a variety of other training specialisations. * [https://onpointtactical.com/ OnPoint Tactical]{{Dead link|date=October 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. located in the US. Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape training for civilians and military alike. * [https://warzonetours.com/ War Zone Tours]{{Dead link|date=October 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} conduct regular hostile environment/anti-kidnap training for travelers visiting high risk regions of the world. * The UN has [https://www.unssc.org/courses courses] that are required for all staff it sends to such areas. If an employer wants to send you to a war zone, ask them to pay for training. ===Publications=== Books and magazines dealing with wilderness survival are common, but publications dealing with war zones are few. * Robert Young Pelton's ''[[Special:Booksources/1569521409|The World's Most Dangerous Places]]'' is a thousand-page-plus book that provides advice, contacts, and country by country information. His web site [http://www.comebackalive.com Comebackalive] features a forum, Black Flag Cafe, for updates and contacts. * There is also the BBC TV series ''[https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b007nqnj/episodes/guide Holidays in the Danger Zone]''. ==Land mines and unexploded ordnance== [[File:Sign_DangerMines.JPG|thumb|Land mine warning sign, [[Cambodia]]]] [[File:Land mines in Afghanistan.jpg|thumb|Minefield atop a hill in Bamiyan, [[Afghanistan]]. Note the red and white painted rocks]] [[File:Stanley Road, Falkland Islands (7875522944).jpg|thumb|A marked minefield in the [[Falkland Islands]], since cleared. Many minefields in current or former conflict zones are not marked.]] Most places that have seen armed conflict can be affected by mines or unexploded ordnance (UXO). In some cases, unexploded ordnance '''may remain dangerous for decades''' after the conflict ends – for example, China has had some deaths in the 21st century from left over [[World War II]] munitions, and bombs from the same conflict are still discovered (and dangerous) in both Germany and the UK. In fact older devices are sometimes more dangerous than new ones because the explosives – or the trigger – break down over time. There are still places off-limits due to mines in many parts of the world, including some where the conflict ended decades ago. After a few years heavily populated or heavily visited areas will generally have been cleaned up, but out-of-the-way places may still be dangerous. Mines fall into two categories: anti-personnel and anti-tank. * The most common type of '''anti-personnel mine''' is dug into the ground and triggered when someone steps on it. Another type is attached to a tree or a wall and is equipped with a tripping wire; these are more likely to take out several people. If you trigger an anti-personnel mine, it ''explodes immediately''; there is no click or any other warning like you see in the movies. These mines are not generally designed to kill; maiming an enemy combatant is more effective than killing, since resources are needed to evacuate and treat the wounded. * '''Anti-tank mines''' will not normally be triggered if you step on one; they are designed to be triggered by a vehicle. They are considerably more powerful than anti-personnel mines, capable of stopping a tank or completely destroying a truck. * Some areas have '''both''' anti-tank and anti-personnel mines, to make clearing the mines more difficult. [[File:Lascar A booby trap with bamboo spikes - Cu Chi tunnels (4607992038).jpg|thumb|A [[Indochina Wars|Vietnam-War-era]] booby trap in Cu Chi Tunnel]] Although '''booby traps''' may not involve explosives, given their purpose and secrecy, they can be considered as another kind of mines. The best advice for any of these devices is to stay well clear. There are sometimes warning signs of their presence. This can be as subtle as an untouched field in the midst of a heavily farmed area or an abandoned house in a busy district. Packing crates for mines or ammunition may be present, where they have been discarded. A convenient path may be disused. Where mines or UXO have been found, the affected area may be marked. Red paint on rocks is a sure sign. Pieces of cloth or cans hanging from a fence is another. Dead cattle or a pattern of craters are also possible. The best source of advice may be from local people and humanitarian aid organisations such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees or the United Nations group that is tasked to the area. Even if minefields are marked, in time rain and rivers can move devices into other areas. This has been a problem in the Balkans, where death and injury from mines on river banks are common. When in an area that is known or suspected to be mined, stay on paved roads when possible. If not possible, follow car tracks or well-trod foot paths. Should you, despite your best efforts, find yourself in a mined area, '''stop'''. Stay where you are and call for assistance from someone who knows what they are doing. If this is not possible, retrace your exact steps back to safety (this is very dangerous). If you have a long rod, you may be able to check for mines and escape the area. Insert the rod into the ground at a very shallow angle. Mines will not normally be triggered when they are hit from the side. You need to check an area just big enough for your foot. Keep doing this for every step. It could take hours, even days to get out of the danger area, but you should be alive. It's a bad idea to use pens or other short objects for this; remember that mines are ''designed to inflict injury'' on body parts near them! The [https://www.mineaction.org/en UN Mine Action Service] (UNMAS) publishes a mobile app, available free on [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.makedu.unmas.ied Google Play]. It is mainly aimed at aid workers but contains several useful tips on mine/UXO safety and a user can even claim a certificate in ERW/IED awareness if they pass the in-app tests. Both UNMAS and groups such as the [https://www.halotrust.org/ HALO Trust] and [https://www.maginternational.org/ Mag International] sometimes recruit [[volunteer]]s or paid staff to help eliminate land mines in various regions. Generally such work does not start until the shooting and bombing has ended, but it is not without risk. There is an [http://www.icbl.org/ International Campaign to Ban Landmines] and the [https://www.un.org/disarmament/geneva/aplc/ Ottawa Convention] of 1999 banning anti-personnel mines now has over 150 nations as signatories. However that convention does not cover anti-tank mines and some of the most important nations, including the [[USA]], [[Russia]] and [[China]], have not signed it. Neither [[North Korea]] nor [[South Korea]] has signed; both consider mines essential for defense against the other, and the area along their border has large numbers of both anti-personnel and anti-tank mines. Most mines contain metal and are thus relatively easy to detect; those that don't are outlawed by another treaty, due to the long-lasting risk they pose because it is virtually impossible to make sure a former minefield has been totally cleared of them. Again, though, not all nations have signed, and not all deployed mines conform to such standard. ==Insurance== Travel insurance generally does not cover you for travel to war zones. People who go to war zones as part of their work are usually covered by special insurance with very high premiums, the cost of which is usually borne by the employer. ==Road blocks and checkpoints== Road blocks or checkpoints are common, not just in war zones. They will usually be hidden around a corner in the road (especially if they are not official). Road blocks are sometimes an opportunity for the people manning them to extort money or items from passers by. [[File:Highway checkpoint in Afghanistan.jpg|thumb|right|U.S. Marines at a checkpoint in Afghanistan]] The people manning a roadblock are usually armed, often nervous, and sometimes various sorts of more-or-less crazy fanatic; it is important not to do anything likely to upset them. First, keep your hands in sight at all times; that way, no one will think you may have a weapon. Move slowly; do not make any sudden movements. Look pleased to see the people who have stopped you, even if you feel contempt for them. Be polite. Keep calm. A flustered, panicked individual is more cause for suspicion than an easy-going one. Try to stay in the vehicle. If this is not possible, try to stay together, especially if you or others in your group are female. Keep all doors locked and if possible windows closed. Keep any cameras hidden. Learn basic local language, so that you can have at least a basic idea of what is being said or asked of or about you. Do not photograph any military checkpoints, personnel, roadblocks or facilities. Also do not photograph sensitive areas like bridges, border checkpoints, communications facilities and airports. When in doubt, ask for permission beforehand. In many nations it is an offense to photograph these items even in peacetime — the military may suspect you are gathering information for hostile forces to use in an attack. ==Kidnapping and abduction== There are techniques that can reduce the risk of kidnapping or abduction. Perhaps the most important are avoiding risky areas and having professional bodyguards or a security team. Should you be taken captive, there are things you can and should be doing in order to maximise the chances of safe repatriation and to minimise unnecessary harm befalling you or other captives. [[#Training courses|Specialist training]] in kidnap avoidance and hostage survival is available and should be sought by those intending to operate in high-risk areas, or whose personal or corporate profile renders them at an increased risk of kidnap. In any kidnapping or abduction, the kidnappers have the least control right at the start. As time passes, their control over the situation increases and the opportunity for the victim to act is reduced. Many kidnap attempts are foiled because the intended victim reacts to the attempt in a way that the kidnappers did not expect. If driving a vehicle, reversing away from danger or changing direction may help (but may get you shot at). Specialist courses are available for drivers. Note that many governments have a policy of not paying ransoms to kidnappers. However, they seek to free their citizens who are taken hostage by working with the government of the country they are being held in and providing consular support to the family and employers of hostages. Due to the great dangers involved, government agencies only undertake raids which attempt to free hostages as a last resort and usually only in very specific circumstances; these operations often lead to the hostages being killed or wounded. As an example of the support governments provide to the victims of kidnapping, see the advice published by the Australian Government [http://smartraveller.gov.au/guide/all-travellers/avoiding-danger/pages/kidnapping.aspx here]. Be sure someone from outside the country knows your agenda at all times and have regularly scheduled check-in times so that if you go missing an alarm can be raised shortly thereafter. ==Shooting== If you are unfamiliar with firearms and what they can do, get training before you enter a hostile environment. As an unarmed civilian, your best bet is to avoid active conflict areas. Remember the basic fact that any gun is a weapon designed to kill. Apart from combat scenarios, shots may also be fired as a way to express celebration or other emotions by locals, a common practice in conflict areas like the [[Middle East]] and [[Balkans]]. Stray bullets kill, and your best option is to seek firm cover, as falling stray bullets can penetrate weak covers like tile roofs. Unlike movie and TV sound effects, real-life gun sounds vary. Pistols and silenced guns may sound like exploded balloons or firecrackers, while the sound of rifles and shotguns is more similar to the commonly known "bang" sound. If you are shot at, move and move fast. If you can, move across the line of fire – not directly away from the shooting – and seek cover. If you are part of a group, scatter in different directions. This may confuse the person with the firearm long enough to find cover. Pay attention to what direction the shots are coming from and going to if possible so that you know where to seek cover safely. Remember to breathe and try to remain calm. When taking fire as an unarmed civilian, remember one of Murphy's Laws of Combat: ''anything you do can get you killed, including doing nothing''. [[File:US Navy 100525-N-7764M-112 Master-at-Arms Seaman Recruit Hector Ramirez and Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Gerald Provost crouch behind a truck while training in an active-shooter scenario at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay.jpg|thumb|The engine block may sometimes be a reasonable cover — provided that the shooter has only small arms.]] Do not take cover behind vehicles. Pistol bullets easily pass through both doors of a car; rifle bullets can pass through a vehicle lengthwise; grenades, mortars and cannon shells can destroy most vehicles altogether. Stopped or disabled vehicles are "bullet magnets" that draw fire. The best protection provided by a car or truck is its ability to move away at high speed. If forced to take cover behind a vehicle or inside one, put the engine block between yourself and the shooter — it rarely gets penetrated by small arms fire. Even when your vehicle is bulletproof, the bulletproof windshield may be penetrated if two or more bullets hit the same spot. Walls, trees, and structures provide concealment but ''not'' cover. The 7.62 mm round used by the AK-47, a common assault rifle in war zones, can pass through a concrete block. The less powerful 9 mm pistol round can go through a dozen layers of sheetrock. The 12.7 and 14.7 mm rounds used by heavy machine guns and anti-material snipers can penetrate almost everything, including all kinds of bulletproof vests and helmets. One rule of thumb is the 'three-second rule' which states if you need to move to another place of cover, it should not be more than a three second sprint away. A good phrase to remember is: 'I'm up, He's seen me, I'm down.' Basically, you are up out of cover and moving (fast), you assume the shooter has seen you and is taking aim, and then you are back down behind suitable defensive cover before he can fire. The saying that "Three on a match is bad luck" originated during [[World War I]] from this sort of thinking. Note, however, that ''applying this rule in some situations is almost certain to get you killed''. If the enemy knows where you are and is waiting for you to move, or if he is just covering a particular area and is ready to shoot anyone who appears there, then he can fire accurately in well under a second. Also, if he has an automatic weapon (as most military or guerrilla fighters do), then he need not take time to aim; he can just spray bullets in your general direction and hope one of them hits. If you or someone else was shot, instead of taking out the bullet (leave that to be done at the hospital), your top priority is to ''stop the bleeding as soon as possible'', while securing the casualty's airway. A quick bandage and fixation of the wound before sending to hospital or arranging for medical evacuation should be followed, to prevent further bleeding and accidental injury due to bone fracture. Learn to use a tourniquet for wounds in the limbs. ==Airstrikes== [[File:MQ-9 Reaper UAV.jpg|thumb|A US military drone that is frequently used in airstrikes]] In war zones, it is not uncommon for belligerents obtaining air superiority to conduct airstrikes and missile strikes against enemy targets. With the widespread availability of mass-market drones and 3D printers, irregular forces such as terrorists or insurgents have taken to producing their own drones in the 2010s and 2020s. While some of them are only used for reconnaissance, there are also those that are armed with explosives or air to surface missiles which take advantage of the usually weaker armour on the upper side of military vehicles. Military drones are characterized by the loud buzzing noise that they make, like that of a bee or a lawnmower. For larger drones, you may also see the aircraft circling overhead. Do not: * lie down and drop something on a road (it looks like you are laying an improvised explosive device); * run; * point at the aircraft. * attempt to conceal your face, including wearing medical masks in some situations. These actions may result in the aircraft opening fire at you. Just pretend that you haven't noticed the drone. Stay away from anything and anyone you suspect will be targeted, in which you risk being caught in the blast radius of the aircraft's weapons. If your destination still retains some governance or civil defense abilities, wailing air raid sirens may be used to warn of upcoming airstrikes. In such situations (see also [[#Explosions|Explosions]] below): * Grab the bag filled with necessities like durable food and clothes you prepared, and take it along. * Take cover in a shelter. As long as they aren't too shallow, metro/subway stations are generally good air raid shelters. They've been used from London in 1940 to Kyiv in 2022. * If there is no nearby shelter, head for a building, and place yourself as far as you can from windows, or other nearby fragile objects. * If no building is nearby, lie down on your belly and put your hands on the back of your head. ==Explosions== The chances of being caught up in an explosion will depend upon your location. Avoiding high-risk locations, such as restaurants or bars frequented by people who could be targets, is a preventive option. If there is some distance between you and the explosion site, you will see the explosion before the shock wave and explosion sound arrives at your location. Make good use of time to duck and cover immediately. During an explosion: *If you are in a building: **Duck and take cover under a sturdy table or desk. Close your eyes, cover your ears and open your mouth to minimize blast injuries. **After the explosion, leave quickly, watching for obviously weakened floors and stairways. Stay low if there is smoke. **Check for fire and other hazards. **If you are trapped in debris, use a flashlight, whistle or tap on pipes to signal your location to rescuers. Also refer to tips at [[Earthquake safety]]. **Shout only as a last resort to avoid inhaling dangerous dust. *Once you are out, do not stand in front of windows, glass doors or other potentially hazardous areas. *Cover your nose and mouth with anything you have on hand. *Leave as quickly as possible, as a common tactic is to trigger one explosion followed by another to catch crowds and rescuers. ==CBRN defense== Although belligerents tend to be cautious when using '''c'''hemical, '''b'''iological, '''r'''adiological or '''n'''uclear weapons, they are still powerful weapons that may be unleashed. The civil war in [[Syria]], for example, had multiple instances where chemical weapons were used on the civilian population. ===Nuclear Weapons=== There is no defense against a nuclear weapon if you are within the blast radius. This can be only a few hundred meters for a "tactical nuke" such as might be fired from an artillery piece, but dozens of km for a large bomb detonated as an air burst to spread the effects most widely. The intense radiant heat, the gamma rays, or the neutrons for some bombs can also kill. If you are further away, your main worry is radioactive fallout. All nuclear weapons produce '''fallout''' – radioactive dust that is blown high in the air and comes down over a wide area – and "dirty bombs" are specifically designed to maximize fallout; for example a hydrogen bomb can be wrapped with a layer of U₂₃₈ to give more fallout. It is also possible to build a device that uses conventional explosives to spread radioactive material; this may appeal to some actors because it needs less technology and resources, but the effect is neither as severe or as widespread as fallout from a nuclear bomb. The best way to deal with fallout is to leave any area where it is likely, that is anywhere downwind of a nuclear blast. If that is not possible, go to a fallout shelter if you can. Failing that, the following measures will help: * Cover your nose and mouth with a cloth to reduce the risk of breathing in radioactive dust or smoke. * Don’t touch objects or fragments scattered by the explosion. * Quickly go into a building where walls and windows are intact to shield yourself from radiation. * Shut all windows and outside doors. Turn off fans and heating and air conditioning systems that bring in air from outside. ** If walls and windows of the building are broken, go to an interior room and do not leave. If the building has been heavily damaged, quickly go into another building where walls and windows are not broken. * Once inside, take off your outer layer of clothing and seal it in a plastic bag, if available. If not, use whatever that can hold the clothing and can be closed and removed. Removing outer clothes can get rid of most radioactive dust. * Put the plastic bag where others will not touch it. If possible, isolate the plastic bag with bulky items. * Shower or wash with soap and water to remove any remaining dust. * If possible, tune to local radio or news for more instructions. You should also prepare for evacuating from the affected region. ===Chemical and biological weapons=== Although some chemical weapons have distinct smells (such as an especially strong bleach smell for chlorine), some (including Sarin and VX) are '''odorless and colorless'''. Maintain your situational awareness, and if you find something wrong with your sense or surroundings, trust your instinct. In a chemical or biological weapon attack: * Avoid any obvious plume or vapor cloud. * If a chemical or biological weapon is released indoors (such as the case of the 1995 Tokyo Subway Sarin attack), leave the site as soon as possible and evacuate to higher or windward locations. * Evacuate from the site and into an intact building in order to shelter-in-place. * Lock doors, close windows, air vents and other openings. * Turn off fans, air conditioning, and forced air heating systems. * Go into a room with as few windows as possible. * Seal all windows, doors, and air vents with plastic sheeting and duct tape. * Improvise with what is on hand to seal gaps to create a barrier from any contamination. * Remove outer clothing and place it in a sealed plastic bag. * Shower or wash with soap and water. Flush eyes with water if they are irritated. * Put on clean clothes. * If possible, seek medical attention even if no symptoms develop. * Watch TV, listen to the radio, or check the Internet if available. You should also prepare for evacuating from the affected region. == Equipment== When transporting necessary equipment for your tour in war zones, you should comply with all customs and importation and exportation regulations — while your destination can be lawless, your departure place is usually not. For example, there have been cases where war correspondents are arrested by customs for arms trafficking after they bring PPEs like bulletproof vests and helmets without proper procedures. ===Bullet-resistant vests=== [[File:Contract security, Baghdad.jpg|thumb|250px|A private military contractor in Iraq]] A bullet-resistant vest (sometimes called bulletproof vests or body armour) might save your life in some circumstances, but there are problems. No vest can protect body parts that it does not cover, and not all bullet-resistant vests will stop a knife; if knives are a threat, then you need to choose one that will or use two vests. Also, a vest cannot reduce the energy of a bullet, only spread it across more of your body. Getting hit is likely to feel about like being kicked by a horse; a huge bruise and perhaps a few broken ribs is certainly a lot better than having your heart pierced, but it is still definitely not good. Vests designed to stop pistol bullets and shrapnel are reasonably light and comfortable, but they will not stop anything heavier. In particular, vests with the common level IIIa rating will not stop shots from assault rifles. Armour strong enough to stop most rifle bullets exists, but it is heavy, bulky, uncomfortable, and conspicuous. Cloth alone cannot provide that level of protection; steel or ceramic plates are needed as well. No form of body armour can protect against a heavy machine gun or sniper round such as .50 calibre; some will prevent the bullet penetrating, but the trauma will still be lethal. Vendors such as [https://miguelcaballero.com Miguel Caballero], [https://wonderhoodie.com/ Wonder Hoodie], [https://bulletproofzone.com/collections/bulletproof-clothing Bulletproof Zone], [https://www.bulletblocker.com/bullet-proof-clothing.html Bullet Blocker], and [https://www.thykskynn.com/ Thyk Skynn] offer clothing that looks fairly normal, even stylish, but is actually bullet-resistant. This may be a good option because it is less conspicuous and easier to wear all the time. Bullet-resistant backpacks, briefcases, laptop cases and shoulder bags are also available; these are also inconspicuous and they may handle heavier rounds than clothing since it is relatively easy to include armour plates in their design. Both the garments and the bags are expensive – ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per item – but if your life is at risk and you can get the funds, it is obviously worth it. If an employer wants to send you to a war zone, tell them they should pay for this. A pair of boots with steel in the soles, as used by construction workers, may somewhat reduce the damage if you step on a land mine but will not even come close to giving complete protection. However, they will protect against broken glass, sharp-edged rubble, and some types of booby traps. ===Weapons=== In some areas, some travellers go armed; for example civilian contractors in Iraq are sometimes advised to carry weapons. However, for most travellers, carrying a weapon will increase the risks rather than reducing them. For one thing, if you are not well-trained in its use, any weapon will probably be useless, and wearing one likely increases your chance of being shot. Also, even if you are an expert, it may be useless if you are outnumbered or outgunned. Against several people with assault rifles, for example, reaching for a pistol is suicidal. Perhaps most important, if you carry a weapon, you are not a civilian. You may be seen as a spy or soldier, and treated as such by armed groups. The Geneva Convention on treatment of prisoners of war applies ''only'' to people who are in uniform or at least wearing some marker visible at a distance – such as an armband or a distinctive hat. The US routinely treats prisoners at [[Guantánamo Bay]] in ways that would be illegal if the Geneva Convention applied. Anyone going armed in a war zone while wearing unmarked civilian clothing is therefore taking a ''huge risk''. Traveling with armed guards is generally a better alternative than arming yourself. ==First aid== A [[first aid]] course is beyond the scope of this article. Remember if you need to use first aid that the first step is to stay calm, then to get to safety and only then to apply first aid. Basic first aid, such as what is taught by a local Red Cross in [https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class the USA] or [https://www.redcross.ca/training-and-certification Canada], will show you how to treat minor injuries and perform CPR. These and similar courses are often inexpensive or free. Hostile environment, combat medic, or "defensive medical" courses focus on control of bleeding, shock, airway management, and trauma care. They usually include training in the use of tourniquets, H-bandages, nasal airways, and hemostatic agents like QuikClot or CELOX. [http://lmsdefense.com/ LMS Defense] provides combat medical training in the USA. ==See also== * [[Business travel]]; visitors typically do not come for pleasure * [[Corruption and bribery]]; the degeneration of local governance is a catalyst for corruption * [[Crime]]; the collapse of legal institution, and the shortage of resources, might motivate crime * [[Military tourism]] for historic war zones * [[Next-to-impossible destinations]]; to a certain extent similar to war zones * [[Stay healthy]]; destruction of health infrastructure can make curable diseases deadly: the ongoing cholera outbreak in [[Yemen]] is a prime example of this {{PartOfTopic|Stay safe}} {{usabletopic}} bdgmlvgxgnnirfk3l0zs4sy1q2rok8g 0 39264 5086596 5086469 2025-07-02T12:11:12Z Ibaman 195012 copyedit per [[WV:Tone]] and [[WV:tdf]] 5086596 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Whitsunday Islands banner.jpg|caption=Whitsunday Island view from Hamilton Island|unesco=yes}} [[Image:Whitsunday_islands.jpg|thumb|270px|Whitehaven beach on Whitsunday Island]] The '''Whitsunday Islands''' are a group of 74 islands that lie off the coast of [[Queensland]], [[Australia]] and form part of the [[Great Barrier Reef]]. The islands are one of the most popular Australian tourist destinations. The vast majority of islands are designated national parks and major attractions include access to coral reefs for snorkeling and diving, pristine beaches, especially Whitehaven Beach on [[Whitsunday Island]] and clear aquamarine warm waters. They are well connected by two major airports on [[Hamilton Island]] and the mainland town of [[Proserpine]]. Over half a million visitors come to the Whitsundays each year. == Understand == The name comes from Captain James Cook, the first European to navigate the east coast of Australia, when he sailed here on 4 June in 1770. He was struck by the area's beauty and named the island after the day he thought it was - "Whit Sunday", the seventh Sunday after Easter, in the Christian calendar. It later turned out his calendar was wrong, it was not Whit Sunday, but the name has stuck. From looking around you can see many expensive yachts sailing about, the playground for Sydney's rich and Queensland's property developers. For those who are still saving for their own yacht, several ferry companies operate from Airlie to bring people on daytrips around the sights. A typical daytrip might include a visit to Whitehaven beach, a trip to a part of reef for some snorkeling and a prepared lunch. The most visited island have accommodation, but that still leaves many less visited islands with no accommodation in the protected national parks. But for the more adventurous an enormous choice of camping sites dot every island, where nobody else will come. ===History=== Before tourism, the Whitsundays were used for logging. Aboriginal people had traditionally used the trees here for timber, which might account for references in Captain Cook's diary about grasslands when he first came here. White settlers did the same, after the Aboriginal population had been nearly annihilated by European diseases and bloodshed. Nowadays, there is no visible trace of logging ever having happened in the Whitsundays (except for the old dam that was used by the sawmill on Sawmill Creek in Cid Harbour Whitsunday Island), although on Hook there are two clues of previous industry. One is that at the Nara Inlet there are Aboriginal cave paintings. This can be accessed by boat, either on private charter (bareboating) or on one of the backpacker sailing yachts who sometimes stop in. The second is that if you stay on Hook (and on some other islands) you may hear bleating in the forest. Goats were introduced by the colonialists so that ship wreck survivors could find food and later so that loggers could have something to hunt in the event that food ran out. == Get in == {{mapframe}} {{marker|name=[[Hamilton Island]] Airport|wikidata=Q1431430}} ({{IATA|HTI}}) and {{marker|name=Whitsunday Coast Airport|wikidata=Q2567209}} ({{IATA|PPP}}) in [[Proserpine]] are the airports that service the region. Boats depart from adjacent to the airport at Hamilton to many of the Whitsunday Island resorts. Alternatively you can get the bus from [[Proserpine]] to Shute Harbour, and out to the islands from there. There are agents that will offer and price inclusive of this transfer. There are buses from [[Airlie Beach]] to Shute Harbour as well, and it is a popular stopping off point. Sometimes standby rates for the island resorts are available there. Even though it isn't that far off the Queensland coast, access by private boat isn't as simple as you may first think. Hamilton Island has many coral reefs near it and the tidal range is 5.9 m. There is a marina (call in on Marine VHF radio Ch 68 or {{phone|+61 7 4946 8353}}) but prices start at about $17 per hour or $60 per day (2011). It makes stopping by for lunch at one of the many restaurants a bit less attractive. Hamilton Island is visited occasionally by cruises. Most must tender their passengers to shore, where they have immediate access to a modest selection of rather nice resort shops and restaurants. === Ferry === Ferry transfers from different arrival points and between some islands are provided by '''[http://www.cruisewhitsundays.com/ Cruise Whitsundays]'''. Ferries are available from: * '''Hamilton Island Airport''' to: Long Island Resort, Daydream Island, Shute Harbour and Abel Point (Airlie Beach) * '''Hamilton Island Marina''' to: Abel Point and Shute Harbour * '''Prosperpine Airport''' via Abel Point to Hamilton Island marina, Daydream Island and Long Island Resort Ferries are scheduled to meet most flights to the two airports. Ferry prices are quite expensive, at $50–70 for adults and children depending on route. Children under 4 are free. Bookings are available from Cruise Whitsundays directly or through your resort, for the same price. == Get around == * Bus from Proserpine to Airlie beach * The airport, some residences, and most of the hotels, shops and restaurants on Hamilton Island are serviced by free shuttle buses. ===Boat companies=== * '''[https://sailing-whitsundays.com/whitsundays/atlantic-clipper-2d2n Atlantic Clipper Whitsundays]''' is one of the largest vessels in the Whitsundays that has onboard diving. * '''[http://avatarwhitsundayssailing.homestead.com/index.html Avatar Sailing]''' is one of the fastest sailing vessels in the Whitsundays. * '''[http://www.cruisewhitsundays.com Cruise Whitsundays]''' takes you to many places and also a catamaran called Camira and a pontoon on the reef at Knuckle Reef. * '''[http://www.mantaraycharters.com Mantaray Charters]''' takes you to Whitehaven Beach and to a beautiful reef for snorkelling. Scuba diving possible for certified divers and introduction dives. Maximum 34 passengers in a chilled atmosphere. * '''[http://oceanrafting.com.au/ Ocean Rafting]'''. Fast and fun with high speed boats that can brave all conditions. This company actually caters for the island hopping day trippers, but can comfortably fit a few campers' packs and water on board. The price is $164, according to their brochure available in Airlie beach (the website quotes $180, possibly to get more money from an unknowing distance booker). This is part of their two-day package for touring all around the islands, and should mean taking you to several different locations for snorkelling. If this does not interest you, there is no reason that they should not charge the normal day rate of $97, if you plan on going to one of the locations that they visit on their typical route (e.g. Whitehaven beach). The staff are super friendly, professional and efficient. They lend you stinger suits (should you feel the need for one) and snorkelling equipment for free, but do not give you water, so you just need to sort it out in Airlie. * '''[http://pacificsunrisesailing.homestead.com/ Pacific Sunrise Whitsundays]''' provides sailing trips of the Whitsunday islands and the great barrier reef from Airlie beach. * '''[http://whitsundaymagic.homestead.com/ Schooner Whitsunday Magic]''', a 115-ft Mediterranean luxury schooner doing Whitsunday Island sailing trips. * '''[https://solwaylass.com.au/ Solway Lass]''' Whitsundays is a restored tallship, over 100 years old, doing cruises of the Whitsunday Islands from Airlie Beach. * '''[http://spankmewhitsundayssail.homestead.com/ Spank Me Whitsundays]''', a maxi racing yacht doing Great Barrier Reef and island trips with onboard diving. * '''[https://wings.com.au/ Wings Diving Adventures]''', a sail and dive tour operator with two boats in their Wings and Emperor Wings fleets. They offer guests the opportunity to sail and scuba dive on the Great Barrier Reef. Eco-certified tour operator with high standards of safety on all their vessels. They offer live aboard cruises on 2- or 3-night adventure tours around the Whitsunday Islands and the Outer Great Barrier Reef. Their tours depart Airlie Beach 6 days a week. *[https://zigzagwhitsundays.com.au '''ZigZag Whitsundays Day Tour'''], a company that started in [[Airlie Beach]] in 2017, they offer a full-day tour to Whitehaven Beach, South Whitehaven Lookout, and a snorkelling location within the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. As of February 2025, the tour runs aboard Super Flyer, a large, fast catamaran with air-conditioned indoor seating, sun lounges, shaded decks, an onboard bar, and 2 bathrooms. The tour includes up to 4 hours at Whitehaven Beach with exclusive on-demand beach transfers between the boat and shore. Snorkel equipment, lunch, snacks, and stinger suits are included in the ticket price. This tour operates as a direct-to-consumer business, departs daily at 9AM, and returns at 5PM. * {{go | name=Prosail Whitsundays | alt= | url=https://prosail.com.au/ | email=info@prosail.com.au | address=350 Shute Harbour Rd, Airlie Beach | lat=-20.26822 | long=148.71704 | directions=beside national bank | phone=+61 7 4946 4444 | tollfree= | hours=7AM-6PM | price=A$699 | lastedit=2022-03-04 | content=Operates overnight sailing tours to the Whitsunday Islands, Whitehaven Beach and Great Barrier Reef. In 2022, they commenced specialty charters running once a month including Whitsundays spearfishing charters, freediving charters and yoga retreats. The boats depart from Coral Sea Marina and they have a reservations office in Airlie Beach. }} == See == ===Whitehaven Beach=== Whitehaven Beach is by far the most recognised of all the Whitsundays landmarks. Stretching about 4.5 km and consisting of fine, brilliant white sand, it presents the image that is used most often in tourism brochures and regularly on TV advertising in Australia. The view from the lookout across Hill inlet is remarkable and on a sunny day (Like most days are), it is nothing short of spectacular. The sand at Whitehaven Beach is 98% pure silica. The water lapping along the beach which is usually sheltered during the south easterly trade winds (Most of the year) and so the water where the sea meets the beach is often crystal clear and makes for perfect swimming. It is also a "nursery" for baby sharks and stingrays which can be seen just by walking along the flood line. In 2019, National Parks opened a new lookout platform at the southern end of Whitehaven Beach. The walking trail to the lookout is an easy grade of 900 metres each way. 180-degree views from the south platform include the full length of the beach in one direction and back towards the mainland in the other direction. ===Hamilton Islands=== [[Hamilton Island]] is the most developed and populated Whitsunday island and has its own airport, post office and bank. It boasts some of the most valuable real estate in Australia, and has many options for accommodation, which range from a standard hotel room to your own house! The most cost effective way of staying on the island is a house or apartment, especially for larger groups eg for weddings. There are many developments including unit complexes, the Great Barrier Reef Yacht Club, the newest resort, the 6-star Qualia (on the island's northern tip) and the golf course and accommodations planned for Dent Island. High rise is on the island - the Reef View Hotel, Whitsunday Apartments and Yacht Harbour Towers are iconic. A bit 1970s/80s in style from the outside, they are nevertheless testaments to the island founder Keith Williams' genius as the views from the upper rooms are stunning. Hamilton Island and Dent Island are privately owned by the Oatley family, founders of Rosemount Wines in Australia. The island is owned on a perpetual lease from the Commonwealth Government. Bob Oately bought the island from previous owners Banker's Trust, a publicly listed company. The island was founded in 1984 by Keith Williams, who also started Sea World, on the Gold Coast. In the 1990s Williams went bankrupt due to complications with a pilot's strike and banking problems and the island was briefly taken over by Holiday Inn. Despite development, the island remains a haven for options in getting out to reef areas and Whitehaven Beach (about 1/2 hr by boat, Great Barrier Reef about 2 hours), fine accommodation, plenty of restaurant options, good walking around largely untouched island (Passage Peak hike is a tough effort but being the highest point on the island the views are very well worth it, it takes about an hour hard walking from the back of Reef View to the summit or allow 3 hours round trip if you want to stroll. Some brave souls run it or take their mountain bikes!), and nice beaches. There is certainly plenty to do on Hamilton (or Hammo to the locals) or you can definitely just relax by one of the pools. There are regular ferry services from the mainland and other islands, but even though it isn't that far off the Queensland coast, access by private boat isn't as simple as you may first think. Hamilton Island has many coral reefs near it and the tidal range is 5.9m. There is a marina but prices start at about $17 per hour or $60 per day (2011). It makes stopping by for lunch at one of the many restaurants a bit less attractive. Don't expect a deserted tropical island though - it can get very busy during peak times (September/October and Christmas period). The feel is more small town, down to the community atmosphere, stopping for chats along the street and friendly helpful locals. Quite a few locals have been on island for years but there is also a huge number of young "transients" who only stay a few months. Due to the developments there are also many who regularly holiday on the island, whether they rent an apartment or own their own. The island's populated areas are loosely divided into three main areas - Marina Village (or Front Street) - this is where most of the shops and restaurants, the bank, the post office, the general store and the newsagency are; Resort side - Catseye Beach, the main pools and the resort accommodations - Reef View Hotel, Whitsunday Apartments, Palm Terraces/Bungalows and the Beach Club are here; and the "northern end" where most of the apartments and houses are as well as the newest resort Qualia on the island's northern tip. None of these areas are more than 5-10 minutes by golf buggy (the main mode of transport) away from each other. ===Dent Island=== [[File:Hamilton-island-golf-club.jpg|thumb|Hamilton Island Golf Club on Dent Island]] Dent Island is west of Hamilton Island and is owned by the same owner as Hamilton under the same lease from the Commonwealth Government. It has been known in the past as Hamilton Island West. * {{listing | name=Hamilton Island Golf Club | alt= | url=https://www.hamiltonislandgolfclub.com.au/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5645023 | lastedit=2020-12-19 | content=In 2009, Hamilton Island owner Bob Oatley opened an 18-hole, par 71 golf course on the island with a golf club house and villa accommodation. }} ===Whitsunday Island=== [[Whitsunday Island]] is the largest island in the archipelago, and home to the famous Whitehaven Beach. Most day boat trips come here and it is on most people's "must-see" list of things while here. Whitehaven beach faces east towards the open sea, making some boat journeys there very choppy. The size of the island also means there are dozens and dozens of little coves and inlets where people with yachts or boats can pull in away from it all. Many boats also go to [[Tongue Point]], which has a well trodden trail up to a built lookout over Whitehaven. Some of the boat packages on offer for first-time visitors can have the feeling of a troop march for one camera shoot place to the next, so if doing daytripping, choose your boat company wisely. Whitehaven beach's main attraction is the pure white silica sand, along a 7-km (4½-mile) stretch. Sunglasses are essential (seriously!) Different theories about the sand exist, one of the more interesting that Australia's tectonic plates rubbed together and the silica oozed up from the Earth's, before being washed up here. Because of the sand's purity, it was almost mined by the American government in the 1960s for military uses. The substance can be used for satellite dishes. Luckily that did not come to pass, and the beach is now protected under the national park. Well over a hundred people dock here daily on tours, and it is always being voted one of the best beaches in the world, by the people who vote for these things. But between about 4PM and 10AM it is entirely deserted, for the intrepid few that camp overnight (or people who own yachts). There is a pit toilet behind the beach and no running water. ===Hook Island=== [[Image:Hook, beach front.jpg|thumb|right|Facing Whitsunday Island, from Hook Island's Wilderness Resort (closed as of 2020)]] [[Hook Island]] is the second largest in the archipelago. The first maps of the area were drawn incorrectly, and depicted Hook Island in the shape of... yes, you guessed correctly! In fact, Hook is shaped something like the [[Peloponnese]] in Greece, looking like three downward pointing fingers. Hook is home to an underwater observatory, leaving 95% of the island as national park. Enquire at [https://www.coralseamarina.com/adventure/ Coral Sea Marina] in Airlie on the Queensland Coast for excursions or charters. {{Phone|+61 7 4946 2400}} ====The Coral Observatory==== A local businessman built an underwater coral viewing station here for opening in 1969. Apparently, in order to build observatory's foundations, he exploded the coral bed and thousands of dead fish floated the top. Frustrated at what he had just done he exclaimed, "Struth, I wanted people to see the bloody coral, but I can't get to it without blowing the bastard up!" Today the observatory is distinctly unremarkable. The windows for your "observing" are 30 cm wide and fogged up. It does however serve as a pier to the island. Try not to be sold this as a reason to come, because snorkeling is a better option, and the rest of the island is lovely anyway. ===Hayman Island=== Hayman Island is beautiful, and by far the most exclusive resort in the Whitsunday group. The whole island is privately owned and people without prior arrangements may not dock. Some of the most beautiful coral reefs are just off shore from here on the north west side of Hook Island. ===Daydream Island=== Daydream Island is a small single resort, with paths connecting the resort activity centers with the accommodation rooms. The island is quite family friendly, and includes a range of activities for guests. ===Long Island=== Long Island is mostly undeveloped save for three resorts. One is largish — the Club Croc Resort on Happy Bay. The other two are smaller, more intimate "eco" style resorts — Peppers Palm Bay and Whitsunday Wilderness Lodge on Paradise Bay. ===South Molle Island=== South Molle is a small resort island. The company also operates Koala Resort backpackers in Airlie Beach and three backpacker boats that are run out of Airlie. ===Lindeman Island=== Lindeman Island is being redeveloped. ===Events=== '''Outrigger Cup'''. During June or July each year is the Outrigger Cup. Outrigging is a Hawaian sport using canoes with one "outrigger ama" to balance the boat on the ocean. During this week the action is mostly centred on Catseye Beach (on the resort side of the island) with 1-, 2- and 6-person canoes competing over days in various events including short sprints and longer marathons, the most difficult being the Hamilton Cup marathon where the paddlers go right around Hamilton Island. For the fitter crews (Hawaii mens are particularly strong) this takes about 3 hours — that's hard paddling! The atmosphere is festive, the competition fierce and well-known Australian Iron Woman Lisa Curry-Kenny is a regular competitor. Her Noosa team is a very strong competitor in the women's divisions. '''Hamilton Island Race Week'''. August sees the famous Race Week, started by Keith Williams in the 1980s. This sees hundreds of yachts from 30-foot boats rented for the week to billion-dollar super yachts finely tuned for serious racing. Famous yachts that regularly compete include Skandia, Alfa Romeo and one of the Wild Oats yachts - owned by the island's now owner Bob Oatley. Various classes of racing range from cruising division (despite the name some crews in this division are very competitive!) to IRC divisions for the yachting professionals. Race Week is when the island really comes alive with hundreds of sailors filling the marina and hotels, from the serious bustle of the mornings getting ready to race, the colourful spinnaker starts (on the last day various tourist boat operators take their vessels out with guests to watch the starts), to the sunburnt yachties straggling one and two boats at a time into the marina after a days racing to crack open a beer, put some music on and then head to the Marina Tavern for some hard "relaxing" after a day of hard racing. The night life is almost as important as the day's racing! Many Australian entertainers such as Jimmy Barnes have regularly performed at Race Weeks and there is live music every night from various performers. By far the most anticipated highlight is the Whitehaven Beach party - no-one wants to miss it! Only two divisions race over to Whitehaven but all the yachts go, along with the tour boats and ferries and barges. Bars and barbecues are set up on the beach and everyone plays beach cricket (during the 1980s, famous Australian cricketers would play on the beach, and famous Australians such as Elton Flatley and Lachlan Murdoch have attended), throws a frisbee or a footy, plays volleyball and generally mucks around. Footwear not required, bikini or boardshorts, hat and sunnies essential. Some island local girls plan their bikini outfit well in advance! ==Do== ==Sleep== See [[Hamilton Island#Sleep]] for Hamilton Island facilities. ===Camping=== [[Image:Whitehaven, campsite.jpg|thumb|right|A camper and tent at Whitehaven beach]] There is a superb variety of choices for campsites on the Whitsunday islands for people who want to get away from all the pre-packaged tourism. The first thing to check out is the [https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/whitsunday-islands/camping basic brochure online] from the Queensland Government. It gives a good outline of the different campsites and a map of where everything is. To stay on a campsite you need to phone up the [https://www.npsr.qld.gov.au/ Queensland Department of National Parks, Sport and Racing] on {{phone|+61 7 4946 7022}}, or visit their office in Airlie. It costs $4 per person per night and offers a brilliant way to see the scenery unhindered during the day, and stars when night falls when no one is left in sight. You just need a pack for some food, some water and a tent and you are away. The national parks of the Whitsundays also fall under the regulatory oversight of the [http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/ Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority] (GBRMPA). As detailed in the online brochure, campers are required to have sufficient water. The recommendation is five litres per person per day, and three days more for emergencies. In practice three or four litres a day will last people who are careful. So as not to be overcharged purchase the water or big containers to carry some at a petrol station or supermarket in Airlie. Another regulation, from the collective wisdom of the two authorities, is that boat companies need special permits in order to drop campers off on an island (even though someone with their own boat would need no permission!) ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Daydream Island Resort | alt= | url=http://www.daydreamisland.com/ | email=reservations@daydreamisland.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+61 7 3259 2350 | tollfree=1800 075 040 | fax=+61 7 3259 2399 | checkin= | checkout= | price=$175-400 per room per night | content=Family-oriented resort occupying an entire island. Activities include an artificial reef, sailing and kayak hire, snorkelling and glass bottom boat tours. Childcare is available at Skippers Club, providing childcare for children from 6 weeks of age. }} ===Splurge=== Hayman Island is the most upmarket of the Whitsunday resorts. Lindeman Island has quite a few facilities, if you go for the "Club Med" resort feel. "'''Qualia''' on Hamilton island and Paradise Bay Eco Resort on Long Island will cost you as much, if not more than Hayman and all are unique experiences. *'''Fantasea's Reefsleep''' accommodation is on Reefworld, a floating pontoon on the Great Barrier Reef, 40 nautical miles (74 km) from land. It provides either a king-sized bedroom or a four bunk-style bedroom suitable. Overnight, only the staff are on location to look after you as all other guests have departed to the mainland, leaving you with exclusive use of the pontoon and its underwater viewing chamber. Overnight guests also get an al fresco dinner including wine, full breakfast, buffet lunches, sunset beverages, and two scuba dives or a guided snorkelling safari. ==Go next== There are many daytripper boats out to the Whitsunday Islands, but you can also take a day or two trip to [[Airlie Beach]] on the mainland if you like. {{IsPartOf|Central Queensland}} {{usableregion}} {{geo|-20.2983|148.9252|zoom=10}} rsj2s5bwrsw7ol24bhxdvddhnxoarp7 0 39438 5086997 5048130 2025-07-03T07:06:51Z Kned Wiki 2327203 /* Italy */ Added link to Trapani wine region page 5086997 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Rieslingtrauben banner.jpg}} [[Image:Wine Picnic Palisade Colorado USA.jpeg|thumbnail|400px|A summertime winery picnic in [[Palisade]], [[Colorado]]]] As wine is usually regarded as the most sophisticated of [[alcoholic beverages]], '''wine tourism''' or '''enotourism''' is highly developed in many regions around the world, and it can be as simple as hopping on a ''wine shuttle'' in Napa Valley or as complicated as renting a villa in the south of France for a month. Enotourism is a great way to learn about the people, culture, heritage, and customs of an area. Some of the famous wine producing regions of the world have been producing wine for centuries or even millennia, and the production and consumption of wine is deeply ingrained in the local culture. Also, these areas tend to be off the beaten tourist track (although not that far off) so enotourism can expose travelers to new and interesting areas. Getting out and visiting wine producers provides contact with local farmers and artisans who care deeply about the area. Wine growers are farmers, and their perspective on the local area, and life in general, tends to be different from other locals typically encountered while traveling. ==Understand== For the oenophile, enotourism is a wonderful way to better understand ''terroir'', the difficult-to-define concept that wine makers often use to describe a key component of their art. Roughly speaking, it has to do with how the quality of the land in which the grapes are grown affects the taste of the wine. Tasting wine at a wine shop or in the comfort of home can provide a hint at the ''terroir'' that produced the wine. But spending several days visiting the area, chatting with the wine makers and growers, and eating the local cuisine (which has evolved together with the wine for the two to perfectly complement each other) will provide an exceptional context for the wine and give deep insight into why and how the wine turned out the way it did. Wine is an important element in many European cuisines. [[Fine dining]] menus can have a recommended wine for each course. Wine is also used sacramentally in [[Judaism]] and the more traditional denominations of [[Christianity]]. ==See and do== {{quote|Wine is bottled poetry.|author=Robert Louis Stevenson}} The heart of enotourism is visiting wineries, and of course, tasting the wines. ===Learn=== [[File:WineProduction.pdf|thumbnail|Wine production in the world (click for bigger map)]] One of the best ways to begin an adventure in enotourism is to attend wine classes at a respectable wine school. There are several across the [[United States]], with notable ones being the [[Chicago]] wine school, the International Wine Center in [[New York City|New York]], and the Wine School in [[Philadelphia]]. In [[Australia]], there is the National Wine Centre in [[Adelaide]], which does wine research and also provides classes on wine appreciation. The names of wines are often indicative of the area in which they are produced, with such usage often protected by law; for instance champagne can only be produced in the [[Champagne]] region of [[France]], sherry can only be produced in [[Jerez de la Frontera]], [[Spain]], port wine can only be produced in the [[Douro Litoral|Douro Valley]], [[Portugal]], Chianti wines can only be produced in [[Chianti]], [[Italy]], and Tokaji can only produced in [[Tokaj]], [[Hungary]]. ==Destinations== ===Europe=== ====[[Armenia]]==== * [[Areni]] in Southern Armenia is the country's largest wine making region. The Areni-1 cave hosts the oldest known winery, dating back over 6,000 years. * Togh in [[Nagorno-Karabakh|Nargorno Karabakh]] is also known for its wines ====[[Bulgaria]]==== * [[North Bulgaria |Moesia]] Danube plains Gamza * [[Bulgarian Black Sea Coast |Black sea coast]] Euxinograd wines * [[Rhodope Mountains|Rose Valley]] Rossato * [[Upper Thracian Plain |Tracian plains]] Mavrud * [[Struma Valley]] Broad Melnik vine ====[[Croatia]]==== * [[Istria]] ====[[Cyprus (island)|Cyprus]]==== Not only does winemaking on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus date back more than 5,000 years, but it has some of the prettiest high-altitude vineyards in all the world. Accommodation costs are particularly cheap by European standards in the north. ====[[Czech Republic]]==== * [[Mutenice Wine Region]] [[File:Viticulture France.svg|thumb|Wine regions of France]] ====[[France]]==== {{seealso|French cuisine}} France is a traditional wine-growing country, with several very famous wine-growing regions, including the following: * [[Alsace]]; see [[Alsatian Vineyard Route]] * [[Burgundy]] * [[Bordeaux#Taste wine|Bordeaux]] (includes many appellations of the Gironde) * [[Champagne]] * [[Languedoc-Roussillon]] * [[Loire Valley]] * [[Provence]] Many vineyards welcome visitors for wine-tastings. ====[[Georgia (country)|Georgia]]==== The earliest known evidence of winemaking, dating back to c. 6000 BCE, was found in Georgia. Georgia and Moldova were renowned in the former USSR as the republics where great wine came from. As an independent country, Georgia's wines have had some wider distribution, some of it intercontinental. * [[Kakheti]] — the primary Georgian wine country. * [[Abkhazia]] — the break-away republic was particularly renowned for its wine back in the [[Soviet Union|Soviet]] days, and still produces a rich selection of semi-dry and semi-sweet white and red varieties. ====[[Germany]]==== [[File:Rheinhessen vineyards.jpg|thumbnail|Rheinhessen vineyards]] {{seealso|German beer and wine}} Germany is better known as a beer-making country, but it is also famous for its wines, especially the Rieslings of the [[Rhineland-Palatinate]]. Germany is also known for its ice wines (German: ''Eiswein''), in which the grapes used to make the wine are allowed to freeze on the vine in the winter before they are harvested. *[[Rheinhessen]]: Müller-Thurgau, Riesling, Dornfelder, Silvaner, Portugieser, Kerner, Spätburgunder, Grauburgunder, Scheurebe *[[Palatinate]]: Riesling, Dornfelder, Müller-Thurgau, Portugieser, Spätburgunder, Kerner, Grauburgunder, Weißburgunder *[[Baden-Württemberg|Baden]]: Spätburgunder, Müller-Thurgau, Grauburgunder, Riesling, Weißburgunder, Gutedel *[[Baden-Württemberg|Württemberg]]:Trollinger, Riesling, Schwarzriesling, Lemberger, Spätburgunder, Kerner *[[Moselle Valley (Germany)|Mosel]]:Riesling, Müller-Thurgau, Elbling, Kerner *[[Franconia]]: Müller-Thurgau, Silvaner, Bacchus *[[Naheland|Nahe]]: Riesling, Müller-Thurgau, Dornfelder *[[Rheingau]]: Riesling, Spätburgunder, Müller-Thurgau *[[Saale-Unstrut]]: Müller-Thurgau, Weißburgunder, Silvaner *[[Ahr]]: Spätburgunder, Riesling, Portugieser *[[Saxony]]: Müller-Thurgau, Riesling, Weißburgunder *[[Middle Rhine Valley|Mittelrhein]]: Riesling, Spätburgunder, Müller-Thurgau *[[Hessische Bergstraße]]: Riesling, Spätburgunder, Grauburgunder ====[[Greece]]==== [[File:Greece wine regions de.png|thumb|Wine regions of Greece]] [[Ancient Greece|Ancient Greeks]] were known to be great wine lovers, and introduced grapevines and winemaking knowledge across the Mediterranean basin through their colonies. A local type not to be missed is '''retsina''', Greek wine infused with pine resin. It originated from when wine amphorae were sealed with pine resin, to avoid the wine inside spoil by cutting it off the air, and the resin unintentionally infusing its flavor into the wine it is in contact with. The Romans started using barrels, so resin would no longer be necessary, however people liked the unique taste so much that retsina is still in production. Prominent Greek wine regions include: * [[Naousa (Imathia)|Naousa]] — produces an award-winning red from a local cultivar. * [[Samos]] — wine is the main agricultural product of this island, which holds a festival dedicated to it. Made of a Muscat variety, Samian wine is sweet. * [[Santorini]] — vines are kept low in a basket shape so they can withstand the arid winds and poor soils in this volcanic island. Santorini wines have long been prized internationally, so much that the Russian Orthodox Church officially adopted it as the wine used in Holy Communion services in the Middle Ages. ====[[Italy]]==== [[File:Wine-growing holding in the Chianti region.jpg|thumb|Wine-growing holding in the Chianti]] {{seealso|Italian cuisine}} As in France, wine is a traditional product in Italy. It is produced virtually everywhere in the country, and this means no matter where you are going, you can combine your next trip to Italy with a bit of enotourism. That said, if you're going specifically for the wine, there are some regions that stand out. If you use the awards given by the Italian wine bible ''Vini d'Italia'' as an indication, the three regions where the best wine is produced are [[Piedmont]], [[Tuscany]] and [[Lombardy]]. They all have one particularly important subregion. For Piedmont it is [[Langhe]], where among others the wines of [[Barolo]] and [[Barbaresco]] are produced. For Tuscany it is [[Chianti]] together with the towns of [[Montalcino]] and [[Montepulciano]]. For Lombardy it is [[Franciacorta]] where the homonimous sparkling wine is produced. Enotourism is highly evolved in Italy, and many producers offer other services as well. Of particular importance is the ''agriturismo'' system of providing accommodation for tourists at the estate, making it easy to explore the surrounding region. The event of '''Cantine Aperte''' on the last Sunday of May is a good opportunity for anyone interested in Italian wine. This is the day many wine producers throughout Italy open their doors for a free tasting of their wines. [[Apulia]] (Puglia), in the south of Italy, is becoming renowned for its wines and land. More information can be found on the institutional website [http://www.viaggiareinpuglia.it/hp/en ViaggiareinPuglia.it]. [[Rome]]'s enotourism is also increased; the Roman Hills and [[Frascati]] are most enjoyable places. [[Marsala]] (at [[Sicily]] island) is home of the famous Marsala wine, which is served as dessert and used in many recipes. Marsala is also a good entry point to the larger [[Trapani Wine Region]]. ====[[Hungary]]==== * [[Tokaj]] is the focal point of the [[Tokaj-Hegyalja]] region, inscribed into the [[UNESCO World Heritage List]] for its winemaking tradition. The region extends across the border created after [[World War I]] into [[Slovakia]]; this part is known as [[Slovak Tokaj]]. ====[[Moldova]]==== Most of this country is a wine-growing area. Mileștii Mici winery has over 200 km of underground tunnels, some of which used to store the biggest wine collection in the world. Cricova winery, which has over 120 km of underground tunnels, is a favourite of tourists. ====[[North Macedonia]]==== * '''Tikveš''' in the southern [[Povardarie|Vardar Region]] is the Macedonian wine country. [[Kavadarci]] and [[Negotino]] are the main wine-producing towns, while [[Demir Kapija]] is the home of the royal winery of the former Kingdom of Yugoslavia. ====[[Portugal]]==== * [[Douro Litoral|Douro]] - Known for its port wines. * [[Madeira]] - Known for Madeira wine. ====[[Russia]]==== Russia isn't exactly known for its wine, and most of the consumption is imported from the ex-Soviet republics and elsewhere in Europe, but there are pockets in the southern fringes of the country where grapes thrive, and indeed support a wine industry. * [[Krasnodar Krai]] — the region produces about half of the Russian wine by quantity alone. * [[Rostov Oblast]] — the Don River region is one of the principal Russian wine areas. * [[Crimea]] — the peninsula has been a wine-growing area since the days of the [[Roman Empire|Romans]], but most of the local wine is often found to be undrinkably sweet by those unaccustomed to it. ====[[Spain]]==== [[File:Rioja alta and Río Ebro.JPG|thumb|The Rioja Alta wine region]] * [[La Rioja (Spain)]] * [[Jerez de la Frontera]] - Famous for its sherry wines ====[[Switzerland]]==== The French-speaking part of the country, especially the canton of [[Valais]] and the region around [[Lake Geneva]], is Switzerland's main wine producing area. The wine-growing terraces of [[Lavaux]], with a history of viticulture since Roman times, are on UNESCO's [[World Heritage List]]. ====[[Turkey]]==== Turkey doesn't have officially recognized geographical appellations or ''terroir'' designations. With the exception of the north coast (which has a constantly rainy climate unfavorable to the ripening of wine grapes), all Turkish regions have wine production, although often in modest amounts compared to some of the neighbors. Below is a list of some areas better known for their winemaking, endowed with facilities to provide an insight for the enotourist: * [[Bozcaada]] (Tenedos) — known for its wine for centuries (so much so that the local coins depicted grapes in ancient times), this Aegean island off the western coast still keeps the tradition * [[Cappadocia]] — some of the best wines Turkey has to offer come from the volcanic sands of Cappadocia * [[Şarköy District]] — also known as the Thracian wine coast, this 35-km stretch of hilly land fronting the Sea of Marmara supplies about half of the country's wine production. Major wineries in the district, as well as others in the surrounding region, are connected to each other by the [[Eastern Thrace#Drink|Thracian Wine Route]]. * [[Şirince]] — this pleasant historic village is famous for its homemade wines, as well as fruit-flavored ones ===North America=== ====[[Canada]]==== * [[Okanagan]] Valley, [[British Columbia]] * The principal [[Wine Regions of Ontario]] are the [[Niagara Peninsula]], [[Prince Edward County]] and [[Essex County (Ontario)|Essex County]], with the former best known for its ice wines. *[[Nova Scotia]] has a significant wine industry. * There is some production in [[New Brunswick]], [[Prince Edward Island]], and the [[Eastern Townships]] of Québec * [[Cypress_Hills_Interprovincial_Park#Cypress Hills Winery|Cypress Hills Winery]] in Saskatachewan claims to be the world's northernnmost winery. They make no grape wines, but use various fruits which will grow in their climate. See [[Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park]] for information on the region. ====[[Mexico]]==== {{seealso|Mexican cuisine}} * [[Valle de Guadalupe]] is Mexico's largest wine producing region with more than 180 wineries * [[Queretaro (state)|Queretaro]] has a growing wine industry and hosts an annual Wine and Cheese Festival in the town of [[Tequisquiapan]]; wine production centers on the town of [[Ezequiel Montes]] * There are additional scattered wineries in [[Baja California]], and some vineyards trace their histories back to the Franciscan missionaries of the 17th and 18th century * The oldest winery in the Americas is Casa Madera in [[Parras de la Fuente]], [[Coahuila]] ====[[USA]]==== {{seealso|American cuisine}} * [[Colorado's Wine Country]], [[Colorado]] * [[Finger Lakes]], [[New York (state)|New York]] * [[Livermore]] and [[Pleasanton]], [[California]] * [[Loudoun County]], [[Virginia]] * [[Napa Valley]], [[California]] * [[North Fork]] of [[Long Island]], [[New York (state)|New York]] * [[Russian River]], [[California]] * [[Sonoma County]], [[California]] * [[Wineries of Virginia]] * [[Swan Creek]], [[North Carolina]] * [[Walla Walla]] in the [[Columbia River Plateau]] of [[Washington (state)|Washington]] * [[Willamette Valley]], [[Oregon]] * [[Yadkin Valley]], [[North Carolina]] ===Oceania=== ====[[Australia]]==== {{see also|Australian cuisine#Alcoholic beverages}} [[File:YarraValley---De-Bortoli.jpg|thumb|Vineyard at Yarra Valley]] *[[Hunter Valley]] *[[Albany (Western Australia)|Albany]] *[[Barossa Valley]] *[[Clare Valley]] *[[McLaren Vale]] *[[Mornington Peninsula]] *[[Yarra Valley]] *[[Margaret River]] *[[Swan Valley]] *[[Coonawarra]] ====[[New Zealand]]==== [[File:Geographical indications register for New Zealand wine.svg|thumb|Wine regions of New Zealand]] * [[Marlborough (New Zealand)|Marlborough]] *[[Nelson (New Zealand)|Nelson]]: although industrial quantities of ''Sauvignon Blanc'' are produced in its easterly neighbour, the boutique wines of this spectacularly scenic area have won many gold medals in international competitions. Austrian ''Herman Seifried'', of the eponymous winery, was one of the pioneers in the renaissance of New Zealand viticulture. ===South America=== * [[Argentina]] is the world's 5th major wine producing country, particularly near [[Mendoza]], it's signature varietal is malbec * [[Chile]] is the 9th major wine producer in the world, its signature varietal is carmenere * [[Uruguay]] has a growing reputation for soft, full-bodied red wines, its signature varietal is tannat ===Other parts of the world=== * [[Cape Winelands]], [[South Africa]] * [[Galilee]], [[Israel]] * [[Golan Heights]], [[Israel]] * [[Bekaa Valley]], [[Lebanon]] * [[Yantai]], [[China]] * [[Koshu|Katsunuma]], [[Japan]] ==Respect== Alcohol consumption is regarded as forbidden in most [[Islam|Muslim]] communities, as well as in some, mostly American, sects of [[Christianity]] and [[Hinduism]]. [[Judaism|Jews]] are only allowed to consume [[kashrut|kosher]] wine. ==Stay safe== Wine carries all the hazards of any other [[alcoholic beverages|alcoholic beverage]]. Drinking water on the side might help against dehydration, and keep consumption at a modest level. ==See also== * [[Cheese]] * [[Legacy food markets]] {{PartOfTopic|Alcoholic beverages}} {{outlinetopic}} {{related|Agritourism}} {{related|Grape grazing in Australia}} 7s0po8is9uwludff0wkjls61st1ctrp 5087018 5086997 2025-07-03T07:57:46Z Ikan Kekek 36420 /* Italy */ 5087018 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Rieslingtrauben banner.jpg}} [[Image:Wine Picnic Palisade Colorado USA.jpeg|thumbnail|400px|A summertime winery picnic in [[Palisade]], [[Colorado]]]] As wine is usually regarded as the most sophisticated of [[alcoholic beverages]], '''wine tourism''' or '''enotourism''' is highly developed in many regions around the world, and it can be as simple as hopping on a ''wine shuttle'' in Napa Valley or as complicated as renting a villa in the south of France for a month. Enotourism is a great way to learn about the people, culture, heritage, and customs of an area. Some of the famous wine producing regions of the world have been producing wine for centuries or even millennia, and the production and consumption of wine is deeply ingrained in the local culture. Also, these areas tend to be off the beaten tourist track (although not that far off) so enotourism can expose travelers to new and interesting areas. Getting out and visiting wine producers provides contact with local farmers and artisans who care deeply about the area. Wine growers are farmers, and their perspective on the local area, and life in general, tends to be different from other locals typically encountered while traveling. ==Understand== For the oenophile, enotourism is a wonderful way to better understand ''terroir'', the difficult-to-define concept that wine makers often use to describe a key component of their art. Roughly speaking, it has to do with how the quality of the land in which the grapes are grown affects the taste of the wine. Tasting wine at a wine shop or in the comfort of home can provide a hint at the ''terroir'' that produced the wine. But spending several days visiting the area, chatting with the wine makers and growers, and eating the local cuisine (which has evolved together with the wine for the two to perfectly complement each other) will provide an exceptional context for the wine and give deep insight into why and how the wine turned out the way it did. Wine is an important element in many European cuisines. [[Fine dining]] menus can have a recommended wine for each course. Wine is also used sacramentally in [[Judaism]] and the more traditional denominations of [[Christianity]]. ==See and do== {{quote|Wine is bottled poetry.|author=Robert Louis Stevenson}} The heart of enotourism is visiting wineries, and of course, tasting the wines. ===Learn=== [[File:WineProduction.pdf|thumbnail|Wine production in the world (click for bigger map)]] One of the best ways to begin an adventure in enotourism is to attend wine classes at a respectable wine school. There are several across the [[United States]], with notable ones being the [[Chicago]] wine school, the International Wine Center in [[New York City|New York]], and the Wine School in [[Philadelphia]]. In [[Australia]], there is the National Wine Centre in [[Adelaide]], which does wine research and also provides classes on wine appreciation. The names of wines are often indicative of the area in which they are produced, with such usage often protected by law; for instance champagne can only be produced in the [[Champagne]] region of [[France]], sherry can only be produced in [[Jerez de la Frontera]], [[Spain]], port wine can only be produced in the [[Douro Litoral|Douro Valley]], [[Portugal]], Chianti wines can only be produced in [[Chianti]], [[Italy]], and Tokaji can only produced in [[Tokaj]], [[Hungary]]. ==Destinations== ===Europe=== ====[[Armenia]]==== * [[Areni]] in Southern Armenia is the country's largest wine making region. The Areni-1 cave hosts the oldest known winery, dating back over 6,000 years. * Togh in [[Nagorno-Karabakh|Nargorno Karabakh]] is also known for its wines ====[[Bulgaria]]==== * [[North Bulgaria |Moesia]] Danube plains Gamza * [[Bulgarian Black Sea Coast |Black sea coast]] Euxinograd wines * [[Rhodope Mountains|Rose Valley]] Rossato * [[Upper Thracian Plain |Tracian plains]] Mavrud * [[Struma Valley]] Broad Melnik vine ====[[Croatia]]==== * [[Istria]] ====[[Cyprus (island)|Cyprus]]==== Not only does winemaking on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus date back more than 5,000 years, but it has some of the prettiest high-altitude vineyards in all the world. Accommodation costs are particularly cheap by European standards in the north. ====[[Czech Republic]]==== * [[Mutenice Wine Region]] [[File:Viticulture France.svg|thumb|Wine regions of France]] ====[[France]]==== {{seealso|French cuisine}} France is a traditional wine-growing country, with several very famous wine-growing regions, including the following: * [[Alsace]]; see [[Alsatian Vineyard Route]] * [[Burgundy]] * [[Bordeaux#Taste wine|Bordeaux]] (includes many appellations of the Gironde) * [[Champagne]] * [[Languedoc-Roussillon]] * [[Loire Valley]] * [[Provence]] Many vineyards welcome visitors for wine-tastings. ====[[Georgia (country)|Georgia]]==== The earliest known evidence of winemaking, dating back to c. 6000 BCE, was found in Georgia. Georgia and Moldova were renowned in the former USSR as the republics where great wine came from. As an independent country, Georgia's wines have had some wider distribution, some of it intercontinental. * [[Kakheti]] — the primary Georgian wine country. * [[Abkhazia]] — the break-away republic was particularly renowned for its wine back in the [[Soviet Union|Soviet]] days, and still produces a rich selection of semi-dry and semi-sweet white and red varieties. ====[[Germany]]==== [[File:Rheinhessen vineyards.jpg|thumbnail|Rheinhessen vineyards]] {{seealso|German beer and wine}} Germany is better known as a beer-making country, but it is also famous for its wines, especially the Rieslings of the [[Rhineland-Palatinate]]. Germany is also known for its ice wines (German: ''Eiswein''), in which the grapes used to make the wine are allowed to freeze on the vine in the winter before they are harvested. *[[Rheinhessen]]: Müller-Thurgau, Riesling, Dornfelder, Silvaner, Portugieser, Kerner, Spätburgunder, Grauburgunder, Scheurebe *[[Palatinate]]: Riesling, Dornfelder, Müller-Thurgau, Portugieser, Spätburgunder, Kerner, Grauburgunder, Weißburgunder *[[Baden-Württemberg|Baden]]: Spätburgunder, Müller-Thurgau, Grauburgunder, Riesling, Weißburgunder, Gutedel *[[Baden-Württemberg|Württemberg]]:Trollinger, Riesling, Schwarzriesling, Lemberger, Spätburgunder, Kerner *[[Moselle Valley (Germany)|Mosel]]:Riesling, Müller-Thurgau, Elbling, Kerner *[[Franconia]]: Müller-Thurgau, Silvaner, Bacchus *[[Naheland|Nahe]]: Riesling, Müller-Thurgau, Dornfelder *[[Rheingau]]: Riesling, Spätburgunder, Müller-Thurgau *[[Saale-Unstrut]]: Müller-Thurgau, Weißburgunder, Silvaner *[[Ahr]]: Spätburgunder, Riesling, Portugieser *[[Saxony]]: Müller-Thurgau, Riesling, Weißburgunder *[[Middle Rhine Valley|Mittelrhein]]: Riesling, Spätburgunder, Müller-Thurgau *[[Hessische Bergstraße]]: Riesling, Spätburgunder, Grauburgunder ====[[Greece]]==== [[File:Greece wine regions de.png|thumb|Wine regions of Greece]] [[Ancient Greece|Ancient Greeks]] were known to be great wine lovers, and introduced grapevines and winemaking knowledge across the Mediterranean basin through their colonies. A local type not to be missed is '''retsina''', Greek wine infused with pine resin. It originated from when wine amphorae were sealed with pine resin, to avoid the wine inside spoil by cutting it off the air, and the resin unintentionally infusing its flavor into the wine it is in contact with. The Romans started using barrels, so resin would no longer be necessary, however people liked the unique taste so much that retsina is still in production. Prominent Greek wine regions include: * [[Naousa (Imathia)|Naousa]] — produces an award-winning red from a local cultivar. * [[Samos]] — wine is the main agricultural product of this island, which holds a festival dedicated to it. Made of a Muscat variety, Samian wine is sweet. * [[Santorini]] — vines are kept low in a basket shape so they can withstand the arid winds and poor soils in this volcanic island. Santorini wines have long been prized internationally, so much that the Russian Orthodox Church officially adopted it as the wine used in Holy Communion services in the Middle Ages. ====[[Italy]]==== [[File:Wine-growing holding in the Chianti region.jpg|thumb|Wine-growing holding in the Chianti]] {{seealso|Italian cuisine}} As in France, wine is a traditional product in Italy. It is produced virtually everywhere in the country, and this means no matter where you are going, you can combine your next trip to Italy with a bit of enotourism. That said, if you're going specifically for the wine, there are some regions that stand out. If you use the awards given by the Italian wine bible ''Vini d'Italia'' as an indication, the three regions where the best wine is produced are [[Piedmont]], [[Tuscany]] and [[Lombardy]]. They all have one particularly important subregion. For Piedmont it is [[Langhe]], where among others the wines of [[Barolo]] and [[Barbaresco]] are produced. For Tuscany it is [[Chianti]] together with the towns of [[Montalcino]] and [[Montepulciano]]. For Lombardy it is [[Franciacorta]] where the homonimous sparkling wine is produced. Enotourism is highly evolved in Italy, and many producers offer other services as well. Of particular importance is the ''agriturismo'' system of providing accommodation for tourists at the estate, making it easy to explore the surrounding region. The event of '''Cantine Aperte''' on the last Sunday of May is a good opportunity for anyone interested in Italian wine. This is the day many wine producers throughout Italy open their doors for a free tasting of their wines. [[Apulia]] (Puglia), in the south of Italy, is becoming renowned for its wines and land. More information can be found on the institutional website [http://www.viaggiareinpuglia.it/hp/en ViaggiareinPuglia.it]. [[Rome]]'s enotourism is also increased; the Roman Hills and [[Frascati]] are most enjoyable places. [[Marsala]], in [[Sicily]], is home of the famous Marsala wine, which is served as dessert and used in many recipes. Marsala is also a good entry point to the larger [[Trapani Wine Region]]. ====[[Hungary]]==== * [[Tokaj]] is the focal point of the [[Tokaj-Hegyalja]] region, inscribed into the [[UNESCO World Heritage List]] for its winemaking tradition. The region extends across the border created after [[World War I]] into [[Slovakia]]; this part is known as [[Slovak Tokaj]]. ====[[Moldova]]==== Most of this country is a wine-growing area. Mileștii Mici winery has over 200 km of underground tunnels, some of which used to store the biggest wine collection in the world. Cricova winery, which has over 120 km of underground tunnels, is a favourite of tourists. ====[[North Macedonia]]==== * '''Tikveš''' in the southern [[Povardarie|Vardar Region]] is the Macedonian wine country. [[Kavadarci]] and [[Negotino]] are the main wine-producing towns, while [[Demir Kapija]] is the home of the royal winery of the former Kingdom of Yugoslavia. ====[[Portugal]]==== * [[Douro Litoral|Douro]] - Known for its port wines. * [[Madeira]] - Known for Madeira wine. ====[[Russia]]==== Russia isn't exactly known for its wine, and most of the consumption is imported from the ex-Soviet republics and elsewhere in Europe, but there are pockets in the southern fringes of the country where grapes thrive, and indeed support a wine industry. * [[Krasnodar Krai]] — the region produces about half of the Russian wine by quantity alone. * [[Rostov Oblast]] — the Don River region is one of the principal Russian wine areas. * [[Crimea]] — the peninsula has been a wine-growing area since the days of the [[Roman Empire|Romans]], but most of the local wine is often found to be undrinkably sweet by those unaccustomed to it. ====[[Spain]]==== [[File:Rioja alta and Río Ebro.JPG|thumb|The Rioja Alta wine region]] * [[La Rioja (Spain)]] * [[Jerez de la Frontera]] - Famous for its sherry wines ====[[Switzerland]]==== The French-speaking part of the country, especially the canton of [[Valais]] and the region around [[Lake Geneva]], is Switzerland's main wine producing area. The wine-growing terraces of [[Lavaux]], with a history of viticulture since Roman times, are on UNESCO's [[World Heritage List]]. ====[[Turkey]]==== Turkey doesn't have officially recognized geographical appellations or ''terroir'' designations. With the exception of the north coast (which has a constantly rainy climate unfavorable to the ripening of wine grapes), all Turkish regions have wine production, although often in modest amounts compared to some of the neighbors. Below is a list of some areas better known for their winemaking, endowed with facilities to provide an insight for the enotourist: * [[Bozcaada]] (Tenedos) — known for its wine for centuries (so much so that the local coins depicted grapes in ancient times), this Aegean island off the western coast still keeps the tradition * [[Cappadocia]] — some of the best wines Turkey has to offer come from the volcanic sands of Cappadocia * [[Şarköy District]] — also known as the Thracian wine coast, this 35-km stretch of hilly land fronting the Sea of Marmara supplies about half of the country's wine production. Major wineries in the district, as well as others in the surrounding region, are connected to each other by the [[Eastern Thrace#Drink|Thracian Wine Route]]. * [[Şirince]] — this pleasant historic village is famous for its homemade wines, as well as fruit-flavored ones ===North America=== ====[[Canada]]==== * [[Okanagan]] Valley, [[British Columbia]] * The principal [[Wine Regions of Ontario]] are the [[Niagara Peninsula]], [[Prince Edward County]] and [[Essex County (Ontario)|Essex County]], with the former best known for its ice wines. *[[Nova Scotia]] has a significant wine industry. * There is some production in [[New Brunswick]], [[Prince Edward Island]], and the [[Eastern Townships]] of Québec * [[Cypress_Hills_Interprovincial_Park#Cypress Hills Winery|Cypress Hills Winery]] in Saskatachewan claims to be the world's northernnmost winery. They make no grape wines, but use various fruits which will grow in their climate. See [[Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park]] for information on the region. ====[[Mexico]]==== {{seealso|Mexican cuisine}} * [[Valle de Guadalupe]] is Mexico's largest wine producing region with more than 180 wineries * [[Queretaro (state)|Queretaro]] has a growing wine industry and hosts an annual Wine and Cheese Festival in the town of [[Tequisquiapan]]; wine production centers on the town of [[Ezequiel Montes]] * There are additional scattered wineries in [[Baja California]], and some vineyards trace their histories back to the Franciscan missionaries of the 17th and 18th century * The oldest winery in the Americas is Casa Madera in [[Parras de la Fuente]], [[Coahuila]] ====[[USA]]==== {{seealso|American cuisine}} * [[Colorado's Wine Country]], [[Colorado]] * [[Finger Lakes]], [[New York (state)|New York]] * [[Livermore]] and [[Pleasanton]], [[California]] * [[Loudoun County]], [[Virginia]] * [[Napa Valley]], [[California]] * [[North Fork]] of [[Long Island]], [[New York (state)|New York]] * [[Russian River]], [[California]] * [[Sonoma County]], [[California]] * [[Wineries of Virginia]] * [[Swan Creek]], [[North Carolina]] * [[Walla Walla]] in the [[Columbia River Plateau]] of [[Washington (state)|Washington]] * [[Willamette Valley]], [[Oregon]] * [[Yadkin Valley]], [[North Carolina]] ===Oceania=== ====[[Australia]]==== {{see also|Australian cuisine#Alcoholic beverages}} [[File:YarraValley---De-Bortoli.jpg|thumb|Vineyard at Yarra Valley]] *[[Hunter Valley]] *[[Albany (Western Australia)|Albany]] *[[Barossa Valley]] *[[Clare Valley]] *[[McLaren Vale]] *[[Mornington Peninsula]] *[[Yarra Valley]] *[[Margaret River]] *[[Swan Valley]] *[[Coonawarra]] ====[[New Zealand]]==== [[File:Geographical indications register for New Zealand wine.svg|thumb|Wine regions of New Zealand]] * [[Marlborough (New Zealand)|Marlborough]] *[[Nelson (New Zealand)|Nelson]]: although industrial quantities of ''Sauvignon Blanc'' are produced in its easterly neighbour, the boutique wines of this spectacularly scenic area have won many gold medals in international competitions. Austrian ''Herman Seifried'', of the eponymous winery, was one of the pioneers in the renaissance of New Zealand viticulture. ===South America=== * [[Argentina]] is the world's 5th major wine producing country, particularly near [[Mendoza]], it's signature varietal is malbec * [[Chile]] is the 9th major wine producer in the world, its signature varietal is carmenere * [[Uruguay]] has a growing reputation for soft, full-bodied red wines, its signature varietal is tannat ===Other parts of the world=== * [[Cape Winelands]], [[South Africa]] * [[Galilee]], [[Israel]] * [[Golan Heights]], [[Israel]] * [[Bekaa Valley]], [[Lebanon]] * [[Yantai]], [[China]] * [[Koshu|Katsunuma]], [[Japan]] ==Respect== Alcohol consumption is regarded as forbidden in most [[Islam|Muslim]] communities, as well as in some, mostly American, sects of [[Christianity]] and [[Hinduism]]. [[Judaism|Jews]] are only allowed to consume [[kashrut|kosher]] wine. ==Stay safe== Wine carries all the hazards of any other [[alcoholic beverages|alcoholic beverage]]. Drinking water on the side might help against dehydration, and keep consumption at a modest level. ==See also== * [[Cheese]] * [[Legacy food markets]] {{PartOfTopic|Alcoholic beverages}} {{outlinetopic}} {{related|Agritourism}} {{related|Grape grazing in Australia}} 30jco4x8au7gvrot9im35wmq7nhi8fa 0 39446 5086726 5046153 2025-07-02T18:01:21Z 162 etc. 2252661 new bus route network 5086726 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Winnipeg Panorama Winter.jpg|dotm=yes}} [[File:Winnipeg_skyline.jpg|thumb|300px|Esplanade Riel facing Downtown]] '''Winnipeg''' is [[Manitoba]]'s capital and has more people than the rest of Manitoba combined. It stands midway on the Trans-Canada Highway and railway. With nearly 750,000 inhabitants (2021), ''The Peg'' is the metropolis for the [[Prairies (Canada)|Canadian Prairies]] and is as diverse as the majority of [[Canada]]. Winnipeg is a "gateway to the West", and can be visited for its architecture, museums, and its broad retail market. Among major attractions are the Royal Canadian Mint, St Boniface Cathedral, and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Winnipeg is off the tourist trail for most visitors to Canada, but the visitor will experience an authentic and friendly Canadian Prairie city which leaves many pleasantly surprised. ==Understand== ===History=== The name Winnipeg is a transcription of the western Cree word ''wi-nipe-k'' meaning "muddy waters"; the general area was populated for thousands of years by [[Indigenous cultures of North America|First Nations]]. The confluence of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers, nowadays known as The Forks, was a crossroads of canoe routes travelled by Indigenous peoples prior to European contact. Winnipeg started out at this spot in 1738 as '''Fort Rouge''', a French outpost for the fur trade. After the Seven Years' War, under the Hudson's Bay Company it became '''Fort Gibraltar''' and later '''Fort Garry'''. Many trails converged on the fort and later became streets, which is evident when you see the city's somewhat haphazard road layout. In 1869–70, Winnipeg was the site of the Red River Rebellion, a conflict between the local provisional government of Métis, led by Louis Riel, and newcomers from Eastern Canada. This rebellion led to Manitoba's entry into the Canadian Confederation as Canada's fifth province in 1870. On 8 November 1873, Winnipeg was incorporated as a city. After the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway across Canada, Winnipeg became a major transportation hub and "Gateway to the West". The city experienced a boom during the early 20th century and for a while was Western Canada's major economic centre. Fortunately for the visitor, the economy slowed around the middle of the century, leaving intact a remarkable collection of period architecture, primarily in the city's downtown Exchange District. ===People=== Winnipeg is generally a very tolerant city and was the first large city in North America to elect an openly gay mayor. Winnipeg has several LGBT bars and a Pride festival every summer. Winnipeg is a multicultural city. As of the 2021 census, visible minorities make up 34% of Winnipeg's population and Indigenous people 12%. Despite being only Canada's seventh-largest city, it has the largest populations of both First Nations and Métis (people of mixed European and First Nations ancestry, who form a distinct community within Canada) of any city in the country. Much of Winnipeg's population is of European descent, notably from Germany, Ukraine, France, Scandinavia and Poland. More than a hundred languages are spoken in Winnipeg. In fact, Winnipeg is home to Canada's largest French-speaking population west of [[Ontario]] and the Filipino language Tagalog is the second most prevalent mother tongue in Winnipeg. Nevertheless, 99% of the population speaks English fluently. The city celebrates its diversity with the Folklorama festival, the longest running multicultural event of its kind. ===Neighbourhoods=== [[File:Banks row Main Street.jpg|thumb|Early skyscrapers in the Exchange District]] <!--Please first discuss proposed changes on this page's talk page.--> {{Regionlist | regionmap= | regionmaptext=Districts in Winnipeg | region1name=Corydon Avenue (Little Italy) | region1color=#FFCC00 | region1items= | region1description=Corydon Avenue and its surrounding neighbourhood are one of the city’s hot spots for shopping, dining or an afternoon of people-watching at one of the many sidewalk cafes and restaurants dotting the avenue. Corydon Avenue comes alive during warm summer evenings as crowds of people gather to meet, greet and to have some of the best food, gelati and sushi in the city. | region2name=Downtown | region2color=red | region2items= | region2description=Downtown Winnipeg is centred around Portage & Main. Portage Ave is the city's busiest thoroughfare. Winnipeg Square, Canada Life Centre (formerly MTS Centre and Bell MTS Place), Portage Place. On Main St are Winnipeg's City Hall, Union Station, the Manitoba Museum, the Planetarium, the Centennial Concert Hall and the Winnipeg Railway Museum. | region3name=Exchange District | region3color=#663300 | region3items= | region3description=The Exchange District is a National Historic Site in the downtown area. The Exchange District today thrives as one of Winnipeg's commercial and cultural centres. Winnipeg's theatre district is also in the Exchange District, home to the Manitoba Theatre Centre and Centennial Concert Hall. Old Market Square is also in the Exchange which hosts the Jazz Winnipeg Festival and the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival. | region4name=The Forks | region4color=lightblue | region4items= | region4description=The Forks is a historic site and meeting place in downtown Winnipeg at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine rivers, and has played an important role in the city's development. The Forks Market contains many specialty food shops, fresh fruit and vegetables, and many ethnic shops and restaurants. There are often buskers in and around the Forks. Attractions include the Manitoba Theatre for Young People, the International Children's Festival, one of the largest skateparks in Canada, the world's longest skating rink (winter only), a well-maintained expanse of riverside park, and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights which opened in 2014. | region5name=Osborne Village | region5color=#9966FF | region5items= | region5description=Osborne Village has evolved into a neighbourhood filled with characters. It is Winnipeg's most densely populated neighbourhood, and is home to one of Winnipeg's most vibrant collection of stores and restaurants with over 175 businesses calling Osborne Village home. | region6name=St. Boniface | region6color=#D60093 | region6items= | region6description=Covering the southeast part of the city, it is home to the Franco-Manitoban community. It features such landmarks as the Cathédrale de Saint Boniface (St. Boniface Cathedral), boul Provencher, the Provencher Bridge, Esplanade Riel, St. Boniface Hospital and the Université de Saint-Boniface. Every February Le Festival du Voyageur takes place outdoors at Parc Whittier Park and Fort Gibraltar. | region7name=West End | region7color=#0099CC | region7items= | region7description=A mostly residential area west of Downtown comprised of many small and unique neighbourhoods. The area is very ethnically diverse as is evidenced by the Portuguese, Greek, Vietnamese, Chinese, East Indian and Thai restaurants that line Ellice Ave and Sargent Ave, making it is one of the best areas for real ethnic food. The West End Cultural Centre is a major music venue that is worth a visit. The West End varies widely in wealth, and contains some of the most affluent neighbourhoods, and some of the poorest in the city. The neighbourhood has benefited from major revitalization and urban beautification projects. }} === Climate=== {{Climate | units = Metric | janhigh = -11.4 | febhigh = -8.8 | marhigh = -0.9 | aprhigh = 10.0 | mayhigh = 18.1 | junhigh = 23.3 | julhigh = 25.8 | aughigh = 25.4 | sephigh = 19.6 | octhigh = 10.4 | novhigh = .1 | dechigh = -8.2 | janlow = -21.2 | feblow = -19.3 | marlow = -11.2 | aprlow = -2.5 | maylow = 4.2 | junlow = 10.9 | jullow = 13.2 | auglow = 11.9 | seplow = 6.9 | octlow = -.2 | novlow = -8.8 | declow = -17.3 | janprecip = 18.0 | febprecip = 13.3 | marprecip = 25.5 | aprprecip = 32.5 | mayprecip = 69.5 | junprecip = 74.3 | julprecip = 76.6 | augprecip = 74.3 | sepprecip = 53.2 | octprecip = 38.1 | novprecip = 24.7 | decprecip = 19.4 | jansnow = 25.0 | febsnow = 11.8 | marsnow = 19.2 | aprsnow = 13.6 | maysnow = 4.1 | junsnow = 0 | julsnow = 0 | augsnow = 0 | sepsnow = 0 | octsnow = 4.2 | novsnow = 21.1 | decsnow = 27.2 | jansun = | febsun = | marsun = | aprsun = | maysun = | junsun = | julsun = | augsun = | sepsun = | octsun = | novsun = | decsun = | janh2o = | febh2o = | marh2o = | aprh2o = | mayh2o = | junh2o = | julh2o = | augh2o = | seph2o = | octh2o = | novh2o = | dech2o = | description = See the Winnipeg 7 day forecast at [https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/mb-38_metric_e.html Environment Canada] }} {{infobox|Winter must haves|[[File:topazBlockHeater.jpg|thumb|right|A lovely Mercury Topaz with block heater cord and plug]] Winnipeg is cold in the winter and if you plan on spending any time outside between November and April you should consider packing: * Toque/knit hat (make sure it covers the ears) or earmuffs * Gloves or mittens (or [[wikt:garbage mitt|garbage mitts]]) * Scarf (optional, but recommended) * Long sleeve shirts * Sweaters * Winter jacket * Long underwear (optional) * Ski pants (snow pants) * Boots (depending on what you will be doing) If you are driving in Winnipeg during the winter, be sure your car is outfitted with a '''block heater''' and ''plug it in'' if leaving it overnight. Alternatively, ensure your CAA/AAA membership is up-to-date and have the phone number ready for when your car won't start. }} Winnipeg has a humid continental climate with extremes of hot and cold. The longest day of the year lasts for over 16 hours, between 5:30AM and 9:30PM, and the shortest day of the year lasts for 8 hours, between 8:15AM and 4:30PM. Winnipeg is ranked as Canada's second sunniest city year-round and second for clearest skies year-round. Summers are typically warm and often humid, particularly in July, with frequent nighttime thunderstorms. Typical summer air temperatures and heat indices average {{C|27}} for daytime highs and {{c|17}} for overnight lows. Particularly hot and sweltering summer days can see air temperatures and heat indices climbing upwards to {{C|31}} and not going below {{c|21}} at night from time to time. On average, Winnipeg has 45 days a year where the '''humidex''' (combined effect of heat and humidity) reaches above 30 °C. Winnipeg is also known for its high mosquito population, particularly during early summer. Dusk and dawn are the most active time for mosquitoes. June, late August and September tend to provide the most pleasant environment for summer visitors. Spring and fall tend to be rather contracted seasons, each averaging a little over six weeks. In general, the weather during these seasons is highly variable and rapidly changing. It is typical for the day to start off quite cold in the morning, but heat up considerably in the afternoon. It can be difficult to judge how to dress during this time, so layers are the best option. Winnipeg has the coldest winter temperatures of any city in North America with a population of over 100,000. Winters in Winnipeg are usually dry, and can feel colder due to the often windy conditions. The winters are long and overnight minima average below -15°C with rare extremes going down to near -40°C, though there is still much to enjoy during these months. Be sure to pay attention to the '''windchill''' (combined effect of cold and wind) which can drop below -40 °C/F (exposed skin freezes in less than 10 minutes). Snow cover can be expected from mid-November to late March. The city turns on what is arguably Canada's best display of Christmas lights from late November until well into January. ===Visitor information=== * {{listing | name=Tourism Winnipeg | url=http://www.tourismwinnipeg.com | email=info@tourismwinnipeg.com | address=300–259 Portage Ave | lat=49.89482 | long=-97.14149 | directions=Portage Ave at Garry St, downtown | phone=+1 204-943-1970 | tollfree=+1-855-734-2489 | fax=+1 204-942-4043 | hours= | price= | content=Economic and tourist information. }} ==Get in== ===By plane=== ==== Airport ==== There is one major airport serving Winnipeg: *{{go | name=Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport | alt={{IATA|YWG}} | url=https://www.waa.ca | email=info@waa.ca | address= | lat=49.90538 | long=-97.2246 | directions=in the west end of the city about {{km|7}} from Portage & Main | phone=+1 204-987-9402 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport | image=YWG New Departures Area.JPG | wikidata=Q1323755 | lastedit=2022-05-26 | content= }} ====Destinations==== Direct flights to Winnipeg within Canada include from [[Calgary]] (2 hours), from [[Churchill]] (2.5 hours), from [[Edmonton]] (1.75-2 hours), from [[Hamilton (Ontario)|Hamilton]] (2.5 hours), from [[Montreal]] (3 hours). from [[Ottawa]] (2.75 hours), from [[Regina]] (1.25 hours), from [[Saskatoon]] (1.5 hours), from [[Thompson]] (1.75-2 hours), from [[Thunder Bay]] (1.5 hours), from [[Toronto]] (2.5 hours), from [[Vancouver]] (2.75 hours), and from numerous smaller destinations in [[Manitoba]], [[Northern Ontario]] and [[Nunavut]]. Direct flights to Winnipeg from outside Canada include from [[Minneapolis]]–[[St. Paul]] (1.5 hours). There is non-stop charter and seasonal service to [[Phoenix]], [[Palm Springs]], [[Orlando]], [[Mexico]], [[Cuba]] and the [[Dominican Republic]]. ==== Airlines ==== Canadian airlines operating to Winnipeg: * {{listing | name=Air Canada | alt= | url=https://www.aircanada.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-514-393-3333 | tollfree=+1-888-247-2262 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Air Canada | wikidata=Q185339 | lastedit=2022-04-25 | content=Canada's largest airline with hubs in [[Vancouver]], [[Calgary]], [[Toronto]], and [[Montreal]]. It operates across Canada and services international destinations. }} * {{listing | name=Air Transat | alt= | url=https://www.airtransat.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-514-636-3630 | tollfree=+1-877-872-6728 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Air Transat | wikidata=Q407869 | lastedit=2022-04-25 | content=Canada's third largest airline with some year round destinations and specializing in seasonal flights to vacation destinations (Europe in the summer and warmer, southern international destinations in the winter). }} * {{listing | name=Bearskin Airlines | alt= | url=https://www.bearskinairlines.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-800-465-2327 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Bearskin Airlines | wikidata=Q813036 | lastedit=2022-04-27 | content=Regional airline operating in [[Manitoba]] and in [[Northern Ontario]]. Is a brand of Perimeter Aviation. }} * {{listing | name=Calm Air | alt= | url=https://www.calmair.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-800-839-2256 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Calm Air | wikidata=Q958500 | lastedit=2022-04-25 | content=A regional airline operating flights in [[Manitoba]] and [[Nunavut]]. }} * {{listing | name=Flair Airlines | alt= | url=https://flyflair.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-833-711-2333 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Flair Airlines | wikidata=Q4038797 | lastedit=2022-04-25 | content=A low-cost airline with flights across much of Canada. }} * {{listing | name=Perimeter Aviation | alt= | url=https://perimeter.ca/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-800-665-8986 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Perimeter Aviation | wikidata=Q2073908 | lastedit=2022-04-27 | content=Regional airline operating in [[Manitoba]] and in [[Northern Ontario]]. Operates Bearskin Aviation as a brand. }} * {{listing | name=Sunwing Airlines | alt= | url=https://www.sunwing.ca/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-877-786-9464 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Sunwing Airlines | wikidata=Q1198402 | lastedit=2022-04-25 | content=Low cost Canadian airline that operates some flights within Canada throughout the year and specializes in seasonal flights to warmer, southern international vacation destinations in the winter. }} * {{listing | name=WestJet | alt= | url=https://www.westjet.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-877-952-0100 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=WestJet | wikidata=Q1059770 | lastedit=2022-04-25 | content=Canada's second largest airline services with hubs in [[Calgary]] and [[Toronto]]. It operates across Canada and services international destinations. }} Other airlines: * '''[http://www.delta.com Delta Air Lines]''' * '''[http://www.united.ca/ United Airlines]{{Dead link|date=February 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' ==== Public transit ==== Public transport is offered by Winnipeg Transit's D12 and D13 buses which will take you downtown in about 30 minutes. ===== Other ground transportation ===== There are usually taxi cabs and limo sedans-for-hire waiting at the airport. * '''Taxi:''' Expect to pay around $20 plus tip (15–20%) for a taxi (room for about 2–3 people depending on luggage) to central Winnipeg. Maximum fare to anywhere in the city is about $55 depending on traffic. * '''Limo or Shuttle:''' Limo sedan fares (up to 4 people with luggage) are a flat rate, generally $30 and up. Limos can, on occasion, be cheaper than a taxi. ==== Car rentals ==== * '''Rental:''' The Winnipeg airport has five car rental companies on-site: '''Avis''', '''Budget''', '''Enterprise''', '''Hertz''' and '''National'''. Rental counters are on the main floor of the parkade across from the terminal. ===By train=== {{Seealso|Rail travel in Canada}}[[File:Union Station Winnipeg (6311033145).jpg|thumb|Union Station]] * {{go | name=Union Station | alt= | url=https://www.viarail.ca/en/stations/prairies-and-northern-manitoba/winnipeg | email= | address=123 Main St | lat=49.888889 | long=-97.134167 | directions=corner of Main St & Broadway Ave, downtown | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Union Station (Winnipeg) | image=Union Station Winnipeg.jpg | wikidata=Q3095569 | lastedit=2022-04-02 | content=It was designed by the same architects behind Grand Central Terminal in New York and is a monument to the Beaux-Arts era. It is definitely worth a visit, and houses a railway museum (below under '''See''') in the summer months. The station is within easy walking distance of The Forks. }} Train operator: ** {{listing | name=VIA Rail Canada | alt= | url=https://www.viarail.ca/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Stops at Union Station | phone= | tollfree=+1-888-842-7245 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Via Rail | wikidata=Q876720 | lastedit=2022-03-31 | content=This rail operator offers services that enable travelers to reach Canada's west coast and east coast. }} Routes serving Union Station: *** ''[[The Canadian]]'' between [[Toronto]] and [[Vancouver]] with stops in both directions in medium to large cities and tourist destinations such as [[Sudbury (Ontario)|Sudbury]], Winnipeg, [[Portage la Prairie]], [[Saskatoon]], [[Edmonton]], [[Jasper]], and [[Kamloops]]. Travel time to Winnipeg from Toronto is 1 day 10.75 hours, from Sudbury is 1 day 3.5 hours, from Portage La Prairie is 2.75 hours, From Saskatoon is 14 hours, from Edmonton is 1 day 1.25 hours, from Jasper is 1 day 8.5 hours, from Kamloops is 1 day 19 hours, and from Vancouver is 2 day 5 hours. *** '''[http://www.viarail.ca/en/trains/prairies-and-northern-manitoba/winnipeg-churchill The Winnipeg–Churchill]''' completes the 1,700-km journey (over 1,000 mi) to the vast subarctic region of Northern Manitoba in two days. The route travel between Winnipeg and [[Churchill]] including stops in [[Portage la Prairie]], [[Dauphin]], [[Roblin]], [[Kamsack]], [[Canora]], [[Hudson Bay (Saskatchewan)|Hudson Bay]], [[The Pas]], and [[Thompson]]. Travel time to Winnipeg from Portage La Prairie is 1.25 hours, from Dauphin is 4.75 hours, from Canora is 8.5 hours, from The Pas is 13.5 hours, from Thompson is 1 day 2.75 hours, and from Churchill is 1 day 21.25 hours. Two trips round trips per week between Winnipeg and Churchill with trips departing from Winnipeg on Tuesdays and Sundays, and trips departing Churchill on Thursdays and Saturdays, ===By bus=== * {{listing | name=Kasper Bus | alt= | url=https://gokasper.com | email= | address=112 Paramount Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-807-699-7200 | tollfree=+1-855-566-2378 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-05 | content=Operates bus service in [[Northern Ontario]] and [[Manitoba]]. }} Operates the following bus routes multiple days per week to Winnipeg: ** From [[Sioux Lookout]] via [[Dryden]] and [[Kenora]]. Travel time to Winnipeg from Sioux Lookout is 6 hours, from Dryden is 4.5 hours, and from Kenora is 2.75 hours. Same day connection is available at Sioux Lookout to and from [[Thunder Bay]]. ** From [[The Pas]] via [[Dauphin]], [[Neepawa]], and [[Portage la Prairie]]. <!-- Not running as of 2024 ** From Balmertown via [[Red Lake (Ontario)|Red Lake]] and [[Kenora]]. Travel time to Winnipeg from Balmertown is 6.25 hours, from Red Lake is 6 hours, and from Kenora is 2.75 hours. --> * {{listing | name=Ontario Northland | alt= | url=https://www.ontarionorthland.ca/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-800-461-8558 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ontario Northland Motor Coach Services | wikidata=Q7094858 | lastedit=2022-04-23 | content=Operates primarily in [[Northern Ontario]]. Routes travel as far west as Winnipeg, as far south as [[Toronto]], and as far east as [[Ottawa]]. }} ** Operates the following two routes multiple days per week between Winnipeg and [[Thunder Bay]]: *** Via [[Kenora]] and [[Dryden]]. Travel time to Winnipeg from Kenora is 2.75 hours, from Dryden is 4.75 hours, and from Thunder Bay is 8.75 hours. *** Via Kenora and [[Fort Frances]]. Travel time to Winnipeg from Kenora is 2.75 hours, from Fort Frances is 6 hours, and from Thunder Bay is 10 hours. **Travel to Winnipeg from [[Toronto]] (1 day 7.25 hours) and [[Ottawa]] (1 day 8.5 hours) involves timed transfers between bus routes at [[Sudbury (Ontario)|Sudbury]], at [[Sault Ste. Marie (Ontario)|Sault Ste. Marie]], and at Thunder Bay. * {{go | name=Rider Express | alt= | url=https://riderexpress.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-833-583-3636 | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q126627111 | lastedit=2021-03-19 | content=Operates bus service between Winnipeg and [[Regina]] with stops at [[Portage la Prairie]], [[Brandon (Manitoba)|Brandon]], [[Virden]], [[Moosomin]], and [[Whitewood (Saskatchewan)|Whitewood]]. Travel time to Winnipeg from Regina is 7.25 hours, from Brandon is 3 hours, and from Portage la Prairie is 1.5 hours. Operates one day per week, only as an overnight trip. Offers connecting routes that enable passengers to travel from as far west as [[Vancouver]]. }} * {{go | name=Thompson Bus | alt= | url=https://www.thompsonbus.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 204 939-3991 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-05-11 | content=Overnight bus to Winnipeg from [[Thompson]] (9.25 hours, $75). }} * {{go | name=Greywolf Bus | alt= | url=https://www.greywolfbus.ca/index.php | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=| tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-11 | content=Service from Thompson. }} ===By car=== Highways serving Winnipeg: * '''Provincial Trunk Highway 1''' ([[Trans-Canada Highway]]) ** From the west, the '''Highway 1''' leads directly to Winnipeg from [[Regina]], becoming Provincial Trunk Highway 1, once it enters Manitoba. Winnipeg is 3 hr 20 min from the Manitoba-Saskatchewan border. ** From the east, '''Ontario Highway 17''' becomes Provincial Trunk Highway 1 at the Manitoba border (at which time it becomes a 4-lane divided highway). The journey from the Ontario border to Winnipeg's outside "Perimeter Highway" is about 1 hr 30 min and about another 30–45 min to downtown, depending on traffic. * '''Provincial Trunk Highway 75''' ** From the south, take '''U.S. Interstate 29''', which then becomes Provincial Trunk Highway 75, and Pembina Hwy once inside Winnipeg's city limits. Winnipeg is 1 hour from the Canada–U.S. border and 2 hr 30 min from [[Grand Forks]], North Dakota. Approximate driving times from nearby cities to Winnipeg are about 8 hours from Saskatoon, 6 hours from Regina, 2 hr 45 min from Kenora, 8 hours from Thunder Bay, 3½ hours from Fargo, 6 hours from Bismarck and 7 hours from Sioux Falls or Minneapolis. It is 14 hours from Edmonton, Calgary or Chicago. Travel from Saskatoon and Edmonton is via Highway 16 and Provincial Trunk Highway 16, until just before [[Portage la Prairie]]. Highway 16 and Provincial Trunk Highway 16 are part of the [[Yellowhead Highway]]. ==Get around== {{mapframe}}{{mapshape}} Winnipeg is a large, spread-out city and it can take a while to get around. Unlike most North American cities this size, there is no urban freeway network in the city. Traffic jams, particularly in the downtown area, are common during the rush hour periods which are generally from 7:30–9AM and 3:30–5:30PM Monday to Friday. Much of Winnipeg's downtown real estate is devoted to parking, with ubiquitous and cheap surface lots continuing for multi-block stretches. It is worth considering renting a car, especially if any excursions outside of the city are planned. '''Highways:''' Winnipeg is one of the first Canadian cities of its size to have a ring road (the Perimeter Highway) which provides a by-pass for travellers on the Trans-Canada Highway. Within the city, the Trans-Canada Highway follows regular city streets. '''Street names:''' All streets in Winnipeg have names. Major routes will have both names and route numbers, but will almost always be called by the name. A notable exception is Route 90, which is commonly called Kenaston in the southern half of the city and Route 90 in the northern half. Many streets change names as they wind through the city, which can be extremely confusing, even to locals. The most known example is Route 62, which starts as Salter in the north end of the city, but as it goes south becomes Isabel, Balmoral, Colony, Memorial, Osborne, Dunkirk, and finally Dakota in the south end, with no clear indication when it changes. '''One-way streets:''' Many downtown streets are one-way, which can make navigating downtown quite confusing. One-way streets are rare outside of downtown, except around Polo Park. '''No left turns:''' Many busy streets limit left-hand turns, particularly during rush hour. This is especially prevalent downtown, but is common in the rest of the city as well. In many cases, though, a left turn from a one-way to a one-way is allowed. '''Confusion corner:''' This intersection is mainly where Osborne St and Pembina Hwy (Routes 62 and 42) meet, but other streets connect as well, and there are bus-only lanes. There are many lanes going different directions, and it can be very confusing to know which lane you need to be in, which has given the intersection the name "confusion corner". '''North End:''' The area of the city just north of downtown is known as the North End. This is the poorest part of the city and extra precautions should be taken when travelling through here, especially at night (though most crime is gang-related, rarely involving innocent bystanders). There is a very noticeable drop in the quality of infrastructure when you cross from downtown into the North End, but it is also a very sudden change so it is important to be mindful of your surroundings. ===By bus=== [[File:Winnipeg Transit Route 56 bus side view.jpg|thumb|Winnipeg Transit bus]] The city operates a bus service with routes running throughout the city, including one bus rapid transit (BRT) line: * {{listing | name=Winnipeg Transit | alt= | url=https://www.winnipegtransit.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=311, +1 204-287-7433 (automated schedules through Telebus) | tollfree=+1-877-311-4974 | hours= | price= | content= The Winnipeg Transit's website includes schedules and the helpful '''[https://www.winnipegtransit.com/en/navigo Navigo Trip Planner]'''. }} * {{listing | name=Winnipeg Transit Plus | alt= | url=https://info.winnipegtransit.com/en/winnipeg-transit-plus | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 204-986-5722 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Available for disabled persons. }} The cash fare is $3.35 for adults, or $2.85 for youth 6–16 and seniors (65 years or older), for which identification is required (as of May 2021). Children 11 and under are free with a fare-paying adult. Drivers will only accept exact change in cash. A transfer can be requested when you pay your fare, which entitles you to ride as many buses as you like within the following 60 minutes. You may also purchase paper passes at a reduced rate at almost any convenience store. Lower fares also apply when purchasing a reloadable electronic '''peggo''' card. There are a variety of passes available, which provide discounts of 22-38%. They can be purchased at any convenience store. The Max 5 pass, available only for adult fares, can be used Monday to Friday, and the Superpass can be used from Monday to Sunday. ====Special services==== * '''Bomber FanFare''' allows you to ride Transit from the stadium for free by showing your valid game day ticket after Bomber home games. Transit also operates shuttle services to the Bomber stadium. * '''Bike and Bus''' offers bike racks on select routes. All Rapid Transit Stations along the Southwest Transitway, as well as at Osborne Junction and the Taylor Park and Ride have bike lockers. * '''DART''' provides request bus service to residents living in selected areas of South and South East Winnipeg. * '''Park & Ride''' allows you to park in designated areas and then catch a Transit bus. * '''Shuttle services''' are offered for occasions such as the Folk Festival and the Red River Ex. ===By taxi=== Taxis are licensed in Winnipeg and every driver must have their identification visible. For security purposes, taxi drivers are protected by a shield and have video surveillance. By law, fares are non-negotiable and determined by a meter. Smoking and open alcohol are not allowed. The most common taxi model is the smaller Toyota Prius. '''Winnipeg Taxicab Tariff:''' Starting fee (as of May 2021): $3.75 with 100 m, then $0.16 for each additional 100 m + $0.16 for each 18.4 seconds of time. Whenever the taxi stops, there's a "waiting time charge" of $0.16 for each 18.4 seconds of metered waiting time. A tip of 15–20% is customary, but sales taxes are included. A 10-km ride would cost $20.95 plus tip. * {{listing | name=Blueline Taxi | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 204-925-8887 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Duffy's Taxi | alt= | url=http://www.duffystaxi.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 204-925-0101 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Unicity Taxi | alt= | url=http://www.unicitytaxi.mb.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 204-925-3131 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Vital Transit Services | alt= | url=http://www.vitaltransitservice.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 204-633-2022 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Available for disabled persons. }} * {{listing | name=Winnipeg Shuttle | alt= | url=http://www.winnipegshuttle.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 204-981-0981 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} === By ride hailing === * {{Listing|name=Uber|url=https://www.uber.com/global/en/cities/winnipeg/|lastedit=2022-07-31}} ===By car=== Driving is the easiest way to get around Winnipeg. On-street parking, which ranges from $1–2/hr can usually be found in popular areas if you are willing to search. During rush hour, most of these spaces will turn into no stopping zones in order to facilitate traffic flow. If these are unavailable, there are parkades or parking lots which will provide a variety of hourly rates. These are roughly twice as expensive as street parking, but they are all over the downtown area. If visiting The Forks, there is a large parkade and two lots which provide free parking for visitors. Auto theft is a serious problem in Winnipeg. Anti-theft devices are strongly recommended, especially immobilizers. Never leave your vehicle running and never leave any objects visible inside, especially aftermarket stereo equipment. ===By bicycle=== {{infobox|Cycling Rules|*Cyclists must ride on and obey the laws of the road. * From 30 minutes before sunset until 30 minutes after sunrise, bicycles must have a white front light and a red or amber rear light or reflector. * Cyclists must use hand signals to indicate a turn. * Cyclists are prohibited from wearing earphones. * Cyclists are prohibited from riding while intoxicated. * Children riding in a bike-mounted baby seat must wear a helmet. * Helmets are mandatory for children under 18. }} Bicycles are allowed on all Winnipeg roads, though drivers encountered may feel differently. The City of Winnipeg provides a '''cycling map''' which is available [http://winnipeg.ca/publicworks/MajorProjects/ActiveTransportation/maps-and-routes.stm online] or at one of many bicycle shops. Some roads have bicycle lanes (shared with buses) and sharrows. Suggested cycling routes are marked by road signs, but may venture into residential areas with many stop signs. Riding on sidewalks is illegal, but this law is rarely enforced. The most problematic areas are typically bridges where no bicycle infrastructure exists, such as the Midtown Bridge and the Louise Bridge. Cyclists may be better off walking their bikes on the sidewalk on these bridges during rush hours. Bicycle theft is common throughout all areas of the city. Seats and wheels should be secured with a ''sturdy'' lock. Some dedicated active transportation paths exist. Many of these will follow along Winnipeg's rivers, making for a very scenic, but meandering, ride. Spring flooding may affect the conditions on routes near the rivers. The Forks makes an excellent starting/stopping point for scenic bike rides—many paths begin and end there, and there are many restaurants and patios to relax in before and after rides. Some suggested scenic routes are: * Along the '''Assiniboine River''', between The Forks and Assiniboine Park (approximately 20 km round-trip). The north side of the river will take cyclists starting from The Forks past the Legislature, through Wolseley, and near Polo Park mall. The south side of the river will take cyclists starting from Assiniboine Park along Wellington Cres (one of the richest areas of the city) and through Osborne Village. * Along the '''Red River''', between The Forks and the Bridge Drive-In (a locally famous ice cream shop) (approximately 15 km round-trip). This path is almost entirely on active transportation paths, going through natural areas and recreation parks in the Riverview area. * From '''The Forks''' to '''Whittier Park''' (approximately 5 km round-trip). This route will go over Esplanade Riel to Whittier Park in St. Boniface, which contains the reconstructed Fort Gibraltar. This route can be extended by following Tache Ave south to Marion St, which will take cyclists past the St. Boniface Cathedral and the St. Boniface Museum. * The '''Duff Roblin Parkway Trail''' (approximately 50 km one-way). Starting in the south of the city, this trail follows the Red River Floodway around the east side of the city to Birds Hill Provincial Park, 24 km north of the city. This trail is a peaceful gravel path through the prairie with no intersections. There are no amenities along this trail until you enter the park. * In January and February, the '''[http://www.theforks.com/events/signature-events/river-trail River Trail]''' is available and can be ridden on bicycle (it has an ice trail for skaters and a packed snow trail for walkers and cyclists). Many of the paths beside the river will also include "monkey trails"—unofficial trails that offer some challenge to mountain bikers. Due to frequent flooding and erosion, these may include muddy sections, fallen trees, and steep drop-offs into the river. In the winter, snow and ice on roads can make cycling treacherous. Major routes, especially downtown, will be cleared quickly and will have sand applied, which will help with safety but also make for a messy ride. These conditions will generally last from December to March. Bike paths and lanes may take much longer to be cleared, if they are cleared at all. The right-hand lane is often the iciest, and frostbite is a reality for the poorly equipped rider. In springtime (March and April), melting snow can create very large puddles and potholes and render off-road trails unusable. ====Rentals==== {{listing | name=Woodcock Cycleworks | alt= | url=http://www.woodcockcycle.com/about/bicycle-rentals-pg244.htm | email= | address= 433 St. Mary's Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 204-253-5896 | tollfree=+1-866-211-5795 | fax= | hours=M-F 10AM-8PM; Sa 10AM-5PM; Su 11AM-5PM | price=$30-50 | content= Rentals can be booked online or in-store. Mountain bikes, road bikes, fat bikes and hybrids available. }} ===On foot=== Winnipeg is generally not a very walkable city. Because municipal law mandates that all new buildings must contain a lot of parking between the sidewalk and the building, pedestrians will be confronted with a morass of cars in all directions. Winnipeg's main arteries all have boulevards and are extremely wide by world standards, with Main St having ten lanes where it meets Portage Ave downtown. However, this pedestrian-unfriendliness is primarily perceived rather than real. Virtually all streets contain sidewalks on both sides running for the street's entire length and stoplight crossings are frequent even on highways. Walking across Portage & Main is prohibited and physically impeded by concrete barricades. Pedestrians must cross this famous intersection through an underground concourse, which has a variety of entry points in or near the office towers on all four corners. [[File:Downtownwinnipeg.JPG|thumb|300px|Downtown from Esplanade Riel]] Walking distance from Portage & Main to: * '''The Forks:''' 10–15 minutes. * '''St. Boniface:''' 15–20 minutes. * '''Osborne Village:''' 20 minutes. * '''Corydon Ave:''' 30 minutes. Interesting walks in central Winnipeg: * '''Exchange District''', all around. * '''Broadway''' from Osborne to Main. * '''Osborne St''' from River to Pembina. * '''River Walks''' along the Red and Assiniboine Rivers (notably from the Legislature to The Forks). * '''Esplanade Riel''' from The Forks to St. Boniface. * '''Tache Ave''' and '''Provencher Ave''' in St. Boniface. ====Winnipeg Skywalk==== As it can get very cold during Winnipeg's winters, the downtown area has a network of tunnels and skywalks. The Skywalk is a system of 14 skyways and 7 tunnels connecting 38 buildings and allowing for a maximum protected walk of 2 km. As far east as the Fairmont Hotel east of Main St all the way west to One Canada Centre on Portage Ave (at Colony St), it connects you to all of the buildings around Portage & Main, Winnipeg Square, Cityplace and Portage Place malls, the Millennium Library (Winnipeg's central library branch) and the MTS Centre arena. It has many shops along the way, making travelling during the winter a lot easier. ==See== ===Galleries=== * {{see | name=Gallery Lacosse | alt= | url=http://www.gallerylacosse.com/ | email= | address=169 Lilac St | lat= 49.8708 | long= -97.1580 | directions=at Corydon Ave | phone=+1 204-284-0726 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–F 11AM–6PM, Sa 11AM–5PM | price= | content=Celebrating Manitoba art and its unique place in the Canadian creative landscape. Artists are showcased through their paintings, pottery, photos and jewellery. }} * {{see | name=Graffiti Gallery | alt= | url=http://www.graffitigallery.ca | email= | address=109 Higgins Ave | lat= 49.9035 | long= -97.1254 | directions=in the Exchange District | phone=+1 204-667-9960 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Part of Graffiti Art Programming Inc, a not-for-profit youth art organization that uses art as a tool for community development, social change and individual growth. }} * {{see | name=PLATFORM: Centre for Photographic and Digital Arts | url=http://www.platformgallery.org | email=info@platformgallery.org | address=121–100 Arthur St | lat=49.89794 | long=-97.14091 | directions=in the Artspace Building | phone=+1 204-942-8183 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Manitoba's only artist-run centre devoted exclusively to photographic and digital arts. The gallery exhibits local, national and international artists. }} * {{see | name=Plug In Institute of Contemporary Art | url=http://www.plugin.org | email=info@plugin.org | address=460 Portage Ave | lat=49.89041 | long=-97.15131 | directions=between the Winnipeg Art Gallery and Portage Ave | phone=+1 204-942-1043 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=W–Sa noon–9PM, Su noon–5PM | price=Free | content=Manitoba's premier contemporary art gallery and the first Institute of Contemporary Art in Canada. }} * {{see | name=Urban Shaman Contemporary Aboriginal Art | alt= | url=http://www.urbanshaman.org | email=info@urbanshaman.org | address=203–290 McDermot Ave | lat= 49.8975 | long= -97.1423 | directions=in the Exchange District | phone=+1 204-942-2674 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Features cutting-edge Aboriginal art in an ever-changing contemporary setting, while promoting the rich artistic legacy of Aboriginal communities. }} * {{see | name=Winnipeg Art Gallery | alt= | url=http://www.wag.ca/ | email=inquiries@wag.ca | address=300 Memorial Blvd | lat=49.889444 | long=-97.150556 | directions=south of Portage Ave | phone=+1 204-789-1760 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-Su 11AM–5PM except F 11AM–9PM | price=Adults $12, students/seniors $10, youth (ages 6–12) $6 | wikipedia=Winnipeg Art Gallery | image=Winnipeg Art Gallery.jpg | wikidata=Q3813414 | lastedit=2018-04-28 | content=The Winnipeg Art Gallery is Western Canada's oldest gallery, and features Manitoban, Canadian, and international artists and a large collection of Inuit Art. With its striking architecture, it is an integral part of downtown Winnipeg. }} ===Museums=== * {{see | name=Airforce Heritage Museum and Air Park | url=http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/sites/airforceheritagemuseum.shtml | email= | address=186 Sharp Blvd | lat=49.889506 | long=-97.236648 | directions=along Air Force Way (Sharp Blvd), north of Ness Ave, to the south of Winnipeg airport (CYWG) | phone=+1 204-833-2500 ext 4180 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Air park uncontrolled, museum by appointment only | price=Free | content=Enjoy the largest air park in Canada, where many historic aircraft are mounted throughout a grassy park, many dramatically in action poses. The nearby museum, inside nearby Canadian Forces buildings, contains many outstanding exhibits of national significance. }} [[File:Canadian Museum for Human Rights Winnipeg April 2015 (16669435204).jpg|right|thumb|Canadian Museum for Human Rights]] * {{see | name=Canadian Museum for Human Rights | alt=Musée canadien pour les droits de la personne | url=https://humanrights.ca/ | email=info@humanrights.ca | address=85 Israel Asper Way | lat=49.8908 | long=-97.130997 | directions=At the Forks in Downtown Winnipeg | phone=+1 204-289-2000 | tollfree=+1-877-877-6037 | fax= | hours=Tu-Sa 10AM-5PM | price=Adult $13.50, senior or student $10.50, youth 7-17 $6, child free; 25% discount for online advance purchase | lastedit=2021-09-15 | wikidata=Q630212| wikipedia=Canadian Museum for Human Rights | content=The first museum solely dedicated to the evolution, celebration and future of human rights. Its aim is to engage Canadians and international visitors in an immersive, interactive experience that offers the inspiration and tools to make a difference in the lives of others. This is the first national museum to be built in nearly half a century, and the first outside the National Capital Region. }} * {{see | name=Costume Museum of Canada | alt= | url=http://www.costumemuseumcanada.com/ | email=costumemuseumcanada@gmail.com | address=301-250 McDermot Avenue | lat=49.9004 | long=-97.1344 | directions= | phone=+1 204-989-0072 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Costume Museum of Canada | wikidata=Q5175220 | tags=museum | content=This museum gallery is closed to the public, but it organizes pop-up exhibits, travelling exhibitions, heritage fashion reviews, and educational programs. }} * {{see | name=Dalnavert Museum | url=http://www.mhs.mb.ca | email=dalnavert@mhs.mb.ca | address=61 Carlton St | lat=49.88603 | long=-97.14181 | directions=downtown | phone=+1 204-943-2835 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=W–F 11AM–4PM (Jul–Aug: 10AM–5PM), Sa 11AM–6PM, Su noon–4PM | price= | content=The former home of Premier Sir Hugh John Macdonald, Dalnavert has been designated a National Historic Site. }} * {{see | name=Fire Fighters Museum of Winnipeg | alt= | url=https://wpgfiremuseum.ca | email=firemuseum@gatewest.net | address=56 Maple St | lat=49.9037 | long=-97.1318 | directions=in the Exchange District | phone=+1 204-942-4817 | tollfree= | hours=Su 9AM–2PM | price= | lastedit=2021-05-10 | content=This beautifully maintained fire hall built in 1903 features stained glass windows and displays hand and horse-drawn, steam and early motorized fire apparatus, artifacts, photographs and records dating back to the 1880s. }} * {{see | name=Manitoba Children's Museum | url=http://www.childrensmuseum.com | email=general@childrensmuseum.com | address=45 Forks Market Rd | lat=49.88758 | long=-97.12828 | directions=at The Forks | phone=+1 204-924-4000 | tollfree= | fax=+1 204-956-2122 | hours=Summer (Jul & Aug): 9:30AM–6PM; winter: Su–Th 9:30AM–4:30PM, F Sa 9:30AM–6PM | price=$6.25–7 (senior, adult and group discounts available) | tags=museum | content=The Manitoba Children’s Museum is home to several hands-on galleries, offering plenty of family fun. Be a TV anchor, visit the land of fairy tales or climb aboard a fully refurbished locomotive and passenger train car. In November and December, you can take a magical stroll through the Santa Village and perhaps even meet the man in the red suit himself. }} * {{see | name=Manitoba Electrical Museum | url=https://www.manitobaelectricalmuseum.ca/ | email= | address=680 Harrow St | lat=49.85593 | long=-97.15513 | directions= | phone=+1 204-360-7905 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-Sa 1–4PM | price=Free | content=A small but interesting museum, very kid friendly. Features electric street car, robot made of household electronics and consumer products through the ages. }} * {{see | name=Manitoba Museum | alt= | url=http://www.manitobamuseum.ca | email=info@manitobamuseum.ca | address=190 Rupert Ave | lat=49.90010 | long=-97.13642 | directions=downtown | phone=+1 204-956-2830 | tollfree= | hours=Summer (mid May–early Sep): 10AM–5PM; winter: museum Th-Su 11AM–5PM, Planetarium Sa Su 11AM–5PM | price=Museum: adult $15, senior $13, youth 3-17 $9; planetarium: $6-8 | wikidata=Q2264019 | lastedit=2021-09-15 | tags=museum | content=You can explore a vivid portrayal of Manitoba’s rich and colourful history through nine galleries that total approximately 68,000 square feet of exciting exploration (approximately 4 football fields). All regions of Manitoba are represented in the galleries, including the Grasslands, the Boreal Forest, the Arctic/Subarctic, the Hudson Bay Company Collections Gallery and the Parklands/Mixed Woods Gallery, which is the largest and most interactive of the galleries, and moving dinosaurs. Frequent shows in the Planetarium. }} * {{see | name=Le musée de Saint-Boniface | url=http://www.msbm.mb.ca | email=info@msbm.mb.ca | address=494 av Taché | lat=49.88780 | long=-97.12310 | directions=in Old St. Boniface | phone=+1 204-237-4500 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Stand within the oldest building in Winnipeg and the largest oak structure in North America, depicting the lives of the French and Métis people. }} * {{see | name=Riel House | alt= | url=https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/mb/riel | email= | address=330 River Road, St. Vital | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 204-983-6757| tollfree=+1-888-773-8888 | hours=Summer only | price=Adult $4.25, senior $3.75, under 18 free | wikidata=Q3278967 | lastedit=2022-03-19 | content=A National Historic Site commemorating the life of the Métis politician, activist and founder of Manitoba, Louis Riel, as well as the daily life of Métis families in the Red River settlements. }} * {{see | name=Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada | alt=formerly Western Canada Aviation Museum | url=https://royalaviationmuseum.com/ | email=info@RoyalAviationMuseum.com | address=2088 Wellington Avenue | lat=49.90116 | long=-97.22486 | directions=on the Winnipeg Richardson International Airport campus | phone=+1 204-786-5503 | tollfree= | hours=10AM–5PM | price=Adults $16, seniors (65+) & students(13-17) $13, youth(3-12) $9.50 | lastedit=2025-02-09 | content=The museum has a collection of 22 aircraft used in Canada and displays of artifacts with a focus on Indigenous aviation history. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Winnipeg Railway Museum | alt= | url=http://www.wpgrailwaymuseum.com/ | email=wpgrail@mts.net | address=123 Broadway | lat=49.8885 | long=-97.1334 | directions=in Union Station, tracks One and Two | phone=+1 204-942-3632 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 11AM–4PM (winter), longer hours in summer | price=$7 adults, $6 seniors and older students, $5 children | wikidata=Q8025782 | lastedit=2020-03-27 | content=A wonderful collection of actual locomotives and rolling stock from over a century of railway in Winnipeg. Includes the "Countess of Dufferin", an 1872 steam 4-4-0 locomotive, plus two others with steam, three with diesel, and an electric locomotive. Also has 11 boxcars, baggage cars, cabooses, snowploughs, and maintenance cars. }} ===Parks=== * {{see | name=Assiniboine Park | url=http://www.assiniboinepark.ca | email= | address=2355 Corydon Ave | lat=49.85965 | long=-97.24076 | directions=in Tuxedo | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=If you are looking for a great summer outing at the park with a frisbee, this is the place to go. There is a zoo and all of its amenities on site for those wanting an attraction. Explore over 153 ha (378 acres) along the Assiniboine River. The Zoo, Conservatory, English Garden, Leo Mol Sculpture Garden, Tudor-style pavilion, and a fine example of a French formal garden are a few of the features found in the park. Picnic areas and cycling and walking trails are popular with visitors. In the winter, enjoy cross-country skiing, tobogganing and skating on the Duck Pond. All public areas are wheelchair accessible. The main entrance is on Corydon Ave one mile west of Kenaston Blvd. The park may also be accessed from Portage Ave via a footbridge over the Assiniboine River.}} *Located within Assiniboine Park: **'''Assiniboine Park Conservatory'''. **'''Assiniboine Park Zoo''': daily 9AM-5PM; adult $21.50, 60+ or student $18.75, child 3-17 $12 (Sep 2021). Polar bears, red pandas, kangaroos, bison, a very rare white bison, and many other animals, birds and amphibians. **'''Leo Mol Sculpture Garden'''. **'''Lyric Theatre'''. **'''The Pavilion Gallery Museum'''. **'''Winnie the Bear statue'''. * {{see | name=FortWhyte Alive | url=http://www.fortwhyte.org | email=info@fortwhyte.org | address=1961 McCreary Rd | lat=49.82961 | long=-97.22398 | directions=in Tuxedo | phone=+1 204-989-8355 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 9AM–5PM, Sa Su 10AM–5PM, extended summer and fall | price= | content=640-acre nature centre showcasing a 30-head bison prairie herd, 5 lakes, 7 km of trails, bird feeding stations, tipi encampment and more. }} * {{see | name=Harbour View Recreation Complex | url=http://www.lakelandgolfmanagement.com | email=hv@lakelandgolfmanagement.com | address=1867 Springfield Rd | lat=49.93549 | long=-97.01705 | directions=in Transcona, 2.5 km east of Hwy 59 | phone=+1 204-222-2751 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Enjoy a day of play with a nine-hole par 27 golf course, mini golf, driving range, lawn bowling, tennis, horseshoes, shuffleboard, sand volleyball and paddleboats. During the winter, enjoy ice skating on the lake, tobogganing, cross-country skiing and broomball. Professional golf and cross-country ski instruction and rental equipment are available. }} * {{see | name=Kildonan Park | url=http://www.winnipeg.ca/publicworks/ParksandFields/ParkBooking/Bookableparks/Kildonanpark.asp | email= | address=2015 Main St | lat=49.94609 | long=-97.10422 | directions=in West Kildonan | phone=311 | tollfree=+1-877-311-4974 | fax= | hours= | price= | content=North on Main, this park is a favourite, especially Sunday night "Cruise Nights". You will find many interesting new and vintage cars cruising through the park and meeting up with friends. As most parks, they also have BBQ/picnic designated areas, a pool, play structures, and some interesting landscaping. }} * {{see | name=King's Park | url=http://www.winnipeg.ca/publicworks/ParksandFields/ParkBooking/Bookableparks/Kingspark.asp | email= | address=King's Drive and Kilkenny Drive | lat=49.79744 | long=-97.12162 | directions=in Fort Garry, south of University of Manitoba | phone=311 | tollfree=+1-877-311-4974 | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Bordering on the Red River, King’s Park has many pathways (gravel and paved) to enjoy some of which lead to marshland. In the centre of the park you will find the beautiful Pagoda Gardens. The Park also has a soccer field, two baseball diamonds and an off-leash dog park area. }} :* {{see | name=Carol Shields Memorial Labyrinth | url=http://www.carolshieldslabyrinth.ca | email=mblabyrinth@yahoo.ca | address= | lat=49.79517 | long=-97.12169 | directions=in King's Park | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A free, outdoor garden labyrinth commemorating the world renowned author. A showcase for gardening and landscaping and the largest contemporary labyrinth in Canada. }} * {{see | name=St. Vital Park | alt= | url=https://www.winnipeg.ca/publicworks/parksopenspace/ParkRentals/BookableParks/StVital.stm | email= | address=on River Rd, north of Bishop Grandin Blvd | lat=49.82836 | long=-97.14188 | directions= | phone=+1 204-986-7623 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7592125 | lastedit=2020-09-24 | content=Situated on the Red River, this park is the perfect place for family get-togethers and recreational sports. In winter, the duck pond becomes a skating rink. }} ===Landmarks=== [[File:Historicalbuildingonportage.JPG|thumb|right|334px|Historical Buildings are common in Winnipeg]] * {{see | name=Esplanade Riel | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=49.89073 | long=-97.12704 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Connecting The Forks to St. Boniface, this bridge has become one of the most photographed sights in Winnipeg. }} * {{see | name=The Forks | alt= | url=http://www.theforks.com/ | email= | address= | lat=49.89033 | long=-97.13073 | directions= | phone=+1 204-942-6302 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A tourist attraction on the Red River. The Forks Market offers fresh and specialty foods, and more than 50 unique shops housed in an eclectic and historic building that was built to be a horse stable. The market has an excellent food court with various ethnic food options. Head to the hayloft for handicrafts and one-of-a-kind items including clothing, artisan-inspired gifts, jewellery and toys. In the winter you can rent ice skates and go skating down the Red River. In the summer, there are special events and outdoor entertainment almost daily, some fantastic patios and outdoor bars. }} * {{see | name=Fort Gibraltar | alt= | url=http://www.fortgibraltar.com/ | email=info@festivalvoyageur.mb.ca | address=866 St. Joseph St | lat=49.89932 | long=-97.12566 | directions=in St. Boniface | phone=+1 204-237-7692 | tollfree= | fax=+1 204-233-7576 | hours= | price= | content=Living history museum, educational guided tours about the fur trade era and costumed interpreters reliving life in 1815. During February, it is at the heart of the Festival du Voyageur. }} * {{see | name=Manitoba Legislative Building | alt= | url=http://www.gov.mb.ca/legtour/index.html | email= | address=450 Broadway | lat=49.88445 | long=-97.14684 | directions= | phone=+1 204-945-5813 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Visit Manitoba’s beloved '''Golden Boy''', who is perched atop the Provincial Legislative building. The Golden Boy, a magnificently gilded 5.25-m (17.2-ft) figure sculpted by Charles Gardet of Paris, and cast in 1918 at the Barbidienne foundry in France, is probably Manitoba's best-known symbol. Embodying the spirit of enterprise and eternal youth, he is poised atop the dome of the building. He faces the north, with its mineral resources, fish, forest, furs, hydroelectric power and seaport, where his province's future lies. The foundry was partially destroyed by bombs during the First World War, but the Golden Boy emerged unharmed. Go inside the building to see the exquisite grand staircase and rotunda. Guided tours available. }} [[File:Mintmanitoba.JPG|thumb|200px|right|Royal Canadian Mint in East Winnipeg]] * {{see | name=The Royal Canadian Mint | alt= | url=https://www.mint.ca | email=reservationswinnipeg@mint.ca | address=520 Lagimodiere Blvd | lat=49.85258 | long=-97.05474 | directions=at the junction of Highways 1 and 59 | phone=+1 204-983-6429 | tollfree=+1-866-822-6724 | hours=Offering virtual tours on Tu-Sa | price=$10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $6.50 for students (5-17) | lastedit=2022-05-13 | content=The Royal Canadian Mint’s facility in Winnipeg, designed by local architect Etienne Gaboury, produces billions of coins each year. This is where all Canadian circulation coins are made, as well as those for more than 60 governments all around the world. A fascinating guided tour includes the viewing of a 5-minute video in the theatre area followed by a 40-minute walking tour overlooking the state-of-the-art manufacturing facility where the precise art, craft, and science of coin-making is revealed. Open year-round, the on-site Boutique offers beautiful collector coins, an exclusive line of Royal Canadian Mint clothing, and an exciting collection of souvenirs and gift ideas. The adjacent interactive coin museum involves the visitor in unique learning activities including the ability to make your own souvenir coin and the opportunity to lift and hold a 99.99% pure gold bar worth over $200,000. }} * {{see | name=St. Boniface Cathedral | alt= | url= | email= | address=190 av de la Cathédrale | lat=49.88934 | long=-97.12151 | directions= | phone=+1 204-233-7304 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tours during Jul & Aug: W–F 2PM & 7PM; Sa Su 2PM, 4PM & 7PM | price= | lastedit=2017-06-16 | content=The original cathedral, built in 1908, was destroyed by fire in 1968. The remaining walls were incorporated into the design of the new church, creating a dramatic facade facing west across the Red River towards downtown Winnipeg: the clouds wheeling behind the hollow rosary window frame are like a Tyrell art installation. The cathedral is a beautiful testament to Winnipeg's history. }} * {{see | name=Uptown Theatre | alt=Uptown Lofts | url=https://www.historicplaces.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lieu.aspx?id=6046 | address=394 Academy Rd | lat=49.8736 | long=-97.1829 | directions= | phone= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Academy Road (Winnipeg)#Uptown Theatre | lastedit=2021-07-24 | content=The former Uptown Theatre (now the Uptown Lofts) was a movie theatre opened in 1931. The heritage building's restored façade features a fanciful mix of Spanish, Moorish and art deco design with many ornamental details, making the building an attractive landmark. Its interior might not be open to the public, but its façade can be viewed from the other side of the street. }} ==Do== ===Activities=== * {{do | name=The Golf Dome | url=http://www.golfdome.ca | email=customerservice@golfdome.ca | address=1205 Wilkes Ave | lat=49.84757 | long=-97.20172 | directions=off Sterling Lyon Pkwy via Lorimer Blvd | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Summer: 9AM–10PM, winter: 8AM–10PM | price= | content=Three-tier driving range, 18-hole mini golf, three virtual golf simulators. }} * {{do | name=Grand Prix Amusements | url=http://www.grandprixamusements.com | email= | address=Hwy 1 East (Fermor Ave) | lat=49.8515 | long=-97.0063 | directions=4 km east of the Mint | phone=+1 204-254-3644 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Go-kart racing on three challenging tracks with over 75 go-karts for ages four to adult. 18-hole pirate theme mini golf, bumper boats, bumper cars, batting cages and arcades. }} * {{do | name=Speedworld Indoor Kart Track | url=http://www.speedworld.ca | email=info@speedworld.ca | address=575 Berry St | lat=49.8915 | long=-97.2092 | directions=in St. James | phone=+1 204-774-5278 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon to midnight | price= | content=40–50 km/h real European style racing karts on a ¼-km indoor track with AMB timing system. }} * {{do | name=Springhill Winter Sports Park | alt=in Springhill | url=http://www.springhillwinterpark.com | email=cs@springhillwinterpark.com | address=Hwy 59 N | lat=49.96370 | long=-96.98149 | directions=just north of Winnipeg | phone=+1 204-224-3051 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Dec–Apr: Tu–F 6:30–9:30PM, Sa Su 9AM–4PM | price= | content=Includes 10 ski runs, a quad chairlift and a tow rope. The terrain park offers something for all levels. Certified instructors and rentals available. }} * {{do | name=Thunder Rapids Fun Park | url=http://www.thunderrapids.ca | email=thunderrapidsfunpark@mts.net | address=5058 Portage Ave |lat=49.8739 | long=-97.3861| directions=4 km west of Assiniboia Downs | phone=+1 204-885-7223 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Summer: M–Sa 10AM–10PM; spring and fall: 10AM–dusk; Su open at noon | price= | content=Five different types of go-karts, bumper boats, batting cages, video games, jungle gym, picnic/BBQ areas, 18-hole mini golf. }} * {{do | name=Tinkertown Family Fun Park | url=http://www.tinkertown.mb.ca | email= | address=Hwy 1 East at Murdock Rd | lat=49.8363 | long=-96.9797 | directions= | phone=+1 204-257-8095 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=May–Sep | price= | content=Outdoor amusement park with over 20 rides and attractions for kids. }} * {{do | name=U-Puttz Black Light Miniature Golf | url=http://www.u-puttz.ca | email=u-puttz@mts.net | address=423 McPhillips St |lat=49.9180 | long=-97.1692 | directions=in the North End | phone=+1 204-582-2166 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Uniquely themed 18-hole miniature golf course. }} ====Public 18-hole golf courses==== * {{do | name=John Blumberg Golf Course | url= | email= | address=4540 Portage Ave | lat=49.87173 | long=-97.36740 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{do | name=Kildonan Park Golf Course | url= | email= | address=2021 Main St | lat=49.94767 | long=-97.10404 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{do | name=River Oaks Golf Course | url=https://www.riveroaksgolf.ca/ | email= | address= | lat=49.7103 | long=-97.1997| directions=south on Waverley St | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{do | name=Shooters Family Golf Centre | url= | email= | address=2731 Main St | lat=49.96036 | long=-97.07867 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{do | name=Tuxedo Golf Club | url= | email= | address=400 Shaftesbury Blvd | lat=49.86274 | long=-97.23459 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{do | name=Windsor Park Golf Course | url= | email= | address=10 Des Meurons St | lat=49.8623 | long=-97.0917 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ===Sports=== * {{do | name=Assiniboia Downs Racetrack | url=http://www.assiniboiadowns.com | email=info@assiniboiadowns.com | address=3975 Portage Ave | lat=49.88537 | long=-97.33631 | directions=just west of the Perimeter Hwy | phone=+1 204-885-3330 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=May–Sep | price= | content=Featuring live thoroughbred racing. Year-round simulcast wagering on races from around the globe. }} <!-- all over Canada and none of the upcoming events on their website (https://volleyball.ca/en/competitions/national-women) was in Winnipeg * {{do | name=Team Canada Volleyball | url=http://www.volleyball.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 204-474-7084 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Come out and cheer on Team Canada! Team Canada Women’s Volleyball regularly hosts elite international competitions in Winnipeg and Manitoba. }} --> * {{do | name=Winnipeg Blue Bombers | alt= | url=https://www.bluebombers.com | email= | address=Princess Auto Stadium, 315 Chancellor Matheson Rd | lat=49.80789 | long=-97.14287 | directions=at the University of Manitoba | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Jun–Nov | price=Ticket prices range between $33.50–$181.00 | content=Football (Canadian Football League): The Blue Bombers have a long history of support in the city. The Bombers have made it to the league finals 26 times since 1937. After a long Grey Cup drought dating to 1990, they won the trophy in 2019, and repeated as champions in 2021. Winnipeg last hosted the Grey Cup in 2015. Tickets are usually available on game days, although it is wise to purchase in advance. }} * {{do | name=Winnipeg Goldeyes | alt= | url=http://www.goldeyes.com | email= | address=Shaw Park, 1 Portage Ave E | lat=49.89377 | long=-97.13284 | directions=north of The Forks | phone= | tollfree= | hours=May–Sep | price=Tickets range from $15.50–$29.50 | content=Baseball (American Association): Since returning to Winnipeg in 1994, the team has frequently finished first in their division and won championships in 1994 and 2012. Shaw Park, constructed in 1999, is considered one of the nicest minor league baseball parks in North America. }} [[File:Winnipers celebrate return of NHL hockey.jpg|thumb|Ice hockey is a big sport in Canada and Winnipeg is no exception; here fans celebrate the re-establishment of the Winnipeg Jets as an NHL team in 2011]] * {{do | name=Winnipeg Jets | alt= | url=https://nhl.com/jets | email= | address=Canada Life Centre, Portage Ave & Donald St | lat=49.89268 | long=-97.14376 | directions=downtown | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Oct–mid Apr, Stanley Cup playoffs run into Jun | price= | content=Hockey (National Hockey League): In 2011, Winnipeg again became home to an NHL team after a Winnipeg-based group purchased the [[Atlanta]] Thrashers. The team resurrected the Jets name that had been used by two other Winnipeg-based hockey teams, most notably the city's former NHL franchise. The Jets play at Canada Life Centre, built in 2004 and a first-class venue for hockey games and concerts, though small by NHL standards. Single-game tickets are available, but can be hard to come across for key matchups; 13,000 of the arena's 15,000 seats were dedicated to season tickets. }} * {{do | name=Manitoba Moose | alt= | url=http://moosehockey.com/ | email= | address=300 Portage Ave | lat=49.89268 | long=-97.14376 | directions=downtown, between Hargrave St and Donald St | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Season runs between October and April - may extend into May and June for playoffs | price=Ticket prices vary between $30 and $40 | lastedit=2021-05-10 | content=Hockey (American Hockey League). The Manitoba Moose are the professional farm team of the Winnipeg Jets, and play at least 38 regular season games at Canada Life Centre. The AHL is a developmental league where NHL draft picks, prospects, and ex-NHL veterans regularly play. Compared to the NHL, AHL hockey is more affordable and tickets are readily available. AHL games are generally more family friendly as a result. The Manitoba Moose play at the same arena as the Winnipeg Jets, which makes for a comfortable and enjoyable fan experience. }} * {{do | name=Valour FC | alt= | url=https://valourfc.canpl.ca | email= | address=Princess Auto Stadium, 315 Chancellor Matheson Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Tickets range from $21.00–$59.00 | content=Soccer team in the Canadian Premier League, which made its debut in 2019. Valour FC plays at Princess Auto Stadium (the former IG Field), and their small base of dedicated fans does its best to generate soccer atmosphere in a cavernous stadium. }} * {{do | name=Winnipeg Sea Bears | alt= | url=https://seabears.ca | email=info@seabears.ca | address=Canada Life Centre, 300 Portage Avenue | lat=49.8933 | long=-97.1437 | directions=Portage Ave & Donald St Downtown | phone=+1 204 594-4484 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Tickets range from $25.00-$47.00 | lastedit=2020-10-01 | content=The Winnipeg Sea Bears have exploded onto the summer pro basketball scene as a highly successful expansion team in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL). Satisfying pent-up demand among local basketball fanatics, the Sea Bears have enthralled Canada Life Centre crowds with fast paced action, mixed with exciting game presentation. }} ===Casinos=== * {{do | name=Club Regent Casino | alt= | url=http://www.casinosofwinnipeg.com | email= | address=1425 Regent Ave W | lat=49.89544 | long=-97.04503 | directions= | phone=+1 204-957-2700 | tollfree=+1-800-265-3912 | fax= | hours=M–Sa 10AM–3AM, Su noon–3AM, closed on selected holidays | price= | content=Large tropical-themed casino. }} * {{do | name=McPhillips Station Casino | alt= | url=http://www.casinosofwinnipeg.com | email= | address=484 McPhillips St | lat=49.91971 | long=-97.17131 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-800-265-3912 | fax= | hours=M–Sa 10AM–3AM, Su noon–3AM, closed on selected holidays | price= | content=Large railway-themed casino. }} ===Theatre=== ====Film==== * {{do | name=Cinematheque | url=http://www.winnipegcinematheque.com | email=info@winnipegfilmgroup.com | address=100 Arthur St | lat=49.89809 | long=-97.14101 | directions=in the Exchange District | phone=+1 204-925-3457 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Intimate art film theatre devoted to screening the very best in Canadian, independent, foreign and alternative film. }} ====Plays and musicals==== <!--Please first discuss proposed changes on this page's talk page.--> [[File:Manitoba Theatre Centre (July 2006).jpg|thumb|Entrance to the Manitoba Theatre Centre]] * {{do | name=Black Hole Theatre Company | url=http://www.bhtc.ca | email=publicity@bhtc.ca | address=210 Dysart Rd | lat=49.81139 | long=-97.13132 | directions=University College, University of Manitoba | phone=+1 204-474-6880 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Oct–Apr | price= | content=The Company performs works by established and emerging playwrights. }} * {{do | name=Le Cercle Molière | url=http://www.cerclemoliere.com | email=communications@cerclemoliere.com | address=825 rue Saint-Joseph | lat=49.8935 | long=-97.1145 | directions=in Old St. Boniface | phone=+1 204-233-8053 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$30 (student, young adult, subscription, and other discounts available) | content=French-language theatre company. }} * {{do | name=Manitoba Theatre for Young People | alt=MTYP | url=http://www.mtyp.ca | email= | address=2 Forks Market Rd | lat=49.88826 | long=-97.13082 | directions=at The Forks | phone=+1 204-942-8898 | tollfree= | fax=+1 204-943-4129 | hours=Oct–May | price=$14–18 (student, senior, group discounts available) | content=A full season of professional theatre for young people, age 3 to teen, and their families. }} * {{do | name=Prairie Theatre Exchange | alt=PTE | url=http://www.pte.mb.ca | email= | address=3rd floor, 393 Portage Ave | lat=49.89275 | long=-97.14739 | directions=third floor, Portage Place Shopping Centre, Downtown | phone=+1 204-942-5483 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$35-47 (student, senior, group discounts available) | content=Winnipeg's second-largest live theatre offers an incredibly intimate experience with all seats less than 10 metres from the stage. }} * {{do | name=Rainbow Stage | url=http://www.rainbowstage.ca | email=rbstage@mts.net | address=2021 Main St | lat=49.94210 | long=-97.10063 | directions=in Kildonan Park | phone=+1 204-989-0888 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$35-60 (student, senior, group discounts available) | content=Summer performances take place at Rainbow Stage in Kildonan Park, Canada's longest running outdoor theatre. }} * {{do | name=Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre | alt=MTC | url=http://www.mtc.mb.ca | email=patronservices@mtc.mb.ca | address=174 Market Ave | lat=49.89851 | long=-97.13678 | directions=East Exchange District | phone=+1 204-942-6537 | tollfree= | fax=+1 204-947-3741 | hours=Oct–May | price=$20–85 (student, senior, subscription discounts available) | content=Winnipeg's premier theatre group, MTC shows original works, Broadway hits, and everything in between. The MTC Mainstage focuses on broad-appeal musicals and plays, while the smaller (though still modern) MTC Warehouse is used for quirkier or more challenging fare. MTC also holds a Master Playwright Festival in January and February and the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival in July at venues throughout the city. }} * {{do | name=Shakespeare in the Ruins | alt=SIR | url=http://www.shakespeareintheruins.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Shakespeare plays performed in a variety of settings, mostly outdoors. }} * {{do | name=Theatre in the Cemetery | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/Th%C3%A9%C3%A2tre-dans-le-cimeti%C3%A8re-Theatre-in-the-Cemetery-130436336998230/ | email= | address=190 ave de la Cathédrale | lat=49.88934 | long=-97.12151 | directions=St. Boniface Cathedral Cemetery | phone= | tollfree=+1-866-808-8338 | fax= | hours=July-August | price=$7 | content=Enjoy a unique and entertaining theatrical performance that takes you through the St. Boniface Cathedral's cemetery, one of the oldest in the city. Hear stories from French, Métis and Manitoban history while visiting gravesites of fascinating historic characters such as Louis Riel, founder of the province. Shows available in both English and French. }} * {{do | name=Winnipeg Jewish Theatre | url=http://www.wjt.ca | email=info@wjt.ca | address=123 Doncaster St | lat=49.8722 | long=-97.2085 | directions=Asper Jewish Community Campus | phone=+1 204-477-7478 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Oct–May | price=$35 | content= }} ====Opera and ballet==== * {{do | name=Little Opera Company | url=http://www.littleopera.ca | email=contact@littleopera.ca | address=200 av de la Cathédrale | lat=49.88913 | long=-97.11968 | directions=Collège universitaire de Saint-Boniface | phone=+1 204-452-1017 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=An intimate alternative to grand opera with chamber opera that is sung in English. }} * {{do | name=Manitoba Opera | url=http://www.manitobaopera.mb.ca | email=mbopera@manitobaopera.mb.ca | address=555 Main St | lat=49.89942 | long=-97.13704 | directions=Centennial Concert Hall | phone=+1 204-253-2787 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Acclaimed artists from around the world join the finest Canadian singers, the Manitoba Opera Chorus, and the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. }} * {{do | name=Royal Winnipeg Ballet | alt=RWB | url=http://www.rwb.org | email= | address=380 Graham Ave | lat=49.89088 | long=-97.14599 | directions=downtown | phone=+1 204-956-0183 | tollfree= | fax=+1 204-943-1994 | hours= | price=$12–15 (senior, student, subscription discounts available) | content=Known worldwide for its technical excellence and its eclectic repertoire. Strongly rooted in classical ballet, the RWB’s repertoire is diverse, ranging from the classics to innovative contemporary ballet. }} * {{do | name=Winnipeg's Contemporary Dancers | alt=WCD | url=http://www.winnipegscontemporarydancers.ca/web4/wcd/ | email=wcd@mts.net | address=2nd floor, 211 Bannatyne Ave | lat=49.89812 | long=-97.13958 | directions=Crocus Building, in the Exchange District | phone=+1 204-452-0229 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Each season WCD creates and presents new work from within the Company and also introduces Winnipeg audiences to some of the best choreography and dance from the rest of Canada. }} ====Orchestra==== * {{do | name=Manitoba Chamber Orchestra | alt= | url=https://www.themco.ca | email=info@themco.ca | address=745 Westminster Ave | lat=49.88216 | long=-97.1617 | directions=northwest corner of Maryland St & Westminster Ave | phone=+1 204-783-7377 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Nine concerts in the acoustically superb Westminster United Church. }} * {{do | name=Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra | alt=WJO | url=http://www.winnipegjazzorchestra.com | email=wjo@mts.net | address=300 Memorial Blvd | lat=49.88946 | long=-97.15058 | directions=Winnipeg Art Gallery | phone=+1 204-632-5299 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Showcases superb local artists and features appearances by exciting national and international guest artists. }} * {{do | name=Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra | alt=WSO | url=http://www.wso.ca | email=wso@wso.mb.ca | address=555 Main St | lat=49.89942 | long=-97.13704 | directions=Centennial Concert Hall | phone=+1 204-949-3999 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Performs more than 80 concerts belonging to four major series: Masterworks, Musically Speaking, Pops, Sundays with the Family; and a variety of feature performances. Also hosts the '''[https://wnmf.ca/ WSO New Music Festival]''' in late January and early February. }} ===Events=== [[File:Red River Exhibition Park, Winnipeg (360189) (9441763539).jpg|thumb|Red River Exhibition]] The city is home to several events. * {{do | name=Le Festival du Voyageur | alt=Saison Voyageur | url=http://www.festivalvoyageur.mb.ca | email= | address=St. Boniface | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Western Canada's largest winter festival. For 10 days in February, this fur-trade-themed celebration lights up Saint Boniface, Winnipeg's French Quarter. }} * {{do | name=Folklorama | url=http://www.folklorama.ca | email=info@folklorama.ca | address=venues throughout the city | lat= | long= | directions=guides available | phone=+1 204-982-6210 | tollfree= | fax=+1 204-943-1956 | hours=beginning of Aug | price= | content=The largest and longest running multicultural event of its kind in the world. Cultural pavilions are spread out at various locations throughout the city for two weeks in August, with a wonderful variety of music, dancing and food showcasing the city's amazing ethnic diversity. }} * {{do | name=ManyFest | url=http://www.manyfest.ca/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=downtown | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Sep | price=Free | content=Taking place on a closed-off Broadway over the course of a weekend, ManyFest (as you could guess) is a combination of many festivals into one: cycling events, a farmer's market, a dance party, a running race, and more. }} * {{do | name=Pride Winnipeg Festival | url=http://www.pridewinnipeg.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=beginning of Jun | price= | content=Pride in Winnipeg has been celebrated annually since 1987 and has evolved from a one-day event into a 10-day festival filled with pride, confidence, fun, colour, music, laughter, optimism and activism. Winnipeg Pride is the Pride of the Prairies—the largest celebration of LGBTTQ culture between Toronto and Vancouver. }} * {{do | name=Canada Day | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=every July 1 | price= | content=Canada's national birthday is celebrated at The Forks.. }} * {{do | name=Red River Exhibition | alt=The Ex | url=http://www.redriverex.com | email= | address=Exhibition Park, Assiniboia Downs | lat=49.88921 | long=-97.33120 | directions=Portage Ave west past Perimeter Hwy | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Late Jun | price= | content=The largest annual fair in Manitoba. }} * {{do | name=TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival | alt=Jazz Fest | url=http://www.jazzwinnipeg.com | email=info@jazzwinnipeg.com | address=venues throughout the city | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 204-989-4656 | tollfree= | fax=+1 204-956-5280 | hours=Late Jun to early Jul | price=$15 | content=With performers in multiple venues around town. }} * {{do | name=Winnipeg Comedy Festival | url=http://www.winnipegcomedyfestival.com | email= | address=venues throughout the city | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=April | price= | content=Stand-up, improv, and sketch comedy from local, national, and international comics. }} * {{do | name=Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival | alt=The Fringe | url=http://www.winnipegfringe.com | email=info@winnipegfringe.com | address=Old Market Square | lat=49.89866 | long=-97.14004 | directions=Exchange District | phone=+1 204-942-6537 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Jul | price=$5–10, passes available | content=North America's second largest Fringe Festival, offering over 150 different indoor plays and free outdoor entertainment. }} * {{do | name=Canadian International Comedy Film Festival | alt= | url=https://www.cicff.ca/ | email= | address=The Park Theatre | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Held frequently as a local annual film festival. Also showcases a selection of Canadian and international films in contribution to the art of comedy. }} ==Buy== Provincial Sales Tax (PST) in Manitoba is 7% and Federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) in Canada is 5%. Prices generally do not include tax, so expect your purchases to cost an additional 12%. It is customary in Winnipeg that all prices are set by a price tag and it is uncommon for retailers to bargain. It is common for smaller shops to close at 6PM, while large stores and malls will close around 9PM on weekdays. Weekends have reduced shopping hours, especially Sundays. Stores are only allowed to open at 9AM on Sundays and must close by 6PM, with certain exceptions (such as convenience stores). There are a few large chain stores that are open 24 hours or until midnight, such as Walmart, Shopper's Drug Mart and Superstore. ===Markets=== * {{buy | name=Downtown Winnipeg Farmer's Market | alt= | url=http://downtownwinnipegbiz.com/programs-services/events/downtown-farmers-market/ | email=susan@downtownwinnipegbiz.com | address=Edmonton St & Graham Ave | lat=49.89150 | long=-97.14620 | directions=Manitoba Hydro Place Plaza | phone=+1 204-958-4626 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Jul–early Sep: 11:30AM–5:30PM | price= | content=Similar to the St. Norbert Farmer's Market (many of the same vendors). Started in 2013. }} * {{buy | name=St. Norbert Farmer's Market | alt= | url=http://stnorbertfarmersmarket.ca/ | email= | address=3514 Pembina Hwy | lat=49.76719 | long=-97.15457 | directions=in St. Norbert, south of the Perimeter | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Jun–Sep: Sa 8AM–3PM, W 11AM–4PM; Oct Sa 8AM–3PM | price= | content=Fresh fruits and vegetables, breads and cookies, crafts including: wooden toys, leather purses, outdoor furniture, creative metal works and fine jewellery. Everything is made in Manitoba. }} * {{buy | name=Ten Thousand Villages | url=http://www.tenthousandvillages.ca/ | email= | address=134 Plaza Dr | lat=49.82349 | long=-97.14800 | directions=near the intersection of Pembina Hwy & Bishop Grandin Blvd | phone=+1 204-261-0566 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Sa 10AM–5:30PM | price= | content=A fair-trade store run by the Mennonite Central Committee. The store offers various hand-made gifts and crafts created by artisans from around the world. All merchandise is bought from the artisans at a fair price to help provide income for struggling families in the developing world. }} ===Shopping malls=== * {{buy | name=Garden City Shopping Centre | alt= | url=https://www.shopgardencity.ca | email= | address=2305 McPhillips St | lat=49.951 | long=-97.145 | directions=in Garden City | phone=+1 204-338-7076 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 9:30AM–9PM, Sa 9:30AM–6PM, Su 11AM–6PM | price= | lastedit=2021-05-11 | content=A single level mall that has a lot of different stores, Canadian Tire and Winners. }} * {{buy | name=Grant Park Shopping Centre | url=http://www.grantparkshoppingcentre.com | email= | address=1120 Grant Ave | lat=49.85736 | long=-97.16503 | directions=in River Heights | phone=+1 204-475-8556 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A vibrant, urban centre of nearly 400,000 square feet and over 70 shops and services. }} * {{buy | name=Kildonan Place | alt= | url=https://www.kildonanplace.com | email=info@kildonanplace.com | address=1555 Regent Ave W | lat=49.8981 | long=-97.0602 | directions=in Transcona | phone=+1 204-661-6116 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 11AM–7PM, Sa Su 11AM–6PM | price= | lastedit=2021-05-11 | content=With over 100 stores and services, Kildonan Place is northeast Winnipeg’s largest shopping centre. }} * {{buy | name=Polo Park Shopping Centre | url= | email=polcares@cadillacfairview.com | address=1485 Portage Ave | lat=49.88390 | long=-97.19864 | directions=in St. James | phone=+1 204-784-2500 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Centrally located, Polo Park offers over 200 stores and services including restaurants, cinemas, bowling and the city’s largest selection of retailers. }} * {{buy | name=St. Vital Centre | url=http://www.stvitalcentre.com | email= | address=Bishop Grandin Blvd & St. Marys Rd | lat=49.82876 | long=-97.11016 | directions=in St. Vital | phone=+1 204-257-5646 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Over 160 unique stores and services. This family-friendly destination features a great selection of casual dining options, a kids' play area and Kids Club. }} ===Shopping streets and districts=== [[File:Wide variety of santa suits.JPG|thumb|250px|20+ varieties of Santa suits (and prescription eye wear, apparently) on Osborne St at the onset of a blizzard]] * {{buy | name=Academy Rd | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=49.8739 | long=-97.1851 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Academy Rd offers the finest shops and services catering to the discriminating shopper, with designer-original fashions, toy and gift shops, bakeries, a specialty grocery store, coffee houses and restaurants, gourmet catered fare, a chocolatier, a gourmet food and wine store and more. }} * {{buy | name=Corydon Ave | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=49.8702 | long=-97.155 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=You’ll find a mix of fashion boutiques, restaurants, curio and antique shops, jewellery, furniture, gift stores, a book and plant store, upscale second-hand boutiques and more. }} * {{buy | name=Downtown | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=49.8943 | long=-97.1388 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Filled with shops large and small. The Skywalk connects the large centres, protecting you in the winter. Most shops close around 6PM. }} :* {{buy | name=Cityplace | alt= | url= | email= | address=333 St. Mary Ave | lat=49.89109 | long=-97.14332 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} :* {{buy | name=Portage Place Shopping Centre | alt= | url=http://www.portageplace.mb.ca | email= | address=393 Portage Ave | lat=49.89281 | long=-97.14643 | directions= | phone=+1 204-925-4630 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Portage Place is the hub of downtown Winnipeg with over 100 services, restaurants and shops. }} :* {{buy | name=Winnipeg Square | alt= | url= | email= | address=360 Main St | lat=49.89420 | long=-97.13866 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Winnipeg’s largest underground mall offers over 45 shops, services and restaurants. }} * {{buy | name=The Exchange District | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=49.8976 | long=-97.1372 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Antiques, book stores, gift shops, clothing and furniture boutiques make this neighbourhood a unique shopping destination. }} * {{buy | name=The Forks Market | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=49.8876 | long=-97.1317 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Featuring Indigenous and ethnic art and crafts, souvenirs, and a variety of dining choices. }} ** {{buy | name=Johnston Terminal | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=across from the Forks Market | phone= | tollfree= | hours= Hours vary | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-09-14 | content=There is a huge antiques shop in the basement, and a variety of independent clothing, craft and art shops on the ground floor and upper level. }} * {{buy | name=Osborne St | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=49.8759 | long=-97.1431 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Merchants offer a variety of goods from coffee to cookware, books to home furnishings, giftware to gold, music to pottery. Contemporary fashions suited to every style are offered in many fine stores. }} ==Eat== Winnipeg residents love food. There is an amazing array of restaurants catering to every taste and budget. Tipping is customary in Winnipeg and is not included in the price of the food. Some restaurants may automatically add a gratuity charge for large groups. Tips typically range from 10–20% [[File:Polish kiełbasa.jpg|thumb|Kielbasa is part of the Polish cuisine, and outside Poland it can be found in places with a history of Polish immigration, like the Canadian Prairie provinces]] Local cuisine includes: * '''Winnipeg goldeye''', a smoked fish available at most grocery stores and fish markets. * '''Winnipeg-style rye bread''', best bought unsliced directly from the bakery. * '''Winnipeg-style cream cheese''' is a good accompaniment for '''Gunn's bagels'''. * Fresh '''pickerel''' filets and cheeks. * '''Russian mints''' * '''Manitoba maple syrup''' * '''Kubasa''' or '''kielbasa''', a ready-to-eat Eastern European pork garlic sausage smoked daily. * Mennonite '''farmer's sausage''' (for frying or barbecuing). * '''Chili Burgers''' * '''Tourtière''', a Québécois meat pie. * Québécois desserts like '''sucre à la crême''' (similar to fudge) and '''tarte à sucre''' (like pecan pie, minus pecans). * Indigenous foods like '''elk''', '''bison''', and '''bannock'''. *'''Honey dill dipping sauce''' for things like chicken fingers and fries. Can be ordered at almost any restaurant in Winnipeg or bought in some stores. ===Budget=== <!--Please first discuss proposed changes on this page's talk page.--> * {{eat | name=Affinity Vegetarian Garden | alt= | url=http://affinitygarden.com/home.html | email= | address=100–208 Edmonton St | lat=49.89013 | long=-97.14627 | directions=downtown | phone=+1 204-943-0251 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 11:30AM–2PM, 5–9:30PM, Sa 5–9:30PM, Su closed | price=entrees $8.75-11.50 | content=Chinese and vegetarian, including vegetarian imitations of shrimp and fish. }} * {{eat | name=Burrito Del Rio Taqueria | url= | email= | address=433 River Ave | lat=49.87967 | long=-97.14542 | directions=in Osborne Village | phone=+1 204-415-5600 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Mexican. }} * {{eat | name=Falafel Place | url=http://www.falafelplace.ca | email= | address=1101 Corydon Ave | lat=49.86624 | long=-97.16769 | directions=in River Heights | phone=+1 204-489-5811 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Lebanese/brunch. Perfect for hangovers. }} * {{eat | name=KG Saigon | alt= | url=http://kgsaigon.shawbiz.ca | email= | address=840 Sargent Ave | lat=49.8967 | long=-97.17131 | directions=in the West End | phone=+1 204-783-3482 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Amazing Vietnamese food. }} * {{eat | name=The North Star Drive-In | alt= | url= | email= | address=531 McGregor St | lat=49.92856 | long=-97.13972 | directions=in the North End | phone=+1 204-589-4003 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Across the street from Alycia's, and has excellent burgers in town. If you try this family-run drive in, expect very friendly staff and delicious burgers, hot dogs, and fries. North Star also always has a fresh dogbowl of water if you happen to bring your pet along. }} * {{eat | name=Salisbury House | alt= | url=https://www.salisburyhouse.ca | email= | address=21 locations throughout the city | lat=NA | long=NA | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Started during the Dirty Thirties, the company still succeeded due to good food at decent prices. Salisbury refers to hamburgers as "nips", and French fried potatoes as "chips". Many expatriates returning to the city find it a necessity to have at least one Sals' "nip". }} * {{eat | name=VJ's Drive Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=170 Main St | lat=49.88957 | long=-97.13560 | directions=across from Union Station, downtown | phone=+1 204-943-2655 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Greasy spoon. Burgers, fries and shakes. One of the best in town. }} ===Mid-range=== <!--Please first discuss proposed changes on this page's talk page.--> [[File:Restaurants in "Winnipeg Square" underground mall in Winnipeg, Manitoba.JPG|thumb|Restaurants and shops in the Winnipeg Square mall]] * {{eat | name=Baked Expectations | alt= | url=http://www.bakedexpectations.ca/ | email= | address=161 Osborne St | lat=49.87714 | long=-97.14443 | directions=in Osborne Village | phone=+1 204-452-5176 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Popular bakery and restaurant, famous for its desserts. }} * {{eat | name=Bridge Drive-In | alt= | url=http://bridgedrivein.com/ | email= | address=766 Jubilee Ave | lat=49.85535 | long=-97.14246 | directions=in Riverview | phone=+1 204-475-6850 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Ice cream. }} * {{eat | name=Feast Cafe Bistro | alt= | url=http://www.feastcafebistro.com/lunch-and-dinner-menu/ | email= | address=587 Ellice Ave | lat=49.8932 | long=-97.1584 | directions= | phone=+1 204-691-5979 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Su 11AM-8PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-09-15 | content=An Indigenous-owned restaurant that serves cuisine inspired by the First Nations — bison, salmon, pickerel, Bannock, wild rice, squash.... }} * {{eat | name=InFerno's Bistro | alt= | url=http://www.infernosbistro.com/ | email= | address=312 rue des Meurons | lat=49.88216 | long=-97.11066 | directions=in St. Boniface | phone=+1 204-262-7400 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 11AM–10PM, F Sa 11AM–11PM | price= | content=French. }} * {{eat | name=Magic Thailand | alt= | url= | email= | address=842 Logan Ave | lat=49.91016 | long=-97.16 | directions= | phone=+1 204-774-0839 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Authentic Thai. Don't be put off by the area or the decor. }} * {{eat | name=Stella's Cafe & Bakery | alt= | url=http://stellas.ca/ | email= | address=7 locations throughout the city | lat=NA | long=NA | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Breakfast/brunch, soup, sandwiches and other entrees. Also offers gluten-free and vegan alternatives. }} * {{eat | name=Sun Fortune Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=15–2077 Pembina Hwy | lat=49.815092 | long=-97.153157 | directions=near the University of Manitoba | phone=+1 204-269-6868 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Authentic Chinese. North Americanized Chinese dishes are also available. If you know Cantonese or know someone who can speak it, there are unconfirmed rumours of a secret Cantonese-only menu. }} * {{eat | name=Nuburger | alt=formerly Unburger | url=https://www.ilovenuburger.com | email=info@eatunburger.com | address=472 Stradbrook Ave | lat=49.8774 | long=-97.1454 | directions=in Osborne Village | phone=+1 204-888-1001 | tollfree= | hours=M–Th 11:30AM–8:30PM, F Sa 11:30AM-9PM, Su noon–8PM | price= | lastedit=2021-05-10 | content=Healthy gourmet burgers including creations such as "Blueberry Yum Yum" (beef burger with blueberry BBQ sauce), "Shanghai" (chicken burger with a spicy Asian twist) and "Bella" (grilled portabella veggie burger). Buns baked daily. There's another location in the Forks Market. }} ===Splurge=== <!--Please first discuss proposed changes on this page's talk page.--> * {{eat | name=Bonfire Bistro | alt= | url=https://bonfirebistro.ca | email=info@bonfirebistro.ca | address=1433 Corydon Ave | lat=49.8636 | long=-97.1851 | directions= | phone=+1 204-487-4440 | tollfree= | hours=M–Th 4–8PM, F Sa 4–9PM, closed Su | price= | lastedit=2021-05-11 | content=Italian including wood-fired pizza, pasta, and entrees prepared from local ingredients wherever possible. Does not accept reservations, will not allow groups more than 6. }} * {{eat | name=Cafe Dario | alt= | url=http://www.cafedario.com/ | email= | address=1390 Erin St | lat=49.90089 | long=-97.18401 | directions= | phone=+1 204-783-2813 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Lunch: M–F 11:30AM–2PM; dinner: Sa Su 5PM–on | price=Prix fixe 5-course meal $39 | content=Latin American. Gluten free alternatives available. Reservations recommended. }} * {{eat | name=Carnaval Brazilian BBQ | alt= | url=http://www.carnavalrestaurant.ca | email=info@carnavalrestaurant.ca | address=270 Waterfront Dr | lat=49.8973 | long=-97.1339 | directions=in the Exchange District | phone=+1 204-505-0945 | tollfree= | hours=Th–Su 4:30–10PM, closed M–W | price= | lastedit=2021-05-11 | content=Rotisserie-style Brazilian BBQ. All-you-can-eat meat-from-the-skewer. }} * {{eat | name=529 Wellington Steakhouse | alt= | url=http://529wellington.ca | email=529@wowhospitality.com | address=529 Wellington Crescent | lat=49.8766 | long=-97.1614 | directions= | phone=+1 204-487-8325 | tollfree= | hours=M–Sa 5–10PM, Su 5–9PM | price= | lastedit=2021-05-11 | content=One of the best steakhouses in the city. }} * {{eat | name=Ichiban Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar | alt= | url=https://www.lakeviewhotels.com/ichiban-winnipeg/ | email= | address=189 Carlton St | lat=49.8898 | long=-97.1442 | directions=downtown | phone=+1 204-925-7400 | tollfree= | hours=Th Su 5–9PM, F Sa 5–9;30PM, closed M–W | price= | lastedit=2021-05-11 | content=Japanese sushi and steakhouse. The chefs prepare the meal in front of you with great showmanship. You must come as a group or you will be placed with strangers as the tables seat 8+. The menu consists of set dinners that can be expensive, but the food is delicious and the show is very entertaining. }} * {{eat | name=Saperavi | alt= | url=https://www.saperavi.ca/ | email=saperavicorydon@gmail.com | address=709 Corydon Ave | lat=49.8714 | long=-97.1521 | directions= | phone=+1 204-416-3996 | tollfree= | hours=W Th 5–10PM, F–Su 4–11PM, closed M Tu | price= | lastedit=2021-05-11 | content=One of the few restaurants in Winnipeg serving Georgian cuisine. }} ==Drink== [[File:The Hole In the Toad Pub, Winnipeg (480852) (13489708045).jpg|thumb|Inside The Hole In the Toad Pub ]] The sale of alcohol is regulated by the Government of Manitoba through the Manitoba Liquor Control Commission (MLCC, or the "LC"). All alcohol is sold through the MLCC's Liquor Marts. Beer and wine can be sold through beer vendors or wine markets. Any establishment selling alcohol must be licensed and follow MLCC rules, such as minimum drink prices and last call at 2AM. The legal drinking age in Manitoba is 18. Alcohol can only be consumed in residences or licensed establishments, not in public. The legal blood alcohol contact (BAC) limit for driving is 0.05. Taxis are common at popular night spots. Buses run infrequently at night and stop running before 2AM. Winnipeg is home to some local breweries: *{{drink | name=Fort Garry Brewing | alt= | url=https://fortgarry.com | email=info@fortgarry.com | address=130 Lowson Crescent | lat=49.8361 | long=-97.2081 | directions= | phone=+1 204-487-3678 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 8:30AM–5PM, Sa 2–6PM, closed Su | price= | lastedit=2021-05-12 | content=Manitoba's oldest microbrewery est. 1930. Tours available. }} * {{drink | name=Half Pints Brewing | alt= | url=https://halfpintsbrewing.com | email=info@halfpintsbrewing.com | address=550 Roseberry St | lat=49.8916 | long=-97.2159 | directions=just off of St Matthews Ave | phone=+1 204-832-7468 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 11AM–6PM | price= | lastedit=2021-05-12 | content=Free brewing tours on Saturdays. }} * {{drink | name=Trans Canada Brewing Co. | alt= | url=https://www.tcb.beer/ | email=info@tcb.beer | address=1290 Kenaston Blvd | lat=49.8323 | long=-97.2085 | directions= | phone=+1 204-666-2337 | tollfree= | hours=M–Sa 9AM–10PM, Su 9AM–7PM | price= | lastedit=2021-05-12 | content=A restaurant and brewery. }} ===Nightspots=== Parking will be difficult in the popular areas, especially Saturday nights. *'''Corydon Ave'''. Packed patios during the summer, the place for late night eats and drinks all year round. *'''Osborne Village'''. Home of the underground scene and late night food and drinks. *'''Exchange District'''. The main dance clubs in Winnipeg can be found in the Exchange District. ===Bars=== * {{drink | name=Bar Italia | alt=Bar I | url= | email= | address=737 Corydon Ave | lat=49.87115 | long=-97.15278 | directions= | phone=+1 204-452-1929 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Billiard tables, a packed patio and attracts a hip, twenty-something crowd. 18+. }} * {{drink | name=High and Lonesome Club | alt=Times Change(d) | url=http://www.highandlonesomeclub.ca | email=info@highandlonesomeclub.ca | address=234 Main St | lat=49.89163 | long=-97.13683 | directions=downtown | phone=+1 204-957-0982 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=W–F 11:30AM–2:30PM and 5:30–8:30PM, Sa 5:30–8:30PM | price= | content=Folk, roots, country, blues. 18+. }} * {{drink | name=Pembina Draught Bar | alt=The Pemby | url= | email= | address=1011 Pembina Hwy | lat=49.85121 | long=-97.15301 | directions= | phone=+1 204-453-3724 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Younger crowd, large selection of cheap beer by the pitcher, decent music, pool, foosball, and free darts. 18+. }} * {{drink | name=The Windsor Hotel | alt= | url= | email=windsorh@mts.net | address=187 Garry St | lat=49.891 | long=-97.1389 | directions=downtown | phone=+1 204-942-7528 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=The best live blues in town. 18+. }} ===Pubs and lounges=== * {{drink | name=King's Head Pub | alt= | url=https://www.kingshead.ca | email=kingshead@kingshead.ca | address=120 King St | lat=49.8988 | long=-97.141 | directions=in the Exchange District | phone=+1 204-957-7710 | tollfree= | hours=M–Th 11AM–midnight, F Sa 11AM–2AM, Su noon–midnight | price= | lastedit=2021-05-11 | content=A British-style pub with great British and Indian food, it's also a great place to go for a large selection of beers on tap. Occasional live music upstairs. }} * {{drink | name=Shannon's Irish Pub | alt= | url=https://www.shannonsirishpub.ca | email= | address=175 Carlton St | lat=49.8895 | long=-97.1441 | directions=east side of the Winnipeg Convention Centre | phone=+1 204-943-2302 | tollfree= | hours=W–Sa 4–10:30PM, closed Su–Tu (additional hours for hockey games) | price= | lastedit=2021-05-11 | content=Irish-themed pub. Live music every night. Large selection of beer on tap and whisky. }} * {{drink | name=Toad in the Hole Pub | alt=The Toad Pub | url=https://www.thetoadpubwinnipeg.com | email= | address=112 Osborne St | lat=49.8773 | long=-97.1446 | directions=in Osborne Village | phone=+1 204-284-7201 | tollfree= | hours=M–Th noon–10PM, F–Su 10AM–10PM | price= | lastedit=2021-05-10 | content=Great place to go for beer, some darts, pool or a nice meal. Reasonably priced. New Whiskey Bar features 160 whiskies from around the world. Live music in the basement (The Cavern). }} ===Dance clubs=== Most clubs and bars will insist on seeing identification for every patron, partly for security purposes. * {{drink | name=Palomino Club | alt=The Pal | url=https://www.palominoclub.ca | email=info@palominoclub.ca | address=436 Main St | lat=49.8968 | long=-97.1392 | directions=in the Exchange District | phone=+1 204-615-7257 | tollfree= | hours=M Th Sa 7PM–2AM, Tu 7PM–midnight, F 4PM–2AM | price= | content=Pop, hip-hop, country, karaoke. Older women. 18+. }} ===Gay & lesbian nightclubs=== * {{drink | name=Club 200 | alt= | url=https://club200.ca | email=club200winnipeg@gmail.com | address=190 Garry St | lat=49.8908 | long=-97.1392 | directions=downtown | phone=+1 204-943-6045 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 4PM–2AM | price= | lastedit=2021-05-11 | content=LGBT, events, prizes, dining. 18+. }} ==Sleep== [[File:Wpg.JPG|thumb|290px|Winnipeg Downtown]] All major chain hotels have properties in Winnipeg. As well as in the downtown area, there are numerous hotels near the airport, near Polo Park Shopping Centre, and on Pembina Hwy South. Cheap motels can be found throughout the city. The older hotels on Main St should be avoided at all costs. ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=UWinnipeg Downtown Hostel | alt= | url=http://uwhostel.com | email=hostel@uwinnipeg.ca | address=370 Langside St | lat=49.88968 | long=-97.15651 | directions= | phone=+1 204-786-9139 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $65 | lastedit=2018-03-14 | content=This hostel operates out of the McFeetors Hall Student Residence at the University of Winnipeg's Furby-Langside Campus. Availability depends on how many students are occupying the residence hall at any given time. The hall is generally almost entirely open to travellers during the summer season; availability during the regular school year can be fairly limited or nonexistent. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Humphry Inn & Suites | alt= | url=https://www.humphryinn.com/ | email= | address=260 Main Street | lat=49.8925 | long=-97.1373 | directions=across from the train station | phone=+1 204 942-4222 | tollfree= +1-877-486-7479 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $115 | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-09-14 | content=A modern hotel in a central location. Hot breakfast included. Salt water swimming pool, sauna, fitness centre, business centre, 24-hr laundry facility. }} * {{sleep | name=The Columns Bed & Breakfast | url=http://www.thecolumns.ca/home.html | email= | address=5 East Gate | lat=49.878853 | long=-97.156478 | directions=in Wolseley | phone=+1 204-510-4803 | tollfree=+1-877-772-1626 | fax=+1 204-237-4309 | hours= | price=From $125 | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | content=The Columns is a heritage mansion, built in 1906 on treed river side property on East Gate. At the base of the garden, there is a bicycle/walking path that leads to the popular Forks area in downtown Winnipeg. The house has been renovated and restored by the current owners. }} * {{sleep | name=Norwood Hotel | url=http://www.norwood-hotel.com | email= | address=112 Marion St | lat=49.881369 | long=-97.124078 | directions=in St. Boniface | phone=+1 204-233-4475 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$115+ | checkin= | checkout= | content=The Norwood Hotel in Winnipeg has been providing guests with excellent hospitality since the late 1800s. Hospitality is a family tradition, and the Sparrow family has owned and operated the Norwood Hotel since 1937, the oldest family-operated hotel in Manitoba. }} * {{sleep | name=West Gate Manor Bed & Breakfast | url=http://www.westgatemanor.ca/index.php | email= | address=71 West Gate | lat=49.87718 | long=-97.15808 | directions=in Wolseley | phone=+1 204-772-9788 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From $75 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Enjoy the beauty of the country life in the heart of the city. }} * {{sleep | name=Hansen Inn | alt= | url=http://www.hanseninn.com/ | email=1017691797@qq.com | address=150 Sherbrook Street | lat=49.883290 | long=-97.159819 | directions= | phone= +1 204 960-6516 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$65-90 | lastedit=2016-05-10 | content=Five rooms, from a single bed plus child bed to a two-room suite, some with shared bath. Free wifi in all areas, and laundry available. }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Fort Garry Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.fortgarryhotel.com | email=ftgarry@fortgarryhotel.com | address=222 Broadway Ave | lat=49.88797 | long=-97.13673 | directions=downtown | phone=+1 204-942-8251 | tollfree=+1-800-665-8088 | fax=+1 204-956-2351 | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=From $195 | content=A [[Grand old hotels#Canada|former Grand Trunk Pacific Railway hotel]], the Fort Garry was completed in 1913, and bears similarities to New York's Plaza Hotel. Oozes character and charm. Downtown, near Union Station. 246 rooms. Also experience their famous Sunday brunch featuring a dessert bar with a chocolate fountain. }} * {{sleep | name=Inn at the Forks | url=http://www.innforks.com | email= | address=75 Forks Market Rd | lat=49.88804 | long=-97.12952 | directions=at The Forks | phone= | tollfree=+1-877-377-4100 | fax= | hours= | price=From $189 | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | content=Features modern style and commitment to service in a spectacular natural setting offering many amenities, including a convenient shuttle service to downtown. Guests may choose from 117 guest rooms and suite, each designed with contemporary lodging elegance. Rooms are smoke-free and furnished with the utmost attention to detail. }} * {{sleep | name=Mariaggi's Theme Suite Hotel | url=http://www.mariaggis.com | email=info@mariaggi.com | address=231 McDermot Ave | lat=49.897227 | long=-97.140611 | directions=in the Exchange District | phone=+1 204-947-9447 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From $185 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Luxury romantic suites for couples, featuring Jacuzzi hot tubs, steam rooms, large screen TVs and more, with 8 different country-based themes. }} ==Stay safe== Winnipeg has a moderately high crime rate by Canadian standards, but low violent crime by American or global standards. Much crime is gang or alcohol related and rarely involves tourists who exercise the same degree of caution they would in any other urban centre. Areas where higher degree of caution is advised at night include areas north of City Hall on Main St and the area surrounding Central Park. Panhandlers are less numerous in Winnipeg compared to cities like Vancouver and Victoria, BC and they are very seldom aggressive, however displays of obvious wealth such as jewellery and expensive digital cameras should be kept to a minimum. It is best to kindly refuse panhandlers and keep walking. As in any city, common sense should prevail. Never leave a vehicle unlocked and under no circumstances should any object be left in the car interior where it can be seen, no matter what the value (includes gloves, clothing, tools, etc.) Keep all items in the trunk. Most importantly, never leave any coins, no matter what the amount in your ashtray or console. An individual with drugs or alcohol dependency will not hesitate to smash a car window even for less than $1. If you rent a vehicle, ensure with your rental agency that it is equipped with an immobilizer. If you drive your own vehicle here, [https://www.mpi.mb.ca Manitoba Public Insurance] offers a ''' most-at-risk vehicle assessment'''. While this is aimed at those intending to register vehicles in Manitoba, tourists may use this to consider if their vehicle is at an elevated risk for theft. Out of province tourists may also consult with their automobile insurance agent. ==Cope== ===Consulates=== * {{flag|Austria}} {{listing | name=Austria | url= | email=dstreuber@bisontransport.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 204-833-0100 | tollfree=| fax=+1 204-833-0103 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Belgium}} {{listing | name=Belgium | url= | email=consubel.wpg.mb@shaw.ca | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 204-253-5389 | tollfree=| fax=+1 204-261-1415 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Denmark}} {{listing | name=Denmark | url= | email=dkconsul@shaw.ca | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 204-233-8541 | tollfree=| fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Finland}} {{listing | name=Finland | url= | email=sairanen@mts.net | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 204-837-6466 | tollfree=| fax=+1 204-837-6575 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|France}} {{listing | name=France | url= | email=brunobconsulh@mymts.net | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 204-256-2996 | tollfree=| fax=+1 204-663-6649 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Germany}} {{listing | name=Germany | url= | email=pkammerlock@pkflawyers.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 204-475-3088 | tollfree=| fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Guatemala}} {{listing | name=Guatemala | url= | email= bryanorellana2009@gmail.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 204-222-3293 | tollfree=| fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Iceland}} {{listing | name=Iceland | url=http://iceland.is/ca/win | email=icecon.winnipeg@utn.stjr.is | address=100–1 Wellington Cres | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 204-284-1535 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 9AM–4PM | price= | content=Assists Icelandic nationals and firms as needed. }} * {{flag|United States}} {{listing | name=United States | alt= | url=https://ca.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/winnipeg/ | email=ledressaymm@state.gov | address=860–201 Portage Ave | lat=49.89577 | long=-97.13928 | directions= | phone=+1 204-940-1800 | tollfree= | fax=+1 204-940-1809 | hours= | price= | content=Only emergency services provided to Americans; all other matters addressed at Calgary consulate. }} ==Nearby== [[File:Birds Hill Provincial Park, Manitoba (370518) (9444573628).jpg|thumb|Autumn in Birds Hill Provincial Park]] ===Birds Hill Provincial Park=== Featuring hills and ridges formed by ancient glaciers, this 35km² park 24km northeast of Winnipeg on Hwy 59 has a lake, oak and aspen forests, native prairie wildflowers, deer, waterfowl and songbirds. Facilities include camping, swimming, picnic sites, a riding stable, a restaurant, a beach concession and a convenience store. There are 30 km of trails for walking and cross-country skiing and 7.2 km of paved bicycle and roller blading trails. Every July the park hosts the Winnipeg Folk Festival. * {{do | name=Winnipeg Folk Festival | alt=Folk Fest | url=http://www.winnipegfolkfestival.ca | email=info@winnipegfolkfestival.ca | address=Birds Hill Provincial Park | lat= | long= | directions=20 min north on Hwy 59 | phone=+1 204-231-0096 | tollfree= | fax=+1 204-231-0076 | hours=Jul | price= | content=One of North America's premier outdoor music festivals. Features music performances, a folk school, programs for young performers and young visual artists, over 100 artisans, children’s programming, a visual art exhibition, and a food village that encourages the use of local, organic and fair trade ingredients. }} ==Go next== Winnipeg is a great starting point to begin exploring the province of [[Manitoba]]. Manitoba has many recreational opportunities, including canoeing, fishing, cycling, and cross-country skiing. * [[Selkirk (Manitoba)#Q178617|Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site of Canada]], 15 min north of Winnipeg * [[Selkirk (Manitoba)#Q7073534|Oak Hammock Marsh]], 20 min north of Winnipeg * Flights and trains to [[Churchill]], a favourite Manitoba oceanfront spot for polar bears, are available from Winnipeg. There is no road. * The [http://www.icelandicfestival.com Gimli Icelandic Festival] (Islendingadagurinn) in [[Gimli (Manitoba)]] (1 hr north on Hwy 8, first weekend of August) is the second oldest continuous ethnic festival in North America. It includes contests and a parade. * [[Grand Beach Provincial Park]] (100 km northeast on Hwy 59) is famous for its beautiful white sand fresh water beaches. * [[Whiteshell Provincial Park]] (90 minutes east of Winnipeg via Highway 1 or Highway 44, or VIA Rail Service to Brereton Lake) offers great camping, hiking, and boating. * The [http://www.mennoniteheritagevillage.com Mennonite Heritage Village] in [[Steinbach]] (1 hour southeast of Winnipeg) is representative of Mennonite villages found throughout Southern Manitoba at the turn of the century, recounting the pioneer stories of Russian Mennonites and their migration to Canada. The north side illustrates early settlement buildings while the south side shows the gradual shift to various business enterprises. * {{marker|type=go|name=Winnipeg/St. Andrews Airport|wikidata=Q3914310}}, 19 km north of the city on Highway 8, has scheduled service to the Manitoba settlements Berens River, Bloodvein River, Garden Hill, Gods Lake Narrows, Gods Lake, Little Grand Rapids, Oxford House, Red Sucker Lake, and St. Theresa Point, and the [[Northern Ontario]] settlements Deer Lake, Sandy Lake, and Poplar Hill. Many of these places are home to various fishing lodges. {{routebox | image1=VIA Rail Canadian icon.png | link1=The Canadian | imagesize1=100 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Saskatoon]] | minorl1=[[Portage la Prairie]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Toronto]] | minorr1=[[Sioux Lookout]] | image2=VIA Rail Winnipeg Churchill icon.png | link2=across Canada by train | imagesize2=100 | directionl2=&nbsp;N | majorl2=[[Churchill]] | minorl2=[[Portage la Prairie]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=END | minorr2= | image3=Manitoba Highway 1.svg | link3=Trans-Canada Highway | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=W | majorl3=[[Brandon (Manitoba)|Brandon]] | minorl3=[[Portage la Prairie]] | directionr3=E | majorr3=[[Thunder Bay]] | minorr3=[[Ste. Anne]] | image4=Yellowhead Blank.svg | imagesize4=22 | link4=Yellowhead Highway | directionl4=W | majorl4=[[Yorkton]] | minorl4=[[Portage la Prairie]] ← [[File:Manitoba Highway 1.svg|16px|link=]] | directionr4=E | majorr4=END | minorr4= | image5=Manitoba Highway 2.svg | imagesize5=22 | directionl5=W | majorl5=[[Weyburn]] | minorl5=[[Glenboro]] ← Jct [[File:Manitoba secondary 244.svg|18px|link=]] [[Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes|S]] | directionr5=E | majorr5=END | minorr5= | image6=Manitoba Highway 3.svg | imagesize6=22 | directionl6=W | majorl6=[[Winkler]]/[[Morden]] | minorl6=[[Carman (Manitoba)|Carman]] | directionr6=E | majorr6=END | minorr6= | image7=Manitoba Highway 6.svg | imagesize7=22 | directionl7=&nbsp;N | majorl7=[[Thompson]] | minorl7=[[St. Laurent (Manitoba)|St. Laurent]] | directionr7=S | majorr7=END | minorr7= | image8=Manitoba Highway 9.svg | imagesize8=22 | directionl8=&nbsp;N | majorl8=[[Gimli (Manitoba)|Gimli]] | minorl8=[[Selkirk (Manitoba)|Selkirk]] | directionr8=S | majorr8=END | minorr8= | image9=Manitoba Highway 59.svg | imagesize9=22 | directionl9=&nbsp;N | majorl9=[[Grand Beach Provincial Park]] | minorl9=Jct [[Selkirk (Manitoba)|W]] [[File:Manitoba Highway 44.svg|16px|link=]] [[Beausejour (Manitoba)|E]] | directionr9=S | majorr9=[[Thief River Falls]] | minorr9=[[Île-des-Chênes]] | image10=Manitoba Highway 75.svg | imagesize10=22 | directionl10=&nbsp;N | majorl10=END | minorl10= | directionr10=S | majorr10=[[Grand Forks]] | minorr10=[[Morris (Manitoba)|Morris]] }} {{isPartOf|Manitoba}} {{geo|49.8988|-97.1258|layer=OG}} {{guidecity}} 7vjj5d0ua1ben19cqsmsle6p0ezgdzs 0 40335 5087069 5086489 2025-07-03T10:25:20Z 2A02:A458:F68:1:ACA1:978C:B266:5BD7 /* Get in */ 5087069 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner | Zeeland Wikivoyage Banner.png}} {{otheruses|Zealand}} '''[http://www.zeeland.nl/ Zeeland]''' is a province of the [[Netherlands]] consisting of islands and peninsulas interconnected by the dams and bridges of the [[Delta Works]] (''Deltawerken''). Translated into English, Zeeland literally means "Sea Land" because that's basically what it is. The capital city is '''Middelburg'''. The area is very flat making it ideal terrain for cycling. ==Cities== {{mapframe|51.50|3.81|zoom=9}} {{mapshape|type=geomask|title=Zeeland|wikidata=Q705}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Middelburg (Zeeland)|Middelburg]]|lat=51.499 | long=3.616|wikidata=Q52101}} — the capital city of Zeeland with a historic heritage * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Domburg]]|wikidata=Q980728}} — one of the oldest coastal resort towns in the Netherlands, known for its beautiful beaches, dunes, and lush forests * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Goes]]|lat=51.503 | long=3.892|wikidata=Q81220}} — old city on the peninsula Zuid-Beveland * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Hulst]]|wikidata=Q81100}} — historic fortified city near the border with Belgium, the finest and best-preserved one in Zeeland * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Sluis]]|lat=51.311 | long=3.386|wikidata=Q10080}} — cute little city close to the border with Belgium * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Terneuzen]]|lat=51.326 | long=3.839|wikidata=Q10081}} — a seaport in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Tholen]]|lat=51.535 | long=4.225|wikidata=Q10082}} — the double peninsula of Tholen * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Vlissingen]]|lat=51.460 | long=3.572|wikidata=Q10084}} — port town with windy beaches, cycling opportunities and seafood * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Westkapelle (Netherlands)|Westkapelle]]|lat=51.528 | long=3.442|wikidata=Q1352711}} — small village on the most western point of Walcheren * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Zierikzee]]|lat=51.654 | long=3.919|wikidata=Q81076}} — a relatively small historic town with many protected monuments. ==Other destinations== * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Delta Works]]|wikidata=Q217480}} — the dams and sluices that protect the land masses of Zeeland * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Saeftinghe|Verdronken Land van Saeftinghe]]|wikidata=Q3461224}} - A nature reserve located on the Dutch-Belgian border. The larger part of which is located in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen. ==Understand== [[File:Muraltmuur_zeeland.JPG|thumb|A muraltmuur on the former island of Wolfersdijk, now part of Zuid-Beveland. A muraltmuur is a wall that is used to raise the height of a dike.]] Zeeland is the second Dutch province when counting on reclaimed land, following behind [[Flevoland]], which was fully reclaimed from the ''Zuiderzee''. Zeeland historically consisted of tens of islands, which, at spring tides, would flood. Much of the land in Zeeland is ''polderland'', land reclaimed from the sea. In 1953, however, a very large spring tide and a northwest storm combined to flood most of the province. It wasn't long before the Dutch government started the Delta Works to protect the province so that such a disaster could not happen again. The Delta Works consisted of building large dams connecting the most western points of the province's peninsulas. Along with this, many dikes were raised. The Delta Works now connect up to [[Rotterdam]] in [[South Holland]], and made Zeeland into a safe location to visit, and many Dutch, Belgian and German tourists do so. [[New Zealand]], whose first European visitor was Dutch explorer Abel Tasman in 1642, is named after this very province. ==Get in== With the sole exception of the Wadden islands, Zeeland is the most remote part of the Netherlands to get into. Expect long travel times and expensive journeys due to the toll highways. ===By car=== Zeeland is in the south-west of the country. While all the islands are interconnected and connected to the mainland by fast roads now, the province still retains a somewhat insular nature. On summer days major roads may become busy since there are no good alternatives for them. ===By train=== Zeeland has only one railway line, extending from [[Bergen op Zoom]] and [[Roosendaal]] in [[North Brabant]] to [[Middelburg (Zeeland)|Middelburg]] and [[Vlissingen]]. There is only one train service on this line, the ''Intercity 2600'' that connects the abovementioned stations directly to the [[Schiphol Airport]], and the most important destinations in [[South Holland]], [[North Holland]] and [[Flevoland]], i.a., [[Rotterdam]], [[Delft]], [[the Hague]], [[Leiden]], [[Amsterdam]], [[Almere]] and [[Lelystad]]. The Intercity runs every half an hour. ===By air=== Zeeland has no airports with scheduled passenger service. The easiest way to arrive in Zeeland by air is by landing at [[Schiphol Airport]] and taking the abovementioned Intercity train. An alternative is [[Rotterdam#By plane|Rotterdam the Hague airport]], which has a more indirect connection to the said railway line. You can also approach Zeeland from [[Belgium]]. [[Antwerp]] is right next to Zeeland's southern region of [[Zeeuws-Vlanderen]], but its small airport sees very limited passenger service. The [[Brussels#Brussels Airport (BRU)|Brussels Airport]] has many more connections, but no direct public transit options to Zeeland. Private aviation pilots may try landing at the ''Midden-Zeeland Airport'' in [[Middelburg (Zeeland)|Middelburg]], which has a single grass runway of 1&nbsp;km. ==Get around== [[File:Beach_near_Zoutelande_(5947043608).jpg|thumb|Beach near Zoutelande.]] ===By bicycle=== As almost everywhere in The [[Netherlands]] exploring on bike is a good idea. There is an excellent infrastructure of cycle paths. Signed bicycle routes along points (Dutch: ''Knooppuntennetwerk'') allow you to set up your own route through the beautiful landscape. ===By bus=== '''[http://www.connexxion.nl Connexxion]''' operates a good bus network in all of the province, although some services are reduced in terms of frequency or routes in the weekend and late nights. Use '''[http://9292.nl/en 9292]{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}''' to plan your travel via public transport. ===By ferry=== A fast ferry for pedestrian and cyclist only is being operated by '''[http://www.veolia-transport.nl/tmpl/XStartPage____16554.aspx?epslanguage=ML Veolia]''' between [[Vlissingen]] and [[Breskens]]. ===By train=== '''[http://www.ns.nl NS]''', the national railway, provide frequent connections between Vlissingen, Middelburg, Goes and some smaller towns. ==See== [[File:Cadzand_sunrise.jpg|thumb|Sunrise near Cadzand.]] *The '''Oosterschelde''' storm surge barrier, a massive operable sea dam with an artificial island at its center. *When you're really interested in this ''Oosterscheldekering'' you can visit '''[http://www.neeltjejans.nl/ Neeltje Jans]'''. This is an attraction park where you learn everything about water and the Delta Works (''Deltawerken''). *'''Veerse Meer''' -This is a lake or inland lagoon that was closed off to the sea in 1961. See [[w:Veerse_Meer]]. ==Do== ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Go next== *'''Ouddorp''': if you are interested in trains, there is a tramway museum here. http://www.rtm-ouddorp.nl/. {{outlineregion}} {{geo|51.49164|3.78891|zoom=10}} {{isPartOf|Southern Netherlands}} 56qbhr4mn0npdwsmsze5ts8ueqpxkbc 1 45797 5087046 5085713 2025-07-03T09:32:50Z Kaltenbrunner7 2328748 /* History */ Reply 5087046 wikitext text/x-wiki ::''See also:'' [[Talk:Respect/Archive]] == Treatment of women == Prompted by the New Year incidents in Köln (and domestic discussion), I wonder whether a section about respect for women is needed (here or in more regionally specific articles). On one hand I understand that touching (as in shaking hands) or looking at women may be a sensitive issue in some parts of the world – I might do a faux pas or be too cautious to the point of insult when visiting e.g. an Arab country. On the other hand, I suppose many people could have difficulties in handling western women – they should be treated as equals, OK, but how and when are you allowed to show an erotic interest? With little experience of "the other side", I do not know how far you get by common sense and just showing respect. I suppose there are things we should point out. --[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:11, 19 January 2016 (UTC) :Yes to all. I don't think we should direct this to potential rapists - they aren't going to be deterred by any written instructions we could provide. But people who are sincere but culturally different from the inhabitants of foreign countries where they are traveling should be carefully but clearly instructed on things to be sensitive to. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:18, 19 January 2016 (UTC) == "Officer" == The sentence "And remember: The first name of any police officer is 'officer'." was changed to "The given name [...]". I suppose the sentence is intended to mean one should use the title when addressing a police officer, but the wording is very unclear. Why would I use the first or given name when addressing a stranger in a formal way? And is "officer" the title to use? I suppose I should say "yes, officer", "no, officer", "excuse me, officer" in the USA, but I am not sure a Finnish policeman would understand why he or she is called an officer. Is this title used in all English speaking countries? --[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:34, 29 July 2020 (UTC) :In Germany one would usually not address police with any name, first or second - or, for that matter, any title. The Vocative use of "Sie" makes the need to know someone's name somewhat redundant in superficial encounters. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 09:36, 30 July 2020 (UTC) :: As the "formal you" is used in some specific languages (and not English) it is more appropriate for a phrasebook than an etiquette article. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:08, 30 July 2020 (UTC) :::I'm not quite sure I follow. Why should we keep "the first name of any police officer is officer" which applies to one country and not keep the mention of "formal you" which applies to many, many contexts? [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 14:58, 30 July 2020 (UTC) :::: The "formal you" should certainly be kept. I think Yvwv meant that there is no "Sie" solution for all languages and that it is unnecessary to include the specific example. In some languages with a formal form, some kind of title may still be needed. (And the "formal you" issue can be quite convoluted, as it was in Sweden until they finally gave up with it in the 60s–70s.) --[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 10:44, 31 July 2020 (UTC) == Hitler == "Many visitors to Germany have found it strange that virtually nobody sees any positive or defensible aspects of the regime of Adolf Hitler" - Do they? Who? --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 20:38, 31 July 2020 (UTC) :Sounds like some bullshit by a troll, and it should be deleted right away. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:58, 1 August 2020 (UTC) ::I can only speak from experience as a German abroad and it '''does''' happen that people seem to think "good aspects of Hitler" are somehow a discussable subject with their German interlocutors [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 11:39, 1 August 2020 (UTC) :::Please feel free to add a more reasonably phrased remark about that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:48, 1 August 2020 (UTC) ::::I'll admit that as a kid, I thought that Germans would have a positive view of Hitler, while Israelis would have a negative view. So it's certainly possible for an ignorant foreigner to expect that. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:09, 1 August 2020 (UTC) ::::: I hope few adult Europeans would. But considering how little I know about Korean history (or West African, or ...), I suppose I am not in a position to demand such knowledge from visitors from elsewhere. --[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 16:37, 1 August 2020 (UTC) ::::::As this is advice about "Respect", it should be re-phrased along the lines of what visitors ''shouldn't'' discuss, rather than what they find strange. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 11:09, 2 August 2020 (UTC) :::::::Isn't the point of this article to be universal? Country- or even continent-specific advice shouldn't even be here. I'd say the same about the Nicaragua passage in the same section.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 11:29, 2 August 2020 (UTC) ::::::::I think the example is fine. The point is to illustrate how locals' views may not match visitors' expectations or assumptions. A concrete example helps drive the point home better than just an abstract generalization. The dog2's anecdote demonstrates that this example isn't as far-fetched as those of us from Europe and North America might assume. Maybe "some" would be better than "many". —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 11:38, 2 August 2020 (UTC) :::::::::The dog2's anecdote is what he believed as a child. Children are innocent, but they're also ignorant of pretty much everything outside of their bubble. Some of my views from childhood are too embarrassing to even repeat. But we should assume our readers are critically-thinking adults, and also maybe kids who want to learn about the world. :::::::::It's universal advice to avoid discussing politics and religion when travelling. If we absolutely must have an example (we mustn't), then we can do better than the putrid low-hanging fruit that is Hitler.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 11:50, 2 August 2020 (UTC) :::::::::For example, avoid expressing any opinion that can be interpreted as anything other than glowing when talking about Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in [[Turkey]]. Or another example, avoid expressing your thoughts on politicians who widely polarise opinion (e.g. Ronald Reagan, General de Gaulle, Margaret Thatcher...) I don't we need these in this article, but they're alternatives to invoking Godwin's Law.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 11:58, 2 August 2020 (UTC) ::::::::::I think you're behind the times on Turkey, as the enemies of Ataturk are now in power there. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:10, 2 August 2020 (UTC) :::::::::::I'm aware of Turkey's political developments. It remains illegal to "insult Turkey", and that includes disrespecting Atatürk, on par with denigrating the flag. Do you know whose portrait President Erdoğan stand before when making speeches? His government may dismantle the Father's legacy and distance themselves from his politics, but they continue to laud the man himself. --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 14:57, 2 August 2020 (UTC) {{outdent}}Maybe using Hitler as an example is in bad taste. And certainly, there are many other examples you can think of. One we could perhaps use in place of Hitler is the view of Israel by Arab Christians. Westerners may expect Arab Christians to be very pro-Israel, but you'll be surprised. Most Arab Christians in fact have a negative view of Israel, which is especially true of Palestinian Christians, and there's actually quite a bit of bad blood between the Palestinian Christians and American Evangelical Christians. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:00, 2 August 2020 (UTC) :Eh, do we need these examples? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:56, 2 August 2020 (UTC) ::I think it's far too simplifying to say "Arab Christians" have this or that opinion of Israel. After all, there is [[w:After Saturday comes Sunday]] that points out that the Christians in the region don't have much to gain with aggressive Muslim nationalism ascendant. Or the numerous Christian groups in the Lebanese Civil War aligned with Israel. Or the fact that people are no hivemind and of course [[w:Arab citizens of Israel]] who run the gamut, but whose majority (Christian or Muslim or Atheist) prefer being citizens of Israel... [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 19:16, 2 August 2020 (UTC) == Titles == "There are also certain modes of address that are use for certain office holders. Here we list some of the more common ones: [...] * Your Holiness — the Pope" Should be perhaps instead advice people to research the relevant titles if they are invited to some of these people or to somewhere where one might meet them? I assume that even the Pope would forgive the blunder of calling him just Mr Franciscus or whatever if you pop into him on the metro – and if you go to meet him, there is much more you should know on how to behave ("How do you do, Your Holiness, nice to meet you. How are you?", grabbing his hand to shake it – then you could as well say Mr Franciscus). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 15:21, 14 July 2022 (UTC) :Well, I guess these are more commonly used in their third person form. Like if you are giving a formal speech and need to refer to the Pope, you will refer to him as "His Holiness, the Pope". [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:33, 14 July 2022 (UTC) ::Yeah, on the same basis that we don't cover language used only by or to royalty in Malay (''beta'' is "I/me" for sultans; ''patik'' is "I/me" for a subject before the sultan), I would completely nuke the list of forms of address for officials. Those who need to know these things shouldn't expect them in a travel guide. We can mention the preferred form of address for the Pope in the [[Vatican]] article, although this pope is quite low on pomp, and we can mention the preferred form of address for clergy members where relevant in articles about particular religions. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:40, 14 July 2022 (UTC) :::Some of these aren't as uncommon as you'd think. I have had dinner with Singapore's ambassador to the U.S., and I am just a nobody. And I also had dinner with Singapore's high commissioner to Australia when I was living in Australia. I'm pretty sure an American living in Singapore will have opportunities to meet the U.S. ambassador too. And if you need to go to Court, you have to address the judge as "Your Honour". [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:46, 14 July 2022 (UTC) ::::If you want to mention titles of ambassadors and judges, OK, but not kings, presidents, prime ministers or the Pope. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:49, 14 July 2022 (UTC) ::::: Even with those, the titles depend on the language you are using (and local culture). If you meet your ambassador and aren't from an Anglophone country, you won't use English, and even as English-speaking probably not if you go to court in Senegal. You probably know how to behave in front of your compatriots, so this would need to cover meeting non-compatriots abroad. If I am going to court abroad, I hope I get advice on how to address the judge besides a million other things I might do the wrong way. I think saying Mr Judge is my smallest problem at that point – and I hope I don't get sentenced for saying so. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 16:27, 14 July 2022 (UTC) :::::: The "royal protocol" stuff is of low practical utility, as these situations are usually managed by people who will inform the involved individuals what the expectations are. For example, if you are meeting a king, an attendant will tell you what the relevant norms of etiquette are. I support removing the list. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 18:38, 14 July 2022 (UTC) == Armed guards == I am not convinced about the advice in [[{{PAGENAME}}#Armed guards|Armed guards]] (formerly Use common sense): : "if [the building with an armed guard] is the one you specifically want to enter (a police station or a town hall, for example), treat that as probably not being the proper entrance (maybe it's on the other side)." I assume police stations in say Iraq are indeed guarded by heavily armed guards and I don't understand why the heavily armed guard wouldn't be at the main entrance. Could we give some appropriate advice for that situation? – LPfi 09:05, 12 December 2023 (UTC) == History == I think we need to add political figures and historical events that are better not talked about in different countries. [[User:Kaltenbrunner6|Kaltenbrunner6]] ([[User talk:Kaltenbrunner6|talk]]) 16:30, 8 June 2025 (UTC) : A ha-ha-only-serious saying among expats in China when I was there (2002-2012) was to avoid conversations about the "three Ts": Tibet, Taiwan & Tiananmen Square. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 18:44, 8 June 2025 (UTC) ::And in other countries? I will add them, if we need them. [[User:Kaltenbrunner6|Kaltenbrunner6]] ([[User talk:Kaltenbrunner6|talk]]) 19:32, 8 June 2025 (UTC) :::Sensitivities in particular countries should be covered in the "Respect" section of the articles about those countries; I believe this article is for respect topics that are general enough not to need restating in country articles, but that's open for discussion. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:50, 8 June 2025 (UTC) ::::It's my fault, I'm very sorry. [[User:Kaltenbrunner6|Kaltenbrunner6]] ([[User talk:Kaltenbrunner6|talk]]) 21:01, 8 June 2025 (UTC) :::::No reason to be sorry. You brought up a very reasonable topic, and I don't think the discussion has been exhausted. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:39, 8 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::Do you think that I am stupid?! [[User:Kaltenbrunner7|Kaltenbrunner7]] ([[User talk:Kaltenbrunner7|talk]]) 09:32, 3 July 2025 (UTC) == Examples == Should I add the examples of behaviour in different countries? [[User:Kaltenbrunner6|Kaltenbrunner6]] ([[User talk:Kaltenbrunner6|talk]]) 01:29, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :Country-specific advice belongs in country guides' respect sections. Patterns common for many countries can be explained here to offload country guides (provide a summary there and link to here or some more specific page), or just shortly mentioned, if specifics vary. A few examples can be added for issues already mentioned, if you think they are needed to illustrate the issue, but look out for making reading tedious. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:48, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::I did not make even one mistake on this site. You are very arrogant, aggressive and ignorant. If you want to try me, I will block you. [[User:Kaltenbrunner6|Kaltenbrunner6]] ([[User talk:Kaltenbrunner6|talk]]) 13:02, 30 June 2025 (UTC) s57ed8c74dkj9e0x6v8hi1aqiohamqa 5087057 5087046 2025-07-03T09:58:23Z Ikan Kekek 36420 Reverted edits by [[Special:Contributions/Kaltenbrunner7|Kaltenbrunner7]] ([[User talk:Kaltenbrunner7|talk]]) to last version by [[User:Kaltenbrunner6|Kaltenbrunner6]] 5085713 wikitext text/x-wiki ::''See also:'' [[Talk:Respect/Archive]] == Treatment of women == Prompted by the New Year incidents in Köln (and domestic discussion), I wonder whether a section about respect for women is needed (here or in more regionally specific articles). On one hand I understand that touching (as in shaking hands) or looking at women may be a sensitive issue in some parts of the world – I might do a faux pas or be too cautious to the point of insult when visiting e.g. an Arab country. On the other hand, I suppose many people could have difficulties in handling western women – they should be treated as equals, OK, but how and when are you allowed to show an erotic interest? With little experience of "the other side", I do not know how far you get by common sense and just showing respect. I suppose there are things we should point out. --[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:11, 19 January 2016 (UTC) :Yes to all. I don't think we should direct this to potential rapists - they aren't going to be deterred by any written instructions we could provide. But people who are sincere but culturally different from the inhabitants of foreign countries where they are traveling should be carefully but clearly instructed on things to be sensitive to. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:18, 19 January 2016 (UTC) == "Officer" == The sentence "And remember: The first name of any police officer is 'officer'." was changed to "The given name [...]". I suppose the sentence is intended to mean one should use the title when addressing a police officer, but the wording is very unclear. Why would I use the first or given name when addressing a stranger in a formal way? And is "officer" the title to use? I suppose I should say "yes, officer", "no, officer", "excuse me, officer" in the USA, but I am not sure a Finnish policeman would understand why he or she is called an officer. Is this title used in all English speaking countries? --[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:34, 29 July 2020 (UTC) :In Germany one would usually not address police with any name, first or second - or, for that matter, any title. The Vocative use of "Sie" makes the need to know someone's name somewhat redundant in superficial encounters. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 09:36, 30 July 2020 (UTC) :: As the "formal you" is used in some specific languages (and not English) it is more appropriate for a phrasebook than an etiquette article. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:08, 30 July 2020 (UTC) :::I'm not quite sure I follow. Why should we keep "the first name of any police officer is officer" which applies to one country and not keep the mention of "formal you" which applies to many, many contexts? [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 14:58, 30 July 2020 (UTC) :::: The "formal you" should certainly be kept. I think Yvwv meant that there is no "Sie" solution for all languages and that it is unnecessary to include the specific example. In some languages with a formal form, some kind of title may still be needed. (And the "formal you" issue can be quite convoluted, as it was in Sweden until they finally gave up with it in the 60s–70s.) --[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 10:44, 31 July 2020 (UTC) == Hitler == "Many visitors to Germany have found it strange that virtually nobody sees any positive or defensible aspects of the regime of Adolf Hitler" - Do they? Who? --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 20:38, 31 July 2020 (UTC) :Sounds like some bullshit by a troll, and it should be deleted right away. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:58, 1 August 2020 (UTC) ::I can only speak from experience as a German abroad and it '''does''' happen that people seem to think "good aspects of Hitler" are somehow a discussable subject with their German interlocutors [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 11:39, 1 August 2020 (UTC) :::Please feel free to add a more reasonably phrased remark about that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:48, 1 August 2020 (UTC) ::::I'll admit that as a kid, I thought that Germans would have a positive view of Hitler, while Israelis would have a negative view. So it's certainly possible for an ignorant foreigner to expect that. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:09, 1 August 2020 (UTC) ::::: I hope few adult Europeans would. But considering how little I know about Korean history (or West African, or ...), I suppose I am not in a position to demand such knowledge from visitors from elsewhere. --[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 16:37, 1 August 2020 (UTC) ::::::As this is advice about "Respect", it should be re-phrased along the lines of what visitors ''shouldn't'' discuss, rather than what they find strange. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 11:09, 2 August 2020 (UTC) :::::::Isn't the point of this article to be universal? Country- or even continent-specific advice shouldn't even be here. I'd say the same about the Nicaragua passage in the same section.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 11:29, 2 August 2020 (UTC) ::::::::I think the example is fine. The point is to illustrate how locals' views may not match visitors' expectations or assumptions. A concrete example helps drive the point home better than just an abstract generalization. The dog2's anecdote demonstrates that this example isn't as far-fetched as those of us from Europe and North America might assume. Maybe "some" would be better than "many". —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 11:38, 2 August 2020 (UTC) :::::::::The dog2's anecdote is what he believed as a child. Children are innocent, but they're also ignorant of pretty much everything outside of their bubble. Some of my views from childhood are too embarrassing to even repeat. But we should assume our readers are critically-thinking adults, and also maybe kids who want to learn about the world. :::::::::It's universal advice to avoid discussing politics and religion when travelling. If we absolutely must have an example (we mustn't), then we can do better than the putrid low-hanging fruit that is Hitler.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 11:50, 2 August 2020 (UTC) :::::::::For example, avoid expressing any opinion that can be interpreted as anything other than glowing when talking about Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in [[Turkey]]. Or another example, avoid expressing your thoughts on politicians who widely polarise opinion (e.g. Ronald Reagan, General de Gaulle, Margaret Thatcher...) I don't we need these in this article, but they're alternatives to invoking Godwin's Law.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 11:58, 2 August 2020 (UTC) ::::::::::I think you're behind the times on Turkey, as the enemies of Ataturk are now in power there. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:10, 2 August 2020 (UTC) :::::::::::I'm aware of Turkey's political developments. It remains illegal to "insult Turkey", and that includes disrespecting Atatürk, on par with denigrating the flag. Do you know whose portrait President Erdoğan stand before when making speeches? His government may dismantle the Father's legacy and distance themselves from his politics, but they continue to laud the man himself. --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 14:57, 2 August 2020 (UTC) {{outdent}}Maybe using Hitler as an example is in bad taste. And certainly, there are many other examples you can think of. One we could perhaps use in place of Hitler is the view of Israel by Arab Christians. Westerners may expect Arab Christians to be very pro-Israel, but you'll be surprised. Most Arab Christians in fact have a negative view of Israel, which is especially true of Palestinian Christians, and there's actually quite a bit of bad blood between the Palestinian Christians and American Evangelical Christians. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:00, 2 August 2020 (UTC) :Eh, do we need these examples? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:56, 2 August 2020 (UTC) ::I think it's far too simplifying to say "Arab Christians" have this or that opinion of Israel. After all, there is [[w:After Saturday comes Sunday]] that points out that the Christians in the region don't have much to gain with aggressive Muslim nationalism ascendant. Or the numerous Christian groups in the Lebanese Civil War aligned with Israel. Or the fact that people are no hivemind and of course [[w:Arab citizens of Israel]] who run the gamut, but whose majority (Christian or Muslim or Atheist) prefer being citizens of Israel... [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 19:16, 2 August 2020 (UTC) == Titles == "There are also certain modes of address that are use for certain office holders. Here we list some of the more common ones: [...] * Your Holiness — the Pope" Should be perhaps instead advice people to research the relevant titles if they are invited to some of these people or to somewhere where one might meet them? I assume that even the Pope would forgive the blunder of calling him just Mr Franciscus or whatever if you pop into him on the metro – and if you go to meet him, there is much more you should know on how to behave ("How do you do, Your Holiness, nice to meet you. How are you?", grabbing his hand to shake it – then you could as well say Mr Franciscus). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 15:21, 14 July 2022 (UTC) :Well, I guess these are more commonly used in their third person form. Like if you are giving a formal speech and need to refer to the Pope, you will refer to him as "His Holiness, the Pope". [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:33, 14 July 2022 (UTC) ::Yeah, on the same basis that we don't cover language used only by or to royalty in Malay (''beta'' is "I/me" for sultans; ''patik'' is "I/me" for a subject before the sultan), I would completely nuke the list of forms of address for officials. Those who need to know these things shouldn't expect them in a travel guide. We can mention the preferred form of address for the Pope in the [[Vatican]] article, although this pope is quite low on pomp, and we can mention the preferred form of address for clergy members where relevant in articles about particular religions. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:40, 14 July 2022 (UTC) :::Some of these aren't as uncommon as you'd think. I have had dinner with Singapore's ambassador to the U.S., and I am just a nobody. And I also had dinner with Singapore's high commissioner to Australia when I was living in Australia. I'm pretty sure an American living in Singapore will have opportunities to meet the U.S. ambassador too. And if you need to go to Court, you have to address the judge as "Your Honour". [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:46, 14 July 2022 (UTC) ::::If you want to mention titles of ambassadors and judges, OK, but not kings, presidents, prime ministers or the Pope. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:49, 14 July 2022 (UTC) ::::: Even with those, the titles depend on the language you are using (and local culture). If you meet your ambassador and aren't from an Anglophone country, you won't use English, and even as English-speaking probably not if you go to court in Senegal. You probably know how to behave in front of your compatriots, so this would need to cover meeting non-compatriots abroad. If I am going to court abroad, I hope I get advice on how to address the judge besides a million other things I might do the wrong way. I think saying Mr Judge is my smallest problem at that point – and I hope I don't get sentenced for saying so. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 16:27, 14 July 2022 (UTC) :::::: The "royal protocol" stuff is of low practical utility, as these situations are usually managed by people who will inform the involved individuals what the expectations are. For example, if you are meeting a king, an attendant will tell you what the relevant norms of etiquette are. I support removing the list. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 18:38, 14 July 2022 (UTC) == Armed guards == I am not convinced about the advice in [[{{PAGENAME}}#Armed guards|Armed guards]] (formerly Use common sense): : "if [the building with an armed guard] is the one you specifically want to enter (a police station or a town hall, for example), treat that as probably not being the proper entrance (maybe it's on the other side)." I assume police stations in say Iraq are indeed guarded by heavily armed guards and I don't understand why the heavily armed guard wouldn't be at the main entrance. Could we give some appropriate advice for that situation? – LPfi 09:05, 12 December 2023 (UTC) == History == I think we need to add political figures and historical events that are better not talked about in different countries. [[User:Kaltenbrunner6|Kaltenbrunner6]] ([[User talk:Kaltenbrunner6|talk]]) 16:30, 8 June 2025 (UTC) : A ha-ha-only-serious saying among expats in China when I was there (2002-2012) was to avoid conversations about the "three Ts": Tibet, Taiwan & Tiananmen Square. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 18:44, 8 June 2025 (UTC) ::And in other countries? I will add them, if we need them. [[User:Kaltenbrunner6|Kaltenbrunner6]] ([[User talk:Kaltenbrunner6|talk]]) 19:32, 8 June 2025 (UTC) :::Sensitivities in particular countries should be covered in the "Respect" section of the articles about those countries; I believe this article is for respect topics that are general enough not to need restating in country articles, but that's open for discussion. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:50, 8 June 2025 (UTC) ::::It's my fault, I'm very sorry. [[User:Kaltenbrunner6|Kaltenbrunner6]] ([[User talk:Kaltenbrunner6|talk]]) 21:01, 8 June 2025 (UTC) :::::No reason to be sorry. You brought up a very reasonable topic, and I don't think the discussion has been exhausted. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:39, 8 June 2025 (UTC) == Examples == Should I add the examples of behaviour in different countries? [[User:Kaltenbrunner6|Kaltenbrunner6]] ([[User talk:Kaltenbrunner6|talk]]) 01:29, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :Country-specific advice belongs in country guides' respect sections. Patterns common for many countries can be explained here to offload country guides (provide a summary there and link to here or some more specific page), or just shortly mentioned, if specifics vary. A few examples can be added for issues already mentioned, if you think they are needed to illustrate the issue, but look out for making reading tedious. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:48, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::I did not make even one mistake on this site. You are very arrogant, aggressive and ignorant. If you want to try me, I will block you. [[User:Kaltenbrunner6|Kaltenbrunner6]] ([[User talk:Kaltenbrunner6|talk]]) 13:02, 30 June 2025 (UTC) 3tx5xgawrwhum22v83vth62hasfoq7i 1 46638 5087044 1671711 2025-07-03T09:27:46Z Kaltenbrunner7 2328748 /* Delete this page. */ new section 5087044 wikitext text/x-wiki Cost of the city bus service? [[User:(WT-en) Padraic|(WT-en) Padraic]] 11:52, 3 Apr 2005 (EDT) == Cold? == In the "understand" section, it says that the temperature in Sudbury sometimes reaches above 20 degrees. Having lived in Sudbury for 27 years, I can assure the readers that the temperature is AT LEAST 20 degrees from mid-June through August. Most summers see two weeks of 30 degrees + in mid-July. Also, Sudbury IS a great place to visit in the winter. It's not as cold as the article lets on, with temperatures comparable to Moscow. :Please [[Project:Plunge forward|plunge forward]] and make the changes! [[User:(WT-en) Maj|(WT-en) Majnoona]] 16:02, 21 April 2006 (EDT) == Cope? == What should go in the "cope" section? I couldn't find any info about it.. :[[Project:Big_city_article_template#Cope]] -- [[User:(WT-en) Jonboy|(WT-en) Jonboy]] 16:51, 28 April 2006 (EDT) == Delete this page. == Now. [[User:Kaltenbrunner7|Kaltenbrunner7]] ([[User talk:Kaltenbrunner7|talk]]) 09:27, 3 July 2025 (UTC) 16w0amh5nyd3h8yetrq6xcaz7c3503e 5087048 5087044 2025-07-03T09:37:34Z 92.21.137.132 Undo revision [[Special:Diff/5087044|5087044]] by [[Special:Contributions/Kaltenbrunner7|Kaltenbrunner7]] ([[User talk:Kaltenbrunner7|talk]]) SPAM. 5087048 wikitext text/x-wiki Cost of the city bus service? [[User:(WT-en) Padraic|(WT-en) Padraic]] 11:52, 3 Apr 2005 (EDT) == Cold? == In the "understand" section, it says that the temperature in Sudbury sometimes reaches above 20 degrees. Having lived in Sudbury for 27 years, I can assure the readers that the temperature is AT LEAST 20 degrees from mid-June through August. Most summers see two weeks of 30 degrees + in mid-July. Also, Sudbury IS a great place to visit in the winter. It's not as cold as the article lets on, with temperatures comparable to Moscow. :Please [[Project:Plunge forward|plunge forward]] and make the changes! [[User:(WT-en) Maj|(WT-en) Majnoona]] 16:02, 21 April 2006 (EDT) == Cope? == What should go in the "cope" section? I couldn't find any info about it.. :[[Project:Big_city_article_template#Cope]] -- [[User:(WT-en) Jonboy|(WT-en) Jonboy]] 16:51, 28 April 2006 (EDT) 8sjdbj246f1t47jl6mleo2wmmuwzjiv 1 47214 5086716 4342433 2025-07-02T17:36:23Z Mrkstvns 144844 /* Regions */ Reply 5086716 wikitext text/x-wiki {{infobox|Formatting and language conventions|For articles about Uruguay, please use the '''[[Wikivoyage talk:Time and date formats|24-hour clock]]''' to show times, e.g. 09:00-12:00 and 18:00-00:00. Please show [[Wikivoyage:Currency|prices]] in this format: U$100, and not 100 pesos or UYU 100. Although "$" is commonly used to denote pesos, Wikivoyage uses this notation for clarity because prices in tourist areas are sometimes listed in US$. Please use [[Wikivoyage:Spelling|American spelling]].}} For future reference the [[Project:CIA World Factbook 2002 import]] can be found at [[Talk:Uruguay/CIA World Factbook 2002 import]]. ---- ==Regions== I am regionalising Uruguay along the lines of the socio-economic and geographic regions that [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geography_of_Uruguay#Land_use_and_settlement_patterns Wikipedia use]. A few adjustments to improve the logic for travellers. That means all the departments will be redirected to four new regional aticles (they are either red linked or empty anyway). *[[Rio de la Plata]]: includes Greater Montevideo which is much too small to be a separate travel region, plus Canelones, San Jose, Colonia, Soriano and Rio Negro) *[[Atlantic Coast (Uruguay)]] - Maldonado and Rocha *[[Northern Interior (Uruguay)]] - the rest north of the Rio Negro and dam lakes *[[Central Interior (Uruguay)]] - the rest south of the Rio Negro and dam lakes. --[[User:(WT-en) Burmesedays|(WT-en) Burmesedays]] 21:58, 20 January 2010 (EST) :[[:wts:Image:Uruguay Regions map.png|This]] looks very sensible to me. --[[User:(WT-en) Peterfitzgerald|(WT-en) Peter]] <small>^{[[User talk:(WT-en) Peterfitzgerald|Talk]]}</small> 16:33, 21 January 2010 (EST) ::This regionalisation has no sense. This was based on a scheme from English Wikipedia article whose section has none references <u>about</u> this "socio-economic and geographic" regions. Rio Negro department, for example, doesn't even touch the Rio de la Plata. Traditionally, Uruguay was divided in North and South of the Rio Negro. However, if you look at this example [http://www.montevideo.com.uy/enciclopedia/politica.htm "Montevideo COMM Enciclopedia Geografica del Uruguay"], this page describes 5 regions: North-west (Artigas, Salto, Paysandú, Río Negro), North (Rivera, Tacuarembó), East (Cerro Largo, Treinta y Tres, Lavalleja, Rocha, Maldonado), South (Durazno, Flores, Florida, San José, Canelones, Montevideo), and South-west (Soriano, Colonia). Moreover, '''the official website of Uruguay's Ministry of Tourism [http://turismo.gub.uy/index.php/lugares-para-ir describes here 5 regions]''': Metropolitan (Montevideo and Canelones departments), Center-South, East (the same of Montevideo COMM), North, and the "Corridor of the Colorful Birds" (something like the Montevideo COMM's North region). If there is consensus, I will proceed to change this into the uruguayan government tourism regions. --[[User:Zerabat|Zerabat]] ([[User talk:Zerabat|talk]]) 02:09, 3 December 2016 (UTC) ::<small>{{ping|Peterfitzgerald|Ypsilon|Andrewssi2|Ikan Kekek|Mx. Granger}} pinged some users to review this proposal. --[[User:Zerabat|Zerabat]] ([[User talk:Zerabat|talk]]) 17:53, 6 February 2017 (UTC)</small> [[File:Uruguay Regions map.png|thumb|Existing region map]] :::I'm not familiar with Uruguay so I cant really comment if the existing regions or the new regions make more sense or not. I do note that ::: * Wikipedia divides into four regions, but only as part of the description and there are no specific Wikipedia articles for each 'high level' region ::: * The government tourism web site looks good, and obviously they put much effort into defining their 4 regions ::: * If you really want to do this, then it will require significant effort to draw a new map and reorganize the articles underneath. I would urge that you consider the amount of work for you in the first instance :::: . ::: Can you start recreating the map in the first instance and place it here on the talk page? [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 20:30, 6 February 2017 (UTC) ::::I don't know Uruguay and have no opinion about this, except that if you want to do the work, you have my blessing. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:27, 6 February 2017 (UTC) [[File:Uruguay Tourist Regions map.svg|lang=en|thumb|left|New proposed regions.]] {{outdent}} I have roughly edited the original SVG image (which have a misconfigured canvas) and here it is. I also fixed some routes and paths that were wrongly delineated. Maybe would need some minor fixes in the borders and adaptation to support other languages according to [[:c:Commons:Translation possible/Learn more#Multiple translations within one SVG file]]. What do you think? --[[User:Zerabat|Zerabat]] ([[User talk:Zerabat|talk]]) 22:59, 7 February 2017 (UTC) :{{replyto|Zerabat}} I've traveled to a few parts of Uruguay, but I'm not any kind of expert. I think it probably makes sense to make the metropolitan area its own region. I'm not really knowledgeable enough to comment on the other aspects of the proposal, but I trust that the Ministry of Tourism has divided the country up in a logical way, so I would support the change. —[[User:Mr. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mr. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mr. Granger|contribs]]) 21:04, 20 April 2017 (UTC) :I notice there's a slight difference between your proposed regions and the Ministry of Tourism regions, though: the Ministry of Tourism puts part of Artigas Department in the Northern Region, whereas you have all of it in the Pájaros Pintados Region. I've never been to the city of Artigas, but since it's on the border with Brazil, I would guess that it probably has more in common with Rivera than with Salto. So that might be worth thinking about, but like I said, I'm not that knowledgeable. —[[User:Mr. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mr. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mr. Granger|contribs]]) 21:15, 20 April 2017 (UTC) ::{{ping|Mr. Granger}} I have fixed the map with the change requested. --[[User:Zerabat|Zerabat]] ([[User talk:Zerabat|talk]]) 14:57, 11 May 2017 (UTC) :::Looks good to me! —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 15:22, 11 May 2017 (UTC) ::::By the way... I must admit (i should not but by matters of clearifying) that i did not deeply read the precedent, but since you talk about Regions of Uruguay... the quick answer is that there is none (none but the whole country, if any), the official response is in way of coming and is that that, is in way of coming as regionalization is recently in the way of being propposed, and I must admit that you made a much better work than that the authorities are doing, the official prtopossal segregates [[Montevideo]] from [[Colonia del Sacramento]] in South and Riverside respectively which in my opinion is an option much much worse than yours, if for me I would accept your propposed Regions better that the official ones, but on the corpse of the matter the official propposal includes five regions: South, Center, East, Northeast and Riverside, shame that is not you that make the decissions (sham,e that i cant use my wikipedia account here)...--[[Special:Contributions/167.57.67.209|167.57.67.209]] 02:42, 14 June 2017 (UTC) :::::{{ping|167.57.67.209}} Firstly I should say that you don't have to feel ashamed because you can use your Wikipedia account here and in every Wikimedia project. Secondly, I am the proposer of the new regionalisation, based on those traced by the Uruguay's Ministry of Tourism (MoT). As I said above, the current regionalisation has no sense nor justification. It was based on what was interpreted by the proposer what was supposedly said in an English Wikipedia page years ago (that page could be [[:w:Special:Permalink/334022163|Geography of Uruguay (rev. 334022163)]]) about "socio-economic and geographic regions", while the ''departamentos'' were arbitrarily assigned to one or other region. and this regionalisation wasn't done with tourism in mind. Moreover, Uruguay's MoT made a tourist regionalisation with tourism in mind, something we could use and take advantage of, as it was made by experts. --[[User:Zerabat|Zerabat]] ([[User talk:Zerabat|talk]]) 14:21, 7 July 2017 (UTC) Several months later, I've now travelled much more extensively in Uruguay, and I'm not sure I like the proposed regions. *The current Atlantic Coast is a very coherent region, basically consisting of popular beach towns plus a couple of closely associated places ([[Chuy]] and [[Rocha]]). The proposed East Region combines these with some inland departments that are very different. I don't know how we would write a coherent traveller-oriented region article that includes departments as varied as Maldonado, Rocha, Lavalleja, Treinta y Tres, and Cerro Largo. *The current Northern Interior also seems like a coherent region to me. Even though I kind of encouraged dividing up Artigas Department, I no longer think it's a good idea, and more broadly, from what I understand, the cities of [[Salto]], [[Rivera]], [[Artigas]], [[Bella Unión]], and [[Tacuarembó]] have enough connections and features in common that it seems like they belong in the same region. The proposed Northern Region would also be pretty small for a Wikivoyage region—only three city articles, or four at most if we decided to put all of Artigas Department in the region. *The current Rio de la Plata region combines some pretty different destinations, but there's something nice about having one region for Montevideo, Colonia, and Fray Bentos (historically very important port cities, and probably the only three cities in the country with significant well-known historic districts). The proposed Pájaros Pintados Region also combines pretty different destinations, though it has the unifying feature of ties to Argentina. But I think it probably makes more sense to put Colonia in the same region as Montevideo. *The current Central Interior is admittedly a bit of a miscellaneous grab-bag (at least it seems like it to me). I haven't really spent any time in San José Department, so I'm not sure if the proposed South Central Region is better or not. *The proposed Metropolitan Region seems coherent to me, but if we create it now it will be a region with only one city, which is really too small of a region. Maybe we should create it someday, if articles are created for the suburbs of Montevideo and beaches in Canelones Department, but not yet. So I think the current regionalization seems better. In particular, the wide variety of destinations in the East Region and the small number of cities in the Northern Region and Metropolitan Region seem like real problems. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 19:28, 2 November 2017 (UTC) :Editing bitmap graphics is a pain in the heinie, but if I ever have a lazy day with nothing to do, I'm going to edit the map to fix the (rather humorous) mis-translation of Rio de la Plata as "River of Plates". A better translation would be "Silver River". [[User:Mrkstvns|Mrkstvns]] ([[User talk:Mrkstvns|talk]]) 17:36, 2 July 2025 (UTC) == Replace banner? == [[File:Wikivoyage Uruguay banner Parque Rodo.png|right|thumb|500px|Existing banner]] [[File:Colonia del Sacramento Banner.jpg|right|thumb|500px|Option 1: Colonia del Sacramento]] [[File:Playa Pocitos Pano Banner.jpg|right|thumb|500px|Option 2: Playa Pocitos Pano]] [[File:Playa Pocitos Pano banner 2.jpg|right|thumb|500px|Option 2b]] [[File:Cerro Pan de Azucar Banner.jpg|right|thumb|500px|Option 3: Cerro Pan de Azucar]] Much like [[Talk:Paraguay#New_Banner]] - I find Uruguay's current banner to be not great, and also an inefficient PNG format. I couldn't find many great options on commons, but created these three. Any comments? [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 10:20, 2 April 2017 (UTC) *I've added a variation of option 2 ([[:File:Playa Pocitos Pano banner 2.jpg|option 2b]]), which I think works a little better than option 2 in the article with the menu covering up the bottom of it. Of the five, my favorite is option 2b, followed by option 3. —[[User:Mr. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mr. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mr. Granger|contribs]]) 10:52, 2 April 2017 (UTC) :: OK, let's go for your suggestion. --[[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 22:53, 4 April 2017 (UTC) ==Beberages== There is also cheaper alcohol than whiskey on the traditional blends being grappa and caña, you can add this to redaction if you want to.--[[Special:Contributions/167.57.67.209|167.57.67.209]] 03:02, 14 June 2017 (UTC) == Workshop tomorrow == {{swept}} Tomorrow I'm planning to do a workshop with a group of 5-10 Uruguayan teachers-in-training where I'll show them how to edit the English Wikivoyage and they'll add some information to some of our articles about Uruguay. They speak good English, and I'll keep a close eye on their edits to make sure they follow [[wiaa]] and other guidelines. I think this will be a good way to make some improvements to our coverage of Uruguay and possibly even attract some potential long-term contributors. I just want to leave this message as a heads-up not to be surprised when a few new accounts suddenly start editing articles about Uruguay at the same time tomorrow. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 15:35, 31 May 2017 (UTC) :That's great! You might want to post in the [[Travellers' pub]], which I think more people monitor. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:35, 31 May 2017 (UTC) ::Good point—I've moved this discussion to the pub. (It was originally at [[Talk:Uruguay]].) —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 22:28, 31 May 2017 (UTC) :::{{Ping|Mx. Granger}} Why here rather than [[voy:es:Uruguay]]? Alternately, is it only here and not there as well? —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 22:45, 31 May 2017 (UTC) ::::Good question. I'm working with these teachers-in-training once a week, partly to help them practice their English, and the activity I've planned for this week is the Wikivoyage workshop. Doing it on es.voy wouldn't accomplish the goal of helping them practice English. But in terms of encouraging them to continue contributing in the future, it would be great if they want to do that on es.voy too, and I'll mention that possibility to them. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 22:53, 31 May 2017 (UTC) :::::Not sure if your students can help, but [[Montevideo]] (capital city) is presently one very long article. Great if you could take a look at districts. --[[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 07:04, 1 June 2017 (UTC) ::::::We just finished the workshop. I think it produced some useful content, and some of the students said they plan to continue improving the articles in the next few days! This evening when I get home I'll clean up the new articles and contributions. Next week I'll show them how to add pictures. ::::::With respect to districts in Montevideo, I wonder if it might be better to leave it as one article for now - though Montevideo looks spread out on a map, the attractions are mostly concentrated around the Ciudad Vieja and Parque Rodó/Punta Carretas areas. The article doesn't look too much longer than [[Albuquerque]], which is a star article. But I'd welcome other opinions - if the consensus is that it should be split, I'll discuss it with the students and see what districts they (and I) think would be useful. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:06, 1 June 2017 (UTC) :::::::I would like if you also would have mentioned that also there is a Spanish language version of Wikivoyage in which they also could contribute the same content in their own language, so at the same time two projects would be gaining. --[[User:Zerabat|Zerabat]] ([[User talk:Zerabat|talk]]) 13:23, 17 June 2017 (UTC) ::::::::I did mention that, and I very much hope they'll contribute to the Spanish Wikivoyage too. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 13:37, 17 June 2017 (UTC) :::::::::I hope so, but at the moment no one of these users joined eswikivoyage neither did a single edit since this workshop was hold, what is a pity. --[[User:Zerabat|Zerabat]] ([[User talk:Zerabat|talk]]) 15:59, 7 July 2017 (UTC) == For the records: currency denotation == Hi there I just noted that sometimes AM and PM is used in the Uruguayan article. However, the times (t)here are quoted in 24 hr format and I had just confirmation buy a local that this is official. Hence, I would like to make it official that we are consequently using the 00:00-23:59 format for Uruguay, and I will go ahead converting any left AM and PM to this version of time. If there are no objections. Cheers, André <small>—The [[Project:Using_talk_pages#Talk_page_formatting|preceding]] comment was added by [[User:Ceever|Ceever]] ([[User_talk:Ceever|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Ceever|contribs]]) </small> : Currency? Time is money? :) : Jokes aside, they indeed use the 24 h system in Uruguay, just like pretty much anywhere else outside the anglosphere so go ahead and change it. --[[User:Ypsilon|ϒpsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 19:21, 2 February 2018 (UTC) ::I agree, times should be given in 24-hour format in all Uruguay articles. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 19:38, 2 February 2018 (UTC) == Suspect typo == from [[Wikivoyage:Correct typos in one click]] antel-><!--mantel-->'''m'''antel? (omit) context: <nowiki>~~~ are prominently posted and always username: antel </nowiki></br> '''antel''' <nowiki> password: wifi. Dedicado WiFi hotspots ~~~</nowiki> :Not a typo. It refers to "[[:w:en:ANTEL|ANTEL]]", a government-owned telecommunications company providing access to telephony, mobile carrier and internet connections, among other services. --[[User:Onwa|Onwa]] ([[User talk:Onwa|talk]]) 05:33, 10 December 2021 (UTC) g6t2l9nqvdabdqu8hnfn9rgqu2gadry 5086733 5086716 2025-07-02T18:14:21Z Ground Zero 1423298 /* Regions */ 5086733 wikitext text/x-wiki {{infobox|Formatting and language conventions|For articles about Uruguay, please use the '''[[Wikivoyage talk:Time and date formats|24-hour clock]]''' to show times, e.g. 09:00-12:00 and 18:00-00:00. Please show [[Wikivoyage:Currency|prices]] in this format: U$100, and not 100 pesos or UYU 100. Although "$" is commonly used to denote pesos, Wikivoyage uses this notation for clarity because prices in tourist areas are sometimes listed in US$. Please use [[Wikivoyage:Spelling|American spelling]].}} For future reference the [[Project:CIA World Factbook 2002 import]] can be found at [[Talk:Uruguay/CIA World Factbook 2002 import]]. ---- ==Regions== I am regionalising Uruguay along the lines of the socio-economic and geographic regions that [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geography_of_Uruguay#Land_use_and_settlement_patterns Wikipedia use]. A few adjustments to improve the logic for travellers. That means all the departments will be redirected to four new regional aticles (they are either red linked or empty anyway). *[[Rio de la Plata]]: includes Greater Montevideo which is much too small to be a separate travel region, plus Canelones, San Jose, Colonia, Soriano and Rio Negro) *[[Atlantic Coast (Uruguay)]] - Maldonado and Rocha *[[Northern Interior (Uruguay)]] - the rest north of the Rio Negro and dam lakes *[[Central Interior (Uruguay)]] - the rest south of the Rio Negro and dam lakes. --[[User:(WT-en) Burmesedays|(WT-en) Burmesedays]] 21:58, 20 January 2010 (EST) :[[:wts:Image:Uruguay Regions map.png|This]] looks very sensible to me. --[[User:(WT-en) Peterfitzgerald|(WT-en) Peter]] <small>^{[[User talk:(WT-en) Peterfitzgerald|Talk]]}</small> 16:33, 21 January 2010 (EST) ::This regionalisation has no sense. This was based on a scheme from English Wikipedia article whose section has none references <u>about</u> this "socio-economic and geographic" regions. Rio Negro department, for example, doesn't even touch the Rio de la Plata. Traditionally, Uruguay was divided in North and South of the Rio Negro. However, if you look at this example [http://www.montevideo.com.uy/enciclopedia/politica.htm "Montevideo COMM Enciclopedia Geografica del Uruguay"], this page describes 5 regions: North-west (Artigas, Salto, Paysandú, Río Negro), North (Rivera, Tacuarembó), East (Cerro Largo, Treinta y Tres, Lavalleja, Rocha, Maldonado), South (Durazno, Flores, Florida, San José, Canelones, Montevideo), and South-west (Soriano, Colonia). Moreover, '''the official website of Uruguay's Ministry of Tourism [http://turismo.gub.uy/index.php/lugares-para-ir describes here 5 regions]''': Metropolitan (Montevideo and Canelones departments), Center-South, East (the same of Montevideo COMM), North, and the "Corridor of the Colorful Birds" (something like the Montevideo COMM's North region). If there is consensus, I will proceed to change this into the uruguayan government tourism regions. --[[User:Zerabat|Zerabat]] ([[User talk:Zerabat|talk]]) 02:09, 3 December 2016 (UTC) ::<small>{{ping|Peterfitzgerald|Ypsilon|Andrewssi2|Ikan Kekek|Mx. Granger}} pinged some users to review this proposal. --[[User:Zerabat|Zerabat]] ([[User talk:Zerabat|talk]]) 17:53, 6 February 2017 (UTC)</small> [[File:Uruguay Regions map.png|thumb|Existing region map]] :::I'm not familiar with Uruguay so I cant really comment if the existing regions or the new regions make more sense or not. I do note that ::: * Wikipedia divides into four regions, but only as part of the description and there are no specific Wikipedia articles for each 'high level' region ::: * The government tourism web site looks good, and obviously they put much effort into defining their 4 regions ::: * If you really want to do this, then it will require significant effort to draw a new map and reorganize the articles underneath. I would urge that you consider the amount of work for you in the first instance :::: . ::: Can you start recreating the map in the first instance and place it here on the talk page? [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 20:30, 6 February 2017 (UTC) ::::I don't know Uruguay and have no opinion about this, except that if you want to do the work, you have my blessing. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:27, 6 February 2017 (UTC) [[File:Uruguay Tourist Regions map.svg|lang=en|thumb|left|New proposed regions.]] {{outdent}} I have roughly edited the original SVG image (which have a misconfigured canvas) and here it is. I also fixed some routes and paths that were wrongly delineated. Maybe would need some minor fixes in the borders and adaptation to support other languages according to [[:c:Commons:Translation possible/Learn more#Multiple translations within one SVG file]]. What do you think? --[[User:Zerabat|Zerabat]] ([[User talk:Zerabat|talk]]) 22:59, 7 February 2017 (UTC) :{{replyto|Zerabat}} I've traveled to a few parts of Uruguay, but I'm not any kind of expert. I think it probably makes sense to make the metropolitan area its own region. I'm not really knowledgeable enough to comment on the other aspects of the proposal, but I trust that the Ministry of Tourism has divided the country up in a logical way, so I would support the change. —[[User:Mr. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mr. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mr. Granger|contribs]]) 21:04, 20 April 2017 (UTC) :I notice there's a slight difference between your proposed regions and the Ministry of Tourism regions, though: the Ministry of Tourism puts part of Artigas Department in the Northern Region, whereas you have all of it in the Pájaros Pintados Region. I've never been to the city of Artigas, but since it's on the border with Brazil, I would guess that it probably has more in common with Rivera than with Salto. So that might be worth thinking about, but like I said, I'm not that knowledgeable. —[[User:Mr. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mr. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mr. Granger|contribs]]) 21:15, 20 April 2017 (UTC) ::{{ping|Mr. Granger}} I have fixed the map with the change requested. --[[User:Zerabat|Zerabat]] ([[User talk:Zerabat|talk]]) 14:57, 11 May 2017 (UTC) :::Looks good to me! —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 15:22, 11 May 2017 (UTC) ::::By the way... I must admit (i should not but by matters of clearifying) that i did not deeply read the precedent, but since you talk about Regions of Uruguay... the quick answer is that there is none (none but the whole country, if any), the official response is in way of coming and is that that, is in way of coming as regionalization is recently in the way of being propposed, and I must admit that you made a much better work than that the authorities are doing, the official prtopossal segregates [[Montevideo]] from [[Colonia del Sacramento]] in South and Riverside respectively which in my opinion is an option much much worse than yours, if for me I would accept your propposed Regions better that the official ones, but on the corpse of the matter the official propposal includes five regions: South, Center, East, Northeast and Riverside, shame that is not you that make the decissions (sham,e that i cant use my wikipedia account here)...--[[Special:Contributions/167.57.67.209|167.57.67.209]] 02:42, 14 June 2017 (UTC) :::::{{ping|167.57.67.209}} Firstly I should say that you don't have to feel ashamed because you can use your Wikipedia account here and in every Wikimedia project. Secondly, I am the proposer of the new regionalisation, based on those traced by the Uruguay's Ministry of Tourism (MoT). As I said above, the current regionalisation has no sense nor justification. It was based on what was interpreted by the proposer what was supposedly said in an English Wikipedia page years ago (that page could be [[:w:Special:Permalink/334022163|Geography of Uruguay (rev. 334022163)]]) about "socio-economic and geographic regions", while the ''departamentos'' were arbitrarily assigned to one or other region. and this regionalisation wasn't done with tourism in mind. Moreover, Uruguay's MoT made a tourist regionalisation with tourism in mind, something we could use and take advantage of, as it was made by experts. --[[User:Zerabat|Zerabat]] ([[User talk:Zerabat|talk]]) 14:21, 7 July 2017 (UTC) Several months later, I've now travelled much more extensively in Uruguay, and I'm not sure I like the proposed regions. *The current Atlantic Coast is a very coherent region, basically consisting of popular beach towns plus a couple of closely associated places ([[Chuy]] and [[Rocha]]). The proposed East Region combines these with some inland departments that are very different. I don't know how we would write a coherent traveller-oriented region article that includes departments as varied as Maldonado, Rocha, Lavalleja, Treinta y Tres, and Cerro Largo. *The current Northern Interior also seems like a coherent region to me. Even though I kind of encouraged dividing up Artigas Department, I no longer think it's a good idea, and more broadly, from what I understand, the cities of [[Salto]], [[Rivera]], [[Artigas]], [[Bella Unión]], and [[Tacuarembó]] have enough connections and features in common that it seems like they belong in the same region. The proposed Northern Region would also be pretty small for a Wikivoyage region—only three city articles, or four at most if we decided to put all of Artigas Department in the region. *The current Rio de la Plata region combines some pretty different destinations, but there's something nice about having one region for Montevideo, Colonia, and Fray Bentos (historically very important port cities, and probably the only three cities in the country with significant well-known historic districts). The proposed Pájaros Pintados Region also combines pretty different destinations, though it has the unifying feature of ties to Argentina. But I think it probably makes more sense to put Colonia in the same region as Montevideo. *The current Central Interior is admittedly a bit of a miscellaneous grab-bag (at least it seems like it to me). I haven't really spent any time in San José Department, so I'm not sure if the proposed South Central Region is better or not. *The proposed Metropolitan Region seems coherent to me, but if we create it now it will be a region with only one city, which is really too small of a region. Maybe we should create it someday, if articles are created for the suburbs of Montevideo and beaches in Canelones Department, but not yet. So I think the current regionalization seems better. In particular, the wide variety of destinations in the East Region and the small number of cities in the Northern Region and Metropolitan Region seem like real problems. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 19:28, 2 November 2017 (UTC) :Editing bitmap graphics is a pain in the heinie, but if I ever have a lazy day with nothing to do, I'm going to edit the map to fix the (rather humorous) mis-translation of Rio de la Plata as "River of Plates". A better translation would be "Silver River". [[User:Mrkstvns|Mrkstvns]] ([[User talk:Mrkstvns|talk]]) 17:36, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::"River Plate" is the traditional name of the river in English. There is even a football team in Buenos Aires called [https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Club_Atl%C3%A9tico_River_Plate Club Atlético River Plate]. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 18:14, 2 July 2025 (UTC) == Replace banner? == [[File:Wikivoyage Uruguay banner Parque Rodo.png|right|thumb|500px|Existing banner]] [[File:Colonia del Sacramento Banner.jpg|right|thumb|500px|Option 1: Colonia del Sacramento]] [[File:Playa Pocitos Pano Banner.jpg|right|thumb|500px|Option 2: Playa Pocitos Pano]] [[File:Playa Pocitos Pano banner 2.jpg|right|thumb|500px|Option 2b]] [[File:Cerro Pan de Azucar Banner.jpg|right|thumb|500px|Option 3: Cerro Pan de Azucar]] Much like [[Talk:Paraguay#New_Banner]] - I find Uruguay's current banner to be not great, and also an inefficient PNG format. I couldn't find many great options on commons, but created these three. Any comments? [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 10:20, 2 April 2017 (UTC) *I've added a variation of option 2 ([[:File:Playa Pocitos Pano banner 2.jpg|option 2b]]), which I think works a little better than option 2 in the article with the menu covering up the bottom of it. Of the five, my favorite is option 2b, followed by option 3. —[[User:Mr. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mr. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mr. Granger|contribs]]) 10:52, 2 April 2017 (UTC) :: OK, let's go for your suggestion. --[[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 22:53, 4 April 2017 (UTC) ==Beberages== There is also cheaper alcohol than whiskey on the traditional blends being grappa and caña, you can add this to redaction if you want to.--[[Special:Contributions/167.57.67.209|167.57.67.209]] 03:02, 14 June 2017 (UTC) == Workshop tomorrow == {{swept}} Tomorrow I'm planning to do a workshop with a group of 5-10 Uruguayan teachers-in-training where I'll show them how to edit the English Wikivoyage and they'll add some information to some of our articles about Uruguay. They speak good English, and I'll keep a close eye on their edits to make sure they follow [[wiaa]] and other guidelines. I think this will be a good way to make some improvements to our coverage of Uruguay and possibly even attract some potential long-term contributors. I just want to leave this message as a heads-up not to be surprised when a few new accounts suddenly start editing articles about Uruguay at the same time tomorrow. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 15:35, 31 May 2017 (UTC) :That's great! You might want to post in the [[Travellers' pub]], which I think more people monitor. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:35, 31 May 2017 (UTC) ::Good point—I've moved this discussion to the pub. (It was originally at [[Talk:Uruguay]].) —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 22:28, 31 May 2017 (UTC) :::{{Ping|Mx. Granger}} Why here rather than [[voy:es:Uruguay]]? Alternately, is it only here and not there as well? —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 22:45, 31 May 2017 (UTC) ::::Good question. I'm working with these teachers-in-training once a week, partly to help them practice their English, and the activity I've planned for this week is the Wikivoyage workshop. Doing it on es.voy wouldn't accomplish the goal of helping them practice English. But in terms of encouraging them to continue contributing in the future, it would be great if they want to do that on es.voy too, and I'll mention that possibility to them. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 22:53, 31 May 2017 (UTC) :::::Not sure if your students can help, but [[Montevideo]] (capital city) is presently one very long article. Great if you could take a look at districts. --[[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 07:04, 1 June 2017 (UTC) ::::::We just finished the workshop. I think it produced some useful content, and some of the students said they plan to continue improving the articles in the next few days! This evening when I get home I'll clean up the new articles and contributions. Next week I'll show them how to add pictures. ::::::With respect to districts in Montevideo, I wonder if it might be better to leave it as one article for now - though Montevideo looks spread out on a map, the attractions are mostly concentrated around the Ciudad Vieja and Parque Rodó/Punta Carretas areas. The article doesn't look too much longer than [[Albuquerque]], which is a star article. But I'd welcome other opinions - if the consensus is that it should be split, I'll discuss it with the students and see what districts they (and I) think would be useful. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:06, 1 June 2017 (UTC) :::::::I would like if you also would have mentioned that also there is a Spanish language version of Wikivoyage in which they also could contribute the same content in their own language, so at the same time two projects would be gaining. --[[User:Zerabat|Zerabat]] ([[User talk:Zerabat|talk]]) 13:23, 17 June 2017 (UTC) ::::::::I did mention that, and I very much hope they'll contribute to the Spanish Wikivoyage too. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 13:37, 17 June 2017 (UTC) :::::::::I hope so, but at the moment no one of these users joined eswikivoyage neither did a single edit since this workshop was hold, what is a pity. --[[User:Zerabat|Zerabat]] ([[User talk:Zerabat|talk]]) 15:59, 7 July 2017 (UTC) == For the records: currency denotation == Hi there I just noted that sometimes AM and PM is used in the Uruguayan article. However, the times (t)here are quoted in 24 hr format and I had just confirmation buy a local that this is official. Hence, I would like to make it official that we are consequently using the 00:00-23:59 format for Uruguay, and I will go ahead converting any left AM and PM to this version of time. If there are no objections. Cheers, André <small>—The [[Project:Using_talk_pages#Talk_page_formatting|preceding]] comment was added by [[User:Ceever|Ceever]] ([[User_talk:Ceever|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Ceever|contribs]]) </small> : Currency? Time is money? :) : Jokes aside, they indeed use the 24 h system in Uruguay, just like pretty much anywhere else outside the anglosphere so go ahead and change it. --[[User:Ypsilon|ϒpsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 19:21, 2 February 2018 (UTC) ::I agree, times should be given in 24-hour format in all Uruguay articles. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 19:38, 2 February 2018 (UTC) == Suspect typo == from [[Wikivoyage:Correct typos in one click]] antel-><!--mantel-->'''m'''antel? (omit) context: <nowiki>~~~ are prominently posted and always username: antel </nowiki></br> '''antel''' <nowiki> password: wifi. Dedicado WiFi hotspots ~~~</nowiki> :Not a typo. It refers to "[[:w:en:ANTEL|ANTEL]]", a government-owned telecommunications company providing access to telephony, mobile carrier and internet connections, among other services. --[[User:Onwa|Onwa]] ([[User talk:Onwa|talk]]) 05:33, 10 December 2021 (UTC) e1n3coa2ybdd04voo2gmq4x8l8uy8xj 5086734 5086733 2025-07-02T18:16:14Z Ground Zero 1423298 /* Regions */ 5086734 wikitext text/x-wiki {{infobox|Formatting and language conventions|For articles about Uruguay, please use the '''[[Wikivoyage talk:Time and date formats|24-hour clock]]''' to show times, e.g. 09:00-12:00 and 18:00-00:00. Please show [[Wikivoyage:Currency|prices]] in this format: U$100, and not 100 pesos or UYU 100. Although "$" is commonly used to denote pesos, Wikivoyage uses this notation for clarity because prices in tourist areas are sometimes listed in US$. Please use [[Wikivoyage:Spelling|American spelling]].}} For future reference the [[Project:CIA World Factbook 2002 import]] can be found at [[Talk:Uruguay/CIA World Factbook 2002 import]]. ---- ==Regions== I am regionalising Uruguay along the lines of the socio-economic and geographic regions that [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geography_of_Uruguay#Land_use_and_settlement_patterns Wikipedia use]. A few adjustments to improve the logic for travellers. That means all the departments will be redirected to four new regional aticles (they are either red linked or empty anyway). *[[Rio de la Plata]]: includes Greater Montevideo which is much too small to be a separate travel region, plus Canelones, San Jose, Colonia, Soriano and Rio Negro) *[[Atlantic Coast (Uruguay)]] - Maldonado and Rocha *[[Northern Interior (Uruguay)]] - the rest north of the Rio Negro and dam lakes *[[Central Interior (Uruguay)]] - the rest south of the Rio Negro and dam lakes. --[[User:(WT-en) Burmesedays|(WT-en) Burmesedays]] 21:58, 20 January 2010 (EST) :[[:wts:Image:Uruguay Regions map.png|This]] looks very sensible to me. --[[User:(WT-en) Peterfitzgerald|(WT-en) Peter]] <small>^{[[User talk:(WT-en) Peterfitzgerald|Talk]]}</small> 16:33, 21 January 2010 (EST) ::This regionalisation has no sense. This was based on a scheme from English Wikipedia article whose section has none references <u>about</u> this "socio-economic and geographic" regions. Rio Negro department, for example, doesn't even touch the Rio de la Plata. Traditionally, Uruguay was divided in North and South of the Rio Negro. However, if you look at this example [http://www.montevideo.com.uy/enciclopedia/politica.htm "Montevideo COMM Enciclopedia Geografica del Uruguay"], this page describes 5 regions: North-west (Artigas, Salto, Paysandú, Río Negro), North (Rivera, Tacuarembó), East (Cerro Largo, Treinta y Tres, Lavalleja, Rocha, Maldonado), South (Durazno, Flores, Florida, San José, Canelones, Montevideo), and South-west (Soriano, Colonia). Moreover, '''the official website of Uruguay's Ministry of Tourism [http://turismo.gub.uy/index.php/lugares-para-ir describes here 5 regions]''': Metropolitan (Montevideo and Canelones departments), Center-South, East (the same of Montevideo COMM), North, and the "Corridor of the Colorful Birds" (something like the Montevideo COMM's North region). If there is consensus, I will proceed to change this into the uruguayan government tourism regions. --[[User:Zerabat|Zerabat]] ([[User talk:Zerabat|talk]]) 02:09, 3 December 2016 (UTC) ::<small>{{ping|Peterfitzgerald|Ypsilon|Andrewssi2|Ikan Kekek|Mx. Granger}} pinged some users to review this proposal. --[[User:Zerabat|Zerabat]] ([[User talk:Zerabat|talk]]) 17:53, 6 February 2017 (UTC)</small> [[File:Uruguay Regions map.png|thumb|Existing region map]] :::I'm not familiar with Uruguay so I cant really comment if the existing regions or the new regions make more sense or not. I do note that ::: * Wikipedia divides into four regions, but only as part of the description and there are no specific Wikipedia articles for each 'high level' region ::: * The government tourism web site looks good, and obviously they put much effort into defining their 4 regions ::: * If you really want to do this, then it will require significant effort to draw a new map and reorganize the articles underneath. I would urge that you consider the amount of work for you in the first instance :::: . ::: Can you start recreating the map in the first instance and place it here on the talk page? [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 20:30, 6 February 2017 (UTC) ::::I don't know Uruguay and have no opinion about this, except that if you want to do the work, you have my blessing. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:27, 6 February 2017 (UTC) [[File:Uruguay Tourist Regions map.svg|lang=en|thumb|left|New proposed regions.]] {{outdent}} I have roughly edited the original SVG image (which have a misconfigured canvas) and here it is. I also fixed some routes and paths that were wrongly delineated. Maybe would need some minor fixes in the borders and adaptation to support other languages according to [[:c:Commons:Translation possible/Learn more#Multiple translations within one SVG file]]. What do you think? --[[User:Zerabat|Zerabat]] ([[User talk:Zerabat|talk]]) 22:59, 7 February 2017 (UTC) :{{replyto|Zerabat}} I've traveled to a few parts of Uruguay, but I'm not any kind of expert. I think it probably makes sense to make the metropolitan area its own region. I'm not really knowledgeable enough to comment on the other aspects of the proposal, but I trust that the Ministry of Tourism has divided the country up in a logical way, so I would support the change. —[[User:Mr. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mr. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mr. Granger|contribs]]) 21:04, 20 April 2017 (UTC) :I notice there's a slight difference between your proposed regions and the Ministry of Tourism regions, though: the Ministry of Tourism puts part of Artigas Department in the Northern Region, whereas you have all of it in the Pájaros Pintados Region. I've never been to the city of Artigas, but since it's on the border with Brazil, I would guess that it probably has more in common with Rivera than with Salto. So that might be worth thinking about, but like I said, I'm not that knowledgeable. —[[User:Mr. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mr. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mr. Granger|contribs]]) 21:15, 20 April 2017 (UTC) ::{{ping|Mr. Granger}} I have fixed the map with the change requested. --[[User:Zerabat|Zerabat]] ([[User talk:Zerabat|talk]]) 14:57, 11 May 2017 (UTC) :::Looks good to me! —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 15:22, 11 May 2017 (UTC) ::::By the way... I must admit (i should not but by matters of clearifying) that i did not deeply read the precedent, but since you talk about Regions of Uruguay... the quick answer is that there is none (none but the whole country, if any), the official response is in way of coming and is that that, is in way of coming as regionalization is recently in the way of being propposed, and I must admit that you made a much better work than that the authorities are doing, the official prtopossal segregates [[Montevideo]] from [[Colonia del Sacramento]] in South and Riverside respectively which in my opinion is an option much much worse than yours, if for me I would accept your propposed Regions better that the official ones, but on the corpse of the matter the official propposal includes five regions: South, Center, East, Northeast and Riverside, shame that is not you that make the decissions (sham,e that i cant use my wikipedia account here)...--[[Special:Contributions/167.57.67.209|167.57.67.209]] 02:42, 14 June 2017 (UTC) :::::{{ping|167.57.67.209}} Firstly I should say that you don't have to feel ashamed because you can use your Wikipedia account here and in every Wikimedia project. Secondly, I am the proposer of the new regionalisation, based on those traced by the Uruguay's Ministry of Tourism (MoT). As I said above, the current regionalisation has no sense nor justification. It was based on what was interpreted by the proposer what was supposedly said in an English Wikipedia page years ago (that page could be [[:w:Special:Permalink/334022163|Geography of Uruguay (rev. 334022163)]]) about "socio-economic and geographic regions", while the ''departamentos'' were arbitrarily assigned to one or other region. and this regionalisation wasn't done with tourism in mind. Moreover, Uruguay's MoT made a tourist regionalisation with tourism in mind, something we could use and take advantage of, as it was made by experts. --[[User:Zerabat|Zerabat]] ([[User talk:Zerabat|talk]]) 14:21, 7 July 2017 (UTC) Several months later, I've now travelled much more extensively in Uruguay, and I'm not sure I like the proposed regions. *The current Atlantic Coast is a very coherent region, basically consisting of popular beach towns plus a couple of closely associated places ([[Chuy]] and [[Rocha]]). The proposed East Region combines these with some inland departments that are very different. I don't know how we would write a coherent traveller-oriented region article that includes departments as varied as Maldonado, Rocha, Lavalleja, Treinta y Tres, and Cerro Largo. *The current Northern Interior also seems like a coherent region to me. Even though I kind of encouraged dividing up Artigas Department, I no longer think it's a good idea, and more broadly, from what I understand, the cities of [[Salto]], [[Rivera]], [[Artigas]], [[Bella Unión]], and [[Tacuarembó]] have enough connections and features in common that it seems like they belong in the same region. The proposed Northern Region would also be pretty small for a Wikivoyage region—only three city articles, or four at most if we decided to put all of Artigas Department in the region. *The current Rio de la Plata region combines some pretty different destinations, but there's something nice about having one region for Montevideo, Colonia, and Fray Bentos (historically very important port cities, and probably the only three cities in the country with significant well-known historic districts). The proposed Pájaros Pintados Region also combines pretty different destinations, though it has the unifying feature of ties to Argentina. But I think it probably makes more sense to put Colonia in the same region as Montevideo. *The current Central Interior is admittedly a bit of a miscellaneous grab-bag (at least it seems like it to me). I haven't really spent any time in San José Department, so I'm not sure if the proposed South Central Region is better or not. *The proposed Metropolitan Region seems coherent to me, but if we create it now it will be a region with only one city, which is really too small of a region. Maybe we should create it someday, if articles are created for the suburbs of Montevideo and beaches in Canelones Department, but not yet. So I think the current regionalization seems better. In particular, the wide variety of destinations in the East Region and the small number of cities in the Northern Region and Metropolitan Region seem like real problems. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 19:28, 2 November 2017 (UTC) :Editing bitmap graphics is a pain in the heinie, but if I ever have a lazy day with nothing to do, I'm going to edit the map to fix the (rather humorous) mis-translation of Rio de la Plata as "River of Plates". A better translation would be "Silver River". [[User:Mrkstvns|Mrkstvns]] ([[User talk:Mrkstvns|talk]]) 17:36, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::"River Plate" is the traditional name of the river in English. There is even a football team in Buenos Aires called [https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Club_Atl%C3%A9tico_River_Plate Club Atlético River Plate]. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 18:14, 2 July 2025 (UTC) == Replace banner? == [[File:Wikivoyage Uruguay banner Parque Rodo.png|right|thumb|500px|Existing banner]] [[File:Colonia del Sacramento Banner.jpg|right|thumb|500px|Option 1: Colonia del Sacramento]] [[File:Playa Pocitos Pano Banner.jpg|right|thumb|500px|Option 2: Playa Pocitos Pano]] [[File:Playa Pocitos Pano banner 2.jpg|right|thumb|500px|Option 2b]] [[File:Cerro Pan de Azucar Banner.jpg|right|thumb|500px|Option 3: Cerro Pan de Azucar]] Much like [[Talk:Paraguay#New_Banner]] - I find Uruguay's current banner to be not great, and also an inefficient PNG format. I couldn't find many great options on commons, but created these three. Any comments? [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 10:20, 2 April 2017 (UTC) *I've added a variation of option 2 ([[:File:Playa Pocitos Pano banner 2.jpg|option 2b]]), which I think works a little better than option 2 in the article with the menu covering up the bottom of it. Of the five, my favorite is option 2b, followed by option 3. —[[User:Mr. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mr. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mr. Granger|contribs]]) 10:52, 2 April 2017 (UTC) :: OK, let's go for your suggestion. --[[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 22:53, 4 April 2017 (UTC) ==Beberages== There is also cheaper alcohol than whiskey on the traditional blends being grappa and caña, you can add this to redaction if you want to.--[[Special:Contributions/167.57.67.209|167.57.67.209]] 03:02, 14 June 2017 (UTC) == Workshop tomorrow == {{swept}} Tomorrow I'm planning to do a workshop with a group of 5-10 Uruguayan teachers-in-training where I'll show them how to edit the English Wikivoyage and they'll add some information to some of our articles about Uruguay. They speak good English, and I'll keep a close eye on their edits to make sure they follow [[wiaa]] and other guidelines. I think this will be a good way to make some improvements to our coverage of Uruguay and possibly even attract some potential long-term contributors. I just want to leave this message as a heads-up not to be surprised when a few new accounts suddenly start editing articles about Uruguay at the same time tomorrow. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 15:35, 31 May 2017 (UTC) :That's great! You might want to post in the [[Travellers' pub]], which I think more people monitor. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:35, 31 May 2017 (UTC) ::Good point—I've moved this discussion to the pub. (It was originally at [[Talk:Uruguay]].) —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 22:28, 31 May 2017 (UTC) :::{{Ping|Mx. Granger}} Why here rather than [[voy:es:Uruguay]]? Alternately, is it only here and not there as well? —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 22:45, 31 May 2017 (UTC) ::::Good question. I'm working with these teachers-in-training once a week, partly to help them practice their English, and the activity I've planned for this week is the Wikivoyage workshop. Doing it on es.voy wouldn't accomplish the goal of helping them practice English. But in terms of encouraging them to continue contributing in the future, it would be great if they want to do that on es.voy too, and I'll mention that possibility to them. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 22:53, 31 May 2017 (UTC) :::::Not sure if your students can help, but [[Montevideo]] (capital city) is presently one very long article. Great if you could take a look at districts. --[[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 07:04, 1 June 2017 (UTC) ::::::We just finished the workshop. I think it produced some useful content, and some of the students said they plan to continue improving the articles in the next few days! This evening when I get home I'll clean up the new articles and contributions. Next week I'll show them how to add pictures. ::::::With respect to districts in Montevideo, I wonder if it might be better to leave it as one article for now - though Montevideo looks spread out on a map, the attractions are mostly concentrated around the Ciudad Vieja and Parque Rodó/Punta Carretas areas. The article doesn't look too much longer than [[Albuquerque]], which is a star article. But I'd welcome other opinions - if the consensus is that it should be split, I'll discuss it with the students and see what districts they (and I) think would be useful. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:06, 1 June 2017 (UTC) :::::::I would like if you also would have mentioned that also there is a Spanish language version of Wikivoyage in which they also could contribute the same content in their own language, so at the same time two projects would be gaining. --[[User:Zerabat|Zerabat]] ([[User talk:Zerabat|talk]]) 13:23, 17 June 2017 (UTC) ::::::::I did mention that, and I very much hope they'll contribute to the Spanish Wikivoyage too. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 13:37, 17 June 2017 (UTC) :::::::::I hope so, but at the moment no one of these users joined eswikivoyage neither did a single edit since this workshop was hold, what is a pity. --[[User:Zerabat|Zerabat]] ([[User talk:Zerabat|talk]]) 15:59, 7 July 2017 (UTC) == For the records: currency denotation == Hi there I just noted that sometimes AM and PM is used in the Uruguayan article. However, the times (t)here are quoted in 24 hr format and I had just confirmation buy a local that this is official. Hence, I would like to make it official that we are consequently using the 00:00-23:59 format for Uruguay, and I will go ahead converting any left AM and PM to this version of time. If there are no objections. Cheers, André <small>—The [[Project:Using_talk_pages#Talk_page_formatting|preceding]] comment was added by [[User:Ceever|Ceever]] ([[User_talk:Ceever|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Ceever|contribs]]) </small> : Currency? Time is money? :) : Jokes aside, they indeed use the 24 h system in Uruguay, just like pretty much anywhere else outside the anglosphere so go ahead and change it. --[[User:Ypsilon|ϒpsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 19:21, 2 February 2018 (UTC) ::I agree, times should be given in 24-hour format in all Uruguay articles. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 19:38, 2 February 2018 (UTC) == Suspect typo == from [[Wikivoyage:Correct typos in one click]] antel-><!--mantel-->'''m'''antel? (omit) context: <nowiki>~~~ are prominently posted and always username: antel </nowiki></br> '''antel''' <nowiki> password: wifi. Dedicado WiFi hotspots ~~~</nowiki> :Not a typo. It refers to "[[:w:en:ANTEL|ANTEL]]", a government-owned telecommunications company providing access to telephony, mobile carrier and internet connections, among other services. --[[User:Onwa|Onwa]] ([[User talk:Onwa|talk]]) 05:33, 10 December 2021 (UTC) 2fakeb9v637lz0gvf969p5ih5qpdr3s 0 68791 5086912 5085576 2025-07-03T03:22:10Z Ypsilon 1806 5086912 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Wikivoyage Photomontage banner.jpg}} The '''Discover''' page is an '''archive''' of about strange but true trivia about destinations around the world, '''previously featured''' in the Discover section on the main page. You can contribute and add or edit future facts to the list '''[[Project:Discover|here]]'''. Previously displayed facts from this year are below. You can find older facts from previous years using the [[#Old discoveries|links at the bottom of the page]]. ==July 2025== [[File:Fin bathroom in Fin garden, Kashan, Iran.jpg|right|200px]] * King Nasereddin Shah had his vizier Amir-Kabir '''murdered in Fin Garden's bathhouse''' (''pictured'') after sending him to [[Kashan]]. * [[Montañita]] is called the "'''Amsterdam of South America'''", for its prolific sales and usage of marijuana. <br clear="right" /> ==June 2025== * Since '''Biblical plants grow in a different climate''', the plants in the Rodef Shalom Biblical Botanical Garden in [[Pittsburgh/Oakland|Pittsburgh]] '''must be removed in the cold months and returned in warm months''' to prevent them from dying. [[File:After_the_Nullarbor_Nymph_-_Sydney_Sculpture_by_the_Sea_2004_-_Life-size_bronze.jpg|right|200px]] * The legend of the '''Nullarbor Nymph''' (''pictured''), a feral woman living naked with a mob of kangaroos deep in [[Australia]]'s [[Nullarbor]], was concocted at the pub in tiny [[Eucla]]. * The '''relief map''' Mapa en Relieve in [[Guatemala City]] depicting Guatemala's precipitous topography is '''so immense you have to view it from an observation tower.''' * The '''lava fields''' of [[Khaybar|Harrat Khaybar]], [[Saudi Arabia]] span '''over 12,000 square kilomters'''. [[File:Roseau, Dominica (32865269555).jpg|right|200px]] * One of the '''best places to see traditional Caribbean vernacular architecture''' is in the French Quarters (''pictured'') of [[Roseau]] in [[Dominica]]. * Although the '''last confirmed Indigenous Australians living in their traditional lifestyle was recorded in the 1980s''', there are still many historic sites and modern Aboriginal communities where you can experience [[Indigenous Australian culture]]. * A kind of a '''modern-day Titanic''', the 1994 sinking of [[MS Estonia]] has spun off documentaries, memorials and conspiracy theories. [[File:Etpison Museum.JPG|right|200px]] * The front of the Etpison Museum (''pictured'') in [[Koror]] features a giant image of the '''spider god''' that is said to have '''taught Palauan women how to give birth'''. * Kässpatzen, which literally '''translates as cheese sparrows''', is a specialty dish of [[Augsburg]] consisting of pasta topped with cheese and caramelized onions ('''no birds'''). * Madison Buffalo Jump State Park in [[Three Forks]] gets its '''name from the cliff that Native Americans used to drive buffalo off''' to use their bodies for food, clothing, and shelter. [[File:RW Ntarama (24) (17072760778).jpg|right|200px]] * The '''clothing of genocide victims are hung in the rafters''' (''pictured'') of the Ntarama Genocide Memorial in [[Nyamata]] as physical reminders of just how many died there. * According to legend, a '''caldera lake-dwelling mermaid drowns any attractive man''' who enters the Laguna de [[Alegría (El Salvador)|Alegría]]. * St. Paul's Metropolitan Cathedral in [[Vigan]] is a '''Catholic church built with feng-shui'''. [[File:Jebel Jassassiyeh rock carvings.jpg|right|200px]] * Near the Al Jassassiyeh Carvings in [[Al Shamal]], are '''250-year-old cup-shaped depressions''' (''pictured''), thought to have been used to '''hold stones for counting points in an ancient Arabian game'''. * The city of [[Cahul]] '''gets its name from the Battle of Kagul''' fought between Russians and Turks in the 18th century. * The Mexican state of [[Jalisco]] is widely known for the production of [[Tequila]], but few outside Mexico know that it is also home to a similar spirit called '''Raicilla''' [[File:Akicity noradokei.JPG|right|200px]] * The Nora-dokei (''pictured'') in [[Aki]] is a '''clock built for farmers''' to be visible while they worked the fields. * The Monastery of [[Alcobaça]] contains the graves of King Pedro I and his '''dead mistress who he had exhumed and crowned Queen'''. * About '''1/4 of American peanuts''' are grown in [[Dothan]], [[Alabama]]. [[File:Iki 03.jpg|right|200px]] * At 28 feet tall, Kal Bhairab Temple in [[Brahmanbaria]] is home to the '''world's largest statue of Shiva''' (''pictured'') * The '''only place in the world where Macedonian grayling butterflies exist''' is in Pletvar, just outside the city of [[Prilep]]. * [[Dalkey|Dalkey Island]] was used by Vikings as an Irish slave market. It is said that '''40% of Iceland's population were Irish slaves''' with many likely being bought here. [[File:Church of Debra Berhan Selassie - Wall.jpg|right|200px]] * The '''12 defense towers''' (''one pictured'') that surround Debre Birhan Selassie Church in [[Gondar]] '''represent the 12 apostles''' of Jesus. * The Greek theatre in [[Poros]] offers the '''rare opportunity to watch Greek plays in the open-air''' just like in the past. * [[Chira Island]] contains the '''most intact biodiversity of tropical dry forest flora''' in Costa Rica. [[File:Amphitheatre Drakensberg View.jpg|right|200px]] * Translating as the '''"mountains of the dragon"''', the [[Ukhahlamba Drakensberg|Drakensberg]] mountain range was '''formed by a lava flow''' (''landscape pictured''). * St. Peter's Catholic Church in [[Jaffa]] used to also serve as a '''hostel''', with '''Napoleon among the guests'''. * A remote coal mining town, the name [[Karaganda]] derives from Caragana bushes but became a '''wry pun in Russian''' for "where the hell?", ie. the middle of nowhere. [[File:Hundertwasserbahnhof-Uelzen.jpg|right|200px]] * The Hundertwasserbahnhof (''pictured'') in [[Uelzen]] was renovated for Expo 2000 to an '''unusual and strikingly coloured design''' by Austrian artist and architect, Friedensreich Hundertwasser. * [[Corydon]] is known as the '''first state capital''' of Indiana. * An old image of the town of [[Huacachina]] is '''featured on a version of Peru's 50 soles bill'''. <br clear="right" /> ==May 2025== [[File:Wine grapes nearing harvest in Ontario-also example of trellis wire.jpg|right|200px]] * The '''[[Wine regions of Ontario]]''' (''grapes at Niagara Peninsula pictured'') are at the same latitude as Bordeaux, northern Italy and Oregon, and its grape-growing season is comparable to those. * [[Winter swimming]] or ice swimming is a '''daredevil activity during the cold season''', seen as a test of virility, a part of '''survival''' or '''rescue training''' or – as weird it may seem – a way to '''relax'''. * In [[Port Lincoln]] you can '''swim with tuna''' in enclosures. [[File:Kanchanaburi cemetery.jpg|right|200px]] * [[Kanchanaburi]] War Cemetery (''pictured'') is the final resting place of 6,982 POWs who '''gave their lives for the construction of the Death Railway''' to Burma. * [[Kolkata]]'s history is intimately related to the '''British East India Company''', which arrived in 1690. * Magheraghanrush is a '''court tomb''' outside [[Sligo]] dating from about 3000 BC, and from above it's '''in the shape of a man'''. [[File:KingsHighwayClydeMntn20050627.JPG|right|200px]] * To drive the [[Kings Highway]] (''view along the road pictured''), you need ability to handle '''windy roads''' and a decent car that handles windy roads. * [[Iznik]] was once known as Nicaea, and an '''important place in the history of Christianity''' as the First Ecumenical Council took place here in 325 AD. * [[Kluane National Park]] features '''Mount Logan''', at 5,959 metres or 19,551 feet above sea level, the '''highest mountain in Canada'''. [[File:Nagaragawa ukai 02.jpg|right|200px]] * Ukai or '''nighttime cormorant fishing''' (''pictured'') is a [[Gifu]] tradition that has continued uninterrupted for 1300 years. * Hilton Village in [[Newport News]] is recognized as the '''United States' first Federal war-housing project''', and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. * In the [[Madrid/Northern Suburbs|northern suburbs of Madrid]], you can find the '''home stadia of Real and Atlético''', two of Spain's most successful football (soccer) teams. [[File:Ometepe.jpg|right|200px]] * [[Isla de Ometepe]] (''pictured'') is '''composed of twin volcanoes''' in the middle of Lago de Nicaragua. * Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art in [[Winter Park (Florida)|Winter Park, Florida]] houses the world's most comprehensive collection of the '''works of Louis Comfort Tiffany'''. * On the Silk Road [[Gansu]] '''marked the end or beginning of China proper''' depending upon if you were traveling east towards Xi'an or west towards Central Asia and Europe. [[File:CataniaTheater.JPG|right|200px]] * [[Catania]] has a '''history dating back 2,700 years''', dominated by several different cultures - Greeks, Romans (''ruins of Roman theater pictured''), Arabs, Normans, Spanish, etc. - and was '''a rich commercial centre''', mainly due to its port. * In [[Birštonas]], '''mineral water''' can be '''slurped for free''' at town drinking fountains or bought in commercial bottled drinks. * The bay next to [[Pemba]] is a great destination for '''professional and novice marine photographers alike''', with many species in warm and calm waters. [[File:Helsingborg-arch.jpg|right|200px]] * [[Helsingborg]] Castle- or what's left of it - overlooks the harbour, with '''archways over the steps leading down to the city center''' (''pictured''). * Like in the French capital, in [[Paris (Arkansas)|Paris, Arkansas]] there's also an '''Eiffel Tower''', though definitely not as tall as the real thing. * A popular myth explaining the name [[Bengaluru]] is that it originated from Benda Kaalu Uru - '''"Town of Boiled Beans"'''. [[File:Andrew McCutchen at-bat 2017 (34985040992).jpg|right|200px]] * In '''almost any place in the U.S.''', there will be a '''[[Baseball in the United States|baseball game]]''' (''gameplay pictured'') going on during the spring and summer months. * Although [[Bikol]] is pronounced as it is spelled, stress is very unpredictable and '''stressing the wrong syllable can lead to misinterpretation.''' * A '''100-m cliff''' runs along the entire bayshore of [[Salvador]], '''dividing the city''' into Cidade Alta, up on the cliff, and the Cidade Baixa down by the bay. [[File:HukouWaterfall3.jpg|right|200px]] * The Hukou Waterfall (''pictured'') in [[Huanghe Hukou Pubu National Park]] is called "the '''only yellow waterfall in the world'''." * The tallest building in Mali, the BCEAO Tower in [[Bamako]], has features '''reminiscent of the Sudan-Sahelian architecture''' of mosques in Djenne and Timbuktu. * Around the state of Victoria there are many sites related to the '''19th century outlaw [[Ned Kelly tourism|Ned Kelly]]'''. [[File:DE-Papenbg-meyer-halle-02.jpg|right|200px]] * In [[Papenburg]] you can visit Meyer Werft (''assembly hall pictured''), one of the '''largest shipyards''' in the world. * Montevideo's '''coastal promenade [[Along the Rambla of Montevideo|La Rambla]]''' is a popular place among locals for a range of activities. * [[Kansas City]] is reputed to have '''more boulevards than Paris''' and '''more fountains''' than any other city in the world '''except for Rome'''. [[File:Tsurunoyu_Onsen_01.jpg|right|200px]] * The Japanese hot spring town of [[Semboku/Nyuto_Onsen|Nyuto]] (''pictured''), literally '''Nipple''', has milky white waters but is actually named after a nearby perky mountain peak. <br clear="right" /> ==April 2025== * [[Reykjavík]] has a '''very eclectic building style''', which is mainly the result of bad (or no) planning. * The trolleybus in [[Murmansk]] is the '''northernmost trolleybus system in the world'''. [[File:Pudu puda 04.jpg|right|200px]] * Pudu deer (''pictured'') are the '''smallest deer in the world'''. They thrive in Argentina's [[Lago Puelo National Park]]. * Part of [[Villach]]'s historic '''Landskron Castle contains a falconry'''. At certain times a day, the birds are brought out for flying demonstrations around the castle. * Morgan Lewis Windmill in [[Central Eastern Barbados|Barbados]] and Betty's Hope Mill in [[Antigua]] are the '''only functioning sugar windmills in the world'''. [[File:Fukiya06s3200.jpg|right|200px]] * The '''unique burnt orange-colored buildings''' (''pictured'') in [[Takahashi]]'s Fukiya Historic District get their color from the '''iron-oxide ''bengara'' pigment'''. * The '''12th century''' Kaman Monastery in [[Sukhumi]] was '''revived over 800 years later''' in 2001 as an active monastery. * The water in [[Bacalar|Lake Bacalar]] is odorless, but when you wade in it, a '''sulfuric stench seeps out of the sand'''. [[File:GR-santorini-akrotiri-ausgrab-c.jpg|right|200px]] * '''Thanks to a volcanic eruption''' in 17&nbsp;BC, [[Akrotiri]] has '''well-preserved Bronze Age ruins''' (''pictured''), including paintings and pottery. * The lintel on Prasat Si Khoraphum in [[Surin]] '''depicting the Dancing of Shiva''' is said to be the '''most beautiful in all of Thailand and Cambodia'''. * In order to '''protect the flora and fauna''', the town outside [[Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park]] '''purposefully lacks infrastructure''' like asphalt and outdoor lighting. [[File:THE COAL HOUSE - BUILT WITH 30 TONS OF WEST VIRGINIA ANTHRACITE COAL - IN WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS' EAST END, ON US-60 NEAR ENTRANCE TO INTERSTATE 64.jpg|right|200px]] * Two of the three '''houses made of coal''' (''pictured'') in West Virginia are located in [[White Sulphur Springs (West Virginia)|White Sulphur Springs]]. * The ubiquitous '''Jalapeño pepper''' was first cultivated in [[Xalapa]], which lends its name to the spicy Chile. * Once the world's '''highest capacity football venue''', Estádio do Maracanã in [[Rio de Janeiro/Zona Norte|northern Rio de Janeiro]] was able to hold nearly '''200,000 people'''. [[File:Fushimi Inari Fox.jpg|right|200px]] * Dedicated to Inari, the Japanese fox goddess, '''countless stone foxes''' (''pictured'') can be seen at the Fushimi Inari Taisha site in [[Kyoto/South|South Kyoto]]. * The municipal borders of [[Vaduz]] are a '''delight of European feudalism run amok'''. * The Sou Raja in [[Palu]] is not just the city's '''oldest traditional house''' but also a former '''royal residence'''. [[File:Old Bank, Bastimento, Panama - panoramio (10).jpg|right|200px]] * Old Bank (''pictured'') is the '''only settlement on [[Bastimentos]]''', the island with surroundings make up a '''protected natural area.''' * In [[Hoboken]] you can visit the '''site of Frank Sinatra's birthplace''', though it's nowadays just a marker in the sidewalk. * The '''[[Vikings and the Old Norse|Norse settlements]] on Greenland''' had at its peak around 5,000 citizens, and their own bishop. [[File:Unite d'Habitation, Marseille.jpg|right|200px]] * In 2016, [[Le Corbusier World Heritage|17 buildings around the world]] (''Unite d'Habitation pictured'') by Swiss-French architect '''Le Corbusier''' were listed as a world heritage site. * The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Natural History Museum in [[Xining]] is said to be one of the '''largest natural history museums in China'''. * There are only '''two options to stay inside the [[Iguaçu Falls]] park''' within walking distance of the falls, one on the Argentinian and one on the Brazilian side. [[File:Map of Czech railways.svg|right|200px]] * The '''[[Rail travel in the Czech Republic|Czech rail network]]''' is one of the '''densest''' (''network map pictured'') in the world. * Hiking to the '''summit of Mount Takao''' in [[Hachioji]] gives a little taste of '''nature''' in Tokyo. * [[Goondiwindi]] derives from the Aboriginal word '''"resting place of the birds"'''. [[File:The Walper Hotel.jpg|right|200px]] * '''Guests''' at the historical Walper Hotel (''pictured'') in [[Kitchener]] include '''Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, Eleanor Roosevelt, Bob Hope, and Louis Armstrong.''' * The '''script''' of choice for written [[Kurdish]] differs according to the country. * '''Eritrea's currency''' is named after the town of [[Nakfa]]. <br clear="right" /> ==March 2025== [[File:Sue, Field Museum of Natural History.JPG|right|200px]] * A highlight of the Field Museum of Natural History in [[Chicago/Near South|Chicago]] is Sue (''pictured''), the '''largest Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton''' in the world. * The [[Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth]] was known for '''religious tolerance, ethnic diversity, and parliamentary rule'''. * In [[Barcelona]] you can try a '''"café con hielo"''' - espresso served with a glass of ice cubes on the side. [[File:Coolgardie.jpg|right|200px]] * [[Coolgardie]] (''pictured'') was the '''first major gold rush town''' in Western Australia. * The [[Creston]] area produces the '''largest cherries grown in the Northern Hemisphere''' and exports them globally. * [[Pakbeng]] is in the Golden Triangle, and visitors will be offered '''different drugs''' despite it being illegal there. [[File:ConisbroughCastle2.jpg|right|200px]] * Conisbrough Castle (''keep pictured'') in [[Doncaster]] was paradoxically '''preserved by being ruined'''. * In [[Surat Thani]] you can visit a '''monkey training college'''. * Nike Art Gallery in [[Eti-Osa]] is a great place to experience '''Nigerian traditional and non-traditional art'''. [[File:Lane of North Kolkata (5262472804).jpg|right|200px]] * The '''oldest part''' of Kolkata, [[Kolkata/North|North Kolkata]] is a fascinating district dominated by '''narrow little lanes''' (''pictured'') and hundreds of century-old buildings. * Highlights of the Minneopa State Park near [[Mankato]] include a '''waterfall''' and a '''bison herd'''. * In addition to the [[Money#Exchange rates|exchange rates]] at an exchange counter, also '''note all the fees charged''' for any transaction. [[File:Jimei - Kah Kee Park - DSCF9274.JPG|right|200px]] * Jiageng Park, also known as Kah Kee Park (''pictured'') in [[Jimei]] was '''created in memory of Tan Kah Kee''' (Chen Jiageng), a rubber baron who made an enormous fortune in Malaya. * Held each May, the Anime Central in [[Rosemont]] is one of the '''largest anime conventions''' in the USA. * Although a '''desert country''', [[Bahrain]] boasts an international 18-hole grass '''golf course'''. [[File:Cathedral Ridge Passu NEFrontier Pakistan.jpg|right|200px]] * Due to its '''high elevation and the difficult conditions''' in which the [[Karakoram Highway]] (''view from the road pictured'') was constructed, it has also been called the '''"Eighth Wonder of the World"'''. * [[Butaritari]] is known as the '''first island to have battles''' between Japanese and US forces during World War II. * The [[Kawarthas|Kawartha Lakes]] region indeed '''contains hundreds of lakes and rivers''', and offers some of Ontario's best sport and recreational '''fishing'''. [[File:Birr Observatory telescope - geograph.org.uk - 257854.jpg|right|200px]] * The '''Leviathan telescope''' (''pictured'') at [[Birr]] Castle was once the largest in the world. * [[Haitian Creole]] pronunciation is very '''phonetic''', unlike French, the language it's based on. * [[Tiritiri Matangi Island]] is one of only two '''scientific reserves''' in New Zealand that are '''open to the public'''. [[File:VQuime.jpg|right|200px]] * The name of the town of [[Quime]] (''pictured'') comes from the Quechua word for '''"Place to Rest"''' . * The [[Natural Bridge State Park]] is centered on the amazing, 78-ft-long, 65-ft-high, '''natural stone bridge''' that formed over millions of years. * The elephants in [[Addo Elephant National Park]] are '''addicted to citrus fruits''', so for your own safety you shouldn't carry any into the park, even in your car. [[File:Bøyabreen - Fjærland.jpg|right|200px]] * [[Jostedalsbreen]] is the '''largest glacier on the European mainland''' (''Bøyabreen arm pictured''). * [[Belgaum]] got its name from Venugrama, meaning '''"bamboo village"'''. * The Great Blacks in Wax Museum in [[Baltimore/East Baltimore|East Baltimore]] showcases the '''history of African Americans''' through wax figures. [[File:Menara as.jpg|right|200px]] * The [[Alor Setar]] Tower (''pictured'') signifies the '''rapid development''' in the state of Kedah, and functions as both a telecommunications tower and a tourist attraction. * [[Mexico City/Polanco|Polanco]]'s Soumaya Museum holds the largest collection of '''Auguste Rodin''' [[Sculptures|sculptures]] outside France. * At the [[Quanzhou]] Maritime Museum you can explore the city's heyday as '''one of China's greatest trading cities and a major base for her powerful fleets.''' [[File:Lake Anosy, Central Antananarivo, Capital of Madagascar, Photo by Sascha Grabow.jpg|right|200px]] * [[Antananarivo]] (''pictured'') translates to '''"city of the thousand"'''. <br clear="right" /> ==February 2025== * [[Landgraaf]] is famous for hosting Pinkpop each June, said to be the '''longest running pop festival''' in the world. * The Art Museum of [[Craiova]] is located in the '''sumptuous palace''' of the former magnate Jean Mihail. [[File:LafayetteEsso.jpg|right|200px]] * The '''original Standard Oil station''' (''pictured'') in [[Lafayette_(Indiana)|Lafayette, Indiana]] one of a few left, is a walk-by museum. * '''Agrotourism''' is one of the biggest draws of the region around [[Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu]], boasting orchards and cider-houses, vineyards and wineries, and maple sugar shacks (sucreries). * The [[Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park]] is one of the last areas where the '''yellow-footed rock kangaroo''' can still be commonly found. [[File:Orenburg Ural bridge frontview.jpg|right|200px]] * The bridge across the Ural river (''pictured'') in [[Orenburg]] is also a '''bridge between Europe and Asia.''' * [[Oegstgeest]] is one of the '''first ever settled parts of the Dutch coast''' that we know of today. * [[Persian]] was once the '''official, court, or literary language''' of many places ranging from Turkey through India. [[File:Casino funchal hg.jpg|right|200px]] * The Madeira Casino (''pictured'') in [[Funchal]] was '''designed by Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer''', and indeed looks a bit like '''[[Brasilia]] Cathedral with a haircut'''. * Getting to Ao Manao beach outside [[Prachuap Khiri Khan]], '''entails travel through a military area'''. * [[Närpes]] is known as the '''tomato capital of Finland'''. [[File:Mount Vernon, (Virginia).jpg|right|200px]] * The main attraction in [[Mount Vernon (Virginia)|Mount Vernon, Virginia]] is '''George Washington's estate''' (''pictured'') and gardens including his grave. * The National Museum of Slavery in [[Luanda]] is housed in Capa de Casa Grande, which is where they '''baptized slaves prior to sending them off to the Americas.''' * [[Aurangabad]] is famous for its '''historic gates''', with 15 of the original 52 still standing. [[File:020 N700 Series Shinkansen 新幹線 arriving at Kyoto Station, Japan.jpg|right|200px]] * Visitors are usually astounded to find that [[Rail travel in Japan|Japanese trains]] (''Shinkansen train pictured'') '''follow the published schedule to the second.''' * Taking place each April, the '''[[Liège]]–Bastogne–Liège cycle race''' is one of the oldest and most arduous of the pro-cycling spring classics. * With a population of a little over 3,000, nearly '''half of those along the southern coastline of Greenland live in [[Qaqortoq]]'''. [[File:GilfKebir1.jpg|right|200px]] * [[Gilf Kebir National Park]] (''landscape pictured'') is one of the '''largest and most remote national parks''' in Egypt. * The '''Rusty Nail Winery''' in [[Sulphur (Oklahoma)|Sulphur, Oklahoma]] is named so because it's housed in a former hardware store. * '''Travelling slowly''' can [[budget travel|reduce travel costs]]. [[File:Victoria Memorial, Allahabad 2.jpg|right|200px]] * The Victoria Memorial (''pictured'') in [[Prayagraj]] is not a memorial but a canopy, which '''once housed the imposing marble statue of Queen Victoria.''' * What sets Europe apart in [[Association football in Europe|footballing]] terms from the rest of the world is the '''sheer quality of the domestic leagues.''' * At the '''Thunderbird Crafts Trading Post''' near [[Ipperwash Beach]] you can buy Native American craft and books where you can learn to make crafts yourself. [[File:Mafra May 2013-2.jpg|right|200px]] * The National Palace of [[Mafra]] (''pictured'') is probably the '''most striking Baroque monument''' to be found in Portugal. * '''Wild three-toed sloths''' can be seen anywhere in the [[Bocas del Toro]] archipelago if you're lucky. * [[Whiskey]]-making has '''spread around the world''' with the Scottish and Irish diasporas. [[File:MAG Marker Brick.jpg|right|200px]] * There are many '''sights related to the Second Indochina War''' around [[Phonsavan]] - both memorials and actual remains (''border marker for a de-mined area pictured''). * The Grand Mosque of [[Dubai/Bur Dubai|Bur Dubai]] is quite close to a Hindu temple and one can see '''followers of both Islam and Hinduism gathering at the same place for prayers.''' <br clear="right" /> ==January 2025== * '''High-risk locations for encountering [[pests]]''' include low-income urban neighbourhoods, tropical regions, wetlands, stagnant bodies of water, and high vegetation. [[File:Japanese garden Wroclaw bridge.jpg|right|200px]] * The Japanese Garden (''pictured'') in [[Wrocław]] is '''remainder from the World Expo of 1913'''. * At Taman Wisata Hutan Kera in [[Bandar Lampung]] you can '''hang out with monkeys and let them raid your belongings''' if you don't bring food. * [[Chiclayo]] is one of the '''liveliest cities''' in northern Peru. [[File:Mourne Wall 02.jpg|right|200px]] * The Mourne Wall (''pictured'') '''crosses 15 summits''' of the [[Mourne Mountains]]. * The '''Holy Week processions''' in [[Málaga]] are known to have occurred for at least 500 years, and are among the oldest in Spain. * Because of its large waves, Playa Hermosa near [[Jacó]] is considered one of the '''best surfing locations''' in the world but also '''extremely dangerous'''. [[File:LightTunnelDetroit.jpg|right|200px]] * The Light Tunnel (''pictured'') connecting concourses A and B/C at [[Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport]] puts on a '''light and sound show''' for pedestrians. * As a British base, [[Horn Island]] in the Torres Strait saw battle during WWII, and the local The Torres Strait Heritage Museum and Art Gallery features '''extensive war collections.''' * Sandervalia National Museum in [[Conakry]] is the '''national museum of Guinea''', with a collection of masks and fetishes and a range of art. [[File:A6 王朗自然保护区 liuzusai - panoramio.jpg|right|200px]] * Home to a range of wild animals, Wanglang National Nature Reserve (''landscape pictured'') outside [[Mianyang]] is regarded as '''one of the best ecological areas in China.''' * [[Arriving in a new city]] can be the '''hardest part''' of a trip. * Founded in 1878, [[Petah Tikva]] means "opening of hope", and was one of '''modern Israel's first agricultural settlements''' at the beginning of the Zionist movement. [[File:Hvar fortress.jpg|right|200px]] * At [[Hvar]], '''imposing fortifications''' (''pictured'') hover above the fluid blend of grey stone and orange cascading roofs. * [[Cuba (New York)|Cuba]] Cheese Museum educates visitors on the '''history of cheesemaking''' in western New York state. * The shrines of [[Ise]] are '''famously dismantled and rebuilt''' to exacting specifications every 20 years. [[File:St. Vincent, Karibik - Botanical Garden of Kingstown - panoramio.jpg|right|200px]] * The '''Botanic Gardens Saint Vincent''' (''pictured'') in [[Kingstown]] were established in 1765, making them the '''oldest botanic gardens in the Western Hemisphere and in the tropics'''. * The '''Sigulda Walking Sticks''' have been popular local souvenirs in [[Sigulda]] for hundreds of years. * It is said that when a child at Manickamangalam Temple in [[Kalady]] cried after noticing his milk offering was still there, '''the goddess Devi drank it''' out of pity. [[File:Shirakawa-go 002.jpg|right|200px]] * The view of [[Shirakawa-go]] from the Shiroyama Viewpoint during the Winter Light-up (''pictured'') is considered to be one of '''Japan's most iconic winter views'''. * The '''Dhow Shipyard''' in [[Muharraq]] is '''one of the few remaining''' places where '''dhows are still built by hand'''. * Back in the day, [[Ouarzazate]] was a '''crossing point for African traders''' seeking to reach northern cities in Morocco and Europe. [[File:Preston bus station.jpg|right|200px]] * [[Preston]] bus station (''closeup pictured'') is a '''concrete Brutalist creation of 1968''', refurbished in 2019. * Cemue is a '''local drink''' of [[Ngawi (town)|Ngawi]], made with coconut milk, ginger, lemongrass, coconut flesh, white bread, and peanut. * [[Concepción (Paraguay)|Concepción, Paraguay]], is distinguished by the '''beauty of its public buildings and aristocratic residences'''. [[File:Backflip at Fourteen Falls.jpg|right|200px]] * The 14 Falls (''pictured'') outside [[Nairobi]] is made up of '''14 small streams that merge to form the big waterfall''' at the foot of the Kilima Mbogo Hills. * At the [[Comox]] Air Force Museum and Heritage Air Park you can see '''the planes that made the RCAF great.''' * [[Tulu phrasebook|Tulu]] '''does not have a widely used script''', though efforts are on to discover or construct one. Most writing in the language is in the Kannada script. [[File:Leon-Casa-Botines-Back.jpg|right|200px]] * Casa Botines (''pictured'') in [[León (Spain)|León]] is '''one of the few buildings by Antoni Gaudí''' outside Barcelona. * The region around [[Glen Innes]] is known as '''"The Land of The Beardies"''', after two 19th century livestock workers with long beards. * Almost half of the plant species in [[Springbok]] are '''found nowhere else in the world'''. <br clear="right" /> ==Old discoveries== *[[Project:Discover/2024|2024]] *[[Project:Discover/2023|2023]] *[[Project:Discover/2022|2022]] *[[Project:Discover/2021|2021]] *[[Project:Discover/2020|2020]] *[[Project:Discover/2019|2019]] *[[Project:Discover/2018|2018]] *[[Project:Discover/2017|2017]] *[[Project:Discover/2016|2016]] *[[Project:Discover/2015|2015]] *[[Project:Discover/2014|2014]] *[[Project:Discover/2013|2013]] *[[Project:Discover/2012|2012]] *[[Project:Discover/2011|2011]] *[[Project:Discover/2010|2010]] *[[Project:Discover/2009|2009]] *[[Project:Discover/2008|2008]] *[[Project:Discover/2007|2007]] {{Title-Index page}} 4qq9q4ctfckv2upcbvycte4n5jj9r90 4 69175 5086681 5082084 2025-07-02T16:31:51Z 92.21.137.132 Clarification. 5086681 wikitext text/x-wiki {| style="background: #f4f7fa; border: 1px solid #abc; text-align: center; padding-left: .3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;" |- | style="text-align:left;"| <div style="text-align:center; font-size:300%; line-height: 1; padding: 10px; color:#454442;">'''Requests for Comment'''</div> {{shortcut|[[wv:rfc]]}} This page allows you to ask other [[wikivoyage:Wikivoyagers|Wikivoyagers]] to contribute to a discussion, including policy/style pages, and article content. You may want some feedback, more opinions, or just some help in reaching a [[consensus]]. * '''Don't start conversations here'''. Direct Wikivoyagers' attention to a discussion going on elsewhere. * Please put new items at the '''top of the relevant section'''. * '''Please sign your request''' with four tildes (<nowiki>~~~~</nowiki>). Requests pointing to discussions that have gone dormant for over '''two months''' may be removed from this page. Otherwise, the original contributor may remove a request when satisfied. (Please remember to do this, in order to keep the page current!) |} __TOC__ {{clear}} ==Policy planning and proposals== <!--PLEASE PLACE NEW REQUESTS AT THE TOP OF THE LIST, I.E. AFTER THIS COMMENT--> * '''[[Wikivoyage talk:Naming conventions#Disambiguators for Mexican destinations]]''' – whether to use the country or state name for Mexican disambiguators. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 13:25, 19 June 2025 (UTC) * '''[[Wikivoyage talk:Don't tout#When should promotional user pages be deleted?]]''' - Is there any case in which a promotional user page should be made ineligible for speedy deletion? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:21, 18 April 2025 (UTC) ==Glitches and bugs== <!--PLEASE PLACE NEW REQUESTS AT THE TOP OF THE LIST, I.E. AFTER THIS COMMENT--> ==User rights and issues== <!--PLEASE PLACE NEW REQUESTS AT THE TOP OF THE LIST, I.E. AFTER THIS COMMENT--> ==Templates== <!--PLEASE PLACE NEW REQUESTS AT THE TOP OF THE LIST, I.E. AFTER THIS COMMENT--> ==Articles and travel content== <!--PLEASE PLACE NEW REQUESTS AT THE TOP OF THE LIST, I.E. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THIS COMMENT--> *'''[[Talk:Go#Does_anyone_know_about_Korean_baduk?]]''' *'''[[Talk:Bangalore#Bangalore to Bengaluru]]''' — a proposal to rename the article. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:20, 31 May 2025 (UTC) * '''[[Wikivoyage talk:Tips for new contributors#Reorganize]]''' <!--PLEASE PLACE NEW REQUESTS AT THE TOP OF THIS SECTION, NOT HERE--> === Banner discussions === :''This section is for listing discussions about changing a banner. For discussions about adding a new banner where none exist, please see [[Wikivoyage:Banner suggestions]].'' <!--PLEASE PLACE NEW REQUESTS AT THE TOP OF THE LIST, I.E. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THIS COMMENT--> === District discussions === Put [[:Category:Articles with districts discussion]] on your watchlist to have new entries show up there. <categorytree mode=pages>Articles with districts discussion</categorytree> === Region discussions === Put [[:Category:Articles with regions discussion]] on your watchlist to have new entries show up there. <categorytree mode=pages>Articles with regions discussion</categorytree> === Merge discussions === <!--PLEASE PLACE NEW REQUESTS AT THE TOP OF THE LIST, I.E. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THIS COMMENT--> Put [[:Category:Articles to be merged]] on your watchlist to have new entries show up there. <categorytree mode=pages>Articles to be merged</categorytree> emg5la7uaebdyzzd2ulxuaumcb01vcp 5086799 5086681 2025-07-02T21:07:50Z 92.21.137.132 /* Articles and travel content */ Page move [[User:Sbariz]] → [[Saddlebrooke]] so others can edit it? 5086799 wikitext text/x-wiki {| style="background: #f4f7fa; border: 1px solid #abc; text-align: center; padding-left: .3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;" |- | style="text-align:left;"| <div style="text-align:center; font-size:300%; line-height: 1; padding: 10px; color:#454442;">'''Requests for Comment'''</div> {{shortcut|[[wv:rfc]]}} This page allows you to ask other [[wikivoyage:Wikivoyagers|Wikivoyagers]] to contribute to a discussion, including policy/style pages, and article content. You may want some feedback, more opinions, or just some help in reaching a [[consensus]]. * '''Don't start conversations here'''. Direct Wikivoyagers' attention to a discussion going on elsewhere. * Please put new items at the '''top of the relevant section'''. * '''Please sign your request''' with four tildes (<nowiki>~~~~</nowiki>). Requests pointing to discussions that have gone dormant for over '''two months''' may be removed from this page. Otherwise, the original contributor may remove a request when satisfied. (Please remember to do this, in order to keep the page current!) |} __TOC__ {{clear}} ==Policy planning and proposals== <!--PLEASE PLACE NEW REQUESTS AT THE TOP OF THE LIST, I.E. AFTER THIS COMMENT--> * '''[[Wikivoyage talk:Naming conventions#Disambiguators for Mexican destinations]]''' – whether to use the country or state name for Mexican disambiguators. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 13:25, 19 June 2025 (UTC) * '''[[Wikivoyage talk:Don't tout#When should promotional user pages be deleted?]]''' - Is there any case in which a promotional user page should be made ineligible for speedy deletion? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:21, 18 April 2025 (UTC) ==Glitches and bugs== <!--PLEASE PLACE NEW REQUESTS AT THE TOP OF THE LIST, I.E. AFTER THIS COMMENT--> ==User rights and issues== <!--PLEASE PLACE NEW REQUESTS AT THE TOP OF THE LIST, I.E. AFTER THIS COMMENT--> ==Templates== <!--PLEASE PLACE NEW REQUESTS AT THE TOP OF THE LIST, I.E. AFTER THIS COMMENT--> ==Articles and travel content== <!--PLEASE PLACE NEW REQUESTS AT THE TOP OF THE LIST, I.E. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THIS COMMENT--> *'''[[Talk:Saddlebrooke]]''' - page move from user space? *'''[[Talk:Go#Does_anyone_know_about_Korean_baduk?]]''' *'''[[Talk:Bangalore#Bangalore to Bengaluru]]''' — a proposal to rename the article. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:20, 31 May 2025 (UTC) * '''[[Wikivoyage talk:Tips for new contributors#Reorganize]]''' <!--PLEASE PLACE NEW REQUESTS AT THE TOP OF THIS SECTION, NOT HERE--> === Banner discussions === :''This section is for listing discussions about changing a banner. For discussions about adding a new banner where none exist, please see [[Wikivoyage:Banner suggestions]].'' <!--PLEASE PLACE NEW REQUESTS AT THE TOP OF THE LIST, I.E. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THIS COMMENT--> === District discussions === Put [[:Category:Articles with districts discussion]] on your watchlist to have new entries show up there. <categorytree mode=pages>Articles with districts discussion</categorytree> === Region discussions === Put [[:Category:Articles with regions discussion]] on your watchlist to have new entries show up there. <categorytree mode=pages>Articles with regions discussion</categorytree> === Merge discussions === <!--PLEASE PLACE NEW REQUESTS AT THE TOP OF THE LIST, I.E. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THIS COMMENT--> Put [[:Category:Articles to be merged]] on your watchlist to have new entries show up there. <categorytree mode=pages>Articles to be merged</categorytree> 1qov8jtimle2fz80op5t9odhsa160xp 4 69268 5086707 5086519 2025-07-02T17:09:04Z Andyrom75 107092 /* Archive links invisible in mobile mode */ Reply 5086707 wikitext text/x-wiki <div style="text-align:left; background: var( --wv-optional-color, #f4f7fa); color: var( --color-base ); border: 1px solid #abc; padding: .3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em"> <div style="text-align:center; font-size:300%; line-height: 1; padding: 10px;">'''Welcome to the pub'''</div> {{shortcut|[[WV:Pub]]|[[WV:TP]]}} [[File:QA_icon_clr.svg|right|frameless|150px|link=]] The travellers' pub is for general discussion on Wikivoyage, and the place to ask questions when you're confused, lost, afraid, tired, annoyed, thoughtful, or helpful. To start a new topic, click the "Add topic" tab, so that it gets added '''at the bottom''' of the page, and sign your post by appending four tildes (<nowiki>~~~~</nowiki>) Before asking a question or making a comment: * Have a look at our [[Wikivoyage:Help|Help]], [[Wikivoyage:FAQ|FAQ]] and [[Wikivoyage:Policies|Policies]] pages. * If you are a '''new user''' and you have any questions about using the website, try the [[Wikivoyage:Arrivals lounge|Arrivals lounge]]. * If you have a '''question or suggestion about a particular article''', use the article's [[Project:using talk pages|talk page]] to keep the discussion associated with that article. * If you'd like to '''draw attention to a comment''' to '''get feedback''' from other Wikivoyagers, try [[Wikivoyage:Requests for comment|Requests for comment]]. * If you are '''wanting travel advice on a specific matter''' see the [[Wikivoyage:Tourist office|tourist office]]. * If you have an '''issue you need to bring to the attention of an administrator''', try [[Wikivoyage:Ongoing vandalism|Ongoing vandalism]]. * If you are having a '''problem that you think has to do with the [[mw:|MediaWiki software]]''', please post that on [[phab:|Phabricator]] instead. * If you want to '''celebrate a significant contribution''' to Wikivoyage by yourself or others, hold a party at [[Project:Celebrate a contribution|Celebrate a contribution]]. * Discuss '''issues related to more than one language version''' of Wikivoyage in the [[meta:Wikivoyage/Lounge|Wikivoyage Lounge]] on Meta. * Anything that is '''Nigeria-related''' is now meant to go in the [[Wikivoyage:Nigeria café|Nigeria café]] instead. Anything that is '''Kosovo or Albania related''' is now meant to go in the [[Wikivoyage:Kosovo and Albania cafe|Kosovo and Albania café]] instead. This includes announcements, initiatives, celebrations, and issues with certain articles. You can review old Pub discussions in the [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub/Archives]]. '''Pull up a chair and join in the conversation!''' [{{fullurl:Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub|action=edit&section=new}} '''Click here to start a new thread'''] </div> {{WikivoyageDoc|collaboration}} <!-- Discussions start here --> __TOC__ __NEWSECTIONLINK__ == RfC ongoing regarding Abstract Wikipedia (and your project) == <div lang="en" dir="ltr" class="mw-content-ltr"> ''(Apologies for posting in English, if this is not your first language)'' Hello all! We opened a discussion on Meta about a very delicate issue for the development of [[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Abstract Wikipedia|Abstract Wikipedia]]: where to store the abstract content that will be developed through functions from Wikifunctions and data from Wikidata. Since some of the hypothesis involve your project, we wanted to hear your thoughts too. We want to make the decision process clear: we do not yet know which option we want to use, which is why we are consulting here. We will take the arguments from the Wikimedia communities into account, and we want to consult with the different communities and hear arguments that will help us with the decision. The decision will be made and communicated after the consultation period by the Foundation. You can read the various hypothesis and have your say at [[:m:Abstract Wikipedia/Location of Abstract Content|Abstract Wikipedia/Location of Abstract Content]]. Thank you in advance! -- [[User:Sannita (WMF)|Sannita (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Sannita (WMF)|<span class="signature-talk">{{int:Talkpagelinktext}}</span>]]) 15:27, 22 May 2025 (UTC) </div> <!-- Message sent by User:Sannita (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Sannita_(WMF)/Mass_sending_test&oldid=28768453 --> :{{re|Sannita (WMF)}} may I ask how this affects Wikivoyage when you say "some of the hypothesis involve your project"? TIA, //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:28, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::The proposed solutions mention the Wikivoyages in several places. The main issue is that an abstract article about Someplace shouldn't be rendered the same in Wikipedia and Wikivoyage. This affects also the technical solutions, such as where to store statements and functions. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:21, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::Can you explain further how we have abstract (vs. concrete?) articles on Wikivoyage? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:27, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::We don't have any abstract articles at the time being, and I assume Wikivoyage in English may choose never to have them. For smaller languages, though, it is unrealistic to cover all interesting places with proper articles. The mission of Abstract Wikipedia is to provide a framework for creating articles in a way that allows automatic translation into something at least half-way decent. It's like having listings fetch key information from Wikidata, but scaled up to complete articles (or less complete – at least lively language on personal impressions will certainly be missing for the foreseeable future). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:43, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::::I see – I still don't understand how this will fully get (even after reading the hypothesis), but I suppose it's something for smaller language projects. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 09:47, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::Hi @[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], it seems that @[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] covered most of my arguments here already, so I would just repeat them at this point. The part that interests your project refers to the hypothesis that abstract content ''might'' (but it's still not sure at the moment) be stored in a dedicated namespace of your project. But again, this ''might'' happen, and you're free to refuse to store/use abstract content to further your development. This is entirely in your right, and we do not want to force any adoption of the project without consensus. [[User:Sannita (WMF)|Sannita (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Sannita (WMF)|talk]]) 10:01, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::And yes, Abstract Wikipedia is primarily intended for projects that have so far developed a small number of articles, in order to help them accelerate their growth and hopefully provide more knowledge to their communities and recruit a higher number of volunteers. [[User:Sannita (WMF)|Sannita (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Sannita (WMF)|talk]]) 10:03, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::Sounds perfect. Thanks to both of you for explaining! //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:10, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Seconded. I understand. We should discuss in a separate thread whether it would be better to encourage, allow perhaps without comment, or disallow abstract listings on this site. I think we probably don't want abstract articles, but we should discuss that, too. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:22, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::::I can see abstract listings being useful for more obscure parts of the world for English speakers for this site at least, but overall sounds like it's something to help smaller language Wikivoyages benefit from us rather than the other way around (which is also great). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 13:30, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::I mentioned listings as we already use Wikidata for them (coordinates) and have discussed e.g. opening hours (too complicated to be workable). I don't think "abstract listings" are an option at this point – somebody needs to decide a listing is wanted and would include some manual language when adding it. We still might have some valuable insights in how – and how not – to design abstract Wikivoyage articles for them to be useful. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 14:04, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::I have two thoughts about this: ::* We need some way of separating a block of text that works for Wikipedia from a block of text that works for Wikivoyage (or another sister project). That suggests ''not'' using the English Wikipedia as the storage place for everything. The Wikipedias might all want "Jupiter is the largest planet in the Solar System. It is the fifth planet from the Sun", but if Wikivoyage were to have an article on the planet, it would probably sound a lot more like "Jupiter isn't a viable destination, but travelers interested in [[astronomy]] and [[navigation]]<nowiki/>by the stars may be interested in the Big Museum of Jupiter and the Annual Jupiter Festival". ::* I think that the English Wikivoyage could benefit from Abstract content. It's obvious that we could 'translate' our [[Wikivoyage:Star articles|Star articles]] into Abstract, and thus other Wikivoyages would benefit. However, imagine how much we could benefit if @[[User:Sannita (WMF)|Sannita (WMF)]] brought [[:it:Roma]] up to Star status, and then translated it for us to copy whatever bits we wanted in [[Rome]]. Keep in mind that while Abstract is set up to do dynamic autotranslation (e.g., always giving the latest population estimate, if the sentence says "the population of Rome is ___"), you can actually copy and paste the results as plain old text into an article. ::[[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:07, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::If I understand correctly, Abstract Wikipedia works with programming that could have been done in the 1980s, more or less like [[:w:Lsjbot|Lsjbot]]'s articles, although not confined to info found in already existing datasets. "Not a viable destination" would need to be an item to insert and translate. That article on Jupiter would have very little in common with the Wikipedia one. :::For Rome, population statistics etc. would be easy to write in abstract form, but an abstract star article would need a lot of article-specific functions, which need to be translated to get a version in another language – and lively language is hard to translate automatically (think "[[Talk#Speaking English with non-native speakers|blind and therefore insane]]"). Copying over listings would work, and a good abstract article should have a good selection of those. :::I think an abstract Wikivoyage article should focus on being reasonably complete by having ''information'': roads and trains for getting in, listings with coords, contact details and Wikidata link, and suggestions in Go next, but quite little running text, mostly identical across articles except data values (…is a village/town/city in X…), and likewise a dry list of facts in the listing "content", not like the lively writing in [[Wikivoyage:Listings#Examples|Wikivoyage:Listings]]. :::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 17:47, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::As Wikivoyage has generally has more structured articles than Wikipedia, I think that we could make use of an Abstract Wikivoyage. Two areas look like possible starting points: listings and the phrases in phrasebooks. ::::If a tool could create an abstract version of a listing that exists in another language, then the listing could be offered when editing the same section of an article here - "Would you like to add a listing for the Lawnmower Museum?". Some parts of listing could be updated in all languages when edited in one - we would show the last updated entry price for the museum whatever language it was edited in. A difficult part is identifying when listing elements are language specific - we may use a different url from another WV to point to a page in English, and we don't care that the museum has labels translated into Spanish. ::::In English WV we have a standard set of phrases for phrasebooks, and most phrasebooks keep fairly closely to this list. This list is also the basis for phrasebooks in some other language WVs. It would appear to be reasonably straightforward to scan the existing phrases to create an abstract phrasebook, but inconsistencies would need to be reviewed. There are about 300 phrasebooks in English, 50 in German and 20 in Polish. Maybe we can use this to offer over 200 phrasebooks in Polish. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:44, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::::For listings, yes, the abstract versions would be easy to create. For the name, we only need to identify the native name, its romanisation, and the language of translated names. There are already structures for all this in Wikidata; also "official URL" has a language attribute. Amenities of hotels can likewise easily be described. Nothing will be automatically fetched, so no worries about info irrelevant for English speakers. What is hard to do is the lively language of the examples I linked above. :::::For phrasebooks, I am not sure it is that easy, or rather whether creating an abstract phrasebook helps compared to just translating the template and using a dictionary (or whatever way you otherwise use for getting translations). Grammar and pronunciation sections needs to be written with the audience's language knowledge in mind, and translations of phrases need to be done with some understanding of the context, thus mostly manually. For a good phrasebook, you also need to note peculiarities in the relation with the target language, such as the liberty/liberté etc. now added to the French and Italian phrasebook and warnings for specific false friends. :::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 04:57, 27 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::I think phrasebooks is one of those things (along with travel topics) where it's more or less impossible to create an abstract version of. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 05:23, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::Why do you think that? :::::::We can already write things like "{{#invoke:wd|label|Q98815142}}, a {{#invoke:wd|label|Q81727}} of {{#invoke:wd|label|Q8486}}, {{#invoke:wd|label|Q26175857}}" by invoking Wikidata. It would require expansion (e.g., to add "a" and "an"), but it doesn't seem impossible in principle, at least for simpler sentences. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:24, 27 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::The question is whether there is any point of doing that. If every phrase has to be purpose-translated, then why not just write the non-abstract phrasebook? The point with the abstract articles is that there are standard phrases that can be used across articles, such as words for amenities you will find in many hotels. For the phrasebook phrases, the question is whether the same Sámi phrase would suite the phrasebook in English and the one in Latvian (or whatever). ::::::::When the English phrase is translated differently depending on context, some commentary needs to be added (formal/informal, feminine/masculine). This commentary is redundant or awkward in languages that make the same distinction, possibly treating the two (or more) forms as totally unrelated (the person is deceased, the cow is dead). ::::::::For the cup of tea, you may need to word that differently depending on whether you are a man or woman, and whether the one you are asking for the cup is a waiter, the café owner, your host or your host's young child. ::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 20:59, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::::Perhaps an example would show what I was thinking of: :::::::::In [[French phrasebook]], we have: :::::::::; How much is a ticket to _____? : Combien coûte le billet pour _____ ? (''kom-BYAN koot luh bee-YEH poor'') :::::::::; One ticket to _____, please. : Un billet pour _____, s'il vous plaît. (''ung bee-YEH poor ____ seel voo pleh'') :::::::::On Polish WV there is [[:pl:Rozmówki francuskie]], their French Phrasebook. :::::::::;Ile kosztuje bilet do...? : Combien coûte le billet pour...? :::::::::;Poproszę jeden bilet do... : Un billet pour..., je vous prie. :::::::::We also have [[Finnish phrasebook]], which has: :::::::::; How much is a ticket to _____? : Paljonko maksaa lippu _____in? (''PAHL-yonk-aw MAHK-sah LEEP-poo _____?'') :::::::::So I think that a Finnish phrasebook on the Polish WV, could have :::::::::;Ile kosztuje bilet do...? : Paljonko maksaa lippu _____in? (''PAHL-yonk-aw MAHK-sah LEEP-poo _____?'') :::::::::"One ticket to" is not exactly the same (translating the French used in Polish, it is saying "I beg you" rather than "please"), so this phase would require some manual adjustments when it was abstracted. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:24, 27 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::I don't think that the idea with Abstract is to program in "please", but rather to swap in whichever word or phrase is used in that language to indicate politeness and respect while making a request. ::::::::::We already have a [[mw:Help:Magic words#gender|software switch for gender]], so this is not some miraculous future tech; this is an expansion of what has been possible for years. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 01:39, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::For Finnish, there is no word or phrase that indicates politeness, but one often uses the conditional (?) verb form instead. In some cases one would just use that word form in the phrase (in the Finnish phrasebooks and in phrasebooks for Finnish) – but here the question is instead with no sign of politeness, which is common in that language. Something like "could you" is problematic as most languages make a distinction between thou and you. I think the common cases can be handled decently, but for less well-known language families – those that benefit most from the abstract articles – the edge cases will be more common. It is likely that abstract phrasebook have to be tweaked for specific languages to avoid the odd case of very problematic renderings. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:02, 28 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::In Malay, there are two words for "please" that have different meanings and are used in different contexts. There are also two words for "we" that have different meanings. Etc. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:34, 30 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::I would expect all the foreign phrases to be reproduced exactly as they were in the existing phrasebook(s) that they were taken from. Ideally the left side phrases would also be exact reproductions, unless they were used to create a phrasebook to be part of a WV that doesn't currently have any phrasebooks; but it is less of an issue if the left side doesn't read perfectly. I am assuming that an Abstract Wikivoyage would have some mechanism for handling quoted text, as this is essential for reproducing the exact words used in famous speeches etc, and will be required for abstract Wikipedia and Wikiquote etc. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 14:06, 30 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::{{re|WhatamIdoing}} LPfi's basically explained why I don't think abstract phrasebooks will work. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:25, 27 May 2025 (UTC) == Adding images to the Infobox template == {{Infobox/sandbox|Infobox sandbox test|Nutritious, filling content goes here. |image=Dessert_Merlion_Singapore_Cafe_Kaya_Toast.jpg |caption=Yum yum!}} I've hacked up [[Template:Infobox/sandbox]] which add new <code>image/caption</code> parameters, so you can easily add an image to your infoboxen instead of trying to manually hack it in. Example: <pre> {{Infobox/sandbox |Infobox sandbox test |Nutritious, filling content goes here. |image=Dessert_Merlion_Singapore_Cafe_Kaya_Toast.jpg |caption=Yum yum!}} </pre> If there's no objections, I'll roll this out to the main Infobox template, the params are optional so it shouldn't break anything. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 06:02, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :{{support}} &ndash; Will be useful for articles like [[India]] and [[Kolkata]], which already use images in infoboxes. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 06:15, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :This is a tangent, but I think we should consider renaming that template, or at least changing its Wikidata links. Wikivoyage doesn't do Wikipedia-style infoboxes. These are just simple boxes, more like pull quotes or boxed warnings. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:29, 27 May 2025 (UTC) ::Change the Wikidata link, but keep the name. It is an infobox, although not a Wikipedia-style one. Of course, if somebody comes up with a better name, then I won't object. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:06, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :::{{ping|WhatamIdoing|LPfi}} Maybe {{tl|Info}} can be used instead of {{tl|Infobox}}. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 02:40, 28 May 2025 (UTC) ::::For us, this is an infobox, not just info. I wouldn't support such changes just to conform. Somebody who wants a Wikipedia-style infobox should just be directed to {{tl|quickbar}}, and somebody who tries to use {{tl|infobox}} quickly sees that it isn't what they are looking for. A see also for the former is more useful than a name change. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:11, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :::::I'll fix the Wikidata links so that {{tl|quickbar}} is matched with the Wikipedia-style infoboxes, and {{tl|infobox}} isn't. I'm not sure what our {{tl|infobox}} should be matched to; I don't think that enwiki has anything similar. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:28, 28 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::...No, that won't work. {{tl|Quickbar}} matches "Infobox Country". I'll remove the {{tl|infobox}} links. That much is certainly correct. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:29, 28 May 2025 (UTC) (undent) I've deployed the new version. I had to tweak it a bit to stop it from adding extra padding when the new params are not used, but it should be OK now, please ping me if not. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 07:58, 28 May 2025 (UTC) == Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees 2025 Selection & Call for Questions == <section begin="announcement-content" /> :''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Announcement/Selection announcement|{{int:interlanguage-link-mul}}]] • [https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Translate&group=page-{{urlencode:Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Announcement/Selection announcement}}&language=&action=page&filter= {{int:please-translate}}]'' Dear all, This year, the term of 2 (two) Community- and Affiliate-selected Trustees on the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees will come to an end [1]. The Board invites the whole movement to participate in this year’s selection process and vote to fill those seats. The Elections Committee will oversee this process with support from Foundation staff [2]. The Governance Committee, composed of trustees who are not candidates in the 2025 community-and-affiliate-selected trustee selection process (Raju Narisetti, Shani Evenstein Sigalov, Lorenzo Losa, Kathy Collins, Victoria Doronina and Esra’a Al Shafei) [3], is tasked with providing Board oversight for the 2025 trustee selection process and for keeping the Board informed. More details on the roles of the Elections Committee, Board, and staff are here [4]. Here are the key planned dates: * May 22 – June 5: Announcement (this communication) and call for questions period [6] * June 17 – July 1, 2025: Call for candidates * July 2025: If needed, affiliates vote to shortlist candidates if more than 10 apply [5] * August 2025: Campaign period * August – September 2025: Two-week community voting period * October – November 2025: Background check of selected candidates * Board’s Meeting in December 2025: New trustees seated Learn more about the 2025 selection process - including the detailed timeline, the candidacy process, the campaign rules, and the voter eligibility criteria - on this Meta-wiki page [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025|[link]]]. '''Call for Questions''' In each selection process, the community has the opportunity to submit questions for the Board of Trustees candidates to answer. The Election Committee selects questions from the list developed by the community for the candidates to answer. Candidates must answer all the required questions in the application in order to be eligible; otherwise their application will be disqualified. This year, the Election Committee will select 5 questions for the candidates to answer. The selected questions may be a combination of what’s been submitted from the community, if they’re alike or related. [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Questions_for_candidates|[link]]] '''Election Volunteers''' Another way to be involved with the 2025 selection process is to be an Election Volunteer. Election Volunteers are a bridge between the Elections Committee and their respective community. They help ensure their community is represented and mobilize them to vote. Learn more about the program and how to join on this Meta-wiki page [[m:Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Election_volunteers|[link].]] Thank you! [1] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2022/Results [2] https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Committee:Elections_Committee_Charter [3] https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Resolution:Committee_Membership,_December_2024 [4] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections_committee/Roles [5] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/FAQ [6] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Questions_for_candidates Best regards, Victoria Doronina Board Liaison to the Elections Committee Governance Committee<section end="announcement-content" /> [[User:MediaWiki message delivery|MediaWiki message delivery]] ([[User talk:MediaWiki message delivery|talk]]) 03:08, 28 May 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:RamzyM (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Distribution_list/Global_message_delivery&oldid=28618011 --> == Medium [[Main Page]] overhaul proposal == Since my [[Talk:Main_Page#Help_needed_with_tweaking_visual_balance_of_the_main_page|request for input and support]] on Talk:Main Page went mostly unnoticed, I'm bringing this proposal to the pub to ensure it gets the daylight it should have, as these are proposals to change the look of a rather important page. Here's the backstory: For longer than [[WV:Vector 2022|Vector 2022]] has been around, I've been bothered by the balance of elements on the main page. The new skin only did it injustices, so I've taken it upon myself to mend the shortcomings of the main page in my quest to make Wikivoyage work in Vector 2022. This all so our site looks a bit more appealing in the new skin. I know many regular editors stuck with their old preferred skins when we got the new skin imposed on us, but this still is something that will affect Wikivoyage's appeal to new editors and readers. If the main page looks chaotic and messy, they'll be less likely to stick around. So to each and every editor, <u>regardless</u> of which skin you use: Please chime in! That being said, these are the changes I have developed, and have ready to deploy: * '''Wider {{tl|Mapbanner}}:''' Some small tweaks to the template which make it use all the page width available to it, and moves the globe image and image map accordingly. * '''Centred JCaroussel:''' For the same reason, to make better use of the width on the main page, I've got some CSS changes to the JCaroussel ready that center the featured articles. Scaling them up to simply be full page width I have found to be too tedious to bother with. * '''Overhauled {{tl|Banner}}:''' Vector 2022's scaleable font plays too much with the banners for featured articles to where sometimes the blurb isn't even entirely visible. In the same process, I've simplified the way in which this template is used for each category, foregoing the need for a 'section' and 'section-link' parameter, replacing them with a 'type' parameter. Its style is mostly in keeping with the existing banners and should simplify the process for featuring articles more than it complicates them. What do these changes look like? In the case of {{tl|Mapbanner}}, I cannot easily give a working demonstration as its stylesheet currently overwrites any changes I make to it. Instead, [https://i.imgur.com/6mAMkfG.png this image] is the best I can offer. You'll have to take my word for its functionality being unchanged. The centred JCaroussel and overhauled {{tl|Banner}} can be seen and interacted with [[User:Wauteurz/Banner|on this page]]. I've done my best to ensure that these changes are in keeping with Wikivoyage's current main page style. I know that entire overhauls are not that popular, so I hope these proposals are good enough. I am looking for a broad consensus to roll out at least the first two changes, but ideally all three. I don't feel comfortable rolling some of these changes out with only two people expressing support for them. Please, throw your questions and concerns in my direction, and I hope we can together fix what I consider to be the biggest remaining issue with Vector 2022. Thank you in advance. <br/> <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 14:19, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :{{Support}} as the developer of these changes. Vector 2022 dictates how new readers and editors get presented our site, and with its current chaotic and undependable nature, something ''has'' to be done. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 14:20, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :{{ping|Wauteurz}} Any idea for better responsive design of the Wikivoyage main page, as more people access our pages via phone than PC? '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 14:47, 28 May 2025 (UTC) ::@[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]] For clarity, these changes only affect the appearance on desktop devices. The changes to JCaroussel also apply in Minerva (mobile), but due to screen size limitations they won't have an effect in most cases. My main goal is overseeing the damage caused by Vector 2022's roll-out on Wikivoyage. Since mobile devices use Minerva, I mostly leave the mobile appearance alone. ::As for my thoughts on mobile, I don't think any of the regular editors have any experience in mobile design, let alone responsive mobile design, so I'm mostly wondering why it's responsive in the first place. I'd personally suggest removing the responsive elements (mostly the feature banners) and replacing them with DotM, OtBP and FTT in simple presentations akin to Picture of the Day and Media of the Day on Commons' main page. The 3:1 banners also are a big problem in my eyes. They're far too short to work on mobile, and I think a square or tall ratio would work leagues better in a mobile format. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 15:31, 28 May 2025 (UTC) *{{s}} very much agree that these changes will be needed sooner than later. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 18:48, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :'''Support'''. Thanks for doing this! As a choosing beggar, I would love to see the mobile front page fixed as well though, the DOTM banner is completely broken at the moment and the padding/spacing of the entire page is wonky at best. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 00:03, 29 May 2025 (UTC) :'''Question''' for all involved: The new banner uses some icons to depict the category that the article is featured in (i.e., [[:File:Yes Check Circle.svg|DotM]], [[:File:Right turn icon blue.svg|OtBP]] and [[:File:Writing Circle.svg|FTT]]). I assume that we wish to keep these instead of the placeholder icons I have used? I'll be working on adapting those into simple white icons, which should be pretty straight-forward. If we wish to change them in future, then that can always be done afterwards. Having the icons consistent between {{tl|Banner}} and {{tl|Pagebanner}} would be for the better, I reckon :) :I am currently aiming to roll these updates out this weekend (June 7/8), just in time for the next featured article change. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 23:55, 1 June 2025 (UTC) ::Update: Making and updating the icons was pretty straight-forward indeed: [[Special:Diff/5071035|Diff/5071035]] <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 00:20, 2 June 2025 (UTC) :'''Support'''. Lots of good improvements! Just make sure to fix the "Off the Beaten Path" link to point to a real page. [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 15:10, 2 June 2025 (UTC) ::{{Done}}. Thanks for spotting that one! <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 15:19, 2 June 2025 (UTC) {{Done}}! Thank you everyone for your support! I've gone ahead and pushed these changes just now. I've naturally updated the usages of {{tl|banner}} on the Main Page and DOTM-Candidates as well. If there's any issues arising from this roll-out, please let me know. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 11:34, 7 June 2025 (UTC) :Awesome! That looks great to me. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 11:46, 7 June 2025 (UTC) == FYI: 10 Travel Tips From Experts Who’ve Been Everywhere == https://www.carryology.com/travel/10-travel-tips-from-experts-whove-been-everywhere/ —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 09:05, 30 May 2025 (UTC) == Tourist office problem == I tried to ask a question in the [[Wikivoyage:Tourist office]], and I replied to it with another question, but I can't see any of it except in edit mode and don't understand why. I used the form on that page to ask the first question. What I want to know is which side of the train to sit on for Amtrak trips between Montreal and Plattsburgh, NY and between Plattsburgh and Saratoga Springs, even if the answers come too late for me to use them. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:24, 30 May 2025 (UTC) :When you click "Ready? Ask a new question!", should the form on the next page require the "Subject:" field to not be empty? Or at least have a placeholder subject text? :I also see someone else's question about Cancun that got ignored, because it's tacked on the end of the previous section. [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 20:42, 1 June 2025 (UTC) ::I guess the problem is that I didn't see the subject field in my mobile phone interface. Is there a way to improve that? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:58, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :::It looks like you can set a default subject value with the InputBox 'default=' parameter. Maybe give it something like "Question from ~~<noinclude></noinclude>~"? I'm not sure how to change the "Subject:" label styling. :::Should the Tourist Office behave more like a Talk page, with an Add Topic button leading to a visual editor? [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 23:44, 2 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I'd support that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:48, 2 June 2025 (UTC) :::::[https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:DiscussionTools It looks like adding a "NEWSECTIONLINK" line is the magic to enable the visual editor on a page.] [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:InputBox There's also a usedt=true parameter to InputBox to make it use the visual editor by default.] :::::It seems to work in this sandbox I set up: [[User:Gerode/Tourist_office_sandbox]] [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 17:48, 5 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I went ahead and applied these two changes. Let me know if I broke anything, or if there's anything else odd about the Tourist office. [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 16:22, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ==Move request== You are invited to participate at [[Talk:Bangalore#Bangalore to Bengaluru]], which can affect the articles [[Bangalore]] and [[Bangalore Rural]], and the category [[:Category:Bangalore]]. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 08:19, 31 May 2025 (UTC) == AfriVoyage == Hi everyone! 👋 My name is [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvin Ategyeka]] from Uganda, and I’ve just launched a new project called '''AfriVoyage'''. It’s a WikiVoyage-focused initiative to document African travel destinations using local perspectives. Our pilot is starting in Uganda, with the goal of improving content and training youth contributors. You can follow the project on Meta-Wiki here: [[meta:AfriVoyage]] I would love your thoughts, guidance, and support. Thanks in advance! <small>unsigned comment by [[User:Alvinategyeka]]</small> :Welcome, Alvin. Wikivoyage really needs more African content, especially if provided by people with local knowledge. Your project will be supported from regular contributors like me. Please let us know how we can help. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:41, 31 May 2025 (UTC) :[[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]], I think you will be a more successful leader if you improve some articles yourself, before you invite anyone else to join you. We'd be happy to help you. :For example, one mistake that we see people making is copying Wikipedia articles here. A Wikipedia article will sound something like "Semuliki National Park is a national park in Bwamba County, a remote part of the Bundibugyo District in the Western Region of Uganda that was established in October 1993". This is the wrong approach here. A Wikivoyage article should have a [[Wikivoyage:Tone|lively tone]]. The beginning of a good Wikivoyage article might sound something like this: :* '''Semuliki National Park''' in [[Western Uganda]] is the only place you can visit a true lowland tropical forest in all of East Africa. This beautiful national park is a birdwatcher's delight, and more than 400 species of butterflies can be found inside the park's borders. :If you feel at the English Wikipedia that you have to suppress your natural style to be as dull as possible, then you'll like Wikivoyage because it allows your enthusiasm to shine in between the facts. We need the facts ("best restaurant" isn't nearly as helpful as saying how it's the best, like "good menu for vegetarians" or "artisan-quality bushera"), but we don't want a boring style. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 18:14, 31 May 2025 (UTC) ::Thank you very much and thanks for the guidance. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 13:27, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :Thank You very much. I have 6 years experience contributing to Wikimedia projects but I feel I need a new challenge and the only project that I had not explored yet always wanted to contribute to is Wiki Voyage. Am a tourism lover and i have travelled extensively in Uganda and East Africa. I hope this project will encourage more African Communities to contribute to Wiki Voyage. I will appreciate all guidance rendered. Thank You. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 13:32, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :Thank you very much, hoping to connect with you for more guidance. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 13:35, 1 June 2025 (UTC) ::Sure, and thank you for taking on this opportunity and challenge! In addition to the great advice you've been given above, I think you'll find [[Welcome, Wikipedians]] very useful. For anyone who participates in this project, some additional pages that I'd consider to provide the most important guidelines and explanatory pages on this site include [[Wikivoyage:What is an article]], [[Wikivoyage:The traveller comes first]], [[Wikivoyage:Article skeleton templates]], [[Wikivoyage:Copyleft]], [[Wikivoyage:Don't tout]], and [[Wikivoyage:Breadcrumb navigation]]. ::It is absolutely '''not''' a prerequisite for anyone to read any of these before contributing here! However, you, as organizer, should read these pages, because you will then be able to distill the most important characteristics of the site for others who are enthusiastic about contributing but not yet familiar with the site, and another important thing is that once you've read or at least skipped through these pages, you can ask us questions. ::I love the fact that you contacted us before the official launch of the project. In the past, projects that were begun on a large scale without any notice to us presented huge issues relating to the policies laid out in the pages I linked for you. ::Thanks again, and we very much look forward to working with you and your colleagues! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:36, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :::Thanks for the resources and guidance. I have been reading and researching about Wiki Voyage and what you have added will guide me more. I will contact you for further guidance in order to move the project forward. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 15:52, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :Thanks a lot. i look forward to working with you and seeking guidance to move the project forward. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 15:54, 1 June 2025 (UTC) == Evora's page banner on wikidata == I noticed [[Evora]]'s page banner does not exist in wikidata. I was unable to add it there. Would someone show me how to proceed, please? [[User:Claude van der Grift|Claude van der Grift]] ([[User talk:Claude van der Grift|talk]]) 18:31, 31 May 2025 (UTC) :[[d:Q179948|Évora]]'s banner is already defined on Wikidata since 2013, so moving it over isn't necessary. Regardless, you'd add a banner to a Wikidata item by adding a statement using [[d:P948|P948 (page banner)]]. Simply add the file name without the "File:" prefix but with the file extension as its value, and clicking publish. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 20:28, 31 May 2025 (UTC) ::Evora's Wikidata page is semi-protected, so you can't edit if you have made less than 50 edits on Wikidata. As already said, there is no need to edit it, as it is already using the banner from Wikidata. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 21:47, 31 May 2025 (UTC) :::Thank for your explanations {{U|AlasdairW}}. Unfortunately I mistook [[:d:Q179948|Evora]] for [[:d:Q243849|Elvas]]. The latter has no page banner. Sure I have more than 50 edits on wikidata. I forgot to say that I'm editing only by my smartphone. [[User:Claude van der Grift|Claude van der Grift]] ([[User talk:Claude van der Grift|talk]]) 15:00, 1 June 2025 (UTC) == FYI: Planning a Trip? AI Will Do That For You == https://www.thrillist.com/travel/nation/ai-travel-apps —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 07:04, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :I wonder whether we can design an AI tool that can fetch info from Wikivoyage and make a summary for you. That can replace the burden of manual summary writing by Wikivoyagers. Of course, Wikivoyage articles should be curated by humans, with AI summarizing them. I want to suggest this to Wikipedians as well, but I have been blocked there since 2021, and I mostly work on the Bengali Wikipedia. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 07:11, 1 June 2025 (UTC) == Wikivoyage and OsmAnd app == I am looking into making it easier to walk [[Stockholm Archipelago Trail]] and have found the [[w:en:OsmAnd]] app useful '''my question''' is there any good examples when those to domains works good together? - –––– [[User:Salgo60|Salgo60]] ([[User talk:Salgo60|talk]]) 07:43, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :As a regular OsmAnd user, I don't believe so to the best of my knowledge. :( //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 05:25, 4 June 2025 (UTC) ::I started using OsmAnd several months ago, and I have been playing around with the Wikivoyage integration since. I spend a lot of time in a major city with a Guide-level article and I find the integration useful there. I haven't tried it with an itinerary. My first thought is to pull up a [https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Category:Guide_itineraries Guide] or [https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Category:Star_itineraries Star] itinerary for a place you've been before and see what the OsmAnd experience is like. [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 16:08, 4 June 2025 (UTC) == Improving this project with little to no knowledge of English == It's been a while since I've posted anything major on the pub, but one of the things I'm quite pleased with the way we do things here is the fact that we are ''very'' open and accommodating to users who can't speak or speak English with a large length of difficulty. We don't have any policies forcing the use of English in discussions and if someone has shown a genuine interest in the project, it isn't unorthodox for someone to go out of their way and respond in another language they know on this site. It comes back to when {{ping|Andyrom75}} told me on itwikivoyage (around when itwikivoyage hit 10k articles, iirc) that it's possible to contribute to Wikivoyage without really knowing the language – and it's true. Most of my activity on itwikivoyage has since been doing minor fixes, adding listings with no description (since you don't need to know the language to add listings, opening hours, urls, address and such), removing closed businesses/out of date info, fixing dead links and the like. Since many of our articles also follow a similar structured format, it's very easy to contribute to the site so long as you're aware of your limitations. Some ideas I had in mind to perhaps make this wiki even more inviting to those who might not have the English skills necessary to contribute text but still want to help: * A community written guide on this, similar to [[Wikivoyage:Welcome, business owners]], [[Wikivoyage:Welcome, locals]] or [[Wikivoyage:Welcome, Wikipedians]] * Finish [[User:SHB2000/admins table]], move to the Wikivoyage namespace, add the table to [[Wikivoyage:Administrators]], and add any advanced perms from other WMF projects. ** Perhaps also make a similar table for non-admins who are reasonably active on this site. More thoughts and ideas would be appreciated – even better if we can facilitate this on other language Wikivoyages. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:11, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :Contribute in another language version of Wikvoyage it's just a matter of willingness and time. For a certain amount of time. For few years I've supported sv:voy without knowing any word in Swedish :-D Nowadays unfortunately I don't have enough time, so I can only concentrate it on it:voy :-( :PS your support on it:voy @[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] is always extremely appreciated! :-) [[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 17:14, 4 June 2025 (UTC) ::I occasionally do the same kind of thing at the Haitian Creole Wikipedia. I can't write in the language, but I can check a maintenance category and fix the wikitext errors there. ::Based on my experience, I'd say that there are two main opportunities for contribution: ::* 'technical' contributions, such as fixing wikitext or broken URLs ::* language-agnostic contributions, such as adding phone numbers, websites, and lat/long coordinates to listings; adding images that require no caption or only a simple/obvious one (e.g., "Disneyland" or "Town Name Church"); removing listings for closed restaurants, etc. ::@[[User:Piotrus|Piotrus]] might have some ideas about which tasks are easiest for his English-language learners to do. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 22:48, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :::Yeah this very much explains it in a nutshell. :) //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:13, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :::@[[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] Indeed, some of my ESL students have effectively only a beginner level of English at best. These days, machine translation is getting good enough to understand a lot, and contribute text that's "mostly ok". It will only get better as AI tools and student use of them improve. Anyway, you can see my activities for students at [[User:Hanyangprofessor2]] [[User:Piotrus|Piotrus]] ([[User talk:Piotrus|talk]]) 01:12, 5 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I have added images that I have taken to many different language variants of Wikipedia. I use Google translate for the text and and hope that a native user if that language will make any corrections. [[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 11:22, 5 June 2025 (UTC) :::::I recently added a listing about Japan in [https://ja.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=%E6%88%90%E7%94%B0%E5%B8%82&diff=52846&oldid=50973 ja.voy] despite not knowing Japanese. The listing editor really makes it simple to improve an article. Last week I presented [[wikidata:Event:Wikidata_and_Sister_Projects#Friday,_May_30th|a Wikidata talk about Listing Editor]] and mentioned that it's a really good gateway to get more contributors. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 15:58, 5 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::The Listing Editor really does! Particularly because they're very standardised across most language Wikivoyages, so the only "bad" listing editor is a malfunctioning/broken listing editor. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:27, 21 June 2025 (UTC) == Linking Wikicommons == I am documenting the Stockholm Archipelago Trail and have uploaded more than [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Stockholm_Archipelago_Trail 3,000 pictures] / [https://wikimap.toolforge.org/?cat=Stockholm_Archipelago_Trail&subcats=true&subcatdepth=4&cluster=false Wikimap] from the trail to Wikimedia Commons. For example, the section Nåttarö will be documented on Wikivoyage here: [[Stockholm_Archipelago_Trail#SAT_Nåttarö]] and is on Wikicommons [https://wikimap.toolforge.org/?cat=SAT_N%C3%A5ttar%C3%B6&subcats=true&subcatdepth=3&cluster=false WIkimap] 1) What is the policy regarding linking to a trail on Wikicommons? I believe such links add significant value by helping readers better understand the trail conditions. Additionally, I see 360-degree images as a step forward in enhancing navigation and exploration, making it easier for users to visualize the terrain. Additionally, 2) I have used Mapillary for one section. Is there a specific policy on linking Mapillary content? For instance, Stockholm Archipelago Trail’s Landsort section is partially represented on [https://www.mapillary.com/app/user/salgo601?lat=58.737857&lng=17.865676&z=17&pKey=1060410682654434 Mapillary pKey=1060410682654434] Would appreciate any guidance on this. Thanks! [[User:Salgo60|Salgo60]] ([[User talk:Salgo60|talk]]) 14:26, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :The use of a limited number of thumbnails from Commons is normal. See [[Wikivoyage:Image policy]]. Otherwise, links are normally through Wikidata: please read [[Wikivoyage:Sister project links]]. For guidelines on third-party links outside Wikimedia, see [[Wikivoyage:External links]], but the answer to your 2nd question is that such links are normally not allowed except to primary sources (for example, the website of a listed restaurant, hotel, museum, etc.) and are subject to deletion. However, Wikivoyage policies and guidelines are always open to discussion, so start a thread at the most relevant guideline article's talk page if you'd like to argue for a change. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:40, 4 June 2025 (UTC) ::thanks but dont the community see the added value? especially when documenting a walking trail it can be good to better understand how steep steep is....- [[User:Salgo60|Salgo60]] ([[User talk:Salgo60|talk]]) 14:54, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :::If you don't like my suggestion of starting a discussion thread on the appropriate policy page's talk page, where you can document the indispensability of Mapillary as your argument for a policy change, you can argue for an exception to policy on [[Talk:Stockholm Archipelago Trail]], but you can't get either a policy change or an exception by arguing in the Pub. But if you're asking for my opinion on why there has been no specific consideration of Mapillary, I'd speculate it's because most of us have never heard of it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:15, 4 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I've heard of Mapillary – I appreciate they're open source and licensed under CC-BY SA, but they're indirectly a competitor to Commons –&nbsp;if you can upload a photo to Mapillary, you can upload it to Commons. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 07:28, 5 June 2025 (UTC) :::::The difference is that you traverse a route on Mapillary its connected 360 pictures I am not an expert but [https://www.mapillary.com/app/?lat=58.737746&lng=17.865677&z=17&pKey=1848345639040650&x=0.46081730421230177&y=0.5976337053747495&zoom=0&focus=photo click on forward on this] its from me walking [[SAT_Landsort]] :::::* they support 360 pictures much better than Wikicommons :::::* [https://www.mapillary.com/showcase OsmAnd and Open Street Map use them] :::::[[User:Salgo60|Salgo60]] ([[User talk:Salgo60|talk]]) 19:08, 7 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::One issue is that of privacy. I might trust the WMF, but I don't want to research the privacy policy and trustworthiness of a third party. Checking the website of a hotel where I intend to sleep is one thing, a Wikivoyage page being dependent on a third party is very different. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:58, 7 June 2025 (UTC) :For Wikimedia Commons (that's their name), you can link a category or gallery via Wikidata. On a gallery page you can show all the most relevant images, with explanatory text and a layout of your liking. The rest of the images would be easily found in the category. Is that what you are looking for in your first question? –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 22:04, 7 June 2025 (UTC) == I had an edit flagged as destructive because my account isn't very old == I was trying to remove information related to crossing the border into Azerbaijan from the Baku page (it's been closed since 2020 and the only way in is via air), but trying to delete a lot of content on a new account flagged me as a vandal. If someone has permissions to view the changes, and would be willing to check on those changes, thank you very much :) [[User:MagnumDahng|MagnumDahng]] ([[User talk:MagnumDahng|talk]]) 09:32, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :{{re|MagnumDahng}} Can you try removing the outdated content once again? I've temporarily disabled the filters; let me know once you've removed everything that you intended to. Sorry for the extra inconvenience. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:04, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::It worked. ::No worries. I understand why it's there :) [[User:MagnumDahng|MagnumDahng]] ([[User talk:MagnumDahng|talk]]) 10:15, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :::Perfect, I've re-enabled the filters; thanks again for the updates! :) //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:36, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ==Does WV need a policy for descriptions of living people?== Wikivoyage is a travel guide and not intended to be a collection of biographies. Still, travel topics and itineraries might mention important individuals, such as explorers, artists, monarchs, and politicians. [[Wikivoyage:What is an article?]] discourages from creating an article for a living celebrity, as these are more difficult to finish than articles for [[Christopher Columbus]], [[Frank Lloyd Wright]] or [[Astrid Lindgren]]. Articles such as [[Presidents of the United States]] and [[Monarchy of the United Kingdom]] describe living individuals who have not concluded their careers, and they are certainly controversial. When writing [[Jewish Stockholm tour]], [[Stockholm environmentalist tour]] and [[Nordic monarchies]], a couple of famous living people came to mind, but I found it advisable to mention them as briefly as possible. Which general principles should we follow? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:58, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :It looks like [[foundation:BLP]] encourages us to have a formal policy, even if there isn't much to say. [[Project:Don't be evil]], maybe? :We already have [[Wikivoyage:Photographs of identifiable people]] and [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#People in photos]], which discourage photos of people. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 20:36, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::I'd support a policy for the same reason. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 11:40, 11 June 2025 (UTC) :I think this is largely not that relevant to a travel guide, but it is actually common to have "Maps of the Stars" or tours of celebrity homes in the Los Angeles region, which to me is completely crazy and behavior that should not be encouraged. Considering Whatamidoing's point about the WMF encouraging this kind of documentation, I think having a guideline/policy is wise. Good thinking. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 21:00, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::Yeah, I would absolutely oppose any article for a tour that takes people to the homes of celebrities who would rather be private in their own homes. If this kind of tour existed in New York, New Yorkers would be up in arms about it and pressing the City Council to pass a law about it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:35, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::The page and section about photos say very little, mostly discouraging photos of yourself, which isn't what this is about. [[commons:Project:Photographs of identifiable people]] says a lot more and should probably be followed also regarding locally uploaded pictures. None of those three says anything about text about people (other than that captions shouldn't be defamatory). ::I think we probably shouldn't write a policy unless there are real issues. We have no reason to write about most people, and it seems common sense, like what Yvwv showed above, works reasonably well. Writing a policy opens up for loopholes and wikilawyering. ::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:50, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :::I wonder if our "BLP policy" could be a section in our existing [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]] policy. Basically, a few principles about avoiding mentioning individuals, and especially avoiding saying anything contentious or unfairly invading their privacy. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 16:40, 10 June 2025 (UTC) ::::That sounds reasonable. In the past I have opposed a suggestion to create an itinerary based on the travels of a living individual. ::::A more common situation is where a listing mentions something about the people that work in the hotel or restaurant. "Friendly owners" or "poor service from the waiters" is ok, but referring to staff by name needs more care. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:04, 10 June 2025 (UTC) :::::It's surely OK when the name of the Chef de Cuisine or Pastry Chef are printed on menus or are well-known chefs the restaurant promotes. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:40, 10 June 2025 (UTC) :::::: Can an artist's personal life be separated from their work? At least, death is useful to conclude a life story. As Georg Riedel past away one year ago, he deserves to be described in the [[Jewish Stockholm tour]]. Aleksander Wolodarski is another person appropriate to mention, but as he is well and alive (and to some degree a divisive character in Swedish architecture) the description of him in the same article is very brief. The [[Harry Potter tourism]] barely mentions the author, and that might be good as it is. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:16, 11 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I think it would be fine to note the name of a celebrity chef ("Thomas Keller's restaurant, The French Laundry"), or even a relatively public non-celebrity ("The restaurant owner, Mary Smith, is also the long-time mayor of this small town" or "Olly Owner is happy to pack a picnic upon request"). ::::::However, as an extension of [[Wikivoyage:Avoid negative reviews]], we don't really want "Chris Celebrity is pretentious and their restaurant is overpriced" or "Wendy Waitress is unfriendly and slow". [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:26, 11 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::I think we should avoid "Wendy Waitress is unfriendly", but "Some staff are unfriendly" is ok. It is important to report negative aspects of a place if either it is balanced by "excellent cooking and wonderful bread" or it is the only place in town. It becomes more difficult with one person businesses. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 20:24, 11 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Wikivoyage should not be interested in people: that is the province of Wikipedia. Wikivoyage is however interested in places associated with people and to this end should be cautious about their privacy. If however the individual concerned invites members of the public to their homes or businesses (for example Donald Trump has a website for [https://www.maralagoclub.com/ Mar-a-Lago]) then it is no longer Wikivoyage's role to protect his privacy: if he publicises his home, then it is incumbent on him to look after his own privacy. In contrast, Joe Biden does not appear to advertise his home, so neither should Wikivoyage (even if a search on the internet will reveal Joe Biden's properties).[[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 15:18, 12 June 2025 (UTC) :Does something like this feel about right? :---- :As a general rule, Wikivoyage is interested in places, not people. Occasionally, providing a fair description will involve mentioning a specific person. In such cases, these principles apply to protect living people: :* Avoid contentious matter about living people to the maximum extent possible, to show respect for human dignity and personal privacy. Publishing personal information that is tangential to the needs of the article, trivial, ephemeral, or constitutes a [[Wikivoyage:Avoid negative reviews|negative review]] is unfair. For example, if a restaurant owner promotes dubious beliefs to customers, then omit the listing completely rather than writing about the owner's beliefs. :* Avoid whole articles focused on living people, such as an [[Wikivoyage:Itineraries|itinerary]] to see the private homes of celebrities. It is fair to have an itinerary focused on Taylor Swift's concert tours; it is not fair to have an article focused on her homes. :* Individual listings that name a living public figure are acceptable so long as the content is not contentious. However, you should avoid naming living people when a general description is adequate. For example, write "The owner is happy to talk about local history" instead of "Harry Historian, the owner, is happy to talk about local history", even though you would name the celebrity chef Thomas Keller as the owner of the restaurant The French Laundry. :---- :What should be changed, added, omitted? [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 16:39, 12 June 2025 (UTC) ::Thanks for offering a rough draft! The one part that sticks out to me as problematic is the part about "dubious beliefs," which gives an opening to intolerant atheists to complain about a bismillah or cross in a restaurant. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:12, 12 June 2025 (UTC) :::I was thinking about political beliefs, and specifically about an anti-masking restaurant I read about during the pandemic, but you're right: That needs to be re-worded. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 23:30, 12 June 2025 (UTC) ::::Still a good start, I'd say. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 12:15, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I don't think that businesses should be removed because of beliefs of the owner or personnel; that the owner touts antivacc or flat-earth theories might be entertaining rather than a reason to avoid them. One might tell that they might raise controversial topics. For dangerous practices, such as not using masks when needed, that would be treated like them using contaminated water or whatever. Yes, sometimes that warrants removing the listing in line with ''no bad reviews'', but that has little to do with privacy. ::::For a Finnish business, it was suggested that the listings be removed because of bigotry, in effect a boycott by Wikivoyage. I am not sure about to what extent to do that, but I assume we might tell something about the owner in that case, if we leave the choice whether to use their services to our readers. I would oppose individual editors removing listings because of views that don't conform with their own, but they may of course choose not to add them. ::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:28, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :::::I think there might be a spectrum of issues, but some types of (e.g.,) bigotry are not compatible with [[Wikivoyage:The traveller comes first]]. Inclusion constitutes a recommendation, at least when there are other alternatives. If we list a restaurant, it should be because travellers are welcome. If the restaurant's listing would need to have a disclaimer along the lines of "BTW, only white people are allowed to eat here" or "People whom the owner thinks look Jewish/Muslim/Black/gay/trans will be refused service", then that restaurant shouldn't be included in Wikivoyage at all. Listed restaurants should normally be open to all of the general public. :::::On the other end of the spectrum, if the owner cheerfully accepts all customers, but he privately belongs to a racist organization, then that's not really relevant to the travellers' experience, so we needn't mention that. Travellers who want to patronize only businesses owned by people who share the same politics/religion/race/sexual orientation should look elsewhere for that information. :::::Somewhere in the middle is factual information that travellers may interpret in opposite ways. For example, if a given deli in New York City is kosher, it'd be worth noting that in the description. Most travellers won't care. Some travellers will prefer it (either for religious reasons or because kosher meat is considered more ethical than conventional meat). Some travellers will reject it. But knowing that it might appeal (or not) to different travellers is not the same as different travellers not being allowed to eat at the deli. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 20:02, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I see no problem in describing a restaurant in terms of the religious beliefs that it portrays provided that it is done in a neutral manner - for example , "The XYZ resaurant is a kosher/halal/vegetarian establishment". The reader can then make up their ow mind about patronising the establishment - after all Wikivoyage has many articles about various places of worship. [[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 21:05, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::I think the general point is that we want "XYZ is a kosher/halal/vegetarian restaurant" but not "The owner of XYZ is a Jew/Muslim/vegetarian person". [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:10, 14 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::I agree here. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 06:56, 18 June 2025 (UTC) *Suggested rewrite of the first point (Changes in bold): :"''Avoid contentious matter about living people to the maximum extent possible, to show respect for human dignity and personal privacy. Publishing personal information that is tangential to the needs of the article, trivial, ephemeral, or constitutes a negative review is unfair. For example, if a restaurant owner promotes '''particular''' beliefs to customers, then omit the listing completely rather than writing about the owner's beliefs. '''If however the establishment itself <u>caters</u> for certain beliefs and/or ethics, it is reasonable, or maybe even desireable, to add those beliefs/ethics to the description in a neutral manner - such as including the words "kosher/halal/vegetarian" to the establishment's description.'''''" [[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 21:14, 13 June 2025 (UTC) *I suggest that the second point be extended as follows (additions in bold): :''Avoid whole articles focused on living people, such as an itinerary to see the private homes of celebrities. It is fair to have an itinerary focused on Taylor Swift's concert tours; it is not fair to have an article focused on her homes. '''However, if the celebrity concerend advertises their home to the general public (for example [https://www.maralagoclub.com/ Mar-a-Lago], home of Donald Trump or [https://www.blenheimpalace.com/ Blenheim Palace], home of the Duke of Marlborough) , then it is perfectly in order to mention the home in an article and ideally to include a web address the description or article.''''' ::[[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 21:27, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::I think all this discussion of beliefs and politics is bad and not something about which we want policies. Also, bad reviews are by no means inherently unfair, and I'm mystified by how anyone could think that's the case; it's just that Wikivoyage chooses with some exceptions to simply refrain from listing businesses, rather than stating that they are bad. I also don't see why we would need to add a policy that establishments that discriminate against people based for example on their ethnicity, appearance or national origin, such as a historic restaurant in Düsseldorf that refused admission to East Asians early in the pandemic, be delisted, because we already do that based on preexisting policies. Right now, I think that based on the drafts circulated in this thread, we risk approving a new policy that is worse than none. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:40, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :::It might be best to try the smallest possible addition. After all, it's usually easier to get a policy expanded later if we really need it, than to get it shortened later. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:08, 14 June 2025 (UTC) ::::Here's a shorter version: ::::---- ::::As a general rule, Wikivoyage is interested in places, not people. Occasionally, providing a fair description will involve mentioning a specific person. In such cases, these principles apply to protect living people: ::::* Avoid contentious matter about living people to the maximum extent possible, to show respect for human dignity and personal privacy. Individual listings that name a living public figure are acceptable so long as the content is not contentious. ::::* Avoid whole articles focused on living people, such as an [[Wikivoyage:Itineraries|itinerary]] to see the private homes of celebrities. ::::---- ::::We could also soften "the maximum extent possible". It's always "possible" to avoid mentioning anyone's name, but it's not always "reasonable" to do so. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:14, 14 June 2025 (UTC) :::::What about the article on U.S. presidents? We don't avoid contentious facts about living current and former presidents; we just agree on what should be in the blurbs about them based on the existing [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]] guidelines. I still fail to see how adding at least your first proposed guideline will improve anything. Also, are we creating a solution for a nonexistent problem? Can you cite a previous example of an article that had unnecessarily contentious facts about living people that we were not able to deal with by using existing guidelines? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:33, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::[[Presidents of the United States]] is not a "whole article focused on living people"; it is a whole article focused on mostly long-dead people with just five living US Presidents being mentioned (and mostly in a "public museum" way, not a "current private home" way). This would therefore be acceptable as a case of "Individual listings that name a living public figure" that "show respect for human dignity and personal privacy". ::::::The existing problem to be solved is: The Board of Directors for the WIkimedia Foundation said that every project needs to have an official, written BLP policy. They said this about 16 years ago, so we're running a bit behind schedule, but we should have something. Their resolution encourages "special attention to the principles of neutrality", so I think putting a few sentences inside our version of the "[[Wikivoyage:NPOV|NPOV]]" policy would be appropriate. We could even create a [[WV:BLP]] shortcut to it, so the Wikipedia folks can find it easier. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:16, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::My problem is not with your second proposed provision, which is fine, but your first, and that's what my last reply addressed. If it stated that when living people have to be mentioned, we must [[be fair]] and come to a [[consensus]] about anything contentious, I'd be happy. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:33, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Can you think of any contentious or derogatory information a travel guide – especially one that does not cite external sources – ''needs'' to include? [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:37, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::I already gave you an example! And what about when we fairly describe countries as dictatorships? We've sometimes had users object and try to whitewash articles, and in such cases, we are armed with [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]], not some ridiculous claim that anything "contentious" is bad and must be avoided, which would have played into their hands. Wikivoyage is a travel guide, not a site that tries to be neutral. We expressly don't have an NPOV policy, but instead a policy that requires fairness. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:10, 18 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::I agree that we can fairly describe a country as being a dictatorship. Do we need to describe an individual living person as a dictator, when doing so would be contentious (e.g., produce disputes and disagreements on wiki)? I just checked every article containing the words "a dictator" and "the dictator"; none of them refer to living people. ::::::::::If your prior example was "What about the article on U.S. presidents?", I've already answered that question. I don't see anything privacy-invading in [[Presidents of the United States]], and I don't see anything contentious about any living person in there, either. The contents are not universally approved by the campaign team, but nobody actually disputes or "contends" over the facts (e.g., that Clinton was involved in a sex scandal, or that Trump is technically a convicted felon). [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 01:07, 20 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::If you haven't had the misfortune of speaking with a Trumper lately, consider yourself lucky. There are tens of millions of hard-core Trumpers in the U.S. who don't accept basic scientific facts and advance all kinds of conspiracy nonsense as truth. I dealt with a cabbie in New Rochelle yesterday who gratuitously started talking about politics. He claimed Biden already had cancer 4 years ago, and "they" covered it up, that claims of fossil fuels causing global warming are "bullshit" and that if the Democrats had been elected last year, we'd all be driving electric cars already, among other things. So I very much contest your confident assertion that statements of fact about Trump, Biden, Obama, etc. are not "contentious". We need to remove that word from consideration as something Wikivoyage cannot be. Do you remember years ago when there was someone who spent a couple of weeks or more trying to whitewash descriptions of Cuba by claiming that it was really a democracy, their elections are really free and fair, and the Communists have never been dictators or oppressed anyone there? Or the ones that claimed that China is a democracy and it was the U.S. (pre-Trump) that was really oppressive (the latter of which of course has never been completely false, but that was entirely beside the point in a travel guide as well as being pure whataboutism that disproves nothing). We've had all kinds of politically motivated contentions against facts. That's why our standard is [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]], not "Wikivoyage/Avoid saying anything anyone could argue with", which is what "contentious" means or would mean in the hands of anyone who wants to use a travel guide to grind an axe, rather than to improve a resource for travelers. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:14, 20 June 2025 (UTC) == Full-size images not available on maps in city districts == Since yesterday (and possibly earlier), the images in listings can be viewed in the dynamic map but trying to click on it to go to the full description page will lead to a broken link if they are in a city district page. This raises the issue on image attribution. You can test it on any listings with images at [[Queens/Flushing-Northeast]] and [[Toronto/Etobicoke]]. Anyone have insight on what recent changes broke this functionality? [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 15:46, 12 June 2025 (UTC) :Yes, needs to be fixed. For some reason, the File: prefix is prefixed by the district name. I try to check [[Module:Listing]] for the bug. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 11:52, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::Oops, the city name, not the district. Seemingly the article name is included in the image argument, and removed, but not properly so for subarticles. [[Module:Marker]] is possibly more relevant than Listing, but it is some underlying functionality that is the culprit. My understanding of how modules work is too weak for me to find it. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:10, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :::The marker on the map seems to be constructed using mw.text.jsonEncode. Where can one read that code? Was there some change recently? –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:30, 30 June 2025 (UTC) == Selection and number of images == [split off as suggested by [[User:OhanaUnited|OhanaUnited]] 02:39, 30 June 2025 (UTC). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:17, 30 June 2025 (UTC)] ::: The images embedded within listings are often not the best currently available. They don't display unless you click and faff about, so they don't enhance the page appearance encountered by the general reader. Wouldn't it be neat if there was some repository of images that were the best available copyfree, that could be simply incorporated into the page layout? We'd be sure to use those instead, right? [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 20:20, 15 June 2025 (UTC) ::::The main problem with that is that somebody needs to pick those best available images. That's done in Commons' galleries, where images uploaded in the last dozen years aren't included. We could use the image on Wikidata, but they might not be chosen according to what they are like as thumbnails. Perhaps a specific wikidata property could be created for thumbnail images or even Wikivoyage thumbnail images (like for our banners). About having to click several times, that could be improved, but we don't want clutter, so some discussion is needed on the trade-off if we want to change the status quo. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 18:33, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::: Picking those best images and considering how best to display them is exactly what editors should do, same as picking the best attractions or accommodations to list in a town, we shouldn't lazily accept what's already on the page. It's hardly an onerous task, and we want the best for our readers. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 19:00, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::{{quote|The main problem with that is that somebody needs to pick those best available images.}} :::::Maybe we can take assistance from AI tools to ease out the problem, just like we sometimes use AI to pick the best attractions to visit, and choose the appropriate accommodation. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 19:07, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I haven't heard about us letting such decisions to AI, and I'm not sure we should do it with images. But regardless of what way the images get chosen, it would be good if the choice were saved at Wikidata, to be used automatically. As the images aren't shown in the article itself, the less effort we need to use choosing, the better. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 19:55, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::How much effort do we need to save here? The first example cited was Queens / Flushing. That page is under-illustrated, with one strong image and two so-so. It took me 10 min to find six more good images on Commons, about the right number for a page of this length. Inserting them might take 3 mins apiece, say 20 min, which I'm not volunteering to do as the entire page needs updating, a solid day's work. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 21:07, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Choosing images sounds like a task that some people would love to do. Maybe we could advertise it better? It's even a task that people who don't speak English well should be able to do. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:40, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::It could be a good task, but I have seen a lot of image adding that isn't optimal: ignoring our guideline of [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#Minimal use of images|Minimal use of images]], trying to illustrate individual listings instead of the article as a whole, writing captions to that effect, and placing the images in ways that suite the editor's browser window rather than conform to best practices. :::::::::Increased advertising of this activity should thus be done cautiously, to avoid frustration both among those adding images and those patrolling. :::::::::The original issue was about images for the dynamic map, which is different from illustrating the article. :::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:00, 19 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::As a side note, [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#Minimal use of images]] probably needs both a little re-writing ("1 image per screen": Whose screen size?) and some reconsidering, as availability of internet access has generally improved since then (the [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Wikivoyage:Image_policy&diff=prev&oldid=3629972 last significant update was in 2018], based on [[Wikivoyage talk:Image policy/archive 2014-2019#Minimal use of images - not appropriate|a discussion started in 2016]]). ::::::::::But I agree that it's a tangent for the current thread. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 01:18, 20 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::How carefully did you read Minimal use? :::::::::::"1 image per screen (1,000–2,000 bytes)" :::::::::::I suppose you want to suggest an increase in the number of images we should use, and if so, do that at [[Wikivoyage talk:Image policy]]. But keep in mind that the mobile interface sucks and the site is still better viewed on a computer. I would be likely to oppose any change in the language, as there is flexibility to use more images than stated in the guideline as long as there isn't an unbroken stream on the left side; images left, right and center; or images that go below the end of the article, which looks terrible. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:19, 20 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::I read that, and I wondered which method we're using to measure "1,000 bytes". One screenful – edge to edge, top to bottom, on my laptop, with my font, my size (larger than default), my zoom (120%), etc. – is right around 2000 characters for me, but others may have half that, or four times that. Shorter lines (e.g., using only half the line at the end of a paragraph, or a short item in a list) adds volume without adding characters. ::::::::::::If we're using the file size, then wikitext and URLs add bulk to the file without affecting the screen size. We could have "1,000 bytes" and have a half-full screen (on my laptop) or "2,000 bytes" and still have a half-full screen. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 20:41, 20 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::These are rough estimates. An A4 with 67×47=3150 is quite close to 2k, if there are images, headings and paragraph breaks, probably much less if there are lists. I suppose an A4 is close to readability optimum (my browser and Emacs windows are not far off). My mobile phone seems to have 50×33=1650, perhaps 1k with images etc. The numbers don't seem to be too far off. Without prescribing a test with some specific browser window size, we cannot give precise advice. [[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 14:16, 22 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::From your estimate, the numbers appear to be off by 50%. 3150 = would be "quite close" to 3K, not 2K. ::::::::::::::I think that a more practical suggestion would be: Every well-developed section should usually have one image, so long as this can be done without the images dropping down into the next section. On desktop, this usually requires a minimum of 10 to 12 lines of text per landscape image. Very long sections can have two images. ::::::::::::::This would address the wikitext-vs-displayed problem and the difference between a solid paragraph and a long bullet list with one or two words on each line. ::::::::::::::But as we noted above, this is a separate discussion from the original concern. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:15, 22 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::: Can we take the "select the best picture" conversation into a sub-section? My original intention of this post is to report a bug which leads to the legal issue of image attribution. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 02:39, 30 June 2025 (UTC) == Commons RFD notifications == While the Commons bot that alert us to images about to be deleted [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub/2025#Commons Notification Deletion bot revived|was revived]], images are still being deleted without notification, namely those (I assume), that were nominated before 4 May. The issue was told in the linked announcement, but I did not realise its implications. So, expect some imgages to be removed with no notification on the talk page. If they might be valuable, they should be temporarily restored for local upload, like when the bot wasn't working. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 11:51, 13 June 2025 (UTC) == Usurped URLs == Are usurped or dead URLs (e.g. [[w:en:WP:JUDI]]) normally archived, or removed? I'm looking at the page [[Northampton_(Massachusetts)#Eat]], where the second link is usurped. Thanks, [[User:OutsideNormality|OutsideNormality]] ([[User talk:OutsideNormality|talk]]) 20:22, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :If a url no longer goes to the home page for the listing in question, please update it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:18, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::Actually, looking back, it seems like the URL was never "usurped" and was directly added as a spam link in [[Special:Diff/4154976/4167772]]. Thanks anyway for the advice. [[User:OutsideNormality|OutsideNormality]] ([[User talk:OutsideNormality|talk]]) 00:40, 14 June 2025 (UTC) == Vote now in the 2025 U4C Election == <div lang="en" dir="ltr" class="mw-content-ltr"> {{Int:Please-translate}} Eligible voters are asked to participate in the 2025 [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Universal_Code_of_Conduct/Coordinating_Committee|Universal Code of Conduct Coordinating Committee]] election. More information–including an eligibility check, voting process information, candidate information, and a link to the vote–are available on Meta at the [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Universal_Code_of_Conduct/Coordinating_Committee/Election/2025|2025 Election information page]]. The vote closes on 17 June 2025 at [https://zonestamp.toolforge.org/1750161600 12:00 UTC]. Please vote if your account is eligible. Results will be available by 1 July 2025. -- In cooperation with the U4C, [[m:User:Keegan (WMF)|Keegan (WMF)]] ([[m:User talk:Keegan (WMF)|talk]]) 23:01, 13 June 2025 (UTC) </div> <!-- Message sent by User:Keegan (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Distribution_list/Global_message_delivery&oldid=28848819 --> :Surprised this was sent very late. I made a guide on all the candidates on Meta at [[m:User:SHB2000/U4C guide 2025]], for those interested. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 03:13, 14 June 2025 (UTC) == Wisconsin Dells Kalahari Expansion; should I mention it in the Wisconsin Dells page == Hello! It is now practically mainstream media (In Wisconsin Dells) that Kalahari's expanding its Indoor Waterpark into what was a mainly unused parking lot (which is currently either getting demolished or already is demolished as of posting) and will add a fully glass dome with a retractable roof (this is not an ad, this is according to many sources including the Kalahari its self, Fox11online.com, Whitewater West, Martin Aquatic, and Maverick Hayes' Social Media). Now the real question is should I add this too my page? Cheers! [[User:HistorySports|HistorySports]] ([[User talk:HistorySports|talk]]) 15:22, 14 June 2025 (UTC) :To your page meaning what? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:35, 14 June 2025 (UTC) ::@[[User:HistorySports|HistorySports]], I think it's fair to add information about waterparks to [[Wisconsin Dells#Do]] or [[Wisconsin Dells#Sleep]]. (You pick which one based on whether people mostly stay there, and happen to use the water park, or mostly go to the water park, and a few people stay there, too – just use your judgement and don't stress about the distinction too much.) ::The important thing isn't the news ("they're expanding!") but what is available today ("Wisconsin's biggest indoor waterpark"). ::In general, when I skim through that article, I wish that there were prices for the activities and longer descriptions. In particular, there seem to be a lot of attractions, but I have no idea which one I'd choose. Is one the lowest cost? The best value? Best for little kids? Best for teens? Best for older adults/multi-generational families? Open year-round? Has the most swimming pool lifts for wheelchair users? If you can, try to add some sort of information about the differences between different attractions that might help travellers decide which things they want to do. ::Also, it looks like there are several listings that need to be moved to [[Baraboo]]. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 18:54, 14 June 2025 (UTC) :::Thanks WhatamIdoing! I will follow your advice and hopefully we can have a great page for the area of Wisconsin Dells! [[User:HistorySports|HistorySports]] ([[User talk:HistorySports|talk]]) 19:47, 15 June 2025 (UTC) ::Sorry I wasn't clear and that's totally my fault, but I was talking about the Wisconsin Dells page, sorry! [[User:HistorySports|HistorySports]] ([[User talk:HistorySports|talk]]) 19:47, 15 June 2025 (UTC) :::Thanks. So you know, it's not your page: it's a Wikivoyage article. The only page I'd consider your page is your user page. That said, on the face of it, I would put activities in "Do", not "Sleep". [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:09, 17 June 2025 (UTC) == Wikistats page views == What is up with Wikistats page views for English Wikivoyage? 87 million last month? https://stats.wikimedia.org/#/en.wikivoyage.org/reading/total-page-views/normal%7Cbar%7C2-year%7C~total%7Cmonthly 36 million from Brazil apparently. [[User:Bluecoordinationfine|Bluecoordinationfine]] ([[User talk:Bluecoordinationfine|talk]]) 23:18, 14 June 2025 (UTC) :That is a very interesting anomaly indeed. No idea why, but still very interesting to know why we have so many views from Brazil. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 00:47, 16 June 2025 (UTC) ::Maybe users on VPN? [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 14:25, 16 June 2025 (UTC) == FYI: Dear Atlas: Where Can I Find the Most Unusual Festivals in the U.S.? == https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/off-the-beaten-path-american-festivals —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 07:58, 15 June 2025 (UTC) == [[Talk:Ferries in the Mediterranean#A Commons file used on this page or its Wikidata item has been nominated for deletion]] == No-one seems to be paying any attention to the fact that we are likely to lose a photo. We need to decide whether we're OK with that or not. I will not make a unilateral decision. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:07, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :Is it just me, or does it seem like too many photos have been getting removed lately? [[User:Mrkstvns|Mrkstvns]] ([[User talk:Mrkstvns|talk]]) 16:00, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::Has there been an uptick in deletion requests at Commons? Or are we just noticing them more, now that the notifications bot is working again? [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:08, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::As someone who was monitoring [[c:Commons:Deletion requests]] until the bot started working again, I think it's the latter. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:38, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I hope this deletion can be resisted. Tirrenia ferries in 2017 made a deal with Warner Bros to plaster their ships' exteriors with cartoon characters such as Batman, to give them a jazzy attractive look. That deal continues and you really cannot take a photo of any T ferry without including the character: it's as integral to the ship as the company logo and the pointy bit at the front. The intention of any such photo is to portray the ship not replicate the character, and IMO it's a misuse of copyright law to claim we can't publish it copyfree. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 18:51, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::Such arguments have been presented in the RFD on Commons, and I think that they are legally sound. However, "misuse of copyright law" is not what this is about. There is no word of God saying that utilitarian objects (in this case: the ship) can be freely photographed, and if the law says otherwise, Commons can do little about it. I think the current copyright laws are a disaster, caused by lobbyists and weak politicians, but that means that the copyright laws need to be changed (read: one should spread awareness of the absurdities), not that we can ignore current law. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 20:03, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::The Wikimedia Foundation requires that Commons files be available for unimpeded commercial use. They don't have to, and we don't have to, which is why we have a freedom of panorama fair use exception doctrine. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:10, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::Yes, true. For Commons, the stringency is because of their mission – they don't want to host content that cannot be used. All kinds of compromises are possible or even necessary, but commercial use, such as in small-budget books, is essential for their mission. In some cases, where copyright law is unclear, they could be a bit braver, but that's a separate issue. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 05:05, 18 June 2025 (UTC) == Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees 2025 - Call for Candidates == <section begin="announcement-content" /> :<div class="plainlinks">[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Announcement/Call for candidates|{{int:interlanguage-link-mul}}]] • [https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Translate&group=page-{{urlencode:Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Announcement/Call for candidates}}&language=&action=page&filter= {{int:please-translate}}]</div> Hello all, The [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025|call for candidates for the 2025 Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees selection is now open]] from June 17, 2025 – July 2, 2025 at 11:59 UTC [1]. The Board of Trustees oversees the Wikimedia Foundation's work, and each Trustee serves a three-year term [2]. This is a volunteer position. This year, the Wikimedia community will vote in late August through September 2025 to fill two (2) seats on the Foundation Board. Could you – or someone you know – be a good fit to join the Wikimedia Foundation's Board of Trustees? [3] Learn more about what it takes to stand for these leadership positions and how to submit your candidacy on [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Candidate application|this Meta-wiki page]] or encourage someone else to run in this year's election. Best regards, Abhishek Suryawanshi<br /> Chair of the Elections Committee On behalf of the Elections Committee and Governance Committee [1] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Call_for_candidates [2] https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Legal:Bylaws#(B)_Term. [3] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Resources_for_candidates<section end="announcement-content" /> [[User:MediaWiki message delivery|MediaWiki message delivery]] ([[User talk:MediaWiki message delivery|talk]]) 17:44, 17 June 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:RamzyM (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Distribution_list/Global_message_delivery&oldid=28866958 --> == New copycat site == I haven't had the time to fully look into it and I've been quite busy IRL this month, but it seems we have a new copycat site called https://www.localcityguide.net/. It mirrors Wikivoyage pages word-for-word with "2022 © Local City Guide. All rights reserved." and some pages like [[Itineraries]] ([https://www.localcityguide.net/en/Itineraries]) do nothing to even remove mentions of Wikivoyage. What's interesting about this site is that they've listed those behind the site so openly in the [https://www.localcityguide.net/about-us About us] section – I'm not sure how accurate it is, but it could be something to go off. What are the WMF's protocols when a site copies an entire project and what can we do about it? //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 08:59, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :It has a nice presentation, a handful of blog entries posted in June 2022, and it looks like the foundation of the site is our stuff, refreshed regularly. (Changes I made yesterday already appear.) There is no ability to edit articles. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 10:11, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :This is against the terms of service, CC license restrictions, and American copyright law. You should contact the [[:m:Wikimedia_Foundation/Legal|Legal Team]] via email at legal[little-anarchy-symbol]wikimedia[point]org. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 10:22, 18 June 2025 (UTC) ::I picked an arbitrary page of which I have knowledge, but which is not on the average tourist itinerary, [[Estcourt]]. It has an [[outline article|outline]] status. I clicked on "outline" and the first sentence read: :::"An '''outline article''' is a status rating for any article in ''<u>Wikivoyage</u>'' ... " [My emphasis]. ::This is proof that they are copying the WIkivoyage site. [[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 16:00, 18 June 2025 (UTC) ::: It seems that the contents are incorporated by a script directly from Wikivoyage similar to the html frame technology that's why the articles are up-to-date. I made a small change in some status ratings of the German Wikivoyage, and immediately you can read that this is a usable Wikivoyage article in the footer. --[[User:RolandUnger|RolandUnger]] ([[User talk:RolandUnger|talk]]) 17:24, 18 June 2025 (UTC) ::Copying Wikivoyage's contents is okay. However, you have to provide "reasonable" attribution. That's usually done with something like a simple link to the original article on Wikivoyage. I don't see Wikivoyage mentioned on their website, so they need to fix that – but remember that the goal is for them to fix it, not to punish them or prevent them from sharing our information. ::[[w:en:WP:BACKWARDSCOPY]] has some advice on how to contact websites that haven't complied with the license terms. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 19:27, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :::I have sent the developers of the site an email about this. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:38, 21 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I've also forwarded it to WMF legal (cc {{u|Koavf}}). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:40, 21 June 2025 (UTC) :::::Merci. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 02:52, 21 June 2025 (UTC) == Mexican disambiguators == Some input at [[Wikivoyage talk:Naming conventions#Disambiguators for Mexican destinations]] would be appreciated. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 13:41, 19 June 2025 (UTC) == Most visited country in Southeast Asia == It looks like [[Thailand]] just lost its crown to [[Malaysia]], at least for Q1 2025. Should we update our articles to reflect that, or should we wait and see if Malaysia can sustain its lead? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:11, 23 June 2025 (UTC) :{{ping|The dog2}} I think you should update the articles to say that both Thailand and Malaysia are the most visited countries of SE Asia, along the lines of, "Thailand, along with Malaysia, are...", "Malaysia, along with Thailand, are..." or even "Malaysia and Thailand are...". '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 17:11, 23 June 2025 (UTC) ::I think we should wait till yearly figures are available before changing anything. Too many things can change from one quarter to the next. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:52, 23 June 2025 (UTC) :::Agreed – one quarter might not be a true reflection. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 00:24, 24 June 2025 (UTC) == Regionlist == I have added a static map in [[Maharashtra]], but it disappears without showing a dynamic map when I click/press the link "switch to interactive map". Same happens in [[West Bengal]], [[Andhra Pradesh]], [[Chennai]], etc. I think there's a bug in {{tl|Regionlist}} that causes this disappearance, as the template itself was last edited on August 2024. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 13:36, 26 June 2025 (UTC) :Same issue on it:voy. For sure is caused by a change server side. I'll try to figure out if we can solve locally or if we need to open a ticket. [[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 06:46, 27 June 2025 (UTC) ::I've patched it. Now it works again. Be sure to refresh/purge the page you test. [[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 07:32, 27 June 2025 (UTC) == Sister Projects Task Force reviews Wikispore and Wikinews == <section begin="message"/> Dear Wikimedia Community, The [[m:Wikimedia Foundation Community Affairs Committee|Community Affairs Committee (CAC)]] of the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees assigned [[m:Wikimedia Foundation Community Affairs Committee/Sister Projects Task Force|the Sister Projects Task Force (SPTF)]] to update and implement a procedure for assessing the lifecycle of Sister Projects – wiki [[m:Wikimedia projects|projects supported by Wikimedia Foundation (WMF)]]. A vision of relevant, accessible, and impactful free knowledge has always guided the Wikimedia Movement. As the ecosystem of Wikimedia projects continues to evolve, it is crucial that we periodically review existing projects to ensure they still align with our goals and community capacity. Despite their noble intent, some projects may no longer effectively serve their original purpose. '''Reviewing such projects is not about giving up – it's about responsible stewardship of shared resources'''. Volunteer time, staff support, infrastructure, and community attention are finite, and the non-technical costs tend to grow significantly as our ecosystem has entered a different age of the internet than the one we were founded in. Supporting inactive projects or projects that didn't meet our ambitions can unintentionally divert these resources from areas with more potential impact. Moreover, maintaining projects that no longer reflect the quality and reliability of the Wikimedia name stands for, involves a reputational risk. An abandoned or less reliable project affects trust in the Wikimedia movement. Lastly, '''failing to sunset or reimagine projects that are no longer working can make it much harder to start new ones'''. When the community feels bound to every past decision – no matter how outdated – we risk stagnation. A healthy ecosystem must allow for evolution, adaptation, and, when necessary, letting go. If we create the expectation that every project must exist indefinitely, we limit our ability to experiment and innovate. Because of this, SPTF reviewed two requests concerning the lifecycle of the Sister Projects to work through and demonstrate the review process. We chose Wikispore as a case study for a possible new Sister Project opening and Wikinews as a case study for a review of an existing project. Preliminary findings were discussed with the CAC, and a community consultation on both proposals was recommended. === Wikispore === The [[m:Wikispore|application to consider Wikispore]] was submitted in 2019. SPTF decided to review this request in more depth because rather than being concentrated on a specific topic, as most of the proposals for the new Sister Projects are, Wikispore has the potential to nurture multiple start-up Sister Projects. After careful consideration, the SPTF has decided '''not to recommend''' Wikispore as a Wikimedia Sister Project. Considering the current activity level, the current arrangement allows '''better flexibility''' and experimentation while WMF provides core infrastructural support. We acknowledge the initiative's potential and seek community input on what would constitute a sufficient level of activity and engagement to reconsider its status in the future. As part of the process, we shared the decision with the Wikispore community and invited one of its leaders, Pharos, to an SPTF meeting. Currently, we especially invite feedback on measurable criteria indicating the project's readiness, such as contributor numbers, content volume, and sustained community support. This would clarify the criteria sufficient for opening a new Sister Project, including possible future Wikispore re-application. However, the numbers will always be a guide because any number can be gamed. === Wikinews === We chose to review Wikinews among existing Sister Projects because it is the one for which we have observed the highest level of concern in multiple ways. Since the SPTF was convened in 2023, its members have asked for the community's opinions during conferences and community calls about Sister Projects that did not fulfil their promise in the Wikimedia movement.[https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:WCNA_2024._Sister_Projects_-_opening%3F_closing%3F_merging%3F_splitting%3F.pdf <nowiki>[1]</nowiki>][https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_Community_Affairs_Committee/Sister_Projects_Task_Force#Wikimania_2023_session_%22Sister_Projects:_past,_present_and_the_glorious_future%22 <nowiki>[2]</nowiki>][https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/WikiConvention_francophone/2024/Programme/Quelle_proc%C3%A9dure_pour_ouvrir_ou_fermer_un_projet_%3F <nowiki>[3]</nowiki>] Wikinews was the leading candidate for an evaluation because people from multiple language communities proposed it. Additionally, by most measures, it is the least active Sister Project, with the greatest drop in activity over the years. While the Language Committee routinely opens and closes language versions of the Sister Projects in small languages, there has never been a valid proposal to close Wikipedia in major languages or any project in English. This is not true for Wikinews, where there was a proposal to close English Wikinews, which gained some traction but did not result in any action[https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Proposals_for_closing_projects/Closure_of_English_Wikinews <nowiki>[4]</nowiki>][https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/WikiConvention_francophone/2024/Programme/Quelle_proc%C3%A9dure_pour_ouvrir_ou_fermer_un_projet_%3F <nowiki>[5]</nowiki>, see section 5] as well as a draft proposal to close all languages of Wikinews[https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Talk:Proposals_for_closing_projects/Archive_2#Close_Wikinews_completely,_all_languages? <nowiki>[6]</nowiki>]. [[:c:File:Sister Projects Taskforce Wikinews review 2024.pdf|Initial metrics]] compiled by WMF staff also support the community's concerns about Wikinews. Based on this report, SPTF recommends a community reevaluation of Wikinews. We conclude that its current structure and activity levels are the lowest among the existing sister projects. SPTF also recommends pausing the opening of new language editions while the consultation runs. SPTF brings this analysis to a discussion and welcomes discussions of alternative outcomes, including potential restructuring efforts or integration with other Wikimedia initiatives. '''Options''' mentioned so far (which might be applied to just low-activity languages or all languages) include but are not limited to: *Restructure how Wikinews works and is linked to other current events efforts on the projects, *Merge the content of Wikinews into the relevant language Wikipedias, possibly in a new namespace, *Merge content into compatibly licensed external projects, *Archive Wikinews projects. Your insights and perspectives are invaluable in shaping the future of these projects. We encourage all interested community members to share their thoughts on the relevant discussion pages or through other designated feedback channels. === Feedback and next steps === We'd be grateful if you want to take part in a conversation on the future of these projects and the review process. We are setting up two different project pages: [[m:Public consultation about Wikispore|Public consultation about Wikispore]] and [[m:Public consultation about Wikinews|Public consultation about Wikinews]]. Please participate between 27 June 2025 and 27 July 2025, after which we will summarize the discussion to move forward. You can write in your own language. I will also host a community conversation 16th July Wednesday 11.00 UTC and 17th July Thursday 17.00 UTC (call links to follow shortly) and will be around at Wikimania for more discussions. <section end="message"/> -- [[User:Victoria|Victoria]] on behalf of the Sister Project Task Force, 20:57, 27 June 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:Johan (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Johan_(WMF)/Sister_project_MassMassage_on_behalf_of_Victoria/Target_list&oldid=28911188 --> :I definitely hate to say it but Wikinews has to be one of the most failed WMF projects. The English Wikinews is barely sustaining and I think that is fine for the timebeing, but the other Wikinews projects simply lack the editor base to actively review new news articles. It came up in tawikinews' closure proposal where their newest article dated to 2018! //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:56, 28 June 2025 (UTC) ::I think that we're meant to post that kind of thing on the Meta-Wiki project pages: [[metawiki:Public consultation about Wikispore|Public consultation about Wikispore]] and [[metawiki:Public consultation about Wikinews|Public consultation about Wikinews]]. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 22:42, 28 June 2025 (UTC) :::I'm aware; I just wanted to give out my 2c in short form – I have a longer list of suggestions planned which I'll do when I get a bit more spare time. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:44, 28 June 2025 (UTC) === General concerns === I am not a big fan of Wikinews, but one thing about the [[:meta:Proposal_for_Closing_Wikinews|report published by Sister Projects Task Force]] is concerning. This report is written in a very critical manner, namely, it does not mention that dozens if not hundreds of volunteers have spent a considerable amount of their time on developing Wikinews. The report does not mention any single good thing about their work, which does not seem fair. The report demonstrates that the current level of activity and content development at Wikinews is low (and this statement is fair), but it does not set any threshold of what would be good enough metrics for a community to deserve the resources from WMF. Moreover, the report does not attempt to analyze which steps Wikinews editors took to develop their project, and why these steps were unsuccessful. It just says: you did a bad job, so we will close you down and even deprive you of any possibility of moving Wikinews elsewhere because the name stays with Wikimedia Foundation. Wikivoyage is a smaller project too, and it would be discouraging if a similarly critical report about our work appears. It is not completely unrealistic when half of the language versions are dormant, while many others are somewhat comparable in their metrics to the most active editions of Wikinews. I think that only English Wikivoyage is clearly above that threshold, although the actual threshold is not even defined, so almost any level of activity can be deemed "low" if one wants to say so. What are your thoughts on that? --[[User:Atsirlin|Alexander]] ([[User_talk:Atsirlin|talk]]) 09:53, 28 June 2025 (UTC) :I have not been using Wikinews, so my reflections are based on the closure of Wikinews in Swedish and the current discussion, linked above. One point raised in the discussion is that the metrics chosen didn't take into account the special nature of the project. :I assume the Sister Project Task Force is right in that this kind of evaluations need to be done from time to time, but also think that the evaluations should focus on whether there are paths forward, rather than on whether the project is viable according to current trends. :Wikinews has the problem that a significant dedicated editor base i needed – Wikipedia or even Wikivoyage can stay alive and stay interesting even with no edits for a year or two, while a news outlet would loose nearly all of its readers. The coverage needs to be adequate on at least some areas (geographic or thematic) for the site to stay interesting. The critical mass needed is much larger – and that critical mass additionally needs to be able to counter people with a bias (good-faith or not) or with an agenda not aligned with the project goals – keeping touting at bay is much easier. I assume new language versions should be started only if there is hope of quickly building that critical mass. :–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 10:36, 28 June 2025 (UTC) ::Yes I do believe that LangCom has decided to suspend the creation of all new Wikinews projects for that very reason. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:46, 28 June 2025 (UTC) :Alexander, it's true "that dozens if not hundreds of volunteers have spent a considerable amount of their time on developing Wikinews", but it's also true that keeping a failing project because of past efforts is an example of [[w:en:Sunk cost fallacy]]. :I suspect that if someone made a credible proposal to move Wikinews to another host, the WMF would be be open to negotiations over the name. (But any new sponsor might prefer to come up with their own name.) [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 03:31, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::I guess my main problem is the absence of any well-defined criteria that distinguish a sustainable project from a failing one. Do you understand what these criteria are? -- [[User:Atsirlin|Alexander]] ([[User_talk:Atsirlin|talk]]) 08:35, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::A well-defined criteria that defines what a sustainable project would still heavily rely on how the project functions, though. For Wikinews, it needs to be very active and metrics that may be appropriate for Wikivoyage or Wikibooks like number of articles aren't super relevant because 20000 articles is no good if the last one was written 2 months ago (the numbers are hypothetical but my point stands). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 08:50, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I agree that the same metrics can not be applied to all sister projects, but "very active" leaves a lot of room for interpretation. Imagine someone decides that Wikivoyage is not sustainable because it contains a lot of outdated travel information that has not been updated in the last 5 years. That would be a problem... -- [[User:Atsirlin|Alexander]] ([[User_talk:Atsirlin|talk]]) 09:27, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::::We don't want well-defined criteria. There needs to be judgement on the projects actual prospects. Opening a community discussion is good, as that's a way to see whether the metrics give a correct picture – although there should be discussions with the projects before opening a discussion like this (I don't know to what extent there have been such discussions). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 20:13, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I still don't love the way the SPTF decided to mass-send these messages to every wiki without consulting the Wikinews community; it really should be up to them (and when I mean them, I mean the more active Wikinews projects such as en or ruwikinews) to decide their project's future, not the rest of us or the vast majority who don't get involved with Wikinews. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:01, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::Yes. The issues should have been raised with the projects first (not only the big ones, but all projects affected). I don't know whether that was done, but seemingly not enough, anyway. It seems the SPTF (?) wanted to introduce a more general practice of re-evaluating projects, and just chose the two as examples. They should have understood that doing it that way, without consultations, would upset people. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:40, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::TBF, there were several closure proposals before, including one for all language Wikinews. Those for major projects failed, but one can argue that this was a signal to the communities to evaluate their performance which they apparently did not get. I agree though that opening such discussion before notifying the Wikinews communities first is not really good. [[User:Ymblanter|Ymblanter]] ([[User talk:Ymblanter|talk]]) 08:54, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::They definitely should have; I hope they use this as a learning lesson because the general sentiment from the enwikinews community is quite clearly unimpressed from that discussion. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 09:01, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::Well this comment certainly [[:m:Talk:Public_consultation_about_Wikinews#c-Victoria-20250630095300-BRPever-20250629141600|aged like milk]]. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 13:59, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::Oh dear. I hope there are others in the SPTF who are more keen-eared. This risks degenerating into one more of the WMF-not-respecting-the-community affairs. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:40, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::SPTF (or Victoria, at the very least) seems so predetermined to close Wikinews that I've never heard something so blatantly biased such as "However, I expect that the wikinewsians would be in COI" – so to them I assume knowing the ins and outs of your own project is apparently a conflict of interest? It's a massive insult to non-Wikipedia based projects. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 11:04, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::I can understand her view, but I think it is misguided, and somebody in her team should get them to discuss their actual mission. If a project indeed needs to be laid down, the process needs to be lead very sensitively – and the consultation in this phase shouldn't be on whether to lay Wikinews down. It is "to work through and demonstrate the review process", "a community reevaluation" and "potential restructuring efforts". ::::::::::::The demonstration of the process has been a disaster and potential restructuring efforts require a good understanding of he project, which cannot be had without a keen-eared discussion with the communities. ::::::::::::The "re-evaluation" should be based on such potential restructuring paths, where restructuring isn't about where to dump the Wikinews content, but how to save the project, if possible. ::::::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 13:13, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::I fully agree with you about about the "re-evaluation" but the way they have been responding to community feedback feels as though they have the result pre-determined and this is merely being used as a box ticking exercise – which is why I think it's crucial that we as a fellow sister project speak up about the way this was poorly handled because who knows what they will do when it's our turn to undergo public consultations. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 14:04, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::I wrote about some concerns in [[:meta:Talk:Public consultation about Wikinews#Process and analysis seem flawed]]. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:34, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::::Cheers, {{u|LPfi}}; hopefully our project will be fine (I think it will because Wikivoyage or really any other WMF project does not have the same issues as Wikinews does of requiring an active community), but more feedback is certainly better. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 03:49, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::Whereas I agree that the process it to some extend flawed (and I agree with the points LPfi makes in the response on Meta), it would be useful to see whether some metrics used for analysis (in whatever flawed way) could be improved for Wikivoyage, so that they are out of discussion. [[User:Ymblanter|Ymblanter]] ([[User talk:Ymblanter|talk]]) 08:18, 2 July 2025 (UTC) == Archive links invisible in mobile mode == Why? When I look in edit mode, I can see links to archives in [[Talk:China]], but not when I simply look at that talk page. Will Wikivoyage in mobile mode ever not suck? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:30, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :I can't answer your first question, but the answer to your latter question, as we both know, is never (we are a massive afterthought for the WMF). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:51, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::In which case, we will eventually read that the Wikimedia Foundation dropped Wikivoyage from lack of sufficient participation. Would we be able to fork in that case, or does Wikimedia own the copyright for Wikivoyage as they do for Wikinews? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:09, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::Each individual editor, including IPs/logged-out editors, owns the copyright to whatever copyrightable material they post on wiki. The Wikimedia Foundation owns the domain names and the trademarks (e.g., name and logo). Anyone who wants to fork can do so freely. The Wikimedia Foundation will sometimes even informally help people do so. The mobile site does have the links to the archives. Click on the "(i) Learn more about this page" button at the top of the page to find the "invisible" content. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 03:27, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::{{ping|Ikan Kekek}} Please don't be that fearful when Wikinews is proposed to be shut down or merged with Wikipedia. I wanted to work in the Bengali Wikinews Incubator project, but my lack of activity in recent weeks has prevented me from participating further. So, I have focused on Commons and Wikivoyage, where I am still highly active. I don't think the SPTF would suggest something similar for Wikivoyage, and I think it is actually a popular website. My static map of [[West Bengal]] is now widely shared on Facebook (both English and Bengali versions), along with an AI-generated list of places to visit in the state. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 03:35, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::::You are a superb Wikivoyage content creator! I'm not afraid in the very near term, but usage of all websites nowadays has to be mostly mobile, so if this site's mobile interface remains terrible, its eventual demise is a foregone conclusion. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:44, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::::Are you refering to the archive links that appear when I click "more about this page" at the top? :::::The issues with the mobile site exist as this project does not have '''active interface admins.''' :::::Note: The WMF has nothing to do with the content or presentation of content for this site. :::::Relevant links: :::::* https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:WikimediaMessages#Site_admin_helper :::::* https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Recommendations_for_mobile_friendly_articles_on_Wikimedia_wikis :::::[[User:Jdlrobson|Jdlrobson]] ([[User talk:Jdlrobson|talk]]) 03:09, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::Yes, "Learn more about this page." I didn't know to click that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:27, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I don't see why the WMF would have nothing to do with presentation of content on Wikivoyage. We are using MediaWiki and settings provided by the WMF, and we indeed are a WMF project. ::::::Not having active interface admins (I thought we have some) shouldn't mean too much – having technically knowledgable people locally is a bonus, it (and them dedicating time to do major work) shouldn't be a prerequisite for a WMF project. ::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:51, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::We do indeed have 5 [[Wikivoyage:Interface administrators]], which [[User:Jdlrobson]] should know, because he is one of them. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:01, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::I am an interface admin but I would not consider myself active. Maintenance of the listing editor for example causes me more anxiety than enjoyment these days. ::::::::In my time in this project I have seen quite a few complaints about the mobile experience but nobody has articulated clearly what needs improving. I personally dont think that overall it is a bad experience and the fact most of our page views are on mobile should be reassuring. That said there are templates like climate data that I think could be improved on mobile. ::::::::If you really want to improve the mobile experience I'd recommend making a wiki page with discussion of changes, proposal/consensus and then implementing them. I havent seen this sort of thing since [[Wikivoyage:Banner Expedition]]. I guarantee the majority of changes you want do not need WMF involvement but they will require discussion and community consultation. [[User:Jdlrobson|Jdlrobson]] ([[User talk:Jdlrobson|talk]]) 15:53, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::Wauterz is certainly active. Have you ever tried adding a listing or reverting more than one edit at a time in mobile mode? I'm sure we can compile a list of badness from the mobile interface. Where is the best page to put it on? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:25, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::{{u|Andyrom75}} is also fairly active on itwikivoyage. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 22:18, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::To answer the very first question of @[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]], I've noticed that the infobox has a "display:none" style that hide those boxes in mobile view. I think this style is added serverside (maybe @[[User:Jdlrobson|Jdlrobson]] you can confirm), because it's not added by the template neither by the templatestyles. :::::::::::However, as said from @[[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]], you can still see it clicking on the "(i)" button. [[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 17:09, 2 July 2025 (UTC) 7k8e9oiuhrxhwazfe8x2si62w3ji0cu 5086770 5086707 2025-07-02T19:55:07Z Koavf 36077 /* General concerns */ Reply 5086770 wikitext text/x-wiki <div style="text-align:left; background: var( --wv-optional-color, #f4f7fa); color: var( --color-base ); border: 1px solid #abc; padding: .3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em"> <div style="text-align:center; font-size:300%; line-height: 1; padding: 10px;">'''Welcome to the pub'''</div> {{shortcut|[[WV:Pub]]|[[WV:TP]]}} [[File:QA_icon_clr.svg|right|frameless|150px|link=]] The travellers' pub is for general discussion on Wikivoyage, and the place to ask questions when you're confused, lost, afraid, tired, annoyed, thoughtful, or helpful. To start a new topic, click the "Add topic" tab, so that it gets added '''at the bottom''' of the page, and sign your post by appending four tildes (<nowiki>~~~~</nowiki>) Before asking a question or making a comment: * Have a look at our [[Wikivoyage:Help|Help]], [[Wikivoyage:FAQ|FAQ]] and [[Wikivoyage:Policies|Policies]] pages. * If you are a '''new user''' and you have any questions about using the website, try the [[Wikivoyage:Arrivals lounge|Arrivals lounge]]. * If you have a '''question or suggestion about a particular article''', use the article's [[Project:using talk pages|talk page]] to keep the discussion associated with that article. * If you'd like to '''draw attention to a comment''' to '''get feedback''' from other Wikivoyagers, try [[Wikivoyage:Requests for comment|Requests for comment]]. * If you are '''wanting travel advice on a specific matter''' see the [[Wikivoyage:Tourist office|tourist office]]. * If you have an '''issue you need to bring to the attention of an administrator''', try [[Wikivoyage:Ongoing vandalism|Ongoing vandalism]]. * If you are having a '''problem that you think has to do with the [[mw:|MediaWiki software]]''', please post that on [[phab:|Phabricator]] instead. * If you want to '''celebrate a significant contribution''' to Wikivoyage by yourself or others, hold a party at [[Project:Celebrate a contribution|Celebrate a contribution]]. * Discuss '''issues related to more than one language version''' of Wikivoyage in the [[meta:Wikivoyage/Lounge|Wikivoyage Lounge]] on Meta. * Anything that is '''Nigeria-related''' is now meant to go in the [[Wikivoyage:Nigeria café|Nigeria café]] instead. Anything that is '''Kosovo or Albania related''' is now meant to go in the [[Wikivoyage:Kosovo and Albania cafe|Kosovo and Albania café]] instead. This includes announcements, initiatives, celebrations, and issues with certain articles. You can review old Pub discussions in the [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub/Archives]]. '''Pull up a chair and join in the conversation!''' [{{fullurl:Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub|action=edit&section=new}} '''Click here to start a new thread'''] </div> {{WikivoyageDoc|collaboration}} <!-- Discussions start here --> __TOC__ __NEWSECTIONLINK__ == RfC ongoing regarding Abstract Wikipedia (and your project) == <div lang="en" dir="ltr" class="mw-content-ltr"> ''(Apologies for posting in English, if this is not your first language)'' Hello all! We opened a discussion on Meta about a very delicate issue for the development of [[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Abstract Wikipedia|Abstract Wikipedia]]: where to store the abstract content that will be developed through functions from Wikifunctions and data from Wikidata. Since some of the hypothesis involve your project, we wanted to hear your thoughts too. We want to make the decision process clear: we do not yet know which option we want to use, which is why we are consulting here. We will take the arguments from the Wikimedia communities into account, and we want to consult with the different communities and hear arguments that will help us with the decision. The decision will be made and communicated after the consultation period by the Foundation. You can read the various hypothesis and have your say at [[:m:Abstract Wikipedia/Location of Abstract Content|Abstract Wikipedia/Location of Abstract Content]]. Thank you in advance! -- [[User:Sannita (WMF)|Sannita (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Sannita (WMF)|<span class="signature-talk">{{int:Talkpagelinktext}}</span>]]) 15:27, 22 May 2025 (UTC) </div> <!-- Message sent by User:Sannita (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Sannita_(WMF)/Mass_sending_test&oldid=28768453 --> :{{re|Sannita (WMF)}} may I ask how this affects Wikivoyage when you say "some of the hypothesis involve your project"? TIA, //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:28, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::The proposed solutions mention the Wikivoyages in several places. The main issue is that an abstract article about Someplace shouldn't be rendered the same in Wikipedia and Wikivoyage. This affects also the technical solutions, such as where to store statements and functions. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:21, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::Can you explain further how we have abstract (vs. concrete?) articles on Wikivoyage? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:27, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::We don't have any abstract articles at the time being, and I assume Wikivoyage in English may choose never to have them. For smaller languages, though, it is unrealistic to cover all interesting places with proper articles. The mission of Abstract Wikipedia is to provide a framework for creating articles in a way that allows automatic translation into something at least half-way decent. It's like having listings fetch key information from Wikidata, but scaled up to complete articles (or less complete – at least lively language on personal impressions will certainly be missing for the foreseeable future). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:43, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::::I see – I still don't understand how this will fully get (even after reading the hypothesis), but I suppose it's something for smaller language projects. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 09:47, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::Hi @[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], it seems that @[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] covered most of my arguments here already, so I would just repeat them at this point. The part that interests your project refers to the hypothesis that abstract content ''might'' (but it's still not sure at the moment) be stored in a dedicated namespace of your project. But again, this ''might'' happen, and you're free to refuse to store/use abstract content to further your development. This is entirely in your right, and we do not want to force any adoption of the project without consensus. [[User:Sannita (WMF)|Sannita (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Sannita (WMF)|talk]]) 10:01, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::And yes, Abstract Wikipedia is primarily intended for projects that have so far developed a small number of articles, in order to help them accelerate their growth and hopefully provide more knowledge to their communities and recruit a higher number of volunteers. [[User:Sannita (WMF)|Sannita (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Sannita (WMF)|talk]]) 10:03, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::Sounds perfect. Thanks to both of you for explaining! //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:10, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Seconded. I understand. We should discuss in a separate thread whether it would be better to encourage, allow perhaps without comment, or disallow abstract listings on this site. I think we probably don't want abstract articles, but we should discuss that, too. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:22, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::::I can see abstract listings being useful for more obscure parts of the world for English speakers for this site at least, but overall sounds like it's something to help smaller language Wikivoyages benefit from us rather than the other way around (which is also great). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 13:30, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::I mentioned listings as we already use Wikidata for them (coordinates) and have discussed e.g. opening hours (too complicated to be workable). I don't think "abstract listings" are an option at this point – somebody needs to decide a listing is wanted and would include some manual language when adding it. We still might have some valuable insights in how – and how not – to design abstract Wikivoyage articles for them to be useful. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 14:04, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::I have two thoughts about this: ::* We need some way of separating a block of text that works for Wikipedia from a block of text that works for Wikivoyage (or another sister project). That suggests ''not'' using the English Wikipedia as the storage place for everything. The Wikipedias might all want "Jupiter is the largest planet in the Solar System. It is the fifth planet from the Sun", but if Wikivoyage were to have an article on the planet, it would probably sound a lot more like "Jupiter isn't a viable destination, but travelers interested in [[astronomy]] and [[navigation]]<nowiki/>by the stars may be interested in the Big Museum of Jupiter and the Annual Jupiter Festival". ::* I think that the English Wikivoyage could benefit from Abstract content. It's obvious that we could 'translate' our [[Wikivoyage:Star articles|Star articles]] into Abstract, and thus other Wikivoyages would benefit. However, imagine how much we could benefit if @[[User:Sannita (WMF)|Sannita (WMF)]] brought [[:it:Roma]] up to Star status, and then translated it for us to copy whatever bits we wanted in [[Rome]]. Keep in mind that while Abstract is set up to do dynamic autotranslation (e.g., always giving the latest population estimate, if the sentence says "the population of Rome is ___"), you can actually copy and paste the results as plain old text into an article. ::[[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:07, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::If I understand correctly, Abstract Wikipedia works with programming that could have been done in the 1980s, more or less like [[:w:Lsjbot|Lsjbot]]'s articles, although not confined to info found in already existing datasets. "Not a viable destination" would need to be an item to insert and translate. That article on Jupiter would have very little in common with the Wikipedia one. :::For Rome, population statistics etc. would be easy to write in abstract form, but an abstract star article would need a lot of article-specific functions, which need to be translated to get a version in another language – and lively language is hard to translate automatically (think "[[Talk#Speaking English with non-native speakers|blind and therefore insane]]"). Copying over listings would work, and a good abstract article should have a good selection of those. :::I think an abstract Wikivoyage article should focus on being reasonably complete by having ''information'': roads and trains for getting in, listings with coords, contact details and Wikidata link, and suggestions in Go next, but quite little running text, mostly identical across articles except data values (…is a village/town/city in X…), and likewise a dry list of facts in the listing "content", not like the lively writing in [[Wikivoyage:Listings#Examples|Wikivoyage:Listings]]. :::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 17:47, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::As Wikivoyage has generally has more structured articles than Wikipedia, I think that we could make use of an Abstract Wikivoyage. Two areas look like possible starting points: listings and the phrases in phrasebooks. ::::If a tool could create an abstract version of a listing that exists in another language, then the listing could be offered when editing the same section of an article here - "Would you like to add a listing for the Lawnmower Museum?". Some parts of listing could be updated in all languages when edited in one - we would show the last updated entry price for the museum whatever language it was edited in. A difficult part is identifying when listing elements are language specific - we may use a different url from another WV to point to a page in English, and we don't care that the museum has labels translated into Spanish. ::::In English WV we have a standard set of phrases for phrasebooks, and most phrasebooks keep fairly closely to this list. This list is also the basis for phrasebooks in some other language WVs. It would appear to be reasonably straightforward to scan the existing phrases to create an abstract phrasebook, but inconsistencies would need to be reviewed. There are about 300 phrasebooks in English, 50 in German and 20 in Polish. Maybe we can use this to offer over 200 phrasebooks in Polish. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:44, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::::For listings, yes, the abstract versions would be easy to create. For the name, we only need to identify the native name, its romanisation, and the language of translated names. There are already structures for all this in Wikidata; also "official URL" has a language attribute. Amenities of hotels can likewise easily be described. Nothing will be automatically fetched, so no worries about info irrelevant for English speakers. What is hard to do is the lively language of the examples I linked above. :::::For phrasebooks, I am not sure it is that easy, or rather whether creating an abstract phrasebook helps compared to just translating the template and using a dictionary (or whatever way you otherwise use for getting translations). Grammar and pronunciation sections needs to be written with the audience's language knowledge in mind, and translations of phrases need to be done with some understanding of the context, thus mostly manually. For a good phrasebook, you also need to note peculiarities in the relation with the target language, such as the liberty/liberté etc. now added to the French and Italian phrasebook and warnings for specific false friends. :::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 04:57, 27 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::I think phrasebooks is one of those things (along with travel topics) where it's more or less impossible to create an abstract version of. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 05:23, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::Why do you think that? :::::::We can already write things like "{{#invoke:wd|label|Q98815142}}, a {{#invoke:wd|label|Q81727}} of {{#invoke:wd|label|Q8486}}, {{#invoke:wd|label|Q26175857}}" by invoking Wikidata. It would require expansion (e.g., to add "a" and "an"), but it doesn't seem impossible in principle, at least for simpler sentences. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:24, 27 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::The question is whether there is any point of doing that. If every phrase has to be purpose-translated, then why not just write the non-abstract phrasebook? The point with the abstract articles is that there are standard phrases that can be used across articles, such as words for amenities you will find in many hotels. For the phrasebook phrases, the question is whether the same Sámi phrase would suite the phrasebook in English and the one in Latvian (or whatever). ::::::::When the English phrase is translated differently depending on context, some commentary needs to be added (formal/informal, feminine/masculine). This commentary is redundant or awkward in languages that make the same distinction, possibly treating the two (or more) forms as totally unrelated (the person is deceased, the cow is dead). ::::::::For the cup of tea, you may need to word that differently depending on whether you are a man or woman, and whether the one you are asking for the cup is a waiter, the café owner, your host or your host's young child. ::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 20:59, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::::Perhaps an example would show what I was thinking of: :::::::::In [[French phrasebook]], we have: :::::::::; How much is a ticket to _____? : Combien coûte le billet pour _____ ? (''kom-BYAN koot luh bee-YEH poor'') :::::::::; One ticket to _____, please. : Un billet pour _____, s'il vous plaît. (''ung bee-YEH poor ____ seel voo pleh'') :::::::::On Polish WV there is [[:pl:Rozmówki francuskie]], their French Phrasebook. :::::::::;Ile kosztuje bilet do...? : Combien coûte le billet pour...? :::::::::;Poproszę jeden bilet do... : Un billet pour..., je vous prie. :::::::::We also have [[Finnish phrasebook]], which has: :::::::::; How much is a ticket to _____? : Paljonko maksaa lippu _____in? (''PAHL-yonk-aw MAHK-sah LEEP-poo _____?'') :::::::::So I think that a Finnish phrasebook on the Polish WV, could have :::::::::;Ile kosztuje bilet do...? : Paljonko maksaa lippu _____in? (''PAHL-yonk-aw MAHK-sah LEEP-poo _____?'') :::::::::"One ticket to" is not exactly the same (translating the French used in Polish, it is saying "I beg you" rather than "please"), so this phase would require some manual adjustments when it was abstracted. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:24, 27 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::I don't think that the idea with Abstract is to program in "please", but rather to swap in whichever word or phrase is used in that language to indicate politeness and respect while making a request. ::::::::::We already have a [[mw:Help:Magic words#gender|software switch for gender]], so this is not some miraculous future tech; this is an expansion of what has been possible for years. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 01:39, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::For Finnish, there is no word or phrase that indicates politeness, but one often uses the conditional (?) verb form instead. In some cases one would just use that word form in the phrase (in the Finnish phrasebooks and in phrasebooks for Finnish) – but here the question is instead with no sign of politeness, which is common in that language. Something like "could you" is problematic as most languages make a distinction between thou and you. I think the common cases can be handled decently, but for less well-known language families – those that benefit most from the abstract articles – the edge cases will be more common. It is likely that abstract phrasebook have to be tweaked for specific languages to avoid the odd case of very problematic renderings. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:02, 28 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::In Malay, there are two words for "please" that have different meanings and are used in different contexts. There are also two words for "we" that have different meanings. Etc. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:34, 30 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::I would expect all the foreign phrases to be reproduced exactly as they were in the existing phrasebook(s) that they were taken from. Ideally the left side phrases would also be exact reproductions, unless they were used to create a phrasebook to be part of a WV that doesn't currently have any phrasebooks; but it is less of an issue if the left side doesn't read perfectly. I am assuming that an Abstract Wikivoyage would have some mechanism for handling quoted text, as this is essential for reproducing the exact words used in famous speeches etc, and will be required for abstract Wikipedia and Wikiquote etc. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 14:06, 30 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::{{re|WhatamIdoing}} LPfi's basically explained why I don't think abstract phrasebooks will work. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:25, 27 May 2025 (UTC) == Adding images to the Infobox template == {{Infobox/sandbox|Infobox sandbox test|Nutritious, filling content goes here. |image=Dessert_Merlion_Singapore_Cafe_Kaya_Toast.jpg |caption=Yum yum!}} I've hacked up [[Template:Infobox/sandbox]] which add new <code>image/caption</code> parameters, so you can easily add an image to your infoboxen instead of trying to manually hack it in. Example: <pre> {{Infobox/sandbox |Infobox sandbox test |Nutritious, filling content goes here. |image=Dessert_Merlion_Singapore_Cafe_Kaya_Toast.jpg |caption=Yum yum!}} </pre> If there's no objections, I'll roll this out to the main Infobox template, the params are optional so it shouldn't break anything. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 06:02, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :{{support}} &ndash; Will be useful for articles like [[India]] and [[Kolkata]], which already use images in infoboxes. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 06:15, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :This is a tangent, but I think we should consider renaming that template, or at least changing its Wikidata links. Wikivoyage doesn't do Wikipedia-style infoboxes. These are just simple boxes, more like pull quotes or boxed warnings. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:29, 27 May 2025 (UTC) ::Change the Wikidata link, but keep the name. It is an infobox, although not a Wikipedia-style one. Of course, if somebody comes up with a better name, then I won't object. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:06, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :::{{ping|WhatamIdoing|LPfi}} Maybe {{tl|Info}} can be used instead of {{tl|Infobox}}. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 02:40, 28 May 2025 (UTC) ::::For us, this is an infobox, not just info. I wouldn't support such changes just to conform. Somebody who wants a Wikipedia-style infobox should just be directed to {{tl|quickbar}}, and somebody who tries to use {{tl|infobox}} quickly sees that it isn't what they are looking for. A see also for the former is more useful than a name change. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:11, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :::::I'll fix the Wikidata links so that {{tl|quickbar}} is matched with the Wikipedia-style infoboxes, and {{tl|infobox}} isn't. I'm not sure what our {{tl|infobox}} should be matched to; I don't think that enwiki has anything similar. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:28, 28 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::...No, that won't work. {{tl|Quickbar}} matches "Infobox Country". I'll remove the {{tl|infobox}} links. That much is certainly correct. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:29, 28 May 2025 (UTC) (undent) I've deployed the new version. I had to tweak it a bit to stop it from adding extra padding when the new params are not used, but it should be OK now, please ping me if not. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 07:58, 28 May 2025 (UTC) == Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees 2025 Selection & Call for Questions == <section begin="announcement-content" /> :''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Announcement/Selection announcement|{{int:interlanguage-link-mul}}]] • [https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Translate&group=page-{{urlencode:Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Announcement/Selection announcement}}&language=&action=page&filter= {{int:please-translate}}]'' Dear all, This year, the term of 2 (two) Community- and Affiliate-selected Trustees on the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees will come to an end [1]. The Board invites the whole movement to participate in this year’s selection process and vote to fill those seats. The Elections Committee will oversee this process with support from Foundation staff [2]. The Governance Committee, composed of trustees who are not candidates in the 2025 community-and-affiliate-selected trustee selection process (Raju Narisetti, Shani Evenstein Sigalov, Lorenzo Losa, Kathy Collins, Victoria Doronina and Esra’a Al Shafei) [3], is tasked with providing Board oversight for the 2025 trustee selection process and for keeping the Board informed. More details on the roles of the Elections Committee, Board, and staff are here [4]. Here are the key planned dates: * May 22 – June 5: Announcement (this communication) and call for questions period [6] * June 17 – July 1, 2025: Call for candidates * July 2025: If needed, affiliates vote to shortlist candidates if more than 10 apply [5] * August 2025: Campaign period * August – September 2025: Two-week community voting period * October – November 2025: Background check of selected candidates * Board’s Meeting in December 2025: New trustees seated Learn more about the 2025 selection process - including the detailed timeline, the candidacy process, the campaign rules, and the voter eligibility criteria - on this Meta-wiki page [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025|[link]]]. '''Call for Questions''' In each selection process, the community has the opportunity to submit questions for the Board of Trustees candidates to answer. The Election Committee selects questions from the list developed by the community for the candidates to answer. Candidates must answer all the required questions in the application in order to be eligible; otherwise their application will be disqualified. This year, the Election Committee will select 5 questions for the candidates to answer. The selected questions may be a combination of what’s been submitted from the community, if they’re alike or related. [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Questions_for_candidates|[link]]] '''Election Volunteers''' Another way to be involved with the 2025 selection process is to be an Election Volunteer. Election Volunteers are a bridge between the Elections Committee and their respective community. They help ensure their community is represented and mobilize them to vote. Learn more about the program and how to join on this Meta-wiki page [[m:Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Election_volunteers|[link].]] Thank you! [1] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2022/Results [2] https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Committee:Elections_Committee_Charter [3] https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Resolution:Committee_Membership,_December_2024 [4] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections_committee/Roles [5] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/FAQ [6] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Questions_for_candidates Best regards, Victoria Doronina Board Liaison to the Elections Committee Governance Committee<section end="announcement-content" /> [[User:MediaWiki message delivery|MediaWiki message delivery]] ([[User talk:MediaWiki message delivery|talk]]) 03:08, 28 May 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:RamzyM (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Distribution_list/Global_message_delivery&oldid=28618011 --> == Medium [[Main Page]] overhaul proposal == Since my [[Talk:Main_Page#Help_needed_with_tweaking_visual_balance_of_the_main_page|request for input and support]] on Talk:Main Page went mostly unnoticed, I'm bringing this proposal to the pub to ensure it gets the daylight it should have, as these are proposals to change the look of a rather important page. Here's the backstory: For longer than [[WV:Vector 2022|Vector 2022]] has been around, I've been bothered by the balance of elements on the main page. The new skin only did it injustices, so I've taken it upon myself to mend the shortcomings of the main page in my quest to make Wikivoyage work in Vector 2022. This all so our site looks a bit more appealing in the new skin. I know many regular editors stuck with their old preferred skins when we got the new skin imposed on us, but this still is something that will affect Wikivoyage's appeal to new editors and readers. If the main page looks chaotic and messy, they'll be less likely to stick around. So to each and every editor, <u>regardless</u> of which skin you use: Please chime in! That being said, these are the changes I have developed, and have ready to deploy: * '''Wider {{tl|Mapbanner}}:''' Some small tweaks to the template which make it use all the page width available to it, and moves the globe image and image map accordingly. * '''Centred JCaroussel:''' For the same reason, to make better use of the width on the main page, I've got some CSS changes to the JCaroussel ready that center the featured articles. Scaling them up to simply be full page width I have found to be too tedious to bother with. * '''Overhauled {{tl|Banner}}:''' Vector 2022's scaleable font plays too much with the banners for featured articles to where sometimes the blurb isn't even entirely visible. In the same process, I've simplified the way in which this template is used for each category, foregoing the need for a 'section' and 'section-link' parameter, replacing them with a 'type' parameter. Its style is mostly in keeping with the existing banners and should simplify the process for featuring articles more than it complicates them. What do these changes look like? In the case of {{tl|Mapbanner}}, I cannot easily give a working demonstration as its stylesheet currently overwrites any changes I make to it. Instead, [https://i.imgur.com/6mAMkfG.png this image] is the best I can offer. You'll have to take my word for its functionality being unchanged. The centred JCaroussel and overhauled {{tl|Banner}} can be seen and interacted with [[User:Wauteurz/Banner|on this page]]. I've done my best to ensure that these changes are in keeping with Wikivoyage's current main page style. I know that entire overhauls are not that popular, so I hope these proposals are good enough. I am looking for a broad consensus to roll out at least the first two changes, but ideally all three. I don't feel comfortable rolling some of these changes out with only two people expressing support for them. Please, throw your questions and concerns in my direction, and I hope we can together fix what I consider to be the biggest remaining issue with Vector 2022. Thank you in advance. <br/> <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 14:19, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :{{Support}} as the developer of these changes. Vector 2022 dictates how new readers and editors get presented our site, and with its current chaotic and undependable nature, something ''has'' to be done. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 14:20, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :{{ping|Wauteurz}} Any idea for better responsive design of the Wikivoyage main page, as more people access our pages via phone than PC? '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 14:47, 28 May 2025 (UTC) ::@[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]] For clarity, these changes only affect the appearance on desktop devices. The changes to JCaroussel also apply in Minerva (mobile), but due to screen size limitations they won't have an effect in most cases. My main goal is overseeing the damage caused by Vector 2022's roll-out on Wikivoyage. Since mobile devices use Minerva, I mostly leave the mobile appearance alone. ::As for my thoughts on mobile, I don't think any of the regular editors have any experience in mobile design, let alone responsive mobile design, so I'm mostly wondering why it's responsive in the first place. I'd personally suggest removing the responsive elements (mostly the feature banners) and replacing them with DotM, OtBP and FTT in simple presentations akin to Picture of the Day and Media of the Day on Commons' main page. The 3:1 banners also are a big problem in my eyes. They're far too short to work on mobile, and I think a square or tall ratio would work leagues better in a mobile format. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 15:31, 28 May 2025 (UTC) *{{s}} very much agree that these changes will be needed sooner than later. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 18:48, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :'''Support'''. Thanks for doing this! As a choosing beggar, I would love to see the mobile front page fixed as well though, the DOTM banner is completely broken at the moment and the padding/spacing of the entire page is wonky at best. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 00:03, 29 May 2025 (UTC) :'''Question''' for all involved: The new banner uses some icons to depict the category that the article is featured in (i.e., [[:File:Yes Check Circle.svg|DotM]], [[:File:Right turn icon blue.svg|OtBP]] and [[:File:Writing Circle.svg|FTT]]). I assume that we wish to keep these instead of the placeholder icons I have used? I'll be working on adapting those into simple white icons, which should be pretty straight-forward. If we wish to change them in future, then that can always be done afterwards. Having the icons consistent between {{tl|Banner}} and {{tl|Pagebanner}} would be for the better, I reckon :) :I am currently aiming to roll these updates out this weekend (June 7/8), just in time for the next featured article change. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 23:55, 1 June 2025 (UTC) ::Update: Making and updating the icons was pretty straight-forward indeed: [[Special:Diff/5071035|Diff/5071035]] <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 00:20, 2 June 2025 (UTC) :'''Support'''. Lots of good improvements! Just make sure to fix the "Off the Beaten Path" link to point to a real page. [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 15:10, 2 June 2025 (UTC) ::{{Done}}. Thanks for spotting that one! <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 15:19, 2 June 2025 (UTC) {{Done}}! Thank you everyone for your support! I've gone ahead and pushed these changes just now. I've naturally updated the usages of {{tl|banner}} on the Main Page and DOTM-Candidates as well. If there's any issues arising from this roll-out, please let me know. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 11:34, 7 June 2025 (UTC) :Awesome! That looks great to me. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 11:46, 7 June 2025 (UTC) == FYI: 10 Travel Tips From Experts Who’ve Been Everywhere == https://www.carryology.com/travel/10-travel-tips-from-experts-whove-been-everywhere/ —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 09:05, 30 May 2025 (UTC) == Tourist office problem == I tried to ask a question in the [[Wikivoyage:Tourist office]], and I replied to it with another question, but I can't see any of it except in edit mode and don't understand why. I used the form on that page to ask the first question. What I want to know is which side of the train to sit on for Amtrak trips between Montreal and Plattsburgh, NY and between Plattsburgh and Saratoga Springs, even if the answers come too late for me to use them. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:24, 30 May 2025 (UTC) :When you click "Ready? Ask a new question!", should the form on the next page require the "Subject:" field to not be empty? Or at least have a placeholder subject text? :I also see someone else's question about Cancun that got ignored, because it's tacked on the end of the previous section. [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 20:42, 1 June 2025 (UTC) ::I guess the problem is that I didn't see the subject field in my mobile phone interface. Is there a way to improve that? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:58, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :::It looks like you can set a default subject value with the InputBox 'default=' parameter. Maybe give it something like "Question from ~~<noinclude></noinclude>~"? I'm not sure how to change the "Subject:" label styling. :::Should the Tourist Office behave more like a Talk page, with an Add Topic button leading to a visual editor? [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 23:44, 2 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I'd support that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:48, 2 June 2025 (UTC) :::::[https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:DiscussionTools It looks like adding a "NEWSECTIONLINK" line is the magic to enable the visual editor on a page.] [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:InputBox There's also a usedt=true parameter to InputBox to make it use the visual editor by default.] :::::It seems to work in this sandbox I set up: [[User:Gerode/Tourist_office_sandbox]] [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 17:48, 5 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I went ahead and applied these two changes. Let me know if I broke anything, or if there's anything else odd about the Tourist office. [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 16:22, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ==Move request== You are invited to participate at [[Talk:Bangalore#Bangalore to Bengaluru]], which can affect the articles [[Bangalore]] and [[Bangalore Rural]], and the category [[:Category:Bangalore]]. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 08:19, 31 May 2025 (UTC) == AfriVoyage == Hi everyone! 👋 My name is [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvin Ategyeka]] from Uganda, and I’ve just launched a new project called '''AfriVoyage'''. It’s a WikiVoyage-focused initiative to document African travel destinations using local perspectives. Our pilot is starting in Uganda, with the goal of improving content and training youth contributors. You can follow the project on Meta-Wiki here: [[meta:AfriVoyage]] I would love your thoughts, guidance, and support. Thanks in advance! <small>unsigned comment by [[User:Alvinategyeka]]</small> :Welcome, Alvin. Wikivoyage really needs more African content, especially if provided by people with local knowledge. Your project will be supported from regular contributors like me. Please let us know how we can help. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:41, 31 May 2025 (UTC) :[[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]], I think you will be a more successful leader if you improve some articles yourself, before you invite anyone else to join you. We'd be happy to help you. :For example, one mistake that we see people making is copying Wikipedia articles here. A Wikipedia article will sound something like "Semuliki National Park is a national park in Bwamba County, a remote part of the Bundibugyo District in the Western Region of Uganda that was established in October 1993". This is the wrong approach here. A Wikivoyage article should have a [[Wikivoyage:Tone|lively tone]]. The beginning of a good Wikivoyage article might sound something like this: :* '''Semuliki National Park''' in [[Western Uganda]] is the only place you can visit a true lowland tropical forest in all of East Africa. This beautiful national park is a birdwatcher's delight, and more than 400 species of butterflies can be found inside the park's borders. :If you feel at the English Wikipedia that you have to suppress your natural style to be as dull as possible, then you'll like Wikivoyage because it allows your enthusiasm to shine in between the facts. We need the facts ("best restaurant" isn't nearly as helpful as saying how it's the best, like "good menu for vegetarians" or "artisan-quality bushera"), but we don't want a boring style. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 18:14, 31 May 2025 (UTC) ::Thank you very much and thanks for the guidance. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 13:27, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :Thank You very much. I have 6 years experience contributing to Wikimedia projects but I feel I need a new challenge and the only project that I had not explored yet always wanted to contribute to is Wiki Voyage. Am a tourism lover and i have travelled extensively in Uganda and East Africa. I hope this project will encourage more African Communities to contribute to Wiki Voyage. I will appreciate all guidance rendered. Thank You. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 13:32, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :Thank you very much, hoping to connect with you for more guidance. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 13:35, 1 June 2025 (UTC) ::Sure, and thank you for taking on this opportunity and challenge! In addition to the great advice you've been given above, I think you'll find [[Welcome, Wikipedians]] very useful. For anyone who participates in this project, some additional pages that I'd consider to provide the most important guidelines and explanatory pages on this site include [[Wikivoyage:What is an article]], [[Wikivoyage:The traveller comes first]], [[Wikivoyage:Article skeleton templates]], [[Wikivoyage:Copyleft]], [[Wikivoyage:Don't tout]], and [[Wikivoyage:Breadcrumb navigation]]. ::It is absolutely '''not''' a prerequisite for anyone to read any of these before contributing here! However, you, as organizer, should read these pages, because you will then be able to distill the most important characteristics of the site for others who are enthusiastic about contributing but not yet familiar with the site, and another important thing is that once you've read or at least skipped through these pages, you can ask us questions. ::I love the fact that you contacted us before the official launch of the project. In the past, projects that were begun on a large scale without any notice to us presented huge issues relating to the policies laid out in the pages I linked for you. ::Thanks again, and we very much look forward to working with you and your colleagues! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:36, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :::Thanks for the resources and guidance. I have been reading and researching about Wiki Voyage and what you have added will guide me more. I will contact you for further guidance in order to move the project forward. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 15:52, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :Thanks a lot. i look forward to working with you and seeking guidance to move the project forward. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 15:54, 1 June 2025 (UTC) == Evora's page banner on wikidata == I noticed [[Evora]]'s page banner does not exist in wikidata. I was unable to add it there. Would someone show me how to proceed, please? [[User:Claude van der Grift|Claude van der Grift]] ([[User talk:Claude van der Grift|talk]]) 18:31, 31 May 2025 (UTC) :[[d:Q179948|Évora]]'s banner is already defined on Wikidata since 2013, so moving it over isn't necessary. Regardless, you'd add a banner to a Wikidata item by adding a statement using [[d:P948|P948 (page banner)]]. Simply add the file name without the "File:" prefix but with the file extension as its value, and clicking publish. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 20:28, 31 May 2025 (UTC) ::Evora's Wikidata page is semi-protected, so you can't edit if you have made less than 50 edits on Wikidata. As already said, there is no need to edit it, as it is already using the banner from Wikidata. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 21:47, 31 May 2025 (UTC) :::Thank for your explanations {{U|AlasdairW}}. Unfortunately I mistook [[:d:Q179948|Evora]] for [[:d:Q243849|Elvas]]. The latter has no page banner. Sure I have more than 50 edits on wikidata. I forgot to say that I'm editing only by my smartphone. [[User:Claude van der Grift|Claude van der Grift]] ([[User talk:Claude van der Grift|talk]]) 15:00, 1 June 2025 (UTC) == FYI: Planning a Trip? AI Will Do That For You == https://www.thrillist.com/travel/nation/ai-travel-apps —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 07:04, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :I wonder whether we can design an AI tool that can fetch info from Wikivoyage and make a summary for you. That can replace the burden of manual summary writing by Wikivoyagers. Of course, Wikivoyage articles should be curated by humans, with AI summarizing them. I want to suggest this to Wikipedians as well, but I have been blocked there since 2021, and I mostly work on the Bengali Wikipedia. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 07:11, 1 June 2025 (UTC) == Wikivoyage and OsmAnd app == I am looking into making it easier to walk [[Stockholm Archipelago Trail]] and have found the [[w:en:OsmAnd]] app useful '''my question''' is there any good examples when those to domains works good together? - –––– [[User:Salgo60|Salgo60]] ([[User talk:Salgo60|talk]]) 07:43, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :As a regular OsmAnd user, I don't believe so to the best of my knowledge. :( //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 05:25, 4 June 2025 (UTC) ::I started using OsmAnd several months ago, and I have been playing around with the Wikivoyage integration since. I spend a lot of time in a major city with a Guide-level article and I find the integration useful there. I haven't tried it with an itinerary. My first thought is to pull up a [https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Category:Guide_itineraries Guide] or [https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Category:Star_itineraries Star] itinerary for a place you've been before and see what the OsmAnd experience is like. [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 16:08, 4 June 2025 (UTC) == Improving this project with little to no knowledge of English == It's been a while since I've posted anything major on the pub, but one of the things I'm quite pleased with the way we do things here is the fact that we are ''very'' open and accommodating to users who can't speak or speak English with a large length of difficulty. We don't have any policies forcing the use of English in discussions and if someone has shown a genuine interest in the project, it isn't unorthodox for someone to go out of their way and respond in another language they know on this site. It comes back to when {{ping|Andyrom75}} told me on itwikivoyage (around when itwikivoyage hit 10k articles, iirc) that it's possible to contribute to Wikivoyage without really knowing the language – and it's true. Most of my activity on itwikivoyage has since been doing minor fixes, adding listings with no description (since you don't need to know the language to add listings, opening hours, urls, address and such), removing closed businesses/out of date info, fixing dead links and the like. Since many of our articles also follow a similar structured format, it's very easy to contribute to the site so long as you're aware of your limitations. Some ideas I had in mind to perhaps make this wiki even more inviting to those who might not have the English skills necessary to contribute text but still want to help: * A community written guide on this, similar to [[Wikivoyage:Welcome, business owners]], [[Wikivoyage:Welcome, locals]] or [[Wikivoyage:Welcome, Wikipedians]] * Finish [[User:SHB2000/admins table]], move to the Wikivoyage namespace, add the table to [[Wikivoyage:Administrators]], and add any advanced perms from other WMF projects. ** Perhaps also make a similar table for non-admins who are reasonably active on this site. More thoughts and ideas would be appreciated – even better if we can facilitate this on other language Wikivoyages. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:11, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :Contribute in another language version of Wikvoyage it's just a matter of willingness and time. For a certain amount of time. For few years I've supported sv:voy without knowing any word in Swedish :-D Nowadays unfortunately I don't have enough time, so I can only concentrate it on it:voy :-( :PS your support on it:voy @[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] is always extremely appreciated! :-) [[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 17:14, 4 June 2025 (UTC) ::I occasionally do the same kind of thing at the Haitian Creole Wikipedia. I can't write in the language, but I can check a maintenance category and fix the wikitext errors there. ::Based on my experience, I'd say that there are two main opportunities for contribution: ::* 'technical' contributions, such as fixing wikitext or broken URLs ::* language-agnostic contributions, such as adding phone numbers, websites, and lat/long coordinates to listings; adding images that require no caption or only a simple/obvious one (e.g., "Disneyland" or "Town Name Church"); removing listings for closed restaurants, etc. ::@[[User:Piotrus|Piotrus]] might have some ideas about which tasks are easiest for his English-language learners to do. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 22:48, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :::Yeah this very much explains it in a nutshell. :) //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:13, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :::@[[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] Indeed, some of my ESL students have effectively only a beginner level of English at best. These days, machine translation is getting good enough to understand a lot, and contribute text that's "mostly ok". It will only get better as AI tools and student use of them improve. Anyway, you can see my activities for students at [[User:Hanyangprofessor2]] [[User:Piotrus|Piotrus]] ([[User talk:Piotrus|talk]]) 01:12, 5 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I have added images that I have taken to many different language variants of Wikipedia. I use Google translate for the text and and hope that a native user if that language will make any corrections. [[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 11:22, 5 June 2025 (UTC) :::::I recently added a listing about Japan in [https://ja.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=%E6%88%90%E7%94%B0%E5%B8%82&diff=52846&oldid=50973 ja.voy] despite not knowing Japanese. The listing editor really makes it simple to improve an article. Last week I presented [[wikidata:Event:Wikidata_and_Sister_Projects#Friday,_May_30th|a Wikidata talk about Listing Editor]] and mentioned that it's a really good gateway to get more contributors. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 15:58, 5 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::The Listing Editor really does! Particularly because they're very standardised across most language Wikivoyages, so the only "bad" listing editor is a malfunctioning/broken listing editor. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:27, 21 June 2025 (UTC) == Linking Wikicommons == I am documenting the Stockholm Archipelago Trail and have uploaded more than [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Stockholm_Archipelago_Trail 3,000 pictures] / [https://wikimap.toolforge.org/?cat=Stockholm_Archipelago_Trail&subcats=true&subcatdepth=4&cluster=false Wikimap] from the trail to Wikimedia Commons. For example, the section Nåttarö will be documented on Wikivoyage here: [[Stockholm_Archipelago_Trail#SAT_Nåttarö]] and is on Wikicommons [https://wikimap.toolforge.org/?cat=SAT_N%C3%A5ttar%C3%B6&subcats=true&subcatdepth=3&cluster=false WIkimap] 1) What is the policy regarding linking to a trail on Wikicommons? I believe such links add significant value by helping readers better understand the trail conditions. Additionally, I see 360-degree images as a step forward in enhancing navigation and exploration, making it easier for users to visualize the terrain. Additionally, 2) I have used Mapillary for one section. Is there a specific policy on linking Mapillary content? For instance, Stockholm Archipelago Trail’s Landsort section is partially represented on [https://www.mapillary.com/app/user/salgo601?lat=58.737857&lng=17.865676&z=17&pKey=1060410682654434 Mapillary pKey=1060410682654434] Would appreciate any guidance on this. Thanks! [[User:Salgo60|Salgo60]] ([[User talk:Salgo60|talk]]) 14:26, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :The use of a limited number of thumbnails from Commons is normal. See [[Wikivoyage:Image policy]]. Otherwise, links are normally through Wikidata: please read [[Wikivoyage:Sister project links]]. For guidelines on third-party links outside Wikimedia, see [[Wikivoyage:External links]], but the answer to your 2nd question is that such links are normally not allowed except to primary sources (for example, the website of a listed restaurant, hotel, museum, etc.) and are subject to deletion. However, Wikivoyage policies and guidelines are always open to discussion, so start a thread at the most relevant guideline article's talk page if you'd like to argue for a change. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:40, 4 June 2025 (UTC) ::thanks but dont the community see the added value? especially when documenting a walking trail it can be good to better understand how steep steep is....- [[User:Salgo60|Salgo60]] ([[User talk:Salgo60|talk]]) 14:54, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :::If you don't like my suggestion of starting a discussion thread on the appropriate policy page's talk page, where you can document the indispensability of Mapillary as your argument for a policy change, you can argue for an exception to policy on [[Talk:Stockholm Archipelago Trail]], but you can't get either a policy change or an exception by arguing in the Pub. But if you're asking for my opinion on why there has been no specific consideration of Mapillary, I'd speculate it's because most of us have never heard of it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:15, 4 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I've heard of Mapillary – I appreciate they're open source and licensed under CC-BY SA, but they're indirectly a competitor to Commons –&nbsp;if you can upload a photo to Mapillary, you can upload it to Commons. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 07:28, 5 June 2025 (UTC) :::::The difference is that you traverse a route on Mapillary its connected 360 pictures I am not an expert but [https://www.mapillary.com/app/?lat=58.737746&lng=17.865677&z=17&pKey=1848345639040650&x=0.46081730421230177&y=0.5976337053747495&zoom=0&focus=photo click on forward on this] its from me walking [[SAT_Landsort]] :::::* they support 360 pictures much better than Wikicommons :::::* [https://www.mapillary.com/showcase OsmAnd and Open Street Map use them] :::::[[User:Salgo60|Salgo60]] ([[User talk:Salgo60|talk]]) 19:08, 7 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::One issue is that of privacy. I might trust the WMF, but I don't want to research the privacy policy and trustworthiness of a third party. Checking the website of a hotel where I intend to sleep is one thing, a Wikivoyage page being dependent on a third party is very different. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:58, 7 June 2025 (UTC) :For Wikimedia Commons (that's their name), you can link a category or gallery via Wikidata. On a gallery page you can show all the most relevant images, with explanatory text and a layout of your liking. The rest of the images would be easily found in the category. Is that what you are looking for in your first question? –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 22:04, 7 June 2025 (UTC) == I had an edit flagged as destructive because my account isn't very old == I was trying to remove information related to crossing the border into Azerbaijan from the Baku page (it's been closed since 2020 and the only way in is via air), but trying to delete a lot of content on a new account flagged me as a vandal. If someone has permissions to view the changes, and would be willing to check on those changes, thank you very much :) [[User:MagnumDahng|MagnumDahng]] ([[User talk:MagnumDahng|talk]]) 09:32, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :{{re|MagnumDahng}} Can you try removing the outdated content once again? I've temporarily disabled the filters; let me know once you've removed everything that you intended to. Sorry for the extra inconvenience. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:04, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::It worked. ::No worries. I understand why it's there :) [[User:MagnumDahng|MagnumDahng]] ([[User talk:MagnumDahng|talk]]) 10:15, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :::Perfect, I've re-enabled the filters; thanks again for the updates! :) //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:36, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ==Does WV need a policy for descriptions of living people?== Wikivoyage is a travel guide and not intended to be a collection of biographies. Still, travel topics and itineraries might mention important individuals, such as explorers, artists, monarchs, and politicians. [[Wikivoyage:What is an article?]] discourages from creating an article for a living celebrity, as these are more difficult to finish than articles for [[Christopher Columbus]], [[Frank Lloyd Wright]] or [[Astrid Lindgren]]. Articles such as [[Presidents of the United States]] and [[Monarchy of the United Kingdom]] describe living individuals who have not concluded their careers, and they are certainly controversial. When writing [[Jewish Stockholm tour]], [[Stockholm environmentalist tour]] and [[Nordic monarchies]], a couple of famous living people came to mind, but I found it advisable to mention them as briefly as possible. Which general principles should we follow? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:58, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :It looks like [[foundation:BLP]] encourages us to have a formal policy, even if there isn't much to say. [[Project:Don't be evil]], maybe? :We already have [[Wikivoyage:Photographs of identifiable people]] and [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#People in photos]], which discourage photos of people. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 20:36, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::I'd support a policy for the same reason. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 11:40, 11 June 2025 (UTC) :I think this is largely not that relevant to a travel guide, but it is actually common to have "Maps of the Stars" or tours of celebrity homes in the Los Angeles region, which to me is completely crazy and behavior that should not be encouraged. Considering Whatamidoing's point about the WMF encouraging this kind of documentation, I think having a guideline/policy is wise. Good thinking. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 21:00, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::Yeah, I would absolutely oppose any article for a tour that takes people to the homes of celebrities who would rather be private in their own homes. If this kind of tour existed in New York, New Yorkers would be up in arms about it and pressing the City Council to pass a law about it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:35, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::The page and section about photos say very little, mostly discouraging photos of yourself, which isn't what this is about. [[commons:Project:Photographs of identifiable people]] says a lot more and should probably be followed also regarding locally uploaded pictures. None of those three says anything about text about people (other than that captions shouldn't be defamatory). ::I think we probably shouldn't write a policy unless there are real issues. We have no reason to write about most people, and it seems common sense, like what Yvwv showed above, works reasonably well. Writing a policy opens up for loopholes and wikilawyering. ::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:50, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :::I wonder if our "BLP policy" could be a section in our existing [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]] policy. Basically, a few principles about avoiding mentioning individuals, and especially avoiding saying anything contentious or unfairly invading their privacy. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 16:40, 10 June 2025 (UTC) ::::That sounds reasonable. In the past I have opposed a suggestion to create an itinerary based on the travels of a living individual. ::::A more common situation is where a listing mentions something about the people that work in the hotel or restaurant. "Friendly owners" or "poor service from the waiters" is ok, but referring to staff by name needs more care. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:04, 10 June 2025 (UTC) :::::It's surely OK when the name of the Chef de Cuisine or Pastry Chef are printed on menus or are well-known chefs the restaurant promotes. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:40, 10 June 2025 (UTC) :::::: Can an artist's personal life be separated from their work? At least, death is useful to conclude a life story. As Georg Riedel past away one year ago, he deserves to be described in the [[Jewish Stockholm tour]]. Aleksander Wolodarski is another person appropriate to mention, but as he is well and alive (and to some degree a divisive character in Swedish architecture) the description of him in the same article is very brief. The [[Harry Potter tourism]] barely mentions the author, and that might be good as it is. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:16, 11 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I think it would be fine to note the name of a celebrity chef ("Thomas Keller's restaurant, The French Laundry"), or even a relatively public non-celebrity ("The restaurant owner, Mary Smith, is also the long-time mayor of this small town" or "Olly Owner is happy to pack a picnic upon request"). ::::::However, as an extension of [[Wikivoyage:Avoid negative reviews]], we don't really want "Chris Celebrity is pretentious and their restaurant is overpriced" or "Wendy Waitress is unfriendly and slow". [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:26, 11 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::I think we should avoid "Wendy Waitress is unfriendly", but "Some staff are unfriendly" is ok. It is important to report negative aspects of a place if either it is balanced by "excellent cooking and wonderful bread" or it is the only place in town. It becomes more difficult with one person businesses. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 20:24, 11 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Wikivoyage should not be interested in people: that is the province of Wikipedia. Wikivoyage is however interested in places associated with people and to this end should be cautious about their privacy. If however the individual concerned invites members of the public to their homes or businesses (for example Donald Trump has a website for [https://www.maralagoclub.com/ Mar-a-Lago]) then it is no longer Wikivoyage's role to protect his privacy: if he publicises his home, then it is incumbent on him to look after his own privacy. In contrast, Joe Biden does not appear to advertise his home, so neither should Wikivoyage (even if a search on the internet will reveal Joe Biden's properties).[[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 15:18, 12 June 2025 (UTC) :Does something like this feel about right? :---- :As a general rule, Wikivoyage is interested in places, not people. Occasionally, providing a fair description will involve mentioning a specific person. In such cases, these principles apply to protect living people: :* Avoid contentious matter about living people to the maximum extent possible, to show respect for human dignity and personal privacy. Publishing personal information that is tangential to the needs of the article, trivial, ephemeral, or constitutes a [[Wikivoyage:Avoid negative reviews|negative review]] is unfair. For example, if a restaurant owner promotes dubious beliefs to customers, then omit the listing completely rather than writing about the owner's beliefs. :* Avoid whole articles focused on living people, such as an [[Wikivoyage:Itineraries|itinerary]] to see the private homes of celebrities. It is fair to have an itinerary focused on Taylor Swift's concert tours; it is not fair to have an article focused on her homes. :* Individual listings that name a living public figure are acceptable so long as the content is not contentious. However, you should avoid naming living people when a general description is adequate. For example, write "The owner is happy to talk about local history" instead of "Harry Historian, the owner, is happy to talk about local history", even though you would name the celebrity chef Thomas Keller as the owner of the restaurant The French Laundry. :---- :What should be changed, added, omitted? [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 16:39, 12 June 2025 (UTC) ::Thanks for offering a rough draft! The one part that sticks out to me as problematic is the part about "dubious beliefs," which gives an opening to intolerant atheists to complain about a bismillah or cross in a restaurant. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:12, 12 June 2025 (UTC) :::I was thinking about political beliefs, and specifically about an anti-masking restaurant I read about during the pandemic, but you're right: That needs to be re-worded. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 23:30, 12 June 2025 (UTC) ::::Still a good start, I'd say. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 12:15, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I don't think that businesses should be removed because of beliefs of the owner or personnel; that the owner touts antivacc or flat-earth theories might be entertaining rather than a reason to avoid them. One might tell that they might raise controversial topics. For dangerous practices, such as not using masks when needed, that would be treated like them using contaminated water or whatever. Yes, sometimes that warrants removing the listing in line with ''no bad reviews'', but that has little to do with privacy. ::::For a Finnish business, it was suggested that the listings be removed because of bigotry, in effect a boycott by Wikivoyage. I am not sure about to what extent to do that, but I assume we might tell something about the owner in that case, if we leave the choice whether to use their services to our readers. I would oppose individual editors removing listings because of views that don't conform with their own, but they may of course choose not to add them. ::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:28, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :::::I think there might be a spectrum of issues, but some types of (e.g.,) bigotry are not compatible with [[Wikivoyage:The traveller comes first]]. Inclusion constitutes a recommendation, at least when there are other alternatives. If we list a restaurant, it should be because travellers are welcome. If the restaurant's listing would need to have a disclaimer along the lines of "BTW, only white people are allowed to eat here" or "People whom the owner thinks look Jewish/Muslim/Black/gay/trans will be refused service", then that restaurant shouldn't be included in Wikivoyage at all. Listed restaurants should normally be open to all of the general public. :::::On the other end of the spectrum, if the owner cheerfully accepts all customers, but he privately belongs to a racist organization, then that's not really relevant to the travellers' experience, so we needn't mention that. Travellers who want to patronize only businesses owned by people who share the same politics/religion/race/sexual orientation should look elsewhere for that information. :::::Somewhere in the middle is factual information that travellers may interpret in opposite ways. For example, if a given deli in New York City is kosher, it'd be worth noting that in the description. Most travellers won't care. Some travellers will prefer it (either for religious reasons or because kosher meat is considered more ethical than conventional meat). Some travellers will reject it. But knowing that it might appeal (or not) to different travellers is not the same as different travellers not being allowed to eat at the deli. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 20:02, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I see no problem in describing a restaurant in terms of the religious beliefs that it portrays provided that it is done in a neutral manner - for example , "The XYZ resaurant is a kosher/halal/vegetarian establishment". The reader can then make up their ow mind about patronising the establishment - after all Wikivoyage has many articles about various places of worship. [[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 21:05, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::I think the general point is that we want "XYZ is a kosher/halal/vegetarian restaurant" but not "The owner of XYZ is a Jew/Muslim/vegetarian person". [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:10, 14 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::I agree here. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 06:56, 18 June 2025 (UTC) *Suggested rewrite of the first point (Changes in bold): :"''Avoid contentious matter about living people to the maximum extent possible, to show respect for human dignity and personal privacy. Publishing personal information that is tangential to the needs of the article, trivial, ephemeral, or constitutes a negative review is unfair. For example, if a restaurant owner promotes '''particular''' beliefs to customers, then omit the listing completely rather than writing about the owner's beliefs. '''If however the establishment itself <u>caters</u> for certain beliefs and/or ethics, it is reasonable, or maybe even desireable, to add those beliefs/ethics to the description in a neutral manner - such as including the words "kosher/halal/vegetarian" to the establishment's description.'''''" [[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 21:14, 13 June 2025 (UTC) *I suggest that the second point be extended as follows (additions in bold): :''Avoid whole articles focused on living people, such as an itinerary to see the private homes of celebrities. It is fair to have an itinerary focused on Taylor Swift's concert tours; it is not fair to have an article focused on her homes. '''However, if the celebrity concerend advertises their home to the general public (for example [https://www.maralagoclub.com/ Mar-a-Lago], home of Donald Trump or [https://www.blenheimpalace.com/ Blenheim Palace], home of the Duke of Marlborough) , then it is perfectly in order to mention the home in an article and ideally to include a web address the description or article.''''' ::[[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 21:27, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::I think all this discussion of beliefs and politics is bad and not something about which we want policies. Also, bad reviews are by no means inherently unfair, and I'm mystified by how anyone could think that's the case; it's just that Wikivoyage chooses with some exceptions to simply refrain from listing businesses, rather than stating that they are bad. I also don't see why we would need to add a policy that establishments that discriminate against people based for example on their ethnicity, appearance or national origin, such as a historic restaurant in Düsseldorf that refused admission to East Asians early in the pandemic, be delisted, because we already do that based on preexisting policies. Right now, I think that based on the drafts circulated in this thread, we risk approving a new policy that is worse than none. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:40, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :::It might be best to try the smallest possible addition. After all, it's usually easier to get a policy expanded later if we really need it, than to get it shortened later. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:08, 14 June 2025 (UTC) ::::Here's a shorter version: ::::---- ::::As a general rule, Wikivoyage is interested in places, not people. Occasionally, providing a fair description will involve mentioning a specific person. In such cases, these principles apply to protect living people: ::::* Avoid contentious matter about living people to the maximum extent possible, to show respect for human dignity and personal privacy. Individual listings that name a living public figure are acceptable so long as the content is not contentious. ::::* Avoid whole articles focused on living people, such as an [[Wikivoyage:Itineraries|itinerary]] to see the private homes of celebrities. ::::---- ::::We could also soften "the maximum extent possible". It's always "possible" to avoid mentioning anyone's name, but it's not always "reasonable" to do so. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:14, 14 June 2025 (UTC) :::::What about the article on U.S. presidents? We don't avoid contentious facts about living current and former presidents; we just agree on what should be in the blurbs about them based on the existing [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]] guidelines. I still fail to see how adding at least your first proposed guideline will improve anything. Also, are we creating a solution for a nonexistent problem? Can you cite a previous example of an article that had unnecessarily contentious facts about living people that we were not able to deal with by using existing guidelines? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:33, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::[[Presidents of the United States]] is not a "whole article focused on living people"; it is a whole article focused on mostly long-dead people with just five living US Presidents being mentioned (and mostly in a "public museum" way, not a "current private home" way). This would therefore be acceptable as a case of "Individual listings that name a living public figure" that "show respect for human dignity and personal privacy". ::::::The existing problem to be solved is: The Board of Directors for the WIkimedia Foundation said that every project needs to have an official, written BLP policy. They said this about 16 years ago, so we're running a bit behind schedule, but we should have something. Their resolution encourages "special attention to the principles of neutrality", so I think putting a few sentences inside our version of the "[[Wikivoyage:NPOV|NPOV]]" policy would be appropriate. We could even create a [[WV:BLP]] shortcut to it, so the Wikipedia folks can find it easier. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:16, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::My problem is not with your second proposed provision, which is fine, but your first, and that's what my last reply addressed. If it stated that when living people have to be mentioned, we must [[be fair]] and come to a [[consensus]] about anything contentious, I'd be happy. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:33, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Can you think of any contentious or derogatory information a travel guide – especially one that does not cite external sources – ''needs'' to include? [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:37, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::I already gave you an example! And what about when we fairly describe countries as dictatorships? We've sometimes had users object and try to whitewash articles, and in such cases, we are armed with [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]], not some ridiculous claim that anything "contentious" is bad and must be avoided, which would have played into their hands. Wikivoyage is a travel guide, not a site that tries to be neutral. We expressly don't have an NPOV policy, but instead a policy that requires fairness. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:10, 18 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::I agree that we can fairly describe a country as being a dictatorship. Do we need to describe an individual living person as a dictator, when doing so would be contentious (e.g., produce disputes and disagreements on wiki)? I just checked every article containing the words "a dictator" and "the dictator"; none of them refer to living people. ::::::::::If your prior example was "What about the article on U.S. presidents?", I've already answered that question. I don't see anything privacy-invading in [[Presidents of the United States]], and I don't see anything contentious about any living person in there, either. The contents are not universally approved by the campaign team, but nobody actually disputes or "contends" over the facts (e.g., that Clinton was involved in a sex scandal, or that Trump is technically a convicted felon). [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 01:07, 20 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::If you haven't had the misfortune of speaking with a Trumper lately, consider yourself lucky. There are tens of millions of hard-core Trumpers in the U.S. who don't accept basic scientific facts and advance all kinds of conspiracy nonsense as truth. I dealt with a cabbie in New Rochelle yesterday who gratuitously started talking about politics. He claimed Biden already had cancer 4 years ago, and "they" covered it up, that claims of fossil fuels causing global warming are "bullshit" and that if the Democrats had been elected last year, we'd all be driving electric cars already, among other things. So I very much contest your confident assertion that statements of fact about Trump, Biden, Obama, etc. are not "contentious". We need to remove that word from consideration as something Wikivoyage cannot be. Do you remember years ago when there was someone who spent a couple of weeks or more trying to whitewash descriptions of Cuba by claiming that it was really a democracy, their elections are really free and fair, and the Communists have never been dictators or oppressed anyone there? Or the ones that claimed that China is a democracy and it was the U.S. (pre-Trump) that was really oppressive (the latter of which of course has never been completely false, but that was entirely beside the point in a travel guide as well as being pure whataboutism that disproves nothing). We've had all kinds of politically motivated contentions against facts. That's why our standard is [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]], not "Wikivoyage/Avoid saying anything anyone could argue with", which is what "contentious" means or would mean in the hands of anyone who wants to use a travel guide to grind an axe, rather than to improve a resource for travelers. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:14, 20 June 2025 (UTC) == Full-size images not available on maps in city districts == Since yesterday (and possibly earlier), the images in listings can be viewed in the dynamic map but trying to click on it to go to the full description page will lead to a broken link if they are in a city district page. This raises the issue on image attribution. You can test it on any listings with images at [[Queens/Flushing-Northeast]] and [[Toronto/Etobicoke]]. Anyone have insight on what recent changes broke this functionality? [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 15:46, 12 June 2025 (UTC) :Yes, needs to be fixed. For some reason, the File: prefix is prefixed by the district name. I try to check [[Module:Listing]] for the bug. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 11:52, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::Oops, the city name, not the district. Seemingly the article name is included in the image argument, and removed, but not properly so for subarticles. [[Module:Marker]] is possibly more relevant than Listing, but it is some underlying functionality that is the culprit. My understanding of how modules work is too weak for me to find it. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:10, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :::The marker on the map seems to be constructed using mw.text.jsonEncode. Where can one read that code? Was there some change recently? –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:30, 30 June 2025 (UTC) == Selection and number of images == [split off as suggested by [[User:OhanaUnited|OhanaUnited]] 02:39, 30 June 2025 (UTC). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:17, 30 June 2025 (UTC)] ::: The images embedded within listings are often not the best currently available. They don't display unless you click and faff about, so they don't enhance the page appearance encountered by the general reader. Wouldn't it be neat if there was some repository of images that were the best available copyfree, that could be simply incorporated into the page layout? We'd be sure to use those instead, right? [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 20:20, 15 June 2025 (UTC) ::::The main problem with that is that somebody needs to pick those best available images. That's done in Commons' galleries, where images uploaded in the last dozen years aren't included. We could use the image on Wikidata, but they might not be chosen according to what they are like as thumbnails. Perhaps a specific wikidata property could be created for thumbnail images or even Wikivoyage thumbnail images (like for our banners). About having to click several times, that could be improved, but we don't want clutter, so some discussion is needed on the trade-off if we want to change the status quo. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 18:33, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::: Picking those best images and considering how best to display them is exactly what editors should do, same as picking the best attractions or accommodations to list in a town, we shouldn't lazily accept what's already on the page. It's hardly an onerous task, and we want the best for our readers. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 19:00, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::{{quote|The main problem with that is that somebody needs to pick those best available images.}} :::::Maybe we can take assistance from AI tools to ease out the problem, just like we sometimes use AI to pick the best attractions to visit, and choose the appropriate accommodation. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 19:07, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I haven't heard about us letting such decisions to AI, and I'm not sure we should do it with images. But regardless of what way the images get chosen, it would be good if the choice were saved at Wikidata, to be used automatically. As the images aren't shown in the article itself, the less effort we need to use choosing, the better. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 19:55, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::How much effort do we need to save here? The first example cited was Queens / Flushing. That page is under-illustrated, with one strong image and two so-so. It took me 10 min to find six more good images on Commons, about the right number for a page of this length. Inserting them might take 3 mins apiece, say 20 min, which I'm not volunteering to do as the entire page needs updating, a solid day's work. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 21:07, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Choosing images sounds like a task that some people would love to do. Maybe we could advertise it better? It's even a task that people who don't speak English well should be able to do. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:40, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::It could be a good task, but I have seen a lot of image adding that isn't optimal: ignoring our guideline of [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#Minimal use of images|Minimal use of images]], trying to illustrate individual listings instead of the article as a whole, writing captions to that effect, and placing the images in ways that suite the editor's browser window rather than conform to best practices. :::::::::Increased advertising of this activity should thus be done cautiously, to avoid frustration both among those adding images and those patrolling. :::::::::The original issue was about images for the dynamic map, which is different from illustrating the article. :::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:00, 19 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::As a side note, [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#Minimal use of images]] probably needs both a little re-writing ("1 image per screen": Whose screen size?) and some reconsidering, as availability of internet access has generally improved since then (the [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Wikivoyage:Image_policy&diff=prev&oldid=3629972 last significant update was in 2018], based on [[Wikivoyage talk:Image policy/archive 2014-2019#Minimal use of images - not appropriate|a discussion started in 2016]]). ::::::::::But I agree that it's a tangent for the current thread. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 01:18, 20 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::How carefully did you read Minimal use? :::::::::::"1 image per screen (1,000–2,000 bytes)" :::::::::::I suppose you want to suggest an increase in the number of images we should use, and if so, do that at [[Wikivoyage talk:Image policy]]. But keep in mind that the mobile interface sucks and the site is still better viewed on a computer. I would be likely to oppose any change in the language, as there is flexibility to use more images than stated in the guideline as long as there isn't an unbroken stream on the left side; images left, right and center; or images that go below the end of the article, which looks terrible. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:19, 20 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::I read that, and I wondered which method we're using to measure "1,000 bytes". One screenful – edge to edge, top to bottom, on my laptop, with my font, my size (larger than default), my zoom (120%), etc. – is right around 2000 characters for me, but others may have half that, or four times that. Shorter lines (e.g., using only half the line at the end of a paragraph, or a short item in a list) adds volume without adding characters. ::::::::::::If we're using the file size, then wikitext and URLs add bulk to the file without affecting the screen size. We could have "1,000 bytes" and have a half-full screen (on my laptop) or "2,000 bytes" and still have a half-full screen. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 20:41, 20 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::These are rough estimates. An A4 with 67×47=3150 is quite close to 2k, if there are images, headings and paragraph breaks, probably much less if there are lists. I suppose an A4 is close to readability optimum (my browser and Emacs windows are not far off). My mobile phone seems to have 50×33=1650, perhaps 1k with images etc. The numbers don't seem to be too far off. Without prescribing a test with some specific browser window size, we cannot give precise advice. [[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 14:16, 22 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::From your estimate, the numbers appear to be off by 50%. 3150 = would be "quite close" to 3K, not 2K. ::::::::::::::I think that a more practical suggestion would be: Every well-developed section should usually have one image, so long as this can be done without the images dropping down into the next section. On desktop, this usually requires a minimum of 10 to 12 lines of text per landscape image. Very long sections can have two images. ::::::::::::::This would address the wikitext-vs-displayed problem and the difference between a solid paragraph and a long bullet list with one or two words on each line. ::::::::::::::But as we noted above, this is a separate discussion from the original concern. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:15, 22 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::: Can we take the "select the best picture" conversation into a sub-section? My original intention of this post is to report a bug which leads to the legal issue of image attribution. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 02:39, 30 June 2025 (UTC) == Commons RFD notifications == While the Commons bot that alert us to images about to be deleted [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub/2025#Commons Notification Deletion bot revived|was revived]], images are still being deleted without notification, namely those (I assume), that were nominated before 4 May. The issue was told in the linked announcement, but I did not realise its implications. So, expect some imgages to be removed with no notification on the talk page. If they might be valuable, they should be temporarily restored for local upload, like when the bot wasn't working. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 11:51, 13 June 2025 (UTC) == Usurped URLs == Are usurped or dead URLs (e.g. [[w:en:WP:JUDI]]) normally archived, or removed? I'm looking at the page [[Northampton_(Massachusetts)#Eat]], where the second link is usurped. Thanks, [[User:OutsideNormality|OutsideNormality]] ([[User talk:OutsideNormality|talk]]) 20:22, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :If a url no longer goes to the home page for the listing in question, please update it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:18, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::Actually, looking back, it seems like the URL was never "usurped" and was directly added as a spam link in [[Special:Diff/4154976/4167772]]. Thanks anyway for the advice. [[User:OutsideNormality|OutsideNormality]] ([[User talk:OutsideNormality|talk]]) 00:40, 14 June 2025 (UTC) == Vote now in the 2025 U4C Election == <div lang="en" dir="ltr" class="mw-content-ltr"> {{Int:Please-translate}} Eligible voters are asked to participate in the 2025 [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Universal_Code_of_Conduct/Coordinating_Committee|Universal Code of Conduct Coordinating Committee]] election. More information–including an eligibility check, voting process information, candidate information, and a link to the vote–are available on Meta at the [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Universal_Code_of_Conduct/Coordinating_Committee/Election/2025|2025 Election information page]]. The vote closes on 17 June 2025 at [https://zonestamp.toolforge.org/1750161600 12:00 UTC]. Please vote if your account is eligible. Results will be available by 1 July 2025. -- In cooperation with the U4C, [[m:User:Keegan (WMF)|Keegan (WMF)]] ([[m:User talk:Keegan (WMF)|talk]]) 23:01, 13 June 2025 (UTC) </div> <!-- Message sent by User:Keegan (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Distribution_list/Global_message_delivery&oldid=28848819 --> :Surprised this was sent very late. I made a guide on all the candidates on Meta at [[m:User:SHB2000/U4C guide 2025]], for those interested. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 03:13, 14 June 2025 (UTC) == Wisconsin Dells Kalahari Expansion; should I mention it in the Wisconsin Dells page == Hello! It is now practically mainstream media (In Wisconsin Dells) that Kalahari's expanding its Indoor Waterpark into what was a mainly unused parking lot (which is currently either getting demolished or already is demolished as of posting) and will add a fully glass dome with a retractable roof (this is not an ad, this is according to many sources including the Kalahari its self, Fox11online.com, Whitewater West, Martin Aquatic, and Maverick Hayes' Social Media). Now the real question is should I add this too my page? Cheers! [[User:HistorySports|HistorySports]] ([[User talk:HistorySports|talk]]) 15:22, 14 June 2025 (UTC) :To your page meaning what? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:35, 14 June 2025 (UTC) ::@[[User:HistorySports|HistorySports]], I think it's fair to add information about waterparks to [[Wisconsin Dells#Do]] or [[Wisconsin Dells#Sleep]]. (You pick which one based on whether people mostly stay there, and happen to use the water park, or mostly go to the water park, and a few people stay there, too – just use your judgement and don't stress about the distinction too much.) ::The important thing isn't the news ("they're expanding!") but what is available today ("Wisconsin's biggest indoor waterpark"). ::In general, when I skim through that article, I wish that there were prices for the activities and longer descriptions. In particular, there seem to be a lot of attractions, but I have no idea which one I'd choose. Is one the lowest cost? The best value? Best for little kids? Best for teens? Best for older adults/multi-generational families? Open year-round? Has the most swimming pool lifts for wheelchair users? If you can, try to add some sort of information about the differences between different attractions that might help travellers decide which things they want to do. ::Also, it looks like there are several listings that need to be moved to [[Baraboo]]. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 18:54, 14 June 2025 (UTC) :::Thanks WhatamIdoing! I will follow your advice and hopefully we can have a great page for the area of Wisconsin Dells! [[User:HistorySports|HistorySports]] ([[User talk:HistorySports|talk]]) 19:47, 15 June 2025 (UTC) ::Sorry I wasn't clear and that's totally my fault, but I was talking about the Wisconsin Dells page, sorry! [[User:HistorySports|HistorySports]] ([[User talk:HistorySports|talk]]) 19:47, 15 June 2025 (UTC) :::Thanks. So you know, it's not your page: it's a Wikivoyage article. The only page I'd consider your page is your user page. That said, on the face of it, I would put activities in "Do", not "Sleep". [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:09, 17 June 2025 (UTC) == Wikistats page views == What is up with Wikistats page views for English Wikivoyage? 87 million last month? https://stats.wikimedia.org/#/en.wikivoyage.org/reading/total-page-views/normal%7Cbar%7C2-year%7C~total%7Cmonthly 36 million from Brazil apparently. [[User:Bluecoordinationfine|Bluecoordinationfine]] ([[User talk:Bluecoordinationfine|talk]]) 23:18, 14 June 2025 (UTC) :That is a very interesting anomaly indeed. No idea why, but still very interesting to know why we have so many views from Brazil. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 00:47, 16 June 2025 (UTC) ::Maybe users on VPN? [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 14:25, 16 June 2025 (UTC) == FYI: Dear Atlas: Where Can I Find the Most Unusual Festivals in the U.S.? == https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/off-the-beaten-path-american-festivals —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 07:58, 15 June 2025 (UTC) == [[Talk:Ferries in the Mediterranean#A Commons file used on this page or its Wikidata item has been nominated for deletion]] == No-one seems to be paying any attention to the fact that we are likely to lose a photo. We need to decide whether we're OK with that or not. I will not make a unilateral decision. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:07, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :Is it just me, or does it seem like too many photos have been getting removed lately? [[User:Mrkstvns|Mrkstvns]] ([[User talk:Mrkstvns|talk]]) 16:00, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::Has there been an uptick in deletion requests at Commons? Or are we just noticing them more, now that the notifications bot is working again? [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:08, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::As someone who was monitoring [[c:Commons:Deletion requests]] until the bot started working again, I think it's the latter. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:38, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I hope this deletion can be resisted. Tirrenia ferries in 2017 made a deal with Warner Bros to plaster their ships' exteriors with cartoon characters such as Batman, to give them a jazzy attractive look. That deal continues and you really cannot take a photo of any T ferry without including the character: it's as integral to the ship as the company logo and the pointy bit at the front. The intention of any such photo is to portray the ship not replicate the character, and IMO it's a misuse of copyright law to claim we can't publish it copyfree. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 18:51, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::Such arguments have been presented in the RFD on Commons, and I think that they are legally sound. However, "misuse of copyright law" is not what this is about. There is no word of God saying that utilitarian objects (in this case: the ship) can be freely photographed, and if the law says otherwise, Commons can do little about it. I think the current copyright laws are a disaster, caused by lobbyists and weak politicians, but that means that the copyright laws need to be changed (read: one should spread awareness of the absurdities), not that we can ignore current law. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 20:03, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::The Wikimedia Foundation requires that Commons files be available for unimpeded commercial use. They don't have to, and we don't have to, which is why we have a freedom of panorama fair use exception doctrine. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:10, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::Yes, true. For Commons, the stringency is because of their mission – they don't want to host content that cannot be used. All kinds of compromises are possible or even necessary, but commercial use, such as in small-budget books, is essential for their mission. In some cases, where copyright law is unclear, they could be a bit braver, but that's a separate issue. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 05:05, 18 June 2025 (UTC) == Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees 2025 - Call for Candidates == <section begin="announcement-content" /> :<div class="plainlinks">[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Announcement/Call for candidates|{{int:interlanguage-link-mul}}]] • [https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Translate&group=page-{{urlencode:Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Announcement/Call for candidates}}&language=&action=page&filter= {{int:please-translate}}]</div> Hello all, The [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025|call for candidates for the 2025 Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees selection is now open]] from June 17, 2025 – July 2, 2025 at 11:59 UTC [1]. The Board of Trustees oversees the Wikimedia Foundation's work, and each Trustee serves a three-year term [2]. This is a volunteer position. This year, the Wikimedia community will vote in late August through September 2025 to fill two (2) seats on the Foundation Board. Could you – or someone you know – be a good fit to join the Wikimedia Foundation's Board of Trustees? [3] Learn more about what it takes to stand for these leadership positions and how to submit your candidacy on [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Candidate application|this Meta-wiki page]] or encourage someone else to run in this year's election. Best regards, Abhishek Suryawanshi<br /> Chair of the Elections Committee On behalf of the Elections Committee and Governance Committee [1] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Call_for_candidates [2] https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Legal:Bylaws#(B)_Term. [3] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Resources_for_candidates<section end="announcement-content" /> [[User:MediaWiki message delivery|MediaWiki message delivery]] ([[User talk:MediaWiki message delivery|talk]]) 17:44, 17 June 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:RamzyM (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Distribution_list/Global_message_delivery&oldid=28866958 --> == New copycat site == I haven't had the time to fully look into it and I've been quite busy IRL this month, but it seems we have a new copycat site called https://www.localcityguide.net/. It mirrors Wikivoyage pages word-for-word with "2022 © Local City Guide. All rights reserved." and some pages like [[Itineraries]] ([https://www.localcityguide.net/en/Itineraries]) do nothing to even remove mentions of Wikivoyage. What's interesting about this site is that they've listed those behind the site so openly in the [https://www.localcityguide.net/about-us About us] section – I'm not sure how accurate it is, but it could be something to go off. What are the WMF's protocols when a site copies an entire project and what can we do about it? //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 08:59, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :It has a nice presentation, a handful of blog entries posted in June 2022, and it looks like the foundation of the site is our stuff, refreshed regularly. (Changes I made yesterday already appear.) There is no ability to edit articles. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 10:11, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :This is against the terms of service, CC license restrictions, and American copyright law. You should contact the [[:m:Wikimedia_Foundation/Legal|Legal Team]] via email at legal[little-anarchy-symbol]wikimedia[point]org. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 10:22, 18 June 2025 (UTC) ::I picked an arbitrary page of which I have knowledge, but which is not on the average tourist itinerary, [[Estcourt]]. It has an [[outline article|outline]] status. I clicked on "outline" and the first sentence read: :::"An '''outline article''' is a status rating for any article in ''<u>Wikivoyage</u>'' ... " [My emphasis]. ::This is proof that they are copying the WIkivoyage site. [[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 16:00, 18 June 2025 (UTC) ::: It seems that the contents are incorporated by a script directly from Wikivoyage similar to the html frame technology that's why the articles are up-to-date. I made a small change in some status ratings of the German Wikivoyage, and immediately you can read that this is a usable Wikivoyage article in the footer. --[[User:RolandUnger|RolandUnger]] ([[User talk:RolandUnger|talk]]) 17:24, 18 June 2025 (UTC) ::Copying Wikivoyage's contents is okay. However, you have to provide "reasonable" attribution. That's usually done with something like a simple link to the original article on Wikivoyage. I don't see Wikivoyage mentioned on their website, so they need to fix that – but remember that the goal is for them to fix it, not to punish them or prevent them from sharing our information. ::[[w:en:WP:BACKWARDSCOPY]] has some advice on how to contact websites that haven't complied with the license terms. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 19:27, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :::I have sent the developers of the site an email about this. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:38, 21 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I've also forwarded it to WMF legal (cc {{u|Koavf}}). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:40, 21 June 2025 (UTC) :::::Merci. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 02:52, 21 June 2025 (UTC) == Mexican disambiguators == Some input at [[Wikivoyage talk:Naming conventions#Disambiguators for Mexican destinations]] would be appreciated. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 13:41, 19 June 2025 (UTC) == Most visited country in Southeast Asia == It looks like [[Thailand]] just lost its crown to [[Malaysia]], at least for Q1 2025. Should we update our articles to reflect that, or should we wait and see if Malaysia can sustain its lead? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:11, 23 June 2025 (UTC) :{{ping|The dog2}} I think you should update the articles to say that both Thailand and Malaysia are the most visited countries of SE Asia, along the lines of, "Thailand, along with Malaysia, are...", "Malaysia, along with Thailand, are..." or even "Malaysia and Thailand are...". '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 17:11, 23 June 2025 (UTC) ::I think we should wait till yearly figures are available before changing anything. Too many things can change from one quarter to the next. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:52, 23 June 2025 (UTC) :::Agreed – one quarter might not be a true reflection. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 00:24, 24 June 2025 (UTC) == Regionlist == I have added a static map in [[Maharashtra]], but it disappears without showing a dynamic map when I click/press the link "switch to interactive map". Same happens in [[West Bengal]], [[Andhra Pradesh]], [[Chennai]], etc. I think there's a bug in {{tl|Regionlist}} that causes this disappearance, as the template itself was last edited on August 2024. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 13:36, 26 June 2025 (UTC) :Same issue on it:voy. For sure is caused by a change server side. I'll try to figure out if we can solve locally or if we need to open a ticket. [[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 06:46, 27 June 2025 (UTC) ::I've patched it. Now it works again. Be sure to refresh/purge the page you test. [[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 07:32, 27 June 2025 (UTC) == Sister Projects Task Force reviews Wikispore and Wikinews == <section begin="message"/> Dear Wikimedia Community, The [[m:Wikimedia Foundation Community Affairs Committee|Community Affairs Committee (CAC)]] of the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees assigned [[m:Wikimedia Foundation Community Affairs Committee/Sister Projects Task Force|the Sister Projects Task Force (SPTF)]] to update and implement a procedure for assessing the lifecycle of Sister Projects – wiki [[m:Wikimedia projects|projects supported by Wikimedia Foundation (WMF)]]. A vision of relevant, accessible, and impactful free knowledge has always guided the Wikimedia Movement. As the ecosystem of Wikimedia projects continues to evolve, it is crucial that we periodically review existing projects to ensure they still align with our goals and community capacity. Despite their noble intent, some projects may no longer effectively serve their original purpose. '''Reviewing such projects is not about giving up – it's about responsible stewardship of shared resources'''. Volunteer time, staff support, infrastructure, and community attention are finite, and the non-technical costs tend to grow significantly as our ecosystem has entered a different age of the internet than the one we were founded in. Supporting inactive projects or projects that didn't meet our ambitions can unintentionally divert these resources from areas with more potential impact. Moreover, maintaining projects that no longer reflect the quality and reliability of the Wikimedia name stands for, involves a reputational risk. An abandoned or less reliable project affects trust in the Wikimedia movement. Lastly, '''failing to sunset or reimagine projects that are no longer working can make it much harder to start new ones'''. When the community feels bound to every past decision – no matter how outdated – we risk stagnation. A healthy ecosystem must allow for evolution, adaptation, and, when necessary, letting go. If we create the expectation that every project must exist indefinitely, we limit our ability to experiment and innovate. Because of this, SPTF reviewed two requests concerning the lifecycle of the Sister Projects to work through and demonstrate the review process. We chose Wikispore as a case study for a possible new Sister Project opening and Wikinews as a case study for a review of an existing project. Preliminary findings were discussed with the CAC, and a community consultation on both proposals was recommended. === Wikispore === The [[m:Wikispore|application to consider Wikispore]] was submitted in 2019. SPTF decided to review this request in more depth because rather than being concentrated on a specific topic, as most of the proposals for the new Sister Projects are, Wikispore has the potential to nurture multiple start-up Sister Projects. After careful consideration, the SPTF has decided '''not to recommend''' Wikispore as a Wikimedia Sister Project. Considering the current activity level, the current arrangement allows '''better flexibility''' and experimentation while WMF provides core infrastructural support. We acknowledge the initiative's potential and seek community input on what would constitute a sufficient level of activity and engagement to reconsider its status in the future. As part of the process, we shared the decision with the Wikispore community and invited one of its leaders, Pharos, to an SPTF meeting. Currently, we especially invite feedback on measurable criteria indicating the project's readiness, such as contributor numbers, content volume, and sustained community support. This would clarify the criteria sufficient for opening a new Sister Project, including possible future Wikispore re-application. However, the numbers will always be a guide because any number can be gamed. === Wikinews === We chose to review Wikinews among existing Sister Projects because it is the one for which we have observed the highest level of concern in multiple ways. Since the SPTF was convened in 2023, its members have asked for the community's opinions during conferences and community calls about Sister Projects that did not fulfil their promise in the Wikimedia movement.[https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:WCNA_2024._Sister_Projects_-_opening%3F_closing%3F_merging%3F_splitting%3F.pdf <nowiki>[1]</nowiki>][https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_Community_Affairs_Committee/Sister_Projects_Task_Force#Wikimania_2023_session_%22Sister_Projects:_past,_present_and_the_glorious_future%22 <nowiki>[2]</nowiki>][https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/WikiConvention_francophone/2024/Programme/Quelle_proc%C3%A9dure_pour_ouvrir_ou_fermer_un_projet_%3F <nowiki>[3]</nowiki>] Wikinews was the leading candidate for an evaluation because people from multiple language communities proposed it. Additionally, by most measures, it is the least active Sister Project, with the greatest drop in activity over the years. While the Language Committee routinely opens and closes language versions of the Sister Projects in small languages, there has never been a valid proposal to close Wikipedia in major languages or any project in English. This is not true for Wikinews, where there was a proposal to close English Wikinews, which gained some traction but did not result in any action[https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Proposals_for_closing_projects/Closure_of_English_Wikinews <nowiki>[4]</nowiki>][https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/WikiConvention_francophone/2024/Programme/Quelle_proc%C3%A9dure_pour_ouvrir_ou_fermer_un_projet_%3F <nowiki>[5]</nowiki>, see section 5] as well as a draft proposal to close all languages of Wikinews[https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Talk:Proposals_for_closing_projects/Archive_2#Close_Wikinews_completely,_all_languages? <nowiki>[6]</nowiki>]. [[:c:File:Sister Projects Taskforce Wikinews review 2024.pdf|Initial metrics]] compiled by WMF staff also support the community's concerns about Wikinews. Based on this report, SPTF recommends a community reevaluation of Wikinews. We conclude that its current structure and activity levels are the lowest among the existing sister projects. SPTF also recommends pausing the opening of new language editions while the consultation runs. SPTF brings this analysis to a discussion and welcomes discussions of alternative outcomes, including potential restructuring efforts or integration with other Wikimedia initiatives. '''Options''' mentioned so far (which might be applied to just low-activity languages or all languages) include but are not limited to: *Restructure how Wikinews works and is linked to other current events efforts on the projects, *Merge the content of Wikinews into the relevant language Wikipedias, possibly in a new namespace, *Merge content into compatibly licensed external projects, *Archive Wikinews projects. Your insights and perspectives are invaluable in shaping the future of these projects. We encourage all interested community members to share their thoughts on the relevant discussion pages or through other designated feedback channels. === Feedback and next steps === We'd be grateful if you want to take part in a conversation on the future of these projects and the review process. We are setting up two different project pages: [[m:Public consultation about Wikispore|Public consultation about Wikispore]] and [[m:Public consultation about Wikinews|Public consultation about Wikinews]]. Please participate between 27 June 2025 and 27 July 2025, after which we will summarize the discussion to move forward. You can write in your own language. I will also host a community conversation 16th July Wednesday 11.00 UTC and 17th July Thursday 17.00 UTC (call links to follow shortly) and will be around at Wikimania for more discussions. <section end="message"/> -- [[User:Victoria|Victoria]] on behalf of the Sister Project Task Force, 20:57, 27 June 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:Johan (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Johan_(WMF)/Sister_project_MassMassage_on_behalf_of_Victoria/Target_list&oldid=28911188 --> :I definitely hate to say it but Wikinews has to be one of the most failed WMF projects. The English Wikinews is barely sustaining and I think that is fine for the timebeing, but the other Wikinews projects simply lack the editor base to actively review new news articles. It came up in tawikinews' closure proposal where their newest article dated to 2018! //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:56, 28 June 2025 (UTC) ::I think that we're meant to post that kind of thing on the Meta-Wiki project pages: [[metawiki:Public consultation about Wikispore|Public consultation about Wikispore]] and [[metawiki:Public consultation about Wikinews|Public consultation about Wikinews]]. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 22:42, 28 June 2025 (UTC) :::I'm aware; I just wanted to give out my 2c in short form – I have a longer list of suggestions planned which I'll do when I get a bit more spare time. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:44, 28 June 2025 (UTC) === General concerns === I am not a big fan of Wikinews, but one thing about the [[:meta:Proposal_for_Closing_Wikinews|report published by Sister Projects Task Force]] is concerning. This report is written in a very critical manner, namely, it does not mention that dozens if not hundreds of volunteers have spent a considerable amount of their time on developing Wikinews. The report does not mention any single good thing about their work, which does not seem fair. The report demonstrates that the current level of activity and content development at Wikinews is low (and this statement is fair), but it does not set any threshold of what would be good enough metrics for a community to deserve the resources from WMF. Moreover, the report does not attempt to analyze which steps Wikinews editors took to develop their project, and why these steps were unsuccessful. It just says: you did a bad job, so we will close you down and even deprive you of any possibility of moving Wikinews elsewhere because the name stays with Wikimedia Foundation. Wikivoyage is a smaller project too, and it would be discouraging if a similarly critical report about our work appears. It is not completely unrealistic when half of the language versions are dormant, while many others are somewhat comparable in their metrics to the most active editions of Wikinews. I think that only English Wikivoyage is clearly above that threshold, although the actual threshold is not even defined, so almost any level of activity can be deemed "low" if one wants to say so. What are your thoughts on that? --[[User:Atsirlin|Alexander]] ([[User_talk:Atsirlin|talk]]) 09:53, 28 June 2025 (UTC) :I have not been using Wikinews, so my reflections are based on the closure of Wikinews in Swedish and the current discussion, linked above. One point raised in the discussion is that the metrics chosen didn't take into account the special nature of the project. :I assume the Sister Project Task Force is right in that this kind of evaluations need to be done from time to time, but also think that the evaluations should focus on whether there are paths forward, rather than on whether the project is viable according to current trends. :Wikinews has the problem that a significant dedicated editor base i needed – Wikipedia or even Wikivoyage can stay alive and stay interesting even with no edits for a year or two, while a news outlet would loose nearly all of its readers. The coverage needs to be adequate on at least some areas (geographic or thematic) for the site to stay interesting. The critical mass needed is much larger – and that critical mass additionally needs to be able to counter people with a bias (good-faith or not) or with an agenda not aligned with the project goals – keeping touting at bay is much easier. I assume new language versions should be started only if there is hope of quickly building that critical mass. :–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 10:36, 28 June 2025 (UTC) ::Yes I do believe that LangCom has decided to suspend the creation of all new Wikinews projects for that very reason. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:46, 28 June 2025 (UTC) :Alexander, it's true "that dozens if not hundreds of volunteers have spent a considerable amount of their time on developing Wikinews", but it's also true that keeping a failing project because of past efforts is an example of [[w:en:Sunk cost fallacy]]. :I suspect that if someone made a credible proposal to move Wikinews to another host, the WMF would be be open to negotiations over the name. (But any new sponsor might prefer to come up with their own name.) [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 03:31, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::I guess my main problem is the absence of any well-defined criteria that distinguish a sustainable project from a failing one. Do you understand what these criteria are? -- [[User:Atsirlin|Alexander]] ([[User_talk:Atsirlin|talk]]) 08:35, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::A well-defined criteria that defines what a sustainable project would still heavily rely on how the project functions, though. For Wikinews, it needs to be very active and metrics that may be appropriate for Wikivoyage or Wikibooks like number of articles aren't super relevant because 20000 articles is no good if the last one was written 2 months ago (the numbers are hypothetical but my point stands). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 08:50, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I agree that the same metrics can not be applied to all sister projects, but "very active" leaves a lot of room for interpretation. Imagine someone decides that Wikivoyage is not sustainable because it contains a lot of outdated travel information that has not been updated in the last 5 years. That would be a problem... -- [[User:Atsirlin|Alexander]] ([[User_talk:Atsirlin|talk]]) 09:27, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::::We don't want well-defined criteria. There needs to be judgement on the projects actual prospects. Opening a community discussion is good, as that's a way to see whether the metrics give a correct picture – although there should be discussions with the projects before opening a discussion like this (I don't know to what extent there have been such discussions). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 20:13, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I still don't love the way the SPTF decided to mass-send these messages to every wiki without consulting the Wikinews community; it really should be up to them (and when I mean them, I mean the more active Wikinews projects such as en or ruwikinews) to decide their project's future, not the rest of us or the vast majority who don't get involved with Wikinews. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:01, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::Yes. The issues should have been raised with the projects first (not only the big ones, but all projects affected). I don't know whether that was done, but seemingly not enough, anyway. It seems the SPTF (?) wanted to introduce a more general practice of re-evaluating projects, and just chose the two as examples. They should have understood that doing it that way, without consultations, would upset people. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:40, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::TBF, there were several closure proposals before, including one for all language Wikinews. Those for major projects failed, but one can argue that this was a signal to the communities to evaluate their performance which they apparently did not get. I agree though that opening such discussion before notifying the Wikinews communities first is not really good. [[User:Ymblanter|Ymblanter]] ([[User talk:Ymblanter|talk]]) 08:54, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::They definitely should have; I hope they use this as a learning lesson because the general sentiment from the enwikinews community is quite clearly unimpressed from that discussion. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 09:01, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::Well this comment certainly [[:m:Talk:Public_consultation_about_Wikinews#c-Victoria-20250630095300-BRPever-20250629141600|aged like milk]]. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 13:59, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::Oh dear. I hope there are others in the SPTF who are more keen-eared. This risks degenerating into one more of the WMF-not-respecting-the-community affairs. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:40, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::SPTF (or Victoria, at the very least) seems so predetermined to close Wikinews that I've never heard something so blatantly biased such as "However, I expect that the wikinewsians would be in COI" – so to them I assume knowing the ins and outs of your own project is apparently a conflict of interest? It's a massive insult to non-Wikipedia based projects. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 11:04, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::I can understand her view, but I think it is misguided, and somebody in her team should get them to discuss their actual mission. If a project indeed needs to be laid down, the process needs to be lead very sensitively – and the consultation in this phase shouldn't be on whether to lay Wikinews down. It is "to work through and demonstrate the review process", "a community reevaluation" and "potential restructuring efforts". ::::::::::::The demonstration of the process has been a disaster and potential restructuring efforts require a good understanding of he project, which cannot be had without a keen-eared discussion with the communities. ::::::::::::The "re-evaluation" should be based on such potential restructuring paths, where restructuring isn't about where to dump the Wikinews content, but how to save the project, if possible. ::::::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 13:13, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::I fully agree with you about about the "re-evaluation" but the way they have been responding to community feedback feels as though they have the result pre-determined and this is merely being used as a box ticking exercise – which is why I think it's crucial that we as a fellow sister project speak up about the way this was poorly handled because who knows what they will do when it's our turn to undergo public consultations. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 14:04, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::I wrote about some concerns in [[:meta:Talk:Public consultation about Wikinews#Process and analysis seem flawed]]. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:34, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::::Cheers, {{u|LPfi}}; hopefully our project will be fine (I think it will because Wikivoyage or really any other WMF project does not have the same issues as Wikinews does of requiring an active community), but more feedback is certainly better. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 03:49, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::Whereas I agree that the process it to some extend flawed (and I agree with the points LPfi makes in the response on Meta), it would be useful to see whether some metrics used for analysis (in whatever flawed way) could be improved for Wikivoyage, so that they are out of discussion. [[User:Ymblanter|Ymblanter]] ([[User talk:Ymblanter|talk]]) 08:18, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::::::{{Ping|Victoria}} as primary author and for what I think is trenchant feedback: to the extent that this taskforce is assessing the sibling projects, it would be helpful if the individual communities knew what kind of rubric there is to grade their health. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 19:55, 2 July 2025 (UTC) == Archive links invisible in mobile mode == Why? When I look in edit mode, I can see links to archives in [[Talk:China]], but not when I simply look at that talk page. Will Wikivoyage in mobile mode ever not suck? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:30, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :I can't answer your first question, but the answer to your latter question, as we both know, is never (we are a massive afterthought for the WMF). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:51, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::In which case, we will eventually read that the Wikimedia Foundation dropped Wikivoyage from lack of sufficient participation. Would we be able to fork in that case, or does Wikimedia own the copyright for Wikivoyage as they do for Wikinews? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:09, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::Each individual editor, including IPs/logged-out editors, owns the copyright to whatever copyrightable material they post on wiki. The Wikimedia Foundation owns the domain names and the trademarks (e.g., name and logo). Anyone who wants to fork can do so freely. The Wikimedia Foundation will sometimes even informally help people do so. The mobile site does have the links to the archives. Click on the "(i) Learn more about this page" button at the top of the page to find the "invisible" content. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 03:27, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::{{ping|Ikan Kekek}} Please don't be that fearful when Wikinews is proposed to be shut down or merged with Wikipedia. I wanted to work in the Bengali Wikinews Incubator project, but my lack of activity in recent weeks has prevented me from participating further. So, I have focused on Commons and Wikivoyage, where I am still highly active. I don't think the SPTF would suggest something similar for Wikivoyage, and I think it is actually a popular website. My static map of [[West Bengal]] is now widely shared on Facebook (both English and Bengali versions), along with an AI-generated list of places to visit in the state. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 03:35, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::::You are a superb Wikivoyage content creator! I'm not afraid in the very near term, but usage of all websites nowadays has to be mostly mobile, so if this site's mobile interface remains terrible, its eventual demise is a foregone conclusion. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:44, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::::Are you refering to the archive links that appear when I click "more about this page" at the top? :::::The issues with the mobile site exist as this project does not have '''active interface admins.''' :::::Note: The WMF has nothing to do with the content or presentation of content for this site. :::::Relevant links: :::::* https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:WikimediaMessages#Site_admin_helper :::::* https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Recommendations_for_mobile_friendly_articles_on_Wikimedia_wikis :::::[[User:Jdlrobson|Jdlrobson]] ([[User talk:Jdlrobson|talk]]) 03:09, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::Yes, "Learn more about this page." I didn't know to click that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:27, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I don't see why the WMF would have nothing to do with presentation of content on Wikivoyage. We are using MediaWiki and settings provided by the WMF, and we indeed are a WMF project. ::::::Not having active interface admins (I thought we have some) shouldn't mean too much – having technically knowledgable people locally is a bonus, it (and them dedicating time to do major work) shouldn't be a prerequisite for a WMF project. ::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:51, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::We do indeed have 5 [[Wikivoyage:Interface administrators]], which [[User:Jdlrobson]] should know, because he is one of them. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:01, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::I am an interface admin but I would not consider myself active. Maintenance of the listing editor for example causes me more anxiety than enjoyment these days. ::::::::In my time in this project I have seen quite a few complaints about the mobile experience but nobody has articulated clearly what needs improving. I personally dont think that overall it is a bad experience and the fact most of our page views are on mobile should be reassuring. That said there are templates like climate data that I think could be improved on mobile. ::::::::If you really want to improve the mobile experience I'd recommend making a wiki page with discussion of changes, proposal/consensus and then implementing them. I havent seen this sort of thing since [[Wikivoyage:Banner Expedition]]. I guarantee the majority of changes you want do not need WMF involvement but they will require discussion and community consultation. [[User:Jdlrobson|Jdlrobson]] ([[User talk:Jdlrobson|talk]]) 15:53, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::Wauterz is certainly active. Have you ever tried adding a listing or reverting more than one edit at a time in mobile mode? I'm sure we can compile a list of badness from the mobile interface. Where is the best page to put it on? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:25, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::{{u|Andyrom75}} is also fairly active on itwikivoyage. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 22:18, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::To answer the very first question of @[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]], I've noticed that the infobox has a "display:none" style that hide those boxes in mobile view. I think this style is added serverside (maybe @[[User:Jdlrobson|Jdlrobson]] you can confirm), because it's not added by the template neither by the templatestyles. :::::::::::However, as said from @[[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]], you can still see it clicking on the "(i)" button. [[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 17:09, 2 July 2025 (UTC) 5jlnedvotba8imdpw0ds3zh39e80y6x 5086804 5086770 2025-07-02T21:34:45Z WhatamIdoing 855272 /* General concerns */ Reply 5086804 wikitext text/x-wiki <div style="text-align:left; background: var( --wv-optional-color, #f4f7fa); color: var( --color-base ); border: 1px solid #abc; padding: .3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em"> <div style="text-align:center; font-size:300%; line-height: 1; padding: 10px;">'''Welcome to the pub'''</div> {{shortcut|[[WV:Pub]]|[[WV:TP]]}} [[File:QA_icon_clr.svg|right|frameless|150px|link=]] The travellers' pub is for general discussion on Wikivoyage, and the place to ask questions when you're confused, lost, afraid, tired, annoyed, thoughtful, or helpful. To start a new topic, click the "Add topic" tab, so that it gets added '''at the bottom''' of the page, and sign your post by appending four tildes (<nowiki>~~~~</nowiki>) Before asking a question or making a comment: * Have a look at our [[Wikivoyage:Help|Help]], [[Wikivoyage:FAQ|FAQ]] and [[Wikivoyage:Policies|Policies]] pages. * If you are a '''new user''' and you have any questions about using the website, try the [[Wikivoyage:Arrivals lounge|Arrivals lounge]]. * If you have a '''question or suggestion about a particular article''', use the article's [[Project:using talk pages|talk page]] to keep the discussion associated with that article. * If you'd like to '''draw attention to a comment''' to '''get feedback''' from other Wikivoyagers, try [[Wikivoyage:Requests for comment|Requests for comment]]. * If you are '''wanting travel advice on a specific matter''' see the [[Wikivoyage:Tourist office|tourist office]]. * If you have an '''issue you need to bring to the attention of an administrator''', try [[Wikivoyage:Ongoing vandalism|Ongoing vandalism]]. * If you are having a '''problem that you think has to do with the [[mw:|MediaWiki software]]''', please post that on [[phab:|Phabricator]] instead. * If you want to '''celebrate a significant contribution''' to Wikivoyage by yourself or others, hold a party at [[Project:Celebrate a contribution|Celebrate a contribution]]. * Discuss '''issues related to more than one language version''' of Wikivoyage in the [[meta:Wikivoyage/Lounge|Wikivoyage Lounge]] on Meta. * Anything that is '''Nigeria-related''' is now meant to go in the [[Wikivoyage:Nigeria café|Nigeria café]] instead. Anything that is '''Kosovo or Albania related''' is now meant to go in the [[Wikivoyage:Kosovo and Albania cafe|Kosovo and Albania café]] instead. This includes announcements, initiatives, celebrations, and issues with certain articles. You can review old Pub discussions in the [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub/Archives]]. '''Pull up a chair and join in the conversation!''' [{{fullurl:Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub|action=edit&section=new}} '''Click here to start a new thread'''] </div> {{WikivoyageDoc|collaboration}} <!-- Discussions start here --> __TOC__ __NEWSECTIONLINK__ == RfC ongoing regarding Abstract Wikipedia (and your project) == <div lang="en" dir="ltr" class="mw-content-ltr"> ''(Apologies for posting in English, if this is not your first language)'' Hello all! We opened a discussion on Meta about a very delicate issue for the development of [[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Abstract Wikipedia|Abstract Wikipedia]]: where to store the abstract content that will be developed through functions from Wikifunctions and data from Wikidata. Since some of the hypothesis involve your project, we wanted to hear your thoughts too. We want to make the decision process clear: we do not yet know which option we want to use, which is why we are consulting here. We will take the arguments from the Wikimedia communities into account, and we want to consult with the different communities and hear arguments that will help us with the decision. The decision will be made and communicated after the consultation period by the Foundation. You can read the various hypothesis and have your say at [[:m:Abstract Wikipedia/Location of Abstract Content|Abstract Wikipedia/Location of Abstract Content]]. Thank you in advance! -- [[User:Sannita (WMF)|Sannita (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Sannita (WMF)|<span class="signature-talk">{{int:Talkpagelinktext}}</span>]]) 15:27, 22 May 2025 (UTC) </div> <!-- Message sent by User:Sannita (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Sannita_(WMF)/Mass_sending_test&oldid=28768453 --> :{{re|Sannita (WMF)}} may I ask how this affects Wikivoyage when you say "some of the hypothesis involve your project"? TIA, //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:28, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::The proposed solutions mention the Wikivoyages in several places. The main issue is that an abstract article about Someplace shouldn't be rendered the same in Wikipedia and Wikivoyage. This affects also the technical solutions, such as where to store statements and functions. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:21, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::Can you explain further how we have abstract (vs. concrete?) articles on Wikivoyage? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:27, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::We don't have any abstract articles at the time being, and I assume Wikivoyage in English may choose never to have them. For smaller languages, though, it is unrealistic to cover all interesting places with proper articles. The mission of Abstract Wikipedia is to provide a framework for creating articles in a way that allows automatic translation into something at least half-way decent. It's like having listings fetch key information from Wikidata, but scaled up to complete articles (or less complete – at least lively language on personal impressions will certainly be missing for the foreseeable future). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:43, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::::I see – I still don't understand how this will fully get (even after reading the hypothesis), but I suppose it's something for smaller language projects. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 09:47, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::Hi @[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], it seems that @[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] covered most of my arguments here already, so I would just repeat them at this point. The part that interests your project refers to the hypothesis that abstract content ''might'' (but it's still not sure at the moment) be stored in a dedicated namespace of your project. But again, this ''might'' happen, and you're free to refuse to store/use abstract content to further your development. This is entirely in your right, and we do not want to force any adoption of the project without consensus. [[User:Sannita (WMF)|Sannita (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Sannita (WMF)|talk]]) 10:01, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::And yes, Abstract Wikipedia is primarily intended for projects that have so far developed a small number of articles, in order to help them accelerate their growth and hopefully provide more knowledge to their communities and recruit a higher number of volunteers. [[User:Sannita (WMF)|Sannita (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Sannita (WMF)|talk]]) 10:03, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::Sounds perfect. Thanks to both of you for explaining! //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:10, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Seconded. I understand. We should discuss in a separate thread whether it would be better to encourage, allow perhaps without comment, or disallow abstract listings on this site. I think we probably don't want abstract articles, but we should discuss that, too. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:22, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::::I can see abstract listings being useful for more obscure parts of the world for English speakers for this site at least, but overall sounds like it's something to help smaller language Wikivoyages benefit from us rather than the other way around (which is also great). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 13:30, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::I mentioned listings as we already use Wikidata for them (coordinates) and have discussed e.g. opening hours (too complicated to be workable). I don't think "abstract listings" are an option at this point – somebody needs to decide a listing is wanted and would include some manual language when adding it. We still might have some valuable insights in how – and how not – to design abstract Wikivoyage articles for them to be useful. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 14:04, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::I have two thoughts about this: ::* We need some way of separating a block of text that works for Wikipedia from a block of text that works for Wikivoyage (or another sister project). That suggests ''not'' using the English Wikipedia as the storage place for everything. The Wikipedias might all want "Jupiter is the largest planet in the Solar System. It is the fifth planet from the Sun", but if Wikivoyage were to have an article on the planet, it would probably sound a lot more like "Jupiter isn't a viable destination, but travelers interested in [[astronomy]] and [[navigation]]<nowiki/>by the stars may be interested in the Big Museum of Jupiter and the Annual Jupiter Festival". ::* I think that the English Wikivoyage could benefit from Abstract content. It's obvious that we could 'translate' our [[Wikivoyage:Star articles|Star articles]] into Abstract, and thus other Wikivoyages would benefit. However, imagine how much we could benefit if @[[User:Sannita (WMF)|Sannita (WMF)]] brought [[:it:Roma]] up to Star status, and then translated it for us to copy whatever bits we wanted in [[Rome]]. Keep in mind that while Abstract is set up to do dynamic autotranslation (e.g., always giving the latest population estimate, if the sentence says "the population of Rome is ___"), you can actually copy and paste the results as plain old text into an article. ::[[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:07, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::If I understand correctly, Abstract Wikipedia works with programming that could have been done in the 1980s, more or less like [[:w:Lsjbot|Lsjbot]]'s articles, although not confined to info found in already existing datasets. "Not a viable destination" would need to be an item to insert and translate. That article on Jupiter would have very little in common with the Wikipedia one. :::For Rome, population statistics etc. would be easy to write in abstract form, but an abstract star article would need a lot of article-specific functions, which need to be translated to get a version in another language – and lively language is hard to translate automatically (think "[[Talk#Speaking English with non-native speakers|blind and therefore insane]]"). Copying over listings would work, and a good abstract article should have a good selection of those. :::I think an abstract Wikivoyage article should focus on being reasonably complete by having ''information'': roads and trains for getting in, listings with coords, contact details and Wikidata link, and suggestions in Go next, but quite little running text, mostly identical across articles except data values (…is a village/town/city in X…), and likewise a dry list of facts in the listing "content", not like the lively writing in [[Wikivoyage:Listings#Examples|Wikivoyage:Listings]]. :::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 17:47, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::As Wikivoyage has generally has more structured articles than Wikipedia, I think that we could make use of an Abstract Wikivoyage. Two areas look like possible starting points: listings and the phrases in phrasebooks. ::::If a tool could create an abstract version of a listing that exists in another language, then the listing could be offered when editing the same section of an article here - "Would you like to add a listing for the Lawnmower Museum?". Some parts of listing could be updated in all languages when edited in one - we would show the last updated entry price for the museum whatever language it was edited in. A difficult part is identifying when listing elements are language specific - we may use a different url from another WV to point to a page in English, and we don't care that the museum has labels translated into Spanish. ::::In English WV we have a standard set of phrases for phrasebooks, and most phrasebooks keep fairly closely to this list. This list is also the basis for phrasebooks in some other language WVs. It would appear to be reasonably straightforward to scan the existing phrases to create an abstract phrasebook, but inconsistencies would need to be reviewed. There are about 300 phrasebooks in English, 50 in German and 20 in Polish. Maybe we can use this to offer over 200 phrasebooks in Polish. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:44, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::::For listings, yes, the abstract versions would be easy to create. For the name, we only need to identify the native name, its romanisation, and the language of translated names. There are already structures for all this in Wikidata; also "official URL" has a language attribute. Amenities of hotels can likewise easily be described. Nothing will be automatically fetched, so no worries about info irrelevant for English speakers. What is hard to do is the lively language of the examples I linked above. :::::For phrasebooks, I am not sure it is that easy, or rather whether creating an abstract phrasebook helps compared to just translating the template and using a dictionary (or whatever way you otherwise use for getting translations). Grammar and pronunciation sections needs to be written with the audience's language knowledge in mind, and translations of phrases need to be done with some understanding of the context, thus mostly manually. For a good phrasebook, you also need to note peculiarities in the relation with the target language, such as the liberty/liberté etc. now added to the French and Italian phrasebook and warnings for specific false friends. :::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 04:57, 27 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::I think phrasebooks is one of those things (along with travel topics) where it's more or less impossible to create an abstract version of. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 05:23, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::Why do you think that? :::::::We can already write things like "{{#invoke:wd|label|Q98815142}}, a {{#invoke:wd|label|Q81727}} of {{#invoke:wd|label|Q8486}}, {{#invoke:wd|label|Q26175857}}" by invoking Wikidata. It would require expansion (e.g., to add "a" and "an"), but it doesn't seem impossible in principle, at least for simpler sentences. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:24, 27 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::The question is whether there is any point of doing that. If every phrase has to be purpose-translated, then why not just write the non-abstract phrasebook? The point with the abstract articles is that there are standard phrases that can be used across articles, such as words for amenities you will find in many hotels. For the phrasebook phrases, the question is whether the same Sámi phrase would suite the phrasebook in English and the one in Latvian (or whatever). ::::::::When the English phrase is translated differently depending on context, some commentary needs to be added (formal/informal, feminine/masculine). This commentary is redundant or awkward in languages that make the same distinction, possibly treating the two (or more) forms as totally unrelated (the person is deceased, the cow is dead). ::::::::For the cup of tea, you may need to word that differently depending on whether you are a man or woman, and whether the one you are asking for the cup is a waiter, the café owner, your host or your host's young child. ::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 20:59, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::::Perhaps an example would show what I was thinking of: :::::::::In [[French phrasebook]], we have: :::::::::; How much is a ticket to _____? : Combien coûte le billet pour _____ ? (''kom-BYAN koot luh bee-YEH poor'') :::::::::; One ticket to _____, please. : Un billet pour _____, s'il vous plaît. (''ung bee-YEH poor ____ seel voo pleh'') :::::::::On Polish WV there is [[:pl:Rozmówki francuskie]], their French Phrasebook. :::::::::;Ile kosztuje bilet do...? : Combien coûte le billet pour...? :::::::::;Poproszę jeden bilet do... : Un billet pour..., je vous prie. :::::::::We also have [[Finnish phrasebook]], which has: :::::::::; How much is a ticket to _____? : Paljonko maksaa lippu _____in? (''PAHL-yonk-aw MAHK-sah LEEP-poo _____?'') :::::::::So I think that a Finnish phrasebook on the Polish WV, could have :::::::::;Ile kosztuje bilet do...? : Paljonko maksaa lippu _____in? (''PAHL-yonk-aw MAHK-sah LEEP-poo _____?'') :::::::::"One ticket to" is not exactly the same (translating the French used in Polish, it is saying "I beg you" rather than "please"), so this phase would require some manual adjustments when it was abstracted. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:24, 27 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::I don't think that the idea with Abstract is to program in "please", but rather to swap in whichever word or phrase is used in that language to indicate politeness and respect while making a request. ::::::::::We already have a [[mw:Help:Magic words#gender|software switch for gender]], so this is not some miraculous future tech; this is an expansion of what has been possible for years. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 01:39, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::For Finnish, there is no word or phrase that indicates politeness, but one often uses the conditional (?) verb form instead. In some cases one would just use that word form in the phrase (in the Finnish phrasebooks and in phrasebooks for Finnish) – but here the question is instead with no sign of politeness, which is common in that language. Something like "could you" is problematic as most languages make a distinction between thou and you. I think the common cases can be handled decently, but for less well-known language families – those that benefit most from the abstract articles – the edge cases will be more common. It is likely that abstract phrasebook have to be tweaked for specific languages to avoid the odd case of very problematic renderings. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:02, 28 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::In Malay, there are two words for "please" that have different meanings and are used in different contexts. There are also two words for "we" that have different meanings. Etc. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:34, 30 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::I would expect all the foreign phrases to be reproduced exactly as they were in the existing phrasebook(s) that they were taken from. Ideally the left side phrases would also be exact reproductions, unless they were used to create a phrasebook to be part of a WV that doesn't currently have any phrasebooks; but it is less of an issue if the left side doesn't read perfectly. I am assuming that an Abstract Wikivoyage would have some mechanism for handling quoted text, as this is essential for reproducing the exact words used in famous speeches etc, and will be required for abstract Wikipedia and Wikiquote etc. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 14:06, 30 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::{{re|WhatamIdoing}} LPfi's basically explained why I don't think abstract phrasebooks will work. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:25, 27 May 2025 (UTC) == Adding images to the Infobox template == {{Infobox/sandbox|Infobox sandbox test|Nutritious, filling content goes here. |image=Dessert_Merlion_Singapore_Cafe_Kaya_Toast.jpg |caption=Yum yum!}} I've hacked up [[Template:Infobox/sandbox]] which add new <code>image/caption</code> parameters, so you can easily add an image to your infoboxen instead of trying to manually hack it in. Example: <pre> {{Infobox/sandbox |Infobox sandbox test |Nutritious, filling content goes here. |image=Dessert_Merlion_Singapore_Cafe_Kaya_Toast.jpg |caption=Yum yum!}} </pre> If there's no objections, I'll roll this out to the main Infobox template, the params are optional so it shouldn't break anything. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 06:02, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :{{support}} &ndash; Will be useful for articles like [[India]] and [[Kolkata]], which already use images in infoboxes. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 06:15, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :This is a tangent, but I think we should consider renaming that template, or at least changing its Wikidata links. Wikivoyage doesn't do Wikipedia-style infoboxes. These are just simple boxes, more like pull quotes or boxed warnings. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:29, 27 May 2025 (UTC) ::Change the Wikidata link, but keep the name. It is an infobox, although not a Wikipedia-style one. Of course, if somebody comes up with a better name, then I won't object. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:06, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :::{{ping|WhatamIdoing|LPfi}} Maybe {{tl|Info}} can be used instead of {{tl|Infobox}}. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 02:40, 28 May 2025 (UTC) ::::For us, this is an infobox, not just info. I wouldn't support such changes just to conform. Somebody who wants a Wikipedia-style infobox should just be directed to {{tl|quickbar}}, and somebody who tries to use {{tl|infobox}} quickly sees that it isn't what they are looking for. A see also for the former is more useful than a name change. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:11, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :::::I'll fix the Wikidata links so that {{tl|quickbar}} is matched with the Wikipedia-style infoboxes, and {{tl|infobox}} isn't. I'm not sure what our {{tl|infobox}} should be matched to; I don't think that enwiki has anything similar. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:28, 28 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::...No, that won't work. {{tl|Quickbar}} matches "Infobox Country". I'll remove the {{tl|infobox}} links. That much is certainly correct. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:29, 28 May 2025 (UTC) (undent) I've deployed the new version. I had to tweak it a bit to stop it from adding extra padding when the new params are not used, but it should be OK now, please ping me if not. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 07:58, 28 May 2025 (UTC) == Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees 2025 Selection & Call for Questions == <section begin="announcement-content" /> :''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Announcement/Selection announcement|{{int:interlanguage-link-mul}}]] • [https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Translate&group=page-{{urlencode:Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Announcement/Selection announcement}}&language=&action=page&filter= {{int:please-translate}}]'' Dear all, This year, the term of 2 (two) Community- and Affiliate-selected Trustees on the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees will come to an end [1]. The Board invites the whole movement to participate in this year’s selection process and vote to fill those seats. The Elections Committee will oversee this process with support from Foundation staff [2]. The Governance Committee, composed of trustees who are not candidates in the 2025 community-and-affiliate-selected trustee selection process (Raju Narisetti, Shani Evenstein Sigalov, Lorenzo Losa, Kathy Collins, Victoria Doronina and Esra’a Al Shafei) [3], is tasked with providing Board oversight for the 2025 trustee selection process and for keeping the Board informed. More details on the roles of the Elections Committee, Board, and staff are here [4]. Here are the key planned dates: * May 22 – June 5: Announcement (this communication) and call for questions period [6] * June 17 – July 1, 2025: Call for candidates * July 2025: If needed, affiliates vote to shortlist candidates if more than 10 apply [5] * August 2025: Campaign period * August – September 2025: Two-week community voting period * October – November 2025: Background check of selected candidates * Board’s Meeting in December 2025: New trustees seated Learn more about the 2025 selection process - including the detailed timeline, the candidacy process, the campaign rules, and the voter eligibility criteria - on this Meta-wiki page [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025|[link]]]. '''Call for Questions''' In each selection process, the community has the opportunity to submit questions for the Board of Trustees candidates to answer. The Election Committee selects questions from the list developed by the community for the candidates to answer. Candidates must answer all the required questions in the application in order to be eligible; otherwise their application will be disqualified. This year, the Election Committee will select 5 questions for the candidates to answer. The selected questions may be a combination of what’s been submitted from the community, if they’re alike or related. [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Questions_for_candidates|[link]]] '''Election Volunteers''' Another way to be involved with the 2025 selection process is to be an Election Volunteer. Election Volunteers are a bridge between the Elections Committee and their respective community. They help ensure their community is represented and mobilize them to vote. Learn more about the program and how to join on this Meta-wiki page [[m:Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Election_volunteers|[link].]] Thank you! [1] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2022/Results [2] https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Committee:Elections_Committee_Charter [3] https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Resolution:Committee_Membership,_December_2024 [4] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections_committee/Roles [5] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/FAQ [6] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Questions_for_candidates Best regards, Victoria Doronina Board Liaison to the Elections Committee Governance Committee<section end="announcement-content" /> [[User:MediaWiki message delivery|MediaWiki message delivery]] ([[User talk:MediaWiki message delivery|talk]]) 03:08, 28 May 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:RamzyM (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Distribution_list/Global_message_delivery&oldid=28618011 --> == Medium [[Main Page]] overhaul proposal == Since my [[Talk:Main_Page#Help_needed_with_tweaking_visual_balance_of_the_main_page|request for input and support]] on Talk:Main Page went mostly unnoticed, I'm bringing this proposal to the pub to ensure it gets the daylight it should have, as these are proposals to change the look of a rather important page. Here's the backstory: For longer than [[WV:Vector 2022|Vector 2022]] has been around, I've been bothered by the balance of elements on the main page. The new skin only did it injustices, so I've taken it upon myself to mend the shortcomings of the main page in my quest to make Wikivoyage work in Vector 2022. This all so our site looks a bit more appealing in the new skin. I know many regular editors stuck with their old preferred skins when we got the new skin imposed on us, but this still is something that will affect Wikivoyage's appeal to new editors and readers. If the main page looks chaotic and messy, they'll be less likely to stick around. So to each and every editor, <u>regardless</u> of which skin you use: Please chime in! That being said, these are the changes I have developed, and have ready to deploy: * '''Wider {{tl|Mapbanner}}:''' Some small tweaks to the template which make it use all the page width available to it, and moves the globe image and image map accordingly. * '''Centred JCaroussel:''' For the same reason, to make better use of the width on the main page, I've got some CSS changes to the JCaroussel ready that center the featured articles. Scaling them up to simply be full page width I have found to be too tedious to bother with. * '''Overhauled {{tl|Banner}}:''' Vector 2022's scaleable font plays too much with the banners for featured articles to where sometimes the blurb isn't even entirely visible. In the same process, I've simplified the way in which this template is used for each category, foregoing the need for a 'section' and 'section-link' parameter, replacing them with a 'type' parameter. Its style is mostly in keeping with the existing banners and should simplify the process for featuring articles more than it complicates them. What do these changes look like? In the case of {{tl|Mapbanner}}, I cannot easily give a working demonstration as its stylesheet currently overwrites any changes I make to it. Instead, [https://i.imgur.com/6mAMkfG.png this image] is the best I can offer. You'll have to take my word for its functionality being unchanged. The centred JCaroussel and overhauled {{tl|Banner}} can be seen and interacted with [[User:Wauteurz/Banner|on this page]]. I've done my best to ensure that these changes are in keeping with Wikivoyage's current main page style. I know that entire overhauls are not that popular, so I hope these proposals are good enough. I am looking for a broad consensus to roll out at least the first two changes, but ideally all three. I don't feel comfortable rolling some of these changes out with only two people expressing support for them. Please, throw your questions and concerns in my direction, and I hope we can together fix what I consider to be the biggest remaining issue with Vector 2022. Thank you in advance. <br/> <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 14:19, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :{{Support}} as the developer of these changes. Vector 2022 dictates how new readers and editors get presented our site, and with its current chaotic and undependable nature, something ''has'' to be done. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 14:20, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :{{ping|Wauteurz}} Any idea for better responsive design of the Wikivoyage main page, as more people access our pages via phone than PC? '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 14:47, 28 May 2025 (UTC) ::@[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]] For clarity, these changes only affect the appearance on desktop devices. The changes to JCaroussel also apply in Minerva (mobile), but due to screen size limitations they won't have an effect in most cases. My main goal is overseeing the damage caused by Vector 2022's roll-out on Wikivoyage. Since mobile devices use Minerva, I mostly leave the mobile appearance alone. ::As for my thoughts on mobile, I don't think any of the regular editors have any experience in mobile design, let alone responsive mobile design, so I'm mostly wondering why it's responsive in the first place. I'd personally suggest removing the responsive elements (mostly the feature banners) and replacing them with DotM, OtBP and FTT in simple presentations akin to Picture of the Day and Media of the Day on Commons' main page. The 3:1 banners also are a big problem in my eyes. They're far too short to work on mobile, and I think a square or tall ratio would work leagues better in a mobile format. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 15:31, 28 May 2025 (UTC) *{{s}} very much agree that these changes will be needed sooner than later. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 18:48, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :'''Support'''. Thanks for doing this! As a choosing beggar, I would love to see the mobile front page fixed as well though, the DOTM banner is completely broken at the moment and the padding/spacing of the entire page is wonky at best. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 00:03, 29 May 2025 (UTC) :'''Question''' for all involved: The new banner uses some icons to depict the category that the article is featured in (i.e., [[:File:Yes Check Circle.svg|DotM]], [[:File:Right turn icon blue.svg|OtBP]] and [[:File:Writing Circle.svg|FTT]]). I assume that we wish to keep these instead of the placeholder icons I have used? I'll be working on adapting those into simple white icons, which should be pretty straight-forward. If we wish to change them in future, then that can always be done afterwards. Having the icons consistent between {{tl|Banner}} and {{tl|Pagebanner}} would be for the better, I reckon :) :I am currently aiming to roll these updates out this weekend (June 7/8), just in time for the next featured article change. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 23:55, 1 June 2025 (UTC) ::Update: Making and updating the icons was pretty straight-forward indeed: [[Special:Diff/5071035|Diff/5071035]] <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 00:20, 2 June 2025 (UTC) :'''Support'''. Lots of good improvements! Just make sure to fix the "Off the Beaten Path" link to point to a real page. [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 15:10, 2 June 2025 (UTC) ::{{Done}}. Thanks for spotting that one! <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 15:19, 2 June 2025 (UTC) {{Done}}! Thank you everyone for your support! I've gone ahead and pushed these changes just now. I've naturally updated the usages of {{tl|banner}} on the Main Page and DOTM-Candidates as well. If there's any issues arising from this roll-out, please let me know. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 11:34, 7 June 2025 (UTC) :Awesome! That looks great to me. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 11:46, 7 June 2025 (UTC) == FYI: 10 Travel Tips From Experts Who’ve Been Everywhere == https://www.carryology.com/travel/10-travel-tips-from-experts-whove-been-everywhere/ —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 09:05, 30 May 2025 (UTC) == Tourist office problem == I tried to ask a question in the [[Wikivoyage:Tourist office]], and I replied to it with another question, but I can't see any of it except in edit mode and don't understand why. I used the form on that page to ask the first question. What I want to know is which side of the train to sit on for Amtrak trips between Montreal and Plattsburgh, NY and between Plattsburgh and Saratoga Springs, even if the answers come too late for me to use them. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:24, 30 May 2025 (UTC) :When you click "Ready? Ask a new question!", should the form on the next page require the "Subject:" field to not be empty? Or at least have a placeholder subject text? :I also see someone else's question about Cancun that got ignored, because it's tacked on the end of the previous section. [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 20:42, 1 June 2025 (UTC) ::I guess the problem is that I didn't see the subject field in my mobile phone interface. Is there a way to improve that? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:58, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :::It looks like you can set a default subject value with the InputBox 'default=' parameter. Maybe give it something like "Question from ~~<noinclude></noinclude>~"? I'm not sure how to change the "Subject:" label styling. :::Should the Tourist Office behave more like a Talk page, with an Add Topic button leading to a visual editor? [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 23:44, 2 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I'd support that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:48, 2 June 2025 (UTC) :::::[https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:DiscussionTools It looks like adding a "NEWSECTIONLINK" line is the magic to enable the visual editor on a page.] [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:InputBox There's also a usedt=true parameter to InputBox to make it use the visual editor by default.] :::::It seems to work in this sandbox I set up: [[User:Gerode/Tourist_office_sandbox]] [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 17:48, 5 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I went ahead and applied these two changes. Let me know if I broke anything, or if there's anything else odd about the Tourist office. [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 16:22, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ==Move request== You are invited to participate at [[Talk:Bangalore#Bangalore to Bengaluru]], which can affect the articles [[Bangalore]] and [[Bangalore Rural]], and the category [[:Category:Bangalore]]. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 08:19, 31 May 2025 (UTC) == AfriVoyage == Hi everyone! 👋 My name is [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvin Ategyeka]] from Uganda, and I’ve just launched a new project called '''AfriVoyage'''. It’s a WikiVoyage-focused initiative to document African travel destinations using local perspectives. Our pilot is starting in Uganda, with the goal of improving content and training youth contributors. You can follow the project on Meta-Wiki here: [[meta:AfriVoyage]] I would love your thoughts, guidance, and support. Thanks in advance! <small>unsigned comment by [[User:Alvinategyeka]]</small> :Welcome, Alvin. Wikivoyage really needs more African content, especially if provided by people with local knowledge. Your project will be supported from regular contributors like me. Please let us know how we can help. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:41, 31 May 2025 (UTC) :[[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]], I think you will be a more successful leader if you improve some articles yourself, before you invite anyone else to join you. We'd be happy to help you. :For example, one mistake that we see people making is copying Wikipedia articles here. A Wikipedia article will sound something like "Semuliki National Park is a national park in Bwamba County, a remote part of the Bundibugyo District in the Western Region of Uganda that was established in October 1993". This is the wrong approach here. A Wikivoyage article should have a [[Wikivoyage:Tone|lively tone]]. The beginning of a good Wikivoyage article might sound something like this: :* '''Semuliki National Park''' in [[Western Uganda]] is the only place you can visit a true lowland tropical forest in all of East Africa. This beautiful national park is a birdwatcher's delight, and more than 400 species of butterflies can be found inside the park's borders. :If you feel at the English Wikipedia that you have to suppress your natural style to be as dull as possible, then you'll like Wikivoyage because it allows your enthusiasm to shine in between the facts. We need the facts ("best restaurant" isn't nearly as helpful as saying how it's the best, like "good menu for vegetarians" or "artisan-quality bushera"), but we don't want a boring style. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 18:14, 31 May 2025 (UTC) ::Thank you very much and thanks for the guidance. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 13:27, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :Thank You very much. I have 6 years experience contributing to Wikimedia projects but I feel I need a new challenge and the only project that I had not explored yet always wanted to contribute to is Wiki Voyage. Am a tourism lover and i have travelled extensively in Uganda and East Africa. I hope this project will encourage more African Communities to contribute to Wiki Voyage. I will appreciate all guidance rendered. Thank You. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 13:32, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :Thank you very much, hoping to connect with you for more guidance. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 13:35, 1 June 2025 (UTC) ::Sure, and thank you for taking on this opportunity and challenge! In addition to the great advice you've been given above, I think you'll find [[Welcome, Wikipedians]] very useful. For anyone who participates in this project, some additional pages that I'd consider to provide the most important guidelines and explanatory pages on this site include [[Wikivoyage:What is an article]], [[Wikivoyage:The traveller comes first]], [[Wikivoyage:Article skeleton templates]], [[Wikivoyage:Copyleft]], [[Wikivoyage:Don't tout]], and [[Wikivoyage:Breadcrumb navigation]]. ::It is absolutely '''not''' a prerequisite for anyone to read any of these before contributing here! However, you, as organizer, should read these pages, because you will then be able to distill the most important characteristics of the site for others who are enthusiastic about contributing but not yet familiar with the site, and another important thing is that once you've read or at least skipped through these pages, you can ask us questions. ::I love the fact that you contacted us before the official launch of the project. In the past, projects that were begun on a large scale without any notice to us presented huge issues relating to the policies laid out in the pages I linked for you. ::Thanks again, and we very much look forward to working with you and your colleagues! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:36, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :::Thanks for the resources and guidance. I have been reading and researching about Wiki Voyage and what you have added will guide me more. I will contact you for further guidance in order to move the project forward. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 15:52, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :Thanks a lot. i look forward to working with you and seeking guidance to move the project forward. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 15:54, 1 June 2025 (UTC) == Evora's page banner on wikidata == I noticed [[Evora]]'s page banner does not exist in wikidata. I was unable to add it there. Would someone show me how to proceed, please? [[User:Claude van der Grift|Claude van der Grift]] ([[User talk:Claude van der Grift|talk]]) 18:31, 31 May 2025 (UTC) :[[d:Q179948|Évora]]'s banner is already defined on Wikidata since 2013, so moving it over isn't necessary. Regardless, you'd add a banner to a Wikidata item by adding a statement using [[d:P948|P948 (page banner)]]. Simply add the file name without the "File:" prefix but with the file extension as its value, and clicking publish. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 20:28, 31 May 2025 (UTC) ::Evora's Wikidata page is semi-protected, so you can't edit if you have made less than 50 edits on Wikidata. As already said, there is no need to edit it, as it is already using the banner from Wikidata. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 21:47, 31 May 2025 (UTC) :::Thank for your explanations {{U|AlasdairW}}. Unfortunately I mistook [[:d:Q179948|Evora]] for [[:d:Q243849|Elvas]]. The latter has no page banner. Sure I have more than 50 edits on wikidata. I forgot to say that I'm editing only by my smartphone. [[User:Claude van der Grift|Claude van der Grift]] ([[User talk:Claude van der Grift|talk]]) 15:00, 1 June 2025 (UTC) == FYI: Planning a Trip? AI Will Do That For You == https://www.thrillist.com/travel/nation/ai-travel-apps —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 07:04, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :I wonder whether we can design an AI tool that can fetch info from Wikivoyage and make a summary for you. That can replace the burden of manual summary writing by Wikivoyagers. Of course, Wikivoyage articles should be curated by humans, with AI summarizing them. I want to suggest this to Wikipedians as well, but I have been blocked there since 2021, and I mostly work on the Bengali Wikipedia. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 07:11, 1 June 2025 (UTC) == Wikivoyage and OsmAnd app == I am looking into making it easier to walk [[Stockholm Archipelago Trail]] and have found the [[w:en:OsmAnd]] app useful '''my question''' is there any good examples when those to domains works good together? - –––– [[User:Salgo60|Salgo60]] ([[User talk:Salgo60|talk]]) 07:43, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :As a regular OsmAnd user, I don't believe so to the best of my knowledge. :( //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 05:25, 4 June 2025 (UTC) ::I started using OsmAnd several months ago, and I have been playing around with the Wikivoyage integration since. I spend a lot of time in a major city with a Guide-level article and I find the integration useful there. I haven't tried it with an itinerary. My first thought is to pull up a [https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Category:Guide_itineraries Guide] or [https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Category:Star_itineraries Star] itinerary for a place you've been before and see what the OsmAnd experience is like. [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 16:08, 4 June 2025 (UTC) == Improving this project with little to no knowledge of English == It's been a while since I've posted anything major on the pub, but one of the things I'm quite pleased with the way we do things here is the fact that we are ''very'' open and accommodating to users who can't speak or speak English with a large length of difficulty. We don't have any policies forcing the use of English in discussions and if someone has shown a genuine interest in the project, it isn't unorthodox for someone to go out of their way and respond in another language they know on this site. It comes back to when {{ping|Andyrom75}} told me on itwikivoyage (around when itwikivoyage hit 10k articles, iirc) that it's possible to contribute to Wikivoyage without really knowing the language – and it's true. Most of my activity on itwikivoyage has since been doing minor fixes, adding listings with no description (since you don't need to know the language to add listings, opening hours, urls, address and such), removing closed businesses/out of date info, fixing dead links and the like. Since many of our articles also follow a similar structured format, it's very easy to contribute to the site so long as you're aware of your limitations. Some ideas I had in mind to perhaps make this wiki even more inviting to those who might not have the English skills necessary to contribute text but still want to help: * A community written guide on this, similar to [[Wikivoyage:Welcome, business owners]], [[Wikivoyage:Welcome, locals]] or [[Wikivoyage:Welcome, Wikipedians]] * Finish [[User:SHB2000/admins table]], move to the Wikivoyage namespace, add the table to [[Wikivoyage:Administrators]], and add any advanced perms from other WMF projects. ** Perhaps also make a similar table for non-admins who are reasonably active on this site. More thoughts and ideas would be appreciated – even better if we can facilitate this on other language Wikivoyages. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:11, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :Contribute in another language version of Wikvoyage it's just a matter of willingness and time. For a certain amount of time. For few years I've supported sv:voy without knowing any word in Swedish :-D Nowadays unfortunately I don't have enough time, so I can only concentrate it on it:voy :-( :PS your support on it:voy @[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] is always extremely appreciated! :-) [[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 17:14, 4 June 2025 (UTC) ::I occasionally do the same kind of thing at the Haitian Creole Wikipedia. I can't write in the language, but I can check a maintenance category and fix the wikitext errors there. ::Based on my experience, I'd say that there are two main opportunities for contribution: ::* 'technical' contributions, such as fixing wikitext or broken URLs ::* language-agnostic contributions, such as adding phone numbers, websites, and lat/long coordinates to listings; adding images that require no caption or only a simple/obvious one (e.g., "Disneyland" or "Town Name Church"); removing listings for closed restaurants, etc. ::@[[User:Piotrus|Piotrus]] might have some ideas about which tasks are easiest for his English-language learners to do. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 22:48, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :::Yeah this very much explains it in a nutshell. :) //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:13, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :::@[[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] Indeed, some of my ESL students have effectively only a beginner level of English at best. These days, machine translation is getting good enough to understand a lot, and contribute text that's "mostly ok". It will only get better as AI tools and student use of them improve. Anyway, you can see my activities for students at [[User:Hanyangprofessor2]] [[User:Piotrus|Piotrus]] ([[User talk:Piotrus|talk]]) 01:12, 5 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I have added images that I have taken to many different language variants of Wikipedia. I use Google translate for the text and and hope that a native user if that language will make any corrections. [[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 11:22, 5 June 2025 (UTC) :::::I recently added a listing about Japan in [https://ja.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=%E6%88%90%E7%94%B0%E5%B8%82&diff=52846&oldid=50973 ja.voy] despite not knowing Japanese. The listing editor really makes it simple to improve an article. Last week I presented [[wikidata:Event:Wikidata_and_Sister_Projects#Friday,_May_30th|a Wikidata talk about Listing Editor]] and mentioned that it's a really good gateway to get more contributors. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 15:58, 5 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::The Listing Editor really does! Particularly because they're very standardised across most language Wikivoyages, so the only "bad" listing editor is a malfunctioning/broken listing editor. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:27, 21 June 2025 (UTC) == Linking Wikicommons == I am documenting the Stockholm Archipelago Trail and have uploaded more than [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Stockholm_Archipelago_Trail 3,000 pictures] / [https://wikimap.toolforge.org/?cat=Stockholm_Archipelago_Trail&subcats=true&subcatdepth=4&cluster=false Wikimap] from the trail to Wikimedia Commons. For example, the section Nåttarö will be documented on Wikivoyage here: [[Stockholm_Archipelago_Trail#SAT_Nåttarö]] and is on Wikicommons [https://wikimap.toolforge.org/?cat=SAT_N%C3%A5ttar%C3%B6&subcats=true&subcatdepth=3&cluster=false WIkimap] 1) What is the policy regarding linking to a trail on Wikicommons? I believe such links add significant value by helping readers better understand the trail conditions. Additionally, I see 360-degree images as a step forward in enhancing navigation and exploration, making it easier for users to visualize the terrain. Additionally, 2) I have used Mapillary for one section. Is there a specific policy on linking Mapillary content? For instance, Stockholm Archipelago Trail’s Landsort section is partially represented on [https://www.mapillary.com/app/user/salgo601?lat=58.737857&lng=17.865676&z=17&pKey=1060410682654434 Mapillary pKey=1060410682654434] Would appreciate any guidance on this. Thanks! [[User:Salgo60|Salgo60]] ([[User talk:Salgo60|talk]]) 14:26, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :The use of a limited number of thumbnails from Commons is normal. See [[Wikivoyage:Image policy]]. Otherwise, links are normally through Wikidata: please read [[Wikivoyage:Sister project links]]. For guidelines on third-party links outside Wikimedia, see [[Wikivoyage:External links]], but the answer to your 2nd question is that such links are normally not allowed except to primary sources (for example, the website of a listed restaurant, hotel, museum, etc.) and are subject to deletion. However, Wikivoyage policies and guidelines are always open to discussion, so start a thread at the most relevant guideline article's talk page if you'd like to argue for a change. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:40, 4 June 2025 (UTC) ::thanks but dont the community see the added value? especially when documenting a walking trail it can be good to better understand how steep steep is....- [[User:Salgo60|Salgo60]] ([[User talk:Salgo60|talk]]) 14:54, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :::If you don't like my suggestion of starting a discussion thread on the appropriate policy page's talk page, where you can document the indispensability of Mapillary as your argument for a policy change, you can argue for an exception to policy on [[Talk:Stockholm Archipelago Trail]], but you can't get either a policy change or an exception by arguing in the Pub. But if you're asking for my opinion on why there has been no specific consideration of Mapillary, I'd speculate it's because most of us have never heard of it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:15, 4 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I've heard of Mapillary – I appreciate they're open source and licensed under CC-BY SA, but they're indirectly a competitor to Commons –&nbsp;if you can upload a photo to Mapillary, you can upload it to Commons. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 07:28, 5 June 2025 (UTC) :::::The difference is that you traverse a route on Mapillary its connected 360 pictures I am not an expert but [https://www.mapillary.com/app/?lat=58.737746&lng=17.865677&z=17&pKey=1848345639040650&x=0.46081730421230177&y=0.5976337053747495&zoom=0&focus=photo click on forward on this] its from me walking [[SAT_Landsort]] :::::* they support 360 pictures much better than Wikicommons :::::* [https://www.mapillary.com/showcase OsmAnd and Open Street Map use them] :::::[[User:Salgo60|Salgo60]] ([[User talk:Salgo60|talk]]) 19:08, 7 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::One issue is that of privacy. I might trust the WMF, but I don't want to research the privacy policy and trustworthiness of a third party. Checking the website of a hotel where I intend to sleep is one thing, a Wikivoyage page being dependent on a third party is very different. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:58, 7 June 2025 (UTC) :For Wikimedia Commons (that's their name), you can link a category or gallery via Wikidata. On a gallery page you can show all the most relevant images, with explanatory text and a layout of your liking. The rest of the images would be easily found in the category. Is that what you are looking for in your first question? –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 22:04, 7 June 2025 (UTC) == I had an edit flagged as destructive because my account isn't very old == I was trying to remove information related to crossing the border into Azerbaijan from the Baku page (it's been closed since 2020 and the only way in is via air), but trying to delete a lot of content on a new account flagged me as a vandal. If someone has permissions to view the changes, and would be willing to check on those changes, thank you very much :) [[User:MagnumDahng|MagnumDahng]] ([[User talk:MagnumDahng|talk]]) 09:32, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :{{re|MagnumDahng}} Can you try removing the outdated content once again? I've temporarily disabled the filters; let me know once you've removed everything that you intended to. Sorry for the extra inconvenience. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:04, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::It worked. ::No worries. I understand why it's there :) [[User:MagnumDahng|MagnumDahng]] ([[User talk:MagnumDahng|talk]]) 10:15, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :::Perfect, I've re-enabled the filters; thanks again for the updates! :) //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:36, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ==Does WV need a policy for descriptions of living people?== Wikivoyage is a travel guide and not intended to be a collection of biographies. Still, travel topics and itineraries might mention important individuals, such as explorers, artists, monarchs, and politicians. [[Wikivoyage:What is an article?]] discourages from creating an article for a living celebrity, as these are more difficult to finish than articles for [[Christopher Columbus]], [[Frank Lloyd Wright]] or [[Astrid Lindgren]]. Articles such as [[Presidents of the United States]] and [[Monarchy of the United Kingdom]] describe living individuals who have not concluded their careers, and they are certainly controversial. When writing [[Jewish Stockholm tour]], [[Stockholm environmentalist tour]] and [[Nordic monarchies]], a couple of famous living people came to mind, but I found it advisable to mention them as briefly as possible. Which general principles should we follow? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:58, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :It looks like [[foundation:BLP]] encourages us to have a formal policy, even if there isn't much to say. [[Project:Don't be evil]], maybe? :We already have [[Wikivoyage:Photographs of identifiable people]] and [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#People in photos]], which discourage photos of people. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 20:36, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::I'd support a policy for the same reason. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 11:40, 11 June 2025 (UTC) :I think this is largely not that relevant to a travel guide, but it is actually common to have "Maps of the Stars" or tours of celebrity homes in the Los Angeles region, which to me is completely crazy and behavior that should not be encouraged. Considering Whatamidoing's point about the WMF encouraging this kind of documentation, I think having a guideline/policy is wise. Good thinking. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 21:00, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::Yeah, I would absolutely oppose any article for a tour that takes people to the homes of celebrities who would rather be private in their own homes. If this kind of tour existed in New York, New Yorkers would be up in arms about it and pressing the City Council to pass a law about it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:35, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::The page and section about photos say very little, mostly discouraging photos of yourself, which isn't what this is about. [[commons:Project:Photographs of identifiable people]] says a lot more and should probably be followed also regarding locally uploaded pictures. None of those three says anything about text about people (other than that captions shouldn't be defamatory). ::I think we probably shouldn't write a policy unless there are real issues. We have no reason to write about most people, and it seems common sense, like what Yvwv showed above, works reasonably well. Writing a policy opens up for loopholes and wikilawyering. ::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:50, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :::I wonder if our "BLP policy" could be a section in our existing [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]] policy. Basically, a few principles about avoiding mentioning individuals, and especially avoiding saying anything contentious or unfairly invading their privacy. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 16:40, 10 June 2025 (UTC) ::::That sounds reasonable. In the past I have opposed a suggestion to create an itinerary based on the travels of a living individual. ::::A more common situation is where a listing mentions something about the people that work in the hotel or restaurant. "Friendly owners" or "poor service from the waiters" is ok, but referring to staff by name needs more care. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:04, 10 June 2025 (UTC) :::::It's surely OK when the name of the Chef de Cuisine or Pastry Chef are printed on menus or are well-known chefs the restaurant promotes. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:40, 10 June 2025 (UTC) :::::: Can an artist's personal life be separated from their work? At least, death is useful to conclude a life story. As Georg Riedel past away one year ago, he deserves to be described in the [[Jewish Stockholm tour]]. Aleksander Wolodarski is another person appropriate to mention, but as he is well and alive (and to some degree a divisive character in Swedish architecture) the description of him in the same article is very brief. The [[Harry Potter tourism]] barely mentions the author, and that might be good as it is. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:16, 11 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I think it would be fine to note the name of a celebrity chef ("Thomas Keller's restaurant, The French Laundry"), or even a relatively public non-celebrity ("The restaurant owner, Mary Smith, is also the long-time mayor of this small town" or "Olly Owner is happy to pack a picnic upon request"). ::::::However, as an extension of [[Wikivoyage:Avoid negative reviews]], we don't really want "Chris Celebrity is pretentious and their restaurant is overpriced" or "Wendy Waitress is unfriendly and slow". [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:26, 11 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::I think we should avoid "Wendy Waitress is unfriendly", but "Some staff are unfriendly" is ok. It is important to report negative aspects of a place if either it is balanced by "excellent cooking and wonderful bread" or it is the only place in town. It becomes more difficult with one person businesses. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 20:24, 11 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Wikivoyage should not be interested in people: that is the province of Wikipedia. Wikivoyage is however interested in places associated with people and to this end should be cautious about their privacy. If however the individual concerned invites members of the public to their homes or businesses (for example Donald Trump has a website for [https://www.maralagoclub.com/ Mar-a-Lago]) then it is no longer Wikivoyage's role to protect his privacy: if he publicises his home, then it is incumbent on him to look after his own privacy. In contrast, Joe Biden does not appear to advertise his home, so neither should Wikivoyage (even if a search on the internet will reveal Joe Biden's properties).[[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 15:18, 12 June 2025 (UTC) :Does something like this feel about right? :---- :As a general rule, Wikivoyage is interested in places, not people. Occasionally, providing a fair description will involve mentioning a specific person. In such cases, these principles apply to protect living people: :* Avoid contentious matter about living people to the maximum extent possible, to show respect for human dignity and personal privacy. Publishing personal information that is tangential to the needs of the article, trivial, ephemeral, or constitutes a [[Wikivoyage:Avoid negative reviews|negative review]] is unfair. For example, if a restaurant owner promotes dubious beliefs to customers, then omit the listing completely rather than writing about the owner's beliefs. :* Avoid whole articles focused on living people, such as an [[Wikivoyage:Itineraries|itinerary]] to see the private homes of celebrities. It is fair to have an itinerary focused on Taylor Swift's concert tours; it is not fair to have an article focused on her homes. :* Individual listings that name a living public figure are acceptable so long as the content is not contentious. However, you should avoid naming living people when a general description is adequate. For example, write "The owner is happy to talk about local history" instead of "Harry Historian, the owner, is happy to talk about local history", even though you would name the celebrity chef Thomas Keller as the owner of the restaurant The French Laundry. :---- :What should be changed, added, omitted? [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 16:39, 12 June 2025 (UTC) ::Thanks for offering a rough draft! The one part that sticks out to me as problematic is the part about "dubious beliefs," which gives an opening to intolerant atheists to complain about a bismillah or cross in a restaurant. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:12, 12 June 2025 (UTC) :::I was thinking about political beliefs, and specifically about an anti-masking restaurant I read about during the pandemic, but you're right: That needs to be re-worded. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 23:30, 12 June 2025 (UTC) ::::Still a good start, I'd say. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 12:15, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I don't think that businesses should be removed because of beliefs of the owner or personnel; that the owner touts antivacc or flat-earth theories might be entertaining rather than a reason to avoid them. One might tell that they might raise controversial topics. For dangerous practices, such as not using masks when needed, that would be treated like them using contaminated water or whatever. Yes, sometimes that warrants removing the listing in line with ''no bad reviews'', but that has little to do with privacy. ::::For a Finnish business, it was suggested that the listings be removed because of bigotry, in effect a boycott by Wikivoyage. I am not sure about to what extent to do that, but I assume we might tell something about the owner in that case, if we leave the choice whether to use their services to our readers. I would oppose individual editors removing listings because of views that don't conform with their own, but they may of course choose not to add them. ::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:28, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :::::I think there might be a spectrum of issues, but some types of (e.g.,) bigotry are not compatible with [[Wikivoyage:The traveller comes first]]. Inclusion constitutes a recommendation, at least when there are other alternatives. If we list a restaurant, it should be because travellers are welcome. If the restaurant's listing would need to have a disclaimer along the lines of "BTW, only white people are allowed to eat here" or "People whom the owner thinks look Jewish/Muslim/Black/gay/trans will be refused service", then that restaurant shouldn't be included in Wikivoyage at all. Listed restaurants should normally be open to all of the general public. :::::On the other end of the spectrum, if the owner cheerfully accepts all customers, but he privately belongs to a racist organization, then that's not really relevant to the travellers' experience, so we needn't mention that. Travellers who want to patronize only businesses owned by people who share the same politics/religion/race/sexual orientation should look elsewhere for that information. :::::Somewhere in the middle is factual information that travellers may interpret in opposite ways. For example, if a given deli in New York City is kosher, it'd be worth noting that in the description. Most travellers won't care. Some travellers will prefer it (either for religious reasons or because kosher meat is considered more ethical than conventional meat). Some travellers will reject it. But knowing that it might appeal (or not) to different travellers is not the same as different travellers not being allowed to eat at the deli. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 20:02, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I see no problem in describing a restaurant in terms of the religious beliefs that it portrays provided that it is done in a neutral manner - for example , "The XYZ resaurant is a kosher/halal/vegetarian establishment". The reader can then make up their ow mind about patronising the establishment - after all Wikivoyage has many articles about various places of worship. [[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 21:05, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::I think the general point is that we want "XYZ is a kosher/halal/vegetarian restaurant" but not "The owner of XYZ is a Jew/Muslim/vegetarian person". [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:10, 14 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::I agree here. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 06:56, 18 June 2025 (UTC) *Suggested rewrite of the first point (Changes in bold): :"''Avoid contentious matter about living people to the maximum extent possible, to show respect for human dignity and personal privacy. Publishing personal information that is tangential to the needs of the article, trivial, ephemeral, or constitutes a negative review is unfair. For example, if a restaurant owner promotes '''particular''' beliefs to customers, then omit the listing completely rather than writing about the owner's beliefs. '''If however the establishment itself <u>caters</u> for certain beliefs and/or ethics, it is reasonable, or maybe even desireable, to add those beliefs/ethics to the description in a neutral manner - such as including the words "kosher/halal/vegetarian" to the establishment's description.'''''" [[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 21:14, 13 June 2025 (UTC) *I suggest that the second point be extended as follows (additions in bold): :''Avoid whole articles focused on living people, such as an itinerary to see the private homes of celebrities. It is fair to have an itinerary focused on Taylor Swift's concert tours; it is not fair to have an article focused on her homes. '''However, if the celebrity concerend advertises their home to the general public (for example [https://www.maralagoclub.com/ Mar-a-Lago], home of Donald Trump or [https://www.blenheimpalace.com/ Blenheim Palace], home of the Duke of Marlborough) , then it is perfectly in order to mention the home in an article and ideally to include a web address the description or article.''''' ::[[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 21:27, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::I think all this discussion of beliefs and politics is bad and not something about which we want policies. Also, bad reviews are by no means inherently unfair, and I'm mystified by how anyone could think that's the case; it's just that Wikivoyage chooses with some exceptions to simply refrain from listing businesses, rather than stating that they are bad. I also don't see why we would need to add a policy that establishments that discriminate against people based for example on their ethnicity, appearance or national origin, such as a historic restaurant in Düsseldorf that refused admission to East Asians early in the pandemic, be delisted, because we already do that based on preexisting policies. Right now, I think that based on the drafts circulated in this thread, we risk approving a new policy that is worse than none. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:40, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :::It might be best to try the smallest possible addition. After all, it's usually easier to get a policy expanded later if we really need it, than to get it shortened later. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:08, 14 June 2025 (UTC) ::::Here's a shorter version: ::::---- ::::As a general rule, Wikivoyage is interested in places, not people. Occasionally, providing a fair description will involve mentioning a specific person. In such cases, these principles apply to protect living people: ::::* Avoid contentious matter about living people to the maximum extent possible, to show respect for human dignity and personal privacy. Individual listings that name a living public figure are acceptable so long as the content is not contentious. ::::* Avoid whole articles focused on living people, such as an [[Wikivoyage:Itineraries|itinerary]] to see the private homes of celebrities. ::::---- ::::We could also soften "the maximum extent possible". It's always "possible" to avoid mentioning anyone's name, but it's not always "reasonable" to do so. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:14, 14 June 2025 (UTC) :::::What about the article on U.S. presidents? We don't avoid contentious facts about living current and former presidents; we just agree on what should be in the blurbs about them based on the existing [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]] guidelines. I still fail to see how adding at least your first proposed guideline will improve anything. Also, are we creating a solution for a nonexistent problem? Can you cite a previous example of an article that had unnecessarily contentious facts about living people that we were not able to deal with by using existing guidelines? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:33, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::[[Presidents of the United States]] is not a "whole article focused on living people"; it is a whole article focused on mostly long-dead people with just five living US Presidents being mentioned (and mostly in a "public museum" way, not a "current private home" way). This would therefore be acceptable as a case of "Individual listings that name a living public figure" that "show respect for human dignity and personal privacy". ::::::The existing problem to be solved is: The Board of Directors for the WIkimedia Foundation said that every project needs to have an official, written BLP policy. They said this about 16 years ago, so we're running a bit behind schedule, but we should have something. Their resolution encourages "special attention to the principles of neutrality", so I think putting a few sentences inside our version of the "[[Wikivoyage:NPOV|NPOV]]" policy would be appropriate. We could even create a [[WV:BLP]] shortcut to it, so the Wikipedia folks can find it easier. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:16, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::My problem is not with your second proposed provision, which is fine, but your first, and that's what my last reply addressed. If it stated that when living people have to be mentioned, we must [[be fair]] and come to a [[consensus]] about anything contentious, I'd be happy. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:33, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Can you think of any contentious or derogatory information a travel guide – especially one that does not cite external sources – ''needs'' to include? [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:37, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::I already gave you an example! And what about when we fairly describe countries as dictatorships? We've sometimes had users object and try to whitewash articles, and in such cases, we are armed with [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]], not some ridiculous claim that anything "contentious" is bad and must be avoided, which would have played into their hands. Wikivoyage is a travel guide, not a site that tries to be neutral. We expressly don't have an NPOV policy, but instead a policy that requires fairness. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:10, 18 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::I agree that we can fairly describe a country as being a dictatorship. Do we need to describe an individual living person as a dictator, when doing so would be contentious (e.g., produce disputes and disagreements on wiki)? I just checked every article containing the words "a dictator" and "the dictator"; none of them refer to living people. ::::::::::If your prior example was "What about the article on U.S. presidents?", I've already answered that question. I don't see anything privacy-invading in [[Presidents of the United States]], and I don't see anything contentious about any living person in there, either. The contents are not universally approved by the campaign team, but nobody actually disputes or "contends" over the facts (e.g., that Clinton was involved in a sex scandal, or that Trump is technically a convicted felon). [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 01:07, 20 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::If you haven't had the misfortune of speaking with a Trumper lately, consider yourself lucky. There are tens of millions of hard-core Trumpers in the U.S. who don't accept basic scientific facts and advance all kinds of conspiracy nonsense as truth. I dealt with a cabbie in New Rochelle yesterday who gratuitously started talking about politics. He claimed Biden already had cancer 4 years ago, and "they" covered it up, that claims of fossil fuels causing global warming are "bullshit" and that if the Democrats had been elected last year, we'd all be driving electric cars already, among other things. So I very much contest your confident assertion that statements of fact about Trump, Biden, Obama, etc. are not "contentious". We need to remove that word from consideration as something Wikivoyage cannot be. Do you remember years ago when there was someone who spent a couple of weeks or more trying to whitewash descriptions of Cuba by claiming that it was really a democracy, their elections are really free and fair, and the Communists have never been dictators or oppressed anyone there? Or the ones that claimed that China is a democracy and it was the U.S. (pre-Trump) that was really oppressive (the latter of which of course has never been completely false, but that was entirely beside the point in a travel guide as well as being pure whataboutism that disproves nothing). We've had all kinds of politically motivated contentions against facts. That's why our standard is [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]], not "Wikivoyage/Avoid saying anything anyone could argue with", which is what "contentious" means or would mean in the hands of anyone who wants to use a travel guide to grind an axe, rather than to improve a resource for travelers. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:14, 20 June 2025 (UTC) == Full-size images not available on maps in city districts == Since yesterday (and possibly earlier), the images in listings can be viewed in the dynamic map but trying to click on it to go to the full description page will lead to a broken link if they are in a city district page. This raises the issue on image attribution. You can test it on any listings with images at [[Queens/Flushing-Northeast]] and [[Toronto/Etobicoke]]. Anyone have insight on what recent changes broke this functionality? [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 15:46, 12 June 2025 (UTC) :Yes, needs to be fixed. For some reason, the File: prefix is prefixed by the district name. I try to check [[Module:Listing]] for the bug. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 11:52, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::Oops, the city name, not the district. Seemingly the article name is included in the image argument, and removed, but not properly so for subarticles. [[Module:Marker]] is possibly more relevant than Listing, but it is some underlying functionality that is the culprit. My understanding of how modules work is too weak for me to find it. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:10, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :::The marker on the map seems to be constructed using mw.text.jsonEncode. Where can one read that code? Was there some change recently? –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:30, 30 June 2025 (UTC) == Selection and number of images == [split off as suggested by [[User:OhanaUnited|OhanaUnited]] 02:39, 30 June 2025 (UTC). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:17, 30 June 2025 (UTC)] ::: The images embedded within listings are often not the best currently available. They don't display unless you click and faff about, so they don't enhance the page appearance encountered by the general reader. Wouldn't it be neat if there was some repository of images that were the best available copyfree, that could be simply incorporated into the page layout? We'd be sure to use those instead, right? [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 20:20, 15 June 2025 (UTC) ::::The main problem with that is that somebody needs to pick those best available images. That's done in Commons' galleries, where images uploaded in the last dozen years aren't included. We could use the image on Wikidata, but they might not be chosen according to what they are like as thumbnails. Perhaps a specific wikidata property could be created for thumbnail images or even Wikivoyage thumbnail images (like for our banners). About having to click several times, that could be improved, but we don't want clutter, so some discussion is needed on the trade-off if we want to change the status quo. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 18:33, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::: Picking those best images and considering how best to display them is exactly what editors should do, same as picking the best attractions or accommodations to list in a town, we shouldn't lazily accept what's already on the page. It's hardly an onerous task, and we want the best for our readers. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 19:00, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::{{quote|The main problem with that is that somebody needs to pick those best available images.}} :::::Maybe we can take assistance from AI tools to ease out the problem, just like we sometimes use AI to pick the best attractions to visit, and choose the appropriate accommodation. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 19:07, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I haven't heard about us letting such decisions to AI, and I'm not sure we should do it with images. But regardless of what way the images get chosen, it would be good if the choice were saved at Wikidata, to be used automatically. As the images aren't shown in the article itself, the less effort we need to use choosing, the better. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 19:55, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::How much effort do we need to save here? The first example cited was Queens / Flushing. That page is under-illustrated, with one strong image and two so-so. It took me 10 min to find six more good images on Commons, about the right number for a page of this length. Inserting them might take 3 mins apiece, say 20 min, which I'm not volunteering to do as the entire page needs updating, a solid day's work. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 21:07, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Choosing images sounds like a task that some people would love to do. Maybe we could advertise it better? It's even a task that people who don't speak English well should be able to do. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:40, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::It could be a good task, but I have seen a lot of image adding that isn't optimal: ignoring our guideline of [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#Minimal use of images|Minimal use of images]], trying to illustrate individual listings instead of the article as a whole, writing captions to that effect, and placing the images in ways that suite the editor's browser window rather than conform to best practices. :::::::::Increased advertising of this activity should thus be done cautiously, to avoid frustration both among those adding images and those patrolling. :::::::::The original issue was about images for the dynamic map, which is different from illustrating the article. :::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:00, 19 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::As a side note, [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#Minimal use of images]] probably needs both a little re-writing ("1 image per screen": Whose screen size?) and some reconsidering, as availability of internet access has generally improved since then (the [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Wikivoyage:Image_policy&diff=prev&oldid=3629972 last significant update was in 2018], based on [[Wikivoyage talk:Image policy/archive 2014-2019#Minimal use of images - not appropriate|a discussion started in 2016]]). ::::::::::But I agree that it's a tangent for the current thread. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 01:18, 20 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::How carefully did you read Minimal use? :::::::::::"1 image per screen (1,000–2,000 bytes)" :::::::::::I suppose you want to suggest an increase in the number of images we should use, and if so, do that at [[Wikivoyage talk:Image policy]]. But keep in mind that the mobile interface sucks and the site is still better viewed on a computer. I would be likely to oppose any change in the language, as there is flexibility to use more images than stated in the guideline as long as there isn't an unbroken stream on the left side; images left, right and center; or images that go below the end of the article, which looks terrible. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:19, 20 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::I read that, and I wondered which method we're using to measure "1,000 bytes". One screenful – edge to edge, top to bottom, on my laptop, with my font, my size (larger than default), my zoom (120%), etc. – is right around 2000 characters for me, but others may have half that, or four times that. Shorter lines (e.g., using only half the line at the end of a paragraph, or a short item in a list) adds volume without adding characters. ::::::::::::If we're using the file size, then wikitext and URLs add bulk to the file without affecting the screen size. We could have "1,000 bytes" and have a half-full screen (on my laptop) or "2,000 bytes" and still have a half-full screen. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 20:41, 20 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::These are rough estimates. An A4 with 67×47=3150 is quite close to 2k, if there are images, headings and paragraph breaks, probably much less if there are lists. I suppose an A4 is close to readability optimum (my browser and Emacs windows are not far off). My mobile phone seems to have 50×33=1650, perhaps 1k with images etc. The numbers don't seem to be too far off. Without prescribing a test with some specific browser window size, we cannot give precise advice. [[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 14:16, 22 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::From your estimate, the numbers appear to be off by 50%. 3150 = would be "quite close" to 3K, not 2K. ::::::::::::::I think that a more practical suggestion would be: Every well-developed section should usually have one image, so long as this can be done without the images dropping down into the next section. On desktop, this usually requires a minimum of 10 to 12 lines of text per landscape image. Very long sections can have two images. ::::::::::::::This would address the wikitext-vs-displayed problem and the difference between a solid paragraph and a long bullet list with one or two words on each line. ::::::::::::::But as we noted above, this is a separate discussion from the original concern. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:15, 22 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::: Can we take the "select the best picture" conversation into a sub-section? My original intention of this post is to report a bug which leads to the legal issue of image attribution. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 02:39, 30 June 2025 (UTC) == Commons RFD notifications == While the Commons bot that alert us to images about to be deleted [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub/2025#Commons Notification Deletion bot revived|was revived]], images are still being deleted without notification, namely those (I assume), that were nominated before 4 May. The issue was told in the linked announcement, but I did not realise its implications. So, expect some imgages to be removed with no notification on the talk page. If they might be valuable, they should be temporarily restored for local upload, like when the bot wasn't working. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 11:51, 13 June 2025 (UTC) == Usurped URLs == Are usurped or dead URLs (e.g. [[w:en:WP:JUDI]]) normally archived, or removed? I'm looking at the page [[Northampton_(Massachusetts)#Eat]], where the second link is usurped. Thanks, [[User:OutsideNormality|OutsideNormality]] ([[User talk:OutsideNormality|talk]]) 20:22, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :If a url no longer goes to the home page for the listing in question, please update it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:18, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::Actually, looking back, it seems like the URL was never "usurped" and was directly added as a spam link in [[Special:Diff/4154976/4167772]]. Thanks anyway for the advice. [[User:OutsideNormality|OutsideNormality]] ([[User talk:OutsideNormality|talk]]) 00:40, 14 June 2025 (UTC) == Vote now in the 2025 U4C Election == <div lang="en" dir="ltr" class="mw-content-ltr"> {{Int:Please-translate}} Eligible voters are asked to participate in the 2025 [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Universal_Code_of_Conduct/Coordinating_Committee|Universal Code of Conduct Coordinating Committee]] election. More information–including an eligibility check, voting process information, candidate information, and a link to the vote–are available on Meta at the [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Universal_Code_of_Conduct/Coordinating_Committee/Election/2025|2025 Election information page]]. The vote closes on 17 June 2025 at [https://zonestamp.toolforge.org/1750161600 12:00 UTC]. Please vote if your account is eligible. Results will be available by 1 July 2025. -- In cooperation with the U4C, [[m:User:Keegan (WMF)|Keegan (WMF)]] ([[m:User talk:Keegan (WMF)|talk]]) 23:01, 13 June 2025 (UTC) </div> <!-- Message sent by User:Keegan (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Distribution_list/Global_message_delivery&oldid=28848819 --> :Surprised this was sent very late. I made a guide on all the candidates on Meta at [[m:User:SHB2000/U4C guide 2025]], for those interested. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 03:13, 14 June 2025 (UTC) == Wisconsin Dells Kalahari Expansion; should I mention it in the Wisconsin Dells page == Hello! It is now practically mainstream media (In Wisconsin Dells) that Kalahari's expanding its Indoor Waterpark into what was a mainly unused parking lot (which is currently either getting demolished or already is demolished as of posting) and will add a fully glass dome with a retractable roof (this is not an ad, this is according to many sources including the Kalahari its self, Fox11online.com, Whitewater West, Martin Aquatic, and Maverick Hayes' Social Media). Now the real question is should I add this too my page? Cheers! [[User:HistorySports|HistorySports]] ([[User talk:HistorySports|talk]]) 15:22, 14 June 2025 (UTC) :To your page meaning what? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:35, 14 June 2025 (UTC) ::@[[User:HistorySports|HistorySports]], I think it's fair to add information about waterparks to [[Wisconsin Dells#Do]] or [[Wisconsin Dells#Sleep]]. (You pick which one based on whether people mostly stay there, and happen to use the water park, or mostly go to the water park, and a few people stay there, too – just use your judgement and don't stress about the distinction too much.) ::The important thing isn't the news ("they're expanding!") but what is available today ("Wisconsin's biggest indoor waterpark"). ::In general, when I skim through that article, I wish that there were prices for the activities and longer descriptions. In particular, there seem to be a lot of attractions, but I have no idea which one I'd choose. Is one the lowest cost? The best value? Best for little kids? Best for teens? Best for older adults/multi-generational families? Open year-round? Has the most swimming pool lifts for wheelchair users? If you can, try to add some sort of information about the differences between different attractions that might help travellers decide which things they want to do. ::Also, it looks like there are several listings that need to be moved to [[Baraboo]]. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 18:54, 14 June 2025 (UTC) :::Thanks WhatamIdoing! I will follow your advice and hopefully we can have a great page for the area of Wisconsin Dells! [[User:HistorySports|HistorySports]] ([[User talk:HistorySports|talk]]) 19:47, 15 June 2025 (UTC) ::Sorry I wasn't clear and that's totally my fault, but I was talking about the Wisconsin Dells page, sorry! [[User:HistorySports|HistorySports]] ([[User talk:HistorySports|talk]]) 19:47, 15 June 2025 (UTC) :::Thanks. So you know, it's not your page: it's a Wikivoyage article. The only page I'd consider your page is your user page. That said, on the face of it, I would put activities in "Do", not "Sleep". [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:09, 17 June 2025 (UTC) == Wikistats page views == What is up with Wikistats page views for English Wikivoyage? 87 million last month? https://stats.wikimedia.org/#/en.wikivoyage.org/reading/total-page-views/normal%7Cbar%7C2-year%7C~total%7Cmonthly 36 million from Brazil apparently. [[User:Bluecoordinationfine|Bluecoordinationfine]] ([[User talk:Bluecoordinationfine|talk]]) 23:18, 14 June 2025 (UTC) :That is a very interesting anomaly indeed. No idea why, but still very interesting to know why we have so many views from Brazil. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 00:47, 16 June 2025 (UTC) ::Maybe users on VPN? [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 14:25, 16 June 2025 (UTC) == FYI: Dear Atlas: Where Can I Find the Most Unusual Festivals in the U.S.? == https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/off-the-beaten-path-american-festivals —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 07:58, 15 June 2025 (UTC) == [[Talk:Ferries in the Mediterranean#A Commons file used on this page or its Wikidata item has been nominated for deletion]] == No-one seems to be paying any attention to the fact that we are likely to lose a photo. We need to decide whether we're OK with that or not. I will not make a unilateral decision. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:07, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :Is it just me, or does it seem like too many photos have been getting removed lately? [[User:Mrkstvns|Mrkstvns]] ([[User talk:Mrkstvns|talk]]) 16:00, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::Has there been an uptick in deletion requests at Commons? Or are we just noticing them more, now that the notifications bot is working again? [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:08, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::As someone who was monitoring [[c:Commons:Deletion requests]] until the bot started working again, I think it's the latter. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:38, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I hope this deletion can be resisted. Tirrenia ferries in 2017 made a deal with Warner Bros to plaster their ships' exteriors with cartoon characters such as Batman, to give them a jazzy attractive look. That deal continues and you really cannot take a photo of any T ferry without including the character: it's as integral to the ship as the company logo and the pointy bit at the front. The intention of any such photo is to portray the ship not replicate the character, and IMO it's a misuse of copyright law to claim we can't publish it copyfree. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 18:51, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::Such arguments have been presented in the RFD on Commons, and I think that they are legally sound. However, "misuse of copyright law" is not what this is about. There is no word of God saying that utilitarian objects (in this case: the ship) can be freely photographed, and if the law says otherwise, Commons can do little about it. I think the current copyright laws are a disaster, caused by lobbyists and weak politicians, but that means that the copyright laws need to be changed (read: one should spread awareness of the absurdities), not that we can ignore current law. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 20:03, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::The Wikimedia Foundation requires that Commons files be available for unimpeded commercial use. They don't have to, and we don't have to, which is why we have a freedom of panorama fair use exception doctrine. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:10, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::Yes, true. For Commons, the stringency is because of their mission – they don't want to host content that cannot be used. All kinds of compromises are possible or even necessary, but commercial use, such as in small-budget books, is essential for their mission. In some cases, where copyright law is unclear, they could be a bit braver, but that's a separate issue. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 05:05, 18 June 2025 (UTC) == Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees 2025 - Call for Candidates == <section begin="announcement-content" /> :<div class="plainlinks">[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Announcement/Call for candidates|{{int:interlanguage-link-mul}}]] • [https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Translate&group=page-{{urlencode:Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Announcement/Call for candidates}}&language=&action=page&filter= {{int:please-translate}}]</div> Hello all, The [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025|call for candidates for the 2025 Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees selection is now open]] from June 17, 2025 – July 2, 2025 at 11:59 UTC [1]. The Board of Trustees oversees the Wikimedia Foundation's work, and each Trustee serves a three-year term [2]. This is a volunteer position. This year, the Wikimedia community will vote in late August through September 2025 to fill two (2) seats on the Foundation Board. Could you – or someone you know – be a good fit to join the Wikimedia Foundation's Board of Trustees? [3] Learn more about what it takes to stand for these leadership positions and how to submit your candidacy on [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Candidate application|this Meta-wiki page]] or encourage someone else to run in this year's election. Best regards, Abhishek Suryawanshi<br /> Chair of the Elections Committee On behalf of the Elections Committee and Governance Committee [1] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Call_for_candidates [2] https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Legal:Bylaws#(B)_Term. [3] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Resources_for_candidates<section end="announcement-content" /> [[User:MediaWiki message delivery|MediaWiki message delivery]] ([[User talk:MediaWiki message delivery|talk]]) 17:44, 17 June 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:RamzyM (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Distribution_list/Global_message_delivery&oldid=28866958 --> == New copycat site == I haven't had the time to fully look into it and I've been quite busy IRL this month, but it seems we have a new copycat site called https://www.localcityguide.net/. It mirrors Wikivoyage pages word-for-word with "2022 © Local City Guide. All rights reserved." and some pages like [[Itineraries]] ([https://www.localcityguide.net/en/Itineraries]) do nothing to even remove mentions of Wikivoyage. What's interesting about this site is that they've listed those behind the site so openly in the [https://www.localcityguide.net/about-us About us] section – I'm not sure how accurate it is, but it could be something to go off. What are the WMF's protocols when a site copies an entire project and what can we do about it? //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 08:59, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :It has a nice presentation, a handful of blog entries posted in June 2022, and it looks like the foundation of the site is our stuff, refreshed regularly. (Changes I made yesterday already appear.) There is no ability to edit articles. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 10:11, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :This is against the terms of service, CC license restrictions, and American copyright law. You should contact the [[:m:Wikimedia_Foundation/Legal|Legal Team]] via email at legal[little-anarchy-symbol]wikimedia[point]org. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 10:22, 18 June 2025 (UTC) ::I picked an arbitrary page of which I have knowledge, but which is not on the average tourist itinerary, [[Estcourt]]. It has an [[outline article|outline]] status. I clicked on "outline" and the first sentence read: :::"An '''outline article''' is a status rating for any article in ''<u>Wikivoyage</u>'' ... " [My emphasis]. ::This is proof that they are copying the WIkivoyage site. [[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 16:00, 18 June 2025 (UTC) ::: It seems that the contents are incorporated by a script directly from Wikivoyage similar to the html frame technology that's why the articles are up-to-date. I made a small change in some status ratings of the German Wikivoyage, and immediately you can read that this is a usable Wikivoyage article in the footer. --[[User:RolandUnger|RolandUnger]] ([[User talk:RolandUnger|talk]]) 17:24, 18 June 2025 (UTC) ::Copying Wikivoyage's contents is okay. However, you have to provide "reasonable" attribution. That's usually done with something like a simple link to the original article on Wikivoyage. I don't see Wikivoyage mentioned on their website, so they need to fix that – but remember that the goal is for them to fix it, not to punish them or prevent them from sharing our information. ::[[w:en:WP:BACKWARDSCOPY]] has some advice on how to contact websites that haven't complied with the license terms. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 19:27, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :::I have sent the developers of the site an email about this. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:38, 21 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I've also forwarded it to WMF legal (cc {{u|Koavf}}). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:40, 21 June 2025 (UTC) :::::Merci. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 02:52, 21 June 2025 (UTC) == Mexican disambiguators == Some input at [[Wikivoyage talk:Naming conventions#Disambiguators for Mexican destinations]] would be appreciated. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 13:41, 19 June 2025 (UTC) == Most visited country in Southeast Asia == It looks like [[Thailand]] just lost its crown to [[Malaysia]], at least for Q1 2025. Should we update our articles to reflect that, or should we wait and see if Malaysia can sustain its lead? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:11, 23 June 2025 (UTC) :{{ping|The dog2}} I think you should update the articles to say that both Thailand and Malaysia are the most visited countries of SE Asia, along the lines of, "Thailand, along with Malaysia, are...", "Malaysia, along with Thailand, are..." or even "Malaysia and Thailand are...". '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 17:11, 23 June 2025 (UTC) ::I think we should wait till yearly figures are available before changing anything. Too many things can change from one quarter to the next. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:52, 23 June 2025 (UTC) :::Agreed – one quarter might not be a true reflection. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 00:24, 24 June 2025 (UTC) == Regionlist == I have added a static map in [[Maharashtra]], but it disappears without showing a dynamic map when I click/press the link "switch to interactive map". Same happens in [[West Bengal]], [[Andhra Pradesh]], [[Chennai]], etc. I think there's a bug in {{tl|Regionlist}} that causes this disappearance, as the template itself was last edited on August 2024. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 13:36, 26 June 2025 (UTC) :Same issue on it:voy. For sure is caused by a change server side. I'll try to figure out if we can solve locally or if we need to open a ticket. [[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 06:46, 27 June 2025 (UTC) ::I've patched it. Now it works again. Be sure to refresh/purge the page you test. [[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 07:32, 27 June 2025 (UTC) == Sister Projects Task Force reviews Wikispore and Wikinews == <section begin="message"/> Dear Wikimedia Community, The [[m:Wikimedia Foundation Community Affairs Committee|Community Affairs Committee (CAC)]] of the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees assigned [[m:Wikimedia Foundation Community Affairs Committee/Sister Projects Task Force|the Sister Projects Task Force (SPTF)]] to update and implement a procedure for assessing the lifecycle of Sister Projects – wiki [[m:Wikimedia projects|projects supported by Wikimedia Foundation (WMF)]]. A vision of relevant, accessible, and impactful free knowledge has always guided the Wikimedia Movement. As the ecosystem of Wikimedia projects continues to evolve, it is crucial that we periodically review existing projects to ensure they still align with our goals and community capacity. Despite their noble intent, some projects may no longer effectively serve their original purpose. '''Reviewing such projects is not about giving up – it's about responsible stewardship of shared resources'''. Volunteer time, staff support, infrastructure, and community attention are finite, and the non-technical costs tend to grow significantly as our ecosystem has entered a different age of the internet than the one we were founded in. Supporting inactive projects or projects that didn't meet our ambitions can unintentionally divert these resources from areas with more potential impact. Moreover, maintaining projects that no longer reflect the quality and reliability of the Wikimedia name stands for, involves a reputational risk. An abandoned or less reliable project affects trust in the Wikimedia movement. Lastly, '''failing to sunset or reimagine projects that are no longer working can make it much harder to start new ones'''. When the community feels bound to every past decision – no matter how outdated – we risk stagnation. A healthy ecosystem must allow for evolution, adaptation, and, when necessary, letting go. If we create the expectation that every project must exist indefinitely, we limit our ability to experiment and innovate. Because of this, SPTF reviewed two requests concerning the lifecycle of the Sister Projects to work through and demonstrate the review process. We chose Wikispore as a case study for a possible new Sister Project opening and Wikinews as a case study for a review of an existing project. Preliminary findings were discussed with the CAC, and a community consultation on both proposals was recommended. === Wikispore === The [[m:Wikispore|application to consider Wikispore]] was submitted in 2019. SPTF decided to review this request in more depth because rather than being concentrated on a specific topic, as most of the proposals for the new Sister Projects are, Wikispore has the potential to nurture multiple start-up Sister Projects. After careful consideration, the SPTF has decided '''not to recommend''' Wikispore as a Wikimedia Sister Project. Considering the current activity level, the current arrangement allows '''better flexibility''' and experimentation while WMF provides core infrastructural support. We acknowledge the initiative's potential and seek community input on what would constitute a sufficient level of activity and engagement to reconsider its status in the future. As part of the process, we shared the decision with the Wikispore community and invited one of its leaders, Pharos, to an SPTF meeting. Currently, we especially invite feedback on measurable criteria indicating the project's readiness, such as contributor numbers, content volume, and sustained community support. This would clarify the criteria sufficient for opening a new Sister Project, including possible future Wikispore re-application. However, the numbers will always be a guide because any number can be gamed. === Wikinews === We chose to review Wikinews among existing Sister Projects because it is the one for which we have observed the highest level of concern in multiple ways. Since the SPTF was convened in 2023, its members have asked for the community's opinions during conferences and community calls about Sister Projects that did not fulfil their promise in the Wikimedia movement.[https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:WCNA_2024._Sister_Projects_-_opening%3F_closing%3F_merging%3F_splitting%3F.pdf <nowiki>[1]</nowiki>][https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_Community_Affairs_Committee/Sister_Projects_Task_Force#Wikimania_2023_session_%22Sister_Projects:_past,_present_and_the_glorious_future%22 <nowiki>[2]</nowiki>][https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/WikiConvention_francophone/2024/Programme/Quelle_proc%C3%A9dure_pour_ouvrir_ou_fermer_un_projet_%3F <nowiki>[3]</nowiki>] Wikinews was the leading candidate for an evaluation because people from multiple language communities proposed it. Additionally, by most measures, it is the least active Sister Project, with the greatest drop in activity over the years. While the Language Committee routinely opens and closes language versions of the Sister Projects in small languages, there has never been a valid proposal to close Wikipedia in major languages or any project in English. This is not true for Wikinews, where there was a proposal to close English Wikinews, which gained some traction but did not result in any action[https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Proposals_for_closing_projects/Closure_of_English_Wikinews <nowiki>[4]</nowiki>][https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/WikiConvention_francophone/2024/Programme/Quelle_proc%C3%A9dure_pour_ouvrir_ou_fermer_un_projet_%3F <nowiki>[5]</nowiki>, see section 5] as well as a draft proposal to close all languages of Wikinews[https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Talk:Proposals_for_closing_projects/Archive_2#Close_Wikinews_completely,_all_languages? <nowiki>[6]</nowiki>]. [[:c:File:Sister Projects Taskforce Wikinews review 2024.pdf|Initial metrics]] compiled by WMF staff also support the community's concerns about Wikinews. Based on this report, SPTF recommends a community reevaluation of Wikinews. We conclude that its current structure and activity levels are the lowest among the existing sister projects. SPTF also recommends pausing the opening of new language editions while the consultation runs. SPTF brings this analysis to a discussion and welcomes discussions of alternative outcomes, including potential restructuring efforts or integration with other Wikimedia initiatives. '''Options''' mentioned so far (which might be applied to just low-activity languages or all languages) include but are not limited to: *Restructure how Wikinews works and is linked to other current events efforts on the projects, *Merge the content of Wikinews into the relevant language Wikipedias, possibly in a new namespace, *Merge content into compatibly licensed external projects, *Archive Wikinews projects. Your insights and perspectives are invaluable in shaping the future of these projects. We encourage all interested community members to share their thoughts on the relevant discussion pages or through other designated feedback channels. === Feedback and next steps === We'd be grateful if you want to take part in a conversation on the future of these projects and the review process. We are setting up two different project pages: [[m:Public consultation about Wikispore|Public consultation about Wikispore]] and [[m:Public consultation about Wikinews|Public consultation about Wikinews]]. Please participate between 27 June 2025 and 27 July 2025, after which we will summarize the discussion to move forward. You can write in your own language. I will also host a community conversation 16th July Wednesday 11.00 UTC and 17th July Thursday 17.00 UTC (call links to follow shortly) and will be around at Wikimania for more discussions. <section end="message"/> -- [[User:Victoria|Victoria]] on behalf of the Sister Project Task Force, 20:57, 27 June 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:Johan (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Johan_(WMF)/Sister_project_MassMassage_on_behalf_of_Victoria/Target_list&oldid=28911188 --> :I definitely hate to say it but Wikinews has to be one of the most failed WMF projects. The English Wikinews is barely sustaining and I think that is fine for the timebeing, but the other Wikinews projects simply lack the editor base to actively review new news articles. It came up in tawikinews' closure proposal where their newest article dated to 2018! //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:56, 28 June 2025 (UTC) ::I think that we're meant to post that kind of thing on the Meta-Wiki project pages: [[metawiki:Public consultation about Wikispore|Public consultation about Wikispore]] and [[metawiki:Public consultation about Wikinews|Public consultation about Wikinews]]. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 22:42, 28 June 2025 (UTC) :::I'm aware; I just wanted to give out my 2c in short form – I have a longer list of suggestions planned which I'll do when I get a bit more spare time. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:44, 28 June 2025 (UTC) === General concerns === I am not a big fan of Wikinews, but one thing about the [[:meta:Proposal_for_Closing_Wikinews|report published by Sister Projects Task Force]] is concerning. This report is written in a very critical manner, namely, it does not mention that dozens if not hundreds of volunteers have spent a considerable amount of their time on developing Wikinews. The report does not mention any single good thing about their work, which does not seem fair. The report demonstrates that the current level of activity and content development at Wikinews is low (and this statement is fair), but it does not set any threshold of what would be good enough metrics for a community to deserve the resources from WMF. Moreover, the report does not attempt to analyze which steps Wikinews editors took to develop their project, and why these steps were unsuccessful. It just says: you did a bad job, so we will close you down and even deprive you of any possibility of moving Wikinews elsewhere because the name stays with Wikimedia Foundation. Wikivoyage is a smaller project too, and it would be discouraging if a similarly critical report about our work appears. It is not completely unrealistic when half of the language versions are dormant, while many others are somewhat comparable in their metrics to the most active editions of Wikinews. I think that only English Wikivoyage is clearly above that threshold, although the actual threshold is not even defined, so almost any level of activity can be deemed "low" if one wants to say so. What are your thoughts on that? --[[User:Atsirlin|Alexander]] ([[User_talk:Atsirlin|talk]]) 09:53, 28 June 2025 (UTC) :I have not been using Wikinews, so my reflections are based on the closure of Wikinews in Swedish and the current discussion, linked above. One point raised in the discussion is that the metrics chosen didn't take into account the special nature of the project. :I assume the Sister Project Task Force is right in that this kind of evaluations need to be done from time to time, but also think that the evaluations should focus on whether there are paths forward, rather than on whether the project is viable according to current trends. :Wikinews has the problem that a significant dedicated editor base i needed – Wikipedia or even Wikivoyage can stay alive and stay interesting even with no edits for a year or two, while a news outlet would loose nearly all of its readers. The coverage needs to be adequate on at least some areas (geographic or thematic) for the site to stay interesting. The critical mass needed is much larger – and that critical mass additionally needs to be able to counter people with a bias (good-faith or not) or with an agenda not aligned with the project goals – keeping touting at bay is much easier. I assume new language versions should be started only if there is hope of quickly building that critical mass. :–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 10:36, 28 June 2025 (UTC) ::Yes I do believe that LangCom has decided to suspend the creation of all new Wikinews projects for that very reason. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:46, 28 June 2025 (UTC) :Alexander, it's true "that dozens if not hundreds of volunteers have spent a considerable amount of their time on developing Wikinews", but it's also true that keeping a failing project because of past efforts is an example of [[w:en:Sunk cost fallacy]]. :I suspect that if someone made a credible proposal to move Wikinews to another host, the WMF would be be open to negotiations over the name. (But any new sponsor might prefer to come up with their own name.) [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 03:31, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::I guess my main problem is the absence of any well-defined criteria that distinguish a sustainable project from a failing one. Do you understand what these criteria are? -- [[User:Atsirlin|Alexander]] ([[User_talk:Atsirlin|talk]]) 08:35, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::A well-defined criteria that defines what a sustainable project would still heavily rely on how the project functions, though. For Wikinews, it needs to be very active and metrics that may be appropriate for Wikivoyage or Wikibooks like number of articles aren't super relevant because 20000 articles is no good if the last one was written 2 months ago (the numbers are hypothetical but my point stands). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 08:50, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I agree that the same metrics can not be applied to all sister projects, but "very active" leaves a lot of room for interpretation. Imagine someone decides that Wikivoyage is not sustainable because it contains a lot of outdated travel information that has not been updated in the last 5 years. That would be a problem... -- [[User:Atsirlin|Alexander]] ([[User_talk:Atsirlin|talk]]) 09:27, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::::We don't want well-defined criteria. There needs to be judgement on the projects actual prospects. Opening a community discussion is good, as that's a way to see whether the metrics give a correct picture – although there should be discussions with the projects before opening a discussion like this (I don't know to what extent there have been such discussions). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 20:13, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I still don't love the way the SPTF decided to mass-send these messages to every wiki without consulting the Wikinews community; it really should be up to them (and when I mean them, I mean the more active Wikinews projects such as en or ruwikinews) to decide their project's future, not the rest of us or the vast majority who don't get involved with Wikinews. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:01, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::Yes. The issues should have been raised with the projects first (not only the big ones, but all projects affected). I don't know whether that was done, but seemingly not enough, anyway. It seems the SPTF (?) wanted to introduce a more general practice of re-evaluating projects, and just chose the two as examples. They should have understood that doing it that way, without consultations, would upset people. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:40, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::TBF, there were several closure proposals before, including one for all language Wikinews. Those for major projects failed, but one can argue that this was a signal to the communities to evaluate their performance which they apparently did not get. I agree though that opening such discussion before notifying the Wikinews communities first is not really good. [[User:Ymblanter|Ymblanter]] ([[User talk:Ymblanter|talk]]) 08:54, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::They definitely should have; I hope they use this as a learning lesson because the general sentiment from the enwikinews community is quite clearly unimpressed from that discussion. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 09:01, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::Well this comment certainly [[:m:Talk:Public_consultation_about_Wikinews#c-Victoria-20250630095300-BRPever-20250629141600|aged like milk]]. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 13:59, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::Oh dear. I hope there are others in the SPTF who are more keen-eared. This risks degenerating into one more of the WMF-not-respecting-the-community affairs. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:40, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::SPTF (or Victoria, at the very least) seems so predetermined to close Wikinews that I've never heard something so blatantly biased such as "However, I expect that the wikinewsians would be in COI" – so to them I assume knowing the ins and outs of your own project is apparently a conflict of interest? It's a massive insult to non-Wikipedia based projects. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 11:04, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::I can understand her view, but I think it is misguided, and somebody in her team should get them to discuss their actual mission. If a project indeed needs to be laid down, the process needs to be lead very sensitively – and the consultation in this phase shouldn't be on whether to lay Wikinews down. It is "to work through and demonstrate the review process", "a community reevaluation" and "potential restructuring efforts". ::::::::::::The demonstration of the process has been a disaster and potential restructuring efforts require a good understanding of he project, which cannot be had without a keen-eared discussion with the communities. ::::::::::::The "re-evaluation" should be based on such potential restructuring paths, where restructuring isn't about where to dump the Wikinews content, but how to save the project, if possible. ::::::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 13:13, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::I fully agree with you about about the "re-evaluation" but the way they have been responding to community feedback feels as though they have the result pre-determined and this is merely being used as a box ticking exercise – which is why I think it's crucial that we as a fellow sister project speak up about the way this was poorly handled because who knows what they will do when it's our turn to undergo public consultations. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 14:04, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::I wrote about some concerns in [[:meta:Talk:Public consultation about Wikinews#Process and analysis seem flawed]]. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:34, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::::Cheers, {{u|LPfi}}; hopefully our project will be fine (I think it will because Wikivoyage or really any other WMF project does not have the same issues as Wikinews does of requiring an active community), but more feedback is certainly better. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 03:49, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::Whereas I agree that the process it to some extend flawed (and I agree with the points LPfi makes in the response on Meta), it would be useful to see whether some metrics used for analysis (in whatever flawed way) could be improved for Wikivoyage, so that they are out of discussion. [[User:Ymblanter|Ymblanter]] ([[User talk:Ymblanter|talk]]) 08:18, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::::::{{Ping|Victoria}} as primary author and for what I think is trenchant feedback: to the extent that this taskforce is assessing the sibling projects, it would be helpful if the individual communities knew what kind of rubric there is to grade their health. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 19:55, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::::I've been going through some of the stats, and "very active" is an interesting point. The defenders of the "very active" Wikinews language editions seem to be engaged overwhelmingly in copying/pasting content from suitably licensed external sites. They have turned Wikinews into mirrors for other sites, rather than writing articles. :::::Just imagine how we at Wikivoyage would react if someone here said "I am a very active Wikivoyage editor. I spend at least an hour a day copying and pasting pages from other travel websites!" [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 21:34, 2 July 2025 (UTC) == Archive links invisible in mobile mode == Why? When I look in edit mode, I can see links to archives in [[Talk:China]], but not when I simply look at that talk page. Will Wikivoyage in mobile mode ever not suck? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:30, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :I can't answer your first question, but the answer to your latter question, as we both know, is never (we are a massive afterthought for the WMF). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:51, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::In which case, we will eventually read that the Wikimedia Foundation dropped Wikivoyage from lack of sufficient participation. Would we be able to fork in that case, or does Wikimedia own the copyright for Wikivoyage as they do for Wikinews? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:09, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::Each individual editor, including IPs/logged-out editors, owns the copyright to whatever copyrightable material they post on wiki. The Wikimedia Foundation owns the domain names and the trademarks (e.g., name and logo). Anyone who wants to fork can do so freely. The Wikimedia Foundation will sometimes even informally help people do so. The mobile site does have the links to the archives. Click on the "(i) Learn more about this page" button at the top of the page to find the "invisible" content. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 03:27, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::{{ping|Ikan Kekek}} Please don't be that fearful when Wikinews is proposed to be shut down or merged with Wikipedia. I wanted to work in the Bengali Wikinews Incubator project, but my lack of activity in recent weeks has prevented me from participating further. So, I have focused on Commons and Wikivoyage, where I am still highly active. I don't think the SPTF would suggest something similar for Wikivoyage, and I think it is actually a popular website. My static map of [[West Bengal]] is now widely shared on Facebook (both English and Bengali versions), along with an AI-generated list of places to visit in the state. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 03:35, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::::You are a superb Wikivoyage content creator! I'm not afraid in the very near term, but usage of all websites nowadays has to be mostly mobile, so if this site's mobile interface remains terrible, its eventual demise is a foregone conclusion. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:44, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::::Are you refering to the archive links that appear when I click "more about this page" at the top? :::::The issues with the mobile site exist as this project does not have '''active interface admins.''' :::::Note: The WMF has nothing to do with the content or presentation of content for this site. :::::Relevant links: :::::* https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:WikimediaMessages#Site_admin_helper :::::* https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Recommendations_for_mobile_friendly_articles_on_Wikimedia_wikis :::::[[User:Jdlrobson|Jdlrobson]] ([[User talk:Jdlrobson|talk]]) 03:09, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::Yes, "Learn more about this page." I didn't know to click that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:27, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I don't see why the WMF would have nothing to do with presentation of content on Wikivoyage. We are using MediaWiki and settings provided by the WMF, and we indeed are a WMF project. ::::::Not having active interface admins (I thought we have some) shouldn't mean too much – having technically knowledgable people locally is a bonus, it (and them dedicating time to do major work) shouldn't be a prerequisite for a WMF project. ::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:51, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::We do indeed have 5 [[Wikivoyage:Interface administrators]], which [[User:Jdlrobson]] should know, because he is one of them. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:01, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::I am an interface admin but I would not consider myself active. Maintenance of the listing editor for example causes me more anxiety than enjoyment these days. ::::::::In my time in this project I have seen quite a few complaints about the mobile experience but nobody has articulated clearly what needs improving. I personally dont think that overall it is a bad experience and the fact most of our page views are on mobile should be reassuring. That said there are templates like climate data that I think could be improved on mobile. ::::::::If you really want to improve the mobile experience I'd recommend making a wiki page with discussion of changes, proposal/consensus and then implementing them. I havent seen this sort of thing since [[Wikivoyage:Banner Expedition]]. I guarantee the majority of changes you want do not need WMF involvement but they will require discussion and community consultation. [[User:Jdlrobson|Jdlrobson]] ([[User talk:Jdlrobson|talk]]) 15:53, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::Wauterz is certainly active. Have you ever tried adding a listing or reverting more than one edit at a time in mobile mode? I'm sure we can compile a list of badness from the mobile interface. Where is the best page to put it on? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:25, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::{{u|Andyrom75}} is also fairly active on itwikivoyage. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 22:18, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::To answer the very first question of @[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]], I've noticed that the infobox has a "display:none" style that hide those boxes in mobile view. I think this style is added serverside (maybe @[[User:Jdlrobson|Jdlrobson]] you can confirm), because it's not added by the template neither by the templatestyles. :::::::::::However, as said from @[[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]], you can still see it clicking on the "(i)" button. [[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 17:09, 2 July 2025 (UTC) sxiqjjq6bjdcia633wr41q4927vjwbq 5086813 5086804 2025-07-02T22:12:58Z LPfi 79572 /* General concerns */ channeling news /could/ be a mission of Wikinews 5086813 wikitext text/x-wiki <div style="text-align:left; background: var( --wv-optional-color, #f4f7fa); color: var( --color-base ); border: 1px solid #abc; padding: .3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em"> <div style="text-align:center; font-size:300%; line-height: 1; padding: 10px;">'''Welcome to the pub'''</div> {{shortcut|[[WV:Pub]]|[[WV:TP]]}} [[File:QA_icon_clr.svg|right|frameless|150px|link=]] The travellers' pub is for general discussion on Wikivoyage, and the place to ask questions when you're confused, lost, afraid, tired, annoyed, thoughtful, or helpful. To start a new topic, click the "Add topic" tab, so that it gets added '''at the bottom''' of the page, and sign your post by appending four tildes (<nowiki>~~~~</nowiki>) Before asking a question or making a comment: * Have a look at our [[Wikivoyage:Help|Help]], [[Wikivoyage:FAQ|FAQ]] and [[Wikivoyage:Policies|Policies]] pages. * If you are a '''new user''' and you have any questions about using the website, try the [[Wikivoyage:Arrivals lounge|Arrivals lounge]]. * If you have a '''question or suggestion about a particular article''', use the article's [[Project:using talk pages|talk page]] to keep the discussion associated with that article. * If you'd like to '''draw attention to a comment''' to '''get feedback''' from other Wikivoyagers, try [[Wikivoyage:Requests for comment|Requests for comment]]. * If you are '''wanting travel advice on a specific matter''' see the [[Wikivoyage:Tourist office|tourist office]]. * If you have an '''issue you need to bring to the attention of an administrator''', try [[Wikivoyage:Ongoing vandalism|Ongoing vandalism]]. * If you are having a '''problem that you think has to do with the [[mw:|MediaWiki software]]''', please post that on [[phab:|Phabricator]] instead. * If you want to '''celebrate a significant contribution''' to Wikivoyage by yourself or others, hold a party at [[Project:Celebrate a contribution|Celebrate a contribution]]. * Discuss '''issues related to more than one language version''' of Wikivoyage in the [[meta:Wikivoyage/Lounge|Wikivoyage Lounge]] on Meta. * Anything that is '''Nigeria-related''' is now meant to go in the [[Wikivoyage:Nigeria café|Nigeria café]] instead. Anything that is '''Kosovo or Albania related''' is now meant to go in the [[Wikivoyage:Kosovo and Albania cafe|Kosovo and Albania café]] instead. This includes announcements, initiatives, celebrations, and issues with certain articles. You can review old Pub discussions in the [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub/Archives]]. '''Pull up a chair and join in the conversation!''' [{{fullurl:Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub|action=edit&section=new}} '''Click here to start a new thread'''] </div> {{WikivoyageDoc|collaboration}} <!-- Discussions start here --> __TOC__ __NEWSECTIONLINK__ == RfC ongoing regarding Abstract Wikipedia (and your project) == <div lang="en" dir="ltr" class="mw-content-ltr"> ''(Apologies for posting in English, if this is not your first language)'' Hello all! We opened a discussion on Meta about a very delicate issue for the development of [[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Abstract Wikipedia|Abstract Wikipedia]]: where to store the abstract content that will be developed through functions from Wikifunctions and data from Wikidata. Since some of the hypothesis involve your project, we wanted to hear your thoughts too. We want to make the decision process clear: we do not yet know which option we want to use, which is why we are consulting here. We will take the arguments from the Wikimedia communities into account, and we want to consult with the different communities and hear arguments that will help us with the decision. The decision will be made and communicated after the consultation period by the Foundation. You can read the various hypothesis and have your say at [[:m:Abstract Wikipedia/Location of Abstract Content|Abstract Wikipedia/Location of Abstract Content]]. Thank you in advance! -- [[User:Sannita (WMF)|Sannita (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Sannita (WMF)|<span class="signature-talk">{{int:Talkpagelinktext}}</span>]]) 15:27, 22 May 2025 (UTC) </div> <!-- Message sent by User:Sannita (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Sannita_(WMF)/Mass_sending_test&oldid=28768453 --> :{{re|Sannita (WMF)}} may I ask how this affects Wikivoyage when you say "some of the hypothesis involve your project"? TIA, //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:28, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::The proposed solutions mention the Wikivoyages in several places. The main issue is that an abstract article about Someplace shouldn't be rendered the same in Wikipedia and Wikivoyage. This affects also the technical solutions, such as where to store statements and functions. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:21, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::Can you explain further how we have abstract (vs. concrete?) articles on Wikivoyage? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:27, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::We don't have any abstract articles at the time being, and I assume Wikivoyage in English may choose never to have them. For smaller languages, though, it is unrealistic to cover all interesting places with proper articles. The mission of Abstract Wikipedia is to provide a framework for creating articles in a way that allows automatic translation into something at least half-way decent. It's like having listings fetch key information from Wikidata, but scaled up to complete articles (or less complete – at least lively language on personal impressions will certainly be missing for the foreseeable future). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:43, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::::I see – I still don't understand how this will fully get (even after reading the hypothesis), but I suppose it's something for smaller language projects. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 09:47, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::Hi @[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], it seems that @[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] covered most of my arguments here already, so I would just repeat them at this point. The part that interests your project refers to the hypothesis that abstract content ''might'' (but it's still not sure at the moment) be stored in a dedicated namespace of your project. But again, this ''might'' happen, and you're free to refuse to store/use abstract content to further your development. This is entirely in your right, and we do not want to force any adoption of the project without consensus. [[User:Sannita (WMF)|Sannita (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Sannita (WMF)|talk]]) 10:01, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::And yes, Abstract Wikipedia is primarily intended for projects that have so far developed a small number of articles, in order to help them accelerate their growth and hopefully provide more knowledge to their communities and recruit a higher number of volunteers. [[User:Sannita (WMF)|Sannita (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Sannita (WMF)|talk]]) 10:03, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::Sounds perfect. Thanks to both of you for explaining! //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:10, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Seconded. I understand. We should discuss in a separate thread whether it would be better to encourage, allow perhaps without comment, or disallow abstract listings on this site. I think we probably don't want abstract articles, but we should discuss that, too. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:22, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::::I can see abstract listings being useful for more obscure parts of the world for English speakers for this site at least, but overall sounds like it's something to help smaller language Wikivoyages benefit from us rather than the other way around (which is also great). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 13:30, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::I mentioned listings as we already use Wikidata for them (coordinates) and have discussed e.g. opening hours (too complicated to be workable). I don't think "abstract listings" are an option at this point – somebody needs to decide a listing is wanted and would include some manual language when adding it. We still might have some valuable insights in how – and how not – to design abstract Wikivoyage articles for them to be useful. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 14:04, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::I have two thoughts about this: ::* We need some way of separating a block of text that works for Wikipedia from a block of text that works for Wikivoyage (or another sister project). That suggests ''not'' using the English Wikipedia as the storage place for everything. The Wikipedias might all want "Jupiter is the largest planet in the Solar System. It is the fifth planet from the Sun", but if Wikivoyage were to have an article on the planet, it would probably sound a lot more like "Jupiter isn't a viable destination, but travelers interested in [[astronomy]] and [[navigation]]<nowiki/>by the stars may be interested in the Big Museum of Jupiter and the Annual Jupiter Festival". ::* I think that the English Wikivoyage could benefit from Abstract content. It's obvious that we could 'translate' our [[Wikivoyage:Star articles|Star articles]] into Abstract, and thus other Wikivoyages would benefit. However, imagine how much we could benefit if @[[User:Sannita (WMF)|Sannita (WMF)]] brought [[:it:Roma]] up to Star status, and then translated it for us to copy whatever bits we wanted in [[Rome]]. Keep in mind that while Abstract is set up to do dynamic autotranslation (e.g., always giving the latest population estimate, if the sentence says "the population of Rome is ___"), you can actually copy and paste the results as plain old text into an article. ::[[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:07, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::If I understand correctly, Abstract Wikipedia works with programming that could have been done in the 1980s, more or less like [[:w:Lsjbot|Lsjbot]]'s articles, although not confined to info found in already existing datasets. "Not a viable destination" would need to be an item to insert and translate. That article on Jupiter would have very little in common with the Wikipedia one. :::For Rome, population statistics etc. would be easy to write in abstract form, but an abstract star article would need a lot of article-specific functions, which need to be translated to get a version in another language – and lively language is hard to translate automatically (think "[[Talk#Speaking English with non-native speakers|blind and therefore insane]]"). Copying over listings would work, and a good abstract article should have a good selection of those. :::I think an abstract Wikivoyage article should focus on being reasonably complete by having ''information'': roads and trains for getting in, listings with coords, contact details and Wikidata link, and suggestions in Go next, but quite little running text, mostly identical across articles except data values (…is a village/town/city in X…), and likewise a dry list of facts in the listing "content", not like the lively writing in [[Wikivoyage:Listings#Examples|Wikivoyage:Listings]]. :::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 17:47, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::As Wikivoyage has generally has more structured articles than Wikipedia, I think that we could make use of an Abstract Wikivoyage. Two areas look like possible starting points: listings and the phrases in phrasebooks. ::::If a tool could create an abstract version of a listing that exists in another language, then the listing could be offered when editing the same section of an article here - "Would you like to add a listing for the Lawnmower Museum?". Some parts of listing could be updated in all languages when edited in one - we would show the last updated entry price for the museum whatever language it was edited in. A difficult part is identifying when listing elements are language specific - we may use a different url from another WV to point to a page in English, and we don't care that the museum has labels translated into Spanish. ::::In English WV we have a standard set of phrases for phrasebooks, and most phrasebooks keep fairly closely to this list. This list is also the basis for phrasebooks in some other language WVs. It would appear to be reasonably straightforward to scan the existing phrases to create an abstract phrasebook, but inconsistencies would need to be reviewed. There are about 300 phrasebooks in English, 50 in German and 20 in Polish. Maybe we can use this to offer over 200 phrasebooks in Polish. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:44, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::::For listings, yes, the abstract versions would be easy to create. For the name, we only need to identify the native name, its romanisation, and the language of translated names. There are already structures for all this in Wikidata; also "official URL" has a language attribute. Amenities of hotels can likewise easily be described. Nothing will be automatically fetched, so no worries about info irrelevant for English speakers. What is hard to do is the lively language of the examples I linked above. :::::For phrasebooks, I am not sure it is that easy, or rather whether creating an abstract phrasebook helps compared to just translating the template and using a dictionary (or whatever way you otherwise use for getting translations). Grammar and pronunciation sections needs to be written with the audience's language knowledge in mind, and translations of phrases need to be done with some understanding of the context, thus mostly manually. For a good phrasebook, you also need to note peculiarities in the relation with the target language, such as the liberty/liberté etc. now added to the French and Italian phrasebook and warnings for specific false friends. :::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 04:57, 27 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::I think phrasebooks is one of those things (along with travel topics) where it's more or less impossible to create an abstract version of. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 05:23, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::Why do you think that? :::::::We can already write things like "{{#invoke:wd|label|Q98815142}}, a {{#invoke:wd|label|Q81727}} of {{#invoke:wd|label|Q8486}}, {{#invoke:wd|label|Q26175857}}" by invoking Wikidata. It would require expansion (e.g., to add "a" and "an"), but it doesn't seem impossible in principle, at least for simpler sentences. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:24, 27 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::The question is whether there is any point of doing that. If every phrase has to be purpose-translated, then why not just write the non-abstract phrasebook? The point with the abstract articles is that there are standard phrases that can be used across articles, such as words for amenities you will find in many hotels. For the phrasebook phrases, the question is whether the same Sámi phrase would suite the phrasebook in English and the one in Latvian (or whatever). ::::::::When the English phrase is translated differently depending on context, some commentary needs to be added (formal/informal, feminine/masculine). This commentary is redundant or awkward in languages that make the same distinction, possibly treating the two (or more) forms as totally unrelated (the person is deceased, the cow is dead). ::::::::For the cup of tea, you may need to word that differently depending on whether you are a man or woman, and whether the one you are asking for the cup is a waiter, the café owner, your host or your host's young child. ::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 20:59, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::::Perhaps an example would show what I was thinking of: :::::::::In [[French phrasebook]], we have: :::::::::; How much is a ticket to _____? : Combien coûte le billet pour _____ ? (''kom-BYAN koot luh bee-YEH poor'') :::::::::; One ticket to _____, please. : Un billet pour _____, s'il vous plaît. (''ung bee-YEH poor ____ seel voo pleh'') :::::::::On Polish WV there is [[:pl:Rozmówki francuskie]], their French Phrasebook. :::::::::;Ile kosztuje bilet do...? : Combien coûte le billet pour...? :::::::::;Poproszę jeden bilet do... : Un billet pour..., je vous prie. :::::::::We also have [[Finnish phrasebook]], which has: :::::::::; How much is a ticket to _____? : Paljonko maksaa lippu _____in? (''PAHL-yonk-aw MAHK-sah LEEP-poo _____?'') :::::::::So I think that a Finnish phrasebook on the Polish WV, could have :::::::::;Ile kosztuje bilet do...? : Paljonko maksaa lippu _____in? (''PAHL-yonk-aw MAHK-sah LEEP-poo _____?'') :::::::::"One ticket to" is not exactly the same (translating the French used in Polish, it is saying "I beg you" rather than "please"), so this phase would require some manual adjustments when it was abstracted. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:24, 27 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::I don't think that the idea with Abstract is to program in "please", but rather to swap in whichever word or phrase is used in that language to indicate politeness and respect while making a request. ::::::::::We already have a [[mw:Help:Magic words#gender|software switch for gender]], so this is not some miraculous future tech; this is an expansion of what has been possible for years. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 01:39, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::For Finnish, there is no word or phrase that indicates politeness, but one often uses the conditional (?) verb form instead. In some cases one would just use that word form in the phrase (in the Finnish phrasebooks and in phrasebooks for Finnish) – but here the question is instead with no sign of politeness, which is common in that language. Something like "could you" is problematic as most languages make a distinction between thou and you. I think the common cases can be handled decently, but for less well-known language families – those that benefit most from the abstract articles – the edge cases will be more common. It is likely that abstract phrasebook have to be tweaked for specific languages to avoid the odd case of very problematic renderings. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:02, 28 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::In Malay, there are two words for "please" that have different meanings and are used in different contexts. There are also two words for "we" that have different meanings. Etc. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:34, 30 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::I would expect all the foreign phrases to be reproduced exactly as they were in the existing phrasebook(s) that they were taken from. Ideally the left side phrases would also be exact reproductions, unless they were used to create a phrasebook to be part of a WV that doesn't currently have any phrasebooks; but it is less of an issue if the left side doesn't read perfectly. I am assuming that an Abstract Wikivoyage would have some mechanism for handling quoted text, as this is essential for reproducing the exact words used in famous speeches etc, and will be required for abstract Wikipedia and Wikiquote etc. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 14:06, 30 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::{{re|WhatamIdoing}} LPfi's basically explained why I don't think abstract phrasebooks will work. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:25, 27 May 2025 (UTC) == Adding images to the Infobox template == {{Infobox/sandbox|Infobox sandbox test|Nutritious, filling content goes here. |image=Dessert_Merlion_Singapore_Cafe_Kaya_Toast.jpg |caption=Yum yum!}} I've hacked up [[Template:Infobox/sandbox]] which add new <code>image/caption</code> parameters, so you can easily add an image to your infoboxen instead of trying to manually hack it in. Example: <pre> {{Infobox/sandbox |Infobox sandbox test |Nutritious, filling content goes here. |image=Dessert_Merlion_Singapore_Cafe_Kaya_Toast.jpg |caption=Yum yum!}} </pre> If there's no objections, I'll roll this out to the main Infobox template, the params are optional so it shouldn't break anything. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 06:02, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :{{support}} &ndash; Will be useful for articles like [[India]] and [[Kolkata]], which already use images in infoboxes. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 06:15, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :This is a tangent, but I think we should consider renaming that template, or at least changing its Wikidata links. Wikivoyage doesn't do Wikipedia-style infoboxes. These are just simple boxes, more like pull quotes or boxed warnings. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:29, 27 May 2025 (UTC) ::Change the Wikidata link, but keep the name. It is an infobox, although not a Wikipedia-style one. Of course, if somebody comes up with a better name, then I won't object. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:06, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :::{{ping|WhatamIdoing|LPfi}} Maybe {{tl|Info}} can be used instead of {{tl|Infobox}}. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 02:40, 28 May 2025 (UTC) ::::For us, this is an infobox, not just info. I wouldn't support such changes just to conform. Somebody who wants a Wikipedia-style infobox should just be directed to {{tl|quickbar}}, and somebody who tries to use {{tl|infobox}} quickly sees that it isn't what they are looking for. A see also for the former is more useful than a name change. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:11, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :::::I'll fix the Wikidata links so that {{tl|quickbar}} is matched with the Wikipedia-style infoboxes, and {{tl|infobox}} isn't. I'm not sure what our {{tl|infobox}} should be matched to; I don't think that enwiki has anything similar. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:28, 28 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::...No, that won't work. {{tl|Quickbar}} matches "Infobox Country". I'll remove the {{tl|infobox}} links. That much is certainly correct. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:29, 28 May 2025 (UTC) (undent) I've deployed the new version. I had to tweak it a bit to stop it from adding extra padding when the new params are not used, but it should be OK now, please ping me if not. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 07:58, 28 May 2025 (UTC) == Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees 2025 Selection & Call for Questions == <section begin="announcement-content" /> :''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Announcement/Selection announcement|{{int:interlanguage-link-mul}}]] • [https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Translate&group=page-{{urlencode:Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Announcement/Selection announcement}}&language=&action=page&filter= {{int:please-translate}}]'' Dear all, This year, the term of 2 (two) Community- and Affiliate-selected Trustees on the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees will come to an end [1]. The Board invites the whole movement to participate in this year’s selection process and vote to fill those seats. The Elections Committee will oversee this process with support from Foundation staff [2]. The Governance Committee, composed of trustees who are not candidates in the 2025 community-and-affiliate-selected trustee selection process (Raju Narisetti, Shani Evenstein Sigalov, Lorenzo Losa, Kathy Collins, Victoria Doronina and Esra’a Al Shafei) [3], is tasked with providing Board oversight for the 2025 trustee selection process and for keeping the Board informed. More details on the roles of the Elections Committee, Board, and staff are here [4]. Here are the key planned dates: * May 22 – June 5: Announcement (this communication) and call for questions period [6] * June 17 – July 1, 2025: Call for candidates * July 2025: If needed, affiliates vote to shortlist candidates if more than 10 apply [5] * August 2025: Campaign period * August – September 2025: Two-week community voting period * October – November 2025: Background check of selected candidates * Board’s Meeting in December 2025: New trustees seated Learn more about the 2025 selection process - including the detailed timeline, the candidacy process, the campaign rules, and the voter eligibility criteria - on this Meta-wiki page [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025|[link]]]. '''Call for Questions''' In each selection process, the community has the opportunity to submit questions for the Board of Trustees candidates to answer. The Election Committee selects questions from the list developed by the community for the candidates to answer. Candidates must answer all the required questions in the application in order to be eligible; otherwise their application will be disqualified. This year, the Election Committee will select 5 questions for the candidates to answer. The selected questions may be a combination of what’s been submitted from the community, if they’re alike or related. [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Questions_for_candidates|[link]]] '''Election Volunteers''' Another way to be involved with the 2025 selection process is to be an Election Volunteer. Election Volunteers are a bridge between the Elections Committee and their respective community. They help ensure their community is represented and mobilize them to vote. Learn more about the program and how to join on this Meta-wiki page [[m:Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Election_volunteers|[link].]] Thank you! [1] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2022/Results [2] https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Committee:Elections_Committee_Charter [3] https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Resolution:Committee_Membership,_December_2024 [4] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections_committee/Roles [5] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/FAQ [6] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Questions_for_candidates Best regards, Victoria Doronina Board Liaison to the Elections Committee Governance Committee<section end="announcement-content" /> [[User:MediaWiki message delivery|MediaWiki message delivery]] ([[User talk:MediaWiki message delivery|talk]]) 03:08, 28 May 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:RamzyM (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Distribution_list/Global_message_delivery&oldid=28618011 --> == Medium [[Main Page]] overhaul proposal == Since my [[Talk:Main_Page#Help_needed_with_tweaking_visual_balance_of_the_main_page|request for input and support]] on Talk:Main Page went mostly unnoticed, I'm bringing this proposal to the pub to ensure it gets the daylight it should have, as these are proposals to change the look of a rather important page. Here's the backstory: For longer than [[WV:Vector 2022|Vector 2022]] has been around, I've been bothered by the balance of elements on the main page. The new skin only did it injustices, so I've taken it upon myself to mend the shortcomings of the main page in my quest to make Wikivoyage work in Vector 2022. This all so our site looks a bit more appealing in the new skin. I know many regular editors stuck with their old preferred skins when we got the new skin imposed on us, but this still is something that will affect Wikivoyage's appeal to new editors and readers. If the main page looks chaotic and messy, they'll be less likely to stick around. So to each and every editor, <u>regardless</u> of which skin you use: Please chime in! That being said, these are the changes I have developed, and have ready to deploy: * '''Wider {{tl|Mapbanner}}:''' Some small tweaks to the template which make it use all the page width available to it, and moves the globe image and image map accordingly. * '''Centred JCaroussel:''' For the same reason, to make better use of the width on the main page, I've got some CSS changes to the JCaroussel ready that center the featured articles. Scaling them up to simply be full page width I have found to be too tedious to bother with. * '''Overhauled {{tl|Banner}}:''' Vector 2022's scaleable font plays too much with the banners for featured articles to where sometimes the blurb isn't even entirely visible. In the same process, I've simplified the way in which this template is used for each category, foregoing the need for a 'section' and 'section-link' parameter, replacing them with a 'type' parameter. Its style is mostly in keeping with the existing banners and should simplify the process for featuring articles more than it complicates them. What do these changes look like? In the case of {{tl|Mapbanner}}, I cannot easily give a working demonstration as its stylesheet currently overwrites any changes I make to it. Instead, [https://i.imgur.com/6mAMkfG.png this image] is the best I can offer. You'll have to take my word for its functionality being unchanged. The centred JCaroussel and overhauled {{tl|Banner}} can be seen and interacted with [[User:Wauteurz/Banner|on this page]]. I've done my best to ensure that these changes are in keeping with Wikivoyage's current main page style. I know that entire overhauls are not that popular, so I hope these proposals are good enough. I am looking for a broad consensus to roll out at least the first two changes, but ideally all three. I don't feel comfortable rolling some of these changes out with only two people expressing support for them. Please, throw your questions and concerns in my direction, and I hope we can together fix what I consider to be the biggest remaining issue with Vector 2022. Thank you in advance. <br/> <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 14:19, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :{{Support}} as the developer of these changes. Vector 2022 dictates how new readers and editors get presented our site, and with its current chaotic and undependable nature, something ''has'' to be done. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 14:20, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :{{ping|Wauteurz}} Any idea for better responsive design of the Wikivoyage main page, as more people access our pages via phone than PC? '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 14:47, 28 May 2025 (UTC) ::@[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]] For clarity, these changes only affect the appearance on desktop devices. The changes to JCaroussel also apply in Minerva (mobile), but due to screen size limitations they won't have an effect in most cases. My main goal is overseeing the damage caused by Vector 2022's roll-out on Wikivoyage. Since mobile devices use Minerva, I mostly leave the mobile appearance alone. ::As for my thoughts on mobile, I don't think any of the regular editors have any experience in mobile design, let alone responsive mobile design, so I'm mostly wondering why it's responsive in the first place. I'd personally suggest removing the responsive elements (mostly the feature banners) and replacing them with DotM, OtBP and FTT in simple presentations akin to Picture of the Day and Media of the Day on Commons' main page. The 3:1 banners also are a big problem in my eyes. They're far too short to work on mobile, and I think a square or tall ratio would work leagues better in a mobile format. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 15:31, 28 May 2025 (UTC) *{{s}} very much agree that these changes will be needed sooner than later. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 18:48, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :'''Support'''. Thanks for doing this! As a choosing beggar, I would love to see the mobile front page fixed as well though, the DOTM banner is completely broken at the moment and the padding/spacing of the entire page is wonky at best. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 00:03, 29 May 2025 (UTC) :'''Question''' for all involved: The new banner uses some icons to depict the category that the article is featured in (i.e., [[:File:Yes Check Circle.svg|DotM]], [[:File:Right turn icon blue.svg|OtBP]] and [[:File:Writing Circle.svg|FTT]]). I assume that we wish to keep these instead of the placeholder icons I have used? I'll be working on adapting those into simple white icons, which should be pretty straight-forward. If we wish to change them in future, then that can always be done afterwards. Having the icons consistent between {{tl|Banner}} and {{tl|Pagebanner}} would be for the better, I reckon :) :I am currently aiming to roll these updates out this weekend (June 7/8), just in time for the next featured article change. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 23:55, 1 June 2025 (UTC) ::Update: Making and updating the icons was pretty straight-forward indeed: [[Special:Diff/5071035|Diff/5071035]] <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 00:20, 2 June 2025 (UTC) :'''Support'''. Lots of good improvements! Just make sure to fix the "Off the Beaten Path" link to point to a real page. [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 15:10, 2 June 2025 (UTC) ::{{Done}}. Thanks for spotting that one! <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 15:19, 2 June 2025 (UTC) {{Done}}! Thank you everyone for your support! I've gone ahead and pushed these changes just now. I've naturally updated the usages of {{tl|banner}} on the Main Page and DOTM-Candidates as well. If there's any issues arising from this roll-out, please let me know. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 11:34, 7 June 2025 (UTC) :Awesome! That looks great to me. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 11:46, 7 June 2025 (UTC) == FYI: 10 Travel Tips From Experts Who’ve Been Everywhere == https://www.carryology.com/travel/10-travel-tips-from-experts-whove-been-everywhere/ —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 09:05, 30 May 2025 (UTC) == Tourist office problem == I tried to ask a question in the [[Wikivoyage:Tourist office]], and I replied to it with another question, but I can't see any of it except in edit mode and don't understand why. I used the form on that page to ask the first question. What I want to know is which side of the train to sit on for Amtrak trips between Montreal and Plattsburgh, NY and between Plattsburgh and Saratoga Springs, even if the answers come too late for me to use them. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:24, 30 May 2025 (UTC) :When you click "Ready? Ask a new question!", should the form on the next page require the "Subject:" field to not be empty? Or at least have a placeholder subject text? :I also see someone else's question about Cancun that got ignored, because it's tacked on the end of the previous section. [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 20:42, 1 June 2025 (UTC) ::I guess the problem is that I didn't see the subject field in my mobile phone interface. Is there a way to improve that? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:58, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :::It looks like you can set a default subject value with the InputBox 'default=' parameter. Maybe give it something like "Question from ~~<noinclude></noinclude>~"? I'm not sure how to change the "Subject:" label styling. :::Should the Tourist Office behave more like a Talk page, with an Add Topic button leading to a visual editor? [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 23:44, 2 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I'd support that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:48, 2 June 2025 (UTC) :::::[https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:DiscussionTools It looks like adding a "NEWSECTIONLINK" line is the magic to enable the visual editor on a page.] [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:InputBox There's also a usedt=true parameter to InputBox to make it use the visual editor by default.] :::::It seems to work in this sandbox I set up: [[User:Gerode/Tourist_office_sandbox]] [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 17:48, 5 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I went ahead and applied these two changes. Let me know if I broke anything, or if there's anything else odd about the Tourist office. [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 16:22, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ==Move request== You are invited to participate at [[Talk:Bangalore#Bangalore to Bengaluru]], which can affect the articles [[Bangalore]] and [[Bangalore Rural]], and the category [[:Category:Bangalore]]. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 08:19, 31 May 2025 (UTC) == AfriVoyage == Hi everyone! 👋 My name is [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvin Ategyeka]] from Uganda, and I’ve just launched a new project called '''AfriVoyage'''. It’s a WikiVoyage-focused initiative to document African travel destinations using local perspectives. Our pilot is starting in Uganda, with the goal of improving content and training youth contributors. You can follow the project on Meta-Wiki here: [[meta:AfriVoyage]] I would love your thoughts, guidance, and support. Thanks in advance! <small>unsigned comment by [[User:Alvinategyeka]]</small> :Welcome, Alvin. Wikivoyage really needs more African content, especially if provided by people with local knowledge. Your project will be supported from regular contributors like me. Please let us know how we can help. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:41, 31 May 2025 (UTC) :[[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]], I think you will be a more successful leader if you improve some articles yourself, before you invite anyone else to join you. We'd be happy to help you. :For example, one mistake that we see people making is copying Wikipedia articles here. A Wikipedia article will sound something like "Semuliki National Park is a national park in Bwamba County, a remote part of the Bundibugyo District in the Western Region of Uganda that was established in October 1993". This is the wrong approach here. A Wikivoyage article should have a [[Wikivoyage:Tone|lively tone]]. The beginning of a good Wikivoyage article might sound something like this: :* '''Semuliki National Park''' in [[Western Uganda]] is the only place you can visit a true lowland tropical forest in all of East Africa. This beautiful national park is a birdwatcher's delight, and more than 400 species of butterflies can be found inside the park's borders. :If you feel at the English Wikipedia that you have to suppress your natural style to be as dull as possible, then you'll like Wikivoyage because it allows your enthusiasm to shine in between the facts. We need the facts ("best restaurant" isn't nearly as helpful as saying how it's the best, like "good menu for vegetarians" or "artisan-quality bushera"), but we don't want a boring style. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 18:14, 31 May 2025 (UTC) ::Thank you very much and thanks for the guidance. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 13:27, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :Thank You very much. I have 6 years experience contributing to Wikimedia projects but I feel I need a new challenge and the only project that I had not explored yet always wanted to contribute to is Wiki Voyage. Am a tourism lover and i have travelled extensively in Uganda and East Africa. I hope this project will encourage more African Communities to contribute to Wiki Voyage. I will appreciate all guidance rendered. Thank You. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 13:32, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :Thank you very much, hoping to connect with you for more guidance. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 13:35, 1 June 2025 (UTC) ::Sure, and thank you for taking on this opportunity and challenge! In addition to the great advice you've been given above, I think you'll find [[Welcome, Wikipedians]] very useful. For anyone who participates in this project, some additional pages that I'd consider to provide the most important guidelines and explanatory pages on this site include [[Wikivoyage:What is an article]], [[Wikivoyage:The traveller comes first]], [[Wikivoyage:Article skeleton templates]], [[Wikivoyage:Copyleft]], [[Wikivoyage:Don't tout]], and [[Wikivoyage:Breadcrumb navigation]]. ::It is absolutely '''not''' a prerequisite for anyone to read any of these before contributing here! However, you, as organizer, should read these pages, because you will then be able to distill the most important characteristics of the site for others who are enthusiastic about contributing but not yet familiar with the site, and another important thing is that once you've read or at least skipped through these pages, you can ask us questions. ::I love the fact that you contacted us before the official launch of the project. In the past, projects that were begun on a large scale without any notice to us presented huge issues relating to the policies laid out in the pages I linked for you. ::Thanks again, and we very much look forward to working with you and your colleagues! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:36, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :::Thanks for the resources and guidance. I have been reading and researching about Wiki Voyage and what you have added will guide me more. I will contact you for further guidance in order to move the project forward. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 15:52, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :Thanks a lot. i look forward to working with you and seeking guidance to move the project forward. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 15:54, 1 June 2025 (UTC) == Evora's page banner on wikidata == I noticed [[Evora]]'s page banner does not exist in wikidata. I was unable to add it there. Would someone show me how to proceed, please? [[User:Claude van der Grift|Claude van der Grift]] ([[User talk:Claude van der Grift|talk]]) 18:31, 31 May 2025 (UTC) :[[d:Q179948|Évora]]'s banner is already defined on Wikidata since 2013, so moving it over isn't necessary. Regardless, you'd add a banner to a Wikidata item by adding a statement using [[d:P948|P948 (page banner)]]. Simply add the file name without the "File:" prefix but with the file extension as its value, and clicking publish. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 20:28, 31 May 2025 (UTC) ::Evora's Wikidata page is semi-protected, so you can't edit if you have made less than 50 edits on Wikidata. As already said, there is no need to edit it, as it is already using the banner from Wikidata. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 21:47, 31 May 2025 (UTC) :::Thank for your explanations {{U|AlasdairW}}. Unfortunately I mistook [[:d:Q179948|Evora]] for [[:d:Q243849|Elvas]]. The latter has no page banner. Sure I have more than 50 edits on wikidata. I forgot to say that I'm editing only by my smartphone. [[User:Claude van der Grift|Claude van der Grift]] ([[User talk:Claude van der Grift|talk]]) 15:00, 1 June 2025 (UTC) == FYI: Planning a Trip? AI Will Do That For You == https://www.thrillist.com/travel/nation/ai-travel-apps —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 07:04, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :I wonder whether we can design an AI tool that can fetch info from Wikivoyage and make a summary for you. That can replace the burden of manual summary writing by Wikivoyagers. Of course, Wikivoyage articles should be curated by humans, with AI summarizing them. I want to suggest this to Wikipedians as well, but I have been blocked there since 2021, and I mostly work on the Bengali Wikipedia. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 07:11, 1 June 2025 (UTC) == Wikivoyage and OsmAnd app == I am looking into making it easier to walk [[Stockholm Archipelago Trail]] and have found the [[w:en:OsmAnd]] app useful '''my question''' is there any good examples when those to domains works good together? - –––– [[User:Salgo60|Salgo60]] ([[User talk:Salgo60|talk]]) 07:43, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :As a regular OsmAnd user, I don't believe so to the best of my knowledge. :( //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 05:25, 4 June 2025 (UTC) ::I started using OsmAnd several months ago, and I have been playing around with the Wikivoyage integration since. I spend a lot of time in a major city with a Guide-level article and I find the integration useful there. I haven't tried it with an itinerary. My first thought is to pull up a [https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Category:Guide_itineraries Guide] or [https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Category:Star_itineraries Star] itinerary for a place you've been before and see what the OsmAnd experience is like. [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 16:08, 4 June 2025 (UTC) == Improving this project with little to no knowledge of English == It's been a while since I've posted anything major on the pub, but one of the things I'm quite pleased with the way we do things here is the fact that we are ''very'' open and accommodating to users who can't speak or speak English with a large length of difficulty. We don't have any policies forcing the use of English in discussions and if someone has shown a genuine interest in the project, it isn't unorthodox for someone to go out of their way and respond in another language they know on this site. It comes back to when {{ping|Andyrom75}} told me on itwikivoyage (around when itwikivoyage hit 10k articles, iirc) that it's possible to contribute to Wikivoyage without really knowing the language – and it's true. Most of my activity on itwikivoyage has since been doing minor fixes, adding listings with no description (since you don't need to know the language to add listings, opening hours, urls, address and such), removing closed businesses/out of date info, fixing dead links and the like. Since many of our articles also follow a similar structured format, it's very easy to contribute to the site so long as you're aware of your limitations. Some ideas I had in mind to perhaps make this wiki even more inviting to those who might not have the English skills necessary to contribute text but still want to help: * A community written guide on this, similar to [[Wikivoyage:Welcome, business owners]], [[Wikivoyage:Welcome, locals]] or [[Wikivoyage:Welcome, Wikipedians]] * Finish [[User:SHB2000/admins table]], move to the Wikivoyage namespace, add the table to [[Wikivoyage:Administrators]], and add any advanced perms from other WMF projects. ** Perhaps also make a similar table for non-admins who are reasonably active on this site. More thoughts and ideas would be appreciated – even better if we can facilitate this on other language Wikivoyages. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:11, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :Contribute in another language version of Wikvoyage it's just a matter of willingness and time. For a certain amount of time. For few years I've supported sv:voy without knowing any word in Swedish :-D Nowadays unfortunately I don't have enough time, so I can only concentrate it on it:voy :-( :PS your support on it:voy @[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] is always extremely appreciated! :-) [[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 17:14, 4 June 2025 (UTC) ::I occasionally do the same kind of thing at the Haitian Creole Wikipedia. I can't write in the language, but I can check a maintenance category and fix the wikitext errors there. ::Based on my experience, I'd say that there are two main opportunities for contribution: ::* 'technical' contributions, such as fixing wikitext or broken URLs ::* language-agnostic contributions, such as adding phone numbers, websites, and lat/long coordinates to listings; adding images that require no caption or only a simple/obvious one (e.g., "Disneyland" or "Town Name Church"); removing listings for closed restaurants, etc. ::@[[User:Piotrus|Piotrus]] might have some ideas about which tasks are easiest for his English-language learners to do. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 22:48, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :::Yeah this very much explains it in a nutshell. :) //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:13, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :::@[[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] Indeed, some of my ESL students have effectively only a beginner level of English at best. These days, machine translation is getting good enough to understand a lot, and contribute text that's "mostly ok". It will only get better as AI tools and student use of them improve. Anyway, you can see my activities for students at [[User:Hanyangprofessor2]] [[User:Piotrus|Piotrus]] ([[User talk:Piotrus|talk]]) 01:12, 5 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I have added images that I have taken to many different language variants of Wikipedia. I use Google translate for the text and and hope that a native user if that language will make any corrections. [[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 11:22, 5 June 2025 (UTC) :::::I recently added a listing about Japan in [https://ja.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=%E6%88%90%E7%94%B0%E5%B8%82&diff=52846&oldid=50973 ja.voy] despite not knowing Japanese. The listing editor really makes it simple to improve an article. Last week I presented [[wikidata:Event:Wikidata_and_Sister_Projects#Friday,_May_30th|a Wikidata talk about Listing Editor]] and mentioned that it's a really good gateway to get more contributors. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 15:58, 5 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::The Listing Editor really does! Particularly because they're very standardised across most language Wikivoyages, so the only "bad" listing editor is a malfunctioning/broken listing editor. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:27, 21 June 2025 (UTC) == Linking Wikicommons == I am documenting the Stockholm Archipelago Trail and have uploaded more than [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Stockholm_Archipelago_Trail 3,000 pictures] / [https://wikimap.toolforge.org/?cat=Stockholm_Archipelago_Trail&subcats=true&subcatdepth=4&cluster=false Wikimap] from the trail to Wikimedia Commons. For example, the section Nåttarö will be documented on Wikivoyage here: [[Stockholm_Archipelago_Trail#SAT_Nåttarö]] and is on Wikicommons [https://wikimap.toolforge.org/?cat=SAT_N%C3%A5ttar%C3%B6&subcats=true&subcatdepth=3&cluster=false WIkimap] 1) What is the policy regarding linking to a trail on Wikicommons? I believe such links add significant value by helping readers better understand the trail conditions. Additionally, I see 360-degree images as a step forward in enhancing navigation and exploration, making it easier for users to visualize the terrain. Additionally, 2) I have used Mapillary for one section. Is there a specific policy on linking Mapillary content? For instance, Stockholm Archipelago Trail’s Landsort section is partially represented on [https://www.mapillary.com/app/user/salgo601?lat=58.737857&lng=17.865676&z=17&pKey=1060410682654434 Mapillary pKey=1060410682654434] Would appreciate any guidance on this. Thanks! [[User:Salgo60|Salgo60]] ([[User talk:Salgo60|talk]]) 14:26, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :The use of a limited number of thumbnails from Commons is normal. See [[Wikivoyage:Image policy]]. Otherwise, links are normally through Wikidata: please read [[Wikivoyage:Sister project links]]. For guidelines on third-party links outside Wikimedia, see [[Wikivoyage:External links]], but the answer to your 2nd question is that such links are normally not allowed except to primary sources (for example, the website of a listed restaurant, hotel, museum, etc.) and are subject to deletion. However, Wikivoyage policies and guidelines are always open to discussion, so start a thread at the most relevant guideline article's talk page if you'd like to argue for a change. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:40, 4 June 2025 (UTC) ::thanks but dont the community see the added value? especially when documenting a walking trail it can be good to better understand how steep steep is....- [[User:Salgo60|Salgo60]] ([[User talk:Salgo60|talk]]) 14:54, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :::If you don't like my suggestion of starting a discussion thread on the appropriate policy page's talk page, where you can document the indispensability of Mapillary as your argument for a policy change, you can argue for an exception to policy on [[Talk:Stockholm Archipelago Trail]], but you can't get either a policy change or an exception by arguing in the Pub. But if you're asking for my opinion on why there has been no specific consideration of Mapillary, I'd speculate it's because most of us have never heard of it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:15, 4 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I've heard of Mapillary – I appreciate they're open source and licensed under CC-BY SA, but they're indirectly a competitor to Commons –&nbsp;if you can upload a photo to Mapillary, you can upload it to Commons. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 07:28, 5 June 2025 (UTC) :::::The difference is that you traverse a route on Mapillary its connected 360 pictures I am not an expert but [https://www.mapillary.com/app/?lat=58.737746&lng=17.865677&z=17&pKey=1848345639040650&x=0.46081730421230177&y=0.5976337053747495&zoom=0&focus=photo click on forward on this] its from me walking [[SAT_Landsort]] :::::* they support 360 pictures much better than Wikicommons :::::* [https://www.mapillary.com/showcase OsmAnd and Open Street Map use them] :::::[[User:Salgo60|Salgo60]] ([[User talk:Salgo60|talk]]) 19:08, 7 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::One issue is that of privacy. I might trust the WMF, but I don't want to research the privacy policy and trustworthiness of a third party. Checking the website of a hotel where I intend to sleep is one thing, a Wikivoyage page being dependent on a third party is very different. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:58, 7 June 2025 (UTC) :For Wikimedia Commons (that's their name), you can link a category or gallery via Wikidata. On a gallery page you can show all the most relevant images, with explanatory text and a layout of your liking. The rest of the images would be easily found in the category. Is that what you are looking for in your first question? –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 22:04, 7 June 2025 (UTC) == I had an edit flagged as destructive because my account isn't very old == I was trying to remove information related to crossing the border into Azerbaijan from the Baku page (it's been closed since 2020 and the only way in is via air), but trying to delete a lot of content on a new account flagged me as a vandal. If someone has permissions to view the changes, and would be willing to check on those changes, thank you very much :) [[User:MagnumDahng|MagnumDahng]] ([[User talk:MagnumDahng|talk]]) 09:32, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :{{re|MagnumDahng}} Can you try removing the outdated content once again? I've temporarily disabled the filters; let me know once you've removed everything that you intended to. Sorry for the extra inconvenience. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:04, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::It worked. ::No worries. I understand why it's there :) [[User:MagnumDahng|MagnumDahng]] ([[User talk:MagnumDahng|talk]]) 10:15, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :::Perfect, I've re-enabled the filters; thanks again for the updates! :) //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:36, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ==Does WV need a policy for descriptions of living people?== Wikivoyage is a travel guide and not intended to be a collection of biographies. Still, travel topics and itineraries might mention important individuals, such as explorers, artists, monarchs, and politicians. [[Wikivoyage:What is an article?]] discourages from creating an article for a living celebrity, as these are more difficult to finish than articles for [[Christopher Columbus]], [[Frank Lloyd Wright]] or [[Astrid Lindgren]]. Articles such as [[Presidents of the United States]] and [[Monarchy of the United Kingdom]] describe living individuals who have not concluded their careers, and they are certainly controversial. When writing [[Jewish Stockholm tour]], [[Stockholm environmentalist tour]] and [[Nordic monarchies]], a couple of famous living people came to mind, but I found it advisable to mention them as briefly as possible. Which general principles should we follow? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:58, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :It looks like [[foundation:BLP]] encourages us to have a formal policy, even if there isn't much to say. [[Project:Don't be evil]], maybe? :We already have [[Wikivoyage:Photographs of identifiable people]] and [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#People in photos]], which discourage photos of people. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 20:36, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::I'd support a policy for the same reason. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 11:40, 11 June 2025 (UTC) :I think this is largely not that relevant to a travel guide, but it is actually common to have "Maps of the Stars" or tours of celebrity homes in the Los Angeles region, which to me is completely crazy and behavior that should not be encouraged. Considering Whatamidoing's point about the WMF encouraging this kind of documentation, I think having a guideline/policy is wise. Good thinking. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 21:00, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::Yeah, I would absolutely oppose any article for a tour that takes people to the homes of celebrities who would rather be private in their own homes. If this kind of tour existed in New York, New Yorkers would be up in arms about it and pressing the City Council to pass a law about it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:35, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::The page and section about photos say very little, mostly discouraging photos of yourself, which isn't what this is about. [[commons:Project:Photographs of identifiable people]] says a lot more and should probably be followed also regarding locally uploaded pictures. None of those three says anything about text about people (other than that captions shouldn't be defamatory). ::I think we probably shouldn't write a policy unless there are real issues. We have no reason to write about most people, and it seems common sense, like what Yvwv showed above, works reasonably well. Writing a policy opens up for loopholes and wikilawyering. ::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:50, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :::I wonder if our "BLP policy" could be a section in our existing [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]] policy. Basically, a few principles about avoiding mentioning individuals, and especially avoiding saying anything contentious or unfairly invading their privacy. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 16:40, 10 June 2025 (UTC) ::::That sounds reasonable. In the past I have opposed a suggestion to create an itinerary based on the travels of a living individual. ::::A more common situation is where a listing mentions something about the people that work in the hotel or restaurant. "Friendly owners" or "poor service from the waiters" is ok, but referring to staff by name needs more care. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:04, 10 June 2025 (UTC) :::::It's surely OK when the name of the Chef de Cuisine or Pastry Chef are printed on menus or are well-known chefs the restaurant promotes. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:40, 10 June 2025 (UTC) :::::: Can an artist's personal life be separated from their work? At least, death is useful to conclude a life story. As Georg Riedel past away one year ago, he deserves to be described in the [[Jewish Stockholm tour]]. Aleksander Wolodarski is another person appropriate to mention, but as he is well and alive (and to some degree a divisive character in Swedish architecture) the description of him in the same article is very brief. The [[Harry Potter tourism]] barely mentions the author, and that might be good as it is. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:16, 11 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I think it would be fine to note the name of a celebrity chef ("Thomas Keller's restaurant, The French Laundry"), or even a relatively public non-celebrity ("The restaurant owner, Mary Smith, is also the long-time mayor of this small town" or "Olly Owner is happy to pack a picnic upon request"). ::::::However, as an extension of [[Wikivoyage:Avoid negative reviews]], we don't really want "Chris Celebrity is pretentious and their restaurant is overpriced" or "Wendy Waitress is unfriendly and slow". [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:26, 11 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::I think we should avoid "Wendy Waitress is unfriendly", but "Some staff are unfriendly" is ok. It is important to report negative aspects of a place if either it is balanced by "excellent cooking and wonderful bread" or it is the only place in town. It becomes more difficult with one person businesses. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 20:24, 11 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Wikivoyage should not be interested in people: that is the province of Wikipedia. Wikivoyage is however interested in places associated with people and to this end should be cautious about their privacy. If however the individual concerned invites members of the public to their homes or businesses (for example Donald Trump has a website for [https://www.maralagoclub.com/ Mar-a-Lago]) then it is no longer Wikivoyage's role to protect his privacy: if he publicises his home, then it is incumbent on him to look after his own privacy. In contrast, Joe Biden does not appear to advertise his home, so neither should Wikivoyage (even if a search on the internet will reveal Joe Biden's properties).[[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 15:18, 12 June 2025 (UTC) :Does something like this feel about right? :---- :As a general rule, Wikivoyage is interested in places, not people. Occasionally, providing a fair description will involve mentioning a specific person. In such cases, these principles apply to protect living people: :* Avoid contentious matter about living people to the maximum extent possible, to show respect for human dignity and personal privacy. Publishing personal information that is tangential to the needs of the article, trivial, ephemeral, or constitutes a [[Wikivoyage:Avoid negative reviews|negative review]] is unfair. For example, if a restaurant owner promotes dubious beliefs to customers, then omit the listing completely rather than writing about the owner's beliefs. :* Avoid whole articles focused on living people, such as an [[Wikivoyage:Itineraries|itinerary]] to see the private homes of celebrities. It is fair to have an itinerary focused on Taylor Swift's concert tours; it is not fair to have an article focused on her homes. :* Individual listings that name a living public figure are acceptable so long as the content is not contentious. However, you should avoid naming living people when a general description is adequate. For example, write "The owner is happy to talk about local history" instead of "Harry Historian, the owner, is happy to talk about local history", even though you would name the celebrity chef Thomas Keller as the owner of the restaurant The French Laundry. :---- :What should be changed, added, omitted? [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 16:39, 12 June 2025 (UTC) ::Thanks for offering a rough draft! The one part that sticks out to me as problematic is the part about "dubious beliefs," which gives an opening to intolerant atheists to complain about a bismillah or cross in a restaurant. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:12, 12 June 2025 (UTC) :::I was thinking about political beliefs, and specifically about an anti-masking restaurant I read about during the pandemic, but you're right: That needs to be re-worded. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 23:30, 12 June 2025 (UTC) ::::Still a good start, I'd say. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 12:15, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I don't think that businesses should be removed because of beliefs of the owner or personnel; that the owner touts antivacc or flat-earth theories might be entertaining rather than a reason to avoid them. One might tell that they might raise controversial topics. For dangerous practices, such as not using masks when needed, that would be treated like them using contaminated water or whatever. Yes, sometimes that warrants removing the listing in line with ''no bad reviews'', but that has little to do with privacy. ::::For a Finnish business, it was suggested that the listings be removed because of bigotry, in effect a boycott by Wikivoyage. I am not sure about to what extent to do that, but I assume we might tell something about the owner in that case, if we leave the choice whether to use their services to our readers. I would oppose individual editors removing listings because of views that don't conform with their own, but they may of course choose not to add them. ::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:28, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :::::I think there might be a spectrum of issues, but some types of (e.g.,) bigotry are not compatible with [[Wikivoyage:The traveller comes first]]. Inclusion constitutes a recommendation, at least when there are other alternatives. If we list a restaurant, it should be because travellers are welcome. If the restaurant's listing would need to have a disclaimer along the lines of "BTW, only white people are allowed to eat here" or "People whom the owner thinks look Jewish/Muslim/Black/gay/trans will be refused service", then that restaurant shouldn't be included in Wikivoyage at all. Listed restaurants should normally be open to all of the general public. :::::On the other end of the spectrum, if the owner cheerfully accepts all customers, but he privately belongs to a racist organization, then that's not really relevant to the travellers' experience, so we needn't mention that. Travellers who want to patronize only businesses owned by people who share the same politics/religion/race/sexual orientation should look elsewhere for that information. :::::Somewhere in the middle is factual information that travellers may interpret in opposite ways. For example, if a given deli in New York City is kosher, it'd be worth noting that in the description. Most travellers won't care. Some travellers will prefer it (either for religious reasons or because kosher meat is considered more ethical than conventional meat). Some travellers will reject it. But knowing that it might appeal (or not) to different travellers is not the same as different travellers not being allowed to eat at the deli. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 20:02, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I see no problem in describing a restaurant in terms of the religious beliefs that it portrays provided that it is done in a neutral manner - for example , "The XYZ resaurant is a kosher/halal/vegetarian establishment". The reader can then make up their ow mind about patronising the establishment - after all Wikivoyage has many articles about various places of worship. [[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 21:05, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::I think the general point is that we want "XYZ is a kosher/halal/vegetarian restaurant" but not "The owner of XYZ is a Jew/Muslim/vegetarian person". [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:10, 14 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::I agree here. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 06:56, 18 June 2025 (UTC) *Suggested rewrite of the first point (Changes in bold): :"''Avoid contentious matter about living people to the maximum extent possible, to show respect for human dignity and personal privacy. Publishing personal information that is tangential to the needs of the article, trivial, ephemeral, or constitutes a negative review is unfair. For example, if a restaurant owner promotes '''particular''' beliefs to customers, then omit the listing completely rather than writing about the owner's beliefs. '''If however the establishment itself <u>caters</u> for certain beliefs and/or ethics, it is reasonable, or maybe even desireable, to add those beliefs/ethics to the description in a neutral manner - such as including the words "kosher/halal/vegetarian" to the establishment's description.'''''" [[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 21:14, 13 June 2025 (UTC) *I suggest that the second point be extended as follows (additions in bold): :''Avoid whole articles focused on living people, such as an itinerary to see the private homes of celebrities. It is fair to have an itinerary focused on Taylor Swift's concert tours; it is not fair to have an article focused on her homes. '''However, if the celebrity concerend advertises their home to the general public (for example [https://www.maralagoclub.com/ Mar-a-Lago], home of Donald Trump or [https://www.blenheimpalace.com/ Blenheim Palace], home of the Duke of Marlborough) , then it is perfectly in order to mention the home in an article and ideally to include a web address the description or article.''''' ::[[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 21:27, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::I think all this discussion of beliefs and politics is bad and not something about which we want policies. Also, bad reviews are by no means inherently unfair, and I'm mystified by how anyone could think that's the case; it's just that Wikivoyage chooses with some exceptions to simply refrain from listing businesses, rather than stating that they are bad. I also don't see why we would need to add a policy that establishments that discriminate against people based for example on their ethnicity, appearance or national origin, such as a historic restaurant in Düsseldorf that refused admission to East Asians early in the pandemic, be delisted, because we already do that based on preexisting policies. Right now, I think that based on the drafts circulated in this thread, we risk approving a new policy that is worse than none. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:40, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :::It might be best to try the smallest possible addition. After all, it's usually easier to get a policy expanded later if we really need it, than to get it shortened later. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:08, 14 June 2025 (UTC) ::::Here's a shorter version: ::::---- ::::As a general rule, Wikivoyage is interested in places, not people. Occasionally, providing a fair description will involve mentioning a specific person. In such cases, these principles apply to protect living people: ::::* Avoid contentious matter about living people to the maximum extent possible, to show respect for human dignity and personal privacy. Individual listings that name a living public figure are acceptable so long as the content is not contentious. ::::* Avoid whole articles focused on living people, such as an [[Wikivoyage:Itineraries|itinerary]] to see the private homes of celebrities. ::::---- ::::We could also soften "the maximum extent possible". It's always "possible" to avoid mentioning anyone's name, but it's not always "reasonable" to do so. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:14, 14 June 2025 (UTC) :::::What about the article on U.S. presidents? We don't avoid contentious facts about living current and former presidents; we just agree on what should be in the blurbs about them based on the existing [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]] guidelines. I still fail to see how adding at least your first proposed guideline will improve anything. Also, are we creating a solution for a nonexistent problem? Can you cite a previous example of an article that had unnecessarily contentious facts about living people that we were not able to deal with by using existing guidelines? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:33, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::[[Presidents of the United States]] is not a "whole article focused on living people"; it is a whole article focused on mostly long-dead people with just five living US Presidents being mentioned (and mostly in a "public museum" way, not a "current private home" way). This would therefore be acceptable as a case of "Individual listings that name a living public figure" that "show respect for human dignity and personal privacy". ::::::The existing problem to be solved is: The Board of Directors for the WIkimedia Foundation said that every project needs to have an official, written BLP policy. They said this about 16 years ago, so we're running a bit behind schedule, but we should have something. Their resolution encourages "special attention to the principles of neutrality", so I think putting a few sentences inside our version of the "[[Wikivoyage:NPOV|NPOV]]" policy would be appropriate. We could even create a [[WV:BLP]] shortcut to it, so the Wikipedia folks can find it easier. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:16, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::My problem is not with your second proposed provision, which is fine, but your first, and that's what my last reply addressed. If it stated that when living people have to be mentioned, we must [[be fair]] and come to a [[consensus]] about anything contentious, I'd be happy. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:33, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Can you think of any contentious or derogatory information a travel guide – especially one that does not cite external sources – ''needs'' to include? [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:37, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::I already gave you an example! And what about when we fairly describe countries as dictatorships? We've sometimes had users object and try to whitewash articles, and in such cases, we are armed with [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]], not some ridiculous claim that anything "contentious" is bad and must be avoided, which would have played into their hands. Wikivoyage is a travel guide, not a site that tries to be neutral. We expressly don't have an NPOV policy, but instead a policy that requires fairness. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:10, 18 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::I agree that we can fairly describe a country as being a dictatorship. Do we need to describe an individual living person as a dictator, when doing so would be contentious (e.g., produce disputes and disagreements on wiki)? I just checked every article containing the words "a dictator" and "the dictator"; none of them refer to living people. ::::::::::If your prior example was "What about the article on U.S. presidents?", I've already answered that question. I don't see anything privacy-invading in [[Presidents of the United States]], and I don't see anything contentious about any living person in there, either. The contents are not universally approved by the campaign team, but nobody actually disputes or "contends" over the facts (e.g., that Clinton was involved in a sex scandal, or that Trump is technically a convicted felon). [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 01:07, 20 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::If you haven't had the misfortune of speaking with a Trumper lately, consider yourself lucky. There are tens of millions of hard-core Trumpers in the U.S. who don't accept basic scientific facts and advance all kinds of conspiracy nonsense as truth. I dealt with a cabbie in New Rochelle yesterday who gratuitously started talking about politics. He claimed Biden already had cancer 4 years ago, and "they" covered it up, that claims of fossil fuels causing global warming are "bullshit" and that if the Democrats had been elected last year, we'd all be driving electric cars already, among other things. So I very much contest your confident assertion that statements of fact about Trump, Biden, Obama, etc. are not "contentious". We need to remove that word from consideration as something Wikivoyage cannot be. Do you remember years ago when there was someone who spent a couple of weeks or more trying to whitewash descriptions of Cuba by claiming that it was really a democracy, their elections are really free and fair, and the Communists have never been dictators or oppressed anyone there? Or the ones that claimed that China is a democracy and it was the U.S. (pre-Trump) that was really oppressive (the latter of which of course has never been completely false, but that was entirely beside the point in a travel guide as well as being pure whataboutism that disproves nothing). We've had all kinds of politically motivated contentions against facts. That's why our standard is [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]], not "Wikivoyage/Avoid saying anything anyone could argue with", which is what "contentious" means or would mean in the hands of anyone who wants to use a travel guide to grind an axe, rather than to improve a resource for travelers. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:14, 20 June 2025 (UTC) == Full-size images not available on maps in city districts == Since yesterday (and possibly earlier), the images in listings can be viewed in the dynamic map but trying to click on it to go to the full description page will lead to a broken link if they are in a city district page. This raises the issue on image attribution. You can test it on any listings with images at [[Queens/Flushing-Northeast]] and [[Toronto/Etobicoke]]. Anyone have insight on what recent changes broke this functionality? [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 15:46, 12 June 2025 (UTC) :Yes, needs to be fixed. For some reason, the File: prefix is prefixed by the district name. I try to check [[Module:Listing]] for the bug. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 11:52, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::Oops, the city name, not the district. Seemingly the article name is included in the image argument, and removed, but not properly so for subarticles. [[Module:Marker]] is possibly more relevant than Listing, but it is some underlying functionality that is the culprit. My understanding of how modules work is too weak for me to find it. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:10, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :::The marker on the map seems to be constructed using mw.text.jsonEncode. Where can one read that code? Was there some change recently? –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:30, 30 June 2025 (UTC) == Selection and number of images == [split off as suggested by [[User:OhanaUnited|OhanaUnited]] 02:39, 30 June 2025 (UTC). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:17, 30 June 2025 (UTC)] ::: The images embedded within listings are often not the best currently available. They don't display unless you click and faff about, so they don't enhance the page appearance encountered by the general reader. Wouldn't it be neat if there was some repository of images that were the best available copyfree, that could be simply incorporated into the page layout? We'd be sure to use those instead, right? [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 20:20, 15 June 2025 (UTC) ::::The main problem with that is that somebody needs to pick those best available images. That's done in Commons' galleries, where images uploaded in the last dozen years aren't included. We could use the image on Wikidata, but they might not be chosen according to what they are like as thumbnails. Perhaps a specific wikidata property could be created for thumbnail images or even Wikivoyage thumbnail images (like for our banners). About having to click several times, that could be improved, but we don't want clutter, so some discussion is needed on the trade-off if we want to change the status quo. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 18:33, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::: Picking those best images and considering how best to display them is exactly what editors should do, same as picking the best attractions or accommodations to list in a town, we shouldn't lazily accept what's already on the page. It's hardly an onerous task, and we want the best for our readers. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 19:00, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::{{quote|The main problem with that is that somebody needs to pick those best available images.}} :::::Maybe we can take assistance from AI tools to ease out the problem, just like we sometimes use AI to pick the best attractions to visit, and choose the appropriate accommodation. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 19:07, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I haven't heard about us letting such decisions to AI, and I'm not sure we should do it with images. But regardless of what way the images get chosen, it would be good if the choice were saved at Wikidata, to be used automatically. As the images aren't shown in the article itself, the less effort we need to use choosing, the better. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 19:55, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::How much effort do we need to save here? The first example cited was Queens / Flushing. That page is under-illustrated, with one strong image and two so-so. It took me 10 min to find six more good images on Commons, about the right number for a page of this length. Inserting them might take 3 mins apiece, say 20 min, which I'm not volunteering to do as the entire page needs updating, a solid day's work. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 21:07, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Choosing images sounds like a task that some people would love to do. Maybe we could advertise it better? It's even a task that people who don't speak English well should be able to do. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:40, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::It could be a good task, but I have seen a lot of image adding that isn't optimal: ignoring our guideline of [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#Minimal use of images|Minimal use of images]], trying to illustrate individual listings instead of the article as a whole, writing captions to that effect, and placing the images in ways that suite the editor's browser window rather than conform to best practices. :::::::::Increased advertising of this activity should thus be done cautiously, to avoid frustration both among those adding images and those patrolling. :::::::::The original issue was about images for the dynamic map, which is different from illustrating the article. :::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:00, 19 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::As a side note, [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#Minimal use of images]] probably needs both a little re-writing ("1 image per screen": Whose screen size?) and some reconsidering, as availability of internet access has generally improved since then (the [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Wikivoyage:Image_policy&diff=prev&oldid=3629972 last significant update was in 2018], based on [[Wikivoyage talk:Image policy/archive 2014-2019#Minimal use of images - not appropriate|a discussion started in 2016]]). ::::::::::But I agree that it's a tangent for the current thread. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 01:18, 20 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::How carefully did you read Minimal use? :::::::::::"1 image per screen (1,000–2,000 bytes)" :::::::::::I suppose you want to suggest an increase in the number of images we should use, and if so, do that at [[Wikivoyage talk:Image policy]]. But keep in mind that the mobile interface sucks and the site is still better viewed on a computer. I would be likely to oppose any change in the language, as there is flexibility to use more images than stated in the guideline as long as there isn't an unbroken stream on the left side; images left, right and center; or images that go below the end of the article, which looks terrible. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:19, 20 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::I read that, and I wondered which method we're using to measure "1,000 bytes". One screenful – edge to edge, top to bottom, on my laptop, with my font, my size (larger than default), my zoom (120%), etc. – is right around 2000 characters for me, but others may have half that, or four times that. Shorter lines (e.g., using only half the line at the end of a paragraph, or a short item in a list) adds volume without adding characters. ::::::::::::If we're using the file size, then wikitext and URLs add bulk to the file without affecting the screen size. We could have "1,000 bytes" and have a half-full screen (on my laptop) or "2,000 bytes" and still have a half-full screen. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 20:41, 20 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::These are rough estimates. An A4 with 67×47=3150 is quite close to 2k, if there are images, headings and paragraph breaks, probably much less if there are lists. I suppose an A4 is close to readability optimum (my browser and Emacs windows are not far off). My mobile phone seems to have 50×33=1650, perhaps 1k with images etc. The numbers don't seem to be too far off. Without prescribing a test with some specific browser window size, we cannot give precise advice. [[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 14:16, 22 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::From your estimate, the numbers appear to be off by 50%. 3150 = would be "quite close" to 3K, not 2K. ::::::::::::::I think that a more practical suggestion would be: Every well-developed section should usually have one image, so long as this can be done without the images dropping down into the next section. On desktop, this usually requires a minimum of 10 to 12 lines of text per landscape image. Very long sections can have two images. ::::::::::::::This would address the wikitext-vs-displayed problem and the difference between a solid paragraph and a long bullet list with one or two words on each line. ::::::::::::::But as we noted above, this is a separate discussion from the original concern. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:15, 22 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::: Can we take the "select the best picture" conversation into a sub-section? My original intention of this post is to report a bug which leads to the legal issue of image attribution. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 02:39, 30 June 2025 (UTC) == Commons RFD notifications == While the Commons bot that alert us to images about to be deleted [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub/2025#Commons Notification Deletion bot revived|was revived]], images are still being deleted without notification, namely those (I assume), that were nominated before 4 May. The issue was told in the linked announcement, but I did not realise its implications. So, expect some imgages to be removed with no notification on the talk page. If they might be valuable, they should be temporarily restored for local upload, like when the bot wasn't working. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 11:51, 13 June 2025 (UTC) == Usurped URLs == Are usurped or dead URLs (e.g. [[w:en:WP:JUDI]]) normally archived, or removed? I'm looking at the page [[Northampton_(Massachusetts)#Eat]], where the second link is usurped. Thanks, [[User:OutsideNormality|OutsideNormality]] ([[User talk:OutsideNormality|talk]]) 20:22, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :If a url no longer goes to the home page for the listing in question, please update it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:18, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::Actually, looking back, it seems like the URL was never "usurped" and was directly added as a spam link in [[Special:Diff/4154976/4167772]]. Thanks anyway for the advice. [[User:OutsideNormality|OutsideNormality]] ([[User talk:OutsideNormality|talk]]) 00:40, 14 June 2025 (UTC) == Vote now in the 2025 U4C Election == <div lang="en" dir="ltr" class="mw-content-ltr"> {{Int:Please-translate}} Eligible voters are asked to participate in the 2025 [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Universal_Code_of_Conduct/Coordinating_Committee|Universal Code of Conduct Coordinating Committee]] election. More information–including an eligibility check, voting process information, candidate information, and a link to the vote–are available on Meta at the [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Universal_Code_of_Conduct/Coordinating_Committee/Election/2025|2025 Election information page]]. The vote closes on 17 June 2025 at [https://zonestamp.toolforge.org/1750161600 12:00 UTC]. Please vote if your account is eligible. Results will be available by 1 July 2025. -- In cooperation with the U4C, [[m:User:Keegan (WMF)|Keegan (WMF)]] ([[m:User talk:Keegan (WMF)|talk]]) 23:01, 13 June 2025 (UTC) </div> <!-- Message sent by User:Keegan (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Distribution_list/Global_message_delivery&oldid=28848819 --> :Surprised this was sent very late. I made a guide on all the candidates on Meta at [[m:User:SHB2000/U4C guide 2025]], for those interested. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 03:13, 14 June 2025 (UTC) == Wisconsin Dells Kalahari Expansion; should I mention it in the Wisconsin Dells page == Hello! It is now practically mainstream media (In Wisconsin Dells) that Kalahari's expanding its Indoor Waterpark into what was a mainly unused parking lot (which is currently either getting demolished or already is demolished as of posting) and will add a fully glass dome with a retractable roof (this is not an ad, this is according to many sources including the Kalahari its self, Fox11online.com, Whitewater West, Martin Aquatic, and Maverick Hayes' Social Media). Now the real question is should I add this too my page? Cheers! [[User:HistorySports|HistorySports]] ([[User talk:HistorySports|talk]]) 15:22, 14 June 2025 (UTC) :To your page meaning what? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:35, 14 June 2025 (UTC) ::@[[User:HistorySports|HistorySports]], I think it's fair to add information about waterparks to [[Wisconsin Dells#Do]] or [[Wisconsin Dells#Sleep]]. (You pick which one based on whether people mostly stay there, and happen to use the water park, or mostly go to the water park, and a few people stay there, too – just use your judgement and don't stress about the distinction too much.) ::The important thing isn't the news ("they're expanding!") but what is available today ("Wisconsin's biggest indoor waterpark"). ::In general, when I skim through that article, I wish that there were prices for the activities and longer descriptions. In particular, there seem to be a lot of attractions, but I have no idea which one I'd choose. Is one the lowest cost? The best value? Best for little kids? Best for teens? Best for older adults/multi-generational families? Open year-round? Has the most swimming pool lifts for wheelchair users? If you can, try to add some sort of information about the differences between different attractions that might help travellers decide which things they want to do. ::Also, it looks like there are several listings that need to be moved to [[Baraboo]]. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 18:54, 14 June 2025 (UTC) :::Thanks WhatamIdoing! I will follow your advice and hopefully we can have a great page for the area of Wisconsin Dells! [[User:HistorySports|HistorySports]] ([[User talk:HistorySports|talk]]) 19:47, 15 June 2025 (UTC) ::Sorry I wasn't clear and that's totally my fault, but I was talking about the Wisconsin Dells page, sorry! [[User:HistorySports|HistorySports]] ([[User talk:HistorySports|talk]]) 19:47, 15 June 2025 (UTC) :::Thanks. So you know, it's not your page: it's a Wikivoyage article. The only page I'd consider your page is your user page. That said, on the face of it, I would put activities in "Do", not "Sleep". [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:09, 17 June 2025 (UTC) == Wikistats page views == What is up with Wikistats page views for English Wikivoyage? 87 million last month? https://stats.wikimedia.org/#/en.wikivoyage.org/reading/total-page-views/normal%7Cbar%7C2-year%7C~total%7Cmonthly 36 million from Brazil apparently. [[User:Bluecoordinationfine|Bluecoordinationfine]] ([[User talk:Bluecoordinationfine|talk]]) 23:18, 14 June 2025 (UTC) :That is a very interesting anomaly indeed. No idea why, but still very interesting to know why we have so many views from Brazil. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 00:47, 16 June 2025 (UTC) ::Maybe users on VPN? [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 14:25, 16 June 2025 (UTC) == FYI: Dear Atlas: Where Can I Find the Most Unusual Festivals in the U.S.? == https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/off-the-beaten-path-american-festivals —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 07:58, 15 June 2025 (UTC) == [[Talk:Ferries in the Mediterranean#A Commons file used on this page or its Wikidata item has been nominated for deletion]] == No-one seems to be paying any attention to the fact that we are likely to lose a photo. We need to decide whether we're OK with that or not. I will not make a unilateral decision. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:07, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :Is it just me, or does it seem like too many photos have been getting removed lately? [[User:Mrkstvns|Mrkstvns]] ([[User talk:Mrkstvns|talk]]) 16:00, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::Has there been an uptick in deletion requests at Commons? Or are we just noticing them more, now that the notifications bot is working again? [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:08, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::As someone who was monitoring [[c:Commons:Deletion requests]] until the bot started working again, I think it's the latter. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:38, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I hope this deletion can be resisted. Tirrenia ferries in 2017 made a deal with Warner Bros to plaster their ships' exteriors with cartoon characters such as Batman, to give them a jazzy attractive look. That deal continues and you really cannot take a photo of any T ferry without including the character: it's as integral to the ship as the company logo and the pointy bit at the front. The intention of any such photo is to portray the ship not replicate the character, and IMO it's a misuse of copyright law to claim we can't publish it copyfree. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 18:51, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::Such arguments have been presented in the RFD on Commons, and I think that they are legally sound. However, "misuse of copyright law" is not what this is about. There is no word of God saying that utilitarian objects (in this case: the ship) can be freely photographed, and if the law says otherwise, Commons can do little about it. I think the current copyright laws are a disaster, caused by lobbyists and weak politicians, but that means that the copyright laws need to be changed (read: one should spread awareness of the absurdities), not that we can ignore current law. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 20:03, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::The Wikimedia Foundation requires that Commons files be available for unimpeded commercial use. They don't have to, and we don't have to, which is why we have a freedom of panorama fair use exception doctrine. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:10, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::Yes, true. For Commons, the stringency is because of their mission – they don't want to host content that cannot be used. All kinds of compromises are possible or even necessary, but commercial use, such as in small-budget books, is essential for their mission. In some cases, where copyright law is unclear, they could be a bit braver, but that's a separate issue. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 05:05, 18 June 2025 (UTC) == Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees 2025 - Call for Candidates == <section begin="announcement-content" /> :<div class="plainlinks">[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Announcement/Call for candidates|{{int:interlanguage-link-mul}}]] • [https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Translate&group=page-{{urlencode:Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Announcement/Call for candidates}}&language=&action=page&filter= {{int:please-translate}}]</div> Hello all, The [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025|call for candidates for the 2025 Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees selection is now open]] from June 17, 2025 – July 2, 2025 at 11:59 UTC [1]. The Board of Trustees oversees the Wikimedia Foundation's work, and each Trustee serves a three-year term [2]. This is a volunteer position. This year, the Wikimedia community will vote in late August through September 2025 to fill two (2) seats on the Foundation Board. Could you – or someone you know – be a good fit to join the Wikimedia Foundation's Board of Trustees? [3] Learn more about what it takes to stand for these leadership positions and how to submit your candidacy on [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Candidate application|this Meta-wiki page]] or encourage someone else to run in this year's election. Best regards, Abhishek Suryawanshi<br /> Chair of the Elections Committee On behalf of the Elections Committee and Governance Committee [1] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Call_for_candidates [2] https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Legal:Bylaws#(B)_Term. [3] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Resources_for_candidates<section end="announcement-content" /> [[User:MediaWiki message delivery|MediaWiki message delivery]] ([[User talk:MediaWiki message delivery|talk]]) 17:44, 17 June 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:RamzyM (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Distribution_list/Global_message_delivery&oldid=28866958 --> == New copycat site == I haven't had the time to fully look into it and I've been quite busy IRL this month, but it seems we have a new copycat site called https://www.localcityguide.net/. It mirrors Wikivoyage pages word-for-word with "2022 © Local City Guide. All rights reserved." and some pages like [[Itineraries]] ([https://www.localcityguide.net/en/Itineraries]) do nothing to even remove mentions of Wikivoyage. What's interesting about this site is that they've listed those behind the site so openly in the [https://www.localcityguide.net/about-us About us] section – I'm not sure how accurate it is, but it could be something to go off. What are the WMF's protocols when a site copies an entire project and what can we do about it? //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 08:59, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :It has a nice presentation, a handful of blog entries posted in June 2022, and it looks like the foundation of the site is our stuff, refreshed regularly. (Changes I made yesterday already appear.) There is no ability to edit articles. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 10:11, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :This is against the terms of service, CC license restrictions, and American copyright law. You should contact the [[:m:Wikimedia_Foundation/Legal|Legal Team]] via email at legal[little-anarchy-symbol]wikimedia[point]org. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 10:22, 18 June 2025 (UTC) ::I picked an arbitrary page of which I have knowledge, but which is not on the average tourist itinerary, [[Estcourt]]. It has an [[outline article|outline]] status. I clicked on "outline" and the first sentence read: :::"An '''outline article''' is a status rating for any article in ''<u>Wikivoyage</u>'' ... " [My emphasis]. ::This is proof that they are copying the WIkivoyage site. [[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 16:00, 18 June 2025 (UTC) ::: It seems that the contents are incorporated by a script directly from Wikivoyage similar to the html frame technology that's why the articles are up-to-date. I made a small change in some status ratings of the German Wikivoyage, and immediately you can read that this is a usable Wikivoyage article in the footer. --[[User:RolandUnger|RolandUnger]] ([[User talk:RolandUnger|talk]]) 17:24, 18 June 2025 (UTC) ::Copying Wikivoyage's contents is okay. However, you have to provide "reasonable" attribution. That's usually done with something like a simple link to the original article on Wikivoyage. I don't see Wikivoyage mentioned on their website, so they need to fix that – but remember that the goal is for them to fix it, not to punish them or prevent them from sharing our information. ::[[w:en:WP:BACKWARDSCOPY]] has some advice on how to contact websites that haven't complied with the license terms. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 19:27, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :::I have sent the developers of the site an email about this. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:38, 21 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I've also forwarded it to WMF legal (cc {{u|Koavf}}). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:40, 21 June 2025 (UTC) :::::Merci. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 02:52, 21 June 2025 (UTC) == Mexican disambiguators == Some input at [[Wikivoyage talk:Naming conventions#Disambiguators for Mexican destinations]] would be appreciated. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 13:41, 19 June 2025 (UTC) == Most visited country in Southeast Asia == It looks like [[Thailand]] just lost its crown to [[Malaysia]], at least for Q1 2025. Should we update our articles to reflect that, or should we wait and see if Malaysia can sustain its lead? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:11, 23 June 2025 (UTC) :{{ping|The dog2}} I think you should update the articles to say that both Thailand and Malaysia are the most visited countries of SE Asia, along the lines of, "Thailand, along with Malaysia, are...", "Malaysia, along with Thailand, are..." or even "Malaysia and Thailand are...". '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 17:11, 23 June 2025 (UTC) ::I think we should wait till yearly figures are available before changing anything. Too many things can change from one quarter to the next. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:52, 23 June 2025 (UTC) :::Agreed – one quarter might not be a true reflection. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 00:24, 24 June 2025 (UTC) == Regionlist == I have added a static map in [[Maharashtra]], but it disappears without showing a dynamic map when I click/press the link "switch to interactive map". Same happens in [[West Bengal]], [[Andhra Pradesh]], [[Chennai]], etc. I think there's a bug in {{tl|Regionlist}} that causes this disappearance, as the template itself was last edited on August 2024. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 13:36, 26 June 2025 (UTC) :Same issue on it:voy. For sure is caused by a change server side. I'll try to figure out if we can solve locally or if we need to open a ticket. [[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 06:46, 27 June 2025 (UTC) ::I've patched it. Now it works again. Be sure to refresh/purge the page you test. [[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 07:32, 27 June 2025 (UTC) == Sister Projects Task Force reviews Wikispore and Wikinews == <section begin="message"/> Dear Wikimedia Community, The [[m:Wikimedia Foundation Community Affairs Committee|Community Affairs Committee (CAC)]] of the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees assigned [[m:Wikimedia Foundation Community Affairs Committee/Sister Projects Task Force|the Sister Projects Task Force (SPTF)]] to update and implement a procedure for assessing the lifecycle of Sister Projects – wiki [[m:Wikimedia projects|projects supported by Wikimedia Foundation (WMF)]]. A vision of relevant, accessible, and impactful free knowledge has always guided the Wikimedia Movement. As the ecosystem of Wikimedia projects continues to evolve, it is crucial that we periodically review existing projects to ensure they still align with our goals and community capacity. Despite their noble intent, some projects may no longer effectively serve their original purpose. '''Reviewing such projects is not about giving up – it's about responsible stewardship of shared resources'''. Volunteer time, staff support, infrastructure, and community attention are finite, and the non-technical costs tend to grow significantly as our ecosystem has entered a different age of the internet than the one we were founded in. Supporting inactive projects or projects that didn't meet our ambitions can unintentionally divert these resources from areas with more potential impact. Moreover, maintaining projects that no longer reflect the quality and reliability of the Wikimedia name stands for, involves a reputational risk. An abandoned or less reliable project affects trust in the Wikimedia movement. Lastly, '''failing to sunset or reimagine projects that are no longer working can make it much harder to start new ones'''. When the community feels bound to every past decision – no matter how outdated – we risk stagnation. A healthy ecosystem must allow for evolution, adaptation, and, when necessary, letting go. If we create the expectation that every project must exist indefinitely, we limit our ability to experiment and innovate. Because of this, SPTF reviewed two requests concerning the lifecycle of the Sister Projects to work through and demonstrate the review process. We chose Wikispore as a case study for a possible new Sister Project opening and Wikinews as a case study for a review of an existing project. Preliminary findings were discussed with the CAC, and a community consultation on both proposals was recommended. === Wikispore === The [[m:Wikispore|application to consider Wikispore]] was submitted in 2019. SPTF decided to review this request in more depth because rather than being concentrated on a specific topic, as most of the proposals for the new Sister Projects are, Wikispore has the potential to nurture multiple start-up Sister Projects. After careful consideration, the SPTF has decided '''not to recommend''' Wikispore as a Wikimedia Sister Project. Considering the current activity level, the current arrangement allows '''better flexibility''' and experimentation while WMF provides core infrastructural support. We acknowledge the initiative's potential and seek community input on what would constitute a sufficient level of activity and engagement to reconsider its status in the future. As part of the process, we shared the decision with the Wikispore community and invited one of its leaders, Pharos, to an SPTF meeting. Currently, we especially invite feedback on measurable criteria indicating the project's readiness, such as contributor numbers, content volume, and sustained community support. This would clarify the criteria sufficient for opening a new Sister Project, including possible future Wikispore re-application. However, the numbers will always be a guide because any number can be gamed. === Wikinews === We chose to review Wikinews among existing Sister Projects because it is the one for which we have observed the highest level of concern in multiple ways. Since the SPTF was convened in 2023, its members have asked for the community's opinions during conferences and community calls about Sister Projects that did not fulfil their promise in the Wikimedia movement.[https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:WCNA_2024._Sister_Projects_-_opening%3F_closing%3F_merging%3F_splitting%3F.pdf <nowiki>[1]</nowiki>][https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_Community_Affairs_Committee/Sister_Projects_Task_Force#Wikimania_2023_session_%22Sister_Projects:_past,_present_and_the_glorious_future%22 <nowiki>[2]</nowiki>][https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/WikiConvention_francophone/2024/Programme/Quelle_proc%C3%A9dure_pour_ouvrir_ou_fermer_un_projet_%3F <nowiki>[3]</nowiki>] Wikinews was the leading candidate for an evaluation because people from multiple language communities proposed it. Additionally, by most measures, it is the least active Sister Project, with the greatest drop in activity over the years. While the Language Committee routinely opens and closes language versions of the Sister Projects in small languages, there has never been a valid proposal to close Wikipedia in major languages or any project in English. This is not true for Wikinews, where there was a proposal to close English Wikinews, which gained some traction but did not result in any action[https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Proposals_for_closing_projects/Closure_of_English_Wikinews <nowiki>[4]</nowiki>][https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/WikiConvention_francophone/2024/Programme/Quelle_proc%C3%A9dure_pour_ouvrir_ou_fermer_un_projet_%3F <nowiki>[5]</nowiki>, see section 5] as well as a draft proposal to close all languages of Wikinews[https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Talk:Proposals_for_closing_projects/Archive_2#Close_Wikinews_completely,_all_languages? <nowiki>[6]</nowiki>]. [[:c:File:Sister Projects Taskforce Wikinews review 2024.pdf|Initial metrics]] compiled by WMF staff also support the community's concerns about Wikinews. Based on this report, SPTF recommends a community reevaluation of Wikinews. We conclude that its current structure and activity levels are the lowest among the existing sister projects. SPTF also recommends pausing the opening of new language editions while the consultation runs. SPTF brings this analysis to a discussion and welcomes discussions of alternative outcomes, including potential restructuring efforts or integration with other Wikimedia initiatives. '''Options''' mentioned so far (which might be applied to just low-activity languages or all languages) include but are not limited to: *Restructure how Wikinews works and is linked to other current events efforts on the projects, *Merge the content of Wikinews into the relevant language Wikipedias, possibly in a new namespace, *Merge content into compatibly licensed external projects, *Archive Wikinews projects. Your insights and perspectives are invaluable in shaping the future of these projects. We encourage all interested community members to share their thoughts on the relevant discussion pages or through other designated feedback channels. === Feedback and next steps === We'd be grateful if you want to take part in a conversation on the future of these projects and the review process. We are setting up two different project pages: [[m:Public consultation about Wikispore|Public consultation about Wikispore]] and [[m:Public consultation about Wikinews|Public consultation about Wikinews]]. Please participate between 27 June 2025 and 27 July 2025, after which we will summarize the discussion to move forward. You can write in your own language. I will also host a community conversation 16th July Wednesday 11.00 UTC and 17th July Thursday 17.00 UTC (call links to follow shortly) and will be around at Wikimania for more discussions. <section end="message"/> -- [[User:Victoria|Victoria]] on behalf of the Sister Project Task Force, 20:57, 27 June 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:Johan (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Johan_(WMF)/Sister_project_MassMassage_on_behalf_of_Victoria/Target_list&oldid=28911188 --> :I definitely hate to say it but Wikinews has to be one of the most failed WMF projects. The English Wikinews is barely sustaining and I think that is fine for the timebeing, but the other Wikinews projects simply lack the editor base to actively review new news articles. It came up in tawikinews' closure proposal where their newest article dated to 2018! //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:56, 28 June 2025 (UTC) ::I think that we're meant to post that kind of thing on the Meta-Wiki project pages: [[metawiki:Public consultation about Wikispore|Public consultation about Wikispore]] and [[metawiki:Public consultation about Wikinews|Public consultation about Wikinews]]. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 22:42, 28 June 2025 (UTC) :::I'm aware; I just wanted to give out my 2c in short form – I have a longer list of suggestions planned which I'll do when I get a bit more spare time. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:44, 28 June 2025 (UTC) === General concerns === I am not a big fan of Wikinews, but one thing about the [[:meta:Proposal_for_Closing_Wikinews|report published by Sister Projects Task Force]] is concerning. This report is written in a very critical manner, namely, it does not mention that dozens if not hundreds of volunteers have spent a considerable amount of their time on developing Wikinews. The report does not mention any single good thing about their work, which does not seem fair. The report demonstrates that the current level of activity and content development at Wikinews is low (and this statement is fair), but it does not set any threshold of what would be good enough metrics for a community to deserve the resources from WMF. Moreover, the report does not attempt to analyze which steps Wikinews editors took to develop their project, and why these steps were unsuccessful. It just says: you did a bad job, so we will close you down and even deprive you of any possibility of moving Wikinews elsewhere because the name stays with Wikimedia Foundation. Wikivoyage is a smaller project too, and it would be discouraging if a similarly critical report about our work appears. It is not completely unrealistic when half of the language versions are dormant, while many others are somewhat comparable in their metrics to the most active editions of Wikinews. I think that only English Wikivoyage is clearly above that threshold, although the actual threshold is not even defined, so almost any level of activity can be deemed "low" if one wants to say so. What are your thoughts on that? --[[User:Atsirlin|Alexander]] ([[User_talk:Atsirlin|talk]]) 09:53, 28 June 2025 (UTC) :I have not been using Wikinews, so my reflections are based on the closure of Wikinews in Swedish and the current discussion, linked above. One point raised in the discussion is that the metrics chosen didn't take into account the special nature of the project. :I assume the Sister Project Task Force is right in that this kind of evaluations need to be done from time to time, but also think that the evaluations should focus on whether there are paths forward, rather than on whether the project is viable according to current trends. :Wikinews has the problem that a significant dedicated editor base i needed – Wikipedia or even Wikivoyage can stay alive and stay interesting even with no edits for a year or two, while a news outlet would loose nearly all of its readers. The coverage needs to be adequate on at least some areas (geographic or thematic) for the site to stay interesting. The critical mass needed is much larger – and that critical mass additionally needs to be able to counter people with a bias (good-faith or not) or with an agenda not aligned with the project goals – keeping touting at bay is much easier. I assume new language versions should be started only if there is hope of quickly building that critical mass. :–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 10:36, 28 June 2025 (UTC) ::Yes I do believe that LangCom has decided to suspend the creation of all new Wikinews projects for that very reason. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:46, 28 June 2025 (UTC) :Alexander, it's true "that dozens if not hundreds of volunteers have spent a considerable amount of their time on developing Wikinews", but it's also true that keeping a failing project because of past efforts is an example of [[w:en:Sunk cost fallacy]]. :I suspect that if someone made a credible proposal to move Wikinews to another host, the WMF would be be open to negotiations over the name. (But any new sponsor might prefer to come up with their own name.) [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 03:31, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::I guess my main problem is the absence of any well-defined criteria that distinguish a sustainable project from a failing one. Do you understand what these criteria are? -- [[User:Atsirlin|Alexander]] ([[User_talk:Atsirlin|talk]]) 08:35, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::A well-defined criteria that defines what a sustainable project would still heavily rely on how the project functions, though. For Wikinews, it needs to be very active and metrics that may be appropriate for Wikivoyage or Wikibooks like number of articles aren't super relevant because 20000 articles is no good if the last one was written 2 months ago (the numbers are hypothetical but my point stands). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 08:50, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I agree that the same metrics can not be applied to all sister projects, but "very active" leaves a lot of room for interpretation. Imagine someone decides that Wikivoyage is not sustainable because it contains a lot of outdated travel information that has not been updated in the last 5 years. That would be a problem... -- [[User:Atsirlin|Alexander]] ([[User_talk:Atsirlin|talk]]) 09:27, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::::We don't want well-defined criteria. There needs to be judgement on the projects actual prospects. Opening a community discussion is good, as that's a way to see whether the metrics give a correct picture – although there should be discussions with the projects before opening a discussion like this (I don't know to what extent there have been such discussions). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 20:13, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I still don't love the way the SPTF decided to mass-send these messages to every wiki without consulting the Wikinews community; it really should be up to them (and when I mean them, I mean the more active Wikinews projects such as en or ruwikinews) to decide their project's future, not the rest of us or the vast majority who don't get involved with Wikinews. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:01, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::Yes. The issues should have been raised with the projects first (not only the big ones, but all projects affected). I don't know whether that was done, but seemingly not enough, anyway. It seems the SPTF (?) wanted to introduce a more general practice of re-evaluating projects, and just chose the two as examples. They should have understood that doing it that way, without consultations, would upset people. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:40, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::TBF, there were several closure proposals before, including one for all language Wikinews. Those for major projects failed, but one can argue that this was a signal to the communities to evaluate their performance which they apparently did not get. I agree though that opening such discussion before notifying the Wikinews communities first is not really good. [[User:Ymblanter|Ymblanter]] ([[User talk:Ymblanter|talk]]) 08:54, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::They definitely should have; I hope they use this as a learning lesson because the general sentiment from the enwikinews community is quite clearly unimpressed from that discussion. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 09:01, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::Well this comment certainly [[:m:Talk:Public_consultation_about_Wikinews#c-Victoria-20250630095300-BRPever-20250629141600|aged like milk]]. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 13:59, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::Oh dear. I hope there are others in the SPTF who are more keen-eared. This risks degenerating into one more of the WMF-not-respecting-the-community affairs. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:40, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::SPTF (or Victoria, at the very least) seems so predetermined to close Wikinews that I've never heard something so blatantly biased such as "However, I expect that the wikinewsians would be in COI" – so to them I assume knowing the ins and outs of your own project is apparently a conflict of interest? It's a massive insult to non-Wikipedia based projects. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 11:04, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::I can understand her view, but I think it is misguided, and somebody in her team should get them to discuss their actual mission. If a project indeed needs to be laid down, the process needs to be lead very sensitively – and the consultation in this phase shouldn't be on whether to lay Wikinews down. It is "to work through and demonstrate the review process", "a community reevaluation" and "potential restructuring efforts". ::::::::::::The demonstration of the process has been a disaster and potential restructuring efforts require a good understanding of he project, which cannot be had without a keen-eared discussion with the communities. ::::::::::::The "re-evaluation" should be based on such potential restructuring paths, where restructuring isn't about where to dump the Wikinews content, but how to save the project, if possible. ::::::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 13:13, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::I fully agree with you about about the "re-evaluation" but the way they have been responding to community feedback feels as though they have the result pre-determined and this is merely being used as a box ticking exercise – which is why I think it's crucial that we as a fellow sister project speak up about the way this was poorly handled because who knows what they will do when it's our turn to undergo public consultations. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 14:04, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::I wrote about some concerns in [[:meta:Talk:Public consultation about Wikinews#Process and analysis seem flawed]]. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:34, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::::Cheers, {{u|LPfi}}; hopefully our project will be fine (I think it will because Wikivoyage or really any other WMF project does not have the same issues as Wikinews does of requiring an active community), but more feedback is certainly better. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 03:49, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::Whereas I agree that the process it to some extend flawed (and I agree with the points LPfi makes in the response on Meta), it would be useful to see whether some metrics used for analysis (in whatever flawed way) could be improved for Wikivoyage, so that they are out of discussion. [[User:Ymblanter|Ymblanter]] ([[User talk:Ymblanter|talk]]) 08:18, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::::::{{Ping|Victoria}} as primary author and for what I think is trenchant feedback: to the extent that this taskforce is assessing the sibling projects, it would be helpful if the individual communities knew what kind of rubric there is to grade their health. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 19:55, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::::I've been going through some of the stats, and "very active" is an interesting point. The defenders of the "very active" Wikinews language editions seem to be engaged overwhelmingly in copying/pasting content from suitably licensed external sites. They have turned Wikinews into mirrors for other sites, rather than writing articles. :::::Just imagine how we at Wikivoyage would react if someone here said "I am a very active Wikivoyage editor. I spend at least an hour a day copying and pasting pages from other travel websites!" [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 21:34, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::We do copy info from hotel websites and other sources, but we don't have the luxury of reliable free content written in our style. Being a channel for reliable news ''could'' be a mission of Wikinews (more or less the same way some "social media" sites do it). If so, the question is whether they can do it well enough for it to be worthwhile as a WMF project (and whether the other things they do are done well). But that's not the discussion the SPTF initiated, they chose to go by statistics instead. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 22:12, 2 July 2025 (UTC) == Archive links invisible in mobile mode == Why? When I look in edit mode, I can see links to archives in [[Talk:China]], but not when I simply look at that talk page. Will Wikivoyage in mobile mode ever not suck? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:30, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :I can't answer your first question, but the answer to your latter question, as we both know, is never (we are a massive afterthought for the WMF). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:51, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::In which case, we will eventually read that the Wikimedia Foundation dropped Wikivoyage from lack of sufficient participation. Would we be able to fork in that case, or does Wikimedia own the copyright for Wikivoyage as they do for Wikinews? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:09, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::Each individual editor, including IPs/logged-out editors, owns the copyright to whatever copyrightable material they post on wiki. The Wikimedia Foundation owns the domain names and the trademarks (e.g., name and logo). Anyone who wants to fork can do so freely. The Wikimedia Foundation will sometimes even informally help people do so. The mobile site does have the links to the archives. Click on the "(i) Learn more about this page" button at the top of the page to find the "invisible" content. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 03:27, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::{{ping|Ikan Kekek}} Please don't be that fearful when Wikinews is proposed to be shut down or merged with Wikipedia. I wanted to work in the Bengali Wikinews Incubator project, but my lack of activity in recent weeks has prevented me from participating further. So, I have focused on Commons and Wikivoyage, where I am still highly active. I don't think the SPTF would suggest something similar for Wikivoyage, and I think it is actually a popular website. My static map of [[West Bengal]] is now widely shared on Facebook (both English and Bengali versions), along with an AI-generated list of places to visit in the state. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 03:35, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::::You are a superb Wikivoyage content creator! I'm not afraid in the very near term, but usage of all websites nowadays has to be mostly mobile, so if this site's mobile interface remains terrible, its eventual demise is a foregone conclusion. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:44, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::::Are you refering to the archive links that appear when I click "more about this page" at the top? :::::The issues with the mobile site exist as this project does not have '''active interface admins.''' :::::Note: The WMF has nothing to do with the content or presentation of content for this site. :::::Relevant links: :::::* https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:WikimediaMessages#Site_admin_helper :::::* https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Recommendations_for_mobile_friendly_articles_on_Wikimedia_wikis :::::[[User:Jdlrobson|Jdlrobson]] ([[User talk:Jdlrobson|talk]]) 03:09, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::Yes, "Learn more about this page." I didn't know to click that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:27, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I don't see why the WMF would have nothing to do with presentation of content on Wikivoyage. We are using MediaWiki and settings provided by the WMF, and we indeed are a WMF project. ::::::Not having active interface admins (I thought we have some) shouldn't mean too much – having technically knowledgable people locally is a bonus, it (and them dedicating time to do major work) shouldn't be a prerequisite for a WMF project. ::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:51, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::We do indeed have 5 [[Wikivoyage:Interface administrators]], which [[User:Jdlrobson]] should know, because he is one of them. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:01, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::I am an interface admin but I would not consider myself active. Maintenance of the listing editor for example causes me more anxiety than enjoyment these days. ::::::::In my time in this project I have seen quite a few complaints about the mobile experience but nobody has articulated clearly what needs improving. I personally dont think that overall it is a bad experience and the fact most of our page views are on mobile should be reassuring. That said there are templates like climate data that I think could be improved on mobile. ::::::::If you really want to improve the mobile experience I'd recommend making a wiki page with discussion of changes, proposal/consensus and then implementing them. I havent seen this sort of thing since [[Wikivoyage:Banner Expedition]]. I guarantee the majority of changes you want do not need WMF involvement but they will require discussion and community consultation. [[User:Jdlrobson|Jdlrobson]] ([[User talk:Jdlrobson|talk]]) 15:53, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::Wauterz is certainly active. Have you ever tried adding a listing or reverting more than one edit at a time in mobile mode? I'm sure we can compile a list of badness from the mobile interface. Where is the best page to put it on? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:25, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::{{u|Andyrom75}} is also fairly active on itwikivoyage. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 22:18, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::To answer the very first question of @[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]], I've noticed that the infobox has a "display:none" style that hide those boxes in mobile view. I think this style is added serverside (maybe @[[User:Jdlrobson|Jdlrobson]] you can confirm), because it's not added by the template neither by the templatestyles. :::::::::::However, as said from @[[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]], you can still see it clicking on the "(i)" button. [[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 17:09, 2 July 2025 (UTC) qhefig466a5o3i9gos8qye5zd7m0atu 5086836 5086813 2025-07-02T23:11:44Z SHB2000 2248002 /* General concerns */ re 5086836 wikitext text/x-wiki <div style="text-align:left; background: var( --wv-optional-color, #f4f7fa); color: var( --color-base ); border: 1px solid #abc; padding: .3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em"> <div style="text-align:center; font-size:300%; line-height: 1; padding: 10px;">'''Welcome to the pub'''</div> {{shortcut|[[WV:Pub]]|[[WV:TP]]}} [[File:QA_icon_clr.svg|right|frameless|150px|link=]] The travellers' pub is for general discussion on Wikivoyage, and the place to ask questions when you're confused, lost, afraid, tired, annoyed, thoughtful, or helpful. To start a new topic, click the "Add topic" tab, so that it gets added '''at the bottom''' of the page, and sign your post by appending four tildes (<nowiki>~~~~</nowiki>) Before asking a question or making a comment: * Have a look at our [[Wikivoyage:Help|Help]], [[Wikivoyage:FAQ|FAQ]] and [[Wikivoyage:Policies|Policies]] pages. * If you are a '''new user''' and you have any questions about using the website, try the [[Wikivoyage:Arrivals lounge|Arrivals lounge]]. * If you have a '''question or suggestion about a particular article''', use the article's [[Project:using talk pages|talk page]] to keep the discussion associated with that article. * If you'd like to '''draw attention to a comment''' to '''get feedback''' from other Wikivoyagers, try [[Wikivoyage:Requests for comment|Requests for comment]]. * If you are '''wanting travel advice on a specific matter''' see the [[Wikivoyage:Tourist office|tourist office]]. * If you have an '''issue you need to bring to the attention of an administrator''', try [[Wikivoyage:Ongoing vandalism|Ongoing vandalism]]. * If you are having a '''problem that you think has to do with the [[mw:|MediaWiki software]]''', please post that on [[phab:|Phabricator]] instead. * If you want to '''celebrate a significant contribution''' to Wikivoyage by yourself or others, hold a party at [[Project:Celebrate a contribution|Celebrate a contribution]]. * Discuss '''issues related to more than one language version''' of Wikivoyage in the [[meta:Wikivoyage/Lounge|Wikivoyage Lounge]] on Meta. * Anything that is '''Nigeria-related''' is now meant to go in the [[Wikivoyage:Nigeria café|Nigeria café]] instead. Anything that is '''Kosovo or Albania related''' is now meant to go in the [[Wikivoyage:Kosovo and Albania cafe|Kosovo and Albania café]] instead. This includes announcements, initiatives, celebrations, and issues with certain articles. You can review old Pub discussions in the [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub/Archives]]. '''Pull up a chair and join in the conversation!''' [{{fullurl:Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub|action=edit&section=new}} '''Click here to start a new thread'''] </div> {{WikivoyageDoc|collaboration}} <!-- Discussions start here --> __TOC__ __NEWSECTIONLINK__ == RfC ongoing regarding Abstract Wikipedia (and your project) == <div lang="en" dir="ltr" class="mw-content-ltr"> ''(Apologies for posting in English, if this is not your first language)'' Hello all! We opened a discussion on Meta about a very delicate issue for the development of [[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Abstract Wikipedia|Abstract Wikipedia]]: where to store the abstract content that will be developed through functions from Wikifunctions and data from Wikidata. Since some of the hypothesis involve your project, we wanted to hear your thoughts too. We want to make the decision process clear: we do not yet know which option we want to use, which is why we are consulting here. We will take the arguments from the Wikimedia communities into account, and we want to consult with the different communities and hear arguments that will help us with the decision. The decision will be made and communicated after the consultation period by the Foundation. You can read the various hypothesis and have your say at [[:m:Abstract Wikipedia/Location of Abstract Content|Abstract Wikipedia/Location of Abstract Content]]. Thank you in advance! -- [[User:Sannita (WMF)|Sannita (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Sannita (WMF)|<span class="signature-talk">{{int:Talkpagelinktext}}</span>]]) 15:27, 22 May 2025 (UTC) </div> <!-- Message sent by User:Sannita (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Sannita_(WMF)/Mass_sending_test&oldid=28768453 --> :{{re|Sannita (WMF)}} may I ask how this affects Wikivoyage when you say "some of the hypothesis involve your project"? TIA, //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:28, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::The proposed solutions mention the Wikivoyages in several places. The main issue is that an abstract article about Someplace shouldn't be rendered the same in Wikipedia and Wikivoyage. This affects also the technical solutions, such as where to store statements and functions. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:21, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::Can you explain further how we have abstract (vs. concrete?) articles on Wikivoyage? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:27, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::We don't have any abstract articles at the time being, and I assume Wikivoyage in English may choose never to have them. For smaller languages, though, it is unrealistic to cover all interesting places with proper articles. The mission of Abstract Wikipedia is to provide a framework for creating articles in a way that allows automatic translation into something at least half-way decent. It's like having listings fetch key information from Wikidata, but scaled up to complete articles (or less complete – at least lively language on personal impressions will certainly be missing for the foreseeable future). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:43, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::::I see – I still don't understand how this will fully get (even after reading the hypothesis), but I suppose it's something for smaller language projects. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 09:47, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::Hi @[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], it seems that @[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] covered most of my arguments here already, so I would just repeat them at this point. The part that interests your project refers to the hypothesis that abstract content ''might'' (but it's still not sure at the moment) be stored in a dedicated namespace of your project. But again, this ''might'' happen, and you're free to refuse to store/use abstract content to further your development. This is entirely in your right, and we do not want to force any adoption of the project without consensus. [[User:Sannita (WMF)|Sannita (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Sannita (WMF)|talk]]) 10:01, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::And yes, Abstract Wikipedia is primarily intended for projects that have so far developed a small number of articles, in order to help them accelerate their growth and hopefully provide more knowledge to their communities and recruit a higher number of volunteers. [[User:Sannita (WMF)|Sannita (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Sannita (WMF)|talk]]) 10:03, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::Sounds perfect. Thanks to both of you for explaining! //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:10, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Seconded. I understand. We should discuss in a separate thread whether it would be better to encourage, allow perhaps without comment, or disallow abstract listings on this site. I think we probably don't want abstract articles, but we should discuss that, too. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:22, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::::I can see abstract listings being useful for more obscure parts of the world for English speakers for this site at least, but overall sounds like it's something to help smaller language Wikivoyages benefit from us rather than the other way around (which is also great). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 13:30, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::I mentioned listings as we already use Wikidata for them (coordinates) and have discussed e.g. opening hours (too complicated to be workable). I don't think "abstract listings" are an option at this point – somebody needs to decide a listing is wanted and would include some manual language when adding it. We still might have some valuable insights in how – and how not – to design abstract Wikivoyage articles for them to be useful. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 14:04, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::I have two thoughts about this: ::* We need some way of separating a block of text that works for Wikipedia from a block of text that works for Wikivoyage (or another sister project). That suggests ''not'' using the English Wikipedia as the storage place for everything. The Wikipedias might all want "Jupiter is the largest planet in the Solar System. It is the fifth planet from the Sun", but if Wikivoyage were to have an article on the planet, it would probably sound a lot more like "Jupiter isn't a viable destination, but travelers interested in [[astronomy]] and [[navigation]]<nowiki/>by the stars may be interested in the Big Museum of Jupiter and the Annual Jupiter Festival". ::* I think that the English Wikivoyage could benefit from Abstract content. It's obvious that we could 'translate' our [[Wikivoyage:Star articles|Star articles]] into Abstract, and thus other Wikivoyages would benefit. However, imagine how much we could benefit if @[[User:Sannita (WMF)|Sannita (WMF)]] brought [[:it:Roma]] up to Star status, and then translated it for us to copy whatever bits we wanted in [[Rome]]. Keep in mind that while Abstract is set up to do dynamic autotranslation (e.g., always giving the latest population estimate, if the sentence says "the population of Rome is ___"), you can actually copy and paste the results as plain old text into an article. ::[[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:07, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::If I understand correctly, Abstract Wikipedia works with programming that could have been done in the 1980s, more or less like [[:w:Lsjbot|Lsjbot]]'s articles, although not confined to info found in already existing datasets. "Not a viable destination" would need to be an item to insert and translate. That article on Jupiter would have very little in common with the Wikipedia one. :::For Rome, population statistics etc. would be easy to write in abstract form, but an abstract star article would need a lot of article-specific functions, which need to be translated to get a version in another language – and lively language is hard to translate automatically (think "[[Talk#Speaking English with non-native speakers|blind and therefore insane]]"). Copying over listings would work, and a good abstract article should have a good selection of those. :::I think an abstract Wikivoyage article should focus on being reasonably complete by having ''information'': roads and trains for getting in, listings with coords, contact details and Wikidata link, and suggestions in Go next, but quite little running text, mostly identical across articles except data values (…is a village/town/city in X…), and likewise a dry list of facts in the listing "content", not like the lively writing in [[Wikivoyage:Listings#Examples|Wikivoyage:Listings]]. :::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 17:47, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::As Wikivoyage has generally has more structured articles than Wikipedia, I think that we could make use of an Abstract Wikivoyage. Two areas look like possible starting points: listings and the phrases in phrasebooks. ::::If a tool could create an abstract version of a listing that exists in another language, then the listing could be offered when editing the same section of an article here - "Would you like to add a listing for the Lawnmower Museum?". Some parts of listing could be updated in all languages when edited in one - we would show the last updated entry price for the museum whatever language it was edited in. A difficult part is identifying when listing elements are language specific - we may use a different url from another WV to point to a page in English, and we don't care that the museum has labels translated into Spanish. ::::In English WV we have a standard set of phrases for phrasebooks, and most phrasebooks keep fairly closely to this list. This list is also the basis for phrasebooks in some other language WVs. It would appear to be reasonably straightforward to scan the existing phrases to create an abstract phrasebook, but inconsistencies would need to be reviewed. There are about 300 phrasebooks in English, 50 in German and 20 in Polish. Maybe we can use this to offer over 200 phrasebooks in Polish. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:44, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::::For listings, yes, the abstract versions would be easy to create. For the name, we only need to identify the native name, its romanisation, and the language of translated names. There are already structures for all this in Wikidata; also "official URL" has a language attribute. Amenities of hotels can likewise easily be described. Nothing will be automatically fetched, so no worries about info irrelevant for English speakers. What is hard to do is the lively language of the examples I linked above. :::::For phrasebooks, I am not sure it is that easy, or rather whether creating an abstract phrasebook helps compared to just translating the template and using a dictionary (or whatever way you otherwise use for getting translations). Grammar and pronunciation sections needs to be written with the audience's language knowledge in mind, and translations of phrases need to be done with some understanding of the context, thus mostly manually. For a good phrasebook, you also need to note peculiarities in the relation with the target language, such as the liberty/liberté etc. now added to the French and Italian phrasebook and warnings for specific false friends. :::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 04:57, 27 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::I think phrasebooks is one of those things (along with travel topics) where it's more or less impossible to create an abstract version of. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 05:23, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::Why do you think that? :::::::We can already write things like "{{#invoke:wd|label|Q98815142}}, a {{#invoke:wd|label|Q81727}} of {{#invoke:wd|label|Q8486}}, {{#invoke:wd|label|Q26175857}}" by invoking Wikidata. It would require expansion (e.g., to add "a" and "an"), but it doesn't seem impossible in principle, at least for simpler sentences. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:24, 27 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::The question is whether there is any point of doing that. If every phrase has to be purpose-translated, then why not just write the non-abstract phrasebook? The point with the abstract articles is that there are standard phrases that can be used across articles, such as words for amenities you will find in many hotels. For the phrasebook phrases, the question is whether the same Sámi phrase would suite the phrasebook in English and the one in Latvian (or whatever). ::::::::When the English phrase is translated differently depending on context, some commentary needs to be added (formal/informal, feminine/masculine). This commentary is redundant or awkward in languages that make the same distinction, possibly treating the two (or more) forms as totally unrelated (the person is deceased, the cow is dead). ::::::::For the cup of tea, you may need to word that differently depending on whether you are a man or woman, and whether the one you are asking for the cup is a waiter, the café owner, your host or your host's young child. ::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 20:59, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::::Perhaps an example would show what I was thinking of: :::::::::In [[French phrasebook]], we have: :::::::::; How much is a ticket to _____? : Combien coûte le billet pour _____ ? (''kom-BYAN koot luh bee-YEH poor'') :::::::::; One ticket to _____, please. : Un billet pour _____, s'il vous plaît. (''ung bee-YEH poor ____ seel voo pleh'') :::::::::On Polish WV there is [[:pl:Rozmówki francuskie]], their French Phrasebook. :::::::::;Ile kosztuje bilet do...? : Combien coûte le billet pour...? :::::::::;Poproszę jeden bilet do... : Un billet pour..., je vous prie. :::::::::We also have [[Finnish phrasebook]], which has: :::::::::; How much is a ticket to _____? : Paljonko maksaa lippu _____in? (''PAHL-yonk-aw MAHK-sah LEEP-poo _____?'') :::::::::So I think that a Finnish phrasebook on the Polish WV, could have :::::::::;Ile kosztuje bilet do...? : Paljonko maksaa lippu _____in? (''PAHL-yonk-aw MAHK-sah LEEP-poo _____?'') :::::::::"One ticket to" is not exactly the same (translating the French used in Polish, it is saying "I beg you" rather than "please"), so this phase would require some manual adjustments when it was abstracted. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:24, 27 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::I don't think that the idea with Abstract is to program in "please", but rather to swap in whichever word or phrase is used in that language to indicate politeness and respect while making a request. ::::::::::We already have a [[mw:Help:Magic words#gender|software switch for gender]], so this is not some miraculous future tech; this is an expansion of what has been possible for years. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 01:39, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::For Finnish, there is no word or phrase that indicates politeness, but one often uses the conditional (?) verb form instead. In some cases one would just use that word form in the phrase (in the Finnish phrasebooks and in phrasebooks for Finnish) – but here the question is instead with no sign of politeness, which is common in that language. Something like "could you" is problematic as most languages make a distinction between thou and you. I think the common cases can be handled decently, but for less well-known language families – those that benefit most from the abstract articles – the edge cases will be more common. It is likely that abstract phrasebook have to be tweaked for specific languages to avoid the odd case of very problematic renderings. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:02, 28 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::In Malay, there are two words for "please" that have different meanings and are used in different contexts. There are also two words for "we" that have different meanings. Etc. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:34, 30 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::I would expect all the foreign phrases to be reproduced exactly as they were in the existing phrasebook(s) that they were taken from. Ideally the left side phrases would also be exact reproductions, unless they were used to create a phrasebook to be part of a WV that doesn't currently have any phrasebooks; but it is less of an issue if the left side doesn't read perfectly. I am assuming that an Abstract Wikivoyage would have some mechanism for handling quoted text, as this is essential for reproducing the exact words used in famous speeches etc, and will be required for abstract Wikipedia and Wikiquote etc. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 14:06, 30 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::{{re|WhatamIdoing}} LPfi's basically explained why I don't think abstract phrasebooks will work. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:25, 27 May 2025 (UTC) == Adding images to the Infobox template == {{Infobox/sandbox|Infobox sandbox test|Nutritious, filling content goes here. |image=Dessert_Merlion_Singapore_Cafe_Kaya_Toast.jpg |caption=Yum yum!}} I've hacked up [[Template:Infobox/sandbox]] which add new <code>image/caption</code> parameters, so you can easily add an image to your infoboxen instead of trying to manually hack it in. Example: <pre> {{Infobox/sandbox |Infobox sandbox test |Nutritious, filling content goes here. |image=Dessert_Merlion_Singapore_Cafe_Kaya_Toast.jpg |caption=Yum yum!}} </pre> If there's no objections, I'll roll this out to the main Infobox template, the params are optional so it shouldn't break anything. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 06:02, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :{{support}} &ndash; Will be useful for articles like [[India]] and [[Kolkata]], which already use images in infoboxes. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 06:15, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :This is a tangent, but I think we should consider renaming that template, or at least changing its Wikidata links. Wikivoyage doesn't do Wikipedia-style infoboxes. These are just simple boxes, more like pull quotes or boxed warnings. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:29, 27 May 2025 (UTC) ::Change the Wikidata link, but keep the name. It is an infobox, although not a Wikipedia-style one. Of course, if somebody comes up with a better name, then I won't object. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:06, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :::{{ping|WhatamIdoing|LPfi}} Maybe {{tl|Info}} can be used instead of {{tl|Infobox}}. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 02:40, 28 May 2025 (UTC) ::::For us, this is an infobox, not just info. I wouldn't support such changes just to conform. Somebody who wants a Wikipedia-style infobox should just be directed to {{tl|quickbar}}, and somebody who tries to use {{tl|infobox}} quickly sees that it isn't what they are looking for. A see also for the former is more useful than a name change. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:11, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :::::I'll fix the Wikidata links so that {{tl|quickbar}} is matched with the Wikipedia-style infoboxes, and {{tl|infobox}} isn't. I'm not sure what our {{tl|infobox}} should be matched to; I don't think that enwiki has anything similar. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:28, 28 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::...No, that won't work. {{tl|Quickbar}} matches "Infobox Country". I'll remove the {{tl|infobox}} links. That much is certainly correct. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:29, 28 May 2025 (UTC) (undent) I've deployed the new version. I had to tweak it a bit to stop it from adding extra padding when the new params are not used, but it should be OK now, please ping me if not. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 07:58, 28 May 2025 (UTC) == Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees 2025 Selection & Call for Questions == <section begin="announcement-content" /> :''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Announcement/Selection announcement|{{int:interlanguage-link-mul}}]] • [https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Translate&group=page-{{urlencode:Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Announcement/Selection announcement}}&language=&action=page&filter= {{int:please-translate}}]'' Dear all, This year, the term of 2 (two) Community- and Affiliate-selected Trustees on the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees will come to an end [1]. The Board invites the whole movement to participate in this year’s selection process and vote to fill those seats. The Elections Committee will oversee this process with support from Foundation staff [2]. The Governance Committee, composed of trustees who are not candidates in the 2025 community-and-affiliate-selected trustee selection process (Raju Narisetti, Shani Evenstein Sigalov, Lorenzo Losa, Kathy Collins, Victoria Doronina and Esra’a Al Shafei) [3], is tasked with providing Board oversight for the 2025 trustee selection process and for keeping the Board informed. More details on the roles of the Elections Committee, Board, and staff are here [4]. Here are the key planned dates: * May 22 – June 5: Announcement (this communication) and call for questions period [6] * June 17 – July 1, 2025: Call for candidates * July 2025: If needed, affiliates vote to shortlist candidates if more than 10 apply [5] * August 2025: Campaign period * August – September 2025: Two-week community voting period * October – November 2025: Background check of selected candidates * Board’s Meeting in December 2025: New trustees seated Learn more about the 2025 selection process - including the detailed timeline, the candidacy process, the campaign rules, and the voter eligibility criteria - on this Meta-wiki page [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025|[link]]]. '''Call for Questions''' In each selection process, the community has the opportunity to submit questions for the Board of Trustees candidates to answer. The Election Committee selects questions from the list developed by the community for the candidates to answer. Candidates must answer all the required questions in the application in order to be eligible; otherwise their application will be disqualified. This year, the Election Committee will select 5 questions for the candidates to answer. The selected questions may be a combination of what’s been submitted from the community, if they’re alike or related. [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Questions_for_candidates|[link]]] '''Election Volunteers''' Another way to be involved with the 2025 selection process is to be an Election Volunteer. Election Volunteers are a bridge between the Elections Committee and their respective community. They help ensure their community is represented and mobilize them to vote. Learn more about the program and how to join on this Meta-wiki page [[m:Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Election_volunteers|[link].]] Thank you! [1] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2022/Results [2] https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Committee:Elections_Committee_Charter [3] https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Resolution:Committee_Membership,_December_2024 [4] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections_committee/Roles [5] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/FAQ [6] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Questions_for_candidates Best regards, Victoria Doronina Board Liaison to the Elections Committee Governance Committee<section end="announcement-content" /> [[User:MediaWiki message delivery|MediaWiki message delivery]] ([[User talk:MediaWiki message delivery|talk]]) 03:08, 28 May 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:RamzyM (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Distribution_list/Global_message_delivery&oldid=28618011 --> == Medium [[Main Page]] overhaul proposal == Since my [[Talk:Main_Page#Help_needed_with_tweaking_visual_balance_of_the_main_page|request for input and support]] on Talk:Main Page went mostly unnoticed, I'm bringing this proposal to the pub to ensure it gets the daylight it should have, as these are proposals to change the look of a rather important page. Here's the backstory: For longer than [[WV:Vector 2022|Vector 2022]] has been around, I've been bothered by the balance of elements on the main page. The new skin only did it injustices, so I've taken it upon myself to mend the shortcomings of the main page in my quest to make Wikivoyage work in Vector 2022. This all so our site looks a bit more appealing in the new skin. I know many regular editors stuck with their old preferred skins when we got the new skin imposed on us, but this still is something that will affect Wikivoyage's appeal to new editors and readers. If the main page looks chaotic and messy, they'll be less likely to stick around. So to each and every editor, <u>regardless</u> of which skin you use: Please chime in! That being said, these are the changes I have developed, and have ready to deploy: * '''Wider {{tl|Mapbanner}}:''' Some small tweaks to the template which make it use all the page width available to it, and moves the globe image and image map accordingly. * '''Centred JCaroussel:''' For the same reason, to make better use of the width on the main page, I've got some CSS changes to the JCaroussel ready that center the featured articles. Scaling them up to simply be full page width I have found to be too tedious to bother with. * '''Overhauled {{tl|Banner}}:''' Vector 2022's scaleable font plays too much with the banners for featured articles to where sometimes the blurb isn't even entirely visible. In the same process, I've simplified the way in which this template is used for each category, foregoing the need for a 'section' and 'section-link' parameter, replacing them with a 'type' parameter. Its style is mostly in keeping with the existing banners and should simplify the process for featuring articles more than it complicates them. What do these changes look like? In the case of {{tl|Mapbanner}}, I cannot easily give a working demonstration as its stylesheet currently overwrites any changes I make to it. Instead, [https://i.imgur.com/6mAMkfG.png this image] is the best I can offer. You'll have to take my word for its functionality being unchanged. The centred JCaroussel and overhauled {{tl|Banner}} can be seen and interacted with [[User:Wauteurz/Banner|on this page]]. I've done my best to ensure that these changes are in keeping with Wikivoyage's current main page style. I know that entire overhauls are not that popular, so I hope these proposals are good enough. I am looking for a broad consensus to roll out at least the first two changes, but ideally all three. I don't feel comfortable rolling some of these changes out with only two people expressing support for them. Please, throw your questions and concerns in my direction, and I hope we can together fix what I consider to be the biggest remaining issue with Vector 2022. Thank you in advance. <br/> <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 14:19, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :{{Support}} as the developer of these changes. Vector 2022 dictates how new readers and editors get presented our site, and with its current chaotic and undependable nature, something ''has'' to be done. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 14:20, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :{{ping|Wauteurz}} Any idea for better responsive design of the Wikivoyage main page, as more people access our pages via phone than PC? '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 14:47, 28 May 2025 (UTC) ::@[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]] For clarity, these changes only affect the appearance on desktop devices. The changes to JCaroussel also apply in Minerva (mobile), but due to screen size limitations they won't have an effect in most cases. My main goal is overseeing the damage caused by Vector 2022's roll-out on Wikivoyage. Since mobile devices use Minerva, I mostly leave the mobile appearance alone. ::As for my thoughts on mobile, I don't think any of the regular editors have any experience in mobile design, let alone responsive mobile design, so I'm mostly wondering why it's responsive in the first place. I'd personally suggest removing the responsive elements (mostly the feature banners) and replacing them with DotM, OtBP and FTT in simple presentations akin to Picture of the Day and Media of the Day on Commons' main page. The 3:1 banners also are a big problem in my eyes. They're far too short to work on mobile, and I think a square or tall ratio would work leagues better in a mobile format. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 15:31, 28 May 2025 (UTC) *{{s}} very much agree that these changes will be needed sooner than later. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 18:48, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :'''Support'''. Thanks for doing this! As a choosing beggar, I would love to see the mobile front page fixed as well though, the DOTM banner is completely broken at the moment and the padding/spacing of the entire page is wonky at best. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 00:03, 29 May 2025 (UTC) :'''Question''' for all involved: The new banner uses some icons to depict the category that the article is featured in (i.e., [[:File:Yes Check Circle.svg|DotM]], [[:File:Right turn icon blue.svg|OtBP]] and [[:File:Writing Circle.svg|FTT]]). I assume that we wish to keep these instead of the placeholder icons I have used? I'll be working on adapting those into simple white icons, which should be pretty straight-forward. If we wish to change them in future, then that can always be done afterwards. Having the icons consistent between {{tl|Banner}} and {{tl|Pagebanner}} would be for the better, I reckon :) :I am currently aiming to roll these updates out this weekend (June 7/8), just in time for the next featured article change. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 23:55, 1 June 2025 (UTC) ::Update: Making and updating the icons was pretty straight-forward indeed: [[Special:Diff/5071035|Diff/5071035]] <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 00:20, 2 June 2025 (UTC) :'''Support'''. Lots of good improvements! Just make sure to fix the "Off the Beaten Path" link to point to a real page. [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 15:10, 2 June 2025 (UTC) ::{{Done}}. Thanks for spotting that one! <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 15:19, 2 June 2025 (UTC) {{Done}}! Thank you everyone for your support! I've gone ahead and pushed these changes just now. I've naturally updated the usages of {{tl|banner}} on the Main Page and DOTM-Candidates as well. If there's any issues arising from this roll-out, please let me know. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 11:34, 7 June 2025 (UTC) :Awesome! That looks great to me. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 11:46, 7 June 2025 (UTC) == FYI: 10 Travel Tips From Experts Who’ve Been Everywhere == https://www.carryology.com/travel/10-travel-tips-from-experts-whove-been-everywhere/ —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 09:05, 30 May 2025 (UTC) == Tourist office problem == I tried to ask a question in the [[Wikivoyage:Tourist office]], and I replied to it with another question, but I can't see any of it except in edit mode and don't understand why. I used the form on that page to ask the first question. What I want to know is which side of the train to sit on for Amtrak trips between Montreal and Plattsburgh, NY and between Plattsburgh and Saratoga Springs, even if the answers come too late for me to use them. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:24, 30 May 2025 (UTC) :When you click "Ready? Ask a new question!", should the form on the next page require the "Subject:" field to not be empty? Or at least have a placeholder subject text? :I also see someone else's question about Cancun that got ignored, because it's tacked on the end of the previous section. [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 20:42, 1 June 2025 (UTC) ::I guess the problem is that I didn't see the subject field in my mobile phone interface. Is there a way to improve that? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:58, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :::It looks like you can set a default subject value with the InputBox 'default=' parameter. Maybe give it something like "Question from ~~<noinclude></noinclude>~"? I'm not sure how to change the "Subject:" label styling. :::Should the Tourist Office behave more like a Talk page, with an Add Topic button leading to a visual editor? [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 23:44, 2 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I'd support that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:48, 2 June 2025 (UTC) :::::[https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:DiscussionTools It looks like adding a "NEWSECTIONLINK" line is the magic to enable the visual editor on a page.] [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:InputBox There's also a usedt=true parameter to InputBox to make it use the visual editor by default.] :::::It seems to work in this sandbox I set up: [[User:Gerode/Tourist_office_sandbox]] [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 17:48, 5 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I went ahead and applied these two changes. Let me know if I broke anything, or if there's anything else odd about the Tourist office. [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 16:22, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ==Move request== You are invited to participate at [[Talk:Bangalore#Bangalore to Bengaluru]], which can affect the articles [[Bangalore]] and [[Bangalore Rural]], and the category [[:Category:Bangalore]]. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 08:19, 31 May 2025 (UTC) == AfriVoyage == Hi everyone! 👋 My name is [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvin Ategyeka]] from Uganda, and I’ve just launched a new project called '''AfriVoyage'''. It’s a WikiVoyage-focused initiative to document African travel destinations using local perspectives. Our pilot is starting in Uganda, with the goal of improving content and training youth contributors. You can follow the project on Meta-Wiki here: [[meta:AfriVoyage]] I would love your thoughts, guidance, and support. Thanks in advance! <small>unsigned comment by [[User:Alvinategyeka]]</small> :Welcome, Alvin. Wikivoyage really needs more African content, especially if provided by people with local knowledge. Your project will be supported from regular contributors like me. Please let us know how we can help. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:41, 31 May 2025 (UTC) :[[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]], I think you will be a more successful leader if you improve some articles yourself, before you invite anyone else to join you. We'd be happy to help you. :For example, one mistake that we see people making is copying Wikipedia articles here. A Wikipedia article will sound something like "Semuliki National Park is a national park in Bwamba County, a remote part of the Bundibugyo District in the Western Region of Uganda that was established in October 1993". This is the wrong approach here. A Wikivoyage article should have a [[Wikivoyage:Tone|lively tone]]. The beginning of a good Wikivoyage article might sound something like this: :* '''Semuliki National Park''' in [[Western Uganda]] is the only place you can visit a true lowland tropical forest in all of East Africa. This beautiful national park is a birdwatcher's delight, and more than 400 species of butterflies can be found inside the park's borders. :If you feel at the English Wikipedia that you have to suppress your natural style to be as dull as possible, then you'll like Wikivoyage because it allows your enthusiasm to shine in between the facts. We need the facts ("best restaurant" isn't nearly as helpful as saying how it's the best, like "good menu for vegetarians" or "artisan-quality bushera"), but we don't want a boring style. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 18:14, 31 May 2025 (UTC) ::Thank you very much and thanks for the guidance. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 13:27, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :Thank You very much. I have 6 years experience contributing to Wikimedia projects but I feel I need a new challenge and the only project that I had not explored yet always wanted to contribute to is Wiki Voyage. Am a tourism lover and i have travelled extensively in Uganda and East Africa. I hope this project will encourage more African Communities to contribute to Wiki Voyage. I will appreciate all guidance rendered. Thank You. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 13:32, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :Thank you very much, hoping to connect with you for more guidance. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 13:35, 1 June 2025 (UTC) ::Sure, and thank you for taking on this opportunity and challenge! In addition to the great advice you've been given above, I think you'll find [[Welcome, Wikipedians]] very useful. For anyone who participates in this project, some additional pages that I'd consider to provide the most important guidelines and explanatory pages on this site include [[Wikivoyage:What is an article]], [[Wikivoyage:The traveller comes first]], [[Wikivoyage:Article skeleton templates]], [[Wikivoyage:Copyleft]], [[Wikivoyage:Don't tout]], and [[Wikivoyage:Breadcrumb navigation]]. ::It is absolutely '''not''' a prerequisite for anyone to read any of these before contributing here! However, you, as organizer, should read these pages, because you will then be able to distill the most important characteristics of the site for others who are enthusiastic about contributing but not yet familiar with the site, and another important thing is that once you've read or at least skipped through these pages, you can ask us questions. ::I love the fact that you contacted us before the official launch of the project. In the past, projects that were begun on a large scale without any notice to us presented huge issues relating to the policies laid out in the pages I linked for you. ::Thanks again, and we very much look forward to working with you and your colleagues! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:36, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :::Thanks for the resources and guidance. I have been reading and researching about Wiki Voyage and what you have added will guide me more. I will contact you for further guidance in order to move the project forward. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 15:52, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :Thanks a lot. i look forward to working with you and seeking guidance to move the project forward. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 15:54, 1 June 2025 (UTC) == Evora's page banner on wikidata == I noticed [[Evora]]'s page banner does not exist in wikidata. I was unable to add it there. Would someone show me how to proceed, please? [[User:Claude van der Grift|Claude van der Grift]] ([[User talk:Claude van der Grift|talk]]) 18:31, 31 May 2025 (UTC) :[[d:Q179948|Évora]]'s banner is already defined on Wikidata since 2013, so moving it over isn't necessary. Regardless, you'd add a banner to a Wikidata item by adding a statement using [[d:P948|P948 (page banner)]]. Simply add the file name without the "File:" prefix but with the file extension as its value, and clicking publish. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 20:28, 31 May 2025 (UTC) ::Evora's Wikidata page is semi-protected, so you can't edit if you have made less than 50 edits on Wikidata. As already said, there is no need to edit it, as it is already using the banner from Wikidata. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 21:47, 31 May 2025 (UTC) :::Thank for your explanations {{U|AlasdairW}}. Unfortunately I mistook [[:d:Q179948|Evora]] for [[:d:Q243849|Elvas]]. The latter has no page banner. Sure I have more than 50 edits on wikidata. I forgot to say that I'm editing only by my smartphone. [[User:Claude van der Grift|Claude van der Grift]] ([[User talk:Claude van der Grift|talk]]) 15:00, 1 June 2025 (UTC) == FYI: Planning a Trip? AI Will Do That For You == https://www.thrillist.com/travel/nation/ai-travel-apps —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 07:04, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :I wonder whether we can design an AI tool that can fetch info from Wikivoyage and make a summary for you. That can replace the burden of manual summary writing by Wikivoyagers. Of course, Wikivoyage articles should be curated by humans, with AI summarizing them. I want to suggest this to Wikipedians as well, but I have been blocked there since 2021, and I mostly work on the Bengali Wikipedia. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 07:11, 1 June 2025 (UTC) == Wikivoyage and OsmAnd app == I am looking into making it easier to walk [[Stockholm Archipelago Trail]] and have found the [[w:en:OsmAnd]] app useful '''my question''' is there any good examples when those to domains works good together? - –––– [[User:Salgo60|Salgo60]] ([[User talk:Salgo60|talk]]) 07:43, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :As a regular OsmAnd user, I don't believe so to the best of my knowledge. :( //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 05:25, 4 June 2025 (UTC) ::I started using OsmAnd several months ago, and I have been playing around with the Wikivoyage integration since. I spend a lot of time in a major city with a Guide-level article and I find the integration useful there. I haven't tried it with an itinerary. My first thought is to pull up a [https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Category:Guide_itineraries Guide] or [https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Category:Star_itineraries Star] itinerary for a place you've been before and see what the OsmAnd experience is like. [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 16:08, 4 June 2025 (UTC) == Improving this project with little to no knowledge of English == It's been a while since I've posted anything major on the pub, but one of the things I'm quite pleased with the way we do things here is the fact that we are ''very'' open and accommodating to users who can't speak or speak English with a large length of difficulty. We don't have any policies forcing the use of English in discussions and if someone has shown a genuine interest in the project, it isn't unorthodox for someone to go out of their way and respond in another language they know on this site. It comes back to when {{ping|Andyrom75}} told me on itwikivoyage (around when itwikivoyage hit 10k articles, iirc) that it's possible to contribute to Wikivoyage without really knowing the language – and it's true. Most of my activity on itwikivoyage has since been doing minor fixes, adding listings with no description (since you don't need to know the language to add listings, opening hours, urls, address and such), removing closed businesses/out of date info, fixing dead links and the like. Since many of our articles also follow a similar structured format, it's very easy to contribute to the site so long as you're aware of your limitations. Some ideas I had in mind to perhaps make this wiki even more inviting to those who might not have the English skills necessary to contribute text but still want to help: * A community written guide on this, similar to [[Wikivoyage:Welcome, business owners]], [[Wikivoyage:Welcome, locals]] or [[Wikivoyage:Welcome, Wikipedians]] * Finish [[User:SHB2000/admins table]], move to the Wikivoyage namespace, add the table to [[Wikivoyage:Administrators]], and add any advanced perms from other WMF projects. ** Perhaps also make a similar table for non-admins who are reasonably active on this site. More thoughts and ideas would be appreciated – even better if we can facilitate this on other language Wikivoyages. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:11, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :Contribute in another language version of Wikvoyage it's just a matter of willingness and time. For a certain amount of time. For few years I've supported sv:voy without knowing any word in Swedish :-D Nowadays unfortunately I don't have enough time, so I can only concentrate it on it:voy :-( :PS your support on it:voy @[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] is always extremely appreciated! :-) [[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 17:14, 4 June 2025 (UTC) ::I occasionally do the same kind of thing at the Haitian Creole Wikipedia. I can't write in the language, but I can check a maintenance category and fix the wikitext errors there. ::Based on my experience, I'd say that there are two main opportunities for contribution: ::* 'technical' contributions, such as fixing wikitext or broken URLs ::* language-agnostic contributions, such as adding phone numbers, websites, and lat/long coordinates to listings; adding images that require no caption or only a simple/obvious one (e.g., "Disneyland" or "Town Name Church"); removing listings for closed restaurants, etc. ::@[[User:Piotrus|Piotrus]] might have some ideas about which tasks are easiest for his English-language learners to do. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 22:48, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :::Yeah this very much explains it in a nutshell. :) //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:13, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :::@[[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] Indeed, some of my ESL students have effectively only a beginner level of English at best. These days, machine translation is getting good enough to understand a lot, and contribute text that's "mostly ok". It will only get better as AI tools and student use of them improve. Anyway, you can see my activities for students at [[User:Hanyangprofessor2]] [[User:Piotrus|Piotrus]] ([[User talk:Piotrus|talk]]) 01:12, 5 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I have added images that I have taken to many different language variants of Wikipedia. I use Google translate for the text and and hope that a native user if that language will make any corrections. [[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 11:22, 5 June 2025 (UTC) :::::I recently added a listing about Japan in [https://ja.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=%E6%88%90%E7%94%B0%E5%B8%82&diff=52846&oldid=50973 ja.voy] despite not knowing Japanese. The listing editor really makes it simple to improve an article. Last week I presented [[wikidata:Event:Wikidata_and_Sister_Projects#Friday,_May_30th|a Wikidata talk about Listing Editor]] and mentioned that it's a really good gateway to get more contributors. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 15:58, 5 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::The Listing Editor really does! Particularly because they're very standardised across most language Wikivoyages, so the only "bad" listing editor is a malfunctioning/broken listing editor. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:27, 21 June 2025 (UTC) == Linking Wikicommons == I am documenting the Stockholm Archipelago Trail and have uploaded more than [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Stockholm_Archipelago_Trail 3,000 pictures] / [https://wikimap.toolforge.org/?cat=Stockholm_Archipelago_Trail&subcats=true&subcatdepth=4&cluster=false Wikimap] from the trail to Wikimedia Commons. For example, the section Nåttarö will be documented on Wikivoyage here: [[Stockholm_Archipelago_Trail#SAT_Nåttarö]] and is on Wikicommons [https://wikimap.toolforge.org/?cat=SAT_N%C3%A5ttar%C3%B6&subcats=true&subcatdepth=3&cluster=false WIkimap] 1) What is the policy regarding linking to a trail on Wikicommons? I believe such links add significant value by helping readers better understand the trail conditions. Additionally, I see 360-degree images as a step forward in enhancing navigation and exploration, making it easier for users to visualize the terrain. Additionally, 2) I have used Mapillary for one section. Is there a specific policy on linking Mapillary content? For instance, Stockholm Archipelago Trail’s Landsort section is partially represented on [https://www.mapillary.com/app/user/salgo601?lat=58.737857&lng=17.865676&z=17&pKey=1060410682654434 Mapillary pKey=1060410682654434] Would appreciate any guidance on this. Thanks! [[User:Salgo60|Salgo60]] ([[User talk:Salgo60|talk]]) 14:26, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :The use of a limited number of thumbnails from Commons is normal. See [[Wikivoyage:Image policy]]. Otherwise, links are normally through Wikidata: please read [[Wikivoyage:Sister project links]]. For guidelines on third-party links outside Wikimedia, see [[Wikivoyage:External links]], but the answer to your 2nd question is that such links are normally not allowed except to primary sources (for example, the website of a listed restaurant, hotel, museum, etc.) and are subject to deletion. However, Wikivoyage policies and guidelines are always open to discussion, so start a thread at the most relevant guideline article's talk page if you'd like to argue for a change. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:40, 4 June 2025 (UTC) ::thanks but dont the community see the added value? especially when documenting a walking trail it can be good to better understand how steep steep is....- [[User:Salgo60|Salgo60]] ([[User talk:Salgo60|talk]]) 14:54, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :::If you don't like my suggestion of starting a discussion thread on the appropriate policy page's talk page, where you can document the indispensability of Mapillary as your argument for a policy change, you can argue for an exception to policy on [[Talk:Stockholm Archipelago Trail]], but you can't get either a policy change or an exception by arguing in the Pub. But if you're asking for my opinion on why there has been no specific consideration of Mapillary, I'd speculate it's because most of us have never heard of it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:15, 4 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I've heard of Mapillary – I appreciate they're open source and licensed under CC-BY SA, but they're indirectly a competitor to Commons –&nbsp;if you can upload a photo to Mapillary, you can upload it to Commons. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 07:28, 5 June 2025 (UTC) :::::The difference is that you traverse a route on Mapillary its connected 360 pictures I am not an expert but [https://www.mapillary.com/app/?lat=58.737746&lng=17.865677&z=17&pKey=1848345639040650&x=0.46081730421230177&y=0.5976337053747495&zoom=0&focus=photo click on forward on this] its from me walking [[SAT_Landsort]] :::::* they support 360 pictures much better than Wikicommons :::::* [https://www.mapillary.com/showcase OsmAnd and Open Street Map use them] :::::[[User:Salgo60|Salgo60]] ([[User talk:Salgo60|talk]]) 19:08, 7 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::One issue is that of privacy. I might trust the WMF, but I don't want to research the privacy policy and trustworthiness of a third party. Checking the website of a hotel where I intend to sleep is one thing, a Wikivoyage page being dependent on a third party is very different. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:58, 7 June 2025 (UTC) :For Wikimedia Commons (that's their name), you can link a category or gallery via Wikidata. On a gallery page you can show all the most relevant images, with explanatory text and a layout of your liking. The rest of the images would be easily found in the category. Is that what you are looking for in your first question? –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 22:04, 7 June 2025 (UTC) == I had an edit flagged as destructive because my account isn't very old == I was trying to remove information related to crossing the border into Azerbaijan from the Baku page (it's been closed since 2020 and the only way in is via air), but trying to delete a lot of content on a new account flagged me as a vandal. If someone has permissions to view the changes, and would be willing to check on those changes, thank you very much :) [[User:MagnumDahng|MagnumDahng]] ([[User talk:MagnumDahng|talk]]) 09:32, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :{{re|MagnumDahng}} Can you try removing the outdated content once again? I've temporarily disabled the filters; let me know once you've removed everything that you intended to. Sorry for the extra inconvenience. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:04, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::It worked. ::No worries. I understand why it's there :) [[User:MagnumDahng|MagnumDahng]] ([[User talk:MagnumDahng|talk]]) 10:15, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :::Perfect, I've re-enabled the filters; thanks again for the updates! :) //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:36, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ==Does WV need a policy for descriptions of living people?== Wikivoyage is a travel guide and not intended to be a collection of biographies. Still, travel topics and itineraries might mention important individuals, such as explorers, artists, monarchs, and politicians. [[Wikivoyage:What is an article?]] discourages from creating an article for a living celebrity, as these are more difficult to finish than articles for [[Christopher Columbus]], [[Frank Lloyd Wright]] or [[Astrid Lindgren]]. Articles such as [[Presidents of the United States]] and [[Monarchy of the United Kingdom]] describe living individuals who have not concluded their careers, and they are certainly controversial. When writing [[Jewish Stockholm tour]], [[Stockholm environmentalist tour]] and [[Nordic monarchies]], a couple of famous living people came to mind, but I found it advisable to mention them as briefly as possible. Which general principles should we follow? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:58, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :It looks like [[foundation:BLP]] encourages us to have a formal policy, even if there isn't much to say. [[Project:Don't be evil]], maybe? :We already have [[Wikivoyage:Photographs of identifiable people]] and [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#People in photos]], which discourage photos of people. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 20:36, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::I'd support a policy for the same reason. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 11:40, 11 June 2025 (UTC) :I think this is largely not that relevant to a travel guide, but it is actually common to have "Maps of the Stars" or tours of celebrity homes in the Los Angeles region, which to me is completely crazy and behavior that should not be encouraged. Considering Whatamidoing's point about the WMF encouraging this kind of documentation, I think having a guideline/policy is wise. Good thinking. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 21:00, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::Yeah, I would absolutely oppose any article for a tour that takes people to the homes of celebrities who would rather be private in their own homes. If this kind of tour existed in New York, New Yorkers would be up in arms about it and pressing the City Council to pass a law about it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:35, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::The page and section about photos say very little, mostly discouraging photos of yourself, which isn't what this is about. [[commons:Project:Photographs of identifiable people]] says a lot more and should probably be followed also regarding locally uploaded pictures. None of those three says anything about text about people (other than that captions shouldn't be defamatory). ::I think we probably shouldn't write a policy unless there are real issues. We have no reason to write about most people, and it seems common sense, like what Yvwv showed above, works reasonably well. Writing a policy opens up for loopholes and wikilawyering. ::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:50, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :::I wonder if our "BLP policy" could be a section in our existing [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]] policy. Basically, a few principles about avoiding mentioning individuals, and especially avoiding saying anything contentious or unfairly invading their privacy. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 16:40, 10 June 2025 (UTC) ::::That sounds reasonable. In the past I have opposed a suggestion to create an itinerary based on the travels of a living individual. ::::A more common situation is where a listing mentions something about the people that work in the hotel or restaurant. "Friendly owners" or "poor service from the waiters" is ok, but referring to staff by name needs more care. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:04, 10 June 2025 (UTC) :::::It's surely OK when the name of the Chef de Cuisine or Pastry Chef are printed on menus or are well-known chefs the restaurant promotes. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:40, 10 June 2025 (UTC) :::::: Can an artist's personal life be separated from their work? At least, death is useful to conclude a life story. As Georg Riedel past away one year ago, he deserves to be described in the [[Jewish Stockholm tour]]. Aleksander Wolodarski is another person appropriate to mention, but as he is well and alive (and to some degree a divisive character in Swedish architecture) the description of him in the same article is very brief. The [[Harry Potter tourism]] barely mentions the author, and that might be good as it is. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:16, 11 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I think it would be fine to note the name of a celebrity chef ("Thomas Keller's restaurant, The French Laundry"), or even a relatively public non-celebrity ("The restaurant owner, Mary Smith, is also the long-time mayor of this small town" or "Olly Owner is happy to pack a picnic upon request"). ::::::However, as an extension of [[Wikivoyage:Avoid negative reviews]], we don't really want "Chris Celebrity is pretentious and their restaurant is overpriced" or "Wendy Waitress is unfriendly and slow". [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:26, 11 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::I think we should avoid "Wendy Waitress is unfriendly", but "Some staff are unfriendly" is ok. It is important to report negative aspects of a place if either it is balanced by "excellent cooking and wonderful bread" or it is the only place in town. It becomes more difficult with one person businesses. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 20:24, 11 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Wikivoyage should not be interested in people: that is the province of Wikipedia. Wikivoyage is however interested in places associated with people and to this end should be cautious about their privacy. If however the individual concerned invites members of the public to their homes or businesses (for example Donald Trump has a website for [https://www.maralagoclub.com/ Mar-a-Lago]) then it is no longer Wikivoyage's role to protect his privacy: if he publicises his home, then it is incumbent on him to look after his own privacy. In contrast, Joe Biden does not appear to advertise his home, so neither should Wikivoyage (even if a search on the internet will reveal Joe Biden's properties).[[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 15:18, 12 June 2025 (UTC) :Does something like this feel about right? :---- :As a general rule, Wikivoyage is interested in places, not people. Occasionally, providing a fair description will involve mentioning a specific person. In such cases, these principles apply to protect living people: :* Avoid contentious matter about living people to the maximum extent possible, to show respect for human dignity and personal privacy. Publishing personal information that is tangential to the needs of the article, trivial, ephemeral, or constitutes a [[Wikivoyage:Avoid negative reviews|negative review]] is unfair. For example, if a restaurant owner promotes dubious beliefs to customers, then omit the listing completely rather than writing about the owner's beliefs. :* Avoid whole articles focused on living people, such as an [[Wikivoyage:Itineraries|itinerary]] to see the private homes of celebrities. It is fair to have an itinerary focused on Taylor Swift's concert tours; it is not fair to have an article focused on her homes. :* Individual listings that name a living public figure are acceptable so long as the content is not contentious. However, you should avoid naming living people when a general description is adequate. For example, write "The owner is happy to talk about local history" instead of "Harry Historian, the owner, is happy to talk about local history", even though you would name the celebrity chef Thomas Keller as the owner of the restaurant The French Laundry. :---- :What should be changed, added, omitted? [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 16:39, 12 June 2025 (UTC) ::Thanks for offering a rough draft! The one part that sticks out to me as problematic is the part about "dubious beliefs," which gives an opening to intolerant atheists to complain about a bismillah or cross in a restaurant. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:12, 12 June 2025 (UTC) :::I was thinking about political beliefs, and specifically about an anti-masking restaurant I read about during the pandemic, but you're right: That needs to be re-worded. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 23:30, 12 June 2025 (UTC) ::::Still a good start, I'd say. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 12:15, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I don't think that businesses should be removed because of beliefs of the owner or personnel; that the owner touts antivacc or flat-earth theories might be entertaining rather than a reason to avoid them. One might tell that they might raise controversial topics. For dangerous practices, such as not using masks when needed, that would be treated like them using contaminated water or whatever. Yes, sometimes that warrants removing the listing in line with ''no bad reviews'', but that has little to do with privacy. ::::For a Finnish business, it was suggested that the listings be removed because of bigotry, in effect a boycott by Wikivoyage. I am not sure about to what extent to do that, but I assume we might tell something about the owner in that case, if we leave the choice whether to use their services to our readers. I would oppose individual editors removing listings because of views that don't conform with their own, but they may of course choose not to add them. ::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:28, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :::::I think there might be a spectrum of issues, but some types of (e.g.,) bigotry are not compatible with [[Wikivoyage:The traveller comes first]]. Inclusion constitutes a recommendation, at least when there are other alternatives. If we list a restaurant, it should be because travellers are welcome. If the restaurant's listing would need to have a disclaimer along the lines of "BTW, only white people are allowed to eat here" or "People whom the owner thinks look Jewish/Muslim/Black/gay/trans will be refused service", then that restaurant shouldn't be included in Wikivoyage at all. Listed restaurants should normally be open to all of the general public. :::::On the other end of the spectrum, if the owner cheerfully accepts all customers, but he privately belongs to a racist organization, then that's not really relevant to the travellers' experience, so we needn't mention that. Travellers who want to patronize only businesses owned by people who share the same politics/religion/race/sexual orientation should look elsewhere for that information. :::::Somewhere in the middle is factual information that travellers may interpret in opposite ways. For example, if a given deli in New York City is kosher, it'd be worth noting that in the description. Most travellers won't care. Some travellers will prefer it (either for religious reasons or because kosher meat is considered more ethical than conventional meat). Some travellers will reject it. But knowing that it might appeal (or not) to different travellers is not the same as different travellers not being allowed to eat at the deli. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 20:02, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I see no problem in describing a restaurant in terms of the religious beliefs that it portrays provided that it is done in a neutral manner - for example , "The XYZ resaurant is a kosher/halal/vegetarian establishment". The reader can then make up their ow mind about patronising the establishment - after all Wikivoyage has many articles about various places of worship. [[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 21:05, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::I think the general point is that we want "XYZ is a kosher/halal/vegetarian restaurant" but not "The owner of XYZ is a Jew/Muslim/vegetarian person". [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:10, 14 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::I agree here. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 06:56, 18 June 2025 (UTC) *Suggested rewrite of the first point (Changes in bold): :"''Avoid contentious matter about living people to the maximum extent possible, to show respect for human dignity and personal privacy. Publishing personal information that is tangential to the needs of the article, trivial, ephemeral, or constitutes a negative review is unfair. For example, if a restaurant owner promotes '''particular''' beliefs to customers, then omit the listing completely rather than writing about the owner's beliefs. '''If however the establishment itself <u>caters</u> for certain beliefs and/or ethics, it is reasonable, or maybe even desireable, to add those beliefs/ethics to the description in a neutral manner - such as including the words "kosher/halal/vegetarian" to the establishment's description.'''''" [[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 21:14, 13 June 2025 (UTC) *I suggest that the second point be extended as follows (additions in bold): :''Avoid whole articles focused on living people, such as an itinerary to see the private homes of celebrities. It is fair to have an itinerary focused on Taylor Swift's concert tours; it is not fair to have an article focused on her homes. '''However, if the celebrity concerend advertises their home to the general public (for example [https://www.maralagoclub.com/ Mar-a-Lago], home of Donald Trump or [https://www.blenheimpalace.com/ Blenheim Palace], home of the Duke of Marlborough) , then it is perfectly in order to mention the home in an article and ideally to include a web address the description or article.''''' ::[[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 21:27, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::I think all this discussion of beliefs and politics is bad and not something about which we want policies. Also, bad reviews are by no means inherently unfair, and I'm mystified by how anyone could think that's the case; it's just that Wikivoyage chooses with some exceptions to simply refrain from listing businesses, rather than stating that they are bad. I also don't see why we would need to add a policy that establishments that discriminate against people based for example on their ethnicity, appearance or national origin, such as a historic restaurant in Düsseldorf that refused admission to East Asians early in the pandemic, be delisted, because we already do that based on preexisting policies. Right now, I think that based on the drafts circulated in this thread, we risk approving a new policy that is worse than none. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:40, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :::It might be best to try the smallest possible addition. After all, it's usually easier to get a policy expanded later if we really need it, than to get it shortened later. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:08, 14 June 2025 (UTC) ::::Here's a shorter version: ::::---- ::::As a general rule, Wikivoyage is interested in places, not people. Occasionally, providing a fair description will involve mentioning a specific person. In such cases, these principles apply to protect living people: ::::* Avoid contentious matter about living people to the maximum extent possible, to show respect for human dignity and personal privacy. Individual listings that name a living public figure are acceptable so long as the content is not contentious. ::::* Avoid whole articles focused on living people, such as an [[Wikivoyage:Itineraries|itinerary]] to see the private homes of celebrities. ::::---- ::::We could also soften "the maximum extent possible". It's always "possible" to avoid mentioning anyone's name, but it's not always "reasonable" to do so. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:14, 14 June 2025 (UTC) :::::What about the article on U.S. presidents? We don't avoid contentious facts about living current and former presidents; we just agree on what should be in the blurbs about them based on the existing [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]] guidelines. I still fail to see how adding at least your first proposed guideline will improve anything. Also, are we creating a solution for a nonexistent problem? Can you cite a previous example of an article that had unnecessarily contentious facts about living people that we were not able to deal with by using existing guidelines? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:33, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::[[Presidents of the United States]] is not a "whole article focused on living people"; it is a whole article focused on mostly long-dead people with just five living US Presidents being mentioned (and mostly in a "public museum" way, not a "current private home" way). This would therefore be acceptable as a case of "Individual listings that name a living public figure" that "show respect for human dignity and personal privacy". ::::::The existing problem to be solved is: The Board of Directors for the WIkimedia Foundation said that every project needs to have an official, written BLP policy. They said this about 16 years ago, so we're running a bit behind schedule, but we should have something. Their resolution encourages "special attention to the principles of neutrality", so I think putting a few sentences inside our version of the "[[Wikivoyage:NPOV|NPOV]]" policy would be appropriate. We could even create a [[WV:BLP]] shortcut to it, so the Wikipedia folks can find it easier. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:16, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::My problem is not with your second proposed provision, which is fine, but your first, and that's what my last reply addressed. If it stated that when living people have to be mentioned, we must [[be fair]] and come to a [[consensus]] about anything contentious, I'd be happy. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:33, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Can you think of any contentious or derogatory information a travel guide – especially one that does not cite external sources – ''needs'' to include? [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:37, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::I already gave you an example! And what about when we fairly describe countries as dictatorships? We've sometimes had users object and try to whitewash articles, and in such cases, we are armed with [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]], not some ridiculous claim that anything "contentious" is bad and must be avoided, which would have played into their hands. Wikivoyage is a travel guide, not a site that tries to be neutral. We expressly don't have an NPOV policy, but instead a policy that requires fairness. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:10, 18 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::I agree that we can fairly describe a country as being a dictatorship. Do we need to describe an individual living person as a dictator, when doing so would be contentious (e.g., produce disputes and disagreements on wiki)? I just checked every article containing the words "a dictator" and "the dictator"; none of them refer to living people. ::::::::::If your prior example was "What about the article on U.S. presidents?", I've already answered that question. I don't see anything privacy-invading in [[Presidents of the United States]], and I don't see anything contentious about any living person in there, either. The contents are not universally approved by the campaign team, but nobody actually disputes or "contends" over the facts (e.g., that Clinton was involved in a sex scandal, or that Trump is technically a convicted felon). [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 01:07, 20 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::If you haven't had the misfortune of speaking with a Trumper lately, consider yourself lucky. There are tens of millions of hard-core Trumpers in the U.S. who don't accept basic scientific facts and advance all kinds of conspiracy nonsense as truth. I dealt with a cabbie in New Rochelle yesterday who gratuitously started talking about politics. He claimed Biden already had cancer 4 years ago, and "they" covered it up, that claims of fossil fuels causing global warming are "bullshit" and that if the Democrats had been elected last year, we'd all be driving electric cars already, among other things. So I very much contest your confident assertion that statements of fact about Trump, Biden, Obama, etc. are not "contentious". We need to remove that word from consideration as something Wikivoyage cannot be. Do you remember years ago when there was someone who spent a couple of weeks or more trying to whitewash descriptions of Cuba by claiming that it was really a democracy, their elections are really free and fair, and the Communists have never been dictators or oppressed anyone there? Or the ones that claimed that China is a democracy and it was the U.S. (pre-Trump) that was really oppressive (the latter of which of course has never been completely false, but that was entirely beside the point in a travel guide as well as being pure whataboutism that disproves nothing). We've had all kinds of politically motivated contentions against facts. That's why our standard is [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]], not "Wikivoyage/Avoid saying anything anyone could argue with", which is what "contentious" means or would mean in the hands of anyone who wants to use a travel guide to grind an axe, rather than to improve a resource for travelers. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:14, 20 June 2025 (UTC) == Full-size images not available on maps in city districts == Since yesterday (and possibly earlier), the images in listings can be viewed in the dynamic map but trying to click on it to go to the full description page will lead to a broken link if they are in a city district page. This raises the issue on image attribution. You can test it on any listings with images at [[Queens/Flushing-Northeast]] and [[Toronto/Etobicoke]]. Anyone have insight on what recent changes broke this functionality? [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 15:46, 12 June 2025 (UTC) :Yes, needs to be fixed. For some reason, the File: prefix is prefixed by the district name. I try to check [[Module:Listing]] for the bug. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 11:52, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::Oops, the city name, not the district. Seemingly the article name is included in the image argument, and removed, but not properly so for subarticles. [[Module:Marker]] is possibly more relevant than Listing, but it is some underlying functionality that is the culprit. My understanding of how modules work is too weak for me to find it. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:10, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :::The marker on the map seems to be constructed using mw.text.jsonEncode. Where can one read that code? Was there some change recently? –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:30, 30 June 2025 (UTC) == Selection and number of images == [split off as suggested by [[User:OhanaUnited|OhanaUnited]] 02:39, 30 June 2025 (UTC). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:17, 30 June 2025 (UTC)] ::: The images embedded within listings are often not the best currently available. They don't display unless you click and faff about, so they don't enhance the page appearance encountered by the general reader. Wouldn't it be neat if there was some repository of images that were the best available copyfree, that could be simply incorporated into the page layout? We'd be sure to use those instead, right? [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 20:20, 15 June 2025 (UTC) ::::The main problem with that is that somebody needs to pick those best available images. That's done in Commons' galleries, where images uploaded in the last dozen years aren't included. We could use the image on Wikidata, but they might not be chosen according to what they are like as thumbnails. Perhaps a specific wikidata property could be created for thumbnail images or even Wikivoyage thumbnail images (like for our banners). About having to click several times, that could be improved, but we don't want clutter, so some discussion is needed on the trade-off if we want to change the status quo. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 18:33, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::: Picking those best images and considering how best to display them is exactly what editors should do, same as picking the best attractions or accommodations to list in a town, we shouldn't lazily accept what's already on the page. It's hardly an onerous task, and we want the best for our readers. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 19:00, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::{{quote|The main problem with that is that somebody needs to pick those best available images.}} :::::Maybe we can take assistance from AI tools to ease out the problem, just like we sometimes use AI to pick the best attractions to visit, and choose the appropriate accommodation. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 19:07, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I haven't heard about us letting such decisions to AI, and I'm not sure we should do it with images. But regardless of what way the images get chosen, it would be good if the choice were saved at Wikidata, to be used automatically. As the images aren't shown in the article itself, the less effort we need to use choosing, the better. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 19:55, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::How much effort do we need to save here? The first example cited was Queens / Flushing. That page is under-illustrated, with one strong image and two so-so. It took me 10 min to find six more good images on Commons, about the right number for a page of this length. Inserting them might take 3 mins apiece, say 20 min, which I'm not volunteering to do as the entire page needs updating, a solid day's work. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 21:07, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Choosing images sounds like a task that some people would love to do. Maybe we could advertise it better? It's even a task that people who don't speak English well should be able to do. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:40, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::It could be a good task, but I have seen a lot of image adding that isn't optimal: ignoring our guideline of [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#Minimal use of images|Minimal use of images]], trying to illustrate individual listings instead of the article as a whole, writing captions to that effect, and placing the images in ways that suite the editor's browser window rather than conform to best practices. :::::::::Increased advertising of this activity should thus be done cautiously, to avoid frustration both among those adding images and those patrolling. :::::::::The original issue was about images for the dynamic map, which is different from illustrating the article. :::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:00, 19 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::As a side note, [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#Minimal use of images]] probably needs both a little re-writing ("1 image per screen": Whose screen size?) and some reconsidering, as availability of internet access has generally improved since then (the [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Wikivoyage:Image_policy&diff=prev&oldid=3629972 last significant update was in 2018], based on [[Wikivoyage talk:Image policy/archive 2014-2019#Minimal use of images - not appropriate|a discussion started in 2016]]). ::::::::::But I agree that it's a tangent for the current thread. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 01:18, 20 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::How carefully did you read Minimal use? :::::::::::"1 image per screen (1,000–2,000 bytes)" :::::::::::I suppose you want to suggest an increase in the number of images we should use, and if so, do that at [[Wikivoyage talk:Image policy]]. But keep in mind that the mobile interface sucks and the site is still better viewed on a computer. I would be likely to oppose any change in the language, as there is flexibility to use more images than stated in the guideline as long as there isn't an unbroken stream on the left side; images left, right and center; or images that go below the end of the article, which looks terrible. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:19, 20 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::I read that, and I wondered which method we're using to measure "1,000 bytes". One screenful – edge to edge, top to bottom, on my laptop, with my font, my size (larger than default), my zoom (120%), etc. – is right around 2000 characters for me, but others may have half that, or four times that. Shorter lines (e.g., using only half the line at the end of a paragraph, or a short item in a list) adds volume without adding characters. ::::::::::::If we're using the file size, then wikitext and URLs add bulk to the file without affecting the screen size. We could have "1,000 bytes" and have a half-full screen (on my laptop) or "2,000 bytes" and still have a half-full screen. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 20:41, 20 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::These are rough estimates. An A4 with 67×47=3150 is quite close to 2k, if there are images, headings and paragraph breaks, probably much less if there are lists. I suppose an A4 is close to readability optimum (my browser and Emacs windows are not far off). My mobile phone seems to have 50×33=1650, perhaps 1k with images etc. The numbers don't seem to be too far off. Without prescribing a test with some specific browser window size, we cannot give precise advice. [[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 14:16, 22 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::From your estimate, the numbers appear to be off by 50%. 3150 = would be "quite close" to 3K, not 2K. ::::::::::::::I think that a more practical suggestion would be: Every well-developed section should usually have one image, so long as this can be done without the images dropping down into the next section. On desktop, this usually requires a minimum of 10 to 12 lines of text per landscape image. Very long sections can have two images. ::::::::::::::This would address the wikitext-vs-displayed problem and the difference between a solid paragraph and a long bullet list with one or two words on each line. ::::::::::::::But as we noted above, this is a separate discussion from the original concern. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:15, 22 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::: Can we take the "select the best picture" conversation into a sub-section? My original intention of this post is to report a bug which leads to the legal issue of image attribution. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 02:39, 30 June 2025 (UTC) == Commons RFD notifications == While the Commons bot that alert us to images about to be deleted [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub/2025#Commons Notification Deletion bot revived|was revived]], images are still being deleted without notification, namely those (I assume), that were nominated before 4 May. The issue was told in the linked announcement, but I did not realise its implications. So, expect some imgages to be removed with no notification on the talk page. If they might be valuable, they should be temporarily restored for local upload, like when the bot wasn't working. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 11:51, 13 June 2025 (UTC) == Usurped URLs == Are usurped or dead URLs (e.g. [[w:en:WP:JUDI]]) normally archived, or removed? I'm looking at the page [[Northampton_(Massachusetts)#Eat]], where the second link is usurped. Thanks, [[User:OutsideNormality|OutsideNormality]] ([[User talk:OutsideNormality|talk]]) 20:22, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :If a url no longer goes to the home page for the listing in question, please update it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:18, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::Actually, looking back, it seems like the URL was never "usurped" and was directly added as a spam link in [[Special:Diff/4154976/4167772]]. Thanks anyway for the advice. [[User:OutsideNormality|OutsideNormality]] ([[User talk:OutsideNormality|talk]]) 00:40, 14 June 2025 (UTC) == Vote now in the 2025 U4C Election == <div lang="en" dir="ltr" class="mw-content-ltr"> {{Int:Please-translate}} Eligible voters are asked to participate in the 2025 [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Universal_Code_of_Conduct/Coordinating_Committee|Universal Code of Conduct Coordinating Committee]] election. More information–including an eligibility check, voting process information, candidate information, and a link to the vote–are available on Meta at the [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Universal_Code_of_Conduct/Coordinating_Committee/Election/2025|2025 Election information page]]. The vote closes on 17 June 2025 at [https://zonestamp.toolforge.org/1750161600 12:00 UTC]. Please vote if your account is eligible. Results will be available by 1 July 2025. -- In cooperation with the U4C, [[m:User:Keegan (WMF)|Keegan (WMF)]] ([[m:User talk:Keegan (WMF)|talk]]) 23:01, 13 June 2025 (UTC) </div> <!-- Message sent by User:Keegan (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Distribution_list/Global_message_delivery&oldid=28848819 --> :Surprised this was sent very late. I made a guide on all the candidates on Meta at [[m:User:SHB2000/U4C guide 2025]], for those interested. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 03:13, 14 June 2025 (UTC) == Wisconsin Dells Kalahari Expansion; should I mention it in the Wisconsin Dells page == Hello! It is now practically mainstream media (In Wisconsin Dells) that Kalahari's expanding its Indoor Waterpark into what was a mainly unused parking lot (which is currently either getting demolished or already is demolished as of posting) and will add a fully glass dome with a retractable roof (this is not an ad, this is according to many sources including the Kalahari its self, Fox11online.com, Whitewater West, Martin Aquatic, and Maverick Hayes' Social Media). Now the real question is should I add this too my page? Cheers! [[User:HistorySports|HistorySports]] ([[User talk:HistorySports|talk]]) 15:22, 14 June 2025 (UTC) :To your page meaning what? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:35, 14 June 2025 (UTC) ::@[[User:HistorySports|HistorySports]], I think it's fair to add information about waterparks to [[Wisconsin Dells#Do]] or [[Wisconsin Dells#Sleep]]. (You pick which one based on whether people mostly stay there, and happen to use the water park, or mostly go to the water park, and a few people stay there, too – just use your judgement and don't stress about the distinction too much.) ::The important thing isn't the news ("they're expanding!") but what is available today ("Wisconsin's biggest indoor waterpark"). ::In general, when I skim through that article, I wish that there were prices for the activities and longer descriptions. In particular, there seem to be a lot of attractions, but I have no idea which one I'd choose. Is one the lowest cost? The best value? Best for little kids? Best for teens? Best for older adults/multi-generational families? Open year-round? Has the most swimming pool lifts for wheelchair users? If you can, try to add some sort of information about the differences between different attractions that might help travellers decide which things they want to do. ::Also, it looks like there are several listings that need to be moved to [[Baraboo]]. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 18:54, 14 June 2025 (UTC) :::Thanks WhatamIdoing! I will follow your advice and hopefully we can have a great page for the area of Wisconsin Dells! [[User:HistorySports|HistorySports]] ([[User talk:HistorySports|talk]]) 19:47, 15 June 2025 (UTC) ::Sorry I wasn't clear and that's totally my fault, but I was talking about the Wisconsin Dells page, sorry! [[User:HistorySports|HistorySports]] ([[User talk:HistorySports|talk]]) 19:47, 15 June 2025 (UTC) :::Thanks. So you know, it's not your page: it's a Wikivoyage article. The only page I'd consider your page is your user page. That said, on the face of it, I would put activities in "Do", not "Sleep". [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:09, 17 June 2025 (UTC) == Wikistats page views == What is up with Wikistats page views for English Wikivoyage? 87 million last month? https://stats.wikimedia.org/#/en.wikivoyage.org/reading/total-page-views/normal%7Cbar%7C2-year%7C~total%7Cmonthly 36 million from Brazil apparently. [[User:Bluecoordinationfine|Bluecoordinationfine]] ([[User talk:Bluecoordinationfine|talk]]) 23:18, 14 June 2025 (UTC) :That is a very interesting anomaly indeed. No idea why, but still very interesting to know why we have so many views from Brazil. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 00:47, 16 June 2025 (UTC) ::Maybe users on VPN? [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 14:25, 16 June 2025 (UTC) == FYI: Dear Atlas: Where Can I Find the Most Unusual Festivals in the U.S.? == https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/off-the-beaten-path-american-festivals —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 07:58, 15 June 2025 (UTC) == [[Talk:Ferries in the Mediterranean#A Commons file used on this page or its Wikidata item has been nominated for deletion]] == No-one seems to be paying any attention to the fact that we are likely to lose a photo. We need to decide whether we're OK with that or not. I will not make a unilateral decision. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:07, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :Is it just me, or does it seem like too many photos have been getting removed lately? [[User:Mrkstvns|Mrkstvns]] ([[User talk:Mrkstvns|talk]]) 16:00, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::Has there been an uptick in deletion requests at Commons? Or are we just noticing them more, now that the notifications bot is working again? [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:08, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::As someone who was monitoring [[c:Commons:Deletion requests]] until the bot started working again, I think it's the latter. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:38, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I hope this deletion can be resisted. Tirrenia ferries in 2017 made a deal with Warner Bros to plaster their ships' exteriors with cartoon characters such as Batman, to give them a jazzy attractive look. That deal continues and you really cannot take a photo of any T ferry without including the character: it's as integral to the ship as the company logo and the pointy bit at the front. The intention of any such photo is to portray the ship not replicate the character, and IMO it's a misuse of copyright law to claim we can't publish it copyfree. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 18:51, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::Such arguments have been presented in the RFD on Commons, and I think that they are legally sound. However, "misuse of copyright law" is not what this is about. There is no word of God saying that utilitarian objects (in this case: the ship) can be freely photographed, and if the law says otherwise, Commons can do little about it. I think the current copyright laws are a disaster, caused by lobbyists and weak politicians, but that means that the copyright laws need to be changed (read: one should spread awareness of the absurdities), not that we can ignore current law. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 20:03, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::The Wikimedia Foundation requires that Commons files be available for unimpeded commercial use. They don't have to, and we don't have to, which is why we have a freedom of panorama fair use exception doctrine. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:10, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::Yes, true. For Commons, the stringency is because of their mission – they don't want to host content that cannot be used. All kinds of compromises are possible or even necessary, but commercial use, such as in small-budget books, is essential for their mission. In some cases, where copyright law is unclear, they could be a bit braver, but that's a separate issue. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 05:05, 18 June 2025 (UTC) == Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees 2025 - Call for Candidates == <section begin="announcement-content" /> :<div class="plainlinks">[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Announcement/Call for candidates|{{int:interlanguage-link-mul}}]] • [https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Translate&group=page-{{urlencode:Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Announcement/Call for candidates}}&language=&action=page&filter= {{int:please-translate}}]</div> Hello all, The [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025|call for candidates for the 2025 Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees selection is now open]] from June 17, 2025 – July 2, 2025 at 11:59 UTC [1]. The Board of Trustees oversees the Wikimedia Foundation's work, and each Trustee serves a three-year term [2]. This is a volunteer position. This year, the Wikimedia community will vote in late August through September 2025 to fill two (2) seats on the Foundation Board. Could you – or someone you know – be a good fit to join the Wikimedia Foundation's Board of Trustees? [3] Learn more about what it takes to stand for these leadership positions and how to submit your candidacy on [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Candidate application|this Meta-wiki page]] or encourage someone else to run in this year's election. Best regards, Abhishek Suryawanshi<br /> Chair of the Elections Committee On behalf of the Elections Committee and Governance Committee [1] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Call_for_candidates [2] https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Legal:Bylaws#(B)_Term. [3] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Resources_for_candidates<section end="announcement-content" /> [[User:MediaWiki message delivery|MediaWiki message delivery]] ([[User talk:MediaWiki message delivery|talk]]) 17:44, 17 June 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:RamzyM (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Distribution_list/Global_message_delivery&oldid=28866958 --> == New copycat site == I haven't had the time to fully look into it and I've been quite busy IRL this month, but it seems we have a new copycat site called https://www.localcityguide.net/. It mirrors Wikivoyage pages word-for-word with "2022 © Local City Guide. All rights reserved." and some pages like [[Itineraries]] ([https://www.localcityguide.net/en/Itineraries]) do nothing to even remove mentions of Wikivoyage. What's interesting about this site is that they've listed those behind the site so openly in the [https://www.localcityguide.net/about-us About us] section – I'm not sure how accurate it is, but it could be something to go off. What are the WMF's protocols when a site copies an entire project and what can we do about it? //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 08:59, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :It has a nice presentation, a handful of blog entries posted in June 2022, and it looks like the foundation of the site is our stuff, refreshed regularly. (Changes I made yesterday already appear.) There is no ability to edit articles. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 10:11, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :This is against the terms of service, CC license restrictions, and American copyright law. You should contact the [[:m:Wikimedia_Foundation/Legal|Legal Team]] via email at legal[little-anarchy-symbol]wikimedia[point]org. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 10:22, 18 June 2025 (UTC) ::I picked an arbitrary page of which I have knowledge, but which is not on the average tourist itinerary, [[Estcourt]]. It has an [[outline article|outline]] status. I clicked on "outline" and the first sentence read: :::"An '''outline article''' is a status rating for any article in ''<u>Wikivoyage</u>'' ... " [My emphasis]. ::This is proof that they are copying the WIkivoyage site. [[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 16:00, 18 June 2025 (UTC) ::: It seems that the contents are incorporated by a script directly from Wikivoyage similar to the html frame technology that's why the articles are up-to-date. I made a small change in some status ratings of the German Wikivoyage, and immediately you can read that this is a usable Wikivoyage article in the footer. --[[User:RolandUnger|RolandUnger]] ([[User talk:RolandUnger|talk]]) 17:24, 18 June 2025 (UTC) ::Copying Wikivoyage's contents is okay. However, you have to provide "reasonable" attribution. That's usually done with something like a simple link to the original article on Wikivoyage. I don't see Wikivoyage mentioned on their website, so they need to fix that – but remember that the goal is for them to fix it, not to punish them or prevent them from sharing our information. ::[[w:en:WP:BACKWARDSCOPY]] has some advice on how to contact websites that haven't complied with the license terms. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 19:27, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :::I have sent the developers of the site an email about this. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:38, 21 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I've also forwarded it to WMF legal (cc {{u|Koavf}}). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:40, 21 June 2025 (UTC) :::::Merci. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 02:52, 21 June 2025 (UTC) == Mexican disambiguators == Some input at [[Wikivoyage talk:Naming conventions#Disambiguators for Mexican destinations]] would be appreciated. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 13:41, 19 June 2025 (UTC) == Most visited country in Southeast Asia == It looks like [[Thailand]] just lost its crown to [[Malaysia]], at least for Q1 2025. Should we update our articles to reflect that, or should we wait and see if Malaysia can sustain its lead? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:11, 23 June 2025 (UTC) :{{ping|The dog2}} I think you should update the articles to say that both Thailand and Malaysia are the most visited countries of SE Asia, along the lines of, "Thailand, along with Malaysia, are...", "Malaysia, along with Thailand, are..." or even "Malaysia and Thailand are...". '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 17:11, 23 June 2025 (UTC) ::I think we should wait till yearly figures are available before changing anything. Too many things can change from one quarter to the next. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:52, 23 June 2025 (UTC) :::Agreed – one quarter might not be a true reflection. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 00:24, 24 June 2025 (UTC) == Regionlist == I have added a static map in [[Maharashtra]], but it disappears without showing a dynamic map when I click/press the link "switch to interactive map". Same happens in [[West Bengal]], [[Andhra Pradesh]], [[Chennai]], etc. I think there's a bug in {{tl|Regionlist}} that causes this disappearance, as the template itself was last edited on August 2024. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 13:36, 26 June 2025 (UTC) :Same issue on it:voy. For sure is caused by a change server side. I'll try to figure out if we can solve locally or if we need to open a ticket. [[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 06:46, 27 June 2025 (UTC) ::I've patched it. Now it works again. Be sure to refresh/purge the page you test. [[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 07:32, 27 June 2025 (UTC) == Sister Projects Task Force reviews Wikispore and Wikinews == <section begin="message"/> Dear Wikimedia Community, The [[m:Wikimedia Foundation Community Affairs Committee|Community Affairs Committee (CAC)]] of the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees assigned [[m:Wikimedia Foundation Community Affairs Committee/Sister Projects Task Force|the Sister Projects Task Force (SPTF)]] to update and implement a procedure for assessing the lifecycle of Sister Projects – wiki [[m:Wikimedia projects|projects supported by Wikimedia Foundation (WMF)]]. A vision of relevant, accessible, and impactful free knowledge has always guided the Wikimedia Movement. As the ecosystem of Wikimedia projects continues to evolve, it is crucial that we periodically review existing projects to ensure they still align with our goals and community capacity. Despite their noble intent, some projects may no longer effectively serve their original purpose. '''Reviewing such projects is not about giving up – it's about responsible stewardship of shared resources'''. Volunteer time, staff support, infrastructure, and community attention are finite, and the non-technical costs tend to grow significantly as our ecosystem has entered a different age of the internet than the one we were founded in. Supporting inactive projects or projects that didn't meet our ambitions can unintentionally divert these resources from areas with more potential impact. Moreover, maintaining projects that no longer reflect the quality and reliability of the Wikimedia name stands for, involves a reputational risk. An abandoned or less reliable project affects trust in the Wikimedia movement. Lastly, '''failing to sunset or reimagine projects that are no longer working can make it much harder to start new ones'''. When the community feels bound to every past decision – no matter how outdated – we risk stagnation. A healthy ecosystem must allow for evolution, adaptation, and, when necessary, letting go. If we create the expectation that every project must exist indefinitely, we limit our ability to experiment and innovate. Because of this, SPTF reviewed two requests concerning the lifecycle of the Sister Projects to work through and demonstrate the review process. We chose Wikispore as a case study for a possible new Sister Project opening and Wikinews as a case study for a review of an existing project. Preliminary findings were discussed with the CAC, and a community consultation on both proposals was recommended. === Wikispore === The [[m:Wikispore|application to consider Wikispore]] was submitted in 2019. SPTF decided to review this request in more depth because rather than being concentrated on a specific topic, as most of the proposals for the new Sister Projects are, Wikispore has the potential to nurture multiple start-up Sister Projects. After careful consideration, the SPTF has decided '''not to recommend''' Wikispore as a Wikimedia Sister Project. Considering the current activity level, the current arrangement allows '''better flexibility''' and experimentation while WMF provides core infrastructural support. We acknowledge the initiative's potential and seek community input on what would constitute a sufficient level of activity and engagement to reconsider its status in the future. As part of the process, we shared the decision with the Wikispore community and invited one of its leaders, Pharos, to an SPTF meeting. Currently, we especially invite feedback on measurable criteria indicating the project's readiness, such as contributor numbers, content volume, and sustained community support. This would clarify the criteria sufficient for opening a new Sister Project, including possible future Wikispore re-application. However, the numbers will always be a guide because any number can be gamed. === Wikinews === We chose to review Wikinews among existing Sister Projects because it is the one for which we have observed the highest level of concern in multiple ways. Since the SPTF was convened in 2023, its members have asked for the community's opinions during conferences and community calls about Sister Projects that did not fulfil their promise in the Wikimedia movement.[https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:WCNA_2024._Sister_Projects_-_opening%3F_closing%3F_merging%3F_splitting%3F.pdf <nowiki>[1]</nowiki>][https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_Community_Affairs_Committee/Sister_Projects_Task_Force#Wikimania_2023_session_%22Sister_Projects:_past,_present_and_the_glorious_future%22 <nowiki>[2]</nowiki>][https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/WikiConvention_francophone/2024/Programme/Quelle_proc%C3%A9dure_pour_ouvrir_ou_fermer_un_projet_%3F <nowiki>[3]</nowiki>] Wikinews was the leading candidate for an evaluation because people from multiple language communities proposed it. Additionally, by most measures, it is the least active Sister Project, with the greatest drop in activity over the years. While the Language Committee routinely opens and closes language versions of the Sister Projects in small languages, there has never been a valid proposal to close Wikipedia in major languages or any project in English. This is not true for Wikinews, where there was a proposal to close English Wikinews, which gained some traction but did not result in any action[https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Proposals_for_closing_projects/Closure_of_English_Wikinews <nowiki>[4]</nowiki>][https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/WikiConvention_francophone/2024/Programme/Quelle_proc%C3%A9dure_pour_ouvrir_ou_fermer_un_projet_%3F <nowiki>[5]</nowiki>, see section 5] as well as a draft proposal to close all languages of Wikinews[https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Talk:Proposals_for_closing_projects/Archive_2#Close_Wikinews_completely,_all_languages? <nowiki>[6]</nowiki>]. [[:c:File:Sister Projects Taskforce Wikinews review 2024.pdf|Initial metrics]] compiled by WMF staff also support the community's concerns about Wikinews. Based on this report, SPTF recommends a community reevaluation of Wikinews. We conclude that its current structure and activity levels are the lowest among the existing sister projects. SPTF also recommends pausing the opening of new language editions while the consultation runs. SPTF brings this analysis to a discussion and welcomes discussions of alternative outcomes, including potential restructuring efforts or integration with other Wikimedia initiatives. '''Options''' mentioned so far (which might be applied to just low-activity languages or all languages) include but are not limited to: *Restructure how Wikinews works and is linked to other current events efforts on the projects, *Merge the content of Wikinews into the relevant language Wikipedias, possibly in a new namespace, *Merge content into compatibly licensed external projects, *Archive Wikinews projects. Your insights and perspectives are invaluable in shaping the future of these projects. We encourage all interested community members to share their thoughts on the relevant discussion pages or through other designated feedback channels. === Feedback and next steps === We'd be grateful if you want to take part in a conversation on the future of these projects and the review process. We are setting up two different project pages: [[m:Public consultation about Wikispore|Public consultation about Wikispore]] and [[m:Public consultation about Wikinews|Public consultation about Wikinews]]. Please participate between 27 June 2025 and 27 July 2025, after which we will summarize the discussion to move forward. You can write in your own language. I will also host a community conversation 16th July Wednesday 11.00 UTC and 17th July Thursday 17.00 UTC (call links to follow shortly) and will be around at Wikimania for more discussions. <section end="message"/> -- [[User:Victoria|Victoria]] on behalf of the Sister Project Task Force, 20:57, 27 June 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:Johan (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Johan_(WMF)/Sister_project_MassMassage_on_behalf_of_Victoria/Target_list&oldid=28911188 --> :I definitely hate to say it but Wikinews has to be one of the most failed WMF projects. The English Wikinews is barely sustaining and I think that is fine for the timebeing, but the other Wikinews projects simply lack the editor base to actively review new news articles. It came up in tawikinews' closure proposal where their newest article dated to 2018! //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:56, 28 June 2025 (UTC) ::I think that we're meant to post that kind of thing on the Meta-Wiki project pages: [[metawiki:Public consultation about Wikispore|Public consultation about Wikispore]] and [[metawiki:Public consultation about Wikinews|Public consultation about Wikinews]]. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 22:42, 28 June 2025 (UTC) :::I'm aware; I just wanted to give out my 2c in short form – I have a longer list of suggestions planned which I'll do when I get a bit more spare time. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:44, 28 June 2025 (UTC) === General concerns === I am not a big fan of Wikinews, but one thing about the [[:meta:Proposal_for_Closing_Wikinews|report published by Sister Projects Task Force]] is concerning. This report is written in a very critical manner, namely, it does not mention that dozens if not hundreds of volunteers have spent a considerable amount of their time on developing Wikinews. The report does not mention any single good thing about their work, which does not seem fair. The report demonstrates that the current level of activity and content development at Wikinews is low (and this statement is fair), but it does not set any threshold of what would be good enough metrics for a community to deserve the resources from WMF. Moreover, the report does not attempt to analyze which steps Wikinews editors took to develop their project, and why these steps were unsuccessful. It just says: you did a bad job, so we will close you down and even deprive you of any possibility of moving Wikinews elsewhere because the name stays with Wikimedia Foundation. Wikivoyage is a smaller project too, and it would be discouraging if a similarly critical report about our work appears. It is not completely unrealistic when half of the language versions are dormant, while many others are somewhat comparable in their metrics to the most active editions of Wikinews. I think that only English Wikivoyage is clearly above that threshold, although the actual threshold is not even defined, so almost any level of activity can be deemed "low" if one wants to say so. What are your thoughts on that? --[[User:Atsirlin|Alexander]] ([[User_talk:Atsirlin|talk]]) 09:53, 28 June 2025 (UTC) :I have not been using Wikinews, so my reflections are based on the closure of Wikinews in Swedish and the current discussion, linked above. One point raised in the discussion is that the metrics chosen didn't take into account the special nature of the project. :I assume the Sister Project Task Force is right in that this kind of evaluations need to be done from time to time, but also think that the evaluations should focus on whether there are paths forward, rather than on whether the project is viable according to current trends. :Wikinews has the problem that a significant dedicated editor base i needed – Wikipedia or even Wikivoyage can stay alive and stay interesting even with no edits for a year or two, while a news outlet would loose nearly all of its readers. The coverage needs to be adequate on at least some areas (geographic or thematic) for the site to stay interesting. The critical mass needed is much larger – and that critical mass additionally needs to be able to counter people with a bias (good-faith or not) or with an agenda not aligned with the project goals – keeping touting at bay is much easier. I assume new language versions should be started only if there is hope of quickly building that critical mass. :–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 10:36, 28 June 2025 (UTC) ::Yes I do believe that LangCom has decided to suspend the creation of all new Wikinews projects for that very reason. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:46, 28 June 2025 (UTC) :Alexander, it's true "that dozens if not hundreds of volunteers have spent a considerable amount of their time on developing Wikinews", but it's also true that keeping a failing project because of past efforts is an example of [[w:en:Sunk cost fallacy]]. :I suspect that if someone made a credible proposal to move Wikinews to another host, the WMF would be be open to negotiations over the name. (But any new sponsor might prefer to come up with their own name.) [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 03:31, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::I guess my main problem is the absence of any well-defined criteria that distinguish a sustainable project from a failing one. Do you understand what these criteria are? -- [[User:Atsirlin|Alexander]] ([[User_talk:Atsirlin|talk]]) 08:35, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::A well-defined criteria that defines what a sustainable project would still heavily rely on how the project functions, though. For Wikinews, it needs to be very active and metrics that may be appropriate for Wikivoyage or Wikibooks like number of articles aren't super relevant because 20000 articles is no good if the last one was written 2 months ago (the numbers are hypothetical but my point stands). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 08:50, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I agree that the same metrics can not be applied to all sister projects, but "very active" leaves a lot of room for interpretation. Imagine someone decides that Wikivoyage is not sustainable because it contains a lot of outdated travel information that has not been updated in the last 5 years. That would be a problem... -- [[User:Atsirlin|Alexander]] ([[User_talk:Atsirlin|talk]]) 09:27, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::::We don't want well-defined criteria. There needs to be judgement on the projects actual prospects. Opening a community discussion is good, as that's a way to see whether the metrics give a correct picture – although there should be discussions with the projects before opening a discussion like this (I don't know to what extent there have been such discussions). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 20:13, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I still don't love the way the SPTF decided to mass-send these messages to every wiki without consulting the Wikinews community; it really should be up to them (and when I mean them, I mean the more active Wikinews projects such as en or ruwikinews) to decide their project's future, not the rest of us or the vast majority who don't get involved with Wikinews. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:01, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::Yes. The issues should have been raised with the projects first (not only the big ones, but all projects affected). I don't know whether that was done, but seemingly not enough, anyway. It seems the SPTF (?) wanted to introduce a more general practice of re-evaluating projects, and just chose the two as examples. They should have understood that doing it that way, without consultations, would upset people. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:40, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::TBF, there were several closure proposals before, including one for all language Wikinews. Those for major projects failed, but one can argue that this was a signal to the communities to evaluate their performance which they apparently did not get. I agree though that opening such discussion before notifying the Wikinews communities first is not really good. [[User:Ymblanter|Ymblanter]] ([[User talk:Ymblanter|talk]]) 08:54, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::They definitely should have; I hope they use this as a learning lesson because the general sentiment from the enwikinews community is quite clearly unimpressed from that discussion. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 09:01, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::Well this comment certainly [[:m:Talk:Public_consultation_about_Wikinews#c-Victoria-20250630095300-BRPever-20250629141600|aged like milk]]. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 13:59, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::Oh dear. I hope there are others in the SPTF who are more keen-eared. This risks degenerating into one more of the WMF-not-respecting-the-community affairs. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:40, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::SPTF (or Victoria, at the very least) seems so predetermined to close Wikinews that I've never heard something so blatantly biased such as "However, I expect that the wikinewsians would be in COI" – so to them I assume knowing the ins and outs of your own project is apparently a conflict of interest? It's a massive insult to non-Wikipedia based projects. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 11:04, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::I can understand her view, but I think it is misguided, and somebody in her team should get them to discuss their actual mission. If a project indeed needs to be laid down, the process needs to be lead very sensitively – and the consultation in this phase shouldn't be on whether to lay Wikinews down. It is "to work through and demonstrate the review process", "a community reevaluation" and "potential restructuring efforts". ::::::::::::The demonstration of the process has been a disaster and potential restructuring efforts require a good understanding of he project, which cannot be had without a keen-eared discussion with the communities. ::::::::::::The "re-evaluation" should be based on such potential restructuring paths, where restructuring isn't about where to dump the Wikinews content, but how to save the project, if possible. ::::::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 13:13, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::I fully agree with you about about the "re-evaluation" but the way they have been responding to community feedback feels as though they have the result pre-determined and this is merely being used as a box ticking exercise – which is why I think it's crucial that we as a fellow sister project speak up about the way this was poorly handled because who knows what they will do when it's our turn to undergo public consultations. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 14:04, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::I wrote about some concerns in [[:meta:Talk:Public consultation about Wikinews#Process and analysis seem flawed]]. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:34, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::::Cheers, {{u|LPfi}}; hopefully our project will be fine (I think it will because Wikivoyage or really any other WMF project does not have the same issues as Wikinews does of requiring an active community), but more feedback is certainly better. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 03:49, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::Whereas I agree that the process it to some extend flawed (and I agree with the points LPfi makes in the response on Meta), it would be useful to see whether some metrics used for analysis (in whatever flawed way) could be improved for Wikivoyage, so that they are out of discussion. [[User:Ymblanter|Ymblanter]] ([[User talk:Ymblanter|talk]]) 08:18, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::::::{{Ping|Victoria}} as primary author and for what I think is trenchant feedback: to the extent that this taskforce is assessing the sibling projects, it would be helpful if the individual communities knew what kind of rubric there is to grade their health. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 19:55, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::::I've been going through some of the stats, and "very active" is an interesting point. The defenders of the "very active" Wikinews language editions seem to be engaged overwhelmingly in copying/pasting content from suitably licensed external sites. They have turned Wikinews into mirrors for other sites, rather than writing articles. :::::Just imagine how we at Wikivoyage would react if someone here said "I am a very active Wikivoyage editor. I spend at least an hour a day copying and pasting pages from other travel websites!" [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 21:34, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::We do copy info from hotel websites and other sources, but we don't have the luxury of reliable free content written in our style. Being a channel for reliable news ''could'' be a mission of Wikinews (more or less the same way some "social media" sites do it). If so, the question is whether they can do it well enough for it to be worthwhile as a WMF project (and whether the other things they do are done well). But that's not the discussion the SPTF initiated, they chose to go by statistics instead. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 22:12, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::It was mentioned somewhere that the stats may be skewed by bots – I'm still confused on how you'd be able to tell if the stats were skewed by bots or not. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:11, 2 July 2025 (UTC) == Archive links invisible in mobile mode == Why? When I look in edit mode, I can see links to archives in [[Talk:China]], but not when I simply look at that talk page. Will Wikivoyage in mobile mode ever not suck? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:30, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :I can't answer your first question, but the answer to your latter question, as we both know, is never (we are a massive afterthought for the WMF). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:51, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::In which case, we will eventually read that the Wikimedia Foundation dropped Wikivoyage from lack of sufficient participation. Would we be able to fork in that case, or does Wikimedia own the copyright for Wikivoyage as they do for Wikinews? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:09, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::Each individual editor, including IPs/logged-out editors, owns the copyright to whatever copyrightable material they post on wiki. The Wikimedia Foundation owns the domain names and the trademarks (e.g., name and logo). Anyone who wants to fork can do so freely. The Wikimedia Foundation will sometimes even informally help people do so. The mobile site does have the links to the archives. Click on the "(i) Learn more about this page" button at the top of the page to find the "invisible" content. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 03:27, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::{{ping|Ikan Kekek}} Please don't be that fearful when Wikinews is proposed to be shut down or merged with Wikipedia. I wanted to work in the Bengali Wikinews Incubator project, but my lack of activity in recent weeks has prevented me from participating further. So, I have focused on Commons and Wikivoyage, where I am still highly active. I don't think the SPTF would suggest something similar for Wikivoyage, and I think it is actually a popular website. My static map of [[West Bengal]] is now widely shared on Facebook (both English and Bengali versions), along with an AI-generated list of places to visit in the state. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 03:35, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::::You are a superb Wikivoyage content creator! I'm not afraid in the very near term, but usage of all websites nowadays has to be mostly mobile, so if this site's mobile interface remains terrible, its eventual demise is a foregone conclusion. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:44, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::::Are you refering to the archive links that appear when I click "more about this page" at the top? :::::The issues with the mobile site exist as this project does not have '''active interface admins.''' :::::Note: The WMF has nothing to do with the content or presentation of content for this site. :::::Relevant links: :::::* https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:WikimediaMessages#Site_admin_helper :::::* https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Recommendations_for_mobile_friendly_articles_on_Wikimedia_wikis :::::[[User:Jdlrobson|Jdlrobson]] ([[User talk:Jdlrobson|talk]]) 03:09, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::Yes, "Learn more about this page." I didn't know to click that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:27, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I don't see why the WMF would have nothing to do with presentation of content on Wikivoyage. We are using MediaWiki and settings provided by the WMF, and we indeed are a WMF project. ::::::Not having active interface admins (I thought we have some) shouldn't mean too much – having technically knowledgable people locally is a bonus, it (and them dedicating time to do major work) shouldn't be a prerequisite for a WMF project. ::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:51, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::We do indeed have 5 [[Wikivoyage:Interface administrators]], which [[User:Jdlrobson]] should know, because he is one of them. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:01, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::I am an interface admin but I would not consider myself active. Maintenance of the listing editor for example causes me more anxiety than enjoyment these days. ::::::::In my time in this project I have seen quite a few complaints about the mobile experience but nobody has articulated clearly what needs improving. I personally dont think that overall it is a bad experience and the fact most of our page views are on mobile should be reassuring. That said there are templates like climate data that I think could be improved on mobile. ::::::::If you really want to improve the mobile experience I'd recommend making a wiki page with discussion of changes, proposal/consensus and then implementing them. I havent seen this sort of thing since [[Wikivoyage:Banner Expedition]]. I guarantee the majority of changes you want do not need WMF involvement but they will require discussion and community consultation. [[User:Jdlrobson|Jdlrobson]] ([[User talk:Jdlrobson|talk]]) 15:53, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::Wauterz is certainly active. Have you ever tried adding a listing or reverting more than one edit at a time in mobile mode? I'm sure we can compile a list of badness from the mobile interface. Where is the best page to put it on? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:25, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::{{u|Andyrom75}} is also fairly active on itwikivoyage. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 22:18, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::To answer the very first question of @[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]], I've noticed that the infobox has a "display:none" style that hide those boxes in mobile view. I think this style is added serverside (maybe @[[User:Jdlrobson|Jdlrobson]] you can confirm), because it's not added by the template neither by the templatestyles. :::::::::::However, as said from @[[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]], you can still see it clicking on the "(i)" button. [[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 17:09, 2 July 2025 (UTC) f6qozslau5238zkpkhehzi9kslspzco 5087040 5086836 2025-07-03T09:11:54Z Victoria 1380473 /* General concerns */ Reply 5087040 wikitext text/x-wiki <div style="text-align:left; background: var( --wv-optional-color, #f4f7fa); color: var( --color-base ); border: 1px solid #abc; padding: .3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em"> <div style="text-align:center; font-size:300%; line-height: 1; padding: 10px;">'''Welcome to the pub'''</div> {{shortcut|[[WV:Pub]]|[[WV:TP]]}} [[File:QA_icon_clr.svg|right|frameless|150px|link=]] The travellers' pub is for general discussion on Wikivoyage, and the place to ask questions when you're confused, lost, afraid, tired, annoyed, thoughtful, or helpful. To start a new topic, click the "Add topic" tab, so that it gets added '''at the bottom''' of the page, and sign your post by appending four tildes (<nowiki>~~~~</nowiki>) Before asking a question or making a comment: * Have a look at our [[Wikivoyage:Help|Help]], [[Wikivoyage:FAQ|FAQ]] and [[Wikivoyage:Policies|Policies]] pages. * If you are a '''new user''' and you have any questions about using the website, try the [[Wikivoyage:Arrivals lounge|Arrivals lounge]]. * If you have a '''question or suggestion about a particular article''', use the article's [[Project:using talk pages|talk page]] to keep the discussion associated with that article. * If you'd like to '''draw attention to a comment''' to '''get feedback''' from other Wikivoyagers, try [[Wikivoyage:Requests for comment|Requests for comment]]. * If you are '''wanting travel advice on a specific matter''' see the [[Wikivoyage:Tourist office|tourist office]]. * If you have an '''issue you need to bring to the attention of an administrator''', try [[Wikivoyage:Ongoing vandalism|Ongoing vandalism]]. * If you are having a '''problem that you think has to do with the [[mw:|MediaWiki software]]''', please post that on [[phab:|Phabricator]] instead. * If you want to '''celebrate a significant contribution''' to Wikivoyage by yourself or others, hold a party at [[Project:Celebrate a contribution|Celebrate a contribution]]. * Discuss '''issues related to more than one language version''' of Wikivoyage in the [[meta:Wikivoyage/Lounge|Wikivoyage Lounge]] on Meta. * Anything that is '''Nigeria-related''' is now meant to go in the [[Wikivoyage:Nigeria café|Nigeria café]] instead. Anything that is '''Kosovo or Albania related''' is now meant to go in the [[Wikivoyage:Kosovo and Albania cafe|Kosovo and Albania café]] instead. This includes announcements, initiatives, celebrations, and issues with certain articles. You can review old Pub discussions in the [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub/Archives]]. '''Pull up a chair and join in the conversation!''' [{{fullurl:Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub|action=edit&section=new}} '''Click here to start a new thread'''] </div> {{WikivoyageDoc|collaboration}} <!-- Discussions start here --> __TOC__ __NEWSECTIONLINK__ == RfC ongoing regarding Abstract Wikipedia (and your project) == <div lang="en" dir="ltr" class="mw-content-ltr"> ''(Apologies for posting in English, if this is not your first language)'' Hello all! We opened a discussion on Meta about a very delicate issue for the development of [[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Abstract Wikipedia|Abstract Wikipedia]]: where to store the abstract content that will be developed through functions from Wikifunctions and data from Wikidata. Since some of the hypothesis involve your project, we wanted to hear your thoughts too. We want to make the decision process clear: we do not yet know which option we want to use, which is why we are consulting here. We will take the arguments from the Wikimedia communities into account, and we want to consult with the different communities and hear arguments that will help us with the decision. The decision will be made and communicated after the consultation period by the Foundation. You can read the various hypothesis and have your say at [[:m:Abstract Wikipedia/Location of Abstract Content|Abstract Wikipedia/Location of Abstract Content]]. Thank you in advance! -- [[User:Sannita (WMF)|Sannita (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Sannita (WMF)|<span class="signature-talk">{{int:Talkpagelinktext}}</span>]]) 15:27, 22 May 2025 (UTC) </div> <!-- Message sent by User:Sannita (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Sannita_(WMF)/Mass_sending_test&oldid=28768453 --> :{{re|Sannita (WMF)}} may I ask how this affects Wikivoyage when you say "some of the hypothesis involve your project"? TIA, //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:28, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::The proposed solutions mention the Wikivoyages in several places. The main issue is that an abstract article about Someplace shouldn't be rendered the same in Wikipedia and Wikivoyage. This affects also the technical solutions, such as where to store statements and functions. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:21, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::Can you explain further how we have abstract (vs. concrete?) articles on Wikivoyage? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:27, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::We don't have any abstract articles at the time being, and I assume Wikivoyage in English may choose never to have them. For smaller languages, though, it is unrealistic to cover all interesting places with proper articles. The mission of Abstract Wikipedia is to provide a framework for creating articles in a way that allows automatic translation into something at least half-way decent. It's like having listings fetch key information from Wikidata, but scaled up to complete articles (or less complete – at least lively language on personal impressions will certainly be missing for the foreseeable future). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:43, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::::I see – I still don't understand how this will fully get (even after reading the hypothesis), but I suppose it's something for smaller language projects. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 09:47, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::Hi @[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], it seems that @[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] covered most of my arguments here already, so I would just repeat them at this point. The part that interests your project refers to the hypothesis that abstract content ''might'' (but it's still not sure at the moment) be stored in a dedicated namespace of your project. But again, this ''might'' happen, and you're free to refuse to store/use abstract content to further your development. This is entirely in your right, and we do not want to force any adoption of the project without consensus. [[User:Sannita (WMF)|Sannita (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Sannita (WMF)|talk]]) 10:01, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::And yes, Abstract Wikipedia is primarily intended for projects that have so far developed a small number of articles, in order to help them accelerate their growth and hopefully provide more knowledge to their communities and recruit a higher number of volunteers. [[User:Sannita (WMF)|Sannita (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Sannita (WMF)|talk]]) 10:03, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::Sounds perfect. Thanks to both of you for explaining! //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:10, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Seconded. I understand. We should discuss in a separate thread whether it would be better to encourage, allow perhaps without comment, or disallow abstract listings on this site. I think we probably don't want abstract articles, but we should discuss that, too. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:22, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::::I can see abstract listings being useful for more obscure parts of the world for English speakers for this site at least, but overall sounds like it's something to help smaller language Wikivoyages benefit from us rather than the other way around (which is also great). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 13:30, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::I mentioned listings as we already use Wikidata for them (coordinates) and have discussed e.g. opening hours (too complicated to be workable). I don't think "abstract listings" are an option at this point – somebody needs to decide a listing is wanted and would include some manual language when adding it. We still might have some valuable insights in how – and how not – to design abstract Wikivoyage articles for them to be useful. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 14:04, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::I have two thoughts about this: ::* We need some way of separating a block of text that works for Wikipedia from a block of text that works for Wikivoyage (or another sister project). That suggests ''not'' using the English Wikipedia as the storage place for everything. The Wikipedias might all want "Jupiter is the largest planet in the Solar System. It is the fifth planet from the Sun", but if Wikivoyage were to have an article on the planet, it would probably sound a lot more like "Jupiter isn't a viable destination, but travelers interested in [[astronomy]] and [[navigation]]<nowiki/>by the stars may be interested in the Big Museum of Jupiter and the Annual Jupiter Festival". ::* I think that the English Wikivoyage could benefit from Abstract content. It's obvious that we could 'translate' our [[Wikivoyage:Star articles|Star articles]] into Abstract, and thus other Wikivoyages would benefit. However, imagine how much we could benefit if @[[User:Sannita (WMF)|Sannita (WMF)]] brought [[:it:Roma]] up to Star status, and then translated it for us to copy whatever bits we wanted in [[Rome]]. Keep in mind that while Abstract is set up to do dynamic autotranslation (e.g., always giving the latest population estimate, if the sentence says "the population of Rome is ___"), you can actually copy and paste the results as plain old text into an article. ::[[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:07, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::If I understand correctly, Abstract Wikipedia works with programming that could have been done in the 1980s, more or less like [[:w:Lsjbot|Lsjbot]]'s articles, although not confined to info found in already existing datasets. "Not a viable destination" would need to be an item to insert and translate. That article on Jupiter would have very little in common with the Wikipedia one. :::For Rome, population statistics etc. would be easy to write in abstract form, but an abstract star article would need a lot of article-specific functions, which need to be translated to get a version in another language – and lively language is hard to translate automatically (think "[[Talk#Speaking English with non-native speakers|blind and therefore insane]]"). Copying over listings would work, and a good abstract article should have a good selection of those. :::I think an abstract Wikivoyage article should focus on being reasonably complete by having ''information'': roads and trains for getting in, listings with coords, contact details and Wikidata link, and suggestions in Go next, but quite little running text, mostly identical across articles except data values (…is a village/town/city in X…), and likewise a dry list of facts in the listing "content", not like the lively writing in [[Wikivoyage:Listings#Examples|Wikivoyage:Listings]]. :::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 17:47, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::As Wikivoyage has generally has more structured articles than Wikipedia, I think that we could make use of an Abstract Wikivoyage. Two areas look like possible starting points: listings and the phrases in phrasebooks. ::::If a tool could create an abstract version of a listing that exists in another language, then the listing could be offered when editing the same section of an article here - "Would you like to add a listing for the Lawnmower Museum?". Some parts of listing could be updated in all languages when edited in one - we would show the last updated entry price for the museum whatever language it was edited in. A difficult part is identifying when listing elements are language specific - we may use a different url from another WV to point to a page in English, and we don't care that the museum has labels translated into Spanish. ::::In English WV we have a standard set of phrases for phrasebooks, and most phrasebooks keep fairly closely to this list. This list is also the basis for phrasebooks in some other language WVs. It would appear to be reasonably straightforward to scan the existing phrases to create an abstract phrasebook, but inconsistencies would need to be reviewed. There are about 300 phrasebooks in English, 50 in German and 20 in Polish. Maybe we can use this to offer over 200 phrasebooks in Polish. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:44, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::::For listings, yes, the abstract versions would be easy to create. For the name, we only need to identify the native name, its romanisation, and the language of translated names. There are already structures for all this in Wikidata; also "official URL" has a language attribute. Amenities of hotels can likewise easily be described. Nothing will be automatically fetched, so no worries about info irrelevant for English speakers. What is hard to do is the lively language of the examples I linked above. :::::For phrasebooks, I am not sure it is that easy, or rather whether creating an abstract phrasebook helps compared to just translating the template and using a dictionary (or whatever way you otherwise use for getting translations). Grammar and pronunciation sections needs to be written with the audience's language knowledge in mind, and translations of phrases need to be done with some understanding of the context, thus mostly manually. For a good phrasebook, you also need to note peculiarities in the relation with the target language, such as the liberty/liberté etc. now added to the French and Italian phrasebook and warnings for specific false friends. :::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 04:57, 27 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::I think phrasebooks is one of those things (along with travel topics) where it's more or less impossible to create an abstract version of. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 05:23, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::Why do you think that? :::::::We can already write things like "{{#invoke:wd|label|Q98815142}}, a {{#invoke:wd|label|Q81727}} of {{#invoke:wd|label|Q8486}}, {{#invoke:wd|label|Q26175857}}" by invoking Wikidata. It would require expansion (e.g., to add "a" and "an"), but it doesn't seem impossible in principle, at least for simpler sentences. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:24, 27 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::The question is whether there is any point of doing that. If every phrase has to be purpose-translated, then why not just write the non-abstract phrasebook? The point with the abstract articles is that there are standard phrases that can be used across articles, such as words for amenities you will find in many hotels. For the phrasebook phrases, the question is whether the same Sámi phrase would suite the phrasebook in English and the one in Latvian (or whatever). ::::::::When the English phrase is translated differently depending on context, some commentary needs to be added (formal/informal, feminine/masculine). This commentary is redundant or awkward in languages that make the same distinction, possibly treating the two (or more) forms as totally unrelated (the person is deceased, the cow is dead). ::::::::For the cup of tea, you may need to word that differently depending on whether you are a man or woman, and whether the one you are asking for the cup is a waiter, the café owner, your host or your host's young child. ::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 20:59, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::::Perhaps an example would show what I was thinking of: :::::::::In [[French phrasebook]], we have: :::::::::; How much is a ticket to _____? : Combien coûte le billet pour _____ ? (''kom-BYAN koot luh bee-YEH poor'') :::::::::; One ticket to _____, please. : Un billet pour _____, s'il vous plaît. (''ung bee-YEH poor ____ seel voo pleh'') :::::::::On Polish WV there is [[:pl:Rozmówki francuskie]], their French Phrasebook. :::::::::;Ile kosztuje bilet do...? : Combien coûte le billet pour...? :::::::::;Poproszę jeden bilet do... : Un billet pour..., je vous prie. :::::::::We also have [[Finnish phrasebook]], which has: :::::::::; How much is a ticket to _____? : Paljonko maksaa lippu _____in? (''PAHL-yonk-aw MAHK-sah LEEP-poo _____?'') :::::::::So I think that a Finnish phrasebook on the Polish WV, could have :::::::::;Ile kosztuje bilet do...? : Paljonko maksaa lippu _____in? (''PAHL-yonk-aw MAHK-sah LEEP-poo _____?'') :::::::::"One ticket to" is not exactly the same (translating the French used in Polish, it is saying "I beg you" rather than "please"), so this phase would require some manual adjustments when it was abstracted. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:24, 27 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::I don't think that the idea with Abstract is to program in "please", but rather to swap in whichever word or phrase is used in that language to indicate politeness and respect while making a request. ::::::::::We already have a [[mw:Help:Magic words#gender|software switch for gender]], so this is not some miraculous future tech; this is an expansion of what has been possible for years. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 01:39, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::For Finnish, there is no word or phrase that indicates politeness, but one often uses the conditional (?) verb form instead. In some cases one would just use that word form in the phrase (in the Finnish phrasebooks and in phrasebooks for Finnish) – but here the question is instead with no sign of politeness, which is common in that language. Something like "could you" is problematic as most languages make a distinction between thou and you. I think the common cases can be handled decently, but for less well-known language families – those that benefit most from the abstract articles – the edge cases will be more common. It is likely that abstract phrasebook have to be tweaked for specific languages to avoid the odd case of very problematic renderings. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:02, 28 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::In Malay, there are two words for "please" that have different meanings and are used in different contexts. There are also two words for "we" that have different meanings. Etc. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:34, 30 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::I would expect all the foreign phrases to be reproduced exactly as they were in the existing phrasebook(s) that they were taken from. Ideally the left side phrases would also be exact reproductions, unless they were used to create a phrasebook to be part of a WV that doesn't currently have any phrasebooks; but it is less of an issue if the left side doesn't read perfectly. I am assuming that an Abstract Wikivoyage would have some mechanism for handling quoted text, as this is essential for reproducing the exact words used in famous speeches etc, and will be required for abstract Wikipedia and Wikiquote etc. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 14:06, 30 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::{{re|WhatamIdoing}} LPfi's basically explained why I don't think abstract phrasebooks will work. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:25, 27 May 2025 (UTC) == Adding images to the Infobox template == {{Infobox/sandbox|Infobox sandbox test|Nutritious, filling content goes here. |image=Dessert_Merlion_Singapore_Cafe_Kaya_Toast.jpg |caption=Yum yum!}} I've hacked up [[Template:Infobox/sandbox]] which add new <code>image/caption</code> parameters, so you can easily add an image to your infoboxen instead of trying to manually hack it in. Example: <pre> {{Infobox/sandbox |Infobox sandbox test |Nutritious, filling content goes here. |image=Dessert_Merlion_Singapore_Cafe_Kaya_Toast.jpg |caption=Yum yum!}} </pre> If there's no objections, I'll roll this out to the main Infobox template, the params are optional so it shouldn't break anything. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 06:02, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :{{support}} &ndash; Will be useful for articles like [[India]] and [[Kolkata]], which already use images in infoboxes. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 06:15, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :This is a tangent, but I think we should consider renaming that template, or at least changing its Wikidata links. Wikivoyage doesn't do Wikipedia-style infoboxes. These are just simple boxes, more like pull quotes or boxed warnings. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:29, 27 May 2025 (UTC) ::Change the Wikidata link, but keep the name. It is an infobox, although not a Wikipedia-style one. Of course, if somebody comes up with a better name, then I won't object. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:06, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :::{{ping|WhatamIdoing|LPfi}} Maybe {{tl|Info}} can be used instead of {{tl|Infobox}}. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 02:40, 28 May 2025 (UTC) ::::For us, this is an infobox, not just info. I wouldn't support such changes just to conform. Somebody who wants a Wikipedia-style infobox should just be directed to {{tl|quickbar}}, and somebody who tries to use {{tl|infobox}} quickly sees that it isn't what they are looking for. A see also for the former is more useful than a name change. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:11, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :::::I'll fix the Wikidata links so that {{tl|quickbar}} is matched with the Wikipedia-style infoboxes, and {{tl|infobox}} isn't. I'm not sure what our {{tl|infobox}} should be matched to; I don't think that enwiki has anything similar. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:28, 28 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::...No, that won't work. {{tl|Quickbar}} matches "Infobox Country". I'll remove the {{tl|infobox}} links. That much is certainly correct. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:29, 28 May 2025 (UTC) (undent) I've deployed the new version. I had to tweak it a bit to stop it from adding extra padding when the new params are not used, but it should be OK now, please ping me if not. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 07:58, 28 May 2025 (UTC) == Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees 2025 Selection & Call for Questions == <section begin="announcement-content" /> :''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Announcement/Selection announcement|{{int:interlanguage-link-mul}}]] • [https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Translate&group=page-{{urlencode:Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Announcement/Selection announcement}}&language=&action=page&filter= {{int:please-translate}}]'' Dear all, This year, the term of 2 (two) Community- and Affiliate-selected Trustees on the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees will come to an end [1]. The Board invites the whole movement to participate in this year’s selection process and vote to fill those seats. The Elections Committee will oversee this process with support from Foundation staff [2]. The Governance Committee, composed of trustees who are not candidates in the 2025 community-and-affiliate-selected trustee selection process (Raju Narisetti, Shani Evenstein Sigalov, Lorenzo Losa, Kathy Collins, Victoria Doronina and Esra’a Al Shafei) [3], is tasked with providing Board oversight for the 2025 trustee selection process and for keeping the Board informed. More details on the roles of the Elections Committee, Board, and staff are here [4]. Here are the key planned dates: * May 22 – June 5: Announcement (this communication) and call for questions period [6] * June 17 – July 1, 2025: Call for candidates * July 2025: If needed, affiliates vote to shortlist candidates if more than 10 apply [5] * August 2025: Campaign period * August – September 2025: Two-week community voting period * October – November 2025: Background check of selected candidates * Board’s Meeting in December 2025: New trustees seated Learn more about the 2025 selection process - including the detailed timeline, the candidacy process, the campaign rules, and the voter eligibility criteria - on this Meta-wiki page [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025|[link]]]. '''Call for Questions''' In each selection process, the community has the opportunity to submit questions for the Board of Trustees candidates to answer. The Election Committee selects questions from the list developed by the community for the candidates to answer. Candidates must answer all the required questions in the application in order to be eligible; otherwise their application will be disqualified. This year, the Election Committee will select 5 questions for the candidates to answer. The selected questions may be a combination of what’s been submitted from the community, if they’re alike or related. [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Questions_for_candidates|[link]]] '''Election Volunteers''' Another way to be involved with the 2025 selection process is to be an Election Volunteer. Election Volunteers are a bridge between the Elections Committee and their respective community. They help ensure their community is represented and mobilize them to vote. Learn more about the program and how to join on this Meta-wiki page [[m:Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Election_volunteers|[link].]] Thank you! [1] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2022/Results [2] https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Committee:Elections_Committee_Charter [3] https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Resolution:Committee_Membership,_December_2024 [4] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections_committee/Roles [5] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/FAQ [6] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Questions_for_candidates Best regards, Victoria Doronina Board Liaison to the Elections Committee Governance Committee<section end="announcement-content" /> [[User:MediaWiki message delivery|MediaWiki message delivery]] ([[User talk:MediaWiki message delivery|talk]]) 03:08, 28 May 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:RamzyM (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Distribution_list/Global_message_delivery&oldid=28618011 --> == Medium [[Main Page]] overhaul proposal == Since my [[Talk:Main_Page#Help_needed_with_tweaking_visual_balance_of_the_main_page|request for input and support]] on Talk:Main Page went mostly unnoticed, I'm bringing this proposal to the pub to ensure it gets the daylight it should have, as these are proposals to change the look of a rather important page. Here's the backstory: For longer than [[WV:Vector 2022|Vector 2022]] has been around, I've been bothered by the balance of elements on the main page. The new skin only did it injustices, so I've taken it upon myself to mend the shortcomings of the main page in my quest to make Wikivoyage work in Vector 2022. This all so our site looks a bit more appealing in the new skin. I know many regular editors stuck with their old preferred skins when we got the new skin imposed on us, but this still is something that will affect Wikivoyage's appeal to new editors and readers. If the main page looks chaotic and messy, they'll be less likely to stick around. So to each and every editor, <u>regardless</u> of which skin you use: Please chime in! That being said, these are the changes I have developed, and have ready to deploy: * '''Wider {{tl|Mapbanner}}:''' Some small tweaks to the template which make it use all the page width available to it, and moves the globe image and image map accordingly. * '''Centred JCaroussel:''' For the same reason, to make better use of the width on the main page, I've got some CSS changes to the JCaroussel ready that center the featured articles. Scaling them up to simply be full page width I have found to be too tedious to bother with. * '''Overhauled {{tl|Banner}}:''' Vector 2022's scaleable font plays too much with the banners for featured articles to where sometimes the blurb isn't even entirely visible. In the same process, I've simplified the way in which this template is used for each category, foregoing the need for a 'section' and 'section-link' parameter, replacing them with a 'type' parameter. Its style is mostly in keeping with the existing banners and should simplify the process for featuring articles more than it complicates them. What do these changes look like? In the case of {{tl|Mapbanner}}, I cannot easily give a working demonstration as its stylesheet currently overwrites any changes I make to it. Instead, [https://i.imgur.com/6mAMkfG.png this image] is the best I can offer. You'll have to take my word for its functionality being unchanged. The centred JCaroussel and overhauled {{tl|Banner}} can be seen and interacted with [[User:Wauteurz/Banner|on this page]]. I've done my best to ensure that these changes are in keeping with Wikivoyage's current main page style. I know that entire overhauls are not that popular, so I hope these proposals are good enough. I am looking for a broad consensus to roll out at least the first two changes, but ideally all three. I don't feel comfortable rolling some of these changes out with only two people expressing support for them. Please, throw your questions and concerns in my direction, and I hope we can together fix what I consider to be the biggest remaining issue with Vector 2022. Thank you in advance. <br/> <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 14:19, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :{{Support}} as the developer of these changes. Vector 2022 dictates how new readers and editors get presented our site, and with its current chaotic and undependable nature, something ''has'' to be done. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 14:20, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :{{ping|Wauteurz}} Any idea for better responsive design of the Wikivoyage main page, as more people access our pages via phone than PC? '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 14:47, 28 May 2025 (UTC) ::@[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]] For clarity, these changes only affect the appearance on desktop devices. The changes to JCaroussel also apply in Minerva (mobile), but due to screen size limitations they won't have an effect in most cases. My main goal is overseeing the damage caused by Vector 2022's roll-out on Wikivoyage. Since mobile devices use Minerva, I mostly leave the mobile appearance alone. ::As for my thoughts on mobile, I don't think any of the regular editors have any experience in mobile design, let alone responsive mobile design, so I'm mostly wondering why it's responsive in the first place. I'd personally suggest removing the responsive elements (mostly the feature banners) and replacing them with DotM, OtBP and FTT in simple presentations akin to Picture of the Day and Media of the Day on Commons' main page. The 3:1 banners also are a big problem in my eyes. They're far too short to work on mobile, and I think a square or tall ratio would work leagues better in a mobile format. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 15:31, 28 May 2025 (UTC) *{{s}} very much agree that these changes will be needed sooner than later. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 18:48, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :'''Support'''. Thanks for doing this! As a choosing beggar, I would love to see the mobile front page fixed as well though, the DOTM banner is completely broken at the moment and the padding/spacing of the entire page is wonky at best. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 00:03, 29 May 2025 (UTC) :'''Question''' for all involved: The new banner uses some icons to depict the category that the article is featured in (i.e., [[:File:Yes Check Circle.svg|DotM]], [[:File:Right turn icon blue.svg|OtBP]] and [[:File:Writing Circle.svg|FTT]]). I assume that we wish to keep these instead of the placeholder icons I have used? I'll be working on adapting those into simple white icons, which should be pretty straight-forward. If we wish to change them in future, then that can always be done afterwards. Having the icons consistent between {{tl|Banner}} and {{tl|Pagebanner}} would be for the better, I reckon :) :I am currently aiming to roll these updates out this weekend (June 7/8), just in time for the next featured article change. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 23:55, 1 June 2025 (UTC) ::Update: Making and updating the icons was pretty straight-forward indeed: [[Special:Diff/5071035|Diff/5071035]] <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 00:20, 2 June 2025 (UTC) :'''Support'''. Lots of good improvements! Just make sure to fix the "Off the Beaten Path" link to point to a real page. [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 15:10, 2 June 2025 (UTC) ::{{Done}}. Thanks for spotting that one! <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 15:19, 2 June 2025 (UTC) {{Done}}! Thank you everyone for your support! I've gone ahead and pushed these changes just now. I've naturally updated the usages of {{tl|banner}} on the Main Page and DOTM-Candidates as well. If there's any issues arising from this roll-out, please let me know. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 11:34, 7 June 2025 (UTC) :Awesome! That looks great to me. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 11:46, 7 June 2025 (UTC) == FYI: 10 Travel Tips From Experts Who’ve Been Everywhere == https://www.carryology.com/travel/10-travel-tips-from-experts-whove-been-everywhere/ —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 09:05, 30 May 2025 (UTC) == Tourist office problem == I tried to ask a question in the [[Wikivoyage:Tourist office]], and I replied to it with another question, but I can't see any of it except in edit mode and don't understand why. I used the form on that page to ask the first question. What I want to know is which side of the train to sit on for Amtrak trips between Montreal and Plattsburgh, NY and between Plattsburgh and Saratoga Springs, even if the answers come too late for me to use them. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:24, 30 May 2025 (UTC) :When you click "Ready? Ask a new question!", should the form on the next page require the "Subject:" field to not be empty? Or at least have a placeholder subject text? :I also see someone else's question about Cancun that got ignored, because it's tacked on the end of the previous section. [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 20:42, 1 June 2025 (UTC) ::I guess the problem is that I didn't see the subject field in my mobile phone interface. Is there a way to improve that? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:58, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :::It looks like you can set a default subject value with the InputBox 'default=' parameter. Maybe give it something like "Question from ~~<noinclude></noinclude>~"? I'm not sure how to change the "Subject:" label styling. :::Should the Tourist Office behave more like a Talk page, with an Add Topic button leading to a visual editor? [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 23:44, 2 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I'd support that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:48, 2 June 2025 (UTC) :::::[https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:DiscussionTools It looks like adding a "NEWSECTIONLINK" line is the magic to enable the visual editor on a page.] [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:InputBox There's also a usedt=true parameter to InputBox to make it use the visual editor by default.] :::::It seems to work in this sandbox I set up: [[User:Gerode/Tourist_office_sandbox]] [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 17:48, 5 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I went ahead and applied these two changes. Let me know if I broke anything, or if there's anything else odd about the Tourist office. [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 16:22, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ==Move request== You are invited to participate at [[Talk:Bangalore#Bangalore to Bengaluru]], which can affect the articles [[Bangalore]] and [[Bangalore Rural]], and the category [[:Category:Bangalore]]. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 08:19, 31 May 2025 (UTC) == AfriVoyage == Hi everyone! 👋 My name is [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvin Ategyeka]] from Uganda, and I’ve just launched a new project called '''AfriVoyage'''. It’s a WikiVoyage-focused initiative to document African travel destinations using local perspectives. Our pilot is starting in Uganda, with the goal of improving content and training youth contributors. You can follow the project on Meta-Wiki here: [[meta:AfriVoyage]] I would love your thoughts, guidance, and support. Thanks in advance! <small>unsigned comment by [[User:Alvinategyeka]]</small> :Welcome, Alvin. Wikivoyage really needs more African content, especially if provided by people with local knowledge. Your project will be supported from regular contributors like me. Please let us know how we can help. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:41, 31 May 2025 (UTC) :[[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]], I think you will be a more successful leader if you improve some articles yourself, before you invite anyone else to join you. We'd be happy to help you. :For example, one mistake that we see people making is copying Wikipedia articles here. A Wikipedia article will sound something like "Semuliki National Park is a national park in Bwamba County, a remote part of the Bundibugyo District in the Western Region of Uganda that was established in October 1993". This is the wrong approach here. A Wikivoyage article should have a [[Wikivoyage:Tone|lively tone]]. The beginning of a good Wikivoyage article might sound something like this: :* '''Semuliki National Park''' in [[Western Uganda]] is the only place you can visit a true lowland tropical forest in all of East Africa. This beautiful national park is a birdwatcher's delight, and more than 400 species of butterflies can be found inside the park's borders. :If you feel at the English Wikipedia that you have to suppress your natural style to be as dull as possible, then you'll like Wikivoyage because it allows your enthusiasm to shine in between the facts. We need the facts ("best restaurant" isn't nearly as helpful as saying how it's the best, like "good menu for vegetarians" or "artisan-quality bushera"), but we don't want a boring style. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 18:14, 31 May 2025 (UTC) ::Thank you very much and thanks for the guidance. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 13:27, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :Thank You very much. I have 6 years experience contributing to Wikimedia projects but I feel I need a new challenge and the only project that I had not explored yet always wanted to contribute to is Wiki Voyage. Am a tourism lover and i have travelled extensively in Uganda and East Africa. I hope this project will encourage more African Communities to contribute to Wiki Voyage. I will appreciate all guidance rendered. Thank You. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 13:32, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :Thank you very much, hoping to connect with you for more guidance. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 13:35, 1 June 2025 (UTC) ::Sure, and thank you for taking on this opportunity and challenge! In addition to the great advice you've been given above, I think you'll find [[Welcome, Wikipedians]] very useful. For anyone who participates in this project, some additional pages that I'd consider to provide the most important guidelines and explanatory pages on this site include [[Wikivoyage:What is an article]], [[Wikivoyage:The traveller comes first]], [[Wikivoyage:Article skeleton templates]], [[Wikivoyage:Copyleft]], [[Wikivoyage:Don't tout]], and [[Wikivoyage:Breadcrumb navigation]]. ::It is absolutely '''not''' a prerequisite for anyone to read any of these before contributing here! However, you, as organizer, should read these pages, because you will then be able to distill the most important characteristics of the site for others who are enthusiastic about contributing but not yet familiar with the site, and another important thing is that once you've read or at least skipped through these pages, you can ask us questions. ::I love the fact that you contacted us before the official launch of the project. In the past, projects that were begun on a large scale without any notice to us presented huge issues relating to the policies laid out in the pages I linked for you. ::Thanks again, and we very much look forward to working with you and your colleagues! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:36, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :::Thanks for the resources and guidance. I have been reading and researching about Wiki Voyage and what you have added will guide me more. I will contact you for further guidance in order to move the project forward. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 15:52, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :Thanks a lot. i look forward to working with you and seeking guidance to move the project forward. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 15:54, 1 June 2025 (UTC) == Evora's page banner on wikidata == I noticed [[Evora]]'s page banner does not exist in wikidata. I was unable to add it there. Would someone show me how to proceed, please? [[User:Claude van der Grift|Claude van der Grift]] ([[User talk:Claude van der Grift|talk]]) 18:31, 31 May 2025 (UTC) :[[d:Q179948|Évora]]'s banner is already defined on Wikidata since 2013, so moving it over isn't necessary. Regardless, you'd add a banner to a Wikidata item by adding a statement using [[d:P948|P948 (page banner)]]. Simply add the file name without the "File:" prefix but with the file extension as its value, and clicking publish. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 20:28, 31 May 2025 (UTC) ::Evora's Wikidata page is semi-protected, so you can't edit if you have made less than 50 edits on Wikidata. As already said, there is no need to edit it, as it is already using the banner from Wikidata. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 21:47, 31 May 2025 (UTC) :::Thank for your explanations {{U|AlasdairW}}. Unfortunately I mistook [[:d:Q179948|Evora]] for [[:d:Q243849|Elvas]]. The latter has no page banner. Sure I have more than 50 edits on wikidata. I forgot to say that I'm editing only by my smartphone. [[User:Claude van der Grift|Claude van der Grift]] ([[User talk:Claude van der Grift|talk]]) 15:00, 1 June 2025 (UTC) == FYI: Planning a Trip? AI Will Do That For You == https://www.thrillist.com/travel/nation/ai-travel-apps —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 07:04, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :I wonder whether we can design an AI tool that can fetch info from Wikivoyage and make a summary for you. That can replace the burden of manual summary writing by Wikivoyagers. Of course, Wikivoyage articles should be curated by humans, with AI summarizing them. I want to suggest this to Wikipedians as well, but I have been blocked there since 2021, and I mostly work on the Bengali Wikipedia. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 07:11, 1 June 2025 (UTC) == Wikivoyage and OsmAnd app == I am looking into making it easier to walk [[Stockholm Archipelago Trail]] and have found the [[w:en:OsmAnd]] app useful '''my question''' is there any good examples when those to domains works good together? - –––– [[User:Salgo60|Salgo60]] ([[User talk:Salgo60|talk]]) 07:43, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :As a regular OsmAnd user, I don't believe so to the best of my knowledge. :( //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 05:25, 4 June 2025 (UTC) ::I started using OsmAnd several months ago, and I have been playing around with the Wikivoyage integration since. I spend a lot of time in a major city with a Guide-level article and I find the integration useful there. I haven't tried it with an itinerary. My first thought is to pull up a [https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Category:Guide_itineraries Guide] or [https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Category:Star_itineraries Star] itinerary for a place you've been before and see what the OsmAnd experience is like. [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 16:08, 4 June 2025 (UTC) == Improving this project with little to no knowledge of English == It's been a while since I've posted anything major on the pub, but one of the things I'm quite pleased with the way we do things here is the fact that we are ''very'' open and accommodating to users who can't speak or speak English with a large length of difficulty. We don't have any policies forcing the use of English in discussions and if someone has shown a genuine interest in the project, it isn't unorthodox for someone to go out of their way and respond in another language they know on this site. It comes back to when {{ping|Andyrom75}} told me on itwikivoyage (around when itwikivoyage hit 10k articles, iirc) that it's possible to contribute to Wikivoyage without really knowing the language – and it's true. Most of my activity on itwikivoyage has since been doing minor fixes, adding listings with no description (since you don't need to know the language to add listings, opening hours, urls, address and such), removing closed businesses/out of date info, fixing dead links and the like. Since many of our articles also follow a similar structured format, it's very easy to contribute to the site so long as you're aware of your limitations. Some ideas I had in mind to perhaps make this wiki even more inviting to those who might not have the English skills necessary to contribute text but still want to help: * A community written guide on this, similar to [[Wikivoyage:Welcome, business owners]], [[Wikivoyage:Welcome, locals]] or [[Wikivoyage:Welcome, Wikipedians]] * Finish [[User:SHB2000/admins table]], move to the Wikivoyage namespace, add the table to [[Wikivoyage:Administrators]], and add any advanced perms from other WMF projects. ** Perhaps also make a similar table for non-admins who are reasonably active on this site. More thoughts and ideas would be appreciated – even better if we can facilitate this on other language Wikivoyages. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:11, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :Contribute in another language version of Wikvoyage it's just a matter of willingness and time. For a certain amount of time. For few years I've supported sv:voy without knowing any word in Swedish :-D Nowadays unfortunately I don't have enough time, so I can only concentrate it on it:voy :-( :PS your support on it:voy @[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] is always extremely appreciated! :-) [[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 17:14, 4 June 2025 (UTC) ::I occasionally do the same kind of thing at the Haitian Creole Wikipedia. I can't write in the language, but I can check a maintenance category and fix the wikitext errors there. ::Based on my experience, I'd say that there are two main opportunities for contribution: ::* 'technical' contributions, such as fixing wikitext or broken URLs ::* language-agnostic contributions, such as adding phone numbers, websites, and lat/long coordinates to listings; adding images that require no caption or only a simple/obvious one (e.g., "Disneyland" or "Town Name Church"); removing listings for closed restaurants, etc. ::@[[User:Piotrus|Piotrus]] might have some ideas about which tasks are easiest for his English-language learners to do. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 22:48, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :::Yeah this very much explains it in a nutshell. :) //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:13, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :::@[[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] Indeed, some of my ESL students have effectively only a beginner level of English at best. These days, machine translation is getting good enough to understand a lot, and contribute text that's "mostly ok". It will only get better as AI tools and student use of them improve. Anyway, you can see my activities for students at [[User:Hanyangprofessor2]] [[User:Piotrus|Piotrus]] ([[User talk:Piotrus|talk]]) 01:12, 5 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I have added images that I have taken to many different language variants of Wikipedia. I use Google translate for the text and and hope that a native user if that language will make any corrections. [[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 11:22, 5 June 2025 (UTC) :::::I recently added a listing about Japan in [https://ja.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=%E6%88%90%E7%94%B0%E5%B8%82&diff=52846&oldid=50973 ja.voy] despite not knowing Japanese. The listing editor really makes it simple to improve an article. Last week I presented [[wikidata:Event:Wikidata_and_Sister_Projects#Friday,_May_30th|a Wikidata talk about Listing Editor]] and mentioned that it's a really good gateway to get more contributors. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 15:58, 5 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::The Listing Editor really does! Particularly because they're very standardised across most language Wikivoyages, so the only "bad" listing editor is a malfunctioning/broken listing editor. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:27, 21 June 2025 (UTC) == Linking Wikicommons == I am documenting the Stockholm Archipelago Trail and have uploaded more than [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Stockholm_Archipelago_Trail 3,000 pictures] / [https://wikimap.toolforge.org/?cat=Stockholm_Archipelago_Trail&subcats=true&subcatdepth=4&cluster=false Wikimap] from the trail to Wikimedia Commons. For example, the section Nåttarö will be documented on Wikivoyage here: [[Stockholm_Archipelago_Trail#SAT_Nåttarö]] and is on Wikicommons [https://wikimap.toolforge.org/?cat=SAT_N%C3%A5ttar%C3%B6&subcats=true&subcatdepth=3&cluster=false WIkimap] 1) What is the policy regarding linking to a trail on Wikicommons? I believe such links add significant value by helping readers better understand the trail conditions. Additionally, I see 360-degree images as a step forward in enhancing navigation and exploration, making it easier for users to visualize the terrain. Additionally, 2) I have used Mapillary for one section. Is there a specific policy on linking Mapillary content? For instance, Stockholm Archipelago Trail’s Landsort section is partially represented on [https://www.mapillary.com/app/user/salgo601?lat=58.737857&lng=17.865676&z=17&pKey=1060410682654434 Mapillary pKey=1060410682654434] Would appreciate any guidance on this. Thanks! [[User:Salgo60|Salgo60]] ([[User talk:Salgo60|talk]]) 14:26, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :The use of a limited number of thumbnails from Commons is normal. See [[Wikivoyage:Image policy]]. Otherwise, links are normally through Wikidata: please read [[Wikivoyage:Sister project links]]. For guidelines on third-party links outside Wikimedia, see [[Wikivoyage:External links]], but the answer to your 2nd question is that such links are normally not allowed except to primary sources (for example, the website of a listed restaurant, hotel, museum, etc.) and are subject to deletion. However, Wikivoyage policies and guidelines are always open to discussion, so start a thread at the most relevant guideline article's talk page if you'd like to argue for a change. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:40, 4 June 2025 (UTC) ::thanks but dont the community see the added value? especially when documenting a walking trail it can be good to better understand how steep steep is....- [[User:Salgo60|Salgo60]] ([[User talk:Salgo60|talk]]) 14:54, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :::If you don't like my suggestion of starting a discussion thread on the appropriate policy page's talk page, where you can document the indispensability of Mapillary as your argument for a policy change, you can argue for an exception to policy on [[Talk:Stockholm Archipelago Trail]], but you can't get either a policy change or an exception by arguing in the Pub. But if you're asking for my opinion on why there has been no specific consideration of Mapillary, I'd speculate it's because most of us have never heard of it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:15, 4 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I've heard of Mapillary – I appreciate they're open source and licensed under CC-BY SA, but they're indirectly a competitor to Commons –&nbsp;if you can upload a photo to Mapillary, you can upload it to Commons. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 07:28, 5 June 2025 (UTC) :::::The difference is that you traverse a route on Mapillary its connected 360 pictures I am not an expert but [https://www.mapillary.com/app/?lat=58.737746&lng=17.865677&z=17&pKey=1848345639040650&x=0.46081730421230177&y=0.5976337053747495&zoom=0&focus=photo click on forward on this] its from me walking [[SAT_Landsort]] :::::* they support 360 pictures much better than Wikicommons :::::* [https://www.mapillary.com/showcase OsmAnd and Open Street Map use them] :::::[[User:Salgo60|Salgo60]] ([[User talk:Salgo60|talk]]) 19:08, 7 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::One issue is that of privacy. I might trust the WMF, but I don't want to research the privacy policy and trustworthiness of a third party. Checking the website of a hotel where I intend to sleep is one thing, a Wikivoyage page being dependent on a third party is very different. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:58, 7 June 2025 (UTC) :For Wikimedia Commons (that's their name), you can link a category or gallery via Wikidata. On a gallery page you can show all the most relevant images, with explanatory text and a layout of your liking. The rest of the images would be easily found in the category. Is that what you are looking for in your first question? –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 22:04, 7 June 2025 (UTC) == I had an edit flagged as destructive because my account isn't very old == I was trying to remove information related to crossing the border into Azerbaijan from the Baku page (it's been closed since 2020 and the only way in is via air), but trying to delete a lot of content on a new account flagged me as a vandal. If someone has permissions to view the changes, and would be willing to check on those changes, thank you very much :) [[User:MagnumDahng|MagnumDahng]] ([[User talk:MagnumDahng|talk]]) 09:32, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :{{re|MagnumDahng}} Can you try removing the outdated content once again? I've temporarily disabled the filters; let me know once you've removed everything that you intended to. Sorry for the extra inconvenience. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:04, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::It worked. ::No worries. I understand why it's there :) [[User:MagnumDahng|MagnumDahng]] ([[User talk:MagnumDahng|talk]]) 10:15, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :::Perfect, I've re-enabled the filters; thanks again for the updates! :) //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:36, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ==Does WV need a policy for descriptions of living people?== Wikivoyage is a travel guide and not intended to be a collection of biographies. Still, travel topics and itineraries might mention important individuals, such as explorers, artists, monarchs, and politicians. [[Wikivoyage:What is an article?]] discourages from creating an article for a living celebrity, as these are more difficult to finish than articles for [[Christopher Columbus]], [[Frank Lloyd Wright]] or [[Astrid Lindgren]]. Articles such as [[Presidents of the United States]] and [[Monarchy of the United Kingdom]] describe living individuals who have not concluded their careers, and they are certainly controversial. When writing [[Jewish Stockholm tour]], [[Stockholm environmentalist tour]] and [[Nordic monarchies]], a couple of famous living people came to mind, but I found it advisable to mention them as briefly as possible. Which general principles should we follow? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:58, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :It looks like [[foundation:BLP]] encourages us to have a formal policy, even if there isn't much to say. [[Project:Don't be evil]], maybe? :We already have [[Wikivoyage:Photographs of identifiable people]] and [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#People in photos]], which discourage photos of people. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 20:36, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::I'd support a policy for the same reason. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 11:40, 11 June 2025 (UTC) :I think this is largely not that relevant to a travel guide, but it is actually common to have "Maps of the Stars" or tours of celebrity homes in the Los Angeles region, which to me is completely crazy and behavior that should not be encouraged. Considering Whatamidoing's point about the WMF encouraging this kind of documentation, I think having a guideline/policy is wise. Good thinking. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 21:00, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::Yeah, I would absolutely oppose any article for a tour that takes people to the homes of celebrities who would rather be private in their own homes. If this kind of tour existed in New York, New Yorkers would be up in arms about it and pressing the City Council to pass a law about it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:35, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::The page and section about photos say very little, mostly discouraging photos of yourself, which isn't what this is about. [[commons:Project:Photographs of identifiable people]] says a lot more and should probably be followed also regarding locally uploaded pictures. None of those three says anything about text about people (other than that captions shouldn't be defamatory). ::I think we probably shouldn't write a policy unless there are real issues. We have no reason to write about most people, and it seems common sense, like what Yvwv showed above, works reasonably well. Writing a policy opens up for loopholes and wikilawyering. ::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:50, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :::I wonder if our "BLP policy" could be a section in our existing [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]] policy. Basically, a few principles about avoiding mentioning individuals, and especially avoiding saying anything contentious or unfairly invading their privacy. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 16:40, 10 June 2025 (UTC) ::::That sounds reasonable. In the past I have opposed a suggestion to create an itinerary based on the travels of a living individual. ::::A more common situation is where a listing mentions something about the people that work in the hotel or restaurant. "Friendly owners" or "poor service from the waiters" is ok, but referring to staff by name needs more care. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:04, 10 June 2025 (UTC) :::::It's surely OK when the name of the Chef de Cuisine or Pastry Chef are printed on menus or are well-known chefs the restaurant promotes. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:40, 10 June 2025 (UTC) :::::: Can an artist's personal life be separated from their work? At least, death is useful to conclude a life story. As Georg Riedel past away one year ago, he deserves to be described in the [[Jewish Stockholm tour]]. Aleksander Wolodarski is another person appropriate to mention, but as he is well and alive (and to some degree a divisive character in Swedish architecture) the description of him in the same article is very brief. The [[Harry Potter tourism]] barely mentions the author, and that might be good as it is. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:16, 11 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I think it would be fine to note the name of a celebrity chef ("Thomas Keller's restaurant, The French Laundry"), or even a relatively public non-celebrity ("The restaurant owner, Mary Smith, is also the long-time mayor of this small town" or "Olly Owner is happy to pack a picnic upon request"). ::::::However, as an extension of [[Wikivoyage:Avoid negative reviews]], we don't really want "Chris Celebrity is pretentious and their restaurant is overpriced" or "Wendy Waitress is unfriendly and slow". [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:26, 11 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::I think we should avoid "Wendy Waitress is unfriendly", but "Some staff are unfriendly" is ok. It is important to report negative aspects of a place if either it is balanced by "excellent cooking and wonderful bread" or it is the only place in town. It becomes more difficult with one person businesses. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 20:24, 11 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Wikivoyage should not be interested in people: that is the province of Wikipedia. Wikivoyage is however interested in places associated with people and to this end should be cautious about their privacy. If however the individual concerned invites members of the public to their homes or businesses (for example Donald Trump has a website for [https://www.maralagoclub.com/ Mar-a-Lago]) then it is no longer Wikivoyage's role to protect his privacy: if he publicises his home, then it is incumbent on him to look after his own privacy. In contrast, Joe Biden does not appear to advertise his home, so neither should Wikivoyage (even if a search on the internet will reveal Joe Biden's properties).[[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 15:18, 12 June 2025 (UTC) :Does something like this feel about right? :---- :As a general rule, Wikivoyage is interested in places, not people. Occasionally, providing a fair description will involve mentioning a specific person. In such cases, these principles apply to protect living people: :* Avoid contentious matter about living people to the maximum extent possible, to show respect for human dignity and personal privacy. Publishing personal information that is tangential to the needs of the article, trivial, ephemeral, or constitutes a [[Wikivoyage:Avoid negative reviews|negative review]] is unfair. For example, if a restaurant owner promotes dubious beliefs to customers, then omit the listing completely rather than writing about the owner's beliefs. :* Avoid whole articles focused on living people, such as an [[Wikivoyage:Itineraries|itinerary]] to see the private homes of celebrities. It is fair to have an itinerary focused on Taylor Swift's concert tours; it is not fair to have an article focused on her homes. :* Individual listings that name a living public figure are acceptable so long as the content is not contentious. However, you should avoid naming living people when a general description is adequate. For example, write "The owner is happy to talk about local history" instead of "Harry Historian, the owner, is happy to talk about local history", even though you would name the celebrity chef Thomas Keller as the owner of the restaurant The French Laundry. :---- :What should be changed, added, omitted? [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 16:39, 12 June 2025 (UTC) ::Thanks for offering a rough draft! The one part that sticks out to me as problematic is the part about "dubious beliefs," which gives an opening to intolerant atheists to complain about a bismillah or cross in a restaurant. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:12, 12 June 2025 (UTC) :::I was thinking about political beliefs, and specifically about an anti-masking restaurant I read about during the pandemic, but you're right: That needs to be re-worded. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 23:30, 12 June 2025 (UTC) ::::Still a good start, I'd say. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 12:15, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I don't think that businesses should be removed because of beliefs of the owner or personnel; that the owner touts antivacc or flat-earth theories might be entertaining rather than a reason to avoid them. One might tell that they might raise controversial topics. For dangerous practices, such as not using masks when needed, that would be treated like them using contaminated water or whatever. Yes, sometimes that warrants removing the listing in line with ''no bad reviews'', but that has little to do with privacy. ::::For a Finnish business, it was suggested that the listings be removed because of bigotry, in effect a boycott by Wikivoyage. I am not sure about to what extent to do that, but I assume we might tell something about the owner in that case, if we leave the choice whether to use their services to our readers. I would oppose individual editors removing listings because of views that don't conform with their own, but they may of course choose not to add them. ::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:28, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :::::I think there might be a spectrum of issues, but some types of (e.g.,) bigotry are not compatible with [[Wikivoyage:The traveller comes first]]. Inclusion constitutes a recommendation, at least when there are other alternatives. If we list a restaurant, it should be because travellers are welcome. If the restaurant's listing would need to have a disclaimer along the lines of "BTW, only white people are allowed to eat here" or "People whom the owner thinks look Jewish/Muslim/Black/gay/trans will be refused service", then that restaurant shouldn't be included in Wikivoyage at all. Listed restaurants should normally be open to all of the general public. :::::On the other end of the spectrum, if the owner cheerfully accepts all customers, but he privately belongs to a racist organization, then that's not really relevant to the travellers' experience, so we needn't mention that. Travellers who want to patronize only businesses owned by people who share the same politics/religion/race/sexual orientation should look elsewhere for that information. :::::Somewhere in the middle is factual information that travellers may interpret in opposite ways. For example, if a given deli in New York City is kosher, it'd be worth noting that in the description. Most travellers won't care. Some travellers will prefer it (either for religious reasons or because kosher meat is considered more ethical than conventional meat). Some travellers will reject it. But knowing that it might appeal (or not) to different travellers is not the same as different travellers not being allowed to eat at the deli. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 20:02, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I see no problem in describing a restaurant in terms of the religious beliefs that it portrays provided that it is done in a neutral manner - for example , "The XYZ resaurant is a kosher/halal/vegetarian establishment". The reader can then make up their ow mind about patronising the establishment - after all Wikivoyage has many articles about various places of worship. [[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 21:05, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::I think the general point is that we want "XYZ is a kosher/halal/vegetarian restaurant" but not "The owner of XYZ is a Jew/Muslim/vegetarian person". [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:10, 14 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::I agree here. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 06:56, 18 June 2025 (UTC) *Suggested rewrite of the first point (Changes in bold): :"''Avoid contentious matter about living people to the maximum extent possible, to show respect for human dignity and personal privacy. Publishing personal information that is tangential to the needs of the article, trivial, ephemeral, or constitutes a negative review is unfair. For example, if a restaurant owner promotes '''particular''' beliefs to customers, then omit the listing completely rather than writing about the owner's beliefs. '''If however the establishment itself <u>caters</u> for certain beliefs and/or ethics, it is reasonable, or maybe even desireable, to add those beliefs/ethics to the description in a neutral manner - such as including the words "kosher/halal/vegetarian" to the establishment's description.'''''" [[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 21:14, 13 June 2025 (UTC) *I suggest that the second point be extended as follows (additions in bold): :''Avoid whole articles focused on living people, such as an itinerary to see the private homes of celebrities. It is fair to have an itinerary focused on Taylor Swift's concert tours; it is not fair to have an article focused on her homes. '''However, if the celebrity concerend advertises their home to the general public (for example [https://www.maralagoclub.com/ Mar-a-Lago], home of Donald Trump or [https://www.blenheimpalace.com/ Blenheim Palace], home of the Duke of Marlborough) , then it is perfectly in order to mention the home in an article and ideally to include a web address the description or article.''''' ::[[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 21:27, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::I think all this discussion of beliefs and politics is bad and not something about which we want policies. Also, bad reviews are by no means inherently unfair, and I'm mystified by how anyone could think that's the case; it's just that Wikivoyage chooses with some exceptions to simply refrain from listing businesses, rather than stating that they are bad. I also don't see why we would need to add a policy that establishments that discriminate against people based for example on their ethnicity, appearance or national origin, such as a historic restaurant in Düsseldorf that refused admission to East Asians early in the pandemic, be delisted, because we already do that based on preexisting policies. Right now, I think that based on the drafts circulated in this thread, we risk approving a new policy that is worse than none. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:40, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :::It might be best to try the smallest possible addition. After all, it's usually easier to get a policy expanded later if we really need it, than to get it shortened later. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:08, 14 June 2025 (UTC) ::::Here's a shorter version: ::::---- ::::As a general rule, Wikivoyage is interested in places, not people. Occasionally, providing a fair description will involve mentioning a specific person. In such cases, these principles apply to protect living people: ::::* Avoid contentious matter about living people to the maximum extent possible, to show respect for human dignity and personal privacy. Individual listings that name a living public figure are acceptable so long as the content is not contentious. ::::* Avoid whole articles focused on living people, such as an [[Wikivoyage:Itineraries|itinerary]] to see the private homes of celebrities. ::::---- ::::We could also soften "the maximum extent possible". It's always "possible" to avoid mentioning anyone's name, but it's not always "reasonable" to do so. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:14, 14 June 2025 (UTC) :::::What about the article on U.S. presidents? We don't avoid contentious facts about living current and former presidents; we just agree on what should be in the blurbs about them based on the existing [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]] guidelines. I still fail to see how adding at least your first proposed guideline will improve anything. Also, are we creating a solution for a nonexistent problem? Can you cite a previous example of an article that had unnecessarily contentious facts about living people that we were not able to deal with by using existing guidelines? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:33, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::[[Presidents of the United States]] is not a "whole article focused on living people"; it is a whole article focused on mostly long-dead people with just five living US Presidents being mentioned (and mostly in a "public museum" way, not a "current private home" way). This would therefore be acceptable as a case of "Individual listings that name a living public figure" that "show respect for human dignity and personal privacy". ::::::The existing problem to be solved is: The Board of Directors for the WIkimedia Foundation said that every project needs to have an official, written BLP policy. They said this about 16 years ago, so we're running a bit behind schedule, but we should have something. Their resolution encourages "special attention to the principles of neutrality", so I think putting a few sentences inside our version of the "[[Wikivoyage:NPOV|NPOV]]" policy would be appropriate. We could even create a [[WV:BLP]] shortcut to it, so the Wikipedia folks can find it easier. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:16, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::My problem is not with your second proposed provision, which is fine, but your first, and that's what my last reply addressed. If it stated that when living people have to be mentioned, we must [[be fair]] and come to a [[consensus]] about anything contentious, I'd be happy. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:33, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Can you think of any contentious or derogatory information a travel guide – especially one that does not cite external sources – ''needs'' to include? [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:37, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::I already gave you an example! And what about when we fairly describe countries as dictatorships? We've sometimes had users object and try to whitewash articles, and in such cases, we are armed with [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]], not some ridiculous claim that anything "contentious" is bad and must be avoided, which would have played into their hands. Wikivoyage is a travel guide, not a site that tries to be neutral. We expressly don't have an NPOV policy, but instead a policy that requires fairness. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:10, 18 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::I agree that we can fairly describe a country as being a dictatorship. Do we need to describe an individual living person as a dictator, when doing so would be contentious (e.g., produce disputes and disagreements on wiki)? I just checked every article containing the words "a dictator" and "the dictator"; none of them refer to living people. ::::::::::If your prior example was "What about the article on U.S. presidents?", I've already answered that question. I don't see anything privacy-invading in [[Presidents of the United States]], and I don't see anything contentious about any living person in there, either. The contents are not universally approved by the campaign team, but nobody actually disputes or "contends" over the facts (e.g., that Clinton was involved in a sex scandal, or that Trump is technically a convicted felon). [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 01:07, 20 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::If you haven't had the misfortune of speaking with a Trumper lately, consider yourself lucky. There are tens of millions of hard-core Trumpers in the U.S. who don't accept basic scientific facts and advance all kinds of conspiracy nonsense as truth. I dealt with a cabbie in New Rochelle yesterday who gratuitously started talking about politics. He claimed Biden already had cancer 4 years ago, and "they" covered it up, that claims of fossil fuels causing global warming are "bullshit" and that if the Democrats had been elected last year, we'd all be driving electric cars already, among other things. So I very much contest your confident assertion that statements of fact about Trump, Biden, Obama, etc. are not "contentious". We need to remove that word from consideration as something Wikivoyage cannot be. Do you remember years ago when there was someone who spent a couple of weeks or more trying to whitewash descriptions of Cuba by claiming that it was really a democracy, their elections are really free and fair, and the Communists have never been dictators or oppressed anyone there? Or the ones that claimed that China is a democracy and it was the U.S. (pre-Trump) that was really oppressive (the latter of which of course has never been completely false, but that was entirely beside the point in a travel guide as well as being pure whataboutism that disproves nothing). We've had all kinds of politically motivated contentions against facts. That's why our standard is [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]], not "Wikivoyage/Avoid saying anything anyone could argue with", which is what "contentious" means or would mean in the hands of anyone who wants to use a travel guide to grind an axe, rather than to improve a resource for travelers. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:14, 20 June 2025 (UTC) == Full-size images not available on maps in city districts == Since yesterday (and possibly earlier), the images in listings can be viewed in the dynamic map but trying to click on it to go to the full description page will lead to a broken link if they are in a city district page. This raises the issue on image attribution. You can test it on any listings with images at [[Queens/Flushing-Northeast]] and [[Toronto/Etobicoke]]. Anyone have insight on what recent changes broke this functionality? [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 15:46, 12 June 2025 (UTC) :Yes, needs to be fixed. For some reason, the File: prefix is prefixed by the district name. I try to check [[Module:Listing]] for the bug. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 11:52, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::Oops, the city name, not the district. Seemingly the article name is included in the image argument, and removed, but not properly so for subarticles. [[Module:Marker]] is possibly more relevant than Listing, but it is some underlying functionality that is the culprit. My understanding of how modules work is too weak for me to find it. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:10, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :::The marker on the map seems to be constructed using mw.text.jsonEncode. Where can one read that code? Was there some change recently? –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:30, 30 June 2025 (UTC) == Selection and number of images == [split off as suggested by [[User:OhanaUnited|OhanaUnited]] 02:39, 30 June 2025 (UTC). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:17, 30 June 2025 (UTC)] ::: The images embedded within listings are often not the best currently available. They don't display unless you click and faff about, so they don't enhance the page appearance encountered by the general reader. Wouldn't it be neat if there was some repository of images that were the best available copyfree, that could be simply incorporated into the page layout? We'd be sure to use those instead, right? [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 20:20, 15 June 2025 (UTC) ::::The main problem with that is that somebody needs to pick those best available images. That's done in Commons' galleries, where images uploaded in the last dozen years aren't included. We could use the image on Wikidata, but they might not be chosen according to what they are like as thumbnails. Perhaps a specific wikidata property could be created for thumbnail images or even Wikivoyage thumbnail images (like for our banners). About having to click several times, that could be improved, but we don't want clutter, so some discussion is needed on the trade-off if we want to change the status quo. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 18:33, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::: Picking those best images and considering how best to display them is exactly what editors should do, same as picking the best attractions or accommodations to list in a town, we shouldn't lazily accept what's already on the page. It's hardly an onerous task, and we want the best for our readers. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 19:00, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::{{quote|The main problem with that is that somebody needs to pick those best available images.}} :::::Maybe we can take assistance from AI tools to ease out the problem, just like we sometimes use AI to pick the best attractions to visit, and choose the appropriate accommodation. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 19:07, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I haven't heard about us letting such decisions to AI, and I'm not sure we should do it with images. But regardless of what way the images get chosen, it would be good if the choice were saved at Wikidata, to be used automatically. As the images aren't shown in the article itself, the less effort we need to use choosing, the better. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 19:55, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::How much effort do we need to save here? The first example cited was Queens / Flushing. That page is under-illustrated, with one strong image and two so-so. It took me 10 min to find six more good images on Commons, about the right number for a page of this length. Inserting them might take 3 mins apiece, say 20 min, which I'm not volunteering to do as the entire page needs updating, a solid day's work. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 21:07, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Choosing images sounds like a task that some people would love to do. Maybe we could advertise it better? It's even a task that people who don't speak English well should be able to do. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:40, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::It could be a good task, but I have seen a lot of image adding that isn't optimal: ignoring our guideline of [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#Minimal use of images|Minimal use of images]], trying to illustrate individual listings instead of the article as a whole, writing captions to that effect, and placing the images in ways that suite the editor's browser window rather than conform to best practices. :::::::::Increased advertising of this activity should thus be done cautiously, to avoid frustration both among those adding images and those patrolling. :::::::::The original issue was about images for the dynamic map, which is different from illustrating the article. :::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:00, 19 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::As a side note, [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#Minimal use of images]] probably needs both a little re-writing ("1 image per screen": Whose screen size?) and some reconsidering, as availability of internet access has generally improved since then (the [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Wikivoyage:Image_policy&diff=prev&oldid=3629972 last significant update was in 2018], based on [[Wikivoyage talk:Image policy/archive 2014-2019#Minimal use of images - not appropriate|a discussion started in 2016]]). ::::::::::But I agree that it's a tangent for the current thread. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 01:18, 20 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::How carefully did you read Minimal use? :::::::::::"1 image per screen (1,000–2,000 bytes)" :::::::::::I suppose you want to suggest an increase in the number of images we should use, and if so, do that at [[Wikivoyage talk:Image policy]]. But keep in mind that the mobile interface sucks and the site is still better viewed on a computer. I would be likely to oppose any change in the language, as there is flexibility to use more images than stated in the guideline as long as there isn't an unbroken stream on the left side; images left, right and center; or images that go below the end of the article, which looks terrible. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:19, 20 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::I read that, and I wondered which method we're using to measure "1,000 bytes". One screenful – edge to edge, top to bottom, on my laptop, with my font, my size (larger than default), my zoom (120%), etc. – is right around 2000 characters for me, but others may have half that, or four times that. Shorter lines (e.g., using only half the line at the end of a paragraph, or a short item in a list) adds volume without adding characters. ::::::::::::If we're using the file size, then wikitext and URLs add bulk to the file without affecting the screen size. We could have "1,000 bytes" and have a half-full screen (on my laptop) or "2,000 bytes" and still have a half-full screen. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 20:41, 20 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::These are rough estimates. An A4 with 67×47=3150 is quite close to 2k, if there are images, headings and paragraph breaks, probably much less if there are lists. I suppose an A4 is close to readability optimum (my browser and Emacs windows are not far off). My mobile phone seems to have 50×33=1650, perhaps 1k with images etc. The numbers don't seem to be too far off. Without prescribing a test with some specific browser window size, we cannot give precise advice. [[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 14:16, 22 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::From your estimate, the numbers appear to be off by 50%. 3150 = would be "quite close" to 3K, not 2K. ::::::::::::::I think that a more practical suggestion would be: Every well-developed section should usually have one image, so long as this can be done without the images dropping down into the next section. On desktop, this usually requires a minimum of 10 to 12 lines of text per landscape image. Very long sections can have two images. ::::::::::::::This would address the wikitext-vs-displayed problem and the difference between a solid paragraph and a long bullet list with one or two words on each line. ::::::::::::::But as we noted above, this is a separate discussion from the original concern. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:15, 22 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::: Can we take the "select the best picture" conversation into a sub-section? My original intention of this post is to report a bug which leads to the legal issue of image attribution. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 02:39, 30 June 2025 (UTC) == Commons RFD notifications == While the Commons bot that alert us to images about to be deleted [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub/2025#Commons Notification Deletion bot revived|was revived]], images are still being deleted without notification, namely those (I assume), that were nominated before 4 May. The issue was told in the linked announcement, but I did not realise its implications. So, expect some imgages to be removed with no notification on the talk page. If they might be valuable, they should be temporarily restored for local upload, like when the bot wasn't working. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 11:51, 13 June 2025 (UTC) == Usurped URLs == Are usurped or dead URLs (e.g. [[w:en:WP:JUDI]]) normally archived, or removed? I'm looking at the page [[Northampton_(Massachusetts)#Eat]], where the second link is usurped. Thanks, [[User:OutsideNormality|OutsideNormality]] ([[User talk:OutsideNormality|talk]]) 20:22, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :If a url no longer goes to the home page for the listing in question, please update it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:18, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::Actually, looking back, it seems like the URL was never "usurped" and was directly added as a spam link in [[Special:Diff/4154976/4167772]]. Thanks anyway for the advice. [[User:OutsideNormality|OutsideNormality]] ([[User talk:OutsideNormality|talk]]) 00:40, 14 June 2025 (UTC) == Vote now in the 2025 U4C Election == <div lang="en" dir="ltr" class="mw-content-ltr"> {{Int:Please-translate}} Eligible voters are asked to participate in the 2025 [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Universal_Code_of_Conduct/Coordinating_Committee|Universal Code of Conduct Coordinating Committee]] election. More information–including an eligibility check, voting process information, candidate information, and a link to the vote–are available on Meta at the [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Universal_Code_of_Conduct/Coordinating_Committee/Election/2025|2025 Election information page]]. The vote closes on 17 June 2025 at [https://zonestamp.toolforge.org/1750161600 12:00 UTC]. Please vote if your account is eligible. Results will be available by 1 July 2025. -- In cooperation with the U4C, [[m:User:Keegan (WMF)|Keegan (WMF)]] ([[m:User talk:Keegan (WMF)|talk]]) 23:01, 13 June 2025 (UTC) </div> <!-- Message sent by User:Keegan (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Distribution_list/Global_message_delivery&oldid=28848819 --> :Surprised this was sent very late. I made a guide on all the candidates on Meta at [[m:User:SHB2000/U4C guide 2025]], for those interested. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 03:13, 14 June 2025 (UTC) == Wisconsin Dells Kalahari Expansion; should I mention it in the Wisconsin Dells page == Hello! It is now practically mainstream media (In Wisconsin Dells) that Kalahari's expanding its Indoor Waterpark into what was a mainly unused parking lot (which is currently either getting demolished or already is demolished as of posting) and will add a fully glass dome with a retractable roof (this is not an ad, this is according to many sources including the Kalahari its self, Fox11online.com, Whitewater West, Martin Aquatic, and Maverick Hayes' Social Media). Now the real question is should I add this too my page? Cheers! [[User:HistorySports|HistorySports]] ([[User talk:HistorySports|talk]]) 15:22, 14 June 2025 (UTC) :To your page meaning what? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:35, 14 June 2025 (UTC) ::@[[User:HistorySports|HistorySports]], I think it's fair to add information about waterparks to [[Wisconsin Dells#Do]] or [[Wisconsin Dells#Sleep]]. (You pick which one based on whether people mostly stay there, and happen to use the water park, or mostly go to the water park, and a few people stay there, too – just use your judgement and don't stress about the distinction too much.) ::The important thing isn't the news ("they're expanding!") but what is available today ("Wisconsin's biggest indoor waterpark"). ::In general, when I skim through that article, I wish that there were prices for the activities and longer descriptions. In particular, there seem to be a lot of attractions, but I have no idea which one I'd choose. Is one the lowest cost? The best value? Best for little kids? Best for teens? Best for older adults/multi-generational families? Open year-round? Has the most swimming pool lifts for wheelchair users? If you can, try to add some sort of information about the differences between different attractions that might help travellers decide which things they want to do. ::Also, it looks like there are several listings that need to be moved to [[Baraboo]]. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 18:54, 14 June 2025 (UTC) :::Thanks WhatamIdoing! I will follow your advice and hopefully we can have a great page for the area of Wisconsin Dells! [[User:HistorySports|HistorySports]] ([[User talk:HistorySports|talk]]) 19:47, 15 June 2025 (UTC) ::Sorry I wasn't clear and that's totally my fault, but I was talking about the Wisconsin Dells page, sorry! [[User:HistorySports|HistorySports]] ([[User talk:HistorySports|talk]]) 19:47, 15 June 2025 (UTC) :::Thanks. So you know, it's not your page: it's a Wikivoyage article. The only page I'd consider your page is your user page. That said, on the face of it, I would put activities in "Do", not "Sleep". [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:09, 17 June 2025 (UTC) == Wikistats page views == What is up with Wikistats page views for English Wikivoyage? 87 million last month? https://stats.wikimedia.org/#/en.wikivoyage.org/reading/total-page-views/normal%7Cbar%7C2-year%7C~total%7Cmonthly 36 million from Brazil apparently. [[User:Bluecoordinationfine|Bluecoordinationfine]] ([[User talk:Bluecoordinationfine|talk]]) 23:18, 14 June 2025 (UTC) :That is a very interesting anomaly indeed. No idea why, but still very interesting to know why we have so many views from Brazil. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 00:47, 16 June 2025 (UTC) ::Maybe users on VPN? [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 14:25, 16 June 2025 (UTC) == FYI: Dear Atlas: Where Can I Find the Most Unusual Festivals in the U.S.? == https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/off-the-beaten-path-american-festivals —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 07:58, 15 June 2025 (UTC) == [[Talk:Ferries in the Mediterranean#A Commons file used on this page or its Wikidata item has been nominated for deletion]] == No-one seems to be paying any attention to the fact that we are likely to lose a photo. We need to decide whether we're OK with that or not. I will not make a unilateral decision. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:07, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :Is it just me, or does it seem like too many photos have been getting removed lately? [[User:Mrkstvns|Mrkstvns]] ([[User talk:Mrkstvns|talk]]) 16:00, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::Has there been an uptick in deletion requests at Commons? Or are we just noticing them more, now that the notifications bot is working again? [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:08, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::As someone who was monitoring [[c:Commons:Deletion requests]] until the bot started working again, I think it's the latter. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:38, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I hope this deletion can be resisted. Tirrenia ferries in 2017 made a deal with Warner Bros to plaster their ships' exteriors with cartoon characters such as Batman, to give them a jazzy attractive look. That deal continues and you really cannot take a photo of any T ferry without including the character: it's as integral to the ship as the company logo and the pointy bit at the front. The intention of any such photo is to portray the ship not replicate the character, and IMO it's a misuse of copyright law to claim we can't publish it copyfree. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 18:51, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::Such arguments have been presented in the RFD on Commons, and I think that they are legally sound. However, "misuse of copyright law" is not what this is about. There is no word of God saying that utilitarian objects (in this case: the ship) can be freely photographed, and if the law says otherwise, Commons can do little about it. I think the current copyright laws are a disaster, caused by lobbyists and weak politicians, but that means that the copyright laws need to be changed (read: one should spread awareness of the absurdities), not that we can ignore current law. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 20:03, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::The Wikimedia Foundation requires that Commons files be available for unimpeded commercial use. They don't have to, and we don't have to, which is why we have a freedom of panorama fair use exception doctrine. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:10, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::Yes, true. For Commons, the stringency is because of their mission – they don't want to host content that cannot be used. All kinds of compromises are possible or even necessary, but commercial use, such as in small-budget books, is essential for their mission. In some cases, where copyright law is unclear, they could be a bit braver, but that's a separate issue. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 05:05, 18 June 2025 (UTC) == Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees 2025 - Call for Candidates == <section begin="announcement-content" /> :<div class="plainlinks">[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Announcement/Call for candidates|{{int:interlanguage-link-mul}}]] • [https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Translate&group=page-{{urlencode:Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Announcement/Call for candidates}}&language=&action=page&filter= {{int:please-translate}}]</div> Hello all, The [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025|call for candidates for the 2025 Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees selection is now open]] from June 17, 2025 – July 2, 2025 at 11:59 UTC [1]. The Board of Trustees oversees the Wikimedia Foundation's work, and each Trustee serves a three-year term [2]. This is a volunteer position. This year, the Wikimedia community will vote in late August through September 2025 to fill two (2) seats on the Foundation Board. Could you – or someone you know – be a good fit to join the Wikimedia Foundation's Board of Trustees? [3] Learn more about what it takes to stand for these leadership positions and how to submit your candidacy on [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Candidate application|this Meta-wiki page]] or encourage someone else to run in this year's election. Best regards, Abhishek Suryawanshi<br /> Chair of the Elections Committee On behalf of the Elections Committee and Governance Committee [1] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Call_for_candidates [2] https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Legal:Bylaws#(B)_Term. [3] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Resources_for_candidates<section end="announcement-content" /> [[User:MediaWiki message delivery|MediaWiki message delivery]] ([[User talk:MediaWiki message delivery|talk]]) 17:44, 17 June 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:RamzyM (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Distribution_list/Global_message_delivery&oldid=28866958 --> == New copycat site == I haven't had the time to fully look into it and I've been quite busy IRL this month, but it seems we have a new copycat site called https://www.localcityguide.net/. It mirrors Wikivoyage pages word-for-word with "2022 © Local City Guide. All rights reserved." and some pages like [[Itineraries]] ([https://www.localcityguide.net/en/Itineraries]) do nothing to even remove mentions of Wikivoyage. What's interesting about this site is that they've listed those behind the site so openly in the [https://www.localcityguide.net/about-us About us] section – I'm not sure how accurate it is, but it could be something to go off. What are the WMF's protocols when a site copies an entire project and what can we do about it? //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 08:59, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :It has a nice presentation, a handful of blog entries posted in June 2022, and it looks like the foundation of the site is our stuff, refreshed regularly. (Changes I made yesterday already appear.) There is no ability to edit articles. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 10:11, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :This is against the terms of service, CC license restrictions, and American copyright law. You should contact the [[:m:Wikimedia_Foundation/Legal|Legal Team]] via email at legal[little-anarchy-symbol]wikimedia[point]org. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 10:22, 18 June 2025 (UTC) ::I picked an arbitrary page of which I have knowledge, but which is not on the average tourist itinerary, [[Estcourt]]. It has an [[outline article|outline]] status. I clicked on "outline" and the first sentence read: :::"An '''outline article''' is a status rating for any article in ''<u>Wikivoyage</u>'' ... " [My emphasis]. ::This is proof that they are copying the WIkivoyage site. [[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 16:00, 18 June 2025 (UTC) ::: It seems that the contents are incorporated by a script directly from Wikivoyage similar to the html frame technology that's why the articles are up-to-date. I made a small change in some status ratings of the German Wikivoyage, and immediately you can read that this is a usable Wikivoyage article in the footer. --[[User:RolandUnger|RolandUnger]] ([[User talk:RolandUnger|talk]]) 17:24, 18 June 2025 (UTC) ::Copying Wikivoyage's contents is okay. However, you have to provide "reasonable" attribution. That's usually done with something like a simple link to the original article on Wikivoyage. I don't see Wikivoyage mentioned on their website, so they need to fix that – but remember that the goal is for them to fix it, not to punish them or prevent them from sharing our information. ::[[w:en:WP:BACKWARDSCOPY]] has some advice on how to contact websites that haven't complied with the license terms. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 19:27, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :::I have sent the developers of the site an email about this. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:38, 21 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I've also forwarded it to WMF legal (cc {{u|Koavf}}). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:40, 21 June 2025 (UTC) :::::Merci. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 02:52, 21 June 2025 (UTC) == Mexican disambiguators == Some input at [[Wikivoyage talk:Naming conventions#Disambiguators for Mexican destinations]] would be appreciated. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 13:41, 19 June 2025 (UTC) == Most visited country in Southeast Asia == It looks like [[Thailand]] just lost its crown to [[Malaysia]], at least for Q1 2025. Should we update our articles to reflect that, or should we wait and see if Malaysia can sustain its lead? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:11, 23 June 2025 (UTC) :{{ping|The dog2}} I think you should update the articles to say that both Thailand and Malaysia are the most visited countries of SE Asia, along the lines of, "Thailand, along with Malaysia, are...", "Malaysia, along with Thailand, are..." or even "Malaysia and Thailand are...". '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 17:11, 23 June 2025 (UTC) ::I think we should wait till yearly figures are available before changing anything. Too many things can change from one quarter to the next. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:52, 23 June 2025 (UTC) :::Agreed – one quarter might not be a true reflection. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 00:24, 24 June 2025 (UTC) == Regionlist == I have added a static map in [[Maharashtra]], but it disappears without showing a dynamic map when I click/press the link "switch to interactive map". Same happens in [[West Bengal]], [[Andhra Pradesh]], [[Chennai]], etc. I think there's a bug in {{tl|Regionlist}} that causes this disappearance, as the template itself was last edited on August 2024. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 13:36, 26 June 2025 (UTC) :Same issue on it:voy. For sure is caused by a change server side. I'll try to figure out if we can solve locally or if we need to open a ticket. [[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 06:46, 27 June 2025 (UTC) ::I've patched it. Now it works again. Be sure to refresh/purge the page you test. [[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 07:32, 27 June 2025 (UTC) == Sister Projects Task Force reviews Wikispore and Wikinews == <section begin="message"/> Dear Wikimedia Community, The [[m:Wikimedia Foundation Community Affairs Committee|Community Affairs Committee (CAC)]] of the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees assigned [[m:Wikimedia Foundation Community Affairs Committee/Sister Projects Task Force|the Sister Projects Task Force (SPTF)]] to update and implement a procedure for assessing the lifecycle of Sister Projects – wiki [[m:Wikimedia projects|projects supported by Wikimedia Foundation (WMF)]]. A vision of relevant, accessible, and impactful free knowledge has always guided the Wikimedia Movement. As the ecosystem of Wikimedia projects continues to evolve, it is crucial that we periodically review existing projects to ensure they still align with our goals and community capacity. Despite their noble intent, some projects may no longer effectively serve their original purpose. '''Reviewing such projects is not about giving up – it's about responsible stewardship of shared resources'''. Volunteer time, staff support, infrastructure, and community attention are finite, and the non-technical costs tend to grow significantly as our ecosystem has entered a different age of the internet than the one we were founded in. Supporting inactive projects or projects that didn't meet our ambitions can unintentionally divert these resources from areas with more potential impact. Moreover, maintaining projects that no longer reflect the quality and reliability of the Wikimedia name stands for, involves a reputational risk. An abandoned or less reliable project affects trust in the Wikimedia movement. Lastly, '''failing to sunset or reimagine projects that are no longer working can make it much harder to start new ones'''. When the community feels bound to every past decision – no matter how outdated – we risk stagnation. A healthy ecosystem must allow for evolution, adaptation, and, when necessary, letting go. If we create the expectation that every project must exist indefinitely, we limit our ability to experiment and innovate. Because of this, SPTF reviewed two requests concerning the lifecycle of the Sister Projects to work through and demonstrate the review process. We chose Wikispore as a case study for a possible new Sister Project opening and Wikinews as a case study for a review of an existing project. Preliminary findings were discussed with the CAC, and a community consultation on both proposals was recommended. === Wikispore === The [[m:Wikispore|application to consider Wikispore]] was submitted in 2019. SPTF decided to review this request in more depth because rather than being concentrated on a specific topic, as most of the proposals for the new Sister Projects are, Wikispore has the potential to nurture multiple start-up Sister Projects. After careful consideration, the SPTF has decided '''not to recommend''' Wikispore as a Wikimedia Sister Project. Considering the current activity level, the current arrangement allows '''better flexibility''' and experimentation while WMF provides core infrastructural support. We acknowledge the initiative's potential and seek community input on what would constitute a sufficient level of activity and engagement to reconsider its status in the future. As part of the process, we shared the decision with the Wikispore community and invited one of its leaders, Pharos, to an SPTF meeting. Currently, we especially invite feedback on measurable criteria indicating the project's readiness, such as contributor numbers, content volume, and sustained community support. This would clarify the criteria sufficient for opening a new Sister Project, including possible future Wikispore re-application. However, the numbers will always be a guide because any number can be gamed. === Wikinews === We chose to review Wikinews among existing Sister Projects because it is the one for which we have observed the highest level of concern in multiple ways. Since the SPTF was convened in 2023, its members have asked for the community's opinions during conferences and community calls about Sister Projects that did not fulfil their promise in the Wikimedia movement.[https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:WCNA_2024._Sister_Projects_-_opening%3F_closing%3F_merging%3F_splitting%3F.pdf <nowiki>[1]</nowiki>][https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_Community_Affairs_Committee/Sister_Projects_Task_Force#Wikimania_2023_session_%22Sister_Projects:_past,_present_and_the_glorious_future%22 <nowiki>[2]</nowiki>][https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/WikiConvention_francophone/2024/Programme/Quelle_proc%C3%A9dure_pour_ouvrir_ou_fermer_un_projet_%3F <nowiki>[3]</nowiki>] Wikinews was the leading candidate for an evaluation because people from multiple language communities proposed it. Additionally, by most measures, it is the least active Sister Project, with the greatest drop in activity over the years. While the Language Committee routinely opens and closes language versions of the Sister Projects in small languages, there has never been a valid proposal to close Wikipedia in major languages or any project in English. This is not true for Wikinews, where there was a proposal to close English Wikinews, which gained some traction but did not result in any action[https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Proposals_for_closing_projects/Closure_of_English_Wikinews <nowiki>[4]</nowiki>][https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/WikiConvention_francophone/2024/Programme/Quelle_proc%C3%A9dure_pour_ouvrir_ou_fermer_un_projet_%3F <nowiki>[5]</nowiki>, see section 5] as well as a draft proposal to close all languages of Wikinews[https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Talk:Proposals_for_closing_projects/Archive_2#Close_Wikinews_completely,_all_languages? <nowiki>[6]</nowiki>]. [[:c:File:Sister Projects Taskforce Wikinews review 2024.pdf|Initial metrics]] compiled by WMF staff also support the community's concerns about Wikinews. Based on this report, SPTF recommends a community reevaluation of Wikinews. We conclude that its current structure and activity levels are the lowest among the existing sister projects. SPTF also recommends pausing the opening of new language editions while the consultation runs. SPTF brings this analysis to a discussion and welcomes discussions of alternative outcomes, including potential restructuring efforts or integration with other Wikimedia initiatives. '''Options''' mentioned so far (which might be applied to just low-activity languages or all languages) include but are not limited to: *Restructure how Wikinews works and is linked to other current events efforts on the projects, *Merge the content of Wikinews into the relevant language Wikipedias, possibly in a new namespace, *Merge content into compatibly licensed external projects, *Archive Wikinews projects. Your insights and perspectives are invaluable in shaping the future of these projects. We encourage all interested community members to share their thoughts on the relevant discussion pages or through other designated feedback channels. === Feedback and next steps === We'd be grateful if you want to take part in a conversation on the future of these projects and the review process. We are setting up two different project pages: [[m:Public consultation about Wikispore|Public consultation about Wikispore]] and [[m:Public consultation about Wikinews|Public consultation about Wikinews]]. Please participate between 27 June 2025 and 27 July 2025, after which we will summarize the discussion to move forward. You can write in your own language. I will also host a community conversation 16th July Wednesday 11.00 UTC and 17th July Thursday 17.00 UTC (call links to follow shortly) and will be around at Wikimania for more discussions. <section end="message"/> -- [[User:Victoria|Victoria]] on behalf of the Sister Project Task Force, 20:57, 27 June 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:Johan (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Johan_(WMF)/Sister_project_MassMassage_on_behalf_of_Victoria/Target_list&oldid=28911188 --> :I definitely hate to say it but Wikinews has to be one of the most failed WMF projects. The English Wikinews is barely sustaining and I think that is fine for the timebeing, but the other Wikinews projects simply lack the editor base to actively review new news articles. It came up in tawikinews' closure proposal where their newest article dated to 2018! //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:56, 28 June 2025 (UTC) ::I think that we're meant to post that kind of thing on the Meta-Wiki project pages: [[metawiki:Public consultation about Wikispore|Public consultation about Wikispore]] and [[metawiki:Public consultation about Wikinews|Public consultation about Wikinews]]. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 22:42, 28 June 2025 (UTC) :::I'm aware; I just wanted to give out my 2c in short form – I have a longer list of suggestions planned which I'll do when I get a bit more spare time. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:44, 28 June 2025 (UTC) === General concerns === I am not a big fan of Wikinews, but one thing about the [[:meta:Proposal_for_Closing_Wikinews|report published by Sister Projects Task Force]] is concerning. This report is written in a very critical manner, namely, it does not mention that dozens if not hundreds of volunteers have spent a considerable amount of their time on developing Wikinews. The report does not mention any single good thing about their work, which does not seem fair. The report demonstrates that the current level of activity and content development at Wikinews is low (and this statement is fair), but it does not set any threshold of what would be good enough metrics for a community to deserve the resources from WMF. Moreover, the report does not attempt to analyze which steps Wikinews editors took to develop their project, and why these steps were unsuccessful. It just says: you did a bad job, so we will close you down and even deprive you of any possibility of moving Wikinews elsewhere because the name stays with Wikimedia Foundation. Wikivoyage is a smaller project too, and it would be discouraging if a similarly critical report about our work appears. It is not completely unrealistic when half of the language versions are dormant, while many others are somewhat comparable in their metrics to the most active editions of Wikinews. I think that only English Wikivoyage is clearly above that threshold, although the actual threshold is not even defined, so almost any level of activity can be deemed "low" if one wants to say so. What are your thoughts on that? --[[User:Atsirlin|Alexander]] ([[User_talk:Atsirlin|talk]]) 09:53, 28 June 2025 (UTC) :I have not been using Wikinews, so my reflections are based on the closure of Wikinews in Swedish and the current discussion, linked above. One point raised in the discussion is that the metrics chosen didn't take into account the special nature of the project. :I assume the Sister Project Task Force is right in that this kind of evaluations need to be done from time to time, but also think that the evaluations should focus on whether there are paths forward, rather than on whether the project is viable according to current trends. :Wikinews has the problem that a significant dedicated editor base i needed – Wikipedia or even Wikivoyage can stay alive and stay interesting even with no edits for a year or two, while a news outlet would loose nearly all of its readers. The coverage needs to be adequate on at least some areas (geographic or thematic) for the site to stay interesting. The critical mass needed is much larger – and that critical mass additionally needs to be able to counter people with a bias (good-faith or not) or with an agenda not aligned with the project goals – keeping touting at bay is much easier. I assume new language versions should be started only if there is hope of quickly building that critical mass. :–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 10:36, 28 June 2025 (UTC) ::Yes I do believe that LangCom has decided to suspend the creation of all new Wikinews projects for that very reason. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:46, 28 June 2025 (UTC) :Alexander, it's true "that dozens if not hundreds of volunteers have spent a considerable amount of their time on developing Wikinews", but it's also true that keeping a failing project because of past efforts is an example of [[w:en:Sunk cost fallacy]]. :I suspect that if someone made a credible proposal to move Wikinews to another host, the WMF would be be open to negotiations over the name. (But any new sponsor might prefer to come up with their own name.) [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 03:31, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::I guess my main problem is the absence of any well-defined criteria that distinguish a sustainable project from a failing one. Do you understand what these criteria are? -- [[User:Atsirlin|Alexander]] ([[User_talk:Atsirlin|talk]]) 08:35, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::A well-defined criteria that defines what a sustainable project would still heavily rely on how the project functions, though. For Wikinews, it needs to be very active and metrics that may be appropriate for Wikivoyage or Wikibooks like number of articles aren't super relevant because 20000 articles is no good if the last one was written 2 months ago (the numbers are hypothetical but my point stands). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 08:50, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I agree that the same metrics can not be applied to all sister projects, but "very active" leaves a lot of room for interpretation. Imagine someone decides that Wikivoyage is not sustainable because it contains a lot of outdated travel information that has not been updated in the last 5 years. That would be a problem... -- [[User:Atsirlin|Alexander]] ([[User_talk:Atsirlin|talk]]) 09:27, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::::We don't want well-defined criteria. There needs to be judgement on the projects actual prospects. Opening a community discussion is good, as that's a way to see whether the metrics give a correct picture – although there should be discussions with the projects before opening a discussion like this (I don't know to what extent there have been such discussions). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 20:13, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I still don't love the way the SPTF decided to mass-send these messages to every wiki without consulting the Wikinews community; it really should be up to them (and when I mean them, I mean the more active Wikinews projects such as en or ruwikinews) to decide their project's future, not the rest of us or the vast majority who don't get involved with Wikinews. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:01, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::Yes. The issues should have been raised with the projects first (not only the big ones, but all projects affected). I don't know whether that was done, but seemingly not enough, anyway. It seems the SPTF (?) wanted to introduce a more general practice of re-evaluating projects, and just chose the two as examples. They should have understood that doing it that way, without consultations, would upset people. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:40, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::TBF, there were several closure proposals before, including one for all language Wikinews. Those for major projects failed, but one can argue that this was a signal to the communities to evaluate their performance which they apparently did not get. I agree though that opening such discussion before notifying the Wikinews communities first is not really good. [[User:Ymblanter|Ymblanter]] ([[User talk:Ymblanter|talk]]) 08:54, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::They definitely should have; I hope they use this as a learning lesson because the general sentiment from the enwikinews community is quite clearly unimpressed from that discussion. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 09:01, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::Well this comment certainly [[:m:Talk:Public_consultation_about_Wikinews#c-Victoria-20250630095300-BRPever-20250629141600|aged like milk]]. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 13:59, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::Oh dear. I hope there are others in the SPTF who are more keen-eared. This risks degenerating into one more of the WMF-not-respecting-the-community affairs. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:40, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::SPTF (or Victoria, at the very least) seems so predetermined to close Wikinews that I've never heard something so blatantly biased such as "However, I expect that the wikinewsians would be in COI" – so to them I assume knowing the ins and outs of your own project is apparently a conflict of interest? It's a massive insult to non-Wikipedia based projects. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 11:04, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::I can understand her view, but I think it is misguided, and somebody in her team should get them to discuss their actual mission. If a project indeed needs to be laid down, the process needs to be lead very sensitively – and the consultation in this phase shouldn't be on whether to lay Wikinews down. It is "to work through and demonstrate the review process", "a community reevaluation" and "potential restructuring efforts". ::::::::::::The demonstration of the process has been a disaster and potential restructuring efforts require a good understanding of he project, which cannot be had without a keen-eared discussion with the communities. ::::::::::::The "re-evaluation" should be based on such potential restructuring paths, where restructuring isn't about where to dump the Wikinews content, but how to save the project, if possible. ::::::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 13:13, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::I fully agree with you about about the "re-evaluation" but the way they have been responding to community feedback feels as though they have the result pre-determined and this is merely being used as a box ticking exercise – which is why I think it's crucial that we as a fellow sister project speak up about the way this was poorly handled because who knows what they will do when it's our turn to undergo public consultations. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 14:04, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::I wrote about some concerns in [[:meta:Talk:Public consultation about Wikinews#Process and analysis seem flawed]]. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:34, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::::Cheers, {{u|LPfi}}; hopefully our project will be fine (I think it will because Wikivoyage or really any other WMF project does not have the same issues as Wikinews does of requiring an active community), but more feedback is certainly better. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 03:49, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::Whereas I agree that the process it to some extend flawed (and I agree with the points LPfi makes in the response on Meta), it would be useful to see whether some metrics used for analysis (in whatever flawed way) could be improved for Wikivoyage, so that they are out of discussion. [[User:Ymblanter|Ymblanter]] ([[User talk:Ymblanter|talk]]) 08:18, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::::::{{Ping|Victoria}} as primary author and for what I think is trenchant feedback: to the extent that this taskforce is assessing the sibling projects, it would be helpful if the individual communities knew what kind of rubric there is to grade their health. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 19:55, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::::First of all, the Taskforce in not assessing '''all''' siblings projects, the Wikispore/Wikinews was a proof-of-concept exercise. ::::::::::::::::::We used [[metawiki:Wikimedia_Foundation_Community_Affairs_Committee/Procedure_for_Sibling_Project_Lifecycle/revised|this rubric]], which was discussed in a public consultation a year ago - but didn't get much attention, because Meta is littered with documents that are never implemented. ::::::::::::::::::In the [[Wikispore consultation]] we ask for the proposals for the clarification of the "activity" and other criteria. [[User:Victoria|Victoria]] ([[User talk:Victoria|talk]]) 09:11, 3 July 2025 (UTC) :::::I've been going through some of the stats, and "very active" is an interesting point. The defenders of the "very active" Wikinews language editions seem to be engaged overwhelmingly in copying/pasting content from suitably licensed external sites. They have turned Wikinews into mirrors for other sites, rather than writing articles. :::::Just imagine how we at Wikivoyage would react if someone here said "I am a very active Wikivoyage editor. I spend at least an hour a day copying and pasting pages from other travel websites!" [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 21:34, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::We do copy info from hotel websites and other sources, but we don't have the luxury of reliable free content written in our style. Being a channel for reliable news ''could'' be a mission of Wikinews (more or less the same way some "social media" sites do it). If so, the question is whether they can do it well enough for it to be worthwhile as a WMF project (and whether the other things they do are done well). But that's not the discussion the SPTF initiated, they chose to go by statistics instead. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 22:12, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::It was mentioned somewhere that the stats may be skewed by bots – I'm still confused on how you'd be able to tell if the stats were skewed by bots or not. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:11, 2 July 2025 (UTC) == Archive links invisible in mobile mode == Why? When I look in edit mode, I can see links to archives in [[Talk:China]], but not when I simply look at that talk page. Will Wikivoyage in mobile mode ever not suck? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:30, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :I can't answer your first question, but the answer to your latter question, as we both know, is never (we are a massive afterthought for the WMF). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:51, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::In which case, we will eventually read that the Wikimedia Foundation dropped Wikivoyage from lack of sufficient participation. Would we be able to fork in that case, or does Wikimedia own the copyright for Wikivoyage as they do for Wikinews? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:09, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::Each individual editor, including IPs/logged-out editors, owns the copyright to whatever copyrightable material they post on wiki. The Wikimedia Foundation owns the domain names and the trademarks (e.g., name and logo). Anyone who wants to fork can do so freely. The Wikimedia Foundation will sometimes even informally help people do so. The mobile site does have the links to the archives. Click on the "(i) Learn more about this page" button at the top of the page to find the "invisible" content. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 03:27, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::{{ping|Ikan Kekek}} Please don't be that fearful when Wikinews is proposed to be shut down or merged with Wikipedia. I wanted to work in the Bengali Wikinews Incubator project, but my lack of activity in recent weeks has prevented me from participating further. So, I have focused on Commons and Wikivoyage, where I am still highly active. I don't think the SPTF would suggest something similar for Wikivoyage, and I think it is actually a popular website. My static map of [[West Bengal]] is now widely shared on Facebook (both English and Bengali versions), along with an AI-generated list of places to visit in the state. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 03:35, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::::You are a superb Wikivoyage content creator! I'm not afraid in the very near term, but usage of all websites nowadays has to be mostly mobile, so if this site's mobile interface remains terrible, its eventual demise is a foregone conclusion. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:44, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::::Are you refering to the archive links that appear when I click "more about this page" at the top? :::::The issues with the mobile site exist as this project does not have '''active interface admins.''' :::::Note: The WMF has nothing to do with the content or presentation of content for this site. :::::Relevant links: :::::* https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:WikimediaMessages#Site_admin_helper :::::* https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Recommendations_for_mobile_friendly_articles_on_Wikimedia_wikis :::::[[User:Jdlrobson|Jdlrobson]] ([[User talk:Jdlrobson|talk]]) 03:09, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::Yes, "Learn more about this page." I didn't know to click that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:27, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I don't see why the WMF would have nothing to do with presentation of content on Wikivoyage. We are using MediaWiki and settings provided by the WMF, and we indeed are a WMF project. ::::::Not having active interface admins (I thought we have some) shouldn't mean too much – having technically knowledgable people locally is a bonus, it (and them dedicating time to do major work) shouldn't be a prerequisite for a WMF project. ::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:51, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::We do indeed have 5 [[Wikivoyage:Interface administrators]], which [[User:Jdlrobson]] should know, because he is one of them. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:01, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::I am an interface admin but I would not consider myself active. Maintenance of the listing editor for example causes me more anxiety than enjoyment these days. ::::::::In my time in this project I have seen quite a few complaints about the mobile experience but nobody has articulated clearly what needs improving. I personally dont think that overall it is a bad experience and the fact most of our page views are on mobile should be reassuring. That said there are templates like climate data that I think could be improved on mobile. ::::::::If you really want to improve the mobile experience I'd recommend making a wiki page with discussion of changes, proposal/consensus and then implementing them. I havent seen this sort of thing since [[Wikivoyage:Banner Expedition]]. I guarantee the majority of changes you want do not need WMF involvement but they will require discussion and community consultation. [[User:Jdlrobson|Jdlrobson]] ([[User talk:Jdlrobson|talk]]) 15:53, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::Wauterz is certainly active. Have you ever tried adding a listing or reverting more than one edit at a time in mobile mode? I'm sure we can compile a list of badness from the mobile interface. Where is the best page to put it on? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:25, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::{{u|Andyrom75}} is also fairly active on itwikivoyage. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 22:18, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::To answer the very first question of @[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]], I've noticed that the infobox has a "display:none" style that hide those boxes in mobile view. I think this style is added serverside (maybe @[[User:Jdlrobson|Jdlrobson]] you can confirm), because it's not added by the template neither by the templatestyles. :::::::::::However, as said from @[[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]], you can still see it clicking on the "(i)" button. [[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 17:09, 2 July 2025 (UTC) a7qed16xkgp4huq3uxy827vtuzl03tx 5087042 5087040 2025-07-03T09:13:42Z Victoria 1380473 /* General concerns */ 5087042 wikitext text/x-wiki <div style="text-align:left; background: var( --wv-optional-color, #f4f7fa); color: var( --color-base ); border: 1px solid #abc; padding: .3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em"> <div style="text-align:center; font-size:300%; line-height: 1; padding: 10px;">'''Welcome to the pub'''</div> {{shortcut|[[WV:Pub]]|[[WV:TP]]}} [[File:QA_icon_clr.svg|right|frameless|150px|link=]] The travellers' pub is for general discussion on Wikivoyage, and the place to ask questions when you're confused, lost, afraid, tired, annoyed, thoughtful, or helpful. To start a new topic, click the "Add topic" tab, so that it gets added '''at the bottom''' of the page, and sign your post by appending four tildes (<nowiki>~~~~</nowiki>) Before asking a question or making a comment: * Have a look at our [[Wikivoyage:Help|Help]], [[Wikivoyage:FAQ|FAQ]] and [[Wikivoyage:Policies|Policies]] pages. * If you are a '''new user''' and you have any questions about using the website, try the [[Wikivoyage:Arrivals lounge|Arrivals lounge]]. * If you have a '''question or suggestion about a particular article''', use the article's [[Project:using talk pages|talk page]] to keep the discussion associated with that article. * If you'd like to '''draw attention to a comment''' to '''get feedback''' from other Wikivoyagers, try [[Wikivoyage:Requests for comment|Requests for comment]]. * If you are '''wanting travel advice on a specific matter''' see the [[Wikivoyage:Tourist office|tourist office]]. * If you have an '''issue you need to bring to the attention of an administrator''', try [[Wikivoyage:Ongoing vandalism|Ongoing vandalism]]. * If you are having a '''problem that you think has to do with the [[mw:|MediaWiki software]]''', please post that on [[phab:|Phabricator]] instead. * If you want to '''celebrate a significant contribution''' to Wikivoyage by yourself or others, hold a party at [[Project:Celebrate a contribution|Celebrate a contribution]]. * Discuss '''issues related to more than one language version''' of Wikivoyage in the [[meta:Wikivoyage/Lounge|Wikivoyage Lounge]] on Meta. * Anything that is '''Nigeria-related''' is now meant to go in the [[Wikivoyage:Nigeria café|Nigeria café]] instead. Anything that is '''Kosovo or Albania related''' is now meant to go in the [[Wikivoyage:Kosovo and Albania cafe|Kosovo and Albania café]] instead. This includes announcements, initiatives, celebrations, and issues with certain articles. You can review old Pub discussions in the [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub/Archives]]. '''Pull up a chair and join in the conversation!''' [{{fullurl:Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub|action=edit&section=new}} '''Click here to start a new thread'''] </div> {{WikivoyageDoc|collaboration}} <!-- Discussions start here --> __TOC__ __NEWSECTIONLINK__ == RfC ongoing regarding Abstract Wikipedia (and your project) == <div lang="en" dir="ltr" class="mw-content-ltr"> ''(Apologies for posting in English, if this is not your first language)'' Hello all! We opened a discussion on Meta about a very delicate issue for the development of [[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Abstract Wikipedia|Abstract Wikipedia]]: where to store the abstract content that will be developed through functions from Wikifunctions and data from Wikidata. Since some of the hypothesis involve your project, we wanted to hear your thoughts too. We want to make the decision process clear: we do not yet know which option we want to use, which is why we are consulting here. We will take the arguments from the Wikimedia communities into account, and we want to consult with the different communities and hear arguments that will help us with the decision. The decision will be made and communicated after the consultation period by the Foundation. You can read the various hypothesis and have your say at [[:m:Abstract Wikipedia/Location of Abstract Content|Abstract Wikipedia/Location of Abstract Content]]. Thank you in advance! -- [[User:Sannita (WMF)|Sannita (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Sannita (WMF)|<span class="signature-talk">{{int:Talkpagelinktext}}</span>]]) 15:27, 22 May 2025 (UTC) </div> <!-- Message sent by User:Sannita (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Sannita_(WMF)/Mass_sending_test&oldid=28768453 --> :{{re|Sannita (WMF)}} may I ask how this affects Wikivoyage when you say "some of the hypothesis involve your project"? TIA, //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:28, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::The proposed solutions mention the Wikivoyages in several places. The main issue is that an abstract article about Someplace shouldn't be rendered the same in Wikipedia and Wikivoyage. This affects also the technical solutions, such as where to store statements and functions. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:21, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::Can you explain further how we have abstract (vs. concrete?) articles on Wikivoyage? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:27, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::We don't have any abstract articles at the time being, and I assume Wikivoyage in English may choose never to have them. For smaller languages, though, it is unrealistic to cover all interesting places with proper articles. The mission of Abstract Wikipedia is to provide a framework for creating articles in a way that allows automatic translation into something at least half-way decent. It's like having listings fetch key information from Wikidata, but scaled up to complete articles (or less complete – at least lively language on personal impressions will certainly be missing for the foreseeable future). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:43, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::::I see – I still don't understand how this will fully get (even after reading the hypothesis), but I suppose it's something for smaller language projects. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 09:47, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::Hi @[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], it seems that @[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] covered most of my arguments here already, so I would just repeat them at this point. The part that interests your project refers to the hypothesis that abstract content ''might'' (but it's still not sure at the moment) be stored in a dedicated namespace of your project. But again, this ''might'' happen, and you're free to refuse to store/use abstract content to further your development. This is entirely in your right, and we do not want to force any adoption of the project without consensus. [[User:Sannita (WMF)|Sannita (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Sannita (WMF)|talk]]) 10:01, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::And yes, Abstract Wikipedia is primarily intended for projects that have so far developed a small number of articles, in order to help them accelerate their growth and hopefully provide more knowledge to their communities and recruit a higher number of volunteers. [[User:Sannita (WMF)|Sannita (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Sannita (WMF)|talk]]) 10:03, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::Sounds perfect. Thanks to both of you for explaining! //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:10, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Seconded. I understand. We should discuss in a separate thread whether it would be better to encourage, allow perhaps without comment, or disallow abstract listings on this site. I think we probably don't want abstract articles, but we should discuss that, too. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:22, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::::I can see abstract listings being useful for more obscure parts of the world for English speakers for this site at least, but overall sounds like it's something to help smaller language Wikivoyages benefit from us rather than the other way around (which is also great). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 13:30, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::I mentioned listings as we already use Wikidata for them (coordinates) and have discussed e.g. opening hours (too complicated to be workable). I don't think "abstract listings" are an option at this point – somebody needs to decide a listing is wanted and would include some manual language when adding it. We still might have some valuable insights in how – and how not – to design abstract Wikivoyage articles for them to be useful. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 14:04, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::I have two thoughts about this: ::* We need some way of separating a block of text that works for Wikipedia from a block of text that works for Wikivoyage (or another sister project). That suggests ''not'' using the English Wikipedia as the storage place for everything. The Wikipedias might all want "Jupiter is the largest planet in the Solar System. It is the fifth planet from the Sun", but if Wikivoyage were to have an article on the planet, it would probably sound a lot more like "Jupiter isn't a viable destination, but travelers interested in [[astronomy]] and [[navigation]]<nowiki/>by the stars may be interested in the Big Museum of Jupiter and the Annual Jupiter Festival". ::* I think that the English Wikivoyage could benefit from Abstract content. It's obvious that we could 'translate' our [[Wikivoyage:Star articles|Star articles]] into Abstract, and thus other Wikivoyages would benefit. However, imagine how much we could benefit if @[[User:Sannita (WMF)|Sannita (WMF)]] brought [[:it:Roma]] up to Star status, and then translated it for us to copy whatever bits we wanted in [[Rome]]. Keep in mind that while Abstract is set up to do dynamic autotranslation (e.g., always giving the latest population estimate, if the sentence says "the population of Rome is ___"), you can actually copy and paste the results as plain old text into an article. ::[[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:07, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::If I understand correctly, Abstract Wikipedia works with programming that could have been done in the 1980s, more or less like [[:w:Lsjbot|Lsjbot]]'s articles, although not confined to info found in already existing datasets. "Not a viable destination" would need to be an item to insert and translate. That article on Jupiter would have very little in common with the Wikipedia one. :::For Rome, population statistics etc. would be easy to write in abstract form, but an abstract star article would need a lot of article-specific functions, which need to be translated to get a version in another language – and lively language is hard to translate automatically (think "[[Talk#Speaking English with non-native speakers|blind and therefore insane]]"). Copying over listings would work, and a good abstract article should have a good selection of those. :::I think an abstract Wikivoyage article should focus on being reasonably complete by having ''information'': roads and trains for getting in, listings with coords, contact details and Wikidata link, and suggestions in Go next, but quite little running text, mostly identical across articles except data values (…is a village/town/city in X…), and likewise a dry list of facts in the listing "content", not like the lively writing in [[Wikivoyage:Listings#Examples|Wikivoyage:Listings]]. :::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 17:47, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::As Wikivoyage has generally has more structured articles than Wikipedia, I think that we could make use of an Abstract Wikivoyage. Two areas look like possible starting points: listings and the phrases in phrasebooks. ::::If a tool could create an abstract version of a listing that exists in another language, then the listing could be offered when editing the same section of an article here - "Would you like to add a listing for the Lawnmower Museum?". Some parts of listing could be updated in all languages when edited in one - we would show the last updated entry price for the museum whatever language it was edited in. A difficult part is identifying when listing elements are language specific - we may use a different url from another WV to point to a page in English, and we don't care that the museum has labels translated into Spanish. ::::In English WV we have a standard set of phrases for phrasebooks, and most phrasebooks keep fairly closely to this list. This list is also the basis for phrasebooks in some other language WVs. It would appear to be reasonably straightforward to scan the existing phrases to create an abstract phrasebook, but inconsistencies would need to be reviewed. There are about 300 phrasebooks in English, 50 in German and 20 in Polish. Maybe we can use this to offer over 200 phrasebooks in Polish. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:44, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::::For listings, yes, the abstract versions would be easy to create. For the name, we only need to identify the native name, its romanisation, and the language of translated names. There are already structures for all this in Wikidata; also "official URL" has a language attribute. Amenities of hotels can likewise easily be described. Nothing will be automatically fetched, so no worries about info irrelevant for English speakers. What is hard to do is the lively language of the examples I linked above. :::::For phrasebooks, I am not sure it is that easy, or rather whether creating an abstract phrasebook helps compared to just translating the template and using a dictionary (or whatever way you otherwise use for getting translations). Grammar and pronunciation sections needs to be written with the audience's language knowledge in mind, and translations of phrases need to be done with some understanding of the context, thus mostly manually. For a good phrasebook, you also need to note peculiarities in the relation with the target language, such as the liberty/liberté etc. now added to the French and Italian phrasebook and warnings for specific false friends. :::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 04:57, 27 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::I think phrasebooks is one of those things (along with travel topics) where it's more or less impossible to create an abstract version of. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 05:23, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::Why do you think that? :::::::We can already write things like "{{#invoke:wd|label|Q98815142}}, a {{#invoke:wd|label|Q81727}} of {{#invoke:wd|label|Q8486}}, {{#invoke:wd|label|Q26175857}}" by invoking Wikidata. It would require expansion (e.g., to add "a" and "an"), but it doesn't seem impossible in principle, at least for simpler sentences. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:24, 27 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::The question is whether there is any point of doing that. If every phrase has to be purpose-translated, then why not just write the non-abstract phrasebook? The point with the abstract articles is that there are standard phrases that can be used across articles, such as words for amenities you will find in many hotels. For the phrasebook phrases, the question is whether the same Sámi phrase would suite the phrasebook in English and the one in Latvian (or whatever). ::::::::When the English phrase is translated differently depending on context, some commentary needs to be added (formal/informal, feminine/masculine). This commentary is redundant or awkward in languages that make the same distinction, possibly treating the two (or more) forms as totally unrelated (the person is deceased, the cow is dead). ::::::::For the cup of tea, you may need to word that differently depending on whether you are a man or woman, and whether the one you are asking for the cup is a waiter, the café owner, your host or your host's young child. ::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 20:59, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::::Perhaps an example would show what I was thinking of: :::::::::In [[French phrasebook]], we have: :::::::::; How much is a ticket to _____? : Combien coûte le billet pour _____ ? (''kom-BYAN koot luh bee-YEH poor'') :::::::::; One ticket to _____, please. : Un billet pour _____, s'il vous plaît. (''ung bee-YEH poor ____ seel voo pleh'') :::::::::On Polish WV there is [[:pl:Rozmówki francuskie]], their French Phrasebook. :::::::::;Ile kosztuje bilet do...? : Combien coûte le billet pour...? :::::::::;Poproszę jeden bilet do... : Un billet pour..., je vous prie. :::::::::We also have [[Finnish phrasebook]], which has: :::::::::; How much is a ticket to _____? : Paljonko maksaa lippu _____in? (''PAHL-yonk-aw MAHK-sah LEEP-poo _____?'') :::::::::So I think that a Finnish phrasebook on the Polish WV, could have :::::::::;Ile kosztuje bilet do...? : Paljonko maksaa lippu _____in? (''PAHL-yonk-aw MAHK-sah LEEP-poo _____?'') :::::::::"One ticket to" is not exactly the same (translating the French used in Polish, it is saying "I beg you" rather than "please"), so this phase would require some manual adjustments when it was abstracted. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:24, 27 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::I don't think that the idea with Abstract is to program in "please", but rather to swap in whichever word or phrase is used in that language to indicate politeness and respect while making a request. ::::::::::We already have a [[mw:Help:Magic words#gender|software switch for gender]], so this is not some miraculous future tech; this is an expansion of what has been possible for years. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 01:39, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::For Finnish, there is no word or phrase that indicates politeness, but one often uses the conditional (?) verb form instead. In some cases one would just use that word form in the phrase (in the Finnish phrasebooks and in phrasebooks for Finnish) – but here the question is instead with no sign of politeness, which is common in that language. Something like "could you" is problematic as most languages make a distinction between thou and you. I think the common cases can be handled decently, but for less well-known language families – those that benefit most from the abstract articles – the edge cases will be more common. It is likely that abstract phrasebook have to be tweaked for specific languages to avoid the odd case of very problematic renderings. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:02, 28 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::In Malay, there are two words for "please" that have different meanings and are used in different contexts. There are also two words for "we" that have different meanings. Etc. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:34, 30 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::I would expect all the foreign phrases to be reproduced exactly as they were in the existing phrasebook(s) that they were taken from. Ideally the left side phrases would also be exact reproductions, unless they were used to create a phrasebook to be part of a WV that doesn't currently have any phrasebooks; but it is less of an issue if the left side doesn't read perfectly. I am assuming that an Abstract Wikivoyage would have some mechanism for handling quoted text, as this is essential for reproducing the exact words used in famous speeches etc, and will be required for abstract Wikipedia and Wikiquote etc. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 14:06, 30 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::{{re|WhatamIdoing}} LPfi's basically explained why I don't think abstract phrasebooks will work. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:25, 27 May 2025 (UTC) == Adding images to the Infobox template == {{Infobox/sandbox|Infobox sandbox test|Nutritious, filling content goes here. |image=Dessert_Merlion_Singapore_Cafe_Kaya_Toast.jpg |caption=Yum yum!}} I've hacked up [[Template:Infobox/sandbox]] which add new <code>image/caption</code> parameters, so you can easily add an image to your infoboxen instead of trying to manually hack it in. Example: <pre> {{Infobox/sandbox |Infobox sandbox test |Nutritious, filling content goes here. |image=Dessert_Merlion_Singapore_Cafe_Kaya_Toast.jpg |caption=Yum yum!}} </pre> If there's no objections, I'll roll this out to the main Infobox template, the params are optional so it shouldn't break anything. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 06:02, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :{{support}} &ndash; Will be useful for articles like [[India]] and [[Kolkata]], which already use images in infoboxes. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 06:15, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :This is a tangent, but I think we should consider renaming that template, or at least changing its Wikidata links. Wikivoyage doesn't do Wikipedia-style infoboxes. These are just simple boxes, more like pull quotes or boxed warnings. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:29, 27 May 2025 (UTC) ::Change the Wikidata link, but keep the name. It is an infobox, although not a Wikipedia-style one. Of course, if somebody comes up with a better name, then I won't object. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:06, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :::{{ping|WhatamIdoing|LPfi}} Maybe {{tl|Info}} can be used instead of {{tl|Infobox}}. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 02:40, 28 May 2025 (UTC) ::::For us, this is an infobox, not just info. I wouldn't support such changes just to conform. Somebody who wants a Wikipedia-style infobox should just be directed to {{tl|quickbar}}, and somebody who tries to use {{tl|infobox}} quickly sees that it isn't what they are looking for. A see also for the former is more useful than a name change. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:11, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :::::I'll fix the Wikidata links so that {{tl|quickbar}} is matched with the Wikipedia-style infoboxes, and {{tl|infobox}} isn't. I'm not sure what our {{tl|infobox}} should be matched to; I don't think that enwiki has anything similar. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:28, 28 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::...No, that won't work. {{tl|Quickbar}} matches "Infobox Country". I'll remove the {{tl|infobox}} links. That much is certainly correct. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:29, 28 May 2025 (UTC) (undent) I've deployed the new version. I had to tweak it a bit to stop it from adding extra padding when the new params are not used, but it should be OK now, please ping me if not. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 07:58, 28 May 2025 (UTC) == Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees 2025 Selection & Call for Questions == <section begin="announcement-content" /> :''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Announcement/Selection announcement|{{int:interlanguage-link-mul}}]] • [https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Translate&group=page-{{urlencode:Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Announcement/Selection announcement}}&language=&action=page&filter= {{int:please-translate}}]'' Dear all, This year, the term of 2 (two) Community- and Affiliate-selected Trustees on the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees will come to an end [1]. The Board invites the whole movement to participate in this year’s selection process and vote to fill those seats. The Elections Committee will oversee this process with support from Foundation staff [2]. The Governance Committee, composed of trustees who are not candidates in the 2025 community-and-affiliate-selected trustee selection process (Raju Narisetti, Shani Evenstein Sigalov, Lorenzo Losa, Kathy Collins, Victoria Doronina and Esra’a Al Shafei) [3], is tasked with providing Board oversight for the 2025 trustee selection process and for keeping the Board informed. More details on the roles of the Elections Committee, Board, and staff are here [4]. Here are the key planned dates: * May 22 – June 5: Announcement (this communication) and call for questions period [6] * June 17 – July 1, 2025: Call for candidates * July 2025: If needed, affiliates vote to shortlist candidates if more than 10 apply [5] * August 2025: Campaign period * August – September 2025: Two-week community voting period * October – November 2025: Background check of selected candidates * Board’s Meeting in December 2025: New trustees seated Learn more about the 2025 selection process - including the detailed timeline, the candidacy process, the campaign rules, and the voter eligibility criteria - on this Meta-wiki page [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025|[link]]]. '''Call for Questions''' In each selection process, the community has the opportunity to submit questions for the Board of Trustees candidates to answer. The Election Committee selects questions from the list developed by the community for the candidates to answer. Candidates must answer all the required questions in the application in order to be eligible; otherwise their application will be disqualified. This year, the Election Committee will select 5 questions for the candidates to answer. The selected questions may be a combination of what’s been submitted from the community, if they’re alike or related. [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Questions_for_candidates|[link]]] '''Election Volunteers''' Another way to be involved with the 2025 selection process is to be an Election Volunteer. Election Volunteers are a bridge between the Elections Committee and their respective community. They help ensure their community is represented and mobilize them to vote. Learn more about the program and how to join on this Meta-wiki page [[m:Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Election_volunteers|[link].]] Thank you! [1] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2022/Results [2] https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Committee:Elections_Committee_Charter [3] https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Resolution:Committee_Membership,_December_2024 [4] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections_committee/Roles [5] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/FAQ [6] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Questions_for_candidates Best regards, Victoria Doronina Board Liaison to the Elections Committee Governance Committee<section end="announcement-content" /> [[User:MediaWiki message delivery|MediaWiki message delivery]] ([[User talk:MediaWiki message delivery|talk]]) 03:08, 28 May 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:RamzyM (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Distribution_list/Global_message_delivery&oldid=28618011 --> == Medium [[Main Page]] overhaul proposal == Since my [[Talk:Main_Page#Help_needed_with_tweaking_visual_balance_of_the_main_page|request for input and support]] on Talk:Main Page went mostly unnoticed, I'm bringing this proposal to the pub to ensure it gets the daylight it should have, as these are proposals to change the look of a rather important page. Here's the backstory: For longer than [[WV:Vector 2022|Vector 2022]] has been around, I've been bothered by the balance of elements on the main page. The new skin only did it injustices, so I've taken it upon myself to mend the shortcomings of the main page in my quest to make Wikivoyage work in Vector 2022. This all so our site looks a bit more appealing in the new skin. I know many regular editors stuck with their old preferred skins when we got the new skin imposed on us, but this still is something that will affect Wikivoyage's appeal to new editors and readers. If the main page looks chaotic and messy, they'll be less likely to stick around. So to each and every editor, <u>regardless</u> of which skin you use: Please chime in! That being said, these are the changes I have developed, and have ready to deploy: * '''Wider {{tl|Mapbanner}}:''' Some small tweaks to the template which make it use all the page width available to it, and moves the globe image and image map accordingly. * '''Centred JCaroussel:''' For the same reason, to make better use of the width on the main page, I've got some CSS changes to the JCaroussel ready that center the featured articles. Scaling them up to simply be full page width I have found to be too tedious to bother with. * '''Overhauled {{tl|Banner}}:''' Vector 2022's scaleable font plays too much with the banners for featured articles to where sometimes the blurb isn't even entirely visible. In the same process, I've simplified the way in which this template is used for each category, foregoing the need for a 'section' and 'section-link' parameter, replacing them with a 'type' parameter. Its style is mostly in keeping with the existing banners and should simplify the process for featuring articles more than it complicates them. What do these changes look like? In the case of {{tl|Mapbanner}}, I cannot easily give a working demonstration as its stylesheet currently overwrites any changes I make to it. Instead, [https://i.imgur.com/6mAMkfG.png this image] is the best I can offer. You'll have to take my word for its functionality being unchanged. The centred JCaroussel and overhauled {{tl|Banner}} can be seen and interacted with [[User:Wauteurz/Banner|on this page]]. I've done my best to ensure that these changes are in keeping with Wikivoyage's current main page style. I know that entire overhauls are not that popular, so I hope these proposals are good enough. I am looking for a broad consensus to roll out at least the first two changes, but ideally all three. I don't feel comfortable rolling some of these changes out with only two people expressing support for them. Please, throw your questions and concerns in my direction, and I hope we can together fix what I consider to be the biggest remaining issue with Vector 2022. Thank you in advance. <br/> <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 14:19, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :{{Support}} as the developer of these changes. Vector 2022 dictates how new readers and editors get presented our site, and with its current chaotic and undependable nature, something ''has'' to be done. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 14:20, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :{{ping|Wauteurz}} Any idea for better responsive design of the Wikivoyage main page, as more people access our pages via phone than PC? '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 14:47, 28 May 2025 (UTC) ::@[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]] For clarity, these changes only affect the appearance on desktop devices. The changes to JCaroussel also apply in Minerva (mobile), but due to screen size limitations they won't have an effect in most cases. My main goal is overseeing the damage caused by Vector 2022's roll-out on Wikivoyage. Since mobile devices use Minerva, I mostly leave the mobile appearance alone. ::As for my thoughts on mobile, I don't think any of the regular editors have any experience in mobile design, let alone responsive mobile design, so I'm mostly wondering why it's responsive in the first place. I'd personally suggest removing the responsive elements (mostly the feature banners) and replacing them with DotM, OtBP and FTT in simple presentations akin to Picture of the Day and Media of the Day on Commons' main page. The 3:1 banners also are a big problem in my eyes. They're far too short to work on mobile, and I think a square or tall ratio would work leagues better in a mobile format. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 15:31, 28 May 2025 (UTC) *{{s}} very much agree that these changes will be needed sooner than later. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 18:48, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :'''Support'''. Thanks for doing this! As a choosing beggar, I would love to see the mobile front page fixed as well though, the DOTM banner is completely broken at the moment and the padding/spacing of the entire page is wonky at best. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 00:03, 29 May 2025 (UTC) :'''Question''' for all involved: The new banner uses some icons to depict the category that the article is featured in (i.e., [[:File:Yes Check Circle.svg|DotM]], [[:File:Right turn icon blue.svg|OtBP]] and [[:File:Writing Circle.svg|FTT]]). I assume that we wish to keep these instead of the placeholder icons I have used? I'll be working on adapting those into simple white icons, which should be pretty straight-forward. If we wish to change them in future, then that can always be done afterwards. Having the icons consistent between {{tl|Banner}} and {{tl|Pagebanner}} would be for the better, I reckon :) :I am currently aiming to roll these updates out this weekend (June 7/8), just in time for the next featured article change. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 23:55, 1 June 2025 (UTC) ::Update: Making and updating the icons was pretty straight-forward indeed: [[Special:Diff/5071035|Diff/5071035]] <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 00:20, 2 June 2025 (UTC) :'''Support'''. Lots of good improvements! Just make sure to fix the "Off the Beaten Path" link to point to a real page. [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 15:10, 2 June 2025 (UTC) ::{{Done}}. Thanks for spotting that one! <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 15:19, 2 June 2025 (UTC) {{Done}}! Thank you everyone for your support! I've gone ahead and pushed these changes just now. I've naturally updated the usages of {{tl|banner}} on the Main Page and DOTM-Candidates as well. If there's any issues arising from this roll-out, please let me know. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 11:34, 7 June 2025 (UTC) :Awesome! That looks great to me. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 11:46, 7 June 2025 (UTC) == FYI: 10 Travel Tips From Experts Who’ve Been Everywhere == https://www.carryology.com/travel/10-travel-tips-from-experts-whove-been-everywhere/ —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 09:05, 30 May 2025 (UTC) == Tourist office problem == I tried to ask a question in the [[Wikivoyage:Tourist office]], and I replied to it with another question, but I can't see any of it except in edit mode and don't understand why. I used the form on that page to ask the first question. What I want to know is which side of the train to sit on for Amtrak trips between Montreal and Plattsburgh, NY and between Plattsburgh and Saratoga Springs, even if the answers come too late for me to use them. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:24, 30 May 2025 (UTC) :When you click "Ready? Ask a new question!", should the form on the next page require the "Subject:" field to not be empty? Or at least have a placeholder subject text? :I also see someone else's question about Cancun that got ignored, because it's tacked on the end of the previous section. [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 20:42, 1 June 2025 (UTC) ::I guess the problem is that I didn't see the subject field in my mobile phone interface. Is there a way to improve that? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:58, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :::It looks like you can set a default subject value with the InputBox 'default=' parameter. Maybe give it something like "Question from ~~<noinclude></noinclude>~"? I'm not sure how to change the "Subject:" label styling. :::Should the Tourist Office behave more like a Talk page, with an Add Topic button leading to a visual editor? [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 23:44, 2 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I'd support that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:48, 2 June 2025 (UTC) :::::[https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:DiscussionTools It looks like adding a "NEWSECTIONLINK" line is the magic to enable the visual editor on a page.] [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:InputBox There's also a usedt=true parameter to InputBox to make it use the visual editor by default.] :::::It seems to work in this sandbox I set up: [[User:Gerode/Tourist_office_sandbox]] [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 17:48, 5 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I went ahead and applied these two changes. Let me know if I broke anything, or if there's anything else odd about the Tourist office. [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 16:22, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ==Move request== You are invited to participate at [[Talk:Bangalore#Bangalore to Bengaluru]], which can affect the articles [[Bangalore]] and [[Bangalore Rural]], and the category [[:Category:Bangalore]]. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 08:19, 31 May 2025 (UTC) == AfriVoyage == Hi everyone! 👋 My name is [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvin Ategyeka]] from Uganda, and I’ve just launched a new project called '''AfriVoyage'''. It’s a WikiVoyage-focused initiative to document African travel destinations using local perspectives. Our pilot is starting in Uganda, with the goal of improving content and training youth contributors. You can follow the project on Meta-Wiki here: [[meta:AfriVoyage]] I would love your thoughts, guidance, and support. Thanks in advance! <small>unsigned comment by [[User:Alvinategyeka]]</small> :Welcome, Alvin. Wikivoyage really needs more African content, especially if provided by people with local knowledge. Your project will be supported from regular contributors like me. Please let us know how we can help. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:41, 31 May 2025 (UTC) :[[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]], I think you will be a more successful leader if you improve some articles yourself, before you invite anyone else to join you. We'd be happy to help you. :For example, one mistake that we see people making is copying Wikipedia articles here. A Wikipedia article will sound something like "Semuliki National Park is a national park in Bwamba County, a remote part of the Bundibugyo District in the Western Region of Uganda that was established in October 1993". This is the wrong approach here. A Wikivoyage article should have a [[Wikivoyage:Tone|lively tone]]. The beginning of a good Wikivoyage article might sound something like this: :* '''Semuliki National Park''' in [[Western Uganda]] is the only place you can visit a true lowland tropical forest in all of East Africa. This beautiful national park is a birdwatcher's delight, and more than 400 species of butterflies can be found inside the park's borders. :If you feel at the English Wikipedia that you have to suppress your natural style to be as dull as possible, then you'll like Wikivoyage because it allows your enthusiasm to shine in between the facts. We need the facts ("best restaurant" isn't nearly as helpful as saying how it's the best, like "good menu for vegetarians" or "artisan-quality bushera"), but we don't want a boring style. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 18:14, 31 May 2025 (UTC) ::Thank you very much and thanks for the guidance. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 13:27, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :Thank You very much. I have 6 years experience contributing to Wikimedia projects but I feel I need a new challenge and the only project that I had not explored yet always wanted to contribute to is Wiki Voyage. Am a tourism lover and i have travelled extensively in Uganda and East Africa. I hope this project will encourage more African Communities to contribute to Wiki Voyage. I will appreciate all guidance rendered. Thank You. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 13:32, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :Thank you very much, hoping to connect with you for more guidance. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 13:35, 1 June 2025 (UTC) ::Sure, and thank you for taking on this opportunity and challenge! In addition to the great advice you've been given above, I think you'll find [[Welcome, Wikipedians]] very useful. For anyone who participates in this project, some additional pages that I'd consider to provide the most important guidelines and explanatory pages on this site include [[Wikivoyage:What is an article]], [[Wikivoyage:The traveller comes first]], [[Wikivoyage:Article skeleton templates]], [[Wikivoyage:Copyleft]], [[Wikivoyage:Don't tout]], and [[Wikivoyage:Breadcrumb navigation]]. ::It is absolutely '''not''' a prerequisite for anyone to read any of these before contributing here! However, you, as organizer, should read these pages, because you will then be able to distill the most important characteristics of the site for others who are enthusiastic about contributing but not yet familiar with the site, and another important thing is that once you've read or at least skipped through these pages, you can ask us questions. ::I love the fact that you contacted us before the official launch of the project. In the past, projects that were begun on a large scale without any notice to us presented huge issues relating to the policies laid out in the pages I linked for you. ::Thanks again, and we very much look forward to working with you and your colleagues! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:36, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :::Thanks for the resources and guidance. I have been reading and researching about Wiki Voyage and what you have added will guide me more. I will contact you for further guidance in order to move the project forward. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 15:52, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :Thanks a lot. i look forward to working with you and seeking guidance to move the project forward. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 15:54, 1 June 2025 (UTC) == Evora's page banner on wikidata == I noticed [[Evora]]'s page banner does not exist in wikidata. I was unable to add it there. Would someone show me how to proceed, please? [[User:Claude van der Grift|Claude van der Grift]] ([[User talk:Claude van der Grift|talk]]) 18:31, 31 May 2025 (UTC) :[[d:Q179948|Évora]]'s banner is already defined on Wikidata since 2013, so moving it over isn't necessary. Regardless, you'd add a banner to a Wikidata item by adding a statement using [[d:P948|P948 (page banner)]]. Simply add the file name without the "File:" prefix but with the file extension as its value, and clicking publish. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 20:28, 31 May 2025 (UTC) ::Evora's Wikidata page is semi-protected, so you can't edit if you have made less than 50 edits on Wikidata. As already said, there is no need to edit it, as it is already using the banner from Wikidata. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 21:47, 31 May 2025 (UTC) :::Thank for your explanations {{U|AlasdairW}}. Unfortunately I mistook [[:d:Q179948|Evora]] for [[:d:Q243849|Elvas]]. The latter has no page banner. Sure I have more than 50 edits on wikidata. I forgot to say that I'm editing only by my smartphone. [[User:Claude van der Grift|Claude van der Grift]] ([[User talk:Claude van der Grift|talk]]) 15:00, 1 June 2025 (UTC) == FYI: Planning a Trip? AI Will Do That For You == https://www.thrillist.com/travel/nation/ai-travel-apps —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 07:04, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :I wonder whether we can design an AI tool that can fetch info from Wikivoyage and make a summary for you. That can replace the burden of manual summary writing by Wikivoyagers. Of course, Wikivoyage articles should be curated by humans, with AI summarizing them. I want to suggest this to Wikipedians as well, but I have been blocked there since 2021, and I mostly work on the Bengali Wikipedia. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 07:11, 1 June 2025 (UTC) == Wikivoyage and OsmAnd app == I am looking into making it easier to walk [[Stockholm Archipelago Trail]] and have found the [[w:en:OsmAnd]] app useful '''my question''' is there any good examples when those to domains works good together? - –––– [[User:Salgo60|Salgo60]] ([[User talk:Salgo60|talk]]) 07:43, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :As a regular OsmAnd user, I don't believe so to the best of my knowledge. :( //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 05:25, 4 June 2025 (UTC) ::I started using OsmAnd several months ago, and I have been playing around with the Wikivoyage integration since. I spend a lot of time in a major city with a Guide-level article and I find the integration useful there. I haven't tried it with an itinerary. My first thought is to pull up a [https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Category:Guide_itineraries Guide] or [https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Category:Star_itineraries Star] itinerary for a place you've been before and see what the OsmAnd experience is like. [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 16:08, 4 June 2025 (UTC) == Improving this project with little to no knowledge of English == It's been a while since I've posted anything major on the pub, but one of the things I'm quite pleased with the way we do things here is the fact that we are ''very'' open and accommodating to users who can't speak or speak English with a large length of difficulty. We don't have any policies forcing the use of English in discussions and if someone has shown a genuine interest in the project, it isn't unorthodox for someone to go out of their way and respond in another language they know on this site. It comes back to when {{ping|Andyrom75}} told me on itwikivoyage (around when itwikivoyage hit 10k articles, iirc) that it's possible to contribute to Wikivoyage without really knowing the language – and it's true. Most of my activity on itwikivoyage has since been doing minor fixes, adding listings with no description (since you don't need to know the language to add listings, opening hours, urls, address and such), removing closed businesses/out of date info, fixing dead links and the like. Since many of our articles also follow a similar structured format, it's very easy to contribute to the site so long as you're aware of your limitations. Some ideas I had in mind to perhaps make this wiki even more inviting to those who might not have the English skills necessary to contribute text but still want to help: * A community written guide on this, similar to [[Wikivoyage:Welcome, business owners]], [[Wikivoyage:Welcome, locals]] or [[Wikivoyage:Welcome, Wikipedians]] * Finish [[User:SHB2000/admins table]], move to the Wikivoyage namespace, add the table to [[Wikivoyage:Administrators]], and add any advanced perms from other WMF projects. ** Perhaps also make a similar table for non-admins who are reasonably active on this site. More thoughts and ideas would be appreciated – even better if we can facilitate this on other language Wikivoyages. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:11, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :Contribute in another language version of Wikvoyage it's just a matter of willingness and time. For a certain amount of time. For few years I've supported sv:voy without knowing any word in Swedish :-D Nowadays unfortunately I don't have enough time, so I can only concentrate it on it:voy :-( :PS your support on it:voy @[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] is always extremely appreciated! :-) [[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 17:14, 4 June 2025 (UTC) ::I occasionally do the same kind of thing at the Haitian Creole Wikipedia. I can't write in the language, but I can check a maintenance category and fix the wikitext errors there. ::Based on my experience, I'd say that there are two main opportunities for contribution: ::* 'technical' contributions, such as fixing wikitext or broken URLs ::* language-agnostic contributions, such as adding phone numbers, websites, and lat/long coordinates to listings; adding images that require no caption or only a simple/obvious one (e.g., "Disneyland" or "Town Name Church"); removing listings for closed restaurants, etc. ::@[[User:Piotrus|Piotrus]] might have some ideas about which tasks are easiest for his English-language learners to do. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 22:48, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :::Yeah this very much explains it in a nutshell. :) //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:13, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :::@[[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] Indeed, some of my ESL students have effectively only a beginner level of English at best. These days, machine translation is getting good enough to understand a lot, and contribute text that's "mostly ok". It will only get better as AI tools and student use of them improve. Anyway, you can see my activities for students at [[User:Hanyangprofessor2]] [[User:Piotrus|Piotrus]] ([[User talk:Piotrus|talk]]) 01:12, 5 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I have added images that I have taken to many different language variants of Wikipedia. I use Google translate for the text and and hope that a native user if that language will make any corrections. [[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 11:22, 5 June 2025 (UTC) :::::I recently added a listing about Japan in [https://ja.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=%E6%88%90%E7%94%B0%E5%B8%82&diff=52846&oldid=50973 ja.voy] despite not knowing Japanese. The listing editor really makes it simple to improve an article. Last week I presented [[wikidata:Event:Wikidata_and_Sister_Projects#Friday,_May_30th|a Wikidata talk about Listing Editor]] and mentioned that it's a really good gateway to get more contributors. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 15:58, 5 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::The Listing Editor really does! Particularly because they're very standardised across most language Wikivoyages, so the only "bad" listing editor is a malfunctioning/broken listing editor. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:27, 21 June 2025 (UTC) == Linking Wikicommons == I am documenting the Stockholm Archipelago Trail and have uploaded more than [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Stockholm_Archipelago_Trail 3,000 pictures] / [https://wikimap.toolforge.org/?cat=Stockholm_Archipelago_Trail&subcats=true&subcatdepth=4&cluster=false Wikimap] from the trail to Wikimedia Commons. For example, the section Nåttarö will be documented on Wikivoyage here: [[Stockholm_Archipelago_Trail#SAT_Nåttarö]] and is on Wikicommons [https://wikimap.toolforge.org/?cat=SAT_N%C3%A5ttar%C3%B6&subcats=true&subcatdepth=3&cluster=false WIkimap] 1) What is the policy regarding linking to a trail on Wikicommons? I believe such links add significant value by helping readers better understand the trail conditions. Additionally, I see 360-degree images as a step forward in enhancing navigation and exploration, making it easier for users to visualize the terrain. Additionally, 2) I have used Mapillary for one section. Is there a specific policy on linking Mapillary content? For instance, Stockholm Archipelago Trail’s Landsort section is partially represented on [https://www.mapillary.com/app/user/salgo601?lat=58.737857&lng=17.865676&z=17&pKey=1060410682654434 Mapillary pKey=1060410682654434] Would appreciate any guidance on this. Thanks! [[User:Salgo60|Salgo60]] ([[User talk:Salgo60|talk]]) 14:26, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :The use of a limited number of thumbnails from Commons is normal. See [[Wikivoyage:Image policy]]. Otherwise, links are normally through Wikidata: please read [[Wikivoyage:Sister project links]]. For guidelines on third-party links outside Wikimedia, see [[Wikivoyage:External links]], but the answer to your 2nd question is that such links are normally not allowed except to primary sources (for example, the website of a listed restaurant, hotel, museum, etc.) and are subject to deletion. However, Wikivoyage policies and guidelines are always open to discussion, so start a thread at the most relevant guideline article's talk page if you'd like to argue for a change. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:40, 4 June 2025 (UTC) ::thanks but dont the community see the added value? especially when documenting a walking trail it can be good to better understand how steep steep is....- [[User:Salgo60|Salgo60]] ([[User talk:Salgo60|talk]]) 14:54, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :::If you don't like my suggestion of starting a discussion thread on the appropriate policy page's talk page, where you can document the indispensability of Mapillary as your argument for a policy change, you can argue for an exception to policy on [[Talk:Stockholm Archipelago Trail]], but you can't get either a policy change or an exception by arguing in the Pub. But if you're asking for my opinion on why there has been no specific consideration of Mapillary, I'd speculate it's because most of us have never heard of it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:15, 4 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I've heard of Mapillary – I appreciate they're open source and licensed under CC-BY SA, but they're indirectly a competitor to Commons –&nbsp;if you can upload a photo to Mapillary, you can upload it to Commons. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 07:28, 5 June 2025 (UTC) :::::The difference is that you traverse a route on Mapillary its connected 360 pictures I am not an expert but [https://www.mapillary.com/app/?lat=58.737746&lng=17.865677&z=17&pKey=1848345639040650&x=0.46081730421230177&y=0.5976337053747495&zoom=0&focus=photo click on forward on this] its from me walking [[SAT_Landsort]] :::::* they support 360 pictures much better than Wikicommons :::::* [https://www.mapillary.com/showcase OsmAnd and Open Street Map use them] :::::[[User:Salgo60|Salgo60]] ([[User talk:Salgo60|talk]]) 19:08, 7 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::One issue is that of privacy. I might trust the WMF, but I don't want to research the privacy policy and trustworthiness of a third party. Checking the website of a hotel where I intend to sleep is one thing, a Wikivoyage page being dependent on a third party is very different. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:58, 7 June 2025 (UTC) :For Wikimedia Commons (that's their name), you can link a category or gallery via Wikidata. On a gallery page you can show all the most relevant images, with explanatory text and a layout of your liking. The rest of the images would be easily found in the category. Is that what you are looking for in your first question? –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 22:04, 7 June 2025 (UTC) == I had an edit flagged as destructive because my account isn't very old == I was trying to remove information related to crossing the border into Azerbaijan from the Baku page (it's been closed since 2020 and the only way in is via air), but trying to delete a lot of content on a new account flagged me as a vandal. If someone has permissions to view the changes, and would be willing to check on those changes, thank you very much :) [[User:MagnumDahng|MagnumDahng]] ([[User talk:MagnumDahng|talk]]) 09:32, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :{{re|MagnumDahng}} Can you try removing the outdated content once again? I've temporarily disabled the filters; let me know once you've removed everything that you intended to. Sorry for the extra inconvenience. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:04, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::It worked. ::No worries. I understand why it's there :) [[User:MagnumDahng|MagnumDahng]] ([[User talk:MagnumDahng|talk]]) 10:15, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :::Perfect, I've re-enabled the filters; thanks again for the updates! :) //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:36, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ==Does WV need a policy for descriptions of living people?== Wikivoyage is a travel guide and not intended to be a collection of biographies. Still, travel topics and itineraries might mention important individuals, such as explorers, artists, monarchs, and politicians. [[Wikivoyage:What is an article?]] discourages from creating an article for a living celebrity, as these are more difficult to finish than articles for [[Christopher Columbus]], [[Frank Lloyd Wright]] or [[Astrid Lindgren]]. Articles such as [[Presidents of the United States]] and [[Monarchy of the United Kingdom]] describe living individuals who have not concluded their careers, and they are certainly controversial. When writing [[Jewish Stockholm tour]], [[Stockholm environmentalist tour]] and [[Nordic monarchies]], a couple of famous living people came to mind, but I found it advisable to mention them as briefly as possible. Which general principles should we follow? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:58, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :It looks like [[foundation:BLP]] encourages us to have a formal policy, even if there isn't much to say. [[Project:Don't be evil]], maybe? :We already have [[Wikivoyage:Photographs of identifiable people]] and [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#People in photos]], which discourage photos of people. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 20:36, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::I'd support a policy for the same reason. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 11:40, 11 June 2025 (UTC) :I think this is largely not that relevant to a travel guide, but it is actually common to have "Maps of the Stars" or tours of celebrity homes in the Los Angeles region, which to me is completely crazy and behavior that should not be encouraged. Considering Whatamidoing's point about the WMF encouraging this kind of documentation, I think having a guideline/policy is wise. Good thinking. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 21:00, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::Yeah, I would absolutely oppose any article for a tour that takes people to the homes of celebrities who would rather be private in their own homes. If this kind of tour existed in New York, New Yorkers would be up in arms about it and pressing the City Council to pass a law about it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:35, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::The page and section about photos say very little, mostly discouraging photos of yourself, which isn't what this is about. [[commons:Project:Photographs of identifiable people]] says a lot more and should probably be followed also regarding locally uploaded pictures. None of those three says anything about text about people (other than that captions shouldn't be defamatory). ::I think we probably shouldn't write a policy unless there are real issues. We have no reason to write about most people, and it seems common sense, like what Yvwv showed above, works reasonably well. Writing a policy opens up for loopholes and wikilawyering. ::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:50, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :::I wonder if our "BLP policy" could be a section in our existing [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]] policy. Basically, a few principles about avoiding mentioning individuals, and especially avoiding saying anything contentious or unfairly invading their privacy. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 16:40, 10 June 2025 (UTC) ::::That sounds reasonable. In the past I have opposed a suggestion to create an itinerary based on the travels of a living individual. ::::A more common situation is where a listing mentions something about the people that work in the hotel or restaurant. "Friendly owners" or "poor service from the waiters" is ok, but referring to staff by name needs more care. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:04, 10 June 2025 (UTC) :::::It's surely OK when the name of the Chef de Cuisine or Pastry Chef are printed on menus or are well-known chefs the restaurant promotes. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:40, 10 June 2025 (UTC) :::::: Can an artist's personal life be separated from their work? At least, death is useful to conclude a life story. As Georg Riedel past away one year ago, he deserves to be described in the [[Jewish Stockholm tour]]. Aleksander Wolodarski is another person appropriate to mention, but as he is well and alive (and to some degree a divisive character in Swedish architecture) the description of him in the same article is very brief. The [[Harry Potter tourism]] barely mentions the author, and that might be good as it is. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:16, 11 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I think it would be fine to note the name of a celebrity chef ("Thomas Keller's restaurant, The French Laundry"), or even a relatively public non-celebrity ("The restaurant owner, Mary Smith, is also the long-time mayor of this small town" or "Olly Owner is happy to pack a picnic upon request"). ::::::However, as an extension of [[Wikivoyage:Avoid negative reviews]], we don't really want "Chris Celebrity is pretentious and their restaurant is overpriced" or "Wendy Waitress is unfriendly and slow". [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:26, 11 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::I think we should avoid "Wendy Waitress is unfriendly", but "Some staff are unfriendly" is ok. It is important to report negative aspects of a place if either it is balanced by "excellent cooking and wonderful bread" or it is the only place in town. It becomes more difficult with one person businesses. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 20:24, 11 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Wikivoyage should not be interested in people: that is the province of Wikipedia. Wikivoyage is however interested in places associated with people and to this end should be cautious about their privacy. If however the individual concerned invites members of the public to their homes or businesses (for example Donald Trump has a website for [https://www.maralagoclub.com/ Mar-a-Lago]) then it is no longer Wikivoyage's role to protect his privacy: if he publicises his home, then it is incumbent on him to look after his own privacy. In contrast, Joe Biden does not appear to advertise his home, so neither should Wikivoyage (even if a search on the internet will reveal Joe Biden's properties).[[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 15:18, 12 June 2025 (UTC) :Does something like this feel about right? :---- :As a general rule, Wikivoyage is interested in places, not people. Occasionally, providing a fair description will involve mentioning a specific person. In such cases, these principles apply to protect living people: :* Avoid contentious matter about living people to the maximum extent possible, to show respect for human dignity and personal privacy. Publishing personal information that is tangential to the needs of the article, trivial, ephemeral, or constitutes a [[Wikivoyage:Avoid negative reviews|negative review]] is unfair. For example, if a restaurant owner promotes dubious beliefs to customers, then omit the listing completely rather than writing about the owner's beliefs. :* Avoid whole articles focused on living people, such as an [[Wikivoyage:Itineraries|itinerary]] to see the private homes of celebrities. It is fair to have an itinerary focused on Taylor Swift's concert tours; it is not fair to have an article focused on her homes. :* Individual listings that name a living public figure are acceptable so long as the content is not contentious. However, you should avoid naming living people when a general description is adequate. For example, write "The owner is happy to talk about local history" instead of "Harry Historian, the owner, is happy to talk about local history", even though you would name the celebrity chef Thomas Keller as the owner of the restaurant The French Laundry. :---- :What should be changed, added, omitted? [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 16:39, 12 June 2025 (UTC) ::Thanks for offering a rough draft! The one part that sticks out to me as problematic is the part about "dubious beliefs," which gives an opening to intolerant atheists to complain about a bismillah or cross in a restaurant. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:12, 12 June 2025 (UTC) :::I was thinking about political beliefs, and specifically about an anti-masking restaurant I read about during the pandemic, but you're right: That needs to be re-worded. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 23:30, 12 June 2025 (UTC) ::::Still a good start, I'd say. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 12:15, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I don't think that businesses should be removed because of beliefs of the owner or personnel; that the owner touts antivacc or flat-earth theories might be entertaining rather than a reason to avoid them. One might tell that they might raise controversial topics. For dangerous practices, such as not using masks when needed, that would be treated like them using contaminated water or whatever. Yes, sometimes that warrants removing the listing in line with ''no bad reviews'', but that has little to do with privacy. ::::For a Finnish business, it was suggested that the listings be removed because of bigotry, in effect a boycott by Wikivoyage. I am not sure about to what extent to do that, but I assume we might tell something about the owner in that case, if we leave the choice whether to use their services to our readers. I would oppose individual editors removing listings because of views that don't conform with their own, but they may of course choose not to add them. ::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:28, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :::::I think there might be a spectrum of issues, but some types of (e.g.,) bigotry are not compatible with [[Wikivoyage:The traveller comes first]]. Inclusion constitutes a recommendation, at least when there are other alternatives. If we list a restaurant, it should be because travellers are welcome. If the restaurant's listing would need to have a disclaimer along the lines of "BTW, only white people are allowed to eat here" or "People whom the owner thinks look Jewish/Muslim/Black/gay/trans will be refused service", then that restaurant shouldn't be included in Wikivoyage at all. Listed restaurants should normally be open to all of the general public. :::::On the other end of the spectrum, if the owner cheerfully accepts all customers, but he privately belongs to a racist organization, then that's not really relevant to the travellers' experience, so we needn't mention that. Travellers who want to patronize only businesses owned by people who share the same politics/religion/race/sexual orientation should look elsewhere for that information. :::::Somewhere in the middle is factual information that travellers may interpret in opposite ways. For example, if a given deli in New York City is kosher, it'd be worth noting that in the description. Most travellers won't care. Some travellers will prefer it (either for religious reasons or because kosher meat is considered more ethical than conventional meat). Some travellers will reject it. But knowing that it might appeal (or not) to different travellers is not the same as different travellers not being allowed to eat at the deli. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 20:02, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I see no problem in describing a restaurant in terms of the religious beliefs that it portrays provided that it is done in a neutral manner - for example , "The XYZ resaurant is a kosher/halal/vegetarian establishment". The reader can then make up their ow mind about patronising the establishment - after all Wikivoyage has many articles about various places of worship. [[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 21:05, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::I think the general point is that we want "XYZ is a kosher/halal/vegetarian restaurant" but not "The owner of XYZ is a Jew/Muslim/vegetarian person". [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:10, 14 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::I agree here. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 06:56, 18 June 2025 (UTC) *Suggested rewrite of the first point (Changes in bold): :"''Avoid contentious matter about living people to the maximum extent possible, to show respect for human dignity and personal privacy. Publishing personal information that is tangential to the needs of the article, trivial, ephemeral, or constitutes a negative review is unfair. For example, if a restaurant owner promotes '''particular''' beliefs to customers, then omit the listing completely rather than writing about the owner's beliefs. '''If however the establishment itself <u>caters</u> for certain beliefs and/or ethics, it is reasonable, or maybe even desireable, to add those beliefs/ethics to the description in a neutral manner - such as including the words "kosher/halal/vegetarian" to the establishment's description.'''''" [[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 21:14, 13 June 2025 (UTC) *I suggest that the second point be extended as follows (additions in bold): :''Avoid whole articles focused on living people, such as an itinerary to see the private homes of celebrities. It is fair to have an itinerary focused on Taylor Swift's concert tours; it is not fair to have an article focused on her homes. '''However, if the celebrity concerend advertises their home to the general public (for example [https://www.maralagoclub.com/ Mar-a-Lago], home of Donald Trump or [https://www.blenheimpalace.com/ Blenheim Palace], home of the Duke of Marlborough) , then it is perfectly in order to mention the home in an article and ideally to include a web address the description or article.''''' ::[[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 21:27, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::I think all this discussion of beliefs and politics is bad and not something about which we want policies. Also, bad reviews are by no means inherently unfair, and I'm mystified by how anyone could think that's the case; it's just that Wikivoyage chooses with some exceptions to simply refrain from listing businesses, rather than stating that they are bad. I also don't see why we would need to add a policy that establishments that discriminate against people based for example on their ethnicity, appearance or national origin, such as a historic restaurant in Düsseldorf that refused admission to East Asians early in the pandemic, be delisted, because we already do that based on preexisting policies. Right now, I think that based on the drafts circulated in this thread, we risk approving a new policy that is worse than none. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:40, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :::It might be best to try the smallest possible addition. After all, it's usually easier to get a policy expanded later if we really need it, than to get it shortened later. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:08, 14 June 2025 (UTC) ::::Here's a shorter version: ::::---- ::::As a general rule, Wikivoyage is interested in places, not people. Occasionally, providing a fair description will involve mentioning a specific person. In such cases, these principles apply to protect living people: ::::* Avoid contentious matter about living people to the maximum extent possible, to show respect for human dignity and personal privacy. Individual listings that name a living public figure are acceptable so long as the content is not contentious. ::::* Avoid whole articles focused on living people, such as an [[Wikivoyage:Itineraries|itinerary]] to see the private homes of celebrities. ::::---- ::::We could also soften "the maximum extent possible". It's always "possible" to avoid mentioning anyone's name, but it's not always "reasonable" to do so. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:14, 14 June 2025 (UTC) :::::What about the article on U.S. presidents? We don't avoid contentious facts about living current and former presidents; we just agree on what should be in the blurbs about them based on the existing [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]] guidelines. I still fail to see how adding at least your first proposed guideline will improve anything. Also, are we creating a solution for a nonexistent problem? Can you cite a previous example of an article that had unnecessarily contentious facts about living people that we were not able to deal with by using existing guidelines? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:33, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::[[Presidents of the United States]] is not a "whole article focused on living people"; it is a whole article focused on mostly long-dead people with just five living US Presidents being mentioned (and mostly in a "public museum" way, not a "current private home" way). This would therefore be acceptable as a case of "Individual listings that name a living public figure" that "show respect for human dignity and personal privacy". ::::::The existing problem to be solved is: The Board of Directors for the WIkimedia Foundation said that every project needs to have an official, written BLP policy. They said this about 16 years ago, so we're running a bit behind schedule, but we should have something. Their resolution encourages "special attention to the principles of neutrality", so I think putting a few sentences inside our version of the "[[Wikivoyage:NPOV|NPOV]]" policy would be appropriate. We could even create a [[WV:BLP]] shortcut to it, so the Wikipedia folks can find it easier. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:16, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::My problem is not with your second proposed provision, which is fine, but your first, and that's what my last reply addressed. If it stated that when living people have to be mentioned, we must [[be fair]] and come to a [[consensus]] about anything contentious, I'd be happy. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:33, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Can you think of any contentious or derogatory information a travel guide – especially one that does not cite external sources – ''needs'' to include? [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:37, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::I already gave you an example! And what about when we fairly describe countries as dictatorships? We've sometimes had users object and try to whitewash articles, and in such cases, we are armed with [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]], not some ridiculous claim that anything "contentious" is bad and must be avoided, which would have played into their hands. Wikivoyage is a travel guide, not a site that tries to be neutral. We expressly don't have an NPOV policy, but instead a policy that requires fairness. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:10, 18 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::I agree that we can fairly describe a country as being a dictatorship. Do we need to describe an individual living person as a dictator, when doing so would be contentious (e.g., produce disputes and disagreements on wiki)? I just checked every article containing the words "a dictator" and "the dictator"; none of them refer to living people. ::::::::::If your prior example was "What about the article on U.S. presidents?", I've already answered that question. I don't see anything privacy-invading in [[Presidents of the United States]], and I don't see anything contentious about any living person in there, either. The contents are not universally approved by the campaign team, but nobody actually disputes or "contends" over the facts (e.g., that Clinton was involved in a sex scandal, or that Trump is technically a convicted felon). [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 01:07, 20 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::If you haven't had the misfortune of speaking with a Trumper lately, consider yourself lucky. There are tens of millions of hard-core Trumpers in the U.S. who don't accept basic scientific facts and advance all kinds of conspiracy nonsense as truth. I dealt with a cabbie in New Rochelle yesterday who gratuitously started talking about politics. He claimed Biden already had cancer 4 years ago, and "they" covered it up, that claims of fossil fuels causing global warming are "bullshit" and that if the Democrats had been elected last year, we'd all be driving electric cars already, among other things. So I very much contest your confident assertion that statements of fact about Trump, Biden, Obama, etc. are not "contentious". We need to remove that word from consideration as something Wikivoyage cannot be. Do you remember years ago when there was someone who spent a couple of weeks or more trying to whitewash descriptions of Cuba by claiming that it was really a democracy, their elections are really free and fair, and the Communists have never been dictators or oppressed anyone there? Or the ones that claimed that China is a democracy and it was the U.S. (pre-Trump) that was really oppressive (the latter of which of course has never been completely false, but that was entirely beside the point in a travel guide as well as being pure whataboutism that disproves nothing). We've had all kinds of politically motivated contentions against facts. That's why our standard is [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]], not "Wikivoyage/Avoid saying anything anyone could argue with", which is what "contentious" means or would mean in the hands of anyone who wants to use a travel guide to grind an axe, rather than to improve a resource for travelers. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:14, 20 June 2025 (UTC) == Full-size images not available on maps in city districts == Since yesterday (and possibly earlier), the images in listings can be viewed in the dynamic map but trying to click on it to go to the full description page will lead to a broken link if they are in a city district page. This raises the issue on image attribution. You can test it on any listings with images at [[Queens/Flushing-Northeast]] and [[Toronto/Etobicoke]]. Anyone have insight on what recent changes broke this functionality? [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 15:46, 12 June 2025 (UTC) :Yes, needs to be fixed. For some reason, the File: prefix is prefixed by the district name. I try to check [[Module:Listing]] for the bug. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 11:52, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::Oops, the city name, not the district. Seemingly the article name is included in the image argument, and removed, but not properly so for subarticles. [[Module:Marker]] is possibly more relevant than Listing, but it is some underlying functionality that is the culprit. My understanding of how modules work is too weak for me to find it. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:10, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :::The marker on the map seems to be constructed using mw.text.jsonEncode. Where can one read that code? Was there some change recently? –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:30, 30 June 2025 (UTC) == Selection and number of images == [split off as suggested by [[User:OhanaUnited|OhanaUnited]] 02:39, 30 June 2025 (UTC). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:17, 30 June 2025 (UTC)] ::: The images embedded within listings are often not the best currently available. They don't display unless you click and faff about, so they don't enhance the page appearance encountered by the general reader. Wouldn't it be neat if there was some repository of images that were the best available copyfree, that could be simply incorporated into the page layout? We'd be sure to use those instead, right? [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 20:20, 15 June 2025 (UTC) ::::The main problem with that is that somebody needs to pick those best available images. That's done in Commons' galleries, where images uploaded in the last dozen years aren't included. We could use the image on Wikidata, but they might not be chosen according to what they are like as thumbnails. Perhaps a specific wikidata property could be created for thumbnail images or even Wikivoyage thumbnail images (like for our banners). About having to click several times, that could be improved, but we don't want clutter, so some discussion is needed on the trade-off if we want to change the status quo. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 18:33, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::: Picking those best images and considering how best to display them is exactly what editors should do, same as picking the best attractions or accommodations to list in a town, we shouldn't lazily accept what's already on the page. It's hardly an onerous task, and we want the best for our readers. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 19:00, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::{{quote|The main problem with that is that somebody needs to pick those best available images.}} :::::Maybe we can take assistance from AI tools to ease out the problem, just like we sometimes use AI to pick the best attractions to visit, and choose the appropriate accommodation. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 19:07, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I haven't heard about us letting such decisions to AI, and I'm not sure we should do it with images. But regardless of what way the images get chosen, it would be good if the choice were saved at Wikidata, to be used automatically. As the images aren't shown in the article itself, the less effort we need to use choosing, the better. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 19:55, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::How much effort do we need to save here? The first example cited was Queens / Flushing. That page is under-illustrated, with one strong image and two so-so. It took me 10 min to find six more good images on Commons, about the right number for a page of this length. Inserting them might take 3 mins apiece, say 20 min, which I'm not volunteering to do as the entire page needs updating, a solid day's work. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 21:07, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Choosing images sounds like a task that some people would love to do. Maybe we could advertise it better? It's even a task that people who don't speak English well should be able to do. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:40, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::It could be a good task, but I have seen a lot of image adding that isn't optimal: ignoring our guideline of [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#Minimal use of images|Minimal use of images]], trying to illustrate individual listings instead of the article as a whole, writing captions to that effect, and placing the images in ways that suite the editor's browser window rather than conform to best practices. :::::::::Increased advertising of this activity should thus be done cautiously, to avoid frustration both among those adding images and those patrolling. :::::::::The original issue was about images for the dynamic map, which is different from illustrating the article. :::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:00, 19 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::As a side note, [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#Minimal use of images]] probably needs both a little re-writing ("1 image per screen": Whose screen size?) and some reconsidering, as availability of internet access has generally improved since then (the [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Wikivoyage:Image_policy&diff=prev&oldid=3629972 last significant update was in 2018], based on [[Wikivoyage talk:Image policy/archive 2014-2019#Minimal use of images - not appropriate|a discussion started in 2016]]). ::::::::::But I agree that it's a tangent for the current thread. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 01:18, 20 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::How carefully did you read Minimal use? :::::::::::"1 image per screen (1,000–2,000 bytes)" :::::::::::I suppose you want to suggest an increase in the number of images we should use, and if so, do that at [[Wikivoyage talk:Image policy]]. But keep in mind that the mobile interface sucks and the site is still better viewed on a computer. I would be likely to oppose any change in the language, as there is flexibility to use more images than stated in the guideline as long as there isn't an unbroken stream on the left side; images left, right and center; or images that go below the end of the article, which looks terrible. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:19, 20 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::I read that, and I wondered which method we're using to measure "1,000 bytes". One screenful – edge to edge, top to bottom, on my laptop, with my font, my size (larger than default), my zoom (120%), etc. – is right around 2000 characters for me, but others may have half that, or four times that. Shorter lines (e.g., using only half the line at the end of a paragraph, or a short item in a list) adds volume without adding characters. ::::::::::::If we're using the file size, then wikitext and URLs add bulk to the file without affecting the screen size. We could have "1,000 bytes" and have a half-full screen (on my laptop) or "2,000 bytes" and still have a half-full screen. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 20:41, 20 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::These are rough estimates. An A4 with 67×47=3150 is quite close to 2k, if there are images, headings and paragraph breaks, probably much less if there are lists. I suppose an A4 is close to readability optimum (my browser and Emacs windows are not far off). My mobile phone seems to have 50×33=1650, perhaps 1k with images etc. The numbers don't seem to be too far off. Without prescribing a test with some specific browser window size, we cannot give precise advice. [[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 14:16, 22 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::From your estimate, the numbers appear to be off by 50%. 3150 = would be "quite close" to 3K, not 2K. ::::::::::::::I think that a more practical suggestion would be: Every well-developed section should usually have one image, so long as this can be done without the images dropping down into the next section. On desktop, this usually requires a minimum of 10 to 12 lines of text per landscape image. Very long sections can have two images. ::::::::::::::This would address the wikitext-vs-displayed problem and the difference between a solid paragraph and a long bullet list with one or two words on each line. ::::::::::::::But as we noted above, this is a separate discussion from the original concern. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:15, 22 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::: Can we take the "select the best picture" conversation into a sub-section? My original intention of this post is to report a bug which leads to the legal issue of image attribution. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 02:39, 30 June 2025 (UTC) == Commons RFD notifications == While the Commons bot that alert us to images about to be deleted [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub/2025#Commons Notification Deletion bot revived|was revived]], images are still being deleted without notification, namely those (I assume), that were nominated before 4 May. The issue was told in the linked announcement, but I did not realise its implications. So, expect some imgages to be removed with no notification on the talk page. If they might be valuable, they should be temporarily restored for local upload, like when the bot wasn't working. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 11:51, 13 June 2025 (UTC) == Usurped URLs == Are usurped or dead URLs (e.g. [[w:en:WP:JUDI]]) normally archived, or removed? I'm looking at the page [[Northampton_(Massachusetts)#Eat]], where the second link is usurped. Thanks, [[User:OutsideNormality|OutsideNormality]] ([[User talk:OutsideNormality|talk]]) 20:22, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :If a url no longer goes to the home page for the listing in question, please update it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:18, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::Actually, looking back, it seems like the URL was never "usurped" and was directly added as a spam link in [[Special:Diff/4154976/4167772]]. Thanks anyway for the advice. [[User:OutsideNormality|OutsideNormality]] ([[User talk:OutsideNormality|talk]]) 00:40, 14 June 2025 (UTC) == Vote now in the 2025 U4C Election == <div lang="en" dir="ltr" class="mw-content-ltr"> {{Int:Please-translate}} Eligible voters are asked to participate in the 2025 [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Universal_Code_of_Conduct/Coordinating_Committee|Universal Code of Conduct Coordinating Committee]] election. More information–including an eligibility check, voting process information, candidate information, and a link to the vote–are available on Meta at the [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Universal_Code_of_Conduct/Coordinating_Committee/Election/2025|2025 Election information page]]. The vote closes on 17 June 2025 at [https://zonestamp.toolforge.org/1750161600 12:00 UTC]. Please vote if your account is eligible. Results will be available by 1 July 2025. -- In cooperation with the U4C, [[m:User:Keegan (WMF)|Keegan (WMF)]] ([[m:User talk:Keegan (WMF)|talk]]) 23:01, 13 June 2025 (UTC) </div> <!-- Message sent by User:Keegan (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Distribution_list/Global_message_delivery&oldid=28848819 --> :Surprised this was sent very late. I made a guide on all the candidates on Meta at [[m:User:SHB2000/U4C guide 2025]], for those interested. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 03:13, 14 June 2025 (UTC) == Wisconsin Dells Kalahari Expansion; should I mention it in the Wisconsin Dells page == Hello! It is now practically mainstream media (In Wisconsin Dells) that Kalahari's expanding its Indoor Waterpark into what was a mainly unused parking lot (which is currently either getting demolished or already is demolished as of posting) and will add a fully glass dome with a retractable roof (this is not an ad, this is according to many sources including the Kalahari its self, Fox11online.com, Whitewater West, Martin Aquatic, and Maverick Hayes' Social Media). Now the real question is should I add this too my page? Cheers! [[User:HistorySports|HistorySports]] ([[User talk:HistorySports|talk]]) 15:22, 14 June 2025 (UTC) :To your page meaning what? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:35, 14 June 2025 (UTC) ::@[[User:HistorySports|HistorySports]], I think it's fair to add information about waterparks to [[Wisconsin Dells#Do]] or [[Wisconsin Dells#Sleep]]. (You pick which one based on whether people mostly stay there, and happen to use the water park, or mostly go to the water park, and a few people stay there, too – just use your judgement and don't stress about the distinction too much.) ::The important thing isn't the news ("they're expanding!") but what is available today ("Wisconsin's biggest indoor waterpark"). ::In general, when I skim through that article, I wish that there were prices for the activities and longer descriptions. In particular, there seem to be a lot of attractions, but I have no idea which one I'd choose. Is one the lowest cost? The best value? Best for little kids? Best for teens? Best for older adults/multi-generational families? Open year-round? Has the most swimming pool lifts for wheelchair users? If you can, try to add some sort of information about the differences between different attractions that might help travellers decide which things they want to do. ::Also, it looks like there are several listings that need to be moved to [[Baraboo]]. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 18:54, 14 June 2025 (UTC) :::Thanks WhatamIdoing! I will follow your advice and hopefully we can have a great page for the area of Wisconsin Dells! [[User:HistorySports|HistorySports]] ([[User talk:HistorySports|talk]]) 19:47, 15 June 2025 (UTC) ::Sorry I wasn't clear and that's totally my fault, but I was talking about the Wisconsin Dells page, sorry! [[User:HistorySports|HistorySports]] ([[User talk:HistorySports|talk]]) 19:47, 15 June 2025 (UTC) :::Thanks. So you know, it's not your page: it's a Wikivoyage article. The only page I'd consider your page is your user page. That said, on the face of it, I would put activities in "Do", not "Sleep". [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:09, 17 June 2025 (UTC) == Wikistats page views == What is up with Wikistats page views for English Wikivoyage? 87 million last month? https://stats.wikimedia.org/#/en.wikivoyage.org/reading/total-page-views/normal%7Cbar%7C2-year%7C~total%7Cmonthly 36 million from Brazil apparently. [[User:Bluecoordinationfine|Bluecoordinationfine]] ([[User talk:Bluecoordinationfine|talk]]) 23:18, 14 June 2025 (UTC) :That is a very interesting anomaly indeed. No idea why, but still very interesting to know why we have so many views from Brazil. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 00:47, 16 June 2025 (UTC) ::Maybe users on VPN? [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 14:25, 16 June 2025 (UTC) == FYI: Dear Atlas: Where Can I Find the Most Unusual Festivals in the U.S.? == https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/off-the-beaten-path-american-festivals —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 07:58, 15 June 2025 (UTC) == [[Talk:Ferries in the Mediterranean#A Commons file used on this page or its Wikidata item has been nominated for deletion]] == No-one seems to be paying any attention to the fact that we are likely to lose a photo. We need to decide whether we're OK with that or not. I will not make a unilateral decision. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:07, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :Is it just me, or does it seem like too many photos have been getting removed lately? [[User:Mrkstvns|Mrkstvns]] ([[User talk:Mrkstvns|talk]]) 16:00, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::Has there been an uptick in deletion requests at Commons? Or are we just noticing them more, now that the notifications bot is working again? [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:08, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::As someone who was monitoring [[c:Commons:Deletion requests]] until the bot started working again, I think it's the latter. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:38, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I hope this deletion can be resisted. Tirrenia ferries in 2017 made a deal with Warner Bros to plaster their ships' exteriors with cartoon characters such as Batman, to give them a jazzy attractive look. That deal continues and you really cannot take a photo of any T ferry without including the character: it's as integral to the ship as the company logo and the pointy bit at the front. The intention of any such photo is to portray the ship not replicate the character, and IMO it's a misuse of copyright law to claim we can't publish it copyfree. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 18:51, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::Such arguments have been presented in the RFD on Commons, and I think that they are legally sound. However, "misuse of copyright law" is not what this is about. There is no word of God saying that utilitarian objects (in this case: the ship) can be freely photographed, and if the law says otherwise, Commons can do little about it. I think the current copyright laws are a disaster, caused by lobbyists and weak politicians, but that means that the copyright laws need to be changed (read: one should spread awareness of the absurdities), not that we can ignore current law. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 20:03, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::The Wikimedia Foundation requires that Commons files be available for unimpeded commercial use. They don't have to, and we don't have to, which is why we have a freedom of panorama fair use exception doctrine. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:10, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::Yes, true. For Commons, the stringency is because of their mission – they don't want to host content that cannot be used. All kinds of compromises are possible or even necessary, but commercial use, such as in small-budget books, is essential for their mission. In some cases, where copyright law is unclear, they could be a bit braver, but that's a separate issue. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 05:05, 18 June 2025 (UTC) == Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees 2025 - Call for Candidates == <section begin="announcement-content" /> :<div class="plainlinks">[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Announcement/Call for candidates|{{int:interlanguage-link-mul}}]] • [https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Translate&group=page-{{urlencode:Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Announcement/Call for candidates}}&language=&action=page&filter= {{int:please-translate}}]</div> Hello all, The [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025|call for candidates for the 2025 Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees selection is now open]] from June 17, 2025 – July 2, 2025 at 11:59 UTC [1]. The Board of Trustees oversees the Wikimedia Foundation's work, and each Trustee serves a three-year term [2]. This is a volunteer position. This year, the Wikimedia community will vote in late August through September 2025 to fill two (2) seats on the Foundation Board. Could you – or someone you know – be a good fit to join the Wikimedia Foundation's Board of Trustees? [3] Learn more about what it takes to stand for these leadership positions and how to submit your candidacy on [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Candidate application|this Meta-wiki page]] or encourage someone else to run in this year's election. Best regards, Abhishek Suryawanshi<br /> Chair of the Elections Committee On behalf of the Elections Committee and Governance Committee [1] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Call_for_candidates [2] https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Legal:Bylaws#(B)_Term. [3] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Resources_for_candidates<section end="announcement-content" /> [[User:MediaWiki message delivery|MediaWiki message delivery]] ([[User talk:MediaWiki message delivery|talk]]) 17:44, 17 June 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:RamzyM (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Distribution_list/Global_message_delivery&oldid=28866958 --> == New copycat site == I haven't had the time to fully look into it and I've been quite busy IRL this month, but it seems we have a new copycat site called https://www.localcityguide.net/. It mirrors Wikivoyage pages word-for-word with "2022 © Local City Guide. All rights reserved." and some pages like [[Itineraries]] ([https://www.localcityguide.net/en/Itineraries]) do nothing to even remove mentions of Wikivoyage. What's interesting about this site is that they've listed those behind the site so openly in the [https://www.localcityguide.net/about-us About us] section – I'm not sure how accurate it is, but it could be something to go off. What are the WMF's protocols when a site copies an entire project and what can we do about it? //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 08:59, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :It has a nice presentation, a handful of blog entries posted in June 2022, and it looks like the foundation of the site is our stuff, refreshed regularly. (Changes I made yesterday already appear.) There is no ability to edit articles. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 10:11, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :This is against the terms of service, CC license restrictions, and American copyright law. You should contact the [[:m:Wikimedia_Foundation/Legal|Legal Team]] via email at legal[little-anarchy-symbol]wikimedia[point]org. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 10:22, 18 June 2025 (UTC) ::I picked an arbitrary page of which I have knowledge, but which is not on the average tourist itinerary, [[Estcourt]]. It has an [[outline article|outline]] status. I clicked on "outline" and the first sentence read: :::"An '''outline article''' is a status rating for any article in ''<u>Wikivoyage</u>'' ... " [My emphasis]. ::This is proof that they are copying the WIkivoyage site. [[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 16:00, 18 June 2025 (UTC) ::: It seems that the contents are incorporated by a script directly from Wikivoyage similar to the html frame technology that's why the articles are up-to-date. I made a small change in some status ratings of the German Wikivoyage, and immediately you can read that this is a usable Wikivoyage article in the footer. --[[User:RolandUnger|RolandUnger]] ([[User talk:RolandUnger|talk]]) 17:24, 18 June 2025 (UTC) ::Copying Wikivoyage's contents is okay. However, you have to provide "reasonable" attribution. That's usually done with something like a simple link to the original article on Wikivoyage. I don't see Wikivoyage mentioned on their website, so they need to fix that – but remember that the goal is for them to fix it, not to punish them or prevent them from sharing our information. ::[[w:en:WP:BACKWARDSCOPY]] has some advice on how to contact websites that haven't complied with the license terms. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 19:27, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :::I have sent the developers of the site an email about this. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:38, 21 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I've also forwarded it to WMF legal (cc {{u|Koavf}}). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:40, 21 June 2025 (UTC) :::::Merci. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 02:52, 21 June 2025 (UTC) == Mexican disambiguators == Some input at [[Wikivoyage talk:Naming conventions#Disambiguators for Mexican destinations]] would be appreciated. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 13:41, 19 June 2025 (UTC) == Most visited country in Southeast Asia == It looks like [[Thailand]] just lost its crown to [[Malaysia]], at least for Q1 2025. Should we update our articles to reflect that, or should we wait and see if Malaysia can sustain its lead? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:11, 23 June 2025 (UTC) :{{ping|The dog2}} I think you should update the articles to say that both Thailand and Malaysia are the most visited countries of SE Asia, along the lines of, "Thailand, along with Malaysia, are...", "Malaysia, along with Thailand, are..." or even "Malaysia and Thailand are...". '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 17:11, 23 June 2025 (UTC) ::I think we should wait till yearly figures are available before changing anything. Too many things can change from one quarter to the next. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:52, 23 June 2025 (UTC) :::Agreed – one quarter might not be a true reflection. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 00:24, 24 June 2025 (UTC) == Regionlist == I have added a static map in [[Maharashtra]], but it disappears without showing a dynamic map when I click/press the link "switch to interactive map". Same happens in [[West Bengal]], [[Andhra Pradesh]], [[Chennai]], etc. I think there's a bug in {{tl|Regionlist}} that causes this disappearance, as the template itself was last edited on August 2024. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 13:36, 26 June 2025 (UTC) :Same issue on it:voy. For sure is caused by a change server side. I'll try to figure out if we can solve locally or if we need to open a ticket. [[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 06:46, 27 June 2025 (UTC) ::I've patched it. Now it works again. Be sure to refresh/purge the page you test. [[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 07:32, 27 June 2025 (UTC) == Sister Projects Task Force reviews Wikispore and Wikinews == <section begin="message"/> Dear Wikimedia Community, The [[m:Wikimedia Foundation Community Affairs Committee|Community Affairs Committee (CAC)]] of the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees assigned [[m:Wikimedia Foundation Community Affairs Committee/Sister Projects Task Force|the Sister Projects Task Force (SPTF)]] to update and implement a procedure for assessing the lifecycle of Sister Projects – wiki [[m:Wikimedia projects|projects supported by Wikimedia Foundation (WMF)]]. A vision of relevant, accessible, and impactful free knowledge has always guided the Wikimedia Movement. As the ecosystem of Wikimedia projects continues to evolve, it is crucial that we periodically review existing projects to ensure they still align with our goals and community capacity. Despite their noble intent, some projects may no longer effectively serve their original purpose. '''Reviewing such projects is not about giving up – it's about responsible stewardship of shared resources'''. Volunteer time, staff support, infrastructure, and community attention are finite, and the non-technical costs tend to grow significantly as our ecosystem has entered a different age of the internet than the one we were founded in. Supporting inactive projects or projects that didn't meet our ambitions can unintentionally divert these resources from areas with more potential impact. Moreover, maintaining projects that no longer reflect the quality and reliability of the Wikimedia name stands for, involves a reputational risk. An abandoned or less reliable project affects trust in the Wikimedia movement. Lastly, '''failing to sunset or reimagine projects that are no longer working can make it much harder to start new ones'''. When the community feels bound to every past decision – no matter how outdated – we risk stagnation. A healthy ecosystem must allow for evolution, adaptation, and, when necessary, letting go. If we create the expectation that every project must exist indefinitely, we limit our ability to experiment and innovate. Because of this, SPTF reviewed two requests concerning the lifecycle of the Sister Projects to work through and demonstrate the review process. We chose Wikispore as a case study for a possible new Sister Project opening and Wikinews as a case study for a review of an existing project. Preliminary findings were discussed with the CAC, and a community consultation on both proposals was recommended. === Wikispore === The [[m:Wikispore|application to consider Wikispore]] was submitted in 2019. SPTF decided to review this request in more depth because rather than being concentrated on a specific topic, as most of the proposals for the new Sister Projects are, Wikispore has the potential to nurture multiple start-up Sister Projects. After careful consideration, the SPTF has decided '''not to recommend''' Wikispore as a Wikimedia Sister Project. Considering the current activity level, the current arrangement allows '''better flexibility''' and experimentation while WMF provides core infrastructural support. We acknowledge the initiative's potential and seek community input on what would constitute a sufficient level of activity and engagement to reconsider its status in the future. As part of the process, we shared the decision with the Wikispore community and invited one of its leaders, Pharos, to an SPTF meeting. Currently, we especially invite feedback on measurable criteria indicating the project's readiness, such as contributor numbers, content volume, and sustained community support. This would clarify the criteria sufficient for opening a new Sister Project, including possible future Wikispore re-application. However, the numbers will always be a guide because any number can be gamed. === Wikinews === We chose to review Wikinews among existing Sister Projects because it is the one for which we have observed the highest level of concern in multiple ways. Since the SPTF was convened in 2023, its members have asked for the community's opinions during conferences and community calls about Sister Projects that did not fulfil their promise in the Wikimedia movement.[https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:WCNA_2024._Sister_Projects_-_opening%3F_closing%3F_merging%3F_splitting%3F.pdf <nowiki>[1]</nowiki>][https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_Community_Affairs_Committee/Sister_Projects_Task_Force#Wikimania_2023_session_%22Sister_Projects:_past,_present_and_the_glorious_future%22 <nowiki>[2]</nowiki>][https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/WikiConvention_francophone/2024/Programme/Quelle_proc%C3%A9dure_pour_ouvrir_ou_fermer_un_projet_%3F <nowiki>[3]</nowiki>] Wikinews was the leading candidate for an evaluation because people from multiple language communities proposed it. Additionally, by most measures, it is the least active Sister Project, with the greatest drop in activity over the years. While the Language Committee routinely opens and closes language versions of the Sister Projects in small languages, there has never been a valid proposal to close Wikipedia in major languages or any project in English. This is not true for Wikinews, where there was a proposal to close English Wikinews, which gained some traction but did not result in any action[https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Proposals_for_closing_projects/Closure_of_English_Wikinews <nowiki>[4]</nowiki>][https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/WikiConvention_francophone/2024/Programme/Quelle_proc%C3%A9dure_pour_ouvrir_ou_fermer_un_projet_%3F <nowiki>[5]</nowiki>, see section 5] as well as a draft proposal to close all languages of Wikinews[https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Talk:Proposals_for_closing_projects/Archive_2#Close_Wikinews_completely,_all_languages? <nowiki>[6]</nowiki>]. [[:c:File:Sister Projects Taskforce Wikinews review 2024.pdf|Initial metrics]] compiled by WMF staff also support the community's concerns about Wikinews. Based on this report, SPTF recommends a community reevaluation of Wikinews. We conclude that its current structure and activity levels are the lowest among the existing sister projects. SPTF also recommends pausing the opening of new language editions while the consultation runs. SPTF brings this analysis to a discussion and welcomes discussions of alternative outcomes, including potential restructuring efforts or integration with other Wikimedia initiatives. '''Options''' mentioned so far (which might be applied to just low-activity languages or all languages) include but are not limited to: *Restructure how Wikinews works and is linked to other current events efforts on the projects, *Merge the content of Wikinews into the relevant language Wikipedias, possibly in a new namespace, *Merge content into compatibly licensed external projects, *Archive Wikinews projects. Your insights and perspectives are invaluable in shaping the future of these projects. We encourage all interested community members to share their thoughts on the relevant discussion pages or through other designated feedback channels. === Feedback and next steps === We'd be grateful if you want to take part in a conversation on the future of these projects and the review process. We are setting up two different project pages: [[m:Public consultation about Wikispore|Public consultation about Wikispore]] and [[m:Public consultation about Wikinews|Public consultation about Wikinews]]. Please participate between 27 June 2025 and 27 July 2025, after which we will summarize the discussion to move forward. You can write in your own language. I will also host a community conversation 16th July Wednesday 11.00 UTC and 17th July Thursday 17.00 UTC (call links to follow shortly) and will be around at Wikimania for more discussions. <section end="message"/> -- [[User:Victoria|Victoria]] on behalf of the Sister Project Task Force, 20:57, 27 June 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:Johan (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Johan_(WMF)/Sister_project_MassMassage_on_behalf_of_Victoria/Target_list&oldid=28911188 --> :I definitely hate to say it but Wikinews has to be one of the most failed WMF projects. The English Wikinews is barely sustaining and I think that is fine for the timebeing, but the other Wikinews projects simply lack the editor base to actively review new news articles. It came up in tawikinews' closure proposal where their newest article dated to 2018! //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:56, 28 June 2025 (UTC) ::I think that we're meant to post that kind of thing on the Meta-Wiki project pages: [[metawiki:Public consultation about Wikispore|Public consultation about Wikispore]] and [[metawiki:Public consultation about Wikinews|Public consultation about Wikinews]]. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 22:42, 28 June 2025 (UTC) :::I'm aware; I just wanted to give out my 2c in short form – I have a longer list of suggestions planned which I'll do when I get a bit more spare time. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:44, 28 June 2025 (UTC) === General concerns === I am not a big fan of Wikinews, but one thing about the [[:meta:Proposal_for_Closing_Wikinews|report published by Sister Projects Task Force]] is concerning. This report is written in a very critical manner, namely, it does not mention that dozens if not hundreds of volunteers have spent a considerable amount of their time on developing Wikinews. The report does not mention any single good thing about their work, which does not seem fair. The report demonstrates that the current level of activity and content development at Wikinews is low (and this statement is fair), but it does not set any threshold of what would be good enough metrics for a community to deserve the resources from WMF. Moreover, the report does not attempt to analyze which steps Wikinews editors took to develop their project, and why these steps were unsuccessful. It just says: you did a bad job, so we will close you down and even deprive you of any possibility of moving Wikinews elsewhere because the name stays with Wikimedia Foundation. Wikivoyage is a smaller project too, and it would be discouraging if a similarly critical report about our work appears. It is not completely unrealistic when half of the language versions are dormant, while many others are somewhat comparable in their metrics to the most active editions of Wikinews. I think that only English Wikivoyage is clearly above that threshold, although the actual threshold is not even defined, so almost any level of activity can be deemed "low" if one wants to say so. What are your thoughts on that? --[[User:Atsirlin|Alexander]] ([[User_talk:Atsirlin|talk]]) 09:53, 28 June 2025 (UTC) :I have not been using Wikinews, so my reflections are based on the closure of Wikinews in Swedish and the current discussion, linked above. One point raised in the discussion is that the metrics chosen didn't take into account the special nature of the project. :I assume the Sister Project Task Force is right in that this kind of evaluations need to be done from time to time, but also think that the evaluations should focus on whether there are paths forward, rather than on whether the project is viable according to current trends. :Wikinews has the problem that a significant dedicated editor base i needed – Wikipedia or even Wikivoyage can stay alive and stay interesting even with no edits for a year or two, while a news outlet would loose nearly all of its readers. The coverage needs to be adequate on at least some areas (geographic or thematic) for the site to stay interesting. The critical mass needed is much larger – and that critical mass additionally needs to be able to counter people with a bias (good-faith or not) or with an agenda not aligned with the project goals – keeping touting at bay is much easier. I assume new language versions should be started only if there is hope of quickly building that critical mass. :–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 10:36, 28 June 2025 (UTC) ::Yes I do believe that LangCom has decided to suspend the creation of all new Wikinews projects for that very reason. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:46, 28 June 2025 (UTC) :Alexander, it's true "that dozens if not hundreds of volunteers have spent a considerable amount of their time on developing Wikinews", but it's also true that keeping a failing project because of past efforts is an example of [[w:en:Sunk cost fallacy]]. :I suspect that if someone made a credible proposal to move Wikinews to another host, the WMF would be be open to negotiations over the name. (But any new sponsor might prefer to come up with their own name.) [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 03:31, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::I guess my main problem is the absence of any well-defined criteria that distinguish a sustainable project from a failing one. Do you understand what these criteria are? -- [[User:Atsirlin|Alexander]] ([[User_talk:Atsirlin|talk]]) 08:35, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::A well-defined criteria that defines what a sustainable project would still heavily rely on how the project functions, though. For Wikinews, it needs to be very active and metrics that may be appropriate for Wikivoyage or Wikibooks like number of articles aren't super relevant because 20000 articles is no good if the last one was written 2 months ago (the numbers are hypothetical but my point stands). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 08:50, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I agree that the same metrics can not be applied to all sister projects, but "very active" leaves a lot of room for interpretation. Imagine someone decides that Wikivoyage is not sustainable because it contains a lot of outdated travel information that has not been updated in the last 5 years. That would be a problem... -- [[User:Atsirlin|Alexander]] ([[User_talk:Atsirlin|talk]]) 09:27, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::::We don't want well-defined criteria. There needs to be judgement on the projects actual prospects. Opening a community discussion is good, as that's a way to see whether the metrics give a correct picture – although there should be discussions with the projects before opening a discussion like this (I don't know to what extent there have been such discussions). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 20:13, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I still don't love the way the SPTF decided to mass-send these messages to every wiki without consulting the Wikinews community; it really should be up to them (and when I mean them, I mean the more active Wikinews projects such as en or ruwikinews) to decide their project's future, not the rest of us or the vast majority who don't get involved with Wikinews. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:01, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::Yes. The issues should have been raised with the projects first (not only the big ones, but all projects affected). I don't know whether that was done, but seemingly not enough, anyway. It seems the SPTF (?) wanted to introduce a more general practice of re-evaluating projects, and just chose the two as examples. They should have understood that doing it that way, without consultations, would upset people. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:40, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::TBF, there were several closure proposals before, including one for all language Wikinews. Those for major projects failed, but one can argue that this was a signal to the communities to evaluate their performance which they apparently did not get. I agree though that opening such discussion before notifying the Wikinews communities first is not really good. [[User:Ymblanter|Ymblanter]] ([[User talk:Ymblanter|talk]]) 08:54, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::They definitely should have; I hope they use this as a learning lesson because the general sentiment from the enwikinews community is quite clearly unimpressed from that discussion. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 09:01, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::Well this comment certainly [[:m:Talk:Public_consultation_about_Wikinews#c-Victoria-20250630095300-BRPever-20250629141600|aged like milk]]. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 13:59, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::Oh dear. I hope there are others in the SPTF who are more keen-eared. This risks degenerating into one more of the WMF-not-respecting-the-community affairs. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:40, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::SPTF (or Victoria, at the very least) seems so predetermined to close Wikinews that I've never heard something so blatantly biased such as "However, I expect that the wikinewsians would be in COI" – so to them I assume knowing the ins and outs of your own project is apparently a conflict of interest? It's a massive insult to non-Wikipedia based projects. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 11:04, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::I can understand her view, but I think it is misguided, and somebody in her team should get them to discuss their actual mission. If a project indeed needs to be laid down, the process needs to be lead very sensitively – and the consultation in this phase shouldn't be on whether to lay Wikinews down. It is "to work through and demonstrate the review process", "a community reevaluation" and "potential restructuring efforts". ::::::::::::The demonstration of the process has been a disaster and potential restructuring efforts require a good understanding of he project, which cannot be had without a keen-eared discussion with the communities. ::::::::::::The "re-evaluation" should be based on such potential restructuring paths, where restructuring isn't about where to dump the Wikinews content, but how to save the project, if possible. ::::::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 13:13, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::I fully agree with you about about the "re-evaluation" but the way they have been responding to community feedback feels as though they have the result pre-determined and this is merely being used as a box ticking exercise – which is why I think it's crucial that we as a fellow sister project speak up about the way this was poorly handled because who knows what they will do when it's our turn to undergo public consultations. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 14:04, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::I wrote about some concerns in [[:meta:Talk:Public consultation about Wikinews#Process and analysis seem flawed]]. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:34, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::::Cheers, {{u|LPfi}}; hopefully our project will be fine (I think it will because Wikivoyage or really any other WMF project does not have the same issues as Wikinews does of requiring an active community), but more feedback is certainly better. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 03:49, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::Whereas I agree that the process it to some extend flawed (and I agree with the points LPfi makes in the response on Meta), it would be useful to see whether some metrics used for analysis (in whatever flawed way) could be improved for Wikivoyage, so that they are out of discussion. [[User:Ymblanter|Ymblanter]] ([[User talk:Ymblanter|talk]]) 08:18, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::::::{{Ping|Victoria}} as primary author and for what I think is trenchant feedback: to the extent that this taskforce is assessing the sibling projects, it would be helpful if the individual communities knew what kind of rubric there is to grade their health. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 19:55, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::::First of all, the Taskforce in not assessing '''all''' siblings projects, the Wikispore/Wikinews was a proof-of-concept exercise. ::::::::::::::::::We used [[metawiki:Wikimedia_Foundation_Community_Affairs_Committee/Procedure_for_Sibling_Project_Lifecycle/revised|this rubric]], which was discussed in a public consultation a year ago - but didn't get much attention, because Meta is littered with documents that are never implemented. ::::::::::::::::::In the [[metawiki:Wikimedia_Foundation_Community_Affairs_Committee/Procedure_for_Sibling_Project_Lifecycle/revise|Wikispore consultation]] we ask for the proposals for the clarification of the "activity" and other criteria. [[User:Victoria|Victoria]] ([[User talk:Victoria|talk]]) 09:11, 3 July 2025 (UTC) :::::I've been going through some of the stats, and "very active" is an interesting point. The defenders of the "very active" Wikinews language editions seem to be engaged overwhelmingly in copying/pasting content from suitably licensed external sites. They have turned Wikinews into mirrors for other sites, rather than writing articles. :::::Just imagine how we at Wikivoyage would react if someone here said "I am a very active Wikivoyage editor. I spend at least an hour a day copying and pasting pages from other travel websites!" [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 21:34, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::We do copy info from hotel websites and other sources, but we don't have the luxury of reliable free content written in our style. Being a channel for reliable news ''could'' be a mission of Wikinews (more or less the same way some "social media" sites do it). If so, the question is whether they can do it well enough for it to be worthwhile as a WMF project (and whether the other things they do are done well). But that's not the discussion the SPTF initiated, they chose to go by statistics instead. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 22:12, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::It was mentioned somewhere that the stats may be skewed by bots – I'm still confused on how you'd be able to tell if the stats were skewed by bots or not. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:11, 2 July 2025 (UTC) == Archive links invisible in mobile mode == Why? When I look in edit mode, I can see links to archives in [[Talk:China]], but not when I simply look at that talk page. Will Wikivoyage in mobile mode ever not suck? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:30, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :I can't answer your first question, but the answer to your latter question, as we both know, is never (we are a massive afterthought for the WMF). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:51, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::In which case, we will eventually read that the Wikimedia Foundation dropped Wikivoyage from lack of sufficient participation. Would we be able to fork in that case, or does Wikimedia own the copyright for Wikivoyage as they do for Wikinews? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:09, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::Each individual editor, including IPs/logged-out editors, owns the copyright to whatever copyrightable material they post on wiki. The Wikimedia Foundation owns the domain names and the trademarks (e.g., name and logo). Anyone who wants to fork can do so freely. The Wikimedia Foundation will sometimes even informally help people do so. The mobile site does have the links to the archives. Click on the "(i) Learn more about this page" button at the top of the page to find the "invisible" content. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 03:27, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::{{ping|Ikan Kekek}} Please don't be that fearful when Wikinews is proposed to be shut down or merged with Wikipedia. I wanted to work in the Bengali Wikinews Incubator project, but my lack of activity in recent weeks has prevented me from participating further. So, I have focused on Commons and Wikivoyage, where I am still highly active. I don't think the SPTF would suggest something similar for Wikivoyage, and I think it is actually a popular website. My static map of [[West Bengal]] is now widely shared on Facebook (both English and Bengali versions), along with an AI-generated list of places to visit in the state. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 03:35, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::::You are a superb Wikivoyage content creator! I'm not afraid in the very near term, but usage of all websites nowadays has to be mostly mobile, so if this site's mobile interface remains terrible, its eventual demise is a foregone conclusion. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:44, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::::Are you refering to the archive links that appear when I click "more about this page" at the top? :::::The issues with the mobile site exist as this project does not have '''active interface admins.''' :::::Note: The WMF has nothing to do with the content or presentation of content for this site. :::::Relevant links: :::::* https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:WikimediaMessages#Site_admin_helper :::::* https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Recommendations_for_mobile_friendly_articles_on_Wikimedia_wikis :::::[[User:Jdlrobson|Jdlrobson]] ([[User talk:Jdlrobson|talk]]) 03:09, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::Yes, "Learn more about this page." I didn't know to click that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:27, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I don't see why the WMF would have nothing to do with presentation of content on Wikivoyage. We are using MediaWiki and settings provided by the WMF, and we indeed are a WMF project. ::::::Not having active interface admins (I thought we have some) shouldn't mean too much – having technically knowledgable people locally is a bonus, it (and them dedicating time to do major work) shouldn't be a prerequisite for a WMF project. ::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:51, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::We do indeed have 5 [[Wikivoyage:Interface administrators]], which [[User:Jdlrobson]] should know, because he is one of them. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:01, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::I am an interface admin but I would not consider myself active. Maintenance of the listing editor for example causes me more anxiety than enjoyment these days. ::::::::In my time in this project I have seen quite a few complaints about the mobile experience but nobody has articulated clearly what needs improving. I personally dont think that overall it is a bad experience and the fact most of our page views are on mobile should be reassuring. That said there are templates like climate data that I think could be improved on mobile. ::::::::If you really want to improve the mobile experience I'd recommend making a wiki page with discussion of changes, proposal/consensus and then implementing them. I havent seen this sort of thing since [[Wikivoyage:Banner Expedition]]. I guarantee the majority of changes you want do not need WMF involvement but they will require discussion and community consultation. [[User:Jdlrobson|Jdlrobson]] ([[User talk:Jdlrobson|talk]]) 15:53, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::Wauterz is certainly active. Have you ever tried adding a listing or reverting more than one edit at a time in mobile mode? I'm sure we can compile a list of badness from the mobile interface. Where is the best page to put it on? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:25, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::{{u|Andyrom75}} is also fairly active on itwikivoyage. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 22:18, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::To answer the very first question of @[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]], I've noticed that the infobox has a "display:none" style that hide those boxes in mobile view. I think this style is added serverside (maybe @[[User:Jdlrobson|Jdlrobson]] you can confirm), because it's not added by the template neither by the templatestyles. :::::::::::However, as said from @[[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]], you can still see it clicking on the "(i)" button. [[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 17:09, 2 July 2025 (UTC) nvkbavg476vdihwbmqswd5gsdl089ei 5087049 5087042 2025-07-03T09:38:42Z Koavf 36077 /* General concerns */ Reply 5087049 wikitext text/x-wiki <div style="text-align:left; background: var( --wv-optional-color, #f4f7fa); color: var( --color-base ); border: 1px solid #abc; padding: .3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em"> <div style="text-align:center; font-size:300%; line-height: 1; padding: 10px;">'''Welcome to the pub'''</div> {{shortcut|[[WV:Pub]]|[[WV:TP]]}} [[File:QA_icon_clr.svg|right|frameless|150px|link=]] The travellers' pub is for general discussion on Wikivoyage, and the place to ask questions when you're confused, lost, afraid, tired, annoyed, thoughtful, or helpful. To start a new topic, click the "Add topic" tab, so that it gets added '''at the bottom''' of the page, and sign your post by appending four tildes (<nowiki>~~~~</nowiki>) Before asking a question or making a comment: * Have a look at our [[Wikivoyage:Help|Help]], [[Wikivoyage:FAQ|FAQ]] and [[Wikivoyage:Policies|Policies]] pages. * If you are a '''new user''' and you have any questions about using the website, try the [[Wikivoyage:Arrivals lounge|Arrivals lounge]]. * If you have a '''question or suggestion about a particular article''', use the article's [[Project:using talk pages|talk page]] to keep the discussion associated with that article. * If you'd like to '''draw attention to a comment''' to '''get feedback''' from other Wikivoyagers, try [[Wikivoyage:Requests for comment|Requests for comment]]. * If you are '''wanting travel advice on a specific matter''' see the [[Wikivoyage:Tourist office|tourist office]]. * If you have an '''issue you need to bring to the attention of an administrator''', try [[Wikivoyage:Ongoing vandalism|Ongoing vandalism]]. * If you are having a '''problem that you think has to do with the [[mw:|MediaWiki software]]''', please post that on [[phab:|Phabricator]] instead. * If you want to '''celebrate a significant contribution''' to Wikivoyage by yourself or others, hold a party at [[Project:Celebrate a contribution|Celebrate a contribution]]. * Discuss '''issues related to more than one language version''' of Wikivoyage in the [[meta:Wikivoyage/Lounge|Wikivoyage Lounge]] on Meta. * Anything that is '''Nigeria-related''' is now meant to go in the [[Wikivoyage:Nigeria café|Nigeria café]] instead. Anything that is '''Kosovo or Albania related''' is now meant to go in the [[Wikivoyage:Kosovo and Albania cafe|Kosovo and Albania café]] instead. This includes announcements, initiatives, celebrations, and issues with certain articles. You can review old Pub discussions in the [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub/Archives]]. '''Pull up a chair and join in the conversation!''' [{{fullurl:Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub|action=edit&section=new}} '''Click here to start a new thread'''] </div> {{WikivoyageDoc|collaboration}} <!-- Discussions start here --> __TOC__ __NEWSECTIONLINK__ == RfC ongoing regarding Abstract Wikipedia (and your project) == <div lang="en" dir="ltr" class="mw-content-ltr"> ''(Apologies for posting in English, if this is not your first language)'' Hello all! We opened a discussion on Meta about a very delicate issue for the development of [[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Abstract Wikipedia|Abstract Wikipedia]]: where to store the abstract content that will be developed through functions from Wikifunctions and data from Wikidata. Since some of the hypothesis involve your project, we wanted to hear your thoughts too. We want to make the decision process clear: we do not yet know which option we want to use, which is why we are consulting here. We will take the arguments from the Wikimedia communities into account, and we want to consult with the different communities and hear arguments that will help us with the decision. The decision will be made and communicated after the consultation period by the Foundation. You can read the various hypothesis and have your say at [[:m:Abstract Wikipedia/Location of Abstract Content|Abstract Wikipedia/Location of Abstract Content]]. Thank you in advance! -- [[User:Sannita (WMF)|Sannita (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Sannita (WMF)|<span class="signature-talk">{{int:Talkpagelinktext}}</span>]]) 15:27, 22 May 2025 (UTC) </div> <!-- Message sent by User:Sannita (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Sannita_(WMF)/Mass_sending_test&oldid=28768453 --> :{{re|Sannita (WMF)}} may I ask how this affects Wikivoyage when you say "some of the hypothesis involve your project"? TIA, //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:28, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::The proposed solutions mention the Wikivoyages in several places. The main issue is that an abstract article about Someplace shouldn't be rendered the same in Wikipedia and Wikivoyage. This affects also the technical solutions, such as where to store statements and functions. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:21, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::Can you explain further how we have abstract (vs. concrete?) articles on Wikivoyage? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:27, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::We don't have any abstract articles at the time being, and I assume Wikivoyage in English may choose never to have them. For smaller languages, though, it is unrealistic to cover all interesting places with proper articles. The mission of Abstract Wikipedia is to provide a framework for creating articles in a way that allows automatic translation into something at least half-way decent. It's like having listings fetch key information from Wikidata, but scaled up to complete articles (or less complete – at least lively language on personal impressions will certainly be missing for the foreseeable future). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:43, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::::I see – I still don't understand how this will fully get (even after reading the hypothesis), but I suppose it's something for smaller language projects. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 09:47, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::Hi @[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], it seems that @[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] covered most of my arguments here already, so I would just repeat them at this point. The part that interests your project refers to the hypothesis that abstract content ''might'' (but it's still not sure at the moment) be stored in a dedicated namespace of your project. But again, this ''might'' happen, and you're free to refuse to store/use abstract content to further your development. This is entirely in your right, and we do not want to force any adoption of the project without consensus. [[User:Sannita (WMF)|Sannita (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Sannita (WMF)|talk]]) 10:01, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::And yes, Abstract Wikipedia is primarily intended for projects that have so far developed a small number of articles, in order to help them accelerate their growth and hopefully provide more knowledge to their communities and recruit a higher number of volunteers. [[User:Sannita (WMF)|Sannita (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Sannita (WMF)|talk]]) 10:03, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::Sounds perfect. Thanks to both of you for explaining! //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:10, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Seconded. I understand. We should discuss in a separate thread whether it would be better to encourage, allow perhaps without comment, or disallow abstract listings on this site. I think we probably don't want abstract articles, but we should discuss that, too. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:22, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::::I can see abstract listings being useful for more obscure parts of the world for English speakers for this site at least, but overall sounds like it's something to help smaller language Wikivoyages benefit from us rather than the other way around (which is also great). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 13:30, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::I mentioned listings as we already use Wikidata for them (coordinates) and have discussed e.g. opening hours (too complicated to be workable). I don't think "abstract listings" are an option at this point – somebody needs to decide a listing is wanted and would include some manual language when adding it. We still might have some valuable insights in how – and how not – to design abstract Wikivoyage articles for them to be useful. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 14:04, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::I have two thoughts about this: ::* We need some way of separating a block of text that works for Wikipedia from a block of text that works for Wikivoyage (or another sister project). That suggests ''not'' using the English Wikipedia as the storage place for everything. The Wikipedias might all want "Jupiter is the largest planet in the Solar System. It is the fifth planet from the Sun", but if Wikivoyage were to have an article on the planet, it would probably sound a lot more like "Jupiter isn't a viable destination, but travelers interested in [[astronomy]] and [[navigation]]<nowiki/>by the stars may be interested in the Big Museum of Jupiter and the Annual Jupiter Festival". ::* I think that the English Wikivoyage could benefit from Abstract content. It's obvious that we could 'translate' our [[Wikivoyage:Star articles|Star articles]] into Abstract, and thus other Wikivoyages would benefit. However, imagine how much we could benefit if @[[User:Sannita (WMF)|Sannita (WMF)]] brought [[:it:Roma]] up to Star status, and then translated it for us to copy whatever bits we wanted in [[Rome]]. Keep in mind that while Abstract is set up to do dynamic autotranslation (e.g., always giving the latest population estimate, if the sentence says "the population of Rome is ___"), you can actually copy and paste the results as plain old text into an article. ::[[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:07, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::If I understand correctly, Abstract Wikipedia works with programming that could have been done in the 1980s, more or less like [[:w:Lsjbot|Lsjbot]]'s articles, although not confined to info found in already existing datasets. "Not a viable destination" would need to be an item to insert and translate. That article on Jupiter would have very little in common with the Wikipedia one. :::For Rome, population statistics etc. would be easy to write in abstract form, but an abstract star article would need a lot of article-specific functions, which need to be translated to get a version in another language – and lively language is hard to translate automatically (think "[[Talk#Speaking English with non-native speakers|blind and therefore insane]]"). Copying over listings would work, and a good abstract article should have a good selection of those. :::I think an abstract Wikivoyage article should focus on being reasonably complete by having ''information'': roads and trains for getting in, listings with coords, contact details and Wikidata link, and suggestions in Go next, but quite little running text, mostly identical across articles except data values (…is a village/town/city in X…), and likewise a dry list of facts in the listing "content", not like the lively writing in [[Wikivoyage:Listings#Examples|Wikivoyage:Listings]]. :::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 17:47, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::As Wikivoyage has generally has more structured articles than Wikipedia, I think that we could make use of an Abstract Wikivoyage. Two areas look like possible starting points: listings and the phrases in phrasebooks. ::::If a tool could create an abstract version of a listing that exists in another language, then the listing could be offered when editing the same section of an article here - "Would you like to add a listing for the Lawnmower Museum?". Some parts of listing could be updated in all languages when edited in one - we would show the last updated entry price for the museum whatever language it was edited in. A difficult part is identifying when listing elements are language specific - we may use a different url from another WV to point to a page in English, and we don't care that the museum has labels translated into Spanish. ::::In English WV we have a standard set of phrases for phrasebooks, and most phrasebooks keep fairly closely to this list. This list is also the basis for phrasebooks in some other language WVs. It would appear to be reasonably straightforward to scan the existing phrases to create an abstract phrasebook, but inconsistencies would need to be reviewed. There are about 300 phrasebooks in English, 50 in German and 20 in Polish. Maybe we can use this to offer over 200 phrasebooks in Polish. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:44, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::::For listings, yes, the abstract versions would be easy to create. For the name, we only need to identify the native name, its romanisation, and the language of translated names. There are already structures for all this in Wikidata; also "official URL" has a language attribute. Amenities of hotels can likewise easily be described. Nothing will be automatically fetched, so no worries about info irrelevant for English speakers. What is hard to do is the lively language of the examples I linked above. :::::For phrasebooks, I am not sure it is that easy, or rather whether creating an abstract phrasebook helps compared to just translating the template and using a dictionary (or whatever way you otherwise use for getting translations). Grammar and pronunciation sections needs to be written with the audience's language knowledge in mind, and translations of phrases need to be done with some understanding of the context, thus mostly manually. For a good phrasebook, you also need to note peculiarities in the relation with the target language, such as the liberty/liberté etc. now added to the French and Italian phrasebook and warnings for specific false friends. :::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 04:57, 27 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::I think phrasebooks is one of those things (along with travel topics) where it's more or less impossible to create an abstract version of. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 05:23, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::Why do you think that? :::::::We can already write things like "{{#invoke:wd|label|Q98815142}}, a {{#invoke:wd|label|Q81727}} of {{#invoke:wd|label|Q8486}}, {{#invoke:wd|label|Q26175857}}" by invoking Wikidata. It would require expansion (e.g., to add "a" and "an"), but it doesn't seem impossible in principle, at least for simpler sentences. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:24, 27 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::The question is whether there is any point of doing that. If every phrase has to be purpose-translated, then why not just write the non-abstract phrasebook? The point with the abstract articles is that there are standard phrases that can be used across articles, such as words for amenities you will find in many hotels. For the phrasebook phrases, the question is whether the same Sámi phrase would suite the phrasebook in English and the one in Latvian (or whatever). ::::::::When the English phrase is translated differently depending on context, some commentary needs to be added (formal/informal, feminine/masculine). This commentary is redundant or awkward in languages that make the same distinction, possibly treating the two (or more) forms as totally unrelated (the person is deceased, the cow is dead). ::::::::For the cup of tea, you may need to word that differently depending on whether you are a man or woman, and whether the one you are asking for the cup is a waiter, the café owner, your host or your host's young child. ::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 20:59, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::::Perhaps an example would show what I was thinking of: :::::::::In [[French phrasebook]], we have: :::::::::; How much is a ticket to _____? : Combien coûte le billet pour _____ ? (''kom-BYAN koot luh bee-YEH poor'') :::::::::; One ticket to _____, please. : Un billet pour _____, s'il vous plaît. (''ung bee-YEH poor ____ seel voo pleh'') :::::::::On Polish WV there is [[:pl:Rozmówki francuskie]], their French Phrasebook. :::::::::;Ile kosztuje bilet do...? : Combien coûte le billet pour...? :::::::::;Poproszę jeden bilet do... : Un billet pour..., je vous prie. :::::::::We also have [[Finnish phrasebook]], which has: :::::::::; How much is a ticket to _____? : Paljonko maksaa lippu _____in? (''PAHL-yonk-aw MAHK-sah LEEP-poo _____?'') :::::::::So I think that a Finnish phrasebook on the Polish WV, could have :::::::::;Ile kosztuje bilet do...? : Paljonko maksaa lippu _____in? (''PAHL-yonk-aw MAHK-sah LEEP-poo _____?'') :::::::::"One ticket to" is not exactly the same (translating the French used in Polish, it is saying "I beg you" rather than "please"), so this phase would require some manual adjustments when it was abstracted. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:24, 27 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::I don't think that the idea with Abstract is to program in "please", but rather to swap in whichever word or phrase is used in that language to indicate politeness and respect while making a request. ::::::::::We already have a [[mw:Help:Magic words#gender|software switch for gender]], so this is not some miraculous future tech; this is an expansion of what has been possible for years. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 01:39, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::For Finnish, there is no word or phrase that indicates politeness, but one often uses the conditional (?) verb form instead. In some cases one would just use that word form in the phrase (in the Finnish phrasebooks and in phrasebooks for Finnish) – but here the question is instead with no sign of politeness, which is common in that language. Something like "could you" is problematic as most languages make a distinction between thou and you. I think the common cases can be handled decently, but for less well-known language families – those that benefit most from the abstract articles – the edge cases will be more common. It is likely that abstract phrasebook have to be tweaked for specific languages to avoid the odd case of very problematic renderings. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:02, 28 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::In Malay, there are two words for "please" that have different meanings and are used in different contexts. There are also two words for "we" that have different meanings. Etc. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:34, 30 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::I would expect all the foreign phrases to be reproduced exactly as they were in the existing phrasebook(s) that they were taken from. Ideally the left side phrases would also be exact reproductions, unless they were used to create a phrasebook to be part of a WV that doesn't currently have any phrasebooks; but it is less of an issue if the left side doesn't read perfectly. I am assuming that an Abstract Wikivoyage would have some mechanism for handling quoted text, as this is essential for reproducing the exact words used in famous speeches etc, and will be required for abstract Wikipedia and Wikiquote etc. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 14:06, 30 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::{{re|WhatamIdoing}} LPfi's basically explained why I don't think abstract phrasebooks will work. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:25, 27 May 2025 (UTC) == Adding images to the Infobox template == {{Infobox/sandbox|Infobox sandbox test|Nutritious, filling content goes here. |image=Dessert_Merlion_Singapore_Cafe_Kaya_Toast.jpg |caption=Yum yum!}} I've hacked up [[Template:Infobox/sandbox]] which add new <code>image/caption</code> parameters, so you can easily add an image to your infoboxen instead of trying to manually hack it in. Example: <pre> {{Infobox/sandbox |Infobox sandbox test |Nutritious, filling content goes here. |image=Dessert_Merlion_Singapore_Cafe_Kaya_Toast.jpg |caption=Yum yum!}} </pre> If there's no objections, I'll roll this out to the main Infobox template, the params are optional so it shouldn't break anything. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 06:02, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :{{support}} &ndash; Will be useful for articles like [[India]] and [[Kolkata]], which already use images in infoboxes. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 06:15, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :This is a tangent, but I think we should consider renaming that template, or at least changing its Wikidata links. Wikivoyage doesn't do Wikipedia-style infoboxes. These are just simple boxes, more like pull quotes or boxed warnings. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:29, 27 May 2025 (UTC) ::Change the Wikidata link, but keep the name. It is an infobox, although not a Wikipedia-style one. Of course, if somebody comes up with a better name, then I won't object. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:06, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :::{{ping|WhatamIdoing|LPfi}} Maybe {{tl|Info}} can be used instead of {{tl|Infobox}}. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 02:40, 28 May 2025 (UTC) ::::For us, this is an infobox, not just info. I wouldn't support such changes just to conform. Somebody who wants a Wikipedia-style infobox should just be directed to {{tl|quickbar}}, and somebody who tries to use {{tl|infobox}} quickly sees that it isn't what they are looking for. A see also for the former is more useful than a name change. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:11, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :::::I'll fix the Wikidata links so that {{tl|quickbar}} is matched with the Wikipedia-style infoboxes, and {{tl|infobox}} isn't. I'm not sure what our {{tl|infobox}} should be matched to; I don't think that enwiki has anything similar. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:28, 28 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::...No, that won't work. {{tl|Quickbar}} matches "Infobox Country". I'll remove the {{tl|infobox}} links. That much is certainly correct. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:29, 28 May 2025 (UTC) (undent) I've deployed the new version. I had to tweak it a bit to stop it from adding extra padding when the new params are not used, but it should be OK now, please ping me if not. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 07:58, 28 May 2025 (UTC) == Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees 2025 Selection & Call for Questions == <section begin="announcement-content" /> :''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Announcement/Selection announcement|{{int:interlanguage-link-mul}}]] • [https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Translate&group=page-{{urlencode:Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Announcement/Selection announcement}}&language=&action=page&filter= {{int:please-translate}}]'' Dear all, This year, the term of 2 (two) Community- and Affiliate-selected Trustees on the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees will come to an end [1]. The Board invites the whole movement to participate in this year’s selection process and vote to fill those seats. The Elections Committee will oversee this process with support from Foundation staff [2]. The Governance Committee, composed of trustees who are not candidates in the 2025 community-and-affiliate-selected trustee selection process (Raju Narisetti, Shani Evenstein Sigalov, Lorenzo Losa, Kathy Collins, Victoria Doronina and Esra’a Al Shafei) [3], is tasked with providing Board oversight for the 2025 trustee selection process and for keeping the Board informed. More details on the roles of the Elections Committee, Board, and staff are here [4]. Here are the key planned dates: * May 22 – June 5: Announcement (this communication) and call for questions period [6] * June 17 – July 1, 2025: Call for candidates * July 2025: If needed, affiliates vote to shortlist candidates if more than 10 apply [5] * August 2025: Campaign period * August – September 2025: Two-week community voting period * October – November 2025: Background check of selected candidates * Board’s Meeting in December 2025: New trustees seated Learn more about the 2025 selection process - including the detailed timeline, the candidacy process, the campaign rules, and the voter eligibility criteria - on this Meta-wiki page [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025|[link]]]. '''Call for Questions''' In each selection process, the community has the opportunity to submit questions for the Board of Trustees candidates to answer. The Election Committee selects questions from the list developed by the community for the candidates to answer. Candidates must answer all the required questions in the application in order to be eligible; otherwise their application will be disqualified. This year, the Election Committee will select 5 questions for the candidates to answer. The selected questions may be a combination of what’s been submitted from the community, if they’re alike or related. [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Questions_for_candidates|[link]]] '''Election Volunteers''' Another way to be involved with the 2025 selection process is to be an Election Volunteer. Election Volunteers are a bridge between the Elections Committee and their respective community. They help ensure their community is represented and mobilize them to vote. Learn more about the program and how to join on this Meta-wiki page [[m:Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Election_volunteers|[link].]] Thank you! [1] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2022/Results [2] https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Committee:Elections_Committee_Charter [3] https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Resolution:Committee_Membership,_December_2024 [4] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections_committee/Roles [5] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/FAQ [6] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Questions_for_candidates Best regards, Victoria Doronina Board Liaison to the Elections Committee Governance Committee<section end="announcement-content" /> [[User:MediaWiki message delivery|MediaWiki message delivery]] ([[User talk:MediaWiki message delivery|talk]]) 03:08, 28 May 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:RamzyM (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Distribution_list/Global_message_delivery&oldid=28618011 --> == Medium [[Main Page]] overhaul proposal == Since my [[Talk:Main_Page#Help_needed_with_tweaking_visual_balance_of_the_main_page|request for input and support]] on Talk:Main Page went mostly unnoticed, I'm bringing this proposal to the pub to ensure it gets the daylight it should have, as these are proposals to change the look of a rather important page. Here's the backstory: For longer than [[WV:Vector 2022|Vector 2022]] has been around, I've been bothered by the balance of elements on the main page. The new skin only did it injustices, so I've taken it upon myself to mend the shortcomings of the main page in my quest to make Wikivoyage work in Vector 2022. This all so our site looks a bit more appealing in the new skin. I know many regular editors stuck with their old preferred skins when we got the new skin imposed on us, but this still is something that will affect Wikivoyage's appeal to new editors and readers. If the main page looks chaotic and messy, they'll be less likely to stick around. So to each and every editor, <u>regardless</u> of which skin you use: Please chime in! That being said, these are the changes I have developed, and have ready to deploy: * '''Wider {{tl|Mapbanner}}:''' Some small tweaks to the template which make it use all the page width available to it, and moves the globe image and image map accordingly. * '''Centred JCaroussel:''' For the same reason, to make better use of the width on the main page, I've got some CSS changes to the JCaroussel ready that center the featured articles. Scaling them up to simply be full page width I have found to be too tedious to bother with. * '''Overhauled {{tl|Banner}}:''' Vector 2022's scaleable font plays too much with the banners for featured articles to where sometimes the blurb isn't even entirely visible. In the same process, I've simplified the way in which this template is used for each category, foregoing the need for a 'section' and 'section-link' parameter, replacing them with a 'type' parameter. Its style is mostly in keeping with the existing banners and should simplify the process for featuring articles more than it complicates them. What do these changes look like? In the case of {{tl|Mapbanner}}, I cannot easily give a working demonstration as its stylesheet currently overwrites any changes I make to it. Instead, [https://i.imgur.com/6mAMkfG.png this image] is the best I can offer. You'll have to take my word for its functionality being unchanged. The centred JCaroussel and overhauled {{tl|Banner}} can be seen and interacted with [[User:Wauteurz/Banner|on this page]]. I've done my best to ensure that these changes are in keeping with Wikivoyage's current main page style. I know that entire overhauls are not that popular, so I hope these proposals are good enough. I am looking for a broad consensus to roll out at least the first two changes, but ideally all three. I don't feel comfortable rolling some of these changes out with only two people expressing support for them. Please, throw your questions and concerns in my direction, and I hope we can together fix what I consider to be the biggest remaining issue with Vector 2022. Thank you in advance. <br/> <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 14:19, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :{{Support}} as the developer of these changes. Vector 2022 dictates how new readers and editors get presented our site, and with its current chaotic and undependable nature, something ''has'' to be done. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 14:20, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :{{ping|Wauteurz}} Any idea for better responsive design of the Wikivoyage main page, as more people access our pages via phone than PC? '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 14:47, 28 May 2025 (UTC) ::@[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]] For clarity, these changes only affect the appearance on desktop devices. The changes to JCaroussel also apply in Minerva (mobile), but due to screen size limitations they won't have an effect in most cases. My main goal is overseeing the damage caused by Vector 2022's roll-out on Wikivoyage. Since mobile devices use Minerva, I mostly leave the mobile appearance alone. ::As for my thoughts on mobile, I don't think any of the regular editors have any experience in mobile design, let alone responsive mobile design, so I'm mostly wondering why it's responsive in the first place. I'd personally suggest removing the responsive elements (mostly the feature banners) and replacing them with DotM, OtBP and FTT in simple presentations akin to Picture of the Day and Media of the Day on Commons' main page. The 3:1 banners also are a big problem in my eyes. They're far too short to work on mobile, and I think a square or tall ratio would work leagues better in a mobile format. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 15:31, 28 May 2025 (UTC) *{{s}} very much agree that these changes will be needed sooner than later. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 18:48, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :'''Support'''. Thanks for doing this! As a choosing beggar, I would love to see the mobile front page fixed as well though, the DOTM banner is completely broken at the moment and the padding/spacing of the entire page is wonky at best. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 00:03, 29 May 2025 (UTC) :'''Question''' for all involved: The new banner uses some icons to depict the category that the article is featured in (i.e., [[:File:Yes Check Circle.svg|DotM]], [[:File:Right turn icon blue.svg|OtBP]] and [[:File:Writing Circle.svg|FTT]]). I assume that we wish to keep these instead of the placeholder icons I have used? I'll be working on adapting those into simple white icons, which should be pretty straight-forward. If we wish to change them in future, then that can always be done afterwards. Having the icons consistent between {{tl|Banner}} and {{tl|Pagebanner}} would be for the better, I reckon :) :I am currently aiming to roll these updates out this weekend (June 7/8), just in time for the next featured article change. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 23:55, 1 June 2025 (UTC) ::Update: Making and updating the icons was pretty straight-forward indeed: [[Special:Diff/5071035|Diff/5071035]] <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 00:20, 2 June 2025 (UTC) :'''Support'''. Lots of good improvements! Just make sure to fix the "Off the Beaten Path" link to point to a real page. [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 15:10, 2 June 2025 (UTC) ::{{Done}}. Thanks for spotting that one! <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 15:19, 2 June 2025 (UTC) {{Done}}! Thank you everyone for your support! I've gone ahead and pushed these changes just now. I've naturally updated the usages of {{tl|banner}} on the Main Page and DOTM-Candidates as well. If there's any issues arising from this roll-out, please let me know. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 11:34, 7 June 2025 (UTC) :Awesome! That looks great to me. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 11:46, 7 June 2025 (UTC) == FYI: 10 Travel Tips From Experts Who’ve Been Everywhere == https://www.carryology.com/travel/10-travel-tips-from-experts-whove-been-everywhere/ —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 09:05, 30 May 2025 (UTC) == Tourist office problem == I tried to ask a question in the [[Wikivoyage:Tourist office]], and I replied to it with another question, but I can't see any of it except in edit mode and don't understand why. I used the form on that page to ask the first question. What I want to know is which side of the train to sit on for Amtrak trips between Montreal and Plattsburgh, NY and between Plattsburgh and Saratoga Springs, even if the answers come too late for me to use them. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:24, 30 May 2025 (UTC) :When you click "Ready? Ask a new question!", should the form on the next page require the "Subject:" field to not be empty? Or at least have a placeholder subject text? :I also see someone else's question about Cancun that got ignored, because it's tacked on the end of the previous section. [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 20:42, 1 June 2025 (UTC) ::I guess the problem is that I didn't see the subject field in my mobile phone interface. Is there a way to improve that? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:58, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :::It looks like you can set a default subject value with the InputBox 'default=' parameter. Maybe give it something like "Question from ~~<noinclude></noinclude>~"? I'm not sure how to change the "Subject:" label styling. :::Should the Tourist Office behave more like a Talk page, with an Add Topic button leading to a visual editor? [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 23:44, 2 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I'd support that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:48, 2 June 2025 (UTC) :::::[https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:DiscussionTools It looks like adding a "NEWSECTIONLINK" line is the magic to enable the visual editor on a page.] [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:InputBox There's also a usedt=true parameter to InputBox to make it use the visual editor by default.] :::::It seems to work in this sandbox I set up: [[User:Gerode/Tourist_office_sandbox]] [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 17:48, 5 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I went ahead and applied these two changes. Let me know if I broke anything, or if there's anything else odd about the Tourist office. [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 16:22, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ==Move request== You are invited to participate at [[Talk:Bangalore#Bangalore to Bengaluru]], which can affect the articles [[Bangalore]] and [[Bangalore Rural]], and the category [[:Category:Bangalore]]. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 08:19, 31 May 2025 (UTC) == AfriVoyage == Hi everyone! 👋 My name is [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvin Ategyeka]] from Uganda, and I’ve just launched a new project called '''AfriVoyage'''. It’s a WikiVoyage-focused initiative to document African travel destinations using local perspectives. Our pilot is starting in Uganda, with the goal of improving content and training youth contributors. You can follow the project on Meta-Wiki here: [[meta:AfriVoyage]] I would love your thoughts, guidance, and support. Thanks in advance! <small>unsigned comment by [[User:Alvinategyeka]]</small> :Welcome, Alvin. Wikivoyage really needs more African content, especially if provided by people with local knowledge. Your project will be supported from regular contributors like me. Please let us know how we can help. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:41, 31 May 2025 (UTC) :[[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]], I think you will be a more successful leader if you improve some articles yourself, before you invite anyone else to join you. We'd be happy to help you. :For example, one mistake that we see people making is copying Wikipedia articles here. A Wikipedia article will sound something like "Semuliki National Park is a national park in Bwamba County, a remote part of the Bundibugyo District in the Western Region of Uganda that was established in October 1993". This is the wrong approach here. A Wikivoyage article should have a [[Wikivoyage:Tone|lively tone]]. The beginning of a good Wikivoyage article might sound something like this: :* '''Semuliki National Park''' in [[Western Uganda]] is the only place you can visit a true lowland tropical forest in all of East Africa. This beautiful national park is a birdwatcher's delight, and more than 400 species of butterflies can be found inside the park's borders. :If you feel at the English Wikipedia that you have to suppress your natural style to be as dull as possible, then you'll like Wikivoyage because it allows your enthusiasm to shine in between the facts. We need the facts ("best restaurant" isn't nearly as helpful as saying how it's the best, like "good menu for vegetarians" or "artisan-quality bushera"), but we don't want a boring style. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 18:14, 31 May 2025 (UTC) ::Thank you very much and thanks for the guidance. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 13:27, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :Thank You very much. I have 6 years experience contributing to Wikimedia projects but I feel I need a new challenge and the only project that I had not explored yet always wanted to contribute to is Wiki Voyage. Am a tourism lover and i have travelled extensively in Uganda and East Africa. I hope this project will encourage more African Communities to contribute to Wiki Voyage. I will appreciate all guidance rendered. Thank You. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 13:32, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :Thank you very much, hoping to connect with you for more guidance. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 13:35, 1 June 2025 (UTC) ::Sure, and thank you for taking on this opportunity and challenge! In addition to the great advice you've been given above, I think you'll find [[Welcome, Wikipedians]] very useful. For anyone who participates in this project, some additional pages that I'd consider to provide the most important guidelines and explanatory pages on this site include [[Wikivoyage:What is an article]], [[Wikivoyage:The traveller comes first]], [[Wikivoyage:Article skeleton templates]], [[Wikivoyage:Copyleft]], [[Wikivoyage:Don't tout]], and [[Wikivoyage:Breadcrumb navigation]]. ::It is absolutely '''not''' a prerequisite for anyone to read any of these before contributing here! However, you, as organizer, should read these pages, because you will then be able to distill the most important characteristics of the site for others who are enthusiastic about contributing but not yet familiar with the site, and another important thing is that once you've read or at least skipped through these pages, you can ask us questions. ::I love the fact that you contacted us before the official launch of the project. In the past, projects that were begun on a large scale without any notice to us presented huge issues relating to the policies laid out in the pages I linked for you. ::Thanks again, and we very much look forward to working with you and your colleagues! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:36, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :::Thanks for the resources and guidance. I have been reading and researching about Wiki Voyage and what you have added will guide me more. I will contact you for further guidance in order to move the project forward. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 15:52, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :Thanks a lot. i look forward to working with you and seeking guidance to move the project forward. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 15:54, 1 June 2025 (UTC) == Evora's page banner on wikidata == I noticed [[Evora]]'s page banner does not exist in wikidata. I was unable to add it there. Would someone show me how to proceed, please? [[User:Claude van der Grift|Claude van der Grift]] ([[User talk:Claude van der Grift|talk]]) 18:31, 31 May 2025 (UTC) :[[d:Q179948|Évora]]'s banner is already defined on Wikidata since 2013, so moving it over isn't necessary. Regardless, you'd add a banner to a Wikidata item by adding a statement using [[d:P948|P948 (page banner)]]. Simply add the file name without the "File:" prefix but with the file extension as its value, and clicking publish. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 20:28, 31 May 2025 (UTC) ::Evora's Wikidata page is semi-protected, so you can't edit if you have made less than 50 edits on Wikidata. As already said, there is no need to edit it, as it is already using the banner from Wikidata. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 21:47, 31 May 2025 (UTC) :::Thank for your explanations {{U|AlasdairW}}. Unfortunately I mistook [[:d:Q179948|Evora]] for [[:d:Q243849|Elvas]]. The latter has no page banner. Sure I have more than 50 edits on wikidata. I forgot to say that I'm editing only by my smartphone. [[User:Claude van der Grift|Claude van der Grift]] ([[User talk:Claude van der Grift|talk]]) 15:00, 1 June 2025 (UTC) == FYI: Planning a Trip? AI Will Do That For You == https://www.thrillist.com/travel/nation/ai-travel-apps —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 07:04, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :I wonder whether we can design an AI tool that can fetch info from Wikivoyage and make a summary for you. That can replace the burden of manual summary writing by Wikivoyagers. Of course, Wikivoyage articles should be curated by humans, with AI summarizing them. I want to suggest this to Wikipedians as well, but I have been blocked there since 2021, and I mostly work on the Bengali Wikipedia. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 07:11, 1 June 2025 (UTC) == Wikivoyage and OsmAnd app == I am looking into making it easier to walk [[Stockholm Archipelago Trail]] and have found the [[w:en:OsmAnd]] app useful '''my question''' is there any good examples when those to domains works good together? - –––– [[User:Salgo60|Salgo60]] ([[User talk:Salgo60|talk]]) 07:43, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :As a regular OsmAnd user, I don't believe so to the best of my knowledge. :( //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 05:25, 4 June 2025 (UTC) ::I started using OsmAnd several months ago, and I have been playing around with the Wikivoyage integration since. I spend a lot of time in a major city with a Guide-level article and I find the integration useful there. I haven't tried it with an itinerary. My first thought is to pull up a [https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Category:Guide_itineraries Guide] or [https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Category:Star_itineraries Star] itinerary for a place you've been before and see what the OsmAnd experience is like. [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 16:08, 4 June 2025 (UTC) == Improving this project with little to no knowledge of English == It's been a while since I've posted anything major on the pub, but one of the things I'm quite pleased with the way we do things here is the fact that we are ''very'' open and accommodating to users who can't speak or speak English with a large length of difficulty. We don't have any policies forcing the use of English in discussions and if someone has shown a genuine interest in the project, it isn't unorthodox for someone to go out of their way and respond in another language they know on this site. It comes back to when {{ping|Andyrom75}} told me on itwikivoyage (around when itwikivoyage hit 10k articles, iirc) that it's possible to contribute to Wikivoyage without really knowing the language – and it's true. Most of my activity on itwikivoyage has since been doing minor fixes, adding listings with no description (since you don't need to know the language to add listings, opening hours, urls, address and such), removing closed businesses/out of date info, fixing dead links and the like. Since many of our articles also follow a similar structured format, it's very easy to contribute to the site so long as you're aware of your limitations. Some ideas I had in mind to perhaps make this wiki even more inviting to those who might not have the English skills necessary to contribute text but still want to help: * A community written guide on this, similar to [[Wikivoyage:Welcome, business owners]], [[Wikivoyage:Welcome, locals]] or [[Wikivoyage:Welcome, Wikipedians]] * Finish [[User:SHB2000/admins table]], move to the Wikivoyage namespace, add the table to [[Wikivoyage:Administrators]], and add any advanced perms from other WMF projects. ** Perhaps also make a similar table for non-admins who are reasonably active on this site. More thoughts and ideas would be appreciated – even better if we can facilitate this on other language Wikivoyages. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:11, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :Contribute in another language version of Wikvoyage it's just a matter of willingness and time. For a certain amount of time. For few years I've supported sv:voy without knowing any word in Swedish :-D Nowadays unfortunately I don't have enough time, so I can only concentrate it on it:voy :-( :PS your support on it:voy @[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] is always extremely appreciated! :-) [[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 17:14, 4 June 2025 (UTC) ::I occasionally do the same kind of thing at the Haitian Creole Wikipedia. I can't write in the language, but I can check a maintenance category and fix the wikitext errors there. ::Based on my experience, I'd say that there are two main opportunities for contribution: ::* 'technical' contributions, such as fixing wikitext or broken URLs ::* language-agnostic contributions, such as adding phone numbers, websites, and lat/long coordinates to listings; adding images that require no caption or only a simple/obvious one (e.g., "Disneyland" or "Town Name Church"); removing listings for closed restaurants, etc. ::@[[User:Piotrus|Piotrus]] might have some ideas about which tasks are easiest for his English-language learners to do. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 22:48, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :::Yeah this very much explains it in a nutshell. :) //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:13, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :::@[[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] Indeed, some of my ESL students have effectively only a beginner level of English at best. These days, machine translation is getting good enough to understand a lot, and contribute text that's "mostly ok". It will only get better as AI tools and student use of them improve. Anyway, you can see my activities for students at [[User:Hanyangprofessor2]] [[User:Piotrus|Piotrus]] ([[User talk:Piotrus|talk]]) 01:12, 5 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I have added images that I have taken to many different language variants of Wikipedia. I use Google translate for the text and and hope that a native user if that language will make any corrections. [[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 11:22, 5 June 2025 (UTC) :::::I recently added a listing about Japan in [https://ja.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=%E6%88%90%E7%94%B0%E5%B8%82&diff=52846&oldid=50973 ja.voy] despite not knowing Japanese. The listing editor really makes it simple to improve an article. Last week I presented [[wikidata:Event:Wikidata_and_Sister_Projects#Friday,_May_30th|a Wikidata talk about Listing Editor]] and mentioned that it's a really good gateway to get more contributors. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 15:58, 5 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::The Listing Editor really does! Particularly because they're very standardised across most language Wikivoyages, so the only "bad" listing editor is a malfunctioning/broken listing editor. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:27, 21 June 2025 (UTC) == Linking Wikicommons == I am documenting the Stockholm Archipelago Trail and have uploaded more than [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Stockholm_Archipelago_Trail 3,000 pictures] / [https://wikimap.toolforge.org/?cat=Stockholm_Archipelago_Trail&subcats=true&subcatdepth=4&cluster=false Wikimap] from the trail to Wikimedia Commons. For example, the section Nåttarö will be documented on Wikivoyage here: [[Stockholm_Archipelago_Trail#SAT_Nåttarö]] and is on Wikicommons [https://wikimap.toolforge.org/?cat=SAT_N%C3%A5ttar%C3%B6&subcats=true&subcatdepth=3&cluster=false WIkimap] 1) What is the policy regarding linking to a trail on Wikicommons? I believe such links add significant value by helping readers better understand the trail conditions. Additionally, I see 360-degree images as a step forward in enhancing navigation and exploration, making it easier for users to visualize the terrain. Additionally, 2) I have used Mapillary for one section. Is there a specific policy on linking Mapillary content? For instance, Stockholm Archipelago Trail’s Landsort section is partially represented on [https://www.mapillary.com/app/user/salgo601?lat=58.737857&lng=17.865676&z=17&pKey=1060410682654434 Mapillary pKey=1060410682654434] Would appreciate any guidance on this. Thanks! [[User:Salgo60|Salgo60]] ([[User talk:Salgo60|talk]]) 14:26, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :The use of a limited number of thumbnails from Commons is normal. See [[Wikivoyage:Image policy]]. Otherwise, links are normally through Wikidata: please read [[Wikivoyage:Sister project links]]. For guidelines on third-party links outside Wikimedia, see [[Wikivoyage:External links]], but the answer to your 2nd question is that such links are normally not allowed except to primary sources (for example, the website of a listed restaurant, hotel, museum, etc.) and are subject to deletion. However, Wikivoyage policies and guidelines are always open to discussion, so start a thread at the most relevant guideline article's talk page if you'd like to argue for a change. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:40, 4 June 2025 (UTC) ::thanks but dont the community see the added value? especially when documenting a walking trail it can be good to better understand how steep steep is....- [[User:Salgo60|Salgo60]] ([[User talk:Salgo60|talk]]) 14:54, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :::If you don't like my suggestion of starting a discussion thread on the appropriate policy page's talk page, where you can document the indispensability of Mapillary as your argument for a policy change, you can argue for an exception to policy on [[Talk:Stockholm Archipelago Trail]], but you can't get either a policy change or an exception by arguing in the Pub. But if you're asking for my opinion on why there has been no specific consideration of Mapillary, I'd speculate it's because most of us have never heard of it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:15, 4 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I've heard of Mapillary – I appreciate they're open source and licensed under CC-BY SA, but they're indirectly a competitor to Commons –&nbsp;if you can upload a photo to Mapillary, you can upload it to Commons. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 07:28, 5 June 2025 (UTC) :::::The difference is that you traverse a route on Mapillary its connected 360 pictures I am not an expert but [https://www.mapillary.com/app/?lat=58.737746&lng=17.865677&z=17&pKey=1848345639040650&x=0.46081730421230177&y=0.5976337053747495&zoom=0&focus=photo click on forward on this] its from me walking [[SAT_Landsort]] :::::* they support 360 pictures much better than Wikicommons :::::* [https://www.mapillary.com/showcase OsmAnd and Open Street Map use them] :::::[[User:Salgo60|Salgo60]] ([[User talk:Salgo60|talk]]) 19:08, 7 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::One issue is that of privacy. I might trust the WMF, but I don't want to research the privacy policy and trustworthiness of a third party. Checking the website of a hotel where I intend to sleep is one thing, a Wikivoyage page being dependent on a third party is very different. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:58, 7 June 2025 (UTC) :For Wikimedia Commons (that's their name), you can link a category or gallery via Wikidata. On a gallery page you can show all the most relevant images, with explanatory text and a layout of your liking. The rest of the images would be easily found in the category. Is that what you are looking for in your first question? –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 22:04, 7 June 2025 (UTC) == I had an edit flagged as destructive because my account isn't very old == I was trying to remove information related to crossing the border into Azerbaijan from the Baku page (it's been closed since 2020 and the only way in is via air), but trying to delete a lot of content on a new account flagged me as a vandal. If someone has permissions to view the changes, and would be willing to check on those changes, thank you very much :) [[User:MagnumDahng|MagnumDahng]] ([[User talk:MagnumDahng|talk]]) 09:32, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :{{re|MagnumDahng}} Can you try removing the outdated content once again? I've temporarily disabled the filters; let me know once you've removed everything that you intended to. Sorry for the extra inconvenience. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:04, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::It worked. ::No worries. I understand why it's there :) [[User:MagnumDahng|MagnumDahng]] ([[User talk:MagnumDahng|talk]]) 10:15, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :::Perfect, I've re-enabled the filters; thanks again for the updates! :) //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:36, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ==Does WV need a policy for descriptions of living people?== Wikivoyage is a travel guide and not intended to be a collection of biographies. Still, travel topics and itineraries might mention important individuals, such as explorers, artists, monarchs, and politicians. [[Wikivoyage:What is an article?]] discourages from creating an article for a living celebrity, as these are more difficult to finish than articles for [[Christopher Columbus]], [[Frank Lloyd Wright]] or [[Astrid Lindgren]]. Articles such as [[Presidents of the United States]] and [[Monarchy of the United Kingdom]] describe living individuals who have not concluded their careers, and they are certainly controversial. When writing [[Jewish Stockholm tour]], [[Stockholm environmentalist tour]] and [[Nordic monarchies]], a couple of famous living people came to mind, but I found it advisable to mention them as briefly as possible. Which general principles should we follow? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:58, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :It looks like [[foundation:BLP]] encourages us to have a formal policy, even if there isn't much to say. [[Project:Don't be evil]], maybe? :We already have [[Wikivoyage:Photographs of identifiable people]] and [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#People in photos]], which discourage photos of people. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 20:36, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::I'd support a policy for the same reason. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 11:40, 11 June 2025 (UTC) :I think this is largely not that relevant to a travel guide, but it is actually common to have "Maps of the Stars" or tours of celebrity homes in the Los Angeles region, which to me is completely crazy and behavior that should not be encouraged. Considering Whatamidoing's point about the WMF encouraging this kind of documentation, I think having a guideline/policy is wise. Good thinking. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 21:00, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::Yeah, I would absolutely oppose any article for a tour that takes people to the homes of celebrities who would rather be private in their own homes. If this kind of tour existed in New York, New Yorkers would be up in arms about it and pressing the City Council to pass a law about it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:35, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::The page and section about photos say very little, mostly discouraging photos of yourself, which isn't what this is about. [[commons:Project:Photographs of identifiable people]] says a lot more and should probably be followed also regarding locally uploaded pictures. None of those three says anything about text about people (other than that captions shouldn't be defamatory). ::I think we probably shouldn't write a policy unless there are real issues. We have no reason to write about most people, and it seems common sense, like what Yvwv showed above, works reasonably well. Writing a policy opens up for loopholes and wikilawyering. ::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:50, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :::I wonder if our "BLP policy" could be a section in our existing [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]] policy. Basically, a few principles about avoiding mentioning individuals, and especially avoiding saying anything contentious or unfairly invading their privacy. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 16:40, 10 June 2025 (UTC) ::::That sounds reasonable. In the past I have opposed a suggestion to create an itinerary based on the travels of a living individual. ::::A more common situation is where a listing mentions something about the people that work in the hotel or restaurant. "Friendly owners" or "poor service from the waiters" is ok, but referring to staff by name needs more care. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:04, 10 June 2025 (UTC) :::::It's surely OK when the name of the Chef de Cuisine or Pastry Chef are printed on menus or are well-known chefs the restaurant promotes. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:40, 10 June 2025 (UTC) :::::: Can an artist's personal life be separated from their work? At least, death is useful to conclude a life story. As Georg Riedel past away one year ago, he deserves to be described in the [[Jewish Stockholm tour]]. Aleksander Wolodarski is another person appropriate to mention, but as he is well and alive (and to some degree a divisive character in Swedish architecture) the description of him in the same article is very brief. The [[Harry Potter tourism]] barely mentions the author, and that might be good as it is. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:16, 11 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I think it would be fine to note the name of a celebrity chef ("Thomas Keller's restaurant, The French Laundry"), or even a relatively public non-celebrity ("The restaurant owner, Mary Smith, is also the long-time mayor of this small town" or "Olly Owner is happy to pack a picnic upon request"). ::::::However, as an extension of [[Wikivoyage:Avoid negative reviews]], we don't really want "Chris Celebrity is pretentious and their restaurant is overpriced" or "Wendy Waitress is unfriendly and slow". [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:26, 11 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::I think we should avoid "Wendy Waitress is unfriendly", but "Some staff are unfriendly" is ok. It is important to report negative aspects of a place if either it is balanced by "excellent cooking and wonderful bread" or it is the only place in town. It becomes more difficult with one person businesses. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 20:24, 11 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Wikivoyage should not be interested in people: that is the province of Wikipedia. Wikivoyage is however interested in places associated with people and to this end should be cautious about their privacy. If however the individual concerned invites members of the public to their homes or businesses (for example Donald Trump has a website for [https://www.maralagoclub.com/ Mar-a-Lago]) then it is no longer Wikivoyage's role to protect his privacy: if he publicises his home, then it is incumbent on him to look after his own privacy. In contrast, Joe Biden does not appear to advertise his home, so neither should Wikivoyage (even if a search on the internet will reveal Joe Biden's properties).[[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 15:18, 12 June 2025 (UTC) :Does something like this feel about right? :---- :As a general rule, Wikivoyage is interested in places, not people. Occasionally, providing a fair description will involve mentioning a specific person. In such cases, these principles apply to protect living people: :* Avoid contentious matter about living people to the maximum extent possible, to show respect for human dignity and personal privacy. Publishing personal information that is tangential to the needs of the article, trivial, ephemeral, or constitutes a [[Wikivoyage:Avoid negative reviews|negative review]] is unfair. For example, if a restaurant owner promotes dubious beliefs to customers, then omit the listing completely rather than writing about the owner's beliefs. :* Avoid whole articles focused on living people, such as an [[Wikivoyage:Itineraries|itinerary]] to see the private homes of celebrities. It is fair to have an itinerary focused on Taylor Swift's concert tours; it is not fair to have an article focused on her homes. :* Individual listings that name a living public figure are acceptable so long as the content is not contentious. However, you should avoid naming living people when a general description is adequate. For example, write "The owner is happy to talk about local history" instead of "Harry Historian, the owner, is happy to talk about local history", even though you would name the celebrity chef Thomas Keller as the owner of the restaurant The French Laundry. :---- :What should be changed, added, omitted? [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 16:39, 12 June 2025 (UTC) ::Thanks for offering a rough draft! The one part that sticks out to me as problematic is the part about "dubious beliefs," which gives an opening to intolerant atheists to complain about a bismillah or cross in a restaurant. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:12, 12 June 2025 (UTC) :::I was thinking about political beliefs, and specifically about an anti-masking restaurant I read about during the pandemic, but you're right: That needs to be re-worded. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 23:30, 12 June 2025 (UTC) ::::Still a good start, I'd say. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 12:15, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I don't think that businesses should be removed because of beliefs of the owner or personnel; that the owner touts antivacc or flat-earth theories might be entertaining rather than a reason to avoid them. One might tell that they might raise controversial topics. For dangerous practices, such as not using masks when needed, that would be treated like them using contaminated water or whatever. Yes, sometimes that warrants removing the listing in line with ''no bad reviews'', but that has little to do with privacy. ::::For a Finnish business, it was suggested that the listings be removed because of bigotry, in effect a boycott by Wikivoyage. I am not sure about to what extent to do that, but I assume we might tell something about the owner in that case, if we leave the choice whether to use their services to our readers. I would oppose individual editors removing listings because of views that don't conform with their own, but they may of course choose not to add them. ::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:28, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :::::I think there might be a spectrum of issues, but some types of (e.g.,) bigotry are not compatible with [[Wikivoyage:The traveller comes first]]. Inclusion constitutes a recommendation, at least when there are other alternatives. If we list a restaurant, it should be because travellers are welcome. If the restaurant's listing would need to have a disclaimer along the lines of "BTW, only white people are allowed to eat here" or "People whom the owner thinks look Jewish/Muslim/Black/gay/trans will be refused service", then that restaurant shouldn't be included in Wikivoyage at all. Listed restaurants should normally be open to all of the general public. :::::On the other end of the spectrum, if the owner cheerfully accepts all customers, but he privately belongs to a racist organization, then that's not really relevant to the travellers' experience, so we needn't mention that. Travellers who want to patronize only businesses owned by people who share the same politics/religion/race/sexual orientation should look elsewhere for that information. :::::Somewhere in the middle is factual information that travellers may interpret in opposite ways. For example, if a given deli in New York City is kosher, it'd be worth noting that in the description. Most travellers won't care. Some travellers will prefer it (either for religious reasons or because kosher meat is considered more ethical than conventional meat). Some travellers will reject it. But knowing that it might appeal (or not) to different travellers is not the same as different travellers not being allowed to eat at the deli. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 20:02, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I see no problem in describing a restaurant in terms of the religious beliefs that it portrays provided that it is done in a neutral manner - for example , "The XYZ resaurant is a kosher/halal/vegetarian establishment". The reader can then make up their ow mind about patronising the establishment - after all Wikivoyage has many articles about various places of worship. [[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 21:05, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::I think the general point is that we want "XYZ is a kosher/halal/vegetarian restaurant" but not "The owner of XYZ is a Jew/Muslim/vegetarian person". [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:10, 14 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::I agree here. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 06:56, 18 June 2025 (UTC) *Suggested rewrite of the first point (Changes in bold): :"''Avoid contentious matter about living people to the maximum extent possible, to show respect for human dignity and personal privacy. Publishing personal information that is tangential to the needs of the article, trivial, ephemeral, or constitutes a negative review is unfair. For example, if a restaurant owner promotes '''particular''' beliefs to customers, then omit the listing completely rather than writing about the owner's beliefs. '''If however the establishment itself <u>caters</u> for certain beliefs and/or ethics, it is reasonable, or maybe even desireable, to add those beliefs/ethics to the description in a neutral manner - such as including the words "kosher/halal/vegetarian" to the establishment's description.'''''" [[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 21:14, 13 June 2025 (UTC) *I suggest that the second point be extended as follows (additions in bold): :''Avoid whole articles focused on living people, such as an itinerary to see the private homes of celebrities. It is fair to have an itinerary focused on Taylor Swift's concert tours; it is not fair to have an article focused on her homes. '''However, if the celebrity concerend advertises their home to the general public (for example [https://www.maralagoclub.com/ Mar-a-Lago], home of Donald Trump or [https://www.blenheimpalace.com/ Blenheim Palace], home of the Duke of Marlborough) , then it is perfectly in order to mention the home in an article and ideally to include a web address the description or article.''''' ::[[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 21:27, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::I think all this discussion of beliefs and politics is bad and not something about which we want policies. Also, bad reviews are by no means inherently unfair, and I'm mystified by how anyone could think that's the case; it's just that Wikivoyage chooses with some exceptions to simply refrain from listing businesses, rather than stating that they are bad. I also don't see why we would need to add a policy that establishments that discriminate against people based for example on their ethnicity, appearance or national origin, such as a historic restaurant in Düsseldorf that refused admission to East Asians early in the pandemic, be delisted, because we already do that based on preexisting policies. Right now, I think that based on the drafts circulated in this thread, we risk approving a new policy that is worse than none. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:40, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :::It might be best to try the smallest possible addition. After all, it's usually easier to get a policy expanded later if we really need it, than to get it shortened later. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:08, 14 June 2025 (UTC) ::::Here's a shorter version: ::::---- ::::As a general rule, Wikivoyage is interested in places, not people. Occasionally, providing a fair description will involve mentioning a specific person. In such cases, these principles apply to protect living people: ::::* Avoid contentious matter about living people to the maximum extent possible, to show respect for human dignity and personal privacy. Individual listings that name a living public figure are acceptable so long as the content is not contentious. ::::* Avoid whole articles focused on living people, such as an [[Wikivoyage:Itineraries|itinerary]] to see the private homes of celebrities. ::::---- ::::We could also soften "the maximum extent possible". It's always "possible" to avoid mentioning anyone's name, but it's not always "reasonable" to do so. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:14, 14 June 2025 (UTC) :::::What about the article on U.S. presidents? We don't avoid contentious facts about living current and former presidents; we just agree on what should be in the blurbs about them based on the existing [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]] guidelines. I still fail to see how adding at least your first proposed guideline will improve anything. Also, are we creating a solution for a nonexistent problem? Can you cite a previous example of an article that had unnecessarily contentious facts about living people that we were not able to deal with by using existing guidelines? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:33, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::[[Presidents of the United States]] is not a "whole article focused on living people"; it is a whole article focused on mostly long-dead people with just five living US Presidents being mentioned (and mostly in a "public museum" way, not a "current private home" way). This would therefore be acceptable as a case of "Individual listings that name a living public figure" that "show respect for human dignity and personal privacy". ::::::The existing problem to be solved is: The Board of Directors for the WIkimedia Foundation said that every project needs to have an official, written BLP policy. They said this about 16 years ago, so we're running a bit behind schedule, but we should have something. Their resolution encourages "special attention to the principles of neutrality", so I think putting a few sentences inside our version of the "[[Wikivoyage:NPOV|NPOV]]" policy would be appropriate. We could even create a [[WV:BLP]] shortcut to it, so the Wikipedia folks can find it easier. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:16, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::My problem is not with your second proposed provision, which is fine, but your first, and that's what my last reply addressed. If it stated that when living people have to be mentioned, we must [[be fair]] and come to a [[consensus]] about anything contentious, I'd be happy. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:33, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Can you think of any contentious or derogatory information a travel guide – especially one that does not cite external sources – ''needs'' to include? [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:37, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::I already gave you an example! And what about when we fairly describe countries as dictatorships? We've sometimes had users object and try to whitewash articles, and in such cases, we are armed with [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]], not some ridiculous claim that anything "contentious" is bad and must be avoided, which would have played into their hands. Wikivoyage is a travel guide, not a site that tries to be neutral. We expressly don't have an NPOV policy, but instead a policy that requires fairness. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:10, 18 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::I agree that we can fairly describe a country as being a dictatorship. Do we need to describe an individual living person as a dictator, when doing so would be contentious (e.g., produce disputes and disagreements on wiki)? I just checked every article containing the words "a dictator" and "the dictator"; none of them refer to living people. ::::::::::If your prior example was "What about the article on U.S. presidents?", I've already answered that question. I don't see anything privacy-invading in [[Presidents of the United States]], and I don't see anything contentious about any living person in there, either. The contents are not universally approved by the campaign team, but nobody actually disputes or "contends" over the facts (e.g., that Clinton was involved in a sex scandal, or that Trump is technically a convicted felon). [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 01:07, 20 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::If you haven't had the misfortune of speaking with a Trumper lately, consider yourself lucky. There are tens of millions of hard-core Trumpers in the U.S. who don't accept basic scientific facts and advance all kinds of conspiracy nonsense as truth. I dealt with a cabbie in New Rochelle yesterday who gratuitously started talking about politics. He claimed Biden already had cancer 4 years ago, and "they" covered it up, that claims of fossil fuels causing global warming are "bullshit" and that if the Democrats had been elected last year, we'd all be driving electric cars already, among other things. So I very much contest your confident assertion that statements of fact about Trump, Biden, Obama, etc. are not "contentious". We need to remove that word from consideration as something Wikivoyage cannot be. Do you remember years ago when there was someone who spent a couple of weeks or more trying to whitewash descriptions of Cuba by claiming that it was really a democracy, their elections are really free and fair, and the Communists have never been dictators or oppressed anyone there? Or the ones that claimed that China is a democracy and it was the U.S. (pre-Trump) that was really oppressive (the latter of which of course has never been completely false, but that was entirely beside the point in a travel guide as well as being pure whataboutism that disproves nothing). We've had all kinds of politically motivated contentions against facts. That's why our standard is [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]], not "Wikivoyage/Avoid saying anything anyone could argue with", which is what "contentious" means or would mean in the hands of anyone who wants to use a travel guide to grind an axe, rather than to improve a resource for travelers. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:14, 20 June 2025 (UTC) == Full-size images not available on maps in city districts == Since yesterday (and possibly earlier), the images in listings can be viewed in the dynamic map but trying to click on it to go to the full description page will lead to a broken link if they are in a city district page. This raises the issue on image attribution. You can test it on any listings with images at [[Queens/Flushing-Northeast]] and [[Toronto/Etobicoke]]. Anyone have insight on what recent changes broke this functionality? [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 15:46, 12 June 2025 (UTC) :Yes, needs to be fixed. For some reason, the File: prefix is prefixed by the district name. I try to check [[Module:Listing]] for the bug. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 11:52, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::Oops, the city name, not the district. Seemingly the article name is included in the image argument, and removed, but not properly so for subarticles. [[Module:Marker]] is possibly more relevant than Listing, but it is some underlying functionality that is the culprit. My understanding of how modules work is too weak for me to find it. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:10, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :::The marker on the map seems to be constructed using mw.text.jsonEncode. Where can one read that code? Was there some change recently? –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:30, 30 June 2025 (UTC) == Selection and number of images == [split off as suggested by [[User:OhanaUnited|OhanaUnited]] 02:39, 30 June 2025 (UTC). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:17, 30 June 2025 (UTC)] ::: The images embedded within listings are often not the best currently available. They don't display unless you click and faff about, so they don't enhance the page appearance encountered by the general reader. Wouldn't it be neat if there was some repository of images that were the best available copyfree, that could be simply incorporated into the page layout? We'd be sure to use those instead, right? [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 20:20, 15 June 2025 (UTC) ::::The main problem with that is that somebody needs to pick those best available images. That's done in Commons' galleries, where images uploaded in the last dozen years aren't included. We could use the image on Wikidata, but they might not be chosen according to what they are like as thumbnails. Perhaps a specific wikidata property could be created for thumbnail images or even Wikivoyage thumbnail images (like for our banners). About having to click several times, that could be improved, but we don't want clutter, so some discussion is needed on the trade-off if we want to change the status quo. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 18:33, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::: Picking those best images and considering how best to display them is exactly what editors should do, same as picking the best attractions or accommodations to list in a town, we shouldn't lazily accept what's already on the page. It's hardly an onerous task, and we want the best for our readers. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 19:00, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::{{quote|The main problem with that is that somebody needs to pick those best available images.}} :::::Maybe we can take assistance from AI tools to ease out the problem, just like we sometimes use AI to pick the best attractions to visit, and choose the appropriate accommodation. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 19:07, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I haven't heard about us letting such decisions to AI, and I'm not sure we should do it with images. But regardless of what way the images get chosen, it would be good if the choice were saved at Wikidata, to be used automatically. As the images aren't shown in the article itself, the less effort we need to use choosing, the better. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 19:55, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::How much effort do we need to save here? The first example cited was Queens / Flushing. That page is under-illustrated, with one strong image and two so-so. It took me 10 min to find six more good images on Commons, about the right number for a page of this length. Inserting them might take 3 mins apiece, say 20 min, which I'm not volunteering to do as the entire page needs updating, a solid day's work. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 21:07, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Choosing images sounds like a task that some people would love to do. Maybe we could advertise it better? It's even a task that people who don't speak English well should be able to do. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:40, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::It could be a good task, but I have seen a lot of image adding that isn't optimal: ignoring our guideline of [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#Minimal use of images|Minimal use of images]], trying to illustrate individual listings instead of the article as a whole, writing captions to that effect, and placing the images in ways that suite the editor's browser window rather than conform to best practices. :::::::::Increased advertising of this activity should thus be done cautiously, to avoid frustration both among those adding images and those patrolling. :::::::::The original issue was about images for the dynamic map, which is different from illustrating the article. :::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:00, 19 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::As a side note, [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#Minimal use of images]] probably needs both a little re-writing ("1 image per screen": Whose screen size?) and some reconsidering, as availability of internet access has generally improved since then (the [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Wikivoyage:Image_policy&diff=prev&oldid=3629972 last significant update was in 2018], based on [[Wikivoyage talk:Image policy/archive 2014-2019#Minimal use of images - not appropriate|a discussion started in 2016]]). ::::::::::But I agree that it's a tangent for the current thread. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 01:18, 20 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::How carefully did you read Minimal use? :::::::::::"1 image per screen (1,000–2,000 bytes)" :::::::::::I suppose you want to suggest an increase in the number of images we should use, and if so, do that at [[Wikivoyage talk:Image policy]]. But keep in mind that the mobile interface sucks and the site is still better viewed on a computer. I would be likely to oppose any change in the language, as there is flexibility to use more images than stated in the guideline as long as there isn't an unbroken stream on the left side; images left, right and center; or images that go below the end of the article, which looks terrible. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:19, 20 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::I read that, and I wondered which method we're using to measure "1,000 bytes". One screenful – edge to edge, top to bottom, on my laptop, with my font, my size (larger than default), my zoom (120%), etc. – is right around 2000 characters for me, but others may have half that, or four times that. Shorter lines (e.g., using only half the line at the end of a paragraph, or a short item in a list) adds volume without adding characters. ::::::::::::If we're using the file size, then wikitext and URLs add bulk to the file without affecting the screen size. We could have "1,000 bytes" and have a half-full screen (on my laptop) or "2,000 bytes" and still have a half-full screen. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 20:41, 20 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::These are rough estimates. An A4 with 67×47=3150 is quite close to 2k, if there are images, headings and paragraph breaks, probably much less if there are lists. I suppose an A4 is close to readability optimum (my browser and Emacs windows are not far off). My mobile phone seems to have 50×33=1650, perhaps 1k with images etc. The numbers don't seem to be too far off. Without prescribing a test with some specific browser window size, we cannot give precise advice. [[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 14:16, 22 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::From your estimate, the numbers appear to be off by 50%. 3150 = would be "quite close" to 3K, not 2K. ::::::::::::::I think that a more practical suggestion would be: Every well-developed section should usually have one image, so long as this can be done without the images dropping down into the next section. On desktop, this usually requires a minimum of 10 to 12 lines of text per landscape image. Very long sections can have two images. ::::::::::::::This would address the wikitext-vs-displayed problem and the difference between a solid paragraph and a long bullet list with one or two words on each line. ::::::::::::::But as we noted above, this is a separate discussion from the original concern. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:15, 22 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::: Can we take the "select the best picture" conversation into a sub-section? My original intention of this post is to report a bug which leads to the legal issue of image attribution. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 02:39, 30 June 2025 (UTC) == Commons RFD notifications == While the Commons bot that alert us to images about to be deleted [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub/2025#Commons Notification Deletion bot revived|was revived]], images are still being deleted without notification, namely those (I assume), that were nominated before 4 May. The issue was told in the linked announcement, but I did not realise its implications. So, expect some imgages to be removed with no notification on the talk page. If they might be valuable, they should be temporarily restored for local upload, like when the bot wasn't working. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 11:51, 13 June 2025 (UTC) == Usurped URLs == Are usurped or dead URLs (e.g. [[w:en:WP:JUDI]]) normally archived, or removed? I'm looking at the page [[Northampton_(Massachusetts)#Eat]], where the second link is usurped. Thanks, [[User:OutsideNormality|OutsideNormality]] ([[User talk:OutsideNormality|talk]]) 20:22, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :If a url no longer goes to the home page for the listing in question, please update it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:18, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::Actually, looking back, it seems like the URL was never "usurped" and was directly added as a spam link in [[Special:Diff/4154976/4167772]]. Thanks anyway for the advice. [[User:OutsideNormality|OutsideNormality]] ([[User talk:OutsideNormality|talk]]) 00:40, 14 June 2025 (UTC) == Vote now in the 2025 U4C Election == <div lang="en" dir="ltr" class="mw-content-ltr"> {{Int:Please-translate}} Eligible voters are asked to participate in the 2025 [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Universal_Code_of_Conduct/Coordinating_Committee|Universal Code of Conduct Coordinating Committee]] election. More information–including an eligibility check, voting process information, candidate information, and a link to the vote–are available on Meta at the [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Universal_Code_of_Conduct/Coordinating_Committee/Election/2025|2025 Election information page]]. The vote closes on 17 June 2025 at [https://zonestamp.toolforge.org/1750161600 12:00 UTC]. Please vote if your account is eligible. Results will be available by 1 July 2025. -- In cooperation with the U4C, [[m:User:Keegan (WMF)|Keegan (WMF)]] ([[m:User talk:Keegan (WMF)|talk]]) 23:01, 13 June 2025 (UTC) </div> <!-- Message sent by User:Keegan (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Distribution_list/Global_message_delivery&oldid=28848819 --> :Surprised this was sent very late. I made a guide on all the candidates on Meta at [[m:User:SHB2000/U4C guide 2025]], for those interested. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 03:13, 14 June 2025 (UTC) == Wisconsin Dells Kalahari Expansion; should I mention it in the Wisconsin Dells page == Hello! It is now practically mainstream media (In Wisconsin Dells) that Kalahari's expanding its Indoor Waterpark into what was a mainly unused parking lot (which is currently either getting demolished or already is demolished as of posting) and will add a fully glass dome with a retractable roof (this is not an ad, this is according to many sources including the Kalahari its self, Fox11online.com, Whitewater West, Martin Aquatic, and Maverick Hayes' Social Media). Now the real question is should I add this too my page? Cheers! [[User:HistorySports|HistorySports]] ([[User talk:HistorySports|talk]]) 15:22, 14 June 2025 (UTC) :To your page meaning what? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:35, 14 June 2025 (UTC) ::@[[User:HistorySports|HistorySports]], I think it's fair to add information about waterparks to [[Wisconsin Dells#Do]] or [[Wisconsin Dells#Sleep]]. (You pick which one based on whether people mostly stay there, and happen to use the water park, or mostly go to the water park, and a few people stay there, too – just use your judgement and don't stress about the distinction too much.) ::The important thing isn't the news ("they're expanding!") but what is available today ("Wisconsin's biggest indoor waterpark"). ::In general, when I skim through that article, I wish that there were prices for the activities and longer descriptions. In particular, there seem to be a lot of attractions, but I have no idea which one I'd choose. Is one the lowest cost? The best value? Best for little kids? Best for teens? Best for older adults/multi-generational families? Open year-round? Has the most swimming pool lifts for wheelchair users? If you can, try to add some sort of information about the differences between different attractions that might help travellers decide which things they want to do. ::Also, it looks like there are several listings that need to be moved to [[Baraboo]]. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 18:54, 14 June 2025 (UTC) :::Thanks WhatamIdoing! I will follow your advice and hopefully we can have a great page for the area of Wisconsin Dells! [[User:HistorySports|HistorySports]] ([[User talk:HistorySports|talk]]) 19:47, 15 June 2025 (UTC) ::Sorry I wasn't clear and that's totally my fault, but I was talking about the Wisconsin Dells page, sorry! [[User:HistorySports|HistorySports]] ([[User talk:HistorySports|talk]]) 19:47, 15 June 2025 (UTC) :::Thanks. So you know, it's not your page: it's a Wikivoyage article. The only page I'd consider your page is your user page. That said, on the face of it, I would put activities in "Do", not "Sleep". [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:09, 17 June 2025 (UTC) == Wikistats page views == What is up with Wikistats page views for English Wikivoyage? 87 million last month? https://stats.wikimedia.org/#/en.wikivoyage.org/reading/total-page-views/normal%7Cbar%7C2-year%7C~total%7Cmonthly 36 million from Brazil apparently. [[User:Bluecoordinationfine|Bluecoordinationfine]] ([[User talk:Bluecoordinationfine|talk]]) 23:18, 14 June 2025 (UTC) :That is a very interesting anomaly indeed. No idea why, but still very interesting to know why we have so many views from Brazil. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 00:47, 16 June 2025 (UTC) ::Maybe users on VPN? [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 14:25, 16 June 2025 (UTC) == FYI: Dear Atlas: Where Can I Find the Most Unusual Festivals in the U.S.? == https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/off-the-beaten-path-american-festivals —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 07:58, 15 June 2025 (UTC) == [[Talk:Ferries in the Mediterranean#A Commons file used on this page or its Wikidata item has been nominated for deletion]] == No-one seems to be paying any attention to the fact that we are likely to lose a photo. We need to decide whether we're OK with that or not. I will not make a unilateral decision. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:07, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :Is it just me, or does it seem like too many photos have been getting removed lately? [[User:Mrkstvns|Mrkstvns]] ([[User talk:Mrkstvns|talk]]) 16:00, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::Has there been an uptick in deletion requests at Commons? Or are we just noticing them more, now that the notifications bot is working again? [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:08, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::As someone who was monitoring [[c:Commons:Deletion requests]] until the bot started working again, I think it's the latter. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:38, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I hope this deletion can be resisted. Tirrenia ferries in 2017 made a deal with Warner Bros to plaster their ships' exteriors with cartoon characters such as Batman, to give them a jazzy attractive look. That deal continues and you really cannot take a photo of any T ferry without including the character: it's as integral to the ship as the company logo and the pointy bit at the front. The intention of any such photo is to portray the ship not replicate the character, and IMO it's a misuse of copyright law to claim we can't publish it copyfree. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 18:51, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::Such arguments have been presented in the RFD on Commons, and I think that they are legally sound. However, "misuse of copyright law" is not what this is about. There is no word of God saying that utilitarian objects (in this case: the ship) can be freely photographed, and if the law says otherwise, Commons can do little about it. I think the current copyright laws are a disaster, caused by lobbyists and weak politicians, but that means that the copyright laws need to be changed (read: one should spread awareness of the absurdities), not that we can ignore current law. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 20:03, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::The Wikimedia Foundation requires that Commons files be available for unimpeded commercial use. They don't have to, and we don't have to, which is why we have a freedom of panorama fair use exception doctrine. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:10, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::Yes, true. For Commons, the stringency is because of their mission – they don't want to host content that cannot be used. All kinds of compromises are possible or even necessary, but commercial use, such as in small-budget books, is essential for their mission. In some cases, where copyright law is unclear, they could be a bit braver, but that's a separate issue. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 05:05, 18 June 2025 (UTC) == Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees 2025 - Call for Candidates == <section begin="announcement-content" /> :<div class="plainlinks">[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Announcement/Call for candidates|{{int:interlanguage-link-mul}}]] • [https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Translate&group=page-{{urlencode:Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Announcement/Call for candidates}}&language=&action=page&filter= {{int:please-translate}}]</div> Hello all, The [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025|call for candidates for the 2025 Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees selection is now open]] from June 17, 2025 – July 2, 2025 at 11:59 UTC [1]. The Board of Trustees oversees the Wikimedia Foundation's work, and each Trustee serves a three-year term [2]. This is a volunteer position. This year, the Wikimedia community will vote in late August through September 2025 to fill two (2) seats on the Foundation Board. Could you – or someone you know – be a good fit to join the Wikimedia Foundation's Board of Trustees? [3] Learn more about what it takes to stand for these leadership positions and how to submit your candidacy on [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Candidate application|this Meta-wiki page]] or encourage someone else to run in this year's election. Best regards, Abhishek Suryawanshi<br /> Chair of the Elections Committee On behalf of the Elections Committee and Governance Committee [1] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Call_for_candidates [2] https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Legal:Bylaws#(B)_Term. [3] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Resources_for_candidates<section end="announcement-content" /> [[User:MediaWiki message delivery|MediaWiki message delivery]] ([[User talk:MediaWiki message delivery|talk]]) 17:44, 17 June 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:RamzyM (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Distribution_list/Global_message_delivery&oldid=28866958 --> == New copycat site == I haven't had the time to fully look into it and I've been quite busy IRL this month, but it seems we have a new copycat site called https://www.localcityguide.net/. It mirrors Wikivoyage pages word-for-word with "2022 © Local City Guide. All rights reserved." and some pages like [[Itineraries]] ([https://www.localcityguide.net/en/Itineraries]) do nothing to even remove mentions of Wikivoyage. What's interesting about this site is that they've listed those behind the site so openly in the [https://www.localcityguide.net/about-us About us] section – I'm not sure how accurate it is, but it could be something to go off. What are the WMF's protocols when a site copies an entire project and what can we do about it? //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 08:59, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :It has a nice presentation, a handful of blog entries posted in June 2022, and it looks like the foundation of the site is our stuff, refreshed regularly. (Changes I made yesterday already appear.) There is no ability to edit articles. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 10:11, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :This is against the terms of service, CC license restrictions, and American copyright law. You should contact the [[:m:Wikimedia_Foundation/Legal|Legal Team]] via email at legal[little-anarchy-symbol]wikimedia[point]org. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 10:22, 18 June 2025 (UTC) ::I picked an arbitrary page of which I have knowledge, but which is not on the average tourist itinerary, [[Estcourt]]. It has an [[outline article|outline]] status. I clicked on "outline" and the first sentence read: :::"An '''outline article''' is a status rating for any article in ''<u>Wikivoyage</u>'' ... " [My emphasis]. ::This is proof that they are copying the WIkivoyage site. [[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 16:00, 18 June 2025 (UTC) ::: It seems that the contents are incorporated by a script directly from Wikivoyage similar to the html frame technology that's why the articles are up-to-date. I made a small change in some status ratings of the German Wikivoyage, and immediately you can read that this is a usable Wikivoyage article in the footer. --[[User:RolandUnger|RolandUnger]] ([[User talk:RolandUnger|talk]]) 17:24, 18 June 2025 (UTC) ::Copying Wikivoyage's contents is okay. However, you have to provide "reasonable" attribution. That's usually done with something like a simple link to the original article on Wikivoyage. I don't see Wikivoyage mentioned on their website, so they need to fix that – but remember that the goal is for them to fix it, not to punish them or prevent them from sharing our information. ::[[w:en:WP:BACKWARDSCOPY]] has some advice on how to contact websites that haven't complied with the license terms. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 19:27, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :::I have sent the developers of the site an email about this. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:38, 21 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I've also forwarded it to WMF legal (cc {{u|Koavf}}). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:40, 21 June 2025 (UTC) :::::Merci. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 02:52, 21 June 2025 (UTC) == Mexican disambiguators == Some input at [[Wikivoyage talk:Naming conventions#Disambiguators for Mexican destinations]] would be appreciated. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 13:41, 19 June 2025 (UTC) == Most visited country in Southeast Asia == It looks like [[Thailand]] just lost its crown to [[Malaysia]], at least for Q1 2025. Should we update our articles to reflect that, or should we wait and see if Malaysia can sustain its lead? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:11, 23 June 2025 (UTC) :{{ping|The dog2}} I think you should update the articles to say that both Thailand and Malaysia are the most visited countries of SE Asia, along the lines of, "Thailand, along with Malaysia, are...", "Malaysia, along with Thailand, are..." or even "Malaysia and Thailand are...". '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 17:11, 23 June 2025 (UTC) ::I think we should wait till yearly figures are available before changing anything. Too many things can change from one quarter to the next. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:52, 23 June 2025 (UTC) :::Agreed – one quarter might not be a true reflection. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 00:24, 24 June 2025 (UTC) == Regionlist == I have added a static map in [[Maharashtra]], but it disappears without showing a dynamic map when I click/press the link "switch to interactive map". Same happens in [[West Bengal]], [[Andhra Pradesh]], [[Chennai]], etc. I think there's a bug in {{tl|Regionlist}} that causes this disappearance, as the template itself was last edited on August 2024. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 13:36, 26 June 2025 (UTC) :Same issue on it:voy. For sure is caused by a change server side. I'll try to figure out if we can solve locally or if we need to open a ticket. [[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 06:46, 27 June 2025 (UTC) ::I've patched it. Now it works again. Be sure to refresh/purge the page you test. [[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 07:32, 27 June 2025 (UTC) == Sister Projects Task Force reviews Wikispore and Wikinews == <section begin="message"/> Dear Wikimedia Community, The [[m:Wikimedia Foundation Community Affairs Committee|Community Affairs Committee (CAC)]] of the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees assigned [[m:Wikimedia Foundation Community Affairs Committee/Sister Projects Task Force|the Sister Projects Task Force (SPTF)]] to update and implement a procedure for assessing the lifecycle of Sister Projects – wiki [[m:Wikimedia projects|projects supported by Wikimedia Foundation (WMF)]]. A vision of relevant, accessible, and impactful free knowledge has always guided the Wikimedia Movement. As the ecosystem of Wikimedia projects continues to evolve, it is crucial that we periodically review existing projects to ensure they still align with our goals and community capacity. Despite their noble intent, some projects may no longer effectively serve their original purpose. '''Reviewing such projects is not about giving up – it's about responsible stewardship of shared resources'''. Volunteer time, staff support, infrastructure, and community attention are finite, and the non-technical costs tend to grow significantly as our ecosystem has entered a different age of the internet than the one we were founded in. Supporting inactive projects or projects that didn't meet our ambitions can unintentionally divert these resources from areas with more potential impact. Moreover, maintaining projects that no longer reflect the quality and reliability of the Wikimedia name stands for, involves a reputational risk. An abandoned or less reliable project affects trust in the Wikimedia movement. Lastly, '''failing to sunset or reimagine projects that are no longer working can make it much harder to start new ones'''. When the community feels bound to every past decision – no matter how outdated – we risk stagnation. A healthy ecosystem must allow for evolution, adaptation, and, when necessary, letting go. If we create the expectation that every project must exist indefinitely, we limit our ability to experiment and innovate. Because of this, SPTF reviewed two requests concerning the lifecycle of the Sister Projects to work through and demonstrate the review process. We chose Wikispore as a case study for a possible new Sister Project opening and Wikinews as a case study for a review of an existing project. Preliminary findings were discussed with the CAC, and a community consultation on both proposals was recommended. === Wikispore === The [[m:Wikispore|application to consider Wikispore]] was submitted in 2019. SPTF decided to review this request in more depth because rather than being concentrated on a specific topic, as most of the proposals for the new Sister Projects are, Wikispore has the potential to nurture multiple start-up Sister Projects. After careful consideration, the SPTF has decided '''not to recommend''' Wikispore as a Wikimedia Sister Project. Considering the current activity level, the current arrangement allows '''better flexibility''' and experimentation while WMF provides core infrastructural support. We acknowledge the initiative's potential and seek community input on what would constitute a sufficient level of activity and engagement to reconsider its status in the future. As part of the process, we shared the decision with the Wikispore community and invited one of its leaders, Pharos, to an SPTF meeting. Currently, we especially invite feedback on measurable criteria indicating the project's readiness, such as contributor numbers, content volume, and sustained community support. This would clarify the criteria sufficient for opening a new Sister Project, including possible future Wikispore re-application. However, the numbers will always be a guide because any number can be gamed. === Wikinews === We chose to review Wikinews among existing Sister Projects because it is the one for which we have observed the highest level of concern in multiple ways. Since the SPTF was convened in 2023, its members have asked for the community's opinions during conferences and community calls about Sister Projects that did not fulfil their promise in the Wikimedia movement.[https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:WCNA_2024._Sister_Projects_-_opening%3F_closing%3F_merging%3F_splitting%3F.pdf <nowiki>[1]</nowiki>][https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_Community_Affairs_Committee/Sister_Projects_Task_Force#Wikimania_2023_session_%22Sister_Projects:_past,_present_and_the_glorious_future%22 <nowiki>[2]</nowiki>][https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/WikiConvention_francophone/2024/Programme/Quelle_proc%C3%A9dure_pour_ouvrir_ou_fermer_un_projet_%3F <nowiki>[3]</nowiki>] Wikinews was the leading candidate for an evaluation because people from multiple language communities proposed it. Additionally, by most measures, it is the least active Sister Project, with the greatest drop in activity over the years. While the Language Committee routinely opens and closes language versions of the Sister Projects in small languages, there has never been a valid proposal to close Wikipedia in major languages or any project in English. This is not true for Wikinews, where there was a proposal to close English Wikinews, which gained some traction but did not result in any action[https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Proposals_for_closing_projects/Closure_of_English_Wikinews <nowiki>[4]</nowiki>][https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/WikiConvention_francophone/2024/Programme/Quelle_proc%C3%A9dure_pour_ouvrir_ou_fermer_un_projet_%3F <nowiki>[5]</nowiki>, see section 5] as well as a draft proposal to close all languages of Wikinews[https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Talk:Proposals_for_closing_projects/Archive_2#Close_Wikinews_completely,_all_languages? <nowiki>[6]</nowiki>]. [[:c:File:Sister Projects Taskforce Wikinews review 2024.pdf|Initial metrics]] compiled by WMF staff also support the community's concerns about Wikinews. Based on this report, SPTF recommends a community reevaluation of Wikinews. We conclude that its current structure and activity levels are the lowest among the existing sister projects. SPTF also recommends pausing the opening of new language editions while the consultation runs. SPTF brings this analysis to a discussion and welcomes discussions of alternative outcomes, including potential restructuring efforts or integration with other Wikimedia initiatives. '''Options''' mentioned so far (which might be applied to just low-activity languages or all languages) include but are not limited to: *Restructure how Wikinews works and is linked to other current events efforts on the projects, *Merge the content of Wikinews into the relevant language Wikipedias, possibly in a new namespace, *Merge content into compatibly licensed external projects, *Archive Wikinews projects. Your insights and perspectives are invaluable in shaping the future of these projects. We encourage all interested community members to share their thoughts on the relevant discussion pages or through other designated feedback channels. === Feedback and next steps === We'd be grateful if you want to take part in a conversation on the future of these projects and the review process. We are setting up two different project pages: [[m:Public consultation about Wikispore|Public consultation about Wikispore]] and [[m:Public consultation about Wikinews|Public consultation about Wikinews]]. Please participate between 27 June 2025 and 27 July 2025, after which we will summarize the discussion to move forward. You can write in your own language. I will also host a community conversation 16th July Wednesday 11.00 UTC and 17th July Thursday 17.00 UTC (call links to follow shortly) and will be around at Wikimania for more discussions. <section end="message"/> -- [[User:Victoria|Victoria]] on behalf of the Sister Project Task Force, 20:57, 27 June 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:Johan (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Johan_(WMF)/Sister_project_MassMassage_on_behalf_of_Victoria/Target_list&oldid=28911188 --> :I definitely hate to say it but Wikinews has to be one of the most failed WMF projects. The English Wikinews is barely sustaining and I think that is fine for the timebeing, but the other Wikinews projects simply lack the editor base to actively review new news articles. It came up in tawikinews' closure proposal where their newest article dated to 2018! //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:56, 28 June 2025 (UTC) ::I think that we're meant to post that kind of thing on the Meta-Wiki project pages: [[metawiki:Public consultation about Wikispore|Public consultation about Wikispore]] and [[metawiki:Public consultation about Wikinews|Public consultation about Wikinews]]. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 22:42, 28 June 2025 (UTC) :::I'm aware; I just wanted to give out my 2c in short form – I have a longer list of suggestions planned which I'll do when I get a bit more spare time. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:44, 28 June 2025 (UTC) === General concerns === I am not a big fan of Wikinews, but one thing about the [[:meta:Proposal_for_Closing_Wikinews|report published by Sister Projects Task Force]] is concerning. This report is written in a very critical manner, namely, it does not mention that dozens if not hundreds of volunteers have spent a considerable amount of their time on developing Wikinews. The report does not mention any single good thing about their work, which does not seem fair. The report demonstrates that the current level of activity and content development at Wikinews is low (and this statement is fair), but it does not set any threshold of what would be good enough metrics for a community to deserve the resources from WMF. Moreover, the report does not attempt to analyze which steps Wikinews editors took to develop their project, and why these steps were unsuccessful. It just says: you did a bad job, so we will close you down and even deprive you of any possibility of moving Wikinews elsewhere because the name stays with Wikimedia Foundation. Wikivoyage is a smaller project too, and it would be discouraging if a similarly critical report about our work appears. It is not completely unrealistic when half of the language versions are dormant, while many others are somewhat comparable in their metrics to the most active editions of Wikinews. I think that only English Wikivoyage is clearly above that threshold, although the actual threshold is not even defined, so almost any level of activity can be deemed "low" if one wants to say so. What are your thoughts on that? --[[User:Atsirlin|Alexander]] ([[User_talk:Atsirlin|talk]]) 09:53, 28 June 2025 (UTC) :I have not been using Wikinews, so my reflections are based on the closure of Wikinews in Swedish and the current discussion, linked above. One point raised in the discussion is that the metrics chosen didn't take into account the special nature of the project. :I assume the Sister Project Task Force is right in that this kind of evaluations need to be done from time to time, but also think that the evaluations should focus on whether there are paths forward, rather than on whether the project is viable according to current trends. :Wikinews has the problem that a significant dedicated editor base i needed – Wikipedia or even Wikivoyage can stay alive and stay interesting even with no edits for a year or two, while a news outlet would loose nearly all of its readers. The coverage needs to be adequate on at least some areas (geographic or thematic) for the site to stay interesting. The critical mass needed is much larger – and that critical mass additionally needs to be able to counter people with a bias (good-faith or not) or with an agenda not aligned with the project goals – keeping touting at bay is much easier. I assume new language versions should be started only if there is hope of quickly building that critical mass. :–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 10:36, 28 June 2025 (UTC) ::Yes I do believe that LangCom has decided to suspend the creation of all new Wikinews projects for that very reason. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:46, 28 June 2025 (UTC) :Alexander, it's true "that dozens if not hundreds of volunteers have spent a considerable amount of their time on developing Wikinews", but it's also true that keeping a failing project because of past efforts is an example of [[w:en:Sunk cost fallacy]]. :I suspect that if someone made a credible proposal to move Wikinews to another host, the WMF would be be open to negotiations over the name. (But any new sponsor might prefer to come up with their own name.) [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 03:31, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::I guess my main problem is the absence of any well-defined criteria that distinguish a sustainable project from a failing one. Do you understand what these criteria are? -- [[User:Atsirlin|Alexander]] ([[User_talk:Atsirlin|talk]]) 08:35, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::A well-defined criteria that defines what a sustainable project would still heavily rely on how the project functions, though. For Wikinews, it needs to be very active and metrics that may be appropriate for Wikivoyage or Wikibooks like number of articles aren't super relevant because 20000 articles is no good if the last one was written 2 months ago (the numbers are hypothetical but my point stands). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 08:50, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I agree that the same metrics can not be applied to all sister projects, but "very active" leaves a lot of room for interpretation. Imagine someone decides that Wikivoyage is not sustainable because it contains a lot of outdated travel information that has not been updated in the last 5 years. That would be a problem... -- [[User:Atsirlin|Alexander]] ([[User_talk:Atsirlin|talk]]) 09:27, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::::We don't want well-defined criteria. There needs to be judgement on the projects actual prospects. Opening a community discussion is good, as that's a way to see whether the metrics give a correct picture – although there should be discussions with the projects before opening a discussion like this (I don't know to what extent there have been such discussions). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 20:13, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I still don't love the way the SPTF decided to mass-send these messages to every wiki without consulting the Wikinews community; it really should be up to them (and when I mean them, I mean the more active Wikinews projects such as en or ruwikinews) to decide their project's future, not the rest of us or the vast majority who don't get involved with Wikinews. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:01, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::Yes. The issues should have been raised with the projects first (not only the big ones, but all projects affected). I don't know whether that was done, but seemingly not enough, anyway. It seems the SPTF (?) wanted to introduce a more general practice of re-evaluating projects, and just chose the two as examples. They should have understood that doing it that way, without consultations, would upset people. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:40, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::TBF, there were several closure proposals before, including one for all language Wikinews. Those for major projects failed, but one can argue that this was a signal to the communities to evaluate their performance which they apparently did not get. I agree though that opening such discussion before notifying the Wikinews communities first is not really good. [[User:Ymblanter|Ymblanter]] ([[User talk:Ymblanter|talk]]) 08:54, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::They definitely should have; I hope they use this as a learning lesson because the general sentiment from the enwikinews community is quite clearly unimpressed from that discussion. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 09:01, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::Well this comment certainly [[:m:Talk:Public_consultation_about_Wikinews#c-Victoria-20250630095300-BRPever-20250629141600|aged like milk]]. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 13:59, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::Oh dear. I hope there are others in the SPTF who are more keen-eared. This risks degenerating into one more of the WMF-not-respecting-the-community affairs. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:40, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::SPTF (or Victoria, at the very least) seems so predetermined to close Wikinews that I've never heard something so blatantly biased such as "However, I expect that the wikinewsians would be in COI" – so to them I assume knowing the ins and outs of your own project is apparently a conflict of interest? It's a massive insult to non-Wikipedia based projects. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 11:04, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::I can understand her view, but I think it is misguided, and somebody in her team should get them to discuss their actual mission. If a project indeed needs to be laid down, the process needs to be lead very sensitively – and the consultation in this phase shouldn't be on whether to lay Wikinews down. It is "to work through and demonstrate the review process", "a community reevaluation" and "potential restructuring efforts". ::::::::::::The demonstration of the process has been a disaster and potential restructuring efforts require a good understanding of he project, which cannot be had without a keen-eared discussion with the communities. ::::::::::::The "re-evaluation" should be based on such potential restructuring paths, where restructuring isn't about where to dump the Wikinews content, but how to save the project, if possible. ::::::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 13:13, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::I fully agree with you about about the "re-evaluation" but the way they have been responding to community feedback feels as though they have the result pre-determined and this is merely being used as a box ticking exercise – which is why I think it's crucial that we as a fellow sister project speak up about the way this was poorly handled because who knows what they will do when it's our turn to undergo public consultations. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 14:04, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::I wrote about some concerns in [[:meta:Talk:Public consultation about Wikinews#Process and analysis seem flawed]]. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:34, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::::Cheers, {{u|LPfi}}; hopefully our project will be fine (I think it will because Wikivoyage or really any other WMF project does not have the same issues as Wikinews does of requiring an active community), but more feedback is certainly better. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 03:49, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::Whereas I agree that the process it to some extend flawed (and I agree with the points LPfi makes in the response on Meta), it would be useful to see whether some metrics used for analysis (in whatever flawed way) could be improved for Wikivoyage, so that they are out of discussion. [[User:Ymblanter|Ymblanter]] ([[User talk:Ymblanter|talk]]) 08:18, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::::::{{Ping|Victoria}} as primary author and for what I think is trenchant feedback: to the extent that this taskforce is assessing the sibling projects, it would be helpful if the individual communities knew what kind of rubric there is to grade their health. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 19:55, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::::First of all, the Taskforce in not assessing '''all''' siblings projects, the Wikispore/Wikinews was a proof-of-concept exercise. ::::::::::::::::::We used [[metawiki:Wikimedia_Foundation_Community_Affairs_Committee/Procedure_for_Sibling_Project_Lifecycle/revised|this rubric]], which was discussed in a public consultation a year ago - but didn't get much attention, because Meta is littered with documents that are never implemented. ::::::::::::::::::In the [[metawiki:Wikimedia_Foundation_Community_Affairs_Committee/Procedure_for_Sibling_Project_Lifecycle/revise|Wikispore consultation]] we ask for the proposals for the clarification of the "activity" and other criteria. [[User:Victoria|Victoria]] ([[User talk:Victoria|talk]]) 09:11, 3 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::::::::Thanks for this and thanks for letting me ping-pong you around various WMF projects with pings. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 09:38, 3 July 2025 (UTC) :::::I've been going through some of the stats, and "very active" is an interesting point. The defenders of the "very active" Wikinews language editions seem to be engaged overwhelmingly in copying/pasting content from suitably licensed external sites. They have turned Wikinews into mirrors for other sites, rather than writing articles. :::::Just imagine how we at Wikivoyage would react if someone here said "I am a very active Wikivoyage editor. I spend at least an hour a day copying and pasting pages from other travel websites!" [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 21:34, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::We do copy info from hotel websites and other sources, but we don't have the luxury of reliable free content written in our style. Being a channel for reliable news ''could'' be a mission of Wikinews (more or less the same way some "social media" sites do it). If so, the question is whether they can do it well enough for it to be worthwhile as a WMF project (and whether the other things they do are done well). But that's not the discussion the SPTF initiated, they chose to go by statistics instead. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 22:12, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::It was mentioned somewhere that the stats may be skewed by bots – I'm still confused on how you'd be able to tell if the stats were skewed by bots or not. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:11, 2 July 2025 (UTC) == Archive links invisible in mobile mode == Why? When I look in edit mode, I can see links to archives in [[Talk:China]], but not when I simply look at that talk page. Will Wikivoyage in mobile mode ever not suck? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:30, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :I can't answer your first question, but the answer to your latter question, as we both know, is never (we are a massive afterthought for the WMF). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:51, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::In which case, we will eventually read that the Wikimedia Foundation dropped Wikivoyage from lack of sufficient participation. Would we be able to fork in that case, or does Wikimedia own the copyright for Wikivoyage as they do for Wikinews? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:09, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::Each individual editor, including IPs/logged-out editors, owns the copyright to whatever copyrightable material they post on wiki. The Wikimedia Foundation owns the domain names and the trademarks (e.g., name and logo). Anyone who wants to fork can do so freely. The Wikimedia Foundation will sometimes even informally help people do so. The mobile site does have the links to the archives. Click on the "(i) Learn more about this page" button at the top of the page to find the "invisible" content. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 03:27, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::{{ping|Ikan Kekek}} Please don't be that fearful when Wikinews is proposed to be shut down or merged with Wikipedia. I wanted to work in the Bengali Wikinews Incubator project, but my lack of activity in recent weeks has prevented me from participating further. So, I have focused on Commons and Wikivoyage, where I am still highly active. I don't think the SPTF would suggest something similar for Wikivoyage, and I think it is actually a popular website. My static map of [[West Bengal]] is now widely shared on Facebook (both English and Bengali versions), along with an AI-generated list of places to visit in the state. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 03:35, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::::You are a superb Wikivoyage content creator! I'm not afraid in the very near term, but usage of all websites nowadays has to be mostly mobile, so if this site's mobile interface remains terrible, its eventual demise is a foregone conclusion. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:44, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::::Are you refering to the archive links that appear when I click "more about this page" at the top? :::::The issues with the mobile site exist as this project does not have '''active interface admins.''' :::::Note: The WMF has nothing to do with the content or presentation of content for this site. :::::Relevant links: :::::* https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:WikimediaMessages#Site_admin_helper :::::* https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Recommendations_for_mobile_friendly_articles_on_Wikimedia_wikis :::::[[User:Jdlrobson|Jdlrobson]] ([[User talk:Jdlrobson|talk]]) 03:09, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::Yes, "Learn more about this page." I didn't know to click that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:27, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I don't see why the WMF would have nothing to do with presentation of content on Wikivoyage. We are using MediaWiki and settings provided by the WMF, and we indeed are a WMF project. ::::::Not having active interface admins (I thought we have some) shouldn't mean too much – having technically knowledgable people locally is a bonus, it (and them dedicating time to do major work) shouldn't be a prerequisite for a WMF project. ::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:51, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::We do indeed have 5 [[Wikivoyage:Interface administrators]], which [[User:Jdlrobson]] should know, because he is one of them. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:01, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::I am an interface admin but I would not consider myself active. Maintenance of the listing editor for example causes me more anxiety than enjoyment these days. ::::::::In my time in this project I have seen quite a few complaints about the mobile experience but nobody has articulated clearly what needs improving. I personally dont think that overall it is a bad experience and the fact most of our page views are on mobile should be reassuring. That said there are templates like climate data that I think could be improved on mobile. ::::::::If you really want to improve the mobile experience I'd recommend making a wiki page with discussion of changes, proposal/consensus and then implementing them. I havent seen this sort of thing since [[Wikivoyage:Banner Expedition]]. I guarantee the majority of changes you want do not need WMF involvement but they will require discussion and community consultation. [[User:Jdlrobson|Jdlrobson]] ([[User talk:Jdlrobson|talk]]) 15:53, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::Wauterz is certainly active. Have you ever tried adding a listing or reverting more than one edit at a time in mobile mode? I'm sure we can compile a list of badness from the mobile interface. Where is the best page to put it on? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:25, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::{{u|Andyrom75}} is also fairly active on itwikivoyage. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 22:18, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::To answer the very first question of @[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]], I've noticed that the infobox has a "display:none" style that hide those boxes in mobile view. I think this style is added serverside (maybe @[[User:Jdlrobson|Jdlrobson]] you can confirm), because it's not added by the template neither by the templatestyles. :::::::::::However, as said from @[[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]], you can still see it clicking on the "(i)" button. [[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 17:09, 2 July 2025 (UTC) 6ztq4wknvo5f6t5j52vgev4zcdscnho 5087067 5087049 2025-07-03T10:15:48Z Victoria 1380473 /* General concerns */ Reply 5087067 wikitext text/x-wiki <div style="text-align:left; background: var( --wv-optional-color, #f4f7fa); color: var( --color-base ); border: 1px solid #abc; padding: .3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em"> <div style="text-align:center; font-size:300%; line-height: 1; padding: 10px;">'''Welcome to the pub'''</div> {{shortcut|[[WV:Pub]]|[[WV:TP]]}} [[File:QA_icon_clr.svg|right|frameless|150px|link=]] The travellers' pub is for general discussion on Wikivoyage, and the place to ask questions when you're confused, lost, afraid, tired, annoyed, thoughtful, or helpful. To start a new topic, click the "Add topic" tab, so that it gets added '''at the bottom''' of the page, and sign your post by appending four tildes (<nowiki>~~~~</nowiki>) Before asking a question or making a comment: * Have a look at our [[Wikivoyage:Help|Help]], [[Wikivoyage:FAQ|FAQ]] and [[Wikivoyage:Policies|Policies]] pages. * If you are a '''new user''' and you have any questions about using the website, try the [[Wikivoyage:Arrivals lounge|Arrivals lounge]]. * If you have a '''question or suggestion about a particular article''', use the article's [[Project:using talk pages|talk page]] to keep the discussion associated with that article. * If you'd like to '''draw attention to a comment''' to '''get feedback''' from other Wikivoyagers, try [[Wikivoyage:Requests for comment|Requests for comment]]. * If you are '''wanting travel advice on a specific matter''' see the [[Wikivoyage:Tourist office|tourist office]]. * If you have an '''issue you need to bring to the attention of an administrator''', try [[Wikivoyage:Ongoing vandalism|Ongoing vandalism]]. * If you are having a '''problem that you think has to do with the [[mw:|MediaWiki software]]''', please post that on [[phab:|Phabricator]] instead. * If you want to '''celebrate a significant contribution''' to Wikivoyage by yourself or others, hold a party at [[Project:Celebrate a contribution|Celebrate a contribution]]. * Discuss '''issues related to more than one language version''' of Wikivoyage in the [[meta:Wikivoyage/Lounge|Wikivoyage Lounge]] on Meta. * Anything that is '''Nigeria-related''' is now meant to go in the [[Wikivoyage:Nigeria café|Nigeria café]] instead. Anything that is '''Kosovo or Albania related''' is now meant to go in the [[Wikivoyage:Kosovo and Albania cafe|Kosovo and Albania café]] instead. This includes announcements, initiatives, celebrations, and issues with certain articles. You can review old Pub discussions in the [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub/Archives]]. '''Pull up a chair and join in the conversation!''' [{{fullurl:Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub|action=edit&section=new}} '''Click here to start a new thread'''] </div> {{WikivoyageDoc|collaboration}} <!-- Discussions start here --> __TOC__ __NEWSECTIONLINK__ == RfC ongoing regarding Abstract Wikipedia (and your project) == <div lang="en" dir="ltr" class="mw-content-ltr"> ''(Apologies for posting in English, if this is not your first language)'' Hello all! We opened a discussion on Meta about a very delicate issue for the development of [[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Abstract Wikipedia|Abstract Wikipedia]]: where to store the abstract content that will be developed through functions from Wikifunctions and data from Wikidata. Since some of the hypothesis involve your project, we wanted to hear your thoughts too. We want to make the decision process clear: we do not yet know which option we want to use, which is why we are consulting here. We will take the arguments from the Wikimedia communities into account, and we want to consult with the different communities and hear arguments that will help us with the decision. The decision will be made and communicated after the consultation period by the Foundation. You can read the various hypothesis and have your say at [[:m:Abstract Wikipedia/Location of Abstract Content|Abstract Wikipedia/Location of Abstract Content]]. Thank you in advance! -- [[User:Sannita (WMF)|Sannita (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Sannita (WMF)|<span class="signature-talk">{{int:Talkpagelinktext}}</span>]]) 15:27, 22 May 2025 (UTC) </div> <!-- Message sent by User:Sannita (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Sannita_(WMF)/Mass_sending_test&oldid=28768453 --> :{{re|Sannita (WMF)}} may I ask how this affects Wikivoyage when you say "some of the hypothesis involve your project"? TIA, //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:28, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::The proposed solutions mention the Wikivoyages in several places. The main issue is that an abstract article about Someplace shouldn't be rendered the same in Wikipedia and Wikivoyage. This affects also the technical solutions, such as where to store statements and functions. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:21, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::Can you explain further how we have abstract (vs. concrete?) articles on Wikivoyage? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:27, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::We don't have any abstract articles at the time being, and I assume Wikivoyage in English may choose never to have them. For smaller languages, though, it is unrealistic to cover all interesting places with proper articles. The mission of Abstract Wikipedia is to provide a framework for creating articles in a way that allows automatic translation into something at least half-way decent. It's like having listings fetch key information from Wikidata, but scaled up to complete articles (or less complete – at least lively language on personal impressions will certainly be missing for the foreseeable future). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:43, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::::I see – I still don't understand how this will fully get (even after reading the hypothesis), but I suppose it's something for smaller language projects. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 09:47, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::Hi @[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], it seems that @[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] covered most of my arguments here already, so I would just repeat them at this point. The part that interests your project refers to the hypothesis that abstract content ''might'' (but it's still not sure at the moment) be stored in a dedicated namespace of your project. But again, this ''might'' happen, and you're free to refuse to store/use abstract content to further your development. This is entirely in your right, and we do not want to force any adoption of the project without consensus. [[User:Sannita (WMF)|Sannita (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Sannita (WMF)|talk]]) 10:01, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::And yes, Abstract Wikipedia is primarily intended for projects that have so far developed a small number of articles, in order to help them accelerate their growth and hopefully provide more knowledge to their communities and recruit a higher number of volunteers. [[User:Sannita (WMF)|Sannita (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Sannita (WMF)|talk]]) 10:03, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::Sounds perfect. Thanks to both of you for explaining! //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:10, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Seconded. I understand. We should discuss in a separate thread whether it would be better to encourage, allow perhaps without comment, or disallow abstract listings on this site. I think we probably don't want abstract articles, but we should discuss that, too. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:22, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::::I can see abstract listings being useful for more obscure parts of the world for English speakers for this site at least, but overall sounds like it's something to help smaller language Wikivoyages benefit from us rather than the other way around (which is also great). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 13:30, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::I mentioned listings as we already use Wikidata for them (coordinates) and have discussed e.g. opening hours (too complicated to be workable). I don't think "abstract listings" are an option at this point – somebody needs to decide a listing is wanted and would include some manual language when adding it. We still might have some valuable insights in how – and how not – to design abstract Wikivoyage articles for them to be useful. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 14:04, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::I have two thoughts about this: ::* We need some way of separating a block of text that works for Wikipedia from a block of text that works for Wikivoyage (or another sister project). That suggests ''not'' using the English Wikipedia as the storage place for everything. The Wikipedias might all want "Jupiter is the largest planet in the Solar System. It is the fifth planet from the Sun", but if Wikivoyage were to have an article on the planet, it would probably sound a lot more like "Jupiter isn't a viable destination, but travelers interested in [[astronomy]] and [[navigation]]<nowiki/>by the stars may be interested in the Big Museum of Jupiter and the Annual Jupiter Festival". ::* I think that the English Wikivoyage could benefit from Abstract content. It's obvious that we could 'translate' our [[Wikivoyage:Star articles|Star articles]] into Abstract, and thus other Wikivoyages would benefit. However, imagine how much we could benefit if @[[User:Sannita (WMF)|Sannita (WMF)]] brought [[:it:Roma]] up to Star status, and then translated it for us to copy whatever bits we wanted in [[Rome]]. Keep in mind that while Abstract is set up to do dynamic autotranslation (e.g., always giving the latest population estimate, if the sentence says "the population of Rome is ___"), you can actually copy and paste the results as plain old text into an article. ::[[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:07, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::If I understand correctly, Abstract Wikipedia works with programming that could have been done in the 1980s, more or less like [[:w:Lsjbot|Lsjbot]]'s articles, although not confined to info found in already existing datasets. "Not a viable destination" would need to be an item to insert and translate. That article on Jupiter would have very little in common with the Wikipedia one. :::For Rome, population statistics etc. would be easy to write in abstract form, but an abstract star article would need a lot of article-specific functions, which need to be translated to get a version in another language – and lively language is hard to translate automatically (think "[[Talk#Speaking English with non-native speakers|blind and therefore insane]]"). Copying over listings would work, and a good abstract article should have a good selection of those. :::I think an abstract Wikivoyage article should focus on being reasonably complete by having ''information'': roads and trains for getting in, listings with coords, contact details and Wikidata link, and suggestions in Go next, but quite little running text, mostly identical across articles except data values (…is a village/town/city in X…), and likewise a dry list of facts in the listing "content", not like the lively writing in [[Wikivoyage:Listings#Examples|Wikivoyage:Listings]]. :::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 17:47, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::As Wikivoyage has generally has more structured articles than Wikipedia, I think that we could make use of an Abstract Wikivoyage. Two areas look like possible starting points: listings and the phrases in phrasebooks. ::::If a tool could create an abstract version of a listing that exists in another language, then the listing could be offered when editing the same section of an article here - "Would you like to add a listing for the Lawnmower Museum?". Some parts of listing could be updated in all languages when edited in one - we would show the last updated entry price for the museum whatever language it was edited in. A difficult part is identifying when listing elements are language specific - we may use a different url from another WV to point to a page in English, and we don't care that the museum has labels translated into Spanish. ::::In English WV we have a standard set of phrases for phrasebooks, and most phrasebooks keep fairly closely to this list. This list is also the basis for phrasebooks in some other language WVs. It would appear to be reasonably straightforward to scan the existing phrases to create an abstract phrasebook, but inconsistencies would need to be reviewed. There are about 300 phrasebooks in English, 50 in German and 20 in Polish. Maybe we can use this to offer over 200 phrasebooks in Polish. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:44, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::::For listings, yes, the abstract versions would be easy to create. For the name, we only need to identify the native name, its romanisation, and the language of translated names. There are already structures for all this in Wikidata; also "official URL" has a language attribute. Amenities of hotels can likewise easily be described. Nothing will be automatically fetched, so no worries about info irrelevant for English speakers. What is hard to do is the lively language of the examples I linked above. :::::For phrasebooks, I am not sure it is that easy, or rather whether creating an abstract phrasebook helps compared to just translating the template and using a dictionary (or whatever way you otherwise use for getting translations). Grammar and pronunciation sections needs to be written with the audience's language knowledge in mind, and translations of phrases need to be done with some understanding of the context, thus mostly manually. For a good phrasebook, you also need to note peculiarities in the relation with the target language, such as the liberty/liberté etc. now added to the French and Italian phrasebook and warnings for specific false friends. :::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 04:57, 27 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::I think phrasebooks is one of those things (along with travel topics) where it's more or less impossible to create an abstract version of. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 05:23, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::Why do you think that? :::::::We can already write things like "{{#invoke:wd|label|Q98815142}}, a {{#invoke:wd|label|Q81727}} of {{#invoke:wd|label|Q8486}}, {{#invoke:wd|label|Q26175857}}" by invoking Wikidata. It would require expansion (e.g., to add "a" and "an"), but it doesn't seem impossible in principle, at least for simpler sentences. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:24, 27 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::The question is whether there is any point of doing that. If every phrase has to be purpose-translated, then why not just write the non-abstract phrasebook? The point with the abstract articles is that there are standard phrases that can be used across articles, such as words for amenities you will find in many hotels. For the phrasebook phrases, the question is whether the same Sámi phrase would suite the phrasebook in English and the one in Latvian (or whatever). ::::::::When the English phrase is translated differently depending on context, some commentary needs to be added (formal/informal, feminine/masculine). This commentary is redundant or awkward in languages that make the same distinction, possibly treating the two (or more) forms as totally unrelated (the person is deceased, the cow is dead). ::::::::For the cup of tea, you may need to word that differently depending on whether you are a man or woman, and whether the one you are asking for the cup is a waiter, the café owner, your host or your host's young child. ::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 20:59, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::::Perhaps an example would show what I was thinking of: :::::::::In [[French phrasebook]], we have: :::::::::; How much is a ticket to _____? : Combien coûte le billet pour _____ ? (''kom-BYAN koot luh bee-YEH poor'') :::::::::; One ticket to _____, please. : Un billet pour _____, s'il vous plaît. (''ung bee-YEH poor ____ seel voo pleh'') :::::::::On Polish WV there is [[:pl:Rozmówki francuskie]], their French Phrasebook. :::::::::;Ile kosztuje bilet do...? : Combien coûte le billet pour...? :::::::::;Poproszę jeden bilet do... : Un billet pour..., je vous prie. :::::::::We also have [[Finnish phrasebook]], which has: :::::::::; How much is a ticket to _____? : Paljonko maksaa lippu _____in? (''PAHL-yonk-aw MAHK-sah LEEP-poo _____?'') :::::::::So I think that a Finnish phrasebook on the Polish WV, could have :::::::::;Ile kosztuje bilet do...? : Paljonko maksaa lippu _____in? (''PAHL-yonk-aw MAHK-sah LEEP-poo _____?'') :::::::::"One ticket to" is not exactly the same (translating the French used in Polish, it is saying "I beg you" rather than "please"), so this phase would require some manual adjustments when it was abstracted. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:24, 27 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::I don't think that the idea with Abstract is to program in "please", but rather to swap in whichever word or phrase is used in that language to indicate politeness and respect while making a request. ::::::::::We already have a [[mw:Help:Magic words#gender|software switch for gender]], so this is not some miraculous future tech; this is an expansion of what has been possible for years. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 01:39, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::For Finnish, there is no word or phrase that indicates politeness, but one often uses the conditional (?) verb form instead. In some cases one would just use that word form in the phrase (in the Finnish phrasebooks and in phrasebooks for Finnish) – but here the question is instead with no sign of politeness, which is common in that language. Something like "could you" is problematic as most languages make a distinction between thou and you. I think the common cases can be handled decently, but for less well-known language families – those that benefit most from the abstract articles – the edge cases will be more common. It is likely that abstract phrasebook have to be tweaked for specific languages to avoid the odd case of very problematic renderings. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:02, 28 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::In Malay, there are two words for "please" that have different meanings and are used in different contexts. There are also two words for "we" that have different meanings. Etc. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:34, 30 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::I would expect all the foreign phrases to be reproduced exactly as they were in the existing phrasebook(s) that they were taken from. Ideally the left side phrases would also be exact reproductions, unless they were used to create a phrasebook to be part of a WV that doesn't currently have any phrasebooks; but it is less of an issue if the left side doesn't read perfectly. I am assuming that an Abstract Wikivoyage would have some mechanism for handling quoted text, as this is essential for reproducing the exact words used in famous speeches etc, and will be required for abstract Wikipedia and Wikiquote etc. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 14:06, 30 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::{{re|WhatamIdoing}} LPfi's basically explained why I don't think abstract phrasebooks will work. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:25, 27 May 2025 (UTC) == Adding images to the Infobox template == {{Infobox/sandbox|Infobox sandbox test|Nutritious, filling content goes here. |image=Dessert_Merlion_Singapore_Cafe_Kaya_Toast.jpg |caption=Yum yum!}} I've hacked up [[Template:Infobox/sandbox]] which add new <code>image/caption</code> parameters, so you can easily add an image to your infoboxen instead of trying to manually hack it in. Example: <pre> {{Infobox/sandbox |Infobox sandbox test |Nutritious, filling content goes here. |image=Dessert_Merlion_Singapore_Cafe_Kaya_Toast.jpg |caption=Yum yum!}} </pre> If there's no objections, I'll roll this out to the main Infobox template, the params are optional so it shouldn't break anything. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 06:02, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :{{support}} &ndash; Will be useful for articles like [[India]] and [[Kolkata]], which already use images in infoboxes. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 06:15, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :This is a tangent, but I think we should consider renaming that template, or at least changing its Wikidata links. Wikivoyage doesn't do Wikipedia-style infoboxes. These are just simple boxes, more like pull quotes or boxed warnings. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:29, 27 May 2025 (UTC) ::Change the Wikidata link, but keep the name. It is an infobox, although not a Wikipedia-style one. Of course, if somebody comes up with a better name, then I won't object. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:06, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :::{{ping|WhatamIdoing|LPfi}} Maybe {{tl|Info}} can be used instead of {{tl|Infobox}}. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 02:40, 28 May 2025 (UTC) ::::For us, this is an infobox, not just info. I wouldn't support such changes just to conform. Somebody who wants a Wikipedia-style infobox should just be directed to {{tl|quickbar}}, and somebody who tries to use {{tl|infobox}} quickly sees that it isn't what they are looking for. A see also for the former is more useful than a name change. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:11, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :::::I'll fix the Wikidata links so that {{tl|quickbar}} is matched with the Wikipedia-style infoboxes, and {{tl|infobox}} isn't. I'm not sure what our {{tl|infobox}} should be matched to; I don't think that enwiki has anything similar. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:28, 28 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::...No, that won't work. {{tl|Quickbar}} matches "Infobox Country". I'll remove the {{tl|infobox}} links. That much is certainly correct. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:29, 28 May 2025 (UTC) (undent) I've deployed the new version. I had to tweak it a bit to stop it from adding extra padding when the new params are not used, but it should be OK now, please ping me if not. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 07:58, 28 May 2025 (UTC) == Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees 2025 Selection & Call for Questions == <section begin="announcement-content" /> :''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Announcement/Selection announcement|{{int:interlanguage-link-mul}}]] • [https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Translate&group=page-{{urlencode:Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Announcement/Selection announcement}}&language=&action=page&filter= {{int:please-translate}}]'' Dear all, This year, the term of 2 (two) Community- and Affiliate-selected Trustees on the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees will come to an end [1]. The Board invites the whole movement to participate in this year’s selection process and vote to fill those seats. The Elections Committee will oversee this process with support from Foundation staff [2]. The Governance Committee, composed of trustees who are not candidates in the 2025 community-and-affiliate-selected trustee selection process (Raju Narisetti, Shani Evenstein Sigalov, Lorenzo Losa, Kathy Collins, Victoria Doronina and Esra’a Al Shafei) [3], is tasked with providing Board oversight for the 2025 trustee selection process and for keeping the Board informed. More details on the roles of the Elections Committee, Board, and staff are here [4]. Here are the key planned dates: * May 22 – June 5: Announcement (this communication) and call for questions period [6] * June 17 – July 1, 2025: Call for candidates * July 2025: If needed, affiliates vote to shortlist candidates if more than 10 apply [5] * August 2025: Campaign period * August – September 2025: Two-week community voting period * October – November 2025: Background check of selected candidates * Board’s Meeting in December 2025: New trustees seated Learn more about the 2025 selection process - including the detailed timeline, the candidacy process, the campaign rules, and the voter eligibility criteria - on this Meta-wiki page [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025|[link]]]. '''Call for Questions''' In each selection process, the community has the opportunity to submit questions for the Board of Trustees candidates to answer. The Election Committee selects questions from the list developed by the community for the candidates to answer. Candidates must answer all the required questions in the application in order to be eligible; otherwise their application will be disqualified. This year, the Election Committee will select 5 questions for the candidates to answer. The selected questions may be a combination of what’s been submitted from the community, if they’re alike or related. [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Questions_for_candidates|[link]]] '''Election Volunteers''' Another way to be involved with the 2025 selection process is to be an Election Volunteer. Election Volunteers are a bridge between the Elections Committee and their respective community. They help ensure their community is represented and mobilize them to vote. Learn more about the program and how to join on this Meta-wiki page [[m:Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Election_volunteers|[link].]] Thank you! [1] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2022/Results [2] https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Committee:Elections_Committee_Charter [3] https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Resolution:Committee_Membership,_December_2024 [4] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections_committee/Roles [5] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/FAQ [6] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Questions_for_candidates Best regards, Victoria Doronina Board Liaison to the Elections Committee Governance Committee<section end="announcement-content" /> [[User:MediaWiki message delivery|MediaWiki message delivery]] ([[User talk:MediaWiki message delivery|talk]]) 03:08, 28 May 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:RamzyM (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Distribution_list/Global_message_delivery&oldid=28618011 --> == Medium [[Main Page]] overhaul proposal == Since my [[Talk:Main_Page#Help_needed_with_tweaking_visual_balance_of_the_main_page|request for input and support]] on Talk:Main Page went mostly unnoticed, I'm bringing this proposal to the pub to ensure it gets the daylight it should have, as these are proposals to change the look of a rather important page. Here's the backstory: For longer than [[WV:Vector 2022|Vector 2022]] has been around, I've been bothered by the balance of elements on the main page. The new skin only did it injustices, so I've taken it upon myself to mend the shortcomings of the main page in my quest to make Wikivoyage work in Vector 2022. This all so our site looks a bit more appealing in the new skin. I know many regular editors stuck with their old preferred skins when we got the new skin imposed on us, but this still is something that will affect Wikivoyage's appeal to new editors and readers. If the main page looks chaotic and messy, they'll be less likely to stick around. So to each and every editor, <u>regardless</u> of which skin you use: Please chime in! That being said, these are the changes I have developed, and have ready to deploy: * '''Wider {{tl|Mapbanner}}:''' Some small tweaks to the template which make it use all the page width available to it, and moves the globe image and image map accordingly. * '''Centred JCaroussel:''' For the same reason, to make better use of the width on the main page, I've got some CSS changes to the JCaroussel ready that center the featured articles. Scaling them up to simply be full page width I have found to be too tedious to bother with. * '''Overhauled {{tl|Banner}}:''' Vector 2022's scaleable font plays too much with the banners for featured articles to where sometimes the blurb isn't even entirely visible. In the same process, I've simplified the way in which this template is used for each category, foregoing the need for a 'section' and 'section-link' parameter, replacing them with a 'type' parameter. Its style is mostly in keeping with the existing banners and should simplify the process for featuring articles more than it complicates them. What do these changes look like? In the case of {{tl|Mapbanner}}, I cannot easily give a working demonstration as its stylesheet currently overwrites any changes I make to it. Instead, [https://i.imgur.com/6mAMkfG.png this image] is the best I can offer. You'll have to take my word for its functionality being unchanged. The centred JCaroussel and overhauled {{tl|Banner}} can be seen and interacted with [[User:Wauteurz/Banner|on this page]]. I've done my best to ensure that these changes are in keeping with Wikivoyage's current main page style. I know that entire overhauls are not that popular, so I hope these proposals are good enough. I am looking for a broad consensus to roll out at least the first two changes, but ideally all three. I don't feel comfortable rolling some of these changes out with only two people expressing support for them. Please, throw your questions and concerns in my direction, and I hope we can together fix what I consider to be the biggest remaining issue with Vector 2022. Thank you in advance. <br/> <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 14:19, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :{{Support}} as the developer of these changes. Vector 2022 dictates how new readers and editors get presented our site, and with its current chaotic and undependable nature, something ''has'' to be done. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 14:20, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :{{ping|Wauteurz}} Any idea for better responsive design of the Wikivoyage main page, as more people access our pages via phone than PC? '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 14:47, 28 May 2025 (UTC) ::@[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]] For clarity, these changes only affect the appearance on desktop devices. The changes to JCaroussel also apply in Minerva (mobile), but due to screen size limitations they won't have an effect in most cases. My main goal is overseeing the damage caused by Vector 2022's roll-out on Wikivoyage. Since mobile devices use Minerva, I mostly leave the mobile appearance alone. ::As for my thoughts on mobile, I don't think any of the regular editors have any experience in mobile design, let alone responsive mobile design, so I'm mostly wondering why it's responsive in the first place. I'd personally suggest removing the responsive elements (mostly the feature banners) and replacing them with DotM, OtBP and FTT in simple presentations akin to Picture of the Day and Media of the Day on Commons' main page. The 3:1 banners also are a big problem in my eyes. They're far too short to work on mobile, and I think a square or tall ratio would work leagues better in a mobile format. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 15:31, 28 May 2025 (UTC) *{{s}} very much agree that these changes will be needed sooner than later. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 18:48, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :'''Support'''. Thanks for doing this! As a choosing beggar, I would love to see the mobile front page fixed as well though, the DOTM banner is completely broken at the moment and the padding/spacing of the entire page is wonky at best. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 00:03, 29 May 2025 (UTC) :'''Question''' for all involved: The new banner uses some icons to depict the category that the article is featured in (i.e., [[:File:Yes Check Circle.svg|DotM]], [[:File:Right turn icon blue.svg|OtBP]] and [[:File:Writing Circle.svg|FTT]]). I assume that we wish to keep these instead of the placeholder icons I have used? I'll be working on adapting those into simple white icons, which should be pretty straight-forward. If we wish to change them in future, then that can always be done afterwards. Having the icons consistent between {{tl|Banner}} and {{tl|Pagebanner}} would be for the better, I reckon :) :I am currently aiming to roll these updates out this weekend (June 7/8), just in time for the next featured article change. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 23:55, 1 June 2025 (UTC) ::Update: Making and updating the icons was pretty straight-forward indeed: [[Special:Diff/5071035|Diff/5071035]] <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 00:20, 2 June 2025 (UTC) :'''Support'''. Lots of good improvements! Just make sure to fix the "Off the Beaten Path" link to point to a real page. [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 15:10, 2 June 2025 (UTC) ::{{Done}}. Thanks for spotting that one! <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 15:19, 2 June 2025 (UTC) {{Done}}! Thank you everyone for your support! I've gone ahead and pushed these changes just now. I've naturally updated the usages of {{tl|banner}} on the Main Page and DOTM-Candidates as well. If there's any issues arising from this roll-out, please let me know. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 11:34, 7 June 2025 (UTC) :Awesome! That looks great to me. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 11:46, 7 June 2025 (UTC) == FYI: 10 Travel Tips From Experts Who’ve Been Everywhere == https://www.carryology.com/travel/10-travel-tips-from-experts-whove-been-everywhere/ —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 09:05, 30 May 2025 (UTC) == Tourist office problem == I tried to ask a question in the [[Wikivoyage:Tourist office]], and I replied to it with another question, but I can't see any of it except in edit mode and don't understand why. I used the form on that page to ask the first question. What I want to know is which side of the train to sit on for Amtrak trips between Montreal and Plattsburgh, NY and between Plattsburgh and Saratoga Springs, even if the answers come too late for me to use them. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:24, 30 May 2025 (UTC) :When you click "Ready? Ask a new question!", should the form on the next page require the "Subject:" field to not be empty? Or at least have a placeholder subject text? :I also see someone else's question about Cancun that got ignored, because it's tacked on the end of the previous section. [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 20:42, 1 June 2025 (UTC) ::I guess the problem is that I didn't see the subject field in my mobile phone interface. Is there a way to improve that? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:58, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :::It looks like you can set a default subject value with the InputBox 'default=' parameter. Maybe give it something like "Question from ~~<noinclude></noinclude>~"? I'm not sure how to change the "Subject:" label styling. :::Should the Tourist Office behave more like a Talk page, with an Add Topic button leading to a visual editor? [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 23:44, 2 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I'd support that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:48, 2 June 2025 (UTC) :::::[https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:DiscussionTools It looks like adding a "NEWSECTIONLINK" line is the magic to enable the visual editor on a page.] [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:InputBox There's also a usedt=true parameter to InputBox to make it use the visual editor by default.] :::::It seems to work in this sandbox I set up: [[User:Gerode/Tourist_office_sandbox]] [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 17:48, 5 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I went ahead and applied these two changes. Let me know if I broke anything, or if there's anything else odd about the Tourist office. [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 16:22, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ==Move request== You are invited to participate at [[Talk:Bangalore#Bangalore to Bengaluru]], which can affect the articles [[Bangalore]] and [[Bangalore Rural]], and the category [[:Category:Bangalore]]. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 08:19, 31 May 2025 (UTC) == AfriVoyage == Hi everyone! 👋 My name is [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvin Ategyeka]] from Uganda, and I’ve just launched a new project called '''AfriVoyage'''. It’s a WikiVoyage-focused initiative to document African travel destinations using local perspectives. Our pilot is starting in Uganda, with the goal of improving content and training youth contributors. You can follow the project on Meta-Wiki here: [[meta:AfriVoyage]] I would love your thoughts, guidance, and support. Thanks in advance! <small>unsigned comment by [[User:Alvinategyeka]]</small> :Welcome, Alvin. Wikivoyage really needs more African content, especially if provided by people with local knowledge. Your project will be supported from regular contributors like me. Please let us know how we can help. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:41, 31 May 2025 (UTC) :[[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]], I think you will be a more successful leader if you improve some articles yourself, before you invite anyone else to join you. We'd be happy to help you. :For example, one mistake that we see people making is copying Wikipedia articles here. A Wikipedia article will sound something like "Semuliki National Park is a national park in Bwamba County, a remote part of the Bundibugyo District in the Western Region of Uganda that was established in October 1993". This is the wrong approach here. A Wikivoyage article should have a [[Wikivoyage:Tone|lively tone]]. The beginning of a good Wikivoyage article might sound something like this: :* '''Semuliki National Park''' in [[Western Uganda]] is the only place you can visit a true lowland tropical forest in all of East Africa. This beautiful national park is a birdwatcher's delight, and more than 400 species of butterflies can be found inside the park's borders. :If you feel at the English Wikipedia that you have to suppress your natural style to be as dull as possible, then you'll like Wikivoyage because it allows your enthusiasm to shine in between the facts. We need the facts ("best restaurant" isn't nearly as helpful as saying how it's the best, like "good menu for vegetarians" or "artisan-quality bushera"), but we don't want a boring style. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 18:14, 31 May 2025 (UTC) ::Thank you very much and thanks for the guidance. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 13:27, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :Thank You very much. I have 6 years experience contributing to Wikimedia projects but I feel I need a new challenge and the only project that I had not explored yet always wanted to contribute to is Wiki Voyage. Am a tourism lover and i have travelled extensively in Uganda and East Africa. I hope this project will encourage more African Communities to contribute to Wiki Voyage. I will appreciate all guidance rendered. Thank You. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 13:32, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :Thank you very much, hoping to connect with you for more guidance. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 13:35, 1 June 2025 (UTC) ::Sure, and thank you for taking on this opportunity and challenge! In addition to the great advice you've been given above, I think you'll find [[Welcome, Wikipedians]] very useful. For anyone who participates in this project, some additional pages that I'd consider to provide the most important guidelines and explanatory pages on this site include [[Wikivoyage:What is an article]], [[Wikivoyage:The traveller comes first]], [[Wikivoyage:Article skeleton templates]], [[Wikivoyage:Copyleft]], [[Wikivoyage:Don't tout]], and [[Wikivoyage:Breadcrumb navigation]]. ::It is absolutely '''not''' a prerequisite for anyone to read any of these before contributing here! However, you, as organizer, should read these pages, because you will then be able to distill the most important characteristics of the site for others who are enthusiastic about contributing but not yet familiar with the site, and another important thing is that once you've read or at least skipped through these pages, you can ask us questions. ::I love the fact that you contacted us before the official launch of the project. In the past, projects that were begun on a large scale without any notice to us presented huge issues relating to the policies laid out in the pages I linked for you. ::Thanks again, and we very much look forward to working with you and your colleagues! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:36, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :::Thanks for the resources and guidance. I have been reading and researching about Wiki Voyage and what you have added will guide me more. I will contact you for further guidance in order to move the project forward. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 15:52, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :Thanks a lot. i look forward to working with you and seeking guidance to move the project forward. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 15:54, 1 June 2025 (UTC) == Evora's page banner on wikidata == I noticed [[Evora]]'s page banner does not exist in wikidata. I was unable to add it there. Would someone show me how to proceed, please? [[User:Claude van der Grift|Claude van der Grift]] ([[User talk:Claude van der Grift|talk]]) 18:31, 31 May 2025 (UTC) :[[d:Q179948|Évora]]'s banner is already defined on Wikidata since 2013, so moving it over isn't necessary. Regardless, you'd add a banner to a Wikidata item by adding a statement using [[d:P948|P948 (page banner)]]. Simply add the file name without the "File:" prefix but with the file extension as its value, and clicking publish. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 20:28, 31 May 2025 (UTC) ::Evora's Wikidata page is semi-protected, so you can't edit if you have made less than 50 edits on Wikidata. As already said, there is no need to edit it, as it is already using the banner from Wikidata. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 21:47, 31 May 2025 (UTC) :::Thank for your explanations {{U|AlasdairW}}. Unfortunately I mistook [[:d:Q179948|Evora]] for [[:d:Q243849|Elvas]]. The latter has no page banner. Sure I have more than 50 edits on wikidata. I forgot to say that I'm editing only by my smartphone. [[User:Claude van der Grift|Claude van der Grift]] ([[User talk:Claude van der Grift|talk]]) 15:00, 1 June 2025 (UTC) == FYI: Planning a Trip? AI Will Do That For You == https://www.thrillist.com/travel/nation/ai-travel-apps —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 07:04, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :I wonder whether we can design an AI tool that can fetch info from Wikivoyage and make a summary for you. That can replace the burden of manual summary writing by Wikivoyagers. Of course, Wikivoyage articles should be curated by humans, with AI summarizing them. I want to suggest this to Wikipedians as well, but I have been blocked there since 2021, and I mostly work on the Bengali Wikipedia. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 07:11, 1 June 2025 (UTC) == Wikivoyage and OsmAnd app == I am looking into making it easier to walk [[Stockholm Archipelago Trail]] and have found the [[w:en:OsmAnd]] app useful '''my question''' is there any good examples when those to domains works good together? - –––– [[User:Salgo60|Salgo60]] ([[User talk:Salgo60|talk]]) 07:43, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :As a regular OsmAnd user, I don't believe so to the best of my knowledge. :( //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 05:25, 4 June 2025 (UTC) ::I started using OsmAnd several months ago, and I have been playing around with the Wikivoyage integration since. I spend a lot of time in a major city with a Guide-level article and I find the integration useful there. I haven't tried it with an itinerary. My first thought is to pull up a [https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Category:Guide_itineraries Guide] or [https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Category:Star_itineraries Star] itinerary for a place you've been before and see what the OsmAnd experience is like. [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 16:08, 4 June 2025 (UTC) == Improving this project with little to no knowledge of English == It's been a while since I've posted anything major on the pub, but one of the things I'm quite pleased with the way we do things here is the fact that we are ''very'' open and accommodating to users who can't speak or speak English with a large length of difficulty. We don't have any policies forcing the use of English in discussions and if someone has shown a genuine interest in the project, it isn't unorthodox for someone to go out of their way and respond in another language they know on this site. It comes back to when {{ping|Andyrom75}} told me on itwikivoyage (around when itwikivoyage hit 10k articles, iirc) that it's possible to contribute to Wikivoyage without really knowing the language – and it's true. Most of my activity on itwikivoyage has since been doing minor fixes, adding listings with no description (since you don't need to know the language to add listings, opening hours, urls, address and such), removing closed businesses/out of date info, fixing dead links and the like. Since many of our articles also follow a similar structured format, it's very easy to contribute to the site so long as you're aware of your limitations. Some ideas I had in mind to perhaps make this wiki even more inviting to those who might not have the English skills necessary to contribute text but still want to help: * A community written guide on this, similar to [[Wikivoyage:Welcome, business owners]], [[Wikivoyage:Welcome, locals]] or [[Wikivoyage:Welcome, Wikipedians]] * Finish [[User:SHB2000/admins table]], move to the Wikivoyage namespace, add the table to [[Wikivoyage:Administrators]], and add any advanced perms from other WMF projects. ** Perhaps also make a similar table for non-admins who are reasonably active on this site. More thoughts and ideas would be appreciated – even better if we can facilitate this on other language Wikivoyages. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:11, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :Contribute in another language version of Wikvoyage it's just a matter of willingness and time. For a certain amount of time. For few years I've supported sv:voy without knowing any word in Swedish :-D Nowadays unfortunately I don't have enough time, so I can only concentrate it on it:voy :-( :PS your support on it:voy @[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] is always extremely appreciated! :-) [[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 17:14, 4 June 2025 (UTC) ::I occasionally do the same kind of thing at the Haitian Creole Wikipedia. I can't write in the language, but I can check a maintenance category and fix the wikitext errors there. ::Based on my experience, I'd say that there are two main opportunities for contribution: ::* 'technical' contributions, such as fixing wikitext or broken URLs ::* language-agnostic contributions, such as adding phone numbers, websites, and lat/long coordinates to listings; adding images that require no caption or only a simple/obvious one (e.g., "Disneyland" or "Town Name Church"); removing listings for closed restaurants, etc. ::@[[User:Piotrus|Piotrus]] might have some ideas about which tasks are easiest for his English-language learners to do. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 22:48, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :::Yeah this very much explains it in a nutshell. :) //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:13, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :::@[[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] Indeed, some of my ESL students have effectively only a beginner level of English at best. These days, machine translation is getting good enough to understand a lot, and contribute text that's "mostly ok". It will only get better as AI tools and student use of them improve. Anyway, you can see my activities for students at [[User:Hanyangprofessor2]] [[User:Piotrus|Piotrus]] ([[User talk:Piotrus|talk]]) 01:12, 5 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I have added images that I have taken to many different language variants of Wikipedia. I use Google translate for the text and and hope that a native user if that language will make any corrections. [[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 11:22, 5 June 2025 (UTC) :::::I recently added a listing about Japan in [https://ja.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=%E6%88%90%E7%94%B0%E5%B8%82&diff=52846&oldid=50973 ja.voy] despite not knowing Japanese. The listing editor really makes it simple to improve an article. Last week I presented [[wikidata:Event:Wikidata_and_Sister_Projects#Friday,_May_30th|a Wikidata talk about Listing Editor]] and mentioned that it's a really good gateway to get more contributors. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 15:58, 5 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::The Listing Editor really does! Particularly because they're very standardised across most language Wikivoyages, so the only "bad" listing editor is a malfunctioning/broken listing editor. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:27, 21 June 2025 (UTC) == Linking Wikicommons == I am documenting the Stockholm Archipelago Trail and have uploaded more than [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Stockholm_Archipelago_Trail 3,000 pictures] / [https://wikimap.toolforge.org/?cat=Stockholm_Archipelago_Trail&subcats=true&subcatdepth=4&cluster=false Wikimap] from the trail to Wikimedia Commons. For example, the section Nåttarö will be documented on Wikivoyage here: [[Stockholm_Archipelago_Trail#SAT_Nåttarö]] and is on Wikicommons [https://wikimap.toolforge.org/?cat=SAT_N%C3%A5ttar%C3%B6&subcats=true&subcatdepth=3&cluster=false WIkimap] 1) What is the policy regarding linking to a trail on Wikicommons? I believe such links add significant value by helping readers better understand the trail conditions. Additionally, I see 360-degree images as a step forward in enhancing navigation and exploration, making it easier for users to visualize the terrain. Additionally, 2) I have used Mapillary for one section. Is there a specific policy on linking Mapillary content? For instance, Stockholm Archipelago Trail’s Landsort section is partially represented on [https://www.mapillary.com/app/user/salgo601?lat=58.737857&lng=17.865676&z=17&pKey=1060410682654434 Mapillary pKey=1060410682654434] Would appreciate any guidance on this. Thanks! [[User:Salgo60|Salgo60]] ([[User talk:Salgo60|talk]]) 14:26, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :The use of a limited number of thumbnails from Commons is normal. See [[Wikivoyage:Image policy]]. Otherwise, links are normally through Wikidata: please read [[Wikivoyage:Sister project links]]. For guidelines on third-party links outside Wikimedia, see [[Wikivoyage:External links]], but the answer to your 2nd question is that such links are normally not allowed except to primary sources (for example, the website of a listed restaurant, hotel, museum, etc.) and are subject to deletion. However, Wikivoyage policies and guidelines are always open to discussion, so start a thread at the most relevant guideline article's talk page if you'd like to argue for a change. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:40, 4 June 2025 (UTC) ::thanks but dont the community see the added value? especially when documenting a walking trail it can be good to better understand how steep steep is....- [[User:Salgo60|Salgo60]] ([[User talk:Salgo60|talk]]) 14:54, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :::If you don't like my suggestion of starting a discussion thread on the appropriate policy page's talk page, where you can document the indispensability of Mapillary as your argument for a policy change, you can argue for an exception to policy on [[Talk:Stockholm Archipelago Trail]], but you can't get either a policy change or an exception by arguing in the Pub. But if you're asking for my opinion on why there has been no specific consideration of Mapillary, I'd speculate it's because most of us have never heard of it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:15, 4 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I've heard of Mapillary – I appreciate they're open source and licensed under CC-BY SA, but they're indirectly a competitor to Commons –&nbsp;if you can upload a photo to Mapillary, you can upload it to Commons. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 07:28, 5 June 2025 (UTC) :::::The difference is that you traverse a route on Mapillary its connected 360 pictures I am not an expert but [https://www.mapillary.com/app/?lat=58.737746&lng=17.865677&z=17&pKey=1848345639040650&x=0.46081730421230177&y=0.5976337053747495&zoom=0&focus=photo click on forward on this] its from me walking [[SAT_Landsort]] :::::* they support 360 pictures much better than Wikicommons :::::* [https://www.mapillary.com/showcase OsmAnd and Open Street Map use them] :::::[[User:Salgo60|Salgo60]] ([[User talk:Salgo60|talk]]) 19:08, 7 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::One issue is that of privacy. I might trust the WMF, but I don't want to research the privacy policy and trustworthiness of a third party. Checking the website of a hotel where I intend to sleep is one thing, a Wikivoyage page being dependent on a third party is very different. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:58, 7 June 2025 (UTC) :For Wikimedia Commons (that's their name), you can link a category or gallery via Wikidata. On a gallery page you can show all the most relevant images, with explanatory text and a layout of your liking. The rest of the images would be easily found in the category. Is that what you are looking for in your first question? –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 22:04, 7 June 2025 (UTC) == I had an edit flagged as destructive because my account isn't very old == I was trying to remove information related to crossing the border into Azerbaijan from the Baku page (it's been closed since 2020 and the only way in is via air), but trying to delete a lot of content on a new account flagged me as a vandal. If someone has permissions to view the changes, and would be willing to check on those changes, thank you very much :) [[User:MagnumDahng|MagnumDahng]] ([[User talk:MagnumDahng|talk]]) 09:32, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :{{re|MagnumDahng}} Can you try removing the outdated content once again? I've temporarily disabled the filters; let me know once you've removed everything that you intended to. Sorry for the extra inconvenience. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:04, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::It worked. ::No worries. I understand why it's there :) [[User:MagnumDahng|MagnumDahng]] ([[User talk:MagnumDahng|talk]]) 10:15, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :::Perfect, I've re-enabled the filters; thanks again for the updates! :) //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:36, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ==Does WV need a policy for descriptions of living people?== Wikivoyage is a travel guide and not intended to be a collection of biographies. Still, travel topics and itineraries might mention important individuals, such as explorers, artists, monarchs, and politicians. [[Wikivoyage:What is an article?]] discourages from creating an article for a living celebrity, as these are more difficult to finish than articles for [[Christopher Columbus]], [[Frank Lloyd Wright]] or [[Astrid Lindgren]]. Articles such as [[Presidents of the United States]] and [[Monarchy of the United Kingdom]] describe living individuals who have not concluded their careers, and they are certainly controversial. When writing [[Jewish Stockholm tour]], [[Stockholm environmentalist tour]] and [[Nordic monarchies]], a couple of famous living people came to mind, but I found it advisable to mention them as briefly as possible. Which general principles should we follow? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:58, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :It looks like [[foundation:BLP]] encourages us to have a formal policy, even if there isn't much to say. [[Project:Don't be evil]], maybe? :We already have [[Wikivoyage:Photographs of identifiable people]] and [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#People in photos]], which discourage photos of people. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 20:36, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::I'd support a policy for the same reason. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 11:40, 11 June 2025 (UTC) :I think this is largely not that relevant to a travel guide, but it is actually common to have "Maps of the Stars" or tours of celebrity homes in the Los Angeles region, which to me is completely crazy and behavior that should not be encouraged. Considering Whatamidoing's point about the WMF encouraging this kind of documentation, I think having a guideline/policy is wise. Good thinking. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 21:00, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::Yeah, I would absolutely oppose any article for a tour that takes people to the homes of celebrities who would rather be private in their own homes. If this kind of tour existed in New York, New Yorkers would be up in arms about it and pressing the City Council to pass a law about it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:35, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::The page and section about photos say very little, mostly discouraging photos of yourself, which isn't what this is about. [[commons:Project:Photographs of identifiable people]] says a lot more and should probably be followed also regarding locally uploaded pictures. None of those three says anything about text about people (other than that captions shouldn't be defamatory). ::I think we probably shouldn't write a policy unless there are real issues. We have no reason to write about most people, and it seems common sense, like what Yvwv showed above, works reasonably well. Writing a policy opens up for loopholes and wikilawyering. ::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:50, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :::I wonder if our "BLP policy" could be a section in our existing [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]] policy. Basically, a few principles about avoiding mentioning individuals, and especially avoiding saying anything contentious or unfairly invading their privacy. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 16:40, 10 June 2025 (UTC) ::::That sounds reasonable. In the past I have opposed a suggestion to create an itinerary based on the travels of a living individual. ::::A more common situation is where a listing mentions something about the people that work in the hotel or restaurant. "Friendly owners" or "poor service from the waiters" is ok, but referring to staff by name needs more care. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:04, 10 June 2025 (UTC) :::::It's surely OK when the name of the Chef de Cuisine or Pastry Chef are printed on menus or are well-known chefs the restaurant promotes. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:40, 10 June 2025 (UTC) :::::: Can an artist's personal life be separated from their work? At least, death is useful to conclude a life story. As Georg Riedel past away one year ago, he deserves to be described in the [[Jewish Stockholm tour]]. Aleksander Wolodarski is another person appropriate to mention, but as he is well and alive (and to some degree a divisive character in Swedish architecture) the description of him in the same article is very brief. The [[Harry Potter tourism]] barely mentions the author, and that might be good as it is. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:16, 11 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I think it would be fine to note the name of a celebrity chef ("Thomas Keller's restaurant, The French Laundry"), or even a relatively public non-celebrity ("The restaurant owner, Mary Smith, is also the long-time mayor of this small town" or "Olly Owner is happy to pack a picnic upon request"). ::::::However, as an extension of [[Wikivoyage:Avoid negative reviews]], we don't really want "Chris Celebrity is pretentious and their restaurant is overpriced" or "Wendy Waitress is unfriendly and slow". [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:26, 11 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::I think we should avoid "Wendy Waitress is unfriendly", but "Some staff are unfriendly" is ok. It is important to report negative aspects of a place if either it is balanced by "excellent cooking and wonderful bread" or it is the only place in town. It becomes more difficult with one person businesses. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 20:24, 11 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Wikivoyage should not be interested in people: that is the province of Wikipedia. Wikivoyage is however interested in places associated with people and to this end should be cautious about their privacy. If however the individual concerned invites members of the public to their homes or businesses (for example Donald Trump has a website for [https://www.maralagoclub.com/ Mar-a-Lago]) then it is no longer Wikivoyage's role to protect his privacy: if he publicises his home, then it is incumbent on him to look after his own privacy. In contrast, Joe Biden does not appear to advertise his home, so neither should Wikivoyage (even if a search on the internet will reveal Joe Biden's properties).[[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 15:18, 12 June 2025 (UTC) :Does something like this feel about right? :---- :As a general rule, Wikivoyage is interested in places, not people. Occasionally, providing a fair description will involve mentioning a specific person. In such cases, these principles apply to protect living people: :* Avoid contentious matter about living people to the maximum extent possible, to show respect for human dignity and personal privacy. Publishing personal information that is tangential to the needs of the article, trivial, ephemeral, or constitutes a [[Wikivoyage:Avoid negative reviews|negative review]] is unfair. For example, if a restaurant owner promotes dubious beliefs to customers, then omit the listing completely rather than writing about the owner's beliefs. :* Avoid whole articles focused on living people, such as an [[Wikivoyage:Itineraries|itinerary]] to see the private homes of celebrities. It is fair to have an itinerary focused on Taylor Swift's concert tours; it is not fair to have an article focused on her homes. :* Individual listings that name a living public figure are acceptable so long as the content is not contentious. However, you should avoid naming living people when a general description is adequate. For example, write "The owner is happy to talk about local history" instead of "Harry Historian, the owner, is happy to talk about local history", even though you would name the celebrity chef Thomas Keller as the owner of the restaurant The French Laundry. :---- :What should be changed, added, omitted? [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 16:39, 12 June 2025 (UTC) ::Thanks for offering a rough draft! The one part that sticks out to me as problematic is the part about "dubious beliefs," which gives an opening to intolerant atheists to complain about a bismillah or cross in a restaurant. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:12, 12 June 2025 (UTC) :::I was thinking about political beliefs, and specifically about an anti-masking restaurant I read about during the pandemic, but you're right: That needs to be re-worded. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 23:30, 12 June 2025 (UTC) ::::Still a good start, I'd say. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 12:15, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I don't think that businesses should be removed because of beliefs of the owner or personnel; that the owner touts antivacc or flat-earth theories might be entertaining rather than a reason to avoid them. One might tell that they might raise controversial topics. For dangerous practices, such as not using masks when needed, that would be treated like them using contaminated water or whatever. Yes, sometimes that warrants removing the listing in line with ''no bad reviews'', but that has little to do with privacy. ::::For a Finnish business, it was suggested that the listings be removed because of bigotry, in effect a boycott by Wikivoyage. I am not sure about to what extent to do that, but I assume we might tell something about the owner in that case, if we leave the choice whether to use their services to our readers. I would oppose individual editors removing listings because of views that don't conform with their own, but they may of course choose not to add them. ::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:28, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :::::I think there might be a spectrum of issues, but some types of (e.g.,) bigotry are not compatible with [[Wikivoyage:The traveller comes first]]. Inclusion constitutes a recommendation, at least when there are other alternatives. If we list a restaurant, it should be because travellers are welcome. If the restaurant's listing would need to have a disclaimer along the lines of "BTW, only white people are allowed to eat here" or "People whom the owner thinks look Jewish/Muslim/Black/gay/trans will be refused service", then that restaurant shouldn't be included in Wikivoyage at all. Listed restaurants should normally be open to all of the general public. :::::On the other end of the spectrum, if the owner cheerfully accepts all customers, but he privately belongs to a racist organization, then that's not really relevant to the travellers' experience, so we needn't mention that. Travellers who want to patronize only businesses owned by people who share the same politics/religion/race/sexual orientation should look elsewhere for that information. :::::Somewhere in the middle is factual information that travellers may interpret in opposite ways. For example, if a given deli in New York City is kosher, it'd be worth noting that in the description. Most travellers won't care. Some travellers will prefer it (either for religious reasons or because kosher meat is considered more ethical than conventional meat). Some travellers will reject it. But knowing that it might appeal (or not) to different travellers is not the same as different travellers not being allowed to eat at the deli. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 20:02, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I see no problem in describing a restaurant in terms of the religious beliefs that it portrays provided that it is done in a neutral manner - for example , "The XYZ resaurant is a kosher/halal/vegetarian establishment". The reader can then make up their ow mind about patronising the establishment - after all Wikivoyage has many articles about various places of worship. [[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 21:05, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::I think the general point is that we want "XYZ is a kosher/halal/vegetarian restaurant" but not "The owner of XYZ is a Jew/Muslim/vegetarian person". [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:10, 14 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::I agree here. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 06:56, 18 June 2025 (UTC) *Suggested rewrite of the first point (Changes in bold): :"''Avoid contentious matter about living people to the maximum extent possible, to show respect for human dignity and personal privacy. Publishing personal information that is tangential to the needs of the article, trivial, ephemeral, or constitutes a negative review is unfair. For example, if a restaurant owner promotes '''particular''' beliefs to customers, then omit the listing completely rather than writing about the owner's beliefs. '''If however the establishment itself <u>caters</u> for certain beliefs and/or ethics, it is reasonable, or maybe even desireable, to add those beliefs/ethics to the description in a neutral manner - such as including the words "kosher/halal/vegetarian" to the establishment's description.'''''" [[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 21:14, 13 June 2025 (UTC) *I suggest that the second point be extended as follows (additions in bold): :''Avoid whole articles focused on living people, such as an itinerary to see the private homes of celebrities. It is fair to have an itinerary focused on Taylor Swift's concert tours; it is not fair to have an article focused on her homes. '''However, if the celebrity concerend advertises their home to the general public (for example [https://www.maralagoclub.com/ Mar-a-Lago], home of Donald Trump or [https://www.blenheimpalace.com/ Blenheim Palace], home of the Duke of Marlborough) , then it is perfectly in order to mention the home in an article and ideally to include a web address the description or article.''''' ::[[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 21:27, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::I think all this discussion of beliefs and politics is bad and not something about which we want policies. Also, bad reviews are by no means inherently unfair, and I'm mystified by how anyone could think that's the case; it's just that Wikivoyage chooses with some exceptions to simply refrain from listing businesses, rather than stating that they are bad. I also don't see why we would need to add a policy that establishments that discriminate against people based for example on their ethnicity, appearance or national origin, such as a historic restaurant in Düsseldorf that refused admission to East Asians early in the pandemic, be delisted, because we already do that based on preexisting policies. Right now, I think that based on the drafts circulated in this thread, we risk approving a new policy that is worse than none. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:40, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :::It might be best to try the smallest possible addition. After all, it's usually easier to get a policy expanded later if we really need it, than to get it shortened later. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:08, 14 June 2025 (UTC) ::::Here's a shorter version: ::::---- ::::As a general rule, Wikivoyage is interested in places, not people. Occasionally, providing a fair description will involve mentioning a specific person. In such cases, these principles apply to protect living people: ::::* Avoid contentious matter about living people to the maximum extent possible, to show respect for human dignity and personal privacy. Individual listings that name a living public figure are acceptable so long as the content is not contentious. ::::* Avoid whole articles focused on living people, such as an [[Wikivoyage:Itineraries|itinerary]] to see the private homes of celebrities. ::::---- ::::We could also soften "the maximum extent possible". It's always "possible" to avoid mentioning anyone's name, but it's not always "reasonable" to do so. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:14, 14 June 2025 (UTC) :::::What about the article on U.S. presidents? We don't avoid contentious facts about living current and former presidents; we just agree on what should be in the blurbs about them based on the existing [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]] guidelines. I still fail to see how adding at least your first proposed guideline will improve anything. Also, are we creating a solution for a nonexistent problem? Can you cite a previous example of an article that had unnecessarily contentious facts about living people that we were not able to deal with by using existing guidelines? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:33, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::[[Presidents of the United States]] is not a "whole article focused on living people"; it is a whole article focused on mostly long-dead people with just five living US Presidents being mentioned (and mostly in a "public museum" way, not a "current private home" way). This would therefore be acceptable as a case of "Individual listings that name a living public figure" that "show respect for human dignity and personal privacy". ::::::The existing problem to be solved is: The Board of Directors for the WIkimedia Foundation said that every project needs to have an official, written BLP policy. They said this about 16 years ago, so we're running a bit behind schedule, but we should have something. Their resolution encourages "special attention to the principles of neutrality", so I think putting a few sentences inside our version of the "[[Wikivoyage:NPOV|NPOV]]" policy would be appropriate. We could even create a [[WV:BLP]] shortcut to it, so the Wikipedia folks can find it easier. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:16, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::My problem is not with your second proposed provision, which is fine, but your first, and that's what my last reply addressed. If it stated that when living people have to be mentioned, we must [[be fair]] and come to a [[consensus]] about anything contentious, I'd be happy. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:33, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Can you think of any contentious or derogatory information a travel guide – especially one that does not cite external sources – ''needs'' to include? [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:37, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::I already gave you an example! And what about when we fairly describe countries as dictatorships? We've sometimes had users object and try to whitewash articles, and in such cases, we are armed with [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]], not some ridiculous claim that anything "contentious" is bad and must be avoided, which would have played into their hands. Wikivoyage is a travel guide, not a site that tries to be neutral. We expressly don't have an NPOV policy, but instead a policy that requires fairness. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:10, 18 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::I agree that we can fairly describe a country as being a dictatorship. Do we need to describe an individual living person as a dictator, when doing so would be contentious (e.g., produce disputes and disagreements on wiki)? I just checked every article containing the words "a dictator" and "the dictator"; none of them refer to living people. ::::::::::If your prior example was "What about the article on U.S. presidents?", I've already answered that question. I don't see anything privacy-invading in [[Presidents of the United States]], and I don't see anything contentious about any living person in there, either. The contents are not universally approved by the campaign team, but nobody actually disputes or "contends" over the facts (e.g., that Clinton was involved in a sex scandal, or that Trump is technically a convicted felon). [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 01:07, 20 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::If you haven't had the misfortune of speaking with a Trumper lately, consider yourself lucky. There are tens of millions of hard-core Trumpers in the U.S. who don't accept basic scientific facts and advance all kinds of conspiracy nonsense as truth. I dealt with a cabbie in New Rochelle yesterday who gratuitously started talking about politics. He claimed Biden already had cancer 4 years ago, and "they" covered it up, that claims of fossil fuels causing global warming are "bullshit" and that if the Democrats had been elected last year, we'd all be driving electric cars already, among other things. So I very much contest your confident assertion that statements of fact about Trump, Biden, Obama, etc. are not "contentious". We need to remove that word from consideration as something Wikivoyage cannot be. Do you remember years ago when there was someone who spent a couple of weeks or more trying to whitewash descriptions of Cuba by claiming that it was really a democracy, their elections are really free and fair, and the Communists have never been dictators or oppressed anyone there? Or the ones that claimed that China is a democracy and it was the U.S. (pre-Trump) that was really oppressive (the latter of which of course has never been completely false, but that was entirely beside the point in a travel guide as well as being pure whataboutism that disproves nothing). We've had all kinds of politically motivated contentions against facts. That's why our standard is [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]], not "Wikivoyage/Avoid saying anything anyone could argue with", which is what "contentious" means or would mean in the hands of anyone who wants to use a travel guide to grind an axe, rather than to improve a resource for travelers. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:14, 20 June 2025 (UTC) == Full-size images not available on maps in city districts == Since yesterday (and possibly earlier), the images in listings can be viewed in the dynamic map but trying to click on it to go to the full description page will lead to a broken link if they are in a city district page. This raises the issue on image attribution. You can test it on any listings with images at [[Queens/Flushing-Northeast]] and [[Toronto/Etobicoke]]. Anyone have insight on what recent changes broke this functionality? [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 15:46, 12 June 2025 (UTC) :Yes, needs to be fixed. For some reason, the File: prefix is prefixed by the district name. I try to check [[Module:Listing]] for the bug. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 11:52, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::Oops, the city name, not the district. Seemingly the article name is included in the image argument, and removed, but not properly so for subarticles. [[Module:Marker]] is possibly more relevant than Listing, but it is some underlying functionality that is the culprit. My understanding of how modules work is too weak for me to find it. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:10, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :::The marker on the map seems to be constructed using mw.text.jsonEncode. Where can one read that code? Was there some change recently? –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:30, 30 June 2025 (UTC) == Selection and number of images == [split off as suggested by [[User:OhanaUnited|OhanaUnited]] 02:39, 30 June 2025 (UTC). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:17, 30 June 2025 (UTC)] ::: The images embedded within listings are often not the best currently available. They don't display unless you click and faff about, so they don't enhance the page appearance encountered by the general reader. Wouldn't it be neat if there was some repository of images that were the best available copyfree, that could be simply incorporated into the page layout? We'd be sure to use those instead, right? [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 20:20, 15 June 2025 (UTC) ::::The main problem with that is that somebody needs to pick those best available images. That's done in Commons' galleries, where images uploaded in the last dozen years aren't included. We could use the image on Wikidata, but they might not be chosen according to what they are like as thumbnails. Perhaps a specific wikidata property could be created for thumbnail images or even Wikivoyage thumbnail images (like for our banners). About having to click several times, that could be improved, but we don't want clutter, so some discussion is needed on the trade-off if we want to change the status quo. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 18:33, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::: Picking those best images and considering how best to display them is exactly what editors should do, same as picking the best attractions or accommodations to list in a town, we shouldn't lazily accept what's already on the page. It's hardly an onerous task, and we want the best for our readers. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 19:00, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::{{quote|The main problem with that is that somebody needs to pick those best available images.}} :::::Maybe we can take assistance from AI tools to ease out the problem, just like we sometimes use AI to pick the best attractions to visit, and choose the appropriate accommodation. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 19:07, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I haven't heard about us letting such decisions to AI, and I'm not sure we should do it with images. But regardless of what way the images get chosen, it would be good if the choice were saved at Wikidata, to be used automatically. As the images aren't shown in the article itself, the less effort we need to use choosing, the better. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 19:55, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::How much effort do we need to save here? The first example cited was Queens / Flushing. That page is under-illustrated, with one strong image and two so-so. It took me 10 min to find six more good images on Commons, about the right number for a page of this length. Inserting them might take 3 mins apiece, say 20 min, which I'm not volunteering to do as the entire page needs updating, a solid day's work. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 21:07, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Choosing images sounds like a task that some people would love to do. Maybe we could advertise it better? It's even a task that people who don't speak English well should be able to do. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:40, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::It could be a good task, but I have seen a lot of image adding that isn't optimal: ignoring our guideline of [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#Minimal use of images|Minimal use of images]], trying to illustrate individual listings instead of the article as a whole, writing captions to that effect, and placing the images in ways that suite the editor's browser window rather than conform to best practices. :::::::::Increased advertising of this activity should thus be done cautiously, to avoid frustration both among those adding images and those patrolling. :::::::::The original issue was about images for the dynamic map, which is different from illustrating the article. :::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:00, 19 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::As a side note, [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#Minimal use of images]] probably needs both a little re-writing ("1 image per screen": Whose screen size?) and some reconsidering, as availability of internet access has generally improved since then (the [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Wikivoyage:Image_policy&diff=prev&oldid=3629972 last significant update was in 2018], based on [[Wikivoyage talk:Image policy/archive 2014-2019#Minimal use of images - not appropriate|a discussion started in 2016]]). ::::::::::But I agree that it's a tangent for the current thread. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 01:18, 20 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::How carefully did you read Minimal use? :::::::::::"1 image per screen (1,000–2,000 bytes)" :::::::::::I suppose you want to suggest an increase in the number of images we should use, and if so, do that at [[Wikivoyage talk:Image policy]]. But keep in mind that the mobile interface sucks and the site is still better viewed on a computer. I would be likely to oppose any change in the language, as there is flexibility to use more images than stated in the guideline as long as there isn't an unbroken stream on the left side; images left, right and center; or images that go below the end of the article, which looks terrible. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:19, 20 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::I read that, and I wondered which method we're using to measure "1,000 bytes". One screenful – edge to edge, top to bottom, on my laptop, with my font, my size (larger than default), my zoom (120%), etc. – is right around 2000 characters for me, but others may have half that, or four times that. Shorter lines (e.g., using only half the line at the end of a paragraph, or a short item in a list) adds volume without adding characters. ::::::::::::If we're using the file size, then wikitext and URLs add bulk to the file without affecting the screen size. We could have "1,000 bytes" and have a half-full screen (on my laptop) or "2,000 bytes" and still have a half-full screen. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 20:41, 20 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::These are rough estimates. An A4 with 67×47=3150 is quite close to 2k, if there are images, headings and paragraph breaks, probably much less if there are lists. I suppose an A4 is close to readability optimum (my browser and Emacs windows are not far off). My mobile phone seems to have 50×33=1650, perhaps 1k with images etc. The numbers don't seem to be too far off. Without prescribing a test with some specific browser window size, we cannot give precise advice. [[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 14:16, 22 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::From your estimate, the numbers appear to be off by 50%. 3150 = would be "quite close" to 3K, not 2K. ::::::::::::::I think that a more practical suggestion would be: Every well-developed section should usually have one image, so long as this can be done without the images dropping down into the next section. On desktop, this usually requires a minimum of 10 to 12 lines of text per landscape image. Very long sections can have two images. ::::::::::::::This would address the wikitext-vs-displayed problem and the difference between a solid paragraph and a long bullet list with one or two words on each line. ::::::::::::::But as we noted above, this is a separate discussion from the original concern. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:15, 22 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::: Can we take the "select the best picture" conversation into a sub-section? My original intention of this post is to report a bug which leads to the legal issue of image attribution. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 02:39, 30 June 2025 (UTC) == Commons RFD notifications == While the Commons bot that alert us to images about to be deleted [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub/2025#Commons Notification Deletion bot revived|was revived]], images are still being deleted without notification, namely those (I assume), that were nominated before 4 May. The issue was told in the linked announcement, but I did not realise its implications. So, expect some imgages to be removed with no notification on the talk page. If they might be valuable, they should be temporarily restored for local upload, like when the bot wasn't working. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 11:51, 13 June 2025 (UTC) == Usurped URLs == Are usurped or dead URLs (e.g. [[w:en:WP:JUDI]]) normally archived, or removed? I'm looking at the page [[Northampton_(Massachusetts)#Eat]], where the second link is usurped. Thanks, [[User:OutsideNormality|OutsideNormality]] ([[User talk:OutsideNormality|talk]]) 20:22, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :If a url no longer goes to the home page for the listing in question, please update it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:18, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::Actually, looking back, it seems like the URL was never "usurped" and was directly added as a spam link in [[Special:Diff/4154976/4167772]]. Thanks anyway for the advice. [[User:OutsideNormality|OutsideNormality]] ([[User talk:OutsideNormality|talk]]) 00:40, 14 June 2025 (UTC) == Vote now in the 2025 U4C Election == <div lang="en" dir="ltr" class="mw-content-ltr"> {{Int:Please-translate}} Eligible voters are asked to participate in the 2025 [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Universal_Code_of_Conduct/Coordinating_Committee|Universal Code of Conduct Coordinating Committee]] election. More information–including an eligibility check, voting process information, candidate information, and a link to the vote–are available on Meta at the [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Universal_Code_of_Conduct/Coordinating_Committee/Election/2025|2025 Election information page]]. The vote closes on 17 June 2025 at [https://zonestamp.toolforge.org/1750161600 12:00 UTC]. Please vote if your account is eligible. Results will be available by 1 July 2025. -- In cooperation with the U4C, [[m:User:Keegan (WMF)|Keegan (WMF)]] ([[m:User talk:Keegan (WMF)|talk]]) 23:01, 13 June 2025 (UTC) </div> <!-- Message sent by User:Keegan (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Distribution_list/Global_message_delivery&oldid=28848819 --> :Surprised this was sent very late. I made a guide on all the candidates on Meta at [[m:User:SHB2000/U4C guide 2025]], for those interested. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 03:13, 14 June 2025 (UTC) == Wisconsin Dells Kalahari Expansion; should I mention it in the Wisconsin Dells page == Hello! It is now practically mainstream media (In Wisconsin Dells) that Kalahari's expanding its Indoor Waterpark into what was a mainly unused parking lot (which is currently either getting demolished or already is demolished as of posting) and will add a fully glass dome with a retractable roof (this is not an ad, this is according to many sources including the Kalahari its self, Fox11online.com, Whitewater West, Martin Aquatic, and Maverick Hayes' Social Media). Now the real question is should I add this too my page? Cheers! [[User:HistorySports|HistorySports]] ([[User talk:HistorySports|talk]]) 15:22, 14 June 2025 (UTC) :To your page meaning what? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:35, 14 June 2025 (UTC) ::@[[User:HistorySports|HistorySports]], I think it's fair to add information about waterparks to [[Wisconsin Dells#Do]] or [[Wisconsin Dells#Sleep]]. (You pick which one based on whether people mostly stay there, and happen to use the water park, or mostly go to the water park, and a few people stay there, too – just use your judgement and don't stress about the distinction too much.) ::The important thing isn't the news ("they're expanding!") but what is available today ("Wisconsin's biggest indoor waterpark"). ::In general, when I skim through that article, I wish that there were prices for the activities and longer descriptions. In particular, there seem to be a lot of attractions, but I have no idea which one I'd choose. Is one the lowest cost? The best value? Best for little kids? Best for teens? Best for older adults/multi-generational families? Open year-round? Has the most swimming pool lifts for wheelchair users? If you can, try to add some sort of information about the differences between different attractions that might help travellers decide which things they want to do. ::Also, it looks like there are several listings that need to be moved to [[Baraboo]]. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 18:54, 14 June 2025 (UTC) :::Thanks WhatamIdoing! I will follow your advice and hopefully we can have a great page for the area of Wisconsin Dells! [[User:HistorySports|HistorySports]] ([[User talk:HistorySports|talk]]) 19:47, 15 June 2025 (UTC) ::Sorry I wasn't clear and that's totally my fault, but I was talking about the Wisconsin Dells page, sorry! [[User:HistorySports|HistorySports]] ([[User talk:HistorySports|talk]]) 19:47, 15 June 2025 (UTC) :::Thanks. So you know, it's not your page: it's a Wikivoyage article. The only page I'd consider your page is your user page. That said, on the face of it, I would put activities in "Do", not "Sleep". [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:09, 17 June 2025 (UTC) == Wikistats page views == What is up with Wikistats page views for English Wikivoyage? 87 million last month? https://stats.wikimedia.org/#/en.wikivoyage.org/reading/total-page-views/normal%7Cbar%7C2-year%7C~total%7Cmonthly 36 million from Brazil apparently. [[User:Bluecoordinationfine|Bluecoordinationfine]] ([[User talk:Bluecoordinationfine|talk]]) 23:18, 14 June 2025 (UTC) :That is a very interesting anomaly indeed. No idea why, but still very interesting to know why we have so many views from Brazil. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 00:47, 16 June 2025 (UTC) ::Maybe users on VPN? [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 14:25, 16 June 2025 (UTC) == FYI: Dear Atlas: Where Can I Find the Most Unusual Festivals in the U.S.? == https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/off-the-beaten-path-american-festivals —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 07:58, 15 June 2025 (UTC) == [[Talk:Ferries in the Mediterranean#A Commons file used on this page or its Wikidata item has been nominated for deletion]] == No-one seems to be paying any attention to the fact that we are likely to lose a photo. We need to decide whether we're OK with that or not. I will not make a unilateral decision. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:07, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :Is it just me, or does it seem like too many photos have been getting removed lately? [[User:Mrkstvns|Mrkstvns]] ([[User talk:Mrkstvns|talk]]) 16:00, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::Has there been an uptick in deletion requests at Commons? Or are we just noticing them more, now that the notifications bot is working again? [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:08, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::As someone who was monitoring [[c:Commons:Deletion requests]] until the bot started working again, I think it's the latter. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:38, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I hope this deletion can be resisted. Tirrenia ferries in 2017 made a deal with Warner Bros to plaster their ships' exteriors with cartoon characters such as Batman, to give them a jazzy attractive look. That deal continues and you really cannot take a photo of any T ferry without including the character: it's as integral to the ship as the company logo and the pointy bit at the front. The intention of any such photo is to portray the ship not replicate the character, and IMO it's a misuse of copyright law to claim we can't publish it copyfree. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 18:51, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::Such arguments have been presented in the RFD on Commons, and I think that they are legally sound. However, "misuse of copyright law" is not what this is about. There is no word of God saying that utilitarian objects (in this case: the ship) can be freely photographed, and if the law says otherwise, Commons can do little about it. I think the current copyright laws are a disaster, caused by lobbyists and weak politicians, but that means that the copyright laws need to be changed (read: one should spread awareness of the absurdities), not that we can ignore current law. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 20:03, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::The Wikimedia Foundation requires that Commons files be available for unimpeded commercial use. They don't have to, and we don't have to, which is why we have a freedom of panorama fair use exception doctrine. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:10, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::Yes, true. For Commons, the stringency is because of their mission – they don't want to host content that cannot be used. All kinds of compromises are possible or even necessary, but commercial use, such as in small-budget books, is essential for their mission. In some cases, where copyright law is unclear, they could be a bit braver, but that's a separate issue. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 05:05, 18 June 2025 (UTC) == Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees 2025 - Call for Candidates == <section begin="announcement-content" /> :<div class="plainlinks">[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Announcement/Call for candidates|{{int:interlanguage-link-mul}}]] • [https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Translate&group=page-{{urlencode:Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Announcement/Call for candidates}}&language=&action=page&filter= {{int:please-translate}}]</div> Hello all, The [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025|call for candidates for the 2025 Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees selection is now open]] from June 17, 2025 – July 2, 2025 at 11:59 UTC [1]. The Board of Trustees oversees the Wikimedia Foundation's work, and each Trustee serves a three-year term [2]. This is a volunteer position. This year, the Wikimedia community will vote in late August through September 2025 to fill two (2) seats on the Foundation Board. Could you – or someone you know – be a good fit to join the Wikimedia Foundation's Board of Trustees? [3] Learn more about what it takes to stand for these leadership positions and how to submit your candidacy on [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Candidate application|this Meta-wiki page]] or encourage someone else to run in this year's election. Best regards, Abhishek Suryawanshi<br /> Chair of the Elections Committee On behalf of the Elections Committee and Governance Committee [1] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Call_for_candidates [2] https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Legal:Bylaws#(B)_Term. [3] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Resources_for_candidates<section end="announcement-content" /> [[User:MediaWiki message delivery|MediaWiki message delivery]] ([[User talk:MediaWiki message delivery|talk]]) 17:44, 17 June 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:RamzyM (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Distribution_list/Global_message_delivery&oldid=28866958 --> == New copycat site == I haven't had the time to fully look into it and I've been quite busy IRL this month, but it seems we have a new copycat site called https://www.localcityguide.net/. It mirrors Wikivoyage pages word-for-word with "2022 © Local City Guide. All rights reserved." and some pages like [[Itineraries]] ([https://www.localcityguide.net/en/Itineraries]) do nothing to even remove mentions of Wikivoyage. What's interesting about this site is that they've listed those behind the site so openly in the [https://www.localcityguide.net/about-us About us] section – I'm not sure how accurate it is, but it could be something to go off. What are the WMF's protocols when a site copies an entire project and what can we do about it? //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 08:59, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :It has a nice presentation, a handful of blog entries posted in June 2022, and it looks like the foundation of the site is our stuff, refreshed regularly. (Changes I made yesterday already appear.) There is no ability to edit articles. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 10:11, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :This is against the terms of service, CC license restrictions, and American copyright law. You should contact the [[:m:Wikimedia_Foundation/Legal|Legal Team]] via email at legal[little-anarchy-symbol]wikimedia[point]org. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 10:22, 18 June 2025 (UTC) ::I picked an arbitrary page of which I have knowledge, but which is not on the average tourist itinerary, [[Estcourt]]. It has an [[outline article|outline]] status. I clicked on "outline" and the first sentence read: :::"An '''outline article''' is a status rating for any article in ''<u>Wikivoyage</u>'' ... " [My emphasis]. ::This is proof that they are copying the WIkivoyage site. [[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 16:00, 18 June 2025 (UTC) ::: It seems that the contents are incorporated by a script directly from Wikivoyage similar to the html frame technology that's why the articles are up-to-date. I made a small change in some status ratings of the German Wikivoyage, and immediately you can read that this is a usable Wikivoyage article in the footer. --[[User:RolandUnger|RolandUnger]] ([[User talk:RolandUnger|talk]]) 17:24, 18 June 2025 (UTC) ::Copying Wikivoyage's contents is okay. However, you have to provide "reasonable" attribution. That's usually done with something like a simple link to the original article on Wikivoyage. I don't see Wikivoyage mentioned on their website, so they need to fix that – but remember that the goal is for them to fix it, not to punish them or prevent them from sharing our information. ::[[w:en:WP:BACKWARDSCOPY]] has some advice on how to contact websites that haven't complied with the license terms. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 19:27, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :::I have sent the developers of the site an email about this. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:38, 21 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I've also forwarded it to WMF legal (cc {{u|Koavf}}). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:40, 21 June 2025 (UTC) :::::Merci. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 02:52, 21 June 2025 (UTC) == Mexican disambiguators == Some input at [[Wikivoyage talk:Naming conventions#Disambiguators for Mexican destinations]] would be appreciated. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 13:41, 19 June 2025 (UTC) == Most visited country in Southeast Asia == It looks like [[Thailand]] just lost its crown to [[Malaysia]], at least for Q1 2025. Should we update our articles to reflect that, or should we wait and see if Malaysia can sustain its lead? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:11, 23 June 2025 (UTC) :{{ping|The dog2}} I think you should update the articles to say that both Thailand and Malaysia are the most visited countries of SE Asia, along the lines of, "Thailand, along with Malaysia, are...", "Malaysia, along with Thailand, are..." or even "Malaysia and Thailand are...". '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 17:11, 23 June 2025 (UTC) ::I think we should wait till yearly figures are available before changing anything. Too many things can change from one quarter to the next. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:52, 23 June 2025 (UTC) :::Agreed – one quarter might not be a true reflection. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 00:24, 24 June 2025 (UTC) == Regionlist == I have added a static map in [[Maharashtra]], but it disappears without showing a dynamic map when I click/press the link "switch to interactive map". Same happens in [[West Bengal]], [[Andhra Pradesh]], [[Chennai]], etc. I think there's a bug in {{tl|Regionlist}} that causes this disappearance, as the template itself was last edited on August 2024. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 13:36, 26 June 2025 (UTC) :Same issue on it:voy. For sure is caused by a change server side. I'll try to figure out if we can solve locally or if we need to open a ticket. [[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 06:46, 27 June 2025 (UTC) ::I've patched it. Now it works again. Be sure to refresh/purge the page you test. [[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 07:32, 27 June 2025 (UTC) == Sister Projects Task Force reviews Wikispore and Wikinews == <section begin="message"/> Dear Wikimedia Community, The [[m:Wikimedia Foundation Community Affairs Committee|Community Affairs Committee (CAC)]] of the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees assigned [[m:Wikimedia Foundation Community Affairs Committee/Sister Projects Task Force|the Sister Projects Task Force (SPTF)]] to update and implement a procedure for assessing the lifecycle of Sister Projects – wiki [[m:Wikimedia projects|projects supported by Wikimedia Foundation (WMF)]]. A vision of relevant, accessible, and impactful free knowledge has always guided the Wikimedia Movement. As the ecosystem of Wikimedia projects continues to evolve, it is crucial that we periodically review existing projects to ensure they still align with our goals and community capacity. Despite their noble intent, some projects may no longer effectively serve their original purpose. '''Reviewing such projects is not about giving up – it's about responsible stewardship of shared resources'''. Volunteer time, staff support, infrastructure, and community attention are finite, and the non-technical costs tend to grow significantly as our ecosystem has entered a different age of the internet than the one we were founded in. Supporting inactive projects or projects that didn't meet our ambitions can unintentionally divert these resources from areas with more potential impact. Moreover, maintaining projects that no longer reflect the quality and reliability of the Wikimedia name stands for, involves a reputational risk. An abandoned or less reliable project affects trust in the Wikimedia movement. Lastly, '''failing to sunset or reimagine projects that are no longer working can make it much harder to start new ones'''. When the community feels bound to every past decision – no matter how outdated – we risk stagnation. A healthy ecosystem must allow for evolution, adaptation, and, when necessary, letting go. If we create the expectation that every project must exist indefinitely, we limit our ability to experiment and innovate. Because of this, SPTF reviewed two requests concerning the lifecycle of the Sister Projects to work through and demonstrate the review process. We chose Wikispore as a case study for a possible new Sister Project opening and Wikinews as a case study for a review of an existing project. Preliminary findings were discussed with the CAC, and a community consultation on both proposals was recommended. === Wikispore === The [[m:Wikispore|application to consider Wikispore]] was submitted in 2019. SPTF decided to review this request in more depth because rather than being concentrated on a specific topic, as most of the proposals for the new Sister Projects are, Wikispore has the potential to nurture multiple start-up Sister Projects. After careful consideration, the SPTF has decided '''not to recommend''' Wikispore as a Wikimedia Sister Project. Considering the current activity level, the current arrangement allows '''better flexibility''' and experimentation while WMF provides core infrastructural support. We acknowledge the initiative's potential and seek community input on what would constitute a sufficient level of activity and engagement to reconsider its status in the future. As part of the process, we shared the decision with the Wikispore community and invited one of its leaders, Pharos, to an SPTF meeting. Currently, we especially invite feedback on measurable criteria indicating the project's readiness, such as contributor numbers, content volume, and sustained community support. This would clarify the criteria sufficient for opening a new Sister Project, including possible future Wikispore re-application. However, the numbers will always be a guide because any number can be gamed. === Wikinews === We chose to review Wikinews among existing Sister Projects because it is the one for which we have observed the highest level of concern in multiple ways. Since the SPTF was convened in 2023, its members have asked for the community's opinions during conferences and community calls about Sister Projects that did not fulfil their promise in the Wikimedia movement.[https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:WCNA_2024._Sister_Projects_-_opening%3F_closing%3F_merging%3F_splitting%3F.pdf <nowiki>[1]</nowiki>][https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_Community_Affairs_Committee/Sister_Projects_Task_Force#Wikimania_2023_session_%22Sister_Projects:_past,_present_and_the_glorious_future%22 <nowiki>[2]</nowiki>][https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/WikiConvention_francophone/2024/Programme/Quelle_proc%C3%A9dure_pour_ouvrir_ou_fermer_un_projet_%3F <nowiki>[3]</nowiki>] Wikinews was the leading candidate for an evaluation because people from multiple language communities proposed it. Additionally, by most measures, it is the least active Sister Project, with the greatest drop in activity over the years. While the Language Committee routinely opens and closes language versions of the Sister Projects in small languages, there has never been a valid proposal to close Wikipedia in major languages or any project in English. This is not true for Wikinews, where there was a proposal to close English Wikinews, which gained some traction but did not result in any action[https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Proposals_for_closing_projects/Closure_of_English_Wikinews <nowiki>[4]</nowiki>][https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/WikiConvention_francophone/2024/Programme/Quelle_proc%C3%A9dure_pour_ouvrir_ou_fermer_un_projet_%3F <nowiki>[5]</nowiki>, see section 5] as well as a draft proposal to close all languages of Wikinews[https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Talk:Proposals_for_closing_projects/Archive_2#Close_Wikinews_completely,_all_languages? <nowiki>[6]</nowiki>]. [[:c:File:Sister Projects Taskforce Wikinews review 2024.pdf|Initial metrics]] compiled by WMF staff also support the community's concerns about Wikinews. Based on this report, SPTF recommends a community reevaluation of Wikinews. We conclude that its current structure and activity levels are the lowest among the existing sister projects. SPTF also recommends pausing the opening of new language editions while the consultation runs. SPTF brings this analysis to a discussion and welcomes discussions of alternative outcomes, including potential restructuring efforts or integration with other Wikimedia initiatives. '''Options''' mentioned so far (which might be applied to just low-activity languages or all languages) include but are not limited to: *Restructure how Wikinews works and is linked to other current events efforts on the projects, *Merge the content of Wikinews into the relevant language Wikipedias, possibly in a new namespace, *Merge content into compatibly licensed external projects, *Archive Wikinews projects. Your insights and perspectives are invaluable in shaping the future of these projects. We encourage all interested community members to share their thoughts on the relevant discussion pages or through other designated feedback channels. === Feedback and next steps === We'd be grateful if you want to take part in a conversation on the future of these projects and the review process. We are setting up two different project pages: [[m:Public consultation about Wikispore|Public consultation about Wikispore]] and [[m:Public consultation about Wikinews|Public consultation about Wikinews]]. Please participate between 27 June 2025 and 27 July 2025, after which we will summarize the discussion to move forward. You can write in your own language. I will also host a community conversation 16th July Wednesday 11.00 UTC and 17th July Thursday 17.00 UTC (call links to follow shortly) and will be around at Wikimania for more discussions. <section end="message"/> -- [[User:Victoria|Victoria]] on behalf of the Sister Project Task Force, 20:57, 27 June 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:Johan (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Johan_(WMF)/Sister_project_MassMassage_on_behalf_of_Victoria/Target_list&oldid=28911188 --> :I definitely hate to say it but Wikinews has to be one of the most failed WMF projects. The English Wikinews is barely sustaining and I think that is fine for the timebeing, but the other Wikinews projects simply lack the editor base to actively review new news articles. It came up in tawikinews' closure proposal where their newest article dated to 2018! //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:56, 28 June 2025 (UTC) ::I think that we're meant to post that kind of thing on the Meta-Wiki project pages: [[metawiki:Public consultation about Wikispore|Public consultation about Wikispore]] and [[metawiki:Public consultation about Wikinews|Public consultation about Wikinews]]. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 22:42, 28 June 2025 (UTC) :::I'm aware; I just wanted to give out my 2c in short form – I have a longer list of suggestions planned which I'll do when I get a bit more spare time. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:44, 28 June 2025 (UTC) === General concerns === I am not a big fan of Wikinews, but one thing about the [[:meta:Proposal_for_Closing_Wikinews|report published by Sister Projects Task Force]] is concerning. This report is written in a very critical manner, namely, it does not mention that dozens if not hundreds of volunteers have spent a considerable amount of their time on developing Wikinews. The report does not mention any single good thing about their work, which does not seem fair. The report demonstrates that the current level of activity and content development at Wikinews is low (and this statement is fair), but it does not set any threshold of what would be good enough metrics for a community to deserve the resources from WMF. Moreover, the report does not attempt to analyze which steps Wikinews editors took to develop their project, and why these steps were unsuccessful. It just says: you did a bad job, so we will close you down and even deprive you of any possibility of moving Wikinews elsewhere because the name stays with Wikimedia Foundation. Wikivoyage is a smaller project too, and it would be discouraging if a similarly critical report about our work appears. It is not completely unrealistic when half of the language versions are dormant, while many others are somewhat comparable in their metrics to the most active editions of Wikinews. I think that only English Wikivoyage is clearly above that threshold, although the actual threshold is not even defined, so almost any level of activity can be deemed "low" if one wants to say so. What are your thoughts on that? --[[User:Atsirlin|Alexander]] ([[User_talk:Atsirlin|talk]]) 09:53, 28 June 2025 (UTC) :I have not been using Wikinews, so my reflections are based on the closure of Wikinews in Swedish and the current discussion, linked above. One point raised in the discussion is that the metrics chosen didn't take into account the special nature of the project. :I assume the Sister Project Task Force is right in that this kind of evaluations need to be done from time to time, but also think that the evaluations should focus on whether there are paths forward, rather than on whether the project is viable according to current trends. :Wikinews has the problem that a significant dedicated editor base i needed – Wikipedia or even Wikivoyage can stay alive and stay interesting even with no edits for a year or two, while a news outlet would loose nearly all of its readers. The coverage needs to be adequate on at least some areas (geographic or thematic) for the site to stay interesting. The critical mass needed is much larger – and that critical mass additionally needs to be able to counter people with a bias (good-faith or not) or with an agenda not aligned with the project goals – keeping touting at bay is much easier. I assume new language versions should be started only if there is hope of quickly building that critical mass. :–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 10:36, 28 June 2025 (UTC) ::Yes I do believe that LangCom has decided to suspend the creation of all new Wikinews projects for that very reason. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:46, 28 June 2025 (UTC) :Alexander, it's true "that dozens if not hundreds of volunteers have spent a considerable amount of their time on developing Wikinews", but it's also true that keeping a failing project because of past efforts is an example of [[w:en:Sunk cost fallacy]]. :I suspect that if someone made a credible proposal to move Wikinews to another host, the WMF would be be open to negotiations over the name. (But any new sponsor might prefer to come up with their own name.) [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 03:31, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::I guess my main problem is the absence of any well-defined criteria that distinguish a sustainable project from a failing one. Do you understand what these criteria are? -- [[User:Atsirlin|Alexander]] ([[User_talk:Atsirlin|talk]]) 08:35, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::A well-defined criteria that defines what a sustainable project would still heavily rely on how the project functions, though. For Wikinews, it needs to be very active and metrics that may be appropriate for Wikivoyage or Wikibooks like number of articles aren't super relevant because 20000 articles is no good if the last one was written 2 months ago (the numbers are hypothetical but my point stands). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 08:50, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I agree that the same metrics can not be applied to all sister projects, but "very active" leaves a lot of room for interpretation. Imagine someone decides that Wikivoyage is not sustainable because it contains a lot of outdated travel information that has not been updated in the last 5 years. That would be a problem... -- [[User:Atsirlin|Alexander]] ([[User_talk:Atsirlin|talk]]) 09:27, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::::We don't want well-defined criteria. There needs to be judgement on the projects actual prospects. Opening a community discussion is good, as that's a way to see whether the metrics give a correct picture – although there should be discussions with the projects before opening a discussion like this (I don't know to what extent there have been such discussions). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 20:13, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I still don't love the way the SPTF decided to mass-send these messages to every wiki without consulting the Wikinews community; it really should be up to them (and when I mean them, I mean the more active Wikinews projects such as en or ruwikinews) to decide their project's future, not the rest of us or the vast majority who don't get involved with Wikinews. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:01, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::Yes. The issues should have been raised with the projects first (not only the big ones, but all projects affected). I don't know whether that was done, but seemingly not enough, anyway. It seems the SPTF (?) wanted to introduce a more general practice of re-evaluating projects, and just chose the two as examples. They should have understood that doing it that way, without consultations, would upset people. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:40, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::TBF, there were several closure proposals before, including one for all language Wikinews. Those for major projects failed, but one can argue that this was a signal to the communities to evaluate their performance which they apparently did not get. I agree though that opening such discussion before notifying the Wikinews communities first is not really good. [[User:Ymblanter|Ymblanter]] ([[User talk:Ymblanter|talk]]) 08:54, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::They definitely should have; I hope they use this as a learning lesson because the general sentiment from the enwikinews community is quite clearly unimpressed from that discussion. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 09:01, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::Well this comment certainly [[:m:Talk:Public_consultation_about_Wikinews#c-Victoria-20250630095300-BRPever-20250629141600|aged like milk]]. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 13:59, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::Oh dear. I hope there are others in the SPTF who are more keen-eared. This risks degenerating into one more of the WMF-not-respecting-the-community affairs. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:40, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::SPTF (or Victoria, at the very least) seems so predetermined to close Wikinews that I've never heard something so blatantly biased such as "However, I expect that the wikinewsians would be in COI" – so to them I assume knowing the ins and outs of your own project is apparently a conflict of interest? It's a massive insult to non-Wikipedia based projects. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 11:04, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::I can understand her view, but I think it is misguided, and somebody in her team should get them to discuss their actual mission. If a project indeed needs to be laid down, the process needs to be lead very sensitively – and the consultation in this phase shouldn't be on whether to lay Wikinews down. It is "to work through and demonstrate the review process", "a community reevaluation" and "potential restructuring efforts". ::::::::::::The demonstration of the process has been a disaster and potential restructuring efforts require a good understanding of he project, which cannot be had without a keen-eared discussion with the communities. ::::::::::::The "re-evaluation" should be based on such potential restructuring paths, where restructuring isn't about where to dump the Wikinews content, but how to save the project, if possible. ::::::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 13:13, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::I fully agree with you about about the "re-evaluation" but the way they have been responding to community feedback feels as though they have the result pre-determined and this is merely being used as a box ticking exercise – which is why I think it's crucial that we as a fellow sister project speak up about the way this was poorly handled because who knows what they will do when it's our turn to undergo public consultations. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 14:04, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::I wrote about some concerns in [[:meta:Talk:Public consultation about Wikinews#Process and analysis seem flawed]]. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:34, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::::Cheers, {{u|LPfi}}; hopefully our project will be fine (I think it will because Wikivoyage or really any other WMF project does not have the same issues as Wikinews does of requiring an active community), but more feedback is certainly better. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 03:49, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::Whereas I agree that the process it to some extend flawed (and I agree with the points LPfi makes in the response on Meta), it would be useful to see whether some metrics used for analysis (in whatever flawed way) could be improved for Wikivoyage, so that they are out of discussion. [[User:Ymblanter|Ymblanter]] ([[User talk:Ymblanter|talk]]) 08:18, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::::::{{Ping|Victoria}} as primary author and for what I think is trenchant feedback: to the extent that this taskforce is assessing the sibling projects, it would be helpful if the individual communities knew what kind of rubric there is to grade their health. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 19:55, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::::First of all, the Taskforce in not assessing '''all''' siblings projects, the Wikispore/Wikinews was a proof-of-concept exercise. ::::::::::::::::::We used [[metawiki:Wikimedia_Foundation_Community_Affairs_Committee/Procedure_for_Sibling_Project_Lifecycle/revised|this rubric]], which was discussed in a public consultation a year ago - but didn't get much attention, because Meta is littered with documents that are never implemented. ::::::::::::::::::In the [[metawiki:Wikimedia_Foundation_Community_Affairs_Committee/Procedure_for_Sibling_Project_Lifecycle/revise|Wikispore consultation]] we ask for the proposals for the clarification of the "activity" and other criteria. [[User:Victoria|Victoria]] ([[User talk:Victoria|talk]]) 09:11, 3 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::::::::Thanks for this and thanks for letting me ping-pong you around various WMF projects with pings. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 09:38, 3 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::::::You are welcome. I'm happy to answer in English/Russian/Belarusian when there's no personal attacks involved. [[User:Victoria|Victoria]] ([[User talk:Victoria|talk]]) 10:15, 3 July 2025 (UTC) :::::I've been going through some of the stats, and "very active" is an interesting point. The defenders of the "very active" Wikinews language editions seem to be engaged overwhelmingly in copying/pasting content from suitably licensed external sites. They have turned Wikinews into mirrors for other sites, rather than writing articles. :::::Just imagine how we at Wikivoyage would react if someone here said "I am a very active Wikivoyage editor. I spend at least an hour a day copying and pasting pages from other travel websites!" [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 21:34, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::We do copy info from hotel websites and other sources, but we don't have the luxury of reliable free content written in our style. Being a channel for reliable news ''could'' be a mission of Wikinews (more or less the same way some "social media" sites do it). If so, the question is whether they can do it well enough for it to be worthwhile as a WMF project (and whether the other things they do are done well). But that's not the discussion the SPTF initiated, they chose to go by statistics instead. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 22:12, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::It was mentioned somewhere that the stats may be skewed by bots – I'm still confused on how you'd be able to tell if the stats were skewed by bots or not. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:11, 2 July 2025 (UTC) == Archive links invisible in mobile mode == Why? When I look in edit mode, I can see links to archives in [[Talk:China]], but not when I simply look at that talk page. Will Wikivoyage in mobile mode ever not suck? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:30, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :I can't answer your first question, but the answer to your latter question, as we both know, is never (we are a massive afterthought for the WMF). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:51, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::In which case, we will eventually read that the Wikimedia Foundation dropped Wikivoyage from lack of sufficient participation. Would we be able to fork in that case, or does Wikimedia own the copyright for Wikivoyage as they do for Wikinews? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:09, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::Each individual editor, including IPs/logged-out editors, owns the copyright to whatever copyrightable material they post on wiki. The Wikimedia Foundation owns the domain names and the trademarks (e.g., name and logo). Anyone who wants to fork can do so freely. The Wikimedia Foundation will sometimes even informally help people do so. The mobile site does have the links to the archives. Click on the "(i) Learn more about this page" button at the top of the page to find the "invisible" content. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 03:27, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::{{ping|Ikan Kekek}} Please don't be that fearful when Wikinews is proposed to be shut down or merged with Wikipedia. I wanted to work in the Bengali Wikinews Incubator project, but my lack of activity in recent weeks has prevented me from participating further. So, I have focused on Commons and Wikivoyage, where I am still highly active. I don't think the SPTF would suggest something similar for Wikivoyage, and I think it is actually a popular website. My static map of [[West Bengal]] is now widely shared on Facebook (both English and Bengali versions), along with an AI-generated list of places to visit in the state. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 03:35, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::::You are a superb Wikivoyage content creator! I'm not afraid in the very near term, but usage of all websites nowadays has to be mostly mobile, so if this site's mobile interface remains terrible, its eventual demise is a foregone conclusion. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:44, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::::Are you refering to the archive links that appear when I click "more about this page" at the top? :::::The issues with the mobile site exist as this project does not have '''active interface admins.''' :::::Note: The WMF has nothing to do with the content or presentation of content for this site. :::::Relevant links: :::::* https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:WikimediaMessages#Site_admin_helper :::::* https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Recommendations_for_mobile_friendly_articles_on_Wikimedia_wikis :::::[[User:Jdlrobson|Jdlrobson]] ([[User talk:Jdlrobson|talk]]) 03:09, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::Yes, "Learn more about this page." I didn't know to click that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:27, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I don't see why the WMF would have nothing to do with presentation of content on Wikivoyage. We are using MediaWiki and settings provided by the WMF, and we indeed are a WMF project. ::::::Not having active interface admins (I thought we have some) shouldn't mean too much – having technically knowledgable people locally is a bonus, it (and them dedicating time to do major work) shouldn't be a prerequisite for a WMF project. ::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:51, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::We do indeed have 5 [[Wikivoyage:Interface administrators]], which [[User:Jdlrobson]] should know, because he is one of them. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:01, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::I am an interface admin but I would not consider myself active. Maintenance of the listing editor for example causes me more anxiety than enjoyment these days. ::::::::In my time in this project I have seen quite a few complaints about the mobile experience but nobody has articulated clearly what needs improving. I personally dont think that overall it is a bad experience and the fact most of our page views are on mobile should be reassuring. That said there are templates like climate data that I think could be improved on mobile. ::::::::If you really want to improve the mobile experience I'd recommend making a wiki page with discussion of changes, proposal/consensus and then implementing them. I havent seen this sort of thing since [[Wikivoyage:Banner Expedition]]. I guarantee the majority of changes you want do not need WMF involvement but they will require discussion and community consultation. [[User:Jdlrobson|Jdlrobson]] ([[User talk:Jdlrobson|talk]]) 15:53, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::Wauterz is certainly active. Have you ever tried adding a listing or reverting more than one edit at a time in mobile mode? I'm sure we can compile a list of badness from the mobile interface. Where is the best page to put it on? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:25, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::{{u|Andyrom75}} is also fairly active on itwikivoyage. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 22:18, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::To answer the very first question of @[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]], I've noticed that the infobox has a "display:none" style that hide those boxes in mobile view. I think this style is added serverside (maybe @[[User:Jdlrobson|Jdlrobson]] you can confirm), because it's not added by the template neither by the templatestyles. :::::::::::However, as said from @[[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]], you can still see it clicking on the "(i)" button. [[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 17:09, 2 July 2025 (UTC) sfe1xt1ig13jgyvrfyqy2tho3nnxqvg 5087068 5087067 2025-07-03T10:18:55Z Victoria 1380473 /* General concerns */ 5087068 wikitext text/x-wiki <div style="text-align:left; background: var( --wv-optional-color, #f4f7fa); color: var( --color-base ); border: 1px solid #abc; padding: .3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em"> <div style="text-align:center; font-size:300%; line-height: 1; padding: 10px;">'''Welcome to the pub'''</div> {{shortcut|[[WV:Pub]]|[[WV:TP]]}} [[File:QA_icon_clr.svg|right|frameless|150px|link=]] The travellers' pub is for general discussion on Wikivoyage, and the place to ask questions when you're confused, lost, afraid, tired, annoyed, thoughtful, or helpful. To start a new topic, click the "Add topic" tab, so that it gets added '''at the bottom''' of the page, and sign your post by appending four tildes (<nowiki>~~~~</nowiki>) Before asking a question or making a comment: * Have a look at our [[Wikivoyage:Help|Help]], [[Wikivoyage:FAQ|FAQ]] and [[Wikivoyage:Policies|Policies]] pages. * If you are a '''new user''' and you have any questions about using the website, try the [[Wikivoyage:Arrivals lounge|Arrivals lounge]]. * If you have a '''question or suggestion about a particular article''', use the article's [[Project:using talk pages|talk page]] to keep the discussion associated with that article. * If you'd like to '''draw attention to a comment''' to '''get feedback''' from other Wikivoyagers, try [[Wikivoyage:Requests for comment|Requests for comment]]. * If you are '''wanting travel advice on a specific matter''' see the [[Wikivoyage:Tourist office|tourist office]]. * If you have an '''issue you need to bring to the attention of an administrator''', try [[Wikivoyage:Ongoing vandalism|Ongoing vandalism]]. * If you are having a '''problem that you think has to do with the [[mw:|MediaWiki software]]''', please post that on [[phab:|Phabricator]] instead. * If you want to '''celebrate a significant contribution''' to Wikivoyage by yourself or others, hold a party at [[Project:Celebrate a contribution|Celebrate a contribution]]. * Discuss '''issues related to more than one language version''' of Wikivoyage in the [[meta:Wikivoyage/Lounge|Wikivoyage Lounge]] on Meta. * Anything that is '''Nigeria-related''' is now meant to go in the [[Wikivoyage:Nigeria café|Nigeria café]] instead. Anything that is '''Kosovo or Albania related''' is now meant to go in the [[Wikivoyage:Kosovo and Albania cafe|Kosovo and Albania café]] instead. This includes announcements, initiatives, celebrations, and issues with certain articles. You can review old Pub discussions in the [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub/Archives]]. '''Pull up a chair and join in the conversation!''' [{{fullurl:Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub|action=edit&section=new}} '''Click here to start a new thread'''] </div> {{WikivoyageDoc|collaboration}} <!-- Discussions start here --> __TOC__ __NEWSECTIONLINK__ == RfC ongoing regarding Abstract Wikipedia (and your project) == <div lang="en" dir="ltr" class="mw-content-ltr"> ''(Apologies for posting in English, if this is not your first language)'' Hello all! We opened a discussion on Meta about a very delicate issue for the development of [[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Abstract Wikipedia|Abstract Wikipedia]]: where to store the abstract content that will be developed through functions from Wikifunctions and data from Wikidata. Since some of the hypothesis involve your project, we wanted to hear your thoughts too. We want to make the decision process clear: we do not yet know which option we want to use, which is why we are consulting here. We will take the arguments from the Wikimedia communities into account, and we want to consult with the different communities and hear arguments that will help us with the decision. The decision will be made and communicated after the consultation period by the Foundation. You can read the various hypothesis and have your say at [[:m:Abstract Wikipedia/Location of Abstract Content|Abstract Wikipedia/Location of Abstract Content]]. Thank you in advance! -- [[User:Sannita (WMF)|Sannita (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Sannita (WMF)|<span class="signature-talk">{{int:Talkpagelinktext}}</span>]]) 15:27, 22 May 2025 (UTC) </div> <!-- Message sent by User:Sannita (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Sannita_(WMF)/Mass_sending_test&oldid=28768453 --> :{{re|Sannita (WMF)}} may I ask how this affects Wikivoyage when you say "some of the hypothesis involve your project"? TIA, //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:28, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::The proposed solutions mention the Wikivoyages in several places. The main issue is that an abstract article about Someplace shouldn't be rendered the same in Wikipedia and Wikivoyage. This affects also the technical solutions, such as where to store statements and functions. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:21, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::Can you explain further how we have abstract (vs. concrete?) articles on Wikivoyage? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:27, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::We don't have any abstract articles at the time being, and I assume Wikivoyage in English may choose never to have them. For smaller languages, though, it is unrealistic to cover all interesting places with proper articles. The mission of Abstract Wikipedia is to provide a framework for creating articles in a way that allows automatic translation into something at least half-way decent. It's like having listings fetch key information from Wikidata, but scaled up to complete articles (or less complete – at least lively language on personal impressions will certainly be missing for the foreseeable future). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:43, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::::I see – I still don't understand how this will fully get (even after reading the hypothesis), but I suppose it's something for smaller language projects. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 09:47, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::Hi @[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], it seems that @[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] covered most of my arguments here already, so I would just repeat them at this point. The part that interests your project refers to the hypothesis that abstract content ''might'' (but it's still not sure at the moment) be stored in a dedicated namespace of your project. But again, this ''might'' happen, and you're free to refuse to store/use abstract content to further your development. This is entirely in your right, and we do not want to force any adoption of the project without consensus. [[User:Sannita (WMF)|Sannita (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Sannita (WMF)|talk]]) 10:01, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::And yes, Abstract Wikipedia is primarily intended for projects that have so far developed a small number of articles, in order to help them accelerate their growth and hopefully provide more knowledge to their communities and recruit a higher number of volunteers. [[User:Sannita (WMF)|Sannita (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Sannita (WMF)|talk]]) 10:03, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::Sounds perfect. Thanks to both of you for explaining! //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:10, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Seconded. I understand. We should discuss in a separate thread whether it would be better to encourage, allow perhaps without comment, or disallow abstract listings on this site. I think we probably don't want abstract articles, but we should discuss that, too. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:22, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::::I can see abstract listings being useful for more obscure parts of the world for English speakers for this site at least, but overall sounds like it's something to help smaller language Wikivoyages benefit from us rather than the other way around (which is also great). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 13:30, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::I mentioned listings as we already use Wikidata for them (coordinates) and have discussed e.g. opening hours (too complicated to be workable). I don't think "abstract listings" are an option at this point – somebody needs to decide a listing is wanted and would include some manual language when adding it. We still might have some valuable insights in how – and how not – to design abstract Wikivoyage articles for them to be useful. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 14:04, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::I have two thoughts about this: ::* We need some way of separating a block of text that works for Wikipedia from a block of text that works for Wikivoyage (or another sister project). That suggests ''not'' using the English Wikipedia as the storage place for everything. The Wikipedias might all want "Jupiter is the largest planet in the Solar System. It is the fifth planet from the Sun", but if Wikivoyage were to have an article on the planet, it would probably sound a lot more like "Jupiter isn't a viable destination, but travelers interested in [[astronomy]] and [[navigation]]<nowiki/>by the stars may be interested in the Big Museum of Jupiter and the Annual Jupiter Festival". ::* I think that the English Wikivoyage could benefit from Abstract content. It's obvious that we could 'translate' our [[Wikivoyage:Star articles|Star articles]] into Abstract, and thus other Wikivoyages would benefit. However, imagine how much we could benefit if @[[User:Sannita (WMF)|Sannita (WMF)]] brought [[:it:Roma]] up to Star status, and then translated it for us to copy whatever bits we wanted in [[Rome]]. Keep in mind that while Abstract is set up to do dynamic autotranslation (e.g., always giving the latest population estimate, if the sentence says "the population of Rome is ___"), you can actually copy and paste the results as plain old text into an article. ::[[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:07, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::If I understand correctly, Abstract Wikipedia works with programming that could have been done in the 1980s, more or less like [[:w:Lsjbot|Lsjbot]]'s articles, although not confined to info found in already existing datasets. "Not a viable destination" would need to be an item to insert and translate. That article on Jupiter would have very little in common with the Wikipedia one. :::For Rome, population statistics etc. would be easy to write in abstract form, but an abstract star article would need a lot of article-specific functions, which need to be translated to get a version in another language – and lively language is hard to translate automatically (think "[[Talk#Speaking English with non-native speakers|blind and therefore insane]]"). Copying over listings would work, and a good abstract article should have a good selection of those. :::I think an abstract Wikivoyage article should focus on being reasonably complete by having ''information'': roads and trains for getting in, listings with coords, contact details and Wikidata link, and suggestions in Go next, but quite little running text, mostly identical across articles except data values (…is a village/town/city in X…), and likewise a dry list of facts in the listing "content", not like the lively writing in [[Wikivoyage:Listings#Examples|Wikivoyage:Listings]]. :::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 17:47, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::As Wikivoyage has generally has more structured articles than Wikipedia, I think that we could make use of an Abstract Wikivoyage. Two areas look like possible starting points: listings and the phrases in phrasebooks. ::::If a tool could create an abstract version of a listing that exists in another language, then the listing could be offered when editing the same section of an article here - "Would you like to add a listing for the Lawnmower Museum?". Some parts of listing could be updated in all languages when edited in one - we would show the last updated entry price for the museum whatever language it was edited in. A difficult part is identifying when listing elements are language specific - we may use a different url from another WV to point to a page in English, and we don't care that the museum has labels translated into Spanish. ::::In English WV we have a standard set of phrases for phrasebooks, and most phrasebooks keep fairly closely to this list. This list is also the basis for phrasebooks in some other language WVs. It would appear to be reasonably straightforward to scan the existing phrases to create an abstract phrasebook, but inconsistencies would need to be reviewed. There are about 300 phrasebooks in English, 50 in German and 20 in Polish. Maybe we can use this to offer over 200 phrasebooks in Polish. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:44, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::::For listings, yes, the abstract versions would be easy to create. For the name, we only need to identify the native name, its romanisation, and the language of translated names. There are already structures for all this in Wikidata; also "official URL" has a language attribute. Amenities of hotels can likewise easily be described. Nothing will be automatically fetched, so no worries about info irrelevant for English speakers. What is hard to do is the lively language of the examples I linked above. :::::For phrasebooks, I am not sure it is that easy, or rather whether creating an abstract phrasebook helps compared to just translating the template and using a dictionary (or whatever way you otherwise use for getting translations). Grammar and pronunciation sections needs to be written with the audience's language knowledge in mind, and translations of phrases need to be done with some understanding of the context, thus mostly manually. For a good phrasebook, you also need to note peculiarities in the relation with the target language, such as the liberty/liberté etc. now added to the French and Italian phrasebook and warnings for specific false friends. :::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 04:57, 27 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::I think phrasebooks is one of those things (along with travel topics) where it's more or less impossible to create an abstract version of. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 05:23, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::Why do you think that? :::::::We can already write things like "{{#invoke:wd|label|Q98815142}}, a {{#invoke:wd|label|Q81727}} of {{#invoke:wd|label|Q8486}}, {{#invoke:wd|label|Q26175857}}" by invoking Wikidata. It would require expansion (e.g., to add "a" and "an"), but it doesn't seem impossible in principle, at least for simpler sentences. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:24, 27 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::The question is whether there is any point of doing that. If every phrase has to be purpose-translated, then why not just write the non-abstract phrasebook? The point with the abstract articles is that there are standard phrases that can be used across articles, such as words for amenities you will find in many hotels. For the phrasebook phrases, the question is whether the same Sámi phrase would suite the phrasebook in English and the one in Latvian (or whatever). ::::::::When the English phrase is translated differently depending on context, some commentary needs to be added (formal/informal, feminine/masculine). This commentary is redundant or awkward in languages that make the same distinction, possibly treating the two (or more) forms as totally unrelated (the person is deceased, the cow is dead). ::::::::For the cup of tea, you may need to word that differently depending on whether you are a man or woman, and whether the one you are asking for the cup is a waiter, the café owner, your host or your host's young child. ::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 20:59, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::::Perhaps an example would show what I was thinking of: :::::::::In [[French phrasebook]], we have: :::::::::; How much is a ticket to _____? : Combien coûte le billet pour _____ ? (''kom-BYAN koot luh bee-YEH poor'') :::::::::; One ticket to _____, please. : Un billet pour _____, s'il vous plaît. (''ung bee-YEH poor ____ seel voo pleh'') :::::::::On Polish WV there is [[:pl:Rozmówki francuskie]], their French Phrasebook. :::::::::;Ile kosztuje bilet do...? : Combien coûte le billet pour...? :::::::::;Poproszę jeden bilet do... : Un billet pour..., je vous prie. :::::::::We also have [[Finnish phrasebook]], which has: :::::::::; How much is a ticket to _____? : Paljonko maksaa lippu _____in? (''PAHL-yonk-aw MAHK-sah LEEP-poo _____?'') :::::::::So I think that a Finnish phrasebook on the Polish WV, could have :::::::::;Ile kosztuje bilet do...? : Paljonko maksaa lippu _____in? (''PAHL-yonk-aw MAHK-sah LEEP-poo _____?'') :::::::::"One ticket to" is not exactly the same (translating the French used in Polish, it is saying "I beg you" rather than "please"), so this phase would require some manual adjustments when it was abstracted. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:24, 27 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::I don't think that the idea with Abstract is to program in "please", but rather to swap in whichever word or phrase is used in that language to indicate politeness and respect while making a request. ::::::::::We already have a [[mw:Help:Magic words#gender|software switch for gender]], so this is not some miraculous future tech; this is an expansion of what has been possible for years. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 01:39, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::For Finnish, there is no word or phrase that indicates politeness, but one often uses the conditional (?) verb form instead. In some cases one would just use that word form in the phrase (in the Finnish phrasebooks and in phrasebooks for Finnish) – but here the question is instead with no sign of politeness, which is common in that language. Something like "could you" is problematic as most languages make a distinction between thou and you. I think the common cases can be handled decently, but for less well-known language families – those that benefit most from the abstract articles – the edge cases will be more common. It is likely that abstract phrasebook have to be tweaked for specific languages to avoid the odd case of very problematic renderings. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:02, 28 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::In Malay, there are two words for "please" that have different meanings and are used in different contexts. There are also two words for "we" that have different meanings. Etc. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:34, 30 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::I would expect all the foreign phrases to be reproduced exactly as they were in the existing phrasebook(s) that they were taken from. Ideally the left side phrases would also be exact reproductions, unless they were used to create a phrasebook to be part of a WV that doesn't currently have any phrasebooks; but it is less of an issue if the left side doesn't read perfectly. I am assuming that an Abstract Wikivoyage would have some mechanism for handling quoted text, as this is essential for reproducing the exact words used in famous speeches etc, and will be required for abstract Wikipedia and Wikiquote etc. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 14:06, 30 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::{{re|WhatamIdoing}} LPfi's basically explained why I don't think abstract phrasebooks will work. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:25, 27 May 2025 (UTC) == Adding images to the Infobox template == {{Infobox/sandbox|Infobox sandbox test|Nutritious, filling content goes here. |image=Dessert_Merlion_Singapore_Cafe_Kaya_Toast.jpg |caption=Yum yum!}} I've hacked up [[Template:Infobox/sandbox]] which add new <code>image/caption</code> parameters, so you can easily add an image to your infoboxen instead of trying to manually hack it in. Example: <pre> {{Infobox/sandbox |Infobox sandbox test |Nutritious, filling content goes here. |image=Dessert_Merlion_Singapore_Cafe_Kaya_Toast.jpg |caption=Yum yum!}} </pre> If there's no objections, I'll roll this out to the main Infobox template, the params are optional so it shouldn't break anything. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 06:02, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :{{support}} &ndash; Will be useful for articles like [[India]] and [[Kolkata]], which already use images in infoboxes. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 06:15, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :This is a tangent, but I think we should consider renaming that template, or at least changing its Wikidata links. Wikivoyage doesn't do Wikipedia-style infoboxes. These are just simple boxes, more like pull quotes or boxed warnings. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:29, 27 May 2025 (UTC) ::Change the Wikidata link, but keep the name. It is an infobox, although not a Wikipedia-style one. Of course, if somebody comes up with a better name, then I won't object. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:06, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :::{{ping|WhatamIdoing|LPfi}} Maybe {{tl|Info}} can be used instead of {{tl|Infobox}}. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 02:40, 28 May 2025 (UTC) ::::For us, this is an infobox, not just info. I wouldn't support such changes just to conform. Somebody who wants a Wikipedia-style infobox should just be directed to {{tl|quickbar}}, and somebody who tries to use {{tl|infobox}} quickly sees that it isn't what they are looking for. A see also for the former is more useful than a name change. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:11, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :::::I'll fix the Wikidata links so that {{tl|quickbar}} is matched with the Wikipedia-style infoboxes, and {{tl|infobox}} isn't. I'm not sure what our {{tl|infobox}} should be matched to; I don't think that enwiki has anything similar. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:28, 28 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::...No, that won't work. {{tl|Quickbar}} matches "Infobox Country". I'll remove the {{tl|infobox}} links. That much is certainly correct. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:29, 28 May 2025 (UTC) (undent) I've deployed the new version. I had to tweak it a bit to stop it from adding extra padding when the new params are not used, but it should be OK now, please ping me if not. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 07:58, 28 May 2025 (UTC) == Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees 2025 Selection & Call for Questions == <section begin="announcement-content" /> :''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Announcement/Selection announcement|{{int:interlanguage-link-mul}}]] • [https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Translate&group=page-{{urlencode:Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Announcement/Selection announcement}}&language=&action=page&filter= {{int:please-translate}}]'' Dear all, This year, the term of 2 (two) Community- and Affiliate-selected Trustees on the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees will come to an end [1]. The Board invites the whole movement to participate in this year’s selection process and vote to fill those seats. The Elections Committee will oversee this process with support from Foundation staff [2]. The Governance Committee, composed of trustees who are not candidates in the 2025 community-and-affiliate-selected trustee selection process (Raju Narisetti, Shani Evenstein Sigalov, Lorenzo Losa, Kathy Collins, Victoria Doronina and Esra’a Al Shafei) [3], is tasked with providing Board oversight for the 2025 trustee selection process and for keeping the Board informed. More details on the roles of the Elections Committee, Board, and staff are here [4]. Here are the key planned dates: * May 22 – June 5: Announcement (this communication) and call for questions period [6] * June 17 – July 1, 2025: Call for candidates * July 2025: If needed, affiliates vote to shortlist candidates if more than 10 apply [5] * August 2025: Campaign period * August – September 2025: Two-week community voting period * October – November 2025: Background check of selected candidates * Board’s Meeting in December 2025: New trustees seated Learn more about the 2025 selection process - including the detailed timeline, the candidacy process, the campaign rules, and the voter eligibility criteria - on this Meta-wiki page [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025|[link]]]. '''Call for Questions''' In each selection process, the community has the opportunity to submit questions for the Board of Trustees candidates to answer. The Election Committee selects questions from the list developed by the community for the candidates to answer. Candidates must answer all the required questions in the application in order to be eligible; otherwise their application will be disqualified. This year, the Election Committee will select 5 questions for the candidates to answer. The selected questions may be a combination of what’s been submitted from the community, if they’re alike or related. [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Questions_for_candidates|[link]]] '''Election Volunteers''' Another way to be involved with the 2025 selection process is to be an Election Volunteer. Election Volunteers are a bridge between the Elections Committee and their respective community. They help ensure their community is represented and mobilize them to vote. Learn more about the program and how to join on this Meta-wiki page [[m:Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Election_volunteers|[link].]] Thank you! [1] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2022/Results [2] https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Committee:Elections_Committee_Charter [3] https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Resolution:Committee_Membership,_December_2024 [4] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections_committee/Roles [5] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/FAQ [6] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Questions_for_candidates Best regards, Victoria Doronina Board Liaison to the Elections Committee Governance Committee<section end="announcement-content" /> [[User:MediaWiki message delivery|MediaWiki message delivery]] ([[User talk:MediaWiki message delivery|talk]]) 03:08, 28 May 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:RamzyM (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Distribution_list/Global_message_delivery&oldid=28618011 --> == Medium [[Main Page]] overhaul proposal == Since my [[Talk:Main_Page#Help_needed_with_tweaking_visual_balance_of_the_main_page|request for input and support]] on Talk:Main Page went mostly unnoticed, I'm bringing this proposal to the pub to ensure it gets the daylight it should have, as these are proposals to change the look of a rather important page. Here's the backstory: For longer than [[WV:Vector 2022|Vector 2022]] has been around, I've been bothered by the balance of elements on the main page. The new skin only did it injustices, so I've taken it upon myself to mend the shortcomings of the main page in my quest to make Wikivoyage work in Vector 2022. This all so our site looks a bit more appealing in the new skin. I know many regular editors stuck with their old preferred skins when we got the new skin imposed on us, but this still is something that will affect Wikivoyage's appeal to new editors and readers. If the main page looks chaotic and messy, they'll be less likely to stick around. So to each and every editor, <u>regardless</u> of which skin you use: Please chime in! That being said, these are the changes I have developed, and have ready to deploy: * '''Wider {{tl|Mapbanner}}:''' Some small tweaks to the template which make it use all the page width available to it, and moves the globe image and image map accordingly. * '''Centred JCaroussel:''' For the same reason, to make better use of the width on the main page, I've got some CSS changes to the JCaroussel ready that center the featured articles. Scaling them up to simply be full page width I have found to be too tedious to bother with. * '''Overhauled {{tl|Banner}}:''' Vector 2022's scaleable font plays too much with the banners for featured articles to where sometimes the blurb isn't even entirely visible. In the same process, I've simplified the way in which this template is used for each category, foregoing the need for a 'section' and 'section-link' parameter, replacing them with a 'type' parameter. Its style is mostly in keeping with the existing banners and should simplify the process for featuring articles more than it complicates them. What do these changes look like? In the case of {{tl|Mapbanner}}, I cannot easily give a working demonstration as its stylesheet currently overwrites any changes I make to it. Instead, [https://i.imgur.com/6mAMkfG.png this image] is the best I can offer. You'll have to take my word for its functionality being unchanged. The centred JCaroussel and overhauled {{tl|Banner}} can be seen and interacted with [[User:Wauteurz/Banner|on this page]]. I've done my best to ensure that these changes are in keeping with Wikivoyage's current main page style. I know that entire overhauls are not that popular, so I hope these proposals are good enough. I am looking for a broad consensus to roll out at least the first two changes, but ideally all three. I don't feel comfortable rolling some of these changes out with only two people expressing support for them. Please, throw your questions and concerns in my direction, and I hope we can together fix what I consider to be the biggest remaining issue with Vector 2022. Thank you in advance. <br/> <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 14:19, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :{{Support}} as the developer of these changes. Vector 2022 dictates how new readers and editors get presented our site, and with its current chaotic and undependable nature, something ''has'' to be done. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 14:20, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :{{ping|Wauteurz}} Any idea for better responsive design of the Wikivoyage main page, as more people access our pages via phone than PC? '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 14:47, 28 May 2025 (UTC) ::@[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]] For clarity, these changes only affect the appearance on desktop devices. The changes to JCaroussel also apply in Minerva (mobile), but due to screen size limitations they won't have an effect in most cases. My main goal is overseeing the damage caused by Vector 2022's roll-out on Wikivoyage. Since mobile devices use Minerva, I mostly leave the mobile appearance alone. ::As for my thoughts on mobile, I don't think any of the regular editors have any experience in mobile design, let alone responsive mobile design, so I'm mostly wondering why it's responsive in the first place. I'd personally suggest removing the responsive elements (mostly the feature banners) and replacing them with DotM, OtBP and FTT in simple presentations akin to Picture of the Day and Media of the Day on Commons' main page. The 3:1 banners also are a big problem in my eyes. They're far too short to work on mobile, and I think a square or tall ratio would work leagues better in a mobile format. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 15:31, 28 May 2025 (UTC) *{{s}} very much agree that these changes will be needed sooner than later. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 18:48, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :'''Support'''. Thanks for doing this! As a choosing beggar, I would love to see the mobile front page fixed as well though, the DOTM banner is completely broken at the moment and the padding/spacing of the entire page is wonky at best. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 00:03, 29 May 2025 (UTC) :'''Question''' for all involved: The new banner uses some icons to depict the category that the article is featured in (i.e., [[:File:Yes Check Circle.svg|DotM]], [[:File:Right turn icon blue.svg|OtBP]] and [[:File:Writing Circle.svg|FTT]]). I assume that we wish to keep these instead of the placeholder icons I have used? I'll be working on adapting those into simple white icons, which should be pretty straight-forward. If we wish to change them in future, then that can always be done afterwards. Having the icons consistent between {{tl|Banner}} and {{tl|Pagebanner}} would be for the better, I reckon :) :I am currently aiming to roll these updates out this weekend (June 7/8), just in time for the next featured article change. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 23:55, 1 June 2025 (UTC) ::Update: Making and updating the icons was pretty straight-forward indeed: [[Special:Diff/5071035|Diff/5071035]] <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 00:20, 2 June 2025 (UTC) :'''Support'''. Lots of good improvements! Just make sure to fix the "Off the Beaten Path" link to point to a real page. [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 15:10, 2 June 2025 (UTC) ::{{Done}}. Thanks for spotting that one! <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 15:19, 2 June 2025 (UTC) {{Done}}! Thank you everyone for your support! I've gone ahead and pushed these changes just now. I've naturally updated the usages of {{tl|banner}} on the Main Page and DOTM-Candidates as well. If there's any issues arising from this roll-out, please let me know. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 11:34, 7 June 2025 (UTC) :Awesome! That looks great to me. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 11:46, 7 June 2025 (UTC) == FYI: 10 Travel Tips From Experts Who’ve Been Everywhere == https://www.carryology.com/travel/10-travel-tips-from-experts-whove-been-everywhere/ —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 09:05, 30 May 2025 (UTC) == Tourist office problem == I tried to ask a question in the [[Wikivoyage:Tourist office]], and I replied to it with another question, but I can't see any of it except in edit mode and don't understand why. I used the form on that page to ask the first question. What I want to know is which side of the train to sit on for Amtrak trips between Montreal and Plattsburgh, NY and between Plattsburgh and Saratoga Springs, even if the answers come too late for me to use them. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:24, 30 May 2025 (UTC) :When you click "Ready? Ask a new question!", should the form on the next page require the "Subject:" field to not be empty? Or at least have a placeholder subject text? :I also see someone else's question about Cancun that got ignored, because it's tacked on the end of the previous section. [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 20:42, 1 June 2025 (UTC) ::I guess the problem is that I didn't see the subject field in my mobile phone interface. Is there a way to improve that? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:58, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :::It looks like you can set a default subject value with the InputBox 'default=' parameter. Maybe give it something like "Question from ~~<noinclude></noinclude>~"? I'm not sure how to change the "Subject:" label styling. :::Should the Tourist Office behave more like a Talk page, with an Add Topic button leading to a visual editor? [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 23:44, 2 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I'd support that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:48, 2 June 2025 (UTC) :::::[https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:DiscussionTools It looks like adding a "NEWSECTIONLINK" line is the magic to enable the visual editor on a page.] [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:InputBox There's also a usedt=true parameter to InputBox to make it use the visual editor by default.] :::::It seems to work in this sandbox I set up: [[User:Gerode/Tourist_office_sandbox]] [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 17:48, 5 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I went ahead and applied these two changes. Let me know if I broke anything, or if there's anything else odd about the Tourist office. [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 16:22, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ==Move request== You are invited to participate at [[Talk:Bangalore#Bangalore to Bengaluru]], which can affect the articles [[Bangalore]] and [[Bangalore Rural]], and the category [[:Category:Bangalore]]. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 08:19, 31 May 2025 (UTC) == AfriVoyage == Hi everyone! 👋 My name is [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvin Ategyeka]] from Uganda, and I’ve just launched a new project called '''AfriVoyage'''. It’s a WikiVoyage-focused initiative to document African travel destinations using local perspectives. Our pilot is starting in Uganda, with the goal of improving content and training youth contributors. You can follow the project on Meta-Wiki here: [[meta:AfriVoyage]] I would love your thoughts, guidance, and support. Thanks in advance! <small>unsigned comment by [[User:Alvinategyeka]]</small> :Welcome, Alvin. Wikivoyage really needs more African content, especially if provided by people with local knowledge. Your project will be supported from regular contributors like me. Please let us know how we can help. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:41, 31 May 2025 (UTC) :[[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]], I think you will be a more successful leader if you improve some articles yourself, before you invite anyone else to join you. We'd be happy to help you. :For example, one mistake that we see people making is copying Wikipedia articles here. A Wikipedia article will sound something like "Semuliki National Park is a national park in Bwamba County, a remote part of the Bundibugyo District in the Western Region of Uganda that was established in October 1993". This is the wrong approach here. A Wikivoyage article should have a [[Wikivoyage:Tone|lively tone]]. The beginning of a good Wikivoyage article might sound something like this: :* '''Semuliki National Park''' in [[Western Uganda]] is the only place you can visit a true lowland tropical forest in all of East Africa. This beautiful national park is a birdwatcher's delight, and more than 400 species of butterflies can be found inside the park's borders. :If you feel at the English Wikipedia that you have to suppress your natural style to be as dull as possible, then you'll like Wikivoyage because it allows your enthusiasm to shine in between the facts. We need the facts ("best restaurant" isn't nearly as helpful as saying how it's the best, like "good menu for vegetarians" or "artisan-quality bushera"), but we don't want a boring style. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 18:14, 31 May 2025 (UTC) ::Thank you very much and thanks for the guidance. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 13:27, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :Thank You very much. I have 6 years experience contributing to Wikimedia projects but I feel I need a new challenge and the only project that I had not explored yet always wanted to contribute to is Wiki Voyage. Am a tourism lover and i have travelled extensively in Uganda and East Africa. I hope this project will encourage more African Communities to contribute to Wiki Voyage. I will appreciate all guidance rendered. Thank You. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 13:32, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :Thank you very much, hoping to connect with you for more guidance. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 13:35, 1 June 2025 (UTC) ::Sure, and thank you for taking on this opportunity and challenge! In addition to the great advice you've been given above, I think you'll find [[Welcome, Wikipedians]] very useful. For anyone who participates in this project, some additional pages that I'd consider to provide the most important guidelines and explanatory pages on this site include [[Wikivoyage:What is an article]], [[Wikivoyage:The traveller comes first]], [[Wikivoyage:Article skeleton templates]], [[Wikivoyage:Copyleft]], [[Wikivoyage:Don't tout]], and [[Wikivoyage:Breadcrumb navigation]]. ::It is absolutely '''not''' a prerequisite for anyone to read any of these before contributing here! However, you, as organizer, should read these pages, because you will then be able to distill the most important characteristics of the site for others who are enthusiastic about contributing but not yet familiar with the site, and another important thing is that once you've read or at least skipped through these pages, you can ask us questions. ::I love the fact that you contacted us before the official launch of the project. In the past, projects that were begun on a large scale without any notice to us presented huge issues relating to the policies laid out in the pages I linked for you. ::Thanks again, and we very much look forward to working with you and your colleagues! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:36, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :::Thanks for the resources and guidance. I have been reading and researching about Wiki Voyage and what you have added will guide me more. I will contact you for further guidance in order to move the project forward. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 15:52, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :Thanks a lot. i look forward to working with you and seeking guidance to move the project forward. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 15:54, 1 June 2025 (UTC) == Evora's page banner on wikidata == I noticed [[Evora]]'s page banner does not exist in wikidata. I was unable to add it there. Would someone show me how to proceed, please? [[User:Claude van der Grift|Claude van der Grift]] ([[User talk:Claude van der Grift|talk]]) 18:31, 31 May 2025 (UTC) :[[d:Q179948|Évora]]'s banner is already defined on Wikidata since 2013, so moving it over isn't necessary. Regardless, you'd add a banner to a Wikidata item by adding a statement using [[d:P948|P948 (page banner)]]. Simply add the file name without the "File:" prefix but with the file extension as its value, and clicking publish. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 20:28, 31 May 2025 (UTC) ::Evora's Wikidata page is semi-protected, so you can't edit if you have made less than 50 edits on Wikidata. As already said, there is no need to edit it, as it is already using the banner from Wikidata. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 21:47, 31 May 2025 (UTC) :::Thank for your explanations {{U|AlasdairW}}. Unfortunately I mistook [[:d:Q179948|Evora]] for [[:d:Q243849|Elvas]]. The latter has no page banner. Sure I have more than 50 edits on wikidata. I forgot to say that I'm editing only by my smartphone. [[User:Claude van der Grift|Claude van der Grift]] ([[User talk:Claude van der Grift|talk]]) 15:00, 1 June 2025 (UTC) == FYI: Planning a Trip? AI Will Do That For You == https://www.thrillist.com/travel/nation/ai-travel-apps —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 07:04, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :I wonder whether we can design an AI tool that can fetch info from Wikivoyage and make a summary for you. That can replace the burden of manual summary writing by Wikivoyagers. Of course, Wikivoyage articles should be curated by humans, with AI summarizing them. I want to suggest this to Wikipedians as well, but I have been blocked there since 2021, and I mostly work on the Bengali Wikipedia. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 07:11, 1 June 2025 (UTC) == Wikivoyage and OsmAnd app == I am looking into making it easier to walk [[Stockholm Archipelago Trail]] and have found the [[w:en:OsmAnd]] app useful '''my question''' is there any good examples when those to domains works good together? - –––– [[User:Salgo60|Salgo60]] ([[User talk:Salgo60|talk]]) 07:43, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :As a regular OsmAnd user, I don't believe so to the best of my knowledge. :( //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 05:25, 4 June 2025 (UTC) ::I started using OsmAnd several months ago, and I have been playing around with the Wikivoyage integration since. I spend a lot of time in a major city with a Guide-level article and I find the integration useful there. I haven't tried it with an itinerary. My first thought is to pull up a [https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Category:Guide_itineraries Guide] or [https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Category:Star_itineraries Star] itinerary for a place you've been before and see what the OsmAnd experience is like. [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 16:08, 4 June 2025 (UTC) == Improving this project with little to no knowledge of English == It's been a while since I've posted anything major on the pub, but one of the things I'm quite pleased with the way we do things here is the fact that we are ''very'' open and accommodating to users who can't speak or speak English with a large length of difficulty. We don't have any policies forcing the use of English in discussions and if someone has shown a genuine interest in the project, it isn't unorthodox for someone to go out of their way and respond in another language they know on this site. It comes back to when {{ping|Andyrom75}} told me on itwikivoyage (around when itwikivoyage hit 10k articles, iirc) that it's possible to contribute to Wikivoyage without really knowing the language – and it's true. Most of my activity on itwikivoyage has since been doing minor fixes, adding listings with no description (since you don't need to know the language to add listings, opening hours, urls, address and such), removing closed businesses/out of date info, fixing dead links and the like. Since many of our articles also follow a similar structured format, it's very easy to contribute to the site so long as you're aware of your limitations. Some ideas I had in mind to perhaps make this wiki even more inviting to those who might not have the English skills necessary to contribute text but still want to help: * A community written guide on this, similar to [[Wikivoyage:Welcome, business owners]], [[Wikivoyage:Welcome, locals]] or [[Wikivoyage:Welcome, Wikipedians]] * Finish [[User:SHB2000/admins table]], move to the Wikivoyage namespace, add the table to [[Wikivoyage:Administrators]], and add any advanced perms from other WMF projects. ** Perhaps also make a similar table for non-admins who are reasonably active on this site. More thoughts and ideas would be appreciated – even better if we can facilitate this on other language Wikivoyages. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:11, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :Contribute in another language version of Wikvoyage it's just a matter of willingness and time. For a certain amount of time. For few years I've supported sv:voy without knowing any word in Swedish :-D Nowadays unfortunately I don't have enough time, so I can only concentrate it on it:voy :-( :PS your support on it:voy @[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] is always extremely appreciated! :-) [[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 17:14, 4 June 2025 (UTC) ::I occasionally do the same kind of thing at the Haitian Creole Wikipedia. I can't write in the language, but I can check a maintenance category and fix the wikitext errors there. ::Based on my experience, I'd say that there are two main opportunities for contribution: ::* 'technical' contributions, such as fixing wikitext or broken URLs ::* language-agnostic contributions, such as adding phone numbers, websites, and lat/long coordinates to listings; adding images that require no caption or only a simple/obvious one (e.g., "Disneyland" or "Town Name Church"); removing listings for closed restaurants, etc. ::@[[User:Piotrus|Piotrus]] might have some ideas about which tasks are easiest for his English-language learners to do. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 22:48, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :::Yeah this very much explains it in a nutshell. :) //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:13, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :::@[[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] Indeed, some of my ESL students have effectively only a beginner level of English at best. These days, machine translation is getting good enough to understand a lot, and contribute text that's "mostly ok". It will only get better as AI tools and student use of them improve. Anyway, you can see my activities for students at [[User:Hanyangprofessor2]] [[User:Piotrus|Piotrus]] ([[User talk:Piotrus|talk]]) 01:12, 5 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I have added images that I have taken to many different language variants of Wikipedia. I use Google translate for the text and and hope that a native user if that language will make any corrections. [[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 11:22, 5 June 2025 (UTC) :::::I recently added a listing about Japan in [https://ja.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=%E6%88%90%E7%94%B0%E5%B8%82&diff=52846&oldid=50973 ja.voy] despite not knowing Japanese. The listing editor really makes it simple to improve an article. Last week I presented [[wikidata:Event:Wikidata_and_Sister_Projects#Friday,_May_30th|a Wikidata talk about Listing Editor]] and mentioned that it's a really good gateway to get more contributors. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 15:58, 5 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::The Listing Editor really does! Particularly because they're very standardised across most language Wikivoyages, so the only "bad" listing editor is a malfunctioning/broken listing editor. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:27, 21 June 2025 (UTC) == Linking Wikicommons == I am documenting the Stockholm Archipelago Trail and have uploaded more than [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Stockholm_Archipelago_Trail 3,000 pictures] / [https://wikimap.toolforge.org/?cat=Stockholm_Archipelago_Trail&subcats=true&subcatdepth=4&cluster=false Wikimap] from the trail to Wikimedia Commons. For example, the section Nåttarö will be documented on Wikivoyage here: [[Stockholm_Archipelago_Trail#SAT_Nåttarö]] and is on Wikicommons [https://wikimap.toolforge.org/?cat=SAT_N%C3%A5ttar%C3%B6&subcats=true&subcatdepth=3&cluster=false WIkimap] 1) What is the policy regarding linking to a trail on Wikicommons? I believe such links add significant value by helping readers better understand the trail conditions. Additionally, I see 360-degree images as a step forward in enhancing navigation and exploration, making it easier for users to visualize the terrain. Additionally, 2) I have used Mapillary for one section. Is there a specific policy on linking Mapillary content? For instance, Stockholm Archipelago Trail’s Landsort section is partially represented on [https://www.mapillary.com/app/user/salgo601?lat=58.737857&lng=17.865676&z=17&pKey=1060410682654434 Mapillary pKey=1060410682654434] Would appreciate any guidance on this. Thanks! [[User:Salgo60|Salgo60]] ([[User talk:Salgo60|talk]]) 14:26, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :The use of a limited number of thumbnails from Commons is normal. See [[Wikivoyage:Image policy]]. Otherwise, links are normally through Wikidata: please read [[Wikivoyage:Sister project links]]. For guidelines on third-party links outside Wikimedia, see [[Wikivoyage:External links]], but the answer to your 2nd question is that such links are normally not allowed except to primary sources (for example, the website of a listed restaurant, hotel, museum, etc.) and are subject to deletion. However, Wikivoyage policies and guidelines are always open to discussion, so start a thread at the most relevant guideline article's talk page if you'd like to argue for a change. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:40, 4 June 2025 (UTC) ::thanks but dont the community see the added value? especially when documenting a walking trail it can be good to better understand how steep steep is....- [[User:Salgo60|Salgo60]] ([[User talk:Salgo60|talk]]) 14:54, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :::If you don't like my suggestion of starting a discussion thread on the appropriate policy page's talk page, where you can document the indispensability of Mapillary as your argument for a policy change, you can argue for an exception to policy on [[Talk:Stockholm Archipelago Trail]], but you can't get either a policy change or an exception by arguing in the Pub. But if you're asking for my opinion on why there has been no specific consideration of Mapillary, I'd speculate it's because most of us have never heard of it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:15, 4 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I've heard of Mapillary – I appreciate they're open source and licensed under CC-BY SA, but they're indirectly a competitor to Commons –&nbsp;if you can upload a photo to Mapillary, you can upload it to Commons. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 07:28, 5 June 2025 (UTC) :::::The difference is that you traverse a route on Mapillary its connected 360 pictures I am not an expert but [https://www.mapillary.com/app/?lat=58.737746&lng=17.865677&z=17&pKey=1848345639040650&x=0.46081730421230177&y=0.5976337053747495&zoom=0&focus=photo click on forward on this] its from me walking [[SAT_Landsort]] :::::* they support 360 pictures much better than Wikicommons :::::* [https://www.mapillary.com/showcase OsmAnd and Open Street Map use them] :::::[[User:Salgo60|Salgo60]] ([[User talk:Salgo60|talk]]) 19:08, 7 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::One issue is that of privacy. I might trust the WMF, but I don't want to research the privacy policy and trustworthiness of a third party. Checking the website of a hotel where I intend to sleep is one thing, a Wikivoyage page being dependent on a third party is very different. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:58, 7 June 2025 (UTC) :For Wikimedia Commons (that's their name), you can link a category or gallery via Wikidata. On a gallery page you can show all the most relevant images, with explanatory text and a layout of your liking. The rest of the images would be easily found in the category. Is that what you are looking for in your first question? –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 22:04, 7 June 2025 (UTC) == I had an edit flagged as destructive because my account isn't very old == I was trying to remove information related to crossing the border into Azerbaijan from the Baku page (it's been closed since 2020 and the only way in is via air), but trying to delete a lot of content on a new account flagged me as a vandal. If someone has permissions to view the changes, and would be willing to check on those changes, thank you very much :) [[User:MagnumDahng|MagnumDahng]] ([[User talk:MagnumDahng|talk]]) 09:32, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :{{re|MagnumDahng}} Can you try removing the outdated content once again? I've temporarily disabled the filters; let me know once you've removed everything that you intended to. Sorry for the extra inconvenience. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:04, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::It worked. ::No worries. I understand why it's there :) [[User:MagnumDahng|MagnumDahng]] ([[User talk:MagnumDahng|talk]]) 10:15, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :::Perfect, I've re-enabled the filters; thanks again for the updates! :) //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:36, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ==Does WV need a policy for descriptions of living people?== Wikivoyage is a travel guide and not intended to be a collection of biographies. Still, travel topics and itineraries might mention important individuals, such as explorers, artists, monarchs, and politicians. [[Wikivoyage:What is an article?]] discourages from creating an article for a living celebrity, as these are more difficult to finish than articles for [[Christopher Columbus]], [[Frank Lloyd Wright]] or [[Astrid Lindgren]]. Articles such as [[Presidents of the United States]] and [[Monarchy of the United Kingdom]] describe living individuals who have not concluded their careers, and they are certainly controversial. When writing [[Jewish Stockholm tour]], [[Stockholm environmentalist tour]] and [[Nordic monarchies]], a couple of famous living people came to mind, but I found it advisable to mention them as briefly as possible. Which general principles should we follow? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:58, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :It looks like [[foundation:BLP]] encourages us to have a formal policy, even if there isn't much to say. [[Project:Don't be evil]], maybe? :We already have [[Wikivoyage:Photographs of identifiable people]] and [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#People in photos]], which discourage photos of people. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 20:36, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::I'd support a policy for the same reason. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 11:40, 11 June 2025 (UTC) :I think this is largely not that relevant to a travel guide, but it is actually common to have "Maps of the Stars" or tours of celebrity homes in the Los Angeles region, which to me is completely crazy and behavior that should not be encouraged. Considering Whatamidoing's point about the WMF encouraging this kind of documentation, I think having a guideline/policy is wise. Good thinking. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 21:00, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::Yeah, I would absolutely oppose any article for a tour that takes people to the homes of celebrities who would rather be private in their own homes. If this kind of tour existed in New York, New Yorkers would be up in arms about it and pressing the City Council to pass a law about it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:35, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::The page and section about photos say very little, mostly discouraging photos of yourself, which isn't what this is about. [[commons:Project:Photographs of identifiable people]] says a lot more and should probably be followed also regarding locally uploaded pictures. None of those three says anything about text about people (other than that captions shouldn't be defamatory). ::I think we probably shouldn't write a policy unless there are real issues. We have no reason to write about most people, and it seems common sense, like what Yvwv showed above, works reasonably well. Writing a policy opens up for loopholes and wikilawyering. ::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:50, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :::I wonder if our "BLP policy" could be a section in our existing [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]] policy. Basically, a few principles about avoiding mentioning individuals, and especially avoiding saying anything contentious or unfairly invading their privacy. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 16:40, 10 June 2025 (UTC) ::::That sounds reasonable. In the past I have opposed a suggestion to create an itinerary based on the travels of a living individual. ::::A more common situation is where a listing mentions something about the people that work in the hotel or restaurant. "Friendly owners" or "poor service from the waiters" is ok, but referring to staff by name needs more care. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:04, 10 June 2025 (UTC) :::::It's surely OK when the name of the Chef de Cuisine or Pastry Chef are printed on menus or are well-known chefs the restaurant promotes. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:40, 10 June 2025 (UTC) :::::: Can an artist's personal life be separated from their work? At least, death is useful to conclude a life story. As Georg Riedel past away one year ago, he deserves to be described in the [[Jewish Stockholm tour]]. Aleksander Wolodarski is another person appropriate to mention, but as he is well and alive (and to some degree a divisive character in Swedish architecture) the description of him in the same article is very brief. The [[Harry Potter tourism]] barely mentions the author, and that might be good as it is. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:16, 11 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I think it would be fine to note the name of a celebrity chef ("Thomas Keller's restaurant, The French Laundry"), or even a relatively public non-celebrity ("The restaurant owner, Mary Smith, is also the long-time mayor of this small town" or "Olly Owner is happy to pack a picnic upon request"). ::::::However, as an extension of [[Wikivoyage:Avoid negative reviews]], we don't really want "Chris Celebrity is pretentious and their restaurant is overpriced" or "Wendy Waitress is unfriendly and slow". [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:26, 11 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::I think we should avoid "Wendy Waitress is unfriendly", but "Some staff are unfriendly" is ok. It is important to report negative aspects of a place if either it is balanced by "excellent cooking and wonderful bread" or it is the only place in town. It becomes more difficult with one person businesses. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 20:24, 11 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Wikivoyage should not be interested in people: that is the province of Wikipedia. Wikivoyage is however interested in places associated with people and to this end should be cautious about their privacy. If however the individual concerned invites members of the public to their homes or businesses (for example Donald Trump has a website for [https://www.maralagoclub.com/ Mar-a-Lago]) then it is no longer Wikivoyage's role to protect his privacy: if he publicises his home, then it is incumbent on him to look after his own privacy. In contrast, Joe Biden does not appear to advertise his home, so neither should Wikivoyage (even if a search on the internet will reveal Joe Biden's properties).[[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 15:18, 12 June 2025 (UTC) :Does something like this feel about right? :---- :As a general rule, Wikivoyage is interested in places, not people. Occasionally, providing a fair description will involve mentioning a specific person. In such cases, these principles apply to protect living people: :* Avoid contentious matter about living people to the maximum extent possible, to show respect for human dignity and personal privacy. Publishing personal information that is tangential to the needs of the article, trivial, ephemeral, or constitutes a [[Wikivoyage:Avoid negative reviews|negative review]] is unfair. For example, if a restaurant owner promotes dubious beliefs to customers, then omit the listing completely rather than writing about the owner's beliefs. :* Avoid whole articles focused on living people, such as an [[Wikivoyage:Itineraries|itinerary]] to see the private homes of celebrities. It is fair to have an itinerary focused on Taylor Swift's concert tours; it is not fair to have an article focused on her homes. :* Individual listings that name a living public figure are acceptable so long as the content is not contentious. However, you should avoid naming living people when a general description is adequate. For example, write "The owner is happy to talk about local history" instead of "Harry Historian, the owner, is happy to talk about local history", even though you would name the celebrity chef Thomas Keller as the owner of the restaurant The French Laundry. :---- :What should be changed, added, omitted? [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 16:39, 12 June 2025 (UTC) ::Thanks for offering a rough draft! The one part that sticks out to me as problematic is the part about "dubious beliefs," which gives an opening to intolerant atheists to complain about a bismillah or cross in a restaurant. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:12, 12 June 2025 (UTC) :::I was thinking about political beliefs, and specifically about an anti-masking restaurant I read about during the pandemic, but you're right: That needs to be re-worded. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 23:30, 12 June 2025 (UTC) ::::Still a good start, I'd say. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 12:15, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I don't think that businesses should be removed because of beliefs of the owner or personnel; that the owner touts antivacc or flat-earth theories might be entertaining rather than a reason to avoid them. One might tell that they might raise controversial topics. For dangerous practices, such as not using masks when needed, that would be treated like them using contaminated water or whatever. Yes, sometimes that warrants removing the listing in line with ''no bad reviews'', but that has little to do with privacy. ::::For a Finnish business, it was suggested that the listings be removed because of bigotry, in effect a boycott by Wikivoyage. I am not sure about to what extent to do that, but I assume we might tell something about the owner in that case, if we leave the choice whether to use their services to our readers. I would oppose individual editors removing listings because of views that don't conform with their own, but they may of course choose not to add them. ::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:28, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :::::I think there might be a spectrum of issues, but some types of (e.g.,) bigotry are not compatible with [[Wikivoyage:The traveller comes first]]. Inclusion constitutes a recommendation, at least when there are other alternatives. If we list a restaurant, it should be because travellers are welcome. If the restaurant's listing would need to have a disclaimer along the lines of "BTW, only white people are allowed to eat here" or "People whom the owner thinks look Jewish/Muslim/Black/gay/trans will be refused service", then that restaurant shouldn't be included in Wikivoyage at all. Listed restaurants should normally be open to all of the general public. :::::On the other end of the spectrum, if the owner cheerfully accepts all customers, but he privately belongs to a racist organization, then that's not really relevant to the travellers' experience, so we needn't mention that. Travellers who want to patronize only businesses owned by people who share the same politics/religion/race/sexual orientation should look elsewhere for that information. :::::Somewhere in the middle is factual information that travellers may interpret in opposite ways. For example, if a given deli in New York City is kosher, it'd be worth noting that in the description. Most travellers won't care. Some travellers will prefer it (either for religious reasons or because kosher meat is considered more ethical than conventional meat). Some travellers will reject it. But knowing that it might appeal (or not) to different travellers is not the same as different travellers not being allowed to eat at the deli. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 20:02, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I see no problem in describing a restaurant in terms of the religious beliefs that it portrays provided that it is done in a neutral manner - for example , "The XYZ resaurant is a kosher/halal/vegetarian establishment". The reader can then make up their ow mind about patronising the establishment - after all Wikivoyage has many articles about various places of worship. [[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 21:05, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::I think the general point is that we want "XYZ is a kosher/halal/vegetarian restaurant" but not "The owner of XYZ is a Jew/Muslim/vegetarian person". [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:10, 14 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::I agree here. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 06:56, 18 June 2025 (UTC) *Suggested rewrite of the first point (Changes in bold): :"''Avoid contentious matter about living people to the maximum extent possible, to show respect for human dignity and personal privacy. Publishing personal information that is tangential to the needs of the article, trivial, ephemeral, or constitutes a negative review is unfair. For example, if a restaurant owner promotes '''particular''' beliefs to customers, then omit the listing completely rather than writing about the owner's beliefs. '''If however the establishment itself <u>caters</u> for certain beliefs and/or ethics, it is reasonable, or maybe even desireable, to add those beliefs/ethics to the description in a neutral manner - such as including the words "kosher/halal/vegetarian" to the establishment's description.'''''" [[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 21:14, 13 June 2025 (UTC) *I suggest that the second point be extended as follows (additions in bold): :''Avoid whole articles focused on living people, such as an itinerary to see the private homes of celebrities. It is fair to have an itinerary focused on Taylor Swift's concert tours; it is not fair to have an article focused on her homes. '''However, if the celebrity concerend advertises their home to the general public (for example [https://www.maralagoclub.com/ Mar-a-Lago], home of Donald Trump or [https://www.blenheimpalace.com/ Blenheim Palace], home of the Duke of Marlborough) , then it is perfectly in order to mention the home in an article and ideally to include a web address the description or article.''''' ::[[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 21:27, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::I think all this discussion of beliefs and politics is bad and not something about which we want policies. Also, bad reviews are by no means inherently unfair, and I'm mystified by how anyone could think that's the case; it's just that Wikivoyage chooses with some exceptions to simply refrain from listing businesses, rather than stating that they are bad. I also don't see why we would need to add a policy that establishments that discriminate against people based for example on their ethnicity, appearance or national origin, such as a historic restaurant in Düsseldorf that refused admission to East Asians early in the pandemic, be delisted, because we already do that based on preexisting policies. Right now, I think that based on the drafts circulated in this thread, we risk approving a new policy that is worse than none. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:40, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :::It might be best to try the smallest possible addition. After all, it's usually easier to get a policy expanded later if we really need it, than to get it shortened later. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:08, 14 June 2025 (UTC) ::::Here's a shorter version: ::::---- ::::As a general rule, Wikivoyage is interested in places, not people. Occasionally, providing a fair description will involve mentioning a specific person. In such cases, these principles apply to protect living people: ::::* Avoid contentious matter about living people to the maximum extent possible, to show respect for human dignity and personal privacy. Individual listings that name a living public figure are acceptable so long as the content is not contentious. ::::* Avoid whole articles focused on living people, such as an [[Wikivoyage:Itineraries|itinerary]] to see the private homes of celebrities. ::::---- ::::We could also soften "the maximum extent possible". It's always "possible" to avoid mentioning anyone's name, but it's not always "reasonable" to do so. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:14, 14 June 2025 (UTC) :::::What about the article on U.S. presidents? We don't avoid contentious facts about living current and former presidents; we just agree on what should be in the blurbs about them based on the existing [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]] guidelines. I still fail to see how adding at least your first proposed guideline will improve anything. Also, are we creating a solution for a nonexistent problem? Can you cite a previous example of an article that had unnecessarily contentious facts about living people that we were not able to deal with by using existing guidelines? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:33, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::[[Presidents of the United States]] is not a "whole article focused on living people"; it is a whole article focused on mostly long-dead people with just five living US Presidents being mentioned (and mostly in a "public museum" way, not a "current private home" way). This would therefore be acceptable as a case of "Individual listings that name a living public figure" that "show respect for human dignity and personal privacy". ::::::The existing problem to be solved is: The Board of Directors for the WIkimedia Foundation said that every project needs to have an official, written BLP policy. They said this about 16 years ago, so we're running a bit behind schedule, but we should have something. Their resolution encourages "special attention to the principles of neutrality", so I think putting a few sentences inside our version of the "[[Wikivoyage:NPOV|NPOV]]" policy would be appropriate. We could even create a [[WV:BLP]] shortcut to it, so the Wikipedia folks can find it easier. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:16, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::My problem is not with your second proposed provision, which is fine, but your first, and that's what my last reply addressed. If it stated that when living people have to be mentioned, we must [[be fair]] and come to a [[consensus]] about anything contentious, I'd be happy. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:33, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Can you think of any contentious or derogatory information a travel guide – especially one that does not cite external sources – ''needs'' to include? [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:37, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::I already gave you an example! And what about when we fairly describe countries as dictatorships? We've sometimes had users object and try to whitewash articles, and in such cases, we are armed with [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]], not some ridiculous claim that anything "contentious" is bad and must be avoided, which would have played into their hands. Wikivoyage is a travel guide, not a site that tries to be neutral. We expressly don't have an NPOV policy, but instead a policy that requires fairness. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:10, 18 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::I agree that we can fairly describe a country as being a dictatorship. Do we need to describe an individual living person as a dictator, when doing so would be contentious (e.g., produce disputes and disagreements on wiki)? I just checked every article containing the words "a dictator" and "the dictator"; none of them refer to living people. ::::::::::If your prior example was "What about the article on U.S. presidents?", I've already answered that question. I don't see anything privacy-invading in [[Presidents of the United States]], and I don't see anything contentious about any living person in there, either. The contents are not universally approved by the campaign team, but nobody actually disputes or "contends" over the facts (e.g., that Clinton was involved in a sex scandal, or that Trump is technically a convicted felon). [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 01:07, 20 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::If you haven't had the misfortune of speaking with a Trumper lately, consider yourself lucky. There are tens of millions of hard-core Trumpers in the U.S. who don't accept basic scientific facts and advance all kinds of conspiracy nonsense as truth. I dealt with a cabbie in New Rochelle yesterday who gratuitously started talking about politics. He claimed Biden already had cancer 4 years ago, and "they" covered it up, that claims of fossil fuels causing global warming are "bullshit" and that if the Democrats had been elected last year, we'd all be driving electric cars already, among other things. So I very much contest your confident assertion that statements of fact about Trump, Biden, Obama, etc. are not "contentious". We need to remove that word from consideration as something Wikivoyage cannot be. Do you remember years ago when there was someone who spent a couple of weeks or more trying to whitewash descriptions of Cuba by claiming that it was really a democracy, their elections are really free and fair, and the Communists have never been dictators or oppressed anyone there? Or the ones that claimed that China is a democracy and it was the U.S. (pre-Trump) that was really oppressive (the latter of which of course has never been completely false, but that was entirely beside the point in a travel guide as well as being pure whataboutism that disproves nothing). We've had all kinds of politically motivated contentions against facts. That's why our standard is [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]], not "Wikivoyage/Avoid saying anything anyone could argue with", which is what "contentious" means or would mean in the hands of anyone who wants to use a travel guide to grind an axe, rather than to improve a resource for travelers. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:14, 20 June 2025 (UTC) == Full-size images not available on maps in city districts == Since yesterday (and possibly earlier), the images in listings can be viewed in the dynamic map but trying to click on it to go to the full description page will lead to a broken link if they are in a city district page. This raises the issue on image attribution. You can test it on any listings with images at [[Queens/Flushing-Northeast]] and [[Toronto/Etobicoke]]. Anyone have insight on what recent changes broke this functionality? [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 15:46, 12 June 2025 (UTC) :Yes, needs to be fixed. For some reason, the File: prefix is prefixed by the district name. I try to check [[Module:Listing]] for the bug. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 11:52, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::Oops, the city name, not the district. Seemingly the article name is included in the image argument, and removed, but not properly so for subarticles. [[Module:Marker]] is possibly more relevant than Listing, but it is some underlying functionality that is the culprit. My understanding of how modules work is too weak for me to find it. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:10, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :::The marker on the map seems to be constructed using mw.text.jsonEncode. Where can one read that code? Was there some change recently? –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:30, 30 June 2025 (UTC) == Selection and number of images == [split off as suggested by [[User:OhanaUnited|OhanaUnited]] 02:39, 30 June 2025 (UTC). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:17, 30 June 2025 (UTC)] ::: The images embedded within listings are often not the best currently available. They don't display unless you click and faff about, so they don't enhance the page appearance encountered by the general reader. Wouldn't it be neat if there was some repository of images that were the best available copyfree, that could be simply incorporated into the page layout? We'd be sure to use those instead, right? [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 20:20, 15 June 2025 (UTC) ::::The main problem with that is that somebody needs to pick those best available images. That's done in Commons' galleries, where images uploaded in the last dozen years aren't included. We could use the image on Wikidata, but they might not be chosen according to what they are like as thumbnails. Perhaps a specific wikidata property could be created for thumbnail images or even Wikivoyage thumbnail images (like for our banners). About having to click several times, that could be improved, but we don't want clutter, so some discussion is needed on the trade-off if we want to change the status quo. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 18:33, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::: Picking those best images and considering how best to display them is exactly what editors should do, same as picking the best attractions or accommodations to list in a town, we shouldn't lazily accept what's already on the page. It's hardly an onerous task, and we want the best for our readers. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 19:00, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::{{quote|The main problem with that is that somebody needs to pick those best available images.}} :::::Maybe we can take assistance from AI tools to ease out the problem, just like we sometimes use AI to pick the best attractions to visit, and choose the appropriate accommodation. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 19:07, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I haven't heard about us letting such decisions to AI, and I'm not sure we should do it with images. But regardless of what way the images get chosen, it would be good if the choice were saved at Wikidata, to be used automatically. As the images aren't shown in the article itself, the less effort we need to use choosing, the better. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 19:55, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::How much effort do we need to save here? The first example cited was Queens / Flushing. That page is under-illustrated, with one strong image and two so-so. It took me 10 min to find six more good images on Commons, about the right number for a page of this length. Inserting them might take 3 mins apiece, say 20 min, which I'm not volunteering to do as the entire page needs updating, a solid day's work. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 21:07, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Choosing images sounds like a task that some people would love to do. Maybe we could advertise it better? It's even a task that people who don't speak English well should be able to do. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:40, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::It could be a good task, but I have seen a lot of image adding that isn't optimal: ignoring our guideline of [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#Minimal use of images|Minimal use of images]], trying to illustrate individual listings instead of the article as a whole, writing captions to that effect, and placing the images in ways that suite the editor's browser window rather than conform to best practices. :::::::::Increased advertising of this activity should thus be done cautiously, to avoid frustration both among those adding images and those patrolling. :::::::::The original issue was about images for the dynamic map, which is different from illustrating the article. :::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:00, 19 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::As a side note, [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#Minimal use of images]] probably needs both a little re-writing ("1 image per screen": Whose screen size?) and some reconsidering, as availability of internet access has generally improved since then (the [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Wikivoyage:Image_policy&diff=prev&oldid=3629972 last significant update was in 2018], based on [[Wikivoyage talk:Image policy/archive 2014-2019#Minimal use of images - not appropriate|a discussion started in 2016]]). ::::::::::But I agree that it's a tangent for the current thread. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 01:18, 20 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::How carefully did you read Minimal use? :::::::::::"1 image per screen (1,000–2,000 bytes)" :::::::::::I suppose you want to suggest an increase in the number of images we should use, and if so, do that at [[Wikivoyage talk:Image policy]]. But keep in mind that the mobile interface sucks and the site is still better viewed on a computer. I would be likely to oppose any change in the language, as there is flexibility to use more images than stated in the guideline as long as there isn't an unbroken stream on the left side; images left, right and center; or images that go below the end of the article, which looks terrible. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:19, 20 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::I read that, and I wondered which method we're using to measure "1,000 bytes". One screenful – edge to edge, top to bottom, on my laptop, with my font, my size (larger than default), my zoom (120%), etc. – is right around 2000 characters for me, but others may have half that, or four times that. Shorter lines (e.g., using only half the line at the end of a paragraph, or a short item in a list) adds volume without adding characters. ::::::::::::If we're using the file size, then wikitext and URLs add bulk to the file without affecting the screen size. We could have "1,000 bytes" and have a half-full screen (on my laptop) or "2,000 bytes" and still have a half-full screen. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 20:41, 20 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::These are rough estimates. An A4 with 67×47=3150 is quite close to 2k, if there are images, headings and paragraph breaks, probably much less if there are lists. I suppose an A4 is close to readability optimum (my browser and Emacs windows are not far off). My mobile phone seems to have 50×33=1650, perhaps 1k with images etc. The numbers don't seem to be too far off. Without prescribing a test with some specific browser window size, we cannot give precise advice. [[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 14:16, 22 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::From your estimate, the numbers appear to be off by 50%. 3150 = would be "quite close" to 3K, not 2K. ::::::::::::::I think that a more practical suggestion would be: Every well-developed section should usually have one image, so long as this can be done without the images dropping down into the next section. On desktop, this usually requires a minimum of 10 to 12 lines of text per landscape image. Very long sections can have two images. ::::::::::::::This would address the wikitext-vs-displayed problem and the difference between a solid paragraph and a long bullet list with one or two words on each line. ::::::::::::::But as we noted above, this is a separate discussion from the original concern. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:15, 22 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::: Can we take the "select the best picture" conversation into a sub-section? My original intention of this post is to report a bug which leads to the legal issue of image attribution. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 02:39, 30 June 2025 (UTC) == Commons RFD notifications == While the Commons bot that alert us to images about to be deleted [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub/2025#Commons Notification Deletion bot revived|was revived]], images are still being deleted without notification, namely those (I assume), that were nominated before 4 May. The issue was told in the linked announcement, but I did not realise its implications. So, expect some imgages to be removed with no notification on the talk page. If they might be valuable, they should be temporarily restored for local upload, like when the bot wasn't working. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 11:51, 13 June 2025 (UTC) == Usurped URLs == Are usurped or dead URLs (e.g. [[w:en:WP:JUDI]]) normally archived, or removed? I'm looking at the page [[Northampton_(Massachusetts)#Eat]], where the second link is usurped. Thanks, [[User:OutsideNormality|OutsideNormality]] ([[User talk:OutsideNormality|talk]]) 20:22, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :If a url no longer goes to the home page for the listing in question, please update it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:18, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::Actually, looking back, it seems like the URL was never "usurped" and was directly added as a spam link in [[Special:Diff/4154976/4167772]]. Thanks anyway for the advice. [[User:OutsideNormality|OutsideNormality]] ([[User talk:OutsideNormality|talk]]) 00:40, 14 June 2025 (UTC) == Vote now in the 2025 U4C Election == <div lang="en" dir="ltr" class="mw-content-ltr"> {{Int:Please-translate}} Eligible voters are asked to participate in the 2025 [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Universal_Code_of_Conduct/Coordinating_Committee|Universal Code of Conduct Coordinating Committee]] election. More information–including an eligibility check, voting process information, candidate information, and a link to the vote–are available on Meta at the [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Universal_Code_of_Conduct/Coordinating_Committee/Election/2025|2025 Election information page]]. The vote closes on 17 June 2025 at [https://zonestamp.toolforge.org/1750161600 12:00 UTC]. Please vote if your account is eligible. Results will be available by 1 July 2025. -- In cooperation with the U4C, [[m:User:Keegan (WMF)|Keegan (WMF)]] ([[m:User talk:Keegan (WMF)|talk]]) 23:01, 13 June 2025 (UTC) </div> <!-- Message sent by User:Keegan (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Distribution_list/Global_message_delivery&oldid=28848819 --> :Surprised this was sent very late. I made a guide on all the candidates on Meta at [[m:User:SHB2000/U4C guide 2025]], for those interested. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 03:13, 14 June 2025 (UTC) == Wisconsin Dells Kalahari Expansion; should I mention it in the Wisconsin Dells page == Hello! It is now practically mainstream media (In Wisconsin Dells) that Kalahari's expanding its Indoor Waterpark into what was a mainly unused parking lot (which is currently either getting demolished or already is demolished as of posting) and will add a fully glass dome with a retractable roof (this is not an ad, this is according to many sources including the Kalahari its self, Fox11online.com, Whitewater West, Martin Aquatic, and Maverick Hayes' Social Media). Now the real question is should I add this too my page? Cheers! [[User:HistorySports|HistorySports]] ([[User talk:HistorySports|talk]]) 15:22, 14 June 2025 (UTC) :To your page meaning what? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:35, 14 June 2025 (UTC) ::@[[User:HistorySports|HistorySports]], I think it's fair to add information about waterparks to [[Wisconsin Dells#Do]] or [[Wisconsin Dells#Sleep]]. (You pick which one based on whether people mostly stay there, and happen to use the water park, or mostly go to the water park, and a few people stay there, too – just use your judgement and don't stress about the distinction too much.) ::The important thing isn't the news ("they're expanding!") but what is available today ("Wisconsin's biggest indoor waterpark"). ::In general, when I skim through that article, I wish that there were prices for the activities and longer descriptions. In particular, there seem to be a lot of attractions, but I have no idea which one I'd choose. Is one the lowest cost? The best value? Best for little kids? Best for teens? Best for older adults/multi-generational families? Open year-round? Has the most swimming pool lifts for wheelchair users? If you can, try to add some sort of information about the differences between different attractions that might help travellers decide which things they want to do. ::Also, it looks like there are several listings that need to be moved to [[Baraboo]]. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 18:54, 14 June 2025 (UTC) :::Thanks WhatamIdoing! I will follow your advice and hopefully we can have a great page for the area of Wisconsin Dells! [[User:HistorySports|HistorySports]] ([[User talk:HistorySports|talk]]) 19:47, 15 June 2025 (UTC) ::Sorry I wasn't clear and that's totally my fault, but I was talking about the Wisconsin Dells page, sorry! [[User:HistorySports|HistorySports]] ([[User talk:HistorySports|talk]]) 19:47, 15 June 2025 (UTC) :::Thanks. So you know, it's not your page: it's a Wikivoyage article. The only page I'd consider your page is your user page. That said, on the face of it, I would put activities in "Do", not "Sleep". [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:09, 17 June 2025 (UTC) == Wikistats page views == What is up with Wikistats page views for English Wikivoyage? 87 million last month? https://stats.wikimedia.org/#/en.wikivoyage.org/reading/total-page-views/normal%7Cbar%7C2-year%7C~total%7Cmonthly 36 million from Brazil apparently. [[User:Bluecoordinationfine|Bluecoordinationfine]] ([[User talk:Bluecoordinationfine|talk]]) 23:18, 14 June 2025 (UTC) :That is a very interesting anomaly indeed. No idea why, but still very interesting to know why we have so many views from Brazil. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 00:47, 16 June 2025 (UTC) ::Maybe users on VPN? [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 14:25, 16 June 2025 (UTC) == FYI: Dear Atlas: Where Can I Find the Most Unusual Festivals in the U.S.? == https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/off-the-beaten-path-american-festivals —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 07:58, 15 June 2025 (UTC) == [[Talk:Ferries in the Mediterranean#A Commons file used on this page or its Wikidata item has been nominated for deletion]] == No-one seems to be paying any attention to the fact that we are likely to lose a photo. We need to decide whether we're OK with that or not. I will not make a unilateral decision. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:07, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :Is it just me, or does it seem like too many photos have been getting removed lately? [[User:Mrkstvns|Mrkstvns]] ([[User talk:Mrkstvns|talk]]) 16:00, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::Has there been an uptick in deletion requests at Commons? Or are we just noticing them more, now that the notifications bot is working again? [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:08, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::As someone who was monitoring [[c:Commons:Deletion requests]] until the bot started working again, I think it's the latter. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:38, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I hope this deletion can be resisted. Tirrenia ferries in 2017 made a deal with Warner Bros to plaster their ships' exteriors with cartoon characters such as Batman, to give them a jazzy attractive look. That deal continues and you really cannot take a photo of any T ferry without including the character: it's as integral to the ship as the company logo and the pointy bit at the front. The intention of any such photo is to portray the ship not replicate the character, and IMO it's a misuse of copyright law to claim we can't publish it copyfree. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 18:51, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::Such arguments have been presented in the RFD on Commons, and I think that they are legally sound. However, "misuse of copyright law" is not what this is about. There is no word of God saying that utilitarian objects (in this case: the ship) can be freely photographed, and if the law says otherwise, Commons can do little about it. I think the current copyright laws are a disaster, caused by lobbyists and weak politicians, but that means that the copyright laws need to be changed (read: one should spread awareness of the absurdities), not that we can ignore current law. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 20:03, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::The Wikimedia Foundation requires that Commons files be available for unimpeded commercial use. They don't have to, and we don't have to, which is why we have a freedom of panorama fair use exception doctrine. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:10, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::Yes, true. For Commons, the stringency is because of their mission – they don't want to host content that cannot be used. All kinds of compromises are possible or even necessary, but commercial use, such as in small-budget books, is essential for their mission. In some cases, where copyright law is unclear, they could be a bit braver, but that's a separate issue. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 05:05, 18 June 2025 (UTC) == Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees 2025 - Call for Candidates == <section begin="announcement-content" /> :<div class="plainlinks">[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Announcement/Call for candidates|{{int:interlanguage-link-mul}}]] • [https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Translate&group=page-{{urlencode:Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Announcement/Call for candidates}}&language=&action=page&filter= {{int:please-translate}}]</div> Hello all, The [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025|call for candidates for the 2025 Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees selection is now open]] from June 17, 2025 – July 2, 2025 at 11:59 UTC [1]. The Board of Trustees oversees the Wikimedia Foundation's work, and each Trustee serves a three-year term [2]. This is a volunteer position. This year, the Wikimedia community will vote in late August through September 2025 to fill two (2) seats on the Foundation Board. Could you – or someone you know – be a good fit to join the Wikimedia Foundation's Board of Trustees? [3] Learn more about what it takes to stand for these leadership positions and how to submit your candidacy on [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Candidate application|this Meta-wiki page]] or encourage someone else to run in this year's election. Best regards, Abhishek Suryawanshi<br /> Chair of the Elections Committee On behalf of the Elections Committee and Governance Committee [1] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Call_for_candidates [2] https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Legal:Bylaws#(B)_Term. [3] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Resources_for_candidates<section end="announcement-content" /> [[User:MediaWiki message delivery|MediaWiki message delivery]] ([[User talk:MediaWiki message delivery|talk]]) 17:44, 17 June 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:RamzyM (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Distribution_list/Global_message_delivery&oldid=28866958 --> == New copycat site == I haven't had the time to fully look into it and I've been quite busy IRL this month, but it seems we have a new copycat site called https://www.localcityguide.net/. It mirrors Wikivoyage pages word-for-word with "2022 © Local City Guide. All rights reserved." and some pages like [[Itineraries]] ([https://www.localcityguide.net/en/Itineraries]) do nothing to even remove mentions of Wikivoyage. What's interesting about this site is that they've listed those behind the site so openly in the [https://www.localcityguide.net/about-us About us] section – I'm not sure how accurate it is, but it could be something to go off. What are the WMF's protocols when a site copies an entire project and what can we do about it? //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 08:59, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :It has a nice presentation, a handful of blog entries posted in June 2022, and it looks like the foundation of the site is our stuff, refreshed regularly. (Changes I made yesterday already appear.) There is no ability to edit articles. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 10:11, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :This is against the terms of service, CC license restrictions, and American copyright law. You should contact the [[:m:Wikimedia_Foundation/Legal|Legal Team]] via email at legal[little-anarchy-symbol]wikimedia[point]org. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 10:22, 18 June 2025 (UTC) ::I picked an arbitrary page of which I have knowledge, but which is not on the average tourist itinerary, [[Estcourt]]. It has an [[outline article|outline]] status. I clicked on "outline" and the first sentence read: :::"An '''outline article''' is a status rating for any article in ''<u>Wikivoyage</u>'' ... " [My emphasis]. ::This is proof that they are copying the WIkivoyage site. [[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 16:00, 18 June 2025 (UTC) ::: It seems that the contents are incorporated by a script directly from Wikivoyage similar to the html frame technology that's why the articles are up-to-date. I made a small change in some status ratings of the German Wikivoyage, and immediately you can read that this is a usable Wikivoyage article in the footer. --[[User:RolandUnger|RolandUnger]] ([[User talk:RolandUnger|talk]]) 17:24, 18 June 2025 (UTC) ::Copying Wikivoyage's contents is okay. However, you have to provide "reasonable" attribution. That's usually done with something like a simple link to the original article on Wikivoyage. I don't see Wikivoyage mentioned on their website, so they need to fix that – but remember that the goal is for them to fix it, not to punish them or prevent them from sharing our information. ::[[w:en:WP:BACKWARDSCOPY]] has some advice on how to contact websites that haven't complied with the license terms. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 19:27, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :::I have sent the developers of the site an email about this. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:38, 21 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I've also forwarded it to WMF legal (cc {{u|Koavf}}). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:40, 21 June 2025 (UTC) :::::Merci. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 02:52, 21 June 2025 (UTC) == Mexican disambiguators == Some input at [[Wikivoyage talk:Naming conventions#Disambiguators for Mexican destinations]] would be appreciated. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 13:41, 19 June 2025 (UTC) == Most visited country in Southeast Asia == It looks like [[Thailand]] just lost its crown to [[Malaysia]], at least for Q1 2025. Should we update our articles to reflect that, or should we wait and see if Malaysia can sustain its lead? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:11, 23 June 2025 (UTC) :{{ping|The dog2}} I think you should update the articles to say that both Thailand and Malaysia are the most visited countries of SE Asia, along the lines of, "Thailand, along with Malaysia, are...", "Malaysia, along with Thailand, are..." or even "Malaysia and Thailand are...". '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 17:11, 23 June 2025 (UTC) ::I think we should wait till yearly figures are available before changing anything. Too many things can change from one quarter to the next. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:52, 23 June 2025 (UTC) :::Agreed – one quarter might not be a true reflection. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 00:24, 24 June 2025 (UTC) == Regionlist == I have added a static map in [[Maharashtra]], but it disappears without showing a dynamic map when I click/press the link "switch to interactive map". Same happens in [[West Bengal]], [[Andhra Pradesh]], [[Chennai]], etc. I think there's a bug in {{tl|Regionlist}} that causes this disappearance, as the template itself was last edited on August 2024. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 13:36, 26 June 2025 (UTC) :Same issue on it:voy. For sure is caused by a change server side. I'll try to figure out if we can solve locally or if we need to open a ticket. [[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 06:46, 27 June 2025 (UTC) ::I've patched it. Now it works again. Be sure to refresh/purge the page you test. [[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 07:32, 27 June 2025 (UTC) == Sister Projects Task Force reviews Wikispore and Wikinews == <section begin="message"/> Dear Wikimedia Community, The [[m:Wikimedia Foundation Community Affairs Committee|Community Affairs Committee (CAC)]] of the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees assigned [[m:Wikimedia Foundation Community Affairs Committee/Sister Projects Task Force|the Sister Projects Task Force (SPTF)]] to update and implement a procedure for assessing the lifecycle of Sister Projects – wiki [[m:Wikimedia projects|projects supported by Wikimedia Foundation (WMF)]]. A vision of relevant, accessible, and impactful free knowledge has always guided the Wikimedia Movement. As the ecosystem of Wikimedia projects continues to evolve, it is crucial that we periodically review existing projects to ensure they still align with our goals and community capacity. Despite their noble intent, some projects may no longer effectively serve their original purpose. '''Reviewing such projects is not about giving up – it's about responsible stewardship of shared resources'''. Volunteer time, staff support, infrastructure, and community attention are finite, and the non-technical costs tend to grow significantly as our ecosystem has entered a different age of the internet than the one we were founded in. Supporting inactive projects or projects that didn't meet our ambitions can unintentionally divert these resources from areas with more potential impact. Moreover, maintaining projects that no longer reflect the quality and reliability of the Wikimedia name stands for, involves a reputational risk. An abandoned or less reliable project affects trust in the Wikimedia movement. Lastly, '''failing to sunset or reimagine projects that are no longer working can make it much harder to start new ones'''. When the community feels bound to every past decision – no matter how outdated – we risk stagnation. A healthy ecosystem must allow for evolution, adaptation, and, when necessary, letting go. If we create the expectation that every project must exist indefinitely, we limit our ability to experiment and innovate. Because of this, SPTF reviewed two requests concerning the lifecycle of the Sister Projects to work through and demonstrate the review process. We chose Wikispore as a case study for a possible new Sister Project opening and Wikinews as a case study for a review of an existing project. Preliminary findings were discussed with the CAC, and a community consultation on both proposals was recommended. === Wikispore === The [[m:Wikispore|application to consider Wikispore]] was submitted in 2019. SPTF decided to review this request in more depth because rather than being concentrated on a specific topic, as most of the proposals for the new Sister Projects are, Wikispore has the potential to nurture multiple start-up Sister Projects. After careful consideration, the SPTF has decided '''not to recommend''' Wikispore as a Wikimedia Sister Project. Considering the current activity level, the current arrangement allows '''better flexibility''' and experimentation while WMF provides core infrastructural support. We acknowledge the initiative's potential and seek community input on what would constitute a sufficient level of activity and engagement to reconsider its status in the future. As part of the process, we shared the decision with the Wikispore community and invited one of its leaders, Pharos, to an SPTF meeting. Currently, we especially invite feedback on measurable criteria indicating the project's readiness, such as contributor numbers, content volume, and sustained community support. This would clarify the criteria sufficient for opening a new Sister Project, including possible future Wikispore re-application. However, the numbers will always be a guide because any number can be gamed. === Wikinews === We chose to review Wikinews among existing Sister Projects because it is the one for which we have observed the highest level of concern in multiple ways. Since the SPTF was convened in 2023, its members have asked for the community's opinions during conferences and community calls about Sister Projects that did not fulfil their promise in the Wikimedia movement.[https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:WCNA_2024._Sister_Projects_-_opening%3F_closing%3F_merging%3F_splitting%3F.pdf <nowiki>[1]</nowiki>][https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_Community_Affairs_Committee/Sister_Projects_Task_Force#Wikimania_2023_session_%22Sister_Projects:_past,_present_and_the_glorious_future%22 <nowiki>[2]</nowiki>][https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/WikiConvention_francophone/2024/Programme/Quelle_proc%C3%A9dure_pour_ouvrir_ou_fermer_un_projet_%3F <nowiki>[3]</nowiki>] Wikinews was the leading candidate for an evaluation because people from multiple language communities proposed it. Additionally, by most measures, it is the least active Sister Project, with the greatest drop in activity over the years. While the Language Committee routinely opens and closes language versions of the Sister Projects in small languages, there has never been a valid proposal to close Wikipedia in major languages or any project in English. This is not true for Wikinews, where there was a proposal to close English Wikinews, which gained some traction but did not result in any action[https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Proposals_for_closing_projects/Closure_of_English_Wikinews <nowiki>[4]</nowiki>][https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/WikiConvention_francophone/2024/Programme/Quelle_proc%C3%A9dure_pour_ouvrir_ou_fermer_un_projet_%3F <nowiki>[5]</nowiki>, see section 5] as well as a draft proposal to close all languages of Wikinews[https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Talk:Proposals_for_closing_projects/Archive_2#Close_Wikinews_completely,_all_languages? <nowiki>[6]</nowiki>]. [[:c:File:Sister Projects Taskforce Wikinews review 2024.pdf|Initial metrics]] compiled by WMF staff also support the community's concerns about Wikinews. Based on this report, SPTF recommends a community reevaluation of Wikinews. We conclude that its current structure and activity levels are the lowest among the existing sister projects. SPTF also recommends pausing the opening of new language editions while the consultation runs. SPTF brings this analysis to a discussion and welcomes discussions of alternative outcomes, including potential restructuring efforts or integration with other Wikimedia initiatives. '''Options''' mentioned so far (which might be applied to just low-activity languages or all languages) include but are not limited to: *Restructure how Wikinews works and is linked to other current events efforts on the projects, *Merge the content of Wikinews into the relevant language Wikipedias, possibly in a new namespace, *Merge content into compatibly licensed external projects, *Archive Wikinews projects. Your insights and perspectives are invaluable in shaping the future of these projects. We encourage all interested community members to share their thoughts on the relevant discussion pages or through other designated feedback channels. === Feedback and next steps === We'd be grateful if you want to take part in a conversation on the future of these projects and the review process. We are setting up two different project pages: [[m:Public consultation about Wikispore|Public consultation about Wikispore]] and [[m:Public consultation about Wikinews|Public consultation about Wikinews]]. Please participate between 27 June 2025 and 27 July 2025, after which we will summarize the discussion to move forward. You can write in your own language. I will also host a community conversation 16th July Wednesday 11.00 UTC and 17th July Thursday 17.00 UTC (call links to follow shortly) and will be around at Wikimania for more discussions. <section end="message"/> -- [[User:Victoria|Victoria]] on behalf of the Sister Project Task Force, 20:57, 27 June 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:Johan (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Johan_(WMF)/Sister_project_MassMassage_on_behalf_of_Victoria/Target_list&oldid=28911188 --> :I definitely hate to say it but Wikinews has to be one of the most failed WMF projects. The English Wikinews is barely sustaining and I think that is fine for the timebeing, but the other Wikinews projects simply lack the editor base to actively review new news articles. It came up in tawikinews' closure proposal where their newest article dated to 2018! //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:56, 28 June 2025 (UTC) ::I think that we're meant to post that kind of thing on the Meta-Wiki project pages: [[metawiki:Public consultation about Wikispore|Public consultation about Wikispore]] and [[metawiki:Public consultation about Wikinews|Public consultation about Wikinews]]. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 22:42, 28 June 2025 (UTC) :::I'm aware; I just wanted to give out my 2c in short form – I have a longer list of suggestions planned which I'll do when I get a bit more spare time. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:44, 28 June 2025 (UTC) === General concerns === I am not a big fan of Wikinews, but one thing about the [[:meta:Proposal_for_Closing_Wikinews|report published by Sister Projects Task Force]] is concerning. This report is written in a very critical manner, namely, it does not mention that dozens if not hundreds of volunteers have spent a considerable amount of their time on developing Wikinews. The report does not mention any single good thing about their work, which does not seem fair. The report demonstrates that the current level of activity and content development at Wikinews is low (and this statement is fair), but it does not set any threshold of what would be good enough metrics for a community to deserve the resources from WMF. Moreover, the report does not attempt to analyze which steps Wikinews editors took to develop their project, and why these steps were unsuccessful. It just says: you did a bad job, so we will close you down and even deprive you of any possibility of moving Wikinews elsewhere because the name stays with Wikimedia Foundation. Wikivoyage is a smaller project too, and it would be discouraging if a similarly critical report about our work appears. It is not completely unrealistic when half of the language versions are dormant, while many others are somewhat comparable in their metrics to the most active editions of Wikinews. I think that only English Wikivoyage is clearly above that threshold, although the actual threshold is not even defined, so almost any level of activity can be deemed "low" if one wants to say so. What are your thoughts on that? --[[User:Atsirlin|Alexander]] ([[User_talk:Atsirlin|talk]]) 09:53, 28 June 2025 (UTC) :I have not been using Wikinews, so my reflections are based on the closure of Wikinews in Swedish and the current discussion, linked above. One point raised in the discussion is that the metrics chosen didn't take into account the special nature of the project. :I assume the Sister Project Task Force is right in that this kind of evaluations need to be done from time to time, but also think that the evaluations should focus on whether there are paths forward, rather than on whether the project is viable according to current trends. :Wikinews has the problem that a significant dedicated editor base i needed – Wikipedia or even Wikivoyage can stay alive and stay interesting even with no edits for a year or two, while a news outlet would loose nearly all of its readers. The coverage needs to be adequate on at least some areas (geographic or thematic) for the site to stay interesting. The critical mass needed is much larger – and that critical mass additionally needs to be able to counter people with a bias (good-faith or not) or with an agenda not aligned with the project goals – keeping touting at bay is much easier. I assume new language versions should be started only if there is hope of quickly building that critical mass. :–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 10:36, 28 June 2025 (UTC) ::Yes I do believe that LangCom has decided to suspend the creation of all new Wikinews projects for that very reason. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:46, 28 June 2025 (UTC) :Alexander, it's true "that dozens if not hundreds of volunteers have spent a considerable amount of their time on developing Wikinews", but it's also true that keeping a failing project because of past efforts is an example of [[w:en:Sunk cost fallacy]]. :I suspect that if someone made a credible proposal to move Wikinews to another host, the WMF would be be open to negotiations over the name. (But any new sponsor might prefer to come up with their own name.) [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 03:31, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::I guess my main problem is the absence of any well-defined criteria that distinguish a sustainable project from a failing one. Do you understand what these criteria are? -- [[User:Atsirlin|Alexander]] ([[User_talk:Atsirlin|talk]]) 08:35, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::A well-defined criteria that defines what a sustainable project would still heavily rely on how the project functions, though. For Wikinews, it needs to be very active and metrics that may be appropriate for Wikivoyage or Wikibooks like number of articles aren't super relevant because 20000 articles is no good if the last one was written 2 months ago (the numbers are hypothetical but my point stands). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 08:50, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I agree that the same metrics can not be applied to all sister projects, but "very active" leaves a lot of room for interpretation. Imagine someone decides that Wikivoyage is not sustainable because it contains a lot of outdated travel information that has not been updated in the last 5 years. That would be a problem... -- [[User:Atsirlin|Alexander]] ([[User_talk:Atsirlin|talk]]) 09:27, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::::We don't want well-defined criteria. There needs to be judgement on the projects actual prospects. Opening a community discussion is good, as that's a way to see whether the metrics give a correct picture – although there should be discussions with the projects before opening a discussion like this (I don't know to what extent there have been such discussions). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 20:13, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I still don't love the way the SPTF decided to mass-send these messages to every wiki without consulting the Wikinews community; it really should be up to them (and when I mean them, I mean the more active Wikinews projects such as en or ruwikinews) to decide their project's future, not the rest of us or the vast majority who don't get involved with Wikinews. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:01, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::Yes. The issues should have been raised with the projects first (not only the big ones, but all projects affected). I don't know whether that was done, but seemingly not enough, anyway. It seems the SPTF (?) wanted to introduce a more general practice of re-evaluating projects, and just chose the two as examples. They should have understood that doing it that way, without consultations, would upset people. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:40, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::TBF, there were several closure proposals before, including one for all language Wikinews. Those for major projects failed, but one can argue that this was a signal to the communities to evaluate their performance which they apparently did not get. I agree though that opening such discussion before notifying the Wikinews communities first is not really good. [[User:Ymblanter|Ymblanter]] ([[User talk:Ymblanter|talk]]) 08:54, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::They definitely should have; I hope they use this as a learning lesson because the general sentiment from the enwikinews community is quite clearly unimpressed from that discussion. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 09:01, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::Well this comment certainly [[:m:Talk:Public_consultation_about_Wikinews#c-Victoria-20250630095300-BRPever-20250629141600|aged like milk]]. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 13:59, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::Oh dear. I hope there are others in the SPTF who are more keen-eared. This risks degenerating into one more of the WMF-not-respecting-the-community affairs. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:40, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::SPTF (or Victoria, at the very least) seems so predetermined to close Wikinews that I've never heard something so blatantly biased such as "However, I expect that the wikinewsians would be in COI" – so to them I assume knowing the ins and outs of your own project is apparently a conflict of interest? It's a massive insult to non-Wikipedia based projects. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 11:04, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::I can understand her view, but I think it is misguided, and somebody in her team should get them to discuss their actual mission. If a project indeed needs to be laid down, the process needs to be lead very sensitively – and the consultation in this phase shouldn't be on whether to lay Wikinews down. It is "to work through and demonstrate the review process", "a community reevaluation" and "potential restructuring efforts". ::::::::::::The demonstration of the process has been a disaster and potential restructuring efforts require a good understanding of he project, which cannot be had without a keen-eared discussion with the communities. ::::::::::::The "re-evaluation" should be based on such potential restructuring paths, where restructuring isn't about where to dump the Wikinews content, but how to save the project, if possible. ::::::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 13:13, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::I fully agree with you about about the "re-evaluation" but the way they have been responding to community feedback feels as though they have the result pre-determined and this is merely being used as a box ticking exercise – which is why I think it's crucial that we as a fellow sister project speak up about the way this was poorly handled because who knows what they will do when it's our turn to undergo public consultations. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 14:04, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::I wrote about some concerns in [[:meta:Talk:Public consultation about Wikinews#Process and analysis seem flawed]]. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:34, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::::Cheers, {{u|LPfi}}; hopefully our project will be fine (I think it will because Wikivoyage or really any other WMF project does not have the same issues as Wikinews does of requiring an active community), but more feedback is certainly better. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 03:49, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::Whereas I agree that the process it to some extend flawed (and I agree with the points LPfi makes in the response on Meta), it would be useful to see whether some metrics used for analysis (in whatever flawed way) could be improved for Wikivoyage, so that they are out of discussion. [[User:Ymblanter|Ymblanter]] ([[User talk:Ymblanter|talk]]) 08:18, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::::::{{Ping|Victoria}} as primary author and for what I think is trenchant feedback: to the extent that this taskforce is assessing the sibling projects, it would be helpful if the individual communities knew what kind of rubric there is to grade their health. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 19:55, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::::First of all, the Taskforce in not assessing '''all''' siblings projects, the Wikispore/Wikinews was a proof-of-concept exercise. ::::::::::::::::::We used [[metawiki:Wikimedia_Foundation_Community_Affairs_Committee/Procedure_for_Sibling_Project_Lifecycle/revised|this rubric]], which was discussed in a public consultation a year ago - but didn't get much attention, because Meta is littered with documents that are never implemented. ::::::::::::::::::In the [[metawiki:Wikimedia_Foundation_Community_Affairs_Committee/Procedure_for_Sibling_Project_Lifecycle/revise|Wikispore consultation]] we ask for the proposals for the clarification of the "activity" and other criteria. [[User:Victoria|Victoria]] ([[User talk:Victoria|talk]]) 09:11, 3 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::::::::Thanks for this and thanks for letting me ping-pong you around various WMF projects with pings. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 09:38, 3 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::::::You are welcome. I'm happy to answer anywhere in English/Russian/Belarusian when there's no personal attacks involved. [[User:Victoria|Victoria]] ([[User talk:Victoria|talk]]) 10:15, 3 July 2025 (UTC) :::::I've been going through some of the stats, and "very active" is an interesting point. The defenders of the "very active" Wikinews language editions seem to be engaged overwhelmingly in copying/pasting content from suitably licensed external sites. They have turned Wikinews into mirrors for other sites, rather than writing articles. :::::Just imagine how we at Wikivoyage would react if someone here said "I am a very active Wikivoyage editor. I spend at least an hour a day copying and pasting pages from other travel websites!" [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 21:34, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::We do copy info from hotel websites and other sources, but we don't have the luxury of reliable free content written in our style. Being a channel for reliable news ''could'' be a mission of Wikinews (more or less the same way some "social media" sites do it). If so, the question is whether they can do it well enough for it to be worthwhile as a WMF project (and whether the other things they do are done well). But that's not the discussion the SPTF initiated, they chose to go by statistics instead. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 22:12, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::It was mentioned somewhere that the stats may be skewed by bots – I'm still confused on how you'd be able to tell if the stats were skewed by bots or not. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:11, 2 July 2025 (UTC) == Archive links invisible in mobile mode == Why? When I look in edit mode, I can see links to archives in [[Talk:China]], but not when I simply look at that talk page. Will Wikivoyage in mobile mode ever not suck? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:30, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :I can't answer your first question, but the answer to your latter question, as we both know, is never (we are a massive afterthought for the WMF). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:51, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::In which case, we will eventually read that the Wikimedia Foundation dropped Wikivoyage from lack of sufficient participation. Would we be able to fork in that case, or does Wikimedia own the copyright for Wikivoyage as they do for Wikinews? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:09, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::Each individual editor, including IPs/logged-out editors, owns the copyright to whatever copyrightable material they post on wiki. The Wikimedia Foundation owns the domain names and the trademarks (e.g., name and logo). Anyone who wants to fork can do so freely. The Wikimedia Foundation will sometimes even informally help people do so. The mobile site does have the links to the archives. Click on the "(i) Learn more about this page" button at the top of the page to find the "invisible" content. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 03:27, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::{{ping|Ikan Kekek}} Please don't be that fearful when Wikinews is proposed to be shut down or merged with Wikipedia. I wanted to work in the Bengali Wikinews Incubator project, but my lack of activity in recent weeks has prevented me from participating further. So, I have focused on Commons and Wikivoyage, where I am still highly active. I don't think the SPTF would suggest something similar for Wikivoyage, and I think it is actually a popular website. My static map of [[West Bengal]] is now widely shared on Facebook (both English and Bengali versions), along with an AI-generated list of places to visit in the state. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 03:35, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::::You are a superb Wikivoyage content creator! I'm not afraid in the very near term, but usage of all websites nowadays has to be mostly mobile, so if this site's mobile interface remains terrible, its eventual demise is a foregone conclusion. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:44, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::::Are you refering to the archive links that appear when I click "more about this page" at the top? :::::The issues with the mobile site exist as this project does not have '''active interface admins.''' :::::Note: The WMF has nothing to do with the content or presentation of content for this site. :::::Relevant links: :::::* https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:WikimediaMessages#Site_admin_helper :::::* https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Recommendations_for_mobile_friendly_articles_on_Wikimedia_wikis :::::[[User:Jdlrobson|Jdlrobson]] ([[User talk:Jdlrobson|talk]]) 03:09, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::Yes, "Learn more about this page." I didn't know to click that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:27, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I don't see why the WMF would have nothing to do with presentation of content on Wikivoyage. We are using MediaWiki and settings provided by the WMF, and we indeed are a WMF project. ::::::Not having active interface admins (I thought we have some) shouldn't mean too much – having technically knowledgable people locally is a bonus, it (and them dedicating time to do major work) shouldn't be a prerequisite for a WMF project. ::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:51, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::We do indeed have 5 [[Wikivoyage:Interface administrators]], which [[User:Jdlrobson]] should know, because he is one of them. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:01, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::I am an interface admin but I would not consider myself active. Maintenance of the listing editor for example causes me more anxiety than enjoyment these days. ::::::::In my time in this project I have seen quite a few complaints about the mobile experience but nobody has articulated clearly what needs improving. I personally dont think that overall it is a bad experience and the fact most of our page views are on mobile should be reassuring. That said there are templates like climate data that I think could be improved on mobile. ::::::::If you really want to improve the mobile experience I'd recommend making a wiki page with discussion of changes, proposal/consensus and then implementing them. I havent seen this sort of thing since [[Wikivoyage:Banner Expedition]]. I guarantee the majority of changes you want do not need WMF involvement but they will require discussion and community consultation. [[User:Jdlrobson|Jdlrobson]] ([[User talk:Jdlrobson|talk]]) 15:53, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::Wauterz is certainly active. Have you ever tried adding a listing or reverting more than one edit at a time in mobile mode? I'm sure we can compile a list of badness from the mobile interface. Where is the best page to put it on? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:25, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::{{u|Andyrom75}} is also fairly active on itwikivoyage. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 22:18, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::To answer the very first question of @[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]], I've noticed that the infobox has a "display:none" style that hide those boxes in mobile view. I think this style is added serverside (maybe @[[User:Jdlrobson|Jdlrobson]] you can confirm), because it's not added by the template neither by the templatestyles. :::::::::::However, as said from @[[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]], you can still see it clicking on the "(i)" button. [[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 17:09, 2 July 2025 (UTC) 3qqwzhud4lcdjmv21g9a0xykuugp7xr 5087074 5087068 2025-07-03T10:37:44Z LPfi 79572 /* General concerns */ most bots are easy to distinguish 5087074 wikitext text/x-wiki <div style="text-align:left; background: var( --wv-optional-color, #f4f7fa); color: var( --color-base ); border: 1px solid #abc; padding: .3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em"> <div style="text-align:center; font-size:300%; line-height: 1; padding: 10px;">'''Welcome to the pub'''</div> {{shortcut|[[WV:Pub]]|[[WV:TP]]}} [[File:QA_icon_clr.svg|right|frameless|150px|link=]] The travellers' pub is for general discussion on Wikivoyage, and the place to ask questions when you're confused, lost, afraid, tired, annoyed, thoughtful, or helpful. To start a new topic, click the "Add topic" tab, so that it gets added '''at the bottom''' of the page, and sign your post by appending four tildes (<nowiki>~~~~</nowiki>) Before asking a question or making a comment: * Have a look at our [[Wikivoyage:Help|Help]], [[Wikivoyage:FAQ|FAQ]] and [[Wikivoyage:Policies|Policies]] pages. * If you are a '''new user''' and you have any questions about using the website, try the [[Wikivoyage:Arrivals lounge|Arrivals lounge]]. * If you have a '''question or suggestion about a particular article''', use the article's [[Project:using talk pages|talk page]] to keep the discussion associated with that article. * If you'd like to '''draw attention to a comment''' to '''get feedback''' from other Wikivoyagers, try [[Wikivoyage:Requests for comment|Requests for comment]]. * If you are '''wanting travel advice on a specific matter''' see the [[Wikivoyage:Tourist office|tourist office]]. * If you have an '''issue you need to bring to the attention of an administrator''', try [[Wikivoyage:Ongoing vandalism|Ongoing vandalism]]. * If you are having a '''problem that you think has to do with the [[mw:|MediaWiki software]]''', please post that on [[phab:|Phabricator]] instead. * If you want to '''celebrate a significant contribution''' to Wikivoyage by yourself or others, hold a party at [[Project:Celebrate a contribution|Celebrate a contribution]]. * Discuss '''issues related to more than one language version''' of Wikivoyage in the [[meta:Wikivoyage/Lounge|Wikivoyage Lounge]] on Meta. * Anything that is '''Nigeria-related''' is now meant to go in the [[Wikivoyage:Nigeria café|Nigeria café]] instead. Anything that is '''Kosovo or Albania related''' is now meant to go in the [[Wikivoyage:Kosovo and Albania cafe|Kosovo and Albania café]] instead. This includes announcements, initiatives, celebrations, and issues with certain articles. You can review old Pub discussions in the [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub/Archives]]. '''Pull up a chair and join in the conversation!''' [{{fullurl:Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub|action=edit&section=new}} '''Click here to start a new thread'''] </div> {{WikivoyageDoc|collaboration}} <!-- Discussions start here --> __TOC__ __NEWSECTIONLINK__ == RfC ongoing regarding Abstract Wikipedia (and your project) == <div lang="en" dir="ltr" class="mw-content-ltr"> ''(Apologies for posting in English, if this is not your first language)'' Hello all! We opened a discussion on Meta about a very delicate issue for the development of [[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Abstract Wikipedia|Abstract Wikipedia]]: where to store the abstract content that will be developed through functions from Wikifunctions and data from Wikidata. Since some of the hypothesis involve your project, we wanted to hear your thoughts too. We want to make the decision process clear: we do not yet know which option we want to use, which is why we are consulting here. We will take the arguments from the Wikimedia communities into account, and we want to consult with the different communities and hear arguments that will help us with the decision. The decision will be made and communicated after the consultation period by the Foundation. You can read the various hypothesis and have your say at [[:m:Abstract Wikipedia/Location of Abstract Content|Abstract Wikipedia/Location of Abstract Content]]. Thank you in advance! -- [[User:Sannita (WMF)|Sannita (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Sannita (WMF)|<span class="signature-talk">{{int:Talkpagelinktext}}</span>]]) 15:27, 22 May 2025 (UTC) </div> <!-- Message sent by User:Sannita (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Sannita_(WMF)/Mass_sending_test&oldid=28768453 --> :{{re|Sannita (WMF)}} may I ask how this affects Wikivoyage when you say "some of the hypothesis involve your project"? TIA, //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:28, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::The proposed solutions mention the Wikivoyages in several places. The main issue is that an abstract article about Someplace shouldn't be rendered the same in Wikipedia and Wikivoyage. This affects also the technical solutions, such as where to store statements and functions. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:21, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::Can you explain further how we have abstract (vs. concrete?) articles on Wikivoyage? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:27, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::We don't have any abstract articles at the time being, and I assume Wikivoyage in English may choose never to have them. For smaller languages, though, it is unrealistic to cover all interesting places with proper articles. The mission of Abstract Wikipedia is to provide a framework for creating articles in a way that allows automatic translation into something at least half-way decent. It's like having listings fetch key information from Wikidata, but scaled up to complete articles (or less complete – at least lively language on personal impressions will certainly be missing for the foreseeable future). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:43, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::::I see – I still don't understand how this will fully get (even after reading the hypothesis), but I suppose it's something for smaller language projects. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 09:47, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::Hi @[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], it seems that @[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] covered most of my arguments here already, so I would just repeat them at this point. The part that interests your project refers to the hypothesis that abstract content ''might'' (but it's still not sure at the moment) be stored in a dedicated namespace of your project. But again, this ''might'' happen, and you're free to refuse to store/use abstract content to further your development. This is entirely in your right, and we do not want to force any adoption of the project without consensus. [[User:Sannita (WMF)|Sannita (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Sannita (WMF)|talk]]) 10:01, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::And yes, Abstract Wikipedia is primarily intended for projects that have so far developed a small number of articles, in order to help them accelerate their growth and hopefully provide more knowledge to their communities and recruit a higher number of volunteers. [[User:Sannita (WMF)|Sannita (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Sannita (WMF)|talk]]) 10:03, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::Sounds perfect. Thanks to both of you for explaining! //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:10, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Seconded. I understand. We should discuss in a separate thread whether it would be better to encourage, allow perhaps without comment, or disallow abstract listings on this site. I think we probably don't want abstract articles, but we should discuss that, too. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:22, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::::I can see abstract listings being useful for more obscure parts of the world for English speakers for this site at least, but overall sounds like it's something to help smaller language Wikivoyages benefit from us rather than the other way around (which is also great). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 13:30, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::I mentioned listings as we already use Wikidata for them (coordinates) and have discussed e.g. opening hours (too complicated to be workable). I don't think "abstract listings" are an option at this point – somebody needs to decide a listing is wanted and would include some manual language when adding it. We still might have some valuable insights in how – and how not – to design abstract Wikivoyage articles for them to be useful. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 14:04, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::I have two thoughts about this: ::* We need some way of separating a block of text that works for Wikipedia from a block of text that works for Wikivoyage (or another sister project). That suggests ''not'' using the English Wikipedia as the storage place for everything. The Wikipedias might all want "Jupiter is the largest planet in the Solar System. It is the fifth planet from the Sun", but if Wikivoyage were to have an article on the planet, it would probably sound a lot more like "Jupiter isn't a viable destination, but travelers interested in [[astronomy]] and [[navigation]]<nowiki/>by the stars may be interested in the Big Museum of Jupiter and the Annual Jupiter Festival". ::* I think that the English Wikivoyage could benefit from Abstract content. It's obvious that we could 'translate' our [[Wikivoyage:Star articles|Star articles]] into Abstract, and thus other Wikivoyages would benefit. However, imagine how much we could benefit if @[[User:Sannita (WMF)|Sannita (WMF)]] brought [[:it:Roma]] up to Star status, and then translated it for us to copy whatever bits we wanted in [[Rome]]. Keep in mind that while Abstract is set up to do dynamic autotranslation (e.g., always giving the latest population estimate, if the sentence says "the population of Rome is ___"), you can actually copy and paste the results as plain old text into an article. ::[[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:07, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::If I understand correctly, Abstract Wikipedia works with programming that could have been done in the 1980s, more or less like [[:w:Lsjbot|Lsjbot]]'s articles, although not confined to info found in already existing datasets. "Not a viable destination" would need to be an item to insert and translate. That article on Jupiter would have very little in common with the Wikipedia one. :::For Rome, population statistics etc. would be easy to write in abstract form, but an abstract star article would need a lot of article-specific functions, which need to be translated to get a version in another language – and lively language is hard to translate automatically (think "[[Talk#Speaking English with non-native speakers|blind and therefore insane]]"). Copying over listings would work, and a good abstract article should have a good selection of those. :::I think an abstract Wikivoyage article should focus on being reasonably complete by having ''information'': roads and trains for getting in, listings with coords, contact details and Wikidata link, and suggestions in Go next, but quite little running text, mostly identical across articles except data values (…is a village/town/city in X…), and likewise a dry list of facts in the listing "content", not like the lively writing in [[Wikivoyage:Listings#Examples|Wikivoyage:Listings]]. :::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 17:47, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::As Wikivoyage has generally has more structured articles than Wikipedia, I think that we could make use of an Abstract Wikivoyage. Two areas look like possible starting points: listings and the phrases in phrasebooks. ::::If a tool could create an abstract version of a listing that exists in another language, then the listing could be offered when editing the same section of an article here - "Would you like to add a listing for the Lawnmower Museum?". Some parts of listing could be updated in all languages when edited in one - we would show the last updated entry price for the museum whatever language it was edited in. A difficult part is identifying when listing elements are language specific - we may use a different url from another WV to point to a page in English, and we don't care that the museum has labels translated into Spanish. ::::In English WV we have a standard set of phrases for phrasebooks, and most phrasebooks keep fairly closely to this list. This list is also the basis for phrasebooks in some other language WVs. It would appear to be reasonably straightforward to scan the existing phrases to create an abstract phrasebook, but inconsistencies would need to be reviewed. There are about 300 phrasebooks in English, 50 in German and 20 in Polish. Maybe we can use this to offer over 200 phrasebooks in Polish. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:44, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::::For listings, yes, the abstract versions would be easy to create. For the name, we only need to identify the native name, its romanisation, and the language of translated names. There are already structures for all this in Wikidata; also "official URL" has a language attribute. Amenities of hotels can likewise easily be described. Nothing will be automatically fetched, so no worries about info irrelevant for English speakers. What is hard to do is the lively language of the examples I linked above. :::::For phrasebooks, I am not sure it is that easy, or rather whether creating an abstract phrasebook helps compared to just translating the template and using a dictionary (or whatever way you otherwise use for getting translations). Grammar and pronunciation sections needs to be written with the audience's language knowledge in mind, and translations of phrases need to be done with some understanding of the context, thus mostly manually. For a good phrasebook, you also need to note peculiarities in the relation with the target language, such as the liberty/liberté etc. now added to the French and Italian phrasebook and warnings for specific false friends. :::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 04:57, 27 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::I think phrasebooks is one of those things (along with travel topics) where it's more or less impossible to create an abstract version of. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 05:23, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::Why do you think that? :::::::We can already write things like "{{#invoke:wd|label|Q98815142}}, a {{#invoke:wd|label|Q81727}} of {{#invoke:wd|label|Q8486}}, {{#invoke:wd|label|Q26175857}}" by invoking Wikidata. It would require expansion (e.g., to add "a" and "an"), but it doesn't seem impossible in principle, at least for simpler sentences. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:24, 27 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::The question is whether there is any point of doing that. If every phrase has to be purpose-translated, then why not just write the non-abstract phrasebook? The point with the abstract articles is that there are standard phrases that can be used across articles, such as words for amenities you will find in many hotels. For the phrasebook phrases, the question is whether the same Sámi phrase would suite the phrasebook in English and the one in Latvian (or whatever). ::::::::When the English phrase is translated differently depending on context, some commentary needs to be added (formal/informal, feminine/masculine). This commentary is redundant or awkward in languages that make the same distinction, possibly treating the two (or more) forms as totally unrelated (the person is deceased, the cow is dead). ::::::::For the cup of tea, you may need to word that differently depending on whether you are a man or woman, and whether the one you are asking for the cup is a waiter, the café owner, your host or your host's young child. ::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 20:59, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::::Perhaps an example would show what I was thinking of: :::::::::In [[French phrasebook]], we have: :::::::::; How much is a ticket to _____? : Combien coûte le billet pour _____ ? (''kom-BYAN koot luh bee-YEH poor'') :::::::::; One ticket to _____, please. : Un billet pour _____, s'il vous plaît. (''ung bee-YEH poor ____ seel voo pleh'') :::::::::On Polish WV there is [[:pl:Rozmówki francuskie]], their French Phrasebook. :::::::::;Ile kosztuje bilet do...? : Combien coûte le billet pour...? :::::::::;Poproszę jeden bilet do... : Un billet pour..., je vous prie. :::::::::We also have [[Finnish phrasebook]], which has: :::::::::; How much is a ticket to _____? : Paljonko maksaa lippu _____in? (''PAHL-yonk-aw MAHK-sah LEEP-poo _____?'') :::::::::So I think that a Finnish phrasebook on the Polish WV, could have :::::::::;Ile kosztuje bilet do...? : Paljonko maksaa lippu _____in? (''PAHL-yonk-aw MAHK-sah LEEP-poo _____?'') :::::::::"One ticket to" is not exactly the same (translating the French used in Polish, it is saying "I beg you" rather than "please"), so this phase would require some manual adjustments when it was abstracted. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:24, 27 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::I don't think that the idea with Abstract is to program in "please", but rather to swap in whichever word or phrase is used in that language to indicate politeness and respect while making a request. ::::::::::We already have a [[mw:Help:Magic words#gender|software switch for gender]], so this is not some miraculous future tech; this is an expansion of what has been possible for years. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 01:39, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::For Finnish, there is no word or phrase that indicates politeness, but one often uses the conditional (?) verb form instead. In some cases one would just use that word form in the phrase (in the Finnish phrasebooks and in phrasebooks for Finnish) – but here the question is instead with no sign of politeness, which is common in that language. Something like "could you" is problematic as most languages make a distinction between thou and you. I think the common cases can be handled decently, but for less well-known language families – those that benefit most from the abstract articles – the edge cases will be more common. It is likely that abstract phrasebook have to be tweaked for specific languages to avoid the odd case of very problematic renderings. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:02, 28 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::In Malay, there are two words for "please" that have different meanings and are used in different contexts. There are also two words for "we" that have different meanings. Etc. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:34, 30 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::I would expect all the foreign phrases to be reproduced exactly as they were in the existing phrasebook(s) that they were taken from. Ideally the left side phrases would also be exact reproductions, unless they were used to create a phrasebook to be part of a WV that doesn't currently have any phrasebooks; but it is less of an issue if the left side doesn't read perfectly. I am assuming that an Abstract Wikivoyage would have some mechanism for handling quoted text, as this is essential for reproducing the exact words used in famous speeches etc, and will be required for abstract Wikipedia and Wikiquote etc. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 14:06, 30 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::{{re|WhatamIdoing}} LPfi's basically explained why I don't think abstract phrasebooks will work. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:25, 27 May 2025 (UTC) == Adding images to the Infobox template == {{Infobox/sandbox|Infobox sandbox test|Nutritious, filling content goes here. |image=Dessert_Merlion_Singapore_Cafe_Kaya_Toast.jpg |caption=Yum yum!}} I've hacked up [[Template:Infobox/sandbox]] which add new <code>image/caption</code> parameters, so you can easily add an image to your infoboxen instead of trying to manually hack it in. Example: <pre> {{Infobox/sandbox |Infobox sandbox test |Nutritious, filling content goes here. |image=Dessert_Merlion_Singapore_Cafe_Kaya_Toast.jpg |caption=Yum yum!}} </pre> If there's no objections, I'll roll this out to the main Infobox template, the params are optional so it shouldn't break anything. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 06:02, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :{{support}} &ndash; Will be useful for articles like [[India]] and [[Kolkata]], which already use images in infoboxes. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 06:15, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :This is a tangent, but I think we should consider renaming that template, or at least changing its Wikidata links. Wikivoyage doesn't do Wikipedia-style infoboxes. These are just simple boxes, more like pull quotes or boxed warnings. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:29, 27 May 2025 (UTC) ::Change the Wikidata link, but keep the name. It is an infobox, although not a Wikipedia-style one. Of course, if somebody comes up with a better name, then I won't object. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:06, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :::{{ping|WhatamIdoing|LPfi}} Maybe {{tl|Info}} can be used instead of {{tl|Infobox}}. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 02:40, 28 May 2025 (UTC) ::::For us, this is an infobox, not just info. I wouldn't support such changes just to conform. Somebody who wants a Wikipedia-style infobox should just be directed to {{tl|quickbar}}, and somebody who tries to use {{tl|infobox}} quickly sees that it isn't what they are looking for. A see also for the former is more useful than a name change. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:11, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :::::I'll fix the Wikidata links so that {{tl|quickbar}} is matched with the Wikipedia-style infoboxes, and {{tl|infobox}} isn't. I'm not sure what our {{tl|infobox}} should be matched to; I don't think that enwiki has anything similar. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:28, 28 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::...No, that won't work. {{tl|Quickbar}} matches "Infobox Country". I'll remove the {{tl|infobox}} links. That much is certainly correct. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:29, 28 May 2025 (UTC) (undent) I've deployed the new version. I had to tweak it a bit to stop it from adding extra padding when the new params are not used, but it should be OK now, please ping me if not. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 07:58, 28 May 2025 (UTC) == Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees 2025 Selection & Call for Questions == <section begin="announcement-content" /> :''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Announcement/Selection announcement|{{int:interlanguage-link-mul}}]] • [https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Translate&group=page-{{urlencode:Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Announcement/Selection announcement}}&language=&action=page&filter= {{int:please-translate}}]'' Dear all, This year, the term of 2 (two) Community- and Affiliate-selected Trustees on the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees will come to an end [1]. The Board invites the whole movement to participate in this year’s selection process and vote to fill those seats. The Elections Committee will oversee this process with support from Foundation staff [2]. The Governance Committee, composed of trustees who are not candidates in the 2025 community-and-affiliate-selected trustee selection process (Raju Narisetti, Shani Evenstein Sigalov, Lorenzo Losa, Kathy Collins, Victoria Doronina and Esra’a Al Shafei) [3], is tasked with providing Board oversight for the 2025 trustee selection process and for keeping the Board informed. More details on the roles of the Elections Committee, Board, and staff are here [4]. Here are the key planned dates: * May 22 – June 5: Announcement (this communication) and call for questions period [6] * June 17 – July 1, 2025: Call for candidates * July 2025: If needed, affiliates vote to shortlist candidates if more than 10 apply [5] * August 2025: Campaign period * August – September 2025: Two-week community voting period * October – November 2025: Background check of selected candidates * Board’s Meeting in December 2025: New trustees seated Learn more about the 2025 selection process - including the detailed timeline, the candidacy process, the campaign rules, and the voter eligibility criteria - on this Meta-wiki page [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025|[link]]]. '''Call for Questions''' In each selection process, the community has the opportunity to submit questions for the Board of Trustees candidates to answer. The Election Committee selects questions from the list developed by the community for the candidates to answer. Candidates must answer all the required questions in the application in order to be eligible; otherwise their application will be disqualified. This year, the Election Committee will select 5 questions for the candidates to answer. The selected questions may be a combination of what’s been submitted from the community, if they’re alike or related. [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Questions_for_candidates|[link]]] '''Election Volunteers''' Another way to be involved with the 2025 selection process is to be an Election Volunteer. Election Volunteers are a bridge between the Elections Committee and their respective community. They help ensure their community is represented and mobilize them to vote. Learn more about the program and how to join on this Meta-wiki page [[m:Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Election_volunteers|[link].]] Thank you! [1] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2022/Results [2] https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Committee:Elections_Committee_Charter [3] https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Resolution:Committee_Membership,_December_2024 [4] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections_committee/Roles [5] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/FAQ [6] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Questions_for_candidates Best regards, Victoria Doronina Board Liaison to the Elections Committee Governance Committee<section end="announcement-content" /> [[User:MediaWiki message delivery|MediaWiki message delivery]] ([[User talk:MediaWiki message delivery|talk]]) 03:08, 28 May 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:RamzyM (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Distribution_list/Global_message_delivery&oldid=28618011 --> == Medium [[Main Page]] overhaul proposal == Since my [[Talk:Main_Page#Help_needed_with_tweaking_visual_balance_of_the_main_page|request for input and support]] on Talk:Main Page went mostly unnoticed, I'm bringing this proposal to the pub to ensure it gets the daylight it should have, as these are proposals to change the look of a rather important page. Here's the backstory: For longer than [[WV:Vector 2022|Vector 2022]] has been around, I've been bothered by the balance of elements on the main page. The new skin only did it injustices, so I've taken it upon myself to mend the shortcomings of the main page in my quest to make Wikivoyage work in Vector 2022. This all so our site looks a bit more appealing in the new skin. I know many regular editors stuck with their old preferred skins when we got the new skin imposed on us, but this still is something that will affect Wikivoyage's appeal to new editors and readers. If the main page looks chaotic and messy, they'll be less likely to stick around. So to each and every editor, <u>regardless</u> of which skin you use: Please chime in! That being said, these are the changes I have developed, and have ready to deploy: * '''Wider {{tl|Mapbanner}}:''' Some small tweaks to the template which make it use all the page width available to it, and moves the globe image and image map accordingly. * '''Centred JCaroussel:''' For the same reason, to make better use of the width on the main page, I've got some CSS changes to the JCaroussel ready that center the featured articles. Scaling them up to simply be full page width I have found to be too tedious to bother with. * '''Overhauled {{tl|Banner}}:''' Vector 2022's scaleable font plays too much with the banners for featured articles to where sometimes the blurb isn't even entirely visible. In the same process, I've simplified the way in which this template is used for each category, foregoing the need for a 'section' and 'section-link' parameter, replacing them with a 'type' parameter. Its style is mostly in keeping with the existing banners and should simplify the process for featuring articles more than it complicates them. What do these changes look like? In the case of {{tl|Mapbanner}}, I cannot easily give a working demonstration as its stylesheet currently overwrites any changes I make to it. Instead, [https://i.imgur.com/6mAMkfG.png this image] is the best I can offer. You'll have to take my word for its functionality being unchanged. The centred JCaroussel and overhauled {{tl|Banner}} can be seen and interacted with [[User:Wauteurz/Banner|on this page]]. I've done my best to ensure that these changes are in keeping with Wikivoyage's current main page style. I know that entire overhauls are not that popular, so I hope these proposals are good enough. I am looking for a broad consensus to roll out at least the first two changes, but ideally all three. I don't feel comfortable rolling some of these changes out with only two people expressing support for them. Please, throw your questions and concerns in my direction, and I hope we can together fix what I consider to be the biggest remaining issue with Vector 2022. Thank you in advance. <br/> <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 14:19, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :{{Support}} as the developer of these changes. Vector 2022 dictates how new readers and editors get presented our site, and with its current chaotic and undependable nature, something ''has'' to be done. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 14:20, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :{{ping|Wauteurz}} Any idea for better responsive design of the Wikivoyage main page, as more people access our pages via phone than PC? '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 14:47, 28 May 2025 (UTC) ::@[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]] For clarity, these changes only affect the appearance on desktop devices. The changes to JCaroussel also apply in Minerva (mobile), but due to screen size limitations they won't have an effect in most cases. My main goal is overseeing the damage caused by Vector 2022's roll-out on Wikivoyage. Since mobile devices use Minerva, I mostly leave the mobile appearance alone. ::As for my thoughts on mobile, I don't think any of the regular editors have any experience in mobile design, let alone responsive mobile design, so I'm mostly wondering why it's responsive in the first place. I'd personally suggest removing the responsive elements (mostly the feature banners) and replacing them with DotM, OtBP and FTT in simple presentations akin to Picture of the Day and Media of the Day on Commons' main page. The 3:1 banners also are a big problem in my eyes. They're far too short to work on mobile, and I think a square or tall ratio would work leagues better in a mobile format. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 15:31, 28 May 2025 (UTC) *{{s}} very much agree that these changes will be needed sooner than later. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 18:48, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :'''Support'''. Thanks for doing this! As a choosing beggar, I would love to see the mobile front page fixed as well though, the DOTM banner is completely broken at the moment and the padding/spacing of the entire page is wonky at best. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 00:03, 29 May 2025 (UTC) :'''Question''' for all involved: The new banner uses some icons to depict the category that the article is featured in (i.e., [[:File:Yes Check Circle.svg|DotM]], [[:File:Right turn icon blue.svg|OtBP]] and [[:File:Writing Circle.svg|FTT]]). I assume that we wish to keep these instead of the placeholder icons I have used? I'll be working on adapting those into simple white icons, which should be pretty straight-forward. If we wish to change them in future, then that can always be done afterwards. Having the icons consistent between {{tl|Banner}} and {{tl|Pagebanner}} would be for the better, I reckon :) :I am currently aiming to roll these updates out this weekend (June 7/8), just in time for the next featured article change. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 23:55, 1 June 2025 (UTC) ::Update: Making and updating the icons was pretty straight-forward indeed: [[Special:Diff/5071035|Diff/5071035]] <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 00:20, 2 June 2025 (UTC) :'''Support'''. Lots of good improvements! Just make sure to fix the "Off the Beaten Path" link to point to a real page. [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 15:10, 2 June 2025 (UTC) ::{{Done}}. Thanks for spotting that one! <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 15:19, 2 June 2025 (UTC) {{Done}}! Thank you everyone for your support! I've gone ahead and pushed these changes just now. I've naturally updated the usages of {{tl|banner}} on the Main Page and DOTM-Candidates as well. If there's any issues arising from this roll-out, please let me know. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 11:34, 7 June 2025 (UTC) :Awesome! That looks great to me. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 11:46, 7 June 2025 (UTC) == FYI: 10 Travel Tips From Experts Who’ve Been Everywhere == https://www.carryology.com/travel/10-travel-tips-from-experts-whove-been-everywhere/ —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 09:05, 30 May 2025 (UTC) == Tourist office problem == I tried to ask a question in the [[Wikivoyage:Tourist office]], and I replied to it with another question, but I can't see any of it except in edit mode and don't understand why. I used the form on that page to ask the first question. What I want to know is which side of the train to sit on for Amtrak trips between Montreal and Plattsburgh, NY and between Plattsburgh and Saratoga Springs, even if the answers come too late for me to use them. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:24, 30 May 2025 (UTC) :When you click "Ready? Ask a new question!", should the form on the next page require the "Subject:" field to not be empty? Or at least have a placeholder subject text? :I also see someone else's question about Cancun that got ignored, because it's tacked on the end of the previous section. [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 20:42, 1 June 2025 (UTC) ::I guess the problem is that I didn't see the subject field in my mobile phone interface. Is there a way to improve that? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:58, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :::It looks like you can set a default subject value with the InputBox 'default=' parameter. Maybe give it something like "Question from ~~<noinclude></noinclude>~"? I'm not sure how to change the "Subject:" label styling. :::Should the Tourist Office behave more like a Talk page, with an Add Topic button leading to a visual editor? [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 23:44, 2 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I'd support that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:48, 2 June 2025 (UTC) :::::[https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:DiscussionTools It looks like adding a "NEWSECTIONLINK" line is the magic to enable the visual editor on a page.] [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:InputBox There's also a usedt=true parameter to InputBox to make it use the visual editor by default.] :::::It seems to work in this sandbox I set up: [[User:Gerode/Tourist_office_sandbox]] [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 17:48, 5 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I went ahead and applied these two changes. Let me know if I broke anything, or if there's anything else odd about the Tourist office. [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 16:22, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ==Move request== You are invited to participate at [[Talk:Bangalore#Bangalore to Bengaluru]], which can affect the articles [[Bangalore]] and [[Bangalore Rural]], and the category [[:Category:Bangalore]]. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 08:19, 31 May 2025 (UTC) == AfriVoyage == Hi everyone! 👋 My name is [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvin Ategyeka]] from Uganda, and I’ve just launched a new project called '''AfriVoyage'''. It’s a WikiVoyage-focused initiative to document African travel destinations using local perspectives. Our pilot is starting in Uganda, with the goal of improving content and training youth contributors. You can follow the project on Meta-Wiki here: [[meta:AfriVoyage]] I would love your thoughts, guidance, and support. Thanks in advance! <small>unsigned comment by [[User:Alvinategyeka]]</small> :Welcome, Alvin. Wikivoyage really needs more African content, especially if provided by people with local knowledge. Your project will be supported from regular contributors like me. Please let us know how we can help. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:41, 31 May 2025 (UTC) :[[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]], I think you will be a more successful leader if you improve some articles yourself, before you invite anyone else to join you. We'd be happy to help you. :For example, one mistake that we see people making is copying Wikipedia articles here. A Wikipedia article will sound something like "Semuliki National Park is a national park in Bwamba County, a remote part of the Bundibugyo District in the Western Region of Uganda that was established in October 1993". This is the wrong approach here. A Wikivoyage article should have a [[Wikivoyage:Tone|lively tone]]. The beginning of a good Wikivoyage article might sound something like this: :* '''Semuliki National Park''' in [[Western Uganda]] is the only place you can visit a true lowland tropical forest in all of East Africa. This beautiful national park is a birdwatcher's delight, and more than 400 species of butterflies can be found inside the park's borders. :If you feel at the English Wikipedia that you have to suppress your natural style to be as dull as possible, then you'll like Wikivoyage because it allows your enthusiasm to shine in between the facts. We need the facts ("best restaurant" isn't nearly as helpful as saying how it's the best, like "good menu for vegetarians" or "artisan-quality bushera"), but we don't want a boring style. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 18:14, 31 May 2025 (UTC) ::Thank you very much and thanks for the guidance. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 13:27, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :Thank You very much. I have 6 years experience contributing to Wikimedia projects but I feel I need a new challenge and the only project that I had not explored yet always wanted to contribute to is Wiki Voyage. Am a tourism lover and i have travelled extensively in Uganda and East Africa. I hope this project will encourage more African Communities to contribute to Wiki Voyage. I will appreciate all guidance rendered. Thank You. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 13:32, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :Thank you very much, hoping to connect with you for more guidance. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 13:35, 1 June 2025 (UTC) ::Sure, and thank you for taking on this opportunity and challenge! In addition to the great advice you've been given above, I think you'll find [[Welcome, Wikipedians]] very useful. For anyone who participates in this project, some additional pages that I'd consider to provide the most important guidelines and explanatory pages on this site include [[Wikivoyage:What is an article]], [[Wikivoyage:The traveller comes first]], [[Wikivoyage:Article skeleton templates]], [[Wikivoyage:Copyleft]], [[Wikivoyage:Don't tout]], and [[Wikivoyage:Breadcrumb navigation]]. ::It is absolutely '''not''' a prerequisite for anyone to read any of these before contributing here! However, you, as organizer, should read these pages, because you will then be able to distill the most important characteristics of the site for others who are enthusiastic about contributing but not yet familiar with the site, and another important thing is that once you've read or at least skipped through these pages, you can ask us questions. ::I love the fact that you contacted us before the official launch of the project. In the past, projects that were begun on a large scale without any notice to us presented huge issues relating to the policies laid out in the pages I linked for you. ::Thanks again, and we very much look forward to working with you and your colleagues! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:36, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :::Thanks for the resources and guidance. I have been reading and researching about Wiki Voyage and what you have added will guide me more. I will contact you for further guidance in order to move the project forward. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 15:52, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :Thanks a lot. i look forward to working with you and seeking guidance to move the project forward. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 15:54, 1 June 2025 (UTC) == Evora's page banner on wikidata == I noticed [[Evora]]'s page banner does not exist in wikidata. I was unable to add it there. Would someone show me how to proceed, please? [[User:Claude van der Grift|Claude van der Grift]] ([[User talk:Claude van der Grift|talk]]) 18:31, 31 May 2025 (UTC) :[[d:Q179948|Évora]]'s banner is already defined on Wikidata since 2013, so moving it over isn't necessary. Regardless, you'd add a banner to a Wikidata item by adding a statement using [[d:P948|P948 (page banner)]]. Simply add the file name without the "File:" prefix but with the file extension as its value, and clicking publish. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 20:28, 31 May 2025 (UTC) ::Evora's Wikidata page is semi-protected, so you can't edit if you have made less than 50 edits on Wikidata. As already said, there is no need to edit it, as it is already using the banner from Wikidata. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 21:47, 31 May 2025 (UTC) :::Thank for your explanations {{U|AlasdairW}}. Unfortunately I mistook [[:d:Q179948|Evora]] for [[:d:Q243849|Elvas]]. The latter has no page banner. Sure I have more than 50 edits on wikidata. I forgot to say that I'm editing only by my smartphone. [[User:Claude van der Grift|Claude van der Grift]] ([[User talk:Claude van der Grift|talk]]) 15:00, 1 June 2025 (UTC) == FYI: Planning a Trip? AI Will Do That For You == https://www.thrillist.com/travel/nation/ai-travel-apps —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 07:04, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :I wonder whether we can design an AI tool that can fetch info from Wikivoyage and make a summary for you. That can replace the burden of manual summary writing by Wikivoyagers. Of course, Wikivoyage articles should be curated by humans, with AI summarizing them. I want to suggest this to Wikipedians as well, but I have been blocked there since 2021, and I mostly work on the Bengali Wikipedia. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 07:11, 1 June 2025 (UTC) == Wikivoyage and OsmAnd app == I am looking into making it easier to walk [[Stockholm Archipelago Trail]] and have found the [[w:en:OsmAnd]] app useful '''my question''' is there any good examples when those to domains works good together? - –––– [[User:Salgo60|Salgo60]] ([[User talk:Salgo60|talk]]) 07:43, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :As a regular OsmAnd user, I don't believe so to the best of my knowledge. :( //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 05:25, 4 June 2025 (UTC) ::I started using OsmAnd several months ago, and I have been playing around with the Wikivoyage integration since. I spend a lot of time in a major city with a Guide-level article and I find the integration useful there. I haven't tried it with an itinerary. My first thought is to pull up a [https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Category:Guide_itineraries Guide] or [https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Category:Star_itineraries Star] itinerary for a place you've been before and see what the OsmAnd experience is like. [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 16:08, 4 June 2025 (UTC) == Improving this project with little to no knowledge of English == It's been a while since I've posted anything major on the pub, but one of the things I'm quite pleased with the way we do things here is the fact that we are ''very'' open and accommodating to users who can't speak or speak English with a large length of difficulty. We don't have any policies forcing the use of English in discussions and if someone has shown a genuine interest in the project, it isn't unorthodox for someone to go out of their way and respond in another language they know on this site. It comes back to when {{ping|Andyrom75}} told me on itwikivoyage (around when itwikivoyage hit 10k articles, iirc) that it's possible to contribute to Wikivoyage without really knowing the language – and it's true. Most of my activity on itwikivoyage has since been doing minor fixes, adding listings with no description (since you don't need to know the language to add listings, opening hours, urls, address and such), removing closed businesses/out of date info, fixing dead links and the like. Since many of our articles also follow a similar structured format, it's very easy to contribute to the site so long as you're aware of your limitations. Some ideas I had in mind to perhaps make this wiki even more inviting to those who might not have the English skills necessary to contribute text but still want to help: * A community written guide on this, similar to [[Wikivoyage:Welcome, business owners]], [[Wikivoyage:Welcome, locals]] or [[Wikivoyage:Welcome, Wikipedians]] * Finish [[User:SHB2000/admins table]], move to the Wikivoyage namespace, add the table to [[Wikivoyage:Administrators]], and add any advanced perms from other WMF projects. ** Perhaps also make a similar table for non-admins who are reasonably active on this site. More thoughts and ideas would be appreciated – even better if we can facilitate this on other language Wikivoyages. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:11, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :Contribute in another language version of Wikvoyage it's just a matter of willingness and time. For a certain amount of time. For few years I've supported sv:voy without knowing any word in Swedish :-D Nowadays unfortunately I don't have enough time, so I can only concentrate it on it:voy :-( :PS your support on it:voy @[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] is always extremely appreciated! :-) [[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 17:14, 4 June 2025 (UTC) ::I occasionally do the same kind of thing at the Haitian Creole Wikipedia. I can't write in the language, but I can check a maintenance category and fix the wikitext errors there. ::Based on my experience, I'd say that there are two main opportunities for contribution: ::* 'technical' contributions, such as fixing wikitext or broken URLs ::* language-agnostic contributions, such as adding phone numbers, websites, and lat/long coordinates to listings; adding images that require no caption or only a simple/obvious one (e.g., "Disneyland" or "Town Name Church"); removing listings for closed restaurants, etc. ::@[[User:Piotrus|Piotrus]] might have some ideas about which tasks are easiest for his English-language learners to do. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 22:48, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :::Yeah this very much explains it in a nutshell. :) //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:13, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :::@[[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] Indeed, some of my ESL students have effectively only a beginner level of English at best. These days, machine translation is getting good enough to understand a lot, and contribute text that's "mostly ok". It will only get better as AI tools and student use of them improve. Anyway, you can see my activities for students at [[User:Hanyangprofessor2]] [[User:Piotrus|Piotrus]] ([[User talk:Piotrus|talk]]) 01:12, 5 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I have added images that I have taken to many different language variants of Wikipedia. I use Google translate for the text and and hope that a native user if that language will make any corrections. [[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 11:22, 5 June 2025 (UTC) :::::I recently added a listing about Japan in [https://ja.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=%E6%88%90%E7%94%B0%E5%B8%82&diff=52846&oldid=50973 ja.voy] despite not knowing Japanese. The listing editor really makes it simple to improve an article. Last week I presented [[wikidata:Event:Wikidata_and_Sister_Projects#Friday,_May_30th|a Wikidata talk about Listing Editor]] and mentioned that it's a really good gateway to get more contributors. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 15:58, 5 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::The Listing Editor really does! Particularly because they're very standardised across most language Wikivoyages, so the only "bad" listing editor is a malfunctioning/broken listing editor. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:27, 21 June 2025 (UTC) == Linking Wikicommons == I am documenting the Stockholm Archipelago Trail and have uploaded more than [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Stockholm_Archipelago_Trail 3,000 pictures] / [https://wikimap.toolforge.org/?cat=Stockholm_Archipelago_Trail&subcats=true&subcatdepth=4&cluster=false Wikimap] from the trail to Wikimedia Commons. For example, the section Nåttarö will be documented on Wikivoyage here: [[Stockholm_Archipelago_Trail#SAT_Nåttarö]] and is on Wikicommons [https://wikimap.toolforge.org/?cat=SAT_N%C3%A5ttar%C3%B6&subcats=true&subcatdepth=3&cluster=false WIkimap] 1) What is the policy regarding linking to a trail on Wikicommons? I believe such links add significant value by helping readers better understand the trail conditions. Additionally, I see 360-degree images as a step forward in enhancing navigation and exploration, making it easier for users to visualize the terrain. Additionally, 2) I have used Mapillary for one section. Is there a specific policy on linking Mapillary content? For instance, Stockholm Archipelago Trail’s Landsort section is partially represented on [https://www.mapillary.com/app/user/salgo601?lat=58.737857&lng=17.865676&z=17&pKey=1060410682654434 Mapillary pKey=1060410682654434] Would appreciate any guidance on this. Thanks! [[User:Salgo60|Salgo60]] ([[User talk:Salgo60|talk]]) 14:26, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :The use of a limited number of thumbnails from Commons is normal. See [[Wikivoyage:Image policy]]. Otherwise, links are normally through Wikidata: please read [[Wikivoyage:Sister project links]]. For guidelines on third-party links outside Wikimedia, see [[Wikivoyage:External links]], but the answer to your 2nd question is that such links are normally not allowed except to primary sources (for example, the website of a listed restaurant, hotel, museum, etc.) and are subject to deletion. However, Wikivoyage policies and guidelines are always open to discussion, so start a thread at the most relevant guideline article's talk page if you'd like to argue for a change. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:40, 4 June 2025 (UTC) ::thanks but dont the community see the added value? especially when documenting a walking trail it can be good to better understand how steep steep is....- [[User:Salgo60|Salgo60]] ([[User talk:Salgo60|talk]]) 14:54, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :::If you don't like my suggestion of starting a discussion thread on the appropriate policy page's talk page, where you can document the indispensability of Mapillary as your argument for a policy change, you can argue for an exception to policy on [[Talk:Stockholm Archipelago Trail]], but you can't get either a policy change or an exception by arguing in the Pub. But if you're asking for my opinion on why there has been no specific consideration of Mapillary, I'd speculate it's because most of us have never heard of it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:15, 4 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I've heard of Mapillary – I appreciate they're open source and licensed under CC-BY SA, but they're indirectly a competitor to Commons –&nbsp;if you can upload a photo to Mapillary, you can upload it to Commons. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 07:28, 5 June 2025 (UTC) :::::The difference is that you traverse a route on Mapillary its connected 360 pictures I am not an expert but [https://www.mapillary.com/app/?lat=58.737746&lng=17.865677&z=17&pKey=1848345639040650&x=0.46081730421230177&y=0.5976337053747495&zoom=0&focus=photo click on forward on this] its from me walking [[SAT_Landsort]] :::::* they support 360 pictures much better than Wikicommons :::::* [https://www.mapillary.com/showcase OsmAnd and Open Street Map use them] :::::[[User:Salgo60|Salgo60]] ([[User talk:Salgo60|talk]]) 19:08, 7 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::One issue is that of privacy. I might trust the WMF, but I don't want to research the privacy policy and trustworthiness of a third party. Checking the website of a hotel where I intend to sleep is one thing, a Wikivoyage page being dependent on a third party is very different. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:58, 7 June 2025 (UTC) :For Wikimedia Commons (that's their name), you can link a category or gallery via Wikidata. On a gallery page you can show all the most relevant images, with explanatory text and a layout of your liking. The rest of the images would be easily found in the category. Is that what you are looking for in your first question? –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 22:04, 7 June 2025 (UTC) == I had an edit flagged as destructive because my account isn't very old == I was trying to remove information related to crossing the border into Azerbaijan from the Baku page (it's been closed since 2020 and the only way in is via air), but trying to delete a lot of content on a new account flagged me as a vandal. If someone has permissions to view the changes, and would be willing to check on those changes, thank you very much :) [[User:MagnumDahng|MagnumDahng]] ([[User talk:MagnumDahng|talk]]) 09:32, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :{{re|MagnumDahng}} Can you try removing the outdated content once again? I've temporarily disabled the filters; let me know once you've removed everything that you intended to. Sorry for the extra inconvenience. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:04, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::It worked. ::No worries. I understand why it's there :) [[User:MagnumDahng|MagnumDahng]] ([[User talk:MagnumDahng|talk]]) 10:15, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :::Perfect, I've re-enabled the filters; thanks again for the updates! :) //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:36, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ==Does WV need a policy for descriptions of living people?== Wikivoyage is a travel guide and not intended to be a collection of biographies. Still, travel topics and itineraries might mention important individuals, such as explorers, artists, monarchs, and politicians. [[Wikivoyage:What is an article?]] discourages from creating an article for a living celebrity, as these are more difficult to finish than articles for [[Christopher Columbus]], [[Frank Lloyd Wright]] or [[Astrid Lindgren]]. Articles such as [[Presidents of the United States]] and [[Monarchy of the United Kingdom]] describe living individuals who have not concluded their careers, and they are certainly controversial. When writing [[Jewish Stockholm tour]], [[Stockholm environmentalist tour]] and [[Nordic monarchies]], a couple of famous living people came to mind, but I found it advisable to mention them as briefly as possible. Which general principles should we follow? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:58, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :It looks like [[foundation:BLP]] encourages us to have a formal policy, even if there isn't much to say. [[Project:Don't be evil]], maybe? :We already have [[Wikivoyage:Photographs of identifiable people]] and [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#People in photos]], which discourage photos of people. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 20:36, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::I'd support a policy for the same reason. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 11:40, 11 June 2025 (UTC) :I think this is largely not that relevant to a travel guide, but it is actually common to have "Maps of the Stars" or tours of celebrity homes in the Los Angeles region, which to me is completely crazy and behavior that should not be encouraged. Considering Whatamidoing's point about the WMF encouraging this kind of documentation, I think having a guideline/policy is wise. Good thinking. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 21:00, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::Yeah, I would absolutely oppose any article for a tour that takes people to the homes of celebrities who would rather be private in their own homes. If this kind of tour existed in New York, New Yorkers would be up in arms about it and pressing the City Council to pass a law about it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:35, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::The page and section about photos say very little, mostly discouraging photos of yourself, which isn't what this is about. [[commons:Project:Photographs of identifiable people]] says a lot more and should probably be followed also regarding locally uploaded pictures. None of those three says anything about text about people (other than that captions shouldn't be defamatory). ::I think we probably shouldn't write a policy unless there are real issues. We have no reason to write about most people, and it seems common sense, like what Yvwv showed above, works reasonably well. Writing a policy opens up for loopholes and wikilawyering. ::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:50, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :::I wonder if our "BLP policy" could be a section in our existing [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]] policy. Basically, a few principles about avoiding mentioning individuals, and especially avoiding saying anything contentious or unfairly invading their privacy. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 16:40, 10 June 2025 (UTC) ::::That sounds reasonable. In the past I have opposed a suggestion to create an itinerary based on the travels of a living individual. ::::A more common situation is where a listing mentions something about the people that work in the hotel or restaurant. "Friendly owners" or "poor service from the waiters" is ok, but referring to staff by name needs more care. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:04, 10 June 2025 (UTC) :::::It's surely OK when the name of the Chef de Cuisine or Pastry Chef are printed on menus or are well-known chefs the restaurant promotes. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:40, 10 June 2025 (UTC) :::::: Can an artist's personal life be separated from their work? At least, death is useful to conclude a life story. As Georg Riedel past away one year ago, he deserves to be described in the [[Jewish Stockholm tour]]. Aleksander Wolodarski is another person appropriate to mention, but as he is well and alive (and to some degree a divisive character in Swedish architecture) the description of him in the same article is very brief. The [[Harry Potter tourism]] barely mentions the author, and that might be good as it is. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:16, 11 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I think it would be fine to note the name of a celebrity chef ("Thomas Keller's restaurant, The French Laundry"), or even a relatively public non-celebrity ("The restaurant owner, Mary Smith, is also the long-time mayor of this small town" or "Olly Owner is happy to pack a picnic upon request"). ::::::However, as an extension of [[Wikivoyage:Avoid negative reviews]], we don't really want "Chris Celebrity is pretentious and their restaurant is overpriced" or "Wendy Waitress is unfriendly and slow". [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:26, 11 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::I think we should avoid "Wendy Waitress is unfriendly", but "Some staff are unfriendly" is ok. It is important to report negative aspects of a place if either it is balanced by "excellent cooking and wonderful bread" or it is the only place in town. It becomes more difficult with one person businesses. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 20:24, 11 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Wikivoyage should not be interested in people: that is the province of Wikipedia. Wikivoyage is however interested in places associated with people and to this end should be cautious about their privacy. If however the individual concerned invites members of the public to their homes or businesses (for example Donald Trump has a website for [https://www.maralagoclub.com/ Mar-a-Lago]) then it is no longer Wikivoyage's role to protect his privacy: if he publicises his home, then it is incumbent on him to look after his own privacy. In contrast, Joe Biden does not appear to advertise his home, so neither should Wikivoyage (even if a search on the internet will reveal Joe Biden's properties).[[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 15:18, 12 June 2025 (UTC) :Does something like this feel about right? :---- :As a general rule, Wikivoyage is interested in places, not people. Occasionally, providing a fair description will involve mentioning a specific person. In such cases, these principles apply to protect living people: :* Avoid contentious matter about living people to the maximum extent possible, to show respect for human dignity and personal privacy. Publishing personal information that is tangential to the needs of the article, trivial, ephemeral, or constitutes a [[Wikivoyage:Avoid negative reviews|negative review]] is unfair. For example, if a restaurant owner promotes dubious beliefs to customers, then omit the listing completely rather than writing about the owner's beliefs. :* Avoid whole articles focused on living people, such as an [[Wikivoyage:Itineraries|itinerary]] to see the private homes of celebrities. It is fair to have an itinerary focused on Taylor Swift's concert tours; it is not fair to have an article focused on her homes. :* Individual listings that name a living public figure are acceptable so long as the content is not contentious. However, you should avoid naming living people when a general description is adequate. For example, write "The owner is happy to talk about local history" instead of "Harry Historian, the owner, is happy to talk about local history", even though you would name the celebrity chef Thomas Keller as the owner of the restaurant The French Laundry. :---- :What should be changed, added, omitted? [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 16:39, 12 June 2025 (UTC) ::Thanks for offering a rough draft! The one part that sticks out to me as problematic is the part about "dubious beliefs," which gives an opening to intolerant atheists to complain about a bismillah or cross in a restaurant. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:12, 12 June 2025 (UTC) :::I was thinking about political beliefs, and specifically about an anti-masking restaurant I read about during the pandemic, but you're right: That needs to be re-worded. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 23:30, 12 June 2025 (UTC) ::::Still a good start, I'd say. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 12:15, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I don't think that businesses should be removed because of beliefs of the owner or personnel; that the owner touts antivacc or flat-earth theories might be entertaining rather than a reason to avoid them. One might tell that they might raise controversial topics. For dangerous practices, such as not using masks when needed, that would be treated like them using contaminated water or whatever. Yes, sometimes that warrants removing the listing in line with ''no bad reviews'', but that has little to do with privacy. ::::For a Finnish business, it was suggested that the listings be removed because of bigotry, in effect a boycott by Wikivoyage. I am not sure about to what extent to do that, but I assume we might tell something about the owner in that case, if we leave the choice whether to use their services to our readers. I would oppose individual editors removing listings because of views that don't conform with their own, but they may of course choose not to add them. ::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:28, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :::::I think there might be a spectrum of issues, but some types of (e.g.,) bigotry are not compatible with [[Wikivoyage:The traveller comes first]]. Inclusion constitutes a recommendation, at least when there are other alternatives. If we list a restaurant, it should be because travellers are welcome. If the restaurant's listing would need to have a disclaimer along the lines of "BTW, only white people are allowed to eat here" or "People whom the owner thinks look Jewish/Muslim/Black/gay/trans will be refused service", then that restaurant shouldn't be included in Wikivoyage at all. Listed restaurants should normally be open to all of the general public. :::::On the other end of the spectrum, if the owner cheerfully accepts all customers, but he privately belongs to a racist organization, then that's not really relevant to the travellers' experience, so we needn't mention that. Travellers who want to patronize only businesses owned by people who share the same politics/religion/race/sexual orientation should look elsewhere for that information. :::::Somewhere in the middle is factual information that travellers may interpret in opposite ways. For example, if a given deli in New York City is kosher, it'd be worth noting that in the description. Most travellers won't care. Some travellers will prefer it (either for religious reasons or because kosher meat is considered more ethical than conventional meat). Some travellers will reject it. But knowing that it might appeal (or not) to different travellers is not the same as different travellers not being allowed to eat at the deli. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 20:02, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I see no problem in describing a restaurant in terms of the religious beliefs that it portrays provided that it is done in a neutral manner - for example , "The XYZ resaurant is a kosher/halal/vegetarian establishment". The reader can then make up their ow mind about patronising the establishment - after all Wikivoyage has many articles about various places of worship. [[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 21:05, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::I think the general point is that we want "XYZ is a kosher/halal/vegetarian restaurant" but not "The owner of XYZ is a Jew/Muslim/vegetarian person". [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:10, 14 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::I agree here. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 06:56, 18 June 2025 (UTC) *Suggested rewrite of the first point (Changes in bold): :"''Avoid contentious matter about living people to the maximum extent possible, to show respect for human dignity and personal privacy. Publishing personal information that is tangential to the needs of the article, trivial, ephemeral, or constitutes a negative review is unfair. For example, if a restaurant owner promotes '''particular''' beliefs to customers, then omit the listing completely rather than writing about the owner's beliefs. '''If however the establishment itself <u>caters</u> for certain beliefs and/or ethics, it is reasonable, or maybe even desireable, to add those beliefs/ethics to the description in a neutral manner - such as including the words "kosher/halal/vegetarian" to the establishment's description.'''''" [[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 21:14, 13 June 2025 (UTC) *I suggest that the second point be extended as follows (additions in bold): :''Avoid whole articles focused on living people, such as an itinerary to see the private homes of celebrities. It is fair to have an itinerary focused on Taylor Swift's concert tours; it is not fair to have an article focused on her homes. '''However, if the celebrity concerend advertises their home to the general public (for example [https://www.maralagoclub.com/ Mar-a-Lago], home of Donald Trump or [https://www.blenheimpalace.com/ Blenheim Palace], home of the Duke of Marlborough) , then it is perfectly in order to mention the home in an article and ideally to include a web address the description or article.''''' ::[[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 21:27, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::I think all this discussion of beliefs and politics is bad and not something about which we want policies. Also, bad reviews are by no means inherently unfair, and I'm mystified by how anyone could think that's the case; it's just that Wikivoyage chooses with some exceptions to simply refrain from listing businesses, rather than stating that they are bad. I also don't see why we would need to add a policy that establishments that discriminate against people based for example on their ethnicity, appearance or national origin, such as a historic restaurant in Düsseldorf that refused admission to East Asians early in the pandemic, be delisted, because we already do that based on preexisting policies. Right now, I think that based on the drafts circulated in this thread, we risk approving a new policy that is worse than none. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:40, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :::It might be best to try the smallest possible addition. After all, it's usually easier to get a policy expanded later if we really need it, than to get it shortened later. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:08, 14 June 2025 (UTC) ::::Here's a shorter version: ::::---- ::::As a general rule, Wikivoyage is interested in places, not people. Occasionally, providing a fair description will involve mentioning a specific person. In such cases, these principles apply to protect living people: ::::* Avoid contentious matter about living people to the maximum extent possible, to show respect for human dignity and personal privacy. Individual listings that name a living public figure are acceptable so long as the content is not contentious. ::::* Avoid whole articles focused on living people, such as an [[Wikivoyage:Itineraries|itinerary]] to see the private homes of celebrities. ::::---- ::::We could also soften "the maximum extent possible". It's always "possible" to avoid mentioning anyone's name, but it's not always "reasonable" to do so. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:14, 14 June 2025 (UTC) :::::What about the article on U.S. presidents? We don't avoid contentious facts about living current and former presidents; we just agree on what should be in the blurbs about them based on the existing [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]] guidelines. I still fail to see how adding at least your first proposed guideline will improve anything. Also, are we creating a solution for a nonexistent problem? Can you cite a previous example of an article that had unnecessarily contentious facts about living people that we were not able to deal with by using existing guidelines? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:33, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::[[Presidents of the United States]] is not a "whole article focused on living people"; it is a whole article focused on mostly long-dead people with just five living US Presidents being mentioned (and mostly in a "public museum" way, not a "current private home" way). This would therefore be acceptable as a case of "Individual listings that name a living public figure" that "show respect for human dignity and personal privacy". ::::::The existing problem to be solved is: The Board of Directors for the WIkimedia Foundation said that every project needs to have an official, written BLP policy. They said this about 16 years ago, so we're running a bit behind schedule, but we should have something. Their resolution encourages "special attention to the principles of neutrality", so I think putting a few sentences inside our version of the "[[Wikivoyage:NPOV|NPOV]]" policy would be appropriate. We could even create a [[WV:BLP]] shortcut to it, so the Wikipedia folks can find it easier. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:16, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::My problem is not with your second proposed provision, which is fine, but your first, and that's what my last reply addressed. If it stated that when living people have to be mentioned, we must [[be fair]] and come to a [[consensus]] about anything contentious, I'd be happy. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:33, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Can you think of any contentious or derogatory information a travel guide – especially one that does not cite external sources – ''needs'' to include? [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:37, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::I already gave you an example! And what about when we fairly describe countries as dictatorships? We've sometimes had users object and try to whitewash articles, and in such cases, we are armed with [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]], not some ridiculous claim that anything "contentious" is bad and must be avoided, which would have played into their hands. Wikivoyage is a travel guide, not a site that tries to be neutral. We expressly don't have an NPOV policy, but instead a policy that requires fairness. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:10, 18 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::I agree that we can fairly describe a country as being a dictatorship. Do we need to describe an individual living person as a dictator, when doing so would be contentious (e.g., produce disputes and disagreements on wiki)? I just checked every article containing the words "a dictator" and "the dictator"; none of them refer to living people. ::::::::::If your prior example was "What about the article on U.S. presidents?", I've already answered that question. I don't see anything privacy-invading in [[Presidents of the United States]], and I don't see anything contentious about any living person in there, either. The contents are not universally approved by the campaign team, but nobody actually disputes or "contends" over the facts (e.g., that Clinton was involved in a sex scandal, or that Trump is technically a convicted felon). [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 01:07, 20 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::If you haven't had the misfortune of speaking with a Trumper lately, consider yourself lucky. There are tens of millions of hard-core Trumpers in the U.S. who don't accept basic scientific facts and advance all kinds of conspiracy nonsense as truth. I dealt with a cabbie in New Rochelle yesterday who gratuitously started talking about politics. He claimed Biden already had cancer 4 years ago, and "they" covered it up, that claims of fossil fuels causing global warming are "bullshit" and that if the Democrats had been elected last year, we'd all be driving electric cars already, among other things. So I very much contest your confident assertion that statements of fact about Trump, Biden, Obama, etc. are not "contentious". We need to remove that word from consideration as something Wikivoyage cannot be. Do you remember years ago when there was someone who spent a couple of weeks or more trying to whitewash descriptions of Cuba by claiming that it was really a democracy, their elections are really free and fair, and the Communists have never been dictators or oppressed anyone there? Or the ones that claimed that China is a democracy and it was the U.S. (pre-Trump) that was really oppressive (the latter of which of course has never been completely false, but that was entirely beside the point in a travel guide as well as being pure whataboutism that disproves nothing). We've had all kinds of politically motivated contentions against facts. That's why our standard is [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]], not "Wikivoyage/Avoid saying anything anyone could argue with", which is what "contentious" means or would mean in the hands of anyone who wants to use a travel guide to grind an axe, rather than to improve a resource for travelers. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:14, 20 June 2025 (UTC) == Full-size images not available on maps in city districts == Since yesterday (and possibly earlier), the images in listings can be viewed in the dynamic map but trying to click on it to go to the full description page will lead to a broken link if they are in a city district page. This raises the issue on image attribution. You can test it on any listings with images at [[Queens/Flushing-Northeast]] and [[Toronto/Etobicoke]]. Anyone have insight on what recent changes broke this functionality? [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 15:46, 12 June 2025 (UTC) :Yes, needs to be fixed. For some reason, the File: prefix is prefixed by the district name. I try to check [[Module:Listing]] for the bug. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 11:52, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::Oops, the city name, not the district. Seemingly the article name is included in the image argument, and removed, but not properly so for subarticles. [[Module:Marker]] is possibly more relevant than Listing, but it is some underlying functionality that is the culprit. My understanding of how modules work is too weak for me to find it. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:10, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :::The marker on the map seems to be constructed using mw.text.jsonEncode. Where can one read that code? Was there some change recently? –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:30, 30 June 2025 (UTC) == Selection and number of images == [split off as suggested by [[User:OhanaUnited|OhanaUnited]] 02:39, 30 June 2025 (UTC). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:17, 30 June 2025 (UTC)] ::: The images embedded within listings are often not the best currently available. They don't display unless you click and faff about, so they don't enhance the page appearance encountered by the general reader. Wouldn't it be neat if there was some repository of images that were the best available copyfree, that could be simply incorporated into the page layout? We'd be sure to use those instead, right? [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 20:20, 15 June 2025 (UTC) ::::The main problem with that is that somebody needs to pick those best available images. That's done in Commons' galleries, where images uploaded in the last dozen years aren't included. We could use the image on Wikidata, but they might not be chosen according to what they are like as thumbnails. Perhaps a specific wikidata property could be created for thumbnail images or even Wikivoyage thumbnail images (like for our banners). About having to click several times, that could be improved, but we don't want clutter, so some discussion is needed on the trade-off if we want to change the status quo. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 18:33, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::: Picking those best images and considering how best to display them is exactly what editors should do, same as picking the best attractions or accommodations to list in a town, we shouldn't lazily accept what's already on the page. It's hardly an onerous task, and we want the best for our readers. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 19:00, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::{{quote|The main problem with that is that somebody needs to pick those best available images.}} :::::Maybe we can take assistance from AI tools to ease out the problem, just like we sometimes use AI to pick the best attractions to visit, and choose the appropriate accommodation. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 19:07, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I haven't heard about us letting such decisions to AI, and I'm not sure we should do it with images. But regardless of what way the images get chosen, it would be good if the choice were saved at Wikidata, to be used automatically. As the images aren't shown in the article itself, the less effort we need to use choosing, the better. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 19:55, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::How much effort do we need to save here? The first example cited was Queens / Flushing. That page is under-illustrated, with one strong image and two so-so. It took me 10 min to find six more good images on Commons, about the right number for a page of this length. Inserting them might take 3 mins apiece, say 20 min, which I'm not volunteering to do as the entire page needs updating, a solid day's work. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 21:07, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Choosing images sounds like a task that some people would love to do. Maybe we could advertise it better? It's even a task that people who don't speak English well should be able to do. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:40, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::It could be a good task, but I have seen a lot of image adding that isn't optimal: ignoring our guideline of [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#Minimal use of images|Minimal use of images]], trying to illustrate individual listings instead of the article as a whole, writing captions to that effect, and placing the images in ways that suite the editor's browser window rather than conform to best practices. :::::::::Increased advertising of this activity should thus be done cautiously, to avoid frustration both among those adding images and those patrolling. :::::::::The original issue was about images for the dynamic map, which is different from illustrating the article. :::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:00, 19 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::As a side note, [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#Minimal use of images]] probably needs both a little re-writing ("1 image per screen": Whose screen size?) and some reconsidering, as availability of internet access has generally improved since then (the [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Wikivoyage:Image_policy&diff=prev&oldid=3629972 last significant update was in 2018], based on [[Wikivoyage talk:Image policy/archive 2014-2019#Minimal use of images - not appropriate|a discussion started in 2016]]). ::::::::::But I agree that it's a tangent for the current thread. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 01:18, 20 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::How carefully did you read Minimal use? :::::::::::"1 image per screen (1,000–2,000 bytes)" :::::::::::I suppose you want to suggest an increase in the number of images we should use, and if so, do that at [[Wikivoyage talk:Image policy]]. But keep in mind that the mobile interface sucks and the site is still better viewed on a computer. I would be likely to oppose any change in the language, as there is flexibility to use more images than stated in the guideline as long as there isn't an unbroken stream on the left side; images left, right and center; or images that go below the end of the article, which looks terrible. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:19, 20 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::I read that, and I wondered which method we're using to measure "1,000 bytes". One screenful – edge to edge, top to bottom, on my laptop, with my font, my size (larger than default), my zoom (120%), etc. – is right around 2000 characters for me, but others may have half that, or four times that. Shorter lines (e.g., using only half the line at the end of a paragraph, or a short item in a list) adds volume without adding characters. ::::::::::::If we're using the file size, then wikitext and URLs add bulk to the file without affecting the screen size. We could have "1,000 bytes" and have a half-full screen (on my laptop) or "2,000 bytes" and still have a half-full screen. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 20:41, 20 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::These are rough estimates. An A4 with 67×47=3150 is quite close to 2k, if there are images, headings and paragraph breaks, probably much less if there are lists. I suppose an A4 is close to readability optimum (my browser and Emacs windows are not far off). My mobile phone seems to have 50×33=1650, perhaps 1k with images etc. The numbers don't seem to be too far off. Without prescribing a test with some specific browser window size, we cannot give precise advice. [[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 14:16, 22 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::From your estimate, the numbers appear to be off by 50%. 3150 = would be "quite close" to 3K, not 2K. ::::::::::::::I think that a more practical suggestion would be: Every well-developed section should usually have one image, so long as this can be done without the images dropping down into the next section. On desktop, this usually requires a minimum of 10 to 12 lines of text per landscape image. Very long sections can have two images. ::::::::::::::This would address the wikitext-vs-displayed problem and the difference between a solid paragraph and a long bullet list with one or two words on each line. ::::::::::::::But as we noted above, this is a separate discussion from the original concern. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:15, 22 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::: Can we take the "select the best picture" conversation into a sub-section? My original intention of this post is to report a bug which leads to the legal issue of image attribution. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 02:39, 30 June 2025 (UTC) == Commons RFD notifications == While the Commons bot that alert us to images about to be deleted [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub/2025#Commons Notification Deletion bot revived|was revived]], images are still being deleted without notification, namely those (I assume), that were nominated before 4 May. The issue was told in the linked announcement, but I did not realise its implications. So, expect some imgages to be removed with no notification on the talk page. If they might be valuable, they should be temporarily restored for local upload, like when the bot wasn't working. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 11:51, 13 June 2025 (UTC) == Usurped URLs == Are usurped or dead URLs (e.g. [[w:en:WP:JUDI]]) normally archived, or removed? I'm looking at the page [[Northampton_(Massachusetts)#Eat]], where the second link is usurped. Thanks, [[User:OutsideNormality|OutsideNormality]] ([[User talk:OutsideNormality|talk]]) 20:22, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :If a url no longer goes to the home page for the listing in question, please update it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:18, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::Actually, looking back, it seems like the URL was never "usurped" and was directly added as a spam link in [[Special:Diff/4154976/4167772]]. Thanks anyway for the advice. [[User:OutsideNormality|OutsideNormality]] ([[User talk:OutsideNormality|talk]]) 00:40, 14 June 2025 (UTC) == Vote now in the 2025 U4C Election == <div lang="en" dir="ltr" class="mw-content-ltr"> {{Int:Please-translate}} Eligible voters are asked to participate in the 2025 [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Universal_Code_of_Conduct/Coordinating_Committee|Universal Code of Conduct Coordinating Committee]] election. More information–including an eligibility check, voting process information, candidate information, and a link to the vote–are available on Meta at the [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Universal_Code_of_Conduct/Coordinating_Committee/Election/2025|2025 Election information page]]. The vote closes on 17 June 2025 at [https://zonestamp.toolforge.org/1750161600 12:00 UTC]. Please vote if your account is eligible. Results will be available by 1 July 2025. -- In cooperation with the U4C, [[m:User:Keegan (WMF)|Keegan (WMF)]] ([[m:User talk:Keegan (WMF)|talk]]) 23:01, 13 June 2025 (UTC) </div> <!-- Message sent by User:Keegan (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Distribution_list/Global_message_delivery&oldid=28848819 --> :Surprised this was sent very late. I made a guide on all the candidates on Meta at [[m:User:SHB2000/U4C guide 2025]], for those interested. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 03:13, 14 June 2025 (UTC) == Wisconsin Dells Kalahari Expansion; should I mention it in the Wisconsin Dells page == Hello! It is now practically mainstream media (In Wisconsin Dells) that Kalahari's expanding its Indoor Waterpark into what was a mainly unused parking lot (which is currently either getting demolished or already is demolished as of posting) and will add a fully glass dome with a retractable roof (this is not an ad, this is according to many sources including the Kalahari its self, Fox11online.com, Whitewater West, Martin Aquatic, and Maverick Hayes' Social Media). Now the real question is should I add this too my page? Cheers! [[User:HistorySports|HistorySports]] ([[User talk:HistorySports|talk]]) 15:22, 14 June 2025 (UTC) :To your page meaning what? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:35, 14 June 2025 (UTC) ::@[[User:HistorySports|HistorySports]], I think it's fair to add information about waterparks to [[Wisconsin Dells#Do]] or [[Wisconsin Dells#Sleep]]. (You pick which one based on whether people mostly stay there, and happen to use the water park, or mostly go to the water park, and a few people stay there, too – just use your judgement and don't stress about the distinction too much.) ::The important thing isn't the news ("they're expanding!") but what is available today ("Wisconsin's biggest indoor waterpark"). ::In general, when I skim through that article, I wish that there were prices for the activities and longer descriptions. In particular, there seem to be a lot of attractions, but I have no idea which one I'd choose. Is one the lowest cost? The best value? Best for little kids? Best for teens? Best for older adults/multi-generational families? Open year-round? Has the most swimming pool lifts for wheelchair users? If you can, try to add some sort of information about the differences between different attractions that might help travellers decide which things they want to do. ::Also, it looks like there are several listings that need to be moved to [[Baraboo]]. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 18:54, 14 June 2025 (UTC) :::Thanks WhatamIdoing! I will follow your advice and hopefully we can have a great page for the area of Wisconsin Dells! [[User:HistorySports|HistorySports]] ([[User talk:HistorySports|talk]]) 19:47, 15 June 2025 (UTC) ::Sorry I wasn't clear and that's totally my fault, but I was talking about the Wisconsin Dells page, sorry! [[User:HistorySports|HistorySports]] ([[User talk:HistorySports|talk]]) 19:47, 15 June 2025 (UTC) :::Thanks. So you know, it's not your page: it's a Wikivoyage article. The only page I'd consider your page is your user page. That said, on the face of it, I would put activities in "Do", not "Sleep". [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:09, 17 June 2025 (UTC) == Wikistats page views == What is up with Wikistats page views for English Wikivoyage? 87 million last month? https://stats.wikimedia.org/#/en.wikivoyage.org/reading/total-page-views/normal%7Cbar%7C2-year%7C~total%7Cmonthly 36 million from Brazil apparently. [[User:Bluecoordinationfine|Bluecoordinationfine]] ([[User talk:Bluecoordinationfine|talk]]) 23:18, 14 June 2025 (UTC) :That is a very interesting anomaly indeed. No idea why, but still very interesting to know why we have so many views from Brazil. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 00:47, 16 June 2025 (UTC) ::Maybe users on VPN? [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 14:25, 16 June 2025 (UTC) == FYI: Dear Atlas: Where Can I Find the Most Unusual Festivals in the U.S.? == https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/off-the-beaten-path-american-festivals —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 07:58, 15 June 2025 (UTC) == [[Talk:Ferries in the Mediterranean#A Commons file used on this page or its Wikidata item has been nominated for deletion]] == No-one seems to be paying any attention to the fact that we are likely to lose a photo. We need to decide whether we're OK with that or not. I will not make a unilateral decision. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:07, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :Is it just me, or does it seem like too many photos have been getting removed lately? [[User:Mrkstvns|Mrkstvns]] ([[User talk:Mrkstvns|talk]]) 16:00, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::Has there been an uptick in deletion requests at Commons? Or are we just noticing them more, now that the notifications bot is working again? [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:08, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::As someone who was monitoring [[c:Commons:Deletion requests]] until the bot started working again, I think it's the latter. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:38, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I hope this deletion can be resisted. Tirrenia ferries in 2017 made a deal with Warner Bros to plaster their ships' exteriors with cartoon characters such as Batman, to give them a jazzy attractive look. That deal continues and you really cannot take a photo of any T ferry without including the character: it's as integral to the ship as the company logo and the pointy bit at the front. The intention of any such photo is to portray the ship not replicate the character, and IMO it's a misuse of copyright law to claim we can't publish it copyfree. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 18:51, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::Such arguments have been presented in the RFD on Commons, and I think that they are legally sound. However, "misuse of copyright law" is not what this is about. There is no word of God saying that utilitarian objects (in this case: the ship) can be freely photographed, and if the law says otherwise, Commons can do little about it. I think the current copyright laws are a disaster, caused by lobbyists and weak politicians, but that means that the copyright laws need to be changed (read: one should spread awareness of the absurdities), not that we can ignore current law. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 20:03, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::The Wikimedia Foundation requires that Commons files be available for unimpeded commercial use. They don't have to, and we don't have to, which is why we have a freedom of panorama fair use exception doctrine. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:10, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::Yes, true. For Commons, the stringency is because of their mission – they don't want to host content that cannot be used. All kinds of compromises are possible or even necessary, but commercial use, such as in small-budget books, is essential for their mission. In some cases, where copyright law is unclear, they could be a bit braver, but that's a separate issue. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 05:05, 18 June 2025 (UTC) == Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees 2025 - Call for Candidates == <section begin="announcement-content" /> :<div class="plainlinks">[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Announcement/Call for candidates|{{int:interlanguage-link-mul}}]] • [https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Translate&group=page-{{urlencode:Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Announcement/Call for candidates}}&language=&action=page&filter= {{int:please-translate}}]</div> Hello all, The [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025|call for candidates for the 2025 Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees selection is now open]] from June 17, 2025 – July 2, 2025 at 11:59 UTC [1]. The Board of Trustees oversees the Wikimedia Foundation's work, and each Trustee serves a three-year term [2]. This is a volunteer position. This year, the Wikimedia community will vote in late August through September 2025 to fill two (2) seats on the Foundation Board. Could you – or someone you know – be a good fit to join the Wikimedia Foundation's Board of Trustees? [3] Learn more about what it takes to stand for these leadership positions and how to submit your candidacy on [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Candidate application|this Meta-wiki page]] or encourage someone else to run in this year's election. Best regards, Abhishek Suryawanshi<br /> Chair of the Elections Committee On behalf of the Elections Committee and Governance Committee [1] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Call_for_candidates [2] https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Legal:Bylaws#(B)_Term. [3] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Resources_for_candidates<section end="announcement-content" /> [[User:MediaWiki message delivery|MediaWiki message delivery]] ([[User talk:MediaWiki message delivery|talk]]) 17:44, 17 June 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:RamzyM (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Distribution_list/Global_message_delivery&oldid=28866958 --> == New copycat site == I haven't had the time to fully look into it and I've been quite busy IRL this month, but it seems we have a new copycat site called https://www.localcityguide.net/. It mirrors Wikivoyage pages word-for-word with "2022 © Local City Guide. All rights reserved." and some pages like [[Itineraries]] ([https://www.localcityguide.net/en/Itineraries]) do nothing to even remove mentions of Wikivoyage. What's interesting about this site is that they've listed those behind the site so openly in the [https://www.localcityguide.net/about-us About us] section – I'm not sure how accurate it is, but it could be something to go off. What are the WMF's protocols when a site copies an entire project and what can we do about it? //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 08:59, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :It has a nice presentation, a handful of blog entries posted in June 2022, and it looks like the foundation of the site is our stuff, refreshed regularly. (Changes I made yesterday already appear.) There is no ability to edit articles. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 10:11, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :This is against the terms of service, CC license restrictions, and American copyright law. You should contact the [[:m:Wikimedia_Foundation/Legal|Legal Team]] via email at legal[little-anarchy-symbol]wikimedia[point]org. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 10:22, 18 June 2025 (UTC) ::I picked an arbitrary page of which I have knowledge, but which is not on the average tourist itinerary, [[Estcourt]]. It has an [[outline article|outline]] status. I clicked on "outline" and the first sentence read: :::"An '''outline article''' is a status rating for any article in ''<u>Wikivoyage</u>'' ... " [My emphasis]. ::This is proof that they are copying the WIkivoyage site. [[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 16:00, 18 June 2025 (UTC) ::: It seems that the contents are incorporated by a script directly from Wikivoyage similar to the html frame technology that's why the articles are up-to-date. I made a small change in some status ratings of the German Wikivoyage, and immediately you can read that this is a usable Wikivoyage article in the footer. --[[User:RolandUnger|RolandUnger]] ([[User talk:RolandUnger|talk]]) 17:24, 18 June 2025 (UTC) ::Copying Wikivoyage's contents is okay. However, you have to provide "reasonable" attribution. That's usually done with something like a simple link to the original article on Wikivoyage. I don't see Wikivoyage mentioned on their website, so they need to fix that – but remember that the goal is for them to fix it, not to punish them or prevent them from sharing our information. ::[[w:en:WP:BACKWARDSCOPY]] has some advice on how to contact websites that haven't complied with the license terms. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 19:27, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :::I have sent the developers of the site an email about this. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:38, 21 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I've also forwarded it to WMF legal (cc {{u|Koavf}}). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:40, 21 June 2025 (UTC) :::::Merci. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 02:52, 21 June 2025 (UTC) == Mexican disambiguators == Some input at [[Wikivoyage talk:Naming conventions#Disambiguators for Mexican destinations]] would be appreciated. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 13:41, 19 June 2025 (UTC) == Most visited country in Southeast Asia == It looks like [[Thailand]] just lost its crown to [[Malaysia]], at least for Q1 2025. Should we update our articles to reflect that, or should we wait and see if Malaysia can sustain its lead? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:11, 23 June 2025 (UTC) :{{ping|The dog2}} I think you should update the articles to say that both Thailand and Malaysia are the most visited countries of SE Asia, along the lines of, "Thailand, along with Malaysia, are...", "Malaysia, along with Thailand, are..." or even "Malaysia and Thailand are...". '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 17:11, 23 June 2025 (UTC) ::I think we should wait till yearly figures are available before changing anything. Too many things can change from one quarter to the next. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:52, 23 June 2025 (UTC) :::Agreed – one quarter might not be a true reflection. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 00:24, 24 June 2025 (UTC) == Regionlist == I have added a static map in [[Maharashtra]], but it disappears without showing a dynamic map when I click/press the link "switch to interactive map". Same happens in [[West Bengal]], [[Andhra Pradesh]], [[Chennai]], etc. I think there's a bug in {{tl|Regionlist}} that causes this disappearance, as the template itself was last edited on August 2024. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 13:36, 26 June 2025 (UTC) :Same issue on it:voy. For sure is caused by a change server side. I'll try to figure out if we can solve locally or if we need to open a ticket. [[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 06:46, 27 June 2025 (UTC) ::I've patched it. Now it works again. Be sure to refresh/purge the page you test. [[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 07:32, 27 June 2025 (UTC) == Sister Projects Task Force reviews Wikispore and Wikinews == <section begin="message"/> Dear Wikimedia Community, The [[m:Wikimedia Foundation Community Affairs Committee|Community Affairs Committee (CAC)]] of the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees assigned [[m:Wikimedia Foundation Community Affairs Committee/Sister Projects Task Force|the Sister Projects Task Force (SPTF)]] to update and implement a procedure for assessing the lifecycle of Sister Projects – wiki [[m:Wikimedia projects|projects supported by Wikimedia Foundation (WMF)]]. A vision of relevant, accessible, and impactful free knowledge has always guided the Wikimedia Movement. As the ecosystem of Wikimedia projects continues to evolve, it is crucial that we periodically review existing projects to ensure they still align with our goals and community capacity. Despite their noble intent, some projects may no longer effectively serve their original purpose. '''Reviewing such projects is not about giving up – it's about responsible stewardship of shared resources'''. Volunteer time, staff support, infrastructure, and community attention are finite, and the non-technical costs tend to grow significantly as our ecosystem has entered a different age of the internet than the one we were founded in. Supporting inactive projects or projects that didn't meet our ambitions can unintentionally divert these resources from areas with more potential impact. Moreover, maintaining projects that no longer reflect the quality and reliability of the Wikimedia name stands for, involves a reputational risk. An abandoned or less reliable project affects trust in the Wikimedia movement. Lastly, '''failing to sunset or reimagine projects that are no longer working can make it much harder to start new ones'''. When the community feels bound to every past decision – no matter how outdated – we risk stagnation. A healthy ecosystem must allow for evolution, adaptation, and, when necessary, letting go. If we create the expectation that every project must exist indefinitely, we limit our ability to experiment and innovate. Because of this, SPTF reviewed two requests concerning the lifecycle of the Sister Projects to work through and demonstrate the review process. We chose Wikispore as a case study for a possible new Sister Project opening and Wikinews as a case study for a review of an existing project. Preliminary findings were discussed with the CAC, and a community consultation on both proposals was recommended. === Wikispore === The [[m:Wikispore|application to consider Wikispore]] was submitted in 2019. SPTF decided to review this request in more depth because rather than being concentrated on a specific topic, as most of the proposals for the new Sister Projects are, Wikispore has the potential to nurture multiple start-up Sister Projects. After careful consideration, the SPTF has decided '''not to recommend''' Wikispore as a Wikimedia Sister Project. Considering the current activity level, the current arrangement allows '''better flexibility''' and experimentation while WMF provides core infrastructural support. We acknowledge the initiative's potential and seek community input on what would constitute a sufficient level of activity and engagement to reconsider its status in the future. As part of the process, we shared the decision with the Wikispore community and invited one of its leaders, Pharos, to an SPTF meeting. Currently, we especially invite feedback on measurable criteria indicating the project's readiness, such as contributor numbers, content volume, and sustained community support. This would clarify the criteria sufficient for opening a new Sister Project, including possible future Wikispore re-application. However, the numbers will always be a guide because any number can be gamed. === Wikinews === We chose to review Wikinews among existing Sister Projects because it is the one for which we have observed the highest level of concern in multiple ways. Since the SPTF was convened in 2023, its members have asked for the community's opinions during conferences and community calls about Sister Projects that did not fulfil their promise in the Wikimedia movement.[https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:WCNA_2024._Sister_Projects_-_opening%3F_closing%3F_merging%3F_splitting%3F.pdf <nowiki>[1]</nowiki>][https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_Community_Affairs_Committee/Sister_Projects_Task_Force#Wikimania_2023_session_%22Sister_Projects:_past,_present_and_the_glorious_future%22 <nowiki>[2]</nowiki>][https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/WikiConvention_francophone/2024/Programme/Quelle_proc%C3%A9dure_pour_ouvrir_ou_fermer_un_projet_%3F <nowiki>[3]</nowiki>] Wikinews was the leading candidate for an evaluation because people from multiple language communities proposed it. Additionally, by most measures, it is the least active Sister Project, with the greatest drop in activity over the years. While the Language Committee routinely opens and closes language versions of the Sister Projects in small languages, there has never been a valid proposal to close Wikipedia in major languages or any project in English. This is not true for Wikinews, where there was a proposal to close English Wikinews, which gained some traction but did not result in any action[https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Proposals_for_closing_projects/Closure_of_English_Wikinews <nowiki>[4]</nowiki>][https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/WikiConvention_francophone/2024/Programme/Quelle_proc%C3%A9dure_pour_ouvrir_ou_fermer_un_projet_%3F <nowiki>[5]</nowiki>, see section 5] as well as a draft proposal to close all languages of Wikinews[https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Talk:Proposals_for_closing_projects/Archive_2#Close_Wikinews_completely,_all_languages? <nowiki>[6]</nowiki>]. [[:c:File:Sister Projects Taskforce Wikinews review 2024.pdf|Initial metrics]] compiled by WMF staff also support the community's concerns about Wikinews. Based on this report, SPTF recommends a community reevaluation of Wikinews. We conclude that its current structure and activity levels are the lowest among the existing sister projects. SPTF also recommends pausing the opening of new language editions while the consultation runs. SPTF brings this analysis to a discussion and welcomes discussions of alternative outcomes, including potential restructuring efforts or integration with other Wikimedia initiatives. '''Options''' mentioned so far (which might be applied to just low-activity languages or all languages) include but are not limited to: *Restructure how Wikinews works and is linked to other current events efforts on the projects, *Merge the content of Wikinews into the relevant language Wikipedias, possibly in a new namespace, *Merge content into compatibly licensed external projects, *Archive Wikinews projects. Your insights and perspectives are invaluable in shaping the future of these projects. We encourage all interested community members to share their thoughts on the relevant discussion pages or through other designated feedback channels. === Feedback and next steps === We'd be grateful if you want to take part in a conversation on the future of these projects and the review process. We are setting up two different project pages: [[m:Public consultation about Wikispore|Public consultation about Wikispore]] and [[m:Public consultation about Wikinews|Public consultation about Wikinews]]. Please participate between 27 June 2025 and 27 July 2025, after which we will summarize the discussion to move forward. You can write in your own language. I will also host a community conversation 16th July Wednesday 11.00 UTC and 17th July Thursday 17.00 UTC (call links to follow shortly) and will be around at Wikimania for more discussions. <section end="message"/> -- [[User:Victoria|Victoria]] on behalf of the Sister Project Task Force, 20:57, 27 June 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:Johan (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Johan_(WMF)/Sister_project_MassMassage_on_behalf_of_Victoria/Target_list&oldid=28911188 --> :I definitely hate to say it but Wikinews has to be one of the most failed WMF projects. The English Wikinews is barely sustaining and I think that is fine for the timebeing, but the other Wikinews projects simply lack the editor base to actively review new news articles. It came up in tawikinews' closure proposal where their newest article dated to 2018! //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:56, 28 June 2025 (UTC) ::I think that we're meant to post that kind of thing on the Meta-Wiki project pages: [[metawiki:Public consultation about Wikispore|Public consultation about Wikispore]] and [[metawiki:Public consultation about Wikinews|Public consultation about Wikinews]]. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 22:42, 28 June 2025 (UTC) :::I'm aware; I just wanted to give out my 2c in short form – I have a longer list of suggestions planned which I'll do when I get a bit more spare time. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:44, 28 June 2025 (UTC) === General concerns === I am not a big fan of Wikinews, but one thing about the [[:meta:Proposal_for_Closing_Wikinews|report published by Sister Projects Task Force]] is concerning. This report is written in a very critical manner, namely, it does not mention that dozens if not hundreds of volunteers have spent a considerable amount of their time on developing Wikinews. The report does not mention any single good thing about their work, which does not seem fair. The report demonstrates that the current level of activity and content development at Wikinews is low (and this statement is fair), but it does not set any threshold of what would be good enough metrics for a community to deserve the resources from WMF. Moreover, the report does not attempt to analyze which steps Wikinews editors took to develop their project, and why these steps were unsuccessful. It just says: you did a bad job, so we will close you down and even deprive you of any possibility of moving Wikinews elsewhere because the name stays with Wikimedia Foundation. Wikivoyage is a smaller project too, and it would be discouraging if a similarly critical report about our work appears. It is not completely unrealistic when half of the language versions are dormant, while many others are somewhat comparable in their metrics to the most active editions of Wikinews. I think that only English Wikivoyage is clearly above that threshold, although the actual threshold is not even defined, so almost any level of activity can be deemed "low" if one wants to say so. What are your thoughts on that? --[[User:Atsirlin|Alexander]] ([[User_talk:Atsirlin|talk]]) 09:53, 28 June 2025 (UTC) :I have not been using Wikinews, so my reflections are based on the closure of Wikinews in Swedish and the current discussion, linked above. One point raised in the discussion is that the metrics chosen didn't take into account the special nature of the project. :I assume the Sister Project Task Force is right in that this kind of evaluations need to be done from time to time, but also think that the evaluations should focus on whether there are paths forward, rather than on whether the project is viable according to current trends. :Wikinews has the problem that a significant dedicated editor base i needed – Wikipedia or even Wikivoyage can stay alive and stay interesting even with no edits for a year or two, while a news outlet would loose nearly all of its readers. The coverage needs to be adequate on at least some areas (geographic or thematic) for the site to stay interesting. The critical mass needed is much larger – and that critical mass additionally needs to be able to counter people with a bias (good-faith or not) or with an agenda not aligned with the project goals – keeping touting at bay is much easier. I assume new language versions should be started only if there is hope of quickly building that critical mass. :–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 10:36, 28 June 2025 (UTC) ::Yes I do believe that LangCom has decided to suspend the creation of all new Wikinews projects for that very reason. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:46, 28 June 2025 (UTC) :Alexander, it's true "that dozens if not hundreds of volunteers have spent a considerable amount of their time on developing Wikinews", but it's also true that keeping a failing project because of past efforts is an example of [[w:en:Sunk cost fallacy]]. :I suspect that if someone made a credible proposal to move Wikinews to another host, the WMF would be be open to negotiations over the name. (But any new sponsor might prefer to come up with their own name.) [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 03:31, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::I guess my main problem is the absence of any well-defined criteria that distinguish a sustainable project from a failing one. Do you understand what these criteria are? -- [[User:Atsirlin|Alexander]] ([[User_talk:Atsirlin|talk]]) 08:35, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::A well-defined criteria that defines what a sustainable project would still heavily rely on how the project functions, though. For Wikinews, it needs to be very active and metrics that may be appropriate for Wikivoyage or Wikibooks like number of articles aren't super relevant because 20000 articles is no good if the last one was written 2 months ago (the numbers are hypothetical but my point stands). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 08:50, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I agree that the same metrics can not be applied to all sister projects, but "very active" leaves a lot of room for interpretation. Imagine someone decides that Wikivoyage is not sustainable because it contains a lot of outdated travel information that has not been updated in the last 5 years. That would be a problem... -- [[User:Atsirlin|Alexander]] ([[User_talk:Atsirlin|talk]]) 09:27, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::::We don't want well-defined criteria. There needs to be judgement on the projects actual prospects. Opening a community discussion is good, as that's a way to see whether the metrics give a correct picture – although there should be discussions with the projects before opening a discussion like this (I don't know to what extent there have been such discussions). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 20:13, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I still don't love the way the SPTF decided to mass-send these messages to every wiki without consulting the Wikinews community; it really should be up to them (and when I mean them, I mean the more active Wikinews projects such as en or ruwikinews) to decide their project's future, not the rest of us or the vast majority who don't get involved with Wikinews. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:01, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::Yes. The issues should have been raised with the projects first (not only the big ones, but all projects affected). I don't know whether that was done, but seemingly not enough, anyway. It seems the SPTF (?) wanted to introduce a more general practice of re-evaluating projects, and just chose the two as examples. They should have understood that doing it that way, without consultations, would upset people. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:40, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::TBF, there were several closure proposals before, including one for all language Wikinews. Those for major projects failed, but one can argue that this was a signal to the communities to evaluate their performance which they apparently did not get. I agree though that opening such discussion before notifying the Wikinews communities first is not really good. [[User:Ymblanter|Ymblanter]] ([[User talk:Ymblanter|talk]]) 08:54, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::They definitely should have; I hope they use this as a learning lesson because the general sentiment from the enwikinews community is quite clearly unimpressed from that discussion. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 09:01, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::Well this comment certainly [[:m:Talk:Public_consultation_about_Wikinews#c-Victoria-20250630095300-BRPever-20250629141600|aged like milk]]. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 13:59, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::Oh dear. I hope there are others in the SPTF who are more keen-eared. This risks degenerating into one more of the WMF-not-respecting-the-community affairs. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:40, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::SPTF (or Victoria, at the very least) seems so predetermined to close Wikinews that I've never heard something so blatantly biased such as "However, I expect that the wikinewsians would be in COI" – so to them I assume knowing the ins and outs of your own project is apparently a conflict of interest? It's a massive insult to non-Wikipedia based projects. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 11:04, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::I can understand her view, but I think it is misguided, and somebody in her team should get them to discuss their actual mission. If a project indeed needs to be laid down, the process needs to be lead very sensitively – and the consultation in this phase shouldn't be on whether to lay Wikinews down. It is "to work through and demonstrate the review process", "a community reevaluation" and "potential restructuring efforts". ::::::::::::The demonstration of the process has been a disaster and potential restructuring efforts require a good understanding of he project, which cannot be had without a keen-eared discussion with the communities. ::::::::::::The "re-evaluation" should be based on such potential restructuring paths, where restructuring isn't about where to dump the Wikinews content, but how to save the project, if possible. ::::::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 13:13, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::I fully agree with you about about the "re-evaluation" but the way they have been responding to community feedback feels as though they have the result pre-determined and this is merely being used as a box ticking exercise – which is why I think it's crucial that we as a fellow sister project speak up about the way this was poorly handled because who knows what they will do when it's our turn to undergo public consultations. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 14:04, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::I wrote about some concerns in [[:meta:Talk:Public consultation about Wikinews#Process and analysis seem flawed]]. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:34, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::::Cheers, {{u|LPfi}}; hopefully our project will be fine (I think it will because Wikivoyage or really any other WMF project does not have the same issues as Wikinews does of requiring an active community), but more feedback is certainly better. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 03:49, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::Whereas I agree that the process it to some extend flawed (and I agree with the points LPfi makes in the response on Meta), it would be useful to see whether some metrics used for analysis (in whatever flawed way) could be improved for Wikivoyage, so that they are out of discussion. [[User:Ymblanter|Ymblanter]] ([[User talk:Ymblanter|talk]]) 08:18, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::::::{{Ping|Victoria}} as primary author and for what I think is trenchant feedback: to the extent that this taskforce is assessing the sibling projects, it would be helpful if the individual communities knew what kind of rubric there is to grade their health. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 19:55, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::::First of all, the Taskforce in not assessing '''all''' siblings projects, the Wikispore/Wikinews was a proof-of-concept exercise. ::::::::::::::::::We used [[metawiki:Wikimedia_Foundation_Community_Affairs_Committee/Procedure_for_Sibling_Project_Lifecycle/revised|this rubric]], which was discussed in a public consultation a year ago - but didn't get much attention, because Meta is littered with documents that are never implemented. ::::::::::::::::::In the [[metawiki:Wikimedia_Foundation_Community_Affairs_Committee/Procedure_for_Sibling_Project_Lifecycle/revise|Wikispore consultation]] we ask for the proposals for the clarification of the "activity" and other criteria. [[User:Victoria|Victoria]] ([[User talk:Victoria|talk]]) 09:11, 3 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::::::::Thanks for this and thanks for letting me ping-pong you around various WMF projects with pings. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 09:38, 3 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::::::You are welcome. I'm happy to answer anywhere in English/Russian/Belarusian when there's no personal attacks involved. [[User:Victoria|Victoria]] ([[User talk:Victoria|talk]]) 10:15, 3 July 2025 (UTC) :::::I've been going through some of the stats, and "very active" is an interesting point. The defenders of the "very active" Wikinews language editions seem to be engaged overwhelmingly in copying/pasting content from suitably licensed external sites. They have turned Wikinews into mirrors for other sites, rather than writing articles. :::::Just imagine how we at Wikivoyage would react if someone here said "I am a very active Wikivoyage editor. I spend at least an hour a day copying and pasting pages from other travel websites!" [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 21:34, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::We do copy info from hotel websites and other sources, but we don't have the luxury of reliable free content written in our style. Being a channel for reliable news ''could'' be a mission of Wikinews (more or less the same way some "social media" sites do it). If so, the question is whether they can do it well enough for it to be worthwhile as a WMF project (and whether the other things they do are done well). But that's not the discussion the SPTF initiated, they chose to go by statistics instead. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 22:12, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::It was mentioned somewhere that the stats may be skewed by bots – I'm still confused on how you'd be able to tell if the stats were skewed by bots or not. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:11, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Most bots, especially most big ones, do have an appropriate user agent field in their page request, so the server logs can be used to tell apart at least those. With more advanced techniques, you can also distinguish typical bot behaviour from that of human users. There are some grey areas (such as a human using a tool other than a typical web browser, or using some script through the browser, and bots made to look like humans), but I don't think it is impossible to get quite an accurate and reliable picture of bot vs human traffic. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 10:37, 3 July 2025 (UTC) == Archive links invisible in mobile mode == Why? When I look in edit mode, I can see links to archives in [[Talk:China]], but not when I simply look at that talk page. Will Wikivoyage in mobile mode ever not suck? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:30, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :I can't answer your first question, but the answer to your latter question, as we both know, is never (we are a massive afterthought for the WMF). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:51, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::In which case, we will eventually read that the Wikimedia Foundation dropped Wikivoyage from lack of sufficient participation. Would we be able to fork in that case, or does Wikimedia own the copyright for Wikivoyage as they do for Wikinews? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:09, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::Each individual editor, including IPs/logged-out editors, owns the copyright to whatever copyrightable material they post on wiki. The Wikimedia Foundation owns the domain names and the trademarks (e.g., name and logo). Anyone who wants to fork can do so freely. The Wikimedia Foundation will sometimes even informally help people do so. The mobile site does have the links to the archives. Click on the "(i) Learn more about this page" button at the top of the page to find the "invisible" content. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 03:27, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::{{ping|Ikan Kekek}} Please don't be that fearful when Wikinews is proposed to be shut down or merged with Wikipedia. I wanted to work in the Bengali Wikinews Incubator project, but my lack of activity in recent weeks has prevented me from participating further. So, I have focused on Commons and Wikivoyage, where I am still highly active. I don't think the SPTF would suggest something similar for Wikivoyage, and I think it is actually a popular website. My static map of [[West Bengal]] is now widely shared on Facebook (both English and Bengali versions), along with an AI-generated list of places to visit in the state. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 03:35, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::::You are a superb Wikivoyage content creator! I'm not afraid in the very near term, but usage of all websites nowadays has to be mostly mobile, so if this site's mobile interface remains terrible, its eventual demise is a foregone conclusion. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:44, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::::Are you refering to the archive links that appear when I click "more about this page" at the top? :::::The issues with the mobile site exist as this project does not have '''active interface admins.''' :::::Note: The WMF has nothing to do with the content or presentation of content for this site. :::::Relevant links: :::::* https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:WikimediaMessages#Site_admin_helper :::::* https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Recommendations_for_mobile_friendly_articles_on_Wikimedia_wikis :::::[[User:Jdlrobson|Jdlrobson]] ([[User talk:Jdlrobson|talk]]) 03:09, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::Yes, "Learn more about this page." I didn't know to click that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:27, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I don't see why the WMF would have nothing to do with presentation of content on Wikivoyage. We are using MediaWiki and settings provided by the WMF, and we indeed are a WMF project. ::::::Not having active interface admins (I thought we have some) shouldn't mean too much – having technically knowledgable people locally is a bonus, it (and them dedicating time to do major work) shouldn't be a prerequisite for a WMF project. ::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:51, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::We do indeed have 5 [[Wikivoyage:Interface administrators]], which [[User:Jdlrobson]] should know, because he is one of them. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:01, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::I am an interface admin but I would not consider myself active. Maintenance of the listing editor for example causes me more anxiety than enjoyment these days. ::::::::In my time in this project I have seen quite a few complaints about the mobile experience but nobody has articulated clearly what needs improving. I personally dont think that overall it is a bad experience and the fact most of our page views are on mobile should be reassuring. That said there are templates like climate data that I think could be improved on mobile. ::::::::If you really want to improve the mobile experience I'd recommend making a wiki page with discussion of changes, proposal/consensus and then implementing them. I havent seen this sort of thing since [[Wikivoyage:Banner Expedition]]. I guarantee the majority of changes you want do not need WMF involvement but they will require discussion and community consultation. [[User:Jdlrobson|Jdlrobson]] ([[User talk:Jdlrobson|talk]]) 15:53, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::Wauterz is certainly active. Have you ever tried adding a listing or reverting more than one edit at a time in mobile mode? I'm sure we can compile a list of badness from the mobile interface. Where is the best page to put it on? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:25, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::{{u|Andyrom75}} is also fairly active on itwikivoyage. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 22:18, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::To answer the very first question of @[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]], I've noticed that the infobox has a "display:none" style that hide those boxes in mobile view. I think this style is added serverside (maybe @[[User:Jdlrobson|Jdlrobson]] you can confirm), because it's not added by the template neither by the templatestyles. :::::::::::However, as said from @[[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]], you can still see it clicking on the "(i)" button. [[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 17:09, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ckvjwu929jbiaiz166qlet04dpbw2k5 5087076 5087074 2025-07-03T10:38:56Z LPfi 79572 /* General concerns */ 5087076 wikitext text/x-wiki <div style="text-align:left; background: var( --wv-optional-color, #f4f7fa); color: var( --color-base ); border: 1px solid #abc; padding: .3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em"> <div style="text-align:center; font-size:300%; line-height: 1; padding: 10px;">'''Welcome to the pub'''</div> {{shortcut|[[WV:Pub]]|[[WV:TP]]}} [[File:QA_icon_clr.svg|right|frameless|150px|link=]] The travellers' pub is for general discussion on Wikivoyage, and the place to ask questions when you're confused, lost, afraid, tired, annoyed, thoughtful, or helpful. To start a new topic, click the "Add topic" tab, so that it gets added '''at the bottom''' of the page, and sign your post by appending four tildes (<nowiki>~~~~</nowiki>) Before asking a question or making a comment: * Have a look at our [[Wikivoyage:Help|Help]], [[Wikivoyage:FAQ|FAQ]] and [[Wikivoyage:Policies|Policies]] pages. * If you are a '''new user''' and you have any questions about using the website, try the [[Wikivoyage:Arrivals lounge|Arrivals lounge]]. * If you have a '''question or suggestion about a particular article''', use the article's [[Project:using talk pages|talk page]] to keep the discussion associated with that article. * If you'd like to '''draw attention to a comment''' to '''get feedback''' from other Wikivoyagers, try [[Wikivoyage:Requests for comment|Requests for comment]]. * If you are '''wanting travel advice on a specific matter''' see the [[Wikivoyage:Tourist office|tourist office]]. * If you have an '''issue you need to bring to the attention of an administrator''', try [[Wikivoyage:Ongoing vandalism|Ongoing vandalism]]. * If you are having a '''problem that you think has to do with the [[mw:|MediaWiki software]]''', please post that on [[phab:|Phabricator]] instead. * If you want to '''celebrate a significant contribution''' to Wikivoyage by yourself or others, hold a party at [[Project:Celebrate a contribution|Celebrate a contribution]]. * Discuss '''issues related to more than one language version''' of Wikivoyage in the [[meta:Wikivoyage/Lounge|Wikivoyage Lounge]] on Meta. * Anything that is '''Nigeria-related''' is now meant to go in the [[Wikivoyage:Nigeria café|Nigeria café]] instead. Anything that is '''Kosovo or Albania related''' is now meant to go in the [[Wikivoyage:Kosovo and Albania cafe|Kosovo and Albania café]] instead. This includes announcements, initiatives, celebrations, and issues with certain articles. You can review old Pub discussions in the [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub/Archives]]. '''Pull up a chair and join in the conversation!''' [{{fullurl:Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub|action=edit&section=new}} '''Click here to start a new thread'''] </div> {{WikivoyageDoc|collaboration}} <!-- Discussions start here --> __TOC__ __NEWSECTIONLINK__ == RfC ongoing regarding Abstract Wikipedia (and your project) == <div lang="en" dir="ltr" class="mw-content-ltr"> ''(Apologies for posting in English, if this is not your first language)'' Hello all! We opened a discussion on Meta about a very delicate issue for the development of [[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Abstract Wikipedia|Abstract Wikipedia]]: where to store the abstract content that will be developed through functions from Wikifunctions and data from Wikidata. Since some of the hypothesis involve your project, we wanted to hear your thoughts too. We want to make the decision process clear: we do not yet know which option we want to use, which is why we are consulting here. We will take the arguments from the Wikimedia communities into account, and we want to consult with the different communities and hear arguments that will help us with the decision. The decision will be made and communicated after the consultation period by the Foundation. You can read the various hypothesis and have your say at [[:m:Abstract Wikipedia/Location of Abstract Content|Abstract Wikipedia/Location of Abstract Content]]. Thank you in advance! -- [[User:Sannita (WMF)|Sannita (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Sannita (WMF)|<span class="signature-talk">{{int:Talkpagelinktext}}</span>]]) 15:27, 22 May 2025 (UTC) </div> <!-- Message sent by User:Sannita (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Sannita_(WMF)/Mass_sending_test&oldid=28768453 --> :{{re|Sannita (WMF)}} may I ask how this affects Wikivoyage when you say "some of the hypothesis involve your project"? TIA, //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:28, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::The proposed solutions mention the Wikivoyages in several places. The main issue is that an abstract article about Someplace shouldn't be rendered the same in Wikipedia and Wikivoyage. This affects also the technical solutions, such as where to store statements and functions. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:21, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::Can you explain further how we have abstract (vs. concrete?) articles on Wikivoyage? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:27, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::We don't have any abstract articles at the time being, and I assume Wikivoyage in English may choose never to have them. For smaller languages, though, it is unrealistic to cover all interesting places with proper articles. The mission of Abstract Wikipedia is to provide a framework for creating articles in a way that allows automatic translation into something at least half-way decent. It's like having listings fetch key information from Wikidata, but scaled up to complete articles (or less complete – at least lively language on personal impressions will certainly be missing for the foreseeable future). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:43, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::::I see – I still don't understand how this will fully get (even after reading the hypothesis), but I suppose it's something for smaller language projects. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 09:47, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::Hi @[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], it seems that @[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] covered most of my arguments here already, so I would just repeat them at this point. The part that interests your project refers to the hypothesis that abstract content ''might'' (but it's still not sure at the moment) be stored in a dedicated namespace of your project. But again, this ''might'' happen, and you're free to refuse to store/use abstract content to further your development. This is entirely in your right, and we do not want to force any adoption of the project without consensus. [[User:Sannita (WMF)|Sannita (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Sannita (WMF)|talk]]) 10:01, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::And yes, Abstract Wikipedia is primarily intended for projects that have so far developed a small number of articles, in order to help them accelerate their growth and hopefully provide more knowledge to their communities and recruit a higher number of volunteers. [[User:Sannita (WMF)|Sannita (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Sannita (WMF)|talk]]) 10:03, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::Sounds perfect. Thanks to both of you for explaining! //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:10, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Seconded. I understand. We should discuss in a separate thread whether it would be better to encourage, allow perhaps without comment, or disallow abstract listings on this site. I think we probably don't want abstract articles, but we should discuss that, too. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:22, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::::I can see abstract listings being useful for more obscure parts of the world for English speakers for this site at least, but overall sounds like it's something to help smaller language Wikivoyages benefit from us rather than the other way around (which is also great). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 13:30, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::I mentioned listings as we already use Wikidata for them (coordinates) and have discussed e.g. opening hours (too complicated to be workable). I don't think "abstract listings" are an option at this point – somebody needs to decide a listing is wanted and would include some manual language when adding it. We still might have some valuable insights in how – and how not – to design abstract Wikivoyage articles for them to be useful. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 14:04, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::I have two thoughts about this: ::* We need some way of separating a block of text that works for Wikipedia from a block of text that works for Wikivoyage (or another sister project). That suggests ''not'' using the English Wikipedia as the storage place for everything. The Wikipedias might all want "Jupiter is the largest planet in the Solar System. It is the fifth planet from the Sun", but if Wikivoyage were to have an article on the planet, it would probably sound a lot more like "Jupiter isn't a viable destination, but travelers interested in [[astronomy]] and [[navigation]]<nowiki/>by the stars may be interested in the Big Museum of Jupiter and the Annual Jupiter Festival". ::* I think that the English Wikivoyage could benefit from Abstract content. It's obvious that we could 'translate' our [[Wikivoyage:Star articles|Star articles]] into Abstract, and thus other Wikivoyages would benefit. However, imagine how much we could benefit if @[[User:Sannita (WMF)|Sannita (WMF)]] brought [[:it:Roma]] up to Star status, and then translated it for us to copy whatever bits we wanted in [[Rome]]. Keep in mind that while Abstract is set up to do dynamic autotranslation (e.g., always giving the latest population estimate, if the sentence says "the population of Rome is ___"), you can actually copy and paste the results as plain old text into an article. ::[[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:07, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::If I understand correctly, Abstract Wikipedia works with programming that could have been done in the 1980s, more or less like [[:w:Lsjbot|Lsjbot]]'s articles, although not confined to info found in already existing datasets. "Not a viable destination" would need to be an item to insert and translate. That article on Jupiter would have very little in common with the Wikipedia one. :::For Rome, population statistics etc. would be easy to write in abstract form, but an abstract star article would need a lot of article-specific functions, which need to be translated to get a version in another language – and lively language is hard to translate automatically (think "[[Talk#Speaking English with non-native speakers|blind and therefore insane]]"). Copying over listings would work, and a good abstract article should have a good selection of those. :::I think an abstract Wikivoyage article should focus on being reasonably complete by having ''information'': roads and trains for getting in, listings with coords, contact details and Wikidata link, and suggestions in Go next, but quite little running text, mostly identical across articles except data values (…is a village/town/city in X…), and likewise a dry list of facts in the listing "content", not like the lively writing in [[Wikivoyage:Listings#Examples|Wikivoyage:Listings]]. :::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 17:47, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::As Wikivoyage has generally has more structured articles than Wikipedia, I think that we could make use of an Abstract Wikivoyage. Two areas look like possible starting points: listings and the phrases in phrasebooks. ::::If a tool could create an abstract version of a listing that exists in another language, then the listing could be offered when editing the same section of an article here - "Would you like to add a listing for the Lawnmower Museum?". Some parts of listing could be updated in all languages when edited in one - we would show the last updated entry price for the museum whatever language it was edited in. A difficult part is identifying when listing elements are language specific - we may use a different url from another WV to point to a page in English, and we don't care that the museum has labels translated into Spanish. ::::In English WV we have a standard set of phrases for phrasebooks, and most phrasebooks keep fairly closely to this list. This list is also the basis for phrasebooks in some other language WVs. It would appear to be reasonably straightforward to scan the existing phrases to create an abstract phrasebook, but inconsistencies would need to be reviewed. There are about 300 phrasebooks in English, 50 in German and 20 in Polish. Maybe we can use this to offer over 200 phrasebooks in Polish. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:44, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::::For listings, yes, the abstract versions would be easy to create. For the name, we only need to identify the native name, its romanisation, and the language of translated names. There are already structures for all this in Wikidata; also "official URL" has a language attribute. Amenities of hotels can likewise easily be described. Nothing will be automatically fetched, so no worries about info irrelevant for English speakers. What is hard to do is the lively language of the examples I linked above. :::::For phrasebooks, I am not sure it is that easy, or rather whether creating an abstract phrasebook helps compared to just translating the template and using a dictionary (or whatever way you otherwise use for getting translations). Grammar and pronunciation sections needs to be written with the audience's language knowledge in mind, and translations of phrases need to be done with some understanding of the context, thus mostly manually. For a good phrasebook, you also need to note peculiarities in the relation with the target language, such as the liberty/liberté etc. now added to the French and Italian phrasebook and warnings for specific false friends. :::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 04:57, 27 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::I think phrasebooks is one of those things (along with travel topics) where it's more or less impossible to create an abstract version of. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 05:23, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::Why do you think that? :::::::We can already write things like "{{#invoke:wd|label|Q98815142}}, a {{#invoke:wd|label|Q81727}} of {{#invoke:wd|label|Q8486}}, {{#invoke:wd|label|Q26175857}}" by invoking Wikidata. It would require expansion (e.g., to add "a" and "an"), but it doesn't seem impossible in principle, at least for simpler sentences. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:24, 27 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::The question is whether there is any point of doing that. If every phrase has to be purpose-translated, then why not just write the non-abstract phrasebook? The point with the abstract articles is that there are standard phrases that can be used across articles, such as words for amenities you will find in many hotels. For the phrasebook phrases, the question is whether the same Sámi phrase would suite the phrasebook in English and the one in Latvian (or whatever). ::::::::When the English phrase is translated differently depending on context, some commentary needs to be added (formal/informal, feminine/masculine). This commentary is redundant or awkward in languages that make the same distinction, possibly treating the two (or more) forms as totally unrelated (the person is deceased, the cow is dead). ::::::::For the cup of tea, you may need to word that differently depending on whether you are a man or woman, and whether the one you are asking for the cup is a waiter, the café owner, your host or your host's young child. ::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 20:59, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::::Perhaps an example would show what I was thinking of: :::::::::In [[French phrasebook]], we have: :::::::::; How much is a ticket to _____? : Combien coûte le billet pour _____ ? (''kom-BYAN koot luh bee-YEH poor'') :::::::::; One ticket to _____, please. : Un billet pour _____, s'il vous plaît. (''ung bee-YEH poor ____ seel voo pleh'') :::::::::On Polish WV there is [[:pl:Rozmówki francuskie]], their French Phrasebook. :::::::::;Ile kosztuje bilet do...? : Combien coûte le billet pour...? :::::::::;Poproszę jeden bilet do... : Un billet pour..., je vous prie. :::::::::We also have [[Finnish phrasebook]], which has: :::::::::; How much is a ticket to _____? : Paljonko maksaa lippu _____in? (''PAHL-yonk-aw MAHK-sah LEEP-poo _____?'') :::::::::So I think that a Finnish phrasebook on the Polish WV, could have :::::::::;Ile kosztuje bilet do...? : Paljonko maksaa lippu _____in? (''PAHL-yonk-aw MAHK-sah LEEP-poo _____?'') :::::::::"One ticket to" is not exactly the same (translating the French used in Polish, it is saying "I beg you" rather than "please"), so this phase would require some manual adjustments when it was abstracted. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:24, 27 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::I don't think that the idea with Abstract is to program in "please", but rather to swap in whichever word or phrase is used in that language to indicate politeness and respect while making a request. ::::::::::We already have a [[mw:Help:Magic words#gender|software switch for gender]], so this is not some miraculous future tech; this is an expansion of what has been possible for years. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 01:39, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::For Finnish, there is no word or phrase that indicates politeness, but one often uses the conditional (?) verb form instead. In some cases one would just use that word form in the phrase (in the Finnish phrasebooks and in phrasebooks for Finnish) – but here the question is instead with no sign of politeness, which is common in that language. Something like "could you" is problematic as most languages make a distinction between thou and you. I think the common cases can be handled decently, but for less well-known language families – those that benefit most from the abstract articles – the edge cases will be more common. It is likely that abstract phrasebook have to be tweaked for specific languages to avoid the odd case of very problematic renderings. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:02, 28 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::In Malay, there are two words for "please" that have different meanings and are used in different contexts. There are also two words for "we" that have different meanings. Etc. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:34, 30 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::I would expect all the foreign phrases to be reproduced exactly as they were in the existing phrasebook(s) that they were taken from. Ideally the left side phrases would also be exact reproductions, unless they were used to create a phrasebook to be part of a WV that doesn't currently have any phrasebooks; but it is less of an issue if the left side doesn't read perfectly. I am assuming that an Abstract Wikivoyage would have some mechanism for handling quoted text, as this is essential for reproducing the exact words used in famous speeches etc, and will be required for abstract Wikipedia and Wikiquote etc. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 14:06, 30 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::{{re|WhatamIdoing}} LPfi's basically explained why I don't think abstract phrasebooks will work. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:25, 27 May 2025 (UTC) == Adding images to the Infobox template == {{Infobox/sandbox|Infobox sandbox test|Nutritious, filling content goes here. |image=Dessert_Merlion_Singapore_Cafe_Kaya_Toast.jpg |caption=Yum yum!}} I've hacked up [[Template:Infobox/sandbox]] which add new <code>image/caption</code> parameters, so you can easily add an image to your infoboxen instead of trying to manually hack it in. Example: <pre> {{Infobox/sandbox |Infobox sandbox test |Nutritious, filling content goes here. |image=Dessert_Merlion_Singapore_Cafe_Kaya_Toast.jpg |caption=Yum yum!}} </pre> If there's no objections, I'll roll this out to the main Infobox template, the params are optional so it shouldn't break anything. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 06:02, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :{{support}} &ndash; Will be useful for articles like [[India]] and [[Kolkata]], which already use images in infoboxes. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 06:15, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :This is a tangent, but I think we should consider renaming that template, or at least changing its Wikidata links. Wikivoyage doesn't do Wikipedia-style infoboxes. These are just simple boxes, more like pull quotes or boxed warnings. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:29, 27 May 2025 (UTC) ::Change the Wikidata link, but keep the name. It is an infobox, although not a Wikipedia-style one. Of course, if somebody comes up with a better name, then I won't object. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:06, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :::{{ping|WhatamIdoing|LPfi}} Maybe {{tl|Info}} can be used instead of {{tl|Infobox}}. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 02:40, 28 May 2025 (UTC) ::::For us, this is an infobox, not just info. I wouldn't support such changes just to conform. Somebody who wants a Wikipedia-style infobox should just be directed to {{tl|quickbar}}, and somebody who tries to use {{tl|infobox}} quickly sees that it isn't what they are looking for. A see also for the former is more useful than a name change. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:11, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :::::I'll fix the Wikidata links so that {{tl|quickbar}} is matched with the Wikipedia-style infoboxes, and {{tl|infobox}} isn't. I'm not sure what our {{tl|infobox}} should be matched to; I don't think that enwiki has anything similar. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:28, 28 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::...No, that won't work. {{tl|Quickbar}} matches "Infobox Country". I'll remove the {{tl|infobox}} links. That much is certainly correct. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:29, 28 May 2025 (UTC) (undent) I've deployed the new version. I had to tweak it a bit to stop it from adding extra padding when the new params are not used, but it should be OK now, please ping me if not. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 07:58, 28 May 2025 (UTC) == Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees 2025 Selection & Call for Questions == <section begin="announcement-content" /> :''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Announcement/Selection announcement|{{int:interlanguage-link-mul}}]] • [https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Translate&group=page-{{urlencode:Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Announcement/Selection announcement}}&language=&action=page&filter= {{int:please-translate}}]'' Dear all, This year, the term of 2 (two) Community- and Affiliate-selected Trustees on the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees will come to an end [1]. The Board invites the whole movement to participate in this year’s selection process and vote to fill those seats. The Elections Committee will oversee this process with support from Foundation staff [2]. The Governance Committee, composed of trustees who are not candidates in the 2025 community-and-affiliate-selected trustee selection process (Raju Narisetti, Shani Evenstein Sigalov, Lorenzo Losa, Kathy Collins, Victoria Doronina and Esra’a Al Shafei) [3], is tasked with providing Board oversight for the 2025 trustee selection process and for keeping the Board informed. More details on the roles of the Elections Committee, Board, and staff are here [4]. Here are the key planned dates: * May 22 – June 5: Announcement (this communication) and call for questions period [6] * June 17 – July 1, 2025: Call for candidates * July 2025: If needed, affiliates vote to shortlist candidates if more than 10 apply [5] * August 2025: Campaign period * August – September 2025: Two-week community voting period * October – November 2025: Background check of selected candidates * Board’s Meeting in December 2025: New trustees seated Learn more about the 2025 selection process - including the detailed timeline, the candidacy process, the campaign rules, and the voter eligibility criteria - on this Meta-wiki page [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025|[link]]]. '''Call for Questions''' In each selection process, the community has the opportunity to submit questions for the Board of Trustees candidates to answer. The Election Committee selects questions from the list developed by the community for the candidates to answer. Candidates must answer all the required questions in the application in order to be eligible; otherwise their application will be disqualified. This year, the Election Committee will select 5 questions for the candidates to answer. The selected questions may be a combination of what’s been submitted from the community, if they’re alike or related. [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Questions_for_candidates|[link]]] '''Election Volunteers''' Another way to be involved with the 2025 selection process is to be an Election Volunteer. Election Volunteers are a bridge between the Elections Committee and their respective community. They help ensure their community is represented and mobilize them to vote. Learn more about the program and how to join on this Meta-wiki page [[m:Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Election_volunteers|[link].]] Thank you! [1] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2022/Results [2] https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Committee:Elections_Committee_Charter [3] https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Resolution:Committee_Membership,_December_2024 [4] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections_committee/Roles [5] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/FAQ [6] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Questions_for_candidates Best regards, Victoria Doronina Board Liaison to the Elections Committee Governance Committee<section end="announcement-content" /> [[User:MediaWiki message delivery|MediaWiki message delivery]] ([[User talk:MediaWiki message delivery|talk]]) 03:08, 28 May 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:RamzyM (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Distribution_list/Global_message_delivery&oldid=28618011 --> == Medium [[Main Page]] overhaul proposal == Since my [[Talk:Main_Page#Help_needed_with_tweaking_visual_balance_of_the_main_page|request for input and support]] on Talk:Main Page went mostly unnoticed, I'm bringing this proposal to the pub to ensure it gets the daylight it should have, as these are proposals to change the look of a rather important page. Here's the backstory: For longer than [[WV:Vector 2022|Vector 2022]] has been around, I've been bothered by the balance of elements on the main page. The new skin only did it injustices, so I've taken it upon myself to mend the shortcomings of the main page in my quest to make Wikivoyage work in Vector 2022. This all so our site looks a bit more appealing in the new skin. I know many regular editors stuck with their old preferred skins when we got the new skin imposed on us, but this still is something that will affect Wikivoyage's appeal to new editors and readers. If the main page looks chaotic and messy, they'll be less likely to stick around. So to each and every editor, <u>regardless</u> of which skin you use: Please chime in! That being said, these are the changes I have developed, and have ready to deploy: * '''Wider {{tl|Mapbanner}}:''' Some small tweaks to the template which make it use all the page width available to it, and moves the globe image and image map accordingly. * '''Centred JCaroussel:''' For the same reason, to make better use of the width on the main page, I've got some CSS changes to the JCaroussel ready that center the featured articles. Scaling them up to simply be full page width I have found to be too tedious to bother with. * '''Overhauled {{tl|Banner}}:''' Vector 2022's scaleable font plays too much with the banners for featured articles to where sometimes the blurb isn't even entirely visible. In the same process, I've simplified the way in which this template is used for each category, foregoing the need for a 'section' and 'section-link' parameter, replacing them with a 'type' parameter. Its style is mostly in keeping with the existing banners and should simplify the process for featuring articles more than it complicates them. What do these changes look like? In the case of {{tl|Mapbanner}}, I cannot easily give a working demonstration as its stylesheet currently overwrites any changes I make to it. Instead, [https://i.imgur.com/6mAMkfG.png this image] is the best I can offer. You'll have to take my word for its functionality being unchanged. The centred JCaroussel and overhauled {{tl|Banner}} can be seen and interacted with [[User:Wauteurz/Banner|on this page]]. I've done my best to ensure that these changes are in keeping with Wikivoyage's current main page style. I know that entire overhauls are not that popular, so I hope these proposals are good enough. I am looking for a broad consensus to roll out at least the first two changes, but ideally all three. I don't feel comfortable rolling some of these changes out with only two people expressing support for them. Please, throw your questions and concerns in my direction, and I hope we can together fix what I consider to be the biggest remaining issue with Vector 2022. Thank you in advance. <br/> <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 14:19, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :{{Support}} as the developer of these changes. Vector 2022 dictates how new readers and editors get presented our site, and with its current chaotic and undependable nature, something ''has'' to be done. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 14:20, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :{{ping|Wauteurz}} Any idea for better responsive design of the Wikivoyage main page, as more people access our pages via phone than PC? '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 14:47, 28 May 2025 (UTC) ::@[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]] For clarity, these changes only affect the appearance on desktop devices. The changes to JCaroussel also apply in Minerva (mobile), but due to screen size limitations they won't have an effect in most cases. My main goal is overseeing the damage caused by Vector 2022's roll-out on Wikivoyage. Since mobile devices use Minerva, I mostly leave the mobile appearance alone. ::As for my thoughts on mobile, I don't think any of the regular editors have any experience in mobile design, let alone responsive mobile design, so I'm mostly wondering why it's responsive in the first place. I'd personally suggest removing the responsive elements (mostly the feature banners) and replacing them with DotM, OtBP and FTT in simple presentations akin to Picture of the Day and Media of the Day on Commons' main page. The 3:1 banners also are a big problem in my eyes. They're far too short to work on mobile, and I think a square or tall ratio would work leagues better in a mobile format. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 15:31, 28 May 2025 (UTC) *{{s}} very much agree that these changes will be needed sooner than later. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 18:48, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :'''Support'''. Thanks for doing this! As a choosing beggar, I would love to see the mobile front page fixed as well though, the DOTM banner is completely broken at the moment and the padding/spacing of the entire page is wonky at best. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 00:03, 29 May 2025 (UTC) :'''Question''' for all involved: The new banner uses some icons to depict the category that the article is featured in (i.e., [[:File:Yes Check Circle.svg|DotM]], [[:File:Right turn icon blue.svg|OtBP]] and [[:File:Writing Circle.svg|FTT]]). I assume that we wish to keep these instead of the placeholder icons I have used? I'll be working on adapting those into simple white icons, which should be pretty straight-forward. If we wish to change them in future, then that can always be done afterwards. Having the icons consistent between {{tl|Banner}} and {{tl|Pagebanner}} would be for the better, I reckon :) :I am currently aiming to roll these updates out this weekend (June 7/8), just in time for the next featured article change. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 23:55, 1 June 2025 (UTC) ::Update: Making and updating the icons was pretty straight-forward indeed: [[Special:Diff/5071035|Diff/5071035]] <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 00:20, 2 June 2025 (UTC) :'''Support'''. Lots of good improvements! Just make sure to fix the "Off the Beaten Path" link to point to a real page. [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 15:10, 2 June 2025 (UTC) ::{{Done}}. Thanks for spotting that one! <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 15:19, 2 June 2025 (UTC) {{Done}}! Thank you everyone for your support! I've gone ahead and pushed these changes just now. I've naturally updated the usages of {{tl|banner}} on the Main Page and DOTM-Candidates as well. If there's any issues arising from this roll-out, please let me know. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 11:34, 7 June 2025 (UTC) :Awesome! That looks great to me. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 11:46, 7 June 2025 (UTC) == FYI: 10 Travel Tips From Experts Who’ve Been Everywhere == https://www.carryology.com/travel/10-travel-tips-from-experts-whove-been-everywhere/ —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 09:05, 30 May 2025 (UTC) == Tourist office problem == I tried to ask a question in the [[Wikivoyage:Tourist office]], and I replied to it with another question, but I can't see any of it except in edit mode and don't understand why. I used the form on that page to ask the first question. What I want to know is which side of the train to sit on for Amtrak trips between Montreal and Plattsburgh, NY and between Plattsburgh and Saratoga Springs, even if the answers come too late for me to use them. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:24, 30 May 2025 (UTC) :When you click "Ready? Ask a new question!", should the form on the next page require the "Subject:" field to not be empty? Or at least have a placeholder subject text? :I also see someone else's question about Cancun that got ignored, because it's tacked on the end of the previous section. [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 20:42, 1 June 2025 (UTC) ::I guess the problem is that I didn't see the subject field in my mobile phone interface. Is there a way to improve that? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:58, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :::It looks like you can set a default subject value with the InputBox 'default=' parameter. Maybe give it something like "Question from ~~<noinclude></noinclude>~"? I'm not sure how to change the "Subject:" label styling. :::Should the Tourist Office behave more like a Talk page, with an Add Topic button leading to a visual editor? [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 23:44, 2 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I'd support that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:48, 2 June 2025 (UTC) :::::[https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:DiscussionTools It looks like adding a "NEWSECTIONLINK" line is the magic to enable the visual editor on a page.] [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:InputBox There's also a usedt=true parameter to InputBox to make it use the visual editor by default.] :::::It seems to work in this sandbox I set up: [[User:Gerode/Tourist_office_sandbox]] [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 17:48, 5 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I went ahead and applied these two changes. Let me know if I broke anything, or if there's anything else odd about the Tourist office. [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 16:22, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ==Move request== You are invited to participate at [[Talk:Bangalore#Bangalore to Bengaluru]], which can affect the articles [[Bangalore]] and [[Bangalore Rural]], and the category [[:Category:Bangalore]]. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 08:19, 31 May 2025 (UTC) == AfriVoyage == Hi everyone! 👋 My name is [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvin Ategyeka]] from Uganda, and I’ve just launched a new project called '''AfriVoyage'''. It’s a WikiVoyage-focused initiative to document African travel destinations using local perspectives. Our pilot is starting in Uganda, with the goal of improving content and training youth contributors. You can follow the project on Meta-Wiki here: [[meta:AfriVoyage]] I would love your thoughts, guidance, and support. Thanks in advance! <small>unsigned comment by [[User:Alvinategyeka]]</small> :Welcome, Alvin. Wikivoyage really needs more African content, especially if provided by people with local knowledge. Your project will be supported from regular contributors like me. Please let us know how we can help. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:41, 31 May 2025 (UTC) :[[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]], I think you will be a more successful leader if you improve some articles yourself, before you invite anyone else to join you. We'd be happy to help you. :For example, one mistake that we see people making is copying Wikipedia articles here. A Wikipedia article will sound something like "Semuliki National Park is a national park in Bwamba County, a remote part of the Bundibugyo District in the Western Region of Uganda that was established in October 1993". This is the wrong approach here. A Wikivoyage article should have a [[Wikivoyage:Tone|lively tone]]. The beginning of a good Wikivoyage article might sound something like this: :* '''Semuliki National Park''' in [[Western Uganda]] is the only place you can visit a true lowland tropical forest in all of East Africa. This beautiful national park is a birdwatcher's delight, and more than 400 species of butterflies can be found inside the park's borders. :If you feel at the English Wikipedia that you have to suppress your natural style to be as dull as possible, then you'll like Wikivoyage because it allows your enthusiasm to shine in between the facts. We need the facts ("best restaurant" isn't nearly as helpful as saying how it's the best, like "good menu for vegetarians" or "artisan-quality bushera"), but we don't want a boring style. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 18:14, 31 May 2025 (UTC) ::Thank you very much and thanks for the guidance. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 13:27, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :Thank You very much. I have 6 years experience contributing to Wikimedia projects but I feel I need a new challenge and the only project that I had not explored yet always wanted to contribute to is Wiki Voyage. Am a tourism lover and i have travelled extensively in Uganda and East Africa. I hope this project will encourage more African Communities to contribute to Wiki Voyage. I will appreciate all guidance rendered. Thank You. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 13:32, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :Thank you very much, hoping to connect with you for more guidance. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 13:35, 1 June 2025 (UTC) ::Sure, and thank you for taking on this opportunity and challenge! In addition to the great advice you've been given above, I think you'll find [[Welcome, Wikipedians]] very useful. For anyone who participates in this project, some additional pages that I'd consider to provide the most important guidelines and explanatory pages on this site include [[Wikivoyage:What is an article]], [[Wikivoyage:The traveller comes first]], [[Wikivoyage:Article skeleton templates]], [[Wikivoyage:Copyleft]], [[Wikivoyage:Don't tout]], and [[Wikivoyage:Breadcrumb navigation]]. ::It is absolutely '''not''' a prerequisite for anyone to read any of these before contributing here! However, you, as organizer, should read these pages, because you will then be able to distill the most important characteristics of the site for others who are enthusiastic about contributing but not yet familiar with the site, and another important thing is that once you've read or at least skipped through these pages, you can ask us questions. ::I love the fact that you contacted us before the official launch of the project. In the past, projects that were begun on a large scale without any notice to us presented huge issues relating to the policies laid out in the pages I linked for you. ::Thanks again, and we very much look forward to working with you and your colleagues! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:36, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :::Thanks for the resources and guidance. I have been reading and researching about Wiki Voyage and what you have added will guide me more. I will contact you for further guidance in order to move the project forward. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 15:52, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :Thanks a lot. i look forward to working with you and seeking guidance to move the project forward. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 15:54, 1 June 2025 (UTC) == Evora's page banner on wikidata == I noticed [[Evora]]'s page banner does not exist in wikidata. I was unable to add it there. Would someone show me how to proceed, please? [[User:Claude van der Grift|Claude van der Grift]] ([[User talk:Claude van der Grift|talk]]) 18:31, 31 May 2025 (UTC) :[[d:Q179948|Évora]]'s banner is already defined on Wikidata since 2013, so moving it over isn't necessary. Regardless, you'd add a banner to a Wikidata item by adding a statement using [[d:P948|P948 (page banner)]]. Simply add the file name without the "File:" prefix but with the file extension as its value, and clicking publish. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 20:28, 31 May 2025 (UTC) ::Evora's Wikidata page is semi-protected, so you can't edit if you have made less than 50 edits on Wikidata. As already said, there is no need to edit it, as it is already using the banner from Wikidata. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 21:47, 31 May 2025 (UTC) :::Thank for your explanations {{U|AlasdairW}}. Unfortunately I mistook [[:d:Q179948|Evora]] for [[:d:Q243849|Elvas]]. The latter has no page banner. Sure I have more than 50 edits on wikidata. I forgot to say that I'm editing only by my smartphone. [[User:Claude van der Grift|Claude van der Grift]] ([[User talk:Claude van der Grift|talk]]) 15:00, 1 June 2025 (UTC) == FYI: Planning a Trip? AI Will Do That For You == https://www.thrillist.com/travel/nation/ai-travel-apps —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 07:04, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :I wonder whether we can design an AI tool that can fetch info from Wikivoyage and make a summary for you. That can replace the burden of manual summary writing by Wikivoyagers. Of course, Wikivoyage articles should be curated by humans, with AI summarizing them. I want to suggest this to Wikipedians as well, but I have been blocked there since 2021, and I mostly work on the Bengali Wikipedia. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 07:11, 1 June 2025 (UTC) == Wikivoyage and OsmAnd app == I am looking into making it easier to walk [[Stockholm Archipelago Trail]] and have found the [[w:en:OsmAnd]] app useful '''my question''' is there any good examples when those to domains works good together? - –––– [[User:Salgo60|Salgo60]] ([[User talk:Salgo60|talk]]) 07:43, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :As a regular OsmAnd user, I don't believe so to the best of my knowledge. :( //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 05:25, 4 June 2025 (UTC) ::I started using OsmAnd several months ago, and I have been playing around with the Wikivoyage integration since. I spend a lot of time in a major city with a Guide-level article and I find the integration useful there. I haven't tried it with an itinerary. My first thought is to pull up a [https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Category:Guide_itineraries Guide] or [https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Category:Star_itineraries Star] itinerary for a place you've been before and see what the OsmAnd experience is like. [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 16:08, 4 June 2025 (UTC) == Improving this project with little to no knowledge of English == It's been a while since I've posted anything major on the pub, but one of the things I'm quite pleased with the way we do things here is the fact that we are ''very'' open and accommodating to users who can't speak or speak English with a large length of difficulty. We don't have any policies forcing the use of English in discussions and if someone has shown a genuine interest in the project, it isn't unorthodox for someone to go out of their way and respond in another language they know on this site. It comes back to when {{ping|Andyrom75}} told me on itwikivoyage (around when itwikivoyage hit 10k articles, iirc) that it's possible to contribute to Wikivoyage without really knowing the language – and it's true. Most of my activity on itwikivoyage has since been doing minor fixes, adding listings with no description (since you don't need to know the language to add listings, opening hours, urls, address and such), removing closed businesses/out of date info, fixing dead links and the like. Since many of our articles also follow a similar structured format, it's very easy to contribute to the site so long as you're aware of your limitations. Some ideas I had in mind to perhaps make this wiki even more inviting to those who might not have the English skills necessary to contribute text but still want to help: * A community written guide on this, similar to [[Wikivoyage:Welcome, business owners]], [[Wikivoyage:Welcome, locals]] or [[Wikivoyage:Welcome, Wikipedians]] * Finish [[User:SHB2000/admins table]], move to the Wikivoyage namespace, add the table to [[Wikivoyage:Administrators]], and add any advanced perms from other WMF projects. ** Perhaps also make a similar table for non-admins who are reasonably active on this site. More thoughts and ideas would be appreciated – even better if we can facilitate this on other language Wikivoyages. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:11, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :Contribute in another language version of Wikvoyage it's just a matter of willingness and time. For a certain amount of time. For few years I've supported sv:voy without knowing any word in Swedish :-D Nowadays unfortunately I don't have enough time, so I can only concentrate it on it:voy :-( :PS your support on it:voy @[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] is always extremely appreciated! :-) [[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 17:14, 4 June 2025 (UTC) ::I occasionally do the same kind of thing at the Haitian Creole Wikipedia. I can't write in the language, but I can check a maintenance category and fix the wikitext errors there. ::Based on my experience, I'd say that there are two main opportunities for contribution: ::* 'technical' contributions, such as fixing wikitext or broken URLs ::* language-agnostic contributions, such as adding phone numbers, websites, and lat/long coordinates to listings; adding images that require no caption or only a simple/obvious one (e.g., "Disneyland" or "Town Name Church"); removing listings for closed restaurants, etc. ::@[[User:Piotrus|Piotrus]] might have some ideas about which tasks are easiest for his English-language learners to do. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 22:48, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :::Yeah this very much explains it in a nutshell. :) //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:13, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :::@[[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] Indeed, some of my ESL students have effectively only a beginner level of English at best. These days, machine translation is getting good enough to understand a lot, and contribute text that's "mostly ok". It will only get better as AI tools and student use of them improve. Anyway, you can see my activities for students at [[User:Hanyangprofessor2]] [[User:Piotrus|Piotrus]] ([[User talk:Piotrus|talk]]) 01:12, 5 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I have added images that I have taken to many different language variants of Wikipedia. I use Google translate for the text and and hope that a native user if that language will make any corrections. [[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 11:22, 5 June 2025 (UTC) :::::I recently added a listing about Japan in [https://ja.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=%E6%88%90%E7%94%B0%E5%B8%82&diff=52846&oldid=50973 ja.voy] despite not knowing Japanese. The listing editor really makes it simple to improve an article. Last week I presented [[wikidata:Event:Wikidata_and_Sister_Projects#Friday,_May_30th|a Wikidata talk about Listing Editor]] and mentioned that it's a really good gateway to get more contributors. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 15:58, 5 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::The Listing Editor really does! Particularly because they're very standardised across most language Wikivoyages, so the only "bad" listing editor is a malfunctioning/broken listing editor. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:27, 21 June 2025 (UTC) == Linking Wikicommons == I am documenting the Stockholm Archipelago Trail and have uploaded more than [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Stockholm_Archipelago_Trail 3,000 pictures] / [https://wikimap.toolforge.org/?cat=Stockholm_Archipelago_Trail&subcats=true&subcatdepth=4&cluster=false Wikimap] from the trail to Wikimedia Commons. For example, the section Nåttarö will be documented on Wikivoyage here: [[Stockholm_Archipelago_Trail#SAT_Nåttarö]] and is on Wikicommons [https://wikimap.toolforge.org/?cat=SAT_N%C3%A5ttar%C3%B6&subcats=true&subcatdepth=3&cluster=false WIkimap] 1) What is the policy regarding linking to a trail on Wikicommons? I believe such links add significant value by helping readers better understand the trail conditions. Additionally, I see 360-degree images as a step forward in enhancing navigation and exploration, making it easier for users to visualize the terrain. Additionally, 2) I have used Mapillary for one section. Is there a specific policy on linking Mapillary content? For instance, Stockholm Archipelago Trail’s Landsort section is partially represented on [https://www.mapillary.com/app/user/salgo601?lat=58.737857&lng=17.865676&z=17&pKey=1060410682654434 Mapillary pKey=1060410682654434] Would appreciate any guidance on this. Thanks! [[User:Salgo60|Salgo60]] ([[User talk:Salgo60|talk]]) 14:26, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :The use of a limited number of thumbnails from Commons is normal. See [[Wikivoyage:Image policy]]. Otherwise, links are normally through Wikidata: please read [[Wikivoyage:Sister project links]]. For guidelines on third-party links outside Wikimedia, see [[Wikivoyage:External links]], but the answer to your 2nd question is that such links are normally not allowed except to primary sources (for example, the website of a listed restaurant, hotel, museum, etc.) and are subject to deletion. However, Wikivoyage policies and guidelines are always open to discussion, so start a thread at the most relevant guideline article's talk page if you'd like to argue for a change. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:40, 4 June 2025 (UTC) ::thanks but dont the community see the added value? especially when documenting a walking trail it can be good to better understand how steep steep is....- [[User:Salgo60|Salgo60]] ([[User talk:Salgo60|talk]]) 14:54, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :::If you don't like my suggestion of starting a discussion thread on the appropriate policy page's talk page, where you can document the indispensability of Mapillary as your argument for a policy change, you can argue for an exception to policy on [[Talk:Stockholm Archipelago Trail]], but you can't get either a policy change or an exception by arguing in the Pub. But if you're asking for my opinion on why there has been no specific consideration of Mapillary, I'd speculate it's because most of us have never heard of it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:15, 4 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I've heard of Mapillary – I appreciate they're open source and licensed under CC-BY SA, but they're indirectly a competitor to Commons –&nbsp;if you can upload a photo to Mapillary, you can upload it to Commons. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 07:28, 5 June 2025 (UTC) :::::The difference is that you traverse a route on Mapillary its connected 360 pictures I am not an expert but [https://www.mapillary.com/app/?lat=58.737746&lng=17.865677&z=17&pKey=1848345639040650&x=0.46081730421230177&y=0.5976337053747495&zoom=0&focus=photo click on forward on this] its from me walking [[SAT_Landsort]] :::::* they support 360 pictures much better than Wikicommons :::::* [https://www.mapillary.com/showcase OsmAnd and Open Street Map use them] :::::[[User:Salgo60|Salgo60]] ([[User talk:Salgo60|talk]]) 19:08, 7 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::One issue is that of privacy. I might trust the WMF, but I don't want to research the privacy policy and trustworthiness of a third party. Checking the website of a hotel where I intend to sleep is one thing, a Wikivoyage page being dependent on a third party is very different. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:58, 7 June 2025 (UTC) :For Wikimedia Commons (that's their name), you can link a category or gallery via Wikidata. On a gallery page you can show all the most relevant images, with explanatory text and a layout of your liking. The rest of the images would be easily found in the category. Is that what you are looking for in your first question? –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 22:04, 7 June 2025 (UTC) == I had an edit flagged as destructive because my account isn't very old == I was trying to remove information related to crossing the border into Azerbaijan from the Baku page (it's been closed since 2020 and the only way in is via air), but trying to delete a lot of content on a new account flagged me as a vandal. If someone has permissions to view the changes, and would be willing to check on those changes, thank you very much :) [[User:MagnumDahng|MagnumDahng]] ([[User talk:MagnumDahng|talk]]) 09:32, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :{{re|MagnumDahng}} Can you try removing the outdated content once again? I've temporarily disabled the filters; let me know once you've removed everything that you intended to. Sorry for the extra inconvenience. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:04, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::It worked. ::No worries. I understand why it's there :) [[User:MagnumDahng|MagnumDahng]] ([[User talk:MagnumDahng|talk]]) 10:15, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :::Perfect, I've re-enabled the filters; thanks again for the updates! :) //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:36, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ==Does WV need a policy for descriptions of living people?== Wikivoyage is a travel guide and not intended to be a collection of biographies. Still, travel topics and itineraries might mention important individuals, such as explorers, artists, monarchs, and politicians. [[Wikivoyage:What is an article?]] discourages from creating an article for a living celebrity, as these are more difficult to finish than articles for [[Christopher Columbus]], [[Frank Lloyd Wright]] or [[Astrid Lindgren]]. Articles such as [[Presidents of the United States]] and [[Monarchy of the United Kingdom]] describe living individuals who have not concluded their careers, and they are certainly controversial. When writing [[Jewish Stockholm tour]], [[Stockholm environmentalist tour]] and [[Nordic monarchies]], a couple of famous living people came to mind, but I found it advisable to mention them as briefly as possible. Which general principles should we follow? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:58, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :It looks like [[foundation:BLP]] encourages us to have a formal policy, even if there isn't much to say. [[Project:Don't be evil]], maybe? :We already have [[Wikivoyage:Photographs of identifiable people]] and [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#People in photos]], which discourage photos of people. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 20:36, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::I'd support a policy for the same reason. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 11:40, 11 June 2025 (UTC) :I think this is largely not that relevant to a travel guide, but it is actually common to have "Maps of the Stars" or tours of celebrity homes in the Los Angeles region, which to me is completely crazy and behavior that should not be encouraged. Considering Whatamidoing's point about the WMF encouraging this kind of documentation, I think having a guideline/policy is wise. Good thinking. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 21:00, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::Yeah, I would absolutely oppose any article for a tour that takes people to the homes of celebrities who would rather be private in their own homes. If this kind of tour existed in New York, New Yorkers would be up in arms about it and pressing the City Council to pass a law about it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:35, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::The page and section about photos say very little, mostly discouraging photos of yourself, which isn't what this is about. [[commons:Project:Photographs of identifiable people]] says a lot more and should probably be followed also regarding locally uploaded pictures. None of those three says anything about text about people (other than that captions shouldn't be defamatory). ::I think we probably shouldn't write a policy unless there are real issues. We have no reason to write about most people, and it seems common sense, like what Yvwv showed above, works reasonably well. Writing a policy opens up for loopholes and wikilawyering. ::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:50, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :::I wonder if our "BLP policy" could be a section in our existing [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]] policy. Basically, a few principles about avoiding mentioning individuals, and especially avoiding saying anything contentious or unfairly invading their privacy. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 16:40, 10 June 2025 (UTC) ::::That sounds reasonable. In the past I have opposed a suggestion to create an itinerary based on the travels of a living individual. ::::A more common situation is where a listing mentions something about the people that work in the hotel or restaurant. "Friendly owners" or "poor service from the waiters" is ok, but referring to staff by name needs more care. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:04, 10 June 2025 (UTC) :::::It's surely OK when the name of the Chef de Cuisine or Pastry Chef are printed on menus or are well-known chefs the restaurant promotes. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:40, 10 June 2025 (UTC) :::::: Can an artist's personal life be separated from their work? At least, death is useful to conclude a life story. As Georg Riedel past away one year ago, he deserves to be described in the [[Jewish Stockholm tour]]. Aleksander Wolodarski is another person appropriate to mention, but as he is well and alive (and to some degree a divisive character in Swedish architecture) the description of him in the same article is very brief. The [[Harry Potter tourism]] barely mentions the author, and that might be good as it is. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:16, 11 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I think it would be fine to note the name of a celebrity chef ("Thomas Keller's restaurant, The French Laundry"), or even a relatively public non-celebrity ("The restaurant owner, Mary Smith, is also the long-time mayor of this small town" or "Olly Owner is happy to pack a picnic upon request"). ::::::However, as an extension of [[Wikivoyage:Avoid negative reviews]], we don't really want "Chris Celebrity is pretentious and their restaurant is overpriced" or "Wendy Waitress is unfriendly and slow". [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:26, 11 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::I think we should avoid "Wendy Waitress is unfriendly", but "Some staff are unfriendly" is ok. It is important to report negative aspects of a place if either it is balanced by "excellent cooking and wonderful bread" or it is the only place in town. It becomes more difficult with one person businesses. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 20:24, 11 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Wikivoyage should not be interested in people: that is the province of Wikipedia. Wikivoyage is however interested in places associated with people and to this end should be cautious about their privacy. If however the individual concerned invites members of the public to their homes or businesses (for example Donald Trump has a website for [https://www.maralagoclub.com/ Mar-a-Lago]) then it is no longer Wikivoyage's role to protect his privacy: if he publicises his home, then it is incumbent on him to look after his own privacy. In contrast, Joe Biden does not appear to advertise his home, so neither should Wikivoyage (even if a search on the internet will reveal Joe Biden's properties).[[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 15:18, 12 June 2025 (UTC) :Does something like this feel about right? :---- :As a general rule, Wikivoyage is interested in places, not people. Occasionally, providing a fair description will involve mentioning a specific person. In such cases, these principles apply to protect living people: :* Avoid contentious matter about living people to the maximum extent possible, to show respect for human dignity and personal privacy. Publishing personal information that is tangential to the needs of the article, trivial, ephemeral, or constitutes a [[Wikivoyage:Avoid negative reviews|negative review]] is unfair. For example, if a restaurant owner promotes dubious beliefs to customers, then omit the listing completely rather than writing about the owner's beliefs. :* Avoid whole articles focused on living people, such as an [[Wikivoyage:Itineraries|itinerary]] to see the private homes of celebrities. It is fair to have an itinerary focused on Taylor Swift's concert tours; it is not fair to have an article focused on her homes. :* Individual listings that name a living public figure are acceptable so long as the content is not contentious. However, you should avoid naming living people when a general description is adequate. For example, write "The owner is happy to talk about local history" instead of "Harry Historian, the owner, is happy to talk about local history", even though you would name the celebrity chef Thomas Keller as the owner of the restaurant The French Laundry. :---- :What should be changed, added, omitted? [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 16:39, 12 June 2025 (UTC) ::Thanks for offering a rough draft! The one part that sticks out to me as problematic is the part about "dubious beliefs," which gives an opening to intolerant atheists to complain about a bismillah or cross in a restaurant. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:12, 12 June 2025 (UTC) :::I was thinking about political beliefs, and specifically about an anti-masking restaurant I read about during the pandemic, but you're right: That needs to be re-worded. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 23:30, 12 June 2025 (UTC) ::::Still a good start, I'd say. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 12:15, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I don't think that businesses should be removed because of beliefs of the owner or personnel; that the owner touts antivacc or flat-earth theories might be entertaining rather than a reason to avoid them. One might tell that they might raise controversial topics. For dangerous practices, such as not using masks when needed, that would be treated like them using contaminated water or whatever. Yes, sometimes that warrants removing the listing in line with ''no bad reviews'', but that has little to do with privacy. ::::For a Finnish business, it was suggested that the listings be removed because of bigotry, in effect a boycott by Wikivoyage. I am not sure about to what extent to do that, but I assume we might tell something about the owner in that case, if we leave the choice whether to use their services to our readers. I would oppose individual editors removing listings because of views that don't conform with their own, but they may of course choose not to add them. ::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:28, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :::::I think there might be a spectrum of issues, but some types of (e.g.,) bigotry are not compatible with [[Wikivoyage:The traveller comes first]]. Inclusion constitutes a recommendation, at least when there are other alternatives. If we list a restaurant, it should be because travellers are welcome. If the restaurant's listing would need to have a disclaimer along the lines of "BTW, only white people are allowed to eat here" or "People whom the owner thinks look Jewish/Muslim/Black/gay/trans will be refused service", then that restaurant shouldn't be included in Wikivoyage at all. Listed restaurants should normally be open to all of the general public. :::::On the other end of the spectrum, if the owner cheerfully accepts all customers, but he privately belongs to a racist organization, then that's not really relevant to the travellers' experience, so we needn't mention that. Travellers who want to patronize only businesses owned by people who share the same politics/religion/race/sexual orientation should look elsewhere for that information. :::::Somewhere in the middle is factual information that travellers may interpret in opposite ways. For example, if a given deli in New York City is kosher, it'd be worth noting that in the description. Most travellers won't care. Some travellers will prefer it (either for religious reasons or because kosher meat is considered more ethical than conventional meat). Some travellers will reject it. But knowing that it might appeal (or not) to different travellers is not the same as different travellers not being allowed to eat at the deli. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 20:02, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I see no problem in describing a restaurant in terms of the religious beliefs that it portrays provided that it is done in a neutral manner - for example , "The XYZ resaurant is a kosher/halal/vegetarian establishment". The reader can then make up their ow mind about patronising the establishment - after all Wikivoyage has many articles about various places of worship. [[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 21:05, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::I think the general point is that we want "XYZ is a kosher/halal/vegetarian restaurant" but not "The owner of XYZ is a Jew/Muslim/vegetarian person". [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:10, 14 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::I agree here. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 06:56, 18 June 2025 (UTC) *Suggested rewrite of the first point (Changes in bold): :"''Avoid contentious matter about living people to the maximum extent possible, to show respect for human dignity and personal privacy. Publishing personal information that is tangential to the needs of the article, trivial, ephemeral, or constitutes a negative review is unfair. For example, if a restaurant owner promotes '''particular''' beliefs to customers, then omit the listing completely rather than writing about the owner's beliefs. '''If however the establishment itself <u>caters</u> for certain beliefs and/or ethics, it is reasonable, or maybe even desireable, to add those beliefs/ethics to the description in a neutral manner - such as including the words "kosher/halal/vegetarian" to the establishment's description.'''''" [[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 21:14, 13 June 2025 (UTC) *I suggest that the second point be extended as follows (additions in bold): :''Avoid whole articles focused on living people, such as an itinerary to see the private homes of celebrities. It is fair to have an itinerary focused on Taylor Swift's concert tours; it is not fair to have an article focused on her homes. '''However, if the celebrity concerend advertises their home to the general public (for example [https://www.maralagoclub.com/ Mar-a-Lago], home of Donald Trump or [https://www.blenheimpalace.com/ Blenheim Palace], home of the Duke of Marlborough) , then it is perfectly in order to mention the home in an article and ideally to include a web address the description or article.''''' ::[[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 21:27, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::I think all this discussion of beliefs and politics is bad and not something about which we want policies. Also, bad reviews are by no means inherently unfair, and I'm mystified by how anyone could think that's the case; it's just that Wikivoyage chooses with some exceptions to simply refrain from listing businesses, rather than stating that they are bad. I also don't see why we would need to add a policy that establishments that discriminate against people based for example on their ethnicity, appearance or national origin, such as a historic restaurant in Düsseldorf that refused admission to East Asians early in the pandemic, be delisted, because we already do that based on preexisting policies. Right now, I think that based on the drafts circulated in this thread, we risk approving a new policy that is worse than none. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:40, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :::It might be best to try the smallest possible addition. After all, it's usually easier to get a policy expanded later if we really need it, than to get it shortened later. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:08, 14 June 2025 (UTC) ::::Here's a shorter version: ::::---- ::::As a general rule, Wikivoyage is interested in places, not people. Occasionally, providing a fair description will involve mentioning a specific person. In such cases, these principles apply to protect living people: ::::* Avoid contentious matter about living people to the maximum extent possible, to show respect for human dignity and personal privacy. Individual listings that name a living public figure are acceptable so long as the content is not contentious. ::::* Avoid whole articles focused on living people, such as an [[Wikivoyage:Itineraries|itinerary]] to see the private homes of celebrities. ::::---- ::::We could also soften "the maximum extent possible". It's always "possible" to avoid mentioning anyone's name, but it's not always "reasonable" to do so. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:14, 14 June 2025 (UTC) :::::What about the article on U.S. presidents? We don't avoid contentious facts about living current and former presidents; we just agree on what should be in the blurbs about them based on the existing [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]] guidelines. I still fail to see how adding at least your first proposed guideline will improve anything. Also, are we creating a solution for a nonexistent problem? Can you cite a previous example of an article that had unnecessarily contentious facts about living people that we were not able to deal with by using existing guidelines? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:33, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::[[Presidents of the United States]] is not a "whole article focused on living people"; it is a whole article focused on mostly long-dead people with just five living US Presidents being mentioned (and mostly in a "public museum" way, not a "current private home" way). This would therefore be acceptable as a case of "Individual listings that name a living public figure" that "show respect for human dignity and personal privacy". ::::::The existing problem to be solved is: The Board of Directors for the WIkimedia Foundation said that every project needs to have an official, written BLP policy. They said this about 16 years ago, so we're running a bit behind schedule, but we should have something. Their resolution encourages "special attention to the principles of neutrality", so I think putting a few sentences inside our version of the "[[Wikivoyage:NPOV|NPOV]]" policy would be appropriate. We could even create a [[WV:BLP]] shortcut to it, so the Wikipedia folks can find it easier. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:16, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::My problem is not with your second proposed provision, which is fine, but your first, and that's what my last reply addressed. If it stated that when living people have to be mentioned, we must [[be fair]] and come to a [[consensus]] about anything contentious, I'd be happy. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:33, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Can you think of any contentious or derogatory information a travel guide – especially one that does not cite external sources – ''needs'' to include? [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:37, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::I already gave you an example! And what about when we fairly describe countries as dictatorships? We've sometimes had users object and try to whitewash articles, and in such cases, we are armed with [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]], not some ridiculous claim that anything "contentious" is bad and must be avoided, which would have played into their hands. Wikivoyage is a travel guide, not a site that tries to be neutral. We expressly don't have an NPOV policy, but instead a policy that requires fairness. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:10, 18 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::I agree that we can fairly describe a country as being a dictatorship. Do we need to describe an individual living person as a dictator, when doing so would be contentious (e.g., produce disputes and disagreements on wiki)? I just checked every article containing the words "a dictator" and "the dictator"; none of them refer to living people. ::::::::::If your prior example was "What about the article on U.S. presidents?", I've already answered that question. I don't see anything privacy-invading in [[Presidents of the United States]], and I don't see anything contentious about any living person in there, either. The contents are not universally approved by the campaign team, but nobody actually disputes or "contends" over the facts (e.g., that Clinton was involved in a sex scandal, or that Trump is technically a convicted felon). [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 01:07, 20 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::If you haven't had the misfortune of speaking with a Trumper lately, consider yourself lucky. There are tens of millions of hard-core Trumpers in the U.S. who don't accept basic scientific facts and advance all kinds of conspiracy nonsense as truth. I dealt with a cabbie in New Rochelle yesterday who gratuitously started talking about politics. He claimed Biden already had cancer 4 years ago, and "they" covered it up, that claims of fossil fuels causing global warming are "bullshit" and that if the Democrats had been elected last year, we'd all be driving electric cars already, among other things. So I very much contest your confident assertion that statements of fact about Trump, Biden, Obama, etc. are not "contentious". We need to remove that word from consideration as something Wikivoyage cannot be. Do you remember years ago when there was someone who spent a couple of weeks or more trying to whitewash descriptions of Cuba by claiming that it was really a democracy, their elections are really free and fair, and the Communists have never been dictators or oppressed anyone there? Or the ones that claimed that China is a democracy and it was the U.S. (pre-Trump) that was really oppressive (the latter of which of course has never been completely false, but that was entirely beside the point in a travel guide as well as being pure whataboutism that disproves nothing). We've had all kinds of politically motivated contentions against facts. That's why our standard is [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]], not "Wikivoyage/Avoid saying anything anyone could argue with", which is what "contentious" means or would mean in the hands of anyone who wants to use a travel guide to grind an axe, rather than to improve a resource for travelers. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:14, 20 June 2025 (UTC) == Full-size images not available on maps in city districts == Since yesterday (and possibly earlier), the images in listings can be viewed in the dynamic map but trying to click on it to go to the full description page will lead to a broken link if they are in a city district page. This raises the issue on image attribution. You can test it on any listings with images at [[Queens/Flushing-Northeast]] and [[Toronto/Etobicoke]]. Anyone have insight on what recent changes broke this functionality? [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 15:46, 12 June 2025 (UTC) :Yes, needs to be fixed. For some reason, the File: prefix is prefixed by the district name. I try to check [[Module:Listing]] for the bug. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 11:52, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::Oops, the city name, not the district. Seemingly the article name is included in the image argument, and removed, but not properly so for subarticles. [[Module:Marker]] is possibly more relevant than Listing, but it is some underlying functionality that is the culprit. My understanding of how modules work is too weak for me to find it. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:10, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :::The marker on the map seems to be constructed using mw.text.jsonEncode. Where can one read that code? Was there some change recently? –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:30, 30 June 2025 (UTC) == Selection and number of images == [split off as suggested by [[User:OhanaUnited|OhanaUnited]] 02:39, 30 June 2025 (UTC). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:17, 30 June 2025 (UTC)] ::: The images embedded within listings are often not the best currently available. They don't display unless you click and faff about, so they don't enhance the page appearance encountered by the general reader. Wouldn't it be neat if there was some repository of images that were the best available copyfree, that could be simply incorporated into the page layout? We'd be sure to use those instead, right? [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 20:20, 15 June 2025 (UTC) ::::The main problem with that is that somebody needs to pick those best available images. That's done in Commons' galleries, where images uploaded in the last dozen years aren't included. We could use the image on Wikidata, but they might not be chosen according to what they are like as thumbnails. Perhaps a specific wikidata property could be created for thumbnail images or even Wikivoyage thumbnail images (like for our banners). About having to click several times, that could be improved, but we don't want clutter, so some discussion is needed on the trade-off if we want to change the status quo. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 18:33, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::: Picking those best images and considering how best to display them is exactly what editors should do, same as picking the best attractions or accommodations to list in a town, we shouldn't lazily accept what's already on the page. It's hardly an onerous task, and we want the best for our readers. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 19:00, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::{{quote|The main problem with that is that somebody needs to pick those best available images.}} :::::Maybe we can take assistance from AI tools to ease out the problem, just like we sometimes use AI to pick the best attractions to visit, and choose the appropriate accommodation. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 19:07, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I haven't heard about us letting such decisions to AI, and I'm not sure we should do it with images. But regardless of what way the images get chosen, it would be good if the choice were saved at Wikidata, to be used automatically. As the images aren't shown in the article itself, the less effort we need to use choosing, the better. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 19:55, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::How much effort do we need to save here? The first example cited was Queens / Flushing. That page is under-illustrated, with one strong image and two so-so. It took me 10 min to find six more good images on Commons, about the right number for a page of this length. Inserting them might take 3 mins apiece, say 20 min, which I'm not volunteering to do as the entire page needs updating, a solid day's work. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 21:07, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Choosing images sounds like a task that some people would love to do. Maybe we could advertise it better? It's even a task that people who don't speak English well should be able to do. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:40, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::It could be a good task, but I have seen a lot of image adding that isn't optimal: ignoring our guideline of [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#Minimal use of images|Minimal use of images]], trying to illustrate individual listings instead of the article as a whole, writing captions to that effect, and placing the images in ways that suite the editor's browser window rather than conform to best practices. :::::::::Increased advertising of this activity should thus be done cautiously, to avoid frustration both among those adding images and those patrolling. :::::::::The original issue was about images for the dynamic map, which is different from illustrating the article. :::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:00, 19 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::As a side note, [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#Minimal use of images]] probably needs both a little re-writing ("1 image per screen": Whose screen size?) and some reconsidering, as availability of internet access has generally improved since then (the [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Wikivoyage:Image_policy&diff=prev&oldid=3629972 last significant update was in 2018], based on [[Wikivoyage talk:Image policy/archive 2014-2019#Minimal use of images - not appropriate|a discussion started in 2016]]). ::::::::::But I agree that it's a tangent for the current thread. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 01:18, 20 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::How carefully did you read Minimal use? :::::::::::"1 image per screen (1,000–2,000 bytes)" :::::::::::I suppose you want to suggest an increase in the number of images we should use, and if so, do that at [[Wikivoyage talk:Image policy]]. But keep in mind that the mobile interface sucks and the site is still better viewed on a computer. I would be likely to oppose any change in the language, as there is flexibility to use more images than stated in the guideline as long as there isn't an unbroken stream on the left side; images left, right and center; or images that go below the end of the article, which looks terrible. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:19, 20 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::I read that, and I wondered which method we're using to measure "1,000 bytes". One screenful – edge to edge, top to bottom, on my laptop, with my font, my size (larger than default), my zoom (120%), etc. – is right around 2000 characters for me, but others may have half that, or four times that. Shorter lines (e.g., using only half the line at the end of a paragraph, or a short item in a list) adds volume without adding characters. ::::::::::::If we're using the file size, then wikitext and URLs add bulk to the file without affecting the screen size. We could have "1,000 bytes" and have a half-full screen (on my laptop) or "2,000 bytes" and still have a half-full screen. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 20:41, 20 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::These are rough estimates. An A4 with 67×47=3150 is quite close to 2k, if there are images, headings and paragraph breaks, probably much less if there are lists. I suppose an A4 is close to readability optimum (my browser and Emacs windows are not far off). My mobile phone seems to have 50×33=1650, perhaps 1k with images etc. The numbers don't seem to be too far off. Without prescribing a test with some specific browser window size, we cannot give precise advice. [[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 14:16, 22 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::From your estimate, the numbers appear to be off by 50%. 3150 = would be "quite close" to 3K, not 2K. ::::::::::::::I think that a more practical suggestion would be: Every well-developed section should usually have one image, so long as this can be done without the images dropping down into the next section. On desktop, this usually requires a minimum of 10 to 12 lines of text per landscape image. Very long sections can have two images. ::::::::::::::This would address the wikitext-vs-displayed problem and the difference between a solid paragraph and a long bullet list with one or two words on each line. ::::::::::::::But as we noted above, this is a separate discussion from the original concern. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:15, 22 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::: Can we take the "select the best picture" conversation into a sub-section? My original intention of this post is to report a bug which leads to the legal issue of image attribution. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 02:39, 30 June 2025 (UTC) == Commons RFD notifications == While the Commons bot that alert us to images about to be deleted [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub/2025#Commons Notification Deletion bot revived|was revived]], images are still being deleted without notification, namely those (I assume), that were nominated before 4 May. The issue was told in the linked announcement, but I did not realise its implications. So, expect some imgages to be removed with no notification on the talk page. If they might be valuable, they should be temporarily restored for local upload, like when the bot wasn't working. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 11:51, 13 June 2025 (UTC) == Usurped URLs == Are usurped or dead URLs (e.g. [[w:en:WP:JUDI]]) normally archived, or removed? I'm looking at the page [[Northampton_(Massachusetts)#Eat]], where the second link is usurped. Thanks, [[User:OutsideNormality|OutsideNormality]] ([[User talk:OutsideNormality|talk]]) 20:22, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :If a url no longer goes to the home page for the listing in question, please update it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:18, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::Actually, looking back, it seems like the URL was never "usurped" and was directly added as a spam link in [[Special:Diff/4154976/4167772]]. Thanks anyway for the advice. [[User:OutsideNormality|OutsideNormality]] ([[User talk:OutsideNormality|talk]]) 00:40, 14 June 2025 (UTC) == Vote now in the 2025 U4C Election == <div lang="en" dir="ltr" class="mw-content-ltr"> {{Int:Please-translate}} Eligible voters are asked to participate in the 2025 [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Universal_Code_of_Conduct/Coordinating_Committee|Universal Code of Conduct Coordinating Committee]] election. More information–including an eligibility check, voting process information, candidate information, and a link to the vote–are available on Meta at the [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Universal_Code_of_Conduct/Coordinating_Committee/Election/2025|2025 Election information page]]. The vote closes on 17 June 2025 at [https://zonestamp.toolforge.org/1750161600 12:00 UTC]. Please vote if your account is eligible. Results will be available by 1 July 2025. -- In cooperation with the U4C, [[m:User:Keegan (WMF)|Keegan (WMF)]] ([[m:User talk:Keegan (WMF)|talk]]) 23:01, 13 June 2025 (UTC) </div> <!-- Message sent by User:Keegan (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Distribution_list/Global_message_delivery&oldid=28848819 --> :Surprised this was sent very late. I made a guide on all the candidates on Meta at [[m:User:SHB2000/U4C guide 2025]], for those interested. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 03:13, 14 June 2025 (UTC) == Wisconsin Dells Kalahari Expansion; should I mention it in the Wisconsin Dells page == Hello! It is now practically mainstream media (In Wisconsin Dells) that Kalahari's expanding its Indoor Waterpark into what was a mainly unused parking lot (which is currently either getting demolished or already is demolished as of posting) and will add a fully glass dome with a retractable roof (this is not an ad, this is according to many sources including the Kalahari its self, Fox11online.com, Whitewater West, Martin Aquatic, and Maverick Hayes' Social Media). Now the real question is should I add this too my page? Cheers! [[User:HistorySports|HistorySports]] ([[User talk:HistorySports|talk]]) 15:22, 14 June 2025 (UTC) :To your page meaning what? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:35, 14 June 2025 (UTC) ::@[[User:HistorySports|HistorySports]], I think it's fair to add information about waterparks to [[Wisconsin Dells#Do]] or [[Wisconsin Dells#Sleep]]. (You pick which one based on whether people mostly stay there, and happen to use the water park, or mostly go to the water park, and a few people stay there, too – just use your judgement and don't stress about the distinction too much.) ::The important thing isn't the news ("they're expanding!") but what is available today ("Wisconsin's biggest indoor waterpark"). ::In general, when I skim through that article, I wish that there were prices for the activities and longer descriptions. In particular, there seem to be a lot of attractions, but I have no idea which one I'd choose. Is one the lowest cost? The best value? Best for little kids? Best for teens? Best for older adults/multi-generational families? Open year-round? Has the most swimming pool lifts for wheelchair users? If you can, try to add some sort of information about the differences between different attractions that might help travellers decide which things they want to do. ::Also, it looks like there are several listings that need to be moved to [[Baraboo]]. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 18:54, 14 June 2025 (UTC) :::Thanks WhatamIdoing! I will follow your advice and hopefully we can have a great page for the area of Wisconsin Dells! [[User:HistorySports|HistorySports]] ([[User talk:HistorySports|talk]]) 19:47, 15 June 2025 (UTC) ::Sorry I wasn't clear and that's totally my fault, but I was talking about the Wisconsin Dells page, sorry! [[User:HistorySports|HistorySports]] ([[User talk:HistorySports|talk]]) 19:47, 15 June 2025 (UTC) :::Thanks. So you know, it's not your page: it's a Wikivoyage article. The only page I'd consider your page is your user page. That said, on the face of it, I would put activities in "Do", not "Sleep". [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:09, 17 June 2025 (UTC) == Wikistats page views == What is up with Wikistats page views for English Wikivoyage? 87 million last month? https://stats.wikimedia.org/#/en.wikivoyage.org/reading/total-page-views/normal%7Cbar%7C2-year%7C~total%7Cmonthly 36 million from Brazil apparently. [[User:Bluecoordinationfine|Bluecoordinationfine]] ([[User talk:Bluecoordinationfine|talk]]) 23:18, 14 June 2025 (UTC) :That is a very interesting anomaly indeed. No idea why, but still very interesting to know why we have so many views from Brazil. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 00:47, 16 June 2025 (UTC) ::Maybe users on VPN? [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 14:25, 16 June 2025 (UTC) == FYI: Dear Atlas: Where Can I Find the Most Unusual Festivals in the U.S.? == https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/off-the-beaten-path-american-festivals —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 07:58, 15 June 2025 (UTC) == [[Talk:Ferries in the Mediterranean#A Commons file used on this page or its Wikidata item has been nominated for deletion]] == No-one seems to be paying any attention to the fact that we are likely to lose a photo. We need to decide whether we're OK with that or not. I will not make a unilateral decision. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:07, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :Is it just me, or does it seem like too many photos have been getting removed lately? [[User:Mrkstvns|Mrkstvns]] ([[User talk:Mrkstvns|talk]]) 16:00, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::Has there been an uptick in deletion requests at Commons? Or are we just noticing them more, now that the notifications bot is working again? [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:08, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::As someone who was monitoring [[c:Commons:Deletion requests]] until the bot started working again, I think it's the latter. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:38, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I hope this deletion can be resisted. Tirrenia ferries in 2017 made a deal with Warner Bros to plaster their ships' exteriors with cartoon characters such as Batman, to give them a jazzy attractive look. That deal continues and you really cannot take a photo of any T ferry without including the character: it's as integral to the ship as the company logo and the pointy bit at the front. The intention of any such photo is to portray the ship not replicate the character, and IMO it's a misuse of copyright law to claim we can't publish it copyfree. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 18:51, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::Such arguments have been presented in the RFD on Commons, and I think that they are legally sound. However, "misuse of copyright law" is not what this is about. There is no word of God saying that utilitarian objects (in this case: the ship) can be freely photographed, and if the law says otherwise, Commons can do little about it. I think the current copyright laws are a disaster, caused by lobbyists and weak politicians, but that means that the copyright laws need to be changed (read: one should spread awareness of the absurdities), not that we can ignore current law. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 20:03, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::The Wikimedia Foundation requires that Commons files be available for unimpeded commercial use. They don't have to, and we don't have to, which is why we have a freedom of panorama fair use exception doctrine. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:10, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::Yes, true. For Commons, the stringency is because of their mission – they don't want to host content that cannot be used. All kinds of compromises are possible or even necessary, but commercial use, such as in small-budget books, is essential for their mission. In some cases, where copyright law is unclear, they could be a bit braver, but that's a separate issue. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 05:05, 18 June 2025 (UTC) == Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees 2025 - Call for Candidates == <section begin="announcement-content" /> :<div class="plainlinks">[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Announcement/Call for candidates|{{int:interlanguage-link-mul}}]] • [https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Translate&group=page-{{urlencode:Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Announcement/Call for candidates}}&language=&action=page&filter= {{int:please-translate}}]</div> Hello all, The [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025|call for candidates for the 2025 Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees selection is now open]] from June 17, 2025 – July 2, 2025 at 11:59 UTC [1]. The Board of Trustees oversees the Wikimedia Foundation's work, and each Trustee serves a three-year term [2]. This is a volunteer position. This year, the Wikimedia community will vote in late August through September 2025 to fill two (2) seats on the Foundation Board. Could you – or someone you know – be a good fit to join the Wikimedia Foundation's Board of Trustees? [3] Learn more about what it takes to stand for these leadership positions and how to submit your candidacy on [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Candidate application|this Meta-wiki page]] or encourage someone else to run in this year's election. Best regards, Abhishek Suryawanshi<br /> Chair of the Elections Committee On behalf of the Elections Committee and Governance Committee [1] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Call_for_candidates [2] https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Legal:Bylaws#(B)_Term. [3] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Resources_for_candidates<section end="announcement-content" /> [[User:MediaWiki message delivery|MediaWiki message delivery]] ([[User talk:MediaWiki message delivery|talk]]) 17:44, 17 June 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:RamzyM (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Distribution_list/Global_message_delivery&oldid=28866958 --> == New copycat site == I haven't had the time to fully look into it and I've been quite busy IRL this month, but it seems we have a new copycat site called https://www.localcityguide.net/. It mirrors Wikivoyage pages word-for-word with "2022 © Local City Guide. All rights reserved." and some pages like [[Itineraries]] ([https://www.localcityguide.net/en/Itineraries]) do nothing to even remove mentions of Wikivoyage. What's interesting about this site is that they've listed those behind the site so openly in the [https://www.localcityguide.net/about-us About us] section – I'm not sure how accurate it is, but it could be something to go off. What are the WMF's protocols when a site copies an entire project and what can we do about it? //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 08:59, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :It has a nice presentation, a handful of blog entries posted in June 2022, and it looks like the foundation of the site is our stuff, refreshed regularly. (Changes I made yesterday already appear.) There is no ability to edit articles. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 10:11, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :This is against the terms of service, CC license restrictions, and American copyright law. You should contact the [[:m:Wikimedia_Foundation/Legal|Legal Team]] via email at legal[little-anarchy-symbol]wikimedia[point]org. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 10:22, 18 June 2025 (UTC) ::I picked an arbitrary page of which I have knowledge, but which is not on the average tourist itinerary, [[Estcourt]]. It has an [[outline article|outline]] status. I clicked on "outline" and the first sentence read: :::"An '''outline article''' is a status rating for any article in ''<u>Wikivoyage</u>'' ... " [My emphasis]. ::This is proof that they are copying the WIkivoyage site. [[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 16:00, 18 June 2025 (UTC) ::: It seems that the contents are incorporated by a script directly from Wikivoyage similar to the html frame technology that's why the articles are up-to-date. I made a small change in some status ratings of the German Wikivoyage, and immediately you can read that this is a usable Wikivoyage article in the footer. --[[User:RolandUnger|RolandUnger]] ([[User talk:RolandUnger|talk]]) 17:24, 18 June 2025 (UTC) ::Copying Wikivoyage's contents is okay. However, you have to provide "reasonable" attribution. That's usually done with something like a simple link to the original article on Wikivoyage. I don't see Wikivoyage mentioned on their website, so they need to fix that – but remember that the goal is for them to fix it, not to punish them or prevent them from sharing our information. ::[[w:en:WP:BACKWARDSCOPY]] has some advice on how to contact websites that haven't complied with the license terms. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 19:27, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :::I have sent the developers of the site an email about this. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:38, 21 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I've also forwarded it to WMF legal (cc {{u|Koavf}}). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:40, 21 June 2025 (UTC) :::::Merci. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 02:52, 21 June 2025 (UTC) == Mexican disambiguators == Some input at [[Wikivoyage talk:Naming conventions#Disambiguators for Mexican destinations]] would be appreciated. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 13:41, 19 June 2025 (UTC) == Most visited country in Southeast Asia == It looks like [[Thailand]] just lost its crown to [[Malaysia]], at least for Q1 2025. Should we update our articles to reflect that, or should we wait and see if Malaysia can sustain its lead? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:11, 23 June 2025 (UTC) :{{ping|The dog2}} I think you should update the articles to say that both Thailand and Malaysia are the most visited countries of SE Asia, along the lines of, "Thailand, along with Malaysia, are...", "Malaysia, along with Thailand, are..." or even "Malaysia and Thailand are...". '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 17:11, 23 June 2025 (UTC) ::I think we should wait till yearly figures are available before changing anything. Too many things can change from one quarter to the next. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:52, 23 June 2025 (UTC) :::Agreed – one quarter might not be a true reflection. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 00:24, 24 June 2025 (UTC) == Regionlist == I have added a static map in [[Maharashtra]], but it disappears without showing a dynamic map when I click/press the link "switch to interactive map". Same happens in [[West Bengal]], [[Andhra Pradesh]], [[Chennai]], etc. I think there's a bug in {{tl|Regionlist}} that causes this disappearance, as the template itself was last edited on August 2024. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 13:36, 26 June 2025 (UTC) :Same issue on it:voy. For sure is caused by a change server side. I'll try to figure out if we can solve locally or if we need to open a ticket. [[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 06:46, 27 June 2025 (UTC) ::I've patched it. Now it works again. Be sure to refresh/purge the page you test. [[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 07:32, 27 June 2025 (UTC) == Sister Projects Task Force reviews Wikispore and Wikinews == <section begin="message"/> Dear Wikimedia Community, The [[m:Wikimedia Foundation Community Affairs Committee|Community Affairs Committee (CAC)]] of the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees assigned [[m:Wikimedia Foundation Community Affairs Committee/Sister Projects Task Force|the Sister Projects Task Force (SPTF)]] to update and implement a procedure for assessing the lifecycle of Sister Projects – wiki [[m:Wikimedia projects|projects supported by Wikimedia Foundation (WMF)]]. A vision of relevant, accessible, and impactful free knowledge has always guided the Wikimedia Movement. As the ecosystem of Wikimedia projects continues to evolve, it is crucial that we periodically review existing projects to ensure they still align with our goals and community capacity. Despite their noble intent, some projects may no longer effectively serve their original purpose. '''Reviewing such projects is not about giving up – it's about responsible stewardship of shared resources'''. Volunteer time, staff support, infrastructure, and community attention are finite, and the non-technical costs tend to grow significantly as our ecosystem has entered a different age of the internet than the one we were founded in. Supporting inactive projects or projects that didn't meet our ambitions can unintentionally divert these resources from areas with more potential impact. Moreover, maintaining projects that no longer reflect the quality and reliability of the Wikimedia name stands for, involves a reputational risk. An abandoned or less reliable project affects trust in the Wikimedia movement. Lastly, '''failing to sunset or reimagine projects that are no longer working can make it much harder to start new ones'''. When the community feels bound to every past decision – no matter how outdated – we risk stagnation. A healthy ecosystem must allow for evolution, adaptation, and, when necessary, letting go. If we create the expectation that every project must exist indefinitely, we limit our ability to experiment and innovate. Because of this, SPTF reviewed two requests concerning the lifecycle of the Sister Projects to work through and demonstrate the review process. We chose Wikispore as a case study for a possible new Sister Project opening and Wikinews as a case study for a review of an existing project. Preliminary findings were discussed with the CAC, and a community consultation on both proposals was recommended. === Wikispore === The [[m:Wikispore|application to consider Wikispore]] was submitted in 2019. SPTF decided to review this request in more depth because rather than being concentrated on a specific topic, as most of the proposals for the new Sister Projects are, Wikispore has the potential to nurture multiple start-up Sister Projects. After careful consideration, the SPTF has decided '''not to recommend''' Wikispore as a Wikimedia Sister Project. Considering the current activity level, the current arrangement allows '''better flexibility''' and experimentation while WMF provides core infrastructural support. We acknowledge the initiative's potential and seek community input on what would constitute a sufficient level of activity and engagement to reconsider its status in the future. As part of the process, we shared the decision with the Wikispore community and invited one of its leaders, Pharos, to an SPTF meeting. Currently, we especially invite feedback on measurable criteria indicating the project's readiness, such as contributor numbers, content volume, and sustained community support. This would clarify the criteria sufficient for opening a new Sister Project, including possible future Wikispore re-application. However, the numbers will always be a guide because any number can be gamed. === Wikinews === We chose to review Wikinews among existing Sister Projects because it is the one for which we have observed the highest level of concern in multiple ways. Since the SPTF was convened in 2023, its members have asked for the community's opinions during conferences and community calls about Sister Projects that did not fulfil their promise in the Wikimedia movement.[https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:WCNA_2024._Sister_Projects_-_opening%3F_closing%3F_merging%3F_splitting%3F.pdf <nowiki>[1]</nowiki>][https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_Community_Affairs_Committee/Sister_Projects_Task_Force#Wikimania_2023_session_%22Sister_Projects:_past,_present_and_the_glorious_future%22 <nowiki>[2]</nowiki>][https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/WikiConvention_francophone/2024/Programme/Quelle_proc%C3%A9dure_pour_ouvrir_ou_fermer_un_projet_%3F <nowiki>[3]</nowiki>] Wikinews was the leading candidate for an evaluation because people from multiple language communities proposed it. Additionally, by most measures, it is the least active Sister Project, with the greatest drop in activity over the years. While the Language Committee routinely opens and closes language versions of the Sister Projects in small languages, there has never been a valid proposal to close Wikipedia in major languages or any project in English. This is not true for Wikinews, where there was a proposal to close English Wikinews, which gained some traction but did not result in any action[https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Proposals_for_closing_projects/Closure_of_English_Wikinews <nowiki>[4]</nowiki>][https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/WikiConvention_francophone/2024/Programme/Quelle_proc%C3%A9dure_pour_ouvrir_ou_fermer_un_projet_%3F <nowiki>[5]</nowiki>, see section 5] as well as a draft proposal to close all languages of Wikinews[https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Talk:Proposals_for_closing_projects/Archive_2#Close_Wikinews_completely,_all_languages? <nowiki>[6]</nowiki>]. [[:c:File:Sister Projects Taskforce Wikinews review 2024.pdf|Initial metrics]] compiled by WMF staff also support the community's concerns about Wikinews. Based on this report, SPTF recommends a community reevaluation of Wikinews. We conclude that its current structure and activity levels are the lowest among the existing sister projects. SPTF also recommends pausing the opening of new language editions while the consultation runs. SPTF brings this analysis to a discussion and welcomes discussions of alternative outcomes, including potential restructuring efforts or integration with other Wikimedia initiatives. '''Options''' mentioned so far (which might be applied to just low-activity languages or all languages) include but are not limited to: *Restructure how Wikinews works and is linked to other current events efforts on the projects, *Merge the content of Wikinews into the relevant language Wikipedias, possibly in a new namespace, *Merge content into compatibly licensed external projects, *Archive Wikinews projects. Your insights and perspectives are invaluable in shaping the future of these projects. We encourage all interested community members to share their thoughts on the relevant discussion pages or through other designated feedback channels. === Feedback and next steps === We'd be grateful if you want to take part in a conversation on the future of these projects and the review process. We are setting up two different project pages: [[m:Public consultation about Wikispore|Public consultation about Wikispore]] and [[m:Public consultation about Wikinews|Public consultation about Wikinews]]. Please participate between 27 June 2025 and 27 July 2025, after which we will summarize the discussion to move forward. You can write in your own language. I will also host a community conversation 16th July Wednesday 11.00 UTC and 17th July Thursday 17.00 UTC (call links to follow shortly) and will be around at Wikimania for more discussions. <section end="message"/> -- [[User:Victoria|Victoria]] on behalf of the Sister Project Task Force, 20:57, 27 June 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:Johan (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Johan_(WMF)/Sister_project_MassMassage_on_behalf_of_Victoria/Target_list&oldid=28911188 --> :I definitely hate to say it but Wikinews has to be one of the most failed WMF projects. The English Wikinews is barely sustaining and I think that is fine for the timebeing, but the other Wikinews projects simply lack the editor base to actively review new news articles. It came up in tawikinews' closure proposal where their newest article dated to 2018! //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:56, 28 June 2025 (UTC) ::I think that we're meant to post that kind of thing on the Meta-Wiki project pages: [[metawiki:Public consultation about Wikispore|Public consultation about Wikispore]] and [[metawiki:Public consultation about Wikinews|Public consultation about Wikinews]]. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 22:42, 28 June 2025 (UTC) :::I'm aware; I just wanted to give out my 2c in short form – I have a longer list of suggestions planned which I'll do when I get a bit more spare time. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:44, 28 June 2025 (UTC) === General concerns === I am not a big fan of Wikinews, but one thing about the [[:meta:Proposal_for_Closing_Wikinews|report published by Sister Projects Task Force]] is concerning. This report is written in a very critical manner, namely, it does not mention that dozens if not hundreds of volunteers have spent a considerable amount of their time on developing Wikinews. The report does not mention any single good thing about their work, which does not seem fair. The report demonstrates that the current level of activity and content development at Wikinews is low (and this statement is fair), but it does not set any threshold of what would be good enough metrics for a community to deserve the resources from WMF. Moreover, the report does not attempt to analyze which steps Wikinews editors took to develop their project, and why these steps were unsuccessful. It just says: you did a bad job, so we will close you down and even deprive you of any possibility of moving Wikinews elsewhere because the name stays with Wikimedia Foundation. Wikivoyage is a smaller project too, and it would be discouraging if a similarly critical report about our work appears. It is not completely unrealistic when half of the language versions are dormant, while many others are somewhat comparable in their metrics to the most active editions of Wikinews. I think that only English Wikivoyage is clearly above that threshold, although the actual threshold is not even defined, so almost any level of activity can be deemed "low" if one wants to say so. What are your thoughts on that? --[[User:Atsirlin|Alexander]] ([[User_talk:Atsirlin|talk]]) 09:53, 28 June 2025 (UTC) :I have not been using Wikinews, so my reflections are based on the closure of Wikinews in Swedish and the current discussion, linked above. One point raised in the discussion is that the metrics chosen didn't take into account the special nature of the project. :I assume the Sister Project Task Force is right in that this kind of evaluations need to be done from time to time, but also think that the evaluations should focus on whether there are paths forward, rather than on whether the project is viable according to current trends. :Wikinews has the problem that a significant dedicated editor base i needed – Wikipedia or even Wikivoyage can stay alive and stay interesting even with no edits for a year or two, while a news outlet would loose nearly all of its readers. The coverage needs to be adequate on at least some areas (geographic or thematic) for the site to stay interesting. The critical mass needed is much larger – and that critical mass additionally needs to be able to counter people with a bias (good-faith or not) or with an agenda not aligned with the project goals – keeping touting at bay is much easier. I assume new language versions should be started only if there is hope of quickly building that critical mass. :–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 10:36, 28 June 2025 (UTC) ::Yes I do believe that LangCom has decided to suspend the creation of all new Wikinews projects for that very reason. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:46, 28 June 2025 (UTC) :Alexander, it's true "that dozens if not hundreds of volunteers have spent a considerable amount of their time on developing Wikinews", but it's also true that keeping a failing project because of past efforts is an example of [[w:en:Sunk cost fallacy]]. :I suspect that if someone made a credible proposal to move Wikinews to another host, the WMF would be be open to negotiations over the name. (But any new sponsor might prefer to come up with their own name.) [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 03:31, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::I guess my main problem is the absence of any well-defined criteria that distinguish a sustainable project from a failing one. Do you understand what these criteria are? -- [[User:Atsirlin|Alexander]] ([[User_talk:Atsirlin|talk]]) 08:35, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::A well-defined criteria that defines what a sustainable project would still heavily rely on how the project functions, though. For Wikinews, it needs to be very active and metrics that may be appropriate for Wikivoyage or Wikibooks like number of articles aren't super relevant because 20000 articles is no good if the last one was written 2 months ago (the numbers are hypothetical but my point stands). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 08:50, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I agree that the same metrics can not be applied to all sister projects, but "very active" leaves a lot of room for interpretation. Imagine someone decides that Wikivoyage is not sustainable because it contains a lot of outdated travel information that has not been updated in the last 5 years. That would be a problem... -- [[User:Atsirlin|Alexander]] ([[User_talk:Atsirlin|talk]]) 09:27, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::::We don't want well-defined criteria. There needs to be judgement on the projects actual prospects. Opening a community discussion is good, as that's a way to see whether the metrics give a correct picture – although there should be discussions with the projects before opening a discussion like this (I don't know to what extent there have been such discussions). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 20:13, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I still don't love the way the SPTF decided to mass-send these messages to every wiki without consulting the Wikinews community; it really should be up to them (and when I mean them, I mean the more active Wikinews projects such as en or ruwikinews) to decide their project's future, not the rest of us or the vast majority who don't get involved with Wikinews. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:01, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::Yes. The issues should have been raised with the projects first (not only the big ones, but all projects affected). I don't know whether that was done, but seemingly not enough, anyway. It seems the SPTF (?) wanted to introduce a more general practice of re-evaluating projects, and just chose the two as examples. They should have understood that doing it that way, without consultations, would upset people. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:40, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::TBF, there were several closure proposals before, including one for all language Wikinews. Those for major projects failed, but one can argue that this was a signal to the communities to evaluate their performance which they apparently did not get. I agree though that opening such discussion before notifying the Wikinews communities first is not really good. [[User:Ymblanter|Ymblanter]] ([[User talk:Ymblanter|talk]]) 08:54, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::They definitely should have; I hope they use this as a learning lesson because the general sentiment from the enwikinews community is quite clearly unimpressed from that discussion. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 09:01, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::Well this comment certainly [[:m:Talk:Public_consultation_about_Wikinews#c-Victoria-20250630095300-BRPever-20250629141600|aged like milk]]. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 13:59, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::Oh dear. I hope there are others in the SPTF who are more keen-eared. This risks degenerating into one more of the WMF-not-respecting-the-community affairs. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:40, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::SPTF (or Victoria, at the very least) seems so predetermined to close Wikinews that I've never heard something so blatantly biased such as "However, I expect that the wikinewsians would be in COI" – so to them I assume knowing the ins and outs of your own project is apparently a conflict of interest? It's a massive insult to non-Wikipedia based projects. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 11:04, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::I can understand her view, but I think it is misguided, and somebody in her team should get them to discuss their actual mission. If a project indeed needs to be laid down, the process needs to be lead very sensitively – and the consultation in this phase shouldn't be on whether to lay Wikinews down. It is "to work through and demonstrate the review process", "a community reevaluation" and "potential restructuring efforts". ::::::::::::The demonstration of the process has been a disaster and potential restructuring efforts require a good understanding of he project, which cannot be had without a keen-eared discussion with the communities. ::::::::::::The "re-evaluation" should be based on such potential restructuring paths, where restructuring isn't about where to dump the Wikinews content, but how to save the project, if possible. ::::::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 13:13, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::I fully agree with you about about the "re-evaluation" but the way they have been responding to community feedback feels as though they have the result pre-determined and this is merely being used as a box ticking exercise – which is why I think it's crucial that we as a fellow sister project speak up about the way this was poorly handled because who knows what they will do when it's our turn to undergo public consultations. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 14:04, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::I wrote about some concerns in [[:meta:Talk:Public consultation about Wikinews#Process and analysis seem flawed]]. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:34, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::::Cheers, {{u|LPfi}}; hopefully our project will be fine (I think it will because Wikivoyage or really any other WMF project does not have the same issues as Wikinews does of requiring an active community), but more feedback is certainly better. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 03:49, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::Whereas I agree that the process it to some extend flawed (and I agree with the points LPfi makes in the response on Meta), it would be useful to see whether some metrics used for analysis (in whatever flawed way) could be improved for Wikivoyage, so that they are out of discussion. [[User:Ymblanter|Ymblanter]] ([[User talk:Ymblanter|talk]]) 08:18, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::::::{{Ping|Victoria}} as primary author and for what I think is trenchant feedback: to the extent that this taskforce is assessing the sibling projects, it would be helpful if the individual communities knew what kind of rubric there is to grade their health. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 19:55, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::::First of all, the Taskforce in not assessing '''all''' siblings projects, the Wikispore/Wikinews was a proof-of-concept exercise. ::::::::::::::::::We used [[metawiki:Wikimedia_Foundation_Community_Affairs_Committee/Procedure_for_Sibling_Project_Lifecycle/revised|this rubric]], which was discussed in a public consultation a year ago - but didn't get much attention, because Meta is littered with documents that are never implemented. ::::::::::::::::::In the [[metawiki:Wikimedia_Foundation_Community_Affairs_Committee/Procedure_for_Sibling_Project_Lifecycle/revise|Wikispore consultation]] we ask for the proposals for the clarification of the "activity" and other criteria. [[User:Victoria|Victoria]] ([[User talk:Victoria|talk]]) 09:11, 3 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::::::::Thanks for this and thanks for letting me ping-pong you around various WMF projects with pings. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 09:38, 3 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::::::You are welcome. I'm happy to answer anywhere in English/Russian/Belarusian when there's no personal attacks involved. [[User:Victoria|Victoria]] ([[User talk:Victoria|talk]]) 10:15, 3 July 2025 (UTC) :::::I've been going through some of the stats, and "very active" is an interesting point. The defenders of the "very active" Wikinews language editions seem to be engaged overwhelmingly in copying/pasting content from suitably licensed external sites. They have turned Wikinews into mirrors for other sites, rather than writing articles. :::::Just imagine how we at Wikivoyage would react if someone here said "I am a very active Wikivoyage editor. I spend at least an hour a day copying and pasting pages from other travel websites!" [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 21:34, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::We do copy info from hotel websites and other sources, but we don't have the luxury of reliable free content written in our style. Being a channel for reliable news ''could'' be a mission of Wikinews (more or less the same way some "social media" sites do it). If so, the question is whether they can do it well enough for it to be worthwhile as a WMF project (and whether the other things they do are done well). But that's not the discussion the SPTF initiated, they chose to go by statistics instead. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 22:12, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::It was mentioned somewhere that the stats may be skewed by bots – I'm still confused on how you'd be able to tell if the stats were skewed by bots or not. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:11, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Most bots, especially most big ones, do have an appropriate user agent field in their page request, so the server logs can be used to tell apart at least those. With more advanced techniques, you can also distinguish typical bot behaviour from that of human users. There are some grey areas (such as a human using a tool other than a typical web browser, or using some script through the browser, and bots configured to look like humans), but I don't think it is impossible to get quite an accurate and reliable picture of bot vs human traffic. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 10:37, 3 July 2025 (UTC) == Archive links invisible in mobile mode == Why? When I look in edit mode, I can see links to archives in [[Talk:China]], but not when I simply look at that talk page. Will Wikivoyage in mobile mode ever not suck? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:30, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :I can't answer your first question, but the answer to your latter question, as we both know, is never (we are a massive afterthought for the WMF). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:51, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::In which case, we will eventually read that the Wikimedia Foundation dropped Wikivoyage from lack of sufficient participation. Would we be able to fork in that case, or does Wikimedia own the copyright for Wikivoyage as they do for Wikinews? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:09, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::Each individual editor, including IPs/logged-out editors, owns the copyright to whatever copyrightable material they post on wiki. The Wikimedia Foundation owns the domain names and the trademarks (e.g., name and logo). Anyone who wants to fork can do so freely. The Wikimedia Foundation will sometimes even informally help people do so. The mobile site does have the links to the archives. Click on the "(i) Learn more about this page" button at the top of the page to find the "invisible" content. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 03:27, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::{{ping|Ikan Kekek}} Please don't be that fearful when Wikinews is proposed to be shut down or merged with Wikipedia. I wanted to work in the Bengali Wikinews Incubator project, but my lack of activity in recent weeks has prevented me from participating further. So, I have focused on Commons and Wikivoyage, where I am still highly active. I don't think the SPTF would suggest something similar for Wikivoyage, and I think it is actually a popular website. My static map of [[West Bengal]] is now widely shared on Facebook (both English and Bengali versions), along with an AI-generated list of places to visit in the state. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 03:35, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::::You are a superb Wikivoyage content creator! I'm not afraid in the very near term, but usage of all websites nowadays has to be mostly mobile, so if this site's mobile interface remains terrible, its eventual demise is a foregone conclusion. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:44, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::::Are you refering to the archive links that appear when I click "more about this page" at the top? :::::The issues with the mobile site exist as this project does not have '''active interface admins.''' :::::Note: The WMF has nothing to do with the content or presentation of content for this site. :::::Relevant links: :::::* https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:WikimediaMessages#Site_admin_helper :::::* https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Recommendations_for_mobile_friendly_articles_on_Wikimedia_wikis :::::[[User:Jdlrobson|Jdlrobson]] ([[User talk:Jdlrobson|talk]]) 03:09, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::Yes, "Learn more about this page." I didn't know to click that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:27, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I don't see why the WMF would have nothing to do with presentation of content on Wikivoyage. We are using MediaWiki and settings provided by the WMF, and we indeed are a WMF project. ::::::Not having active interface admins (I thought we have some) shouldn't mean too much – having technically knowledgable people locally is a bonus, it (and them dedicating time to do major work) shouldn't be a prerequisite for a WMF project. ::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:51, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::We do indeed have 5 [[Wikivoyage:Interface administrators]], which [[User:Jdlrobson]] should know, because he is one of them. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:01, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::I am an interface admin but I would not consider myself active. Maintenance of the listing editor for example causes me more anxiety than enjoyment these days. ::::::::In my time in this project I have seen quite a few complaints about the mobile experience but nobody has articulated clearly what needs improving. I personally dont think that overall it is a bad experience and the fact most of our page views are on mobile should be reassuring. That said there are templates like climate data that I think could be improved on mobile. ::::::::If you really want to improve the mobile experience I'd recommend making a wiki page with discussion of changes, proposal/consensus and then implementing them. I havent seen this sort of thing since [[Wikivoyage:Banner Expedition]]. I guarantee the majority of changes you want do not need WMF involvement but they will require discussion and community consultation. [[User:Jdlrobson|Jdlrobson]] ([[User talk:Jdlrobson|talk]]) 15:53, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::Wauterz is certainly active. Have you ever tried adding a listing or reverting more than one edit at a time in mobile mode? I'm sure we can compile a list of badness from the mobile interface. Where is the best page to put it on? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:25, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::{{u|Andyrom75}} is also fairly active on itwikivoyage. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 22:18, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::To answer the very first question of @[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]], I've noticed that the infobox has a "display:none" style that hide those boxes in mobile view. I think this style is added serverside (maybe @[[User:Jdlrobson|Jdlrobson]] you can confirm), because it's not added by the template neither by the templatestyles. :::::::::::However, as said from @[[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]], you can still see it clicking on the "(i)" button. [[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 17:09, 2 July 2025 (UTC) 06qjpakolztwtqe715nybbd73xn0hxy 5087079 5087076 2025-07-03T10:42:47Z SHB2000 2248002 /* General concerns */ 5087079 wikitext text/x-wiki <div style="text-align:left; background: var( --wv-optional-color, #f4f7fa); color: var( --color-base ); border: 1px solid #abc; padding: .3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em"> <div style="text-align:center; font-size:300%; line-height: 1; padding: 10px;">'''Welcome to the pub'''</div> {{shortcut|[[WV:Pub]]|[[WV:TP]]}} [[File:QA_icon_clr.svg|right|frameless|150px|link=]] The travellers' pub is for general discussion on Wikivoyage, and the place to ask questions when you're confused, lost, afraid, tired, annoyed, thoughtful, or helpful. To start a new topic, click the "Add topic" tab, so that it gets added '''at the bottom''' of the page, and sign your post by appending four tildes (<nowiki>~~~~</nowiki>) Before asking a question or making a comment: * Have a look at our [[Wikivoyage:Help|Help]], [[Wikivoyage:FAQ|FAQ]] and [[Wikivoyage:Policies|Policies]] pages. * If you are a '''new user''' and you have any questions about using the website, try the [[Wikivoyage:Arrivals lounge|Arrivals lounge]]. * If you have a '''question or suggestion about a particular article''', use the article's [[Project:using talk pages|talk page]] to keep the discussion associated with that article. * If you'd like to '''draw attention to a comment''' to '''get feedback''' from other Wikivoyagers, try [[Wikivoyage:Requests for comment|Requests for comment]]. * If you are '''wanting travel advice on a specific matter''' see the [[Wikivoyage:Tourist office|tourist office]]. * If you have an '''issue you need to bring to the attention of an administrator''', try [[Wikivoyage:Ongoing vandalism|Ongoing vandalism]]. * If you are having a '''problem that you think has to do with the [[mw:|MediaWiki software]]''', please post that on [[phab:|Phabricator]] instead. * If you want to '''celebrate a significant contribution''' to Wikivoyage by yourself or others, hold a party at [[Project:Celebrate a contribution|Celebrate a contribution]]. * Discuss '''issues related to more than one language version''' of Wikivoyage in the [[meta:Wikivoyage/Lounge|Wikivoyage Lounge]] on Meta. * Anything that is '''Nigeria-related''' is now meant to go in the [[Wikivoyage:Nigeria café|Nigeria café]] instead. Anything that is '''Kosovo or Albania related''' is now meant to go in the [[Wikivoyage:Kosovo and Albania cafe|Kosovo and Albania café]] instead. This includes announcements, initiatives, celebrations, and issues with certain articles. You can review old Pub discussions in the [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub/Archives]]. '''Pull up a chair and join in the conversation!''' [{{fullurl:Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub|action=edit&section=new}} '''Click here to start a new thread'''] </div> {{WikivoyageDoc|collaboration}} <!-- Discussions start here --> __TOC__ __NEWSECTIONLINK__ == RfC ongoing regarding Abstract Wikipedia (and your project) == <div lang="en" dir="ltr" class="mw-content-ltr"> ''(Apologies for posting in English, if this is not your first language)'' Hello all! We opened a discussion on Meta about a very delicate issue for the development of [[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Abstract Wikipedia|Abstract Wikipedia]]: where to store the abstract content that will be developed through functions from Wikifunctions and data from Wikidata. Since some of the hypothesis involve your project, we wanted to hear your thoughts too. We want to make the decision process clear: we do not yet know which option we want to use, which is why we are consulting here. We will take the arguments from the Wikimedia communities into account, and we want to consult with the different communities and hear arguments that will help us with the decision. The decision will be made and communicated after the consultation period by the Foundation. You can read the various hypothesis and have your say at [[:m:Abstract Wikipedia/Location of Abstract Content|Abstract Wikipedia/Location of Abstract Content]]. Thank you in advance! -- [[User:Sannita (WMF)|Sannita (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Sannita (WMF)|<span class="signature-talk">{{int:Talkpagelinktext}}</span>]]) 15:27, 22 May 2025 (UTC) </div> <!-- Message sent by User:Sannita (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Sannita_(WMF)/Mass_sending_test&oldid=28768453 --> :{{re|Sannita (WMF)}} may I ask how this affects Wikivoyage when you say "some of the hypothesis involve your project"? TIA, //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:28, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::The proposed solutions mention the Wikivoyages in several places. The main issue is that an abstract article about Someplace shouldn't be rendered the same in Wikipedia and Wikivoyage. This affects also the technical solutions, such as where to store statements and functions. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:21, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::Can you explain further how we have abstract (vs. concrete?) articles on Wikivoyage? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:27, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::We don't have any abstract articles at the time being, and I assume Wikivoyage in English may choose never to have them. For smaller languages, though, it is unrealistic to cover all interesting places with proper articles. The mission of Abstract Wikipedia is to provide a framework for creating articles in a way that allows automatic translation into something at least half-way decent. It's like having listings fetch key information from Wikidata, but scaled up to complete articles (or less complete – at least lively language on personal impressions will certainly be missing for the foreseeable future). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:43, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::::I see – I still don't understand how this will fully get (even after reading the hypothesis), but I suppose it's something for smaller language projects. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 09:47, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::Hi @[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], it seems that @[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] covered most of my arguments here already, so I would just repeat them at this point. The part that interests your project refers to the hypothesis that abstract content ''might'' (but it's still not sure at the moment) be stored in a dedicated namespace of your project. But again, this ''might'' happen, and you're free to refuse to store/use abstract content to further your development. This is entirely in your right, and we do not want to force any adoption of the project without consensus. [[User:Sannita (WMF)|Sannita (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Sannita (WMF)|talk]]) 10:01, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::And yes, Abstract Wikipedia is primarily intended for projects that have so far developed a small number of articles, in order to help them accelerate their growth and hopefully provide more knowledge to their communities and recruit a higher number of volunteers. [[User:Sannita (WMF)|Sannita (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Sannita (WMF)|talk]]) 10:03, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::Sounds perfect. Thanks to both of you for explaining! //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:10, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Seconded. I understand. We should discuss in a separate thread whether it would be better to encourage, allow perhaps without comment, or disallow abstract listings on this site. I think we probably don't want abstract articles, but we should discuss that, too. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:22, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::::I can see abstract listings being useful for more obscure parts of the world for English speakers for this site at least, but overall sounds like it's something to help smaller language Wikivoyages benefit from us rather than the other way around (which is also great). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 13:30, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::I mentioned listings as we already use Wikidata for them (coordinates) and have discussed e.g. opening hours (too complicated to be workable). I don't think "abstract listings" are an option at this point – somebody needs to decide a listing is wanted and would include some manual language when adding it. We still might have some valuable insights in how – and how not – to design abstract Wikivoyage articles for them to be useful. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 14:04, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::I have two thoughts about this: ::* We need some way of separating a block of text that works for Wikipedia from a block of text that works for Wikivoyage (or another sister project). That suggests ''not'' using the English Wikipedia as the storage place for everything. The Wikipedias might all want "Jupiter is the largest planet in the Solar System. It is the fifth planet from the Sun", but if Wikivoyage were to have an article on the planet, it would probably sound a lot more like "Jupiter isn't a viable destination, but travelers interested in [[astronomy]] and [[navigation]]<nowiki/>by the stars may be interested in the Big Museum of Jupiter and the Annual Jupiter Festival". ::* I think that the English Wikivoyage could benefit from Abstract content. It's obvious that we could 'translate' our [[Wikivoyage:Star articles|Star articles]] into Abstract, and thus other Wikivoyages would benefit. However, imagine how much we could benefit if @[[User:Sannita (WMF)|Sannita (WMF)]] brought [[:it:Roma]] up to Star status, and then translated it for us to copy whatever bits we wanted in [[Rome]]. Keep in mind that while Abstract is set up to do dynamic autotranslation (e.g., always giving the latest population estimate, if the sentence says "the population of Rome is ___"), you can actually copy and paste the results as plain old text into an article. ::[[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:07, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::If I understand correctly, Abstract Wikipedia works with programming that could have been done in the 1980s, more or less like [[:w:Lsjbot|Lsjbot]]'s articles, although not confined to info found in already existing datasets. "Not a viable destination" would need to be an item to insert and translate. That article on Jupiter would have very little in common with the Wikipedia one. :::For Rome, population statistics etc. would be easy to write in abstract form, but an abstract star article would need a lot of article-specific functions, which need to be translated to get a version in another language – and lively language is hard to translate automatically (think "[[Talk#Speaking English with non-native speakers|blind and therefore insane]]"). Copying over listings would work, and a good abstract article should have a good selection of those. :::I think an abstract Wikivoyage article should focus on being reasonably complete by having ''information'': roads and trains for getting in, listings with coords, contact details and Wikidata link, and suggestions in Go next, but quite little running text, mostly identical across articles except data values (…is a village/town/city in X…), and likewise a dry list of facts in the listing "content", not like the lively writing in [[Wikivoyage:Listings#Examples|Wikivoyage:Listings]]. :::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 17:47, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::As Wikivoyage has generally has more structured articles than Wikipedia, I think that we could make use of an Abstract Wikivoyage. Two areas look like possible starting points: listings and the phrases in phrasebooks. ::::If a tool could create an abstract version of a listing that exists in another language, then the listing could be offered when editing the same section of an article here - "Would you like to add a listing for the Lawnmower Museum?". Some parts of listing could be updated in all languages when edited in one - we would show the last updated entry price for the museum whatever language it was edited in. A difficult part is identifying when listing elements are language specific - we may use a different url from another WV to point to a page in English, and we don't care that the museum has labels translated into Spanish. ::::In English WV we have a standard set of phrases for phrasebooks, and most phrasebooks keep fairly closely to this list. This list is also the basis for phrasebooks in some other language WVs. It would appear to be reasonably straightforward to scan the existing phrases to create an abstract phrasebook, but inconsistencies would need to be reviewed. There are about 300 phrasebooks in English, 50 in German and 20 in Polish. Maybe we can use this to offer over 200 phrasebooks in Polish. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:44, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::::For listings, yes, the abstract versions would be easy to create. For the name, we only need to identify the native name, its romanisation, and the language of translated names. There are already structures for all this in Wikidata; also "official URL" has a language attribute. Amenities of hotels can likewise easily be described. Nothing will be automatically fetched, so no worries about info irrelevant for English speakers. What is hard to do is the lively language of the examples I linked above. :::::For phrasebooks, I am not sure it is that easy, or rather whether creating an abstract phrasebook helps compared to just translating the template and using a dictionary (or whatever way you otherwise use for getting translations). Grammar and pronunciation sections needs to be written with the audience's language knowledge in mind, and translations of phrases need to be done with some understanding of the context, thus mostly manually. For a good phrasebook, you also need to note peculiarities in the relation with the target language, such as the liberty/liberté etc. now added to the French and Italian phrasebook and warnings for specific false friends. :::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 04:57, 27 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::I think phrasebooks is one of those things (along with travel topics) where it's more or less impossible to create an abstract version of. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 05:23, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::Why do you think that? :::::::We can already write things like "{{#invoke:wd|label|Q98815142}}, a {{#invoke:wd|label|Q81727}} of {{#invoke:wd|label|Q8486}}, {{#invoke:wd|label|Q26175857}}" by invoking Wikidata. It would require expansion (e.g., to add "a" and "an"), but it doesn't seem impossible in principle, at least for simpler sentences. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:24, 27 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::The question is whether there is any point of doing that. If every phrase has to be purpose-translated, then why not just write the non-abstract phrasebook? The point with the abstract articles is that there are standard phrases that can be used across articles, such as words for amenities you will find in many hotels. For the phrasebook phrases, the question is whether the same Sámi phrase would suite the phrasebook in English and the one in Latvian (or whatever). ::::::::When the English phrase is translated differently depending on context, some commentary needs to be added (formal/informal, feminine/masculine). This commentary is redundant or awkward in languages that make the same distinction, possibly treating the two (or more) forms as totally unrelated (the person is deceased, the cow is dead). ::::::::For the cup of tea, you may need to word that differently depending on whether you are a man or woman, and whether the one you are asking for the cup is a waiter, the café owner, your host or your host's young child. ::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 20:59, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::::Perhaps an example would show what I was thinking of: :::::::::In [[French phrasebook]], we have: :::::::::; How much is a ticket to _____? : Combien coûte le billet pour _____ ? (''kom-BYAN koot luh bee-YEH poor'') :::::::::; One ticket to _____, please. : Un billet pour _____, s'il vous plaît. (''ung bee-YEH poor ____ seel voo pleh'') :::::::::On Polish WV there is [[:pl:Rozmówki francuskie]], their French Phrasebook. :::::::::;Ile kosztuje bilet do...? : Combien coûte le billet pour...? :::::::::;Poproszę jeden bilet do... : Un billet pour..., je vous prie. :::::::::We also have [[Finnish phrasebook]], which has: :::::::::; How much is a ticket to _____? : Paljonko maksaa lippu _____in? (''PAHL-yonk-aw MAHK-sah LEEP-poo _____?'') :::::::::So I think that a Finnish phrasebook on the Polish WV, could have :::::::::;Ile kosztuje bilet do...? : Paljonko maksaa lippu _____in? (''PAHL-yonk-aw MAHK-sah LEEP-poo _____?'') :::::::::"One ticket to" is not exactly the same (translating the French used in Polish, it is saying "I beg you" rather than "please"), so this phase would require some manual adjustments when it was abstracted. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:24, 27 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::I don't think that the idea with Abstract is to program in "please", but rather to swap in whichever word or phrase is used in that language to indicate politeness and respect while making a request. ::::::::::We already have a [[mw:Help:Magic words#gender|software switch for gender]], so this is not some miraculous future tech; this is an expansion of what has been possible for years. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 01:39, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::For Finnish, there is no word or phrase that indicates politeness, but one often uses the conditional (?) verb form instead. In some cases one would just use that word form in the phrase (in the Finnish phrasebooks and in phrasebooks for Finnish) – but here the question is instead with no sign of politeness, which is common in that language. Something like "could you" is problematic as most languages make a distinction between thou and you. I think the common cases can be handled decently, but for less well-known language families – those that benefit most from the abstract articles – the edge cases will be more common. It is likely that abstract phrasebook have to be tweaked for specific languages to avoid the odd case of very problematic renderings. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:02, 28 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::In Malay, there are two words for "please" that have different meanings and are used in different contexts. There are also two words for "we" that have different meanings. Etc. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:34, 30 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::I would expect all the foreign phrases to be reproduced exactly as they were in the existing phrasebook(s) that they were taken from. Ideally the left side phrases would also be exact reproductions, unless they were used to create a phrasebook to be part of a WV that doesn't currently have any phrasebooks; but it is less of an issue if the left side doesn't read perfectly. I am assuming that an Abstract Wikivoyage would have some mechanism for handling quoted text, as this is essential for reproducing the exact words used in famous speeches etc, and will be required for abstract Wikipedia and Wikiquote etc. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 14:06, 30 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::{{re|WhatamIdoing}} LPfi's basically explained why I don't think abstract phrasebooks will work. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:25, 27 May 2025 (UTC) == Adding images to the Infobox template == {{Infobox/sandbox|Infobox sandbox test|Nutritious, filling content goes here. |image=Dessert_Merlion_Singapore_Cafe_Kaya_Toast.jpg |caption=Yum yum!}} I've hacked up [[Template:Infobox/sandbox]] which add new <code>image/caption</code> parameters, so you can easily add an image to your infoboxen instead of trying to manually hack it in. Example: <pre> {{Infobox/sandbox |Infobox sandbox test |Nutritious, filling content goes here. |image=Dessert_Merlion_Singapore_Cafe_Kaya_Toast.jpg |caption=Yum yum!}} </pre> If there's no objections, I'll roll this out to the main Infobox template, the params are optional so it shouldn't break anything. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 06:02, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :{{support}} &ndash; Will be useful for articles like [[India]] and [[Kolkata]], which already use images in infoboxes. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 06:15, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :This is a tangent, but I think we should consider renaming that template, or at least changing its Wikidata links. Wikivoyage doesn't do Wikipedia-style infoboxes. These are just simple boxes, more like pull quotes or boxed warnings. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:29, 27 May 2025 (UTC) ::Change the Wikidata link, but keep the name. It is an infobox, although not a Wikipedia-style one. Of course, if somebody comes up with a better name, then I won't object. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:06, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :::{{ping|WhatamIdoing|LPfi}} Maybe {{tl|Info}} can be used instead of {{tl|Infobox}}. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 02:40, 28 May 2025 (UTC) ::::For us, this is an infobox, not just info. I wouldn't support such changes just to conform. Somebody who wants a Wikipedia-style infobox should just be directed to {{tl|quickbar}}, and somebody who tries to use {{tl|infobox}} quickly sees that it isn't what they are looking for. A see also for the former is more useful than a name change. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:11, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :::::I'll fix the Wikidata links so that {{tl|quickbar}} is matched with the Wikipedia-style infoboxes, and {{tl|infobox}} isn't. I'm not sure what our {{tl|infobox}} should be matched to; I don't think that enwiki has anything similar. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:28, 28 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::...No, that won't work. {{tl|Quickbar}} matches "Infobox Country". I'll remove the {{tl|infobox}} links. That much is certainly correct. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:29, 28 May 2025 (UTC) (undent) I've deployed the new version. I had to tweak it a bit to stop it from adding extra padding when the new params are not used, but it should be OK now, please ping me if not. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 07:58, 28 May 2025 (UTC) == Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees 2025 Selection & Call for Questions == <section begin="announcement-content" /> :''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Announcement/Selection announcement|{{int:interlanguage-link-mul}}]] • [https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Translate&group=page-{{urlencode:Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Announcement/Selection announcement}}&language=&action=page&filter= {{int:please-translate}}]'' Dear all, This year, the term of 2 (two) Community- and Affiliate-selected Trustees on the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees will come to an end [1]. The Board invites the whole movement to participate in this year’s selection process and vote to fill those seats. The Elections Committee will oversee this process with support from Foundation staff [2]. The Governance Committee, composed of trustees who are not candidates in the 2025 community-and-affiliate-selected trustee selection process (Raju Narisetti, Shani Evenstein Sigalov, Lorenzo Losa, Kathy Collins, Victoria Doronina and Esra’a Al Shafei) [3], is tasked with providing Board oversight for the 2025 trustee selection process and for keeping the Board informed. More details on the roles of the Elections Committee, Board, and staff are here [4]. Here are the key planned dates: * May 22 – June 5: Announcement (this communication) and call for questions period [6] * June 17 – July 1, 2025: Call for candidates * July 2025: If needed, affiliates vote to shortlist candidates if more than 10 apply [5] * August 2025: Campaign period * August – September 2025: Two-week community voting period * October – November 2025: Background check of selected candidates * Board’s Meeting in December 2025: New trustees seated Learn more about the 2025 selection process - including the detailed timeline, the candidacy process, the campaign rules, and the voter eligibility criteria - on this Meta-wiki page [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025|[link]]]. '''Call for Questions''' In each selection process, the community has the opportunity to submit questions for the Board of Trustees candidates to answer. The Election Committee selects questions from the list developed by the community for the candidates to answer. Candidates must answer all the required questions in the application in order to be eligible; otherwise their application will be disqualified. This year, the Election Committee will select 5 questions for the candidates to answer. The selected questions may be a combination of what’s been submitted from the community, if they’re alike or related. [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Questions_for_candidates|[link]]] '''Election Volunteers''' Another way to be involved with the 2025 selection process is to be an Election Volunteer. Election Volunteers are a bridge between the Elections Committee and their respective community. They help ensure their community is represented and mobilize them to vote. Learn more about the program and how to join on this Meta-wiki page [[m:Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Election_volunteers|[link].]] Thank you! [1] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2022/Results [2] https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Committee:Elections_Committee_Charter [3] https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Resolution:Committee_Membership,_December_2024 [4] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections_committee/Roles [5] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/FAQ [6] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Questions_for_candidates Best regards, Victoria Doronina Board Liaison to the Elections Committee Governance Committee<section end="announcement-content" /> [[User:MediaWiki message delivery|MediaWiki message delivery]] ([[User talk:MediaWiki message delivery|talk]]) 03:08, 28 May 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:RamzyM (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Distribution_list/Global_message_delivery&oldid=28618011 --> == Medium [[Main Page]] overhaul proposal == Since my [[Talk:Main_Page#Help_needed_with_tweaking_visual_balance_of_the_main_page|request for input and support]] on Talk:Main Page went mostly unnoticed, I'm bringing this proposal to the pub to ensure it gets the daylight it should have, as these are proposals to change the look of a rather important page. Here's the backstory: For longer than [[WV:Vector 2022|Vector 2022]] has been around, I've been bothered by the balance of elements on the main page. The new skin only did it injustices, so I've taken it upon myself to mend the shortcomings of the main page in my quest to make Wikivoyage work in Vector 2022. This all so our site looks a bit more appealing in the new skin. I know many regular editors stuck with their old preferred skins when we got the new skin imposed on us, but this still is something that will affect Wikivoyage's appeal to new editors and readers. If the main page looks chaotic and messy, they'll be less likely to stick around. So to each and every editor, <u>regardless</u> of which skin you use: Please chime in! That being said, these are the changes I have developed, and have ready to deploy: * '''Wider {{tl|Mapbanner}}:''' Some small tweaks to the template which make it use all the page width available to it, and moves the globe image and image map accordingly. * '''Centred JCaroussel:''' For the same reason, to make better use of the width on the main page, I've got some CSS changes to the JCaroussel ready that center the featured articles. Scaling them up to simply be full page width I have found to be too tedious to bother with. * '''Overhauled {{tl|Banner}}:''' Vector 2022's scaleable font plays too much with the banners for featured articles to where sometimes the blurb isn't even entirely visible. In the same process, I've simplified the way in which this template is used for each category, foregoing the need for a 'section' and 'section-link' parameter, replacing them with a 'type' parameter. Its style is mostly in keeping with the existing banners and should simplify the process for featuring articles more than it complicates them. What do these changes look like? In the case of {{tl|Mapbanner}}, I cannot easily give a working demonstration as its stylesheet currently overwrites any changes I make to it. Instead, [https://i.imgur.com/6mAMkfG.png this image] is the best I can offer. You'll have to take my word for its functionality being unchanged. The centred JCaroussel and overhauled {{tl|Banner}} can be seen and interacted with [[User:Wauteurz/Banner|on this page]]. I've done my best to ensure that these changes are in keeping with Wikivoyage's current main page style. I know that entire overhauls are not that popular, so I hope these proposals are good enough. I am looking for a broad consensus to roll out at least the first two changes, but ideally all three. I don't feel comfortable rolling some of these changes out with only two people expressing support for them. Please, throw your questions and concerns in my direction, and I hope we can together fix what I consider to be the biggest remaining issue with Vector 2022. Thank you in advance. <br/> <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 14:19, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :{{Support}} as the developer of these changes. Vector 2022 dictates how new readers and editors get presented our site, and with its current chaotic and undependable nature, something ''has'' to be done. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 14:20, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :{{ping|Wauteurz}} Any idea for better responsive design of the Wikivoyage main page, as more people access our pages via phone than PC? '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 14:47, 28 May 2025 (UTC) ::@[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]] For clarity, these changes only affect the appearance on desktop devices. The changes to JCaroussel also apply in Minerva (mobile), but due to screen size limitations they won't have an effect in most cases. My main goal is overseeing the damage caused by Vector 2022's roll-out on Wikivoyage. Since mobile devices use Minerva, I mostly leave the mobile appearance alone. ::As for my thoughts on mobile, I don't think any of the regular editors have any experience in mobile design, let alone responsive mobile design, so I'm mostly wondering why it's responsive in the first place. I'd personally suggest removing the responsive elements (mostly the feature banners) and replacing them with DotM, OtBP and FTT in simple presentations akin to Picture of the Day and Media of the Day on Commons' main page. The 3:1 banners also are a big problem in my eyes. They're far too short to work on mobile, and I think a square or tall ratio would work leagues better in a mobile format. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 15:31, 28 May 2025 (UTC) *{{s}} very much agree that these changes will be needed sooner than later. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 18:48, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :'''Support'''. Thanks for doing this! As a choosing beggar, I would love to see the mobile front page fixed as well though, the DOTM banner is completely broken at the moment and the padding/spacing of the entire page is wonky at best. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 00:03, 29 May 2025 (UTC) :'''Question''' for all involved: The new banner uses some icons to depict the category that the article is featured in (i.e., [[:File:Yes Check Circle.svg|DotM]], [[:File:Right turn icon blue.svg|OtBP]] and [[:File:Writing Circle.svg|FTT]]). I assume that we wish to keep these instead of the placeholder icons I have used? I'll be working on adapting those into simple white icons, which should be pretty straight-forward. If we wish to change them in future, then that can always be done afterwards. Having the icons consistent between {{tl|Banner}} and {{tl|Pagebanner}} would be for the better, I reckon :) :I am currently aiming to roll these updates out this weekend (June 7/8), just in time for the next featured article change. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 23:55, 1 June 2025 (UTC) ::Update: Making and updating the icons was pretty straight-forward indeed: [[Special:Diff/5071035|Diff/5071035]] <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 00:20, 2 June 2025 (UTC) :'''Support'''. Lots of good improvements! Just make sure to fix the "Off the Beaten Path" link to point to a real page. [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 15:10, 2 June 2025 (UTC) ::{{Done}}. Thanks for spotting that one! <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 15:19, 2 June 2025 (UTC) {{Done}}! Thank you everyone for your support! I've gone ahead and pushed these changes just now. I've naturally updated the usages of {{tl|banner}} on the Main Page and DOTM-Candidates as well. If there's any issues arising from this roll-out, please let me know. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 11:34, 7 June 2025 (UTC) :Awesome! That looks great to me. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 11:46, 7 June 2025 (UTC) == FYI: 10 Travel Tips From Experts Who’ve Been Everywhere == https://www.carryology.com/travel/10-travel-tips-from-experts-whove-been-everywhere/ —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 09:05, 30 May 2025 (UTC) == Tourist office problem == I tried to ask a question in the [[Wikivoyage:Tourist office]], and I replied to it with another question, but I can't see any of it except in edit mode and don't understand why. I used the form on that page to ask the first question. What I want to know is which side of the train to sit on for Amtrak trips between Montreal and Plattsburgh, NY and between Plattsburgh and Saratoga Springs, even if the answers come too late for me to use them. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:24, 30 May 2025 (UTC) :When you click "Ready? Ask a new question!", should the form on the next page require the "Subject:" field to not be empty? Or at least have a placeholder subject text? :I also see someone else's question about Cancun that got ignored, because it's tacked on the end of the previous section. [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 20:42, 1 June 2025 (UTC) ::I guess the problem is that I didn't see the subject field in my mobile phone interface. Is there a way to improve that? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:58, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :::It looks like you can set a default subject value with the InputBox 'default=' parameter. Maybe give it something like "Question from ~~<noinclude></noinclude>~"? I'm not sure how to change the "Subject:" label styling. :::Should the Tourist Office behave more like a Talk page, with an Add Topic button leading to a visual editor? [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 23:44, 2 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I'd support that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:48, 2 June 2025 (UTC) :::::[https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:DiscussionTools It looks like adding a "NEWSECTIONLINK" line is the magic to enable the visual editor on a page.] [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:InputBox There's also a usedt=true parameter to InputBox to make it use the visual editor by default.] :::::It seems to work in this sandbox I set up: [[User:Gerode/Tourist_office_sandbox]] [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 17:48, 5 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I went ahead and applied these two changes. Let me know if I broke anything, or if there's anything else odd about the Tourist office. [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 16:22, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ==Move request== You are invited to participate at [[Talk:Bangalore#Bangalore to Bengaluru]], which can affect the articles [[Bangalore]] and [[Bangalore Rural]], and the category [[:Category:Bangalore]]. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 08:19, 31 May 2025 (UTC) == AfriVoyage == Hi everyone! 👋 My name is [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvin Ategyeka]] from Uganda, and I’ve just launched a new project called '''AfriVoyage'''. It’s a WikiVoyage-focused initiative to document African travel destinations using local perspectives. Our pilot is starting in Uganda, with the goal of improving content and training youth contributors. You can follow the project on Meta-Wiki here: [[meta:AfriVoyage]] I would love your thoughts, guidance, and support. Thanks in advance! <small>unsigned comment by [[User:Alvinategyeka]]</small> :Welcome, Alvin. Wikivoyage really needs more African content, especially if provided by people with local knowledge. Your project will be supported from regular contributors like me. Please let us know how we can help. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:41, 31 May 2025 (UTC) :[[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]], I think you will be a more successful leader if you improve some articles yourself, before you invite anyone else to join you. We'd be happy to help you. :For example, one mistake that we see people making is copying Wikipedia articles here. A Wikipedia article will sound something like "Semuliki National Park is a national park in Bwamba County, a remote part of the Bundibugyo District in the Western Region of Uganda that was established in October 1993". This is the wrong approach here. A Wikivoyage article should have a [[Wikivoyage:Tone|lively tone]]. The beginning of a good Wikivoyage article might sound something like this: :* '''Semuliki National Park''' in [[Western Uganda]] is the only place you can visit a true lowland tropical forest in all of East Africa. This beautiful national park is a birdwatcher's delight, and more than 400 species of butterflies can be found inside the park's borders. :If you feel at the English Wikipedia that you have to suppress your natural style to be as dull as possible, then you'll like Wikivoyage because it allows your enthusiasm to shine in between the facts. We need the facts ("best restaurant" isn't nearly as helpful as saying how it's the best, like "good menu for vegetarians" or "artisan-quality bushera"), but we don't want a boring style. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 18:14, 31 May 2025 (UTC) ::Thank you very much and thanks for the guidance. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 13:27, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :Thank You very much. I have 6 years experience contributing to Wikimedia projects but I feel I need a new challenge and the only project that I had not explored yet always wanted to contribute to is Wiki Voyage. Am a tourism lover and i have travelled extensively in Uganda and East Africa. I hope this project will encourage more African Communities to contribute to Wiki Voyage. I will appreciate all guidance rendered. Thank You. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 13:32, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :Thank you very much, hoping to connect with you for more guidance. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 13:35, 1 June 2025 (UTC) ::Sure, and thank you for taking on this opportunity and challenge! In addition to the great advice you've been given above, I think you'll find [[Welcome, Wikipedians]] very useful. For anyone who participates in this project, some additional pages that I'd consider to provide the most important guidelines and explanatory pages on this site include [[Wikivoyage:What is an article]], [[Wikivoyage:The traveller comes first]], [[Wikivoyage:Article skeleton templates]], [[Wikivoyage:Copyleft]], [[Wikivoyage:Don't tout]], and [[Wikivoyage:Breadcrumb navigation]]. ::It is absolutely '''not''' a prerequisite for anyone to read any of these before contributing here! However, you, as organizer, should read these pages, because you will then be able to distill the most important characteristics of the site for others who are enthusiastic about contributing but not yet familiar with the site, and another important thing is that once you've read or at least skipped through these pages, you can ask us questions. ::I love the fact that you contacted us before the official launch of the project. In the past, projects that were begun on a large scale without any notice to us presented huge issues relating to the policies laid out in the pages I linked for you. ::Thanks again, and we very much look forward to working with you and your colleagues! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:36, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :::Thanks for the resources and guidance. I have been reading and researching about Wiki Voyage and what you have added will guide me more. I will contact you for further guidance in order to move the project forward. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 15:52, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :Thanks a lot. i look forward to working with you and seeking guidance to move the project forward. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 15:54, 1 June 2025 (UTC) == Evora's page banner on wikidata == I noticed [[Evora]]'s page banner does not exist in wikidata. I was unable to add it there. Would someone show me how to proceed, please? [[User:Claude van der Grift|Claude van der Grift]] ([[User talk:Claude van der Grift|talk]]) 18:31, 31 May 2025 (UTC) :[[d:Q179948|Évora]]'s banner is already defined on Wikidata since 2013, so moving it over isn't necessary. Regardless, you'd add a banner to a Wikidata item by adding a statement using [[d:P948|P948 (page banner)]]. Simply add the file name without the "File:" prefix but with the file extension as its value, and clicking publish. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 20:28, 31 May 2025 (UTC) ::Evora's Wikidata page is semi-protected, so you can't edit if you have made less than 50 edits on Wikidata. As already said, there is no need to edit it, as it is already using the banner from Wikidata. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 21:47, 31 May 2025 (UTC) :::Thank for your explanations {{U|AlasdairW}}. Unfortunately I mistook [[:d:Q179948|Evora]] for [[:d:Q243849|Elvas]]. The latter has no page banner. Sure I have more than 50 edits on wikidata. I forgot to say that I'm editing only by my smartphone. [[User:Claude van der Grift|Claude van der Grift]] ([[User talk:Claude van der Grift|talk]]) 15:00, 1 June 2025 (UTC) == FYI: Planning a Trip? AI Will Do That For You == https://www.thrillist.com/travel/nation/ai-travel-apps —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 07:04, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :I wonder whether we can design an AI tool that can fetch info from Wikivoyage and make a summary for you. That can replace the burden of manual summary writing by Wikivoyagers. Of course, Wikivoyage articles should be curated by humans, with AI summarizing them. I want to suggest this to Wikipedians as well, but I have been blocked there since 2021, and I mostly work on the Bengali Wikipedia. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 07:11, 1 June 2025 (UTC) == Wikivoyage and OsmAnd app == I am looking into making it easier to walk [[Stockholm Archipelago Trail]] and have found the [[w:en:OsmAnd]] app useful '''my question''' is there any good examples when those to domains works good together? - –––– [[User:Salgo60|Salgo60]] ([[User talk:Salgo60|talk]]) 07:43, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :As a regular OsmAnd user, I don't believe so to the best of my knowledge. :( //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 05:25, 4 June 2025 (UTC) ::I started using OsmAnd several months ago, and I have been playing around with the Wikivoyage integration since. I spend a lot of time in a major city with a Guide-level article and I find the integration useful there. I haven't tried it with an itinerary. My first thought is to pull up a [https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Category:Guide_itineraries Guide] or [https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Category:Star_itineraries Star] itinerary for a place you've been before and see what the OsmAnd experience is like. [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 16:08, 4 June 2025 (UTC) == Improving this project with little to no knowledge of English == It's been a while since I've posted anything major on the pub, but one of the things I'm quite pleased with the way we do things here is the fact that we are ''very'' open and accommodating to users who can't speak or speak English with a large length of difficulty. We don't have any policies forcing the use of English in discussions and if someone has shown a genuine interest in the project, it isn't unorthodox for someone to go out of their way and respond in another language they know on this site. It comes back to when {{ping|Andyrom75}} told me on itwikivoyage (around when itwikivoyage hit 10k articles, iirc) that it's possible to contribute to Wikivoyage without really knowing the language – and it's true. Most of my activity on itwikivoyage has since been doing minor fixes, adding listings with no description (since you don't need to know the language to add listings, opening hours, urls, address and such), removing closed businesses/out of date info, fixing dead links and the like. Since many of our articles also follow a similar structured format, it's very easy to contribute to the site so long as you're aware of your limitations. Some ideas I had in mind to perhaps make this wiki even more inviting to those who might not have the English skills necessary to contribute text but still want to help: * A community written guide on this, similar to [[Wikivoyage:Welcome, business owners]], [[Wikivoyage:Welcome, locals]] or [[Wikivoyage:Welcome, Wikipedians]] * Finish [[User:SHB2000/admins table]], move to the Wikivoyage namespace, add the table to [[Wikivoyage:Administrators]], and add any advanced perms from other WMF projects. ** Perhaps also make a similar table for non-admins who are reasonably active on this site. More thoughts and ideas would be appreciated – even better if we can facilitate this on other language Wikivoyages. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:11, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :Contribute in another language version of Wikvoyage it's just a matter of willingness and time. For a certain amount of time. For few years I've supported sv:voy without knowing any word in Swedish :-D Nowadays unfortunately I don't have enough time, so I can only concentrate it on it:voy :-( :PS your support on it:voy @[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] is always extremely appreciated! :-) [[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 17:14, 4 June 2025 (UTC) ::I occasionally do the same kind of thing at the Haitian Creole Wikipedia. I can't write in the language, but I can check a maintenance category and fix the wikitext errors there. ::Based on my experience, I'd say that there are two main opportunities for contribution: ::* 'technical' contributions, such as fixing wikitext or broken URLs ::* language-agnostic contributions, such as adding phone numbers, websites, and lat/long coordinates to listings; adding images that require no caption or only a simple/obvious one (e.g., "Disneyland" or "Town Name Church"); removing listings for closed restaurants, etc. ::@[[User:Piotrus|Piotrus]] might have some ideas about which tasks are easiest for his English-language learners to do. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 22:48, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :::Yeah this very much explains it in a nutshell. :) //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:13, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :::@[[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] Indeed, some of my ESL students have effectively only a beginner level of English at best. These days, machine translation is getting good enough to understand a lot, and contribute text that's "mostly ok". It will only get better as AI tools and student use of them improve. Anyway, you can see my activities for students at [[User:Hanyangprofessor2]] [[User:Piotrus|Piotrus]] ([[User talk:Piotrus|talk]]) 01:12, 5 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I have added images that I have taken to many different language variants of Wikipedia. I use Google translate for the text and and hope that a native user if that language will make any corrections. [[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 11:22, 5 June 2025 (UTC) :::::I recently added a listing about Japan in [https://ja.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=%E6%88%90%E7%94%B0%E5%B8%82&diff=52846&oldid=50973 ja.voy] despite not knowing Japanese. The listing editor really makes it simple to improve an article. Last week I presented [[wikidata:Event:Wikidata_and_Sister_Projects#Friday,_May_30th|a Wikidata talk about Listing Editor]] and mentioned that it's a really good gateway to get more contributors. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 15:58, 5 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::The Listing Editor really does! Particularly because they're very standardised across most language Wikivoyages, so the only "bad" listing editor is a malfunctioning/broken listing editor. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:27, 21 June 2025 (UTC) == Linking Wikicommons == I am documenting the Stockholm Archipelago Trail and have uploaded more than [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Stockholm_Archipelago_Trail 3,000 pictures] / [https://wikimap.toolforge.org/?cat=Stockholm_Archipelago_Trail&subcats=true&subcatdepth=4&cluster=false Wikimap] from the trail to Wikimedia Commons. For example, the section Nåttarö will be documented on Wikivoyage here: [[Stockholm_Archipelago_Trail#SAT_Nåttarö]] and is on Wikicommons [https://wikimap.toolforge.org/?cat=SAT_N%C3%A5ttar%C3%B6&subcats=true&subcatdepth=3&cluster=false WIkimap] 1) What is the policy regarding linking to a trail on Wikicommons? I believe such links add significant value by helping readers better understand the trail conditions. Additionally, I see 360-degree images as a step forward in enhancing navigation and exploration, making it easier for users to visualize the terrain. Additionally, 2) I have used Mapillary for one section. Is there a specific policy on linking Mapillary content? For instance, Stockholm Archipelago Trail’s Landsort section is partially represented on [https://www.mapillary.com/app/user/salgo601?lat=58.737857&lng=17.865676&z=17&pKey=1060410682654434 Mapillary pKey=1060410682654434] Would appreciate any guidance on this. Thanks! [[User:Salgo60|Salgo60]] ([[User talk:Salgo60|talk]]) 14:26, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :The use of a limited number of thumbnails from Commons is normal. See [[Wikivoyage:Image policy]]. Otherwise, links are normally through Wikidata: please read [[Wikivoyage:Sister project links]]. For guidelines on third-party links outside Wikimedia, see [[Wikivoyage:External links]], but the answer to your 2nd question is that such links are normally not allowed except to primary sources (for example, the website of a listed restaurant, hotel, museum, etc.) and are subject to deletion. However, Wikivoyage policies and guidelines are always open to discussion, so start a thread at the most relevant guideline article's talk page if you'd like to argue for a change. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:40, 4 June 2025 (UTC) ::thanks but dont the community see the added value? especially when documenting a walking trail it can be good to better understand how steep steep is....- [[User:Salgo60|Salgo60]] ([[User talk:Salgo60|talk]]) 14:54, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :::If you don't like my suggestion of starting a discussion thread on the appropriate policy page's talk page, where you can document the indispensability of Mapillary as your argument for a policy change, you can argue for an exception to policy on [[Talk:Stockholm Archipelago Trail]], but you can't get either a policy change or an exception by arguing in the Pub. But if you're asking for my opinion on why there has been no specific consideration of Mapillary, I'd speculate it's because most of us have never heard of it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:15, 4 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I've heard of Mapillary – I appreciate they're open source and licensed under CC-BY SA, but they're indirectly a competitor to Commons –&nbsp;if you can upload a photo to Mapillary, you can upload it to Commons. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 07:28, 5 June 2025 (UTC) :::::The difference is that you traverse a route on Mapillary its connected 360 pictures I am not an expert but [https://www.mapillary.com/app/?lat=58.737746&lng=17.865677&z=17&pKey=1848345639040650&x=0.46081730421230177&y=0.5976337053747495&zoom=0&focus=photo click on forward on this] its from me walking [[SAT_Landsort]] :::::* they support 360 pictures much better than Wikicommons :::::* [https://www.mapillary.com/showcase OsmAnd and Open Street Map use them] :::::[[User:Salgo60|Salgo60]] ([[User talk:Salgo60|talk]]) 19:08, 7 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::One issue is that of privacy. I might trust the WMF, but I don't want to research the privacy policy and trustworthiness of a third party. Checking the website of a hotel where I intend to sleep is one thing, a Wikivoyage page being dependent on a third party is very different. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:58, 7 June 2025 (UTC) :For Wikimedia Commons (that's their name), you can link a category or gallery via Wikidata. On a gallery page you can show all the most relevant images, with explanatory text and a layout of your liking. The rest of the images would be easily found in the category. Is that what you are looking for in your first question? –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 22:04, 7 June 2025 (UTC) == I had an edit flagged as destructive because my account isn't very old == I was trying to remove information related to crossing the border into Azerbaijan from the Baku page (it's been closed since 2020 and the only way in is via air), but trying to delete a lot of content on a new account flagged me as a vandal. If someone has permissions to view the changes, and would be willing to check on those changes, thank you very much :) [[User:MagnumDahng|MagnumDahng]] ([[User talk:MagnumDahng|talk]]) 09:32, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :{{re|MagnumDahng}} Can you try removing the outdated content once again? I've temporarily disabled the filters; let me know once you've removed everything that you intended to. Sorry for the extra inconvenience. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:04, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::It worked. ::No worries. I understand why it's there :) [[User:MagnumDahng|MagnumDahng]] ([[User talk:MagnumDahng|talk]]) 10:15, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :::Perfect, I've re-enabled the filters; thanks again for the updates! :) //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:36, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ==Does WV need a policy for descriptions of living people?== Wikivoyage is a travel guide and not intended to be a collection of biographies. Still, travel topics and itineraries might mention important individuals, such as explorers, artists, monarchs, and politicians. [[Wikivoyage:What is an article?]] discourages from creating an article for a living celebrity, as these are more difficult to finish than articles for [[Christopher Columbus]], [[Frank Lloyd Wright]] or [[Astrid Lindgren]]. Articles such as [[Presidents of the United States]] and [[Monarchy of the United Kingdom]] describe living individuals who have not concluded their careers, and they are certainly controversial. When writing [[Jewish Stockholm tour]], [[Stockholm environmentalist tour]] and [[Nordic monarchies]], a couple of famous living people came to mind, but I found it advisable to mention them as briefly as possible. Which general principles should we follow? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:58, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :It looks like [[foundation:BLP]] encourages us to have a formal policy, even if there isn't much to say. [[Project:Don't be evil]], maybe? :We already have [[Wikivoyage:Photographs of identifiable people]] and [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#People in photos]], which discourage photos of people. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 20:36, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::I'd support a policy for the same reason. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 11:40, 11 June 2025 (UTC) :I think this is largely not that relevant to a travel guide, but it is actually common to have "Maps of the Stars" or tours of celebrity homes in the Los Angeles region, which to me is completely crazy and behavior that should not be encouraged. Considering Whatamidoing's point about the WMF encouraging this kind of documentation, I think having a guideline/policy is wise. Good thinking. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 21:00, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::Yeah, I would absolutely oppose any article for a tour that takes people to the homes of celebrities who would rather be private in their own homes. If this kind of tour existed in New York, New Yorkers would be up in arms about it and pressing the City Council to pass a law about it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:35, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::The page and section about photos say very little, mostly discouraging photos of yourself, which isn't what this is about. [[commons:Project:Photographs of identifiable people]] says a lot more and should probably be followed also regarding locally uploaded pictures. None of those three says anything about text about people (other than that captions shouldn't be defamatory). ::I think we probably shouldn't write a policy unless there are real issues. We have no reason to write about most people, and it seems common sense, like what Yvwv showed above, works reasonably well. Writing a policy opens up for loopholes and wikilawyering. ::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:50, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :::I wonder if our "BLP policy" could be a section in our existing [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]] policy. Basically, a few principles about avoiding mentioning individuals, and especially avoiding saying anything contentious or unfairly invading their privacy. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 16:40, 10 June 2025 (UTC) ::::That sounds reasonable. In the past I have opposed a suggestion to create an itinerary based on the travels of a living individual. ::::A more common situation is where a listing mentions something about the people that work in the hotel or restaurant. "Friendly owners" or "poor service from the waiters" is ok, but referring to staff by name needs more care. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:04, 10 June 2025 (UTC) :::::It's surely OK when the name of the Chef de Cuisine or Pastry Chef are printed on menus or are well-known chefs the restaurant promotes. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:40, 10 June 2025 (UTC) :::::: Can an artist's personal life be separated from their work? At least, death is useful to conclude a life story. As Georg Riedel past away one year ago, he deserves to be described in the [[Jewish Stockholm tour]]. Aleksander Wolodarski is another person appropriate to mention, but as he is well and alive (and to some degree a divisive character in Swedish architecture) the description of him in the same article is very brief. The [[Harry Potter tourism]] barely mentions the author, and that might be good as it is. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:16, 11 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I think it would be fine to note the name of a celebrity chef ("Thomas Keller's restaurant, The French Laundry"), or even a relatively public non-celebrity ("The restaurant owner, Mary Smith, is also the long-time mayor of this small town" or "Olly Owner is happy to pack a picnic upon request"). ::::::However, as an extension of [[Wikivoyage:Avoid negative reviews]], we don't really want "Chris Celebrity is pretentious and their restaurant is overpriced" or "Wendy Waitress is unfriendly and slow". [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:26, 11 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::I think we should avoid "Wendy Waitress is unfriendly", but "Some staff are unfriendly" is ok. It is important to report negative aspects of a place if either it is balanced by "excellent cooking and wonderful bread" or it is the only place in town. It becomes more difficult with one person businesses. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 20:24, 11 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Wikivoyage should not be interested in people: that is the province of Wikipedia. Wikivoyage is however interested in places associated with people and to this end should be cautious about their privacy. If however the individual concerned invites members of the public to their homes or businesses (for example Donald Trump has a website for [https://www.maralagoclub.com/ Mar-a-Lago]) then it is no longer Wikivoyage's role to protect his privacy: if he publicises his home, then it is incumbent on him to look after his own privacy. In contrast, Joe Biden does not appear to advertise his home, so neither should Wikivoyage (even if a search on the internet will reveal Joe Biden's properties).[[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 15:18, 12 June 2025 (UTC) :Does something like this feel about right? :---- :As a general rule, Wikivoyage is interested in places, not people. Occasionally, providing a fair description will involve mentioning a specific person. In such cases, these principles apply to protect living people: :* Avoid contentious matter about living people to the maximum extent possible, to show respect for human dignity and personal privacy. Publishing personal information that is tangential to the needs of the article, trivial, ephemeral, or constitutes a [[Wikivoyage:Avoid negative reviews|negative review]] is unfair. For example, if a restaurant owner promotes dubious beliefs to customers, then omit the listing completely rather than writing about the owner's beliefs. :* Avoid whole articles focused on living people, such as an [[Wikivoyage:Itineraries|itinerary]] to see the private homes of celebrities. It is fair to have an itinerary focused on Taylor Swift's concert tours; it is not fair to have an article focused on her homes. :* Individual listings that name a living public figure are acceptable so long as the content is not contentious. However, you should avoid naming living people when a general description is adequate. For example, write "The owner is happy to talk about local history" instead of "Harry Historian, the owner, is happy to talk about local history", even though you would name the celebrity chef Thomas Keller as the owner of the restaurant The French Laundry. :---- :What should be changed, added, omitted? [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 16:39, 12 June 2025 (UTC) ::Thanks for offering a rough draft! The one part that sticks out to me as problematic is the part about "dubious beliefs," which gives an opening to intolerant atheists to complain about a bismillah or cross in a restaurant. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:12, 12 June 2025 (UTC) :::I was thinking about political beliefs, and specifically about an anti-masking restaurant I read about during the pandemic, but you're right: That needs to be re-worded. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 23:30, 12 June 2025 (UTC) ::::Still a good start, I'd say. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 12:15, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I don't think that businesses should be removed because of beliefs of the owner or personnel; that the owner touts antivacc or flat-earth theories might be entertaining rather than a reason to avoid them. One might tell that they might raise controversial topics. For dangerous practices, such as not using masks when needed, that would be treated like them using contaminated water or whatever. Yes, sometimes that warrants removing the listing in line with ''no bad reviews'', but that has little to do with privacy. ::::For a Finnish business, it was suggested that the listings be removed because of bigotry, in effect a boycott by Wikivoyage. I am not sure about to what extent to do that, but I assume we might tell something about the owner in that case, if we leave the choice whether to use their services to our readers. I would oppose individual editors removing listings because of views that don't conform with their own, but they may of course choose not to add them. ::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:28, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :::::I think there might be a spectrum of issues, but some types of (e.g.,) bigotry are not compatible with [[Wikivoyage:The traveller comes first]]. Inclusion constitutes a recommendation, at least when there are other alternatives. If we list a restaurant, it should be because travellers are welcome. If the restaurant's listing would need to have a disclaimer along the lines of "BTW, only white people are allowed to eat here" or "People whom the owner thinks look Jewish/Muslim/Black/gay/trans will be refused service", then that restaurant shouldn't be included in Wikivoyage at all. Listed restaurants should normally be open to all of the general public. :::::On the other end of the spectrum, if the owner cheerfully accepts all customers, but he privately belongs to a racist organization, then that's not really relevant to the travellers' experience, so we needn't mention that. Travellers who want to patronize only businesses owned by people who share the same politics/religion/race/sexual orientation should look elsewhere for that information. :::::Somewhere in the middle is factual information that travellers may interpret in opposite ways. For example, if a given deli in New York City is kosher, it'd be worth noting that in the description. Most travellers won't care. Some travellers will prefer it (either for religious reasons or because kosher meat is considered more ethical than conventional meat). Some travellers will reject it. But knowing that it might appeal (or not) to different travellers is not the same as different travellers not being allowed to eat at the deli. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 20:02, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I see no problem in describing a restaurant in terms of the religious beliefs that it portrays provided that it is done in a neutral manner - for example , "The XYZ resaurant is a kosher/halal/vegetarian establishment". The reader can then make up their ow mind about patronising the establishment - after all Wikivoyage has many articles about various places of worship. [[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 21:05, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::I think the general point is that we want "XYZ is a kosher/halal/vegetarian restaurant" but not "The owner of XYZ is a Jew/Muslim/vegetarian person". [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:10, 14 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::I agree here. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 06:56, 18 June 2025 (UTC) *Suggested rewrite of the first point (Changes in bold): :"''Avoid contentious matter about living people to the maximum extent possible, to show respect for human dignity and personal privacy. Publishing personal information that is tangential to the needs of the article, trivial, ephemeral, or constitutes a negative review is unfair. For example, if a restaurant owner promotes '''particular''' beliefs to customers, then omit the listing completely rather than writing about the owner's beliefs. '''If however the establishment itself <u>caters</u> for certain beliefs and/or ethics, it is reasonable, or maybe even desireable, to add those beliefs/ethics to the description in a neutral manner - such as including the words "kosher/halal/vegetarian" to the establishment's description.'''''" [[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 21:14, 13 June 2025 (UTC) *I suggest that the second point be extended as follows (additions in bold): :''Avoid whole articles focused on living people, such as an itinerary to see the private homes of celebrities. It is fair to have an itinerary focused on Taylor Swift's concert tours; it is not fair to have an article focused on her homes. '''However, if the celebrity concerend advertises their home to the general public (for example [https://www.maralagoclub.com/ Mar-a-Lago], home of Donald Trump or [https://www.blenheimpalace.com/ Blenheim Palace], home of the Duke of Marlborough) , then it is perfectly in order to mention the home in an article and ideally to include a web address the description or article.''''' ::[[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 21:27, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::I think all this discussion of beliefs and politics is bad and not something about which we want policies. Also, bad reviews are by no means inherently unfair, and I'm mystified by how anyone could think that's the case; it's just that Wikivoyage chooses with some exceptions to simply refrain from listing businesses, rather than stating that they are bad. I also don't see why we would need to add a policy that establishments that discriminate against people based for example on their ethnicity, appearance or national origin, such as a historic restaurant in Düsseldorf that refused admission to East Asians early in the pandemic, be delisted, because we already do that based on preexisting policies. Right now, I think that based on the drafts circulated in this thread, we risk approving a new policy that is worse than none. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:40, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :::It might be best to try the smallest possible addition. After all, it's usually easier to get a policy expanded later if we really need it, than to get it shortened later. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:08, 14 June 2025 (UTC) ::::Here's a shorter version: ::::---- ::::As a general rule, Wikivoyage is interested in places, not people. Occasionally, providing a fair description will involve mentioning a specific person. In such cases, these principles apply to protect living people: ::::* Avoid contentious matter about living people to the maximum extent possible, to show respect for human dignity and personal privacy. Individual listings that name a living public figure are acceptable so long as the content is not contentious. ::::* Avoid whole articles focused on living people, such as an [[Wikivoyage:Itineraries|itinerary]] to see the private homes of celebrities. ::::---- ::::We could also soften "the maximum extent possible". It's always "possible" to avoid mentioning anyone's name, but it's not always "reasonable" to do so. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:14, 14 June 2025 (UTC) :::::What about the article on U.S. presidents? We don't avoid contentious facts about living current and former presidents; we just agree on what should be in the blurbs about them based on the existing [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]] guidelines. I still fail to see how adding at least your first proposed guideline will improve anything. Also, are we creating a solution for a nonexistent problem? Can you cite a previous example of an article that had unnecessarily contentious facts about living people that we were not able to deal with by using existing guidelines? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:33, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::[[Presidents of the United States]] is not a "whole article focused on living people"; it is a whole article focused on mostly long-dead people with just five living US Presidents being mentioned (and mostly in a "public museum" way, not a "current private home" way). This would therefore be acceptable as a case of "Individual listings that name a living public figure" that "show respect for human dignity and personal privacy". ::::::The existing problem to be solved is: The Board of Directors for the WIkimedia Foundation said that every project needs to have an official, written BLP policy. They said this about 16 years ago, so we're running a bit behind schedule, but we should have something. Their resolution encourages "special attention to the principles of neutrality", so I think putting a few sentences inside our version of the "[[Wikivoyage:NPOV|NPOV]]" policy would be appropriate. We could even create a [[WV:BLP]] shortcut to it, so the Wikipedia folks can find it easier. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:16, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::My problem is not with your second proposed provision, which is fine, but your first, and that's what my last reply addressed. If it stated that when living people have to be mentioned, we must [[be fair]] and come to a [[consensus]] about anything contentious, I'd be happy. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:33, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Can you think of any contentious or derogatory information a travel guide – especially one that does not cite external sources – ''needs'' to include? [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:37, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::I already gave you an example! And what about when we fairly describe countries as dictatorships? We've sometimes had users object and try to whitewash articles, and in such cases, we are armed with [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]], not some ridiculous claim that anything "contentious" is bad and must be avoided, which would have played into their hands. Wikivoyage is a travel guide, not a site that tries to be neutral. We expressly don't have an NPOV policy, but instead a policy that requires fairness. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:10, 18 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::I agree that we can fairly describe a country as being a dictatorship. Do we need to describe an individual living person as a dictator, when doing so would be contentious (e.g., produce disputes and disagreements on wiki)? I just checked every article containing the words "a dictator" and "the dictator"; none of them refer to living people. ::::::::::If your prior example was "What about the article on U.S. presidents?", I've already answered that question. I don't see anything privacy-invading in [[Presidents of the United States]], and I don't see anything contentious about any living person in there, either. The contents are not universally approved by the campaign team, but nobody actually disputes or "contends" over the facts (e.g., that Clinton was involved in a sex scandal, or that Trump is technically a convicted felon). [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 01:07, 20 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::If you haven't had the misfortune of speaking with a Trumper lately, consider yourself lucky. There are tens of millions of hard-core Trumpers in the U.S. who don't accept basic scientific facts and advance all kinds of conspiracy nonsense as truth. I dealt with a cabbie in New Rochelle yesterday who gratuitously started talking about politics. He claimed Biden already had cancer 4 years ago, and "they" covered it up, that claims of fossil fuels causing global warming are "bullshit" and that if the Democrats had been elected last year, we'd all be driving electric cars already, among other things. So I very much contest your confident assertion that statements of fact about Trump, Biden, Obama, etc. are not "contentious". We need to remove that word from consideration as something Wikivoyage cannot be. Do you remember years ago when there was someone who spent a couple of weeks or more trying to whitewash descriptions of Cuba by claiming that it was really a democracy, their elections are really free and fair, and the Communists have never been dictators or oppressed anyone there? Or the ones that claimed that China is a democracy and it was the U.S. (pre-Trump) that was really oppressive (the latter of which of course has never been completely false, but that was entirely beside the point in a travel guide as well as being pure whataboutism that disproves nothing). We've had all kinds of politically motivated contentions against facts. That's why our standard is [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]], not "Wikivoyage/Avoid saying anything anyone could argue with", which is what "contentious" means or would mean in the hands of anyone who wants to use a travel guide to grind an axe, rather than to improve a resource for travelers. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:14, 20 June 2025 (UTC) == Full-size images not available on maps in city districts == Since yesterday (and possibly earlier), the images in listings can be viewed in the dynamic map but trying to click on it to go to the full description page will lead to a broken link if they are in a city district page. This raises the issue on image attribution. You can test it on any listings with images at [[Queens/Flushing-Northeast]] and [[Toronto/Etobicoke]]. Anyone have insight on what recent changes broke this functionality? [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 15:46, 12 June 2025 (UTC) :Yes, needs to be fixed. For some reason, the File: prefix is prefixed by the district name. I try to check [[Module:Listing]] for the bug. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 11:52, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::Oops, the city name, not the district. Seemingly the article name is included in the image argument, and removed, but not properly so for subarticles. [[Module:Marker]] is possibly more relevant than Listing, but it is some underlying functionality that is the culprit. My understanding of how modules work is too weak for me to find it. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:10, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :::The marker on the map seems to be constructed using mw.text.jsonEncode. Where can one read that code? Was there some change recently? –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:30, 30 June 2025 (UTC) == Selection and number of images == [split off as suggested by [[User:OhanaUnited|OhanaUnited]] 02:39, 30 June 2025 (UTC). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:17, 30 June 2025 (UTC)] ::: The images embedded within listings are often not the best currently available. They don't display unless you click and faff about, so they don't enhance the page appearance encountered by the general reader. Wouldn't it be neat if there was some repository of images that were the best available copyfree, that could be simply incorporated into the page layout? We'd be sure to use those instead, right? [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 20:20, 15 June 2025 (UTC) ::::The main problem with that is that somebody needs to pick those best available images. That's done in Commons' galleries, where images uploaded in the last dozen years aren't included. We could use the image on Wikidata, but they might not be chosen according to what they are like as thumbnails. Perhaps a specific wikidata property could be created for thumbnail images or even Wikivoyage thumbnail images (like for our banners). About having to click several times, that could be improved, but we don't want clutter, so some discussion is needed on the trade-off if we want to change the status quo. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 18:33, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::: Picking those best images and considering how best to display them is exactly what editors should do, same as picking the best attractions or accommodations to list in a town, we shouldn't lazily accept what's already on the page. It's hardly an onerous task, and we want the best for our readers. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 19:00, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::{{quote|The main problem with that is that somebody needs to pick those best available images.}} :::::Maybe we can take assistance from AI tools to ease out the problem, just like we sometimes use AI to pick the best attractions to visit, and choose the appropriate accommodation. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 19:07, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I haven't heard about us letting such decisions to AI, and I'm not sure we should do it with images. But regardless of what way the images get chosen, it would be good if the choice were saved at Wikidata, to be used automatically. As the images aren't shown in the article itself, the less effort we need to use choosing, the better. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 19:55, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::How much effort do we need to save here? The first example cited was Queens / Flushing. That page is under-illustrated, with one strong image and two so-so. It took me 10 min to find six more good images on Commons, about the right number for a page of this length. Inserting them might take 3 mins apiece, say 20 min, which I'm not volunteering to do as the entire page needs updating, a solid day's work. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 21:07, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Choosing images sounds like a task that some people would love to do. Maybe we could advertise it better? It's even a task that people who don't speak English well should be able to do. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:40, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::It could be a good task, but I have seen a lot of image adding that isn't optimal: ignoring our guideline of [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#Minimal use of images|Minimal use of images]], trying to illustrate individual listings instead of the article as a whole, writing captions to that effect, and placing the images in ways that suite the editor's browser window rather than conform to best practices. :::::::::Increased advertising of this activity should thus be done cautiously, to avoid frustration both among those adding images and those patrolling. :::::::::The original issue was about images for the dynamic map, which is different from illustrating the article. :::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:00, 19 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::As a side note, [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#Minimal use of images]] probably needs both a little re-writing ("1 image per screen": Whose screen size?) and some reconsidering, as availability of internet access has generally improved since then (the [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Wikivoyage:Image_policy&diff=prev&oldid=3629972 last significant update was in 2018], based on [[Wikivoyage talk:Image policy/archive 2014-2019#Minimal use of images - not appropriate|a discussion started in 2016]]). ::::::::::But I agree that it's a tangent for the current thread. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 01:18, 20 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::How carefully did you read Minimal use? :::::::::::"1 image per screen (1,000–2,000 bytes)" :::::::::::I suppose you want to suggest an increase in the number of images we should use, and if so, do that at [[Wikivoyage talk:Image policy]]. But keep in mind that the mobile interface sucks and the site is still better viewed on a computer. I would be likely to oppose any change in the language, as there is flexibility to use more images than stated in the guideline as long as there isn't an unbroken stream on the left side; images left, right and center; or images that go below the end of the article, which looks terrible. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:19, 20 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::I read that, and I wondered which method we're using to measure "1,000 bytes". One screenful – edge to edge, top to bottom, on my laptop, with my font, my size (larger than default), my zoom (120%), etc. – is right around 2000 characters for me, but others may have half that, or four times that. Shorter lines (e.g., using only half the line at the end of a paragraph, or a short item in a list) adds volume without adding characters. ::::::::::::If we're using the file size, then wikitext and URLs add bulk to the file without affecting the screen size. We could have "1,000 bytes" and have a half-full screen (on my laptop) or "2,000 bytes" and still have a half-full screen. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 20:41, 20 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::These are rough estimates. An A4 with 67×47=3150 is quite close to 2k, if there are images, headings and paragraph breaks, probably much less if there are lists. I suppose an A4 is close to readability optimum (my browser and Emacs windows are not far off). My mobile phone seems to have 50×33=1650, perhaps 1k with images etc. The numbers don't seem to be too far off. Without prescribing a test with some specific browser window size, we cannot give precise advice. [[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 14:16, 22 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::From your estimate, the numbers appear to be off by 50%. 3150 = would be "quite close" to 3K, not 2K. ::::::::::::::I think that a more practical suggestion would be: Every well-developed section should usually have one image, so long as this can be done without the images dropping down into the next section. On desktop, this usually requires a minimum of 10 to 12 lines of text per landscape image. Very long sections can have two images. ::::::::::::::This would address the wikitext-vs-displayed problem and the difference between a solid paragraph and a long bullet list with one or two words on each line. ::::::::::::::But as we noted above, this is a separate discussion from the original concern. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:15, 22 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::: Can we take the "select the best picture" conversation into a sub-section? My original intention of this post is to report a bug which leads to the legal issue of image attribution. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 02:39, 30 June 2025 (UTC) == Commons RFD notifications == While the Commons bot that alert us to images about to be deleted [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub/2025#Commons Notification Deletion bot revived|was revived]], images are still being deleted without notification, namely those (I assume), that were nominated before 4 May. The issue was told in the linked announcement, but I did not realise its implications. So, expect some imgages to be removed with no notification on the talk page. If they might be valuable, they should be temporarily restored for local upload, like when the bot wasn't working. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 11:51, 13 June 2025 (UTC) == Usurped URLs == Are usurped or dead URLs (e.g. [[w:en:WP:JUDI]]) normally archived, or removed? I'm looking at the page [[Northampton_(Massachusetts)#Eat]], where the second link is usurped. Thanks, [[User:OutsideNormality|OutsideNormality]] ([[User talk:OutsideNormality|talk]]) 20:22, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :If a url no longer goes to the home page for the listing in question, please update it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:18, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::Actually, looking back, it seems like the URL was never "usurped" and was directly added as a spam link in [[Special:Diff/4154976/4167772]]. Thanks anyway for the advice. [[User:OutsideNormality|OutsideNormality]] ([[User talk:OutsideNormality|talk]]) 00:40, 14 June 2025 (UTC) == Vote now in the 2025 U4C Election == <div lang="en" dir="ltr" class="mw-content-ltr"> {{Int:Please-translate}} Eligible voters are asked to participate in the 2025 [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Universal_Code_of_Conduct/Coordinating_Committee|Universal Code of Conduct Coordinating Committee]] election. More information–including an eligibility check, voting process information, candidate information, and a link to the vote–are available on Meta at the [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Universal_Code_of_Conduct/Coordinating_Committee/Election/2025|2025 Election information page]]. The vote closes on 17 June 2025 at [https://zonestamp.toolforge.org/1750161600 12:00 UTC]. Please vote if your account is eligible. Results will be available by 1 July 2025. -- In cooperation with the U4C, [[m:User:Keegan (WMF)|Keegan (WMF)]] ([[m:User talk:Keegan (WMF)|talk]]) 23:01, 13 June 2025 (UTC) </div> <!-- Message sent by User:Keegan (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Distribution_list/Global_message_delivery&oldid=28848819 --> :Surprised this was sent very late. I made a guide on all the candidates on Meta at [[m:User:SHB2000/U4C guide 2025]], for those interested. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 03:13, 14 June 2025 (UTC) == Wisconsin Dells Kalahari Expansion; should I mention it in the Wisconsin Dells page == Hello! It is now practically mainstream media (In Wisconsin Dells) that Kalahari's expanding its Indoor Waterpark into what was a mainly unused parking lot (which is currently either getting demolished or already is demolished as of posting) and will add a fully glass dome with a retractable roof (this is not an ad, this is according to many sources including the Kalahari its self, Fox11online.com, Whitewater West, Martin Aquatic, and Maverick Hayes' Social Media). Now the real question is should I add this too my page? Cheers! [[User:HistorySports|HistorySports]] ([[User talk:HistorySports|talk]]) 15:22, 14 June 2025 (UTC) :To your page meaning what? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:35, 14 June 2025 (UTC) ::@[[User:HistorySports|HistorySports]], I think it's fair to add information about waterparks to [[Wisconsin Dells#Do]] or [[Wisconsin Dells#Sleep]]. (You pick which one based on whether people mostly stay there, and happen to use the water park, or mostly go to the water park, and a few people stay there, too – just use your judgement and don't stress about the distinction too much.) ::The important thing isn't the news ("they're expanding!") but what is available today ("Wisconsin's biggest indoor waterpark"). ::In general, when I skim through that article, I wish that there were prices for the activities and longer descriptions. In particular, there seem to be a lot of attractions, but I have no idea which one I'd choose. Is one the lowest cost? The best value? Best for little kids? Best for teens? Best for older adults/multi-generational families? Open year-round? Has the most swimming pool lifts for wheelchair users? If you can, try to add some sort of information about the differences between different attractions that might help travellers decide which things they want to do. ::Also, it looks like there are several listings that need to be moved to [[Baraboo]]. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 18:54, 14 June 2025 (UTC) :::Thanks WhatamIdoing! I will follow your advice and hopefully we can have a great page for the area of Wisconsin Dells! [[User:HistorySports|HistorySports]] ([[User talk:HistorySports|talk]]) 19:47, 15 June 2025 (UTC) ::Sorry I wasn't clear and that's totally my fault, but I was talking about the Wisconsin Dells page, sorry! [[User:HistorySports|HistorySports]] ([[User talk:HistorySports|talk]]) 19:47, 15 June 2025 (UTC) :::Thanks. So you know, it's not your page: it's a Wikivoyage article. The only page I'd consider your page is your user page. That said, on the face of it, I would put activities in "Do", not "Sleep". [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:09, 17 June 2025 (UTC) == Wikistats page views == What is up with Wikistats page views for English Wikivoyage? 87 million last month? https://stats.wikimedia.org/#/en.wikivoyage.org/reading/total-page-views/normal%7Cbar%7C2-year%7C~total%7Cmonthly 36 million from Brazil apparently. [[User:Bluecoordinationfine|Bluecoordinationfine]] ([[User talk:Bluecoordinationfine|talk]]) 23:18, 14 June 2025 (UTC) :That is a very interesting anomaly indeed. No idea why, but still very interesting to know why we have so many views from Brazil. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 00:47, 16 June 2025 (UTC) ::Maybe users on VPN? [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 14:25, 16 June 2025 (UTC) == FYI: Dear Atlas: Where Can I Find the Most Unusual Festivals in the U.S.? == https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/off-the-beaten-path-american-festivals —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 07:58, 15 June 2025 (UTC) == [[Talk:Ferries in the Mediterranean#A Commons file used on this page or its Wikidata item has been nominated for deletion]] == No-one seems to be paying any attention to the fact that we are likely to lose a photo. We need to decide whether we're OK with that or not. I will not make a unilateral decision. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:07, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :Is it just me, or does it seem like too many photos have been getting removed lately? [[User:Mrkstvns|Mrkstvns]] ([[User talk:Mrkstvns|talk]]) 16:00, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::Has there been an uptick in deletion requests at Commons? Or are we just noticing them more, now that the notifications bot is working again? [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:08, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::As someone who was monitoring [[c:Commons:Deletion requests]] until the bot started working again, I think it's the latter. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:38, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I hope this deletion can be resisted. Tirrenia ferries in 2017 made a deal with Warner Bros to plaster their ships' exteriors with cartoon characters such as Batman, to give them a jazzy attractive look. That deal continues and you really cannot take a photo of any T ferry without including the character: it's as integral to the ship as the company logo and the pointy bit at the front. The intention of any such photo is to portray the ship not replicate the character, and IMO it's a misuse of copyright law to claim we can't publish it copyfree. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 18:51, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::Such arguments have been presented in the RFD on Commons, and I think that they are legally sound. However, "misuse of copyright law" is not what this is about. There is no word of God saying that utilitarian objects (in this case: the ship) can be freely photographed, and if the law says otherwise, Commons can do little about it. I think the current copyright laws are a disaster, caused by lobbyists and weak politicians, but that means that the copyright laws need to be changed (read: one should spread awareness of the absurdities), not that we can ignore current law. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 20:03, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::The Wikimedia Foundation requires that Commons files be available for unimpeded commercial use. They don't have to, and we don't have to, which is why we have a freedom of panorama fair use exception doctrine. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:10, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::Yes, true. For Commons, the stringency is because of their mission – they don't want to host content that cannot be used. All kinds of compromises are possible or even necessary, but commercial use, such as in small-budget books, is essential for their mission. In some cases, where copyright law is unclear, they could be a bit braver, but that's a separate issue. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 05:05, 18 June 2025 (UTC) == Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees 2025 - Call for Candidates == <section begin="announcement-content" /> :<div class="plainlinks">[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Announcement/Call for candidates|{{int:interlanguage-link-mul}}]] • [https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Translate&group=page-{{urlencode:Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Announcement/Call for candidates}}&language=&action=page&filter= {{int:please-translate}}]</div> Hello all, The [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025|call for candidates for the 2025 Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees selection is now open]] from June 17, 2025 – July 2, 2025 at 11:59 UTC [1]. The Board of Trustees oversees the Wikimedia Foundation's work, and each Trustee serves a three-year term [2]. This is a volunteer position. This year, the Wikimedia community will vote in late August through September 2025 to fill two (2) seats on the Foundation Board. Could you – or someone you know – be a good fit to join the Wikimedia Foundation's Board of Trustees? [3] Learn more about what it takes to stand for these leadership positions and how to submit your candidacy on [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Candidate application|this Meta-wiki page]] or encourage someone else to run in this year's election. Best regards, Abhishek Suryawanshi<br /> Chair of the Elections Committee On behalf of the Elections Committee and Governance Committee [1] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Call_for_candidates [2] https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Legal:Bylaws#(B)_Term. [3] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Resources_for_candidates<section end="announcement-content" /> [[User:MediaWiki message delivery|MediaWiki message delivery]] ([[User talk:MediaWiki message delivery|talk]]) 17:44, 17 June 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:RamzyM (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Distribution_list/Global_message_delivery&oldid=28866958 --> == New copycat site == I haven't had the time to fully look into it and I've been quite busy IRL this month, but it seems we have a new copycat site called https://www.localcityguide.net/. It mirrors Wikivoyage pages word-for-word with "2022 © Local City Guide. All rights reserved." and some pages like [[Itineraries]] ([https://www.localcityguide.net/en/Itineraries]) do nothing to even remove mentions of Wikivoyage. What's interesting about this site is that they've listed those behind the site so openly in the [https://www.localcityguide.net/about-us About us] section – I'm not sure how accurate it is, but it could be something to go off. What are the WMF's protocols when a site copies an entire project and what can we do about it? //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 08:59, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :It has a nice presentation, a handful of blog entries posted in June 2022, and it looks like the foundation of the site is our stuff, refreshed regularly. (Changes I made yesterday already appear.) There is no ability to edit articles. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 10:11, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :This is against the terms of service, CC license restrictions, and American copyright law. You should contact the [[:m:Wikimedia_Foundation/Legal|Legal Team]] via email at legal[little-anarchy-symbol]wikimedia[point]org. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 10:22, 18 June 2025 (UTC) ::I picked an arbitrary page of which I have knowledge, but which is not on the average tourist itinerary, [[Estcourt]]. It has an [[outline article|outline]] status. I clicked on "outline" and the first sentence read: :::"An '''outline article''' is a status rating for any article in ''<u>Wikivoyage</u>'' ... " [My emphasis]. ::This is proof that they are copying the WIkivoyage site. [[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 16:00, 18 June 2025 (UTC) ::: It seems that the contents are incorporated by a script directly from Wikivoyage similar to the html frame technology that's why the articles are up-to-date. I made a small change in some status ratings of the German Wikivoyage, and immediately you can read that this is a usable Wikivoyage article in the footer. --[[User:RolandUnger|RolandUnger]] ([[User talk:RolandUnger|talk]]) 17:24, 18 June 2025 (UTC) ::Copying Wikivoyage's contents is okay. However, you have to provide "reasonable" attribution. That's usually done with something like a simple link to the original article on Wikivoyage. I don't see Wikivoyage mentioned on their website, so they need to fix that – but remember that the goal is for them to fix it, not to punish them or prevent them from sharing our information. ::[[w:en:WP:BACKWARDSCOPY]] has some advice on how to contact websites that haven't complied with the license terms. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 19:27, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :::I have sent the developers of the site an email about this. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:38, 21 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I've also forwarded it to WMF legal (cc {{u|Koavf}}). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:40, 21 June 2025 (UTC) :::::Merci. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 02:52, 21 June 2025 (UTC) == Mexican disambiguators == Some input at [[Wikivoyage talk:Naming conventions#Disambiguators for Mexican destinations]] would be appreciated. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 13:41, 19 June 2025 (UTC) == Most visited country in Southeast Asia == It looks like [[Thailand]] just lost its crown to [[Malaysia]], at least for Q1 2025. Should we update our articles to reflect that, or should we wait and see if Malaysia can sustain its lead? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:11, 23 June 2025 (UTC) :{{ping|The dog2}} I think you should update the articles to say that both Thailand and Malaysia are the most visited countries of SE Asia, along the lines of, "Thailand, along with Malaysia, are...", "Malaysia, along with Thailand, are..." or even "Malaysia and Thailand are...". '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 17:11, 23 June 2025 (UTC) ::I think we should wait till yearly figures are available before changing anything. Too many things can change from one quarter to the next. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:52, 23 June 2025 (UTC) :::Agreed – one quarter might not be a true reflection. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 00:24, 24 June 2025 (UTC) == Regionlist == I have added a static map in [[Maharashtra]], but it disappears without showing a dynamic map when I click/press the link "switch to interactive map". Same happens in [[West Bengal]], [[Andhra Pradesh]], [[Chennai]], etc. I think there's a bug in {{tl|Regionlist}} that causes this disappearance, as the template itself was last edited on August 2024. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 13:36, 26 June 2025 (UTC) :Same issue on it:voy. For sure is caused by a change server side. I'll try to figure out if we can solve locally or if we need to open a ticket. [[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 06:46, 27 June 2025 (UTC) ::I've patched it. Now it works again. Be sure to refresh/purge the page you test. [[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 07:32, 27 June 2025 (UTC) == Sister Projects Task Force reviews Wikispore and Wikinews == <section begin="message"/> Dear Wikimedia Community, The [[m:Wikimedia Foundation Community Affairs Committee|Community Affairs Committee (CAC)]] of the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees assigned [[m:Wikimedia Foundation Community Affairs Committee/Sister Projects Task Force|the Sister Projects Task Force (SPTF)]] to update and implement a procedure for assessing the lifecycle of Sister Projects – wiki [[m:Wikimedia projects|projects supported by Wikimedia Foundation (WMF)]]. A vision of relevant, accessible, and impactful free knowledge has always guided the Wikimedia Movement. As the ecosystem of Wikimedia projects continues to evolve, it is crucial that we periodically review existing projects to ensure they still align with our goals and community capacity. Despite their noble intent, some projects may no longer effectively serve their original purpose. '''Reviewing such projects is not about giving up – it's about responsible stewardship of shared resources'''. Volunteer time, staff support, infrastructure, and community attention are finite, and the non-technical costs tend to grow significantly as our ecosystem has entered a different age of the internet than the one we were founded in. Supporting inactive projects or projects that didn't meet our ambitions can unintentionally divert these resources from areas with more potential impact. Moreover, maintaining projects that no longer reflect the quality and reliability of the Wikimedia name stands for, involves a reputational risk. An abandoned or less reliable project affects trust in the Wikimedia movement. Lastly, '''failing to sunset or reimagine projects that are no longer working can make it much harder to start new ones'''. When the community feels bound to every past decision – no matter how outdated – we risk stagnation. A healthy ecosystem must allow for evolution, adaptation, and, when necessary, letting go. If we create the expectation that every project must exist indefinitely, we limit our ability to experiment and innovate. Because of this, SPTF reviewed two requests concerning the lifecycle of the Sister Projects to work through and demonstrate the review process. We chose Wikispore as a case study for a possible new Sister Project opening and Wikinews as a case study for a review of an existing project. Preliminary findings were discussed with the CAC, and a community consultation on both proposals was recommended. === Wikispore === The [[m:Wikispore|application to consider Wikispore]] was submitted in 2019. SPTF decided to review this request in more depth because rather than being concentrated on a specific topic, as most of the proposals for the new Sister Projects are, Wikispore has the potential to nurture multiple start-up Sister Projects. After careful consideration, the SPTF has decided '''not to recommend''' Wikispore as a Wikimedia Sister Project. Considering the current activity level, the current arrangement allows '''better flexibility''' and experimentation while WMF provides core infrastructural support. We acknowledge the initiative's potential and seek community input on what would constitute a sufficient level of activity and engagement to reconsider its status in the future. As part of the process, we shared the decision with the Wikispore community and invited one of its leaders, Pharos, to an SPTF meeting. Currently, we especially invite feedback on measurable criteria indicating the project's readiness, such as contributor numbers, content volume, and sustained community support. This would clarify the criteria sufficient for opening a new Sister Project, including possible future Wikispore re-application. However, the numbers will always be a guide because any number can be gamed. === Wikinews === We chose to review Wikinews among existing Sister Projects because it is the one for which we have observed the highest level of concern in multiple ways. Since the SPTF was convened in 2023, its members have asked for the community's opinions during conferences and community calls about Sister Projects that did not fulfil their promise in the Wikimedia movement.[https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:WCNA_2024._Sister_Projects_-_opening%3F_closing%3F_merging%3F_splitting%3F.pdf <nowiki>[1]</nowiki>][https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_Community_Affairs_Committee/Sister_Projects_Task_Force#Wikimania_2023_session_%22Sister_Projects:_past,_present_and_the_glorious_future%22 <nowiki>[2]</nowiki>][https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/WikiConvention_francophone/2024/Programme/Quelle_proc%C3%A9dure_pour_ouvrir_ou_fermer_un_projet_%3F <nowiki>[3]</nowiki>] Wikinews was the leading candidate for an evaluation because people from multiple language communities proposed it. Additionally, by most measures, it is the least active Sister Project, with the greatest drop in activity over the years. While the Language Committee routinely opens and closes language versions of the Sister Projects in small languages, there has never been a valid proposal to close Wikipedia in major languages or any project in English. This is not true for Wikinews, where there was a proposal to close English Wikinews, which gained some traction but did not result in any action[https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Proposals_for_closing_projects/Closure_of_English_Wikinews <nowiki>[4]</nowiki>][https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/WikiConvention_francophone/2024/Programme/Quelle_proc%C3%A9dure_pour_ouvrir_ou_fermer_un_projet_%3F <nowiki>[5]</nowiki>, see section 5] as well as a draft proposal to close all languages of Wikinews[https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Talk:Proposals_for_closing_projects/Archive_2#Close_Wikinews_completely,_all_languages? <nowiki>[6]</nowiki>]. [[:c:File:Sister Projects Taskforce Wikinews review 2024.pdf|Initial metrics]] compiled by WMF staff also support the community's concerns about Wikinews. Based on this report, SPTF recommends a community reevaluation of Wikinews. We conclude that its current structure and activity levels are the lowest among the existing sister projects. SPTF also recommends pausing the opening of new language editions while the consultation runs. SPTF brings this analysis to a discussion and welcomes discussions of alternative outcomes, including potential restructuring efforts or integration with other Wikimedia initiatives. '''Options''' mentioned so far (which might be applied to just low-activity languages or all languages) include but are not limited to: *Restructure how Wikinews works and is linked to other current events efforts on the projects, *Merge the content of Wikinews into the relevant language Wikipedias, possibly in a new namespace, *Merge content into compatibly licensed external projects, *Archive Wikinews projects. Your insights and perspectives are invaluable in shaping the future of these projects. We encourage all interested community members to share their thoughts on the relevant discussion pages or through other designated feedback channels. === Feedback and next steps === We'd be grateful if you want to take part in a conversation on the future of these projects and the review process. We are setting up two different project pages: [[m:Public consultation about Wikispore|Public consultation about Wikispore]] and [[m:Public consultation about Wikinews|Public consultation about Wikinews]]. Please participate between 27 June 2025 and 27 July 2025, after which we will summarize the discussion to move forward. You can write in your own language. I will also host a community conversation 16th July Wednesday 11.00 UTC and 17th July Thursday 17.00 UTC (call links to follow shortly) and will be around at Wikimania for more discussions. <section end="message"/> -- [[User:Victoria|Victoria]] on behalf of the Sister Project Task Force, 20:57, 27 June 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:Johan (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Johan_(WMF)/Sister_project_MassMassage_on_behalf_of_Victoria/Target_list&oldid=28911188 --> :I definitely hate to say it but Wikinews has to be one of the most failed WMF projects. The English Wikinews is barely sustaining and I think that is fine for the timebeing, but the other Wikinews projects simply lack the editor base to actively review new news articles. It came up in tawikinews' closure proposal where their newest article dated to 2018! //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:56, 28 June 2025 (UTC) ::I think that we're meant to post that kind of thing on the Meta-Wiki project pages: [[metawiki:Public consultation about Wikispore|Public consultation about Wikispore]] and [[metawiki:Public consultation about Wikinews|Public consultation about Wikinews]]. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 22:42, 28 June 2025 (UTC) :::I'm aware; I just wanted to give out my 2c in short form – I have a longer list of suggestions planned which I'll do when I get a bit more spare time. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:44, 28 June 2025 (UTC) === General concerns === I am not a big fan of Wikinews, but one thing about the [[:meta:Proposal_for_Closing_Wikinews|report published by Sister Projects Task Force]] is concerning. This report is written in a very critical manner, namely, it does not mention that dozens if not hundreds of volunteers have spent a considerable amount of their time on developing Wikinews. The report does not mention any single good thing about their work, which does not seem fair. The report demonstrates that the current level of activity and content development at Wikinews is low (and this statement is fair), but it does not set any threshold of what would be good enough metrics for a community to deserve the resources from WMF. Moreover, the report does not attempt to analyze which steps Wikinews editors took to develop their project, and why these steps were unsuccessful. It just says: you did a bad job, so we will close you down and even deprive you of any possibility of moving Wikinews elsewhere because the name stays with Wikimedia Foundation. Wikivoyage is a smaller project too, and it would be discouraging if a similarly critical report about our work appears. It is not completely unrealistic when half of the language versions are dormant, while many others are somewhat comparable in their metrics to the most active editions of Wikinews. I think that only English Wikivoyage is clearly above that threshold, although the actual threshold is not even defined, so almost any level of activity can be deemed "low" if one wants to say so. What are your thoughts on that? --[[User:Atsirlin|Alexander]] ([[User_talk:Atsirlin|talk]]) 09:53, 28 June 2025 (UTC) :I have not been using Wikinews, so my reflections are based on the closure of Wikinews in Swedish and the current discussion, linked above. One point raised in the discussion is that the metrics chosen didn't take into account the special nature of the project. :I assume the Sister Project Task Force is right in that this kind of evaluations need to be done from time to time, but also think that the evaluations should focus on whether there are paths forward, rather than on whether the project is viable according to current trends. :Wikinews has the problem that a significant dedicated editor base i needed – Wikipedia or even Wikivoyage can stay alive and stay interesting even with no edits for a year or two, while a news outlet would loose nearly all of its readers. The coverage needs to be adequate on at least some areas (geographic or thematic) for the site to stay interesting. The critical mass needed is much larger – and that critical mass additionally needs to be able to counter people with a bias (good-faith or not) or with an agenda not aligned with the project goals – keeping touting at bay is much easier. I assume new language versions should be started only if there is hope of quickly building that critical mass. :–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 10:36, 28 June 2025 (UTC) ::Yes I do believe that LangCom has decided to suspend the creation of all new Wikinews projects for that very reason. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:46, 28 June 2025 (UTC) :Alexander, it's true "that dozens if not hundreds of volunteers have spent a considerable amount of their time on developing Wikinews", but it's also true that keeping a failing project because of past efforts is an example of [[w:en:Sunk cost fallacy]]. :I suspect that if someone made a credible proposal to move Wikinews to another host, the WMF would be be open to negotiations over the name. (But any new sponsor might prefer to come up with their own name.) [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 03:31, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::I guess my main problem is the absence of any well-defined criteria that distinguish a sustainable project from a failing one. Do you understand what these criteria are? -- [[User:Atsirlin|Alexander]] ([[User_talk:Atsirlin|talk]]) 08:35, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::A well-defined criteria that defines what a sustainable project would still heavily rely on how the project functions, though. For Wikinews, it needs to be very active and metrics that may be appropriate for Wikivoyage or Wikibooks like number of articles aren't super relevant because 20000 articles is no good if the last one was written 2 months ago (the numbers are hypothetical but my point stands). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 08:50, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I agree that the same metrics can not be applied to all sister projects, but "very active" leaves a lot of room for interpretation. Imagine someone decides that Wikivoyage is not sustainable because it contains a lot of outdated travel information that has not been updated in the last 5 years. That would be a problem... -- [[User:Atsirlin|Alexander]] ([[User_talk:Atsirlin|talk]]) 09:27, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::::We don't want well-defined criteria. There needs to be judgement on the projects actual prospects. Opening a community discussion is good, as that's a way to see whether the metrics give a correct picture – although there should be discussions with the projects before opening a discussion like this (I don't know to what extent there have been such discussions). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 20:13, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I still don't love the way the SPTF decided to mass-send these messages to every wiki without consulting the Wikinews community; it really should be up to them (and when I mean them, I mean the more active Wikinews projects such as en or ruwikinews) to decide their project's future, not the rest of us or the vast majority who don't get involved with Wikinews. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:01, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::Yes. The issues should have been raised with the projects first (not only the big ones, but all projects affected). I don't know whether that was done, but seemingly not enough, anyway. It seems the SPTF (?) wanted to introduce a more general practice of re-evaluating projects, and just chose the two as examples. They should have understood that doing it that way, without consultations, would upset people. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:40, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::TBF, there were several closure proposals before, including one for all language Wikinews. Those for major projects failed, but one can argue that this was a signal to the communities to evaluate their performance which they apparently did not get. I agree though that opening such discussion before notifying the Wikinews communities first is not really good. [[User:Ymblanter|Ymblanter]] ([[User talk:Ymblanter|talk]]) 08:54, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::They definitely should have; I hope they use this as a learning lesson because the general sentiment from the enwikinews community is quite clearly unimpressed from that discussion. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 09:01, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::Well this comment certainly [[:m:Talk:Public_consultation_about_Wikinews#c-Victoria-20250630095300-BRPever-20250629141600|aged like milk]]. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 13:59, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::Oh dear. I hope there are others in the SPTF who are more keen-eared. This risks degenerating into one more of the WMF-not-respecting-the-community affairs. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:40, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::SPTF (or Victoria, at the very least) seems so predetermined to close Wikinews that I've never heard something so blatantly biased such as "However, I expect that the wikinewsians would be in COI" – so to them I assume knowing the ins and outs of your own project is apparently a conflict of interest? It's a massive insult to non-Wikipedia based projects. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 11:04, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::I can understand her view, but I think it is misguided, and somebody in her team should get them to discuss their actual mission. If a project indeed needs to be laid down, the process needs to be lead very sensitively – and the consultation in this phase shouldn't be on whether to lay Wikinews down. It is "to work through and demonstrate the review process", "a community reevaluation" and "potential restructuring efforts". ::::::::::::The demonstration of the process has been a disaster and potential restructuring efforts require a good understanding of he project, which cannot be had without a keen-eared discussion with the communities. ::::::::::::The "re-evaluation" should be based on such potential restructuring paths, where restructuring isn't about where to dump the Wikinews content, but how to save the project, if possible. ::::::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 13:13, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::I fully agree with you about about the "re-evaluation" but the way they have been responding to community feedback feels as though they have the result pre-determined and this is merely being used as a box ticking exercise – which is why I think it's crucial that we as a fellow sister project speak up about the way this was poorly handled because who knows what they will do when it's our turn to undergo public consultations. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 14:04, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::I wrote about some concerns in [[:meta:Talk:Public consultation about Wikinews#Process and analysis seem flawed]]. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:34, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::::Cheers, {{u|LPfi}}; hopefully our project will be fine (I think it will because Wikivoyage or really any other WMF project does not have the same issues as Wikinews does of requiring an active community), but more feedback is certainly better. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 03:49, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::Whereas I agree that the process it to some extend flawed (and I agree with the points LPfi makes in the response on Meta), it would be useful to see whether some metrics used for analysis (in whatever flawed way) could be improved for Wikivoyage, so that they are out of discussion. [[User:Ymblanter|Ymblanter]] ([[User talk:Ymblanter|talk]]) 08:18, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::::::{{Ping|Victoria}} as primary author and for what I think is trenchant feedback: to the extent that this taskforce is assessing the sibling projects, it would be helpful if the individual communities knew what kind of rubric there is to grade their health. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 19:55, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::::First of all, the Taskforce in not assessing '''all''' siblings projects, the Wikispore/Wikinews was a proof-of-concept exercise. ::::::::::::::::::We used [[metawiki:Wikimedia_Foundation_Community_Affairs_Committee/Procedure_for_Sibling_Project_Lifecycle/revised|this rubric]], which was discussed in a public consultation a year ago - but didn't get much attention, because Meta is littered with documents that are never implemented. ::::::::::::::::::In the [[metawiki:Wikimedia_Foundation_Community_Affairs_Committee/Procedure_for_Sibling_Project_Lifecycle/revise|Wikispore consultation]] we ask for the proposals for the clarification of the "activity" and other criteria. [[User:Victoria|Victoria]] ([[User talk:Victoria|talk]]) 09:11, 3 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::::::::Thanks for this and thanks for letting me ping-pong you around various WMF projects with pings. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 09:38, 3 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::::::You are welcome. I'm happy to answer anywhere in English/Russian/Belarusian when there's no personal attacks involved. [[User:Victoria|Victoria]] ([[User talk:Victoria|talk]]) 10:15, 3 July 2025 (UTC) :::::I've been going through some of the stats, and "very active" is an interesting point. The defenders of the "very active" Wikinews language editions seem to be engaged overwhelmingly in copying/pasting content from suitably licensed external sites. They have turned Wikinews into mirrors for other sites, rather than writing articles. :::::Just imagine how we at Wikivoyage would react if someone here said "I am a very active Wikivoyage editor. I spend at least an hour a day copying and pasting pages from other travel websites!" [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 21:34, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::We do copy info from hotel websites and other sources, but we don't have the luxury of reliable free content written in our style. Being a channel for reliable news ''could'' be a mission of Wikinews (more or less the same way some "social media" sites do it). If so, the question is whether they can do it well enough for it to be worthwhile as a WMF project (and whether the other things they do are done well). But that's not the discussion the SPTF initiated, they chose to go by statistics instead. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 22:12, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::It was mentioned somewhere that the stats may be skewed by bots – I'm still confused on how you'd be able to tell if the stats were skewed by bots or not. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:11, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Most bots, especially most big ones, do have an appropriate user agent field in their page request, so the server logs can be used to tell apart at least those. With more advanced techniques, you can also distinguish typical bot behaviour from that of human users. There are some grey areas (such as a human using a tool other than a typical web browser, or using some script through the browser, and bots configured to look like humans), but I don't think it is impossible to get quite an accurate and reliable picture of bot vs human traffic. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 10:37, 3 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::Very interesting to know – I suppose you can tell by things like sudden influx in page views as one example but yeah unless you told me I wouldn't be specifically able to pick it out. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:42, 3 July 2025 (UTC) == Archive links invisible in mobile mode == Why? When I look in edit mode, I can see links to archives in [[Talk:China]], but not when I simply look at that talk page. Will Wikivoyage in mobile mode ever not suck? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:30, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :I can't answer your first question, but the answer to your latter question, as we both know, is never (we are a massive afterthought for the WMF). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:51, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::In which case, we will eventually read that the Wikimedia Foundation dropped Wikivoyage from lack of sufficient participation. Would we be able to fork in that case, or does Wikimedia own the copyright for Wikivoyage as they do for Wikinews? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:09, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::Each individual editor, including IPs/logged-out editors, owns the copyright to whatever copyrightable material they post on wiki. The Wikimedia Foundation owns the domain names and the trademarks (e.g., name and logo). Anyone who wants to fork can do so freely. The Wikimedia Foundation will sometimes even informally help people do so. The mobile site does have the links to the archives. Click on the "(i) Learn more about this page" button at the top of the page to find the "invisible" content. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 03:27, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::{{ping|Ikan Kekek}} Please don't be that fearful when Wikinews is proposed to be shut down or merged with Wikipedia. I wanted to work in the Bengali Wikinews Incubator project, but my lack of activity in recent weeks has prevented me from participating further. So, I have focused on Commons and Wikivoyage, where I am still highly active. I don't think the SPTF would suggest something similar for Wikivoyage, and I think it is actually a popular website. My static map of [[West Bengal]] is now widely shared on Facebook (both English and Bengali versions), along with an AI-generated list of places to visit in the state. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 03:35, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::::You are a superb Wikivoyage content creator! I'm not afraid in the very near term, but usage of all websites nowadays has to be mostly mobile, so if this site's mobile interface remains terrible, its eventual demise is a foregone conclusion. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:44, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::::Are you refering to the archive links that appear when I click "more about this page" at the top? :::::The issues with the mobile site exist as this project does not have '''active interface admins.''' :::::Note: The WMF has nothing to do with the content or presentation of content for this site. :::::Relevant links: :::::* https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:WikimediaMessages#Site_admin_helper :::::* https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Recommendations_for_mobile_friendly_articles_on_Wikimedia_wikis :::::[[User:Jdlrobson|Jdlrobson]] ([[User talk:Jdlrobson|talk]]) 03:09, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::Yes, "Learn more about this page." I didn't know to click that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:27, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I don't see why the WMF would have nothing to do with presentation of content on Wikivoyage. We are using MediaWiki and settings provided by the WMF, and we indeed are a WMF project. ::::::Not having active interface admins (I thought we have some) shouldn't mean too much – having technically knowledgable people locally is a bonus, it (and them dedicating time to do major work) shouldn't be a prerequisite for a WMF project. ::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:51, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::We do indeed have 5 [[Wikivoyage:Interface administrators]], which [[User:Jdlrobson]] should know, because he is one of them. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:01, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::I am an interface admin but I would not consider myself active. Maintenance of the listing editor for example causes me more anxiety than enjoyment these days. ::::::::In my time in this project I have seen quite a few complaints about the mobile experience but nobody has articulated clearly what needs improving. I personally dont think that overall it is a bad experience and the fact most of our page views are on mobile should be reassuring. That said there are templates like climate data that I think could be improved on mobile. ::::::::If you really want to improve the mobile experience I'd recommend making a wiki page with discussion of changes, proposal/consensus and then implementing them. I havent seen this sort of thing since [[Wikivoyage:Banner Expedition]]. I guarantee the majority of changes you want do not need WMF involvement but they will require discussion and community consultation. [[User:Jdlrobson|Jdlrobson]] ([[User talk:Jdlrobson|talk]]) 15:53, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::Wauterz is certainly active. Have you ever tried adding a listing or reverting more than one edit at a time in mobile mode? I'm sure we can compile a list of badness from the mobile interface. Where is the best page to put it on? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:25, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::{{u|Andyrom75}} is also fairly active on itwikivoyage. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 22:18, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::To answer the very first question of @[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]], I've noticed that the infobox has a "display:none" style that hide those boxes in mobile view. I think this style is added serverside (maybe @[[User:Jdlrobson|Jdlrobson]] you can confirm), because it's not added by the template neither by the templatestyles. :::::::::::However, as said from @[[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]], you can still see it clicking on the "(i)" button. [[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 17:09, 2 July 2025 (UTC) 9p03uv6wjv1dzedojocvxuh4dxgkqyp 5087088 5087079 2025-07-03T10:54:48Z LPfi 79572 /* General concerns */ from aggregated data, you can recognise patterns, but you cannot be sure 5087088 wikitext text/x-wiki <div style="text-align:left; background: var( --wv-optional-color, #f4f7fa); color: var( --color-base ); border: 1px solid #abc; padding: .3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em"> <div style="text-align:center; font-size:300%; line-height: 1; padding: 10px;">'''Welcome to the pub'''</div> {{shortcut|[[WV:Pub]]|[[WV:TP]]}} [[File:QA_icon_clr.svg|right|frameless|150px|link=]] The travellers' pub is for general discussion on Wikivoyage, and the place to ask questions when you're confused, lost, afraid, tired, annoyed, thoughtful, or helpful. To start a new topic, click the "Add topic" tab, so that it gets added '''at the bottom''' of the page, and sign your post by appending four tildes (<nowiki>~~~~</nowiki>) Before asking a question or making a comment: * Have a look at our [[Wikivoyage:Help|Help]], [[Wikivoyage:FAQ|FAQ]] and [[Wikivoyage:Policies|Policies]] pages. * If you are a '''new user''' and you have any questions about using the website, try the [[Wikivoyage:Arrivals lounge|Arrivals lounge]]. * If you have a '''question or suggestion about a particular article''', use the article's [[Project:using talk pages|talk page]] to keep the discussion associated with that article. * If you'd like to '''draw attention to a comment''' to '''get feedback''' from other Wikivoyagers, try [[Wikivoyage:Requests for comment|Requests for comment]]. * If you are '''wanting travel advice on a specific matter''' see the [[Wikivoyage:Tourist office|tourist office]]. * If you have an '''issue you need to bring to the attention of an administrator''', try [[Wikivoyage:Ongoing vandalism|Ongoing vandalism]]. * If you are having a '''problem that you think has to do with the [[mw:|MediaWiki software]]''', please post that on [[phab:|Phabricator]] instead. * If you want to '''celebrate a significant contribution''' to Wikivoyage by yourself or others, hold a party at [[Project:Celebrate a contribution|Celebrate a contribution]]. * Discuss '''issues related to more than one language version''' of Wikivoyage in the [[meta:Wikivoyage/Lounge|Wikivoyage Lounge]] on Meta. * Anything that is '''Nigeria-related''' is now meant to go in the [[Wikivoyage:Nigeria café|Nigeria café]] instead. Anything that is '''Kosovo or Albania related''' is now meant to go in the [[Wikivoyage:Kosovo and Albania cafe|Kosovo and Albania café]] instead. This includes announcements, initiatives, celebrations, and issues with certain articles. You can review old Pub discussions in the [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub/Archives]]. '''Pull up a chair and join in the conversation!''' [{{fullurl:Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub|action=edit&section=new}} '''Click here to start a new thread'''] </div> {{WikivoyageDoc|collaboration}} <!-- Discussions start here --> __TOC__ __NEWSECTIONLINK__ == RfC ongoing regarding Abstract Wikipedia (and your project) == <div lang="en" dir="ltr" class="mw-content-ltr"> ''(Apologies for posting in English, if this is not your first language)'' Hello all! We opened a discussion on Meta about a very delicate issue for the development of [[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Abstract Wikipedia|Abstract Wikipedia]]: where to store the abstract content that will be developed through functions from Wikifunctions and data from Wikidata. Since some of the hypothesis involve your project, we wanted to hear your thoughts too. We want to make the decision process clear: we do not yet know which option we want to use, which is why we are consulting here. We will take the arguments from the Wikimedia communities into account, and we want to consult with the different communities and hear arguments that will help us with the decision. The decision will be made and communicated after the consultation period by the Foundation. You can read the various hypothesis and have your say at [[:m:Abstract Wikipedia/Location of Abstract Content|Abstract Wikipedia/Location of Abstract Content]]. Thank you in advance! -- [[User:Sannita (WMF)|Sannita (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Sannita (WMF)|<span class="signature-talk">{{int:Talkpagelinktext}}</span>]]) 15:27, 22 May 2025 (UTC) </div> <!-- Message sent by User:Sannita (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Sannita_(WMF)/Mass_sending_test&oldid=28768453 --> :{{re|Sannita (WMF)}} may I ask how this affects Wikivoyage when you say "some of the hypothesis involve your project"? TIA, //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:28, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::The proposed solutions mention the Wikivoyages in several places. The main issue is that an abstract article about Someplace shouldn't be rendered the same in Wikipedia and Wikivoyage. This affects also the technical solutions, such as where to store statements and functions. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:21, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::Can you explain further how we have abstract (vs. concrete?) articles on Wikivoyage? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:27, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::We don't have any abstract articles at the time being, and I assume Wikivoyage in English may choose never to have them. For smaller languages, though, it is unrealistic to cover all interesting places with proper articles. The mission of Abstract Wikipedia is to provide a framework for creating articles in a way that allows automatic translation into something at least half-way decent. It's like having listings fetch key information from Wikidata, but scaled up to complete articles (or less complete – at least lively language on personal impressions will certainly be missing for the foreseeable future). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:43, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::::I see – I still don't understand how this will fully get (even after reading the hypothesis), but I suppose it's something for smaller language projects. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 09:47, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::Hi @[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], it seems that @[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] covered most of my arguments here already, so I would just repeat them at this point. The part that interests your project refers to the hypothesis that abstract content ''might'' (but it's still not sure at the moment) be stored in a dedicated namespace of your project. But again, this ''might'' happen, and you're free to refuse to store/use abstract content to further your development. This is entirely in your right, and we do not want to force any adoption of the project without consensus. [[User:Sannita (WMF)|Sannita (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Sannita (WMF)|talk]]) 10:01, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::And yes, Abstract Wikipedia is primarily intended for projects that have so far developed a small number of articles, in order to help them accelerate their growth and hopefully provide more knowledge to their communities and recruit a higher number of volunteers. [[User:Sannita (WMF)|Sannita (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Sannita (WMF)|talk]]) 10:03, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::Sounds perfect. Thanks to both of you for explaining! //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:10, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Seconded. I understand. We should discuss in a separate thread whether it would be better to encourage, allow perhaps without comment, or disallow abstract listings on this site. I think we probably don't want abstract articles, but we should discuss that, too. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:22, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::::I can see abstract listings being useful for more obscure parts of the world for English speakers for this site at least, but overall sounds like it's something to help smaller language Wikivoyages benefit from us rather than the other way around (which is also great). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 13:30, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::I mentioned listings as we already use Wikidata for them (coordinates) and have discussed e.g. opening hours (too complicated to be workable). I don't think "abstract listings" are an option at this point – somebody needs to decide a listing is wanted and would include some manual language when adding it. We still might have some valuable insights in how – and how not – to design abstract Wikivoyage articles for them to be useful. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 14:04, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::I have two thoughts about this: ::* We need some way of separating a block of text that works for Wikipedia from a block of text that works for Wikivoyage (or another sister project). That suggests ''not'' using the English Wikipedia as the storage place for everything. The Wikipedias might all want "Jupiter is the largest planet in the Solar System. It is the fifth planet from the Sun", but if Wikivoyage were to have an article on the planet, it would probably sound a lot more like "Jupiter isn't a viable destination, but travelers interested in [[astronomy]] and [[navigation]]<nowiki/>by the stars may be interested in the Big Museum of Jupiter and the Annual Jupiter Festival". ::* I think that the English Wikivoyage could benefit from Abstract content. It's obvious that we could 'translate' our [[Wikivoyage:Star articles|Star articles]] into Abstract, and thus other Wikivoyages would benefit. However, imagine how much we could benefit if @[[User:Sannita (WMF)|Sannita (WMF)]] brought [[:it:Roma]] up to Star status, and then translated it for us to copy whatever bits we wanted in [[Rome]]. Keep in mind that while Abstract is set up to do dynamic autotranslation (e.g., always giving the latest population estimate, if the sentence says "the population of Rome is ___"), you can actually copy and paste the results as plain old text into an article. ::[[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:07, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::If I understand correctly, Abstract Wikipedia works with programming that could have been done in the 1980s, more or less like [[:w:Lsjbot|Lsjbot]]'s articles, although not confined to info found in already existing datasets. "Not a viable destination" would need to be an item to insert and translate. That article on Jupiter would have very little in common with the Wikipedia one. :::For Rome, population statistics etc. would be easy to write in abstract form, but an abstract star article would need a lot of article-specific functions, which need to be translated to get a version in another language – and lively language is hard to translate automatically (think "[[Talk#Speaking English with non-native speakers|blind and therefore insane]]"). Copying over listings would work, and a good abstract article should have a good selection of those. :::I think an abstract Wikivoyage article should focus on being reasonably complete by having ''information'': roads and trains for getting in, listings with coords, contact details and Wikidata link, and suggestions in Go next, but quite little running text, mostly identical across articles except data values (…is a village/town/city in X…), and likewise a dry list of facts in the listing "content", not like the lively writing in [[Wikivoyage:Listings#Examples|Wikivoyage:Listings]]. :::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 17:47, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ::::As Wikivoyage has generally has more structured articles than Wikipedia, I think that we could make use of an Abstract Wikivoyage. Two areas look like possible starting points: listings and the phrases in phrasebooks. ::::If a tool could create an abstract version of a listing that exists in another language, then the listing could be offered when editing the same section of an article here - "Would you like to add a listing for the Lawnmower Museum?". Some parts of listing could be updated in all languages when edited in one - we would show the last updated entry price for the museum whatever language it was edited in. A difficult part is identifying when listing elements are language specific - we may use a different url from another WV to point to a page in English, and we don't care that the museum has labels translated into Spanish. ::::In English WV we have a standard set of phrases for phrasebooks, and most phrasebooks keep fairly closely to this list. This list is also the basis for phrasebooks in some other language WVs. It would appear to be reasonably straightforward to scan the existing phrases to create an abstract phrasebook, but inconsistencies would need to be reviewed. There are about 300 phrasebooks in English, 50 in German and 20 in Polish. Maybe we can use this to offer over 200 phrasebooks in Polish. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:44, 26 May 2025 (UTC) :::::For listings, yes, the abstract versions would be easy to create. For the name, we only need to identify the native name, its romanisation, and the language of translated names. There are already structures for all this in Wikidata; also "official URL" has a language attribute. Amenities of hotels can likewise easily be described. Nothing will be automatically fetched, so no worries about info irrelevant for English speakers. What is hard to do is the lively language of the examples I linked above. :::::For phrasebooks, I am not sure it is that easy, or rather whether creating an abstract phrasebook helps compared to just translating the template and using a dictionary (or whatever way you otherwise use for getting translations). Grammar and pronunciation sections needs to be written with the audience's language knowledge in mind, and translations of phrases need to be done with some understanding of the context, thus mostly manually. For a good phrasebook, you also need to note peculiarities in the relation with the target language, such as the liberty/liberté etc. now added to the French and Italian phrasebook and warnings for specific false friends. :::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 04:57, 27 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::I think phrasebooks is one of those things (along with travel topics) where it's more or less impossible to create an abstract version of. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 05:23, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::Why do you think that? :::::::We can already write things like "{{#invoke:wd|label|Q98815142}}, a {{#invoke:wd|label|Q81727}} of {{#invoke:wd|label|Q8486}}, {{#invoke:wd|label|Q26175857}}" by invoking Wikidata. It would require expansion (e.g., to add "a" and "an"), but it doesn't seem impossible in principle, at least for simpler sentences. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:24, 27 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::The question is whether there is any point of doing that. If every phrase has to be purpose-translated, then why not just write the non-abstract phrasebook? The point with the abstract articles is that there are standard phrases that can be used across articles, such as words for amenities you will find in many hotels. For the phrasebook phrases, the question is whether the same Sámi phrase would suite the phrasebook in English and the one in Latvian (or whatever). ::::::::When the English phrase is translated differently depending on context, some commentary needs to be added (formal/informal, feminine/masculine). This commentary is redundant or awkward in languages that make the same distinction, possibly treating the two (or more) forms as totally unrelated (the person is deceased, the cow is dead). ::::::::For the cup of tea, you may need to word that differently depending on whether you are a man or woman, and whether the one you are asking for the cup is a waiter, the café owner, your host or your host's young child. ::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 20:59, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::::Perhaps an example would show what I was thinking of: :::::::::In [[French phrasebook]], we have: :::::::::; How much is a ticket to _____? : Combien coûte le billet pour _____ ? (''kom-BYAN koot luh bee-YEH poor'') :::::::::; One ticket to _____, please. : Un billet pour _____, s'il vous plaît. (''ung bee-YEH poor ____ seel voo pleh'') :::::::::On Polish WV there is [[:pl:Rozmówki francuskie]], their French Phrasebook. :::::::::;Ile kosztuje bilet do...? : Combien coûte le billet pour...? :::::::::;Poproszę jeden bilet do... : Un billet pour..., je vous prie. :::::::::We also have [[Finnish phrasebook]], which has: :::::::::; How much is a ticket to _____? : Paljonko maksaa lippu _____in? (''PAHL-yonk-aw MAHK-sah LEEP-poo _____?'') :::::::::So I think that a Finnish phrasebook on the Polish WV, could have :::::::::;Ile kosztuje bilet do...? : Paljonko maksaa lippu _____in? (''PAHL-yonk-aw MAHK-sah LEEP-poo _____?'') :::::::::"One ticket to" is not exactly the same (translating the French used in Polish, it is saying "I beg you" rather than "please"), so this phase would require some manual adjustments when it was abstracted. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:24, 27 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::I don't think that the idea with Abstract is to program in "please", but rather to swap in whichever word or phrase is used in that language to indicate politeness and respect while making a request. ::::::::::We already have a [[mw:Help:Magic words#gender|software switch for gender]], so this is not some miraculous future tech; this is an expansion of what has been possible for years. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 01:39, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::For Finnish, there is no word or phrase that indicates politeness, but one often uses the conditional (?) verb form instead. In some cases one would just use that word form in the phrase (in the Finnish phrasebooks and in phrasebooks for Finnish) – but here the question is instead with no sign of politeness, which is common in that language. Something like "could you" is problematic as most languages make a distinction between thou and you. I think the common cases can be handled decently, but for less well-known language families – those that benefit most from the abstract articles – the edge cases will be more common. It is likely that abstract phrasebook have to be tweaked for specific languages to avoid the odd case of very problematic renderings. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:02, 28 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::In Malay, there are two words for "please" that have different meanings and are used in different contexts. There are also two words for "we" that have different meanings. Etc. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:34, 30 May 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::I would expect all the foreign phrases to be reproduced exactly as they were in the existing phrasebook(s) that they were taken from. Ideally the left side phrases would also be exact reproductions, unless they were used to create a phrasebook to be part of a WV that doesn't currently have any phrasebooks; but it is less of an issue if the left side doesn't read perfectly. I am assuming that an Abstract Wikivoyage would have some mechanism for handling quoted text, as this is essential for reproducing the exact words used in famous speeches etc, and will be required for abstract Wikipedia and Wikiquote etc. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 14:06, 30 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::::{{re|WhatamIdoing}} LPfi's basically explained why I don't think abstract phrasebooks will work. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:25, 27 May 2025 (UTC) == Adding images to the Infobox template == {{Infobox/sandbox|Infobox sandbox test|Nutritious, filling content goes here. |image=Dessert_Merlion_Singapore_Cafe_Kaya_Toast.jpg |caption=Yum yum!}} I've hacked up [[Template:Infobox/sandbox]] which add new <code>image/caption</code> parameters, so you can easily add an image to your infoboxen instead of trying to manually hack it in. Example: <pre> {{Infobox/sandbox |Infobox sandbox test |Nutritious, filling content goes here. |image=Dessert_Merlion_Singapore_Cafe_Kaya_Toast.jpg |caption=Yum yum!}} </pre> If there's no objections, I'll roll this out to the main Infobox template, the params are optional so it shouldn't break anything. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 06:02, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :{{support}} &ndash; Will be useful for articles like [[India]] and [[Kolkata]], which already use images in infoboxes. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 06:15, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :This is a tangent, but I think we should consider renaming that template, or at least changing its Wikidata links. Wikivoyage doesn't do Wikipedia-style infoboxes. These are just simple boxes, more like pull quotes or boxed warnings. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:29, 27 May 2025 (UTC) ::Change the Wikidata link, but keep the name. It is an infobox, although not a Wikipedia-style one. Of course, if somebody comes up with a better name, then I won't object. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:06, 27 May 2025 (UTC) :::{{ping|WhatamIdoing|LPfi}} Maybe {{tl|Info}} can be used instead of {{tl|Infobox}}. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 02:40, 28 May 2025 (UTC) ::::For us, this is an infobox, not just info. I wouldn't support such changes just to conform. Somebody who wants a Wikipedia-style infobox should just be directed to {{tl|quickbar}}, and somebody who tries to use {{tl|infobox}} quickly sees that it isn't what they are looking for. A see also for the former is more useful than a name change. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:11, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :::::I'll fix the Wikidata links so that {{tl|quickbar}} is matched with the Wikipedia-style infoboxes, and {{tl|infobox}} isn't. I'm not sure what our {{tl|infobox}} should be matched to; I don't think that enwiki has anything similar. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:28, 28 May 2025 (UTC) ::::::...No, that won't work. {{tl|Quickbar}} matches "Infobox Country". I'll remove the {{tl|infobox}} links. That much is certainly correct. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:29, 28 May 2025 (UTC) (undent) I've deployed the new version. I had to tweak it a bit to stop it from adding extra padding when the new params are not used, but it should be OK now, please ping me if not. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 07:58, 28 May 2025 (UTC) == Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees 2025 Selection & Call for Questions == <section begin="announcement-content" /> :''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Announcement/Selection announcement|{{int:interlanguage-link-mul}}]] • [https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Translate&group=page-{{urlencode:Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Announcement/Selection announcement}}&language=&action=page&filter= {{int:please-translate}}]'' Dear all, This year, the term of 2 (two) Community- and Affiliate-selected Trustees on the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees will come to an end [1]. The Board invites the whole movement to participate in this year’s selection process and vote to fill those seats. The Elections Committee will oversee this process with support from Foundation staff [2]. The Governance Committee, composed of trustees who are not candidates in the 2025 community-and-affiliate-selected trustee selection process (Raju Narisetti, Shani Evenstein Sigalov, Lorenzo Losa, Kathy Collins, Victoria Doronina and Esra’a Al Shafei) [3], is tasked with providing Board oversight for the 2025 trustee selection process and for keeping the Board informed. More details on the roles of the Elections Committee, Board, and staff are here [4]. Here are the key planned dates: * May 22 – June 5: Announcement (this communication) and call for questions period [6] * June 17 – July 1, 2025: Call for candidates * July 2025: If needed, affiliates vote to shortlist candidates if more than 10 apply [5] * August 2025: Campaign period * August – September 2025: Two-week community voting period * October – November 2025: Background check of selected candidates * Board’s Meeting in December 2025: New trustees seated Learn more about the 2025 selection process - including the detailed timeline, the candidacy process, the campaign rules, and the voter eligibility criteria - on this Meta-wiki page [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025|[link]]]. '''Call for Questions''' In each selection process, the community has the opportunity to submit questions for the Board of Trustees candidates to answer. The Election Committee selects questions from the list developed by the community for the candidates to answer. Candidates must answer all the required questions in the application in order to be eligible; otherwise their application will be disqualified. This year, the Election Committee will select 5 questions for the candidates to answer. The selected questions may be a combination of what’s been submitted from the community, if they’re alike or related. [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Questions_for_candidates|[link]]] '''Election Volunteers''' Another way to be involved with the 2025 selection process is to be an Election Volunteer. Election Volunteers are a bridge between the Elections Committee and their respective community. They help ensure their community is represented and mobilize them to vote. Learn more about the program and how to join on this Meta-wiki page [[m:Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Election_volunteers|[link].]] Thank you! [1] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2022/Results [2] https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Committee:Elections_Committee_Charter [3] https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Resolution:Committee_Membership,_December_2024 [4] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections_committee/Roles [5] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/FAQ [6] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Questions_for_candidates Best regards, Victoria Doronina Board Liaison to the Elections Committee Governance Committee<section end="announcement-content" /> [[User:MediaWiki message delivery|MediaWiki message delivery]] ([[User talk:MediaWiki message delivery|talk]]) 03:08, 28 May 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:RamzyM (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Distribution_list/Global_message_delivery&oldid=28618011 --> == Medium [[Main Page]] overhaul proposal == Since my [[Talk:Main_Page#Help_needed_with_tweaking_visual_balance_of_the_main_page|request for input and support]] on Talk:Main Page went mostly unnoticed, I'm bringing this proposal to the pub to ensure it gets the daylight it should have, as these are proposals to change the look of a rather important page. Here's the backstory: For longer than [[WV:Vector 2022|Vector 2022]] has been around, I've been bothered by the balance of elements on the main page. The new skin only did it injustices, so I've taken it upon myself to mend the shortcomings of the main page in my quest to make Wikivoyage work in Vector 2022. This all so our site looks a bit more appealing in the new skin. I know many regular editors stuck with their old preferred skins when we got the new skin imposed on us, but this still is something that will affect Wikivoyage's appeal to new editors and readers. If the main page looks chaotic and messy, they'll be less likely to stick around. So to each and every editor, <u>regardless</u> of which skin you use: Please chime in! That being said, these are the changes I have developed, and have ready to deploy: * '''Wider {{tl|Mapbanner}}:''' Some small tweaks to the template which make it use all the page width available to it, and moves the globe image and image map accordingly. * '''Centred JCaroussel:''' For the same reason, to make better use of the width on the main page, I've got some CSS changes to the JCaroussel ready that center the featured articles. Scaling them up to simply be full page width I have found to be too tedious to bother with. * '''Overhauled {{tl|Banner}}:''' Vector 2022's scaleable font plays too much with the banners for featured articles to where sometimes the blurb isn't even entirely visible. In the same process, I've simplified the way in which this template is used for each category, foregoing the need for a 'section' and 'section-link' parameter, replacing them with a 'type' parameter. Its style is mostly in keeping with the existing banners and should simplify the process for featuring articles more than it complicates them. What do these changes look like? In the case of {{tl|Mapbanner}}, I cannot easily give a working demonstration as its stylesheet currently overwrites any changes I make to it. Instead, [https://i.imgur.com/6mAMkfG.png this image] is the best I can offer. You'll have to take my word for its functionality being unchanged. The centred JCaroussel and overhauled {{tl|Banner}} can be seen and interacted with [[User:Wauteurz/Banner|on this page]]. I've done my best to ensure that these changes are in keeping with Wikivoyage's current main page style. I know that entire overhauls are not that popular, so I hope these proposals are good enough. I am looking for a broad consensus to roll out at least the first two changes, but ideally all three. I don't feel comfortable rolling some of these changes out with only two people expressing support for them. Please, throw your questions and concerns in my direction, and I hope we can together fix what I consider to be the biggest remaining issue with Vector 2022. Thank you in advance. <br/> <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 14:19, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :{{Support}} as the developer of these changes. Vector 2022 dictates how new readers and editors get presented our site, and with its current chaotic and undependable nature, something ''has'' to be done. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 14:20, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :{{ping|Wauteurz}} Any idea for better responsive design of the Wikivoyage main page, as more people access our pages via phone than PC? '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 14:47, 28 May 2025 (UTC) ::@[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]] For clarity, these changes only affect the appearance on desktop devices. The changes to JCaroussel also apply in Minerva (mobile), but due to screen size limitations they won't have an effect in most cases. My main goal is overseeing the damage caused by Vector 2022's roll-out on Wikivoyage. Since mobile devices use Minerva, I mostly leave the mobile appearance alone. ::As for my thoughts on mobile, I don't think any of the regular editors have any experience in mobile design, let alone responsive mobile design, so I'm mostly wondering why it's responsive in the first place. I'd personally suggest removing the responsive elements (mostly the feature banners) and replacing them with DotM, OtBP and FTT in simple presentations akin to Picture of the Day and Media of the Day on Commons' main page. The 3:1 banners also are a big problem in my eyes. They're far too short to work on mobile, and I think a square or tall ratio would work leagues better in a mobile format. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 15:31, 28 May 2025 (UTC) *{{s}} very much agree that these changes will be needed sooner than later. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 18:48, 28 May 2025 (UTC) :'''Support'''. Thanks for doing this! As a choosing beggar, I would love to see the mobile front page fixed as well though, the DOTM banner is completely broken at the moment and the padding/spacing of the entire page is wonky at best. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 00:03, 29 May 2025 (UTC) :'''Question''' for all involved: The new banner uses some icons to depict the category that the article is featured in (i.e., [[:File:Yes Check Circle.svg|DotM]], [[:File:Right turn icon blue.svg|OtBP]] and [[:File:Writing Circle.svg|FTT]]). I assume that we wish to keep these instead of the placeholder icons I have used? I'll be working on adapting those into simple white icons, which should be pretty straight-forward. If we wish to change them in future, then that can always be done afterwards. Having the icons consistent between {{tl|Banner}} and {{tl|Pagebanner}} would be for the better, I reckon :) :I am currently aiming to roll these updates out this weekend (June 7/8), just in time for the next featured article change. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 23:55, 1 June 2025 (UTC) ::Update: Making and updating the icons was pretty straight-forward indeed: [[Special:Diff/5071035|Diff/5071035]] <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 00:20, 2 June 2025 (UTC) :'''Support'''. Lots of good improvements! Just make sure to fix the "Off the Beaten Path" link to point to a real page. [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 15:10, 2 June 2025 (UTC) ::{{Done}}. Thanks for spotting that one! <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 15:19, 2 June 2025 (UTC) {{Done}}! Thank you everyone for your support! I've gone ahead and pushed these changes just now. I've naturally updated the usages of {{tl|banner}} on the Main Page and DOTM-Candidates as well. If there's any issues arising from this roll-out, please let me know. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 11:34, 7 June 2025 (UTC) :Awesome! That looks great to me. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 11:46, 7 June 2025 (UTC) == FYI: 10 Travel Tips From Experts Who’ve Been Everywhere == https://www.carryology.com/travel/10-travel-tips-from-experts-whove-been-everywhere/ —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 09:05, 30 May 2025 (UTC) == Tourist office problem == I tried to ask a question in the [[Wikivoyage:Tourist office]], and I replied to it with another question, but I can't see any of it except in edit mode and don't understand why. I used the form on that page to ask the first question. What I want to know is which side of the train to sit on for Amtrak trips between Montreal and Plattsburgh, NY and between Plattsburgh and Saratoga Springs, even if the answers come too late for me to use them. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:24, 30 May 2025 (UTC) :When you click "Ready? Ask a new question!", should the form on the next page require the "Subject:" field to not be empty? Or at least have a placeholder subject text? :I also see someone else's question about Cancun that got ignored, because it's tacked on the end of the previous section. [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 20:42, 1 June 2025 (UTC) ::I guess the problem is that I didn't see the subject field in my mobile phone interface. Is there a way to improve that? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:58, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :::It looks like you can set a default subject value with the InputBox 'default=' parameter. Maybe give it something like "Question from ~~<noinclude></noinclude>~"? I'm not sure how to change the "Subject:" label styling. :::Should the Tourist Office behave more like a Talk page, with an Add Topic button leading to a visual editor? [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 23:44, 2 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I'd support that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:48, 2 June 2025 (UTC) :::::[https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:DiscussionTools It looks like adding a "NEWSECTIONLINK" line is the magic to enable the visual editor on a page.] [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:InputBox There's also a usedt=true parameter to InputBox to make it use the visual editor by default.] :::::It seems to work in this sandbox I set up: [[User:Gerode/Tourist_office_sandbox]] [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 17:48, 5 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I went ahead and applied these two changes. Let me know if I broke anything, or if there's anything else odd about the Tourist office. [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 16:22, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ==Move request== You are invited to participate at [[Talk:Bangalore#Bangalore to Bengaluru]], which can affect the articles [[Bangalore]] and [[Bangalore Rural]], and the category [[:Category:Bangalore]]. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 08:19, 31 May 2025 (UTC) == AfriVoyage == Hi everyone! 👋 My name is [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvin Ategyeka]] from Uganda, and I’ve just launched a new project called '''AfriVoyage'''. It’s a WikiVoyage-focused initiative to document African travel destinations using local perspectives. Our pilot is starting in Uganda, with the goal of improving content and training youth contributors. You can follow the project on Meta-Wiki here: [[meta:AfriVoyage]] I would love your thoughts, guidance, and support. Thanks in advance! <small>unsigned comment by [[User:Alvinategyeka]]</small> :Welcome, Alvin. Wikivoyage really needs more African content, especially if provided by people with local knowledge. Your project will be supported from regular contributors like me. Please let us know how we can help. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:41, 31 May 2025 (UTC) :[[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]], I think you will be a more successful leader if you improve some articles yourself, before you invite anyone else to join you. We'd be happy to help you. :For example, one mistake that we see people making is copying Wikipedia articles here. A Wikipedia article will sound something like "Semuliki National Park is a national park in Bwamba County, a remote part of the Bundibugyo District in the Western Region of Uganda that was established in October 1993". This is the wrong approach here. A Wikivoyage article should have a [[Wikivoyage:Tone|lively tone]]. The beginning of a good Wikivoyage article might sound something like this: :* '''Semuliki National Park''' in [[Western Uganda]] is the only place you can visit a true lowland tropical forest in all of East Africa. This beautiful national park is a birdwatcher's delight, and more than 400 species of butterflies can be found inside the park's borders. :If you feel at the English Wikipedia that you have to suppress your natural style to be as dull as possible, then you'll like Wikivoyage because it allows your enthusiasm to shine in between the facts. We need the facts ("best restaurant" isn't nearly as helpful as saying how it's the best, like "good menu for vegetarians" or "artisan-quality bushera"), but we don't want a boring style. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 18:14, 31 May 2025 (UTC) ::Thank you very much and thanks for the guidance. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 13:27, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :Thank You very much. I have 6 years experience contributing to Wikimedia projects but I feel I need a new challenge and the only project that I had not explored yet always wanted to contribute to is Wiki Voyage. Am a tourism lover and i have travelled extensively in Uganda and East Africa. I hope this project will encourage more African Communities to contribute to Wiki Voyage. I will appreciate all guidance rendered. Thank You. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 13:32, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :Thank you very much, hoping to connect with you for more guidance. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 13:35, 1 June 2025 (UTC) ::Sure, and thank you for taking on this opportunity and challenge! In addition to the great advice you've been given above, I think you'll find [[Welcome, Wikipedians]] very useful. For anyone who participates in this project, some additional pages that I'd consider to provide the most important guidelines and explanatory pages on this site include [[Wikivoyage:What is an article]], [[Wikivoyage:The traveller comes first]], [[Wikivoyage:Article skeleton templates]], [[Wikivoyage:Copyleft]], [[Wikivoyage:Don't tout]], and [[Wikivoyage:Breadcrumb navigation]]. ::It is absolutely '''not''' a prerequisite for anyone to read any of these before contributing here! However, you, as organizer, should read these pages, because you will then be able to distill the most important characteristics of the site for others who are enthusiastic about contributing but not yet familiar with the site, and another important thing is that once you've read or at least skipped through these pages, you can ask us questions. ::I love the fact that you contacted us before the official launch of the project. In the past, projects that were begun on a large scale without any notice to us presented huge issues relating to the policies laid out in the pages I linked for you. ::Thanks again, and we very much look forward to working with you and your colleagues! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:36, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :::Thanks for the resources and guidance. I have been reading and researching about Wiki Voyage and what you have added will guide me more. I will contact you for further guidance in order to move the project forward. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 15:52, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :Thanks a lot. i look forward to working with you and seeking guidance to move the project forward. [[User:Alvinategyeka|Alvinategyeka]] ([[User talk:Alvinategyeka|talk]]) 15:54, 1 June 2025 (UTC) == Evora's page banner on wikidata == I noticed [[Evora]]'s page banner does not exist in wikidata. I was unable to add it there. Would someone show me how to proceed, please? [[User:Claude van der Grift|Claude van der Grift]] ([[User talk:Claude van der Grift|talk]]) 18:31, 31 May 2025 (UTC) :[[d:Q179948|Évora]]'s banner is already defined on Wikidata since 2013, so moving it over isn't necessary. Regardless, you'd add a banner to a Wikidata item by adding a statement using [[d:P948|P948 (page banner)]]. Simply add the file name without the "File:" prefix but with the file extension as its value, and clicking publish. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 20:28, 31 May 2025 (UTC) ::Evora's Wikidata page is semi-protected, so you can't edit if you have made less than 50 edits on Wikidata. As already said, there is no need to edit it, as it is already using the banner from Wikidata. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 21:47, 31 May 2025 (UTC) :::Thank for your explanations {{U|AlasdairW}}. Unfortunately I mistook [[:d:Q179948|Evora]] for [[:d:Q243849|Elvas]]. The latter has no page banner. Sure I have more than 50 edits on wikidata. I forgot to say that I'm editing only by my smartphone. [[User:Claude van der Grift|Claude van der Grift]] ([[User talk:Claude van der Grift|talk]]) 15:00, 1 June 2025 (UTC) == FYI: Planning a Trip? AI Will Do That For You == https://www.thrillist.com/travel/nation/ai-travel-apps —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 07:04, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :I wonder whether we can design an AI tool that can fetch info from Wikivoyage and make a summary for you. That can replace the burden of manual summary writing by Wikivoyagers. Of course, Wikivoyage articles should be curated by humans, with AI summarizing them. I want to suggest this to Wikipedians as well, but I have been blocked there since 2021, and I mostly work on the Bengali Wikipedia. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 07:11, 1 June 2025 (UTC) == Wikivoyage and OsmAnd app == I am looking into making it easier to walk [[Stockholm Archipelago Trail]] and have found the [[w:en:OsmAnd]] app useful '''my question''' is there any good examples when those to domains works good together? - –––– [[User:Salgo60|Salgo60]] ([[User talk:Salgo60|talk]]) 07:43, 1 June 2025 (UTC) :As a regular OsmAnd user, I don't believe so to the best of my knowledge. :( //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 05:25, 4 June 2025 (UTC) ::I started using OsmAnd several months ago, and I have been playing around with the Wikivoyage integration since. I spend a lot of time in a major city with a Guide-level article and I find the integration useful there. I haven't tried it with an itinerary. My first thought is to pull up a [https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Category:Guide_itineraries Guide] or [https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Category:Star_itineraries Star] itinerary for a place you've been before and see what the OsmAnd experience is like. [[User:Gerode|Gerode]] ([[User talk:Gerode|talk]]) 16:08, 4 June 2025 (UTC) == Improving this project with little to no knowledge of English == It's been a while since I've posted anything major on the pub, but one of the things I'm quite pleased with the way we do things here is the fact that we are ''very'' open and accommodating to users who can't speak or speak English with a large length of difficulty. We don't have any policies forcing the use of English in discussions and if someone has shown a genuine interest in the project, it isn't unorthodox for someone to go out of their way and respond in another language they know on this site. It comes back to when {{ping|Andyrom75}} told me on itwikivoyage (around when itwikivoyage hit 10k articles, iirc) that it's possible to contribute to Wikivoyage without really knowing the language – and it's true. Most of my activity on itwikivoyage has since been doing minor fixes, adding listings with no description (since you don't need to know the language to add listings, opening hours, urls, address and such), removing closed businesses/out of date info, fixing dead links and the like. Since many of our articles also follow a similar structured format, it's very easy to contribute to the site so long as you're aware of your limitations. Some ideas I had in mind to perhaps make this wiki even more inviting to those who might not have the English skills necessary to contribute text but still want to help: * A community written guide on this, similar to [[Wikivoyage:Welcome, business owners]], [[Wikivoyage:Welcome, locals]] or [[Wikivoyage:Welcome, Wikipedians]] * Finish [[User:SHB2000/admins table]], move to the Wikivoyage namespace, add the table to [[Wikivoyage:Administrators]], and add any advanced perms from other WMF projects. ** Perhaps also make a similar table for non-admins who are reasonably active on this site. More thoughts and ideas would be appreciated – even better if we can facilitate this on other language Wikivoyages. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:11, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :Contribute in another language version of Wikvoyage it's just a matter of willingness and time. For a certain amount of time. For few years I've supported sv:voy without knowing any word in Swedish :-D Nowadays unfortunately I don't have enough time, so I can only concentrate it on it:voy :-( :PS your support on it:voy @[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] is always extremely appreciated! :-) [[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 17:14, 4 June 2025 (UTC) ::I occasionally do the same kind of thing at the Haitian Creole Wikipedia. I can't write in the language, but I can check a maintenance category and fix the wikitext errors there. ::Based on my experience, I'd say that there are two main opportunities for contribution: ::* 'technical' contributions, such as fixing wikitext or broken URLs ::* language-agnostic contributions, such as adding phone numbers, websites, and lat/long coordinates to listings; adding images that require no caption or only a simple/obvious one (e.g., "Disneyland" or "Town Name Church"); removing listings for closed restaurants, etc. ::@[[User:Piotrus|Piotrus]] might have some ideas about which tasks are easiest for his English-language learners to do. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 22:48, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :::Yeah this very much explains it in a nutshell. :) //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:13, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :::@[[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] Indeed, some of my ESL students have effectively only a beginner level of English at best. These days, machine translation is getting good enough to understand a lot, and contribute text that's "mostly ok". It will only get better as AI tools and student use of them improve. Anyway, you can see my activities for students at [[User:Hanyangprofessor2]] [[User:Piotrus|Piotrus]] ([[User talk:Piotrus|talk]]) 01:12, 5 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I have added images that I have taken to many different language variants of Wikipedia. I use Google translate for the text and and hope that a native user if that language will make any corrections. [[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 11:22, 5 June 2025 (UTC) :::::I recently added a listing about Japan in [https://ja.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=%E6%88%90%E7%94%B0%E5%B8%82&diff=52846&oldid=50973 ja.voy] despite not knowing Japanese. The listing editor really makes it simple to improve an article. Last week I presented [[wikidata:Event:Wikidata_and_Sister_Projects#Friday,_May_30th|a Wikidata talk about Listing Editor]] and mentioned that it's a really good gateway to get more contributors. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 15:58, 5 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::The Listing Editor really does! Particularly because they're very standardised across most language Wikivoyages, so the only "bad" listing editor is a malfunctioning/broken listing editor. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:27, 21 June 2025 (UTC) == Linking Wikicommons == I am documenting the Stockholm Archipelago Trail and have uploaded more than [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Stockholm_Archipelago_Trail 3,000 pictures] / [https://wikimap.toolforge.org/?cat=Stockholm_Archipelago_Trail&subcats=true&subcatdepth=4&cluster=false Wikimap] from the trail to Wikimedia Commons. For example, the section Nåttarö will be documented on Wikivoyage here: [[Stockholm_Archipelago_Trail#SAT_Nåttarö]] and is on Wikicommons [https://wikimap.toolforge.org/?cat=SAT_N%C3%A5ttar%C3%B6&subcats=true&subcatdepth=3&cluster=false WIkimap] 1) What is the policy regarding linking to a trail on Wikicommons? I believe such links add significant value by helping readers better understand the trail conditions. Additionally, I see 360-degree images as a step forward in enhancing navigation and exploration, making it easier for users to visualize the terrain. Additionally, 2) I have used Mapillary for one section. Is there a specific policy on linking Mapillary content? For instance, Stockholm Archipelago Trail’s Landsort section is partially represented on [https://www.mapillary.com/app/user/salgo601?lat=58.737857&lng=17.865676&z=17&pKey=1060410682654434 Mapillary pKey=1060410682654434] Would appreciate any guidance on this. Thanks! [[User:Salgo60|Salgo60]] ([[User talk:Salgo60|talk]]) 14:26, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :The use of a limited number of thumbnails from Commons is normal. See [[Wikivoyage:Image policy]]. Otherwise, links are normally through Wikidata: please read [[Wikivoyage:Sister project links]]. For guidelines on third-party links outside Wikimedia, see [[Wikivoyage:External links]], but the answer to your 2nd question is that such links are normally not allowed except to primary sources (for example, the website of a listed restaurant, hotel, museum, etc.) and are subject to deletion. However, Wikivoyage policies and guidelines are always open to discussion, so start a thread at the most relevant guideline article's talk page if you'd like to argue for a change. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:40, 4 June 2025 (UTC) ::thanks but dont the community see the added value? especially when documenting a walking trail it can be good to better understand how steep steep is....- [[User:Salgo60|Salgo60]] ([[User talk:Salgo60|talk]]) 14:54, 4 June 2025 (UTC) :::If you don't like my suggestion of starting a discussion thread on the appropriate policy page's talk page, where you can document the indispensability of Mapillary as your argument for a policy change, you can argue for an exception to policy on [[Talk:Stockholm Archipelago Trail]], but you can't get either a policy change or an exception by arguing in the Pub. But if you're asking for my opinion on why there has been no specific consideration of Mapillary, I'd speculate it's because most of us have never heard of it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:15, 4 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I've heard of Mapillary – I appreciate they're open source and licensed under CC-BY SA, but they're indirectly a competitor to Commons –&nbsp;if you can upload a photo to Mapillary, you can upload it to Commons. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 07:28, 5 June 2025 (UTC) :::::The difference is that you traverse a route on Mapillary its connected 360 pictures I am not an expert but [https://www.mapillary.com/app/?lat=58.737746&lng=17.865677&z=17&pKey=1848345639040650&x=0.46081730421230177&y=0.5976337053747495&zoom=0&focus=photo click on forward on this] its from me walking [[SAT_Landsort]] :::::* they support 360 pictures much better than Wikicommons :::::* [https://www.mapillary.com/showcase OsmAnd and Open Street Map use them] :::::[[User:Salgo60|Salgo60]] ([[User talk:Salgo60|talk]]) 19:08, 7 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::One issue is that of privacy. I might trust the WMF, but I don't want to research the privacy policy and trustworthiness of a third party. Checking the website of a hotel where I intend to sleep is one thing, a Wikivoyage page being dependent on a third party is very different. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:58, 7 June 2025 (UTC) :For Wikimedia Commons (that's their name), you can link a category or gallery via Wikidata. On a gallery page you can show all the most relevant images, with explanatory text and a layout of your liking. The rest of the images would be easily found in the category. Is that what you are looking for in your first question? –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 22:04, 7 June 2025 (UTC) == I had an edit flagged as destructive because my account isn't very old == I was trying to remove information related to crossing the border into Azerbaijan from the Baku page (it's been closed since 2020 and the only way in is via air), but trying to delete a lot of content on a new account flagged me as a vandal. If someone has permissions to view the changes, and would be willing to check on those changes, thank you very much :) [[User:MagnumDahng|MagnumDahng]] ([[User talk:MagnumDahng|talk]]) 09:32, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :{{re|MagnumDahng}} Can you try removing the outdated content once again? I've temporarily disabled the filters; let me know once you've removed everything that you intended to. Sorry for the extra inconvenience. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:04, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::It worked. ::No worries. I understand why it's there :) [[User:MagnumDahng|MagnumDahng]] ([[User talk:MagnumDahng|talk]]) 10:15, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :::Perfect, I've re-enabled the filters; thanks again for the updates! :) //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:36, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ==Does WV need a policy for descriptions of living people?== Wikivoyage is a travel guide and not intended to be a collection of biographies. Still, travel topics and itineraries might mention important individuals, such as explorers, artists, monarchs, and politicians. [[Wikivoyage:What is an article?]] discourages from creating an article for a living celebrity, as these are more difficult to finish than articles for [[Christopher Columbus]], [[Frank Lloyd Wright]] or [[Astrid Lindgren]]. Articles such as [[Presidents of the United States]] and [[Monarchy of the United Kingdom]] describe living individuals who have not concluded their careers, and they are certainly controversial. When writing [[Jewish Stockholm tour]], [[Stockholm environmentalist tour]] and [[Nordic monarchies]], a couple of famous living people came to mind, but I found it advisable to mention them as briefly as possible. Which general principles should we follow? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:58, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :It looks like [[foundation:BLP]] encourages us to have a formal policy, even if there isn't much to say. [[Project:Don't be evil]], maybe? :We already have [[Wikivoyage:Photographs of identifiable people]] and [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#People in photos]], which discourage photos of people. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 20:36, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::I'd support a policy for the same reason. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 11:40, 11 June 2025 (UTC) :I think this is largely not that relevant to a travel guide, but it is actually common to have "Maps of the Stars" or tours of celebrity homes in the Los Angeles region, which to me is completely crazy and behavior that should not be encouraged. Considering Whatamidoing's point about the WMF encouraging this kind of documentation, I think having a guideline/policy is wise. Good thinking. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 21:00, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::Yeah, I would absolutely oppose any article for a tour that takes people to the homes of celebrities who would rather be private in their own homes. If this kind of tour existed in New York, New Yorkers would be up in arms about it and pressing the City Council to pass a law about it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:35, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::The page and section about photos say very little, mostly discouraging photos of yourself, which isn't what this is about. [[commons:Project:Photographs of identifiable people]] says a lot more and should probably be followed also regarding locally uploaded pictures. None of those three says anything about text about people (other than that captions shouldn't be defamatory). ::I think we probably shouldn't write a policy unless there are real issues. We have no reason to write about most people, and it seems common sense, like what Yvwv showed above, works reasonably well. Writing a policy opens up for loopholes and wikilawyering. ::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:50, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :::I wonder if our "BLP policy" could be a section in our existing [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]] policy. Basically, a few principles about avoiding mentioning individuals, and especially avoiding saying anything contentious or unfairly invading their privacy. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 16:40, 10 June 2025 (UTC) ::::That sounds reasonable. In the past I have opposed a suggestion to create an itinerary based on the travels of a living individual. ::::A more common situation is where a listing mentions something about the people that work in the hotel or restaurant. "Friendly owners" or "poor service from the waiters" is ok, but referring to staff by name needs more care. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:04, 10 June 2025 (UTC) :::::It's surely OK when the name of the Chef de Cuisine or Pastry Chef are printed on menus or are well-known chefs the restaurant promotes. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:40, 10 June 2025 (UTC) :::::: Can an artist's personal life be separated from their work? At least, death is useful to conclude a life story. As Georg Riedel past away one year ago, he deserves to be described in the [[Jewish Stockholm tour]]. Aleksander Wolodarski is another person appropriate to mention, but as he is well and alive (and to some degree a divisive character in Swedish architecture) the description of him in the same article is very brief. The [[Harry Potter tourism]] barely mentions the author, and that might be good as it is. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:16, 11 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I think it would be fine to note the name of a celebrity chef ("Thomas Keller's restaurant, The French Laundry"), or even a relatively public non-celebrity ("The restaurant owner, Mary Smith, is also the long-time mayor of this small town" or "Olly Owner is happy to pack a picnic upon request"). ::::::However, as an extension of [[Wikivoyage:Avoid negative reviews]], we don't really want "Chris Celebrity is pretentious and their restaurant is overpriced" or "Wendy Waitress is unfriendly and slow". [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:26, 11 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::I think we should avoid "Wendy Waitress is unfriendly", but "Some staff are unfriendly" is ok. It is important to report negative aspects of a place if either it is balanced by "excellent cooking and wonderful bread" or it is the only place in town. It becomes more difficult with one person businesses. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 20:24, 11 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Wikivoyage should not be interested in people: that is the province of Wikipedia. Wikivoyage is however interested in places associated with people and to this end should be cautious about their privacy. If however the individual concerned invites members of the public to their homes or businesses (for example Donald Trump has a website for [https://www.maralagoclub.com/ Mar-a-Lago]) then it is no longer Wikivoyage's role to protect his privacy: if he publicises his home, then it is incumbent on him to look after his own privacy. In contrast, Joe Biden does not appear to advertise his home, so neither should Wikivoyage (even if a search on the internet will reveal Joe Biden's properties).[[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 15:18, 12 June 2025 (UTC) :Does something like this feel about right? :---- :As a general rule, Wikivoyage is interested in places, not people. Occasionally, providing a fair description will involve mentioning a specific person. In such cases, these principles apply to protect living people: :* Avoid contentious matter about living people to the maximum extent possible, to show respect for human dignity and personal privacy. Publishing personal information that is tangential to the needs of the article, trivial, ephemeral, or constitutes a [[Wikivoyage:Avoid negative reviews|negative review]] is unfair. For example, if a restaurant owner promotes dubious beliefs to customers, then omit the listing completely rather than writing about the owner's beliefs. :* Avoid whole articles focused on living people, such as an [[Wikivoyage:Itineraries|itinerary]] to see the private homes of celebrities. It is fair to have an itinerary focused on Taylor Swift's concert tours; it is not fair to have an article focused on her homes. :* Individual listings that name a living public figure are acceptable so long as the content is not contentious. However, you should avoid naming living people when a general description is adequate. For example, write "The owner is happy to talk about local history" instead of "Harry Historian, the owner, is happy to talk about local history", even though you would name the celebrity chef Thomas Keller as the owner of the restaurant The French Laundry. :---- :What should be changed, added, omitted? [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 16:39, 12 June 2025 (UTC) ::Thanks for offering a rough draft! The one part that sticks out to me as problematic is the part about "dubious beliefs," which gives an opening to intolerant atheists to complain about a bismillah or cross in a restaurant. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:12, 12 June 2025 (UTC) :::I was thinking about political beliefs, and specifically about an anti-masking restaurant I read about during the pandemic, but you're right: That needs to be re-worded. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 23:30, 12 June 2025 (UTC) ::::Still a good start, I'd say. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 12:15, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I don't think that businesses should be removed because of beliefs of the owner or personnel; that the owner touts antivacc or flat-earth theories might be entertaining rather than a reason to avoid them. One might tell that they might raise controversial topics. For dangerous practices, such as not using masks when needed, that would be treated like them using contaminated water or whatever. Yes, sometimes that warrants removing the listing in line with ''no bad reviews'', but that has little to do with privacy. ::::For a Finnish business, it was suggested that the listings be removed because of bigotry, in effect a boycott by Wikivoyage. I am not sure about to what extent to do that, but I assume we might tell something about the owner in that case, if we leave the choice whether to use their services to our readers. I would oppose individual editors removing listings because of views that don't conform with their own, but they may of course choose not to add them. ::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:28, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :::::I think there might be a spectrum of issues, but some types of (e.g.,) bigotry are not compatible with [[Wikivoyage:The traveller comes first]]. Inclusion constitutes a recommendation, at least when there are other alternatives. If we list a restaurant, it should be because travellers are welcome. If the restaurant's listing would need to have a disclaimer along the lines of "BTW, only white people are allowed to eat here" or "People whom the owner thinks look Jewish/Muslim/Black/gay/trans will be refused service", then that restaurant shouldn't be included in Wikivoyage at all. Listed restaurants should normally be open to all of the general public. :::::On the other end of the spectrum, if the owner cheerfully accepts all customers, but he privately belongs to a racist organization, then that's not really relevant to the travellers' experience, so we needn't mention that. Travellers who want to patronize only businesses owned by people who share the same politics/religion/race/sexual orientation should look elsewhere for that information. :::::Somewhere in the middle is factual information that travellers may interpret in opposite ways. For example, if a given deli in New York City is kosher, it'd be worth noting that in the description. Most travellers won't care. Some travellers will prefer it (either for religious reasons or because kosher meat is considered more ethical than conventional meat). Some travellers will reject it. But knowing that it might appeal (or not) to different travellers is not the same as different travellers not being allowed to eat at the deli. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 20:02, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I see no problem in describing a restaurant in terms of the religious beliefs that it portrays provided that it is done in a neutral manner - for example , "The XYZ resaurant is a kosher/halal/vegetarian establishment". The reader can then make up their ow mind about patronising the establishment - after all Wikivoyage has many articles about various places of worship. [[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 21:05, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::I think the general point is that we want "XYZ is a kosher/halal/vegetarian restaurant" but not "The owner of XYZ is a Jew/Muslim/vegetarian person". [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:10, 14 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::I agree here. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 06:56, 18 June 2025 (UTC) *Suggested rewrite of the first point (Changes in bold): :"''Avoid contentious matter about living people to the maximum extent possible, to show respect for human dignity and personal privacy. Publishing personal information that is tangential to the needs of the article, trivial, ephemeral, or constitutes a negative review is unfair. For example, if a restaurant owner promotes '''particular''' beliefs to customers, then omit the listing completely rather than writing about the owner's beliefs. '''If however the establishment itself <u>caters</u> for certain beliefs and/or ethics, it is reasonable, or maybe even desireable, to add those beliefs/ethics to the description in a neutral manner - such as including the words "kosher/halal/vegetarian" to the establishment's description.'''''" [[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 21:14, 13 June 2025 (UTC) *I suggest that the second point be extended as follows (additions in bold): :''Avoid whole articles focused on living people, such as an itinerary to see the private homes of celebrities. It is fair to have an itinerary focused on Taylor Swift's concert tours; it is not fair to have an article focused on her homes. '''However, if the celebrity concerend advertises their home to the general public (for example [https://www.maralagoclub.com/ Mar-a-Lago], home of Donald Trump or [https://www.blenheimpalace.com/ Blenheim Palace], home of the Duke of Marlborough) , then it is perfectly in order to mention the home in an article and ideally to include a web address the description or article.''''' ::[[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 21:27, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::I think all this discussion of beliefs and politics is bad and not something about which we want policies. Also, bad reviews are by no means inherently unfair, and I'm mystified by how anyone could think that's the case; it's just that Wikivoyage chooses with some exceptions to simply refrain from listing businesses, rather than stating that they are bad. I also don't see why we would need to add a policy that establishments that discriminate against people based for example on their ethnicity, appearance or national origin, such as a historic restaurant in Düsseldorf that refused admission to East Asians early in the pandemic, be delisted, because we already do that based on preexisting policies. Right now, I think that based on the drafts circulated in this thread, we risk approving a new policy that is worse than none. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:40, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :::It might be best to try the smallest possible addition. After all, it's usually easier to get a policy expanded later if we really need it, than to get it shortened later. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:08, 14 June 2025 (UTC) ::::Here's a shorter version: ::::---- ::::As a general rule, Wikivoyage is interested in places, not people. Occasionally, providing a fair description will involve mentioning a specific person. In such cases, these principles apply to protect living people: ::::* Avoid contentious matter about living people to the maximum extent possible, to show respect for human dignity and personal privacy. Individual listings that name a living public figure are acceptable so long as the content is not contentious. ::::* Avoid whole articles focused on living people, such as an [[Wikivoyage:Itineraries|itinerary]] to see the private homes of celebrities. ::::---- ::::We could also soften "the maximum extent possible". It's always "possible" to avoid mentioning anyone's name, but it's not always "reasonable" to do so. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:14, 14 June 2025 (UTC) :::::What about the article on U.S. presidents? We don't avoid contentious facts about living current and former presidents; we just agree on what should be in the blurbs about them based on the existing [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]] guidelines. I still fail to see how adding at least your first proposed guideline will improve anything. Also, are we creating a solution for a nonexistent problem? Can you cite a previous example of an article that had unnecessarily contentious facts about living people that we were not able to deal with by using existing guidelines? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:33, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::[[Presidents of the United States]] is not a "whole article focused on living people"; it is a whole article focused on mostly long-dead people with just five living US Presidents being mentioned (and mostly in a "public museum" way, not a "current private home" way). This would therefore be acceptable as a case of "Individual listings that name a living public figure" that "show respect for human dignity and personal privacy". ::::::The existing problem to be solved is: The Board of Directors for the WIkimedia Foundation said that every project needs to have an official, written BLP policy. They said this about 16 years ago, so we're running a bit behind schedule, but we should have something. Their resolution encourages "special attention to the principles of neutrality", so I think putting a few sentences inside our version of the "[[Wikivoyage:NPOV|NPOV]]" policy would be appropriate. We could even create a [[WV:BLP]] shortcut to it, so the Wikipedia folks can find it easier. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:16, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::My problem is not with your second proposed provision, which is fine, but your first, and that's what my last reply addressed. If it stated that when living people have to be mentioned, we must [[be fair]] and come to a [[consensus]] about anything contentious, I'd be happy. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:33, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Can you think of any contentious or derogatory information a travel guide – especially one that does not cite external sources – ''needs'' to include? [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:37, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::I already gave you an example! And what about when we fairly describe countries as dictatorships? We've sometimes had users object and try to whitewash articles, and in such cases, we are armed with [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]], not some ridiculous claim that anything "contentious" is bad and must be avoided, which would have played into their hands. Wikivoyage is a travel guide, not a site that tries to be neutral. We expressly don't have an NPOV policy, but instead a policy that requires fairness. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:10, 18 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::I agree that we can fairly describe a country as being a dictatorship. Do we need to describe an individual living person as a dictator, when doing so would be contentious (e.g., produce disputes and disagreements on wiki)? I just checked every article containing the words "a dictator" and "the dictator"; none of them refer to living people. ::::::::::If your prior example was "What about the article on U.S. presidents?", I've already answered that question. I don't see anything privacy-invading in [[Presidents of the United States]], and I don't see anything contentious about any living person in there, either. The contents are not universally approved by the campaign team, but nobody actually disputes or "contends" over the facts (e.g., that Clinton was involved in a sex scandal, or that Trump is technically a convicted felon). [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 01:07, 20 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::If you haven't had the misfortune of speaking with a Trumper lately, consider yourself lucky. There are tens of millions of hard-core Trumpers in the U.S. who don't accept basic scientific facts and advance all kinds of conspiracy nonsense as truth. I dealt with a cabbie in New Rochelle yesterday who gratuitously started talking about politics. He claimed Biden already had cancer 4 years ago, and "they" covered it up, that claims of fossil fuels causing global warming are "bullshit" and that if the Democrats had been elected last year, we'd all be driving electric cars already, among other things. So I very much contest your confident assertion that statements of fact about Trump, Biden, Obama, etc. are not "contentious". We need to remove that word from consideration as something Wikivoyage cannot be. Do you remember years ago when there was someone who spent a couple of weeks or more trying to whitewash descriptions of Cuba by claiming that it was really a democracy, their elections are really free and fair, and the Communists have never been dictators or oppressed anyone there? Or the ones that claimed that China is a democracy and it was the U.S. (pre-Trump) that was really oppressive (the latter of which of course has never been completely false, but that was entirely beside the point in a travel guide as well as being pure whataboutism that disproves nothing). We've had all kinds of politically motivated contentions against facts. That's why our standard is [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]], not "Wikivoyage/Avoid saying anything anyone could argue with", which is what "contentious" means or would mean in the hands of anyone who wants to use a travel guide to grind an axe, rather than to improve a resource for travelers. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:14, 20 June 2025 (UTC) == Full-size images not available on maps in city districts == Since yesterday (and possibly earlier), the images in listings can be viewed in the dynamic map but trying to click on it to go to the full description page will lead to a broken link if they are in a city district page. This raises the issue on image attribution. You can test it on any listings with images at [[Queens/Flushing-Northeast]] and [[Toronto/Etobicoke]]. Anyone have insight on what recent changes broke this functionality? [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 15:46, 12 June 2025 (UTC) :Yes, needs to be fixed. For some reason, the File: prefix is prefixed by the district name. I try to check [[Module:Listing]] for the bug. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 11:52, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::Oops, the city name, not the district. Seemingly the article name is included in the image argument, and removed, but not properly so for subarticles. [[Module:Marker]] is possibly more relevant than Listing, but it is some underlying functionality that is the culprit. My understanding of how modules work is too weak for me to find it. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:10, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :::The marker on the map seems to be constructed using mw.text.jsonEncode. Where can one read that code? Was there some change recently? –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:30, 30 June 2025 (UTC) == Selection and number of images == [split off as suggested by [[User:OhanaUnited|OhanaUnited]] 02:39, 30 June 2025 (UTC). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:17, 30 June 2025 (UTC)] ::: The images embedded within listings are often not the best currently available. They don't display unless you click and faff about, so they don't enhance the page appearance encountered by the general reader. Wouldn't it be neat if there was some repository of images that were the best available copyfree, that could be simply incorporated into the page layout? We'd be sure to use those instead, right? [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 20:20, 15 June 2025 (UTC) ::::The main problem with that is that somebody needs to pick those best available images. That's done in Commons' galleries, where images uploaded in the last dozen years aren't included. We could use the image on Wikidata, but they might not be chosen according to what they are like as thumbnails. Perhaps a specific wikidata property could be created for thumbnail images or even Wikivoyage thumbnail images (like for our banners). About having to click several times, that could be improved, but we don't want clutter, so some discussion is needed on the trade-off if we want to change the status quo. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 18:33, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::: Picking those best images and considering how best to display them is exactly what editors should do, same as picking the best attractions or accommodations to list in a town, we shouldn't lazily accept what's already on the page. It's hardly an onerous task, and we want the best for our readers. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 19:00, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::{{quote|The main problem with that is that somebody needs to pick those best available images.}} :::::Maybe we can take assistance from AI tools to ease out the problem, just like we sometimes use AI to pick the best attractions to visit, and choose the appropriate accommodation. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 19:07, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I haven't heard about us letting such decisions to AI, and I'm not sure we should do it with images. But regardless of what way the images get chosen, it would be good if the choice were saved at Wikidata, to be used automatically. As the images aren't shown in the article itself, the less effort we need to use choosing, the better. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 19:55, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::How much effort do we need to save here? The first example cited was Queens / Flushing. That page is under-illustrated, with one strong image and two so-so. It took me 10 min to find six more good images on Commons, about the right number for a page of this length. Inserting them might take 3 mins apiece, say 20 min, which I'm not volunteering to do as the entire page needs updating, a solid day's work. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 21:07, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Choosing images sounds like a task that some people would love to do. Maybe we could advertise it better? It's even a task that people who don't speak English well should be able to do. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:40, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::It could be a good task, but I have seen a lot of image adding that isn't optimal: ignoring our guideline of [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#Minimal use of images|Minimal use of images]], trying to illustrate individual listings instead of the article as a whole, writing captions to that effect, and placing the images in ways that suite the editor's browser window rather than conform to best practices. :::::::::Increased advertising of this activity should thus be done cautiously, to avoid frustration both among those adding images and those patrolling. :::::::::The original issue was about images for the dynamic map, which is different from illustrating the article. :::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:00, 19 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::As a side note, [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#Minimal use of images]] probably needs both a little re-writing ("1 image per screen": Whose screen size?) and some reconsidering, as availability of internet access has generally improved since then (the [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Wikivoyage:Image_policy&diff=prev&oldid=3629972 last significant update was in 2018], based on [[Wikivoyage talk:Image policy/archive 2014-2019#Minimal use of images - not appropriate|a discussion started in 2016]]). ::::::::::But I agree that it's a tangent for the current thread. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 01:18, 20 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::How carefully did you read Minimal use? :::::::::::"1 image per screen (1,000–2,000 bytes)" :::::::::::I suppose you want to suggest an increase in the number of images we should use, and if so, do that at [[Wikivoyage talk:Image policy]]. But keep in mind that the mobile interface sucks and the site is still better viewed on a computer. I would be likely to oppose any change in the language, as there is flexibility to use more images than stated in the guideline as long as there isn't an unbroken stream on the left side; images left, right and center; or images that go below the end of the article, which looks terrible. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:19, 20 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::I read that, and I wondered which method we're using to measure "1,000 bytes". One screenful – edge to edge, top to bottom, on my laptop, with my font, my size (larger than default), my zoom (120%), etc. – is right around 2000 characters for me, but others may have half that, or four times that. Shorter lines (e.g., using only half the line at the end of a paragraph, or a short item in a list) adds volume without adding characters. ::::::::::::If we're using the file size, then wikitext and URLs add bulk to the file without affecting the screen size. We could have "1,000 bytes" and have a half-full screen (on my laptop) or "2,000 bytes" and still have a half-full screen. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 20:41, 20 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::These are rough estimates. An A4 with 67×47=3150 is quite close to 2k, if there are images, headings and paragraph breaks, probably much less if there are lists. I suppose an A4 is close to readability optimum (my browser and Emacs windows are not far off). My mobile phone seems to have 50×33=1650, perhaps 1k with images etc. The numbers don't seem to be too far off. Without prescribing a test with some specific browser window size, we cannot give precise advice. [[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 14:16, 22 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::From your estimate, the numbers appear to be off by 50%. 3150 = would be "quite close" to 3K, not 2K. ::::::::::::::I think that a more practical suggestion would be: Every well-developed section should usually have one image, so long as this can be done without the images dropping down into the next section. On desktop, this usually requires a minimum of 10 to 12 lines of text per landscape image. Very long sections can have two images. ::::::::::::::This would address the wikitext-vs-displayed problem and the difference between a solid paragraph and a long bullet list with one or two words on each line. ::::::::::::::But as we noted above, this is a separate discussion from the original concern. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:15, 22 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::: Can we take the "select the best picture" conversation into a sub-section? My original intention of this post is to report a bug which leads to the legal issue of image attribution. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 02:39, 30 June 2025 (UTC) == Commons RFD notifications == While the Commons bot that alert us to images about to be deleted [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub/2025#Commons Notification Deletion bot revived|was revived]], images are still being deleted without notification, namely those (I assume), that were nominated before 4 May. The issue was told in the linked announcement, but I did not realise its implications. So, expect some imgages to be removed with no notification on the talk page. If they might be valuable, they should be temporarily restored for local upload, like when the bot wasn't working. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 11:51, 13 June 2025 (UTC) == Usurped URLs == Are usurped or dead URLs (e.g. [[w:en:WP:JUDI]]) normally archived, or removed? I'm looking at the page [[Northampton_(Massachusetts)#Eat]], where the second link is usurped. Thanks, [[User:OutsideNormality|OutsideNormality]] ([[User talk:OutsideNormality|talk]]) 20:22, 13 June 2025 (UTC) :If a url no longer goes to the home page for the listing in question, please update it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:18, 13 June 2025 (UTC) ::Actually, looking back, it seems like the URL was never "usurped" and was directly added as a spam link in [[Special:Diff/4154976/4167772]]. Thanks anyway for the advice. [[User:OutsideNormality|OutsideNormality]] ([[User talk:OutsideNormality|talk]]) 00:40, 14 June 2025 (UTC) == Vote now in the 2025 U4C Election == <div lang="en" dir="ltr" class="mw-content-ltr"> {{Int:Please-translate}} Eligible voters are asked to participate in the 2025 [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Universal_Code_of_Conduct/Coordinating_Committee|Universal Code of Conduct Coordinating Committee]] election. More information–including an eligibility check, voting process information, candidate information, and a link to the vote–are available on Meta at the [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Universal_Code_of_Conduct/Coordinating_Committee/Election/2025|2025 Election information page]]. The vote closes on 17 June 2025 at [https://zonestamp.toolforge.org/1750161600 12:00 UTC]. Please vote if your account is eligible. Results will be available by 1 July 2025. -- In cooperation with the U4C, [[m:User:Keegan (WMF)|Keegan (WMF)]] ([[m:User talk:Keegan (WMF)|talk]]) 23:01, 13 June 2025 (UTC) </div> <!-- Message sent by User:Keegan (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Distribution_list/Global_message_delivery&oldid=28848819 --> :Surprised this was sent very late. I made a guide on all the candidates on Meta at [[m:User:SHB2000/U4C guide 2025]], for those interested. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 03:13, 14 June 2025 (UTC) == Wisconsin Dells Kalahari Expansion; should I mention it in the Wisconsin Dells page == Hello! It is now practically mainstream media (In Wisconsin Dells) that Kalahari's expanding its Indoor Waterpark into what was a mainly unused parking lot (which is currently either getting demolished or already is demolished as of posting) and will add a fully glass dome with a retractable roof (this is not an ad, this is according to many sources including the Kalahari its self, Fox11online.com, Whitewater West, Martin Aquatic, and Maverick Hayes' Social Media). Now the real question is should I add this too my page? Cheers! [[User:HistorySports|HistorySports]] ([[User talk:HistorySports|talk]]) 15:22, 14 June 2025 (UTC) :To your page meaning what? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:35, 14 June 2025 (UTC) ::@[[User:HistorySports|HistorySports]], I think it's fair to add information about waterparks to [[Wisconsin Dells#Do]] or [[Wisconsin Dells#Sleep]]. (You pick which one based on whether people mostly stay there, and happen to use the water park, or mostly go to the water park, and a few people stay there, too – just use your judgement and don't stress about the distinction too much.) ::The important thing isn't the news ("they're expanding!") but what is available today ("Wisconsin's biggest indoor waterpark"). ::In general, when I skim through that article, I wish that there were prices for the activities and longer descriptions. In particular, there seem to be a lot of attractions, but I have no idea which one I'd choose. Is one the lowest cost? The best value? Best for little kids? Best for teens? Best for older adults/multi-generational families? Open year-round? Has the most swimming pool lifts for wheelchair users? If you can, try to add some sort of information about the differences between different attractions that might help travellers decide which things they want to do. ::Also, it looks like there are several listings that need to be moved to [[Baraboo]]. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 18:54, 14 June 2025 (UTC) :::Thanks WhatamIdoing! I will follow your advice and hopefully we can have a great page for the area of Wisconsin Dells! [[User:HistorySports|HistorySports]] ([[User talk:HistorySports|talk]]) 19:47, 15 June 2025 (UTC) ::Sorry I wasn't clear and that's totally my fault, but I was talking about the Wisconsin Dells page, sorry! [[User:HistorySports|HistorySports]] ([[User talk:HistorySports|talk]]) 19:47, 15 June 2025 (UTC) :::Thanks. So you know, it's not your page: it's a Wikivoyage article. The only page I'd consider your page is your user page. That said, on the face of it, I would put activities in "Do", not "Sleep". [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:09, 17 June 2025 (UTC) == Wikistats page views == What is up with Wikistats page views for English Wikivoyage? 87 million last month? https://stats.wikimedia.org/#/en.wikivoyage.org/reading/total-page-views/normal%7Cbar%7C2-year%7C~total%7Cmonthly 36 million from Brazil apparently. [[User:Bluecoordinationfine|Bluecoordinationfine]] ([[User talk:Bluecoordinationfine|talk]]) 23:18, 14 June 2025 (UTC) :That is a very interesting anomaly indeed. No idea why, but still very interesting to know why we have so many views from Brazil. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 00:47, 16 June 2025 (UTC) ::Maybe users on VPN? [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 14:25, 16 June 2025 (UTC) == FYI: Dear Atlas: Where Can I Find the Most Unusual Festivals in the U.S.? == https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/off-the-beaten-path-american-festivals —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 07:58, 15 June 2025 (UTC) == [[Talk:Ferries in the Mediterranean#A Commons file used on this page or its Wikidata item has been nominated for deletion]] == No-one seems to be paying any attention to the fact that we are likely to lose a photo. We need to decide whether we're OK with that or not. I will not make a unilateral decision. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:07, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :Is it just me, or does it seem like too many photos have been getting removed lately? [[User:Mrkstvns|Mrkstvns]] ([[User talk:Mrkstvns|talk]]) 16:00, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::Has there been an uptick in deletion requests at Commons? Or are we just noticing them more, now that the notifications bot is working again? [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:08, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::As someone who was monitoring [[c:Commons:Deletion requests]] until the bot started working again, I think it's the latter. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:38, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I hope this deletion can be resisted. Tirrenia ferries in 2017 made a deal with Warner Bros to plaster their ships' exteriors with cartoon characters such as Batman, to give them a jazzy attractive look. That deal continues and you really cannot take a photo of any T ferry without including the character: it's as integral to the ship as the company logo and the pointy bit at the front. The intention of any such photo is to portray the ship not replicate the character, and IMO it's a misuse of copyright law to claim we can't publish it copyfree. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 18:51, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::Such arguments have been presented in the RFD on Commons, and I think that they are legally sound. However, "misuse of copyright law" is not what this is about. There is no word of God saying that utilitarian objects (in this case: the ship) can be freely photographed, and if the law says otherwise, Commons can do little about it. I think the current copyright laws are a disaster, caused by lobbyists and weak politicians, but that means that the copyright laws need to be changed (read: one should spread awareness of the absurdities), not that we can ignore current law. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 20:03, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::The Wikimedia Foundation requires that Commons files be available for unimpeded commercial use. They don't have to, and we don't have to, which is why we have a freedom of panorama fair use exception doctrine. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:10, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::Yes, true. For Commons, the stringency is because of their mission – they don't want to host content that cannot be used. All kinds of compromises are possible or even necessary, but commercial use, such as in small-budget books, is essential for their mission. In some cases, where copyright law is unclear, they could be a bit braver, but that's a separate issue. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 05:05, 18 June 2025 (UTC) == Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees 2025 - Call for Candidates == <section begin="announcement-content" /> :<div class="plainlinks">[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Announcement/Call for candidates|{{int:interlanguage-link-mul}}]] • [https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Translate&group=page-{{urlencode:Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Announcement/Call for candidates}}&language=&action=page&filter= {{int:please-translate}}]</div> Hello all, The [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025|call for candidates for the 2025 Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees selection is now open]] from June 17, 2025 – July 2, 2025 at 11:59 UTC [1]. The Board of Trustees oversees the Wikimedia Foundation's work, and each Trustee serves a three-year term [2]. This is a volunteer position. This year, the Wikimedia community will vote in late August through September 2025 to fill two (2) seats on the Foundation Board. Could you – or someone you know – be a good fit to join the Wikimedia Foundation's Board of Trustees? [3] Learn more about what it takes to stand for these leadership positions and how to submit your candidacy on [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Candidate application|this Meta-wiki page]] or encourage someone else to run in this year's election. Best regards, Abhishek Suryawanshi<br /> Chair of the Elections Committee On behalf of the Elections Committee and Governance Committee [1] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Call_for_candidates [2] https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Legal:Bylaws#(B)_Term. [3] https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2025/Resources_for_candidates<section end="announcement-content" /> [[User:MediaWiki message delivery|MediaWiki message delivery]] ([[User talk:MediaWiki message delivery|talk]]) 17:44, 17 June 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:RamzyM (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Distribution_list/Global_message_delivery&oldid=28866958 --> == New copycat site == I haven't had the time to fully look into it and I've been quite busy IRL this month, but it seems we have a new copycat site called https://www.localcityguide.net/. It mirrors Wikivoyage pages word-for-word with "2022 © Local City Guide. All rights reserved." and some pages like [[Itineraries]] ([https://www.localcityguide.net/en/Itineraries]) do nothing to even remove mentions of Wikivoyage. What's interesting about this site is that they've listed those behind the site so openly in the [https://www.localcityguide.net/about-us About us] section – I'm not sure how accurate it is, but it could be something to go off. What are the WMF's protocols when a site copies an entire project and what can we do about it? //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 08:59, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :It has a nice presentation, a handful of blog entries posted in June 2022, and it looks like the foundation of the site is our stuff, refreshed regularly. (Changes I made yesterday already appear.) There is no ability to edit articles. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 10:11, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :This is against the terms of service, CC license restrictions, and American copyright law. You should contact the [[:m:Wikimedia_Foundation/Legal|Legal Team]] via email at legal[little-anarchy-symbol]wikimedia[point]org. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 10:22, 18 June 2025 (UTC) ::I picked an arbitrary page of which I have knowledge, but which is not on the average tourist itinerary, [[Estcourt]]. It has an [[outline article|outline]] status. I clicked on "outline" and the first sentence read: :::"An '''outline article''' is a status rating for any article in ''<u>Wikivoyage</u>'' ... " [My emphasis]. ::This is proof that they are copying the WIkivoyage site. [[User:Martinvl|Martinvl]] ([[User talk:Martinvl|talk]]) 16:00, 18 June 2025 (UTC) ::: It seems that the contents are incorporated by a script directly from Wikivoyage similar to the html frame technology that's why the articles are up-to-date. I made a small change in some status ratings of the German Wikivoyage, and immediately you can read that this is a usable Wikivoyage article in the footer. --[[User:RolandUnger|RolandUnger]] ([[User talk:RolandUnger|talk]]) 17:24, 18 June 2025 (UTC) ::Copying Wikivoyage's contents is okay. However, you have to provide "reasonable" attribution. That's usually done with something like a simple link to the original article on Wikivoyage. I don't see Wikivoyage mentioned on their website, so they need to fix that – but remember that the goal is for them to fix it, not to punish them or prevent them from sharing our information. ::[[w:en:WP:BACKWARDSCOPY]] has some advice on how to contact websites that haven't complied with the license terms. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 19:27, 18 June 2025 (UTC) :::I have sent the developers of the site an email about this. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:38, 21 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I've also forwarded it to WMF legal (cc {{u|Koavf}}). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:40, 21 June 2025 (UTC) :::::Merci. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 02:52, 21 June 2025 (UTC) == Mexican disambiguators == Some input at [[Wikivoyage talk:Naming conventions#Disambiguators for Mexican destinations]] would be appreciated. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 13:41, 19 June 2025 (UTC) == Most visited country in Southeast Asia == It looks like [[Thailand]] just lost its crown to [[Malaysia]], at least for Q1 2025. Should we update our articles to reflect that, or should we wait and see if Malaysia can sustain its lead? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:11, 23 June 2025 (UTC) :{{ping|The dog2}} I think you should update the articles to say that both Thailand and Malaysia are the most visited countries of SE Asia, along the lines of, "Thailand, along with Malaysia, are...", "Malaysia, along with Thailand, are..." or even "Malaysia and Thailand are...". '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 17:11, 23 June 2025 (UTC) ::I think we should wait till yearly figures are available before changing anything. Too many things can change from one quarter to the next. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:52, 23 June 2025 (UTC) :::Agreed – one quarter might not be a true reflection. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 00:24, 24 June 2025 (UTC) == Regionlist == I have added a static map in [[Maharashtra]], but it disappears without showing a dynamic map when I click/press the link "switch to interactive map". Same happens in [[West Bengal]], [[Andhra Pradesh]], [[Chennai]], etc. I think there's a bug in {{tl|Regionlist}} that causes this disappearance, as the template itself was last edited on August 2024. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 13:36, 26 June 2025 (UTC) :Same issue on it:voy. For sure is caused by a change server side. I'll try to figure out if we can solve locally or if we need to open a ticket. [[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 06:46, 27 June 2025 (UTC) ::I've patched it. Now it works again. Be sure to refresh/purge the page you test. [[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 07:32, 27 June 2025 (UTC) == Sister Projects Task Force reviews Wikispore and Wikinews == <section begin="message"/> Dear Wikimedia Community, The [[m:Wikimedia Foundation Community Affairs Committee|Community Affairs Committee (CAC)]] of the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees assigned [[m:Wikimedia Foundation Community Affairs Committee/Sister Projects Task Force|the Sister Projects Task Force (SPTF)]] to update and implement a procedure for assessing the lifecycle of Sister Projects – wiki [[m:Wikimedia projects|projects supported by Wikimedia Foundation (WMF)]]. A vision of relevant, accessible, and impactful free knowledge has always guided the Wikimedia Movement. As the ecosystem of Wikimedia projects continues to evolve, it is crucial that we periodically review existing projects to ensure they still align with our goals and community capacity. Despite their noble intent, some projects may no longer effectively serve their original purpose. '''Reviewing such projects is not about giving up – it's about responsible stewardship of shared resources'''. Volunteer time, staff support, infrastructure, and community attention are finite, and the non-technical costs tend to grow significantly as our ecosystem has entered a different age of the internet than the one we were founded in. Supporting inactive projects or projects that didn't meet our ambitions can unintentionally divert these resources from areas with more potential impact. Moreover, maintaining projects that no longer reflect the quality and reliability of the Wikimedia name stands for, involves a reputational risk. An abandoned or less reliable project affects trust in the Wikimedia movement. Lastly, '''failing to sunset or reimagine projects that are no longer working can make it much harder to start new ones'''. When the community feels bound to every past decision – no matter how outdated – we risk stagnation. A healthy ecosystem must allow for evolution, adaptation, and, when necessary, letting go. If we create the expectation that every project must exist indefinitely, we limit our ability to experiment and innovate. Because of this, SPTF reviewed two requests concerning the lifecycle of the Sister Projects to work through and demonstrate the review process. We chose Wikispore as a case study for a possible new Sister Project opening and Wikinews as a case study for a review of an existing project. Preliminary findings were discussed with the CAC, and a community consultation on both proposals was recommended. === Wikispore === The [[m:Wikispore|application to consider Wikispore]] was submitted in 2019. SPTF decided to review this request in more depth because rather than being concentrated on a specific topic, as most of the proposals for the new Sister Projects are, Wikispore has the potential to nurture multiple start-up Sister Projects. After careful consideration, the SPTF has decided '''not to recommend''' Wikispore as a Wikimedia Sister Project. Considering the current activity level, the current arrangement allows '''better flexibility''' and experimentation while WMF provides core infrastructural support. We acknowledge the initiative's potential and seek community input on what would constitute a sufficient level of activity and engagement to reconsider its status in the future. As part of the process, we shared the decision with the Wikispore community and invited one of its leaders, Pharos, to an SPTF meeting. Currently, we especially invite feedback on measurable criteria indicating the project's readiness, such as contributor numbers, content volume, and sustained community support. This would clarify the criteria sufficient for opening a new Sister Project, including possible future Wikispore re-application. However, the numbers will always be a guide because any number can be gamed. === Wikinews === We chose to review Wikinews among existing Sister Projects because it is the one for which we have observed the highest level of concern in multiple ways. Since the SPTF was convened in 2023, its members have asked for the community's opinions during conferences and community calls about Sister Projects that did not fulfil their promise in the Wikimedia movement.[https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:WCNA_2024._Sister_Projects_-_opening%3F_closing%3F_merging%3F_splitting%3F.pdf <nowiki>[1]</nowiki>][https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_Community_Affairs_Committee/Sister_Projects_Task_Force#Wikimania_2023_session_%22Sister_Projects:_past,_present_and_the_glorious_future%22 <nowiki>[2]</nowiki>][https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/WikiConvention_francophone/2024/Programme/Quelle_proc%C3%A9dure_pour_ouvrir_ou_fermer_un_projet_%3F <nowiki>[3]</nowiki>] Wikinews was the leading candidate for an evaluation because people from multiple language communities proposed it. Additionally, by most measures, it is the least active Sister Project, with the greatest drop in activity over the years. While the Language Committee routinely opens and closes language versions of the Sister Projects in small languages, there has never been a valid proposal to close Wikipedia in major languages or any project in English. This is not true for Wikinews, where there was a proposal to close English Wikinews, which gained some traction but did not result in any action[https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Proposals_for_closing_projects/Closure_of_English_Wikinews <nowiki>[4]</nowiki>][https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/WikiConvention_francophone/2024/Programme/Quelle_proc%C3%A9dure_pour_ouvrir_ou_fermer_un_projet_%3F <nowiki>[5]</nowiki>, see section 5] as well as a draft proposal to close all languages of Wikinews[https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Talk:Proposals_for_closing_projects/Archive_2#Close_Wikinews_completely,_all_languages? <nowiki>[6]</nowiki>]. [[:c:File:Sister Projects Taskforce Wikinews review 2024.pdf|Initial metrics]] compiled by WMF staff also support the community's concerns about Wikinews. Based on this report, SPTF recommends a community reevaluation of Wikinews. We conclude that its current structure and activity levels are the lowest among the existing sister projects. SPTF also recommends pausing the opening of new language editions while the consultation runs. SPTF brings this analysis to a discussion and welcomes discussions of alternative outcomes, including potential restructuring efforts or integration with other Wikimedia initiatives. '''Options''' mentioned so far (which might be applied to just low-activity languages or all languages) include but are not limited to: *Restructure how Wikinews works and is linked to other current events efforts on the projects, *Merge the content of Wikinews into the relevant language Wikipedias, possibly in a new namespace, *Merge content into compatibly licensed external projects, *Archive Wikinews projects. Your insights and perspectives are invaluable in shaping the future of these projects. We encourage all interested community members to share their thoughts on the relevant discussion pages or through other designated feedback channels. === Feedback and next steps === We'd be grateful if you want to take part in a conversation on the future of these projects and the review process. We are setting up two different project pages: [[m:Public consultation about Wikispore|Public consultation about Wikispore]] and [[m:Public consultation about Wikinews|Public consultation about Wikinews]]. Please participate between 27 June 2025 and 27 July 2025, after which we will summarize the discussion to move forward. You can write in your own language. I will also host a community conversation 16th July Wednesday 11.00 UTC and 17th July Thursday 17.00 UTC (call links to follow shortly) and will be around at Wikimania for more discussions. <section end="message"/> -- [[User:Victoria|Victoria]] on behalf of the Sister Project Task Force, 20:57, 27 June 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:Johan (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Johan_(WMF)/Sister_project_MassMassage_on_behalf_of_Victoria/Target_list&oldid=28911188 --> :I definitely hate to say it but Wikinews has to be one of the most failed WMF projects. The English Wikinews is barely sustaining and I think that is fine for the timebeing, but the other Wikinews projects simply lack the editor base to actively review new news articles. It came up in tawikinews' closure proposal where their newest article dated to 2018! //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:56, 28 June 2025 (UTC) ::I think that we're meant to post that kind of thing on the Meta-Wiki project pages: [[metawiki:Public consultation about Wikispore|Public consultation about Wikispore]] and [[metawiki:Public consultation about Wikinews|Public consultation about Wikinews]]. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 22:42, 28 June 2025 (UTC) :::I'm aware; I just wanted to give out my 2c in short form – I have a longer list of suggestions planned which I'll do when I get a bit more spare time. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:44, 28 June 2025 (UTC) === General concerns === I am not a big fan of Wikinews, but one thing about the [[:meta:Proposal_for_Closing_Wikinews|report published by Sister Projects Task Force]] is concerning. This report is written in a very critical manner, namely, it does not mention that dozens if not hundreds of volunteers have spent a considerable amount of their time on developing Wikinews. The report does not mention any single good thing about their work, which does not seem fair. The report demonstrates that the current level of activity and content development at Wikinews is low (and this statement is fair), but it does not set any threshold of what would be good enough metrics for a community to deserve the resources from WMF. Moreover, the report does not attempt to analyze which steps Wikinews editors took to develop their project, and why these steps were unsuccessful. It just says: you did a bad job, so we will close you down and even deprive you of any possibility of moving Wikinews elsewhere because the name stays with Wikimedia Foundation. Wikivoyage is a smaller project too, and it would be discouraging if a similarly critical report about our work appears. It is not completely unrealistic when half of the language versions are dormant, while many others are somewhat comparable in their metrics to the most active editions of Wikinews. I think that only English Wikivoyage is clearly above that threshold, although the actual threshold is not even defined, so almost any level of activity can be deemed "low" if one wants to say so. What are your thoughts on that? --[[User:Atsirlin|Alexander]] ([[User_talk:Atsirlin|talk]]) 09:53, 28 June 2025 (UTC) :I have not been using Wikinews, so my reflections are based on the closure of Wikinews in Swedish and the current discussion, linked above. One point raised in the discussion is that the metrics chosen didn't take into account the special nature of the project. :I assume the Sister Project Task Force is right in that this kind of evaluations need to be done from time to time, but also think that the evaluations should focus on whether there are paths forward, rather than on whether the project is viable according to current trends. :Wikinews has the problem that a significant dedicated editor base i needed – Wikipedia or even Wikivoyage can stay alive and stay interesting even with no edits for a year or two, while a news outlet would loose nearly all of its readers. The coverage needs to be adequate on at least some areas (geographic or thematic) for the site to stay interesting. The critical mass needed is much larger – and that critical mass additionally needs to be able to counter people with a bias (good-faith or not) or with an agenda not aligned with the project goals – keeping touting at bay is much easier. I assume new language versions should be started only if there is hope of quickly building that critical mass. :–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 10:36, 28 June 2025 (UTC) ::Yes I do believe that LangCom has decided to suspend the creation of all new Wikinews projects for that very reason. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:46, 28 June 2025 (UTC) :Alexander, it's true "that dozens if not hundreds of volunteers have spent a considerable amount of their time on developing Wikinews", but it's also true that keeping a failing project because of past efforts is an example of [[w:en:Sunk cost fallacy]]. :I suspect that if someone made a credible proposal to move Wikinews to another host, the WMF would be be open to negotiations over the name. (But any new sponsor might prefer to come up with their own name.) [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 03:31, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::I guess my main problem is the absence of any well-defined criteria that distinguish a sustainable project from a failing one. Do you understand what these criteria are? -- [[User:Atsirlin|Alexander]] ([[User_talk:Atsirlin|talk]]) 08:35, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::A well-defined criteria that defines what a sustainable project would still heavily rely on how the project functions, though. For Wikinews, it needs to be very active and metrics that may be appropriate for Wikivoyage or Wikibooks like number of articles aren't super relevant because 20000 articles is no good if the last one was written 2 months ago (the numbers are hypothetical but my point stands). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 08:50, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::::I agree that the same metrics can not be applied to all sister projects, but "very active" leaves a lot of room for interpretation. Imagine someone decides that Wikivoyage is not sustainable because it contains a lot of outdated travel information that has not been updated in the last 5 years. That would be a problem... -- [[User:Atsirlin|Alexander]] ([[User_talk:Atsirlin|talk]]) 09:27, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::::We don't want well-defined criteria. There needs to be judgement on the projects actual prospects. Opening a community discussion is good, as that's a way to see whether the metrics give a correct picture – although there should be discussions with the projects before opening a discussion like this (I don't know to what extent there have been such discussions). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 20:13, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I still don't love the way the SPTF decided to mass-send these messages to every wiki without consulting the Wikinews community; it really should be up to them (and when I mean them, I mean the more active Wikinews projects such as en or ruwikinews) to decide their project's future, not the rest of us or the vast majority who don't get involved with Wikinews. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:01, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::Yes. The issues should have been raised with the projects first (not only the big ones, but all projects affected). I don't know whether that was done, but seemingly not enough, anyway. It seems the SPTF (?) wanted to introduce a more general practice of re-evaluating projects, and just chose the two as examples. They should have understood that doing it that way, without consultations, would upset people. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:40, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::TBF, there were several closure proposals before, including one for all language Wikinews. Those for major projects failed, but one can argue that this was a signal to the communities to evaluate their performance which they apparently did not get. I agree though that opening such discussion before notifying the Wikinews communities first is not really good. [[User:Ymblanter|Ymblanter]] ([[User talk:Ymblanter|talk]]) 08:54, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::They definitely should have; I hope they use this as a learning lesson because the general sentiment from the enwikinews community is quite clearly unimpressed from that discussion. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 09:01, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::Well this comment certainly [[:m:Talk:Public_consultation_about_Wikinews#c-Victoria-20250630095300-BRPever-20250629141600|aged like milk]]. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 13:59, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::Oh dear. I hope there are others in the SPTF who are more keen-eared. This risks degenerating into one more of the WMF-not-respecting-the-community affairs. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:40, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::SPTF (or Victoria, at the very least) seems so predetermined to close Wikinews that I've never heard something so blatantly biased such as "However, I expect that the wikinewsians would be in COI" – so to them I assume knowing the ins and outs of your own project is apparently a conflict of interest? It's a massive insult to non-Wikipedia based projects. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 11:04, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::I can understand her view, but I think it is misguided, and somebody in her team should get them to discuss their actual mission. If a project indeed needs to be laid down, the process needs to be lead very sensitively – and the consultation in this phase shouldn't be on whether to lay Wikinews down. It is "to work through and demonstrate the review process", "a community reevaluation" and "potential restructuring efforts". ::::::::::::The demonstration of the process has been a disaster and potential restructuring efforts require a good understanding of he project, which cannot be had without a keen-eared discussion with the communities. ::::::::::::The "re-evaluation" should be based on such potential restructuring paths, where restructuring isn't about where to dump the Wikinews content, but how to save the project, if possible. ::::::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 13:13, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::I fully agree with you about about the "re-evaluation" but the way they have been responding to community feedback feels as though they have the result pre-determined and this is merely being used as a box ticking exercise – which is why I think it's crucial that we as a fellow sister project speak up about the way this was poorly handled because who knows what they will do when it's our turn to undergo public consultations. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 14:04, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::I wrote about some concerns in [[:meta:Talk:Public consultation about Wikinews#Process and analysis seem flawed]]. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:34, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::::Cheers, {{u|LPfi}}; hopefully our project will be fine (I think it will because Wikivoyage or really any other WMF project does not have the same issues as Wikinews does of requiring an active community), but more feedback is certainly better. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 03:49, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::Whereas I agree that the process it to some extend flawed (and I agree with the points LPfi makes in the response on Meta), it would be useful to see whether some metrics used for analysis (in whatever flawed way) could be improved for Wikivoyage, so that they are out of discussion. [[User:Ymblanter|Ymblanter]] ([[User talk:Ymblanter|talk]]) 08:18, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::::::{{Ping|Victoria}} as primary author and for what I think is trenchant feedback: to the extent that this taskforce is assessing the sibling projects, it would be helpful if the individual communities knew what kind of rubric there is to grade their health. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 19:55, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::::First of all, the Taskforce in not assessing '''all''' siblings projects, the Wikispore/Wikinews was a proof-of-concept exercise. ::::::::::::::::::We used [[metawiki:Wikimedia_Foundation_Community_Affairs_Committee/Procedure_for_Sibling_Project_Lifecycle/revised|this rubric]], which was discussed in a public consultation a year ago - but didn't get much attention, because Meta is littered with documents that are never implemented. ::::::::::::::::::In the [[metawiki:Wikimedia_Foundation_Community_Affairs_Committee/Procedure_for_Sibling_Project_Lifecycle/revise|Wikispore consultation]] we ask for the proposals for the clarification of the "activity" and other criteria. [[User:Victoria|Victoria]] ([[User talk:Victoria|talk]]) 09:11, 3 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::::::::Thanks for this and thanks for letting me ping-pong you around various WMF projects with pings. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 09:38, 3 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::::::You are welcome. I'm happy to answer anywhere in English/Russian/Belarusian when there's no personal attacks involved. [[User:Victoria|Victoria]] ([[User talk:Victoria|talk]]) 10:15, 3 July 2025 (UTC) :::::I've been going through some of the stats, and "very active" is an interesting point. The defenders of the "very active" Wikinews language editions seem to be engaged overwhelmingly in copying/pasting content from suitably licensed external sites. They have turned Wikinews into mirrors for other sites, rather than writing articles. :::::Just imagine how we at Wikivoyage would react if someone here said "I am a very active Wikivoyage editor. I spend at least an hour a day copying and pasting pages from other travel websites!" [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 21:34, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::We do copy info from hotel websites and other sources, but we don't have the luxury of reliable free content written in our style. Being a channel for reliable news ''could'' be a mission of Wikinews (more or less the same way some "social media" sites do it). If so, the question is whether they can do it well enough for it to be worthwhile as a WMF project (and whether the other things they do are done well). But that's not the discussion the SPTF initiated, they chose to go by statistics instead. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 22:12, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::It was mentioned somewhere that the stats may be skewed by bots – I'm still confused on how you'd be able to tell if the stats were skewed by bots or not. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:11, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Most bots, especially most big ones, do have an appropriate user agent field in their page request, so the server logs can be used to tell apart at least those. With more advanced techniques, you can also distinguish typical bot behaviour from that of human users. There are some grey areas (such as a human using a tool other than a typical web browser, or using some script through the browser, and bots configured to look like humans), but I don't think it is impossible to get quite an accurate and reliable picture of bot vs human traffic. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 10:37, 3 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::Very interesting to know – I suppose you can tell by things like sudden influx in page views as one example but yeah unless you told me I wouldn't be specifically able to pick it out. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:42, 3 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::From aggregated data, some patterns can be recognised as probably bot-caused, but to know for certain, you have to check the user agent fields, and where ordinary user agents cause bot-like patterns, you have to analyse behaviour of individual traffic sources – not trivial if somebody is really trying to hide their bot as multiple human users. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 10:54, 3 July 2025 (UTC) == Archive links invisible in mobile mode == Why? When I look in edit mode, I can see links to archives in [[Talk:China]], but not when I simply look at that talk page. Will Wikivoyage in mobile mode ever not suck? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:30, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :I can't answer your first question, but the answer to your latter question, as we both know, is never (we are a massive afterthought for the WMF). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:51, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::In which case, we will eventually read that the Wikimedia Foundation dropped Wikivoyage from lack of sufficient participation. Would we be able to fork in that case, or does Wikimedia own the copyright for Wikivoyage as they do for Wikinews? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:09, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::Each individual editor, including IPs/logged-out editors, owns the copyright to whatever copyrightable material they post on wiki. The Wikimedia Foundation owns the domain names and the trademarks (e.g., name and logo). Anyone who wants to fork can do so freely. The Wikimedia Foundation will sometimes even informally help people do so. The mobile site does have the links to the archives. Click on the "(i) Learn more about this page" button at the top of the page to find the "invisible" content. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 03:27, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::{{ping|Ikan Kekek}} Please don't be that fearful when Wikinews is proposed to be shut down or merged with Wikipedia. I wanted to work in the Bengali Wikinews Incubator project, but my lack of activity in recent weeks has prevented me from participating further. So, I have focused on Commons and Wikivoyage, where I am still highly active. I don't think the SPTF would suggest something similar for Wikivoyage, and I think it is actually a popular website. My static map of [[West Bengal]] is now widely shared on Facebook (both English and Bengali versions), along with an AI-generated list of places to visit in the state. '''[[User:Sbb1413|Sbb1413]]''' (he) ([[User talk:Sbb1413|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Sbb1413|contribs]]) 03:35, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::::You are a superb Wikivoyage content creator! I'm not afraid in the very near term, but usage of all websites nowadays has to be mostly mobile, so if this site's mobile interface remains terrible, its eventual demise is a foregone conclusion. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:44, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::::Are you refering to the archive links that appear when I click "more about this page" at the top? :::::The issues with the mobile site exist as this project does not have '''active interface admins.''' :::::Note: The WMF has nothing to do with the content or presentation of content for this site. :::::Relevant links: :::::* https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:WikimediaMessages#Site_admin_helper :::::* https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Recommendations_for_mobile_friendly_articles_on_Wikimedia_wikis :::::[[User:Jdlrobson|Jdlrobson]] ([[User talk:Jdlrobson|talk]]) 03:09, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::Yes, "Learn more about this page." I didn't know to click that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:27, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::I don't see why the WMF would have nothing to do with presentation of content on Wikivoyage. We are using MediaWiki and settings provided by the WMF, and we indeed are a WMF project. ::::::Not having active interface admins (I thought we have some) shouldn't mean too much – having technically knowledgable people locally is a bonus, it (and them dedicating time to do major work) shouldn't be a prerequisite for a WMF project. ::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:51, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::We do indeed have 5 [[Wikivoyage:Interface administrators]], which [[User:Jdlrobson]] should know, because he is one of them. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:01, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::I am an interface admin but I would not consider myself active. Maintenance of the listing editor for example causes me more anxiety than enjoyment these days. ::::::::In my time in this project I have seen quite a few complaints about the mobile experience but nobody has articulated clearly what needs improving. I personally dont think that overall it is a bad experience and the fact most of our page views are on mobile should be reassuring. That said there are templates like climate data that I think could be improved on mobile. ::::::::If you really want to improve the mobile experience I'd recommend making a wiki page with discussion of changes, proposal/consensus and then implementing them. I havent seen this sort of thing since [[Wikivoyage:Banner Expedition]]. I guarantee the majority of changes you want do not need WMF involvement but they will require discussion and community consultation. [[User:Jdlrobson|Jdlrobson]] ([[User talk:Jdlrobson|talk]]) 15:53, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::Wauterz is certainly active. Have you ever tried adding a listing or reverting more than one edit at a time in mobile mode? I'm sure we can compile a list of badness from the mobile interface. Where is the best page to put it on? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:25, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::{{u|Andyrom75}} is also fairly active on itwikivoyage. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 22:18, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::To answer the very first question of @[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]], I've noticed that the infobox has a "display:none" style that hide those boxes in mobile view. I think this style is added serverside (maybe @[[User:Jdlrobson|Jdlrobson]] you can confirm), because it's not added by the template neither by the templatestyles. :::::::::::However, as said from @[[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]], you can still see it clicking on the "(i)" button. [[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 17:09, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ledch2cuc1qm0rec4znwbzptb4hnpff 4 69323 5087027 5084183 2025-07-03T08:25:31Z ArchiverBot 469122 Bot: Archiving 1 thread (older than 14 days) to [[Wikivoyage:User ban nominations/Archive]] 5087027 wikitext text/x-wiki __NEWSECTIONLINK__ User bans are put into practical effect by using a MediaWiki software feature to '''block''' edits to any page (except pages in that banned user's [[mw:Manual:$wgBlockAllowsUTEdit|user talk]] page) by the banned user. Add nominations for user blocks to the list below, but please do so only after reviewing [[Wikivoyage:How to handle unwanted edits]]. After a nomination has been made, the nominator is responsible for ensuring that appropriate notice is given on the allegedly delinquent user's talk page of the nomination made here. In general the preferred way of handling problem users is through the use of [[MeatBall:SoftSecurity|soft security]]. In the case of automated spam attacks the [[Wikivoyage:Spam filter|spam blacklist]] can also be a valuable tool for stopping unwanted edits. For an archive of older nominations, see [[Wikivoyage:User ban nominations/Archive]]. Nominations are automatically closed and archived after 14 days of inactivity. [[Category:Wikivoyage administration]] {{Auto archiving |archive = Wikivoyage:User ban nominations/Archive |algo = old(14d) |counter = 4 |archiveheader = {{talk archive}} |minthreadsleft = 0 |minthreadstoarchive = 1 }} enjprkwz61er5ff6wxkad2ivsrrry80 4 69324 5087026 5084182 2025-07-03T08:25:21Z ArchiverBot 469122 Bot: Archiving 1 thread from [[Wikivoyage:User ban nominations]] 5087026 wikitext text/x-wiki This page is for archiving content from [[Wikivoyage:User ban nominations]]. This page is split up into several subpages, categorised by year. * [[Wikivoyage:User ban nominations/Archive 2005-2012]] * [[Wikivoyage:User ban nominations/Archive 2013-2014]] * [[Wikivoyage:User ban nominations/Archive 2015-2016]] * [[Wikivoyage:User ban nominations/Archive 2017-2018]] * [[Wikivoyage:User ban nominations/Archive 2019-2022]] * [[Wikivoyage:User ban nominations/Archive 2023-2026]] {{WikivoyageDoc|collaboration/archive}} == [[User:Chealer|Chealer]] == New account that thinks they can tell project regulars what does and what doesn't constitute as consensus at [[Wikivoyage talk:Links to Wikipedia#c-Chealer-20250606171200-Piotrus-20230926082000]] in a manner that constitutes as ''POV pushing''. I suggest an indef block per [[WV:ONESTRIKE]] as they are already blocked on enwiki, frwiki and frwiktionary, but {{u|Ikan Kekek}} and I are way too involved with that discussion. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 06:16, 8 June 2025 (UTC) *{{s}} as nominator. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 06:18, 8 June 2025 (UTC) *:'''Oppose''' for now. Let's see whether or for how long they continue with this behavior before we subject them to increasing blocks, let alone a ban. If they continue for a week or two, we can revisit this. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:00, 8 June 2025 (UTC) *::Maybe, but they're already blocked on three other projects for this exact kind of behaviour – I don't see why a fourth would be any different. But I think LPfi's solution is likely the way forward, where that is their last warning and any future instances of poor behaviour result in an indef. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:15, 8 June 2025 (UTC) * [edit conflict] '''Comment''': Starting one's carrier at a site by discussing policy is not the way to show good faith. They have few edits in article-space, and even those include format changes (listing → running text, "rectifying" time from 12-hr to 24-hr format) – but thanks for the update. I would advice them to leave policy, guidelines and format tinkering alone and just contribute information, and I do support some kind of formal warning to that effect, but I don't think there is a need for a ban yet. Either they comply or then a ban could be the next step. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:17, 8 June 2025 (UTC) *:I did not start my "carrier" here discussing policy. I started by wasting hours trying to access Vancouver’s tourist information centre, since: *:# Our directions were not so clear, and led me to be redirected from the wrong employee to another wrong employee. I was then told by another wrong employee that it was on the second floor of the building but that I was too late since the office closed at 17:00, and it was precisely that time after more than an hour of wondering. *:# The hours were outdated (or wrong), the actual hours being much more limited. *:# The centre did not really exist anymore (which, based on everything I witnessed, has probably been the case for years). *:This led me to fix a section of [[Vancouver]], and I used the opportunity to further improve it slightly. It’s only after noticing others degrading the resulting section that I directed attention to a template and "policies". *:Besides, the vast majority of my contributions to Wikimedia projects are volunteer, and the vast majority of Wikivoyage contributors are volunteers. I would "advice" you let volunteers decide how they contribute and direct your own efforts to productive work, whether that is fixing or completing user documents or improving policy, depending on what you most enjoy tinkering with. My contributions to Wikivoyage are far from a career for me; I am an environmentalist and workaholic who rarely travels, and I am precisely using the opportunity of a rare career pause to visit friends. I would already be proud of my Wikivoyage contributions if I could stick to fixing major mistakes I spot when consulting Wikivoyage. *: Also note that good faith should be '''assumed'''. Contributors are expected to ''act'' in good faith, not to ''show'' good faith (whether or not doing that is even possible). [[User:Chealer|Chealer]] ([[User talk:Chealer|talk]]), 9 June 2025 *'''Close, but not yet'''. They were blocked on enwiki 10 years ago and frwiki a year ago, so they may have matured. They did start with some useful contributions on [[Vancouver]], then went headlong into comments on policy. I hope that this is taken as a final warning (before increasing blocks) and we get some more useful travel contributions (but just follow policy at the moment). [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 20:19, 8 June 2025 (UTC) :'''Oppose'''. Bans are intended to deal with problematic behavior. Wikimedia projects are based on collaboration. If you disagree with someone, the constructive way to contribute is to express and explain your disagreement. Coercive measures (bans in particular) are not intended nor supposed to be used for censoring purposes. :The policy you invoke is about vandalism and irrelevant to this nomination (or any other nomination). Blocks are meant for aggressive behavior or violations, nor just discussions. Bans are last resort measures, which are not justified with mere ad hominem attacks. :For your information, my account is far older than yours. But neither the age or permissions of our accounts should matter to this debate. Your proposal should be justified with actions carried by the accounts you wish to be restrained. Even rectifying or disagreeing with contributors which have older accounts or more permissions is not considered as proper justification for blocks. [[User:Chealer|Chealer]] ([[User talk:Chealer|talk]]) 23:43, 8 June 2025 (UTC) ::What are you talking about in regard to ages of accounts? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:01, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :::I also don't get how permissions have anything to do with it. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 00:34, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::::Please read. All I wrote is that neither the age nor the permissions of accounts should matter. [[User:Chealer|Chealer]] ([[User talk:Chealer|talk]]) 06:09, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :::SHB2000 visibly implied that my account was less valuable or important because he considered it "new". My account's age is irrelevant to this proposal (and even if age mattered, it would make no sense for his "new account" to tell a senior account how to behave). [[User:Chealer|Chealer]] ([[User talk:Chealer|talk]]) 06:07, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::::Missed the point completely. Nobody said your account was less valuable and I didn't say you were unimportant. If you'd actually read my comment properly, I was clear that you're not a project regular and the fact that you can barge into a wiki that you aren't a local community member of and tell regulars how to interpret policy is what constitutes as disruptive behaviour. What you say about me or any specific editor is irrelevant because this entire thread is about ''your'' behaviour. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 06:39, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :::::You don't seem to get it. I am a "local community member" just as much as you are. Some of us are more concerned about quality than quantity; a higher local edit count doesn't make you more of a member than others. Some of us are more interested in language than travelling and may direct more of their efforts to other projects; that doesn't mean they aren't community members. Some of us have a life outside of Wikimedia, and are still members despite lower edit counts. :::::All contributors are allowed to discuss the same; in fact, we ''value'' discussion. [[User:Chealer|Chealer]] ([[User talk:Chealer|talk]]) 07:46, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::This comment of yours just gives me validation that a ban needs to happen sooner than later. Your behaviour very much falls under "other malicious editing" and the fact that you even brought up account age just goes to show how unfamiliar you are with this project's customs yet you think you can tell project regulars, who know the ins and outs of this wiki's policies, to say how we interpret this wiki's policies. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 00:07, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :::Accusing others of "malicious editing" or any misbehavior without providing evidence constitutes a personal attack, which goes against policy. :::[[Special:Diff/5074212|You brought up account age yourself in the very first sentence of this section]], which you created less than 20 hours ago. Frivolous accusations and weaponization of processes/policy can also constitute personal attacks and lead to imposition of sanctions on your account. [[User:Chealer|Chealer]] ([[User talk:Chealer|talk]]) 07:04, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::::"New account" does not always imply age, it can also imply experience. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 07:13, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :::::''Accounts'' have no experience; ''contributors'' do. Even if you had written "New contributor", your comment would still have been discriminatory; any given contributor should not be censored any more than you are, regardless of its account’s age, permissions, or its ethnicity, gender, age, experience, etc. [[User:Chealer|Chealer]] ([[User talk:Chealer|talk]]) 07:33, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::[[w:en:User_talk:Chealer#c-Swarm-2015-03-12T02:43:00.000Z-March_2015|Some things never change, eh]]. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 07:40, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::If you're referring to [[Special:Diff/5074208|your attempts to use ad hominem attacks]], they could actually be stopped. This is my final warning to stop these. I advise you to take it seriously, since―whether you like it or not―on that topic, we do have [[Wikivoyage:Keep Wikivoyage fun#Are you being a buzzkill?|an ''actual'' policy]], which ''can'' be enforced, should reason not be enough to change. [[User:Chealer|Chealer]] ([[User talk:Chealer|talk]]) 08:02, 9 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::No, it's the fact that you've taken '''zero accountability''' for your actions and doing the same behaviour that got you blocked on enwiki. I fail to see how "some things never change" can be interpreted as an ad hominem attack; if anything the reasoning from your frwiktionary block also applies here ("<span style="color:darkred">Contributions perturbatrices ; comportements non collaboratifs ; croisade personnelle. N’est pas là pour contribuer sereinement, mais pour se confronter à chaque personne qui ose croiser son chemin</span>", or translated into English, "Disruptive contributions; non-collaborative behaviour; personal attacks. Not here to contribute serenely, but to confront every person who dares to cross their path."). If multiple wikis are having an issue with your behaviour, the problem does not lie with us but with you. ::::::::Also ironically, the policy [[Wikivoyage:Keep Wikivoyage fun#Are_you_being_a_buzzkill?|you quote]] can be used just as much against you as everything else in this discussion. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 09:52, 9 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::What a huge amount of time-wasting! I suggest for all of us to stop engaging in any discussion with Chealer, and I definitely support an immediate block for an initial period of 3 days, which will likely eventually turn into an indefinite block. Who has time for all this useless chatter? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:53, 9 June 2025 (UTC) * blocked indefinitely for threatening "sanctions" = [[WV:NOTHERE]]. [[User:Ibaman|Ibaman]] ([[User talk:Ibaman|talk]]) 20:47, 9 June 2025 (UTC) *:Thanks, {{u|Ibaman}}. :) //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 22:45, 9 June 2025 (UTC) *::Yeah, good call. While I opposed a permanent ban at first, I feel a sense of relief. Nastiest troll we've dealt with in a long time. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:49, 10 June 2025 (UTC) *:::I was thinking it was heavy-handed, but I think we know where this would end up. Chealer would not become a productive contributor. Making threats so early in their time here is a sure sign of [[WV:NOTHERE]]. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 00:55, 10 June 2025 (UTC) *:::Normally I'd not support an indef ban at first, but they have been doing this on various wikis for 10 years now and almost delves into cross-wiki abuse territory. It's very likely that were Chealer to ever become blocked on Commons and enwiktionary, they'd be globally locked. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 01:02, 10 June 2025 (UTC) *::::It was right to ban. Although I had initially said not yet, I was proved wrong by the contributions that they then made on this page. Their claim to have contributed for so long also showed that the ban on en WP was not some childhood misadventure. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:42, 10 June 2025 (UTC) *:::::Yes. A newbie may question policy like Chealer did at first, but they should be at least somewhat keen-eared towards regulars. A newcomer fighting the community is unacceptable – and referring to long experience counters the newbie good-faith defence. Either WV:NOTHERE or a person who cannot direct their energy into productive contributions. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 10:03, 11 June 2025 (UTC) == [[User:Salgo60|Salgo60]] == User has been here since late March, and is pretty much confined only to [[Stockholm Archipelago Trail]] and its sub-articles. Their comments on that article's [[Talk:Stockholm Archipelago Trail|talk page]] strongly hint at them [[WV:NOTHERE|not being here to build a travel guide]]: * Showing little respect and consideration to Wikivoyage's style, as expressed by @[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan]] in [[Special:Diff/5077004|this comment]]. Furthermore, Salgo seems to have a fixed vision of what the articles in question should be. Any good-faith additions that do not fit that pre-formed mould get blown out of proportions as if they were made to <q>shift the primary focus of the article</q> ([[Special:Diff/5076122|Diff 1]]), or get discredited as being <q>wrong</q> or <q>bad advices</q> ([[Special:Diff/5077119|Diff 2]], [[Special:Diff/5076955|Diff 3]]). * The user has been pointed in correct directions regarding the above, but seemingly disregards feedback and instead tries to cement themself as a figure on authority as they <q>manage a Facebook group</q> ([[Special:Diff/5076122|Diff 1]]) <q>[...] and no one has inquired about [that]</q>. Their experiences based on completing all sections of the trail I have no such issue with. ** I guess the Facebook group stuff could also be seen as promotion of themself/their business, but I'm not convinced of that at all. I think it's purely brought up to cement themself as a figure of indisputable authority. * Treats Wikivoyage as a battleground. Most of their responses on talk pages are unnecessary and could be avoided by adding one or two lines in the article. Instead, they go as far as to compare individual editors' contributions as equal to the Scots Wiki debacle. ([[Special:Diff/5077119|Diff 2]]). **See also [[Talk:Stockholm Archipelago Trail#Many ferry stops are operated based on request...|this thread]] where they seemingly try to spin a rewrite of information they have added themself as being entirely wrong. The passage is lacking information which wasn't there to begin with, and the issue could be resolved without a talk thread by just adding the missing information to the article. This reads to me as wilfully seeking conflict. * The user floods talk pages with information that should just be added into the article directly, seemingly only doing so to seek confrontation ([[Special:Diff/5077159|Diff 4]], [[Special:Diff/5076992|Diff 5]]), which also serves to illustrate that they have little intent in working collaboratively. Other times they have assumed the reader to be completely moronic, just so they can drive home a point ([[Special:Diff/5076992|Diff 5]]). They close off that edit by showing that they obsess over one user's edits by bringing up something I said in a different thread, seemingly just to spit on it again. Similar to the comparison to an edit of mine in a completely different thread ([[Special:Diff/5076955|Diff 6]]). I don't know what a suitable response to this behaviour would entail, so let's just simply assume banishment from this project. If there's a better action to take, then there's this discussion for that. I mostly just wanted to post this nomination so I can give closure to my involvement in that set of articles, because interacting with Salgo is nothing but infuriating to me at this point. I have added some of their diffs, but there are other comments of theirs that exhibit the same problems. Please, read the relevant talk page yourself and draw your own conclusions. <br/> <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 09:08, 14 June 2025 (UTC) : {{Support}} as nominator. <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 09:08, 14 June 2025 (UTC) *{{s}} '''indef''', appealable in 6–12 months, on the basis of [[w:en:WP:CIR|CIR]] (it's a Wikipedia essay, but the core concepts apply here as well). I do not believe temp blocks will help in this instance and the number of times Salgo has crossed the line (especially the scowiki comparison) is way too many for a temp ban, and the benefit with an indef block is ''Salgo'' is the one who needs to prove they've changed their behaviour instead of a block automatically expiring. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 09:23, 14 June 2025 (UTC) *:For additional context, Salgo was also blocked on svwiki before ([[w:sv:Special:Redirect/logid/9056047]]) for "''Nätmobbning''" (which if Google is to go by, it translates to cyberbullying), more recently on Wikidata in 2024 ([[d:Special:Redirect/logid/669327445]]) – both of which are on par with the scowiki comparison. Once is forgivable, twice pushes the boundaries and thrice is where it becomes indefesibly unacceptable. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 09:30, 14 June 2025 (UTC) *::Given [[User_talk:Salgo60#c-Salgo60-20250614094700-Wauteurz-20250614091100|their exit statement]], I am now entirely convinced that an indef is the only path going forward. No indication of why Wauteurz even had to warn them in the first place, and the Hamlet quote at the end is the cherry on the top. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:04, 14 June 2025 (UTC) *:::The exit statement really enforces my suspicions of them not listening to any of the feedback and justifications they've been given by me and others. Hell, <q>[...] and perhaps then you can explain why anyone would need to rent a car or boat to walk the trail</q> only re-enforces that Salgo has not read anything I have written since I've explained and defended those additions multiple times in different wordings. He also once again is trying to cement themself as an authority. I don't question their first-hand experience, but I take issue with how Salgo uses it to only further their own narrative and dismiss additions of others that don't fit their own vision. *:::The agenda bullshit is just insulting. I have explained my actions clearly and I don't think that those have been problematic at all when it comes to our style and policies. I refuse to defend myself any further to them. The last chunk of the reply is just dramatised crap that I refuse to even consider addressing. <br/> <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 10:20, 14 June 2025 (UTC) *'''Support'''. Of course. I've seen this movie over and over again, with new protagonists checking in every year, sometimes every month, here on Wikivoyage. [[User:Ibaman|Ibaman]] ([[User talk:Ibaman|talk]]) 12:54, 14 June 2025 (UTC) *This happened very quickly. I didn't even get a chance to wake up and express an opinion before they were indefinitely blocked. I would have suggested that their block be dialed back to no more than 2 weeks so that we can deliberate, but this looks like a snowball decision. It's still irregular, though, isn't it? And the problems with the articles and non-articles they added still have to be dealt with, but now without any possibility of their helping. They did finally delete a bunch of irregular links to Google and Commons, showing that they were not completely impervious to remarks about their flouting of Wikivoyage guidelines, although they've behaved very poorly in general, as documented in links above. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:32, 14 June 2025 (UTC) *:Their talk page messages to Wauteurz IMO warrants an indef block. They have proved that they cannot act in a civil and collegial manner. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 21:10, 14 June 2025 (UTC) *::I'm not really arguing that they shouldn't have been blocked indefinitely, just that the first step should have been to block them for the duration of the user ban nomination's consideration. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:49, 14 June 2025 (UTC) *:This did go by quickly, I'm definitely with you on that, Ikan. I highly doubt that Salgo would have been helpful at all in resolving anything. Judging by what he's [https://www.wikidata.org/w/index.php?title=Wikidata%3AWikiProject_Stockholm_Archipelago_Trail&diff=2360834488&oldid=2360723694 since added to his WikiProject] about our project, Salgo really seems to live in a world where self-reflection is a luxury afforded by the lucky few. I have explained to him multiple times why having those additions is valuable on our project, but he didn't seem to understand it, possibly because he didn't want to understand. There's only so much cooperation you can expect from people living in their own bubble. <br/> <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 21:49, 14 June 2025 (UTC) *::Agreed. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:52, 16 June 2025 (UTC) : it must be mentioned, my thinking was similar to yours, IK, until I checked in this user's talk page how they reacted to the ban nomination, and thought again. [[User:Ibaman|Ibaman]] ([[User talk:Ibaman|talk]]) 16:22, 14 June 2025 (UTC) ::I haven't read the block threads on other projects, but I note that the cyberbullying block was 2hr, which I think shows that the incident was minor. ::The user has severe problems with communication and seems not to understand how to cooperate, but I think those problems are genuine for them, not a sign of bad faith. I understand those who feel insulted by their comments, but I also think that they might be just signs of frustration, not anything personal. [[:w:Wikipedia:Competence is required]], which SHB linked above, using an acronym, is indeed relevant, but the question is how understanding we can be towards a person who tries to contribute useful content, but just doesn't have the skill to cooperate on the expected level. ::Being interested only in a few articles, or a specific region, is generally no problem. In this case it makes it easier for those who just don't want to cope with walls of text and the other problems to just ignore them and the articles that they have created. ::Our guideline on how to handle this kind of conflict ([[Wikivoyage:How to handle unwanted edits#Last resorts]]) says that "attacks on or harassment of other editors" should be met with escalating blocks. I see no reason to indefinitely block the user less than 5 hr after the nomination. Some might find that this is a snowball case, but I don't think it is. The only block that I can see on sv-wp, where they have been quite active and shown the same problems, is the one 2-hr block. ::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 18:32, 16 June 2025 (UTC) :::I don't see the mention of their Facebook group as an attempt to gain authority. Rather, they said that nobody in that group have inquired about boats, kayaks etc. – clearly a means to try to tell us that the perceived problem is minor. [[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 18:40, 16 June 2025 (UTC) :::You don't think they showed bad faith? I have to wonder what someone would have to say for you to see bad faith. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:51, 16 June 2025 (UTC) ::::{{re|Ikan Kekek}} I'd assume you would also agree with me that going around on multiple projects, removing mentions of Wikivoyage because of their indef block on multiple projects is quite blatantly in bad faith while also against local policy (Wauteurz and I are currently dealing with it). Relevant discussions are at [[d:User talk:Salgo60#Q131318799]], [[d:Wikidata:Administrators' noticeboard#Q131318799]] and [[:w:en:Talk:Stockholm Archipelago Trail]]. Haven't gotten to dewiki and dawiki yet. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:12, 16 June 2025 (UTC) :::::Yes, but I also saw them engaging in bad faith here. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:48, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::The question is how much we are willing to take to accommodate a productive user who cannot act otherwise. But removing mentions of Wikivoyage as revenge for a block nomination is indeed unacceptable – I cannot believe they couldn't have abstained from that. Can [[User:SHB2000|you]] provide some diffs (as judgements on this page should preferably be based on own observations rather than trust in fellow editors' assessments). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:41, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::{{re|LPfi}} Sure – [[d:Special:Diff/2360725564]], [[d:Special:Diff/2361168537]], [[w:en:Special:Diff/1295660765]], [[w:en:Special:Diff/1295697519]], [[w:de:Special:Diff/256994763]], [[w:da:Special:Diff/12052922]] and [[c:Special:Diff/1043913217]]. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 09:04, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Thanks. Following one of the linked edits, in an edit summary, they say "[[:w:Special:Diff/1295697519/1295698298|Wikivoyage Its not good enough it doesnt focus on the people doing the trail]]". That doesn't seem like revenge editing, but a possibly honest assessment, and as they were blocked and thus cannot improve the Wikivoyage article, the reaction is understandable. Although it certainly isn't the wiki way, it does not prove bad faith. I still think they should be allowed to return according to our guideline, with this block changed to three days. ::::::::I don't see there being any major hazard in them given another chance: if the use their editing rights for revenge, then they should be blocked again quickly and possibly banned. I hope they would instead help by explaining the problems they see in the article at the moment. Their contribution has indeed been valuable, and it would be a pity if the article would stay misleading because we misunderstood something and don't let them explain where we got it wrong. ::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:39, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::::I'm not against Salgo being given a second chance, granted that they return with a better understanding of Wikivoyage's style and purpose and position themself better for cooperation, instead of throwing insults about [https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Talk:Stockholm_Archipelago_Trail#c-Salgo60-20250614050000-Wauteurz-20250613224800 intent] and [https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/User_talk:Salgo60#c-Salgo60-20250616140500-Lymantria-20250616123600 cognitive] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Stockholm_Archipelago_Trail#c-Salgo60-20250617063700-SHB2000-20250616235700 abilities] around. Their unwillingness to [https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Talk:Stockholm_Archipelago_Trail#c-Salgo60-20250612064200-Ikan_Kekek-20250612042700 understand others' intent and Salgo's authority-based argumentation] is a brick wall when it comes to cooperative efforts. In my experience, Salgo argues only to be proven entirely right, and compromises seem out of the question. I don't doubt that Salgo means well for the trail and could (with correct guidance) produce quality content, but their approach to discussions and cooperative efforts needs change before I'd be willing to support a return. <br/> <span style="font-family:atkinson hyperlegible">― '''[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]]''' <small>([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]])</small></span> 12:47, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::Sadly, I don't think there is going to be a big change (they have been on sv-wp since a long time), but I hope that they at least could refrain from direct attacks and insults. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 18:18, 17 June 2025 (UTC) : {{o}} To me this person looks like one of the best new contributors we have had in years. They have created something like 20 articles on a topic that is clearly of interest to travellers, mostly well-written & properly formatted. Yes, they have got some things wrong & made some dumb comments, but as I see it nowhere near enough for a ban. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 21:08, 16 June 2025 (UTC) ::Question: have you ever supported a user ban or a permanent block of a productive user based on their refusal to act collaboratively or other types of nasty behavior (including racism or antisemitism)? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:31, 16 June 2025 (UTC) :::[[Wikivoyage:User_ban_nominations/Archive_2017-2018#c-Pashley-2018-08-07T11:44:00.000Z-Ikan_Kekek-2018-08-07T10:11:00.000Z|Seemingly]] [[Wikivoyage:User_ban_nominations/Archive_2017-2018#c-Pashley-2018-09-19T22:15:00.000Z-Ikan_Kekek-2018-09-19T19:47:00.000Z|not]], [[Wikivoyage:User_ban_nominations/Archive_2013-2014#c-Pashley-2014-11-06T21:32:00.000Z-AndreCarrotflower-2014-11-06T20:45:00.000Z|unfortunately]], [[Wikivoyage:User_ban_nominations/Archive_2013-2014#c-Pashley-2013-10-04T13:13:00.000Z-Jmh649-2013-10-04T05:05:00.000Z|I'm]] [[Wikivoyage:User_ban_nominations/Archive_2013-2014#c-Pashley-2014-05-29T14:02:00.000Z-AndreCarrotflower-2014-05-28T00:54:00.000Z|afraid]] (I've only gone back as far as 2013; I'm sure 5 is enough to prove both your and my point). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 07:21, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::That was my recollection, too, and I think it's relevant in considering their viewpoint on any one user ban nomination. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:37, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::Yeah :/. Especially also because bans operate on a consensus model rather than votes so the argument that they created 20 articles is irrelevant (totally ignoring for a moment that those 20 articles are riddled with problems). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 07:42, 17 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::They are riddled with problems, but I don't think that argument is irrelevant; it's just that being productive while acting nasty to people who want to work with you is not OK on a wiki. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:49, 17 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::To be fair to Pashley, they did research ArticCynda's "obviously racist comments", and wrote, "Please either apologise & refrain from doing such things again or expect to be blocked." (8 Aug 2018 comment). Like Pashley, I thought we could work with this user and get them to come around to our way of doing things. I was wrong, and based on this experience and others, I now have little tolerance for trying to keep this type of contributor involved. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:11, 17 June 2025 (UTC) * {{s}} we have had examples in the past of contributors "being productive while acting nasty to people", and we have not succeeded in getting them to change. I love new content, but people who insist on contributing only according to their own methods turn Wikivoyage toxic. They do not make it better. We have to protect our community. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:59, 17 June 2025 (UTC) *:I think Salgo60 is different from those others, and I don't think they turn WV toxic as long as they keep to the articles they created themself. Making those articles confirm to WV style requires a few of us to manage communication with them well enough, but I think it is doable. *:The question is whether we want to accommodate them, by not taking offence from their way of posting overly long talk page messages and often not listening. If just knowing that a user is given such extra leeway is bothersome to people, then we should prioritise our existing community. Accommodating a user like Salgo60 is possible only if the community at large can accept any (implicit) special measures required. *:Anyway, I don't like the idea of banning a user because of the vibes people get. There is nothing in our guidelines that justifies a ban, only our predictions do. Even with a good crystal ball, using it for a ban makes it easy for trolls to tell about the cabal. *:–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 05:45, 18 June 2025 (UTC) 01rcc7nbkim8oqvuejyrixlq87xbfws 5 69908 5086604 5086582 2025-07-02T12:52:52Z LPfi 79572 /* User and user talk pages for users with no Wikivoyage contributions */ on the block 5086604 wikitext text/x-wiki {{infobox|Archived discussions|* [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Archive 2004-2007]] * [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Archive 2008-2009]] * [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Archive 2010-2013‎]] * [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Archive 2014-2017‎]] * [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Deletion policy discussion|Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Deletion policy discussion (2018)]] * [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Archive 2018-2019]] }} == Categories - deleted or redirected? == A new user ([[User:Owain]]) has moved [[Conwy (county)]] to [[Conwy (county borough)]], and has thoughtfully changed the category at the same time, by changing the <nowiki>{{Is part of|xxx}}</nowiki> field in each of the affected articles to the new category. However, the old category page ([[:Category:Conwy (county)]]) is now blank, and I can't remember what we do with them. Do they just get deleted, or is there some attribution reason that they need to be kept and/or redirected to the new category? --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 16:32, 16 April 2020 (UTC) :I'd just go ahead and delete. Attribution is something we worry about for copyright purposes, and category pages which are merely lists of articles that fall into a certain geographical grouping (and, technically, are "edited" automatically by the MediaWiki software rather than by any particular human editor) do not qualify as copyrightable material. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 17:15, 16 April 2020 (UTC) ::Great, thank you. To confirm what you said, one of the drop down options of the deletion reasons is 'category renamed'.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 17:55, 16 April 2020 (UTC) == "List one article, file or template per entry" == Should this instruction be deprecated? We've had a few bulk nominations lately, and the preference has been to nominate them all under a single entry. [[User:Vaticidalprophet|Vaticidalprophet]] ([[User talk:Vaticidalprophet|talk]]) 20:41, 2 April 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''' per nom. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:07, 2 April 2021 (UTC) *'''Support'''. The line is a good idea in theory, not in practice.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 21:35, 2 April 2021 (UTC) *'''Support'''. I didn't even realize we theoretically had that guideline. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:13, 2 April 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''' - Stupid crap rule. [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] ([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]]) 08:37, 5 April 2021 (UTC) *:This looks like a consensus. Should I remove the line, and should it be replaced with anything? [[User:Vaticidalprophet|Vaticidalprophet]] ([[User talk:Vaticidalprophet|talk]]) 03:21, 11 April 2021 (UTC) :::That sentence should just be deleted. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:11, 11 April 2021 (UTC) == Redlinks, blue links or black links == Regarding the Finland Proper (Vkem) outlines: I wonder how we want real places to be handled in the case they should have articles. Redirecting a village that might be a common search term to the article where it is handled is an obvious solution, but in this case we have real places that are in fact not described anywhere. Previously they were redlinked in the region article to show that we want those articles. If the articles are created and redirected back, we will have blue links that just lead back, to the annoyance of readers. If we unlink the places, creating the article gets more difficult (and there is no hint we want those articles created, while there are several places mentioned about which we don't need articles. Is finding the region article more difficult if the places are just mentioned in the region article, without a redirect? Search engine-wise, a redirect might get us some more traffic, but just to annoy readers coming here and finding anything specifics about the place. Or should we make it a priority to create those articles, to avoid voids in our hierarchy? Then we shouldn't redirect real places that need articles, but create the outlines, as [[User:Vkem|Vkem]] did. Then the only problem is that we need the content also, which then should be given priority every time a region is created. The situation is probably different for regions that are weak outlines. For [[Finland Proper]] there is a thought-out complete structure. Some of the outlines may be hard to get featureable, but at least there should be some eat, sleep and do for each. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:19, 27 May 2021 (UTC) :This would be confusing. Since I'm well aware of this, I don't know how to respond to this. [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[w:User:SHB2000|en.wikipedia]])</small> 12:38, 27 May 2021 (UTC) ::I agree that a blue link that directs the reader back to the same article is a bad option. ::I don't agree with giving priority to creating articles just because some passerby has created a link. We have thousands of articles that need more content. Allowing our priorities to be determined by a well-intentioned editor like Vkem who isn't really involved in Wikivoyage would be a mistake. And not all of these places really warrants an article. I don't think that we can say that we want an article just because there is a redlink. :: I recently redirected an article for a bedroom community in the U.S. in which the only information that the article's creator provided was that there is a McDonalds in the community. They didn't provide an address for it though, or any other useful information. ::With a black link, a reader who arrives at the region article via a search can at least find the place in the article and on the map, so I think this is the best result. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:47, 27 May 2021 (UTC) ::: The redlinks in the region article were carefully planned, but the intention was to create them when somebody takes the time to write them. I think changing redlinks to black links is not an improvement. Is having the redirects an improvement that weights more than the drawback of having to turn the redlinks black? Read: I am challenging the policy of not deleting redirects from real places. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 14:34, 27 May 2021 (UTC) :::: What's a "black link"? Doesn't that just mean unlinked text? --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 14:36, 27 May 2021 (UTC) :::::Uh, yeah, that would be another way of putting it, since it isn't a link at all. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 15:11, 27 May 2021 (UTC) == Semi-Protect all == I think we should semi-protect all pages listed here, in case of edit warring or vandalism. --[[User:Crocusfleur|Crocusfleur]] ([[User talk:Crocusfleur|talk]]) 17:47, 19 June 2021 (UTC) :Which pages? --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 17:54, 19 June 2021 (UTC) ::Have there been cases of edit warring or vandalism of pages nominated for deletion? [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:46, 19 June 2021 (UTC) :::GZ has a good point here. If there's no history of vandalism (hopefully we don't jinx it) there's no need to semi-protect a page. The [[main page]] and some other critical pages, such as some template pages, are exceptional because vandals could do more damage by changing those, but in this case, without previous vandalism there is no need to semi-protect. A worthwhile thought though. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 21:54, 19 June 2021 (UTC) == Replace the vfd archive header? == ''Moved from [[WV:Pub|the pub]]''<br> I will start out by saying that I'm not a huge fan of [[Template:Deletion archive]], which doesn't look centred, and just doesn't look right for a header. Which is probably why it was never used much, and I'm guessing half of you didn't even know this template existed. I did some experimenting and thought a header like the header you see below might look better, with a more cleaner, neater and organised format. This can be changed anytime, so this doesn't have to be the fixed one. {{User:SHB2000/vfdat|previous=April 2021|next=June 2021|month=May 2021}} The code is pretty simple to work out as well, and the month= variable is automatic. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:57, 24 August 2021 (UTC) ---- <!--LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS BELOW THIS MESSAGE--> * '''Support''' as easy to navigate between months. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 11:47, 28 August 2021 (UTC) ::Given the lack of opposition, I'm going ahead. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:18, 7 September 2021 (UTC) == One-year rule on itineraries == Based on votes on this page, are we going to abolish this rule, or are there differences about its interpretation? For the purpose of discussion the rule is at [[Wikivoyage:Itineraries#"One year" deletion rule]], and here it is in full: ''Since just about any topic can be an itinerary, itineraries must either be actively worked on or achieve some level of completion to be kept. (Sufficiently famous, marked routes such as [[Alaska Highway]] or [[Annapurna Circuit]] are exempt from this rule.) As such, itineraries that have been at [[Project:Itinerary status|outline status]] or less for one year without being substantially edited are subject to deletion via the [[Project:Votes for deletion|votes for deletion]] process.'' My feeling is, if we are keeping the rule, "not a personal itinerary" shouldn't be a sufficient argument for keeping an article with no specific route that is therefore not in any sense usable; just because an itinerary isn't personal doesn't mean it's "sufficiently famous". But let's talk about that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:45, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :I would oppose abolishing this rule. Otherwise, we'd end up with a bunch of itineraries which don't give much information and give no incentive to the creator to make it usable. But I don't think this rule was really enforced that much, until I just checked some random itineraries. The last major mass deletions looks like it was in [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion/April 2011|2011]], more than 10 years ago. But I think we should take these on a case by case basis. :There's more that I have, but given the already mass overload here, I don't think we can handle that much at once. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:52, 18 September 2021 (UTC) ::I should also mention, that based on this reasoning "real itinerary" is not a valid reason to keep, and I'm particularly looking at the one for Nidaros Path and Mountains to Sound Greenway. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:56, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :::In 2011, we were overzealous in my opinion and, in the guise of deleting "personal itineraries", deleted usable articles because they weren't guide-level. I believe in being a bit liberal, in that a coherent, well-defined route can be OK, even if it's "personal". [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:59, 18 September 2021 (UTC) ::::But tbh, these are routes which per the deletion rules, can be deleted. I'm still confused on some of the keep votes on that were added yesterday (writing this 00:05 AEST). But deleting usable routes because it wasn't guide? (please tell me if I'm missing something there. Need to get some sleep). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 14:05, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :::::If you're missing something, it's that the usable itinerary articles that were deleted then were deemed "personal", and exceptions to the deletion policy for "personal" itineraries were given only to articles that were at guide level or higher (I don't think any were stars). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:11, 18 September 2021 (UTC) ::::::I see. I guess I'm too sleepy to think. But these ones that I nominated aren't personal, but just outlines that aren't famously marked. Maybe that policy needs copyediting. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 14:15, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :"As such, itineraries that have been at outline status or less for one year without being substantially edited are subject to deletion via the votes for deletion process." That doesn't mean articles at outline status for a year or more should be deleted; it means they are "subject" via the "deletion process," which indicates that a community consensus to keep any of these itineraries doesn't run contrary to policy. I think there are some itineraries nominated that indeed should be deleted, but they are many that while indeed have been made subject to deletion via this policy, ought not be deleted due to other policies in place, such as [[Wikivoyage:The traveler comes first]]. I certainly don't support deleting any itineraries without consensus. Consensus will develop naturally to delete the useless itineraries, but many others are developing votes to keep, and this is line with current policies that require consensus to delete travel articles (excepting copyvio, of course). <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 14:23, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :Although perhaps read the header of [[:Category:Outline itineraries]]. It says ''This page is for listing itineraries that have outline status. They will be deleted if not modified for one year.'' :–<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 14:30, 18 September 2021 (UTC) ::Categories are intended to list articles with some feature in common, and not to establish policy, so I would support removing that text from the category page. That text appears to come from [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Category:Outline_itineraries&oldid=1855956 before English Wikivoyage was formed]. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 14:33, 18 September 2021 (UTC) I commented "not personal itinerary on some. I don't feel we need to set the "sufficiently" threshold particularly high. My reading has been that a famous route will have readers looking for it, and with some luck people continuing where the article creator left, and even if it takes a few years, that's really not a problem (unless the itinerary is really bad). Personal itineraries, on the other hand, need to be well described to allow anyone to continue the work (and to bother). If no one caught on while it was being worked on, or soon after, it is unlikely to attract attention later. One reason not to keep the threshold high is that what is famous for some, is unknown to others. I didn't know about [[Alaska Highway]] or [[Annapurna Circuit]] before starting to write here. [[Nidaros Path]], deemed non-famous by the nominator, was the prime pilgrimage route in the Nordic countries in medieval times, and is regaining popularity – but how could somebody not from Europe know that, unless into pilgrimages? I'd think many Americans wouldn't know about [[Way of St. James]], although it is a huge thing. If some route is sufficiently famous that you'd expect there to be guidebooks about it, that should suffice. I think any Eurovelo or [[Long distance walking in Europe|ERA route]] should qualify. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 16:43, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :I think usable status should have been sufficient to keep "personal" itineraries if they had reasonable, coherent routes. In terms of the text [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] quotes above, I'd propose changing it to ''This page is for listing itineraries that have outline status. They may be deleted if not modified for one year.'' May, rather than will be deleted. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:28, 18 September 2021 (UTC) ::Agreed, but add "may be deleted [via the VFD process]" because we don't want people unilaterally deleting articles. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 21:38, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :::I reworded it to what Ikan wrote with a little bit of copyedits: ''They may be deleted if not modified or actively maintained for one year.''. I'll write that it may be nominated through RfD in just a sec. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:45, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :::: I think that addressing itinerary articles through VfD after a year is a good approach. It forces us to improve the articles if we can, or delete them if we can't. SHB2000's edits to the policy work. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 00:08, 19 September 2021 (UTC) : Sometimes there may be other solutions. Back in 200x when our coverage of China was quite spotty, I wrote "One week near Hong Kong" which was pretty much a personal itinerary. Later it became a region article, [[Pearl River Delta]], and by now that is a decent article. : For real routes like [[Tanami Track]], I do not think deletion should even be considered. Either keep it or merge it into a region article & redirect there. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 03:51, 19 September 2021 (UTC) : For an example of an itinerary that was prematurely deleted (by me) but later restored & made into a decent article, see [[Talk:Tiger Leaping Gorge]]. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 04:21, 19 September 2021 (UTC) ::[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], thanks for editing that language, but there's no such thing as "RfD" on this Wiki (and you initially confused me by using those initials on talk page threads). I will edit to [[Votes for deletion]] with a link. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:35, 19 September 2021 (UTC) :::[https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Category%3AOutline_itineraries&type=revision&diff=4295605&oldid=4295459 Done]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:39, 19 September 2021 (UTC) ::::Oops. RfD is something on meta and simple, not here. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:00, 19 September 2021 (UTC) ::Pashley, the "don't delete real places" is only for destination articles, not itineraries or topics. Oh and re Tanami Track... erm, it's not a notable track at all, but rather known as Australia's James Dalton Highway. Couldn't find any photos of this track on commons, but if Google Street Trekker does a good job in visualising that route, [https://goo.gl/maps/RZyoHaGsNuRaEnUh7 this] is apparently the best part of the route. There's no way that's notable. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:37, 19 September 2021 (UTC) == Danube Cycleway deletion == I supported deletion, but I think it's worth discussing whether per [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Deleting, or not]], the article should have been kept or deleted. At first glance, it wouldn't appear that there was a consensus to delete at [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion/September 2021#Danube Cycleway]]. 3-2 is not an obvious consensus. And while I obviously agree that the delete arguments are stronger than the keep arguments, here is the relevant policy: * If there is '''no consensus''' after 14 days, allow a further 7 days for discussion. ** If, after the additional 7 days, there is '''no consensus''', the page should be '''kept''' – any Wikivoyager may remove any VFD notices from that page, and archive the deletion discussion. So what's the deletion argument? I think that would have to do with the definition of "consensus" - what it is and what it's not. From [[Wikivoyage:Consensus#What consensus is not]]: * '''Consensus is not unanimity'''. While we should always try to find a solution that works for everyone, in practice this is not always possible. Make sure all concerns are discussed and addressed, but consensus can still be reached even if compromises that please everyone cannot be found. * '''Consensus is not a majority'''. While it would be rare that consensus would be declared when the result represents a minority opinion, well-reasoned arguments based on existing policies and practice should carry more weight than a "support" comment that is unaccompanied by any sort of reasoning or justification. I don't think anyone would say that [[User:LPfi]]'s keep vote is "unaccompanied by any sort of reasoning or justification", but the argument to keep is unaccompanied by any actionable advice on how to establish the route of the now-deleted itinerary. In short, I would defer to [[User:SHB2000]]'s deletion rationale. But I still think a discussion is appropriate, since a nomination for undeletion would not be successful (further quoting from [[Wikivoyage:Consensus#What consensus is not]]): ''Note that the bar for determining a consensus should be higher when changing a past consensus, so while a small majority might suffice for resolving a minor issue, a super majority backed by strong arguments should be required before changing past consensus (see also the "[[#Status quo bias|Status quo bias]]" section below).'' So what do you all think? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:55, 8 October 2021 (UTC) : The guide is little use in current shape and I have little hope of improvements in near future, so I won't contest the deletion, but IK's last point prompts consideration. : I now copied the VFD discussion to the article's talk page. The reason for deletion was "Per the one year rule for itineraries" and "it's been given 14 days to be worked on" I think it should be evident that if anybody starts working on the itinerary, these arguments are moot. If somebody thinks that new work can be deleted based on this VFD discussion, then we need clarification to the guidelines. : –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:07, 8 October 2021 (UTC) ::Well, if someone starts working on it, then that would not make it valid for RfD. Though, I do think the guidelines are somewhat too loose and can differ based on personal opinions. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:39, 8 October 2021 (UTC) :::The rule for itineraries is one year; this article was given 11 years. If someone had started work on it, or indicated an intention to work on it, they should have been given time. But no-one did. I don't think another 7 days would have changed anything. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:41, 8 October 2021 (UTC) ::::hence why I deleted it. It was 3-2, and you and Ikan had better arguments in my opinion and seemed consensus to me. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:49, 8 October 2021 (UTC) :::::Without weighing in on whether deletion is a good idea, it is clear that there was not consensus for deletion, so per policy it should not have been deleted. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:42, 8 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::Let's please try to avoid using RfD, which is not a valid abbreviation on this site. Should we undo the deletion? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:36, 8 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::I subconsciously use RfD when I'm not thinking properly. And technically, no we can't unilaterally undelete it as it has to go through the [[vfu]] process. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:00, 9 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::Not if we decide it should not have been deleted per lack of consensus. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:18, 9 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::However, now given that LPfi has mentioned "The guide is little use in current shape and I have little hope of improvements in near future, so I won't contest the deletion, but IK's last point prompts consideration." :::::::::So really, that gives 3 deletes, 1 neutral and 1 delete, based on LPfi's earlier argument. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:25, 9 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::::If so, that would be a consensus, in my opinion. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:02, 9 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::::Yep, sure does. Even for those like [[Template talk:Mapframe2|Template:Mapframe2]], while there were 3 to delete, 1 comment and 1 keep, who was LPfi, as their argument was much more stronger into keeping it, hence kept. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:43, 9 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::::::Is that defensible per current policy? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:10, 9 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::::::Technically, the two votes that were to delete were either just a vote or "per nom". Even then, my rationale for deletion still wasn't a strong enough reason to delete, and hence kept. Not to forget that Alasdair also seemed to be leaning towards a keep as well. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:17, 9 October 2021 (UTC) == Camp Chase Trail discussion == This deletion discussion has been closed with the article merged after only a day of discussion and little participation. This is contrary to policy, which calls for 14 days of discussion, and really too fast for anyone to be expected to keep up with. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:39, 11 October 2021 (UTC) :I can close my nominations early if I want to withdraw my deletion nom early. In this case, I merged the info already, so I had every right to withdraw my nom. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:03, 12 October 2021 (UTC) ::Generally I agree with SHB, but in this case the closure was quick for a merger discussion which should take a few days. I would be happy with a policy change that allowed a non-deletion closure after 5 days if the nominator agrees. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 20:33, 13 October 2021 (UTC) :::I '''support''' [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]]’s proposal to create a clear policy on this issue. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 20:37, 13 October 2021 (UTC) :::I would generally '''support''' Alasair's wording, but then we run into a loophole here. Anyone can withdraw their own nominations any time they like, and anyone can merge articles whenever they want, without discussion (although it is quite suspicious when IPs do that), so all we have is two policies that contradict each other. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:26, 14 October 2021 (UTC) ::::Discussions are generally encouraged before articles are merged, although it is only said to be "worthwile" in [[Wikivoyage:How to merge two pages]]. ::::A policy should have additional words including allowing withdrawal by the nominator ("oh I hadn't realised that this page is useful for..."), admins deciding that the nomination is an obvious speedy case, and cancelling requests by vandals (not seen that here, but I have seen it on Commons). [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:51, 14 October 2021 (UTC) :::::Merge proposals can be discussed on the talk pages of the articles in question. I would oppose any kind of guideline that in any way suggests that VfD is the most appropriate place to discuss merges. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:56, 14 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::And similarly, if anyone objects to a merge, this is not the most appropriate place to address that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:56, 14 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::Agree. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:58, 14 October 2021 (UTC) :::::True, but there's lots of merges I've done without discussion (and {{u|Ground Zero}} does the same). [[Special:Diff/4308621]] is an example of one of my recent uncontroversial merges. Out of about let's say 100 merges I've done, only [[Talk:Khancoban|Khancoban]] seemed to be a controversial one. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:57, 14 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::A merger without discussion is permitted by [[Wikivoyage:How to merge two pages]]: :::::::"Unless the need for a merge is really obvious, it may be worthwhile to start a discussion before doing a merge." ::::::Contributors will disagree on what is or is not "obvious". If other editors disagree with a merger, then the merging editor will have to go through the hassle of defending the merger and will be more cautious about doing it again. I have probably erred on the side of being too cautious, and I have not had objections to my mergers whether discussed or not discussed. There is a lot of clean up of old stub articles needed, and props to SHB2000 for their work in improving Wikivoyage. It is inevitable that the occasional merger will be done too precipitously, but a merger can always be undone. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 23:26, 14 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::(It is easy, in my opinion, to show that an article ''shouldn't'' be merged — or shouldn't have been merged — by expanding an article to make it usable. That is more productive than arguing over process, IMHO.) [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 23:34, 14 October 2021 (UTC) == User:SHB2000/lc template == Forgive me if this has already been dealt with, as I've been away from admin stuff. The template [[User:SHB2000/lc]] has been used several times for different nominations, but has it been approved by the community? If it has, I'd expect to see the discussion either still in the Pub or archived somewhere sensible like [[User talk:SHB2000/lc]].--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 08:51, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :Can't I use my ''own'' userspace templates in ''my'' nominations? How would this have been dealt with, if I used wikitext in the same way in my nominations? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:06, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :I realise that there's no point in arguing over a *''userspace transclusion''*, so I just removed it. [(redacted)] <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:25, 18 October 2021 (UTC) ::I don't know why you're getting snarky with me about it, as I think my original question was polite and based in the policy which we're both tasked with enforcing. We have a policy about new templates that you've said you understand, and that obviously covers userspace templates too (why would they be any different when they're being used in mainspace?). Thank you for removing them when asked; hopefully, I won't have to in future.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 09:58, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::I'm sorry if I became passive aggressive there, and I apologise for that. But there doesn't seem to be any policy on userspace templates being used, is there? Or what'd happen if I substituted the template (which if I used let's say nominating [[Pomona (Queensland)]] for deletion and I used <span class="plainlinks">[[:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}]] ([{{fullurl:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}|action=edit}} edit] &middot; [[{{TALKPAGENAME:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}}}|talk]] &middot; [{{fullurl:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}|action=history}} history] &middot; [{{fullurl:Special:Whatlinkshere/{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}|limit=999}} links] &middot; [{{fullurl:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}|action=watch}} watch] &middot; [{{fullurl:Special:Log|page={{urlencode:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}}}}} logs] &middot; [{{fullurl:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}|action=delete}} delete])</span>, would that be considered using templates?) <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:06, 18 October 2021 (UTC) ::::I think the edit link is confusing. I would expect it to edit the discussion, not the nominated article. Why would i want to edit the article without reading it first? [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 10:28, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::The edit link may be confusing, but there's no denying on whether the talk or history pages are useful. The page logs aren't also that important, but it can help (the only instances where I personally think its useful when its used to detect Brendan edits) :::::The delete button is also quite convenient for the closing admin. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:34, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::: There is a practice on what nominations and the discussions look like. It seems you are trying to change that practice, and while plunging forward by introducing links you find useful might be OK, if others don't thank you for the bright idea, it might be better to discuss whether we want those links and templates. Thus they should be introduced like any other templates, regardless of where they live – moved to template space if they get support, not used and possibly deleted if they don't. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 11:44, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::No I am not trying to change the practice and I mainly used it for my personal use. I'm merely adding it so it's much more easier to delete it. Given that these days I'm the one who's deleting most of the articles these days, it's much more convenient to have a link that allows me to delete the article in one click. :::::::And we also recently discussed that we're never deleting templates merely because it lacked community support (it'll just be moved to the user's userspace). In this case, it's already in my userspace. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:51, 18 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::Templates that are in your userspace shouldn't be used outside of your userspace, i.e. in mainspace or projectspace. It's not "your personal use" when it's being used on a community page that everyone can edit. They're not "your nominations", either; they're ''community nominations'' submitted by you ''for the community's consideration'', and they should be made in the standard way that the community has come to expect. ::::::::I'm sorry, but using userspace templates in projectspace comes across to me as a rather clever (but unfair) way of circumventing a policy you don't like. We've all got to live with policies we don't like as a necessary part of editing a wiki; the alternative to editing within a community-led set of policies is we just individually pick and choose to follow the rules that suit us and ignore the ones that don't suit us. If that happens, then the whole system of collaborative editing by consensus breaks down, and our "travel guide that everyone can edit" ceases to work in the interests of travellers. ::::::::I'm guessing I may come across as anti-template, or maybe even anti-SHB2000's templates. But this couldn't be further from the truth; I'm pro-innovation. But first and foremost I'm interested in ensuring that policy applies to, and is observed by, everyone equally. ::::::::For this particular template, I agree with LPfi, and would even further say that it would be useful in a slightly modified form (i.e. removing the 'edit' button, and any others that might not be relevant) and that I would use it myself. However, my future support is conditional on this template being proposed for the community's approval in the normal way; if and when it's approved, it should be moved out of your userspace into templatespace. ::::::::Also, we may need to specify on [[Wikivoyage:Using MediaWiki templates]] that "If new templates fail to gain community support, they will eventually be moved to the template creator's userspace." means that those templates are not to be used outside of userspace. I thought this was pretty clear already, but apparently not... ::::::::All that being said, I appreciate and accept your apology above.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 13:55, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::I think that an occasional editor would expect the delete link to record a "delete" vote, not take them to a page saying "Permission error". I get having such a link on Commons where the closing admin migt have to delete a list of 20 imgaes after a sinle nomination, but I don't see the need here. I also agree with TT that userspace templetes should not be used in project space, except for a single example when discussing moving the template to mainspace. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 15:00, 18 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::::That's the whole point; otherwise, we'd be restricting the use of a template to a single individual, not to their userspace. Please, [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], you do great work, but especially as an admin, you need to not only respect consensus but uphold it as the fundamental way this site operates in your statements and model your respect for it to other users. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:11, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::I must dispute the following statement "''They're not "your nominations", either; they're community nominations submitted by you for the community's consideration, and they should be made in the standard way that the community has come to expect.''". First of all, they're still my nominations, since I irrevocably release my text under the CC BY-SA License, and in no way does that ever state that I'm handing over those nominations to the community. I still hold the copyright for those, and so they are '''not''' "they're community nominations submitted by you for the community's consideration" and so they're still the nominations of whoever started them. b) "the standard way that the community has come to expect.". I cannot find any place where it says that as well. So until you direct me to where that's told, then again, there's nothing saying how I should format those nominations. :::::::::Let's say I used a template (call it {{tl|tnr}} for example), and it's main purpose is to get text in Times New Roman. So if I used <nowiki> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman; color:green"> Some text here</span></nowiki> instead of this example {{tl|tnr}} template which would both produce <span style="font-family:Times New Roman; color:green"> Some text here</span>. Now that plain text I was using had no templates in it, nor is a substituted template. I'll let you all decide for yourselves on how that'd be taken. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 21:23, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::::You've completely missed, or certainly failed to address, the wider points. I suggest some closer reading and reflection.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 08:27, 19 October 2021 (UTC) == Help needed == I slushed the Puerto Rican stubs nom for now, but it's 4:12 AM and I have to wake up for work in about 5 hours, so I'd be very grateful if someone else could remove all the VfD templates from the articles in question. Please see the thread at [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion/March 2022#Puerto Rico skeletons with a byte count lower than 600 created by Ligocsicnarf89 (talk · contribs)]]. And thanks! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:13, 31 March 2022 (UTC) :@[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] btw I'm happy for anyone to rollback my edits to those articles as it's a pretty tedious thing to do manually. However, do get some sleep first. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:35, 31 March 2022 (UTC) :: vfd templates removed. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:54, 31 March 2022 (UTC) :::Thanks for removing them :-). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:00, 31 March 2022 (UTC) ::::Thank you! -- [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:31, 31 March 2022 (UTC) == Closure comments == There is an argument on a user page on what comments are suitable when closing a VFD thread. If I interpret [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] correctly, they think any comments that don't conflict with any specific rule is OK, while IK and I disagree. See [[Special:Permalink/4569290#Sorry for editing an archive]]. I added the following to the instructions, to have the requested rule, and got reverted: : The note on whether the article was kept should be objective; if you have an opinion that needs to be voiced, voice it during the discussion – if you didn't until now, either keep silent or give others time to comment on it by not taking action yet. The addition hadn't been discussed other than in that user page thread, so the reversion was anticipated. Now, what does the community think about the issue? Do you agree with me or SHB? Should there be written advice? Is the suggested wording OK? Should there be some more general wording in [[Wikivoyage:Administrators' handbook]] covering also this? Any general comments? –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:47, 26 November 2022 (UTC) :My 2 cents: :* Not allowing users to voice their opinion is antithetical to the purpose of a discussion :* Discussions are immediately archived once the outcome has been reached; this is per [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Deleting, or not]] :* Yes, you're right that my rationale behind standing by my comment doesn't conflict with any specific policy :* It's probably not a good idea to include it in the [[Wikivoyage:Administrators' handbook]] as any Wikivoyager can close a DR if the outcome was keep or redirect – this is also per [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Deleting, or not]] :I am opposed to the addition of [[Special:Diff/4569292]], because the purpose of vfd is to ''not'' "keep silent", and "giv[ing] others time to comment on it by not taking action yet" contradicts [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Deleting, or not]]. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 22:51, 26 November 2022 (UTC) ::Closing a discussion means no longer arguing about it. I still find it incredible, inflammatory, and in incredibly bad grace to have to have a discussion about this at all. I'd observe that SHB2000 tried to argue that a consensus was not a consensus the last time he showed bad grace in a Vfd closing. Anyone who can't close Vfd threads without trying to get a pot-shot in at the end should not close Vfd threads. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:06, 26 November 2022 (UTC) :::So, let's put it this way. You disagree with my opinion, and are insisting me to follow what ''you'' think should be common practice, even though this is not a policy, at least not yet. Then, you indirectly claim that your opinion is somehow superior to mine and I should follow it, and now claim that the common practice to enroot this into a Wikivoyage policy is "<span style="color:darkred;font-family:Georgia">incredible, inflammatory, and in incredibly bad grace</span>". So, who's being hypocritical here? <s> Oh, and that discussion really wasn't a consensus – there were only two more delete !votes, and a lot of the keep !votes were [[w:WP:PERX]].</s> --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 23:53, 26 November 2022 (UTC) ::::And you still haven't answered my question from yesterday: if you so vehemently disagreed with my statement, why didn't you close the article yourself 10 days ago, when the article was due to be closed? --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 23:55, 26 November 2022 (UTC) :::::That's not a valid argument. We're all volunteers here, I'm a busy man, and I don't always think about closing Vfd threads here. None of that is an excuse for you to break the precedent of not editorializing and insulting the consensus when closing. Come on, man! You do a lot of good work, but you sometimes just don't seem to understand when to drop it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:01, 27 November 2022 (UTC) ::::::And for the record, what you tried to claim was not a consensus was [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion/May 2022|8-3]]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:10, 27 November 2022 (UTC) :::::::I stand corrected; have struck that comment. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 01:24, 27 November 2022 (UTC) *Oppose. I don't think we need to change the policy because one editor made a comment some people didn't like. This editorialising does not disrupt the functioning of our travel guide, and let's recognize that SHB was doing a necessary administrative function in closing the discussion even though he didn't agree with the conclusion. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 02:46, 27 November 2022 (UTC) ::I'm surprised. I thought you would find fault with such a closing comment even though you would agree with the substance. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:01, 27 November 2022 (UTC) :::As the closing comment is not something that affects the reader, I don't see the need to regulate it, especially in response to a single closing comment. This seems like a sledgehammer/fly situation. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:51, 27 November 2022 (UTC) *::The bottom line is, not everyone disagrees with my comment, as you seem to think. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 07:15, 27 November 2022 (UTC) : I agree with LPfi & Ikan; such comments are extremely bad form. I do not think a single instance merits either a policy change or any sort of disciplinary action against the user, but a persistent pattern of such actions might. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 04:02, 28 November 2022 (UTC) :: The "bottom line", as I see it, is that whether anyone agrees with the comment is utterly irrelevant; the comment was clearly made in the wrong place. :: It would have been appropriate either as part of the deletion discussion or raising an issue on either the VFD or Deletion policy talk page. However, adding a snarky remark in the archive &mdash; where no-one is likely to see it & anyone who does cannot reply &mdash; was out of line. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 07:53, 28 November 2022 (UTC) == Using this page to propose merge/redirects == This page was not envisioned to be used for that purpose, and it is in my opinion quite an unnecessary use of volunteer time. If you think a merge/redirect should be done and it's unlikely to be controversial, just do it if you have the time. If you think it might be controversial, start a thread on the talk page of the article to be merged and have a discussion there. I can't think of any good reason to use this page to propose anything other than deletion. Note that it does take more time to close discussions here than to simply have discussions on talk pages. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:30, 17 December 2022 (UTC) :I think this page can still be used if a user is indifferent to whether an article should be deleted or redirected (e.g., some of our recent destination articles nominated for deletion); I agree with you that the airport articles could have been better handled on the relevant talk page, though. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 00:02, 18 December 2022 (UTC) ::If there's a reasonable basis for proposing deletion, that's what this page is for. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:08, 18 December 2022 (UTC) ::: But if you are indifferent, why not just merge and redirect? It mostly requires less effort than the discussion and possible later merger. The history will be there (easily found if correctly attributed) for those who might want to revive the article with additional info that would make it pass the whiaa test. The redirect seldom does harm (and if you think it does, ''then'' take it here). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 13:06, 18 December 2022 (UTC) == Withdrawing nominations == In many fora, one is allowed to withdraw one's own proposal, but as SHB2000 notes, "there's no policy on en.voy explicitly allowing this". I think there shouldn't be one. To the contrary, as soon as a nomination is posted, other contributors put time and thought in evaluating the article and articulating their standpoints. This effort is mostly lost in a speedy closure, and the thoughts shared may have implications on other articles than the one nominated. Also, consensus might be to delete the article despite the nominator changing their mind, and a second nomination shouldn't be needed. Thus I think the discussion should be allowed to continue for the normal time, unless there is consensus for something else or there is some good reason to speedy the decision. I think the judgement on the latter should be left to somebody else. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 16:32, 29 December 2022 (UTC) :Withdrawing serves to prevent attracting input (meaning time and energy) to an inoperative process; it is such when it is 100% certain not to result in a change. People will air their views, and these might be icredibly articulate and wise, but it doesn't create a tangible benefit for the project. I don't think that a policy change is necessary in order to allow withdrawing, but just as well, withdrawing should not be considered prohibited when not prescribed by policy. Withdrawing should only be done if absolutely all of the votes are to keep. If there is even a single delete vote anyone should feel free to reopen the discussion. [[User:Alalch E.|Alalch E.]] ([[User talk:Alalch E.|talk]]) 17:07, 29 December 2022 (UTC) :For example, I really think that it makes sense for {{u|SHB2000}} to withdraw [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Surfing]] ''now'' (and only now), when everyone agrees (which was not the case initially). [[User:Alalch E.|Alalch E.]] ([[User talk:Alalch E.|talk]]) 17:18, 29 December 2022 (UTC) ::We should adopt some guideline that nominations can be speedily withdrawn when there isn't even a proposal for deletion or none of the people responding support deletion, such as when whether to merge/redirect or to which article is being unnecessarily argued about on this page. I would suggest that a nomination for other than deletion be immediately withdrawn unless someone suggests deletion in the response thread before it is deleted, and that otherwise, if after 3 days, there is no support for deletion, a nomination can be speedily resolved as a keep, but that if the resolution is deletion, at least 7 days are needed. The way around that, in my opinion, is to start a thread on the article's talk page, where the person who started the article could agree to deletion if very little if anything has been added by others, or sometimes, articles are speedily deleted without a proposal here because they are so obviously irrelevant or are copyright violation. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:06, 29 December 2022 (UTC) :I thought it was allowed (and have done so in the past with no dramas), until that nomination. Nominators should be allowed to close their nominations whenever they choose to, with the prejudice that it's appropriate. I like Ikan Kekek's proposal and we could trial this next year. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 20:26, 29 December 2022 (UTC) ::I think the reason it was uncontroversial before is that opinion was probably unanimous, though correct me if I'm wrong. But in the most recent case, I know I wondered what had happened and was surprised to see a deletion thread that as yet had no unanimous opinion speedily archived. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:46, 29 December 2022 (UTC) :::I don't think we should be able to withdraw "our" nominations early, primarily because there's no such thing as "my nomination", only a nomination submitted to the community for consideration. Of course there are some exceptions: if a clear consensus has developed early with little chance of dissent, or if the nomination is clearly not a real candidate for deletion (e.g. something that should be merged).--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 09:33, 30 December 2022 (UTC) ::::{{re|ThunderingTyphoons!}} if nominations don't belong to one user, then perhaps would you like to explain why [[c:Template:Withdraw]], [[species:Template:Withdraw]], [[w:en:Template:Withdraw]], [[w:ar:قالب:سحب_ترشيح]], [[w:bh:टेम्पलेट:Withdraw]], [[w:bn:টেমপ্লেট:Withdraw]], [[w:ckb:داڕێژە:کشانەوەی پاڵاوتن]], [[w:et:Mall:Loobun]], [[w:fa:الگو:انصراف]], [[w:en:ಟೆಂಪ್ಲೇಟು:Withdraw]], [[w:shn:ထႅမ်းပလဵတ်ႉ:Withdraw]], [[w:sr:Шаблон:Withdraw]] and [[w:te:మూస:Withdraw]] all translate or say "I withdraw '''my''' nomination", with "my" being the key word here? The concept of a deletion nomination shouldn't differ by WMF project, so I'm a bit confused on why you think the concept of "my nominations" shouldn't exist. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 12:12, 30 December 2022 (UTC) :::::Forgive me, but my pontifications about the possible meanings of machine-translated sentences written in languages I don't speak on wikis I've never visited wouldn't be of use to anyone. :::::But to explain my thought process further, a nomination can of course be "mine" inasmuch as if I make the nomination, it originated from my brain, and was created by my fingers when I posted it. And yes, I can continue to refer to it as "my" nomination, but that's just semantics or sentimentality; I can't assert actual ownership over the nomination. Once the nomination is live on VFD, and especially once it's being considered by others, it is no longer mine to unilaterally withdraw, because that's not fair to other members of the community who have lent their time and consideration. Similarly, an article I start is no longer "mine" as soon as it's published, even if I continue to be the main or only contributor; this is a wiki after all. :::::If I rationally believed an article was worthy of deletion, then it is likely that other members of the community would agree and so if they had found the article before I did, they would have nominated it first. The question of who did nominate is unimportant. Even if I am alone in believing the article should be deleted, that can only be tested by a nomination that runs its course and that allows the whole community a say, or that at least provides an early consensus. The person who made the nomination doesn't have any special say over the outcome of the nomination; the community does.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 12:46, 30 December 2022 (UTC) ::::::"The concept of a deletion nomination shouldn't differ by WMF project"? Why not? If there remains a question about whether to delete or not, we can have our own policy. You wouldn't argue that we need to have a NPOV policy because some other Wikis have it, would you? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:02, 30 December 2022 (UTC) ::::::: There is an advantage of standardising some things across the WMF sites, so that readers and editors have an easy time approaching another project. However, people from other projects usually don't have enough of an understanding to contribute at deletion discussions. Sometimes they might have some valuable fresh viewpoints, but few from the outside can see when their viewpoint is just distracting. Thus, until you have followed the discussions long enough to learn the idiosyncrasies, you don't need to nominate articles or close the discussions, and thus the advantage of standardising is marginal. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 16:47, 30 December 2022 (UTC) :::::::{{re|Ikan Kekek}} each wiki can have its own policy regarding deletion nominations, but the concept of it shouldn't differ: a user nominates one or more pages for deletion because of some reason, then a discussion happens for a certain period of time and then the discussion is closed as either kept, deleted, redirected (or something else like getting another project to import the article). What can differ is the length, reasoning or outcome. NPOV is a completely different story because it's only a policy on Wikipedia, but likewise, the concept of NPOV shouldn't differ between different language Wikipedias. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 22:32, 30 December 2022 (UTC) ::::::{{re|ThunderingTyphoons!}} fair enough, but I don't think articles are comparable to DRs, but maybe that's because I spend more time on Commons' DRs than our VfD, which is where I've been influenced. I still favour Ikan's proposal, though (which is similar to what you're proposing: "if a clear consensus has developed early with little chance of dissent, or if the nomination is clearly not a real candidate for deletion", but with more detail). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 22:25, 30 December 2022 (UTC) == [[Wikivoyage:Votes_for_deletion#Archiving]] == Current text in this section includes: : When archiving, always '''make it clear''' to other editors what '''the outcome of the discussion''' was. This can be done by adding the result to the discussion in a ''separate edit'' from the one in which you remove the discussion from this page; or you can describe the outcome in the edit summary when you remove the discussion. I'd delete the suggestion of the edit summary. or change "or you can" to "you should also". It seems to me we always want the result in the archive since someone looking later will not see the edit summary. We also have: : If the nominated article, file or template '''was not deleted''', then place another (identical duplicate) copy of the deletion discussion on the discussion page of the article, file or template being kept or redirected. I'd change this to: : If the nominated article, file or template '''was not deleted''', then the nomination should be mentioned on its talk page. If the deletion discussion is reasonably short, place another (identical duplicate) copy of it on the talk page. For longer discussions, provide a link to the archive instead. Other opinions? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 13:04, 1 June 2024 (UTC) :I'm not a fan of duplicating discussions by copy-pasting it on the talk page and don't think this has been followed for quite some time – duplicating content is never a good idea. I would much rather require that only a link be placed to the deletion discussion for all cases. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 22:43, 1 June 2024 (UTC) ::However, one could copy the outcome declaration. That's short and could avoid need of clicking in some obvious cases (such as "speedy keep: no valid reason to delete"). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:28, 2 June 2024 (UTC) : {{tick}} Edited. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 20:56, 2 June 2024 (UTC) ::I think putting the deletion nomination thread on an article's talk page has often been done. I'm not sure archiving was always done thoroughly. I guess I feel like it's OK to have the thread there if anyone deems the article to be likely to be nominated for deletion again, but summarizing the discussion and providing a link to the relevant section of the archive is an acceptable alternative. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:47, 2 June 2024 (UTC) :::I'm also not opposed to how Commons deals with DRs that resulted in a keep (which is very effective in grabbing your attention) – we could at least experiment it for a month or two. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:00, 2 June 2024 (UTC) ::::I agree that Commons does this in a good way. There's room for doubt on whether it prevents further deletion requests, but it's certainly clear. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:50, 16 May 2025 (UTC) == User and user talk pages for users with no Wikivoyage contributions == What's our policy on pages like [[User talk:Зорана Филиповић]], which [[User:92.21.137.132]] provided a translation for that I reverted because I thought it was a user page and not a user talk page? [https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Special:Contributions/%D0%97%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B0_%D0%A4%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B8%D1%9B No user contributions] except for that page and their user page, [[User:Зорана Филиповић]], which is transcluded from Meta, and these pages are solely in Cyrillic. Meanwhile, this is stated in the translation to be a sock of [[User talk:Filipović Zoran]]. Should we delete the sock user and user talk pages? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:12, 30 June 2025 (UTC) : Yes, csrtainly. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:40, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::I agree they should be speedied. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 00:07, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::Looking deeply at both of the profiles, it's supposedly an editor with 138K edits [[https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:CentralAuth/Filipovi%C4%87_Zoran]] in Serbian and other wiki - and at least one profile shows already blocked [[https://sr.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=%D0%9F%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%B5%D0%B1%D0%BD%D0%BE:%D0%94%D0%BD%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%BA/block&page=User%3AFilipovi%C4%87+Zoran]] in some places. -- [[Special:Contributions/92.21.137.132|92.21.137.132]] 00:24, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::Any objection? We can afford to wait 24 hours, I figure. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:38, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::Yeah no harm waiting a day or two. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 01:36, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::The disclaimer should be on their meta user page instead, no need to copy it to talk pages on many projects. It, and the translation could be moved there, I suppose, but just deleting the talk page is no problem, I think. If they start contributing here, anybody checking the talk page history will see there are deleted versions. Do provide a helpful deletion rationale when deleting. ::::::For user pages, there are different cases. A new page could be from somebody who intends to start contributing, so should not be summarily deleted. We might also have active registered users who just don't contribute. They might have bookmarks etc. on the page. If the page looks legitimate and it doesn't have excess content, I don't think there is any harm in keeping it. At least the user should be notified and asked about it. Touting or propaganda from non-contributors doesn't need to be tolerated. ::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:32, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::If you're concerned about the deletion rationale, why don't you take care of the deletion tomorrow and supply your own rationale? And if you think this sockpuppet could ever be a useful Wikivoyage user, I suggest you look at the link I gave to the user talk page of their main account. They have never had any interest in using Wikivoyage as anything but a place to vent their frustration about Wikipedia, and that is not the function of this site. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:47, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::I can do the deletion OK. But I either need to do it prematurely or risk somebody else doing it before me (unless I have such a window at my disposal). ::::::::I don't think they will be a useful contributor, but the current mention of alternative accounts will help to see whether they have proved problematic on other projects, if they ever turn up (for venting frustration or otherwise). With a decent deletion rationale, any admin will know to check that deleted mention. ::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:31, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::You can always give an additional reason for a deletion that you type in on the second line of deletion reasons. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:28, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::Yes. But the one who deletes must write that reason. I just asked that whoever does this thinks for a few seconds about what to write, like they should when deleting a page with a name that refers to a valid topic. In that case any newbie trying to create the article will see a warning that includes that reason. It should make clear that the problem wasn't with the topic but what actually was written. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 17:52, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::I'm nominating you to type a reason you're satisfied with. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:44, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::<nowiki/>:-) ::::::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:35, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::I think I should be a bit blunt here: Basically, I feel that you're not that confident in me, or at least more resistant to deleting the user and user talk pages of totally useless Wikivoyage users (keeping in mind the still unresolved case of the WT-en touter), so you do it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:02, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::'''Done'''. I hope that you could leave that feeling behind. We may disagree on that one issue, but I respect you highly. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:49, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :{{re|Ikan Kekek|LPfi}} A bit more context I've learned about this specific user that an srwiki user told me in private (I won't disclose their username in public for their own safety): Zoran apparently has a history of spamming matters about his (srwiki) blocks on various different projects, sometimes using alts on unrelated projects like in this case. I will block both those accounts as per [[WV:ONESTRIKE]] (mirroring the srwiki block) because ideally I'd like to keep Zoran's activities out of enwikivoyage fully (though there is a chance they may be globally locked for x-wiki abuse). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 04:03, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::... and just like that, at 10:45 today, there's an unblocking request on the cyrillic user name talk page. -- [[Special:Contributions/92.21.137.132|92.21.137.132]] 11:38, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::I don't like the onestrike rule to be used other than in clear cases. It requires "a similar malicious edit on Wikivoyage" to the "vandalism or other malicious editing" they have done elsewhere. [[User:Filipović Zoran|Filipović Zoran]] and [[User:Зорана Филиповић|Зорана Филиповић]] were blocked as sockpupets of each other. Where is the vandalism or other malicious editing? I agree that non-contributors venting frustration of matters on other projects don't belong here, but that was handled in August. The new user page was created only as a pointer to the other account – with such a pointer, claims of sockpupetry are moot. My deleting the page on IK's request doesn't make the account a sockpuppet. ::If they should be globally banned, that's something for Meta, not for us. I limited the block period, not to have it count among "banned on X projects" when deciding on global blocks, until I am convinced there is some local reason for them to be blocked here. ::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:52, 2 July 2025 (UTC) s2x7894hdel1ctubiyyih2qu9qcpe13 5086609 5086604 2025-07-02T13:00:19Z LPfi 79572 /* User and user talk pages for users with no Wikivoyage contributions */ let's not fight global issues here - requiring us to check discussions on other projects 5086609 wikitext text/x-wiki {{infobox|Archived discussions|* [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Archive 2004-2007]] * [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Archive 2008-2009]] * [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Archive 2010-2013‎]] * [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Archive 2014-2017‎]] * [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Deletion policy discussion|Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Deletion policy discussion (2018)]] * [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Archive 2018-2019]] }} == Categories - deleted or redirected? == A new user ([[User:Owain]]) has moved [[Conwy (county)]] to [[Conwy (county borough)]], and has thoughtfully changed the category at the same time, by changing the <nowiki>{{Is part of|xxx}}</nowiki> field in each of the affected articles to the new category. However, the old category page ([[:Category:Conwy (county)]]) is now blank, and I can't remember what we do with them. Do they just get deleted, or is there some attribution reason that they need to be kept and/or redirected to the new category? --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 16:32, 16 April 2020 (UTC) :I'd just go ahead and delete. Attribution is something we worry about for copyright purposes, and category pages which are merely lists of articles that fall into a certain geographical grouping (and, technically, are "edited" automatically by the MediaWiki software rather than by any particular human editor) do not qualify as copyrightable material. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 17:15, 16 April 2020 (UTC) ::Great, thank you. To confirm what you said, one of the drop down options of the deletion reasons is 'category renamed'.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 17:55, 16 April 2020 (UTC) == "List one article, file or template per entry" == Should this instruction be deprecated? We've had a few bulk nominations lately, and the preference has been to nominate them all under a single entry. [[User:Vaticidalprophet|Vaticidalprophet]] ([[User talk:Vaticidalprophet|talk]]) 20:41, 2 April 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''' per nom. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:07, 2 April 2021 (UTC) *'''Support'''. The line is a good idea in theory, not in practice.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 21:35, 2 April 2021 (UTC) *'''Support'''. I didn't even realize we theoretically had that guideline. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:13, 2 April 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''' - Stupid crap rule. [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] ([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]]) 08:37, 5 April 2021 (UTC) *:This looks like a consensus. Should I remove the line, and should it be replaced with anything? [[User:Vaticidalprophet|Vaticidalprophet]] ([[User talk:Vaticidalprophet|talk]]) 03:21, 11 April 2021 (UTC) :::That sentence should just be deleted. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:11, 11 April 2021 (UTC) == Redlinks, blue links or black links == Regarding the Finland Proper (Vkem) outlines: I wonder how we want real places to be handled in the case they should have articles. Redirecting a village that might be a common search term to the article where it is handled is an obvious solution, but in this case we have real places that are in fact not described anywhere. Previously they were redlinked in the region article to show that we want those articles. If the articles are created and redirected back, we will have blue links that just lead back, to the annoyance of readers. If we unlink the places, creating the article gets more difficult (and there is no hint we want those articles created, while there are several places mentioned about which we don't need articles. Is finding the region article more difficult if the places are just mentioned in the region article, without a redirect? Search engine-wise, a redirect might get us some more traffic, but just to annoy readers coming here and finding anything specifics about the place. Or should we make it a priority to create those articles, to avoid voids in our hierarchy? Then we shouldn't redirect real places that need articles, but create the outlines, as [[User:Vkem|Vkem]] did. Then the only problem is that we need the content also, which then should be given priority every time a region is created. The situation is probably different for regions that are weak outlines. For [[Finland Proper]] there is a thought-out complete structure. Some of the outlines may be hard to get featureable, but at least there should be some eat, sleep and do for each. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:19, 27 May 2021 (UTC) :This would be confusing. Since I'm well aware of this, I don't know how to respond to this. [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[w:User:SHB2000|en.wikipedia]])</small> 12:38, 27 May 2021 (UTC) ::I agree that a blue link that directs the reader back to the same article is a bad option. ::I don't agree with giving priority to creating articles just because some passerby has created a link. We have thousands of articles that need more content. Allowing our priorities to be determined by a well-intentioned editor like Vkem who isn't really involved in Wikivoyage would be a mistake. And not all of these places really warrants an article. I don't think that we can say that we want an article just because there is a redlink. :: I recently redirected an article for a bedroom community in the U.S. in which the only information that the article's creator provided was that there is a McDonalds in the community. They didn't provide an address for it though, or any other useful information. ::With a black link, a reader who arrives at the region article via a search can at least find the place in the article and on the map, so I think this is the best result. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:47, 27 May 2021 (UTC) ::: The redlinks in the region article were carefully planned, but the intention was to create them when somebody takes the time to write them. I think changing redlinks to black links is not an improvement. Is having the redirects an improvement that weights more than the drawback of having to turn the redlinks black? Read: I am challenging the policy of not deleting redirects from real places. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 14:34, 27 May 2021 (UTC) :::: What's a "black link"? Doesn't that just mean unlinked text? --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 14:36, 27 May 2021 (UTC) :::::Uh, yeah, that would be another way of putting it, since it isn't a link at all. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 15:11, 27 May 2021 (UTC) == Semi-Protect all == I think we should semi-protect all pages listed here, in case of edit warring or vandalism. --[[User:Crocusfleur|Crocusfleur]] ([[User talk:Crocusfleur|talk]]) 17:47, 19 June 2021 (UTC) :Which pages? --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 17:54, 19 June 2021 (UTC) ::Have there been cases of edit warring or vandalism of pages nominated for deletion? [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:46, 19 June 2021 (UTC) :::GZ has a good point here. If there's no history of vandalism (hopefully we don't jinx it) there's no need to semi-protect a page. The [[main page]] and some other critical pages, such as some template pages, are exceptional because vandals could do more damage by changing those, but in this case, without previous vandalism there is no need to semi-protect. A worthwhile thought though. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 21:54, 19 June 2021 (UTC) == Replace the vfd archive header? == ''Moved from [[WV:Pub|the pub]]''<br> I will start out by saying that I'm not a huge fan of [[Template:Deletion archive]], which doesn't look centred, and just doesn't look right for a header. Which is probably why it was never used much, and I'm guessing half of you didn't even know this template existed. I did some experimenting and thought a header like the header you see below might look better, with a more cleaner, neater and organised format. This can be changed anytime, so this doesn't have to be the fixed one. {{User:SHB2000/vfdat|previous=April 2021|next=June 2021|month=May 2021}} The code is pretty simple to work out as well, and the month= variable is automatic. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:57, 24 August 2021 (UTC) ---- <!--LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS BELOW THIS MESSAGE--> * '''Support''' as easy to navigate between months. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 11:47, 28 August 2021 (UTC) ::Given the lack of opposition, I'm going ahead. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:18, 7 September 2021 (UTC) == One-year rule on itineraries == Based on votes on this page, are we going to abolish this rule, or are there differences about its interpretation? For the purpose of discussion the rule is at [[Wikivoyage:Itineraries#"One year" deletion rule]], and here it is in full: ''Since just about any topic can be an itinerary, itineraries must either be actively worked on or achieve some level of completion to be kept. (Sufficiently famous, marked routes such as [[Alaska Highway]] or [[Annapurna Circuit]] are exempt from this rule.) As such, itineraries that have been at [[Project:Itinerary status|outline status]] or less for one year without being substantially edited are subject to deletion via the [[Project:Votes for deletion|votes for deletion]] process.'' My feeling is, if we are keeping the rule, "not a personal itinerary" shouldn't be a sufficient argument for keeping an article with no specific route that is therefore not in any sense usable; just because an itinerary isn't personal doesn't mean it's "sufficiently famous". But let's talk about that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:45, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :I would oppose abolishing this rule. Otherwise, we'd end up with a bunch of itineraries which don't give much information and give no incentive to the creator to make it usable. But I don't think this rule was really enforced that much, until I just checked some random itineraries. The last major mass deletions looks like it was in [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion/April 2011|2011]], more than 10 years ago. But I think we should take these on a case by case basis. :There's more that I have, but given the already mass overload here, I don't think we can handle that much at once. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:52, 18 September 2021 (UTC) ::I should also mention, that based on this reasoning "real itinerary" is not a valid reason to keep, and I'm particularly looking at the one for Nidaros Path and Mountains to Sound Greenway. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:56, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :::In 2011, we were overzealous in my opinion and, in the guise of deleting "personal itineraries", deleted usable articles because they weren't guide-level. I believe in being a bit liberal, in that a coherent, well-defined route can be OK, even if it's "personal". [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:59, 18 September 2021 (UTC) ::::But tbh, these are routes which per the deletion rules, can be deleted. I'm still confused on some of the keep votes on that were added yesterday (writing this 00:05 AEST). But deleting usable routes because it wasn't guide? (please tell me if I'm missing something there. Need to get some sleep). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 14:05, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :::::If you're missing something, it's that the usable itinerary articles that were deleted then were deemed "personal", and exceptions to the deletion policy for "personal" itineraries were given only to articles that were at guide level or higher (I don't think any were stars). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:11, 18 September 2021 (UTC) ::::::I see. I guess I'm too sleepy to think. But these ones that I nominated aren't personal, but just outlines that aren't famously marked. Maybe that policy needs copyediting. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 14:15, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :"As such, itineraries that have been at outline status or less for one year without being substantially edited are subject to deletion via the votes for deletion process." That doesn't mean articles at outline status for a year or more should be deleted; it means they are "subject" via the "deletion process," which indicates that a community consensus to keep any of these itineraries doesn't run contrary to policy. I think there are some itineraries nominated that indeed should be deleted, but they are many that while indeed have been made subject to deletion via this policy, ought not be deleted due to other policies in place, such as [[Wikivoyage:The traveler comes first]]. I certainly don't support deleting any itineraries without consensus. Consensus will develop naturally to delete the useless itineraries, but many others are developing votes to keep, and this is line with current policies that require consensus to delete travel articles (excepting copyvio, of course). <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 14:23, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :Although perhaps read the header of [[:Category:Outline itineraries]]. It says ''This page is for listing itineraries that have outline status. They will be deleted if not modified for one year.'' :–<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 14:30, 18 September 2021 (UTC) ::Categories are intended to list articles with some feature in common, and not to establish policy, so I would support removing that text from the category page. That text appears to come from [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Category:Outline_itineraries&oldid=1855956 before English Wikivoyage was formed]. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 14:33, 18 September 2021 (UTC) I commented "not personal itinerary on some. I don't feel we need to set the "sufficiently" threshold particularly high. My reading has been that a famous route will have readers looking for it, and with some luck people continuing where the article creator left, and even if it takes a few years, that's really not a problem (unless the itinerary is really bad). Personal itineraries, on the other hand, need to be well described to allow anyone to continue the work (and to bother). If no one caught on while it was being worked on, or soon after, it is unlikely to attract attention later. One reason not to keep the threshold high is that what is famous for some, is unknown to others. I didn't know about [[Alaska Highway]] or [[Annapurna Circuit]] before starting to write here. [[Nidaros Path]], deemed non-famous by the nominator, was the prime pilgrimage route in the Nordic countries in medieval times, and is regaining popularity – but how could somebody not from Europe know that, unless into pilgrimages? I'd think many Americans wouldn't know about [[Way of St. James]], although it is a huge thing. If some route is sufficiently famous that you'd expect there to be guidebooks about it, that should suffice. I think any Eurovelo or [[Long distance walking in Europe|ERA route]] should qualify. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 16:43, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :I think usable status should have been sufficient to keep "personal" itineraries if they had reasonable, coherent routes. In terms of the text [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] quotes above, I'd propose changing it to ''This page is for listing itineraries that have outline status. They may be deleted if not modified for one year.'' May, rather than will be deleted. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:28, 18 September 2021 (UTC) ::Agreed, but add "may be deleted [via the VFD process]" because we don't want people unilaterally deleting articles. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 21:38, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :::I reworded it to what Ikan wrote with a little bit of copyedits: ''They may be deleted if not modified or actively maintained for one year.''. I'll write that it may be nominated through RfD in just a sec. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:45, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :::: I think that addressing itinerary articles through VfD after a year is a good approach. It forces us to improve the articles if we can, or delete them if we can't. SHB2000's edits to the policy work. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 00:08, 19 September 2021 (UTC) : Sometimes there may be other solutions. Back in 200x when our coverage of China was quite spotty, I wrote "One week near Hong Kong" which was pretty much a personal itinerary. Later it became a region article, [[Pearl River Delta]], and by now that is a decent article. : For real routes like [[Tanami Track]], I do not think deletion should even be considered. Either keep it or merge it into a region article & redirect there. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 03:51, 19 September 2021 (UTC) : For an example of an itinerary that was prematurely deleted (by me) but later restored & made into a decent article, see [[Talk:Tiger Leaping Gorge]]. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 04:21, 19 September 2021 (UTC) ::[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], thanks for editing that language, but there's no such thing as "RfD" on this Wiki (and you initially confused me by using those initials on talk page threads). I will edit to [[Votes for deletion]] with a link. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:35, 19 September 2021 (UTC) :::[https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Category%3AOutline_itineraries&type=revision&diff=4295605&oldid=4295459 Done]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:39, 19 September 2021 (UTC) ::::Oops. RfD is something on meta and simple, not here. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:00, 19 September 2021 (UTC) ::Pashley, the "don't delete real places" is only for destination articles, not itineraries or topics. Oh and re Tanami Track... erm, it's not a notable track at all, but rather known as Australia's James Dalton Highway. Couldn't find any photos of this track on commons, but if Google Street Trekker does a good job in visualising that route, [https://goo.gl/maps/RZyoHaGsNuRaEnUh7 this] is apparently the best part of the route. There's no way that's notable. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:37, 19 September 2021 (UTC) == Danube Cycleway deletion == I supported deletion, but I think it's worth discussing whether per [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Deleting, or not]], the article should have been kept or deleted. At first glance, it wouldn't appear that there was a consensus to delete at [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion/September 2021#Danube Cycleway]]. 3-2 is not an obvious consensus. And while I obviously agree that the delete arguments are stronger than the keep arguments, here is the relevant policy: * If there is '''no consensus''' after 14 days, allow a further 7 days for discussion. ** If, after the additional 7 days, there is '''no consensus''', the page should be '''kept''' – any Wikivoyager may remove any VFD notices from that page, and archive the deletion discussion. So what's the deletion argument? I think that would have to do with the definition of "consensus" - what it is and what it's not. From [[Wikivoyage:Consensus#What consensus is not]]: * '''Consensus is not unanimity'''. While we should always try to find a solution that works for everyone, in practice this is not always possible. Make sure all concerns are discussed and addressed, but consensus can still be reached even if compromises that please everyone cannot be found. * '''Consensus is not a majority'''. While it would be rare that consensus would be declared when the result represents a minority opinion, well-reasoned arguments based on existing policies and practice should carry more weight than a "support" comment that is unaccompanied by any sort of reasoning or justification. I don't think anyone would say that [[User:LPfi]]'s keep vote is "unaccompanied by any sort of reasoning or justification", but the argument to keep is unaccompanied by any actionable advice on how to establish the route of the now-deleted itinerary. In short, I would defer to [[User:SHB2000]]'s deletion rationale. But I still think a discussion is appropriate, since a nomination for undeletion would not be successful (further quoting from [[Wikivoyage:Consensus#What consensus is not]]): ''Note that the bar for determining a consensus should be higher when changing a past consensus, so while a small majority might suffice for resolving a minor issue, a super majority backed by strong arguments should be required before changing past consensus (see also the "[[#Status quo bias|Status quo bias]]" section below).'' So what do you all think? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:55, 8 October 2021 (UTC) : The guide is little use in current shape and I have little hope of improvements in near future, so I won't contest the deletion, but IK's last point prompts consideration. : I now copied the VFD discussion to the article's talk page. The reason for deletion was "Per the one year rule for itineraries" and "it's been given 14 days to be worked on" I think it should be evident that if anybody starts working on the itinerary, these arguments are moot. If somebody thinks that new work can be deleted based on this VFD discussion, then we need clarification to the guidelines. : –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:07, 8 October 2021 (UTC) ::Well, if someone starts working on it, then that would not make it valid for RfD. Though, I do think the guidelines are somewhat too loose and can differ based on personal opinions. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:39, 8 October 2021 (UTC) :::The rule for itineraries is one year; this article was given 11 years. If someone had started work on it, or indicated an intention to work on it, they should have been given time. But no-one did. I don't think another 7 days would have changed anything. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:41, 8 October 2021 (UTC) ::::hence why I deleted it. It was 3-2, and you and Ikan had better arguments in my opinion and seemed consensus to me. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:49, 8 October 2021 (UTC) :::::Without weighing in on whether deletion is a good idea, it is clear that there was not consensus for deletion, so per policy it should not have been deleted. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:42, 8 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::Let's please try to avoid using RfD, which is not a valid abbreviation on this site. Should we undo the deletion? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:36, 8 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::I subconsciously use RfD when I'm not thinking properly. And technically, no we can't unilaterally undelete it as it has to go through the [[vfu]] process. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:00, 9 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::Not if we decide it should not have been deleted per lack of consensus. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:18, 9 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::However, now given that LPfi has mentioned "The guide is little use in current shape and I have little hope of improvements in near future, so I won't contest the deletion, but IK's last point prompts consideration." :::::::::So really, that gives 3 deletes, 1 neutral and 1 delete, based on LPfi's earlier argument. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:25, 9 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::::If so, that would be a consensus, in my opinion. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:02, 9 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::::Yep, sure does. Even for those like [[Template talk:Mapframe2|Template:Mapframe2]], while there were 3 to delete, 1 comment and 1 keep, who was LPfi, as their argument was much more stronger into keeping it, hence kept. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:43, 9 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::::::Is that defensible per current policy? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:10, 9 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::::::Technically, the two votes that were to delete were either just a vote or "per nom". Even then, my rationale for deletion still wasn't a strong enough reason to delete, and hence kept. Not to forget that Alasdair also seemed to be leaning towards a keep as well. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:17, 9 October 2021 (UTC) == Camp Chase Trail discussion == This deletion discussion has been closed with the article merged after only a day of discussion and little participation. This is contrary to policy, which calls for 14 days of discussion, and really too fast for anyone to be expected to keep up with. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:39, 11 October 2021 (UTC) :I can close my nominations early if I want to withdraw my deletion nom early. In this case, I merged the info already, so I had every right to withdraw my nom. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:03, 12 October 2021 (UTC) ::Generally I agree with SHB, but in this case the closure was quick for a merger discussion which should take a few days. I would be happy with a policy change that allowed a non-deletion closure after 5 days if the nominator agrees. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 20:33, 13 October 2021 (UTC) :::I '''support''' [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]]’s proposal to create a clear policy on this issue. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 20:37, 13 October 2021 (UTC) :::I would generally '''support''' Alasair's wording, but then we run into a loophole here. Anyone can withdraw their own nominations any time they like, and anyone can merge articles whenever they want, without discussion (although it is quite suspicious when IPs do that), so all we have is two policies that contradict each other. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:26, 14 October 2021 (UTC) ::::Discussions are generally encouraged before articles are merged, although it is only said to be "worthwile" in [[Wikivoyage:How to merge two pages]]. ::::A policy should have additional words including allowing withdrawal by the nominator ("oh I hadn't realised that this page is useful for..."), admins deciding that the nomination is an obvious speedy case, and cancelling requests by vandals (not seen that here, but I have seen it on Commons). [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:51, 14 October 2021 (UTC) :::::Merge proposals can be discussed on the talk pages of the articles in question. I would oppose any kind of guideline that in any way suggests that VfD is the most appropriate place to discuss merges. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:56, 14 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::And similarly, if anyone objects to a merge, this is not the most appropriate place to address that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:56, 14 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::Agree. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:58, 14 October 2021 (UTC) :::::True, but there's lots of merges I've done without discussion (and {{u|Ground Zero}} does the same). [[Special:Diff/4308621]] is an example of one of my recent uncontroversial merges. Out of about let's say 100 merges I've done, only [[Talk:Khancoban|Khancoban]] seemed to be a controversial one. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:57, 14 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::A merger without discussion is permitted by [[Wikivoyage:How to merge two pages]]: :::::::"Unless the need for a merge is really obvious, it may be worthwhile to start a discussion before doing a merge." ::::::Contributors will disagree on what is or is not "obvious". If other editors disagree with a merger, then the merging editor will have to go through the hassle of defending the merger and will be more cautious about doing it again. I have probably erred on the side of being too cautious, and I have not had objections to my mergers whether discussed or not discussed. There is a lot of clean up of old stub articles needed, and props to SHB2000 for their work in improving Wikivoyage. It is inevitable that the occasional merger will be done too precipitously, but a merger can always be undone. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 23:26, 14 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::(It is easy, in my opinion, to show that an article ''shouldn't'' be merged — or shouldn't have been merged — by expanding an article to make it usable. That is more productive than arguing over process, IMHO.) [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 23:34, 14 October 2021 (UTC) == User:SHB2000/lc template == Forgive me if this has already been dealt with, as I've been away from admin stuff. The template [[User:SHB2000/lc]] has been used several times for different nominations, but has it been approved by the community? If it has, I'd expect to see the discussion either still in the Pub or archived somewhere sensible like [[User talk:SHB2000/lc]].--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 08:51, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :Can't I use my ''own'' userspace templates in ''my'' nominations? How would this have been dealt with, if I used wikitext in the same way in my nominations? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:06, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :I realise that there's no point in arguing over a *''userspace transclusion''*, so I just removed it. [(redacted)] <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:25, 18 October 2021 (UTC) ::I don't know why you're getting snarky with me about it, as I think my original question was polite and based in the policy which we're both tasked with enforcing. We have a policy about new templates that you've said you understand, and that obviously covers userspace templates too (why would they be any different when they're being used in mainspace?). Thank you for removing them when asked; hopefully, I won't have to in future.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 09:58, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::I'm sorry if I became passive aggressive there, and I apologise for that. But there doesn't seem to be any policy on userspace templates being used, is there? Or what'd happen if I substituted the template (which if I used let's say nominating [[Pomona (Queensland)]] for deletion and I used <span class="plainlinks">[[:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}]] ([{{fullurl:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}|action=edit}} edit] &middot; [[{{TALKPAGENAME:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}}}|talk]] &middot; [{{fullurl:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}|action=history}} history] &middot; [{{fullurl:Special:Whatlinkshere/{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}|limit=999}} links] &middot; [{{fullurl:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}|action=watch}} watch] &middot; [{{fullurl:Special:Log|page={{urlencode:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}}}}} logs] &middot; [{{fullurl:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}|action=delete}} delete])</span>, would that be considered using templates?) <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:06, 18 October 2021 (UTC) ::::I think the edit link is confusing. I would expect it to edit the discussion, not the nominated article. Why would i want to edit the article without reading it first? [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 10:28, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::The edit link may be confusing, but there's no denying on whether the talk or history pages are useful. The page logs aren't also that important, but it can help (the only instances where I personally think its useful when its used to detect Brendan edits) :::::The delete button is also quite convenient for the closing admin. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:34, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::: There is a practice on what nominations and the discussions look like. It seems you are trying to change that practice, and while plunging forward by introducing links you find useful might be OK, if others don't thank you for the bright idea, it might be better to discuss whether we want those links and templates. Thus they should be introduced like any other templates, regardless of where they live – moved to template space if they get support, not used and possibly deleted if they don't. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 11:44, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::No I am not trying to change the practice and I mainly used it for my personal use. I'm merely adding it so it's much more easier to delete it. Given that these days I'm the one who's deleting most of the articles these days, it's much more convenient to have a link that allows me to delete the article in one click. :::::::And we also recently discussed that we're never deleting templates merely because it lacked community support (it'll just be moved to the user's userspace). In this case, it's already in my userspace. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:51, 18 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::Templates that are in your userspace shouldn't be used outside of your userspace, i.e. in mainspace or projectspace. It's not "your personal use" when it's being used on a community page that everyone can edit. They're not "your nominations", either; they're ''community nominations'' submitted by you ''for the community's consideration'', and they should be made in the standard way that the community has come to expect. ::::::::I'm sorry, but using userspace templates in projectspace comes across to me as a rather clever (but unfair) way of circumventing a policy you don't like. We've all got to live with policies we don't like as a necessary part of editing a wiki; the alternative to editing within a community-led set of policies is we just individually pick and choose to follow the rules that suit us and ignore the ones that don't suit us. If that happens, then the whole system of collaborative editing by consensus breaks down, and our "travel guide that everyone can edit" ceases to work in the interests of travellers. ::::::::I'm guessing I may come across as anti-template, or maybe even anti-SHB2000's templates. But this couldn't be further from the truth; I'm pro-innovation. But first and foremost I'm interested in ensuring that policy applies to, and is observed by, everyone equally. ::::::::For this particular template, I agree with LPfi, and would even further say that it would be useful in a slightly modified form (i.e. removing the 'edit' button, and any others that might not be relevant) and that I would use it myself. However, my future support is conditional on this template being proposed for the community's approval in the normal way; if and when it's approved, it should be moved out of your userspace into templatespace. ::::::::Also, we may need to specify on [[Wikivoyage:Using MediaWiki templates]] that "If new templates fail to gain community support, they will eventually be moved to the template creator's userspace." means that those templates are not to be used outside of userspace. I thought this was pretty clear already, but apparently not... ::::::::All that being said, I appreciate and accept your apology above.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 13:55, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::I think that an occasional editor would expect the delete link to record a "delete" vote, not take them to a page saying "Permission error". I get having such a link on Commons where the closing admin migt have to delete a list of 20 imgaes after a sinle nomination, but I don't see the need here. I also agree with TT that userspace templetes should not be used in project space, except for a single example when discussing moving the template to mainspace. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 15:00, 18 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::::That's the whole point; otherwise, we'd be restricting the use of a template to a single individual, not to their userspace. Please, [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], you do great work, but especially as an admin, you need to not only respect consensus but uphold it as the fundamental way this site operates in your statements and model your respect for it to other users. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:11, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::I must dispute the following statement "''They're not "your nominations", either; they're community nominations submitted by you for the community's consideration, and they should be made in the standard way that the community has come to expect.''". First of all, they're still my nominations, since I irrevocably release my text under the CC BY-SA License, and in no way does that ever state that I'm handing over those nominations to the community. I still hold the copyright for those, and so they are '''not''' "they're community nominations submitted by you for the community's consideration" and so they're still the nominations of whoever started them. b) "the standard way that the community has come to expect.". I cannot find any place where it says that as well. So until you direct me to where that's told, then again, there's nothing saying how I should format those nominations. :::::::::Let's say I used a template (call it {{tl|tnr}} for example), and it's main purpose is to get text in Times New Roman. So if I used <nowiki> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman; color:green"> Some text here</span></nowiki> instead of this example {{tl|tnr}} template which would both produce <span style="font-family:Times New Roman; color:green"> Some text here</span>. Now that plain text I was using had no templates in it, nor is a substituted template. I'll let you all decide for yourselves on how that'd be taken. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 21:23, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::::You've completely missed, or certainly failed to address, the wider points. I suggest some closer reading and reflection.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 08:27, 19 October 2021 (UTC) == Help needed == I slushed the Puerto Rican stubs nom for now, but it's 4:12 AM and I have to wake up for work in about 5 hours, so I'd be very grateful if someone else could remove all the VfD templates from the articles in question. Please see the thread at [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion/March 2022#Puerto Rico skeletons with a byte count lower than 600 created by Ligocsicnarf89 (talk · contribs)]]. And thanks! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:13, 31 March 2022 (UTC) :@[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] btw I'm happy for anyone to rollback my edits to those articles as it's a pretty tedious thing to do manually. However, do get some sleep first. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:35, 31 March 2022 (UTC) :: vfd templates removed. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:54, 31 March 2022 (UTC) :::Thanks for removing them :-). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:00, 31 March 2022 (UTC) ::::Thank you! -- [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:31, 31 March 2022 (UTC) == Closure comments == There is an argument on a user page on what comments are suitable when closing a VFD thread. If I interpret [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] correctly, they think any comments that don't conflict with any specific rule is OK, while IK and I disagree. See [[Special:Permalink/4569290#Sorry for editing an archive]]. I added the following to the instructions, to have the requested rule, and got reverted: : The note on whether the article was kept should be objective; if you have an opinion that needs to be voiced, voice it during the discussion – if you didn't until now, either keep silent or give others time to comment on it by not taking action yet. The addition hadn't been discussed other than in that user page thread, so the reversion was anticipated. Now, what does the community think about the issue? Do you agree with me or SHB? Should there be written advice? Is the suggested wording OK? Should there be some more general wording in [[Wikivoyage:Administrators' handbook]] covering also this? Any general comments? –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:47, 26 November 2022 (UTC) :My 2 cents: :* Not allowing users to voice their opinion is antithetical to the purpose of a discussion :* Discussions are immediately archived once the outcome has been reached; this is per [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Deleting, or not]] :* Yes, you're right that my rationale behind standing by my comment doesn't conflict with any specific policy :* It's probably not a good idea to include it in the [[Wikivoyage:Administrators' handbook]] as any Wikivoyager can close a DR if the outcome was keep or redirect – this is also per [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Deleting, or not]] :I am opposed to the addition of [[Special:Diff/4569292]], because the purpose of vfd is to ''not'' "keep silent", and "giv[ing] others time to comment on it by not taking action yet" contradicts [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Deleting, or not]]. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 22:51, 26 November 2022 (UTC) ::Closing a discussion means no longer arguing about it. I still find it incredible, inflammatory, and in incredibly bad grace to have to have a discussion about this at all. I'd observe that SHB2000 tried to argue that a consensus was not a consensus the last time he showed bad grace in a Vfd closing. Anyone who can't close Vfd threads without trying to get a pot-shot in at the end should not close Vfd threads. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:06, 26 November 2022 (UTC) :::So, let's put it this way. You disagree with my opinion, and are insisting me to follow what ''you'' think should be common practice, even though this is not a policy, at least not yet. Then, you indirectly claim that your opinion is somehow superior to mine and I should follow it, and now claim that the common practice to enroot this into a Wikivoyage policy is "<span style="color:darkred;font-family:Georgia">incredible, inflammatory, and in incredibly bad grace</span>". So, who's being hypocritical here? <s> Oh, and that discussion really wasn't a consensus – there were only two more delete !votes, and a lot of the keep !votes were [[w:WP:PERX]].</s> --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 23:53, 26 November 2022 (UTC) ::::And you still haven't answered my question from yesterday: if you so vehemently disagreed with my statement, why didn't you close the article yourself 10 days ago, when the article was due to be closed? --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 23:55, 26 November 2022 (UTC) :::::That's not a valid argument. We're all volunteers here, I'm a busy man, and I don't always think about closing Vfd threads here. None of that is an excuse for you to break the precedent of not editorializing and insulting the consensus when closing. Come on, man! You do a lot of good work, but you sometimes just don't seem to understand when to drop it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:01, 27 November 2022 (UTC) ::::::And for the record, what you tried to claim was not a consensus was [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion/May 2022|8-3]]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:10, 27 November 2022 (UTC) :::::::I stand corrected; have struck that comment. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 01:24, 27 November 2022 (UTC) *Oppose. I don't think we need to change the policy because one editor made a comment some people didn't like. This editorialising does not disrupt the functioning of our travel guide, and let's recognize that SHB was doing a necessary administrative function in closing the discussion even though he didn't agree with the conclusion. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 02:46, 27 November 2022 (UTC) ::I'm surprised. I thought you would find fault with such a closing comment even though you would agree with the substance. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:01, 27 November 2022 (UTC) :::As the closing comment is not something that affects the reader, I don't see the need to regulate it, especially in response to a single closing comment. This seems like a sledgehammer/fly situation. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:51, 27 November 2022 (UTC) *::The bottom line is, not everyone disagrees with my comment, as you seem to think. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 07:15, 27 November 2022 (UTC) : I agree with LPfi & Ikan; such comments are extremely bad form. I do not think a single instance merits either a policy change or any sort of disciplinary action against the user, but a persistent pattern of such actions might. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 04:02, 28 November 2022 (UTC) :: The "bottom line", as I see it, is that whether anyone agrees with the comment is utterly irrelevant; the comment was clearly made in the wrong place. :: It would have been appropriate either as part of the deletion discussion or raising an issue on either the VFD or Deletion policy talk page. However, adding a snarky remark in the archive &mdash; where no-one is likely to see it & anyone who does cannot reply &mdash; was out of line. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 07:53, 28 November 2022 (UTC) == Using this page to propose merge/redirects == This page was not envisioned to be used for that purpose, and it is in my opinion quite an unnecessary use of volunteer time. If you think a merge/redirect should be done and it's unlikely to be controversial, just do it if you have the time. If you think it might be controversial, start a thread on the talk page of the article to be merged and have a discussion there. I can't think of any good reason to use this page to propose anything other than deletion. Note that it does take more time to close discussions here than to simply have discussions on talk pages. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:30, 17 December 2022 (UTC) :I think this page can still be used if a user is indifferent to whether an article should be deleted or redirected (e.g., some of our recent destination articles nominated for deletion); I agree with you that the airport articles could have been better handled on the relevant talk page, though. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 00:02, 18 December 2022 (UTC) ::If there's a reasonable basis for proposing deletion, that's what this page is for. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:08, 18 December 2022 (UTC) ::: But if you are indifferent, why not just merge and redirect? It mostly requires less effort than the discussion and possible later merger. The history will be there (easily found if correctly attributed) for those who might want to revive the article with additional info that would make it pass the whiaa test. The redirect seldom does harm (and if you think it does, ''then'' take it here). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 13:06, 18 December 2022 (UTC) == Withdrawing nominations == In many fora, one is allowed to withdraw one's own proposal, but as SHB2000 notes, "there's no policy on en.voy explicitly allowing this". I think there shouldn't be one. To the contrary, as soon as a nomination is posted, other contributors put time and thought in evaluating the article and articulating their standpoints. This effort is mostly lost in a speedy closure, and the thoughts shared may have implications on other articles than the one nominated. Also, consensus might be to delete the article despite the nominator changing their mind, and a second nomination shouldn't be needed. Thus I think the discussion should be allowed to continue for the normal time, unless there is consensus for something else or there is some good reason to speedy the decision. I think the judgement on the latter should be left to somebody else. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 16:32, 29 December 2022 (UTC) :Withdrawing serves to prevent attracting input (meaning time and energy) to an inoperative process; it is such when it is 100% certain not to result in a change. People will air their views, and these might be icredibly articulate and wise, but it doesn't create a tangible benefit for the project. I don't think that a policy change is necessary in order to allow withdrawing, but just as well, withdrawing should not be considered prohibited when not prescribed by policy. Withdrawing should only be done if absolutely all of the votes are to keep. If there is even a single delete vote anyone should feel free to reopen the discussion. [[User:Alalch E.|Alalch E.]] ([[User talk:Alalch E.|talk]]) 17:07, 29 December 2022 (UTC) :For example, I really think that it makes sense for {{u|SHB2000}} to withdraw [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Surfing]] ''now'' (and only now), when everyone agrees (which was not the case initially). [[User:Alalch E.|Alalch E.]] ([[User talk:Alalch E.|talk]]) 17:18, 29 December 2022 (UTC) ::We should adopt some guideline that nominations can be speedily withdrawn when there isn't even a proposal for deletion or none of the people responding support deletion, such as when whether to merge/redirect or to which article is being unnecessarily argued about on this page. I would suggest that a nomination for other than deletion be immediately withdrawn unless someone suggests deletion in the response thread before it is deleted, and that otherwise, if after 3 days, there is no support for deletion, a nomination can be speedily resolved as a keep, but that if the resolution is deletion, at least 7 days are needed. The way around that, in my opinion, is to start a thread on the article's talk page, where the person who started the article could agree to deletion if very little if anything has been added by others, or sometimes, articles are speedily deleted without a proposal here because they are so obviously irrelevant or are copyright violation. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:06, 29 December 2022 (UTC) :I thought it was allowed (and have done so in the past with no dramas), until that nomination. Nominators should be allowed to close their nominations whenever they choose to, with the prejudice that it's appropriate. I like Ikan Kekek's proposal and we could trial this next year. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 20:26, 29 December 2022 (UTC) ::I think the reason it was uncontroversial before is that opinion was probably unanimous, though correct me if I'm wrong. But in the most recent case, I know I wondered what had happened and was surprised to see a deletion thread that as yet had no unanimous opinion speedily archived. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:46, 29 December 2022 (UTC) :::I don't think we should be able to withdraw "our" nominations early, primarily because there's no such thing as "my nomination", only a nomination submitted to the community for consideration. Of course there are some exceptions: if a clear consensus has developed early with little chance of dissent, or if the nomination is clearly not a real candidate for deletion (e.g. something that should be merged).--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 09:33, 30 December 2022 (UTC) ::::{{re|ThunderingTyphoons!}} if nominations don't belong to one user, then perhaps would you like to explain why [[c:Template:Withdraw]], [[species:Template:Withdraw]], [[w:en:Template:Withdraw]], [[w:ar:قالب:سحب_ترشيح]], [[w:bh:टेम्पलेट:Withdraw]], [[w:bn:টেমপ্লেট:Withdraw]], [[w:ckb:داڕێژە:کشانەوەی پاڵاوتن]], [[w:et:Mall:Loobun]], [[w:fa:الگو:انصراف]], [[w:en:ಟೆಂಪ್ಲೇಟು:Withdraw]], [[w:shn:ထႅမ်းပလဵတ်ႉ:Withdraw]], [[w:sr:Шаблон:Withdraw]] and [[w:te:మూస:Withdraw]] all translate or say "I withdraw '''my''' nomination", with "my" being the key word here? The concept of a deletion nomination shouldn't differ by WMF project, so I'm a bit confused on why you think the concept of "my nominations" shouldn't exist. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 12:12, 30 December 2022 (UTC) :::::Forgive me, but my pontifications about the possible meanings of machine-translated sentences written in languages I don't speak on wikis I've never visited wouldn't be of use to anyone. :::::But to explain my thought process further, a nomination can of course be "mine" inasmuch as if I make the nomination, it originated from my brain, and was created by my fingers when I posted it. And yes, I can continue to refer to it as "my" nomination, but that's just semantics or sentimentality; I can't assert actual ownership over the nomination. Once the nomination is live on VFD, and especially once it's being considered by others, it is no longer mine to unilaterally withdraw, because that's not fair to other members of the community who have lent their time and consideration. Similarly, an article I start is no longer "mine" as soon as it's published, even if I continue to be the main or only contributor; this is a wiki after all. :::::If I rationally believed an article was worthy of deletion, then it is likely that other members of the community would agree and so if they had found the article before I did, they would have nominated it first. The question of who did nominate is unimportant. Even if I am alone in believing the article should be deleted, that can only be tested by a nomination that runs its course and that allows the whole community a say, or that at least provides an early consensus. The person who made the nomination doesn't have any special say over the outcome of the nomination; the community does.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 12:46, 30 December 2022 (UTC) ::::::"The concept of a deletion nomination shouldn't differ by WMF project"? Why not? If there remains a question about whether to delete or not, we can have our own policy. You wouldn't argue that we need to have a NPOV policy because some other Wikis have it, would you? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:02, 30 December 2022 (UTC) ::::::: There is an advantage of standardising some things across the WMF sites, so that readers and editors have an easy time approaching another project. However, people from other projects usually don't have enough of an understanding to contribute at deletion discussions. Sometimes they might have some valuable fresh viewpoints, but few from the outside can see when their viewpoint is just distracting. Thus, until you have followed the discussions long enough to learn the idiosyncrasies, you don't need to nominate articles or close the discussions, and thus the advantage of standardising is marginal. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 16:47, 30 December 2022 (UTC) :::::::{{re|Ikan Kekek}} each wiki can have its own policy regarding deletion nominations, but the concept of it shouldn't differ: a user nominates one or more pages for deletion because of some reason, then a discussion happens for a certain period of time and then the discussion is closed as either kept, deleted, redirected (or something else like getting another project to import the article). What can differ is the length, reasoning or outcome. NPOV is a completely different story because it's only a policy on Wikipedia, but likewise, the concept of NPOV shouldn't differ between different language Wikipedias. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 22:32, 30 December 2022 (UTC) ::::::{{re|ThunderingTyphoons!}} fair enough, but I don't think articles are comparable to DRs, but maybe that's because I spend more time on Commons' DRs than our VfD, which is where I've been influenced. I still favour Ikan's proposal, though (which is similar to what you're proposing: "if a clear consensus has developed early with little chance of dissent, or if the nomination is clearly not a real candidate for deletion", but with more detail). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 22:25, 30 December 2022 (UTC) == [[Wikivoyage:Votes_for_deletion#Archiving]] == Current text in this section includes: : When archiving, always '''make it clear''' to other editors what '''the outcome of the discussion''' was. This can be done by adding the result to the discussion in a ''separate edit'' from the one in which you remove the discussion from this page; or you can describe the outcome in the edit summary when you remove the discussion. I'd delete the suggestion of the edit summary. or change "or you can" to "you should also". It seems to me we always want the result in the archive since someone looking later will not see the edit summary. We also have: : If the nominated article, file or template '''was not deleted''', then place another (identical duplicate) copy of the deletion discussion on the discussion page of the article, file or template being kept or redirected. I'd change this to: : If the nominated article, file or template '''was not deleted''', then the nomination should be mentioned on its talk page. If the deletion discussion is reasonably short, place another (identical duplicate) copy of it on the talk page. For longer discussions, provide a link to the archive instead. Other opinions? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 13:04, 1 June 2024 (UTC) :I'm not a fan of duplicating discussions by copy-pasting it on the talk page and don't think this has been followed for quite some time – duplicating content is never a good idea. I would much rather require that only a link be placed to the deletion discussion for all cases. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 22:43, 1 June 2024 (UTC) ::However, one could copy the outcome declaration. That's short and could avoid need of clicking in some obvious cases (such as "speedy keep: no valid reason to delete"). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:28, 2 June 2024 (UTC) : {{tick}} Edited. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 20:56, 2 June 2024 (UTC) ::I think putting the deletion nomination thread on an article's talk page has often been done. I'm not sure archiving was always done thoroughly. I guess I feel like it's OK to have the thread there if anyone deems the article to be likely to be nominated for deletion again, but summarizing the discussion and providing a link to the relevant section of the archive is an acceptable alternative. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:47, 2 June 2024 (UTC) :::I'm also not opposed to how Commons deals with DRs that resulted in a keep (which is very effective in grabbing your attention) – we could at least experiment it for a month or two. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:00, 2 June 2024 (UTC) ::::I agree that Commons does this in a good way. There's room for doubt on whether it prevents further deletion requests, but it's certainly clear. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:50, 16 May 2025 (UTC) == User and user talk pages for users with no Wikivoyage contributions == What's our policy on pages like [[User talk:Зорана Филиповић]], which [[User:92.21.137.132]] provided a translation for that I reverted because I thought it was a user page and not a user talk page? [https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Special:Contributions/%D0%97%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B0_%D0%A4%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B8%D1%9B No user contributions] except for that page and their user page, [[User:Зорана Филиповић]], which is transcluded from Meta, and these pages are solely in Cyrillic. Meanwhile, this is stated in the translation to be a sock of [[User talk:Filipović Zoran]]. Should we delete the sock user and user talk pages? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:12, 30 June 2025 (UTC) : Yes, csrtainly. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:40, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::I agree they should be speedied. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 00:07, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::Looking deeply at both of the profiles, it's supposedly an editor with 138K edits [[https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:CentralAuth/Filipovi%C4%87_Zoran]] in Serbian and other wiki - and at least one profile shows already blocked [[https://sr.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=%D0%9F%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%B5%D0%B1%D0%BD%D0%BE:%D0%94%D0%BD%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%BA/block&page=User%3AFilipovi%C4%87+Zoran]] in some places. -- [[Special:Contributions/92.21.137.132|92.21.137.132]] 00:24, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::Any objection? We can afford to wait 24 hours, I figure. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:38, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::Yeah no harm waiting a day or two. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 01:36, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::The disclaimer should be on their meta user page instead, no need to copy it to talk pages on many projects. It, and the translation could be moved there, I suppose, but just deleting the talk page is no problem, I think. If they start contributing here, anybody checking the talk page history will see there are deleted versions. Do provide a helpful deletion rationale when deleting. ::::::For user pages, there are different cases. A new page could be from somebody who intends to start contributing, so should not be summarily deleted. We might also have active registered users who just don't contribute. They might have bookmarks etc. on the page. If the page looks legitimate and it doesn't have excess content, I don't think there is any harm in keeping it. At least the user should be notified and asked about it. Touting or propaganda from non-contributors doesn't need to be tolerated. ::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:32, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::If you're concerned about the deletion rationale, why don't you take care of the deletion tomorrow and supply your own rationale? And if you think this sockpuppet could ever be a useful Wikivoyage user, I suggest you look at the link I gave to the user talk page of their main account. They have never had any interest in using Wikivoyage as anything but a place to vent their frustration about Wikipedia, and that is not the function of this site. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:47, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::I can do the deletion OK. But I either need to do it prematurely or risk somebody else doing it before me (unless I have such a window at my disposal). ::::::::I don't think they will be a useful contributor, but the current mention of alternative accounts will help to see whether they have proved problematic on other projects, if they ever turn up (for venting frustration or otherwise). With a decent deletion rationale, any admin will know to check that deleted mention. ::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:31, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::You can always give an additional reason for a deletion that you type in on the second line of deletion reasons. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:28, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::Yes. But the one who deletes must write that reason. I just asked that whoever does this thinks for a few seconds about what to write, like they should when deleting a page with a name that refers to a valid topic. In that case any newbie trying to create the article will see a warning that includes that reason. It should make clear that the problem wasn't with the topic but what actually was written. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 17:52, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::I'm nominating you to type a reason you're satisfied with. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:44, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::<nowiki/>:-) ::::::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:35, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::I think I should be a bit blunt here: Basically, I feel that you're not that confident in me, or at least more resistant to deleting the user and user talk pages of totally useless Wikivoyage users (keeping in mind the still unresolved case of the WT-en touter), so you do it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:02, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::'''Done'''. I hope that you could leave that feeling behind. We may disagree on that one issue, but I respect you highly. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:49, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :{{re|Ikan Kekek|LPfi}} A bit more context I've learned about this specific user that an srwiki user told me in private (I won't disclose their username in public for their own safety): Zoran apparently has a history of spamming matters about his (srwiki) blocks on various different projects, sometimes using alts on unrelated projects like in this case. I will block both those accounts as per [[WV:ONESTRIKE]] (mirroring the srwiki block) because ideally I'd like to keep Zoran's activities out of enwikivoyage fully (though there is a chance they may be globally locked for x-wiki abuse). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 04:03, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::... and just like that, at 10:45 today, there's an unblocking request on the cyrillic user name talk page. -- [[Special:Contributions/92.21.137.132|92.21.137.132]] 11:38, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::I don't like the onestrike rule to be used other than in clear cases. It requires "a similar malicious edit on Wikivoyage" to the "vandalism or other malicious editing" they have done elsewhere. [[User:Filipović Zoran|Filipović Zoran]] and [[User:Зорана Филиповић|Зорана Филиповић]] were blocked as sockpupets of each other. Where is the vandalism or other malicious editing? I agree that non-contributors venting frustration of matters on other projects don't belong here, but that was handled in August. The new user page was created only as a pointer to the other account – with such a pointer, claims of sockpupetry are moot. My deleting the page on IK's request doesn't make the account a sockpuppet. ::If they should be globally banned, that's something for Meta, not for us. I limited the block period, not to have it count among "banned on X projects" when deciding on global blocks, until I am convinced there is some local reason for them to be blocked here. ::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:52, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::I don't think they will be a productive user here, but that's up to them. As long as they are non-contributors, there is no need to block them. Let's not make Wikivoyage a tool for fighting cross-wiki issues that don't concern us. I don't want to spend my Wikivoyage time on analysing issues on other projects. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 13:00, 2 July 2025 (UTC) py2n7g5nlraj8wb4rhme43vwtj5fwly 5086612 5086609 2025-07-02T13:04:20Z LPfi 79572 /* User and user talk pages for users with no Wikivoyage contributions */ onestrike prone to misuse 5086612 wikitext text/x-wiki {{infobox|Archived discussions|* [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Archive 2004-2007]] * [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Archive 2008-2009]] * [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Archive 2010-2013‎]] * [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Archive 2014-2017‎]] * [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Deletion policy discussion|Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Deletion policy discussion (2018)]] * [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Archive 2018-2019]] }} == Categories - deleted or redirected? == A new user ([[User:Owain]]) has moved [[Conwy (county)]] to [[Conwy (county borough)]], and has thoughtfully changed the category at the same time, by changing the <nowiki>{{Is part of|xxx}}</nowiki> field in each of the affected articles to the new category. However, the old category page ([[:Category:Conwy (county)]]) is now blank, and I can't remember what we do with them. Do they just get deleted, or is there some attribution reason that they need to be kept and/or redirected to the new category? --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 16:32, 16 April 2020 (UTC) :I'd just go ahead and delete. Attribution is something we worry about for copyright purposes, and category pages which are merely lists of articles that fall into a certain geographical grouping (and, technically, are "edited" automatically by the MediaWiki software rather than by any particular human editor) do not qualify as copyrightable material. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 17:15, 16 April 2020 (UTC) ::Great, thank you. To confirm what you said, one of the drop down options of the deletion reasons is 'category renamed'.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 17:55, 16 April 2020 (UTC) == "List one article, file or template per entry" == Should this instruction be deprecated? We've had a few bulk nominations lately, and the preference has been to nominate them all under a single entry. [[User:Vaticidalprophet|Vaticidalprophet]] ([[User talk:Vaticidalprophet|talk]]) 20:41, 2 April 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''' per nom. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:07, 2 April 2021 (UTC) *'''Support'''. The line is a good idea in theory, not in practice.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 21:35, 2 April 2021 (UTC) *'''Support'''. I didn't even realize we theoretically had that guideline. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:13, 2 April 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''' - Stupid crap rule. [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] ([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]]) 08:37, 5 April 2021 (UTC) *:This looks like a consensus. Should I remove the line, and should it be replaced with anything? [[User:Vaticidalprophet|Vaticidalprophet]] ([[User talk:Vaticidalprophet|talk]]) 03:21, 11 April 2021 (UTC) :::That sentence should just be deleted. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:11, 11 April 2021 (UTC) == Redlinks, blue links or black links == Regarding the Finland Proper (Vkem) outlines: I wonder how we want real places to be handled in the case they should have articles. Redirecting a village that might be a common search term to the article where it is handled is an obvious solution, but in this case we have real places that are in fact not described anywhere. Previously they were redlinked in the region article to show that we want those articles. If the articles are created and redirected back, we will have blue links that just lead back, to the annoyance of readers. If we unlink the places, creating the article gets more difficult (and there is no hint we want those articles created, while there are several places mentioned about which we don't need articles. Is finding the region article more difficult if the places are just mentioned in the region article, without a redirect? Search engine-wise, a redirect might get us some more traffic, but just to annoy readers coming here and finding anything specifics about the place. Or should we make it a priority to create those articles, to avoid voids in our hierarchy? Then we shouldn't redirect real places that need articles, but create the outlines, as [[User:Vkem|Vkem]] did. Then the only problem is that we need the content also, which then should be given priority every time a region is created. The situation is probably different for regions that are weak outlines. For [[Finland Proper]] there is a thought-out complete structure. Some of the outlines may be hard to get featureable, but at least there should be some eat, sleep and do for each. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:19, 27 May 2021 (UTC) :This would be confusing. Since I'm well aware of this, I don't know how to respond to this. [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[w:User:SHB2000|en.wikipedia]])</small> 12:38, 27 May 2021 (UTC) ::I agree that a blue link that directs the reader back to the same article is a bad option. ::I don't agree with giving priority to creating articles just because some passerby has created a link. We have thousands of articles that need more content. Allowing our priorities to be determined by a well-intentioned editor like Vkem who isn't really involved in Wikivoyage would be a mistake. And not all of these places really warrants an article. I don't think that we can say that we want an article just because there is a redlink. :: I recently redirected an article for a bedroom community in the U.S. in which the only information that the article's creator provided was that there is a McDonalds in the community. They didn't provide an address for it though, or any other useful information. ::With a black link, a reader who arrives at the region article via a search can at least find the place in the article and on the map, so I think this is the best result. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:47, 27 May 2021 (UTC) ::: The redlinks in the region article were carefully planned, but the intention was to create them when somebody takes the time to write them. I think changing redlinks to black links is not an improvement. Is having the redirects an improvement that weights more than the drawback of having to turn the redlinks black? Read: I am challenging the policy of not deleting redirects from real places. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 14:34, 27 May 2021 (UTC) :::: What's a "black link"? Doesn't that just mean unlinked text? --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 14:36, 27 May 2021 (UTC) :::::Uh, yeah, that would be another way of putting it, since it isn't a link at all. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 15:11, 27 May 2021 (UTC) == Semi-Protect all == I think we should semi-protect all pages listed here, in case of edit warring or vandalism. --[[User:Crocusfleur|Crocusfleur]] ([[User talk:Crocusfleur|talk]]) 17:47, 19 June 2021 (UTC) :Which pages? --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 17:54, 19 June 2021 (UTC) ::Have there been cases of edit warring or vandalism of pages nominated for deletion? [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:46, 19 June 2021 (UTC) :::GZ has a good point here. If there's no history of vandalism (hopefully we don't jinx it) there's no need to semi-protect a page. The [[main page]] and some other critical pages, such as some template pages, are exceptional because vandals could do more damage by changing those, but in this case, without previous vandalism there is no need to semi-protect. A worthwhile thought though. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 21:54, 19 June 2021 (UTC) == Replace the vfd archive header? == ''Moved from [[WV:Pub|the pub]]''<br> I will start out by saying that I'm not a huge fan of [[Template:Deletion archive]], which doesn't look centred, and just doesn't look right for a header. Which is probably why it was never used much, and I'm guessing half of you didn't even know this template existed. I did some experimenting and thought a header like the header you see below might look better, with a more cleaner, neater and organised format. This can be changed anytime, so this doesn't have to be the fixed one. {{User:SHB2000/vfdat|previous=April 2021|next=June 2021|month=May 2021}} The code is pretty simple to work out as well, and the month= variable is automatic. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:57, 24 August 2021 (UTC) ---- <!--LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS BELOW THIS MESSAGE--> * '''Support''' as easy to navigate between months. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 11:47, 28 August 2021 (UTC) ::Given the lack of opposition, I'm going ahead. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:18, 7 September 2021 (UTC) == One-year rule on itineraries == Based on votes on this page, are we going to abolish this rule, or are there differences about its interpretation? For the purpose of discussion the rule is at [[Wikivoyage:Itineraries#"One year" deletion rule]], and here it is in full: ''Since just about any topic can be an itinerary, itineraries must either be actively worked on or achieve some level of completion to be kept. (Sufficiently famous, marked routes such as [[Alaska Highway]] or [[Annapurna Circuit]] are exempt from this rule.) As such, itineraries that have been at [[Project:Itinerary status|outline status]] or less for one year without being substantially edited are subject to deletion via the [[Project:Votes for deletion|votes for deletion]] process.'' My feeling is, if we are keeping the rule, "not a personal itinerary" shouldn't be a sufficient argument for keeping an article with no specific route that is therefore not in any sense usable; just because an itinerary isn't personal doesn't mean it's "sufficiently famous". But let's talk about that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:45, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :I would oppose abolishing this rule. Otherwise, we'd end up with a bunch of itineraries which don't give much information and give no incentive to the creator to make it usable. But I don't think this rule was really enforced that much, until I just checked some random itineraries. The last major mass deletions looks like it was in [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion/April 2011|2011]], more than 10 years ago. But I think we should take these on a case by case basis. :There's more that I have, but given the already mass overload here, I don't think we can handle that much at once. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:52, 18 September 2021 (UTC) ::I should also mention, that based on this reasoning "real itinerary" is not a valid reason to keep, and I'm particularly looking at the one for Nidaros Path and Mountains to Sound Greenway. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:56, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :::In 2011, we were overzealous in my opinion and, in the guise of deleting "personal itineraries", deleted usable articles because they weren't guide-level. I believe in being a bit liberal, in that a coherent, well-defined route can be OK, even if it's "personal". [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:59, 18 September 2021 (UTC) ::::But tbh, these are routes which per the deletion rules, can be deleted. I'm still confused on some of the keep votes on that were added yesterday (writing this 00:05 AEST). But deleting usable routes because it wasn't guide? (please tell me if I'm missing something there. Need to get some sleep). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 14:05, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :::::If you're missing something, it's that the usable itinerary articles that were deleted then were deemed "personal", and exceptions to the deletion policy for "personal" itineraries were given only to articles that were at guide level or higher (I don't think any were stars). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:11, 18 September 2021 (UTC) ::::::I see. I guess I'm too sleepy to think. But these ones that I nominated aren't personal, but just outlines that aren't famously marked. Maybe that policy needs copyediting. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 14:15, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :"As such, itineraries that have been at outline status or less for one year without being substantially edited are subject to deletion via the votes for deletion process." That doesn't mean articles at outline status for a year or more should be deleted; it means they are "subject" via the "deletion process," which indicates that a community consensus to keep any of these itineraries doesn't run contrary to policy. I think there are some itineraries nominated that indeed should be deleted, but they are many that while indeed have been made subject to deletion via this policy, ought not be deleted due to other policies in place, such as [[Wikivoyage:The traveler comes first]]. I certainly don't support deleting any itineraries without consensus. Consensus will develop naturally to delete the useless itineraries, but many others are developing votes to keep, and this is line with current policies that require consensus to delete travel articles (excepting copyvio, of course). <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 14:23, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :Although perhaps read the header of [[:Category:Outline itineraries]]. It says ''This page is for listing itineraries that have outline status. They will be deleted if not modified for one year.'' :–<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 14:30, 18 September 2021 (UTC) ::Categories are intended to list articles with some feature in common, and not to establish policy, so I would support removing that text from the category page. That text appears to come from [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Category:Outline_itineraries&oldid=1855956 before English Wikivoyage was formed]. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 14:33, 18 September 2021 (UTC) I commented "not personal itinerary on some. I don't feel we need to set the "sufficiently" threshold particularly high. My reading has been that a famous route will have readers looking for it, and with some luck people continuing where the article creator left, and even if it takes a few years, that's really not a problem (unless the itinerary is really bad). Personal itineraries, on the other hand, need to be well described to allow anyone to continue the work (and to bother). If no one caught on while it was being worked on, or soon after, it is unlikely to attract attention later. One reason not to keep the threshold high is that what is famous for some, is unknown to others. I didn't know about [[Alaska Highway]] or [[Annapurna Circuit]] before starting to write here. [[Nidaros Path]], deemed non-famous by the nominator, was the prime pilgrimage route in the Nordic countries in medieval times, and is regaining popularity – but how could somebody not from Europe know that, unless into pilgrimages? I'd think many Americans wouldn't know about [[Way of St. James]], although it is a huge thing. If some route is sufficiently famous that you'd expect there to be guidebooks about it, that should suffice. I think any Eurovelo or [[Long distance walking in Europe|ERA route]] should qualify. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 16:43, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :I think usable status should have been sufficient to keep "personal" itineraries if they had reasonable, coherent routes. In terms of the text [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] quotes above, I'd propose changing it to ''This page is for listing itineraries that have outline status. They may be deleted if not modified for one year.'' May, rather than will be deleted. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:28, 18 September 2021 (UTC) ::Agreed, but add "may be deleted [via the VFD process]" because we don't want people unilaterally deleting articles. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 21:38, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :::I reworded it to what Ikan wrote with a little bit of copyedits: ''They may be deleted if not modified or actively maintained for one year.''. I'll write that it may be nominated through RfD in just a sec. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:45, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :::: I think that addressing itinerary articles through VfD after a year is a good approach. It forces us to improve the articles if we can, or delete them if we can't. SHB2000's edits to the policy work. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 00:08, 19 September 2021 (UTC) : Sometimes there may be other solutions. Back in 200x when our coverage of China was quite spotty, I wrote "One week near Hong Kong" which was pretty much a personal itinerary. Later it became a region article, [[Pearl River Delta]], and by now that is a decent article. : For real routes like [[Tanami Track]], I do not think deletion should even be considered. Either keep it or merge it into a region article & redirect there. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 03:51, 19 September 2021 (UTC) : For an example of an itinerary that was prematurely deleted (by me) but later restored & made into a decent article, see [[Talk:Tiger Leaping Gorge]]. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 04:21, 19 September 2021 (UTC) ::[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], thanks for editing that language, but there's no such thing as "RfD" on this Wiki (and you initially confused me by using those initials on talk page threads). I will edit to [[Votes for deletion]] with a link. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:35, 19 September 2021 (UTC) :::[https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Category%3AOutline_itineraries&type=revision&diff=4295605&oldid=4295459 Done]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:39, 19 September 2021 (UTC) ::::Oops. RfD is something on meta and simple, not here. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:00, 19 September 2021 (UTC) ::Pashley, the "don't delete real places" is only for destination articles, not itineraries or topics. Oh and re Tanami Track... erm, it's not a notable track at all, but rather known as Australia's James Dalton Highway. Couldn't find any photos of this track on commons, but if Google Street Trekker does a good job in visualising that route, [https://goo.gl/maps/RZyoHaGsNuRaEnUh7 this] is apparently the best part of the route. There's no way that's notable. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:37, 19 September 2021 (UTC) == Danube Cycleway deletion == I supported deletion, but I think it's worth discussing whether per [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Deleting, or not]], the article should have been kept or deleted. At first glance, it wouldn't appear that there was a consensus to delete at [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion/September 2021#Danube Cycleway]]. 3-2 is not an obvious consensus. And while I obviously agree that the delete arguments are stronger than the keep arguments, here is the relevant policy: * If there is '''no consensus''' after 14 days, allow a further 7 days for discussion. ** If, after the additional 7 days, there is '''no consensus''', the page should be '''kept''' – any Wikivoyager may remove any VFD notices from that page, and archive the deletion discussion. So what's the deletion argument? I think that would have to do with the definition of "consensus" - what it is and what it's not. From [[Wikivoyage:Consensus#What consensus is not]]: * '''Consensus is not unanimity'''. While we should always try to find a solution that works for everyone, in practice this is not always possible. Make sure all concerns are discussed and addressed, but consensus can still be reached even if compromises that please everyone cannot be found. * '''Consensus is not a majority'''. While it would be rare that consensus would be declared when the result represents a minority opinion, well-reasoned arguments based on existing policies and practice should carry more weight than a "support" comment that is unaccompanied by any sort of reasoning or justification. I don't think anyone would say that [[User:LPfi]]'s keep vote is "unaccompanied by any sort of reasoning or justification", but the argument to keep is unaccompanied by any actionable advice on how to establish the route of the now-deleted itinerary. In short, I would defer to [[User:SHB2000]]'s deletion rationale. But I still think a discussion is appropriate, since a nomination for undeletion would not be successful (further quoting from [[Wikivoyage:Consensus#What consensus is not]]): ''Note that the bar for determining a consensus should be higher when changing a past consensus, so while a small majority might suffice for resolving a minor issue, a super majority backed by strong arguments should be required before changing past consensus (see also the "[[#Status quo bias|Status quo bias]]" section below).'' So what do you all think? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:55, 8 October 2021 (UTC) : The guide is little use in current shape and I have little hope of improvements in near future, so I won't contest the deletion, but IK's last point prompts consideration. : I now copied the VFD discussion to the article's talk page. The reason for deletion was "Per the one year rule for itineraries" and "it's been given 14 days to be worked on" I think it should be evident that if anybody starts working on the itinerary, these arguments are moot. If somebody thinks that new work can be deleted based on this VFD discussion, then we need clarification to the guidelines. : –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:07, 8 October 2021 (UTC) ::Well, if someone starts working on it, then that would not make it valid for RfD. Though, I do think the guidelines are somewhat too loose and can differ based on personal opinions. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:39, 8 October 2021 (UTC) :::The rule for itineraries is one year; this article was given 11 years. If someone had started work on it, or indicated an intention to work on it, they should have been given time. But no-one did. I don't think another 7 days would have changed anything. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:41, 8 October 2021 (UTC) ::::hence why I deleted it. It was 3-2, and you and Ikan had better arguments in my opinion and seemed consensus to me. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:49, 8 October 2021 (UTC) :::::Without weighing in on whether deletion is a good idea, it is clear that there was not consensus for deletion, so per policy it should not have been deleted. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:42, 8 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::Let's please try to avoid using RfD, which is not a valid abbreviation on this site. Should we undo the deletion? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:36, 8 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::I subconsciously use RfD when I'm not thinking properly. And technically, no we can't unilaterally undelete it as it has to go through the [[vfu]] process. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:00, 9 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::Not if we decide it should not have been deleted per lack of consensus. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:18, 9 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::However, now given that LPfi has mentioned "The guide is little use in current shape and I have little hope of improvements in near future, so I won't contest the deletion, but IK's last point prompts consideration." :::::::::So really, that gives 3 deletes, 1 neutral and 1 delete, based on LPfi's earlier argument. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:25, 9 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::::If so, that would be a consensus, in my opinion. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:02, 9 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::::Yep, sure does. Even for those like [[Template talk:Mapframe2|Template:Mapframe2]], while there were 3 to delete, 1 comment and 1 keep, who was LPfi, as their argument was much more stronger into keeping it, hence kept. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:43, 9 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::::::Is that defensible per current policy? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:10, 9 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::::::Technically, the two votes that were to delete were either just a vote or "per nom". Even then, my rationale for deletion still wasn't a strong enough reason to delete, and hence kept. Not to forget that Alasdair also seemed to be leaning towards a keep as well. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:17, 9 October 2021 (UTC) == Camp Chase Trail discussion == This deletion discussion has been closed with the article merged after only a day of discussion and little participation. This is contrary to policy, which calls for 14 days of discussion, and really too fast for anyone to be expected to keep up with. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:39, 11 October 2021 (UTC) :I can close my nominations early if I want to withdraw my deletion nom early. In this case, I merged the info already, so I had every right to withdraw my nom. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:03, 12 October 2021 (UTC) ::Generally I agree with SHB, but in this case the closure was quick for a merger discussion which should take a few days. I would be happy with a policy change that allowed a non-deletion closure after 5 days if the nominator agrees. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 20:33, 13 October 2021 (UTC) :::I '''support''' [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]]’s proposal to create a clear policy on this issue. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 20:37, 13 October 2021 (UTC) :::I would generally '''support''' Alasair's wording, but then we run into a loophole here. Anyone can withdraw their own nominations any time they like, and anyone can merge articles whenever they want, without discussion (although it is quite suspicious when IPs do that), so all we have is two policies that contradict each other. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:26, 14 October 2021 (UTC) ::::Discussions are generally encouraged before articles are merged, although it is only said to be "worthwile" in [[Wikivoyage:How to merge two pages]]. ::::A policy should have additional words including allowing withdrawal by the nominator ("oh I hadn't realised that this page is useful for..."), admins deciding that the nomination is an obvious speedy case, and cancelling requests by vandals (not seen that here, but I have seen it on Commons). [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:51, 14 October 2021 (UTC) :::::Merge proposals can be discussed on the talk pages of the articles in question. I would oppose any kind of guideline that in any way suggests that VfD is the most appropriate place to discuss merges. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:56, 14 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::And similarly, if anyone objects to a merge, this is not the most appropriate place to address that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:56, 14 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::Agree. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:58, 14 October 2021 (UTC) :::::True, but there's lots of merges I've done without discussion (and {{u|Ground Zero}} does the same). [[Special:Diff/4308621]] is an example of one of my recent uncontroversial merges. Out of about let's say 100 merges I've done, only [[Talk:Khancoban|Khancoban]] seemed to be a controversial one. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:57, 14 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::A merger without discussion is permitted by [[Wikivoyage:How to merge two pages]]: :::::::"Unless the need for a merge is really obvious, it may be worthwhile to start a discussion before doing a merge." ::::::Contributors will disagree on what is or is not "obvious". If other editors disagree with a merger, then the merging editor will have to go through the hassle of defending the merger and will be more cautious about doing it again. I have probably erred on the side of being too cautious, and I have not had objections to my mergers whether discussed or not discussed. There is a lot of clean up of old stub articles needed, and props to SHB2000 for their work in improving Wikivoyage. It is inevitable that the occasional merger will be done too precipitously, but a merger can always be undone. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 23:26, 14 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::(It is easy, in my opinion, to show that an article ''shouldn't'' be merged — or shouldn't have been merged — by expanding an article to make it usable. That is more productive than arguing over process, IMHO.) [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 23:34, 14 October 2021 (UTC) == User:SHB2000/lc template == Forgive me if this has already been dealt with, as I've been away from admin stuff. The template [[User:SHB2000/lc]] has been used several times for different nominations, but has it been approved by the community? If it has, I'd expect to see the discussion either still in the Pub or archived somewhere sensible like [[User talk:SHB2000/lc]].--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 08:51, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :Can't I use my ''own'' userspace templates in ''my'' nominations? How would this have been dealt with, if I used wikitext in the same way in my nominations? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:06, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :I realise that there's no point in arguing over a *''userspace transclusion''*, so I just removed it. [(redacted)] <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:25, 18 October 2021 (UTC) ::I don't know why you're getting snarky with me about it, as I think my original question was polite and based in the policy which we're both tasked with enforcing. We have a policy about new templates that you've said you understand, and that obviously covers userspace templates too (why would they be any different when they're being used in mainspace?). Thank you for removing them when asked; hopefully, I won't have to in future.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 09:58, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::I'm sorry if I became passive aggressive there, and I apologise for that. But there doesn't seem to be any policy on userspace templates being used, is there? Or what'd happen if I substituted the template (which if I used let's say nominating [[Pomona (Queensland)]] for deletion and I used <span class="plainlinks">[[:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}]] ([{{fullurl:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}|action=edit}} edit] &middot; [[{{TALKPAGENAME:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}}}|talk]] &middot; [{{fullurl:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}|action=history}} history] &middot; [{{fullurl:Special:Whatlinkshere/{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}|limit=999}} links] &middot; [{{fullurl:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}|action=watch}} watch] &middot; [{{fullurl:Special:Log|page={{urlencode:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}}}}} logs] &middot; [{{fullurl:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}|action=delete}} delete])</span>, would that be considered using templates?) <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:06, 18 October 2021 (UTC) ::::I think the edit link is confusing. I would expect it to edit the discussion, not the nominated article. Why would i want to edit the article without reading it first? [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 10:28, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::The edit link may be confusing, but there's no denying on whether the talk or history pages are useful. The page logs aren't also that important, but it can help (the only instances where I personally think its useful when its used to detect Brendan edits) :::::The delete button is also quite convenient for the closing admin. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:34, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::: There is a practice on what nominations and the discussions look like. It seems you are trying to change that practice, and while plunging forward by introducing links you find useful might be OK, if others don't thank you for the bright idea, it might be better to discuss whether we want those links and templates. Thus they should be introduced like any other templates, regardless of where they live – moved to template space if they get support, not used and possibly deleted if they don't. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 11:44, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::No I am not trying to change the practice and I mainly used it for my personal use. I'm merely adding it so it's much more easier to delete it. Given that these days I'm the one who's deleting most of the articles these days, it's much more convenient to have a link that allows me to delete the article in one click. :::::::And we also recently discussed that we're never deleting templates merely because it lacked community support (it'll just be moved to the user's userspace). In this case, it's already in my userspace. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:51, 18 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::Templates that are in your userspace shouldn't be used outside of your userspace, i.e. in mainspace or projectspace. It's not "your personal use" when it's being used on a community page that everyone can edit. They're not "your nominations", either; they're ''community nominations'' submitted by you ''for the community's consideration'', and they should be made in the standard way that the community has come to expect. ::::::::I'm sorry, but using userspace templates in projectspace comes across to me as a rather clever (but unfair) way of circumventing a policy you don't like. We've all got to live with policies we don't like as a necessary part of editing a wiki; the alternative to editing within a community-led set of policies is we just individually pick and choose to follow the rules that suit us and ignore the ones that don't suit us. If that happens, then the whole system of collaborative editing by consensus breaks down, and our "travel guide that everyone can edit" ceases to work in the interests of travellers. ::::::::I'm guessing I may come across as anti-template, or maybe even anti-SHB2000's templates. But this couldn't be further from the truth; I'm pro-innovation. But first and foremost I'm interested in ensuring that policy applies to, and is observed by, everyone equally. ::::::::For this particular template, I agree with LPfi, and would even further say that it would be useful in a slightly modified form (i.e. removing the 'edit' button, and any others that might not be relevant) and that I would use it myself. However, my future support is conditional on this template being proposed for the community's approval in the normal way; if and when it's approved, it should be moved out of your userspace into templatespace. ::::::::Also, we may need to specify on [[Wikivoyage:Using MediaWiki templates]] that "If new templates fail to gain community support, they will eventually be moved to the template creator's userspace." means that those templates are not to be used outside of userspace. I thought this was pretty clear already, but apparently not... ::::::::All that being said, I appreciate and accept your apology above.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 13:55, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::I think that an occasional editor would expect the delete link to record a "delete" vote, not take them to a page saying "Permission error". I get having such a link on Commons where the closing admin migt have to delete a list of 20 imgaes after a sinle nomination, but I don't see the need here. I also agree with TT that userspace templetes should not be used in project space, except for a single example when discussing moving the template to mainspace. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 15:00, 18 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::::That's the whole point; otherwise, we'd be restricting the use of a template to a single individual, not to their userspace. Please, [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], you do great work, but especially as an admin, you need to not only respect consensus but uphold it as the fundamental way this site operates in your statements and model your respect for it to other users. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:11, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::I must dispute the following statement "''They're not "your nominations", either; they're community nominations submitted by you for the community's consideration, and they should be made in the standard way that the community has come to expect.''". First of all, they're still my nominations, since I irrevocably release my text under the CC BY-SA License, and in no way does that ever state that I'm handing over those nominations to the community. I still hold the copyright for those, and so they are '''not''' "they're community nominations submitted by you for the community's consideration" and so they're still the nominations of whoever started them. b) "the standard way that the community has come to expect.". I cannot find any place where it says that as well. So until you direct me to where that's told, then again, there's nothing saying how I should format those nominations. :::::::::Let's say I used a template (call it {{tl|tnr}} for example), and it's main purpose is to get text in Times New Roman. So if I used <nowiki> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman; color:green"> Some text here</span></nowiki> instead of this example {{tl|tnr}} template which would both produce <span style="font-family:Times New Roman; color:green"> Some text here</span>. Now that plain text I was using had no templates in it, nor is a substituted template. I'll let you all decide for yourselves on how that'd be taken. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 21:23, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::::You've completely missed, or certainly failed to address, the wider points. I suggest some closer reading and reflection.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 08:27, 19 October 2021 (UTC) == Help needed == I slushed the Puerto Rican stubs nom for now, but it's 4:12 AM and I have to wake up for work in about 5 hours, so I'd be very grateful if someone else could remove all the VfD templates from the articles in question. Please see the thread at [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion/March 2022#Puerto Rico skeletons with a byte count lower than 600 created by Ligocsicnarf89 (talk · contribs)]]. And thanks! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:13, 31 March 2022 (UTC) :@[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] btw I'm happy for anyone to rollback my edits to those articles as it's a pretty tedious thing to do manually. However, do get some sleep first. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:35, 31 March 2022 (UTC) :: vfd templates removed. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:54, 31 March 2022 (UTC) :::Thanks for removing them :-). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:00, 31 March 2022 (UTC) ::::Thank you! -- [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:31, 31 March 2022 (UTC) == Closure comments == There is an argument on a user page on what comments are suitable when closing a VFD thread. If I interpret [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] correctly, they think any comments that don't conflict with any specific rule is OK, while IK and I disagree. See [[Special:Permalink/4569290#Sorry for editing an archive]]. I added the following to the instructions, to have the requested rule, and got reverted: : The note on whether the article was kept should be objective; if you have an opinion that needs to be voiced, voice it during the discussion – if you didn't until now, either keep silent or give others time to comment on it by not taking action yet. The addition hadn't been discussed other than in that user page thread, so the reversion was anticipated. Now, what does the community think about the issue? Do you agree with me or SHB? Should there be written advice? Is the suggested wording OK? Should there be some more general wording in [[Wikivoyage:Administrators' handbook]] covering also this? Any general comments? –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:47, 26 November 2022 (UTC) :My 2 cents: :* Not allowing users to voice their opinion is antithetical to the purpose of a discussion :* Discussions are immediately archived once the outcome has been reached; this is per [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Deleting, or not]] :* Yes, you're right that my rationale behind standing by my comment doesn't conflict with any specific policy :* It's probably not a good idea to include it in the [[Wikivoyage:Administrators' handbook]] as any Wikivoyager can close a DR if the outcome was keep or redirect – this is also per [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Deleting, or not]] :I am opposed to the addition of [[Special:Diff/4569292]], because the purpose of vfd is to ''not'' "keep silent", and "giv[ing] others time to comment on it by not taking action yet" contradicts [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Deleting, or not]]. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 22:51, 26 November 2022 (UTC) ::Closing a discussion means no longer arguing about it. I still find it incredible, inflammatory, and in incredibly bad grace to have to have a discussion about this at all. I'd observe that SHB2000 tried to argue that a consensus was not a consensus the last time he showed bad grace in a Vfd closing. Anyone who can't close Vfd threads without trying to get a pot-shot in at the end should not close Vfd threads. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:06, 26 November 2022 (UTC) :::So, let's put it this way. You disagree with my opinion, and are insisting me to follow what ''you'' think should be common practice, even though this is not a policy, at least not yet. Then, you indirectly claim that your opinion is somehow superior to mine and I should follow it, and now claim that the common practice to enroot this into a Wikivoyage policy is "<span style="color:darkred;font-family:Georgia">incredible, inflammatory, and in incredibly bad grace</span>". So, who's being hypocritical here? <s> Oh, and that discussion really wasn't a consensus – there were only two more delete !votes, and a lot of the keep !votes were [[w:WP:PERX]].</s> --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 23:53, 26 November 2022 (UTC) ::::And you still haven't answered my question from yesterday: if you so vehemently disagreed with my statement, why didn't you close the article yourself 10 days ago, when the article was due to be closed? --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 23:55, 26 November 2022 (UTC) :::::That's not a valid argument. We're all volunteers here, I'm a busy man, and I don't always think about closing Vfd threads here. None of that is an excuse for you to break the precedent of not editorializing and insulting the consensus when closing. Come on, man! You do a lot of good work, but you sometimes just don't seem to understand when to drop it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:01, 27 November 2022 (UTC) ::::::And for the record, what you tried to claim was not a consensus was [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion/May 2022|8-3]]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:10, 27 November 2022 (UTC) :::::::I stand corrected; have struck that comment. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 01:24, 27 November 2022 (UTC) *Oppose. I don't think we need to change the policy because one editor made a comment some people didn't like. This editorialising does not disrupt the functioning of our travel guide, and let's recognize that SHB was doing a necessary administrative function in closing the discussion even though he didn't agree with the conclusion. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 02:46, 27 November 2022 (UTC) ::I'm surprised. I thought you would find fault with such a closing comment even though you would agree with the substance. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:01, 27 November 2022 (UTC) :::As the closing comment is not something that affects the reader, I don't see the need to regulate it, especially in response to a single closing comment. This seems like a sledgehammer/fly situation. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:51, 27 November 2022 (UTC) *::The bottom line is, not everyone disagrees with my comment, as you seem to think. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 07:15, 27 November 2022 (UTC) : I agree with LPfi & Ikan; such comments are extremely bad form. I do not think a single instance merits either a policy change or any sort of disciplinary action against the user, but a persistent pattern of such actions might. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 04:02, 28 November 2022 (UTC) :: The "bottom line", as I see it, is that whether anyone agrees with the comment is utterly irrelevant; the comment was clearly made in the wrong place. :: It would have been appropriate either as part of the deletion discussion or raising an issue on either the VFD or Deletion policy talk page. However, adding a snarky remark in the archive &mdash; where no-one is likely to see it & anyone who does cannot reply &mdash; was out of line. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 07:53, 28 November 2022 (UTC) == Using this page to propose merge/redirects == This page was not envisioned to be used for that purpose, and it is in my opinion quite an unnecessary use of volunteer time. If you think a merge/redirect should be done and it's unlikely to be controversial, just do it if you have the time. If you think it might be controversial, start a thread on the talk page of the article to be merged and have a discussion there. I can't think of any good reason to use this page to propose anything other than deletion. Note that it does take more time to close discussions here than to simply have discussions on talk pages. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:30, 17 December 2022 (UTC) :I think this page can still be used if a user is indifferent to whether an article should be deleted or redirected (e.g., some of our recent destination articles nominated for deletion); I agree with you that the airport articles could have been better handled on the relevant talk page, though. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 00:02, 18 December 2022 (UTC) ::If there's a reasonable basis for proposing deletion, that's what this page is for. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:08, 18 December 2022 (UTC) ::: But if you are indifferent, why not just merge and redirect? It mostly requires less effort than the discussion and possible later merger. The history will be there (easily found if correctly attributed) for those who might want to revive the article with additional info that would make it pass the whiaa test. The redirect seldom does harm (and if you think it does, ''then'' take it here). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 13:06, 18 December 2022 (UTC) == Withdrawing nominations == In many fora, one is allowed to withdraw one's own proposal, but as SHB2000 notes, "there's no policy on en.voy explicitly allowing this". I think there shouldn't be one. To the contrary, as soon as a nomination is posted, other contributors put time and thought in evaluating the article and articulating their standpoints. This effort is mostly lost in a speedy closure, and the thoughts shared may have implications on other articles than the one nominated. Also, consensus might be to delete the article despite the nominator changing their mind, and a second nomination shouldn't be needed. Thus I think the discussion should be allowed to continue for the normal time, unless there is consensus for something else or there is some good reason to speedy the decision. I think the judgement on the latter should be left to somebody else. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 16:32, 29 December 2022 (UTC) :Withdrawing serves to prevent attracting input (meaning time and energy) to an inoperative process; it is such when it is 100% certain not to result in a change. People will air their views, and these might be icredibly articulate and wise, but it doesn't create a tangible benefit for the project. I don't think that a policy change is necessary in order to allow withdrawing, but just as well, withdrawing should not be considered prohibited when not prescribed by policy. Withdrawing should only be done if absolutely all of the votes are to keep. If there is even a single delete vote anyone should feel free to reopen the discussion. [[User:Alalch E.|Alalch E.]] ([[User talk:Alalch E.|talk]]) 17:07, 29 December 2022 (UTC) :For example, I really think that it makes sense for {{u|SHB2000}} to withdraw [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Surfing]] ''now'' (and only now), when everyone agrees (which was not the case initially). [[User:Alalch E.|Alalch E.]] ([[User talk:Alalch E.|talk]]) 17:18, 29 December 2022 (UTC) ::We should adopt some guideline that nominations can be speedily withdrawn when there isn't even a proposal for deletion or none of the people responding support deletion, such as when whether to merge/redirect or to which article is being unnecessarily argued about on this page. I would suggest that a nomination for other than deletion be immediately withdrawn unless someone suggests deletion in the response thread before it is deleted, and that otherwise, if after 3 days, there is no support for deletion, a nomination can be speedily resolved as a keep, but that if the resolution is deletion, at least 7 days are needed. The way around that, in my opinion, is to start a thread on the article's talk page, where the person who started the article could agree to deletion if very little if anything has been added by others, or sometimes, articles are speedily deleted without a proposal here because they are so obviously irrelevant or are copyright violation. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:06, 29 December 2022 (UTC) :I thought it was allowed (and have done so in the past with no dramas), until that nomination. Nominators should be allowed to close their nominations whenever they choose to, with the prejudice that it's appropriate. I like Ikan Kekek's proposal and we could trial this next year. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 20:26, 29 December 2022 (UTC) ::I think the reason it was uncontroversial before is that opinion was probably unanimous, though correct me if I'm wrong. But in the most recent case, I know I wondered what had happened and was surprised to see a deletion thread that as yet had no unanimous opinion speedily archived. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:46, 29 December 2022 (UTC) :::I don't think we should be able to withdraw "our" nominations early, primarily because there's no such thing as "my nomination", only a nomination submitted to the community for consideration. Of course there are some exceptions: if a clear consensus has developed early with little chance of dissent, or if the nomination is clearly not a real candidate for deletion (e.g. something that should be merged).--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 09:33, 30 December 2022 (UTC) ::::{{re|ThunderingTyphoons!}} if nominations don't belong to one user, then perhaps would you like to explain why [[c:Template:Withdraw]], [[species:Template:Withdraw]], [[w:en:Template:Withdraw]], [[w:ar:قالب:سحب_ترشيح]], [[w:bh:टेम्पलेट:Withdraw]], [[w:bn:টেমপ্লেট:Withdraw]], [[w:ckb:داڕێژە:کشانەوەی پاڵاوتن]], [[w:et:Mall:Loobun]], [[w:fa:الگو:انصراف]], [[w:en:ಟೆಂಪ್ಲೇಟು:Withdraw]], [[w:shn:ထႅမ်းပလဵတ်ႉ:Withdraw]], [[w:sr:Шаблон:Withdraw]] and [[w:te:మూస:Withdraw]] all translate or say "I withdraw '''my''' nomination", with "my" being the key word here? The concept of a deletion nomination shouldn't differ by WMF project, so I'm a bit confused on why you think the concept of "my nominations" shouldn't exist. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 12:12, 30 December 2022 (UTC) :::::Forgive me, but my pontifications about the possible meanings of machine-translated sentences written in languages I don't speak on wikis I've never visited wouldn't be of use to anyone. :::::But to explain my thought process further, a nomination can of course be "mine" inasmuch as if I make the nomination, it originated from my brain, and was created by my fingers when I posted it. And yes, I can continue to refer to it as "my" nomination, but that's just semantics or sentimentality; I can't assert actual ownership over the nomination. Once the nomination is live on VFD, and especially once it's being considered by others, it is no longer mine to unilaterally withdraw, because that's not fair to other members of the community who have lent their time and consideration. Similarly, an article I start is no longer "mine" as soon as it's published, even if I continue to be the main or only contributor; this is a wiki after all. :::::If I rationally believed an article was worthy of deletion, then it is likely that other members of the community would agree and so if they had found the article before I did, they would have nominated it first. The question of who did nominate is unimportant. Even if I am alone in believing the article should be deleted, that can only be tested by a nomination that runs its course and that allows the whole community a say, or that at least provides an early consensus. The person who made the nomination doesn't have any special say over the outcome of the nomination; the community does.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 12:46, 30 December 2022 (UTC) ::::::"The concept of a deletion nomination shouldn't differ by WMF project"? Why not? If there remains a question about whether to delete or not, we can have our own policy. You wouldn't argue that we need to have a NPOV policy because some other Wikis have it, would you? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:02, 30 December 2022 (UTC) ::::::: There is an advantage of standardising some things across the WMF sites, so that readers and editors have an easy time approaching another project. However, people from other projects usually don't have enough of an understanding to contribute at deletion discussions. Sometimes they might have some valuable fresh viewpoints, but few from the outside can see when their viewpoint is just distracting. Thus, until you have followed the discussions long enough to learn the idiosyncrasies, you don't need to nominate articles or close the discussions, and thus the advantage of standardising is marginal. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 16:47, 30 December 2022 (UTC) :::::::{{re|Ikan Kekek}} each wiki can have its own policy regarding deletion nominations, but the concept of it shouldn't differ: a user nominates one or more pages for deletion because of some reason, then a discussion happens for a certain period of time and then the discussion is closed as either kept, deleted, redirected (or something else like getting another project to import the article). What can differ is the length, reasoning or outcome. NPOV is a completely different story because it's only a policy on Wikipedia, but likewise, the concept of NPOV shouldn't differ between different language Wikipedias. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 22:32, 30 December 2022 (UTC) ::::::{{re|ThunderingTyphoons!}} fair enough, but I don't think articles are comparable to DRs, but maybe that's because I spend more time on Commons' DRs than our VfD, which is where I've been influenced. I still favour Ikan's proposal, though (which is similar to what you're proposing: "if a clear consensus has developed early with little chance of dissent, or if the nomination is clearly not a real candidate for deletion", but with more detail). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 22:25, 30 December 2022 (UTC) == [[Wikivoyage:Votes_for_deletion#Archiving]] == Current text in this section includes: : When archiving, always '''make it clear''' to other editors what '''the outcome of the discussion''' was. This can be done by adding the result to the discussion in a ''separate edit'' from the one in which you remove the discussion from this page; or you can describe the outcome in the edit summary when you remove the discussion. I'd delete the suggestion of the edit summary. or change "or you can" to "you should also". It seems to me we always want the result in the archive since someone looking later will not see the edit summary. We also have: : If the nominated article, file or template '''was not deleted''', then place another (identical duplicate) copy of the deletion discussion on the discussion page of the article, file or template being kept or redirected. I'd change this to: : If the nominated article, file or template '''was not deleted''', then the nomination should be mentioned on its talk page. If the deletion discussion is reasonably short, place another (identical duplicate) copy of it on the talk page. For longer discussions, provide a link to the archive instead. Other opinions? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 13:04, 1 June 2024 (UTC) :I'm not a fan of duplicating discussions by copy-pasting it on the talk page and don't think this has been followed for quite some time – duplicating content is never a good idea. I would much rather require that only a link be placed to the deletion discussion for all cases. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 22:43, 1 June 2024 (UTC) ::However, one could copy the outcome declaration. That's short and could avoid need of clicking in some obvious cases (such as "speedy keep: no valid reason to delete"). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:28, 2 June 2024 (UTC) : {{tick}} Edited. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 20:56, 2 June 2024 (UTC) ::I think putting the deletion nomination thread on an article's talk page has often been done. I'm not sure archiving was always done thoroughly. I guess I feel like it's OK to have the thread there if anyone deems the article to be likely to be nominated for deletion again, but summarizing the discussion and providing a link to the relevant section of the archive is an acceptable alternative. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:47, 2 June 2024 (UTC) :::I'm also not opposed to how Commons deals with DRs that resulted in a keep (which is very effective in grabbing your attention) – we could at least experiment it for a month or two. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:00, 2 June 2024 (UTC) ::::I agree that Commons does this in a good way. There's room for doubt on whether it prevents further deletion requests, but it's certainly clear. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:50, 16 May 2025 (UTC) == User and user talk pages for users with no Wikivoyage contributions == What's our policy on pages like [[User talk:Зорана Филиповић]], which [[User:92.21.137.132]] provided a translation for that I reverted because I thought it was a user page and not a user talk page? [https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Special:Contributions/%D0%97%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B0_%D0%A4%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B8%D1%9B No user contributions] except for that page and their user page, [[User:Зорана Филиповић]], which is transcluded from Meta, and these pages are solely in Cyrillic. Meanwhile, this is stated in the translation to be a sock of [[User talk:Filipović Zoran]]. Should we delete the sock user and user talk pages? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:12, 30 June 2025 (UTC) : Yes, csrtainly. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:40, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::I agree they should be speedied. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 00:07, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::Looking deeply at both of the profiles, it's supposedly an editor with 138K edits [[https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:CentralAuth/Filipovi%C4%87_Zoran]] in Serbian and other wiki - and at least one profile shows already blocked [[https://sr.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=%D0%9F%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%B5%D0%B1%D0%BD%D0%BE:%D0%94%D0%BD%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%BA/block&page=User%3AFilipovi%C4%87+Zoran]] in some places. -- [[Special:Contributions/92.21.137.132|92.21.137.132]] 00:24, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::Any objection? We can afford to wait 24 hours, I figure. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:38, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::Yeah no harm waiting a day or two. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 01:36, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::The disclaimer should be on their meta user page instead, no need to copy it to talk pages on many projects. It, and the translation could be moved there, I suppose, but just deleting the talk page is no problem, I think. If they start contributing here, anybody checking the talk page history will see there are deleted versions. Do provide a helpful deletion rationale when deleting. ::::::For user pages, there are different cases. A new page could be from somebody who intends to start contributing, so should not be summarily deleted. We might also have active registered users who just don't contribute. They might have bookmarks etc. on the page. If the page looks legitimate and it doesn't have excess content, I don't think there is any harm in keeping it. At least the user should be notified and asked about it. Touting or propaganda from non-contributors doesn't need to be tolerated. ::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:32, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::If you're concerned about the deletion rationale, why don't you take care of the deletion tomorrow and supply your own rationale? And if you think this sockpuppet could ever be a useful Wikivoyage user, I suggest you look at the link I gave to the user talk page of their main account. They have never had any interest in using Wikivoyage as anything but a place to vent their frustration about Wikipedia, and that is not the function of this site. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:47, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::I can do the deletion OK. But I either need to do it prematurely or risk somebody else doing it before me (unless I have such a window at my disposal). ::::::::I don't think they will be a useful contributor, but the current mention of alternative accounts will help to see whether they have proved problematic on other projects, if they ever turn up (for venting frustration or otherwise). With a decent deletion rationale, any admin will know to check that deleted mention. ::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:31, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::You can always give an additional reason for a deletion that you type in on the second line of deletion reasons. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:28, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::Yes. But the one who deletes must write that reason. I just asked that whoever does this thinks for a few seconds about what to write, like they should when deleting a page with a name that refers to a valid topic. In that case any newbie trying to create the article will see a warning that includes that reason. It should make clear that the problem wasn't with the topic but what actually was written. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 17:52, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::I'm nominating you to type a reason you're satisfied with. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:44, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::<nowiki/>:-) ::::::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:35, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::I think I should be a bit blunt here: Basically, I feel that you're not that confident in me, or at least more resistant to deleting the user and user talk pages of totally useless Wikivoyage users (keeping in mind the still unresolved case of the WT-en touter), so you do it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:02, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::'''Done'''. I hope that you could leave that feeling behind. We may disagree on that one issue, but I respect you highly. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:49, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :{{re|Ikan Kekek|LPfi}} A bit more context I've learned about this specific user that an srwiki user told me in private (I won't disclose their username in public for their own safety): Zoran apparently has a history of spamming matters about his (srwiki) blocks on various different projects, sometimes using alts on unrelated projects like in this case. I will block both those accounts as per [[WV:ONESTRIKE]] (mirroring the srwiki block) because ideally I'd like to keep Zoran's activities out of enwikivoyage fully (though there is a chance they may be globally locked for x-wiki abuse). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 04:03, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::... and just like that, at 10:45 today, there's an unblocking request on the cyrillic user name talk page. -- [[Special:Contributions/92.21.137.132|92.21.137.132]] 11:38, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::I don't like the onestrike rule to be used other than in clear cases. It requires "a similar malicious edit on Wikivoyage" to the "vandalism or other malicious editing" they have done elsewhere. [[User:Filipović Zoran|Filipović Zoran]] and [[User:Зорана Филиповић|Зорана Филиповић]] were blocked as sockpupets of each other. Where is the vandalism or other malicious editing? I agree that non-contributors venting frustration of matters on other projects don't belong here, but that was handled in August. The new user page was created only as a pointer to the other account – with such a pointer, claims of sockpupetry are moot. My deleting the page on IK's request doesn't make the account a sockpuppet. ::If they should be globally banned, that's something for Meta, not for us. I limited the block period, not to have it count among "banned on X projects" when deciding on global blocks, until I am convinced there is some local reason for them to be blocked here. ::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:52, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::I don't think they will be a productive user here, but that's up to them. As long as they are non-contributors, there is no need to block them. Let's not make Wikivoyage a tool for fighting cross-wiki issues that don't concern us. I don't want to spend my Wikivoyage time on analysing issues on other projects. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 13:00, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::I am also concerned that the onestrike rule makes it easy to provoke a good-faith user to break rules on civility on one project, block or ban them there, and then use the onestrike rule to get them banned globally. To counter that, we should not ban users who haven't proven vandals or problem users over here. Block them with low threshold, yes, but don't ban them without a ban nomination and local reasons. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 13:04, 2 July 2025 (UTC) cg7vojvyd3d9aty11behx7kapsoacg4 5086613 5086612 2025-07-02T13:04:53Z LPfi 79572 /* User and user talk pages for users with no Wikivoyage contributions */ 5086613 wikitext text/x-wiki {{infobox|Archived discussions|* [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Archive 2004-2007]] * [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Archive 2008-2009]] * [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Archive 2010-2013‎]] * [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Archive 2014-2017‎]] * [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Deletion policy discussion|Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Deletion policy discussion (2018)]] * [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Archive 2018-2019]] }} == Categories - deleted or redirected? == A new user ([[User:Owain]]) has moved [[Conwy (county)]] to [[Conwy (county borough)]], and has thoughtfully changed the category at the same time, by changing the <nowiki>{{Is part of|xxx}}</nowiki> field in each of the affected articles to the new category. However, the old category page ([[:Category:Conwy (county)]]) is now blank, and I can't remember what we do with them. Do they just get deleted, or is there some attribution reason that they need to be kept and/or redirected to the new category? --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 16:32, 16 April 2020 (UTC) :I'd just go ahead and delete. Attribution is something we worry about for copyright purposes, and category pages which are merely lists of articles that fall into a certain geographical grouping (and, technically, are "edited" automatically by the MediaWiki software rather than by any particular human editor) do not qualify as copyrightable material. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 17:15, 16 April 2020 (UTC) ::Great, thank you. To confirm what you said, one of the drop down options of the deletion reasons is 'category renamed'.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 17:55, 16 April 2020 (UTC) == "List one article, file or template per entry" == Should this instruction be deprecated? We've had a few bulk nominations lately, and the preference has been to nominate them all under a single entry. [[User:Vaticidalprophet|Vaticidalprophet]] ([[User talk:Vaticidalprophet|talk]]) 20:41, 2 April 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''' per nom. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:07, 2 April 2021 (UTC) *'''Support'''. The line is a good idea in theory, not in practice.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 21:35, 2 April 2021 (UTC) *'''Support'''. I didn't even realize we theoretically had that guideline. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:13, 2 April 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''' - Stupid crap rule. [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] ([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]]) 08:37, 5 April 2021 (UTC) *:This looks like a consensus. Should I remove the line, and should it be replaced with anything? [[User:Vaticidalprophet|Vaticidalprophet]] ([[User talk:Vaticidalprophet|talk]]) 03:21, 11 April 2021 (UTC) :::That sentence should just be deleted. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:11, 11 April 2021 (UTC) == Redlinks, blue links or black links == Regarding the Finland Proper (Vkem) outlines: I wonder how we want real places to be handled in the case they should have articles. Redirecting a village that might be a common search term to the article where it is handled is an obvious solution, but in this case we have real places that are in fact not described anywhere. Previously they were redlinked in the region article to show that we want those articles. If the articles are created and redirected back, we will have blue links that just lead back, to the annoyance of readers. If we unlink the places, creating the article gets more difficult (and there is no hint we want those articles created, while there are several places mentioned about which we don't need articles. Is finding the region article more difficult if the places are just mentioned in the region article, without a redirect? Search engine-wise, a redirect might get us some more traffic, but just to annoy readers coming here and finding anything specifics about the place. Or should we make it a priority to create those articles, to avoid voids in our hierarchy? Then we shouldn't redirect real places that need articles, but create the outlines, as [[User:Vkem|Vkem]] did. Then the only problem is that we need the content also, which then should be given priority every time a region is created. The situation is probably different for regions that are weak outlines. For [[Finland Proper]] there is a thought-out complete structure. Some of the outlines may be hard to get featureable, but at least there should be some eat, sleep and do for each. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:19, 27 May 2021 (UTC) :This would be confusing. Since I'm well aware of this, I don't know how to respond to this. [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[w:User:SHB2000|en.wikipedia]])</small> 12:38, 27 May 2021 (UTC) ::I agree that a blue link that directs the reader back to the same article is a bad option. ::I don't agree with giving priority to creating articles just because some passerby has created a link. We have thousands of articles that need more content. Allowing our priorities to be determined by a well-intentioned editor like Vkem who isn't really involved in Wikivoyage would be a mistake. And not all of these places really warrants an article. I don't think that we can say that we want an article just because there is a redlink. :: I recently redirected an article for a bedroom community in the U.S. in which the only information that the article's creator provided was that there is a McDonalds in the community. They didn't provide an address for it though, or any other useful information. ::With a black link, a reader who arrives at the region article via a search can at least find the place in the article and on the map, so I think this is the best result. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:47, 27 May 2021 (UTC) ::: The redlinks in the region article were carefully planned, but the intention was to create them when somebody takes the time to write them. I think changing redlinks to black links is not an improvement. Is having the redirects an improvement that weights more than the drawback of having to turn the redlinks black? Read: I am challenging the policy of not deleting redirects from real places. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 14:34, 27 May 2021 (UTC) :::: What's a "black link"? Doesn't that just mean unlinked text? --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 14:36, 27 May 2021 (UTC) :::::Uh, yeah, that would be another way of putting it, since it isn't a link at all. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 15:11, 27 May 2021 (UTC) == Semi-Protect all == I think we should semi-protect all pages listed here, in case of edit warring or vandalism. --[[User:Crocusfleur|Crocusfleur]] ([[User talk:Crocusfleur|talk]]) 17:47, 19 June 2021 (UTC) :Which pages? --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 17:54, 19 June 2021 (UTC) ::Have there been cases of edit warring or vandalism of pages nominated for deletion? [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:46, 19 June 2021 (UTC) :::GZ has a good point here. If there's no history of vandalism (hopefully we don't jinx it) there's no need to semi-protect a page. The [[main page]] and some other critical pages, such as some template pages, are exceptional because vandals could do more damage by changing those, but in this case, without previous vandalism there is no need to semi-protect. A worthwhile thought though. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 21:54, 19 June 2021 (UTC) == Replace the vfd archive header? == ''Moved from [[WV:Pub|the pub]]''<br> I will start out by saying that I'm not a huge fan of [[Template:Deletion archive]], which doesn't look centred, and just doesn't look right for a header. Which is probably why it was never used much, and I'm guessing half of you didn't even know this template existed. I did some experimenting and thought a header like the header you see below might look better, with a more cleaner, neater and organised format. This can be changed anytime, so this doesn't have to be the fixed one. {{User:SHB2000/vfdat|previous=April 2021|next=June 2021|month=May 2021}} The code is pretty simple to work out as well, and the month= variable is automatic. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:57, 24 August 2021 (UTC) ---- <!--LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS BELOW THIS MESSAGE--> * '''Support''' as easy to navigate between months. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 11:47, 28 August 2021 (UTC) ::Given the lack of opposition, I'm going ahead. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:18, 7 September 2021 (UTC) == One-year rule on itineraries == Based on votes on this page, are we going to abolish this rule, or are there differences about its interpretation? For the purpose of discussion the rule is at [[Wikivoyage:Itineraries#"One year" deletion rule]], and here it is in full: ''Since just about any topic can be an itinerary, itineraries must either be actively worked on or achieve some level of completion to be kept. (Sufficiently famous, marked routes such as [[Alaska Highway]] or [[Annapurna Circuit]] are exempt from this rule.) As such, itineraries that have been at [[Project:Itinerary status|outline status]] or less for one year without being substantially edited are subject to deletion via the [[Project:Votes for deletion|votes for deletion]] process.'' My feeling is, if we are keeping the rule, "not a personal itinerary" shouldn't be a sufficient argument for keeping an article with no specific route that is therefore not in any sense usable; just because an itinerary isn't personal doesn't mean it's "sufficiently famous". But let's talk about that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:45, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :I would oppose abolishing this rule. Otherwise, we'd end up with a bunch of itineraries which don't give much information and give no incentive to the creator to make it usable. But I don't think this rule was really enforced that much, until I just checked some random itineraries. The last major mass deletions looks like it was in [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion/April 2011|2011]], more than 10 years ago. But I think we should take these on a case by case basis. :There's more that I have, but given the already mass overload here, I don't think we can handle that much at once. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:52, 18 September 2021 (UTC) ::I should also mention, that based on this reasoning "real itinerary" is not a valid reason to keep, and I'm particularly looking at the one for Nidaros Path and Mountains to Sound Greenway. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:56, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :::In 2011, we were overzealous in my opinion and, in the guise of deleting "personal itineraries", deleted usable articles because they weren't guide-level. I believe in being a bit liberal, in that a coherent, well-defined route can be OK, even if it's "personal". [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:59, 18 September 2021 (UTC) ::::But tbh, these are routes which per the deletion rules, can be deleted. I'm still confused on some of the keep votes on that were added yesterday (writing this 00:05 AEST). But deleting usable routes because it wasn't guide? (please tell me if I'm missing something there. Need to get some sleep). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 14:05, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :::::If you're missing something, it's that the usable itinerary articles that were deleted then were deemed "personal", and exceptions to the deletion policy for "personal" itineraries were given only to articles that were at guide level or higher (I don't think any were stars). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:11, 18 September 2021 (UTC) ::::::I see. I guess I'm too sleepy to think. But these ones that I nominated aren't personal, but just outlines that aren't famously marked. Maybe that policy needs copyediting. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 14:15, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :"As such, itineraries that have been at outline status or less for one year without being substantially edited are subject to deletion via the votes for deletion process." That doesn't mean articles at outline status for a year or more should be deleted; it means they are "subject" via the "deletion process," which indicates that a community consensus to keep any of these itineraries doesn't run contrary to policy. I think there are some itineraries nominated that indeed should be deleted, but they are many that while indeed have been made subject to deletion via this policy, ought not be deleted due to other policies in place, such as [[Wikivoyage:The traveler comes first]]. I certainly don't support deleting any itineraries without consensus. Consensus will develop naturally to delete the useless itineraries, but many others are developing votes to keep, and this is line with current policies that require consensus to delete travel articles (excepting copyvio, of course). <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 14:23, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :Although perhaps read the header of [[:Category:Outline itineraries]]. It says ''This page is for listing itineraries that have outline status. They will be deleted if not modified for one year.'' :–<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 14:30, 18 September 2021 (UTC) ::Categories are intended to list articles with some feature in common, and not to establish policy, so I would support removing that text from the category page. That text appears to come from [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Category:Outline_itineraries&oldid=1855956 before English Wikivoyage was formed]. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 14:33, 18 September 2021 (UTC) I commented "not personal itinerary on some. I don't feel we need to set the "sufficiently" threshold particularly high. My reading has been that a famous route will have readers looking for it, and with some luck people continuing where the article creator left, and even if it takes a few years, that's really not a problem (unless the itinerary is really bad). Personal itineraries, on the other hand, need to be well described to allow anyone to continue the work (and to bother). If no one caught on while it was being worked on, or soon after, it is unlikely to attract attention later. One reason not to keep the threshold high is that what is famous for some, is unknown to others. I didn't know about [[Alaska Highway]] or [[Annapurna Circuit]] before starting to write here. [[Nidaros Path]], deemed non-famous by the nominator, was the prime pilgrimage route in the Nordic countries in medieval times, and is regaining popularity – but how could somebody not from Europe know that, unless into pilgrimages? I'd think many Americans wouldn't know about [[Way of St. James]], although it is a huge thing. If some route is sufficiently famous that you'd expect there to be guidebooks about it, that should suffice. I think any Eurovelo or [[Long distance walking in Europe|ERA route]] should qualify. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 16:43, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :I think usable status should have been sufficient to keep "personal" itineraries if they had reasonable, coherent routes. In terms of the text [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] quotes above, I'd propose changing it to ''This page is for listing itineraries that have outline status. They may be deleted if not modified for one year.'' May, rather than will be deleted. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:28, 18 September 2021 (UTC) ::Agreed, but add "may be deleted [via the VFD process]" because we don't want people unilaterally deleting articles. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 21:38, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :::I reworded it to what Ikan wrote with a little bit of copyedits: ''They may be deleted if not modified or actively maintained for one year.''. I'll write that it may be nominated through RfD in just a sec. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:45, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :::: I think that addressing itinerary articles through VfD after a year is a good approach. It forces us to improve the articles if we can, or delete them if we can't. SHB2000's edits to the policy work. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 00:08, 19 September 2021 (UTC) : Sometimes there may be other solutions. Back in 200x when our coverage of China was quite spotty, I wrote "One week near Hong Kong" which was pretty much a personal itinerary. Later it became a region article, [[Pearl River Delta]], and by now that is a decent article. : For real routes like [[Tanami Track]], I do not think deletion should even be considered. Either keep it or merge it into a region article & redirect there. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 03:51, 19 September 2021 (UTC) : For an example of an itinerary that was prematurely deleted (by me) but later restored & made into a decent article, see [[Talk:Tiger Leaping Gorge]]. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 04:21, 19 September 2021 (UTC) ::[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], thanks for editing that language, but there's no such thing as "RfD" on this Wiki (and you initially confused me by using those initials on talk page threads). I will edit to [[Votes for deletion]] with a link. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:35, 19 September 2021 (UTC) :::[https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Category%3AOutline_itineraries&type=revision&diff=4295605&oldid=4295459 Done]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:39, 19 September 2021 (UTC) ::::Oops. RfD is something on meta and simple, not here. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:00, 19 September 2021 (UTC) ::Pashley, the "don't delete real places" is only for destination articles, not itineraries or topics. Oh and re Tanami Track... erm, it's not a notable track at all, but rather known as Australia's James Dalton Highway. Couldn't find any photos of this track on commons, but if Google Street Trekker does a good job in visualising that route, [https://goo.gl/maps/RZyoHaGsNuRaEnUh7 this] is apparently the best part of the route. There's no way that's notable. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:37, 19 September 2021 (UTC) == Danube Cycleway deletion == I supported deletion, but I think it's worth discussing whether per [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Deleting, or not]], the article should have been kept or deleted. At first glance, it wouldn't appear that there was a consensus to delete at [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion/September 2021#Danube Cycleway]]. 3-2 is not an obvious consensus. And while I obviously agree that the delete arguments are stronger than the keep arguments, here is the relevant policy: * If there is '''no consensus''' after 14 days, allow a further 7 days for discussion. ** If, after the additional 7 days, there is '''no consensus''', the page should be '''kept''' – any Wikivoyager may remove any VFD notices from that page, and archive the deletion discussion. So what's the deletion argument? I think that would have to do with the definition of "consensus" - what it is and what it's not. From [[Wikivoyage:Consensus#What consensus is not]]: * '''Consensus is not unanimity'''. While we should always try to find a solution that works for everyone, in practice this is not always possible. Make sure all concerns are discussed and addressed, but consensus can still be reached even if compromises that please everyone cannot be found. * '''Consensus is not a majority'''. While it would be rare that consensus would be declared when the result represents a minority opinion, well-reasoned arguments based on existing policies and practice should carry more weight than a "support" comment that is unaccompanied by any sort of reasoning or justification. I don't think anyone would say that [[User:LPfi]]'s keep vote is "unaccompanied by any sort of reasoning or justification", but the argument to keep is unaccompanied by any actionable advice on how to establish the route of the now-deleted itinerary. In short, I would defer to [[User:SHB2000]]'s deletion rationale. But I still think a discussion is appropriate, since a nomination for undeletion would not be successful (further quoting from [[Wikivoyage:Consensus#What consensus is not]]): ''Note that the bar for determining a consensus should be higher when changing a past consensus, so while a small majority might suffice for resolving a minor issue, a super majority backed by strong arguments should be required before changing past consensus (see also the "[[#Status quo bias|Status quo bias]]" section below).'' So what do you all think? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:55, 8 October 2021 (UTC) : The guide is little use in current shape and I have little hope of improvements in near future, so I won't contest the deletion, but IK's last point prompts consideration. : I now copied the VFD discussion to the article's talk page. The reason for deletion was "Per the one year rule for itineraries" and "it's been given 14 days to be worked on" I think it should be evident that if anybody starts working on the itinerary, these arguments are moot. If somebody thinks that new work can be deleted based on this VFD discussion, then we need clarification to the guidelines. : –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:07, 8 October 2021 (UTC) ::Well, if someone starts working on it, then that would not make it valid for RfD. Though, I do think the guidelines are somewhat too loose and can differ based on personal opinions. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:39, 8 October 2021 (UTC) :::The rule for itineraries is one year; this article was given 11 years. If someone had started work on it, or indicated an intention to work on it, they should have been given time. But no-one did. I don't think another 7 days would have changed anything. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:41, 8 October 2021 (UTC) ::::hence why I deleted it. It was 3-2, and you and Ikan had better arguments in my opinion and seemed consensus to me. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:49, 8 October 2021 (UTC) :::::Without weighing in on whether deletion is a good idea, it is clear that there was not consensus for deletion, so per policy it should not have been deleted. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:42, 8 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::Let's please try to avoid using RfD, which is not a valid abbreviation on this site. Should we undo the deletion? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:36, 8 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::I subconsciously use RfD when I'm not thinking properly. And technically, no we can't unilaterally undelete it as it has to go through the [[vfu]] process. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:00, 9 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::Not if we decide it should not have been deleted per lack of consensus. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:18, 9 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::However, now given that LPfi has mentioned "The guide is little use in current shape and I have little hope of improvements in near future, so I won't contest the deletion, but IK's last point prompts consideration." :::::::::So really, that gives 3 deletes, 1 neutral and 1 delete, based on LPfi's earlier argument. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:25, 9 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::::If so, that would be a consensus, in my opinion. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:02, 9 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::::Yep, sure does. Even for those like [[Template talk:Mapframe2|Template:Mapframe2]], while there were 3 to delete, 1 comment and 1 keep, who was LPfi, as their argument was much more stronger into keeping it, hence kept. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:43, 9 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::::::Is that defensible per current policy? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:10, 9 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::::::Technically, the two votes that were to delete were either just a vote or "per nom". Even then, my rationale for deletion still wasn't a strong enough reason to delete, and hence kept. Not to forget that Alasdair also seemed to be leaning towards a keep as well. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:17, 9 October 2021 (UTC) == Camp Chase Trail discussion == This deletion discussion has been closed with the article merged after only a day of discussion and little participation. This is contrary to policy, which calls for 14 days of discussion, and really too fast for anyone to be expected to keep up with. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:39, 11 October 2021 (UTC) :I can close my nominations early if I want to withdraw my deletion nom early. In this case, I merged the info already, so I had every right to withdraw my nom. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:03, 12 October 2021 (UTC) ::Generally I agree with SHB, but in this case the closure was quick for a merger discussion which should take a few days. I would be happy with a policy change that allowed a non-deletion closure after 5 days if the nominator agrees. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 20:33, 13 October 2021 (UTC) :::I '''support''' [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]]’s proposal to create a clear policy on this issue. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 20:37, 13 October 2021 (UTC) :::I would generally '''support''' Alasair's wording, but then we run into a loophole here. Anyone can withdraw their own nominations any time they like, and anyone can merge articles whenever they want, without discussion (although it is quite suspicious when IPs do that), so all we have is two policies that contradict each other. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:26, 14 October 2021 (UTC) ::::Discussions are generally encouraged before articles are merged, although it is only said to be "worthwile" in [[Wikivoyage:How to merge two pages]]. ::::A policy should have additional words including allowing withdrawal by the nominator ("oh I hadn't realised that this page is useful for..."), admins deciding that the nomination is an obvious speedy case, and cancelling requests by vandals (not seen that here, but I have seen it on Commons). [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:51, 14 October 2021 (UTC) :::::Merge proposals can be discussed on the talk pages of the articles in question. I would oppose any kind of guideline that in any way suggests that VfD is the most appropriate place to discuss merges. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:56, 14 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::And similarly, if anyone objects to a merge, this is not the most appropriate place to address that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:56, 14 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::Agree. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:58, 14 October 2021 (UTC) :::::True, but there's lots of merges I've done without discussion (and {{u|Ground Zero}} does the same). [[Special:Diff/4308621]] is an example of one of my recent uncontroversial merges. Out of about let's say 100 merges I've done, only [[Talk:Khancoban|Khancoban]] seemed to be a controversial one. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:57, 14 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::A merger without discussion is permitted by [[Wikivoyage:How to merge two pages]]: :::::::"Unless the need for a merge is really obvious, it may be worthwhile to start a discussion before doing a merge." ::::::Contributors will disagree on what is or is not "obvious". If other editors disagree with a merger, then the merging editor will have to go through the hassle of defending the merger and will be more cautious about doing it again. I have probably erred on the side of being too cautious, and I have not had objections to my mergers whether discussed or not discussed. There is a lot of clean up of old stub articles needed, and props to SHB2000 for their work in improving Wikivoyage. It is inevitable that the occasional merger will be done too precipitously, but a merger can always be undone. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 23:26, 14 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::(It is easy, in my opinion, to show that an article ''shouldn't'' be merged — or shouldn't have been merged — by expanding an article to make it usable. That is more productive than arguing over process, IMHO.) [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 23:34, 14 October 2021 (UTC) == User:SHB2000/lc template == Forgive me if this has already been dealt with, as I've been away from admin stuff. The template [[User:SHB2000/lc]] has been used several times for different nominations, but has it been approved by the community? If it has, I'd expect to see the discussion either still in the Pub or archived somewhere sensible like [[User talk:SHB2000/lc]].--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 08:51, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :Can't I use my ''own'' userspace templates in ''my'' nominations? How would this have been dealt with, if I used wikitext in the same way in my nominations? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:06, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :I realise that there's no point in arguing over a *''userspace transclusion''*, so I just removed it. [(redacted)] <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:25, 18 October 2021 (UTC) ::I don't know why you're getting snarky with me about it, as I think my original question was polite and based in the policy which we're both tasked with enforcing. We have a policy about new templates that you've said you understand, and that obviously covers userspace templates too (why would they be any different when they're being used in mainspace?). Thank you for removing them when asked; hopefully, I won't have to in future.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 09:58, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::I'm sorry if I became passive aggressive there, and I apologise for that. But there doesn't seem to be any policy on userspace templates being used, is there? Or what'd happen if I substituted the template (which if I used let's say nominating [[Pomona (Queensland)]] for deletion and I used <span class="plainlinks">[[:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}]] ([{{fullurl:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}|action=edit}} edit] &middot; [[{{TALKPAGENAME:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}}}|talk]] &middot; [{{fullurl:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}|action=history}} history] &middot; [{{fullurl:Special:Whatlinkshere/{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}|limit=999}} links] &middot; [{{fullurl:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}|action=watch}} watch] &middot; [{{fullurl:Special:Log|page={{urlencode:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}}}}} logs] &middot; [{{fullurl:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}|action=delete}} delete])</span>, would that be considered using templates?) <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:06, 18 October 2021 (UTC) ::::I think the edit link is confusing. I would expect it to edit the discussion, not the nominated article. Why would i want to edit the article without reading it first? [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 10:28, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::The edit link may be confusing, but there's no denying on whether the talk or history pages are useful. The page logs aren't also that important, but it can help (the only instances where I personally think its useful when its used to detect Brendan edits) :::::The delete button is also quite convenient for the closing admin. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:34, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::: There is a practice on what nominations and the discussions look like. It seems you are trying to change that practice, and while plunging forward by introducing links you find useful might be OK, if others don't thank you for the bright idea, it might be better to discuss whether we want those links and templates. Thus they should be introduced like any other templates, regardless of where they live – moved to template space if they get support, not used and possibly deleted if they don't. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 11:44, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::No I am not trying to change the practice and I mainly used it for my personal use. I'm merely adding it so it's much more easier to delete it. Given that these days I'm the one who's deleting most of the articles these days, it's much more convenient to have a link that allows me to delete the article in one click. :::::::And we also recently discussed that we're never deleting templates merely because it lacked community support (it'll just be moved to the user's userspace). In this case, it's already in my userspace. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:51, 18 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::Templates that are in your userspace shouldn't be used outside of your userspace, i.e. in mainspace or projectspace. It's not "your personal use" when it's being used on a community page that everyone can edit. They're not "your nominations", either; they're ''community nominations'' submitted by you ''for the community's consideration'', and they should be made in the standard way that the community has come to expect. ::::::::I'm sorry, but using userspace templates in projectspace comes across to me as a rather clever (but unfair) way of circumventing a policy you don't like. We've all got to live with policies we don't like as a necessary part of editing a wiki; the alternative to editing within a community-led set of policies is we just individually pick and choose to follow the rules that suit us and ignore the ones that don't suit us. If that happens, then the whole system of collaborative editing by consensus breaks down, and our "travel guide that everyone can edit" ceases to work in the interests of travellers. ::::::::I'm guessing I may come across as anti-template, or maybe even anti-SHB2000's templates. But this couldn't be further from the truth; I'm pro-innovation. But first and foremost I'm interested in ensuring that policy applies to, and is observed by, everyone equally. ::::::::For this particular template, I agree with LPfi, and would even further say that it would be useful in a slightly modified form (i.e. removing the 'edit' button, and any others that might not be relevant) and that I would use it myself. However, my future support is conditional on this template being proposed for the community's approval in the normal way; if and when it's approved, it should be moved out of your userspace into templatespace. ::::::::Also, we may need to specify on [[Wikivoyage:Using MediaWiki templates]] that "If new templates fail to gain community support, they will eventually be moved to the template creator's userspace." means that those templates are not to be used outside of userspace. I thought this was pretty clear already, but apparently not... ::::::::All that being said, I appreciate and accept your apology above.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 13:55, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::I think that an occasional editor would expect the delete link to record a "delete" vote, not take them to a page saying "Permission error". I get having such a link on Commons where the closing admin migt have to delete a list of 20 imgaes after a sinle nomination, but I don't see the need here. I also agree with TT that userspace templetes should not be used in project space, except for a single example when discussing moving the template to mainspace. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 15:00, 18 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::::That's the whole point; otherwise, we'd be restricting the use of a template to a single individual, not to their userspace. Please, [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], you do great work, but especially as an admin, you need to not only respect consensus but uphold it as the fundamental way this site operates in your statements and model your respect for it to other users. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:11, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::I must dispute the following statement "''They're not "your nominations", either; they're community nominations submitted by you for the community's consideration, and they should be made in the standard way that the community has come to expect.''". First of all, they're still my nominations, since I irrevocably release my text under the CC BY-SA License, and in no way does that ever state that I'm handing over those nominations to the community. I still hold the copyright for those, and so they are '''not''' "they're community nominations submitted by you for the community's consideration" and so they're still the nominations of whoever started them. b) "the standard way that the community has come to expect.". I cannot find any place where it says that as well. So until you direct me to where that's told, then again, there's nothing saying how I should format those nominations. :::::::::Let's say I used a template (call it {{tl|tnr}} for example), and it's main purpose is to get text in Times New Roman. So if I used <nowiki> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman; color:green"> Some text here</span></nowiki> instead of this example {{tl|tnr}} template which would both produce <span style="font-family:Times New Roman; color:green"> Some text here</span>. Now that plain text I was using had no templates in it, nor is a substituted template. I'll let you all decide for yourselves on how that'd be taken. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 21:23, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::::You've completely missed, or certainly failed to address, the wider points. I suggest some closer reading and reflection.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 08:27, 19 October 2021 (UTC) == Help needed == I slushed the Puerto Rican stubs nom for now, but it's 4:12 AM and I have to wake up for work in about 5 hours, so I'd be very grateful if someone else could remove all the VfD templates from the articles in question. Please see the thread at [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion/March 2022#Puerto Rico skeletons with a byte count lower than 600 created by Ligocsicnarf89 (talk · contribs)]]. And thanks! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:13, 31 March 2022 (UTC) :@[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] btw I'm happy for anyone to rollback my edits to those articles as it's a pretty tedious thing to do manually. However, do get some sleep first. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:35, 31 March 2022 (UTC) :: vfd templates removed. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:54, 31 March 2022 (UTC) :::Thanks for removing them :-). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:00, 31 March 2022 (UTC) ::::Thank you! -- [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:31, 31 March 2022 (UTC) == Closure comments == There is an argument on a user page on what comments are suitable when closing a VFD thread. If I interpret [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] correctly, they think any comments that don't conflict with any specific rule is OK, while IK and I disagree. See [[Special:Permalink/4569290#Sorry for editing an archive]]. I added the following to the instructions, to have the requested rule, and got reverted: : The note on whether the article was kept should be objective; if you have an opinion that needs to be voiced, voice it during the discussion – if you didn't until now, either keep silent or give others time to comment on it by not taking action yet. The addition hadn't been discussed other than in that user page thread, so the reversion was anticipated. Now, what does the community think about the issue? Do you agree with me or SHB? Should there be written advice? Is the suggested wording OK? Should there be some more general wording in [[Wikivoyage:Administrators' handbook]] covering also this? Any general comments? –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:47, 26 November 2022 (UTC) :My 2 cents: :* Not allowing users to voice their opinion is antithetical to the purpose of a discussion :* Discussions are immediately archived once the outcome has been reached; this is per [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Deleting, or not]] :* Yes, you're right that my rationale behind standing by my comment doesn't conflict with any specific policy :* It's probably not a good idea to include it in the [[Wikivoyage:Administrators' handbook]] as any Wikivoyager can close a DR if the outcome was keep or redirect – this is also per [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Deleting, or not]] :I am opposed to the addition of [[Special:Diff/4569292]], because the purpose of vfd is to ''not'' "keep silent", and "giv[ing] others time to comment on it by not taking action yet" contradicts [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Deleting, or not]]. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 22:51, 26 November 2022 (UTC) ::Closing a discussion means no longer arguing about it. I still find it incredible, inflammatory, and in incredibly bad grace to have to have a discussion about this at all. I'd observe that SHB2000 tried to argue that a consensus was not a consensus the last time he showed bad grace in a Vfd closing. Anyone who can't close Vfd threads without trying to get a pot-shot in at the end should not close Vfd threads. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:06, 26 November 2022 (UTC) :::So, let's put it this way. You disagree with my opinion, and are insisting me to follow what ''you'' think should be common practice, even though this is not a policy, at least not yet. Then, you indirectly claim that your opinion is somehow superior to mine and I should follow it, and now claim that the common practice to enroot this into a Wikivoyage policy is "<span style="color:darkred;font-family:Georgia">incredible, inflammatory, and in incredibly bad grace</span>". So, who's being hypocritical here? <s> Oh, and that discussion really wasn't a consensus – there were only two more delete !votes, and a lot of the keep !votes were [[w:WP:PERX]].</s> --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 23:53, 26 November 2022 (UTC) ::::And you still haven't answered my question from yesterday: if you so vehemently disagreed with my statement, why didn't you close the article yourself 10 days ago, when the article was due to be closed? --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 23:55, 26 November 2022 (UTC) :::::That's not a valid argument. We're all volunteers here, I'm a busy man, and I don't always think about closing Vfd threads here. None of that is an excuse for you to break the precedent of not editorializing and insulting the consensus when closing. Come on, man! You do a lot of good work, but you sometimes just don't seem to understand when to drop it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:01, 27 November 2022 (UTC) ::::::And for the record, what you tried to claim was not a consensus was [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion/May 2022|8-3]]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:10, 27 November 2022 (UTC) :::::::I stand corrected; have struck that comment. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 01:24, 27 November 2022 (UTC) *Oppose. I don't think we need to change the policy because one editor made a comment some people didn't like. This editorialising does not disrupt the functioning of our travel guide, and let's recognize that SHB was doing a necessary administrative function in closing the discussion even though he didn't agree with the conclusion. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 02:46, 27 November 2022 (UTC) ::I'm surprised. I thought you would find fault with such a closing comment even though you would agree with the substance. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:01, 27 November 2022 (UTC) :::As the closing comment is not something that affects the reader, I don't see the need to regulate it, especially in response to a single closing comment. This seems like a sledgehammer/fly situation. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:51, 27 November 2022 (UTC) *::The bottom line is, not everyone disagrees with my comment, as you seem to think. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 07:15, 27 November 2022 (UTC) : I agree with LPfi & Ikan; such comments are extremely bad form. I do not think a single instance merits either a policy change or any sort of disciplinary action against the user, but a persistent pattern of such actions might. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 04:02, 28 November 2022 (UTC) :: The "bottom line", as I see it, is that whether anyone agrees with the comment is utterly irrelevant; the comment was clearly made in the wrong place. :: It would have been appropriate either as part of the deletion discussion or raising an issue on either the VFD or Deletion policy talk page. However, adding a snarky remark in the archive &mdash; where no-one is likely to see it & anyone who does cannot reply &mdash; was out of line. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 07:53, 28 November 2022 (UTC) == Using this page to propose merge/redirects == This page was not envisioned to be used for that purpose, and it is in my opinion quite an unnecessary use of volunteer time. If you think a merge/redirect should be done and it's unlikely to be controversial, just do it if you have the time. If you think it might be controversial, start a thread on the talk page of the article to be merged and have a discussion there. I can't think of any good reason to use this page to propose anything other than deletion. Note that it does take more time to close discussions here than to simply have discussions on talk pages. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:30, 17 December 2022 (UTC) :I think this page can still be used if a user is indifferent to whether an article should be deleted or redirected (e.g., some of our recent destination articles nominated for deletion); I agree with you that the airport articles could have been better handled on the relevant talk page, though. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 00:02, 18 December 2022 (UTC) ::If there's a reasonable basis for proposing deletion, that's what this page is for. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:08, 18 December 2022 (UTC) ::: But if you are indifferent, why not just merge and redirect? It mostly requires less effort than the discussion and possible later merger. The history will be there (easily found if correctly attributed) for those who might want to revive the article with additional info that would make it pass the whiaa test. The redirect seldom does harm (and if you think it does, ''then'' take it here). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 13:06, 18 December 2022 (UTC) == Withdrawing nominations == In many fora, one is allowed to withdraw one's own proposal, but as SHB2000 notes, "there's no policy on en.voy explicitly allowing this". I think there shouldn't be one. To the contrary, as soon as a nomination is posted, other contributors put time and thought in evaluating the article and articulating their standpoints. This effort is mostly lost in a speedy closure, and the thoughts shared may have implications on other articles than the one nominated. Also, consensus might be to delete the article despite the nominator changing their mind, and a second nomination shouldn't be needed. Thus I think the discussion should be allowed to continue for the normal time, unless there is consensus for something else or there is some good reason to speedy the decision. I think the judgement on the latter should be left to somebody else. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 16:32, 29 December 2022 (UTC) :Withdrawing serves to prevent attracting input (meaning time and energy) to an inoperative process; it is such when it is 100% certain not to result in a change. People will air their views, and these might be icredibly articulate and wise, but it doesn't create a tangible benefit for the project. I don't think that a policy change is necessary in order to allow withdrawing, but just as well, withdrawing should not be considered prohibited when not prescribed by policy. Withdrawing should only be done if absolutely all of the votes are to keep. If there is even a single delete vote anyone should feel free to reopen the discussion. [[User:Alalch E.|Alalch E.]] ([[User talk:Alalch E.|talk]]) 17:07, 29 December 2022 (UTC) :For example, I really think that it makes sense for {{u|SHB2000}} to withdraw [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Surfing]] ''now'' (and only now), when everyone agrees (which was not the case initially). [[User:Alalch E.|Alalch E.]] ([[User talk:Alalch E.|talk]]) 17:18, 29 December 2022 (UTC) ::We should adopt some guideline that nominations can be speedily withdrawn when there isn't even a proposal for deletion or none of the people responding support deletion, such as when whether to merge/redirect or to which article is being unnecessarily argued about on this page. I would suggest that a nomination for other than deletion be immediately withdrawn unless someone suggests deletion in the response thread before it is deleted, and that otherwise, if after 3 days, there is no support for deletion, a nomination can be speedily resolved as a keep, but that if the resolution is deletion, at least 7 days are needed. The way around that, in my opinion, is to start a thread on the article's talk page, where the person who started the article could agree to deletion if very little if anything has been added by others, or sometimes, articles are speedily deleted without a proposal here because they are so obviously irrelevant or are copyright violation. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:06, 29 December 2022 (UTC) :I thought it was allowed (and have done so in the past with no dramas), until that nomination. Nominators should be allowed to close their nominations whenever they choose to, with the prejudice that it's appropriate. I like Ikan Kekek's proposal and we could trial this next year. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 20:26, 29 December 2022 (UTC) ::I think the reason it was uncontroversial before is that opinion was probably unanimous, though correct me if I'm wrong. But in the most recent case, I know I wondered what had happened and was surprised to see a deletion thread that as yet had no unanimous opinion speedily archived. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:46, 29 December 2022 (UTC) :::I don't think we should be able to withdraw "our" nominations early, primarily because there's no such thing as "my nomination", only a nomination submitted to the community for consideration. Of course there are some exceptions: if a clear consensus has developed early with little chance of dissent, or if the nomination is clearly not a real candidate for deletion (e.g. something that should be merged).--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 09:33, 30 December 2022 (UTC) ::::{{re|ThunderingTyphoons!}} if nominations don't belong to one user, then perhaps would you like to explain why [[c:Template:Withdraw]], [[species:Template:Withdraw]], [[w:en:Template:Withdraw]], [[w:ar:قالب:سحب_ترشيح]], [[w:bh:टेम्पलेट:Withdraw]], [[w:bn:টেমপ্লেট:Withdraw]], [[w:ckb:داڕێژە:کشانەوەی پاڵاوتن]], [[w:et:Mall:Loobun]], [[w:fa:الگو:انصراف]], [[w:en:ಟೆಂಪ್ಲೇಟು:Withdraw]], [[w:shn:ထႅမ်းပလဵတ်ႉ:Withdraw]], [[w:sr:Шаблон:Withdraw]] and [[w:te:మూస:Withdraw]] all translate or say "I withdraw '''my''' nomination", with "my" being the key word here? The concept of a deletion nomination shouldn't differ by WMF project, so I'm a bit confused on why you think the concept of "my nominations" shouldn't exist. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 12:12, 30 December 2022 (UTC) :::::Forgive me, but my pontifications about the possible meanings of machine-translated sentences written in languages I don't speak on wikis I've never visited wouldn't be of use to anyone. :::::But to explain my thought process further, a nomination can of course be "mine" inasmuch as if I make the nomination, it originated from my brain, and was created by my fingers when I posted it. And yes, I can continue to refer to it as "my" nomination, but that's just semantics or sentimentality; I can't assert actual ownership over the nomination. Once the nomination is live on VFD, and especially once it's being considered by others, it is no longer mine to unilaterally withdraw, because that's not fair to other members of the community who have lent their time and consideration. Similarly, an article I start is no longer "mine" as soon as it's published, even if I continue to be the main or only contributor; this is a wiki after all. :::::If I rationally believed an article was worthy of deletion, then it is likely that other members of the community would agree and so if they had found the article before I did, they would have nominated it first. The question of who did nominate is unimportant. Even if I am alone in believing the article should be deleted, that can only be tested by a nomination that runs its course and that allows the whole community a say, or that at least provides an early consensus. The person who made the nomination doesn't have any special say over the outcome of the nomination; the community does.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 12:46, 30 December 2022 (UTC) ::::::"The concept of a deletion nomination shouldn't differ by WMF project"? Why not? If there remains a question about whether to delete or not, we can have our own policy. You wouldn't argue that we need to have a NPOV policy because some other Wikis have it, would you? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:02, 30 December 2022 (UTC) ::::::: There is an advantage of standardising some things across the WMF sites, so that readers and editors have an easy time approaching another project. However, people from other projects usually don't have enough of an understanding to contribute at deletion discussions. Sometimes they might have some valuable fresh viewpoints, but few from the outside can see when their viewpoint is just distracting. Thus, until you have followed the discussions long enough to learn the idiosyncrasies, you don't need to nominate articles or close the discussions, and thus the advantage of standardising is marginal. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 16:47, 30 December 2022 (UTC) :::::::{{re|Ikan Kekek}} each wiki can have its own policy regarding deletion nominations, but the concept of it shouldn't differ: a user nominates one or more pages for deletion because of some reason, then a discussion happens for a certain period of time and then the discussion is closed as either kept, deleted, redirected (or something else like getting another project to import the article). What can differ is the length, reasoning or outcome. NPOV is a completely different story because it's only a policy on Wikipedia, but likewise, the concept of NPOV shouldn't differ between different language Wikipedias. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 22:32, 30 December 2022 (UTC) ::::::{{re|ThunderingTyphoons!}} fair enough, but I don't think articles are comparable to DRs, but maybe that's because I spend more time on Commons' DRs than our VfD, which is where I've been influenced. I still favour Ikan's proposal, though (which is similar to what you're proposing: "if a clear consensus has developed early with little chance of dissent, or if the nomination is clearly not a real candidate for deletion", but with more detail). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 22:25, 30 December 2022 (UTC) == [[Wikivoyage:Votes_for_deletion#Archiving]] == Current text in this section includes: : When archiving, always '''make it clear''' to other editors what '''the outcome of the discussion''' was. This can be done by adding the result to the discussion in a ''separate edit'' from the one in which you remove the discussion from this page; or you can describe the outcome in the edit summary when you remove the discussion. I'd delete the suggestion of the edit summary. or change "or you can" to "you should also". It seems to me we always want the result in the archive since someone looking later will not see the edit summary. We also have: : If the nominated article, file or template '''was not deleted''', then place another (identical duplicate) copy of the deletion discussion on the discussion page of the article, file or template being kept or redirected. I'd change this to: : If the nominated article, file or template '''was not deleted''', then the nomination should be mentioned on its talk page. If the deletion discussion is reasonably short, place another (identical duplicate) copy of it on the talk page. For longer discussions, provide a link to the archive instead. Other opinions? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 13:04, 1 June 2024 (UTC) :I'm not a fan of duplicating discussions by copy-pasting it on the talk page and don't think this has been followed for quite some time – duplicating content is never a good idea. I would much rather require that only a link be placed to the deletion discussion for all cases. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 22:43, 1 June 2024 (UTC) ::However, one could copy the outcome declaration. That's short and could avoid need of clicking in some obvious cases (such as "speedy keep: no valid reason to delete"). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:28, 2 June 2024 (UTC) : {{tick}} Edited. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 20:56, 2 June 2024 (UTC) ::I think putting the deletion nomination thread on an article's talk page has often been done. I'm not sure archiving was always done thoroughly. I guess I feel like it's OK to have the thread there if anyone deems the article to be likely to be nominated for deletion again, but summarizing the discussion and providing a link to the relevant section of the archive is an acceptable alternative. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:47, 2 June 2024 (UTC) :::I'm also not opposed to how Commons deals with DRs that resulted in a keep (which is very effective in grabbing your attention) – we could at least experiment it for a month or two. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:00, 2 June 2024 (UTC) ::::I agree that Commons does this in a good way. There's room for doubt on whether it prevents further deletion requests, but it's certainly clear. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:50, 16 May 2025 (UTC) == User and user talk pages for users with no Wikivoyage contributions == What's our policy on pages like [[User talk:Зорана Филиповић]], which [[User:92.21.137.132]] provided a translation for that I reverted because I thought it was a user page and not a user talk page? [https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Special:Contributions/%D0%97%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B0_%D0%A4%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B8%D1%9B No user contributions] except for that page and their user page, [[User:Зорана Филиповић]], which is transcluded from Meta, and these pages are solely in Cyrillic. Meanwhile, this is stated in the translation to be a sock of [[User talk:Filipović Zoran]]. Should we delete the sock user and user talk pages? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:12, 30 June 2025 (UTC) : Yes, csrtainly. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:40, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::I agree they should be speedied. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 00:07, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::Looking deeply at both of the profiles, it's supposedly an editor with 138K edits [[https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:CentralAuth/Filipovi%C4%87_Zoran]] in Serbian and other wiki - and at least one profile shows already blocked [[https://sr.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=%D0%9F%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%B5%D0%B1%D0%BD%D0%BE:%D0%94%D0%BD%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%BA/block&page=User%3AFilipovi%C4%87+Zoran]] in some places. -- [[Special:Contributions/92.21.137.132|92.21.137.132]] 00:24, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::Any objection? We can afford to wait 24 hours, I figure. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:38, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::Yeah no harm waiting a day or two. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 01:36, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::The disclaimer should be on their meta user page instead, no need to copy it to talk pages on many projects. It, and the translation could be moved there, I suppose, but just deleting the talk page is no problem, I think. If they start contributing here, anybody checking the talk page history will see there are deleted versions. Do provide a helpful deletion rationale when deleting. ::::::For user pages, there are different cases. A new page could be from somebody who intends to start contributing, so should not be summarily deleted. We might also have active registered users who just don't contribute. They might have bookmarks etc. on the page. If the page looks legitimate and it doesn't have excess content, I don't think there is any harm in keeping it. At least the user should be notified and asked about it. Touting or propaganda from non-contributors doesn't need to be tolerated. ::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:32, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::If you're concerned about the deletion rationale, why don't you take care of the deletion tomorrow and supply your own rationale? And if you think this sockpuppet could ever be a useful Wikivoyage user, I suggest you look at the link I gave to the user talk page of their main account. They have never had any interest in using Wikivoyage as anything but a place to vent their frustration about Wikipedia, and that is not the function of this site. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:47, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::I can do the deletion OK. But I either need to do it prematurely or risk somebody else doing it before me (unless I have such a window at my disposal). ::::::::I don't think they will be a useful contributor, but the current mention of alternative accounts will help to see whether they have proved problematic on other projects, if they ever turn up (for venting frustration or otherwise). With a decent deletion rationale, any admin will know to check that deleted mention. ::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:31, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::You can always give an additional reason for a deletion that you type in on the second line of deletion reasons. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:28, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::Yes. But the one who deletes must write that reason. I just asked that whoever does this thinks for a few seconds about what to write, like they should when deleting a page with a name that refers to a valid topic. In that case any newbie trying to create the article will see a warning that includes that reason. It should make clear that the problem wasn't with the topic but what actually was written. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 17:52, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::I'm nominating you to type a reason you're satisfied with. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:44, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::<nowiki/>:-) ::::::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:35, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::I think I should be a bit blunt here: Basically, I feel that you're not that confident in me, or at least more resistant to deleting the user and user talk pages of totally useless Wikivoyage users (keeping in mind the still unresolved case of the WT-en touter), so you do it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:02, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::'''Done'''. I hope that you could leave that feeling behind. We may disagree on that one issue, but I respect you highly. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:49, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :{{re|Ikan Kekek|LPfi}} A bit more context I've learned about this specific user that an srwiki user told me in private (I won't disclose their username in public for their own safety): Zoran apparently has a history of spamming matters about his (srwiki) blocks on various different projects, sometimes using alts on unrelated projects like in this case. I will block both those accounts as per [[WV:ONESTRIKE]] (mirroring the srwiki block) because ideally I'd like to keep Zoran's activities out of enwikivoyage fully (though there is a chance they may be globally locked for x-wiki abuse). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 04:03, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::... and just like that, at 10:45 today, there's an unblocking request on the cyrillic user name talk page. -- [[Special:Contributions/92.21.137.132|92.21.137.132]] 11:38, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::I don't like the onestrike rule to be used other than in clear cases. It requires "a similar malicious edit on Wikivoyage" to the "vandalism or other malicious editing" they have done elsewhere. [[User:Filipović Zoran|Filipović Zoran]] and [[User:Зорана Филиповић|Зорана Филиповић]] were blocked as sockpupets of each other. Where is the vandalism or other malicious editing? I agree that non-contributors venting frustration of matters on other projects don't belong here, but that was handled in August. The new user page was created only as a pointer to the other account – with such a pointer, claims of sockpupetry are moot. My deleting the page on IK's request doesn't make the account a sockpuppet. ::If they should be globally banned, that's something for Meta, not for us. I limited the block period, not to have it count among "banned on X projects" when deciding on global blocks, until I am convinced there is some local reason for them to be blocked here. ::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:52, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::I don't think they will be a productive user here, but that's up to them. As long as they are non-contributors, there is no need to block them. Let's not make Wikivoyage a tool for fighting cross-wiki issues that don't concern us. I don't want to spend my Wikivoyage time on analysing issues on other projects. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 13:00, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::I am also concerned that the onestrike rule makes it easy to provoke a good-faith user to break rules on civility on one project, ban them there, and then use the onestrike rule to get them banned globally. To counter that, we should not ban users who haven't proven vandals or problem users over here. Block them with low threshold, yes, but don't ban them without a ban nomination and local reasons. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 13:04, 2 July 2025 (UTC) iup4j2g0xbyd8we1w7luy38zr2vbxr5 5086630 5086613 2025-07-02T13:53:03Z SHB2000 2248002 /* User and user talk pages for users with no Wikivoyage contributions */ re 5086630 wikitext text/x-wiki {{infobox|Archived discussions|* [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Archive 2004-2007]] * [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Archive 2008-2009]] * [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Archive 2010-2013‎]] * [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Archive 2014-2017‎]] * [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Deletion policy discussion|Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Deletion policy discussion (2018)]] * [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Archive 2018-2019]] }} == Categories - deleted or redirected? == A new user ([[User:Owain]]) has moved [[Conwy (county)]] to [[Conwy (county borough)]], and has thoughtfully changed the category at the same time, by changing the <nowiki>{{Is part of|xxx}}</nowiki> field in each of the affected articles to the new category. However, the old category page ([[:Category:Conwy (county)]]) is now blank, and I can't remember what we do with them. Do they just get deleted, or is there some attribution reason that they need to be kept and/or redirected to the new category? --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 16:32, 16 April 2020 (UTC) :I'd just go ahead and delete. Attribution is something we worry about for copyright purposes, and category pages which are merely lists of articles that fall into a certain geographical grouping (and, technically, are "edited" automatically by the MediaWiki software rather than by any particular human editor) do not qualify as copyrightable material. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 17:15, 16 April 2020 (UTC) ::Great, thank you. To confirm what you said, one of the drop down options of the deletion reasons is 'category renamed'.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 17:55, 16 April 2020 (UTC) == "List one article, file or template per entry" == Should this instruction be deprecated? We've had a few bulk nominations lately, and the preference has been to nominate them all under a single entry. [[User:Vaticidalprophet|Vaticidalprophet]] ([[User talk:Vaticidalprophet|talk]]) 20:41, 2 April 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''' per nom. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:07, 2 April 2021 (UTC) *'''Support'''. The line is a good idea in theory, not in practice.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 21:35, 2 April 2021 (UTC) *'''Support'''. I didn't even realize we theoretically had that guideline. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:13, 2 April 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''' - Stupid crap rule. [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] ([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]]) 08:37, 5 April 2021 (UTC) *:This looks like a consensus. Should I remove the line, and should it be replaced with anything? [[User:Vaticidalprophet|Vaticidalprophet]] ([[User talk:Vaticidalprophet|talk]]) 03:21, 11 April 2021 (UTC) :::That sentence should just be deleted. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:11, 11 April 2021 (UTC) == Redlinks, blue links or black links == Regarding the Finland Proper (Vkem) outlines: I wonder how we want real places to be handled in the case they should have articles. Redirecting a village that might be a common search term to the article where it is handled is an obvious solution, but in this case we have real places that are in fact not described anywhere. Previously they were redlinked in the region article to show that we want those articles. If the articles are created and redirected back, we will have blue links that just lead back, to the annoyance of readers. If we unlink the places, creating the article gets more difficult (and there is no hint we want those articles created, while there are several places mentioned about which we don't need articles. Is finding the region article more difficult if the places are just mentioned in the region article, without a redirect? Search engine-wise, a redirect might get us some more traffic, but just to annoy readers coming here and finding anything specifics about the place. Or should we make it a priority to create those articles, to avoid voids in our hierarchy? Then we shouldn't redirect real places that need articles, but create the outlines, as [[User:Vkem|Vkem]] did. Then the only problem is that we need the content also, which then should be given priority every time a region is created. The situation is probably different for regions that are weak outlines. For [[Finland Proper]] there is a thought-out complete structure. Some of the outlines may be hard to get featureable, but at least there should be some eat, sleep and do for each. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:19, 27 May 2021 (UTC) :This would be confusing. Since I'm well aware of this, I don't know how to respond to this. [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[w:User:SHB2000|en.wikipedia]])</small> 12:38, 27 May 2021 (UTC) ::I agree that a blue link that directs the reader back to the same article is a bad option. ::I don't agree with giving priority to creating articles just because some passerby has created a link. We have thousands of articles that need more content. Allowing our priorities to be determined by a well-intentioned editor like Vkem who isn't really involved in Wikivoyage would be a mistake. And not all of these places really warrants an article. I don't think that we can say that we want an article just because there is a redlink. :: I recently redirected an article for a bedroom community in the U.S. in which the only information that the article's creator provided was that there is a McDonalds in the community. They didn't provide an address for it though, or any other useful information. ::With a black link, a reader who arrives at the region article via a search can at least find the place in the article and on the map, so I think this is the best result. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:47, 27 May 2021 (UTC) ::: The redlinks in the region article were carefully planned, but the intention was to create them when somebody takes the time to write them. I think changing redlinks to black links is not an improvement. Is having the redirects an improvement that weights more than the drawback of having to turn the redlinks black? Read: I am challenging the policy of not deleting redirects from real places. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 14:34, 27 May 2021 (UTC) :::: What's a "black link"? Doesn't that just mean unlinked text? --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 14:36, 27 May 2021 (UTC) :::::Uh, yeah, that would be another way of putting it, since it isn't a link at all. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 15:11, 27 May 2021 (UTC) == Semi-Protect all == I think we should semi-protect all pages listed here, in case of edit warring or vandalism. --[[User:Crocusfleur|Crocusfleur]] ([[User talk:Crocusfleur|talk]]) 17:47, 19 June 2021 (UTC) :Which pages? --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 17:54, 19 June 2021 (UTC) ::Have there been cases of edit warring or vandalism of pages nominated for deletion? [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:46, 19 June 2021 (UTC) :::GZ has a good point here. If there's no history of vandalism (hopefully we don't jinx it) there's no need to semi-protect a page. The [[main page]] and some other critical pages, such as some template pages, are exceptional because vandals could do more damage by changing those, but in this case, without previous vandalism there is no need to semi-protect. A worthwhile thought though. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 21:54, 19 June 2021 (UTC) == Replace the vfd archive header? == ''Moved from [[WV:Pub|the pub]]''<br> I will start out by saying that I'm not a huge fan of [[Template:Deletion archive]], which doesn't look centred, and just doesn't look right for a header. Which is probably why it was never used much, and I'm guessing half of you didn't even know this template existed. I did some experimenting and thought a header like the header you see below might look better, with a more cleaner, neater and organised format. This can be changed anytime, so this doesn't have to be the fixed one. {{User:SHB2000/vfdat|previous=April 2021|next=June 2021|month=May 2021}} The code is pretty simple to work out as well, and the month= variable is automatic. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:57, 24 August 2021 (UTC) ---- <!--LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS BELOW THIS MESSAGE--> * '''Support''' as easy to navigate between months. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 11:47, 28 August 2021 (UTC) ::Given the lack of opposition, I'm going ahead. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:18, 7 September 2021 (UTC) == One-year rule on itineraries == Based on votes on this page, are we going to abolish this rule, or are there differences about its interpretation? For the purpose of discussion the rule is at [[Wikivoyage:Itineraries#"One year" deletion rule]], and here it is in full: ''Since just about any topic can be an itinerary, itineraries must either be actively worked on or achieve some level of completion to be kept. (Sufficiently famous, marked routes such as [[Alaska Highway]] or [[Annapurna Circuit]] are exempt from this rule.) As such, itineraries that have been at [[Project:Itinerary status|outline status]] or less for one year without being substantially edited are subject to deletion via the [[Project:Votes for deletion|votes for deletion]] process.'' My feeling is, if we are keeping the rule, "not a personal itinerary" shouldn't be a sufficient argument for keeping an article with no specific route that is therefore not in any sense usable; just because an itinerary isn't personal doesn't mean it's "sufficiently famous". But let's talk about that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:45, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :I would oppose abolishing this rule. Otherwise, we'd end up with a bunch of itineraries which don't give much information and give no incentive to the creator to make it usable. But I don't think this rule was really enforced that much, until I just checked some random itineraries. The last major mass deletions looks like it was in [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion/April 2011|2011]], more than 10 years ago. But I think we should take these on a case by case basis. :There's more that I have, but given the already mass overload here, I don't think we can handle that much at once. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:52, 18 September 2021 (UTC) ::I should also mention, that based on this reasoning "real itinerary" is not a valid reason to keep, and I'm particularly looking at the one for Nidaros Path and Mountains to Sound Greenway. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:56, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :::In 2011, we were overzealous in my opinion and, in the guise of deleting "personal itineraries", deleted usable articles because they weren't guide-level. I believe in being a bit liberal, in that a coherent, well-defined route can be OK, even if it's "personal". [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:59, 18 September 2021 (UTC) ::::But tbh, these are routes which per the deletion rules, can be deleted. I'm still confused on some of the keep votes on that were added yesterday (writing this 00:05 AEST). But deleting usable routes because it wasn't guide? (please tell me if I'm missing something there. Need to get some sleep). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 14:05, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :::::If you're missing something, it's that the usable itinerary articles that were deleted then were deemed "personal", and exceptions to the deletion policy for "personal" itineraries were given only to articles that were at guide level or higher (I don't think any were stars). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:11, 18 September 2021 (UTC) ::::::I see. I guess I'm too sleepy to think. But these ones that I nominated aren't personal, but just outlines that aren't famously marked. Maybe that policy needs copyediting. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 14:15, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :"As such, itineraries that have been at outline status or less for one year without being substantially edited are subject to deletion via the votes for deletion process." That doesn't mean articles at outline status for a year or more should be deleted; it means they are "subject" via the "deletion process," which indicates that a community consensus to keep any of these itineraries doesn't run contrary to policy. I think there are some itineraries nominated that indeed should be deleted, but they are many that while indeed have been made subject to deletion via this policy, ought not be deleted due to other policies in place, such as [[Wikivoyage:The traveler comes first]]. I certainly don't support deleting any itineraries without consensus. Consensus will develop naturally to delete the useless itineraries, but many others are developing votes to keep, and this is line with current policies that require consensus to delete travel articles (excepting copyvio, of course). <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 14:23, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :Although perhaps read the header of [[:Category:Outline itineraries]]. It says ''This page is for listing itineraries that have outline status. They will be deleted if not modified for one year.'' :–<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 14:30, 18 September 2021 (UTC) ::Categories are intended to list articles with some feature in common, and not to establish policy, so I would support removing that text from the category page. That text appears to come from [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Category:Outline_itineraries&oldid=1855956 before English Wikivoyage was formed]. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 14:33, 18 September 2021 (UTC) I commented "not personal itinerary on some. I don't feel we need to set the "sufficiently" threshold particularly high. My reading has been that a famous route will have readers looking for it, and with some luck people continuing where the article creator left, and even if it takes a few years, that's really not a problem (unless the itinerary is really bad). Personal itineraries, on the other hand, need to be well described to allow anyone to continue the work (and to bother). If no one caught on while it was being worked on, or soon after, it is unlikely to attract attention later. One reason not to keep the threshold high is that what is famous for some, is unknown to others. I didn't know about [[Alaska Highway]] or [[Annapurna Circuit]] before starting to write here. [[Nidaros Path]], deemed non-famous by the nominator, was the prime pilgrimage route in the Nordic countries in medieval times, and is regaining popularity – but how could somebody not from Europe know that, unless into pilgrimages? I'd think many Americans wouldn't know about [[Way of St. James]], although it is a huge thing. If some route is sufficiently famous that you'd expect there to be guidebooks about it, that should suffice. I think any Eurovelo or [[Long distance walking in Europe|ERA route]] should qualify. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 16:43, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :I think usable status should have been sufficient to keep "personal" itineraries if they had reasonable, coherent routes. In terms of the text [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] quotes above, I'd propose changing it to ''This page is for listing itineraries that have outline status. They may be deleted if not modified for one year.'' May, rather than will be deleted. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:28, 18 September 2021 (UTC) ::Agreed, but add "may be deleted [via the VFD process]" because we don't want people unilaterally deleting articles. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 21:38, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :::I reworded it to what Ikan wrote with a little bit of copyedits: ''They may be deleted if not modified or actively maintained for one year.''. I'll write that it may be nominated through RfD in just a sec. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:45, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :::: I think that addressing itinerary articles through VfD after a year is a good approach. It forces us to improve the articles if we can, or delete them if we can't. SHB2000's edits to the policy work. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 00:08, 19 September 2021 (UTC) : Sometimes there may be other solutions. Back in 200x when our coverage of China was quite spotty, I wrote "One week near Hong Kong" which was pretty much a personal itinerary. Later it became a region article, [[Pearl River Delta]], and by now that is a decent article. : For real routes like [[Tanami Track]], I do not think deletion should even be considered. Either keep it or merge it into a region article & redirect there. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 03:51, 19 September 2021 (UTC) : For an example of an itinerary that was prematurely deleted (by me) but later restored & made into a decent article, see [[Talk:Tiger Leaping Gorge]]. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 04:21, 19 September 2021 (UTC) ::[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], thanks for editing that language, but there's no such thing as "RfD" on this Wiki (and you initially confused me by using those initials on talk page threads). I will edit to [[Votes for deletion]] with a link. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:35, 19 September 2021 (UTC) :::[https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Category%3AOutline_itineraries&type=revision&diff=4295605&oldid=4295459 Done]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:39, 19 September 2021 (UTC) ::::Oops. RfD is something on meta and simple, not here. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:00, 19 September 2021 (UTC) ::Pashley, the "don't delete real places" is only for destination articles, not itineraries or topics. Oh and re Tanami Track... erm, it's not a notable track at all, but rather known as Australia's James Dalton Highway. Couldn't find any photos of this track on commons, but if Google Street Trekker does a good job in visualising that route, [https://goo.gl/maps/RZyoHaGsNuRaEnUh7 this] is apparently the best part of the route. There's no way that's notable. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:37, 19 September 2021 (UTC) == Danube Cycleway deletion == I supported deletion, but I think it's worth discussing whether per [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Deleting, or not]], the article should have been kept or deleted. At first glance, it wouldn't appear that there was a consensus to delete at [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion/September 2021#Danube Cycleway]]. 3-2 is not an obvious consensus. And while I obviously agree that the delete arguments are stronger than the keep arguments, here is the relevant policy: * If there is '''no consensus''' after 14 days, allow a further 7 days for discussion. ** If, after the additional 7 days, there is '''no consensus''', the page should be '''kept''' – any Wikivoyager may remove any VFD notices from that page, and archive the deletion discussion. So what's the deletion argument? I think that would have to do with the definition of "consensus" - what it is and what it's not. From [[Wikivoyage:Consensus#What consensus is not]]: * '''Consensus is not unanimity'''. While we should always try to find a solution that works for everyone, in practice this is not always possible. Make sure all concerns are discussed and addressed, but consensus can still be reached even if compromises that please everyone cannot be found. * '''Consensus is not a majority'''. While it would be rare that consensus would be declared when the result represents a minority opinion, well-reasoned arguments based on existing policies and practice should carry more weight than a "support" comment that is unaccompanied by any sort of reasoning or justification. I don't think anyone would say that [[User:LPfi]]'s keep vote is "unaccompanied by any sort of reasoning or justification", but the argument to keep is unaccompanied by any actionable advice on how to establish the route of the now-deleted itinerary. In short, I would defer to [[User:SHB2000]]'s deletion rationale. But I still think a discussion is appropriate, since a nomination for undeletion would not be successful (further quoting from [[Wikivoyage:Consensus#What consensus is not]]): ''Note that the bar for determining a consensus should be higher when changing a past consensus, so while a small majority might suffice for resolving a minor issue, a super majority backed by strong arguments should be required before changing past consensus (see also the "[[#Status quo bias|Status quo bias]]" section below).'' So what do you all think? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:55, 8 October 2021 (UTC) : The guide is little use in current shape and I have little hope of improvements in near future, so I won't contest the deletion, but IK's last point prompts consideration. : I now copied the VFD discussion to the article's talk page. The reason for deletion was "Per the one year rule for itineraries" and "it's been given 14 days to be worked on" I think it should be evident that if anybody starts working on the itinerary, these arguments are moot. If somebody thinks that new work can be deleted based on this VFD discussion, then we need clarification to the guidelines. : –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:07, 8 October 2021 (UTC) ::Well, if someone starts working on it, then that would not make it valid for RfD. Though, I do think the guidelines are somewhat too loose and can differ based on personal opinions. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:39, 8 October 2021 (UTC) :::The rule for itineraries is one year; this article was given 11 years. If someone had started work on it, or indicated an intention to work on it, they should have been given time. But no-one did. I don't think another 7 days would have changed anything. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:41, 8 October 2021 (UTC) ::::hence why I deleted it. It was 3-2, and you and Ikan had better arguments in my opinion and seemed consensus to me. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:49, 8 October 2021 (UTC) :::::Without weighing in on whether deletion is a good idea, it is clear that there was not consensus for deletion, so per policy it should not have been deleted. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:42, 8 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::Let's please try to avoid using RfD, which is not a valid abbreviation on this site. Should we undo the deletion? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:36, 8 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::I subconsciously use RfD when I'm not thinking properly. And technically, no we can't unilaterally undelete it as it has to go through the [[vfu]] process. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:00, 9 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::Not if we decide it should not have been deleted per lack of consensus. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:18, 9 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::However, now given that LPfi has mentioned "The guide is little use in current shape and I have little hope of improvements in near future, so I won't contest the deletion, but IK's last point prompts consideration." :::::::::So really, that gives 3 deletes, 1 neutral and 1 delete, based on LPfi's earlier argument. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:25, 9 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::::If so, that would be a consensus, in my opinion. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:02, 9 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::::Yep, sure does. Even for those like [[Template talk:Mapframe2|Template:Mapframe2]], while there were 3 to delete, 1 comment and 1 keep, who was LPfi, as their argument was much more stronger into keeping it, hence kept. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:43, 9 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::::::Is that defensible per current policy? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:10, 9 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::::::Technically, the two votes that were to delete were either just a vote or "per nom". Even then, my rationale for deletion still wasn't a strong enough reason to delete, and hence kept. Not to forget that Alasdair also seemed to be leaning towards a keep as well. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:17, 9 October 2021 (UTC) == Camp Chase Trail discussion == This deletion discussion has been closed with the article merged after only a day of discussion and little participation. This is contrary to policy, which calls for 14 days of discussion, and really too fast for anyone to be expected to keep up with. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:39, 11 October 2021 (UTC) :I can close my nominations early if I want to withdraw my deletion nom early. In this case, I merged the info already, so I had every right to withdraw my nom. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:03, 12 October 2021 (UTC) ::Generally I agree with SHB, but in this case the closure was quick for a merger discussion which should take a few days. I would be happy with a policy change that allowed a non-deletion closure after 5 days if the nominator agrees. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 20:33, 13 October 2021 (UTC) :::I '''support''' [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]]’s proposal to create a clear policy on this issue. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 20:37, 13 October 2021 (UTC) :::I would generally '''support''' Alasair's wording, but then we run into a loophole here. Anyone can withdraw their own nominations any time they like, and anyone can merge articles whenever they want, without discussion (although it is quite suspicious when IPs do that), so all we have is two policies that contradict each other. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:26, 14 October 2021 (UTC) ::::Discussions are generally encouraged before articles are merged, although it is only said to be "worthwile" in [[Wikivoyage:How to merge two pages]]. ::::A policy should have additional words including allowing withdrawal by the nominator ("oh I hadn't realised that this page is useful for..."), admins deciding that the nomination is an obvious speedy case, and cancelling requests by vandals (not seen that here, but I have seen it on Commons). [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:51, 14 October 2021 (UTC) :::::Merge proposals can be discussed on the talk pages of the articles in question. I would oppose any kind of guideline that in any way suggests that VfD is the most appropriate place to discuss merges. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:56, 14 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::And similarly, if anyone objects to a merge, this is not the most appropriate place to address that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:56, 14 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::Agree. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:58, 14 October 2021 (UTC) :::::True, but there's lots of merges I've done without discussion (and {{u|Ground Zero}} does the same). [[Special:Diff/4308621]] is an example of one of my recent uncontroversial merges. Out of about let's say 100 merges I've done, only [[Talk:Khancoban|Khancoban]] seemed to be a controversial one. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:57, 14 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::A merger without discussion is permitted by [[Wikivoyage:How to merge two pages]]: :::::::"Unless the need for a merge is really obvious, it may be worthwhile to start a discussion before doing a merge." ::::::Contributors will disagree on what is or is not "obvious". If other editors disagree with a merger, then the merging editor will have to go through the hassle of defending the merger and will be more cautious about doing it again. I have probably erred on the side of being too cautious, and I have not had objections to my mergers whether discussed or not discussed. There is a lot of clean up of old stub articles needed, and props to SHB2000 for their work in improving Wikivoyage. It is inevitable that the occasional merger will be done too precipitously, but a merger can always be undone. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 23:26, 14 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::(It is easy, in my opinion, to show that an article ''shouldn't'' be merged — or shouldn't have been merged — by expanding an article to make it usable. That is more productive than arguing over process, IMHO.) [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 23:34, 14 October 2021 (UTC) == User:SHB2000/lc template == Forgive me if this has already been dealt with, as I've been away from admin stuff. The template [[User:SHB2000/lc]] has been used several times for different nominations, but has it been approved by the community? If it has, I'd expect to see the discussion either still in the Pub or archived somewhere sensible like [[User talk:SHB2000/lc]].--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 08:51, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :Can't I use my ''own'' userspace templates in ''my'' nominations? How would this have been dealt with, if I used wikitext in the same way in my nominations? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:06, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :I realise that there's no point in arguing over a *''userspace transclusion''*, so I just removed it. [(redacted)] <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:25, 18 October 2021 (UTC) ::I don't know why you're getting snarky with me about it, as I think my original question was polite and based in the policy which we're both tasked with enforcing. We have a policy about new templates that you've said you understand, and that obviously covers userspace templates too (why would they be any different when they're being used in mainspace?). Thank you for removing them when asked; hopefully, I won't have to in future.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 09:58, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::I'm sorry if I became passive aggressive there, and I apologise for that. But there doesn't seem to be any policy on userspace templates being used, is there? Or what'd happen if I substituted the template (which if I used let's say nominating [[Pomona (Queensland)]] for deletion and I used <span class="plainlinks">[[:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}]] ([{{fullurl:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}|action=edit}} edit] &middot; [[{{TALKPAGENAME:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}}}|talk]] &middot; [{{fullurl:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}|action=history}} history] &middot; [{{fullurl:Special:Whatlinkshere/{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}|limit=999}} links] &middot; [{{fullurl:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}|action=watch}} watch] &middot; [{{fullurl:Special:Log|page={{urlencode:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}}}}} logs] &middot; [{{fullurl:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}|action=delete}} delete])</span>, would that be considered using templates?) <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:06, 18 October 2021 (UTC) ::::I think the edit link is confusing. I would expect it to edit the discussion, not the nominated article. Why would i want to edit the article without reading it first? [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 10:28, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::The edit link may be confusing, but there's no denying on whether the talk or history pages are useful. The page logs aren't also that important, but it can help (the only instances where I personally think its useful when its used to detect Brendan edits) :::::The delete button is also quite convenient for the closing admin. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:34, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::: There is a practice on what nominations and the discussions look like. It seems you are trying to change that practice, and while plunging forward by introducing links you find useful might be OK, if others don't thank you for the bright idea, it might be better to discuss whether we want those links and templates. Thus they should be introduced like any other templates, regardless of where they live – moved to template space if they get support, not used and possibly deleted if they don't. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 11:44, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::No I am not trying to change the practice and I mainly used it for my personal use. I'm merely adding it so it's much more easier to delete it. Given that these days I'm the one who's deleting most of the articles these days, it's much more convenient to have a link that allows me to delete the article in one click. :::::::And we also recently discussed that we're never deleting templates merely because it lacked community support (it'll just be moved to the user's userspace). In this case, it's already in my userspace. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:51, 18 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::Templates that are in your userspace shouldn't be used outside of your userspace, i.e. in mainspace or projectspace. It's not "your personal use" when it's being used on a community page that everyone can edit. They're not "your nominations", either; they're ''community nominations'' submitted by you ''for the community's consideration'', and they should be made in the standard way that the community has come to expect. ::::::::I'm sorry, but using userspace templates in projectspace comes across to me as a rather clever (but unfair) way of circumventing a policy you don't like. We've all got to live with policies we don't like as a necessary part of editing a wiki; the alternative to editing within a community-led set of policies is we just individually pick and choose to follow the rules that suit us and ignore the ones that don't suit us. If that happens, then the whole system of collaborative editing by consensus breaks down, and our "travel guide that everyone can edit" ceases to work in the interests of travellers. ::::::::I'm guessing I may come across as anti-template, or maybe even anti-SHB2000's templates. But this couldn't be further from the truth; I'm pro-innovation. But first and foremost I'm interested in ensuring that policy applies to, and is observed by, everyone equally. ::::::::For this particular template, I agree with LPfi, and would even further say that it would be useful in a slightly modified form (i.e. removing the 'edit' button, and any others that might not be relevant) and that I would use it myself. However, my future support is conditional on this template being proposed for the community's approval in the normal way; if and when it's approved, it should be moved out of your userspace into templatespace. ::::::::Also, we may need to specify on [[Wikivoyage:Using MediaWiki templates]] that "If new templates fail to gain community support, they will eventually be moved to the template creator's userspace." means that those templates are not to be used outside of userspace. I thought this was pretty clear already, but apparently not... ::::::::All that being said, I appreciate and accept your apology above.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 13:55, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::I think that an occasional editor would expect the delete link to record a "delete" vote, not take them to a page saying "Permission error". I get having such a link on Commons where the closing admin migt have to delete a list of 20 imgaes after a sinle nomination, but I don't see the need here. I also agree with TT that userspace templetes should not be used in project space, except for a single example when discussing moving the template to mainspace. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 15:00, 18 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::::That's the whole point; otherwise, we'd be restricting the use of a template to a single individual, not to their userspace. Please, [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], you do great work, but especially as an admin, you need to not only respect consensus but uphold it as the fundamental way this site operates in your statements and model your respect for it to other users. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:11, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::I must dispute the following statement "''They're not "your nominations", either; they're community nominations submitted by you for the community's consideration, and they should be made in the standard way that the community has come to expect.''". First of all, they're still my nominations, since I irrevocably release my text under the CC BY-SA License, and in no way does that ever state that I'm handing over those nominations to the community. I still hold the copyright for those, and so they are '''not''' "they're community nominations submitted by you for the community's consideration" and so they're still the nominations of whoever started them. b) "the standard way that the community has come to expect.". I cannot find any place where it says that as well. So until you direct me to where that's told, then again, there's nothing saying how I should format those nominations. :::::::::Let's say I used a template (call it {{tl|tnr}} for example), and it's main purpose is to get text in Times New Roman. So if I used <nowiki> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman; color:green"> Some text here</span></nowiki> instead of this example {{tl|tnr}} template which would both produce <span style="font-family:Times New Roman; color:green"> Some text here</span>. Now that plain text I was using had no templates in it, nor is a substituted template. I'll let you all decide for yourselves on how that'd be taken. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 21:23, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::::You've completely missed, or certainly failed to address, the wider points. I suggest some closer reading and reflection.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 08:27, 19 October 2021 (UTC) == Help needed == I slushed the Puerto Rican stubs nom for now, but it's 4:12 AM and I have to wake up for work in about 5 hours, so I'd be very grateful if someone else could remove all the VfD templates from the articles in question. Please see the thread at [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion/March 2022#Puerto Rico skeletons with a byte count lower than 600 created by Ligocsicnarf89 (talk · contribs)]]. And thanks! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:13, 31 March 2022 (UTC) :@[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] btw I'm happy for anyone to rollback my edits to those articles as it's a pretty tedious thing to do manually. However, do get some sleep first. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:35, 31 March 2022 (UTC) :: vfd templates removed. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:54, 31 March 2022 (UTC) :::Thanks for removing them :-). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:00, 31 March 2022 (UTC) ::::Thank you! -- [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:31, 31 March 2022 (UTC) == Closure comments == There is an argument on a user page on what comments are suitable when closing a VFD thread. If I interpret [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] correctly, they think any comments that don't conflict with any specific rule is OK, while IK and I disagree. See [[Special:Permalink/4569290#Sorry for editing an archive]]. I added the following to the instructions, to have the requested rule, and got reverted: : The note on whether the article was kept should be objective; if you have an opinion that needs to be voiced, voice it during the discussion – if you didn't until now, either keep silent or give others time to comment on it by not taking action yet. The addition hadn't been discussed other than in that user page thread, so the reversion was anticipated. Now, what does the community think about the issue? Do you agree with me or SHB? Should there be written advice? Is the suggested wording OK? Should there be some more general wording in [[Wikivoyage:Administrators' handbook]] covering also this? Any general comments? –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:47, 26 November 2022 (UTC) :My 2 cents: :* Not allowing users to voice their opinion is antithetical to the purpose of a discussion :* Discussions are immediately archived once the outcome has been reached; this is per [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Deleting, or not]] :* Yes, you're right that my rationale behind standing by my comment doesn't conflict with any specific policy :* It's probably not a good idea to include it in the [[Wikivoyage:Administrators' handbook]] as any Wikivoyager can close a DR if the outcome was keep or redirect – this is also per [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Deleting, or not]] :I am opposed to the addition of [[Special:Diff/4569292]], because the purpose of vfd is to ''not'' "keep silent", and "giv[ing] others time to comment on it by not taking action yet" contradicts [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Deleting, or not]]. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 22:51, 26 November 2022 (UTC) ::Closing a discussion means no longer arguing about it. I still find it incredible, inflammatory, and in incredibly bad grace to have to have a discussion about this at all. I'd observe that SHB2000 tried to argue that a consensus was not a consensus the last time he showed bad grace in a Vfd closing. Anyone who can't close Vfd threads without trying to get a pot-shot in at the end should not close Vfd threads. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:06, 26 November 2022 (UTC) :::So, let's put it this way. You disagree with my opinion, and are insisting me to follow what ''you'' think should be common practice, even though this is not a policy, at least not yet. Then, you indirectly claim that your opinion is somehow superior to mine and I should follow it, and now claim that the common practice to enroot this into a Wikivoyage policy is "<span style="color:darkred;font-family:Georgia">incredible, inflammatory, and in incredibly bad grace</span>". So, who's being hypocritical here? <s> Oh, and that discussion really wasn't a consensus – there were only two more delete !votes, and a lot of the keep !votes were [[w:WP:PERX]].</s> --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 23:53, 26 November 2022 (UTC) ::::And you still haven't answered my question from yesterday: if you so vehemently disagreed with my statement, why didn't you close the article yourself 10 days ago, when the article was due to be closed? --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 23:55, 26 November 2022 (UTC) :::::That's not a valid argument. We're all volunteers here, I'm a busy man, and I don't always think about closing Vfd threads here. None of that is an excuse for you to break the precedent of not editorializing and insulting the consensus when closing. Come on, man! You do a lot of good work, but you sometimes just don't seem to understand when to drop it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:01, 27 November 2022 (UTC) ::::::And for the record, what you tried to claim was not a consensus was [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion/May 2022|8-3]]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:10, 27 November 2022 (UTC) :::::::I stand corrected; have struck that comment. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 01:24, 27 November 2022 (UTC) *Oppose. I don't think we need to change the policy because one editor made a comment some people didn't like. This editorialising does not disrupt the functioning of our travel guide, and let's recognize that SHB was doing a necessary administrative function in closing the discussion even though he didn't agree with the conclusion. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 02:46, 27 November 2022 (UTC) ::I'm surprised. I thought you would find fault with such a closing comment even though you would agree with the substance. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:01, 27 November 2022 (UTC) :::As the closing comment is not something that affects the reader, I don't see the need to regulate it, especially in response to a single closing comment. This seems like a sledgehammer/fly situation. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:51, 27 November 2022 (UTC) *::The bottom line is, not everyone disagrees with my comment, as you seem to think. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 07:15, 27 November 2022 (UTC) : I agree with LPfi & Ikan; such comments are extremely bad form. I do not think a single instance merits either a policy change or any sort of disciplinary action against the user, but a persistent pattern of such actions might. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 04:02, 28 November 2022 (UTC) :: The "bottom line", as I see it, is that whether anyone agrees with the comment is utterly irrelevant; the comment was clearly made in the wrong place. :: It would have been appropriate either as part of the deletion discussion or raising an issue on either the VFD or Deletion policy talk page. However, adding a snarky remark in the archive &mdash; where no-one is likely to see it & anyone who does cannot reply &mdash; was out of line. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 07:53, 28 November 2022 (UTC) == Using this page to propose merge/redirects == This page was not envisioned to be used for that purpose, and it is in my opinion quite an unnecessary use of volunteer time. If you think a merge/redirect should be done and it's unlikely to be controversial, just do it if you have the time. If you think it might be controversial, start a thread on the talk page of the article to be merged and have a discussion there. I can't think of any good reason to use this page to propose anything other than deletion. Note that it does take more time to close discussions here than to simply have discussions on talk pages. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:30, 17 December 2022 (UTC) :I think this page can still be used if a user is indifferent to whether an article should be deleted or redirected (e.g., some of our recent destination articles nominated for deletion); I agree with you that the airport articles could have been better handled on the relevant talk page, though. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 00:02, 18 December 2022 (UTC) ::If there's a reasonable basis for proposing deletion, that's what this page is for. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:08, 18 December 2022 (UTC) ::: But if you are indifferent, why not just merge and redirect? It mostly requires less effort than the discussion and possible later merger. The history will be there (easily found if correctly attributed) for those who might want to revive the article with additional info that would make it pass the whiaa test. The redirect seldom does harm (and if you think it does, ''then'' take it here). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 13:06, 18 December 2022 (UTC) == Withdrawing nominations == In many fora, one is allowed to withdraw one's own proposal, but as SHB2000 notes, "there's no policy on en.voy explicitly allowing this". I think there shouldn't be one. To the contrary, as soon as a nomination is posted, other contributors put time and thought in evaluating the article and articulating their standpoints. This effort is mostly lost in a speedy closure, and the thoughts shared may have implications on other articles than the one nominated. Also, consensus might be to delete the article despite the nominator changing their mind, and a second nomination shouldn't be needed. Thus I think the discussion should be allowed to continue for the normal time, unless there is consensus for something else or there is some good reason to speedy the decision. I think the judgement on the latter should be left to somebody else. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 16:32, 29 December 2022 (UTC) :Withdrawing serves to prevent attracting input (meaning time and energy) to an inoperative process; it is such when it is 100% certain not to result in a change. People will air their views, and these might be icredibly articulate and wise, but it doesn't create a tangible benefit for the project. I don't think that a policy change is necessary in order to allow withdrawing, but just as well, withdrawing should not be considered prohibited when not prescribed by policy. Withdrawing should only be done if absolutely all of the votes are to keep. If there is even a single delete vote anyone should feel free to reopen the discussion. [[User:Alalch E.|Alalch E.]] ([[User talk:Alalch E.|talk]]) 17:07, 29 December 2022 (UTC) :For example, I really think that it makes sense for {{u|SHB2000}} to withdraw [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Surfing]] ''now'' (and only now), when everyone agrees (which was not the case initially). [[User:Alalch E.|Alalch E.]] ([[User talk:Alalch E.|talk]]) 17:18, 29 December 2022 (UTC) ::We should adopt some guideline that nominations can be speedily withdrawn when there isn't even a proposal for deletion or none of the people responding support deletion, such as when whether to merge/redirect or to which article is being unnecessarily argued about on this page. I would suggest that a nomination for other than deletion be immediately withdrawn unless someone suggests deletion in the response thread before it is deleted, and that otherwise, if after 3 days, there is no support for deletion, a nomination can be speedily resolved as a keep, but that if the resolution is deletion, at least 7 days are needed. The way around that, in my opinion, is to start a thread on the article's talk page, where the person who started the article could agree to deletion if very little if anything has been added by others, or sometimes, articles are speedily deleted without a proposal here because they are so obviously irrelevant or are copyright violation. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:06, 29 December 2022 (UTC) :I thought it was allowed (and have done so in the past with no dramas), until that nomination. Nominators should be allowed to close their nominations whenever they choose to, with the prejudice that it's appropriate. I like Ikan Kekek's proposal and we could trial this next year. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 20:26, 29 December 2022 (UTC) ::I think the reason it was uncontroversial before is that opinion was probably unanimous, though correct me if I'm wrong. But in the most recent case, I know I wondered what had happened and was surprised to see a deletion thread that as yet had no unanimous opinion speedily archived. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:46, 29 December 2022 (UTC) :::I don't think we should be able to withdraw "our" nominations early, primarily because there's no such thing as "my nomination", only a nomination submitted to the community for consideration. Of course there are some exceptions: if a clear consensus has developed early with little chance of dissent, or if the nomination is clearly not a real candidate for deletion (e.g. something that should be merged).--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 09:33, 30 December 2022 (UTC) ::::{{re|ThunderingTyphoons!}} if nominations don't belong to one user, then perhaps would you like to explain why [[c:Template:Withdraw]], [[species:Template:Withdraw]], [[w:en:Template:Withdraw]], [[w:ar:قالب:سحب_ترشيح]], [[w:bh:टेम्पलेट:Withdraw]], [[w:bn:টেমপ্লেট:Withdraw]], [[w:ckb:داڕێژە:کشانەوەی پاڵاوتن]], [[w:et:Mall:Loobun]], [[w:fa:الگو:انصراف]], [[w:en:ಟೆಂಪ್ಲೇಟು:Withdraw]], [[w:shn:ထႅမ်းပလဵတ်ႉ:Withdraw]], [[w:sr:Шаблон:Withdraw]] and [[w:te:మూస:Withdraw]] all translate or say "I withdraw '''my''' nomination", with "my" being the key word here? The concept of a deletion nomination shouldn't differ by WMF project, so I'm a bit confused on why you think the concept of "my nominations" shouldn't exist. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 12:12, 30 December 2022 (UTC) :::::Forgive me, but my pontifications about the possible meanings of machine-translated sentences written in languages I don't speak on wikis I've never visited wouldn't be of use to anyone. :::::But to explain my thought process further, a nomination can of course be "mine" inasmuch as if I make the nomination, it originated from my brain, and was created by my fingers when I posted it. And yes, I can continue to refer to it as "my" nomination, but that's just semantics or sentimentality; I can't assert actual ownership over the nomination. Once the nomination is live on VFD, and especially once it's being considered by others, it is no longer mine to unilaterally withdraw, because that's not fair to other members of the community who have lent their time and consideration. Similarly, an article I start is no longer "mine" as soon as it's published, even if I continue to be the main or only contributor; this is a wiki after all. :::::If I rationally believed an article was worthy of deletion, then it is likely that other members of the community would agree and so if they had found the article before I did, they would have nominated it first. The question of who did nominate is unimportant. Even if I am alone in believing the article should be deleted, that can only be tested by a nomination that runs its course and that allows the whole community a say, or that at least provides an early consensus. The person who made the nomination doesn't have any special say over the outcome of the nomination; the community does.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 12:46, 30 December 2022 (UTC) ::::::"The concept of a deletion nomination shouldn't differ by WMF project"? Why not? If there remains a question about whether to delete or not, we can have our own policy. You wouldn't argue that we need to have a NPOV policy because some other Wikis have it, would you? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:02, 30 December 2022 (UTC) ::::::: There is an advantage of standardising some things across the WMF sites, so that readers and editors have an easy time approaching another project. However, people from other projects usually don't have enough of an understanding to contribute at deletion discussions. Sometimes they might have some valuable fresh viewpoints, but few from the outside can see when their viewpoint is just distracting. Thus, until you have followed the discussions long enough to learn the idiosyncrasies, you don't need to nominate articles or close the discussions, and thus the advantage of standardising is marginal. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 16:47, 30 December 2022 (UTC) :::::::{{re|Ikan Kekek}} each wiki can have its own policy regarding deletion nominations, but the concept of it shouldn't differ: a user nominates one or more pages for deletion because of some reason, then a discussion happens for a certain period of time and then the discussion is closed as either kept, deleted, redirected (or something else like getting another project to import the article). What can differ is the length, reasoning or outcome. NPOV is a completely different story because it's only a policy on Wikipedia, but likewise, the concept of NPOV shouldn't differ between different language Wikipedias. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 22:32, 30 December 2022 (UTC) ::::::{{re|ThunderingTyphoons!}} fair enough, but I don't think articles are comparable to DRs, but maybe that's because I spend more time on Commons' DRs than our VfD, which is where I've been influenced. I still favour Ikan's proposal, though (which is similar to what you're proposing: "if a clear consensus has developed early with little chance of dissent, or if the nomination is clearly not a real candidate for deletion", but with more detail). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 22:25, 30 December 2022 (UTC) == [[Wikivoyage:Votes_for_deletion#Archiving]] == Current text in this section includes: : When archiving, always '''make it clear''' to other editors what '''the outcome of the discussion''' was. This can be done by adding the result to the discussion in a ''separate edit'' from the one in which you remove the discussion from this page; or you can describe the outcome in the edit summary when you remove the discussion. I'd delete the suggestion of the edit summary. or change "or you can" to "you should also". It seems to me we always want the result in the archive since someone looking later will not see the edit summary. We also have: : If the nominated article, file or template '''was not deleted''', then place another (identical duplicate) copy of the deletion discussion on the discussion page of the article, file or template being kept or redirected. I'd change this to: : If the nominated article, file or template '''was not deleted''', then the nomination should be mentioned on its talk page. If the deletion discussion is reasonably short, place another (identical duplicate) copy of it on the talk page. For longer discussions, provide a link to the archive instead. Other opinions? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 13:04, 1 June 2024 (UTC) :I'm not a fan of duplicating discussions by copy-pasting it on the talk page and don't think this has been followed for quite some time – duplicating content is never a good idea. I would much rather require that only a link be placed to the deletion discussion for all cases. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 22:43, 1 June 2024 (UTC) ::However, one could copy the outcome declaration. That's short and could avoid need of clicking in some obvious cases (such as "speedy keep: no valid reason to delete"). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:28, 2 June 2024 (UTC) : {{tick}} Edited. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 20:56, 2 June 2024 (UTC) ::I think putting the deletion nomination thread on an article's talk page has often been done. I'm not sure archiving was always done thoroughly. I guess I feel like it's OK to have the thread there if anyone deems the article to be likely to be nominated for deletion again, but summarizing the discussion and providing a link to the relevant section of the archive is an acceptable alternative. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:47, 2 June 2024 (UTC) :::I'm also not opposed to how Commons deals with DRs that resulted in a keep (which is very effective in grabbing your attention) – we could at least experiment it for a month or two. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:00, 2 June 2024 (UTC) ::::I agree that Commons does this in a good way. There's room for doubt on whether it prevents further deletion requests, but it's certainly clear. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:50, 16 May 2025 (UTC) == User and user talk pages for users with no Wikivoyage contributions == What's our policy on pages like [[User talk:Зорана Филиповић]], which [[User:92.21.137.132]] provided a translation for that I reverted because I thought it was a user page and not a user talk page? [https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Special:Contributions/%D0%97%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B0_%D0%A4%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B8%D1%9B No user contributions] except for that page and their user page, [[User:Зорана Филиповић]], which is transcluded from Meta, and these pages are solely in Cyrillic. Meanwhile, this is stated in the translation to be a sock of [[User talk:Filipović Zoran]]. Should we delete the sock user and user talk pages? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:12, 30 June 2025 (UTC) : Yes, csrtainly. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:40, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::I agree they should be speedied. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 00:07, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::Looking deeply at both of the profiles, it's supposedly an editor with 138K edits [[https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:CentralAuth/Filipovi%C4%87_Zoran]] in Serbian and other wiki - and at least one profile shows already blocked [[https://sr.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=%D0%9F%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%B5%D0%B1%D0%BD%D0%BE:%D0%94%D0%BD%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%BA/block&page=User%3AFilipovi%C4%87+Zoran]] in some places. -- [[Special:Contributions/92.21.137.132|92.21.137.132]] 00:24, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::Any objection? We can afford to wait 24 hours, I figure. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:38, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::Yeah no harm waiting a day or two. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 01:36, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::The disclaimer should be on their meta user page instead, no need to copy it to talk pages on many projects. It, and the translation could be moved there, I suppose, but just deleting the talk page is no problem, I think. If they start contributing here, anybody checking the talk page history will see there are deleted versions. Do provide a helpful deletion rationale when deleting. ::::::For user pages, there are different cases. A new page could be from somebody who intends to start contributing, so should not be summarily deleted. We might also have active registered users who just don't contribute. They might have bookmarks etc. on the page. If the page looks legitimate and it doesn't have excess content, I don't think there is any harm in keeping it. At least the user should be notified and asked about it. Touting or propaganda from non-contributors doesn't need to be tolerated. ::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:32, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::If you're concerned about the deletion rationale, why don't you take care of the deletion tomorrow and supply your own rationale? And if you think this sockpuppet could ever be a useful Wikivoyage user, I suggest you look at the link I gave to the user talk page of their main account. They have never had any interest in using Wikivoyage as anything but a place to vent their frustration about Wikipedia, and that is not the function of this site. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:47, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::I can do the deletion OK. But I either need to do it prematurely or risk somebody else doing it before me (unless I have such a window at my disposal). ::::::::I don't think they will be a useful contributor, but the current mention of alternative accounts will help to see whether they have proved problematic on other projects, if they ever turn up (for venting frustration or otherwise). With a decent deletion rationale, any admin will know to check that deleted mention. ::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:31, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::You can always give an additional reason for a deletion that you type in on the second line of deletion reasons. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:28, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::Yes. But the one who deletes must write that reason. I just asked that whoever does this thinks for a few seconds about what to write, like they should when deleting a page with a name that refers to a valid topic. In that case any newbie trying to create the article will see a warning that includes that reason. It should make clear that the problem wasn't with the topic but what actually was written. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 17:52, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::I'm nominating you to type a reason you're satisfied with. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:44, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::<nowiki/>:-) ::::::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:35, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::I think I should be a bit blunt here: Basically, I feel that you're not that confident in me, or at least more resistant to deleting the user and user talk pages of totally useless Wikivoyage users (keeping in mind the still unresolved case of the WT-en touter), so you do it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:02, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::'''Done'''. I hope that you could leave that feeling behind. We may disagree on that one issue, but I respect you highly. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:49, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :{{re|Ikan Kekek|LPfi}} A bit more context I've learned about this specific user that an srwiki user told me in private (I won't disclose their username in public for their own safety): Zoran apparently has a history of spamming matters about his (srwiki) blocks on various different projects, sometimes using alts on unrelated projects like in this case. I will block both those accounts as per [[WV:ONESTRIKE]] (mirroring the srwiki block) because ideally I'd like to keep Zoran's activities out of enwikivoyage fully (though there is a chance they may be globally locked for x-wiki abuse). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 04:03, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::... and just like that, at 10:45 today, there's an unblocking request on the cyrillic user name talk page. -- [[Special:Contributions/92.21.137.132|92.21.137.132]] 11:38, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::I don't like the onestrike rule to be used other than in clear cases. It requires "a similar malicious edit on Wikivoyage" to the "vandalism or other malicious editing" they have done elsewhere. [[User:Filipović Zoran|Filipović Zoran]] and [[User:Зорана Филиповић|Зорана Филиповић]] were blocked as sockpupets of each other. Where is the vandalism or other malicious editing? I agree that non-contributors venting frustration of matters on other projects don't belong here, but that was handled in August. The new user page was created only as a pointer to the other account – with such a pointer, claims of sockpupetry are moot. My deleting the page on IK's request doesn't make the account a sockpuppet. ::If they should be globally banned, that's something for Meta, not for us. I limited the block period, not to have it count among "banned on X projects" when deciding on global blocks, until I am convinced there is some local reason for them to be blocked here. ::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:52, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::I don't think they will be a productive user here, but that's up to them. As long as they are non-contributors, there is no need to block them. Let's not make Wikivoyage a tool for fighting cross-wiki issues that don't concern us. I don't want to spend my Wikivoyage time on analysing issues on other projects. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 13:00, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::I am also concerned that the onestrike rule makes it easy to provoke a good-faith user to break rules on civility on one project, ban them there, and then use the onestrike rule to get them banned globally. To counter that, we should not ban users who haven't proven vandals or problem users over here. Block them with low threshold, yes, but don't ban them without a ban nomination and local reasons. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 13:04, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::The vandalism and malicious editing is going onto every WMF project and spamming their issues on srwiki (including here). ''They'' are the ones who bring up srwiki issues onto us and I'm not sure if you missed "for their own safety", this is the reason I indeffed them – global bans are irrelevant in this case because they are not used for spam or vandalism. In the future, please try to consult me before shortening a block because most cross-wiki cases often involve matters I cannot disclose in public (partly for [[w:en:WP:BEANS|BEANS]]-related reasons) and this is one of them. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 13:53, 2 July 2025 (UTC) h64tnnk7b2gmtx4pkad7tcw8hc9e2vs 5086642 5086630 2025-07-02T14:10:29Z SHB2000 2248002 /* User and user talk pages for users with no Wikivoyage contributions */ re 5086642 wikitext text/x-wiki {{infobox|Archived discussions|* [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Archive 2004-2007]] * [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Archive 2008-2009]] * [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Archive 2010-2013‎]] * [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Archive 2014-2017‎]] * [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Deletion policy discussion|Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Deletion policy discussion (2018)]] * [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Archive 2018-2019]] }} == Categories - deleted or redirected? == A new user ([[User:Owain]]) has moved [[Conwy (county)]] to [[Conwy (county borough)]], and has thoughtfully changed the category at the same time, by changing the <nowiki>{{Is part of|xxx}}</nowiki> field in each of the affected articles to the new category. However, the old category page ([[:Category:Conwy (county)]]) is now blank, and I can't remember what we do with them. Do they just get deleted, or is there some attribution reason that they need to be kept and/or redirected to the new category? --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 16:32, 16 April 2020 (UTC) :I'd just go ahead and delete. Attribution is something we worry about for copyright purposes, and category pages which are merely lists of articles that fall into a certain geographical grouping (and, technically, are "edited" automatically by the MediaWiki software rather than by any particular human editor) do not qualify as copyrightable material. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 17:15, 16 April 2020 (UTC) ::Great, thank you. To confirm what you said, one of the drop down options of the deletion reasons is 'category renamed'.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 17:55, 16 April 2020 (UTC) == "List one article, file or template per entry" == Should this instruction be deprecated? We've had a few bulk nominations lately, and the preference has been to nominate them all under a single entry. [[User:Vaticidalprophet|Vaticidalprophet]] ([[User talk:Vaticidalprophet|talk]]) 20:41, 2 April 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''' per nom. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:07, 2 April 2021 (UTC) *'''Support'''. The line is a good idea in theory, not in practice.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 21:35, 2 April 2021 (UTC) *'''Support'''. I didn't even realize we theoretically had that guideline. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:13, 2 April 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''' - Stupid crap rule. [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] ([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]]) 08:37, 5 April 2021 (UTC) *:This looks like a consensus. Should I remove the line, and should it be replaced with anything? [[User:Vaticidalprophet|Vaticidalprophet]] ([[User talk:Vaticidalprophet|talk]]) 03:21, 11 April 2021 (UTC) :::That sentence should just be deleted. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:11, 11 April 2021 (UTC) == Redlinks, blue links or black links == Regarding the Finland Proper (Vkem) outlines: I wonder how we want real places to be handled in the case they should have articles. Redirecting a village that might be a common search term to the article where it is handled is an obvious solution, but in this case we have real places that are in fact not described anywhere. Previously they were redlinked in the region article to show that we want those articles. If the articles are created and redirected back, we will have blue links that just lead back, to the annoyance of readers. If we unlink the places, creating the article gets more difficult (and there is no hint we want those articles created, while there are several places mentioned about which we don't need articles. Is finding the region article more difficult if the places are just mentioned in the region article, without a redirect? Search engine-wise, a redirect might get us some more traffic, but just to annoy readers coming here and finding anything specifics about the place. Or should we make it a priority to create those articles, to avoid voids in our hierarchy? Then we shouldn't redirect real places that need articles, but create the outlines, as [[User:Vkem|Vkem]] did. Then the only problem is that we need the content also, which then should be given priority every time a region is created. The situation is probably different for regions that are weak outlines. For [[Finland Proper]] there is a thought-out complete structure. Some of the outlines may be hard to get featureable, but at least there should be some eat, sleep and do for each. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:19, 27 May 2021 (UTC) :This would be confusing. Since I'm well aware of this, I don't know how to respond to this. [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[w:User:SHB2000|en.wikipedia]])</small> 12:38, 27 May 2021 (UTC) ::I agree that a blue link that directs the reader back to the same article is a bad option. ::I don't agree with giving priority to creating articles just because some passerby has created a link. We have thousands of articles that need more content. Allowing our priorities to be determined by a well-intentioned editor like Vkem who isn't really involved in Wikivoyage would be a mistake. And not all of these places really warrants an article. I don't think that we can say that we want an article just because there is a redlink. :: I recently redirected an article for a bedroom community in the U.S. in which the only information that the article's creator provided was that there is a McDonalds in the community. They didn't provide an address for it though, or any other useful information. ::With a black link, a reader who arrives at the region article via a search can at least find the place in the article and on the map, so I think this is the best result. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:47, 27 May 2021 (UTC) ::: The redlinks in the region article were carefully planned, but the intention was to create them when somebody takes the time to write them. I think changing redlinks to black links is not an improvement. Is having the redirects an improvement that weights more than the drawback of having to turn the redlinks black? Read: I am challenging the policy of not deleting redirects from real places. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 14:34, 27 May 2021 (UTC) :::: What's a "black link"? Doesn't that just mean unlinked text? --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 14:36, 27 May 2021 (UTC) :::::Uh, yeah, that would be another way of putting it, since it isn't a link at all. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 15:11, 27 May 2021 (UTC) == Semi-Protect all == I think we should semi-protect all pages listed here, in case of edit warring or vandalism. --[[User:Crocusfleur|Crocusfleur]] ([[User talk:Crocusfleur|talk]]) 17:47, 19 June 2021 (UTC) :Which pages? --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 17:54, 19 June 2021 (UTC) ::Have there been cases of edit warring or vandalism of pages nominated for deletion? [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:46, 19 June 2021 (UTC) :::GZ has a good point here. If there's no history of vandalism (hopefully we don't jinx it) there's no need to semi-protect a page. The [[main page]] and some other critical pages, such as some template pages, are exceptional because vandals could do more damage by changing those, but in this case, without previous vandalism there is no need to semi-protect. A worthwhile thought though. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 21:54, 19 June 2021 (UTC) == Replace the vfd archive header? == ''Moved from [[WV:Pub|the pub]]''<br> I will start out by saying that I'm not a huge fan of [[Template:Deletion archive]], which doesn't look centred, and just doesn't look right for a header. Which is probably why it was never used much, and I'm guessing half of you didn't even know this template existed. I did some experimenting and thought a header like the header you see below might look better, with a more cleaner, neater and organised format. This can be changed anytime, so this doesn't have to be the fixed one. {{User:SHB2000/vfdat|previous=April 2021|next=June 2021|month=May 2021}} The code is pretty simple to work out as well, and the month= variable is automatic. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:57, 24 August 2021 (UTC) ---- <!--LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS BELOW THIS MESSAGE--> * '''Support''' as easy to navigate between months. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 11:47, 28 August 2021 (UTC) ::Given the lack of opposition, I'm going ahead. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:18, 7 September 2021 (UTC) == One-year rule on itineraries == Based on votes on this page, are we going to abolish this rule, or are there differences about its interpretation? For the purpose of discussion the rule is at [[Wikivoyage:Itineraries#"One year" deletion rule]], and here it is in full: ''Since just about any topic can be an itinerary, itineraries must either be actively worked on or achieve some level of completion to be kept. (Sufficiently famous, marked routes such as [[Alaska Highway]] or [[Annapurna Circuit]] are exempt from this rule.) As such, itineraries that have been at [[Project:Itinerary status|outline status]] or less for one year without being substantially edited are subject to deletion via the [[Project:Votes for deletion|votes for deletion]] process.'' My feeling is, if we are keeping the rule, "not a personal itinerary" shouldn't be a sufficient argument for keeping an article with no specific route that is therefore not in any sense usable; just because an itinerary isn't personal doesn't mean it's "sufficiently famous". But let's talk about that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:45, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :I would oppose abolishing this rule. Otherwise, we'd end up with a bunch of itineraries which don't give much information and give no incentive to the creator to make it usable. But I don't think this rule was really enforced that much, until I just checked some random itineraries. The last major mass deletions looks like it was in [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion/April 2011|2011]], more than 10 years ago. But I think we should take these on a case by case basis. :There's more that I have, but given the already mass overload here, I don't think we can handle that much at once. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:52, 18 September 2021 (UTC) ::I should also mention, that based on this reasoning "real itinerary" is not a valid reason to keep, and I'm particularly looking at the one for Nidaros Path and Mountains to Sound Greenway. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:56, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :::In 2011, we were overzealous in my opinion and, in the guise of deleting "personal itineraries", deleted usable articles because they weren't guide-level. I believe in being a bit liberal, in that a coherent, well-defined route can be OK, even if it's "personal". [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:59, 18 September 2021 (UTC) ::::But tbh, these are routes which per the deletion rules, can be deleted. I'm still confused on some of the keep votes on that were added yesterday (writing this 00:05 AEST). But deleting usable routes because it wasn't guide? (please tell me if I'm missing something there. Need to get some sleep). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 14:05, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :::::If you're missing something, it's that the usable itinerary articles that were deleted then were deemed "personal", and exceptions to the deletion policy for "personal" itineraries were given only to articles that were at guide level or higher (I don't think any were stars). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:11, 18 September 2021 (UTC) ::::::I see. I guess I'm too sleepy to think. But these ones that I nominated aren't personal, but just outlines that aren't famously marked. Maybe that policy needs copyediting. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 14:15, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :"As such, itineraries that have been at outline status or less for one year without being substantially edited are subject to deletion via the votes for deletion process." That doesn't mean articles at outline status for a year or more should be deleted; it means they are "subject" via the "deletion process," which indicates that a community consensus to keep any of these itineraries doesn't run contrary to policy. I think there are some itineraries nominated that indeed should be deleted, but they are many that while indeed have been made subject to deletion via this policy, ought not be deleted due to other policies in place, such as [[Wikivoyage:The traveler comes first]]. I certainly don't support deleting any itineraries without consensus. Consensus will develop naturally to delete the useless itineraries, but many others are developing votes to keep, and this is line with current policies that require consensus to delete travel articles (excepting copyvio, of course). <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 14:23, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :Although perhaps read the header of [[:Category:Outline itineraries]]. It says ''This page is for listing itineraries that have outline status. They will be deleted if not modified for one year.'' :–<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 14:30, 18 September 2021 (UTC) ::Categories are intended to list articles with some feature in common, and not to establish policy, so I would support removing that text from the category page. That text appears to come from [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Category:Outline_itineraries&oldid=1855956 before English Wikivoyage was formed]. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 14:33, 18 September 2021 (UTC) I commented "not personal itinerary on some. I don't feel we need to set the "sufficiently" threshold particularly high. My reading has been that a famous route will have readers looking for it, and with some luck people continuing where the article creator left, and even if it takes a few years, that's really not a problem (unless the itinerary is really bad). Personal itineraries, on the other hand, need to be well described to allow anyone to continue the work (and to bother). If no one caught on while it was being worked on, or soon after, it is unlikely to attract attention later. One reason not to keep the threshold high is that what is famous for some, is unknown to others. I didn't know about [[Alaska Highway]] or [[Annapurna Circuit]] before starting to write here. [[Nidaros Path]], deemed non-famous by the nominator, was the prime pilgrimage route in the Nordic countries in medieval times, and is regaining popularity – but how could somebody not from Europe know that, unless into pilgrimages? I'd think many Americans wouldn't know about [[Way of St. James]], although it is a huge thing. If some route is sufficiently famous that you'd expect there to be guidebooks about it, that should suffice. I think any Eurovelo or [[Long distance walking in Europe|ERA route]] should qualify. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 16:43, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :I think usable status should have been sufficient to keep "personal" itineraries if they had reasonable, coherent routes. In terms of the text [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] quotes above, I'd propose changing it to ''This page is for listing itineraries that have outline status. They may be deleted if not modified for one year.'' May, rather than will be deleted. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:28, 18 September 2021 (UTC) ::Agreed, but add "may be deleted [via the VFD process]" because we don't want people unilaterally deleting articles. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 21:38, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :::I reworded it to what Ikan wrote with a little bit of copyedits: ''They may be deleted if not modified or actively maintained for one year.''. I'll write that it may be nominated through RfD in just a sec. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:45, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :::: I think that addressing itinerary articles through VfD after a year is a good approach. It forces us to improve the articles if we can, or delete them if we can't. SHB2000's edits to the policy work. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 00:08, 19 September 2021 (UTC) : Sometimes there may be other solutions. Back in 200x when our coverage of China was quite spotty, I wrote "One week near Hong Kong" which was pretty much a personal itinerary. Later it became a region article, [[Pearl River Delta]], and by now that is a decent article. : For real routes like [[Tanami Track]], I do not think deletion should even be considered. Either keep it or merge it into a region article & redirect there. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 03:51, 19 September 2021 (UTC) : For an example of an itinerary that was prematurely deleted (by me) but later restored & made into a decent article, see [[Talk:Tiger Leaping Gorge]]. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 04:21, 19 September 2021 (UTC) ::[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], thanks for editing that language, but there's no such thing as "RfD" on this Wiki (and you initially confused me by using those initials on talk page threads). I will edit to [[Votes for deletion]] with a link. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:35, 19 September 2021 (UTC) :::[https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Category%3AOutline_itineraries&type=revision&diff=4295605&oldid=4295459 Done]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:39, 19 September 2021 (UTC) ::::Oops. RfD is something on meta and simple, not here. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:00, 19 September 2021 (UTC) ::Pashley, the "don't delete real places" is only for destination articles, not itineraries or topics. Oh and re Tanami Track... erm, it's not a notable track at all, but rather known as Australia's James Dalton Highway. Couldn't find any photos of this track on commons, but if Google Street Trekker does a good job in visualising that route, [https://goo.gl/maps/RZyoHaGsNuRaEnUh7 this] is apparently the best part of the route. There's no way that's notable. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:37, 19 September 2021 (UTC) == Danube Cycleway deletion == I supported deletion, but I think it's worth discussing whether per [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Deleting, or not]], the article should have been kept or deleted. At first glance, it wouldn't appear that there was a consensus to delete at [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion/September 2021#Danube Cycleway]]. 3-2 is not an obvious consensus. And while I obviously agree that the delete arguments are stronger than the keep arguments, here is the relevant policy: * If there is '''no consensus''' after 14 days, allow a further 7 days for discussion. ** If, after the additional 7 days, there is '''no consensus''', the page should be '''kept''' – any Wikivoyager may remove any VFD notices from that page, and archive the deletion discussion. So what's the deletion argument? I think that would have to do with the definition of "consensus" - what it is and what it's not. From [[Wikivoyage:Consensus#What consensus is not]]: * '''Consensus is not unanimity'''. While we should always try to find a solution that works for everyone, in practice this is not always possible. Make sure all concerns are discussed and addressed, but consensus can still be reached even if compromises that please everyone cannot be found. * '''Consensus is not a majority'''. While it would be rare that consensus would be declared when the result represents a minority opinion, well-reasoned arguments based on existing policies and practice should carry more weight than a "support" comment that is unaccompanied by any sort of reasoning or justification. I don't think anyone would say that [[User:LPfi]]'s keep vote is "unaccompanied by any sort of reasoning or justification", but the argument to keep is unaccompanied by any actionable advice on how to establish the route of the now-deleted itinerary. In short, I would defer to [[User:SHB2000]]'s deletion rationale. But I still think a discussion is appropriate, since a nomination for undeletion would not be successful (further quoting from [[Wikivoyage:Consensus#What consensus is not]]): ''Note that the bar for determining a consensus should be higher when changing a past consensus, so while a small majority might suffice for resolving a minor issue, a super majority backed by strong arguments should be required before changing past consensus (see also the "[[#Status quo bias|Status quo bias]]" section below).'' So what do you all think? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:55, 8 October 2021 (UTC) : The guide is little use in current shape and I have little hope of improvements in near future, so I won't contest the deletion, but IK's last point prompts consideration. : I now copied the VFD discussion to the article's talk page. The reason for deletion was "Per the one year rule for itineraries" and "it's been given 14 days to be worked on" I think it should be evident that if anybody starts working on the itinerary, these arguments are moot. If somebody thinks that new work can be deleted based on this VFD discussion, then we need clarification to the guidelines. : –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:07, 8 October 2021 (UTC) ::Well, if someone starts working on it, then that would not make it valid for RfD. Though, I do think the guidelines are somewhat too loose and can differ based on personal opinions. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:39, 8 October 2021 (UTC) :::The rule for itineraries is one year; this article was given 11 years. If someone had started work on it, or indicated an intention to work on it, they should have been given time. But no-one did. I don't think another 7 days would have changed anything. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:41, 8 October 2021 (UTC) ::::hence why I deleted it. It was 3-2, and you and Ikan had better arguments in my opinion and seemed consensus to me. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:49, 8 October 2021 (UTC) :::::Without weighing in on whether deletion is a good idea, it is clear that there was not consensus for deletion, so per policy it should not have been deleted. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:42, 8 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::Let's please try to avoid using RfD, which is not a valid abbreviation on this site. Should we undo the deletion? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:36, 8 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::I subconsciously use RfD when I'm not thinking properly. And technically, no we can't unilaterally undelete it as it has to go through the [[vfu]] process. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:00, 9 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::Not if we decide it should not have been deleted per lack of consensus. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:18, 9 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::However, now given that LPfi has mentioned "The guide is little use in current shape and I have little hope of improvements in near future, so I won't contest the deletion, but IK's last point prompts consideration." :::::::::So really, that gives 3 deletes, 1 neutral and 1 delete, based on LPfi's earlier argument. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:25, 9 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::::If so, that would be a consensus, in my opinion. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:02, 9 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::::Yep, sure does. Even for those like [[Template talk:Mapframe2|Template:Mapframe2]], while there were 3 to delete, 1 comment and 1 keep, who was LPfi, as their argument was much more stronger into keeping it, hence kept. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:43, 9 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::::::Is that defensible per current policy? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:10, 9 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::::::Technically, the two votes that were to delete were either just a vote or "per nom". Even then, my rationale for deletion still wasn't a strong enough reason to delete, and hence kept. Not to forget that Alasdair also seemed to be leaning towards a keep as well. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:17, 9 October 2021 (UTC) == Camp Chase Trail discussion == This deletion discussion has been closed with the article merged after only a day of discussion and little participation. This is contrary to policy, which calls for 14 days of discussion, and really too fast for anyone to be expected to keep up with. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:39, 11 October 2021 (UTC) :I can close my nominations early if I want to withdraw my deletion nom early. In this case, I merged the info already, so I had every right to withdraw my nom. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:03, 12 October 2021 (UTC) ::Generally I agree with SHB, but in this case the closure was quick for a merger discussion which should take a few days. I would be happy with a policy change that allowed a non-deletion closure after 5 days if the nominator agrees. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 20:33, 13 October 2021 (UTC) :::I '''support''' [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]]’s proposal to create a clear policy on this issue. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 20:37, 13 October 2021 (UTC) :::I would generally '''support''' Alasair's wording, but then we run into a loophole here. Anyone can withdraw their own nominations any time they like, and anyone can merge articles whenever they want, without discussion (although it is quite suspicious when IPs do that), so all we have is two policies that contradict each other. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:26, 14 October 2021 (UTC) ::::Discussions are generally encouraged before articles are merged, although it is only said to be "worthwile" in [[Wikivoyage:How to merge two pages]]. ::::A policy should have additional words including allowing withdrawal by the nominator ("oh I hadn't realised that this page is useful for..."), admins deciding that the nomination is an obvious speedy case, and cancelling requests by vandals (not seen that here, but I have seen it on Commons). [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:51, 14 October 2021 (UTC) :::::Merge proposals can be discussed on the talk pages of the articles in question. I would oppose any kind of guideline that in any way suggests that VfD is the most appropriate place to discuss merges. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:56, 14 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::And similarly, if anyone objects to a merge, this is not the most appropriate place to address that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:56, 14 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::Agree. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:58, 14 October 2021 (UTC) :::::True, but there's lots of merges I've done without discussion (and {{u|Ground Zero}} does the same). [[Special:Diff/4308621]] is an example of one of my recent uncontroversial merges. Out of about let's say 100 merges I've done, only [[Talk:Khancoban|Khancoban]] seemed to be a controversial one. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:57, 14 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::A merger without discussion is permitted by [[Wikivoyage:How to merge two pages]]: :::::::"Unless the need for a merge is really obvious, it may be worthwhile to start a discussion before doing a merge." ::::::Contributors will disagree on what is or is not "obvious". If other editors disagree with a merger, then the merging editor will have to go through the hassle of defending the merger and will be more cautious about doing it again. I have probably erred on the side of being too cautious, and I have not had objections to my mergers whether discussed or not discussed. There is a lot of clean up of old stub articles needed, and props to SHB2000 for their work in improving Wikivoyage. It is inevitable that the occasional merger will be done too precipitously, but a merger can always be undone. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 23:26, 14 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::(It is easy, in my opinion, to show that an article ''shouldn't'' be merged — or shouldn't have been merged — by expanding an article to make it usable. That is more productive than arguing over process, IMHO.) [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 23:34, 14 October 2021 (UTC) == User:SHB2000/lc template == Forgive me if this has already been dealt with, as I've been away from admin stuff. The template [[User:SHB2000/lc]] has been used several times for different nominations, but has it been approved by the community? If it has, I'd expect to see the discussion either still in the Pub or archived somewhere sensible like [[User talk:SHB2000/lc]].--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 08:51, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :Can't I use my ''own'' userspace templates in ''my'' nominations? How would this have been dealt with, if I used wikitext in the same way in my nominations? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:06, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :I realise that there's no point in arguing over a *''userspace transclusion''*, so I just removed it. [(redacted)] <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:25, 18 October 2021 (UTC) ::I don't know why you're getting snarky with me about it, as I think my original question was polite and based in the policy which we're both tasked with enforcing. We have a policy about new templates that you've said you understand, and that obviously covers userspace templates too (why would they be any different when they're being used in mainspace?). Thank you for removing them when asked; hopefully, I won't have to in future.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 09:58, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::I'm sorry if I became passive aggressive there, and I apologise for that. But there doesn't seem to be any policy on userspace templates being used, is there? Or what'd happen if I substituted the template (which if I used let's say nominating [[Pomona (Queensland)]] for deletion and I used <span class="plainlinks">[[:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}]] ([{{fullurl:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}|action=edit}} edit] &middot; [[{{TALKPAGENAME:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}}}|talk]] &middot; [{{fullurl:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}|action=history}} history] &middot; [{{fullurl:Special:Whatlinkshere/{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}|limit=999}} links] &middot; [{{fullurl:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}|action=watch}} watch] &middot; [{{fullurl:Special:Log|page={{urlencode:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}}}}} logs] &middot; [{{fullurl:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}|action=delete}} delete])</span>, would that be considered using templates?) <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:06, 18 October 2021 (UTC) ::::I think the edit link is confusing. I would expect it to edit the discussion, not the nominated article. Why would i want to edit the article without reading it first? [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 10:28, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::The edit link may be confusing, but there's no denying on whether the talk or history pages are useful. The page logs aren't also that important, but it can help (the only instances where I personally think its useful when its used to detect Brendan edits) :::::The delete button is also quite convenient for the closing admin. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:34, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::: There is a practice on what nominations and the discussions look like. It seems you are trying to change that practice, and while plunging forward by introducing links you find useful might be OK, if others don't thank you for the bright idea, it might be better to discuss whether we want those links and templates. Thus they should be introduced like any other templates, regardless of where they live – moved to template space if they get support, not used and possibly deleted if they don't. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 11:44, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::No I am not trying to change the practice and I mainly used it for my personal use. I'm merely adding it so it's much more easier to delete it. Given that these days I'm the one who's deleting most of the articles these days, it's much more convenient to have a link that allows me to delete the article in one click. :::::::And we also recently discussed that we're never deleting templates merely because it lacked community support (it'll just be moved to the user's userspace). In this case, it's already in my userspace. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:51, 18 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::Templates that are in your userspace shouldn't be used outside of your userspace, i.e. in mainspace or projectspace. It's not "your personal use" when it's being used on a community page that everyone can edit. They're not "your nominations", either; they're ''community nominations'' submitted by you ''for the community's consideration'', and they should be made in the standard way that the community has come to expect. ::::::::I'm sorry, but using userspace templates in projectspace comes across to me as a rather clever (but unfair) way of circumventing a policy you don't like. We've all got to live with policies we don't like as a necessary part of editing a wiki; the alternative to editing within a community-led set of policies is we just individually pick and choose to follow the rules that suit us and ignore the ones that don't suit us. If that happens, then the whole system of collaborative editing by consensus breaks down, and our "travel guide that everyone can edit" ceases to work in the interests of travellers. ::::::::I'm guessing I may come across as anti-template, or maybe even anti-SHB2000's templates. But this couldn't be further from the truth; I'm pro-innovation. But first and foremost I'm interested in ensuring that policy applies to, and is observed by, everyone equally. ::::::::For this particular template, I agree with LPfi, and would even further say that it would be useful in a slightly modified form (i.e. removing the 'edit' button, and any others that might not be relevant) and that I would use it myself. However, my future support is conditional on this template being proposed for the community's approval in the normal way; if and when it's approved, it should be moved out of your userspace into templatespace. ::::::::Also, we may need to specify on [[Wikivoyage:Using MediaWiki templates]] that "If new templates fail to gain community support, they will eventually be moved to the template creator's userspace." means that those templates are not to be used outside of userspace. I thought this was pretty clear already, but apparently not... ::::::::All that being said, I appreciate and accept your apology above.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 13:55, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::I think that an occasional editor would expect the delete link to record a "delete" vote, not take them to a page saying "Permission error". I get having such a link on Commons where the closing admin migt have to delete a list of 20 imgaes after a sinle nomination, but I don't see the need here. I also agree with TT that userspace templetes should not be used in project space, except for a single example when discussing moving the template to mainspace. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 15:00, 18 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::::That's the whole point; otherwise, we'd be restricting the use of a template to a single individual, not to their userspace. Please, [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], you do great work, but especially as an admin, you need to not only respect consensus but uphold it as the fundamental way this site operates in your statements and model your respect for it to other users. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:11, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::I must dispute the following statement "''They're not "your nominations", either; they're community nominations submitted by you for the community's consideration, and they should be made in the standard way that the community has come to expect.''". First of all, they're still my nominations, since I irrevocably release my text under the CC BY-SA License, and in no way does that ever state that I'm handing over those nominations to the community. I still hold the copyright for those, and so they are '''not''' "they're community nominations submitted by you for the community's consideration" and so they're still the nominations of whoever started them. b) "the standard way that the community has come to expect.". I cannot find any place where it says that as well. So until you direct me to where that's told, then again, there's nothing saying how I should format those nominations. :::::::::Let's say I used a template (call it {{tl|tnr}} for example), and it's main purpose is to get text in Times New Roman. So if I used <nowiki> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman; color:green"> Some text here</span></nowiki> instead of this example {{tl|tnr}} template which would both produce <span style="font-family:Times New Roman; color:green"> Some text here</span>. Now that plain text I was using had no templates in it, nor is a substituted template. I'll let you all decide for yourselves on how that'd be taken. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 21:23, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::::You've completely missed, or certainly failed to address, the wider points. I suggest some closer reading and reflection.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 08:27, 19 October 2021 (UTC) == Help needed == I slushed the Puerto Rican stubs nom for now, but it's 4:12 AM and I have to wake up for work in about 5 hours, so I'd be very grateful if someone else could remove all the VfD templates from the articles in question. Please see the thread at [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion/March 2022#Puerto Rico skeletons with a byte count lower than 600 created by Ligocsicnarf89 (talk · contribs)]]. And thanks! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:13, 31 March 2022 (UTC) :@[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] btw I'm happy for anyone to rollback my edits to those articles as it's a pretty tedious thing to do manually. However, do get some sleep first. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:35, 31 March 2022 (UTC) :: vfd templates removed. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:54, 31 March 2022 (UTC) :::Thanks for removing them :-). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:00, 31 March 2022 (UTC) ::::Thank you! -- [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:31, 31 March 2022 (UTC) == Closure comments == There is an argument on a user page on what comments are suitable when closing a VFD thread. If I interpret [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] correctly, they think any comments that don't conflict with any specific rule is OK, while IK and I disagree. See [[Special:Permalink/4569290#Sorry for editing an archive]]. I added the following to the instructions, to have the requested rule, and got reverted: : The note on whether the article was kept should be objective; if you have an opinion that needs to be voiced, voice it during the discussion – if you didn't until now, either keep silent or give others time to comment on it by not taking action yet. The addition hadn't been discussed other than in that user page thread, so the reversion was anticipated. Now, what does the community think about the issue? Do you agree with me or SHB? Should there be written advice? Is the suggested wording OK? Should there be some more general wording in [[Wikivoyage:Administrators' handbook]] covering also this? Any general comments? –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:47, 26 November 2022 (UTC) :My 2 cents: :* Not allowing users to voice their opinion is antithetical to the purpose of a discussion :* Discussions are immediately archived once the outcome has been reached; this is per [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Deleting, or not]] :* Yes, you're right that my rationale behind standing by my comment doesn't conflict with any specific policy :* It's probably not a good idea to include it in the [[Wikivoyage:Administrators' handbook]] as any Wikivoyager can close a DR if the outcome was keep or redirect – this is also per [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Deleting, or not]] :I am opposed to the addition of [[Special:Diff/4569292]], because the purpose of vfd is to ''not'' "keep silent", and "giv[ing] others time to comment on it by not taking action yet" contradicts [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Deleting, or not]]. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 22:51, 26 November 2022 (UTC) ::Closing a discussion means no longer arguing about it. I still find it incredible, inflammatory, and in incredibly bad grace to have to have a discussion about this at all. I'd observe that SHB2000 tried to argue that a consensus was not a consensus the last time he showed bad grace in a Vfd closing. Anyone who can't close Vfd threads without trying to get a pot-shot in at the end should not close Vfd threads. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:06, 26 November 2022 (UTC) :::So, let's put it this way. You disagree with my opinion, and are insisting me to follow what ''you'' think should be common practice, even though this is not a policy, at least not yet. Then, you indirectly claim that your opinion is somehow superior to mine and I should follow it, and now claim that the common practice to enroot this into a Wikivoyage policy is "<span style="color:darkred;font-family:Georgia">incredible, inflammatory, and in incredibly bad grace</span>". So, who's being hypocritical here? <s> Oh, and that discussion really wasn't a consensus – there were only two more delete !votes, and a lot of the keep !votes were [[w:WP:PERX]].</s> --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 23:53, 26 November 2022 (UTC) ::::And you still haven't answered my question from yesterday: if you so vehemently disagreed with my statement, why didn't you close the article yourself 10 days ago, when the article was due to be closed? --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 23:55, 26 November 2022 (UTC) :::::That's not a valid argument. We're all volunteers here, I'm a busy man, and I don't always think about closing Vfd threads here. None of that is an excuse for you to break the precedent of not editorializing and insulting the consensus when closing. Come on, man! You do a lot of good work, but you sometimes just don't seem to understand when to drop it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:01, 27 November 2022 (UTC) ::::::And for the record, what you tried to claim was not a consensus was [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion/May 2022|8-3]]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:10, 27 November 2022 (UTC) :::::::I stand corrected; have struck that comment. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 01:24, 27 November 2022 (UTC) *Oppose. I don't think we need to change the policy because one editor made a comment some people didn't like. This editorialising does not disrupt the functioning of our travel guide, and let's recognize that SHB was doing a necessary administrative function in closing the discussion even though he didn't agree with the conclusion. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 02:46, 27 November 2022 (UTC) ::I'm surprised. I thought you would find fault with such a closing comment even though you would agree with the substance. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:01, 27 November 2022 (UTC) :::As the closing comment is not something that affects the reader, I don't see the need to regulate it, especially in response to a single closing comment. This seems like a sledgehammer/fly situation. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:51, 27 November 2022 (UTC) *::The bottom line is, not everyone disagrees with my comment, as you seem to think. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 07:15, 27 November 2022 (UTC) : I agree with LPfi & Ikan; such comments are extremely bad form. I do not think a single instance merits either a policy change or any sort of disciplinary action against the user, but a persistent pattern of such actions might. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 04:02, 28 November 2022 (UTC) :: The "bottom line", as I see it, is that whether anyone agrees with the comment is utterly irrelevant; the comment was clearly made in the wrong place. :: It would have been appropriate either as part of the deletion discussion or raising an issue on either the VFD or Deletion policy talk page. However, adding a snarky remark in the archive &mdash; where no-one is likely to see it & anyone who does cannot reply &mdash; was out of line. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 07:53, 28 November 2022 (UTC) == Using this page to propose merge/redirects == This page was not envisioned to be used for that purpose, and it is in my opinion quite an unnecessary use of volunteer time. If you think a merge/redirect should be done and it's unlikely to be controversial, just do it if you have the time. If you think it might be controversial, start a thread on the talk page of the article to be merged and have a discussion there. I can't think of any good reason to use this page to propose anything other than deletion. Note that it does take more time to close discussions here than to simply have discussions on talk pages. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:30, 17 December 2022 (UTC) :I think this page can still be used if a user is indifferent to whether an article should be deleted or redirected (e.g., some of our recent destination articles nominated for deletion); I agree with you that the airport articles could have been better handled on the relevant talk page, though. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 00:02, 18 December 2022 (UTC) ::If there's a reasonable basis for proposing deletion, that's what this page is for. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:08, 18 December 2022 (UTC) ::: But if you are indifferent, why not just merge and redirect? It mostly requires less effort than the discussion and possible later merger. The history will be there (easily found if correctly attributed) for those who might want to revive the article with additional info that would make it pass the whiaa test. The redirect seldom does harm (and if you think it does, ''then'' take it here). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 13:06, 18 December 2022 (UTC) == Withdrawing nominations == In many fora, one is allowed to withdraw one's own proposal, but as SHB2000 notes, "there's no policy on en.voy explicitly allowing this". I think there shouldn't be one. To the contrary, as soon as a nomination is posted, other contributors put time and thought in evaluating the article and articulating their standpoints. This effort is mostly lost in a speedy closure, and the thoughts shared may have implications on other articles than the one nominated. Also, consensus might be to delete the article despite the nominator changing their mind, and a second nomination shouldn't be needed. Thus I think the discussion should be allowed to continue for the normal time, unless there is consensus for something else or there is some good reason to speedy the decision. I think the judgement on the latter should be left to somebody else. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 16:32, 29 December 2022 (UTC) :Withdrawing serves to prevent attracting input (meaning time and energy) to an inoperative process; it is such when it is 100% certain not to result in a change. People will air their views, and these might be icredibly articulate and wise, but it doesn't create a tangible benefit for the project. I don't think that a policy change is necessary in order to allow withdrawing, but just as well, withdrawing should not be considered prohibited when not prescribed by policy. Withdrawing should only be done if absolutely all of the votes are to keep. If there is even a single delete vote anyone should feel free to reopen the discussion. [[User:Alalch E.|Alalch E.]] ([[User talk:Alalch E.|talk]]) 17:07, 29 December 2022 (UTC) :For example, I really think that it makes sense for {{u|SHB2000}} to withdraw [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Surfing]] ''now'' (and only now), when everyone agrees (which was not the case initially). [[User:Alalch E.|Alalch E.]] ([[User talk:Alalch E.|talk]]) 17:18, 29 December 2022 (UTC) ::We should adopt some guideline that nominations can be speedily withdrawn when there isn't even a proposal for deletion or none of the people responding support deletion, such as when whether to merge/redirect or to which article is being unnecessarily argued about on this page. I would suggest that a nomination for other than deletion be immediately withdrawn unless someone suggests deletion in the response thread before it is deleted, and that otherwise, if after 3 days, there is no support for deletion, a nomination can be speedily resolved as a keep, but that if the resolution is deletion, at least 7 days are needed. The way around that, in my opinion, is to start a thread on the article's talk page, where the person who started the article could agree to deletion if very little if anything has been added by others, or sometimes, articles are speedily deleted without a proposal here because they are so obviously irrelevant or are copyright violation. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:06, 29 December 2022 (UTC) :I thought it was allowed (and have done so in the past with no dramas), until that nomination. Nominators should be allowed to close their nominations whenever they choose to, with the prejudice that it's appropriate. I like Ikan Kekek's proposal and we could trial this next year. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 20:26, 29 December 2022 (UTC) ::I think the reason it was uncontroversial before is that opinion was probably unanimous, though correct me if I'm wrong. But in the most recent case, I know I wondered what had happened and was surprised to see a deletion thread that as yet had no unanimous opinion speedily archived. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:46, 29 December 2022 (UTC) :::I don't think we should be able to withdraw "our" nominations early, primarily because there's no such thing as "my nomination", only a nomination submitted to the community for consideration. Of course there are some exceptions: if a clear consensus has developed early with little chance of dissent, or if the nomination is clearly not a real candidate for deletion (e.g. something that should be merged).--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 09:33, 30 December 2022 (UTC) ::::{{re|ThunderingTyphoons!}} if nominations don't belong to one user, then perhaps would you like to explain why [[c:Template:Withdraw]], [[species:Template:Withdraw]], [[w:en:Template:Withdraw]], [[w:ar:قالب:سحب_ترشيح]], [[w:bh:टेम्पलेट:Withdraw]], [[w:bn:টেমপ্লেট:Withdraw]], [[w:ckb:داڕێژە:کشانەوەی پاڵاوتن]], [[w:et:Mall:Loobun]], [[w:fa:الگو:انصراف]], [[w:en:ಟೆಂಪ್ಲೇಟು:Withdraw]], [[w:shn:ထႅမ်းပလဵတ်ႉ:Withdraw]], [[w:sr:Шаблон:Withdraw]] and [[w:te:మూస:Withdraw]] all translate or say "I withdraw '''my''' nomination", with "my" being the key word here? The concept of a deletion nomination shouldn't differ by WMF project, so I'm a bit confused on why you think the concept of "my nominations" shouldn't exist. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 12:12, 30 December 2022 (UTC) :::::Forgive me, but my pontifications about the possible meanings of machine-translated sentences written in languages I don't speak on wikis I've never visited wouldn't be of use to anyone. :::::But to explain my thought process further, a nomination can of course be "mine" inasmuch as if I make the nomination, it originated from my brain, and was created by my fingers when I posted it. And yes, I can continue to refer to it as "my" nomination, but that's just semantics or sentimentality; I can't assert actual ownership over the nomination. Once the nomination is live on VFD, and especially once it's being considered by others, it is no longer mine to unilaterally withdraw, because that's not fair to other members of the community who have lent their time and consideration. Similarly, an article I start is no longer "mine" as soon as it's published, even if I continue to be the main or only contributor; this is a wiki after all. :::::If I rationally believed an article was worthy of deletion, then it is likely that other members of the community would agree and so if they had found the article before I did, they would have nominated it first. The question of who did nominate is unimportant. Even if I am alone in believing the article should be deleted, that can only be tested by a nomination that runs its course and that allows the whole community a say, or that at least provides an early consensus. The person who made the nomination doesn't have any special say over the outcome of the nomination; the community does.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 12:46, 30 December 2022 (UTC) ::::::"The concept of a deletion nomination shouldn't differ by WMF project"? Why not? If there remains a question about whether to delete or not, we can have our own policy. You wouldn't argue that we need to have a NPOV policy because some other Wikis have it, would you? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:02, 30 December 2022 (UTC) ::::::: There is an advantage of standardising some things across the WMF sites, so that readers and editors have an easy time approaching another project. However, people from other projects usually don't have enough of an understanding to contribute at deletion discussions. Sometimes they might have some valuable fresh viewpoints, but few from the outside can see when their viewpoint is just distracting. Thus, until you have followed the discussions long enough to learn the idiosyncrasies, you don't need to nominate articles or close the discussions, and thus the advantage of standardising is marginal. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 16:47, 30 December 2022 (UTC) :::::::{{re|Ikan Kekek}} each wiki can have its own policy regarding deletion nominations, but the concept of it shouldn't differ: a user nominates one or more pages for deletion because of some reason, then a discussion happens for a certain period of time and then the discussion is closed as either kept, deleted, redirected (or something else like getting another project to import the article). What can differ is the length, reasoning or outcome. NPOV is a completely different story because it's only a policy on Wikipedia, but likewise, the concept of NPOV shouldn't differ between different language Wikipedias. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 22:32, 30 December 2022 (UTC) ::::::{{re|ThunderingTyphoons!}} fair enough, but I don't think articles are comparable to DRs, but maybe that's because I spend more time on Commons' DRs than our VfD, which is where I've been influenced. I still favour Ikan's proposal, though (which is similar to what you're proposing: "if a clear consensus has developed early with little chance of dissent, or if the nomination is clearly not a real candidate for deletion", but with more detail). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 22:25, 30 December 2022 (UTC) == [[Wikivoyage:Votes_for_deletion#Archiving]] == Current text in this section includes: : When archiving, always '''make it clear''' to other editors what '''the outcome of the discussion''' was. This can be done by adding the result to the discussion in a ''separate edit'' from the one in which you remove the discussion from this page; or you can describe the outcome in the edit summary when you remove the discussion. I'd delete the suggestion of the edit summary. or change "or you can" to "you should also". It seems to me we always want the result in the archive since someone looking later will not see the edit summary. We also have: : If the nominated article, file or template '''was not deleted''', then place another (identical duplicate) copy of the deletion discussion on the discussion page of the article, file or template being kept or redirected. I'd change this to: : If the nominated article, file or template '''was not deleted''', then the nomination should be mentioned on its talk page. If the deletion discussion is reasonably short, place another (identical duplicate) copy of it on the talk page. For longer discussions, provide a link to the archive instead. Other opinions? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 13:04, 1 June 2024 (UTC) :I'm not a fan of duplicating discussions by copy-pasting it on the talk page and don't think this has been followed for quite some time – duplicating content is never a good idea. I would much rather require that only a link be placed to the deletion discussion for all cases. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 22:43, 1 June 2024 (UTC) ::However, one could copy the outcome declaration. That's short and could avoid need of clicking in some obvious cases (such as "speedy keep: no valid reason to delete"). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:28, 2 June 2024 (UTC) : {{tick}} Edited. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 20:56, 2 June 2024 (UTC) ::I think putting the deletion nomination thread on an article's talk page has often been done. I'm not sure archiving was always done thoroughly. I guess I feel like it's OK to have the thread there if anyone deems the article to be likely to be nominated for deletion again, but summarizing the discussion and providing a link to the relevant section of the archive is an acceptable alternative. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:47, 2 June 2024 (UTC) :::I'm also not opposed to how Commons deals with DRs that resulted in a keep (which is very effective in grabbing your attention) – we could at least experiment it for a month or two. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:00, 2 June 2024 (UTC) ::::I agree that Commons does this in a good way. There's room for doubt on whether it prevents further deletion requests, but it's certainly clear. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:50, 16 May 2025 (UTC) == User and user talk pages for users with no Wikivoyage contributions == What's our policy on pages like [[User talk:Зорана Филиповић]], which [[User:92.21.137.132]] provided a translation for that I reverted because I thought it was a user page and not a user talk page? [https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Special:Contributions/%D0%97%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B0_%D0%A4%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B8%D1%9B No user contributions] except for that page and their user page, [[User:Зорана Филиповић]], which is transcluded from Meta, and these pages are solely in Cyrillic. Meanwhile, this is stated in the translation to be a sock of [[User talk:Filipović Zoran]]. Should we delete the sock user and user talk pages? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:12, 30 June 2025 (UTC) : Yes, csrtainly. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:40, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::I agree they should be speedied. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 00:07, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::Looking deeply at both of the profiles, it's supposedly an editor with 138K edits [[https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:CentralAuth/Filipovi%C4%87_Zoran]] in Serbian and other wiki - and at least one profile shows already blocked [[https://sr.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=%D0%9F%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%B5%D0%B1%D0%BD%D0%BE:%D0%94%D0%BD%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%BA/block&page=User%3AFilipovi%C4%87+Zoran]] in some places. -- [[Special:Contributions/92.21.137.132|92.21.137.132]] 00:24, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::Any objection? We can afford to wait 24 hours, I figure. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:38, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::Yeah no harm waiting a day or two. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 01:36, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::The disclaimer should be on their meta user page instead, no need to copy it to talk pages on many projects. It, and the translation could be moved there, I suppose, but just deleting the talk page is no problem, I think. If they start contributing here, anybody checking the talk page history will see there are deleted versions. Do provide a helpful deletion rationale when deleting. ::::::For user pages, there are different cases. A new page could be from somebody who intends to start contributing, so should not be summarily deleted. We might also have active registered users who just don't contribute. They might have bookmarks etc. on the page. If the page looks legitimate and it doesn't have excess content, I don't think there is any harm in keeping it. At least the user should be notified and asked about it. Touting or propaganda from non-contributors doesn't need to be tolerated. ::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:32, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::If you're concerned about the deletion rationale, why don't you take care of the deletion tomorrow and supply your own rationale? And if you think this sockpuppet could ever be a useful Wikivoyage user, I suggest you look at the link I gave to the user talk page of their main account. They have never had any interest in using Wikivoyage as anything but a place to vent their frustration about Wikipedia, and that is not the function of this site. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:47, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::I can do the deletion OK. But I either need to do it prematurely or risk somebody else doing it before me (unless I have such a window at my disposal). ::::::::I don't think they will be a useful contributor, but the current mention of alternative accounts will help to see whether they have proved problematic on other projects, if they ever turn up (for venting frustration or otherwise). With a decent deletion rationale, any admin will know to check that deleted mention. ::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:31, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::You can always give an additional reason for a deletion that you type in on the second line of deletion reasons. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:28, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::Yes. But the one who deletes must write that reason. I just asked that whoever does this thinks for a few seconds about what to write, like they should when deleting a page with a name that refers to a valid topic. In that case any newbie trying to create the article will see a warning that includes that reason. It should make clear that the problem wasn't with the topic but what actually was written. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 17:52, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::I'm nominating you to type a reason you're satisfied with. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:44, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::<nowiki/>:-) ::::::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:35, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::I think I should be a bit blunt here: Basically, I feel that you're not that confident in me, or at least more resistant to deleting the user and user talk pages of totally useless Wikivoyage users (keeping in mind the still unresolved case of the WT-en touter), so you do it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:02, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::'''Done'''. I hope that you could leave that feeling behind. We may disagree on that one issue, but I respect you highly. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:49, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :{{re|Ikan Kekek|LPfi}} A bit more context I've learned about this specific user that an srwiki user told me in private (I won't disclose their username in public for their own safety): Zoran apparently has a history of spamming matters about his (srwiki) blocks on various different projects, sometimes using alts on unrelated projects like in this case. I will block both those accounts as per [[WV:ONESTRIKE]] (mirroring the srwiki block) because ideally I'd like to keep Zoran's activities out of enwikivoyage fully (though there is a chance they may be globally locked for x-wiki abuse). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 04:03, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::... and just like that, at 10:45 today, there's an unblocking request on the cyrillic user name talk page. -- [[Special:Contributions/92.21.137.132|92.21.137.132]] 11:38, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::I don't like the onestrike rule to be used other than in clear cases. It requires "a similar malicious edit on Wikivoyage" to the "vandalism or other malicious editing" they have done elsewhere. [[User:Filipović Zoran|Filipović Zoran]] and [[User:Зорана Филиповић|Зорана Филиповић]] were blocked as sockpupets of each other. Where is the vandalism or other malicious editing? I agree that non-contributors venting frustration of matters on other projects don't belong here, but that was handled in August. The new user page was created only as a pointer to the other account – with such a pointer, claims of sockpupetry are moot. My deleting the page on IK's request doesn't make the account a sockpuppet. ::If they should be globally banned, that's something for Meta, not for us. I limited the block period, not to have it count among "banned on X projects" when deciding on global blocks, until I am convinced there is some local reason for them to be blocked here. ::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:52, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::I don't think they will be a productive user here, but that's up to them. As long as they are non-contributors, there is no need to block them. Let's not make Wikivoyage a tool for fighting cross-wiki issues that don't concern us. I don't want to spend my Wikivoyage time on analysing issues on other projects. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 13:00, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::I am also concerned that the onestrike rule makes it easy to provoke a good-faith user to break rules on civility on one project, ban them there, and then use the onestrike rule to get them banned globally. To counter that, we should not ban users who haven't proven vandals or problem users over here. Block them with low threshold, yes, but don't ban them without a ban nomination and local reasons. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 13:04, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::The vandalism and malicious editing is going onto every WMF project and spamming their issues on srwiki (including here). ''They'' are the ones who bring up srwiki issues onto us and I'm not sure if you missed "for their own safety", this is the reason I indeffed them – global bans are irrelevant in this case because they are not used for spam or vandalism. In the future, please try to consult me before shortening a block because most cross-wiki cases often involve matters I cannot disclose in public (partly for [[w:en:WP:BEANS|BEANS]]-related reasons) and this is one of them. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 13:53, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::Without spilling too much, the reason why you will not find much public discussion behind this is because Zoran's case involves lots of off-wiki harassment that the WMF isn't willing to handle just yet. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 14:10, 2 July 2025 (UTC) 0ev87hvf7pf4gomx8keysylrac49n2x 5086767 5086642 2025-07-02T19:46:48Z LPfi 79572 /* User and user talk pages for users with no Wikivoyage contributions */ Reply 5086767 wikitext text/x-wiki {{infobox|Archived discussions|* [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Archive 2004-2007]] * [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Archive 2008-2009]] * [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Archive 2010-2013‎]] * [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Archive 2014-2017‎]] * [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Deletion policy discussion|Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Deletion policy discussion (2018)]] * [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Archive 2018-2019]] }} == Categories - deleted or redirected? == A new user ([[User:Owain]]) has moved [[Conwy (county)]] to [[Conwy (county borough)]], and has thoughtfully changed the category at the same time, by changing the <nowiki>{{Is part of|xxx}}</nowiki> field in each of the affected articles to the new category. However, the old category page ([[:Category:Conwy (county)]]) is now blank, and I can't remember what we do with them. Do they just get deleted, or is there some attribution reason that they need to be kept and/or redirected to the new category? --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 16:32, 16 April 2020 (UTC) :I'd just go ahead and delete. Attribution is something we worry about for copyright purposes, and category pages which are merely lists of articles that fall into a certain geographical grouping (and, technically, are "edited" automatically by the MediaWiki software rather than by any particular human editor) do not qualify as copyrightable material. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 17:15, 16 April 2020 (UTC) ::Great, thank you. To confirm what you said, one of the drop down options of the deletion reasons is 'category renamed'.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 17:55, 16 April 2020 (UTC) == "List one article, file or template per entry" == Should this instruction be deprecated? We've had a few bulk nominations lately, and the preference has been to nominate them all under a single entry. [[User:Vaticidalprophet|Vaticidalprophet]] ([[User talk:Vaticidalprophet|talk]]) 20:41, 2 April 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''' per nom. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:07, 2 April 2021 (UTC) *'''Support'''. The line is a good idea in theory, not in practice.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 21:35, 2 April 2021 (UTC) *'''Support'''. I didn't even realize we theoretically had that guideline. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:13, 2 April 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''' - Stupid crap rule. [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] ([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]]) 08:37, 5 April 2021 (UTC) *:This looks like a consensus. Should I remove the line, and should it be replaced with anything? [[User:Vaticidalprophet|Vaticidalprophet]] ([[User talk:Vaticidalprophet|talk]]) 03:21, 11 April 2021 (UTC) :::That sentence should just be deleted. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:11, 11 April 2021 (UTC) == Redlinks, blue links or black links == Regarding the Finland Proper (Vkem) outlines: I wonder how we want real places to be handled in the case they should have articles. Redirecting a village that might be a common search term to the article where it is handled is an obvious solution, but in this case we have real places that are in fact not described anywhere. Previously they were redlinked in the region article to show that we want those articles. If the articles are created and redirected back, we will have blue links that just lead back, to the annoyance of readers. If we unlink the places, creating the article gets more difficult (and there is no hint we want those articles created, while there are several places mentioned about which we don't need articles. Is finding the region article more difficult if the places are just mentioned in the region article, without a redirect? Search engine-wise, a redirect might get us some more traffic, but just to annoy readers coming here and finding anything specifics about the place. Or should we make it a priority to create those articles, to avoid voids in our hierarchy? Then we shouldn't redirect real places that need articles, but create the outlines, as [[User:Vkem|Vkem]] did. Then the only problem is that we need the content also, which then should be given priority every time a region is created. The situation is probably different for regions that are weak outlines. For [[Finland Proper]] there is a thought-out complete structure. Some of the outlines may be hard to get featureable, but at least there should be some eat, sleep and do for each. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:19, 27 May 2021 (UTC) :This would be confusing. Since I'm well aware of this, I don't know how to respond to this. [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[w:User:SHB2000|en.wikipedia]])</small> 12:38, 27 May 2021 (UTC) ::I agree that a blue link that directs the reader back to the same article is a bad option. ::I don't agree with giving priority to creating articles just because some passerby has created a link. We have thousands of articles that need more content. Allowing our priorities to be determined by a well-intentioned editor like Vkem who isn't really involved in Wikivoyage would be a mistake. And not all of these places really warrants an article. I don't think that we can say that we want an article just because there is a redlink. :: I recently redirected an article for a bedroom community in the U.S. in which the only information that the article's creator provided was that there is a McDonalds in the community. They didn't provide an address for it though, or any other useful information. ::With a black link, a reader who arrives at the region article via a search can at least find the place in the article and on the map, so I think this is the best result. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:47, 27 May 2021 (UTC) ::: The redlinks in the region article were carefully planned, but the intention was to create them when somebody takes the time to write them. I think changing redlinks to black links is not an improvement. Is having the redirects an improvement that weights more than the drawback of having to turn the redlinks black? Read: I am challenging the policy of not deleting redirects from real places. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 14:34, 27 May 2021 (UTC) :::: What's a "black link"? Doesn't that just mean unlinked text? --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 14:36, 27 May 2021 (UTC) :::::Uh, yeah, that would be another way of putting it, since it isn't a link at all. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 15:11, 27 May 2021 (UTC) == Semi-Protect all == I think we should semi-protect all pages listed here, in case of edit warring or vandalism. --[[User:Crocusfleur|Crocusfleur]] ([[User talk:Crocusfleur|talk]]) 17:47, 19 June 2021 (UTC) :Which pages? --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 17:54, 19 June 2021 (UTC) ::Have there been cases of edit warring or vandalism of pages nominated for deletion? [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:46, 19 June 2021 (UTC) :::GZ has a good point here. If there's no history of vandalism (hopefully we don't jinx it) there's no need to semi-protect a page. The [[main page]] and some other critical pages, such as some template pages, are exceptional because vandals could do more damage by changing those, but in this case, without previous vandalism there is no need to semi-protect. A worthwhile thought though. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 21:54, 19 June 2021 (UTC) == Replace the vfd archive header? == ''Moved from [[WV:Pub|the pub]]''<br> I will start out by saying that I'm not a huge fan of [[Template:Deletion archive]], which doesn't look centred, and just doesn't look right for a header. Which is probably why it was never used much, and I'm guessing half of you didn't even know this template existed. I did some experimenting and thought a header like the header you see below might look better, with a more cleaner, neater and organised format. This can be changed anytime, so this doesn't have to be the fixed one. {{User:SHB2000/vfdat|previous=April 2021|next=June 2021|month=May 2021}} The code is pretty simple to work out as well, and the month= variable is automatic. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:57, 24 August 2021 (UTC) ---- <!--LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS BELOW THIS MESSAGE--> * '''Support''' as easy to navigate between months. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 11:47, 28 August 2021 (UTC) ::Given the lack of opposition, I'm going ahead. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:18, 7 September 2021 (UTC) == One-year rule on itineraries == Based on votes on this page, are we going to abolish this rule, or are there differences about its interpretation? For the purpose of discussion the rule is at [[Wikivoyage:Itineraries#"One year" deletion rule]], and here it is in full: ''Since just about any topic can be an itinerary, itineraries must either be actively worked on or achieve some level of completion to be kept. (Sufficiently famous, marked routes such as [[Alaska Highway]] or [[Annapurna Circuit]] are exempt from this rule.) As such, itineraries that have been at [[Project:Itinerary status|outline status]] or less for one year without being substantially edited are subject to deletion via the [[Project:Votes for deletion|votes for deletion]] process.'' My feeling is, if we are keeping the rule, "not a personal itinerary" shouldn't be a sufficient argument for keeping an article with no specific route that is therefore not in any sense usable; just because an itinerary isn't personal doesn't mean it's "sufficiently famous". But let's talk about that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:45, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :I would oppose abolishing this rule. Otherwise, we'd end up with a bunch of itineraries which don't give much information and give no incentive to the creator to make it usable. But I don't think this rule was really enforced that much, until I just checked some random itineraries. The last major mass deletions looks like it was in [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion/April 2011|2011]], more than 10 years ago. But I think we should take these on a case by case basis. :There's more that I have, but given the already mass overload here, I don't think we can handle that much at once. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:52, 18 September 2021 (UTC) ::I should also mention, that based on this reasoning "real itinerary" is not a valid reason to keep, and I'm particularly looking at the one for Nidaros Path and Mountains to Sound Greenway. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:56, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :::In 2011, we were overzealous in my opinion and, in the guise of deleting "personal itineraries", deleted usable articles because they weren't guide-level. I believe in being a bit liberal, in that a coherent, well-defined route can be OK, even if it's "personal". [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:59, 18 September 2021 (UTC) ::::But tbh, these are routes which per the deletion rules, can be deleted. I'm still confused on some of the keep votes on that were added yesterday (writing this 00:05 AEST). But deleting usable routes because it wasn't guide? (please tell me if I'm missing something there. Need to get some sleep). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 14:05, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :::::If you're missing something, it's that the usable itinerary articles that were deleted then were deemed "personal", and exceptions to the deletion policy for "personal" itineraries were given only to articles that were at guide level or higher (I don't think any were stars). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:11, 18 September 2021 (UTC) ::::::I see. I guess I'm too sleepy to think. But these ones that I nominated aren't personal, but just outlines that aren't famously marked. Maybe that policy needs copyediting. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 14:15, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :"As such, itineraries that have been at outline status or less for one year without being substantially edited are subject to deletion via the votes for deletion process." That doesn't mean articles at outline status for a year or more should be deleted; it means they are "subject" via the "deletion process," which indicates that a community consensus to keep any of these itineraries doesn't run contrary to policy. I think there are some itineraries nominated that indeed should be deleted, but they are many that while indeed have been made subject to deletion via this policy, ought not be deleted due to other policies in place, such as [[Wikivoyage:The traveler comes first]]. I certainly don't support deleting any itineraries without consensus. Consensus will develop naturally to delete the useless itineraries, but many others are developing votes to keep, and this is line with current policies that require consensus to delete travel articles (excepting copyvio, of course). <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 14:23, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :Although perhaps read the header of [[:Category:Outline itineraries]]. It says ''This page is for listing itineraries that have outline status. They will be deleted if not modified for one year.'' :–<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 14:30, 18 September 2021 (UTC) ::Categories are intended to list articles with some feature in common, and not to establish policy, so I would support removing that text from the category page. That text appears to come from [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Category:Outline_itineraries&oldid=1855956 before English Wikivoyage was formed]. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 14:33, 18 September 2021 (UTC) I commented "not personal itinerary on some. I don't feel we need to set the "sufficiently" threshold particularly high. My reading has been that a famous route will have readers looking for it, and with some luck people continuing where the article creator left, and even if it takes a few years, that's really not a problem (unless the itinerary is really bad). Personal itineraries, on the other hand, need to be well described to allow anyone to continue the work (and to bother). If no one caught on while it was being worked on, or soon after, it is unlikely to attract attention later. One reason not to keep the threshold high is that what is famous for some, is unknown to others. I didn't know about [[Alaska Highway]] or [[Annapurna Circuit]] before starting to write here. [[Nidaros Path]], deemed non-famous by the nominator, was the prime pilgrimage route in the Nordic countries in medieval times, and is regaining popularity – but how could somebody not from Europe know that, unless into pilgrimages? I'd think many Americans wouldn't know about [[Way of St. James]], although it is a huge thing. If some route is sufficiently famous that you'd expect there to be guidebooks about it, that should suffice. I think any Eurovelo or [[Long distance walking in Europe|ERA route]] should qualify. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 16:43, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :I think usable status should have been sufficient to keep "personal" itineraries if they had reasonable, coherent routes. In terms of the text [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] quotes above, I'd propose changing it to ''This page is for listing itineraries that have outline status. They may be deleted if not modified for one year.'' May, rather than will be deleted. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:28, 18 September 2021 (UTC) ::Agreed, but add "may be deleted [via the VFD process]" because we don't want people unilaterally deleting articles. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 21:38, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :::I reworded it to what Ikan wrote with a little bit of copyedits: ''They may be deleted if not modified or actively maintained for one year.''. I'll write that it may be nominated through RfD in just a sec. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:45, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :::: I think that addressing itinerary articles through VfD after a year is a good approach. It forces us to improve the articles if we can, or delete them if we can't. SHB2000's edits to the policy work. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 00:08, 19 September 2021 (UTC) : Sometimes there may be other solutions. Back in 200x when our coverage of China was quite spotty, I wrote "One week near Hong Kong" which was pretty much a personal itinerary. Later it became a region article, [[Pearl River Delta]], and by now that is a decent article. : For real routes like [[Tanami Track]], I do not think deletion should even be considered. Either keep it or merge it into a region article & redirect there. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 03:51, 19 September 2021 (UTC) : For an example of an itinerary that was prematurely deleted (by me) but later restored & made into a decent article, see [[Talk:Tiger Leaping Gorge]]. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 04:21, 19 September 2021 (UTC) ::[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], thanks for editing that language, but there's no such thing as "RfD" on this Wiki (and you initially confused me by using those initials on talk page threads). I will edit to [[Votes for deletion]] with a link. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:35, 19 September 2021 (UTC) :::[https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Category%3AOutline_itineraries&type=revision&diff=4295605&oldid=4295459 Done]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:39, 19 September 2021 (UTC) ::::Oops. RfD is something on meta and simple, not here. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:00, 19 September 2021 (UTC) ::Pashley, the "don't delete real places" is only for destination articles, not itineraries or topics. Oh and re Tanami Track... erm, it's not a notable track at all, but rather known as Australia's James Dalton Highway. Couldn't find any photos of this track on commons, but if Google Street Trekker does a good job in visualising that route, [https://goo.gl/maps/RZyoHaGsNuRaEnUh7 this] is apparently the best part of the route. There's no way that's notable. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:37, 19 September 2021 (UTC) == Danube Cycleway deletion == I supported deletion, but I think it's worth discussing whether per [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Deleting, or not]], the article should have been kept or deleted. At first glance, it wouldn't appear that there was a consensus to delete at [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion/September 2021#Danube Cycleway]]. 3-2 is not an obvious consensus. And while I obviously agree that the delete arguments are stronger than the keep arguments, here is the relevant policy: * If there is '''no consensus''' after 14 days, allow a further 7 days for discussion. ** If, after the additional 7 days, there is '''no consensus''', the page should be '''kept''' – any Wikivoyager may remove any VFD notices from that page, and archive the deletion discussion. So what's the deletion argument? I think that would have to do with the definition of "consensus" - what it is and what it's not. From [[Wikivoyage:Consensus#What consensus is not]]: * '''Consensus is not unanimity'''. While we should always try to find a solution that works for everyone, in practice this is not always possible. Make sure all concerns are discussed and addressed, but consensus can still be reached even if compromises that please everyone cannot be found. * '''Consensus is not a majority'''. While it would be rare that consensus would be declared when the result represents a minority opinion, well-reasoned arguments based on existing policies and practice should carry more weight than a "support" comment that is unaccompanied by any sort of reasoning or justification. I don't think anyone would say that [[User:LPfi]]'s keep vote is "unaccompanied by any sort of reasoning or justification", but the argument to keep is unaccompanied by any actionable advice on how to establish the route of the now-deleted itinerary. In short, I would defer to [[User:SHB2000]]'s deletion rationale. But I still think a discussion is appropriate, since a nomination for undeletion would not be successful (further quoting from [[Wikivoyage:Consensus#What consensus is not]]): ''Note that the bar for determining a consensus should be higher when changing a past consensus, so while a small majority might suffice for resolving a minor issue, a super majority backed by strong arguments should be required before changing past consensus (see also the "[[#Status quo bias|Status quo bias]]" section below).'' So what do you all think? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:55, 8 October 2021 (UTC) : The guide is little use in current shape and I have little hope of improvements in near future, so I won't contest the deletion, but IK's last point prompts consideration. : I now copied the VFD discussion to the article's talk page. The reason for deletion was "Per the one year rule for itineraries" and "it's been given 14 days to be worked on" I think it should be evident that if anybody starts working on the itinerary, these arguments are moot. If somebody thinks that new work can be deleted based on this VFD discussion, then we need clarification to the guidelines. : –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:07, 8 October 2021 (UTC) ::Well, if someone starts working on it, then that would not make it valid for RfD. Though, I do think the guidelines are somewhat too loose and can differ based on personal opinions. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:39, 8 October 2021 (UTC) :::The rule for itineraries is one year; this article was given 11 years. If someone had started work on it, or indicated an intention to work on it, they should have been given time. But no-one did. I don't think another 7 days would have changed anything. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:41, 8 October 2021 (UTC) ::::hence why I deleted it. It was 3-2, and you and Ikan had better arguments in my opinion and seemed consensus to me. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:49, 8 October 2021 (UTC) :::::Without weighing in on whether deletion is a good idea, it is clear that there was not consensus for deletion, so per policy it should not have been deleted. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:42, 8 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::Let's please try to avoid using RfD, which is not a valid abbreviation on this site. Should we undo the deletion? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:36, 8 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::I subconsciously use RfD when I'm not thinking properly. And technically, no we can't unilaterally undelete it as it has to go through the [[vfu]] process. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:00, 9 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::Not if we decide it should not have been deleted per lack of consensus. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:18, 9 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::However, now given that LPfi has mentioned "The guide is little use in current shape and I have little hope of improvements in near future, so I won't contest the deletion, but IK's last point prompts consideration." :::::::::So really, that gives 3 deletes, 1 neutral and 1 delete, based on LPfi's earlier argument. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:25, 9 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::::If so, that would be a consensus, in my opinion. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:02, 9 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::::Yep, sure does. Even for those like [[Template talk:Mapframe2|Template:Mapframe2]], while there were 3 to delete, 1 comment and 1 keep, who was LPfi, as their argument was much more stronger into keeping it, hence kept. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:43, 9 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::::::Is that defensible per current policy? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:10, 9 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::::::Technically, the two votes that were to delete were either just a vote or "per nom". Even then, my rationale for deletion still wasn't a strong enough reason to delete, and hence kept. Not to forget that Alasdair also seemed to be leaning towards a keep as well. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:17, 9 October 2021 (UTC) == Camp Chase Trail discussion == This deletion discussion has been closed with the article merged after only a day of discussion and little participation. This is contrary to policy, which calls for 14 days of discussion, and really too fast for anyone to be expected to keep up with. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:39, 11 October 2021 (UTC) :I can close my nominations early if I want to withdraw my deletion nom early. In this case, I merged the info already, so I had every right to withdraw my nom. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:03, 12 October 2021 (UTC) ::Generally I agree with SHB, but in this case the closure was quick for a merger discussion which should take a few days. I would be happy with a policy change that allowed a non-deletion closure after 5 days if the nominator agrees. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 20:33, 13 October 2021 (UTC) :::I '''support''' [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]]’s proposal to create a clear policy on this issue. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 20:37, 13 October 2021 (UTC) :::I would generally '''support''' Alasair's wording, but then we run into a loophole here. Anyone can withdraw their own nominations any time they like, and anyone can merge articles whenever they want, without discussion (although it is quite suspicious when IPs do that), so all we have is two policies that contradict each other. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:26, 14 October 2021 (UTC) ::::Discussions are generally encouraged before articles are merged, although it is only said to be "worthwile" in [[Wikivoyage:How to merge two pages]]. ::::A policy should have additional words including allowing withdrawal by the nominator ("oh I hadn't realised that this page is useful for..."), admins deciding that the nomination is an obvious speedy case, and cancelling requests by vandals (not seen that here, but I have seen it on Commons). [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:51, 14 October 2021 (UTC) :::::Merge proposals can be discussed on the talk pages of the articles in question. I would oppose any kind of guideline that in any way suggests that VfD is the most appropriate place to discuss merges. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:56, 14 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::And similarly, if anyone objects to a merge, this is not the most appropriate place to address that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:56, 14 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::Agree. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:58, 14 October 2021 (UTC) :::::True, but there's lots of merges I've done without discussion (and {{u|Ground Zero}} does the same). [[Special:Diff/4308621]] is an example of one of my recent uncontroversial merges. Out of about let's say 100 merges I've done, only [[Talk:Khancoban|Khancoban]] seemed to be a controversial one. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:57, 14 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::A merger without discussion is permitted by [[Wikivoyage:How to merge two pages]]: :::::::"Unless the need for a merge is really obvious, it may be worthwhile to start a discussion before doing a merge." ::::::Contributors will disagree on what is or is not "obvious". If other editors disagree with a merger, then the merging editor will have to go through the hassle of defending the merger and will be more cautious about doing it again. I have probably erred on the side of being too cautious, and I have not had objections to my mergers whether discussed or not discussed. There is a lot of clean up of old stub articles needed, and props to SHB2000 for their work in improving Wikivoyage. It is inevitable that the occasional merger will be done too precipitously, but a merger can always be undone. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 23:26, 14 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::(It is easy, in my opinion, to show that an article ''shouldn't'' be merged — or shouldn't have been merged — by expanding an article to make it usable. That is more productive than arguing over process, IMHO.) [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 23:34, 14 October 2021 (UTC) == User:SHB2000/lc template == Forgive me if this has already been dealt with, as I've been away from admin stuff. The template [[User:SHB2000/lc]] has been used several times for different nominations, but has it been approved by the community? If it has, I'd expect to see the discussion either still in the Pub or archived somewhere sensible like [[User talk:SHB2000/lc]].--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 08:51, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :Can't I use my ''own'' userspace templates in ''my'' nominations? How would this have been dealt with, if I used wikitext in the same way in my nominations? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:06, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :I realise that there's no point in arguing over a *''userspace transclusion''*, so I just removed it. [(redacted)] <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:25, 18 October 2021 (UTC) ::I don't know why you're getting snarky with me about it, as I think my original question was polite and based in the policy which we're both tasked with enforcing. We have a policy about new templates that you've said you understand, and that obviously covers userspace templates too (why would they be any different when they're being used in mainspace?). Thank you for removing them when asked; hopefully, I won't have to in future.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 09:58, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::I'm sorry if I became passive aggressive there, and I apologise for that. But there doesn't seem to be any policy on userspace templates being used, is there? Or what'd happen if I substituted the template (which if I used let's say nominating [[Pomona (Queensland)]] for deletion and I used <span class="plainlinks">[[:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}]] ([{{fullurl:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}|action=edit}} edit] &middot; [[{{TALKPAGENAME:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}}}|talk]] &middot; [{{fullurl:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}|action=history}} history] &middot; [{{fullurl:Special:Whatlinkshere/{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}|limit=999}} links] &middot; [{{fullurl:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}|action=watch}} watch] &middot; [{{fullurl:Special:Log|page={{urlencode:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}}}}} logs] &middot; [{{fullurl:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}|action=delete}} delete])</span>, would that be considered using templates?) <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:06, 18 October 2021 (UTC) ::::I think the edit link is confusing. I would expect it to edit the discussion, not the nominated article. Why would i want to edit the article without reading it first? [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 10:28, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::The edit link may be confusing, but there's no denying on whether the talk or history pages are useful. The page logs aren't also that important, but it can help (the only instances where I personally think its useful when its used to detect Brendan edits) :::::The delete button is also quite convenient for the closing admin. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:34, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::: There is a practice on what nominations and the discussions look like. It seems you are trying to change that practice, and while plunging forward by introducing links you find useful might be OK, if others don't thank you for the bright idea, it might be better to discuss whether we want those links and templates. Thus they should be introduced like any other templates, regardless of where they live – moved to template space if they get support, not used and possibly deleted if they don't. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 11:44, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::No I am not trying to change the practice and I mainly used it for my personal use. I'm merely adding it so it's much more easier to delete it. Given that these days I'm the one who's deleting most of the articles these days, it's much more convenient to have a link that allows me to delete the article in one click. :::::::And we also recently discussed that we're never deleting templates merely because it lacked community support (it'll just be moved to the user's userspace). In this case, it's already in my userspace. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:51, 18 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::Templates that are in your userspace shouldn't be used outside of your userspace, i.e. in mainspace or projectspace. It's not "your personal use" when it's being used on a community page that everyone can edit. They're not "your nominations", either; they're ''community nominations'' submitted by you ''for the community's consideration'', and they should be made in the standard way that the community has come to expect. ::::::::I'm sorry, but using userspace templates in projectspace comes across to me as a rather clever (but unfair) way of circumventing a policy you don't like. We've all got to live with policies we don't like as a necessary part of editing a wiki; the alternative to editing within a community-led set of policies is we just individually pick and choose to follow the rules that suit us and ignore the ones that don't suit us. If that happens, then the whole system of collaborative editing by consensus breaks down, and our "travel guide that everyone can edit" ceases to work in the interests of travellers. ::::::::I'm guessing I may come across as anti-template, or maybe even anti-SHB2000's templates. But this couldn't be further from the truth; I'm pro-innovation. But first and foremost I'm interested in ensuring that policy applies to, and is observed by, everyone equally. ::::::::For this particular template, I agree with LPfi, and would even further say that it would be useful in a slightly modified form (i.e. removing the 'edit' button, and any others that might not be relevant) and that I would use it myself. However, my future support is conditional on this template being proposed for the community's approval in the normal way; if and when it's approved, it should be moved out of your userspace into templatespace. ::::::::Also, we may need to specify on [[Wikivoyage:Using MediaWiki templates]] that "If new templates fail to gain community support, they will eventually be moved to the template creator's userspace." means that those templates are not to be used outside of userspace. I thought this was pretty clear already, but apparently not... ::::::::All that being said, I appreciate and accept your apology above.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 13:55, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::I think that an occasional editor would expect the delete link to record a "delete" vote, not take them to a page saying "Permission error". I get having such a link on Commons where the closing admin migt have to delete a list of 20 imgaes after a sinle nomination, but I don't see the need here. I also agree with TT that userspace templetes should not be used in project space, except for a single example when discussing moving the template to mainspace. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 15:00, 18 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::::That's the whole point; otherwise, we'd be restricting the use of a template to a single individual, not to their userspace. Please, [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], you do great work, but especially as an admin, you need to not only respect consensus but uphold it as the fundamental way this site operates in your statements and model your respect for it to other users. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:11, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::I must dispute the following statement "''They're not "your nominations", either; they're community nominations submitted by you for the community's consideration, and they should be made in the standard way that the community has come to expect.''". First of all, they're still my nominations, since I irrevocably release my text under the CC BY-SA License, and in no way does that ever state that I'm handing over those nominations to the community. I still hold the copyright for those, and so they are '''not''' "they're community nominations submitted by you for the community's consideration" and so they're still the nominations of whoever started them. b) "the standard way that the community has come to expect.". I cannot find any place where it says that as well. So until you direct me to where that's told, then again, there's nothing saying how I should format those nominations. :::::::::Let's say I used a template (call it {{tl|tnr}} for example), and it's main purpose is to get text in Times New Roman. So if I used <nowiki> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman; color:green"> Some text here</span></nowiki> instead of this example {{tl|tnr}} template which would both produce <span style="font-family:Times New Roman; color:green"> Some text here</span>. Now that plain text I was using had no templates in it, nor is a substituted template. I'll let you all decide for yourselves on how that'd be taken. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 21:23, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::::You've completely missed, or certainly failed to address, the wider points. I suggest some closer reading and reflection.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 08:27, 19 October 2021 (UTC) == Help needed == I slushed the Puerto Rican stubs nom for now, but it's 4:12 AM and I have to wake up for work in about 5 hours, so I'd be very grateful if someone else could remove all the VfD templates from the articles in question. Please see the thread at [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion/March 2022#Puerto Rico skeletons with a byte count lower than 600 created by Ligocsicnarf89 (talk · contribs)]]. And thanks! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:13, 31 March 2022 (UTC) :@[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] btw I'm happy for anyone to rollback my edits to those articles as it's a pretty tedious thing to do manually. However, do get some sleep first. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:35, 31 March 2022 (UTC) :: vfd templates removed. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:54, 31 March 2022 (UTC) :::Thanks for removing them :-). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:00, 31 March 2022 (UTC) ::::Thank you! -- [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:31, 31 March 2022 (UTC) == Closure comments == There is an argument on a user page on what comments are suitable when closing a VFD thread. If I interpret [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] correctly, they think any comments that don't conflict with any specific rule is OK, while IK and I disagree. See [[Special:Permalink/4569290#Sorry for editing an archive]]. I added the following to the instructions, to have the requested rule, and got reverted: : The note on whether the article was kept should be objective; if you have an opinion that needs to be voiced, voice it during the discussion – if you didn't until now, either keep silent or give others time to comment on it by not taking action yet. The addition hadn't been discussed other than in that user page thread, so the reversion was anticipated. Now, what does the community think about the issue? Do you agree with me or SHB? Should there be written advice? Is the suggested wording OK? Should there be some more general wording in [[Wikivoyage:Administrators' handbook]] covering also this? Any general comments? –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:47, 26 November 2022 (UTC) :My 2 cents: :* Not allowing users to voice their opinion is antithetical to the purpose of a discussion :* Discussions are immediately archived once the outcome has been reached; this is per [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Deleting, or not]] :* Yes, you're right that my rationale behind standing by my comment doesn't conflict with any specific policy :* It's probably not a good idea to include it in the [[Wikivoyage:Administrators' handbook]] as any Wikivoyager can close a DR if the outcome was keep or redirect – this is also per [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Deleting, or not]] :I am opposed to the addition of [[Special:Diff/4569292]], because the purpose of vfd is to ''not'' "keep silent", and "giv[ing] others time to comment on it by not taking action yet" contradicts [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Deleting, or not]]. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 22:51, 26 November 2022 (UTC) ::Closing a discussion means no longer arguing about it. I still find it incredible, inflammatory, and in incredibly bad grace to have to have a discussion about this at all. I'd observe that SHB2000 tried to argue that a consensus was not a consensus the last time he showed bad grace in a Vfd closing. Anyone who can't close Vfd threads without trying to get a pot-shot in at the end should not close Vfd threads. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:06, 26 November 2022 (UTC) :::So, let's put it this way. You disagree with my opinion, and are insisting me to follow what ''you'' think should be common practice, even though this is not a policy, at least not yet. Then, you indirectly claim that your opinion is somehow superior to mine and I should follow it, and now claim that the common practice to enroot this into a Wikivoyage policy is "<span style="color:darkred;font-family:Georgia">incredible, inflammatory, and in incredibly bad grace</span>". So, who's being hypocritical here? <s> Oh, and that discussion really wasn't a consensus – there were only two more delete !votes, and a lot of the keep !votes were [[w:WP:PERX]].</s> --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 23:53, 26 November 2022 (UTC) ::::And you still haven't answered my question from yesterday: if you so vehemently disagreed with my statement, why didn't you close the article yourself 10 days ago, when the article was due to be closed? --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 23:55, 26 November 2022 (UTC) :::::That's not a valid argument. We're all volunteers here, I'm a busy man, and I don't always think about closing Vfd threads here. None of that is an excuse for you to break the precedent of not editorializing and insulting the consensus when closing. Come on, man! You do a lot of good work, but you sometimes just don't seem to understand when to drop it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:01, 27 November 2022 (UTC) ::::::And for the record, what you tried to claim was not a consensus was [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion/May 2022|8-3]]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:10, 27 November 2022 (UTC) :::::::I stand corrected; have struck that comment. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 01:24, 27 November 2022 (UTC) *Oppose. I don't think we need to change the policy because one editor made a comment some people didn't like. This editorialising does not disrupt the functioning of our travel guide, and let's recognize that SHB was doing a necessary administrative function in closing the discussion even though he didn't agree with the conclusion. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 02:46, 27 November 2022 (UTC) ::I'm surprised. I thought you would find fault with such a closing comment even though you would agree with the substance. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:01, 27 November 2022 (UTC) :::As the closing comment is not something that affects the reader, I don't see the need to regulate it, especially in response to a single closing comment. This seems like a sledgehammer/fly situation. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:51, 27 November 2022 (UTC) *::The bottom line is, not everyone disagrees with my comment, as you seem to think. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 07:15, 27 November 2022 (UTC) : I agree with LPfi & Ikan; such comments are extremely bad form. I do not think a single instance merits either a policy change or any sort of disciplinary action against the user, but a persistent pattern of such actions might. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 04:02, 28 November 2022 (UTC) :: The "bottom line", as I see it, is that whether anyone agrees with the comment is utterly irrelevant; the comment was clearly made in the wrong place. :: It would have been appropriate either as part of the deletion discussion or raising an issue on either the VFD or Deletion policy talk page. However, adding a snarky remark in the archive &mdash; where no-one is likely to see it & anyone who does cannot reply &mdash; was out of line. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 07:53, 28 November 2022 (UTC) == Using this page to propose merge/redirects == This page was not envisioned to be used for that purpose, and it is in my opinion quite an unnecessary use of volunteer time. If you think a merge/redirect should be done and it's unlikely to be controversial, just do it if you have the time. If you think it might be controversial, start a thread on the talk page of the article to be merged and have a discussion there. I can't think of any good reason to use this page to propose anything other than deletion. Note that it does take more time to close discussions here than to simply have discussions on talk pages. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:30, 17 December 2022 (UTC) :I think this page can still be used if a user is indifferent to whether an article should be deleted or redirected (e.g., some of our recent destination articles nominated for deletion); I agree with you that the airport articles could have been better handled on the relevant talk page, though. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 00:02, 18 December 2022 (UTC) ::If there's a reasonable basis for proposing deletion, that's what this page is for. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:08, 18 December 2022 (UTC) ::: But if you are indifferent, why not just merge and redirect? It mostly requires less effort than the discussion and possible later merger. The history will be there (easily found if correctly attributed) for those who might want to revive the article with additional info that would make it pass the whiaa test. The redirect seldom does harm (and if you think it does, ''then'' take it here). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 13:06, 18 December 2022 (UTC) == Withdrawing nominations == In many fora, one is allowed to withdraw one's own proposal, but as SHB2000 notes, "there's no policy on en.voy explicitly allowing this". I think there shouldn't be one. To the contrary, as soon as a nomination is posted, other contributors put time and thought in evaluating the article and articulating their standpoints. This effort is mostly lost in a speedy closure, and the thoughts shared may have implications on other articles than the one nominated. Also, consensus might be to delete the article despite the nominator changing their mind, and a second nomination shouldn't be needed. Thus I think the discussion should be allowed to continue for the normal time, unless there is consensus for something else or there is some good reason to speedy the decision. I think the judgement on the latter should be left to somebody else. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 16:32, 29 December 2022 (UTC) :Withdrawing serves to prevent attracting input (meaning time and energy) to an inoperative process; it is such when it is 100% certain not to result in a change. People will air their views, and these might be icredibly articulate and wise, but it doesn't create a tangible benefit for the project. I don't think that a policy change is necessary in order to allow withdrawing, but just as well, withdrawing should not be considered prohibited when not prescribed by policy. Withdrawing should only be done if absolutely all of the votes are to keep. If there is even a single delete vote anyone should feel free to reopen the discussion. [[User:Alalch E.|Alalch E.]] ([[User talk:Alalch E.|talk]]) 17:07, 29 December 2022 (UTC) :For example, I really think that it makes sense for {{u|SHB2000}} to withdraw [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Surfing]] ''now'' (and only now), when everyone agrees (which was not the case initially). [[User:Alalch E.|Alalch E.]] ([[User talk:Alalch E.|talk]]) 17:18, 29 December 2022 (UTC) ::We should adopt some guideline that nominations can be speedily withdrawn when there isn't even a proposal for deletion or none of the people responding support deletion, such as when whether to merge/redirect or to which article is being unnecessarily argued about on this page. I would suggest that a nomination for other than deletion be immediately withdrawn unless someone suggests deletion in the response thread before it is deleted, and that otherwise, if after 3 days, there is no support for deletion, a nomination can be speedily resolved as a keep, but that if the resolution is deletion, at least 7 days are needed. The way around that, in my opinion, is to start a thread on the article's talk page, where the person who started the article could agree to deletion if very little if anything has been added by others, or sometimes, articles are speedily deleted without a proposal here because they are so obviously irrelevant or are copyright violation. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:06, 29 December 2022 (UTC) :I thought it was allowed (and have done so in the past with no dramas), until that nomination. Nominators should be allowed to close their nominations whenever they choose to, with the prejudice that it's appropriate. I like Ikan Kekek's proposal and we could trial this next year. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 20:26, 29 December 2022 (UTC) ::I think the reason it was uncontroversial before is that opinion was probably unanimous, though correct me if I'm wrong. But in the most recent case, I know I wondered what had happened and was surprised to see a deletion thread that as yet had no unanimous opinion speedily archived. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:46, 29 December 2022 (UTC) :::I don't think we should be able to withdraw "our" nominations early, primarily because there's no such thing as "my nomination", only a nomination submitted to the community for consideration. Of course there are some exceptions: if a clear consensus has developed early with little chance of dissent, or if the nomination is clearly not a real candidate for deletion (e.g. something that should be merged).--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 09:33, 30 December 2022 (UTC) ::::{{re|ThunderingTyphoons!}} if nominations don't belong to one user, then perhaps would you like to explain why [[c:Template:Withdraw]], [[species:Template:Withdraw]], [[w:en:Template:Withdraw]], [[w:ar:قالب:سحب_ترشيح]], [[w:bh:टेम्पलेट:Withdraw]], [[w:bn:টেমপ্লেট:Withdraw]], [[w:ckb:داڕێژە:کشانەوەی پاڵاوتن]], [[w:et:Mall:Loobun]], [[w:fa:الگو:انصراف]], [[w:en:ಟೆಂಪ್ಲೇಟು:Withdraw]], [[w:shn:ထႅမ်းပလဵတ်ႉ:Withdraw]], [[w:sr:Шаблон:Withdraw]] and [[w:te:మూస:Withdraw]] all translate or say "I withdraw '''my''' nomination", with "my" being the key word here? The concept of a deletion nomination shouldn't differ by WMF project, so I'm a bit confused on why you think the concept of "my nominations" shouldn't exist. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 12:12, 30 December 2022 (UTC) :::::Forgive me, but my pontifications about the possible meanings of machine-translated sentences written in languages I don't speak on wikis I've never visited wouldn't be of use to anyone. :::::But to explain my thought process further, a nomination can of course be "mine" inasmuch as if I make the nomination, it originated from my brain, and was created by my fingers when I posted it. And yes, I can continue to refer to it as "my" nomination, but that's just semantics or sentimentality; I can't assert actual ownership over the nomination. Once the nomination is live on VFD, and especially once it's being considered by others, it is no longer mine to unilaterally withdraw, because that's not fair to other members of the community who have lent their time and consideration. Similarly, an article I start is no longer "mine" as soon as it's published, even if I continue to be the main or only contributor; this is a wiki after all. :::::If I rationally believed an article was worthy of deletion, then it is likely that other members of the community would agree and so if they had found the article before I did, they would have nominated it first. The question of who did nominate is unimportant. Even if I am alone in believing the article should be deleted, that can only be tested by a nomination that runs its course and that allows the whole community a say, or that at least provides an early consensus. The person who made the nomination doesn't have any special say over the outcome of the nomination; the community does.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 12:46, 30 December 2022 (UTC) ::::::"The concept of a deletion nomination shouldn't differ by WMF project"? Why not? If there remains a question about whether to delete or not, we can have our own policy. You wouldn't argue that we need to have a NPOV policy because some other Wikis have it, would you? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:02, 30 December 2022 (UTC) ::::::: There is an advantage of standardising some things across the WMF sites, so that readers and editors have an easy time approaching another project. However, people from other projects usually don't have enough of an understanding to contribute at deletion discussions. Sometimes they might have some valuable fresh viewpoints, but few from the outside can see when their viewpoint is just distracting. Thus, until you have followed the discussions long enough to learn the idiosyncrasies, you don't need to nominate articles or close the discussions, and thus the advantage of standardising is marginal. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 16:47, 30 December 2022 (UTC) :::::::{{re|Ikan Kekek}} each wiki can have its own policy regarding deletion nominations, but the concept of it shouldn't differ: a user nominates one or more pages for deletion because of some reason, then a discussion happens for a certain period of time and then the discussion is closed as either kept, deleted, redirected (or something else like getting another project to import the article). What can differ is the length, reasoning or outcome. NPOV is a completely different story because it's only a policy on Wikipedia, but likewise, the concept of NPOV shouldn't differ between different language Wikipedias. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 22:32, 30 December 2022 (UTC) ::::::{{re|ThunderingTyphoons!}} fair enough, but I don't think articles are comparable to DRs, but maybe that's because I spend more time on Commons' DRs than our VfD, which is where I've been influenced. I still favour Ikan's proposal, though (which is similar to what you're proposing: "if a clear consensus has developed early with little chance of dissent, or if the nomination is clearly not a real candidate for deletion", but with more detail). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 22:25, 30 December 2022 (UTC) == [[Wikivoyage:Votes_for_deletion#Archiving]] == Current text in this section includes: : When archiving, always '''make it clear''' to other editors what '''the outcome of the discussion''' was. This can be done by adding the result to the discussion in a ''separate edit'' from the one in which you remove the discussion from this page; or you can describe the outcome in the edit summary when you remove the discussion. I'd delete the suggestion of the edit summary. or change "or you can" to "you should also". It seems to me we always want the result in the archive since someone looking later will not see the edit summary. We also have: : If the nominated article, file or template '''was not deleted''', then place another (identical duplicate) copy of the deletion discussion on the discussion page of the article, file or template being kept or redirected. I'd change this to: : If the nominated article, file or template '''was not deleted''', then the nomination should be mentioned on its talk page. If the deletion discussion is reasonably short, place another (identical duplicate) copy of it on the talk page. For longer discussions, provide a link to the archive instead. Other opinions? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 13:04, 1 June 2024 (UTC) :I'm not a fan of duplicating discussions by copy-pasting it on the talk page and don't think this has been followed for quite some time – duplicating content is never a good idea. I would much rather require that only a link be placed to the deletion discussion for all cases. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 22:43, 1 June 2024 (UTC) ::However, one could copy the outcome declaration. That's short and could avoid need of clicking in some obvious cases (such as "speedy keep: no valid reason to delete"). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:28, 2 June 2024 (UTC) : {{tick}} Edited. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 20:56, 2 June 2024 (UTC) ::I think putting the deletion nomination thread on an article's talk page has often been done. I'm not sure archiving was always done thoroughly. I guess I feel like it's OK to have the thread there if anyone deems the article to be likely to be nominated for deletion again, but summarizing the discussion and providing a link to the relevant section of the archive is an acceptable alternative. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:47, 2 June 2024 (UTC) :::I'm also not opposed to how Commons deals with DRs that resulted in a keep (which is very effective in grabbing your attention) – we could at least experiment it for a month or two. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:00, 2 June 2024 (UTC) ::::I agree that Commons does this in a good way. There's room for doubt on whether it prevents further deletion requests, but it's certainly clear. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:50, 16 May 2025 (UTC) == User and user talk pages for users with no Wikivoyage contributions == What's our policy on pages like [[User talk:Зорана Филиповић]], which [[User:92.21.137.132]] provided a translation for that I reverted because I thought it was a user page and not a user talk page? [https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Special:Contributions/%D0%97%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B0_%D0%A4%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B8%D1%9B No user contributions] except for that page and their user page, [[User:Зорана Филиповић]], which is transcluded from Meta, and these pages are solely in Cyrillic. Meanwhile, this is stated in the translation to be a sock of [[User talk:Filipović Zoran]]. Should we delete the sock user and user talk pages? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:12, 30 June 2025 (UTC) : Yes, csrtainly. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:40, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::I agree they should be speedied. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 00:07, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::Looking deeply at both of the profiles, it's supposedly an editor with 138K edits [[https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:CentralAuth/Filipovi%C4%87_Zoran]] in Serbian and other wiki - and at least one profile shows already blocked [[https://sr.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=%D0%9F%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%B5%D0%B1%D0%BD%D0%BE:%D0%94%D0%BD%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%BA/block&page=User%3AFilipovi%C4%87+Zoran]] in some places. -- [[Special:Contributions/92.21.137.132|92.21.137.132]] 00:24, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::Any objection? We can afford to wait 24 hours, I figure. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:38, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::Yeah no harm waiting a day or two. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 01:36, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::The disclaimer should be on their meta user page instead, no need to copy it to talk pages on many projects. It, and the translation could be moved there, I suppose, but just deleting the talk page is no problem, I think. If they start contributing here, anybody checking the talk page history will see there are deleted versions. Do provide a helpful deletion rationale when deleting. ::::::For user pages, there are different cases. A new page could be from somebody who intends to start contributing, so should not be summarily deleted. We might also have active registered users who just don't contribute. They might have bookmarks etc. on the page. If the page looks legitimate and it doesn't have excess content, I don't think there is any harm in keeping it. At least the user should be notified and asked about it. Touting or propaganda from non-contributors doesn't need to be tolerated. ::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:32, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::If you're concerned about the deletion rationale, why don't you take care of the deletion tomorrow and supply your own rationale? And if you think this sockpuppet could ever be a useful Wikivoyage user, I suggest you look at the link I gave to the user talk page of their main account. They have never had any interest in using Wikivoyage as anything but a place to vent their frustration about Wikipedia, and that is not the function of this site. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:47, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::I can do the deletion OK. But I either need to do it prematurely or risk somebody else doing it before me (unless I have such a window at my disposal). ::::::::I don't think they will be a useful contributor, but the current mention of alternative accounts will help to see whether they have proved problematic on other projects, if they ever turn up (for venting frustration or otherwise). With a decent deletion rationale, any admin will know to check that deleted mention. ::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:31, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::You can always give an additional reason for a deletion that you type in on the second line of deletion reasons. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:28, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::Yes. But the one who deletes must write that reason. I just asked that whoever does this thinks for a few seconds about what to write, like they should when deleting a page with a name that refers to a valid topic. In that case any newbie trying to create the article will see a warning that includes that reason. It should make clear that the problem wasn't with the topic but what actually was written. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 17:52, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::I'm nominating you to type a reason you're satisfied with. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:44, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::<nowiki/>:-) ::::::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:35, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::I think I should be a bit blunt here: Basically, I feel that you're not that confident in me, or at least more resistant to deleting the user and user talk pages of totally useless Wikivoyage users (keeping in mind the still unresolved case of the WT-en touter), so you do it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:02, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::'''Done'''. I hope that you could leave that feeling behind. We may disagree on that one issue, but I respect you highly. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:49, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :{{re|Ikan Kekek|LPfi}} A bit more context I've learned about this specific user that an srwiki user told me in private (I won't disclose their username in public for their own safety): Zoran apparently has a history of spamming matters about his (srwiki) blocks on various different projects, sometimes using alts on unrelated projects like in this case. I will block both those accounts as per [[WV:ONESTRIKE]] (mirroring the srwiki block) because ideally I'd like to keep Zoran's activities out of enwikivoyage fully (though there is a chance they may be globally locked for x-wiki abuse). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 04:03, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::... and just like that, at 10:45 today, there's an unblocking request on the cyrillic user name talk page. -- [[Special:Contributions/92.21.137.132|92.21.137.132]] 11:38, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::I don't like the onestrike rule to be used other than in clear cases. It requires "a similar malicious edit on Wikivoyage" to the "vandalism or other malicious editing" they have done elsewhere. [[User:Filipović Zoran|Filipović Zoran]] and [[User:Зорана Филиповић|Зорана Филиповић]] were blocked as sockpupets of each other. Where is the vandalism or other malicious editing? I agree that non-contributors venting frustration of matters on other projects don't belong here, but that was handled in August. The new user page was created only as a pointer to the other account – with such a pointer, claims of sockpupetry are moot. My deleting the page on IK's request doesn't make the account a sockpuppet. ::If they should be globally banned, that's something for Meta, not for us. I limited the block period, not to have it count among "banned on X projects" when deciding on global blocks, until I am convinced there is some local reason for them to be blocked here. ::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:52, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::I don't think they will be a productive user here, but that's up to them. As long as they are non-contributors, there is no need to block them. Let's not make Wikivoyage a tool for fighting cross-wiki issues that don't concern us. I don't want to spend my Wikivoyage time on analysing issues on other projects. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 13:00, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::I am also concerned that the onestrike rule makes it easy to provoke a good-faith user to break rules on civility on one project, ban them there, and then use the onestrike rule to get them banned globally. To counter that, we should not ban users who haven't proven vandals or problem users over here. Block them with low threshold, yes, but don't ban them without a ban nomination and local reasons. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 13:04, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::The vandalism and malicious editing is going onto every WMF project and spamming their issues on srwiki (including here). ''They'' are the ones who bring up srwiki issues onto us and I'm not sure if you missed "for their own safety", this is the reason I indeffed them – global bans are irrelevant in this case because they are not used for spam or vandalism. In the future, please try to consult me before shortening a block because most cross-wiki cases often involve matters I cannot disclose in public (partly for [[w:en:WP:BEANS|BEANS]]-related reasons) and this is one of them. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 13:53, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::Without spilling too much, the reason why you will not find much public discussion behind this is because Zoran's case involves lots of off-wiki harassment that the WMF isn't willing to handle just yet. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 14:10, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::::I understand that part, but it seems their offending edit was in August, and handled at that time, so I don't see the point in blocking them now. I did miss the "for their own safety" and I cannot find such a statement now. I am uncomfortable with people being blocked here for what they do in other projects. This is not the place for that discussion and I leave it for now. Reinstate the permanent block if you will, although I don't see what harm the temporary shortening could have caused. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 19:46, 2 July 2025 (UTC) dxz060u64xy7g44cc90wyxukq20itd1 5086830 5086767 2025-07-02T23:03:22Z SHB2000 2248002 /* User and user talk pages for users with no Wikivoyage contributions */ re 5086830 wikitext text/x-wiki {{infobox|Archived discussions|* [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Archive 2004-2007]] * [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Archive 2008-2009]] * [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Archive 2010-2013‎]] * [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Archive 2014-2017‎]] * [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Deletion policy discussion|Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Deletion policy discussion (2018)]] * [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Archive 2018-2019]] }} == Categories - deleted or redirected? == A new user ([[User:Owain]]) has moved [[Conwy (county)]] to [[Conwy (county borough)]], and has thoughtfully changed the category at the same time, by changing the <nowiki>{{Is part of|xxx}}</nowiki> field in each of the affected articles to the new category. However, the old category page ([[:Category:Conwy (county)]]) is now blank, and I can't remember what we do with them. Do they just get deleted, or is there some attribution reason that they need to be kept and/or redirected to the new category? --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 16:32, 16 April 2020 (UTC) :I'd just go ahead and delete. Attribution is something we worry about for copyright purposes, and category pages which are merely lists of articles that fall into a certain geographical grouping (and, technically, are "edited" automatically by the MediaWiki software rather than by any particular human editor) do not qualify as copyrightable material. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 17:15, 16 April 2020 (UTC) ::Great, thank you. To confirm what you said, one of the drop down options of the deletion reasons is 'category renamed'.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 17:55, 16 April 2020 (UTC) == "List one article, file or template per entry" == Should this instruction be deprecated? We've had a few bulk nominations lately, and the preference has been to nominate them all under a single entry. [[User:Vaticidalprophet|Vaticidalprophet]] ([[User talk:Vaticidalprophet|talk]]) 20:41, 2 April 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''' per nom. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:07, 2 April 2021 (UTC) *'''Support'''. The line is a good idea in theory, not in practice.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 21:35, 2 April 2021 (UTC) *'''Support'''. I didn't even realize we theoretically had that guideline. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:13, 2 April 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''' - Stupid crap rule. [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] ([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]]) 08:37, 5 April 2021 (UTC) *:This looks like a consensus. Should I remove the line, and should it be replaced with anything? [[User:Vaticidalprophet|Vaticidalprophet]] ([[User talk:Vaticidalprophet|talk]]) 03:21, 11 April 2021 (UTC) :::That sentence should just be deleted. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:11, 11 April 2021 (UTC) == Redlinks, blue links or black links == Regarding the Finland Proper (Vkem) outlines: I wonder how we want real places to be handled in the case they should have articles. Redirecting a village that might be a common search term to the article where it is handled is an obvious solution, but in this case we have real places that are in fact not described anywhere. Previously they were redlinked in the region article to show that we want those articles. If the articles are created and redirected back, we will have blue links that just lead back, to the annoyance of readers. If we unlink the places, creating the article gets more difficult (and there is no hint we want those articles created, while there are several places mentioned about which we don't need articles. Is finding the region article more difficult if the places are just mentioned in the region article, without a redirect? Search engine-wise, a redirect might get us some more traffic, but just to annoy readers coming here and finding anything specifics about the place. Or should we make it a priority to create those articles, to avoid voids in our hierarchy? Then we shouldn't redirect real places that need articles, but create the outlines, as [[User:Vkem|Vkem]] did. Then the only problem is that we need the content also, which then should be given priority every time a region is created. The situation is probably different for regions that are weak outlines. For [[Finland Proper]] there is a thought-out complete structure. Some of the outlines may be hard to get featureable, but at least there should be some eat, sleep and do for each. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:19, 27 May 2021 (UTC) :This would be confusing. Since I'm well aware of this, I don't know how to respond to this. [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[w:User:SHB2000|en.wikipedia]])</small> 12:38, 27 May 2021 (UTC) ::I agree that a blue link that directs the reader back to the same article is a bad option. ::I don't agree with giving priority to creating articles just because some passerby has created a link. We have thousands of articles that need more content. Allowing our priorities to be determined by a well-intentioned editor like Vkem who isn't really involved in Wikivoyage would be a mistake. And not all of these places really warrants an article. I don't think that we can say that we want an article just because there is a redlink. :: I recently redirected an article for a bedroom community in the U.S. in which the only information that the article's creator provided was that there is a McDonalds in the community. They didn't provide an address for it though, or any other useful information. ::With a black link, a reader who arrives at the region article via a search can at least find the place in the article and on the map, so I think this is the best result. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:47, 27 May 2021 (UTC) ::: The redlinks in the region article were carefully planned, but the intention was to create them when somebody takes the time to write them. I think changing redlinks to black links is not an improvement. Is having the redirects an improvement that weights more than the drawback of having to turn the redlinks black? Read: I am challenging the policy of not deleting redirects from real places. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 14:34, 27 May 2021 (UTC) :::: What's a "black link"? Doesn't that just mean unlinked text? --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 14:36, 27 May 2021 (UTC) :::::Uh, yeah, that would be another way of putting it, since it isn't a link at all. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 15:11, 27 May 2021 (UTC) == Semi-Protect all == I think we should semi-protect all pages listed here, in case of edit warring or vandalism. --[[User:Crocusfleur|Crocusfleur]] ([[User talk:Crocusfleur|talk]]) 17:47, 19 June 2021 (UTC) :Which pages? --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 17:54, 19 June 2021 (UTC) ::Have there been cases of edit warring or vandalism of pages nominated for deletion? [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:46, 19 June 2021 (UTC) :::GZ has a good point here. If there's no history of vandalism (hopefully we don't jinx it) there's no need to semi-protect a page. The [[main page]] and some other critical pages, such as some template pages, are exceptional because vandals could do more damage by changing those, but in this case, without previous vandalism there is no need to semi-protect. A worthwhile thought though. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 21:54, 19 June 2021 (UTC) == Replace the vfd archive header? == ''Moved from [[WV:Pub|the pub]]''<br> I will start out by saying that I'm not a huge fan of [[Template:Deletion archive]], which doesn't look centred, and just doesn't look right for a header. Which is probably why it was never used much, and I'm guessing half of you didn't even know this template existed. I did some experimenting and thought a header like the header you see below might look better, with a more cleaner, neater and organised format. This can be changed anytime, so this doesn't have to be the fixed one. {{User:SHB2000/vfdat|previous=April 2021|next=June 2021|month=May 2021}} The code is pretty simple to work out as well, and the month= variable is automatic. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:57, 24 August 2021 (UTC) ---- <!--LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS BELOW THIS MESSAGE--> * '''Support''' as easy to navigate between months. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 11:47, 28 August 2021 (UTC) ::Given the lack of opposition, I'm going ahead. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:18, 7 September 2021 (UTC) == One-year rule on itineraries == Based on votes on this page, are we going to abolish this rule, or are there differences about its interpretation? For the purpose of discussion the rule is at [[Wikivoyage:Itineraries#"One year" deletion rule]], and here it is in full: ''Since just about any topic can be an itinerary, itineraries must either be actively worked on or achieve some level of completion to be kept. (Sufficiently famous, marked routes such as [[Alaska Highway]] or [[Annapurna Circuit]] are exempt from this rule.) As such, itineraries that have been at [[Project:Itinerary status|outline status]] or less for one year without being substantially edited are subject to deletion via the [[Project:Votes for deletion|votes for deletion]] process.'' My feeling is, if we are keeping the rule, "not a personal itinerary" shouldn't be a sufficient argument for keeping an article with no specific route that is therefore not in any sense usable; just because an itinerary isn't personal doesn't mean it's "sufficiently famous". But let's talk about that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:45, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :I would oppose abolishing this rule. Otherwise, we'd end up with a bunch of itineraries which don't give much information and give no incentive to the creator to make it usable. But I don't think this rule was really enforced that much, until I just checked some random itineraries. The last major mass deletions looks like it was in [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion/April 2011|2011]], more than 10 years ago. But I think we should take these on a case by case basis. :There's more that I have, but given the already mass overload here, I don't think we can handle that much at once. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:52, 18 September 2021 (UTC) ::I should also mention, that based on this reasoning "real itinerary" is not a valid reason to keep, and I'm particularly looking at the one for Nidaros Path and Mountains to Sound Greenway. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:56, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :::In 2011, we were overzealous in my opinion and, in the guise of deleting "personal itineraries", deleted usable articles because they weren't guide-level. I believe in being a bit liberal, in that a coherent, well-defined route can be OK, even if it's "personal". [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:59, 18 September 2021 (UTC) ::::But tbh, these are routes which per the deletion rules, can be deleted. I'm still confused on some of the keep votes on that were added yesterday (writing this 00:05 AEST). But deleting usable routes because it wasn't guide? (please tell me if I'm missing something there. Need to get some sleep). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 14:05, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :::::If you're missing something, it's that the usable itinerary articles that were deleted then were deemed "personal", and exceptions to the deletion policy for "personal" itineraries were given only to articles that were at guide level or higher (I don't think any were stars). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:11, 18 September 2021 (UTC) ::::::I see. I guess I'm too sleepy to think. But these ones that I nominated aren't personal, but just outlines that aren't famously marked. Maybe that policy needs copyediting. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 14:15, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :"As such, itineraries that have been at outline status or less for one year without being substantially edited are subject to deletion via the votes for deletion process." That doesn't mean articles at outline status for a year or more should be deleted; it means they are "subject" via the "deletion process," which indicates that a community consensus to keep any of these itineraries doesn't run contrary to policy. I think there are some itineraries nominated that indeed should be deleted, but they are many that while indeed have been made subject to deletion via this policy, ought not be deleted due to other policies in place, such as [[Wikivoyage:The traveler comes first]]. I certainly don't support deleting any itineraries without consensus. Consensus will develop naturally to delete the useless itineraries, but many others are developing votes to keep, and this is line with current policies that require consensus to delete travel articles (excepting copyvio, of course). <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 14:23, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :Although perhaps read the header of [[:Category:Outline itineraries]]. It says ''This page is for listing itineraries that have outline status. They will be deleted if not modified for one year.'' :–<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 14:30, 18 September 2021 (UTC) ::Categories are intended to list articles with some feature in common, and not to establish policy, so I would support removing that text from the category page. That text appears to come from [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Category:Outline_itineraries&oldid=1855956 before English Wikivoyage was formed]. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 14:33, 18 September 2021 (UTC) I commented "not personal itinerary on some. I don't feel we need to set the "sufficiently" threshold particularly high. My reading has been that a famous route will have readers looking for it, and with some luck people continuing where the article creator left, and even if it takes a few years, that's really not a problem (unless the itinerary is really bad). Personal itineraries, on the other hand, need to be well described to allow anyone to continue the work (and to bother). If no one caught on while it was being worked on, or soon after, it is unlikely to attract attention later. One reason not to keep the threshold high is that what is famous for some, is unknown to others. I didn't know about [[Alaska Highway]] or [[Annapurna Circuit]] before starting to write here. [[Nidaros Path]], deemed non-famous by the nominator, was the prime pilgrimage route in the Nordic countries in medieval times, and is regaining popularity – but how could somebody not from Europe know that, unless into pilgrimages? I'd think many Americans wouldn't know about [[Way of St. James]], although it is a huge thing. If some route is sufficiently famous that you'd expect there to be guidebooks about it, that should suffice. I think any Eurovelo or [[Long distance walking in Europe|ERA route]] should qualify. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 16:43, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :I think usable status should have been sufficient to keep "personal" itineraries if they had reasonable, coherent routes. In terms of the text [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] quotes above, I'd propose changing it to ''This page is for listing itineraries that have outline status. They may be deleted if not modified for one year.'' May, rather than will be deleted. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:28, 18 September 2021 (UTC) ::Agreed, but add "may be deleted [via the VFD process]" because we don't want people unilaterally deleting articles. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 21:38, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :::I reworded it to what Ikan wrote with a little bit of copyedits: ''They may be deleted if not modified or actively maintained for one year.''. I'll write that it may be nominated through RfD in just a sec. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:45, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :::: I think that addressing itinerary articles through VfD after a year is a good approach. It forces us to improve the articles if we can, or delete them if we can't. SHB2000's edits to the policy work. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 00:08, 19 September 2021 (UTC) : Sometimes there may be other solutions. Back in 200x when our coverage of China was quite spotty, I wrote "One week near Hong Kong" which was pretty much a personal itinerary. Later it became a region article, [[Pearl River Delta]], and by now that is a decent article. : For real routes like [[Tanami Track]], I do not think deletion should even be considered. Either keep it or merge it into a region article & redirect there. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 03:51, 19 September 2021 (UTC) : For an example of an itinerary that was prematurely deleted (by me) but later restored & made into a decent article, see [[Talk:Tiger Leaping Gorge]]. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 04:21, 19 September 2021 (UTC) ::[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], thanks for editing that language, but there's no such thing as "RfD" on this Wiki (and you initially confused me by using those initials on talk page threads). I will edit to [[Votes for deletion]] with a link. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:35, 19 September 2021 (UTC) :::[https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Category%3AOutline_itineraries&type=revision&diff=4295605&oldid=4295459 Done]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:39, 19 September 2021 (UTC) ::::Oops. RfD is something on meta and simple, not here. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:00, 19 September 2021 (UTC) ::Pashley, the "don't delete real places" is only for destination articles, not itineraries or topics. Oh and re Tanami Track... erm, it's not a notable track at all, but rather known as Australia's James Dalton Highway. Couldn't find any photos of this track on commons, but if Google Street Trekker does a good job in visualising that route, [https://goo.gl/maps/RZyoHaGsNuRaEnUh7 this] is apparently the best part of the route. There's no way that's notable. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:37, 19 September 2021 (UTC) == Danube Cycleway deletion == I supported deletion, but I think it's worth discussing whether per [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Deleting, or not]], the article should have been kept or deleted. At first glance, it wouldn't appear that there was a consensus to delete at [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion/September 2021#Danube Cycleway]]. 3-2 is not an obvious consensus. And while I obviously agree that the delete arguments are stronger than the keep arguments, here is the relevant policy: * If there is '''no consensus''' after 14 days, allow a further 7 days for discussion. ** If, after the additional 7 days, there is '''no consensus''', the page should be '''kept''' – any Wikivoyager may remove any VFD notices from that page, and archive the deletion discussion. So what's the deletion argument? I think that would have to do with the definition of "consensus" - what it is and what it's not. From [[Wikivoyage:Consensus#What consensus is not]]: * '''Consensus is not unanimity'''. While we should always try to find a solution that works for everyone, in practice this is not always possible. Make sure all concerns are discussed and addressed, but consensus can still be reached even if compromises that please everyone cannot be found. * '''Consensus is not a majority'''. While it would be rare that consensus would be declared when the result represents a minority opinion, well-reasoned arguments based on existing policies and practice should carry more weight than a "support" comment that is unaccompanied by any sort of reasoning or justification. I don't think anyone would say that [[User:LPfi]]'s keep vote is "unaccompanied by any sort of reasoning or justification", but the argument to keep is unaccompanied by any actionable advice on how to establish the route of the now-deleted itinerary. In short, I would defer to [[User:SHB2000]]'s deletion rationale. But I still think a discussion is appropriate, since a nomination for undeletion would not be successful (further quoting from [[Wikivoyage:Consensus#What consensus is not]]): ''Note that the bar for determining a consensus should be higher when changing a past consensus, so while a small majority might suffice for resolving a minor issue, a super majority backed by strong arguments should be required before changing past consensus (see also the "[[#Status quo bias|Status quo bias]]" section below).'' So what do you all think? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:55, 8 October 2021 (UTC) : The guide is little use in current shape and I have little hope of improvements in near future, so I won't contest the deletion, but IK's last point prompts consideration. : I now copied the VFD discussion to the article's talk page. The reason for deletion was "Per the one year rule for itineraries" and "it's been given 14 days to be worked on" I think it should be evident that if anybody starts working on the itinerary, these arguments are moot. If somebody thinks that new work can be deleted based on this VFD discussion, then we need clarification to the guidelines. : –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:07, 8 October 2021 (UTC) ::Well, if someone starts working on it, then that would not make it valid for RfD. Though, I do think the guidelines are somewhat too loose and can differ based on personal opinions. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:39, 8 October 2021 (UTC) :::The rule for itineraries is one year; this article was given 11 years. If someone had started work on it, or indicated an intention to work on it, they should have been given time. But no-one did. I don't think another 7 days would have changed anything. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:41, 8 October 2021 (UTC) ::::hence why I deleted it. It was 3-2, and you and Ikan had better arguments in my opinion and seemed consensus to me. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:49, 8 October 2021 (UTC) :::::Without weighing in on whether deletion is a good idea, it is clear that there was not consensus for deletion, so per policy it should not have been deleted. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:42, 8 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::Let's please try to avoid using RfD, which is not a valid abbreviation on this site. Should we undo the deletion? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:36, 8 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::I subconsciously use RfD when I'm not thinking properly. And technically, no we can't unilaterally undelete it as it has to go through the [[vfu]] process. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:00, 9 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::Not if we decide it should not have been deleted per lack of consensus. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:18, 9 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::However, now given that LPfi has mentioned "The guide is little use in current shape and I have little hope of improvements in near future, so I won't contest the deletion, but IK's last point prompts consideration." :::::::::So really, that gives 3 deletes, 1 neutral and 1 delete, based on LPfi's earlier argument. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:25, 9 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::::If so, that would be a consensus, in my opinion. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:02, 9 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::::Yep, sure does. Even for those like [[Template talk:Mapframe2|Template:Mapframe2]], while there were 3 to delete, 1 comment and 1 keep, who was LPfi, as their argument was much more stronger into keeping it, hence kept. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:43, 9 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::::::Is that defensible per current policy? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:10, 9 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::::::Technically, the two votes that were to delete were either just a vote or "per nom". Even then, my rationale for deletion still wasn't a strong enough reason to delete, and hence kept. Not to forget that Alasdair also seemed to be leaning towards a keep as well. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:17, 9 October 2021 (UTC) == Camp Chase Trail discussion == This deletion discussion has been closed with the article merged after only a day of discussion and little participation. This is contrary to policy, which calls for 14 days of discussion, and really too fast for anyone to be expected to keep up with. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:39, 11 October 2021 (UTC) :I can close my nominations early if I want to withdraw my deletion nom early. In this case, I merged the info already, so I had every right to withdraw my nom. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:03, 12 October 2021 (UTC) ::Generally I agree with SHB, but in this case the closure was quick for a merger discussion which should take a few days. I would be happy with a policy change that allowed a non-deletion closure after 5 days if the nominator agrees. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 20:33, 13 October 2021 (UTC) :::I '''support''' [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]]’s proposal to create a clear policy on this issue. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 20:37, 13 October 2021 (UTC) :::I would generally '''support''' Alasair's wording, but then we run into a loophole here. Anyone can withdraw their own nominations any time they like, and anyone can merge articles whenever they want, without discussion (although it is quite suspicious when IPs do that), so all we have is two policies that contradict each other. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:26, 14 October 2021 (UTC) ::::Discussions are generally encouraged before articles are merged, although it is only said to be "worthwile" in [[Wikivoyage:How to merge two pages]]. ::::A policy should have additional words including allowing withdrawal by the nominator ("oh I hadn't realised that this page is useful for..."), admins deciding that the nomination is an obvious speedy case, and cancelling requests by vandals (not seen that here, but I have seen it on Commons). [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:51, 14 October 2021 (UTC) :::::Merge proposals can be discussed on the talk pages of the articles in question. I would oppose any kind of guideline that in any way suggests that VfD is the most appropriate place to discuss merges. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:56, 14 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::And similarly, if anyone objects to a merge, this is not the most appropriate place to address that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:56, 14 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::Agree. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:58, 14 October 2021 (UTC) :::::True, but there's lots of merges I've done without discussion (and {{u|Ground Zero}} does the same). [[Special:Diff/4308621]] is an example of one of my recent uncontroversial merges. Out of about let's say 100 merges I've done, only [[Talk:Khancoban|Khancoban]] seemed to be a controversial one. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:57, 14 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::A merger without discussion is permitted by [[Wikivoyage:How to merge two pages]]: :::::::"Unless the need for a merge is really obvious, it may be worthwhile to start a discussion before doing a merge." ::::::Contributors will disagree on what is or is not "obvious". If other editors disagree with a merger, then the merging editor will have to go through the hassle of defending the merger and will be more cautious about doing it again. I have probably erred on the side of being too cautious, and I have not had objections to my mergers whether discussed or not discussed. There is a lot of clean up of old stub articles needed, and props to SHB2000 for their work in improving Wikivoyage. It is inevitable that the occasional merger will be done too precipitously, but a merger can always be undone. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 23:26, 14 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::(It is easy, in my opinion, to show that an article ''shouldn't'' be merged — or shouldn't have been merged — by expanding an article to make it usable. That is more productive than arguing over process, IMHO.) [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 23:34, 14 October 2021 (UTC) == User:SHB2000/lc template == Forgive me if this has already been dealt with, as I've been away from admin stuff. The template [[User:SHB2000/lc]] has been used several times for different nominations, but has it been approved by the community? If it has, I'd expect to see the discussion either still in the Pub or archived somewhere sensible like [[User talk:SHB2000/lc]].--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 08:51, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :Can't I use my ''own'' userspace templates in ''my'' nominations? How would this have been dealt with, if I used wikitext in the same way in my nominations? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:06, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :I realise that there's no point in arguing over a *''userspace transclusion''*, so I just removed it. [(redacted)] <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:25, 18 October 2021 (UTC) ::I don't know why you're getting snarky with me about it, as I think my original question was polite and based in the policy which we're both tasked with enforcing. We have a policy about new templates that you've said you understand, and that obviously covers userspace templates too (why would they be any different when they're being used in mainspace?). Thank you for removing them when asked; hopefully, I won't have to in future.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 09:58, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::I'm sorry if I became passive aggressive there, and I apologise for that. But there doesn't seem to be any policy on userspace templates being used, is there? Or what'd happen if I substituted the template (which if I used let's say nominating [[Pomona (Queensland)]] for deletion and I used <span class="plainlinks">[[:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}]] ([{{fullurl:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}|action=edit}} edit] &middot; [[{{TALKPAGENAME:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}}}|talk]] &middot; [{{fullurl:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}|action=history}} history] &middot; [{{fullurl:Special:Whatlinkshere/{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}|limit=999}} links] &middot; [{{fullurl:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}|action=watch}} watch] &middot; [{{fullurl:Special:Log|page={{urlencode:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}}}}} logs] &middot; [{{fullurl:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}|action=delete}} delete])</span>, would that be considered using templates?) <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:06, 18 October 2021 (UTC) ::::I think the edit link is confusing. I would expect it to edit the discussion, not the nominated article. Why would i want to edit the article without reading it first? [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 10:28, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::The edit link may be confusing, but there's no denying on whether the talk or history pages are useful. The page logs aren't also that important, but it can help (the only instances where I personally think its useful when its used to detect Brendan edits) :::::The delete button is also quite convenient for the closing admin. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:34, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::: There is a practice on what nominations and the discussions look like. It seems you are trying to change that practice, and while plunging forward by introducing links you find useful might be OK, if others don't thank you for the bright idea, it might be better to discuss whether we want those links and templates. Thus they should be introduced like any other templates, regardless of where they live – moved to template space if they get support, not used and possibly deleted if they don't. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 11:44, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::No I am not trying to change the practice and I mainly used it for my personal use. I'm merely adding it so it's much more easier to delete it. Given that these days I'm the one who's deleting most of the articles these days, it's much more convenient to have a link that allows me to delete the article in one click. :::::::And we also recently discussed that we're never deleting templates merely because it lacked community support (it'll just be moved to the user's userspace). In this case, it's already in my userspace. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:51, 18 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::Templates that are in your userspace shouldn't be used outside of your userspace, i.e. in mainspace or projectspace. It's not "your personal use" when it's being used on a community page that everyone can edit. They're not "your nominations", either; they're ''community nominations'' submitted by you ''for the community's consideration'', and they should be made in the standard way that the community has come to expect. ::::::::I'm sorry, but using userspace templates in projectspace comes across to me as a rather clever (but unfair) way of circumventing a policy you don't like. We've all got to live with policies we don't like as a necessary part of editing a wiki; the alternative to editing within a community-led set of policies is we just individually pick and choose to follow the rules that suit us and ignore the ones that don't suit us. If that happens, then the whole system of collaborative editing by consensus breaks down, and our "travel guide that everyone can edit" ceases to work in the interests of travellers. ::::::::I'm guessing I may come across as anti-template, or maybe even anti-SHB2000's templates. But this couldn't be further from the truth; I'm pro-innovation. But first and foremost I'm interested in ensuring that policy applies to, and is observed by, everyone equally. ::::::::For this particular template, I agree with LPfi, and would even further say that it would be useful in a slightly modified form (i.e. removing the 'edit' button, and any others that might not be relevant) and that I would use it myself. However, my future support is conditional on this template being proposed for the community's approval in the normal way; if and when it's approved, it should be moved out of your userspace into templatespace. ::::::::Also, we may need to specify on [[Wikivoyage:Using MediaWiki templates]] that "If new templates fail to gain community support, they will eventually be moved to the template creator's userspace." means that those templates are not to be used outside of userspace. I thought this was pretty clear already, but apparently not... ::::::::All that being said, I appreciate and accept your apology above.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 13:55, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::I think that an occasional editor would expect the delete link to record a "delete" vote, not take them to a page saying "Permission error". I get having such a link on Commons where the closing admin migt have to delete a list of 20 imgaes after a sinle nomination, but I don't see the need here. I also agree with TT that userspace templetes should not be used in project space, except for a single example when discussing moving the template to mainspace. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 15:00, 18 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::::That's the whole point; otherwise, we'd be restricting the use of a template to a single individual, not to their userspace. Please, [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], you do great work, but especially as an admin, you need to not only respect consensus but uphold it as the fundamental way this site operates in your statements and model your respect for it to other users. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:11, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::I must dispute the following statement "''They're not "your nominations", either; they're community nominations submitted by you for the community's consideration, and they should be made in the standard way that the community has come to expect.''". First of all, they're still my nominations, since I irrevocably release my text under the CC BY-SA License, and in no way does that ever state that I'm handing over those nominations to the community. I still hold the copyright for those, and so they are '''not''' "they're community nominations submitted by you for the community's consideration" and so they're still the nominations of whoever started them. b) "the standard way that the community has come to expect.". I cannot find any place where it says that as well. So until you direct me to where that's told, then again, there's nothing saying how I should format those nominations. :::::::::Let's say I used a template (call it {{tl|tnr}} for example), and it's main purpose is to get text in Times New Roman. So if I used <nowiki> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman; color:green"> Some text here</span></nowiki> instead of this example {{tl|tnr}} template which would both produce <span style="font-family:Times New Roman; color:green"> Some text here</span>. Now that plain text I was using had no templates in it, nor is a substituted template. I'll let you all decide for yourselves on how that'd be taken. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 21:23, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::::You've completely missed, or certainly failed to address, the wider points. I suggest some closer reading and reflection.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 08:27, 19 October 2021 (UTC) == Help needed == I slushed the Puerto Rican stubs nom for now, but it's 4:12 AM and I have to wake up for work in about 5 hours, so I'd be very grateful if someone else could remove all the VfD templates from the articles in question. Please see the thread at [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion/March 2022#Puerto Rico skeletons with a byte count lower than 600 created by Ligocsicnarf89 (talk · contribs)]]. And thanks! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:13, 31 March 2022 (UTC) :@[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] btw I'm happy for anyone to rollback my edits to those articles as it's a pretty tedious thing to do manually. However, do get some sleep first. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:35, 31 March 2022 (UTC) :: vfd templates removed. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:54, 31 March 2022 (UTC) :::Thanks for removing them :-). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:00, 31 March 2022 (UTC) ::::Thank you! -- [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:31, 31 March 2022 (UTC) == Closure comments == There is an argument on a user page on what comments are suitable when closing a VFD thread. If I interpret [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] correctly, they think any comments that don't conflict with any specific rule is OK, while IK and I disagree. See [[Special:Permalink/4569290#Sorry for editing an archive]]. I added the following to the instructions, to have the requested rule, and got reverted: : The note on whether the article was kept should be objective; if you have an opinion that needs to be voiced, voice it during the discussion – if you didn't until now, either keep silent or give others time to comment on it by not taking action yet. The addition hadn't been discussed other than in that user page thread, so the reversion was anticipated. Now, what does the community think about the issue? Do you agree with me or SHB? Should there be written advice? Is the suggested wording OK? Should there be some more general wording in [[Wikivoyage:Administrators' handbook]] covering also this? Any general comments? –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:47, 26 November 2022 (UTC) :My 2 cents: :* Not allowing users to voice their opinion is antithetical to the purpose of a discussion :* Discussions are immediately archived once the outcome has been reached; this is per [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Deleting, or not]] :* Yes, you're right that my rationale behind standing by my comment doesn't conflict with any specific policy :* It's probably not a good idea to include it in the [[Wikivoyage:Administrators' handbook]] as any Wikivoyager can close a DR if the outcome was keep or redirect – this is also per [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Deleting, or not]] :I am opposed to the addition of [[Special:Diff/4569292]], because the purpose of vfd is to ''not'' "keep silent", and "giv[ing] others time to comment on it by not taking action yet" contradicts [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Deleting, or not]]. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 22:51, 26 November 2022 (UTC) ::Closing a discussion means no longer arguing about it. I still find it incredible, inflammatory, and in incredibly bad grace to have to have a discussion about this at all. I'd observe that SHB2000 tried to argue that a consensus was not a consensus the last time he showed bad grace in a Vfd closing. Anyone who can't close Vfd threads without trying to get a pot-shot in at the end should not close Vfd threads. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:06, 26 November 2022 (UTC) :::So, let's put it this way. You disagree with my opinion, and are insisting me to follow what ''you'' think should be common practice, even though this is not a policy, at least not yet. Then, you indirectly claim that your opinion is somehow superior to mine and I should follow it, and now claim that the common practice to enroot this into a Wikivoyage policy is "<span style="color:darkred;font-family:Georgia">incredible, inflammatory, and in incredibly bad grace</span>". So, who's being hypocritical here? <s> Oh, and that discussion really wasn't a consensus – there were only two more delete !votes, and a lot of the keep !votes were [[w:WP:PERX]].</s> --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 23:53, 26 November 2022 (UTC) ::::And you still haven't answered my question from yesterday: if you so vehemently disagreed with my statement, why didn't you close the article yourself 10 days ago, when the article was due to be closed? --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 23:55, 26 November 2022 (UTC) :::::That's not a valid argument. We're all volunteers here, I'm a busy man, and I don't always think about closing Vfd threads here. None of that is an excuse for you to break the precedent of not editorializing and insulting the consensus when closing. Come on, man! You do a lot of good work, but you sometimes just don't seem to understand when to drop it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:01, 27 November 2022 (UTC) ::::::And for the record, what you tried to claim was not a consensus was [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion/May 2022|8-3]]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:10, 27 November 2022 (UTC) :::::::I stand corrected; have struck that comment. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 01:24, 27 November 2022 (UTC) *Oppose. I don't think we need to change the policy because one editor made a comment some people didn't like. This editorialising does not disrupt the functioning of our travel guide, and let's recognize that SHB was doing a necessary administrative function in closing the discussion even though he didn't agree with the conclusion. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 02:46, 27 November 2022 (UTC) ::I'm surprised. I thought you would find fault with such a closing comment even though you would agree with the substance. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:01, 27 November 2022 (UTC) :::As the closing comment is not something that affects the reader, I don't see the need to regulate it, especially in response to a single closing comment. This seems like a sledgehammer/fly situation. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:51, 27 November 2022 (UTC) *::The bottom line is, not everyone disagrees with my comment, as you seem to think. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 07:15, 27 November 2022 (UTC) : I agree with LPfi & Ikan; such comments are extremely bad form. I do not think a single instance merits either a policy change or any sort of disciplinary action against the user, but a persistent pattern of such actions might. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 04:02, 28 November 2022 (UTC) :: The "bottom line", as I see it, is that whether anyone agrees with the comment is utterly irrelevant; the comment was clearly made in the wrong place. :: It would have been appropriate either as part of the deletion discussion or raising an issue on either the VFD or Deletion policy talk page. However, adding a snarky remark in the archive &mdash; where no-one is likely to see it & anyone who does cannot reply &mdash; was out of line. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 07:53, 28 November 2022 (UTC) == Using this page to propose merge/redirects == This page was not envisioned to be used for that purpose, and it is in my opinion quite an unnecessary use of volunteer time. If you think a merge/redirect should be done and it's unlikely to be controversial, just do it if you have the time. If you think it might be controversial, start a thread on the talk page of the article to be merged and have a discussion there. I can't think of any good reason to use this page to propose anything other than deletion. Note that it does take more time to close discussions here than to simply have discussions on talk pages. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:30, 17 December 2022 (UTC) :I think this page can still be used if a user is indifferent to whether an article should be deleted or redirected (e.g., some of our recent destination articles nominated for deletion); I agree with you that the airport articles could have been better handled on the relevant talk page, though. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 00:02, 18 December 2022 (UTC) ::If there's a reasonable basis for proposing deletion, that's what this page is for. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:08, 18 December 2022 (UTC) ::: But if you are indifferent, why not just merge and redirect? It mostly requires less effort than the discussion and possible later merger. The history will be there (easily found if correctly attributed) for those who might want to revive the article with additional info that would make it pass the whiaa test. The redirect seldom does harm (and if you think it does, ''then'' take it here). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 13:06, 18 December 2022 (UTC) == Withdrawing nominations == In many fora, one is allowed to withdraw one's own proposal, but as SHB2000 notes, "there's no policy on en.voy explicitly allowing this". I think there shouldn't be one. To the contrary, as soon as a nomination is posted, other contributors put time and thought in evaluating the article and articulating their standpoints. This effort is mostly lost in a speedy closure, and the thoughts shared may have implications on other articles than the one nominated. Also, consensus might be to delete the article despite the nominator changing their mind, and a second nomination shouldn't be needed. Thus I think the discussion should be allowed to continue for the normal time, unless there is consensus for something else or there is some good reason to speedy the decision. I think the judgement on the latter should be left to somebody else. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 16:32, 29 December 2022 (UTC) :Withdrawing serves to prevent attracting input (meaning time and energy) to an inoperative process; it is such when it is 100% certain not to result in a change. People will air their views, and these might be icredibly articulate and wise, but it doesn't create a tangible benefit for the project. I don't think that a policy change is necessary in order to allow withdrawing, but just as well, withdrawing should not be considered prohibited when not prescribed by policy. Withdrawing should only be done if absolutely all of the votes are to keep. If there is even a single delete vote anyone should feel free to reopen the discussion. [[User:Alalch E.|Alalch E.]] ([[User talk:Alalch E.|talk]]) 17:07, 29 December 2022 (UTC) :For example, I really think that it makes sense for {{u|SHB2000}} to withdraw [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Surfing]] ''now'' (and only now), when everyone agrees (which was not the case initially). [[User:Alalch E.|Alalch E.]] ([[User talk:Alalch E.|talk]]) 17:18, 29 December 2022 (UTC) ::We should adopt some guideline that nominations can be speedily withdrawn when there isn't even a proposal for deletion or none of the people responding support deletion, such as when whether to merge/redirect or to which article is being unnecessarily argued about on this page. I would suggest that a nomination for other than deletion be immediately withdrawn unless someone suggests deletion in the response thread before it is deleted, and that otherwise, if after 3 days, there is no support for deletion, a nomination can be speedily resolved as a keep, but that if the resolution is deletion, at least 7 days are needed. The way around that, in my opinion, is to start a thread on the article's talk page, where the person who started the article could agree to deletion if very little if anything has been added by others, or sometimes, articles are speedily deleted without a proposal here because they are so obviously irrelevant or are copyright violation. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:06, 29 December 2022 (UTC) :I thought it was allowed (and have done so in the past with no dramas), until that nomination. Nominators should be allowed to close their nominations whenever they choose to, with the prejudice that it's appropriate. I like Ikan Kekek's proposal and we could trial this next year. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 20:26, 29 December 2022 (UTC) ::I think the reason it was uncontroversial before is that opinion was probably unanimous, though correct me if I'm wrong. But in the most recent case, I know I wondered what had happened and was surprised to see a deletion thread that as yet had no unanimous opinion speedily archived. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:46, 29 December 2022 (UTC) :::I don't think we should be able to withdraw "our" nominations early, primarily because there's no such thing as "my nomination", only a nomination submitted to the community for consideration. Of course there are some exceptions: if a clear consensus has developed early with little chance of dissent, or if the nomination is clearly not a real candidate for deletion (e.g. something that should be merged).--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 09:33, 30 December 2022 (UTC) ::::{{re|ThunderingTyphoons!}} if nominations don't belong to one user, then perhaps would you like to explain why [[c:Template:Withdraw]], [[species:Template:Withdraw]], [[w:en:Template:Withdraw]], [[w:ar:قالب:سحب_ترشيح]], [[w:bh:टेम्पलेट:Withdraw]], [[w:bn:টেমপ্লেট:Withdraw]], [[w:ckb:داڕێژە:کشانەوەی پاڵاوتن]], [[w:et:Mall:Loobun]], [[w:fa:الگو:انصراف]], [[w:en:ಟೆಂಪ್ಲೇಟು:Withdraw]], [[w:shn:ထႅမ်းပလဵတ်ႉ:Withdraw]], [[w:sr:Шаблон:Withdraw]] and [[w:te:మూస:Withdraw]] all translate or say "I withdraw '''my''' nomination", with "my" being the key word here? The concept of a deletion nomination shouldn't differ by WMF project, so I'm a bit confused on why you think the concept of "my nominations" shouldn't exist. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 12:12, 30 December 2022 (UTC) :::::Forgive me, but my pontifications about the possible meanings of machine-translated sentences written in languages I don't speak on wikis I've never visited wouldn't be of use to anyone. :::::But to explain my thought process further, a nomination can of course be "mine" inasmuch as if I make the nomination, it originated from my brain, and was created by my fingers when I posted it. And yes, I can continue to refer to it as "my" nomination, but that's just semantics or sentimentality; I can't assert actual ownership over the nomination. Once the nomination is live on VFD, and especially once it's being considered by others, it is no longer mine to unilaterally withdraw, because that's not fair to other members of the community who have lent their time and consideration. Similarly, an article I start is no longer "mine" as soon as it's published, even if I continue to be the main or only contributor; this is a wiki after all. :::::If I rationally believed an article was worthy of deletion, then it is likely that other members of the community would agree and so if they had found the article before I did, they would have nominated it first. The question of who did nominate is unimportant. Even if I am alone in believing the article should be deleted, that can only be tested by a nomination that runs its course and that allows the whole community a say, or that at least provides an early consensus. The person who made the nomination doesn't have any special say over the outcome of the nomination; the community does.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 12:46, 30 December 2022 (UTC) ::::::"The concept of a deletion nomination shouldn't differ by WMF project"? Why not? If there remains a question about whether to delete or not, we can have our own policy. You wouldn't argue that we need to have a NPOV policy because some other Wikis have it, would you? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:02, 30 December 2022 (UTC) ::::::: There is an advantage of standardising some things across the WMF sites, so that readers and editors have an easy time approaching another project. However, people from other projects usually don't have enough of an understanding to contribute at deletion discussions. Sometimes they might have some valuable fresh viewpoints, but few from the outside can see when their viewpoint is just distracting. Thus, until you have followed the discussions long enough to learn the idiosyncrasies, you don't need to nominate articles or close the discussions, and thus the advantage of standardising is marginal. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 16:47, 30 December 2022 (UTC) :::::::{{re|Ikan Kekek}} each wiki can have its own policy regarding deletion nominations, but the concept of it shouldn't differ: a user nominates one or more pages for deletion because of some reason, then a discussion happens for a certain period of time and then the discussion is closed as either kept, deleted, redirected (or something else like getting another project to import the article). What can differ is the length, reasoning or outcome. NPOV is a completely different story because it's only a policy on Wikipedia, but likewise, the concept of NPOV shouldn't differ between different language Wikipedias. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 22:32, 30 December 2022 (UTC) ::::::{{re|ThunderingTyphoons!}} fair enough, but I don't think articles are comparable to DRs, but maybe that's because I spend more time on Commons' DRs than our VfD, which is where I've been influenced. I still favour Ikan's proposal, though (which is similar to what you're proposing: "if a clear consensus has developed early with little chance of dissent, or if the nomination is clearly not a real candidate for deletion", but with more detail). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 22:25, 30 December 2022 (UTC) == [[Wikivoyage:Votes_for_deletion#Archiving]] == Current text in this section includes: : When archiving, always '''make it clear''' to other editors what '''the outcome of the discussion''' was. This can be done by adding the result to the discussion in a ''separate edit'' from the one in which you remove the discussion from this page; or you can describe the outcome in the edit summary when you remove the discussion. I'd delete the suggestion of the edit summary. or change "or you can" to "you should also". It seems to me we always want the result in the archive since someone looking later will not see the edit summary. We also have: : If the nominated article, file or template '''was not deleted''', then place another (identical duplicate) copy of the deletion discussion on the discussion page of the article, file or template being kept or redirected. I'd change this to: : If the nominated article, file or template '''was not deleted''', then the nomination should be mentioned on its talk page. If the deletion discussion is reasonably short, place another (identical duplicate) copy of it on the talk page. For longer discussions, provide a link to the archive instead. Other opinions? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 13:04, 1 June 2024 (UTC) :I'm not a fan of duplicating discussions by copy-pasting it on the talk page and don't think this has been followed for quite some time – duplicating content is never a good idea. I would much rather require that only a link be placed to the deletion discussion for all cases. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 22:43, 1 June 2024 (UTC) ::However, one could copy the outcome declaration. That's short and could avoid need of clicking in some obvious cases (such as "speedy keep: no valid reason to delete"). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:28, 2 June 2024 (UTC) : {{tick}} Edited. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 20:56, 2 June 2024 (UTC) ::I think putting the deletion nomination thread on an article's talk page has often been done. I'm not sure archiving was always done thoroughly. I guess I feel like it's OK to have the thread there if anyone deems the article to be likely to be nominated for deletion again, but summarizing the discussion and providing a link to the relevant section of the archive is an acceptable alternative. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:47, 2 June 2024 (UTC) :::I'm also not opposed to how Commons deals with DRs that resulted in a keep (which is very effective in grabbing your attention) – we could at least experiment it for a month or two. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:00, 2 June 2024 (UTC) ::::I agree that Commons does this in a good way. There's room for doubt on whether it prevents further deletion requests, but it's certainly clear. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:50, 16 May 2025 (UTC) == User and user talk pages for users with no Wikivoyage contributions == What's our policy on pages like [[User talk:Зорана Филиповић]], which [[User:92.21.137.132]] provided a translation for that I reverted because I thought it was a user page and not a user talk page? [https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Special:Contributions/%D0%97%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B0_%D0%A4%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B8%D1%9B No user contributions] except for that page and their user page, [[User:Зорана Филиповић]], which is transcluded from Meta, and these pages are solely in Cyrillic. Meanwhile, this is stated in the translation to be a sock of [[User talk:Filipović Zoran]]. Should we delete the sock user and user talk pages? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:12, 30 June 2025 (UTC) : Yes, csrtainly. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:40, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::I agree they should be speedied. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 00:07, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::Looking deeply at both of the profiles, it's supposedly an editor with 138K edits [[https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:CentralAuth/Filipovi%C4%87_Zoran]] in Serbian and other wiki - and at least one profile shows already blocked [[https://sr.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=%D0%9F%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%B5%D0%B1%D0%BD%D0%BE:%D0%94%D0%BD%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%BA/block&page=User%3AFilipovi%C4%87+Zoran]] in some places. -- [[Special:Contributions/92.21.137.132|92.21.137.132]] 00:24, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::Any objection? We can afford to wait 24 hours, I figure. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:38, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::Yeah no harm waiting a day or two. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 01:36, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::The disclaimer should be on their meta user page instead, no need to copy it to talk pages on many projects. It, and the translation could be moved there, I suppose, but just deleting the talk page is no problem, I think. If they start contributing here, anybody checking the talk page history will see there are deleted versions. Do provide a helpful deletion rationale when deleting. ::::::For user pages, there are different cases. A new page could be from somebody who intends to start contributing, so should not be summarily deleted. We might also have active registered users who just don't contribute. They might have bookmarks etc. on the page. If the page looks legitimate and it doesn't have excess content, I don't think there is any harm in keeping it. At least the user should be notified and asked about it. Touting or propaganda from non-contributors doesn't need to be tolerated. ::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:32, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::If you're concerned about the deletion rationale, why don't you take care of the deletion tomorrow and supply your own rationale? And if you think this sockpuppet could ever be a useful Wikivoyage user, I suggest you look at the link I gave to the user talk page of their main account. They have never had any interest in using Wikivoyage as anything but a place to vent their frustration about Wikipedia, and that is not the function of this site. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:47, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::I can do the deletion OK. But I either need to do it prematurely or risk somebody else doing it before me (unless I have such a window at my disposal). ::::::::I don't think they will be a useful contributor, but the current mention of alternative accounts will help to see whether they have proved problematic on other projects, if they ever turn up (for venting frustration or otherwise). With a decent deletion rationale, any admin will know to check that deleted mention. ::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:31, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::You can always give an additional reason for a deletion that you type in on the second line of deletion reasons. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:28, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::Yes. But the one who deletes must write that reason. I just asked that whoever does this thinks for a few seconds about what to write, like they should when deleting a page with a name that refers to a valid topic. In that case any newbie trying to create the article will see a warning that includes that reason. It should make clear that the problem wasn't with the topic but what actually was written. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 17:52, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::I'm nominating you to type a reason you're satisfied with. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:44, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::<nowiki/>:-) ::::::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:35, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::I think I should be a bit blunt here: Basically, I feel that you're not that confident in me, or at least more resistant to deleting the user and user talk pages of totally useless Wikivoyage users (keeping in mind the still unresolved case of the WT-en touter), so you do it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:02, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::'''Done'''. I hope that you could leave that feeling behind. We may disagree on that one issue, but I respect you highly. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:49, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :{{re|Ikan Kekek|LPfi}} A bit more context I've learned about this specific user that an srwiki user told me in private (I won't disclose their username in public for their own safety): Zoran apparently has a history of spamming matters about his (srwiki) blocks on various different projects, sometimes using alts on unrelated projects like in this case. I will block both those accounts as per [[WV:ONESTRIKE]] (mirroring the srwiki block) because ideally I'd like to keep Zoran's activities out of enwikivoyage fully (though there is a chance they may be globally locked for x-wiki abuse). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 04:03, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::... and just like that, at 10:45 today, there's an unblocking request on the cyrillic user name talk page. -- [[Special:Contributions/92.21.137.132|92.21.137.132]] 11:38, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::I don't like the onestrike rule to be used other than in clear cases. It requires "a similar malicious edit on Wikivoyage" to the "vandalism or other malicious editing" they have done elsewhere. [[User:Filipović Zoran|Filipović Zoran]] and [[User:Зорана Филиповић|Зорана Филиповић]] were blocked as sockpupets of each other. Where is the vandalism or other malicious editing? I agree that non-contributors venting frustration of matters on other projects don't belong here, but that was handled in August. The new user page was created only as a pointer to the other account – with such a pointer, claims of sockpupetry are moot. My deleting the page on IK's request doesn't make the account a sockpuppet. ::If they should be globally banned, that's something for Meta, not for us. I limited the block period, not to have it count among "banned on X projects" when deciding on global blocks, until I am convinced there is some local reason for them to be blocked here. ::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:52, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::I don't think they will be a productive user here, but that's up to them. As long as they are non-contributors, there is no need to block them. Let's not make Wikivoyage a tool for fighting cross-wiki issues that don't concern us. I don't want to spend my Wikivoyage time on analysing issues on other projects. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 13:00, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::I am also concerned that the onestrike rule makes it easy to provoke a good-faith user to break rules on civility on one project, ban them there, and then use the onestrike rule to get them banned globally. To counter that, we should not ban users who haven't proven vandals or problem users over here. Block them with low threshold, yes, but don't ban them without a ban nomination and local reasons. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 13:04, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::The vandalism and malicious editing is going onto every WMF project and spamming their issues on srwiki (including here). ''They'' are the ones who bring up srwiki issues onto us and I'm not sure if you missed "for their own safety", this is the reason I indeffed them – global bans are irrelevant in this case because they are not used for spam or vandalism. In the future, please try to consult me before shortening a block because most cross-wiki cases often involve matters I cannot disclose in public (partly for [[w:en:WP:BEANS|BEANS]]-related reasons) and this is one of them. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 13:53, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::Without spilling too much, the reason why you will not find much public discussion behind this is because Zoran's case involves lots of off-wiki harassment that the WMF isn't willing to handle just yet. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 14:10, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::::I understand that part, but it seems their offending edit was in August, and handled at that time, so I don't see the point in blocking them now. I did miss the "for their own safety" and I cannot find such a statement now. I am uncomfortable with people being blocked here for what they do in other projects. This is not the place for that discussion and I leave it for now. Reinstate the permanent block if you will, although I don't see what harm the temporary shortening could have caused. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 19:46, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::Normally I'd agree with you, but this is a long case and I put editor safety for our srwiki editors first. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:03, 2 July 2025 (UTC) kv324lt7wqyp97n95d4orrqyv2frq00 5086843 5086830 2025-07-02T23:21:20Z 92.21.137.132 /* User and user talk pages for users with no Wikivoyage contributions */ Reply 5086843 wikitext text/x-wiki {{infobox|Archived discussions|* [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Archive 2004-2007]] * [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Archive 2008-2009]] * [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Archive 2010-2013‎]] * [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Archive 2014-2017‎]] * [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Deletion policy discussion|Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Deletion policy discussion (2018)]] * [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Archive 2018-2019]] }} == Categories - deleted or redirected? == A new user ([[User:Owain]]) has moved [[Conwy (county)]] to [[Conwy (county borough)]], and has thoughtfully changed the category at the same time, by changing the <nowiki>{{Is part of|xxx}}</nowiki> field in each of the affected articles to the new category. However, the old category page ([[:Category:Conwy (county)]]) is now blank, and I can't remember what we do with them. Do they just get deleted, or is there some attribution reason that they need to be kept and/or redirected to the new category? --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 16:32, 16 April 2020 (UTC) :I'd just go ahead and delete. Attribution is something we worry about for copyright purposes, and category pages which are merely lists of articles that fall into a certain geographical grouping (and, technically, are "edited" automatically by the MediaWiki software rather than by any particular human editor) do not qualify as copyrightable material. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 17:15, 16 April 2020 (UTC) ::Great, thank you. To confirm what you said, one of the drop down options of the deletion reasons is 'category renamed'.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 17:55, 16 April 2020 (UTC) == "List one article, file or template per entry" == Should this instruction be deprecated? We've had a few bulk nominations lately, and the preference has been to nominate them all under a single entry. [[User:Vaticidalprophet|Vaticidalprophet]] ([[User talk:Vaticidalprophet|talk]]) 20:41, 2 April 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''' per nom. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:07, 2 April 2021 (UTC) *'''Support'''. The line is a good idea in theory, not in practice.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 21:35, 2 April 2021 (UTC) *'''Support'''. I didn't even realize we theoretically had that guideline. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:13, 2 April 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''' - Stupid crap rule. [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] ([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]]) 08:37, 5 April 2021 (UTC) *:This looks like a consensus. Should I remove the line, and should it be replaced with anything? [[User:Vaticidalprophet|Vaticidalprophet]] ([[User talk:Vaticidalprophet|talk]]) 03:21, 11 April 2021 (UTC) :::That sentence should just be deleted. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:11, 11 April 2021 (UTC) == Redlinks, blue links or black links == Regarding the Finland Proper (Vkem) outlines: I wonder how we want real places to be handled in the case they should have articles. Redirecting a village that might be a common search term to the article where it is handled is an obvious solution, but in this case we have real places that are in fact not described anywhere. Previously they were redlinked in the region article to show that we want those articles. If the articles are created and redirected back, we will have blue links that just lead back, to the annoyance of readers. If we unlink the places, creating the article gets more difficult (and there is no hint we want those articles created, while there are several places mentioned about which we don't need articles. Is finding the region article more difficult if the places are just mentioned in the region article, without a redirect? Search engine-wise, a redirect might get us some more traffic, but just to annoy readers coming here and finding anything specifics about the place. Or should we make it a priority to create those articles, to avoid voids in our hierarchy? Then we shouldn't redirect real places that need articles, but create the outlines, as [[User:Vkem|Vkem]] did. Then the only problem is that we need the content also, which then should be given priority every time a region is created. The situation is probably different for regions that are weak outlines. For [[Finland Proper]] there is a thought-out complete structure. Some of the outlines may be hard to get featureable, but at least there should be some eat, sleep and do for each. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:19, 27 May 2021 (UTC) :This would be confusing. Since I'm well aware of this, I don't know how to respond to this. [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[w:User:SHB2000|en.wikipedia]])</small> 12:38, 27 May 2021 (UTC) ::I agree that a blue link that directs the reader back to the same article is a bad option. ::I don't agree with giving priority to creating articles just because some passerby has created a link. We have thousands of articles that need more content. Allowing our priorities to be determined by a well-intentioned editor like Vkem who isn't really involved in Wikivoyage would be a mistake. And not all of these places really warrants an article. I don't think that we can say that we want an article just because there is a redlink. :: I recently redirected an article for a bedroom community in the U.S. in which the only information that the article's creator provided was that there is a McDonalds in the community. They didn't provide an address for it though, or any other useful information. ::With a black link, a reader who arrives at the region article via a search can at least find the place in the article and on the map, so I think this is the best result. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:47, 27 May 2021 (UTC) ::: The redlinks in the region article were carefully planned, but the intention was to create them when somebody takes the time to write them. I think changing redlinks to black links is not an improvement. Is having the redirects an improvement that weights more than the drawback of having to turn the redlinks black? Read: I am challenging the policy of not deleting redirects from real places. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 14:34, 27 May 2021 (UTC) :::: What's a "black link"? Doesn't that just mean unlinked text? --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 14:36, 27 May 2021 (UTC) :::::Uh, yeah, that would be another way of putting it, since it isn't a link at all. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 15:11, 27 May 2021 (UTC) == Semi-Protect all == I think we should semi-protect all pages listed here, in case of edit warring or vandalism. --[[User:Crocusfleur|Crocusfleur]] ([[User talk:Crocusfleur|talk]]) 17:47, 19 June 2021 (UTC) :Which pages? --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 17:54, 19 June 2021 (UTC) ::Have there been cases of edit warring or vandalism of pages nominated for deletion? [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:46, 19 June 2021 (UTC) :::GZ has a good point here. If there's no history of vandalism (hopefully we don't jinx it) there's no need to semi-protect a page. The [[main page]] and some other critical pages, such as some template pages, are exceptional because vandals could do more damage by changing those, but in this case, without previous vandalism there is no need to semi-protect. A worthwhile thought though. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 21:54, 19 June 2021 (UTC) == Replace the vfd archive header? == ''Moved from [[WV:Pub|the pub]]''<br> I will start out by saying that I'm not a huge fan of [[Template:Deletion archive]], which doesn't look centred, and just doesn't look right for a header. Which is probably why it was never used much, and I'm guessing half of you didn't even know this template existed. I did some experimenting and thought a header like the header you see below might look better, with a more cleaner, neater and organised format. This can be changed anytime, so this doesn't have to be the fixed one. {{User:SHB2000/vfdat|previous=April 2021|next=June 2021|month=May 2021}} The code is pretty simple to work out as well, and the month= variable is automatic. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:57, 24 August 2021 (UTC) ---- <!--LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS BELOW THIS MESSAGE--> * '''Support''' as easy to navigate between months. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 11:47, 28 August 2021 (UTC) ::Given the lack of opposition, I'm going ahead. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:18, 7 September 2021 (UTC) == One-year rule on itineraries == Based on votes on this page, are we going to abolish this rule, or are there differences about its interpretation? For the purpose of discussion the rule is at [[Wikivoyage:Itineraries#"One year" deletion rule]], and here it is in full: ''Since just about any topic can be an itinerary, itineraries must either be actively worked on or achieve some level of completion to be kept. (Sufficiently famous, marked routes such as [[Alaska Highway]] or [[Annapurna Circuit]] are exempt from this rule.) As such, itineraries that have been at [[Project:Itinerary status|outline status]] or less for one year without being substantially edited are subject to deletion via the [[Project:Votes for deletion|votes for deletion]] process.'' My feeling is, if we are keeping the rule, "not a personal itinerary" shouldn't be a sufficient argument for keeping an article with no specific route that is therefore not in any sense usable; just because an itinerary isn't personal doesn't mean it's "sufficiently famous". But let's talk about that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:45, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :I would oppose abolishing this rule. Otherwise, we'd end up with a bunch of itineraries which don't give much information and give no incentive to the creator to make it usable. But I don't think this rule was really enforced that much, until I just checked some random itineraries. The last major mass deletions looks like it was in [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion/April 2011|2011]], more than 10 years ago. But I think we should take these on a case by case basis. :There's more that I have, but given the already mass overload here, I don't think we can handle that much at once. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:52, 18 September 2021 (UTC) ::I should also mention, that based on this reasoning "real itinerary" is not a valid reason to keep, and I'm particularly looking at the one for Nidaros Path and Mountains to Sound Greenway. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:56, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :::In 2011, we were overzealous in my opinion and, in the guise of deleting "personal itineraries", deleted usable articles because they weren't guide-level. I believe in being a bit liberal, in that a coherent, well-defined route can be OK, even if it's "personal". [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:59, 18 September 2021 (UTC) ::::But tbh, these are routes which per the deletion rules, can be deleted. I'm still confused on some of the keep votes on that were added yesterday (writing this 00:05 AEST). But deleting usable routes because it wasn't guide? (please tell me if I'm missing something there. Need to get some sleep). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 14:05, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :::::If you're missing something, it's that the usable itinerary articles that were deleted then were deemed "personal", and exceptions to the deletion policy for "personal" itineraries were given only to articles that were at guide level or higher (I don't think any were stars). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:11, 18 September 2021 (UTC) ::::::I see. I guess I'm too sleepy to think. But these ones that I nominated aren't personal, but just outlines that aren't famously marked. Maybe that policy needs copyediting. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 14:15, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :"As such, itineraries that have been at outline status or less for one year without being substantially edited are subject to deletion via the votes for deletion process." That doesn't mean articles at outline status for a year or more should be deleted; it means they are "subject" via the "deletion process," which indicates that a community consensus to keep any of these itineraries doesn't run contrary to policy. I think there are some itineraries nominated that indeed should be deleted, but they are many that while indeed have been made subject to deletion via this policy, ought not be deleted due to other policies in place, such as [[Wikivoyage:The traveler comes first]]. I certainly don't support deleting any itineraries without consensus. Consensus will develop naturally to delete the useless itineraries, but many others are developing votes to keep, and this is line with current policies that require consensus to delete travel articles (excepting copyvio, of course). <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 14:23, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :Although perhaps read the header of [[:Category:Outline itineraries]]. It says ''This page is for listing itineraries that have outline status. They will be deleted if not modified for one year.'' :–<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 14:30, 18 September 2021 (UTC) ::Categories are intended to list articles with some feature in common, and not to establish policy, so I would support removing that text from the category page. That text appears to come from [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Category:Outline_itineraries&oldid=1855956 before English Wikivoyage was formed]. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 14:33, 18 September 2021 (UTC) I commented "not personal itinerary on some. I don't feel we need to set the "sufficiently" threshold particularly high. My reading has been that a famous route will have readers looking for it, and with some luck people continuing where the article creator left, and even if it takes a few years, that's really not a problem (unless the itinerary is really bad). Personal itineraries, on the other hand, need to be well described to allow anyone to continue the work (and to bother). If no one caught on while it was being worked on, or soon after, it is unlikely to attract attention later. One reason not to keep the threshold high is that what is famous for some, is unknown to others. I didn't know about [[Alaska Highway]] or [[Annapurna Circuit]] before starting to write here. [[Nidaros Path]], deemed non-famous by the nominator, was the prime pilgrimage route in the Nordic countries in medieval times, and is regaining popularity – but how could somebody not from Europe know that, unless into pilgrimages? I'd think many Americans wouldn't know about [[Way of St. James]], although it is a huge thing. If some route is sufficiently famous that you'd expect there to be guidebooks about it, that should suffice. I think any Eurovelo or [[Long distance walking in Europe|ERA route]] should qualify. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 16:43, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :I think usable status should have been sufficient to keep "personal" itineraries if they had reasonable, coherent routes. In terms of the text [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] quotes above, I'd propose changing it to ''This page is for listing itineraries that have outline status. They may be deleted if not modified for one year.'' May, rather than will be deleted. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:28, 18 September 2021 (UTC) ::Agreed, but add "may be deleted [via the VFD process]" because we don't want people unilaterally deleting articles. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 21:38, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :::I reworded it to what Ikan wrote with a little bit of copyedits: ''They may be deleted if not modified or actively maintained for one year.''. I'll write that it may be nominated through RfD in just a sec. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:45, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :::: I think that addressing itinerary articles through VfD after a year is a good approach. It forces us to improve the articles if we can, or delete them if we can't. SHB2000's edits to the policy work. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 00:08, 19 September 2021 (UTC) : Sometimes there may be other solutions. Back in 200x when our coverage of China was quite spotty, I wrote "One week near Hong Kong" which was pretty much a personal itinerary. Later it became a region article, [[Pearl River Delta]], and by now that is a decent article. : For real routes like [[Tanami Track]], I do not think deletion should even be considered. Either keep it or merge it into a region article & redirect there. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 03:51, 19 September 2021 (UTC) : For an example of an itinerary that was prematurely deleted (by me) but later restored & made into a decent article, see [[Talk:Tiger Leaping Gorge]]. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 04:21, 19 September 2021 (UTC) ::[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], thanks for editing that language, but there's no such thing as "RfD" on this Wiki (and you initially confused me by using those initials on talk page threads). I will edit to [[Votes for deletion]] with a link. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:35, 19 September 2021 (UTC) :::[https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Category%3AOutline_itineraries&type=revision&diff=4295605&oldid=4295459 Done]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:39, 19 September 2021 (UTC) ::::Oops. RfD is something on meta and simple, not here. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:00, 19 September 2021 (UTC) ::Pashley, the "don't delete real places" is only for destination articles, not itineraries or topics. Oh and re Tanami Track... erm, it's not a notable track at all, but rather known as Australia's James Dalton Highway. Couldn't find any photos of this track on commons, but if Google Street Trekker does a good job in visualising that route, [https://goo.gl/maps/RZyoHaGsNuRaEnUh7 this] is apparently the best part of the route. There's no way that's notable. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:37, 19 September 2021 (UTC) == Danube Cycleway deletion == I supported deletion, but I think it's worth discussing whether per [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Deleting, or not]], the article should have been kept or deleted. At first glance, it wouldn't appear that there was a consensus to delete at [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion/September 2021#Danube Cycleway]]. 3-2 is not an obvious consensus. And while I obviously agree that the delete arguments are stronger than the keep arguments, here is the relevant policy: * If there is '''no consensus''' after 14 days, allow a further 7 days for discussion. ** If, after the additional 7 days, there is '''no consensus''', the page should be '''kept''' – any Wikivoyager may remove any VFD notices from that page, and archive the deletion discussion. So what's the deletion argument? I think that would have to do with the definition of "consensus" - what it is and what it's not. From [[Wikivoyage:Consensus#What consensus is not]]: * '''Consensus is not unanimity'''. While we should always try to find a solution that works for everyone, in practice this is not always possible. Make sure all concerns are discussed and addressed, but consensus can still be reached even if compromises that please everyone cannot be found. * '''Consensus is not a majority'''. While it would be rare that consensus would be declared when the result represents a minority opinion, well-reasoned arguments based on existing policies and practice should carry more weight than a "support" comment that is unaccompanied by any sort of reasoning or justification. I don't think anyone would say that [[User:LPfi]]'s keep vote is "unaccompanied by any sort of reasoning or justification", but the argument to keep is unaccompanied by any actionable advice on how to establish the route of the now-deleted itinerary. In short, I would defer to [[User:SHB2000]]'s deletion rationale. But I still think a discussion is appropriate, since a nomination for undeletion would not be successful (further quoting from [[Wikivoyage:Consensus#What consensus is not]]): ''Note that the bar for determining a consensus should be higher when changing a past consensus, so while a small majority might suffice for resolving a minor issue, a super majority backed by strong arguments should be required before changing past consensus (see also the "[[#Status quo bias|Status quo bias]]" section below).'' So what do you all think? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:55, 8 October 2021 (UTC) : The guide is little use in current shape and I have little hope of improvements in near future, so I won't contest the deletion, but IK's last point prompts consideration. : I now copied the VFD discussion to the article's talk page. The reason for deletion was "Per the one year rule for itineraries" and "it's been given 14 days to be worked on" I think it should be evident that if anybody starts working on the itinerary, these arguments are moot. If somebody thinks that new work can be deleted based on this VFD discussion, then we need clarification to the guidelines. : –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:07, 8 October 2021 (UTC) ::Well, if someone starts working on it, then that would not make it valid for RfD. Though, I do think the guidelines are somewhat too loose and can differ based on personal opinions. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:39, 8 October 2021 (UTC) :::The rule for itineraries is one year; this article was given 11 years. If someone had started work on it, or indicated an intention to work on it, they should have been given time. But no-one did. I don't think another 7 days would have changed anything. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:41, 8 October 2021 (UTC) ::::hence why I deleted it. It was 3-2, and you and Ikan had better arguments in my opinion and seemed consensus to me. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:49, 8 October 2021 (UTC) :::::Without weighing in on whether deletion is a good idea, it is clear that there was not consensus for deletion, so per policy it should not have been deleted. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:42, 8 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::Let's please try to avoid using RfD, which is not a valid abbreviation on this site. Should we undo the deletion? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:36, 8 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::I subconsciously use RfD when I'm not thinking properly. And technically, no we can't unilaterally undelete it as it has to go through the [[vfu]] process. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:00, 9 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::Not if we decide it should not have been deleted per lack of consensus. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:18, 9 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::However, now given that LPfi has mentioned "The guide is little use in current shape and I have little hope of improvements in near future, so I won't contest the deletion, but IK's last point prompts consideration." :::::::::So really, that gives 3 deletes, 1 neutral and 1 delete, based on LPfi's earlier argument. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:25, 9 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::::If so, that would be a consensus, in my opinion. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:02, 9 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::::Yep, sure does. Even for those like [[Template talk:Mapframe2|Template:Mapframe2]], while there were 3 to delete, 1 comment and 1 keep, who was LPfi, as their argument was much more stronger into keeping it, hence kept. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:43, 9 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::::::Is that defensible per current policy? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:10, 9 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::::::Technically, the two votes that were to delete were either just a vote or "per nom". Even then, my rationale for deletion still wasn't a strong enough reason to delete, and hence kept. Not to forget that Alasdair also seemed to be leaning towards a keep as well. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:17, 9 October 2021 (UTC) == Camp Chase Trail discussion == This deletion discussion has been closed with the article merged after only a day of discussion and little participation. This is contrary to policy, which calls for 14 days of discussion, and really too fast for anyone to be expected to keep up with. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:39, 11 October 2021 (UTC) :I can close my nominations early if I want to withdraw my deletion nom early. In this case, I merged the info already, so I had every right to withdraw my nom. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:03, 12 October 2021 (UTC) ::Generally I agree with SHB, but in this case the closure was quick for a merger discussion which should take a few days. I would be happy with a policy change that allowed a non-deletion closure after 5 days if the nominator agrees. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 20:33, 13 October 2021 (UTC) :::I '''support''' [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]]’s proposal to create a clear policy on this issue. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 20:37, 13 October 2021 (UTC) :::I would generally '''support''' Alasair's wording, but then we run into a loophole here. Anyone can withdraw their own nominations any time they like, and anyone can merge articles whenever they want, without discussion (although it is quite suspicious when IPs do that), so all we have is two policies that contradict each other. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:26, 14 October 2021 (UTC) ::::Discussions are generally encouraged before articles are merged, although it is only said to be "worthwile" in [[Wikivoyage:How to merge two pages]]. ::::A policy should have additional words including allowing withdrawal by the nominator ("oh I hadn't realised that this page is useful for..."), admins deciding that the nomination is an obvious speedy case, and cancelling requests by vandals (not seen that here, but I have seen it on Commons). [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:51, 14 October 2021 (UTC) :::::Merge proposals can be discussed on the talk pages of the articles in question. I would oppose any kind of guideline that in any way suggests that VfD is the most appropriate place to discuss merges. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:56, 14 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::And similarly, if anyone objects to a merge, this is not the most appropriate place to address that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:56, 14 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::Agree. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:58, 14 October 2021 (UTC) :::::True, but there's lots of merges I've done without discussion (and {{u|Ground Zero}} does the same). [[Special:Diff/4308621]] is an example of one of my recent uncontroversial merges. Out of about let's say 100 merges I've done, only [[Talk:Khancoban|Khancoban]] seemed to be a controversial one. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:57, 14 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::A merger without discussion is permitted by [[Wikivoyage:How to merge two pages]]: :::::::"Unless the need for a merge is really obvious, it may be worthwhile to start a discussion before doing a merge." ::::::Contributors will disagree on what is or is not "obvious". If other editors disagree with a merger, then the merging editor will have to go through the hassle of defending the merger and will be more cautious about doing it again. I have probably erred on the side of being too cautious, and I have not had objections to my mergers whether discussed or not discussed. There is a lot of clean up of old stub articles needed, and props to SHB2000 for their work in improving Wikivoyage. It is inevitable that the occasional merger will be done too precipitously, but a merger can always be undone. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 23:26, 14 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::(It is easy, in my opinion, to show that an article ''shouldn't'' be merged — or shouldn't have been merged — by expanding an article to make it usable. That is more productive than arguing over process, IMHO.) [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 23:34, 14 October 2021 (UTC) == User:SHB2000/lc template == Forgive me if this has already been dealt with, as I've been away from admin stuff. The template [[User:SHB2000/lc]] has been used several times for different nominations, but has it been approved by the community? If it has, I'd expect to see the discussion either still in the Pub or archived somewhere sensible like [[User talk:SHB2000/lc]].--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 08:51, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :Can't I use my ''own'' userspace templates in ''my'' nominations? How would this have been dealt with, if I used wikitext in the same way in my nominations? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:06, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :I realise that there's no point in arguing over a *''userspace transclusion''*, so I just removed it. [(redacted)] <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:25, 18 October 2021 (UTC) ::I don't know why you're getting snarky with me about it, as I think my original question was polite and based in the policy which we're both tasked with enforcing. We have a policy about new templates that you've said you understand, and that obviously covers userspace templates too (why would they be any different when they're being used in mainspace?). Thank you for removing them when asked; hopefully, I won't have to in future.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 09:58, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::I'm sorry if I became passive aggressive there, and I apologise for that. But there doesn't seem to be any policy on userspace templates being used, is there? Or what'd happen if I substituted the template (which if I used let's say nominating [[Pomona (Queensland)]] for deletion and I used <span class="plainlinks">[[:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}]] ([{{fullurl:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}|action=edit}} edit] &middot; [[{{TALKPAGENAME:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}}}|talk]] &middot; [{{fullurl:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}|action=history}} history] &middot; [{{fullurl:Special:Whatlinkshere/{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}|limit=999}} links] &middot; [{{fullurl:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}|action=watch}} watch] &middot; [{{fullurl:Special:Log|page={{urlencode:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}}}}} logs] &middot; [{{fullurl:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}|action=delete}} delete])</span>, would that be considered using templates?) <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:06, 18 October 2021 (UTC) ::::I think the edit link is confusing. I would expect it to edit the discussion, not the nominated article. Why would i want to edit the article without reading it first? [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 10:28, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::The edit link may be confusing, but there's no denying on whether the talk or history pages are useful. The page logs aren't also that important, but it can help (the only instances where I personally think its useful when its used to detect Brendan edits) :::::The delete button is also quite convenient for the closing admin. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:34, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::: There is a practice on what nominations and the discussions look like. It seems you are trying to change that practice, and while plunging forward by introducing links you find useful might be OK, if others don't thank you for the bright idea, it might be better to discuss whether we want those links and templates. Thus they should be introduced like any other templates, regardless of where they live – moved to template space if they get support, not used and possibly deleted if they don't. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 11:44, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::No I am not trying to change the practice and I mainly used it for my personal use. I'm merely adding it so it's much more easier to delete it. Given that these days I'm the one who's deleting most of the articles these days, it's much more convenient to have a link that allows me to delete the article in one click. :::::::And we also recently discussed that we're never deleting templates merely because it lacked community support (it'll just be moved to the user's userspace). In this case, it's already in my userspace. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:51, 18 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::Templates that are in your userspace shouldn't be used outside of your userspace, i.e. in mainspace or projectspace. It's not "your personal use" when it's being used on a community page that everyone can edit. They're not "your nominations", either; they're ''community nominations'' submitted by you ''for the community's consideration'', and they should be made in the standard way that the community has come to expect. ::::::::I'm sorry, but using userspace templates in projectspace comes across to me as a rather clever (but unfair) way of circumventing a policy you don't like. We've all got to live with policies we don't like as a necessary part of editing a wiki; the alternative to editing within a community-led set of policies is we just individually pick and choose to follow the rules that suit us and ignore the ones that don't suit us. If that happens, then the whole system of collaborative editing by consensus breaks down, and our "travel guide that everyone can edit" ceases to work in the interests of travellers. ::::::::I'm guessing I may come across as anti-template, or maybe even anti-SHB2000's templates. But this couldn't be further from the truth; I'm pro-innovation. But first and foremost I'm interested in ensuring that policy applies to, and is observed by, everyone equally. ::::::::For this particular template, I agree with LPfi, and would even further say that it would be useful in a slightly modified form (i.e. removing the 'edit' button, and any others that might not be relevant) and that I would use it myself. However, my future support is conditional on this template being proposed for the community's approval in the normal way; if and when it's approved, it should be moved out of your userspace into templatespace. ::::::::Also, we may need to specify on [[Wikivoyage:Using MediaWiki templates]] that "If new templates fail to gain community support, they will eventually be moved to the template creator's userspace." means that those templates are not to be used outside of userspace. I thought this was pretty clear already, but apparently not... ::::::::All that being said, I appreciate and accept your apology above.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 13:55, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::I think that an occasional editor would expect the delete link to record a "delete" vote, not take them to a page saying "Permission error". I get having such a link on Commons where the closing admin migt have to delete a list of 20 imgaes after a sinle nomination, but I don't see the need here. I also agree with TT that userspace templetes should not be used in project space, except for a single example when discussing moving the template to mainspace. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 15:00, 18 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::::That's the whole point; otherwise, we'd be restricting the use of a template to a single individual, not to their userspace. Please, [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], you do great work, but especially as an admin, you need to not only respect consensus but uphold it as the fundamental way this site operates in your statements and model your respect for it to other users. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:11, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::I must dispute the following statement "''They're not "your nominations", either; they're community nominations submitted by you for the community's consideration, and they should be made in the standard way that the community has come to expect.''". First of all, they're still my nominations, since I irrevocably release my text under the CC BY-SA License, and in no way does that ever state that I'm handing over those nominations to the community. I still hold the copyright for those, and so they are '''not''' "they're community nominations submitted by you for the community's consideration" and so they're still the nominations of whoever started them. b) "the standard way that the community has come to expect.". I cannot find any place where it says that as well. So until you direct me to where that's told, then again, there's nothing saying how I should format those nominations. :::::::::Let's say I used a template (call it {{tl|tnr}} for example), and it's main purpose is to get text in Times New Roman. So if I used <nowiki> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman; color:green"> Some text here</span></nowiki> instead of this example {{tl|tnr}} template which would both produce <span style="font-family:Times New Roman; color:green"> Some text here</span>. Now that plain text I was using had no templates in it, nor is a substituted template. I'll let you all decide for yourselves on how that'd be taken. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 21:23, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::::You've completely missed, or certainly failed to address, the wider points. I suggest some closer reading and reflection.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 08:27, 19 October 2021 (UTC) == Help needed == I slushed the Puerto Rican stubs nom for now, but it's 4:12 AM and I have to wake up for work in about 5 hours, so I'd be very grateful if someone else could remove all the VfD templates from the articles in question. Please see the thread at [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion/March 2022#Puerto Rico skeletons with a byte count lower than 600 created by Ligocsicnarf89 (talk · contribs)]]. And thanks! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:13, 31 March 2022 (UTC) :@[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] btw I'm happy for anyone to rollback my edits to those articles as it's a pretty tedious thing to do manually. However, do get some sleep first. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:35, 31 March 2022 (UTC) :: vfd templates removed. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:54, 31 March 2022 (UTC) :::Thanks for removing them :-). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:00, 31 March 2022 (UTC) ::::Thank you! -- [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:31, 31 March 2022 (UTC) == Closure comments == There is an argument on a user page on what comments are suitable when closing a VFD thread. If I interpret [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] correctly, they think any comments that don't conflict with any specific rule is OK, while IK and I disagree. See [[Special:Permalink/4569290#Sorry for editing an archive]]. I added the following to the instructions, to have the requested rule, and got reverted: : The note on whether the article was kept should be objective; if you have an opinion that needs to be voiced, voice it during the discussion – if you didn't until now, either keep silent or give others time to comment on it by not taking action yet. The addition hadn't been discussed other than in that user page thread, so the reversion was anticipated. Now, what does the community think about the issue? Do you agree with me or SHB? Should there be written advice? Is the suggested wording OK? Should there be some more general wording in [[Wikivoyage:Administrators' handbook]] covering also this? Any general comments? –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:47, 26 November 2022 (UTC) :My 2 cents: :* Not allowing users to voice their opinion is antithetical to the purpose of a discussion :* Discussions are immediately archived once the outcome has been reached; this is per [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Deleting, or not]] :* Yes, you're right that my rationale behind standing by my comment doesn't conflict with any specific policy :* It's probably not a good idea to include it in the [[Wikivoyage:Administrators' handbook]] as any Wikivoyager can close a DR if the outcome was keep or redirect – this is also per [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Deleting, or not]] :I am opposed to the addition of [[Special:Diff/4569292]], because the purpose of vfd is to ''not'' "keep silent", and "giv[ing] others time to comment on it by not taking action yet" contradicts [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Deleting, or not]]. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 22:51, 26 November 2022 (UTC) ::Closing a discussion means no longer arguing about it. I still find it incredible, inflammatory, and in incredibly bad grace to have to have a discussion about this at all. I'd observe that SHB2000 tried to argue that a consensus was not a consensus the last time he showed bad grace in a Vfd closing. Anyone who can't close Vfd threads without trying to get a pot-shot in at the end should not close Vfd threads. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:06, 26 November 2022 (UTC) :::So, let's put it this way. You disagree with my opinion, and are insisting me to follow what ''you'' think should be common practice, even though this is not a policy, at least not yet. Then, you indirectly claim that your opinion is somehow superior to mine and I should follow it, and now claim that the common practice to enroot this into a Wikivoyage policy is "<span style="color:darkred;font-family:Georgia">incredible, inflammatory, and in incredibly bad grace</span>". So, who's being hypocritical here? <s> Oh, and that discussion really wasn't a consensus – there were only two more delete !votes, and a lot of the keep !votes were [[w:WP:PERX]].</s> --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 23:53, 26 November 2022 (UTC) ::::And you still haven't answered my question from yesterday: if you so vehemently disagreed with my statement, why didn't you close the article yourself 10 days ago, when the article was due to be closed? --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 23:55, 26 November 2022 (UTC) :::::That's not a valid argument. We're all volunteers here, I'm a busy man, and I don't always think about closing Vfd threads here. None of that is an excuse for you to break the precedent of not editorializing and insulting the consensus when closing. Come on, man! You do a lot of good work, but you sometimes just don't seem to understand when to drop it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:01, 27 November 2022 (UTC) ::::::And for the record, what you tried to claim was not a consensus was [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion/May 2022|8-3]]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:10, 27 November 2022 (UTC) :::::::I stand corrected; have struck that comment. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 01:24, 27 November 2022 (UTC) *Oppose. I don't think we need to change the policy because one editor made a comment some people didn't like. This editorialising does not disrupt the functioning of our travel guide, and let's recognize that SHB was doing a necessary administrative function in closing the discussion even though he didn't agree with the conclusion. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 02:46, 27 November 2022 (UTC) ::I'm surprised. I thought you would find fault with such a closing comment even though you would agree with the substance. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:01, 27 November 2022 (UTC) :::As the closing comment is not something that affects the reader, I don't see the need to regulate it, especially in response to a single closing comment. This seems like a sledgehammer/fly situation. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:51, 27 November 2022 (UTC) *::The bottom line is, not everyone disagrees with my comment, as you seem to think. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 07:15, 27 November 2022 (UTC) : I agree with LPfi & Ikan; such comments are extremely bad form. I do not think a single instance merits either a policy change or any sort of disciplinary action against the user, but a persistent pattern of such actions might. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 04:02, 28 November 2022 (UTC) :: The "bottom line", as I see it, is that whether anyone agrees with the comment is utterly irrelevant; the comment was clearly made in the wrong place. :: It would have been appropriate either as part of the deletion discussion or raising an issue on either the VFD or Deletion policy talk page. However, adding a snarky remark in the archive &mdash; where no-one is likely to see it & anyone who does cannot reply &mdash; was out of line. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 07:53, 28 November 2022 (UTC) == Using this page to propose merge/redirects == This page was not envisioned to be used for that purpose, and it is in my opinion quite an unnecessary use of volunteer time. If you think a merge/redirect should be done and it's unlikely to be controversial, just do it if you have the time. If you think it might be controversial, start a thread on the talk page of the article to be merged and have a discussion there. I can't think of any good reason to use this page to propose anything other than deletion. Note that it does take more time to close discussions here than to simply have discussions on talk pages. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:30, 17 December 2022 (UTC) :I think this page can still be used if a user is indifferent to whether an article should be deleted or redirected (e.g., some of our recent destination articles nominated for deletion); I agree with you that the airport articles could have been better handled on the relevant talk page, though. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 00:02, 18 December 2022 (UTC) ::If there's a reasonable basis for proposing deletion, that's what this page is for. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:08, 18 December 2022 (UTC) ::: But if you are indifferent, why not just merge and redirect? It mostly requires less effort than the discussion and possible later merger. The history will be there (easily found if correctly attributed) for those who might want to revive the article with additional info that would make it pass the whiaa test. The redirect seldom does harm (and if you think it does, ''then'' take it here). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 13:06, 18 December 2022 (UTC) == Withdrawing nominations == In many fora, one is allowed to withdraw one's own proposal, but as SHB2000 notes, "there's no policy on en.voy explicitly allowing this". I think there shouldn't be one. To the contrary, as soon as a nomination is posted, other contributors put time and thought in evaluating the article and articulating their standpoints. This effort is mostly lost in a speedy closure, and the thoughts shared may have implications on other articles than the one nominated. Also, consensus might be to delete the article despite the nominator changing their mind, and a second nomination shouldn't be needed. Thus I think the discussion should be allowed to continue for the normal time, unless there is consensus for something else or there is some good reason to speedy the decision. I think the judgement on the latter should be left to somebody else. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 16:32, 29 December 2022 (UTC) :Withdrawing serves to prevent attracting input (meaning time and energy) to an inoperative process; it is such when it is 100% certain not to result in a change. People will air their views, and these might be icredibly articulate and wise, but it doesn't create a tangible benefit for the project. I don't think that a policy change is necessary in order to allow withdrawing, but just as well, withdrawing should not be considered prohibited when not prescribed by policy. Withdrawing should only be done if absolutely all of the votes are to keep. If there is even a single delete vote anyone should feel free to reopen the discussion. [[User:Alalch E.|Alalch E.]] ([[User talk:Alalch E.|talk]]) 17:07, 29 December 2022 (UTC) :For example, I really think that it makes sense for {{u|SHB2000}} to withdraw [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Surfing]] ''now'' (and only now), when everyone agrees (which was not the case initially). [[User:Alalch E.|Alalch E.]] ([[User talk:Alalch E.|talk]]) 17:18, 29 December 2022 (UTC) ::We should adopt some guideline that nominations can be speedily withdrawn when there isn't even a proposal for deletion or none of the people responding support deletion, such as when whether to merge/redirect or to which article is being unnecessarily argued about on this page. I would suggest that a nomination for other than deletion be immediately withdrawn unless someone suggests deletion in the response thread before it is deleted, and that otherwise, if after 3 days, there is no support for deletion, a nomination can be speedily resolved as a keep, but that if the resolution is deletion, at least 7 days are needed. The way around that, in my opinion, is to start a thread on the article's talk page, where the person who started the article could agree to deletion if very little if anything has been added by others, or sometimes, articles are speedily deleted without a proposal here because they are so obviously irrelevant or are copyright violation. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:06, 29 December 2022 (UTC) :I thought it was allowed (and have done so in the past with no dramas), until that nomination. Nominators should be allowed to close their nominations whenever they choose to, with the prejudice that it's appropriate. I like Ikan Kekek's proposal and we could trial this next year. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 20:26, 29 December 2022 (UTC) ::I think the reason it was uncontroversial before is that opinion was probably unanimous, though correct me if I'm wrong. But in the most recent case, I know I wondered what had happened and was surprised to see a deletion thread that as yet had no unanimous opinion speedily archived. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:46, 29 December 2022 (UTC) :::I don't think we should be able to withdraw "our" nominations early, primarily because there's no such thing as "my nomination", only a nomination submitted to the community for consideration. Of course there are some exceptions: if a clear consensus has developed early with little chance of dissent, or if the nomination is clearly not a real candidate for deletion (e.g. something that should be merged).--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 09:33, 30 December 2022 (UTC) ::::{{re|ThunderingTyphoons!}} if nominations don't belong to one user, then perhaps would you like to explain why [[c:Template:Withdraw]], [[species:Template:Withdraw]], [[w:en:Template:Withdraw]], [[w:ar:قالب:سحب_ترشيح]], [[w:bh:टेम्पलेट:Withdraw]], [[w:bn:টেমপ্লেট:Withdraw]], [[w:ckb:داڕێژە:کشانەوەی پاڵاوتن]], [[w:et:Mall:Loobun]], [[w:fa:الگو:انصراف]], [[w:en:ಟೆಂಪ್ಲೇಟು:Withdraw]], [[w:shn:ထႅမ်းပလဵတ်ႉ:Withdraw]], [[w:sr:Шаблон:Withdraw]] and [[w:te:మూస:Withdraw]] all translate or say "I withdraw '''my''' nomination", with "my" being the key word here? The concept of a deletion nomination shouldn't differ by WMF project, so I'm a bit confused on why you think the concept of "my nominations" shouldn't exist. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 12:12, 30 December 2022 (UTC) :::::Forgive me, but my pontifications about the possible meanings of machine-translated sentences written in languages I don't speak on wikis I've never visited wouldn't be of use to anyone. :::::But to explain my thought process further, a nomination can of course be "mine" inasmuch as if I make the nomination, it originated from my brain, and was created by my fingers when I posted it. And yes, I can continue to refer to it as "my" nomination, but that's just semantics or sentimentality; I can't assert actual ownership over the nomination. Once the nomination is live on VFD, and especially once it's being considered by others, it is no longer mine to unilaterally withdraw, because that's not fair to other members of the community who have lent their time and consideration. Similarly, an article I start is no longer "mine" as soon as it's published, even if I continue to be the main or only contributor; this is a wiki after all. :::::If I rationally believed an article was worthy of deletion, then it is likely that other members of the community would agree and so if they had found the article before I did, they would have nominated it first. The question of who did nominate is unimportant. Even if I am alone in believing the article should be deleted, that can only be tested by a nomination that runs its course and that allows the whole community a say, or that at least provides an early consensus. The person who made the nomination doesn't have any special say over the outcome of the nomination; the community does.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 12:46, 30 December 2022 (UTC) ::::::"The concept of a deletion nomination shouldn't differ by WMF project"? Why not? If there remains a question about whether to delete or not, we can have our own policy. You wouldn't argue that we need to have a NPOV policy because some other Wikis have it, would you? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:02, 30 December 2022 (UTC) ::::::: There is an advantage of standardising some things across the WMF sites, so that readers and editors have an easy time approaching another project. However, people from other projects usually don't have enough of an understanding to contribute at deletion discussions. Sometimes they might have some valuable fresh viewpoints, but few from the outside can see when their viewpoint is just distracting. Thus, until you have followed the discussions long enough to learn the idiosyncrasies, you don't need to nominate articles or close the discussions, and thus the advantage of standardising is marginal. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 16:47, 30 December 2022 (UTC) :::::::{{re|Ikan Kekek}} each wiki can have its own policy regarding deletion nominations, but the concept of it shouldn't differ: a user nominates one or more pages for deletion because of some reason, then a discussion happens for a certain period of time and then the discussion is closed as either kept, deleted, redirected (or something else like getting another project to import the article). What can differ is the length, reasoning or outcome. NPOV is a completely different story because it's only a policy on Wikipedia, but likewise, the concept of NPOV shouldn't differ between different language Wikipedias. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 22:32, 30 December 2022 (UTC) ::::::{{re|ThunderingTyphoons!}} fair enough, but I don't think articles are comparable to DRs, but maybe that's because I spend more time on Commons' DRs than our VfD, which is where I've been influenced. I still favour Ikan's proposal, though (which is similar to what you're proposing: "if a clear consensus has developed early with little chance of dissent, or if the nomination is clearly not a real candidate for deletion", but with more detail). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 22:25, 30 December 2022 (UTC) == [[Wikivoyage:Votes_for_deletion#Archiving]] == Current text in this section includes: : When archiving, always '''make it clear''' to other editors what '''the outcome of the discussion''' was. This can be done by adding the result to the discussion in a ''separate edit'' from the one in which you remove the discussion from this page; or you can describe the outcome in the edit summary when you remove the discussion. I'd delete the suggestion of the edit summary. or change "or you can" to "you should also". It seems to me we always want the result in the archive since someone looking later will not see the edit summary. We also have: : If the nominated article, file or template '''was not deleted''', then place another (identical duplicate) copy of the deletion discussion on the discussion page of the article, file or template being kept or redirected. I'd change this to: : If the nominated article, file or template '''was not deleted''', then the nomination should be mentioned on its talk page. If the deletion discussion is reasonably short, place another (identical duplicate) copy of it on the talk page. For longer discussions, provide a link to the archive instead. Other opinions? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 13:04, 1 June 2024 (UTC) :I'm not a fan of duplicating discussions by copy-pasting it on the talk page and don't think this has been followed for quite some time – duplicating content is never a good idea. I would much rather require that only a link be placed to the deletion discussion for all cases. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 22:43, 1 June 2024 (UTC) ::However, one could copy the outcome declaration. That's short and could avoid need of clicking in some obvious cases (such as "speedy keep: no valid reason to delete"). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:28, 2 June 2024 (UTC) : {{tick}} Edited. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 20:56, 2 June 2024 (UTC) ::I think putting the deletion nomination thread on an article's talk page has often been done. I'm not sure archiving was always done thoroughly. I guess I feel like it's OK to have the thread there if anyone deems the article to be likely to be nominated for deletion again, but summarizing the discussion and providing a link to the relevant section of the archive is an acceptable alternative. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:47, 2 June 2024 (UTC) :::I'm also not opposed to how Commons deals with DRs that resulted in a keep (which is very effective in grabbing your attention) – we could at least experiment it for a month or two. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:00, 2 June 2024 (UTC) ::::I agree that Commons does this in a good way. There's room for doubt on whether it prevents further deletion requests, but it's certainly clear. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:50, 16 May 2025 (UTC) == User and user talk pages for users with no Wikivoyage contributions == What's our policy on pages like [[User talk:Зорана Филиповић]], which [[User:92.21.137.132]] provided a translation for that I reverted because I thought it was a user page and not a user talk page? [https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Special:Contributions/%D0%97%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B0_%D0%A4%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B8%D1%9B No user contributions] except for that page and their user page, [[User:Зорана Филиповић]], which is transcluded from Meta, and these pages are solely in Cyrillic. Meanwhile, this is stated in the translation to be a sock of [[User talk:Filipović Zoran]]. Should we delete the sock user and user talk pages? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:12, 30 June 2025 (UTC) : Yes, csrtainly. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:40, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::I agree they should be speedied. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 00:07, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::Looking deeply at both of the profiles, it's supposedly an editor with 138K edits [[https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:CentralAuth/Filipovi%C4%87_Zoran]] in Serbian and other wiki - and at least one profile shows already blocked [[https://sr.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=%D0%9F%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%B5%D0%B1%D0%BD%D0%BE:%D0%94%D0%BD%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%BA/block&page=User%3AFilipovi%C4%87+Zoran]] in some places. -- [[Special:Contributions/92.21.137.132|92.21.137.132]] 00:24, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::Any objection? We can afford to wait 24 hours, I figure. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:38, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::Yeah no harm waiting a day or two. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 01:36, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::The disclaimer should be on their meta user page instead, no need to copy it to talk pages on many projects. It, and the translation could be moved there, I suppose, but just deleting the talk page is no problem, I think. If they start contributing here, anybody checking the talk page history will see there are deleted versions. Do provide a helpful deletion rationale when deleting. ::::::For user pages, there are different cases. A new page could be from somebody who intends to start contributing, so should not be summarily deleted. We might also have active registered users who just don't contribute. They might have bookmarks etc. on the page. If the page looks legitimate and it doesn't have excess content, I don't think there is any harm in keeping it. At least the user should be notified and asked about it. Touting or propaganda from non-contributors doesn't need to be tolerated. ::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:32, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::If you're concerned about the deletion rationale, why don't you take care of the deletion tomorrow and supply your own rationale? And if you think this sockpuppet could ever be a useful Wikivoyage user, I suggest you look at the link I gave to the user talk page of their main account. They have never had any interest in using Wikivoyage as anything but a place to vent their frustration about Wikipedia, and that is not the function of this site. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:47, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::I can do the deletion OK. But I either need to do it prematurely or risk somebody else doing it before me (unless I have such a window at my disposal). ::::::::I don't think they will be a useful contributor, but the current mention of alternative accounts will help to see whether they have proved problematic on other projects, if they ever turn up (for venting frustration or otherwise). With a decent deletion rationale, any admin will know to check that deleted mention. ::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:31, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::You can always give an additional reason for a deletion that you type in on the second line of deletion reasons. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:28, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::Yes. But the one who deletes must write that reason. I just asked that whoever does this thinks for a few seconds about what to write, like they should when deleting a page with a name that refers to a valid topic. In that case any newbie trying to create the article will see a warning that includes that reason. It should make clear that the problem wasn't with the topic but what actually was written. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 17:52, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::I'm nominating you to type a reason you're satisfied with. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:44, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::<nowiki/>:-) ::::::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:35, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::I think I should be a bit blunt here: Basically, I feel that you're not that confident in me, or at least more resistant to deleting the user and user talk pages of totally useless Wikivoyage users (keeping in mind the still unresolved case of the WT-en touter), so you do it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:02, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::'''Done'''. I hope that you could leave that feeling behind. We may disagree on that one issue, but I respect you highly. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:49, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :{{re|Ikan Kekek|LPfi}} A bit more context I've learned about this specific user that an srwiki user told me in private (I won't disclose their username in public for their own safety): Zoran apparently has a history of spamming matters about his (srwiki) blocks on various different projects, sometimes using alts on unrelated projects like in this case. I will block both those accounts as per [[WV:ONESTRIKE]] (mirroring the srwiki block) because ideally I'd like to keep Zoran's activities out of enwikivoyage fully (though there is a chance they may be globally locked for x-wiki abuse). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 04:03, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::... and just like that, at 10:45 today, there's an unblocking request on the cyrillic user name talk page. -- [[Special:Contributions/92.21.137.132|92.21.137.132]] 11:38, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::I don't like the onestrike rule to be used other than in clear cases. It requires "a similar malicious edit on Wikivoyage" to the "vandalism or other malicious editing" they have done elsewhere. [[User:Filipović Zoran|Filipović Zoran]] and [[User:Зорана Филиповић|Зорана Филиповић]] were blocked as sockpupets of each other. Where is the vandalism or other malicious editing? I agree that non-contributors venting frustration of matters on other projects don't belong here, but that was handled in August. The new user page was created only as a pointer to the other account – with such a pointer, claims of sockpupetry are moot. My deleting the page on IK's request doesn't make the account a sockpuppet. ::If they should be globally banned, that's something for Meta, not for us. I limited the block period, not to have it count among "banned on X projects" when deciding on global blocks, until I am convinced there is some local reason for them to be blocked here. ::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:52, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::I don't think they will be a productive user here, but that's up to them. As long as they are non-contributors, there is no need to block them. Let's not make Wikivoyage a tool for fighting cross-wiki issues that don't concern us. I don't want to spend my Wikivoyage time on analysing issues on other projects. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 13:00, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::I am also concerned that the onestrike rule makes it easy to provoke a good-faith user to break rules on civility on one project, ban them there, and then use the onestrike rule to get them banned globally. To counter that, we should not ban users who haven't proven vandals or problem users over here. Block them with low threshold, yes, but don't ban them without a ban nomination and local reasons. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 13:04, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::The vandalism and malicious editing is going onto every WMF project and spamming their issues on srwiki (including here). ''They'' are the ones who bring up srwiki issues onto us and I'm not sure if you missed "for their own safety", this is the reason I indeffed them – global bans are irrelevant in this case because they are not used for spam or vandalism. In the future, please try to consult me before shortening a block because most cross-wiki cases often involve matters I cannot disclose in public (partly for [[w:en:WP:BEANS|BEANS]]-related reasons) and this is one of them. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 13:53, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::Without spilling too much, the reason why you will not find much public discussion behind this is because Zoran's case involves lots of off-wiki harassment that the WMF isn't willing to handle just yet. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 14:10, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::::I understand that part, but it seems their offending edit was in August, and handled at that time, so I don't see the point in blocking them now. I did miss the "for their own safety" and I cannot find such a statement now. I am uncomfortable with people being blocked here for what they do in other projects. This is not the place for that discussion and I leave it for now. Reinstate the permanent block if you will, although I don't see what harm the temporary shortening could have caused. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 19:46, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::Normally I'd agree with you, but this is a long case and I put editor safety for our srwiki editors first. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:03, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::The comment says indef block reinstated. The action says block removed. -- [[Special:Contributions/92.21.137.132|92.21.137.132]] 23:21, 2 July 2025 (UTC) dptfz1dhjv4pm28wo645jubilmwm85q 5086855 5086843 2025-07-02T23:51:43Z SHB2000 2248002 /* User and user talk pages for users with no Wikivoyage contributions */ re 5086855 wikitext text/x-wiki {{infobox|Archived discussions|* [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Archive 2004-2007]] * [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Archive 2008-2009]] * [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Archive 2010-2013‎]] * [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Archive 2014-2017‎]] * [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Deletion policy discussion|Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Deletion policy discussion (2018)]] * [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Archive 2018-2019]] }} == Categories - deleted or redirected? == A new user ([[User:Owain]]) has moved [[Conwy (county)]] to [[Conwy (county borough)]], and has thoughtfully changed the category at the same time, by changing the <nowiki>{{Is part of|xxx}}</nowiki> field in each of the affected articles to the new category. However, the old category page ([[:Category:Conwy (county)]]) is now blank, and I can't remember what we do with them. Do they just get deleted, or is there some attribution reason that they need to be kept and/or redirected to the new category? --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 16:32, 16 April 2020 (UTC) :I'd just go ahead and delete. Attribution is something we worry about for copyright purposes, and category pages which are merely lists of articles that fall into a certain geographical grouping (and, technically, are "edited" automatically by the MediaWiki software rather than by any particular human editor) do not qualify as copyrightable material. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 17:15, 16 April 2020 (UTC) ::Great, thank you. To confirm what you said, one of the drop down options of the deletion reasons is 'category renamed'.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 17:55, 16 April 2020 (UTC) == "List one article, file or template per entry" == Should this instruction be deprecated? We've had a few bulk nominations lately, and the preference has been to nominate them all under a single entry. [[User:Vaticidalprophet|Vaticidalprophet]] ([[User talk:Vaticidalprophet|talk]]) 20:41, 2 April 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''' per nom. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:07, 2 April 2021 (UTC) *'''Support'''. The line is a good idea in theory, not in practice.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 21:35, 2 April 2021 (UTC) *'''Support'''. I didn't even realize we theoretically had that guideline. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:13, 2 April 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''' - Stupid crap rule. [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] ([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]]) 08:37, 5 April 2021 (UTC) *:This looks like a consensus. Should I remove the line, and should it be replaced with anything? [[User:Vaticidalprophet|Vaticidalprophet]] ([[User talk:Vaticidalprophet|talk]]) 03:21, 11 April 2021 (UTC) :::That sentence should just be deleted. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:11, 11 April 2021 (UTC) == Redlinks, blue links or black links == Regarding the Finland Proper (Vkem) outlines: I wonder how we want real places to be handled in the case they should have articles. Redirecting a village that might be a common search term to the article where it is handled is an obvious solution, but in this case we have real places that are in fact not described anywhere. Previously they were redlinked in the region article to show that we want those articles. If the articles are created and redirected back, we will have blue links that just lead back, to the annoyance of readers. If we unlink the places, creating the article gets more difficult (and there is no hint we want those articles created, while there are several places mentioned about which we don't need articles. Is finding the region article more difficult if the places are just mentioned in the region article, without a redirect? Search engine-wise, a redirect might get us some more traffic, but just to annoy readers coming here and finding anything specifics about the place. Or should we make it a priority to create those articles, to avoid voids in our hierarchy? Then we shouldn't redirect real places that need articles, but create the outlines, as [[User:Vkem|Vkem]] did. Then the only problem is that we need the content also, which then should be given priority every time a region is created. The situation is probably different for regions that are weak outlines. For [[Finland Proper]] there is a thought-out complete structure. Some of the outlines may be hard to get featureable, but at least there should be some eat, sleep and do for each. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:19, 27 May 2021 (UTC) :This would be confusing. Since I'm well aware of this, I don't know how to respond to this. [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[w:User:SHB2000|en.wikipedia]])</small> 12:38, 27 May 2021 (UTC) ::I agree that a blue link that directs the reader back to the same article is a bad option. ::I don't agree with giving priority to creating articles just because some passerby has created a link. We have thousands of articles that need more content. Allowing our priorities to be determined by a well-intentioned editor like Vkem who isn't really involved in Wikivoyage would be a mistake. And not all of these places really warrants an article. I don't think that we can say that we want an article just because there is a redlink. :: I recently redirected an article for a bedroom community in the U.S. in which the only information that the article's creator provided was that there is a McDonalds in the community. They didn't provide an address for it though, or any other useful information. ::With a black link, a reader who arrives at the region article via a search can at least find the place in the article and on the map, so I think this is the best result. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:47, 27 May 2021 (UTC) ::: The redlinks in the region article were carefully planned, but the intention was to create them when somebody takes the time to write them. I think changing redlinks to black links is not an improvement. Is having the redirects an improvement that weights more than the drawback of having to turn the redlinks black? Read: I am challenging the policy of not deleting redirects from real places. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 14:34, 27 May 2021 (UTC) :::: What's a "black link"? Doesn't that just mean unlinked text? --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 14:36, 27 May 2021 (UTC) :::::Uh, yeah, that would be another way of putting it, since it isn't a link at all. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 15:11, 27 May 2021 (UTC) == Semi-Protect all == I think we should semi-protect all pages listed here, in case of edit warring or vandalism. --[[User:Crocusfleur|Crocusfleur]] ([[User talk:Crocusfleur|talk]]) 17:47, 19 June 2021 (UTC) :Which pages? --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 17:54, 19 June 2021 (UTC) ::Have there been cases of edit warring or vandalism of pages nominated for deletion? [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:46, 19 June 2021 (UTC) :::GZ has a good point here. If there's no history of vandalism (hopefully we don't jinx it) there's no need to semi-protect a page. The [[main page]] and some other critical pages, such as some template pages, are exceptional because vandals could do more damage by changing those, but in this case, without previous vandalism there is no need to semi-protect. A worthwhile thought though. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 21:54, 19 June 2021 (UTC) == Replace the vfd archive header? == ''Moved from [[WV:Pub|the pub]]''<br> I will start out by saying that I'm not a huge fan of [[Template:Deletion archive]], which doesn't look centred, and just doesn't look right for a header. Which is probably why it was never used much, and I'm guessing half of you didn't even know this template existed. I did some experimenting and thought a header like the header you see below might look better, with a more cleaner, neater and organised format. This can be changed anytime, so this doesn't have to be the fixed one. {{User:SHB2000/vfdat|previous=April 2021|next=June 2021|month=May 2021}} The code is pretty simple to work out as well, and the month= variable is automatic. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:57, 24 August 2021 (UTC) ---- <!--LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS BELOW THIS MESSAGE--> * '''Support''' as easy to navigate between months. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 11:47, 28 August 2021 (UTC) ::Given the lack of opposition, I'm going ahead. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:18, 7 September 2021 (UTC) == One-year rule on itineraries == Based on votes on this page, are we going to abolish this rule, or are there differences about its interpretation? For the purpose of discussion the rule is at [[Wikivoyage:Itineraries#"One year" deletion rule]], and here it is in full: ''Since just about any topic can be an itinerary, itineraries must either be actively worked on or achieve some level of completion to be kept. (Sufficiently famous, marked routes such as [[Alaska Highway]] or [[Annapurna Circuit]] are exempt from this rule.) As such, itineraries that have been at [[Project:Itinerary status|outline status]] or less for one year without being substantially edited are subject to deletion via the [[Project:Votes for deletion|votes for deletion]] process.'' My feeling is, if we are keeping the rule, "not a personal itinerary" shouldn't be a sufficient argument for keeping an article with no specific route that is therefore not in any sense usable; just because an itinerary isn't personal doesn't mean it's "sufficiently famous". But let's talk about that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:45, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :I would oppose abolishing this rule. Otherwise, we'd end up with a bunch of itineraries which don't give much information and give no incentive to the creator to make it usable. But I don't think this rule was really enforced that much, until I just checked some random itineraries. The last major mass deletions looks like it was in [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion/April 2011|2011]], more than 10 years ago. But I think we should take these on a case by case basis. :There's more that I have, but given the already mass overload here, I don't think we can handle that much at once. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:52, 18 September 2021 (UTC) ::I should also mention, that based on this reasoning "real itinerary" is not a valid reason to keep, and I'm particularly looking at the one for Nidaros Path and Mountains to Sound Greenway. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:56, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :::In 2011, we were overzealous in my opinion and, in the guise of deleting "personal itineraries", deleted usable articles because they weren't guide-level. I believe in being a bit liberal, in that a coherent, well-defined route can be OK, even if it's "personal". [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:59, 18 September 2021 (UTC) ::::But tbh, these are routes which per the deletion rules, can be deleted. I'm still confused on some of the keep votes on that were added yesterday (writing this 00:05 AEST). But deleting usable routes because it wasn't guide? (please tell me if I'm missing something there. Need to get some sleep). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 14:05, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :::::If you're missing something, it's that the usable itinerary articles that were deleted then were deemed "personal", and exceptions to the deletion policy for "personal" itineraries were given only to articles that were at guide level or higher (I don't think any were stars). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:11, 18 September 2021 (UTC) ::::::I see. I guess I'm too sleepy to think. But these ones that I nominated aren't personal, but just outlines that aren't famously marked. Maybe that policy needs copyediting. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 14:15, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :"As such, itineraries that have been at outline status or less for one year without being substantially edited are subject to deletion via the votes for deletion process." That doesn't mean articles at outline status for a year or more should be deleted; it means they are "subject" via the "deletion process," which indicates that a community consensus to keep any of these itineraries doesn't run contrary to policy. I think there are some itineraries nominated that indeed should be deleted, but they are many that while indeed have been made subject to deletion via this policy, ought not be deleted due to other policies in place, such as [[Wikivoyage:The traveler comes first]]. I certainly don't support deleting any itineraries without consensus. Consensus will develop naturally to delete the useless itineraries, but many others are developing votes to keep, and this is line with current policies that require consensus to delete travel articles (excepting copyvio, of course). <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 14:23, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :Although perhaps read the header of [[:Category:Outline itineraries]]. It says ''This page is for listing itineraries that have outline status. They will be deleted if not modified for one year.'' :–<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 14:30, 18 September 2021 (UTC) ::Categories are intended to list articles with some feature in common, and not to establish policy, so I would support removing that text from the category page. That text appears to come from [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Category:Outline_itineraries&oldid=1855956 before English Wikivoyage was formed]. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 14:33, 18 September 2021 (UTC) I commented "not personal itinerary on some. I don't feel we need to set the "sufficiently" threshold particularly high. My reading has been that a famous route will have readers looking for it, and with some luck people continuing where the article creator left, and even if it takes a few years, that's really not a problem (unless the itinerary is really bad). Personal itineraries, on the other hand, need to be well described to allow anyone to continue the work (and to bother). If no one caught on while it was being worked on, or soon after, it is unlikely to attract attention later. One reason not to keep the threshold high is that what is famous for some, is unknown to others. I didn't know about [[Alaska Highway]] or [[Annapurna Circuit]] before starting to write here. [[Nidaros Path]], deemed non-famous by the nominator, was the prime pilgrimage route in the Nordic countries in medieval times, and is regaining popularity – but how could somebody not from Europe know that, unless into pilgrimages? I'd think many Americans wouldn't know about [[Way of St. James]], although it is a huge thing. If some route is sufficiently famous that you'd expect there to be guidebooks about it, that should suffice. I think any Eurovelo or [[Long distance walking in Europe|ERA route]] should qualify. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 16:43, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :I think usable status should have been sufficient to keep "personal" itineraries if they had reasonable, coherent routes. In terms of the text [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] quotes above, I'd propose changing it to ''This page is for listing itineraries that have outline status. They may be deleted if not modified for one year.'' May, rather than will be deleted. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:28, 18 September 2021 (UTC) ::Agreed, but add "may be deleted [via the VFD process]" because we don't want people unilaterally deleting articles. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 21:38, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :::I reworded it to what Ikan wrote with a little bit of copyedits: ''They may be deleted if not modified or actively maintained for one year.''. I'll write that it may be nominated through RfD in just a sec. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:45, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :::: I think that addressing itinerary articles through VfD after a year is a good approach. It forces us to improve the articles if we can, or delete them if we can't. SHB2000's edits to the policy work. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 00:08, 19 September 2021 (UTC) : Sometimes there may be other solutions. Back in 200x when our coverage of China was quite spotty, I wrote "One week near Hong Kong" which was pretty much a personal itinerary. Later it became a region article, [[Pearl River Delta]], and by now that is a decent article. : For real routes like [[Tanami Track]], I do not think deletion should even be considered. Either keep it or merge it into a region article & redirect there. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 03:51, 19 September 2021 (UTC) : For an example of an itinerary that was prematurely deleted (by me) but later restored & made into a decent article, see [[Talk:Tiger Leaping Gorge]]. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 04:21, 19 September 2021 (UTC) ::[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], thanks for editing that language, but there's no such thing as "RfD" on this Wiki (and you initially confused me by using those initials on talk page threads). I will edit to [[Votes for deletion]] with a link. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:35, 19 September 2021 (UTC) :::[https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Category%3AOutline_itineraries&type=revision&diff=4295605&oldid=4295459 Done]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:39, 19 September 2021 (UTC) ::::Oops. RfD is something on meta and simple, not here. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:00, 19 September 2021 (UTC) ::Pashley, the "don't delete real places" is only for destination articles, not itineraries or topics. Oh and re Tanami Track... erm, it's not a notable track at all, but rather known as Australia's James Dalton Highway. Couldn't find any photos of this track on commons, but if Google Street Trekker does a good job in visualising that route, [https://goo.gl/maps/RZyoHaGsNuRaEnUh7 this] is apparently the best part of the route. There's no way that's notable. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:37, 19 September 2021 (UTC) == Danube Cycleway deletion == I supported deletion, but I think it's worth discussing whether per [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Deleting, or not]], the article should have been kept or deleted. At first glance, it wouldn't appear that there was a consensus to delete at [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion/September 2021#Danube Cycleway]]. 3-2 is not an obvious consensus. And while I obviously agree that the delete arguments are stronger than the keep arguments, here is the relevant policy: * If there is '''no consensus''' after 14 days, allow a further 7 days for discussion. ** If, after the additional 7 days, there is '''no consensus''', the page should be '''kept''' – any Wikivoyager may remove any VFD notices from that page, and archive the deletion discussion. So what's the deletion argument? I think that would have to do with the definition of "consensus" - what it is and what it's not. From [[Wikivoyage:Consensus#What consensus is not]]: * '''Consensus is not unanimity'''. While we should always try to find a solution that works for everyone, in practice this is not always possible. Make sure all concerns are discussed and addressed, but consensus can still be reached even if compromises that please everyone cannot be found. * '''Consensus is not a majority'''. While it would be rare that consensus would be declared when the result represents a minority opinion, well-reasoned arguments based on existing policies and practice should carry more weight than a "support" comment that is unaccompanied by any sort of reasoning or justification. I don't think anyone would say that [[User:LPfi]]'s keep vote is "unaccompanied by any sort of reasoning or justification", but the argument to keep is unaccompanied by any actionable advice on how to establish the route of the now-deleted itinerary. In short, I would defer to [[User:SHB2000]]'s deletion rationale. But I still think a discussion is appropriate, since a nomination for undeletion would not be successful (further quoting from [[Wikivoyage:Consensus#What consensus is not]]): ''Note that the bar for determining a consensus should be higher when changing a past consensus, so while a small majority might suffice for resolving a minor issue, a super majority backed by strong arguments should be required before changing past consensus (see also the "[[#Status quo bias|Status quo bias]]" section below).'' So what do you all think? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:55, 8 October 2021 (UTC) : The guide is little use in current shape and I have little hope of improvements in near future, so I won't contest the deletion, but IK's last point prompts consideration. : I now copied the VFD discussion to the article's talk page. The reason for deletion was "Per the one year rule for itineraries" and "it's been given 14 days to be worked on" I think it should be evident that if anybody starts working on the itinerary, these arguments are moot. If somebody thinks that new work can be deleted based on this VFD discussion, then we need clarification to the guidelines. : –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:07, 8 October 2021 (UTC) ::Well, if someone starts working on it, then that would not make it valid for RfD. Though, I do think the guidelines are somewhat too loose and can differ based on personal opinions. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:39, 8 October 2021 (UTC) :::The rule for itineraries is one year; this article was given 11 years. If someone had started work on it, or indicated an intention to work on it, they should have been given time. But no-one did. I don't think another 7 days would have changed anything. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:41, 8 October 2021 (UTC) ::::hence why I deleted it. It was 3-2, and you and Ikan had better arguments in my opinion and seemed consensus to me. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:49, 8 October 2021 (UTC) :::::Without weighing in on whether deletion is a good idea, it is clear that there was not consensus for deletion, so per policy it should not have been deleted. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:42, 8 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::Let's please try to avoid using RfD, which is not a valid abbreviation on this site. Should we undo the deletion? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:36, 8 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::I subconsciously use RfD when I'm not thinking properly. And technically, no we can't unilaterally undelete it as it has to go through the [[vfu]] process. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:00, 9 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::Not if we decide it should not have been deleted per lack of consensus. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:18, 9 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::However, now given that LPfi has mentioned "The guide is little use in current shape and I have little hope of improvements in near future, so I won't contest the deletion, but IK's last point prompts consideration." :::::::::So really, that gives 3 deletes, 1 neutral and 1 delete, based on LPfi's earlier argument. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:25, 9 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::::If so, that would be a consensus, in my opinion. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:02, 9 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::::Yep, sure does. Even for those like [[Template talk:Mapframe2|Template:Mapframe2]], while there were 3 to delete, 1 comment and 1 keep, who was LPfi, as their argument was much more stronger into keeping it, hence kept. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:43, 9 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::::::Is that defensible per current policy? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:10, 9 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::::::Technically, the two votes that were to delete were either just a vote or "per nom". Even then, my rationale for deletion still wasn't a strong enough reason to delete, and hence kept. Not to forget that Alasdair also seemed to be leaning towards a keep as well. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:17, 9 October 2021 (UTC) == Camp Chase Trail discussion == This deletion discussion has been closed with the article merged after only a day of discussion and little participation. This is contrary to policy, which calls for 14 days of discussion, and really too fast for anyone to be expected to keep up with. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:39, 11 October 2021 (UTC) :I can close my nominations early if I want to withdraw my deletion nom early. In this case, I merged the info already, so I had every right to withdraw my nom. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:03, 12 October 2021 (UTC) ::Generally I agree with SHB, but in this case the closure was quick for a merger discussion which should take a few days. I would be happy with a policy change that allowed a non-deletion closure after 5 days if the nominator agrees. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 20:33, 13 October 2021 (UTC) :::I '''support''' [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]]’s proposal to create a clear policy on this issue. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 20:37, 13 October 2021 (UTC) :::I would generally '''support''' Alasair's wording, but then we run into a loophole here. Anyone can withdraw their own nominations any time they like, and anyone can merge articles whenever they want, without discussion (although it is quite suspicious when IPs do that), so all we have is two policies that contradict each other. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:26, 14 October 2021 (UTC) ::::Discussions are generally encouraged before articles are merged, although it is only said to be "worthwile" in [[Wikivoyage:How to merge two pages]]. ::::A policy should have additional words including allowing withdrawal by the nominator ("oh I hadn't realised that this page is useful for..."), admins deciding that the nomination is an obvious speedy case, and cancelling requests by vandals (not seen that here, but I have seen it on Commons). [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:51, 14 October 2021 (UTC) :::::Merge proposals can be discussed on the talk pages of the articles in question. I would oppose any kind of guideline that in any way suggests that VfD is the most appropriate place to discuss merges. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:56, 14 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::And similarly, if anyone objects to a merge, this is not the most appropriate place to address that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:56, 14 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::Agree. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:58, 14 October 2021 (UTC) :::::True, but there's lots of merges I've done without discussion (and {{u|Ground Zero}} does the same). [[Special:Diff/4308621]] is an example of one of my recent uncontroversial merges. Out of about let's say 100 merges I've done, only [[Talk:Khancoban|Khancoban]] seemed to be a controversial one. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:57, 14 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::A merger without discussion is permitted by [[Wikivoyage:How to merge two pages]]: :::::::"Unless the need for a merge is really obvious, it may be worthwhile to start a discussion before doing a merge." ::::::Contributors will disagree on what is or is not "obvious". If other editors disagree with a merger, then the merging editor will have to go through the hassle of defending the merger and will be more cautious about doing it again. I have probably erred on the side of being too cautious, and I have not had objections to my mergers whether discussed or not discussed. There is a lot of clean up of old stub articles needed, and props to SHB2000 for their work in improving Wikivoyage. It is inevitable that the occasional merger will be done too precipitously, but a merger can always be undone. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 23:26, 14 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::(It is easy, in my opinion, to show that an article ''shouldn't'' be merged — or shouldn't have been merged — by expanding an article to make it usable. That is more productive than arguing over process, IMHO.) [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 23:34, 14 October 2021 (UTC) == User:SHB2000/lc template == Forgive me if this has already been dealt with, as I've been away from admin stuff. The template [[User:SHB2000/lc]] has been used several times for different nominations, but has it been approved by the community? If it has, I'd expect to see the discussion either still in the Pub or archived somewhere sensible like [[User talk:SHB2000/lc]].--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 08:51, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :Can't I use my ''own'' userspace templates in ''my'' nominations? How would this have been dealt with, if I used wikitext in the same way in my nominations? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:06, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :I realise that there's no point in arguing over a *''userspace transclusion''*, so I just removed it. [(redacted)] <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:25, 18 October 2021 (UTC) ::I don't know why you're getting snarky with me about it, as I think my original question was polite and based in the policy which we're both tasked with enforcing. We have a policy about new templates that you've said you understand, and that obviously covers userspace templates too (why would they be any different when they're being used in mainspace?). Thank you for removing them when asked; hopefully, I won't have to in future.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 09:58, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::I'm sorry if I became passive aggressive there, and I apologise for that. But there doesn't seem to be any policy on userspace templates being used, is there? Or what'd happen if I substituted the template (which if I used let's say nominating [[Pomona (Queensland)]] for deletion and I used <span class="plainlinks">[[:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}]] ([{{fullurl:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}|action=edit}} edit] &middot; [[{{TALKPAGENAME:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}}}|talk]] &middot; [{{fullurl:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}|action=history}} history] &middot; [{{fullurl:Special:Whatlinkshere/{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}|limit=999}} links] &middot; [{{fullurl:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}|action=watch}} watch] &middot; [{{fullurl:Special:Log|page={{urlencode:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}}}}} logs] &middot; [{{fullurl:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}|action=delete}} delete])</span>, would that be considered using templates?) <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:06, 18 October 2021 (UTC) ::::I think the edit link is confusing. I would expect it to edit the discussion, not the nominated article. Why would i want to edit the article without reading it first? [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 10:28, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::The edit link may be confusing, but there's no denying on whether the talk or history pages are useful. The page logs aren't also that important, but it can help (the only instances where I personally think its useful when its used to detect Brendan edits) :::::The delete button is also quite convenient for the closing admin. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:34, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::: There is a practice on what nominations and the discussions look like. It seems you are trying to change that practice, and while plunging forward by introducing links you find useful might be OK, if others don't thank you for the bright idea, it might be better to discuss whether we want those links and templates. Thus they should be introduced like any other templates, regardless of where they live – moved to template space if they get support, not used and possibly deleted if they don't. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 11:44, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::No I am not trying to change the practice and I mainly used it for my personal use. I'm merely adding it so it's much more easier to delete it. Given that these days I'm the one who's deleting most of the articles these days, it's much more convenient to have a link that allows me to delete the article in one click. :::::::And we also recently discussed that we're never deleting templates merely because it lacked community support (it'll just be moved to the user's userspace). In this case, it's already in my userspace. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:51, 18 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::Templates that are in your userspace shouldn't be used outside of your userspace, i.e. in mainspace or projectspace. It's not "your personal use" when it's being used on a community page that everyone can edit. They're not "your nominations", either; they're ''community nominations'' submitted by you ''for the community's consideration'', and they should be made in the standard way that the community has come to expect. ::::::::I'm sorry, but using userspace templates in projectspace comes across to me as a rather clever (but unfair) way of circumventing a policy you don't like. We've all got to live with policies we don't like as a necessary part of editing a wiki; the alternative to editing within a community-led set of policies is we just individually pick and choose to follow the rules that suit us and ignore the ones that don't suit us. If that happens, then the whole system of collaborative editing by consensus breaks down, and our "travel guide that everyone can edit" ceases to work in the interests of travellers. ::::::::I'm guessing I may come across as anti-template, or maybe even anti-SHB2000's templates. But this couldn't be further from the truth; I'm pro-innovation. But first and foremost I'm interested in ensuring that policy applies to, and is observed by, everyone equally. ::::::::For this particular template, I agree with LPfi, and would even further say that it would be useful in a slightly modified form (i.e. removing the 'edit' button, and any others that might not be relevant) and that I would use it myself. However, my future support is conditional on this template being proposed for the community's approval in the normal way; if and when it's approved, it should be moved out of your userspace into templatespace. ::::::::Also, we may need to specify on [[Wikivoyage:Using MediaWiki templates]] that "If new templates fail to gain community support, they will eventually be moved to the template creator's userspace." means that those templates are not to be used outside of userspace. I thought this was pretty clear already, but apparently not... ::::::::All that being said, I appreciate and accept your apology above.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 13:55, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::I think that an occasional editor would expect the delete link to record a "delete" vote, not take them to a page saying "Permission error". I get having such a link on Commons where the closing admin migt have to delete a list of 20 imgaes after a sinle nomination, but I don't see the need here. I also agree with TT that userspace templetes should not be used in project space, except for a single example when discussing moving the template to mainspace. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 15:00, 18 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::::That's the whole point; otherwise, we'd be restricting the use of a template to a single individual, not to their userspace. Please, [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], you do great work, but especially as an admin, you need to not only respect consensus but uphold it as the fundamental way this site operates in your statements and model your respect for it to other users. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:11, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::I must dispute the following statement "''They're not "your nominations", either; they're community nominations submitted by you for the community's consideration, and they should be made in the standard way that the community has come to expect.''". First of all, they're still my nominations, since I irrevocably release my text under the CC BY-SA License, and in no way does that ever state that I'm handing over those nominations to the community. I still hold the copyright for those, and so they are '''not''' "they're community nominations submitted by you for the community's consideration" and so they're still the nominations of whoever started them. b) "the standard way that the community has come to expect.". I cannot find any place where it says that as well. So until you direct me to where that's told, then again, there's nothing saying how I should format those nominations. :::::::::Let's say I used a template (call it {{tl|tnr}} for example), and it's main purpose is to get text in Times New Roman. So if I used <nowiki> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman; color:green"> Some text here</span></nowiki> instead of this example {{tl|tnr}} template which would both produce <span style="font-family:Times New Roman; color:green"> Some text here</span>. Now that plain text I was using had no templates in it, nor is a substituted template. I'll let you all decide for yourselves on how that'd be taken. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 21:23, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::::You've completely missed, or certainly failed to address, the wider points. I suggest some closer reading and reflection.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 08:27, 19 October 2021 (UTC) == Help needed == I slushed the Puerto Rican stubs nom for now, but it's 4:12 AM and I have to wake up for work in about 5 hours, so I'd be very grateful if someone else could remove all the VfD templates from the articles in question. Please see the thread at [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion/March 2022#Puerto Rico skeletons with a byte count lower than 600 created by Ligocsicnarf89 (talk · contribs)]]. And thanks! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:13, 31 March 2022 (UTC) :@[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] btw I'm happy for anyone to rollback my edits to those articles as it's a pretty tedious thing to do manually. However, do get some sleep first. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:35, 31 March 2022 (UTC) :: vfd templates removed. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:54, 31 March 2022 (UTC) :::Thanks for removing them :-). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:00, 31 March 2022 (UTC) ::::Thank you! -- [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:31, 31 March 2022 (UTC) == Closure comments == There is an argument on a user page on what comments are suitable when closing a VFD thread. If I interpret [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] correctly, they think any comments that don't conflict with any specific rule is OK, while IK and I disagree. See [[Special:Permalink/4569290#Sorry for editing an archive]]. I added the following to the instructions, to have the requested rule, and got reverted: : The note on whether the article was kept should be objective; if you have an opinion that needs to be voiced, voice it during the discussion – if you didn't until now, either keep silent or give others time to comment on it by not taking action yet. The addition hadn't been discussed other than in that user page thread, so the reversion was anticipated. Now, what does the community think about the issue? Do you agree with me or SHB? Should there be written advice? Is the suggested wording OK? Should there be some more general wording in [[Wikivoyage:Administrators' handbook]] covering also this? Any general comments? –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:47, 26 November 2022 (UTC) :My 2 cents: :* Not allowing users to voice their opinion is antithetical to the purpose of a discussion :* Discussions are immediately archived once the outcome has been reached; this is per [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Deleting, or not]] :* Yes, you're right that my rationale behind standing by my comment doesn't conflict with any specific policy :* It's probably not a good idea to include it in the [[Wikivoyage:Administrators' handbook]] as any Wikivoyager can close a DR if the outcome was keep or redirect – this is also per [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Deleting, or not]] :I am opposed to the addition of [[Special:Diff/4569292]], because the purpose of vfd is to ''not'' "keep silent", and "giv[ing] others time to comment on it by not taking action yet" contradicts [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Deleting, or not]]. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 22:51, 26 November 2022 (UTC) ::Closing a discussion means no longer arguing about it. I still find it incredible, inflammatory, and in incredibly bad grace to have to have a discussion about this at all. I'd observe that SHB2000 tried to argue that a consensus was not a consensus the last time he showed bad grace in a Vfd closing. Anyone who can't close Vfd threads without trying to get a pot-shot in at the end should not close Vfd threads. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:06, 26 November 2022 (UTC) :::So, let's put it this way. You disagree with my opinion, and are insisting me to follow what ''you'' think should be common practice, even though this is not a policy, at least not yet. Then, you indirectly claim that your opinion is somehow superior to mine and I should follow it, and now claim that the common practice to enroot this into a Wikivoyage policy is "<span style="color:darkred;font-family:Georgia">incredible, inflammatory, and in incredibly bad grace</span>". So, who's being hypocritical here? <s> Oh, and that discussion really wasn't a consensus – there were only two more delete !votes, and a lot of the keep !votes were [[w:WP:PERX]].</s> --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 23:53, 26 November 2022 (UTC) ::::And you still haven't answered my question from yesterday: if you so vehemently disagreed with my statement, why didn't you close the article yourself 10 days ago, when the article was due to be closed? --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 23:55, 26 November 2022 (UTC) :::::That's not a valid argument. We're all volunteers here, I'm a busy man, and I don't always think about closing Vfd threads here. None of that is an excuse for you to break the precedent of not editorializing and insulting the consensus when closing. Come on, man! You do a lot of good work, but you sometimes just don't seem to understand when to drop it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:01, 27 November 2022 (UTC) ::::::And for the record, what you tried to claim was not a consensus was [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion/May 2022|8-3]]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:10, 27 November 2022 (UTC) :::::::I stand corrected; have struck that comment. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 01:24, 27 November 2022 (UTC) *Oppose. I don't think we need to change the policy because one editor made a comment some people didn't like. This editorialising does not disrupt the functioning of our travel guide, and let's recognize that SHB was doing a necessary administrative function in closing the discussion even though he didn't agree with the conclusion. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 02:46, 27 November 2022 (UTC) ::I'm surprised. I thought you would find fault with such a closing comment even though you would agree with the substance. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:01, 27 November 2022 (UTC) :::As the closing comment is not something that affects the reader, I don't see the need to regulate it, especially in response to a single closing comment. This seems like a sledgehammer/fly situation. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:51, 27 November 2022 (UTC) *::The bottom line is, not everyone disagrees with my comment, as you seem to think. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 07:15, 27 November 2022 (UTC) : I agree with LPfi & Ikan; such comments are extremely bad form. I do not think a single instance merits either a policy change or any sort of disciplinary action against the user, but a persistent pattern of such actions might. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 04:02, 28 November 2022 (UTC) :: The "bottom line", as I see it, is that whether anyone agrees with the comment is utterly irrelevant; the comment was clearly made in the wrong place. :: It would have been appropriate either as part of the deletion discussion or raising an issue on either the VFD or Deletion policy talk page. However, adding a snarky remark in the archive &mdash; where no-one is likely to see it & anyone who does cannot reply &mdash; was out of line. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 07:53, 28 November 2022 (UTC) == Using this page to propose merge/redirects == This page was not envisioned to be used for that purpose, and it is in my opinion quite an unnecessary use of volunteer time. If you think a merge/redirect should be done and it's unlikely to be controversial, just do it if you have the time. If you think it might be controversial, start a thread on the talk page of the article to be merged and have a discussion there. I can't think of any good reason to use this page to propose anything other than deletion. Note that it does take more time to close discussions here than to simply have discussions on talk pages. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:30, 17 December 2022 (UTC) :I think this page can still be used if a user is indifferent to whether an article should be deleted or redirected (e.g., some of our recent destination articles nominated for deletion); I agree with you that the airport articles could have been better handled on the relevant talk page, though. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 00:02, 18 December 2022 (UTC) ::If there's a reasonable basis for proposing deletion, that's what this page is for. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:08, 18 December 2022 (UTC) ::: But if you are indifferent, why not just merge and redirect? It mostly requires less effort than the discussion and possible later merger. The history will be there (easily found if correctly attributed) for those who might want to revive the article with additional info that would make it pass the whiaa test. The redirect seldom does harm (and if you think it does, ''then'' take it here). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 13:06, 18 December 2022 (UTC) == Withdrawing nominations == In many fora, one is allowed to withdraw one's own proposal, but as SHB2000 notes, "there's no policy on en.voy explicitly allowing this". I think there shouldn't be one. To the contrary, as soon as a nomination is posted, other contributors put time and thought in evaluating the article and articulating their standpoints. This effort is mostly lost in a speedy closure, and the thoughts shared may have implications on other articles than the one nominated. Also, consensus might be to delete the article despite the nominator changing their mind, and a second nomination shouldn't be needed. Thus I think the discussion should be allowed to continue for the normal time, unless there is consensus for something else or there is some good reason to speedy the decision. I think the judgement on the latter should be left to somebody else. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 16:32, 29 December 2022 (UTC) :Withdrawing serves to prevent attracting input (meaning time and energy) to an inoperative process; it is such when it is 100% certain not to result in a change. People will air their views, and these might be icredibly articulate and wise, but it doesn't create a tangible benefit for the project. I don't think that a policy change is necessary in order to allow withdrawing, but just as well, withdrawing should not be considered prohibited when not prescribed by policy. Withdrawing should only be done if absolutely all of the votes are to keep. If there is even a single delete vote anyone should feel free to reopen the discussion. [[User:Alalch E.|Alalch E.]] ([[User talk:Alalch E.|talk]]) 17:07, 29 December 2022 (UTC) :For example, I really think that it makes sense for {{u|SHB2000}} to withdraw [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Surfing]] ''now'' (and only now), when everyone agrees (which was not the case initially). [[User:Alalch E.|Alalch E.]] ([[User talk:Alalch E.|talk]]) 17:18, 29 December 2022 (UTC) ::We should adopt some guideline that nominations can be speedily withdrawn when there isn't even a proposal for deletion or none of the people responding support deletion, such as when whether to merge/redirect or to which article is being unnecessarily argued about on this page. I would suggest that a nomination for other than deletion be immediately withdrawn unless someone suggests deletion in the response thread before it is deleted, and that otherwise, if after 3 days, there is no support for deletion, a nomination can be speedily resolved as a keep, but that if the resolution is deletion, at least 7 days are needed. The way around that, in my opinion, is to start a thread on the article's talk page, where the person who started the article could agree to deletion if very little if anything has been added by others, or sometimes, articles are speedily deleted without a proposal here because they are so obviously irrelevant or are copyright violation. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:06, 29 December 2022 (UTC) :I thought it was allowed (and have done so in the past with no dramas), until that nomination. Nominators should be allowed to close their nominations whenever they choose to, with the prejudice that it's appropriate. I like Ikan Kekek's proposal and we could trial this next year. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 20:26, 29 December 2022 (UTC) ::I think the reason it was uncontroversial before is that opinion was probably unanimous, though correct me if I'm wrong. But in the most recent case, I know I wondered what had happened and was surprised to see a deletion thread that as yet had no unanimous opinion speedily archived. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:46, 29 December 2022 (UTC) :::I don't think we should be able to withdraw "our" nominations early, primarily because there's no such thing as "my nomination", only a nomination submitted to the community for consideration. Of course there are some exceptions: if a clear consensus has developed early with little chance of dissent, or if the nomination is clearly not a real candidate for deletion (e.g. something that should be merged).--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 09:33, 30 December 2022 (UTC) ::::{{re|ThunderingTyphoons!}} if nominations don't belong to one user, then perhaps would you like to explain why [[c:Template:Withdraw]], [[species:Template:Withdraw]], [[w:en:Template:Withdraw]], [[w:ar:قالب:سحب_ترشيح]], [[w:bh:टेम्पलेट:Withdraw]], [[w:bn:টেমপ্লেট:Withdraw]], [[w:ckb:داڕێژە:کشانەوەی پاڵاوتن]], [[w:et:Mall:Loobun]], [[w:fa:الگو:انصراف]], [[w:en:ಟೆಂಪ್ಲೇಟು:Withdraw]], [[w:shn:ထႅမ်းပလဵတ်ႉ:Withdraw]], [[w:sr:Шаблон:Withdraw]] and [[w:te:మూస:Withdraw]] all translate or say "I withdraw '''my''' nomination", with "my" being the key word here? The concept of a deletion nomination shouldn't differ by WMF project, so I'm a bit confused on why you think the concept of "my nominations" shouldn't exist. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 12:12, 30 December 2022 (UTC) :::::Forgive me, but my pontifications about the possible meanings of machine-translated sentences written in languages I don't speak on wikis I've never visited wouldn't be of use to anyone. :::::But to explain my thought process further, a nomination can of course be "mine" inasmuch as if I make the nomination, it originated from my brain, and was created by my fingers when I posted it. And yes, I can continue to refer to it as "my" nomination, but that's just semantics or sentimentality; I can't assert actual ownership over the nomination. Once the nomination is live on VFD, and especially once it's being considered by others, it is no longer mine to unilaterally withdraw, because that's not fair to other members of the community who have lent their time and consideration. Similarly, an article I start is no longer "mine" as soon as it's published, even if I continue to be the main or only contributor; this is a wiki after all. :::::If I rationally believed an article was worthy of deletion, then it is likely that other members of the community would agree and so if they had found the article before I did, they would have nominated it first. The question of who did nominate is unimportant. Even if I am alone in believing the article should be deleted, that can only be tested by a nomination that runs its course and that allows the whole community a say, or that at least provides an early consensus. The person who made the nomination doesn't have any special say over the outcome of the nomination; the community does.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 12:46, 30 December 2022 (UTC) ::::::"The concept of a deletion nomination shouldn't differ by WMF project"? Why not? If there remains a question about whether to delete or not, we can have our own policy. You wouldn't argue that we need to have a NPOV policy because some other Wikis have it, would you? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:02, 30 December 2022 (UTC) ::::::: There is an advantage of standardising some things across the WMF sites, so that readers and editors have an easy time approaching another project. However, people from other projects usually don't have enough of an understanding to contribute at deletion discussions. Sometimes they might have some valuable fresh viewpoints, but few from the outside can see when their viewpoint is just distracting. Thus, until you have followed the discussions long enough to learn the idiosyncrasies, you don't need to nominate articles or close the discussions, and thus the advantage of standardising is marginal. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 16:47, 30 December 2022 (UTC) :::::::{{re|Ikan Kekek}} each wiki can have its own policy regarding deletion nominations, but the concept of it shouldn't differ: a user nominates one or more pages for deletion because of some reason, then a discussion happens for a certain period of time and then the discussion is closed as either kept, deleted, redirected (or something else like getting another project to import the article). What can differ is the length, reasoning or outcome. NPOV is a completely different story because it's only a policy on Wikipedia, but likewise, the concept of NPOV shouldn't differ between different language Wikipedias. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 22:32, 30 December 2022 (UTC) ::::::{{re|ThunderingTyphoons!}} fair enough, but I don't think articles are comparable to DRs, but maybe that's because I spend more time on Commons' DRs than our VfD, which is where I've been influenced. I still favour Ikan's proposal, though (which is similar to what you're proposing: "if a clear consensus has developed early with little chance of dissent, or if the nomination is clearly not a real candidate for deletion", but with more detail). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 22:25, 30 December 2022 (UTC) == [[Wikivoyage:Votes_for_deletion#Archiving]] == Current text in this section includes: : When archiving, always '''make it clear''' to other editors what '''the outcome of the discussion''' was. This can be done by adding the result to the discussion in a ''separate edit'' from the one in which you remove the discussion from this page; or you can describe the outcome in the edit summary when you remove the discussion. I'd delete the suggestion of the edit summary. or change "or you can" to "you should also". It seems to me we always want the result in the archive since someone looking later will not see the edit summary. We also have: : If the nominated article, file or template '''was not deleted''', then place another (identical duplicate) copy of the deletion discussion on the discussion page of the article, file or template being kept or redirected. I'd change this to: : If the nominated article, file or template '''was not deleted''', then the nomination should be mentioned on its talk page. If the deletion discussion is reasonably short, place another (identical duplicate) copy of it on the talk page. For longer discussions, provide a link to the archive instead. Other opinions? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 13:04, 1 June 2024 (UTC) :I'm not a fan of duplicating discussions by copy-pasting it on the talk page and don't think this has been followed for quite some time – duplicating content is never a good idea. I would much rather require that only a link be placed to the deletion discussion for all cases. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 22:43, 1 June 2024 (UTC) ::However, one could copy the outcome declaration. That's short and could avoid need of clicking in some obvious cases (such as "speedy keep: no valid reason to delete"). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:28, 2 June 2024 (UTC) : {{tick}} Edited. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 20:56, 2 June 2024 (UTC) ::I think putting the deletion nomination thread on an article's talk page has often been done. I'm not sure archiving was always done thoroughly. I guess I feel like it's OK to have the thread there if anyone deems the article to be likely to be nominated for deletion again, but summarizing the discussion and providing a link to the relevant section of the archive is an acceptable alternative. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:47, 2 June 2024 (UTC) :::I'm also not opposed to how Commons deals with DRs that resulted in a keep (which is very effective in grabbing your attention) – we could at least experiment it for a month or two. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:00, 2 June 2024 (UTC) ::::I agree that Commons does this in a good way. There's room for doubt on whether it prevents further deletion requests, but it's certainly clear. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:50, 16 May 2025 (UTC) == User and user talk pages for users with no Wikivoyage contributions == What's our policy on pages like [[User talk:Зорана Филиповић]], which [[User:92.21.137.132]] provided a translation for that I reverted because I thought it was a user page and not a user talk page? [https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Special:Contributions/%D0%97%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B0_%D0%A4%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B8%D1%9B No user contributions] except for that page and their user page, [[User:Зорана Филиповић]], which is transcluded from Meta, and these pages are solely in Cyrillic. Meanwhile, this is stated in the translation to be a sock of [[User talk:Filipović Zoran]]. Should we delete the sock user and user talk pages? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:12, 30 June 2025 (UTC) : Yes, csrtainly. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:40, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::I agree they should be speedied. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 00:07, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::Looking deeply at both of the profiles, it's supposedly an editor with 138K edits [[https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:CentralAuth/Filipovi%C4%87_Zoran]] in Serbian and other wiki - and at least one profile shows already blocked [[https://sr.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=%D0%9F%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%B5%D0%B1%D0%BD%D0%BE:%D0%94%D0%BD%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%BA/block&page=User%3AFilipovi%C4%87+Zoran]] in some places. -- [[Special:Contributions/92.21.137.132|92.21.137.132]] 00:24, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::Any objection? We can afford to wait 24 hours, I figure. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:38, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::Yeah no harm waiting a day or two. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 01:36, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::The disclaimer should be on their meta user page instead, no need to copy it to talk pages on many projects. It, and the translation could be moved there, I suppose, but just deleting the talk page is no problem, I think. If they start contributing here, anybody checking the talk page history will see there are deleted versions. Do provide a helpful deletion rationale when deleting. ::::::For user pages, there are different cases. A new page could be from somebody who intends to start contributing, so should not be summarily deleted. We might also have active registered users who just don't contribute. They might have bookmarks etc. on the page. If the page looks legitimate and it doesn't have excess content, I don't think there is any harm in keeping it. At least the user should be notified and asked about it. Touting or propaganda from non-contributors doesn't need to be tolerated. ::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:32, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::If you're concerned about the deletion rationale, why don't you take care of the deletion tomorrow and supply your own rationale? And if you think this sockpuppet could ever be a useful Wikivoyage user, I suggest you look at the link I gave to the user talk page of their main account. They have never had any interest in using Wikivoyage as anything but a place to vent their frustration about Wikipedia, and that is not the function of this site. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:47, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::I can do the deletion OK. But I either need to do it prematurely or risk somebody else doing it before me (unless I have such a window at my disposal). ::::::::I don't think they will be a useful contributor, but the current mention of alternative accounts will help to see whether they have proved problematic on other projects, if they ever turn up (for venting frustration or otherwise). With a decent deletion rationale, any admin will know to check that deleted mention. ::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:31, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::You can always give an additional reason for a deletion that you type in on the second line of deletion reasons. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:28, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::Yes. But the one who deletes must write that reason. I just asked that whoever does this thinks for a few seconds about what to write, like they should when deleting a page with a name that refers to a valid topic. In that case any newbie trying to create the article will see a warning that includes that reason. It should make clear that the problem wasn't with the topic but what actually was written. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 17:52, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::I'm nominating you to type a reason you're satisfied with. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:44, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::<nowiki/>:-) ::::::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:35, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::I think I should be a bit blunt here: Basically, I feel that you're not that confident in me, or at least more resistant to deleting the user and user talk pages of totally useless Wikivoyage users (keeping in mind the still unresolved case of the WT-en touter), so you do it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:02, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::'''Done'''. I hope that you could leave that feeling behind. We may disagree on that one issue, but I respect you highly. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:49, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :{{re|Ikan Kekek|LPfi}} A bit more context I've learned about this specific user that an srwiki user told me in private (I won't disclose their username in public for their own safety): Zoran apparently has a history of spamming matters about his (srwiki) blocks on various different projects, sometimes using alts on unrelated projects like in this case. I will block both those accounts as per [[WV:ONESTRIKE]] (mirroring the srwiki block) because ideally I'd like to keep Zoran's activities out of enwikivoyage fully (though there is a chance they may be globally locked for x-wiki abuse). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 04:03, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::... and just like that, at 10:45 today, there's an unblocking request on the cyrillic user name talk page. -- [[Special:Contributions/92.21.137.132|92.21.137.132]] 11:38, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::I don't like the onestrike rule to be used other than in clear cases. It requires "a similar malicious edit on Wikivoyage" to the "vandalism or other malicious editing" they have done elsewhere. [[User:Filipović Zoran|Filipović Zoran]] and [[User:Зорана Филиповић|Зорана Филиповић]] were blocked as sockpupets of each other. Where is the vandalism or other malicious editing? I agree that non-contributors venting frustration of matters on other projects don't belong here, but that was handled in August. The new user page was created only as a pointer to the other account – with such a pointer, claims of sockpupetry are moot. My deleting the page on IK's request doesn't make the account a sockpuppet. ::If they should be globally banned, that's something for Meta, not for us. I limited the block period, not to have it count among "banned on X projects" when deciding on global blocks, until I am convinced there is some local reason for them to be blocked here. ::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:52, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::I don't think they will be a productive user here, but that's up to them. As long as they are non-contributors, there is no need to block them. Let's not make Wikivoyage a tool for fighting cross-wiki issues that don't concern us. I don't want to spend my Wikivoyage time on analysing issues on other projects. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 13:00, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::I am also concerned that the onestrike rule makes it easy to provoke a good-faith user to break rules on civility on one project, ban them there, and then use the onestrike rule to get them banned globally. To counter that, we should not ban users who haven't proven vandals or problem users over here. Block them with low threshold, yes, but don't ban them without a ban nomination and local reasons. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 13:04, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::The vandalism and malicious editing is going onto every WMF project and spamming their issues on srwiki (including here). ''They'' are the ones who bring up srwiki issues onto us and I'm not sure if you missed "for their own safety", this is the reason I indeffed them – global bans are irrelevant in this case because they are not used for spam or vandalism. In the future, please try to consult me before shortening a block because most cross-wiki cases often involve matters I cannot disclose in public (partly for [[w:en:WP:BEANS|BEANS]]-related reasons) and this is one of them. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 13:53, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::Without spilling too much, the reason why you will not find much public discussion behind this is because Zoran's case involves lots of off-wiki harassment that the WMF isn't willing to handle just yet. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 14:10, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::::I understand that part, but it seems their offending edit was in August, and handled at that time, so I don't see the point in blocking them now. I did miss the "for their own safety" and I cannot find such a statement now. I am uncomfortable with people being blocked here for what they do in other projects. This is not the place for that discussion and I leave it for now. Reinstate the permanent block if you will, although I don't see what harm the temporary shortening could have caused. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 19:46, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::Normally I'd agree with you, but this is a long case and I put editor safety for our srwiki editors first. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:03, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::The comment says indef block reinstated. The action says block removed. -- [[Special:Contributions/92.21.137.132|92.21.137.132]] 23:21, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::It's a multiblock issue. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:51, 2 July 2025 (UTC) 0h6078udbe6jzmtc0jax33ny30lvnbz 5086857 5086855 2025-07-02T23:58:09Z 92.21.137.132 /* User and user talk pages for users with no Wikivoyage contributions */ Reply 5086857 wikitext text/x-wiki {{infobox|Archived discussions|* [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Archive 2004-2007]] * [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Archive 2008-2009]] * [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Archive 2010-2013‎]] * [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Archive 2014-2017‎]] * [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Deletion policy discussion|Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Deletion policy discussion (2018)]] * [[Wikivoyage talk:Votes for deletion/Archive 2018-2019]] }} == Categories - deleted or redirected? == A new user ([[User:Owain]]) has moved [[Conwy (county)]] to [[Conwy (county borough)]], and has thoughtfully changed the category at the same time, by changing the <nowiki>{{Is part of|xxx}}</nowiki> field in each of the affected articles to the new category. However, the old category page ([[:Category:Conwy (county)]]) is now blank, and I can't remember what we do with them. Do they just get deleted, or is there some attribution reason that they need to be kept and/or redirected to the new category? --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 16:32, 16 April 2020 (UTC) :I'd just go ahead and delete. Attribution is something we worry about for copyright purposes, and category pages which are merely lists of articles that fall into a certain geographical grouping (and, technically, are "edited" automatically by the MediaWiki software rather than by any particular human editor) do not qualify as copyrightable material. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 17:15, 16 April 2020 (UTC) ::Great, thank you. To confirm what you said, one of the drop down options of the deletion reasons is 'category renamed'.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 17:55, 16 April 2020 (UTC) == "List one article, file or template per entry" == Should this instruction be deprecated? We've had a few bulk nominations lately, and the preference has been to nominate them all under a single entry. [[User:Vaticidalprophet|Vaticidalprophet]] ([[User talk:Vaticidalprophet|talk]]) 20:41, 2 April 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''' per nom. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:07, 2 April 2021 (UTC) *'''Support'''. The line is a good idea in theory, not in practice.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 21:35, 2 April 2021 (UTC) *'''Support'''. I didn't even realize we theoretically had that guideline. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:13, 2 April 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''' - Stupid crap rule. [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] ([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]]) 08:37, 5 April 2021 (UTC) *:This looks like a consensus. Should I remove the line, and should it be replaced with anything? [[User:Vaticidalprophet|Vaticidalprophet]] ([[User talk:Vaticidalprophet|talk]]) 03:21, 11 April 2021 (UTC) :::That sentence should just be deleted. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:11, 11 April 2021 (UTC) == Redlinks, blue links or black links == Regarding the Finland Proper (Vkem) outlines: I wonder how we want real places to be handled in the case they should have articles. Redirecting a village that might be a common search term to the article where it is handled is an obvious solution, but in this case we have real places that are in fact not described anywhere. Previously they were redlinked in the region article to show that we want those articles. If the articles are created and redirected back, we will have blue links that just lead back, to the annoyance of readers. If we unlink the places, creating the article gets more difficult (and there is no hint we want those articles created, while there are several places mentioned about which we don't need articles. Is finding the region article more difficult if the places are just mentioned in the region article, without a redirect? Search engine-wise, a redirect might get us some more traffic, but just to annoy readers coming here and finding anything specifics about the place. Or should we make it a priority to create those articles, to avoid voids in our hierarchy? Then we shouldn't redirect real places that need articles, but create the outlines, as [[User:Vkem|Vkem]] did. Then the only problem is that we need the content also, which then should be given priority every time a region is created. The situation is probably different for regions that are weak outlines. For [[Finland Proper]] there is a thought-out complete structure. Some of the outlines may be hard to get featureable, but at least there should be some eat, sleep and do for each. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:19, 27 May 2021 (UTC) :This would be confusing. Since I'm well aware of this, I don't know how to respond to this. [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[w:User:SHB2000|en.wikipedia]])</small> 12:38, 27 May 2021 (UTC) ::I agree that a blue link that directs the reader back to the same article is a bad option. ::I don't agree with giving priority to creating articles just because some passerby has created a link. We have thousands of articles that need more content. Allowing our priorities to be determined by a well-intentioned editor like Vkem who isn't really involved in Wikivoyage would be a mistake. And not all of these places really warrants an article. I don't think that we can say that we want an article just because there is a redlink. :: I recently redirected an article for a bedroom community in the U.S. in which the only information that the article's creator provided was that there is a McDonalds in the community. They didn't provide an address for it though, or any other useful information. ::With a black link, a reader who arrives at the region article via a search can at least find the place in the article and on the map, so I think this is the best result. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:47, 27 May 2021 (UTC) ::: The redlinks in the region article were carefully planned, but the intention was to create them when somebody takes the time to write them. I think changing redlinks to black links is not an improvement. Is having the redirects an improvement that weights more than the drawback of having to turn the redlinks black? Read: I am challenging the policy of not deleting redirects from real places. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 14:34, 27 May 2021 (UTC) :::: What's a "black link"? Doesn't that just mean unlinked text? --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 14:36, 27 May 2021 (UTC) :::::Uh, yeah, that would be another way of putting it, since it isn't a link at all. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 15:11, 27 May 2021 (UTC) == Semi-Protect all == I think we should semi-protect all pages listed here, in case of edit warring or vandalism. --[[User:Crocusfleur|Crocusfleur]] ([[User talk:Crocusfleur|talk]]) 17:47, 19 June 2021 (UTC) :Which pages? --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 17:54, 19 June 2021 (UTC) ::Have there been cases of edit warring or vandalism of pages nominated for deletion? [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:46, 19 June 2021 (UTC) :::GZ has a good point here. If there's no history of vandalism (hopefully we don't jinx it) there's no need to semi-protect a page. The [[main page]] and some other critical pages, such as some template pages, are exceptional because vandals could do more damage by changing those, but in this case, without previous vandalism there is no need to semi-protect. A worthwhile thought though. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 21:54, 19 June 2021 (UTC) == Replace the vfd archive header? == ''Moved from [[WV:Pub|the pub]]''<br> I will start out by saying that I'm not a huge fan of [[Template:Deletion archive]], which doesn't look centred, and just doesn't look right for a header. Which is probably why it was never used much, and I'm guessing half of you didn't even know this template existed. I did some experimenting and thought a header like the header you see below might look better, with a more cleaner, neater and organised format. This can be changed anytime, so this doesn't have to be the fixed one. {{User:SHB2000/vfdat|previous=April 2021|next=June 2021|month=May 2021}} The code is pretty simple to work out as well, and the month= variable is automatic. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:57, 24 August 2021 (UTC) ---- <!--LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS BELOW THIS MESSAGE--> * '''Support''' as easy to navigate between months. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 11:47, 28 August 2021 (UTC) ::Given the lack of opposition, I'm going ahead. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:18, 7 September 2021 (UTC) == One-year rule on itineraries == Based on votes on this page, are we going to abolish this rule, or are there differences about its interpretation? For the purpose of discussion the rule is at [[Wikivoyage:Itineraries#"One year" deletion rule]], and here it is in full: ''Since just about any topic can be an itinerary, itineraries must either be actively worked on or achieve some level of completion to be kept. (Sufficiently famous, marked routes such as [[Alaska Highway]] or [[Annapurna Circuit]] are exempt from this rule.) As such, itineraries that have been at [[Project:Itinerary status|outline status]] or less for one year without being substantially edited are subject to deletion via the [[Project:Votes for deletion|votes for deletion]] process.'' My feeling is, if we are keeping the rule, "not a personal itinerary" shouldn't be a sufficient argument for keeping an article with no specific route that is therefore not in any sense usable; just because an itinerary isn't personal doesn't mean it's "sufficiently famous". But let's talk about that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:45, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :I would oppose abolishing this rule. Otherwise, we'd end up with a bunch of itineraries which don't give much information and give no incentive to the creator to make it usable. But I don't think this rule was really enforced that much, until I just checked some random itineraries. The last major mass deletions looks like it was in [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion/April 2011|2011]], more than 10 years ago. But I think we should take these on a case by case basis. :There's more that I have, but given the already mass overload here, I don't think we can handle that much at once. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:52, 18 September 2021 (UTC) ::I should also mention, that based on this reasoning "real itinerary" is not a valid reason to keep, and I'm particularly looking at the one for Nidaros Path and Mountains to Sound Greenway. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:56, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :::In 2011, we were overzealous in my opinion and, in the guise of deleting "personal itineraries", deleted usable articles because they weren't guide-level. I believe in being a bit liberal, in that a coherent, well-defined route can be OK, even if it's "personal". [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:59, 18 September 2021 (UTC) ::::But tbh, these are routes which per the deletion rules, can be deleted. I'm still confused on some of the keep votes on that were added yesterday (writing this 00:05 AEST). But deleting usable routes because it wasn't guide? (please tell me if I'm missing something there. Need to get some sleep). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 14:05, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :::::If you're missing something, it's that the usable itinerary articles that were deleted then were deemed "personal", and exceptions to the deletion policy for "personal" itineraries were given only to articles that were at guide level or higher (I don't think any were stars). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:11, 18 September 2021 (UTC) ::::::I see. I guess I'm too sleepy to think. But these ones that I nominated aren't personal, but just outlines that aren't famously marked. Maybe that policy needs copyediting. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 14:15, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :"As such, itineraries that have been at outline status or less for one year without being substantially edited are subject to deletion via the votes for deletion process." That doesn't mean articles at outline status for a year or more should be deleted; it means they are "subject" via the "deletion process," which indicates that a community consensus to keep any of these itineraries doesn't run contrary to policy. I think there are some itineraries nominated that indeed should be deleted, but they are many that while indeed have been made subject to deletion via this policy, ought not be deleted due to other policies in place, such as [[Wikivoyage:The traveler comes first]]. I certainly don't support deleting any itineraries without consensus. Consensus will develop naturally to delete the useless itineraries, but many others are developing votes to keep, and this is line with current policies that require consensus to delete travel articles (excepting copyvio, of course). <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 14:23, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :Although perhaps read the header of [[:Category:Outline itineraries]]. It says ''This page is for listing itineraries that have outline status. They will be deleted if not modified for one year.'' :–<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 14:30, 18 September 2021 (UTC) ::Categories are intended to list articles with some feature in common, and not to establish policy, so I would support removing that text from the category page. That text appears to come from [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Category:Outline_itineraries&oldid=1855956 before English Wikivoyage was formed]. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 14:33, 18 September 2021 (UTC) I commented "not personal itinerary on some. I don't feel we need to set the "sufficiently" threshold particularly high. My reading has been that a famous route will have readers looking for it, and with some luck people continuing where the article creator left, and even if it takes a few years, that's really not a problem (unless the itinerary is really bad). Personal itineraries, on the other hand, need to be well described to allow anyone to continue the work (and to bother). If no one caught on while it was being worked on, or soon after, it is unlikely to attract attention later. One reason not to keep the threshold high is that what is famous for some, is unknown to others. I didn't know about [[Alaska Highway]] or [[Annapurna Circuit]] before starting to write here. [[Nidaros Path]], deemed non-famous by the nominator, was the prime pilgrimage route in the Nordic countries in medieval times, and is regaining popularity – but how could somebody not from Europe know that, unless into pilgrimages? I'd think many Americans wouldn't know about [[Way of St. James]], although it is a huge thing. If some route is sufficiently famous that you'd expect there to be guidebooks about it, that should suffice. I think any Eurovelo or [[Long distance walking in Europe|ERA route]] should qualify. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 16:43, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :I think usable status should have been sufficient to keep "personal" itineraries if they had reasonable, coherent routes. In terms of the text [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] quotes above, I'd propose changing it to ''This page is for listing itineraries that have outline status. They may be deleted if not modified for one year.'' May, rather than will be deleted. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:28, 18 September 2021 (UTC) ::Agreed, but add "may be deleted [via the VFD process]" because we don't want people unilaterally deleting articles. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 21:38, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :::I reworded it to what Ikan wrote with a little bit of copyedits: ''They may be deleted if not modified or actively maintained for one year.''. I'll write that it may be nominated through RfD in just a sec. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:45, 18 September 2021 (UTC) :::: I think that addressing itinerary articles through VfD after a year is a good approach. It forces us to improve the articles if we can, or delete them if we can't. SHB2000's edits to the policy work. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 00:08, 19 September 2021 (UTC) : Sometimes there may be other solutions. Back in 200x when our coverage of China was quite spotty, I wrote "One week near Hong Kong" which was pretty much a personal itinerary. Later it became a region article, [[Pearl River Delta]], and by now that is a decent article. : For real routes like [[Tanami Track]], I do not think deletion should even be considered. Either keep it or merge it into a region article & redirect there. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 03:51, 19 September 2021 (UTC) : For an example of an itinerary that was prematurely deleted (by me) but later restored & made into a decent article, see [[Talk:Tiger Leaping Gorge]]. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 04:21, 19 September 2021 (UTC) ::[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], thanks for editing that language, but there's no such thing as "RfD" on this Wiki (and you initially confused me by using those initials on talk page threads). I will edit to [[Votes for deletion]] with a link. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:35, 19 September 2021 (UTC) :::[https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Category%3AOutline_itineraries&type=revision&diff=4295605&oldid=4295459 Done]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:39, 19 September 2021 (UTC) ::::Oops. RfD is something on meta and simple, not here. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:00, 19 September 2021 (UTC) ::Pashley, the "don't delete real places" is only for destination articles, not itineraries or topics. Oh and re Tanami Track... erm, it's not a notable track at all, but rather known as Australia's James Dalton Highway. Couldn't find any photos of this track on commons, but if Google Street Trekker does a good job in visualising that route, [https://goo.gl/maps/RZyoHaGsNuRaEnUh7 this] is apparently the best part of the route. There's no way that's notable. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:37, 19 September 2021 (UTC) == Danube Cycleway deletion == I supported deletion, but I think it's worth discussing whether per [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Deleting, or not]], the article should have been kept or deleted. At first glance, it wouldn't appear that there was a consensus to delete at [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion/September 2021#Danube Cycleway]]. 3-2 is not an obvious consensus. And while I obviously agree that the delete arguments are stronger than the keep arguments, here is the relevant policy: * If there is '''no consensus''' after 14 days, allow a further 7 days for discussion. ** If, after the additional 7 days, there is '''no consensus''', the page should be '''kept''' – any Wikivoyager may remove any VFD notices from that page, and archive the deletion discussion. So what's the deletion argument? I think that would have to do with the definition of "consensus" - what it is and what it's not. From [[Wikivoyage:Consensus#What consensus is not]]: * '''Consensus is not unanimity'''. While we should always try to find a solution that works for everyone, in practice this is not always possible. Make sure all concerns are discussed and addressed, but consensus can still be reached even if compromises that please everyone cannot be found. * '''Consensus is not a majority'''. While it would be rare that consensus would be declared when the result represents a minority opinion, well-reasoned arguments based on existing policies and practice should carry more weight than a "support" comment that is unaccompanied by any sort of reasoning or justification. I don't think anyone would say that [[User:LPfi]]'s keep vote is "unaccompanied by any sort of reasoning or justification", but the argument to keep is unaccompanied by any actionable advice on how to establish the route of the now-deleted itinerary. In short, I would defer to [[User:SHB2000]]'s deletion rationale. But I still think a discussion is appropriate, since a nomination for undeletion would not be successful (further quoting from [[Wikivoyage:Consensus#What consensus is not]]): ''Note that the bar for determining a consensus should be higher when changing a past consensus, so while a small majority might suffice for resolving a minor issue, a super majority backed by strong arguments should be required before changing past consensus (see also the "[[#Status quo bias|Status quo bias]]" section below).'' So what do you all think? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:55, 8 October 2021 (UTC) : The guide is little use in current shape and I have little hope of improvements in near future, so I won't contest the deletion, but IK's last point prompts consideration. : I now copied the VFD discussion to the article's talk page. The reason for deletion was "Per the one year rule for itineraries" and "it's been given 14 days to be worked on" I think it should be evident that if anybody starts working on the itinerary, these arguments are moot. If somebody thinks that new work can be deleted based on this VFD discussion, then we need clarification to the guidelines. : –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:07, 8 October 2021 (UTC) ::Well, if someone starts working on it, then that would not make it valid for RfD. Though, I do think the guidelines are somewhat too loose and can differ based on personal opinions. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:39, 8 October 2021 (UTC) :::The rule for itineraries is one year; this article was given 11 years. If someone had started work on it, or indicated an intention to work on it, they should have been given time. But no-one did. I don't think another 7 days would have changed anything. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:41, 8 October 2021 (UTC) ::::hence why I deleted it. It was 3-2, and you and Ikan had better arguments in my opinion and seemed consensus to me. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:49, 8 October 2021 (UTC) :::::Without weighing in on whether deletion is a good idea, it is clear that there was not consensus for deletion, so per policy it should not have been deleted. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:42, 8 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::Let's please try to avoid using RfD, which is not a valid abbreviation on this site. Should we undo the deletion? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:36, 8 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::I subconsciously use RfD when I'm not thinking properly. And technically, no we can't unilaterally undelete it as it has to go through the [[vfu]] process. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:00, 9 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::Not if we decide it should not have been deleted per lack of consensus. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:18, 9 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::However, now given that LPfi has mentioned "The guide is little use in current shape and I have little hope of improvements in near future, so I won't contest the deletion, but IK's last point prompts consideration." :::::::::So really, that gives 3 deletes, 1 neutral and 1 delete, based on LPfi's earlier argument. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:25, 9 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::::If so, that would be a consensus, in my opinion. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:02, 9 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::::Yep, sure does. Even for those like [[Template talk:Mapframe2|Template:Mapframe2]], while there were 3 to delete, 1 comment and 1 keep, who was LPfi, as their argument was much more stronger into keeping it, hence kept. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:43, 9 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::::::Is that defensible per current policy? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:10, 9 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::::::Technically, the two votes that were to delete were either just a vote or "per nom". Even then, my rationale for deletion still wasn't a strong enough reason to delete, and hence kept. Not to forget that Alasdair also seemed to be leaning towards a keep as well. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:17, 9 October 2021 (UTC) == Camp Chase Trail discussion == This deletion discussion has been closed with the article merged after only a day of discussion and little participation. This is contrary to policy, which calls for 14 days of discussion, and really too fast for anyone to be expected to keep up with. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:39, 11 October 2021 (UTC) :I can close my nominations early if I want to withdraw my deletion nom early. In this case, I merged the info already, so I had every right to withdraw my nom. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:03, 12 October 2021 (UTC) ::Generally I agree with SHB, but in this case the closure was quick for a merger discussion which should take a few days. I would be happy with a policy change that allowed a non-deletion closure after 5 days if the nominator agrees. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 20:33, 13 October 2021 (UTC) :::I '''support''' [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]]’s proposal to create a clear policy on this issue. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 20:37, 13 October 2021 (UTC) :::I would generally '''support''' Alasair's wording, but then we run into a loophole here. Anyone can withdraw their own nominations any time they like, and anyone can merge articles whenever they want, without discussion (although it is quite suspicious when IPs do that), so all we have is two policies that contradict each other. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:26, 14 October 2021 (UTC) ::::Discussions are generally encouraged before articles are merged, although it is only said to be "worthwile" in [[Wikivoyage:How to merge two pages]]. ::::A policy should have additional words including allowing withdrawal by the nominator ("oh I hadn't realised that this page is useful for..."), admins deciding that the nomination is an obvious speedy case, and cancelling requests by vandals (not seen that here, but I have seen it on Commons). [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:51, 14 October 2021 (UTC) :::::Merge proposals can be discussed on the talk pages of the articles in question. I would oppose any kind of guideline that in any way suggests that VfD is the most appropriate place to discuss merges. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:56, 14 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::And similarly, if anyone objects to a merge, this is not the most appropriate place to address that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:56, 14 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::Agree. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:58, 14 October 2021 (UTC) :::::True, but there's lots of merges I've done without discussion (and {{u|Ground Zero}} does the same). [[Special:Diff/4308621]] is an example of one of my recent uncontroversial merges. Out of about let's say 100 merges I've done, only [[Talk:Khancoban|Khancoban]] seemed to be a controversial one. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:57, 14 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::A merger without discussion is permitted by [[Wikivoyage:How to merge two pages]]: :::::::"Unless the need for a merge is really obvious, it may be worthwhile to start a discussion before doing a merge." ::::::Contributors will disagree on what is or is not "obvious". If other editors disagree with a merger, then the merging editor will have to go through the hassle of defending the merger and will be more cautious about doing it again. I have probably erred on the side of being too cautious, and I have not had objections to my mergers whether discussed or not discussed. There is a lot of clean up of old stub articles needed, and props to SHB2000 for their work in improving Wikivoyage. It is inevitable that the occasional merger will be done too precipitously, but a merger can always be undone. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 23:26, 14 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::(It is easy, in my opinion, to show that an article ''shouldn't'' be merged — or shouldn't have been merged — by expanding an article to make it usable. That is more productive than arguing over process, IMHO.) [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 23:34, 14 October 2021 (UTC) == User:SHB2000/lc template == Forgive me if this has already been dealt with, as I've been away from admin stuff. The template [[User:SHB2000/lc]] has been used several times for different nominations, but has it been approved by the community? If it has, I'd expect to see the discussion either still in the Pub or archived somewhere sensible like [[User talk:SHB2000/lc]].--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 08:51, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :Can't I use my ''own'' userspace templates in ''my'' nominations? How would this have been dealt with, if I used wikitext in the same way in my nominations? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:06, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :I realise that there's no point in arguing over a *''userspace transclusion''*, so I just removed it. [(redacted)] <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:25, 18 October 2021 (UTC) ::I don't know why you're getting snarky with me about it, as I think my original question was polite and based in the policy which we're both tasked with enforcing. We have a policy about new templates that you've said you understand, and that obviously covers userspace templates too (why would they be any different when they're being used in mainspace?). Thank you for removing them when asked; hopefully, I won't have to in future.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 09:58, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::I'm sorry if I became passive aggressive there, and I apologise for that. But there doesn't seem to be any policy on userspace templates being used, is there? Or what'd happen if I substituted the template (which if I used let's say nominating [[Pomona (Queensland)]] for deletion and I used <span class="plainlinks">[[:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}]] ([{{fullurl:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}|action=edit}} edit] &middot; [[{{TALKPAGENAME:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}}}|talk]] &middot; [{{fullurl:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}|action=history}} history] &middot; [{{fullurl:Special:Whatlinkshere/{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}|limit=999}} links] &middot; [{{fullurl:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}|action=watch}} watch] &middot; [{{fullurl:Special:Log|page={{urlencode:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}}}}} logs] &middot; [{{fullurl:{{ucfirst:Pomona (Queensland)}}|action=delete}} delete])</span>, would that be considered using templates?) <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:06, 18 October 2021 (UTC) ::::I think the edit link is confusing. I would expect it to edit the discussion, not the nominated article. Why would i want to edit the article without reading it first? [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 10:28, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::The edit link may be confusing, but there's no denying on whether the talk or history pages are useful. The page logs aren't also that important, but it can help (the only instances where I personally think its useful when its used to detect Brendan edits) :::::The delete button is also quite convenient for the closing admin. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:34, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::: There is a practice on what nominations and the discussions look like. It seems you are trying to change that practice, and while plunging forward by introducing links you find useful might be OK, if others don't thank you for the bright idea, it might be better to discuss whether we want those links and templates. Thus they should be introduced like any other templates, regardless of where they live – moved to template space if they get support, not used and possibly deleted if they don't. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 11:44, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::No I am not trying to change the practice and I mainly used it for my personal use. I'm merely adding it so it's much more easier to delete it. Given that these days I'm the one who's deleting most of the articles these days, it's much more convenient to have a link that allows me to delete the article in one click. :::::::And we also recently discussed that we're never deleting templates merely because it lacked community support (it'll just be moved to the user's userspace). In this case, it's already in my userspace. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:51, 18 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::Templates that are in your userspace shouldn't be used outside of your userspace, i.e. in mainspace or projectspace. It's not "your personal use" when it's being used on a community page that everyone can edit. They're not "your nominations", either; they're ''community nominations'' submitted by you ''for the community's consideration'', and they should be made in the standard way that the community has come to expect. ::::::::I'm sorry, but using userspace templates in projectspace comes across to me as a rather clever (but unfair) way of circumventing a policy you don't like. We've all got to live with policies we don't like as a necessary part of editing a wiki; the alternative to editing within a community-led set of policies is we just individually pick and choose to follow the rules that suit us and ignore the ones that don't suit us. If that happens, then the whole system of collaborative editing by consensus breaks down, and our "travel guide that everyone can edit" ceases to work in the interests of travellers. ::::::::I'm guessing I may come across as anti-template, or maybe even anti-SHB2000's templates. But this couldn't be further from the truth; I'm pro-innovation. But first and foremost I'm interested in ensuring that policy applies to, and is observed by, everyone equally. ::::::::For this particular template, I agree with LPfi, and would even further say that it would be useful in a slightly modified form (i.e. removing the 'edit' button, and any others that might not be relevant) and that I would use it myself. However, my future support is conditional on this template being proposed for the community's approval in the normal way; if and when it's approved, it should be moved out of your userspace into templatespace. ::::::::Also, we may need to specify on [[Wikivoyage:Using MediaWiki templates]] that "If new templates fail to gain community support, they will eventually be moved to the template creator's userspace." means that those templates are not to be used outside of userspace. I thought this was pretty clear already, but apparently not... ::::::::All that being said, I appreciate and accept your apology above.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 13:55, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::I think that an occasional editor would expect the delete link to record a "delete" vote, not take them to a page saying "Permission error". I get having such a link on Commons where the closing admin migt have to delete a list of 20 imgaes after a sinle nomination, but I don't see the need here. I also agree with TT that userspace templetes should not be used in project space, except for a single example when discussing moving the template to mainspace. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 15:00, 18 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::::That's the whole point; otherwise, we'd be restricting the use of a template to a single individual, not to their userspace. Please, [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], you do great work, but especially as an admin, you need to not only respect consensus but uphold it as the fundamental way this site operates in your statements and model your respect for it to other users. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:11, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::I must dispute the following statement "''They're not "your nominations", either; they're community nominations submitted by you for the community's consideration, and they should be made in the standard way that the community has come to expect.''". First of all, they're still my nominations, since I irrevocably release my text under the CC BY-SA License, and in no way does that ever state that I'm handing over those nominations to the community. I still hold the copyright for those, and so they are '''not''' "they're community nominations submitted by you for the community's consideration" and so they're still the nominations of whoever started them. b) "the standard way that the community has come to expect.". I cannot find any place where it says that as well. So until you direct me to where that's told, then again, there's nothing saying how I should format those nominations. :::::::::Let's say I used a template (call it {{tl|tnr}} for example), and it's main purpose is to get text in Times New Roman. So if I used <nowiki> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman; color:green"> Some text here</span></nowiki> instead of this example {{tl|tnr}} template which would both produce <span style="font-family:Times New Roman; color:green"> Some text here</span>. Now that plain text I was using had no templates in it, nor is a substituted template. I'll let you all decide for yourselves on how that'd be taken. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 21:23, 18 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::::You've completely missed, or certainly failed to address, the wider points. I suggest some closer reading and reflection.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 08:27, 19 October 2021 (UTC) == Help needed == I slushed the Puerto Rican stubs nom for now, but it's 4:12 AM and I have to wake up for work in about 5 hours, so I'd be very grateful if someone else could remove all the VfD templates from the articles in question. Please see the thread at [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion/March 2022#Puerto Rico skeletons with a byte count lower than 600 created by Ligocsicnarf89 (talk · contribs)]]. And thanks! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:13, 31 March 2022 (UTC) :@[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] btw I'm happy for anyone to rollback my edits to those articles as it's a pretty tedious thing to do manually. However, do get some sleep first. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:35, 31 March 2022 (UTC) :: vfd templates removed. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:54, 31 March 2022 (UTC) :::Thanks for removing them :-). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:00, 31 March 2022 (UTC) ::::Thank you! -- [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:31, 31 March 2022 (UTC) == Closure comments == There is an argument on a user page on what comments are suitable when closing a VFD thread. If I interpret [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] correctly, they think any comments that don't conflict with any specific rule is OK, while IK and I disagree. See [[Special:Permalink/4569290#Sorry for editing an archive]]. I added the following to the instructions, to have the requested rule, and got reverted: : The note on whether the article was kept should be objective; if you have an opinion that needs to be voiced, voice it during the discussion – if you didn't until now, either keep silent or give others time to comment on it by not taking action yet. The addition hadn't been discussed other than in that user page thread, so the reversion was anticipated. Now, what does the community think about the issue? Do you agree with me or SHB? Should there be written advice? Is the suggested wording OK? Should there be some more general wording in [[Wikivoyage:Administrators' handbook]] covering also this? Any general comments? –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:47, 26 November 2022 (UTC) :My 2 cents: :* Not allowing users to voice their opinion is antithetical to the purpose of a discussion :* Discussions are immediately archived once the outcome has been reached; this is per [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Deleting, or not]] :* Yes, you're right that my rationale behind standing by my comment doesn't conflict with any specific policy :* It's probably not a good idea to include it in the [[Wikivoyage:Administrators' handbook]] as any Wikivoyager can close a DR if the outcome was keep or redirect – this is also per [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Deleting, or not]] :I am opposed to the addition of [[Special:Diff/4569292]], because the purpose of vfd is to ''not'' "keep silent", and "giv[ing] others time to comment on it by not taking action yet" contradicts [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Deleting, or not]]. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 22:51, 26 November 2022 (UTC) ::Closing a discussion means no longer arguing about it. I still find it incredible, inflammatory, and in incredibly bad grace to have to have a discussion about this at all. I'd observe that SHB2000 tried to argue that a consensus was not a consensus the last time he showed bad grace in a Vfd closing. Anyone who can't close Vfd threads without trying to get a pot-shot in at the end should not close Vfd threads. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:06, 26 November 2022 (UTC) :::So, let's put it this way. You disagree with my opinion, and are insisting me to follow what ''you'' think should be common practice, even though this is not a policy, at least not yet. Then, you indirectly claim that your opinion is somehow superior to mine and I should follow it, and now claim that the common practice to enroot this into a Wikivoyage policy is "<span style="color:darkred;font-family:Georgia">incredible, inflammatory, and in incredibly bad grace</span>". So, who's being hypocritical here? <s> Oh, and that discussion really wasn't a consensus – there were only two more delete !votes, and a lot of the keep !votes were [[w:WP:PERX]].</s> --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 23:53, 26 November 2022 (UTC) ::::And you still haven't answered my question from yesterday: if you so vehemently disagreed with my statement, why didn't you close the article yourself 10 days ago, when the article was due to be closed? --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 23:55, 26 November 2022 (UTC) :::::That's not a valid argument. We're all volunteers here, I'm a busy man, and I don't always think about closing Vfd threads here. None of that is an excuse for you to break the precedent of not editorializing and insulting the consensus when closing. Come on, man! You do a lot of good work, but you sometimes just don't seem to understand when to drop it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:01, 27 November 2022 (UTC) ::::::And for the record, what you tried to claim was not a consensus was [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion/May 2022|8-3]]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:10, 27 November 2022 (UTC) :::::::I stand corrected; have struck that comment. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 01:24, 27 November 2022 (UTC) *Oppose. I don't think we need to change the policy because one editor made a comment some people didn't like. This editorialising does not disrupt the functioning of our travel guide, and let's recognize that SHB was doing a necessary administrative function in closing the discussion even though he didn't agree with the conclusion. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 02:46, 27 November 2022 (UTC) ::I'm surprised. I thought you would find fault with such a closing comment even though you would agree with the substance. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:01, 27 November 2022 (UTC) :::As the closing comment is not something that affects the reader, I don't see the need to regulate it, especially in response to a single closing comment. This seems like a sledgehammer/fly situation. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:51, 27 November 2022 (UTC) *::The bottom line is, not everyone disagrees with my comment, as you seem to think. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 07:15, 27 November 2022 (UTC) : I agree with LPfi & Ikan; such comments are extremely bad form. I do not think a single instance merits either a policy change or any sort of disciplinary action against the user, but a persistent pattern of such actions might. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 04:02, 28 November 2022 (UTC) :: The "bottom line", as I see it, is that whether anyone agrees with the comment is utterly irrelevant; the comment was clearly made in the wrong place. :: It would have been appropriate either as part of the deletion discussion or raising an issue on either the VFD or Deletion policy talk page. However, adding a snarky remark in the archive &mdash; where no-one is likely to see it & anyone who does cannot reply &mdash; was out of line. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 07:53, 28 November 2022 (UTC) == Using this page to propose merge/redirects == This page was not envisioned to be used for that purpose, and it is in my opinion quite an unnecessary use of volunteer time. If you think a merge/redirect should be done and it's unlikely to be controversial, just do it if you have the time. If you think it might be controversial, start a thread on the talk page of the article to be merged and have a discussion there. I can't think of any good reason to use this page to propose anything other than deletion. Note that it does take more time to close discussions here than to simply have discussions on talk pages. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:30, 17 December 2022 (UTC) :I think this page can still be used if a user is indifferent to whether an article should be deleted or redirected (e.g., some of our recent destination articles nominated for deletion); I agree with you that the airport articles could have been better handled on the relevant talk page, though. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 00:02, 18 December 2022 (UTC) ::If there's a reasonable basis for proposing deletion, that's what this page is for. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:08, 18 December 2022 (UTC) ::: But if you are indifferent, why not just merge and redirect? It mostly requires less effort than the discussion and possible later merger. The history will be there (easily found if correctly attributed) for those who might want to revive the article with additional info that would make it pass the whiaa test. The redirect seldom does harm (and if you think it does, ''then'' take it here). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 13:06, 18 December 2022 (UTC) == Withdrawing nominations == In many fora, one is allowed to withdraw one's own proposal, but as SHB2000 notes, "there's no policy on en.voy explicitly allowing this". I think there shouldn't be one. To the contrary, as soon as a nomination is posted, other contributors put time and thought in evaluating the article and articulating their standpoints. This effort is mostly lost in a speedy closure, and the thoughts shared may have implications on other articles than the one nominated. Also, consensus might be to delete the article despite the nominator changing their mind, and a second nomination shouldn't be needed. Thus I think the discussion should be allowed to continue for the normal time, unless there is consensus for something else or there is some good reason to speedy the decision. I think the judgement on the latter should be left to somebody else. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 16:32, 29 December 2022 (UTC) :Withdrawing serves to prevent attracting input (meaning time and energy) to an inoperative process; it is such when it is 100% certain not to result in a change. People will air their views, and these might be icredibly articulate and wise, but it doesn't create a tangible benefit for the project. I don't think that a policy change is necessary in order to allow withdrawing, but just as well, withdrawing should not be considered prohibited when not prescribed by policy. Withdrawing should only be done if absolutely all of the votes are to keep. If there is even a single delete vote anyone should feel free to reopen the discussion. [[User:Alalch E.|Alalch E.]] ([[User talk:Alalch E.|talk]]) 17:07, 29 December 2022 (UTC) :For example, I really think that it makes sense for {{u|SHB2000}} to withdraw [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Surfing]] ''now'' (and only now), when everyone agrees (which was not the case initially). [[User:Alalch E.|Alalch E.]] ([[User talk:Alalch E.|talk]]) 17:18, 29 December 2022 (UTC) ::We should adopt some guideline that nominations can be speedily withdrawn when there isn't even a proposal for deletion or none of the people responding support deletion, such as when whether to merge/redirect or to which article is being unnecessarily argued about on this page. I would suggest that a nomination for other than deletion be immediately withdrawn unless someone suggests deletion in the response thread before it is deleted, and that otherwise, if after 3 days, there is no support for deletion, a nomination can be speedily resolved as a keep, but that if the resolution is deletion, at least 7 days are needed. The way around that, in my opinion, is to start a thread on the article's talk page, where the person who started the article could agree to deletion if very little if anything has been added by others, or sometimes, articles are speedily deleted without a proposal here because they are so obviously irrelevant or are copyright violation. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:06, 29 December 2022 (UTC) :I thought it was allowed (and have done so in the past with no dramas), until that nomination. Nominators should be allowed to close their nominations whenever they choose to, with the prejudice that it's appropriate. I like Ikan Kekek's proposal and we could trial this next year. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 20:26, 29 December 2022 (UTC) ::I think the reason it was uncontroversial before is that opinion was probably unanimous, though correct me if I'm wrong. But in the most recent case, I know I wondered what had happened and was surprised to see a deletion thread that as yet had no unanimous opinion speedily archived. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:46, 29 December 2022 (UTC) :::I don't think we should be able to withdraw "our" nominations early, primarily because there's no such thing as "my nomination", only a nomination submitted to the community for consideration. Of course there are some exceptions: if a clear consensus has developed early with little chance of dissent, or if the nomination is clearly not a real candidate for deletion (e.g. something that should be merged).--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 09:33, 30 December 2022 (UTC) ::::{{re|ThunderingTyphoons!}} if nominations don't belong to one user, then perhaps would you like to explain why [[c:Template:Withdraw]], [[species:Template:Withdraw]], [[w:en:Template:Withdraw]], [[w:ar:قالب:سحب_ترشيح]], [[w:bh:टेम्पलेट:Withdraw]], [[w:bn:টেমপ্লেট:Withdraw]], [[w:ckb:داڕێژە:کشانەوەی پاڵاوتن]], [[w:et:Mall:Loobun]], [[w:fa:الگو:انصراف]], [[w:en:ಟೆಂಪ್ಲೇಟು:Withdraw]], [[w:shn:ထႅမ်းပလဵတ်ႉ:Withdraw]], [[w:sr:Шаблон:Withdraw]] and [[w:te:మూస:Withdraw]] all translate or say "I withdraw '''my''' nomination", with "my" being the key word here? The concept of a deletion nomination shouldn't differ by WMF project, so I'm a bit confused on why you think the concept of "my nominations" shouldn't exist. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 12:12, 30 December 2022 (UTC) :::::Forgive me, but my pontifications about the possible meanings of machine-translated sentences written in languages I don't speak on wikis I've never visited wouldn't be of use to anyone. :::::But to explain my thought process further, a nomination can of course be "mine" inasmuch as if I make the nomination, it originated from my brain, and was created by my fingers when I posted it. And yes, I can continue to refer to it as "my" nomination, but that's just semantics or sentimentality; I can't assert actual ownership over the nomination. Once the nomination is live on VFD, and especially once it's being considered by others, it is no longer mine to unilaterally withdraw, because that's not fair to other members of the community who have lent their time and consideration. Similarly, an article I start is no longer "mine" as soon as it's published, even if I continue to be the main or only contributor; this is a wiki after all. :::::If I rationally believed an article was worthy of deletion, then it is likely that other members of the community would agree and so if they had found the article before I did, they would have nominated it first. The question of who did nominate is unimportant. Even if I am alone in believing the article should be deleted, that can only be tested by a nomination that runs its course and that allows the whole community a say, or that at least provides an early consensus. The person who made the nomination doesn't have any special say over the outcome of the nomination; the community does.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 12:46, 30 December 2022 (UTC) ::::::"The concept of a deletion nomination shouldn't differ by WMF project"? Why not? If there remains a question about whether to delete or not, we can have our own policy. You wouldn't argue that we need to have a NPOV policy because some other Wikis have it, would you? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:02, 30 December 2022 (UTC) ::::::: There is an advantage of standardising some things across the WMF sites, so that readers and editors have an easy time approaching another project. However, people from other projects usually don't have enough of an understanding to contribute at deletion discussions. Sometimes they might have some valuable fresh viewpoints, but few from the outside can see when their viewpoint is just distracting. Thus, until you have followed the discussions long enough to learn the idiosyncrasies, you don't need to nominate articles or close the discussions, and thus the advantage of standardising is marginal. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 16:47, 30 December 2022 (UTC) :::::::{{re|Ikan Kekek}} each wiki can have its own policy regarding deletion nominations, but the concept of it shouldn't differ: a user nominates one or more pages for deletion because of some reason, then a discussion happens for a certain period of time and then the discussion is closed as either kept, deleted, redirected (or something else like getting another project to import the article). What can differ is the length, reasoning or outcome. NPOV is a completely different story because it's only a policy on Wikipedia, but likewise, the concept of NPOV shouldn't differ between different language Wikipedias. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 22:32, 30 December 2022 (UTC) ::::::{{re|ThunderingTyphoons!}} fair enough, but I don't think articles are comparable to DRs, but maybe that's because I spend more time on Commons' DRs than our VfD, which is where I've been influenced. I still favour Ikan's proposal, though (which is similar to what you're proposing: "if a clear consensus has developed early with little chance of dissent, or if the nomination is clearly not a real candidate for deletion", but with more detail). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta]])</small></span> 22:25, 30 December 2022 (UTC) == [[Wikivoyage:Votes_for_deletion#Archiving]] == Current text in this section includes: : When archiving, always '''make it clear''' to other editors what '''the outcome of the discussion''' was. This can be done by adding the result to the discussion in a ''separate edit'' from the one in which you remove the discussion from this page; or you can describe the outcome in the edit summary when you remove the discussion. I'd delete the suggestion of the edit summary. or change "or you can" to "you should also". It seems to me we always want the result in the archive since someone looking later will not see the edit summary. We also have: : If the nominated article, file or template '''was not deleted''', then place another (identical duplicate) copy of the deletion discussion on the discussion page of the article, file or template being kept or redirected. I'd change this to: : If the nominated article, file or template '''was not deleted''', then the nomination should be mentioned on its talk page. If the deletion discussion is reasonably short, place another (identical duplicate) copy of it on the talk page. For longer discussions, provide a link to the archive instead. Other opinions? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 13:04, 1 June 2024 (UTC) :I'm not a fan of duplicating discussions by copy-pasting it on the talk page and don't think this has been followed for quite some time – duplicating content is never a good idea. I would much rather require that only a link be placed to the deletion discussion for all cases. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 22:43, 1 June 2024 (UTC) ::However, one could copy the outcome declaration. That's short and could avoid need of clicking in some obvious cases (such as "speedy keep: no valid reason to delete"). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:28, 2 June 2024 (UTC) : {{tick}} Edited. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 20:56, 2 June 2024 (UTC) ::I think putting the deletion nomination thread on an article's talk page has often been done. I'm not sure archiving was always done thoroughly. I guess I feel like it's OK to have the thread there if anyone deems the article to be likely to be nominated for deletion again, but summarizing the discussion and providing a link to the relevant section of the archive is an acceptable alternative. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:47, 2 June 2024 (UTC) :::I'm also not opposed to how Commons deals with DRs that resulted in a keep (which is very effective in grabbing your attention) – we could at least experiment it for a month or two. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB2000</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:00, 2 June 2024 (UTC) ::::I agree that Commons does this in a good way. There's room for doubt on whether it prevents further deletion requests, but it's certainly clear. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:50, 16 May 2025 (UTC) == User and user talk pages for users with no Wikivoyage contributions == What's our policy on pages like [[User talk:Зорана Филиповић]], which [[User:92.21.137.132]] provided a translation for that I reverted because I thought it was a user page and not a user talk page? [https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Special:Contributions/%D0%97%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B0_%D0%A4%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B8%D1%9B No user contributions] except for that page and their user page, [[User:Зорана Филиповић]], which is transcluded from Meta, and these pages are solely in Cyrillic. Meanwhile, this is stated in the translation to be a sock of [[User talk:Filipović Zoran]]. Should we delete the sock user and user talk pages? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:12, 30 June 2025 (UTC) : Yes, csrtainly. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:40, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::I agree they should be speedied. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 00:07, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::Looking deeply at both of the profiles, it's supposedly an editor with 138K edits [[https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:CentralAuth/Filipovi%C4%87_Zoran]] in Serbian and other wiki - and at least one profile shows already blocked [[https://sr.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=%D0%9F%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%B5%D0%B1%D0%BD%D0%BE:%D0%94%D0%BD%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%BA/block&page=User%3AFilipovi%C4%87+Zoran]] in some places. -- [[Special:Contributions/92.21.137.132|92.21.137.132]] 00:24, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::Any objection? We can afford to wait 24 hours, I figure. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:38, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::Yeah no harm waiting a day or two. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 01:36, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::The disclaimer should be on their meta user page instead, no need to copy it to talk pages on many projects. It, and the translation could be moved there, I suppose, but just deleting the talk page is no problem, I think. If they start contributing here, anybody checking the talk page history will see there are deleted versions. Do provide a helpful deletion rationale when deleting. ::::::For user pages, there are different cases. A new page could be from somebody who intends to start contributing, so should not be summarily deleted. We might also have active registered users who just don't contribute. They might have bookmarks etc. on the page. If the page looks legitimate and it doesn't have excess content, I don't think there is any harm in keeping it. At least the user should be notified and asked about it. Touting or propaganda from non-contributors doesn't need to be tolerated. ::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:32, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::If you're concerned about the deletion rationale, why don't you take care of the deletion tomorrow and supply your own rationale? And if you think this sockpuppet could ever be a useful Wikivoyage user, I suggest you look at the link I gave to the user talk page of their main account. They have never had any interest in using Wikivoyage as anything but a place to vent their frustration about Wikipedia, and that is not the function of this site. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:47, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::I can do the deletion OK. But I either need to do it prematurely or risk somebody else doing it before me (unless I have such a window at my disposal). ::::::::I don't think they will be a useful contributor, but the current mention of alternative accounts will help to see whether they have proved problematic on other projects, if they ever turn up (for venting frustration or otherwise). With a decent deletion rationale, any admin will know to check that deleted mention. ::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:31, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::You can always give an additional reason for a deletion that you type in on the second line of deletion reasons. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:28, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::Yes. But the one who deletes must write that reason. I just asked that whoever does this thinks for a few seconds about what to write, like they should when deleting a page with a name that refers to a valid topic. In that case any newbie trying to create the article will see a warning that includes that reason. It should make clear that the problem wasn't with the topic but what actually was written. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 17:52, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::I'm nominating you to type a reason you're satisfied with. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:44, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::<nowiki/>:-) ::::::::::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:35, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::::I think I should be a bit blunt here: Basically, I feel that you're not that confident in me, or at least more resistant to deleting the user and user talk pages of totally useless Wikivoyage users (keeping in mind the still unresolved case of the WT-en touter), so you do it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:02, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::::'''Done'''. I hope that you could leave that feeling behind. We may disagree on that one issue, but I respect you highly. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:49, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :{{re|Ikan Kekek|LPfi}} A bit more context I've learned about this specific user that an srwiki user told me in private (I won't disclose their username in public for their own safety): Zoran apparently has a history of spamming matters about his (srwiki) blocks on various different projects, sometimes using alts on unrelated projects like in this case. I will block both those accounts as per [[WV:ONESTRIKE]] (mirroring the srwiki block) because ideally I'd like to keep Zoran's activities out of enwikivoyage fully (though there is a chance they may be globally locked for x-wiki abuse). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 04:03, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::... and just like that, at 10:45 today, there's an unblocking request on the cyrillic user name talk page. -- [[Special:Contributions/92.21.137.132|92.21.137.132]] 11:38, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::I don't like the onestrike rule to be used other than in clear cases. It requires "a similar malicious edit on Wikivoyage" to the "vandalism or other malicious editing" they have done elsewhere. [[User:Filipović Zoran|Filipović Zoran]] and [[User:Зорана Филиповић|Зорана Филиповић]] were blocked as sockpupets of each other. Where is the vandalism or other malicious editing? I agree that non-contributors venting frustration of matters on other projects don't belong here, but that was handled in August. The new user page was created only as a pointer to the other account – with such a pointer, claims of sockpupetry are moot. My deleting the page on IK's request doesn't make the account a sockpuppet. ::If they should be globally banned, that's something for Meta, not for us. I limited the block period, not to have it count among "banned on X projects" when deciding on global blocks, until I am convinced there is some local reason for them to be blocked here. ::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:52, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::I don't think they will be a productive user here, but that's up to them. As long as they are non-contributors, there is no need to block them. Let's not make Wikivoyage a tool for fighting cross-wiki issues that don't concern us. I don't want to spend my Wikivoyage time on analysing issues on other projects. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 13:00, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::I am also concerned that the onestrike rule makes it easy to provoke a good-faith user to break rules on civility on one project, ban them there, and then use the onestrike rule to get them banned globally. To counter that, we should not ban users who haven't proven vandals or problem users over here. Block them with low threshold, yes, but don't ban them without a ban nomination and local reasons. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 13:04, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::The vandalism and malicious editing is going onto every WMF project and spamming their issues on srwiki (including here). ''They'' are the ones who bring up srwiki issues onto us and I'm not sure if you missed "for their own safety", this is the reason I indeffed them – global bans are irrelevant in this case because they are not used for spam or vandalism. In the future, please try to consult me before shortening a block because most cross-wiki cases often involve matters I cannot disclose in public (partly for [[w:en:WP:BEANS|BEANS]]-related reasons) and this is one of them. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 13:53, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::Without spilling too much, the reason why you will not find much public discussion behind this is because Zoran's case involves lots of off-wiki harassment that the WMF isn't willing to handle just yet. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 14:10, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::::I understand that part, but it seems their offending edit was in August, and handled at that time, so I don't see the point in blocking them now. I did miss the "for their own safety" and I cannot find such a statement now. I am uncomfortable with people being blocked here for what they do in other projects. This is not the place for that discussion and I leave it for now. Reinstate the permanent block if you will, although I don't see what harm the temporary shortening could have caused. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 19:46, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::Normally I'd agree with you, but this is a long case and I put editor safety for our srwiki editors first. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:03, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::The comment says indef block reinstated. The action says block removed. -- [[Special:Contributions/92.21.137.132|92.21.137.132]] 23:21, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::It's a multiblock issue. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:51, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::Just checking as the user was back on their talk page within minutes of the change. -- [[Special:Contributions/92.21.137.132|92.21.137.132]] 23:58, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ktxqe8lu0fp3w8fift4el7ptdtlkf6b 10 78259 5086913 5085577 2025-07-03T03:22:14Z Ypsilon 1806 5086913 wikitext text/x-wiki <!--Please sweep old Discoveries to the archive, which is [[Discover]]. Add them at the top of that page. --> <!--Even if months are always written with two digits, days from 0-9 should be written WITHOUT an extra zero! --> {{#switch: {{CURRENTMONTH}}-{{CURRENTDAY}} | 07-3= [[File:Fin bathroom in Fin garden, Kashan, Iran.jpg|right|200px]] * King Nasereddin Shah had his vizier Amir-Kabir '''murdered in Fin Garden's bathhouse''' (''pictured'') after sending him to [[Kashan]]. * [[Montañita]] is called the "'''Amsterdam of South America'''", for its prolific sales and usage of marijuana. * Since '''Biblical plants grow in a different climate''', the plants in the Rodef Shalom Biblical Botanical Garden in [[Pittsburgh/Oakland|Pittsburgh]] '''must be removed in the cold months and returned in warm months''' to prevent them from dying. | 07-4= [[File:Fin bathroom in Fin garden, Kashan, Iran.jpg|right|200px]] * When '''Winston Churchill''' visited the U.S., he requested to visit the Barbara Fritchie House in [[Frederick]] where he '''recited the poem, Barbara Fritchie, from memory'''. * King Nasereddin Shah had his vizier Amir-Kabir '''murdered in Fin Garden's bathhouse''' (''pictured'') after sending him to [[Kashan]]. * [[Montañita]] is called the "'''Amsterdam of South America'''", for its prolific sales and usage of marijuana. | 07-5= [[File:Fin bathroom in Fin garden, Kashan, Iran.jpg|right|200px]] * People '''wore suits and gloves to Pontilac Beach''' in [[Royan]] long ago when it was an exclusive beach for the upper class. * When '''Winston Churchill''' visited the U.S., he requested to visit the Barbara Fritchie House in [[Frederick]] where he '''recited the poem, Barbara Fritchie, from memory'''. * King Nasereddin Shah had his vizier Amir-Kabir '''murdered in Fin Garden's bathhouse''' (''pictured'') after sending him to [[Kashan]]. | 07-6= [[File:Bankura Terracotta Horses.jpg|right|200px]] * The Bankura Horses (''pictured'') of [[Bankura]] have become a '''national symbol of Indian handicrafts'''. * People '''wore suits and gloves to Pontilac Beach''' in [[Royan]] long ago when it was an exclusive beach for the upper class. * When '''Winston Churchill''' visited the U.S., he requested to visit the Barbara Fritchie House in [[Frederick]] where he '''recited the poem, Barbara Fritchie, from memory'''. | 07-7= [[File:Bankura Terracotta Horses.jpg|right|200px]] * You can see '''14 locations painted or drawn by Vincent Van Gogh''' at the Van Gogh Village Museum in [[Nuenen]]. * The city of [[Trenton]] is '''named after William Trent''', a British tradesman who became one of the wealthiest men in the city. * The Bankura Horses (''pictured'') of [[Bankura]] have become a '''national symbol of Indian handicrafts'''. * People '''wore suits and gloves to Pontilac Beach''' in [[Royan]] long ago when it was an exclusive beach for the upper class. | 07-8= [[File:Ruinas do Abarebebe 1.jpg|right|200px]] * The Abarebebê Ruins (''pictured'') in [[Peruíbe]] contain the stone framework of '''Brazil's first church''', built in the 16th century as a school and refuge from Indian attacks. * You can see '''14 locations painted or drawn by Vincent Van Gogh''' at the Van Gogh Village Museum in [[Nuenen]]. * The city of [[Trenton]] is '''named after William Trent''', a British tradesman who became one of the wealthiest men in the city. | 07-9= [[File:Ruinas do Abarebebe 1.jpg|right|200px]] * Boullanger Island off the coast of [[Jurien Bay]] is home to the dibbler, a '''rare marsupial mouse'''. * The Abarebebê Ruins (''pictured'') in [[Peruíbe]] contain the stone framework of '''Brazil's first church''', built in the 16th century as a school and refuge from Indian attacks. * You can see '''14 locations painted or drawn by Vincent Van Gogh''' at the Van Gogh Village Museum in [[Nuenen]]. | 07-10= [[File:Ruinas do Abarebebe 1.jpg|right|200px]] * The State Farms Museum in [[Haikou]] focuses on the '''history of Hainan Island's rubber industry'''. * Boullanger Island off the coast of [[Jurien Bay]] is home to the dibbler, a '''rare marsupial mouse'''. * The Abarebebê Ruins (''pictured'') in [[Peruíbe]] contain the stone framework of '''Brazil's first church''', built in the 16th century as a school and refuge from Indian attacks. | 07-11= [[File:Nayiri Palace in Nalerigu.jpg|right|200px]] * It is '''illegal to cross in front of Nayiri Palace''' (''pictured'') '''on a bicycle or motorbike''' in [[Nalerigu]]; doing so will get you fined. * The State Farms Museum in [[Haikou]] focuses on the '''history of Hainan Island's rubber industry'''. * Boullanger Island off the coast of [[Jurien Bay]] is home to the dibbler, a '''rare marsupial mouse'''. | 07-12= [[File:Nayiri Palace in Nalerigu.jpg|right|200px]] * One of the most common reasons to visit [[Grodno]] is to '''buy cheap smokes and booze''' to take back into the EU where they cost more. * It is '''illegal to cross in front of Nayiri Palace''' (''pictured'') '''on a bicycle or motorbike''' in [[Nalerigu]]; doing so will get you fined. * The State Farms Museum in [[Haikou]] focuses on the '''history of Hainan Island's rubber industry'''. | 07-13= [[File:Nayiri Palace in Nalerigu.jpg|right|200px]] * The [[Swazi phrasebook|Swazi]] greeting "Sawubona", equivalent to "Hello" in English, '''literally translates as "Do I see you?"''' * One of the most common reasons to visit [[Grodno]] is to '''buy cheap smokes and booze''' to take back into the EU where they cost more. * It is '''illegal to cross in front of Nayiri Palace''' (''pictured'') '''on a bicycle or motorbike''' in [[Nalerigu]]; doing so will get you fined. | 07-14= [[File:蕪嶋神社の風景20210403-P1170273.jpg|right|200px]] * '''Over 30,000 seagulls gather around Kabushima Shrine''' (''pictured'') in [[Hachinohe]] to breed from February to August. * The [[Swazi phrasebook|Swazi]] greeting "Sawubona", equivalent to "Hello" in English, '''literally translates as "Do I see you?"''' * One of the most common reasons to visit [[Grodno]] is to '''buy cheap smokes and booze''' to take back into the EU where they cost more. | 07-15= [[File:蕪嶋神社の風景20210403-P1170273.jpg|right|200px]] * Every July [[Kuhmo]] hosts the '''biggest chamber music festival in Finland'''. * '''Over 30,000 seagulls gather around Kabushima Shrine''' (''pictured'') in [[Hachinohe]] to breed from February to August. * The [[Swazi phrasebook|Swazi]] greeting "Sawubona", equivalent to "Hello" in English, '''literally translates as "Do I see you?"''' | 07-16= [[File:蕪嶋神社の風景20210403-P1170273.jpg|right|200px]] * '''Teletubbies Hill''' in [[Jayapura]] was given the name by locals for its resemblance to the grassy hill from the famous British TV show, Teletubbies. * Every July [[Kuhmo]] hosts the '''biggest chamber music festival in Finland'''. * '''Over 30,000 seagulls gather around Kabushima Shrine''' (''pictured'') in [[Hachinohe]] to breed from February to August. | 07-17= [[File:Pescado blanco a la veracruzana.jpg|200px|right]] * Pescado blanco (''pictured'') is a specialty of [[Patzcuaro]], characterized by its used of '''white fish from Lake Patzcuaro'''. * '''Teletubbies Hill''' in [[Jayapura]] was given the name by locals for its resemblance to the grassy hill from the famous British TV show, Teletubbies. * Every July [[Kuhmo]] hosts the '''biggest chamber music festival in Finland'''. | 07-18= [[File:Pescado blanco a la veracruzana.jpg|200px|right]] * '''Franz Kafka spent his childhood holidays''' in [[Třešť]], which you can learn more about from exhibits in the Former Jewish Synagogue. * Pescado blanco (''pictured'') is a specialty of [[Patzcuaro]], characterized by its used of '''white fish from Lake Patzcuaro'''. * '''Teletubbies Hill''' in [[Jayapura]] was given the name by locals for its resemblance to the grassy hill from the famous British TV show, Teletubbies. | 07-19= [[File:Pescado blanco a la veracruzana.jpg|200px|right]] * The Sea Gypsy Village in [[Ko Lanta]] helps preserve the distinct culture of '''seafaring nomads who've lived in the area for over 500 years'''. * '''Franz Kafka spent his childhood holidays''' in [[Třešť]], which you can learn more about from exhibits in the Former Jewish Synagogue. * Pescado blanco (''pictured'') is a specialty of [[Patzcuaro]], characterized by its used of '''white fish from Lake Patzcuaro'''. | 07-20= [[File:Sur-Dhow yard (16).JPG|right|200px]] * [[Sur]] has '''one of the last dhow shipyards''' (''pictured'') where you can still see dhows being built in the traditional way. * The Sea Gypsy Village in [[Ko Lanta]] helps preserve the distinct culture of '''seafaring nomads who've lived in the area for over 500 years'''. * '''Franz Kafka spent his childhood holidays''' in [[Třešť]], which you can learn more about from exhibits in the Former Jewish Synagogue. | 07-21= [[File:Sur-Dhow yard (16).JPG|right|200px]] * The Museum of Clean in [[Pocatello]] is all about the history of cleanliness; it includes a '''dog treadmill-powered washing machine from the late 1800s'''. * [[Sur]] has '''one of the last dhow shipyards''' (''pictured'') where you can still see dhows being built in the traditional way. * The Sea Gypsy Village in [[Ko Lanta]] helps preserve the distinct culture of '''seafaring nomads who've lived in the area for over 500 years'''. | 07-22= [[File:Sur-Dhow yard (16).JPG|right|200px]] * If you wake up early enough, you can '''ride the mining truck with the miners''' to reach and explore Chambillaya Mine from [[Quime]]. * The Museum of Clean in [[Pocatello]] is all about the history of cleanliness; it includes a '''dog treadmill-powered washing machine from the late 1800s'''. * [[Sur]] has '''one of the last dhow shipyards''' (''pictured'') where you can still see dhows being built in the traditional way. | 07-23= [[File:The Sultan Attahiru Mbormi Tomb.jpg|200px|right]] * The '''famed Sokoto Caliphate was ended''' at the Mbormi Battle Ground near [[Bajoga]] when the British successfully killed Sultan Attahiru (''tomb pictured'') without leaving a successor. * If you wake up early enough, you can '''ride the mining truck with the miners''' to reach and explore Chambillaya Mine from [[Quime]]. * The Museum of Clean in [[Pocatello]] is all about the history of cleanliness; it includes a '''dog treadmill-powered washing machine from the late 1800s'''. | 07-24= [[File:The Sultan Attahiru Mbormi Tomb.jpg|200px|right]] * The limestone crags in [[Kalymnos]] have '''nearly 1,000 sport routes''' for rock climbing. * The '''famed Sokoto Caliphate was ended''' at the Mbormi Battle Ground near [[Bajoga]] when the British successfully killed Sultan Attahiru (''tomb pictured'') without leaving a successor. * If you wake up early enough, you can '''ride the mining truck with the miners''' to reach and explore Chambillaya Mine from [[Quime]]. | 07-25= [[File:The Sultan Attahiru Mbormi Tomb.jpg|200px|right]] * One way to '''categorize hand-woven [[carpets]]''' is to determine whether they are nomad rugs, made on portable nomad looms, or town rugs, made on stationary looms. * The limestone crags in [[Kalymnos]] have '''nearly 1,000 sport routes''' for rock climbing. * The '''famed Sokoto Caliphate was ended''' at the Mbormi Battle Ground near [[Bajoga]] when the British successfully killed Sultan Attahiru (''tomb pictured'') without leaving a successor. | 07-26= [[File:DSC01154 Blowhole in Samoa.jpg|right|200px]] * The Alofaaga Blowholes (''pictured'') in [[Savaii]] occur when '''ocean water travels through lava tubes and shoot out the holes''' like geysers. * One way to '''categorize hand-woven [[carpets]]''' is to determine whether they are nomad rugs, made on portable nomad looms, or town rugs, made on stationary looms. * The limestone crags in [[Kalymnos]] have '''nearly 1,000 sport routes''' for rock climbing. | 07-27= [[File:DSC01154 Blowhole in Samoa.jpg|right|200px]] * Although [[Lofoten]] sits '''above the Arctic Circle''' at the same latitude as Greenland and northern Siberia, the Gulf Stream keeps the winter temperature just '''around 0*C instead of -40*C'''. * The Alofaaga Blowholes (''pictured'') in [[Savaii]] occur when '''ocean water travels through lava tubes and shoot out the holes''' like geysers. * One way to '''categorize hand-woven [[carpets]]''' is to determine whether they are nomad rugs, made on portable nomad looms, or town rugs, made on stationary looms. | 07-28= [[File:DSC01154 Blowhole in Samoa.jpg|right|200px]] * For the Jordan Pavilion at the [[Expo 2025|2025 World Expo Osaka]], '''22 tons of sand were transported from''' [[Wadi Rum]]''', Jordan to Osaka, Japan'''. * Although [[Lofoten]] sits '''above the Arctic Circle''' at the same latitude as Greenland and northern Siberia, the Gulf Stream keeps the winter temperature just '''around 0*C instead of -40*C'''. * The Alofaaga Blowholes (''pictured'') in [[Savaii]] occur when '''ocean water travels through lava tubes and shoot out the holes''' like geysers. | 07-29= [[File:Soto Museum 2.jpg|right|200px]] * '''World-renowned Venezuelan plastic art sculptor Soto''' has some of his best works (''one pictured'') on display at Jesús Soto Modern Art Museum in [[Ciudad Bolívar]]. * For the Jordan Pavilion at the [[Expo 2025|2025 World Expo Osaka]], '''22 tons of sand were transported from''' [[Wadi Rum]]''', Jordan to Osaka, Japan'''. * Although [[Lofoten]] sits '''above the Arctic Circle''' at the same latitude as Greenland and northern Siberia, the Gulf Stream keeps the winter temperature just '''around 0*C instead of -40*C'''. | 07-30= [[File:Soto Museum 2.jpg|right|200px]] * The city of [[Pelling]] is named after its British founder Freddie Pelling, who '''became a local hero when he established protections for the town from northern raiders'''. * '''World-renowned Venezuelan plastic art sculptor Soto''' has some of his best works (''one pictured'') on display at Jesús Soto Modern Art Museum in [[Ciudad Bolívar]]. * For the Jordan Pavilion at the [[Expo 2025|2025 World Expo Osaka]], '''22 tons of sand were transported from''' [[Wadi Rum]]''', Jordan to Osaka, Japan'''. | 07-31= [[File:Soto Museum 2.jpg|right|200px]] * Visit [[Pea Ridge]] to see remnants of an important battle in the American Civil War that '''gave the Union control of Missouri'''. * The city of [[Pelling]] is named after its British founder Freddie Pelling, who '''became a local hero when he established protections for the town from northern raiders'''. * '''World-renowned Venezuelan plastic art sculptor Soto''' has some of his best works (''one pictured'') on display at Jesús Soto Modern Art Museum in [[Ciudad Bolívar]]. }} <noinclude> {{documentation}} </noinclude> <!-- Days of one month. Copy, paste, and change the month parameter if it's not January, and delete the last parameter(s) if the month doesn't have 31 days. A text editor in your computer is handy for this, to make sure you don't edit any of the discoveries by accident. Then cut and paste discoveries from Wikivoyage:Discover#Nominations, to the days and move the whole set to the end of the queue above. | 01-1= | 01-2= | 01-3= | 01-4= | 01-5= | 01-6= | 01-7= | 01-8= | 01-9= | 01-10= | 01-11= | 01-12= | 01-13= | 01-14= | 01-15= | 01-16= | 01-17= | 01-18= | 01-19= | 01-20= | 01-21= | 01-22= | 01-23= | 01-24= | 01-25= | 01-26= | 01-27= | 01-28= | 01-29= | 01-30= | 01-31= --> 3zreukax04ict83sm8hg14yxmqxeovk 10 78313 5086701 5068831 2025-07-02T17:05:29Z Andyrom75 107092 test 5086701 wikitext text/x-wiki <templatestyles src="Template:Infobox/styles.css" /> {| class="pp_infobox infobox" style="float:{{{align|right}}}; clear:{{{align|right}}}; margin-left: 1em; width:40%; visibility:visible;" cellpadding=8 cellspacing=1 | {{#if:{{{1|}}}|<div style="font-weight:bold;">{{{1|}}}</div>}} {{{2|}}}{{#if:{{{image|}}}| [[File:{{{image|}}}|frameless|center]]}}{{#if:{{{caption|}}}| {{center|1=<small>{{{caption|}}}</small>}}}} |}<noinclude> {{documentation}} <templatedata> { "params": { "1": { "label": "Heading", "description": "Title of the infobox", "type": "string", "required": false, "suggested": true }, "2": { "label": "Text", "description": "Title of the infobox", "type": "string", "required": false, "suggested": true }, "image": { "label": "Image", "description": "Image from Wikimedia Commons, added at the bottom of the infobox if specified. Filename only, do not include 'File/Image:'.", "type": "string", "required": false, "suggested": true }, "caption": { "label": "Caption", "description": "Image caption, added below image if specified. Keep it short.", "type": "string", "required": false, "suggested": true } }, "description": "Used to add sidebar information to an article." } </templatedata> </noinclude> fy16mos498e40r6raspxv0xl1pdnh3m 5086703 5086701 2025-07-02T17:06:40Z Andyrom75 107092 Undo revision [[Special:Diff/5086701|5086701]] by [[Special:Contributions/Andyrom75|Andyrom75]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) test end 5086703 wikitext text/x-wiki <templatestyles src="Template:Infobox/styles.css" /> {| class="pp_infobox infobox" style="float:{{{align|right}}}; clear:{{{align|right}}}; margin-left: 1em; width:40%;" cellpadding=8 cellspacing=1 | {{#if:{{{1|}}}|<div style="font-weight:bold;">{{{1|}}}</div>}} {{{2|}}}{{#if:{{{image|}}}| [[File:{{{image|}}}|frameless|center]]}}{{#if:{{{caption|}}}| {{center|1=<small>{{{caption|}}}</small>}}}} |}<noinclude> {{documentation}} <templatedata> { "params": { "1": { "label": "Heading", "description": "Title of the infobox", "type": "string", "required": false, "suggested": true }, "2": { "label": "Text", "description": "Title of the infobox", "type": "string", "required": false, "suggested": true }, "image": { "label": "Image", "description": "Image from Wikimedia Commons, added at the bottom of the infobox if specified. Filename only, do not include 'File/Image:'.", "type": "string", "required": false, "suggested": true }, "caption": { "label": "Caption", "description": "Image caption, added below image if specified. Keep it short.", "type": "string", "required": false, "suggested": true } }, "description": "Used to add sidebar information to an article." } </templatedata> </noinclude> 7b11vgzrspok1cohetedcp5t40wlwoh 0 79206 5086706 4653780 2025-07-02T17:08:20Z Bluecoordinationfine 2327039 Added a listing from the GR 10 article. 5086706 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|St-Jean-de-Luz banner Beach.jpg|caption=The main beach at St-Jean-de-Luz}} '''Saint-Jean-de-Luz & Ciboure''' are small towns at the mouth of the River Nivelle, near the border with Spain. St Jean, the larger, is east of the river and straight in front of the railway station, while Ciboure is a village some 500 m west across the river bridge - for practical purposes they're a single community. Their chief attraction is their well preserved centres, with Basque-style houses. St Jean is also a beach resort. ==Get in== ===By car=== Saint-Jean-de-Luz is located on highways D810 and A63 (exit 3) about 25 km southwest of [[Bayonne (France)|Bayonne]] and 15 km northeast of the border with [[Spain]]. ===By bus=== The bus halt is by the railway station. About ten buses a day run west to Hendaye and east to Biarritz and Bayonne. ===By train=== St Jean is on the main line which runs north to [[Biarritz]] and [[Bayonne]], thence to [[Bordeaux]] and Paris Montparnasse: the TGVs to Paris stop here. Change at Bayonne for trains to & from [[Toulouse]] and the Pyrenees towns. The main line continues south to terminate at [[Hendaye]] on the border: Spanish railway gauge doesn't match standard European, so you have to change trains for [[San Sebastian]] / Donostia and for Madrid. * {{go | name=Saint-Jean-de-Luz-Ciboure railway station | alt=Gare de Saint-Jean-de-Luz - Ciboure | url=https://www.garesetconnexions.sncf/fr/gare/frxjz/saint-jean-luz-ciboure | email= | address=Place de Verdun | lat=43.385809 | long=-1.661165 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2023049 | lastedit=2020-08-09 | content= }} ==Get around== The old town is pedestrianized. Parking is available nearby and further out from the old town; free parking is available near the train station. All parking fills quickly during the busy summer months. ==See and do== [[File:Sjdl-church and colours.jpg|thumb|right|Saint-Jean-de-Luz old town]] [[File:San_Juan_de_Luz_-_Barcos_en_el_río_Nivelle_01.jpg|thumb|Nivelle river in Saint-Jean-de-Luz]] * '''Walk the old centres.''' St Jean's old town is very attractive with a mix of buildings in the Basque colours of white, red and green (the Basque colours). Maison Louis XIV is where the king stayed before his marriage to Maria Teresa: it's sometimes open for tours in mid-summer. The beach ("Grand Plage") stretches east of the estuary and gets busy in summer. * {{listing | type=see | name=Église St-Jean Baptiste | alt=Church of St John the Baptist | url= | email= | address=rue Gambetta, St Jean de Luz | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Daily 10:00-12:00 and 14:00-16:00 except during Mass | price=Free | wikidata=Q3582018 | lastedit=2018-02-18 | content=Nondescript from the outside but a remarkable interior. High galleries reflect the Basque tradition that men and women had separate areas in church; a ship hangs from the ceiling. The great Baroque altar and retable in 1660 saw the wedding of Louis XIV of France and Maria Teresa of Spain. }} * '''Église St-Vincent''' in Ciboure has similar galleries, and an odd bell-tower with a three-tiered roof. * {{listing|type=see|name=Basque Tourist Office|address=20 Boulevard Victor Hugo, 64500 Saint-Jean-de-Luz|lat=43.387765760|long=-1.66038856746|url=https://www.en-pays-basque.fr/en/|content=Tourist info for the wider Basque region.}} ==Buy== The main shopping street is '''Rue Gambetta''' with lots of little shops, cafes and boutiques. Basque-related items include local condiments and textiles with Basque colours and patterns. The covered market has a wide selection of food, including a small restaurant. ==Eat== Lots of eating places in St Jean, and several in Ciboure. * {{eat | name=Chez Maya | alt=Le Petit Grill Basque | url= | email= | address=2 rue St-Jacques | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-02-18 | content=Authentic Basque specialties. }} ==Drink== * {{drink | name=Pub du Corsaire | alt= | url= | email= | address=16 rue de la Republique | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 17:00-02:00 | price= | lastedit=2018-02-18 | content=Great selection of beers. }} ==Sleep== Many visitors are on day-trips, but as a beach resort there's accommodation here. Book ahead if you come mid-summer. * {{sleep | name=Hotel de la Plage | alt= | url= | email=reservation@hoteldelaplage.com | address=48 Promenade Jacques Thiboud | lat= | long= | directions=at junction with rue Garat | phone=+33 5 59 51 03 44 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2018-02-18 | content=3 star, white building with red shutters looking onto beach. Includes bar / restaurant Le Brouillarta. }} ==Connect== ==Go next== The main transport route is north to Biarritz and Bayonne, and south to Hendaye and into Spain. You'll need your own car to explore Basque & Pyrenees villages such as Sare, Ainhoa, Espelette, St Jean Pied de Port, and the mountaintop of La Rhune. {{routebox | image1=Autoroute française 63.svg | imagesize1=50 | directionl1=SW | majorl1=[[San Sebastián]] | minorl1=[[Hendaye]] | directionr1=NE | majorr1=[[Bordeaux]] | minorr1=[[Biarritz]]/[[Bayonne (France)|Bayonne]] | caption1=Autoroute de la Côte Basque }} {{geo|43.3911|-1.6586}} {{IsPartOf|Pyrénées-Atlantiques}} {{outlinecity}} 4lqwufz1pampqd5dh0effpx58mhtese 0 79935 5086667 5084047 2025-07-02T15:46:03Z Buaidh 319008 /* Drink */ 5086667 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Olde Town Arvada Station.jpg|pgname=Arvada, Colorado|caption=Olde Town Arvada Station, Arvada, Colorado, USA}} '''Arvada''' is a city of about 125,000 in the [[Denver Metropolitan Area]] of the [[U.S.]] state of [[Colorado]]. A former farming community in Jefferson and Adams counties, the city is now a residential suburb of [[Denver]]. [https://www.oldetownarvada.org/ Olde Town Arvada] is {{convert|7|mi}} northwest of the [[Colorado State Capitol]] and {{convert|9|mi}} east of the Front Range foothills. ==Understand== [[File:Aerial image of Arvada, Colorado.jpg|thumb|300px|An aerial view of Arvada]] ===History=== The first documented discovery of gold in the Rocky Mountain region occurred on June 22, 1850, when Lewis Ralston, a [[Georgia]] prospector headed for the [[California]] gold fields, dipped his sluice pan into a small stream near its mouth at Clear Creek. Ralston found about 1/4 ounce (6 g) of gold, then worth about five dollars. Ralston's companions named the stream Ralston's Creek in his honor, but the party left the next morning, drawn by the lure of California gold. In 1859, Ralston returned with another group of prospectors to the site of his first discovery. The placer gold in the area soon played out, but hard rock deposits of gold were found in the mountains to the west. In 1860, Benjamin F. Wadsworth filed a homestead of {{convert|160|acre}} along Clear Creek, and the following year began digging an irrigation ditch to water his crops. Some of the miners abandoned their search for gold and returned to farm the rich bottom land along Ralston Creek and Clear Creek. They found an eager market for their crops among other gold seekers. In the summer of 1870, the Colorado Central Railroad laid tracks through the area, and on December 1, 1870, the town of Ralston Point was platted, soon renamed Arvada. Arvada thrived as a farming community, and in the mid-twentieth century, evolved into a residential suburb of the state capital of Denver. [https://www.arvadaco.gov/ Arvada] is a part of the Denver Metropolitan Area (2020 population 3,623,560) and the more extensive Front Range Urban Corridor (2020 population 5,055,344). Residents of Arvada have included [[w:Clive Cussler|Clive Cussler]], [[w:Roy Halladay|Roy Halladay]], [[w:Joe King (guitarist)|Joe King]], [[w:Karl Rove|Karl Rove]], [[w:Isaac Slade|Isaac Slade]], and [[w:Babe Didrikson Zaharias|Babe Didrikson Zaharias]]. === Climate === :''See also [[w:Arvada,_Colorado#Climate|Arvada, Colorado Climate]]'' Arvada has a [[w:Humid continental climate|humid continental]] [[w:Köppen climate classification|Köppen climate classification]], abbreviated as ''Dfb''.<ref>[http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather-summary.php3?s=755250&cityname=Arvada%2C+Colorado%2C+United+States+of+America&units= Climate Summary for Arvada,Colorado]</ref> The most comfortable months are generally May through October, although outdoor events are held throughout the year.. ==Get in== See this [https://dtdapps.coloradodot.info/otis/MapSearch/TravelMap Colorado travel map]. Colorado is on [[Mountain Standard Time]] (UTC-07) in the winter and on [[Mountain Daylight Time]] (UTC-06) in the summer. ===By air=== * {{go|name=Denver International Airport|alt={{IATA|DEN}}|url=https://www.flydenver.com/|address=8500 Peña Boulevard, Denver CO| lat=39.8494|long=-104.6738|directions={{convert|22|mi}} east of Arvada|phone=+1 720-730-4359|wikipedia=Denver International Airport|wikidata=|content=One of the ten busiest airports in the world. The airport connects to Arvada via [[w:Regional Transportation District#Commuter rail|RTD commuter rail lines]] [https://app.rtd-denver.com/route/A/schedule A] and [https://app.rtd-denver.com/route/G/schedule G].}} * {{go|name= Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport|alt={{IATA|BJC}}|url=https://www.jeffco.us/755/Airport|address=11755 Airport Way, Broomfield CO|lat=39.9097|long=-105.1119|directions={{convert|8|mi}} north of Arvada|phone=+1 720-730-4359|wikipedia=Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport|wikidata=|content=General aviation.}} ===By highway=== Arvada can be reached via two Interstate Highways and four state highways: [[File:I-70.svg|24px]] [[File:I-76.svg|24px]] [[File:Colorado 72.svg|24px]] [[File:Colorado 93.svg|24px]] [[File:Colorado 95.svg|24px]] [[File:Colorado 121.svg|24px]]<br/>Arvada is the western terminus of [https://www.codot.gov/about/CDOTHistory/50th-anniversary/interstate-76.html Interstate Highway 76]. Rental cars are also available at Denver International Airport and Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport. ===By rail=== The [[Amtrak]] [[California Zephyr]] and [https://www.amtrak.com/winter-park-express Winter Park Express] pass through Arvada but only stop at [[Denver Union Station]]. You can use the [https://app.rtd-denver.com/route/G/schedule RTD commuter rail G line] for the 20-minute ride from Denver Union Station to Arvada. ===By bus=== [https://www.greyhound.com/ Greyhound Lines] serve [[Denver]]. ==Get around== {{mapframe|39.83|-105.17|zoom=11|height=270|width=400}}{{mapshape}} Addresses in Arvada are numbered on a grid from south to north and from east to west. Numbered avenues in Arvada run east and west and are numbered from West 48th Avenue north to West 96th Avenue. Named streets in Arvada run north and south and are named alphabetically from east to west in five groups from 4100 West to 20000 West. ===By rail=== Arvada is served by the [https://app.rtd-denver.com/route/G/schedule RTD commuter rail G line] which connects to Wheat Ridge and Denver.<br/> * {{go|name=Arvada Gold Strike Station|url=https://app.rtd-denver.com/nextride/stop/34506|address=4790 West 60th Avenue|lat=39.8038|long=-105.0491|directions=|content=Connects to [https://app.rtd-denver.com/route/51/schedule RTD bus route 51].}} * {{go|name=Olde Town Arvada Station|url=https://app.rtd-denver.com/nextride/stop/33833|address=7510 Grandview Avenue|lat=39.7991|long=-105.0801|directions=|content=Connects to [https://app.rtd-denver.com/route/28/schedule RTD bus routes 28], [https://app.rtd-denver.com/route/32/schedule 32], [https://app.rtd-denver.com/route/52/schedule 52], [https://app.rtd-denver.com/route/72/schedule 72], and [https://app.rtd-denver.com/route/76/schedule 76]}} * {{go|name=Arvada Ridge Station|url=https://app.rtd-denver.com/nextride/stop/34505|address=10155 Ridge Road|lat=39.7925|long=-105.1116|directions=|content=Connects to [https://app.rtd-denver.com/route/100/schedule RTD bus route 100].}} * {{go|name=Wheat Ridge Ward Station|url=https://app.rtd-denver.com/nextride/stop/33833|address=12000 Ridge Road|lat=39.7879|long=-105.1331|directions=|content=Connects to [https://app.rtd-denver.com/route/38/schedule RTD bus routes 38] and [https://app.rtd-denver.com/route/44/schedule 44].}} At [[Denver Union Station]], the RTD G line connects to the [https://app.rtd-denver.com/route/A/schedule RTD A line] to Denver International Airport and to the [[Amtrak]] [[California Zephyr]] and [https://www.amtrak.com/winter-park-express Winter Park Express]. ===By bus=== Arvada is served by [[w:Regional Transportation District#Bus|RTD bus routes]] [https://app.rtd-denver.com/route/28/schedule 28], [https://app.rtd-denver.com/route/32/schedule 32], [https://app.rtd-denver.com/route/51/schedule 51], [https://app.rtd-denver.com/route/52/schedule 52], [https://app.rtd-denver.com/route/72/schedule 72], [https://app.rtd-denver.com/route/76/schedule 76], and [https://app.rtd-denver.com/route/100/schedule 100]. ===By car=== * {{go|name=Hertz Car Rental|url=https://www.hertz.com/us/en/location/unitedstates/colorado/arvada/denw02|address=5595 Sheridan Blvd|lat=39.7985|long=-105.0536|phone=+1 303-432-3186|directions=|content=}} * {{go|name=Enterprise Car Rental|url=https://www.enterprise.com/en/car-rental-locations/us/co/wheat-ridge-1269.html|address=4298 Kipling Street|lat=39.7760|long=-105.1091|phone=+1 303-421-8401|directions=|content=}} Rental cars are also available at Denver International Airport and Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport. ==See== [https://www.visitarvada.org/ Visit Arvada] * {{see | name=Big Ten Curve | alt= | url=https://clui.org/ludb/site/big-ten-curve | email= | address=Mouth of Coal Creek Canyon | lat=39.8550| long=-105.2496 | directions=View from [[w:Colorado State Highway 72|State Highway 72]] or ride the [[w:California Zephyr|Amtrak California Zephyr]]. | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Enormous double 10° "S" curve on the [[w:Union Pacific Railroad|Union Pacific Railroad]] [[w:Moffat Tunnel|Moffat Tunnel Route]]. }} * {{see | name=Cussler Museum | alt= | url=https://www.cusslermuseum.com/ | email= | address=14959 West 69th Avenue | lat=39.8231| long=-105.1679 | directions=Two blocks west of C-72 on West 69th Avenue | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Admission $12, seniors $10, children $8 | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=A rotating display of rare and historically significant automobiles from the extensive collection of the late author [[w:Clive Cussler|Clive Cussler]], an Arvada resident. Open May through September. }} * {{see | name=Gold Strike Park | alt= | url=https://www.arvadaco.gov/513/Gold-Strike-Park | email= | address=5500 W 56th Ave | lat=39.7980| long=-105.0561 | directions=Two blocks northwest of the junction of C-95 and I-76 | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=free | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Location of the first recorded discovery of gold in the Rocky Mountain region in 1850. }} * {{see | name=Majestic View Nature Center | alt= | url=https://majesticviewnaturecenter.arvada.org/ | email= | address=7030 Garrison Street | lat=39.8241 | long=-105.0996 | directions=Take West 68th Avenue {{convert|1.0|mi}} west from C-121 to Garrison Street, then right {{convert|0.3|mile|1}} to nature center | phone= | tollfree= | hours=10AM-3PM | price=free | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Exhibits and trails explore this home to Bat, Black Bear (rare), Black bullhead catfish, Bluegill fish, Bobcat, Bullfrog, Bullsnake, Carp fish, Cottontail Rabbit, Coyote, Dagger moth caterpillar, Fox Squirrel, Ground squirrel, Mink, Monarch butterfly, Moose (rare), Mountain Lion (rare), Mule Deer, Muskrat, Ornate Box Turtle (rare), Porcupine (rare), Raccoon, Red fox, Red-Eared Slider turtle, Skunk, Snapping Turtle (rare), Vole, Wapiti (rare), Western & Plains Garter snake, Western Painted Turtle, Woodhouse toad, and over 130 bird species.}} * {{see | name=Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge | alt= | url=https://www.fws.gov/refuge/rocky-flats | email= | address=West 95th Lane | lat=39.8701 | long=-105.1846 | directions=Take West Candelas Parkway {{convert|1.6|mi}} west from Indiana Street to Salvia Street, then right {{convert|0.4|mi|1}} to the south entrance | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Open sunrise to sunset | price=free | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Site of a decommissioned nuclear weapons facility, this high prairie refuge is home to elk, deer, raptors, songbirds, waterfowl, prairie dogs, coyotes, and more.}} * {{see | name=Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge | alt= | url=https://www.fws.gov/refuge/two-ponds | email= | address=9210 West 80th Avenue | lat=39.8396| long=-105.1039 | directions=Take West 80th Avenue {{convert|1.0|mi}} west from C-121 to east entrance | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Open sunrise to sunset | price=free | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Created through the efforts of Arvada students and citizens, this suburban refuge is home to more than 120 species of birds, coyotes, red fox, beaver, turtles, deer, and more.}} ==Do== ===Arts=== [[File:Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities.JPG|thumb|300px|The Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities.]] * {{do | name=Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities | alt= | url=https://www.arvadacenter.org | email= | address=6901 Wadsworth Blvd | lat=39.8234 | long=-105.0835 | directions= | phone= +1 720-898-7200 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=A celebrated regional arts venue, this performance compound hosts many different plays, musicals, and orchestral and choral recitations. It comprises two indoor theaters, an outdoor amphitheater, a convention complex, art galleries, dance studios, and the Arvada Historical Museum. }} ===Recreation=== * {{do | name=Apex Center | alt= | url=https://apexprd.org/facility/apex-center/ | email= | address=13150 West 72nd Avenue | lat=39.8258 | long=-105.1463 | directions= | phone= +1 303-424-2739 | hours=Daily 5:30AM-9PM| price= $4-12 | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Regional recreation center with two regulation ice rinks, a {{convert|23000|sqft|adj=on}} water park, a natural rock climbing wall, three full-sized gymnasiums, a skateboard park, and a free indoor playground for young children. }} * {{do | name=Indian Tree Golf Club | alt= | url=https://indiantree.apexprd.org/ | email= | address=7555 Wadsworth Boulevard | lat=39.8329 | long=-105.0823 | directions= | phone= +1 303-403-2542 | hours=Daily 8AM-7PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Par-70 public golf course with a course rating from the black tees of 72.2 with a slope rating of 129. It is {{convert|7000|yd}} in length with seven sets of tees. It also includes a 9-hole par-3, putting and chipping greens, a driving range, and a restaurant. }} * {{do | name=Westwoods Golf Club | alt= | url=https://apexprd.org/facility/apex-center/ | email= | address=6655 Quaker Street | lat=39.8165 | long=-105.1855 | directions= | phone= +1 720-898-7370 | hours=| price= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=27-hole public golf course, ranging from {{convert|7035|yd}} (72.9/136) to {{convert|6761|yd}} (71.8/135) depending on which pair of nines you play. }} ===Events=== *'''[https://www.arvadaco.gov/496/Arvada-Winterfest Winterfest]''' - February *'''[https://www.oldetownarvada.org/event-details/mardi-gras-1 Mardi Gras]''' - February-March *'''[https://www.oldetownarvada.org/event-details/annual-st-patricks-day-festival St. Patrick's Day]''' - March 17 *'''[https://arvadafestivals.com/arvada-kite-festival Kite Festival]''' - April *'''[https://arvadacenter.org/events/arvada-powwow Arvada Powwow]''' - June *'''[https://www.arvadaco.gov/1261/Arvada-Summerfest Summerfest]''' - June *'''[https://www.arvadaco.gov/494/4th-of-July-Fireworks-Display Independence Day]''' - July 4 *'''[https://www.arvadaco.gov/1214/Arvada-Festivals Arvada Days]''' - August *'''[https://www.facebook.com/ArvadaHarvestFestival/ Harvest Festival]''' - September ==Buy== [https://www.arvadachamber.org/ Arvada Chamber of Commerce] * {{buy | name=Olde Town Arvada | alt= | url=https://www.oldetownarvada.org/ | email= | address=Olde Wadsworth Blvd from Grandview Avenue to Ralston Road| lat=39.8002 | long=-105.0815 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=The historic heart of Arvada encompasses a diverse array of shops, boutiques, galleries, events, restaurants, brewpubs, and a winery. }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Freedom Street Social | alt= | url=https://freedomstreetsocial.com/ | email= | address=15177 Candelas Parkway | lat=39.8604 | long=-105.1693 | directions= | phone=| tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Food hall with nine bars and eateries featuring nightly entertainment. }} * {{eat | name=Heaven Dragon | alt= | url=https://www.heavendragonarvada.com/ | email= | address=16255 West 64th Avenue | lat=39.8136 | long=-105.1821 | directions= | phone=+1 720-898-9909 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Elegant but inexpensive Chinese cuisine. }} * {{eat | name=Las Potrancas Mexican Restaurant | alt= | url=https://laspotrancasmexicanrestaurant.com/arvada/ | email= | address=11651 West 64th Avenue | lat=39.8138 | long=-105.1298 | directions= | phone=+1 303-431-9000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Inexpensive local hangout serving hearty Mexican cuisine. }} * {{eat | name=Mi Tierra Caliente | alt= | url=https://mitierracaliente.net/ | email= | address=5350 West 64th Avenue | lat=39.8127 | long=-105.0554 | directions= | phone=+1 720-968-4634 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Authentic cuisine from the Mexican state of Michoacán. }} * {{eat | name=Mika Sushi | alt= | url=https://www.mikasushiarvada.com/ | email= | address=12650 West 64th Avenue | lat=39.8113 | long=-105.1404 | directions= | phone=+1 303-432-1938 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Sushi and Japanese and Asian cuisine. }} * {{eat | name=Spice Room | alt= | url=https://denverspiceroom.com/ | email= | address=7355 Ralston Road at SH-121 | lat=39.8026 | long=-105.0771 | directions= | phone=+1 303-558-0992 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Neighborhood Indian restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Stone Cellar Bistro | alt= | url=https://stonecellarbistro.com/ | email= | address=7605 Grandview Avenue | lat=39.7992 | long=-105.0819 | directions= | phone=+1 720-630-7908 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Chef Brandon Kerr prepares elegant farm-to-table cuisine. }} * {{eat | name=Tea Garden Chinese Restaurant | alt= | url=https://teagardenarvada.com/ | email= | address=10290 Ralston Road | lat=39.8103 | long=-105.1126 | directions= | phone=+1 303-421-3388 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Local favorite serving Chinese cuisine. }} * {{eat | name=Teocalli Cocina | alt= | url=https://www.teocallicocina.com/arvada-co | email= | address=5770 Olde Wadsworth Boulevard | lat=39.8018 | long=-105.0811 | directions= | phone=+1 303-923-3170 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Traditional cuisine of southern México. }} * {{eat | name=Umai-Ya | alt= | https://www.umaiyaco.com/ | email= | address=7450 W 52nd Ave Ste 100 | lat=39.7902 | long=-105.0807 | directions= | phone=+1 720-328-9942 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Sushi and Japanese cuisine. }} * {{eat | name=Yak & Yeti | alt= | url=https://arvada.theyakandyeti.com/ | email= | address=7803 Ralston Road | lat=39.8023 | long=-105.0841 | directions= | phone=+1 303-431-9000 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Brewpub serving Nepali, Tibetan, and Indian cuisine. }} ==Drink== * {{drink | name=Arvada Beer Garden | alt= | url=https://www.arvadabeergarden.com/ | email= | address=9258 W 58th Pl | lat=39.8028 | long=-105.1010 | directions= | phone=+1 720-677-6797 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11 am to 10 pm | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Denver Beer Company Arvada | alt= | url=https://denverbeerco.com/taprooms/olde-town-arvada/ | email= | address=5768 Olde Wadsworth Boulevard | lat=39.8016 | long=-105.0811 | directions= | phone=+1 720-892-5367 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=LUKI Brewery | alt= | url=https://www.lukibrew.com/ | email= | address=14725 West 64th Avenue | lat=39.8128 | long=-105.1632 | directions= | phone=+1 303-421-2603 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Method and Muse Spirits | alt= | url=https://methodandmusespirits.com/ | email= | address=7513 Grandview Ave | lat=39.7993 | long=-105.10807 | directions= | phone=+1 720-282-5133 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=New Image Brewing | alt= | url=https://www.nibrewing.com/https://www.nibrewing.com/ | email= | address=5622 Yukon Street | lat=39.8127| long=-105.0825 | directions= | phone=+1 720-900-5620 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Odyssey Beerwerks | alt= | url=https://odysseybeerwerks.com/ | email= | address=5535 West 56th Avenue | lat=39.8009 | long=-105.0590 | directions= | phone=+1 303-421-0772 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Sēkwl Beverage House | alt= | url=https://drinksekwl.com/ | email= | address=5545 West 56th Avenue | lat=39.7998 | long=-105.0570 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= mushroom-infused sparkling waters }} * {{drink | name=Silver Vines Winery | alt= | url=https://silvervineswinery.com/ | email= | address=7509 Grandview Avenue | lat=39.7994 | long=-105.0806 | directions= | phone=+1 303-456-5212 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Spice Trade Brewing at Yak & Yeti | alt= | url=https://www.coloradobrewerylist.com/brewery/spice-trade-brewing-company-at-yak-yeti/ | email= | address=7803 Ralston Road | lat=39.8023 | long=-105.0841 | directions= | phone=+1 303-431-9000 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Talnua Distillery | alt= | url=https://www.talnua.com/ | email= | address=5405 West 56th Avenue | lat=39.8006 | long=-105.0553 | directions= | phone=+1 303-431-4949 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Hilton Garden Inn Arvada | alt= | url=https://www.hilton.com/en/locations/usa/colorado/arvada/hilton-garden-inn/ | email= | address=5455 Olde Wadsworth Boulevard | lat=39.7963 | long=-105.0824 | directions=a 7-minute walk from Olde Town Arvada Station; 2 blocks west of C-121 on Olde Wadsworth Boulevard | phone=+1 303-420-9799 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Residence Inn by Marriott Arvada | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/denrv-residence-inn-arvada-denver-west/overview/ | email= | address=5565 Wadsworth Bypass | lat=39.7982 | long=-105.0785 | directions=a 5-minute walk from Olde Town Arvada Station; one half block west of C-121 on West 56th Avenue | phone=+1 303-432-7072 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Connect== * {{listing | name=City of Arvada Municipal Center | url=https://www.arvadaco.gov/ | email= | address=8101 Ralston Road | lat=39.8031 | long=-105.0873 | directions= | phone=+1 303-424-2739 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Apex Center | url=https://apexprd.org/facility/apex-center/ | email= | address=13150 West 72nd Avenue | lat=39.8259 | long=-105.1462 | directions= | phone=+1 720-898-7000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Public recreation center with indoor water park, two ice arenas, three gymnasiums, climbing wall, indoor playground, skateboard park, etc. }} * {{listing | name=Arvada Library | url=https://jeffcolibrary.org/locations/GN/ | email= | address=7525 West 57th Avenue | lat=39.8002 | long=-105.0804 | directions= | phone=+1 303-235-5275 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Red Rocks Community College | url=https://www.rrcc.edu/ | email= | address=10280 West 55th Avenue | lat=39.7956 | long=-105.1130| directions= | phone=+1 303-914-6011 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Standley Lake Library | url=https://jeffcolibrary.org/locations/SL/ | email= | address=8485 Kipling Street | lat=39.8501 | long=-105.1112 | directions= | phone=+1 303-235-5275 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Go next== *The [[w:National Renewable Energy Laboratory|National Renewable Energy Laboratory]] lies {{convert|9|mi}} and 14 minutes southwest of Arvada. *The [[Coors Brewery]] in [[Golden (Colorado)|Golden]] lies {{convert|10|mi}} and 16 minutes by car southwest of Arvada. *The [[Colorado State Capitol]] in [[Denver]] lies {{convert|10|mi}} and 20 minutes by car southeast of Arvada. * [[Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre]] lies {{convert|13|mi}} and 20 minutes by car southwest of Arvada. * The [[Pearl Street Mall]] in [[Boulder]] lies {{convert|22|mi}} and 35 minutes by car northwest of Arvada. * The [[w:National Center for Atmospheric Reasearch|National Center for Atmospheric Reasearch]] lies {{convert|23|mi}} and 36 minutes by car northwest of Arvada. *The historic mining towns and casinos of [[Blackhawk]] and [[Central City]] lie {{convert|30|mi}} and 45 minutes by car west of Arvada. *The [[Continental Divide of the Americas]] at {{convert|11992|ft|adj=on}} Loveland Pass lies {{convert|58|mi}} and 65 minutes by car west of Arvada. *The [[United States Air Force Academy]] lies {{convert|68|mi}} and 70 minutes by car south of Arvada. *[[Estes Park]] and [[Rocky Mountain National Park]] lie {{convert|58|mi}} and 80 minutes by car north of Arvada. (Trail Ridge Road open about May&nbsp;20-October&nbsp;15.) *[[Winter Park]] lies {{convert|64|mi}} and 80 minutes by car west of Arvada. *[[Colorado Springs]] lies {{convert|80|mi}} and 80 minutes by car south of Arvada. *[[Breckenridge]] lies {{convert|79|mi}} and 90 minutes by car west of Arvada. *The {{convert|14271|ft|adj=on}} summit of [[Mount Blue Sky]] lies {{convert|58|mi}} and 1:40 by car southwest of Arvada. (Summit open about June&nbsp;15-October&nbsp;1.) *The {{convert|4302.31|m|ft|0|order=flip|adj=on}} summit of [[Pikes Peak]] lies {{convert|108|mi}} and 2:15 by car south of Arvada. {{routebox | image1=I-70.svg | imagesize1=28 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Las Vegas]] ← [[File:I-15.svg|20px]] | minorl1=[[Golden (Colorado)|Golden]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Kansas City]] | minorr1=[[Denver]] | image2=I-76.svg | imagesize2=28 | directionl2=W | majorl2=Ends at [[File:I-70.svg|20px]] | minorl2= | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[File:I-80.svg|20px]] → [[Omaha]] | minorr2=Commerce City | image3=Colorado 72.svg | imagesize3=28 | directionl3=W | majorl3=Ends at [[File:Colorado 7.svg|18px]] | minorl3=[[Nederland (Colorado)|Nederland]] | directionr3=E | majorr3=Ends at [[File:I-70.svg|20px]] | minorr3=Wheat Ridge | image4=Colorado 93.svg | imagesize4=28 | directionl4=&thinsp;N | majorl4=Ends at [[File:Colorado 119.svg|18px]] | minorl4=[[Boulder]] ← [[File:Colorado 72.svg|18px]] | directionr4=S | majorr4=Ends at [[File:US 6.svg|18px]] | minorr4=[[Golden (Colorado)|Golden]] | image5=Colorado 95.svg | imagesize5=28 | directionl5=&thinsp;N | majorl5=Ends at [[File:US 36.svg|18px]] | minorl5=[[Westminster (Colorado)|Westminster]] | directionr5=S | majorr5=Ends at [[File:US 285.svg|22px]] | minorr5=[[Denver]] | image6=Colorado 121.svg | imagesize6=28 | directionl6=&thinsp;N | majorl6=Ends at [[File:US 36.svg|18px]] | minorl6=[[Westminster (Colorado)|Westminster]] | directionr6=S | majorr6=Ends at Waterton | minorr6=Wheat Ridge }} {{geo|39.8002|-105.0815}} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|Denver Area}} 1ij5ckwnjxy89wnvuosnz4wu3hnvz5l 0 120092 5086805 5086407 2025-07-02T21:37:41Z GlobalMishpacha 2328865 Refined Rentals section with consistent, neutral descriptions for kosher travel platforms 5086805 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Kashrut banner 6.jpg}} '''Kashrut''' is the system of [[Judaism|Jewish]] dietary laws. Food permitted under Kashrut is called '''kosher'''. ==Laws of Kashrut== [[File:Hechsher Yechiel Babad Orthodox Union Passover.jpg|thumb|A heksher (kosher certification) for milk]] There are only a few major rules of kashrut, but they have many applications. *[[Meat]] and fowl must be from specific types of animals, and slaughtered by a Jew in a very precise way. The most important point being that no blood can remain in the meat; a point where Islamic [[Islam#Eat|halal]] rules are broadly similar though less strict. *Insects are categorically forbidden (with the exception of certain types of locusts, which are kosher only according to Yemenite interpretations of kashrut - the Hebrew words listing the acceptable types of locust are considered too ambiguous by non-Yemenite Jews), even small insects found in/on fruit or vegetables. Some produce must be checked thoroughly. *All non-fish [[seafood]], and fish without scales (such as sharks) are forbidden. *Meat and milk may not be consumed together, or even at the same meal. However, fish is not considered to be meat under Jewish law, so fish and dairy may be mixed. Typically, Jews need to wait for half an hour to an hour (six hours in the case of certain hard cheeses) after consuming dairy before they can consume meat, and six hours after consuming meat before they can consume dairy. *[[Wine]], grape juice, and other grape products must be made by Jews and production must follow some additional rules, though grapes in the form of fruit are inherently kosher. *The food must have been prepared in a kosher kitchen. A typical kosher kitchen will have two separate sets of sinks, stoves, ovens, refrigerators and utensils for handling meat and dairy to ensure that there is no chance of the two mixing, even in minute amounts, and none of the equipment used to cook, serve or eat the food may have been touched by non-kosher food. ===Passover=== During Passover (Pesach) no leavened bread may be consumed. The rules on this are strict and any flour that has been in contact with water for over 18 minutes is considered leavened and mustn't be used during Pesach. In addition, Ashkenazi Jews traditionally refrain from other products known as ''kitniyot'', the exact definition of which depends on which rabbi you ask, but which include rice and some legumes. Products that are kosher for Pesach are often specially certified saying so. ==Obtaining kosher food== While not as difficult as it once was, finding kosher food while traveling can still be a challenge. ===Bring your own=== One possibility is just to bring your own kosher food from home. While this may seem to be the easiest way, it is often not. For even modestly long journeys, it may be difficult to carry the requisite amount of food. It is often impractical to refrigerate perishables (although food can be kept frozen in an airplane, as long as the plane is not delayed on the ground for too long), and while non-perishable food items will travel more easily, you will need extra space to pack them. It is sometimes illegal to move fruit and the like across country borders. Kosher self-heating meal kits are an increasingly popular food item for Jewish travelers, and while they are something to consider, they are frequently banned from aeroplanes. Good non-perishable, calorie-dense, non-fragile foods to bring include dried fruit, nuts, granola bars, rice cakes, and canned goods. ===Packaged food=== Food sold in grocery stores is usually packaged, and is sometimes kosher. You will need to look for the kosher certification label or seal on the package to verify that the food item is actually kosher&mdash;especially for meat and fish. While at least some kosher packaged food is readily available in most grocery stores in [[North America]] and [[Europe]], it may be more difficult to find elsewhere, and will almost always be imported from another country. ===Synagogues and outreach centers=== Some synagogues and Jewish outreach centers (such as '''[http://www.chabad.org/centers/default_cdo/jewish/Centers.htm Chabad Houses]''') offer packaged or frozen food items, prepared foods, and even a selection of meats for sale for kosher travelers. You will need to contact the synagogue or outreach center directly to find out about what is available, how to purchase, and how to obtain the food; in many cases you may have to reserve the food in advance. This can be especially helpful in cities or countries where a Jewish community presence is limited. If visiting around a major Jewish holiday or on the Sabbath, you may also be able to partake in a full meal at the synagogue or outreach center, usually at no charge (though a donation to the center may be requested). ===Vegetarian and halal food=== Most of the rules of kashrut involve meat, and there is some overlap with Islamic dietary laws, so depending on your level of observance, you might feel comfortable just going for a [[vegetarian]] or [[Islam#Eat|halal]] option when certified kosher food isn't available. Of course, many observant Jews won't consider this an acceptable option. In many places, foods which are vegan or vegetarian will also carry additional "halal" or "kosher" labels, but this mostly depends on whether the extra cost to get certified can be recouped by increased sales. ===Airlines=== Kosher food was one of the first "special foods" to be introduced on commercial airplanes and it is widely available today. You will usually have to specify a kosher meal in advance to get one. Israeli flag carrier '''[https://www.elal.com El Al]''' only offers kosher meals on all flights, a tradition that dates back to the founding of the airline. When departing from airports that do not have a commercial Kosher kitchen, be prepared to receive a tray of fruit or granola bar instead of a full meal, and plan in advance for alternative meal options. ===Rentals=== Kosher-observant travelers often need vacation rentals with kosher kitchens, proximity to synagogues, and Shabbat-friendly features. These requirements are typically not available through general booking sites and are better found on platforms specializing in kosher-friendly accommodations. Examples include: *{{eat | name=Kvation | alt=Kosher vacation | url=https://kvation.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q135172650 | content=Online platform for booking kosher vacation homes with kosher amenities or resorts that offer kosher meals. Mainly US and Israel, with (as of mid-2025) few places elsewhere and none in South America, Africa, Oceania, or any part of Asia except Israel. |lastedit=2025-07-02}} *'''GoKosher (Kosher travel classifieds).''' Offers free and paid classified listings for kosher hotels, rentals, and travel services, with most listings in the US and Israel, and some in South America. *'''ReserveKosher (Kosher rental classifieds).''' Provides paid classified listings for kosher-friendly vacation rentals, with listings primarily in the US and Israel. ==By region== ===Israel=== [[Israel]] is the most welcoming country in the world for kosher travelers. Thousands of kosher restaurants, dining establishments, and grocery stores can be found throughout the country, most notably in [[Jerusalem]] and [[Tel Aviv]]. A novelty for most Jewish travelers are Israel's all-kosher adaptations of famous American fast-food chains, including McDonald's and KFC. Though non-kosher food is also sold in Israel, by law only kosher foodstuffs may be brought into the country; food that is not certified kosher may be confiscated by customs. ===North America=== Parts of the [[United States]] are on par with Israel in the number of kosher dining options and establishments that are available. Major cities such as [[New York City|New York]], [[Baltimore]], [[Miami]], [[Chicago]], and [[Los Angeles]] have a particularly notable variety of kosher restaurants in operation, and most, if not all, sizable metropolitan areas will have at least one kosher establishment, often a certified bakery or deli counter at a supermarket. You will also find at least some kosher-certified packaged foods or non-perishable items can typically be found in all but the most remote grocery stores of the country. Many major brands found in grocery stores carry kosher certification from the Orthodox Union, signified by the circled-U ''hechsher'' symbol, Ⓤ, on food packaging. As even many non-Jewish Americans perceive kosher products to be of higher quality, products which are kosher "by default" (e.g. vegan products) are usually also labeled as kosher as the small extra cost of getting certified is well worth the extra sales. For travellers [[Touring prestigious and notable universities in the U.S.|touring U.S. universities]] or [[studying in the United States]], university cafeterias sometimes have a designated kosher station, and even if they don't, there's often some kind of program on campus to make kosher meals available. [[Toronto]] and [[Montreal]] in [[Canada]] both offer a good number of kosher restaurants as well. Other major cities like [[Vancouver]] and [[Calgary]] also have at least one or two kosher establishments. In [[Mexico]], there is a significant Jewish community in [[Mexico City]] that operates several kosher eateries. There is also a Jewish presence (and Chabad houses) in the Yucatan area. ===Europe=== [[England]] ([[London]] in particular) has a decent variety of kosher establishments, mostly situated in the [[London/North|North London]] neighborhoods of Golders Green, Hendon, Edgware, and Stamford Hill. [[Paris]] also has a large Jewish community, primarily descended from Sephardic and Mizrahi Jewish refugees from France's North African and Middle Eastern former colonies. In most of continental Europe, kosher dining options are often few and far between and where they exist, they sadly are sometimes target of anti-Jewish violence, so additional safety precautions may have to be taken (e.g. a police guard or metal detectors at the entrance). In order to find the next kosher store, inquiring at the local synagogue is always a good idea. One of the European countries where a surprisingly high number of Jews live (and, hence, kosher dining options exist) is Germany. As many German Jews are or are descended from recent emigrants from the former Soviet Union, kosher food options may sometimes be found in "Russian" stores as well. Kosher restaurants also exist, but they are rather few and far between. ===Asia=== Very few kosher establishments are located in Asian countries (with the obvious exception of Israel). Most likely, you will need to bring/find your own food or contact a local Jewish organization at your destination for assistance. [[India]] obviously has a lot of purely vegetarian restaurants, which avoid cross-contamination, and while many vegetarian dishes across the country ''inadvertently'' follow kosher principles, very few vegetarian establishments are actually kosher-certified. However, depending on your level of observance, Indian vegetarian food prepared in a ''purely vegetarian facility'' may be satisfactory. In some areas with no kosher butchers or restaurants, the local Chabad house provides kosher meals for Jewish travellers provided you request it at least a few days in advance. Make sure you plan ahead before you travel, and stock up before you head to more remote areas. Due to animosity resulting from the Arab-Israeli conflict, many Muslim-majority countries do not have any official Jewish organizations, the main exceptions being [[Iran]], [[Turkey]], [[Bahrain]] and the [[Central Asia]]n countries; you may want to stop in a neighboring country to stock up before you go. However, depending on how strict you are, halal food that does not mix milk and meat may suffice in a pinch. Some of these countries may also have underground Jewish organisations that operate under a "neutral", less politically sensitive name. For obvious reasons, they do not advertise their services openly, but you may be able to get in contact with them through your home country's Jewish organisation. The "Abraham Accords" between Israel and a number of Arab-Muslim countries have already led to some high-scale hotels announcing kosher options now that relations with Israel have been made official. ===South America=== In [[Argentina]], [[Buenos Aires]] has a large variety of kosher restaurants and supermarkets, including the only kosher McDonald's outside of Israel. [[São Paulo|Sao Paulo]] and [[Santiago|Santiago]] also have a wide variety of kosher establishments, and a few other cities, such as [[Montevideo]], [[Bogotá|Bogota]], [[Lima]], and [[Rio de Janeiro]] have at least one kosher establishment. ===Africa=== [[South Africa]] is generally the best place on the continent to find reliably kosher food, particularly in [[Johannesburg]] and [[Cape Town]]. Besides South Africa, significant Jewish communities can also be found (perhaps surprisingly) in the North African Arab countries of [[Tunisia]] and [[Morocco]]. ===Oceania=== [[Australia]] has a wide variety of kosher establishments in [[Sydney]], [[Melbourne]], [[Brisbane]] and [[Perth]], but outside of those four cities, it gets more difficult to find kosher food. The same applies in [[New Zealand]], where, for instance, kosher meat is unavailable outside of one kosher shop in [[Auckland]] and another in [[Wellington]]. However, many products in supermarkets in both countries are indeed kosher but not labelled as such, and the local rabbinical authorities provide lists of what products one can consume. {{PartOfTopic|Food and drink}} {{outlinetopic}} 1xndqhbi3rj8t2bxpzr8eyrmjokk8us 5086809 5086805 2025-07-02T21:43:42Z GlobalMishpacha 2328865 /* Rentals */ corrected bold font over prentices 5086809 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Kashrut banner 6.jpg}} '''Kashrut''' is the system of [[Judaism|Jewish]] dietary laws. Food permitted under Kashrut is called '''kosher'''. ==Laws of Kashrut== [[File:Hechsher Yechiel Babad Orthodox Union Passover.jpg|thumb|A heksher (kosher certification) for milk]] There are only a few major rules of kashrut, but they have many applications. *[[Meat]] and fowl must be from specific types of animals, and slaughtered by a Jew in a very precise way. The most important point being that no blood can remain in the meat; a point where Islamic [[Islam#Eat|halal]] rules are broadly similar though less strict. *Insects are categorically forbidden (with the exception of certain types of locusts, which are kosher only according to Yemenite interpretations of kashrut - the Hebrew words listing the acceptable types of locust are considered too ambiguous by non-Yemenite Jews), even small insects found in/on fruit or vegetables. Some produce must be checked thoroughly. *All non-fish [[seafood]], and fish without scales (such as sharks) are forbidden. *Meat and milk may not be consumed together, or even at the same meal. However, fish is not considered to be meat under Jewish law, so fish and dairy may be mixed. Typically, Jews need to wait for half an hour to an hour (six hours in the case of certain hard cheeses) after consuming dairy before they can consume meat, and six hours after consuming meat before they can consume dairy. *[[Wine]], grape juice, and other grape products must be made by Jews and production must follow some additional rules, though grapes in the form of fruit are inherently kosher. *The food must have been prepared in a kosher kitchen. A typical kosher kitchen will have two separate sets of sinks, stoves, ovens, refrigerators and utensils for handling meat and dairy to ensure that there is no chance of the two mixing, even in minute amounts, and none of the equipment used to cook, serve or eat the food may have been touched by non-kosher food. ===Passover=== During Passover (Pesach) no leavened bread may be consumed. The rules on this are strict and any flour that has been in contact with water for over 18 minutes is considered leavened and mustn't be used during Pesach. In addition, Ashkenazi Jews traditionally refrain from other products known as ''kitniyot'', the exact definition of which depends on which rabbi you ask, but which include rice and some legumes. Products that are kosher for Pesach are often specially certified saying so. ==Obtaining kosher food== While not as difficult as it once was, finding kosher food while traveling can still be a challenge. ===Bring your own=== One possibility is just to bring your own kosher food from home. While this may seem to be the easiest way, it is often not. For even modestly long journeys, it may be difficult to carry the requisite amount of food. It is often impractical to refrigerate perishables (although food can be kept frozen in an airplane, as long as the plane is not delayed on the ground for too long), and while non-perishable food items will travel more easily, you will need extra space to pack them. It is sometimes illegal to move fruit and the like across country borders. Kosher self-heating meal kits are an increasingly popular food item for Jewish travelers, and while they are something to consider, they are frequently banned from aeroplanes. Good non-perishable, calorie-dense, non-fragile foods to bring include dried fruit, nuts, granola bars, rice cakes, and canned goods. ===Packaged food=== Food sold in grocery stores is usually packaged, and is sometimes kosher. You will need to look for the kosher certification label or seal on the package to verify that the food item is actually kosher&mdash;especially for meat and fish. While at least some kosher packaged food is readily available in most grocery stores in [[North America]] and [[Europe]], it may be more difficult to find elsewhere, and will almost always be imported from another country. ===Synagogues and outreach centers=== Some synagogues and Jewish outreach centers (such as '''[http://www.chabad.org/centers/default_cdo/jewish/Centers.htm Chabad Houses]''') offer packaged or frozen food items, prepared foods, and even a selection of meats for sale for kosher travelers. You will need to contact the synagogue or outreach center directly to find out about what is available, how to purchase, and how to obtain the food; in many cases you may have to reserve the food in advance. This can be especially helpful in cities or countries where a Jewish community presence is limited. If visiting around a major Jewish holiday or on the Sabbath, you may also be able to partake in a full meal at the synagogue or outreach center, usually at no charge (though a donation to the center may be requested). ===Vegetarian and halal food=== Most of the rules of kashrut involve meat, and there is some overlap with Islamic dietary laws, so depending on your level of observance, you might feel comfortable just going for a [[vegetarian]] or [[Islam#Eat|halal]] option when certified kosher food isn't available. Of course, many observant Jews won't consider this an acceptable option. In many places, foods which are vegan or vegetarian will also carry additional "halal" or "kosher" labels, but this mostly depends on whether the extra cost to get certified can be recouped by increased sales. ===Airlines=== Kosher food was one of the first "special foods" to be introduced on commercial airplanes and it is widely available today. You will usually have to specify a kosher meal in advance to get one. Israeli flag carrier '''[https://www.elal.com El Al]''' only offers kosher meals on all flights, a tradition that dates back to the founding of the airline. When departing from airports that do not have a commercial Kosher kitchen, be prepared to receive a tray of fruit or granola bar instead of a full meal, and plan in advance for alternative meal options. ===Rentals=== Kosher-observant travelers often need vacation rentals with kosher kitchens, proximity to synagogues, and Shabbat-friendly features. These requirements are typically not available through general booking sites and are better found on platforms specializing in kosher-friendly accommodations. Examples include: *{{eat | name=Kvation | alt=Kosher vacation | url=https://kvation.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q135172650 | content=Online platform for booking kosher vacation homes with kosher amenities or resorts that offer kosher meals. Mainly US and Israel, with (as of mid-2025) few places elsewhere and none in South America, Africa, Oceania, or any part of Asia except Israel. |lastedit=2025-07-02}} *'''GoKosher''' (Kosher travel classifieds). Offers free and paid classified listings for kosher hotels, rentals, and travel services, with most listings in the US and Israel, and some in South America. *'''ReserveKosher''' (Kosher rental classifieds). Provides paid classified listings for kosher-friendly vacation rentals, with listings primarily in the US and Israel. ==By region== ===Israel=== [[Israel]] is the most welcoming country in the world for kosher travelers. Thousands of kosher restaurants, dining establishments, and grocery stores can be found throughout the country, most notably in [[Jerusalem]] and [[Tel Aviv]]. A novelty for most Jewish travelers are Israel's all-kosher adaptations of famous American fast-food chains, including McDonald's and KFC. Though non-kosher food is also sold in Israel, by law only kosher foodstuffs may be brought into the country; food that is not certified kosher may be confiscated by customs. ===North America=== Parts of the [[United States]] are on par with Israel in the number of kosher dining options and establishments that are available. Major cities such as [[New York City|New York]], [[Baltimore]], [[Miami]], [[Chicago]], and [[Los Angeles]] have a particularly notable variety of kosher restaurants in operation, and most, if not all, sizable metropolitan areas will have at least one kosher establishment, often a certified bakery or deli counter at a supermarket. You will also find at least some kosher-certified packaged foods or non-perishable items can typically be found in all but the most remote grocery stores of the country. Many major brands found in grocery stores carry kosher certification from the Orthodox Union, signified by the circled-U ''hechsher'' symbol, Ⓤ, on food packaging. As even many non-Jewish Americans perceive kosher products to be of higher quality, products which are kosher "by default" (e.g. vegan products) are usually also labeled as kosher as the small extra cost of getting certified is well worth the extra sales. For travellers [[Touring prestigious and notable universities in the U.S.|touring U.S. universities]] or [[studying in the United States]], university cafeterias sometimes have a designated kosher station, and even if they don't, there's often some kind of program on campus to make kosher meals available. [[Toronto]] and [[Montreal]] in [[Canada]] both offer a good number of kosher restaurants as well. Other major cities like [[Vancouver]] and [[Calgary]] also have at least one or two kosher establishments. In [[Mexico]], there is a significant Jewish community in [[Mexico City]] that operates several kosher eateries. There is also a Jewish presence (and Chabad houses) in the Yucatan area. ===Europe=== [[England]] ([[London]] in particular) has a decent variety of kosher establishments, mostly situated in the [[London/North|North London]] neighborhoods of Golders Green, Hendon, Edgware, and Stamford Hill. [[Paris]] also has a large Jewish community, primarily descended from Sephardic and Mizrahi Jewish refugees from France's North African and Middle Eastern former colonies. In most of continental Europe, kosher dining options are often few and far between and where they exist, they sadly are sometimes target of anti-Jewish violence, so additional safety precautions may have to be taken (e.g. a police guard or metal detectors at the entrance). In order to find the next kosher store, inquiring at the local synagogue is always a good idea. One of the European countries where a surprisingly high number of Jews live (and, hence, kosher dining options exist) is Germany. As many German Jews are or are descended from recent emigrants from the former Soviet Union, kosher food options may sometimes be found in "Russian" stores as well. Kosher restaurants also exist, but they are rather few and far between. ===Asia=== Very few kosher establishments are located in Asian countries (with the obvious exception of Israel). Most likely, you will need to bring/find your own food or contact a local Jewish organization at your destination for assistance. [[India]] obviously has a lot of purely vegetarian restaurants, which avoid cross-contamination, and while many vegetarian dishes across the country ''inadvertently'' follow kosher principles, very few vegetarian establishments are actually kosher-certified. However, depending on your level of observance, Indian vegetarian food prepared in a ''purely vegetarian facility'' may be satisfactory. In some areas with no kosher butchers or restaurants, the local Chabad house provides kosher meals for Jewish travellers provided you request it at least a few days in advance. Make sure you plan ahead before you travel, and stock up before you head to more remote areas. Due to animosity resulting from the Arab-Israeli conflict, many Muslim-majority countries do not have any official Jewish organizations, the main exceptions being [[Iran]], [[Turkey]], [[Bahrain]] and the [[Central Asia]]n countries; you may want to stop in a neighboring country to stock up before you go. However, depending on how strict you are, halal food that does not mix milk and meat may suffice in a pinch. Some of these countries may also have underground Jewish organisations that operate under a "neutral", less politically sensitive name. For obvious reasons, they do not advertise their services openly, but you may be able to get in contact with them through your home country's Jewish organisation. The "Abraham Accords" between Israel and a number of Arab-Muslim countries have already led to some high-scale hotels announcing kosher options now that relations with Israel have been made official. ===South America=== In [[Argentina]], [[Buenos Aires]] has a large variety of kosher restaurants and supermarkets, including the only kosher McDonald's outside of Israel. [[São Paulo|Sao Paulo]] and [[Santiago|Santiago]] also have a wide variety of kosher establishments, and a few other cities, such as [[Montevideo]], [[Bogotá|Bogota]], [[Lima]], and [[Rio de Janeiro]] have at least one kosher establishment. ===Africa=== [[South Africa]] is generally the best place on the continent to find reliably kosher food, particularly in [[Johannesburg]] and [[Cape Town]]. Besides South Africa, significant Jewish communities can also be found (perhaps surprisingly) in the North African Arab countries of [[Tunisia]] and [[Morocco]]. ===Oceania=== [[Australia]] has a wide variety of kosher establishments in [[Sydney]], [[Melbourne]], [[Brisbane]] and [[Perth]], but outside of those four cities, it gets more difficult to find kosher food. The same applies in [[New Zealand]], where, for instance, kosher meat is unavailable outside of one kosher shop in [[Auckland]] and another in [[Wellington]]. However, many products in supermarkets in both countries are indeed kosher but not labelled as such, and the local rabbinical authorities provide lists of what products one can consume. {{PartOfTopic|Food and drink}} {{outlinetopic}} 00k4wnwq67jww714jqresck8parmdqc 5086852 5086809 2025-07-02T23:46:34Z FamilyTrekker 2328878 / rentals / added links to example sites 5086852 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Kashrut banner 6.jpg}} '''Kashrut''' is the system of [[Judaism|Jewish]] dietary laws. Food permitted under Kashrut is called '''kosher'''. ==Laws of Kashrut== [[File:Hechsher Yechiel Babad Orthodox Union Passover.jpg|thumb|A heksher (kosher certification) for milk]] There are only a few major rules of kashrut, but they have many applications. *[[Meat]] and fowl must be from specific types of animals, and slaughtered by a Jew in a very precise way. The most important point being that no blood can remain in the meat; a point where Islamic [[Islam#Eat|halal]] rules are broadly similar though less strict. *Insects are categorically forbidden (with the exception of certain types of locusts, which are kosher only according to Yemenite interpretations of kashrut - the Hebrew words listing the acceptable types of locust are considered too ambiguous by non-Yemenite Jews), even small insects found in/on fruit or vegetables. Some produce must be checked thoroughly. *All non-fish [[seafood]], and fish without scales (such as sharks) are forbidden. *Meat and milk may not be consumed together, or even at the same meal. However, fish is not considered to be meat under Jewish law, so fish and dairy may be mixed. Typically, Jews need to wait for half an hour to an hour (six hours in the case of certain hard cheeses) after consuming dairy before they can consume meat, and six hours after consuming meat before they can consume dairy. *[[Wine]], grape juice, and other grape products must be made by Jews and production must follow some additional rules, though grapes in the form of fruit are inherently kosher. *The food must have been prepared in a kosher kitchen. A typical kosher kitchen will have two separate sets of sinks, stoves, ovens, refrigerators and utensils for handling meat and dairy to ensure that there is no chance of the two mixing, even in minute amounts, and none of the equipment used to cook, serve or eat the food may have been touched by non-kosher food. ===Passover=== During Passover (Pesach) no leavened bread may be consumed. The rules on this are strict and any flour that has been in contact with water for over 18 minutes is considered leavened and mustn't be used during Pesach. In addition, Ashkenazi Jews traditionally refrain from other products known as ''kitniyot'', the exact definition of which depends on which rabbi you ask, but which include rice and some legumes. Products that are kosher for Pesach are often specially certified saying so. ==Obtaining kosher food== While not as difficult as it once was, finding kosher food while traveling can still be a challenge. ===Bring your own=== One possibility is just to bring your own kosher food from home. While this may seem to be the easiest way, it is often not. For even modestly long journeys, it may be difficult to carry the requisite amount of food. It is often impractical to refrigerate perishables (although food can be kept frozen in an airplane, as long as the plane is not delayed on the ground for too long), and while non-perishable food items will travel more easily, you will need extra space to pack them. It is sometimes illegal to move fruit and the like across country borders. Kosher self-heating meal kits are an increasingly popular food item for Jewish travelers, and while they are something to consider, they are frequently banned from aeroplanes. Good non-perishable, calorie-dense, non-fragile foods to bring include dried fruit, nuts, granola bars, rice cakes, and canned goods. ===Packaged food=== Food sold in grocery stores is usually packaged, and is sometimes kosher. You will need to look for the kosher certification label or seal on the package to verify that the food item is actually kosher&mdash;especially for meat and fish. While at least some kosher packaged food is readily available in most grocery stores in [[North America]] and [[Europe]], it may be more difficult to find elsewhere, and will almost always be imported from another country. ===Synagogues and outreach centers=== Some synagogues and Jewish outreach centers (such as '''[http://www.chabad.org/centers/default_cdo/jewish/Centers.htm Chabad Houses]''') offer packaged or frozen food items, prepared foods, and even a selection of meats for sale for kosher travelers. You will need to contact the synagogue or outreach center directly to find out about what is available, how to purchase, and how to obtain the food; in many cases you may have to reserve the food in advance. This can be especially helpful in cities or countries where a Jewish community presence is limited. If visiting around a major Jewish holiday or on the Sabbath, you may also be able to partake in a full meal at the synagogue or outreach center, usually at no charge (though a donation to the center may be requested). ===Vegetarian and halal food=== Most of the rules of kashrut involve meat, and there is some overlap with Islamic dietary laws, so depending on your level of observance, you might feel comfortable just going for a [[vegetarian]] or [[Islam#Eat|halal]] option when certified kosher food isn't available. Of course, many observant Jews won't consider this an acceptable option. In many places, foods which are vegan or vegetarian will also carry additional "halal" or "kosher" labels, but this mostly depends on whether the extra cost to get certified can be recouped by increased sales. ===Airlines=== Kosher food was one of the first "special foods" to be introduced on commercial airplanes and it is widely available today. You will usually have to specify a kosher meal in advance to get one. Israeli flag carrier '''[https://www.elal.com El Al]''' only offers kosher meals on all flights, a tradition that dates back to the founding of the airline. When departing from airports that do not have a commercial Kosher kitchen, be prepared to receive a tray of fruit or granola bar instead of a full meal, and plan in advance for alternative meal options. ===Rentals=== Kosher-observant travelers often need vacation rentals with kosher kitchens, proximity to synagogues, and Shabbat-friendly features. These requirements are typically not available through general booking sites and are better found on platforms specializing in kosher-friendly accommodations. Examples include: *{{eat | name=Kvation | alt=Kosher vacation | url=https://kvation.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q135172650 | content=Online platform for booking kosher vacation homes with mehadrin kosher kitchen, or resorts that offer kosher meals. Mainly US and Israel, with (as of mid-2025) few places elsewhere and none in South America, Africa, Oceania, or any part of Asia except Israel. |lastedit=2025-07-02}} *'''[https://gokosher.com/ GoKosher]''' (Kosher travel classifieds). Offers free and paid classified listings for kosher hotels, rentals, and travel services, with most listings in the US and Israel, and some in South America. *'''[https://reservekosher.com/ ReserveKosher]''' (Kosher rental classifieds). Provides paid classified listings for kosher-friendly vacation rentals, with listings primarily in the US and Israel. ==By region== ===Israel=== [[Israel]] is the most welcoming country in the world for kosher travelers. Thousands of kosher restaurants, dining establishments, and grocery stores can be found throughout the country, most notably in [[Jerusalem]] and [[Tel Aviv]]. A novelty for most Jewish travelers are Israel's all-kosher adaptations of famous American fast-food chains, including McDonald's and KFC. Though non-kosher food is also sold in Israel, by law only kosher foodstuffs may be brought into the country; food that is not certified kosher may be confiscated by customs. ===North America=== Parts of the [[United States]] are on par with Israel in the number of kosher dining options and establishments that are available. Major cities such as [[New York City|New York]], [[Baltimore]], [[Miami]], [[Chicago]], and [[Los Angeles]] have a particularly notable variety of kosher restaurants in operation, and most, if not all, sizable metropolitan areas will have at least one kosher establishment, often a certified bakery or deli counter at a supermarket. You will also find at least some kosher-certified packaged foods or non-perishable items can typically be found in all but the most remote grocery stores of the country. Many major brands found in grocery stores carry kosher certification from the Orthodox Union, signified by the circled-U ''hechsher'' symbol, Ⓤ, on food packaging. As even many non-Jewish Americans perceive kosher products to be of higher quality, products which are kosher "by default" (e.g. vegan products) are usually also labeled as kosher as the small extra cost of getting certified is well worth the extra sales. For travellers [[Touring prestigious and notable universities in the U.S.|touring U.S. universities]] or [[studying in the United States]], university cafeterias sometimes have a designated kosher station, and even if they don't, there's often some kind of program on campus to make kosher meals available. [[Toronto]] and [[Montreal]] in [[Canada]] both offer a good number of kosher restaurants as well. Other major cities like [[Vancouver]] and [[Calgary]] also have at least one or two kosher establishments. In [[Mexico]], there is a significant Jewish community in [[Mexico City]] that operates several kosher eateries. There is also a Jewish presence (and Chabad houses) in the Yucatan area. ===Europe=== [[England]] ([[London]] in particular) has a decent variety of kosher establishments, mostly situated in the [[London/North|North London]] neighborhoods of Golders Green, Hendon, Edgware, and Stamford Hill. [[Paris]] also has a large Jewish community, primarily descended from Sephardic and Mizrahi Jewish refugees from France's North African and Middle Eastern former colonies. In most of continental Europe, kosher dining options are often few and far between and where they exist, they sadly are sometimes target of anti-Jewish violence, so additional safety precautions may have to be taken (e.g. a police guard or metal detectors at the entrance). In order to find the next kosher store, inquiring at the local synagogue is always a good idea. One of the European countries where a surprisingly high number of Jews live (and, hence, kosher dining options exist) is Germany. As many German Jews are or are descended from recent emigrants from the former Soviet Union, kosher food options may sometimes be found in "Russian" stores as well. Kosher restaurants also exist, but they are rather few and far between. ===Asia=== Very few kosher establishments are located in Asian countries (with the obvious exception of Israel). Most likely, you will need to bring/find your own food or contact a local Jewish organization at your destination for assistance. [[India]] obviously has a lot of purely vegetarian restaurants, which avoid cross-contamination, and while many vegetarian dishes across the country ''inadvertently'' follow kosher principles, very few vegetarian establishments are actually kosher-certified. However, depending on your level of observance, Indian vegetarian food prepared in a ''purely vegetarian facility'' may be satisfactory. In some areas with no kosher butchers or restaurants, the local Chabad house provides kosher meals for Jewish travellers provided you request it at least a few days in advance. Make sure you plan ahead before you travel, and stock up before you head to more remote areas. Due to animosity resulting from the Arab-Israeli conflict, many Muslim-majority countries do not have any official Jewish organizations, the main exceptions being [[Iran]], [[Turkey]], [[Bahrain]] and the [[Central Asia]]n countries; you may want to stop in a neighboring country to stock up before you go. However, depending on how strict you are, halal food that does not mix milk and meat may suffice in a pinch. Some of these countries may also have underground Jewish organisations that operate under a "neutral", less politically sensitive name. For obvious reasons, they do not advertise their services openly, but you may be able to get in contact with them through your home country's Jewish organisation. The "Abraham Accords" between Israel and a number of Arab-Muslim countries have already led to some high-scale hotels announcing kosher options now that relations with Israel have been made official. ===South America=== In [[Argentina]], [[Buenos Aires]] has a large variety of kosher restaurants and supermarkets, including the only kosher McDonald's outside of Israel. [[São Paulo|Sao Paulo]] and [[Santiago|Santiago]] also have a wide variety of kosher establishments, and a few other cities, such as [[Montevideo]], [[Bogotá|Bogota]], [[Lima]], and [[Rio de Janeiro]] have at least one kosher establishment. ===Africa=== [[South Africa]] is generally the best place on the continent to find reliably kosher food, particularly in [[Johannesburg]] and [[Cape Town]]. Besides South Africa, significant Jewish communities can also be found (perhaps surprisingly) in the North African Arab countries of [[Tunisia]] and [[Morocco]]. ===Oceania=== [[Australia]] has a wide variety of kosher establishments in [[Sydney]], [[Melbourne]], [[Brisbane]] and [[Perth]], but outside of those four cities, it gets more difficult to find kosher food. The same applies in [[New Zealand]], where, for instance, kosher meat is unavailable outside of one kosher shop in [[Auckland]] and another in [[Wellington]]. However, many products in supermarkets in both countries are indeed kosher but not labelled as such, and the local rabbinical authorities provide lists of what products one can consume. {{PartOfTopic|Food and drink}} {{outlinetopic}} ac6a5a4bohiimoyb4ed254rniq3p3fg 5086856 5086852 2025-07-02T23:54:25Z GlobalMishpacha 2328865 /* Rentals */ removed prentecies for two examples, since that's explaining the site, and not the full version of the said name 5086856 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Kashrut banner 6.jpg}} '''Kashrut''' is the system of [[Judaism|Jewish]] dietary laws. Food permitted under Kashrut is called '''kosher'''. ==Laws of Kashrut== [[File:Hechsher Yechiel Babad Orthodox Union Passover.jpg|thumb|A heksher (kosher certification) for milk]] There are only a few major rules of kashrut, but they have many applications. *[[Meat]] and fowl must be from specific types of animals, and slaughtered by a Jew in a very precise way. The most important point being that no blood can remain in the meat; a point where Islamic [[Islam#Eat|halal]] rules are broadly similar though less strict. *Insects are categorically forbidden (with the exception of certain types of locusts, which are kosher only according to Yemenite interpretations of kashrut - the Hebrew words listing the acceptable types of locust are considered too ambiguous by non-Yemenite Jews), even small insects found in/on fruit or vegetables. Some produce must be checked thoroughly. *All non-fish [[seafood]], and fish without scales (such as sharks) are forbidden. *Meat and milk may not be consumed together, or even at the same meal. However, fish is not considered to be meat under Jewish law, so fish and dairy may be mixed. Typically, Jews need to wait for half an hour to an hour (six hours in the case of certain hard cheeses) after consuming dairy before they can consume meat, and six hours after consuming meat before they can consume dairy. *[[Wine]], grape juice, and other grape products must be made by Jews and production must follow some additional rules, though grapes in the form of fruit are inherently kosher. *The food must have been prepared in a kosher kitchen. A typical kosher kitchen will have two separate sets of sinks, stoves, ovens, refrigerators and utensils for handling meat and dairy to ensure that there is no chance of the two mixing, even in minute amounts, and none of the equipment used to cook, serve or eat the food may have been touched by non-kosher food. ===Passover=== During Passover (Pesach) no leavened bread may be consumed. The rules on this are strict and any flour that has been in contact with water for over 18 minutes is considered leavened and mustn't be used during Pesach. In addition, Ashkenazi Jews traditionally refrain from other products known as ''kitniyot'', the exact definition of which depends on which rabbi you ask, but which include rice and some legumes. Products that are kosher for Pesach are often specially certified saying so. ==Obtaining kosher food== While not as difficult as it once was, finding kosher food while traveling can still be a challenge. ===Bring your own=== One possibility is just to bring your own kosher food from home. While this may seem to be the easiest way, it is often not. For even modestly long journeys, it may be difficult to carry the requisite amount of food. It is often impractical to refrigerate perishables (although food can be kept frozen in an airplane, as long as the plane is not delayed on the ground for too long), and while non-perishable food items will travel more easily, you will need extra space to pack them. It is sometimes illegal to move fruit and the like across country borders. Kosher self-heating meal kits are an increasingly popular food item for Jewish travelers, and while they are something to consider, they are frequently banned from aeroplanes. Good non-perishable, calorie-dense, non-fragile foods to bring include dried fruit, nuts, granola bars, rice cakes, and canned goods. ===Packaged food=== Food sold in grocery stores is usually packaged, and is sometimes kosher. You will need to look for the kosher certification label or seal on the package to verify that the food item is actually kosher&mdash;especially for meat and fish. While at least some kosher packaged food is readily available in most grocery stores in [[North America]] and [[Europe]], it may be more difficult to find elsewhere, and will almost always be imported from another country. ===Synagogues and outreach centers=== Some synagogues and Jewish outreach centers (such as '''[http://www.chabad.org/centers/default_cdo/jewish/Centers.htm Chabad Houses]''') offer packaged or frozen food items, prepared foods, and even a selection of meats for sale for kosher travelers. You will need to contact the synagogue or outreach center directly to find out about what is available, how to purchase, and how to obtain the food; in many cases you may have to reserve the food in advance. This can be especially helpful in cities or countries where a Jewish community presence is limited. If visiting around a major Jewish holiday or on the Sabbath, you may also be able to partake in a full meal at the synagogue or outreach center, usually at no charge (though a donation to the center may be requested). ===Vegetarian and halal food=== Most of the rules of kashrut involve meat, and there is some overlap with Islamic dietary laws, so depending on your level of observance, you might feel comfortable just going for a [[vegetarian]] or [[Islam#Eat|halal]] option when certified kosher food isn't available. Of course, many observant Jews won't consider this an acceptable option. In many places, foods which are vegan or vegetarian will also carry additional "halal" or "kosher" labels, but this mostly depends on whether the extra cost to get certified can be recouped by increased sales. ===Airlines=== Kosher food was one of the first "special foods" to be introduced on commercial airplanes and it is widely available today. You will usually have to specify a kosher meal in advance to get one. Israeli flag carrier '''[https://www.elal.com El Al]''' only offers kosher meals on all flights, a tradition that dates back to the founding of the airline. When departing from airports that do not have a commercial Kosher kitchen, be prepared to receive a tray of fruit or granola bar instead of a full meal, and plan in advance for alternative meal options. ===Rentals=== Kosher-observant travelers often need vacation rentals with kosher kitchens, proximity to synagogues, and Shabbat-friendly features. These requirements are typically not available through general booking sites and are better found on platforms specializing in kosher-friendly accommodations. Examples include: *{{eat | name=Kvation | alt=Kosher vacation | url=https://kvation.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q135172650 | content=Online platform for booking kosher vacation homes with mehadrin kosher kitchen, or resorts that offer kosher meals. Mainly US and Israel, with (as of mid-2025) few places elsewhere and none in South America, Africa, Oceania, or any part of Asia except Israel. |lastedit=2025-07-02}} *'''[https://gokosher.com/ GoKosher]''' Kosher travel classifieds. Offers free and paid classified listings for kosher hotels, rentals, and travel services, with most listings in the US and Israel, and some in South America. *'''[https://reservekosher.com/ ReserveKosher]''' Kosher rental classifieds. Provides paid classified listings for kosher-friendly vacation rentals, with listings primarily in the US and Israel. ==By region== ===Israel=== [[Israel]] is the most welcoming country in the world for kosher travelers. Thousands of kosher restaurants, dining establishments, and grocery stores can be found throughout the country, most notably in [[Jerusalem]] and [[Tel Aviv]]. A novelty for most Jewish travelers are Israel's all-kosher adaptations of famous American fast-food chains, including McDonald's and KFC. Though non-kosher food is also sold in Israel, by law only kosher foodstuffs may be brought into the country; food that is not certified kosher may be confiscated by customs. ===North America=== Parts of the [[United States]] are on par with Israel in the number of kosher dining options and establishments that are available. Major cities such as [[New York City|New York]], [[Baltimore]], [[Miami]], [[Chicago]], and [[Los Angeles]] have a particularly notable variety of kosher restaurants in operation, and most, if not all, sizable metropolitan areas will have at least one kosher establishment, often a certified bakery or deli counter at a supermarket. You will also find at least some kosher-certified packaged foods or non-perishable items can typically be found in all but the most remote grocery stores of the country. Many major brands found in grocery stores carry kosher certification from the Orthodox Union, signified by the circled-U ''hechsher'' symbol, Ⓤ, on food packaging. As even many non-Jewish Americans perceive kosher products to be of higher quality, products which are kosher "by default" (e.g. vegan products) are usually also labeled as kosher as the small extra cost of getting certified is well worth the extra sales. For travellers [[Touring prestigious and notable universities in the U.S.|touring U.S. universities]] or [[studying in the United States]], university cafeterias sometimes have a designated kosher station, and even if they don't, there's often some kind of program on campus to make kosher meals available. [[Toronto]] and [[Montreal]] in [[Canada]] both offer a good number of kosher restaurants as well. Other major cities like [[Vancouver]] and [[Calgary]] also have at least one or two kosher establishments. In [[Mexico]], there is a significant Jewish community in [[Mexico City]] that operates several kosher eateries. There is also a Jewish presence (and Chabad houses) in the Yucatan area. ===Europe=== [[England]] ([[London]] in particular) has a decent variety of kosher establishments, mostly situated in the [[London/North|North London]] neighborhoods of Golders Green, Hendon, Edgware, and Stamford Hill. [[Paris]] also has a large Jewish community, primarily descended from Sephardic and Mizrahi Jewish refugees from France's North African and Middle Eastern former colonies. In most of continental Europe, kosher dining options are often few and far between and where they exist, they sadly are sometimes target of anti-Jewish violence, so additional safety precautions may have to be taken (e.g. a police guard or metal detectors at the entrance). In order to find the next kosher store, inquiring at the local synagogue is always a good idea. One of the European countries where a surprisingly high number of Jews live (and, hence, kosher dining options exist) is Germany. As many German Jews are or are descended from recent emigrants from the former Soviet Union, kosher food options may sometimes be found in "Russian" stores as well. Kosher restaurants also exist, but they are rather few and far between. ===Asia=== Very few kosher establishments are located in Asian countries (with the obvious exception of Israel). Most likely, you will need to bring/find your own food or contact a local Jewish organization at your destination for assistance. [[India]] obviously has a lot of purely vegetarian restaurants, which avoid cross-contamination, and while many vegetarian dishes across the country ''inadvertently'' follow kosher principles, very few vegetarian establishments are actually kosher-certified. However, depending on your level of observance, Indian vegetarian food prepared in a ''purely vegetarian facility'' may be satisfactory. In some areas with no kosher butchers or restaurants, the local Chabad house provides kosher meals for Jewish travellers provided you request it at least a few days in advance. Make sure you plan ahead before you travel, and stock up before you head to more remote areas. Due to animosity resulting from the Arab-Israeli conflict, many Muslim-majority countries do not have any official Jewish organizations, the main exceptions being [[Iran]], [[Turkey]], [[Bahrain]] and the [[Central Asia]]n countries; you may want to stop in a neighboring country to stock up before you go. However, depending on how strict you are, halal food that does not mix milk and meat may suffice in a pinch. Some of these countries may also have underground Jewish organisations that operate under a "neutral", less politically sensitive name. For obvious reasons, they do not advertise their services openly, but you may be able to get in contact with them through your home country's Jewish organisation. The "Abraham Accords" between Israel and a number of Arab-Muslim countries have already led to some high-scale hotels announcing kosher options now that relations with Israel have been made official. ===South America=== In [[Argentina]], [[Buenos Aires]] has a large variety of kosher restaurants and supermarkets, including the only kosher McDonald's outside of Israel. [[São Paulo|Sao Paulo]] and [[Santiago|Santiago]] also have a wide variety of kosher establishments, and a few other cities, such as [[Montevideo]], [[Bogotá|Bogota]], [[Lima]], and [[Rio de Janeiro]] have at least one kosher establishment. ===Africa=== [[South Africa]] is generally the best place on the continent to find reliably kosher food, particularly in [[Johannesburg]] and [[Cape Town]]. Besides South Africa, significant Jewish communities can also be found (perhaps surprisingly) in the North African Arab countries of [[Tunisia]] and [[Morocco]]. ===Oceania=== [[Australia]] has a wide variety of kosher establishments in [[Sydney]], [[Melbourne]], [[Brisbane]] and [[Perth]], but outside of those four cities, it gets more difficult to find kosher food. The same applies in [[New Zealand]], where, for instance, kosher meat is unavailable outside of one kosher shop in [[Auckland]] and another in [[Wellington]]. However, many products in supermarkets in both countries are indeed kosher but not labelled as such, and the local rabbinical authorities provide lists of what products one can consume. {{PartOfTopic|Food and drink}} {{outlinetopic}} kn7lrz0jz0365mm1ur29j0huizjfdd6 5086868 5086856 2025-07-03T01:03:39Z GlobalMishpacha 2328865 /* Kosher-Certified Restaurants */ 5086868 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Kashrut banner 6.jpg}} '''Kashrut''' is the system of [[Judaism|Jewish]] dietary laws. Food permitted under Kashrut is called '''kosher'''. ==Laws of Kashrut== [[File:Hechsher Yechiel Babad Orthodox Union Passover.jpg|thumb|A heksher (kosher certification) for milk]] There are only a few major rules of kashrut, but they have many applications. *[[Meat]] and fowl must be from specific types of animals, and slaughtered by a Jew in a very precise way. The most important point being that no blood can remain in the meat; a point where Islamic [[Islam#Eat|halal]] rules are broadly similar though less strict. *Insects are categorically forbidden (with the exception of certain types of locusts, which are kosher only according to Yemenite interpretations of kashrut - the Hebrew words listing the acceptable types of locust are considered too ambiguous by non-Yemenite Jews), even small insects found in/on fruit or vegetables. Some produce must be checked thoroughly. *All non-fish [[seafood]], and fish without scales (such as sharks) are forbidden. *Meat and milk may not be consumed together, or even at the same meal. However, fish is not considered to be meat under Jewish law, so fish and dairy may be mixed. Typically, Jews need to wait for half an hour to an hour (six hours in the case of certain hard cheeses) after consuming dairy before they can consume meat, and six hours after consuming meat before they can consume dairy. *[[Wine]], grape juice, and other grape products must be made by Jews and production must follow some additional rules, though grapes in the form of fruit are inherently kosher. *The food must have been prepared in a kosher kitchen. A typical kosher kitchen will have two separate sets of sinks, stoves, ovens, refrigerators and utensils for handling meat and dairy to ensure that there is no chance of the two mixing, even in minute amounts, and none of the equipment used to cook, serve or eat the food may have been touched by non-kosher food. ===Passover=== During Passover (Pesach) no leavened bread may be consumed. The rules on this are strict and any flour that has been in contact with water for over 18 minutes is considered leavened and mustn't be used during Pesach. In addition, Ashkenazi Jews traditionally refrain from other products known as ''kitniyot'', the exact definition of which depends on which rabbi you ask, but which include rice and some legumes. Products that are kosher for Pesach are often specially certified saying so. ==Obtaining kosher food== While not as difficult as it once was, finding kosher food while traveling can still be a challenge. ===Bring your own=== One possibility is just to bring your own kosher food from home. While this may seem to be the easiest way, it is often not. For even modestly long journeys, it may be difficult to carry the requisite amount of food. It is often impractical to refrigerate perishables (although food can be kept frozen in an airplane, as long as the plane is not delayed on the ground for too long), and while non-perishable food items will travel more easily, you will need extra space to pack them. It is sometimes illegal to move fruit and the like across country borders. Kosher self-heating meal kits are an increasingly popular food item for Jewish travelers, and while they are something to consider, they are frequently banned from aeroplanes. Good non-perishable, calorie-dense, non-fragile foods to bring include dried fruit, nuts, granola bars, rice cakes, and canned goods. ===Packaged food=== Food sold in grocery stores is usually packaged, and is sometimes kosher. You will need to look for the kosher certification label or seal on the package to verify that the food item is actually kosher&mdash;especially for meat and fish. While at least some kosher packaged food is readily available in most grocery stores in [[North America]] and [[Europe]], it may be more difficult to find elsewhere, and will almost always be imported from another country. ===Synagogues and outreach centers=== Some synagogues and Jewish outreach centers (such as '''[http://www.chabad.org/centers/default_cdo/jewish/Centers.htm Chabad Houses]''') offer packaged or frozen food items, prepared foods, and even a selection of meats for sale for kosher travelers. You will need to contact the synagogue or outreach center directly to find out about what is available, how to purchase, and how to obtain the food; in many cases you may have to reserve the food in advance. This can be especially helpful in cities or countries where a Jewish community presence is limited. If visiting around a major Jewish holiday or on the Sabbath, you may also be able to partake in a full meal at the synagogue or outreach center, usually at no charge (though a donation to the center may be requested). ===Vegetarian and halal food=== Most of the rules of kashrut involve meat, and there is some overlap with Islamic dietary laws, so depending on your level of observance, you might feel comfortable just going for a [[vegetarian]] or [[Islam#Eat|halal]] option when certified kosher food isn't available. Of course, many observant Jews won't consider this an acceptable option. In many places, foods which are vegan or vegetarian will also carry additional "halal" or "kosher" labels, but this mostly depends on whether the extra cost to get certified can be recouped by increased sales. ===Airlines=== Kosher food was one of the first "special foods" to be introduced on commercial airplanes and it is widely available today. You will usually have to specify a kosher meal in advance to get one. Israeli flag carrier '''[https://www.elal.com El Al]''' only offers kosher meals on all flights, a tradition that dates back to the founding of the airline. When departing from airports that do not have a commercial Kosher kitchen, be prepared to receive a tray of fruit or granola bar instead of a full meal, and plan in advance for alternative meal options. ===Rentals=== Kosher-observant travelers often need vacation rentals with kosher kitchens, proximity to synagogues, and Shabbat-friendly features. These requirements are typically not available through general booking sites and are better found on platforms specializing in kosher-friendly accommodations. Examples include: *{{eat | name=Kvation | alt=Kosher vacation | url=https://kvation.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q135172650 | content=Online platform for booking kosher vacation homes with mehadrin kosher kitchen, or resorts that offer kosher meals. Mainly US and Israel, with (as of mid-2025) few places elsewhere and none in South America, Africa, Oceania, or any part of Asia except Israel. |lastedit=2025-07-02}} *'''[https://gokosher.com/ GoKosher]''' Kosher travel classifieds. Offers free and paid classified listings for kosher hotels, rentals, and travel services, with most listings in the US and Israel, and some in South America. *'''[https://reservekosher.com/ ReserveKosher]''' Kosher rental classifieds. Provides paid classified listings for kosher-friendly vacation rentals, with listings primarily in the US and Israel. === Kosher-Certified Restaurants === For travelers looking to dine out, kosher-observant visitors may wish to consult certified restaurant lists from leading kashrut authorities: * [https://oukosher.org/restaurants/ '''OU Kosher Restaurant''' '''list'''] – A directory of restaurants and food services certified by Orthodox Union Kosher, filterable by location within United State. * [https://www.ok.org/restaurant-guide/ '''OK Kosher Restaurant''' '''list'''] – A global listing of eateries certified by OK Kosher Certification, searchable by location and type, within United State. ==By region== ===Israel=== [[Israel]] is the most welcoming country in the world for kosher travelers. Thousands of kosher restaurants, dining establishments, and grocery stores can be found throughout the country, most notably in [[Jerusalem]] and [[Tel Aviv]]. A novelty for most Jewish travelers are Israel's all-kosher adaptations of famous American fast-food chains, including McDonald's and KFC. Though non-kosher food is also sold in Israel, by law only kosher foodstuffs may be brought into the country; food that is not certified kosher may be confiscated by customs. ===North America=== Parts of the [[United States]] are on par with Israel in the number of kosher dining options and establishments that are available. Major cities such as [[New York City|New York]], [[Baltimore]], [[Miami]], [[Chicago]], and [[Los Angeles]] have a particularly notable variety of kosher restaurants in operation, and most, if not all, sizable metropolitan areas will have at least one kosher establishment, often a certified bakery or deli counter at a supermarket. You will also find at least some kosher-certified packaged foods or non-perishable items can typically be found in all but the most remote grocery stores of the country. Many major brands found in grocery stores carry kosher certification from the Orthodox Union, signified by the circled-U ''hechsher'' symbol, Ⓤ, on food packaging. As even many non-Jewish Americans perceive kosher products to be of higher quality, products which are kosher "by default" (e.g. vegan products) are usually also labeled as kosher as the small extra cost of getting certified is well worth the extra sales. For travellers [[Touring prestigious and notable universities in the U.S.|touring U.S. universities]] or [[studying in the United States]], university cafeterias sometimes have a designated kosher station, and even if they don't, there's often some kind of program on campus to make kosher meals available. [[Toronto]] and [[Montreal]] in [[Canada]] both offer a good number of kosher restaurants as well. Other major cities like [[Vancouver]] and [[Calgary]] also have at least one or two kosher establishments. In [[Mexico]], there is a significant Jewish community in [[Mexico City]] that operates several kosher eateries. There is also a Jewish presence (and Chabad houses) in the Yucatan area. ===Europe=== [[England]] ([[London]] in particular) has a decent variety of kosher establishments, mostly situated in the [[London/North|North London]] neighborhoods of Golders Green, Hendon, Edgware, and Stamford Hill. [[Paris]] also has a large Jewish community, primarily descended from Sephardic and Mizrahi Jewish refugees from France's North African and Middle Eastern former colonies. In most of continental Europe, kosher dining options are often few and far between and where they exist, they sadly are sometimes target of anti-Jewish violence, so additional safety precautions may have to be taken (e.g. a police guard or metal detectors at the entrance). In order to find the next kosher store, inquiring at the local synagogue is always a good idea. One of the European countries where a surprisingly high number of Jews live (and, hence, kosher dining options exist) is Germany. As many German Jews are or are descended from recent emigrants from the former Soviet Union, kosher food options may sometimes be found in "Russian" stores as well. Kosher restaurants also exist, but they are rather few and far between. ===Asia=== Very few kosher establishments are located in Asian countries (with the obvious exception of Israel). Most likely, you will need to bring/find your own food or contact a local Jewish organization at your destination for assistance. [[India]] obviously has a lot of purely vegetarian restaurants, which avoid cross-contamination, and while many vegetarian dishes across the country ''inadvertently'' follow kosher principles, very few vegetarian establishments are actually kosher-certified. However, depending on your level of observance, Indian vegetarian food prepared in a ''purely vegetarian facility'' may be satisfactory. In some areas with no kosher butchers or restaurants, the local Chabad house provides kosher meals for Jewish travellers provided you request it at least a few days in advance. Make sure you plan ahead before you travel, and stock up before you head to more remote areas. Due to animosity resulting from the Arab-Israeli conflict, many Muslim-majority countries do not have any official Jewish organizations, the main exceptions being [[Iran]], [[Turkey]], [[Bahrain]] and the [[Central Asia]]n countries; you may want to stop in a neighboring country to stock up before you go. However, depending on how strict you are, halal food that does not mix milk and meat may suffice in a pinch. Some of these countries may also have underground Jewish organisations that operate under a "neutral", less politically sensitive name. For obvious reasons, they do not advertise their services openly, but you may be able to get in contact with them through your home country's Jewish organisation. The "Abraham Accords" between Israel and a number of Arab-Muslim countries have already led to some high-scale hotels announcing kosher options now that relations with Israel have been made official. ===South America=== In [[Argentina]], [[Buenos Aires]] has a large variety of kosher restaurants and supermarkets, including the only kosher McDonald's outside of Israel. [[São Paulo|Sao Paulo]] and [[Santiago|Santiago]] also have a wide variety of kosher establishments, and a few other cities, such as [[Montevideo]], [[Bogotá|Bogota]], [[Lima]], and [[Rio de Janeiro]] have at least one kosher establishment. ===Africa=== [[South Africa]] is generally the best place on the continent to find reliably kosher food, particularly in [[Johannesburg]] and [[Cape Town]]. Besides South Africa, significant Jewish communities can also be found (perhaps surprisingly) in the North African Arab countries of [[Tunisia]] and [[Morocco]]. ===Oceania=== [[Australia]] has a wide variety of kosher establishments in [[Sydney]], [[Melbourne]], [[Brisbane]] and [[Perth]], but outside of those four cities, it gets more difficult to find kosher food. The same applies in [[New Zealand]], where, for instance, kosher meat is unavailable outside of one kosher shop in [[Auckland]] and another in [[Wellington]]. However, many products in supermarkets in both countries are indeed kosher but not labelled as such, and the local rabbinical authorities provide lists of what products one can consume. {{PartOfTopic|Food and drink}} {{outlinetopic}} 3wcjtc44nhfgvk6fq6gblb1wipv6chu 5086869 5086868 2025-07-03T01:06:36Z GlobalMishpacha 2328865 5086869 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Kashrut banner 6.jpg}} '''Kashrut''' is the system of [[Judaism|Jewish]] dietary laws. Food permitted under Kashrut is called '''kosher'''. ==Laws of Kashrut== [[File:Hechsher Yechiel Babad Orthodox Union Passover.jpg|thumb|A heksher (kosher certification) for milk]] There are only a few major rules of kashrut, but they have many applications. *[[Meat]] and fowl must be from specific types of animals, and slaughtered by a Jew in a very precise way. The most important point being that no blood can remain in the meat; a point where Islamic [[Islam#Eat|halal]] rules are broadly similar though less strict. *Insects are categorically forbidden (with the exception of certain types of locusts, which are kosher only according to Yemenite interpretations of kashrut - the Hebrew words listing the acceptable types of locust are considered too ambiguous by non-Yemenite Jews), even small insects found in/on fruit or vegetables. Some produce must be checked thoroughly. *All non-fish [[seafood]], and fish without scales (such as sharks) are forbidden. *Meat and milk may not be consumed together, or even at the same meal. However, fish is not considered to be meat under Jewish law, so fish and dairy may be mixed. Typically, Jews need to wait for half an hour to an hour (six hours in the case of certain hard cheeses) after consuming dairy before they can consume meat, and six hours after consuming meat before they can consume dairy. *[[Wine]], grape juice, and other grape products must be made by Jews and production must follow some additional rules, though grapes in the form of fruit are inherently kosher. *The food must have been prepared in a kosher kitchen. A typical kosher kitchen will have two separate sets of sinks, stoves, ovens, refrigerators and utensils for handling meat and dairy to ensure that there is no chance of the two mixing, even in minute amounts, and none of the equipment used to cook, serve or eat the food may have been touched by non-kosher food. ===Passover=== During Passover (Pesach) no leavened bread may be consumed. The rules on this are strict and any flour that has been in contact with water for over 18 minutes is considered leavened and mustn't be used during Pesach. In addition, Ashkenazi Jews traditionally refrain from other products known as ''kitniyot'', the exact definition of which depends on which rabbi you ask, but which include rice and some legumes. Products that are kosher for Pesach are often specially certified saying so. ==Obtaining kosher food== While not as difficult as it once was, finding kosher food while traveling can still be a challenge. ===Bring your own=== One possibility is just to bring your own kosher food from home. While this may seem to be the easiest way, it is often not. For even modestly long journeys, it may be difficult to carry the requisite amount of food. It is often impractical to refrigerate perishables (although food can be kept frozen in an airplane, as long as the plane is not delayed on the ground for too long), and while non-perishable food items will travel more easily, you will need extra space to pack them. It is sometimes illegal to move fruit and the like across country borders. Kosher self-heating meal kits are an increasingly popular food item for Jewish travelers, and while they are something to consider, they are frequently banned from aeroplanes. Good non-perishable, calorie-dense, non-fragile foods to bring include dried fruit, nuts, granola bars, rice cakes, and canned goods. ===Packaged food=== Food sold in grocery stores is usually packaged, and is sometimes kosher. You will need to look for the kosher certification label or seal on the package to verify that the food item is actually kosher&mdash;especially for meat and fish. While at least some kosher packaged food is readily available in most grocery stores in [[North America]] and [[Europe]], it may be more difficult to find elsewhere, and will almost always be imported from another country. ===Synagogues and outreach centers=== Some synagogues and Jewish outreach centers (such as '''[http://www.chabad.org/centers/default_cdo/jewish/Centers.htm Chabad Houses]''') offer packaged or frozen food items, prepared foods, and even a selection of meats for sale for kosher travelers. You will need to contact the synagogue or outreach center directly to find out about what is available, how to purchase, and how to obtain the food; in many cases you may have to reserve the food in advance. This can be especially helpful in cities or countries where a Jewish community presence is limited. If visiting around a major Jewish holiday or on the Sabbath, you may also be able to partake in a full meal at the synagogue or outreach center, usually at no charge (though a donation to the center may be requested). ===Vegetarian and halal food=== Most of the rules of kashrut involve meat, and there is some overlap with Islamic dietary laws, so depending on your level of observance, you might feel comfortable just going for a [[vegetarian]] or [[Islam#Eat|halal]] option when certified kosher food isn't available. Of course, many observant Jews won't consider this an acceptable option. In many places, foods which are vegan or vegetarian will also carry additional "halal" or "kosher" labels, but this mostly depends on whether the extra cost to get certified can be recouped by increased sales. ===Airlines=== Kosher food was one of the first "special foods" to be introduced on commercial airplanes and it is widely available today. You will usually have to specify a kosher meal in advance to get one. Israeli flag carrier '''[https://www.elal.com El Al]''' only offers kosher meals on all flights, a tradition that dates back to the founding of the airline. When departing from airports that do not have a commercial Kosher kitchen, be prepared to receive a tray of fruit or granola bar instead of a full meal, and plan in advance for alternative meal options. ===Rentals=== Kosher-observant travelers often need vacation rentals with kosher kitchens, proximity to synagogues, and Shabbat-friendly features. These requirements are typically not available through general booking sites and are better found on platforms specializing in kosher-friendly accommodations. Examples include: *{{eat | name=Kvation | alt=Kosher vacation | url=https://kvation.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q135172650 | content=Online platform for booking kosher vacation homes with mehadrin kosher kitchen, or resorts that offer kosher meals. Mainly US and Israel, with (as of mid-2025) few places elsewhere and none in South America, Africa, Oceania, or any part of Asia except Israel. |lastedit=2025-07-02}} *'''[https://gokosher.com/ GoKosher]''' Kosher travel classifieds. Offers free and paid classified listings for kosher hotels, rentals, and travel services, with most listings in the US and Israel, and some in South America. *'''[https://reservekosher.com/ ReserveKosher]''' Kosher rental classifieds. Provides paid classified listings for kosher-friendly vacation rentals, with listings primarily in the US and Israel. === Kosher-Certified Restaurants === For travelers looking to dine out, kosher-observant visitors may wish to consult certified restaurant lists from leading kashrut authorities: * [https://oukosher.org/restaurants/ '''OU Kosher Restaurant''' '''list'''] – A directory of restaurants and food services certified by Orthodox Union Kosher, filterable by location within United State. * [https://www.ok.org/restaurant-guide/ '''OK Kosher Restaurant''' '''list'''] – All eateries certified by OK Kosher Certification, searchable by location and type, within United State. ==By region== ===Israel=== [[Israel]] is the most welcoming country in the world for kosher travelers. Thousands of kosher restaurants, dining establishments, and grocery stores can be found throughout the country, most notably in [[Jerusalem]] and [[Tel Aviv]]. A novelty for most Jewish travelers are Israel's all-kosher adaptations of famous American fast-food chains, including McDonald's and KFC. Though non-kosher food is also sold in Israel, by law only kosher foodstuffs may be brought into the country; food that is not certified kosher may be confiscated by customs. ===North America=== Parts of the [[United States]] are on par with Israel in the number of kosher dining options and establishments that are available. Major cities such as [[New York City|New York]], [[Baltimore]], [[Miami]], [[Chicago]], and [[Los Angeles]] have a particularly notable variety of kosher restaurants in operation, and most, if not all, sizable metropolitan areas will have at least one kosher establishment, often a certified bakery or deli counter at a supermarket. You will also find at least some kosher-certified packaged foods or non-perishable items can typically be found in all but the most remote grocery stores of the country. Many major brands found in grocery stores carry kosher certification from the Orthodox Union, signified by the circled-U ''hechsher'' symbol, Ⓤ, on food packaging. As even many non-Jewish Americans perceive kosher products to be of higher quality, products which are kosher "by default" (e.g. vegan products) are usually also labeled as kosher as the small extra cost of getting certified is well worth the extra sales. For travellers [[Touring prestigious and notable universities in the U.S.|touring U.S. universities]] or [[studying in the United States]], university cafeterias sometimes have a designated kosher station, and even if they don't, there's often some kind of program on campus to make kosher meals available. [[Toronto]] and [[Montreal]] in [[Canada]] both offer a good number of kosher restaurants as well. Other major cities like [[Vancouver]] and [[Calgary]] also have at least one or two kosher establishments. In [[Mexico]], there is a significant Jewish community in [[Mexico City]] that operates several kosher eateries. There is also a Jewish presence (and Chabad houses) in the Yucatan area. ===Europe=== [[England]] ([[London]] in particular) has a decent variety of kosher establishments, mostly situated in the [[London/North|North London]] neighborhoods of Golders Green, Hendon, Edgware, and Stamford Hill. [[Paris]] also has a large Jewish community, primarily descended from Sephardic and Mizrahi Jewish refugees from France's North African and Middle Eastern former colonies. In most of continental Europe, kosher dining options are often few and far between and where they exist, they sadly are sometimes target of anti-Jewish violence, so additional safety precautions may have to be taken (e.g. a police guard or metal detectors at the entrance). In order to find the next kosher store, inquiring at the local synagogue is always a good idea. One of the European countries where a surprisingly high number of Jews live (and, hence, kosher dining options exist) is Germany. As many German Jews are or are descended from recent emigrants from the former Soviet Union, kosher food options may sometimes be found in "Russian" stores as well. Kosher restaurants also exist, but they are rather few and far between. ===Asia=== Very few kosher establishments are located in Asian countries (with the obvious exception of Israel). Most likely, you will need to bring/find your own food or contact a local Jewish organization at your destination for assistance. [[India]] obviously has a lot of purely vegetarian restaurants, which avoid cross-contamination, and while many vegetarian dishes across the country ''inadvertently'' follow kosher principles, very few vegetarian establishments are actually kosher-certified. However, depending on your level of observance, Indian vegetarian food prepared in a ''purely vegetarian facility'' may be satisfactory. In some areas with no kosher butchers or restaurants, the local Chabad house provides kosher meals for Jewish travellers provided you request it at least a few days in advance. Make sure you plan ahead before you travel, and stock up before you head to more remote areas. Due to animosity resulting from the Arab-Israeli conflict, many Muslim-majority countries do not have any official Jewish organizations, the main exceptions being [[Iran]], [[Turkey]], [[Bahrain]] and the [[Central Asia]]n countries; you may want to stop in a neighboring country to stock up before you go. However, depending on how strict you are, halal food that does not mix milk and meat may suffice in a pinch. Some of these countries may also have underground Jewish organisations that operate under a "neutral", less politically sensitive name. For obvious reasons, they do not advertise their services openly, but you may be able to get in contact with them through your home country's Jewish organisation. The "Abraham Accords" between Israel and a number of Arab-Muslim countries have already led to some high-scale hotels announcing kosher options now that relations with Israel have been made official. ===South America=== In [[Argentina]], [[Buenos Aires]] has a large variety of kosher restaurants and supermarkets, including the only kosher McDonald's outside of Israel. [[São Paulo|Sao Paulo]] and [[Santiago|Santiago]] also have a wide variety of kosher establishments, and a few other cities, such as [[Montevideo]], [[Bogotá|Bogota]], [[Lima]], and [[Rio de Janeiro]] have at least one kosher establishment. ===Africa=== [[South Africa]] is generally the best place on the continent to find reliably kosher food, particularly in [[Johannesburg]] and [[Cape Town]]. Besides South Africa, significant Jewish communities can also be found (perhaps surprisingly) in the North African Arab countries of [[Tunisia]] and [[Morocco]]. ===Oceania=== [[Australia]] has a wide variety of kosher establishments in [[Sydney]], [[Melbourne]], [[Brisbane]] and [[Perth]], but outside of those four cities, it gets more difficult to find kosher food. The same applies in [[New Zealand]], where, for instance, kosher meat is unavailable outside of one kosher shop in [[Auckland]] and another in [[Wellington]]. However, many products in supermarkets in both countries are indeed kosher but not labelled as such, and the local rabbinical authorities provide lists of what products one can consume. {{PartOfTopic|Food and drink}} {{outlinetopic}} q4sy8y0bip9rsv4yym3rd2dnpi8m0ha 5086870 5086869 2025-07-03T01:07:49Z Ikan Kekek 36420 /* Kosher-Certified Restaurants */ So probably should be listed in the United States section 5086870 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Kashrut banner 6.jpg}} '''Kashrut''' is the system of [[Judaism|Jewish]] dietary laws. Food permitted under Kashrut is called '''kosher'''. ==Laws of Kashrut== [[File:Hechsher Yechiel Babad Orthodox Union Passover.jpg|thumb|A heksher (kosher certification) for milk]] There are only a few major rules of kashrut, but they have many applications. *[[Meat]] and fowl must be from specific types of animals, and slaughtered by a Jew in a very precise way. The most important point being that no blood can remain in the meat; a point where Islamic [[Islam#Eat|halal]] rules are broadly similar though less strict. *Insects are categorically forbidden (with the exception of certain types of locusts, which are kosher only according to Yemenite interpretations of kashrut - the Hebrew words listing the acceptable types of locust are considered too ambiguous by non-Yemenite Jews), even small insects found in/on fruit or vegetables. Some produce must be checked thoroughly. *All non-fish [[seafood]], and fish without scales (such as sharks) are forbidden. *Meat and milk may not be consumed together, or even at the same meal. However, fish is not considered to be meat under Jewish law, so fish and dairy may be mixed. Typically, Jews need to wait for half an hour to an hour (six hours in the case of certain hard cheeses) after consuming dairy before they can consume meat, and six hours after consuming meat before they can consume dairy. *[[Wine]], grape juice, and other grape products must be made by Jews and production must follow some additional rules, though grapes in the form of fruit are inherently kosher. *The food must have been prepared in a kosher kitchen. A typical kosher kitchen will have two separate sets of sinks, stoves, ovens, refrigerators and utensils for handling meat and dairy to ensure that there is no chance of the two mixing, even in minute amounts, and none of the equipment used to cook, serve or eat the food may have been touched by non-kosher food. ===Passover=== During Passover (Pesach) no leavened bread may be consumed. The rules on this are strict and any flour that has been in contact with water for over 18 minutes is considered leavened and mustn't be used during Pesach. In addition, Ashkenazi Jews traditionally refrain from other products known as ''kitniyot'', the exact definition of which depends on which rabbi you ask, but which include rice and some legumes. Products that are kosher for Pesach are often specially certified saying so. ==Obtaining kosher food== While not as difficult as it once was, finding kosher food while traveling can still be a challenge. ===Bring your own=== One possibility is just to bring your own kosher food from home. While this may seem to be the easiest way, it is often not. For even modestly long journeys, it may be difficult to carry the requisite amount of food. It is often impractical to refrigerate perishables (although food can be kept frozen in an airplane, as long as the plane is not delayed on the ground for too long), and while non-perishable food items will travel more easily, you will need extra space to pack them. It is sometimes illegal to move fruit and the like across country borders. Kosher self-heating meal kits are an increasingly popular food item for Jewish travelers, and while they are something to consider, they are frequently banned from aeroplanes. Good non-perishable, calorie-dense, non-fragile foods to bring include dried fruit, nuts, granola bars, rice cakes, and canned goods. ===Packaged food=== Food sold in grocery stores is usually packaged, and is sometimes kosher. You will need to look for the kosher certification label or seal on the package to verify that the food item is actually kosher&mdash;especially for meat and fish. While at least some kosher packaged food is readily available in most grocery stores in [[North America]] and [[Europe]], it may be more difficult to find elsewhere, and will almost always be imported from another country. ===Synagogues and outreach centers=== Some synagogues and Jewish outreach centers (such as '''[http://www.chabad.org/centers/default_cdo/jewish/Centers.htm Chabad Houses]''') offer packaged or frozen food items, prepared foods, and even a selection of meats for sale for kosher travelers. You will need to contact the synagogue or outreach center directly to find out about what is available, how to purchase, and how to obtain the food; in many cases you may have to reserve the food in advance. This can be especially helpful in cities or countries where a Jewish community presence is limited. If visiting around a major Jewish holiday or on the Sabbath, you may also be able to partake in a full meal at the synagogue or outreach center, usually at no charge (though a donation to the center may be requested). ===Vegetarian and halal food=== Most of the rules of kashrut involve meat, and there is some overlap with Islamic dietary laws, so depending on your level of observance, you might feel comfortable just going for a [[vegetarian]] or [[Islam#Eat|halal]] option when certified kosher food isn't available. Of course, many observant Jews won't consider this an acceptable option. In many places, foods which are vegan or vegetarian will also carry additional "halal" or "kosher" labels, but this mostly depends on whether the extra cost to get certified can be recouped by increased sales. ===Airlines=== Kosher food was one of the first "special foods" to be introduced on commercial airplanes and it is widely available today. You will usually have to specify a kosher meal in advance to get one. Israeli flag carrier '''[https://www.elal.com El Al]''' only offers kosher meals on all flights, a tradition that dates back to the founding of the airline. When departing from airports that do not have a commercial Kosher kitchen, be prepared to receive a tray of fruit or granola bar instead of a full meal, and plan in advance for alternative meal options. ===Rentals=== Kosher-observant travelers often need vacation rentals with kosher kitchens, proximity to synagogues, and Shabbat-friendly features. These requirements are typically not available through general booking sites and are better found on platforms specializing in kosher-friendly accommodations. Examples include: *{{eat | name=Kvation | alt=Kosher vacation | url=https://kvation.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q135172650 | content=Online platform for booking kosher vacation homes with mehadrin kosher kitchen, or resorts that offer kosher meals. Mainly US and Israel, with (as of mid-2025) few places elsewhere and none in South America, Africa, Oceania, or any part of Asia except Israel. |lastedit=2025-07-02}} *'''[https://gokosher.com/ GoKosher]''' Kosher travel classifieds. Offers free and paid classified listings for kosher hotels, rentals, and travel services, with most listings in the US and Israel, and some in South America. *'''[https://reservekosher.com/ ReserveKosher]''' Kosher rental classifieds. Provides paid classified listings for kosher-friendly vacation rentals, with listings primarily in the US and Israel. === Kosher-certified restaurants === For travelers looking to dine out, kosher-observant visitors may wish to consult certified restaurant lists from leading kashrut authorities: * [https://oukosher.org/restaurants/ '''OU Kosher Restaurant''' '''list'''] – A directory of restaurants and food services certified by Orthodox Union Kosher, filterable by location within the United States. * [https://www.ok.org/restaurant-guide/ '''OK Kosher Restaurant''' '''list'''] – All eateries certified by OK Kosher Certification, searchable by location and type, within the United States. ==By region== ===Israel=== [[Israel]] is the most welcoming country in the world for kosher travelers. Thousands of kosher restaurants, dining establishments, and grocery stores can be found throughout the country, most notably in [[Jerusalem]] and [[Tel Aviv]]. A novelty for most Jewish travelers are Israel's all-kosher adaptations of famous American fast-food chains, including McDonald's and KFC. Though non-kosher food is also sold in Israel, by law only kosher foodstuffs may be brought into the country; food that is not certified kosher may be confiscated by customs. ===North America=== Parts of the [[United States]] are on par with Israel in the number of kosher dining options and establishments that are available. Major cities such as [[New York City|New York]], [[Baltimore]], [[Miami]], [[Chicago]], and [[Los Angeles]] have a particularly notable variety of kosher restaurants in operation, and most, if not all, sizable metropolitan areas will have at least one kosher establishment, often a certified bakery or deli counter at a supermarket. You will also find at least some kosher-certified packaged foods or non-perishable items can typically be found in all but the most remote grocery stores of the country. Many major brands found in grocery stores carry kosher certification from the Orthodox Union, signified by the circled-U ''hechsher'' symbol, Ⓤ, on food packaging. As even many non-Jewish Americans perceive kosher products to be of higher quality, products which are kosher "by default" (e.g. vegan products) are usually also labeled as kosher as the small extra cost of getting certified is well worth the extra sales. For travellers [[Touring prestigious and notable universities in the U.S.|touring U.S. universities]] or [[studying in the United States]], university cafeterias sometimes have a designated kosher station, and even if they don't, there's often some kind of program on campus to make kosher meals available. [[Toronto]] and [[Montreal]] in [[Canada]] both offer a good number of kosher restaurants as well. Other major cities like [[Vancouver]] and [[Calgary]] also have at least one or two kosher establishments. In [[Mexico]], there is a significant Jewish community in [[Mexico City]] that operates several kosher eateries. There is also a Jewish presence (and Chabad houses) in the Yucatan area. ===Europe=== [[England]] ([[London]] in particular) has a decent variety of kosher establishments, mostly situated in the [[London/North|North London]] neighborhoods of Golders Green, Hendon, Edgware, and Stamford Hill. [[Paris]] also has a large Jewish community, primarily descended from Sephardic and Mizrahi Jewish refugees from France's North African and Middle Eastern former colonies. In most of continental Europe, kosher dining options are often few and far between and where they exist, they sadly are sometimes target of anti-Jewish violence, so additional safety precautions may have to be taken (e.g. a police guard or metal detectors at the entrance). In order to find the next kosher store, inquiring at the local synagogue is always a good idea. One of the European countries where a surprisingly high number of Jews live (and, hence, kosher dining options exist) is Germany. As many German Jews are or are descended from recent emigrants from the former Soviet Union, kosher food options may sometimes be found in "Russian" stores as well. Kosher restaurants also exist, but they are rather few and far between. ===Asia=== Very few kosher establishments are located in Asian countries (with the obvious exception of Israel). Most likely, you will need to bring/find your own food or contact a local Jewish organization at your destination for assistance. [[India]] obviously has a lot of purely vegetarian restaurants, which avoid cross-contamination, and while many vegetarian dishes across the country ''inadvertently'' follow kosher principles, very few vegetarian establishments are actually kosher-certified. However, depending on your level of observance, Indian vegetarian food prepared in a ''purely vegetarian facility'' may be satisfactory. In some areas with no kosher butchers or restaurants, the local Chabad house provides kosher meals for Jewish travellers provided you request it at least a few days in advance. Make sure you plan ahead before you travel, and stock up before you head to more remote areas. Due to animosity resulting from the Arab-Israeli conflict, many Muslim-majority countries do not have any official Jewish organizations, the main exceptions being [[Iran]], [[Turkey]], [[Bahrain]] and the [[Central Asia]]n countries; you may want to stop in a neighboring country to stock up before you go. However, depending on how strict you are, halal food that does not mix milk and meat may suffice in a pinch. Some of these countries may also have underground Jewish organisations that operate under a "neutral", less politically sensitive name. For obvious reasons, they do not advertise their services openly, but you may be able to get in contact with them through your home country's Jewish organisation. The "Abraham Accords" between Israel and a number of Arab-Muslim countries have already led to some high-scale hotels announcing kosher options now that relations with Israel have been made official. ===South America=== In [[Argentina]], [[Buenos Aires]] has a large variety of kosher restaurants and supermarkets, including the only kosher McDonald's outside of Israel. [[São Paulo|Sao Paulo]] and [[Santiago|Santiago]] also have a wide variety of kosher establishments, and a few other cities, such as [[Montevideo]], [[Bogotá|Bogota]], [[Lima]], and [[Rio de Janeiro]] have at least one kosher establishment. ===Africa=== [[South Africa]] is generally the best place on the continent to find reliably kosher food, particularly in [[Johannesburg]] and [[Cape Town]]. Besides South Africa, significant Jewish communities can also be found (perhaps surprisingly) in the North African Arab countries of [[Tunisia]] and [[Morocco]]. ===Oceania=== [[Australia]] has a wide variety of kosher establishments in [[Sydney]], [[Melbourne]], [[Brisbane]] and [[Perth]], but outside of those four cities, it gets more difficult to find kosher food. The same applies in [[New Zealand]], where, for instance, kosher meat is unavailable outside of one kosher shop in [[Auckland]] and another in [[Wellington]]. However, many products in supermarkets in both countries are indeed kosher but not labelled as such, and the local rabbinical authorities provide lists of what products one can consume. {{PartOfTopic|Food and drink}} {{outlinetopic}} rd1fuogthuptkwtl61z5etjugarky10 5086872 5086870 2025-07-03T01:20:30Z GlobalMishpacha 2328865 added 3rd kosher restaurant directory 5086872 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Kashrut banner 6.jpg}} '''Kashrut''' is the system of [[Judaism|Jewish]] dietary laws. Food permitted under Kashrut is called '''kosher'''. ==Laws of Kashrut== [[File:Hechsher Yechiel Babad Orthodox Union Passover.jpg|thumb|A heksher (kosher certification) for milk]] There are only a few major rules of kashrut, but they have many applications. *[[Meat]] and fowl must be from specific types of animals, and slaughtered by a Jew in a very precise way. The most important point being that no blood can remain in the meat; a point where Islamic [[Islam#Eat|halal]] rules are broadly similar though less strict. *Insects are categorically forbidden (with the exception of certain types of locusts, which are kosher only according to Yemenite interpretations of kashrut - the Hebrew words listing the acceptable types of locust are considered too ambiguous by non-Yemenite Jews), even small insects found in/on fruit or vegetables. Some produce must be checked thoroughly. *All non-fish [[seafood]], and fish without scales (such as sharks) are forbidden. *Meat and milk may not be consumed together, or even at the same meal. However, fish is not considered to be meat under Jewish law, so fish and dairy may be mixed. Typically, Jews need to wait for half an hour to an hour (six hours in the case of certain hard cheeses) after consuming dairy before they can consume meat, and six hours after consuming meat before they can consume dairy. *[[Wine]], grape juice, and other grape products must be made by Jews and production must follow some additional rules, though grapes in the form of fruit are inherently kosher. *The food must have been prepared in a kosher kitchen. A typical kosher kitchen will have two separate sets of sinks, stoves, ovens, refrigerators and utensils for handling meat and dairy to ensure that there is no chance of the two mixing, even in minute amounts, and none of the equipment used to cook, serve or eat the food may have been touched by non-kosher food. ===Passover=== During Passover (Pesach) no leavened bread may be consumed. The rules on this are strict and any flour that has been in contact with water for over 18 minutes is considered leavened and mustn't be used during Pesach. In addition, Ashkenazi Jews traditionally refrain from other products known as ''kitniyot'', the exact definition of which depends on which rabbi you ask, but which include rice and some legumes. Products that are kosher for Pesach are often specially certified saying so. ==Obtaining kosher food== While not as difficult as it once was, finding kosher food while traveling can still be a challenge. ===Bring your own=== One possibility is just to bring your own kosher food from home. While this may seem to be the easiest way, it is often not. For even modestly long journeys, it may be difficult to carry the requisite amount of food. It is often impractical to refrigerate perishables (although food can be kept frozen in an airplane, as long as the plane is not delayed on the ground for too long), and while non-perishable food items will travel more easily, you will need extra space to pack them. It is sometimes illegal to move fruit and the like across country borders. Kosher self-heating meal kits are an increasingly popular food item for Jewish travelers, and while they are something to consider, they are frequently banned from aeroplanes. Good non-perishable, calorie-dense, non-fragile foods to bring include dried fruit, nuts, granola bars, rice cakes, and canned goods. ===Packaged food=== Food sold in grocery stores is usually packaged, and is sometimes kosher. You will need to look for the kosher certification label or seal on the package to verify that the food item is actually kosher&mdash;especially for meat and fish. While at least some kosher packaged food is readily available in most grocery stores in [[North America]] and [[Europe]], it may be more difficult to find elsewhere, and will almost always be imported from another country. ===Synagogues and outreach centers=== Some synagogues and Jewish outreach centers (such as '''[http://www.chabad.org/centers/default_cdo/jewish/Centers.htm Chabad Houses]''') offer packaged or frozen food items, prepared foods, and even a selection of meats for sale for kosher travelers. You will need to contact the synagogue or outreach center directly to find out about what is available, how to purchase, and how to obtain the food; in many cases you may have to reserve the food in advance. This can be especially helpful in cities or countries where a Jewish community presence is limited. If visiting around a major Jewish holiday or on the Sabbath, you may also be able to partake in a full meal at the synagogue or outreach center, usually at no charge (though a donation to the center may be requested). ===Vegetarian and halal food=== Most of the rules of kashrut involve meat, and there is some overlap with Islamic dietary laws, so depending on your level of observance, you might feel comfortable just going for a [[vegetarian]] or [[Islam#Eat|halal]] option when certified kosher food isn't available. Of course, many observant Jews won't consider this an acceptable option. In many places, foods which are vegan or vegetarian will also carry additional "halal" or "kosher" labels, but this mostly depends on whether the extra cost to get certified can be recouped by increased sales. ===Airlines=== Kosher food was one of the first "special foods" to be introduced on commercial airplanes and it is widely available today. You will usually have to specify a kosher meal in advance to get one. Israeli flag carrier '''[https://www.elal.com El Al]''' only offers kosher meals on all flights, a tradition that dates back to the founding of the airline. When departing from airports that do not have a commercial Kosher kitchen, be prepared to receive a tray of fruit or granola bar instead of a full meal, and plan in advance for alternative meal options. ===Rentals=== Kosher-observant travelers often need vacation rentals with kosher kitchens, proximity to synagogues, and Shabbat-friendly features. These requirements are typically not available through general booking sites and are better found on platforms specializing in kosher-friendly accommodations. Examples include: *{{eat | name=Kvation | alt=Kosher vacation | url=https://kvation.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q135172650 | content=Online platform for booking kosher vacation homes with mehadrin kosher kitchen, or resorts that offer kosher meals. Mainly US and Israel, with (as of mid-2025) few places elsewhere and none in South America, Africa, Oceania, or any part of Asia except Israel. |lastedit=2025-07-02}} *'''[https://gokosher.com/ GoKosher]''' Kosher travel classifieds. Offers free and paid classified listings for kosher hotels, rentals, and travel services, with most listings in the US and Israel, and some in South America. *'''[https://reservekosher.com/ ReserveKosher]''' Kosher rental classifieds. Provides paid classified listings for kosher-friendly vacation rentals, with listings primarily in the US and Israel. === Kosher-certified restaurants === For travelers looking to dine out, kosher-observant visitors may wish to consult certified restaurant lists from leading kashrut authorities: * [https://oukosher.org/restaurants/ '''OU Kosher Restaurant''' '''list'''] – A directory of restaurants and food services certified by Orthodox Union Kosher, filterable by location within the United States. * [https://www.ok.org/restaurant-guide/ '''OK Kosher Restaurant''' '''list'''] – All eateries certified by OK Kosher Certification, searchable by location and type, within the United States. * '''Edah HaChareidis''' '''- Isreal''' (Bedatz Yerushalayim) – A third-party site ([https://easy.co.il/en/list/Restaurants-and-Fast-Food?c2=16243&region=933 easy.co.il]) listing restaurants that may be certified by Edah HaChareidis, searchable by region in English or Hebrew. This list is '''not maintained by Edah HaChareidis'''; travelers should verify each venue for current certification before visiting. ==By region== ===Israel=== [[Israel]] is the most welcoming country in the world for kosher travelers. Thousands of kosher restaurants, dining establishments, and grocery stores can be found throughout the country, most notably in [[Jerusalem]] and [[Tel Aviv]]. A novelty for most Jewish travelers are Israel's all-kosher adaptations of famous American fast-food chains, including McDonald's and KFC. Though non-kosher food is also sold in Israel, by law only kosher foodstuffs may be brought into the country; food that is not certified kosher may be confiscated by customs. ===North America=== Parts of the [[United States]] are on par with Israel in the number of kosher dining options and establishments that are available. Major cities such as [[New York City|New York]], [[Baltimore]], [[Miami]], [[Chicago]], and [[Los Angeles]] have a particularly notable variety of kosher restaurants in operation, and most, if not all, sizable metropolitan areas will have at least one kosher establishment, often a certified bakery or deli counter at a supermarket. You will also find at least some kosher-certified packaged foods or non-perishable items can typically be found in all but the most remote grocery stores of the country. Many major brands found in grocery stores carry kosher certification from the Orthodox Union, signified by the circled-U ''hechsher'' symbol, Ⓤ, on food packaging. As even many non-Jewish Americans perceive kosher products to be of higher quality, products which are kosher "by default" (e.g. vegan products) are usually also labeled as kosher as the small extra cost of getting certified is well worth the extra sales. For travellers [[Touring prestigious and notable universities in the U.S.|touring U.S. universities]] or [[studying in the United States]], university cafeterias sometimes have a designated kosher station, and even if they don't, there's often some kind of program on campus to make kosher meals available. [[Toronto]] and [[Montreal]] in [[Canada]] both offer a good number of kosher restaurants as well. Other major cities like [[Vancouver]] and [[Calgary]] also have at least one or two kosher establishments. In [[Mexico]], there is a significant Jewish community in [[Mexico City]] that operates several kosher eateries. There is also a Jewish presence (and Chabad houses) in the Yucatan area. ===Europe=== [[England]] ([[London]] in particular) has a decent variety of kosher establishments, mostly situated in the [[London/North|North London]] neighborhoods of Golders Green, Hendon, Edgware, and Stamford Hill. [[Paris]] also has a large Jewish community, primarily descended from Sephardic and Mizrahi Jewish refugees from France's North African and Middle Eastern former colonies. In most of continental Europe, kosher dining options are often few and far between and where they exist, they sadly are sometimes target of anti-Jewish violence, so additional safety precautions may have to be taken (e.g. a police guard or metal detectors at the entrance). In order to find the next kosher store, inquiring at the local synagogue is always a good idea. One of the European countries where a surprisingly high number of Jews live (and, hence, kosher dining options exist) is Germany. As many German Jews are or are descended from recent emigrants from the former Soviet Union, kosher food options may sometimes be found in "Russian" stores as well. Kosher restaurants also exist, but they are rather few and far between. ===Asia=== Very few kosher establishments are located in Asian countries (with the obvious exception of Israel). Most likely, you will need to bring/find your own food or contact a local Jewish organization at your destination for assistance. [[India]] obviously has a lot of purely vegetarian restaurants, which avoid cross-contamination, and while many vegetarian dishes across the country ''inadvertently'' follow kosher principles, very few vegetarian establishments are actually kosher-certified. However, depending on your level of observance, Indian vegetarian food prepared in a ''purely vegetarian facility'' may be satisfactory. In some areas with no kosher butchers or restaurants, the local Chabad house provides kosher meals for Jewish travellers provided you request it at least a few days in advance. Make sure you plan ahead before you travel, and stock up before you head to more remote areas. Due to animosity resulting from the Arab-Israeli conflict, many Muslim-majority countries do not have any official Jewish organizations, the main exceptions being [[Iran]], [[Turkey]], [[Bahrain]] and the [[Central Asia]]n countries; you may want to stop in a neighboring country to stock up before you go. However, depending on how strict you are, halal food that does not mix milk and meat may suffice in a pinch. Some of these countries may also have underground Jewish organisations that operate under a "neutral", less politically sensitive name. For obvious reasons, they do not advertise their services openly, but you may be able to get in contact with them through your home country's Jewish organisation. The "Abraham Accords" between Israel and a number of Arab-Muslim countries have already led to some high-scale hotels announcing kosher options now that relations with Israel have been made official. ===South America=== In [[Argentina]], [[Buenos Aires]] has a large variety of kosher restaurants and supermarkets, including the only kosher McDonald's outside of Israel. [[São Paulo|Sao Paulo]] and [[Santiago|Santiago]] also have a wide variety of kosher establishments, and a few other cities, such as [[Montevideo]], [[Bogotá|Bogota]], [[Lima]], and [[Rio de Janeiro]] have at least one kosher establishment. ===Africa=== [[South Africa]] is generally the best place on the continent to find reliably kosher food, particularly in [[Johannesburg]] and [[Cape Town]]. Besides South Africa, significant Jewish communities can also be found (perhaps surprisingly) in the North African Arab countries of [[Tunisia]] and [[Morocco]]. ===Oceania=== [[Australia]] has a wide variety of kosher establishments in [[Sydney]], [[Melbourne]], [[Brisbane]] and [[Perth]], but outside of those four cities, it gets more difficult to find kosher food. The same applies in [[New Zealand]], where, for instance, kosher meat is unavailable outside of one kosher shop in [[Auckland]] and another in [[Wellington]]. However, many products in supermarkets in both countries are indeed kosher but not labelled as such, and the local rabbinical authorities provide lists of what products one can consume. {{PartOfTopic|Food and drink}} {{outlinetopic}} 2bzfj9lrfbzdp71pj7zes4z0oo0rznl 5086873 5086872 2025-07-03T01:27:18Z GlobalMishpacha 2328865 moved restaurant directory's to applicable regions 5086873 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Kashrut banner 6.jpg}} '''Kashrut''' is the system of [[Judaism|Jewish]] dietary laws. Food permitted under Kashrut is called '''kosher'''. ==Laws of Kashrut== [[File:Hechsher Yechiel Babad Orthodox Union Passover.jpg|thumb|A heksher (kosher certification) for milk]] There are only a few major rules of kashrut, but they have many applications. *[[Meat]] and fowl must be from specific types of animals, and slaughtered by a Jew in a very precise way. The most important point being that no blood can remain in the meat; a point where Islamic [[Islam#Eat|halal]] rules are broadly similar though less strict. *Insects are categorically forbidden (with the exception of certain types of locusts, which are kosher only according to Yemenite interpretations of kashrut - the Hebrew words listing the acceptable types of locust are considered too ambiguous by non-Yemenite Jews), even small insects found in/on fruit or vegetables. Some produce must be checked thoroughly. *All non-fish [[seafood]], and fish without scales (such as sharks) are forbidden. *Meat and milk may not be consumed together, or even at the same meal. However, fish is not considered to be meat under Jewish law, so fish and dairy may be mixed. Typically, Jews need to wait for half an hour to an hour (six hours in the case of certain hard cheeses) after consuming dairy before they can consume meat, and six hours after consuming meat before they can consume dairy. *[[Wine]], grape juice, and other grape products must be made by Jews and production must follow some additional rules, though grapes in the form of fruit are inherently kosher. *The food must have been prepared in a kosher kitchen. A typical kosher kitchen will have two separate sets of sinks, stoves, ovens, refrigerators and utensils for handling meat and dairy to ensure that there is no chance of the two mixing, even in minute amounts, and none of the equipment used to cook, serve or eat the food may have been touched by non-kosher food. ===Passover=== During Passover (Pesach) no leavened bread may be consumed. The rules on this are strict and any flour that has been in contact with water for over 18 minutes is considered leavened and mustn't be used during Pesach. In addition, Ashkenazi Jews traditionally refrain from other products known as ''kitniyot'', the exact definition of which depends on which rabbi you ask, but which include rice and some legumes. Products that are kosher for Pesach are often specially certified saying so. ==Obtaining kosher food== While not as difficult as it once was, finding kosher food while traveling can still be a challenge. ===Bring your own=== One possibility is just to bring your own kosher food from home. While this may seem to be the easiest way, it is often not. For even modestly long journeys, it may be difficult to carry the requisite amount of food. It is often impractical to refrigerate perishables (although food can be kept frozen in an airplane, as long as the plane is not delayed on the ground for too long), and while non-perishable food items will travel more easily, you will need extra space to pack them. It is sometimes illegal to move fruit and the like across country borders. Kosher self-heating meal kits are an increasingly popular food item for Jewish travelers, and while they are something to consider, they are frequently banned from aeroplanes. Good non-perishable, calorie-dense, non-fragile foods to bring include dried fruit, nuts, granola bars, rice cakes, and canned goods. ===Packaged food=== Food sold in grocery stores is usually packaged, and is sometimes kosher. You will need to look for the kosher certification label or seal on the package to verify that the food item is actually kosher&mdash;especially for meat and fish. While at least some kosher packaged food is readily available in most grocery stores in [[North America]] and [[Europe]], it may be more difficult to find elsewhere, and will almost always be imported from another country. ===Synagogues and outreach centers=== Some synagogues and Jewish outreach centers (such as '''[http://www.chabad.org/centers/default_cdo/jewish/Centers.htm Chabad Houses]''') offer packaged or frozen food items, prepared foods, and even a selection of meats for sale for kosher travelers. You will need to contact the synagogue or outreach center directly to find out about what is available, how to purchase, and how to obtain the food; in many cases you may have to reserve the food in advance. This can be especially helpful in cities or countries where a Jewish community presence is limited. If visiting around a major Jewish holiday or on the Sabbath, you may also be able to partake in a full meal at the synagogue or outreach center, usually at no charge (though a donation to the center may be requested). ===Vegetarian and halal food=== Most of the rules of kashrut involve meat, and there is some overlap with Islamic dietary laws, so depending on your level of observance, you might feel comfortable just going for a [[vegetarian]] or [[Islam#Eat|halal]] option when certified kosher food isn't available. Of course, many observant Jews won't consider this an acceptable option. In many places, foods which are vegan or vegetarian will also carry additional "halal" or "kosher" labels, but this mostly depends on whether the extra cost to get certified can be recouped by increased sales. ===Airlines=== Kosher food was one of the first "special foods" to be introduced on commercial airplanes and it is widely available today. You will usually have to specify a kosher meal in advance to get one. Israeli flag carrier '''[https://www.elal.com El Al]''' only offers kosher meals on all flights, a tradition that dates back to the founding of the airline. When departing from airports that do not have a commercial Kosher kitchen, be prepared to receive a tray of fruit or granola bar instead of a full meal, and plan in advance for alternative meal options. ===Rentals=== Kosher-observant travelers often need vacation rentals with kosher kitchens, proximity to synagogues, and Shabbat-friendly features. These requirements are typically not available through general booking sites and are better found on platforms specializing in kosher-friendly accommodations. Examples include: *{{eat | name=Kvation | alt=Kosher vacation | url=https://kvation.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q135172650 | content=Online platform for booking kosher vacation homes with mehadrin kosher kitchen, or resorts that offer kosher meals. Mainly US and Israel, with (as of mid-2025) few places elsewhere and none in South America, Africa, Oceania, or any part of Asia except Israel. |lastedit=2025-07-02}} *'''[https://gokosher.com/ GoKosher]''' Kosher travel classifieds. Offers free and paid classified listings for kosher hotels, rentals, and travel services, with most listings in the US and Israel, and some in South America. *'''[https://reservekosher.com/ ReserveKosher]''' Kosher rental classifieds. Provides paid classified listings for kosher-friendly vacation rentals, with listings primarily in the US and Israel. ==By region== ===Israel=== [[Israel]] is the most welcoming country in the world for kosher travelers. Thousands of kosher restaurants, dining establishments, and grocery stores can be found throughout the country, most notably in [[Jerusalem]] and [[Tel Aviv]]. A novelty for most Jewish travelers are Israel's all-kosher adaptations of famous American fast-food chains, including McDonald's and KFC. Though non-kosher food is also sold in Israel, by law only kosher foodstuffs may be brought into the country; food that is not certified kosher may be confiscated by customs. ==== Kosher-certified restaurants - Israel ==== * '''Edah HaChareidis''' (Bedatz Yerushalayim) – A third-party site ([https://easy.co.il/en/list/Restaurants-and-Fast-Food?c2=16243&region=933 easy.co.il]) listing restaurants that may be certified by Edah HaChareidis, searchable by region in English or Hebrew. This list is '''not maintained by Edah HaChareidis'''; travelers should verify each venue for current certification before visiting. ===North America=== Parts of the [[United States]] are on par with Israel in the number of kosher dining options and establishments that are available. Major cities such as [[New York City|New York]], [[Baltimore]], [[Miami]], [[Chicago]], and [[Los Angeles]] have a particularly notable variety of kosher restaurants in operation, and most, if not all, sizable metropolitan areas will have at least one kosher establishment, often a certified bakery or deli counter at a supermarket. You will also find at least some kosher-certified packaged foods or non-perishable items can typically be found in all but the most remote grocery stores of the country. Many major brands found in grocery stores carry kosher certification from the Orthodox Union, signified by the circled-U ''hechsher'' symbol, Ⓤ, on food packaging. As even many non-Jewish Americans perceive kosher products to be of higher quality, products which are kosher "by default" (e.g. vegan products) are usually also labeled as kosher as the small extra cost of getting certified is well worth the extra sales. For travellers [[Touring prestigious and notable universities in the U.S.|touring U.S. universities]] or [[studying in the United States]], university cafeterias sometimes have a designated kosher station, and even if they don't, there's often some kind of program on campus to make kosher meals available. [[Toronto]] and [[Montreal]] in [[Canada]] both offer a good number of kosher restaurants as well. Other major cities like [[Vancouver]] and [[Calgary]] also have at least one or two kosher establishments. In [[Mexico]], there is a significant Jewish community in [[Mexico City]] that operates several kosher eateries. There is also a Jewish presence (and Chabad houses) in the Yucatan area. ==== Kosher-certified restaurants - United States ==== For travelers looking to dine out, kosher-observant visitors may wish to consult certified restaurant lists from leading kashrut authorities: * [https://oukosher.org/restaurants/ '''OU Kosher Restaurant''' '''list'''] – A directory of restaurants and food services certified by Orthodox Union Kosher, filterable by location within the United States. * [https://www.ok.org/restaurant-guide/ '''OK Kosher Restaurant''' '''list'''] – All eateries certified by OK Kosher Certification, searchable by location and type, within the United States. ===Europe=== [[England]] ([[London]] in particular) has a decent variety of kosher establishments, mostly situated in the [[London/North|North London]] neighborhoods of Golders Green, Hendon, Edgware, and Stamford Hill. [[Paris]] also has a large Jewish community, primarily descended from Sephardic and Mizrahi Jewish refugees from France's North African and Middle Eastern former colonies. In most of continental Europe, kosher dining options are often few and far between and where they exist, they sadly are sometimes target of anti-Jewish violence, so additional safety precautions may have to be taken (e.g. a police guard or metal detectors at the entrance). In order to find the next kosher store, inquiring at the local synagogue is always a good idea. One of the European countries where a surprisingly high number of Jews live (and, hence, kosher dining options exist) is Germany. As many German Jews are or are descended from recent emigrants from the former Soviet Union, kosher food options may sometimes be found in "Russian" stores as well. Kosher restaurants also exist, but they are rather few and far between. ===Asia=== Very few kosher establishments are located in Asian countries (with the obvious exception of Israel). Most likely, you will need to bring/find your own food or contact a local Jewish organization at your destination for assistance. [[India]] obviously has a lot of purely vegetarian restaurants, which avoid cross-contamination, and while many vegetarian dishes across the country ''inadvertently'' follow kosher principles, very few vegetarian establishments are actually kosher-certified. However, depending on your level of observance, Indian vegetarian food prepared in a ''purely vegetarian facility'' may be satisfactory. In some areas with no kosher butchers or restaurants, the local Chabad house provides kosher meals for Jewish travellers provided you request it at least a few days in advance. Make sure you plan ahead before you travel, and stock up before you head to more remote areas. Due to animosity resulting from the Arab-Israeli conflict, many Muslim-majority countries do not have any official Jewish organizations, the main exceptions being [[Iran]], [[Turkey]], [[Bahrain]] and the [[Central Asia]]n countries; you may want to stop in a neighboring country to stock up before you go. However, depending on how strict you are, halal food that does not mix milk and meat may suffice in a pinch. Some of these countries may also have underground Jewish organisations that operate under a "neutral", less politically sensitive name. For obvious reasons, they do not advertise their services openly, but you may be able to get in contact with them through your home country's Jewish organisation. The "Abraham Accords" between Israel and a number of Arab-Muslim countries have already led to some high-scale hotels announcing kosher options now that relations with Israel have been made official. ===South America=== In [[Argentina]], [[Buenos Aires]] has a large variety of kosher restaurants and supermarkets, including the only kosher McDonald's outside of Israel. [[São Paulo|Sao Paulo]] and [[Santiago|Santiago]] also have a wide variety of kosher establishments, and a few other cities, such as [[Montevideo]], [[Bogotá|Bogota]], [[Lima]], and [[Rio de Janeiro]] have at least one kosher establishment. ===Africa=== [[South Africa]] is generally the best place on the continent to find reliably kosher food, particularly in [[Johannesburg]] and [[Cape Town]]. Besides South Africa, significant Jewish communities can also be found (perhaps surprisingly) in the North African Arab countries of [[Tunisia]] and [[Morocco]]. ===Oceania=== [[Australia]] has a wide variety of kosher establishments in [[Sydney]], [[Melbourne]], [[Brisbane]] and [[Perth]], but outside of those four cities, it gets more difficult to find kosher food. The same applies in [[New Zealand]], where, for instance, kosher meat is unavailable outside of one kosher shop in [[Auckland]] and another in [[Wellington]]. However, many products in supermarkets in both countries are indeed kosher but not labelled as such, and the local rabbinical authorities provide lists of what products one can consume. {{PartOfTopic|Food and drink}} {{outlinetopic}} am1f8h91b7w49r3irx3a53xf2mhnxms 5086875 5086873 2025-07-03T01:32:07Z GlobalMishpacha 2328865 /* Kosher-certified restaurants - Israel */ correction in directory use 5086875 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Kashrut banner 6.jpg}} '''Kashrut''' is the system of [[Judaism|Jewish]] dietary laws. Food permitted under Kashrut is called '''kosher'''. ==Laws of Kashrut== [[File:Hechsher Yechiel Babad Orthodox Union Passover.jpg|thumb|A heksher (kosher certification) for milk]] There are only a few major rules of kashrut, but they have many applications. *[[Meat]] and fowl must be from specific types of animals, and slaughtered by a Jew in a very precise way. The most important point being that no blood can remain in the meat; a point where Islamic [[Islam#Eat|halal]] rules are broadly similar though less strict. *Insects are categorically forbidden (with the exception of certain types of locusts, which are kosher only according to Yemenite interpretations of kashrut - the Hebrew words listing the acceptable types of locust are considered too ambiguous by non-Yemenite Jews), even small insects found in/on fruit or vegetables. Some produce must be checked thoroughly. *All non-fish [[seafood]], and fish without scales (such as sharks) are forbidden. *Meat and milk may not be consumed together, or even at the same meal. However, fish is not considered to be meat under Jewish law, so fish and dairy may be mixed. Typically, Jews need to wait for half an hour to an hour (six hours in the case of certain hard cheeses) after consuming dairy before they can consume meat, and six hours after consuming meat before they can consume dairy. *[[Wine]], grape juice, and other grape products must be made by Jews and production must follow some additional rules, though grapes in the form of fruit are inherently kosher. *The food must have been prepared in a kosher kitchen. A typical kosher kitchen will have two separate sets of sinks, stoves, ovens, refrigerators and utensils for handling meat and dairy to ensure that there is no chance of the two mixing, even in minute amounts, and none of the equipment used to cook, serve or eat the food may have been touched by non-kosher food. ===Passover=== During Passover (Pesach) no leavened bread may be consumed. The rules on this are strict and any flour that has been in contact with water for over 18 minutes is considered leavened and mustn't be used during Pesach. In addition, Ashkenazi Jews traditionally refrain from other products known as ''kitniyot'', the exact definition of which depends on which rabbi you ask, but which include rice and some legumes. Products that are kosher for Pesach are often specially certified saying so. ==Obtaining kosher food== While not as difficult as it once was, finding kosher food while traveling can still be a challenge. ===Bring your own=== One possibility is just to bring your own kosher food from home. While this may seem to be the easiest way, it is often not. For even modestly long journeys, it may be difficult to carry the requisite amount of food. It is often impractical to refrigerate perishables (although food can be kept frozen in an airplane, as long as the plane is not delayed on the ground for too long), and while non-perishable food items will travel more easily, you will need extra space to pack them. It is sometimes illegal to move fruit and the like across country borders. Kosher self-heating meal kits are an increasingly popular food item for Jewish travelers, and while they are something to consider, they are frequently banned from aeroplanes. Good non-perishable, calorie-dense, non-fragile foods to bring include dried fruit, nuts, granola bars, rice cakes, and canned goods. ===Packaged food=== Food sold in grocery stores is usually packaged, and is sometimes kosher. You will need to look for the kosher certification label or seal on the package to verify that the food item is actually kosher&mdash;especially for meat and fish. While at least some kosher packaged food is readily available in most grocery stores in [[North America]] and [[Europe]], it may be more difficult to find elsewhere, and will almost always be imported from another country. ===Synagogues and outreach centers=== Some synagogues and Jewish outreach centers (such as '''[http://www.chabad.org/centers/default_cdo/jewish/Centers.htm Chabad Houses]''') offer packaged or frozen food items, prepared foods, and even a selection of meats for sale for kosher travelers. You will need to contact the synagogue or outreach center directly to find out about what is available, how to purchase, and how to obtain the food; in many cases you may have to reserve the food in advance. This can be especially helpful in cities or countries where a Jewish community presence is limited. If visiting around a major Jewish holiday or on the Sabbath, you may also be able to partake in a full meal at the synagogue or outreach center, usually at no charge (though a donation to the center may be requested). ===Vegetarian and halal food=== Most of the rules of kashrut involve meat, and there is some overlap with Islamic dietary laws, so depending on your level of observance, you might feel comfortable just going for a [[vegetarian]] or [[Islam#Eat|halal]] option when certified kosher food isn't available. Of course, many observant Jews won't consider this an acceptable option. In many places, foods which are vegan or vegetarian will also carry additional "halal" or "kosher" labels, but this mostly depends on whether the extra cost to get certified can be recouped by increased sales. ===Airlines=== Kosher food was one of the first "special foods" to be introduced on commercial airplanes and it is widely available today. You will usually have to specify a kosher meal in advance to get one. Israeli flag carrier '''[https://www.elal.com El Al]''' only offers kosher meals on all flights, a tradition that dates back to the founding of the airline. When departing from airports that do not have a commercial Kosher kitchen, be prepared to receive a tray of fruit or granola bar instead of a full meal, and plan in advance for alternative meal options. ===Rentals=== Kosher-observant travelers often need vacation rentals with kosher kitchens, proximity to synagogues, and Shabbat-friendly features. These requirements are typically not available through general booking sites and are better found on platforms specializing in kosher-friendly accommodations. Examples include: *{{eat | name=Kvation | alt=Kosher vacation | url=https://kvation.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q135172650 | content=Online platform for booking kosher vacation homes with mehadrin kosher kitchen, or resorts that offer kosher meals. Mainly US and Israel, with (as of mid-2025) few places elsewhere and none in South America, Africa, Oceania, or any part of Asia except Israel. |lastedit=2025-07-02}} *'''[https://gokosher.com/ GoKosher]''' Kosher travel classifieds. Offers free and paid classified listings for kosher hotels, rentals, and travel services, with most listings in the US and Israel, and some in South America. *'''[https://reservekosher.com/ ReserveKosher]''' Kosher rental classifieds. Provides paid classified listings for kosher-friendly vacation rentals, with listings primarily in the US and Israel. ==By region== ===Israel=== [[Israel]] is the most welcoming country in the world for kosher travelers. Thousands of kosher restaurants, dining establishments, and grocery stores can be found throughout the country, most notably in [[Jerusalem]] and [[Tel Aviv]]. A novelty for most Jewish travelers are Israel's all-kosher adaptations of famous American fast-food chains, including McDonald's and KFC. Though non-kosher food is also sold in Israel, by law only kosher foodstuffs may be brought into the country; food that is not certified kosher may be confiscated by customs. ==== Kosher-certified restaurants - Israel ==== * '''Edah HaChareidis''' (Bedatz Yerushalayim) – A third-party site ([https://easy.co.il/en/list/Restaurants-and-Fast-Food?c2=16243&region=933 easy.co.il]) listing restaurants that may be certified by Edah HaChareidis, searchable by location within Israel in English or Hebrew. This list is '''not maintained by Edah HaChareidis'''; travelers should verify each venue for current certification before visiting. ===North America=== Parts of the [[United States]] are on par with Israel in the number of kosher dining options and establishments that are available. Major cities such as [[New York City|New York]], [[Baltimore]], [[Miami]], [[Chicago]], and [[Los Angeles]] have a particularly notable variety of kosher restaurants in operation, and most, if not all, sizable metropolitan areas will have at least one kosher establishment, often a certified bakery or deli counter at a supermarket. You will also find at least some kosher-certified packaged foods or non-perishable items can typically be found in all but the most remote grocery stores of the country. Many major brands found in grocery stores carry kosher certification from the Orthodox Union, signified by the circled-U ''hechsher'' symbol, Ⓤ, on food packaging. As even many non-Jewish Americans perceive kosher products to be of higher quality, products which are kosher "by default" (e.g. vegan products) are usually also labeled as kosher as the small extra cost of getting certified is well worth the extra sales. For travellers [[Touring prestigious and notable universities in the U.S.|touring U.S. universities]] or [[studying in the United States]], university cafeterias sometimes have a designated kosher station, and even if they don't, there's often some kind of program on campus to make kosher meals available. [[Toronto]] and [[Montreal]] in [[Canada]] both offer a good number of kosher restaurants as well. Other major cities like [[Vancouver]] and [[Calgary]] also have at least one or two kosher establishments. In [[Mexico]], there is a significant Jewish community in [[Mexico City]] that operates several kosher eateries. There is also a Jewish presence (and Chabad houses) in the Yucatan area. ==== Kosher-certified restaurants - United States ==== For travelers looking to dine out, kosher-observant visitors may wish to consult certified restaurant lists from leading kashrut authorities: * [https://oukosher.org/restaurants/ '''OU Kosher Restaurant''' '''list'''] – A directory of restaurants and food services certified by Orthodox Union Kosher, filterable by location within the United States. * [https://www.ok.org/restaurant-guide/ '''OK Kosher Restaurant''' '''list'''] – All eateries certified by OK Kosher Certification, searchable by location and type, within the United States. ===Europe=== [[England]] ([[London]] in particular) has a decent variety of kosher establishments, mostly situated in the [[London/North|North London]] neighborhoods of Golders Green, Hendon, Edgware, and Stamford Hill. [[Paris]] also has a large Jewish community, primarily descended from Sephardic and Mizrahi Jewish refugees from France's North African and Middle Eastern former colonies. In most of continental Europe, kosher dining options are often few and far between and where they exist, they sadly are sometimes target of anti-Jewish violence, so additional safety precautions may have to be taken (e.g. a police guard or metal detectors at the entrance). In order to find the next kosher store, inquiring at the local synagogue is always a good idea. One of the European countries where a surprisingly high number of Jews live (and, hence, kosher dining options exist) is Germany. As many German Jews are or are descended from recent emigrants from the former Soviet Union, kosher food options may sometimes be found in "Russian" stores as well. Kosher restaurants also exist, but they are rather few and far between. ===Asia=== Very few kosher establishments are located in Asian countries (with the obvious exception of Israel). Most likely, you will need to bring/find your own food or contact a local Jewish organization at your destination for assistance. [[India]] obviously has a lot of purely vegetarian restaurants, which avoid cross-contamination, and while many vegetarian dishes across the country ''inadvertently'' follow kosher principles, very few vegetarian establishments are actually kosher-certified. However, depending on your level of observance, Indian vegetarian food prepared in a ''purely vegetarian facility'' may be satisfactory. In some areas with no kosher butchers or restaurants, the local Chabad house provides kosher meals for Jewish travellers provided you request it at least a few days in advance. Make sure you plan ahead before you travel, and stock up before you head to more remote areas. Due to animosity resulting from the Arab-Israeli conflict, many Muslim-majority countries do not have any official Jewish organizations, the main exceptions being [[Iran]], [[Turkey]], [[Bahrain]] and the [[Central Asia]]n countries; you may want to stop in a neighboring country to stock up before you go. However, depending on how strict you are, halal food that does not mix milk and meat may suffice in a pinch. Some of these countries may also have underground Jewish organisations that operate under a "neutral", less politically sensitive name. For obvious reasons, they do not advertise their services openly, but you may be able to get in contact with them through your home country's Jewish organisation. The "Abraham Accords" between Israel and a number of Arab-Muslim countries have already led to some high-scale hotels announcing kosher options now that relations with Israel have been made official. ===South America=== In [[Argentina]], [[Buenos Aires]] has a large variety of kosher restaurants and supermarkets, including the only kosher McDonald's outside of Israel. [[São Paulo|Sao Paulo]] and [[Santiago|Santiago]] also have a wide variety of kosher establishments, and a few other cities, such as [[Montevideo]], [[Bogotá|Bogota]], [[Lima]], and [[Rio de Janeiro]] have at least one kosher establishment. ===Africa=== [[South Africa]] is generally the best place on the continent to find reliably kosher food, particularly in [[Johannesburg]] and [[Cape Town]]. Besides South Africa, significant Jewish communities can also be found (perhaps surprisingly) in the North African Arab countries of [[Tunisia]] and [[Morocco]]. ===Oceania=== [[Australia]] has a wide variety of kosher establishments in [[Sydney]], [[Melbourne]], [[Brisbane]] and [[Perth]], but outside of those four cities, it gets more difficult to find kosher food. The same applies in [[New Zealand]], where, for instance, kosher meat is unavailable outside of one kosher shop in [[Auckland]] and another in [[Wellington]]. However, many products in supermarkets in both countries are indeed kosher but not labelled as such, and the local rabbinical authorities provide lists of what products one can consume. {{PartOfTopic|Food and drink}} {{outlinetopic}} 9bg894tvt45hv0q4rjnismyn5nvso8j 0 121214 5086792 5045774 2025-07-02T20:49:27Z Mrkstvns 144844 add foto 5086792 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Ponta de Sao Lourenco banner.jpg|caption=Ponta de São Lourenço, Madeira, Portugal.}} Though mankind has impressed itself with [[cultural attractions]] and [[architecture]], most of our feats have been dwarfed by the miracles of '''nature'''. [[File:Arches in Timna Park in summer 2011 (7).JPG|thumb|Natural stone arches at Timna Park, [[Israel]].]] However, as our footprint on nature expands, many travellers want to take the opportunity to see these wonders before it is too late. Many argue that we should pursue [[sustainable travel]] and [[leave-no-trace camping]] to preserve them for future generations. [[Geology tourism|Geology]] is the study of the solid part of our planet. Amateur geology can include the study of natural formations, and the gathering of minerals. ==Places for wildlife watching== {{quote|Whilst this planet has gone cycling on according to the fixed law of gravity, from so simple a beginning endless forms most beautiful and most wonderful have been, and are being evolved.|author=Charles Darwin|source=''On the Origin of Species''}} A '''[[zoo]]''' is a facility where animals are held in more or less artificial enclosures. The level of [[animal ethics]] vary a lot between zoos. A '''safari park''' is a large enclosure where animals roam freely, and visitors enter by car or other vehicles. A '''game reserve''' or '''nature reserve''' is an open-land area for protection of wild animals, with a [[leave-no-trace]] mandate. Animals live naturally, and the park crew usually only interfere with them for research, conservation, or population control. When watching animals '''in the wild''', patience and keen eyes are key. If an animal isn't moving, you might well walk right by without noticing it, so pay attention. Move quietly. And if you're hoping to see wild animals somewhere that gets more than a very small number of visitors, consider going early in the day, before other people have had a chance to scare the animals away. ==Africa== * [[African national parks]] * [[African wildlife]] * [[Wildlife of Madagascar]] * [[Safari]] ==North America== * [[Canadian national parks]] * [[Costa Rica national parks]] * [[El Salvador national parks]] * [[Guatemala national parks]] * [[Honduras national parks]] * [[Mexico national parks]] * [[North American wildlife]] * [[Panama national parks]] * [[United States National Park System]] ** [[United States national parks]] ** [[National scenic areas in the United States]] ** [[United States National Trails System]] ** [[United States national parkways]] * [[Natural springs in Florida]] * [[Dark Sky Parks in the United States]] * Protected areas of the United States **[[Ohio state parks]] **[[California state parks]] ==Europe== * [[Beech forests of Europe]] * [[Eurasian wildlife]] * [[Finnish national parks]] * [[Fjords of Norway]] * [[Giant's Causeway]] * [[Icelandic hot springs]] * [[United Kingdom national parks]] * [[National Parks in Spain]] ==South America== * [[Argentina national parks]] * [[Central and South American wildlife]] * [[Chilean national parks]] * [[Colombian national parks]] * [[Galapagos wildlife]] * [[Peruvian national parks]] * [[Uruguayan national parks]] * [[National parks in Venezuela]] ==Asia== * [[Botanical tourism in Singapore]] * [[Cold Winter Deserts of Turan]] * [[Eurasian wildlife]] * [[Indian national parks and wildlife sanctuaries]] * [[Indian zoos and botanical gardens]] * [[Indonesian national parks]] * [[Indonesian zoos and botanical gardens]] * [[Israeli national parks]] * [[Japanese national parks]] * [[Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots]] * [[National parks and protected areas of the Philippines]] * [[Wildlife in South and Southeast Asia]] ==Oceania== * [[Australasian wildlife]] * [[Paleontology in Australia]] * [[Gondwana Rainforests of Australia]] * [[Australian National Reserve System]] ** [[Marine parks in Australia]] ** [[National parks in Australia]] * [[Great Artesian Basin]] * [[New Zealand national parks]] ==Wildlife== * [[Algal bloom]] * [[Biomes and ecosystems]] * [[Bird watching]] * [[Botanical tourism]] * [[Elephants]] * [[Marine life]] * [[Tigers]] * [[UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves]] * [[Whale watching]] * [[Wildlife of the Southern Ocean]] * [[Zoos]] ==Natural formations== * [[Beaches]] * [[Canyons and gorges]] * [[Caves]] * [[Fjords]] * [[Glaciers]] * [[Hot springs]] * [[Mountain ranges]] * [[Natural harbours]] * [[Volcanoes]] * [[Waterfalls]] * [[Waterways]] ==General== * [[Astronomy]] ** [[Solar eclipses]] ** [[Midnight sun]] ** [[Northern Lights]] * [[Geographical records]] * [[Ice Age traces]] * [[National parks]] * [[Outdoor life]] * [[Paleontology]] * [[Science tourism]] * [[Space]] * [[UNESCO Global Geoparks Network]] * [[UNESCO World Heritage List]] * [[Weather records]] {{PartOfTopic|Travel topics}} {{outlinetopic}} gofl3pg0hrfz3yessf0mktc4fwg3a7u 5086793 5086792 2025-07-02T20:50:53Z Mrkstvns 144844 /* South America */ 5086793 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Ponta de Sao Lourenco banner.jpg|caption=Ponta de São Lourenço, Madeira, Portugal.}} Though mankind has impressed itself with [[cultural attractions]] and [[architecture]], most of our feats have been dwarfed by the miracles of '''nature'''. [[File:Arches in Timna Park in summer 2011 (7).JPG|thumb|Natural stone arches at Timna Park, [[Israel]].]] However, as our footprint on nature expands, many travellers want to take the opportunity to see these wonders before it is too late. Many argue that we should pursue [[sustainable travel]] and [[leave-no-trace camping]] to preserve them for future generations. [[Geology tourism|Geology]] is the study of the solid part of our planet. Amateur geology can include the study of natural formations, and the gathering of minerals. ==Places for wildlife watching== {{quote|Whilst this planet has gone cycling on according to the fixed law of gravity, from so simple a beginning endless forms most beautiful and most wonderful have been, and are being evolved.|author=Charles Darwin|source=''On the Origin of Species''}} A '''[[zoo]]''' is a facility where animals are held in more or less artificial enclosures. The level of [[animal ethics]] vary a lot between zoos. A '''safari park''' is a large enclosure where animals roam freely, and visitors enter by car or other vehicles. A '''game reserve''' or '''nature reserve''' is an open-land area for protection of wild animals, with a [[leave-no-trace]] mandate. Animals live naturally, and the park crew usually only interfere with them for research, conservation, or population control. When watching animals '''in the wild''', patience and keen eyes are key. If an animal isn't moving, you might well walk right by without noticing it, so pay attention. Move quietly. And if you're hoping to see wild animals somewhere that gets more than a very small number of visitors, consider going early in the day, before other people have had a chance to scare the animals away. ==Africa== * [[African national parks]] * [[African wildlife]] * [[Wildlife of Madagascar]] * [[Safari]] ==North America== * [[Canadian national parks]] * [[Costa Rica national parks]] * [[El Salvador national parks]] * [[Guatemala national parks]] * [[Honduras national parks]] * [[Mexico national parks]] * [[North American wildlife]] * [[Panama national parks]] * [[United States National Park System]] ** [[United States national parks]] ** [[National scenic areas in the United States]] ** [[United States National Trails System]] ** [[United States national parkways]] * [[Natural springs in Florida]] * [[Dark Sky Parks in the United States]] * Protected areas of the United States **[[Ohio state parks]] **[[California state parks]] ==Europe== * [[Beech forests of Europe]] * [[Eurasian wildlife]] * [[Finnish national parks]] * [[Fjords of Norway]] * [[Giant's Causeway]] * [[Icelandic hot springs]] * [[United Kingdom national parks]] * [[National Parks in Spain]] ==South America== * [[Argentina national parks]] * [[Central and South American wildlife]] * [[Chilean national parks]] * [[Colombian national parks]] * [[Ecuador national parks]] * [[Galapagos wildlife]] * [[Peruvian national parks]] * [[Uruguayan national parks]] * [[National parks in Venezuela]] ==Asia== * [[Botanical tourism in Singapore]] * [[Cold Winter Deserts of Turan]] * [[Eurasian wildlife]] * [[Indian national parks and wildlife sanctuaries]] * [[Indian zoos and botanical gardens]] * [[Indonesian national parks]] * [[Indonesian zoos and botanical gardens]] * [[Israeli national parks]] * [[Japanese national parks]] * [[Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots]] * [[National parks and protected areas of the Philippines]] * [[Wildlife in South and Southeast Asia]] ==Oceania== * [[Australasian wildlife]] * [[Paleontology in Australia]] * [[Gondwana Rainforests of Australia]] * [[Australian National Reserve System]] ** [[Marine parks in Australia]] ** [[National parks in Australia]] * [[Great Artesian Basin]] * [[New Zealand national parks]] ==Wildlife== * [[Algal bloom]] * [[Biomes and ecosystems]] * [[Bird watching]] * [[Botanical tourism]] * [[Elephants]] * [[Marine life]] * [[Tigers]] * [[UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves]] * [[Whale watching]] * [[Wildlife of the Southern Ocean]] * [[Zoos]] ==Natural formations== * [[Beaches]] * [[Canyons and gorges]] * [[Caves]] * [[Fjords]] * [[Glaciers]] * [[Hot springs]] * [[Mountain ranges]] * [[Natural harbours]] * [[Volcanoes]] * [[Waterfalls]] * [[Waterways]] ==General== * [[Astronomy]] ** [[Solar eclipses]] ** [[Midnight sun]] ** [[Northern Lights]] * [[Geographical records]] * [[Ice Age traces]] * [[National parks]] * [[Outdoor life]] * [[Paleontology]] * [[Science tourism]] * [[Space]] * [[UNESCO Global Geoparks Network]] * [[UNESCO World Heritage List]] * [[Weather records]] {{PartOfTopic|Travel topics}} {{outlinetopic}} 8vpa5qjs7a5sck1j6avhjr0ltnthulr 4 121480 5086807 5085686 2025-07-02T21:42:55Z 2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3 /* Malls in Philippines */ Reply 5086807 wikitext text/x-wiki <noinclude>{{Wikivoyage:Tourist office/Header}}</noinclude> __TOC__ __NEWSECTIONLINK__ {{Auto archiving |archive = Wikivoyage:Tourist office/Archives/%(year)d/%(monthname)s |algo = old(14d) |counter = 1 |minthreadstoarchive = 1 |archiveheader = {{talk archive}} |minthreadsleft = 2 }} [[Category:Wikivoyage administration]] == Amtrak's Adirondack route == Hi, everyone! Anyone know whether the left or right side of the train will show us a more beautiful view on an Amtrak trip between Montreal and Plattsburgh, NY, which is on Lake Champlain and nowhere near the Hudson Valley? <!-- Please type your question above this line. Do not change the next line - it will sign & date your question --> Asked by: [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:30, 29 May 2025 (UTC) :Also, what about the leg from Plattsburgh to Saratoga Springs? And why can't I see any of this text except in edit mode? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:20, 30 May 2025 (UTC) ::I can answer my own questions now. The conductor said both sides were good to the U.S. border and then the left side was best to Saratoga. The views in Canada were much nicer by train than by bus - we went through forests and farmland inaccessible by car. Plattsburgh is charming, and the train went right through or past Downtown to the station, which is not far past Downtown. More from me later. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:10, 30 May 2025 (UTC) :::Sitting on the left while going south is best as far as Schenectady. After that, sitting on the right is best. However, if too many people get on in Saratoga Springs, you can sit in the dining car and get the view that way, though beware someone grabbing your seat in the car where you left your stuff. :::I was impressed with my Amtrak trips on the Adirondack line between New York and Montreal. Every train arrived on time, according to the schedule, and the route is pretty and much more interesting than the bus route we took from Saratoga to Montreal because that leg was 2 hours or so shorter by bus. Other than a wish that we could have faster trains - which a staff member explained to my girlfriend is not possible on track Amtrak doesn't own, because they are subject to speed restrictions in each little village the tracks cross - my only complaint is that the bathrooms stank and sometimes had other problems like the flusher not working, the paper towels coming out all at once and/or the garbage disposal in the bathrooms being too full. :::Our trip yesterday was 7.5 hours long and definitely felt long after Albany, but it was more comfortable than the 5.5-hour Greyhound trip from Saratoga, and the benefit of a train trip is that you can remember the scenery you saw and enjoy it again. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:24, 1 June 2025 (UTC) == Malls in Philippines == <!-- Please type your question above this line. Do not change the next line - it will sign & date your question -->I’m very interested to visit shopping malls in the Philippines? But is there a reason why mall are thriving in the Philippines, while the mall in USA are dying? And why are malls still being built in Philippines and opened here, while the USA malls are not in recent years? <nowiki>Asked by: ~~~~</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3|2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3]] 10:42, 29 June 2025 (UTC) : In general I don't find Philippine malls particularly interesting; they are not all that different from malls anywhere else. There are exceptions like Mall of Asia in [[Pasay]] which is huge & has extras like an ice skating rink, an arena big enough to be a concert venue, a theme park, ... : Differences USA vs Philippines vs other places? Different economies & culture are certainly factors. Perhaps climate? I'm currently in Canada & when weather is good I mostly prefer markets or downtown shopping streets to malls, but rain, snow, cold or heat will make me head for a mall. In the Philippines I really appreciate air conditioning. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 11:14, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::Yes, there are differences USA vs Philippines vs other places. And still wondering on why malls in other places like Europe and Asia thrive, while the USA malls are struggling and dying. [[Special:Contributions/2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3|2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3]] 11:20, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::Is online delivery less prevalent in Europe and Asia? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:20, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::::You cannot get a meal online, other than a virtual one, so there needs to be somebody doing the delivery. I don't know about Asia, but in the Nordic countries, the awful pay (and sick leave etc.) have been very controversial. A few years ago, in Norway, some of the companies accepted that the deliverers were employed, not freelancers, subject to all associated benefits, and the Finnish supreme court recently decided so as well. We are not used to paying tips, and raising the fees to a decent level makes ordering food much less attractive. ::::Online grocery shopping over here mostly means that you go to the same supermarket, but get your purchases from a locker instead of from the shelves (we did have actual delivery in the 1970s and 1980s, but then you ordered groceries for a week). The cute delivery robots we have now don't bring any profit to the chain that has them. ::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 20:32, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::::Yes, of course people are physically delivering things. Unfortunately, violations of workers' rights are routine in the U.S. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:50, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::@[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] @[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] Oh, that’s way too bad. I hope that there would be a good destination about US malls, one thing I assume would be Mall of America and American Dream. [[Special:Contributions/2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3|2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3]] 01:51, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :Malls in the US are very specifically poorly planned, particularly out west – they tend to be designed more as suburban shopping centres while in much of Asia (including the Philippines, presumably) are built to handle more foot traffic. I could go more into this but I assume y'all aren't nearly into city and regional economics as I am. ;-) //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:12, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::I'm interested. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:36, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::The largest one by far and wide is what has already been mentioned, that outside the US (especially in Asia/Australia), delivery is nowhere near as widespread – in Asia/Australia, shopping malls contain some kind of supermarkets, things that you will have to go to no matter what. More foot traffic will generally mean more people visiting which leads to the chain effect of people shopping at shops that aren't a supermarket more (because more foot traffic). :::The US also has the issue of its two major retail corporations of Costco and Walmart covering absolutely everything and situating themselves in a tucked away corner, draining money from local city governments for heavy use of infrastructure whilst [https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/1-billion-thats-how-much-walmart-avoids-paying-taxes-each-year-through-loopholes/ not paying their fair share of taxes or infrastructure upkeep]. Your average consumer will almost always go to whichever store works out financially more than anything else, especially in today's age. :::The second one is that malls in Asia/Australia tend to be heavily oriented towards public transit access – suppose you're coming from work and you need to pick up a gift for your friend: it's a mild generalisation, but Asian/Australian malls are [https://www.itf-oecd.org/sites/default/files/docs/transit-oriented-development-accessibility-southeast-asia.pdf heavily integrated] [https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40864-020-00129-0 with public transit access] in a way that you can exit the train station, easily walk towards the store you want to go to, and then hop back on a rather frequent train back home – on your way you might also stop by somewhere else (human nature I suppose) and maybe even pick up groceries. This is much less so true in the US outside the northeast corridor: building a shopping centre around private motorised vehicles will always mean there will be limited capacity. Your incentive to go to a mall in the US in a more car-centric city would be even less desirable when Costco and Walmart exist. :::Then there is also the cost of delivery services. Delivery services simply aren't as attractive outside the US because a) they're considerably more expensive when the cost of actually travelling to such stores is not nearly as high or arduous; b) they're considerably less widespread. Why go to all the effort to try and enter a US mall when delivery services are simply so much so widespread. :::Which leads back to the main point – when US malls don't have anything going for it with no incentives for greater foot traffic. With low foot traffic, it becomes simply unprofitable to run a store within a mall and many shops will close their physical stores. This too, is competing with giant retail stores like Costco and Walmart who are able to provide services for so cheap by exploiting loopholes to pay very little tax and also draining city resources at the same time. I realise there are some generalisations in my message, but overall it is to explain for the slow death of many shopping malls in the US while they continue to thrive in Asia or Australia. ::://<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 00:26, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::@[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] What will happen to US malls in the near future? Does this give United States a negative reputation? [[Special:Contributions/2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3|2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3]] 01:26, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :::::Many empty malls in the U.S. have been converted into housing. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:43, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :::::It depends on what local cities have in mind for them. As Ikan said, some of them were (quite skilfully) converted into housing; others will unfortunately decline and yes, it will give the US a bad reputation, but I don't think that's saying much when most of the US outside the northeast corridor (plus Chicago) already has a terrible reputation in the sphere of urbanism. I'm not fully aware of US legislation as I am for the rest of the Anglosphere so who knows if there are any local plans to incentivise malls once again. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 08:39, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::Also pardon me if I've gone way too in-depth: I am in the urban planning sphere IRL and I've made a concerted effort to avoid using planning terms but I may have missed one here or there. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 08:40, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::@[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] @[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] But for this reason, why would the most empty malls in USA be converted into housing, instead of continuing to build or construct new more malls in America, despite the malls opening in Asia, such as [[Taiwan]], the [[Philippines]], and [[Malaysia]], as well as [[Australia]], [[New Zealand]], and [[Europe]]? I know that they are doing well in Asia at least with mixed-use. [[Special:Contributions/2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3|2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3]] 21:42, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::: No, your expert view backed by links is much appreciated by at least some of us. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) dxnnuvwutwusy6mtcg6qb4gg88nk5rn 5086819 5086807 2025-07-02T22:28:36Z Ikan Kekek 36420 /* Malls in Philippines */ Reply 5086819 wikitext text/x-wiki <noinclude>{{Wikivoyage:Tourist office/Header}}</noinclude> __TOC__ __NEWSECTIONLINK__ {{Auto archiving |archive = Wikivoyage:Tourist office/Archives/%(year)d/%(monthname)s |algo = old(14d) |counter = 1 |minthreadstoarchive = 1 |archiveheader = {{talk archive}} |minthreadsleft = 2 }} [[Category:Wikivoyage administration]] == Amtrak's Adirondack route == Hi, everyone! Anyone know whether the left or right side of the train will show us a more beautiful view on an Amtrak trip between Montreal and Plattsburgh, NY, which is on Lake Champlain and nowhere near the Hudson Valley? <!-- Please type your question above this line. Do not change the next line - it will sign & date your question --> Asked by: [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:30, 29 May 2025 (UTC) :Also, what about the leg from Plattsburgh to Saratoga Springs? And why can't I see any of this text except in edit mode? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:20, 30 May 2025 (UTC) ::I can answer my own questions now. The conductor said both sides were good to the U.S. border and then the left side was best to Saratoga. The views in Canada were much nicer by train than by bus - we went through forests and farmland inaccessible by car. Plattsburgh is charming, and the train went right through or past Downtown to the station, which is not far past Downtown. More from me later. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:10, 30 May 2025 (UTC) :::Sitting on the left while going south is best as far as Schenectady. After that, sitting on the right is best. However, if too many people get on in Saratoga Springs, you can sit in the dining car and get the view that way, though beware someone grabbing your seat in the car where you left your stuff. :::I was impressed with my Amtrak trips on the Adirondack line between New York and Montreal. Every train arrived on time, according to the schedule, and the route is pretty and much more interesting than the bus route we took from Saratoga to Montreal because that leg was 2 hours or so shorter by bus. Other than a wish that we could have faster trains - which a staff member explained to my girlfriend is not possible on track Amtrak doesn't own, because they are subject to speed restrictions in each little village the tracks cross - my only complaint is that the bathrooms stank and sometimes had other problems like the flusher not working, the paper towels coming out all at once and/or the garbage disposal in the bathrooms being too full. :::Our trip yesterday was 7.5 hours long and definitely felt long after Albany, but it was more comfortable than the 5.5-hour Greyhound trip from Saratoga, and the benefit of a train trip is that you can remember the scenery you saw and enjoy it again. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:24, 1 June 2025 (UTC) == Malls in Philippines == <!-- Please type your question above this line. Do not change the next line - it will sign & date your question -->I’m very interested to visit shopping malls in the Philippines? But is there a reason why mall are thriving in the Philippines, while the mall in USA are dying? And why are malls still being built in Philippines and opened here, while the USA malls are not in recent years? <nowiki>Asked by: ~~~~</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3|2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3]] 10:42, 29 June 2025 (UTC) : In general I don't find Philippine malls particularly interesting; they are not all that different from malls anywhere else. There are exceptions like Mall of Asia in [[Pasay]] which is huge & has extras like an ice skating rink, an arena big enough to be a concert venue, a theme park, ... : Differences USA vs Philippines vs other places? Different economies & culture are certainly factors. Perhaps climate? I'm currently in Canada & when weather is good I mostly prefer markets or downtown shopping streets to malls, but rain, snow, cold or heat will make me head for a mall. In the Philippines I really appreciate air conditioning. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 11:14, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::Yes, there are differences USA vs Philippines vs other places. And still wondering on why malls in other places like Europe and Asia thrive, while the USA malls are struggling and dying. [[Special:Contributions/2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3|2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3]] 11:20, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::Is online delivery less prevalent in Europe and Asia? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:20, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::::You cannot get a meal online, other than a virtual one, so there needs to be somebody doing the delivery. I don't know about Asia, but in the Nordic countries, the awful pay (and sick leave etc.) have been very controversial. A few years ago, in Norway, some of the companies accepted that the deliverers were employed, not freelancers, subject to all associated benefits, and the Finnish supreme court recently decided so as well. We are not used to paying tips, and raising the fees to a decent level makes ordering food much less attractive. ::::Online grocery shopping over here mostly means that you go to the same supermarket, but get your purchases from a locker instead of from the shelves (we did have actual delivery in the 1970s and 1980s, but then you ordered groceries for a week). The cute delivery robots we have now don't bring any profit to the chain that has them. ::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 20:32, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::::Yes, of course people are physically delivering things. Unfortunately, violations of workers' rights are routine in the U.S. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:50, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::@[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] @[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] Oh, that’s way too bad. I hope that there would be a good destination about US malls, one thing I assume would be Mall of America and American Dream. [[Special:Contributions/2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3|2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3]] 01:51, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :Malls in the US are very specifically poorly planned, particularly out west – they tend to be designed more as suburban shopping centres while in much of Asia (including the Philippines, presumably) are built to handle more foot traffic. I could go more into this but I assume y'all aren't nearly into city and regional economics as I am. ;-) //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:12, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::I'm interested. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:36, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::The largest one by far and wide is what has already been mentioned, that outside the US (especially in Asia/Australia), delivery is nowhere near as widespread – in Asia/Australia, shopping malls contain some kind of supermarkets, things that you will have to go to no matter what. More foot traffic will generally mean more people visiting which leads to the chain effect of people shopping at shops that aren't a supermarket more (because more foot traffic). :::The US also has the issue of its two major retail corporations of Costco and Walmart covering absolutely everything and situating themselves in a tucked away corner, draining money from local city governments for heavy use of infrastructure whilst [https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/1-billion-thats-how-much-walmart-avoids-paying-taxes-each-year-through-loopholes/ not paying their fair share of taxes or infrastructure upkeep]. Your average consumer will almost always go to whichever store works out financially more than anything else, especially in today's age. :::The second one is that malls in Asia/Australia tend to be heavily oriented towards public transit access – suppose you're coming from work and you need to pick up a gift for your friend: it's a mild generalisation, but Asian/Australian malls are [https://www.itf-oecd.org/sites/default/files/docs/transit-oriented-development-accessibility-southeast-asia.pdf heavily integrated] [https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40864-020-00129-0 with public transit access] in a way that you can exit the train station, easily walk towards the store you want to go to, and then hop back on a rather frequent train back home – on your way you might also stop by somewhere else (human nature I suppose) and maybe even pick up groceries. This is much less so true in the US outside the northeast corridor: building a shopping centre around private motorised vehicles will always mean there will be limited capacity. Your incentive to go to a mall in the US in a more car-centric city would be even less desirable when Costco and Walmart exist. :::Then there is also the cost of delivery services. Delivery services simply aren't as attractive outside the US because a) they're considerably more expensive when the cost of actually travelling to such stores is not nearly as high or arduous; b) they're considerably less widespread. Why go to all the effort to try and enter a US mall when delivery services are simply so much so widespread. :::Which leads back to the main point – when US malls don't have anything going for it with no incentives for greater foot traffic. With low foot traffic, it becomes simply unprofitable to run a store within a mall and many shops will close their physical stores. This too, is competing with giant retail stores like Costco and Walmart who are able to provide services for so cheap by exploiting loopholes to pay very little tax and also draining city resources at the same time. I realise there are some generalisations in my message, but overall it is to explain for the slow death of many shopping malls in the US while they continue to thrive in Asia or Australia. ::://<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 00:26, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::@[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] What will happen to US malls in the near future? Does this give United States a negative reputation? [[Special:Contributions/2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3|2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3]] 01:26, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :::::Many empty malls in the U.S. have been converted into housing. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:43, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :::::It depends on what local cities have in mind for them. As Ikan said, some of them were (quite skilfully) converted into housing; others will unfortunately decline and yes, it will give the US a bad reputation, but I don't think that's saying much when most of the US outside the northeast corridor (plus Chicago) already has a terrible reputation in the sphere of urbanism. I'm not fully aware of US legislation as I am for the rest of the Anglosphere so who knows if there are any local plans to incentivise malls once again. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 08:39, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::Also pardon me if I've gone way too in-depth: I am in the urban planning sphere IRL and I've made a concerted effort to avoid using planning terms but I may have missed one here or there. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 08:40, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::@[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] @[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] But for this reason, why would the most empty malls in USA be converted into housing, instead of continuing to build or construct new more malls in America, despite the malls opening in Asia, such as [[Taiwan]], the [[Philippines]], and [[Malaysia]], as well as [[Australia]], [[New Zealand]], and [[Europe]]? I know that they are doing well in Asia at least with mixed-use. [[Special:Contributions/2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3|2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3]] 21:42, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Malls are not profitable in the U.S. nowadays, because with unusual exceptions like urban malls in Flushing, Queens, they require someone to get into a car, drive, park, buy stuff, put it in their trunk, take it back, drive home, and unpack it. Ordering stuff to be delivered by someone else is much more convenient. And in really dense cities, the land is too expensive for there to be huge stores, let alone dedicated malls with no other uses. People who live or shop in places like Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn either walk to different stores or take a subway or bus to one particular store. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:28, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::: No, your expert view backed by links is much appreciated by at least some of us. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 6bgf4w9fgda3jagrf433xwod916nm27 5086826 5086819 2025-07-02T22:56:00Z SHB2000 2248002 /* Malls in Philippines */ re 5086826 wikitext text/x-wiki <noinclude>{{Wikivoyage:Tourist office/Header}}</noinclude> __TOC__ __NEWSECTIONLINK__ {{Auto archiving |archive = Wikivoyage:Tourist office/Archives/%(year)d/%(monthname)s |algo = old(14d) |counter = 1 |minthreadstoarchive = 1 |archiveheader = {{talk archive}} |minthreadsleft = 2 }} [[Category:Wikivoyage administration]] == Amtrak's Adirondack route == Hi, everyone! Anyone know whether the left or right side of the train will show us a more beautiful view on an Amtrak trip between Montreal and Plattsburgh, NY, which is on Lake Champlain and nowhere near the Hudson Valley? <!-- Please type your question above this line. Do not change the next line - it will sign & date your question --> Asked by: [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:30, 29 May 2025 (UTC) :Also, what about the leg from Plattsburgh to Saratoga Springs? And why can't I see any of this text except in edit mode? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:20, 30 May 2025 (UTC) ::I can answer my own questions now. The conductor said both sides were good to the U.S. border and then the left side was best to Saratoga. The views in Canada were much nicer by train than by bus - we went through forests and farmland inaccessible by car. Plattsburgh is charming, and the train went right through or past Downtown to the station, which is not far past Downtown. More from me later. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:10, 30 May 2025 (UTC) :::Sitting on the left while going south is best as far as Schenectady. After that, sitting on the right is best. However, if too many people get on in Saratoga Springs, you can sit in the dining car and get the view that way, though beware someone grabbing your seat in the car where you left your stuff. :::I was impressed with my Amtrak trips on the Adirondack line between New York and Montreal. Every train arrived on time, according to the schedule, and the route is pretty and much more interesting than the bus route we took from Saratoga to Montreal because that leg was 2 hours or so shorter by bus. Other than a wish that we could have faster trains - which a staff member explained to my girlfriend is not possible on track Amtrak doesn't own, because they are subject to speed restrictions in each little village the tracks cross - my only complaint is that the bathrooms stank and sometimes had other problems like the flusher not working, the paper towels coming out all at once and/or the garbage disposal in the bathrooms being too full. :::Our trip yesterday was 7.5 hours long and definitely felt long after Albany, but it was more comfortable than the 5.5-hour Greyhound trip from Saratoga, and the benefit of a train trip is that you can remember the scenery you saw and enjoy it again. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:24, 1 June 2025 (UTC) == Malls in Philippines == <!-- Please type your question above this line. Do not change the next line - it will sign & date your question -->I’m very interested to visit shopping malls in the Philippines? But is there a reason why mall are thriving in the Philippines, while the mall in USA are dying? And why are malls still being built in Philippines and opened here, while the USA malls are not in recent years? <nowiki>Asked by: ~~~~</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3|2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3]] 10:42, 29 June 2025 (UTC) : In general I don't find Philippine malls particularly interesting; they are not all that different from malls anywhere else. There are exceptions like Mall of Asia in [[Pasay]] which is huge & has extras like an ice skating rink, an arena big enough to be a concert venue, a theme park, ... : Differences USA vs Philippines vs other places? Different economies & culture are certainly factors. Perhaps climate? I'm currently in Canada & when weather is good I mostly prefer markets or downtown shopping streets to malls, but rain, snow, cold or heat will make me head for a mall. In the Philippines I really appreciate air conditioning. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 11:14, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::Yes, there are differences USA vs Philippines vs other places. And still wondering on why malls in other places like Europe and Asia thrive, while the USA malls are struggling and dying. [[Special:Contributions/2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3|2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3]] 11:20, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::Is online delivery less prevalent in Europe and Asia? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:20, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::::You cannot get a meal online, other than a virtual one, so there needs to be somebody doing the delivery. I don't know about Asia, but in the Nordic countries, the awful pay (and sick leave etc.) have been very controversial. A few years ago, in Norway, some of the companies accepted that the deliverers were employed, not freelancers, subject to all associated benefits, and the Finnish supreme court recently decided so as well. We are not used to paying tips, and raising the fees to a decent level makes ordering food much less attractive. ::::Online grocery shopping over here mostly means that you go to the same supermarket, but get your purchases from a locker instead of from the shelves (we did have actual delivery in the 1970s and 1980s, but then you ordered groceries for a week). The cute delivery robots we have now don't bring any profit to the chain that has them. ::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 20:32, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::::Yes, of course people are physically delivering things. Unfortunately, violations of workers' rights are routine in the U.S. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:50, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::@[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] @[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] Oh, that’s way too bad. I hope that there would be a good destination about US malls, one thing I assume would be Mall of America and American Dream. [[Special:Contributions/2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3|2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3]] 01:51, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :Malls in the US are very specifically poorly planned, particularly out west – they tend to be designed more as suburban shopping centres while in much of Asia (including the Philippines, presumably) are built to handle more foot traffic. I could go more into this but I assume y'all aren't nearly into city and regional economics as I am. ;-) //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:12, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::I'm interested. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:36, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::The largest one by far and wide is what has already been mentioned, that outside the US (especially in Asia/Australia), delivery is nowhere near as widespread – in Asia/Australia, shopping malls contain some kind of supermarkets, things that you will have to go to no matter what. More foot traffic will generally mean more people visiting which leads to the chain effect of people shopping at shops that aren't a supermarket more (because more foot traffic). :::The US also has the issue of its two major retail corporations of Costco and Walmart covering absolutely everything and situating themselves in a tucked away corner, draining money from local city governments for heavy use of infrastructure whilst [https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/1-billion-thats-how-much-walmart-avoids-paying-taxes-each-year-through-loopholes/ not paying their fair share of taxes or infrastructure upkeep]. Your average consumer will almost always go to whichever store works out financially more than anything else, especially in today's age. :::The second one is that malls in Asia/Australia tend to be heavily oriented towards public transit access – suppose you're coming from work and you need to pick up a gift for your friend: it's a mild generalisation, but Asian/Australian malls are [https://www.itf-oecd.org/sites/default/files/docs/transit-oriented-development-accessibility-southeast-asia.pdf heavily integrated] [https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40864-020-00129-0 with public transit access] in a way that you can exit the train station, easily walk towards the store you want to go to, and then hop back on a rather frequent train back home – on your way you might also stop by somewhere else (human nature I suppose) and maybe even pick up groceries. This is much less so true in the US outside the northeast corridor: building a shopping centre around private motorised vehicles will always mean there will be limited capacity. Your incentive to go to a mall in the US in a more car-centric city would be even less desirable when Costco and Walmart exist. :::Then there is also the cost of delivery services. Delivery services simply aren't as attractive outside the US because a) they're considerably more expensive when the cost of actually travelling to such stores is not nearly as high or arduous; b) they're considerably less widespread. Why go to all the effort to try and enter a US mall when delivery services are simply so much so widespread. :::Which leads back to the main point – when US malls don't have anything going for it with no incentives for greater foot traffic. With low foot traffic, it becomes simply unprofitable to run a store within a mall and many shops will close their physical stores. This too, is competing with giant retail stores like Costco and Walmart who are able to provide services for so cheap by exploiting loopholes to pay very little tax and also draining city resources at the same time. I realise there are some generalisations in my message, but overall it is to explain for the slow death of many shopping malls in the US while they continue to thrive in Asia or Australia. ::://<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 00:26, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::@[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] What will happen to US malls in the near future? Does this give United States a negative reputation? [[Special:Contributions/2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3|2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3]] 01:26, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :::::Many empty malls in the U.S. have been converted into housing. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:43, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :::::It depends on what local cities have in mind for them. As Ikan said, some of them were (quite skilfully) converted into housing; others will unfortunately decline and yes, it will give the US a bad reputation, but I don't think that's saying much when most of the US outside the northeast corridor (plus Chicago) already has a terrible reputation in the sphere of urbanism. I'm not fully aware of US legislation as I am for the rest of the Anglosphere so who knows if there are any local plans to incentivise malls once again. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 08:39, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::Also pardon me if I've gone way too in-depth: I am in the urban planning sphere IRL and I've made a concerted effort to avoid using planning terms but I may have missed one here or there. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 08:40, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::@[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] @[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] But for this reason, why would the most empty malls in USA be converted into housing, instead of continuing to build or construct new more malls in America, despite the malls opening in Asia, such as [[Taiwan]], the [[Philippines]], and [[Malaysia]], as well as [[Australia]], [[New Zealand]], and [[Europe]]? I know that they are doing well in Asia at least with mixed-use. [[Special:Contributions/2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3|2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3]] 21:42, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Malls are not profitable in the U.S. nowadays, because with unusual exceptions like urban malls in Flushing, Queens, they require someone to get into a car, drive, park, buy stuff, put it in their trunk, take it back, drive home, and unpack it. Ordering stuff to be delivered by someone else is much more convenient. And in really dense cities, the land is too expensive for there to be huge stores, let alone dedicated malls with no other uses. People who live or shop in places like Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn either walk to different stores or take a subway or bus to one particular store. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:28, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::This, precisely. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 22:56, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::: No, your expert view backed by links is much appreciated by at least some of us. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) d8ez40zxjurnn58lx97xzeb2j9j1oo4 5086831 5086826 2025-07-02T23:06:02Z AlasdairW 1812 /* Malls in Philippines */ Reply 5086831 wikitext text/x-wiki <noinclude>{{Wikivoyage:Tourist office/Header}}</noinclude> __TOC__ __NEWSECTIONLINK__ {{Auto archiving |archive = Wikivoyage:Tourist office/Archives/%(year)d/%(monthname)s |algo = old(14d) |counter = 1 |minthreadstoarchive = 1 |archiveheader = {{talk archive}} |minthreadsleft = 2 }} [[Category:Wikivoyage administration]] == Amtrak's Adirondack route == Hi, everyone! Anyone know whether the left or right side of the train will show us a more beautiful view on an Amtrak trip between Montreal and Plattsburgh, NY, which is on Lake Champlain and nowhere near the Hudson Valley? <!-- Please type your question above this line. Do not change the next line - it will sign & date your question --> Asked by: [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:30, 29 May 2025 (UTC) :Also, what about the leg from Plattsburgh to Saratoga Springs? And why can't I see any of this text except in edit mode? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:20, 30 May 2025 (UTC) ::I can answer my own questions now. The conductor said both sides were good to the U.S. border and then the left side was best to Saratoga. The views in Canada were much nicer by train than by bus - we went through forests and farmland inaccessible by car. Plattsburgh is charming, and the train went right through or past Downtown to the station, which is not far past Downtown. More from me later. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:10, 30 May 2025 (UTC) :::Sitting on the left while going south is best as far as Schenectady. After that, sitting on the right is best. However, if too many people get on in Saratoga Springs, you can sit in the dining car and get the view that way, though beware someone grabbing your seat in the car where you left your stuff. :::I was impressed with my Amtrak trips on the Adirondack line between New York and Montreal. Every train arrived on time, according to the schedule, and the route is pretty and much more interesting than the bus route we took from Saratoga to Montreal because that leg was 2 hours or so shorter by bus. Other than a wish that we could have faster trains - which a staff member explained to my girlfriend is not possible on track Amtrak doesn't own, because they are subject to speed restrictions in each little village the tracks cross - my only complaint is that the bathrooms stank and sometimes had other problems like the flusher not working, the paper towels coming out all at once and/or the garbage disposal in the bathrooms being too full. :::Our trip yesterday was 7.5 hours long and definitely felt long after Albany, but it was more comfortable than the 5.5-hour Greyhound trip from Saratoga, and the benefit of a train trip is that you can remember the scenery you saw and enjoy it again. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:24, 1 June 2025 (UTC) == Malls in Philippines == <!-- Please type your question above this line. Do not change the next line - it will sign & date your question -->I’m very interested to visit shopping malls in the Philippines? But is there a reason why mall are thriving in the Philippines, while the mall in USA are dying? And why are malls still being built in Philippines and opened here, while the USA malls are not in recent years? <nowiki>Asked by: ~~~~</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3|2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3]] 10:42, 29 June 2025 (UTC) : In general I don't find Philippine malls particularly interesting; they are not all that different from malls anywhere else. There are exceptions like Mall of Asia in [[Pasay]] which is huge & has extras like an ice skating rink, an arena big enough to be a concert venue, a theme park, ... : Differences USA vs Philippines vs other places? Different economies & culture are certainly factors. Perhaps climate? I'm currently in Canada & when weather is good I mostly prefer markets or downtown shopping streets to malls, but rain, snow, cold or heat will make me head for a mall. In the Philippines I really appreciate air conditioning. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 11:14, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::Yes, there are differences USA vs Philippines vs other places. And still wondering on why malls in other places like Europe and Asia thrive, while the USA malls are struggling and dying. [[Special:Contributions/2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3|2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3]] 11:20, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::Is online delivery less prevalent in Europe and Asia? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:20, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::::You cannot get a meal online, other than a virtual one, so there needs to be somebody doing the delivery. I don't know about Asia, but in the Nordic countries, the awful pay (and sick leave etc.) have been very controversial. A few years ago, in Norway, some of the companies accepted that the deliverers were employed, not freelancers, subject to all associated benefits, and the Finnish supreme court recently decided so as well. We are not used to paying tips, and raising the fees to a decent level makes ordering food much less attractive. ::::Online grocery shopping over here mostly means that you go to the same supermarket, but get your purchases from a locker instead of from the shelves (we did have actual delivery in the 1970s and 1980s, but then you ordered groceries for a week). The cute delivery robots we have now don't bring any profit to the chain that has them. ::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 20:32, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::::Yes, of course people are physically delivering things. Unfortunately, violations of workers' rights are routine in the U.S. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:50, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::@[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] @[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] Oh, that’s way too bad. I hope that there would be a good destination about US malls, one thing I assume would be Mall of America and American Dream. [[Special:Contributions/2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3|2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3]] 01:51, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :Malls in the US are very specifically poorly planned, particularly out west – they tend to be designed more as suburban shopping centres while in much of Asia (including the Philippines, presumably) are built to handle more foot traffic. I could go more into this but I assume y'all aren't nearly into city and regional economics as I am. ;-) //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:12, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::I'm interested. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:36, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::The largest one by far and wide is what has already been mentioned, that outside the US (especially in Asia/Australia), delivery is nowhere near as widespread – in Asia/Australia, shopping malls contain some kind of supermarkets, things that you will have to go to no matter what. More foot traffic will generally mean more people visiting which leads to the chain effect of people shopping at shops that aren't a supermarket more (because more foot traffic). :::The US also has the issue of its two major retail corporations of Costco and Walmart covering absolutely everything and situating themselves in a tucked away corner, draining money from local city governments for heavy use of infrastructure whilst [https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/1-billion-thats-how-much-walmart-avoids-paying-taxes-each-year-through-loopholes/ not paying their fair share of taxes or infrastructure upkeep]. Your average consumer will almost always go to whichever store works out financially more than anything else, especially in today's age. :::The second one is that malls in Asia/Australia tend to be heavily oriented towards public transit access – suppose you're coming from work and you need to pick up a gift for your friend: it's a mild generalisation, but Asian/Australian malls are [https://www.itf-oecd.org/sites/default/files/docs/transit-oriented-development-accessibility-southeast-asia.pdf heavily integrated] [https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40864-020-00129-0 with public transit access] in a way that you can exit the train station, easily walk towards the store you want to go to, and then hop back on a rather frequent train back home – on your way you might also stop by somewhere else (human nature I suppose) and maybe even pick up groceries. This is much less so true in the US outside the northeast corridor: building a shopping centre around private motorised vehicles will always mean there will be limited capacity. Your incentive to go to a mall in the US in a more car-centric city would be even less desirable when Costco and Walmart exist. :::Then there is also the cost of delivery services. Delivery services simply aren't as attractive outside the US because a) they're considerably more expensive when the cost of actually travelling to such stores is not nearly as high or arduous; b) they're considerably less widespread. Why go to all the effort to try and enter a US mall when delivery services are simply so much so widespread. :::Which leads back to the main point – when US malls don't have anything going for it with no incentives for greater foot traffic. With low foot traffic, it becomes simply unprofitable to run a store within a mall and many shops will close their physical stores. This too, is competing with giant retail stores like Costco and Walmart who are able to provide services for so cheap by exploiting loopholes to pay very little tax and also draining city resources at the same time. I realise there are some generalisations in my message, but overall it is to explain for the slow death of many shopping malls in the US while they continue to thrive in Asia or Australia. ::://<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 00:26, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::@[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] What will happen to US malls in the near future? Does this give United States a negative reputation? [[Special:Contributions/2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3|2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3]] 01:26, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :::::Many empty malls in the U.S. have been converted into housing. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:43, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :::::It depends on what local cities have in mind for them. As Ikan said, some of them were (quite skilfully) converted into housing; others will unfortunately decline and yes, it will give the US a bad reputation, but I don't think that's saying much when most of the US outside the northeast corridor (plus Chicago) already has a terrible reputation in the sphere of urbanism. I'm not fully aware of US legislation as I am for the rest of the Anglosphere so who knows if there are any local plans to incentivise malls once again. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 08:39, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::Also pardon me if I've gone way too in-depth: I am in the urban planning sphere IRL and I've made a concerted effort to avoid using planning terms but I may have missed one here or there. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 08:40, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::@[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] @[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] But for this reason, why would the most empty malls in USA be converted into housing, instead of continuing to build or construct new more malls in America, despite the malls opening in Asia, such as [[Taiwan]], the [[Philippines]], and [[Malaysia]], as well as [[Australia]], [[New Zealand]], and [[Europe]]? I know that they are doing well in Asia at least with mixed-use. [[Special:Contributions/2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3|2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3]] 21:42, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Malls are not profitable in the U.S. nowadays, because with unusual exceptions like urban malls in Flushing, Queens, they require someone to get into a car, drive, park, buy stuff, put it in their trunk, take it back, drive home, and unpack it. Ordering stuff to be delivered by someone else is much more convenient. And in really dense cities, the land is too expensive for there to be huge stores, let alone dedicated malls with no other uses. People who live or shop in places like Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn either walk to different stores or take a subway or bus to one particular store. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:28, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::This, precisely. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 22:56, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::In the UK, some malls are in decline. The decline in retail has probably affected shops on streets more than those in malls, and there is a big variation in impact between town centres. The rise in online shopping is part of the reason, but expansion of supermarkets and Covid restrictions have also contributed. Some malls have suffered when an anchor tenant department store closed. I expect that the situation is between the extremes of the USA and Asia. Many smaller shops on side streets have been converted into apartments, but conversion of malls is unusual. ::::::::::Another factor to consider is the appeal of "getting out of the house". Although it is a big generalisation I think the average house is bigger and more comfortable in the USA than those in many part of Asia. If your family is in a tiny apartment in somewhere like Hong Kong, then walking to a nearby mall is an attractive way of spending an afternoon off. Similarly in Europe, at the moment, escaping a too hot house to go to an air-conditioned mall is attractive. :::::::::[[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:06, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::: No, your expert view backed by links is much appreciated by at least some of us. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) oe7nzzpgxtneoks6hdjxzy0l05veid6 5086832 5086831 2025-07-02T23:06:47Z AlasdairW 1812 /* Malls in Philippines */ 5086832 wikitext text/x-wiki <noinclude>{{Wikivoyage:Tourist office/Header}}</noinclude> __TOC__ __NEWSECTIONLINK__ {{Auto archiving |archive = Wikivoyage:Tourist office/Archives/%(year)d/%(monthname)s |algo = old(14d) |counter = 1 |minthreadstoarchive = 1 |archiveheader = {{talk archive}} |minthreadsleft = 2 }} [[Category:Wikivoyage administration]] == Amtrak's Adirondack route == Hi, everyone! Anyone know whether the left or right side of the train will show us a more beautiful view on an Amtrak trip between Montreal and Plattsburgh, NY, which is on Lake Champlain and nowhere near the Hudson Valley? <!-- Please type your question above this line. Do not change the next line - it will sign & date your question --> Asked by: [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:30, 29 May 2025 (UTC) :Also, what about the leg from Plattsburgh to Saratoga Springs? And why can't I see any of this text except in edit mode? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:20, 30 May 2025 (UTC) ::I can answer my own questions now. The conductor said both sides were good to the U.S. border and then the left side was best to Saratoga. The views in Canada were much nicer by train than by bus - we went through forests and farmland inaccessible by car. Plattsburgh is charming, and the train went right through or past Downtown to the station, which is not far past Downtown. More from me later. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:10, 30 May 2025 (UTC) :::Sitting on the left while going south is best as far as Schenectady. After that, sitting on the right is best. However, if too many people get on in Saratoga Springs, you can sit in the dining car and get the view that way, though beware someone grabbing your seat in the car where you left your stuff. :::I was impressed with my Amtrak trips on the Adirondack line between New York and Montreal. Every train arrived on time, according to the schedule, and the route is pretty and much more interesting than the bus route we took from Saratoga to Montreal because that leg was 2 hours or so shorter by bus. Other than a wish that we could have faster trains - which a staff member explained to my girlfriend is not possible on track Amtrak doesn't own, because they are subject to speed restrictions in each little village the tracks cross - my only complaint is that the bathrooms stank and sometimes had other problems like the flusher not working, the paper towels coming out all at once and/or the garbage disposal in the bathrooms being too full. :::Our trip yesterday was 7.5 hours long and definitely felt long after Albany, but it was more comfortable than the 5.5-hour Greyhound trip from Saratoga, and the benefit of a train trip is that you can remember the scenery you saw and enjoy it again. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:24, 1 June 2025 (UTC) == Malls in Philippines == <!-- Please type your question above this line. Do not change the next line - it will sign & date your question -->I’m very interested to visit shopping malls in the Philippines? But is there a reason why mall are thriving in the Philippines, while the mall in USA are dying? And why are malls still being built in Philippines and opened here, while the USA malls are not in recent years? <nowiki>Asked by: ~~~~</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3|2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3]] 10:42, 29 June 2025 (UTC) : In general I don't find Philippine malls particularly interesting; they are not all that different from malls anywhere else. There are exceptions like Mall of Asia in [[Pasay]] which is huge & has extras like an ice skating rink, an arena big enough to be a concert venue, a theme park, ... : Differences USA vs Philippines vs other places? Different economies & culture are certainly factors. Perhaps climate? I'm currently in Canada & when weather is good I mostly prefer markets or downtown shopping streets to malls, but rain, snow, cold or heat will make me head for a mall. In the Philippines I really appreciate air conditioning. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 11:14, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::Yes, there are differences USA vs Philippines vs other places. And still wondering on why malls in other places like Europe and Asia thrive, while the USA malls are struggling and dying. [[Special:Contributions/2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3|2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3]] 11:20, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::Is online delivery less prevalent in Europe and Asia? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:20, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::::You cannot get a meal online, other than a virtual one, so there needs to be somebody doing the delivery. I don't know about Asia, but in the Nordic countries, the awful pay (and sick leave etc.) have been very controversial. A few years ago, in Norway, some of the companies accepted that the deliverers were employed, not freelancers, subject to all associated benefits, and the Finnish supreme court recently decided so as well. We are not used to paying tips, and raising the fees to a decent level makes ordering food much less attractive. ::::Online grocery shopping over here mostly means that you go to the same supermarket, but get your purchases from a locker instead of from the shelves (we did have actual delivery in the 1970s and 1980s, but then you ordered groceries for a week). The cute delivery robots we have now don't bring any profit to the chain that has them. ::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 20:32, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::::Yes, of course people are physically delivering things. Unfortunately, violations of workers' rights are routine in the U.S. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:50, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::@[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] @[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] Oh, that’s way too bad. I hope that there would be a good destination about US malls, one thing I assume would be Mall of America and American Dream. [[Special:Contributions/2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3|2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3]] 01:51, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :Malls in the US are very specifically poorly planned, particularly out west – they tend to be designed more as suburban shopping centres while in much of Asia (including the Philippines, presumably) are built to handle more foot traffic. I could go more into this but I assume y'all aren't nearly into city and regional economics as I am. ;-) //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:12, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::I'm interested. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:36, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::The largest one by far and wide is what has already been mentioned, that outside the US (especially in Asia/Australia), delivery is nowhere near as widespread – in Asia/Australia, shopping malls contain some kind of supermarkets, things that you will have to go to no matter what. More foot traffic will generally mean more people visiting which leads to the chain effect of people shopping at shops that aren't a supermarket more (because more foot traffic). :::The US also has the issue of its two major retail corporations of Costco and Walmart covering absolutely everything and situating themselves in a tucked away corner, draining money from local city governments for heavy use of infrastructure whilst [https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/1-billion-thats-how-much-walmart-avoids-paying-taxes-each-year-through-loopholes/ not paying their fair share of taxes or infrastructure upkeep]. Your average consumer will almost always go to whichever store works out financially more than anything else, especially in today's age. :::The second one is that malls in Asia/Australia tend to be heavily oriented towards public transit access – suppose you're coming from work and you need to pick up a gift for your friend: it's a mild generalisation, but Asian/Australian malls are [https://www.itf-oecd.org/sites/default/files/docs/transit-oriented-development-accessibility-southeast-asia.pdf heavily integrated] [https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40864-020-00129-0 with public transit access] in a way that you can exit the train station, easily walk towards the store you want to go to, and then hop back on a rather frequent train back home – on your way you might also stop by somewhere else (human nature I suppose) and maybe even pick up groceries. This is much less so true in the US outside the northeast corridor: building a shopping centre around private motorised vehicles will always mean there will be limited capacity. Your incentive to go to a mall in the US in a more car-centric city would be even less desirable when Costco and Walmart exist. :::Then there is also the cost of delivery services. Delivery services simply aren't as attractive outside the US because a) they're considerably more expensive when the cost of actually travelling to such stores is not nearly as high or arduous; b) they're considerably less widespread. Why go to all the effort to try and enter a US mall when delivery services are simply so much so widespread. :::Which leads back to the main point – when US malls don't have anything going for it with no incentives for greater foot traffic. With low foot traffic, it becomes simply unprofitable to run a store within a mall and many shops will close their physical stores. This too, is competing with giant retail stores like Costco and Walmart who are able to provide services for so cheap by exploiting loopholes to pay very little tax and also draining city resources at the same time. I realise there are some generalisations in my message, but overall it is to explain for the slow death of many shopping malls in the US while they continue to thrive in Asia or Australia. ::://<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 00:26, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::@[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] What will happen to US malls in the near future? Does this give United States a negative reputation? [[Special:Contributions/2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3|2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3]] 01:26, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :::::Many empty malls in the U.S. have been converted into housing. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:43, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :::::It depends on what local cities have in mind for them. As Ikan said, some of them were (quite skilfully) converted into housing; others will unfortunately decline and yes, it will give the US a bad reputation, but I don't think that's saying much when most of the US outside the northeast corridor (plus Chicago) already has a terrible reputation in the sphere of urbanism. I'm not fully aware of US legislation as I am for the rest of the Anglosphere so who knows if there are any local plans to incentivise malls once again. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 08:39, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::Also pardon me if I've gone way too in-depth: I am in the urban planning sphere IRL and I've made a concerted effort to avoid using planning terms but I may have missed one here or there. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 08:40, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::@[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] @[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] But for this reason, why would the most empty malls in USA be converted into housing, instead of continuing to build or construct new more malls in America, despite the malls opening in Asia, such as [[Taiwan]], the [[Philippines]], and [[Malaysia]], as well as [[Australia]], [[New Zealand]], and [[Europe]]? I know that they are doing well in Asia at least with mixed-use. [[Special:Contributions/2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3|2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3]] 21:42, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Malls are not profitable in the U.S. nowadays, because with unusual exceptions like urban malls in Flushing, Queens, they require someone to get into a car, drive, park, buy stuff, put it in their trunk, take it back, drive home, and unpack it. Ordering stuff to be delivered by someone else is much more convenient. And in really dense cities, the land is too expensive for there to be huge stores, let alone dedicated malls with no other uses. People who live or shop in places like Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn either walk to different stores or take a subway or bus to one particular store. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:28, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::This, precisely. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 22:56, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::In the UK, some malls are in decline. The decline in retail has probably affected shops on streets more than those in malls, and there is a big variation in impact between town centres. The rise in online shopping is part of the reason, but expansion of supermarkets and Covid restrictions have also contributed. Some malls have suffered when an anchor tenant department store closed. I expect that the situation is between the extremes of the USA and Asia. Many smaller shops on side streets have been converted into apartments, but conversion of malls is unusual. ::::::::::Another factor to consider is the appeal of "getting out of the house". Although it is a big generalisation I think the average house is bigger and more comfortable in the USA than those in many part of Asia. If your family is in a tiny apartment in somewhere like Hong Kong, then walking to a nearby mall is an attractive way of spending an afternoon off. Similarly in Europe, at the moment, escaping a too hot house to go to an air-conditioned mall is attractive. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:06, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::: No, your expert view backed by links is much appreciated by at least some of us. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) lp1mo46741gkmea7lvnala8m8wuliag 5086842 5086832 2025-07-02T23:16:57Z Ikan Kekek 36420 /* Malls in Philippines */ Reply 5086842 wikitext text/x-wiki <noinclude>{{Wikivoyage:Tourist office/Header}}</noinclude> __TOC__ __NEWSECTIONLINK__ {{Auto archiving |archive = Wikivoyage:Tourist office/Archives/%(year)d/%(monthname)s |algo = old(14d) |counter = 1 |minthreadstoarchive = 1 |archiveheader = {{talk archive}} |minthreadsleft = 2 }} [[Category:Wikivoyage administration]] == Amtrak's Adirondack route == Hi, everyone! Anyone know whether the left or right side of the train will show us a more beautiful view on an Amtrak trip between Montreal and Plattsburgh, NY, which is on Lake Champlain and nowhere near the Hudson Valley? <!-- Please type your question above this line. Do not change the next line - it will sign & date your question --> Asked by: [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:30, 29 May 2025 (UTC) :Also, what about the leg from Plattsburgh to Saratoga Springs? And why can't I see any of this text except in edit mode? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:20, 30 May 2025 (UTC) ::I can answer my own questions now. The conductor said both sides were good to the U.S. border and then the left side was best to Saratoga. The views in Canada were much nicer by train than by bus - we went through forests and farmland inaccessible by car. Plattsburgh is charming, and the train went right through or past Downtown to the station, which is not far past Downtown. More from me later. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:10, 30 May 2025 (UTC) :::Sitting on the left while going south is best as far as Schenectady. After that, sitting on the right is best. However, if too many people get on in Saratoga Springs, you can sit in the dining car and get the view that way, though beware someone grabbing your seat in the car where you left your stuff. :::I was impressed with my Amtrak trips on the Adirondack line between New York and Montreal. Every train arrived on time, according to the schedule, and the route is pretty and much more interesting than the bus route we took from Saratoga to Montreal because that leg was 2 hours or so shorter by bus. Other than a wish that we could have faster trains - which a staff member explained to my girlfriend is not possible on track Amtrak doesn't own, because they are subject to speed restrictions in each little village the tracks cross - my only complaint is that the bathrooms stank and sometimes had other problems like the flusher not working, the paper towels coming out all at once and/or the garbage disposal in the bathrooms being too full. :::Our trip yesterday was 7.5 hours long and definitely felt long after Albany, but it was more comfortable than the 5.5-hour Greyhound trip from Saratoga, and the benefit of a train trip is that you can remember the scenery you saw and enjoy it again. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:24, 1 June 2025 (UTC) == Malls in Philippines == <!-- Please type your question above this line. Do not change the next line - it will sign & date your question -->I’m very interested to visit shopping malls in the Philippines? But is there a reason why mall are thriving in the Philippines, while the mall in USA are dying? And why are malls still being built in Philippines and opened here, while the USA malls are not in recent years? <nowiki>Asked by: ~~~~</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3|2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3]] 10:42, 29 June 2025 (UTC) : In general I don't find Philippine malls particularly interesting; they are not all that different from malls anywhere else. There are exceptions like Mall of Asia in [[Pasay]] which is huge & has extras like an ice skating rink, an arena big enough to be a concert venue, a theme park, ... : Differences USA vs Philippines vs other places? Different economies & culture are certainly factors. Perhaps climate? I'm currently in Canada & when weather is good I mostly prefer markets or downtown shopping streets to malls, but rain, snow, cold or heat will make me head for a mall. In the Philippines I really appreciate air conditioning. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 11:14, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::Yes, there are differences USA vs Philippines vs other places. And still wondering on why malls in other places like Europe and Asia thrive, while the USA malls are struggling and dying. [[Special:Contributions/2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3|2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3]] 11:20, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::Is online delivery less prevalent in Europe and Asia? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:20, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::::You cannot get a meal online, other than a virtual one, so there needs to be somebody doing the delivery. I don't know about Asia, but in the Nordic countries, the awful pay (and sick leave etc.) have been very controversial. A few years ago, in Norway, some of the companies accepted that the deliverers were employed, not freelancers, subject to all associated benefits, and the Finnish supreme court recently decided so as well. We are not used to paying tips, and raising the fees to a decent level makes ordering food much less attractive. ::::Online grocery shopping over here mostly means that you go to the same supermarket, but get your purchases from a locker instead of from the shelves (we did have actual delivery in the 1970s and 1980s, but then you ordered groceries for a week). The cute delivery robots we have now don't bring any profit to the chain that has them. ::::–[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 20:32, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::::Yes, of course people are physically delivering things. Unfortunately, violations of workers' rights are routine in the U.S. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:50, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::@[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] @[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] Oh, that’s way too bad. I hope that there would be a good destination about US malls, one thing I assume would be Mall of America and American Dream. [[Special:Contributions/2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3|2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3]] 01:51, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :Malls in the US are very specifically poorly planned, particularly out west – they tend to be designed more as suburban shopping centres while in much of Asia (including the Philippines, presumably) are built to handle more foot traffic. I could go more into this but I assume y'all aren't nearly into city and regional economics as I am. ;-) //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:12, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::I'm interested. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:36, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::The largest one by far and wide is what has already been mentioned, that outside the US (especially in Asia/Australia), delivery is nowhere near as widespread – in Asia/Australia, shopping malls contain some kind of supermarkets, things that you will have to go to no matter what. More foot traffic will generally mean more people visiting which leads to the chain effect of people shopping at shops that aren't a supermarket more (because more foot traffic). :::The US also has the issue of its two major retail corporations of Costco and Walmart covering absolutely everything and situating themselves in a tucked away corner, draining money from local city governments for heavy use of infrastructure whilst [https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/1-billion-thats-how-much-walmart-avoids-paying-taxes-each-year-through-loopholes/ not paying their fair share of taxes or infrastructure upkeep]. Your average consumer will almost always go to whichever store works out financially more than anything else, especially in today's age. :::The second one is that malls in Asia/Australia tend to be heavily oriented towards public transit access – suppose you're coming from work and you need to pick up a gift for your friend: it's a mild generalisation, but Asian/Australian malls are [https://www.itf-oecd.org/sites/default/files/docs/transit-oriented-development-accessibility-southeast-asia.pdf heavily integrated] [https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40864-020-00129-0 with public transit access] in a way that you can exit the train station, easily walk towards the store you want to go to, and then hop back on a rather frequent train back home – on your way you might also stop by somewhere else (human nature I suppose) and maybe even pick up groceries. This is much less so true in the US outside the northeast corridor: building a shopping centre around private motorised vehicles will always mean there will be limited capacity. Your incentive to go to a mall in the US in a more car-centric city would be even less desirable when Costco and Walmart exist. :::Then there is also the cost of delivery services. Delivery services simply aren't as attractive outside the US because a) they're considerably more expensive when the cost of actually travelling to such stores is not nearly as high or arduous; b) they're considerably less widespread. Why go to all the effort to try and enter a US mall when delivery services are simply so much so widespread. :::Which leads back to the main point – when US malls don't have anything going for it with no incentives for greater foot traffic. With low foot traffic, it becomes simply unprofitable to run a store within a mall and many shops will close their physical stores. This too, is competing with giant retail stores like Costco and Walmart who are able to provide services for so cheap by exploiting loopholes to pay very little tax and also draining city resources at the same time. I realise there are some generalisations in my message, but overall it is to explain for the slow death of many shopping malls in the US while they continue to thrive in Asia or Australia. ::://<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 00:26, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::@[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] What will happen to US malls in the near future? Does this give United States a negative reputation? [[Special:Contributions/2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3|2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3]] 01:26, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :::::Many empty malls in the U.S. have been converted into housing. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:43, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :::::It depends on what local cities have in mind for them. As Ikan said, some of them were (quite skilfully) converted into housing; others will unfortunately decline and yes, it will give the US a bad reputation, but I don't think that's saying much when most of the US outside the northeast corridor (plus Chicago) already has a terrible reputation in the sphere of urbanism. I'm not fully aware of US legislation as I am for the rest of the Anglosphere so who knows if there are any local plans to incentivise malls once again. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 08:39, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::Also pardon me if I've gone way too in-depth: I am in the urban planning sphere IRL and I've made a concerted effort to avoid using planning terms but I may have missed one here or there. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 08:40, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::@[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] @[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] But for this reason, why would the most empty malls in USA be converted into housing, instead of continuing to build or construct new more malls in America, despite the malls opening in Asia, such as [[Taiwan]], the [[Philippines]], and [[Malaysia]], as well as [[Australia]], [[New Zealand]], and [[Europe]]? I know that they are doing well in Asia at least with mixed-use. [[Special:Contributions/2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3|2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3]] 21:42, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Malls are not profitable in the U.S. nowadays, because with unusual exceptions like urban malls in Flushing, Queens, they require someone to get into a car, drive, park, buy stuff, put it in their trunk, take it back, drive home, and unpack it. Ordering stuff to be delivered by someone else is much more convenient. And in really dense cities, the land is too expensive for there to be huge stores, let alone dedicated malls with no other uses. People who live or shop in places like Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn either walk to different stores or take a subway or bus to one particular store. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:28, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::This, precisely. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 22:56, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::In the UK, some malls are in decline. The decline in retail has probably affected shops on streets more than those in malls, and there is a big variation in impact between town centres. The rise in online shopping is part of the reason, but expansion of supermarkets and Covid restrictions have also contributed. Some malls have suffered when an anchor tenant department store closed. I expect that the situation is between the extremes of the USA and Asia. Many smaller shops on side streets have been converted into apartments, but conversion of malls is unusual. ::::::::::Another factor to consider is the appeal of "getting out of the house". Although it is a big generalisation I think the average house is bigger and more comfortable in the USA than those in many part of Asia. If your family is in a tiny apartment in somewhere like Hong Kong, then walking to a nearby mall is an attractive way of spending an afternoon off. Similarly in Europe, at the moment, escaping a too hot house to go to an air-conditioned mall is attractive. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:06, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::Most Americans have air conditioning in their dwellings, and cities like New York have cooling centers operated by the city where people who don't can go during the day. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:16, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::: No, your expert view backed by links is much appreciated by at least some of us. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 9h1uqdewnbmfuoc5q9fpzb90znhnc97 0 123859 5087062 5084722 2025-07-03T10:01:35Z 109.36.231.243 /* By shuttle service */ 5087062 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Schiphol Wikivoyage Banner v1.jpg}} '''Schiphol Airport''' ({{IATA|AMS}}) is one of the busiest airports in the world. It is {{km|15}} south-west of [[Amsterdam]] in the [[Netherlands]]. It serves the city of Amsterdam and the rest of the Netherlands. It is one of the major hubs in Europe with flights between many destinations in Asia, Europe and North America. It is home to '''[https://www.klm.com/ KLM]''', the Dutch flag carrier. As of 2016, Schiphol Airport is the third busiest in Europe behind [[London Heathrow]] and [[Paris Charles de Gaulle]] and ahead of [[Frankfurt Airport]] as measured by passenger numbers. ==Understand== {{mapframe|52.3154|4.7528|zoom=14}} {{infobox|Well-connected|Amsterdam Schiphol is one of the best-connected airports in the world. It goes back in part to KLM's century-long history and the even longer Dutch tradition of global trade and exploration. Only Frankfurt Airport and Istanbul Airport receive direct flights from more countries than Schiphol. KLM (and other airlines serving AMS) do their very best to expand on this excellent position.}} ===Orientation=== [[File:Amsterdam Schiphol Airport entrance.jpg|350px|thumb|Entrance]] Schiphol has a one-terminal concept, which means that all the departure halls are in one building. However, this can mean long walks from one connecting flight to the other. The airport is divided into several zones. The ground floor before security has the entrance of the airport, the railway station (with the platforms underground), the four Arrivals halls, and '''Schiphol Plaza''', the central shopping zone. On the 1st floor you can find the check-in desks and Departure Halls 1, 2 and 3. From this floor you can go to security, and passport control if catching a non-Schengen flight, and enter the transit area. The terminal is divided into three lounges designated 1, 2 and 3. Piers (also known as concourses) connect to these lounges. It is possible to walk from one concourse to another, even to those connected to different lounges. However, keep in mind that if you're going from lounge 1 to lounge 2 and 3 you must clear immigration as you are leaving the Schengen area. The exception to this is Lounge 4: it is only connected to Concourse M for low-cost carriers. Once past security, passengers in Concourse M cannot access any other lounges or concourses. Lounge 4 has very few facilities. If catching a connecting flight from one of the M gates, you must exit the secure zone though baggage claim and enter lounge 4 like any departing passenger. Few airlines and destinations have a dedicated concourse. KLM and Transavia use all gates except for Concourses H and M. * Lounge 1 is for Schengen flights and consists of concourses '''B''', '''C''' and gates '''D59''' through '''D87'''. Schengen flights departing from gates D are reached by escalator from Lounge 1. * Lounge 2 consists of concourses '''E''' and gates '''D3''' through '''D57''', * Lounge 3 consists of concourses '''F, G and H.''' They serve non-Schengen areas. Concourse H is used by low-cost carriers. * Lounge 4 is fully separated from the other lounges and consists of concourse '''M''', a dedicated Schengen area for low-cost carriers. ===History=== Schiphol opened on 16 September 1916 as a military airbase, with a few barracks and a field serving as platform and runways. When civil aircraft started to use the field (17 December 1920), it was often called Schiphol-les-bains. The Fokker aircraft manufacturer started a factory near Schiphol Airport in 1919. Schiphol's name is derived from a former fortification named Fort Schiphol which was part of the Defense Line of Amsterdam. Before 1852, the Haarlemmermeer polder in which the airport lies was a large lake, in the shallow waters of which sudden violent storms could claim many ships. This was the main reason for reclaiming it. In English, Schiphol translates to 'ship grave', a reference to the many ships lost in the area. KLM was founded on 7 October 1919 by Albert Plesman, making it the oldest carrier in the world still operating under its original name, though the company stopped operating during World War II—apart from the operations in the Dutch Antilles in the Caribbean. The first KLM flight was on 17 May 1920, from Croydon Airport, London to Amsterdam carrying two British journalists and a number of newspapers. In 1921 KLM started scheduled services, and by 1926 it was offering flights to Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Brussels, Paris, London, Bremen, Copenhagen and Malmö. Intercontinental flights to the Netherlands East Indies started in 1929. This was for several years the world's longest scheduled air route. On 1 November 1958 the airline opened the trans-polar route from Amsterdam via Anchorage to Tokyo. Each crew flying the transpolar route over the Arctic was equipped with a winter survival kit, including an AR-10 carbine for use against polar bears in the event the plane was forced down onto the polar ice. KLM merged with Air France in May 2004 to form Air France-KLM, but both airlines continue to fly under their distinct brand names. ===Visitor information=== * [https://www.schiphol.nl/en/ Airport website] ==Flights== KLM offers worldwide connections. Asia, Europe and North America are particularly well served. Delta Air Lines connects Schiphol with nine US destinations. British Airways offer up to 15 flights per day to three airports in London. Transavia, Easyjet and other low-cost carriers provide a fairly economical way to city-hop to Amsterdam from other cities in Europe. ==Ground transportation== For most travellers, the most convenient way to reach Amsterdam or other major destinations in the Netherlands from the airport is by train, with most destinations reachable either directly or with one change. ===By train=== [[File:NS Kaartautomaten.jpg|thumb|Train ticket machines at Schiphol Airport railway station]] {{See also|Rail travel in the Netherlands}} The {{marker|type=go|name=Schiphol Airport station|lat=52.308889|long=4.761667|wikidata=Q801410}} is underground train station under the main airport hall with with three platforms: * '''Tracks 1 & 2''': Domestic services via Amsterdam, either via Amsterdam Zuid (South) or Amsterdam Centraal (Central). Both are connected to the Amsterdam Metro, and which station you travel to depends on where in Amsterdam you're staying. These services then continue onwards to either [[Lelystad]] or [[Utrecht]], continuing to [[Nijmegen]], or [[Amersfoort]] and [[Groningen]] or [[Leeuwarden]] * '''Tracks 3 & 4''': (Airport) sprinter (= slow services) between [[Amsterdam]] and [[Hoofddorp]], and the occasional overflow of other tracks. * '''Tracks 5 & 6''': Domestic services going south towards [[Den Haag]] and/or [[Rotterdam]]. In the case of international services, these connect to [[Antwerp]]en, [[Brussels|Brussel]]-Zuid, [[Paris]]-Nord and further into France, as well as [[London]] Euston-St. Pancras. For some trains only the departing platform (1-2, 3-4, 5-6) is known and not the actual track, just wait at the platform untill the train arrives at one of the two tracks. If you travel 2nd class, you can pay for your trip with a debit or credit card (VISA, Mastercard, V-Pay, Maestro) by tapping your card at the poles or gates. This system is called OVPay. Remember to check-in and out, and also if you change operator. See the [[OV-chipkaart|OV-Chipkaart]] article for more information. If you want to travel first class you can either buy QR-tickets in travel apps like NS Reisplanner or buy paper tickets at the ticket machines or desks with a €1.50 surcharge. There are machines in the baggage claim area, and at the train station (Plaza). All machines accept Mastercard, VISA, American Express, Maestro and V-Pay chip-and-PIN cards. As of the 2025 schedule, prices are as follows: * To Amsterdam: Centraal {{EUR|4.90}}, Zuid {{EUR|3.30}}, Lelylaan {{EUR|3.50}}. * To The Hague (Den Haag): Centraal {{EUR|9.80}}, Hollands Spoor (HS) {{EUR|10.00}}. * To Rotterdam Centraal: {{EUR|14.50}}, {{EUR|3.00}} surcharge added when travelling via the high speed line (Intercity Direct and Eurocity Direct services). * To Utrecht Centraal: {{EUR|10.20}} If you travel to Amsterdam, you can buy an ''[[Amsterdam#Amsterdam Travel Ticket|Amsterdam Travel Ticket]]'', which includes a train return ticket to and from Schiphol to any of Amsterdam's stations, plus unlimited travel on all GVB trams, metro and (night) buses for 1, 2 or 3 days. Eurostar services ''need'' to be booked in advance and are cheaper the earlier you book. International services by NS and NMBS/SNCB use variable pricing, and are also cheaper the earlier you book. ===By bus=== The {{marker |type=go |name=bus station |lat=52.308860943 |long=4.7614978}} is located just outside the entrance of Schiphol's terminal building. There are buses to every destination nearby Schiphol, either direct or with a change at stops Beukenhorst or Knooppunt Schiphol Zuid. * {{listing | name=Amsterdam Airport Express | alt=Bus #397 | url=https://www.connexxion.nl/amsterdam-airport-express/1241 | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€6.50 (from driver); [https://eticket.connexxion.nl/en-US/ e-ticket] €6.50 (single) €11.25 (return) €1.00 (child under 11) or consider [[Amsterdam#Amsterdam Travel Ticket|Amsterdam Travel Ticket]]. The fare is €3.55 if paid by OV-chipkaart | lastedit=2019-10-09 | content=''Connexxion'' operates a service between the airport and Museumplein, Rijksmuseum, and Leidseplein. The bus is only worth taking if these stops are closer to your accommodation. Buses depart from platform B9 daily from 05:01-00:21 every approx. 15 minutes. In the night bus '''#97''' runs the same route roughly every hour. Tickets are sold by a marked minivan parked at the bus stop outside the terminal during daytime. }} * '''Bus 300''' To Amsterdam Bijlmer or the other way to Hoofddorp and Haarlem. Runs every 5-8 minutes or so and is useful for connecting with other buses and trains. * {{listing | name=GVB Bus #369 | alt= | url=https://reisinfo.gvb.nl/en/lijnen/369/dienstregeling/heen | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=See Getting Around part on Amsterdam page on GVB ticket | lastedit=2023-08-06 | content=GVB operates bus #369 (branded R-Net) between the airport (Schiphol Airport/Plaza) and Amsterdam Sloterdijk station. Depending on your destination in Amsterdam you can save some time and/or save some money by avoiding travel with the train. The bus offer interchange with bus or tram '''#1, 2, 7, 12, 13, 17, 21, 22, 27''' along its route. }} ===By taxi=== Do not use a taxi unless there is no alternative; travel to Schiphol by train or by bus, if possible. '''Taxis''' from Schiphol are unexpectedly expensive. You pay around €7.50 (as of Oct 08<!--are there no more up to date figures?-->) as a minimum charge and that includes the first 2&nbsp;km. Then the meter starts racing. The ride costs about €40-50 to go to, say, the Leidseplein. Depending on the time of day and traffic levels, it could take only 25 min. If you're unlucky, it could take twice as long. Choose the nicest cab as that driver is more likely to be reputable. You don't have to pick the first taxi in line. If possible, reserve a cab up-front, this will ensure a fixed price for the ride. If taking a taxi to Schiphol from the city there's a flat fee of €35. You can also catch an Uber from the city centre to Schiphol, there is no fixed price. There are also taxis in the form of minivans but those are significantly more expensive. Around €50-60 for a ride to Amsterdam, Hoofddorp, Aalsmeer or Amstelveen (all in the direct vicinity of Schiphol). There is a way to get 50% discount on your ride to Amsterdam or 20% discount to other destinations. Look for an upcoming TCA taxi (spot the roof light!) at the ''departure halls'' (on the first floor). Say 'hello' to the driver while the passengers step off. This works out for you and the driver as he's not allowed to wait for customers at the airport and this way he doesn't have to drive back empty. On Schiphol's bus station, there are illicit taxi drivers shouting "TAXI!" and waving a taxi sign in the air. Avoid them at all cost, they're scammers. ===By shuttle service=== * {{listing | name=Connexxion Hotel Shuttle | alt= | url=http://www.schipholhotelshuttle.nl | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 38 3394741 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Serves over 100 city centre hotels, with 8-seater shared van departures about every 30 minutes between 06:00 and 21:00, cost to most city centre destinations €15.50/25.00 one-way/return—more convenient than the train if you have heavy luggage and still cheaper than a taxi. Buses depart from platform A7 and can be reserved for the trip back }} * '''[https://www.uber.com/cities/amsterdam UberBlack]''' rides to/from the airport cost a fixed rate of €60. * [https://www.staxi.nl/en/ '''Staxi'''] offers fixed fare transfers to and from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. * {{listing | name=Vliegveldtaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.vliegveldtaxirotterdam.nl| phone=+31 10 818 28 23 }} * {{listing | name=Rolstoeltaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.rolstoeltaxirotterdam.nl | phone=+31 10 818 28 23 }} === By car === If you want to go to Schiphol in your own car, that is also an option, that could be especially convenient if you come from further away to get your flight and other options like taxi might get too expensive. This is the official Schiphol parking. * P1 Parking: Directly opposite the terminal, P1 Parking is suitable for both short stays (up to 48 hours) and long stays, with mostly covered parking spaces. This parking area is designed to accommodate passengers who are either departing from or arriving at the airport for short trips, pickups, or drop-offs. * P3 Long Term Parking: This option is divided into two sections: P3 Long Term Sheltered and P3 Long Term Unsheltered. Both offer long-stay parking (minimum of 8 hours) with a complimentary shuttle service to the terminal. The sheltered parking provides covered spaces to protect vehicles from the elements, while the unsheltered parking is the most cost-efficient option. Both sections include baggage loading points. * P4 Basic Parking at Schiphol offers affordable, uncovered parking. After self-parking, travelers use a complimentary shuttle to the terminal, available 24/7 from the lot entrance. The shuttle operates every 15 minutes, taking about 10 minutes to reach the terminal. Reservations must be made on Schiphol's website, and rates vary by season and booking time, with limited cheap spots available. * P6 Valet Parking: P6 offers a premium valet service where travelers can drop off their car at the terminal, and it will be parked securely by an attendant. This service is available for both short and long stays and features video street, GPS, and km tracker to ensure the security and monitoring of your vehicle. It's a convenient option for those seeking quick access to the departures area, as it's just a 2 to 3-minute walk from the terminal. There are other companies like Mobypark offering [https://www.mobypark.com/en/city/parking/amsterdam/destination/amsterdam-airport-schiphol Schiphol parking]. They are substantially cheaper than the official parking as they have agreements with the surrounding hotels to use their parking spaces. This option is especially interesting for mid and long duration trips, the car can be parked for less than 9€ per day and less than 100€ per month. Some of them even include a shuttle service to the terminal. ===By rental car=== If you plan to rent a car for the duration of your stay, Schiphol has several car rental companies on site [http://www.schiphol.nl/Transport/AccessibilityTransport/CarRental.htm]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. Typical opening hours are 06:00-23:00 daily. The car rental desk can be found in Schiphol Plaza, on the same level as the Arrivals. The A4 motorway leads straight from Schiphol to the Amsterdam ring road A10, in about 10 min. ===By bike=== If you decided to bring your bicycle on the plane with you, there is a 15-km sign-posted bike route from the airport to Amsterdam. Turn right as you leave the airport terminal: the cycle path starts about 200 m down the road. There is a map of the cycle paths around Schiphol available on [https://www.schiphol.nl/en/download/b2b/1654177926/66xfl2JVwPnkG43xyMfpPO.pdf this PDF] (green lines are cycle paths). The part directly at Schiphol Plaza is illogical and confusing, as there are no bike lanes and directions, and there are frequent diversions because of building projects. ==Get around== The airport is one large terminal, so you never need to leave the building or take a shuttle train. However you can only get around on foot (and travelator, such as the hallway to Concourse B). Expect to walk long distances. This is especially true if you arrive on a Schengen flight and connect to a non-Schengen flight or the other way around, likely in another concourse (pier). If you are departing, you will go through security first and then passport check if exiting the Schengen area. EU, EEA, Swiss can use fully automated e-gates on departure and arrival. When departing through Schiphol, American, Australian, Canadian, Hong Konger, Japanese, New Zealander and South Korean citizens can use automated immigration facilities in a separate queue. A border agent will still manually stamp your passport after using the machine. Other nationalities will go through another line where manual passport inspection by a border agent takes place. During busy times (such as the rush around 06:00-09:00), the separate security and passport sessions can take 20-30 or more minutes. Choose flights with adequate connection times. Schiphol had a major redesign of its concourses to simplify security procedures, which are no longer conducted at the gates. Because the Netherlands is a part of the Schengen area, connecting to a Schengen destination one has to clear immigration at Schiphol even if the Netherlands isn't your final destination in Schengen: * If you are staying within the '''Schengen''' area, you will not clear immigration, if departing from Schiphol you will pass security. If connecting through Schiphol, you will not go through security. ** For example, if you are flying in from '''Spain''' and connecting to '''Sweden''' you will not pass security or immigration. * If you arrive from a '''non-Schengen''' country that has as strict or more strict security procedures than Schiphol (usually the US, UK or Canada), then you will not pass through '''security''' again at Schiphol. However you will need to use the Passport Control to cross into the Schengen Zone for most European connections. ** For example: if you fly in from the '''United States''' and are taking a connecting flight to '''Italy'''. You will '''not pass security''' but will pass through '''immigration''' as you are entering the '''Schengen''' area in Amsterdam. ** For example: if you fly in from the '''United States''' and are taking a connecting flight to '''Morocco''' You will '''not go through security and immigration''' as you're not entering the Schengen zone. * If you arrive from '''Africa, Asia, or most other nations outside the EU''' (except the US and Canada), then you will be guided through '''security processing'''. There are separate security sections based on whether you will be staying in Schengen or remaining outside of it. If you are entering the Schengen area you'll also pass immigration. ** For example: if you fly in from '''South Africa''' and are heading to '''Canada''', you will go through '''security''' but '''not through immigration''' as you are traveling between '''non-Schengen countries'''. ** For example: if you fly in from '''South Africa''' and are heading to '''Germany''', you will go through both '''security''' and '''immigration''' as you're entering the '''Schengen''' area in Amsterdam ==Wait== ===Before security=== * {{listing | name=Panorama Terrace | alt=Panoramaterras | url=https://www.schiphol.nl/en/at-schiphol/see-planes-up-close-from-panorama-terrace/ | email= | address=3F | lat= | long= | directions=go upstairs from Schiphol Plaza between Arrivals 1 and 2 or at Arrivals 3 | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Nov-Mar 09:00-17:00, Apr-Oct 07:00-20:00 (closed in case of bad weather) | price=Free | lastedit=2025-05-31 | content=The panorama terrace at the top floor oversees planes arriving and leaving gates C, D and E. Bring your camera or use the telescopes. A Fokker 100 airplane is displayed on the terrace; it has a tiny museum inside about the history of Fokker, the largest Dutch airplane manufacturer. Especially fun for children. There is a restaurant near the terrace. }} * {{listing | name=Sheraton Fitness & Spa | alt= | url=http://www.sheratonamsterdamairporthotel.com/fitness | email= | address=Sheraton Hotel, Schiphol Boulevard 101 | lat= | long= | directions=between Schiphol Plaza and the World Trade Center | phone=+31 20 316-4300 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=24 hours daily (sauna, steam room 06:00-23:00) | price=€20/day | content=You can get a day pass for an unlimited use of the fitness room, sauna, rainforest showers, steam room and wellness area. }} ===After security=== * {{listing | name=Airport Library | url= | email= | address=Holland Boulevard, Schiphol World Avenue | lat= | long= | directions=between gates E and F | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | content=The world's first airport library. Reading books and listening to music is mostly done digitally, using tablet computers. You can download the books to your own digital device for reading on your journey. An interesting way to learn more about Dutch culture and literature. }} * {{listing | name=Airport Park | alt= | url=https://www.schiphol.nl/en/facilities/airport-park/ | email= | address=Lounge 1, Schiphol World Avenue | lat= | long= | directions=between Het Palais and the Passport Control to Lounge 2 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=24 hours | price=Free | lastedit=2017-10-20 | content=Who would expect a city park right inside an airport terminal? Obviously, it's not an ordinary city park, as the butterflies are projected onto the walls, and the sounds of nature come from the park's speakers. Still, it's the one of the most tranquil environments you'll find in an airport serving millions of travelers each year. }} * {{listing | name=Rijksmuseum | url= | email= | address=Holland Boulevard, Schiphol World Avenue | lat= | long= | directions=between gates E and F | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=07:00-20:00 daily | price=Free | content=Schiphol has an annex of the acclaimed Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam in its terminal. The permanent exhibition displays ten works by well-known painters from the Dutch Golden Age (17th century). The temporary exhibition changes a few times a year. Souvenirs are available at the museum shop. }} ===Lounges=== Airline lounges on Schiphol have a unique number and are signposted only with these numbers. For each listing the departure lounge (1, 2 or 3) is also given. * {{listing | name=Aspire Lounge (Schengen) | alt=Lounge 26 | url=https://www.executivelounges.com/airports/amsterdam-schiphol-airport | email= | address=Lounge 1 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=06:00 - 21:00 daily. No entry after 20:30 | price= | lastedit=2023-02-14 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Aspire Lounge (non-Schengen) | alt=Lounge 41 | url=https://www.executivelounges.com/airports/amsterdam-schiphol-airport | email= | address=Lounge 2, near the E-gates | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=06:00 - 21:00 daily. No entry after 20:30 | price= | lastedit=2024-02-25 | content= }} * {{listing | name= KLM Crown Lounge (Schengen)| alt=Lounge 25 | url=https://www.klm.nl/en/information/airport/crown-lounges | email= | address= Lounge 1, on the 2nd floor near the D-gates| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=06:00 - 22:00| price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-06-26 | content= }} * {{listing | name=KLM Crown Lounge (non-Schengen) | alt=Lounge 52| url=https://www.klm.nl/en/information/airport/crown-lounges | email= | address= Lounge 3, entrance on the 2nd floor| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=06:00 - 22:00 | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-06-26 | content= }} * {{listing | name=OneWorld Lounge (non-Schengen) | alt=Lounge 40 | url= | email= | address=Lounge 2, between D and E Gates on the 3rd floor | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=05:30-22:00 daily | price= | lastedit=2024-02-25 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Star Aliance Lounge (Schengen) | alt=Lounge 27 | url=https://www.staralliance.com/en/lounge-finder | email= | address=Lounge 1, entrance on the 2nd floor, near the D-gates, next to the Aspire lounge | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M-Su 05:30-21:00 | price= | lastedit=2023-02-14 | content= }} ==Eat and drink== There are plenty of cafes and restaurants at the airport, both before and after passport control. Most are quite expensive, so the fast-food joints are the only option if you're on a budget. * {{eat | name=Burger King | alt= | url= | email= | address=Schiphol Plaza | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=24 hours | price= | content=Not just your average Burger King, this is the busiest one in the world with 1.3 million visitors a year. It has never closed since its opening in 1993. But the menu is the still the same. Burgers. }} * {{eat | name=McDonald's Lounge 2 | alt= | url=http://mcdonaldsschiphol.nl | email= | address=Lounge 2, Schiphol World Avenue | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=05:30-21:00 daily | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=McDonald's Lounge 3 | alt= | url=http://mcdonaldsschiphol.nl | email= | address=Lounge 3, Schiphol World Avenue | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=06:00-22:00 daily | price= | content= }} There are drinking water fountains available throughout the airport, but in the majority of cases these are located before security checks. If you want to fill your empty water bottle after security checks: this might be possible depending on the gate. Lounge 4 (pier M) has two fountains near the toilets. On piers H and M, toilets are available with cold drinking water, all the way at the end of the pier. There is a water fountain outside the toilets near gate D8 and one by the toilets at D6. At the entrance to pier F there is a fountain and bottle refill under the stairs leading to the Mercure Hotel (outside the toilets). ==Buy== The most important thing you need to remember in these European airports is the duty laws for the nation it applies to. There are many shopping options in the airport, though. * {{buy | name=Albert Heijn | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=52.310073 | long=4.762895 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-06-14 | content=Average sized supermarket located before security in the Plaza area between the train station and departures. Good choice for budget travelers wanting to pick up some food before their flight. Note that because of its location before security you cannot bring purchased drinks on your flight. }} ==Connect== * {{listing | name=Free Wi-Fi | alt= | url=http://www.schiphol.nl/Travellers/AtSchiphol/AirportFacilities/InternetTelephone/InternetAccessEverywhere.htm | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-06-14 | content=You need to agree with the terms and conditions beforehand. }} * {{listing | name=Airport Telecom Shop | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=52.308925 | long=4.763474 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-06-14 | content= }} ==Cope== * {{listing | name=Left luggage | alt= | url=http://www.schiphol.nl/Travellers/AtSchiphol/Luggage/LuggageLockers.htm | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-06-14 | content=Coin-operated storage lockers are located along the main hallway through the transit/departure area, across from the start of the E wing. From €6 per 24 hr, maximum one week. }} * {{listing | name=I amsterdam Visitor Centre | alt=Tourist information | url=http://www.iamsterdam.com/en/visiting/plan-your-trip/visitor-information-centres/i-amsterdam-visitor-centre-at-amsterdam-airport-schiphol-arrivals-2 | email= | address= | lat=52.309079 | long=4.763442 | directions=Schiphol Plaza at Arrivals 2 | phone=+31 20 702 6000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=07:00-22:00 | price= | lastedit=2016-06-14 | content= }} ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=citizenM Amsterdam Airport | url=http://www.citizenm.com/schiphol-amsterdam-airport/ | email= | address=Jan Plezierweg 2 | lat=52.309394 | long=4.755806 | directions= | phone=+31 20 811-7080 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=14:00 | checkout=11:00 | price=€69-120 | content=A modern budget hotel with trendy design rooms. Every room has Wi-Fi access, films-on-demand and an LCD television. }} * {{sleep | name=Mercure | alt= | url=https://all.accor.com/hotel/1730/index.en.shtml | email= | address=Lounge 3, Schiphol World Avenue | lat=52.31079 | long=4.76046 | directions= | phone=+31 20 820-1850 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=€85-200 | content=The only full-fledged hotel after passport control. It can only be booked if you are on transit. }} * {{sleep | name=Sheraton | alt= | url=http://www.sheraton.nl | email= | address=Schiphol Boulevard 101 | lat=52.30897 | long=4.76006 | directions= | phone=+31 20 316-4300 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=€269-616 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Yotel | alt= | url=https://www.yotel.com/en/hotels/yotelair-amsterdam-schiphol | email= | address=Lounge 2, Schiphol World Avenue | lat= | long= | directions=near gate D | phone=+31 20 890-3983 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=€46-68 for 4 hours, €10 for any additional hour | lastedit=2019-05-17 | content=Automatically operated hotel cabins that can be booked by the hour (with a minimum stay of 4 hours). Good for a short nap if you're in onward transit. Food and drinks can be ordered with the computerized interface. Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=Hilton Amsterdam Airport Schiphol | alt= | url=https://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/netherlands/hilton-amsterdam-airport-schiphol-AMSAPHI/index.html | email= | address=701 Schiphol Boulevard | lat=52.3070 | long=4.7553 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price={{EUR|180-650}} | lastedit=2017-11-27 | content=Modern 4-star 433 room hotel. Largest hotel near the airport. Reachable by covered walkway from arrivals. }} ===Further afield=== [[Amsterdam]] is the obvious place to look for further hotel options. However, if you simply need a place to stay before or after your flight and don't need to visit Amsterdam specifically, you might consider some of the smaller cities that are easily accessible by rail from the airport. In particular, [[Leiden]] (15 minutes), [[Utrecht]] (30 minutes), [[Den Haag]] (35 minutes), and [[Delft]] (40 minutes) are reachable without transfers, and the savings on your hotel room will often more than make up for the train fare. ==Stay safe== Watch out for [[pickpockets]] and baggage thieves on trains: a common trick is a knock on your window to distract you, so that an accomplice can steal your luggage or laptop. Another one is to have an accomplice jam the doors and then steal your luggage. The thief jumps out and the door immediately closes, making it impossible to catch them. However, railway police have made a great effort to reduce this sort of crime; nowadays it is at 'normal', big-city like levels. It however is recommended not to leave your baggage unattended. This is also announced in the station regularly. ==Go next== Schiphol was built on reclaimed land, and so are the suburban cities around it. [[Hoofddorp]] is the closest town, but it only has a few hotels that could be of use. The most popular attractions for tourists are in [[Amsterdam]], a 20-minute train ride. {{usableairport}} {{IsPartOf|Amstelland}} {{geo|52.32495|4.75880|zoom=13}} kfea88jb14a0wd2mc6abs99mbg943a7 5087085 5087062 2025-07-03T10:51:47Z Ikan Kekek 36420 Rotterdam isn't that close. Is there a good reason to list every possible taxi company? Undo revision [[Special:Diff/5087062|5087062]] by [[Special:Contributions/109.36.231.243|109.36.231.243]] ([[User talk:109.36.231.243|talk]]) 5087085 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Schiphol Wikivoyage Banner v1.jpg}} '''Schiphol Airport''' ({{IATA|AMS}}) is one of the busiest airports in the world. It is {{km|15}} south-west of [[Amsterdam]] in the [[Netherlands]]. It serves the city of Amsterdam and the rest of the Netherlands. It is one of the major hubs in Europe with flights between many destinations in Asia, Europe and North America. It is home to '''[https://www.klm.com/ KLM]''', the Dutch flag carrier. As of 2016, Schiphol Airport is the third busiest in Europe behind [[London Heathrow]] and [[Paris Charles de Gaulle]] and ahead of [[Frankfurt Airport]] as measured by passenger numbers. ==Understand== {{mapframe|52.3154|4.7528|zoom=14}} {{infobox|Well-connected|Amsterdam Schiphol is one of the best-connected airports in the world. It goes back in part to KLM's century-long history and the even longer Dutch tradition of global trade and exploration. Only Frankfurt Airport and Istanbul Airport receive direct flights from more countries than Schiphol. KLM (and other airlines serving AMS) do their very best to expand on this excellent position.}} ===Orientation=== [[File:Amsterdam Schiphol Airport entrance.jpg|350px|thumb|Entrance]] Schiphol has a one-terminal concept, which means that all the departure halls are in one building. However, this can mean long walks from one connecting flight to the other. The airport is divided into several zones. The ground floor before security has the entrance of the airport, the railway station (with the platforms underground), the four Arrivals halls, and '''Schiphol Plaza''', the central shopping zone. On the 1st floor you can find the check-in desks and Departure Halls 1, 2 and 3. From this floor you can go to security, and passport control if catching a non-Schengen flight, and enter the transit area. The terminal is divided into three lounges designated 1, 2 and 3. Piers (also known as concourses) connect to these lounges. It is possible to walk from one concourse to another, even to those connected to different lounges. However, keep in mind that if you're going from lounge 1 to lounge 2 and 3 you must clear immigration as you are leaving the Schengen area. The exception to this is Lounge 4: it is only connected to Concourse M for low-cost carriers. Once past security, passengers in Concourse M cannot access any other lounges or concourses. Lounge 4 has very few facilities. If catching a connecting flight from one of the M gates, you must exit the secure zone though baggage claim and enter lounge 4 like any departing passenger. Few airlines and destinations have a dedicated concourse. KLM and Transavia use all gates except for Concourses H and M. * Lounge 1 is for Schengen flights and consists of concourses '''B''', '''C''' and gates '''D59''' through '''D87'''. Schengen flights departing from gates D are reached by escalator from Lounge 1. * Lounge 2 consists of concourses '''E''' and gates '''D3''' through '''D57''', * Lounge 3 consists of concourses '''F, G and H.''' They serve non-Schengen areas. Concourse H is used by low-cost carriers. * Lounge 4 is fully separated from the other lounges and consists of concourse '''M''', a dedicated Schengen area for low-cost carriers. ===History=== Schiphol opened on 16 September 1916 as a military airbase, with a few barracks and a field serving as platform and runways. When civil aircraft started to use the field (17 December 1920), it was often called Schiphol-les-bains. The Fokker aircraft manufacturer started a factory near Schiphol Airport in 1919. Schiphol's name is derived from a former fortification named Fort Schiphol which was part of the Defense Line of Amsterdam. Before 1852, the Haarlemmermeer polder in which the airport lies was a large lake, in the shallow waters of which sudden violent storms could claim many ships. This was the main reason for reclaiming it. In English, Schiphol translates to 'ship grave', a reference to the many ships lost in the area. KLM was founded on 7 October 1919 by Albert Plesman, making it the oldest carrier in the world still operating under its original name, though the company stopped operating during World War II—apart from the operations in the Dutch Antilles in the Caribbean. The first KLM flight was on 17 May 1920, from Croydon Airport, London to Amsterdam carrying two British journalists and a number of newspapers. In 1921 KLM started scheduled services, and by 1926 it was offering flights to Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Brussels, Paris, London, Bremen, Copenhagen and Malmö. Intercontinental flights to the Netherlands East Indies started in 1929. This was for several years the world's longest scheduled air route. On 1 November 1958 the airline opened the trans-polar route from Amsterdam via Anchorage to Tokyo. Each crew flying the transpolar route over the Arctic was equipped with a winter survival kit, including an AR-10 carbine for use against polar bears in the event the plane was forced down onto the polar ice. KLM merged with Air France in May 2004 to form Air France-KLM, but both airlines continue to fly under their distinct brand names. ===Visitor information=== * [https://www.schiphol.nl/en/ Airport website] ==Flights== KLM offers worldwide connections. Asia, Europe and North America are particularly well served. Delta Air Lines connects Schiphol with nine US destinations. British Airways offer up to 15 flights per day to three airports in London. Transavia, Easyjet and other low-cost carriers provide a fairly economical way to city-hop to Amsterdam from other cities in Europe. ==Ground transportation== For most travellers, the most convenient way to reach Amsterdam or other major destinations in the Netherlands from the airport is by train, with most destinations reachable either directly or with one change. ===By train=== [[File:NS Kaartautomaten.jpg|thumb|Train ticket machines at Schiphol Airport railway station]] {{See also|Rail travel in the Netherlands}} The {{marker|type=go|name=Schiphol Airport station|lat=52.308889|long=4.761667|wikidata=Q801410}} is underground train station under the main airport hall with with three platforms: * '''Tracks 1 & 2''': Domestic services via Amsterdam, either via Amsterdam Zuid (South) or Amsterdam Centraal (Central). Both are connected to the Amsterdam Metro, and which station you travel to depends on where in Amsterdam you're staying. These services then continue onwards to either [[Lelystad]] or [[Utrecht]], continuing to [[Nijmegen]], or [[Amersfoort]] and [[Groningen]] or [[Leeuwarden]] * '''Tracks 3 & 4''': (Airport) sprinter (= slow services) between [[Amsterdam]] and [[Hoofddorp]], and the occasional overflow of other tracks. * '''Tracks 5 & 6''': Domestic services going south towards [[Den Haag]] and/or [[Rotterdam]]. In the case of international services, these connect to [[Antwerp]]en, [[Brussels|Brussel]]-Zuid, [[Paris]]-Nord and further into France, as well as [[London]] Euston-St. Pancras. For some trains only the departing platform (1-2, 3-4, 5-6) is known and not the actual track, just wait at the platform untill the train arrives at one of the two tracks. If you travel 2nd class, you can pay for your trip with a debit or credit card (VISA, Mastercard, V-Pay, Maestro) by tapping your card at the poles or gates. This system is called OVPay. Remember to check-in and out, and also if you change operator. See the [[OV-chipkaart|OV-Chipkaart]] article for more information. If you want to travel first class you can either buy QR-tickets in travel apps like NS Reisplanner or buy paper tickets at the ticket machines or desks with a €1.50 surcharge. There are machines in the baggage claim area, and at the train station (Plaza). All machines accept Mastercard, VISA, American Express, Maestro and V-Pay chip-and-PIN cards. As of the 2025 schedule, prices are as follows: * To Amsterdam: Centraal {{EUR|4.90}}, Zuid {{EUR|3.30}}, Lelylaan {{EUR|3.50}}. * To The Hague (Den Haag): Centraal {{EUR|9.80}}, Hollands Spoor (HS) {{EUR|10.00}}. * To Rotterdam Centraal: {{EUR|14.50}}, {{EUR|3.00}} surcharge added when travelling via the high speed line (Intercity Direct and Eurocity Direct services). * To Utrecht Centraal: {{EUR|10.20}} If you travel to Amsterdam, you can buy an ''[[Amsterdam#Amsterdam Travel Ticket|Amsterdam Travel Ticket]]'', which includes a train return ticket to and from Schiphol to any of Amsterdam's stations, plus unlimited travel on all GVB trams, metro and (night) buses for 1, 2 or 3 days. Eurostar services ''need'' to be booked in advance and are cheaper the earlier you book. International services by NS and NMBS/SNCB use variable pricing, and are also cheaper the earlier you book. ===By bus=== The {{marker |type=go |name=bus station |lat=52.308860943 |long=4.7614978}} is located just outside the entrance of Schiphol's terminal building. There are buses to every destination nearby Schiphol, either direct or with a change at stops Beukenhorst or Knooppunt Schiphol Zuid. * {{listing | name=Amsterdam Airport Express | alt=Bus #397 | url=https://www.connexxion.nl/amsterdam-airport-express/1241 | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€6.50 (from driver); [https://eticket.connexxion.nl/en-US/ e-ticket] €6.50 (single) €11.25 (return) €1.00 (child under 11) or consider [[Amsterdam#Amsterdam Travel Ticket|Amsterdam Travel Ticket]]. The fare is €3.55 if paid by OV-chipkaart | lastedit=2019-10-09 | content=''Connexxion'' operates a service between the airport and Museumplein, Rijksmuseum, and Leidseplein. The bus is only worth taking if these stops are closer to your accommodation. Buses depart from platform B9 daily from 05:01-00:21 every approx. 15 minutes. In the night bus '''#97''' runs the same route roughly every hour. Tickets are sold by a marked minivan parked at the bus stop outside the terminal during daytime. }} * '''Bus 300''' To Amsterdam Bijlmer or the other way to Hoofddorp and Haarlem. Runs every 5-8 minutes or so and is useful for connecting with other buses and trains. * {{listing | name=GVB Bus #369 | alt= | url=https://reisinfo.gvb.nl/en/lijnen/369/dienstregeling/heen | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=See Getting Around part on Amsterdam page on GVB ticket | lastedit=2023-08-06 | content=GVB operates bus #369 (branded R-Net) between the airport (Schiphol Airport/Plaza) and Amsterdam Sloterdijk station. Depending on your destination in Amsterdam you can save some time and/or save some money by avoiding travel with the train. The bus offer interchange with bus or tram '''#1, 2, 7, 12, 13, 17, 21, 22, 27''' along its route. }} ===By taxi=== Do not use a taxi unless there is no alternative; travel to Schiphol by train or by bus, if possible. '''Taxis''' from Schiphol are unexpectedly expensive. You pay around €7.50 (as of Oct 08<!--are there no more up to date figures?-->) as a minimum charge and that includes the first 2&nbsp;km. Then the meter starts racing. The ride costs about €40-50 to go to, say, the Leidseplein. Depending on the time of day and traffic levels, it could take only 25 min. If you're unlucky, it could take twice as long. Choose the nicest cab as that driver is more likely to be reputable. You don't have to pick the first taxi in line. If possible, reserve a cab up-front, this will ensure a fixed price for the ride. If taking a taxi to Schiphol from the city there's a flat fee of €35. You can also catch an Uber from the city centre to Schiphol, there is no fixed price. There are also taxis in the form of minivans but those are significantly more expensive. Around €50-60 for a ride to Amsterdam, Hoofddorp, Aalsmeer or Amstelveen (all in the direct vicinity of Schiphol). There is a way to get 50% discount on your ride to Amsterdam or 20% discount to other destinations. Look for an upcoming TCA taxi (spot the roof light!) at the ''departure halls'' (on the first floor). Say 'hello' to the driver while the passengers step off. This works out for you and the driver as he's not allowed to wait for customers at the airport and this way he doesn't have to drive back empty. On Schiphol's bus station, there are illicit taxi drivers shouting "TAXI!" and waving a taxi sign in the air. Avoid them at all cost, they're scammers. ===By shuttle service=== * {{listing | name=Connexxion Hotel Shuttle | alt= | url=http://www.schipholhotelshuttle.nl | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 38 3394741 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Serves over 100 city centre hotels, with 8-seater shared van departures about every 30 minutes between 06:00 and 21:00, cost to most city centre destinations €15.50/25.00 one-way/return—more convenient than the train if you have heavy luggage and still cheaper than a taxi. Buses depart from platform A7 and can be reserved for the trip back }} * '''[https://www.uber.com/cities/amsterdam UberBlack]''' rides to/from the airport cost a fixed rate of €60. * [https://www.staxi.nl/en/ '''Staxi'''] offers fixed fare transfers to and from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. === By car === If you want to go to Schiphol in your own car, that is also an option, that could be especially convenient if you come from further away to get your flight and other options like taxi might get too expensive. This is the official Schiphol parking. * P1 Parking: Directly opposite the terminal, P1 Parking is suitable for both short stays (up to 48 hours) and long stays, with mostly covered parking spaces. This parking area is designed to accommodate passengers who are either departing from or arriving at the airport for short trips, pickups, or drop-offs. * P3 Long Term Parking: This option is divided into two sections: P3 Long Term Sheltered and P3 Long Term Unsheltered. Both offer long-stay parking (minimum of 8 hours) with a complimentary shuttle service to the terminal. The sheltered parking provides covered spaces to protect vehicles from the elements, while the unsheltered parking is the most cost-efficient option. Both sections include baggage loading points. * P4 Basic Parking at Schiphol offers affordable, uncovered parking. After self-parking, travelers use a complimentary shuttle to the terminal, available 24/7 from the lot entrance. The shuttle operates every 15 minutes, taking about 10 minutes to reach the terminal. Reservations must be made on Schiphol's website, and rates vary by season and booking time, with limited cheap spots available. * P6 Valet Parking: P6 offers a premium valet service where travelers can drop off their car at the terminal, and it will be parked securely by an attendant. This service is available for both short and long stays and features video street, GPS, and km tracker to ensure the security and monitoring of your vehicle. It's a convenient option for those seeking quick access to the departures area, as it's just a 2 to 3-minute walk from the terminal. There are other companies like Mobypark offering [https://www.mobypark.com/en/city/parking/amsterdam/destination/amsterdam-airport-schiphol Schiphol parking]. They are substantially cheaper than the official parking as they have agreements with the surrounding hotels to use their parking spaces. This option is especially interesting for mid and long duration trips, the car can be parked for less than 9€ per day and less than 100€ per month. Some of them even include a shuttle service to the terminal. ===By rental car=== If you plan to rent a car for the duration of your stay, Schiphol has several car rental companies on site [http://www.schiphol.nl/Transport/AccessibilityTransport/CarRental.htm]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. Typical opening hours are 06:00-23:00 daily. The car rental desk can be found in Schiphol Plaza, on the same level as the Arrivals. The A4 motorway leads straight from Schiphol to the Amsterdam ring road A10, in about 10 min. ===By bike=== If you decided to bring your bicycle on the plane with you, there is a 15-km sign-posted bike route from the airport to Amsterdam. Turn right as you leave the airport terminal: the cycle path starts about 200 m down the road. There is a map of the cycle paths around Schiphol available on [https://www.schiphol.nl/en/download/b2b/1654177926/66xfl2JVwPnkG43xyMfpPO.pdf this PDF] (green lines are cycle paths). The part directly at Schiphol Plaza is illogical and confusing, as there are no bike lanes and directions, and there are frequent diversions because of building projects. ==Get around== The airport is one large terminal, so you never need to leave the building or take a shuttle train. However you can only get around on foot (and travelator, such as the hallway to Concourse B). Expect to walk long distances. This is especially true if you arrive on a Schengen flight and connect to a non-Schengen flight or the other way around, likely in another concourse (pier). If you are departing, you will go through security first and then passport check if exiting the Schengen area. EU, EEA, Swiss can use fully automated e-gates on departure and arrival. When departing through Schiphol, American, Australian, Canadian, Hong Konger, Japanese, New Zealander and South Korean citizens can use automated immigration facilities in a separate queue. A border agent will still manually stamp your passport after using the machine. Other nationalities will go through another line where manual passport inspection by a border agent takes place. During busy times (such as the rush around 06:00-09:00), the separate security and passport sessions can take 20-30 or more minutes. Choose flights with adequate connection times. Schiphol had a major redesign of its concourses to simplify security procedures, which are no longer conducted at the gates. Because the Netherlands is a part of the Schengen area, connecting to a Schengen destination one has to clear immigration at Schiphol even if the Netherlands isn't your final destination in Schengen: * If you are staying within the '''Schengen''' area, you will not clear immigration, if departing from Schiphol you will pass security. If connecting through Schiphol, you will not go through security. ** For example, if you are flying in from '''Spain''' and connecting to '''Sweden''' you will not pass security or immigration. * If you arrive from a '''non-Schengen''' country that has as strict or more strict security procedures than Schiphol (usually the US, UK or Canada), then you will not pass through '''security''' again at Schiphol. However you will need to use the Passport Control to cross into the Schengen Zone for most European connections. ** For example: if you fly in from the '''United States''' and are taking a connecting flight to '''Italy'''. You will '''not pass security''' but will pass through '''immigration''' as you are entering the '''Schengen''' area in Amsterdam. ** For example: if you fly in from the '''United States''' and are taking a connecting flight to '''Morocco''' You will '''not go through security and immigration''' as you're not entering the Schengen zone. * If you arrive from '''Africa, Asia, or most other nations outside the EU''' (except the US and Canada), then you will be guided through '''security processing'''. There are separate security sections based on whether you will be staying in Schengen or remaining outside of it. If you are entering the Schengen area you'll also pass immigration. ** For example: if you fly in from '''South Africa''' and are heading to '''Canada''', you will go through '''security''' but '''not through immigration''' as you are traveling between '''non-Schengen countries'''. ** For example: if you fly in from '''South Africa''' and are heading to '''Germany''', you will go through both '''security''' and '''immigration''' as you're entering the '''Schengen''' area in Amsterdam ==Wait== ===Before security=== * {{listing | name=Panorama Terrace | alt=Panoramaterras | url=https://www.schiphol.nl/en/at-schiphol/see-planes-up-close-from-panorama-terrace/ | email= | address=3F | lat= | long= | directions=go upstairs from Schiphol Plaza between Arrivals 1 and 2 or at Arrivals 3 | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Nov-Mar 09:00-17:00, Apr-Oct 07:00-20:00 (closed in case of bad weather) | price=Free | lastedit=2025-05-31 | content=The panorama terrace at the top floor oversees planes arriving and leaving gates C, D and E. Bring your camera or use the telescopes. A Fokker 100 airplane is displayed on the terrace; it has a tiny museum inside about the history of Fokker, the largest Dutch airplane manufacturer. Especially fun for children. There is a restaurant near the terrace. }} * {{listing | name=Sheraton Fitness & Spa | alt= | url=http://www.sheratonamsterdamairporthotel.com/fitness | email= | address=Sheraton Hotel, Schiphol Boulevard 101 | lat= | long= | directions=between Schiphol Plaza and the World Trade Center | phone=+31 20 316-4300 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=24 hours daily (sauna, steam room 06:00-23:00) | price=€20/day | content=You can get a day pass for an unlimited use of the fitness room, sauna, rainforest showers, steam room and wellness area. }} ===After security=== * {{listing | name=Airport Library | url= | email= | address=Holland Boulevard, Schiphol World Avenue | lat= | long= | directions=between gates E and F | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | content=The world's first airport library. Reading books and listening to music is mostly done digitally, using tablet computers. You can download the books to your own digital device for reading on your journey. An interesting way to learn more about Dutch culture and literature. }} * {{listing | name=Airport Park | alt= | url=https://www.schiphol.nl/en/facilities/airport-park/ | email= | address=Lounge 1, Schiphol World Avenue | lat= | long= | directions=between Het Palais and the Passport Control to Lounge 2 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=24 hours | price=Free | lastedit=2017-10-20 | content=Who would expect a city park right inside an airport terminal? Obviously, it's not an ordinary city park, as the butterflies are projected onto the walls, and the sounds of nature come from the park's speakers. Still, it's the one of the most tranquil environments you'll find in an airport serving millions of travelers each year. }} * {{listing | name=Rijksmuseum | url= | email= | address=Holland Boulevard, Schiphol World Avenue | lat= | long= | directions=between gates E and F | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=07:00-20:00 daily | price=Free | content=Schiphol has an annex of the acclaimed Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam in its terminal. The permanent exhibition displays ten works by well-known painters from the Dutch Golden Age (17th century). The temporary exhibition changes a few times a year. Souvenirs are available at the museum shop. }} ===Lounges=== Airline lounges on Schiphol have a unique number and are signposted only with these numbers. For each listing the departure lounge (1, 2 or 3) is also given. * {{listing | name=Aspire Lounge (Schengen) | alt=Lounge 26 | url=https://www.executivelounges.com/airports/amsterdam-schiphol-airport | email= | address=Lounge 1 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=06:00 - 21:00 daily. No entry after 20:30 | price= | lastedit=2023-02-14 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Aspire Lounge (non-Schengen) | alt=Lounge 41 | url=https://www.executivelounges.com/airports/amsterdam-schiphol-airport | email= | address=Lounge 2, near the E-gates | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=06:00 - 21:00 daily. No entry after 20:30 | price= | lastedit=2024-02-25 | content= }} * {{listing | name= KLM Crown Lounge (Schengen)| alt=Lounge 25 | url=https://www.klm.nl/en/information/airport/crown-lounges | email= | address= Lounge 1, on the 2nd floor near the D-gates| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=06:00 - 22:00| price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-06-26 | content= }} * {{listing | name=KLM Crown Lounge (non-Schengen) | alt=Lounge 52| url=https://www.klm.nl/en/information/airport/crown-lounges | email= | address= Lounge 3, entrance on the 2nd floor| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=06:00 - 22:00 | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-06-26 | content= }} * {{listing | name=OneWorld Lounge (non-Schengen) | alt=Lounge 40 | url= | email= | address=Lounge 2, between D and E Gates on the 3rd floor | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=05:30-22:00 daily | price= | lastedit=2024-02-25 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Star Aliance Lounge (Schengen) | alt=Lounge 27 | url=https://www.staralliance.com/en/lounge-finder | email= | address=Lounge 1, entrance on the 2nd floor, near the D-gates, next to the Aspire lounge | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M-Su 05:30-21:00 | price= | lastedit=2023-02-14 | content= }} ==Eat and drink== There are plenty of cafes and restaurants at the airport, both before and after passport control. Most are quite expensive, so the fast-food joints are the only option if you're on a budget. * {{eat | name=Burger King | alt= | url= | email= | address=Schiphol Plaza | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=24 hours | price= | content=Not just your average Burger King, this is the busiest one in the world with 1.3 million visitors a year. It has never closed since its opening in 1993. But the menu is the still the same. Burgers. }} * {{eat | name=McDonald's Lounge 2 | alt= | url=http://mcdonaldsschiphol.nl | email= | address=Lounge 2, Schiphol World Avenue | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=05:30-21:00 daily | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=McDonald's Lounge 3 | alt= | url=http://mcdonaldsschiphol.nl | email= | address=Lounge 3, Schiphol World Avenue | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=06:00-22:00 daily | price= | content= }} There are drinking water fountains available throughout the airport, but in the majority of cases these are located before security checks. If you want to fill your empty water bottle after security checks: this might be possible depending on the gate. Lounge 4 (pier M) has two fountains near the toilets. On piers H and M, toilets are available with cold drinking water, all the way at the end of the pier. There is a water fountain outside the toilets near gate D8 and one by the toilets at D6. At the entrance to pier F there is a fountain and bottle refill under the stairs leading to the Mercure Hotel (outside the toilets). ==Buy== The most important thing you need to remember in these European airports is the duty laws for the nation it applies to. There are many shopping options in the airport, though. * {{buy | name=Albert Heijn | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=52.310073 | long=4.762895 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-06-14 | content=Average sized supermarket located before security in the Plaza area between the train station and departures. Good choice for budget travelers wanting to pick up some food before their flight. Note that because of its location before security you cannot bring purchased drinks on your flight. }} ==Connect== * {{listing | name=Free Wi-Fi | alt= | url=http://www.schiphol.nl/Travellers/AtSchiphol/AirportFacilities/InternetTelephone/InternetAccessEverywhere.htm | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-06-14 | content=You need to agree with the terms and conditions beforehand. }} * {{listing | name=Airport Telecom Shop | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=52.308925 | long=4.763474 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-06-14 | content= }} ==Cope== * {{listing | name=Left luggage | alt= | url=http://www.schiphol.nl/Travellers/AtSchiphol/Luggage/LuggageLockers.htm | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-06-14 | content=Coin-operated storage lockers are located along the main hallway through the transit/departure area, across from the start of the E wing. From €6 per 24 hr, maximum one week. }} * {{listing | name=I amsterdam Visitor Centre | alt=Tourist information | url=http://www.iamsterdam.com/en/visiting/plan-your-trip/visitor-information-centres/i-amsterdam-visitor-centre-at-amsterdam-airport-schiphol-arrivals-2 | email= | address= | lat=52.309079 | long=4.763442 | directions=Schiphol Plaza at Arrivals 2 | phone=+31 20 702 6000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=07:00-22:00 | price= | lastedit=2016-06-14 | content= }} ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=citizenM Amsterdam Airport | url=http://www.citizenm.com/schiphol-amsterdam-airport/ | email= | address=Jan Plezierweg 2 | lat=52.309394 | long=4.755806 | directions= | phone=+31 20 811-7080 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=14:00 | checkout=11:00 | price=€69-120 | content=A modern budget hotel with trendy design rooms. Every room has Wi-Fi access, films-on-demand and an LCD television. }} * {{sleep | name=Mercure | alt= | url=https://all.accor.com/hotel/1730/index.en.shtml | email= | address=Lounge 3, Schiphol World Avenue | lat=52.31079 | long=4.76046 | directions= | phone=+31 20 820-1850 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=€85-200 | content=The only full-fledged hotel after passport control. It can only be booked if you are on transit. }} * {{sleep | name=Sheraton | alt= | url=http://www.sheraton.nl | email= | address=Schiphol Boulevard 101 | lat=52.30897 | long=4.76006 | directions= | phone=+31 20 316-4300 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=€269-616 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Yotel | alt= | url=https://www.yotel.com/en/hotels/yotelair-amsterdam-schiphol | email= | address=Lounge 2, Schiphol World Avenue | lat= | long= | directions=near gate D | phone=+31 20 890-3983 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=€46-68 for 4 hours, €10 for any additional hour | lastedit=2019-05-17 | content=Automatically operated hotel cabins that can be booked by the hour (with a minimum stay of 4 hours). Good for a short nap if you're in onward transit. Food and drinks can be ordered with the computerized interface. Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=Hilton Amsterdam Airport Schiphol | alt= | url=https://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/netherlands/hilton-amsterdam-airport-schiphol-AMSAPHI/index.html | email= | address=701 Schiphol Boulevard | lat=52.3070 | long=4.7553 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price={{EUR|180-650}} | lastedit=2017-11-27 | content=Modern 4-star 433 room hotel. Largest hotel near the airport. Reachable by covered walkway from arrivals. }} ===Further afield=== [[Amsterdam]] is the obvious place to look for further hotel options. However, if you simply need a place to stay before or after your flight and don't need to visit Amsterdam specifically, you might consider some of the smaller cities that are easily accessible by rail from the airport. In particular, [[Leiden]] (15 minutes), [[Utrecht]] (30 minutes), [[Den Haag]] (35 minutes), and [[Delft]] (40 minutes) are reachable without transfers, and the savings on your hotel room will often more than make up for the train fare. ==Stay safe== Watch out for [[pickpockets]] and baggage thieves on trains: a common trick is a knock on your window to distract you, so that an accomplice can steal your luggage or laptop. Another one is to have an accomplice jam the doors and then steal your luggage. The thief jumps out and the door immediately closes, making it impossible to catch them. However, railway police have made a great effort to reduce this sort of crime; nowadays it is at 'normal', big-city like levels. It however is recommended not to leave your baggage unattended. This is also announced in the station regularly. ==Go next== Schiphol was built on reclaimed land, and so are the suburban cities around it. [[Hoofddorp]] is the closest town, but it only has a few hotels that could be of use. The most popular attractions for tourists are in [[Amsterdam]], a 20-minute train ride. {{usableairport}} {{IsPartOf|Amstelland}} {{geo|52.32495|4.75880|zoom=13}} q9kk69sl4h2dex47ffe0rab2jyxga4u 5087086 5087085 2025-07-03T10:52:19Z Ikan Kekek 36420 /* By taxi */ In or at. On means "on top of". 5087086 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Schiphol Wikivoyage Banner v1.jpg}} '''Schiphol Airport''' ({{IATA|AMS}}) is one of the busiest airports in the world. It is {{km|15}} south-west of [[Amsterdam]] in the [[Netherlands]]. It serves the city of Amsterdam and the rest of the Netherlands. It is one of the major hubs in Europe with flights between many destinations in Asia, Europe and North America. It is home to '''[https://www.klm.com/ KLM]''', the Dutch flag carrier. As of 2016, Schiphol Airport is the third busiest in Europe behind [[London Heathrow]] and [[Paris Charles de Gaulle]] and ahead of [[Frankfurt Airport]] as measured by passenger numbers. ==Understand== {{mapframe|52.3154|4.7528|zoom=14}} {{infobox|Well-connected|Amsterdam Schiphol is one of the best-connected airports in the world. It goes back in part to KLM's century-long history and the even longer Dutch tradition of global trade and exploration. Only Frankfurt Airport and Istanbul Airport receive direct flights from more countries than Schiphol. KLM (and other airlines serving AMS) do their very best to expand on this excellent position.}} ===Orientation=== [[File:Amsterdam Schiphol Airport entrance.jpg|350px|thumb|Entrance]] Schiphol has a one-terminal concept, which means that all the departure halls are in one building. However, this can mean long walks from one connecting flight to the other. The airport is divided into several zones. The ground floor before security has the entrance of the airport, the railway station (with the platforms underground), the four Arrivals halls, and '''Schiphol Plaza''', the central shopping zone. On the 1st floor you can find the check-in desks and Departure Halls 1, 2 and 3. From this floor you can go to security, and passport control if catching a non-Schengen flight, and enter the transit area. The terminal is divided into three lounges designated 1, 2 and 3. Piers (also known as concourses) connect to these lounges. It is possible to walk from one concourse to another, even to those connected to different lounges. However, keep in mind that if you're going from lounge 1 to lounge 2 and 3 you must clear immigration as you are leaving the Schengen area. The exception to this is Lounge 4: it is only connected to Concourse M for low-cost carriers. Once past security, passengers in Concourse M cannot access any other lounges or concourses. Lounge 4 has very few facilities. If catching a connecting flight from one of the M gates, you must exit the secure zone though baggage claim and enter lounge 4 like any departing passenger. Few airlines and destinations have a dedicated concourse. KLM and Transavia use all gates except for Concourses H and M. * Lounge 1 is for Schengen flights and consists of concourses '''B''', '''C''' and gates '''D59''' through '''D87'''. Schengen flights departing from gates D are reached by escalator from Lounge 1. * Lounge 2 consists of concourses '''E''' and gates '''D3''' through '''D57''', * Lounge 3 consists of concourses '''F, G and H.''' They serve non-Schengen areas. Concourse H is used by low-cost carriers. * Lounge 4 is fully separated from the other lounges and consists of concourse '''M''', a dedicated Schengen area for low-cost carriers. ===History=== Schiphol opened on 16 September 1916 as a military airbase, with a few barracks and a field serving as platform and runways. When civil aircraft started to use the field (17 December 1920), it was often called Schiphol-les-bains. The Fokker aircraft manufacturer started a factory near Schiphol Airport in 1919. Schiphol's name is derived from a former fortification named Fort Schiphol which was part of the Defense Line of Amsterdam. Before 1852, the Haarlemmermeer polder in which the airport lies was a large lake, in the shallow waters of which sudden violent storms could claim many ships. This was the main reason for reclaiming it. In English, Schiphol translates to 'ship grave', a reference to the many ships lost in the area. KLM was founded on 7 October 1919 by Albert Plesman, making it the oldest carrier in the world still operating under its original name, though the company stopped operating during World War II—apart from the operations in the Dutch Antilles in the Caribbean. The first KLM flight was on 17 May 1920, from Croydon Airport, London to Amsterdam carrying two British journalists and a number of newspapers. In 1921 KLM started scheduled services, and by 1926 it was offering flights to Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Brussels, Paris, London, Bremen, Copenhagen and Malmö. Intercontinental flights to the Netherlands East Indies started in 1929. This was for several years the world's longest scheduled air route. On 1 November 1958 the airline opened the trans-polar route from Amsterdam via Anchorage to Tokyo. Each crew flying the transpolar route over the Arctic was equipped with a winter survival kit, including an AR-10 carbine for use against polar bears in the event the plane was forced down onto the polar ice. KLM merged with Air France in May 2004 to form Air France-KLM, but both airlines continue to fly under their distinct brand names. ===Visitor information=== * [https://www.schiphol.nl/en/ Airport website] ==Flights== KLM offers worldwide connections. Asia, Europe and North America are particularly well served. Delta Air Lines connects Schiphol with nine US destinations. British Airways offer up to 15 flights per day to three airports in London. Transavia, Easyjet and other low-cost carriers provide a fairly economical way to city-hop to Amsterdam from other cities in Europe. ==Ground transportation== For most travellers, the most convenient way to reach Amsterdam or other major destinations in the Netherlands from the airport is by train, with most destinations reachable either directly or with one change. ===By train=== [[File:NS Kaartautomaten.jpg|thumb|Train ticket machines at Schiphol Airport railway station]] {{See also|Rail travel in the Netherlands}} The {{marker|type=go|name=Schiphol Airport station|lat=52.308889|long=4.761667|wikidata=Q801410}} is underground train station under the main airport hall with with three platforms: * '''Tracks 1 & 2''': Domestic services via Amsterdam, either via Amsterdam Zuid (South) or Amsterdam Centraal (Central). Both are connected to the Amsterdam Metro, and which station you travel to depends on where in Amsterdam you're staying. These services then continue onwards to either [[Lelystad]] or [[Utrecht]], continuing to [[Nijmegen]], or [[Amersfoort]] and [[Groningen]] or [[Leeuwarden]] * '''Tracks 3 & 4''': (Airport) sprinter (= slow services) between [[Amsterdam]] and [[Hoofddorp]], and the occasional overflow of other tracks. * '''Tracks 5 & 6''': Domestic services going south towards [[Den Haag]] and/or [[Rotterdam]]. In the case of international services, these connect to [[Antwerp]]en, [[Brussels|Brussel]]-Zuid, [[Paris]]-Nord and further into France, as well as [[London]] Euston-St. Pancras. For some trains only the departing platform (1-2, 3-4, 5-6) is known and not the actual track, just wait at the platform untill the train arrives at one of the two tracks. If you travel 2nd class, you can pay for your trip with a debit or credit card (VISA, Mastercard, V-Pay, Maestro) by tapping your card at the poles or gates. This system is called OVPay. Remember to check-in and out, and also if you change operator. See the [[OV-chipkaart|OV-Chipkaart]] article for more information. If you want to travel first class you can either buy QR-tickets in travel apps like NS Reisplanner or buy paper tickets at the ticket machines or desks with a €1.50 surcharge. There are machines in the baggage claim area, and at the train station (Plaza). All machines accept Mastercard, VISA, American Express, Maestro and V-Pay chip-and-PIN cards. As of the 2025 schedule, prices are as follows: * To Amsterdam: Centraal {{EUR|4.90}}, Zuid {{EUR|3.30}}, Lelylaan {{EUR|3.50}}. * To The Hague (Den Haag): Centraal {{EUR|9.80}}, Hollands Spoor (HS) {{EUR|10.00}}. * To Rotterdam Centraal: {{EUR|14.50}}, {{EUR|3.00}} surcharge added when travelling via the high speed line (Intercity Direct and Eurocity Direct services). * To Utrecht Centraal: {{EUR|10.20}} If you travel to Amsterdam, you can buy an ''[[Amsterdam#Amsterdam Travel Ticket|Amsterdam Travel Ticket]]'', which includes a train return ticket to and from Schiphol to any of Amsterdam's stations, plus unlimited travel on all GVB trams, metro and (night) buses for 1, 2 or 3 days. Eurostar services ''need'' to be booked in advance and are cheaper the earlier you book. International services by NS and NMBS/SNCB use variable pricing, and are also cheaper the earlier you book. ===By bus=== The {{marker |type=go |name=bus station |lat=52.308860943 |long=4.7614978}} is located just outside the entrance of Schiphol's terminal building. There are buses to every destination nearby Schiphol, either direct or with a change at stops Beukenhorst or Knooppunt Schiphol Zuid. * {{listing | name=Amsterdam Airport Express | alt=Bus #397 | url=https://www.connexxion.nl/amsterdam-airport-express/1241 | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€6.50 (from driver); [https://eticket.connexxion.nl/en-US/ e-ticket] €6.50 (single) €11.25 (return) €1.00 (child under 11) or consider [[Amsterdam#Amsterdam Travel Ticket|Amsterdam Travel Ticket]]. The fare is €3.55 if paid by OV-chipkaart | lastedit=2019-10-09 | content=''Connexxion'' operates a service between the airport and Museumplein, Rijksmuseum, and Leidseplein. The bus is only worth taking if these stops are closer to your accommodation. Buses depart from platform B9 daily from 05:01-00:21 every approx. 15 minutes. In the night bus '''#97''' runs the same route roughly every hour. Tickets are sold by a marked minivan parked at the bus stop outside the terminal during daytime. }} * '''Bus 300''' To Amsterdam Bijlmer or the other way to Hoofddorp and Haarlem. Runs every 5-8 minutes or so and is useful for connecting with other buses and trains. * {{listing | name=GVB Bus #369 | alt= | url=https://reisinfo.gvb.nl/en/lijnen/369/dienstregeling/heen | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=See Getting Around part on Amsterdam page on GVB ticket | lastedit=2023-08-06 | content=GVB operates bus #369 (branded R-Net) between the airport (Schiphol Airport/Plaza) and Amsterdam Sloterdijk station. Depending on your destination in Amsterdam you can save some time and/or save some money by avoiding travel with the train. The bus offer interchange with bus or tram '''#1, 2, 7, 12, 13, 17, 21, 22, 27''' along its route. }} ===By taxi=== Do not use a taxi unless there is no alternative; travel to Schiphol by train or by bus, if possible. '''Taxis''' from Schiphol are unexpectedly expensive. You pay around €7.50 (as of Oct 08<!--are there no more up to date figures?-->) as a minimum charge and that includes the first 2&nbsp;km. Then the meter starts racing. The ride costs about €40-50 to go to, say, the Leidseplein. Depending on the time of day and traffic levels, it could take only 25 min. If you're unlucky, it could take twice as long. Choose the nicest cab as that driver is more likely to be reputable. You don't have to pick the first taxi in line. If possible, reserve a cab up-front, this will ensure a fixed price for the ride. If taking a taxi to Schiphol from the city there's a flat fee of €35. You can also catch an Uber from the city centre to Schiphol, there is no fixed price. There are also taxis in the form of minivans but those are significantly more expensive. Around €50-60 for a ride to Amsterdam, Hoofddorp, Aalsmeer or Amstelveen (all in the direct vicinity of Schiphol). There is a way to get 50% discount on your ride to Amsterdam or 20% discount to other destinations. Look for an upcoming TCA taxi (spot the roof light!) at the ''departure halls'' (on the first floor). Say 'hello' to the driver while the passengers step off. This works out for you and the driver as he's not allowed to wait for customers at the airport and this way he doesn't have to drive back empty. In Schiphol's bus station, there are illicit taxi drivers shouting "TAXI!" and waving a taxi sign in the air. Avoid them at all cost, they're scammers. ===By shuttle service=== * {{listing | name=Connexxion Hotel Shuttle | alt= | url=http://www.schipholhotelshuttle.nl | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 38 3394741 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Serves over 100 city centre hotels, with 8-seater shared van departures about every 30 minutes between 06:00 and 21:00, cost to most city centre destinations €15.50/25.00 one-way/return—more convenient than the train if you have heavy luggage and still cheaper than a taxi. Buses depart from platform A7 and can be reserved for the trip back }} * '''[https://www.uber.com/cities/amsterdam UberBlack]''' rides to/from the airport cost a fixed rate of €60. * [https://www.staxi.nl/en/ '''Staxi'''] offers fixed fare transfers to and from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. === By car === If you want to go to Schiphol in your own car, that is also an option, that could be especially convenient if you come from further away to get your flight and other options like taxi might get too expensive. This is the official Schiphol parking. * P1 Parking: Directly opposite the terminal, P1 Parking is suitable for both short stays (up to 48 hours) and long stays, with mostly covered parking spaces. This parking area is designed to accommodate passengers who are either departing from or arriving at the airport for short trips, pickups, or drop-offs. * P3 Long Term Parking: This option is divided into two sections: P3 Long Term Sheltered and P3 Long Term Unsheltered. Both offer long-stay parking (minimum of 8 hours) with a complimentary shuttle service to the terminal. The sheltered parking provides covered spaces to protect vehicles from the elements, while the unsheltered parking is the most cost-efficient option. Both sections include baggage loading points. * P4 Basic Parking at Schiphol offers affordable, uncovered parking. After self-parking, travelers use a complimentary shuttle to the terminal, available 24/7 from the lot entrance. The shuttle operates every 15 minutes, taking about 10 minutes to reach the terminal. Reservations must be made on Schiphol's website, and rates vary by season and booking time, with limited cheap spots available. * P6 Valet Parking: P6 offers a premium valet service where travelers can drop off their car at the terminal, and it will be parked securely by an attendant. This service is available for both short and long stays and features video street, GPS, and km tracker to ensure the security and monitoring of your vehicle. It's a convenient option for those seeking quick access to the departures area, as it's just a 2 to 3-minute walk from the terminal. There are other companies like Mobypark offering [https://www.mobypark.com/en/city/parking/amsterdam/destination/amsterdam-airport-schiphol Schiphol parking]. They are substantially cheaper than the official parking as they have agreements with the surrounding hotels to use their parking spaces. This option is especially interesting for mid and long duration trips, the car can be parked for less than 9€ per day and less than 100€ per month. Some of them even include a shuttle service to the terminal. ===By rental car=== If you plan to rent a car for the duration of your stay, Schiphol has several car rental companies on site [http://www.schiphol.nl/Transport/AccessibilityTransport/CarRental.htm]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. Typical opening hours are 06:00-23:00 daily. The car rental desk can be found in Schiphol Plaza, on the same level as the Arrivals. The A4 motorway leads straight from Schiphol to the Amsterdam ring road A10, in about 10 min. ===By bike=== If you decided to bring your bicycle on the plane with you, there is a 15-km sign-posted bike route from the airport to Amsterdam. Turn right as you leave the airport terminal: the cycle path starts about 200 m down the road. There is a map of the cycle paths around Schiphol available on [https://www.schiphol.nl/en/download/b2b/1654177926/66xfl2JVwPnkG43xyMfpPO.pdf this PDF] (green lines are cycle paths). The part directly at Schiphol Plaza is illogical and confusing, as there are no bike lanes and directions, and there are frequent diversions because of building projects. ==Get around== The airport is one large terminal, so you never need to leave the building or take a shuttle train. However you can only get around on foot (and travelator, such as the hallway to Concourse B). Expect to walk long distances. This is especially true if you arrive on a Schengen flight and connect to a non-Schengen flight or the other way around, likely in another concourse (pier). If you are departing, you will go through security first and then passport check if exiting the Schengen area. EU, EEA, Swiss can use fully automated e-gates on departure and arrival. When departing through Schiphol, American, Australian, Canadian, Hong Konger, Japanese, New Zealander and South Korean citizens can use automated immigration facilities in a separate queue. A border agent will still manually stamp your passport after using the machine. Other nationalities will go through another line where manual passport inspection by a border agent takes place. During busy times (such as the rush around 06:00-09:00), the separate security and passport sessions can take 20-30 or more minutes. Choose flights with adequate connection times. Schiphol had a major redesign of its concourses to simplify security procedures, which are no longer conducted at the gates. Because the Netherlands is a part of the Schengen area, connecting to a Schengen destination one has to clear immigration at Schiphol even if the Netherlands isn't your final destination in Schengen: * If you are staying within the '''Schengen''' area, you will not clear immigration, if departing from Schiphol you will pass security. If connecting through Schiphol, you will not go through security. ** For example, if you are flying in from '''Spain''' and connecting to '''Sweden''' you will not pass security or immigration. * If you arrive from a '''non-Schengen''' country that has as strict or more strict security procedures than Schiphol (usually the US, UK or Canada), then you will not pass through '''security''' again at Schiphol. However you will need to use the Passport Control to cross into the Schengen Zone for most European connections. ** For example: if you fly in from the '''United States''' and are taking a connecting flight to '''Italy'''. You will '''not pass security''' but will pass through '''immigration''' as you are entering the '''Schengen''' area in Amsterdam. ** For example: if you fly in from the '''United States''' and are taking a connecting flight to '''Morocco''' You will '''not go through security and immigration''' as you're not entering the Schengen zone. * If you arrive from '''Africa, Asia, or most other nations outside the EU''' (except the US and Canada), then you will be guided through '''security processing'''. There are separate security sections based on whether you will be staying in Schengen or remaining outside of it. If you are entering the Schengen area you'll also pass immigration. ** For example: if you fly in from '''South Africa''' and are heading to '''Canada''', you will go through '''security''' but '''not through immigration''' as you are traveling between '''non-Schengen countries'''. ** For example: if you fly in from '''South Africa''' and are heading to '''Germany''', you will go through both '''security''' and '''immigration''' as you're entering the '''Schengen''' area in Amsterdam ==Wait== ===Before security=== * {{listing | name=Panorama Terrace | alt=Panoramaterras | url=https://www.schiphol.nl/en/at-schiphol/see-planes-up-close-from-panorama-terrace/ | email= | address=3F | lat= | long= | directions=go upstairs from Schiphol Plaza between Arrivals 1 and 2 or at Arrivals 3 | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Nov-Mar 09:00-17:00, Apr-Oct 07:00-20:00 (closed in case of bad weather) | price=Free | lastedit=2025-05-31 | content=The panorama terrace at the top floor oversees planes arriving and leaving gates C, D and E. Bring your camera or use the telescopes. A Fokker 100 airplane is displayed on the terrace; it has a tiny museum inside about the history of Fokker, the largest Dutch airplane manufacturer. Especially fun for children. There is a restaurant near the terrace. }} * {{listing | name=Sheraton Fitness & Spa | alt= | url=http://www.sheratonamsterdamairporthotel.com/fitness | email= | address=Sheraton Hotel, Schiphol Boulevard 101 | lat= | long= | directions=between Schiphol Plaza and the World Trade Center | phone=+31 20 316-4300 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=24 hours daily (sauna, steam room 06:00-23:00) | price=€20/day | content=You can get a day pass for an unlimited use of the fitness room, sauna, rainforest showers, steam room and wellness area. }} ===After security=== * {{listing | name=Airport Library | url= | email= | address=Holland Boulevard, Schiphol World Avenue | lat= | long= | directions=between gates E and F | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | content=The world's first airport library. Reading books and listening to music is mostly done digitally, using tablet computers. You can download the books to your own digital device for reading on your journey. An interesting way to learn more about Dutch culture and literature. }} * {{listing | name=Airport Park | alt= | url=https://www.schiphol.nl/en/facilities/airport-park/ | email= | address=Lounge 1, Schiphol World Avenue | lat= | long= | directions=between Het Palais and the Passport Control to Lounge 2 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=24 hours | price=Free | lastedit=2017-10-20 | content=Who would expect a city park right inside an airport terminal? Obviously, it's not an ordinary city park, as the butterflies are projected onto the walls, and the sounds of nature come from the park's speakers. Still, it's the one of the most tranquil environments you'll find in an airport serving millions of travelers each year. }} * {{listing | name=Rijksmuseum | url= | email= | address=Holland Boulevard, Schiphol World Avenue | lat= | long= | directions=between gates E and F | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=07:00-20:00 daily | price=Free | content=Schiphol has an annex of the acclaimed Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam in its terminal. The permanent exhibition displays ten works by well-known painters from the Dutch Golden Age (17th century). The temporary exhibition changes a few times a year. Souvenirs are available at the museum shop. }} ===Lounges=== Airline lounges on Schiphol have a unique number and are signposted only with these numbers. For each listing the departure lounge (1, 2 or 3) is also given. * {{listing | name=Aspire Lounge (Schengen) | alt=Lounge 26 | url=https://www.executivelounges.com/airports/amsterdam-schiphol-airport | email= | address=Lounge 1 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=06:00 - 21:00 daily. No entry after 20:30 | price= | lastedit=2023-02-14 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Aspire Lounge (non-Schengen) | alt=Lounge 41 | url=https://www.executivelounges.com/airports/amsterdam-schiphol-airport | email= | address=Lounge 2, near the E-gates | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=06:00 - 21:00 daily. No entry after 20:30 | price= | lastedit=2024-02-25 | content= }} * {{listing | name= KLM Crown Lounge (Schengen)| alt=Lounge 25 | url=https://www.klm.nl/en/information/airport/crown-lounges | email= | address= Lounge 1, on the 2nd floor near the D-gates| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=06:00 - 22:00| price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-06-26 | content= }} * {{listing | name=KLM Crown Lounge (non-Schengen) | alt=Lounge 52| url=https://www.klm.nl/en/information/airport/crown-lounges | email= | address= Lounge 3, entrance on the 2nd floor| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=06:00 - 22:00 | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-06-26 | content= }} * {{listing | name=OneWorld Lounge (non-Schengen) | alt=Lounge 40 | url= | email= | address=Lounge 2, between D and E Gates on the 3rd floor | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=05:30-22:00 daily | price= | lastedit=2024-02-25 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Star Aliance Lounge (Schengen) | alt=Lounge 27 | url=https://www.staralliance.com/en/lounge-finder | email= | address=Lounge 1, entrance on the 2nd floor, near the D-gates, next to the Aspire lounge | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M-Su 05:30-21:00 | price= | lastedit=2023-02-14 | content= }} ==Eat and drink== There are plenty of cafes and restaurants at the airport, both before and after passport control. Most are quite expensive, so the fast-food joints are the only option if you're on a budget. * {{eat | name=Burger King | alt= | url= | email= | address=Schiphol Plaza | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=24 hours | price= | content=Not just your average Burger King, this is the busiest one in the world with 1.3 million visitors a year. It has never closed since its opening in 1993. But the menu is the still the same. Burgers. }} * {{eat | name=McDonald's Lounge 2 | alt= | url=http://mcdonaldsschiphol.nl | email= | address=Lounge 2, Schiphol World Avenue | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=05:30-21:00 daily | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=McDonald's Lounge 3 | alt= | url=http://mcdonaldsschiphol.nl | email= | address=Lounge 3, Schiphol World Avenue | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=06:00-22:00 daily | price= | content= }} There are drinking water fountains available throughout the airport, but in the majority of cases these are located before security checks. If you want to fill your empty water bottle after security checks: this might be possible depending on the gate. Lounge 4 (pier M) has two fountains near the toilets. On piers H and M, toilets are available with cold drinking water, all the way at the end of the pier. There is a water fountain outside the toilets near gate D8 and one by the toilets at D6. At the entrance to pier F there is a fountain and bottle refill under the stairs leading to the Mercure Hotel (outside the toilets). ==Buy== The most important thing you need to remember in these European airports is the duty laws for the nation it applies to. There are many shopping options in the airport, though. * {{buy | name=Albert Heijn | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=52.310073 | long=4.762895 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-06-14 | content=Average sized supermarket located before security in the Plaza area between the train station and departures. Good choice for budget travelers wanting to pick up some food before their flight. Note that because of its location before security you cannot bring purchased drinks on your flight. }} ==Connect== * {{listing | name=Free Wi-Fi | alt= | url=http://www.schiphol.nl/Travellers/AtSchiphol/AirportFacilities/InternetTelephone/InternetAccessEverywhere.htm | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-06-14 | content=You need to agree with the terms and conditions beforehand. }} * {{listing | name=Airport Telecom Shop | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=52.308925 | long=4.763474 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-06-14 | content= }} ==Cope== * {{listing | name=Left luggage | alt= | url=http://www.schiphol.nl/Travellers/AtSchiphol/Luggage/LuggageLockers.htm | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-06-14 | content=Coin-operated storage lockers are located along the main hallway through the transit/departure area, across from the start of the E wing. From €6 per 24 hr, maximum one week. }} * {{listing | name=I amsterdam Visitor Centre | alt=Tourist information | url=http://www.iamsterdam.com/en/visiting/plan-your-trip/visitor-information-centres/i-amsterdam-visitor-centre-at-amsterdam-airport-schiphol-arrivals-2 | email= | address= | lat=52.309079 | long=4.763442 | directions=Schiphol Plaza at Arrivals 2 | phone=+31 20 702 6000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=07:00-22:00 | price= | lastedit=2016-06-14 | content= }} ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=citizenM Amsterdam Airport | url=http://www.citizenm.com/schiphol-amsterdam-airport/ | email= | address=Jan Plezierweg 2 | lat=52.309394 | long=4.755806 | directions= | phone=+31 20 811-7080 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=14:00 | checkout=11:00 | price=€69-120 | content=A modern budget hotel with trendy design rooms. Every room has Wi-Fi access, films-on-demand and an LCD television. }} * {{sleep | name=Mercure | alt= | url=https://all.accor.com/hotel/1730/index.en.shtml | email= | address=Lounge 3, Schiphol World Avenue | lat=52.31079 | long=4.76046 | directions= | phone=+31 20 820-1850 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=€85-200 | content=The only full-fledged hotel after passport control. It can only be booked if you are on transit. }} * {{sleep | name=Sheraton | alt= | url=http://www.sheraton.nl | email= | address=Schiphol Boulevard 101 | lat=52.30897 | long=4.76006 | directions= | phone=+31 20 316-4300 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=€269-616 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Yotel | alt= | url=https://www.yotel.com/en/hotels/yotelair-amsterdam-schiphol | email= | address=Lounge 2, Schiphol World Avenue | lat= | long= | directions=near gate D | phone=+31 20 890-3983 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=€46-68 for 4 hours, €10 for any additional hour | lastedit=2019-05-17 | content=Automatically operated hotel cabins that can be booked by the hour (with a minimum stay of 4 hours). Good for a short nap if you're in onward transit. Food and drinks can be ordered with the computerized interface. Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=Hilton Amsterdam Airport Schiphol | alt= | url=https://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/netherlands/hilton-amsterdam-airport-schiphol-AMSAPHI/index.html | email= | address=701 Schiphol Boulevard | lat=52.3070 | long=4.7553 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price={{EUR|180-650}} | lastedit=2017-11-27 | content=Modern 4-star 433 room hotel. Largest hotel near the airport. Reachable by covered walkway from arrivals. }} ===Further afield=== [[Amsterdam]] is the obvious place to look for further hotel options. However, if you simply need a place to stay before or after your flight and don't need to visit Amsterdam specifically, you might consider some of the smaller cities that are easily accessible by rail from the airport. In particular, [[Leiden]] (15 minutes), [[Utrecht]] (30 minutes), [[Den Haag]] (35 minutes), and [[Delft]] (40 minutes) are reachable without transfers, and the savings on your hotel room will often more than make up for the train fare. ==Stay safe== Watch out for [[pickpockets]] and baggage thieves on trains: a common trick is a knock on your window to distract you, so that an accomplice can steal your luggage or laptop. Another one is to have an accomplice jam the doors and then steal your luggage. The thief jumps out and the door immediately closes, making it impossible to catch them. However, railway police have made a great effort to reduce this sort of crime; nowadays it is at 'normal', big-city like levels. It however is recommended not to leave your baggage unattended. This is also announced in the station regularly. ==Go next== Schiphol was built on reclaimed land, and so are the suburban cities around it. [[Hoofddorp]] is the closest town, but it only has a few hotels that could be of use. The most popular attractions for tourists are in [[Amsterdam]], a 20-minute train ride. {{usableairport}} {{IsPartOf|Amstelland}} {{geo|52.32495|4.75880|zoom=13}} ffjqgnjbc6y7i1hs76w0jrlehdcsk74 5087097 5087086 2025-07-03T11:16:01Z 109.36.231.243 /* By shuttle service */ 5087097 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Schiphol Wikivoyage Banner v1.jpg}} '''Schiphol Airport''' ({{IATA|AMS}}) is one of the busiest airports in the world. It is {{km|15}} south-west of [[Amsterdam]] in the [[Netherlands]]. It serves the city of Amsterdam and the rest of the Netherlands. It is one of the major hubs in Europe with flights between many destinations in Asia, Europe and North America. It is home to '''[https://www.klm.com/ KLM]''', the Dutch flag carrier. As of 2016, Schiphol Airport is the third busiest in Europe behind [[London Heathrow]] and [[Paris Charles de Gaulle]] and ahead of [[Frankfurt Airport]] as measured by passenger numbers. ==Understand== {{mapframe|52.3154|4.7528|zoom=14}} {{infobox|Well-connected|Amsterdam Schiphol is one of the best-connected airports in the world. It goes back in part to KLM's century-long history and the even longer Dutch tradition of global trade and exploration. Only Frankfurt Airport and Istanbul Airport receive direct flights from more countries than Schiphol. KLM (and other airlines serving AMS) do their very best to expand on this excellent position.}} ===Orientation=== [[File:Amsterdam Schiphol Airport entrance.jpg|350px|thumb|Entrance]] Schiphol has a one-terminal concept, which means that all the departure halls are in one building. However, this can mean long walks from one connecting flight to the other. The airport is divided into several zones. The ground floor before security has the entrance of the airport, the railway station (with the platforms underground), the four Arrivals halls, and '''Schiphol Plaza''', the central shopping zone. On the 1st floor you can find the check-in desks and Departure Halls 1, 2 and 3. From this floor you can go to security, and passport control if catching a non-Schengen flight, and enter the transit area. The terminal is divided into three lounges designated 1, 2 and 3. Piers (also known as concourses) connect to these lounges. It is possible to walk from one concourse to another, even to those connected to different lounges. However, keep in mind that if you're going from lounge 1 to lounge 2 and 3 you must clear immigration as you are leaving the Schengen area. The exception to this is Lounge 4: it is only connected to Concourse M for low-cost carriers. Once past security, passengers in Concourse M cannot access any other lounges or concourses. Lounge 4 has very few facilities. If catching a connecting flight from one of the M gates, you must exit the secure zone though baggage claim and enter lounge 4 like any departing passenger. Few airlines and destinations have a dedicated concourse. KLM and Transavia use all gates except for Concourses H and M. * Lounge 1 is for Schengen flights and consists of concourses '''B''', '''C''' and gates '''D59''' through '''D87'''. Schengen flights departing from gates D are reached by escalator from Lounge 1. * Lounge 2 consists of concourses '''E''' and gates '''D3''' through '''D57''', * Lounge 3 consists of concourses '''F, G and H.''' They serve non-Schengen areas. Concourse H is used by low-cost carriers. * Lounge 4 is fully separated from the other lounges and consists of concourse '''M''', a dedicated Schengen area for low-cost carriers. ===History=== Schiphol opened on 16 September 1916 as a military airbase, with a few barracks and a field serving as platform and runways. When civil aircraft started to use the field (17 December 1920), it was often called Schiphol-les-bains. The Fokker aircraft manufacturer started a factory near Schiphol Airport in 1919. Schiphol's name is derived from a former fortification named Fort Schiphol which was part of the Defense Line of Amsterdam. Before 1852, the Haarlemmermeer polder in which the airport lies was a large lake, in the shallow waters of which sudden violent storms could claim many ships. This was the main reason for reclaiming it. In English, Schiphol translates to 'ship grave', a reference to the many ships lost in the area. KLM was founded on 7 October 1919 by Albert Plesman, making it the oldest carrier in the world still operating under its original name, though the company stopped operating during World War II—apart from the operations in the Dutch Antilles in the Caribbean. The first KLM flight was on 17 May 1920, from Croydon Airport, London to Amsterdam carrying two British journalists and a number of newspapers. In 1921 KLM started scheduled services, and by 1926 it was offering flights to Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Brussels, Paris, London, Bremen, Copenhagen and Malmö. Intercontinental flights to the Netherlands East Indies started in 1929. This was for several years the world's longest scheduled air route. On 1 November 1958 the airline opened the trans-polar route from Amsterdam via Anchorage to Tokyo. Each crew flying the transpolar route over the Arctic was equipped with a winter survival kit, including an AR-10 carbine for use against polar bears in the event the plane was forced down onto the polar ice. KLM merged with Air France in May 2004 to form Air France-KLM, but both airlines continue to fly under their distinct brand names. ===Visitor information=== * [https://www.schiphol.nl/en/ Airport website] ==Flights== KLM offers worldwide connections. Asia, Europe and North America are particularly well served. Delta Air Lines connects Schiphol with nine US destinations. British Airways offer up to 15 flights per day to three airports in London. Transavia, Easyjet and other low-cost carriers provide a fairly economical way to city-hop to Amsterdam from other cities in Europe. ==Ground transportation== For most travellers, the most convenient way to reach Amsterdam or other major destinations in the Netherlands from the airport is by train, with most destinations reachable either directly or with one change. ===By train=== [[File:NS Kaartautomaten.jpg|thumb|Train ticket machines at Schiphol Airport railway station]] {{See also|Rail travel in the Netherlands}} The {{marker|type=go|name=Schiphol Airport station|lat=52.308889|long=4.761667|wikidata=Q801410}} is underground train station under the main airport hall with with three platforms: * '''Tracks 1 & 2''': Domestic services via Amsterdam, either via Amsterdam Zuid (South) or Amsterdam Centraal (Central). Both are connected to the Amsterdam Metro, and which station you travel to depends on where in Amsterdam you're staying. These services then continue onwards to either [[Lelystad]] or [[Utrecht]], continuing to [[Nijmegen]], or [[Amersfoort]] and [[Groningen]] or [[Leeuwarden]] * '''Tracks 3 & 4''': (Airport) sprinter (= slow services) between [[Amsterdam]] and [[Hoofddorp]], and the occasional overflow of other tracks. * '''Tracks 5 & 6''': Domestic services going south towards [[Den Haag]] and/or [[Rotterdam]]. In the case of international services, these connect to [[Antwerp]]en, [[Brussels|Brussel]]-Zuid, [[Paris]]-Nord and further into France, as well as [[London]] Euston-St. Pancras. For some trains only the departing platform (1-2, 3-4, 5-6) is known and not the actual track, just wait at the platform untill the train arrives at one of the two tracks. If you travel 2nd class, you can pay for your trip with a debit or credit card (VISA, Mastercard, V-Pay, Maestro) by tapping your card at the poles or gates. This system is called OVPay. Remember to check-in and out, and also if you change operator. See the [[OV-chipkaart|OV-Chipkaart]] article for more information. If you want to travel first class you can either buy QR-tickets in travel apps like NS Reisplanner or buy paper tickets at the ticket machines or desks with a €1.50 surcharge. There are machines in the baggage claim area, and at the train station (Plaza). All machines accept Mastercard, VISA, American Express, Maestro and V-Pay chip-and-PIN cards. As of the 2025 schedule, prices are as follows: * To Amsterdam: Centraal {{EUR|4.90}}, Zuid {{EUR|3.30}}, Lelylaan {{EUR|3.50}}. * To The Hague (Den Haag): Centraal {{EUR|9.80}}, Hollands Spoor (HS) {{EUR|10.00}}. * To Rotterdam Centraal: {{EUR|14.50}}, {{EUR|3.00}} surcharge added when travelling via the high speed line (Intercity Direct and Eurocity Direct services). * To Utrecht Centraal: {{EUR|10.20}} If you travel to Amsterdam, you can buy an ''[[Amsterdam#Amsterdam Travel Ticket|Amsterdam Travel Ticket]]'', which includes a train return ticket to and from Schiphol to any of Amsterdam's stations, plus unlimited travel on all GVB trams, metro and (night) buses for 1, 2 or 3 days. Eurostar services ''need'' to be booked in advance and are cheaper the earlier you book. International services by NS and NMBS/SNCB use variable pricing, and are also cheaper the earlier you book. ===By bus=== The {{marker |type=go |name=bus station |lat=52.308860943 |long=4.7614978}} is located just outside the entrance of Schiphol's terminal building. There are buses to every destination nearby Schiphol, either direct or with a change at stops Beukenhorst or Knooppunt Schiphol Zuid. * {{listing | name=Amsterdam Airport Express | alt=Bus #397 | url=https://www.connexxion.nl/amsterdam-airport-express/1241 | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€6.50 (from driver); [https://eticket.connexxion.nl/en-US/ e-ticket] €6.50 (single) €11.25 (return) €1.00 (child under 11) or consider [[Amsterdam#Amsterdam Travel Ticket|Amsterdam Travel Ticket]]. The fare is €3.55 if paid by OV-chipkaart | lastedit=2019-10-09 | content=''Connexxion'' operates a service between the airport and Museumplein, Rijksmuseum, and Leidseplein. The bus is only worth taking if these stops are closer to your accommodation. Buses depart from platform B9 daily from 05:01-00:21 every approx. 15 minutes. In the night bus '''#97''' runs the same route roughly every hour. Tickets are sold by a marked minivan parked at the bus stop outside the terminal during daytime. }} * '''Bus 300''' To Amsterdam Bijlmer or the other way to Hoofddorp and Haarlem. Runs every 5-8 minutes or so and is useful for connecting with other buses and trains. * {{listing | name=GVB Bus #369 | alt= | url=https://reisinfo.gvb.nl/en/lijnen/369/dienstregeling/heen | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=See Getting Around part on Amsterdam page on GVB ticket | lastedit=2023-08-06 | content=GVB operates bus #369 (branded R-Net) between the airport (Schiphol Airport/Plaza) and Amsterdam Sloterdijk station. Depending on your destination in Amsterdam you can save some time and/or save some money by avoiding travel with the train. The bus offer interchange with bus or tram '''#1, 2, 7, 12, 13, 17, 21, 22, 27''' along its route. }} ===By taxi=== Do not use a taxi unless there is no alternative; travel to Schiphol by train or by bus, if possible. '''Taxis''' from Schiphol are unexpectedly expensive. You pay around €7.50 (as of Oct 08<!--are there no more up to date figures?-->) as a minimum charge and that includes the first 2&nbsp;km. Then the meter starts racing. The ride costs about €40-50 to go to, say, the Leidseplein. Depending on the time of day and traffic levels, it could take only 25 min. If you're unlucky, it could take twice as long. Choose the nicest cab as that driver is more likely to be reputable. You don't have to pick the first taxi in line. If possible, reserve a cab up-front, this will ensure a fixed price for the ride. If taking a taxi to Schiphol from the city there's a flat fee of €35. You can also catch an Uber from the city centre to Schiphol, there is no fixed price. There are also taxis in the form of minivans but those are significantly more expensive. Around €50-60 for a ride to Amsterdam, Hoofddorp, Aalsmeer or Amstelveen (all in the direct vicinity of Schiphol). There is a way to get 50% discount on your ride to Amsterdam or 20% discount to other destinations. Look for an upcoming TCA taxi (spot the roof light!) at the ''departure halls'' (on the first floor). Say 'hello' to the driver while the passengers step off. This works out for you and the driver as he's not allowed to wait for customers at the airport and this way he doesn't have to drive back empty. In Schiphol's bus station, there are illicit taxi drivers shouting "TAXI!" and waving a taxi sign in the air. Avoid them at all cost, they're scammers. ===By shuttle service=== * {{listing | name=Connexxion Hotel Shuttle | alt= | url=http://www.schipholhotelshuttle.nl | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 38 3394741 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Serves over 100 city centre hotels, with 8-seater shared van departures about every 30 minutes between 06:00 and 21:00, cost to most city centre destinations €15.50/25.00 one-way/return—more convenient than the train if you have heavy luggage and still cheaper than a taxi. Buses depart from platform A7 and can be reserved for the trip back }} * {{listing | name=Rolstoeltaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.rolstoeltaxirotterdam.nl | phone=+31 10 818 28 23 }} * {{listing | name=Vliegveldtaxi Rotterdam | alt= | url=https://www.vliegveldtaxirotterdam.nl | phone=+31 10 818 28 23 }} * '''[https://www.uber.com/cities/amsterdam UberBlack]''' rides to/from the airport cost a fixed rate of €60. * [https://www.staxi.nl/en/ '''Staxi'''] offers fixed fare transfers to and from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. === By car === If you want to go to Schiphol in your own car, that is also an option, that could be especially convenient if you come from further away to get your flight and other options like taxi might get too expensive. This is the official Schiphol parking. * P1 Parking: Directly opposite the terminal, P1 Parking is suitable for both short stays (up to 48 hours) and long stays, with mostly covered parking spaces. This parking area is designed to accommodate passengers who are either departing from or arriving at the airport for short trips, pickups, or drop-offs. * P3 Long Term Parking: This option is divided into two sections: P3 Long Term Sheltered and P3 Long Term Unsheltered. Both offer long-stay parking (minimum of 8 hours) with a complimentary shuttle service to the terminal. The sheltered parking provides covered spaces to protect vehicles from the elements, while the unsheltered parking is the most cost-efficient option. Both sections include baggage loading points. * P4 Basic Parking at Schiphol offers affordable, uncovered parking. After self-parking, travelers use a complimentary shuttle to the terminal, available 24/7 from the lot entrance. The shuttle operates every 15 minutes, taking about 10 minutes to reach the terminal. Reservations must be made on Schiphol's website, and rates vary by season and booking time, with limited cheap spots available. * P6 Valet Parking: P6 offers a premium valet service where travelers can drop off their car at the terminal, and it will be parked securely by an attendant. This service is available for both short and long stays and features video street, GPS, and km tracker to ensure the security and monitoring of your vehicle. It's a convenient option for those seeking quick access to the departures area, as it's just a 2 to 3-minute walk from the terminal. There are other companies like Mobypark offering [https://www.mobypark.com/en/city/parking/amsterdam/destination/amsterdam-airport-schiphol Schiphol parking]. They are substantially cheaper than the official parking as they have agreements with the surrounding hotels to use their parking spaces. This option is especially interesting for mid and long duration trips, the car can be parked for less than 9€ per day and less than 100€ per month. Some of them even include a shuttle service to the terminal. ===By rental car=== If you plan to rent a car for the duration of your stay, Schiphol has several car rental companies on site [http://www.schiphol.nl/Transport/AccessibilityTransport/CarRental.htm]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. Typical opening hours are 06:00-23:00 daily. The car rental desk can be found in Schiphol Plaza, on the same level as the Arrivals. The A4 motorway leads straight from Schiphol to the Amsterdam ring road A10, in about 10 min. ===By bike=== If you decided to bring your bicycle on the plane with you, there is a 15-km sign-posted bike route from the airport to Amsterdam. Turn right as you leave the airport terminal: the cycle path starts about 200 m down the road. There is a map of the cycle paths around Schiphol available on [https://www.schiphol.nl/en/download/b2b/1654177926/66xfl2JVwPnkG43xyMfpPO.pdf this PDF] (green lines are cycle paths). The part directly at Schiphol Plaza is illogical and confusing, as there are no bike lanes and directions, and there are frequent diversions because of building projects. ==Get around== The airport is one large terminal, so you never need to leave the building or take a shuttle train. However you can only get around on foot (and travelator, such as the hallway to Concourse B). Expect to walk long distances. This is especially true if you arrive on a Schengen flight and connect to a non-Schengen flight or the other way around, likely in another concourse (pier). If you are departing, you will go through security first and then passport check if exiting the Schengen area. EU, EEA, Swiss can use fully automated e-gates on departure and arrival. When departing through Schiphol, American, Australian, Canadian, Hong Konger, Japanese, New Zealander and South Korean citizens can use automated immigration facilities in a separate queue. A border agent will still manually stamp your passport after using the machine. Other nationalities will go through another line where manual passport inspection by a border agent takes place. During busy times (such as the rush around 06:00-09:00), the separate security and passport sessions can take 20-30 or more minutes. Choose flights with adequate connection times. Schiphol had a major redesign of its concourses to simplify security procedures, which are no longer conducted at the gates. Because the Netherlands is a part of the Schengen area, connecting to a Schengen destination one has to clear immigration at Schiphol even if the Netherlands isn't your final destination in Schengen: * If you are staying within the '''Schengen''' area, you will not clear immigration, if departing from Schiphol you will pass security. If connecting through Schiphol, you will not go through security. ** For example, if you are flying in from '''Spain''' and connecting to '''Sweden''' you will not pass security or immigration. * If you arrive from a '''non-Schengen''' country that has as strict or more strict security procedures than Schiphol (usually the US, UK or Canada), then you will not pass through '''security''' again at Schiphol. However you will need to use the Passport Control to cross into the Schengen Zone for most European connections. ** For example: if you fly in from the '''United States''' and are taking a connecting flight to '''Italy'''. You will '''not pass security''' but will pass through '''immigration''' as you are entering the '''Schengen''' area in Amsterdam. ** For example: if you fly in from the '''United States''' and are taking a connecting flight to '''Morocco''' You will '''not go through security and immigration''' as you're not entering the Schengen zone. * If you arrive from '''Africa, Asia, or most other nations outside the EU''' (except the US and Canada), then you will be guided through '''security processing'''. There are separate security sections based on whether you will be staying in Schengen or remaining outside of it. If you are entering the Schengen area you'll also pass immigration. ** For example: if you fly in from '''South Africa''' and are heading to '''Canada''', you will go through '''security''' but '''not through immigration''' as you are traveling between '''non-Schengen countries'''. ** For example: if you fly in from '''South Africa''' and are heading to '''Germany''', you will go through both '''security''' and '''immigration''' as you're entering the '''Schengen''' area in Amsterdam ==Wait== ===Before security=== * {{listing | name=Panorama Terrace | alt=Panoramaterras | url=https://www.schiphol.nl/en/at-schiphol/see-planes-up-close-from-panorama-terrace/ | email= | address=3F | lat= | long= | directions=go upstairs from Schiphol Plaza between Arrivals 1 and 2 or at Arrivals 3 | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Nov-Mar 09:00-17:00, Apr-Oct 07:00-20:00 (closed in case of bad weather) | price=Free | lastedit=2025-05-31 | content=The panorama terrace at the top floor oversees planes arriving and leaving gates C, D and E. Bring your camera or use the telescopes. A Fokker 100 airplane is displayed on the terrace; it has a tiny museum inside about the history of Fokker, the largest Dutch airplane manufacturer. Especially fun for children. There is a restaurant near the terrace. }} * {{listing | name=Sheraton Fitness & Spa | alt= | url=http://www.sheratonamsterdamairporthotel.com/fitness | email= | address=Sheraton Hotel, Schiphol Boulevard 101 | lat= | long= | directions=between Schiphol Plaza and the World Trade Center | phone=+31 20 316-4300 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=24 hours daily (sauna, steam room 06:00-23:00) | price=€20/day | content=You can get a day pass for an unlimited use of the fitness room, sauna, rainforest showers, steam room and wellness area. }} ===After security=== * {{listing | name=Airport Library | url= | email= | address=Holland Boulevard, Schiphol World Avenue | lat= | long= | directions=between gates E and F | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | content=The world's first airport library. Reading books and listening to music is mostly done digitally, using tablet computers. You can download the books to your own digital device for reading on your journey. An interesting way to learn more about Dutch culture and literature. }} * {{listing | name=Airport Park | alt= | url=https://www.schiphol.nl/en/facilities/airport-park/ | email= | address=Lounge 1, Schiphol World Avenue | lat= | long= | directions=between Het Palais and the Passport Control to Lounge 2 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=24 hours | price=Free | lastedit=2017-10-20 | content=Who would expect a city park right inside an airport terminal? Obviously, it's not an ordinary city park, as the butterflies are projected onto the walls, and the sounds of nature come from the park's speakers. Still, it's the one of the most tranquil environments you'll find in an airport serving millions of travelers each year. }} * {{listing | name=Rijksmuseum | url= | email= | address=Holland Boulevard, Schiphol World Avenue | lat= | long= | directions=between gates E and F | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=07:00-20:00 daily | price=Free | content=Schiphol has an annex of the acclaimed Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam in its terminal. The permanent exhibition displays ten works by well-known painters from the Dutch Golden Age (17th century). The temporary exhibition changes a few times a year. Souvenirs are available at the museum shop. }} ===Lounges=== Airline lounges on Schiphol have a unique number and are signposted only with these numbers. For each listing the departure lounge (1, 2 or 3) is also given. * {{listing | name=Aspire Lounge (Schengen) | alt=Lounge 26 | url=https://www.executivelounges.com/airports/amsterdam-schiphol-airport | email= | address=Lounge 1 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=06:00 - 21:00 daily. No entry after 20:30 | price= | lastedit=2023-02-14 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Aspire Lounge (non-Schengen) | alt=Lounge 41 | url=https://www.executivelounges.com/airports/amsterdam-schiphol-airport | email= | address=Lounge 2, near the E-gates | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=06:00 - 21:00 daily. No entry after 20:30 | price= | lastedit=2024-02-25 | content= }} * {{listing | name= KLM Crown Lounge (Schengen)| alt=Lounge 25 | url=https://www.klm.nl/en/information/airport/crown-lounges | email= | address= Lounge 1, on the 2nd floor near the D-gates| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=06:00 - 22:00| price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-06-26 | content= }} * {{listing | name=KLM Crown Lounge (non-Schengen) | alt=Lounge 52| url=https://www.klm.nl/en/information/airport/crown-lounges | email= | address= Lounge 3, entrance on the 2nd floor| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=06:00 - 22:00 | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-06-26 | content= }} * {{listing | name=OneWorld Lounge (non-Schengen) | alt=Lounge 40 | url= | email= | address=Lounge 2, between D and E Gates on the 3rd floor | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=05:30-22:00 daily | price= | lastedit=2024-02-25 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Star Aliance Lounge (Schengen) | alt=Lounge 27 | url=https://www.staralliance.com/en/lounge-finder | email= | address=Lounge 1, entrance on the 2nd floor, near the D-gates, next to the Aspire lounge | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M-Su 05:30-21:00 | price= | lastedit=2023-02-14 | content= }} ==Eat and drink== There are plenty of cafes and restaurants at the airport, both before and after passport control. Most are quite expensive, so the fast-food joints are the only option if you're on a budget. * {{eat | name=Burger King | alt= | url= | email= | address=Schiphol Plaza | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=24 hours | price= | content=Not just your average Burger King, this is the busiest one in the world with 1.3 million visitors a year. It has never closed since its opening in 1993. But the menu is the still the same. Burgers. }} * {{eat | name=McDonald's Lounge 2 | alt= | url=http://mcdonaldsschiphol.nl | email= | address=Lounge 2, Schiphol World Avenue | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=05:30-21:00 daily | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=McDonald's Lounge 3 | alt= | url=http://mcdonaldsschiphol.nl | email= | address=Lounge 3, Schiphol World Avenue | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=06:00-22:00 daily | price= | content= }} There are drinking water fountains available throughout the airport, but in the majority of cases these are located before security checks. If you want to fill your empty water bottle after security checks: this might be possible depending on the gate. Lounge 4 (pier M) has two fountains near the toilets. On piers H and M, toilets are available with cold drinking water, all the way at the end of the pier. There is a water fountain outside the toilets near gate D8 and one by the toilets at D6. At the entrance to pier F there is a fountain and bottle refill under the stairs leading to the Mercure Hotel (outside the toilets). ==Buy== The most important thing you need to remember in these European airports is the duty laws for the nation it applies to. There are many shopping options in the airport, though. * {{buy | name=Albert Heijn | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=52.310073 | long=4.762895 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-06-14 | content=Average sized supermarket located before security in the Plaza area between the train station and departures. Good choice for budget travelers wanting to pick up some food before their flight. Note that because of its location before security you cannot bring purchased drinks on your flight. }} ==Connect== * {{listing | name=Free Wi-Fi | alt= | url=http://www.schiphol.nl/Travellers/AtSchiphol/AirportFacilities/InternetTelephone/InternetAccessEverywhere.htm | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-06-14 | content=You need to agree with the terms and conditions beforehand. }} * {{listing | name=Airport Telecom Shop | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=52.308925 | long=4.763474 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-06-14 | content= }} ==Cope== * {{listing | name=Left luggage | alt= | url=http://www.schiphol.nl/Travellers/AtSchiphol/Luggage/LuggageLockers.htm | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-06-14 | content=Coin-operated storage lockers are located along the main hallway through the transit/departure area, across from the start of the E wing. From €6 per 24 hr, maximum one week. }} * {{listing | name=I amsterdam Visitor Centre | alt=Tourist information | url=http://www.iamsterdam.com/en/visiting/plan-your-trip/visitor-information-centres/i-amsterdam-visitor-centre-at-amsterdam-airport-schiphol-arrivals-2 | email= | address= | lat=52.309079 | long=4.763442 | directions=Schiphol Plaza at Arrivals 2 | phone=+31 20 702 6000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=07:00-22:00 | price= | lastedit=2016-06-14 | content= }} ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=citizenM Amsterdam Airport | url=http://www.citizenm.com/schiphol-amsterdam-airport/ | email= | address=Jan Plezierweg 2 | lat=52.309394 | long=4.755806 | directions= | phone=+31 20 811-7080 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=14:00 | checkout=11:00 | price=€69-120 | content=A modern budget hotel with trendy design rooms. Every room has Wi-Fi access, films-on-demand and an LCD television. }} * {{sleep | name=Mercure | alt= | url=https://all.accor.com/hotel/1730/index.en.shtml | email= | address=Lounge 3, Schiphol World Avenue | lat=52.31079 | long=4.76046 | directions= | phone=+31 20 820-1850 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=€85-200 | content=The only full-fledged hotel after passport control. It can only be booked if you are on transit. }} * {{sleep | name=Sheraton | alt= | url=http://www.sheraton.nl | email= | address=Schiphol Boulevard 101 | lat=52.30897 | long=4.76006 | directions= | phone=+31 20 316-4300 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=€269-616 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Yotel | alt= | url=https://www.yotel.com/en/hotels/yotelair-amsterdam-schiphol | email= | address=Lounge 2, Schiphol World Avenue | lat= | long= | directions=near gate D | phone=+31 20 890-3983 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=€46-68 for 4 hours, €10 for any additional hour | lastedit=2019-05-17 | content=Automatically operated hotel cabins that can be booked by the hour (with a minimum stay of 4 hours). Good for a short nap if you're in onward transit. Food and drinks can be ordered with the computerized interface. Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=Hilton Amsterdam Airport Schiphol | alt= | url=https://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/netherlands/hilton-amsterdam-airport-schiphol-AMSAPHI/index.html | email= | address=701 Schiphol Boulevard | lat=52.3070 | long=4.7553 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price={{EUR|180-650}} | lastedit=2017-11-27 | content=Modern 4-star 433 room hotel. Largest hotel near the airport. Reachable by covered walkway from arrivals. }} ===Further afield=== [[Amsterdam]] is the obvious place to look for further hotel options. However, if you simply need a place to stay before or after your flight and don't need to visit Amsterdam specifically, you might consider some of the smaller cities that are easily accessible by rail from the airport. In particular, [[Leiden]] (15 minutes), [[Utrecht]] (30 minutes), [[Den Haag]] (35 minutes), and [[Delft]] (40 minutes) are reachable without transfers, and the savings on your hotel room will often more than make up for the train fare. ==Stay safe== Watch out for [[pickpockets]] and baggage thieves on trains: a common trick is a knock on your window to distract you, so that an accomplice can steal your luggage or laptop. Another one is to have an accomplice jam the doors and then steal your luggage. The thief jumps out and the door immediately closes, making it impossible to catch them. However, railway police have made a great effort to reduce this sort of crime; nowadays it is at 'normal', big-city like levels. It however is recommended not to leave your baggage unattended. This is also announced in the station regularly. ==Go next== Schiphol was built on reclaimed land, and so are the suburban cities around it. [[Hoofddorp]] is the closest town, but it only has a few hotels that could be of use. The most popular attractions for tourists are in [[Amsterdam]], a 20-minute train ride. {{usableairport}} {{IsPartOf|Amstelland}} {{geo|52.32495|4.75880|zoom=13}} atc2sfteblcvz9k1uifai17dmp7nbxy 5087111 5087097 2025-07-03T11:42:20Z Ikan Kekek 36420 Re-deleted. The next time you edit war, you will be blocked. Undo revision [[Special:Diff/5087097|5087097]] by [[Special:Contributions/109.36.231.243|109.36.231.243]] ([[User talk:109.36.231.243|talk]]) 5087111 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Schiphol Wikivoyage Banner v1.jpg}} '''Schiphol Airport''' ({{IATA|AMS}}) is one of the busiest airports in the world. It is {{km|15}} south-west of [[Amsterdam]] in the [[Netherlands]]. It serves the city of Amsterdam and the rest of the Netherlands. It is one of the major hubs in Europe with flights between many destinations in Asia, Europe and North America. It is home to '''[https://www.klm.com/ KLM]''', the Dutch flag carrier. As of 2016, Schiphol Airport is the third busiest in Europe behind [[London Heathrow]] and [[Paris Charles de Gaulle]] and ahead of [[Frankfurt Airport]] as measured by passenger numbers. ==Understand== {{mapframe|52.3154|4.7528|zoom=14}} {{infobox|Well-connected|Amsterdam Schiphol is one of the best-connected airports in the world. It goes back in part to KLM's century-long history and the even longer Dutch tradition of global trade and exploration. Only Frankfurt Airport and Istanbul Airport receive direct flights from more countries than Schiphol. KLM (and other airlines serving AMS) do their very best to expand on this excellent position.}} ===Orientation=== [[File:Amsterdam Schiphol Airport entrance.jpg|350px|thumb|Entrance]] Schiphol has a one-terminal concept, which means that all the departure halls are in one building. However, this can mean long walks from one connecting flight to the other. The airport is divided into several zones. The ground floor before security has the entrance of the airport, the railway station (with the platforms underground), the four Arrivals halls, and '''Schiphol Plaza''', the central shopping zone. On the 1st floor you can find the check-in desks and Departure Halls 1, 2 and 3. From this floor you can go to security, and passport control if catching a non-Schengen flight, and enter the transit area. The terminal is divided into three lounges designated 1, 2 and 3. Piers (also known as concourses) connect to these lounges. It is possible to walk from one concourse to another, even to those connected to different lounges. However, keep in mind that if you're going from lounge 1 to lounge 2 and 3 you must clear immigration as you are leaving the Schengen area. The exception to this is Lounge 4: it is only connected to Concourse M for low-cost carriers. Once past security, passengers in Concourse M cannot access any other lounges or concourses. Lounge 4 has very few facilities. If catching a connecting flight from one of the M gates, you must exit the secure zone though baggage claim and enter lounge 4 like any departing passenger. Few airlines and destinations have a dedicated concourse. KLM and Transavia use all gates except for Concourses H and M. * Lounge 1 is for Schengen flights and consists of concourses '''B''', '''C''' and gates '''D59''' through '''D87'''. Schengen flights departing from gates D are reached by escalator from Lounge 1. * Lounge 2 consists of concourses '''E''' and gates '''D3''' through '''D57''', * Lounge 3 consists of concourses '''F, G and H.''' They serve non-Schengen areas. Concourse H is used by low-cost carriers. * Lounge 4 is fully separated from the other lounges and consists of concourse '''M''', a dedicated Schengen area for low-cost carriers. ===History=== Schiphol opened on 16 September 1916 as a military airbase, with a few barracks and a field serving as platform and runways. When civil aircraft started to use the field (17 December 1920), it was often called Schiphol-les-bains. The Fokker aircraft manufacturer started a factory near Schiphol Airport in 1919. Schiphol's name is derived from a former fortification named Fort Schiphol which was part of the Defense Line of Amsterdam. Before 1852, the Haarlemmermeer polder in which the airport lies was a large lake, in the shallow waters of which sudden violent storms could claim many ships. This was the main reason for reclaiming it. In English, Schiphol translates to 'ship grave', a reference to the many ships lost in the area. KLM was founded on 7 October 1919 by Albert Plesman, making it the oldest carrier in the world still operating under its original name, though the company stopped operating during World War II—apart from the operations in the Dutch Antilles in the Caribbean. The first KLM flight was on 17 May 1920, from Croydon Airport, London to Amsterdam carrying two British journalists and a number of newspapers. In 1921 KLM started scheduled services, and by 1926 it was offering flights to Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Brussels, Paris, London, Bremen, Copenhagen and Malmö. Intercontinental flights to the Netherlands East Indies started in 1929. This was for several years the world's longest scheduled air route. On 1 November 1958 the airline opened the trans-polar route from Amsterdam via Anchorage to Tokyo. Each crew flying the transpolar route over the Arctic was equipped with a winter survival kit, including an AR-10 carbine for use against polar bears in the event the plane was forced down onto the polar ice. KLM merged with Air France in May 2004 to form Air France-KLM, but both airlines continue to fly under their distinct brand names. ===Visitor information=== * [https://www.schiphol.nl/en/ Airport website] ==Flights== KLM offers worldwide connections. Asia, Europe and North America are particularly well served. Delta Air Lines connects Schiphol with nine US destinations. British Airways offer up to 15 flights per day to three airports in London. Transavia, Easyjet and other low-cost carriers provide a fairly economical way to city-hop to Amsterdam from other cities in Europe. ==Ground transportation== For most travellers, the most convenient way to reach Amsterdam or other major destinations in the Netherlands from the airport is by train, with most destinations reachable either directly or with one change. ===By train=== [[File:NS Kaartautomaten.jpg|thumb|Train ticket machines at Schiphol Airport railway station]] {{See also|Rail travel in the Netherlands}} The {{marker|type=go|name=Schiphol Airport station|lat=52.308889|long=4.761667|wikidata=Q801410}} is underground train station under the main airport hall with with three platforms: * '''Tracks 1 & 2''': Domestic services via Amsterdam, either via Amsterdam Zuid (South) or Amsterdam Centraal (Central). Both are connected to the Amsterdam Metro, and which station you travel to depends on where in Amsterdam you're staying. These services then continue onwards to either [[Lelystad]] or [[Utrecht]], continuing to [[Nijmegen]], or [[Amersfoort]] and [[Groningen]] or [[Leeuwarden]] * '''Tracks 3 & 4''': (Airport) sprinter (= slow services) between [[Amsterdam]] and [[Hoofddorp]], and the occasional overflow of other tracks. * '''Tracks 5 & 6''': Domestic services going south towards [[Den Haag]] and/or [[Rotterdam]]. In the case of international services, these connect to [[Antwerp]]en, [[Brussels|Brussel]]-Zuid, [[Paris]]-Nord and further into France, as well as [[London]] Euston-St. Pancras. For some trains only the departing platform (1-2, 3-4, 5-6) is known and not the actual track, just wait at the platform untill the train arrives at one of the two tracks. If you travel 2nd class, you can pay for your trip with a debit or credit card (VISA, Mastercard, V-Pay, Maestro) by tapping your card at the poles or gates. This system is called OVPay. Remember to check-in and out, and also if you change operator. See the [[OV-chipkaart|OV-Chipkaart]] article for more information. If you want to travel first class you can either buy QR-tickets in travel apps like NS Reisplanner or buy paper tickets at the ticket machines or desks with a €1.50 surcharge. There are machines in the baggage claim area, and at the train station (Plaza). All machines accept Mastercard, VISA, American Express, Maestro and V-Pay chip-and-PIN cards. As of the 2025 schedule, prices are as follows: * To Amsterdam: Centraal {{EUR|4.90}}, Zuid {{EUR|3.30}}, Lelylaan {{EUR|3.50}}. * To The Hague (Den Haag): Centraal {{EUR|9.80}}, Hollands Spoor (HS) {{EUR|10.00}}. * To Rotterdam Centraal: {{EUR|14.50}}, {{EUR|3.00}} surcharge added when travelling via the high speed line (Intercity Direct and Eurocity Direct services). * To Utrecht Centraal: {{EUR|10.20}} If you travel to Amsterdam, you can buy an ''[[Amsterdam#Amsterdam Travel Ticket|Amsterdam Travel Ticket]]'', which includes a train return ticket to and from Schiphol to any of Amsterdam's stations, plus unlimited travel on all GVB trams, metro and (night) buses for 1, 2 or 3 days. Eurostar services ''need'' to be booked in advance and are cheaper the earlier you book. International services by NS and NMBS/SNCB use variable pricing, and are also cheaper the earlier you book. ===By bus=== The {{marker |type=go |name=bus station |lat=52.308860943 |long=4.7614978}} is located just outside the entrance of Schiphol's terminal building. There are buses to every destination nearby Schiphol, either direct or with a change at stops Beukenhorst or Knooppunt Schiphol Zuid. * {{listing | name=Amsterdam Airport Express | alt=Bus #397 | url=https://www.connexxion.nl/amsterdam-airport-express/1241 | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€6.50 (from driver); [https://eticket.connexxion.nl/en-US/ e-ticket] €6.50 (single) €11.25 (return) €1.00 (child under 11) or consider [[Amsterdam#Amsterdam Travel Ticket|Amsterdam Travel Ticket]]. The fare is €3.55 if paid by OV-chipkaart | lastedit=2019-10-09 | content=''Connexxion'' operates a service between the airport and Museumplein, Rijksmuseum, and Leidseplein. The bus is only worth taking if these stops are closer to your accommodation. Buses depart from platform B9 daily from 05:01-00:21 every approx. 15 minutes. In the night bus '''#97''' runs the same route roughly every hour. Tickets are sold by a marked minivan parked at the bus stop outside the terminal during daytime. }} * '''Bus 300''' To Amsterdam Bijlmer or the other way to Hoofddorp and Haarlem. Runs every 5-8 minutes or so and is useful for connecting with other buses and trains. * {{listing | name=GVB Bus #369 | alt= | url=https://reisinfo.gvb.nl/en/lijnen/369/dienstregeling/heen | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=See Getting Around part on Amsterdam page on GVB ticket | lastedit=2023-08-06 | content=GVB operates bus #369 (branded R-Net) between the airport (Schiphol Airport/Plaza) and Amsterdam Sloterdijk station. Depending on your destination in Amsterdam you can save some time and/or save some money by avoiding travel with the train. The bus offer interchange with bus or tram '''#1, 2, 7, 12, 13, 17, 21, 22, 27''' along its route. }} ===By taxi=== Do not use a taxi unless there is no alternative; travel to Schiphol by train or by bus, if possible. '''Taxis''' from Schiphol are unexpectedly expensive. You pay around €7.50 (as of Oct 08<!--are there no more up to date figures?-->) as a minimum charge and that includes the first 2&nbsp;km. Then the meter starts racing. The ride costs about €40-50 to go to, say, the Leidseplein. Depending on the time of day and traffic levels, it could take only 25 min. If you're unlucky, it could take twice as long. Choose the nicest cab as that driver is more likely to be reputable. You don't have to pick the first taxi in line. If possible, reserve a cab up-front, this will ensure a fixed price for the ride. If taking a taxi to Schiphol from the city there's a flat fee of €35. You can also catch an Uber from the city centre to Schiphol, there is no fixed price. There are also taxis in the form of minivans but those are significantly more expensive. Around €50-60 for a ride to Amsterdam, Hoofddorp, Aalsmeer or Amstelveen (all in the direct vicinity of Schiphol). There is a way to get 50% discount on your ride to Amsterdam or 20% discount to other destinations. Look for an upcoming TCA taxi (spot the roof light!) at the ''departure halls'' (on the first floor). Say 'hello' to the driver while the passengers step off. This works out for you and the driver as he's not allowed to wait for customers at the airport and this way he doesn't have to drive back empty. In Schiphol's bus station, there are illicit taxi drivers shouting "TAXI!" and waving a taxi sign in the air. Avoid them at all cost, they're scammers. ===By shuttle service=== * {{listing | name=Connexxion Hotel Shuttle | alt= | url=http://www.schipholhotelshuttle.nl | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 38 3394741 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Serves over 100 city centre hotels, with 8-seater shared van departures about every 30 minutes between 06:00 and 21:00, cost to most city centre destinations €15.50/25.00 one-way/return—more convenient than the train if you have heavy luggage and still cheaper than a taxi. Buses depart from platform A7 and can be reserved for the trip back }} * '''[https://www.uber.com/cities/amsterdam UberBlack]''' rides to/from the airport cost a fixed rate of €60. * [https://www.staxi.nl/en/ '''Staxi'''] offers fixed fare transfers to and from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. === By car === If you want to go to Schiphol in your own car, that is also an option, that could be especially convenient if you come from further away to get your flight and other options like taxi might get too expensive. This is the official Schiphol parking. * P1 Parking: Directly opposite the terminal, P1 Parking is suitable for both short stays (up to 48 hours) and long stays, with mostly covered parking spaces. This parking area is designed to accommodate passengers who are either departing from or arriving at the airport for short trips, pickups, or drop-offs. * P3 Long Term Parking: This option is divided into two sections: P3 Long Term Sheltered and P3 Long Term Unsheltered. Both offer long-stay parking (minimum of 8 hours) with a complimentary shuttle service to the terminal. The sheltered parking provides covered spaces to protect vehicles from the elements, while the unsheltered parking is the most cost-efficient option. Both sections include baggage loading points. * P4 Basic Parking at Schiphol offers affordable, uncovered parking. After self-parking, travelers use a complimentary shuttle to the terminal, available 24/7 from the lot entrance. The shuttle operates every 15 minutes, taking about 10 minutes to reach the terminal. Reservations must be made on Schiphol's website, and rates vary by season and booking time, with limited cheap spots available. * P6 Valet Parking: P6 offers a premium valet service where travelers can drop off their car at the terminal, and it will be parked securely by an attendant. This service is available for both short and long stays and features video street, GPS, and km tracker to ensure the security and monitoring of your vehicle. It's a convenient option for those seeking quick access to the departures area, as it's just a 2 to 3-minute walk from the terminal. There are other companies like Mobypark offering [https://www.mobypark.com/en/city/parking/amsterdam/destination/amsterdam-airport-schiphol Schiphol parking]. They are substantially cheaper than the official parking as they have agreements with the surrounding hotels to use their parking spaces. This option is especially interesting for mid and long duration trips, the car can be parked for less than 9€ per day and less than 100€ per month. Some of them even include a shuttle service to the terminal. ===By rental car=== If you plan to rent a car for the duration of your stay, Schiphol has several car rental companies on site [http://www.schiphol.nl/Transport/AccessibilityTransport/CarRental.htm]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. Typical opening hours are 06:00-23:00 daily. The car rental desk can be found in Schiphol Plaza, on the same level as the Arrivals. The A4 motorway leads straight from Schiphol to the Amsterdam ring road A10, in about 10 min. ===By bike=== If you decided to bring your bicycle on the plane with you, there is a 15-km sign-posted bike route from the airport to Amsterdam. Turn right as you leave the airport terminal: the cycle path starts about 200 m down the road. There is a map of the cycle paths around Schiphol available on [https://www.schiphol.nl/en/download/b2b/1654177926/66xfl2JVwPnkG43xyMfpPO.pdf this PDF] (green lines are cycle paths). The part directly at Schiphol Plaza is illogical and confusing, as there are no bike lanes and directions, and there are frequent diversions because of building projects. ==Get around== The airport is one large terminal, so you never need to leave the building or take a shuttle train. However you can only get around on foot (and travelator, such as the hallway to Concourse B). Expect to walk long distances. This is especially true if you arrive on a Schengen flight and connect to a non-Schengen flight or the other way around, likely in another concourse (pier). If you are departing, you will go through security first and then passport check if exiting the Schengen area. EU, EEA, Swiss can use fully automated e-gates on departure and arrival. When departing through Schiphol, American, Australian, Canadian, Hong Konger, Japanese, New Zealander and South Korean citizens can use automated immigration facilities in a separate queue. A border agent will still manually stamp your passport after using the machine. Other nationalities will go through another line where manual passport inspection by a border agent takes place. During busy times (such as the rush around 06:00-09:00), the separate security and passport sessions can take 20-30 or more minutes. Choose flights with adequate connection times. Schiphol had a major redesign of its concourses to simplify security procedures, which are no longer conducted at the gates. Because the Netherlands is a part of the Schengen area, connecting to a Schengen destination one has to clear immigration at Schiphol even if the Netherlands isn't your final destination in Schengen: * If you are staying within the '''Schengen''' area, you will not clear immigration, if departing from Schiphol you will pass security. If connecting through Schiphol, you will not go through security. ** For example, if you are flying in from '''Spain''' and connecting to '''Sweden''' you will not pass security or immigration. * If you arrive from a '''non-Schengen''' country that has as strict or more strict security procedures than Schiphol (usually the US, UK or Canada), then you will not pass through '''security''' again at Schiphol. However you will need to use the Passport Control to cross into the Schengen Zone for most European connections. ** For example: if you fly in from the '''United States''' and are taking a connecting flight to '''Italy'''. You will '''not pass security''' but will pass through '''immigration''' as you are entering the '''Schengen''' area in Amsterdam. ** For example: if you fly in from the '''United States''' and are taking a connecting flight to '''Morocco''' You will '''not go through security and immigration''' as you're not entering the Schengen zone. * If you arrive from '''Africa, Asia, or most other nations outside the EU''' (except the US and Canada), then you will be guided through '''security processing'''. There are separate security sections based on whether you will be staying in Schengen or remaining outside of it. If you are entering the Schengen area you'll also pass immigration. ** For example: if you fly in from '''South Africa''' and are heading to '''Canada''', you will go through '''security''' but '''not through immigration''' as you are traveling between '''non-Schengen countries'''. ** For example: if you fly in from '''South Africa''' and are heading to '''Germany''', you will go through both '''security''' and '''immigration''' as you're entering the '''Schengen''' area in Amsterdam ==Wait== ===Before security=== * {{listing | name=Panorama Terrace | alt=Panoramaterras | url=https://www.schiphol.nl/en/at-schiphol/see-planes-up-close-from-panorama-terrace/ | email= | address=3F | lat= | long= | directions=go upstairs from Schiphol Plaza between Arrivals 1 and 2 or at Arrivals 3 | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Nov-Mar 09:00-17:00, Apr-Oct 07:00-20:00 (closed in case of bad weather) | price=Free | lastedit=2025-05-31 | content=The panorama terrace at the top floor oversees planes arriving and leaving gates C, D and E. Bring your camera or use the telescopes. A Fokker 100 airplane is displayed on the terrace; it has a tiny museum inside about the history of Fokker, the largest Dutch airplane manufacturer. Especially fun for children. There is a restaurant near the terrace. }} * {{listing | name=Sheraton Fitness & Spa | alt= | url=http://www.sheratonamsterdamairporthotel.com/fitness | email= | address=Sheraton Hotel, Schiphol Boulevard 101 | lat= | long= | directions=between Schiphol Plaza and the World Trade Center | phone=+31 20 316-4300 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=24 hours daily (sauna, steam room 06:00-23:00) | price=€20/day | content=You can get a day pass for an unlimited use of the fitness room, sauna, rainforest showers, steam room and wellness area. }} ===After security=== * {{listing | name=Airport Library | url= | email= | address=Holland Boulevard, Schiphol World Avenue | lat= | long= | directions=between gates E and F | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | content=The world's first airport library. Reading books and listening to music is mostly done digitally, using tablet computers. You can download the books to your own digital device for reading on your journey. An interesting way to learn more about Dutch culture and literature. }} * {{listing | name=Airport Park | alt= | url=https://www.schiphol.nl/en/facilities/airport-park/ | email= | address=Lounge 1, Schiphol World Avenue | lat= | long= | directions=between Het Palais and the Passport Control to Lounge 2 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=24 hours | price=Free | lastedit=2017-10-20 | content=Who would expect a city park right inside an airport terminal? Obviously, it's not an ordinary city park, as the butterflies are projected onto the walls, and the sounds of nature come from the park's speakers. Still, it's the one of the most tranquil environments you'll find in an airport serving millions of travelers each year. }} * {{listing | name=Rijksmuseum | url= | email= | address=Holland Boulevard, Schiphol World Avenue | lat= | long= | directions=between gates E and F | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=07:00-20:00 daily | price=Free | content=Schiphol has an annex of the acclaimed Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam in its terminal. The permanent exhibition displays ten works by well-known painters from the Dutch Golden Age (17th century). The temporary exhibition changes a few times a year. Souvenirs are available at the museum shop. }} ===Lounges=== Airline lounges on Schiphol have a unique number and are signposted only with these numbers. For each listing the departure lounge (1, 2 or 3) is also given. * {{listing | name=Aspire Lounge (Schengen) | alt=Lounge 26 | url=https://www.executivelounges.com/airports/amsterdam-schiphol-airport | email= | address=Lounge 1 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=06:00 - 21:00 daily. No entry after 20:30 | price= | lastedit=2023-02-14 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Aspire Lounge (non-Schengen) | alt=Lounge 41 | url=https://www.executivelounges.com/airports/amsterdam-schiphol-airport | email= | address=Lounge 2, near the E-gates | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=06:00 - 21:00 daily. No entry after 20:30 | price= | lastedit=2024-02-25 | content= }} * {{listing | name= KLM Crown Lounge (Schengen)| alt=Lounge 25 | url=https://www.klm.nl/en/information/airport/crown-lounges | email= | address= Lounge 1, on the 2nd floor near the D-gates| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=06:00 - 22:00| price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-06-26 | content= }} * {{listing | name=KLM Crown Lounge (non-Schengen) | alt=Lounge 52| url=https://www.klm.nl/en/information/airport/crown-lounges | email= | address= Lounge 3, entrance on the 2nd floor| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=06:00 - 22:00 | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-06-26 | content= }} * {{listing | name=OneWorld Lounge (non-Schengen) | alt=Lounge 40 | url= | email= | address=Lounge 2, between D and E Gates on the 3rd floor | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=05:30-22:00 daily | price= | lastedit=2024-02-25 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Star Aliance Lounge (Schengen) | alt=Lounge 27 | url=https://www.staralliance.com/en/lounge-finder | email= | address=Lounge 1, entrance on the 2nd floor, near the D-gates, next to the Aspire lounge | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M-Su 05:30-21:00 | price= | lastedit=2023-02-14 | content= }} ==Eat and drink== There are plenty of cafes and restaurants at the airport, both before and after passport control. Most are quite expensive, so the fast-food joints are the only option if you're on a budget. * {{eat | name=Burger King | alt= | url= | email= | address=Schiphol Plaza | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=24 hours | price= | content=Not just your average Burger King, this is the busiest one in the world with 1.3 million visitors a year. It has never closed since its opening in 1993. But the menu is the still the same. Burgers. }} * {{eat | name=McDonald's Lounge 2 | alt= | url=http://mcdonaldsschiphol.nl | email= | address=Lounge 2, Schiphol World Avenue | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=05:30-21:00 daily | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=McDonald's Lounge 3 | alt= | url=http://mcdonaldsschiphol.nl | email= | address=Lounge 3, Schiphol World Avenue | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=06:00-22:00 daily | price= | content= }} There are drinking water fountains available throughout the airport, but in the majority of cases these are located before security checks. If you want to fill your empty water bottle after security checks: this might be possible depending on the gate. Lounge 4 (pier M) has two fountains near the toilets. On piers H and M, toilets are available with cold drinking water, all the way at the end of the pier. There is a water fountain outside the toilets near gate D8 and one by the toilets at D6. At the entrance to pier F there is a fountain and bottle refill under the stairs leading to the Mercure Hotel (outside the toilets). ==Buy== The most important thing you need to remember in these European airports is the duty laws for the nation it applies to. There are many shopping options in the airport, though. * {{buy | name=Albert Heijn | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=52.310073 | long=4.762895 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-06-14 | content=Average sized supermarket located before security in the Plaza area between the train station and departures. Good choice for budget travelers wanting to pick up some food before their flight. Note that because of its location before security you cannot bring purchased drinks on your flight. }} ==Connect== * {{listing | name=Free Wi-Fi | alt= | url=http://www.schiphol.nl/Travellers/AtSchiphol/AirportFacilities/InternetTelephone/InternetAccessEverywhere.htm | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-06-14 | content=You need to agree with the terms and conditions beforehand. }} * {{listing | name=Airport Telecom Shop | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=52.308925 | long=4.763474 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-06-14 | content= }} ==Cope== * {{listing | name=Left luggage | alt= | url=http://www.schiphol.nl/Travellers/AtSchiphol/Luggage/LuggageLockers.htm | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-06-14 | content=Coin-operated storage lockers are located along the main hallway through the transit/departure area, across from the start of the E wing. From €6 per 24 hr, maximum one week. }} * {{listing | name=I amsterdam Visitor Centre | alt=Tourist information | url=http://www.iamsterdam.com/en/visiting/plan-your-trip/visitor-information-centres/i-amsterdam-visitor-centre-at-amsterdam-airport-schiphol-arrivals-2 | email= | address= | lat=52.309079 | long=4.763442 | directions=Schiphol Plaza at Arrivals 2 | phone=+31 20 702 6000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=07:00-22:00 | price= | lastedit=2016-06-14 | content= }} ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=citizenM Amsterdam Airport | url=http://www.citizenm.com/schiphol-amsterdam-airport/ | email= | address=Jan Plezierweg 2 | lat=52.309394 | long=4.755806 | directions= | phone=+31 20 811-7080 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=14:00 | checkout=11:00 | price=€69-120 | content=A modern budget hotel with trendy design rooms. Every room has Wi-Fi access, films-on-demand and an LCD television. }} * {{sleep | name=Mercure | alt= | url=https://all.accor.com/hotel/1730/index.en.shtml | email= | address=Lounge 3, Schiphol World Avenue | lat=52.31079 | long=4.76046 | directions= | phone=+31 20 820-1850 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=€85-200 | content=The only full-fledged hotel after passport control. It can only be booked if you are on transit. }} * {{sleep | name=Sheraton | alt= | url=http://www.sheraton.nl | email= | address=Schiphol Boulevard 101 | lat=52.30897 | long=4.76006 | directions= | phone=+31 20 316-4300 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=€269-616 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Yotel | alt= | url=https://www.yotel.com/en/hotels/yotelair-amsterdam-schiphol | email= | address=Lounge 2, Schiphol World Avenue | lat= | long= | directions=near gate D | phone=+31 20 890-3983 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=€46-68 for 4 hours, €10 for any additional hour | lastedit=2019-05-17 | content=Automatically operated hotel cabins that can be booked by the hour (with a minimum stay of 4 hours). Good for a short nap if you're in onward transit. Food and drinks can be ordered with the computerized interface. Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=Hilton Amsterdam Airport Schiphol | alt= | url=https://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/netherlands/hilton-amsterdam-airport-schiphol-AMSAPHI/index.html | email= | address=701 Schiphol Boulevard | lat=52.3070 | long=4.7553 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price={{EUR|180-650}} | lastedit=2017-11-27 | content=Modern 4-star 433 room hotel. Largest hotel near the airport. Reachable by covered walkway from arrivals. }} ===Further afield=== [[Amsterdam]] is the obvious place to look for further hotel options. However, if you simply need a place to stay before or after your flight and don't need to visit Amsterdam specifically, you might consider some of the smaller cities that are easily accessible by rail from the airport. In particular, [[Leiden]] (15 minutes), [[Utrecht]] (30 minutes), [[Den Haag]] (35 minutes), and [[Delft]] (40 minutes) are reachable without transfers, and the savings on your hotel room will often more than make up for the train fare. ==Stay safe== Watch out for [[pickpockets]] and baggage thieves on trains: a common trick is a knock on your window to distract you, so that an accomplice can steal your luggage or laptop. Another one is to have an accomplice jam the doors and then steal your luggage. The thief jumps out and the door immediately closes, making it impossible to catch them. However, railway police have made a great effort to reduce this sort of crime; nowadays it is at 'normal', big-city like levels. It however is recommended not to leave your baggage unattended. This is also announced in the station regularly. ==Go next== Schiphol was built on reclaimed land, and so are the suburban cities around it. [[Hoofddorp]] is the closest town, but it only has a few hotels that could be of use. The most popular attractions for tourists are in [[Amsterdam]], a 20-minute train ride. {{usableairport}} {{IsPartOf|Amstelland}} {{geo|52.32495|4.75880|zoom=13}} ffjqgnjbc6y7i1hs76w0jrlehdcsk74 0 124913 5086784 5038848 2025-07-02T20:37:25Z Mrkstvns 144844 /* Coyotes */ - new section 5086784 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Bear Alaska banner.jpg|caption:Brown bear in Alaska}} : ''This article describes large animals. See [[pests]] for insects and other small animals.'' Any large '''animal''' is capable of killing a human, and almost any small animal, from the size of a mouse, is capable of inflicting a nasty injury. Even apparently unlikely animals can be dangerous: a cute bunny has both claws and teeth, a large goose can be extremely nasty, and in 2014 a fisherman in Belarus died from a beaver bite when he tried to grab the animal to get a good photo. Proverbially dangerous beasts include a cornered animal, males of some species in mating season, and a mother with offspring to protect. Even otherwise gentle domestic animals can be dangerous in some circumstances: a horse may kick if startled, a dog may snap if interrupted while feeding, and so on. Some species such as hyenas and wolverines have a reputation for being bad-tempered enough to attack more-or-less anything that comes in range. Large predators, such as crocodiles, sharks and big cats, are obviously dangerous. However, very few animal species regard human beings as prey. More people are killed by large herbivores than by predators. In North America, moose attack more people than bears and mountain lions combined. Worldwide, hippos injure more people than any other animal, and moose rank second. In the water, jellyfish cause more injuries than sharks. Pets should be protected with care and concern. Dog owners should always make use of a leash. To a predator, an unaccompanied dog may look like easy prey. A naïve dog may attack a predator, which could result in serious injury to your pet, or ultimately to the pet owner. Most animals, large or small, can also be [[pests]] by stealing food, spreading infections, or damaging property. Keep in mind that a physical bite or scratch is not the only risk. Animals may also be carriers of [[rabies]]; bats in particular are dangerous for this, but any mammal can carry it. If you have potentially been exposed to rabies, prompt treatment is critical. Treatment only works prior to development of symptoms, and rabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms develop. ==Understand== {{quote|...release the tiger!|author=Monty Python|source=''Self-defence against fruit''}} Wild animals are much more dangerous than domesticated pets. Certain predators and any large animals in the wild can become quite dangerous, especially in groups. Never go close to wild or feral animals, and ask before approaching domestic ones. Any feeding should be done with a good understanding of the issues. Few species will do you harm if you '''keep your distance''', but the appropriate distance varies both with species and with circumstances. Unless you are an expert on the species in question, follow the general rule that '''if the animal's behavior changes at all''' (even turning its head to look at you), then '''back off immediately'''. If you want to [[wildlife photography|photograph wildlife]], get a nice long [[Travel_photography/Full systems#Telephoto lenses|telephoto lens]] so you can keep your distance and avoid disturbing the animals. This is much safer and it is also very likely to give better pictures. Nearly all dangerous animals are far faster than most humans. Do not count on running away if it attacks, but stay far enough that it does not attack. This includes seemingly clumsy animals like hippos, bears, crocodiles and musk oxen, and small ones like snakes. They may not run far, but may reach much farther than you supposed. For some predators, turning your back and running away activates their hunting instinct, so controlling your nerves may be important. Captive animals are no less dangerous than their wild relatives. Safari parks and [[zoos]] with the best handling practices have still had animal attacks on staff and visitors. Follow rules and staff instructions. See also our article on [[pests]], small animals able to annoy, infect or poison people. See [[animal collisions]] for traffic accidents involving animals. ==Risk factors== High-risk places, where wild animals are often seen: * Streams and other bodies of water; especially in dry regions and seasons as water is scarce * Farmlands, landfills and waste bins, where wild animals might look for food * When you see one animal, others are probably nearby Times and situations when animals might be aggressive: * Cornered * Mating season * Protecting offspring * Protecting killed prey * Provoked by dogs * Sunrise and sunset, when animals are on the move; also has a blinding effect ==Birds== The largest birds, such as ostriches and emus, can kick down a human. The cassowary, found in northern Australia and New Guinea, has been known to deal fatal injuries to people and other animals, but is usually shy and avoids humans. Some birds protect their nests or offspring quite aggressively. Some owls are especially nasty, as they often attack without any preceding fake attacks – and in total silence. The aggressive Ural owl does warn, and you should take its warning call seriously. ===Swooping season in Australia=== [[File:Bicycle helmet with zip-ties.jpg|thumb|The nylon zip ties on this helmet discourage territorial magpies from striking the rider.]] Australian magpies ''(Cracticus tibicen)'' are a common bird found throughout Australia. In September and October, their mating season, they become extremely vigilant in defending their nests and young and will divebomb and peck anything they perceive as a threat – usually humans. Due to the sheer number of these birds, simply walking down a street can result in multiple attacks. As such, this time of year has colloquially become known among Australians as "swooping season". There is no way to stop the magpies, but various techniques have been developed to prevent injury. Zipties tied to a bicycle helmet have proven effective, as have other hard plastic head coverings. ===Urban gulls=== Gulls, informally referred to as "seagulls", were once primarily sea-going birds that nested on cliffs and in other wild places. Some time in the 1940s, however, some types of gull began to move increasingly into human settlements and nest there instead. It is not entirely known why this shift occurred, but as some gulls are opportunistic and adaptable feeders it is possible that they found easy food in newly-made landfill sites and on the street. Seeing a squad of gulls quickly hoover up a discarded doner kebab is something of a spectacle. Two of the species that moved in next door to people, herring gulls and lesser black-backed gulls, are vigilant in defending their nests and young. Even if they've seen and lived next to humans every day of their lives, once their chicks hatch, everything and anything can be seen as a potential threat. These gulls are large and have sharp beaks and claws, and injuries occur often. There is no way to prevent the gulls from attacking, and harming the gulls or their nests and young is illegal (in certain cases licences can be granted). Gulls can be discouraged from areas by removing readily-available food sources such as easily torn bin bags and stopping people from directly feeding the birds. Nesting can be discouraged by fitting specially-made spikes. All discouraging methods should be started early in the year before the birds start to breed. Do not contribute to the problem by letting them get food from you. In some places tourists are a major source of food – offered, abandoned or taken from you. === Birds of prey === Birds of prey — such as owls, falcons, kites, vultures, condors, hawks, and eagles — are, by nature, solitary animals and they generally avoid interacting with humans and other birds of prey unless they've been provoked or are curious about something. Birds of prey have strong, sharp talons and beaks and they are capable of inflicting serious injuries. Small pets — such as cats and dogs — are especially vulnerable to attacks from birds of prey; consider being around your pet when you go out for a walk, or keeping them indoors. The best way to admire and appreciate birds of prey is to observe them from a safe distance. If it seems that a bird of prey is about to attack you for whatever reason, make loud noises (yelling, screaming, clapping) or flash lights at them to scare them off. Birds of prey are protected by all kinds of laws in many countries; it is illegal to disturb them, their habitats or their nests. ==Fish== ===Sharks=== Of the hundreds of known species of sharks, only a handful are regarded as posing a significant risk to human safety, and attacks on humans are rare. The rarity of shark attacks, however, does not mean they cannot be fatal. Nor does the seemingly random nature of shark attacks help to allay fears about being bitten. Sharks usually attack because they think you are a seal, a turtle, a fish, or various other types of prey. Sometimes they test bite if they are curious, but sharks do not intentionally bite, attack, or kill humans. Here are a few common sense tips to reduce the risk of encountering sharks: [[File:Sharks outside cage.jpg|thumb|Shark cage diving]] * Swim close to shore. * Swim, dive or surf with other people. * Avoid areas where there are large schools of fish, dolphins, seals or sea lions and close to bird rookeries. * Avoid areas where animal, human or fish waste enters the water. * Avoid deep channels or areas with deep drop-offs nearby. * Do not remain in the water with bleeding wounds. * Look carefully before jumping into the water from a boat or jetty. * If spearing fish, don't carry dead or bleeding fish attached to you and remove all speared fish from the water as quickly as possible. * If schooling fish or other wildlife start to behave erratically or congregate in large numbers, leave the water. * If you see a shark, leave the water as quickly and calmly as possible – avoid excessive splashing or noise.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ ===Stonefish=== Stonefish (genus ''Synanceia'') are a venomous fish; their sting causes excruciating pain and can be fatal. They get their name from their mottled color and tendency to lie on the bottom looking much like a stone; they are quite difficult to see and avoid. In some areas it is common to wear running shoes while swimming to protect against being stung. An antivenin is available and anyone who is stung should try to get it as quickly as possible. First-aid treatments include hot water, which breaks down the venom, and vinegar, which reduces the pain. Stonefish are found in warm waters across the Indian Ocean and into the Pacific, at least from the [[Red Sea]] to the [[Philippines]]. They are a serious hazard in parts of [[Queensland]]. ===Lionfish=== [[File:Red_lionfish_near_Gilli_Banta_Island.JPG|thumb|Lionfish in Indonesia]] The Pterois genus, most commonly known as '''lionfish''' are a venomous fish characterized by conspicuous warning coloration with red, white, creamy, or black bands and venomous spiky fin rays. Stings are extremely painful and can lead to nausea, convulsions, temporary paralysis, heart failure, and, in extreme cases, death. Young children and people with weak immune systems are particularly susceptible. Treatment is available and should be sought as a soon as possible. Though native to the Indo-Pacific they have spread throughout the world, and are common in [[the Caribbean]]. In [[Florida]] and [[The Bahamas]] they are treated as invasive species, and any sighting should be reported to wildlife managers. == Insects == {{main|Pests}} In some countries, biting insects are capable of inflicting serious illnesses, and in some cases life threatening conditions. It is well worth researching whether countries you are visiting have any warnings regarding dangerous insects. In some countries ant bites can create serious reactions. The [[malaria]] mosquito kills more people than any other animal. In tropical countries the risk of other insect-transferred diseases, such as [[dengue fever]] and [[zika fever]], must be taken seriously. == Jellyfish == {{main|Jellyfish}} In Northern [[Australia]] – and specifically the [[Northern Territory]] – on the coast, beach swimming is strongly advised against due to the difficult to see and very dangerous forms of jellyfish. General advice is not to touch any jellyfish, even ones that are dead on the shore, as they may still be able to deliver a sting. ==Mammals== ===Apes=== Most ape species live in troops and are highly territorial. They will not generally bother humans who keep their distance, but if you provoke them then the whole troop (or at least all the young males) may attack. [[File:Gorilla gorilla gorilla 02.jpg|thumb|A gorilla]] '''Baboons''' protect their territory and troop quite fiercely, both by direct attacks and by hurling rocks. They sometimes kill a leopard or hyena that gets too close and can usually drive lions off. '''Chimpanzees''' have been known to attack humans in the wild, and can cause serious injury or death. '''Gorillas''' have in rare cases attacked humans, but they generally don't attack unless provoked, and will show warning signs before attacking. Even if you reckon you could easily punch out Chuck Norris, you should definitely back off if a gorilla acts aggressive. Adults are all at least {{kg|100}}, some over {{kg|250}}, and most are far stronger than any human. '''Orangutans''' are less dangerous than gorillas because they are smaller (average {{kg|75}} for adults), they generally live in smaller troops, and they mostly live in the trees so humans are less likely to get too close. ===Bears=== [[File:Blackbearwaterton.jpg|thumbnail|Know your bears. Not a grizzly bear being aggressive but a cinnamon colored black bear eating dandelions. Still, you should really not get this close!]] '''Bear danger''' is prevalent in most areas populated with bears. Before [[Hiking|backpackers]] are allowed to enter an area with bears, they may be required to watch an instructional video on how to avoid encountering or agitating bears. If not, you can still ask for advice. Best strategies for dealing with bear danger differ from place to place. In any area, making noise to avoid startling a bear and to prevent yourself from getting between a mother and her cubs will increase your safety. Many hikers wear special ''bear bells'' at their ankles to warn the bears of human presence. It is always safer to hike in noisy groups rather than solo. In some areas, food and scratches should be handled such that the bears cannot get at them, or at least do not come to you for them. [[File:Warning sign polar bears.jpg|thumb|Serious hazard: The text says the warning about dangerous bears applies to the entire [[Svalbard]] region.]] '''Polar bears''' have no reluctance in stalking and eating people; they survive mainly by hunting, and humans are roughly the same size and shape as seals, which are among their usual prey. If you visit areas within the polar bear habitat, such as [[Churchill]] (in the Canadian Arctic) or [[Svalbard]], you must take special precautions to avoid becoming prey. The best way to avoid being attacked is not to enter any area where polar bears live or to remain inside a hard-shell vehicle or building. Consult local authorities before leaving settlements. Having an armed guide, trained to deal with the polar bears, is often required in such areas. The polar bear is very fast; you cannot run away from them. '''Other types''' of bears, such as black bears and grizzly bears, are versatile foragers rather than pure hunters; they are less likely to want to eat you and much more likely to want to eat your food. But regardless, they are big, extremely strong animals that can easily maul an adult human being to death, so be careful when you visit areas where they live. The advice below is about them. The European brown bear generally avoids humans, but can attack for self defence. Hunters are attacked now and then, by a wounded bear or one harassed by the hunter's dog. There have been attacks on tourists in remote regions of the Italian [[Alps]], and bear attacks are on the rise in [[Romania]] as of 2024. At rare occasions somebody succeeds in getting between a mother and her cubs and might be unlucky enough to get killed. ====Dealing with bear encounters==== {{infobox|Bear Hang|Hanging food in a tree does not guarantee it will be safe, but any method other than counterbalancing will probably not protect it. Hang food only when storage boxes or bear-proof containers or panniers are not available. Find a tree with a live, down-sloping branch, even if you must select a different campsite. Divide food into two balanced bags. Store soap, sunscreen, deodorant, toothpaste and garbage in the same way as food. Bears are attracted to anything with an odor. Use enough rope to go over the branch and back to the ground. Toss it far out on the branch where it will support the weight of the food but not a bear cub. Make sure no objects are below the branch that could support a bear. Tie on and hoist the first sack up to the branch. Tie the second sack as high as you can on the rope; put the excess rope in the sack, leaving a loop out so you can retrieve it. Toss or use a stick to push the lower sack until both sacks are at equal height. To retrieve the sacks, hook a long stick through the loop of excess rope. Pull slowly to avoid tangles.}} The advice below applies to omnivores such as brown and black bears, for the completely carnivorous polar bear, see above. In North America, know the difference between grizzly bears and black bears. Grizzlies have a large hump on their back near the head and often have fur that looks frosted. Black bears can be black, brown or reddish in color. Bears of all kinds are curious. They will inspect just about anything (ships, cars, homes) to see if anything is playable or edible. If you see a bear, back off slowly or keep your distance and make noise to avoid startling the bear. The best noise in this situation may be talking with a calm voice (which tells the bear you are human and that you have no aggressive intentions). Never turn your back on the bear or run; running away can activate the hunting instincts of the bear and lead to it perceiving you as prey. Climbing a tree is also not the best idea, as most bears occasionally climb trees, and some are good climbers. If a bear becomes confrontational, either back off slowly or stand your ground, raise your arms above your head so as to appear larger and yell at the bear. Black bears can often be scared off in this way. Grizzlies are much more aggressive and trying to scare them off is a bad idea. Advice differs on the best approach for black or brown bears. Follow local advice and rules, if possible. If a bear does charge, you should muster your courage, as most bear charges are bluff. Either stand your ground or curl into a fetal position so as to shield vital organs and appear non-threatening. If the bear does attack, you can still curl into the fetal position. If this is not enough, you can either hope the bear will lose its interest without doing too much damage or fight the bear in any way you can. Bear spray – a special form of pepper spray – is mandatory in certain parks and wildlife areas and perhaps available regardless. It is designed to make a large short blast that only lasts a few seconds so proximity to the bear is key; make sure you have understood when and how to use it. Most bear sprays come with a safety, so make sure you understand how the safety works and wear your bear spray where it can easily be accessed in an emergency. ====Food storage and garbage disposal==== [[File:Bear resistant food storage canister 2.JPG|200px|thumbnail|Bear resistant food storage canister, lid can be locked into place using a coin, a key or any similar object.]] Bears are opportunistic omnivores with an excellent sense of smell, and are attracted to human and pet foods as well as refuse. Improper storage of these items can allow bears to eat human food and become dependent on it, increasing the probability of encounters with humans. Most brown and black bear encounters in populated areas involve so-called "trouble bears", usually young males who have just left their mothers and do not yet have a territory of their own. If they wander close to human settlements, the smells of cooking and garbage can cause them to ignore their usual instinct to avoid humans. Many parks and people in areas with bears utilize bear-resistant garbage cans and dumpsters for this reason, and many areas have laws prohibiting the feeding of bears, even unintentionally. Feeding a bear your food may seem like a kind gesture, but it is actually very harmful. It makes the bear associate people with food, and that can lead to serious problems. Campers can access bear-proof containers at many parks to store their food and trash and they may be required in some areas. The containers are then buried or strung on a rope between two tall trees, out of bears' reach. They are also instructed to put their containers, campfire, and tenting 100 meters away from each other, forming a triangle. In bear country, do not leave trash, food or any scented items such as chapstick, toothpaste, deodorant or air freshener in your vehicle. Bears can do severe damage to your car, using their claws to pry open car doors or trunks. Bear canisters cannot be opened by bears, but some have learned to roll them off cliffs to break them open. Keep your canisters away from streams and cliffs. In some areas, bears have learned how to take down food suspended on ropes. In some areas, it is recommended that food scraps are disposed of in rivers – not good where eutrophication is a problem, but it avoids bears finding them where they can scent the human presence. ===Cats=== [[File:Just one lion.jpg|thumbnail|Meow!]] All the feline species are carnivores with the instincts for hunting, and all may kill more-or-less anything that is not too large for them. Even a cute and gentle domestic cat will wreak havoc among the local birds and rodents if it can catch them. Wild species have had more practice so their hunting skills are better, some can kill adult humans, and many could kill children or pets. Big cats such as '''[[tigers]]''', '''lions''', '''leopards''', '''jaguars''', '''panthers''' and '''pumas''' (aka '''cougars''' or '''mountain lions''') do occasionally kill people. Smaller cats such as '''bobcat''' or '''lynx''' are extremely unlikely to see adult humans as prey, but are quite capable of doing serious injury in the highly improbable event that you manage to corner one. ====Mountain lions==== Don’t hike alone. Make noise to avoid surprising a mountain lion and keep children close to you at all times. If you do encounter a mountain lion, do not run. Talk calmly and loudly, avert your gaze, stand tall, and back away. Unlike with bears, if attack seems imminent, act aggressively. Try to make yourself look bigger (for instance, raise your jacket above your head). Do not crouch and do not turn away. Mountain lions may be scared away by being struck with rocks or sticks, or by being kicked or hit. They are primarily nocturnal, but they have attacked in broad daylight. They rarely prey on humans, but such behavior occasionally does occur. Children and small adults are particularly vulnerable. ====Tigers==== {{main|Tigers}} Tigers are the largest feline species, and native to much of Asia, ranging from the Siberian tiger of the frigid [[Russian Far East]] to the Malayan tiger of the hot and humid tropics in [[Southeast Asia]]. Tigers are apex predators; their sharp claws, sharp teeth, powerful jaws, explosive temper, territorial nature, and their incredible stamina and strength make them extremely fearsome and dangerous. This being said, tigers rarely stalk and hunt humans. Do not urinate in their territory as this can be seen as challenging their ownership of their territory. As with other predators, if you come face to face with a tiger, remain calm and back away slowly from them. Trying to run away or showing that you're afraid of them will invite them to attack you. Making noises that a tiger isn't accustomed to may make it feel less secure and it would most likely leave you alone. However, do not hit, yell at, throw objects at, or antagonise a tiger in any way; tigers can respond to aggression with aggression Even if the tiger you see appears to be feeble, weak or in need of help, do not approach it: there is little you can do to help it and it may well kill you as a precaution or for food; it probably still is much stronger than you. Instead report it to relevant authorities. And if you see a tiger cub – evacuate the area immediately. ====Lions==== Lions are generally associated with [[Africa]], where they can be found in the largest numbers, though there is also a small critically endangered population that is native to [[India]]. Lions can be extremely dangerous. Lionesses are more active hunters than male lions, which are responsible for keeping the group safe. Lions rarely attack humans unless they cannot find anything else to eat. Some develop into man-eaters. If, by a stroke of ill-luck, you come face to face with a lion that wants to eat you, '''remain calm'''. It can be intimidating to be in close contact with a lion, but you should always appear confident and big in front of them. Back away slowly and make some loud noise, as it can frighten them. If the lion does not go away, hit the lion in the eyes or the face. This tactic may seem useless, but people have managed to fend off lions by fighting back like this. If you end up getting badly injured fending off a lion, get medical attention immediately and consider getting psychological help. ===Dogs=== {{main|Aggressive dogs}} It is not just that dogs can be dangerous – in some countries where inadequate veterinary services are available, dogs can be [[Infectious diseases#Rabies|rabid]] – a bite from them and you are in serious trouble. Even friendly non-rabid dogs pose some danger. An otherwise gentle dog may snap if someone approaches when it is feeding, and a large dog may cause injury with overly enthusiastic friendly gestures such as jumping up on someone. ===Elephants=== {{see also|Elephants}} Elephants may be the "gentle giants" of the animal kingdom, but they have a long, painful history of conflict with humans. Their large, bulky shapes and sizes make them incredibly intimidating and they are dangerous if you happen to provoke or anger them. If you are close, they can hurt you badly by accident. Whenever you encounter a wild elephant, pay close attention to their '''ears''', '''legs''', and their '''trunk'''. * If an elephant's ears appear to be relaxed or "fanned out", the elephant is trying to determine whether you're a threat or not. It may do a "mock charge", i.e. a bluff attack just to scare you off. * If an elephant is swinging their legs back and fro, it is most likely afraid of you and won't make a real charge. Still, back off. * If an elephant's trunk is curled inwards and it has its ears close to its head, it is probably about to charge at you for real. Retreat immediately and take cover. In the unlikely event you are chased by a wild elephant, you can throw an object to distract the elephant or you can run in a zig-zag pattern to outrun the elephant. If you take cover somewhere, '''be still and quiet'''; elephants have extremely good hearing. During a mock charge, do not appear fearful. Stand your ground and demonstrate you are not a threat. Elephants will be more inclined to leave you alone after that. ===Foxes=== Foxes are too small to be of any significant threat to humans, though they often scavenge through human trash, and may attack small livestock like chickens, as well as some smaller pets. Foxes that attack humans unprovoked are usually infected with [[Infectious diseases#Rabies|rabies]], so if you are attacked by one, it is imperative that you seek medical attention as soon as possible. ===Hippopotamuses=== Although Hippopotamuses are herbivores, their large size, incredible stamina, and powerful jaws make them extremely dangerous. Hippos are so territorial, that they will lash out at, well, anything or anyone (including other hippos) that they think is 'taking away' their space from them. Even crocodiles, for the most part, are scared of attacking and approaching hippos. If you encounter hippos in the water or on land, alert them to your presence and maintain an acceptable distance from them. Do not attempt to slip by them unnoticed or else you will make yourself the target of an irritated hippo. If a hippo in the water opens its mouth wide (like a yawn), '''retreat'''. Hippos do this to scare off threats or undesirable elements. ===Horses and ponies=== See [[horse riding]] for a general discussion of the joys and hazards of horses and ponies. Falling off them is the most common danger, but there are other risks. A bite can be quite serious and a kick can be fatal. The risk of aggression from a well-trained horse or pony is generally small, but nearly all horses are easily spooked and likely to react dangerously if startled or provoked. Ask the owner before going close. Talk calmly to the animal, approach from the side, and show the horse or pony what you are going to do; avoid doing anything surprising. Also avoid going close behind a horse or pony as this is the direction in which they can kick most easily and is out of their field of view so movement there may startle them. Having a horse accidentally step on your foot can also cause serious injury. The larger breeds can do more damage, but even a pony is heavy enough to hurt you quite badly. ====Wild horses and ponies==== Wild horses and ponies vary in how they perceive people. Some herds that are managed by people or closely associate with them may be more tolerant, but all wild animals should be seen as unpredictable no matter what. Avoid getting too close and definitely avoid feeding them – in some places this is illegal. You should also never get close to a stallion with mares or to mares with foals as they will be more defensive and therefore more likely to charge at you. If you do find yourself close to a wild horse or pony then they will usually give warnings via body language before they charge. If a horse's ears go back then the animal is not happy and you should back off. If the ears are pinned back and there is also teeth-baring and hoof-stomping or head-tossing then you've really caused upset and should get out of there pronto! Upset horses and ponies may also turn so that they are facing away from you – that could mean they're getting ready to deliver a powerful kick with their hind legs, so keep clear! ===Kangaroos=== [[File:- fighting red kangaroos 1.jpg|thumbnail|Red kangaroos fighting]] If you enter [[Australia|an area]] where [http://www.ehp.qld.gov.au/wildlife/livingwith/kangaroos.html kangaroos] live, give them as much space as possible. If you see one, stay away from it and watch how it behaves. If it moves toward you or shows signs of being aggressive, move away (even if it is only looking for food or human contact, a kangaroo may still become aggressive). Don't act aggressively towards the kangaroo, as this will simply reinforce the idea that you are a threat. If you are approached by an aggressive kangaroo you should keep it at a safe distance so that it can't kick or scratch. For example, hold up a stick or branch, or stay behind a fence or a tree. Move away from the animal as quickly as you can. Turning your back on it and running could be dangerous as a large male can easily outrun you and still kick at the same time. Turn side-on and protect the front of your body with your arms and keep your head as far away from the kangaroo as possible to minimize the risk of being scratched on the face. If it is a large male that has been displaying dominance behavior, it may see you as a threat. Protect yourself and let the kangaroo know you are not a threat by giving a short, deep cough, avoiding eye contact and crouching down as you move away. Females and smaller male kangaroos are less likely to be aggressive but may approach if they are used to being fed or have had a lot of human contact. Even though females are much smaller than males, they can scratch and kick and could pose a safety risk – particularly to small children. Avoid the tails of kangaroos as well – while other animals have limp tails that can do no harm, kangaroos can swing their tails so powerfully that they can easily break a limb. As a last resort, if you can't escape an attacking kangaroo, roll up into a ball on the ground with your arm covering your neck and call for help. Try to roll or crawl away to a safe place. ===Ungulates=== American elk, moose, deer, bison, goats and cattle can attack people and as big as they are, bison can sprint three times faster than humans can run. They are unpredictable and dangerous and it is best to keep a fair distance between yourself and the animals – if it changes its behavior due to your presence, you are too close. Nevertheless, in North America and Europe a much greater danger from large ungulates is [[animal collisions|car crashes]]. In Africa, buffalo rank with hippos as the most dangerous animals, well ahead of animals perceived to be more deadly in the West such as lions and rhinos. ====Boars==== [[File:Wild Boar frontal.jpg|thumb|A wild boar]] Boars are widespread in Europe and most of Asia. They are mainly a risk for [[animal collisions]] and food scavenging. In rare cases they are aggressive, especially if they are provoked by dogs. In some locations, feral pigs become a nuisance similar to natural boars. Wild boar attacks on humans are not common but do occur occasionally. Usually, boars, like most wild animals, will avoid interactions with humans. Due to the clearing of natural boar habitats, the number of interactions, including aggressive ones, between humans and boars has increased. Boars eat everything, so they might look for food in farmlands, campsites, landfills, and gardens. When dealing aggressively with a human, boars will charge at them. These are sometimes bluff charges, but in other cases violent contact will be made. While the impact of the large, hard-skulled head may cause considerable damage itself, most damage is inflicted by the boar's tusk. When ramming into a person, the boar will slash the tusks upwards, creating sizable open lacerations on the skin. Due to the height of the boar relative to a human, most wounds are inflicted to the upper legs. Some attacks are provoked, such as when hunters wound a boar, which then counterattacks. Male boars become most aggressive during the mating season and may charge at humans at such times. Occasionally, female boars will attack if they feel their piglets are threatened, especially if a human physically comes between them and their young. Although a majority of boar attack victims recover with medical treatment, fatalities do occasionally occur. ====Cattle==== More than a billion domestic cattle graze the Earth, outnumbering all other animals of similar size. They are dangerous in herds. The male of the species is particularly aggressive. Even under controlled conditions, an event like the ''Running of the Bulls'' in [[Pamplona#Do|Pamplona]] can and has resulted in injuries or fatalities. Cattle, including bulls, roam freely throughout much of [[India]]. While most of them are harmless and are used to being surrounded by humans, the bulls can charge at you at any moment for no apparent reason. ====American elk==== [[File:Rocky Mountain Bull Elk.jpg|Elk or Wapiti|thumb]] The term "elk" has different meanings in different varieties of English. Outside North America, it refers to the animal we describe as a moose below. In North America, it means the quite different animal shown in the photo. An alternate term is ''wapiti'', borrowed from a Native American language. In September and October herds of North American elk gather for their mating season, or “rut.” During the rut, the male “bull” elk are irritable, aggressive and extremely dangerous to onlookers who get too close. The elk calving season takes place in April and May of each year. During this time, female elk, or cows, become irritable and highly protective of their young calves. Though they may look harmless, cows are extremely dangerous during calving season. Elk are wild animals which must be observed from a safe distance to avoid injury or death. If an animal is carefully watching you and appears “jumpy” when you move, you are too close. ====Elk, moose==== [[File:Moose superior.jpg|Moose, called "elk" in Europe|thumb]] Moose aren't inherently aggressive, but will defend themselves if they perceive a threat. When people don't see moose as potentially dangerous, they may approach too closely and put themselves at risk. More people each year are injured by moose than by bears. Enjoy viewing them from a distance. Cow moose are extremely defensive of their young so use extra caution around cows with calves and never get between a cow and a calf. In the summer months, moose blend in well to their environment and can be surprisingly hard to see for such large animals. They are likely to stand their ground even when they hear people approaching, so pay close attention to your surroundings, especially in prime moose habitat such as willow thickets or around streams or ponds. If you do find yourself close to a moose * If it hasn't detected you yet, keep it that way. * If it knows you're there, talk to it softly and move away slowly. * Don't be aggressive – you want to convince the moose that you aren't a threat. * If you think the moose is going to charge you, take cover or run away. Unlike with bears, it is okay to run from a moose. * Moose cannot climb trees, so getting up one is reasonably safe. Try to choose a fairly large tree and get high enough that the antlers cannot reach you. Watch for signs that the moose is upset. If its ears are laid back and hackles are up it is likely to charge. Most of the time, when a moose charges it is a 'bluff', or warning for you to get back – a warning you should take very seriously! Once a moose bluff charges it is already agitated. If possible, get behind something solid (like a tree or a car). They usually won't chase you and if they do, it's unlikely that they'll chase you very far. If a moose knocks you down, curl up in a ball and protect your head with your arms and keep still. Fighting back will only convince the moose that you may still be a threat. Only move once the moose has backed off to a safe distance or it may renew its attack. ====Musk ox==== The musk ox lives in the Arctic and in some nature reserves in Norway and Sweden. While they avoid humans, if threatened the herd will not run away and instead forms a defensive formation, and may attack if humans come closer, usually a single bull charging at {{convert|60|km/h|mph|sigfig=1|abbr=on}}. Keep a safe distance of at least 200 meters. === Wolves === [[File:Wolf pack in Yellowstone NP.jpg|thumbnail|A wolf pack]] Wolves rarely hunt humans, but they may come after livestock, food supplies or trash. Animals gradually lose their natural avoidance to people when they are protected from harm by people, or where humans act passively towards them. This is called habituation. Habituated wolves become comfortable around people and may venture quite close to people. It is very important to understand that these habituated wolves are actually the ones most likely to suddenly act aggressively. Wolves also quickly learn that food is often found in human garbage. When wolves seek out human foods they have become food-conditioned. If a wolf is fed by people it begins to expect handouts. If that wolf approaches a person but gets no food, it can become suddenly aggressive. This type of aggression is probably responsible for many of the bites that wolves have inflicted on people. Wolves have generally not learnt to hunt people for food, and thus any pack and especially any lone wolf will hesitate to do an attack against a person who does not show weakness. If a wolf comes near, do neither run nor try to get friendly, but back off without turning your back. If the wolf follows, striking with a walking stick in its direction or similar aggressive behaviour can help keep your psychological advantage, but is usually unnecessary. In most countries with wolves, aggressive behaviour against people is very rare indeed. [[Infectious diseases#Rabies|Rabid]] wolves, on the other hand, often attack without being provoked. They do not attack to kill but the bite requires urgent treatment, as rabies is lethal. Wolves regard '''dogs''' as rivals, and show them no mercy. Many hunting dogs have been killed by wolves and some large dogs will attack and kill wolves. Various wolfhound or guard dog types are bred for this, and some dogs will even make suicidal attacks against a pack. Most dogs instead try to show that they are friendly, and may make themselves an easy prey. See also [[Travelling with pets]]. === Coyotes === Smaller than a wolf but larger than a fox, coyotes are mid-size canids that are common in the southwest United States and throughout Mexico. With human encroachment into their historic habitat, the coyote has enlarged its territory and can now be found in parts of Canada and South America. The coyote is an intelligent animal that has learned to adapt to the insatiable appetite of humans to turn undeveloped tracts of land into shopping centers and garden apartments. Today, urban animal control authorities are unsurprised to get calls about coyotes in urban areas. Individual coyotes seldom pose a risk to adult humans but they are capable of causing serious injury to children or pets. Coyotes also tend to organize into packs, similar to wolf behavior, and a pack of coyotes could attack an adult. Coyotes are famous for attacking farm animals (particularly chicken coops), so people who raise chickens, turkeys, or other small animals should take steps to provide secure shelter for their animals. Additionally, coyotes may carry rabies and should be approached with caution. ==Reptiles and amphibians== ===Crocodiles=== [[File:Caiman with porcupine quills on face (45923605524).jpg|thumb|Caiman in Tortugero National Park, Costa Rica]] '''Crocodiles''' are dangerous animals and they can eat just about anything they encounter. They are mostly found in equatorial zones, particularly in Australia, Southeast Asia and parts of Africa. Crocodiles are more dangerous in the water than on land because they seize their prey and drown them before eating them. Always exercise extreme caution if you are near a river or a water body populated with crocodiles. Forget any tips for fighting off a crocodile, just don't get into reach. While '''alligators''' are less aggressive toward humans in general than crocodiles, there have been many cases of predation or injury of human beings by alligators. In areas where alligators are common, avoid swimming in, or going dangerously close to, bodies of water where they may lurk. In Mexico, Central America, and South America, a cousin of the alligator is frequently seen in jungle wetlands. The '''caiman''' is usually smaller than an alligator or crocodile, but tends to be faster and more agile. === Snakes === {{main|Venomous snakes}} [[Image:Red diamond rattlesnake (crotalus exsul).jpg|thumb|Red diamond rattlesnake, native to [[Baja California]]]] Few snakes are likely to consider adult humans as prey and a lot of snakes prefer to avoid people. Some venomous species, however, can be deadly. General advice is to '''never''' try to pick up, harm, or kill a snake. If you see a snake, just move on or call in a professional snake catcher to move the animal. A lot of people are bitten when attempting to handle snakes. Most tourists who suffer snakebites do so accidentally by stepping on a camouflaged snake. Wearing appropriate footwear and clothing can reduce the risk of accidental snakebite. === Snakebite treatment === It's usually impossible to discern whether a snakebite is venomous by the shape of the bite or the snake, unless you can recognize the specific species. Treat any snakebite as fatally dangerous unless you're certain it's not. Generally, treatments presented outside the medical field '''do not work'''. Instead, you should get proper medical aid and try to avoid deteriorating until the medical aid arrives. To do so, the victim of the snake bite needs to rest immediately, completely, and comfortably so the circulation of the venom is slower. The victim needs to be calm, also for this reason. The part of the body damaged by the snake needs to be lower than the rest of the body. If possible, set it using strong branches or the like, so it moves as little as possible. There also exist venom suction pumps which are considered more effective than sucking with the mouth, but studies show that their effects are apparently also negligible. If you have one, use it if you have time, but don't let it delay the victim's evacuation. Taking a photo of the snake could be very helpful for the doctors. No need to actually catch or kill the snake; it's not like they can or need to produce antivenom on the spot. They only need to be able to recognize the species to know what anti-venom and other treatments to apply. === Frogs === Most frogs and toads are innocuous. Kids pick them up when they find them in ponds or trees. Some species of toads and frogs are quite dangerous though. Some of the brilliantly colorful '''poison dart frogs''' (mainly the ''Phyllobates'' species) in Central and South American rainforests secrete poison through their skin. Simply picking up one of these frogs and stroking its skin can kill a man. === Lizards === Most lizards are docile and people frequently pick them up and keep them as pets. Some are quite dangerous. In the dry deserts of southwestern United States and northern Mexico is a large, stout lizard called the '''gila monster''' who will hang on when it bites so as to inject maximum venom. Along the Pacific coast of Mexico live '''beaded lizards''', who do the same thing. Although many people keep iguanas as pets, and they're usually mellow guys hanging out in the warm sun, they have sharp teeth and have been known to bite. The most dangerous lizards are found in southeast Asia where several people have reportedly been attacked and killed by '''komodo dragons'''. === Newts === Newts are an amphibian that can be mistaken for lizards. Many newts produce highly-toxic compounds that they secrete through their skin. '''Rough-skinned newts''', found in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, produce tetrodotoxin in lethal quantities. This is a potent neurotoxin, which is also produced by pufferfish. == See also == * [[Animal ethics]] — avoiding animal cruelty and protecting endangered species * [[Animal collisions]] – moose and other large animals may be deadly on the highway {{usabletopic}} {{PartOfTopic|Stay safe}} kdcsqqbj6skf7v6wx57izdh5df7ts0n 5086787 5086784 2025-07-02T20:40:34Z Mrkstvns 144844 /* Coyotes */ - add foto 5086787 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Bear Alaska banner.jpg|caption:Brown bear in Alaska}} : ''This article describes large animals. See [[pests]] for insects and other small animals.'' Any large '''animal''' is capable of killing a human, and almost any small animal, from the size of a mouse, is capable of inflicting a nasty injury. Even apparently unlikely animals can be dangerous: a cute bunny has both claws and teeth, a large goose can be extremely nasty, and in 2014 a fisherman in Belarus died from a beaver bite when he tried to grab the animal to get a good photo. Proverbially dangerous beasts include a cornered animal, males of some species in mating season, and a mother with offspring to protect. Even otherwise gentle domestic animals can be dangerous in some circumstances: a horse may kick if startled, a dog may snap if interrupted while feeding, and so on. Some species such as hyenas and wolverines have a reputation for being bad-tempered enough to attack more-or-less anything that comes in range. Large predators, such as crocodiles, sharks and big cats, are obviously dangerous. However, very few animal species regard human beings as prey. More people are killed by large herbivores than by predators. In North America, moose attack more people than bears and mountain lions combined. Worldwide, hippos injure more people than any other animal, and moose rank second. In the water, jellyfish cause more injuries than sharks. Pets should be protected with care and concern. Dog owners should always make use of a leash. To a predator, an unaccompanied dog may look like easy prey. A naïve dog may attack a predator, which could result in serious injury to your pet, or ultimately to the pet owner. Most animals, large or small, can also be [[pests]] by stealing food, spreading infections, or damaging property. Keep in mind that a physical bite or scratch is not the only risk. Animals may also be carriers of [[rabies]]; bats in particular are dangerous for this, but any mammal can carry it. If you have potentially been exposed to rabies, prompt treatment is critical. Treatment only works prior to development of symptoms, and rabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms develop. ==Understand== {{quote|...release the tiger!|author=Monty Python|source=''Self-defence against fruit''}} Wild animals are much more dangerous than domesticated pets. Certain predators and any large animals in the wild can become quite dangerous, especially in groups. Never go close to wild or feral animals, and ask before approaching domestic ones. Any feeding should be done with a good understanding of the issues. Few species will do you harm if you '''keep your distance''', but the appropriate distance varies both with species and with circumstances. Unless you are an expert on the species in question, follow the general rule that '''if the animal's behavior changes at all''' (even turning its head to look at you), then '''back off immediately'''. If you want to [[wildlife photography|photograph wildlife]], get a nice long [[Travel_photography/Full systems#Telephoto lenses|telephoto lens]] so you can keep your distance and avoid disturbing the animals. This is much safer and it is also very likely to give better pictures. Nearly all dangerous animals are far faster than most humans. Do not count on running away if it attacks, but stay far enough that it does not attack. This includes seemingly clumsy animals like hippos, bears, crocodiles and musk oxen, and small ones like snakes. They may not run far, but may reach much farther than you supposed. For some predators, turning your back and running away activates their hunting instinct, so controlling your nerves may be important. Captive animals are no less dangerous than their wild relatives. Safari parks and [[zoos]] with the best handling practices have still had animal attacks on staff and visitors. Follow rules and staff instructions. See also our article on [[pests]], small animals able to annoy, infect or poison people. See [[animal collisions]] for traffic accidents involving animals. ==Risk factors== High-risk places, where wild animals are often seen: * Streams and other bodies of water; especially in dry regions and seasons as water is scarce * Farmlands, landfills and waste bins, where wild animals might look for food * When you see one animal, others are probably nearby Times and situations when animals might be aggressive: * Cornered * Mating season * Protecting offspring * Protecting killed prey * Provoked by dogs * Sunrise and sunset, when animals are on the move; also has a blinding effect ==Birds== The largest birds, such as ostriches and emus, can kick down a human. The cassowary, found in northern Australia and New Guinea, has been known to deal fatal injuries to people and other animals, but is usually shy and avoids humans. Some birds protect their nests or offspring quite aggressively. Some owls are especially nasty, as they often attack without any preceding fake attacks – and in total silence. The aggressive Ural owl does warn, and you should take its warning call seriously. ===Swooping season in Australia=== [[File:Bicycle helmet with zip-ties.jpg|thumb|The nylon zip ties on this helmet discourage territorial magpies from striking the rider.]] Australian magpies ''(Cracticus tibicen)'' are a common bird found throughout Australia. In September and October, their mating season, they become extremely vigilant in defending their nests and young and will divebomb and peck anything they perceive as a threat – usually humans. Due to the sheer number of these birds, simply walking down a street can result in multiple attacks. As such, this time of year has colloquially become known among Australians as "swooping season". There is no way to stop the magpies, but various techniques have been developed to prevent injury. Zipties tied to a bicycle helmet have proven effective, as have other hard plastic head coverings. ===Urban gulls=== Gulls, informally referred to as "seagulls", were once primarily sea-going birds that nested on cliffs and in other wild places. Some time in the 1940s, however, some types of gull began to move increasingly into human settlements and nest there instead. It is not entirely known why this shift occurred, but as some gulls are opportunistic and adaptable feeders it is possible that they found easy food in newly-made landfill sites and on the street. Seeing a squad of gulls quickly hoover up a discarded doner kebab is something of a spectacle. Two of the species that moved in next door to people, herring gulls and lesser black-backed gulls, are vigilant in defending their nests and young. Even if they've seen and lived next to humans every day of their lives, once their chicks hatch, everything and anything can be seen as a potential threat. These gulls are large and have sharp beaks and claws, and injuries occur often. There is no way to prevent the gulls from attacking, and harming the gulls or their nests and young is illegal (in certain cases licences can be granted). Gulls can be discouraged from areas by removing readily-available food sources such as easily torn bin bags and stopping people from directly feeding the birds. Nesting can be discouraged by fitting specially-made spikes. All discouraging methods should be started early in the year before the birds start to breed. Do not contribute to the problem by letting them get food from you. In some places tourists are a major source of food – offered, abandoned or taken from you. === Birds of prey === Birds of prey — such as owls, falcons, kites, vultures, condors, hawks, and eagles — are, by nature, solitary animals and they generally avoid interacting with humans and other birds of prey unless they've been provoked or are curious about something. Birds of prey have strong, sharp talons and beaks and they are capable of inflicting serious injuries. Small pets — such as cats and dogs — are especially vulnerable to attacks from birds of prey; consider being around your pet when you go out for a walk, or keeping them indoors. The best way to admire and appreciate birds of prey is to observe them from a safe distance. If it seems that a bird of prey is about to attack you for whatever reason, make loud noises (yelling, screaming, clapping) or flash lights at them to scare them off. Birds of prey are protected by all kinds of laws in many countries; it is illegal to disturb them, their habitats or their nests. ==Fish== ===Sharks=== Of the hundreds of known species of sharks, only a handful are regarded as posing a significant risk to human safety, and attacks on humans are rare. The rarity of shark attacks, however, does not mean they cannot be fatal. Nor does the seemingly random nature of shark attacks help to allay fears about being bitten. Sharks usually attack because they think you are a seal, a turtle, a fish, or various other types of prey. Sometimes they test bite if they are curious, but sharks do not intentionally bite, attack, or kill humans. Here are a few common sense tips to reduce the risk of encountering sharks: [[File:Sharks outside cage.jpg|thumb|Shark cage diving]] * Swim close to shore. * Swim, dive or surf with other people. * Avoid areas where there are large schools of fish, dolphins, seals or sea lions and close to bird rookeries. * Avoid areas where animal, human or fish waste enters the water. * Avoid deep channels or areas with deep drop-offs nearby. * Do not remain in the water with bleeding wounds. * Look carefully before jumping into the water from a boat or jetty. * If spearing fish, don't carry dead or bleeding fish attached to you and remove all speared fish from the water as quickly as possible. * If schooling fish or other wildlife start to behave erratically or congregate in large numbers, leave the water. * If you see a shark, leave the water as quickly and calmly as possible – avoid excessive splashing or noise.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ ===Stonefish=== Stonefish (genus ''Synanceia'') are a venomous fish; their sting causes excruciating pain and can be fatal. They get their name from their mottled color and tendency to lie on the bottom looking much like a stone; they are quite difficult to see and avoid. In some areas it is common to wear running shoes while swimming to protect against being stung. An antivenin is available and anyone who is stung should try to get it as quickly as possible. First-aid treatments include hot water, which breaks down the venom, and vinegar, which reduces the pain. Stonefish are found in warm waters across the Indian Ocean and into the Pacific, at least from the [[Red Sea]] to the [[Philippines]]. They are a serious hazard in parts of [[Queensland]]. ===Lionfish=== [[File:Red_lionfish_near_Gilli_Banta_Island.JPG|thumb|Lionfish in Indonesia]] The Pterois genus, most commonly known as '''lionfish''' are a venomous fish characterized by conspicuous warning coloration with red, white, creamy, or black bands and venomous spiky fin rays. Stings are extremely painful and can lead to nausea, convulsions, temporary paralysis, heart failure, and, in extreme cases, death. Young children and people with weak immune systems are particularly susceptible. Treatment is available and should be sought as a soon as possible. Though native to the Indo-Pacific they have spread throughout the world, and are common in [[the Caribbean]]. In [[Florida]] and [[The Bahamas]] they are treated as invasive species, and any sighting should be reported to wildlife managers. == Insects == {{main|Pests}} In some countries, biting insects are capable of inflicting serious illnesses, and in some cases life threatening conditions. It is well worth researching whether countries you are visiting have any warnings regarding dangerous insects. In some countries ant bites can create serious reactions. The [[malaria]] mosquito kills more people than any other animal. In tropical countries the risk of other insect-transferred diseases, such as [[dengue fever]] and [[zika fever]], must be taken seriously. == Jellyfish == {{main|Jellyfish}} In Northern [[Australia]] – and specifically the [[Northern Territory]] – on the coast, beach swimming is strongly advised against due to the difficult to see and very dangerous forms of jellyfish. General advice is not to touch any jellyfish, even ones that are dead on the shore, as they may still be able to deliver a sting. ==Mammals== ===Apes=== Most ape species live in troops and are highly territorial. They will not generally bother humans who keep their distance, but if you provoke them then the whole troop (or at least all the young males) may attack. [[File:Gorilla gorilla gorilla 02.jpg|thumb|A gorilla]] '''Baboons''' protect their territory and troop quite fiercely, both by direct attacks and by hurling rocks. They sometimes kill a leopard or hyena that gets too close and can usually drive lions off. '''Chimpanzees''' have been known to attack humans in the wild, and can cause serious injury or death. '''Gorillas''' have in rare cases attacked humans, but they generally don't attack unless provoked, and will show warning signs before attacking. Even if you reckon you could easily punch out Chuck Norris, you should definitely back off if a gorilla acts aggressive. Adults are all at least {{kg|100}}, some over {{kg|250}}, and most are far stronger than any human. '''Orangutans''' are less dangerous than gorillas because they are smaller (average {{kg|75}} for adults), they generally live in smaller troops, and they mostly live in the trees so humans are less likely to get too close. ===Bears=== [[File:Blackbearwaterton.jpg|thumbnail|Know your bears. Not a grizzly bear being aggressive but a cinnamon colored black bear eating dandelions. Still, you should really not get this close!]] '''Bear danger''' is prevalent in most areas populated with bears. Before [[Hiking|backpackers]] are allowed to enter an area with bears, they may be required to watch an instructional video on how to avoid encountering or agitating bears. If not, you can still ask for advice. Best strategies for dealing with bear danger differ from place to place. In any area, making noise to avoid startling a bear and to prevent yourself from getting between a mother and her cubs will increase your safety. Many hikers wear special ''bear bells'' at their ankles to warn the bears of human presence. It is always safer to hike in noisy groups rather than solo. In some areas, food and scratches should be handled such that the bears cannot get at them, or at least do not come to you for them. [[File:Warning sign polar bears.jpg|thumb|Serious hazard: The text says the warning about dangerous bears applies to the entire [[Svalbard]] region.]] '''Polar bears''' have no reluctance in stalking and eating people; they survive mainly by hunting, and humans are roughly the same size and shape as seals, which are among their usual prey. If you visit areas within the polar bear habitat, such as [[Churchill]] (in the Canadian Arctic) or [[Svalbard]], you must take special precautions to avoid becoming prey. The best way to avoid being attacked is not to enter any area where polar bears live or to remain inside a hard-shell vehicle or building. Consult local authorities before leaving settlements. Having an armed guide, trained to deal with the polar bears, is often required in such areas. The polar bear is very fast; you cannot run away from them. '''Other types''' of bears, such as black bears and grizzly bears, are versatile foragers rather than pure hunters; they are less likely to want to eat you and much more likely to want to eat your food. But regardless, they are big, extremely strong animals that can easily maul an adult human being to death, so be careful when you visit areas where they live. The advice below is about them. The European brown bear generally avoids humans, but can attack for self defence. Hunters are attacked now and then, by a wounded bear or one harassed by the hunter's dog. There have been attacks on tourists in remote regions of the Italian [[Alps]], and bear attacks are on the rise in [[Romania]] as of 2024. At rare occasions somebody succeeds in getting between a mother and her cubs and might be unlucky enough to get killed. ====Dealing with bear encounters==== {{infobox|Bear Hang|Hanging food in a tree does not guarantee it will be safe, but any method other than counterbalancing will probably not protect it. Hang food only when storage boxes or bear-proof containers or panniers are not available. Find a tree with a live, down-sloping branch, even if you must select a different campsite. Divide food into two balanced bags. Store soap, sunscreen, deodorant, toothpaste and garbage in the same way as food. Bears are attracted to anything with an odor. Use enough rope to go over the branch and back to the ground. Toss it far out on the branch where it will support the weight of the food but not a bear cub. Make sure no objects are below the branch that could support a bear. Tie on and hoist the first sack up to the branch. Tie the second sack as high as you can on the rope; put the excess rope in the sack, leaving a loop out so you can retrieve it. Toss or use a stick to push the lower sack until both sacks are at equal height. To retrieve the sacks, hook a long stick through the loop of excess rope. Pull slowly to avoid tangles.}} The advice below applies to omnivores such as brown and black bears, for the completely carnivorous polar bear, see above. In North America, know the difference between grizzly bears and black bears. Grizzlies have a large hump on their back near the head and often have fur that looks frosted. Black bears can be black, brown or reddish in color. Bears of all kinds are curious. They will inspect just about anything (ships, cars, homes) to see if anything is playable or edible. If you see a bear, back off slowly or keep your distance and make noise to avoid startling the bear. The best noise in this situation may be talking with a calm voice (which tells the bear you are human and that you have no aggressive intentions). Never turn your back on the bear or run; running away can activate the hunting instincts of the bear and lead to it perceiving you as prey. Climbing a tree is also not the best idea, as most bears occasionally climb trees, and some are good climbers. If a bear becomes confrontational, either back off slowly or stand your ground, raise your arms above your head so as to appear larger and yell at the bear. Black bears can often be scared off in this way. Grizzlies are much more aggressive and trying to scare them off is a bad idea. Advice differs on the best approach for black or brown bears. Follow local advice and rules, if possible. If a bear does charge, you should muster your courage, as most bear charges are bluff. Either stand your ground or curl into a fetal position so as to shield vital organs and appear non-threatening. If the bear does attack, you can still curl into the fetal position. If this is not enough, you can either hope the bear will lose its interest without doing too much damage or fight the bear in any way you can. Bear spray – a special form of pepper spray – is mandatory in certain parks and wildlife areas and perhaps available regardless. It is designed to make a large short blast that only lasts a few seconds so proximity to the bear is key; make sure you have understood when and how to use it. Most bear sprays come with a safety, so make sure you understand how the safety works and wear your bear spray where it can easily be accessed in an emergency. ====Food storage and garbage disposal==== [[File:Bear resistant food storage canister 2.JPG|200px|thumbnail|Bear resistant food storage canister, lid can be locked into place using a coin, a key or any similar object.]] Bears are opportunistic omnivores with an excellent sense of smell, and are attracted to human and pet foods as well as refuse. Improper storage of these items can allow bears to eat human food and become dependent on it, increasing the probability of encounters with humans. Most brown and black bear encounters in populated areas involve so-called "trouble bears", usually young males who have just left their mothers and do not yet have a territory of their own. If they wander close to human settlements, the smells of cooking and garbage can cause them to ignore their usual instinct to avoid humans. Many parks and people in areas with bears utilize bear-resistant garbage cans and dumpsters for this reason, and many areas have laws prohibiting the feeding of bears, even unintentionally. Feeding a bear your food may seem like a kind gesture, but it is actually very harmful. It makes the bear associate people with food, and that can lead to serious problems. Campers can access bear-proof containers at many parks to store their food and trash and they may be required in some areas. The containers are then buried or strung on a rope between two tall trees, out of bears' reach. They are also instructed to put their containers, campfire, and tenting 100 meters away from each other, forming a triangle. In bear country, do not leave trash, food or any scented items such as chapstick, toothpaste, deodorant or air freshener in your vehicle. Bears can do severe damage to your car, using their claws to pry open car doors or trunks. Bear canisters cannot be opened by bears, but some have learned to roll them off cliffs to break them open. Keep your canisters away from streams and cliffs. In some areas, bears have learned how to take down food suspended on ropes. In some areas, it is recommended that food scraps are disposed of in rivers – not good where eutrophication is a problem, but it avoids bears finding them where they can scent the human presence. ===Cats=== [[File:Just one lion.jpg|thumbnail|Meow!]] All the feline species are carnivores with the instincts for hunting, and all may kill more-or-less anything that is not too large for them. Even a cute and gentle domestic cat will wreak havoc among the local birds and rodents if it can catch them. Wild species have had more practice so their hunting skills are better, some can kill adult humans, and many could kill children or pets. Big cats such as '''[[tigers]]''', '''lions''', '''leopards''', '''jaguars''', '''panthers''' and '''pumas''' (aka '''cougars''' or '''mountain lions''') do occasionally kill people. Smaller cats such as '''bobcat''' or '''lynx''' are extremely unlikely to see adult humans as prey, but are quite capable of doing serious injury in the highly improbable event that you manage to corner one. ====Mountain lions==== Don’t hike alone. Make noise to avoid surprising a mountain lion and keep children close to you at all times. If you do encounter a mountain lion, do not run. Talk calmly and loudly, avert your gaze, stand tall, and back away. Unlike with bears, if attack seems imminent, act aggressively. Try to make yourself look bigger (for instance, raise your jacket above your head). Do not crouch and do not turn away. Mountain lions may be scared away by being struck with rocks or sticks, or by being kicked or hit. They are primarily nocturnal, but they have attacked in broad daylight. They rarely prey on humans, but such behavior occasionally does occur. Children and small adults are particularly vulnerable. ====Tigers==== {{main|Tigers}} Tigers are the largest feline species, and native to much of Asia, ranging from the Siberian tiger of the frigid [[Russian Far East]] to the Malayan tiger of the hot and humid tropics in [[Southeast Asia]]. Tigers are apex predators; their sharp claws, sharp teeth, powerful jaws, explosive temper, territorial nature, and their incredible stamina and strength make them extremely fearsome and dangerous. This being said, tigers rarely stalk and hunt humans. Do not urinate in their territory as this can be seen as challenging their ownership of their territory. As with other predators, if you come face to face with a tiger, remain calm and back away slowly from them. Trying to run away or showing that you're afraid of them will invite them to attack you. Making noises that a tiger isn't accustomed to may make it feel less secure and it would most likely leave you alone. However, do not hit, yell at, throw objects at, or antagonise a tiger in any way; tigers can respond to aggression with aggression Even if the tiger you see appears to be feeble, weak or in need of help, do not approach it: there is little you can do to help it and it may well kill you as a precaution or for food; it probably still is much stronger than you. Instead report it to relevant authorities. And if you see a tiger cub – evacuate the area immediately. ====Lions==== Lions are generally associated with [[Africa]], where they can be found in the largest numbers, though there is also a small critically endangered population that is native to [[India]]. Lions can be extremely dangerous. Lionesses are more active hunters than male lions, which are responsible for keeping the group safe. Lions rarely attack humans unless they cannot find anything else to eat. Some develop into man-eaters. If, by a stroke of ill-luck, you come face to face with a lion that wants to eat you, '''remain calm'''. It can be intimidating to be in close contact with a lion, but you should always appear confident and big in front of them. Back away slowly and make some loud noise, as it can frighten them. If the lion does not go away, hit the lion in the eyes or the face. This tactic may seem useless, but people have managed to fend off lions by fighting back like this. If you end up getting badly injured fending off a lion, get medical attention immediately and consider getting psychological help. ===Dogs=== {{main|Aggressive dogs}} It is not just that dogs can be dangerous – in some countries where inadequate veterinary services are available, dogs can be [[Infectious diseases#Rabies|rabid]] – a bite from them and you are in serious trouble. Even friendly non-rabid dogs pose some danger. An otherwise gentle dog may snap if someone approaches when it is feeding, and a large dog may cause injury with overly enthusiastic friendly gestures such as jumping up on someone. ===Elephants=== {{see also|Elephants}} Elephants may be the "gentle giants" of the animal kingdom, but they have a long, painful history of conflict with humans. Their large, bulky shapes and sizes make them incredibly intimidating and they are dangerous if you happen to provoke or anger them. If you are close, they can hurt you badly by accident. Whenever you encounter a wild elephant, pay close attention to their '''ears''', '''legs''', and their '''trunk'''. * If an elephant's ears appear to be relaxed or "fanned out", the elephant is trying to determine whether you're a threat or not. It may do a "mock charge", i.e. a bluff attack just to scare you off. * If an elephant is swinging their legs back and fro, it is most likely afraid of you and won't make a real charge. Still, back off. * If an elephant's trunk is curled inwards and it has its ears close to its head, it is probably about to charge at you for real. Retreat immediately and take cover. In the unlikely event you are chased by a wild elephant, you can throw an object to distract the elephant or you can run in a zig-zag pattern to outrun the elephant. If you take cover somewhere, '''be still and quiet'''; elephants have extremely good hearing. During a mock charge, do not appear fearful. Stand your ground and demonstrate you are not a threat. Elephants will be more inclined to leave you alone after that. ===Foxes=== Foxes are too small to be of any significant threat to humans, though they often scavenge through human trash, and may attack small livestock like chickens, as well as some smaller pets. Foxes that attack humans unprovoked are usually infected with [[Infectious diseases#Rabies|rabies]], so if you are attacked by one, it is imperative that you seek medical attention as soon as possible. ===Hippopotamuses=== Although Hippopotamuses are herbivores, their large size, incredible stamina, and powerful jaws make them extremely dangerous. Hippos are so territorial, that they will lash out at, well, anything or anyone (including other hippos) that they think is 'taking away' their space from them. Even crocodiles, for the most part, are scared of attacking and approaching hippos. If you encounter hippos in the water or on land, alert them to your presence and maintain an acceptable distance from them. Do not attempt to slip by them unnoticed or else you will make yourself the target of an irritated hippo. If a hippo in the water opens its mouth wide (like a yawn), '''retreat'''. Hippos do this to scare off threats or undesirable elements. ===Horses and ponies=== See [[horse riding]] for a general discussion of the joys and hazards of horses and ponies. Falling off them is the most common danger, but there are other risks. A bite can be quite serious and a kick can be fatal. The risk of aggression from a well-trained horse or pony is generally small, but nearly all horses are easily spooked and likely to react dangerously if startled or provoked. Ask the owner before going close. Talk calmly to the animal, approach from the side, and show the horse or pony what you are going to do; avoid doing anything surprising. Also avoid going close behind a horse or pony as this is the direction in which they can kick most easily and is out of their field of view so movement there may startle them. Having a horse accidentally step on your foot can also cause serious injury. The larger breeds can do more damage, but even a pony is heavy enough to hurt you quite badly. ====Wild horses and ponies==== Wild horses and ponies vary in how they perceive people. Some herds that are managed by people or closely associate with them may be more tolerant, but all wild animals should be seen as unpredictable no matter what. Avoid getting too close and definitely avoid feeding them – in some places this is illegal. You should also never get close to a stallion with mares or to mares with foals as they will be more defensive and therefore more likely to charge at you. If you do find yourself close to a wild horse or pony then they will usually give warnings via body language before they charge. If a horse's ears go back then the animal is not happy and you should back off. If the ears are pinned back and there is also teeth-baring and hoof-stomping or head-tossing then you've really caused upset and should get out of there pronto! Upset horses and ponies may also turn so that they are facing away from you – that could mean they're getting ready to deliver a powerful kick with their hind legs, so keep clear! ===Kangaroos=== [[File:- fighting red kangaroos 1.jpg|thumbnail|Red kangaroos fighting]] If you enter [[Australia|an area]] where [http://www.ehp.qld.gov.au/wildlife/livingwith/kangaroos.html kangaroos] live, give them as much space as possible. If you see one, stay away from it and watch how it behaves. If it moves toward you or shows signs of being aggressive, move away (even if it is only looking for food or human contact, a kangaroo may still become aggressive). Don't act aggressively towards the kangaroo, as this will simply reinforce the idea that you are a threat. If you are approached by an aggressive kangaroo you should keep it at a safe distance so that it can't kick or scratch. For example, hold up a stick or branch, or stay behind a fence or a tree. Move away from the animal as quickly as you can. Turning your back on it and running could be dangerous as a large male can easily outrun you and still kick at the same time. Turn side-on and protect the front of your body with your arms and keep your head as far away from the kangaroo as possible to minimize the risk of being scratched on the face. If it is a large male that has been displaying dominance behavior, it may see you as a threat. Protect yourself and let the kangaroo know you are not a threat by giving a short, deep cough, avoiding eye contact and crouching down as you move away. Females and smaller male kangaroos are less likely to be aggressive but may approach if they are used to being fed or have had a lot of human contact. Even though females are much smaller than males, they can scratch and kick and could pose a safety risk – particularly to small children. Avoid the tails of kangaroos as well – while other animals have limp tails that can do no harm, kangaroos can swing their tails so powerfully that they can easily break a limb. As a last resort, if you can't escape an attacking kangaroo, roll up into a ball on the ground with your arm covering your neck and call for help. Try to roll or crawl away to a safe place. ===Ungulates=== American elk, moose, deer, bison, goats and cattle can attack people and as big as they are, bison can sprint three times faster than humans can run. They are unpredictable and dangerous and it is best to keep a fair distance between yourself and the animals – if it changes its behavior due to your presence, you are too close. Nevertheless, in North America and Europe a much greater danger from large ungulates is [[animal collisions|car crashes]]. In Africa, buffalo rank with hippos as the most dangerous animals, well ahead of animals perceived to be more deadly in the West such as lions and rhinos. ====Boars==== [[File:Wild Boar frontal.jpg|thumb|A wild boar]] Boars are widespread in Europe and most of Asia. They are mainly a risk for [[animal collisions]] and food scavenging. In rare cases they are aggressive, especially if they are provoked by dogs. In some locations, feral pigs become a nuisance similar to natural boars. Wild boar attacks on humans are not common but do occur occasionally. Usually, boars, like most wild animals, will avoid interactions with humans. Due to the clearing of natural boar habitats, the number of interactions, including aggressive ones, between humans and boars has increased. Boars eat everything, so they might look for food in farmlands, campsites, landfills, and gardens. When dealing aggressively with a human, boars will charge at them. These are sometimes bluff charges, but in other cases violent contact will be made. While the impact of the large, hard-skulled head may cause considerable damage itself, most damage is inflicted by the boar's tusk. When ramming into a person, the boar will slash the tusks upwards, creating sizable open lacerations on the skin. Due to the height of the boar relative to a human, most wounds are inflicted to the upper legs. Some attacks are provoked, such as when hunters wound a boar, which then counterattacks. Male boars become most aggressive during the mating season and may charge at humans at such times. Occasionally, female boars will attack if they feel their piglets are threatened, especially if a human physically comes between them and their young. Although a majority of boar attack victims recover with medical treatment, fatalities do occasionally occur. ====Cattle==== More than a billion domestic cattle graze the Earth, outnumbering all other animals of similar size. They are dangerous in herds. The male of the species is particularly aggressive. Even under controlled conditions, an event like the ''Running of the Bulls'' in [[Pamplona#Do|Pamplona]] can and has resulted in injuries or fatalities. Cattle, including bulls, roam freely throughout much of [[India]]. While most of them are harmless and are used to being surrounded by humans, the bulls can charge at you at any moment for no apparent reason. ====American elk==== [[File:Rocky Mountain Bull Elk.jpg|Elk or Wapiti|thumb]] The term "elk" has different meanings in different varieties of English. Outside North America, it refers to the animal we describe as a moose below. In North America, it means the quite different animal shown in the photo. An alternate term is ''wapiti'', borrowed from a Native American language. In September and October herds of North American elk gather for their mating season, or “rut.” During the rut, the male “bull” elk are irritable, aggressive and extremely dangerous to onlookers who get too close. The elk calving season takes place in April and May of each year. During this time, female elk, or cows, become irritable and highly protective of their young calves. Though they may look harmless, cows are extremely dangerous during calving season. Elk are wild animals which must be observed from a safe distance to avoid injury or death. If an animal is carefully watching you and appears “jumpy” when you move, you are too close. ====Elk, moose==== [[File:Moose superior.jpg|Moose, called "elk" in Europe|thumb]] Moose aren't inherently aggressive, but will defend themselves if they perceive a threat. When people don't see moose as potentially dangerous, they may approach too closely and put themselves at risk. More people each year are injured by moose than by bears. Enjoy viewing them from a distance. Cow moose are extremely defensive of their young so use extra caution around cows with calves and never get between a cow and a calf. In the summer months, moose blend in well to their environment and can be surprisingly hard to see for such large animals. They are likely to stand their ground even when they hear people approaching, so pay close attention to your surroundings, especially in prime moose habitat such as willow thickets or around streams or ponds. If you do find yourself close to a moose * If it hasn't detected you yet, keep it that way. * If it knows you're there, talk to it softly and move away slowly. * Don't be aggressive – you want to convince the moose that you aren't a threat. * If you think the moose is going to charge you, take cover or run away. Unlike with bears, it is okay to run from a moose. * Moose cannot climb trees, so getting up one is reasonably safe. Try to choose a fairly large tree and get high enough that the antlers cannot reach you. Watch for signs that the moose is upset. If its ears are laid back and hackles are up it is likely to charge. Most of the time, when a moose charges it is a 'bluff', or warning for you to get back – a warning you should take very seriously! Once a moose bluff charges it is already agitated. If possible, get behind something solid (like a tree or a car). They usually won't chase you and if they do, it's unlikely that they'll chase you very far. If a moose knocks you down, curl up in a ball and protect your head with your arms and keep still. Fighting back will only convince the moose that you may still be a threat. Only move once the moose has backed off to a safe distance or it may renew its attack. ====Musk ox==== The musk ox lives in the Arctic and in some nature reserves in Norway and Sweden. While they avoid humans, if threatened the herd will not run away and instead forms a defensive formation, and may attack if humans come closer, usually a single bull charging at {{convert|60|km/h|mph|sigfig=1|abbr=on}}. Keep a safe distance of at least 200 meters. === Wolves === [[File:Wolf pack in Yellowstone NP.jpg|thumbnail|A wolf pack]] Wolves rarely hunt humans, but they may come after livestock, food supplies or trash. Animals gradually lose their natural avoidance to people when they are protected from harm by people, or where humans act passively towards them. This is called habituation. Habituated wolves become comfortable around people and may venture quite close to people. It is very important to understand that these habituated wolves are actually the ones most likely to suddenly act aggressively. Wolves also quickly learn that food is often found in human garbage. When wolves seek out human foods they have become food-conditioned. If a wolf is fed by people it begins to expect handouts. If that wolf approaches a person but gets no food, it can become suddenly aggressive. This type of aggression is probably responsible for many of the bites that wolves have inflicted on people. Wolves have generally not learnt to hunt people for food, and thus any pack and especially any lone wolf will hesitate to do an attack against a person who does not show weakness. If a wolf comes near, do neither run nor try to get friendly, but back off without turning your back. If the wolf follows, striking with a walking stick in its direction or similar aggressive behaviour can help keep your psychological advantage, but is usually unnecessary. In most countries with wolves, aggressive behaviour against people is very rare indeed. [[Infectious diseases#Rabies|Rabid]] wolves, on the other hand, often attack without being provoked. They do not attack to kill but the bite requires urgent treatment, as rabies is lethal. Wolves regard '''dogs''' as rivals, and show them no mercy. Many hunting dogs have been killed by wolves and some large dogs will attack and kill wolves. Various wolfhound or guard dog types are bred for this, and some dogs will even make suicidal attacks against a pack. Most dogs instead try to show that they are friendly, and may make themselves an easy prey. See also [[Travelling with pets]]. === Coyotes === [[File:Canis latrans 06092020000048874 (49989035507).jpg|thumb|Coyote in Arizona]] Smaller than a wolf but larger than a fox, coyotes are mid-size canids that are common in the southwest United States and throughout Mexico. With human encroachment into their historic habitat, the coyote has enlarged its territory and can now be found in parts of Canada and South America. The coyote is an intelligent animal that has learned to adapt to the insatiable appetite of humans to turn undeveloped tracts of land into shopping centers and garden apartments. Today, urban animal control authorities are unsurprised to get calls about coyotes in urban areas. Individual coyotes seldom pose a risk to adult humans but they are capable of causing serious injury to children or pets. Coyotes also tend to organize into packs, similar to wolf behavior, and a pack of coyotes could attack an adult. Coyotes are famous for attacking farm animals (particularly chicken coops), so people who raise chickens, turkeys, or other small animals should take steps to provide secure shelter for their animals. Additionally, coyotes may carry rabies and should be approached with caution. ==Reptiles and amphibians== ===Crocodiles=== [[File:Caiman with porcupine quills on face (45923605524).jpg|thumb|Caiman in Tortugero National Park, Costa Rica]] '''Crocodiles''' are dangerous animals and they can eat just about anything they encounter. They are mostly found in equatorial zones, particularly in Australia, Southeast Asia and parts of Africa. Crocodiles are more dangerous in the water than on land because they seize their prey and drown them before eating them. Always exercise extreme caution if you are near a river or a water body populated with crocodiles. Forget any tips for fighting off a crocodile, just don't get into reach. While '''alligators''' are less aggressive toward humans in general than crocodiles, there have been many cases of predation or injury of human beings by alligators. In areas where alligators are common, avoid swimming in, or going dangerously close to, bodies of water where they may lurk. In Mexico, Central America, and South America, a cousin of the alligator is frequently seen in jungle wetlands. The '''caiman''' is usually smaller than an alligator or crocodile, but tends to be faster and more agile. === Snakes === {{main|Venomous snakes}} [[Image:Red diamond rattlesnake (crotalus exsul).jpg|thumb|Red diamond rattlesnake, native to [[Baja California]]]] Few snakes are likely to consider adult humans as prey and a lot of snakes prefer to avoid people. Some venomous species, however, can be deadly. General advice is to '''never''' try to pick up, harm, or kill a snake. If you see a snake, just move on or call in a professional snake catcher to move the animal. A lot of people are bitten when attempting to handle snakes. Most tourists who suffer snakebites do so accidentally by stepping on a camouflaged snake. Wearing appropriate footwear and clothing can reduce the risk of accidental snakebite. === Snakebite treatment === It's usually impossible to discern whether a snakebite is venomous by the shape of the bite or the snake, unless you can recognize the specific species. Treat any snakebite as fatally dangerous unless you're certain it's not. Generally, treatments presented outside the medical field '''do not work'''. Instead, you should get proper medical aid and try to avoid deteriorating until the medical aid arrives. To do so, the victim of the snake bite needs to rest immediately, completely, and comfortably so the circulation of the venom is slower. The victim needs to be calm, also for this reason. The part of the body damaged by the snake needs to be lower than the rest of the body. If possible, set it using strong branches or the like, so it moves as little as possible. There also exist venom suction pumps which are considered more effective than sucking with the mouth, but studies show that their effects are apparently also negligible. If you have one, use it if you have time, but don't let it delay the victim's evacuation. Taking a photo of the snake could be very helpful for the doctors. No need to actually catch or kill the snake; it's not like they can or need to produce antivenom on the spot. They only need to be able to recognize the species to know what anti-venom and other treatments to apply. === Frogs === Most frogs and toads are innocuous. Kids pick them up when they find them in ponds or trees. Some species of toads and frogs are quite dangerous though. Some of the brilliantly colorful '''poison dart frogs''' (mainly the ''Phyllobates'' species) in Central and South American rainforests secrete poison through their skin. Simply picking up one of these frogs and stroking its skin can kill a man. === Lizards === Most lizards are docile and people frequently pick them up and keep them as pets. Some are quite dangerous. In the dry deserts of southwestern United States and northern Mexico is a large, stout lizard called the '''gila monster''' who will hang on when it bites so as to inject maximum venom. Along the Pacific coast of Mexico live '''beaded lizards''', who do the same thing. Although many people keep iguanas as pets, and they're usually mellow guys hanging out in the warm sun, they have sharp teeth and have been known to bite. The most dangerous lizards are found in southeast Asia where several people have reportedly been attacked and killed by '''komodo dragons'''. === Newts === Newts are an amphibian that can be mistaken for lizards. Many newts produce highly-toxic compounds that they secrete through their skin. '''Rough-skinned newts''', found in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, produce tetrodotoxin in lethal quantities. This is a potent neurotoxin, which is also produced by pufferfish. == See also == * [[Animal ethics]] — avoiding animal cruelty and protecting endangered species * [[Animal collisions]] – moose and other large animals may be deadly on the highway {{usabletopic}} {{PartOfTopic|Stay safe}} 5x1pe95kcyxt2i05uqjntagte1m23fp 5086789 5086787 2025-07-02T20:42:19Z Mrkstvns 144844 /* Coyotes */ - edits 5086789 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Bear Alaska banner.jpg|caption:Brown bear in Alaska}} : ''This article describes large animals. See [[pests]] for insects and other small animals.'' Any large '''animal''' is capable of killing a human, and almost any small animal, from the size of a mouse, is capable of inflicting a nasty injury. Even apparently unlikely animals can be dangerous: a cute bunny has both claws and teeth, a large goose can be extremely nasty, and in 2014 a fisherman in Belarus died from a beaver bite when he tried to grab the animal to get a good photo. Proverbially dangerous beasts include a cornered animal, males of some species in mating season, and a mother with offspring to protect. Even otherwise gentle domestic animals can be dangerous in some circumstances: a horse may kick if startled, a dog may snap if interrupted while feeding, and so on. Some species such as hyenas and wolverines have a reputation for being bad-tempered enough to attack more-or-less anything that comes in range. Large predators, such as crocodiles, sharks and big cats, are obviously dangerous. However, very few animal species regard human beings as prey. More people are killed by large herbivores than by predators. In North America, moose attack more people than bears and mountain lions combined. Worldwide, hippos injure more people than any other animal, and moose rank second. In the water, jellyfish cause more injuries than sharks. Pets should be protected with care and concern. Dog owners should always make use of a leash. To a predator, an unaccompanied dog may look like easy prey. A naïve dog may attack a predator, which could result in serious injury to your pet, or ultimately to the pet owner. Most animals, large or small, can also be [[pests]] by stealing food, spreading infections, or damaging property. Keep in mind that a physical bite or scratch is not the only risk. Animals may also be carriers of [[rabies]]; bats in particular are dangerous for this, but any mammal can carry it. If you have potentially been exposed to rabies, prompt treatment is critical. Treatment only works prior to development of symptoms, and rabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms develop. ==Understand== {{quote|...release the tiger!|author=Monty Python|source=''Self-defence against fruit''}} Wild animals are much more dangerous than domesticated pets. Certain predators and any large animals in the wild can become quite dangerous, especially in groups. Never go close to wild or feral animals, and ask before approaching domestic ones. Any feeding should be done with a good understanding of the issues. Few species will do you harm if you '''keep your distance''', but the appropriate distance varies both with species and with circumstances. Unless you are an expert on the species in question, follow the general rule that '''if the animal's behavior changes at all''' (even turning its head to look at you), then '''back off immediately'''. If you want to [[wildlife photography|photograph wildlife]], get a nice long [[Travel_photography/Full systems#Telephoto lenses|telephoto lens]] so you can keep your distance and avoid disturbing the animals. This is much safer and it is also very likely to give better pictures. Nearly all dangerous animals are far faster than most humans. Do not count on running away if it attacks, but stay far enough that it does not attack. This includes seemingly clumsy animals like hippos, bears, crocodiles and musk oxen, and small ones like snakes. They may not run far, but may reach much farther than you supposed. For some predators, turning your back and running away activates their hunting instinct, so controlling your nerves may be important. Captive animals are no less dangerous than their wild relatives. Safari parks and [[zoos]] with the best handling practices have still had animal attacks on staff and visitors. Follow rules and staff instructions. See also our article on [[pests]], small animals able to annoy, infect or poison people. See [[animal collisions]] for traffic accidents involving animals. ==Risk factors== High-risk places, where wild animals are often seen: * Streams and other bodies of water; especially in dry regions and seasons as water is scarce * Farmlands, landfills and waste bins, where wild animals might look for food * When you see one animal, others are probably nearby Times and situations when animals might be aggressive: * Cornered * Mating season * Protecting offspring * Protecting killed prey * Provoked by dogs * Sunrise and sunset, when animals are on the move; also has a blinding effect ==Birds== The largest birds, such as ostriches and emus, can kick down a human. The cassowary, found in northern Australia and New Guinea, has been known to deal fatal injuries to people and other animals, but is usually shy and avoids humans. Some birds protect their nests or offspring quite aggressively. Some owls are especially nasty, as they often attack without any preceding fake attacks – and in total silence. The aggressive Ural owl does warn, and you should take its warning call seriously. ===Swooping season in Australia=== [[File:Bicycle helmet with zip-ties.jpg|thumb|The nylon zip ties on this helmet discourage territorial magpies from striking the rider.]] Australian magpies ''(Cracticus tibicen)'' are a common bird found throughout Australia. In September and October, their mating season, they become extremely vigilant in defending their nests and young and will divebomb and peck anything they perceive as a threat – usually humans. Due to the sheer number of these birds, simply walking down a street can result in multiple attacks. As such, this time of year has colloquially become known among Australians as "swooping season". There is no way to stop the magpies, but various techniques have been developed to prevent injury. Zipties tied to a bicycle helmet have proven effective, as have other hard plastic head coverings. ===Urban gulls=== Gulls, informally referred to as "seagulls", were once primarily sea-going birds that nested on cliffs and in other wild places. Some time in the 1940s, however, some types of gull began to move increasingly into human settlements and nest there instead. It is not entirely known why this shift occurred, but as some gulls are opportunistic and adaptable feeders it is possible that they found easy food in newly-made landfill sites and on the street. Seeing a squad of gulls quickly hoover up a discarded doner kebab is something of a spectacle. Two of the species that moved in next door to people, herring gulls and lesser black-backed gulls, are vigilant in defending their nests and young. Even if they've seen and lived next to humans every day of their lives, once their chicks hatch, everything and anything can be seen as a potential threat. These gulls are large and have sharp beaks and claws, and injuries occur often. There is no way to prevent the gulls from attacking, and harming the gulls or their nests and young is illegal (in certain cases licences can be granted). Gulls can be discouraged from areas by removing readily-available food sources such as easily torn bin bags and stopping people from directly feeding the birds. Nesting can be discouraged by fitting specially-made spikes. All discouraging methods should be started early in the year before the birds start to breed. Do not contribute to the problem by letting them get food from you. In some places tourists are a major source of food – offered, abandoned or taken from you. === Birds of prey === Birds of prey — such as owls, falcons, kites, vultures, condors, hawks, and eagles — are, by nature, solitary animals and they generally avoid interacting with humans and other birds of prey unless they've been provoked or are curious about something. Birds of prey have strong, sharp talons and beaks and they are capable of inflicting serious injuries. Small pets — such as cats and dogs — are especially vulnerable to attacks from birds of prey; consider being around your pet when you go out for a walk, or keeping them indoors. The best way to admire and appreciate birds of prey is to observe them from a safe distance. If it seems that a bird of prey is about to attack you for whatever reason, make loud noises (yelling, screaming, clapping) or flash lights at them to scare them off. Birds of prey are protected by all kinds of laws in many countries; it is illegal to disturb them, their habitats or their nests. ==Fish== ===Sharks=== Of the hundreds of known species of sharks, only a handful are regarded as posing a significant risk to human safety, and attacks on humans are rare. The rarity of shark attacks, however, does not mean they cannot be fatal. Nor does the seemingly random nature of shark attacks help to allay fears about being bitten. Sharks usually attack because they think you are a seal, a turtle, a fish, or various other types of prey. Sometimes they test bite if they are curious, but sharks do not intentionally bite, attack, or kill humans. Here are a few common sense tips to reduce the risk of encountering sharks: [[File:Sharks outside cage.jpg|thumb|Shark cage diving]] * Swim close to shore. * Swim, dive or surf with other people. * Avoid areas where there are large schools of fish, dolphins, seals or sea lions and close to bird rookeries. * Avoid areas where animal, human or fish waste enters the water. * Avoid deep channels or areas with deep drop-offs nearby. * Do not remain in the water with bleeding wounds. * Look carefully before jumping into the water from a boat or jetty. * If spearing fish, don't carry dead or bleeding fish attached to you and remove all speared fish from the water as quickly as possible. * If schooling fish or other wildlife start to behave erratically or congregate in large numbers, leave the water. * If you see a shark, leave the water as quickly and calmly as possible – avoid excessive splashing or noise.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ ===Stonefish=== Stonefish (genus ''Synanceia'') are a venomous fish; their sting causes excruciating pain and can be fatal. They get their name from their mottled color and tendency to lie on the bottom looking much like a stone; they are quite difficult to see and avoid. In some areas it is common to wear running shoes while swimming to protect against being stung. An antivenin is available and anyone who is stung should try to get it as quickly as possible. First-aid treatments include hot water, which breaks down the venom, and vinegar, which reduces the pain. Stonefish are found in warm waters across the Indian Ocean and into the Pacific, at least from the [[Red Sea]] to the [[Philippines]]. They are a serious hazard in parts of [[Queensland]]. ===Lionfish=== [[File:Red_lionfish_near_Gilli_Banta_Island.JPG|thumb|Lionfish in Indonesia]] The Pterois genus, most commonly known as '''lionfish''' are a venomous fish characterized by conspicuous warning coloration with red, white, creamy, or black bands and venomous spiky fin rays. Stings are extremely painful and can lead to nausea, convulsions, temporary paralysis, heart failure, and, in extreme cases, death. Young children and people with weak immune systems are particularly susceptible. Treatment is available and should be sought as a soon as possible. Though native to the Indo-Pacific they have spread throughout the world, and are common in [[the Caribbean]]. In [[Florida]] and [[The Bahamas]] they are treated as invasive species, and any sighting should be reported to wildlife managers. == Insects == {{main|Pests}} In some countries, biting insects are capable of inflicting serious illnesses, and in some cases life threatening conditions. It is well worth researching whether countries you are visiting have any warnings regarding dangerous insects. In some countries ant bites can create serious reactions. The [[malaria]] mosquito kills more people than any other animal. In tropical countries the risk of other insect-transferred diseases, such as [[dengue fever]] and [[zika fever]], must be taken seriously. == Jellyfish == {{main|Jellyfish}} In Northern [[Australia]] – and specifically the [[Northern Territory]] – on the coast, beach swimming is strongly advised against due to the difficult to see and very dangerous forms of jellyfish. General advice is not to touch any jellyfish, even ones that are dead on the shore, as they may still be able to deliver a sting. ==Mammals== ===Apes=== Most ape species live in troops and are highly territorial. They will not generally bother humans who keep their distance, but if you provoke them then the whole troop (or at least all the young males) may attack. [[File:Gorilla gorilla gorilla 02.jpg|thumb|A gorilla]] '''Baboons''' protect their territory and troop quite fiercely, both by direct attacks and by hurling rocks. They sometimes kill a leopard or hyena that gets too close and can usually drive lions off. '''Chimpanzees''' have been known to attack humans in the wild, and can cause serious injury or death. '''Gorillas''' have in rare cases attacked humans, but they generally don't attack unless provoked, and will show warning signs before attacking. Even if you reckon you could easily punch out Chuck Norris, you should definitely back off if a gorilla acts aggressive. Adults are all at least {{kg|100}}, some over {{kg|250}}, and most are far stronger than any human. '''Orangutans''' are less dangerous than gorillas because they are smaller (average {{kg|75}} for adults), they generally live in smaller troops, and they mostly live in the trees so humans are less likely to get too close. ===Bears=== [[File:Blackbearwaterton.jpg|thumbnail|Know your bears. Not a grizzly bear being aggressive but a cinnamon colored black bear eating dandelions. Still, you should really not get this close!]] '''Bear danger''' is prevalent in most areas populated with bears. Before [[Hiking|backpackers]] are allowed to enter an area with bears, they may be required to watch an instructional video on how to avoid encountering or agitating bears. If not, you can still ask for advice. Best strategies for dealing with bear danger differ from place to place. In any area, making noise to avoid startling a bear and to prevent yourself from getting between a mother and her cubs will increase your safety. Many hikers wear special ''bear bells'' at their ankles to warn the bears of human presence. It is always safer to hike in noisy groups rather than solo. In some areas, food and scratches should be handled such that the bears cannot get at them, or at least do not come to you for them. [[File:Warning sign polar bears.jpg|thumb|Serious hazard: The text says the warning about dangerous bears applies to the entire [[Svalbard]] region.]] '''Polar bears''' have no reluctance in stalking and eating people; they survive mainly by hunting, and humans are roughly the same size and shape as seals, which are among their usual prey. If you visit areas within the polar bear habitat, such as [[Churchill]] (in the Canadian Arctic) or [[Svalbard]], you must take special precautions to avoid becoming prey. The best way to avoid being attacked is not to enter any area where polar bears live or to remain inside a hard-shell vehicle or building. Consult local authorities before leaving settlements. Having an armed guide, trained to deal with the polar bears, is often required in such areas. The polar bear is very fast; you cannot run away from them. '''Other types''' of bears, such as black bears and grizzly bears, are versatile foragers rather than pure hunters; they are less likely to want to eat you and much more likely to want to eat your food. But regardless, they are big, extremely strong animals that can easily maul an adult human being to death, so be careful when you visit areas where they live. The advice below is about them. The European brown bear generally avoids humans, but can attack for self defence. Hunters are attacked now and then, by a wounded bear or one harassed by the hunter's dog. There have been attacks on tourists in remote regions of the Italian [[Alps]], and bear attacks are on the rise in [[Romania]] as of 2024. At rare occasions somebody succeeds in getting between a mother and her cubs and might be unlucky enough to get killed. ====Dealing with bear encounters==== {{infobox|Bear Hang|Hanging food in a tree does not guarantee it will be safe, but any method other than counterbalancing will probably not protect it. Hang food only when storage boxes or bear-proof containers or panniers are not available. Find a tree with a live, down-sloping branch, even if you must select a different campsite. Divide food into two balanced bags. Store soap, sunscreen, deodorant, toothpaste and garbage in the same way as food. Bears are attracted to anything with an odor. Use enough rope to go over the branch and back to the ground. Toss it far out on the branch where it will support the weight of the food but not a bear cub. Make sure no objects are below the branch that could support a bear. Tie on and hoist the first sack up to the branch. Tie the second sack as high as you can on the rope; put the excess rope in the sack, leaving a loop out so you can retrieve it. Toss or use a stick to push the lower sack until both sacks are at equal height. To retrieve the sacks, hook a long stick through the loop of excess rope. Pull slowly to avoid tangles.}} The advice below applies to omnivores such as brown and black bears, for the completely carnivorous polar bear, see above. In North America, know the difference between grizzly bears and black bears. Grizzlies have a large hump on their back near the head and often have fur that looks frosted. Black bears can be black, brown or reddish in color. Bears of all kinds are curious. They will inspect just about anything (ships, cars, homes) to see if anything is playable or edible. If you see a bear, back off slowly or keep your distance and make noise to avoid startling the bear. The best noise in this situation may be talking with a calm voice (which tells the bear you are human and that you have no aggressive intentions). Never turn your back on the bear or run; running away can activate the hunting instincts of the bear and lead to it perceiving you as prey. Climbing a tree is also not the best idea, as most bears occasionally climb trees, and some are good climbers. If a bear becomes confrontational, either back off slowly or stand your ground, raise your arms above your head so as to appear larger and yell at the bear. Black bears can often be scared off in this way. Grizzlies are much more aggressive and trying to scare them off is a bad idea. Advice differs on the best approach for black or brown bears. Follow local advice and rules, if possible. If a bear does charge, you should muster your courage, as most bear charges are bluff. Either stand your ground or curl into a fetal position so as to shield vital organs and appear non-threatening. If the bear does attack, you can still curl into the fetal position. If this is not enough, you can either hope the bear will lose its interest without doing too much damage or fight the bear in any way you can. Bear spray – a special form of pepper spray – is mandatory in certain parks and wildlife areas and perhaps available regardless. It is designed to make a large short blast that only lasts a few seconds so proximity to the bear is key; make sure you have understood when and how to use it. Most bear sprays come with a safety, so make sure you understand how the safety works and wear your bear spray where it can easily be accessed in an emergency. ====Food storage and garbage disposal==== [[File:Bear resistant food storage canister 2.JPG|200px|thumbnail|Bear resistant food storage canister, lid can be locked into place using a coin, a key or any similar object.]] Bears are opportunistic omnivores with an excellent sense of smell, and are attracted to human and pet foods as well as refuse. Improper storage of these items can allow bears to eat human food and become dependent on it, increasing the probability of encounters with humans. Most brown and black bear encounters in populated areas involve so-called "trouble bears", usually young males who have just left their mothers and do not yet have a territory of their own. If they wander close to human settlements, the smells of cooking and garbage can cause them to ignore their usual instinct to avoid humans. Many parks and people in areas with bears utilize bear-resistant garbage cans and dumpsters for this reason, and many areas have laws prohibiting the feeding of bears, even unintentionally. Feeding a bear your food may seem like a kind gesture, but it is actually very harmful. It makes the bear associate people with food, and that can lead to serious problems. Campers can access bear-proof containers at many parks to store their food and trash and they may be required in some areas. The containers are then buried or strung on a rope between two tall trees, out of bears' reach. They are also instructed to put their containers, campfire, and tenting 100 meters away from each other, forming a triangle. In bear country, do not leave trash, food or any scented items such as chapstick, toothpaste, deodorant or air freshener in your vehicle. Bears can do severe damage to your car, using their claws to pry open car doors or trunks. Bear canisters cannot be opened by bears, but some have learned to roll them off cliffs to break them open. Keep your canisters away from streams and cliffs. In some areas, bears have learned how to take down food suspended on ropes. In some areas, it is recommended that food scraps are disposed of in rivers – not good where eutrophication is a problem, but it avoids bears finding them where they can scent the human presence. ===Cats=== [[File:Just one lion.jpg|thumbnail|Meow!]] All the feline species are carnivores with the instincts for hunting, and all may kill more-or-less anything that is not too large for them. Even a cute and gentle domestic cat will wreak havoc among the local birds and rodents if it can catch them. Wild species have had more practice so their hunting skills are better, some can kill adult humans, and many could kill children or pets. Big cats such as '''[[tigers]]''', '''lions''', '''leopards''', '''jaguars''', '''panthers''' and '''pumas''' (aka '''cougars''' or '''mountain lions''') do occasionally kill people. Smaller cats such as '''bobcat''' or '''lynx''' are extremely unlikely to see adult humans as prey, but are quite capable of doing serious injury in the highly improbable event that you manage to corner one. ====Mountain lions==== Don’t hike alone. Make noise to avoid surprising a mountain lion and keep children close to you at all times. If you do encounter a mountain lion, do not run. Talk calmly and loudly, avert your gaze, stand tall, and back away. Unlike with bears, if attack seems imminent, act aggressively. Try to make yourself look bigger (for instance, raise your jacket above your head). Do not crouch and do not turn away. Mountain lions may be scared away by being struck with rocks or sticks, or by being kicked or hit. They are primarily nocturnal, but they have attacked in broad daylight. They rarely prey on humans, but such behavior occasionally does occur. Children and small adults are particularly vulnerable. ====Tigers==== {{main|Tigers}} Tigers are the largest feline species, and native to much of Asia, ranging from the Siberian tiger of the frigid [[Russian Far East]] to the Malayan tiger of the hot and humid tropics in [[Southeast Asia]]. Tigers are apex predators; their sharp claws, sharp teeth, powerful jaws, explosive temper, territorial nature, and their incredible stamina and strength make them extremely fearsome and dangerous. This being said, tigers rarely stalk and hunt humans. Do not urinate in their territory as this can be seen as challenging their ownership of their territory. As with other predators, if you come face to face with a tiger, remain calm and back away slowly from them. Trying to run away or showing that you're afraid of them will invite them to attack you. Making noises that a tiger isn't accustomed to may make it feel less secure and it would most likely leave you alone. However, do not hit, yell at, throw objects at, or antagonise a tiger in any way; tigers can respond to aggression with aggression Even if the tiger you see appears to be feeble, weak or in need of help, do not approach it: there is little you can do to help it and it may well kill you as a precaution or for food; it probably still is much stronger than you. Instead report it to relevant authorities. And if you see a tiger cub – evacuate the area immediately. ====Lions==== Lions are generally associated with [[Africa]], where they can be found in the largest numbers, though there is also a small critically endangered population that is native to [[India]]. Lions can be extremely dangerous. Lionesses are more active hunters than male lions, which are responsible for keeping the group safe. Lions rarely attack humans unless they cannot find anything else to eat. Some develop into man-eaters. If, by a stroke of ill-luck, you come face to face with a lion that wants to eat you, '''remain calm'''. It can be intimidating to be in close contact with a lion, but you should always appear confident and big in front of them. Back away slowly and make some loud noise, as it can frighten them. If the lion does not go away, hit the lion in the eyes or the face. This tactic may seem useless, but people have managed to fend off lions by fighting back like this. If you end up getting badly injured fending off a lion, get medical attention immediately and consider getting psychological help. ===Dogs=== {{main|Aggressive dogs}} It is not just that dogs can be dangerous – in some countries where inadequate veterinary services are available, dogs can be [[Infectious diseases#Rabies|rabid]] – a bite from them and you are in serious trouble. Even friendly non-rabid dogs pose some danger. An otherwise gentle dog may snap if someone approaches when it is feeding, and a large dog may cause injury with overly enthusiastic friendly gestures such as jumping up on someone. ===Elephants=== {{see also|Elephants}} Elephants may be the "gentle giants" of the animal kingdom, but they have a long, painful history of conflict with humans. Their large, bulky shapes and sizes make them incredibly intimidating and they are dangerous if you happen to provoke or anger them. If you are close, they can hurt you badly by accident. Whenever you encounter a wild elephant, pay close attention to their '''ears''', '''legs''', and their '''trunk'''. * If an elephant's ears appear to be relaxed or "fanned out", the elephant is trying to determine whether you're a threat or not. It may do a "mock charge", i.e. a bluff attack just to scare you off. * If an elephant is swinging their legs back and fro, it is most likely afraid of you and won't make a real charge. Still, back off. * If an elephant's trunk is curled inwards and it has its ears close to its head, it is probably about to charge at you for real. Retreat immediately and take cover. In the unlikely event you are chased by a wild elephant, you can throw an object to distract the elephant or you can run in a zig-zag pattern to outrun the elephant. If you take cover somewhere, '''be still and quiet'''; elephants have extremely good hearing. During a mock charge, do not appear fearful. Stand your ground and demonstrate you are not a threat. Elephants will be more inclined to leave you alone after that. ===Foxes=== Foxes are too small to be of any significant threat to humans, though they often scavenge through human trash, and may attack small livestock like chickens, as well as some smaller pets. Foxes that attack humans unprovoked are usually infected with [[Infectious diseases#Rabies|rabies]], so if you are attacked by one, it is imperative that you seek medical attention as soon as possible. ===Hippopotamuses=== Although Hippopotamuses are herbivores, their large size, incredible stamina, and powerful jaws make them extremely dangerous. Hippos are so territorial, that they will lash out at, well, anything or anyone (including other hippos) that they think is 'taking away' their space from them. Even crocodiles, for the most part, are scared of attacking and approaching hippos. If you encounter hippos in the water or on land, alert them to your presence and maintain an acceptable distance from them. Do not attempt to slip by them unnoticed or else you will make yourself the target of an irritated hippo. If a hippo in the water opens its mouth wide (like a yawn), '''retreat'''. Hippos do this to scare off threats or undesirable elements. ===Horses and ponies=== See [[horse riding]] for a general discussion of the joys and hazards of horses and ponies. Falling off them is the most common danger, but there are other risks. A bite can be quite serious and a kick can be fatal. The risk of aggression from a well-trained horse or pony is generally small, but nearly all horses are easily spooked and likely to react dangerously if startled or provoked. Ask the owner before going close. Talk calmly to the animal, approach from the side, and show the horse or pony what you are going to do; avoid doing anything surprising. Also avoid going close behind a horse or pony as this is the direction in which they can kick most easily and is out of their field of view so movement there may startle them. Having a horse accidentally step on your foot can also cause serious injury. The larger breeds can do more damage, but even a pony is heavy enough to hurt you quite badly. ====Wild horses and ponies==== Wild horses and ponies vary in how they perceive people. Some herds that are managed by people or closely associate with them may be more tolerant, but all wild animals should be seen as unpredictable no matter what. Avoid getting too close and definitely avoid feeding them – in some places this is illegal. You should also never get close to a stallion with mares or to mares with foals as they will be more defensive and therefore more likely to charge at you. If you do find yourself close to a wild horse or pony then they will usually give warnings via body language before they charge. If a horse's ears go back then the animal is not happy and you should back off. If the ears are pinned back and there is also teeth-baring and hoof-stomping or head-tossing then you've really caused upset and should get out of there pronto! Upset horses and ponies may also turn so that they are facing away from you – that could mean they're getting ready to deliver a powerful kick with their hind legs, so keep clear! ===Kangaroos=== [[File:- fighting red kangaroos 1.jpg|thumbnail|Red kangaroos fighting]] If you enter [[Australia|an area]] where [http://www.ehp.qld.gov.au/wildlife/livingwith/kangaroos.html kangaroos] live, give them as much space as possible. If you see one, stay away from it and watch how it behaves. If it moves toward you or shows signs of being aggressive, move away (even if it is only looking for food or human contact, a kangaroo may still become aggressive). Don't act aggressively towards the kangaroo, as this will simply reinforce the idea that you are a threat. If you are approached by an aggressive kangaroo you should keep it at a safe distance so that it can't kick or scratch. For example, hold up a stick or branch, or stay behind a fence or a tree. Move away from the animal as quickly as you can. Turning your back on it and running could be dangerous as a large male can easily outrun you and still kick at the same time. Turn side-on and protect the front of your body with your arms and keep your head as far away from the kangaroo as possible to minimize the risk of being scratched on the face. If it is a large male that has been displaying dominance behavior, it may see you as a threat. Protect yourself and let the kangaroo know you are not a threat by giving a short, deep cough, avoiding eye contact and crouching down as you move away. Females and smaller male kangaroos are less likely to be aggressive but may approach if they are used to being fed or have had a lot of human contact. Even though females are much smaller than males, they can scratch and kick and could pose a safety risk – particularly to small children. Avoid the tails of kangaroos as well – while other animals have limp tails that can do no harm, kangaroos can swing their tails so powerfully that they can easily break a limb. As a last resort, if you can't escape an attacking kangaroo, roll up into a ball on the ground with your arm covering your neck and call for help. Try to roll or crawl away to a safe place. ===Ungulates=== American elk, moose, deer, bison, goats and cattle can attack people and as big as they are, bison can sprint three times faster than humans can run. They are unpredictable and dangerous and it is best to keep a fair distance between yourself and the animals – if it changes its behavior due to your presence, you are too close. Nevertheless, in North America and Europe a much greater danger from large ungulates is [[animal collisions|car crashes]]. In Africa, buffalo rank with hippos as the most dangerous animals, well ahead of animals perceived to be more deadly in the West such as lions and rhinos. ====Boars==== [[File:Wild Boar frontal.jpg|thumb|A wild boar]] Boars are widespread in Europe and most of Asia. They are mainly a risk for [[animal collisions]] and food scavenging. In rare cases they are aggressive, especially if they are provoked by dogs. In some locations, feral pigs become a nuisance similar to natural boars. Wild boar attacks on humans are not common but do occur occasionally. Usually, boars, like most wild animals, will avoid interactions with humans. Due to the clearing of natural boar habitats, the number of interactions, including aggressive ones, between humans and boars has increased. Boars eat everything, so they might look for food in farmlands, campsites, landfills, and gardens. When dealing aggressively with a human, boars will charge at them. These are sometimes bluff charges, but in other cases violent contact will be made. While the impact of the large, hard-skulled head may cause considerable damage itself, most damage is inflicted by the boar's tusk. When ramming into a person, the boar will slash the tusks upwards, creating sizable open lacerations on the skin. Due to the height of the boar relative to a human, most wounds are inflicted to the upper legs. Some attacks are provoked, such as when hunters wound a boar, which then counterattacks. Male boars become most aggressive during the mating season and may charge at humans at such times. Occasionally, female boars will attack if they feel their piglets are threatened, especially if a human physically comes between them and their young. Although a majority of boar attack victims recover with medical treatment, fatalities do occasionally occur. ====Cattle==== More than a billion domestic cattle graze the Earth, outnumbering all other animals of similar size. They are dangerous in herds. The male of the species is particularly aggressive. Even under controlled conditions, an event like the ''Running of the Bulls'' in [[Pamplona#Do|Pamplona]] can and has resulted in injuries or fatalities. Cattle, including bulls, roam freely throughout much of [[India]]. While most of them are harmless and are used to being surrounded by humans, the bulls can charge at you at any moment for no apparent reason. ====American elk==== [[File:Rocky Mountain Bull Elk.jpg|Elk or Wapiti|thumb]] The term "elk" has different meanings in different varieties of English. Outside North America, it refers to the animal we describe as a moose below. In North America, it means the quite different animal shown in the photo. An alternate term is ''wapiti'', borrowed from a Native American language. In September and October herds of North American elk gather for their mating season, or “rut.” During the rut, the male “bull” elk are irritable, aggressive and extremely dangerous to onlookers who get too close. The elk calving season takes place in April and May of each year. During this time, female elk, or cows, become irritable and highly protective of their young calves. Though they may look harmless, cows are extremely dangerous during calving season. Elk are wild animals which must be observed from a safe distance to avoid injury or death. If an animal is carefully watching you and appears “jumpy” when you move, you are too close. ====Elk, moose==== [[File:Moose superior.jpg|Moose, called "elk" in Europe|thumb]] Moose aren't inherently aggressive, but will defend themselves if they perceive a threat. When people don't see moose as potentially dangerous, they may approach too closely and put themselves at risk. More people each year are injured by moose than by bears. Enjoy viewing them from a distance. Cow moose are extremely defensive of their young so use extra caution around cows with calves and never get between a cow and a calf. In the summer months, moose blend in well to their environment and can be surprisingly hard to see for such large animals. They are likely to stand their ground even when they hear people approaching, so pay close attention to your surroundings, especially in prime moose habitat such as willow thickets or around streams or ponds. If you do find yourself close to a moose * If it hasn't detected you yet, keep it that way. * If it knows you're there, talk to it softly and move away slowly. * Don't be aggressive – you want to convince the moose that you aren't a threat. * If you think the moose is going to charge you, take cover or run away. Unlike with bears, it is okay to run from a moose. * Moose cannot climb trees, so getting up one is reasonably safe. Try to choose a fairly large tree and get high enough that the antlers cannot reach you. Watch for signs that the moose is upset. If its ears are laid back and hackles are up it is likely to charge. Most of the time, when a moose charges it is a 'bluff', or warning for you to get back – a warning you should take very seriously! Once a moose bluff charges it is already agitated. If possible, get behind something solid (like a tree or a car). They usually won't chase you and if they do, it's unlikely that they'll chase you very far. If a moose knocks you down, curl up in a ball and protect your head with your arms and keep still. Fighting back will only convince the moose that you may still be a threat. Only move once the moose has backed off to a safe distance or it may renew its attack. ====Musk ox==== The musk ox lives in the Arctic and in some nature reserves in Norway and Sweden. While they avoid humans, if threatened the herd will not run away and instead forms a defensive formation, and may attack if humans come closer, usually a single bull charging at {{convert|60|km/h|mph|sigfig=1|abbr=on}}. Keep a safe distance of at least 200 meters. === Wolves === [[File:Wolf pack in Yellowstone NP.jpg|thumbnail|A wolf pack]] Wolves rarely hunt humans, but they may come after livestock, food supplies or trash. Animals gradually lose their natural avoidance to people when they are protected from harm by people, or where humans act passively towards them. This is called habituation. Habituated wolves become comfortable around people and may venture quite close to people. It is very important to understand that these habituated wolves are actually the ones most likely to suddenly act aggressively. Wolves also quickly learn that food is often found in human garbage. When wolves seek out human foods they have become food-conditioned. If a wolf is fed by people it begins to expect handouts. If that wolf approaches a person but gets no food, it can become suddenly aggressive. This type of aggression is probably responsible for many of the bites that wolves have inflicted on people. Wolves have generally not learnt to hunt people for food, and thus any pack and especially any lone wolf will hesitate to do an attack against a person who does not show weakness. If a wolf comes near, do neither run nor try to get friendly, but back off without turning your back. If the wolf follows, striking with a walking stick in its direction or similar aggressive behaviour can help keep your psychological advantage, but is usually unnecessary. In most countries with wolves, aggressive behaviour against people is very rare indeed. [[Infectious diseases#Rabies|Rabid]] wolves, on the other hand, often attack without being provoked. They do not attack to kill but the bite requires urgent treatment, as rabies is lethal. Wolves regard '''dogs''' as rivals, and show them no mercy. Many hunting dogs have been killed by wolves and some large dogs will attack and kill wolves. Various wolfhound or guard dog types are bred for this, and some dogs will even make suicidal attacks against a pack. Most dogs instead try to show that they are friendly, and may make themselves an easy prey. See also [[Travelling with pets]]. === Coyotes === [[File:Canis latrans 06092020000048874 (49989035507).jpg|thumb|Coyote in Arizona]] Smaller than a wolf but larger than a fox, coyotes are mid-size canids that are common in the southwest United States and throughout Mexico. With human encroachment into their historic habitat, the coyote has enlarged its territory and can now be found in parts of Canada and South America and everywhere in between. The coyote is an intelligent animal that has learned to adapt to the insatiable appetite of humans to turn undeveloped tracts of land into shopping centers and garden apartments. Today, urban animal control authorities are unsurprised to get calls about coyotes in urban areas, including some of the largest cities. Individual coyotes seldom pose a risk to adult humans but they are capable of causing serious injury to children or pets. Coyotes also tend to organize into packs, similar to wolf behavior, and a pack of coyotes could attack an adult. Coyotes are famous for attacking farm animals (particularly chicken coops), so people who raise chickens, turkeys, or other small animals should take steps to provide secure shelter for their animals. Additionally, coyotes may carry rabies and should be approached with caution. ==Reptiles and amphibians== ===Crocodiles=== [[File:Caiman with porcupine quills on face (45923605524).jpg|thumb|Caiman in Tortugero National Park, Costa Rica]] '''Crocodiles''' are dangerous animals and they can eat just about anything they encounter. They are mostly found in equatorial zones, particularly in Australia, Southeast Asia and parts of Africa. Crocodiles are more dangerous in the water than on land because they seize their prey and drown them before eating them. Always exercise extreme caution if you are near a river or a water body populated with crocodiles. Forget any tips for fighting off a crocodile, just don't get into reach. While '''alligators''' are less aggressive toward humans in general than crocodiles, there have been many cases of predation or injury of human beings by alligators. In areas where alligators are common, avoid swimming in, or going dangerously close to, bodies of water where they may lurk. In Mexico, Central America, and South America, a cousin of the alligator is frequently seen in jungle wetlands. The '''caiman''' is usually smaller than an alligator or crocodile, but tends to be faster and more agile. === Snakes === {{main|Venomous snakes}} [[Image:Red diamond rattlesnake (crotalus exsul).jpg|thumb|Red diamond rattlesnake, native to [[Baja California]]]] Few snakes are likely to consider adult humans as prey and a lot of snakes prefer to avoid people. Some venomous species, however, can be deadly. General advice is to '''never''' try to pick up, harm, or kill a snake. If you see a snake, just move on or call in a professional snake catcher to move the animal. A lot of people are bitten when attempting to handle snakes. Most tourists who suffer snakebites do so accidentally by stepping on a camouflaged snake. Wearing appropriate footwear and clothing can reduce the risk of accidental snakebite. === Snakebite treatment === It's usually impossible to discern whether a snakebite is venomous by the shape of the bite or the snake, unless you can recognize the specific species. Treat any snakebite as fatally dangerous unless you're certain it's not. Generally, treatments presented outside the medical field '''do not work'''. Instead, you should get proper medical aid and try to avoid deteriorating until the medical aid arrives. To do so, the victim of the snake bite needs to rest immediately, completely, and comfortably so the circulation of the venom is slower. The victim needs to be calm, also for this reason. The part of the body damaged by the snake needs to be lower than the rest of the body. If possible, set it using strong branches or the like, so it moves as little as possible. There also exist venom suction pumps which are considered more effective than sucking with the mouth, but studies show that their effects are apparently also negligible. If you have one, use it if you have time, but don't let it delay the victim's evacuation. Taking a photo of the snake could be very helpful for the doctors. No need to actually catch or kill the snake; it's not like they can or need to produce antivenom on the spot. They only need to be able to recognize the species to know what anti-venom and other treatments to apply. === Frogs === Most frogs and toads are innocuous. Kids pick them up when they find them in ponds or trees. Some species of toads and frogs are quite dangerous though. Some of the brilliantly colorful '''poison dart frogs''' (mainly the ''Phyllobates'' species) in Central and South American rainforests secrete poison through their skin. Simply picking up one of these frogs and stroking its skin can kill a man. === Lizards === Most lizards are docile and people frequently pick them up and keep them as pets. Some are quite dangerous. In the dry deserts of southwestern United States and northern Mexico is a large, stout lizard called the '''gila monster''' who will hang on when it bites so as to inject maximum venom. Along the Pacific coast of Mexico live '''beaded lizards''', who do the same thing. Although many people keep iguanas as pets, and they're usually mellow guys hanging out in the warm sun, they have sharp teeth and have been known to bite. The most dangerous lizards are found in southeast Asia where several people have reportedly been attacked and killed by '''komodo dragons'''. === Newts === Newts are an amphibian that can be mistaken for lizards. Many newts produce highly-toxic compounds that they secrete through their skin. '''Rough-skinned newts''', found in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, produce tetrodotoxin in lethal quantities. This is a potent neurotoxin, which is also produced by pufferfish. == See also == * [[Animal ethics]] — avoiding animal cruelty and protecting endangered species * [[Animal collisions]] – moose and other large animals may be deadly on the highway {{usabletopic}} {{PartOfTopic|Stay safe}} j47ogyu575u5gfg2dxkobnc661bgr40 5086790 5086789 2025-07-02T20:44:32Z Mrkstvns 144844 /* Frogs */ - add foto 5086790 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Bear Alaska banner.jpg|caption:Brown bear in Alaska}} : ''This article describes large animals. See [[pests]] for insects and other small animals.'' Any large '''animal''' is capable of killing a human, and almost any small animal, from the size of a mouse, is capable of inflicting a nasty injury. Even apparently unlikely animals can be dangerous: a cute bunny has both claws and teeth, a large goose can be extremely nasty, and in 2014 a fisherman in Belarus died from a beaver bite when he tried to grab the animal to get a good photo. Proverbially dangerous beasts include a cornered animal, males of some species in mating season, and a mother with offspring to protect. Even otherwise gentle domestic animals can be dangerous in some circumstances: a horse may kick if startled, a dog may snap if interrupted while feeding, and so on. Some species such as hyenas and wolverines have a reputation for being bad-tempered enough to attack more-or-less anything that comes in range. Large predators, such as crocodiles, sharks and big cats, are obviously dangerous. However, very few animal species regard human beings as prey. More people are killed by large herbivores than by predators. In North America, moose attack more people than bears and mountain lions combined. Worldwide, hippos injure more people than any other animal, and moose rank second. In the water, jellyfish cause more injuries than sharks. Pets should be protected with care and concern. Dog owners should always make use of a leash. To a predator, an unaccompanied dog may look like easy prey. A naïve dog may attack a predator, which could result in serious injury to your pet, or ultimately to the pet owner. Most animals, large or small, can also be [[pests]] by stealing food, spreading infections, or damaging property. Keep in mind that a physical bite or scratch is not the only risk. Animals may also be carriers of [[rabies]]; bats in particular are dangerous for this, but any mammal can carry it. If you have potentially been exposed to rabies, prompt treatment is critical. Treatment only works prior to development of symptoms, and rabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms develop. ==Understand== {{quote|...release the tiger!|author=Monty Python|source=''Self-defence against fruit''}} Wild animals are much more dangerous than domesticated pets. Certain predators and any large animals in the wild can become quite dangerous, especially in groups. Never go close to wild or feral animals, and ask before approaching domestic ones. Any feeding should be done with a good understanding of the issues. Few species will do you harm if you '''keep your distance''', but the appropriate distance varies both with species and with circumstances. Unless you are an expert on the species in question, follow the general rule that '''if the animal's behavior changes at all''' (even turning its head to look at you), then '''back off immediately'''. If you want to [[wildlife photography|photograph wildlife]], get a nice long [[Travel_photography/Full systems#Telephoto lenses|telephoto lens]] so you can keep your distance and avoid disturbing the animals. This is much safer and it is also very likely to give better pictures. Nearly all dangerous animals are far faster than most humans. Do not count on running away if it attacks, but stay far enough that it does not attack. This includes seemingly clumsy animals like hippos, bears, crocodiles and musk oxen, and small ones like snakes. They may not run far, but may reach much farther than you supposed. For some predators, turning your back and running away activates their hunting instinct, so controlling your nerves may be important. Captive animals are no less dangerous than their wild relatives. Safari parks and [[zoos]] with the best handling practices have still had animal attacks on staff and visitors. Follow rules and staff instructions. See also our article on [[pests]], small animals able to annoy, infect or poison people. See [[animal collisions]] for traffic accidents involving animals. ==Risk factors== High-risk places, where wild animals are often seen: * Streams and other bodies of water; especially in dry regions and seasons as water is scarce * Farmlands, landfills and waste bins, where wild animals might look for food * When you see one animal, others are probably nearby Times and situations when animals might be aggressive: * Cornered * Mating season * Protecting offspring * Protecting killed prey * Provoked by dogs * Sunrise and sunset, when animals are on the move; also has a blinding effect ==Birds== The largest birds, such as ostriches and emus, can kick down a human. The cassowary, found in northern Australia and New Guinea, has been known to deal fatal injuries to people and other animals, but is usually shy and avoids humans. Some birds protect their nests or offspring quite aggressively. Some owls are especially nasty, as they often attack without any preceding fake attacks – and in total silence. The aggressive Ural owl does warn, and you should take its warning call seriously. ===Swooping season in Australia=== [[File:Bicycle helmet with zip-ties.jpg|thumb|The nylon zip ties on this helmet discourage territorial magpies from striking the rider.]] Australian magpies ''(Cracticus tibicen)'' are a common bird found throughout Australia. In September and October, their mating season, they become extremely vigilant in defending their nests and young and will divebomb and peck anything they perceive as a threat – usually humans. Due to the sheer number of these birds, simply walking down a street can result in multiple attacks. As such, this time of year has colloquially become known among Australians as "swooping season". There is no way to stop the magpies, but various techniques have been developed to prevent injury. Zipties tied to a bicycle helmet have proven effective, as have other hard plastic head coverings. ===Urban gulls=== Gulls, informally referred to as "seagulls", were once primarily sea-going birds that nested on cliffs and in other wild places. Some time in the 1940s, however, some types of gull began to move increasingly into human settlements and nest there instead. It is not entirely known why this shift occurred, but as some gulls are opportunistic and adaptable feeders it is possible that they found easy food in newly-made landfill sites and on the street. Seeing a squad of gulls quickly hoover up a discarded doner kebab is something of a spectacle. Two of the species that moved in next door to people, herring gulls and lesser black-backed gulls, are vigilant in defending their nests and young. Even if they've seen and lived next to humans every day of their lives, once their chicks hatch, everything and anything can be seen as a potential threat. These gulls are large and have sharp beaks and claws, and injuries occur often. There is no way to prevent the gulls from attacking, and harming the gulls or their nests and young is illegal (in certain cases licences can be granted). Gulls can be discouraged from areas by removing readily-available food sources such as easily torn bin bags and stopping people from directly feeding the birds. Nesting can be discouraged by fitting specially-made spikes. All discouraging methods should be started early in the year before the birds start to breed. Do not contribute to the problem by letting them get food from you. In some places tourists are a major source of food – offered, abandoned or taken from you. === Birds of prey === Birds of prey — such as owls, falcons, kites, vultures, condors, hawks, and eagles — are, by nature, solitary animals and they generally avoid interacting with humans and other birds of prey unless they've been provoked or are curious about something. Birds of prey have strong, sharp talons and beaks and they are capable of inflicting serious injuries. Small pets — such as cats and dogs — are especially vulnerable to attacks from birds of prey; consider being around your pet when you go out for a walk, or keeping them indoors. The best way to admire and appreciate birds of prey is to observe them from a safe distance. If it seems that a bird of prey is about to attack you for whatever reason, make loud noises (yelling, screaming, clapping) or flash lights at them to scare them off. Birds of prey are protected by all kinds of laws in many countries; it is illegal to disturb them, their habitats or their nests. ==Fish== ===Sharks=== Of the hundreds of known species of sharks, only a handful are regarded as posing a significant risk to human safety, and attacks on humans are rare. The rarity of shark attacks, however, does not mean they cannot be fatal. Nor does the seemingly random nature of shark attacks help to allay fears about being bitten. Sharks usually attack because they think you are a seal, a turtle, a fish, or various other types of prey. Sometimes they test bite if they are curious, but sharks do not intentionally bite, attack, or kill humans. Here are a few common sense tips to reduce the risk of encountering sharks: [[File:Sharks outside cage.jpg|thumb|Shark cage diving]] * Swim close to shore. * Swim, dive or surf with other people. * Avoid areas where there are large schools of fish, dolphins, seals or sea lions and close to bird rookeries. * Avoid areas where animal, human or fish waste enters the water. * Avoid deep channels or areas with deep drop-offs nearby. * Do not remain in the water with bleeding wounds. * Look carefully before jumping into the water from a boat or jetty. * If spearing fish, don't carry dead or bleeding fish attached to you and remove all speared fish from the water as quickly as possible. * If schooling fish or other wildlife start to behave erratically or congregate in large numbers, leave the water. * If you see a shark, leave the water as quickly and calmly as possible – avoid excessive splashing or noise.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ ===Stonefish=== Stonefish (genus ''Synanceia'') are a venomous fish; their sting causes excruciating pain and can be fatal. They get their name from their mottled color and tendency to lie on the bottom looking much like a stone; they are quite difficult to see and avoid. In some areas it is common to wear running shoes while swimming to protect against being stung. An antivenin is available and anyone who is stung should try to get it as quickly as possible. First-aid treatments include hot water, which breaks down the venom, and vinegar, which reduces the pain. Stonefish are found in warm waters across the Indian Ocean and into the Pacific, at least from the [[Red Sea]] to the [[Philippines]]. They are a serious hazard in parts of [[Queensland]]. ===Lionfish=== [[File:Red_lionfish_near_Gilli_Banta_Island.JPG|thumb|Lionfish in Indonesia]] The Pterois genus, most commonly known as '''lionfish''' are a venomous fish characterized by conspicuous warning coloration with red, white, creamy, or black bands and venomous spiky fin rays. Stings are extremely painful and can lead to nausea, convulsions, temporary paralysis, heart failure, and, in extreme cases, death. Young children and people with weak immune systems are particularly susceptible. Treatment is available and should be sought as a soon as possible. Though native to the Indo-Pacific they have spread throughout the world, and are common in [[the Caribbean]]. In [[Florida]] and [[The Bahamas]] they are treated as invasive species, and any sighting should be reported to wildlife managers. == Insects == {{main|Pests}} In some countries, biting insects are capable of inflicting serious illnesses, and in some cases life threatening conditions. It is well worth researching whether countries you are visiting have any warnings regarding dangerous insects. In some countries ant bites can create serious reactions. The [[malaria]] mosquito kills more people than any other animal. In tropical countries the risk of other insect-transferred diseases, such as [[dengue fever]] and [[zika fever]], must be taken seriously. == Jellyfish == {{main|Jellyfish}} In Northern [[Australia]] – and specifically the [[Northern Territory]] – on the coast, beach swimming is strongly advised against due to the difficult to see and very dangerous forms of jellyfish. General advice is not to touch any jellyfish, even ones that are dead on the shore, as they may still be able to deliver a sting. ==Mammals== ===Apes=== Most ape species live in troops and are highly territorial. They will not generally bother humans who keep their distance, but if you provoke them then the whole troop (or at least all the young males) may attack. [[File:Gorilla gorilla gorilla 02.jpg|thumb|A gorilla]] '''Baboons''' protect their territory and troop quite fiercely, both by direct attacks and by hurling rocks. They sometimes kill a leopard or hyena that gets too close and can usually drive lions off. '''Chimpanzees''' have been known to attack humans in the wild, and can cause serious injury or death. '''Gorillas''' have in rare cases attacked humans, but they generally don't attack unless provoked, and will show warning signs before attacking. Even if you reckon you could easily punch out Chuck Norris, you should definitely back off if a gorilla acts aggressive. Adults are all at least {{kg|100}}, some over {{kg|250}}, and most are far stronger than any human. '''Orangutans''' are less dangerous than gorillas because they are smaller (average {{kg|75}} for adults), they generally live in smaller troops, and they mostly live in the trees so humans are less likely to get too close. ===Bears=== [[File:Blackbearwaterton.jpg|thumbnail|Know your bears. Not a grizzly bear being aggressive but a cinnamon colored black bear eating dandelions. Still, you should really not get this close!]] '''Bear danger''' is prevalent in most areas populated with bears. Before [[Hiking|backpackers]] are allowed to enter an area with bears, they may be required to watch an instructional video on how to avoid encountering or agitating bears. If not, you can still ask for advice. Best strategies for dealing with bear danger differ from place to place. In any area, making noise to avoid startling a bear and to prevent yourself from getting between a mother and her cubs will increase your safety. Many hikers wear special ''bear bells'' at their ankles to warn the bears of human presence. It is always safer to hike in noisy groups rather than solo. In some areas, food and scratches should be handled such that the bears cannot get at them, or at least do not come to you for them. [[File:Warning sign polar bears.jpg|thumb|Serious hazard: The text says the warning about dangerous bears applies to the entire [[Svalbard]] region.]] '''Polar bears''' have no reluctance in stalking and eating people; they survive mainly by hunting, and humans are roughly the same size and shape as seals, which are among their usual prey. If you visit areas within the polar bear habitat, such as [[Churchill]] (in the Canadian Arctic) or [[Svalbard]], you must take special precautions to avoid becoming prey. The best way to avoid being attacked is not to enter any area where polar bears live or to remain inside a hard-shell vehicle or building. Consult local authorities before leaving settlements. Having an armed guide, trained to deal with the polar bears, is often required in such areas. The polar bear is very fast; you cannot run away from them. '''Other types''' of bears, such as black bears and grizzly bears, are versatile foragers rather than pure hunters; they are less likely to want to eat you and much more likely to want to eat your food. But regardless, they are big, extremely strong animals that can easily maul an adult human being to death, so be careful when you visit areas where they live. The advice below is about them. The European brown bear generally avoids humans, but can attack for self defence. Hunters are attacked now and then, by a wounded bear or one harassed by the hunter's dog. There have been attacks on tourists in remote regions of the Italian [[Alps]], and bear attacks are on the rise in [[Romania]] as of 2024. At rare occasions somebody succeeds in getting between a mother and her cubs and might be unlucky enough to get killed. ====Dealing with bear encounters==== {{infobox|Bear Hang|Hanging food in a tree does not guarantee it will be safe, but any method other than counterbalancing will probably not protect it. Hang food only when storage boxes or bear-proof containers or panniers are not available. Find a tree with a live, down-sloping branch, even if you must select a different campsite. Divide food into two balanced bags. Store soap, sunscreen, deodorant, toothpaste and garbage in the same way as food. Bears are attracted to anything with an odor. Use enough rope to go over the branch and back to the ground. Toss it far out on the branch where it will support the weight of the food but not a bear cub. Make sure no objects are below the branch that could support a bear. Tie on and hoist the first sack up to the branch. Tie the second sack as high as you can on the rope; put the excess rope in the sack, leaving a loop out so you can retrieve it. Toss or use a stick to push the lower sack until both sacks are at equal height. To retrieve the sacks, hook a long stick through the loop of excess rope. Pull slowly to avoid tangles.}} The advice below applies to omnivores such as brown and black bears, for the completely carnivorous polar bear, see above. In North America, know the difference between grizzly bears and black bears. Grizzlies have a large hump on their back near the head and often have fur that looks frosted. Black bears can be black, brown or reddish in color. Bears of all kinds are curious. They will inspect just about anything (ships, cars, homes) to see if anything is playable or edible. If you see a bear, back off slowly or keep your distance and make noise to avoid startling the bear. The best noise in this situation may be talking with a calm voice (which tells the bear you are human and that you have no aggressive intentions). Never turn your back on the bear or run; running away can activate the hunting instincts of the bear and lead to it perceiving you as prey. Climbing a tree is also not the best idea, as most bears occasionally climb trees, and some are good climbers. If a bear becomes confrontational, either back off slowly or stand your ground, raise your arms above your head so as to appear larger and yell at the bear. Black bears can often be scared off in this way. Grizzlies are much more aggressive and trying to scare them off is a bad idea. Advice differs on the best approach for black or brown bears. Follow local advice and rules, if possible. If a bear does charge, you should muster your courage, as most bear charges are bluff. Either stand your ground or curl into a fetal position so as to shield vital organs and appear non-threatening. If the bear does attack, you can still curl into the fetal position. If this is not enough, you can either hope the bear will lose its interest without doing too much damage or fight the bear in any way you can. Bear spray – a special form of pepper spray – is mandatory in certain parks and wildlife areas and perhaps available regardless. It is designed to make a large short blast that only lasts a few seconds so proximity to the bear is key; make sure you have understood when and how to use it. Most bear sprays come with a safety, so make sure you understand how the safety works and wear your bear spray where it can easily be accessed in an emergency. ====Food storage and garbage disposal==== [[File:Bear resistant food storage canister 2.JPG|200px|thumbnail|Bear resistant food storage canister, lid can be locked into place using a coin, a key or any similar object.]] Bears are opportunistic omnivores with an excellent sense of smell, and are attracted to human and pet foods as well as refuse. Improper storage of these items can allow bears to eat human food and become dependent on it, increasing the probability of encounters with humans. Most brown and black bear encounters in populated areas involve so-called "trouble bears", usually young males who have just left their mothers and do not yet have a territory of their own. If they wander close to human settlements, the smells of cooking and garbage can cause them to ignore their usual instinct to avoid humans. Many parks and people in areas with bears utilize bear-resistant garbage cans and dumpsters for this reason, and many areas have laws prohibiting the feeding of bears, even unintentionally. Feeding a bear your food may seem like a kind gesture, but it is actually very harmful. It makes the bear associate people with food, and that can lead to serious problems. Campers can access bear-proof containers at many parks to store their food and trash and they may be required in some areas. The containers are then buried or strung on a rope between two tall trees, out of bears' reach. They are also instructed to put their containers, campfire, and tenting 100 meters away from each other, forming a triangle. In bear country, do not leave trash, food or any scented items such as chapstick, toothpaste, deodorant or air freshener in your vehicle. Bears can do severe damage to your car, using their claws to pry open car doors or trunks. Bear canisters cannot be opened by bears, but some have learned to roll them off cliffs to break them open. Keep your canisters away from streams and cliffs. In some areas, bears have learned how to take down food suspended on ropes. In some areas, it is recommended that food scraps are disposed of in rivers – not good where eutrophication is a problem, but it avoids bears finding them where they can scent the human presence. ===Cats=== [[File:Just one lion.jpg|thumbnail|Meow!]] All the feline species are carnivores with the instincts for hunting, and all may kill more-or-less anything that is not too large for them. Even a cute and gentle domestic cat will wreak havoc among the local birds and rodents if it can catch them. Wild species have had more practice so their hunting skills are better, some can kill adult humans, and many could kill children or pets. Big cats such as '''[[tigers]]''', '''lions''', '''leopards''', '''jaguars''', '''panthers''' and '''pumas''' (aka '''cougars''' or '''mountain lions''') do occasionally kill people. Smaller cats such as '''bobcat''' or '''lynx''' are extremely unlikely to see adult humans as prey, but are quite capable of doing serious injury in the highly improbable event that you manage to corner one. ====Mountain lions==== Don’t hike alone. Make noise to avoid surprising a mountain lion and keep children close to you at all times. If you do encounter a mountain lion, do not run. Talk calmly and loudly, avert your gaze, stand tall, and back away. Unlike with bears, if attack seems imminent, act aggressively. Try to make yourself look bigger (for instance, raise your jacket above your head). Do not crouch and do not turn away. Mountain lions may be scared away by being struck with rocks or sticks, or by being kicked or hit. They are primarily nocturnal, but they have attacked in broad daylight. They rarely prey on humans, but such behavior occasionally does occur. Children and small adults are particularly vulnerable. ====Tigers==== {{main|Tigers}} Tigers are the largest feline species, and native to much of Asia, ranging from the Siberian tiger of the frigid [[Russian Far East]] to the Malayan tiger of the hot and humid tropics in [[Southeast Asia]]. Tigers are apex predators; their sharp claws, sharp teeth, powerful jaws, explosive temper, territorial nature, and their incredible stamina and strength make them extremely fearsome and dangerous. This being said, tigers rarely stalk and hunt humans. Do not urinate in their territory as this can be seen as challenging their ownership of their territory. As with other predators, if you come face to face with a tiger, remain calm and back away slowly from them. Trying to run away or showing that you're afraid of them will invite them to attack you. Making noises that a tiger isn't accustomed to may make it feel less secure and it would most likely leave you alone. However, do not hit, yell at, throw objects at, or antagonise a tiger in any way; tigers can respond to aggression with aggression Even if the tiger you see appears to be feeble, weak or in need of help, do not approach it: there is little you can do to help it and it may well kill you as a precaution or for food; it probably still is much stronger than you. Instead report it to relevant authorities. And if you see a tiger cub – evacuate the area immediately. ====Lions==== Lions are generally associated with [[Africa]], where they can be found in the largest numbers, though there is also a small critically endangered population that is native to [[India]]. Lions can be extremely dangerous. Lionesses are more active hunters than male lions, which are responsible for keeping the group safe. Lions rarely attack humans unless they cannot find anything else to eat. Some develop into man-eaters. If, by a stroke of ill-luck, you come face to face with a lion that wants to eat you, '''remain calm'''. It can be intimidating to be in close contact with a lion, but you should always appear confident and big in front of them. Back away slowly and make some loud noise, as it can frighten them. If the lion does not go away, hit the lion in the eyes or the face. This tactic may seem useless, but people have managed to fend off lions by fighting back like this. If you end up getting badly injured fending off a lion, get medical attention immediately and consider getting psychological help. ===Dogs=== {{main|Aggressive dogs}} It is not just that dogs can be dangerous – in some countries where inadequate veterinary services are available, dogs can be [[Infectious diseases#Rabies|rabid]] – a bite from them and you are in serious trouble. Even friendly non-rabid dogs pose some danger. An otherwise gentle dog may snap if someone approaches when it is feeding, and a large dog may cause injury with overly enthusiastic friendly gestures such as jumping up on someone. ===Elephants=== {{see also|Elephants}} Elephants may be the "gentle giants" of the animal kingdom, but they have a long, painful history of conflict with humans. Their large, bulky shapes and sizes make them incredibly intimidating and they are dangerous if you happen to provoke or anger them. If you are close, they can hurt you badly by accident. Whenever you encounter a wild elephant, pay close attention to their '''ears''', '''legs''', and their '''trunk'''. * If an elephant's ears appear to be relaxed or "fanned out", the elephant is trying to determine whether you're a threat or not. It may do a "mock charge", i.e. a bluff attack just to scare you off. * If an elephant is swinging their legs back and fro, it is most likely afraid of you and won't make a real charge. Still, back off. * If an elephant's trunk is curled inwards and it has its ears close to its head, it is probably about to charge at you for real. Retreat immediately and take cover. In the unlikely event you are chased by a wild elephant, you can throw an object to distract the elephant or you can run in a zig-zag pattern to outrun the elephant. If you take cover somewhere, '''be still and quiet'''; elephants have extremely good hearing. During a mock charge, do not appear fearful. Stand your ground and demonstrate you are not a threat. Elephants will be more inclined to leave you alone after that. ===Foxes=== Foxes are too small to be of any significant threat to humans, though they often scavenge through human trash, and may attack small livestock like chickens, as well as some smaller pets. Foxes that attack humans unprovoked are usually infected with [[Infectious diseases#Rabies|rabies]], so if you are attacked by one, it is imperative that you seek medical attention as soon as possible. ===Hippopotamuses=== Although Hippopotamuses are herbivores, their large size, incredible stamina, and powerful jaws make them extremely dangerous. Hippos are so territorial, that they will lash out at, well, anything or anyone (including other hippos) that they think is 'taking away' their space from them. Even crocodiles, for the most part, are scared of attacking and approaching hippos. If you encounter hippos in the water or on land, alert them to your presence and maintain an acceptable distance from them. Do not attempt to slip by them unnoticed or else you will make yourself the target of an irritated hippo. If a hippo in the water opens its mouth wide (like a yawn), '''retreat'''. Hippos do this to scare off threats or undesirable elements. ===Horses and ponies=== See [[horse riding]] for a general discussion of the joys and hazards of horses and ponies. Falling off them is the most common danger, but there are other risks. A bite can be quite serious and a kick can be fatal. The risk of aggression from a well-trained horse or pony is generally small, but nearly all horses are easily spooked and likely to react dangerously if startled or provoked. Ask the owner before going close. Talk calmly to the animal, approach from the side, and show the horse or pony what you are going to do; avoid doing anything surprising. Also avoid going close behind a horse or pony as this is the direction in which they can kick most easily and is out of their field of view so movement there may startle them. Having a horse accidentally step on your foot can also cause serious injury. The larger breeds can do more damage, but even a pony is heavy enough to hurt you quite badly. ====Wild horses and ponies==== Wild horses and ponies vary in how they perceive people. Some herds that are managed by people or closely associate with them may be more tolerant, but all wild animals should be seen as unpredictable no matter what. Avoid getting too close and definitely avoid feeding them – in some places this is illegal. You should also never get close to a stallion with mares or to mares with foals as they will be more defensive and therefore more likely to charge at you. If you do find yourself close to a wild horse or pony then they will usually give warnings via body language before they charge. If a horse's ears go back then the animal is not happy and you should back off. If the ears are pinned back and there is also teeth-baring and hoof-stomping or head-tossing then you've really caused upset and should get out of there pronto! Upset horses and ponies may also turn so that they are facing away from you – that could mean they're getting ready to deliver a powerful kick with their hind legs, so keep clear! ===Kangaroos=== [[File:- fighting red kangaroos 1.jpg|thumbnail|Red kangaroos fighting]] If you enter [[Australia|an area]] where [http://www.ehp.qld.gov.au/wildlife/livingwith/kangaroos.html kangaroos] live, give them as much space as possible. If you see one, stay away from it and watch how it behaves. If it moves toward you or shows signs of being aggressive, move away (even if it is only looking for food or human contact, a kangaroo may still become aggressive). Don't act aggressively towards the kangaroo, as this will simply reinforce the idea that you are a threat. If you are approached by an aggressive kangaroo you should keep it at a safe distance so that it can't kick or scratch. For example, hold up a stick or branch, or stay behind a fence or a tree. Move away from the animal as quickly as you can. Turning your back on it and running could be dangerous as a large male can easily outrun you and still kick at the same time. Turn side-on and protect the front of your body with your arms and keep your head as far away from the kangaroo as possible to minimize the risk of being scratched on the face. If it is a large male that has been displaying dominance behavior, it may see you as a threat. Protect yourself and let the kangaroo know you are not a threat by giving a short, deep cough, avoiding eye contact and crouching down as you move away. Females and smaller male kangaroos are less likely to be aggressive but may approach if they are used to being fed or have had a lot of human contact. Even though females are much smaller than males, they can scratch and kick and could pose a safety risk – particularly to small children. Avoid the tails of kangaroos as well – while other animals have limp tails that can do no harm, kangaroos can swing their tails so powerfully that they can easily break a limb. As a last resort, if you can't escape an attacking kangaroo, roll up into a ball on the ground with your arm covering your neck and call for help. Try to roll or crawl away to a safe place. ===Ungulates=== American elk, moose, deer, bison, goats and cattle can attack people and as big as they are, bison can sprint three times faster than humans can run. They are unpredictable and dangerous and it is best to keep a fair distance between yourself and the animals – if it changes its behavior due to your presence, you are too close. Nevertheless, in North America and Europe a much greater danger from large ungulates is [[animal collisions|car crashes]]. In Africa, buffalo rank with hippos as the most dangerous animals, well ahead of animals perceived to be more deadly in the West such as lions and rhinos. ====Boars==== [[File:Wild Boar frontal.jpg|thumb|A wild boar]] Boars are widespread in Europe and most of Asia. They are mainly a risk for [[animal collisions]] and food scavenging. In rare cases they are aggressive, especially if they are provoked by dogs. In some locations, feral pigs become a nuisance similar to natural boars. Wild boar attacks on humans are not common but do occur occasionally. Usually, boars, like most wild animals, will avoid interactions with humans. Due to the clearing of natural boar habitats, the number of interactions, including aggressive ones, between humans and boars has increased. Boars eat everything, so they might look for food in farmlands, campsites, landfills, and gardens. When dealing aggressively with a human, boars will charge at them. These are sometimes bluff charges, but in other cases violent contact will be made. While the impact of the large, hard-skulled head may cause considerable damage itself, most damage is inflicted by the boar's tusk. When ramming into a person, the boar will slash the tusks upwards, creating sizable open lacerations on the skin. Due to the height of the boar relative to a human, most wounds are inflicted to the upper legs. Some attacks are provoked, such as when hunters wound a boar, which then counterattacks. Male boars become most aggressive during the mating season and may charge at humans at such times. Occasionally, female boars will attack if they feel their piglets are threatened, especially if a human physically comes between them and their young. Although a majority of boar attack victims recover with medical treatment, fatalities do occasionally occur. ====Cattle==== More than a billion domestic cattle graze the Earth, outnumbering all other animals of similar size. They are dangerous in herds. The male of the species is particularly aggressive. Even under controlled conditions, an event like the ''Running of the Bulls'' in [[Pamplona#Do|Pamplona]] can and has resulted in injuries or fatalities. Cattle, including bulls, roam freely throughout much of [[India]]. While most of them are harmless and are used to being surrounded by humans, the bulls can charge at you at any moment for no apparent reason. ====American elk==== [[File:Rocky Mountain Bull Elk.jpg|Elk or Wapiti|thumb]] The term "elk" has different meanings in different varieties of English. Outside North America, it refers to the animal we describe as a moose below. In North America, it means the quite different animal shown in the photo. An alternate term is ''wapiti'', borrowed from a Native American language. In September and October herds of North American elk gather for their mating season, or “rut.” During the rut, the male “bull” elk are irritable, aggressive and extremely dangerous to onlookers who get too close. The elk calving season takes place in April and May of each year. During this time, female elk, or cows, become irritable and highly protective of their young calves. Though they may look harmless, cows are extremely dangerous during calving season. Elk are wild animals which must be observed from a safe distance to avoid injury or death. If an animal is carefully watching you and appears “jumpy” when you move, you are too close. ====Elk, moose==== [[File:Moose superior.jpg|Moose, called "elk" in Europe|thumb]] Moose aren't inherently aggressive, but will defend themselves if they perceive a threat. When people don't see moose as potentially dangerous, they may approach too closely and put themselves at risk. More people each year are injured by moose than by bears. Enjoy viewing them from a distance. Cow moose are extremely defensive of their young so use extra caution around cows with calves and never get between a cow and a calf. In the summer months, moose blend in well to their environment and can be surprisingly hard to see for such large animals. They are likely to stand their ground even when they hear people approaching, so pay close attention to your surroundings, especially in prime moose habitat such as willow thickets or around streams or ponds. If you do find yourself close to a moose * If it hasn't detected you yet, keep it that way. * If it knows you're there, talk to it softly and move away slowly. * Don't be aggressive – you want to convince the moose that you aren't a threat. * If you think the moose is going to charge you, take cover or run away. Unlike with bears, it is okay to run from a moose. * Moose cannot climb trees, so getting up one is reasonably safe. Try to choose a fairly large tree and get high enough that the antlers cannot reach you. Watch for signs that the moose is upset. If its ears are laid back and hackles are up it is likely to charge. Most of the time, when a moose charges it is a 'bluff', or warning for you to get back – a warning you should take very seriously! Once a moose bluff charges it is already agitated. If possible, get behind something solid (like a tree or a car). They usually won't chase you and if they do, it's unlikely that they'll chase you very far. If a moose knocks you down, curl up in a ball and protect your head with your arms and keep still. Fighting back will only convince the moose that you may still be a threat. Only move once the moose has backed off to a safe distance or it may renew its attack. ====Musk ox==== The musk ox lives in the Arctic and in some nature reserves in Norway and Sweden. While they avoid humans, if threatened the herd will not run away and instead forms a defensive formation, and may attack if humans come closer, usually a single bull charging at {{convert|60|km/h|mph|sigfig=1|abbr=on}}. Keep a safe distance of at least 200 meters. === Wolves === [[File:Wolf pack in Yellowstone NP.jpg|thumbnail|A wolf pack]] Wolves rarely hunt humans, but they may come after livestock, food supplies or trash. Animals gradually lose their natural avoidance to people when they are protected from harm by people, or where humans act passively towards them. This is called habituation. Habituated wolves become comfortable around people and may venture quite close to people. It is very important to understand that these habituated wolves are actually the ones most likely to suddenly act aggressively. Wolves also quickly learn that food is often found in human garbage. When wolves seek out human foods they have become food-conditioned. If a wolf is fed by people it begins to expect handouts. If that wolf approaches a person but gets no food, it can become suddenly aggressive. This type of aggression is probably responsible for many of the bites that wolves have inflicted on people. Wolves have generally not learnt to hunt people for food, and thus any pack and especially any lone wolf will hesitate to do an attack against a person who does not show weakness. If a wolf comes near, do neither run nor try to get friendly, but back off without turning your back. If the wolf follows, striking with a walking stick in its direction or similar aggressive behaviour can help keep your psychological advantage, but is usually unnecessary. In most countries with wolves, aggressive behaviour against people is very rare indeed. [[Infectious diseases#Rabies|Rabid]] wolves, on the other hand, often attack without being provoked. They do not attack to kill but the bite requires urgent treatment, as rabies is lethal. Wolves regard '''dogs''' as rivals, and show them no mercy. Many hunting dogs have been killed by wolves and some large dogs will attack and kill wolves. Various wolfhound or guard dog types are bred for this, and some dogs will even make suicidal attacks against a pack. Most dogs instead try to show that they are friendly, and may make themselves an easy prey. See also [[Travelling with pets]]. === Coyotes === [[File:Canis latrans 06092020000048874 (49989035507).jpg|thumb|Coyote in Arizona]] Smaller than a wolf but larger than a fox, coyotes are mid-size canids that are common in the southwest United States and throughout Mexico. With human encroachment into their historic habitat, the coyote has enlarged its territory and can now be found in parts of Canada and South America and everywhere in between. The coyote is an intelligent animal that has learned to adapt to the insatiable appetite of humans to turn undeveloped tracts of land into shopping centers and garden apartments. Today, urban animal control authorities are unsurprised to get calls about coyotes in urban areas, including some of the largest cities. Individual coyotes seldom pose a risk to adult humans but they are capable of causing serious injury to children or pets. Coyotes also tend to organize into packs, similar to wolf behavior, and a pack of coyotes could attack an adult. Coyotes are famous for attacking farm animals (particularly chicken coops), so people who raise chickens, turkeys, or other small animals should take steps to provide secure shelter for their animals. Additionally, coyotes may carry rabies and should be approached with caution. ==Reptiles and amphibians== ===Crocodiles=== [[File:Caiman with porcupine quills on face (45923605524).jpg|thumb|Caiman in Tortugero National Park, Costa Rica]] '''Crocodiles''' are dangerous animals and they can eat just about anything they encounter. They are mostly found in equatorial zones, particularly in Australia, Southeast Asia and parts of Africa. Crocodiles are more dangerous in the water than on land because they seize their prey and drown them before eating them. Always exercise extreme caution if you are near a river or a water body populated with crocodiles. Forget any tips for fighting off a crocodile, just don't get into reach. While '''alligators''' are less aggressive toward humans in general than crocodiles, there have been many cases of predation or injury of human beings by alligators. In areas where alligators are common, avoid swimming in, or going dangerously close to, bodies of water where they may lurk. In Mexico, Central America, and South America, a cousin of the alligator is frequently seen in jungle wetlands. The '''caiman''' is usually smaller than an alligator or crocodile, but tends to be faster and more agile. === Snakes === {{main|Venomous snakes}} [[Image:Red diamond rattlesnake (crotalus exsul).jpg|thumb|Red diamond rattlesnake, native to [[Baja California]]]] Few snakes are likely to consider adult humans as prey and a lot of snakes prefer to avoid people. Some venomous species, however, can be deadly. General advice is to '''never''' try to pick up, harm, or kill a snake. If you see a snake, just move on or call in a professional snake catcher to move the animal. A lot of people are bitten when attempting to handle snakes. Most tourists who suffer snakebites do so accidentally by stepping on a camouflaged snake. Wearing appropriate footwear and clothing can reduce the risk of accidental snakebite. === Snakebite treatment === It's usually impossible to discern whether a snakebite is venomous by the shape of the bite or the snake, unless you can recognize the specific species. Treat any snakebite as fatally dangerous unless you're certain it's not. Generally, treatments presented outside the medical field '''do not work'''. Instead, you should get proper medical aid and try to avoid deteriorating until the medical aid arrives. To do so, the victim of the snake bite needs to rest immediately, completely, and comfortably so the circulation of the venom is slower. The victim needs to be calm, also for this reason. The part of the body damaged by the snake needs to be lower than the rest of the body. If possible, set it using strong branches or the like, so it moves as little as possible. There also exist venom suction pumps which are considered more effective than sucking with the mouth, but studies show that their effects are apparently also negligible. If you have one, use it if you have time, but don't let it delay the victim's evacuation. Taking a photo of the snake could be very helpful for the doctors. No need to actually catch or kill the snake; it's not like they can or need to produce antivenom on the spot. They only need to be able to recognize the species to know what anti-venom and other treatments to apply. === Frogs === [[File:Dendrobates azureus (Dendrobates tinctorius) Edit.jpg|thumb|Poison dart frogs come in many assorted colors]] Most frogs and toads are innocuous. Kids pick them up when they find them in ponds or trees. Some species of toads and frogs are quite dangerous though. Some of the brilliantly colorful '''poison dart frogs''' (mainly the ''Phyllobates'' species) in Central and South American rainforests secrete poison through their skin. Simply picking up one of these frogs and stroking its skin can kill a man. === Lizards === Most lizards are docile and people frequently pick them up and keep them as pets. Some are quite dangerous. In the dry deserts of southwestern United States and northern Mexico is a large, stout lizard called the '''gila monster''' who will hang on when it bites so as to inject maximum venom. Along the Pacific coast of Mexico live '''beaded lizards''', who do the same thing. Although many people keep iguanas as pets, and they're usually mellow guys hanging out in the warm sun, they have sharp teeth and have been known to bite. The most dangerous lizards are found in southeast Asia where several people have reportedly been attacked and killed by '''komodo dragons'''. === Newts === Newts are an amphibian that can be mistaken for lizards. Many newts produce highly-toxic compounds that they secrete through their skin. '''Rough-skinned newts''', found in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, produce tetrodotoxin in lethal quantities. This is a potent neurotoxin, which is also produced by pufferfish. == See also == * [[Animal ethics]] — avoiding animal cruelty and protecting endangered species * [[Animal collisions]] – moose and other large animals may be deadly on the highway {{usabletopic}} {{PartOfTopic|Stay safe}} jw35p6aaah3iizo9phszu3aeckttwm7 5086801 5086790 2025-07-02T21:17:46Z LPfi 79572 /* Coyotes */ this article should be about advice to travellers – we don't need to tell about historic developments, nor give advice to farmers 5086801 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Bear Alaska banner.jpg|caption:Brown bear in Alaska}} : ''This article describes large animals. See [[pests]] for insects and other small animals.'' Any large '''animal''' is capable of killing a human, and almost any small animal, from the size of a mouse, is capable of inflicting a nasty injury. Even apparently unlikely animals can be dangerous: a cute bunny has both claws and teeth, a large goose can be extremely nasty, and in 2014 a fisherman in Belarus died from a beaver bite when he tried to grab the animal to get a good photo. Proverbially dangerous beasts include a cornered animal, males of some species in mating season, and a mother with offspring to protect. Even otherwise gentle domestic animals can be dangerous in some circumstances: a horse may kick if startled, a dog may snap if interrupted while feeding, and so on. Some species such as hyenas and wolverines have a reputation for being bad-tempered enough to attack more-or-less anything that comes in range. Large predators, such as crocodiles, sharks and big cats, are obviously dangerous. However, very few animal species regard human beings as prey. More people are killed by large herbivores than by predators. In North America, moose attack more people than bears and mountain lions combined. Worldwide, hippos injure more people than any other animal, and moose rank second. In the water, jellyfish cause more injuries than sharks. Pets should be protected with care and concern. Dog owners should always make use of a leash. To a predator, an unaccompanied dog may look like easy prey. A naïve dog may attack a predator, which could result in serious injury to your pet, or ultimately to the pet owner. Most animals, large or small, can also be [[pests]] by stealing food, spreading infections, or damaging property. Keep in mind that a physical bite or scratch is not the only risk. Animals may also be carriers of [[rabies]]; bats in particular are dangerous for this, but any mammal can carry it. If you have potentially been exposed to rabies, prompt treatment is critical. Treatment only works prior to development of symptoms, and rabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms develop. ==Understand== {{quote|...release the tiger!|author=Monty Python|source=''Self-defence against fruit''}} Wild animals are much more dangerous than domesticated pets. Certain predators and any large animals in the wild can become quite dangerous, especially in groups. Never go close to wild or feral animals, and ask before approaching domestic ones. Any feeding should be done with a good understanding of the issues. Few species will do you harm if you '''keep your distance''', but the appropriate distance varies both with species and with circumstances. Unless you are an expert on the species in question, follow the general rule that '''if the animal's behavior changes at all''' (even turning its head to look at you), then '''back off immediately'''. If you want to [[wildlife photography|photograph wildlife]], get a nice long [[Travel_photography/Full systems#Telephoto lenses|telephoto lens]] so you can keep your distance and avoid disturbing the animals. This is much safer and it is also very likely to give better pictures. Nearly all dangerous animals are far faster than most humans. Do not count on running away if it attacks, but stay far enough that it does not attack. This includes seemingly clumsy animals like hippos, bears, crocodiles and musk oxen, and small ones like snakes. They may not run far, but may reach much farther than you supposed. For some predators, turning your back and running away activates their hunting instinct, so controlling your nerves may be important. Captive animals are no less dangerous than their wild relatives. Safari parks and [[zoos]] with the best handling practices have still had animal attacks on staff and visitors. Follow rules and staff instructions. See also our article on [[pests]], small animals able to annoy, infect or poison people. See [[animal collisions]] for traffic accidents involving animals. ==Risk factors== High-risk places, where wild animals are often seen: * Streams and other bodies of water; especially in dry regions and seasons as water is scarce * Farmlands, landfills and waste bins, where wild animals might look for food * When you see one animal, others are probably nearby Times and situations when animals might be aggressive: * Cornered * Mating season * Protecting offspring * Protecting killed prey * Provoked by dogs * Sunrise and sunset, when animals are on the move; also has a blinding effect ==Birds== The largest birds, such as ostriches and emus, can kick down a human. The cassowary, found in northern Australia and New Guinea, has been known to deal fatal injuries to people and other animals, but is usually shy and avoids humans. Some birds protect their nests or offspring quite aggressively. Some owls are especially nasty, as they often attack without any preceding fake attacks – and in total silence. The aggressive Ural owl does warn, and you should take its warning call seriously. ===Swooping season in Australia=== [[File:Bicycle helmet with zip-ties.jpg|thumb|The nylon zip ties on this helmet discourage territorial magpies from striking the rider.]] Australian magpies ''(Cracticus tibicen)'' are a common bird found throughout Australia. In September and October, their mating season, they become extremely vigilant in defending their nests and young and will divebomb and peck anything they perceive as a threat – usually humans. Due to the sheer number of these birds, simply walking down a street can result in multiple attacks. As such, this time of year has colloquially become known among Australians as "swooping season". There is no way to stop the magpies, but various techniques have been developed to prevent injury. Zipties tied to a bicycle helmet have proven effective, as have other hard plastic head coverings. ===Urban gulls=== Gulls, informally referred to as "seagulls", were once primarily sea-going birds that nested on cliffs and in other wild places. Some time in the 1940s, however, some types of gull began to move increasingly into human settlements and nest there instead. It is not entirely known why this shift occurred, but as some gulls are opportunistic and adaptable feeders it is possible that they found easy food in newly-made landfill sites and on the street. Seeing a squad of gulls quickly hoover up a discarded doner kebab is something of a spectacle. Two of the species that moved in next door to people, herring gulls and lesser black-backed gulls, are vigilant in defending their nests and young. Even if they've seen and lived next to humans every day of their lives, once their chicks hatch, everything and anything can be seen as a potential threat. These gulls are large and have sharp beaks and claws, and injuries occur often. There is no way to prevent the gulls from attacking, and harming the gulls or their nests and young is illegal (in certain cases licences can be granted). Gulls can be discouraged from areas by removing readily-available food sources such as easily torn bin bags and stopping people from directly feeding the birds. Nesting can be discouraged by fitting specially-made spikes. All discouraging methods should be started early in the year before the birds start to breed. Do not contribute to the problem by letting them get food from you. In some places tourists are a major source of food – offered, abandoned or taken from you. === Birds of prey === Birds of prey — such as owls, falcons, kites, vultures, condors, hawks, and eagles — are, by nature, solitary animals and they generally avoid interacting with humans and other birds of prey unless they've been provoked or are curious about something. Birds of prey have strong, sharp talons and beaks and they are capable of inflicting serious injuries. Small pets — such as cats and dogs — are especially vulnerable to attacks from birds of prey; consider being around your pet when you go out for a walk, or keeping them indoors. The best way to admire and appreciate birds of prey is to observe them from a safe distance. If it seems that a bird of prey is about to attack you for whatever reason, make loud noises (yelling, screaming, clapping) or flash lights at them to scare them off. Birds of prey are protected by all kinds of laws in many countries; it is illegal to disturb them, their habitats or their nests. ==Fish== ===Sharks=== Of the hundreds of known species of sharks, only a handful are regarded as posing a significant risk to human safety, and attacks on humans are rare. The rarity of shark attacks, however, does not mean they cannot be fatal. Nor does the seemingly random nature of shark attacks help to allay fears about being bitten. Sharks usually attack because they think you are a seal, a turtle, a fish, or various other types of prey. Sometimes they test bite if they are curious, but sharks do not intentionally bite, attack, or kill humans. Here are a few common sense tips to reduce the risk of encountering sharks: [[File:Sharks outside cage.jpg|thumb|Shark cage diving]] * Swim close to shore. * Swim, dive or surf with other people. * Avoid areas where there are large schools of fish, dolphins, seals or sea lions and close to bird rookeries. * Avoid areas where animal, human or fish waste enters the water. * Avoid deep channels or areas with deep drop-offs nearby. * Do not remain in the water with bleeding wounds. * Look carefully before jumping into the water from a boat or jetty. * If spearing fish, don't carry dead or bleeding fish attached to you and remove all speared fish from the water as quickly as possible. * If schooling fish or other wildlife start to behave erratically or congregate in large numbers, leave the water. * If you see a shark, leave the water as quickly and calmly as possible – avoid excessive splashing or noise.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ ===Stonefish=== Stonefish (genus ''Synanceia'') are a venomous fish; their sting causes excruciating pain and can be fatal. They get their name from their mottled color and tendency to lie on the bottom looking much like a stone; they are quite difficult to see and avoid. In some areas it is common to wear running shoes while swimming to protect against being stung. An antivenin is available and anyone who is stung should try to get it as quickly as possible. First-aid treatments include hot water, which breaks down the venom, and vinegar, which reduces the pain. Stonefish are found in warm waters across the Indian Ocean and into the Pacific, at least from the [[Red Sea]] to the [[Philippines]]. They are a serious hazard in parts of [[Queensland]]. ===Lionfish=== [[File:Red_lionfish_near_Gilli_Banta_Island.JPG|thumb|Lionfish in Indonesia]] The Pterois genus, most commonly known as '''lionfish''' are a venomous fish characterized by conspicuous warning coloration with red, white, creamy, or black bands and venomous spiky fin rays. Stings are extremely painful and can lead to nausea, convulsions, temporary paralysis, heart failure, and, in extreme cases, death. Young children and people with weak immune systems are particularly susceptible. Treatment is available and should be sought as a soon as possible. Though native to the Indo-Pacific they have spread throughout the world, and are common in [[the Caribbean]]. In [[Florida]] and [[The Bahamas]] they are treated as invasive species, and any sighting should be reported to wildlife managers. == Insects == {{main|Pests}} In some countries, biting insects are capable of inflicting serious illnesses, and in some cases life threatening conditions. It is well worth researching whether countries you are visiting have any warnings regarding dangerous insects. In some countries ant bites can create serious reactions. The [[malaria]] mosquito kills more people than any other animal. In tropical countries the risk of other insect-transferred diseases, such as [[dengue fever]] and [[zika fever]], must be taken seriously. == Jellyfish == {{main|Jellyfish}} In Northern [[Australia]] – and specifically the [[Northern Territory]] – on the coast, beach swimming is strongly advised against due to the difficult to see and very dangerous forms of jellyfish. General advice is not to touch any jellyfish, even ones that are dead on the shore, as they may still be able to deliver a sting. ==Mammals== ===Apes=== Most ape species live in troops and are highly territorial. They will not generally bother humans who keep their distance, but if you provoke them then the whole troop (or at least all the young males) may attack. [[File:Gorilla gorilla gorilla 02.jpg|thumb|A gorilla]] '''Baboons''' protect their territory and troop quite fiercely, both by direct attacks and by hurling rocks. They sometimes kill a leopard or hyena that gets too close and can usually drive lions off. '''Chimpanzees''' have been known to attack humans in the wild, and can cause serious injury or death. '''Gorillas''' have in rare cases attacked humans, but they generally don't attack unless provoked, and will show warning signs before attacking. Even if you reckon you could easily punch out Chuck Norris, you should definitely back off if a gorilla acts aggressive. Adults are all at least {{kg|100}}, some over {{kg|250}}, and most are far stronger than any human. '''Orangutans''' are less dangerous than gorillas because they are smaller (average {{kg|75}} for adults), they generally live in smaller troops, and they mostly live in the trees so humans are less likely to get too close. ===Bears=== [[File:Blackbearwaterton.jpg|thumbnail|Know your bears. Not a grizzly bear being aggressive but a cinnamon colored black bear eating dandelions. Still, you should really not get this close!]] '''Bear danger''' is prevalent in most areas populated with bears. Before [[Hiking|backpackers]] are allowed to enter an area with bears, they may be required to watch an instructional video on how to avoid encountering or agitating bears. If not, you can still ask for advice. Best strategies for dealing with bear danger differ from place to place. In any area, making noise to avoid startling a bear and to prevent yourself from getting between a mother and her cubs will increase your safety. Many hikers wear special ''bear bells'' at their ankles to warn the bears of human presence. It is always safer to hike in noisy groups rather than solo. In some areas, food and scratches should be handled such that the bears cannot get at them, or at least do not come to you for them. [[File:Warning sign polar bears.jpg|thumb|Serious hazard: The text says the warning about dangerous bears applies to the entire [[Svalbard]] region.]] '''Polar bears''' have no reluctance in stalking and eating people; they survive mainly by hunting, and humans are roughly the same size and shape as seals, which are among their usual prey. If you visit areas within the polar bear habitat, such as [[Churchill]] (in the Canadian Arctic) or [[Svalbard]], you must take special precautions to avoid becoming prey. The best way to avoid being attacked is not to enter any area where polar bears live or to remain inside a hard-shell vehicle or building. Consult local authorities before leaving settlements. Having an armed guide, trained to deal with the polar bears, is often required in such areas. The polar bear is very fast; you cannot run away from them. '''Other types''' of bears, such as black bears and grizzly bears, are versatile foragers rather than pure hunters; they are less likely to want to eat you and much more likely to want to eat your food. But regardless, they are big, extremely strong animals that can easily maul an adult human being to death, so be careful when you visit areas where they live. The advice below is about them. The European brown bear generally avoids humans, but can attack for self defence. Hunters are attacked now and then, by a wounded bear or one harassed by the hunter's dog. There have been attacks on tourists in remote regions of the Italian [[Alps]], and bear attacks are on the rise in [[Romania]] as of 2024. At rare occasions somebody succeeds in getting between a mother and her cubs and might be unlucky enough to get killed. ====Dealing with bear encounters==== {{infobox|Bear Hang|Hanging food in a tree does not guarantee it will be safe, but any method other than counterbalancing will probably not protect it. Hang food only when storage boxes or bear-proof containers or panniers are not available. Find a tree with a live, down-sloping branch, even if you must select a different campsite. Divide food into two balanced bags. Store soap, sunscreen, deodorant, toothpaste and garbage in the same way as food. Bears are attracted to anything with an odor. Use enough rope to go over the branch and back to the ground. Toss it far out on the branch where it will support the weight of the food but not a bear cub. Make sure no objects are below the branch that could support a bear. Tie on and hoist the first sack up to the branch. Tie the second sack as high as you can on the rope; put the excess rope in the sack, leaving a loop out so you can retrieve it. Toss or use a stick to push the lower sack until both sacks are at equal height. To retrieve the sacks, hook a long stick through the loop of excess rope. Pull slowly to avoid tangles.}} The advice below applies to omnivores such as brown and black bears, for the completely carnivorous polar bear, see above. In North America, know the difference between grizzly bears and black bears. Grizzlies have a large hump on their back near the head and often have fur that looks frosted. Black bears can be black, brown or reddish in color. Bears of all kinds are curious. They will inspect just about anything (ships, cars, homes) to see if anything is playable or edible. If you see a bear, back off slowly or keep your distance and make noise to avoid startling the bear. The best noise in this situation may be talking with a calm voice (which tells the bear you are human and that you have no aggressive intentions). Never turn your back on the bear or run; running away can activate the hunting instincts of the bear and lead to it perceiving you as prey. Climbing a tree is also not the best idea, as most bears occasionally climb trees, and some are good climbers. If a bear becomes confrontational, either back off slowly or stand your ground, raise your arms above your head so as to appear larger and yell at the bear. Black bears can often be scared off in this way. Grizzlies are much more aggressive and trying to scare them off is a bad idea. Advice differs on the best approach for black or brown bears. Follow local advice and rules, if possible. If a bear does charge, you should muster your courage, as most bear charges are bluff. Either stand your ground or curl into a fetal position so as to shield vital organs and appear non-threatening. If the bear does attack, you can still curl into the fetal position. If this is not enough, you can either hope the bear will lose its interest without doing too much damage or fight the bear in any way you can. Bear spray – a special form of pepper spray – is mandatory in certain parks and wildlife areas and perhaps available regardless. It is designed to make a large short blast that only lasts a few seconds so proximity to the bear is key; make sure you have understood when and how to use it. Most bear sprays come with a safety, so make sure you understand how the safety works and wear your bear spray where it can easily be accessed in an emergency. ====Food storage and garbage disposal==== [[File:Bear resistant food storage canister 2.JPG|200px|thumbnail|Bear resistant food storage canister, lid can be locked into place using a coin, a key or any similar object.]] Bears are opportunistic omnivores with an excellent sense of smell, and are attracted to human and pet foods as well as refuse. Improper storage of these items can allow bears to eat human food and become dependent on it, increasing the probability of encounters with humans. Most brown and black bear encounters in populated areas involve so-called "trouble bears", usually young males who have just left their mothers and do not yet have a territory of their own. If they wander close to human settlements, the smells of cooking and garbage can cause them to ignore their usual instinct to avoid humans. Many parks and people in areas with bears utilize bear-resistant garbage cans and dumpsters for this reason, and many areas have laws prohibiting the feeding of bears, even unintentionally. Feeding a bear your food may seem like a kind gesture, but it is actually very harmful. It makes the bear associate people with food, and that can lead to serious problems. Campers can access bear-proof containers at many parks to store their food and trash and they may be required in some areas. The containers are then buried or strung on a rope between two tall trees, out of bears' reach. They are also instructed to put their containers, campfire, and tenting 100 meters away from each other, forming a triangle. In bear country, do not leave trash, food or any scented items such as chapstick, toothpaste, deodorant or air freshener in your vehicle. Bears can do severe damage to your car, using their claws to pry open car doors or trunks. Bear canisters cannot be opened by bears, but some have learned to roll them off cliffs to break them open. Keep your canisters away from streams and cliffs. In some areas, bears have learned how to take down food suspended on ropes. In some areas, it is recommended that food scraps are disposed of in rivers – not good where eutrophication is a problem, but it avoids bears finding them where they can scent the human presence. ===Cats=== [[File:Just one lion.jpg|thumbnail|Meow!]] All the feline species are carnivores with the instincts for hunting, and all may kill more-or-less anything that is not too large for them. Even a cute and gentle domestic cat will wreak havoc among the local birds and rodents if it can catch them. Wild species have had more practice so their hunting skills are better, some can kill adult humans, and many could kill children or pets. Big cats such as '''[[tigers]]''', '''lions''', '''leopards''', '''jaguars''', '''panthers''' and '''pumas''' (aka '''cougars''' or '''mountain lions''') do occasionally kill people. Smaller cats such as '''bobcat''' or '''lynx''' are extremely unlikely to see adult humans as prey, but are quite capable of doing serious injury in the highly improbable event that you manage to corner one. ====Mountain lions==== Don’t hike alone. Make noise to avoid surprising a mountain lion and keep children close to you at all times. If you do encounter a mountain lion, do not run. Talk calmly and loudly, avert your gaze, stand tall, and back away. Unlike with bears, if attack seems imminent, act aggressively. Try to make yourself look bigger (for instance, raise your jacket above your head). Do not crouch and do not turn away. Mountain lions may be scared away by being struck with rocks or sticks, or by being kicked or hit. They are primarily nocturnal, but they have attacked in broad daylight. They rarely prey on humans, but such behavior occasionally does occur. Children and small adults are particularly vulnerable. ====Tigers==== {{main|Tigers}} Tigers are the largest feline species, and native to much of Asia, ranging from the Siberian tiger of the frigid [[Russian Far East]] to the Malayan tiger of the hot and humid tropics in [[Southeast Asia]]. Tigers are apex predators; their sharp claws, sharp teeth, powerful jaws, explosive temper, territorial nature, and their incredible stamina and strength make them extremely fearsome and dangerous. This being said, tigers rarely stalk and hunt humans. Do not urinate in their territory as this can be seen as challenging their ownership of their territory. As with other predators, if you come face to face with a tiger, remain calm and back away slowly from them. Trying to run away or showing that you're afraid of them will invite them to attack you. Making noises that a tiger isn't accustomed to may make it feel less secure and it would most likely leave you alone. However, do not hit, yell at, throw objects at, or antagonise a tiger in any way; tigers can respond to aggression with aggression Even if the tiger you see appears to be feeble, weak or in need of help, do not approach it: there is little you can do to help it and it may well kill you as a precaution or for food; it probably still is much stronger than you. Instead report it to relevant authorities. And if you see a tiger cub – evacuate the area immediately. ====Lions==== Lions are generally associated with [[Africa]], where they can be found in the largest numbers, though there is also a small critically endangered population that is native to [[India]]. Lions can be extremely dangerous. Lionesses are more active hunters than male lions, which are responsible for keeping the group safe. Lions rarely attack humans unless they cannot find anything else to eat. Some develop into man-eaters. If, by a stroke of ill-luck, you come face to face with a lion that wants to eat you, '''remain calm'''. It can be intimidating to be in close contact with a lion, but you should always appear confident and big in front of them. Back away slowly and make some loud noise, as it can frighten them. If the lion does not go away, hit the lion in the eyes or the face. This tactic may seem useless, but people have managed to fend off lions by fighting back like this. If you end up getting badly injured fending off a lion, get medical attention immediately and consider getting psychological help. ===Dogs=== {{main|Aggressive dogs}} It is not just that dogs can be dangerous – in some countries where inadequate veterinary services are available, dogs can be [[Infectious diseases#Rabies|rabid]] – a bite from them and you are in serious trouble. Even friendly non-rabid dogs pose some danger. An otherwise gentle dog may snap if someone approaches when it is feeding, and a large dog may cause injury with overly enthusiastic friendly gestures such as jumping up on someone. ===Elephants=== {{see also|Elephants}} Elephants may be the "gentle giants" of the animal kingdom, but they have a long, painful history of conflict with humans. Their large, bulky shapes and sizes make them incredibly intimidating and they are dangerous if you happen to provoke or anger them. If you are close, they can hurt you badly by accident. Whenever you encounter a wild elephant, pay close attention to their '''ears''', '''legs''', and their '''trunk'''. * If an elephant's ears appear to be relaxed or "fanned out", the elephant is trying to determine whether you're a threat or not. It may do a "mock charge", i.e. a bluff attack just to scare you off. * If an elephant is swinging their legs back and fro, it is most likely afraid of you and won't make a real charge. Still, back off. * If an elephant's trunk is curled inwards and it has its ears close to its head, it is probably about to charge at you for real. Retreat immediately and take cover. In the unlikely event you are chased by a wild elephant, you can throw an object to distract the elephant or you can run in a zig-zag pattern to outrun the elephant. If you take cover somewhere, '''be still and quiet'''; elephants have extremely good hearing. During a mock charge, do not appear fearful. Stand your ground and demonstrate you are not a threat. Elephants will be more inclined to leave you alone after that. ===Foxes=== Foxes are too small to be of any significant threat to humans, though they often scavenge through human trash, and may attack small livestock like chickens, as well as some smaller pets. Foxes that attack humans unprovoked are usually infected with [[Infectious diseases#Rabies|rabies]], so if you are attacked by one, it is imperative that you seek medical attention as soon as possible. ===Hippopotamuses=== Although Hippopotamuses are herbivores, their large size, incredible stamina, and powerful jaws make them extremely dangerous. Hippos are so territorial, that they will lash out at, well, anything or anyone (including other hippos) that they think is 'taking away' their space from them. Even crocodiles, for the most part, are scared of attacking and approaching hippos. If you encounter hippos in the water or on land, alert them to your presence and maintain an acceptable distance from them. Do not attempt to slip by them unnoticed or else you will make yourself the target of an irritated hippo. If a hippo in the water opens its mouth wide (like a yawn), '''retreat'''. Hippos do this to scare off threats or undesirable elements. ===Horses and ponies=== See [[horse riding]] for a general discussion of the joys and hazards of horses and ponies. Falling off them is the most common danger, but there are other risks. A bite can be quite serious and a kick can be fatal. The risk of aggression from a well-trained horse or pony is generally small, but nearly all horses are easily spooked and likely to react dangerously if startled or provoked. Ask the owner before going close. Talk calmly to the animal, approach from the side, and show the horse or pony what you are going to do; avoid doing anything surprising. Also avoid going close behind a horse or pony as this is the direction in which they can kick most easily and is out of their field of view so movement there may startle them. Having a horse accidentally step on your foot can also cause serious injury. The larger breeds can do more damage, but even a pony is heavy enough to hurt you quite badly. ====Wild horses and ponies==== Wild horses and ponies vary in how they perceive people. Some herds that are managed by people or closely associate with them may be more tolerant, but all wild animals should be seen as unpredictable no matter what. Avoid getting too close and definitely avoid feeding them – in some places this is illegal. You should also never get close to a stallion with mares or to mares with foals as they will be more defensive and therefore more likely to charge at you. If you do find yourself close to a wild horse or pony then they will usually give warnings via body language before they charge. If a horse's ears go back then the animal is not happy and you should back off. If the ears are pinned back and there is also teeth-baring and hoof-stomping or head-tossing then you've really caused upset and should get out of there pronto! Upset horses and ponies may also turn so that they are facing away from you – that could mean they're getting ready to deliver a powerful kick with their hind legs, so keep clear! ===Kangaroos=== [[File:- fighting red kangaroos 1.jpg|thumbnail|Red kangaroos fighting]] If you enter [[Australia|an area]] where [http://www.ehp.qld.gov.au/wildlife/livingwith/kangaroos.html kangaroos] live, give them as much space as possible. If you see one, stay away from it and watch how it behaves. If it moves toward you or shows signs of being aggressive, move away (even if it is only looking for food or human contact, a kangaroo may still become aggressive). Don't act aggressively towards the kangaroo, as this will simply reinforce the idea that you are a threat. If you are approached by an aggressive kangaroo you should keep it at a safe distance so that it can't kick or scratch. For example, hold up a stick or branch, or stay behind a fence or a tree. Move away from the animal as quickly as you can. Turning your back on it and running could be dangerous as a large male can easily outrun you and still kick at the same time. Turn side-on and protect the front of your body with your arms and keep your head as far away from the kangaroo as possible to minimize the risk of being scratched on the face. If it is a large male that has been displaying dominance behavior, it may see you as a threat. Protect yourself and let the kangaroo know you are not a threat by giving a short, deep cough, avoiding eye contact and crouching down as you move away. Females and smaller male kangaroos are less likely to be aggressive but may approach if they are used to being fed or have had a lot of human contact. Even though females are much smaller than males, they can scratch and kick and could pose a safety risk – particularly to small children. Avoid the tails of kangaroos as well – while other animals have limp tails that can do no harm, kangaroos can swing their tails so powerfully that they can easily break a limb. As a last resort, if you can't escape an attacking kangaroo, roll up into a ball on the ground with your arm covering your neck and call for help. Try to roll or crawl away to a safe place. ===Ungulates=== American elk, moose, deer, bison, goats and cattle can attack people and as big as they are, bison can sprint three times faster than humans can run. They are unpredictable and dangerous and it is best to keep a fair distance between yourself and the animals – if it changes its behavior due to your presence, you are too close. Nevertheless, in North America and Europe a much greater danger from large ungulates is [[animal collisions|car crashes]]. In Africa, buffalo rank with hippos as the most dangerous animals, well ahead of animals perceived to be more deadly in the West such as lions and rhinos. ====Boars==== [[File:Wild Boar frontal.jpg|thumb|A wild boar]] Boars are widespread in Europe and most of Asia. They are mainly a risk for [[animal collisions]] and food scavenging. In rare cases they are aggressive, especially if they are provoked by dogs. In some locations, feral pigs become a nuisance similar to natural boars. Wild boar attacks on humans are not common but do occur occasionally. Usually, boars, like most wild animals, will avoid interactions with humans. Due to the clearing of natural boar habitats, the number of interactions, including aggressive ones, between humans and boars has increased. Boars eat everything, so they might look for food in farmlands, campsites, landfills, and gardens. When dealing aggressively with a human, boars will charge at them. These are sometimes bluff charges, but in other cases violent contact will be made. While the impact of the large, hard-skulled head may cause considerable damage itself, most damage is inflicted by the boar's tusk. When ramming into a person, the boar will slash the tusks upwards, creating sizable open lacerations on the skin. Due to the height of the boar relative to a human, most wounds are inflicted to the upper legs. Some attacks are provoked, such as when hunters wound a boar, which then counterattacks. Male boars become most aggressive during the mating season and may charge at humans at such times. Occasionally, female boars will attack if they feel their piglets are threatened, especially if a human physically comes between them and their young. Although a majority of boar attack victims recover with medical treatment, fatalities do occasionally occur. ====Cattle==== More than a billion domestic cattle graze the Earth, outnumbering all other animals of similar size. They are dangerous in herds. The male of the species is particularly aggressive. Even under controlled conditions, an event like the ''Running of the Bulls'' in [[Pamplona#Do|Pamplona]] can and has resulted in injuries or fatalities. Cattle, including bulls, roam freely throughout much of [[India]]. While most of them are harmless and are used to being surrounded by humans, the bulls can charge at you at any moment for no apparent reason. ====American elk==== [[File:Rocky Mountain Bull Elk.jpg|Elk or Wapiti|thumb]] The term "elk" has different meanings in different varieties of English. Outside North America, it refers to the animal we describe as a moose below. In North America, it means the quite different animal shown in the photo. An alternate term is ''wapiti'', borrowed from a Native American language. In September and October herds of North American elk gather for their mating season, or “rut.” During the rut, the male “bull” elk are irritable, aggressive and extremely dangerous to onlookers who get too close. The elk calving season takes place in April and May of each year. During this time, female elk, or cows, become irritable and highly protective of their young calves. Though they may look harmless, cows are extremely dangerous during calving season. Elk are wild animals which must be observed from a safe distance to avoid injury or death. If an animal is carefully watching you and appears “jumpy” when you move, you are too close. ====Elk, moose==== [[File:Moose superior.jpg|Moose, called "elk" in Europe|thumb]] Moose aren't inherently aggressive, but will defend themselves if they perceive a threat. When people don't see moose as potentially dangerous, they may approach too closely and put themselves at risk. More people each year are injured by moose than by bears. Enjoy viewing them from a distance. Cow moose are extremely defensive of their young so use extra caution around cows with calves and never get between a cow and a calf. In the summer months, moose blend in well to their environment and can be surprisingly hard to see for such large animals. They are likely to stand their ground even when they hear people approaching, so pay close attention to your surroundings, especially in prime moose habitat such as willow thickets or around streams or ponds. If you do find yourself close to a moose * If it hasn't detected you yet, keep it that way. * If it knows you're there, talk to it softly and move away slowly. * Don't be aggressive – you want to convince the moose that you aren't a threat. * If you think the moose is going to charge you, take cover or run away. Unlike with bears, it is okay to run from a moose. * Moose cannot climb trees, so getting up one is reasonably safe. Try to choose a fairly large tree and get high enough that the antlers cannot reach you. Watch for signs that the moose is upset. If its ears are laid back and hackles are up it is likely to charge. Most of the time, when a moose charges it is a 'bluff', or warning for you to get back – a warning you should take very seriously! Once a moose bluff charges it is already agitated. If possible, get behind something solid (like a tree or a car). They usually won't chase you and if they do, it's unlikely that they'll chase you very far. If a moose knocks you down, curl up in a ball and protect your head with your arms and keep still. Fighting back will only convince the moose that you may still be a threat. Only move once the moose has backed off to a safe distance or it may renew its attack. ====Musk ox==== The musk ox lives in the Arctic and in some nature reserves in Norway and Sweden. While they avoid humans, if threatened the herd will not run away and instead forms a defensive formation, and may attack if humans come closer, usually a single bull charging at {{convert|60|km/h|mph|sigfig=1|abbr=on}}. Keep a safe distance of at least 200 meters. === Wolves === [[File:Wolf pack in Yellowstone NP.jpg|thumbnail|A wolf pack]] Wolves rarely hunt humans, but they may come after livestock, food supplies or trash. Animals gradually lose their natural avoidance to people when they are protected from harm by people, or where humans act passively towards them. This is called habituation. Habituated wolves become comfortable around people and may venture quite close to people. It is very important to understand that these habituated wolves are actually the ones most likely to suddenly act aggressively. Wolves also quickly learn that food is often found in human garbage. When wolves seek out human foods they have become food-conditioned. If a wolf is fed by people it begins to expect handouts. If that wolf approaches a person but gets no food, it can become suddenly aggressive. This type of aggression is probably responsible for many of the bites that wolves have inflicted on people. Wolves have generally not learnt to hunt people for food, and thus any pack and especially any lone wolf will hesitate to do an attack against a person who does not show weakness. If a wolf comes near, do neither run nor try to get friendly, but back off without turning your back. If the wolf follows, striking with a walking stick in its direction or similar aggressive behaviour can help keep your psychological advantage, but is usually unnecessary. In most countries with wolves, aggressive behaviour against people is very rare indeed. [[Infectious diseases#Rabies|Rabid]] wolves, on the other hand, often attack without being provoked. They do not attack to kill but the bite requires urgent treatment, as rabies is lethal. Wolves regard '''dogs''' as rivals, and show them no mercy. Many hunting dogs have been killed by wolves and some large dogs will attack and kill wolves. Various wolfhound or guard dog types are bred for this, and some dogs will even make suicidal attacks against a pack. Most dogs instead try to show that they are friendly, and may make themselves an easy prey. See also [[Travelling with pets]]. === Coyotes === [[File:Canis latrans 06092020000048874 (49989035507).jpg|thumb|Coyote in Arizona]] Smaller than a wolf but larger than a fox, coyotes are mid-size canids that are common in the southwest United States and throughout Mexico, and can be found from parts of Canada to South America. Today, urban animal control authorities are unsurprised to get calls about coyotes in urban areas, including some of the largest cities. Individual coyotes seldom pose a risk to adult humans but they are capable of causing serious injury to children or pets, and they may carry rabies. Coyotes also tend to organize into packs, similar to wolf behavior, and a pack of coyotes could attack an adult. ==Reptiles and amphibians== ===Crocodiles=== [[File:Caiman with porcupine quills on face (45923605524).jpg|thumb|Caiman in Tortugero National Park, Costa Rica]] '''Crocodiles''' are dangerous animals and they can eat just about anything they encounter. They are mostly found in equatorial zones, particularly in Australia, Southeast Asia and parts of Africa. Crocodiles are more dangerous in the water than on land because they seize their prey and drown them before eating them. Always exercise extreme caution if you are near a river or a water body populated with crocodiles. Forget any tips for fighting off a crocodile, just don't get into reach. While '''alligators''' are less aggressive toward humans in general than crocodiles, there have been many cases of predation or injury of human beings by alligators. In areas where alligators are common, avoid swimming in, or going dangerously close to, bodies of water where they may lurk. In Mexico, Central America, and South America, a cousin of the alligator is frequently seen in jungle wetlands. The '''caiman''' is usually smaller than an alligator or crocodile, but tends to be faster and more agile. === Snakes === {{main|Venomous snakes}} [[Image:Red diamond rattlesnake (crotalus exsul).jpg|thumb|Red diamond rattlesnake, native to [[Baja California]]]] Few snakes are likely to consider adult humans as prey and a lot of snakes prefer to avoid people. Some venomous species, however, can be deadly. General advice is to '''never''' try to pick up, harm, or kill a snake. If you see a snake, just move on or call in a professional snake catcher to move the animal. A lot of people are bitten when attempting to handle snakes. Most tourists who suffer snakebites do so accidentally by stepping on a camouflaged snake. Wearing appropriate footwear and clothing can reduce the risk of accidental snakebite. === Snakebite treatment === It's usually impossible to discern whether a snakebite is venomous by the shape of the bite or the snake, unless you can recognize the specific species. Treat any snakebite as fatally dangerous unless you're certain it's not. Generally, treatments presented outside the medical field '''do not work'''. Instead, you should get proper medical aid and try to avoid deteriorating until the medical aid arrives. To do so, the victim of the snake bite needs to rest immediately, completely, and comfortably so the circulation of the venom is slower. The victim needs to be calm, also for this reason. The part of the body damaged by the snake needs to be lower than the rest of the body. If possible, set it using strong branches or the like, so it moves as little as possible. There also exist venom suction pumps which are considered more effective than sucking with the mouth, but studies show that their effects are apparently also negligible. If you have one, use it if you have time, but don't let it delay the victim's evacuation. Taking a photo of the snake could be very helpful for the doctors. No need to actually catch or kill the snake; it's not like they can or need to produce antivenom on the spot. They only need to be able to recognize the species to know what anti-venom and other treatments to apply. === Frogs === [[File:Dendrobates azureus (Dendrobates tinctorius) Edit.jpg|thumb|Poison dart frogs come in many assorted colors]] Most frogs and toads are innocuous. Kids pick them up when they find them in ponds or trees. Some species of toads and frogs are quite dangerous though. Some of the brilliantly colorful '''poison dart frogs''' (mainly the ''Phyllobates'' species) in Central and South American rainforests secrete poison through their skin. Simply picking up one of these frogs and stroking its skin can kill a man. === Lizards === Most lizards are docile and people frequently pick them up and keep them as pets. Some are quite dangerous. In the dry deserts of southwestern United States and northern Mexico is a large, stout lizard called the '''gila monster''' who will hang on when it bites so as to inject maximum venom. Along the Pacific coast of Mexico live '''beaded lizards''', who do the same thing. Although many people keep iguanas as pets, and they're usually mellow guys hanging out in the warm sun, they have sharp teeth and have been known to bite. The most dangerous lizards are found in southeast Asia where several people have reportedly been attacked and killed by '''komodo dragons'''. === Newts === Newts are an amphibian that can be mistaken for lizards. Many newts produce highly-toxic compounds that they secrete through their skin. '''Rough-skinned newts''', found in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, produce tetrodotoxin in lethal quantities. This is a potent neurotoxin, which is also produced by pufferfish. == See also == * [[Animal ethics]] — avoiding animal cruelty and protecting endangered species * [[Animal collisions]] – moose and other large animals may be deadly on the highway {{usabletopic}} {{PartOfTopic|Stay safe}} 9yhjyojcunnu2jtorqzuik5k2f0g452 1 125386 5086676 5086410 2025-07-02T16:20:14Z GlobalMishpacha 2328865 /* Rentals */ Reply 5086676 wikitext text/x-wiki == Substitutes? == I do not think we have an article on [[Halal]] food yet, & I'm not in either group so I may have this wrong, but my understanding is that Islamic dietary laws are close to the Jewish ones. I remember a Jewish friend in Canada in the 70s complaining that her Kosher butcher was getting overrun with Arab immigrants. (Not ethnic or political prejudice, just frustration that there were queues and things were sometimes sold out.) Should this article mention that? In an area where kosher food is hard to find, is halal a reasonable substitute? In Islamic countries would it be more understandable, perhaps even safer in some, to ask for halal? What about [[Vegetarian and vegan food]]? Is all of that kosher? Should this article link there? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 15:04, 17 June 2013 (UTC) :Muslims usually but not always consider kosher food (exclusive of alcohol) to be ipso facto halal. The correspondence between kosher and halal food for kosher-observant Jews is more complicated, as there are many halal foods (notably, shellfish) which are treyf (not kosher), and there is no restriction on mixing milk and meat products under Islamic, as opposed to Jewish dietary laws. Depending on their level of observance, some observant Jews may consider halal food fine to eat, but this is far from universal. Similarly, though strictly vegetarian food obviously cannot have any meat in it, unless it is certified kosher by a rabbi, many kosher-observant Jews will not consider it kosher. We could certainly link articles on vegetarian and halal food here, but we should avoid seeming to give any guidance on matters of Jewish (or Islamic) law. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:30, 17 June 2013 (UTC) ==We need a new page banner== [[File:Kosher McDonald's WV page banner.jpg|thumb|500px|Option 1 (current banner)]] [[File:Kashrut banner 2.JPG|thumb|500px|Option 2 (kosher falafel in Paris)]] [[File:Kashrut banner 3.JPG|thumb|500px|Option 3 (El Al inflight meal)]] [[File:Kashrut banner 4.jpg|thumb|500px|Option 4 (packaging of a kosher inflight meal)]] [[File:Kashrut banner 5.jpg|thumb|500px|Option 5 (kosher restaurant sign in San Francisco)]] [[File:Kashrut banner 6.jpg|thumb|500px|Option 6 (a different part of the restaurant sign, which if I'm not mistaken says "kosher" in Hebrew)]] Pictures on Wikivoyage should, in general, not display specific trademarks, unless they are iconic to a destination. Especially not banners. How can we find a new banner? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 00:58, 9 September 2017 (UTC) :Here are some options. Most of them are text-based, but we could probably find more food-based ones if desired. What do you think? —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 04:13, 9 September 2017 (UTC) :: Great work! Any of those would be less bad than a big McDonald's logo. I would prefer option 3. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 04:19, 9 September 2017 (UTC) :::The last one says "bosher kosher" (kosher meat) in Hebrew. That's the one I'd go with. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:15, 9 September 2017 (UTC) ::::I switched to the "bosher kosher" one for now. If a clearer consensus develops, we can always change it to a different one. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 02:50, 13 September 2017 (UTC) ::::[[User:ויקיג'אנקי]], would the Hebrew Wikivoyage be interested in one of these banners for the article on kashrut? I made the banners with the English LTR format in mind, but I'm pinging you just in case. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 02:54, 13 September 2017 (UTC) == No crossing a picket line == [https://www.greenwichtime.com/news/article/Jews-face-having-to-find-Passover-foods-without-13763250.phpRabbi Rabbi says crossing a picket line for Passover groceries is not kosher] [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 12:27, 15 April 2019 (UTC) == Ancient kosher? == [https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/what-archaeology-tells-us-about-ancient-history-eating-kosher-180977804/ What Archaeology Tells Us About the Ancient History of Eating Kosher] [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 03:42, 22 January 2022 (UTC) == Deleted text == I deleted this : The website '''[http://www.shamash.org/kosher/ Shamash.org]''' features a comprehensive database of kosher restaurants, grocery stores, and other establishments around the world for those who find keeping kosher while traveling a concern. However, not every listing is up-to-date, and travelers should make an effort to do additional research on what options are available for them. It was already commented out & the link is dead. There's a copy on archive.org dated 2004. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 17:51, 1 July 2025 (UTC) == Moved from the page == As discussed at [[Talk:Kvation]], I don't see how it is not [[tout]]ing for this one organization alone to have a listing. Shamash.org at least was a service, not a company advertising itself. ===Rentals=== *{{eat | name=Kvation | alt=Kosher vacation | url=https://kvation.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q135172650 | content=Online platform for booking resorts that offer kosher meals, or vacation homes with a kosher kitchen. Mainly US and Israel, with (as of mid-2025) few places elsewhere and none at all in South America, Africa, Oceania, or any part of Asia except Israel. }} [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:05, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :It may be helpful to note that, similar to how ''[[Hospitality exchange]]'' lists general accommodation platforms like Airbnb, travelers seeking kosher food or kitchens for kosher meal preparation often need platforms specifically catering to these needs. These options are typically not looked for in general hospitality exchange lists, as kosher travelers require features like kosher spaces, synagogue proximity, or Shabbat-friendly setups that general platforms do not filter, so they would look under kosher pages instead. :A rentals section under ''[[Kashrut]]'' could give practical information for these travelers, similar to sections on [[Kashrut#Airlines|airlines]] and synagogues offering kosher food. Platforms such as Kvation, GoKosher, and ReserveKosher.com could be listed as examples. [[User:GlobalMishpacha|GlobalMishpacha]] ([[User talk:GlobalMishpacha|talk]]) 16:20, 2 July 2025 (UTC) 5eusgnwgm0bpemc6ysip43xcqppax9x 5086702 5086676 2025-07-02T17:05:55Z Ikan Kekek 36420 /* Rentals */ Reply 5086702 wikitext text/x-wiki == Substitutes? == I do not think we have an article on [[Halal]] food yet, & I'm not in either group so I may have this wrong, but my understanding is that Islamic dietary laws are close to the Jewish ones. I remember a Jewish friend in Canada in the 70s complaining that her Kosher butcher was getting overrun with Arab immigrants. (Not ethnic or political prejudice, just frustration that there were queues and things were sometimes sold out.) Should this article mention that? In an area where kosher food is hard to find, is halal a reasonable substitute? In Islamic countries would it be more understandable, perhaps even safer in some, to ask for halal? What about [[Vegetarian and vegan food]]? Is all of that kosher? Should this article link there? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 15:04, 17 June 2013 (UTC) :Muslims usually but not always consider kosher food (exclusive of alcohol) to be ipso facto halal. The correspondence between kosher and halal food for kosher-observant Jews is more complicated, as there are many halal foods (notably, shellfish) which are treyf (not kosher), and there is no restriction on mixing milk and meat products under Islamic, as opposed to Jewish dietary laws. Depending on their level of observance, some observant Jews may consider halal food fine to eat, but this is far from universal. Similarly, though strictly vegetarian food obviously cannot have any meat in it, unless it is certified kosher by a rabbi, many kosher-observant Jews will not consider it kosher. We could certainly link articles on vegetarian and halal food here, but we should avoid seeming to give any guidance on matters of Jewish (or Islamic) law. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:30, 17 June 2013 (UTC) ==We need a new page banner== [[File:Kosher McDonald's WV page banner.jpg|thumb|500px|Option 1 (current banner)]] [[File:Kashrut banner 2.JPG|thumb|500px|Option 2 (kosher falafel in Paris)]] [[File:Kashrut banner 3.JPG|thumb|500px|Option 3 (El Al inflight meal)]] [[File:Kashrut banner 4.jpg|thumb|500px|Option 4 (packaging of a kosher inflight meal)]] [[File:Kashrut banner 5.jpg|thumb|500px|Option 5 (kosher restaurant sign in San Francisco)]] [[File:Kashrut banner 6.jpg|thumb|500px|Option 6 (a different part of the restaurant sign, which if I'm not mistaken says "kosher" in Hebrew)]] Pictures on Wikivoyage should, in general, not display specific trademarks, unless they are iconic to a destination. Especially not banners. How can we find a new banner? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 00:58, 9 September 2017 (UTC) :Here are some options. Most of them are text-based, but we could probably find more food-based ones if desired. What do you think? —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 04:13, 9 September 2017 (UTC) :: Great work! Any of those would be less bad than a big McDonald's logo. I would prefer option 3. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 04:19, 9 September 2017 (UTC) :::The last one says "bosher kosher" (kosher meat) in Hebrew. That's the one I'd go with. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:15, 9 September 2017 (UTC) ::::I switched to the "bosher kosher" one for now. If a clearer consensus develops, we can always change it to a different one. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 02:50, 13 September 2017 (UTC) ::::[[User:ויקיג'אנקי]], would the Hebrew Wikivoyage be interested in one of these banners for the article on kashrut? I made the banners with the English LTR format in mind, but I'm pinging you just in case. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 02:54, 13 September 2017 (UTC) == No crossing a picket line == [https://www.greenwichtime.com/news/article/Jews-face-having-to-find-Passover-foods-without-13763250.phpRabbi Rabbi says crossing a picket line for Passover groceries is not kosher] [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 12:27, 15 April 2019 (UTC) == Ancient kosher? == [https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/what-archaeology-tells-us-about-ancient-history-eating-kosher-180977804/ What Archaeology Tells Us About the Ancient History of Eating Kosher] [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 03:42, 22 January 2022 (UTC) == Deleted text == I deleted this : The website '''[http://www.shamash.org/kosher/ Shamash.org]''' features a comprehensive database of kosher restaurants, grocery stores, and other establishments around the world for those who find keeping kosher while traveling a concern. However, not every listing is up-to-date, and travelers should make an effort to do additional research on what options are available for them. It was already commented out & the link is dead. There's a copy on archive.org dated 2004. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 17:51, 1 July 2025 (UTC) == Moved from the page == As discussed at [[Talk:Kvation]], I don't see how it is not [[tout]]ing for this one organization alone to have a listing. Shamash.org at least was a service, not a company advertising itself. ===Rentals=== *{{eat | name=Kvation | alt=Kosher vacation | url=https://kvation.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q135172650 | content=Online platform for booking resorts that offer kosher meals, or vacation homes with a kosher kitchen. Mainly US and Israel, with (as of mid-2025) few places elsewhere and none at all in South America, Africa, Oceania, or any part of Asia except Israel. }} [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:05, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :It may be helpful to note that, similar to how ''[[Hospitality exchange]]'' lists general accommodation platforms like Airbnb, travelers seeking kosher food or kitchens for kosher meal preparation often need platforms specifically catering to these needs. These options are typically not looked for in general hospitality exchange lists, as kosher travelers require features like kosher spaces, synagogue proximity, or Shabbat-friendly setups that general platforms do not filter, so they would look under kosher pages instead. :A rentals section under ''[[Kashrut]]'' could give practical information for these travelers, similar to sections on [[Kashrut#Airlines|airlines]] and synagogues offering kosher food. Platforms such as Kvation, GoKosher, and ReserveKosher.com could be listed as examples. [[User:GlobalMishpacha|GlobalMishpacha]] ([[User talk:GlobalMishpacha|talk]]) 16:20, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::You sound knowledgeable enough to add this note, so please go ahead. It's fine to list 3 examples; it's touting to merely list 1. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:05, 2 July 2025 (UTC) bw1qs0000p0v6lh0go5zba309mlbreo 5086806 5086702 2025-07-02T21:38:42Z GlobalMishpacha 2328865 /* Rentals */ Reply 5086806 wikitext text/x-wiki == Substitutes? == I do not think we have an article on [[Halal]] food yet, & I'm not in either group so I may have this wrong, but my understanding is that Islamic dietary laws are close to the Jewish ones. I remember a Jewish friend in Canada in the 70s complaining that her Kosher butcher was getting overrun with Arab immigrants. (Not ethnic or political prejudice, just frustration that there were queues and things were sometimes sold out.) Should this article mention that? In an area where kosher food is hard to find, is halal a reasonable substitute? In Islamic countries would it be more understandable, perhaps even safer in some, to ask for halal? What about [[Vegetarian and vegan food]]? Is all of that kosher? Should this article link there? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 15:04, 17 June 2013 (UTC) :Muslims usually but not always consider kosher food (exclusive of alcohol) to be ipso facto halal. The correspondence between kosher and halal food for kosher-observant Jews is more complicated, as there are many halal foods (notably, shellfish) which are treyf (not kosher), and there is no restriction on mixing milk and meat products under Islamic, as opposed to Jewish dietary laws. Depending on their level of observance, some observant Jews may consider halal food fine to eat, but this is far from universal. Similarly, though strictly vegetarian food obviously cannot have any meat in it, unless it is certified kosher by a rabbi, many kosher-observant Jews will not consider it kosher. We could certainly link articles on vegetarian and halal food here, but we should avoid seeming to give any guidance on matters of Jewish (or Islamic) law. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:30, 17 June 2013 (UTC) ==We need a new page banner== [[File:Kosher McDonald's WV page banner.jpg|thumb|500px|Option 1 (current banner)]] [[File:Kashrut banner 2.JPG|thumb|500px|Option 2 (kosher falafel in Paris)]] [[File:Kashrut banner 3.JPG|thumb|500px|Option 3 (El Al inflight meal)]] [[File:Kashrut banner 4.jpg|thumb|500px|Option 4 (packaging of a kosher inflight meal)]] [[File:Kashrut banner 5.jpg|thumb|500px|Option 5 (kosher restaurant sign in San Francisco)]] [[File:Kashrut banner 6.jpg|thumb|500px|Option 6 (a different part of the restaurant sign, which if I'm not mistaken says "kosher" in Hebrew)]] Pictures on Wikivoyage should, in general, not display specific trademarks, unless they are iconic to a destination. Especially not banners. How can we find a new banner? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 00:58, 9 September 2017 (UTC) :Here are some options. Most of them are text-based, but we could probably find more food-based ones if desired. What do you think? —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 04:13, 9 September 2017 (UTC) :: Great work! Any of those would be less bad than a big McDonald's logo. I would prefer option 3. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 04:19, 9 September 2017 (UTC) :::The last one says "bosher kosher" (kosher meat) in Hebrew. That's the one I'd go with. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:15, 9 September 2017 (UTC) ::::I switched to the "bosher kosher" one for now. If a clearer consensus develops, we can always change it to a different one. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 02:50, 13 September 2017 (UTC) ::::[[User:ויקיג'אנקי]], would the Hebrew Wikivoyage be interested in one of these banners for the article on kashrut? I made the banners with the English LTR format in mind, but I'm pinging you just in case. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 02:54, 13 September 2017 (UTC) == No crossing a picket line == [https://www.greenwichtime.com/news/article/Jews-face-having-to-find-Passover-foods-without-13763250.phpRabbi Rabbi says crossing a picket line for Passover groceries is not kosher] [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 12:27, 15 April 2019 (UTC) == Ancient kosher? == [https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/what-archaeology-tells-us-about-ancient-history-eating-kosher-180977804/ What Archaeology Tells Us About the Ancient History of Eating Kosher] [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 03:42, 22 January 2022 (UTC) == Deleted text == I deleted this : The website '''[http://www.shamash.org/kosher/ Shamash.org]''' features a comprehensive database of kosher restaurants, grocery stores, and other establishments around the world for those who find keeping kosher while traveling a concern. However, not every listing is up-to-date, and travelers should make an effort to do additional research on what options are available for them. It was already commented out & the link is dead. There's a copy on archive.org dated 2004. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 17:51, 1 July 2025 (UTC) == Moved from the page == As discussed at [[Talk:Kvation]], I don't see how it is not [[tout]]ing for this one organization alone to have a listing. Shamash.org at least was a service, not a company advertising itself. ===Rentals=== *{{eat | name=Kvation | alt=Kosher vacation | url=https://kvation.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q135172650 | content=Online platform for booking resorts that offer kosher meals, or vacation homes with a kosher kitchen. Mainly US and Israel, with (as of mid-2025) few places elsewhere and none at all in South America, Africa, Oceania, or any part of Asia except Israel. }} [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:05, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :It may be helpful to note that, similar to how ''[[Hospitality exchange]]'' lists general accommodation platforms like Airbnb, travelers seeking kosher food or kitchens for kosher meal preparation often need platforms specifically catering to these needs. These options are typically not looked for in general hospitality exchange lists, as kosher travelers require features like kosher spaces, synagogue proximity, or Shabbat-friendly setups that general platforms do not filter, so they would look under kosher pages instead. :A rentals section under ''[[Kashrut]]'' could give practical information for these travelers, similar to sections on [[Kashrut#Airlines|airlines]] and synagogues offering kosher food. Platforms such as Kvation, GoKosher, and ReserveKosher.com could be listed as examples. [[User:GlobalMishpacha|GlobalMishpacha]] ([[User talk:GlobalMishpacha|talk]]) 16:20, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::You sound knowledgeable enough to add this note, so please go ahead. It's fine to list 3 examples; it's touting to merely list 1. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:05, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::I have updated the Rentals section under Kashrut to ensure consistent, neutral descriptions for platforms providing kosher-friendly vacation rentals, aligning with how ''Wikivoyage'' lists examples in similar sections. This keeps the section practical for kosher travelers while maintaining neutrality. Please feel free to adjust if further refinements are needed. [[User:GlobalMishpacha|GlobalMishpacha]] ([[User talk:GlobalMishpacha|talk]]) 21:38, 2 July 2025 (UTC) 56pca5i1lj5138zh9trcfg3i952efyz 5086817 5086806 2025-07-02T22:23:02Z Ikan Kekek 36420 /* Rentals */ Reply 5086817 wikitext text/x-wiki == Substitutes? == I do not think we have an article on [[Halal]] food yet, & I'm not in either group so I may have this wrong, but my understanding is that Islamic dietary laws are close to the Jewish ones. I remember a Jewish friend in Canada in the 70s complaining that her Kosher butcher was getting overrun with Arab immigrants. (Not ethnic or political prejudice, just frustration that there were queues and things were sometimes sold out.) Should this article mention that? In an area where kosher food is hard to find, is halal a reasonable substitute? In Islamic countries would it be more understandable, perhaps even safer in some, to ask for halal? What about [[Vegetarian and vegan food]]? Is all of that kosher? Should this article link there? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 15:04, 17 June 2013 (UTC) :Muslims usually but not always consider kosher food (exclusive of alcohol) to be ipso facto halal. The correspondence between kosher and halal food for kosher-observant Jews is more complicated, as there are many halal foods (notably, shellfish) which are treyf (not kosher), and there is no restriction on mixing milk and meat products under Islamic, as opposed to Jewish dietary laws. Depending on their level of observance, some observant Jews may consider halal food fine to eat, but this is far from universal. Similarly, though strictly vegetarian food obviously cannot have any meat in it, unless it is certified kosher by a rabbi, many kosher-observant Jews will not consider it kosher. We could certainly link articles on vegetarian and halal food here, but we should avoid seeming to give any guidance on matters of Jewish (or Islamic) law. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:30, 17 June 2013 (UTC) ==We need a new page banner== [[File:Kosher McDonald's WV page banner.jpg|thumb|500px|Option 1 (current banner)]] [[File:Kashrut banner 2.JPG|thumb|500px|Option 2 (kosher falafel in Paris)]] [[File:Kashrut banner 3.JPG|thumb|500px|Option 3 (El Al inflight meal)]] [[File:Kashrut banner 4.jpg|thumb|500px|Option 4 (packaging of a kosher inflight meal)]] [[File:Kashrut banner 5.jpg|thumb|500px|Option 5 (kosher restaurant sign in San Francisco)]] [[File:Kashrut banner 6.jpg|thumb|500px|Option 6 (a different part of the restaurant sign, which if I'm not mistaken says "kosher" in Hebrew)]] Pictures on Wikivoyage should, in general, not display specific trademarks, unless they are iconic to a destination. Especially not banners. How can we find a new banner? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 00:58, 9 September 2017 (UTC) :Here are some options. Most of them are text-based, but we could probably find more food-based ones if desired. What do you think? —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 04:13, 9 September 2017 (UTC) :: Great work! Any of those would be less bad than a big McDonald's logo. I would prefer option 3. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 04:19, 9 September 2017 (UTC) :::The last one says "bosher kosher" (kosher meat) in Hebrew. That's the one I'd go with. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:15, 9 September 2017 (UTC) ::::I switched to the "bosher kosher" one for now. If a clearer consensus develops, we can always change it to a different one. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 02:50, 13 September 2017 (UTC) ::::[[User:ויקיג'אנקי]], would the Hebrew Wikivoyage be interested in one of these banners for the article on kashrut? I made the banners with the English LTR format in mind, but I'm pinging you just in case. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 02:54, 13 September 2017 (UTC) == No crossing a picket line == [https://www.greenwichtime.com/news/article/Jews-face-having-to-find-Passover-foods-without-13763250.phpRabbi Rabbi says crossing a picket line for Passover groceries is not kosher] [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 12:27, 15 April 2019 (UTC) == Ancient kosher? == [https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/what-archaeology-tells-us-about-ancient-history-eating-kosher-180977804/ What Archaeology Tells Us About the Ancient History of Eating Kosher] [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 03:42, 22 January 2022 (UTC) == Deleted text == I deleted this : The website '''[http://www.shamash.org/kosher/ Shamash.org]''' features a comprehensive database of kosher restaurants, grocery stores, and other establishments around the world for those who find keeping kosher while traveling a concern. However, not every listing is up-to-date, and travelers should make an effort to do additional research on what options are available for them. It was already commented out & the link is dead. There's a copy on archive.org dated 2004. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 17:51, 1 July 2025 (UTC) == Moved from the page == As discussed at [[Talk:Kvation]], I don't see how it is not [[tout]]ing for this one organization alone to have a listing. Shamash.org at least was a service, not a company advertising itself. ===Rentals=== *{{eat | name=Kvation | alt=Kosher vacation | url=https://kvation.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q135172650 | content=Online platform for booking resorts that offer kosher meals, or vacation homes with a kosher kitchen. Mainly US and Israel, with (as of mid-2025) few places elsewhere and none at all in South America, Africa, Oceania, or any part of Asia except Israel. }} [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:05, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :It may be helpful to note that, similar to how ''[[Hospitality exchange]]'' lists general accommodation platforms like Airbnb, travelers seeking kosher food or kitchens for kosher meal preparation often need platforms specifically catering to these needs. These options are typically not looked for in general hospitality exchange lists, as kosher travelers require features like kosher spaces, synagogue proximity, or Shabbat-friendly setups that general platforms do not filter, so they would look under kosher pages instead. :A rentals section under ''[[Kashrut]]'' could give practical information for these travelers, similar to sections on [[Kashrut#Airlines|airlines]] and synagogues offering kosher food. Platforms such as Kvation, GoKosher, and ReserveKosher.com could be listed as examples. [[User:GlobalMishpacha|GlobalMishpacha]] ([[User talk:GlobalMishpacha|talk]]) 16:20, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::You sound knowledgeable enough to add this note, so please go ahead. It's fine to list 3 examples; it's touting to merely list 1. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:05, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::I have updated the Rentals section under Kashrut to ensure consistent, neutral descriptions for platforms providing kosher-friendly vacation rentals, aligning with how ''Wikivoyage'' lists examples in similar sections. This keeps the section practical for kosher travelers while maintaining neutrality. Please feel free to adjust if further refinements are needed. [[User:GlobalMishpacha|GlobalMishpacha]] ([[User talk:GlobalMishpacha|talk]]) 21:38, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::Thanks, but why no links for two of the listings? That makes them not so useful. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:23, 2 July 2025 (UTC) 3pp2alojjn1kkfdstidc8hce45igxkl 5086854 5086817 2025-07-02T23:47:35Z FamilyTrekker 2328878 /* Rentals */ Reply 5086854 wikitext text/x-wiki == Substitutes? == I do not think we have an article on [[Halal]] food yet, & I'm not in either group so I may have this wrong, but my understanding is that Islamic dietary laws are close to the Jewish ones. I remember a Jewish friend in Canada in the 70s complaining that her Kosher butcher was getting overrun with Arab immigrants. (Not ethnic or political prejudice, just frustration that there were queues and things were sometimes sold out.) Should this article mention that? In an area where kosher food is hard to find, is halal a reasonable substitute? In Islamic countries would it be more understandable, perhaps even safer in some, to ask for halal? What about [[Vegetarian and vegan food]]? Is all of that kosher? Should this article link there? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 15:04, 17 June 2013 (UTC) :Muslims usually but not always consider kosher food (exclusive of alcohol) to be ipso facto halal. The correspondence between kosher and halal food for kosher-observant Jews is more complicated, as there are many halal foods (notably, shellfish) which are treyf (not kosher), and there is no restriction on mixing milk and meat products under Islamic, as opposed to Jewish dietary laws. Depending on their level of observance, some observant Jews may consider halal food fine to eat, but this is far from universal. Similarly, though strictly vegetarian food obviously cannot have any meat in it, unless it is certified kosher by a rabbi, many kosher-observant Jews will not consider it kosher. We could certainly link articles on vegetarian and halal food here, but we should avoid seeming to give any guidance on matters of Jewish (or Islamic) law. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:30, 17 June 2013 (UTC) ==We need a new page banner== [[File:Kosher McDonald's WV page banner.jpg|thumb|500px|Option 1 (current banner)]] [[File:Kashrut banner 2.JPG|thumb|500px|Option 2 (kosher falafel in Paris)]] [[File:Kashrut banner 3.JPG|thumb|500px|Option 3 (El Al inflight meal)]] [[File:Kashrut banner 4.jpg|thumb|500px|Option 4 (packaging of a kosher inflight meal)]] [[File:Kashrut banner 5.jpg|thumb|500px|Option 5 (kosher restaurant sign in San Francisco)]] [[File:Kashrut banner 6.jpg|thumb|500px|Option 6 (a different part of the restaurant sign, which if I'm not mistaken says "kosher" in Hebrew)]] Pictures on Wikivoyage should, in general, not display specific trademarks, unless they are iconic to a destination. Especially not banners. How can we find a new banner? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 00:58, 9 September 2017 (UTC) :Here are some options. Most of them are text-based, but we could probably find more food-based ones if desired. What do you think? —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 04:13, 9 September 2017 (UTC) :: Great work! Any of those would be less bad than a big McDonald's logo. I would prefer option 3. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 04:19, 9 September 2017 (UTC) :::The last one says "bosher kosher" (kosher meat) in Hebrew. That's the one I'd go with. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:15, 9 September 2017 (UTC) ::::I switched to the "bosher kosher" one for now. If a clearer consensus develops, we can always change it to a different one. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 02:50, 13 September 2017 (UTC) ::::[[User:ויקיג'אנקי]], would the Hebrew Wikivoyage be interested in one of these banners for the article on kashrut? I made the banners with the English LTR format in mind, but I'm pinging you just in case. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 02:54, 13 September 2017 (UTC) == No crossing a picket line == [https://www.greenwichtime.com/news/article/Jews-face-having-to-find-Passover-foods-without-13763250.phpRabbi Rabbi says crossing a picket line for Passover groceries is not kosher] [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 12:27, 15 April 2019 (UTC) == Ancient kosher? == [https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/what-archaeology-tells-us-about-ancient-history-eating-kosher-180977804/ What Archaeology Tells Us About the Ancient History of Eating Kosher] [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 03:42, 22 January 2022 (UTC) == Deleted text == I deleted this : The website '''[http://www.shamash.org/kosher/ Shamash.org]''' features a comprehensive database of kosher restaurants, grocery stores, and other establishments around the world for those who find keeping kosher while traveling a concern. However, not every listing is up-to-date, and travelers should make an effort to do additional research on what options are available for them. It was already commented out & the link is dead. There's a copy on archive.org dated 2004. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 17:51, 1 July 2025 (UTC) == Moved from the page == As discussed at [[Talk:Kvation]], I don't see how it is not [[tout]]ing for this one organization alone to have a listing. Shamash.org at least was a service, not a company advertising itself. ===Rentals=== *{{eat | name=Kvation | alt=Kosher vacation | url=https://kvation.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q135172650 | content=Online platform for booking resorts that offer kosher meals, or vacation homes with a kosher kitchen. Mainly US and Israel, with (as of mid-2025) few places elsewhere and none at all in South America, Africa, Oceania, or any part of Asia except Israel. }} [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:05, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :It may be helpful to note that, similar to how ''[[Hospitality exchange]]'' lists general accommodation platforms like Airbnb, travelers seeking kosher food or kitchens for kosher meal preparation often need platforms specifically catering to these needs. These options are typically not looked for in general hospitality exchange lists, as kosher travelers require features like kosher spaces, synagogue proximity, or Shabbat-friendly setups that general platforms do not filter, so they would look under kosher pages instead. :A rentals section under ''[[Kashrut]]'' could give practical information for these travelers, similar to sections on [[Kashrut#Airlines|airlines]] and synagogues offering kosher food. Platforms such as Kvation, GoKosher, and ReserveKosher.com could be listed as examples. [[User:GlobalMishpacha|GlobalMishpacha]] ([[User talk:GlobalMishpacha|talk]]) 16:20, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::You sound knowledgeable enough to add this note, so please go ahead. It's fine to list 3 examples; it's touting to merely list 1. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:05, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::I have updated the Rentals section under Kashrut to ensure consistent, neutral descriptions for platforms providing kosher-friendly vacation rentals, aligning with how ''Wikivoyage'' lists examples in similar sections. This keeps the section practical for kosher travelers while maintaining neutrality. Please feel free to adjust if further refinements are needed. [[User:GlobalMishpacha|GlobalMishpacha]] ([[User talk:GlobalMishpacha|talk]]) 21:38, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::Thanks, but why no links for two of the listings? That makes them not so useful. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:23, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::::Thank you! Updated. [[User:FamilyTrekker|FamilyTrekker]] ([[User talk:FamilyTrekker|talk]]) 23:47, 2 July 2025 (UTC) g9cuzpkm4b6ovimcbgvcuorqcbrvvnu 5086902 5086854 2025-07-03T02:59:59Z Ikan Kekek 36420 /* Rentals */ Reply 5086902 wikitext text/x-wiki == Substitutes? == I do not think we have an article on [[Halal]] food yet, & I'm not in either group so I may have this wrong, but my understanding is that Islamic dietary laws are close to the Jewish ones. I remember a Jewish friend in Canada in the 70s complaining that her Kosher butcher was getting overrun with Arab immigrants. (Not ethnic or political prejudice, just frustration that there were queues and things were sometimes sold out.) Should this article mention that? In an area where kosher food is hard to find, is halal a reasonable substitute? In Islamic countries would it be more understandable, perhaps even safer in some, to ask for halal? What about [[Vegetarian and vegan food]]? Is all of that kosher? Should this article link there? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 15:04, 17 June 2013 (UTC) :Muslims usually but not always consider kosher food (exclusive of alcohol) to be ipso facto halal. The correspondence between kosher and halal food for kosher-observant Jews is more complicated, as there are many halal foods (notably, shellfish) which are treyf (not kosher), and there is no restriction on mixing milk and meat products under Islamic, as opposed to Jewish dietary laws. Depending on their level of observance, some observant Jews may consider halal food fine to eat, but this is far from universal. Similarly, though strictly vegetarian food obviously cannot have any meat in it, unless it is certified kosher by a rabbi, many kosher-observant Jews will not consider it kosher. We could certainly link articles on vegetarian and halal food here, but we should avoid seeming to give any guidance on matters of Jewish (or Islamic) law. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:30, 17 June 2013 (UTC) ==We need a new page banner== [[File:Kosher McDonald's WV page banner.jpg|thumb|500px|Option 1 (current banner)]] [[File:Kashrut banner 2.JPG|thumb|500px|Option 2 (kosher falafel in Paris)]] [[File:Kashrut banner 3.JPG|thumb|500px|Option 3 (El Al inflight meal)]] [[File:Kashrut banner 4.jpg|thumb|500px|Option 4 (packaging of a kosher inflight meal)]] [[File:Kashrut banner 5.jpg|thumb|500px|Option 5 (kosher restaurant sign in San Francisco)]] [[File:Kashrut banner 6.jpg|thumb|500px|Option 6 (a different part of the restaurant sign, which if I'm not mistaken says "kosher" in Hebrew)]] Pictures on Wikivoyage should, in general, not display specific trademarks, unless they are iconic to a destination. Especially not banners. How can we find a new banner? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 00:58, 9 September 2017 (UTC) :Here are some options. Most of them are text-based, but we could probably find more food-based ones if desired. What do you think? —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 04:13, 9 September 2017 (UTC) :: Great work! Any of those would be less bad than a big McDonald's logo. I would prefer option 3. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 04:19, 9 September 2017 (UTC) :::The last one says "bosher kosher" (kosher meat) in Hebrew. That's the one I'd go with. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:15, 9 September 2017 (UTC) ::::I switched to the "bosher kosher" one for now. If a clearer consensus develops, we can always change it to a different one. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 02:50, 13 September 2017 (UTC) ::::[[User:ויקיג'אנקי]], would the Hebrew Wikivoyage be interested in one of these banners for the article on kashrut? I made the banners with the English LTR format in mind, but I'm pinging you just in case. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 02:54, 13 September 2017 (UTC) == No crossing a picket line == [https://www.greenwichtime.com/news/article/Jews-face-having-to-find-Passover-foods-without-13763250.phpRabbi Rabbi says crossing a picket line for Passover groceries is not kosher] [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 12:27, 15 April 2019 (UTC) == Ancient kosher? == [https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/what-archaeology-tells-us-about-ancient-history-eating-kosher-180977804/ What Archaeology Tells Us About the Ancient History of Eating Kosher] [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 03:42, 22 January 2022 (UTC) == Deleted text == I deleted this : The website '''[http://www.shamash.org/kosher/ Shamash.org]''' features a comprehensive database of kosher restaurants, grocery stores, and other establishments around the world for those who find keeping kosher while traveling a concern. However, not every listing is up-to-date, and travelers should make an effort to do additional research on what options are available for them. It was already commented out & the link is dead. There's a copy on archive.org dated 2004. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 17:51, 1 July 2025 (UTC) == Moved from the page == As discussed at [[Talk:Kvation]], I don't see how it is not [[tout]]ing for this one organization alone to have a listing. Shamash.org at least was a service, not a company advertising itself. ===Rentals=== *{{eat | name=Kvation | alt=Kosher vacation | url=https://kvation.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q135172650 | content=Online platform for booking resorts that offer kosher meals, or vacation homes with a kosher kitchen. Mainly US and Israel, with (as of mid-2025) few places elsewhere and none at all in South America, Africa, Oceania, or any part of Asia except Israel. }} [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:05, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :It may be helpful to note that, similar to how ''[[Hospitality exchange]]'' lists general accommodation platforms like Airbnb, travelers seeking kosher food or kitchens for kosher meal preparation often need platforms specifically catering to these needs. These options are typically not looked for in general hospitality exchange lists, as kosher travelers require features like kosher spaces, synagogue proximity, or Shabbat-friendly setups that general platforms do not filter, so they would look under kosher pages instead. :A rentals section under ''[[Kashrut]]'' could give practical information for these travelers, similar to sections on [[Kashrut#Airlines|airlines]] and synagogues offering kosher food. Platforms such as Kvation, GoKosher, and ReserveKosher.com could be listed as examples. [[User:GlobalMishpacha|GlobalMishpacha]] ([[User talk:GlobalMishpacha|talk]]) 16:20, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::You sound knowledgeable enough to add this note, so please go ahead. It's fine to list 3 examples; it's touting to merely list 1. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:05, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::I have updated the Rentals section under Kashrut to ensure consistent, neutral descriptions for platforms providing kosher-friendly vacation rentals, aligning with how ''Wikivoyage'' lists examples in similar sections. This keeps the section practical for kosher travelers while maintaining neutrality. Please feel free to adjust if further refinements are needed. [[User:GlobalMishpacha|GlobalMishpacha]] ([[User talk:GlobalMishpacha|talk]]) 21:38, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::Thanks, but why no links for two of the listings? That makes them not so useful. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:23, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :::::Thank you! Updated. [[User:FamilyTrekker|FamilyTrekker]] ([[User talk:FamilyTrekker|talk]]) 23:47, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ::::::Thank '''you''', both of you! I'm very happy to see this page becoming a truly useful guide for kosher-observant travelers! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:59, 3 July 2025 (UTC) dkza39k5rqf4ouopxu8r9lw2oscwhlh 0 126384 5086731 5011637 2025-07-02T18:07:34Z RickScott 1542720 /* Airport Vans */ Deleted listing for Transfers USA - service seems defunct -- website gone, no reviews since 2019 5086731 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Mexico City WV banner.jpg}} [[File:Аеропорт-Мехіко-1.jpg|300px|thumbnail|Benito Juárez International Airport]] [[File:Аеропорт-Мехіко-2.jpg|300px|thumbnail|Benito Juárez International Airport]] [[File:Aeropuerto Internacional de la Ciudad de México - Terminal 2 - Área de Salidas.jpg|300px|thumbnail|Passengers in the departure area of Terminal 2]] [https://www.aicm.com.mx/en/ '''Benito Juarez International Airport'''] ({{IATA|MEX}}), most commonly known as '''Aeropuerto Internacional Ciudad de Mexico''' (AICM), is the busiest international airport in [[Mexico]] with annual passenger traffic over 48 million (2023). It is a hub airport for all Mexican flag carriers. The airport is located in [[Mexico City]], just minutes from many tourist districts. ==Understand== Most travellers arrive in Mexico City by air; and most often, that means they're arriving at Benito Juárez International Airport, located in the eastern part of the city. Be aware that nobody but a few wiki editors call this airport "Benito Juarez". It's most commonly called "Mexico City International Airport" if you speak English, or "Aeropuerto Internacional Ciudad de Mexico" in Spanish (abbreviated ''AICM''). The AICM designation is ''very'' common, and now that a new international airport has been built to the northeast side of the city, it's become even more commonly used, together with ''AIFA'' for the new airport. The new airport is "Aeropuerto Internacional Felipe Angeles" ({{IATA|NLU}}) and while the locals often call it "Aeropuerto Santa Lucia", they always use the abbreviation "AIFA". Don't be confused if you see the abbreviations AICM and AIFA being used: they are common acronyms, ''not'' IATA or ICAO codes. Mexican carriers are shifting some of their connections to the AIFA airport and online booking engines ''frequently'' show fares with flights arriving at one airport and departing the other. Be careful when booking if you want to keep things simple for yourself. The AICM Mexico City airport has two terminals: Terminal 1 (for most international and domestic flights) and Terminal 2 (mostly used by SkyTeam partners: Aeromexico and Delta Air Lines). ==Flights== There are frequent flights to and from most larger cities in the world, including [[Amsterdam Schiphol]], [[Bogotá]], [[Buenos Aires]] [[Ezeiza Airport]], [[São Paulo]], [[Santiago]], [[Lima]], [[London]] (Heathrow), [[Los Angeles International Airport]], [[Paris Charles de Gaulle]], [[Madrid Barajas Airport]], [[Munich Airport]], [[New York City]] (JFK), [[Frankfurt Airport]], [[Chicago O'Hare]], [[Shenzhen]], [[Toronto]], [[Vancouver]] and [[Tokyo]]. In addition to that there are shorter international flights to most [[Central America]]n capitals, and domestic flights to almost all Mexican airports with any scheduled service. The airport has two terminals in the southwestern end of the airport grounds at opposite sides of the runways. Within each terminal (the main buildings) it is further divided into large bay like rooms or halls referred to as ''sala'' or ''bahia'' on airport maps which contain airline check in desks in the departures (''salidas'') zone and baggage reclaim for arrivals (''llegadas''). In Terminal 1 all arrivals and domestic airline check in are at lower level (Salas A-E3) while international airline check in (Salas F1-F3, G) are at upper level towards northeastern end of the building. In Terminal 2 all arrivals and ground transportation are at lower level while the airline check in and departures are at the upper level. They are: *'''Terminal 1:''' :*Sala A: National/domestic Arrivals (llegadas nacionales) :*Sala B: Escalators up to security screening stations for domestic departures gates. :*Sala C: Sala de Exposición/Exposition Hall. Shuttle bus to Terminal 2 outside Puerta (gate) 6. :*Sala D: [http://www.magnicharters.com Magni Charters] (at entrance 5) and [http://www.volaris.com Volaris] (domestic) :*Sala D1: [http://www.vivaaerobus.com/en/ VivaAerobús] and Volaris (domestic), between Puertas 5 & 6 :*Sala E1-E3: International Arrivals and [https://www.metrobus.cdmx.gob.mx/mapas-de-sistema/mapa-linea-4 MetroBus Rt#4] outside Puerta 7 from between Salas D & E1. :*Sala F1: All Nippon Airways (ANA), Air Canada, Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, United and Volaris (international) :*Sala F2: :*Sala F3: American, Avianca (which includes TACA and Lacsa), British Airways, Cubana, Emirates, JetBlue, Iberia, Southwest and Volaris (international) :*Sala G: Security screening stations to access international departures gates; Elevator/lift to the Hilton Hotel Lobby and Food court (comidas rapidas). *'''Terminal 2:''' :*Sala L1: Delta, Nh Hotel access under the adjacent food court by international arrivals. Metrobus stop outside gate #2. :*Sala L2: [http://www.aeromexico.com Aeromexico, Aeromexico Connect], :*Sala L3: Aeromexico, Copa Airlines, Wingo, LATAM (formerly LAN & TAM); Aerotren to Terminal 1 and long distance buses at lower level next to domestic arrivals. ===Arrival=== Your airline might only let you board your flight to Mexico if you have a valid return ticket. Many airlines don’t care. Your carrier might not tell you this until you're just about to board. If you plan on, say, driving out of Mexico, or leaving on a cruise ship, make sure you check this out well in advance. One way around the problem is to buy a second full price refundable ticket that you don't intend to use and then get a refund as soon as you arrive (or before you leave, as long as you have the original paperwork to show at the jetway). In most major US airports, they'll sell you this 'token' ticket at the jetway. Airline staff in the boarding area help travellers with this problem every day. There are few ticket sales offices at Benito Juárez, so you might have to arrange your refund by phone. Make sure you'll have access to a phone that allows international calls. Get a refund number from the phone agent. Benito Juárez International Airport has plenty of congestion problems, so the government implemented a regional transportation plan that calls for expanding service at the new mixed-use Santa Lucia (NLU) airport northeast of the city, and expanding access to the under-utilized Toluca airport (TLC) to the west of the city. Landing delays, long immigration lines, and long taxi times are quite common. Don't schedule very tight connections at the airport. If you arrive on an international flight, you will go through immigration, luggage retrieval and then customs. If the immigration officer gives you an immigration form, keep it until you leave the country. If you lose or misplace it during the visit, you must visit the immigration office at the airport to fill out a new one and pay a possible (but rarely enforced) fine of M$440 ([[Mexico#Money|Mexican pesos]]). There is a US$300 duty allowance that includes new clothing, tobacco and liquor. Mexican customs allow passengers to bring, duty free: a laptop, an MP3 player, a digital camera, a tripod, a video camera, and used clothing. Be careful with iPads, as they are sometimes considered laptops. If you have brought a laptop and an iPad, customs may consider this two laptops and refuse to allow entry with both. After going through customs you will pick up your luggage, then pass through screening. You will press a button for a red or green light. The red means they will search you, the green means you can go. If you are taking a connecting flight to another location and the bags are already tagged for their final destination, you will drop them on a belt located to the right of the inspection tables. If tagged to Mexico City only, you will need to check in again with the airline. Foreign travellers using connecting flights from Mexico City are sometimes required to pass through customs again when they reach their final destination. Just before passing out of the secure area into the arrivals hall, 'for your safety' your luggage will be x-rayed. At this stage, if you've exceeded the '''Baggage and Duty Free Allowance''', the officers will charge duty on your excess possessions. For example if you have 3 expensive cameras, they'll charge duty on the 3rd camera. They're particularly zealous about electronic components they don't recognize. Be prepared for this unpleasantness. If possible have a receipt or packing list and depreciate the value shown as much as possible. The entire process, from when the plane arrives to when you are done with customs, usually takes about an hour. However, at times the airport police will inspect at their discretion all the luggage (piece by piece) that comes off the airplanes and before it appears on the belt conveyors (they use dogs walking over the luggage). This police inspection itself may take around 2 hours or more before the luggage is dropped onto the belt conveyors for being picked up by passengers before passing customs. There is no airport information that can be sought in advance and any connecting flight that was to leave in up to 3 hours will be gone by the time you clear customs. After completing customs, you will go through large doors to the waiting area for international arrivals. Be prepared to see a lot of people in this area. It is a custom for families to pick up their loved ones at the airport and the hall is rather small for a city of its size. In a fine bit of job creation, you can't use an airport baggage trolley to push your own luggage through the arrivals hall in Terminal 1. Your trolley will be aggressively taken from you just outside the secure area. There are carriers who will offer to carry your luggage. This is a service authorized by the airport and is safe—they will be uniformed with white shirts, navy blue tie and dark blue pants and will carry a wheelie (or keep it nearby) with the union logo on it. There is no fixed price for this service, but M$15-25 should be fine, unless you are traveling in a group or have a lot of bags. ==Ground transportation== To get to the city you have the choice of bus, Metro or taxi. There is a metro station in Terminal 1, and tickets are M$5 (Nov 2021). Large bags are not allowed in the Metro system. Taxis require you to get a tickets first and then stand in line. To go to other cities, go to the bus station in Terminal 1. ===e-Hailing=== Uber, Cabify and Didi are available from the airport. ===Taxi=== {{infobox|Walking out of the airport – Taxi ''Sitio''|The airport is not located in the best area of the city, so it is not recommended for tourists to walk outside the airport terminal in search for cheaper taxi service unless you have pre-arranged your service. Definitely do not attempt this if you are not comfortable speaking Spanish. Despite this, an alternative Taxi ''Sitio'' (site) can be reached by using the overpass located outside of Gate D. Taxis here are about half the price of the official airport taxis and are considered secure. This is the ''Sitio'' that is set up for the airline employees. A good place to take a regular (non-sitio) taxi is on the Circuito Interior road close to the Metro station. The usual security advice about non-sitio taxis applies, but you'll see plenty of Mexicans who do this together with their luggage. Take a taxi from the other side of the road using the pedestrian bridge if you're heading south or west.}} The airport has five companies providing licensed and secure taxis, including '''Porto Taxi''', [http://sitio300.com/ '''Sitio 300''']{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} and [http://taxisnuevaimagen.com.mx/ '''Taxis Nueva Imagen''']. You should buy a ticket in the marked counters inside the airport. You can compare prices to your destination at each but they are quite similar. You can ask one of the wheelie guys who will take you and your luggage to the taxi counter for ''Taxi Seguro'' or ''Boleto de Taxi''. Be sure to get the detachable piece of the ticket back. Prices range from M$100-300 for the taxi service, depending on the size of the car and the zone of the city you are going to. For example, a sedan to the Centro Historico costs M$225 (Jan 2018). A drawing of a car on the ticket will tell you what type of car the ticket is valid for. Some ticket vendors are known to sell more expensive tickets for huge vans to single persons with moderate amounts of luggage, so specify which type of car you want, otherwise you are likely to be ripped off. Once you've picked up your taxi ticket, join the melee (especially outside Terminal 2) in the taxi staging area. Join the queue of people carrying the same color card as yourself, or ask the taxi marshals which line to join. You might notice people moving past you. They're family groups boarding vans. If you're waiting a long time because your chosen taxi company is short on cars, go back and ask for a refund. You can then buy a new ticket with a different company. The Terminal 1 taxi boarding area is outside Gate 10, to the right of all the arrivals halls. The different taxi company ranks are at different distances from the terminal but are all within a few meters of each other. ===Metrobus=== '''[http://www.metrobus.cdmx.gob.mx/mapas-de-sistema/mapa-linea-4 Metrobus #4]''' is a Bus Rapid Transit Line to the TAPO bus station/San Lázaro Metro, Centro Histórico, Revolution Monument and Buenavista Station in the central part of Mexico City. They stop at Puerta (Gate) 7 in Terminal 1 and Puerta 2 (lower level) in Terminal 2. Fares to/from the airport cost M$30 (Nov 2021). You need a smart card to ride the system, which can be bought at the 7-Eleven inside the terminals or one of the orange coloured machines near the exit. ===Metro=== {{see also|Mexico City#By metro}} [[File:Señalamiento Metro terminal Aerea.png|thumb|Entrance to the Terminal Aerea Metro station]] If you are looking for the most economical means of transportation and you're not carrying too much luggage, take the Metro (subway). ''Do not try boarding the Metro with luggage larger than a briefcase. Metro rules prohibit carrying large items and passengers can be fined.'' The {{marker|type=go|name=Terminal Aerea|lat=19.4339|long=-99.0883|image=Señalamiento Metro terminal Aerea.png}} station is next to the Domestic Flight Arrivals hall in '''Terminal 1'''. Go to the left when coming out from Terminal 1 International Arrivals. Terminal 2 is 15 minutes walk from Pantitlán station, but the walk involves passing through a relatively run-down area. Inside Terminal 1, there are signs pointing to the Metro station, which is a long way towards the left if you exit from any door. Keep an eye out for the orange 1970s style '''M''' designating the entrance. Large bags are officially prohibited, but a large-ish backpack should be fine as long as you're not travelling in rush hour. Throughout the Metro system there are plenty of stairs. Not all stations have escalators and none have wide gates for luggage. Metro tickets cost M$5 each. Don't try paying with the M$500 note you've just received at the exchange bureau. However, buying a public transport smart card and putting up to M$200 is fine. The Metro has its own risks. Violent crime is very rare but pick-pocketing is a moderate danger here so be aware of your surroundings, and keep an eye on your belongings. Especially, don't take the Metro during rush hour unless you are especially fond of the sensation a sardine has in a tin. There are system maps in every station near the ticket booths and on the platforms, as well as neighborhood maps close to the ticket booths. Try to avoid peak hours: approximately 4 million people use this service every day. Line 5 (which is the one that passes by the airport) is relatively empty, but Lines 1, 2 and 3 can be crowded at any time of the day. ===Bus=== Local buses do not enter the airport, but if it's not rush hour and you're not carrying too much luggage, it's possible to walk to the Circuito Interior ring road from Terminal 1 (follow the signs towards the Metro). Regular (M$2) and express (M$4) RTP buses pass frequently and have routes around the ring road. You need to pay with exact change (or pay extra) in the coin boxes. From Terminal 2 you could walk to the Pantitlán Metro Station (which is the terminus of dozens of bus lines), but it involves passing through a relatively run-down area. If you are going to another city by bus, the {{Marker|type=go|name=bus station|lat=19.42101|long=-99.07847}} in '''Terminal 2''' is located on the far right of the arrivals floor, after coming out of customs, past the escalators, by domestic arrivals. The {{Marker|type=go|name=bus station|lat=19.43615|long=-99.08279}} in '''Terminal 1''' is located by the auto ramp by the international arrivals area, between Puertas 7 & 8. To get there go up the escalators to Sala 'G' by the food court (opposite side of the food court from international departures & international airline check in). Go across the bridge next to the food court (between 7-Eleven and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts) to the bus companies' check-in desks at the opposite side to buy the tickets. Follow sign to the right and down the escalators to the bus loading area. In both terminals follow the ''Autobuses Foraneos'' signs. The following bus companies serve the airport: * {{go | name=ADO | alt=Autobuses Del Oriente | url=https://www.ado.com.mx/ | email= | address=Aeorpuerto, TAPO, Central Norte, Taxqueña, Col. Santa Martha, Del. Iztapalapa | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+52 55 5133-5133 | tollfree=01800-009-9090 | hours= | price= | content=They only go to [[Cordoba_(Mexico)|Cordoba]] and [[Orizaba]] from the airport. Passengers can transfer buses in Cordoba to get to Veracruz city. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Caminante | alt= | url=http://www.tmt-caminante.com.mx | email= | address=Aeoropuertos (Toluca & Mexico City), Mexico Poniente | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Travels mainly between Mexico City and [[Toluca]]. }} * {{go | name=Grupo Estrella Blanca (White Star) | alt= | url=https://estrellablanca.com.mx/ | email= | address=Aeoropuerto, Central del Norte, Taxquena | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+52 55 5729-0807 | tollfree=01800-507-5500 | hours= | price= | content=From the airport they only go up to [[Pachuca]]. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Estrella Roja (Red Star) | alt= | url=http://www.estrellaroja.com.mx | email= | address=Aeorpuerto, TAPO, Carcel de Mujeres (Women's prison) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+52 222 273-8300 | tollfree=01800-712-2284 | fax= | hours= | price= | content=From the airport they go to CAPU (Central bus station in Puebla) and their own terminal on 4a Poniente closer in to downtown [[Puebla]] on alternating schedules. Passengers continuing to Oaxaca can catch this bus to Puebla CAPU and transfer there or they can take local transport to the nearby TAPO in Mexico City and take a direct bus to Oaxaca with ADO. There are also flights from Mexico City to Oaxaca with multiple airlines too. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Primera Plus | alt= | url=http://www.primeraplus.com.mx | email= | address=Aeorpuerto, Central de Norte, Obsevatorio | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+52 477 710-0060 | tollfree=0800 375-75-87 | fax= | hours= | price= | content=From the airport they only go up to [[Celaya]], [[Queretaro]] and San Juan del Rio. For those going to [[San Miguel de Allende]] or [[Guanajuato]] this is the bus to take. Take the first bus up to [[Queretaro]] or [[Celaya]] where you transfer to another bus going to Guanajuato or San Miguel de Allende. There are also direct flights to [[Guanajuato#By plane|Leon Bajio Airport]] ({{IATA|BJX}}), the nearest airport to Guanajuato, Leon and San Miguel Allende from Mexico City, the U.S. and various other places in Mexico with multiple airlines. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Pullman de Morelos | alt= | url=http://www.pullman.mx/ | email= | address=Aeorpuerto, Taxquena | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +52 55 5545-3505| tollfree= 0800 624-03-60 | fax= | hours= | price= | content=From the airport they go to [[Cuernavaca]]. }} ===Airport Vans=== ==Get around== {{Mapframe|19.4278|-99.0820|zoom=14}} {{mapshapes|Q735042}} The two terminals are connected by a bus line and a light rail system, which is significantly faster than the bus. For some reason, you can only board the light rail if you have a flight boarding pass or ticket stub from your arriving flight. Tough luck if you have an e-ticket and haven't printed your boarding pass or if you're travelling to terminal 2 to meet somebody. The storm troopers won't let you board the train! ===Inter-terminal shuttle=== If your arriving flight is in Terminal 2 you will need to take the light rail Aerotrén or the airport shuttle to Terminal 1. The Aerotrén is only available to airport and airline employees and people holding airline tickets or boarding passes. Credentials will be checked. Otherwise the white shuttles with a white and red checkered design on the back provide free inter-terminal transport (you can find them at Puerta 6 in T1 and Puerta 4 in T2). There are also red buses that travel between the terminals, but charge a fee. These buses make a stop at the {{marker|type=go|name=Hangares|lat=19.4238|long=-99.0873|image=Metro Hangares 03.jpg}} metro station when going from T2 to T1 (but not on the way back). It is also possible to reach the {{marker|type=go|name=Pantitlán|lat=19.4162|long=-99.0747|image=Metro Pantitlan 01.JPG}} metro stop from T2 by walking east on Eje 1 Norte. The Pantitlan Station is also a major bus station with various buses, peseros and taxis serving the delegaciones (boroughs) in the southeastern part of Mexico City as well as the terminus for several metro lines. Be careful as this walk can be potentially dangerous, especially at night and especially for the obvious tourist. ==Wait== There is an art gallery with temporary exhibits in Terminal 1, close to the domestic departures. Seating is scarce in the ground floor landside area of Terminal 1, but you should be able to find something around the food court in the departures level. You can sit down or lie down in the stone steps in the arrival area of Terminal 2. Plane spotters usually go up a pedestrian bridge close to Terminal Aérea Metro Station. ===Lounges=== In addition to the airline club lounges, there are commercial lounges and lounges run by banks or credit card companies (American Express, Citibank, HSBC). The airline lounges are: * {{see | name=Aeromexico Salon Premier | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Terminal 2 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-09-02 | content= }} * {{see | name=American Airlines Admirals Club | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Terminal 1, Hall H | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-09-02 | content= }} * {{see | name=United Airlines United Club | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Terminal 1, Hall H | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-09-02 | content= }} * {{see | name=Lufthansa | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Terminal 1, upper level | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-09-02 | content= }} ==Eat and drink== There are plenty of restaurants and corporate fast-food grease pits inside both terminals and a large food court in Terminal 1. Prices are slightly higher airside than landside. For a cheaper alternative, you can buy something from the Grab N Go or 7-Eleven convenience stores inside both terminals. Fortunately for travelers with taste buds, there are also a handful of more distinctive, higher quality options. Better restaurants in the airport include: ===Terminal 1=== * '''Tasca Don Quino''' (''Sala B'') - a little taste of Spain in the heart of Mexico's busiest airport, the restaurant is known for its cakes, its tortillas (Spanish-style tortillas, which are more like a cross between an omelette and a quiche), and its thin-sliced dry Spanish ham (similar to serrano). * '''Maison Kayser''' (''Gate 6'') - French bakery serving croissants and desserts with artisanal cheeses and French roast coffee. ===Terminal 2=== * '''Vuela Carmen''' (''Sala B'') - interesting deviations from standard Mexican dishes, some using artesanal cheeses or less common chiles. The octopus sopes are highly recommended as are the tostadas mentiras. The restaurant is open 24 hours, so even if you have a late flight or end up spending the night in the airport, there's no reason to settle for bad food. * '''Iwashi''' (outside security) - fresh sushi served with sake or Japanese beers. Try the squid nigiri. * '''La Mansión''' (''Gate 4'') - the place to go for carnivores and those with hearty appetites, the restaurant serves grilled steaks, barbecue ribs, and arracherra with all the accompaniments of a good carne asada. ==Buy== ===Currency conversion=== The airport rarely offers the best rates for converting your currency. However there are many currency changers, some offering better rates than others or not charging a commission. The converter near Gate E1, in the arrival wing, usually offers the best rate. There are also numerous ATM/Cashpoint (cajero electronico) machines located throughout both terminals, operated by various banks, which take foreign Visa, MasterCard or debit cards to draw money in pesos. ==Connect== Free WiFi is available throughout both terminals. Additional WiFi providers have both free and paid connectivity. For example, Boingo provides 45 minutes of free WiFi connectivity and then asks you to sign up for their paid service. Several of the airport restaurants also offer free WiFi service while you are on their premises. ==Cope== During high traffic periods, such as holidays or summer months, airport guides are available throughout both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The guides help passengers with basic logistical info and assistance. The guides particularly look to help young travelers, the elderly, and travelers with disabilities. Guides are bilingual (Spanish-English) and can point out where to find airport services or airline personnel. Guides wear red shirts and red baseball hats and are usually available from 7:00 to 22:00 during peak travel periods. ==Sleep== The hotels at or next to the airport seem to be at around US$90-135. There are more budget options for under US$75 further away in Colonia Moctezuma Segunda, west and southwest of the airport runways. They would be too far to walk so ask if they offer shuttle service to/from the terminals. The surrounding areas are not the safest or the best neighborhoods but they would be ideal if needing to stay near the airport after a late arrival and/or for an early flight out. Several hotels connect to the terminals; the two most convenient are the Hilton (above Terminal 1) and the Nh (above Terminal 2). [https://www.sleepinginairports.net/sleep-guide/sleeping-in-mexico-city-airport.htm Sleeping at the airport] is possible but quite uncomfortable. You probably want to avoid it unless you're in a very tight budget. * {{sleep | name=Camino Real | alt= | url=http://www.caminoreal.com/destinations/airport | email= | address=Puerto México No. 80 Col. Peñón de los Baños | lat=19.4354 | long=-99.0852 | directions=Pink building directly connected to Terminal 1 by the same bridge accessing the Aerotren terminal (to Terminal 2) | phone=+52 55 3003 0033 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2015-08-25 | content= }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=City Express | alt= | url=https://www.cityexpress.com/express/hoteles-mexico/ciudad-de-mexico/venustiano-carranza/aeropuerto | email= | address=Blvd. Puerto Aéreo 90, Santa Cruz Aviación, Venustiano Carranza | lat=19.42270 | long=-99.09509 | directions= | phone=+52 55 2598 5700 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-11-23 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Courtyard by Marriott - Mexico City Airport | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/mexcy-courtyard-mexico-city-airport/ | email= | address=Sinaloa 31, Col. Peñón de los Baños | lat=19.4367 | long=-99.0824 | directions=directly connected to Terminal 1 and the airport bus station from the food court by Sala G | phone=+52 55 4631 4000 | tollfree= | fax=+52 55 4631 4001 | checkin= | checkout= | price=From M$2,400 | content=Direct walkway access to Benito Juárez International Airport Terminal 1, also has a complimentary airport shuttle to Terminal 2. Free Wi-Fi. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Fiesta Inn | alt= | url=http://www.fiestainn.com/en/web/fiesta-inn-aeropuerto-ciudad-de-mexico | email= | address=Blvd Puerto Aereo 502, Venustiano Carranza, Moctezuma Segunda | lat=19.43478 | long=-99.08872 | directions= | phone=+52 55 5133 6600 | tollfree= | checkin=15:00 | checkout=12:00 | price=From US$107 | lastedit=2016-05-06 | content=Has an onsite restaurant and bar, pool, and fitness club. The hotel is completely nonsmoking, with free Wi-Fi, and airport shuttle service. }} * {{sleep | name=Hilton | alt= | url=https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/mexahhf-hilton-mexico-city-airport/ | email= | address=Av Capitan Carlos León S/N Terminal 1 | lat=19.43572 | long=-99.08196 | directions=Lobby located above Sala G in Terminal 1. | phone=+52 55 5133 0505 | tollfree= | checkin=15:00 | checkout=13:00 | price= | lastedit=2015-08-25 | content=Situated directly above Terminal 1, accessed from Sala 'G' in the upper level of Terminal 1. }} * {{sleep | name=Hostal Aeropuerto | alt= | url= | email= | address=Irapuato 135, Col. Peñón de los Baños, Venustiano Carranza | lat=19.43631 | long=-99.08330 | directions= | phone=+52 55 5785-0303 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-07-11 | content= }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Hostel Mexico City Airport | alt= | url=https://hotelmania.net/hotel/mexico-city/hostel-mexico-df-airport/ | email= | address=Aguascalientes 33, Col. Peñón de los Baños | lat=19.4413 | long=-99.0788 | directions= | phone=+52 55 1560 3288 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=US$40 | lastedit=2015-08-25 | content=Only hostel closest to the airport for those into staying in hostels. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Aeropuerto | alt= | url=http://www.hotelaeropuerto.com.mx/ | email= | address=Boulevard Puerto Aéreo no. 380, Venustiano Carranza, Moctezuma Segunda | lat=19.4328 | long=-99.0896 | directions=Set on Boulevard Puerto Aéreo west of Terminal 1. Can be accessed by going through the ''Terminal Aérea'' metro station or go past the metro station to Blvd Aéreo and go across via the pedestrian bridge | phone=+52 55 5785-5318 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2015-08-25 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Cima | alt= | url= | email= | address=Alfonso Ceballos #12, Venustiano Carranza, Moctezuma | lat=19.4270 | long=-99.1080 | directions=Middle of block along Alfonso Ceballos, btwn. Calz. Ignacio Zaragoza and Calle Jose Rivera, a few blocks SE of TAPO (bus station) along Calz. Ignacio Zaragoza. | phone= +52 55 5762-2587| tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2015-08-25 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Planet | alt= | url= | email= | address=Av Emilio Carranza 209, Venustiano Carranza, Moctezuma 2da Secc | lat=19.4309 | long=-99.0979 | directions=Ave Emilio Carranza & Ote 162 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2015-08-25 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Puerto | alt= | url= | email= | address=Calle Puerto México 54, Col Peñón de los Baño | lat=19.43549 | long=-99.08652 | directions=c/ Pto Mexico & Av Rio Consulado | phone=+52 55 2598-2412 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2019-11-23 | content= }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=IzZzleep Hotel | alt= | url=https://izzzleep.com/ | email= | address=Aeropuerto Internacional de la Ciudad de Mexico T1 Local 01-TT-06 | lat=19.43631 | long=-99.08245 | directions=In Terminal 1 go towards bus station from the food court (between Kirspy Kreme and 7 Eleven); go past the bus station ticket desks at terminal 1 and past the escalators towards bus loading platform. | phone=+52 55 2599-1434 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2020-03-10 | content=Small capsule like hotel "rooms". }} * {{sleep | name=Nh Collection | alt= | url=http://www.nh-collection.com/hotel/nh-collection-mexico-city-airport-t2 | email= | address= Av. Capitan Carlos Leon S/N, Venustiano Carranza, Peñón de los Baños | lat=19.4221 | long=-99.0772 | directions=The hotel is located above Terminal 2 | phone=+52 55 5786 5750 (local), +1 212 219-7607 (US) | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2015-08-25 | content=Situated directly above Terminal 2, lobby access from international arrivals. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Punto DF | alt= | url=http://puntodf.com/ | email= | address=Ote. 166 237, Moctezuma 2da Secc, Venustiano Carranza, | lat=19.4324 | long=-99.0959 | directions=C/ Nte 25 & Ote 166 | phone=+52 55 5784-3602 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-11-23 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=WE Hotel Aeropuerto | alt= | url=https://www.wehotelaeropuerto.com.mx/ | email= | address=Blvd. Puerto Aereo 390, Venustiano Carranza, Moctezuma Segunda | lat=19.4332 | long=-99.0894 | directions=Set on Boulevard Puerto Aéreo west of Terminal 1. Can be accessed by going through the ''Terminal Aérea'' metro station or go past the metro station to Blvd Aéreo and go across via the pedestrian bridge. Second building next to the Hotel Aeropuerto. | phone=+52 55 5785-5318, +52 55 5785-5851 | tollfree= | checkin=14:00 | checkout=13:00 | price= | lastedit=2015-08-25 | content= }} ==Nearby== As the airport is close to a somewhat shoddy neighborhood, your best bet is to take the Metro (during daytime) or a cab (at night) to your final destination in [[Mexico City]] once you leave the airport. For nearby cities outside CDMX, see the "Get in" section for information about the on-site bus terminal with frequent departures to [[Puebla]], [[Cuernavaca]], and destinations in the [[Bajio]] region. {{IsPartOf|Central Mexico}} {{guideairport}} {{geo|19.43564|-99.07398|zoom=15}} a6b65cmkdh2qu9cfatf4cygefpkwe8k 5086876 5086731 2025-07-03T01:32:13Z Ikan Kekek 36420 5086876 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Mexico City WV banner.jpg}} [[File:Аеропорт-Мехіко-1.jpg|300px|thumbnail|Benito Juárez International Airport]] [[File:Аеропорт-Мехіко-2.jpg|300px|thumbnail|Benito Juárez International Airport]] [[File:Aeropuerto Internacional de la Ciudad de México - Terminal 2 - Área de Salidas.jpg|300px|thumbnail|Passengers in the departure area of Terminal 2]] [https://www.aicm.com.mx/en/ '''Benito Juarez International Airport'''] ({{IATA|MEX}}), most commonly known as '''Aeropuerto Internacional Ciudad de Mexico''' (AICM), is the busiest international airport in [[Mexico]] with annual passenger traffic over 48 million (2023). It is a hub airport for all Mexican flag carriers. The airport is in [[Mexico City]], just minutes from many tourist districts. ==Understand== Most travellers arrive in Mexico City by air; and most often, that means they're arriving at Benito Juárez International Airport, located in the eastern part of the city. Be aware that nobody but a few wiki editors call this airport "Benito Juarez". It's most commonly called "Mexico City International Airport" if you speak English, or "Aeropuerto Internacional Ciudad de Mexico" in Spanish (abbreviated ''AICM''). The AICM designation is ''very'' common, and now that a new international airport has been built to the northeast side of the city, it's become even more commonly used, together with ''AIFA'' for the new airport. The new airport is "Aeropuerto Internacional Felipe Angeles" ({{IATA|NLU}}) and while the locals often call it "Aeropuerto Santa Lucia", they always use the abbreviation "AIFA". Don't be confused if you see the abbreviations AICM and AIFA being used: they are common acronyms, ''not'' IATA or ICAO codes. Mexican carriers are shifting some of their connections to the AIFA airport and online booking engines ''frequently'' show fares with flights arriving at one airport and departing the other. Be careful when booking if you want to keep things simple for yourself. The AICM Mexico City airport has two terminals: Terminal 1 (for most international and domestic flights) and Terminal 2 (mostly used by SkyTeam partners: Aeromexico and Delta Air Lines). ==Flights== There are frequent flights to and from most larger cities in the world, including [[Amsterdam Schiphol]], [[Bogotá]], [[Buenos Aires]] [[Ezeiza Airport]], [[São Paulo]], [[Santiago]], [[Lima]], [[London]] (Heathrow), [[Los Angeles International Airport]], [[Paris Charles de Gaulle]], [[Madrid Barajas Airport]], [[Munich Airport]], [[New York City]] (JFK), [[Frankfurt Airport]], [[Chicago O'Hare]], [[Shenzhen]], [[Toronto]], [[Vancouver]] and [[Tokyo]]. In addition to that there are shorter international flights to most [[Central America]]n capitals, and domestic flights to almost all Mexican airports with any scheduled service. The airport has two terminals in the southwestern end of the airport grounds at opposite sides of the runways. Within each terminal (the main buildings) it is further divided into large bay like rooms or halls referred to as ''sala'' or ''bahia'' on airport maps which contain airline check in desks in the departures (''salidas'') zone and baggage reclaim for arrivals (''llegadas''). In Terminal 1 all arrivals and domestic airline check in are at lower level (Salas A-E3) while international airline check in (Salas F1-F3, G) are at upper level towards northeastern end of the building. In Terminal 2 all arrivals and ground transportation are at lower level while the airline check in and departures are at the upper level. They are: *'''Terminal 1:''' :*Sala A: National/domestic Arrivals (llegadas nacionales) :*Sala B: Escalators up to security screening stations for domestic departures gates. :*Sala C: Sala de Exposición/Exposition Hall. Shuttle bus to Terminal 2 outside Puerta (gate) 6. :*Sala D: [http://www.magnicharters.com Magni Charters] (at entrance 5) and [http://www.volaris.com Volaris] (domestic) :*Sala D1: [http://www.vivaaerobus.com/en/ VivaAerobús] and Volaris (domestic), between Puertas 5 & 6 :*Sala E1-E3: International Arrivals and [https://www.metrobus.cdmx.gob.mx/mapas-de-sistema/mapa-linea-4 MetroBus Rt#4] outside Puerta 7 from between Salas D & E1. :*Sala F1: All Nippon Airways (ANA), Air Canada, Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, United and Volaris (international) :*Sala F2: :*Sala F3: American, Avianca (which includes TACA and Lacsa), British Airways, Cubana, Emirates, JetBlue, Iberia, Southwest and Volaris (international) :*Sala G: Security screening stations to access international departures gates; Elevator/lift to the Hilton Hotel Lobby and Food court (comidas rapidas). *'''Terminal 2:''' :*Sala L1: Delta, Nh Hotel access under the adjacent food court by international arrivals. Metrobus stop outside gate #2. :*Sala L2: [http://www.aeromexico.com Aeromexico, Aeromexico Connect], :*Sala L3: Aeromexico, Copa Airlines, Wingo, LATAM (formerly LAN & TAM); Aerotren to Terminal 1 and long distance buses at lower level next to domestic arrivals. ===Arrival=== Your airline might only let you board your flight to Mexico if you have a valid return ticket. Many airlines don’t care. Your carrier might not tell you this until you're just about to board. If you plan on, say, driving out of Mexico, or leaving on a cruise ship, make sure you check this out well in advance. One way around the problem is to buy a second full price refundable ticket that you don't intend to use and then get a refund as soon as you arrive (or before you leave, as long as you have the original paperwork to show at the jetway). In most major US airports, they'll sell you this 'token' ticket at the jetway. Airline staff in the boarding area help travellers with this problem every day. There are few ticket sales offices at Benito Juárez, so you might have to arrange your refund by phone. Make sure you'll have access to a phone that allows international calls. Get a refund number from the phone agent. Benito Juárez International Airport has plenty of congestion problems, so the government implemented a regional transportation plan that calls for expanding service at the new mixed-use Santa Lucia (NLU) airport northeast of the city, and expanding access to the under-utilized Toluca airport (TLC) to the west of the city. Landing delays, long immigration lines, and long taxi times are quite common. Don't schedule very tight connections at the airport. If you arrive on an international flight, you will go through immigration, luggage retrieval and then customs. If the immigration officer gives you an immigration form, keep it until you leave the country. If you lose or misplace it during the visit, you must visit the immigration office at the airport to fill out a new one and pay a possible (but rarely enforced) fine of M$440 ([[Mexico#Money|Mexican pesos]]). There is a US$300 duty allowance that includes new clothing, tobacco and liquor. Mexican customs allow passengers to bring, duty free: a laptop, an MP3 player, a digital camera, a tripod, a video camera, and used clothing. Be careful with iPads, as they are sometimes considered laptops. If you have brought a laptop and an iPad, customs may consider this two laptops and refuse to allow entry with both. After going through customs you will pick up your luggage, then pass through screening. You will press a button for a red or green light. The red means they will search you, the green means you can go. If you are taking a connecting flight to another location and the bags are already tagged for their final destination, you will drop them on a belt located to the right of the inspection tables. If tagged to Mexico City only, you will need to check in again with the airline. Foreign travellers using connecting flights from Mexico City are sometimes required to pass through customs again when they reach their final destination. Just before passing out of the secure area into the arrivals hall, 'for your safety' your luggage will be x-rayed. At this stage, if you've exceeded the '''Baggage and Duty Free Allowance''', the officers will charge duty on your excess possessions. For example if you have 3 expensive cameras, they'll charge duty on the 3rd camera. They're particularly zealous about electronic components they don't recognize. Be prepared for this unpleasantness. If possible have a receipt or packing list and depreciate the value shown as much as possible. The entire process, from when the plane arrives to when you are done with customs, usually takes about an hour. However, at times the airport police will inspect at their discretion all the luggage (piece by piece) that comes off the airplanes and before it appears on the belt conveyors (they use dogs walking over the luggage). This police inspection itself may take around 2 hours or more before the luggage is dropped onto the belt conveyors for being picked up by passengers before passing customs. There is no airport information that can be sought in advance and any connecting flight that was to leave in up to 3 hours will be gone by the time you clear customs. After completing customs, you will go through large doors to the waiting area for international arrivals. Be prepared to see a lot of people in this area. It is a custom for families to pick up their loved ones at the airport and the hall is rather small for a city of its size. In a fine bit of job creation, you can't use an airport baggage trolley to push your own luggage through the arrivals hall in Terminal 1. Your trolley will be aggressively taken from you just outside the secure area. There are carriers who will offer to carry your luggage. This is a service authorized by the airport and is safe—they will be uniformed with white shirts, navy blue tie and dark blue pants and will carry a wheelie (or keep it nearby) with the union logo on it. There is no fixed price for this service, but M$15-25 should be fine, unless you are traveling in a group or have a lot of bags. ==Ground transportation== To get to the city you have the choice of bus, Metro or taxi. There is a metro station in Terminal 1, and tickets are M$5 (Nov 2021). Large bags are not allowed in the Metro system. Taxis require you to get a tickets first and then stand in line. To go to other cities, go to the bus station in Terminal 1. ===e-Hailing=== Uber, Cabify and Didi are available from the airport. ===Taxi=== {{infobox|Walking out of the airport – Taxi ''Sitio''|The airport is not located in the best area of the city, so it is not recommended for tourists to walk outside the airport terminal in search for cheaper taxi service unless you have pre-arranged your service. Definitely do not attempt this if you are not comfortable speaking Spanish. Despite this, an alternative Taxi ''Sitio'' (site) can be reached by using the overpass located outside of Gate D. Taxis here are about half the price of the official airport taxis and are considered secure. This is the ''Sitio'' that is set up for the airline employees. A good place to take a regular (non-sitio) taxi is on the Circuito Interior road close to the Metro station. The usual security advice about non-sitio taxis applies, but you'll see plenty of Mexicans who do this together with their luggage. Take a taxi from the other side of the road using the pedestrian bridge if you're heading south or west.}} The airport has five companies providing licensed and secure taxis, including '''Porto Taxi''', [http://sitio300.com/ '''Sitio 300''']{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} and [http://taxisnuevaimagen.com.mx/ '''Taxis Nueva Imagen''']. You should buy a ticket in the marked counters inside the airport. You can compare prices to your destination at each but they are quite similar. You can ask one of the wheelie guys who will take you and your luggage to the taxi counter for ''Taxi Seguro'' or ''Boleto de Taxi''. Be sure to get the detachable piece of the ticket back. Prices range from M$100-300 for the taxi service, depending on the size of the car and the zone of the city you are going to. For example, a sedan to the Centro Historico costs M$225 (Jan 2018). A drawing of a car on the ticket will tell you what type of car the ticket is valid for. Some ticket vendors are known to sell more expensive tickets for huge vans to single persons with moderate amounts of luggage, so specify which type of car you want, otherwise you are likely to be ripped off. Once you've picked up your taxi ticket, join the melee (especially outside Terminal 2) in the taxi staging area. Join the queue of people carrying the same color card as yourself, or ask the taxi marshals which line to join. You might notice people moving past you. They're family groups boarding vans. If you're waiting a long time because your chosen taxi company is short on cars, go back and ask for a refund. You can then buy a new ticket with a different company. The Terminal 1 taxi boarding area is outside Gate 10, to the right of all the arrivals halls. The different taxi company ranks are at different distances from the terminal but are all within a few meters of each other. ===Metrobus=== '''[http://www.metrobus.cdmx.gob.mx/mapas-de-sistema/mapa-linea-4 Metrobus #4]''' is a Bus Rapid Transit Line to the TAPO bus station/San Lázaro Metro, Centro Histórico, Revolution Monument and Buenavista Station in the central part of Mexico City. They stop at Puerta (Gate) 7 in Terminal 1 and Puerta 2 (lower level) in Terminal 2. Fares to/from the airport cost M$30 (Nov 2021). You need a smart card to ride the system, which can be bought at the 7-Eleven inside the terminals or one of the orange coloured machines near the exit. ===Metro=== {{see also|Mexico City#By metro}} [[File:Señalamiento Metro terminal Aerea.png|thumb|Entrance to the Terminal Aerea Metro station]] If you are looking for the most economical means of transportation and you're not carrying too much luggage, take the Metro (subway). ''Do not try boarding the Metro with luggage larger than a briefcase. Metro rules prohibit carrying large items and passengers can be fined.'' The {{marker|type=go|name=Terminal Aerea|lat=19.4339|long=-99.0883|image=Señalamiento Metro terminal Aerea.png}} station is next to the Domestic Flight Arrivals hall in '''Terminal 1'''. Go to the left when coming out from Terminal 1 International Arrivals. Terminal 2 is 15 minutes walk from Pantitlán station, but the walk involves passing through a relatively run-down area. Inside Terminal 1, there are signs pointing to the Metro station, which is a long way towards the left if you exit from any door. Keep an eye out for the orange 1970s style '''M''' designating the entrance. Large bags are officially prohibited, but a large-ish backpack should be fine as long as you're not travelling in rush hour. Throughout the Metro system there are plenty of stairs. Not all stations have escalators and none have wide gates for luggage. Metro tickets cost M$5 each. Don't try paying with the M$500 note you've just received at the exchange bureau. However, buying a public transport smart card and putting up to M$200 is fine. The Metro has its own risks. Violent crime is very rare but pick-pocketing is a moderate danger here so be aware of your surroundings, and keep an eye on your belongings. Especially, don't take the Metro during rush hour unless you are especially fond of the sensation a sardine has in a tin. There are system maps in every station near the ticket booths and on the platforms, as well as neighborhood maps close to the ticket booths. Try to avoid peak hours: approximately 4 million people use this service every day. Line 5 (which is the one that passes by the airport) is relatively empty, but Lines 1, 2 and 3 can be crowded at any time of the day. ===Bus=== Local buses do not enter the airport, but if it's not rush hour and you're not carrying too much luggage, it's possible to walk to the Circuito Interior ring road from Terminal 1 (follow the signs towards the Metro). Regular (M$2) and express (M$4) RTP buses pass frequently and have routes around the ring road. You need to pay with exact change (or pay extra) in the coin boxes. From Terminal 2 you could walk to the Pantitlán Metro Station (which is the terminus of dozens of bus lines), but it involves passing through a relatively run-down area. If you are going to another city by bus, the {{Marker|type=go|name=bus station|lat=19.42101|long=-99.07847}} in '''Terminal 2''' is located on the far right of the arrivals floor, after coming out of customs, past the escalators, by domestic arrivals. The {{Marker|type=go|name=bus station|lat=19.43615|long=-99.08279}} in '''Terminal 1''' is located by the auto ramp by the international arrivals area, between Puertas 7 & 8. To get there go up the escalators to Sala 'G' by the food court (opposite side of the food court from international departures & international airline check in). Go across the bridge next to the food court (between 7-Eleven and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts) to the bus companies' check-in desks at the opposite side to buy the tickets. Follow sign to the right and down the escalators to the bus loading area. In both terminals follow the ''Autobuses Foraneos'' signs. The following bus companies serve the airport: * {{go | name=ADO | alt=Autobuses Del Oriente | url=https://www.ado.com.mx/ | email= | address=Aeorpuerto, TAPO, Central Norte, Taxqueña, Col. Santa Martha, Del. Iztapalapa | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+52 55 5133-5133 | tollfree=01800-009-9090 | hours= | price= | content=They only go to [[Cordoba_(Mexico)|Cordoba]] and [[Orizaba]] from the airport. Passengers can transfer buses in Cordoba to get to Veracruz city. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Caminante | alt= | url=http://www.tmt-caminante.com.mx | email= | address=Aeoropuertos (Toluca & Mexico City), Mexico Poniente | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Travels mainly between Mexico City and [[Toluca]]. }} * {{go | name=Grupo Estrella Blanca (White Star) | alt= | url=https://estrellablanca.com.mx/ | email= | address=Aeoropuerto, Central del Norte, Taxquena | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+52 55 5729-0807 | tollfree=01800-507-5500 | hours= | price= | content=From the airport they only go up to [[Pachuca]]. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Estrella Roja (Red Star) | alt= | url=http://www.estrellaroja.com.mx | email= | address=Aeorpuerto, TAPO, Carcel de Mujeres (Women's prison) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+52 222 273-8300 | tollfree=01800-712-2284 | fax= | hours= | price= | content=From the airport they go to CAPU (Central bus station in Puebla) and their own terminal on 4a Poniente closer in to downtown [[Puebla]] on alternating schedules. Passengers continuing to Oaxaca can catch this bus to Puebla CAPU and transfer there or they can take local transport to the nearby TAPO in Mexico City and take a direct bus to Oaxaca with ADO. There are also flights from Mexico City to Oaxaca with multiple airlines too. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Primera Plus | alt= | url=http://www.primeraplus.com.mx | email= | address=Aeorpuerto, Central de Norte, Obsevatorio | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+52 477 710-0060 | tollfree=0800 375-75-87 | fax= | hours= | price= | content=From the airport they only go up to [[Celaya]], [[Queretaro]] and San Juan del Rio. For those going to [[San Miguel de Allende]] or [[Guanajuato]] this is the bus to take. Take the first bus up to [[Queretaro]] or [[Celaya]] where you transfer to another bus going to Guanajuato or San Miguel de Allende. There are also direct flights to [[Guanajuato#By plane|Leon Bajio Airport]] ({{IATA|BJX}}), the nearest airport to Guanajuato, Leon and San Miguel Allende from Mexico City, the U.S. and various other places in Mexico with multiple airlines. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Pullman de Morelos | alt= | url=http://www.pullman.mx/ | email= | address=Aeorpuerto, Taxquena | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +52 55 5545-3505| tollfree= 0800 624-03-60 | fax= | hours= | price= | content=From the airport they go to [[Cuernavaca]]. }} ===Airport Vans=== ==Get around== {{Mapframe|19.4278|-99.0820|zoom=14}} {{mapshapes|Q735042}} The two terminals are connected by a bus line and a light rail system, which is significantly faster than the bus. For some reason, you can only board the light rail if you have a flight boarding pass or ticket stub from your arriving flight. Tough luck if you have an e-ticket and haven't printed your boarding pass or if you're travelling to terminal 2 to meet somebody. The storm troopers won't let you board the train! ===Inter-terminal shuttle=== If your arriving flight is in Terminal 2 you will need to take the light rail Aerotrén or the airport shuttle to Terminal 1. The Aerotrén is only available to airport and airline employees and people holding airline tickets or boarding passes. Credentials will be checked. Otherwise the white shuttles with a white and red checkered design on the back provide free inter-terminal transport (you can find them at Puerta 6 in T1 and Puerta 4 in T2). There are also red buses that travel between the terminals, but charge a fee. These buses make a stop at the {{marker|type=go|name=Hangares|lat=19.4238|long=-99.0873|image=Metro Hangares 03.jpg}} metro station when going from T2 to T1 (but not on the way back). It is also possible to reach the {{marker|type=go|name=Pantitlán|lat=19.4162|long=-99.0747|image=Metro Pantitlan 01.JPG}} metro stop from T2 by walking east on Eje 1 Norte. The Pantitlan Station is also a major bus station with various buses, peseros and taxis serving the delegaciones (boroughs) in the southeastern part of Mexico City as well as the terminus for several metro lines. Be careful as this walk can be potentially dangerous, especially at night and especially for the obvious tourist. ==Wait== There is an art gallery with temporary exhibits in Terminal 1, close to the domestic departures. Seating is scarce in the ground floor landside area of Terminal 1, but you should be able to find something around the food court in the departures level. You can sit down or lie down in the stone steps in the arrival area of Terminal 2. Plane spotters usually go up a pedestrian bridge close to Terminal Aérea Metro Station. ===Lounges=== In addition to the airline club lounges, there are commercial lounges and lounges run by banks or credit card companies (American Express, Citibank, HSBC). The airline lounges are: * {{see | name=Aeromexico Salon Premier | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Terminal 2 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-09-02 | content= }} * {{see | name=American Airlines Admirals Club | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Terminal 1, Hall H | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-09-02 | content= }} * {{see | name=United Airlines United Club | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Terminal 1, Hall H | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-09-02 | content= }} * {{see | name=Lufthansa | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Terminal 1, upper level | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-09-02 | content= }} ==Eat and drink== There are plenty of restaurants and corporate fast-food grease pits inside both terminals and a large food court in Terminal 1. Prices are slightly higher airside than landside. For a cheaper alternative, you can buy something from the Grab N Go or 7-Eleven convenience stores inside both terminals. Fortunately for travelers with taste buds, there are also a handful of more distinctive, higher quality options. Better restaurants in the airport include: ===Terminal 1=== * '''Tasca Don Quino''' (''Sala B'') - a little taste of Spain in the heart of Mexico's busiest airport, the restaurant is known for its cakes, its tortillas (Spanish-style tortillas, which are more like a cross between an omelette and a quiche), and its thin-sliced dry Spanish ham (similar to serrano). * '''Maison Kayser''' (''Gate 6'') - French bakery serving croissants and desserts with artisanal cheeses and French roast coffee. ===Terminal 2=== * '''Vuela Carmen''' (''Sala B'') - interesting deviations from standard Mexican dishes, some using artesanal cheeses or less common chiles. The octopus sopes are highly recommended as are the tostadas mentiras. The restaurant is open 24 hours, so even if you have a late flight or end up spending the night in the airport, there's no reason to settle for bad food. * '''Iwashi''' (outside security) - fresh sushi served with sake or Japanese beers. Try the squid nigiri. * '''La Mansión''' (''Gate 4'') - the place to go for carnivores and those with hearty appetites, the restaurant serves grilled steaks, barbecue ribs, and arracherra with all the accompaniments of a good carne asada. ==Buy== ===Currency conversion=== The airport rarely offers the best rates for converting your currency. However there are many currency changers, some offering better rates than others or not charging a commission. The converter near Gate E1, in the arrival wing, usually offers the best rate. There are also numerous ATM/Cashpoint (cajero electronico) machines located throughout both terminals, operated by various banks, which take foreign Visa, MasterCard or debit cards to draw money in pesos. ==Connect== Free WiFi is available throughout both terminals. Additional WiFi providers have both free and paid connectivity. For example, Boingo provides 45 minutes of free WiFi connectivity and then asks you to sign up for their paid service. Several of the airport restaurants also offer free WiFi service while you are on their premises. ==Cope== During high traffic periods, such as holidays or summer months, airport guides are available throughout both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The guides help passengers with basic logistical info and assistance. The guides particularly look to help young travelers, the elderly, and travelers with disabilities. Guides are bilingual (Spanish-English) and can point out where to find airport services or airline personnel. Guides wear red shirts and red baseball hats and are usually available from 7:00 to 22:00 during peak travel periods. ==Sleep== The hotels at or next to the airport seem to be at around US$90-135. There are more budget options for under US$75 further away in Colonia Moctezuma Segunda, west and southwest of the airport runways. They would be too far to walk so ask if they offer shuttle service to/from the terminals. The surrounding areas are not the safest or the best neighborhoods but they would be ideal if needing to stay near the airport after a late arrival and/or for an early flight out. Several hotels connect to the terminals; the two most convenient are the Hilton (above Terminal 1) and the Nh (above Terminal 2). [https://www.sleepinginairports.net/sleep-guide/sleeping-in-mexico-city-airport.htm Sleeping at the airport] is possible but quite uncomfortable. You probably want to avoid it unless you're in a very tight budget. * {{sleep | name=Camino Real | alt= | url=http://www.caminoreal.com/destinations/airport | email= | address=Puerto México No. 80 Col. Peñón de los Baños | lat=19.4354 | long=-99.0852 | directions=Pink building directly connected to Terminal 1 by the same bridge accessing the Aerotren terminal (to Terminal 2) | phone=+52 55 3003 0033 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2015-08-25 | content= }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=City Express | alt= | url=https://www.cityexpress.com/express/hoteles-mexico/ciudad-de-mexico/venustiano-carranza/aeropuerto | email= | address=Blvd. Puerto Aéreo 90, Santa Cruz Aviación, Venustiano Carranza | lat=19.42270 | long=-99.09509 | directions= | phone=+52 55 2598 5700 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-11-23 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Courtyard by Marriott - Mexico City Airport | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/mexcy-courtyard-mexico-city-airport/ | email= | address=Sinaloa 31, Col. Peñón de los Baños | lat=19.4367 | long=-99.0824 | directions=directly connected to Terminal 1 and the airport bus station from the food court by Sala G | phone=+52 55 4631 4000 | tollfree= | fax=+52 55 4631 4001 | checkin= | checkout= | price=From M$2,400 | content=Direct walkway access to Benito Juárez International Airport Terminal 1, also has a complimentary airport shuttle to Terminal 2. Free Wi-Fi. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Fiesta Inn | alt= | url=http://www.fiestainn.com/en/web/fiesta-inn-aeropuerto-ciudad-de-mexico | email= | address=Blvd Puerto Aereo 502, Venustiano Carranza, Moctezuma Segunda | lat=19.43478 | long=-99.08872 | directions= | phone=+52 55 5133 6600 | tollfree= | checkin=15:00 | checkout=12:00 | price=From US$107 | lastedit=2016-05-06 | content=Has an onsite restaurant and bar, pool, and fitness club. The hotel is completely nonsmoking, with free Wi-Fi, and airport shuttle service. }} * {{sleep | name=Hilton | alt= | url=https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/mexahhf-hilton-mexico-city-airport/ | email= | address=Av Capitan Carlos León S/N Terminal 1 | lat=19.43572 | long=-99.08196 | directions=Lobby located above Sala G in Terminal 1. | phone=+52 55 5133 0505 | tollfree= | checkin=15:00 | checkout=13:00 | price= | lastedit=2015-08-25 | content=Situated directly above Terminal 1, accessed from Sala 'G' in the upper level of Terminal 1. }} * {{sleep | name=Hostal Aeropuerto | alt= | url= | email= | address=Irapuato 135, Col. Peñón de los Baños, Venustiano Carranza | lat=19.43631 | long=-99.08330 | directions= | phone=+52 55 5785-0303 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-07-11 | content= }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Hostel Mexico City Airport | alt= | url=https://hotelmania.net/hotel/mexico-city/hostel-mexico-df-airport/ | email= | address=Aguascalientes 33, Col. Peñón de los Baños | lat=19.4413 | long=-99.0788 | directions= | phone=+52 55 1560 3288 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=US$40 | lastedit=2015-08-25 | content=Only hostel closest to the airport for those into staying in hostels. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Aeropuerto | alt= | url=http://www.hotelaeropuerto.com.mx/ | email= | address=Boulevard Puerto Aéreo no. 380, Venustiano Carranza, Moctezuma Segunda | lat=19.4328 | long=-99.0896 | directions=Set on Boulevard Puerto Aéreo west of Terminal 1. Can be accessed by going through the ''Terminal Aérea'' metro station or go past the metro station to Blvd Aéreo and go across via the pedestrian bridge | phone=+52 55 5785-5318 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2015-08-25 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Cima | alt= | url= | email= | address=Alfonso Ceballos #12, Venustiano Carranza, Moctezuma | lat=19.4270 | long=-99.1080 | directions=Middle of block along Alfonso Ceballos, btwn. Calz. Ignacio Zaragoza and Calle Jose Rivera, a few blocks SE of TAPO (bus station) along Calz. Ignacio Zaragoza. | phone= +52 55 5762-2587| tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2015-08-25 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Planet | alt= | url= | email= | address=Av Emilio Carranza 209, Venustiano Carranza, Moctezuma 2da Secc | lat=19.4309 | long=-99.0979 | directions=Ave Emilio Carranza & Ote 162 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2015-08-25 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Puerto | alt= | url= | email= | address=Calle Puerto México 54, Col Peñón de los Baño | lat=19.43549 | long=-99.08652 | directions=c/ Pto Mexico & Av Rio Consulado | phone=+52 55 2598-2412 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2019-11-23 | content= }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=IzZzleep Hotel | alt= | url=https://izzzleep.com/ | email= | address=Aeropuerto Internacional de la Ciudad de Mexico T1 Local 01-TT-06 | lat=19.43631 | long=-99.08245 | directions=In Terminal 1 go towards bus station from the food court (between Kirspy Kreme and 7 Eleven); go past the bus station ticket desks at terminal 1 and past the escalators towards bus loading platform. | phone=+52 55 2599-1434 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2020-03-10 | content=Small capsule like hotel "rooms". }} * {{sleep | name=Nh Collection | alt= | url=http://www.nh-collection.com/hotel/nh-collection-mexico-city-airport-t2 | email= | address= Av. Capitan Carlos Leon S/N, Venustiano Carranza, Peñón de los Baños | lat=19.4221 | long=-99.0772 | directions=The hotel is located above Terminal 2 | phone=+52 55 5786 5750 (local), +1 212 219-7607 (US) | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2015-08-25 | content=Situated directly above Terminal 2, lobby access from international arrivals. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Punto DF | alt= | url=http://puntodf.com/ | email= | address=Ote. 166 237, Moctezuma 2da Secc, Venustiano Carranza, | lat=19.4324 | long=-99.0959 | directions=C/ Nte 25 & Ote 166 | phone=+52 55 5784-3602 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-11-23 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=WE Hotel Aeropuerto | alt= | url=https://www.wehotelaeropuerto.com.mx/ | email= | address=Blvd. Puerto Aereo 390, Venustiano Carranza, Moctezuma Segunda | lat=19.4332 | long=-99.0894 | directions=Set on Boulevard Puerto Aéreo west of Terminal 1. Can be accessed by going through the ''Terminal Aérea'' metro station or go past the metro station to Blvd Aéreo and go across via the pedestrian bridge. Second building next to the Hotel Aeropuerto. | phone=+52 55 5785-5318, +52 55 5785-5851 | tollfree= | checkin=14:00 | checkout=13:00 | price= | lastedit=2015-08-25 | content= }} ==Nearby== As the airport is close to a somewhat shoddy neighborhood, your best bet is to take the Metro (during daytime) or a cab (at night) to your final destination in [[Mexico City]] once you leave the airport. For nearby cities outside CDMX, see the "Get in" section for information about the on-site bus terminal with frequent departures to [[Puebla]], [[Cuernavaca]], and destinations in the [[Bajio]] region. {{IsPartOf|Central Mexico}} {{guideairport}} {{geo|19.43564|-99.07398|zoom=15}} tedztmz7tcxh0fpoc70dxhcrafwacrb 0 126996 5087116 5086475 2025-07-03T11:45:43Z Chongkian 70395 /* See */ Updated listing for Darkhan 50 Complex - update photo 5087116 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Darkhan (cropped).jpg}} [[File:Darkhan.jpg|thumb|Darkhan]] '''Darkhan''' is the capital of Darkhan-Uul, a city state surrounded by [[Selenge|Selenge province]]. ==Understand== Darkhan is the 3rd largest city in Mongolia with a population of 74,000. The city, which name means "Blacksmith" in Mongolian, was built as a manufacturing base by the Soviets in 1961 on the Trans-Mongolian Railroad. Much of the industrial base collapsed in the early 1990s, and most of its once large Russian population left. Today it is home to a large steel mill, textile industry, and many universities. It has an expansive layout with open steppe and roaming cattle right into the center of the city. The city is divided into a 'new' and 'old' sections separated by some small hills and ger districts spreading out beyond the developed areas. The railroad station, main Buddhist temple, and the black market are in the Old Darkhan, while most of the nicer hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers, along with the universities and cultural centers are in New Darkhan. {{Climate | units = Metric | janhigh = -16 | febhigh = -12 | marhigh = 1 | aprhigh = 11 | mayhigh = 19 | junhigh = 24 | julhigh = 26 | aughigh = 24 | sephigh = 18 | octhigh = 9 | novhigh = -3 | dechigh = -13 | janlow = -28 | feblow = -26 | marlow = -15 | aprlow = -4 | maylow = 3 | junlow = 10 | jullow = 13 | auglow = 12 | seplow = 3 | octlow = -5 | novlow = -16 | declow = -25 | janprecip = 5 | febprecip = 4 | marprecip = 6 | aprprecip = 13 | mayprecip = 22 | junprecip = 63 | julprecip = 92 | augprecip = 82 | sepprecip = 41 | octprecip = 15 | novprecip = 8 | decprecip = 6 | description = NOAA (1961-1990) }} ==Get in== ===By train=== [[File:Darkhan-1 Railway Station.jpg|thumb|Darkhan-1 Railway Station]] There are two stations on the Trans-Mongolian line of the [[Trans-Siberian Railway]] with regular service to [[Ulaanbaatar]], [[Irkutsk]], and [[Erdenet]]. Several passenger trains a day pass through Darkhan, including 3 domestic trains that arrive running between UB and either Erdenet or [[Suhbaatar]] on the [[Russia|Russian]] border. You want to buy tickets for Darkhan-1. Darkhan-2 is near an industrial plant several miles south of the city. * {{go | name=Darkhan-1 Railway Station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=49.484431 | long=105.930275 | directions=West of Black Market | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q20076125 | content= }} * {{go | name=Darkhan-2 Railway Station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=49.431654 | long=105.940546 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Darkhan-2 Railway Station.jpg | wikidata=Q20076126 | lastedit=2024-12-06 | content= }} ====to Darkhan==== *'''Ulaanbaatar to Darkhan'''- The trains leave Ulaanbaatar at 10:30, 20:20, and 21:10, and arrive at 17:38, 02:00 (next day), and 03:10 (next day) respectively for a travel time of 4 to 7 hours depending on number of stops. *'''Erdenet to Darkhan'''- Train leaves Erdenet at 19:40 and arrives in Darkhan at 00:35 the next day. *'''Suhbaatar to Darkhan'''- Train leaves Suhbaatar at 06:35 and 21:05 and arrives 2 hours later at 08:37 and 23:12 respectively. ====from Darkhan==== *'''Darkhan to Ulaanbaatar'''- Trains leave Darkhan at 01:45, 08:52, and 23:40 and arrive in UB at 07:40, 16:20, and 06:10 (next day) respectively. Travel time ranges from 6 to 8 hours depending on number of stops. *'''Darkhan to Erdenet'''- The train leave Darkhan at 02:52 and arrives in Erdenet at 07:45 for a travel time of 5 hours. *'''Darkhan to Suhbaatar'''-Trains leave at 03:25 and 17:55 and arrive in Suhbaatar at 05:30 and 20:00 respectively for a travel time of 2 hours. ===By bus=== Buses are usually much faster and more convenient than the train that tends to leave or arrive in the middle of the night. There are buses leaving hourly from the Dragon Center in Ulaanbaatar and the Russian border at [[Suhbaatar]]. The first bus leaves UB at 09:00, and the last bus leaves around 19:30. Travel time is usually a little less than 4 hours. There are also microbuses and vans leaving from the Dragon Center throughout the day. Buses from [[Erdenet]] and [[Sühbaatar]] are also available. * {{go | name=Darkhan Bus Station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=49.45708 | long=105.94618 | directions=Southwest of New Darkhan | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Get around== {{Mapframe|49.454861|105.939191|zoom=12|name=Map of Darkhan}} Darkhan is divided into New and Old Darkhan, separated by about 2 km. Most of the city is stretched along a couple of parallel roads, with buses, taxis and vans racing back and forth. You can either hail your own taxi or jump in one and go to the other side of town. The cost of a shared taxi is 500&nbsp;₮, and it leaves when it gets 4 passengers, which doesn't take long. ==See== * {{see | name=American Corner Darkhan | alt=American Culture and Information Center | url=https://www.facebook.com/ACinDarkhan/ | email= | address= | lat=49.467729 | long=105.962885 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=American Corner Darkhan.jpg | lastedit=2024-12-12 | content=Library and cultural center of the United States. }} * {{see | name=Darkhan Iron Man Statue | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=49.413523 | long=105.942907 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Darkhan Iron Man Statue.jpg | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= }} * {{see | name=Museum of Darkhan-Uul Province | alt=Traditional Museum of Folk Art | url= | email= | address= | lat=49.46112 | long=105.96837 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Museum of Darkhan-Uul Province | image=Provincial Museum (Darkhan).jpg | wikidata=Q131573195 | lastedit=2025-04-07 | content=collection of archaeological findings, traditional clothing, religious artifacts, and taxidermy. }} * {{see | name=Morin Khuur Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=49.475458 | long=105.948045 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Morin Khuur Complex | image=Morin Khuur Complex.jpg | wikidata=Q134006733 | lastedit=2025-06-26 | content=Three hectares of park, featuring a horseman status of Khukhuu Namji }} * {{see | name=Kharagiin Monastery | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=49.48689 | long=105.93842 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=5,000T to enter the temple; grounds are free | content=Located in a log cabin built in the early 1990s in the Old Darkhan. }} * {{see | name=Darkhan 50 Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=49.463361 | long=105.964056 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Darkhan 50 Complex (2025).jpg | wikidata=Q130279325 | content=The main park in town where everyone enjoys hanging out around the fountains at dusk. }} * {{see | name=Darkhan-Uul Cultural Center and Mosque | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=49.453 | long=105.970028 | directions=Walk along the main road leading to Darkhan city center from the city's south, the mosque is located behind a factory at the foothill of New York Hill | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Darkhan-Uul Cultural Center and Mosque (2025).jpg | wikidata=Q131349454 | lastedit=2025-06-27 | content=Established in 2020, it is a mosque and cultural center, donated by the Government of Turkey }} * {{see | name=Buddha's Statue of Northern | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=49.474167 | long=105.943986 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Buddha's Statue of Northern.jpg | lastedit=2024-12-04 | content=Giant sitting Buddha statue on top of a hill overlooking Darkhan City }} * {{see | name=Youth Theater | alt=Zaluuchuud Theater | url= | email= | address= | lat=49.463716 | long=105.957295 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Youth Theater.jpg | wikidata=Q133828030 | lastedit=2024-12-04 | content=The building also consists of Darkhan Central Library. }} * {{see | name=I Love Darkhan Sculpture | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=49.465765 | long=105.958816 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=I Love Darkhan Sculpture.jpg | lastedit=2024-12-04 | content= }} * {{see | name=My Mongolia Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=49.465944 | long=105.950389 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q130272275 | lastedit=2024-12-12 | content=The park features open green space and Darkhan City Theme Park (Дархан хот Хүүхдийн парк). }} ===Sport venues=== * {{see | name=Darkhan Central Stadium | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=49.491671 | long=105.912073 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-12-12 | content= }} * {{see | name=Darkhan United Arena | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=49.464139 | long=105.960861 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q130279340 | lastedit=2025-06-27 | content=Indoor sport stadium and swimming pool. }} * {{see | name=My Mongolia Park Stadium | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=49.463833 | long=105.954667 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=My Mongolia Park Stadium.jpg | wikidata=Q116986730 | lastedit=2024-12-10 | content=This football stadium is located within the My Mongolia Park area. }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Darkhan Motocross Track | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=49.445249 | long=105.954481 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-12-04 | content= }} * {{do | name=New York Hill | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=49.448668 | long=105.968241 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-12-12 | content=Hiking to this small hill from an observation deck overlooking the whole city of Darkhan }} ==Buy== ===Markets=== * {{buy | name=Black Market | alt=Khar zakh | url= | email= | address= | lat=49.48636 | long=105.94172 | directions=North of Morin Khuur Monument, Old Darkhan | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2024-12-11| content=A huge confusing market that can take several hours to explore. Everything from live goats to clothes to car parts are sold either in one of the may buildings or outdoor kiosks. }} * {{buy | name=Nomin Supermarket | alt=Nomin's | url= | email= | address= | lat=49.4620 | long=105.9699 | directions=Southeast of Darkhan 50 Park in the new town. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Large selection of domestic and foreign products. Expect to spend more than anywhere else. }} * {{buy | name=International Market | alt=Orange Market | url= | email= | address= | lat=49.465869 | long=105.970324 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ===Shopping malls=== [[File:AMU Mall.jpg|thumb|AMU Mall]] * {{buy | name=AMU Mall | alt=Attractive Modern Unique | url= | email= | address=Zaluuchuud Avenue | lat=49.465882 | long=105.95642 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=AMU Mall.jpg | lastedit=2024-12-04 | content= }} * {{buy | name=Darkhan Department Store | alt= | url= | email= | address=Zaluuchuud Avenue | lat=49.465444 | long=105.957056 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q135106675 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= }} * {{buy | name=Erdenes Plaza | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=49.460139 | long=105.969436 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Erdenes Plaza.jpg | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content= }} * {{buy | name=Orgil Center | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=49.476214 | long=105.945893 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Orgil Center.jpg | lastedit=2024-12-12 | content= }} * {{buy | name=Urgoo Plaza | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=49.473925 | long=105.947359 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-12-12 | content=Shopping mall featuring a cinema. }} ==Eat== Avoid Korean and Chinese restaurants, because these types of restaurants prepare their foods out of very low and bad quality raw food materials. Instead, going to other local restaurants and local canteens called Tsainii gazar (Цайны газар) are a safer choice. * {{eat | name=цагаан хоол | alt="The Vegetarian Place" | url= | email= | address=New Darkhan | lat=49.465852 | long=105.970630 | directions=Located in the International Market (Orange Market) | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The best food and deal in town! }} * {{eat | name=BBQ Chicken | alt= | url= | email= | address=New Darkhan | lat=49.465632 | long=105.969921 | directions=Located in front of the International Market (Orange Market) on the second floor. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=4,500-22,000&nbsp;₮ per meal | content=Best place for chicken in town. Choose a few options when looking at the menu, just in case they do not have your first option in stock. }} * {{eat | name=The Empire Restaurant & Pub | alt=ЭЗЭНТ ГҮРЭН | url= | email= | address=New Darkhan | lat=49.468093 | long=105.961697 | directions= | phone=+976 7037-7720 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM-midnight | price=From 9,500&nbsp;₮ per meal. | content=Good selection of Mongolian & American dishes. }} * {{eat | name=Texas Restaurant & Bar | alt= | url=http://www.modernnomads.mn | email= | address=Texas restaurant & Bar, A corpus, 380 ail, New Darkhan. | lat=49.468100 | long=105.960273 | directions= | phone=+976 70374008 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=9am- 11pm | price= | content=Texas Restaurant & Bar serves a variety of Mongolian, European and American food, cocktails, coffee, and teas. }} * {{eat | name=Bulgogi Family Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=New Darkhan | lat=49.467364 | long=105.960477 | directions= | phone=+976 7037 7300 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM-midnight | price= | content=Good Korean food. 3,500-15,000&nbsp;₮ a plate. }} * {{eat | name=Science Café Darkhan | alt= | url=https://sciencecafe.mn/ | email=sapiogeneration@gmail.com | address= | lat=49.458382 | long=105.973278 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-12-12 | content=Science-themed café featuring a science shop. }} ==Drink== * {{drink | name=DD Night Club | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Just South of Nomin Supermarket | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=6PM-midnight | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Queens Night Club | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Just South of Nomin Supermarket. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=6PM-midnight | price= | content=Locals bust out their moves at the Queens Night Club in the center of the New Darkhan. }} ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Buudai Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.buudaihotel.mn/ | email= | address=Zaluuchuud Avenue | lat=49.467181 | long=105.956236 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | image=Buddai Hotel.jpg | lastedit=2024-12-04 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Comfort Hotel | alt= | url= | email=tsetsegee_8101@yahoo.com | address= | lat=49.46137 | long=105.95924 | directions=In New Darkhan, south of the Cultural Center | phone=+976 137229091 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=30,000-70,000&nbsp;₮ depending on room | image=Comfort Hotel (Darkhan).jpg | content=One of the most comfortable and cleanest hotels in town. It has wifi and TV in all rooms. There is a bar and restaurant in the hotel. Karaoke and laundry service also offered. }} * {{sleep | name=Crystal Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=49.483121 | long=105.941541 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | image=Crystal Hotel (Darkhan).jpg | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Darkhan Sky Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/DarkhanSkyHotel | email=munkhsky1@yahoo.com | address= | lat=49.480596 | long=105.942706 | directions= | phone=+976 95920808 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2024-12-13 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Grand Yak Hotel and Convention Center | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/Grand-Yak-Hotel-Convention-centre-100063669904289/ | email= info@grandyak-hotel.com | address= | lat=49.465194 | long=105.957032 | directions= | phone=+976 70371122 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | image=Grand Yak Hotel.jpg | lastedit=2024-12-06 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Jasper Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/jasperhoteldarkhan | email= | address= | lat=49.483413 | long=105.94157 | directions= | phone=+976 94376061 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | image=Jasper Hotel.jpg | lastedit=2024-12-13 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Kharaa Hotel | alt= | url= | email=kharaa_hotel@yahoo.com | address=New Darkhan, south of cultural center | lat=49.46249 | long=105.95949 | directions= | phone=+976 9937 2828 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | image=Kharaa Hotel (2025).jpg | content=All rooms have bathrooms, TV, and WiFi internet. Breakfast included. }} * {{sleep | name=Link Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.linkhotel.mn/en | email=info@linkhotel.mn | address=Urgoo 6 Cinema, 3rd Street, People's Avenue | lat=49.473926 | long=105.947428 | directions= | phone=+976 7037 1144, +976 9072 1144 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-10 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=MBM Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/MbmHotell | email=mbmhotell@gmail.com | address= | lat=49.477478 | long=105.94121 | directions= | phone=+976 95372282 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | image=MBM Hotel.jpg | lastedit=2024-12-13 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=New Kiwi Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/New-kiwi-hotel-100064674355839/ | email= | address= | lat=49.469388 | long=105.953217 | directions= | phone=+976 70378301 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | image=New Kiwi Hotel.jpg | lastedit=2024-12-04 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Royal Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=49.468483 | long=105.962877 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | image=Royal Hotel (Darkhan).jpg | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content= }} ==Cope== ===Consulates=== * {{flag|Russia}} {{listing | name=Russia | alt= | url= | email=cons-dar@mongol.net | address=Zaluuchuudyn gudamzh, 13 | lat=49.466694 | long=105.958967 | directions=In New Darkhan between the children's park and the cultural center | phone=+976 1372 23996 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Go next== From Darkhan, it is easy to go east to the large copper-mining city of [[Erdenet]], North to the mid-sized Aimag capital of Sukhbaatar, or the beautiful [[Northern Mongolia|Amarbayasgalant Monastery]]. Erdenet can be reached by train or bus, Suhkbaatar can be reached by train (~2,800&nbsp;₮) or taxi (8,000-10,000&nbsp;₮) on paved road, while visiting the monastery will require hiring a taxi for the 2- or 3-hour journey, part of which is unpaved. {{routebox| | image1=Trans-Siberian Railway icon.png | imagesize1=100 | directionl1=N | majorl1=[[Irkutsk]] | minorl1=[[Sühbaatar]] | directionr1=S | majorr1=[[Beijing]] | minorr1=[[Ulaanbaatar]] }} {{IsPartOf|Northern Mongolia}} {{usablecity}} {{geo|49.47593|105.95078}} gbv44aumexyrhlixs0eqoj2wcmszlo2 0 130623 5086690 5086431 2025-07-02T16:42:26Z The dog2 35982 Sweden pulled out of the arrangement. 5086690 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Embassy banner.jpg}} A '''diplomatic mission''' is a representative office of a national government located in another nation's territory. There are two main types: [[File:Estonian Ambassador to Sweden Presents Credentials (5599753093).jpg|thumb|An ambassador nominally represents their Head of State, and is received with ceremony. Here, the Ambassador of Estonia presents his credentials to the King of Sweden.]] * An '''embassy''' is usually in the capital city at the destination country; its main function is to deal with '''government-to-government issues'''. If there are trade negotiations to be done, or if one government wants to complain about some action by the other, the embassy handles that. If an official delegation from one country plans to visit the other, the embassies will make the arrangements. * A '''consulate''' can be located in any (usually major) city and provides '''consular services for individuals or businesses'''. They can usually provide [[visa|visas]] for foreigners planning to visit their country. For their own citizens, they provide [[passport]] services as well as birth registrations, marriage registrations, and various other sorts of advice or assistance. If you are doing business and need advice about local regulations in a foreign country, its consulate is a good source. '''Many embassies also provide consular services'''; that is, they can also do everything a consulate can. There are some exceptions in countries where the capital city is not a major city; for example, the U.S. embassy in [[Canberra]], [[Australia]], does not provide consular services, but there are consulates in the larger cities of [[Sydney]], [[Melbourne]] and [[Perth]]. In other places, some embassies maintain a separate "consular section" location to provide consular services in the capital city of the host country. Sometimes the services are split up somewhat differently; for example, the Canadian High Commission in [[New Delhi]] provides most consular services but there is a separate office for Indians wanting a visa. In some cases, one country's mission may process visa applications on behalf of another. For instance, in [[Singapore]], the Danish embassy processes visa applications for [[Norway]], [[Finland]] and [[Iceland]] even the former two operate their own embassies in Singapore. ==Visitor registration services== [[File:Canada House.jpg|thumb|[[Canada]] House in [[London]].]] Most nations have a system that lets a citizen who is abroad long-term '''register''' so that their home government has a record of their presence. For many countries, you can do this online but for some you may need to actually visit a consular office. Registration is generally not needed for tourists except in [[War zone safety|high-risk areas]], but it is recommended for anyone [[working abroad]], [[studying abroad]] or [[retiring abroad]]. Registering will usually get you on a mailing list that brings email notifications from your government; these are often rather boring, but some are useful or interesting. This can be very important in some circumstances; for example, if a war or epidemic breaks out, your country's mission may be a good source of information and aid. Registering can also be useful if you need services from your home country, for example being able to vote in an election back home, collect a state pension, or ensure that your health insurance there remains valid. ==Service== === Common === The missions may provide a variety of '''services''', which usually include: * If you lose your [[passport]] or it is near expiry, they can arrange a replacement. For most countries, processing time is several weeks. * If you lose your passport and have time constraints, they can arrange for a temporary replacement in order for you to be able to head home. Even this usually takes a few days. * If you need a [[visa]] for the country they represent, they can issue that. They may even be able to advise who and what items may not be [[Visa trouble|admitted]] and process the application of any waiver of [[Traveling with a criminal history|inadmissibility]] or permit to import restrictive items. * If there is an election back home, they may be able to help you vote remotely. If not, they can at least provide advice on the procedure. * If you need services from your government back home, like pension payments or a new ID card, they may be able to organize this. * If legal challenges or matters demanding your attention occur at home, to which you need to respond with a specific document (a letter of attorney for example, so that someone could represent you until you return), a consulate or embassy of your home country can enable you to fulfill certain formalities (notary services—acknowledgement of signature, generally). * If you have a child abroad, they can register their citizenship and issue a passport. * If you want to adopt a child abroad, they may advise on the procedure and possibly register the adoption. * The missions provide most of the information that their home governments base [[travel advisories]] on. Talking directly to a mission may get information that is more detailed or more up-to-date than the advisories. * If you want to do business in a foreign country, they can provide you with information on the local regulations and culture of the country they represent. * In the event of unexpected war or other disasters, embassies may arrange evacuation flights for their own citizens and sometimes others, though the cost of evacuation will have to be borne by you. But don't count on this – you can't predict what will happen in an unexpected situation, and you should always have your own emergency plan. === Marriage === There are also services which become relevant if you want to marry abroad, but be careful that same-sex marriage is not always allowed or recognized: * There may be special procedures to get a visa for your spouse. * If you are engaged, some countries, such as the USA, have a special fiancée visa; others, such as Canada, do not. * If you want to marry abroad then some countries, such as China or the Philippines, require a document from your country's mission certifying that you are single. The mission may require that you produce documents such as a divorce decree or the death certificate for a former spouse before they will issue their document; it is not uncommon for these requirements to delay a wedding, and in some cases the foreign partner may need a trip home to get the documents. * You can sometimes get married in an embassy, which is useful where a local wedding would be expensive or difficult, or when neither partner is from the host country, or for a same-sex couple if the host country does not recognize such unions but one of the home countries does. Details vary a lot from country to country. All missions will charge a fee for most or all these services. === Limitations === There are some services that diplomatic missions will generally not provide, though some travellers might hope they would. * If you are broke (including having been [[Theft|robbed]]) and stranded, they generally will not fly you home, though most will contact family or friends for you and provide a channel for them to send money. * If you have a serious accident or illness, they should help to ensure you can receive suitable medical attention or repatriation, but they will not pay for these. * If you die, they can contact your family and may help with arrangements, but they will not pay for your funeral or for shipping your body home. * If you are [[Stay_safe#Law_and_authorities|arrested or jailed]], the consul has the right to visit you. They will provide a list of lawyers and/or translators, and can inform your family if you wish, but they will generally not provide a lawyer or translator, pay for one, or post bail. ** Diplomatic missions cannot interfere in the judicial process of the host country, even when their citizens are accused of serious crimes that are not particularly serious (or even crimes) back home. Generally speaking, they can assist you in identifying legal representation and raising objections if the local due process is flouted (for example, confessions extracted by torture), and the diplomatic missions of Western countries will usually pressure the host government to commute the sentence if one of their citizens is facing corporal punishment or the death penalty. If the host country's government deems the request from your home country to be inconsistent with local laws or unreasonable, you will not be granted a reprieve or acquittal because of it. People with dual nationality (see [[Passport]]) are often considered by host governments to be local citizens and therefore not eligible for consular support from another country. The diplomatic mission can still try to help, but what they can do will be limited, or even entirely impossible if the host country does not recognize dual nationality. === Taking away your passport === Under international law, only government officials or people dealing with them on your behalf &mdash; for example, a travel agent or an employer arranging a visa &mdash; can take your passport for any length of time. In some countries, such as China, a hotel will take the passport briefly when you register, make a photocopy, and share the copy with local police. No-one else who wants your passport for some reason &mdash; for example an employer who wants it "for safekeeping" or a rent-a-whatever place that requires it "as security" &mdash; is legally entitled to take it. At least in theory, you can refuse and if they do take it then your consulate can ask the host government to lean on local law enforcement to ensure its prompt return. If this fails, the consulate is best-placed to add the document to lists of stolen passports and issue a replacement. {{seealso|Passport#Giving_your_passport_to_others}} == Embassy or consulate events == In addition to providing those services, the '''missions give fine parties''' and may invite any citizens who are about. Diplomats tend to live rather well, with good stocks of booze (even in countries where alcohol is illegal except for diplomats), excellent cooks and good supplies of imported foods. In particular, they often have the specialties of the home country; for example, a Russian mission will usually be well provided with caviar and vodka. [[File:Flavor of America (27674107866).jpg|thumb|A craft beer festival at the US embassy in Berlin.]] Of course, most of their parties are only for other diplomats, local government officials and other important people; the average traveller will not be invited, though a visiting business person or journalist might be. However, they also host celebrations on their national day or other important holidays &mdash; for example, Christmas or Thanksgiving for Americans &mdash; and almost anyone with the right passport can be invited to those. If you are abroad at such a time, it is certainly worth asking. An oddity about this is that the more out-of-the-way the place is, the better your chances are. An embassy in a major capital may already have its guest list filled, but one in Back-of-beyond-istan is very likely to welcome visitors. Missions may also sponsor or assist with '''cultural events''' to promote their country. For example, the Thai Embassy in Ottawa works with a local Thai immigrants' association to run an annual Thai Festival. Many governments also have organisations to [[Teaching_English#Teaching_other_languages|teach their language]] abroad. == Complications and variations == There are a number of complications and variations, which will only occasionally matter to travellers. Some of the smaller or poorer nations have few missions abroad. To get a visa for [[Tajikistan]], for example, you may have to go to a major center like Moscow or London. New York is also good for this since almost every country has a mission to the United Nations. The bright side is that in these cases it is often possible to apply by mail, although this means letting go of your passport for several weeks. Some countries also allow applying for their visas online. The reverse can apply as well. If you are in an out-of-the-way place and need consular assistance, your country may not have an embassy there so you might need to contact another mission; for example, most visitors to [[Bhutan]] would need to contact their embassy in [[Delhi]]. Alternately, your government may have an arrangement with some friendly country by which that country's mission will also provide consular service for citizens of your nation; this is most common for pairs of countries in some international group such as the British Commonwealth, the ex-Soviet Commonwealth of Independent States or the European Union. This is one more thing to check when planning a trip that goes far off the beaten path; your own government's foreign affairs department is the best source of information on such arrangements. Some countries' missions have a system of dividing the destination country up into zones and requesting or even requiring that people use the consulate for their zone. In China, for example, Canada will tell someone in Wuhan to use the Beijing embassy and someone in Fuzhou to use the Guangzhou consulate, even though the Shanghai consulate might be more convenient for both. Typically, this does not apply to tourists, only to people living in the country, but it does apply to both locals and expatriates. Many smaller countries host a limited number of diplomatic missions, meaning that you will need to travel to another country to obtain visas. This can often be in a neighbouring country, but in some cases may be in a country much farther away. For instance, some diplomatic missions accredited to Singapore may actually be located in Beijing or Tokyo. The cities that have the most diplomatic missions are [[Brussels]], [[Washington, D.C.]], [[Beijing]] and [[London]]. An '''honorary consul''' can be located anywhere and provides ''very limited consular services''. Often the position is granted by a foreign government to a person with business interests in that location; they may not even be a citizen of the country they represent. For the traveller this may be of use for notary services, and if you are in jail or hospital they might visit and contact the consulate for you. However, they are usually ''not'' authorized to grant visas or issue passports, though some of them may collect your visa application to forward to the nearest full diplomatic mission. In addition to embassies and consulates, there are diplomatic missions that use other names for various reasons: * A mission from one [[British Empire#Commonweath countries|Commonwealth]] country to another is a '''High Commission'''. * A mission from any country to an international body such as the [[United Nations]], World Trade Organization or [[European Union]] is a '''Permanent Mission'''. * A mission from the [[Rome/Vatican|Vatican City]] to any country is called an '''Apostolic Nunciature'''. * A mission representing a non-sovereign entity (such as a province, federated state or dependent territory) is a '''delegation'''; its activities are classed as paradiplomacy. For instance, the governments of [[Quebec]] and [[Scotland]] operate several offices in foreign countries. These do not provide consular services, which are instead provided by the diplomatic missions of the respective sovereign countries they are part of. ** [[Hong Kong]] and [[Macau]] have established a number of '''economic and trade offices''' to promote their respective territories and assist residents abroad. Except for the Hong Kong mission in Shanghai, these don't deal with visa and passport applications, which are instead handled by Chinese diplomatic missions. However, they are useful if you want to make enquiries about local regulations and culture for doing business in the respective regions they represent. ** Diplomatic missions of the EU (as a whole, not those of individual EU countries) are also known as "delegations". These do not provide consular services, which are instead provided by the missions of individual EU countries. * Countries that lack worldwide formal diplomatic recognition may still deploy embassies under another name. [[Taiwan]] has "Taipei Representative Offices" or "Taipei Economic and Trade Offices" in many countries, and other countries' de facto embassies in Taiwan also have similarly ambiguous names (eg. American Institute in Taiwan, British Office Taipei, etc.). [[Iraqi Kurdistan]] also runs its own diplomatic missions separate from Iraqi embassies and consulates knowns as '''representations'''. * Countries which have been split into multiple entities (such as the former East Germany and West Germany, or current-day mainland China and Taiwan) may use non-standard terminology to avoid recognising the "other side" as a truly foreign country. For instance, [[Cold War Europe]] had "permanent missions" headed by "permanent representatives" representing one Germany to the other in the 1970s, while the Chinese now speak obliquely of "cross-strait relations". * Countries with rival claimant governments can have different embassies run by different governments. For instance, since the Taliban takeover of [[Afghanistan]] in 2021, some Afghan embassies have been run by the Taliban, while others, including all Afghan embassies in Western countries, are run by remnants of the previous U.S.-backed government. The result of this is that if you want to travel to Afghanistan, only visas issued by the Taliban-run embassies will be accepted for travel. A more relevant example is that embassies of [[Cyprus]] will only be able to handle visits to the Greek part of the island, rather than to the Turkish part. * Where direct diplomatic relations have been terminated, an '''interests section''' in a third country's embassy may be the only formal representation. Direct [[United States of America|US]]-[[Iran|Iranian]] diplomatic relations ended abruptly in 1979; now the Pakistani embassy in Washington has an [https://daftar.org/ Iranian interests section], and the Swiss embassy in Tehran has an [https://www.eda.admin.ch/countries/iran/en/home/representations/embassy/embassy-of-switzerland-foreign-interests-section.html American interests section]. In at least 90% of cases, all a traveller has to know is how to find the nearest embassy or consulate &mdash; the one for the destination in their home country to get a visa and the one for their home at the destination for help while abroad. If your country does not have a diplomatic mission in the country you are visiting, your country's foreign ministry (the State Department in the case of the U.S.) should have an emergency hotline that you can call for assistance, with the obvious caveat that international call rates apply. ==Special Arrangements== Some countries have special arrangements which allow their citizens to receive consular assistance from a third country when they have no diplomatic presence in a particular country. Be aware of the caveats though: for instance, a Croatian citizen in Shanghai will need to seek consular assistance from the Croatian embassy in Beijing, even though the consulates of other EU countries in Shanghai may be more convenient. {| |class=nowrap style="padding:0 2em 0 0"| * {{flag|Australia}} * {{flag|Canada}} | '''[[Australia]]''' and '''[[Canada]]''' have a reciprocal agreement in which their citizens are eligible to receive consular assistance from the other country's diplomatic missions when in a country where their own country lacks diplomatic representation. |} {| |class=nowrap style="padding:0 2em 0 0"| * {{flag|Hong Kong}} * {{flag|Macau}} * {{flag|Taiwan}} | As the [[China|Chinese]] government considers citizens of '''[[Hong Kong]]''', '''[[Macau]]''' and '''[[Taiwan]]''' to be Chinese citizens, they are eligible to receive consular assistance from Chinese diplomatic missions. <br/> Hong Kong and Macau do not provide consular services at their overseas missions, which are instead provided by Chinese diplomatic missions. It is not known if Taiwanese diplomatic missions provide consular services to mainland Chinese citizens. |} {| |class=nowrap style="padding:0 2em 0 0"| * {{flag|Liechtenstein}} | Citizens of '''[[Liechtenstein]]''' are eligible to receive consular assistance from a [[Switzerland|Swiss]] diplomatic mission in countries where there is no Liechtenstein diplomatic mission. |} {| |class=nowrap style="padding:0 2em 0 0"| * {{flag|European Union}} | Citizens of the '''[[European Union]]''' (EU) are eligible to receive consular assistance from diplomatic missions of any EU member state when they are in a country where their home country lacks diplomatic representation. |} * Citizens of [[Commonwealth of Nations|Commonwealth countries]] may receive emergency consular assistance from a [[United Kingdom|British]] diplomatic mission when in a country where their home country lacks diplomatic representation. ==Diplomatic immunity== Unless you are travelling with a special diplomatic passport (issued only to diplomats, high-ranking government officials or their family members), then diplomatic immunity does not apply to you. If you do have official diplomatic status, then it becomes a more complex legal question and your employer should be able to provide expert advice. {{infobox|Non-diplomatic posts|Employees of international organisations are typically covered by a separate and different set of rules. Soldiers posted in foreign countries are not considered diplomatic staff unless they are assigned directly to an embassy, such as military attachés or the US Marines who guard most American embassies.}} Diplomatic missions have special status under international law. * An embassy is considered entirely under the control of the sending nation, and local laws do not apply inside it. Police from the host country may not enter the embassy compound without permission from the sending nation. A consulate does not enjoy this privilege, and local laws do still apply. * A few relatively senior diplomats are immune to arrest or prosecution by the host country regardless of the crime, whether for spying or more mundane offenses, and the only option is for the host to expel them. The assassination of Kim Jong-nam, which was masterminded by North Korean diplomats in [[Malaysia]], is one of the more infamous examples. Some mission staff may have only a weaker "consular immunity"; they cannot be prosecuted for anything done on the job, but can be for other things. Honorary consuls are not entitled to any diplomatic or consular immunity. While the sending nation can waive immunity, it is not required to do so. * Diplomats' luggage or things shipped in a "diplomatic bag" are immune from customs inspection, although there have been instances where customs officials simply ignored this restriction. [[File:US Diplomatic license plate 2007.jpg|thumb|A diplomatic licence plate.]] * Some cars have diplomatic license plates, usually a conspicuously different colour than other plates and/or with a specific alphanumeric sequence. For example in Ottawa, these plates are white-on-red and have "CD" (from French ''corps diplomatique'') as the first two letters. They cannot be stopped for traffic violations and in some places some of them flagrantly ignore "no parking" signs. This is particularly noteworthy with United Nations diplomats in [[New York City]]. * Diplomats are usually exempt from taxes imposed by the host country; some missions to [[London]] insist that city's "congestion charge" is a tax, which they refuse to pay. * People travelling on diplomatic or official passports typically have different visa requirements from those travelling on ordinary passports. * Children born to diplomats abroad do not obtain the citizenship of the host country as a birthright, even where ''jus soli'' is otherwise offered unconditionally. * Reciprocity is often required as a baseline for respect, and a good deal of diplomacy is basically tit for tat. If members of a representative country's diplomatic staff refuse to pay parking tickets then the host country will likely instruct their staff in their corresponding mission to do likewise. Expulsion by the host nation of another nation's diplomatic staff may well result in their staff being correspondingly expelled. This can extend to visa policy for standard travelers, with fees and requirements often demanding the same treatment between two countries. There are a set of rather complex rules covering how far these protections extend. Not all embassy staff have diplomatic privileges but some staff outside the embassy &mdash; for example, at a trade mission or an aid agency &mdash; may. Diplomatic immunity typically only applies in the country that you are accredited to, and would usually cease to apply if you travel to another country outside your official capacity. ==Stay safe== The grounds outside embassies can be a place for protests against the country, in some case even riots. ==See also== * [[Government and politics tourism]] * [[Passport]] * [[Visa]] * [[Spies and secrets]]; the history of espionage is a part of the history of diplomacy * [[Travel advisories]] {{usabletopic}} {{PartOfTopic|Concerns}} 94ti5lj9svdxiheae2fp2kf4ibfisuz 1 130624 5086687 5086466 2025-07-02T16:37:47Z The dog2 35982 /* Delete a section? */ 5086687 wikitext text/x-wiki == Consulates do not have diplomatic status? == Perhaps WV is not the best place to describe this complex subject. Anyhow, the sentence "A consulate is a lower-rank representation, typically without diplomatic status." This doesn't strike me as correct. Although not the same as a Embassy, surely all consulates have some diplomatic status? An exception might be 'honorary consulates', which are typically staffed by volunteers. [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 00:54, 16 December 2013 (UTC) :You're right Andrew. Consulates do have diplomatic status and so diplomatic immunity but I think some of the staff in a consulate do not have diplomatic status or diplomatic immunity, unless they are accredited as such and this is varies from country to country. --[[User:Saqib|Saqib]] ([[User talk:Saqib|talk]]) 01:20, 16 December 2013 (UTC) ::I question the usefulness of this article. It's a stub, and quite definitional. If we want to have an [[International travel]] topic for people who are about to embark on their first international trip, these brief remarks about embassies and consulates can be folded into a larger article that touches on questions of passports, international security, customs, immigration, and visas, but as it stands, I think this article may be a good [[Vfd]] candidate. Would anyone like to try to convince me otherwise? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 05:09, 16 December 2013 (UTC) :::I think the current text demonstrates that an area complex as this is open to gross misinterpretation by a well meaning contributor, and thereby doing a disservice to the traveler. I '''support''' [[Vfd]] [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 05:59, 16 December 2013 (UTC) == Elbonia? == I assume Elbonia is a reference to the Dilbert comic strip, although might it not confuse people not familiar with that reference? [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 00:55, 17 December 2013 (UTC) : Yeah, rewrite if you like. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 01:40, 17 December 2013 (UTC) : I changed it. Less colourful, but clearer. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 02:16, 17 December 2013 (UTC) :: Thanks. I'm not actually against color, although I can't think of a fake country that everyone would know about. Suggestions? :) [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 02:27, 17 December 2013 (UTC) :: I've used Back-of-beyond-istan in some contexts, but it wouldn't work here. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 02:46, 17 December 2013 (UTC) == Diplomatic immunity == I believe the Diplomatic immunity section is still very wrong: "Diplomatic staff are immune to prosecution by the host country, whether for spying or more mundane offenses" This is actually incorrect. Only a few members of an embassy's diplomatic staff have immunity. A good current example is the Indian consul staff member Devyani Khobragade who has certainly not enjoyed full diplomatic immunity: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-25459805 [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 02:48, 23 December 2013 (UTC) : I changed it to "Some diplomats are immune ...". Khobrogade is covered in the paragraph below. "Some mission staff may have only a weaker "consular immunity"...". [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 03:03, 23 December 2013 (UTC) ==Location of consulates== Current text: "A '''consulate''' can be located in any significant location other than the capital city" I thought that consulates were also part of (though sometimes a separate building from) many embassies, given that there is a consul who is second-in-command and who, along with his/her staff, takes care of many consular services. Am I operating under a misconception? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:05, 23 December 2013 (UTC) :Also, I have to observe that this text is inaccurate, given that there are few if any embassies in Jerusalem, but a number of consulates. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:06, 23 December 2013 (UTC) ::In view of that, I've reverted the language for now, but if it is generally untrue that there can be consulates attached to embassies in capital cities, we have to figure out what language we can use to reflect this, without inaccuracy. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:10, 23 December 2013 (UTC) :::This article does cover a complex area that even Wikipedia hasn't been [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consul_%28representative%29#Consulates_and_embassies able to cover adequately] yet. :::Yes, embassies certainly also provide consular services that are separate from the diplomatic work that the 'main' embassy is engaged with. It might even be possible that an embassy would not provide consular services to their citizens, although I can't think of an example. Certainly consular staff may be the first to be evacuated in an emergency, such as the one in South Sudan right now. [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 04:14, 23 December 2013 (UTC) (undent) Jerusalem is a special case, because [[:w:Positions on Jerusalem|it's a political act]] to acknowledge Jerusalem as Israel's capital, and that's why all the embassies are still in Tel Aviv. But there are enough of these embassy-not-in-official-capital cases, usually for newly built capitals (Naypyidaw in Burma, Putrajaya in Malaysia, etc), that the current wording is reasonable. Also, a consulate is a stand-alone building, what embassies have is a consular section. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 12:15, 16 January 2014 (UTC) :In some cases a consulate may be more relevant than the embassy itself for similar historical/political reasons. I had my British passport renewed in the British Consulate in Bonn (Former embassy of West Germany) rather than the actual embassy in Berlin. [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 12:38, 16 January 2014 (UTC) ::Sure, it's quite common for the capital not to be the largest/most convenient city. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 23:50, 16 January 2014 (UTC) == VFD nomination == This article was proposed for deletion. After quite a bit of discussion (see [[Wikivoyage:Votes_for_deletion/January_2014#Diplomatic_missions]]), it was kept. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 00:00, 5 January 2014 (UTC) == General travel advice == I appreciate the sharing of knowledge, but the article is about diplomatic missions, not general travelers who have no such status. Hence I have removed the text below because it is not in the scope of this article: "To give one practical example, citizens of the US are often required to pay "reciprocity fees" in some Latin American countries because their citizens pay the same amount applying for US visas. Those fees are not charged for EU citizens whose countries don't charge as much for visa applications (or at all)." [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 02:02, 16 February 2017 (UTC) :I disagree with the removal of the bit about espionage and ejecting diplomats for "activities incompatible with their status". It's widespread enough to be notable. [[User:K7L|K7L]] ([[User talk:K7L|talk]]) 03:19, 20 March 2017 (UTC) : I agree with both Andrew's deletion of the quoted text & K7L's comment that the other text should be kept. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 05:11, 20 March 2017 (UTC) : The quoted text would be relevant in the [[visas]] article & should likely be inserted there if that article does not already cover the issue. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 19:10, 2 September 2017 (UTC) :: I checked & it is covered. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 19:12, 2 September 2017 (UTC) == Move to [[Embassies and consulates]]? == I think [[Embassies and consulates]] would be a more traveller-friendly title for this article. In various situations travellers are advised to contact their nearest embassy or consulate; I don't think I've seen advice to "contact your nearest diplomatic mission". The offices themselves are usually called something like "Embassy/Consulate of Country X", not "Diplomatic Mission...". I'm not sure the average traveller would recognize how a "Diplomatic missions" article is relevant to them. Admittedly the proposed title wouldn't explicitly cover high commissions, trade offices, and the other terms used in special situations, but I think glossing over that minor complexity in the title is worth it for the increased clarity overall. What do others think? —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 15:47, 31 March 2020 (UTC) : There are redirects at [[embassies]], [[embassy]] & [[consulates]]. I'd say that's enough. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 22:23, 31 March 2020 (UTC) ::I agree with Pashley. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:03, 31 March 2020 (UTC) == Flags in consulate list == ''Moved from Talk:New York City''' Do these make it easier for readers to find information, or are they just clutter? [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 11:12, 20 April 2020 (UTC) :I never use them—I either use ctrl+F or rely on alphabetical order to find the country I'm interested in. I don't know whether others find them useful. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 19:34, 20 April 2020 (UTC) ::I find them easier to use than a bland list, and like the visual appearance of a chain of flags, but this is not a NYC discussion as we use flags in lots of embassy and consulate lists. Why are we talking about this here, and not [[Talk: Diplomatic missions]]?--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 20:41, 20 April 2020 (UTC) ::: Because I didn't know that article existed. I'll move the discussion there. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:49, 20 April 2020 (UTC) An example can be seen at [[New_York_City#Consulates]]. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:49, 20 April 2020 (UTC) : I can't imagine they'd be useful for ''finding'' one; you'd do that by looking through the list in alphabetical order. I think it's fairly minor, and probably doesn't matter one way or another. However, I can come up with some arguments in favor of keeping them: :* It gives a bit of visual interest (making it obvious as you scroll through the page rapidly that you've reached the list of embassies). :* It has some visual consistency with geocoded listings, which also begin each entry with a colored blob. :* We don't do this now, but potentially we could use the flag to link to something... either geocoding, or linking to our article for that country, or perhaps to the general website for that country's diplomatic relations (e.g. US State Department) as opposed to the website for that specific embassy. :* It makes a bit of sense based on our styles which evolve from WV being an online guide. We're not constrained by black-and-white pages that limit the available space and cost money to print. Of course a traditional printed guidebook wouldn't include flags in such listings, but we really don't lose anything by doing so. : --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 21:50, 20 April 2020 (UTC) Actually we do have something to lose by having all these images. Our [[Wikivoyage:Image policy]] says, in part, :"Image use in articles should be kept at the minimum necessary to get across a point or impression.... Don't get overexcited adding images to articles. Travellers may be using Wikivoyage from networks with low bandwidth, or with a cost for every MB used. Several travellers may be sharing the one poor mobile data connection. A traveller using the WiFi on a bus or train may only have a few MB of free data allowance for a long journey." I'm in favour of maps, and photos to provide useful information and visual interest. I think that a collection of flags is a low value for the traveller, and not a good use of "the minimum necessary". [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 16:52, 14 May 2020 (UTC) : Interesting point. I'd argue that perhaps that policy is somewhat outdated as it's more than a decade old, technology having advanced quite a bit, and maybe it shouldn't be taken so literally. Regardless, I checked to see how much merit this has. The images are in fact quite small; they're actually only a few hundred bytes each, however by the time you add in protocol overhead, it requires sending 0.5 to 1 KB to request each image, and receiving around 1 KB for the headers plus the content (as a rough estimate). On a page like [[London]] with around 150 embassies listed, estimating a total based on what my browser is doing, that's perhaps 75 KB uploaded and 150 KB downloaded, on a page that has 150 KB of text. : That does seem like a lot, but not when you compare it to all the other images on the page. For instance, I'm actually shocked to find out that each pin on the map is a unique image. And of course the banner is 500 KB, and other images (even as thumbnails) add up as well. All told, my browser received 5.04 MB of data, of which only 2.51 MB was content (the rest being HTTP headers). That's a surprising amount of overhead! But my main point was that removing these flag images would only reduce that to 4.25 MB of data (and maybe 1.75–2 MB of content). A reduction to be sure, but if someone was ''that'' limited in bandwidth, they ought to disable images entirely. : We could, though, make a compromise. Most systems support Unicode [[w:Regional Indicator Symbol]]s to display a flag emoji. These only take up a handful of bytes and don't require requesting separate files. Instead of {{flag|Zimbabwe}}&nbsp;'''Zimbabwe''' we would have 🇿🇼&nbsp;'''Zimbabwe'''. With perhaps some tweaks to the formatting, would that be an acceptable substitution if we wanted to keep the flags? --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 19:32, 14 May 2020 (UTC) :: Maps and photos provide a lot more information to readers than flags do, so I don't think that the comparison is valid. But if replacing flags by Unicode emojis reduces the draw on bandwidth to a minimal amount, then I think that would be a win for low bandwidth users. Thanks for coming up with that creative solution. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 19:38, 14 May 2020 (UTC) :::The point ''is'' valid because it shows how proportionately little data flags use compared to everything else. I like the emoji idea, though unfortunately my laptop seems to be in the minority that doesn't allow it; I just see the letters 🇿🇼, which I can imagine in a list of 80 embassies would look awful. At least with the wikicode, it's equally accessible to everyone. --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 22:58, 14 May 2020 (UTC) == Delete a section? == Arguably [[Diplomatic_missions#Taking_away_your_passport]] should be deleted since it is debatable whether it is on-topic for this article & [[Passport#Giving_your_passport_to_others]] covers much the same ground. On the other hand, your country's mission might press the local government to recover a passport or might replace a seized one. What is the right division of labour between the two chunks of text linked above? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 03:28, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :I don't think we need a separate section, but we can mention that if someone takes away your passport (e.g. your employer), your embassy might be able to pressure the host government to get it back for you. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:37, 2 July 2025 (UTC) csr7kepbaati1ccfmvriuhfhavq6z0a 11 131337 5086878 4919209 2025-07-03T01:41:30Z 173.75.41.173 /* Broken "enlarge map" button? */ new section 5086878 wikitext text/x-wiki ==Missing Layer== "R= Relief map" does not seem to be working... --[[User:118.93nzp|118.93nzp]] ([[User talk:118.93nzp|talk]]) 00:13, 15 January 2014 (UTC) :Already running in full-screen mode (extra server). <s> Unfortunately, the automatic update of the mapframe-server had an error. </s>[[User:Torty3]] is the only real expert for this. We have to wait for his return (see [[User_talk:Torty3]]). - I can't get access to this server because of my sparse knowledge of the English language. -- Joachim [[User:Mey2008|Mey2008]] ([[User talk:Mey2008|talk]]) 07:09, 15 January 2014 (UTC) :I was wrong. I have an old version held ready for the update. Sorry. I will soon rectify. - Joachim [[User:Mey2008|Mey2008]] ([[User talk:Mey2008|talk]]) 07:18, 15 January 2014 (UTC) ==Missing graphic== In the last few days we seem to have lost the graphic that used to display in the top right hand corner to indicate that clicking there would change the layers displayed on the dynamic map... --[[User:118.93nzp|118.93nzp]] ([[User talk:118.93nzp|talk]]) 00:15, 14 January 2014 (UTC) ::Thanks for the note. - It is a new software version has been used. Depending on the setting of your browser chache it can unfortunately lead to various problems. Please first close all Wikivoyage tabs / windows (very important) and then delete your browser cache. Then everything should be displayed normally. -- Joachim [[User:Mey2008|Mey2008]] ([[User talk:Mey2008|talk]]) 05:00, 14 January 2014 (UTC) :::Thanks for the rapid explanation, Joachim - you're a star! --[[User:118.93nzp|118.93nzp]] ([[User talk:118.93nzp|talk]]) 05:12, 14 January 2014 (UTC) == Multiple mapframes == [[:it:User:Andyrom75|User:Andyrom75]] has expanded the script [[:it:MediaWiki:Gadget-MapFrame.js|MediaWiki:Gadget-MapFrame.js]] for the Italian language version. Now several dynamic maps can be displayed on an article page. Here is an [[:it:Utente:Mey2008/Sandbox#Mapframe|example]]. Should this functionality be used here? Is perhaps the server load too high? - Joachim [[User:Mey2008|Mey2008]] ([[User talk:Mey2008|talk]]) 14:46, 7 March 2014 (UTC) (notice to [[User:Torty3|Torty3]], [[zh:User:Zhuyifei1999|Zhuyifei1999]]) :I would want to establish that there is a real need for this first. In what types of cases would a second map be needed? [[User:Texugo|Texugo]] ([[User talk:Texugo|talk]]) 14:58, 7 March 2014 (UTC) ::Some travel articles have multiple static maps [https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Rochester_%28New_York%29 Example]. But along with the possibility of clickable {{marker|type=see|name=markers|lat=43.1542|long=-77.6018|image=}} in the texts should be adequate in most cases ''one'' dynamic map. - Joachim [[User:Mey2008|Mey2008]] ([[User talk:Mey2008|talk]]) 06:25, 9 March 2014 (UTC) :::I can see limited usage for maybe two or three mapframes, but we should be using them in moderation and definitely not for nine different maps. What is the difference between a programmer and software engineer? One can do things, but it is not necessarily the best thing to do. Calling up to nine maps on a single page adds a factor of ten to server load, and also increases page loading time. -- [[User:Torty3|torty3]] ([[User talk:Torty3|talk]]) 08:25, 9 March 2014 (UTC) : I would like to add multiple maps to hiking itineraries. For example [[Rheinburgenweg]] or [[Coast To Coast Walk]] can be split into sections. Tried the idea of the whole map but this takes too much page space and leaves no room for photographs. Having part of the route next to the relevant text would be useful. --[[User:Traveler100|Traveler100]] ([[User talk:Traveler100|talk]]) 08:28, 1 June 2014 (UTC) ::I think it would be very useful to add two relief maps to [[Saguaro_National_Park#Get_in|Saguaro National Park]], which is split into two separate sections on opposite sides of the city of Tucson. –[[User:StellarD|StellarD]] ([[User talk:StellarD|talk]]) 13:30, 1 June 2014 (UTC) ::: For detailed maps, I would point to the example [[Rheinburgenweg]] here. The principle: An overview map as iframe (Mapframe) and detailed maps as weblinks. - I also fear that more than three iframes would delay the loading times in an article very much. If actual demand, this issue perhaps should be addressed in the Traveller's Pub. -- Joachim [[User:Mey2008|Mey2008]] ([[User talk:Mey2008|talk]]) 17:08, 17 June 2014 (UTC) ::::I wanted to try two mapframes in one article for Norway because the country is very long, and splitting in north and south (customary) makes it much easier to display with sufficient detail. --[[User:Erik den yngre|Erik den yngre]] ([[User talk:Erik den yngre|talk]]) 16:08, 20 January 2015 (UTC) :::::[[Trans-Canada Highway]] has links to multiple maps, as it has a rather wide aspect ratio if one tries to fit it onto a single map. [[User:K7L|K7L]] ([[User talk:K7L|talk]]) 02:45, 21 January 2015 (UTC) == Missing ''Eat'' icon == On the [[Eastbourne]] article, the <code><nowiki>{{Mapframe}}</nowiki></code> displays all the listings well, but the eat type listings (''<code><nowiki>{{Listing|type=eat...}}</nowiki></code>'') don't display a coloured icon, but a small ''image missing'' type square. The full screen map is [https://tools.wmflabs.org/wikivoyage/w/poimap2.php?lat=50.775&lon=0.279&zoom=11&layer=M&lang=en&name=Eastbourne here] and the template is [[Eastbourne#Get around|here]] in the article. Could someone help with this please. I don't know if I've done something wrong or not. Thanks. <span style="border=3px double #0075EA">[[User:Seagull123|'''<span style="background:#304747;color:#BED6D6">&nbsp;Seagull123&nbsp;</span>''']][[User talk:Seagull123|'''<span style="color:#304747;background-color:#BED6D;">&nbsp;Φ&nbsp;</span>''']]</span> 20:15, 17 October 2015 (UTC) : Fixed. While I don't know much of anything about the technical side of the listings, the purple color on the icons in the text at [[Eastbourne#Eat]] made me suspicious about the listings. Eat was capitalized, something I've never seen before. I changed it to minor case and now the eateries show up at the map as expected. : A little tip: above the editing window there are seven icons after the text "Listings". Click on the fork and the spoon and it will add a listing with everything correctly formatted. Also if you use the "Add listing" function when in read-mode (I don't use that), I think the listing should automatically be correctly formatted as well. [[User:Ypsilon|ϒpsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 20:46, 17 October 2015 (UTC) ::Thank you, ϒpsilon! That's great, I just had no idea what was going on. <span style="border=3px double #0075EA">[[User:Seagull123|'''<span style="background:#304747;color:#BED6D6">&nbsp;Seagull123&nbsp;</span>''']][[User talk:Seagull123|'''<span style="color:#304747;background-color:#BED6D;">&nbsp;Φ&nbsp;</span>''']]</span> 21:21, 17 October 2015 (UTC) == This connection is untrusted == {{swept}} The {{tl|mapframe}}s just got replaced with this error message: :tools.wmflabs.org uses an invalid security certificate. The certificate expired on 14/09/15 20:43. The current time is 14/09/15 23:09. [[User:K7L|K7L]] ([[User talk:K7L|talk]]) 23:13, 14 September 2015 (UTC) :: Works fine for me (Mac OS Mavericks/Chrome). Which OS/Browser combination are you using? (From memory we had similar issues with FireFox in the past) --[[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 23:17, 14 September 2015 (UTC) :::Firefox 35.0.1 on Ubuntu 14/x64 which I downloaded from a 1337 warez d00d. My local clock is displaying GMT, not sure if that matters? [[User:K7L|K7L]] ([[User talk:K7L|talk]]) 00:29, 15 September 2015 (UTC) :::: The SSL certificate for *.wmflabs.org in my browser says that it is valid from 24-June-2015 through 14-September-2015, thus it looks like this may be an issue for everyone once the browser clocks roll over to 15-September. I'm about to head out of the door to the airport, but it would probably be worthwhile either pinging [[User:Mey2008]] or someone else with connections to the labs, or else to open a ticket on Phabricator. -- [[User:Wrh2|Ryan]] &bull; ([[User talk:Wrh2|talk]]) &bull; 00:38, 15 September 2015 (UTC) ::::: Firefox 40.0.3 on Mac OS Mavericks is working for me. The official latest Firefox version for Linux is the same ([https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/all/ download here]). I suggest updating that in any case. The local clock may also be impacting the certificate, so also best to fix that to your local time zone. --[[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 00:39, 15 September 2015 (UTC) :::::: Same issue here. Chrome 45.0.2454.85 on Windows 7. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 00:52, 15 September 2015 (UTC) ::::::: Interesting. I'm now getting the 'Connection is untrusted' error for Firefox on both Mac and Windows 8.1. I now also get a 'null' window for Chrome. [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 01:10, 15 September 2015 (UTC) :::::::: To clarify my above comment, the issue is that Wikimedia's SSL certificate for the wmflabs.org domain is expiring at midnight on 14-September; the problem has nothing to do with browser or OS version. Wikimedia will need to renew the certificate, otherwise everyone who tries to access an "https" URL on *.wmflabs.org will soon see this issue when their browser validates (or revalidates) the certificate. I'm at the airport, but someone who will be around to follow-up can open a ticket at Phabricator if one has not already been opened. -- [[User:Wrh2|Ryan]] &bull; ([[User talk:Wrh2|talk]]) &bull; 01:53, 15 September 2015 (UTC) https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T112608 "''Looks like it might take us a day or so to renew them.''" "''I think there's a calendar somewhere with expiry dates, and this cert was just missed. I'll verify and make sure there's one such calendar.''" [[User:Syced|Syced]] ([[User talk:Syced|talk]]) 03:09, 15 September 2015 (UTC) Comment by Negative24 on Phabricator: "''Should the Wikivoyage tool perhaps be moved to a production or production-like machine to prevent such occurrences? From what I've heard, anything that breaks the actual page of a Wikimedia wiki (not bot/maintenance tasks) should be put on a higher priority machine. (topic for another task; cc me if one is made)''". What should we answer? [[User:Syced|Syced]] ([[User talk:Syced|talk]]) 03:09, 15 September 2015 (UTC) :: If I remember correctly; <nowiki>http://maps.wikivoyage-ev.org</nowiki> was being looked at a while back... [[User:Matroc|Matroc]] ([[User talk:Matroc|talk]]) 03:43, 15 September 2015 (UTC) - (at one time was used until a problem arose and was switched back to wmflabs..... :::Just saw the message as a popup when accessing the [[Colombo]] article, but just once. After this no warnings have showed up. [[User:Ypsilon|ϒpsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 04:20, 15 September 2015 (UTC) ::::Looks to be back to normal now. [[User:K7L|K7L]] ([[User talk:K7L|talk]]) 18:51, 15 September 2015 (UTC) :::::{{ping|Syced}} Per [[#Dynamic maps]] my understanding is that there was still work to be done before https://maps.wikimedia.org was ready for use sitewide. -- [[User:Wrh2|Ryan]] &bull; ([[User talk:Wrh2|talk]]) &bull; 05:38, 15 September 2015 (UTC) For a number of months, I've been getting an issue where dynamic maps don't load, just the boxes around them. In my browser's address bar, a little shield can be clicked which gives the message: "This page is trying to load scripts from unauthenticated sources." There's an option to load scripts, which does refresh the page and load the maps for the rest of the session, but will have to be repeated again if I close my browser. I'm using Chrome (45.0.2454.85) on Windows 10 (although was having the same issues on Windows 8.1). If other readers are encountering the same issue, they wouldn't know to load the scripts and would be completely oblivious that we have dynamic maps at all. [[User:JamesA|<span style="color: #046380">James '''A'''</span>]] ▪ [[User talk:JamesA|talk]] 07:49, 15 September 2015 (UTC) == optional show parameter == * &#123;&#123;mapframe&#125;&#125; has an optional parameter - '''show''' :* This parameter if not entered allows the map to show the default groups on a map and in the dropdown layer box. :* If you only want a specific group or just several groups to appear then use the optional show parameter. :** | show=eat --- would only show the eat group and not any others :** | show=drink,eat,do --- comma-delimited list in this example would show these 3 groups -- Posted this here so it can be clarified and added when a majority of the work on the new maps is finished -- [[User:Matroc|Matroc]] ([[User talk:Matroc|talk]]) 04:47, 12 June 2016 (UTC) : Thanks, now I didn't have to write an angry post here ;). Is it possible to get it to automatically show a GPX route as well? [[User:Matroc]], do you know? Or [[User:Mey2008|Joachim]]? [[User:Ypsilon|ϒpsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 07:45, 19 September 2016 (UTC) :: [[User:Ypsilon|ϒpsilon]] or [[User:Mey2008|Joachim]] - I don't know of any way to '''automatically''' create a GPX route; however, one can create a GPX route using a <code><nowiki>{{mapframe}}</nowiki></code> and a/multiple <code><nowiki><maplink></nowiki></code>s. There is probably more development going on and things will probably change ... Hopefully an easier method will become available. I took a look at the [[Trans-Siberian Railway#Go|Siberian Railroad article]] and the [[Template:GPX/Trans-Siberian Railway|GPX template]]. I 1st created a mapframe - included one of your tables '''The Trans-Siberian proper''' and then added a maplink to draw out the route. (coordinates were garnered from the template, edited and added to the '''maplink''') (added group and show. '''note''': can have multiple maplinks thus multiple routes). You can see results [[User_talk:Matroc/Laboratory#Partial GPX Route Siberian Railroad | here]]. What the future brings as development continues: there are probably other possibilities to come. - transclusion possibility of coordinates from another source such as a separate Module or page etc. (which other wikis could use?) Thats all I can think of for now! -- [[User:Matroc|Matroc]] ([[User talk:Matroc|talk]]) 08:07, 21 September 2016 (UTC) :::Thanks. ''Creating'' a track isn't particularly hard, but getting it to show on the map is apparently much harder now. In the old map you just saved the GPX file and the route appeared on the map for readers to see right away (the same with all types of markers). [[User:Ypsilon|ϒpsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 08:46, 21 September 2016 (UTC) ::::Also, in the trackpoint parameters of old GPX files, the latitude was listed first, and longitude second. Now it seems the other way around, so one can apparently not just copy the coords to a text editor, replace a couple of tags and copy it back. :( [[User:Ypsilon|ϒpsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 09:08, 21 September 2016 (UTC) ::: I would expect Open Street Maps and Kartographer to have an easier way to produce routes in the near future by accessing info via Wikidata ID. At least there would be a single source... -- All the best - cheers! - [[User:Matroc|Matroc]] ([[User talk:Matroc|talk]]) 23:17, 21 September 2016 (UTC) ::::[[User:Matroc]], may I ask a stupid question? What did you use to get the coordinates for the Transsib article? Can already existing GPX tracks be converted to the new format in some easy and quick way? [[User:Ypsilon|ϒpsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 06:12, 23 September 2016 (UTC) ::::: [[User:Ypsilon]], I just took the GPX for Transsib and copied it to Notepad++, made a few replacement passes then did some cut and paste. (Didn't take much time) The process could probably be duplicated somewhat in a Module to be later used in a Sandbox as results may still require a little bit of editorial work (will see what I can do shortly). This would be a temporary step as there will probably be something in the works coming along that will be easier to use and more permanent. GPX templates are still used in '''geo''' and as you know the whole maps thing is still in a state of minor flux. Cheers! -- [[User:Matroc|Matroc]] ([[User talk:Matroc|talk]]) 06:43, 23 September 2016 (UTC) ::::: Last time I checked there is some activity in this area -- [[User:Matroc|Matroc]] ([[User talk:Matroc|talk]]) 17:16, 23 September 2016 (UTC) == Name parameter and style updates? == Hello! Thank you for putting so much work into this great module. Here is my complaint, lol! The name parameter doesn't seem to work. You can see it not working by looking at the linked article: [[Amsterdam/Binnenstad|Binnenstad]] If you do have time to look at this, could you also look at the styling a little bit? It seems like there are two nested 'thumbinner' divs and they are throwing off the borders a bit. One solve would be making the inner one 8px smaller to account for the padding and borders. Thanks again for building this cool map template. --[[User:ButteBag|ButteBag]] ([[User talk:ButteBag|talk]]) 20:20, 21 October 2016 (UTC) : I fixed this problem. But I think we should also redesign this template as I did on German Wikivoyage. I do it also on English Wikivoyage if you want. --[[User:RolandUnger|RolandUnger]] ([[User talk:RolandUnger|talk]]) 06:41, 22 October 2016 (UTC) ::Yes, that would be great! Thank you! Although, looking at [[Mount Sinai]] for example, the style issue still seems to exist. The inner border is cropped by the outer border. Does that make sense? --[[User:ButteBag|ButteBag]] ([[User talk:ButteBag|talk]]) 16:12, 23 October 2016 (UTC) :: Arg, it keeps linking me to the .en version of the site. Could you provide a link to a German article? Thanks! ::: I rewrote the template. Please press "Roload" to bring the new styles into action. Some examples: [[Mount Sinai]] -- simple one, [[Fucking]] with static map, [[Soltau]] with GPX. --[[User:RolandUnger|RolandUnger]] ([[User talk:RolandUnger|talk]]) 17:14, 23 October 2016 (UTC) :::: Yo the maps look AMAZING now! Thank you Roland! --[[User:ButteBag|ButteBag]] ([[User talk:ButteBag|talk]]) 17:39, 24 October 2016 (UTC) ==Map Idea== IDK where to put this, just throwing it out there. It would be cool to repurpose the '3 layers' icon underneath the fullscreen icon. Right now when you hover the layers you can select 'mapnik', 'relief map', etc. Those are cool technical challenges to solve, but as a user it would be cool to have 'See', 'Do', 'Eat', 'Drink', etc checkboxes there instead. Maybe I am interested in seeing only the few shopping listings in a neighborhood with tons of hotel listings. Or maybe there are just too many dang 'Eat' listings on this page and I want to hide them. Also, just my $0.02, but that 'Explore nearby destinations' button does nothing for me. I'd cut it, but I love cutting things. --[[User:ButteBag|ButteBag]] ([[User talk:ButteBag|talk]]) 19:47, 1 November 2016 (UTC) == mapframe align issue == * '''align=none''' in template now appears to be an invalid value attribute for align in &lt;mapframe&gt; -- occurs on 23 article pages now -- don't remember if none was converted at one time to center or not? -- [[User:Matroc|Matroc]] ([[User talk:Matroc|talk]]) 17:45, 18 November 2016 (UTC) * In a first version of the Kartographer the map was frameless. The programmers of this template used for map positioning and framing the same CSS classes like for thumb images. You can align thumb images as left-floated/centered/right-floated (left/center/right) which is realized with the class attributes <samp>class="thumb tleft"/class="thumb tnone"/class="thumb tright"</samp> Therefore a none alignment was used for centered maps. But a parameter specified as none is used neither for images nor for maps. After the reorganization of the maps we learned about this misuse. After a study of both the Mapframe template and the Map module I detected that the alignment was not in use any longer, and therefore within the last weeks all maps were right-floated ones. I will correct the articles affected. --[[User:RolandUnger|RolandUnger]] ([[User talk:RolandUnger|talk]]) 16:04, 19 November 2016 (UTC) ** [[:Category:Pages with broken maps|Category:Pages with broken maps]] is now empty. --[[User:RolandUnger|RolandUnger]] ([[User talk:RolandUnger|talk]]) 16:24, 19 November 2016 (UTC) ** Thank you Roland. I looked at the Kartographer extension and left, right and center seemed to be the only ones allowed and thought that was the case. I am going to take '''none''' out of the documentation for this template. -- [[User:Matroc|Matroc]] ([[User talk:Matroc|talk]]) 18:54, 19 November 2016 (UTC) * -- Nevermind it looks like you had already done that change. Again thanks! == Mapframe view changes == {{swept}} Hello, There a small change coming to interactive maps I would like to share with you. Currently maps using <code><nowiki><mapframe></nowiki></code> are shown without a frame. After an upcoming update maps will appear inside a small frame with the option of a text caption. Similar to how embedded images work. Frameless maps are good for insertion as part of a template, whereas framed maps are good for insertion directly into the page, either by hand or by using the visual editor. * To insert a map without a frame, add the "frameless" attribute: <code><nowiki><mapframe frameless ....></nowiki></code> * To add a caption, use the <code>text="..."</code> attribute. '''Note''': Adding the text attribute automatically enables a frame. If you wish to keep existing templates from showing a frame, please add the frameless attribute. You can do this now without waiting for the deployment. This change should be enabled on Wednesday, August 31st. For more information please see [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T143734 T143734], start a discussion at [[mw:Maps]], or leave a note below. Thank you. [[User:CKoerner (WMF)|CKoerner (WMF)]] ([[User talk:CKoerner (WMF)|talk]]) 22:31, 25 August 2016 (UTC) : My apologies, this change has already deployed this week. Sorry, my mistake. It seems the mapframe tag looks ok, but please let me know if anything should be changed. Also, I will look at updating the [[Module:Map]] to support this feature. Thanks! --[[User:Yurik|Yurik]] ([[User talk:Yurik|talk]]) 22:42, 25 August 2016 (UTC) ::I happen to drop by and notice that both [[:Module:Map]] and {{tl|Mapframe}} still need to be updated to reflect this.. [[User:TheDJ|TheDJ]] ([[User talk:TheDJ|talk]]) 12:24, 15 September 2016 (UTC) == Allow synonyms for "name" == I was puzzled when [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Lord_of_the_Rings_tourism&diff=3171084&oldid=3171079 editing] [[Lord of the Rings tourism]] because the caption wasn't working right. After checking the template doc, I realized it's because someone had put <code>|caption=</code> instead of <code>|name=</code>. Could this template accept <code>|caption=</code> as a synonym for <code>|name=</code>? "Caption" makes a lot more sense, since the map frame looks the same as an image frame, which has a "caption" rather than a "name". --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 16:50, 21 March 2017 (UTC) == display with no markers == Is it possible to show the map frame on a page without any markers being displayed? Would be good to do this for district maps, see [[Berlin]]. --[[User:Traveler100|Traveler100]] ([[User talk:Traveler100|talk]]) 05:28, 4 May 2017 (UTC) : To do this you can overwrite the ''show'' parameter with a parameter which is not see, do, etc. I think ''nothing'' is possible. --[[User:RolandUnger|RolandUnger]] ([[User talk:RolandUnger|talk]]) 18:25, 6 May 2017 (UTC) :: '''show''' isn't mentioned as a parameter, but its there to use in the template: For Berlin: <code><nowiki><Mapframe|52.500|13.420|width=500|zoom=10|staticmap=Berlin_map_new.png|name=Districts of Berlin|show=mask}}</nowiki></code> to just show the shaded (masked) areas -- Forgot, show="" will just display the mapframe as mentioned above. --[[User:Matroc|Matroc]] ([[User talk:Matroc|talk]]) 22:58, 7 May 2017 (UTC) == Add alt text == Per accessibility guidelines, we should add [[w:WP:ALT|alternative text]] to this template. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 05:53, 8 September 2017 (UTC) == Default zoom == Why do we think the default zoom is 14? It seems to me that it's 13. [[User:Nurg|Nurg]] ([[User talk:Nurg|talk]]) 09:47, 27 January 2018 (UTC) == Why Poimap2 doesn't display English and Mapframe does? == As a WikiVoyage editor I can see Poimap2 maps like this one displaying in Chinese, and the first reaction of a foreigner user will be to consider it useless and close it: https://tools.wmflabs.org/wikivoyage/w/poimap2.php?lat=31.2331&lon=121.485&zoom=15&layer=W&lang=en&name=Shanghai/Huangpu But Mapframe here has English: https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Shanghai/Huangpu#/map/0 Since English is already available, how can we enable it (display a map in the language of the device) on the maps that open when "Click for a full screen dynamic map" is clicked on a WikiVoyage page? [[User:Szalai.laci|Szalai.laci]] ([[User talk:Szalai.laci|talk]]) 05:13, 22 May 2018 (UTC) : Mapframe is a substitute of Poimap2. That's why Poimap2 should not be used any longer. The development of Poimap2 and related tools was stopped a few years ago. There well be no further development including language support. If Poimap2 is used on other Wikivoyage branches please replace it by Mapframe. --[[User:RolandUnger|RolandUnger]] ([[User talk:RolandUnger|talk]]) 04:55, 24 May 2018 (UTC) :: But I'm talking about the small icon on the right top of every page, that will open a map in a new page. I think this button is built-in in WikiVoyage to open tools.wmflabs.org/wikivoyage/w/poimap2.php , I tried London and New York , and they act the same.[[User:Szalai.laci|Szalai.laci]] ([[User talk:Szalai.laci|talk]]) 06:59, 25 May 2018 (UTC) ::: Poimap2 is not "build-in", it is called by the {{tl|Geo}} template. We made at the German Wikivoyage an almost complete substitution of both the dynamic-map (globe icon) and the GPX-download (GPX icon) tools. We used Javascript to do this. You can see it for instance on the page of [[:de:Luxor|Luxor]] (in Egypt usually Arabic scripts are used). Both tools are in a stable beta state, but we hope that we will finish development in this summer (we had to add external tracks and external geo objects). To use these tools it is necessary to adapt both {{tl|marker}} and {{tl|listing}} templates. We added this dynamic-map tool because all articles use the Geo template whereas not all articles already contain a mapframe map. With Javascript we can create both in-article and full-screen map links. --[[User:RolandUnger|RolandUnger]] ([[User talk:RolandUnger|talk]]) 08:06, 25 May 2018 (UTC) == Mapframe with Chrome shows world map == {{swept}} I have noticed that <nowiki>{{mapframe}}</nowiki> often, but not always, shows a map of the world instead a map of the article's title location when displayed in Chrome. On Chrome, <nowiki>{{mapframe}}</nowiki> shows a map of the world for the [[Orillia]] article but the correct map for [[Leiden]]. If I edit the Orillia article, then click "Show preview", the correct map appears. (The correct map always appears if the page is displayed in IE or Edge.) What I have done a couple of times is to add extra parameters such as <nowiki>{{Mapframe|43.8690|-79.3121|zoom=11}}</nowiki> as in the [[Markham]] article to display the correct map in Chrome. Should I continue doing this where the wrong map is displayed? I noted another discussion on the [https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Wikivoyage:Travellers%27_pub#Dynamic_map_for_tracks_works_perfectly_with_Firefox_but_you_can't_zoom_in/out_in_Chrome_browsers Chrome browser] but I did not understand it. Thanks. [[User:TheTrolleyPole|TheTrolleyPole]] ([[User talk:TheTrolleyPole|talk]]) 21:37, 23 July 2018 (UTC) :I realized that as well. Adding the zoom level is sufficient in order to show the map as expected. But this behaviour is strange, anyway.--[[User:Renek78|Renek78]] ([[User talk:Renek78|talk]]) 21:43, 23 July 2018 (UTC) :: I do not use Chrome; however, when I make a mapframe I have usually added zoom and have had no problems. I have seen this type of behavior using maplink or marker as well. Just verify and if need be put in a zoom parameter. (pop up maps are it appears, handled slightly differently due to how a map is created (tiling). -- [[User:Matroc|Matroc]] ([[User talk:Matroc|talk]]) 02:41, 24 July 2018 (UTC) {{tracked|T197655}} ::: A few weeks ago we found a JavaScript runtime error at Chrome-based browsers (including Opera) which prevents the full execution of the script which is necessary to add controls and to show the correct map section. It seems that this is not a problem of the browsers but a problem of programme-part dependencies which is done by the resource loader. Unfortunately, the foundation's programmers did not made a software correction until now. The most awkward situation is that the Chrome browsers are the major ones on smartphones. --[[User:RolandUnger|RolandUnger]] ([[User talk:RolandUnger|talk]]) 14:35, 24 July 2018 (UTC) :::: Actually, 80% on mobile, ~60% on desktop... really unfortunate. [[User:Andree.sk|Andree.sk]] ([[User talk:Andree.sk|talk]]) 20:33, 24 July 2018 (UTC) ::I fixed the [[Orillia]] article, but adding zoom only was insufficient; so I also added the lat/long which fixed the problem. [[User:TheTrolleyPole|TheTrolleyPole]] ([[User talk:TheTrolleyPole|talk]]) 21:47, 24 July 2018 (UTC) :::Personally, I think the best solution is to include coordinates and zoom of a place in all mapframes. --- [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User talk:SelfieCity|talk]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 16:06, 21 August 2018 (UTC) == Merging map/marker functionality with de.wikivoyage == {{swept}} Guys, I came across [[Template_talk:Mapframe#Why_Poimap2_doesn't_display_English_and_Mapframe_does?]]. Basically, it looks like the de.WV guys have figured out the [[Wikivoyage:Travellers%27_pub#Wikidata_lat/longs|issue with markers only using wikidata to gather coordinates]] (summoning [[User:RolandUnger]], as usual :-)). Basically they got rid of the abandoned poimap2.php wmflabs thing and use javascript to extract whatever is needed. Check e.g. [[:de:Luxor|Luxor]]. In addition, they have a nice popup map on the top, so we could even remove many/most of the {{tl|mapframe}}s added via [[User:AndreeBot]] recently in the regions (esp. if the popup map would show by default for the regions). They also have other improvements, e.g. of the listing editor or markers with icons. They don't seem to use region masks or metro mapshapes, but I think that should just continue to work. I'd almost say it's a good time to [[User_talk:RolandUnger#Porting_de:_improvements_to_english_wv|combine the efforts and bring back de.WV improvements to en.WV]], use the same codebase for both. What do you guys think, do you see any reason why not start preparing this "operation"? [[User:Andree.sk|Andree.sk]] ([[User talk:Andree.sk|talk]]) 08:32, 27 July 2018 (UTC) : Until Mapframe type maps support showing your current location like the Poimap does I would strongly object to removing it from articles. --[[User:Traveler100|Traveler100]] ([[User talk:Traveler100|talk]]) 09:49, 27 July 2018 (UTC) ::Mapframe markers look very similar when printed in black and white, so I would prefer to keep having the alternative Poimap format. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 13:31, 27 July 2018 (UTC) ::: Today I started to explain [[User:RolandUnger/Marker and map tools on German Wikivoyage|marker and map tools]] as we use it on German Wikivoyage. But it will take time to make this explanation complete. Why I did it? As already stated we made all the programming from scratch. So we should not speak about merging of functionality but about replacing the tool set. That's why I am explaining our tool set. The community should discuss (in future) pros and cons. After a decision, the replacement can be done step by step starting with new marker and listing templates. I think we should do this together with the Hebrew community to check correct right-to-left support. ::: Of course we payed attention to a high degree of backward compatibility. But it will be necessary to adapt the templates by a bot. ::: All this is connected with some new concepts. The main one is to rethink the current system of really simple types which is unusable with Wikidata. --[[User:RolandUnger|RolandUnger]] ([[User talk:RolandUnger|talk]]) 06:58, 28 July 2018 (UTC) == Is it easy to transfer Mapmasks to OSM ? == {{swept}} I created many of those for the Hebrew Wikivoyage during the last year and I would like them to be used in other Wikimedia projects (such as Wikipedia). Is it easy to transfer them to OSM/Wikidata? If so, how is that done? [[User:ויקיג&#39;אנקי|ויקיג&#39;אנקי]] ([[User talk:ויקיג&#39;אנקי|talk]]) 16:43, 28 July 2018 (UTC) :It's pretty straight forward, since the mapmask is basically a polygon definition with line segments. Simply convert those to GPX format and import them into JOSM (Java OSM editor). Give it a name so you can search for it through OSM afterwards, and if it makes sense, assign it an administrative boundary by setting the [https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Tag:boundary=administrative admin_level] tag. [[User:ArticCynda|ArticCynda]] ([[User talk:ArticCynda|talk]]) 16:50, 28 July 2018 (UTC) ::Be careful! Only upload to OSM, if it is an official district boundary. If your boundary lines were set up by you at random in order to divide a city for Wikivoyage district maps then it definitely has no place in OSM. The right place is Wikimedia Commons for that ([https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Data:Brussels%20Districts.map here is an example for Brussels]). You need your polygons in GeoJSON format. If you only have gpx it is necessary to convert them to GeoJSON ([http://geojson.io geojson.io] should work for that. Else JOSM).--[[User:Renek78|Renek78]] ([[User talk:Renek78|talk]]) 17:37, 28 July 2018 (UTC) :::I completely agree, [[User:Renek78|Renek78]], although I think we should try to reuse existing OSM data as much as possible and limit the custom maps as in the case of [[Brussels]] or [[Kraainem]] since they're less flexible and less accessible than OSM data. [[User:ArticCynda|ArticCynda]] ([[User talk:ArticCynda|talk]]) 07:34, 31 July 2018 (UTC) == I added a track on the dynamic map of [[Around the World in Eighty Days]] but now all the POIs have disappeared == {{swept}} does anyone know how them make the POIs reappear? (without removing the track) [[User:ויקיג&#39;אנקי|ויקיג&#39;אנקי]] ([[User talk:ויקיג&#39;אנקי|talk]]) 22:22, 5 August 2018 (UTC) :I'm just about to try playing around with this thing. Yes, it seems as though there's a lot of complex code involved with the formation of that map. [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) 23:05, 5 August 2018 (UTC) ::I'm sure [[User:Traveler100|Traveler100]] would know and be able to fix it easily. [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) 23:06, 5 August 2018 (UTC) :::There was a parameter to indicate which items are displayed; if you changed it to indicate the track should be displayed, you'll likely have to also list the standard items (come, see, conquer, do, buy, eat, drink, be merry, sleep, pillage, burn, listing...) or they won't appear. It might be worth looking at [[Trans-Siberian Railway]] or [[Oregon Trail]] to see how they handle this. [[User:K7L|K7L]] ([[User talk:K7L|talk]]) 23:23, 5 August 2018 (UTC) :::: Temporary fix - added show="listing" to mapframe and the POIs now appear... Did this fix while [[User:K7L|K7L]] was entering explanation -- [[User:Matroc|Matroc]] ([[User talk:Matroc|talk]]) :::: marker without a type appears to default to listing and will not show in a mapframe unless show=listing is applied I believe. If you add type=see to all the markers - mapframe without a show parameter should work fine. If you click button icon 1 for Fogg the popup map will appear with that green icon 1 only, if you want the other icons to appear just put in show=listing for the other markers and they will all appear. You can experiment with group and show to see different situation. -- [[User:Matroc|Matroc]] ([[User talk:Matroc|talk]]) 00:02, 6 August 2018 (UTC) :::: '''Note''': Using <code><nowiki>{{mapframe}}</nowiki></code> is not the same as using <code><nowiki><mapframe></nowiki></code> and there are subtle differences. -- [[User:Matroc|Matroc]] ([[User talk:Matroc|talk]]) 20:29, 6 August 2018 (UTC) ::::: Is there actually a usecase for a "common editor" to use the tag instead of the template? I didn't see one yet, and quite the opposite - the former almost always caused some issues, like markers not showing (=the above). [[User:Andree.sk|Andree.sk]] ([[User talk:Andree.sk|talk]]) 20:47, 6 August 2018 (UTC) ::::::Insert > Map in the visual editor (and in its wikitext mode) uses the tag directly. It would be ideal if the tag worked as well as the template; if anyone wants to talk to work-me about this problem, then I'd be happy to file bug reports. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 19:30, 8 August 2018 (UTC) == Mapframe problems == {{swept}} {{Tracked|T231964}} What's wrong with the maps at [[Bicol]] and [[Calabarzon]]? They just show up as white for me, in both Firefox and Safari. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 02:28, 4 September 2019 (UTC) :{{Ping|Mx. Granger}} They are empty: just <nowiki>{{mapframe}}</nowiki> with no geocoordinates. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 02:33, 4 September 2019 (UTC) :Hm. Calabrazon is empty too but ''does display for me. Maybe lacking info at Wikidata?'' —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 02:33, 4 September 2019 (UTC) ::{{ping|Koavf}} I don't think the lack of geocoordinates is the problem—many articles, such as [[Negros]], have mapframes with no geocoordinates but still display the map just fine. ::Oddly enough, Calabarzon now displays for me too, though I'm sure it didn't 15 minutes ago. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 02:36, 4 September 2019 (UTC) : Most of the dynamic maps seem to be broken currently, probably some wikimedia server outage... -- [[User:Andree.sk|andree]]<small style="color: #ccc">.sk</small><small>([[User_talk:Andree.sk|talk]])</small> 05:40, 4 September 2019 (UTC) :: The problem is because of broken mapshapes. The shapes are added by a JavaScript script which had to load external data. If one of these data is broken the script stops working. That's why the map is empty. The script stop is a known problem. I tried to get the mapshape data manually, and I got the response: "password authentication failed for user \"kartotherian\"". This should not happen. --[[User:RolandUnger|RolandUnger]] ([[User talk:RolandUnger|talk]]) 06:19, 4 September 2019 (UTC) :The mapshapes in those articles showed white for me as well. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color: blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color: blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color: blue">contributions</span>]]) 11:23, 4 September 2019 (UTC) :: It seems that the problem is now solved. --[[User:RolandUnger|RolandUnger]] ([[User talk:RolandUnger|talk]]) 13:01, 4 September 2019 (UTC) == The mapframe behaves strangely again == {{Swept}} Since yesterday, the mapframe maps in some articles don't show up. There's just the description ("Map of article name") below it, and what used to be the map is just a narrow gray line, so it looks like it's collapsed. It seems to have something to do with the coordinates; if I delete them, or even all the parameters, so that the tag just says "Mapframe" with brackets around it, the map does show up. But that's not all, there's also an issue with the zoom levels of the maps. Now the mapframe wants to zoom out so that all of the POIs show up in the map. This means that if for instance an airport 50 km out of the city it serves is geotagged, it zooms out to a level including the airport, and everything else which is concentrated in a smaller area is just one dense cluster (example: [[Nicosia]]). If you leave the zoom parameter in, it's going to zoom into the middle of that area, ie. mid-way between the airport and downtown with no geotags showing up. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 09:13, 10 April 2020 (UTC) :I had the same problem. At the time, I assumed it was an ad blocker, but it wasn't, since the map still didn't show up after I turned off the ad blocker. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color: blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color: blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color: blue">contributions</span>]]) 11:13, 10 April 2020 (UTC) :: I think a dummy edit of the articles affected will bring up the maps again. If there will be articles with the corrupted maps still after a few days, please make a minor edit at the mapframe template. I do not know what happened maybe the height style was missing in the map container. --[[User:RolandUnger|RolandUnger]] ([[User talk:RolandUnger|talk]]) 12:06, 10 April 2020 (UTC) :: Concerning the zoom: it was and is the default mapframe behavior to show all markers if no coordinates and zoom are specified. The problem usually occurs if markers of far-distant locations are inserted in the articles. In this case you have to specify the parameters manually because the software cannot guess which markers should be shown. --[[User:RolandUnger|RolandUnger]] ([[User talk:RolandUnger|talk]]) 12:14, 10 April 2020 (UTC) :::Yes, this indeed is what the coordinate parameters are there for. I reverted my edits to Nicosia, and now the coordinates show up normally. I'll try to make a dummy edit to articles with invisible maps I run into. Thanks! --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 12:32, 10 April 2020 (UTC) :::: Hmm, looks like quite a few maps are missing - probably it would help to reload all pages... -- [[User:Andree.sk|andree]]<small style="color: #ccc">.sk</small><small>([[User_talk:Andree.sk|talk]])</small> 05:44, 12 April 2020 (UTC) == Butterfly effect on map update == {{Swept}} While working on [[#Switchable static/dynamic map]] I've noticed that 1 year ago has been updated the map on [[China]], but unfortunately the updated has been done in a bad way: overwriting the existing map. I'm writing this post hoping to avoid it on the future because this approach will mess up all the other language versions that use the same map. The good approach is to create a new file and let the article of a specific language version to use that new file. In this way all the other language versions are not affected. This good approach has been followed (I think by chance) on [[Southwest China]], maybe because the old map has a mispelled name, but anyhow this was enough to preserve all the other language versions. In all this mess, I've notice that the map on [[East China]] has not even updated, so the areas described in the article do not match the ones on the map, and for [[South China]] no new static map version has been created (it's not mandatory, it's just a choice, but let's consider that it's not uniformed among the other articles). Whomever will take in charge the map update task, please follow the right process, and please share to whomever is interested on this topic to be aware of this issue. --[[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 13:38, 4 October 2020 (UTC) :I think that [[User:Buernia]] made that update. Maybe talk to that editor about what happened? (It looks right to me.) [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 20:23, 5 October 2020 (UTC) ::Sorry about that. I’ve reverted the coloring of [[:File:Map of China (en).png]] to the 2012 version. The article in en:voy can reference the bitmap generated by [[:File:Map_of_China.svg]]. --<span style="border-radius:999px;background-color:#4527a0">　''[[User:Buernia|<span style="color:#ffeb3b">'''Buer'''</span><span style="color:#fff">'''nia'''</span>]]　[[User talk:Buernia|<span style="color:#fff">Talk</span>]]''　</span> 13:22, 10 October 2020 (UTC) :::Thanks [[User:Buernia]] for taking care about [[China]] map and [[User:Shaundd|Shaundd]] for the [[East China]] one. If one of you would be available to create a new version of the [[South China]] static map would be great. --[[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 14:54, 10 October 2020 (UTC) == Mapframe blinks during loading == If you try to open this [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=User:Soshial/maps/Latvia&oldid=4118597 sandbox page], you would see the bottom {{tl|Mapframe}} blink: before the blink all mapshape are shown on the map of Riga, after the blink only part of them. What's wrong with it? [[User:Soshial|Soshial]] ([[User talk:Soshial|talk]]) 14:01, 29 December 2020 (UTC) ==Layers== Would be nice if for logged in users the layers you have selected would be remembered between pages. Also does anyone know if the relief map data is under an open license? Ie could we host it locally like we do the maps? [[User:Doc James|<span style="color:#0000f1">'''Travel Doc James'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Doc_James|talk]] · [[Special:Contributions/Doc_James|contribs]] · [[Special:EmailUser/Doc_James|email]]) 18:43, 13 March 2021 (UTC) == Enhancement suggestion: Switch between static map and dynamic map == <nowiki>{{Regionlist}}</nowiki> shows the static map by default and allows switching between it and the dynamic map. It would be great if <nowiki>{{Mapframe}}</nowiki> could do likewise. As a bonus, it would be lovely to specify whether static or dynamic should be the default. Thanks! --[[User:Nricardo|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nricardo|talk]]) 00:05, 13 May 2021 (UTC) To clarify the above, current behavior should remain as is. Switchability would be controlled by a new template parameter. --[[User:Nricardo|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nricardo|talk]]) 02:32, 13 May 2021 (UTC) == Surprising effect of adding parameter "show=" == Without the optional parameter "show=", the parameters "lat=" and "long=" work as expected. If "show=" is added they have no effect until the names are removed and the values then work as unnamed parameters. This caused some problems as the solution was not intuitive. Maybe some warning in the documentation, which does not currently mention "show=" at all. &bull; &bull; &bull; [[User:Pbsouthwood|Peter (Southwood)]] [[User talk:Pbsouthwood|^(talk)]]: 05:16, 23 December 2021 (UTC) == What do you think of the Kartographer feature “Show nearby articles”? == {{swept}} ''Apologies for writing in English. If you can translate this message, it would be much appreciated.'' Hello, your wiki is among the first wikis to try the new feature “[[metawiki:WMDE_Technical_Wishes/Geoinformation/Nearby_articles|Show nearby articles]]” in Kartographer. Again, thanks a lot for volunteering to do this! [[File:Show_nearby_articles_feature_in_a_Kartographer_map.png|right|400x400px]] In the past months, we have worked some more on this feature based on initial feedback, most importantly: * Multiple pins at the same location are now clustered into groups when zooming out and unclustered when zooming in. * When you move on a map or zoom in and out, you now load new pins with a reload button. * The number of pins that can be shown as nearby articles has been increased from 50 to 300. With these changes implemented, we consider this feature ready to be deployed to all wikis. We also plan to disable the gadget [[m:WMDE_Technical_Wishes/Geoinformation/Nearby_articles#Wikivoyage|"Explore nearby destinations"]] to reduce the amount of code that needs to be maintained. But before we do that, we would like to hear from you: '''What is working well for you? What could still be improved?''' [[metawiki:Talk:WMDE_Technical_Wishes/Geoinformation/Nearby_articles|Please let us know on this talk page by March 19]]. Thanks a lot for your time! -- For [[metawiki:WMDE_Technical_Wishes|WMDE’s Technical Wishes project]], [[User:Johanna Strodt (WMDE)|Johanna Strodt (WMDE)]] ([[User talk:Johanna Strodt (WMDE)|talk]]) 10:36, 9 March 2023 (UTC) :The middle link is broken, as it's an interwiki link in external link syntax. The correct link is: [https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/WMDE_Technical_Wishes/Geoinformation/Nearby_articles#Wikivoyage Explore nearby destinations]. [[User:Daggerstab|Daggerstab]] ([[User talk:Daggerstab|talk]]) 18:02, 9 March 2023 (UTC) ::I fixed it, just in case anyone tries clicking it before reading your comment. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 00:23, 10 March 2023 (UTC) :::Ahem. Sorry about that. And thank you for fixing it! -- [[User:Johanna Strodt (WMDE)|Johanna Strodt (WMDE)]] ([[User talk:Johanna Strodt (WMDE)|talk]]) 10:00, 10 March 2023 (UTC) :'''While''' in general this sounds like a useful feature for Wikipedia and Wikidata, and so on, one has to acknowledge that geo-data on Wikivoyage is structured a little differently than on Wikipedia and Wikidata. Geo-coded items on Wikipedia and Wikidata exist as standalone items. Geo-coded items on Wikivoyage contraryly can be articles but also listings within such articles. However, listings within articles would not be included in the "Show nearby" feature with the currently proposed solution, would they? This would discriminate such listings for the Wikivoyage implementation, where on Wikipedia and Wikidata they would be displayed. Indeed, many listings in Wikivoyage articles are already based on their Wikidata item and connected to them. :So, for this being actually useful to Wikivoyage, somehow all geo-coded listings within the Wikivoyage articles would need to be included, I believe. Otherwise, the map would end up with a sparse collection of Wikivoyage article points. Compare: 31k articles on the English Wikivoyage vs. 858,660 geo-coded items on Wikidata just for France (just as an example). :Cheers [[User:Ceever|Ceever]] ([[User talk:Ceever|talk]]) 18:54, 15 March 2023 (UTC) ::It would still be useful for seeing nearby destinations that haven't been explicitly mentioned in an article, though. And listings are supposed to be relevant to the particular place they are listed in. Too much markers on a map are either a waste of resources, as most of them get ignored, or distract and confuse the reader - see what happened recently with the [[UNESCO World Heritage]] list. That's the reason behind the 7+2 rule, isn't it? Otherwise we could just make huge articles for regions or countries and put all the listings there. I don't think the point of this project (Wikivoyage) is to duplicate Google Maps. [[User:Daggerstab|Daggerstab]] ([[User talk:Daggerstab|talk]]) 19:39, 15 March 2023 (UTC) :::So, what you are saying is that a badly structured set of region and city articles shall now be compensated for by this Kartographer feature to find relevant articles, even though this feature will never be available through readers like Osmand or Kiwix? :::Also, you are consequently saying for Wikipedia and Wikidata: "Too much markers on a map are either a waste of resources, as most of them get ignored, or distract and confuse the reader", aren't you? Because this would definitely apply in their cases considering the amount of geo-coded items. :::I don't see how this causes to be a duplicate of Google Maps. But even if so, a duplicate that is free and open can certainly exist besides a commercial alternative. But can you explain, what you mean? :::A more useful feature to everyone would probably be a "Show nearby" that lets the user chose between articles and listing, or just a clear separation of article and listing markers. :::Cheers [[User:Ceever|Ceever]] ([[User talk:Ceever|talk]]) 23:39, 15 March 2023 (UTC) :::: "Show nearby articles" should show nearby articles. That's one feature I often use in the upper-right-corner map. Showing nearby listings would indeed be useful for listings just outside the area covered by the article, such as when an isolated sight has to be put in either of two city articles, but the other one was chosen. I see little use in showing all listings in the centre of a nearby city covered in its own article (that could of course be an option in a region article map). :::: I could envision an implementation where the main clusters of listings in articles for nearby destinations, and listings in articles for destinations farther away were shown just as article markers, while listings nearer the area of the article at hand were shown as individual (or clustered) listing markers. This would be considerably more complicated and not to overload the servers might require some additional info to be added in some data structures. This would be a new feature, which needs to be discussed with the Kartographer folks, to see what is feasible. :::: Allowing a switch to a map of Wikidata items could be a working alternative – especially if we get a mapping from Wikidata items to Wikivoyage listings. :::: –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:55, 16 March 2023 (UTC) :::::One problem is that while many sights have Wikidata items, most listings on Wikivoyage are not sights, but commercial entities... [[User:Daggerstab|Daggerstab]] ([[User talk:Daggerstab|talk]]) 11:37, 16 March 2023 (UTC) ::::Read the top post again: Wikivoyage already uses a custom extension/gadget that shows on dynamic maps nearby destinations, by request (clicking on a button). They are just adding that functionality to the core Kartographer. It's the status quo, not something fundamentally new. If it's some form of "discrimination", Wikivoyage has been already "discriminating". ::::Wikipedia and Wikidata function in a different way than Wikivoyage. And wiki-like map services like OpenStreetMap and Wikimapia already exist. [[User:Daggerstab|Daggerstab]] ([[User talk:Daggerstab|talk]]) 11:34, 16 March 2023 (UTC) :::::Thanks for your comments. :::::In the end, everything is up to everyones likings—you prefer this and I prefer that. That doesn't necessarily mean that those things have to contradict each other. :::::"Show nearby" could just show everything that is geo-coded on WV and one simply selects the relevant pieces by using the layer side menu, excluding listings, accommodation, commercial sites, or articles (as in my case). :::::I am definitely on your side when it comes to commercial listings, I don't see any point in competing with Google here. But that is not an issue of the Kartographer, but WV itself. Maybe it would be useful to more rigorously exclude them there. I barely use restaurant listings, and never any accommodation listings, for example. But so what, I can just have them hidden in the Kartographer, selecting the right types of items—I don't need a complex clustered display of any kind (@[[User:LPfi|LPfi]]). :::::Cheers [[User:Ceever|Ceever]] ([[User talk:Ceever|talk]]) 14:13, 18 March 2023 (UTC) :'''Furthermore''', one has to remember that any graphical overview should not come without an option to also have this information in a computer-readable or list form (GPX?). I would definitely see a use case where people are interested in nearby items but will want to load them into an external app. Wikivoyage is already a little limited in this sense, because GPXs can only be exported per article but not region- or country-wide. :Cheers [[User:Ceever|Ceever]] ([[User talk:Ceever|talk]]) 23:46, 15 March 2023 (UTC) ::@[[User:Johanna Strodt (WMDE)|Johanna Strodt (WMDE)]] could ask her team about that technical question. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 15:55, 16 March 2023 (UTC) :::Hello everyone, there was a parallel thread on the talk page of the feature on Meta. In the spirit of keeping all comments in one place, I have replied there: [[meta:Talk:WMDE_Technical_Wishes/Geoinformation/Nearby_articles#My_two_cents|Talk:WMDE_Technical_Wishes/Geoinformation/Nearby_articles#My_two_cents]] :::Thanks a lot, [[User:Johanna Strodt (WMDE)|Johanna Strodt (WMDE)]] ([[User talk:Johanna Strodt (WMDE)|talk]]) 09:52, 22 March 2023 (UTC) == Kartographer: New “nearby articles” feature to replace the existing one soon == {{swept}} Hello! Greetings from the [[metawiki:WMDE_Technical_Wishes|Technical Wishes]] team at Wikimedia Deutschland. You’ve probably seen that we have developed a new feature to show nearby articles. This feature was requested by many community members from different wikis, and Wikivoyage editors in particular asked for an easier way to determine which articles are shown as nearby on the maps. [[phab:T333821|Nine Wikivoyages]], including this one, have been using a similar feature for some years already (“Explore nearby destinations”, screenshot on the left). In this feature, nearby articles are defined with a list that has to be manually updated. The new feature automatically generates the nearby articles displayed on the map. We have [[metawiki:WMDE_Technical_Wishes/Geoinformation/Nearby_articles#Comparison_of_the_Wikivoyage_feature_and_the_new_feature|summarized the differences between the two features here]], but all in all, their functionality is quite similar. <gallery mode="packed" heights="300px"> File:Kartographer_Explore_nearby_destinations_wih_clusters.png File:Kartographer_Show_nearby_articles_wih_clusters.png </gallery> For the last months, English Wikivoyage has been testing this new feature. Thank you to everyone who has helped improve the feature with their feedback. Some things that have been changed are * clusters for nearby articles * improved performance: more articles can be shown * works on mobile As previously announced, we plan to replace the older Wikivoyage feature “Explore nearby destinations” with the new feature. This is to reduce the amount of code that needs to be maintained, and to have a consistent user experience across wikis. If you have any feedback on these plans, [[metawiki:Talk:WMDE_Technical_Wishes/Geoinformation/Nearby_articles|please let us know on this talk page.]] [[metawiki:WMDE_Technical_Wishes/Geoinformation/Nearby_articles#How_it_works|Here’s the wiki page of this project, if you want to learn more]]. – For the Technical Wishes project, [[User:Johanna Strodt (WMDE)|Johanna Strodt (WMDE)]] ([[User talk:Johanna Strodt (WMDE)|talk]]) 12:47, 17 April 2023 (UTC) === Update: "Explore nearby destinations" to be disabled on May 24 === Hello, here is an update to my message from April: On May 24, the current feature “Explore nearby destinations”, [[phab:T336834|which is only used on a few wikis]], will be turned off.  A few weeks later, the code of this feature will be removed. Your wiki will keep using the new feature “[[metawiki:WMDE_Technical_Wishes/Geoinformation/Nearby_articles#How_it_works|show nearby articles]]”. If you know better places to share this information on your wiki, we are kindly asking you to pass it on. Any comments are welcome [[metawiki:Talk:WMDE_Technical_Wishes/Geoinformation/Nearby_articles|on this talk page]]. – Best, [[User:Johanna Strodt (WMDE)|Johanna Strodt (WMDE)]] ([[User talk:Johanna Strodt (WMDE)|talk]]) 12:44, 17 May 2023 (UTC) == Scale is metric by default == If an article has distances in miles and feet, the bottom in the mapframe displays the scale always metric. There is no option to show it conform imperial system if the article has the imperial system. You can click the scale and then it changes to the imperial system, but it does not start like that. I think there should be a parameter in mapframe to change this behavior. [[User:FredTC|FredTC]] ([[User talk:FredTC|talk]]) 11:52, 29 December 2023 (UTC) == Broken "enlarge map" button? == See for example [[Aarhus#On foot]] &ndash; wherever this template is invoked, there's some mysterious text at the bottom reading something like <code>'"`UNIQ--maplink-0000000A-QINU`"'</code>. This is a div with "magnify" class, and hovering over it shows "Enlarge map," so I imagine this is supposed to be a button. This only seems to happen in the desktop view, both on Chrome and Firefox. [[Special:Contributions/173.75.41.173|173.75.41.173]] 01:41, 3 July 2025 (UTC) a5emc8daijl8x3wdk588rr88zq03zft 0 133975 5086597 5086481 2025-07-02T12:12:13Z Ibaman 195012 + wikilinks 5086597 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner}} [[File:Piazza della Vittoria, Pavia.jpg|thumb|250px|Piazza della Vittoria]] '''Pavia''' is a city in [[Lombardy]], home to one of the oldest universities in Europe (founded in 1361) and many interesting churches. Pavia is also called the city of the hundred towers, the city of kings (as it was the capital of the Longobards), the city of wisdom, the city of the red bricks and it is surrounded by ''Oltrepo' Pavese'', the so called "Tuscany of the northern Italy" with marvellous hills and wine yards scattered here and then across its landscape. ==Understand == * {{listing | name=Iat | alt=Tourist Information Office | url=http://www.visitpavia.com/it/iat-0 | email= | address= Via del Comune,18 | lat=45.1847365 | long=9.1541272 | directions=Palazzo del Broletto near the Duomo | phone= +39 0382079943| tollfree= | fax= | hours= M–F 9.00-13.00, 14.00-17.00; Mar-Oct Sa-Su 10.00-13.00, 14.00-18.00; Nov-Feb Sa-Su 10.00-14.00 | price= | lastedit=2015-08-30 | content= }} ===Climate=== In winter, the climate is harsh and humid with the formation of fog on the ground due to the presence of numerous canals and canals, and to poor ventilation. Snow and cold waves are not rare. Autumn and spring are the rainiest seasons, while summer is hot and muggy with frequent and sudden thunderstorms that cool the air quickly - albeit for a short time. The average maximum temperature is recorded in July with 29.8 ° C, the lowest in January with -2.0 ° C. The wettest month is October with 88 mm of rain; the one minus July with 48 mm. Average annual rainfall is between 750 and 800 mm, distributed on average over 81 days. ==Get in== [[File:Pavia, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 02.JPG|thumb|250px|Towers at Piazza Leonardo da Vinci]] Pavia is less than 30 minutes from [[Milan]] by direct train. The Pavia railway station is served by regional, interregional, Intercity, Eurocity trains of Trenitalia and by the suburban line S13 of Trenord. The journey from Milano Centrale takes about 30 minutes. Pavia is located on the Milan-Genoa railway line. The travel time for the Milan-Pavia section is about 30 minutes. All trains from Milan to Genoa, Ventimiglia, Sestri Levante, La Spezia, Voghera stop in Pavia. === By car === Pavia is located on the A7 motorway, 30 km south of the Milan ring road. The exit to reach Pavia is "Bereguardo". Distances: • Aosta 187 km • Bologna 203 km • Florence 291 km • Milan 38 km • Rome 565 km • Turin 136 km • Venice 278 km Roads and highways: • SS 35 dei Giovi Genoa - Milan • SS 526 Pavia - Abbiategrasso • SS 234 Pavia - Cremona • SS 235 Pavia - Lodi • E9 / A7 Milan - Genoa motorway (Bereguardo - Pavia Nord exit) • E54 / A21 Turin - Piacenza motorway (Casteggio - Casatisma and Stradella - Broni exits) ==Get around== {{mapframe|45.18|9.15}} ==See== * {{see | name=Castello Visconteo | alt= Visconti Castle | url= | email= | address= | lat=45.190143 | long=9.1583598 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-08-31 | content= Built in 1360-1365 the castle hosts now the ''Musei Civici'' (City Museums) of Pavia. There is a popular park around it. }} * {{see | name=Le 3 Torri dell'Universita | alt= | url= | email= | address=Piazza Leonardo da Vinci | lat=45.186396 | long=9.157992 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-08-31 | content=3 tall medieval towers in the middle of a nice ''piazza'' at the university. At the same square there is also the ''Cripta di Sant'Eusebio'' -- the remains of a 7th century church. }} * {{see | name=Duomo di Pavia | alt=Cathedral | url= | email= | address= | lat=45.1846 | long=9.1535 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A Renaissance cathedral with one of the biggest domes in Italy. }} * {{see | name=Basilica di San Michele Maggiore | alt=St. Michael the Major | url= | email= | address= | lat=45.1821994 | long=9.1565801 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-08-31 | content= An outstanding example of Lombard-Romanesque style. }} * {{see | name=San Pietro in Ciel d'Oro | alt=St. Peter in Golden Sky | url= | email= | address= | lat=45.1913 | long=9.1547 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A beautifully decorated basilica which is the burial place of St. Augustine and of the famous philosopher Boethius. }} * {{see | name=Chiesa di Santa Maria del Carmine | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=45.1871714 | long=9.1531241 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-08-31 | content=A Gothic church with a characteristic brickwork. }} * {{see | name=Chiesa di Santa Maria di Canepanova | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=45.1855532 | long=9.1588426 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-08-31 | content=A church in Romanesque style. }} * {{see | name=Chiesa di San Teodoro | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=45.1831787 | long=9.1510534 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-08-31 | content= A Romanesque basilica with bird's-eye-view frescoes of Pavia. }} * {{see | name=Ponte Coperto | alt=Covered Bridge | url= | email= | address= | lat=45.180656 | long=9.15319 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1053846 | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content=Originally built in [[Roman Empire|Roman times]] and rebuilt in the 14th century; however, it was destroyed in [[World War II]]. The current structure faithfully replicates the older version. }} ==Do== [[File:Certosa di Pavia (facciata).jpg|thumb|250px|Certosa di Pavia]] ==Buy== ==Eat== The dishes of the city of Pavese are the Pavese soup with eggs and croutons, the Carthusian risotto, the borghigiana eel, various dishes with river fish or raised in the rice fields, snails, fried or stewed frogs, soup frogs and goose salami. * {{eat | name=Molto più | alt= | url= | email= | address=Via Fratelli Cervi 13 | lat=45.20016 | long=9.129702 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-11-23 | content=Pizzeria with wood fired pizza oven, serves great ossobuco. }} * {{eat | name=Al Vita | alt= | url=http://www.alvitaristorante.it/ | email= | address=Corso Giuseppe Mazzani 10 | lat=45.185271 | long=9.15608 | directions= | phone=+39 3296133084 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-11-23 | content=Fine dining in the historic centre of Pavia. A must for food lovers, but usually fully booked so reservations must be made well in advance. }} * {{eat | name=Nuova Panarea | alt= | url= | email= | address=Viale Camillo Golgi 22 | lat=45.195437 | long=9.146668 | directions= | phone=+39 0382422255 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-11-23 | content=Pizzeria near the university's science campus. }} ==Drink== * {{drink | name=Janko | alt= | url= | email= | address=Strada Nuova 19b, Duomo Square 48 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Drink a very good coffee at "Janko" and taste one of his "delicatessen", enjoying a relaxing "slow shopping". }} * {{drink | name=Il Modernista | alt= | url= | email= | address=Via Mauro Rusconi 22 | lat=45.18398 | long=9.15596 | directions= | phone=+39 3336630344 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-11-23 | content=Pub with a broad selection of local and international beers from the tap. }} ==Sleep== If you are looking for some places to sleep and eat, it is recommendable the MiniHotel in viale Golgi 42, the many hotels like Aurora Hotel and Excelsior Hotel (20 min from Pavia Train Station) and many other solutions you may easily find browsing the web. * {{sleep | name=Villa I Due Padroni | url=http://www.duepadroni.it | email= | address=Montecalvo Versiggia | lat=44.9936 | long=9.2703 | directions=30 km S of Pavia | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} ==Go next== ''Certosa di Pavia'' is a tiny village north of Pavia, but there is a great attraction there, the abbey and the museum of: * {{see | name=Certosa di Pavia | alt= | url=http://www.museo.certosadipavia.beniculturali.it/index.php?it/136/informazioni | email= | address=Piazzale Monumento, Certosa di Pavia | lat=45.25696 | long=9.1478562 | directions= 8 km north of Pavia; take a train to a homonymous station, just before Pavia, walk W direction approx. 200 m, at a T junction you'll see a brick wall of the monastery, turn right and go at N direction until a wall on the left ends, turn left, go along the wall, when the wall turns left again follow the wall until the entrance to the Certosa. The whole distance is about 1.5 km | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Monastery: the most of the year Tu-Su 09.00-11.30, 14.30-17.30 (see details at the site); Museum: Th-Su 09:30-11:30 and 14:30-16:30 (open as late as 18:00 in the summer) | price=free | wikidata =Q654443 | lastedit=2021-11-29 | content=Built in 1396–1495, it is one of the largest monasteries in Italy. The Certosa is renowned for the exuberance of its architecture, in both the Gothic and Renaissance styles, and for its collection of artworks which are particularly representative of the region. The [http://www.museo.certosadipavia.beniculturali.it/ museum] can be visited by a free guided tour. }} {{outlinecity}} {{IsPartOf|Southern Lombardy}} {{geo|45.18|9.15}} 2hyhnzunk26unxpov39lof40knqlbs8 0 144720 5086773 4897482 2025-07-02T20:08:07Z Mrkstvns 144844 add foto 5086773 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Chickasaw National Recreation Area''' is in [[Chickasaw Country]] of [[United States]]. [[File:PLATT NATIONAL PARK HISTORIC DISTRICT.jpg|thumb|Bromide Pavilion in Chickasaw National Recreation Area]] ==Understand== ===History=== ===Landscape=== ===Flora and fauna=== ===Climate=== ==Get in== The Chickasaw National Recreation Area is easily accessible from Highway 7 and Highway 77 in [[Sulphur (Oklahoma)]]. The National Park Service offices is located in the Chickasaw Visitor Center, adjacent to The Artesian Hotel at Highway 7 and Highway 77. ==Fees and permits== There are no fees to enter the park. The Chickasaw National Recreation Area is free for drive-up and walk-up visitors. ===Campground fees=== *'''Non-utility campsite''': $14.00 - Cold Springs, Guy Sandy, & Rock Creek Campgrounds. *'''Non-utility campsite''': $16.00 - Buckhorn and the Point Campgrounds *'''Utility campsite''': $22.00 - Buckhorn and the Point Campgrounds, and one site at Rock Creek Campground *'''Premium utility site''': $24.00 (May through September) - Buckhorn Campground, Loop D sites #24, 25, 26 and Buckhorn Campground, Loop C sites #4, 5, 6, 7 *'''Group sites''': $30.00 - Rock Creek, Cold Springs & Central Campgrounds ''Persons may camp up to 14 consecutive days, not to exceed 30 days total between Memorial Day and Labor Day.'' ''The Senior or Access Pass 50% discount applies only to individual campsites and lake launching permits, not group sites.'' ===Boat launch fees=== *Daily Permit: $4.00 *Annual Pass: $30.00 ===Pavilion reservations=== There are covered picnic pavilions located in the Buckhorn and Veteran's Lake areas. They are available by reservation for $30 per day. ==Get around== ==See== * {{see | name=Lincoln Bridge | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-08-13 | content= }} ==Do== You can hike, swim, hunt, or go boating in the recreation area. * {{do | name=Travertine Nature Center | alt= | url=http://www.nps.gov/chic/planyourvisit/travertine-information-and-nature-center.htm | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-08-13 | content=Open year-round, the Travertine Nature Center has opportunities for learning, classes and nature exhibits. Live, interactive learning is available for all ages. Open year-round except Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Year's Day. }} ==Buy== ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== ===Lodging=== * {{sleep | name=The Artesian Hotel, Casino & Spa | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=34.5075 | long=-96.9681 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikipedia=The Artesian Hotel | image=ART ext from GwayPk.JPG | wikidata=Q16251850 | lastedit=2015-08-13 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Chickasaw Retreat and Conference Center | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2015-08-13 | content= }} ===Camping=== There are several campgrounds within the Chickasaw National Recreation Area: * {{sleep | name=Central Campground | alt= | url=http://www.nps.gov/chic/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=available just off Highway 77 after entering the park | phone=+1-877-444-6777 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$30 per night | lastedit=2015-08-13 | content=Seasonal public campground in the Chickasaw National Recreation Area's Platt Historic District. 10 sites are available for camping. }} * {{sleep | name=Cold Springs Campground | alt= | url=http://www.nps.gov/chic/planyourvisit/camping-platt.htm#CP_JUMP_369316 | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= across the road from Travertine Creek | phone=+1-877-444-6777 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$30 per night | lastedit=2015-08-13 | content=Open May through September. 65 campsites are available for reservation. Sites are non-electrical and best suited for tent camping, but small RVs and pop-up campers may fit. Amenities: Water spigots and restrooms located close to camp sites. }} * {{sleep | name=Rock Creek Campground | alt= | url=http://www.nps.gov/chic/planyourvisit/camping-platt.htm#CP_JUMP_369316 | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=near Veterans Lake and Rock Creek | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$30 per night | lastedit=2015-08-13 | content=Year-round campground near Veterans Lake and Rock Creek. There is easy access to hiking trails, fishing and mineral springs. 105 campsites and 1 group site are available for tent camping. Non-electrical sites can accommodate some RVs. Amenities include water spigots and restrooms close to campsites. }} * {{sleep | name=Buckhorn Campground | alt= | url=http://www.nps.gov/chic/planyourvisit/camping-loa.htm#CP_JUMP_369322 | email= | address=Buckhorn Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-877-444-6777 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=utility: $22 per night, premium utility: $24 per night, non-utility: $16 per night | lastedit=2015-08-13 | content=Four loops with 134 campsites available. All sites are first come, first served with showers available in restrooms. Some sites have electrical and water hookups available. }} * {{sleep | name=Guy Sandy Campground | alt= | url=http://www.nps.gov/chic/planyourvisit/camping-loa.htm#CP_JUMP_369322 | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2015-08-13 | content=In the Arbuckle District of the park, Guy Sandy has 40 campsites available on a first come, first served basis. Water faucets and pit toilets available. }} * {{sleep | name=The Point Campground | alt= | url=http://www.nps.gov/chic/planyourvisit/camping-loa.htm#CP_JUMP_369322 | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 877-444-6777 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Utility: $22 per night, non-utility: $16 per night | lastedit=2015-08-13 | content=55 campsites available. }} ===Backcountry=== ==Stay safe== ==Go next== *[http://www.turnerfallspark.com/ Turner Falls Park]: A beautiful natural waterfall in the Arbuckle Mountains. {{IsPartOf|Chickasaw Country}} {{outlinepark}} {{geo|34.45704|-97.01221}} scokhwwzj6fki50fr25p5lmotn0pzhr 0 144830 5086772 3882501 2025-07-02T20:05:35Z Mrkstvns 144844 /* Understand */ - add foto 5086772 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Lake Texoma Banner.JPG}} '''Lake Texoma''' is in the [[Chickasaw Country]] Region of [[Oklahoma]]. ==Cities== {{mapframe}} *Tishomingo - Home of Blake Shelton *Madill *Kingston *Milburn *Silo *Mead *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Durant]]|wikidata=Q974953}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Sherman (Texas)]]|wikidata=Q982379}} *Denison ==Other destinations== ==Understand== [[File:Lake Texoma spillway sightseers.jpg|thumb|Lake Texoma spillway]] Lake Texoma is a huge lake that borders both Oklahoma and Texas. During the summer season, the lake attracts large numbers of visitors to the towns surrounding it. With its close proximity to the Dallas Metroplex, Lake Texoma and the surrounding cities is a popular tourist destination during the lake season. ==Get in== ==Get around== ==See== ==Do== ===Festivals=== * {{do | name=Sandbass Festival | alt= | url= | email= | address= Madill| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-09-09 | content= }} * {{do | name=Break on the Blue | alt= | url= | email= | address= Tishomingo | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-09-09 | content= }} ===Gambling=== ==Buy== * {{buy | name=The Pink Pistol | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-09-09 | content= }} * {{buy | name=Murray on Main | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-09-09 | content= }} ==Eat== {{eat| name=BG's Catch | content= }} ==Drink== ==Sleep== {{sleep| name=The LadySmith | content= }} ==Stay safe== ==Go next== *[[Ardmore (Oklahoma)|Ardmore]] *[[Sulphur (Oklahoma)|Sulphur]] *[[Dallas]] {{IsPartOf|Chickasaw Country}} {{extraregion}} {{geo|33.8319|-96.5711}} 8zllm5y7z4iyvk7zecmql62sjuxgu1j 0 145900 5086904 5085464 2025-07-03T03:07:29Z Rangan Datta Wiki 124323 /* Across multiple states */ 5086904 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|TajMahal Banner.jpg|unesco_whs=yes}} '''World Heritage Sites''' are important places of cultural, historical, scientific or other significance designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). There are 43 {{UNESCO WHS}}s in [[India]]. These include 35 cultural sites (marked in blue), 7 natural sites (marked in green) and 1 mixed-criteria site (marked in red). India has the sixth largest number of sites in the world. {{mapframe|align=center|height=750|width=750}} ==Across multiple states== [[File:Darjeelinghimalayanrailway.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] [[File:Qutab Minar mausoleum.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Qutb Minar, [[Delhi]]]] [[File:Santiniketan Prayer Hall.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Santiniketan]] [[File:Konarka Temple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sun Temple, Konark]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 16 Agra Fort.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Agra Fort]] [[File:Temple No.- 3, Nalanda Archaeological Site.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Nalanda]] [[File:Fatehpur Sikri near Agra 2016-03 img05.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Fatehpur Sikri]] [[File:India-5692 - Flickr - archer10 (Dennis).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Khajuraho Monuments]] [[File:Mahabodhitemple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Mahabodhi Temple Complex]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 04 Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Taj Mahal]] [[File:Brihadeeswarar Kovil.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Brihadisvara Temple]] [[File:The elegant stone chariot.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Stone Chariot, Hampi]] [[File:Cave 26, Ajanta.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ajanta Caves]] [[File:Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus]] [[File:Thane Creek and Elephanta Island 03-2016 - img20 Elephanta Caves.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Elephanta Caves]] [[File:Kailasa temple overview, Ellora.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Kailasa Temple, Ellora]] [[File:Amber Fort (आमेर का किला ).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Amber Fort, Jaipur]] [[File:Rani_ki_vav_02.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Rani-ki-Vav]] [[File:Dhauladhar_ranges_in_the_background-_Trekkers_resting_a_bit_I_IMG_7165.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Dhauladhar Ranges]] [[File:Valley of flowers uttaranchal full view.JPG|thumb|upright=0.7|Valley of Flowers]] [[File:Ramappa Temple 8.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ramappa Temple]] [[File:Sunderbans 059.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sundarbans National Park]] [[File:Western Ghats Gobi.jpg|thumb|Western Ghats|upright=0.7]] * The '''[[Rail travel in India#Mountain trains|Mountain Railways of India]]:''' Consists of three different sites spread across [[West Bengal]], [[Tamil Nadu]] and [[Himachal Pradesh]]. They consist of narrow-gauge lines that run through picturesque mountains. ** {{see | name=[[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463874 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=(Toy Train) — [[Siliguri]]–[[Darjeeling]], [[West Bengal]] }} ** {{see | name=Nilgiri Mountain Railway | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463735 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=[[Mettupalayam]]–[[Ooty]], [[Tamil Nadu]] }} ** {{see | name=Kalka–Shimla Railway | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7171560 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=[[Kalka]], [[Haryana]]–[[Shimla]], [[Himachal Pradesh]] }} * {{listing | name=Western Ghats | alt= | url= | email= | address=([[Maharashtra]], [[Karnataka]], [[Kerala]] and [[Tamil Nadu]]) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4527 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A mountain range of [[South India]] running parallel to the west coast of India. A bio-doversity hotspot and home to many endangered and endemic species. It consists of 39 individual properties }} ==Assam== * {{Listing | name = [[Kaziranga National Park]] | lat = 26.6667 | long = 93.3500 | wikidata = Q192764 | content = It is home to the Indian single-horned rhinos (rhinoceros unicornis). Kaziranga also hosts a variety of other mammal species. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} * {{Listing | name = [[Manas National Park]] | lat = 26.71 | long = 90.93 | wikidata = Q506511 | content = It is a habitat for many unique and endangered wildlife species such as the golden langur, pygmy hog and hispid hare. The Asian elephant, water buffalo, black panther, sloth bear and sambar deer can also be found here as well as endangered residential and migratory birds | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} * {{see | name=[[Moidam]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.941466 | long=94.876018 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6735332 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The mound burial system of Ahom dynasty (1228–1826). These burial mounds create an undulating landscape reminiscent of hills, in line with the spiritual beliefs of the Ahom people }} ==Bihar== * {{see | name=Nalanda|Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Nalanda]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q216243 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} * {{see | name=Mahabodhi Temple Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Bodh Gaya]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4513 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} ==Chandigarh== * {{see | name=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier in [[Chandigarh]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=30.761085 | long=76.803291 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q55619850 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement is a World Heritage Site consisting of a selection of 17 building projects in 7 countries (including [[Chandigarh]], [[India]]) by the Franco-Swiss architect Le Corbusier. These sites demonstrate how Modern Movement architecture was applied to respond to the needs of society and show the global range of a style and an architect. }} ==Delhi== * {{see | name=Humayun's Tomb | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[South East Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189648 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The site was constructed in the Indo-Islamic style known as ''Mughal''. The grand domed structure of the Humayun's Tomb occupies the central position of the Persian styled ''char bagh''garden. There are several other structures in the garden and consists of Isha Khan's tomb & mosque, Arab sarai, Barbar's tomb and many more. }} * {{see | name=Qutb Minar and its Monuments | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/South Delhi|South Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q187635 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=These structures in Delhi date from the Slave Dynasty. The Qutb Minar is one of the tallest minars in India. It has been well-preserved with its intricate carvings. It was constructed of red sandstone and marble. Earthquake damage to the top of the Qutb Manar has been renovated and its base reinforced. }} * {{see | name=Red Fort Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/Central Delhi|Central Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q45957 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Red Fort is a red sandstone fort (and ruling palace) built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame. Many historical objects and marble inlays have disappeared and quite a few buildings can not be visited due to disrepair. However, the site is impressive with lush green gardens that are well kept year round. }} ==Goa== * {{see | name= Churches and Convents of Goa| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Old Goa|Goa]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q15726428 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Old Goa, the former capital of colonial [[Goa]], is full of history and the location of numerous well maintained scenic churches and convents. }} ==Gujarat== * {{see | name= [[Dholavira]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q9468 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an archaeological site at with the ruins of an ancient [[Indus Valley Civilisation]] (Harappan) city; it is one of the five largest Harappan sites. }} * {{see | name= Historic City of [[Ahmedabad/Central Zone|Ahmedabad]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5472448 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= The modern Ahmedabad was a walled city in the past along the banks of the Sabarmati River. The city presents a rich and diverse cultural and architectural style. It also houses the former home of Mahatma Gandhi, the Sabarmati Ashram. }} * {{see | name=Rani-ki-Vav | alt=Queen's Stepwell | url= | email= | address=[[Patan (Gujarat)|Patan]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7293002 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is famous for its ornate carvings and many sculptures in its galleries. Built as an inverted temple and representing a religious regard for water. Stepwells were built basically for the storage of water in India. }} * {{see | name=[[Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q844427 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A fortified medieval settlement with Hindu, Muslim and Jain architectural elements along with the remains of water-managing systems }} ==Himachal Pradesh== * {{Listing | name = [[Great Himalayan National Park]] | lat = | long = | wikidata = Q1544213 | content = The different altitudes provide for subtropical forests to alpine and glacial flora. Different species of goat, bear, leopard and pheasants can also be found here. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} ==Karnataka== * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Hampi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26732 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Significant historic and architectural interest. The area abounds with large stones used to make statues of Jaina deities. Numerous temples and other sites can be found in and around Hampi. Further excavations are under way. }} * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Pattadakal]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q817250 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an historic centre of Chalukya art and architecture. This has major temples and numerous shrines }} * '''Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas:''' It consists of two clusters of monuments (in [[Belur]] and [[Halebidu]]), and the Keshava temple in [[Somanathapura]], dating to the time of the Hoysala Empire, between the 11th and 14th centuries. ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Belur]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q760603 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Halebidu]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q108227451 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Chennakesava Temple, [[Somanathapura]] | alt=Keshava temple | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3537502 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ==Madhya Pradesh== * {{see | name= Rock Shelters of [[Bhimbetka]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q331603 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Early traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent have been discovered here. Rock paintings can be seen that are similar to those that have been found in Australia and France. }} * {{see | name= [[Khajuraho]] Group of Monuments| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26258435 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is a group of Hindu and Jain temples in [[Khajuraho]], [[Madhya Pradesh]]. The temples are noted for their architectural/artistic style and erotic sculptures. }} * {{see | name= Buddhist Monuments at [[Sanchi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q181123 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Believed to be the oldest stone structure in India. '''Vidisha''' (city in [[Madhya Pradesh]]) was the ancient capital city of the Malwa. Many Buddhist monuments were later built around this ancient city. The historical Sanchi stupas are very well preserved. }} ==Maharashtra== * {{see | name= [[Ajanta Caves]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Aurangabad]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= depict the stories of [[Buddhism]] from circa 200 BCE to 650 CE. These caves were discovered by some British Officers during a tiger hunt. These caves were built by Buddhist monks using simple tools. Buddhist monks often taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas (ancient seats of learning). There are detailed/beautiful sculptures and paintings depicting stories from Jataka tales. }} * {{see | name=[[Ellora Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189616 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are an impressive complex of rock shrines that represent the three faiths of [[Buddhism]], [[Hinduism]] and Jainism and were created during the 5th-13th centuries CE. The caves are northwest of central [[Aurangabad]], a few km from [[Khuldabad]]. }} * {{see | name=Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus | alt=(formerly Victoria Terminus), also known as '''Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus''' ('''CSMT''') | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=the architectural influence of Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival architecture and traditional Mughal architectural style }} * {{see | name=Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16942531 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It represents an urban project through various buildings (cinemas, residential buildings and balconies) of the late 19th century. Mainly these are found near the Oval Maidan area of [[Mumbai]], they represent the Victorian Neo-Gothic style of architecture and Art Deco (sometimes known as ''Indo-Deco''). }} * {{see | name=[[Mumbai/Elephanta|Elephanta Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q649384 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are two groups of sculpted caves (Hindu and Buddhist). Within the caves there are numerous carved panels and shrines. The original stone-cut elephant statue; for which Elephanta Island was named, resides at Jijamata Udyaan in [[Mumbai]]. }} ==Odisha== * {{see | name= Konark Sun Temple| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Konark]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q752091| lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= It was built to honour the sun god Surya. The entire temple is shaped in the form of a chariot pulled by seven horses in order to carry the sun god across the heavens. Though partially in ruins, it has extensive stone carvings (many erotic in nature) on the walls. }} ==Rajasthan== * The '''Hill Forts of [[Rajasthan]]''' — ** {{see | name= Chittor Fort in [[Chittorgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3695769 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= A massive stone gates with notched parapets and arched reinforced doors (to defend against elephants and cannon). Within the fort a circular road gives access to the gates and numerous monuments (ruined palaces and numerous temples). }} ** {{see | name= Kumbhalgarh Fort, [[Kumbhalgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1246283 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= protected by seven towering gates and within is the ''Badal Mahal'' palace. It also had long meandering walls for defence. There are many tales and interesting stories affiliated with this site. }} ** {{see | name= Ranthambore Fort, [[Ranthambore]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2724894 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It lies within the [[Ranthambore National Park]], near the town of [[Sawai Madhopur]]. Initially called "Ranath Bhawar Garh" (a place of Rajput warriors). The history of ''Sawai Madhopur'' centers around the famous Ranthambore Fort. }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Amber Fort in [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q456817 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a massive fort-palace complex built in a Hindu-Muslim style dating back to ''Raja Man Singh'' and once the royal palace of the ''Kachwahas''. Within the fort is the ''Sheesh Mahal'' (with thousands of mirror tiles on the walls and ceilings).. }} ** {{see | name= Jaisalmer Fort in [[Jaisalmer]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3634368 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= Also known as the “Sonar Quila” or "Sonal Kella" or "Sonar Kila". It displays the subtle hues of the setting sun and desert. It is a 'working fort' as its citizens reside and work within its walls. There are numerous vantage points within the fort that enable great views across the city and desert. }} * {{see | name= [[Jaipur]] City| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q66485 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a magnificent city filled with historical wonders and beauty in the North-western part of India. During the rule of Sawai Ram Singh I, the city was painted pink to welcome HRH Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VII, Emperor of India), in 1876. Many of the avenues still remain painted in pink, giving Jaipur a distinctive appearance and the epithet Pink city. }} * {{see | name= Jantar Mantar, [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q508634| lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= one of five astronomical observatories build by Maharaja Jai Singh in northern India. This historical observatory has geometric devices (or yantras in Hindi) for measuring time, eclipse prediction, tracking the orbits of stars eyc.. Explanations are posted for these devices and hired guides may provide further explanations. }} ==Sikkim== * {{Go | name= [[Khangchendzonga National Park]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=(mixed) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q2605019 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is named after Kangchenjunga, the highest peak of India. It is known for its numerous glaciers (Zemu glacier for example). Snow leopards, musk deer and Himalayan taar have been spotted here. }} ==Tamil Nadu== * The '''Great Living Chola Temples''' — consists of three Hindu temples built in the 11th and 12th centuries under the Chola dynasty. They represent some of the best examples of Dravidian architecture of the Chola period. ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Thanjavur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q916943 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= This temple is dedicated to Shiva. Its pillared cloister contains many lignams and the sanctum sanctorum has a large Shiva lingam and stone Nandi. }} ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Gangaikonda Cholapuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5521034 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is dedicated to the Lord Shiva and its location was used to be a medieval Chola capital. This multi-storied temple was once surrounded by a huge fort wall. }} ** {{See | name= Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3437182 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. }} ** {{marker|type=see|name=Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]|lat=10.94841|long=79.356708|image=Darasuram6.jpg}}. It has some excellent stone carvings (as well as inscriptions). The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. * {{See | name= Group of Monuments at [[Mamallapuram|Mahabalipuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3522747 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= a monument complex near [[Chennai]]. The area dates back to the ''Tamil Pallava'' dynasty. Mostly carved out of granite, they are among the oldest examples of ''Dravidian'' (South Indian) art/architecture. }} ==Telangana== * {{See | name= Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Palampet]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3380656 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= An ancient Hindu temple built during the 1200s Kakatiya dynasty & featuring ornate carvings & shrines. The main structure is in a reddish sandstone, but the columns round the outside have large brackets of black basalt which is rich in iron, magnesium and silica. These are carved as mythical animals or female dancers or musicians, and are "the masterpieces of Kakatiya art, notable for their delicate carving, sensuous postures and elongated bodies and heads". }} ==Uttar Pradesh== * {{see | name=Taj Mahal | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q9141 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It is a white marble mausoleum ordered by emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife (Mumtaz Mahal). Taj Mahal means ''Crown Palace''. It is a fairly well kept tomb and an outstanding example of Indian Muslim architecture. Current work is being considered to combat damage caused by pollution. }} * {{see | name=Agra Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q171857 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= Similar to the Red Fort in [[Delhi]], a well preserved palace and defensive complex constructed mostly in red sandstone. Emperor Akbar built this fort (same time as Humayun's Tomb in Delhi). Emperor Shah Jahan made later additions to it. }} * {{see | name=[[Fatehpur Sikri]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (''City of Victory'') — A virtual ghost city near [[Agra]]. Built by the Emperor Akbar, it was the capital of the [[Mughal Empire]] and later abandoned because local water supplies were lacking and near the tumultuous Rajasthan. It includes one of the largest mosques (''Jama Masjid'') in India. There are well preserved palaces and courtyards. }} * {{see | name=Keoladeo National Park| alt=Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary | url= | email= | address=[[Bharatpur]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (natural) — It provides habitat for thousands of birds during the winter season. The sanctuary hosts rare Siberian Cranes, ruddy shelducks, northern shovelers, northern pintails, tufted ducks, shovelers and other indigionous and migratory waterfowl. }} ==Uttarakhand== * {{listing | name=[[Nanda Devi National Park|Nanda Devi]] and [[Valley of Flowers National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q15839097 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=Nanda Devi contains wildlife such as snow leopards, bears, tahrs, deer and monkeys in addition to splendid flowers. The Valley of Flowers is famous for its beautiful alpine flowers. This valley is an Indian national park with beautiful waterfalls, landscapes, meadows of flowers and surrounding forests. }} ==West Bengal== * {{listing | name=[[Santiniketan]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1026431 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=Santiniketan was founded as an ashram by Debendranath Tagore in the second half of the 19th century and then developed into a university town of Visva-Bharati University. It is connected to the life and philosophy of Debendranath's son Rabindranath Tagore, the leading figure of the Bengali Renaissance. }} * {{listing | name=[[Sundarbans National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q532440 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The coastal mangrove forest in the southern part of [[West Bengal]] and [[Bangladesh]]. It lies on the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta. It is the largest mangrove forest in the world and the only mangrove forest in the world with tigers. [[Sundarbans (Bangladesh)]] is a different UNESCO Heritage Site in [[Bangladesh]]. }} '''Note:''' The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is listed under [[UNESCO World Heritage List (India)#Across multiple states|Mountain Railways of India]] ==See also== * [[UNESCO World Heritage List#India|UNESCO World Heritage List]] {{geo|21.534|78.046|zoom=5}} {{PartOfTopic|United Nations|India}} {{usabletopic}} 3ghxm3a709m7oy67jqxgl1c8kzt4zmw 5086909 5086904 2025-07-03T03:11:34Z Rangan Datta Wiki 124323 /* Across multiple states */ Updated listing for [[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] 5086909 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|TajMahal Banner.jpg|unesco_whs=yes}} '''World Heritage Sites''' are important places of cultural, historical, scientific or other significance designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). There are 43 {{UNESCO WHS}}s in [[India]]. These include 35 cultural sites (marked in blue), 7 natural sites (marked in green) and 1 mixed-criteria site (marked in red). India has the sixth largest number of sites in the world. {{mapframe|align=center|height=750|width=750}} ==Across multiple states== [[File:Darjeelinghimalayanrailway.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] [[File:Qutab Minar mausoleum.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Qutb Minar, [[Delhi]]]] [[File:Santiniketan Prayer Hall.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Santiniketan]] [[File:Konarka Temple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sun Temple, Konark]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 16 Agra Fort.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Agra Fort]] [[File:Temple No.- 3, Nalanda Archaeological Site.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Nalanda]] [[File:Fatehpur Sikri near Agra 2016-03 img05.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Fatehpur Sikri]] [[File:India-5692 - Flickr - archer10 (Dennis).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Khajuraho Monuments]] [[File:Mahabodhitemple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Mahabodhi Temple Complex]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 04 Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Taj Mahal]] [[File:Brihadeeswarar Kovil.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Brihadisvara Temple]] [[File:The elegant stone chariot.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Stone Chariot, Hampi]] [[File:Cave 26, Ajanta.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ajanta Caves]] [[File:Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus]] [[File:Thane Creek and Elephanta Island 03-2016 - img20 Elephanta Caves.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Elephanta Caves]] [[File:Kailasa temple overview, Ellora.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Kailasa Temple, Ellora]] [[File:Amber Fort (आमेर का किला ).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Amber Fort, Jaipur]] [[File:Rani_ki_vav_02.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Rani-ki-Vav]] [[File:Dhauladhar_ranges_in_the_background-_Trekkers_resting_a_bit_I_IMG_7165.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Dhauladhar Ranges]] [[File:Valley of flowers uttaranchal full view.JPG|thumb|upright=0.7|Valley of Flowers]] [[File:Ramappa Temple 8.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ramappa Temple]] [[File:Sunderbans 059.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sundarbans National Park]] [[File:Western Ghats Gobi.jpg|thumb|Western Ghats|upright=0.7]] * The '''[[Rail travel in India#Mountain trains|Mountain Railways of India]]:''' Consists of three different sites spread across [[West Bengal]], [[Tamil Nadu]] and [[Himachal Pradesh]]. They consist of narrow-gauge lines that run through picturesque mountains. ** {{see | name=[[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] | alt=DHR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[New Jalpaiguri]]–[[Darjeeling]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463874 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Nilgiri Mountain Railway | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463735 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=[[Mettupalayam]]–[[Ooty]], [[Tamil Nadu]] }} ** {{see | name=Kalka–Shimla Railway | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7171560 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=[[Kalka]], [[Haryana]]–[[Shimla]], [[Himachal Pradesh]] }} * {{listing | name=Western Ghats | alt= | url= | email= | address=([[Maharashtra]], [[Karnataka]], [[Kerala]] and [[Tamil Nadu]]) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4527 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A mountain range of [[South India]] running parallel to the west coast of India. A bio-doversity hotspot and home to many endangered and endemic species. It consists of 39 individual properties }} ==Assam== * {{Listing | name = [[Kaziranga National Park]] | lat = 26.6667 | long = 93.3500 | wikidata = Q192764 | content = It is home to the Indian single-horned rhinos (rhinoceros unicornis). Kaziranga also hosts a variety of other mammal species. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} * {{Listing | name = [[Manas National Park]] | lat = 26.71 | long = 90.93 | wikidata = Q506511 | content = It is a habitat for many unique and endangered wildlife species such as the golden langur, pygmy hog and hispid hare. The Asian elephant, water buffalo, black panther, sloth bear and sambar deer can also be found here as well as endangered residential and migratory birds | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} * {{see | name=[[Moidam]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.941466 | long=94.876018 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6735332 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The mound burial system of Ahom dynasty (1228–1826). These burial mounds create an undulating landscape reminiscent of hills, in line with the spiritual beliefs of the Ahom people }} ==Bihar== * {{see | name=Nalanda|Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Nalanda]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q216243 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} * {{see | name=Mahabodhi Temple Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Bodh Gaya]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4513 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} ==Chandigarh== * {{see | name=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier in [[Chandigarh]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=30.761085 | long=76.803291 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q55619850 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement is a World Heritage Site consisting of a selection of 17 building projects in 7 countries (including [[Chandigarh]], [[India]]) by the Franco-Swiss architect Le Corbusier. These sites demonstrate how Modern Movement architecture was applied to respond to the needs of society and show the global range of a style and an architect. }} ==Delhi== * {{see | name=Humayun's Tomb | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[South East Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189648 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The site was constructed in the Indo-Islamic style known as ''Mughal''. The grand domed structure of the Humayun's Tomb occupies the central position of the Persian styled ''char bagh''garden. There are several other structures in the garden and consists of Isha Khan's tomb & mosque, Arab sarai, Barbar's tomb and many more. }} * {{see | name=Qutb Minar and its Monuments | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/South Delhi|South Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q187635 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=These structures in Delhi date from the Slave Dynasty. The Qutb Minar is one of the tallest minars in India. It has been well-preserved with its intricate carvings. It was constructed of red sandstone and marble. Earthquake damage to the top of the Qutb Manar has been renovated and its base reinforced. }} * {{see | name=Red Fort Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/Central Delhi|Central Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q45957 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Red Fort is a red sandstone fort (and ruling palace) built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame. Many historical objects and marble inlays have disappeared and quite a few buildings can not be visited due to disrepair. However, the site is impressive with lush green gardens that are well kept year round. }} ==Goa== * {{see | name= Churches and Convents of Goa| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Old Goa|Goa]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q15726428 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Old Goa, the former capital of colonial [[Goa]], is full of history and the location of numerous well maintained scenic churches and convents. }} ==Gujarat== * {{see | name= [[Dholavira]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q9468 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an archaeological site at with the ruins of an ancient [[Indus Valley Civilisation]] (Harappan) city; it is one of the five largest Harappan sites. }} * {{see | name= Historic City of [[Ahmedabad/Central Zone|Ahmedabad]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5472448 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= The modern Ahmedabad was a walled city in the past along the banks of the Sabarmati River. The city presents a rich and diverse cultural and architectural style. It also houses the former home of Mahatma Gandhi, the Sabarmati Ashram. }} * {{see | name=Rani-ki-Vav | alt=Queen's Stepwell | url= | email= | address=[[Patan (Gujarat)|Patan]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7293002 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is famous for its ornate carvings and many sculptures in its galleries. Built as an inverted temple and representing a religious regard for water. Stepwells were built basically for the storage of water in India. }} * {{see | name=[[Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q844427 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A fortified medieval settlement with Hindu, Muslim and Jain architectural elements along with the remains of water-managing systems }} ==Himachal Pradesh== * {{Listing | name = [[Great Himalayan National Park]] | lat = | long = | wikidata = Q1544213 | content = The different altitudes provide for subtropical forests to alpine and glacial flora. Different species of goat, bear, leopard and pheasants can also be found here. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} ==Karnataka== * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Hampi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26732 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Significant historic and architectural interest. The area abounds with large stones used to make statues of Jaina deities. Numerous temples and other sites can be found in and around Hampi. Further excavations are under way. }} * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Pattadakal]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q817250 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an historic centre of Chalukya art and architecture. This has major temples and numerous shrines }} * '''Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas:''' It consists of two clusters of monuments (in [[Belur]] and [[Halebidu]]), and the Keshava temple in [[Somanathapura]], dating to the time of the Hoysala Empire, between the 11th and 14th centuries. ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Belur]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q760603 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Halebidu]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q108227451 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Chennakesava Temple, [[Somanathapura]] | alt=Keshava temple | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3537502 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ==Madhya Pradesh== * {{see | name= Rock Shelters of [[Bhimbetka]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q331603 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Early traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent have been discovered here. Rock paintings can be seen that are similar to those that have been found in Australia and France. }} * {{see | name= [[Khajuraho]] Group of Monuments| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26258435 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is a group of Hindu and Jain temples in [[Khajuraho]], [[Madhya Pradesh]]. The temples are noted for their architectural/artistic style and erotic sculptures. }} * {{see | name= Buddhist Monuments at [[Sanchi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q181123 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Believed to be the oldest stone structure in India. '''Vidisha''' (city in [[Madhya Pradesh]]) was the ancient capital city of the Malwa. Many Buddhist monuments were later built around this ancient city. The historical Sanchi stupas are very well preserved. }} ==Maharashtra== * {{see | name= [[Ajanta Caves]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Aurangabad]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= depict the stories of [[Buddhism]] from circa 200 BCE to 650 CE. These caves were discovered by some British Officers during a tiger hunt. These caves were built by Buddhist monks using simple tools. Buddhist monks often taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas (ancient seats of learning). There are detailed/beautiful sculptures and paintings depicting stories from Jataka tales. }} * {{see | name=[[Ellora Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189616 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are an impressive complex of rock shrines that represent the three faiths of [[Buddhism]], [[Hinduism]] and Jainism and were created during the 5th-13th centuries CE. The caves are northwest of central [[Aurangabad]], a few km from [[Khuldabad]]. }} * {{see | name=Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus | alt=(formerly Victoria Terminus), also known as '''Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus''' ('''CSMT''') | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=the architectural influence of Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival architecture and traditional Mughal architectural style }} * {{see | name=Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16942531 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It represents an urban project through various buildings (cinemas, residential buildings and balconies) of the late 19th century. Mainly these are found near the Oval Maidan area of [[Mumbai]], they represent the Victorian Neo-Gothic style of architecture and Art Deco (sometimes known as ''Indo-Deco''). }} * {{see | name=[[Mumbai/Elephanta|Elephanta Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q649384 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are two groups of sculpted caves (Hindu and Buddhist). Within the caves there are numerous carved panels and shrines. The original stone-cut elephant statue; for which Elephanta Island was named, resides at Jijamata Udyaan in [[Mumbai]]. }} ==Odisha== * {{see | name= Konark Sun Temple| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Konark]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q752091| lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= It was built to honour the sun god Surya. The entire temple is shaped in the form of a chariot pulled by seven horses in order to carry the sun god across the heavens. Though partially in ruins, it has extensive stone carvings (many erotic in nature) on the walls. }} ==Rajasthan== * The '''Hill Forts of [[Rajasthan]]''' — ** {{see | name= Chittor Fort in [[Chittorgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3695769 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= A massive stone gates with notched parapets and arched reinforced doors (to defend against elephants and cannon). Within the fort a circular road gives access to the gates and numerous monuments (ruined palaces and numerous temples). }} ** {{see | name= Kumbhalgarh Fort, [[Kumbhalgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1246283 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= protected by seven towering gates and within is the ''Badal Mahal'' palace. It also had long meandering walls for defence. There are many tales and interesting stories affiliated with this site. }} ** {{see | name= Ranthambore Fort, [[Ranthambore]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2724894 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It lies within the [[Ranthambore National Park]], near the town of [[Sawai Madhopur]]. Initially called "Ranath Bhawar Garh" (a place of Rajput warriors). The history of ''Sawai Madhopur'' centers around the famous Ranthambore Fort. }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Amber Fort in [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q456817 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a massive fort-palace complex built in a Hindu-Muslim style dating back to ''Raja Man Singh'' and once the royal palace of the ''Kachwahas''. Within the fort is the ''Sheesh Mahal'' (with thousands of mirror tiles on the walls and ceilings).. }} ** {{see | name= Jaisalmer Fort in [[Jaisalmer]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3634368 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= Also known as the “Sonar Quila” or "Sonal Kella" or "Sonar Kila". It displays the subtle hues of the setting sun and desert. It is a 'working fort' as its citizens reside and work within its walls. There are numerous vantage points within the fort that enable great views across the city and desert. }} * {{see | name= [[Jaipur]] City| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q66485 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a magnificent city filled with historical wonders and beauty in the North-western part of India. During the rule of Sawai Ram Singh I, the city was painted pink to welcome HRH Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VII, Emperor of India), in 1876. Many of the avenues still remain painted in pink, giving Jaipur a distinctive appearance and the epithet Pink city. }} * {{see | name= Jantar Mantar, [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q508634| lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= one of five astronomical observatories build by Maharaja Jai Singh in northern India. This historical observatory has geometric devices (or yantras in Hindi) for measuring time, eclipse prediction, tracking the orbits of stars eyc.. Explanations are posted for these devices and hired guides may provide further explanations. }} ==Sikkim== * {{Go | name= [[Khangchendzonga National Park]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=(mixed) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q2605019 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is named after Kangchenjunga, the highest peak of India. It is known for its numerous glaciers (Zemu glacier for example). Snow leopards, musk deer and Himalayan taar have been spotted here. }} ==Tamil Nadu== * The '''Great Living Chola Temples''' — consists of three Hindu temples built in the 11th and 12th centuries under the Chola dynasty. They represent some of the best examples of Dravidian architecture of the Chola period. ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Thanjavur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q916943 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= This temple is dedicated to Shiva. Its pillared cloister contains many lignams and the sanctum sanctorum has a large Shiva lingam and stone Nandi. }} ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Gangaikonda Cholapuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5521034 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is dedicated to the Lord Shiva and its location was used to be a medieval Chola capital. This multi-storied temple was once surrounded by a huge fort wall. }} ** {{See | name= Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3437182 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. }} ** {{marker|type=see|name=Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]|lat=10.94841|long=79.356708|image=Darasuram6.jpg}}. It has some excellent stone carvings (as well as inscriptions). The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. * {{See | name= Group of Monuments at [[Mamallapuram|Mahabalipuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3522747 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= a monument complex near [[Chennai]]. The area dates back to the ''Tamil Pallava'' dynasty. Mostly carved out of granite, they are among the oldest examples of ''Dravidian'' (South Indian) art/architecture. }} ==Telangana== * {{See | name= Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Palampet]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3380656 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= An ancient Hindu temple built during the 1200s Kakatiya dynasty & featuring ornate carvings & shrines. The main structure is in a reddish sandstone, but the columns round the outside have large brackets of black basalt which is rich in iron, magnesium and silica. These are carved as mythical animals or female dancers or musicians, and are "the masterpieces of Kakatiya art, notable for their delicate carving, sensuous postures and elongated bodies and heads". }} ==Uttar Pradesh== * {{see | name=Taj Mahal | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q9141 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It is a white marble mausoleum ordered by emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife (Mumtaz Mahal). Taj Mahal means ''Crown Palace''. It is a fairly well kept tomb and an outstanding example of Indian Muslim architecture. Current work is being considered to combat damage caused by pollution. }} * {{see | name=Agra Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q171857 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= Similar to the Red Fort in [[Delhi]], a well preserved palace and defensive complex constructed mostly in red sandstone. Emperor Akbar built this fort (same time as Humayun's Tomb in Delhi). Emperor Shah Jahan made later additions to it. }} * {{see | name=[[Fatehpur Sikri]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (''City of Victory'') — A virtual ghost city near [[Agra]]. Built by the Emperor Akbar, it was the capital of the [[Mughal Empire]] and later abandoned because local water supplies were lacking and near the tumultuous Rajasthan. It includes one of the largest mosques (''Jama Masjid'') in India. There are well preserved palaces and courtyards. }} * {{see | name=Keoladeo National Park| alt=Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary | url= | email= | address=[[Bharatpur]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (natural) — It provides habitat for thousands of birds during the winter season. The sanctuary hosts rare Siberian Cranes, ruddy shelducks, northern shovelers, northern pintails, tufted ducks, shovelers and other indigionous and migratory waterfowl. }} ==Uttarakhand== * {{listing | name=[[Nanda Devi National Park|Nanda Devi]] and [[Valley of Flowers National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q15839097 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=Nanda Devi contains wildlife such as snow leopards, bears, tahrs, deer and monkeys in addition to splendid flowers. The Valley of Flowers is famous for its beautiful alpine flowers. This valley is an Indian national park with beautiful waterfalls, landscapes, meadows of flowers and surrounding forests. }} ==West Bengal== * {{listing | name=[[Santiniketan]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1026431 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=Santiniketan was founded as an ashram by Debendranath Tagore in the second half of the 19th century and then developed into a university town of Visva-Bharati University. It is connected to the life and philosophy of Debendranath's son Rabindranath Tagore, the leading figure of the Bengali Renaissance. }} * {{listing | name=[[Sundarbans National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q532440 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The coastal mangrove forest in the southern part of [[West Bengal]] and [[Bangladesh]]. It lies on the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta. It is the largest mangrove forest in the world and the only mangrove forest in the world with tigers. [[Sundarbans (Bangladesh)]] is a different UNESCO Heritage Site in [[Bangladesh]]. }} '''Note:''' The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is listed under [[UNESCO World Heritage List (India)#Across multiple states|Mountain Railways of India]] ==See also== * [[UNESCO World Heritage List#India|UNESCO World Heritage List]] {{geo|21.534|78.046|zoom=5}} {{PartOfTopic|United Nations|India}} {{usabletopic}} 3wivjvmf6atmewj9ccxugfa1ayhlyge 5086910 5086909 2025-07-03T03:16:40Z Rangan Datta Wiki 124323 /* Across multiple states */ Updated listing for [[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] 5086910 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|TajMahal Banner.jpg|unesco_whs=yes}} '''World Heritage Sites''' are important places of cultural, historical, scientific or other significance designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). There are 43 {{UNESCO WHS}}s in [[India]]. These include 35 cultural sites (marked in blue), 7 natural sites (marked in green) and 1 mixed-criteria site (marked in red). India has the sixth largest number of sites in the world. {{mapframe|align=center|height=750|width=750}} ==Across multiple states== [[File:Darjeelinghimalayanrailway.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] [[File:Qutab Minar mausoleum.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Qutb Minar, [[Delhi]]]] [[File:Santiniketan Prayer Hall.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Santiniketan]] [[File:Konarka Temple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sun Temple, Konark]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 16 Agra Fort.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Agra Fort]] [[File:Temple No.- 3, Nalanda Archaeological Site.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Nalanda]] [[File:Fatehpur Sikri near Agra 2016-03 img05.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Fatehpur Sikri]] [[File:India-5692 - Flickr - archer10 (Dennis).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Khajuraho Monuments]] [[File:Mahabodhitemple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Mahabodhi Temple Complex]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 04 Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Taj Mahal]] [[File:Brihadeeswarar Kovil.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Brihadisvara Temple]] [[File:The elegant stone chariot.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Stone Chariot, Hampi]] [[File:Cave 26, Ajanta.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ajanta Caves]] [[File:Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus]] [[File:Thane Creek and Elephanta Island 03-2016 - img20 Elephanta Caves.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Elephanta Caves]] [[File:Kailasa temple overview, Ellora.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Kailasa Temple, Ellora]] [[File:Amber Fort (आमेर का किला ).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Amber Fort, Jaipur]] [[File:Rani_ki_vav_02.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Rani-ki-Vav]] [[File:Dhauladhar_ranges_in_the_background-_Trekkers_resting_a_bit_I_IMG_7165.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Dhauladhar Ranges]] [[File:Valley of flowers uttaranchal full view.JPG|thumb|upright=0.7|Valley of Flowers]] [[File:Ramappa Temple 8.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ramappa Temple]] [[File:Sunderbans 059.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sundarbans National Park]] [[File:Western Ghats Gobi.jpg|thumb|Western Ghats|upright=0.7]] * The '''[[Rail travel in India#Mountain trains|Mountain Railways of India]]:''' Consists of three different sites spread across [[West Bengal]], [[Tamil Nadu]] and [[Himachal Pradesh]]. They consist of narrow-gauge lines that run through picturesque mountains. ** {{see | name=[[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] | alt=DHR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[New Jalpaiguri]]–[[Darjeeling]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463874 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content={{convert|2|ft|mm}} }} ** {{see | name=Nilgiri Mountain Railway | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463735 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=[[Mettupalayam]]–[[Ooty]], [[Tamil Nadu]] }} ** {{see | name=Kalka–Shimla Railway | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7171560 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=[[Kalka]], [[Haryana]]–[[Shimla]], [[Himachal Pradesh]] }} * {{listing | name=Western Ghats | alt= | url= | email= | address=([[Maharashtra]], [[Karnataka]], [[Kerala]] and [[Tamil Nadu]]) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4527 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A mountain range of [[South India]] running parallel to the west coast of India. A bio-doversity hotspot and home to many endangered and endemic species. It consists of 39 individual properties }} ==Assam== * {{Listing | name = [[Kaziranga National Park]] | lat = 26.6667 | long = 93.3500 | wikidata = Q192764 | content = It is home to the Indian single-horned rhinos (rhinoceros unicornis). Kaziranga also hosts a variety of other mammal species. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} * {{Listing | name = [[Manas National Park]] | lat = 26.71 | long = 90.93 | wikidata = Q506511 | content = It is a habitat for many unique and endangered wildlife species such as the golden langur, pygmy hog and hispid hare. The Asian elephant, water buffalo, black panther, sloth bear and sambar deer can also be found here as well as endangered residential and migratory birds | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} * {{see | name=[[Moidam]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.941466 | long=94.876018 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6735332 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The mound burial system of Ahom dynasty (1228–1826). These burial mounds create an undulating landscape reminiscent of hills, in line with the spiritual beliefs of the Ahom people }} ==Bihar== * {{see | name=Nalanda|Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Nalanda]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q216243 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} * {{see | name=Mahabodhi Temple Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Bodh Gaya]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4513 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} ==Chandigarh== * {{see | name=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier in [[Chandigarh]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=30.761085 | long=76.803291 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q55619850 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement is a World Heritage Site consisting of a selection of 17 building projects in 7 countries (including [[Chandigarh]], [[India]]) by the Franco-Swiss architect Le Corbusier. These sites demonstrate how Modern Movement architecture was applied to respond to the needs of society and show the global range of a style and an architect. }} ==Delhi== * {{see | name=Humayun's Tomb | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[South East Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189648 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The site was constructed in the Indo-Islamic style known as ''Mughal''. The grand domed structure of the Humayun's Tomb occupies the central position of the Persian styled ''char bagh''garden. There are several other structures in the garden and consists of Isha Khan's tomb & mosque, Arab sarai, Barbar's tomb and many more. }} * {{see | name=Qutb Minar and its Monuments | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/South Delhi|South Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q187635 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=These structures in Delhi date from the Slave Dynasty. The Qutb Minar is one of the tallest minars in India. It has been well-preserved with its intricate carvings. It was constructed of red sandstone and marble. Earthquake damage to the top of the Qutb Manar has been renovated and its base reinforced. }} * {{see | name=Red Fort Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/Central Delhi|Central Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q45957 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Red Fort is a red sandstone fort (and ruling palace) built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame. Many historical objects and marble inlays have disappeared and quite a few buildings can not be visited due to disrepair. However, the site is impressive with lush green gardens that are well kept year round. }} ==Goa== * {{see | name= Churches and Convents of Goa| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Old Goa|Goa]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q15726428 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Old Goa, the former capital of colonial [[Goa]], is full of history and the location of numerous well maintained scenic churches and convents. }} ==Gujarat== * {{see | name= [[Dholavira]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q9468 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an archaeological site at with the ruins of an ancient [[Indus Valley Civilisation]] (Harappan) city; it is one of the five largest Harappan sites. }} * {{see | name= Historic City of [[Ahmedabad/Central Zone|Ahmedabad]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5472448 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= The modern Ahmedabad was a walled city in the past along the banks of the Sabarmati River. The city presents a rich and diverse cultural and architectural style. It also houses the former home of Mahatma Gandhi, the Sabarmati Ashram. }} * {{see | name=Rani-ki-Vav | alt=Queen's Stepwell | url= | email= | address=[[Patan (Gujarat)|Patan]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7293002 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is famous for its ornate carvings and many sculptures in its galleries. Built as an inverted temple and representing a religious regard for water. Stepwells were built basically for the storage of water in India. }} * {{see | name=[[Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q844427 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A fortified medieval settlement with Hindu, Muslim and Jain architectural elements along with the remains of water-managing systems }} ==Himachal Pradesh== * {{Listing | name = [[Great Himalayan National Park]] | lat = | long = | wikidata = Q1544213 | content = The different altitudes provide for subtropical forests to alpine and glacial flora. Different species of goat, bear, leopard and pheasants can also be found here. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} ==Karnataka== * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Hampi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26732 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Significant historic and architectural interest. The area abounds with large stones used to make statues of Jaina deities. Numerous temples and other sites can be found in and around Hampi. Further excavations are under way. }} * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Pattadakal]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q817250 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an historic centre of Chalukya art and architecture. This has major temples and numerous shrines }} * '''Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas:''' It consists of two clusters of monuments (in [[Belur]] and [[Halebidu]]), and the Keshava temple in [[Somanathapura]], dating to the time of the Hoysala Empire, between the 11th and 14th centuries. ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Belur]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q760603 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Halebidu]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q108227451 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Chennakesava Temple, [[Somanathapura]] | alt=Keshava temple | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3537502 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ==Madhya Pradesh== * {{see | name= Rock Shelters of [[Bhimbetka]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q331603 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Early traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent have been discovered here. Rock paintings can be seen that are similar to those that have been found in Australia and France. }} * {{see | name= [[Khajuraho]] Group of Monuments| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26258435 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is a group of Hindu and Jain temples in [[Khajuraho]], [[Madhya Pradesh]]. The temples are noted for their architectural/artistic style and erotic sculptures. }} * {{see | name= Buddhist Monuments at [[Sanchi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q181123 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Believed to be the oldest stone structure in India. '''Vidisha''' (city in [[Madhya Pradesh]]) was the ancient capital city of the Malwa. Many Buddhist monuments were later built around this ancient city. The historical Sanchi stupas are very well preserved. }} ==Maharashtra== * {{see | name= [[Ajanta Caves]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Aurangabad]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= depict the stories of [[Buddhism]] from circa 200 BCE to 650 CE. These caves were discovered by some British Officers during a tiger hunt. These caves were built by Buddhist monks using simple tools. Buddhist monks often taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas (ancient seats of learning). There are detailed/beautiful sculptures and paintings depicting stories from Jataka tales. }} * {{see | name=[[Ellora Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189616 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are an impressive complex of rock shrines that represent the three faiths of [[Buddhism]], [[Hinduism]] and Jainism and were created during the 5th-13th centuries CE. The caves are northwest of central [[Aurangabad]], a few km from [[Khuldabad]]. }} * {{see | name=Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus | alt=(formerly Victoria Terminus), also known as '''Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus''' ('''CSMT''') | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=the architectural influence of Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival architecture and traditional Mughal architectural style }} * {{see | name=Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16942531 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It represents an urban project through various buildings (cinemas, residential buildings and balconies) of the late 19th century. Mainly these are found near the Oval Maidan area of [[Mumbai]], they represent the Victorian Neo-Gothic style of architecture and Art Deco (sometimes known as ''Indo-Deco''). }} * {{see | name=[[Mumbai/Elephanta|Elephanta Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q649384 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are two groups of sculpted caves (Hindu and Buddhist). Within the caves there are numerous carved panels and shrines. The original stone-cut elephant statue; for which Elephanta Island was named, resides at Jijamata Udyaan in [[Mumbai]]. }} ==Odisha== * {{see | name= Konark Sun Temple| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Konark]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q752091| lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= It was built to honour the sun god Surya. The entire temple is shaped in the form of a chariot pulled by seven horses in order to carry the sun god across the heavens. Though partially in ruins, it has extensive stone carvings (many erotic in nature) on the walls. }} ==Rajasthan== * The '''Hill Forts of [[Rajasthan]]''' — ** {{see | name= Chittor Fort in [[Chittorgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3695769 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= A massive stone gates with notched parapets and arched reinforced doors (to defend against elephants and cannon). Within the fort a circular road gives access to the gates and numerous monuments (ruined palaces and numerous temples). }} ** {{see | name= Kumbhalgarh Fort, [[Kumbhalgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1246283 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= protected by seven towering gates and within is the ''Badal Mahal'' palace. It also had long meandering walls for defence. There are many tales and interesting stories affiliated with this site. }} ** {{see | name= Ranthambore Fort, [[Ranthambore]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2724894 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It lies within the [[Ranthambore National Park]], near the town of [[Sawai Madhopur]]. Initially called "Ranath Bhawar Garh" (a place of Rajput warriors). The history of ''Sawai Madhopur'' centers around the famous Ranthambore Fort. }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Amber Fort in [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q456817 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a massive fort-palace complex built in a Hindu-Muslim style dating back to ''Raja Man Singh'' and once the royal palace of the ''Kachwahas''. Within the fort is the ''Sheesh Mahal'' (with thousands of mirror tiles on the walls and ceilings).. }} ** {{see | name= Jaisalmer Fort in [[Jaisalmer]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3634368 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= Also known as the “Sonar Quila” or "Sonal Kella" or "Sonar Kila". It displays the subtle hues of the setting sun and desert. It is a 'working fort' as its citizens reside and work within its walls. There are numerous vantage points within the fort that enable great views across the city and desert. }} * {{see | name= [[Jaipur]] City| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q66485 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a magnificent city filled with historical wonders and beauty in the North-western part of India. During the rule of Sawai Ram Singh I, the city was painted pink to welcome HRH Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VII, Emperor of India), in 1876. Many of the avenues still remain painted in pink, giving Jaipur a distinctive appearance and the epithet Pink city. }} * {{see | name= Jantar Mantar, [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q508634| lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= one of five astronomical observatories build by Maharaja Jai Singh in northern India. This historical observatory has geometric devices (or yantras in Hindi) for measuring time, eclipse prediction, tracking the orbits of stars eyc.. Explanations are posted for these devices and hired guides may provide further explanations. }} ==Sikkim== * {{Go | name= [[Khangchendzonga National Park]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=(mixed) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q2605019 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is named after Kangchenjunga, the highest peak of India. It is known for its numerous glaciers (Zemu glacier for example). Snow leopards, musk deer and Himalayan taar have been spotted here. }} ==Tamil Nadu== * The '''Great Living Chola Temples''' — consists of three Hindu temples built in the 11th and 12th centuries under the Chola dynasty. They represent some of the best examples of Dravidian architecture of the Chola period. ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Thanjavur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q916943 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= This temple is dedicated to Shiva. Its pillared cloister contains many lignams and the sanctum sanctorum has a large Shiva lingam and stone Nandi. }} ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Gangaikonda Cholapuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5521034 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is dedicated to the Lord Shiva and its location was used to be a medieval Chola capital. This multi-storied temple was once surrounded by a huge fort wall. }} ** {{See | name= Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3437182 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. }} ** {{marker|type=see|name=Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]|lat=10.94841|long=79.356708|image=Darasuram6.jpg}}. It has some excellent stone carvings (as well as inscriptions). The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. * {{See | name= Group of Monuments at [[Mamallapuram|Mahabalipuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3522747 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= a monument complex near [[Chennai]]. The area dates back to the ''Tamil Pallava'' dynasty. Mostly carved out of granite, they are among the oldest examples of ''Dravidian'' (South Indian) art/architecture. }} ==Telangana== * {{See | name= Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Palampet]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3380656 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= An ancient Hindu temple built during the 1200s Kakatiya dynasty & featuring ornate carvings & shrines. The main structure is in a reddish sandstone, but the columns round the outside have large brackets of black basalt which is rich in iron, magnesium and silica. These are carved as mythical animals or female dancers or musicians, and are "the masterpieces of Kakatiya art, notable for their delicate carving, sensuous postures and elongated bodies and heads". }} ==Uttar Pradesh== * {{see | name=Taj Mahal | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q9141 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It is a white marble mausoleum ordered by emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife (Mumtaz Mahal). Taj Mahal means ''Crown Palace''. It is a fairly well kept tomb and an outstanding example of Indian Muslim architecture. Current work is being considered to combat damage caused by pollution. }} * {{see | name=Agra Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q171857 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= Similar to the Red Fort in [[Delhi]], a well preserved palace and defensive complex constructed mostly in red sandstone. Emperor Akbar built this fort (same time as Humayun's Tomb in Delhi). Emperor Shah Jahan made later additions to it. }} * {{see | name=[[Fatehpur Sikri]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (''City of Victory'') — A virtual ghost city near [[Agra]]. Built by the Emperor Akbar, it was the capital of the [[Mughal Empire]] and later abandoned because local water supplies were lacking and near the tumultuous Rajasthan. It includes one of the largest mosques (''Jama Masjid'') in India. There are well preserved palaces and courtyards. }} * {{see | name=Keoladeo National Park| alt=Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary | url= | email= | address=[[Bharatpur]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (natural) — It provides habitat for thousands of birds during the winter season. The sanctuary hosts rare Siberian Cranes, ruddy shelducks, northern shovelers, northern pintails, tufted ducks, shovelers and other indigionous and migratory waterfowl. }} ==Uttarakhand== * {{listing | name=[[Nanda Devi National Park|Nanda Devi]] and [[Valley of Flowers National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q15839097 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=Nanda Devi contains wildlife such as snow leopards, bears, tahrs, deer and monkeys in addition to splendid flowers. The Valley of Flowers is famous for its beautiful alpine flowers. This valley is an Indian national park with beautiful waterfalls, landscapes, meadows of flowers and surrounding forests. }} ==West Bengal== * {{listing | name=[[Santiniketan]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1026431 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=Santiniketan was founded as an ashram by Debendranath Tagore in the second half of the 19th century and then developed into a university town of Visva-Bharati University. It is connected to the life and philosophy of Debendranath's son Rabindranath Tagore, the leading figure of the Bengali Renaissance. }} * {{listing | name=[[Sundarbans National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q532440 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The coastal mangrove forest in the southern part of [[West Bengal]] and [[Bangladesh]]. It lies on the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta. It is the largest mangrove forest in the world and the only mangrove forest in the world with tigers. [[Sundarbans (Bangladesh)]] is a different UNESCO Heritage Site in [[Bangladesh]]. }} '''Note:''' The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is listed under [[UNESCO World Heritage List (India)#Across multiple states|Mountain Railways of India]] ==See also== * [[UNESCO World Heritage List#India|UNESCO World Heritage List]] {{geo|21.534|78.046|zoom=5}} {{PartOfTopic|United Nations|India}} {{usabletopic}} ofdaw0cxr61ktjy1zqwnlt40g8vnqhl 5086914 5086910 2025-07-03T03:22:37Z Rangan Datta Wiki 124323 /* Across multiple states */ Updated listing for [[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] 5086914 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|TajMahal Banner.jpg|unesco_whs=yes}} '''World Heritage Sites''' are important places of cultural, historical, scientific or other significance designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). There are 43 {{UNESCO WHS}}s in [[India]]. These include 35 cultural sites (marked in blue), 7 natural sites (marked in green) and 1 mixed-criteria site (marked in red). India has the sixth largest number of sites in the world. {{mapframe|align=center|height=750|width=750}} ==Across multiple states== [[File:Darjeelinghimalayanrailway.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] [[File:Qutab Minar mausoleum.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Qutb Minar, [[Delhi]]]] [[File:Santiniketan Prayer Hall.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Santiniketan]] [[File:Konarka Temple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sun Temple, Konark]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 16 Agra Fort.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Agra Fort]] [[File:Temple No.- 3, Nalanda Archaeological Site.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Nalanda]] [[File:Fatehpur Sikri near Agra 2016-03 img05.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Fatehpur Sikri]] [[File:India-5692 - Flickr - archer10 (Dennis).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Khajuraho Monuments]] [[File:Mahabodhitemple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Mahabodhi Temple Complex]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 04 Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Taj Mahal]] [[File:Brihadeeswarar Kovil.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Brihadisvara Temple]] [[File:The elegant stone chariot.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Stone Chariot, Hampi]] [[File:Cave 26, Ajanta.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ajanta Caves]] [[File:Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus]] [[File:Thane Creek and Elephanta Island 03-2016 - img20 Elephanta Caves.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Elephanta Caves]] [[File:Kailasa temple overview, Ellora.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Kailasa Temple, Ellora]] [[File:Amber Fort (आमेर का किला ).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Amber Fort, Jaipur]] [[File:Rani_ki_vav_02.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Rani-ki-Vav]] [[File:Dhauladhar_ranges_in_the_background-_Trekkers_resting_a_bit_I_IMG_7165.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Dhauladhar Ranges]] [[File:Valley of flowers uttaranchal full view.JPG|thumb|upright=0.7|Valley of Flowers]] [[File:Ramappa Temple 8.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ramappa Temple]] [[File:Sunderbans 059.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sundarbans National Park]] [[File:Western Ghats Gobi.jpg|thumb|Western Ghats|upright=0.7]] * The '''[[Rail travel in India#Mountain trains|Mountain Railways of India]]:''' Consists of three different sites spread across [[West Bengal]], [[Tamil Nadu]] and [[Himachal Pradesh]]. They consist of narrow-gauge lines that run through picturesque mountains. ** {{see | name=[[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] | alt=DHR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[New Jalpaiguri]]–[[Darjeeling]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463874 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A {{convert|2|ft|mm}} gauge railway running through the foothills of the eastern Himalayas. THe railway covers a distance of {{convert|88|Km|m}} starts at an altitude of {{convert| }} ** {{see | name=Nilgiri Mountain Railway | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463735 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=[[Mettupalayam]]–[[Ooty]], [[Tamil Nadu]] }} ** {{see | name=Kalka–Shimla Railway | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7171560 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=[[Kalka]], [[Haryana]]–[[Shimla]], [[Himachal Pradesh]] }} * {{listing | name=Western Ghats | alt= | url= | email= | address=([[Maharashtra]], [[Karnataka]], [[Kerala]] and [[Tamil Nadu]]) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4527 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A mountain range of [[South India]] running parallel to the west coast of India. A bio-doversity hotspot and home to many endangered and endemic species. It consists of 39 individual properties }} ==Assam== * {{Listing | name = [[Kaziranga National Park]] | lat = 26.6667 | long = 93.3500 | wikidata = Q192764 | content = It is home to the Indian single-horned rhinos (rhinoceros unicornis). Kaziranga also hosts a variety of other mammal species. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} * {{Listing | name = [[Manas National Park]] | lat = 26.71 | long = 90.93 | wikidata = Q506511 | content = It is a habitat for many unique and endangered wildlife species such as the golden langur, pygmy hog and hispid hare. The Asian elephant, water buffalo, black panther, sloth bear and sambar deer can also be found here as well as endangered residential and migratory birds | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} * {{see | name=[[Moidam]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.941466 | long=94.876018 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6735332 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The mound burial system of Ahom dynasty (1228–1826). These burial mounds create an undulating landscape reminiscent of hills, in line with the spiritual beliefs of the Ahom people }} ==Bihar== * {{see | name=Nalanda|Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Nalanda]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q216243 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} * {{see | name=Mahabodhi Temple Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Bodh Gaya]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4513 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} ==Chandigarh== * {{see | name=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier in [[Chandigarh]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=30.761085 | long=76.803291 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q55619850 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement is a World Heritage Site consisting of a selection of 17 building projects in 7 countries (including [[Chandigarh]], [[India]]) by the Franco-Swiss architect Le Corbusier. These sites demonstrate how Modern Movement architecture was applied to respond to the needs of society and show the global range of a style and an architect. }} ==Delhi== * {{see | name=Humayun's Tomb | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[South East Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189648 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The site was constructed in the Indo-Islamic style known as ''Mughal''. The grand domed structure of the Humayun's Tomb occupies the central position of the Persian styled ''char bagh''garden. There are several other structures in the garden and consists of Isha Khan's tomb & mosque, Arab sarai, Barbar's tomb and many more. }} * {{see | name=Qutb Minar and its Monuments | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/South Delhi|South Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q187635 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=These structures in Delhi date from the Slave Dynasty. The Qutb Minar is one of the tallest minars in India. It has been well-preserved with its intricate carvings. It was constructed of red sandstone and marble. Earthquake damage to the top of the Qutb Manar has been renovated and its base reinforced. }} * {{see | name=Red Fort Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/Central Delhi|Central Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q45957 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Red Fort is a red sandstone fort (and ruling palace) built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame. Many historical objects and marble inlays have disappeared and quite a few buildings can not be visited due to disrepair. However, the site is impressive with lush green gardens that are well kept year round. }} ==Goa== * {{see | name= Churches and Convents of Goa| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Old Goa|Goa]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q15726428 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Old Goa, the former capital of colonial [[Goa]], is full of history and the location of numerous well maintained scenic churches and convents. }} ==Gujarat== * {{see | name= [[Dholavira]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q9468 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an archaeological site at with the ruins of an ancient [[Indus Valley Civilisation]] (Harappan) city; it is one of the five largest Harappan sites. }} * {{see | name= Historic City of [[Ahmedabad/Central Zone|Ahmedabad]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5472448 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= The modern Ahmedabad was a walled city in the past along the banks of the Sabarmati River. The city presents a rich and diverse cultural and architectural style. It also houses the former home of Mahatma Gandhi, the Sabarmati Ashram. }} * {{see | name=Rani-ki-Vav | alt=Queen's Stepwell | url= | email= | address=[[Patan (Gujarat)|Patan]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7293002 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is famous for its ornate carvings and many sculptures in its galleries. Built as an inverted temple and representing a religious regard for water. Stepwells were built basically for the storage of water in India. }} * {{see | name=[[Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q844427 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A fortified medieval settlement with Hindu, Muslim and Jain architectural elements along with the remains of water-managing systems }} ==Himachal Pradesh== * {{Listing | name = [[Great Himalayan National Park]] | lat = | long = | wikidata = Q1544213 | content = The different altitudes provide for subtropical forests to alpine and glacial flora. Different species of goat, bear, leopard and pheasants can also be found here. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} ==Karnataka== * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Hampi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26732 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Significant historic and architectural interest. The area abounds with large stones used to make statues of Jaina deities. Numerous temples and other sites can be found in and around Hampi. Further excavations are under way. }} * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Pattadakal]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q817250 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an historic centre of Chalukya art and architecture. This has major temples and numerous shrines }} * '''Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas:''' It consists of two clusters of monuments (in [[Belur]] and [[Halebidu]]), and the Keshava temple in [[Somanathapura]], dating to the time of the Hoysala Empire, between the 11th and 14th centuries. ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Belur]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q760603 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Halebidu]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q108227451 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Chennakesava Temple, [[Somanathapura]] | alt=Keshava temple | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3537502 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ==Madhya Pradesh== * {{see | name= Rock Shelters of [[Bhimbetka]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q331603 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Early traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent have been discovered here. Rock paintings can be seen that are similar to those that have been found in Australia and France. }} * {{see | name= [[Khajuraho]] Group of Monuments| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26258435 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is a group of Hindu and Jain temples in [[Khajuraho]], [[Madhya Pradesh]]. The temples are noted for their architectural/artistic style and erotic sculptures. }} * {{see | name= Buddhist Monuments at [[Sanchi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q181123 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Believed to be the oldest stone structure in India. '''Vidisha''' (city in [[Madhya Pradesh]]) was the ancient capital city of the Malwa. Many Buddhist monuments were later built around this ancient city. The historical Sanchi stupas are very well preserved. }} ==Maharashtra== * {{see | name= [[Ajanta Caves]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Aurangabad]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= depict the stories of [[Buddhism]] from circa 200 BCE to 650 CE. These caves were discovered by some British Officers during a tiger hunt. These caves were built by Buddhist monks using simple tools. Buddhist monks often taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas (ancient seats of learning). There are detailed/beautiful sculptures and paintings depicting stories from Jataka tales. }} * {{see | name=[[Ellora Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189616 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are an impressive complex of rock shrines that represent the three faiths of [[Buddhism]], [[Hinduism]] and Jainism and were created during the 5th-13th centuries CE. The caves are northwest of central [[Aurangabad]], a few km from [[Khuldabad]]. }} * {{see | name=Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus | alt=(formerly Victoria Terminus), also known as '''Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus''' ('''CSMT''') | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=the architectural influence of Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival architecture and traditional Mughal architectural style }} * {{see | name=Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16942531 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It represents an urban project through various buildings (cinemas, residential buildings and balconies) of the late 19th century. Mainly these are found near the Oval Maidan area of [[Mumbai]], they represent the Victorian Neo-Gothic style of architecture and Art Deco (sometimes known as ''Indo-Deco''). }} * {{see | name=[[Mumbai/Elephanta|Elephanta Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q649384 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are two groups of sculpted caves (Hindu and Buddhist). Within the caves there are numerous carved panels and shrines. The original stone-cut elephant statue; for which Elephanta Island was named, resides at Jijamata Udyaan in [[Mumbai]]. }} ==Odisha== * {{see | name= Konark Sun Temple| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Konark]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q752091| lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= It was built to honour the sun god Surya. The entire temple is shaped in the form of a chariot pulled by seven horses in order to carry the sun god across the heavens. Though partially in ruins, it has extensive stone carvings (many erotic in nature) on the walls. }} ==Rajasthan== * The '''Hill Forts of [[Rajasthan]]''' — ** {{see | name= Chittor Fort in [[Chittorgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3695769 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= A massive stone gates with notched parapets and arched reinforced doors (to defend against elephants and cannon). Within the fort a circular road gives access to the gates and numerous monuments (ruined palaces and numerous temples). }} ** {{see | name= Kumbhalgarh Fort, [[Kumbhalgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1246283 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= protected by seven towering gates and within is the ''Badal Mahal'' palace. It also had long meandering walls for defence. There are many tales and interesting stories affiliated with this site. }} ** {{see | name= Ranthambore Fort, [[Ranthambore]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2724894 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It lies within the [[Ranthambore National Park]], near the town of [[Sawai Madhopur]]. Initially called "Ranath Bhawar Garh" (a place of Rajput warriors). The history of ''Sawai Madhopur'' centers around the famous Ranthambore Fort. }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Amber Fort in [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q456817 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a massive fort-palace complex built in a Hindu-Muslim style dating back to ''Raja Man Singh'' and once the royal palace of the ''Kachwahas''. Within the fort is the ''Sheesh Mahal'' (with thousands of mirror tiles on the walls and ceilings).. }} ** {{see | name= Jaisalmer Fort in [[Jaisalmer]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3634368 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= Also known as the “Sonar Quila” or "Sonal Kella" or "Sonar Kila". It displays the subtle hues of the setting sun and desert. It is a 'working fort' as its citizens reside and work within its walls. There are numerous vantage points within the fort that enable great views across the city and desert. }} * {{see | name= [[Jaipur]] City| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q66485 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a magnificent city filled with historical wonders and beauty in the North-western part of India. During the rule of Sawai Ram Singh I, the city was painted pink to welcome HRH Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VII, Emperor of India), in 1876. Many of the avenues still remain painted in pink, giving Jaipur a distinctive appearance and the epithet Pink city. }} * {{see | name= Jantar Mantar, [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q508634| lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= one of five astronomical observatories build by Maharaja Jai Singh in northern India. This historical observatory has geometric devices (or yantras in Hindi) for measuring time, eclipse prediction, tracking the orbits of stars eyc.. Explanations are posted for these devices and hired guides may provide further explanations. }} ==Sikkim== * {{Go | name= [[Khangchendzonga National Park]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=(mixed) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q2605019 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is named after Kangchenjunga, the highest peak of India. It is known for its numerous glaciers (Zemu glacier for example). Snow leopards, musk deer and Himalayan taar have been spotted here. }} ==Tamil Nadu== * The '''Great Living Chola Temples''' — consists of three Hindu temples built in the 11th and 12th centuries under the Chola dynasty. They represent some of the best examples of Dravidian architecture of the Chola period. ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Thanjavur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q916943 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= This temple is dedicated to Shiva. Its pillared cloister contains many lignams and the sanctum sanctorum has a large Shiva lingam and stone Nandi. }} ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Gangaikonda Cholapuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5521034 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is dedicated to the Lord Shiva and its location was used to be a medieval Chola capital. This multi-storied temple was once surrounded by a huge fort wall. }} ** {{See | name= Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3437182 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. }} ** {{marker|type=see|name=Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]|lat=10.94841|long=79.356708|image=Darasuram6.jpg}}. It has some excellent stone carvings (as well as inscriptions). The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. * {{See | name= Group of Monuments at [[Mamallapuram|Mahabalipuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3522747 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= a monument complex near [[Chennai]]. The area dates back to the ''Tamil Pallava'' dynasty. Mostly carved out of granite, they are among the oldest examples of ''Dravidian'' (South Indian) art/architecture. }} ==Telangana== * {{See | name= Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Palampet]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3380656 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= An ancient Hindu temple built during the 1200s Kakatiya dynasty & featuring ornate carvings & shrines. The main structure is in a reddish sandstone, but the columns round the outside have large brackets of black basalt which is rich in iron, magnesium and silica. These are carved as mythical animals or female dancers or musicians, and are "the masterpieces of Kakatiya art, notable for their delicate carving, sensuous postures and elongated bodies and heads". }} ==Uttar Pradesh== * {{see | name=Taj Mahal | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q9141 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It is a white marble mausoleum ordered by emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife (Mumtaz Mahal). Taj Mahal means ''Crown Palace''. It is a fairly well kept tomb and an outstanding example of Indian Muslim architecture. Current work is being considered to combat damage caused by pollution. }} * {{see | name=Agra Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q171857 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= Similar to the Red Fort in [[Delhi]], a well preserved palace and defensive complex constructed mostly in red sandstone. Emperor Akbar built this fort (same time as Humayun's Tomb in Delhi). Emperor Shah Jahan made later additions to it. }} * {{see | name=[[Fatehpur Sikri]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (''City of Victory'') — A virtual ghost city near [[Agra]]. Built by the Emperor Akbar, it was the capital of the [[Mughal Empire]] and later abandoned because local water supplies were lacking and near the tumultuous Rajasthan. It includes one of the largest mosques (''Jama Masjid'') in India. There are well preserved palaces and courtyards. }} * {{see | name=Keoladeo National Park| alt=Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary | url= | email= | address=[[Bharatpur]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (natural) — It provides habitat for thousands of birds during the winter season. The sanctuary hosts rare Siberian Cranes, ruddy shelducks, northern shovelers, northern pintails, tufted ducks, shovelers and other indigionous and migratory waterfowl. }} ==Uttarakhand== * {{listing | name=[[Nanda Devi National Park|Nanda Devi]] and [[Valley of Flowers National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q15839097 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=Nanda Devi contains wildlife such as snow leopards, bears, tahrs, deer and monkeys in addition to splendid flowers. The Valley of Flowers is famous for its beautiful alpine flowers. This valley is an Indian national park with beautiful waterfalls, landscapes, meadows of flowers and surrounding forests. }} ==West Bengal== * {{listing | name=[[Santiniketan]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1026431 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=Santiniketan was founded as an ashram by Debendranath Tagore in the second half of the 19th century and then developed into a university town of Visva-Bharati University. It is connected to the life and philosophy of Debendranath's son Rabindranath Tagore, the leading figure of the Bengali Renaissance. }} * {{listing | name=[[Sundarbans National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q532440 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The coastal mangrove forest in the southern part of [[West Bengal]] and [[Bangladesh]]. It lies on the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta. It is the largest mangrove forest in the world and the only mangrove forest in the world with tigers. [[Sundarbans (Bangladesh)]] is a different UNESCO Heritage Site in [[Bangladesh]]. }} '''Note:''' The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is listed under [[UNESCO World Heritage List (India)#Across multiple states|Mountain Railways of India]] ==See also== * [[UNESCO World Heritage List#India|UNESCO World Heritage List]] {{geo|21.534|78.046|zoom=5}} {{PartOfTopic|United Nations|India}} {{usabletopic}} 66oebqpza1kvo24maay664w7jqjvnzl 5086915 5086914 2025-07-03T03:23:28Z Rangan Datta Wiki 124323 /* Across multiple states */ 5086915 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|TajMahal Banner.jpg|unesco_whs=yes}} '''World Heritage Sites''' are important places of cultural, historical, scientific or other significance designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). There are 43 {{UNESCO WHS}}s in [[India]]. These include 35 cultural sites (marked in blue), 7 natural sites (marked in green) and 1 mixed-criteria site (marked in red). India has the sixth largest number of sites in the world. {{mapframe|align=center|height=750|width=750}} ==Across multiple states== [[File:Darjeelinghimalayanrailway.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] [[File:Qutab Minar mausoleum.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Qutb Minar, [[Delhi]]]] [[File:Santiniketan Prayer Hall.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Santiniketan]] [[File:Konarka Temple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sun Temple, Konark]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 16 Agra Fort.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Agra Fort]] [[File:Temple No.- 3, Nalanda Archaeological Site.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Nalanda]] [[File:Fatehpur Sikri near Agra 2016-03 img05.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Fatehpur Sikri]] [[File:India-5692 - Flickr - archer10 (Dennis).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Khajuraho Monuments]] [[File:Mahabodhitemple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Mahabodhi Temple Complex]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 04 Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Taj Mahal]] [[File:Brihadeeswarar Kovil.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Brihadisvara Temple]] [[File:The elegant stone chariot.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Stone Chariot, Hampi]] [[File:Cave 26, Ajanta.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ajanta Caves]] [[File:Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus]] [[File:Thane Creek and Elephanta Island 03-2016 - img20 Elephanta Caves.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Elephanta Caves]] [[File:Kailasa temple overview, Ellora.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Kailasa Temple, Ellora]] [[File:Amber Fort (आमेर का किला ).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Amber Fort, Jaipur]] [[File:Rani_ki_vav_02.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Rani-ki-Vav]] [[File:Dhauladhar_ranges_in_the_background-_Trekkers_resting_a_bit_I_IMG_7165.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Dhauladhar Ranges]] [[File:Valley of flowers uttaranchal full view.JPG|thumb|upright=0.7|Valley of Flowers]] [[File:Ramappa Temple 8.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ramappa Temple]] [[File:Sunderbans 059.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sundarbans National Park]] [[File:Western Ghats Gobi.jpg|thumb|Western Ghats|upright=0.7]] * The '''[[Rail travel in India#Mountain trains|Mountain Railways of India]]:''' Consists of three different sites spread across [[West Bengal]], [[Tamil Nadu]] and [[Himachal Pradesh]]. They consist of narrow-gauge lines that run through picturesque mountains. ** {{see | name=[[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] | alt=DHR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[New Jalpaiguri]]–[[Darjeeling]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463874 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A {{convert|2|ft|mm}} gauge railway running through the foothills of the eastern Himalayas. THe railway covers a distance of {{convert|88|Km|m}} starts at an altitude of }} ** {{see | name=Nilgiri Mountain Railway | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463735 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=[[Mettupalayam]]–[[Ooty]], [[Tamil Nadu]] }} ** {{see | name=Kalka–Shimla Railway | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7171560 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=[[Kalka]], [[Haryana]]–[[Shimla]], [[Himachal Pradesh]] }} * {{listing | name=Western Ghats | alt= | url= | email= | address=([[Maharashtra]], [[Karnataka]], [[Kerala]] and [[Tamil Nadu]]) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4527 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A mountain range of [[South India]] running parallel to the west coast of India. A bio-doversity hotspot and home to many endangered and endemic species. It consists of 39 individual properties }} ==Assam== * {{Listing | name = [[Kaziranga National Park]] | lat = 26.6667 | long = 93.3500 | wikidata = Q192764 | content = It is home to the Indian single-horned rhinos (rhinoceros unicornis). Kaziranga also hosts a variety of other mammal species. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} * {{Listing | name = [[Manas National Park]] | lat = 26.71 | long = 90.93 | wikidata = Q506511 | content = It is a habitat for many unique and endangered wildlife species such as the golden langur, pygmy hog and hispid hare. The Asian elephant, water buffalo, black panther, sloth bear and sambar deer can also be found here as well as endangered residential and migratory birds | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} * {{see | name=[[Moidam]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.941466 | long=94.876018 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6735332 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The mound burial system of Ahom dynasty (1228–1826). These burial mounds create an undulating landscape reminiscent of hills, in line with the spiritual beliefs of the Ahom people }} ==Bihar== * {{see | name=Nalanda|Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Nalanda]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q216243 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} * {{see | name=Mahabodhi Temple Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Bodh Gaya]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4513 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} ==Chandigarh== * {{see | name=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier in [[Chandigarh]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=30.761085 | long=76.803291 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q55619850 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement is a World Heritage Site consisting of a selection of 17 building projects in 7 countries (including [[Chandigarh]], [[India]]) by the Franco-Swiss architect Le Corbusier. These sites demonstrate how Modern Movement architecture was applied to respond to the needs of society and show the global range of a style and an architect. }} ==Delhi== * {{see | name=Humayun's Tomb | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[South East Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189648 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The site was constructed in the Indo-Islamic style known as ''Mughal''. The grand domed structure of the Humayun's Tomb occupies the central position of the Persian styled ''char bagh''garden. There are several other structures in the garden and consists of Isha Khan's tomb & mosque, Arab sarai, Barbar's tomb and many more. }} * {{see | name=Qutb Minar and its Monuments | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/South Delhi|South Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q187635 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=These structures in Delhi date from the Slave Dynasty. The Qutb Minar is one of the tallest minars in India. It has been well-preserved with its intricate carvings. It was constructed of red sandstone and marble. Earthquake damage to the top of the Qutb Manar has been renovated and its base reinforced. }} * {{see | name=Red Fort Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/Central Delhi|Central Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q45957 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Red Fort is a red sandstone fort (and ruling palace) built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame. Many historical objects and marble inlays have disappeared and quite a few buildings can not be visited due to disrepair. However, the site is impressive with lush green gardens that are well kept year round. }} ==Goa== * {{see | name= Churches and Convents of Goa| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Old Goa|Goa]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q15726428 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Old Goa, the former capital of colonial [[Goa]], is full of history and the location of numerous well maintained scenic churches and convents. }} ==Gujarat== * {{see | name= [[Dholavira]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q9468 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an archaeological site at with the ruins of an ancient [[Indus Valley Civilisation]] (Harappan) city; it is one of the five largest Harappan sites. }} * {{see | name= Historic City of [[Ahmedabad/Central Zone|Ahmedabad]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5472448 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= The modern Ahmedabad was a walled city in the past along the banks of the Sabarmati River. The city presents a rich and diverse cultural and architectural style. It also houses the former home of Mahatma Gandhi, the Sabarmati Ashram. }} * {{see | name=Rani-ki-Vav | alt=Queen's Stepwell | url= | email= | address=[[Patan (Gujarat)|Patan]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7293002 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is famous for its ornate carvings and many sculptures in its galleries. Built as an inverted temple and representing a religious regard for water. Stepwells were built basically for the storage of water in India. }} * {{see | name=[[Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q844427 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A fortified medieval settlement with Hindu, Muslim and Jain architectural elements along with the remains of water-managing systems }} ==Himachal Pradesh== * {{Listing | name = [[Great Himalayan National Park]] | lat = | long = | wikidata = Q1544213 | content = The different altitudes provide for subtropical forests to alpine and glacial flora. Different species of goat, bear, leopard and pheasants can also be found here. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} ==Karnataka== * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Hampi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26732 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Significant historic and architectural interest. The area abounds with large stones used to make statues of Jaina deities. Numerous temples and other sites can be found in and around Hampi. Further excavations are under way. }} * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Pattadakal]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q817250 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an historic centre of Chalukya art and architecture. This has major temples and numerous shrines }} * '''Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas:''' It consists of two clusters of monuments (in [[Belur]] and [[Halebidu]]), and the Keshava temple in [[Somanathapura]], dating to the time of the Hoysala Empire, between the 11th and 14th centuries. ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Belur]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q760603 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Halebidu]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q108227451 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Chennakesava Temple, [[Somanathapura]] | alt=Keshava temple | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3537502 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ==Madhya Pradesh== * {{see | name= Rock Shelters of [[Bhimbetka]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q331603 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Early traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent have been discovered here. Rock paintings can be seen that are similar to those that have been found in Australia and France. }} * {{see | name= [[Khajuraho]] Group of Monuments| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26258435 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is a group of Hindu and Jain temples in [[Khajuraho]], [[Madhya Pradesh]]. The temples are noted for their architectural/artistic style and erotic sculptures. }} * {{see | name= Buddhist Monuments at [[Sanchi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q181123 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Believed to be the oldest stone structure in India. '''Vidisha''' (city in [[Madhya Pradesh]]) was the ancient capital city of the Malwa. Many Buddhist monuments were later built around this ancient city. The historical Sanchi stupas are very well preserved. }} ==Maharashtra== * {{see | name= [[Ajanta Caves]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Aurangabad]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= depict the stories of [[Buddhism]] from circa 200 BCE to 650 CE. These caves were discovered by some British Officers during a tiger hunt. These caves were built by Buddhist monks using simple tools. Buddhist monks often taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas (ancient seats of learning). There are detailed/beautiful sculptures and paintings depicting stories from Jataka tales. }} * {{see | name=[[Ellora Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189616 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are an impressive complex of rock shrines that represent the three faiths of [[Buddhism]], [[Hinduism]] and Jainism and were created during the 5th-13th centuries CE. The caves are northwest of central [[Aurangabad]], a few km from [[Khuldabad]]. }} * {{see | name=Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus | alt=(formerly Victoria Terminus), also known as '''Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus''' ('''CSMT''') | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=the architectural influence of Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival architecture and traditional Mughal architectural style }} * {{see | name=Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16942531 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It represents an urban project through various buildings (cinemas, residential buildings and balconies) of the late 19th century. Mainly these are found near the Oval Maidan area of [[Mumbai]], they represent the Victorian Neo-Gothic style of architecture and Art Deco (sometimes known as ''Indo-Deco''). }} * {{see | name=[[Mumbai/Elephanta|Elephanta Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q649384 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are two groups of sculpted caves (Hindu and Buddhist). Within the caves there are numerous carved panels and shrines. The original stone-cut elephant statue; for which Elephanta Island was named, resides at Jijamata Udyaan in [[Mumbai]]. }} ==Odisha== * {{see | name= Konark Sun Temple| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Konark]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q752091| lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= It was built to honour the sun god Surya. The entire temple is shaped in the form of a chariot pulled by seven horses in order to carry the sun god across the heavens. Though partially in ruins, it has extensive stone carvings (many erotic in nature) on the walls. }} ==Rajasthan== * The '''Hill Forts of [[Rajasthan]]''' — ** {{see | name= Chittor Fort in [[Chittorgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3695769 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= A massive stone gates with notched parapets and arched reinforced doors (to defend against elephants and cannon). Within the fort a circular road gives access to the gates and numerous monuments (ruined palaces and numerous temples). }} ** {{see | name= Kumbhalgarh Fort, [[Kumbhalgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1246283 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= protected by seven towering gates and within is the ''Badal Mahal'' palace. It also had long meandering walls for defence. There are many tales and interesting stories affiliated with this site. }} ** {{see | name= Ranthambore Fort, [[Ranthambore]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2724894 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It lies within the [[Ranthambore National Park]], near the town of [[Sawai Madhopur]]. Initially called "Ranath Bhawar Garh" (a place of Rajput warriors). The history of ''Sawai Madhopur'' centers around the famous Ranthambore Fort. }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Amber Fort in [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q456817 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a massive fort-palace complex built in a Hindu-Muslim style dating back to ''Raja Man Singh'' and once the royal palace of the ''Kachwahas''. Within the fort is the ''Sheesh Mahal'' (with thousands of mirror tiles on the walls and ceilings).. }} ** {{see | name= Jaisalmer Fort in [[Jaisalmer]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3634368 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= Also known as the “Sonar Quila” or "Sonal Kella" or "Sonar Kila". It displays the subtle hues of the setting sun and desert. It is a 'working fort' as its citizens reside and work within its walls. There are numerous vantage points within the fort that enable great views across the city and desert. }} * {{see | name= [[Jaipur]] City| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q66485 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a magnificent city filled with historical wonders and beauty in the North-western part of India. During the rule of Sawai Ram Singh I, the city was painted pink to welcome HRH Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VII, Emperor of India), in 1876. Many of the avenues still remain painted in pink, giving Jaipur a distinctive appearance and the epithet Pink city. }} * {{see | name= Jantar Mantar, [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q508634| lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= one of five astronomical observatories build by Maharaja Jai Singh in northern India. This historical observatory has geometric devices (or yantras in Hindi) for measuring time, eclipse prediction, tracking the orbits of stars eyc.. Explanations are posted for these devices and hired guides may provide further explanations. }} ==Sikkim== * {{Go | name= [[Khangchendzonga National Park]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=(mixed) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q2605019 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is named after Kangchenjunga, the highest peak of India. It is known for its numerous glaciers (Zemu glacier for example). Snow leopards, musk deer and Himalayan taar have been spotted here. }} ==Tamil Nadu== * The '''Great Living Chola Temples''' — consists of three Hindu temples built in the 11th and 12th centuries under the Chola dynasty. They represent some of the best examples of Dravidian architecture of the Chola period. ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Thanjavur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q916943 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= This temple is dedicated to Shiva. Its pillared cloister contains many lignams and the sanctum sanctorum has a large Shiva lingam and stone Nandi. }} ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Gangaikonda Cholapuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5521034 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is dedicated to the Lord Shiva and its location was used to be a medieval Chola capital. This multi-storied temple was once surrounded by a huge fort wall. }} ** {{See | name= Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3437182 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. }} ** {{marker|type=see|name=Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]|lat=10.94841|long=79.356708|image=Darasuram6.jpg}}. It has some excellent stone carvings (as well as inscriptions). The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. * {{See | name= Group of Monuments at [[Mamallapuram|Mahabalipuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3522747 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= a monument complex near [[Chennai]]. The area dates back to the ''Tamil Pallava'' dynasty. Mostly carved out of granite, they are among the oldest examples of ''Dravidian'' (South Indian) art/architecture. }} ==Telangana== * {{See | name= Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Palampet]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3380656 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= An ancient Hindu temple built during the 1200s Kakatiya dynasty & featuring ornate carvings & shrines. The main structure is in a reddish sandstone, but the columns round the outside have large brackets of black basalt which is rich in iron, magnesium and silica. These are carved as mythical animals or female dancers or musicians, and are "the masterpieces of Kakatiya art, notable for their delicate carving, sensuous postures and elongated bodies and heads". }} ==Uttar Pradesh== * {{see | name=Taj Mahal | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q9141 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It is a white marble mausoleum ordered by emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife (Mumtaz Mahal). Taj Mahal means ''Crown Palace''. It is a fairly well kept tomb and an outstanding example of Indian Muslim architecture. Current work is being considered to combat damage caused by pollution. }} * {{see | name=Agra Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q171857 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= Similar to the Red Fort in [[Delhi]], a well preserved palace and defensive complex constructed mostly in red sandstone. Emperor Akbar built this fort (same time as Humayun's Tomb in Delhi). Emperor Shah Jahan made later additions to it. }} * {{see | name=[[Fatehpur Sikri]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (''City of Victory'') — A virtual ghost city near [[Agra]]. Built by the Emperor Akbar, it was the capital of the [[Mughal Empire]] and later abandoned because local water supplies were lacking and near the tumultuous Rajasthan. It includes one of the largest mosques (''Jama Masjid'') in India. There are well preserved palaces and courtyards. }} * {{see | name=Keoladeo National Park| alt=Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary | url= | email= | address=[[Bharatpur]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (natural) — It provides habitat for thousands of birds during the winter season. The sanctuary hosts rare Siberian Cranes, ruddy shelducks, northern shovelers, northern pintails, tufted ducks, shovelers and other indigionous and migratory waterfowl. }} ==Uttarakhand== * {{listing | name=[[Nanda Devi National Park|Nanda Devi]] and [[Valley of Flowers National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q15839097 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=Nanda Devi contains wildlife such as snow leopards, bears, tahrs, deer and monkeys in addition to splendid flowers. The Valley of Flowers is famous for its beautiful alpine flowers. This valley is an Indian national park with beautiful waterfalls, landscapes, meadows of flowers and surrounding forests. }} ==West Bengal== * {{listing | name=[[Santiniketan]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1026431 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=Santiniketan was founded as an ashram by Debendranath Tagore in the second half of the 19th century and then developed into a university town of Visva-Bharati University. It is connected to the life and philosophy of Debendranath's son Rabindranath Tagore, the leading figure of the Bengali Renaissance. }} * {{listing | name=[[Sundarbans National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q532440 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The coastal mangrove forest in the southern part of [[West Bengal]] and [[Bangladesh]]. It lies on the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta. It is the largest mangrove forest in the world and the only mangrove forest in the world with tigers. [[Sundarbans (Bangladesh)]] is a different UNESCO Heritage Site in [[Bangladesh]]. }} '''Note:''' The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is listed under [[UNESCO World Heritage List (India)#Across multiple states|Mountain Railways of India]] ==See also== * [[UNESCO World Heritage List#India|UNESCO World Heritage List]] {{geo|21.534|78.046|zoom=5}} {{PartOfTopic|United Nations|India}} {{usabletopic}} 3n8j3aoy688ih079ko85i9isycviwbo 5086916 5086915 2025-07-03T03:23:57Z Rangan Datta Wiki 124323 /* Across multiple states */ Updated listing for [[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] 5086916 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|TajMahal Banner.jpg|unesco_whs=yes}} '''World Heritage Sites''' are important places of cultural, historical, scientific or other significance designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). There are 43 {{UNESCO WHS}}s in [[India]]. These include 35 cultural sites (marked in blue), 7 natural sites (marked in green) and 1 mixed-criteria site (marked in red). India has the sixth largest number of sites in the world. {{mapframe|align=center|height=750|width=750}} ==Across multiple states== [[File:Darjeelinghimalayanrailway.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] [[File:Qutab Minar mausoleum.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Qutb Minar, [[Delhi]]]] [[File:Santiniketan Prayer Hall.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Santiniketan]] [[File:Konarka Temple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sun Temple, Konark]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 16 Agra Fort.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Agra Fort]] [[File:Temple No.- 3, Nalanda Archaeological Site.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Nalanda]] [[File:Fatehpur Sikri near Agra 2016-03 img05.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Fatehpur Sikri]] [[File:India-5692 - Flickr - archer10 (Dennis).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Khajuraho Monuments]] [[File:Mahabodhitemple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Mahabodhi Temple Complex]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 04 Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Taj Mahal]] [[File:Brihadeeswarar Kovil.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Brihadisvara Temple]] [[File:The elegant stone chariot.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Stone Chariot, Hampi]] [[File:Cave 26, Ajanta.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ajanta Caves]] [[File:Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus]] [[File:Thane Creek and Elephanta Island 03-2016 - img20 Elephanta Caves.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Elephanta Caves]] [[File:Kailasa temple overview, Ellora.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Kailasa Temple, Ellora]] [[File:Amber Fort (आमेर का किला ).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Amber Fort, Jaipur]] [[File:Rani_ki_vav_02.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Rani-ki-Vav]] [[File:Dhauladhar_ranges_in_the_background-_Trekkers_resting_a_bit_I_IMG_7165.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Dhauladhar Ranges]] [[File:Valley of flowers uttaranchal full view.JPG|thumb|upright=0.7|Valley of Flowers]] [[File:Ramappa Temple 8.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ramappa Temple]] [[File:Sunderbans 059.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sundarbans National Park]] [[File:Western Ghats Gobi.jpg|thumb|Western Ghats|upright=0.7]] * The '''[[Rail travel in India#Mountain trains|Mountain Railways of India]]:''' Consists of three different sites spread across [[West Bengal]], [[Tamil Nadu]] and [[Himachal Pradesh]]. They consist of narrow-gauge lines that run through picturesque mountains. ** {{see | name=[[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] | alt=DHR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[New Jalpaiguri]]–[[Darjeeling]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463874 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A {{convert|2|ft|mm}} gauge railway running through the foothills of the eastern Himalayas. THe railway covers a distance of {{convert|88|Km|mile}} starts at an altitude of }} ** {{see | name=Nilgiri Mountain Railway | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463735 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=[[Mettupalayam]]–[[Ooty]], [[Tamil Nadu]] }} ** {{see | name=Kalka–Shimla Railway | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7171560 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=[[Kalka]], [[Haryana]]–[[Shimla]], [[Himachal Pradesh]] }} * {{listing | name=Western Ghats | alt= | url= | email= | address=([[Maharashtra]], [[Karnataka]], [[Kerala]] and [[Tamil Nadu]]) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4527 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A mountain range of [[South India]] running parallel to the west coast of India. A bio-doversity hotspot and home to many endangered and endemic species. It consists of 39 individual properties }} ==Assam== * {{Listing | name = [[Kaziranga National Park]] | lat = 26.6667 | long = 93.3500 | wikidata = Q192764 | content = It is home to the Indian single-horned rhinos (rhinoceros unicornis). Kaziranga also hosts a variety of other mammal species. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} * {{Listing | name = [[Manas National Park]] | lat = 26.71 | long = 90.93 | wikidata = Q506511 | content = It is a habitat for many unique and endangered wildlife species such as the golden langur, pygmy hog and hispid hare. The Asian elephant, water buffalo, black panther, sloth bear and sambar deer can also be found here as well as endangered residential and migratory birds | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} * {{see | name=[[Moidam]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.941466 | long=94.876018 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6735332 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The mound burial system of Ahom dynasty (1228–1826). These burial mounds create an undulating landscape reminiscent of hills, in line with the spiritual beliefs of the Ahom people }} ==Bihar== * {{see | name=Nalanda|Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Nalanda]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q216243 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} * {{see | name=Mahabodhi Temple Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Bodh Gaya]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4513 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} ==Chandigarh== * {{see | name=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier in [[Chandigarh]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=30.761085 | long=76.803291 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q55619850 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement is a World Heritage Site consisting of a selection of 17 building projects in 7 countries (including [[Chandigarh]], [[India]]) by the Franco-Swiss architect Le Corbusier. These sites demonstrate how Modern Movement architecture was applied to respond to the needs of society and show the global range of a style and an architect. }} ==Delhi== * {{see | name=Humayun's Tomb | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[South East Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189648 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The site was constructed in the Indo-Islamic style known as ''Mughal''. The grand domed structure of the Humayun's Tomb occupies the central position of the Persian styled ''char bagh''garden. There are several other structures in the garden and consists of Isha Khan's tomb & mosque, Arab sarai, Barbar's tomb and many more. }} * {{see | name=Qutb Minar and its Monuments | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/South Delhi|South Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q187635 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=These structures in Delhi date from the Slave Dynasty. The Qutb Minar is one of the tallest minars in India. It has been well-preserved with its intricate carvings. It was constructed of red sandstone and marble. Earthquake damage to the top of the Qutb Manar has been renovated and its base reinforced. }} * {{see | name=Red Fort Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/Central Delhi|Central Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q45957 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Red Fort is a red sandstone fort (and ruling palace) built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame. Many historical objects and marble inlays have disappeared and quite a few buildings can not be visited due to disrepair. However, the site is impressive with lush green gardens that are well kept year round. }} ==Goa== * {{see | name= Churches and Convents of Goa| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Old Goa|Goa]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q15726428 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Old Goa, the former capital of colonial [[Goa]], is full of history and the location of numerous well maintained scenic churches and convents. }} ==Gujarat== * {{see | name= [[Dholavira]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q9468 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an archaeological site at with the ruins of an ancient [[Indus Valley Civilisation]] (Harappan) city; it is one of the five largest Harappan sites. }} * {{see | name= Historic City of [[Ahmedabad/Central Zone|Ahmedabad]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5472448 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= The modern Ahmedabad was a walled city in the past along the banks of the Sabarmati River. The city presents a rich and diverse cultural and architectural style. It also houses the former home of Mahatma Gandhi, the Sabarmati Ashram. }} * {{see | name=Rani-ki-Vav | alt=Queen's Stepwell | url= | email= | address=[[Patan (Gujarat)|Patan]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7293002 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is famous for its ornate carvings and many sculptures in its galleries. Built as an inverted temple and representing a religious regard for water. Stepwells were built basically for the storage of water in India. }} * {{see | name=[[Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q844427 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A fortified medieval settlement with Hindu, Muslim and Jain architectural elements along with the remains of water-managing systems }} ==Himachal Pradesh== * {{Listing | name = [[Great Himalayan National Park]] | lat = | long = | wikidata = Q1544213 | content = The different altitudes provide for subtropical forests to alpine and glacial flora. Different species of goat, bear, leopard and pheasants can also be found here. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} ==Karnataka== * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Hampi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26732 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Significant historic and architectural interest. The area abounds with large stones used to make statues of Jaina deities. Numerous temples and other sites can be found in and around Hampi. Further excavations are under way. }} * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Pattadakal]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q817250 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an historic centre of Chalukya art and architecture. This has major temples and numerous shrines }} * '''Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas:''' It consists of two clusters of monuments (in [[Belur]] and [[Halebidu]]), and the Keshava temple in [[Somanathapura]], dating to the time of the Hoysala Empire, between the 11th and 14th centuries. ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Belur]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q760603 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Halebidu]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q108227451 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Chennakesava Temple, [[Somanathapura]] | alt=Keshava temple | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3537502 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ==Madhya Pradesh== * {{see | name= Rock Shelters of [[Bhimbetka]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q331603 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Early traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent have been discovered here. Rock paintings can be seen that are similar to those that have been found in Australia and France. }} * {{see | name= [[Khajuraho]] Group of Monuments| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26258435 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is a group of Hindu and Jain temples in [[Khajuraho]], [[Madhya Pradesh]]. The temples are noted for their architectural/artistic style and erotic sculptures. }} * {{see | name= Buddhist Monuments at [[Sanchi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q181123 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Believed to be the oldest stone structure in India. '''Vidisha''' (city in [[Madhya Pradesh]]) was the ancient capital city of the Malwa. Many Buddhist monuments were later built around this ancient city. The historical Sanchi stupas are very well preserved. }} ==Maharashtra== * {{see | name= [[Ajanta Caves]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Aurangabad]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= depict the stories of [[Buddhism]] from circa 200 BCE to 650 CE. These caves were discovered by some British Officers during a tiger hunt. These caves were built by Buddhist monks using simple tools. Buddhist monks often taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas (ancient seats of learning). There are detailed/beautiful sculptures and paintings depicting stories from Jataka tales. }} * {{see | name=[[Ellora Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189616 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are an impressive complex of rock shrines that represent the three faiths of [[Buddhism]], [[Hinduism]] and Jainism and were created during the 5th-13th centuries CE. The caves are northwest of central [[Aurangabad]], a few km from [[Khuldabad]]. }} * {{see | name=Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus | alt=(formerly Victoria Terminus), also known as '''Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus''' ('''CSMT''') | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=the architectural influence of Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival architecture and traditional Mughal architectural style }} * {{see | name=Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16942531 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It represents an urban project through various buildings (cinemas, residential buildings and balconies) of the late 19th century. Mainly these are found near the Oval Maidan area of [[Mumbai]], they represent the Victorian Neo-Gothic style of architecture and Art Deco (sometimes known as ''Indo-Deco''). }} * {{see | name=[[Mumbai/Elephanta|Elephanta Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q649384 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are two groups of sculpted caves (Hindu and Buddhist). Within the caves there are numerous carved panels and shrines. The original stone-cut elephant statue; for which Elephanta Island was named, resides at Jijamata Udyaan in [[Mumbai]]. }} ==Odisha== * {{see | name= Konark Sun Temple| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Konark]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q752091| lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= It was built to honour the sun god Surya. The entire temple is shaped in the form of a chariot pulled by seven horses in order to carry the sun god across the heavens. Though partially in ruins, it has extensive stone carvings (many erotic in nature) on the walls. }} ==Rajasthan== * The '''Hill Forts of [[Rajasthan]]''' — ** {{see | name= Chittor Fort in [[Chittorgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3695769 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= A massive stone gates with notched parapets and arched reinforced doors (to defend against elephants and cannon). Within the fort a circular road gives access to the gates and numerous monuments (ruined palaces and numerous temples). }} ** {{see | name= Kumbhalgarh Fort, [[Kumbhalgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1246283 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= protected by seven towering gates and within is the ''Badal Mahal'' palace. It also had long meandering walls for defence. There are many tales and interesting stories affiliated with this site. }} ** {{see | name= Ranthambore Fort, [[Ranthambore]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2724894 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It lies within the [[Ranthambore National Park]], near the town of [[Sawai Madhopur]]. Initially called "Ranath Bhawar Garh" (a place of Rajput warriors). The history of ''Sawai Madhopur'' centers around the famous Ranthambore Fort. }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Amber Fort in [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q456817 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a massive fort-palace complex built in a Hindu-Muslim style dating back to ''Raja Man Singh'' and once the royal palace of the ''Kachwahas''. Within the fort is the ''Sheesh Mahal'' (with thousands of mirror tiles on the walls and ceilings).. }} ** {{see | name= Jaisalmer Fort in [[Jaisalmer]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3634368 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= Also known as the “Sonar Quila” or "Sonal Kella" or "Sonar Kila". It displays the subtle hues of the setting sun and desert. It is a 'working fort' as its citizens reside and work within its walls. There are numerous vantage points within the fort that enable great views across the city and desert. }} * {{see | name= [[Jaipur]] City| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q66485 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a magnificent city filled with historical wonders and beauty in the North-western part of India. During the rule of Sawai Ram Singh I, the city was painted pink to welcome HRH Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VII, Emperor of India), in 1876. Many of the avenues still remain painted in pink, giving Jaipur a distinctive appearance and the epithet Pink city. }} * {{see | name= Jantar Mantar, [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q508634| lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= one of five astronomical observatories build by Maharaja Jai Singh in northern India. This historical observatory has geometric devices (or yantras in Hindi) for measuring time, eclipse prediction, tracking the orbits of stars eyc.. Explanations are posted for these devices and hired guides may provide further explanations. }} ==Sikkim== * {{Go | name= [[Khangchendzonga National Park]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=(mixed) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q2605019 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is named after Kangchenjunga, the highest peak of India. It is known for its numerous glaciers (Zemu glacier for example). Snow leopards, musk deer and Himalayan taar have been spotted here. }} ==Tamil Nadu== * The '''Great Living Chola Temples''' — consists of three Hindu temples built in the 11th and 12th centuries under the Chola dynasty. They represent some of the best examples of Dravidian architecture of the Chola period. ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Thanjavur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q916943 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= This temple is dedicated to Shiva. Its pillared cloister contains many lignams and the sanctum sanctorum has a large Shiva lingam and stone Nandi. }} ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Gangaikonda Cholapuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5521034 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is dedicated to the Lord Shiva and its location was used to be a medieval Chola capital. This multi-storied temple was once surrounded by a huge fort wall. }} ** {{See | name= Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3437182 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. }} ** {{marker|type=see|name=Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]|lat=10.94841|long=79.356708|image=Darasuram6.jpg}}. It has some excellent stone carvings (as well as inscriptions). The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. * {{See | name= Group of Monuments at [[Mamallapuram|Mahabalipuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3522747 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= a monument complex near [[Chennai]]. The area dates back to the ''Tamil Pallava'' dynasty. Mostly carved out of granite, they are among the oldest examples of ''Dravidian'' (South Indian) art/architecture. }} ==Telangana== * {{See | name= Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Palampet]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3380656 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= An ancient Hindu temple built during the 1200s Kakatiya dynasty & featuring ornate carvings & shrines. The main structure is in a reddish sandstone, but the columns round the outside have large brackets of black basalt which is rich in iron, magnesium and silica. These are carved as mythical animals or female dancers or musicians, and are "the masterpieces of Kakatiya art, notable for their delicate carving, sensuous postures and elongated bodies and heads". }} ==Uttar Pradesh== * {{see | name=Taj Mahal | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q9141 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It is a white marble mausoleum ordered by emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife (Mumtaz Mahal). Taj Mahal means ''Crown Palace''. It is a fairly well kept tomb and an outstanding example of Indian Muslim architecture. Current work is being considered to combat damage caused by pollution. }} * {{see | name=Agra Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q171857 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= Similar to the Red Fort in [[Delhi]], a well preserved palace and defensive complex constructed mostly in red sandstone. Emperor Akbar built this fort (same time as Humayun's Tomb in Delhi). Emperor Shah Jahan made later additions to it. }} * {{see | name=[[Fatehpur Sikri]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (''City of Victory'') — A virtual ghost city near [[Agra]]. Built by the Emperor Akbar, it was the capital of the [[Mughal Empire]] and later abandoned because local water supplies were lacking and near the tumultuous Rajasthan. It includes one of the largest mosques (''Jama Masjid'') in India. There are well preserved palaces and courtyards. }} * {{see | name=Keoladeo National Park| alt=Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary | url= | email= | address=[[Bharatpur]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (natural) — It provides habitat for thousands of birds during the winter season. The sanctuary hosts rare Siberian Cranes, ruddy shelducks, northern shovelers, northern pintails, tufted ducks, shovelers and other indigionous and migratory waterfowl. }} ==Uttarakhand== * {{listing | name=[[Nanda Devi National Park|Nanda Devi]] and [[Valley of Flowers National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q15839097 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=Nanda Devi contains wildlife such as snow leopards, bears, tahrs, deer and monkeys in addition to splendid flowers. The Valley of Flowers is famous for its beautiful alpine flowers. This valley is an Indian national park with beautiful waterfalls, landscapes, meadows of flowers and surrounding forests. }} ==West Bengal== * {{listing | name=[[Santiniketan]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1026431 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=Santiniketan was founded as an ashram by Debendranath Tagore in the second half of the 19th century and then developed into a university town of Visva-Bharati University. It is connected to the life and philosophy of Debendranath's son Rabindranath Tagore, the leading figure of the Bengali Renaissance. }} * {{listing | name=[[Sundarbans National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q532440 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The coastal mangrove forest in the southern part of [[West Bengal]] and [[Bangladesh]]. It lies on the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta. It is the largest mangrove forest in the world and the only mangrove forest in the world with tigers. [[Sundarbans (Bangladesh)]] is a different UNESCO Heritage Site in [[Bangladesh]]. }} '''Note:''' The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is listed under [[UNESCO World Heritage List (India)#Across multiple states|Mountain Railways of India]] ==See also== * [[UNESCO World Heritage List#India|UNESCO World Heritage List]] {{geo|21.534|78.046|zoom=5}} {{PartOfTopic|United Nations|India}} {{usabletopic}} bgo35nd8rq5gsf6zz0o95q0zpzryq97 5086917 5086916 2025-07-03T03:25:04Z Rangan Datta Wiki 124323 /* Across multiple states */ Updated listing for [[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] 5086917 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|TajMahal Banner.jpg|unesco_whs=yes}} '''World Heritage Sites''' are important places of cultural, historical, scientific or other significance designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). There are 43 {{UNESCO WHS}}s in [[India]]. These include 35 cultural sites (marked in blue), 7 natural sites (marked in green) and 1 mixed-criteria site (marked in red). India has the sixth largest number of sites in the world. {{mapframe|align=center|height=750|width=750}} ==Across multiple states== [[File:Darjeelinghimalayanrailway.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] [[File:Qutab Minar mausoleum.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Qutb Minar, [[Delhi]]]] [[File:Santiniketan Prayer Hall.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Santiniketan]] [[File:Konarka Temple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sun Temple, Konark]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 16 Agra Fort.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Agra Fort]] [[File:Temple No.- 3, Nalanda Archaeological Site.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Nalanda]] [[File:Fatehpur Sikri near Agra 2016-03 img05.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Fatehpur Sikri]] [[File:India-5692 - Flickr - archer10 (Dennis).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Khajuraho Monuments]] [[File:Mahabodhitemple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Mahabodhi Temple Complex]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 04 Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Taj Mahal]] [[File:Brihadeeswarar Kovil.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Brihadisvara Temple]] [[File:The elegant stone chariot.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Stone Chariot, Hampi]] [[File:Cave 26, Ajanta.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ajanta Caves]] [[File:Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus]] [[File:Thane Creek and Elephanta Island 03-2016 - img20 Elephanta Caves.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Elephanta Caves]] [[File:Kailasa temple overview, Ellora.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Kailasa Temple, Ellora]] [[File:Amber Fort (आमेर का किला ).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Amber Fort, Jaipur]] [[File:Rani_ki_vav_02.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Rani-ki-Vav]] [[File:Dhauladhar_ranges_in_the_background-_Trekkers_resting_a_bit_I_IMG_7165.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Dhauladhar Ranges]] [[File:Valley of flowers uttaranchal full view.JPG|thumb|upright=0.7|Valley of Flowers]] [[File:Ramappa Temple 8.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ramappa Temple]] [[File:Sunderbans 059.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sundarbans National Park]] [[File:Western Ghats Gobi.jpg|thumb|Western Ghats|upright=0.7]] * The '''[[Rail travel in India#Mountain trains|Mountain Railways of India]]:''' Consists of three different sites spread across [[West Bengal]], [[Tamil Nadu]] and [[Himachal Pradesh]]. They consist of narrow-gauge lines that run through picturesque mountains. ** {{see | name=[[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] | alt=DHR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[New Jalpaiguri]]–[[Darjeeling]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463874 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A {{convert|2|ft|mm}} gauge railway running through the foothills of the eastern Himalayas. The railway covers a distance of {{convert|88|Km|mi}} starts at an altitude of }} ** {{see | name=Nilgiri Mountain Railway | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463735 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=[[Mettupalayam]]–[[Ooty]], [[Tamil Nadu]] }} ** {{see | name=Kalka–Shimla Railway | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7171560 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=[[Kalka]], [[Haryana]]–[[Shimla]], [[Himachal Pradesh]] }} * {{listing | name=Western Ghats | alt= | url= | email= | address=([[Maharashtra]], [[Karnataka]], [[Kerala]] and [[Tamil Nadu]]) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4527 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A mountain range of [[South India]] running parallel to the west coast of India. A bio-doversity hotspot and home to many endangered and endemic species. It consists of 39 individual properties }} ==Assam== * {{Listing | name = [[Kaziranga National Park]] | lat = 26.6667 | long = 93.3500 | wikidata = Q192764 | content = It is home to the Indian single-horned rhinos (rhinoceros unicornis). Kaziranga also hosts a variety of other mammal species. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} * {{Listing | name = [[Manas National Park]] | lat = 26.71 | long = 90.93 | wikidata = Q506511 | content = It is a habitat for many unique and endangered wildlife species such as the golden langur, pygmy hog and hispid hare. The Asian elephant, water buffalo, black panther, sloth bear and sambar deer can also be found here as well as endangered residential and migratory birds | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} * {{see | name=[[Moidam]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.941466 | long=94.876018 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6735332 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The mound burial system of Ahom dynasty (1228–1826). These burial mounds create an undulating landscape reminiscent of hills, in line with the spiritual beliefs of the Ahom people }} ==Bihar== * {{see | name=Nalanda|Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Nalanda]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q216243 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} * {{see | name=Mahabodhi Temple Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Bodh Gaya]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4513 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} ==Chandigarh== * {{see | name=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier in [[Chandigarh]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=30.761085 | long=76.803291 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q55619850 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement is a World Heritage Site consisting of a selection of 17 building projects in 7 countries (including [[Chandigarh]], [[India]]) by the Franco-Swiss architect Le Corbusier. These sites demonstrate how Modern Movement architecture was applied to respond to the needs of society and show the global range of a style and an architect. }} ==Delhi== * {{see | name=Humayun's Tomb | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[South East Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189648 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The site was constructed in the Indo-Islamic style known as ''Mughal''. The grand domed structure of the Humayun's Tomb occupies the central position of the Persian styled ''char bagh''garden. There are several other structures in the garden and consists of Isha Khan's tomb & mosque, Arab sarai, Barbar's tomb and many more. }} * {{see | name=Qutb Minar and its Monuments | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/South Delhi|South Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q187635 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=These structures in Delhi date from the Slave Dynasty. The Qutb Minar is one of the tallest minars in India. It has been well-preserved with its intricate carvings. It was constructed of red sandstone and marble. Earthquake damage to the top of the Qutb Manar has been renovated and its base reinforced. }} * {{see | name=Red Fort Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/Central Delhi|Central Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q45957 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Red Fort is a red sandstone fort (and ruling palace) built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame. Many historical objects and marble inlays have disappeared and quite a few buildings can not be visited due to disrepair. However, the site is impressive with lush green gardens that are well kept year round. }} ==Goa== * {{see | name= Churches and Convents of Goa| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Old Goa|Goa]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q15726428 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Old Goa, the former capital of colonial [[Goa]], is full of history and the location of numerous well maintained scenic churches and convents. }} ==Gujarat== * {{see | name= [[Dholavira]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q9468 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an archaeological site at with the ruins of an ancient [[Indus Valley Civilisation]] (Harappan) city; it is one of the five largest Harappan sites. }} * {{see | name= Historic City of [[Ahmedabad/Central Zone|Ahmedabad]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5472448 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= The modern Ahmedabad was a walled city in the past along the banks of the Sabarmati River. The city presents a rich and diverse cultural and architectural style. It also houses the former home of Mahatma Gandhi, the Sabarmati Ashram. }} * {{see | name=Rani-ki-Vav | alt=Queen's Stepwell | url= | email= | address=[[Patan (Gujarat)|Patan]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7293002 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is famous for its ornate carvings and many sculptures in its galleries. Built as an inverted temple and representing a religious regard for water. Stepwells were built basically for the storage of water in India. }} * {{see | name=[[Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q844427 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A fortified medieval settlement with Hindu, Muslim and Jain architectural elements along with the remains of water-managing systems }} ==Himachal Pradesh== * {{Listing | name = [[Great Himalayan National Park]] | lat = | long = | wikidata = Q1544213 | content = The different altitudes provide for subtropical forests to alpine and glacial flora. Different species of goat, bear, leopard and pheasants can also be found here. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} ==Karnataka== * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Hampi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26732 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Significant historic and architectural interest. The area abounds with large stones used to make statues of Jaina deities. Numerous temples and other sites can be found in and around Hampi. Further excavations are under way. }} * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Pattadakal]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q817250 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an historic centre of Chalukya art and architecture. This has major temples and numerous shrines }} * '''Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas:''' It consists of two clusters of monuments (in [[Belur]] and [[Halebidu]]), and the Keshava temple in [[Somanathapura]], dating to the time of the Hoysala Empire, between the 11th and 14th centuries. ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Belur]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q760603 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Halebidu]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q108227451 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Chennakesava Temple, [[Somanathapura]] | alt=Keshava temple | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3537502 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ==Madhya Pradesh== * {{see | name= Rock Shelters of [[Bhimbetka]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q331603 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Early traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent have been discovered here. Rock paintings can be seen that are similar to those that have been found in Australia and France. }} * {{see | name= [[Khajuraho]] Group of Monuments| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26258435 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is a group of Hindu and Jain temples in [[Khajuraho]], [[Madhya Pradesh]]. The temples are noted for their architectural/artistic style and erotic sculptures. }} * {{see | name= Buddhist Monuments at [[Sanchi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q181123 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Believed to be the oldest stone structure in India. '''Vidisha''' (city in [[Madhya Pradesh]]) was the ancient capital city of the Malwa. Many Buddhist monuments were later built around this ancient city. The historical Sanchi stupas are very well preserved. }} ==Maharashtra== * {{see | name= [[Ajanta Caves]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Aurangabad]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= depict the stories of [[Buddhism]] from circa 200 BCE to 650 CE. These caves were discovered by some British Officers during a tiger hunt. These caves were built by Buddhist monks using simple tools. Buddhist monks often taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas (ancient seats of learning). There are detailed/beautiful sculptures and paintings depicting stories from Jataka tales. }} * {{see | name=[[Ellora Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189616 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are an impressive complex of rock shrines that represent the three faiths of [[Buddhism]], [[Hinduism]] and Jainism and were created during the 5th-13th centuries CE. The caves are northwest of central [[Aurangabad]], a few km from [[Khuldabad]]. }} * {{see | name=Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus | alt=(formerly Victoria Terminus), also known as '''Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus''' ('''CSMT''') | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=the architectural influence of Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival architecture and traditional Mughal architectural style }} * {{see | name=Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16942531 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It represents an urban project through various buildings (cinemas, residential buildings and balconies) of the late 19th century. Mainly these are found near the Oval Maidan area of [[Mumbai]], they represent the Victorian Neo-Gothic style of architecture and Art Deco (sometimes known as ''Indo-Deco''). }} * {{see | name=[[Mumbai/Elephanta|Elephanta Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q649384 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are two groups of sculpted caves (Hindu and Buddhist). Within the caves there are numerous carved panels and shrines. The original stone-cut elephant statue; for which Elephanta Island was named, resides at Jijamata Udyaan in [[Mumbai]]. }} ==Odisha== * {{see | name= Konark Sun Temple| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Konark]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q752091| lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= It was built to honour the sun god Surya. The entire temple is shaped in the form of a chariot pulled by seven horses in order to carry the sun god across the heavens. Though partially in ruins, it has extensive stone carvings (many erotic in nature) on the walls. }} ==Rajasthan== * The '''Hill Forts of [[Rajasthan]]''' — ** {{see | name= Chittor Fort in [[Chittorgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3695769 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= A massive stone gates with notched parapets and arched reinforced doors (to defend against elephants and cannon). Within the fort a circular road gives access to the gates and numerous monuments (ruined palaces and numerous temples). }} ** {{see | name= Kumbhalgarh Fort, [[Kumbhalgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1246283 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= protected by seven towering gates and within is the ''Badal Mahal'' palace. It also had long meandering walls for defence. There are many tales and interesting stories affiliated with this site. }} ** {{see | name= Ranthambore Fort, [[Ranthambore]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2724894 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It lies within the [[Ranthambore National Park]], near the town of [[Sawai Madhopur]]. Initially called "Ranath Bhawar Garh" (a place of Rajput warriors). The history of ''Sawai Madhopur'' centers around the famous Ranthambore Fort. }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Amber Fort in [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q456817 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a massive fort-palace complex built in a Hindu-Muslim style dating back to ''Raja Man Singh'' and once the royal palace of the ''Kachwahas''. Within the fort is the ''Sheesh Mahal'' (with thousands of mirror tiles on the walls and ceilings).. }} ** {{see | name= Jaisalmer Fort in [[Jaisalmer]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3634368 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= Also known as the “Sonar Quila” or "Sonal Kella" or "Sonar Kila". It displays the subtle hues of the setting sun and desert. It is a 'working fort' as its citizens reside and work within its walls. There are numerous vantage points within the fort that enable great views across the city and desert. }} * {{see | name= [[Jaipur]] City| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q66485 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a magnificent city filled with historical wonders and beauty in the North-western part of India. During the rule of Sawai Ram Singh I, the city was painted pink to welcome HRH Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VII, Emperor of India), in 1876. Many of the avenues still remain painted in pink, giving Jaipur a distinctive appearance and the epithet Pink city. }} * {{see | name= Jantar Mantar, [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q508634| lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= one of five astronomical observatories build by Maharaja Jai Singh in northern India. This historical observatory has geometric devices (or yantras in Hindi) for measuring time, eclipse prediction, tracking the orbits of stars eyc.. Explanations are posted for these devices and hired guides may provide further explanations. }} ==Sikkim== * {{Go | name= [[Khangchendzonga National Park]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=(mixed) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q2605019 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is named after Kangchenjunga, the highest peak of India. It is known for its numerous glaciers (Zemu glacier for example). Snow leopards, musk deer and Himalayan taar have been spotted here. }} ==Tamil Nadu== * The '''Great Living Chola Temples''' — consists of three Hindu temples built in the 11th and 12th centuries under the Chola dynasty. They represent some of the best examples of Dravidian architecture of the Chola period. ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Thanjavur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q916943 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= This temple is dedicated to Shiva. Its pillared cloister contains many lignams and the sanctum sanctorum has a large Shiva lingam and stone Nandi. }} ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Gangaikonda Cholapuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5521034 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is dedicated to the Lord Shiva and its location was used to be a medieval Chola capital. This multi-storied temple was once surrounded by a huge fort wall. }} ** {{See | name= Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3437182 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. }} ** {{marker|type=see|name=Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]|lat=10.94841|long=79.356708|image=Darasuram6.jpg}}. It has some excellent stone carvings (as well as inscriptions). The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. * {{See | name= Group of Monuments at [[Mamallapuram|Mahabalipuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3522747 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= a monument complex near [[Chennai]]. The area dates back to the ''Tamil Pallava'' dynasty. Mostly carved out of granite, they are among the oldest examples of ''Dravidian'' (South Indian) art/architecture. }} ==Telangana== * {{See | name= Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Palampet]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3380656 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= An ancient Hindu temple built during the 1200s Kakatiya dynasty & featuring ornate carvings & shrines. The main structure is in a reddish sandstone, but the columns round the outside have large brackets of black basalt which is rich in iron, magnesium and silica. These are carved as mythical animals or female dancers or musicians, and are "the masterpieces of Kakatiya art, notable for their delicate carving, sensuous postures and elongated bodies and heads". }} ==Uttar Pradesh== * {{see | name=Taj Mahal | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q9141 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It is a white marble mausoleum ordered by emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife (Mumtaz Mahal). Taj Mahal means ''Crown Palace''. It is a fairly well kept tomb and an outstanding example of Indian Muslim architecture. Current work is being considered to combat damage caused by pollution. }} * {{see | name=Agra Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q171857 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= Similar to the Red Fort in [[Delhi]], a well preserved palace and defensive complex constructed mostly in red sandstone. Emperor Akbar built this fort (same time as Humayun's Tomb in Delhi). Emperor Shah Jahan made later additions to it. }} * {{see | name=[[Fatehpur Sikri]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (''City of Victory'') — A virtual ghost city near [[Agra]]. Built by the Emperor Akbar, it was the capital of the [[Mughal Empire]] and later abandoned because local water supplies were lacking and near the tumultuous Rajasthan. It includes one of the largest mosques (''Jama Masjid'') in India. There are well preserved palaces and courtyards. }} * {{see | name=Keoladeo National Park| alt=Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary | url= | email= | address=[[Bharatpur]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (natural) — It provides habitat for thousands of birds during the winter season. The sanctuary hosts rare Siberian Cranes, ruddy shelducks, northern shovelers, northern pintails, tufted ducks, shovelers and other indigionous and migratory waterfowl. }} ==Uttarakhand== * {{listing | name=[[Nanda Devi National Park|Nanda Devi]] and [[Valley of Flowers National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q15839097 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=Nanda Devi contains wildlife such as snow leopards, bears, tahrs, deer and monkeys in addition to splendid flowers. The Valley of Flowers is famous for its beautiful alpine flowers. This valley is an Indian national park with beautiful waterfalls, landscapes, meadows of flowers and surrounding forests. }} ==West Bengal== * {{listing | name=[[Santiniketan]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1026431 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=Santiniketan was founded as an ashram by Debendranath Tagore in the second half of the 19th century and then developed into a university town of Visva-Bharati University. It is connected to the life and philosophy of Debendranath's son Rabindranath Tagore, the leading figure of the Bengali Renaissance. }} * {{listing | name=[[Sundarbans National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q532440 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The coastal mangrove forest in the southern part of [[West Bengal]] and [[Bangladesh]]. It lies on the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta. It is the largest mangrove forest in the world and the only mangrove forest in the world with tigers. [[Sundarbans (Bangladesh)]] is a different UNESCO Heritage Site in [[Bangladesh]]. }} '''Note:''' The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is listed under [[UNESCO World Heritage List (India)#Across multiple states|Mountain Railways of India]] ==See also== * [[UNESCO World Heritage List#India|UNESCO World Heritage List]] {{geo|21.534|78.046|zoom=5}} {{PartOfTopic|United Nations|India}} {{usabletopic}} j5470qmbytbv684g9zxmcakomhn47nq 5086918 5086917 2025-07-03T03:26:25Z Rangan Datta Wiki 124323 /* Across multiple states */ Updated listing for [[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] 5086918 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|TajMahal Banner.jpg|unesco_whs=yes}} '''World Heritage Sites''' are important places of cultural, historical, scientific or other significance designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). There are 43 {{UNESCO WHS}}s in [[India]]. These include 35 cultural sites (marked in blue), 7 natural sites (marked in green) and 1 mixed-criteria site (marked in red). India has the sixth largest number of sites in the world. {{mapframe|align=center|height=750|width=750}} ==Across multiple states== [[File:Darjeelinghimalayanrailway.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] [[File:Qutab Minar mausoleum.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Qutb Minar, [[Delhi]]]] [[File:Santiniketan Prayer Hall.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Santiniketan]] [[File:Konarka Temple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sun Temple, Konark]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 16 Agra Fort.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Agra Fort]] [[File:Temple No.- 3, Nalanda Archaeological Site.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Nalanda]] [[File:Fatehpur Sikri near Agra 2016-03 img05.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Fatehpur Sikri]] [[File:India-5692 - Flickr - archer10 (Dennis).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Khajuraho Monuments]] [[File:Mahabodhitemple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Mahabodhi Temple Complex]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 04 Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Taj Mahal]] [[File:Brihadeeswarar Kovil.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Brihadisvara Temple]] [[File:The elegant stone chariot.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Stone Chariot, Hampi]] [[File:Cave 26, Ajanta.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ajanta Caves]] [[File:Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus]] [[File:Thane Creek and Elephanta Island 03-2016 - img20 Elephanta Caves.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Elephanta Caves]] [[File:Kailasa temple overview, Ellora.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Kailasa Temple, Ellora]] [[File:Amber Fort (आमेर का किला ).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Amber Fort, Jaipur]] [[File:Rani_ki_vav_02.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Rani-ki-Vav]] [[File:Dhauladhar_ranges_in_the_background-_Trekkers_resting_a_bit_I_IMG_7165.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Dhauladhar Ranges]] [[File:Valley of flowers uttaranchal full view.JPG|thumb|upright=0.7|Valley of Flowers]] [[File:Ramappa Temple 8.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ramappa Temple]] [[File:Sunderbans 059.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sundarbans National Park]] [[File:Western Ghats Gobi.jpg|thumb|Western Ghats|upright=0.7]] * The '''[[Rail travel in India#Mountain trains|Mountain Railways of India]]:''' Consists of three different sites spread across [[West Bengal]], [[Tamil Nadu]] and [[Himachal Pradesh]]. They consist of narrow-gauge lines that run through picturesque mountains. ** {{see | name=[[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] | alt=DHR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[New Jalpaiguri]]–[[Darjeeling]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463874 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A {{convert|2|ft|mm}} gauge railway running through the foothills of the eastern Himalayas. The railway covers a distance of {{cvt|88|km|mi}} {{convert|88|Km|mi}} starts at an altitude of }} ** {{see | name=Nilgiri Mountain Railway | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463735 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=[[Mettupalayam]]–[[Ooty]], [[Tamil Nadu]] }} ** {{see | name=Kalka–Shimla Railway | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7171560 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=[[Kalka]], [[Haryana]]–[[Shimla]], [[Himachal Pradesh]] }} * {{listing | name=Western Ghats | alt= | url= | email= | address=([[Maharashtra]], [[Karnataka]], [[Kerala]] and [[Tamil Nadu]]) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4527 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A mountain range of [[South India]] running parallel to the west coast of India. A bio-doversity hotspot and home to many endangered and endemic species. It consists of 39 individual properties }} ==Assam== * {{Listing | name = [[Kaziranga National Park]] | lat = 26.6667 | long = 93.3500 | wikidata = Q192764 | content = It is home to the Indian single-horned rhinos (rhinoceros unicornis). Kaziranga also hosts a variety of other mammal species. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} * {{Listing | name = [[Manas National Park]] | lat = 26.71 | long = 90.93 | wikidata = Q506511 | content = It is a habitat for many unique and endangered wildlife species such as the golden langur, pygmy hog and hispid hare. The Asian elephant, water buffalo, black panther, sloth bear and sambar deer can also be found here as well as endangered residential and migratory birds | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} * {{see | name=[[Moidam]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.941466 | long=94.876018 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6735332 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The mound burial system of Ahom dynasty (1228–1826). These burial mounds create an undulating landscape reminiscent of hills, in line with the spiritual beliefs of the Ahom people }} ==Bihar== * {{see | name=Nalanda|Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Nalanda]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q216243 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} * {{see | name=Mahabodhi Temple Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Bodh Gaya]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4513 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} ==Chandigarh== * {{see | name=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier in [[Chandigarh]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=30.761085 | long=76.803291 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q55619850 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement is a World Heritage Site consisting of a selection of 17 building projects in 7 countries (including [[Chandigarh]], [[India]]) by the Franco-Swiss architect Le Corbusier. These sites demonstrate how Modern Movement architecture was applied to respond to the needs of society and show the global range of a style and an architect. }} ==Delhi== * {{see | name=Humayun's Tomb | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[South East Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189648 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The site was constructed in the Indo-Islamic style known as ''Mughal''. The grand domed structure of the Humayun's Tomb occupies the central position of the Persian styled ''char bagh''garden. There are several other structures in the garden and consists of Isha Khan's tomb & mosque, Arab sarai, Barbar's tomb and many more. }} * {{see | name=Qutb Minar and its Monuments | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/South Delhi|South Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q187635 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=These structures in Delhi date from the Slave Dynasty. The Qutb Minar is one of the tallest minars in India. It has been well-preserved with its intricate carvings. It was constructed of red sandstone and marble. Earthquake damage to the top of the Qutb Manar has been renovated and its base reinforced. }} * {{see | name=Red Fort Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/Central Delhi|Central Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q45957 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Red Fort is a red sandstone fort (and ruling palace) built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame. Many historical objects and marble inlays have disappeared and quite a few buildings can not be visited due to disrepair. However, the site is impressive with lush green gardens that are well kept year round. }} ==Goa== * {{see | name= Churches and Convents of Goa| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Old Goa|Goa]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q15726428 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Old Goa, the former capital of colonial [[Goa]], is full of history and the location of numerous well maintained scenic churches and convents. }} ==Gujarat== * {{see | name= [[Dholavira]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q9468 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an archaeological site at with the ruins of an ancient [[Indus Valley Civilisation]] (Harappan) city; it is one of the five largest Harappan sites. }} * {{see | name= Historic City of [[Ahmedabad/Central Zone|Ahmedabad]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5472448 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= The modern Ahmedabad was a walled city in the past along the banks of the Sabarmati River. The city presents a rich and diverse cultural and architectural style. It also houses the former home of Mahatma Gandhi, the Sabarmati Ashram. }} * {{see | name=Rani-ki-Vav | alt=Queen's Stepwell | url= | email= | address=[[Patan (Gujarat)|Patan]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7293002 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is famous for its ornate carvings and many sculptures in its galleries. Built as an inverted temple and representing a religious regard for water. Stepwells were built basically for the storage of water in India. }} * {{see | name=[[Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q844427 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A fortified medieval settlement with Hindu, Muslim and Jain architectural elements along with the remains of water-managing systems }} ==Himachal Pradesh== * {{Listing | name = [[Great Himalayan National Park]] | lat = | long = | wikidata = Q1544213 | content = The different altitudes provide for subtropical forests to alpine and glacial flora. Different species of goat, bear, leopard and pheasants can also be found here. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} ==Karnataka== * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Hampi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26732 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Significant historic and architectural interest. The area abounds with large stones used to make statues of Jaina deities. Numerous temples and other sites can be found in and around Hampi. Further excavations are under way. }} * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Pattadakal]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q817250 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an historic centre of Chalukya art and architecture. This has major temples and numerous shrines }} * '''Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas:''' It consists of two clusters of monuments (in [[Belur]] and [[Halebidu]]), and the Keshava temple in [[Somanathapura]], dating to the time of the Hoysala Empire, between the 11th and 14th centuries. ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Belur]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q760603 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Halebidu]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q108227451 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Chennakesava Temple, [[Somanathapura]] | alt=Keshava temple | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3537502 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ==Madhya Pradesh== * {{see | name= Rock Shelters of [[Bhimbetka]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q331603 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Early traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent have been discovered here. Rock paintings can be seen that are similar to those that have been found in Australia and France. }} * {{see | name= [[Khajuraho]] Group of Monuments| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26258435 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is a group of Hindu and Jain temples in [[Khajuraho]], [[Madhya Pradesh]]. The temples are noted for their architectural/artistic style and erotic sculptures. }} * {{see | name= Buddhist Monuments at [[Sanchi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q181123 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Believed to be the oldest stone structure in India. '''Vidisha''' (city in [[Madhya Pradesh]]) was the ancient capital city of the Malwa. Many Buddhist monuments were later built around this ancient city. The historical Sanchi stupas are very well preserved. }} ==Maharashtra== * {{see | name= [[Ajanta Caves]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Aurangabad]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= depict the stories of [[Buddhism]] from circa 200 BCE to 650 CE. These caves were discovered by some British Officers during a tiger hunt. These caves were built by Buddhist monks using simple tools. Buddhist monks often taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas (ancient seats of learning). There are detailed/beautiful sculptures and paintings depicting stories from Jataka tales. }} * {{see | name=[[Ellora Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189616 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are an impressive complex of rock shrines that represent the three faiths of [[Buddhism]], [[Hinduism]] and Jainism and were created during the 5th-13th centuries CE. The caves are northwest of central [[Aurangabad]], a few km from [[Khuldabad]]. }} * {{see | name=Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus | alt=(formerly Victoria Terminus), also known as '''Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus''' ('''CSMT''') | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=the architectural influence of Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival architecture and traditional Mughal architectural style }} * {{see | name=Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16942531 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It represents an urban project through various buildings (cinemas, residential buildings and balconies) of the late 19th century. Mainly these are found near the Oval Maidan area of [[Mumbai]], they represent the Victorian Neo-Gothic style of architecture and Art Deco (sometimes known as ''Indo-Deco''). }} * {{see | name=[[Mumbai/Elephanta|Elephanta Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q649384 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are two groups of sculpted caves (Hindu and Buddhist). Within the caves there are numerous carved panels and shrines. The original stone-cut elephant statue; for which Elephanta Island was named, resides at Jijamata Udyaan in [[Mumbai]]. }} ==Odisha== * {{see | name= Konark Sun Temple| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Konark]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q752091| lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= It was built to honour the sun god Surya. The entire temple is shaped in the form of a chariot pulled by seven horses in order to carry the sun god across the heavens. Though partially in ruins, it has extensive stone carvings (many erotic in nature) on the walls. }} ==Rajasthan== * The '''Hill Forts of [[Rajasthan]]''' — ** {{see | name= Chittor Fort in [[Chittorgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3695769 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= A massive stone gates with notched parapets and arched reinforced doors (to defend against elephants and cannon). Within the fort a circular road gives access to the gates and numerous monuments (ruined palaces and numerous temples). }} ** {{see | name= Kumbhalgarh Fort, [[Kumbhalgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1246283 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= protected by seven towering gates and within is the ''Badal Mahal'' palace. It also had long meandering walls for defence. There are many tales and interesting stories affiliated with this site. }} ** {{see | name= Ranthambore Fort, [[Ranthambore]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2724894 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It lies within the [[Ranthambore National Park]], near the town of [[Sawai Madhopur]]. Initially called "Ranath Bhawar Garh" (a place of Rajput warriors). The history of ''Sawai Madhopur'' centers around the famous Ranthambore Fort. }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Amber Fort in [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q456817 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a massive fort-palace complex built in a Hindu-Muslim style dating back to ''Raja Man Singh'' and once the royal palace of the ''Kachwahas''. Within the fort is the ''Sheesh Mahal'' (with thousands of mirror tiles on the walls and ceilings).. }} ** {{see | name= Jaisalmer Fort in [[Jaisalmer]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3634368 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= Also known as the “Sonar Quila” or "Sonal Kella" or "Sonar Kila". It displays the subtle hues of the setting sun and desert. It is a 'working fort' as its citizens reside and work within its walls. There are numerous vantage points within the fort that enable great views across the city and desert. }} * {{see | name= [[Jaipur]] City| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q66485 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a magnificent city filled with historical wonders and beauty in the North-western part of India. During the rule of Sawai Ram Singh I, the city was painted pink to welcome HRH Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VII, Emperor of India), in 1876. Many of the avenues still remain painted in pink, giving Jaipur a distinctive appearance and the epithet Pink city. }} * {{see | name= Jantar Mantar, [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q508634| lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= one of five astronomical observatories build by Maharaja Jai Singh in northern India. This historical observatory has geometric devices (or yantras in Hindi) for measuring time, eclipse prediction, tracking the orbits of stars eyc.. Explanations are posted for these devices and hired guides may provide further explanations. }} ==Sikkim== * {{Go | name= [[Khangchendzonga National Park]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=(mixed) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q2605019 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is named after Kangchenjunga, the highest peak of India. It is known for its numerous glaciers (Zemu glacier for example). Snow leopards, musk deer and Himalayan taar have been spotted here. }} ==Tamil Nadu== * The '''Great Living Chola Temples''' — consists of three Hindu temples built in the 11th and 12th centuries under the Chola dynasty. They represent some of the best examples of Dravidian architecture of the Chola period. ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Thanjavur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q916943 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= This temple is dedicated to Shiva. Its pillared cloister contains many lignams and the sanctum sanctorum has a large Shiva lingam and stone Nandi. }} ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Gangaikonda Cholapuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5521034 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is dedicated to the Lord Shiva and its location was used to be a medieval Chola capital. This multi-storied temple was once surrounded by a huge fort wall. }} ** {{See | name= Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3437182 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. }} ** {{marker|type=see|name=Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]|lat=10.94841|long=79.356708|image=Darasuram6.jpg}}. It has some excellent stone carvings (as well as inscriptions). The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. * {{See | name= Group of Monuments at [[Mamallapuram|Mahabalipuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3522747 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= a monument complex near [[Chennai]]. The area dates back to the ''Tamil Pallava'' dynasty. Mostly carved out of granite, they are among the oldest examples of ''Dravidian'' (South Indian) art/architecture. }} ==Telangana== * {{See | name= Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Palampet]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3380656 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= An ancient Hindu temple built during the 1200s Kakatiya dynasty & featuring ornate carvings & shrines. The main structure is in a reddish sandstone, but the columns round the outside have large brackets of black basalt which is rich in iron, magnesium and silica. These are carved as mythical animals or female dancers or musicians, and are "the masterpieces of Kakatiya art, notable for their delicate carving, sensuous postures and elongated bodies and heads". }} ==Uttar Pradesh== * {{see | name=Taj Mahal | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q9141 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It is a white marble mausoleum ordered by emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife (Mumtaz Mahal). Taj Mahal means ''Crown Palace''. It is a fairly well kept tomb and an outstanding example of Indian Muslim architecture. Current work is being considered to combat damage caused by pollution. }} * {{see | name=Agra Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q171857 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= Similar to the Red Fort in [[Delhi]], a well preserved palace and defensive complex constructed mostly in red sandstone. Emperor Akbar built this fort (same time as Humayun's Tomb in Delhi). Emperor Shah Jahan made later additions to it. }} * {{see | name=[[Fatehpur Sikri]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (''City of Victory'') — A virtual ghost city near [[Agra]]. Built by the Emperor Akbar, it was the capital of the [[Mughal Empire]] and later abandoned because local water supplies were lacking and near the tumultuous Rajasthan. It includes one of the largest mosques (''Jama Masjid'') in India. There are well preserved palaces and courtyards. }} * {{see | name=Keoladeo National Park| alt=Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary | url= | email= | address=[[Bharatpur]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (natural) — It provides habitat for thousands of birds during the winter season. The sanctuary hosts rare Siberian Cranes, ruddy shelducks, northern shovelers, northern pintails, tufted ducks, shovelers and other indigionous and migratory waterfowl. }} ==Uttarakhand== * {{listing | name=[[Nanda Devi National Park|Nanda Devi]] and [[Valley of Flowers National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q15839097 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=Nanda Devi contains wildlife such as snow leopards, bears, tahrs, deer and monkeys in addition to splendid flowers. The Valley of Flowers is famous for its beautiful alpine flowers. This valley is an Indian national park with beautiful waterfalls, landscapes, meadows of flowers and surrounding forests. }} ==West Bengal== * {{listing | name=[[Santiniketan]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1026431 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=Santiniketan was founded as an ashram by Debendranath Tagore in the second half of the 19th century and then developed into a university town of Visva-Bharati University. It is connected to the life and philosophy of Debendranath's son Rabindranath Tagore, the leading figure of the Bengali Renaissance. }} * {{listing | name=[[Sundarbans National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q532440 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The coastal mangrove forest in the southern part of [[West Bengal]] and [[Bangladesh]]. It lies on the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta. It is the largest mangrove forest in the world and the only mangrove forest in the world with tigers. [[Sundarbans (Bangladesh)]] is a different UNESCO Heritage Site in [[Bangladesh]]. }} '''Note:''' The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is listed under [[UNESCO World Heritage List (India)#Across multiple states|Mountain Railways of India]] ==See also== * [[UNESCO World Heritage List#India|UNESCO World Heritage List]] {{geo|21.534|78.046|zoom=5}} {{PartOfTopic|United Nations|India}} {{usabletopic}} ou3dwkbae1vbvumzplpyu6q5v9ggoos 5086919 5086918 2025-07-03T03:27:22Z Rangan Datta Wiki 124323 /* Across multiple states */ Updated listing for [[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] 5086919 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|TajMahal Banner.jpg|unesco_whs=yes}} '''World Heritage Sites''' are important places of cultural, historical, scientific or other significance designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). There are 43 {{UNESCO WHS}}s in [[India]]. These include 35 cultural sites (marked in blue), 7 natural sites (marked in green) and 1 mixed-criteria site (marked in red). India has the sixth largest number of sites in the world. {{mapframe|align=center|height=750|width=750}} ==Across multiple states== [[File:Darjeelinghimalayanrailway.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] [[File:Qutab Minar mausoleum.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Qutb Minar, [[Delhi]]]] [[File:Santiniketan Prayer Hall.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Santiniketan]] [[File:Konarka Temple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sun Temple, Konark]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 16 Agra Fort.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Agra Fort]] [[File:Temple No.- 3, Nalanda Archaeological Site.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Nalanda]] [[File:Fatehpur Sikri near Agra 2016-03 img05.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Fatehpur Sikri]] [[File:India-5692 - Flickr - archer10 (Dennis).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Khajuraho Monuments]] [[File:Mahabodhitemple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Mahabodhi Temple Complex]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 04 Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Taj Mahal]] [[File:Brihadeeswarar Kovil.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Brihadisvara Temple]] [[File:The elegant stone chariot.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Stone Chariot, Hampi]] [[File:Cave 26, Ajanta.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ajanta Caves]] [[File:Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus]] [[File:Thane Creek and Elephanta Island 03-2016 - img20 Elephanta Caves.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Elephanta Caves]] [[File:Kailasa temple overview, Ellora.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Kailasa Temple, Ellora]] [[File:Amber Fort (आमेर का किला ).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Amber Fort, Jaipur]] [[File:Rani_ki_vav_02.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Rani-ki-Vav]] [[File:Dhauladhar_ranges_in_the_background-_Trekkers_resting_a_bit_I_IMG_7165.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Dhauladhar Ranges]] [[File:Valley of flowers uttaranchal full view.JPG|thumb|upright=0.7|Valley of Flowers]] [[File:Ramappa Temple 8.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ramappa Temple]] [[File:Sunderbans 059.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sundarbans National Park]] [[File:Western Ghats Gobi.jpg|thumb|Western Ghats|upright=0.7]] * The '''[[Rail travel in India#Mountain trains|Mountain Railways of India]]:''' Consists of three different sites spread across [[West Bengal]], [[Tamil Nadu]] and [[Himachal Pradesh]]. They consist of narrow-gauge lines that run through picturesque mountains. ** {{see | name=[[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] | alt=DHR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[New Jalpaiguri]]–[[Darjeeling]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463874 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A {{convert|2|ft|mm}} gauge railway running through the foothills of the eastern Himalayas. The railway covers a distance of {{cvt|88|km|mi}} {{convert|88|km|mi}} starts at an altitude of }} ** {{see | name=Nilgiri Mountain Railway | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463735 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=[[Mettupalayam]]–[[Ooty]], [[Tamil Nadu]] }} ** {{see | name=Kalka–Shimla Railway | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7171560 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=[[Kalka]], [[Haryana]]–[[Shimla]], [[Himachal Pradesh]] }} * {{listing | name=Western Ghats | alt= | url= | email= | address=([[Maharashtra]], [[Karnataka]], [[Kerala]] and [[Tamil Nadu]]) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4527 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A mountain range of [[South India]] running parallel to the west coast of India. A bio-doversity hotspot and home to many endangered and endemic species. It consists of 39 individual properties }} ==Assam== * {{Listing | name = [[Kaziranga National Park]] | lat = 26.6667 | long = 93.3500 | wikidata = Q192764 | content = It is home to the Indian single-horned rhinos (rhinoceros unicornis). Kaziranga also hosts a variety of other mammal species. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} * {{Listing | name = [[Manas National Park]] | lat = 26.71 | long = 90.93 | wikidata = Q506511 | content = It is a habitat for many unique and endangered wildlife species such as the golden langur, pygmy hog and hispid hare. The Asian elephant, water buffalo, black panther, sloth bear and sambar deer can also be found here as well as endangered residential and migratory birds | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} * {{see | name=[[Moidam]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.941466 | long=94.876018 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6735332 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The mound burial system of Ahom dynasty (1228–1826). These burial mounds create an undulating landscape reminiscent of hills, in line with the spiritual beliefs of the Ahom people }} ==Bihar== * {{see | name=Nalanda|Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Nalanda]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q216243 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} * {{see | name=Mahabodhi Temple Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Bodh Gaya]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4513 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} ==Chandigarh== * {{see | name=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier in [[Chandigarh]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=30.761085 | long=76.803291 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q55619850 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement is a World Heritage Site consisting of a selection of 17 building projects in 7 countries (including [[Chandigarh]], [[India]]) by the Franco-Swiss architect Le Corbusier. These sites demonstrate how Modern Movement architecture was applied to respond to the needs of society and show the global range of a style and an architect. }} ==Delhi== * {{see | name=Humayun's Tomb | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[South East Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189648 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The site was constructed in the Indo-Islamic style known as ''Mughal''. The grand domed structure of the Humayun's Tomb occupies the central position of the Persian styled ''char bagh''garden. There are several other structures in the garden and consists of Isha Khan's tomb & mosque, Arab sarai, Barbar's tomb and many more. }} * {{see | name=Qutb Minar and its Monuments | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/South Delhi|South Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q187635 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=These structures in Delhi date from the Slave Dynasty. The Qutb Minar is one of the tallest minars in India. It has been well-preserved with its intricate carvings. It was constructed of red sandstone and marble. Earthquake damage to the top of the Qutb Manar has been renovated and its base reinforced. }} * {{see | name=Red Fort Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/Central Delhi|Central Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q45957 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Red Fort is a red sandstone fort (and ruling palace) built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame. Many historical objects and marble inlays have disappeared and quite a few buildings can not be visited due to disrepair. However, the site is impressive with lush green gardens that are well kept year round. }} ==Goa== * {{see | name= Churches and Convents of Goa| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Old Goa|Goa]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q15726428 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Old Goa, the former capital of colonial [[Goa]], is full of history and the location of numerous well maintained scenic churches and convents. }} ==Gujarat== * {{see | name= [[Dholavira]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q9468 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an archaeological site at with the ruins of an ancient [[Indus Valley Civilisation]] (Harappan) city; it is one of the five largest Harappan sites. }} * {{see | name= Historic City of [[Ahmedabad/Central Zone|Ahmedabad]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5472448 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= The modern Ahmedabad was a walled city in the past along the banks of the Sabarmati River. The city presents a rich and diverse cultural and architectural style. It also houses the former home of Mahatma Gandhi, the Sabarmati Ashram. }} * {{see | name=Rani-ki-Vav | alt=Queen's Stepwell | url= | email= | address=[[Patan (Gujarat)|Patan]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7293002 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is famous for its ornate carvings and many sculptures in its galleries. Built as an inverted temple and representing a religious regard for water. Stepwells were built basically for the storage of water in India. }} * {{see | name=[[Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q844427 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A fortified medieval settlement with Hindu, Muslim and Jain architectural elements along with the remains of water-managing systems }} ==Himachal Pradesh== * {{Listing | name = [[Great Himalayan National Park]] | lat = | long = | wikidata = Q1544213 | content = The different altitudes provide for subtropical forests to alpine and glacial flora. Different species of goat, bear, leopard and pheasants can also be found here. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} ==Karnataka== * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Hampi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26732 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Significant historic and architectural interest. The area abounds with large stones used to make statues of Jaina deities. Numerous temples and other sites can be found in and around Hampi. Further excavations are under way. }} * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Pattadakal]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q817250 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an historic centre of Chalukya art and architecture. This has major temples and numerous shrines }} * '''Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas:''' It consists of two clusters of monuments (in [[Belur]] and [[Halebidu]]), and the Keshava temple in [[Somanathapura]], dating to the time of the Hoysala Empire, between the 11th and 14th centuries. ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Belur]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q760603 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Halebidu]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q108227451 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Chennakesava Temple, [[Somanathapura]] | alt=Keshava temple | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3537502 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ==Madhya Pradesh== * {{see | name= Rock Shelters of [[Bhimbetka]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q331603 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Early traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent have been discovered here. Rock paintings can be seen that are similar to those that have been found in Australia and France. }} * {{see | name= [[Khajuraho]] Group of Monuments| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26258435 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is a group of Hindu and Jain temples in [[Khajuraho]], [[Madhya Pradesh]]. The temples are noted for their architectural/artistic style and erotic sculptures. }} * {{see | name= Buddhist Monuments at [[Sanchi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q181123 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Believed to be the oldest stone structure in India. '''Vidisha''' (city in [[Madhya Pradesh]]) was the ancient capital city of the Malwa. Many Buddhist monuments were later built around this ancient city. The historical Sanchi stupas are very well preserved. }} ==Maharashtra== * {{see | name= [[Ajanta Caves]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Aurangabad]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= depict the stories of [[Buddhism]] from circa 200 BCE to 650 CE. These caves were discovered by some British Officers during a tiger hunt. These caves were built by Buddhist monks using simple tools. Buddhist monks often taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas (ancient seats of learning). There are detailed/beautiful sculptures and paintings depicting stories from Jataka tales. }} * {{see | name=[[Ellora Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189616 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are an impressive complex of rock shrines that represent the three faiths of [[Buddhism]], [[Hinduism]] and Jainism and were created during the 5th-13th centuries CE. The caves are northwest of central [[Aurangabad]], a few km from [[Khuldabad]]. }} * {{see | name=Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus | alt=(formerly Victoria Terminus), also known as '''Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus''' ('''CSMT''') | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=the architectural influence of Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival architecture and traditional Mughal architectural style }} * {{see | name=Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16942531 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It represents an urban project through various buildings (cinemas, residential buildings and balconies) of the late 19th century. Mainly these are found near the Oval Maidan area of [[Mumbai]], they represent the Victorian Neo-Gothic style of architecture and Art Deco (sometimes known as ''Indo-Deco''). }} * {{see | name=[[Mumbai/Elephanta|Elephanta Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q649384 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are two groups of sculpted caves (Hindu and Buddhist). Within the caves there are numerous carved panels and shrines. The original stone-cut elephant statue; for which Elephanta Island was named, resides at Jijamata Udyaan in [[Mumbai]]. }} ==Odisha== * {{see | name= Konark Sun Temple| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Konark]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q752091| lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= It was built to honour the sun god Surya. The entire temple is shaped in the form of a chariot pulled by seven horses in order to carry the sun god across the heavens. Though partially in ruins, it has extensive stone carvings (many erotic in nature) on the walls. }} ==Rajasthan== * The '''Hill Forts of [[Rajasthan]]''' — ** {{see | name= Chittor Fort in [[Chittorgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3695769 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= A massive stone gates with notched parapets and arched reinforced doors (to defend against elephants and cannon). Within the fort a circular road gives access to the gates and numerous monuments (ruined palaces and numerous temples). }} ** {{see | name= Kumbhalgarh Fort, [[Kumbhalgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1246283 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= protected by seven towering gates and within is the ''Badal Mahal'' palace. It also had long meandering walls for defence. There are many tales and interesting stories affiliated with this site. }} ** {{see | name= Ranthambore Fort, [[Ranthambore]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2724894 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It lies within the [[Ranthambore National Park]], near the town of [[Sawai Madhopur]]. Initially called "Ranath Bhawar Garh" (a place of Rajput warriors). The history of ''Sawai Madhopur'' centers around the famous Ranthambore Fort. }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Amber Fort in [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q456817 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a massive fort-palace complex built in a Hindu-Muslim style dating back to ''Raja Man Singh'' and once the royal palace of the ''Kachwahas''. Within the fort is the ''Sheesh Mahal'' (with thousands of mirror tiles on the walls and ceilings).. }} ** {{see | name= Jaisalmer Fort in [[Jaisalmer]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3634368 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= Also known as the “Sonar Quila” or "Sonal Kella" or "Sonar Kila". It displays the subtle hues of the setting sun and desert. It is a 'working fort' as its citizens reside and work within its walls. There are numerous vantage points within the fort that enable great views across the city and desert. }} * {{see | name= [[Jaipur]] City| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q66485 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a magnificent city filled with historical wonders and beauty in the North-western part of India. During the rule of Sawai Ram Singh I, the city was painted pink to welcome HRH Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VII, Emperor of India), in 1876. Many of the avenues still remain painted in pink, giving Jaipur a distinctive appearance and the epithet Pink city. }} * {{see | name= Jantar Mantar, [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q508634| lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= one of five astronomical observatories build by Maharaja Jai Singh in northern India. This historical observatory has geometric devices (or yantras in Hindi) for measuring time, eclipse prediction, tracking the orbits of stars eyc.. Explanations are posted for these devices and hired guides may provide further explanations. }} ==Sikkim== * {{Go | name= [[Khangchendzonga National Park]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=(mixed) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q2605019 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is named after Kangchenjunga, the highest peak of India. It is known for its numerous glaciers (Zemu glacier for example). Snow leopards, musk deer and Himalayan taar have been spotted here. }} ==Tamil Nadu== * The '''Great Living Chola Temples''' — consists of three Hindu temples built in the 11th and 12th centuries under the Chola dynasty. They represent some of the best examples of Dravidian architecture of the Chola period. ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Thanjavur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q916943 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= This temple is dedicated to Shiva. Its pillared cloister contains many lignams and the sanctum sanctorum has a large Shiva lingam and stone Nandi. }} ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Gangaikonda Cholapuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5521034 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is dedicated to the Lord Shiva and its location was used to be a medieval Chola capital. This multi-storied temple was once surrounded by a huge fort wall. }} ** {{See | name= Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3437182 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. }} ** {{marker|type=see|name=Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]|lat=10.94841|long=79.356708|image=Darasuram6.jpg}}. It has some excellent stone carvings (as well as inscriptions). The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. * {{See | name= Group of Monuments at [[Mamallapuram|Mahabalipuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3522747 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= a monument complex near [[Chennai]]. The area dates back to the ''Tamil Pallava'' dynasty. Mostly carved out of granite, they are among the oldest examples of ''Dravidian'' (South Indian) art/architecture. }} ==Telangana== * {{See | name= Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Palampet]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3380656 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= An ancient Hindu temple built during the 1200s Kakatiya dynasty & featuring ornate carvings & shrines. The main structure is in a reddish sandstone, but the columns round the outside have large brackets of black basalt which is rich in iron, magnesium and silica. These are carved as mythical animals or female dancers or musicians, and are "the masterpieces of Kakatiya art, notable for their delicate carving, sensuous postures and elongated bodies and heads". }} ==Uttar Pradesh== * {{see | name=Taj Mahal | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q9141 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It is a white marble mausoleum ordered by emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife (Mumtaz Mahal). Taj Mahal means ''Crown Palace''. It is a fairly well kept tomb and an outstanding example of Indian Muslim architecture. Current work is being considered to combat damage caused by pollution. }} * {{see | name=Agra Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q171857 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= Similar to the Red Fort in [[Delhi]], a well preserved palace and defensive complex constructed mostly in red sandstone. Emperor Akbar built this fort (same time as Humayun's Tomb in Delhi). Emperor Shah Jahan made later additions to it. }} * {{see | name=[[Fatehpur Sikri]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (''City of Victory'') — A virtual ghost city near [[Agra]]. Built by the Emperor Akbar, it was the capital of the [[Mughal Empire]] and later abandoned because local water supplies were lacking and near the tumultuous Rajasthan. It includes one of the largest mosques (''Jama Masjid'') in India. There are well preserved palaces and courtyards. }} * {{see | name=Keoladeo National Park| alt=Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary | url= | email= | address=[[Bharatpur]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (natural) — It provides habitat for thousands of birds during the winter season. The sanctuary hosts rare Siberian Cranes, ruddy shelducks, northern shovelers, northern pintails, tufted ducks, shovelers and other indigionous and migratory waterfowl. }} ==Uttarakhand== * {{listing | name=[[Nanda Devi National Park|Nanda Devi]] and [[Valley of Flowers National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q15839097 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=Nanda Devi contains wildlife such as snow leopards, bears, tahrs, deer and monkeys in addition to splendid flowers. The Valley of Flowers is famous for its beautiful alpine flowers. This valley is an Indian national park with beautiful waterfalls, landscapes, meadows of flowers and surrounding forests. }} ==West Bengal== * {{listing | name=[[Santiniketan]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1026431 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=Santiniketan was founded as an ashram by Debendranath Tagore in the second half of the 19th century and then developed into a university town of Visva-Bharati University. It is connected to the life and philosophy of Debendranath's son Rabindranath Tagore, the leading figure of the Bengali Renaissance. }} * {{listing | name=[[Sundarbans National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q532440 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The coastal mangrove forest in the southern part of [[West Bengal]] and [[Bangladesh]]. It lies on the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta. It is the largest mangrove forest in the world and the only mangrove forest in the world with tigers. [[Sundarbans (Bangladesh)]] is a different UNESCO Heritage Site in [[Bangladesh]]. }} '''Note:''' The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is listed under [[UNESCO World Heritage List (India)#Across multiple states|Mountain Railways of India]] ==See also== * [[UNESCO World Heritage List#India|UNESCO World Heritage List]] {{geo|21.534|78.046|zoom=5}} {{PartOfTopic|United Nations|India}} {{usabletopic}} d20ovenz8vru0nknsbefu7muvdemzcd 5086922 5086919 2025-07-03T03:32:39Z Rangan Datta Wiki 124323 /* Across multiple states */ Updated listing for [[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] 5086922 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|TajMahal Banner.jpg|unesco_whs=yes}} '''World Heritage Sites''' are important places of cultural, historical, scientific or other significance designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). There are 43 {{UNESCO WHS}}s in [[India]]. These include 35 cultural sites (marked in blue), 7 natural sites (marked in green) and 1 mixed-criteria site (marked in red). India has the sixth largest number of sites in the world. {{mapframe|align=center|height=750|width=750}} ==Across multiple states== [[File:Darjeelinghimalayanrailway.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] [[File:Qutab Minar mausoleum.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Qutb Minar, [[Delhi]]]] [[File:Santiniketan Prayer Hall.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Santiniketan]] [[File:Konarka Temple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sun Temple, Konark]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 16 Agra Fort.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Agra Fort]] [[File:Temple No.- 3, Nalanda Archaeological Site.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Nalanda]] [[File:Fatehpur Sikri near Agra 2016-03 img05.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Fatehpur Sikri]] [[File:India-5692 - Flickr - archer10 (Dennis).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Khajuraho Monuments]] [[File:Mahabodhitemple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Mahabodhi Temple Complex]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 04 Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Taj Mahal]] [[File:Brihadeeswarar Kovil.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Brihadisvara Temple]] [[File:The elegant stone chariot.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Stone Chariot, Hampi]] [[File:Cave 26, Ajanta.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ajanta Caves]] [[File:Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus]] [[File:Thane Creek and Elephanta Island 03-2016 - img20 Elephanta Caves.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Elephanta Caves]] [[File:Kailasa temple overview, Ellora.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Kailasa Temple, Ellora]] [[File:Amber Fort (आमेर का किला ).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Amber Fort, Jaipur]] [[File:Rani_ki_vav_02.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Rani-ki-Vav]] [[File:Dhauladhar_ranges_in_the_background-_Trekkers_resting_a_bit_I_IMG_7165.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Dhauladhar Ranges]] [[File:Valley of flowers uttaranchal full view.JPG|thumb|upright=0.7|Valley of Flowers]] [[File:Ramappa Temple 8.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ramappa Temple]] [[File:Sunderbans 059.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sundarbans National Park]] [[File:Western Ghats Gobi.jpg|thumb|Western Ghats|upright=0.7]] * The '''[[Rail travel in India#Mountain trains|Mountain Railways of India]]:''' Consists of three different sites spread across [[West Bengal]], [[Tamil Nadu]] and [[Himachal Pradesh]]. They consist of narrow-gauge lines that run through picturesque mountains. ** {{see | name=[[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] | alt=DHR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[New Jalpaiguri]]–[[Darjeeling]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463874 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A {{convert|2|ft|mm}} gauge railway running through the foothills of the eastern Himalayas. The railway covers a distance of {{convert|88|km|mi}} starts at an altitude of {{convert|100|m|ft}} and ends at {{convert|2200|m|ft}}. The highest elevation is at [[Ghum]] ({{convert|2258|m|ft}}. It gains altitude via 6 zig-zags and 3 (originally 5) loops. Today, apart from regular diesel engines, there is a steam engine joy ride between Darjeeling and Ghum. }} ** {{see | name=Nilgiri Mountain Railway | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463735 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=[[Mettupalayam]]–[[Ooty]], [[Tamil Nadu]] }} ** {{see | name=Kalka–Shimla Railway | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7171560 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=[[Kalka]], [[Haryana]]–[[Shimla]], [[Himachal Pradesh]] }} * {{listing | name=Western Ghats | alt= | url= | email= | address=([[Maharashtra]], [[Karnataka]], [[Kerala]] and [[Tamil Nadu]]) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4527 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A mountain range of [[South India]] running parallel to the west coast of India. A bio-doversity hotspot and home to many endangered and endemic species. It consists of 39 individual properties }} ==Assam== * {{Listing | name = [[Kaziranga National Park]] | lat = 26.6667 | long = 93.3500 | wikidata = Q192764 | content = It is home to the Indian single-horned rhinos (rhinoceros unicornis). Kaziranga also hosts a variety of other mammal species. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} * {{Listing | name = [[Manas National Park]] | lat = 26.71 | long = 90.93 | wikidata = Q506511 | content = It is a habitat for many unique and endangered wildlife species such as the golden langur, pygmy hog and hispid hare. The Asian elephant, water buffalo, black panther, sloth bear and sambar deer can also be found here as well as endangered residential and migratory birds | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} * {{see | name=[[Moidam]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.941466 | long=94.876018 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6735332 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The mound burial system of Ahom dynasty (1228–1826). These burial mounds create an undulating landscape reminiscent of hills, in line with the spiritual beliefs of the Ahom people }} ==Bihar== * {{see | name=Nalanda|Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Nalanda]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q216243 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} * {{see | name=Mahabodhi Temple Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Bodh Gaya]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4513 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} ==Chandigarh== * {{see | name=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier in [[Chandigarh]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=30.761085 | long=76.803291 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q55619850 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement is a World Heritage Site consisting of a selection of 17 building projects in 7 countries (including [[Chandigarh]], [[India]]) by the Franco-Swiss architect Le Corbusier. These sites demonstrate how Modern Movement architecture was applied to respond to the needs of society and show the global range of a style and an architect. }} ==Delhi== * {{see | name=Humayun's Tomb | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[South East Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189648 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The site was constructed in the Indo-Islamic style known as ''Mughal''. The grand domed structure of the Humayun's Tomb occupies the central position of the Persian styled ''char bagh''garden. There are several other structures in the garden and consists of Isha Khan's tomb & mosque, Arab sarai, Barbar's tomb and many more. }} * {{see | name=Qutb Minar and its Monuments | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/South Delhi|South Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q187635 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=These structures in Delhi date from the Slave Dynasty. The Qutb Minar is one of the tallest minars in India. It has been well-preserved with its intricate carvings. It was constructed of red sandstone and marble. Earthquake damage to the top of the Qutb Manar has been renovated and its base reinforced. }} * {{see | name=Red Fort Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/Central Delhi|Central Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q45957 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Red Fort is a red sandstone fort (and ruling palace) built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame. Many historical objects and marble inlays have disappeared and quite a few buildings can not be visited due to disrepair. However, the site is impressive with lush green gardens that are well kept year round. }} ==Goa== * {{see | name= Churches and Convents of Goa| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Old Goa|Goa]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q15726428 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Old Goa, the former capital of colonial [[Goa]], is full of history and the location of numerous well maintained scenic churches and convents. }} ==Gujarat== * {{see | name= [[Dholavira]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q9468 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an archaeological site at with the ruins of an ancient [[Indus Valley Civilisation]] (Harappan) city; it is one of the five largest Harappan sites. }} * {{see | name= Historic City of [[Ahmedabad/Central Zone|Ahmedabad]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5472448 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= The modern Ahmedabad was a walled city in the past along the banks of the Sabarmati River. The city presents a rich and diverse cultural and architectural style. It also houses the former home of Mahatma Gandhi, the Sabarmati Ashram. }} * {{see | name=Rani-ki-Vav | alt=Queen's Stepwell | url= | email= | address=[[Patan (Gujarat)|Patan]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7293002 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is famous for its ornate carvings and many sculptures in its galleries. Built as an inverted temple and representing a religious regard for water. Stepwells were built basically for the storage of water in India. }} * {{see | name=[[Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q844427 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A fortified medieval settlement with Hindu, Muslim and Jain architectural elements along with the remains of water-managing systems }} ==Himachal Pradesh== * {{Listing | name = [[Great Himalayan National Park]] | lat = | long = | wikidata = Q1544213 | content = The different altitudes provide for subtropical forests to alpine and glacial flora. Different species of goat, bear, leopard and pheasants can also be found here. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} ==Karnataka== * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Hampi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26732 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Significant historic and architectural interest. The area abounds with large stones used to make statues of Jaina deities. Numerous temples and other sites can be found in and around Hampi. Further excavations are under way. }} * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Pattadakal]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q817250 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an historic centre of Chalukya art and architecture. This has major temples and numerous shrines }} * '''Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas:''' It consists of two clusters of monuments (in [[Belur]] and [[Halebidu]]), and the Keshava temple in [[Somanathapura]], dating to the time of the Hoysala Empire, between the 11th and 14th centuries. ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Belur]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q760603 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Halebidu]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q108227451 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Chennakesava Temple, [[Somanathapura]] | alt=Keshava temple | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3537502 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ==Madhya Pradesh== * {{see | name= Rock Shelters of [[Bhimbetka]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q331603 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Early traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent have been discovered here. Rock paintings can be seen that are similar to those that have been found in Australia and France. }} * {{see | name= [[Khajuraho]] Group of Monuments| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26258435 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is a group of Hindu and Jain temples in [[Khajuraho]], [[Madhya Pradesh]]. The temples are noted for their architectural/artistic style and erotic sculptures. }} * {{see | name= Buddhist Monuments at [[Sanchi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q181123 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Believed to be the oldest stone structure in India. '''Vidisha''' (city in [[Madhya Pradesh]]) was the ancient capital city of the Malwa. Many Buddhist monuments were later built around this ancient city. The historical Sanchi stupas are very well preserved. }} ==Maharashtra== * {{see | name= [[Ajanta Caves]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Aurangabad]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= depict the stories of [[Buddhism]] from circa 200 BCE to 650 CE. These caves were discovered by some British Officers during a tiger hunt. These caves were built by Buddhist monks using simple tools. Buddhist monks often taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas (ancient seats of learning). There are detailed/beautiful sculptures and paintings depicting stories from Jataka tales. }} * {{see | name=[[Ellora Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189616 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are an impressive complex of rock shrines that represent the three faiths of [[Buddhism]], [[Hinduism]] and Jainism and were created during the 5th-13th centuries CE. The caves are northwest of central [[Aurangabad]], a few km from [[Khuldabad]]. }} * {{see | name=Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus | alt=(formerly Victoria Terminus), also known as '''Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus''' ('''CSMT''') | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=the architectural influence of Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival architecture and traditional Mughal architectural style }} * {{see | name=Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16942531 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It represents an urban project through various buildings (cinemas, residential buildings and balconies) of the late 19th century. Mainly these are found near the Oval Maidan area of [[Mumbai]], they represent the Victorian Neo-Gothic style of architecture and Art Deco (sometimes known as ''Indo-Deco''). }} * {{see | name=[[Mumbai/Elephanta|Elephanta Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q649384 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are two groups of sculpted caves (Hindu and Buddhist). Within the caves there are numerous carved panels and shrines. The original stone-cut elephant statue; for which Elephanta Island was named, resides at Jijamata Udyaan in [[Mumbai]]. }} ==Odisha== * {{see | name= Konark Sun Temple| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Konark]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q752091| lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= It was built to honour the sun god Surya. The entire temple is shaped in the form of a chariot pulled by seven horses in order to carry the sun god across the heavens. Though partially in ruins, it has extensive stone carvings (many erotic in nature) on the walls. }} ==Rajasthan== * The '''Hill Forts of [[Rajasthan]]''' — ** {{see | name= Chittor Fort in [[Chittorgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3695769 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= A massive stone gates with notched parapets and arched reinforced doors (to defend against elephants and cannon). Within the fort a circular road gives access to the gates and numerous monuments (ruined palaces and numerous temples). }} ** {{see | name= Kumbhalgarh Fort, [[Kumbhalgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1246283 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= protected by seven towering gates and within is the ''Badal Mahal'' palace. It also had long meandering walls for defence. There are many tales and interesting stories affiliated with this site. }} ** {{see | name= Ranthambore Fort, [[Ranthambore]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2724894 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It lies within the [[Ranthambore National Park]], near the town of [[Sawai Madhopur]]. Initially called "Ranath Bhawar Garh" (a place of Rajput warriors). The history of ''Sawai Madhopur'' centers around the famous Ranthambore Fort. }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Amber Fort in [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q456817 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a massive fort-palace complex built in a Hindu-Muslim style dating back to ''Raja Man Singh'' and once the royal palace of the ''Kachwahas''. Within the fort is the ''Sheesh Mahal'' (with thousands of mirror tiles on the walls and ceilings).. }} ** {{see | name= Jaisalmer Fort in [[Jaisalmer]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3634368 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= Also known as the “Sonar Quila” or "Sonal Kella" or "Sonar Kila". It displays the subtle hues of the setting sun and desert. It is a 'working fort' as its citizens reside and work within its walls. There are numerous vantage points within the fort that enable great views across the city and desert. }} * {{see | name= [[Jaipur]] City| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q66485 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a magnificent city filled with historical wonders and beauty in the North-western part of India. During the rule of Sawai Ram Singh I, the city was painted pink to welcome HRH Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VII, Emperor of India), in 1876. Many of the avenues still remain painted in pink, giving Jaipur a distinctive appearance and the epithet Pink city. }} * {{see | name= Jantar Mantar, [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q508634| lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= one of five astronomical observatories build by Maharaja Jai Singh in northern India. This historical observatory has geometric devices (or yantras in Hindi) for measuring time, eclipse prediction, tracking the orbits of stars eyc.. Explanations are posted for these devices and hired guides may provide further explanations. }} ==Sikkim== * {{Go | name= [[Khangchendzonga National Park]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=(mixed) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q2605019 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is named after Kangchenjunga, the highest peak of India. It is known for its numerous glaciers (Zemu glacier for example). Snow leopards, musk deer and Himalayan taar have been spotted here. }} ==Tamil Nadu== * The '''Great Living Chola Temples''' — consists of three Hindu temples built in the 11th and 12th centuries under the Chola dynasty. They represent some of the best examples of Dravidian architecture of the Chola period. ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Thanjavur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q916943 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= This temple is dedicated to Shiva. Its pillared cloister contains many lignams and the sanctum sanctorum has a large Shiva lingam and stone Nandi. }} ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Gangaikonda Cholapuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5521034 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is dedicated to the Lord Shiva and its location was used to be a medieval Chola capital. This multi-storied temple was once surrounded by a huge fort wall. }} ** {{See | name= Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3437182 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. }} ** {{marker|type=see|name=Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]|lat=10.94841|long=79.356708|image=Darasuram6.jpg}}. It has some excellent stone carvings (as well as inscriptions). The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. * {{See | name= Group of Monuments at [[Mamallapuram|Mahabalipuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3522747 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= a monument complex near [[Chennai]]. The area dates back to the ''Tamil Pallava'' dynasty. Mostly carved out of granite, they are among the oldest examples of ''Dravidian'' (South Indian) art/architecture. }} ==Telangana== * {{See | name= Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Palampet]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3380656 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= An ancient Hindu temple built during the 1200s Kakatiya dynasty & featuring ornate carvings & shrines. The main structure is in a reddish sandstone, but the columns round the outside have large brackets of black basalt which is rich in iron, magnesium and silica. These are carved as mythical animals or female dancers or musicians, and are "the masterpieces of Kakatiya art, notable for their delicate carving, sensuous postures and elongated bodies and heads". }} ==Uttar Pradesh== * {{see | name=Taj Mahal | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q9141 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It is a white marble mausoleum ordered by emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife (Mumtaz Mahal). Taj Mahal means ''Crown Palace''. It is a fairly well kept tomb and an outstanding example of Indian Muslim architecture. Current work is being considered to combat damage caused by pollution. }} * {{see | name=Agra Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q171857 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= Similar to the Red Fort in [[Delhi]], a well preserved palace and defensive complex constructed mostly in red sandstone. Emperor Akbar built this fort (same time as Humayun's Tomb in Delhi). Emperor Shah Jahan made later additions to it. }} * {{see | name=[[Fatehpur Sikri]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (''City of Victory'') — A virtual ghost city near [[Agra]]. Built by the Emperor Akbar, it was the capital of the [[Mughal Empire]] and later abandoned because local water supplies were lacking and near the tumultuous Rajasthan. It includes one of the largest mosques (''Jama Masjid'') in India. There are well preserved palaces and courtyards. }} * {{see | name=Keoladeo National Park| alt=Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary | url= | email= | address=[[Bharatpur]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (natural) — It provides habitat for thousands of birds during the winter season. The sanctuary hosts rare Siberian Cranes, ruddy shelducks, northern shovelers, northern pintails, tufted ducks, shovelers and other indigionous and migratory waterfowl. }} ==Uttarakhand== * {{listing | name=[[Nanda Devi National Park|Nanda Devi]] and [[Valley of Flowers National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q15839097 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=Nanda Devi contains wildlife such as snow leopards, bears, tahrs, deer and monkeys in addition to splendid flowers. The Valley of Flowers is famous for its beautiful alpine flowers. This valley is an Indian national park with beautiful waterfalls, landscapes, meadows of flowers and surrounding forests. }} ==West Bengal== * {{listing | name=[[Santiniketan]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1026431 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=Santiniketan was founded as an ashram by Debendranath Tagore in the second half of the 19th century and then developed into a university town of Visva-Bharati University. It is connected to the life and philosophy of Debendranath's son Rabindranath Tagore, the leading figure of the Bengali Renaissance. }} * {{listing | name=[[Sundarbans National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q532440 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The coastal mangrove forest in the southern part of [[West Bengal]] and [[Bangladesh]]. It lies on the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta. It is the largest mangrove forest in the world and the only mangrove forest in the world with tigers. [[Sundarbans (Bangladesh)]] is a different UNESCO Heritage Site in [[Bangladesh]]. }} '''Note:''' The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is listed under [[UNESCO World Heritage List (India)#Across multiple states|Mountain Railways of India]] ==See also== * [[UNESCO World Heritage List#India|UNESCO World Heritage List]] {{geo|21.534|78.046|zoom=5}} {{PartOfTopic|United Nations|India}} {{usabletopic}} ho2nk9qua8wkuefwi23bme96eh8tgh0 5086930 5086922 2025-07-03T03:47:13Z Rangan Datta Wiki 124323 /* Across multiple states */ Updated listing for Nilgiri Mountain Railway 5086930 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|TajMahal Banner.jpg|unesco_whs=yes}} '''World Heritage Sites''' are important places of cultural, historical, scientific or other significance designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). There are 43 {{UNESCO WHS}}s in [[India]]. These include 35 cultural sites (marked in blue), 7 natural sites (marked in green) and 1 mixed-criteria site (marked in red). India has the sixth largest number of sites in the world. {{mapframe|align=center|height=750|width=750}} ==Across multiple states== [[File:Darjeelinghimalayanrailway.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] [[File:Qutab Minar mausoleum.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Qutb Minar, [[Delhi]]]] [[File:Santiniketan Prayer Hall.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Santiniketan]] [[File:Konarka Temple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sun Temple, Konark]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 16 Agra Fort.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Agra Fort]] [[File:Temple No.- 3, Nalanda Archaeological Site.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Nalanda]] [[File:Fatehpur Sikri near Agra 2016-03 img05.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Fatehpur Sikri]] [[File:India-5692 - Flickr - archer10 (Dennis).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Khajuraho Monuments]] [[File:Mahabodhitemple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Mahabodhi Temple Complex]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 04 Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Taj Mahal]] [[File:Brihadeeswarar Kovil.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Brihadisvara Temple]] [[File:The elegant stone chariot.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Stone Chariot, Hampi]] [[File:Cave 26, Ajanta.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ajanta Caves]] [[File:Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus]] [[File:Thane Creek and Elephanta Island 03-2016 - img20 Elephanta Caves.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Elephanta Caves]] [[File:Kailasa temple overview, Ellora.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Kailasa Temple, Ellora]] [[File:Amber Fort (आमेर का किला ).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Amber Fort, Jaipur]] [[File:Rani_ki_vav_02.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Rani-ki-Vav]] [[File:Dhauladhar_ranges_in_the_background-_Trekkers_resting_a_bit_I_IMG_7165.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Dhauladhar Ranges]] [[File:Valley of flowers uttaranchal full view.JPG|thumb|upright=0.7|Valley of Flowers]] [[File:Ramappa Temple 8.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ramappa Temple]] [[File:Sunderbans 059.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sundarbans National Park]] [[File:Western Ghats Gobi.jpg|thumb|Western Ghats|upright=0.7]] * The '''[[Rail travel in India#Mountain trains|Mountain Railways of India]]:''' Consists of three different sites spread across [[West Bengal]], [[Tamil Nadu]] and [[Himachal Pradesh]]. They consist of narrow-gauge lines that run through picturesque mountains. ** {{see | name=[[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] | alt=DHR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[New Jalpaiguri]]–[[Darjeeling]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463874 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A {{convert|2|ft|mm}} gauge railway running through the foothills of the eastern Himalayas. The railway covers a distance of {{convert|88|km|mi}} starts at an altitude of {{convert|100|m|ft}} and ends at {{convert|2200|m|ft}}. The highest elevation is at [[Ghum]] ({{convert|2258|m|ft}}. It gains altitude via 6 zig-zags and 3 (originally 5) loops. Today, apart from regular diesel engines, there is a steam engine joy ride between Darjeeling and Ghum. }} ** {{see | name=Nilgiri Mountain Railway | alt=NMR Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[Mettupalayam]]–[[Ooty]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463735 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content={{Track gauge|1000mm|allk=on}} }} ** {{see | name=Kalka–Shimla Railway | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7171560 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=[[Kalka]], [[Haryana]]–[[Shimla]], [[Himachal Pradesh]] }} * {{listing | name=Western Ghats | alt= | url= | email= | address=([[Maharashtra]], [[Karnataka]], [[Kerala]] and [[Tamil Nadu]]) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4527 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A mountain range of [[South India]] running parallel to the west coast of India. A bio-doversity hotspot and home to many endangered and endemic species. It consists of 39 individual properties }} ==Assam== * {{Listing | name = [[Kaziranga National Park]] | lat = 26.6667 | long = 93.3500 | wikidata = Q192764 | content = It is home to the Indian single-horned rhinos (rhinoceros unicornis). Kaziranga also hosts a variety of other mammal species. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} * {{Listing | name = [[Manas National Park]] | lat = 26.71 | long = 90.93 | wikidata = Q506511 | content = It is a habitat for many unique and endangered wildlife species such as the golden langur, pygmy hog and hispid hare. The Asian elephant, water buffalo, black panther, sloth bear and sambar deer can also be found here as well as endangered residential and migratory birds | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} * {{see | name=[[Moidam]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.941466 | long=94.876018 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6735332 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The mound burial system of Ahom dynasty (1228–1826). These burial mounds create an undulating landscape reminiscent of hills, in line with the spiritual beliefs of the Ahom people }} ==Bihar== * {{see | name=Nalanda|Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Nalanda]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q216243 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} * {{see | name=Mahabodhi Temple Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Bodh Gaya]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4513 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} ==Chandigarh== * {{see | name=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier in [[Chandigarh]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=30.761085 | long=76.803291 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q55619850 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement is a World Heritage Site consisting of a selection of 17 building projects in 7 countries (including [[Chandigarh]], [[India]]) by the Franco-Swiss architect Le Corbusier. These sites demonstrate how Modern Movement architecture was applied to respond to the needs of society and show the global range of a style and an architect. }} ==Delhi== * {{see | name=Humayun's Tomb | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[South East Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189648 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The site was constructed in the Indo-Islamic style known as ''Mughal''. The grand domed structure of the Humayun's Tomb occupies the central position of the Persian styled ''char bagh''garden. There are several other structures in the garden and consists of Isha Khan's tomb & mosque, Arab sarai, Barbar's tomb and many more. }} * {{see | name=Qutb Minar and its Monuments | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/South Delhi|South Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q187635 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=These structures in Delhi date from the Slave Dynasty. The Qutb Minar is one of the tallest minars in India. It has been well-preserved with its intricate carvings. It was constructed of red sandstone and marble. Earthquake damage to the top of the Qutb Manar has been renovated and its base reinforced. }} * {{see | name=Red Fort Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/Central Delhi|Central Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q45957 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Red Fort is a red sandstone fort (and ruling palace) built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame. Many historical objects and marble inlays have disappeared and quite a few buildings can not be visited due to disrepair. However, the site is impressive with lush green gardens that are well kept year round. }} ==Goa== * {{see | name= Churches and Convents of Goa| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Old Goa|Goa]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q15726428 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Old Goa, the former capital of colonial [[Goa]], is full of history and the location of numerous well maintained scenic churches and convents. }} ==Gujarat== * {{see | name= [[Dholavira]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q9468 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an archaeological site at with the ruins of an ancient [[Indus Valley Civilisation]] (Harappan) city; it is one of the five largest Harappan sites. }} * {{see | name= Historic City of [[Ahmedabad/Central Zone|Ahmedabad]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5472448 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= The modern Ahmedabad was a walled city in the past along the banks of the Sabarmati River. The city presents a rich and diverse cultural and architectural style. It also houses the former home of Mahatma Gandhi, the Sabarmati Ashram. }} * {{see | name=Rani-ki-Vav | alt=Queen's Stepwell | url= | email= | address=[[Patan (Gujarat)|Patan]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7293002 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is famous for its ornate carvings and many sculptures in its galleries. Built as an inverted temple and representing a religious regard for water. Stepwells were built basically for the storage of water in India. }} * {{see | name=[[Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q844427 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A fortified medieval settlement with Hindu, Muslim and Jain architectural elements along with the remains of water-managing systems }} ==Himachal Pradesh== * {{Listing | name = [[Great Himalayan National Park]] | lat = | long = | wikidata = Q1544213 | content = The different altitudes provide for subtropical forests to alpine and glacial flora. Different species of goat, bear, leopard and pheasants can also be found here. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} ==Karnataka== * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Hampi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26732 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Significant historic and architectural interest. The area abounds with large stones used to make statues of Jaina deities. Numerous temples and other sites can be found in and around Hampi. Further excavations are under way. }} * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Pattadakal]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q817250 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an historic centre of Chalukya art and architecture. This has major temples and numerous shrines }} * '''Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas:''' It consists of two clusters of monuments (in [[Belur]] and [[Halebidu]]), and the Keshava temple in [[Somanathapura]], dating to the time of the Hoysala Empire, between the 11th and 14th centuries. ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Belur]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q760603 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Halebidu]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q108227451 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Chennakesava Temple, [[Somanathapura]] | alt=Keshava temple | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3537502 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ==Madhya Pradesh== * {{see | name= Rock Shelters of [[Bhimbetka]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q331603 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Early traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent have been discovered here. Rock paintings can be seen that are similar to those that have been found in Australia and France. }} * {{see | name= [[Khajuraho]] Group of Monuments| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26258435 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is a group of Hindu and Jain temples in [[Khajuraho]], [[Madhya Pradesh]]. The temples are noted for their architectural/artistic style and erotic sculptures. }} * {{see | name= Buddhist Monuments at [[Sanchi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q181123 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Believed to be the oldest stone structure in India. '''Vidisha''' (city in [[Madhya Pradesh]]) was the ancient capital city of the Malwa. Many Buddhist monuments were later built around this ancient city. The historical Sanchi stupas are very well preserved. }} ==Maharashtra== * {{see | name= [[Ajanta Caves]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Aurangabad]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= depict the stories of [[Buddhism]] from circa 200 BCE to 650 CE. These caves were discovered by some British Officers during a tiger hunt. These caves were built by Buddhist monks using simple tools. Buddhist monks often taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas (ancient seats of learning). There are detailed/beautiful sculptures and paintings depicting stories from Jataka tales. }} * {{see | name=[[Ellora Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189616 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are an impressive complex of rock shrines that represent the three faiths of [[Buddhism]], [[Hinduism]] and Jainism and were created during the 5th-13th centuries CE. The caves are northwest of central [[Aurangabad]], a few km from [[Khuldabad]]. }} * {{see | name=Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus | alt=(formerly Victoria Terminus), also known as '''Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus''' ('''CSMT''') | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=the architectural influence of Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival architecture and traditional Mughal architectural style }} * {{see | name=Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16942531 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It represents an urban project through various buildings (cinemas, residential buildings and balconies) of the late 19th century. Mainly these are found near the Oval Maidan area of [[Mumbai]], they represent the Victorian Neo-Gothic style of architecture and Art Deco (sometimes known as ''Indo-Deco''). }} * {{see | name=[[Mumbai/Elephanta|Elephanta Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q649384 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are two groups of sculpted caves (Hindu and Buddhist). Within the caves there are numerous carved panels and shrines. The original stone-cut elephant statue; for which Elephanta Island was named, resides at Jijamata Udyaan in [[Mumbai]]. }} ==Odisha== * {{see | name= Konark Sun Temple| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Konark]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q752091| lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= It was built to honour the sun god Surya. The entire temple is shaped in the form of a chariot pulled by seven horses in order to carry the sun god across the heavens. Though partially in ruins, it has extensive stone carvings (many erotic in nature) on the walls. }} ==Rajasthan== * The '''Hill Forts of [[Rajasthan]]''' — ** {{see | name= Chittor Fort in [[Chittorgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3695769 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= A massive stone gates with notched parapets and arched reinforced doors (to defend against elephants and cannon). Within the fort a circular road gives access to the gates and numerous monuments (ruined palaces and numerous temples). }} ** {{see | name= Kumbhalgarh Fort, [[Kumbhalgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1246283 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= protected by seven towering gates and within is the ''Badal Mahal'' palace. It also had long meandering walls for defence. There are many tales and interesting stories affiliated with this site. }} ** {{see | name= Ranthambore Fort, [[Ranthambore]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2724894 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It lies within the [[Ranthambore National Park]], near the town of [[Sawai Madhopur]]. Initially called "Ranath Bhawar Garh" (a place of Rajput warriors). The history of ''Sawai Madhopur'' centers around the famous Ranthambore Fort. }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Amber Fort in [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q456817 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a massive fort-palace complex built in a Hindu-Muslim style dating back to ''Raja Man Singh'' and once the royal palace of the ''Kachwahas''. Within the fort is the ''Sheesh Mahal'' (with thousands of mirror tiles on the walls and ceilings).. }} ** {{see | name= Jaisalmer Fort in [[Jaisalmer]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3634368 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= Also known as the “Sonar Quila” or "Sonal Kella" or "Sonar Kila". It displays the subtle hues of the setting sun and desert. It is a 'working fort' as its citizens reside and work within its walls. There are numerous vantage points within the fort that enable great views across the city and desert. }} * {{see | name= [[Jaipur]] City| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q66485 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a magnificent city filled with historical wonders and beauty in the North-western part of India. During the rule of Sawai Ram Singh I, the city was painted pink to welcome HRH Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VII, Emperor of India), in 1876. Many of the avenues still remain painted in pink, giving Jaipur a distinctive appearance and the epithet Pink city. }} * {{see | name= Jantar Mantar, [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q508634| lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= one of five astronomical observatories build by Maharaja Jai Singh in northern India. This historical observatory has geometric devices (or yantras in Hindi) for measuring time, eclipse prediction, tracking the orbits of stars eyc.. Explanations are posted for these devices and hired guides may provide further explanations. }} ==Sikkim== * {{Go | name= [[Khangchendzonga National Park]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=(mixed) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q2605019 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is named after Kangchenjunga, the highest peak of India. It is known for its numerous glaciers (Zemu glacier for example). Snow leopards, musk deer and Himalayan taar have been spotted here. }} ==Tamil Nadu== * The '''Great Living Chola Temples''' — consists of three Hindu temples built in the 11th and 12th centuries under the Chola dynasty. They represent some of the best examples of Dravidian architecture of the Chola period. ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Thanjavur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q916943 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= This temple is dedicated to Shiva. Its pillared cloister contains many lignams and the sanctum sanctorum has a large Shiva lingam and stone Nandi. }} ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Gangaikonda Cholapuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5521034 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is dedicated to the Lord Shiva and its location was used to be a medieval Chola capital. This multi-storied temple was once surrounded by a huge fort wall. }} ** {{See | name= Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3437182 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. }} ** {{marker|type=see|name=Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]|lat=10.94841|long=79.356708|image=Darasuram6.jpg}}. It has some excellent stone carvings (as well as inscriptions). The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. * {{See | name= Group of Monuments at [[Mamallapuram|Mahabalipuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3522747 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= a monument complex near [[Chennai]]. The area dates back to the ''Tamil Pallava'' dynasty. Mostly carved out of granite, they are among the oldest examples of ''Dravidian'' (South Indian) art/architecture. }} ==Telangana== * {{See | name= Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Palampet]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3380656 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= An ancient Hindu temple built during the 1200s Kakatiya dynasty & featuring ornate carvings & shrines. The main structure is in a reddish sandstone, but the columns round the outside have large brackets of black basalt which is rich in iron, magnesium and silica. These are carved as mythical animals or female dancers or musicians, and are "the masterpieces of Kakatiya art, notable for their delicate carving, sensuous postures and elongated bodies and heads". }} ==Uttar Pradesh== * {{see | name=Taj Mahal | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q9141 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It is a white marble mausoleum ordered by emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife (Mumtaz Mahal). Taj Mahal means ''Crown Palace''. It is a fairly well kept tomb and an outstanding example of Indian Muslim architecture. Current work is being considered to combat damage caused by pollution. }} * {{see | name=Agra Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q171857 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= Similar to the Red Fort in [[Delhi]], a well preserved palace and defensive complex constructed mostly in red sandstone. Emperor Akbar built this fort (same time as Humayun's Tomb in Delhi). Emperor Shah Jahan made later additions to it. }} * {{see | name=[[Fatehpur Sikri]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (''City of Victory'') — A virtual ghost city near [[Agra]]. Built by the Emperor Akbar, it was the capital of the [[Mughal Empire]] and later abandoned because local water supplies were lacking and near the tumultuous Rajasthan. It includes one of the largest mosques (''Jama Masjid'') in India. There are well preserved palaces and courtyards. }} * {{see | name=Keoladeo National Park| alt=Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary | url= | email= | address=[[Bharatpur]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (natural) — It provides habitat for thousands of birds during the winter season. The sanctuary hosts rare Siberian Cranes, ruddy shelducks, northern shovelers, northern pintails, tufted ducks, shovelers and other indigionous and migratory waterfowl. }} ==Uttarakhand== * {{listing | name=[[Nanda Devi National Park|Nanda Devi]] and [[Valley of Flowers National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q15839097 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=Nanda Devi contains wildlife such as snow leopards, bears, tahrs, deer and monkeys in addition to splendid flowers. The Valley of Flowers is famous for its beautiful alpine flowers. This valley is an Indian national park with beautiful waterfalls, landscapes, meadows of flowers and surrounding forests. }} ==West Bengal== * {{listing | name=[[Santiniketan]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1026431 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=Santiniketan was founded as an ashram by Debendranath Tagore in the second half of the 19th century and then developed into a university town of Visva-Bharati University. It is connected to the life and philosophy of Debendranath's son Rabindranath Tagore, the leading figure of the Bengali Renaissance. }} * {{listing | name=[[Sundarbans National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q532440 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The coastal mangrove forest in the southern part of [[West Bengal]] and [[Bangladesh]]. It lies on the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta. It is the largest mangrove forest in the world and the only mangrove forest in the world with tigers. [[Sundarbans (Bangladesh)]] is a different UNESCO Heritage Site in [[Bangladesh]]. }} '''Note:''' The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is listed under [[UNESCO World Heritage List (India)#Across multiple states|Mountain Railways of India]] ==See also== * [[UNESCO World Heritage List#India|UNESCO World Heritage List]] {{geo|21.534|78.046|zoom=5}} {{PartOfTopic|United Nations|India}} {{usabletopic}} 4rqb4sn1b9v13d0jjmagnlfncb7do6h 5086932 5086930 2025-07-03T03:48:32Z Rangan Datta Wiki 124323 /* Across multiple states */ Updated listing for Nilgiri Mountain Railway 5086932 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|TajMahal Banner.jpg|unesco_whs=yes}} '''World Heritage Sites''' are important places of cultural, historical, scientific or other significance designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). There are 43 {{UNESCO WHS}}s in [[India]]. These include 35 cultural sites (marked in blue), 7 natural sites (marked in green) and 1 mixed-criteria site (marked in red). India has the sixth largest number of sites in the world. {{mapframe|align=center|height=750|width=750}} ==Across multiple states== [[File:Darjeelinghimalayanrailway.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] [[File:Qutab Minar mausoleum.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Qutb Minar, [[Delhi]]]] [[File:Santiniketan Prayer Hall.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Santiniketan]] [[File:Konarka Temple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sun Temple, Konark]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 16 Agra Fort.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Agra Fort]] [[File:Temple No.- 3, Nalanda Archaeological Site.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Nalanda]] [[File:Fatehpur Sikri near Agra 2016-03 img05.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Fatehpur Sikri]] [[File:India-5692 - Flickr - archer10 (Dennis).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Khajuraho Monuments]] [[File:Mahabodhitemple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Mahabodhi Temple Complex]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 04 Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Taj Mahal]] [[File:Brihadeeswarar Kovil.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Brihadisvara Temple]] [[File:The elegant stone chariot.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Stone Chariot, Hampi]] [[File:Cave 26, Ajanta.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ajanta Caves]] [[File:Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus]] [[File:Thane Creek and Elephanta Island 03-2016 - img20 Elephanta Caves.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Elephanta Caves]] [[File:Kailasa temple overview, Ellora.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Kailasa Temple, Ellora]] [[File:Amber Fort (आमेर का किला ).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Amber Fort, Jaipur]] [[File:Rani_ki_vav_02.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Rani-ki-Vav]] [[File:Dhauladhar_ranges_in_the_background-_Trekkers_resting_a_bit_I_IMG_7165.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Dhauladhar Ranges]] [[File:Valley of flowers uttaranchal full view.JPG|thumb|upright=0.7|Valley of Flowers]] [[File:Ramappa Temple 8.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ramappa Temple]] [[File:Sunderbans 059.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sundarbans National Park]] [[File:Western Ghats Gobi.jpg|thumb|Western Ghats|upright=0.7]] * The '''[[Rail travel in India#Mountain trains|Mountain Railways of India]]:''' Consists of three different sites spread across [[West Bengal]], [[Tamil Nadu]] and [[Himachal Pradesh]]. They consist of narrow-gauge lines that run through picturesque mountains. ** {{see | name=[[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] | alt=DHR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[New Jalpaiguri]]–[[Darjeeling]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463874 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A {{convert|2|ft|mm}} gauge railway running through the foothills of the eastern Himalayas. The railway covers a distance of {{convert|88|km|mi}} starts at an altitude of {{convert|100|m|ft}} and ends at {{convert|2200|m|ft}}. The highest elevation is at [[Ghum]] ({{convert|2258|m|ft}}. It gains altitude via 6 zig-zags and 3 (originally 5) loops. Today, apart from regular diesel engines, there is a steam engine joy ride between Darjeeling and Ghum. }} ** {{see | name=Nilgiri Mountain Railway | alt=NMR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[Mettupalayam]]–[[Ooty]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463735 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content={{cvt|1|m|ft}} }} ** {{see | name=Kalka–Shimla Railway | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7171560 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=[[Kalka]], [[Haryana]]–[[Shimla]], [[Himachal Pradesh]] }} * {{listing | name=Western Ghats | alt= | url= | email= | address=([[Maharashtra]], [[Karnataka]], [[Kerala]] and [[Tamil Nadu]]) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4527 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A mountain range of [[South India]] running parallel to the west coast of India. A bio-doversity hotspot and home to many endangered and endemic species. It consists of 39 individual properties }} ==Assam== * {{Listing | name = [[Kaziranga National Park]] | lat = 26.6667 | long = 93.3500 | wikidata = Q192764 | content = It is home to the Indian single-horned rhinos (rhinoceros unicornis). Kaziranga also hosts a variety of other mammal species. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} * {{Listing | name = [[Manas National Park]] | lat = 26.71 | long = 90.93 | wikidata = Q506511 | content = It is a habitat for many unique and endangered wildlife species such as the golden langur, pygmy hog and hispid hare. The Asian elephant, water buffalo, black panther, sloth bear and sambar deer can also be found here as well as endangered residential and migratory birds | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} * {{see | name=[[Moidam]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.941466 | long=94.876018 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6735332 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The mound burial system of Ahom dynasty (1228–1826). These burial mounds create an undulating landscape reminiscent of hills, in line with the spiritual beliefs of the Ahom people }} ==Bihar== * {{see | name=Nalanda|Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Nalanda]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q216243 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} * {{see | name=Mahabodhi Temple Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Bodh Gaya]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4513 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} ==Chandigarh== * {{see | name=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier in [[Chandigarh]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=30.761085 | long=76.803291 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q55619850 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement is a World Heritage Site consisting of a selection of 17 building projects in 7 countries (including [[Chandigarh]], [[India]]) by the Franco-Swiss architect Le Corbusier. These sites demonstrate how Modern Movement architecture was applied to respond to the needs of society and show the global range of a style and an architect. }} ==Delhi== * {{see | name=Humayun's Tomb | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[South East Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189648 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The site was constructed in the Indo-Islamic style known as ''Mughal''. The grand domed structure of the Humayun's Tomb occupies the central position of the Persian styled ''char bagh''garden. There are several other structures in the garden and consists of Isha Khan's tomb & mosque, Arab sarai, Barbar's tomb and many more. }} * {{see | name=Qutb Minar and its Monuments | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/South Delhi|South Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q187635 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=These structures in Delhi date from the Slave Dynasty. The Qutb Minar is one of the tallest minars in India. It has been well-preserved with its intricate carvings. It was constructed of red sandstone and marble. Earthquake damage to the top of the Qutb Manar has been renovated and its base reinforced. }} * {{see | name=Red Fort Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/Central Delhi|Central Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q45957 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Red Fort is a red sandstone fort (and ruling palace) built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame. Many historical objects and marble inlays have disappeared and quite a few buildings can not be visited due to disrepair. However, the site is impressive with lush green gardens that are well kept year round. }} ==Goa== * {{see | name= Churches and Convents of Goa| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Old Goa|Goa]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q15726428 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Old Goa, the former capital of colonial [[Goa]], is full of history and the location of numerous well maintained scenic churches and convents. }} ==Gujarat== * {{see | name= [[Dholavira]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q9468 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an archaeological site at with the ruins of an ancient [[Indus Valley Civilisation]] (Harappan) city; it is one of the five largest Harappan sites. }} * {{see | name= Historic City of [[Ahmedabad/Central Zone|Ahmedabad]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5472448 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= The modern Ahmedabad was a walled city in the past along the banks of the Sabarmati River. The city presents a rich and diverse cultural and architectural style. It also houses the former home of Mahatma Gandhi, the Sabarmati Ashram. }} * {{see | name=Rani-ki-Vav | alt=Queen's Stepwell | url= | email= | address=[[Patan (Gujarat)|Patan]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7293002 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is famous for its ornate carvings and many sculptures in its galleries. Built as an inverted temple and representing a religious regard for water. Stepwells were built basically for the storage of water in India. }} * {{see | name=[[Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q844427 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A fortified medieval settlement with Hindu, Muslim and Jain architectural elements along with the remains of water-managing systems }} ==Himachal Pradesh== * {{Listing | name = [[Great Himalayan National Park]] | lat = | long = | wikidata = Q1544213 | content = The different altitudes provide for subtropical forests to alpine and glacial flora. Different species of goat, bear, leopard and pheasants can also be found here. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} ==Karnataka== * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Hampi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26732 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Significant historic and architectural interest. The area abounds with large stones used to make statues of Jaina deities. Numerous temples and other sites can be found in and around Hampi. Further excavations are under way. }} * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Pattadakal]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q817250 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an historic centre of Chalukya art and architecture. This has major temples and numerous shrines }} * '''Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas:''' It consists of two clusters of monuments (in [[Belur]] and [[Halebidu]]), and the Keshava temple in [[Somanathapura]], dating to the time of the Hoysala Empire, between the 11th and 14th centuries. ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Belur]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q760603 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Halebidu]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q108227451 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Chennakesava Temple, [[Somanathapura]] | alt=Keshava temple | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3537502 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ==Madhya Pradesh== * {{see | name= Rock Shelters of [[Bhimbetka]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q331603 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Early traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent have been discovered here. Rock paintings can be seen that are similar to those that have been found in Australia and France. }} * {{see | name= [[Khajuraho]] Group of Monuments| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26258435 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is a group of Hindu and Jain temples in [[Khajuraho]], [[Madhya Pradesh]]. The temples are noted for their architectural/artistic style and erotic sculptures. }} * {{see | name= Buddhist Monuments at [[Sanchi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q181123 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Believed to be the oldest stone structure in India. '''Vidisha''' (city in [[Madhya Pradesh]]) was the ancient capital city of the Malwa. Many Buddhist monuments were later built around this ancient city. The historical Sanchi stupas are very well preserved. }} ==Maharashtra== * {{see | name= [[Ajanta Caves]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Aurangabad]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= depict the stories of [[Buddhism]] from circa 200 BCE to 650 CE. These caves were discovered by some British Officers during a tiger hunt. These caves were built by Buddhist monks using simple tools. Buddhist monks often taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas (ancient seats of learning). There are detailed/beautiful sculptures and paintings depicting stories from Jataka tales. }} * {{see | name=[[Ellora Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189616 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are an impressive complex of rock shrines that represent the three faiths of [[Buddhism]], [[Hinduism]] and Jainism and were created during the 5th-13th centuries CE. The caves are northwest of central [[Aurangabad]], a few km from [[Khuldabad]]. }} * {{see | name=Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus | alt=(formerly Victoria Terminus), also known as '''Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus''' ('''CSMT''') | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=the architectural influence of Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival architecture and traditional Mughal architectural style }} * {{see | name=Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16942531 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It represents an urban project through various buildings (cinemas, residential buildings and balconies) of the late 19th century. Mainly these are found near the Oval Maidan area of [[Mumbai]], they represent the Victorian Neo-Gothic style of architecture and Art Deco (sometimes known as ''Indo-Deco''). }} * {{see | name=[[Mumbai/Elephanta|Elephanta Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q649384 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are two groups of sculpted caves (Hindu and Buddhist). Within the caves there are numerous carved panels and shrines. The original stone-cut elephant statue; for which Elephanta Island was named, resides at Jijamata Udyaan in [[Mumbai]]. }} ==Odisha== * {{see | name= Konark Sun Temple| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Konark]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q752091| lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= It was built to honour the sun god Surya. The entire temple is shaped in the form of a chariot pulled by seven horses in order to carry the sun god across the heavens. Though partially in ruins, it has extensive stone carvings (many erotic in nature) on the walls. }} ==Rajasthan== * The '''Hill Forts of [[Rajasthan]]''' — ** {{see | name= Chittor Fort in [[Chittorgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3695769 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= A massive stone gates with notched parapets and arched reinforced doors (to defend against elephants and cannon). Within the fort a circular road gives access to the gates and numerous monuments (ruined palaces and numerous temples). }} ** {{see | name= Kumbhalgarh Fort, [[Kumbhalgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1246283 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= protected by seven towering gates and within is the ''Badal Mahal'' palace. It also had long meandering walls for defence. There are many tales and interesting stories affiliated with this site. }} ** {{see | name= Ranthambore Fort, [[Ranthambore]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2724894 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It lies within the [[Ranthambore National Park]], near the town of [[Sawai Madhopur]]. Initially called "Ranath Bhawar Garh" (a place of Rajput warriors). The history of ''Sawai Madhopur'' centers around the famous Ranthambore Fort. }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Amber Fort in [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q456817 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a massive fort-palace complex built in a Hindu-Muslim style dating back to ''Raja Man Singh'' and once the royal palace of the ''Kachwahas''. Within the fort is the ''Sheesh Mahal'' (with thousands of mirror tiles on the walls and ceilings).. }} ** {{see | name= Jaisalmer Fort in [[Jaisalmer]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3634368 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= Also known as the “Sonar Quila” or "Sonal Kella" or "Sonar Kila". It displays the subtle hues of the setting sun and desert. It is a 'working fort' as its citizens reside and work within its walls. There are numerous vantage points within the fort that enable great views across the city and desert. }} * {{see | name= [[Jaipur]] City| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q66485 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a magnificent city filled with historical wonders and beauty in the North-western part of India. During the rule of Sawai Ram Singh I, the city was painted pink to welcome HRH Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VII, Emperor of India), in 1876. Many of the avenues still remain painted in pink, giving Jaipur a distinctive appearance and the epithet Pink city. }} * {{see | name= Jantar Mantar, [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q508634| lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= one of five astronomical observatories build by Maharaja Jai Singh in northern India. This historical observatory has geometric devices (or yantras in Hindi) for measuring time, eclipse prediction, tracking the orbits of stars eyc.. Explanations are posted for these devices and hired guides may provide further explanations. }} ==Sikkim== * {{Go | name= [[Khangchendzonga National Park]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=(mixed) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q2605019 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is named after Kangchenjunga, the highest peak of India. It is known for its numerous glaciers (Zemu glacier for example). Snow leopards, musk deer and Himalayan taar have been spotted here. }} ==Tamil Nadu== * The '''Great Living Chola Temples''' — consists of three Hindu temples built in the 11th and 12th centuries under the Chola dynasty. They represent some of the best examples of Dravidian architecture of the Chola period. ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Thanjavur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q916943 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= This temple is dedicated to Shiva. Its pillared cloister contains many lignams and the sanctum sanctorum has a large Shiva lingam and stone Nandi. }} ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Gangaikonda Cholapuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5521034 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is dedicated to the Lord Shiva and its location was used to be a medieval Chola capital. This multi-storied temple was once surrounded by a huge fort wall. }} ** {{See | name= Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3437182 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. }} ** {{marker|type=see|name=Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]|lat=10.94841|long=79.356708|image=Darasuram6.jpg}}. It has some excellent stone carvings (as well as inscriptions). The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. * {{See | name= Group of Monuments at [[Mamallapuram|Mahabalipuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3522747 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= a monument complex near [[Chennai]]. The area dates back to the ''Tamil Pallava'' dynasty. Mostly carved out of granite, they are among the oldest examples of ''Dravidian'' (South Indian) art/architecture. }} ==Telangana== * {{See | name= Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Palampet]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3380656 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= An ancient Hindu temple built during the 1200s Kakatiya dynasty & featuring ornate carvings & shrines. The main structure is in a reddish sandstone, but the columns round the outside have large brackets of black basalt which is rich in iron, magnesium and silica. These are carved as mythical animals or female dancers or musicians, and are "the masterpieces of Kakatiya art, notable for their delicate carving, sensuous postures and elongated bodies and heads". }} ==Uttar Pradesh== * {{see | name=Taj Mahal | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q9141 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It is a white marble mausoleum ordered by emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife (Mumtaz Mahal). Taj Mahal means ''Crown Palace''. It is a fairly well kept tomb and an outstanding example of Indian Muslim architecture. Current work is being considered to combat damage caused by pollution. }} * {{see | name=Agra Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q171857 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= Similar to the Red Fort in [[Delhi]], a well preserved palace and defensive complex constructed mostly in red sandstone. Emperor Akbar built this fort (same time as Humayun's Tomb in Delhi). Emperor Shah Jahan made later additions to it. }} * {{see | name=[[Fatehpur Sikri]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (''City of Victory'') — A virtual ghost city near [[Agra]]. Built by the Emperor Akbar, it was the capital of the [[Mughal Empire]] and later abandoned because local water supplies were lacking and near the tumultuous Rajasthan. It includes one of the largest mosques (''Jama Masjid'') in India. There are well preserved palaces and courtyards. }} * {{see | name=Keoladeo National Park| alt=Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary | url= | email= | address=[[Bharatpur]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (natural) — It provides habitat for thousands of birds during the winter season. The sanctuary hosts rare Siberian Cranes, ruddy shelducks, northern shovelers, northern pintails, tufted ducks, shovelers and other indigionous and migratory waterfowl. }} ==Uttarakhand== * {{listing | name=[[Nanda Devi National Park|Nanda Devi]] and [[Valley of Flowers National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q15839097 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=Nanda Devi contains wildlife such as snow leopards, bears, tahrs, deer and monkeys in addition to splendid flowers. The Valley of Flowers is famous for its beautiful alpine flowers. This valley is an Indian national park with beautiful waterfalls, landscapes, meadows of flowers and surrounding forests. }} ==West Bengal== * {{listing | name=[[Santiniketan]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1026431 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=Santiniketan was founded as an ashram by Debendranath Tagore in the second half of the 19th century and then developed into a university town of Visva-Bharati University. It is connected to the life and philosophy of Debendranath's son Rabindranath Tagore, the leading figure of the Bengali Renaissance. }} * {{listing | name=[[Sundarbans National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q532440 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The coastal mangrove forest in the southern part of [[West Bengal]] and [[Bangladesh]]. It lies on the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta. It is the largest mangrove forest in the world and the only mangrove forest in the world with tigers. [[Sundarbans (Bangladesh)]] is a different UNESCO Heritage Site in [[Bangladesh]]. }} '''Note:''' The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is listed under [[UNESCO World Heritage List (India)#Across multiple states|Mountain Railways of India]] ==See also== * [[UNESCO World Heritage List#India|UNESCO World Heritage List]] {{geo|21.534|78.046|zoom=5}} {{PartOfTopic|United Nations|India}} {{usabletopic}} 1htt7qxpgznqaabtlvpbfvyup7rcb7b 5086934 5086932 2025-07-03T03:50:02Z Rangan Datta Wiki 124323 /* Across multiple states */ 5086934 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|TajMahal Banner.jpg|unesco_whs=yes}} '''World Heritage Sites''' are important places of cultural, historical, scientific or other significance designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). There are 43 {{UNESCO WHS}}s in [[India]]. These include 35 cultural sites (marked in blue), 7 natural sites (marked in green) and 1 mixed-criteria site (marked in red). India has the sixth largest number of sites in the world. {{mapframe|align=center|height=750|width=750}} ==Across multiple states== [[File:Darjeelinghimalayanrailway.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] [[File:Qutab Minar mausoleum.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Qutb Minar, [[Delhi]]]] [[File:Santiniketan Prayer Hall.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Santiniketan]] [[File:Konarka Temple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sun Temple, Konark]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 16 Agra Fort.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Agra Fort]] [[File:Temple No.- 3, Nalanda Archaeological Site.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Nalanda]] [[File:Fatehpur Sikri near Agra 2016-03 img05.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Fatehpur Sikri]] [[File:India-5692 - Flickr - archer10 (Dennis).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Khajuraho Monuments]] [[File:Mahabodhitemple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Mahabodhi Temple Complex]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 04 Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Taj Mahal]] [[File:Brihadeeswarar Kovil.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Brihadisvara Temple]] [[File:The elegant stone chariot.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Stone Chariot, Hampi]] [[File:Cave 26, Ajanta.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ajanta Caves]] [[File:Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus]] [[File:Thane Creek and Elephanta Island 03-2016 - img20 Elephanta Caves.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Elephanta Caves]] [[File:Kailasa temple overview, Ellora.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Kailasa Temple, Ellora]] [[File:Amber Fort (आमेर का किला ).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Amber Fort, Jaipur]] [[File:Rani_ki_vav_02.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Rani-ki-Vav]] [[File:Dhauladhar_ranges_in_the_background-_Trekkers_resting_a_bit_I_IMG_7165.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Dhauladhar Ranges]] [[File:Valley of flowers uttaranchal full view.JPG|thumb|upright=0.7|Valley of Flowers]] [[File:Ramappa Temple 8.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ramappa Temple]] [[File:Sunderbans 059.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sundarbans National Park]] [[File:Western Ghats Gobi.jpg|thumb|Western Ghats|upright=0.7]] * The '''[[Rail travel in India#Mountain trains|Mountain Railways of India]]:''' Consists of three different sites spread across [[West Bengal]], [[Tamil Nadu]] and [[Himachal Pradesh]]. They consist of narrow and meter-gauge lines that run through picturesque mountains. ** {{see | name=[[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] | alt=DHR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[New Jalpaiguri]]–[[Darjeeling]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463874 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A {{convert|2|ft|mm}} gauge railway running through the foothills of the eastern Himalayas. The railway covers a distance of {{convert|88|km|mi}} starts at an altitude of {{convert|100|m|ft}} and ends at {{convert|2200|m|ft}}. The highest elevation is at [[Ghum]] ({{convert|2258|m|ft}}. It gains altitude via 6 zig-zags and 3 (originally 5) loops. Today, apart from regular diesel engines, there is a steam engine joy ride between Darjeeling and Ghum. }} ** {{see | name=Nilgiri Mountain Railway | alt=NMR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[Mettupalayam]]–[[Ooty]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463735 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content={{cvt|1|m|ft}} }} ** {{see | name=Kalka–Shimla Railway | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7171560 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=[[Kalka]], [[Haryana]]–[[Shimla]], [[Himachal Pradesh]] }} * {{listing | name=Western Ghats | alt= | url= | email= | address=([[Maharashtra]], [[Karnataka]], [[Kerala]] and [[Tamil Nadu]]) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4527 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A mountain range of [[South India]] running parallel to the west coast of India. A bio-doversity hotspot and home to many endangered and endemic species. It consists of 39 individual properties }} ==Assam== * {{Listing | name = [[Kaziranga National Park]] | lat = 26.6667 | long = 93.3500 | wikidata = Q192764 | content = It is home to the Indian single-horned rhinos (rhinoceros unicornis). Kaziranga also hosts a variety of other mammal species. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} * {{Listing | name = [[Manas National Park]] | lat = 26.71 | long = 90.93 | wikidata = Q506511 | content = It is a habitat for many unique and endangered wildlife species such as the golden langur, pygmy hog and hispid hare. The Asian elephant, water buffalo, black panther, sloth bear and sambar deer can also be found here as well as endangered residential and migratory birds | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} * {{see | name=[[Moidam]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.941466 | long=94.876018 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6735332 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The mound burial system of Ahom dynasty (1228–1826). These burial mounds create an undulating landscape reminiscent of hills, in line with the spiritual beliefs of the Ahom people }} ==Bihar== * {{see | name=Nalanda|Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Nalanda]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q216243 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} * {{see | name=Mahabodhi Temple Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Bodh Gaya]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4513 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} ==Chandigarh== * {{see | name=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier in [[Chandigarh]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=30.761085 | long=76.803291 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q55619850 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement is a World Heritage Site consisting of a selection of 17 building projects in 7 countries (including [[Chandigarh]], [[India]]) by the Franco-Swiss architect Le Corbusier. These sites demonstrate how Modern Movement architecture was applied to respond to the needs of society and show the global range of a style and an architect. }} ==Delhi== * {{see | name=Humayun's Tomb | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[South East Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189648 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The site was constructed in the Indo-Islamic style known as ''Mughal''. The grand domed structure of the Humayun's Tomb occupies the central position of the Persian styled ''char bagh''garden. There are several other structures in the garden and consists of Isha Khan's tomb & mosque, Arab sarai, Barbar's tomb and many more. }} * {{see | name=Qutb Minar and its Monuments | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/South Delhi|South Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q187635 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=These structures in Delhi date from the Slave Dynasty. The Qutb Minar is one of the tallest minars in India. It has been well-preserved with its intricate carvings. It was constructed of red sandstone and marble. Earthquake damage to the top of the Qutb Manar has been renovated and its base reinforced. }} * {{see | name=Red Fort Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/Central Delhi|Central Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q45957 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Red Fort is a red sandstone fort (and ruling palace) built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame. Many historical objects and marble inlays have disappeared and quite a few buildings can not be visited due to disrepair. However, the site is impressive with lush green gardens that are well kept year round. }} ==Goa== * {{see | name= Churches and Convents of Goa| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Old Goa|Goa]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q15726428 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Old Goa, the former capital of colonial [[Goa]], is full of history and the location of numerous well maintained scenic churches and convents. }} ==Gujarat== * {{see | name= [[Dholavira]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q9468 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an archaeological site at with the ruins of an ancient [[Indus Valley Civilisation]] (Harappan) city; it is one of the five largest Harappan sites. }} * {{see | name= Historic City of [[Ahmedabad/Central Zone|Ahmedabad]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5472448 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= The modern Ahmedabad was a walled city in the past along the banks of the Sabarmati River. The city presents a rich and diverse cultural and architectural style. It also houses the former home of Mahatma Gandhi, the Sabarmati Ashram. }} * {{see | name=Rani-ki-Vav | alt=Queen's Stepwell | url= | email= | address=[[Patan (Gujarat)|Patan]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7293002 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is famous for its ornate carvings and many sculptures in its galleries. Built as an inverted temple and representing a religious regard for water. Stepwells were built basically for the storage of water in India. }} * {{see | name=[[Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q844427 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A fortified medieval settlement with Hindu, Muslim and Jain architectural elements along with the remains of water-managing systems }} ==Himachal Pradesh== * {{Listing | name = [[Great Himalayan National Park]] | lat = | long = | wikidata = Q1544213 | content = The different altitudes provide for subtropical forests to alpine and glacial flora. Different species of goat, bear, leopard and pheasants can also be found here. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} ==Karnataka== * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Hampi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26732 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Significant historic and architectural interest. The area abounds with large stones used to make statues of Jaina deities. Numerous temples and other sites can be found in and around Hampi. Further excavations are under way. }} * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Pattadakal]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q817250 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an historic centre of Chalukya art and architecture. This has major temples and numerous shrines }} * '''Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas:''' It consists of two clusters of monuments (in [[Belur]] and [[Halebidu]]), and the Keshava temple in [[Somanathapura]], dating to the time of the Hoysala Empire, between the 11th and 14th centuries. ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Belur]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q760603 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Halebidu]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q108227451 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Chennakesava Temple, [[Somanathapura]] | alt=Keshava temple | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3537502 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ==Madhya Pradesh== * {{see | name= Rock Shelters of [[Bhimbetka]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q331603 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Early traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent have been discovered here. Rock paintings can be seen that are similar to those that have been found in Australia and France. }} * {{see | name= [[Khajuraho]] Group of Monuments| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26258435 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is a group of Hindu and Jain temples in [[Khajuraho]], [[Madhya Pradesh]]. The temples are noted for their architectural/artistic style and erotic sculptures. }} * {{see | name= Buddhist Monuments at [[Sanchi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q181123 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Believed to be the oldest stone structure in India. '''Vidisha''' (city in [[Madhya Pradesh]]) was the ancient capital city of the Malwa. Many Buddhist monuments were later built around this ancient city. The historical Sanchi stupas are very well preserved. }} ==Maharashtra== * {{see | name= [[Ajanta Caves]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Aurangabad]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= depict the stories of [[Buddhism]] from circa 200 BCE to 650 CE. These caves were discovered by some British Officers during a tiger hunt. These caves were built by Buddhist monks using simple tools. Buddhist monks often taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas (ancient seats of learning). There are detailed/beautiful sculptures and paintings depicting stories from Jataka tales. }} * {{see | name=[[Ellora Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189616 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are an impressive complex of rock shrines that represent the three faiths of [[Buddhism]], [[Hinduism]] and Jainism and were created during the 5th-13th centuries CE. The caves are northwest of central [[Aurangabad]], a few km from [[Khuldabad]]. }} * {{see | name=Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus | alt=(formerly Victoria Terminus), also known as '''Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus''' ('''CSMT''') | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=the architectural influence of Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival architecture and traditional Mughal architectural style }} * {{see | name=Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16942531 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It represents an urban project through various buildings (cinemas, residential buildings and balconies) of the late 19th century. Mainly these are found near the Oval Maidan area of [[Mumbai]], they represent the Victorian Neo-Gothic style of architecture and Art Deco (sometimes known as ''Indo-Deco''). }} * {{see | name=[[Mumbai/Elephanta|Elephanta Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q649384 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are two groups of sculpted caves (Hindu and Buddhist). Within the caves there are numerous carved panels and shrines. The original stone-cut elephant statue; for which Elephanta Island was named, resides at Jijamata Udyaan in [[Mumbai]]. }} ==Odisha== * {{see | name= Konark Sun Temple| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Konark]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q752091| lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= It was built to honour the sun god Surya. The entire temple is shaped in the form of a chariot pulled by seven horses in order to carry the sun god across the heavens. Though partially in ruins, it has extensive stone carvings (many erotic in nature) on the walls. }} ==Rajasthan== * The '''Hill Forts of [[Rajasthan]]''' — ** {{see | name= Chittor Fort in [[Chittorgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3695769 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= A massive stone gates with notched parapets and arched reinforced doors (to defend against elephants and cannon). Within the fort a circular road gives access to the gates and numerous monuments (ruined palaces and numerous temples). }} ** {{see | name= Kumbhalgarh Fort, [[Kumbhalgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1246283 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= protected by seven towering gates and within is the ''Badal Mahal'' palace. It also had long meandering walls for defence. There are many tales and interesting stories affiliated with this site. }} ** {{see | name= Ranthambore Fort, [[Ranthambore]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2724894 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It lies within the [[Ranthambore National Park]], near the town of [[Sawai Madhopur]]. Initially called "Ranath Bhawar Garh" (a place of Rajput warriors). The history of ''Sawai Madhopur'' centers around the famous Ranthambore Fort. }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Amber Fort in [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q456817 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a massive fort-palace complex built in a Hindu-Muslim style dating back to ''Raja Man Singh'' and once the royal palace of the ''Kachwahas''. Within the fort is the ''Sheesh Mahal'' (with thousands of mirror tiles on the walls and ceilings).. }} ** {{see | name= Jaisalmer Fort in [[Jaisalmer]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3634368 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= Also known as the “Sonar Quila” or "Sonal Kella" or "Sonar Kila". It displays the subtle hues of the setting sun and desert. It is a 'working fort' as its citizens reside and work within its walls. There are numerous vantage points within the fort that enable great views across the city and desert. }} * {{see | name= [[Jaipur]] City| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q66485 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a magnificent city filled with historical wonders and beauty in the North-western part of India. During the rule of Sawai Ram Singh I, the city was painted pink to welcome HRH Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VII, Emperor of India), in 1876. Many of the avenues still remain painted in pink, giving Jaipur a distinctive appearance and the epithet Pink city. }} * {{see | name= Jantar Mantar, [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q508634| lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= one of five astronomical observatories build by Maharaja Jai Singh in northern India. This historical observatory has geometric devices (or yantras in Hindi) for measuring time, eclipse prediction, tracking the orbits of stars eyc.. Explanations are posted for these devices and hired guides may provide further explanations. }} ==Sikkim== * {{Go | name= [[Khangchendzonga National Park]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=(mixed) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q2605019 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is named after Kangchenjunga, the highest peak of India. It is known for its numerous glaciers (Zemu glacier for example). Snow leopards, musk deer and Himalayan taar have been spotted here. }} ==Tamil Nadu== * The '''Great Living Chola Temples''' — consists of three Hindu temples built in the 11th and 12th centuries under the Chola dynasty. They represent some of the best examples of Dravidian architecture of the Chola period. ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Thanjavur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q916943 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= This temple is dedicated to Shiva. Its pillared cloister contains many lignams and the sanctum sanctorum has a large Shiva lingam and stone Nandi. }} ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Gangaikonda Cholapuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5521034 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is dedicated to the Lord Shiva and its location was used to be a medieval Chola capital. This multi-storied temple was once surrounded by a huge fort wall. }} ** {{See | name= Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3437182 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. }} ** {{marker|type=see|name=Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]|lat=10.94841|long=79.356708|image=Darasuram6.jpg}}. It has some excellent stone carvings (as well as inscriptions). The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. * {{See | name= Group of Monuments at [[Mamallapuram|Mahabalipuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3522747 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= a monument complex near [[Chennai]]. The area dates back to the ''Tamil Pallava'' dynasty. Mostly carved out of granite, they are among the oldest examples of ''Dravidian'' (South Indian) art/architecture. }} ==Telangana== * {{See | name= Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Palampet]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3380656 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= An ancient Hindu temple built during the 1200s Kakatiya dynasty & featuring ornate carvings & shrines. The main structure is in a reddish sandstone, but the columns round the outside have large brackets of black basalt which is rich in iron, magnesium and silica. These are carved as mythical animals or female dancers or musicians, and are "the masterpieces of Kakatiya art, notable for their delicate carving, sensuous postures and elongated bodies and heads". }} ==Uttar Pradesh== * {{see | name=Taj Mahal | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q9141 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It is a white marble mausoleum ordered by emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife (Mumtaz Mahal). Taj Mahal means ''Crown Palace''. It is a fairly well kept tomb and an outstanding example of Indian Muslim architecture. Current work is being considered to combat damage caused by pollution. }} * {{see | name=Agra Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q171857 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= Similar to the Red Fort in [[Delhi]], a well preserved palace and defensive complex constructed mostly in red sandstone. Emperor Akbar built this fort (same time as Humayun's Tomb in Delhi). Emperor Shah Jahan made later additions to it. }} * {{see | name=[[Fatehpur Sikri]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (''City of Victory'') — A virtual ghost city near [[Agra]]. Built by the Emperor Akbar, it was the capital of the [[Mughal Empire]] and later abandoned because local water supplies were lacking and near the tumultuous Rajasthan. It includes one of the largest mosques (''Jama Masjid'') in India. There are well preserved palaces and courtyards. }} * {{see | name=Keoladeo National Park| alt=Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary | url= | email= | address=[[Bharatpur]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (natural) — It provides habitat for thousands of birds during the winter season. The sanctuary hosts rare Siberian Cranes, ruddy shelducks, northern shovelers, northern pintails, tufted ducks, shovelers and other indigionous and migratory waterfowl. }} ==Uttarakhand== * {{listing | name=[[Nanda Devi National Park|Nanda Devi]] and [[Valley of Flowers National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q15839097 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=Nanda Devi contains wildlife such as snow leopards, bears, tahrs, deer and monkeys in addition to splendid flowers. The Valley of Flowers is famous for its beautiful alpine flowers. This valley is an Indian national park with beautiful waterfalls, landscapes, meadows of flowers and surrounding forests. }} ==West Bengal== * {{listing | name=[[Santiniketan]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1026431 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=Santiniketan was founded as an ashram by Debendranath Tagore in the second half of the 19th century and then developed into a university town of Visva-Bharati University. It is connected to the life and philosophy of Debendranath's son Rabindranath Tagore, the leading figure of the Bengali Renaissance. }} * {{listing | name=[[Sundarbans National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q532440 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The coastal mangrove forest in the southern part of [[West Bengal]] and [[Bangladesh]]. It lies on the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta. It is the largest mangrove forest in the world and the only mangrove forest in the world with tigers. [[Sundarbans (Bangladesh)]] is a different UNESCO Heritage Site in [[Bangladesh]]. }} '''Note:''' The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is listed under [[UNESCO World Heritage List (India)#Across multiple states|Mountain Railways of India]] ==See also== * [[UNESCO World Heritage List#India|UNESCO World Heritage List]] {{geo|21.534|78.046|zoom=5}} {{PartOfTopic|United Nations|India}} {{usabletopic}} f2bnoeebcff2600p29x8ms73h0okphf 5086939 5086934 2025-07-03T03:55:51Z Rangan Datta Wiki 124323 /* Across multiple states */ Updated listing for Nilgiri Mountain Railway 5086939 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|TajMahal Banner.jpg|unesco_whs=yes}} '''World Heritage Sites''' are important places of cultural, historical, scientific or other significance designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). There are 43 {{UNESCO WHS}}s in [[India]]. These include 35 cultural sites (marked in blue), 7 natural sites (marked in green) and 1 mixed-criteria site (marked in red). India has the sixth largest number of sites in the world. {{mapframe|align=center|height=750|width=750}} ==Across multiple states== [[File:Darjeelinghimalayanrailway.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] [[File:Qutab Minar mausoleum.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Qutb Minar, [[Delhi]]]] [[File:Santiniketan Prayer Hall.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Santiniketan]] [[File:Konarka Temple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sun Temple, Konark]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 16 Agra Fort.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Agra Fort]] [[File:Temple No.- 3, Nalanda Archaeological Site.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Nalanda]] [[File:Fatehpur Sikri near Agra 2016-03 img05.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Fatehpur Sikri]] [[File:India-5692 - Flickr - archer10 (Dennis).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Khajuraho Monuments]] [[File:Mahabodhitemple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Mahabodhi Temple Complex]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 04 Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Taj Mahal]] [[File:Brihadeeswarar Kovil.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Brihadisvara Temple]] [[File:The elegant stone chariot.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Stone Chariot, Hampi]] [[File:Cave 26, Ajanta.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ajanta Caves]] [[File:Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus]] [[File:Thane Creek and Elephanta Island 03-2016 - img20 Elephanta Caves.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Elephanta Caves]] [[File:Kailasa temple overview, Ellora.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Kailasa Temple, Ellora]] [[File:Amber Fort (आमेर का किला ).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Amber Fort, Jaipur]] [[File:Rani_ki_vav_02.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Rani-ki-Vav]] [[File:Dhauladhar_ranges_in_the_background-_Trekkers_resting_a_bit_I_IMG_7165.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Dhauladhar Ranges]] [[File:Valley of flowers uttaranchal full view.JPG|thumb|upright=0.7|Valley of Flowers]] [[File:Ramappa Temple 8.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ramappa Temple]] [[File:Sunderbans 059.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sundarbans National Park]] [[File:Western Ghats Gobi.jpg|thumb|Western Ghats|upright=0.7]] * The '''[[Rail travel in India#Mountain trains|Mountain Railways of India]]:''' Consists of three different sites spread across [[West Bengal]], [[Tamil Nadu]] and [[Himachal Pradesh]]. They consist of narrow and meter-gauge lines that run through picturesque mountains. ** {{see | name=[[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] | alt=DHR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[New Jalpaiguri]]–[[Darjeeling]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463874 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A {{convert|2|ft|mm}} gauge railway running through the foothills of the eastern Himalayas. The railway covers a distance of {{convert|88|km|mi}} starts at an altitude of {{convert|100|m|ft}} and ends at {{convert|2200|m|ft}}. The highest elevation is at [[Ghum]] ({{convert|2258|m|ft}}. It gains altitude via 6 zig-zags and 3 (originally 5) loops. Today, apart from regular diesel engines, there is a steam engine joy ride between Darjeeling and Ghum. }} ** {{see | name=Nilgiri Mountain Railway | alt=NMR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[Mettupalayam]]–[[Ooty]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463735 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A meter-gauge ({{cvt|1|m|ft}}) railway through the lush green Nilgiri hills. The {{cvt|46|km|mi}} long railway starts at {{cvt|326|m|ft}} and ends at {{cvt|2203|m|ft}}. }} ** {{see | name=Kalka–Shimla Railway | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7171560 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=[[Kalka]], [[Haryana]]–[[Shimla]], [[Himachal Pradesh]] }} * {{listing | name=Western Ghats | alt= | url= | email= | address=([[Maharashtra]], [[Karnataka]], [[Kerala]] and [[Tamil Nadu]]) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4527 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A mountain range of [[South India]] running parallel to the west coast of India. A bio-doversity hotspot and home to many endangered and endemic species. It consists of 39 individual properties }} ==Assam== * {{Listing | name = [[Kaziranga National Park]] | lat = 26.6667 | long = 93.3500 | wikidata = Q192764 | content = It is home to the Indian single-horned rhinos (rhinoceros unicornis). Kaziranga also hosts a variety of other mammal species. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} * {{Listing | name = [[Manas National Park]] | lat = 26.71 | long = 90.93 | wikidata = Q506511 | content = It is a habitat for many unique and endangered wildlife species such as the golden langur, pygmy hog and hispid hare. The Asian elephant, water buffalo, black panther, sloth bear and sambar deer can also be found here as well as endangered residential and migratory birds | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} * {{see | name=[[Moidam]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.941466 | long=94.876018 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6735332 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The mound burial system of Ahom dynasty (1228–1826). These burial mounds create an undulating landscape reminiscent of hills, in line with the spiritual beliefs of the Ahom people }} ==Bihar== * {{see | name=Nalanda|Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Nalanda]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q216243 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} * {{see | name=Mahabodhi Temple Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Bodh Gaya]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4513 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} ==Chandigarh== * {{see | name=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier in [[Chandigarh]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=30.761085 | long=76.803291 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q55619850 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement is a World Heritage Site consisting of a selection of 17 building projects in 7 countries (including [[Chandigarh]], [[India]]) by the Franco-Swiss architect Le Corbusier. These sites demonstrate how Modern Movement architecture was applied to respond to the needs of society and show the global range of a style and an architect. }} ==Delhi== * {{see | name=Humayun's Tomb | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[South East Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189648 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The site was constructed in the Indo-Islamic style known as ''Mughal''. The grand domed structure of the Humayun's Tomb occupies the central position of the Persian styled ''char bagh''garden. There are several other structures in the garden and consists of Isha Khan's tomb & mosque, Arab sarai, Barbar's tomb and many more. }} * {{see | name=Qutb Minar and its Monuments | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/South Delhi|South Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q187635 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=These structures in Delhi date from the Slave Dynasty. The Qutb Minar is one of the tallest minars in India. It has been well-preserved with its intricate carvings. It was constructed of red sandstone and marble. Earthquake damage to the top of the Qutb Manar has been renovated and its base reinforced. }} * {{see | name=Red Fort Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/Central Delhi|Central Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q45957 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Red Fort is a red sandstone fort (and ruling palace) built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame. Many historical objects and marble inlays have disappeared and quite a few buildings can not be visited due to disrepair. However, the site is impressive with lush green gardens that are well kept year round. }} ==Goa== * {{see | name= Churches and Convents of Goa| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Old Goa|Goa]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q15726428 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Old Goa, the former capital of colonial [[Goa]], is full of history and the location of numerous well maintained scenic churches and convents. }} ==Gujarat== * {{see | name= [[Dholavira]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q9468 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an archaeological site at with the ruins of an ancient [[Indus Valley Civilisation]] (Harappan) city; it is one of the five largest Harappan sites. }} * {{see | name= Historic City of [[Ahmedabad/Central Zone|Ahmedabad]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5472448 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= The modern Ahmedabad was a walled city in the past along the banks of the Sabarmati River. The city presents a rich and diverse cultural and architectural style. It also houses the former home of Mahatma Gandhi, the Sabarmati Ashram. }} * {{see | name=Rani-ki-Vav | alt=Queen's Stepwell | url= | email= | address=[[Patan (Gujarat)|Patan]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7293002 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is famous for its ornate carvings and many sculptures in its galleries. Built as an inverted temple and representing a religious regard for water. Stepwells were built basically for the storage of water in India. }} * {{see | name=[[Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q844427 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A fortified medieval settlement with Hindu, Muslim and Jain architectural elements along with the remains of water-managing systems }} ==Himachal Pradesh== * {{Listing | name = [[Great Himalayan National Park]] | lat = | long = | wikidata = Q1544213 | content = The different altitudes provide for subtropical forests to alpine and glacial flora. Different species of goat, bear, leopard and pheasants can also be found here. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} ==Karnataka== * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Hampi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26732 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Significant historic and architectural interest. The area abounds with large stones used to make statues of Jaina deities. Numerous temples and other sites can be found in and around Hampi. Further excavations are under way. }} * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Pattadakal]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q817250 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an historic centre of Chalukya art and architecture. This has major temples and numerous shrines }} * '''Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas:''' It consists of two clusters of monuments (in [[Belur]] and [[Halebidu]]), and the Keshava temple in [[Somanathapura]], dating to the time of the Hoysala Empire, between the 11th and 14th centuries. ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Belur]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q760603 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Halebidu]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q108227451 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Chennakesava Temple, [[Somanathapura]] | alt=Keshava temple | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3537502 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ==Madhya Pradesh== * {{see | name= Rock Shelters of [[Bhimbetka]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q331603 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Early traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent have been discovered here. Rock paintings can be seen that are similar to those that have been found in Australia and France. }} * {{see | name= [[Khajuraho]] Group of Monuments| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26258435 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is a group of Hindu and Jain temples in [[Khajuraho]], [[Madhya Pradesh]]. The temples are noted for their architectural/artistic style and erotic sculptures. }} * {{see | name= Buddhist Monuments at [[Sanchi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q181123 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Believed to be the oldest stone structure in India. '''Vidisha''' (city in [[Madhya Pradesh]]) was the ancient capital city of the Malwa. Many Buddhist monuments were later built around this ancient city. The historical Sanchi stupas are very well preserved. }} ==Maharashtra== * {{see | name= [[Ajanta Caves]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Aurangabad]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= depict the stories of [[Buddhism]] from circa 200 BCE to 650 CE. These caves were discovered by some British Officers during a tiger hunt. These caves were built by Buddhist monks using simple tools. Buddhist monks often taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas (ancient seats of learning). There are detailed/beautiful sculptures and paintings depicting stories from Jataka tales. }} * {{see | name=[[Ellora Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189616 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are an impressive complex of rock shrines that represent the three faiths of [[Buddhism]], [[Hinduism]] and Jainism and were created during the 5th-13th centuries CE. The caves are northwest of central [[Aurangabad]], a few km from [[Khuldabad]]. }} * {{see | name=Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus | alt=(formerly Victoria Terminus), also known as '''Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus''' ('''CSMT''') | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=the architectural influence of Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival architecture and traditional Mughal architectural style }} * {{see | name=Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16942531 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It represents an urban project through various buildings (cinemas, residential buildings and balconies) of the late 19th century. Mainly these are found near the Oval Maidan area of [[Mumbai]], they represent the Victorian Neo-Gothic style of architecture and Art Deco (sometimes known as ''Indo-Deco''). }} * {{see | name=[[Mumbai/Elephanta|Elephanta Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q649384 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are two groups of sculpted caves (Hindu and Buddhist). Within the caves there are numerous carved panels and shrines. The original stone-cut elephant statue; for which Elephanta Island was named, resides at Jijamata Udyaan in [[Mumbai]]. }} ==Odisha== * {{see | name= Konark Sun Temple| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Konark]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q752091| lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= It was built to honour the sun god Surya. The entire temple is shaped in the form of a chariot pulled by seven horses in order to carry the sun god across the heavens. Though partially in ruins, it has extensive stone carvings (many erotic in nature) on the walls. }} ==Rajasthan== * The '''Hill Forts of [[Rajasthan]]''' — ** {{see | name= Chittor Fort in [[Chittorgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3695769 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= A massive stone gates with notched parapets and arched reinforced doors (to defend against elephants and cannon). Within the fort a circular road gives access to the gates and numerous monuments (ruined palaces and numerous temples). }} ** {{see | name= Kumbhalgarh Fort, [[Kumbhalgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1246283 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= protected by seven towering gates and within is the ''Badal Mahal'' palace. It also had long meandering walls for defence. There are many tales and interesting stories affiliated with this site. }} ** {{see | name= Ranthambore Fort, [[Ranthambore]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2724894 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It lies within the [[Ranthambore National Park]], near the town of [[Sawai Madhopur]]. Initially called "Ranath Bhawar Garh" (a place of Rajput warriors). The history of ''Sawai Madhopur'' centers around the famous Ranthambore Fort. }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Amber Fort in [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q456817 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a massive fort-palace complex built in a Hindu-Muslim style dating back to ''Raja Man Singh'' and once the royal palace of the ''Kachwahas''. Within the fort is the ''Sheesh Mahal'' (with thousands of mirror tiles on the walls and ceilings).. }} ** {{see | name= Jaisalmer Fort in [[Jaisalmer]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3634368 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= Also known as the “Sonar Quila” or "Sonal Kella" or "Sonar Kila". It displays the subtle hues of the setting sun and desert. It is a 'working fort' as its citizens reside and work within its walls. There are numerous vantage points within the fort that enable great views across the city and desert. }} * {{see | name= [[Jaipur]] City| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q66485 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a magnificent city filled with historical wonders and beauty in the North-western part of India. During the rule of Sawai Ram Singh I, the city was painted pink to welcome HRH Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VII, Emperor of India), in 1876. Many of the avenues still remain painted in pink, giving Jaipur a distinctive appearance and the epithet Pink city. }} * {{see | name= Jantar Mantar, [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q508634| lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= one of five astronomical observatories build by Maharaja Jai Singh in northern India. This historical observatory has geometric devices (or yantras in Hindi) for measuring time, eclipse prediction, tracking the orbits of stars eyc.. Explanations are posted for these devices and hired guides may provide further explanations. }} ==Sikkim== * {{Go | name= [[Khangchendzonga National Park]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=(mixed) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q2605019 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is named after Kangchenjunga, the highest peak of India. It is known for its numerous glaciers (Zemu glacier for example). Snow leopards, musk deer and Himalayan taar have been spotted here. }} ==Tamil Nadu== * The '''Great Living Chola Temples''' — consists of three Hindu temples built in the 11th and 12th centuries under the Chola dynasty. They represent some of the best examples of Dravidian architecture of the Chola period. ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Thanjavur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q916943 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= This temple is dedicated to Shiva. Its pillared cloister contains many lignams and the sanctum sanctorum has a large Shiva lingam and stone Nandi. }} ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Gangaikonda Cholapuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5521034 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is dedicated to the Lord Shiva and its location was used to be a medieval Chola capital. This multi-storied temple was once surrounded by a huge fort wall. }} ** {{See | name= Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3437182 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. }} ** {{marker|type=see|name=Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]|lat=10.94841|long=79.356708|image=Darasuram6.jpg}}. It has some excellent stone carvings (as well as inscriptions). The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. * {{See | name= Group of Monuments at [[Mamallapuram|Mahabalipuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3522747 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= a monument complex near [[Chennai]]. The area dates back to the ''Tamil Pallava'' dynasty. Mostly carved out of granite, they are among the oldest examples of ''Dravidian'' (South Indian) art/architecture. }} ==Telangana== * {{See | name= Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Palampet]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3380656 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= An ancient Hindu temple built during the 1200s Kakatiya dynasty & featuring ornate carvings & shrines. The main structure is in a reddish sandstone, but the columns round the outside have large brackets of black basalt which is rich in iron, magnesium and silica. These are carved as mythical animals or female dancers or musicians, and are "the masterpieces of Kakatiya art, notable for their delicate carving, sensuous postures and elongated bodies and heads". }} ==Uttar Pradesh== * {{see | name=Taj Mahal | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q9141 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It is a white marble mausoleum ordered by emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife (Mumtaz Mahal). Taj Mahal means ''Crown Palace''. It is a fairly well kept tomb and an outstanding example of Indian Muslim architecture. Current work is being considered to combat damage caused by pollution. }} * {{see | name=Agra Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q171857 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= Similar to the Red Fort in [[Delhi]], a well preserved palace and defensive complex constructed mostly in red sandstone. Emperor Akbar built this fort (same time as Humayun's Tomb in Delhi). Emperor Shah Jahan made later additions to it. }} * {{see | name=[[Fatehpur Sikri]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (''City of Victory'') — A virtual ghost city near [[Agra]]. Built by the Emperor Akbar, it was the capital of the [[Mughal Empire]] and later abandoned because local water supplies were lacking and near the tumultuous Rajasthan. It includes one of the largest mosques (''Jama Masjid'') in India. There are well preserved palaces and courtyards. }} * {{see | name=Keoladeo National Park| alt=Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary | url= | email= | address=[[Bharatpur]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (natural) — It provides habitat for thousands of birds during the winter season. The sanctuary hosts rare Siberian Cranes, ruddy shelducks, northern shovelers, northern pintails, tufted ducks, shovelers and other indigionous and migratory waterfowl. }} ==Uttarakhand== * {{listing | name=[[Nanda Devi National Park|Nanda Devi]] and [[Valley of Flowers National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q15839097 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=Nanda Devi contains wildlife such as snow leopards, bears, tahrs, deer and monkeys in addition to splendid flowers. The Valley of Flowers is famous for its beautiful alpine flowers. This valley is an Indian national park with beautiful waterfalls, landscapes, meadows of flowers and surrounding forests. }} ==West Bengal== * {{listing | name=[[Santiniketan]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1026431 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=Santiniketan was founded as an ashram by Debendranath Tagore in the second half of the 19th century and then developed into a university town of Visva-Bharati University. It is connected to the life and philosophy of Debendranath's son Rabindranath Tagore, the leading figure of the Bengali Renaissance. }} * {{listing | name=[[Sundarbans National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q532440 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The coastal mangrove forest in the southern part of [[West Bengal]] and [[Bangladesh]]. It lies on the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta. It is the largest mangrove forest in the world and the only mangrove forest in the world with tigers. [[Sundarbans (Bangladesh)]] is a different UNESCO Heritage Site in [[Bangladesh]]. }} '''Note:''' The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is listed under [[UNESCO World Heritage List (India)#Across multiple states|Mountain Railways of India]] ==See also== * [[UNESCO World Heritage List#India|UNESCO World Heritage List]] {{geo|21.534|78.046|zoom=5}} {{PartOfTopic|United Nations|India}} {{usabletopic}} 8sohdm34n4p0jin5xdc4twozxs24uau 5086940 5086939 2025-07-03T03:57:48Z Rangan Datta Wiki 124323 /* Across multiple states */ Updated listing for Nilgiri Mountain Railway 5086940 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|TajMahal Banner.jpg|unesco_whs=yes}} '''World Heritage Sites''' are important places of cultural, historical, scientific or other significance designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). There are 43 {{UNESCO WHS}}s in [[India]]. These include 35 cultural sites (marked in blue), 7 natural sites (marked in green) and 1 mixed-criteria site (marked in red). India has the sixth largest number of sites in the world. {{mapframe|align=center|height=750|width=750}} ==Across multiple states== [[File:Darjeelinghimalayanrailway.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] [[File:Qutab Minar mausoleum.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Qutb Minar, [[Delhi]]]] [[File:Santiniketan Prayer Hall.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Santiniketan]] [[File:Konarka Temple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sun Temple, Konark]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 16 Agra Fort.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Agra Fort]] [[File:Temple No.- 3, Nalanda Archaeological Site.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Nalanda]] [[File:Fatehpur Sikri near Agra 2016-03 img05.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Fatehpur Sikri]] [[File:India-5692 - Flickr - archer10 (Dennis).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Khajuraho Monuments]] [[File:Mahabodhitemple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Mahabodhi Temple Complex]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 04 Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Taj Mahal]] [[File:Brihadeeswarar Kovil.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Brihadisvara Temple]] [[File:The elegant stone chariot.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Stone Chariot, Hampi]] [[File:Cave 26, Ajanta.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ajanta Caves]] [[File:Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus]] [[File:Thane Creek and Elephanta Island 03-2016 - img20 Elephanta Caves.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Elephanta Caves]] [[File:Kailasa temple overview, Ellora.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Kailasa Temple, Ellora]] [[File:Amber Fort (आमेर का किला ).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Amber Fort, Jaipur]] [[File:Rani_ki_vav_02.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Rani-ki-Vav]] [[File:Dhauladhar_ranges_in_the_background-_Trekkers_resting_a_bit_I_IMG_7165.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Dhauladhar Ranges]] [[File:Valley of flowers uttaranchal full view.JPG|thumb|upright=0.7|Valley of Flowers]] [[File:Ramappa Temple 8.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ramappa Temple]] [[File:Sunderbans 059.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sundarbans National Park]] [[File:Western Ghats Gobi.jpg|thumb|Western Ghats|upright=0.7]] * The '''[[Rail travel in India#Mountain trains|Mountain Railways of India]]:''' Consists of three different sites spread across [[West Bengal]], [[Tamil Nadu]] and [[Himachal Pradesh]]. They consist of narrow and meter-gauge lines that run through picturesque mountains. ** {{see | name=[[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] | alt=DHR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[New Jalpaiguri]]–[[Darjeeling]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463874 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A {{convert|2|ft|mm}} gauge railway running through the foothills of the eastern Himalayas. The railway covers a distance of {{convert|88|km|mi}} starts at an altitude of {{convert|100|m|ft}} and ends at {{convert|2200|m|ft}}. The highest elevation is at [[Ghum]] ({{convert|2258|m|ft}}. It gains altitude via 6 zig-zags and 3 (originally 5) loops. Today, apart from regular diesel engines, there is a steam engine joy ride between Darjeeling and Ghum. }} ** {{see | name=Nilgiri Mountain Railway | alt=NMR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[Mettupalayam]]–[[Ooty]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463735 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A meter-gauge ({{cvt|1|m|ft}}) railway through the lush green Nilgiri hills. It has been in operation since 1908. The {{cvt|46|km|mi}} long railway starts at {{cvt|326|m|ft}} and ends at {{cvt|2203|m|ft}}.It follows the rack railway technology. }} ** {{see | name=Kalka–Shimla Railway | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7171560 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=[[Kalka]], [[Haryana]]–[[Shimla]], [[Himachal Pradesh]] }} * {{listing | name=Western Ghats | alt= | url= | email= | address=([[Maharashtra]], [[Karnataka]], [[Kerala]] and [[Tamil Nadu]]) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4527 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A mountain range of [[South India]] running parallel to the west coast of India. A bio-doversity hotspot and home to many endangered and endemic species. It consists of 39 individual properties }} ==Assam== * {{Listing | name = [[Kaziranga National Park]] | lat = 26.6667 | long = 93.3500 | wikidata = Q192764 | content = It is home to the Indian single-horned rhinos (rhinoceros unicornis). Kaziranga also hosts a variety of other mammal species. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} * {{Listing | name = [[Manas National Park]] | lat = 26.71 | long = 90.93 | wikidata = Q506511 | content = It is a habitat for many unique and endangered wildlife species such as the golden langur, pygmy hog and hispid hare. The Asian elephant, water buffalo, black panther, sloth bear and sambar deer can also be found here as well as endangered residential and migratory birds | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} * {{see | name=[[Moidam]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.941466 | long=94.876018 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6735332 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The mound burial system of Ahom dynasty (1228–1826). These burial mounds create an undulating landscape reminiscent of hills, in line with the spiritual beliefs of the Ahom people }} ==Bihar== * {{see | name=Nalanda|Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Nalanda]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q216243 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} * {{see | name=Mahabodhi Temple Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Bodh Gaya]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4513 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} ==Chandigarh== * {{see | name=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier in [[Chandigarh]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=30.761085 | long=76.803291 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q55619850 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement is a World Heritage Site consisting of a selection of 17 building projects in 7 countries (including [[Chandigarh]], [[India]]) by the Franco-Swiss architect Le Corbusier. These sites demonstrate how Modern Movement architecture was applied to respond to the needs of society and show the global range of a style and an architect. }} ==Delhi== * {{see | name=Humayun's Tomb | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[South East Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189648 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The site was constructed in the Indo-Islamic style known as ''Mughal''. The grand domed structure of the Humayun's Tomb occupies the central position of the Persian styled ''char bagh''garden. There are several other structures in the garden and consists of Isha Khan's tomb & mosque, Arab sarai, Barbar's tomb and many more. }} * {{see | name=Qutb Minar and its Monuments | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/South Delhi|South Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q187635 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=These structures in Delhi date from the Slave Dynasty. The Qutb Minar is one of the tallest minars in India. It has been well-preserved with its intricate carvings. It was constructed of red sandstone and marble. Earthquake damage to the top of the Qutb Manar has been renovated and its base reinforced. }} * {{see | name=Red Fort Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/Central Delhi|Central Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q45957 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Red Fort is a red sandstone fort (and ruling palace) built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame. Many historical objects and marble inlays have disappeared and quite a few buildings can not be visited due to disrepair. However, the site is impressive with lush green gardens that are well kept year round. }} ==Goa== * {{see | name= Churches and Convents of Goa| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Old Goa|Goa]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q15726428 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Old Goa, the former capital of colonial [[Goa]], is full of history and the location of numerous well maintained scenic churches and convents. }} ==Gujarat== * {{see | name= [[Dholavira]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q9468 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an archaeological site at with the ruins of an ancient [[Indus Valley Civilisation]] (Harappan) city; it is one of the five largest Harappan sites. }} * {{see | name= Historic City of [[Ahmedabad/Central Zone|Ahmedabad]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5472448 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= The modern Ahmedabad was a walled city in the past along the banks of the Sabarmati River. The city presents a rich and diverse cultural and architectural style. It also houses the former home of Mahatma Gandhi, the Sabarmati Ashram. }} * {{see | name=Rani-ki-Vav | alt=Queen's Stepwell | url= | email= | address=[[Patan (Gujarat)|Patan]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7293002 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is famous for its ornate carvings and many sculptures in its galleries. Built as an inverted temple and representing a religious regard for water. Stepwells were built basically for the storage of water in India. }} * {{see | name=[[Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q844427 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A fortified medieval settlement with Hindu, Muslim and Jain architectural elements along with the remains of water-managing systems }} ==Himachal Pradesh== * {{Listing | name = [[Great Himalayan National Park]] | lat = | long = | wikidata = Q1544213 | content = The different altitudes provide for subtropical forests to alpine and glacial flora. Different species of goat, bear, leopard and pheasants can also be found here. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} ==Karnataka== * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Hampi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26732 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Significant historic and architectural interest. The area abounds with large stones used to make statues of Jaina deities. Numerous temples and other sites can be found in and around Hampi. Further excavations are under way. }} * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Pattadakal]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q817250 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an historic centre of Chalukya art and architecture. This has major temples and numerous shrines }} * '''Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas:''' It consists of two clusters of monuments (in [[Belur]] and [[Halebidu]]), and the Keshava temple in [[Somanathapura]], dating to the time of the Hoysala Empire, between the 11th and 14th centuries. ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Belur]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q760603 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Halebidu]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q108227451 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Chennakesava Temple, [[Somanathapura]] | alt=Keshava temple | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3537502 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ==Madhya Pradesh== * {{see | name= Rock Shelters of [[Bhimbetka]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q331603 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Early traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent have been discovered here. Rock paintings can be seen that are similar to those that have been found in Australia and France. }} * {{see | name= [[Khajuraho]] Group of Monuments| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26258435 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is a group of Hindu and Jain temples in [[Khajuraho]], [[Madhya Pradesh]]. The temples are noted for their architectural/artistic style and erotic sculptures. }} * {{see | name= Buddhist Monuments at [[Sanchi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q181123 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Believed to be the oldest stone structure in India. '''Vidisha''' (city in [[Madhya Pradesh]]) was the ancient capital city of the Malwa. Many Buddhist monuments were later built around this ancient city. The historical Sanchi stupas are very well preserved. }} ==Maharashtra== * {{see | name= [[Ajanta Caves]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Aurangabad]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= depict the stories of [[Buddhism]] from circa 200 BCE to 650 CE. These caves were discovered by some British Officers during a tiger hunt. These caves were built by Buddhist monks using simple tools. Buddhist monks often taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas (ancient seats of learning). There are detailed/beautiful sculptures and paintings depicting stories from Jataka tales. }} * {{see | name=[[Ellora Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189616 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are an impressive complex of rock shrines that represent the three faiths of [[Buddhism]], [[Hinduism]] and Jainism and were created during the 5th-13th centuries CE. The caves are northwest of central [[Aurangabad]], a few km from [[Khuldabad]]. }} * {{see | name=Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus | alt=(formerly Victoria Terminus), also known as '''Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus''' ('''CSMT''') | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=the architectural influence of Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival architecture and traditional Mughal architectural style }} * {{see | name=Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16942531 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It represents an urban project through various buildings (cinemas, residential buildings and balconies) of the late 19th century. Mainly these are found near the Oval Maidan area of [[Mumbai]], they represent the Victorian Neo-Gothic style of architecture and Art Deco (sometimes known as ''Indo-Deco''). }} * {{see | name=[[Mumbai/Elephanta|Elephanta Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q649384 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are two groups of sculpted caves (Hindu and Buddhist). Within the caves there are numerous carved panels and shrines. The original stone-cut elephant statue; for which Elephanta Island was named, resides at Jijamata Udyaan in [[Mumbai]]. }} ==Odisha== * {{see | name= Konark Sun Temple| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Konark]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q752091| lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= It was built to honour the sun god Surya. The entire temple is shaped in the form of a chariot pulled by seven horses in order to carry the sun god across the heavens. Though partially in ruins, it has extensive stone carvings (many erotic in nature) on the walls. }} ==Rajasthan== * The '''Hill Forts of [[Rajasthan]]''' — ** {{see | name= Chittor Fort in [[Chittorgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3695769 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= A massive stone gates with notched parapets and arched reinforced doors (to defend against elephants and cannon). Within the fort a circular road gives access to the gates and numerous monuments (ruined palaces and numerous temples). }} ** {{see | name= Kumbhalgarh Fort, [[Kumbhalgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1246283 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= protected by seven towering gates and within is the ''Badal Mahal'' palace. It also had long meandering walls for defence. There are many tales and interesting stories affiliated with this site. }} ** {{see | name= Ranthambore Fort, [[Ranthambore]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2724894 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It lies within the [[Ranthambore National Park]], near the town of [[Sawai Madhopur]]. Initially called "Ranath Bhawar Garh" (a place of Rajput warriors). The history of ''Sawai Madhopur'' centers around the famous Ranthambore Fort. }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Amber Fort in [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q456817 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a massive fort-palace complex built in a Hindu-Muslim style dating back to ''Raja Man Singh'' and once the royal palace of the ''Kachwahas''. Within the fort is the ''Sheesh Mahal'' (with thousands of mirror tiles on the walls and ceilings).. }} ** {{see | name= Jaisalmer Fort in [[Jaisalmer]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3634368 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= Also known as the “Sonar Quila” or "Sonal Kella" or "Sonar Kila". It displays the subtle hues of the setting sun and desert. It is a 'working fort' as its citizens reside and work within its walls. There are numerous vantage points within the fort that enable great views across the city and desert. }} * {{see | name= [[Jaipur]] City| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q66485 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a magnificent city filled with historical wonders and beauty in the North-western part of India. During the rule of Sawai Ram Singh I, the city was painted pink to welcome HRH Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VII, Emperor of India), in 1876. Many of the avenues still remain painted in pink, giving Jaipur a distinctive appearance and the epithet Pink city. }} * {{see | name= Jantar Mantar, [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q508634| lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= one of five astronomical observatories build by Maharaja Jai Singh in northern India. This historical observatory has geometric devices (or yantras in Hindi) for measuring time, eclipse prediction, tracking the orbits of stars eyc.. Explanations are posted for these devices and hired guides may provide further explanations. }} ==Sikkim== * {{Go | name= [[Khangchendzonga National Park]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=(mixed) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q2605019 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is named after Kangchenjunga, the highest peak of India. It is known for its numerous glaciers (Zemu glacier for example). Snow leopards, musk deer and Himalayan taar have been spotted here. }} ==Tamil Nadu== * The '''Great Living Chola Temples''' — consists of three Hindu temples built in the 11th and 12th centuries under the Chola dynasty. They represent some of the best examples of Dravidian architecture of the Chola period. ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Thanjavur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q916943 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= This temple is dedicated to Shiva. Its pillared cloister contains many lignams and the sanctum sanctorum has a large Shiva lingam and stone Nandi. }} ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Gangaikonda Cholapuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5521034 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is dedicated to the Lord Shiva and its location was used to be a medieval Chola capital. This multi-storied temple was once surrounded by a huge fort wall. }} ** {{See | name= Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3437182 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. }} ** {{marker|type=see|name=Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]|lat=10.94841|long=79.356708|image=Darasuram6.jpg}}. It has some excellent stone carvings (as well as inscriptions). The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. * {{See | name= Group of Monuments at [[Mamallapuram|Mahabalipuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3522747 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= a monument complex near [[Chennai]]. The area dates back to the ''Tamil Pallava'' dynasty. Mostly carved out of granite, they are among the oldest examples of ''Dravidian'' (South Indian) art/architecture. }} ==Telangana== * {{See | name= Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Palampet]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3380656 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= An ancient Hindu temple built during the 1200s Kakatiya dynasty & featuring ornate carvings & shrines. The main structure is in a reddish sandstone, but the columns round the outside have large brackets of black basalt which is rich in iron, magnesium and silica. These are carved as mythical animals or female dancers or musicians, and are "the masterpieces of Kakatiya art, notable for their delicate carving, sensuous postures and elongated bodies and heads". }} ==Uttar Pradesh== * {{see | name=Taj Mahal | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q9141 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It is a white marble mausoleum ordered by emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife (Mumtaz Mahal). Taj Mahal means ''Crown Palace''. It is a fairly well kept tomb and an outstanding example of Indian Muslim architecture. Current work is being considered to combat damage caused by pollution. }} * {{see | name=Agra Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q171857 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= Similar to the Red Fort in [[Delhi]], a well preserved palace and defensive complex constructed mostly in red sandstone. Emperor Akbar built this fort (same time as Humayun's Tomb in Delhi). Emperor Shah Jahan made later additions to it. }} * {{see | name=[[Fatehpur Sikri]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (''City of Victory'') — A virtual ghost city near [[Agra]]. Built by the Emperor Akbar, it was the capital of the [[Mughal Empire]] and later abandoned because local water supplies were lacking and near the tumultuous Rajasthan. It includes one of the largest mosques (''Jama Masjid'') in India. There are well preserved palaces and courtyards. }} * {{see | name=Keoladeo National Park| alt=Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary | url= | email= | address=[[Bharatpur]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (natural) — It provides habitat for thousands of birds during the winter season. The sanctuary hosts rare Siberian Cranes, ruddy shelducks, northern shovelers, northern pintails, tufted ducks, shovelers and other indigionous and migratory waterfowl. }} ==Uttarakhand== * {{listing | name=[[Nanda Devi National Park|Nanda Devi]] and [[Valley of Flowers National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q15839097 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=Nanda Devi contains wildlife such as snow leopards, bears, tahrs, deer and monkeys in addition to splendid flowers. The Valley of Flowers is famous for its beautiful alpine flowers. This valley is an Indian national park with beautiful waterfalls, landscapes, meadows of flowers and surrounding forests. }} ==West Bengal== * {{listing | name=[[Santiniketan]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1026431 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=Santiniketan was founded as an ashram by Debendranath Tagore in the second half of the 19th century and then developed into a university town of Visva-Bharati University. It is connected to the life and philosophy of Debendranath's son Rabindranath Tagore, the leading figure of the Bengali Renaissance. }} * {{listing | name=[[Sundarbans National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q532440 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The coastal mangrove forest in the southern part of [[West Bengal]] and [[Bangladesh]]. It lies on the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta. It is the largest mangrove forest in the world and the only mangrove forest in the world with tigers. [[Sundarbans (Bangladesh)]] is a different UNESCO Heritage Site in [[Bangladesh]]. }} '''Note:''' The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is listed under [[UNESCO World Heritage List (India)#Across multiple states|Mountain Railways of India]] ==See also== * [[UNESCO World Heritage List#India|UNESCO World Heritage List]] {{geo|21.534|78.046|zoom=5}} {{PartOfTopic|United Nations|India}} {{usabletopic}} ka9q1sin2hu3f00qd3hp7r76t3sfrgr 5086943 5086940 2025-07-03T04:03:28Z Rangan Datta Wiki 124323 /* Across multiple states */ Updated listing for Kalka–Shimla Railway 5086943 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|TajMahal Banner.jpg|unesco_whs=yes}} '''World Heritage Sites''' are important places of cultural, historical, scientific or other significance designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). There are 43 {{UNESCO WHS}}s in [[India]]. These include 35 cultural sites (marked in blue), 7 natural sites (marked in green) and 1 mixed-criteria site (marked in red). India has the sixth largest number of sites in the world. {{mapframe|align=center|height=750|width=750}} ==Across multiple states== [[File:Darjeelinghimalayanrailway.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] [[File:Qutab Minar mausoleum.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Qutb Minar, [[Delhi]]]] [[File:Santiniketan Prayer Hall.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Santiniketan]] [[File:Konarka Temple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sun Temple, Konark]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 16 Agra Fort.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Agra Fort]] [[File:Temple No.- 3, Nalanda Archaeological Site.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Nalanda]] [[File:Fatehpur Sikri near Agra 2016-03 img05.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Fatehpur Sikri]] [[File:India-5692 - Flickr - archer10 (Dennis).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Khajuraho Monuments]] [[File:Mahabodhitemple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Mahabodhi Temple Complex]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 04 Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Taj Mahal]] [[File:Brihadeeswarar Kovil.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Brihadisvara Temple]] [[File:The elegant stone chariot.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Stone Chariot, Hampi]] [[File:Cave 26, Ajanta.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ajanta Caves]] [[File:Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus]] [[File:Thane Creek and Elephanta Island 03-2016 - img20 Elephanta Caves.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Elephanta Caves]] [[File:Kailasa temple overview, Ellora.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Kailasa Temple, Ellora]] [[File:Amber Fort (आमेर का किला ).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Amber Fort, Jaipur]] [[File:Rani_ki_vav_02.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Rani-ki-Vav]] [[File:Dhauladhar_ranges_in_the_background-_Trekkers_resting_a_bit_I_IMG_7165.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Dhauladhar Ranges]] [[File:Valley of flowers uttaranchal full view.JPG|thumb|upright=0.7|Valley of Flowers]] [[File:Ramappa Temple 8.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ramappa Temple]] [[File:Sunderbans 059.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sundarbans National Park]] [[File:Western Ghats Gobi.jpg|thumb|Western Ghats|upright=0.7]] * The '''[[Rail travel in India#Mountain trains|Mountain Railways of India]]:''' Consists of three different sites spread across [[West Bengal]], [[Tamil Nadu]] and [[Himachal Pradesh]]. They consist of narrow and meter-gauge lines that run through picturesque mountains. ** {{see | name=[[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] | alt=DHR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[New Jalpaiguri]]–[[Darjeeling]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463874 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A {{convert|2|ft|mm}} gauge railway running through the foothills of the eastern Himalayas. The railway covers a distance of {{convert|88|km|mi}} starts at an altitude of {{convert|100|m|ft}} and ends at {{convert|2200|m|ft}}. The highest elevation is at [[Ghum]] ({{convert|2258|m|ft}}. It gains altitude via 6 zig-zags and 3 (originally 5) loops. Today, apart from regular diesel engines, there is a steam engine joy ride between Darjeeling and Ghum. }} ** {{see | name=Nilgiri Mountain Railway | alt=NMR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[Mettupalayam]]–[[Ooty]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463735 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A meter-gauge ({{cvt|1|m|ft}}) railway through the lush green Nilgiri hills. It has been in operation since 1908. The {{cvt|46|km|mi}} long railway starts at {{cvt|326|m|ft}} and ends at {{cvt|2203|m|ft}}.It follows the rack railway technology. }} ** {{see | name=Kalka–Shimla Railway | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Kalka] – [[Shimla]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7171560 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content={{cvt|2ft6in|mm}} }} * {{listing | name=Western Ghats | alt= | url= | email= | address=([[Maharashtra]], [[Karnataka]], [[Kerala]] and [[Tamil Nadu]]) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4527 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A mountain range of [[South India]] running parallel to the west coast of India. A bio-doversity hotspot and home to many endangered and endemic species. It consists of 39 individual properties }} ==Assam== * {{Listing | name = [[Kaziranga National Park]] | lat = 26.6667 | long = 93.3500 | wikidata = Q192764 | content = It is home to the Indian single-horned rhinos (rhinoceros unicornis). Kaziranga also hosts a variety of other mammal species. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} * {{Listing | name = [[Manas National Park]] | lat = 26.71 | long = 90.93 | wikidata = Q506511 | content = It is a habitat for many unique and endangered wildlife species such as the golden langur, pygmy hog and hispid hare. The Asian elephant, water buffalo, black panther, sloth bear and sambar deer can also be found here as well as endangered residential and migratory birds | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} * {{see | name=[[Moidam]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.941466 | long=94.876018 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6735332 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The mound burial system of Ahom dynasty (1228–1826). These burial mounds create an undulating landscape reminiscent of hills, in line with the spiritual beliefs of the Ahom people }} ==Bihar== * {{see | name=Nalanda|Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Nalanda]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q216243 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} * {{see | name=Mahabodhi Temple Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Bodh Gaya]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4513 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} ==Chandigarh== * {{see | name=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier in [[Chandigarh]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=30.761085 | long=76.803291 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q55619850 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement is a World Heritage Site consisting of a selection of 17 building projects in 7 countries (including [[Chandigarh]], [[India]]) by the Franco-Swiss architect Le Corbusier. These sites demonstrate how Modern Movement architecture was applied to respond to the needs of society and show the global range of a style and an architect. }} ==Delhi== * {{see | name=Humayun's Tomb | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[South East Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189648 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The site was constructed in the Indo-Islamic style known as ''Mughal''. The grand domed structure of the Humayun's Tomb occupies the central position of the Persian styled ''char bagh''garden. There are several other structures in the garden and consists of Isha Khan's tomb & mosque, Arab sarai, Barbar's tomb and many more. }} * {{see | name=Qutb Minar and its Monuments | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/South Delhi|South Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q187635 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=These structures in Delhi date from the Slave Dynasty. The Qutb Minar is one of the tallest minars in India. It has been well-preserved with its intricate carvings. It was constructed of red sandstone and marble. Earthquake damage to the top of the Qutb Manar has been renovated and its base reinforced. }} * {{see | name=Red Fort Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/Central Delhi|Central Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q45957 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Red Fort is a red sandstone fort (and ruling palace) built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame. Many historical objects and marble inlays have disappeared and quite a few buildings can not be visited due to disrepair. However, the site is impressive with lush green gardens that are well kept year round. }} ==Goa== * {{see | name= Churches and Convents of Goa| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Old Goa|Goa]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q15726428 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Old Goa, the former capital of colonial [[Goa]], is full of history and the location of numerous well maintained scenic churches and convents. }} ==Gujarat== * {{see | name= [[Dholavira]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q9468 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an archaeological site at with the ruins of an ancient [[Indus Valley Civilisation]] (Harappan) city; it is one of the five largest Harappan sites. }} * {{see | name= Historic City of [[Ahmedabad/Central Zone|Ahmedabad]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5472448 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= The modern Ahmedabad was a walled city in the past along the banks of the Sabarmati River. The city presents a rich and diverse cultural and architectural style. It also houses the former home of Mahatma Gandhi, the Sabarmati Ashram. }} * {{see | name=Rani-ki-Vav | alt=Queen's Stepwell | url= | email= | address=[[Patan (Gujarat)|Patan]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7293002 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is famous for its ornate carvings and many sculptures in its galleries. Built as an inverted temple and representing a religious regard for water. Stepwells were built basically for the storage of water in India. }} * {{see | name=[[Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q844427 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A fortified medieval settlement with Hindu, Muslim and Jain architectural elements along with the remains of water-managing systems }} ==Himachal Pradesh== * {{Listing | name = [[Great Himalayan National Park]] | lat = | long = | wikidata = Q1544213 | content = The different altitudes provide for subtropical forests to alpine and glacial flora. Different species of goat, bear, leopard and pheasants can also be found here. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} ==Karnataka== * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Hampi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26732 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Significant historic and architectural interest. The area abounds with large stones used to make statues of Jaina deities. Numerous temples and other sites can be found in and around Hampi. Further excavations are under way. }} * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Pattadakal]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q817250 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an historic centre of Chalukya art and architecture. This has major temples and numerous shrines }} * '''Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas:''' It consists of two clusters of monuments (in [[Belur]] and [[Halebidu]]), and the Keshava temple in [[Somanathapura]], dating to the time of the Hoysala Empire, between the 11th and 14th centuries. ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Belur]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q760603 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Halebidu]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q108227451 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Chennakesava Temple, [[Somanathapura]] | alt=Keshava temple | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3537502 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ==Madhya Pradesh== * {{see | name= Rock Shelters of [[Bhimbetka]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q331603 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Early traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent have been discovered here. Rock paintings can be seen that are similar to those that have been found in Australia and France. }} * {{see | name= [[Khajuraho]] Group of Monuments| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26258435 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is a group of Hindu and Jain temples in [[Khajuraho]], [[Madhya Pradesh]]. The temples are noted for their architectural/artistic style and erotic sculptures. }} * {{see | name= Buddhist Monuments at [[Sanchi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q181123 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Believed to be the oldest stone structure in India. '''Vidisha''' (city in [[Madhya Pradesh]]) was the ancient capital city of the Malwa. Many Buddhist monuments were later built around this ancient city. The historical Sanchi stupas are very well preserved. }} ==Maharashtra== * {{see | name= [[Ajanta Caves]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Aurangabad]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= depict the stories of [[Buddhism]] from circa 200 BCE to 650 CE. These caves were discovered by some British Officers during a tiger hunt. These caves were built by Buddhist monks using simple tools. Buddhist monks often taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas (ancient seats of learning). There are detailed/beautiful sculptures and paintings depicting stories from Jataka tales. }} * {{see | name=[[Ellora Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189616 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are an impressive complex of rock shrines that represent the three faiths of [[Buddhism]], [[Hinduism]] and Jainism and were created during the 5th-13th centuries CE. The caves are northwest of central [[Aurangabad]], a few km from [[Khuldabad]]. }} * {{see | name=Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus | alt=(formerly Victoria Terminus), also known as '''Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus''' ('''CSMT''') | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=the architectural influence of Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival architecture and traditional Mughal architectural style }} * {{see | name=Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16942531 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It represents an urban project through various buildings (cinemas, residential buildings and balconies) of the late 19th century. Mainly these are found near the Oval Maidan area of [[Mumbai]], they represent the Victorian Neo-Gothic style of architecture and Art Deco (sometimes known as ''Indo-Deco''). }} * {{see | name=[[Mumbai/Elephanta|Elephanta Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q649384 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are two groups of sculpted caves (Hindu and Buddhist). Within the caves there are numerous carved panels and shrines. The original stone-cut elephant statue; for which Elephanta Island was named, resides at Jijamata Udyaan in [[Mumbai]]. }} ==Odisha== * {{see | name= Konark Sun Temple| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Konark]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q752091| lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= It was built to honour the sun god Surya. The entire temple is shaped in the form of a chariot pulled by seven horses in order to carry the sun god across the heavens. Though partially in ruins, it has extensive stone carvings (many erotic in nature) on the walls. }} ==Rajasthan== * The '''Hill Forts of [[Rajasthan]]''' — ** {{see | name= Chittor Fort in [[Chittorgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3695769 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= A massive stone gates with notched parapets and arched reinforced doors (to defend against elephants and cannon). Within the fort a circular road gives access to the gates and numerous monuments (ruined palaces and numerous temples). }} ** {{see | name= Kumbhalgarh Fort, [[Kumbhalgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1246283 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= protected by seven towering gates and within is the ''Badal Mahal'' palace. It also had long meandering walls for defence. There are many tales and interesting stories affiliated with this site. }} ** {{see | name= Ranthambore Fort, [[Ranthambore]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2724894 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It lies within the [[Ranthambore National Park]], near the town of [[Sawai Madhopur]]. Initially called "Ranath Bhawar Garh" (a place of Rajput warriors). The history of ''Sawai Madhopur'' centers around the famous Ranthambore Fort. }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Amber Fort in [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q456817 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a massive fort-palace complex built in a Hindu-Muslim style dating back to ''Raja Man Singh'' and once the royal palace of the ''Kachwahas''. Within the fort is the ''Sheesh Mahal'' (with thousands of mirror tiles on the walls and ceilings).. }} ** {{see | name= Jaisalmer Fort in [[Jaisalmer]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3634368 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= Also known as the “Sonar Quila” or "Sonal Kella" or "Sonar Kila". It displays the subtle hues of the setting sun and desert. It is a 'working fort' as its citizens reside and work within its walls. There are numerous vantage points within the fort that enable great views across the city and desert. }} * {{see | name= [[Jaipur]] City| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q66485 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a magnificent city filled with historical wonders and beauty in the North-western part of India. During the rule of Sawai Ram Singh I, the city was painted pink to welcome HRH Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VII, Emperor of India), in 1876. Many of the avenues still remain painted in pink, giving Jaipur a distinctive appearance and the epithet Pink city. }} * {{see | name= Jantar Mantar, [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q508634| lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= one of five astronomical observatories build by Maharaja Jai Singh in northern India. This historical observatory has geometric devices (or yantras in Hindi) for measuring time, eclipse prediction, tracking the orbits of stars eyc.. Explanations are posted for these devices and hired guides may provide further explanations. }} ==Sikkim== * {{Go | name= [[Khangchendzonga National Park]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=(mixed) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q2605019 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is named after Kangchenjunga, the highest peak of India. It is known for its numerous glaciers (Zemu glacier for example). Snow leopards, musk deer and Himalayan taar have been spotted here. }} ==Tamil Nadu== * The '''Great Living Chola Temples''' — consists of three Hindu temples built in the 11th and 12th centuries under the Chola dynasty. They represent some of the best examples of Dravidian architecture of the Chola period. ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Thanjavur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q916943 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= This temple is dedicated to Shiva. Its pillared cloister contains many lignams and the sanctum sanctorum has a large Shiva lingam and stone Nandi. }} ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Gangaikonda Cholapuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5521034 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is dedicated to the Lord Shiva and its location was used to be a medieval Chola capital. This multi-storied temple was once surrounded by a huge fort wall. }} ** {{See | name= Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3437182 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. }} ** {{marker|type=see|name=Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]|lat=10.94841|long=79.356708|image=Darasuram6.jpg}}. It has some excellent stone carvings (as well as inscriptions). The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. * {{See | name= Group of Monuments at [[Mamallapuram|Mahabalipuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3522747 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= a monument complex near [[Chennai]]. The area dates back to the ''Tamil Pallava'' dynasty. Mostly carved out of granite, they are among the oldest examples of ''Dravidian'' (South Indian) art/architecture. }} ==Telangana== * {{See | name= Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Palampet]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3380656 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= An ancient Hindu temple built during the 1200s Kakatiya dynasty & featuring ornate carvings & shrines. The main structure is in a reddish sandstone, but the columns round the outside have large brackets of black basalt which is rich in iron, magnesium and silica. These are carved as mythical animals or female dancers or musicians, and are "the masterpieces of Kakatiya art, notable for their delicate carving, sensuous postures and elongated bodies and heads". }} ==Uttar Pradesh== * {{see | name=Taj Mahal | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q9141 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It is a white marble mausoleum ordered by emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife (Mumtaz Mahal). Taj Mahal means ''Crown Palace''. It is a fairly well kept tomb and an outstanding example of Indian Muslim architecture. Current work is being considered to combat damage caused by pollution. }} * {{see | name=Agra Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q171857 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= Similar to the Red Fort in [[Delhi]], a well preserved palace and defensive complex constructed mostly in red sandstone. Emperor Akbar built this fort (same time as Humayun's Tomb in Delhi). Emperor Shah Jahan made later additions to it. }} * {{see | name=[[Fatehpur Sikri]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (''City of Victory'') — A virtual ghost city near [[Agra]]. Built by the Emperor Akbar, it was the capital of the [[Mughal Empire]] and later abandoned because local water supplies were lacking and near the tumultuous Rajasthan. It includes one of the largest mosques (''Jama Masjid'') in India. There are well preserved palaces and courtyards. }} * {{see | name=Keoladeo National Park| alt=Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary | url= | email= | address=[[Bharatpur]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (natural) — It provides habitat for thousands of birds during the winter season. The sanctuary hosts rare Siberian Cranes, ruddy shelducks, northern shovelers, northern pintails, tufted ducks, shovelers and other indigionous and migratory waterfowl. }} ==Uttarakhand== * {{listing | name=[[Nanda Devi National Park|Nanda Devi]] and [[Valley of Flowers National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q15839097 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=Nanda Devi contains wildlife such as snow leopards, bears, tahrs, deer and monkeys in addition to splendid flowers. The Valley of Flowers is famous for its beautiful alpine flowers. This valley is an Indian national park with beautiful waterfalls, landscapes, meadows of flowers and surrounding forests. }} ==West Bengal== * {{listing | name=[[Santiniketan]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1026431 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=Santiniketan was founded as an ashram by Debendranath Tagore in the second half of the 19th century and then developed into a university town of Visva-Bharati University. It is connected to the life and philosophy of Debendranath's son Rabindranath Tagore, the leading figure of the Bengali Renaissance. }} * {{listing | name=[[Sundarbans National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q532440 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The coastal mangrove forest in the southern part of [[West Bengal]] and [[Bangladesh]]. It lies on the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta. It is the largest mangrove forest in the world and the only mangrove forest in the world with tigers. [[Sundarbans (Bangladesh)]] is a different UNESCO Heritage Site in [[Bangladesh]]. }} '''Note:''' The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is listed under [[UNESCO World Heritage List (India)#Across multiple states|Mountain Railways of India]] ==See also== * [[UNESCO World Heritage List#India|UNESCO World Heritage List]] {{geo|21.534|78.046|zoom=5}} {{PartOfTopic|United Nations|India}} {{usabletopic}} 4a5mkfetg4kp25hh401g2j07hbt74qa 5086945 5086943 2025-07-03T04:04:49Z Rangan Datta Wiki 124323 /* Across multiple states */ 5086945 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|TajMahal Banner.jpg|unesco_whs=yes}} '''World Heritage Sites''' are important places of cultural, historical, scientific or other significance designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). There are 43 {{UNESCO WHS}}s in [[India]]. These include 35 cultural sites (marked in blue), 7 natural sites (marked in green) and 1 mixed-criteria site (marked in red). India has the sixth largest number of sites in the world. {{mapframe|align=center|height=750|width=750}} ==Across multiple states== [[File:Darjeelinghimalayanrailway.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] [[File:Qutab Minar mausoleum.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Qutb Minar, [[Delhi]]]] [[File:Santiniketan Prayer Hall.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Santiniketan]] [[File:Konarka Temple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sun Temple, Konark]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 16 Agra Fort.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Agra Fort]] [[File:Temple No.- 3, Nalanda Archaeological Site.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Nalanda]] [[File:Fatehpur Sikri near Agra 2016-03 img05.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Fatehpur Sikri]] [[File:India-5692 - Flickr - archer10 (Dennis).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Khajuraho Monuments]] [[File:Mahabodhitemple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Mahabodhi Temple Complex]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 04 Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Taj Mahal]] [[File:Brihadeeswarar Kovil.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Brihadisvara Temple]] [[File:The elegant stone chariot.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Stone Chariot, Hampi]] [[File:Cave 26, Ajanta.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ajanta Caves]] [[File:Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus]] [[File:Thane Creek and Elephanta Island 03-2016 - img20 Elephanta Caves.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Elephanta Caves]] [[File:Kailasa temple overview, Ellora.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Kailasa Temple, Ellora]] [[File:Amber Fort (आमेर का किला ).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Amber Fort, Jaipur]] [[File:Rani_ki_vav_02.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Rani-ki-Vav]] [[File:Dhauladhar_ranges_in_the_background-_Trekkers_resting_a_bit_I_IMG_7165.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Dhauladhar Ranges]] [[File:Valley of flowers uttaranchal full view.JPG|thumb|upright=0.7|Valley of Flowers]] [[File:Ramappa Temple 8.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ramappa Temple]] [[File:Sunderbans 059.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sundarbans National Park]] [[File:Western Ghats Gobi.jpg|thumb|Western Ghats|upright=0.7]] * The '''[[Rail travel in India#Mountain trains|Mountain Railways of India]]:''' Consists of three different sites spread across [[West Bengal]], [[Tamil Nadu]] and [[Himachal Pradesh]]. They consist of narrow and meter-gauge lines that run through picturesque mountains. ** {{see | name=[[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] | alt=DHR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[New Jalpaiguri]]–[[Darjeeling]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463874 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A {{convert|2|ft|mm}} gauge railway running through the foothills of the eastern Himalayas. The railway covers a distance of {{convert|88|km|mi}} starts at an altitude of {{convert|100|m|ft}} and ends at {{convert|2200|m|ft}}. The highest elevation is at [[Ghum]] ({{convert|2258|m|ft}}. It gains altitude via 6 zig-zags and 3 (originally 5) loops. Today, apart from regular diesel engines, there is a steam engine joy ride between Darjeeling and Ghum. }} ** {{see | name=Nilgiri Mountain Railway | alt=NMR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[Mettupalayam]]–[[Ooty]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463735 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A meter-gauge ({{cvt|1|m|ft}}) railway through the lush green Nilgiri hills. It has been in operation since 1908. The {{cvt|46|km|mi}} long railway starts at {{cvt|326|m|ft}} and ends at {{cvt|2203|m|ft}}.It follows the rack railway technology. }} ** {{see | name=Kalka–Shimla Railway | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Kalka] – [[Shimla]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7171560 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content={{cvt|2.5ft|mm}} }} * {{listing | name=Western Ghats | alt= | url= | email= | address=([[Maharashtra]], [[Karnataka]], [[Kerala]] and [[Tamil Nadu]]) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4527 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A mountain range of [[South India]] running parallel to the west coast of India. A bio-doversity hotspot and home to many endangered and endemic species. It consists of 39 individual properties }} ==Assam== * {{Listing | name = [[Kaziranga National Park]] | lat = 26.6667 | long = 93.3500 | wikidata = Q192764 | content = It is home to the Indian single-horned rhinos (rhinoceros unicornis). Kaziranga also hosts a variety of other mammal species. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} * {{Listing | name = [[Manas National Park]] | lat = 26.71 | long = 90.93 | wikidata = Q506511 | content = It is a habitat for many unique and endangered wildlife species such as the golden langur, pygmy hog and hispid hare. The Asian elephant, water buffalo, black panther, sloth bear and sambar deer can also be found here as well as endangered residential and migratory birds | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} * {{see | name=[[Moidam]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.941466 | long=94.876018 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6735332 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The mound burial system of Ahom dynasty (1228–1826). These burial mounds create an undulating landscape reminiscent of hills, in line with the spiritual beliefs of the Ahom people }} ==Bihar== * {{see | name=Nalanda|Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Nalanda]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q216243 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} * {{see | name=Mahabodhi Temple Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Bodh Gaya]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4513 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} ==Chandigarh== * {{see | name=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier in [[Chandigarh]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=30.761085 | long=76.803291 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q55619850 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement is a World Heritage Site consisting of a selection of 17 building projects in 7 countries (including [[Chandigarh]], [[India]]) by the Franco-Swiss architect Le Corbusier. These sites demonstrate how Modern Movement architecture was applied to respond to the needs of society and show the global range of a style and an architect. }} ==Delhi== * {{see | name=Humayun's Tomb | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[South East Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189648 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The site was constructed in the Indo-Islamic style known as ''Mughal''. The grand domed structure of the Humayun's Tomb occupies the central position of the Persian styled ''char bagh''garden. There are several other structures in the garden and consists of Isha Khan's tomb & mosque, Arab sarai, Barbar's tomb and many more. }} * {{see | name=Qutb Minar and its Monuments | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/South Delhi|South Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q187635 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=These structures in Delhi date from the Slave Dynasty. The Qutb Minar is one of the tallest minars in India. It has been well-preserved with its intricate carvings. It was constructed of red sandstone and marble. Earthquake damage to the top of the Qutb Manar has been renovated and its base reinforced. }} * {{see | name=Red Fort Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/Central Delhi|Central Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q45957 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Red Fort is a red sandstone fort (and ruling palace) built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame. Many historical objects and marble inlays have disappeared and quite a few buildings can not be visited due to disrepair. However, the site is impressive with lush green gardens that are well kept year round. }} ==Goa== * {{see | name= Churches and Convents of Goa| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Old Goa|Goa]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q15726428 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Old Goa, the former capital of colonial [[Goa]], is full of history and the location of numerous well maintained scenic churches and convents. }} ==Gujarat== * {{see | name= [[Dholavira]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q9468 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an archaeological site at with the ruins of an ancient [[Indus Valley Civilisation]] (Harappan) city; it is one of the five largest Harappan sites. }} * {{see | name= Historic City of [[Ahmedabad/Central Zone|Ahmedabad]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5472448 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= The modern Ahmedabad was a walled city in the past along the banks of the Sabarmati River. The city presents a rich and diverse cultural and architectural style. It also houses the former home of Mahatma Gandhi, the Sabarmati Ashram. }} * {{see | name=Rani-ki-Vav | alt=Queen's Stepwell | url= | email= | address=[[Patan (Gujarat)|Patan]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7293002 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is famous for its ornate carvings and many sculptures in its galleries. Built as an inverted temple and representing a religious regard for water. Stepwells were built basically for the storage of water in India. }} * {{see | name=[[Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q844427 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A fortified medieval settlement with Hindu, Muslim and Jain architectural elements along with the remains of water-managing systems }} ==Himachal Pradesh== * {{Listing | name = [[Great Himalayan National Park]] | lat = | long = | wikidata = Q1544213 | content = The different altitudes provide for subtropical forests to alpine and glacial flora. Different species of goat, bear, leopard and pheasants can also be found here. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} ==Karnataka== * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Hampi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26732 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Significant historic and architectural interest. The area abounds with large stones used to make statues of Jaina deities. Numerous temples and other sites can be found in and around Hampi. Further excavations are under way. }} * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Pattadakal]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q817250 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an historic centre of Chalukya art and architecture. This has major temples and numerous shrines }} * '''Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas:''' It consists of two clusters of monuments (in [[Belur]] and [[Halebidu]]), and the Keshava temple in [[Somanathapura]], dating to the time of the Hoysala Empire, between the 11th and 14th centuries. ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Belur]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q760603 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Halebidu]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q108227451 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Chennakesava Temple, [[Somanathapura]] | alt=Keshava temple | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3537502 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ==Madhya Pradesh== * {{see | name= Rock Shelters of [[Bhimbetka]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q331603 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Early traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent have been discovered here. Rock paintings can be seen that are similar to those that have been found in Australia and France. }} * {{see | name= [[Khajuraho]] Group of Monuments| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26258435 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is a group of Hindu and Jain temples in [[Khajuraho]], [[Madhya Pradesh]]. The temples are noted for their architectural/artistic style and erotic sculptures. }} * {{see | name= Buddhist Monuments at [[Sanchi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q181123 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Believed to be the oldest stone structure in India. '''Vidisha''' (city in [[Madhya Pradesh]]) was the ancient capital city of the Malwa. Many Buddhist monuments were later built around this ancient city. The historical Sanchi stupas are very well preserved. }} ==Maharashtra== * {{see | name= [[Ajanta Caves]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Aurangabad]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= depict the stories of [[Buddhism]] from circa 200 BCE to 650 CE. These caves were discovered by some British Officers during a tiger hunt. These caves were built by Buddhist monks using simple tools. Buddhist monks often taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas (ancient seats of learning). There are detailed/beautiful sculptures and paintings depicting stories from Jataka tales. }} * {{see | name=[[Ellora Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189616 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are an impressive complex of rock shrines that represent the three faiths of [[Buddhism]], [[Hinduism]] and Jainism and were created during the 5th-13th centuries CE. The caves are northwest of central [[Aurangabad]], a few km from [[Khuldabad]]. }} * {{see | name=Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus | alt=(formerly Victoria Terminus), also known as '''Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus''' ('''CSMT''') | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=the architectural influence of Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival architecture and traditional Mughal architectural style }} * {{see | name=Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16942531 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It represents an urban project through various buildings (cinemas, residential buildings and balconies) of the late 19th century. Mainly these are found near the Oval Maidan area of [[Mumbai]], they represent the Victorian Neo-Gothic style of architecture and Art Deco (sometimes known as ''Indo-Deco''). }} * {{see | name=[[Mumbai/Elephanta|Elephanta Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q649384 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are two groups of sculpted caves (Hindu and Buddhist). Within the caves there are numerous carved panels and shrines. The original stone-cut elephant statue; for which Elephanta Island was named, resides at Jijamata Udyaan in [[Mumbai]]. }} ==Odisha== * {{see | name= Konark Sun Temple| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Konark]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q752091| lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= It was built to honour the sun god Surya. The entire temple is shaped in the form of a chariot pulled by seven horses in order to carry the sun god across the heavens. Though partially in ruins, it has extensive stone carvings (many erotic in nature) on the walls. }} ==Rajasthan== * The '''Hill Forts of [[Rajasthan]]''' — ** {{see | name= Chittor Fort in [[Chittorgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3695769 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= A massive stone gates with notched parapets and arched reinforced doors (to defend against elephants and cannon). Within the fort a circular road gives access to the gates and numerous monuments (ruined palaces and numerous temples). }} ** {{see | name= Kumbhalgarh Fort, [[Kumbhalgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1246283 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= protected by seven towering gates and within is the ''Badal Mahal'' palace. It also had long meandering walls for defence. There are many tales and interesting stories affiliated with this site. }} ** {{see | name= Ranthambore Fort, [[Ranthambore]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2724894 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It lies within the [[Ranthambore National Park]], near the town of [[Sawai Madhopur]]. Initially called "Ranath Bhawar Garh" (a place of Rajput warriors). The history of ''Sawai Madhopur'' centers around the famous Ranthambore Fort. }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Amber Fort in [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q456817 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a massive fort-palace complex built in a Hindu-Muslim style dating back to ''Raja Man Singh'' and once the royal palace of the ''Kachwahas''. Within the fort is the ''Sheesh Mahal'' (with thousands of mirror tiles on the walls and ceilings).. }} ** {{see | name= Jaisalmer Fort in [[Jaisalmer]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3634368 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= Also known as the “Sonar Quila” or "Sonal Kella" or "Sonar Kila". It displays the subtle hues of the setting sun and desert. It is a 'working fort' as its citizens reside and work within its walls. There are numerous vantage points within the fort that enable great views across the city and desert. }} * {{see | name= [[Jaipur]] City| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q66485 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a magnificent city filled with historical wonders and beauty in the North-western part of India. During the rule of Sawai Ram Singh I, the city was painted pink to welcome HRH Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VII, Emperor of India), in 1876. Many of the avenues still remain painted in pink, giving Jaipur a distinctive appearance and the epithet Pink city. }} * {{see | name= Jantar Mantar, [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q508634| lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= one of five astronomical observatories build by Maharaja Jai Singh in northern India. This historical observatory has geometric devices (or yantras in Hindi) for measuring time, eclipse prediction, tracking the orbits of stars eyc.. Explanations are posted for these devices and hired guides may provide further explanations. }} ==Sikkim== * {{Go | name= [[Khangchendzonga National Park]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=(mixed) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q2605019 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is named after Kangchenjunga, the highest peak of India. It is known for its numerous glaciers (Zemu glacier for example). Snow leopards, musk deer and Himalayan taar have been spotted here. }} ==Tamil Nadu== * The '''Great Living Chola Temples''' — consists of three Hindu temples built in the 11th and 12th centuries under the Chola dynasty. They represent some of the best examples of Dravidian architecture of the Chola period. ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Thanjavur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q916943 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= This temple is dedicated to Shiva. Its pillared cloister contains many lignams and the sanctum sanctorum has a large Shiva lingam and stone Nandi. }} ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Gangaikonda Cholapuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5521034 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is dedicated to the Lord Shiva and its location was used to be a medieval Chola capital. This multi-storied temple was once surrounded by a huge fort wall. }} ** {{See | name= Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3437182 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. }} ** {{marker|type=see|name=Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]|lat=10.94841|long=79.356708|image=Darasuram6.jpg}}. It has some excellent stone carvings (as well as inscriptions). The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. * {{See | name= Group of Monuments at [[Mamallapuram|Mahabalipuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3522747 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= a monument complex near [[Chennai]]. The area dates back to the ''Tamil Pallava'' dynasty. Mostly carved out of granite, they are among the oldest examples of ''Dravidian'' (South Indian) art/architecture. }} ==Telangana== * {{See | name= Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Palampet]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3380656 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= An ancient Hindu temple built during the 1200s Kakatiya dynasty & featuring ornate carvings & shrines. The main structure is in a reddish sandstone, but the columns round the outside have large brackets of black basalt which is rich in iron, magnesium and silica. These are carved as mythical animals or female dancers or musicians, and are "the masterpieces of Kakatiya art, notable for their delicate carving, sensuous postures and elongated bodies and heads". }} ==Uttar Pradesh== * {{see | name=Taj Mahal | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q9141 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It is a white marble mausoleum ordered by emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife (Mumtaz Mahal). Taj Mahal means ''Crown Palace''. It is a fairly well kept tomb and an outstanding example of Indian Muslim architecture. Current work is being considered to combat damage caused by pollution. }} * {{see | name=Agra Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q171857 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= Similar to the Red Fort in [[Delhi]], a well preserved palace and defensive complex constructed mostly in red sandstone. Emperor Akbar built this fort (same time as Humayun's Tomb in Delhi). Emperor Shah Jahan made later additions to it. }} * {{see | name=[[Fatehpur Sikri]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (''City of Victory'') — A virtual ghost city near [[Agra]]. Built by the Emperor Akbar, it was the capital of the [[Mughal Empire]] and later abandoned because local water supplies were lacking and near the tumultuous Rajasthan. It includes one of the largest mosques (''Jama Masjid'') in India. There are well preserved palaces and courtyards. }} * {{see | name=Keoladeo National Park| alt=Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary | url= | email= | address=[[Bharatpur]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (natural) — It provides habitat for thousands of birds during the winter season. The sanctuary hosts rare Siberian Cranes, ruddy shelducks, northern shovelers, northern pintails, tufted ducks, shovelers and other indigionous and migratory waterfowl. }} ==Uttarakhand== * {{listing | name=[[Nanda Devi National Park|Nanda Devi]] and [[Valley of Flowers National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q15839097 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=Nanda Devi contains wildlife such as snow leopards, bears, tahrs, deer and monkeys in addition to splendid flowers. The Valley of Flowers is famous for its beautiful alpine flowers. This valley is an Indian national park with beautiful waterfalls, landscapes, meadows of flowers and surrounding forests. }} ==West Bengal== * {{listing | name=[[Santiniketan]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1026431 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=Santiniketan was founded as an ashram by Debendranath Tagore in the second half of the 19th century and then developed into a university town of Visva-Bharati University. It is connected to the life and philosophy of Debendranath's son Rabindranath Tagore, the leading figure of the Bengali Renaissance. }} * {{listing | name=[[Sundarbans National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q532440 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The coastal mangrove forest in the southern part of [[West Bengal]] and [[Bangladesh]]. It lies on the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta. It is the largest mangrove forest in the world and the only mangrove forest in the world with tigers. [[Sundarbans (Bangladesh)]] is a different UNESCO Heritage Site in [[Bangladesh]]. }} '''Note:''' The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is listed under [[UNESCO World Heritage List (India)#Across multiple states|Mountain Railways of India]] ==See also== * [[UNESCO World Heritage List#India|UNESCO World Heritage List]] {{geo|21.534|78.046|zoom=5}} {{PartOfTopic|United Nations|India}} {{usabletopic}} elbvur414xmbytlmgahqf3cruh7cc2m 5086946 5086945 2025-07-03T04:05:45Z Rangan Datta Wiki 124323 /* Across multiple states */ 5086946 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|TajMahal Banner.jpg|unesco_whs=yes}} '''World Heritage Sites''' are important places of cultural, historical, scientific or other significance designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). There are 43 {{UNESCO WHS}}s in [[India]]. These include 35 cultural sites (marked in blue), 7 natural sites (marked in green) and 1 mixed-criteria site (marked in red). India has the sixth largest number of sites in the world. {{mapframe|align=center|height=750|width=750}} ==Across multiple states== [[File:Darjeelinghimalayanrailway.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] [[File:Qutab Minar mausoleum.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Qutb Minar, [[Delhi]]]] [[File:Santiniketan Prayer Hall.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Santiniketan]] [[File:Konarka Temple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sun Temple, Konark]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 16 Agra Fort.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Agra Fort]] [[File:Temple No.- 3, Nalanda Archaeological Site.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Nalanda]] [[File:Fatehpur Sikri near Agra 2016-03 img05.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Fatehpur Sikri]] [[File:India-5692 - Flickr - archer10 (Dennis).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Khajuraho Monuments]] [[File:Mahabodhitemple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Mahabodhi Temple Complex]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 04 Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Taj Mahal]] [[File:Brihadeeswarar Kovil.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Brihadisvara Temple]] [[File:The elegant stone chariot.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Stone Chariot, Hampi]] [[File:Cave 26, Ajanta.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ajanta Caves]] [[File:Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus]] [[File:Thane Creek and Elephanta Island 03-2016 - img20 Elephanta Caves.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Elephanta Caves]] [[File:Kailasa temple overview, Ellora.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Kailasa Temple, Ellora]] [[File:Amber Fort (आमेर का किला ).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Amber Fort, Jaipur]] [[File:Rani_ki_vav_02.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Rani-ki-Vav]] [[File:Dhauladhar_ranges_in_the_background-_Trekkers_resting_a_bit_I_IMG_7165.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Dhauladhar Ranges]] [[File:Valley of flowers uttaranchal full view.JPG|thumb|upright=0.7|Valley of Flowers]] [[File:Ramappa Temple 8.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ramappa Temple]] [[File:Sunderbans 059.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sundarbans National Park]] [[File:Western Ghats Gobi.jpg|thumb|Western Ghats|upright=0.7]] * The '''[[Rail travel in India#Mountain trains|Mountain Railways of India]]:''' Consists of three different sites spread across [[West Bengal]], [[Tamil Nadu]] and [[Himachal Pradesh]]. They consist of narrow and meter-gauge lines that run through picturesque mountains. ** {{see | name=[[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] | alt=DHR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[New Jalpaiguri]]–[[Darjeeling]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463874 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A {{convert|2|ft|mm}} gauge railway running through the foothills of the eastern Himalayas. The railway covers a distance of {{convert|88|km|mi}} starts at an altitude of {{convert|100|m|ft}} and ends at {{convert|2200|m|ft}}. The highest elevation is at [[Ghum]] ({{convert|2258|m|ft}}. It gains altitude via 6 zig-zags and 3 (originally 5) loops. Today, apart from regular diesel engines, there is a steam engine joy ride between Darjeeling and Ghum. }} ** {{see | name=Nilgiri Mountain Railway | alt=NMR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[Mettupalayam]]–[[Ooty]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463735 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A meter-gauge ({{cvt|1|m|ft}}) railway through the lush green Nilgiri hills. It has been in operation since 1908. The {{cvt|46|km|mi}} long railway starts at {{cvt|326|m|ft}} and ends at {{cvt|2203|m|ft}}.It follows the rack railway technology. }} ** {{see | name=Kalka–Shimla Railway | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Kalka] – [[Shimla]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7171560 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content={{cvt|2.5|ft|mm}} }} * {{listing | name=Western Ghats | alt= | url= | email= | address=([[Maharashtra]], [[Karnataka]], [[Kerala]] and [[Tamil Nadu]]) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4527 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A mountain range of [[South India]] running parallel to the west coast of India. A bio-doversity hotspot and home to many endangered and endemic species. It consists of 39 individual properties }} ==Assam== * {{Listing | name = [[Kaziranga National Park]] | lat = 26.6667 | long = 93.3500 | wikidata = Q192764 | content = It is home to the Indian single-horned rhinos (rhinoceros unicornis). Kaziranga also hosts a variety of other mammal species. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} * {{Listing | name = [[Manas National Park]] | lat = 26.71 | long = 90.93 | wikidata = Q506511 | content = It is a habitat for many unique and endangered wildlife species such as the golden langur, pygmy hog and hispid hare. The Asian elephant, water buffalo, black panther, sloth bear and sambar deer can also be found here as well as endangered residential and migratory birds | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} * {{see | name=[[Moidam]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.941466 | long=94.876018 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6735332 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The mound burial system of Ahom dynasty (1228–1826). These burial mounds create an undulating landscape reminiscent of hills, in line with the spiritual beliefs of the Ahom people }} ==Bihar== * {{see | name=Nalanda|Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Nalanda]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q216243 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} * {{see | name=Mahabodhi Temple Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Bodh Gaya]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4513 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} ==Chandigarh== * {{see | name=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier in [[Chandigarh]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=30.761085 | long=76.803291 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q55619850 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement is a World Heritage Site consisting of a selection of 17 building projects in 7 countries (including [[Chandigarh]], [[India]]) by the Franco-Swiss architect Le Corbusier. These sites demonstrate how Modern Movement architecture was applied to respond to the needs of society and show the global range of a style and an architect. }} ==Delhi== * {{see | name=Humayun's Tomb | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[South East Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189648 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The site was constructed in the Indo-Islamic style known as ''Mughal''. The grand domed structure of the Humayun's Tomb occupies the central position of the Persian styled ''char bagh''garden. There are several other structures in the garden and consists of Isha Khan's tomb & mosque, Arab sarai, Barbar's tomb and many more. }} * {{see | name=Qutb Minar and its Monuments | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/South Delhi|South Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q187635 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=These structures in Delhi date from the Slave Dynasty. The Qutb Minar is one of the tallest minars in India. It has been well-preserved with its intricate carvings. It was constructed of red sandstone and marble. Earthquake damage to the top of the Qutb Manar has been renovated and its base reinforced. }} * {{see | name=Red Fort Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/Central Delhi|Central Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q45957 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Red Fort is a red sandstone fort (and ruling palace) built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame. Many historical objects and marble inlays have disappeared and quite a few buildings can not be visited due to disrepair. However, the site is impressive with lush green gardens that are well kept year round. }} ==Goa== * {{see | name= Churches and Convents of Goa| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Old Goa|Goa]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q15726428 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Old Goa, the former capital of colonial [[Goa]], is full of history and the location of numerous well maintained scenic churches and convents. }} ==Gujarat== * {{see | name= [[Dholavira]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q9468 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an archaeological site at with the ruins of an ancient [[Indus Valley Civilisation]] (Harappan) city; it is one of the five largest Harappan sites. }} * {{see | name= Historic City of [[Ahmedabad/Central Zone|Ahmedabad]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5472448 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= The modern Ahmedabad was a walled city in the past along the banks of the Sabarmati River. The city presents a rich and diverse cultural and architectural style. It also houses the former home of Mahatma Gandhi, the Sabarmati Ashram. }} * {{see | name=Rani-ki-Vav | alt=Queen's Stepwell | url= | email= | address=[[Patan (Gujarat)|Patan]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7293002 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is famous for its ornate carvings and many sculptures in its galleries. Built as an inverted temple and representing a religious regard for water. Stepwells were built basically for the storage of water in India. }} * {{see | name=[[Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q844427 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A fortified medieval settlement with Hindu, Muslim and Jain architectural elements along with the remains of water-managing systems }} ==Himachal Pradesh== * {{Listing | name = [[Great Himalayan National Park]] | lat = | long = | wikidata = Q1544213 | content = The different altitudes provide for subtropical forests to alpine and glacial flora. Different species of goat, bear, leopard and pheasants can also be found here. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} ==Karnataka== * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Hampi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26732 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Significant historic and architectural interest. The area abounds with large stones used to make statues of Jaina deities. Numerous temples and other sites can be found in and around Hampi. Further excavations are under way. }} * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Pattadakal]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q817250 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an historic centre of Chalukya art and architecture. This has major temples and numerous shrines }} * '''Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas:''' It consists of two clusters of monuments (in [[Belur]] and [[Halebidu]]), and the Keshava temple in [[Somanathapura]], dating to the time of the Hoysala Empire, between the 11th and 14th centuries. ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Belur]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q760603 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Halebidu]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q108227451 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Chennakesava Temple, [[Somanathapura]] | alt=Keshava temple | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3537502 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ==Madhya Pradesh== * {{see | name= Rock Shelters of [[Bhimbetka]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q331603 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Early traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent have been discovered here. Rock paintings can be seen that are similar to those that have been found in Australia and France. }} * {{see | name= [[Khajuraho]] Group of Monuments| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26258435 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is a group of Hindu and Jain temples in [[Khajuraho]], [[Madhya Pradesh]]. The temples are noted for their architectural/artistic style and erotic sculptures. }} * {{see | name= Buddhist Monuments at [[Sanchi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q181123 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Believed to be the oldest stone structure in India. '''Vidisha''' (city in [[Madhya Pradesh]]) was the ancient capital city of the Malwa. Many Buddhist monuments were later built around this ancient city. The historical Sanchi stupas are very well preserved. }} ==Maharashtra== * {{see | name= [[Ajanta Caves]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Aurangabad]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= depict the stories of [[Buddhism]] from circa 200 BCE to 650 CE. These caves were discovered by some British Officers during a tiger hunt. These caves were built by Buddhist monks using simple tools. Buddhist monks often taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas (ancient seats of learning). There are detailed/beautiful sculptures and paintings depicting stories from Jataka tales. }} * {{see | name=[[Ellora Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189616 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are an impressive complex of rock shrines that represent the three faiths of [[Buddhism]], [[Hinduism]] and Jainism and were created during the 5th-13th centuries CE. The caves are northwest of central [[Aurangabad]], a few km from [[Khuldabad]]. }} * {{see | name=Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus | alt=(formerly Victoria Terminus), also known as '''Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus''' ('''CSMT''') | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=the architectural influence of Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival architecture and traditional Mughal architectural style }} * {{see | name=Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16942531 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It represents an urban project through various buildings (cinemas, residential buildings and balconies) of the late 19th century. Mainly these are found near the Oval Maidan area of [[Mumbai]], they represent the Victorian Neo-Gothic style of architecture and Art Deco (sometimes known as ''Indo-Deco''). }} * {{see | name=[[Mumbai/Elephanta|Elephanta Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q649384 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are two groups of sculpted caves (Hindu and Buddhist). Within the caves there are numerous carved panels and shrines. The original stone-cut elephant statue; for which Elephanta Island was named, resides at Jijamata Udyaan in [[Mumbai]]. }} ==Odisha== * {{see | name= Konark Sun Temple| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Konark]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q752091| lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= It was built to honour the sun god Surya. The entire temple is shaped in the form of a chariot pulled by seven horses in order to carry the sun god across the heavens. Though partially in ruins, it has extensive stone carvings (many erotic in nature) on the walls. }} ==Rajasthan== * The '''Hill Forts of [[Rajasthan]]''' — ** {{see | name= Chittor Fort in [[Chittorgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3695769 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= A massive stone gates with notched parapets and arched reinforced doors (to defend against elephants and cannon). Within the fort a circular road gives access to the gates and numerous monuments (ruined palaces and numerous temples). }} ** {{see | name= Kumbhalgarh Fort, [[Kumbhalgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1246283 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= protected by seven towering gates and within is the ''Badal Mahal'' palace. It also had long meandering walls for defence. There are many tales and interesting stories affiliated with this site. }} ** {{see | name= Ranthambore Fort, [[Ranthambore]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2724894 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It lies within the [[Ranthambore National Park]], near the town of [[Sawai Madhopur]]. Initially called "Ranath Bhawar Garh" (a place of Rajput warriors). The history of ''Sawai Madhopur'' centers around the famous Ranthambore Fort. }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Amber Fort in [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q456817 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a massive fort-palace complex built in a Hindu-Muslim style dating back to ''Raja Man Singh'' and once the royal palace of the ''Kachwahas''. Within the fort is the ''Sheesh Mahal'' (with thousands of mirror tiles on the walls and ceilings).. }} ** {{see | name= Jaisalmer Fort in [[Jaisalmer]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3634368 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= Also known as the “Sonar Quila” or "Sonal Kella" or "Sonar Kila". It displays the subtle hues of the setting sun and desert. It is a 'working fort' as its citizens reside and work within its walls. There are numerous vantage points within the fort that enable great views across the city and desert. }} * {{see | name= [[Jaipur]] City| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q66485 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a magnificent city filled with historical wonders and beauty in the North-western part of India. During the rule of Sawai Ram Singh I, the city was painted pink to welcome HRH Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VII, Emperor of India), in 1876. Many of the avenues still remain painted in pink, giving Jaipur a distinctive appearance and the epithet Pink city. }} * {{see | name= Jantar Mantar, [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q508634| lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= one of five astronomical observatories build by Maharaja Jai Singh in northern India. This historical observatory has geometric devices (or yantras in Hindi) for measuring time, eclipse prediction, tracking the orbits of stars eyc.. Explanations are posted for these devices and hired guides may provide further explanations. }} ==Sikkim== * {{Go | name= [[Khangchendzonga National Park]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=(mixed) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q2605019 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is named after Kangchenjunga, the highest peak of India. It is known for its numerous glaciers (Zemu glacier for example). Snow leopards, musk deer and Himalayan taar have been spotted here. }} ==Tamil Nadu== * The '''Great Living Chola Temples''' — consists of three Hindu temples built in the 11th and 12th centuries under the Chola dynasty. They represent some of the best examples of Dravidian architecture of the Chola period. ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Thanjavur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q916943 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= This temple is dedicated to Shiva. Its pillared cloister contains many lignams and the sanctum sanctorum has a large Shiva lingam and stone Nandi. }} ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Gangaikonda Cholapuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5521034 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is dedicated to the Lord Shiva and its location was used to be a medieval Chola capital. This multi-storied temple was once surrounded by a huge fort wall. }} ** {{See | name= Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3437182 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. }} ** {{marker|type=see|name=Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]|lat=10.94841|long=79.356708|image=Darasuram6.jpg}}. It has some excellent stone carvings (as well as inscriptions). The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. * {{See | name= Group of Monuments at [[Mamallapuram|Mahabalipuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3522747 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= a monument complex near [[Chennai]]. The area dates back to the ''Tamil Pallava'' dynasty. Mostly carved out of granite, they are among the oldest examples of ''Dravidian'' (South Indian) art/architecture. }} ==Telangana== * {{See | name= Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Palampet]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3380656 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= An ancient Hindu temple built during the 1200s Kakatiya dynasty & featuring ornate carvings & shrines. The main structure is in a reddish sandstone, but the columns round the outside have large brackets of black basalt which is rich in iron, magnesium and silica. These are carved as mythical animals or female dancers or musicians, and are "the masterpieces of Kakatiya art, notable for their delicate carving, sensuous postures and elongated bodies and heads". }} ==Uttar Pradesh== * {{see | name=Taj Mahal | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q9141 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It is a white marble mausoleum ordered by emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife (Mumtaz Mahal). Taj Mahal means ''Crown Palace''. It is a fairly well kept tomb and an outstanding example of Indian Muslim architecture. Current work is being considered to combat damage caused by pollution. }} * {{see | name=Agra Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q171857 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= Similar to the Red Fort in [[Delhi]], a well preserved palace and defensive complex constructed mostly in red sandstone. Emperor Akbar built this fort (same time as Humayun's Tomb in Delhi). Emperor Shah Jahan made later additions to it. }} * {{see | name=[[Fatehpur Sikri]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (''City of Victory'') — A virtual ghost city near [[Agra]]. Built by the Emperor Akbar, it was the capital of the [[Mughal Empire]] and later abandoned because local water supplies were lacking and near the tumultuous Rajasthan. It includes one of the largest mosques (''Jama Masjid'') in India. There are well preserved palaces and courtyards. }} * {{see | name=Keoladeo National Park| alt=Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary | url= | email= | address=[[Bharatpur]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (natural) — It provides habitat for thousands of birds during the winter season. The sanctuary hosts rare Siberian Cranes, ruddy shelducks, northern shovelers, northern pintails, tufted ducks, shovelers and other indigionous and migratory waterfowl. }} ==Uttarakhand== * {{listing | name=[[Nanda Devi National Park|Nanda Devi]] and [[Valley of Flowers National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q15839097 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=Nanda Devi contains wildlife such as snow leopards, bears, tahrs, deer and monkeys in addition to splendid flowers. The Valley of Flowers is famous for its beautiful alpine flowers. This valley is an Indian national park with beautiful waterfalls, landscapes, meadows of flowers and surrounding forests. }} ==West Bengal== * {{listing | name=[[Santiniketan]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1026431 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=Santiniketan was founded as an ashram by Debendranath Tagore in the second half of the 19th century and then developed into a university town of Visva-Bharati University. It is connected to the life and philosophy of Debendranath's son Rabindranath Tagore, the leading figure of the Bengali Renaissance. }} * {{listing | name=[[Sundarbans National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q532440 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The coastal mangrove forest in the southern part of [[West Bengal]] and [[Bangladesh]]. It lies on the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta. It is the largest mangrove forest in the world and the only mangrove forest in the world with tigers. [[Sundarbans (Bangladesh)]] is a different UNESCO Heritage Site in [[Bangladesh]]. }} '''Note:''' The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is listed under [[UNESCO World Heritage List (India)#Across multiple states|Mountain Railways of India]] ==See also== * [[UNESCO World Heritage List#India|UNESCO World Heritage List]] {{geo|21.534|78.046|zoom=5}} {{PartOfTopic|United Nations|India}} {{usabletopic}} g86q88c7d8amv129n58g6wuq0canoga 5086947 5086946 2025-07-03T04:06:27Z Rangan Datta Wiki 124323 /* Across multiple states */ 5086947 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|TajMahal Banner.jpg|unesco_whs=yes}} '''World Heritage Sites''' are important places of cultural, historical, scientific or other significance designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). There are 43 {{UNESCO WHS}}s in [[India]]. These include 35 cultural sites (marked in blue), 7 natural sites (marked in green) and 1 mixed-criteria site (marked in red). India has the sixth largest number of sites in the world. {{mapframe|align=center|height=750|width=750}} ==Across multiple states== [[File:Darjeelinghimalayanrailway.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] [[File:Qutab Minar mausoleum.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Qutb Minar, [[Delhi]]]] [[File:Santiniketan Prayer Hall.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Santiniketan]] [[File:Konarka Temple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sun Temple, Konark]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 16 Agra Fort.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Agra Fort]] [[File:Temple No.- 3, Nalanda Archaeological Site.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Nalanda]] [[File:Fatehpur Sikri near Agra 2016-03 img05.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Fatehpur Sikri]] [[File:India-5692 - Flickr - archer10 (Dennis).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Khajuraho Monuments]] [[File:Mahabodhitemple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Mahabodhi Temple Complex]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 04 Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Taj Mahal]] [[File:Brihadeeswarar Kovil.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Brihadisvara Temple]] [[File:The elegant stone chariot.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Stone Chariot, Hampi]] [[File:Cave 26, Ajanta.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ajanta Caves]] [[File:Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus]] [[File:Thane Creek and Elephanta Island 03-2016 - img20 Elephanta Caves.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Elephanta Caves]] [[File:Kailasa temple overview, Ellora.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Kailasa Temple, Ellora]] [[File:Amber Fort (आमेर का किला ).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Amber Fort, Jaipur]] [[File:Rani_ki_vav_02.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Rani-ki-Vav]] [[File:Dhauladhar_ranges_in_the_background-_Trekkers_resting_a_bit_I_IMG_7165.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Dhauladhar Ranges]] [[File:Valley of flowers uttaranchal full view.JPG|thumb|upright=0.7|Valley of Flowers]] [[File:Ramappa Temple 8.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ramappa Temple]] [[File:Sunderbans 059.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sundarbans National Park]] [[File:Western Ghats Gobi.jpg|thumb|Western Ghats|upright=0.7]] * The '''[[Rail travel in India#Mountain trains|Mountain Railways of India]]:''' Consists of three different sites spread across [[West Bengal]], [[Tamil Nadu]] and [[Himachal Pradesh]]. They consist of narrow and meter-gauge lines that run through picturesque mountains. ** {{see | name=[[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] | alt=DHR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[New Jalpaiguri]]–[[Darjeeling]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463874 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A {{convert|2|ft|mm}} gauge railway running through the foothills of the eastern Himalayas. The railway covers a distance of {{convert|88|km|mi}} starts at an altitude of {{convert|100|m|ft}} and ends at {{convert|2200|m|ft}}. The highest elevation is at [[Ghum]] ({{convert|2258|m|ft}}. It gains altitude via 6 zig-zags and 3 (originally 5) loops. Today, apart from regular diesel engines, there is a steam engine joy ride between Darjeeling and Ghum. }} ** {{see | name=Nilgiri Mountain Railway | alt=NMR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[Mettupalayam]]–[[Ooty]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463735 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A meter-gauge ({{cvt|1|m|ft}}) railway through the lush green Nilgiri hills. It has been in operation since 1908. The {{cvt|46|km|mi}} long railway starts at {{cvt|326|m|ft}} and ends at {{cvt|2203|m|ft}}.It follows the rack railway technology. }} ** {{see | name=Kalka–Shimla Railway | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Kalka]] – [[Shimla]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7171560 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content={{cvt|2.5|ft|mm}} }} * {{listing | name=Western Ghats | alt= | url= | email= | address=([[Maharashtra]], [[Karnataka]], [[Kerala]] and [[Tamil Nadu]]) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4527 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A mountain range of [[South India]] running parallel to the west coast of India. A bio-doversity hotspot and home to many endangered and endemic species. It consists of 39 individual properties }} ==Assam== * {{Listing | name = [[Kaziranga National Park]] | lat = 26.6667 | long = 93.3500 | wikidata = Q192764 | content = It is home to the Indian single-horned rhinos (rhinoceros unicornis). Kaziranga also hosts a variety of other mammal species. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} * {{Listing | name = [[Manas National Park]] | lat = 26.71 | long = 90.93 | wikidata = Q506511 | content = It is a habitat for many unique and endangered wildlife species such as the golden langur, pygmy hog and hispid hare. The Asian elephant, water buffalo, black panther, sloth bear and sambar deer can also be found here as well as endangered residential and migratory birds | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} * {{see | name=[[Moidam]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.941466 | long=94.876018 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6735332 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The mound burial system of Ahom dynasty (1228–1826). These burial mounds create an undulating landscape reminiscent of hills, in line with the spiritual beliefs of the Ahom people }} ==Bihar== * {{see | name=Nalanda|Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Nalanda]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q216243 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} * {{see | name=Mahabodhi Temple Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Bodh Gaya]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4513 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} ==Chandigarh== * {{see | name=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier in [[Chandigarh]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=30.761085 | long=76.803291 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q55619850 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement is a World Heritage Site consisting of a selection of 17 building projects in 7 countries (including [[Chandigarh]], [[India]]) by the Franco-Swiss architect Le Corbusier. These sites demonstrate how Modern Movement architecture was applied to respond to the needs of society and show the global range of a style and an architect. }} ==Delhi== * {{see | name=Humayun's Tomb | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[South East Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189648 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The site was constructed in the Indo-Islamic style known as ''Mughal''. The grand domed structure of the Humayun's Tomb occupies the central position of the Persian styled ''char bagh''garden. There are several other structures in the garden and consists of Isha Khan's tomb & mosque, Arab sarai, Barbar's tomb and many more. }} * {{see | name=Qutb Minar and its Monuments | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/South Delhi|South Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q187635 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=These structures in Delhi date from the Slave Dynasty. The Qutb Minar is one of the tallest minars in India. It has been well-preserved with its intricate carvings. It was constructed of red sandstone and marble. Earthquake damage to the top of the Qutb Manar has been renovated and its base reinforced. }} * {{see | name=Red Fort Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/Central Delhi|Central Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q45957 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Red Fort is a red sandstone fort (and ruling palace) built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame. Many historical objects and marble inlays have disappeared and quite a few buildings can not be visited due to disrepair. However, the site is impressive with lush green gardens that are well kept year round. }} ==Goa== * {{see | name= Churches and Convents of Goa| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Old Goa|Goa]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q15726428 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Old Goa, the former capital of colonial [[Goa]], is full of history and the location of numerous well maintained scenic churches and convents. }} ==Gujarat== * {{see | name= [[Dholavira]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q9468 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an archaeological site at with the ruins of an ancient [[Indus Valley Civilisation]] (Harappan) city; it is one of the five largest Harappan sites. }} * {{see | name= Historic City of [[Ahmedabad/Central Zone|Ahmedabad]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5472448 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= The modern Ahmedabad was a walled city in the past along the banks of the Sabarmati River. The city presents a rich and diverse cultural and architectural style. It also houses the former home of Mahatma Gandhi, the Sabarmati Ashram. }} * {{see | name=Rani-ki-Vav | alt=Queen's Stepwell | url= | email= | address=[[Patan (Gujarat)|Patan]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7293002 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is famous for its ornate carvings and many sculptures in its galleries. Built as an inverted temple and representing a religious regard for water. Stepwells were built basically for the storage of water in India. }} * {{see | name=[[Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q844427 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A fortified medieval settlement with Hindu, Muslim and Jain architectural elements along with the remains of water-managing systems }} ==Himachal Pradesh== * {{Listing | name = [[Great Himalayan National Park]] | lat = | long = | wikidata = Q1544213 | content = The different altitudes provide for subtropical forests to alpine and glacial flora. Different species of goat, bear, leopard and pheasants can also be found here. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} ==Karnataka== * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Hampi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26732 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Significant historic and architectural interest. The area abounds with large stones used to make statues of Jaina deities. Numerous temples and other sites can be found in and around Hampi. Further excavations are under way. }} * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Pattadakal]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q817250 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an historic centre of Chalukya art and architecture. This has major temples and numerous shrines }} * '''Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas:''' It consists of two clusters of monuments (in [[Belur]] and [[Halebidu]]), and the Keshava temple in [[Somanathapura]], dating to the time of the Hoysala Empire, between the 11th and 14th centuries. ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Belur]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q760603 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Halebidu]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q108227451 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Chennakesava Temple, [[Somanathapura]] | alt=Keshava temple | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3537502 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ==Madhya Pradesh== * {{see | name= Rock Shelters of [[Bhimbetka]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q331603 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Early traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent have been discovered here. Rock paintings can be seen that are similar to those that have been found in Australia and France. }} * {{see | name= [[Khajuraho]] Group of Monuments| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26258435 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is a group of Hindu and Jain temples in [[Khajuraho]], [[Madhya Pradesh]]. The temples are noted for their architectural/artistic style and erotic sculptures. }} * {{see | name= Buddhist Monuments at [[Sanchi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q181123 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Believed to be the oldest stone structure in India. '''Vidisha''' (city in [[Madhya Pradesh]]) was the ancient capital city of the Malwa. Many Buddhist monuments were later built around this ancient city. The historical Sanchi stupas are very well preserved. }} ==Maharashtra== * {{see | name= [[Ajanta Caves]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Aurangabad]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= depict the stories of [[Buddhism]] from circa 200 BCE to 650 CE. These caves were discovered by some British Officers during a tiger hunt. These caves were built by Buddhist monks using simple tools. Buddhist monks often taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas (ancient seats of learning). There are detailed/beautiful sculptures and paintings depicting stories from Jataka tales. }} * {{see | name=[[Ellora Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189616 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are an impressive complex of rock shrines that represent the three faiths of [[Buddhism]], [[Hinduism]] and Jainism and were created during the 5th-13th centuries CE. The caves are northwest of central [[Aurangabad]], a few km from [[Khuldabad]]. }} * {{see | name=Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus | alt=(formerly Victoria Terminus), also known as '''Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus''' ('''CSMT''') | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=the architectural influence of Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival architecture and traditional Mughal architectural style }} * {{see | name=Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16942531 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It represents an urban project through various buildings (cinemas, residential buildings and balconies) of the late 19th century. Mainly these are found near the Oval Maidan area of [[Mumbai]], they represent the Victorian Neo-Gothic style of architecture and Art Deco (sometimes known as ''Indo-Deco''). }} * {{see | name=[[Mumbai/Elephanta|Elephanta Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q649384 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are two groups of sculpted caves (Hindu and Buddhist). Within the caves there are numerous carved panels and shrines. The original stone-cut elephant statue; for which Elephanta Island was named, resides at Jijamata Udyaan in [[Mumbai]]. }} ==Odisha== * {{see | name= Konark Sun Temple| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Konark]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q752091| lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= It was built to honour the sun god Surya. The entire temple is shaped in the form of a chariot pulled by seven horses in order to carry the sun god across the heavens. Though partially in ruins, it has extensive stone carvings (many erotic in nature) on the walls. }} ==Rajasthan== * The '''Hill Forts of [[Rajasthan]]''' — ** {{see | name= Chittor Fort in [[Chittorgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3695769 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= A massive stone gates with notched parapets and arched reinforced doors (to defend against elephants and cannon). Within the fort a circular road gives access to the gates and numerous monuments (ruined palaces and numerous temples). }} ** {{see | name= Kumbhalgarh Fort, [[Kumbhalgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1246283 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= protected by seven towering gates and within is the ''Badal Mahal'' palace. It also had long meandering walls for defence. There are many tales and interesting stories affiliated with this site. }} ** {{see | name= Ranthambore Fort, [[Ranthambore]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2724894 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It lies within the [[Ranthambore National Park]], near the town of [[Sawai Madhopur]]. Initially called "Ranath Bhawar Garh" (a place of Rajput warriors). The history of ''Sawai Madhopur'' centers around the famous Ranthambore Fort. }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Amber Fort in [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q456817 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a massive fort-palace complex built in a Hindu-Muslim style dating back to ''Raja Man Singh'' and once the royal palace of the ''Kachwahas''. Within the fort is the ''Sheesh Mahal'' (with thousands of mirror tiles on the walls and ceilings).. }} ** {{see | name= Jaisalmer Fort in [[Jaisalmer]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3634368 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= Also known as the “Sonar Quila” or "Sonal Kella" or "Sonar Kila". It displays the subtle hues of the setting sun and desert. It is a 'working fort' as its citizens reside and work within its walls. There are numerous vantage points within the fort that enable great views across the city and desert. }} * {{see | name= [[Jaipur]] City| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q66485 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a magnificent city filled with historical wonders and beauty in the North-western part of India. During the rule of Sawai Ram Singh I, the city was painted pink to welcome HRH Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VII, Emperor of India), in 1876. Many of the avenues still remain painted in pink, giving Jaipur a distinctive appearance and the epithet Pink city. }} * {{see | name= Jantar Mantar, [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q508634| lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= one of five astronomical observatories build by Maharaja Jai Singh in northern India. This historical observatory has geometric devices (or yantras in Hindi) for measuring time, eclipse prediction, tracking the orbits of stars eyc.. Explanations are posted for these devices and hired guides may provide further explanations. }} ==Sikkim== * {{Go | name= [[Khangchendzonga National Park]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=(mixed) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q2605019 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is named after Kangchenjunga, the highest peak of India. It is known for its numerous glaciers (Zemu glacier for example). Snow leopards, musk deer and Himalayan taar have been spotted here. }} ==Tamil Nadu== * The '''Great Living Chola Temples''' — consists of three Hindu temples built in the 11th and 12th centuries under the Chola dynasty. They represent some of the best examples of Dravidian architecture of the Chola period. ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Thanjavur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q916943 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= This temple is dedicated to Shiva. Its pillared cloister contains many lignams and the sanctum sanctorum has a large Shiva lingam and stone Nandi. }} ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Gangaikonda Cholapuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5521034 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is dedicated to the Lord Shiva and its location was used to be a medieval Chola capital. This multi-storied temple was once surrounded by a huge fort wall. }} ** {{See | name= Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3437182 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. }} ** {{marker|type=see|name=Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]|lat=10.94841|long=79.356708|image=Darasuram6.jpg}}. It has some excellent stone carvings (as well as inscriptions). The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. * {{See | name= Group of Monuments at [[Mamallapuram|Mahabalipuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3522747 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= a monument complex near [[Chennai]]. The area dates back to the ''Tamil Pallava'' dynasty. Mostly carved out of granite, they are among the oldest examples of ''Dravidian'' (South Indian) art/architecture. }} ==Telangana== * {{See | name= Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Palampet]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3380656 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= An ancient Hindu temple built during the 1200s Kakatiya dynasty & featuring ornate carvings & shrines. The main structure is in a reddish sandstone, but the columns round the outside have large brackets of black basalt which is rich in iron, magnesium and silica. These are carved as mythical animals or female dancers or musicians, and are "the masterpieces of Kakatiya art, notable for their delicate carving, sensuous postures and elongated bodies and heads". }} ==Uttar Pradesh== * {{see | name=Taj Mahal | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q9141 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It is a white marble mausoleum ordered by emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife (Mumtaz Mahal). Taj Mahal means ''Crown Palace''. It is a fairly well kept tomb and an outstanding example of Indian Muslim architecture. Current work is being considered to combat damage caused by pollution. }} * {{see | name=Agra Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q171857 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= Similar to the Red Fort in [[Delhi]], a well preserved palace and defensive complex constructed mostly in red sandstone. Emperor Akbar built this fort (same time as Humayun's Tomb in Delhi). Emperor Shah Jahan made later additions to it. }} * {{see | name=[[Fatehpur Sikri]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (''City of Victory'') — A virtual ghost city near [[Agra]]. Built by the Emperor Akbar, it was the capital of the [[Mughal Empire]] and later abandoned because local water supplies were lacking and near the tumultuous Rajasthan. It includes one of the largest mosques (''Jama Masjid'') in India. There are well preserved palaces and courtyards. }} * {{see | name=Keoladeo National Park| alt=Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary | url= | email= | address=[[Bharatpur]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (natural) — It provides habitat for thousands of birds during the winter season. The sanctuary hosts rare Siberian Cranes, ruddy shelducks, northern shovelers, northern pintails, tufted ducks, shovelers and other indigionous and migratory waterfowl. }} ==Uttarakhand== * {{listing | name=[[Nanda Devi National Park|Nanda Devi]] and [[Valley of Flowers National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q15839097 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=Nanda Devi contains wildlife such as snow leopards, bears, tahrs, deer and monkeys in addition to splendid flowers. The Valley of Flowers is famous for its beautiful alpine flowers. This valley is an Indian national park with beautiful waterfalls, landscapes, meadows of flowers and surrounding forests. }} ==West Bengal== * {{listing | name=[[Santiniketan]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1026431 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=Santiniketan was founded as an ashram by Debendranath Tagore in the second half of the 19th century and then developed into a university town of Visva-Bharati University. It is connected to the life and philosophy of Debendranath's son Rabindranath Tagore, the leading figure of the Bengali Renaissance. }} * {{listing | name=[[Sundarbans National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q532440 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The coastal mangrove forest in the southern part of [[West Bengal]] and [[Bangladesh]]. It lies on the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta. It is the largest mangrove forest in the world and the only mangrove forest in the world with tigers. [[Sundarbans (Bangladesh)]] is a different UNESCO Heritage Site in [[Bangladesh]]. }} '''Note:''' The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is listed under [[UNESCO World Heritage List (India)#Across multiple states|Mountain Railways of India]] ==See also== * [[UNESCO World Heritage List#India|UNESCO World Heritage List]] {{geo|21.534|78.046|zoom=5}} {{PartOfTopic|United Nations|India}} {{usabletopic}} hv03jsruodjb30thybi4s5jljbi0wrv 5086949 5086947 2025-07-03T04:08:12Z Rangan Datta Wiki 124323 /* Across multiple states */ Updated listing for Kalka–Shimla Railway 5086949 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|TajMahal Banner.jpg|unesco_whs=yes}} '''World Heritage Sites''' are important places of cultural, historical, scientific or other significance designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). There are 43 {{UNESCO WHS}}s in [[India]]. These include 35 cultural sites (marked in blue), 7 natural sites (marked in green) and 1 mixed-criteria site (marked in red). India has the sixth largest number of sites in the world. {{mapframe|align=center|height=750|width=750}} ==Across multiple states== [[File:Darjeelinghimalayanrailway.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] [[File:Qutab Minar mausoleum.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Qutb Minar, [[Delhi]]]] [[File:Santiniketan Prayer Hall.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Santiniketan]] [[File:Konarka Temple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sun Temple, Konark]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 16 Agra Fort.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Agra Fort]] [[File:Temple No.- 3, Nalanda Archaeological Site.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Nalanda]] [[File:Fatehpur Sikri near Agra 2016-03 img05.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Fatehpur Sikri]] [[File:India-5692 - Flickr - archer10 (Dennis).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Khajuraho Monuments]] [[File:Mahabodhitemple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Mahabodhi Temple Complex]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 04 Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Taj Mahal]] [[File:Brihadeeswarar Kovil.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Brihadisvara Temple]] [[File:The elegant stone chariot.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Stone Chariot, Hampi]] [[File:Cave 26, Ajanta.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ajanta Caves]] [[File:Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus]] [[File:Thane Creek and Elephanta Island 03-2016 - img20 Elephanta Caves.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Elephanta Caves]] [[File:Kailasa temple overview, Ellora.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Kailasa Temple, Ellora]] [[File:Amber Fort (आमेर का किला ).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Amber Fort, Jaipur]] [[File:Rani_ki_vav_02.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Rani-ki-Vav]] [[File:Dhauladhar_ranges_in_the_background-_Trekkers_resting_a_bit_I_IMG_7165.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Dhauladhar Ranges]] [[File:Valley of flowers uttaranchal full view.JPG|thumb|upright=0.7|Valley of Flowers]] [[File:Ramappa Temple 8.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ramappa Temple]] [[File:Sunderbans 059.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sundarbans National Park]] [[File:Western Ghats Gobi.jpg|thumb|Western Ghats|upright=0.7]] * The '''[[Rail travel in India#Mountain trains|Mountain Railways of India]]:''' Consists of three different sites spread across [[West Bengal]], [[Tamil Nadu]] and [[Himachal Pradesh]]. They consist of narrow and meter-gauge lines that run through picturesque mountains. ** {{see | name=[[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] | alt=DHR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[New Jalpaiguri]]–[[Darjeeling]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463874 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A {{convert|2|ft|mm}} gauge railway running through the foothills of the eastern Himalayas. The railway covers a distance of {{convert|88|km|mi}} starts at an altitude of {{convert|100|m|ft}} and ends at {{convert|2200|m|ft}}. The highest elevation is at [[Ghum]] ({{convert|2258|m|ft}}. It gains altitude via 6 zig-zags and 3 (originally 5) loops. Today, apart from regular diesel engines, there is a steam engine joy ride between Darjeeling and Ghum. }} ** {{see | name=Nilgiri Mountain Railway | alt=NMR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[Mettupalayam]]–[[Ooty]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463735 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A meter-gauge ({{cvt|1|m|ft}}) railway through the lush green Nilgiri hills. It has been in operation since 1908. The {{cvt|46|km|mi}} long railway starts at {{cvt|326|m|ft}} and ends at {{cvt|2203|m|ft}}.It follows the rack railway technology. }} ** {{see | name=Kalka–Shimla Railway | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Kalka]] – [[Shimla]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7171560 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content={{cvt|2.5|ft|mm}} {{cvt|2|ft|6|in|mm}} }} * {{listing | name=Western Ghats | alt= | url= | email= | address=([[Maharashtra]], [[Karnataka]], [[Kerala]] and [[Tamil Nadu]]) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4527 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A mountain range of [[South India]] running parallel to the west coast of India. A bio-doversity hotspot and home to many endangered and endemic species. It consists of 39 individual properties }} ==Assam== * {{Listing | name = [[Kaziranga National Park]] | lat = 26.6667 | long = 93.3500 | wikidata = Q192764 | content = It is home to the Indian single-horned rhinos (rhinoceros unicornis). Kaziranga also hosts a variety of other mammal species. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} * {{Listing | name = [[Manas National Park]] | lat = 26.71 | long = 90.93 | wikidata = Q506511 | content = It is a habitat for many unique and endangered wildlife species such as the golden langur, pygmy hog and hispid hare. The Asian elephant, water buffalo, black panther, sloth bear and sambar deer can also be found here as well as endangered residential and migratory birds | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} * {{see | name=[[Moidam]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.941466 | long=94.876018 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6735332 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The mound burial system of Ahom dynasty (1228–1826). These burial mounds create an undulating landscape reminiscent of hills, in line with the spiritual beliefs of the Ahom people }} ==Bihar== * {{see | name=Nalanda|Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Nalanda]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q216243 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} * {{see | name=Mahabodhi Temple Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Bodh Gaya]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4513 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} ==Chandigarh== * {{see | name=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier in [[Chandigarh]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=30.761085 | long=76.803291 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q55619850 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement is a World Heritage Site consisting of a selection of 17 building projects in 7 countries (including [[Chandigarh]], [[India]]) by the Franco-Swiss architect Le Corbusier. These sites demonstrate how Modern Movement architecture was applied to respond to the needs of society and show the global range of a style and an architect. }} ==Delhi== * {{see | name=Humayun's Tomb | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[South East Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189648 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The site was constructed in the Indo-Islamic style known as ''Mughal''. The grand domed structure of the Humayun's Tomb occupies the central position of the Persian styled ''char bagh''garden. There are several other structures in the garden and consists of Isha Khan's tomb & mosque, Arab sarai, Barbar's tomb and many more. }} * {{see | name=Qutb Minar and its Monuments | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/South Delhi|South Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q187635 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=These structures in Delhi date from the Slave Dynasty. The Qutb Minar is one of the tallest minars in India. It has been well-preserved with its intricate carvings. It was constructed of red sandstone and marble. Earthquake damage to the top of the Qutb Manar has been renovated and its base reinforced. }} * {{see | name=Red Fort Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/Central Delhi|Central Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q45957 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Red Fort is a red sandstone fort (and ruling palace) built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame. Many historical objects and marble inlays have disappeared and quite a few buildings can not be visited due to disrepair. However, the site is impressive with lush green gardens that are well kept year round. }} ==Goa== * {{see | name= Churches and Convents of Goa| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Old Goa|Goa]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q15726428 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Old Goa, the former capital of colonial [[Goa]], is full of history and the location of numerous well maintained scenic churches and convents. }} ==Gujarat== * {{see | name= [[Dholavira]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q9468 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an archaeological site at with the ruins of an ancient [[Indus Valley Civilisation]] (Harappan) city; it is one of the five largest Harappan sites. }} * {{see | name= Historic City of [[Ahmedabad/Central Zone|Ahmedabad]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5472448 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= The modern Ahmedabad was a walled city in the past along the banks of the Sabarmati River. The city presents a rich and diverse cultural and architectural style. It also houses the former home of Mahatma Gandhi, the Sabarmati Ashram. }} * {{see | name=Rani-ki-Vav | alt=Queen's Stepwell | url= | email= | address=[[Patan (Gujarat)|Patan]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7293002 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is famous for its ornate carvings and many sculptures in its galleries. Built as an inverted temple and representing a religious regard for water. Stepwells were built basically for the storage of water in India. }} * {{see | name=[[Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q844427 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A fortified medieval settlement with Hindu, Muslim and Jain architectural elements along with the remains of water-managing systems }} ==Himachal Pradesh== * {{Listing | name = [[Great Himalayan National Park]] | lat = | long = | wikidata = Q1544213 | content = The different altitudes provide for subtropical forests to alpine and glacial flora. Different species of goat, bear, leopard and pheasants can also be found here. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} ==Karnataka== * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Hampi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26732 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Significant historic and architectural interest. The area abounds with large stones used to make statues of Jaina deities. Numerous temples and other sites can be found in and around Hampi. Further excavations are under way. }} * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Pattadakal]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q817250 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an historic centre of Chalukya art and architecture. This has major temples and numerous shrines }} * '''Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas:''' It consists of two clusters of monuments (in [[Belur]] and [[Halebidu]]), and the Keshava temple in [[Somanathapura]], dating to the time of the Hoysala Empire, between the 11th and 14th centuries. ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Belur]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q760603 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Halebidu]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q108227451 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Chennakesava Temple, [[Somanathapura]] | alt=Keshava temple | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3537502 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ==Madhya Pradesh== * {{see | name= Rock Shelters of [[Bhimbetka]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q331603 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Early traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent have been discovered here. Rock paintings can be seen that are similar to those that have been found in Australia and France. }} * {{see | name= [[Khajuraho]] Group of Monuments| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26258435 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is a group of Hindu and Jain temples in [[Khajuraho]], [[Madhya Pradesh]]. The temples are noted for their architectural/artistic style and erotic sculptures. }} * {{see | name= Buddhist Monuments at [[Sanchi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q181123 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Believed to be the oldest stone structure in India. '''Vidisha''' (city in [[Madhya Pradesh]]) was the ancient capital city of the Malwa. Many Buddhist monuments were later built around this ancient city. The historical Sanchi stupas are very well preserved. }} ==Maharashtra== * {{see | name= [[Ajanta Caves]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Aurangabad]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= depict the stories of [[Buddhism]] from circa 200 BCE to 650 CE. These caves were discovered by some British Officers during a tiger hunt. These caves were built by Buddhist monks using simple tools. Buddhist monks often taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas (ancient seats of learning). There are detailed/beautiful sculptures and paintings depicting stories from Jataka tales. }} * {{see | name=[[Ellora Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189616 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are an impressive complex of rock shrines that represent the three faiths of [[Buddhism]], [[Hinduism]] and Jainism and were created during the 5th-13th centuries CE. The caves are northwest of central [[Aurangabad]], a few km from [[Khuldabad]]. }} * {{see | name=Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus | alt=(formerly Victoria Terminus), also known as '''Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus''' ('''CSMT''') | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=the architectural influence of Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival architecture and traditional Mughal architectural style }} * {{see | name=Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16942531 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It represents an urban project through various buildings (cinemas, residential buildings and balconies) of the late 19th century. Mainly these are found near the Oval Maidan area of [[Mumbai]], they represent the Victorian Neo-Gothic style of architecture and Art Deco (sometimes known as ''Indo-Deco''). }} * {{see | name=[[Mumbai/Elephanta|Elephanta Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q649384 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are two groups of sculpted caves (Hindu and Buddhist). Within the caves there are numerous carved panels and shrines. The original stone-cut elephant statue; for which Elephanta Island was named, resides at Jijamata Udyaan in [[Mumbai]]. }} ==Odisha== * {{see | name= Konark Sun Temple| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Konark]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q752091| lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= It was built to honour the sun god Surya. The entire temple is shaped in the form of a chariot pulled by seven horses in order to carry the sun god across the heavens. Though partially in ruins, it has extensive stone carvings (many erotic in nature) on the walls. }} ==Rajasthan== * The '''Hill Forts of [[Rajasthan]]''' — ** {{see | name= Chittor Fort in [[Chittorgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3695769 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= A massive stone gates with notched parapets and arched reinforced doors (to defend against elephants and cannon). Within the fort a circular road gives access to the gates and numerous monuments (ruined palaces and numerous temples). }} ** {{see | name= Kumbhalgarh Fort, [[Kumbhalgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1246283 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= protected by seven towering gates and within is the ''Badal Mahal'' palace. It also had long meandering walls for defence. There are many tales and interesting stories affiliated with this site. }} ** {{see | name= Ranthambore Fort, [[Ranthambore]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2724894 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It lies within the [[Ranthambore National Park]], near the town of [[Sawai Madhopur]]. Initially called "Ranath Bhawar Garh" (a place of Rajput warriors). The history of ''Sawai Madhopur'' centers around the famous Ranthambore Fort. }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Amber Fort in [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q456817 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a massive fort-palace complex built in a Hindu-Muslim style dating back to ''Raja Man Singh'' and once the royal palace of the ''Kachwahas''. Within the fort is the ''Sheesh Mahal'' (with thousands of mirror tiles on the walls and ceilings).. }} ** {{see | name= Jaisalmer Fort in [[Jaisalmer]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3634368 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= Also known as the “Sonar Quila” or "Sonal Kella" or "Sonar Kila". It displays the subtle hues of the setting sun and desert. It is a 'working fort' as its citizens reside and work within its walls. There are numerous vantage points within the fort that enable great views across the city and desert. }} * {{see | name= [[Jaipur]] City| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q66485 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a magnificent city filled with historical wonders and beauty in the North-western part of India. During the rule of Sawai Ram Singh I, the city was painted pink to welcome HRH Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VII, Emperor of India), in 1876. Many of the avenues still remain painted in pink, giving Jaipur a distinctive appearance and the epithet Pink city. }} * {{see | name= Jantar Mantar, [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q508634| lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= one of five astronomical observatories build by Maharaja Jai Singh in northern India. This historical observatory has geometric devices (or yantras in Hindi) for measuring time, eclipse prediction, tracking the orbits of stars eyc.. Explanations are posted for these devices and hired guides may provide further explanations. }} ==Sikkim== * {{Go | name= [[Khangchendzonga National Park]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=(mixed) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q2605019 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is named after Kangchenjunga, the highest peak of India. It is known for its numerous glaciers (Zemu glacier for example). Snow leopards, musk deer and Himalayan taar have been spotted here. }} ==Tamil Nadu== * The '''Great Living Chola Temples''' — consists of three Hindu temples built in the 11th and 12th centuries under the Chola dynasty. They represent some of the best examples of Dravidian architecture of the Chola period. ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Thanjavur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q916943 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= This temple is dedicated to Shiva. Its pillared cloister contains many lignams and the sanctum sanctorum has a large Shiva lingam and stone Nandi. }} ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Gangaikonda Cholapuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5521034 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is dedicated to the Lord Shiva and its location was used to be a medieval Chola capital. This multi-storied temple was once surrounded by a huge fort wall. }} ** {{See | name= Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3437182 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. }} ** {{marker|type=see|name=Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]|lat=10.94841|long=79.356708|image=Darasuram6.jpg}}. It has some excellent stone carvings (as well as inscriptions). The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. * {{See | name= Group of Monuments at [[Mamallapuram|Mahabalipuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3522747 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= a monument complex near [[Chennai]]. The area dates back to the ''Tamil Pallava'' dynasty. Mostly carved out of granite, they are among the oldest examples of ''Dravidian'' (South Indian) art/architecture. }} ==Telangana== * {{See | name= Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Palampet]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3380656 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= An ancient Hindu temple built during the 1200s Kakatiya dynasty & featuring ornate carvings & shrines. The main structure is in a reddish sandstone, but the columns round the outside have large brackets of black basalt which is rich in iron, magnesium and silica. These are carved as mythical animals or female dancers or musicians, and are "the masterpieces of Kakatiya art, notable for their delicate carving, sensuous postures and elongated bodies and heads". }} ==Uttar Pradesh== * {{see | name=Taj Mahal | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q9141 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It is a white marble mausoleum ordered by emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife (Mumtaz Mahal). Taj Mahal means ''Crown Palace''. It is a fairly well kept tomb and an outstanding example of Indian Muslim architecture. Current work is being considered to combat damage caused by pollution. }} * {{see | name=Agra Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q171857 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= Similar to the Red Fort in [[Delhi]], a well preserved palace and defensive complex constructed mostly in red sandstone. Emperor Akbar built this fort (same time as Humayun's Tomb in Delhi). Emperor Shah Jahan made later additions to it. }} * {{see | name=[[Fatehpur Sikri]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (''City of Victory'') — A virtual ghost city near [[Agra]]. Built by the Emperor Akbar, it was the capital of the [[Mughal Empire]] and later abandoned because local water supplies were lacking and near the tumultuous Rajasthan. It includes one of the largest mosques (''Jama Masjid'') in India. There are well preserved palaces and courtyards. }} * {{see | name=Keoladeo National Park| alt=Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary | url= | email= | address=[[Bharatpur]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (natural) — It provides habitat for thousands of birds during the winter season. The sanctuary hosts rare Siberian Cranes, ruddy shelducks, northern shovelers, northern pintails, tufted ducks, shovelers and other indigionous and migratory waterfowl. }} ==Uttarakhand== * {{listing | name=[[Nanda Devi National Park|Nanda Devi]] and [[Valley of Flowers National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q15839097 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=Nanda Devi contains wildlife such as snow leopards, bears, tahrs, deer and monkeys in addition to splendid flowers. The Valley of Flowers is famous for its beautiful alpine flowers. This valley is an Indian national park with beautiful waterfalls, landscapes, meadows of flowers and surrounding forests. }} ==West Bengal== * {{listing | name=[[Santiniketan]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1026431 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=Santiniketan was founded as an ashram by Debendranath Tagore in the second half of the 19th century and then developed into a university town of Visva-Bharati University. It is connected to the life and philosophy of Debendranath's son Rabindranath Tagore, the leading figure of the Bengali Renaissance. }} * {{listing | name=[[Sundarbans National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q532440 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The coastal mangrove forest in the southern part of [[West Bengal]] and [[Bangladesh]]. It lies on the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta. It is the largest mangrove forest in the world and the only mangrove forest in the world with tigers. [[Sundarbans (Bangladesh)]] is a different UNESCO Heritage Site in [[Bangladesh]]. }} '''Note:''' The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is listed under [[UNESCO World Heritage List (India)#Across multiple states|Mountain Railways of India]] ==See also== * [[UNESCO World Heritage List#India|UNESCO World Heritage List]] {{geo|21.534|78.046|zoom=5}} {{PartOfTopic|United Nations|India}} {{usabletopic}} f0sn3f88h8qd7qsujgejk1onurxgotl 5086951 5086949 2025-07-03T04:11:36Z Rangan Datta Wiki 124323 /* Across multiple states */ Updated listing for Kalka–Shimla Railway 5086951 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|TajMahal Banner.jpg|unesco_whs=yes}} '''World Heritage Sites''' are important places of cultural, historical, scientific or other significance designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). There are 43 {{UNESCO WHS}}s in [[India]]. These include 35 cultural sites (marked in blue), 7 natural sites (marked in green) and 1 mixed-criteria site (marked in red). India has the sixth largest number of sites in the world. {{mapframe|align=center|height=750|width=750}} ==Across multiple states== [[File:Darjeelinghimalayanrailway.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] [[File:Qutab Minar mausoleum.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Qutb Minar, [[Delhi]]]] [[File:Santiniketan Prayer Hall.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Santiniketan]] [[File:Konarka Temple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sun Temple, Konark]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 16 Agra Fort.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Agra Fort]] [[File:Temple No.- 3, Nalanda Archaeological Site.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Nalanda]] [[File:Fatehpur Sikri near Agra 2016-03 img05.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Fatehpur Sikri]] [[File:India-5692 - Flickr - archer10 (Dennis).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Khajuraho Monuments]] [[File:Mahabodhitemple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Mahabodhi Temple Complex]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 04 Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Taj Mahal]] [[File:Brihadeeswarar Kovil.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Brihadisvara Temple]] [[File:The elegant stone chariot.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Stone Chariot, Hampi]] [[File:Cave 26, Ajanta.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ajanta Caves]] [[File:Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus]] [[File:Thane Creek and Elephanta Island 03-2016 - img20 Elephanta Caves.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Elephanta Caves]] [[File:Kailasa temple overview, Ellora.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Kailasa Temple, Ellora]] [[File:Amber Fort (आमेर का किला ).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Amber Fort, Jaipur]] [[File:Rani_ki_vav_02.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Rani-ki-Vav]] [[File:Dhauladhar_ranges_in_the_background-_Trekkers_resting_a_bit_I_IMG_7165.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Dhauladhar Ranges]] [[File:Valley of flowers uttaranchal full view.JPG|thumb|upright=0.7|Valley of Flowers]] [[File:Ramappa Temple 8.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ramappa Temple]] [[File:Sunderbans 059.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sundarbans National Park]] [[File:Western Ghats Gobi.jpg|thumb|Western Ghats|upright=0.7]] * The '''[[Rail travel in India#Mountain trains|Mountain Railways of India]]:''' Consists of three different sites spread across [[West Bengal]], [[Tamil Nadu]] and [[Himachal Pradesh]]. They consist of narrow and meter-gauge lines that run through picturesque mountains. ** {{see | name=[[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] | alt=DHR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[New Jalpaiguri]]–[[Darjeeling]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463874 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A {{convert|2|ft|mm}} gauge railway running through the foothills of the eastern Himalayas. The railway covers a distance of {{convert|88|km|mi}} starts at an altitude of {{convert|100|m|ft}} and ends at {{convert|2200|m|ft}}. The highest elevation is at [[Ghum]] ({{convert|2258|m|ft}}. It gains altitude via 6 zig-zags and 3 (originally 5) loops. Today, apart from regular diesel engines, there is a steam engine joy ride between Darjeeling and Ghum. }} ** {{see | name=Nilgiri Mountain Railway | alt=NMR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[Mettupalayam]]–[[Ooty]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463735 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A meter-gauge ({{cvt|1|m|ft}}) railway through the lush green Nilgiri hills. It has been in operation since 1908. The {{cvt|46|km|mi}} long railway starts at {{cvt|326|m|ft}} and ends at {{cvt|2203|m|ft}}.It follows the rack railway technology. }} ** {{see | name=Kalka–Shimla Railway | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Kalka]] – [[Shimla]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7171560 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The narrow gauge {{cvt|2|ft|6|in|mm}} railway covers a distance of {{cvt|95.6|km|mi}} starting at an altitude of {{cvt|656|m|ft}} and ending at {{cvt|2075|m|ft}}. }} * {{listing | name=Western Ghats | alt= | url= | email= | address=([[Maharashtra]], [[Karnataka]], [[Kerala]] and [[Tamil Nadu]]) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4527 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A mountain range of [[South India]] running parallel to the west coast of India. A bio-doversity hotspot and home to many endangered and endemic species. It consists of 39 individual properties }} ==Assam== * {{Listing | name = [[Kaziranga National Park]] | lat = 26.6667 | long = 93.3500 | wikidata = Q192764 | content = It is home to the Indian single-horned rhinos (rhinoceros unicornis). Kaziranga also hosts a variety of other mammal species. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} * {{Listing | name = [[Manas National Park]] | lat = 26.71 | long = 90.93 | wikidata = Q506511 | content = It is a habitat for many unique and endangered wildlife species such as the golden langur, pygmy hog and hispid hare. The Asian elephant, water buffalo, black panther, sloth bear and sambar deer can also be found here as well as endangered residential and migratory birds | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} * {{see | name=[[Moidam]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.941466 | long=94.876018 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6735332 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The mound burial system of Ahom dynasty (1228–1826). These burial mounds create an undulating landscape reminiscent of hills, in line with the spiritual beliefs of the Ahom people }} ==Bihar== * {{see | name=Nalanda|Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Nalanda]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q216243 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} * {{see | name=Mahabodhi Temple Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Bodh Gaya]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4513 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} ==Chandigarh== * {{see | name=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier in [[Chandigarh]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=30.761085 | long=76.803291 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q55619850 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement is a World Heritage Site consisting of a selection of 17 building projects in 7 countries (including [[Chandigarh]], [[India]]) by the Franco-Swiss architect Le Corbusier. These sites demonstrate how Modern Movement architecture was applied to respond to the needs of society and show the global range of a style and an architect. }} ==Delhi== * {{see | name=Humayun's Tomb | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[South East Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189648 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The site was constructed in the Indo-Islamic style known as ''Mughal''. The grand domed structure of the Humayun's Tomb occupies the central position of the Persian styled ''char bagh''garden. There are several other structures in the garden and consists of Isha Khan's tomb & mosque, Arab sarai, Barbar's tomb and many more. }} * {{see | name=Qutb Minar and its Monuments | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/South Delhi|South Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q187635 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=These structures in Delhi date from the Slave Dynasty. The Qutb Minar is one of the tallest minars in India. It has been well-preserved with its intricate carvings. It was constructed of red sandstone and marble. Earthquake damage to the top of the Qutb Manar has been renovated and its base reinforced. }} * {{see | name=Red Fort Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/Central Delhi|Central Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q45957 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Red Fort is a red sandstone fort (and ruling palace) built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame. Many historical objects and marble inlays have disappeared and quite a few buildings can not be visited due to disrepair. However, the site is impressive with lush green gardens that are well kept year round. }} ==Goa== * {{see | name= Churches and Convents of Goa| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Old Goa|Goa]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q15726428 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Old Goa, the former capital of colonial [[Goa]], is full of history and the location of numerous well maintained scenic churches and convents. }} ==Gujarat== * {{see | name= [[Dholavira]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q9468 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an archaeological site at with the ruins of an ancient [[Indus Valley Civilisation]] (Harappan) city; it is one of the five largest Harappan sites. }} * {{see | name= Historic City of [[Ahmedabad/Central Zone|Ahmedabad]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5472448 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= The modern Ahmedabad was a walled city in the past along the banks of the Sabarmati River. The city presents a rich and diverse cultural and architectural style. It also houses the former home of Mahatma Gandhi, the Sabarmati Ashram. }} * {{see | name=Rani-ki-Vav | alt=Queen's Stepwell | url= | email= | address=[[Patan (Gujarat)|Patan]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7293002 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is famous for its ornate carvings and many sculptures in its galleries. Built as an inverted temple and representing a religious regard for water. Stepwells were built basically for the storage of water in India. }} * {{see | name=[[Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q844427 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A fortified medieval settlement with Hindu, Muslim and Jain architectural elements along with the remains of water-managing systems }} ==Himachal Pradesh== * {{Listing | name = [[Great Himalayan National Park]] | lat = | long = | wikidata = Q1544213 | content = The different altitudes provide for subtropical forests to alpine and glacial flora. Different species of goat, bear, leopard and pheasants can also be found here. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} ==Karnataka== * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Hampi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26732 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Significant historic and architectural interest. The area abounds with large stones used to make statues of Jaina deities. Numerous temples and other sites can be found in and around Hampi. Further excavations are under way. }} * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Pattadakal]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q817250 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an historic centre of Chalukya art and architecture. This has major temples and numerous shrines }} * '''Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas:''' It consists of two clusters of monuments (in [[Belur]] and [[Halebidu]]), and the Keshava temple in [[Somanathapura]], dating to the time of the Hoysala Empire, between the 11th and 14th centuries. ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Belur]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q760603 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Halebidu]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q108227451 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Chennakesava Temple, [[Somanathapura]] | alt=Keshava temple | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3537502 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ==Madhya Pradesh== * {{see | name= Rock Shelters of [[Bhimbetka]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q331603 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Early traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent have been discovered here. Rock paintings can be seen that are similar to those that have been found in Australia and France. }} * {{see | name= [[Khajuraho]] Group of Monuments| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26258435 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is a group of Hindu and Jain temples in [[Khajuraho]], [[Madhya Pradesh]]. The temples are noted for their architectural/artistic style and erotic sculptures. }} * {{see | name= Buddhist Monuments at [[Sanchi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q181123 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Believed to be the oldest stone structure in India. '''Vidisha''' (city in [[Madhya Pradesh]]) was the ancient capital city of the Malwa. Many Buddhist monuments were later built around this ancient city. The historical Sanchi stupas are very well preserved. }} ==Maharashtra== * {{see | name= [[Ajanta Caves]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Aurangabad]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= depict the stories of [[Buddhism]] from circa 200 BCE to 650 CE. These caves were discovered by some British Officers during a tiger hunt. These caves were built by Buddhist monks using simple tools. Buddhist monks often taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas (ancient seats of learning). There are detailed/beautiful sculptures and paintings depicting stories from Jataka tales. }} * {{see | name=[[Ellora Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189616 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are an impressive complex of rock shrines that represent the three faiths of [[Buddhism]], [[Hinduism]] and Jainism and were created during the 5th-13th centuries CE. The caves are northwest of central [[Aurangabad]], a few km from [[Khuldabad]]. }} * {{see | name=Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus | alt=(formerly Victoria Terminus), also known as '''Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus''' ('''CSMT''') | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=the architectural influence of Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival architecture and traditional Mughal architectural style }} * {{see | name=Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16942531 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It represents an urban project through various buildings (cinemas, residential buildings and balconies) of the late 19th century. Mainly these are found near the Oval Maidan area of [[Mumbai]], they represent the Victorian Neo-Gothic style of architecture and Art Deco (sometimes known as ''Indo-Deco''). }} * {{see | name=[[Mumbai/Elephanta|Elephanta Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q649384 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are two groups of sculpted caves (Hindu and Buddhist). Within the caves there are numerous carved panels and shrines. The original stone-cut elephant statue; for which Elephanta Island was named, resides at Jijamata Udyaan in [[Mumbai]]. }} ==Odisha== * {{see | name= Konark Sun Temple| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Konark]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q752091| lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= It was built to honour the sun god Surya. The entire temple is shaped in the form of a chariot pulled by seven horses in order to carry the sun god across the heavens. Though partially in ruins, it has extensive stone carvings (many erotic in nature) on the walls. }} ==Rajasthan== * The '''Hill Forts of [[Rajasthan]]''' — ** {{see | name= Chittor Fort in [[Chittorgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3695769 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= A massive stone gates with notched parapets and arched reinforced doors (to defend against elephants and cannon). Within the fort a circular road gives access to the gates and numerous monuments (ruined palaces and numerous temples). }} ** {{see | name= Kumbhalgarh Fort, [[Kumbhalgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1246283 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= protected by seven towering gates and within is the ''Badal Mahal'' palace. It also had long meandering walls for defence. There are many tales and interesting stories affiliated with this site. }} ** {{see | name= Ranthambore Fort, [[Ranthambore]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2724894 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It lies within the [[Ranthambore National Park]], near the town of [[Sawai Madhopur]]. Initially called "Ranath Bhawar Garh" (a place of Rajput warriors). The history of ''Sawai Madhopur'' centers around the famous Ranthambore Fort. }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Amber Fort in [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q456817 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a massive fort-palace complex built in a Hindu-Muslim style dating back to ''Raja Man Singh'' and once the royal palace of the ''Kachwahas''. Within the fort is the ''Sheesh Mahal'' (with thousands of mirror tiles on the walls and ceilings).. }} ** {{see | name= Jaisalmer Fort in [[Jaisalmer]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3634368 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= Also known as the “Sonar Quila” or "Sonal Kella" or "Sonar Kila". It displays the subtle hues of the setting sun and desert. It is a 'working fort' as its citizens reside and work within its walls. There are numerous vantage points within the fort that enable great views across the city and desert. }} * {{see | name= [[Jaipur]] City| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q66485 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a magnificent city filled with historical wonders and beauty in the North-western part of India. During the rule of Sawai Ram Singh I, the city was painted pink to welcome HRH Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VII, Emperor of India), in 1876. Many of the avenues still remain painted in pink, giving Jaipur a distinctive appearance and the epithet Pink city. }} * {{see | name= Jantar Mantar, [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q508634| lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= one of five astronomical observatories build by Maharaja Jai Singh in northern India. This historical observatory has geometric devices (or yantras in Hindi) for measuring time, eclipse prediction, tracking the orbits of stars eyc.. Explanations are posted for these devices and hired guides may provide further explanations. }} ==Sikkim== * {{Go | name= [[Khangchendzonga National Park]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=(mixed) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q2605019 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is named after Kangchenjunga, the highest peak of India. It is known for its numerous glaciers (Zemu glacier for example). Snow leopards, musk deer and Himalayan taar have been spotted here. }} ==Tamil Nadu== * The '''Great Living Chola Temples''' — consists of three Hindu temples built in the 11th and 12th centuries under the Chola dynasty. They represent some of the best examples of Dravidian architecture of the Chola period. ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Thanjavur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q916943 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= This temple is dedicated to Shiva. Its pillared cloister contains many lignams and the sanctum sanctorum has a large Shiva lingam and stone Nandi. }} ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Gangaikonda Cholapuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5521034 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is dedicated to the Lord Shiva and its location was used to be a medieval Chola capital. This multi-storied temple was once surrounded by a huge fort wall. }} ** {{See | name= Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3437182 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. }} ** {{marker|type=see|name=Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]|lat=10.94841|long=79.356708|image=Darasuram6.jpg}}. It has some excellent stone carvings (as well as inscriptions). The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. * {{See | name= Group of Monuments at [[Mamallapuram|Mahabalipuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3522747 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= a monument complex near [[Chennai]]. The area dates back to the ''Tamil Pallava'' dynasty. Mostly carved out of granite, they are among the oldest examples of ''Dravidian'' (South Indian) art/architecture. }} ==Telangana== * {{See | name= Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Palampet]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3380656 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= An ancient Hindu temple built during the 1200s Kakatiya dynasty & featuring ornate carvings & shrines. The main structure is in a reddish sandstone, but the columns round the outside have large brackets of black basalt which is rich in iron, magnesium and silica. These are carved as mythical animals or female dancers or musicians, and are "the masterpieces of Kakatiya art, notable for their delicate carving, sensuous postures and elongated bodies and heads". }} ==Uttar Pradesh== * {{see | name=Taj Mahal | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q9141 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It is a white marble mausoleum ordered by emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife (Mumtaz Mahal). Taj Mahal means ''Crown Palace''. It is a fairly well kept tomb and an outstanding example of Indian Muslim architecture. Current work is being considered to combat damage caused by pollution. }} * {{see | name=Agra Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q171857 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= Similar to the Red Fort in [[Delhi]], a well preserved palace and defensive complex constructed mostly in red sandstone. Emperor Akbar built this fort (same time as Humayun's Tomb in Delhi). Emperor Shah Jahan made later additions to it. }} * {{see | name=[[Fatehpur Sikri]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (''City of Victory'') — A virtual ghost city near [[Agra]]. Built by the Emperor Akbar, it was the capital of the [[Mughal Empire]] and later abandoned because local water supplies were lacking and near the tumultuous Rajasthan. It includes one of the largest mosques (''Jama Masjid'') in India. There are well preserved palaces and courtyards. }} * {{see | name=Keoladeo National Park| alt=Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary | url= | email= | address=[[Bharatpur]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (natural) — It provides habitat for thousands of birds during the winter season. The sanctuary hosts rare Siberian Cranes, ruddy shelducks, northern shovelers, northern pintails, tufted ducks, shovelers and other indigionous and migratory waterfowl. }} ==Uttarakhand== * {{listing | name=[[Nanda Devi National Park|Nanda Devi]] and [[Valley of Flowers National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q15839097 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=Nanda Devi contains wildlife such as snow leopards, bears, tahrs, deer and monkeys in addition to splendid flowers. The Valley of Flowers is famous for its beautiful alpine flowers. This valley is an Indian national park with beautiful waterfalls, landscapes, meadows of flowers and surrounding forests. }} ==West Bengal== * {{listing | name=[[Santiniketan]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1026431 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=Santiniketan was founded as an ashram by Debendranath Tagore in the second half of the 19th century and then developed into a university town of Visva-Bharati University. It is connected to the life and philosophy of Debendranath's son Rabindranath Tagore, the leading figure of the Bengali Renaissance. }} * {{listing | name=[[Sundarbans National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q532440 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The coastal mangrove forest in the southern part of [[West Bengal]] and [[Bangladesh]]. It lies on the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta. It is the largest mangrove forest in the world and the only mangrove forest in the world with tigers. [[Sundarbans (Bangladesh)]] is a different UNESCO Heritage Site in [[Bangladesh]]. }} '''Note:''' The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is listed under [[UNESCO World Heritage List (India)#Across multiple states|Mountain Railways of India]] ==See also== * [[UNESCO World Heritage List#India|UNESCO World Heritage List]] {{geo|21.534|78.046|zoom=5}} {{PartOfTopic|United Nations|India}} {{usabletopic}} etupwtyoyt6hs0279imgm7kqazphmcj 5086952 5086951 2025-07-03T04:12:35Z Rangan Datta Wiki 124323 /* Across multiple states */ Updated listing for Kalka–Shimla Railway 5086952 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|TajMahal Banner.jpg|unesco_whs=yes}} '''World Heritage Sites''' are important places of cultural, historical, scientific or other significance designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). There are 43 {{UNESCO WHS}}s in [[India]]. These include 35 cultural sites (marked in blue), 7 natural sites (marked in green) and 1 mixed-criteria site (marked in red). India has the sixth largest number of sites in the world. {{mapframe|align=center|height=750|width=750}} ==Across multiple states== [[File:Darjeelinghimalayanrailway.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] [[File:Qutab Minar mausoleum.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Qutb Minar, [[Delhi]]]] [[File:Santiniketan Prayer Hall.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Santiniketan]] [[File:Konarka Temple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sun Temple, Konark]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 16 Agra Fort.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Agra Fort]] [[File:Temple No.- 3, Nalanda Archaeological Site.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Nalanda]] [[File:Fatehpur Sikri near Agra 2016-03 img05.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Fatehpur Sikri]] [[File:India-5692 - Flickr - archer10 (Dennis).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Khajuraho Monuments]] [[File:Mahabodhitemple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Mahabodhi Temple Complex]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 04 Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Taj Mahal]] [[File:Brihadeeswarar Kovil.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Brihadisvara Temple]] [[File:The elegant stone chariot.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Stone Chariot, Hampi]] [[File:Cave 26, Ajanta.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ajanta Caves]] [[File:Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus]] [[File:Thane Creek and Elephanta Island 03-2016 - img20 Elephanta Caves.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Elephanta Caves]] [[File:Kailasa temple overview, Ellora.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Kailasa Temple, Ellora]] [[File:Amber Fort (आमेर का किला ).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Amber Fort, Jaipur]] [[File:Rani_ki_vav_02.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Rani-ki-Vav]] [[File:Dhauladhar_ranges_in_the_background-_Trekkers_resting_a_bit_I_IMG_7165.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Dhauladhar Ranges]] [[File:Valley of flowers uttaranchal full view.JPG|thumb|upright=0.7|Valley of Flowers]] [[File:Ramappa Temple 8.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ramappa Temple]] [[File:Sunderbans 059.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sundarbans National Park]] [[File:Western Ghats Gobi.jpg|thumb|Western Ghats|upright=0.7]] * The '''[[Rail travel in India#Mountain trains|Mountain Railways of India]]:''' Consists of three different sites spread across [[West Bengal]], [[Tamil Nadu]] and [[Himachal Pradesh]]. They consist of narrow and meter-gauge lines that run through picturesque mountains. ** {{see | name=[[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] | alt=DHR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[New Jalpaiguri]]–[[Darjeeling]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463874 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A {{convert|2|ft|mm}} gauge railway running through the foothills of the eastern Himalayas. The railway covers a distance of {{convert|88|km|mi}} starts at an altitude of {{convert|100|m|ft}} and ends at {{convert|2200|m|ft}}. The highest elevation is at [[Ghum]] ({{convert|2258|m|ft}}. It gains altitude via 6 zig-zags and 3 (originally 5) loops. Today, apart from regular diesel engines, there is a steam engine joy ride between Darjeeling and Ghum. }} ** {{see | name=Nilgiri Mountain Railway | alt=NMR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[Mettupalayam]]–[[Ooty]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463735 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A meter-gauge ({{cvt|1|m|ft}}) railway through the lush green Nilgiri hills. It has been in operation since 1908. The {{cvt|46|km|mi}} long railway starts at {{cvt|326|m|ft}} and ends at {{cvt|2203|m|ft}}.It follows the rack railway technology. }} ** {{see | name=Kalka–Shimla Railway | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Kalka]] – [[Shimla]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7171560 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The narrow gauge {{cvt|2|ft|6|in|mm}} railway covers a distance of {{cvt|95.6|km|mi}} starting at an altitude of {{cvt|656|m|ft}} and ending at {{cvt|2075|m|ft}}. It has been in operation since 1903. }} * {{listing | name=Western Ghats | alt= | url= | email= | address=([[Maharashtra]], [[Karnataka]], [[Kerala]] and [[Tamil Nadu]]) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4527 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A mountain range of [[South India]] running parallel to the west coast of India. A bio-doversity hotspot and home to many endangered and endemic species. It consists of 39 individual properties }} ==Assam== * {{Listing | name = [[Kaziranga National Park]] | lat = 26.6667 | long = 93.3500 | wikidata = Q192764 | content = It is home to the Indian single-horned rhinos (rhinoceros unicornis). Kaziranga also hosts a variety of other mammal species. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} * {{Listing | name = [[Manas National Park]] | lat = 26.71 | long = 90.93 | wikidata = Q506511 | content = It is a habitat for many unique and endangered wildlife species such as the golden langur, pygmy hog and hispid hare. The Asian elephant, water buffalo, black panther, sloth bear and sambar deer can also be found here as well as endangered residential and migratory birds | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} * {{see | name=[[Moidam]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.941466 | long=94.876018 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6735332 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The mound burial system of Ahom dynasty (1228–1826). These burial mounds create an undulating landscape reminiscent of hills, in line with the spiritual beliefs of the Ahom people }} ==Bihar== * {{see | name=Nalanda|Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Nalanda]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q216243 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} * {{see | name=Mahabodhi Temple Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Bodh Gaya]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4513 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} ==Chandigarh== * {{see | name=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier in [[Chandigarh]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=30.761085 | long=76.803291 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q55619850 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement is a World Heritage Site consisting of a selection of 17 building projects in 7 countries (including [[Chandigarh]], [[India]]) by the Franco-Swiss architect Le Corbusier. These sites demonstrate how Modern Movement architecture was applied to respond to the needs of society and show the global range of a style and an architect. }} ==Delhi== * {{see | name=Humayun's Tomb | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[South East Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189648 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The site was constructed in the Indo-Islamic style known as ''Mughal''. The grand domed structure of the Humayun's Tomb occupies the central position of the Persian styled ''char bagh''garden. There are several other structures in the garden and consists of Isha Khan's tomb & mosque, Arab sarai, Barbar's tomb and many more. }} * {{see | name=Qutb Minar and its Monuments | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/South Delhi|South Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q187635 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=These structures in Delhi date from the Slave Dynasty. The Qutb Minar is one of the tallest minars in India. It has been well-preserved with its intricate carvings. It was constructed of red sandstone and marble. Earthquake damage to the top of the Qutb Manar has been renovated and its base reinforced. }} * {{see | name=Red Fort Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/Central Delhi|Central Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q45957 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Red Fort is a red sandstone fort (and ruling palace) built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame. Many historical objects and marble inlays have disappeared and quite a few buildings can not be visited due to disrepair. However, the site is impressive with lush green gardens that are well kept year round. }} ==Goa== * {{see | name= Churches and Convents of Goa| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Old Goa|Goa]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q15726428 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Old Goa, the former capital of colonial [[Goa]], is full of history and the location of numerous well maintained scenic churches and convents. }} ==Gujarat== * {{see | name= [[Dholavira]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q9468 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an archaeological site at with the ruins of an ancient [[Indus Valley Civilisation]] (Harappan) city; it is one of the five largest Harappan sites. }} * {{see | name= Historic City of [[Ahmedabad/Central Zone|Ahmedabad]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5472448 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= The modern Ahmedabad was a walled city in the past along the banks of the Sabarmati River. The city presents a rich and diverse cultural and architectural style. It also houses the former home of Mahatma Gandhi, the Sabarmati Ashram. }} * {{see | name=Rani-ki-Vav | alt=Queen's Stepwell | url= | email= | address=[[Patan (Gujarat)|Patan]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7293002 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is famous for its ornate carvings and many sculptures in its galleries. Built as an inverted temple and representing a religious regard for water. Stepwells were built basically for the storage of water in India. }} * {{see | name=[[Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q844427 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A fortified medieval settlement with Hindu, Muslim and Jain architectural elements along with the remains of water-managing systems }} ==Himachal Pradesh== * {{Listing | name = [[Great Himalayan National Park]] | lat = | long = | wikidata = Q1544213 | content = The different altitudes provide for subtropical forests to alpine and glacial flora. Different species of goat, bear, leopard and pheasants can also be found here. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} ==Karnataka== * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Hampi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26732 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Significant historic and architectural interest. The area abounds with large stones used to make statues of Jaina deities. Numerous temples and other sites can be found in and around Hampi. Further excavations are under way. }} * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Pattadakal]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q817250 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an historic centre of Chalukya art and architecture. This has major temples and numerous shrines }} * '''Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas:''' It consists of two clusters of monuments (in [[Belur]] and [[Halebidu]]), and the Keshava temple in [[Somanathapura]], dating to the time of the Hoysala Empire, between the 11th and 14th centuries. ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Belur]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q760603 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Halebidu]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q108227451 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Chennakesava Temple, [[Somanathapura]] | alt=Keshava temple | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3537502 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ==Madhya Pradesh== * {{see | name= Rock Shelters of [[Bhimbetka]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q331603 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Early traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent have been discovered here. Rock paintings can be seen that are similar to those that have been found in Australia and France. }} * {{see | name= [[Khajuraho]] Group of Monuments| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26258435 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is a group of Hindu and Jain temples in [[Khajuraho]], [[Madhya Pradesh]]. The temples are noted for their architectural/artistic style and erotic sculptures. }} * {{see | name= Buddhist Monuments at [[Sanchi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q181123 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Believed to be the oldest stone structure in India. '''Vidisha''' (city in [[Madhya Pradesh]]) was the ancient capital city of the Malwa. Many Buddhist monuments were later built around this ancient city. The historical Sanchi stupas are very well preserved. }} ==Maharashtra== * {{see | name= [[Ajanta Caves]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Aurangabad]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= depict the stories of [[Buddhism]] from circa 200 BCE to 650 CE. These caves were discovered by some British Officers during a tiger hunt. These caves were built by Buddhist monks using simple tools. Buddhist monks often taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas (ancient seats of learning). There are detailed/beautiful sculptures and paintings depicting stories from Jataka tales. }} * {{see | name=[[Ellora Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189616 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are an impressive complex of rock shrines that represent the three faiths of [[Buddhism]], [[Hinduism]] and Jainism and were created during the 5th-13th centuries CE. The caves are northwest of central [[Aurangabad]], a few km from [[Khuldabad]]. }} * {{see | name=Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus | alt=(formerly Victoria Terminus), also known as '''Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus''' ('''CSMT''') | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=the architectural influence of Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival architecture and traditional Mughal architectural style }} * {{see | name=Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16942531 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It represents an urban project through various buildings (cinemas, residential buildings and balconies) of the late 19th century. Mainly these are found near the Oval Maidan area of [[Mumbai]], they represent the Victorian Neo-Gothic style of architecture and Art Deco (sometimes known as ''Indo-Deco''). }} * {{see | name=[[Mumbai/Elephanta|Elephanta Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q649384 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are two groups of sculpted caves (Hindu and Buddhist). Within the caves there are numerous carved panels and shrines. The original stone-cut elephant statue; for which Elephanta Island was named, resides at Jijamata Udyaan in [[Mumbai]]. }} ==Odisha== * {{see | name= Konark Sun Temple| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Konark]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q752091| lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= It was built to honour the sun god Surya. The entire temple is shaped in the form of a chariot pulled by seven horses in order to carry the sun god across the heavens. Though partially in ruins, it has extensive stone carvings (many erotic in nature) on the walls. }} ==Rajasthan== * The '''Hill Forts of [[Rajasthan]]''' — ** {{see | name= Chittor Fort in [[Chittorgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3695769 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= A massive stone gates with notched parapets and arched reinforced doors (to defend against elephants and cannon). Within the fort a circular road gives access to the gates and numerous monuments (ruined palaces and numerous temples). }} ** {{see | name= Kumbhalgarh Fort, [[Kumbhalgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1246283 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= protected by seven towering gates and within is the ''Badal Mahal'' palace. It also had long meandering walls for defence. There are many tales and interesting stories affiliated with this site. }} ** {{see | name= Ranthambore Fort, [[Ranthambore]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2724894 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It lies within the [[Ranthambore National Park]], near the town of [[Sawai Madhopur]]. Initially called "Ranath Bhawar Garh" (a place of Rajput warriors). The history of ''Sawai Madhopur'' centers around the famous Ranthambore Fort. }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Amber Fort in [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q456817 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a massive fort-palace complex built in a Hindu-Muslim style dating back to ''Raja Man Singh'' and once the royal palace of the ''Kachwahas''. Within the fort is the ''Sheesh Mahal'' (with thousands of mirror tiles on the walls and ceilings).. }} ** {{see | name= Jaisalmer Fort in [[Jaisalmer]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3634368 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= Also known as the “Sonar Quila” or "Sonal Kella" or "Sonar Kila". It displays the subtle hues of the setting sun and desert. It is a 'working fort' as its citizens reside and work within its walls. There are numerous vantage points within the fort that enable great views across the city and desert. }} * {{see | name= [[Jaipur]] City| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q66485 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a magnificent city filled with historical wonders and beauty in the North-western part of India. During the rule of Sawai Ram Singh I, the city was painted pink to welcome HRH Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VII, Emperor of India), in 1876. Many of the avenues still remain painted in pink, giving Jaipur a distinctive appearance and the epithet Pink city. }} * {{see | name= Jantar Mantar, [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q508634| lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= one of five astronomical observatories build by Maharaja Jai Singh in northern India. This historical observatory has geometric devices (or yantras in Hindi) for measuring time, eclipse prediction, tracking the orbits of stars eyc.. Explanations are posted for these devices and hired guides may provide further explanations. }} ==Sikkim== * {{Go | name= [[Khangchendzonga National Park]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=(mixed) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q2605019 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is named after Kangchenjunga, the highest peak of India. It is known for its numerous glaciers (Zemu glacier for example). Snow leopards, musk deer and Himalayan taar have been spotted here. }} ==Tamil Nadu== * The '''Great Living Chola Temples''' — consists of three Hindu temples built in the 11th and 12th centuries under the Chola dynasty. They represent some of the best examples of Dravidian architecture of the Chola period. ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Thanjavur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q916943 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= This temple is dedicated to Shiva. Its pillared cloister contains many lignams and the sanctum sanctorum has a large Shiva lingam and stone Nandi. }} ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Gangaikonda Cholapuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5521034 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is dedicated to the Lord Shiva and its location was used to be a medieval Chola capital. This multi-storied temple was once surrounded by a huge fort wall. }} ** {{See | name= Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3437182 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. }} ** {{marker|type=see|name=Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]|lat=10.94841|long=79.356708|image=Darasuram6.jpg}}. It has some excellent stone carvings (as well as inscriptions). The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. * {{See | name= Group of Monuments at [[Mamallapuram|Mahabalipuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3522747 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= a monument complex near [[Chennai]]. The area dates back to the ''Tamil Pallava'' dynasty. Mostly carved out of granite, they are among the oldest examples of ''Dravidian'' (South Indian) art/architecture. }} ==Telangana== * {{See | name= Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Palampet]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3380656 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= An ancient Hindu temple built during the 1200s Kakatiya dynasty & featuring ornate carvings & shrines. The main structure is in a reddish sandstone, but the columns round the outside have large brackets of black basalt which is rich in iron, magnesium and silica. These are carved as mythical animals or female dancers or musicians, and are "the masterpieces of Kakatiya art, notable for their delicate carving, sensuous postures and elongated bodies and heads". }} ==Uttar Pradesh== * {{see | name=Taj Mahal | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q9141 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It is a white marble mausoleum ordered by emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife (Mumtaz Mahal). Taj Mahal means ''Crown Palace''. It is a fairly well kept tomb and an outstanding example of Indian Muslim architecture. Current work is being considered to combat damage caused by pollution. }} * {{see | name=Agra Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q171857 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= Similar to the Red Fort in [[Delhi]], a well preserved palace and defensive complex constructed mostly in red sandstone. Emperor Akbar built this fort (same time as Humayun's Tomb in Delhi). Emperor Shah Jahan made later additions to it. }} * {{see | name=[[Fatehpur Sikri]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (''City of Victory'') — A virtual ghost city near [[Agra]]. Built by the Emperor Akbar, it was the capital of the [[Mughal Empire]] and later abandoned because local water supplies were lacking and near the tumultuous Rajasthan. It includes one of the largest mosques (''Jama Masjid'') in India. There are well preserved palaces and courtyards. }} * {{see | name=Keoladeo National Park| alt=Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary | url= | email= | address=[[Bharatpur]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (natural) — It provides habitat for thousands of birds during the winter season. The sanctuary hosts rare Siberian Cranes, ruddy shelducks, northern shovelers, northern pintails, tufted ducks, shovelers and other indigionous and migratory waterfowl. }} ==Uttarakhand== * {{listing | name=[[Nanda Devi National Park|Nanda Devi]] and [[Valley of Flowers National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q15839097 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=Nanda Devi contains wildlife such as snow leopards, bears, tahrs, deer and monkeys in addition to splendid flowers. The Valley of Flowers is famous for its beautiful alpine flowers. This valley is an Indian national park with beautiful waterfalls, landscapes, meadows of flowers and surrounding forests. }} ==West Bengal== * {{listing | name=[[Santiniketan]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1026431 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=Santiniketan was founded as an ashram by Debendranath Tagore in the second half of the 19th century and then developed into a university town of Visva-Bharati University. It is connected to the life and philosophy of Debendranath's son Rabindranath Tagore, the leading figure of the Bengali Renaissance. }} * {{listing | name=[[Sundarbans National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q532440 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The coastal mangrove forest in the southern part of [[West Bengal]] and [[Bangladesh]]. It lies on the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta. It is the largest mangrove forest in the world and the only mangrove forest in the world with tigers. [[Sundarbans (Bangladesh)]] is a different UNESCO Heritage Site in [[Bangladesh]]. }} '''Note:''' The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is listed under [[UNESCO World Heritage List (India)#Across multiple states|Mountain Railways of India]] ==See also== * [[UNESCO World Heritage List#India|UNESCO World Heritage List]] {{geo|21.534|78.046|zoom=5}} {{PartOfTopic|United Nations|India}} {{usabletopic}} 5o5ywi36zd7m99k40bcfdz3xs04hoqy 5086961 5086952 2025-07-03T04:40:30Z Rangan Datta Wiki 124323 /* Across multiple states */ Updated listing for Western Ghats 5086961 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|TajMahal Banner.jpg|unesco_whs=yes}} '''World Heritage Sites''' are important places of cultural, historical, scientific or other significance designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). There are 43 {{UNESCO WHS}}s in [[India]]. These include 35 cultural sites (marked in blue), 7 natural sites (marked in green) and 1 mixed-criteria site (marked in red). India has the sixth largest number of sites in the world. {{mapframe|align=center|height=750|width=750}} ==Across multiple states== [[File:Darjeelinghimalayanrailway.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] [[File:Qutab Minar mausoleum.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Qutb Minar, [[Delhi]]]] [[File:Santiniketan Prayer Hall.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Santiniketan]] [[File:Konarka Temple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sun Temple, Konark]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 16 Agra Fort.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Agra Fort]] [[File:Temple No.- 3, Nalanda Archaeological Site.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Nalanda]] [[File:Fatehpur Sikri near Agra 2016-03 img05.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Fatehpur Sikri]] [[File:India-5692 - Flickr - archer10 (Dennis).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Khajuraho Monuments]] [[File:Mahabodhitemple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Mahabodhi Temple Complex]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 04 Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Taj Mahal]] [[File:Brihadeeswarar Kovil.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Brihadisvara Temple]] [[File:The elegant stone chariot.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Stone Chariot, Hampi]] [[File:Cave 26, Ajanta.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ajanta Caves]] [[File:Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus]] [[File:Thane Creek and Elephanta Island 03-2016 - img20 Elephanta Caves.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Elephanta Caves]] [[File:Kailasa temple overview, Ellora.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Kailasa Temple, Ellora]] [[File:Amber Fort (आमेर का किला ).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Amber Fort, Jaipur]] [[File:Rani_ki_vav_02.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Rani-ki-Vav]] [[File:Dhauladhar_ranges_in_the_background-_Trekkers_resting_a_bit_I_IMG_7165.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Dhauladhar Ranges]] [[File:Valley of flowers uttaranchal full view.JPG|thumb|upright=0.7|Valley of Flowers]] [[File:Ramappa Temple 8.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ramappa Temple]] [[File:Sunderbans 059.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sundarbans National Park]] [[File:Western Ghats Gobi.jpg|thumb|Western Ghats|upright=0.7]] * The '''[[Rail travel in India#Mountain trains|Mountain Railways of India]]:''' Consists of three different sites spread across [[West Bengal]], [[Tamil Nadu]] and [[Himachal Pradesh]]. They consist of narrow and meter-gauge lines that run through picturesque mountains. ** {{see | name=[[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] | alt=DHR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[New Jalpaiguri]]–[[Darjeeling]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463874 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A {{convert|2|ft|mm}} gauge railway running through the foothills of the eastern Himalayas. The railway covers a distance of {{convert|88|km|mi}} starts at an altitude of {{convert|100|m|ft}} and ends at {{convert|2200|m|ft}}. The highest elevation is at [[Ghum]] ({{convert|2258|m|ft}}. It gains altitude via 6 zig-zags and 3 (originally 5) loops. Today, apart from regular diesel engines, there is a steam engine joy ride between Darjeeling and Ghum. }} ** {{see | name=Nilgiri Mountain Railway | alt=NMR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[Mettupalayam]]–[[Ooty]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463735 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A meter-gauge ({{cvt|1|m|ft}}) railway through the lush green Nilgiri hills. It has been in operation since 1908. The {{cvt|46|km|mi}} long railway starts at {{cvt|326|m|ft}} and ends at {{cvt|2203|m|ft}}.It follows the rack railway technology. }} ** {{see | name=Kalka–Shimla Railway | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Kalka]] – [[Shimla]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7171560 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The narrow gauge {{cvt|2|ft|6|in|mm}} railway covers a distance of {{cvt|95.6|km|mi}} starting at an altitude of {{cvt|656|m|ft}} and ending at {{cvt|2075|m|ft}}. It has been in operation since 1903. }} * {{listing | name=Western Ghats | alt=Sahyadri | url= | email= | address=([[Maharashtra]], [[Karnataka]], [[Kerala]] and [[Tamil Nadu]]) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4527 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ==Assam== * {{Listing | name = [[Kaziranga National Park]] | lat = 26.6667 | long = 93.3500 | wikidata = Q192764 | content = It is home to the Indian single-horned rhinos (rhinoceros unicornis). Kaziranga also hosts a variety of other mammal species. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} * {{Listing | name = [[Manas National Park]] | lat = 26.71 | long = 90.93 | wikidata = Q506511 | content = It is a habitat for many unique and endangered wildlife species such as the golden langur, pygmy hog and hispid hare. The Asian elephant, water buffalo, black panther, sloth bear and sambar deer can also be found here as well as endangered residential and migratory birds | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} * {{see | name=[[Moidam]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.941466 | long=94.876018 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6735332 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The mound burial system of Ahom dynasty (1228–1826). These burial mounds create an undulating landscape reminiscent of hills, in line with the spiritual beliefs of the Ahom people }} ==Bihar== * {{see | name=Nalanda|Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Nalanda]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q216243 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} * {{see | name=Mahabodhi Temple Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Bodh Gaya]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4513 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} ==Chandigarh== * {{see | name=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier in [[Chandigarh]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=30.761085 | long=76.803291 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q55619850 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement is a World Heritage Site consisting of a selection of 17 building projects in 7 countries (including [[Chandigarh]], [[India]]) by the Franco-Swiss architect Le Corbusier. These sites demonstrate how Modern Movement architecture was applied to respond to the needs of society and show the global range of a style and an architect. }} ==Delhi== * {{see | name=Humayun's Tomb | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[South East Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189648 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The site was constructed in the Indo-Islamic style known as ''Mughal''. The grand domed structure of the Humayun's Tomb occupies the central position of the Persian styled ''char bagh''garden. There are several other structures in the garden and consists of Isha Khan's tomb & mosque, Arab sarai, Barbar's tomb and many more. }} * {{see | name=Qutb Minar and its Monuments | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/South Delhi|South Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q187635 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=These structures in Delhi date from the Slave Dynasty. The Qutb Minar is one of the tallest minars in India. It has been well-preserved with its intricate carvings. It was constructed of red sandstone and marble. Earthquake damage to the top of the Qutb Manar has been renovated and its base reinforced. }} * {{see | name=Red Fort Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/Central Delhi|Central Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q45957 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Red Fort is a red sandstone fort (and ruling palace) built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame. Many historical objects and marble inlays have disappeared and quite a few buildings can not be visited due to disrepair. However, the site is impressive with lush green gardens that are well kept year round. }} ==Goa== * {{see | name= Churches and Convents of Goa| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Old Goa|Goa]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q15726428 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Old Goa, the former capital of colonial [[Goa]], is full of history and the location of numerous well maintained scenic churches and convents. }} ==Gujarat== * {{see | name= [[Dholavira]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q9468 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an archaeological site at with the ruins of an ancient [[Indus Valley Civilisation]] (Harappan) city; it is one of the five largest Harappan sites. }} * {{see | name= Historic City of [[Ahmedabad/Central Zone|Ahmedabad]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5472448 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= The modern Ahmedabad was a walled city in the past along the banks of the Sabarmati River. The city presents a rich and diverse cultural and architectural style. It also houses the former home of Mahatma Gandhi, the Sabarmati Ashram. }} * {{see | name=Rani-ki-Vav | alt=Queen's Stepwell | url= | email= | address=[[Patan (Gujarat)|Patan]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7293002 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is famous for its ornate carvings and many sculptures in its galleries. Built as an inverted temple and representing a religious regard for water. Stepwells were built basically for the storage of water in India. }} * {{see | name=[[Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q844427 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A fortified medieval settlement with Hindu, Muslim and Jain architectural elements along with the remains of water-managing systems }} ==Himachal Pradesh== * {{Listing | name = [[Great Himalayan National Park]] | lat = | long = | wikidata = Q1544213 | content = The different altitudes provide for subtropical forests to alpine and glacial flora. Different species of goat, bear, leopard and pheasants can also be found here. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} ==Karnataka== * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Hampi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26732 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Significant historic and architectural interest. The area abounds with large stones used to make statues of Jaina deities. Numerous temples and other sites can be found in and around Hampi. Further excavations are under way. }} * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Pattadakal]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q817250 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an historic centre of Chalukya art and architecture. This has major temples and numerous shrines }} * '''Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas:''' It consists of two clusters of monuments (in [[Belur]] and [[Halebidu]]), and the Keshava temple in [[Somanathapura]], dating to the time of the Hoysala Empire, between the 11th and 14th centuries. ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Belur]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q760603 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Halebidu]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q108227451 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Chennakesava Temple, [[Somanathapura]] | alt=Keshava temple | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3537502 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ==Madhya Pradesh== * {{see | name= Rock Shelters of [[Bhimbetka]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q331603 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Early traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent have been discovered here. Rock paintings can be seen that are similar to those that have been found in Australia and France. }} * {{see | name= [[Khajuraho]] Group of Monuments| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26258435 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is a group of Hindu and Jain temples in [[Khajuraho]], [[Madhya Pradesh]]. The temples are noted for their architectural/artistic style and erotic sculptures. }} * {{see | name= Buddhist Monuments at [[Sanchi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q181123 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Believed to be the oldest stone structure in India. '''Vidisha''' (city in [[Madhya Pradesh]]) was the ancient capital city of the Malwa. Many Buddhist monuments were later built around this ancient city. The historical Sanchi stupas are very well preserved. }} ==Maharashtra== * {{see | name= [[Ajanta Caves]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Aurangabad]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= depict the stories of [[Buddhism]] from circa 200 BCE to 650 CE. These caves were discovered by some British Officers during a tiger hunt. These caves were built by Buddhist monks using simple tools. Buddhist monks often taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas (ancient seats of learning). There are detailed/beautiful sculptures and paintings depicting stories from Jataka tales. }} * {{see | name=[[Ellora Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189616 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are an impressive complex of rock shrines that represent the three faiths of [[Buddhism]], [[Hinduism]] and Jainism and were created during the 5th-13th centuries CE. The caves are northwest of central [[Aurangabad]], a few km from [[Khuldabad]]. }} * {{see | name=Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus | alt=(formerly Victoria Terminus), also known as '''Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus''' ('''CSMT''') | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=the architectural influence of Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival architecture and traditional Mughal architectural style }} * {{see | name=Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16942531 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It represents an urban project through various buildings (cinemas, residential buildings and balconies) of the late 19th century. Mainly these are found near the Oval Maidan area of [[Mumbai]], they represent the Victorian Neo-Gothic style of architecture and Art Deco (sometimes known as ''Indo-Deco''). }} * {{see | name=[[Mumbai/Elephanta|Elephanta Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q649384 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are two groups of sculpted caves (Hindu and Buddhist). Within the caves there are numerous carved panels and shrines. The original stone-cut elephant statue; for which Elephanta Island was named, resides at Jijamata Udyaan in [[Mumbai]]. }} ==Odisha== * {{see | name= Konark Sun Temple| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Konark]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q752091| lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= It was built to honour the sun god Surya. The entire temple is shaped in the form of a chariot pulled by seven horses in order to carry the sun god across the heavens. Though partially in ruins, it has extensive stone carvings (many erotic in nature) on the walls. }} ==Rajasthan== * The '''Hill Forts of [[Rajasthan]]''' — ** {{see | name= Chittor Fort in [[Chittorgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3695769 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= A massive stone gates with notched parapets and arched reinforced doors (to defend against elephants and cannon). Within the fort a circular road gives access to the gates and numerous monuments (ruined palaces and numerous temples). }} ** {{see | name= Kumbhalgarh Fort, [[Kumbhalgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1246283 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= protected by seven towering gates and within is the ''Badal Mahal'' palace. It also had long meandering walls for defence. There are many tales and interesting stories affiliated with this site. }} ** {{see | name= Ranthambore Fort, [[Ranthambore]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2724894 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It lies within the [[Ranthambore National Park]], near the town of [[Sawai Madhopur]]. Initially called "Ranath Bhawar Garh" (a place of Rajput warriors). The history of ''Sawai Madhopur'' centers around the famous Ranthambore Fort. }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Amber Fort in [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q456817 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a massive fort-palace complex built in a Hindu-Muslim style dating back to ''Raja Man Singh'' and once the royal palace of the ''Kachwahas''. Within the fort is the ''Sheesh Mahal'' (with thousands of mirror tiles on the walls and ceilings).. }} ** {{see | name= Jaisalmer Fort in [[Jaisalmer]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3634368 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= Also known as the “Sonar Quila” or "Sonal Kella" or "Sonar Kila". It displays the subtle hues of the setting sun and desert. It is a 'working fort' as its citizens reside and work within its walls. There are numerous vantage points within the fort that enable great views across the city and desert. }} * {{see | name= [[Jaipur]] City| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q66485 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a magnificent city filled with historical wonders and beauty in the North-western part of India. During the rule of Sawai Ram Singh I, the city was painted pink to welcome HRH Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VII, Emperor of India), in 1876. Many of the avenues still remain painted in pink, giving Jaipur a distinctive appearance and the epithet Pink city. }} * {{see | name= Jantar Mantar, [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q508634| lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= one of five astronomical observatories build by Maharaja Jai Singh in northern India. This historical observatory has geometric devices (or yantras in Hindi) for measuring time, eclipse prediction, tracking the orbits of stars eyc.. Explanations are posted for these devices and hired guides may provide further explanations. }} ==Sikkim== * {{Go | name= [[Khangchendzonga National Park]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=(mixed) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q2605019 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is named after Kangchenjunga, the highest peak of India. It is known for its numerous glaciers (Zemu glacier for example). Snow leopards, musk deer and Himalayan taar have been spotted here. }} ==Tamil Nadu== * The '''Great Living Chola Temples''' — consists of three Hindu temples built in the 11th and 12th centuries under the Chola dynasty. They represent some of the best examples of Dravidian architecture of the Chola period. ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Thanjavur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q916943 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= This temple is dedicated to Shiva. Its pillared cloister contains many lignams and the sanctum sanctorum has a large Shiva lingam and stone Nandi. }} ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Gangaikonda Cholapuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5521034 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is dedicated to the Lord Shiva and its location was used to be a medieval Chola capital. This multi-storied temple was once surrounded by a huge fort wall. }} ** {{See | name= Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3437182 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. }} ** {{marker|type=see|name=Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]|lat=10.94841|long=79.356708|image=Darasuram6.jpg}}. It has some excellent stone carvings (as well as inscriptions). The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. * {{See | name= Group of Monuments at [[Mamallapuram|Mahabalipuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3522747 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= a monument complex near [[Chennai]]. The area dates back to the ''Tamil Pallava'' dynasty. Mostly carved out of granite, they are among the oldest examples of ''Dravidian'' (South Indian) art/architecture. }} ==Telangana== * {{See | name= Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Palampet]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3380656 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= An ancient Hindu temple built during the 1200s Kakatiya dynasty & featuring ornate carvings & shrines. The main structure is in a reddish sandstone, but the columns round the outside have large brackets of black basalt which is rich in iron, magnesium and silica. These are carved as mythical animals or female dancers or musicians, and are "the masterpieces of Kakatiya art, notable for their delicate carving, sensuous postures and elongated bodies and heads". }} ==Uttar Pradesh== * {{see | name=Taj Mahal | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q9141 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It is a white marble mausoleum ordered by emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife (Mumtaz Mahal). Taj Mahal means ''Crown Palace''. It is a fairly well kept tomb and an outstanding example of Indian Muslim architecture. Current work is being considered to combat damage caused by pollution. }} * {{see | name=Agra Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q171857 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= Similar to the Red Fort in [[Delhi]], a well preserved palace and defensive complex constructed mostly in red sandstone. Emperor Akbar built this fort (same time as Humayun's Tomb in Delhi). Emperor Shah Jahan made later additions to it. }} * {{see | name=[[Fatehpur Sikri]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (''City of Victory'') — A virtual ghost city near [[Agra]]. Built by the Emperor Akbar, it was the capital of the [[Mughal Empire]] and later abandoned because local water supplies were lacking and near the tumultuous Rajasthan. It includes one of the largest mosques (''Jama Masjid'') in India. There are well preserved palaces and courtyards. }} * {{see | name=Keoladeo National Park| alt=Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary | url= | email= | address=[[Bharatpur]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (natural) — It provides habitat for thousands of birds during the winter season. The sanctuary hosts rare Siberian Cranes, ruddy shelducks, northern shovelers, northern pintails, tufted ducks, shovelers and other indigionous and migratory waterfowl. }} ==Uttarakhand== * {{listing | name=[[Nanda Devi National Park|Nanda Devi]] and [[Valley of Flowers National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q15839097 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=Nanda Devi contains wildlife such as snow leopards, bears, tahrs, deer and monkeys in addition to splendid flowers. The Valley of Flowers is famous for its beautiful alpine flowers. This valley is an Indian national park with beautiful waterfalls, landscapes, meadows of flowers and surrounding forests. }} ==West Bengal== * {{listing | name=[[Santiniketan]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1026431 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=Santiniketan was founded as an ashram by Debendranath Tagore in the second half of the 19th century and then developed into a university town of Visva-Bharati University. It is connected to the life and philosophy of Debendranath's son Rabindranath Tagore, the leading figure of the Bengali Renaissance. }} * {{listing | name=[[Sundarbans National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q532440 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The coastal mangrove forest in the southern part of [[West Bengal]] and [[Bangladesh]]. It lies on the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta. It is the largest mangrove forest in the world and the only mangrove forest in the world with tigers. [[Sundarbans (Bangladesh)]] is a different UNESCO Heritage Site in [[Bangladesh]]. }} '''Note:''' The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is listed under [[UNESCO World Heritage List (India)#Across multiple states|Mountain Railways of India]] ==See also== * [[UNESCO World Heritage List#India|UNESCO World Heritage List]] {{geo|21.534|78.046|zoom=5}} {{PartOfTopic|United Nations|India}} {{usabletopic}} ncxahkdre3myhoevo7ynqjfke1w956o 5086962 5086961 2025-07-03T04:48:30Z Rangan Datta Wiki 124323 /* Across multiple states */ Updated listing for Western Ghats 5086962 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|TajMahal Banner.jpg|unesco_whs=yes}} '''World Heritage Sites''' are important places of cultural, historical, scientific or other significance designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). There are 43 {{UNESCO WHS}}s in [[India]]. These include 35 cultural sites (marked in blue), 7 natural sites (marked in green) and 1 mixed-criteria site (marked in red). India has the sixth largest number of sites in the world. {{mapframe|align=center|height=750|width=750}} ==Across multiple states== [[File:Darjeelinghimalayanrailway.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] [[File:Qutab Minar mausoleum.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Qutb Minar, [[Delhi]]]] [[File:Santiniketan Prayer Hall.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Santiniketan]] [[File:Konarka Temple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sun Temple, Konark]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 16 Agra Fort.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Agra Fort]] [[File:Temple No.- 3, Nalanda Archaeological Site.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Nalanda]] [[File:Fatehpur Sikri near Agra 2016-03 img05.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Fatehpur Sikri]] [[File:India-5692 - Flickr - archer10 (Dennis).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Khajuraho Monuments]] [[File:Mahabodhitemple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Mahabodhi Temple Complex]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 04 Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Taj Mahal]] [[File:Brihadeeswarar Kovil.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Brihadisvara Temple]] [[File:The elegant stone chariot.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Stone Chariot, Hampi]] [[File:Cave 26, Ajanta.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ajanta Caves]] [[File:Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus]] [[File:Thane Creek and Elephanta Island 03-2016 - img20 Elephanta Caves.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Elephanta Caves]] [[File:Kailasa temple overview, Ellora.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Kailasa Temple, Ellora]] [[File:Amber Fort (आमेर का किला ).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Amber Fort, Jaipur]] [[File:Rani_ki_vav_02.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Rani-ki-Vav]] [[File:Dhauladhar_ranges_in_the_background-_Trekkers_resting_a_bit_I_IMG_7165.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Dhauladhar Ranges]] [[File:Valley of flowers uttaranchal full view.JPG|thumb|upright=0.7|Valley of Flowers]] [[File:Ramappa Temple 8.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ramappa Temple]] [[File:Sunderbans 059.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sundarbans National Park]] [[File:Western Ghats Gobi.jpg|thumb|Western Ghats|upright=0.7]] * The '''[[Rail travel in India#Mountain trains|Mountain Railways of India]]:''' Consists of three different sites spread across [[West Bengal]], [[Tamil Nadu]] and [[Himachal Pradesh]]. They consist of narrow and meter-gauge lines that run through picturesque mountains. ** {{see | name=[[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] | alt=DHR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[New Jalpaiguri]]–[[Darjeeling]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463874 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A {{convert|2|ft|mm}} gauge railway running through the foothills of the eastern Himalayas. The railway covers a distance of {{convert|88|km|mi}} starts at an altitude of {{convert|100|m|ft}} and ends at {{convert|2200|m|ft}}. The highest elevation is at [[Ghum]] ({{convert|2258|m|ft}}. It gains altitude via 6 zig-zags and 3 (originally 5) loops. Today, apart from regular diesel engines, there is a steam engine joy ride between Darjeeling and Ghum. }} ** {{see | name=Nilgiri Mountain Railway | alt=NMR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[Mettupalayam]]–[[Ooty]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463735 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A meter-gauge ({{cvt|1|m|ft}}) railway through the lush green Nilgiri hills. It has been in operation since 1908. The {{cvt|46|km|mi}} long railway starts at {{cvt|326|m|ft}} and ends at {{cvt|2203|m|ft}}.It follows the rack railway technology. }} ** {{see | name=Kalka–Shimla Railway | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Kalka]] – [[Shimla]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7171560 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The narrow gauge {{cvt|2|ft|6|in|mm}} railway covers a distance of {{cvt|95.6|km|mi}} starting at an altitude of {{cvt|656|m|ft}} and ending at {{cvt|2075|m|ft}}. It has been in operation since 1903. }} * {{listing | name=Western Ghats | alt=Sahyadri | url= | email= | address=([[Maharashtra]], [[Karnataka]], [[Kerala]] and [[Tamil Nadu]]) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4527 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A {{cvt|1600|km|mi}} long mountain range running along the west coast of peninsular India. It covers an area of {{cv160000|km2|mi2}}. }} ==Assam== * {{Listing | name = [[Kaziranga National Park]] | lat = 26.6667 | long = 93.3500 | wikidata = Q192764 | content = It is home to the Indian single-horned rhinos (rhinoceros unicornis). Kaziranga also hosts a variety of other mammal species. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} * {{Listing | name = [[Manas National Park]] | lat = 26.71 | long = 90.93 | wikidata = Q506511 | content = It is a habitat for many unique and endangered wildlife species such as the golden langur, pygmy hog and hispid hare. The Asian elephant, water buffalo, black panther, sloth bear and sambar deer can also be found here as well as endangered residential and migratory birds | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} * {{see | name=[[Moidam]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.941466 | long=94.876018 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6735332 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The mound burial system of Ahom dynasty (1228–1826). These burial mounds create an undulating landscape reminiscent of hills, in line with the spiritual beliefs of the Ahom people }} ==Bihar== * {{see | name=Nalanda|Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Nalanda]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q216243 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} * {{see | name=Mahabodhi Temple Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Bodh Gaya]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4513 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} ==Chandigarh== * {{see | name=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier in [[Chandigarh]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=30.761085 | long=76.803291 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q55619850 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement is a World Heritage Site consisting of a selection of 17 building projects in 7 countries (including [[Chandigarh]], [[India]]) by the Franco-Swiss architect Le Corbusier. These sites demonstrate how Modern Movement architecture was applied to respond to the needs of society and show the global range of a style and an architect. }} ==Delhi== * {{see | name=Humayun's Tomb | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[South East Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189648 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The site was constructed in the Indo-Islamic style known as ''Mughal''. The grand domed structure of the Humayun's Tomb occupies the central position of the Persian styled ''char bagh''garden. There are several other structures in the garden and consists of Isha Khan's tomb & mosque, Arab sarai, Barbar's tomb and many more. }} * {{see | name=Qutb Minar and its Monuments | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/South Delhi|South Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q187635 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=These structures in Delhi date from the Slave Dynasty. The Qutb Minar is one of the tallest minars in India. It has been well-preserved with its intricate carvings. It was constructed of red sandstone and marble. Earthquake damage to the top of the Qutb Manar has been renovated and its base reinforced. }} * {{see | name=Red Fort Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/Central Delhi|Central Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q45957 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Red Fort is a red sandstone fort (and ruling palace) built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame. Many historical objects and marble inlays have disappeared and quite a few buildings can not be visited due to disrepair. However, the site is impressive with lush green gardens that are well kept year round. }} ==Goa== * {{see | name= Churches and Convents of Goa| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Old Goa|Goa]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q15726428 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Old Goa, the former capital of colonial [[Goa]], is full of history and the location of numerous well maintained scenic churches and convents. }} ==Gujarat== * {{see | name= [[Dholavira]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q9468 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an archaeological site at with the ruins of an ancient [[Indus Valley Civilisation]] (Harappan) city; it is one of the five largest Harappan sites. }} * {{see | name= Historic City of [[Ahmedabad/Central Zone|Ahmedabad]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5472448 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= The modern Ahmedabad was a walled city in the past along the banks of the Sabarmati River. The city presents a rich and diverse cultural and architectural style. It also houses the former home of Mahatma Gandhi, the Sabarmati Ashram. }} * {{see | name=Rani-ki-Vav | alt=Queen's Stepwell | url= | email= | address=[[Patan (Gujarat)|Patan]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7293002 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is famous for its ornate carvings and many sculptures in its galleries. Built as an inverted temple and representing a religious regard for water. Stepwells were built basically for the storage of water in India. }} * {{see | name=[[Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q844427 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A fortified medieval settlement with Hindu, Muslim and Jain architectural elements along with the remains of water-managing systems }} ==Himachal Pradesh== * {{Listing | name = [[Great Himalayan National Park]] | lat = | long = | wikidata = Q1544213 | content = The different altitudes provide for subtropical forests to alpine and glacial flora. Different species of goat, bear, leopard and pheasants can also be found here. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} ==Karnataka== * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Hampi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26732 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Significant historic and architectural interest. The area abounds with large stones used to make statues of Jaina deities. Numerous temples and other sites can be found in and around Hampi. Further excavations are under way. }} * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Pattadakal]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q817250 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an historic centre of Chalukya art and architecture. This has major temples and numerous shrines }} * '''Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas:''' It consists of two clusters of monuments (in [[Belur]] and [[Halebidu]]), and the Keshava temple in [[Somanathapura]], dating to the time of the Hoysala Empire, between the 11th and 14th centuries. ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Belur]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q760603 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Halebidu]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q108227451 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Chennakesava Temple, [[Somanathapura]] | alt=Keshava temple | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3537502 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ==Madhya Pradesh== * {{see | name= Rock Shelters of [[Bhimbetka]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q331603 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Early traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent have been discovered here. Rock paintings can be seen that are similar to those that have been found in Australia and France. }} * {{see | name= [[Khajuraho]] Group of Monuments| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26258435 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is a group of Hindu and Jain temples in [[Khajuraho]], [[Madhya Pradesh]]. The temples are noted for their architectural/artistic style and erotic sculptures. }} * {{see | name= Buddhist Monuments at [[Sanchi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q181123 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Believed to be the oldest stone structure in India. '''Vidisha''' (city in [[Madhya Pradesh]]) was the ancient capital city of the Malwa. Many Buddhist monuments were later built around this ancient city. The historical Sanchi stupas are very well preserved. }} ==Maharashtra== * {{see | name= [[Ajanta Caves]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Aurangabad]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= depict the stories of [[Buddhism]] from circa 200 BCE to 650 CE. These caves were discovered by some British Officers during a tiger hunt. These caves were built by Buddhist monks using simple tools. Buddhist monks often taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas (ancient seats of learning). There are detailed/beautiful sculptures and paintings depicting stories from Jataka tales. }} * {{see | name=[[Ellora Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189616 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are an impressive complex of rock shrines that represent the three faiths of [[Buddhism]], [[Hinduism]] and Jainism and were created during the 5th-13th centuries CE. The caves are northwest of central [[Aurangabad]], a few km from [[Khuldabad]]. }} * {{see | name=Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus | alt=(formerly Victoria Terminus), also known as '''Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus''' ('''CSMT''') | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=the architectural influence of Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival architecture and traditional Mughal architectural style }} * {{see | name=Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16942531 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It represents an urban project through various buildings (cinemas, residential buildings and balconies) of the late 19th century. Mainly these are found near the Oval Maidan area of [[Mumbai]], they represent the Victorian Neo-Gothic style of architecture and Art Deco (sometimes known as ''Indo-Deco''). }} * {{see | name=[[Mumbai/Elephanta|Elephanta Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q649384 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are two groups of sculpted caves (Hindu and Buddhist). Within the caves there are numerous carved panels and shrines. The original stone-cut elephant statue; for which Elephanta Island was named, resides at Jijamata Udyaan in [[Mumbai]]. }} ==Odisha== * {{see | name= Konark Sun Temple| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Konark]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q752091| lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= It was built to honour the sun god Surya. The entire temple is shaped in the form of a chariot pulled by seven horses in order to carry the sun god across the heavens. Though partially in ruins, it has extensive stone carvings (many erotic in nature) on the walls. }} ==Rajasthan== * The '''Hill Forts of [[Rajasthan]]''' — ** {{see | name= Chittor Fort in [[Chittorgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3695769 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= A massive stone gates with notched parapets and arched reinforced doors (to defend against elephants and cannon). Within the fort a circular road gives access to the gates and numerous monuments (ruined palaces and numerous temples). }} ** {{see | name= Kumbhalgarh Fort, [[Kumbhalgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1246283 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= protected by seven towering gates and within is the ''Badal Mahal'' palace. It also had long meandering walls for defence. There are many tales and interesting stories affiliated with this site. }} ** {{see | name= Ranthambore Fort, [[Ranthambore]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2724894 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It lies within the [[Ranthambore National Park]], near the town of [[Sawai Madhopur]]. Initially called "Ranath Bhawar Garh" (a place of Rajput warriors). The history of ''Sawai Madhopur'' centers around the famous Ranthambore Fort. }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Amber Fort in [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q456817 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a massive fort-palace complex built in a Hindu-Muslim style dating back to ''Raja Man Singh'' and once the royal palace of the ''Kachwahas''. Within the fort is the ''Sheesh Mahal'' (with thousands of mirror tiles on the walls and ceilings).. }} ** {{see | name= Jaisalmer Fort in [[Jaisalmer]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3634368 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= Also known as the “Sonar Quila” or "Sonal Kella" or "Sonar Kila". It displays the subtle hues of the setting sun and desert. It is a 'working fort' as its citizens reside and work within its walls. There are numerous vantage points within the fort that enable great views across the city and desert. }} * {{see | name= [[Jaipur]] City| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q66485 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a magnificent city filled with historical wonders and beauty in the North-western part of India. During the rule of Sawai Ram Singh I, the city was painted pink to welcome HRH Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VII, Emperor of India), in 1876. Many of the avenues still remain painted in pink, giving Jaipur a distinctive appearance and the epithet Pink city. }} * {{see | name= Jantar Mantar, [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q508634| lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= one of five astronomical observatories build by Maharaja Jai Singh in northern India. This historical observatory has geometric devices (or yantras in Hindi) for measuring time, eclipse prediction, tracking the orbits of stars eyc.. Explanations are posted for these devices and hired guides may provide further explanations. }} ==Sikkim== * {{Go | name= [[Khangchendzonga National Park]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=(mixed) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q2605019 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is named after Kangchenjunga, the highest peak of India. It is known for its numerous glaciers (Zemu glacier for example). Snow leopards, musk deer and Himalayan taar have been spotted here. }} ==Tamil Nadu== * The '''Great Living Chola Temples''' — consists of three Hindu temples built in the 11th and 12th centuries under the Chola dynasty. They represent some of the best examples of Dravidian architecture of the Chola period. ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Thanjavur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q916943 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= This temple is dedicated to Shiva. Its pillared cloister contains many lignams and the sanctum sanctorum has a large Shiva lingam and stone Nandi. }} ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Gangaikonda Cholapuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5521034 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is dedicated to the Lord Shiva and its location was used to be a medieval Chola capital. This multi-storied temple was once surrounded by a huge fort wall. }} ** {{See | name= Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3437182 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. }} ** {{marker|type=see|name=Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]|lat=10.94841|long=79.356708|image=Darasuram6.jpg}}. It has some excellent stone carvings (as well as inscriptions). The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. * {{See | name= Group of Monuments at [[Mamallapuram|Mahabalipuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3522747 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= a monument complex near [[Chennai]]. The area dates back to the ''Tamil Pallava'' dynasty. Mostly carved out of granite, they are among the oldest examples of ''Dravidian'' (South Indian) art/architecture. }} ==Telangana== * {{See | name= Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Palampet]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3380656 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= An ancient Hindu temple built during the 1200s Kakatiya dynasty & featuring ornate carvings & shrines. The main structure is in a reddish sandstone, but the columns round the outside have large brackets of black basalt which is rich in iron, magnesium and silica. These are carved as mythical animals or female dancers or musicians, and are "the masterpieces of Kakatiya art, notable for their delicate carving, sensuous postures and elongated bodies and heads". }} ==Uttar Pradesh== * {{see | name=Taj Mahal | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q9141 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It is a white marble mausoleum ordered by emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife (Mumtaz Mahal). Taj Mahal means ''Crown Palace''. It is a fairly well kept tomb and an outstanding example of Indian Muslim architecture. Current work is being considered to combat damage caused by pollution. }} * {{see | name=Agra Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q171857 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= Similar to the Red Fort in [[Delhi]], a well preserved palace and defensive complex constructed mostly in red sandstone. Emperor Akbar built this fort (same time as Humayun's Tomb in Delhi). Emperor Shah Jahan made later additions to it. }} * {{see | name=[[Fatehpur Sikri]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (''City of Victory'') — A virtual ghost city near [[Agra]]. Built by the Emperor Akbar, it was the capital of the [[Mughal Empire]] and later abandoned because local water supplies were lacking and near the tumultuous Rajasthan. It includes one of the largest mosques (''Jama Masjid'') in India. There are well preserved palaces and courtyards. }} * {{see | name=Keoladeo National Park| alt=Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary | url= | email= | address=[[Bharatpur]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (natural) — It provides habitat for thousands of birds during the winter season. The sanctuary hosts rare Siberian Cranes, ruddy shelducks, northern shovelers, northern pintails, tufted ducks, shovelers and other indigionous and migratory waterfowl. }} ==Uttarakhand== * {{listing | name=[[Nanda Devi National Park|Nanda Devi]] and [[Valley of Flowers National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q15839097 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=Nanda Devi contains wildlife such as snow leopards, bears, tahrs, deer and monkeys in addition to splendid flowers. The Valley of Flowers is famous for its beautiful alpine flowers. This valley is an Indian national park with beautiful waterfalls, landscapes, meadows of flowers and surrounding forests. }} ==West Bengal== * {{listing | name=[[Santiniketan]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1026431 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=Santiniketan was founded as an ashram by Debendranath Tagore in the second half of the 19th century and then developed into a university town of Visva-Bharati University. It is connected to the life and philosophy of Debendranath's son Rabindranath Tagore, the leading figure of the Bengali Renaissance. }} * {{listing | name=[[Sundarbans National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q532440 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The coastal mangrove forest in the southern part of [[West Bengal]] and [[Bangladesh]]. It lies on the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta. It is the largest mangrove forest in the world and the only mangrove forest in the world with tigers. [[Sundarbans (Bangladesh)]] is a different UNESCO Heritage Site in [[Bangladesh]]. }} '''Note:''' The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is listed under [[UNESCO World Heritage List (India)#Across multiple states|Mountain Railways of India]] ==See also== * [[UNESCO World Heritage List#India|UNESCO World Heritage List]] {{geo|21.534|78.046|zoom=5}} {{PartOfTopic|United Nations|India}} {{usabletopic}} bmetvqseiunsck1yska4kzsqd5bhl43 5086963 5086962 2025-07-03T04:49:13Z Rangan Datta Wiki 124323 /* Across multiple states */ Updated listing for Western Ghats 5086963 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|TajMahal Banner.jpg|unesco_whs=yes}} '''World Heritage Sites''' are important places of cultural, historical, scientific or other significance designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). There are 43 {{UNESCO WHS}}s in [[India]]. These include 35 cultural sites (marked in blue), 7 natural sites (marked in green) and 1 mixed-criteria site (marked in red). India has the sixth largest number of sites in the world. {{mapframe|align=center|height=750|width=750}} ==Across multiple states== [[File:Darjeelinghimalayanrailway.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] [[File:Qutab Minar mausoleum.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Qutb Minar, [[Delhi]]]] [[File:Santiniketan Prayer Hall.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Santiniketan]] [[File:Konarka Temple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sun Temple, Konark]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 16 Agra Fort.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Agra Fort]] [[File:Temple No.- 3, Nalanda Archaeological Site.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Nalanda]] [[File:Fatehpur Sikri near Agra 2016-03 img05.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Fatehpur Sikri]] [[File:India-5692 - Flickr - archer10 (Dennis).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Khajuraho Monuments]] [[File:Mahabodhitemple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Mahabodhi Temple Complex]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 04 Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Taj Mahal]] [[File:Brihadeeswarar Kovil.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Brihadisvara Temple]] [[File:The elegant stone chariot.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Stone Chariot, Hampi]] [[File:Cave 26, Ajanta.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ajanta Caves]] [[File:Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus]] [[File:Thane Creek and Elephanta Island 03-2016 - img20 Elephanta Caves.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Elephanta Caves]] [[File:Kailasa temple overview, Ellora.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Kailasa Temple, Ellora]] [[File:Amber Fort (आमेर का किला ).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Amber Fort, Jaipur]] [[File:Rani_ki_vav_02.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Rani-ki-Vav]] [[File:Dhauladhar_ranges_in_the_background-_Trekkers_resting_a_bit_I_IMG_7165.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Dhauladhar Ranges]] [[File:Valley of flowers uttaranchal full view.JPG|thumb|upright=0.7|Valley of Flowers]] [[File:Ramappa Temple 8.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ramappa Temple]] [[File:Sunderbans 059.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sundarbans National Park]] [[File:Western Ghats Gobi.jpg|thumb|Western Ghats|upright=0.7]] * The '''[[Rail travel in India#Mountain trains|Mountain Railways of India]]:''' Consists of three different sites spread across [[West Bengal]], [[Tamil Nadu]] and [[Himachal Pradesh]]. They consist of narrow and meter-gauge lines that run through picturesque mountains. ** {{see | name=[[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] | alt=DHR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[New Jalpaiguri]]–[[Darjeeling]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463874 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A {{convert|2|ft|mm}} gauge railway running through the foothills of the eastern Himalayas. The railway covers a distance of {{convert|88|km|mi}} starts at an altitude of {{convert|100|m|ft}} and ends at {{convert|2200|m|ft}}. The highest elevation is at [[Ghum]] ({{convert|2258|m|ft}}. It gains altitude via 6 zig-zags and 3 (originally 5) loops. Today, apart from regular diesel engines, there is a steam engine joy ride between Darjeeling and Ghum. }} ** {{see | name=Nilgiri Mountain Railway | alt=NMR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[Mettupalayam]]–[[Ooty]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463735 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A meter-gauge ({{cvt|1|m|ft}}) railway through the lush green Nilgiri hills. It has been in operation since 1908. The {{cvt|46|km|mi}} long railway starts at {{cvt|326|m|ft}} and ends at {{cvt|2203|m|ft}}.It follows the rack railway technology. }} ** {{see | name=Kalka–Shimla Railway | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Kalka]] – [[Shimla]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7171560 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The narrow gauge {{cvt|2|ft|6|in|mm}} railway covers a distance of {{cvt|95.6|km|mi}} starting at an altitude of {{cvt|656|m|ft}} and ending at {{cvt|2075|m|ft}}. It has been in operation since 1903. }} * {{listing | name=Western Ghats | alt=Sahyadri | url= | email= | address=([[Maharashtra]], [[Karnataka]], [[Kerala]] and [[Tamil Nadu]]) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4527 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A {{cvt|1600|km|mi}} long mountain range running along the west coast of peninsular India. It covers an area of {{cvt|160,000|km2|mi2}}. }} ==Assam== * {{Listing | name = [[Kaziranga National Park]] | lat = 26.6667 | long = 93.3500 | wikidata = Q192764 | content = It is home to the Indian single-horned rhinos (rhinoceros unicornis). Kaziranga also hosts a variety of other mammal species. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} * {{Listing | name = [[Manas National Park]] | lat = 26.71 | long = 90.93 | wikidata = Q506511 | content = It is a habitat for many unique and endangered wildlife species such as the golden langur, pygmy hog and hispid hare. The Asian elephant, water buffalo, black panther, sloth bear and sambar deer can also be found here as well as endangered residential and migratory birds | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} * {{see | name=[[Moidam]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.941466 | long=94.876018 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6735332 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The mound burial system of Ahom dynasty (1228–1826). These burial mounds create an undulating landscape reminiscent of hills, in line with the spiritual beliefs of the Ahom people }} ==Bihar== * {{see | name=Nalanda|Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Nalanda]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q216243 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} * {{see | name=Mahabodhi Temple Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Bodh Gaya]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4513 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} ==Chandigarh== * {{see | name=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier in [[Chandigarh]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=30.761085 | long=76.803291 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q55619850 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement is a World Heritage Site consisting of a selection of 17 building projects in 7 countries (including [[Chandigarh]], [[India]]) by the Franco-Swiss architect Le Corbusier. These sites demonstrate how Modern Movement architecture was applied to respond to the needs of society and show the global range of a style and an architect. }} ==Delhi== * {{see | name=Humayun's Tomb | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[South East Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189648 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The site was constructed in the Indo-Islamic style known as ''Mughal''. The grand domed structure of the Humayun's Tomb occupies the central position of the Persian styled ''char bagh''garden. There are several other structures in the garden and consists of Isha Khan's tomb & mosque, Arab sarai, Barbar's tomb and many more. }} * {{see | name=Qutb Minar and its Monuments | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/South Delhi|South Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q187635 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=These structures in Delhi date from the Slave Dynasty. The Qutb Minar is one of the tallest minars in India. It has been well-preserved with its intricate carvings. It was constructed of red sandstone and marble. Earthquake damage to the top of the Qutb Manar has been renovated and its base reinforced. }} * {{see | name=Red Fort Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/Central Delhi|Central Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q45957 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Red Fort is a red sandstone fort (and ruling palace) built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame. Many historical objects and marble inlays have disappeared and quite a few buildings can not be visited due to disrepair. However, the site is impressive with lush green gardens that are well kept year round. }} ==Goa== * {{see | name= Churches and Convents of Goa| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Old Goa|Goa]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q15726428 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Old Goa, the former capital of colonial [[Goa]], is full of history and the location of numerous well maintained scenic churches and convents. }} ==Gujarat== * {{see | name= [[Dholavira]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q9468 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an archaeological site at with the ruins of an ancient [[Indus Valley Civilisation]] (Harappan) city; it is one of the five largest Harappan sites. }} * {{see | name= Historic City of [[Ahmedabad/Central Zone|Ahmedabad]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5472448 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= The modern Ahmedabad was a walled city in the past along the banks of the Sabarmati River. The city presents a rich and diverse cultural and architectural style. It also houses the former home of Mahatma Gandhi, the Sabarmati Ashram. }} * {{see | name=Rani-ki-Vav | alt=Queen's Stepwell | url= | email= | address=[[Patan (Gujarat)|Patan]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7293002 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is famous for its ornate carvings and many sculptures in its galleries. Built as an inverted temple and representing a religious regard for water. Stepwells were built basically for the storage of water in India. }} * {{see | name=[[Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q844427 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A fortified medieval settlement with Hindu, Muslim and Jain architectural elements along with the remains of water-managing systems }} ==Himachal Pradesh== * {{Listing | name = [[Great Himalayan National Park]] | lat = | long = | wikidata = Q1544213 | content = The different altitudes provide for subtropical forests to alpine and glacial flora. Different species of goat, bear, leopard and pheasants can also be found here. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} ==Karnataka== * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Hampi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26732 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Significant historic and architectural interest. The area abounds with large stones used to make statues of Jaina deities. Numerous temples and other sites can be found in and around Hampi. Further excavations are under way. }} * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Pattadakal]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q817250 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an historic centre of Chalukya art and architecture. This has major temples and numerous shrines }} * '''Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas:''' It consists of two clusters of monuments (in [[Belur]] and [[Halebidu]]), and the Keshava temple in [[Somanathapura]], dating to the time of the Hoysala Empire, between the 11th and 14th centuries. ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Belur]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q760603 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Halebidu]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q108227451 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Chennakesava Temple, [[Somanathapura]] | alt=Keshava temple | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3537502 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ==Madhya Pradesh== * {{see | name= Rock Shelters of [[Bhimbetka]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q331603 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Early traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent have been discovered here. Rock paintings can be seen that are similar to those that have been found in Australia and France. }} * {{see | name= [[Khajuraho]] Group of Monuments| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26258435 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is a group of Hindu and Jain temples in [[Khajuraho]], [[Madhya Pradesh]]. The temples are noted for their architectural/artistic style and erotic sculptures. }} * {{see | name= Buddhist Monuments at [[Sanchi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q181123 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Believed to be the oldest stone structure in India. '''Vidisha''' (city in [[Madhya Pradesh]]) was the ancient capital city of the Malwa. Many Buddhist monuments were later built around this ancient city. The historical Sanchi stupas are very well preserved. }} ==Maharashtra== * {{see | name= [[Ajanta Caves]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Aurangabad]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= depict the stories of [[Buddhism]] from circa 200 BCE to 650 CE. These caves were discovered by some British Officers during a tiger hunt. These caves were built by Buddhist monks using simple tools. Buddhist monks often taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas (ancient seats of learning). There are detailed/beautiful sculptures and paintings depicting stories from Jataka tales. }} * {{see | name=[[Ellora Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189616 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are an impressive complex of rock shrines that represent the three faiths of [[Buddhism]], [[Hinduism]] and Jainism and were created during the 5th-13th centuries CE. The caves are northwest of central [[Aurangabad]], a few km from [[Khuldabad]]. }} * {{see | name=Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus | alt=(formerly Victoria Terminus), also known as '''Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus''' ('''CSMT''') | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=the architectural influence of Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival architecture and traditional Mughal architectural style }} * {{see | name=Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16942531 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It represents an urban project through various buildings (cinemas, residential buildings and balconies) of the late 19th century. Mainly these are found near the Oval Maidan area of [[Mumbai]], they represent the Victorian Neo-Gothic style of architecture and Art Deco (sometimes known as ''Indo-Deco''). }} * {{see | name=[[Mumbai/Elephanta|Elephanta Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q649384 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are two groups of sculpted caves (Hindu and Buddhist). Within the caves there are numerous carved panels and shrines. The original stone-cut elephant statue; for which Elephanta Island was named, resides at Jijamata Udyaan in [[Mumbai]]. }} ==Odisha== * {{see | name= Konark Sun Temple| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Konark]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q752091| lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= It was built to honour the sun god Surya. The entire temple is shaped in the form of a chariot pulled by seven horses in order to carry the sun god across the heavens. Though partially in ruins, it has extensive stone carvings (many erotic in nature) on the walls. }} ==Rajasthan== * The '''Hill Forts of [[Rajasthan]]''' — ** {{see | name= Chittor Fort in [[Chittorgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3695769 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= A massive stone gates with notched parapets and arched reinforced doors (to defend against elephants and cannon). Within the fort a circular road gives access to the gates and numerous monuments (ruined palaces and numerous temples). }} ** {{see | name= Kumbhalgarh Fort, [[Kumbhalgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1246283 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= protected by seven towering gates and within is the ''Badal Mahal'' palace. It also had long meandering walls for defence. There are many tales and interesting stories affiliated with this site. }} ** {{see | name= Ranthambore Fort, [[Ranthambore]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2724894 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It lies within the [[Ranthambore National Park]], near the town of [[Sawai Madhopur]]. Initially called "Ranath Bhawar Garh" (a place of Rajput warriors). The history of ''Sawai Madhopur'' centers around the famous Ranthambore Fort. }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Amber Fort in [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q456817 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a massive fort-palace complex built in a Hindu-Muslim style dating back to ''Raja Man Singh'' and once the royal palace of the ''Kachwahas''. Within the fort is the ''Sheesh Mahal'' (with thousands of mirror tiles on the walls and ceilings).. }} ** {{see | name= Jaisalmer Fort in [[Jaisalmer]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3634368 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= Also known as the “Sonar Quila” or "Sonal Kella" or "Sonar Kila". It displays the subtle hues of the setting sun and desert. It is a 'working fort' as its citizens reside and work within its walls. There are numerous vantage points within the fort that enable great views across the city and desert. }} * {{see | name= [[Jaipur]] City| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q66485 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a magnificent city filled with historical wonders and beauty in the North-western part of India. During the rule of Sawai Ram Singh I, the city was painted pink to welcome HRH Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VII, Emperor of India), in 1876. Many of the avenues still remain painted in pink, giving Jaipur a distinctive appearance and the epithet Pink city. }} * {{see | name= Jantar Mantar, [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q508634| lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= one of five astronomical observatories build by Maharaja Jai Singh in northern India. This historical observatory has geometric devices (or yantras in Hindi) for measuring time, eclipse prediction, tracking the orbits of stars eyc.. Explanations are posted for these devices and hired guides may provide further explanations. }} ==Sikkim== * {{Go | name= [[Khangchendzonga National Park]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=(mixed) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q2605019 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is named after Kangchenjunga, the highest peak of India. It is known for its numerous glaciers (Zemu glacier for example). Snow leopards, musk deer and Himalayan taar have been spotted here. }} ==Tamil Nadu== * The '''Great Living Chola Temples''' — consists of three Hindu temples built in the 11th and 12th centuries under the Chola dynasty. They represent some of the best examples of Dravidian architecture of the Chola period. ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Thanjavur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q916943 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= This temple is dedicated to Shiva. Its pillared cloister contains many lignams and the sanctum sanctorum has a large Shiva lingam and stone Nandi. }} ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Gangaikonda Cholapuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5521034 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is dedicated to the Lord Shiva and its location was used to be a medieval Chola capital. This multi-storied temple was once surrounded by a huge fort wall. }} ** {{See | name= Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3437182 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. }} ** {{marker|type=see|name=Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]|lat=10.94841|long=79.356708|image=Darasuram6.jpg}}. It has some excellent stone carvings (as well as inscriptions). The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. * {{See | name= Group of Monuments at [[Mamallapuram|Mahabalipuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3522747 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= a monument complex near [[Chennai]]. The area dates back to the ''Tamil Pallava'' dynasty. Mostly carved out of granite, they are among the oldest examples of ''Dravidian'' (South Indian) art/architecture. }} ==Telangana== * {{See | name= Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Palampet]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3380656 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= An ancient Hindu temple built during the 1200s Kakatiya dynasty & featuring ornate carvings & shrines. The main structure is in a reddish sandstone, but the columns round the outside have large brackets of black basalt which is rich in iron, magnesium and silica. These are carved as mythical animals or female dancers or musicians, and are "the masterpieces of Kakatiya art, notable for their delicate carving, sensuous postures and elongated bodies and heads". }} ==Uttar Pradesh== * {{see | name=Taj Mahal | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q9141 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It is a white marble mausoleum ordered by emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife (Mumtaz Mahal). Taj Mahal means ''Crown Palace''. It is a fairly well kept tomb and an outstanding example of Indian Muslim architecture. Current work is being considered to combat damage caused by pollution. }} * {{see | name=Agra Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q171857 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= Similar to the Red Fort in [[Delhi]], a well preserved palace and defensive complex constructed mostly in red sandstone. Emperor Akbar built this fort (same time as Humayun's Tomb in Delhi). Emperor Shah Jahan made later additions to it. }} * {{see | name=[[Fatehpur Sikri]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (''City of Victory'') — A virtual ghost city near [[Agra]]. Built by the Emperor Akbar, it was the capital of the [[Mughal Empire]] and later abandoned because local water supplies were lacking and near the tumultuous Rajasthan. It includes one of the largest mosques (''Jama Masjid'') in India. There are well preserved palaces and courtyards. }} * {{see | name=Keoladeo National Park| alt=Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary | url= | email= | address=[[Bharatpur]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (natural) — It provides habitat for thousands of birds during the winter season. The sanctuary hosts rare Siberian Cranes, ruddy shelducks, northern shovelers, northern pintails, tufted ducks, shovelers and other indigionous and migratory waterfowl. }} ==Uttarakhand== * {{listing | name=[[Nanda Devi National Park|Nanda Devi]] and [[Valley of Flowers National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q15839097 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=Nanda Devi contains wildlife such as snow leopards, bears, tahrs, deer and monkeys in addition to splendid flowers. The Valley of Flowers is famous for its beautiful alpine flowers. This valley is an Indian national park with beautiful waterfalls, landscapes, meadows of flowers and surrounding forests. }} ==West Bengal== * {{listing | name=[[Santiniketan]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1026431 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=Santiniketan was founded as an ashram by Debendranath Tagore in the second half of the 19th century and then developed into a university town of Visva-Bharati University. It is connected to the life and philosophy of Debendranath's son Rabindranath Tagore, the leading figure of the Bengali Renaissance. }} * {{listing | name=[[Sundarbans National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q532440 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The coastal mangrove forest in the southern part of [[West Bengal]] and [[Bangladesh]]. It lies on the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta. It is the largest mangrove forest in the world and the only mangrove forest in the world with tigers. [[Sundarbans (Bangladesh)]] is a different UNESCO Heritage Site in [[Bangladesh]]. }} '''Note:''' The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is listed under [[UNESCO World Heritage List (India)#Across multiple states|Mountain Railways of India]] ==See also== * [[UNESCO World Heritage List#India|UNESCO World Heritage List]] {{geo|21.534|78.046|zoom=5}} {{PartOfTopic|United Nations|India}} {{usabletopic}} a81nl8wusshalrudevknztruyd4u54v 5086966 5086963 2025-07-03T04:53:26Z Rangan Datta Wiki 124323 /* Across multiple states */ Updated listing for Western Ghats 5086966 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|TajMahal Banner.jpg|unesco_whs=yes}} '''World Heritage Sites''' are important places of cultural, historical, scientific or other significance designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). There are 43 {{UNESCO WHS}}s in [[India]]. These include 35 cultural sites (marked in blue), 7 natural sites (marked in green) and 1 mixed-criteria site (marked in red). India has the sixth largest number of sites in the world. {{mapframe|align=center|height=750|width=750}} ==Across multiple states== [[File:Darjeelinghimalayanrailway.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] [[File:Qutab Minar mausoleum.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Qutb Minar, [[Delhi]]]] [[File:Santiniketan Prayer Hall.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Santiniketan]] [[File:Konarka Temple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sun Temple, Konark]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 16 Agra Fort.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Agra Fort]] [[File:Temple No.- 3, Nalanda Archaeological Site.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Nalanda]] [[File:Fatehpur Sikri near Agra 2016-03 img05.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Fatehpur Sikri]] [[File:India-5692 - Flickr - archer10 (Dennis).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Khajuraho Monuments]] [[File:Mahabodhitemple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Mahabodhi Temple Complex]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 04 Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Taj Mahal]] [[File:Brihadeeswarar Kovil.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Brihadisvara Temple]] [[File:The elegant stone chariot.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Stone Chariot, Hampi]] [[File:Cave 26, Ajanta.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ajanta Caves]] [[File:Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus]] [[File:Thane Creek and Elephanta Island 03-2016 - img20 Elephanta Caves.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Elephanta Caves]] [[File:Kailasa temple overview, Ellora.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Kailasa Temple, Ellora]] [[File:Amber Fort (आमेर का किला ).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Amber Fort, Jaipur]] [[File:Rani_ki_vav_02.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Rani-ki-Vav]] [[File:Dhauladhar_ranges_in_the_background-_Trekkers_resting_a_bit_I_IMG_7165.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Dhauladhar Ranges]] [[File:Valley of flowers uttaranchal full view.JPG|thumb|upright=0.7|Valley of Flowers]] [[File:Ramappa Temple 8.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ramappa Temple]] [[File:Sunderbans 059.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sundarbans National Park]] [[File:Western Ghats Gobi.jpg|thumb|Western Ghats|upright=0.7]] * The '''[[Rail travel in India#Mountain trains|Mountain Railways of India]]:''' Consists of three different sites spread across [[West Bengal]], [[Tamil Nadu]] and [[Himachal Pradesh]]. They consist of narrow and meter-gauge lines that run through picturesque mountains. ** {{see | name=[[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] | alt=DHR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[New Jalpaiguri]]–[[Darjeeling]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463874 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A {{convert|2|ft|mm}} gauge railway running through the foothills of the eastern Himalayas. The railway covers a distance of {{convert|88|km|mi}} starts at an altitude of {{convert|100|m|ft}} and ends at {{convert|2200|m|ft}}. The highest elevation is at [[Ghum]] ({{convert|2258|m|ft}}. It gains altitude via 6 zig-zags and 3 (originally 5) loops. Today, apart from regular diesel engines, there is a steam engine joy ride between Darjeeling and Ghum. }} ** {{see | name=Nilgiri Mountain Railway | alt=NMR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[Mettupalayam]]–[[Ooty]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463735 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A meter-gauge ({{cvt|1|m|ft}}) railway through the lush green Nilgiri hills. It has been in operation since 1908. The {{cvt|46|km|mi}} long railway starts at {{cvt|326|m|ft}} and ends at {{cvt|2203|m|ft}}.It follows the rack railway technology. }} ** {{see | name=Kalka–Shimla Railway | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Kalka]] – [[Shimla]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7171560 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The narrow gauge {{cvt|2|ft|6|in|mm}} railway covers a distance of {{cvt|95.6|km|mi}} starting at an altitude of {{cvt|656|m|ft}} and ending at {{cvt|2075|m|ft}}. It has been in operation since 1903. }} * {{listing | name=Western Ghats | alt=Sahyadri | url= | email= | address=([[Maharashtra]], [[Karnataka]], [[Kerala]] and [[Tamil Nadu]]) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4527 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A {{cvt|1600|km|mi}} long mountain range running along the west coast of peninsular India. It covers an area of {{cvt|160,000|km2|mi2}}. The Western Ghats are one of the oldest mountain regions of the Indian sub-continent. It exhibits geomorphic features of immense importance with unique biophysical and ecological processes. }} ==Assam== * {{Listing | name = [[Kaziranga National Park]] | lat = 26.6667 | long = 93.3500 | wikidata = Q192764 | content = It is home to the Indian single-horned rhinos (rhinoceros unicornis). Kaziranga also hosts a variety of other mammal species. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} * {{Listing | name = [[Manas National Park]] | lat = 26.71 | long = 90.93 | wikidata = Q506511 | content = It is a habitat for many unique and endangered wildlife species such as the golden langur, pygmy hog and hispid hare. The Asian elephant, water buffalo, black panther, sloth bear and sambar deer can also be found here as well as endangered residential and migratory birds | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} * {{see | name=[[Moidam]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.941466 | long=94.876018 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6735332 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The mound burial system of Ahom dynasty (1228–1826). These burial mounds create an undulating landscape reminiscent of hills, in line with the spiritual beliefs of the Ahom people }} ==Bihar== * {{see | name=Nalanda|Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Nalanda]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q216243 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} * {{see | name=Mahabodhi Temple Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Bodh Gaya]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4513 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} ==Chandigarh== * {{see | name=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier in [[Chandigarh]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=30.761085 | long=76.803291 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q55619850 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement is a World Heritage Site consisting of a selection of 17 building projects in 7 countries (including [[Chandigarh]], [[India]]) by the Franco-Swiss architect Le Corbusier. These sites demonstrate how Modern Movement architecture was applied to respond to the needs of society and show the global range of a style and an architect. }} ==Delhi== * {{see | name=Humayun's Tomb | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[South East Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189648 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The site was constructed in the Indo-Islamic style known as ''Mughal''. The grand domed structure of the Humayun's Tomb occupies the central position of the Persian styled ''char bagh''garden. There are several other structures in the garden and consists of Isha Khan's tomb & mosque, Arab sarai, Barbar's tomb and many more. }} * {{see | name=Qutb Minar and its Monuments | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/South Delhi|South Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q187635 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=These structures in Delhi date from the Slave Dynasty. The Qutb Minar is one of the tallest minars in India. It has been well-preserved with its intricate carvings. It was constructed of red sandstone and marble. Earthquake damage to the top of the Qutb Manar has been renovated and its base reinforced. }} * {{see | name=Red Fort Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/Central Delhi|Central Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q45957 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Red Fort is a red sandstone fort (and ruling palace) built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame. Many historical objects and marble inlays have disappeared and quite a few buildings can not be visited due to disrepair. However, the site is impressive with lush green gardens that are well kept year round. }} ==Goa== * {{see | name= Churches and Convents of Goa| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Old Goa|Goa]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q15726428 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Old Goa, the former capital of colonial [[Goa]], is full of history and the location of numerous well maintained scenic churches and convents. }} ==Gujarat== * {{see | name= [[Dholavira]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q9468 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an archaeological site at with the ruins of an ancient [[Indus Valley Civilisation]] (Harappan) city; it is one of the five largest Harappan sites. }} * {{see | name= Historic City of [[Ahmedabad/Central Zone|Ahmedabad]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5472448 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= The modern Ahmedabad was a walled city in the past along the banks of the Sabarmati River. The city presents a rich and diverse cultural and architectural style. It also houses the former home of Mahatma Gandhi, the Sabarmati Ashram. }} * {{see | name=Rani-ki-Vav | alt=Queen's Stepwell | url= | email= | address=[[Patan (Gujarat)|Patan]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7293002 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is famous for its ornate carvings and many sculptures in its galleries. Built as an inverted temple and representing a religious regard for water. Stepwells were built basically for the storage of water in India. }} * {{see | name=[[Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q844427 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A fortified medieval settlement with Hindu, Muslim and Jain architectural elements along with the remains of water-managing systems }} ==Himachal Pradesh== * {{Listing | name = [[Great Himalayan National Park]] | lat = | long = | wikidata = Q1544213 | content = The different altitudes provide for subtropical forests to alpine and glacial flora. Different species of goat, bear, leopard and pheasants can also be found here. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} ==Karnataka== * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Hampi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26732 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Significant historic and architectural interest. The area abounds with large stones used to make statues of Jaina deities. Numerous temples and other sites can be found in and around Hampi. Further excavations are under way. }} * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Pattadakal]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q817250 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an historic centre of Chalukya art and architecture. This has major temples and numerous shrines }} * '''Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas:''' It consists of two clusters of monuments (in [[Belur]] and [[Halebidu]]), and the Keshava temple in [[Somanathapura]], dating to the time of the Hoysala Empire, between the 11th and 14th centuries. ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Belur]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q760603 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Halebidu]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q108227451 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Chennakesava Temple, [[Somanathapura]] | alt=Keshava temple | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3537502 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ==Madhya Pradesh== * {{see | name= Rock Shelters of [[Bhimbetka]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q331603 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Early traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent have been discovered here. Rock paintings can be seen that are similar to those that have been found in Australia and France. }} * {{see | name= [[Khajuraho]] Group of Monuments| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26258435 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is a group of Hindu and Jain temples in [[Khajuraho]], [[Madhya Pradesh]]. The temples are noted for their architectural/artistic style and erotic sculptures. }} * {{see | name= Buddhist Monuments at [[Sanchi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q181123 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Believed to be the oldest stone structure in India. '''Vidisha''' (city in [[Madhya Pradesh]]) was the ancient capital city of the Malwa. Many Buddhist monuments were later built around this ancient city. The historical Sanchi stupas are very well preserved. }} ==Maharashtra== * {{see | name= [[Ajanta Caves]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Aurangabad]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= depict the stories of [[Buddhism]] from circa 200 BCE to 650 CE. These caves were discovered by some British Officers during a tiger hunt. These caves were built by Buddhist monks using simple tools. Buddhist monks often taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas (ancient seats of learning). There are detailed/beautiful sculptures and paintings depicting stories from Jataka tales. }} * {{see | name=[[Ellora Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189616 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are an impressive complex of rock shrines that represent the three faiths of [[Buddhism]], [[Hinduism]] and Jainism and were created during the 5th-13th centuries CE. The caves are northwest of central [[Aurangabad]], a few km from [[Khuldabad]]. }} * {{see | name=Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus | alt=(formerly Victoria Terminus), also known as '''Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus''' ('''CSMT''') | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=the architectural influence of Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival architecture and traditional Mughal architectural style }} * {{see | name=Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16942531 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It represents an urban project through various buildings (cinemas, residential buildings and balconies) of the late 19th century. Mainly these are found near the Oval Maidan area of [[Mumbai]], they represent the Victorian Neo-Gothic style of architecture and Art Deco (sometimes known as ''Indo-Deco''). }} * {{see | name=[[Mumbai/Elephanta|Elephanta Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q649384 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are two groups of sculpted caves (Hindu and Buddhist). Within the caves there are numerous carved panels and shrines. The original stone-cut elephant statue; for which Elephanta Island was named, resides at Jijamata Udyaan in [[Mumbai]]. }} ==Odisha== * {{see | name= Konark Sun Temple| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Konark]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q752091| lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= It was built to honour the sun god Surya. The entire temple is shaped in the form of a chariot pulled by seven horses in order to carry the sun god across the heavens. Though partially in ruins, it has extensive stone carvings (many erotic in nature) on the walls. }} ==Rajasthan== * The '''Hill Forts of [[Rajasthan]]''' — ** {{see | name= Chittor Fort in [[Chittorgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3695769 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= A massive stone gates with notched parapets and arched reinforced doors (to defend against elephants and cannon). Within the fort a circular road gives access to the gates and numerous monuments (ruined palaces and numerous temples). }} ** {{see | name= Kumbhalgarh Fort, [[Kumbhalgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1246283 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= protected by seven towering gates and within is the ''Badal Mahal'' palace. It also had long meandering walls for defence. There are many tales and interesting stories affiliated with this site. }} ** {{see | name= Ranthambore Fort, [[Ranthambore]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2724894 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It lies within the [[Ranthambore National Park]], near the town of [[Sawai Madhopur]]. Initially called "Ranath Bhawar Garh" (a place of Rajput warriors). The history of ''Sawai Madhopur'' centers around the famous Ranthambore Fort. }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Amber Fort in [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q456817 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a massive fort-palace complex built in a Hindu-Muslim style dating back to ''Raja Man Singh'' and once the royal palace of the ''Kachwahas''. Within the fort is the ''Sheesh Mahal'' (with thousands of mirror tiles on the walls and ceilings).. }} ** {{see | name= Jaisalmer Fort in [[Jaisalmer]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3634368 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= Also known as the “Sonar Quila” or "Sonal Kella" or "Sonar Kila". It displays the subtle hues of the setting sun and desert. It is a 'working fort' as its citizens reside and work within its walls. There are numerous vantage points within the fort that enable great views across the city and desert. }} * {{see | name= [[Jaipur]] City| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q66485 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a magnificent city filled with historical wonders and beauty in the North-western part of India. During the rule of Sawai Ram Singh I, the city was painted pink to welcome HRH Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VII, Emperor of India), in 1876. Many of the avenues still remain painted in pink, giving Jaipur a distinctive appearance and the epithet Pink city. }} * {{see | name= Jantar Mantar, [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q508634| lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= one of five astronomical observatories build by Maharaja Jai Singh in northern India. This historical observatory has geometric devices (or yantras in Hindi) for measuring time, eclipse prediction, tracking the orbits of stars eyc.. Explanations are posted for these devices and hired guides may provide further explanations. }} ==Sikkim== * {{Go | name= [[Khangchendzonga National Park]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=(mixed) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q2605019 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is named after Kangchenjunga, the highest peak of India. It is known for its numerous glaciers (Zemu glacier for example). Snow leopards, musk deer and Himalayan taar have been spotted here. }} ==Tamil Nadu== * The '''Great Living Chola Temples''' — consists of three Hindu temples built in the 11th and 12th centuries under the Chola dynasty. They represent some of the best examples of Dravidian architecture of the Chola period. ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Thanjavur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q916943 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= This temple is dedicated to Shiva. Its pillared cloister contains many lignams and the sanctum sanctorum has a large Shiva lingam and stone Nandi. }} ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Gangaikonda Cholapuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5521034 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is dedicated to the Lord Shiva and its location was used to be a medieval Chola capital. This multi-storied temple was once surrounded by a huge fort wall. }} ** {{See | name= Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3437182 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. }} ** {{marker|type=see|name=Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]|lat=10.94841|long=79.356708|image=Darasuram6.jpg}}. It has some excellent stone carvings (as well as inscriptions). The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. * {{See | name= Group of Monuments at [[Mamallapuram|Mahabalipuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3522747 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= a monument complex near [[Chennai]]. The area dates back to the ''Tamil Pallava'' dynasty. Mostly carved out of granite, they are among the oldest examples of ''Dravidian'' (South Indian) art/architecture. }} ==Telangana== * {{See | name= Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Palampet]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3380656 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= An ancient Hindu temple built during the 1200s Kakatiya dynasty & featuring ornate carvings & shrines. The main structure is in a reddish sandstone, but the columns round the outside have large brackets of black basalt which is rich in iron, magnesium and silica. These are carved as mythical animals or female dancers or musicians, and are "the masterpieces of Kakatiya art, notable for their delicate carving, sensuous postures and elongated bodies and heads". }} ==Uttar Pradesh== * {{see | name=Taj Mahal | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q9141 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It is a white marble mausoleum ordered by emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife (Mumtaz Mahal). Taj Mahal means ''Crown Palace''. It is a fairly well kept tomb and an outstanding example of Indian Muslim architecture. Current work is being considered to combat damage caused by pollution. }} * {{see | name=Agra Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q171857 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= Similar to the Red Fort in [[Delhi]], a well preserved palace and defensive complex constructed mostly in red sandstone. Emperor Akbar built this fort (same time as Humayun's Tomb in Delhi). Emperor Shah Jahan made later additions to it. }} * {{see | name=[[Fatehpur Sikri]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (''City of Victory'') — A virtual ghost city near [[Agra]]. Built by the Emperor Akbar, it was the capital of the [[Mughal Empire]] and later abandoned because local water supplies were lacking and near the tumultuous Rajasthan. It includes one of the largest mosques (''Jama Masjid'') in India. There are well preserved palaces and courtyards. }} * {{see | name=Keoladeo National Park| alt=Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary | url= | email= | address=[[Bharatpur]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (natural) — It provides habitat for thousands of birds during the winter season. The sanctuary hosts rare Siberian Cranes, ruddy shelducks, northern shovelers, northern pintails, tufted ducks, shovelers and other indigionous and migratory waterfowl. }} ==Uttarakhand== * {{listing | name=[[Nanda Devi National Park|Nanda Devi]] and [[Valley of Flowers National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q15839097 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=Nanda Devi contains wildlife such as snow leopards, bears, tahrs, deer and monkeys in addition to splendid flowers. The Valley of Flowers is famous for its beautiful alpine flowers. This valley is an Indian national park with beautiful waterfalls, landscapes, meadows of flowers and surrounding forests. }} ==West Bengal== * {{listing | name=[[Santiniketan]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1026431 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=Santiniketan was founded as an ashram by Debendranath Tagore in the second half of the 19th century and then developed into a university town of Visva-Bharati University. It is connected to the life and philosophy of Debendranath's son Rabindranath Tagore, the leading figure of the Bengali Renaissance. }} * {{listing | name=[[Sundarbans National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q532440 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The coastal mangrove forest in the southern part of [[West Bengal]] and [[Bangladesh]]. It lies on the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta. It is the largest mangrove forest in the world and the only mangrove forest in the world with tigers. [[Sundarbans (Bangladesh)]] is a different UNESCO Heritage Site in [[Bangladesh]]. }} '''Note:''' The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is listed under [[UNESCO World Heritage List (India)#Across multiple states|Mountain Railways of India]] ==See also== * [[UNESCO World Heritage List#India|UNESCO World Heritage List]] {{geo|21.534|78.046|zoom=5}} {{PartOfTopic|United Nations|India}} {{usabletopic}} l08n5pp462p07p8jbd2vrwc4p1bbcvu 5086969 5086966 2025-07-03T05:07:36Z Rangan Datta Wiki 124323 /* Across multiple states */ Updated listing for Western Ghats 5086969 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|TajMahal Banner.jpg|unesco_whs=yes}} '''World Heritage Sites''' are important places of cultural, historical, scientific or other significance designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). There are 43 {{UNESCO WHS}}s in [[India]]. These include 35 cultural sites (marked in blue), 7 natural sites (marked in green) and 1 mixed-criteria site (marked in red). India has the sixth largest number of sites in the world. {{mapframe|align=center|height=750|width=750}} ==Across multiple states== [[File:Darjeelinghimalayanrailway.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] [[File:Qutab Minar mausoleum.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Qutb Minar, [[Delhi]]]] [[File:Santiniketan Prayer Hall.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Santiniketan]] [[File:Konarka Temple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sun Temple, Konark]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 16 Agra Fort.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Agra Fort]] [[File:Temple No.- 3, Nalanda Archaeological Site.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Nalanda]] [[File:Fatehpur Sikri near Agra 2016-03 img05.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Fatehpur Sikri]] [[File:India-5692 - Flickr - archer10 (Dennis).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Khajuraho Monuments]] [[File:Mahabodhitemple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Mahabodhi Temple Complex]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 04 Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Taj Mahal]] [[File:Brihadeeswarar Kovil.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Brihadisvara Temple]] [[File:The elegant stone chariot.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Stone Chariot, Hampi]] [[File:Cave 26, Ajanta.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ajanta Caves]] [[File:Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus]] [[File:Thane Creek and Elephanta Island 03-2016 - img20 Elephanta Caves.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Elephanta Caves]] [[File:Kailasa temple overview, Ellora.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Kailasa Temple, Ellora]] [[File:Amber Fort (आमेर का किला ).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Amber Fort, Jaipur]] [[File:Rani_ki_vav_02.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Rani-ki-Vav]] [[File:Dhauladhar_ranges_in_the_background-_Trekkers_resting_a_bit_I_IMG_7165.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Dhauladhar Ranges]] [[File:Valley of flowers uttaranchal full view.JPG|thumb|upright=0.7|Valley of Flowers]] [[File:Ramappa Temple 8.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ramappa Temple]] [[File:Sunderbans 059.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sundarbans National Park]] [[File:Western Ghats Gobi.jpg|thumb|Western Ghats|upright=0.7]] * The '''[[Rail travel in India#Mountain trains|Mountain Railways of India]]:''' Consists of three different sites spread across [[West Bengal]], [[Tamil Nadu]] and [[Himachal Pradesh]]. They consist of narrow and meter-gauge lines that run through picturesque mountains. ** {{see | name=[[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] | alt=DHR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[New Jalpaiguri]]–[[Darjeeling]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463874 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A {{convert|2|ft|mm}} gauge railway running through the foothills of the eastern Himalayas. The railway covers a distance of {{convert|88|km|mi}} starts at an altitude of {{convert|100|m|ft}} and ends at {{convert|2200|m|ft}}. The highest elevation is at [[Ghum]] ({{convert|2258|m|ft}}. It gains altitude via 6 zig-zags and 3 (originally 5) loops. Today, apart from regular diesel engines, there is a steam engine joy ride between Darjeeling and Ghum. }} ** {{see | name=Nilgiri Mountain Railway | alt=NMR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[Mettupalayam]]–[[Ooty]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463735 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A meter-gauge ({{cvt|1|m|ft}}) railway through the lush green Nilgiri hills. It has been in operation since 1908. The {{cvt|46|km|mi}} long railway starts at {{cvt|326|m|ft}} and ends at {{cvt|2203|m|ft}}.It follows the rack railway technology. }} ** {{see | name=Kalka–Shimla Railway | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Kalka]] – [[Shimla]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7171560 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The narrow gauge {{cvt|2|ft|6|in|mm}} railway covers a distance of {{cvt|95.6|km|mi}} starting at an altitude of {{cvt|656|m|ft}} and ending at {{cvt|2075|m|ft}}. It has been in operation since 1903. }} * {{listing | name=Western Ghats | alt=Sahyadri | url= | email= | address=([[Maharashtra]], [[Karnataka]], [[Kerala]] and [[Tamil Nadu]]) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4527 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A {{cvt|1600|km|mi}} long mountain range running along the west coast of peninsular India. It covers an area of {{cvt|160,000|km2|mi2}}. The Western Ghats are one of the oldest mountain regions of the Indian sub-continent. It exhibits geomorphic features of immense importance with unique biophysical and ecological processes. It is home to at least 325 globally threatened flora and fauna. They include several birds, amphibians, reptiles and fish species. Western Ghat is home to several endemic species. }} ==Assam== * {{Listing | name = [[Kaziranga National Park]] | lat = 26.6667 | long = 93.3500 | wikidata = Q192764 | content = It is home to the Indian single-horned rhinos (rhinoceros unicornis). Kaziranga also hosts a variety of other mammal species. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} * {{Listing | name = [[Manas National Park]] | lat = 26.71 | long = 90.93 | wikidata = Q506511 | content = It is a habitat for many unique and endangered wildlife species such as the golden langur, pygmy hog and hispid hare. The Asian elephant, water buffalo, black panther, sloth bear and sambar deer can also be found here as well as endangered residential and migratory birds | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} * {{see | name=[[Moidam]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.941466 | long=94.876018 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6735332 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The mound burial system of Ahom dynasty (1228–1826). These burial mounds create an undulating landscape reminiscent of hills, in line with the spiritual beliefs of the Ahom people }} ==Bihar== * {{see | name=Nalanda|Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Nalanda]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q216243 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} * {{see | name=Mahabodhi Temple Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Bodh Gaya]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4513 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} ==Chandigarh== * {{see | name=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier in [[Chandigarh]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=30.761085 | long=76.803291 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q55619850 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement is a World Heritage Site consisting of a selection of 17 building projects in 7 countries (including [[Chandigarh]], [[India]]) by the Franco-Swiss architect Le Corbusier. These sites demonstrate how Modern Movement architecture was applied to respond to the needs of society and show the global range of a style and an architect. }} ==Delhi== * {{see | name=Humayun's Tomb | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[South East Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189648 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The site was constructed in the Indo-Islamic style known as ''Mughal''. The grand domed structure of the Humayun's Tomb occupies the central position of the Persian styled ''char bagh''garden. There are several other structures in the garden and consists of Isha Khan's tomb & mosque, Arab sarai, Barbar's tomb and many more. }} * {{see | name=Qutb Minar and its Monuments | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/South Delhi|South Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q187635 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=These structures in Delhi date from the Slave Dynasty. The Qutb Minar is one of the tallest minars in India. It has been well-preserved with its intricate carvings. It was constructed of red sandstone and marble. Earthquake damage to the top of the Qutb Manar has been renovated and its base reinforced. }} * {{see | name=Red Fort Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/Central Delhi|Central Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q45957 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Red Fort is a red sandstone fort (and ruling palace) built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame. Many historical objects and marble inlays have disappeared and quite a few buildings can not be visited due to disrepair. However, the site is impressive with lush green gardens that are well kept year round. }} ==Goa== * {{see | name= Churches and Convents of Goa| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Old Goa|Goa]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q15726428 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Old Goa, the former capital of colonial [[Goa]], is full of history and the location of numerous well maintained scenic churches and convents. }} ==Gujarat== * {{see | name= [[Dholavira]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q9468 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an archaeological site at with the ruins of an ancient [[Indus Valley Civilisation]] (Harappan) city; it is one of the five largest Harappan sites. }} * {{see | name= Historic City of [[Ahmedabad/Central Zone|Ahmedabad]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5472448 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= The modern Ahmedabad was a walled city in the past along the banks of the Sabarmati River. The city presents a rich and diverse cultural and architectural style. It also houses the former home of Mahatma Gandhi, the Sabarmati Ashram. }} * {{see | name=Rani-ki-Vav | alt=Queen's Stepwell | url= | email= | address=[[Patan (Gujarat)|Patan]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7293002 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is famous for its ornate carvings and many sculptures in its galleries. Built as an inverted temple and representing a religious regard for water. Stepwells were built basically for the storage of water in India. }} * {{see | name=[[Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q844427 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A fortified medieval settlement with Hindu, Muslim and Jain architectural elements along with the remains of water-managing systems }} ==Himachal Pradesh== * {{Listing | name = [[Great Himalayan National Park]] | lat = | long = | wikidata = Q1544213 | content = The different altitudes provide for subtropical forests to alpine and glacial flora. Different species of goat, bear, leopard and pheasants can also be found here. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} ==Karnataka== * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Hampi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26732 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Significant historic and architectural interest. The area abounds with large stones used to make statues of Jaina deities. Numerous temples and other sites can be found in and around Hampi. Further excavations are under way. }} * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Pattadakal]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q817250 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an historic centre of Chalukya art and architecture. This has major temples and numerous shrines }} * '''Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas:''' It consists of two clusters of monuments (in [[Belur]] and [[Halebidu]]), and the Keshava temple in [[Somanathapura]], dating to the time of the Hoysala Empire, between the 11th and 14th centuries. ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Belur]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q760603 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Halebidu]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q108227451 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Chennakesava Temple, [[Somanathapura]] | alt=Keshava temple | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3537502 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ==Madhya Pradesh== * {{see | name= Rock Shelters of [[Bhimbetka]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q331603 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Early traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent have been discovered here. Rock paintings can be seen that are similar to those that have been found in Australia and France. }} * {{see | name= [[Khajuraho]] Group of Monuments| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26258435 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is a group of Hindu and Jain temples in [[Khajuraho]], [[Madhya Pradesh]]. The temples are noted for their architectural/artistic style and erotic sculptures. }} * {{see | name= Buddhist Monuments at [[Sanchi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q181123 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Believed to be the oldest stone structure in India. '''Vidisha''' (city in [[Madhya Pradesh]]) was the ancient capital city of the Malwa. Many Buddhist monuments were later built around this ancient city. The historical Sanchi stupas are very well preserved. }} ==Maharashtra== * {{see | name= [[Ajanta Caves]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Aurangabad]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= depict the stories of [[Buddhism]] from circa 200 BCE to 650 CE. These caves were discovered by some British Officers during a tiger hunt. These caves were built by Buddhist monks using simple tools. Buddhist monks often taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas (ancient seats of learning). There are detailed/beautiful sculptures and paintings depicting stories from Jataka tales. }} * {{see | name=[[Ellora Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189616 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are an impressive complex of rock shrines that represent the three faiths of [[Buddhism]], [[Hinduism]] and Jainism and were created during the 5th-13th centuries CE. The caves are northwest of central [[Aurangabad]], a few km from [[Khuldabad]]. }} * {{see | name=Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus | alt=(formerly Victoria Terminus), also known as '''Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus''' ('''CSMT''') | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=the architectural influence of Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival architecture and traditional Mughal architectural style }} * {{see | name=Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16942531 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It represents an urban project through various buildings (cinemas, residential buildings and balconies) of the late 19th century. Mainly these are found near the Oval Maidan area of [[Mumbai]], they represent the Victorian Neo-Gothic style of architecture and Art Deco (sometimes known as ''Indo-Deco''). }} * {{see | name=[[Mumbai/Elephanta|Elephanta Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q649384 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are two groups of sculpted caves (Hindu and Buddhist). Within the caves there are numerous carved panels and shrines. The original stone-cut elephant statue; for which Elephanta Island was named, resides at Jijamata Udyaan in [[Mumbai]]. }} ==Odisha== * {{see | name= Konark Sun Temple| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Konark]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q752091| lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= It was built to honour the sun god Surya. The entire temple is shaped in the form of a chariot pulled by seven horses in order to carry the sun god across the heavens. Though partially in ruins, it has extensive stone carvings (many erotic in nature) on the walls. }} ==Rajasthan== * The '''Hill Forts of [[Rajasthan]]''' — ** {{see | name= Chittor Fort in [[Chittorgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3695769 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= A massive stone gates with notched parapets and arched reinforced doors (to defend against elephants and cannon). Within the fort a circular road gives access to the gates and numerous monuments (ruined palaces and numerous temples). }} ** {{see | name= Kumbhalgarh Fort, [[Kumbhalgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1246283 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= protected by seven towering gates and within is the ''Badal Mahal'' palace. It also had long meandering walls for defence. There are many tales and interesting stories affiliated with this site. }} ** {{see | name= Ranthambore Fort, [[Ranthambore]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2724894 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It lies within the [[Ranthambore National Park]], near the town of [[Sawai Madhopur]]. Initially called "Ranath Bhawar Garh" (a place of Rajput warriors). The history of ''Sawai Madhopur'' centers around the famous Ranthambore Fort. }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Amber Fort in [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q456817 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a massive fort-palace complex built in a Hindu-Muslim style dating back to ''Raja Man Singh'' and once the royal palace of the ''Kachwahas''. Within the fort is the ''Sheesh Mahal'' (with thousands of mirror tiles on the walls and ceilings).. }} ** {{see | name= Jaisalmer Fort in [[Jaisalmer]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3634368 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= Also known as the “Sonar Quila” or "Sonal Kella" or "Sonar Kila". It displays the subtle hues of the setting sun and desert. It is a 'working fort' as its citizens reside and work within its walls. There are numerous vantage points within the fort that enable great views across the city and desert. }} * {{see | name= [[Jaipur]] City| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q66485 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a magnificent city filled with historical wonders and beauty in the North-western part of India. During the rule of Sawai Ram Singh I, the city was painted pink to welcome HRH Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VII, Emperor of India), in 1876. Many of the avenues still remain painted in pink, giving Jaipur a distinctive appearance and the epithet Pink city. }} * {{see | name= Jantar Mantar, [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q508634| lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= one of five astronomical observatories build by Maharaja Jai Singh in northern India. This historical observatory has geometric devices (or yantras in Hindi) for measuring time, eclipse prediction, tracking the orbits of stars eyc.. Explanations are posted for these devices and hired guides may provide further explanations. }} ==Sikkim== * {{Go | name= [[Khangchendzonga National Park]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=(mixed) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q2605019 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is named after Kangchenjunga, the highest peak of India. It is known for its numerous glaciers (Zemu glacier for example). Snow leopards, musk deer and Himalayan taar have been spotted here. }} ==Tamil Nadu== * The '''Great Living Chola Temples''' — consists of three Hindu temples built in the 11th and 12th centuries under the Chola dynasty. They represent some of the best examples of Dravidian architecture of the Chola period. ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Thanjavur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q916943 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= This temple is dedicated to Shiva. Its pillared cloister contains many lignams and the sanctum sanctorum has a large Shiva lingam and stone Nandi. }} ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Gangaikonda Cholapuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5521034 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is dedicated to the Lord Shiva and its location was used to be a medieval Chola capital. This multi-storied temple was once surrounded by a huge fort wall. }} ** {{See | name= Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3437182 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. }} ** {{marker|type=see|name=Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]|lat=10.94841|long=79.356708|image=Darasuram6.jpg}}. It has some excellent stone carvings (as well as inscriptions). The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. * {{See | name= Group of Monuments at [[Mamallapuram|Mahabalipuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3522747 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= a monument complex near [[Chennai]]. The area dates back to the ''Tamil Pallava'' dynasty. Mostly carved out of granite, they are among the oldest examples of ''Dravidian'' (South Indian) art/architecture. }} ==Telangana== * {{See | name= Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Palampet]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3380656 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= An ancient Hindu temple built during the 1200s Kakatiya dynasty & featuring ornate carvings & shrines. The main structure is in a reddish sandstone, but the columns round the outside have large brackets of black basalt which is rich in iron, magnesium and silica. These are carved as mythical animals or female dancers or musicians, and are "the masterpieces of Kakatiya art, notable for their delicate carving, sensuous postures and elongated bodies and heads". }} ==Uttar Pradesh== * {{see | name=Taj Mahal | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q9141 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It is a white marble mausoleum ordered by emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife (Mumtaz Mahal). Taj Mahal means ''Crown Palace''. It is a fairly well kept tomb and an outstanding example of Indian Muslim architecture. Current work is being considered to combat damage caused by pollution. }} * {{see | name=Agra Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q171857 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= Similar to the Red Fort in [[Delhi]], a well preserved palace and defensive complex constructed mostly in red sandstone. Emperor Akbar built this fort (same time as Humayun's Tomb in Delhi). Emperor Shah Jahan made later additions to it. }} * {{see | name=[[Fatehpur Sikri]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (''City of Victory'') — A virtual ghost city near [[Agra]]. Built by the Emperor Akbar, it was the capital of the [[Mughal Empire]] and later abandoned because local water supplies were lacking and near the tumultuous Rajasthan. It includes one of the largest mosques (''Jama Masjid'') in India. There are well preserved palaces and courtyards. }} * {{see | name=Keoladeo National Park| alt=Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary | url= | email= | address=[[Bharatpur]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (natural) — It provides habitat for thousands of birds during the winter season. The sanctuary hosts rare Siberian Cranes, ruddy shelducks, northern shovelers, northern pintails, tufted ducks, shovelers and other indigionous and migratory waterfowl. }} ==Uttarakhand== * {{listing | name=[[Nanda Devi National Park|Nanda Devi]] and [[Valley of Flowers National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q15839097 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=Nanda Devi contains wildlife such as snow leopards, bears, tahrs, deer and monkeys in addition to splendid flowers. The Valley of Flowers is famous for its beautiful alpine flowers. This valley is an Indian national park with beautiful waterfalls, landscapes, meadows of flowers and surrounding forests. }} ==West Bengal== * {{listing | name=[[Santiniketan]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1026431 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=Santiniketan was founded as an ashram by Debendranath Tagore in the second half of the 19th century and then developed into a university town of Visva-Bharati University. It is connected to the life and philosophy of Debendranath's son Rabindranath Tagore, the leading figure of the Bengali Renaissance. }} * {{listing | name=[[Sundarbans National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q532440 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The coastal mangrove forest in the southern part of [[West Bengal]] and [[Bangladesh]]. It lies on the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta. It is the largest mangrove forest in the world and the only mangrove forest in the world with tigers. [[Sundarbans (Bangladesh)]] is a different UNESCO Heritage Site in [[Bangladesh]]. }} '''Note:''' The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is listed under [[UNESCO World Heritage List (India)#Across multiple states|Mountain Railways of India]] ==See also== * [[UNESCO World Heritage List#India|UNESCO World Heritage List]] {{geo|21.534|78.046|zoom=5}} {{PartOfTopic|United Nations|India}} {{usabletopic}} s2mzok61l423k9s0rxoidwtwsfrxwu0 5086970 5086969 2025-07-03T05:10:38Z Rangan Datta Wiki 124323 /* Assam */ Updated listing for [[Kaziranga National Park]] 5086970 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|TajMahal Banner.jpg|unesco_whs=yes}} '''World Heritage Sites''' are important places of cultural, historical, scientific or other significance designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). There are 43 {{UNESCO WHS}}s in [[India]]. These include 35 cultural sites (marked in blue), 7 natural sites (marked in green) and 1 mixed-criteria site (marked in red). India has the sixth largest number of sites in the world. {{mapframe|align=center|height=750|width=750}} ==Across multiple states== [[File:Darjeelinghimalayanrailway.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] [[File:Qutab Minar mausoleum.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Qutb Minar, [[Delhi]]]] [[File:Santiniketan Prayer Hall.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Santiniketan]] [[File:Konarka Temple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sun Temple, Konark]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 16 Agra Fort.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Agra Fort]] [[File:Temple No.- 3, Nalanda Archaeological Site.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Nalanda]] [[File:Fatehpur Sikri near Agra 2016-03 img05.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Fatehpur Sikri]] [[File:India-5692 - Flickr - archer10 (Dennis).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Khajuraho Monuments]] [[File:Mahabodhitemple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Mahabodhi Temple Complex]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 04 Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Taj Mahal]] [[File:Brihadeeswarar Kovil.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Brihadisvara Temple]] [[File:The elegant stone chariot.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Stone Chariot, Hampi]] [[File:Cave 26, Ajanta.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ajanta Caves]] [[File:Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus]] [[File:Thane Creek and Elephanta Island 03-2016 - img20 Elephanta Caves.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Elephanta Caves]] [[File:Kailasa temple overview, Ellora.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Kailasa Temple, Ellora]] [[File:Amber Fort (आमेर का किला ).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Amber Fort, Jaipur]] [[File:Rani_ki_vav_02.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Rani-ki-Vav]] [[File:Dhauladhar_ranges_in_the_background-_Trekkers_resting_a_bit_I_IMG_7165.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Dhauladhar Ranges]] [[File:Valley of flowers uttaranchal full view.JPG|thumb|upright=0.7|Valley of Flowers]] [[File:Ramappa Temple 8.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ramappa Temple]] [[File:Sunderbans 059.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sundarbans National Park]] [[File:Western Ghats Gobi.jpg|thumb|Western Ghats|upright=0.7]] * The '''[[Rail travel in India#Mountain trains|Mountain Railways of India]]:''' Consists of three different sites spread across [[West Bengal]], [[Tamil Nadu]] and [[Himachal Pradesh]]. They consist of narrow and meter-gauge lines that run through picturesque mountains. ** {{see | name=[[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] | alt=DHR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[New Jalpaiguri]]–[[Darjeeling]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463874 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A {{convert|2|ft|mm}} gauge railway running through the foothills of the eastern Himalayas. The railway covers a distance of {{convert|88|km|mi}} starts at an altitude of {{convert|100|m|ft}} and ends at {{convert|2200|m|ft}}. The highest elevation is at [[Ghum]] ({{convert|2258|m|ft}}. It gains altitude via 6 zig-zags and 3 (originally 5) loops. Today, apart from regular diesel engines, there is a steam engine joy ride between Darjeeling and Ghum. }} ** {{see | name=Nilgiri Mountain Railway | alt=NMR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[Mettupalayam]]–[[Ooty]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463735 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A meter-gauge ({{cvt|1|m|ft}}) railway through the lush green Nilgiri hills. It has been in operation since 1908. The {{cvt|46|km|mi}} long railway starts at {{cvt|326|m|ft}} and ends at {{cvt|2203|m|ft}}.It follows the rack railway technology. }} ** {{see | name=Kalka–Shimla Railway | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Kalka]] – [[Shimla]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7171560 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The narrow gauge {{cvt|2|ft|6|in|mm}} railway covers a distance of {{cvt|95.6|km|mi}} starting at an altitude of {{cvt|656|m|ft}} and ending at {{cvt|2075|m|ft}}. It has been in operation since 1903. }} * {{listing | name=Western Ghats | alt=Sahyadri | url= | email= | address=([[Maharashtra]], [[Karnataka]], [[Kerala]] and [[Tamil Nadu]]) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4527 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A {{cvt|1600|km|mi}} long mountain range running along the west coast of peninsular India. It covers an area of {{cvt|160,000|km2|mi2}}. The Western Ghats are one of the oldest mountain regions of the Indian sub-continent. It exhibits geomorphic features of immense importance with unique biophysical and ecological processes. It is home to at least 325 globally threatened flora and fauna. They include several birds, amphibians, reptiles and fish species. Western Ghat is home to several endemic species. }} ==Assam== * {{listing | name=[[Kaziranga National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.6667 | long=93.35 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q192764 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is home to the Indian single-horned rhinos (rhinoceros unicornis). Kaziranga also hosts a variety of other mammal and bird species. }} * {{Listing | name = [[Manas National Park]] | lat = 26.71 | long = 90.93 | wikidata = Q506511 | content = It is a habitat for many unique and endangered wildlife species such as the golden langur, pygmy hog and hispid hare. The Asian elephant, water buffalo, black panther, sloth bear and sambar deer can also be found here as well as endangered residential and migratory birds | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} * {{see | name=[[Moidam]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.941466 | long=94.876018 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6735332 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The mound burial system of Ahom dynasty (1228–1826). These burial mounds create an undulating landscape reminiscent of hills, in line with the spiritual beliefs of the Ahom people }} ==Bihar== * {{see | name=Nalanda|Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Nalanda]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q216243 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} * {{see | name=Mahabodhi Temple Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Bodh Gaya]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4513 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} ==Chandigarh== * {{see | name=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier in [[Chandigarh]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=30.761085 | long=76.803291 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q55619850 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement is a World Heritage Site consisting of a selection of 17 building projects in 7 countries (including [[Chandigarh]], [[India]]) by the Franco-Swiss architect Le Corbusier. These sites demonstrate how Modern Movement architecture was applied to respond to the needs of society and show the global range of a style and an architect. }} ==Delhi== * {{see | name=Humayun's Tomb | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[South East Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189648 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The site was constructed in the Indo-Islamic style known as ''Mughal''. The grand domed structure of the Humayun's Tomb occupies the central position of the Persian styled ''char bagh''garden. There are several other structures in the garden and consists of Isha Khan's tomb & mosque, Arab sarai, Barbar's tomb and many more. }} * {{see | name=Qutb Minar and its Monuments | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/South Delhi|South Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q187635 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=These structures in Delhi date from the Slave Dynasty. The Qutb Minar is one of the tallest minars in India. It has been well-preserved with its intricate carvings. It was constructed of red sandstone and marble. Earthquake damage to the top of the Qutb Manar has been renovated and its base reinforced. }} * {{see | name=Red Fort Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/Central Delhi|Central Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q45957 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Red Fort is a red sandstone fort (and ruling palace) built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame. Many historical objects and marble inlays have disappeared and quite a few buildings can not be visited due to disrepair. However, the site is impressive with lush green gardens that are well kept year round. }} ==Goa== * {{see | name= Churches and Convents of Goa| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Old Goa|Goa]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q15726428 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Old Goa, the former capital of colonial [[Goa]], is full of history and the location of numerous well maintained scenic churches and convents. }} ==Gujarat== * {{see | name= [[Dholavira]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q9468 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an archaeological site at with the ruins of an ancient [[Indus Valley Civilisation]] (Harappan) city; it is one of the five largest Harappan sites. }} * {{see | name= Historic City of [[Ahmedabad/Central Zone|Ahmedabad]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5472448 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= The modern Ahmedabad was a walled city in the past along the banks of the Sabarmati River. The city presents a rich and diverse cultural and architectural style. It also houses the former home of Mahatma Gandhi, the Sabarmati Ashram. }} * {{see | name=Rani-ki-Vav | alt=Queen's Stepwell | url= | email= | address=[[Patan (Gujarat)|Patan]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7293002 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is famous for its ornate carvings and many sculptures in its galleries. Built as an inverted temple and representing a religious regard for water. Stepwells were built basically for the storage of water in India. }} * {{see | name=[[Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q844427 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A fortified medieval settlement with Hindu, Muslim and Jain architectural elements along with the remains of water-managing systems }} ==Himachal Pradesh== * {{Listing | name = [[Great Himalayan National Park]] | lat = | long = | wikidata = Q1544213 | content = The different altitudes provide for subtropical forests to alpine and glacial flora. Different species of goat, bear, leopard and pheasants can also be found here. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} ==Karnataka== * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Hampi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26732 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Significant historic and architectural interest. The area abounds with large stones used to make statues of Jaina deities. Numerous temples and other sites can be found in and around Hampi. Further excavations are under way. }} * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Pattadakal]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q817250 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an historic centre of Chalukya art and architecture. This has major temples and numerous shrines }} * '''Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas:''' It consists of two clusters of monuments (in [[Belur]] and [[Halebidu]]), and the Keshava temple in [[Somanathapura]], dating to the time of the Hoysala Empire, between the 11th and 14th centuries. ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Belur]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q760603 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Halebidu]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q108227451 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Chennakesava Temple, [[Somanathapura]] | alt=Keshava temple | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3537502 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ==Madhya Pradesh== * {{see | name= Rock Shelters of [[Bhimbetka]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q331603 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Early traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent have been discovered here. Rock paintings can be seen that are similar to those that have been found in Australia and France. }} * {{see | name= [[Khajuraho]] Group of Monuments| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26258435 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is a group of Hindu and Jain temples in [[Khajuraho]], [[Madhya Pradesh]]. The temples are noted for their architectural/artistic style and erotic sculptures. }} * {{see | name= Buddhist Monuments at [[Sanchi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q181123 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Believed to be the oldest stone structure in India. '''Vidisha''' (city in [[Madhya Pradesh]]) was the ancient capital city of the Malwa. Many Buddhist monuments were later built around this ancient city. The historical Sanchi stupas are very well preserved. }} ==Maharashtra== * {{see | name= [[Ajanta Caves]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Aurangabad]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= depict the stories of [[Buddhism]] from circa 200 BCE to 650 CE. These caves were discovered by some British Officers during a tiger hunt. These caves were built by Buddhist monks using simple tools. Buddhist monks often taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas (ancient seats of learning). There are detailed/beautiful sculptures and paintings depicting stories from Jataka tales. }} * {{see | name=[[Ellora Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189616 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are an impressive complex of rock shrines that represent the three faiths of [[Buddhism]], [[Hinduism]] and Jainism and were created during the 5th-13th centuries CE. The caves are northwest of central [[Aurangabad]], a few km from [[Khuldabad]]. }} * {{see | name=Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus | alt=(formerly Victoria Terminus), also known as '''Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus''' ('''CSMT''') | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=the architectural influence of Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival architecture and traditional Mughal architectural style }} * {{see | name=Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16942531 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It represents an urban project through various buildings (cinemas, residential buildings and balconies) of the late 19th century. Mainly these are found near the Oval Maidan area of [[Mumbai]], they represent the Victorian Neo-Gothic style of architecture and Art Deco (sometimes known as ''Indo-Deco''). }} * {{see | name=[[Mumbai/Elephanta|Elephanta Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q649384 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are two groups of sculpted caves (Hindu and Buddhist). Within the caves there are numerous carved panels and shrines. The original stone-cut elephant statue; for which Elephanta Island was named, resides at Jijamata Udyaan in [[Mumbai]]. }} ==Odisha== * {{see | name= Konark Sun Temple| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Konark]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q752091| lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= It was built to honour the sun god Surya. The entire temple is shaped in the form of a chariot pulled by seven horses in order to carry the sun god across the heavens. Though partially in ruins, it has extensive stone carvings (many erotic in nature) on the walls. }} ==Rajasthan== * The '''Hill Forts of [[Rajasthan]]''' — ** {{see | name= Chittor Fort in [[Chittorgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3695769 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= A massive stone gates with notched parapets and arched reinforced doors (to defend against elephants and cannon). Within the fort a circular road gives access to the gates and numerous monuments (ruined palaces and numerous temples). }} ** {{see | name= Kumbhalgarh Fort, [[Kumbhalgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1246283 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= protected by seven towering gates and within is the ''Badal Mahal'' palace. It also had long meandering walls for defence. There are many tales and interesting stories affiliated with this site. }} ** {{see | name= Ranthambore Fort, [[Ranthambore]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2724894 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It lies within the [[Ranthambore National Park]], near the town of [[Sawai Madhopur]]. Initially called "Ranath Bhawar Garh" (a place of Rajput warriors). The history of ''Sawai Madhopur'' centers around the famous Ranthambore Fort. }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Amber Fort in [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q456817 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a massive fort-palace complex built in a Hindu-Muslim style dating back to ''Raja Man Singh'' and once the royal palace of the ''Kachwahas''. Within the fort is the ''Sheesh Mahal'' (with thousands of mirror tiles on the walls and ceilings).. }} ** {{see | name= Jaisalmer Fort in [[Jaisalmer]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3634368 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= Also known as the “Sonar Quila” or "Sonal Kella" or "Sonar Kila". It displays the subtle hues of the setting sun and desert. It is a 'working fort' as its citizens reside and work within its walls. There are numerous vantage points within the fort that enable great views across the city and desert. }} * {{see | name= [[Jaipur]] City| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q66485 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a magnificent city filled with historical wonders and beauty in the North-western part of India. During the rule of Sawai Ram Singh I, the city was painted pink to welcome HRH Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VII, Emperor of India), in 1876. Many of the avenues still remain painted in pink, giving Jaipur a distinctive appearance and the epithet Pink city. }} * {{see | name= Jantar Mantar, [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q508634| lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= one of five astronomical observatories build by Maharaja Jai Singh in northern India. This historical observatory has geometric devices (or yantras in Hindi) for measuring time, eclipse prediction, tracking the orbits of stars eyc.. Explanations are posted for these devices and hired guides may provide further explanations. }} ==Sikkim== * {{Go | name= [[Khangchendzonga National Park]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=(mixed) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q2605019 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is named after Kangchenjunga, the highest peak of India. It is known for its numerous glaciers (Zemu glacier for example). Snow leopards, musk deer and Himalayan taar have been spotted here. }} ==Tamil Nadu== * The '''Great Living Chola Temples''' — consists of three Hindu temples built in the 11th and 12th centuries under the Chola dynasty. They represent some of the best examples of Dravidian architecture of the Chola period. ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Thanjavur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q916943 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= This temple is dedicated to Shiva. Its pillared cloister contains many lignams and the sanctum sanctorum has a large Shiva lingam and stone Nandi. }} ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Gangaikonda Cholapuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5521034 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is dedicated to the Lord Shiva and its location was used to be a medieval Chola capital. This multi-storied temple was once surrounded by a huge fort wall. }} ** {{See | name= Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3437182 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. }} ** {{marker|type=see|name=Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]|lat=10.94841|long=79.356708|image=Darasuram6.jpg}}. It has some excellent stone carvings (as well as inscriptions). The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. * {{See | name= Group of Monuments at [[Mamallapuram|Mahabalipuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3522747 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= a monument complex near [[Chennai]]. The area dates back to the ''Tamil Pallava'' dynasty. Mostly carved out of granite, they are among the oldest examples of ''Dravidian'' (South Indian) art/architecture. }} ==Telangana== * {{See | name= Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Palampet]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3380656 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= An ancient Hindu temple built during the 1200s Kakatiya dynasty & featuring ornate carvings & shrines. The main structure is in a reddish sandstone, but the columns round the outside have large brackets of black basalt which is rich in iron, magnesium and silica. These are carved as mythical animals or female dancers or musicians, and are "the masterpieces of Kakatiya art, notable for their delicate carving, sensuous postures and elongated bodies and heads". }} ==Uttar Pradesh== * {{see | name=Taj Mahal | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q9141 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It is a white marble mausoleum ordered by emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife (Mumtaz Mahal). Taj Mahal means ''Crown Palace''. It is a fairly well kept tomb and an outstanding example of Indian Muslim architecture. Current work is being considered to combat damage caused by pollution. }} * {{see | name=Agra Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q171857 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= Similar to the Red Fort in [[Delhi]], a well preserved palace and defensive complex constructed mostly in red sandstone. Emperor Akbar built this fort (same time as Humayun's Tomb in Delhi). Emperor Shah Jahan made later additions to it. }} * {{see | name=[[Fatehpur Sikri]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (''City of Victory'') — A virtual ghost city near [[Agra]]. Built by the Emperor Akbar, it was the capital of the [[Mughal Empire]] and later abandoned because local water supplies were lacking and near the tumultuous Rajasthan. It includes one of the largest mosques (''Jama Masjid'') in India. There are well preserved palaces and courtyards. }} * {{see | name=Keoladeo National Park| alt=Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary | url= | email= | address=[[Bharatpur]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (natural) — It provides habitat for thousands of birds during the winter season. The sanctuary hosts rare Siberian Cranes, ruddy shelducks, northern shovelers, northern pintails, tufted ducks, shovelers and other indigionous and migratory waterfowl. }} ==Uttarakhand== * {{listing | name=[[Nanda Devi National Park|Nanda Devi]] and [[Valley of Flowers National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q15839097 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=Nanda Devi contains wildlife such as snow leopards, bears, tahrs, deer and monkeys in addition to splendid flowers. The Valley of Flowers is famous for its beautiful alpine flowers. This valley is an Indian national park with beautiful waterfalls, landscapes, meadows of flowers and surrounding forests. }} ==West Bengal== * {{listing | name=[[Santiniketan]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1026431 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=Santiniketan was founded as an ashram by Debendranath Tagore in the second half of the 19th century and then developed into a university town of Visva-Bharati University. It is connected to the life and philosophy of Debendranath's son Rabindranath Tagore, the leading figure of the Bengali Renaissance. }} * {{listing | name=[[Sundarbans National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q532440 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The coastal mangrove forest in the southern part of [[West Bengal]] and [[Bangladesh]]. It lies on the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta. It is the largest mangrove forest in the world and the only mangrove forest in the world with tigers. [[Sundarbans (Bangladesh)]] is a different UNESCO Heritage Site in [[Bangladesh]]. }} '''Note:''' The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is listed under [[UNESCO World Heritage List (India)#Across multiple states|Mountain Railways of India]] ==See also== * [[UNESCO World Heritage List#India|UNESCO World Heritage List]] {{geo|21.534|78.046|zoom=5}} {{PartOfTopic|United Nations|India}} {{usabletopic}} thveisu4jvcv70jjw8gvp5v33ux6m93 5086973 5086970 2025-07-03T05:14:15Z Rangan Datta Wiki 124323 /* Assam */ Updated listing for [[Manas National ParkManas Wildlife Sanctury]] 5086973 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|TajMahal Banner.jpg|unesco_whs=yes}} '''World Heritage Sites''' are important places of cultural, historical, scientific or other significance designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). There are 43 {{UNESCO WHS}}s in [[India]]. These include 35 cultural sites (marked in blue), 7 natural sites (marked in green) and 1 mixed-criteria site (marked in red). India has the sixth largest number of sites in the world. {{mapframe|align=center|height=750|width=750}} ==Across multiple states== [[File:Darjeelinghimalayanrailway.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] [[File:Qutab Minar mausoleum.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Qutb Minar, [[Delhi]]]] [[File:Santiniketan Prayer Hall.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Santiniketan]] [[File:Konarka Temple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sun Temple, Konark]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 16 Agra Fort.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Agra Fort]] [[File:Temple No.- 3, Nalanda Archaeological Site.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Nalanda]] [[File:Fatehpur Sikri near Agra 2016-03 img05.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Fatehpur Sikri]] [[File:India-5692 - Flickr - archer10 (Dennis).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Khajuraho Monuments]] [[File:Mahabodhitemple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Mahabodhi Temple Complex]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 04 Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Taj Mahal]] [[File:Brihadeeswarar Kovil.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Brihadisvara Temple]] [[File:The elegant stone chariot.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Stone Chariot, Hampi]] [[File:Cave 26, Ajanta.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ajanta Caves]] [[File:Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus]] [[File:Thane Creek and Elephanta Island 03-2016 - img20 Elephanta Caves.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Elephanta Caves]] [[File:Kailasa temple overview, Ellora.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Kailasa Temple, Ellora]] [[File:Amber Fort (आमेर का किला ).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Amber Fort, Jaipur]] [[File:Rani_ki_vav_02.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Rani-ki-Vav]] [[File:Dhauladhar_ranges_in_the_background-_Trekkers_resting_a_bit_I_IMG_7165.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Dhauladhar Ranges]] [[File:Valley of flowers uttaranchal full view.JPG|thumb|upright=0.7|Valley of Flowers]] [[File:Ramappa Temple 8.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ramappa Temple]] [[File:Sunderbans 059.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sundarbans National Park]] [[File:Western Ghats Gobi.jpg|thumb|Western Ghats|upright=0.7]] * The '''[[Rail travel in India#Mountain trains|Mountain Railways of India]]:''' Consists of three different sites spread across [[West Bengal]], [[Tamil Nadu]] and [[Himachal Pradesh]]. They consist of narrow and meter-gauge lines that run through picturesque mountains. ** {{see | name=[[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] | alt=DHR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[New Jalpaiguri]]–[[Darjeeling]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463874 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A {{convert|2|ft|mm}} gauge railway running through the foothills of the eastern Himalayas. The railway covers a distance of {{convert|88|km|mi}} starts at an altitude of {{convert|100|m|ft}} and ends at {{convert|2200|m|ft}}. The highest elevation is at [[Ghum]] ({{convert|2258|m|ft}}. It gains altitude via 6 zig-zags and 3 (originally 5) loops. Today, apart from regular diesel engines, there is a steam engine joy ride between Darjeeling and Ghum. }} ** {{see | name=Nilgiri Mountain Railway | alt=NMR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[Mettupalayam]]–[[Ooty]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463735 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A meter-gauge ({{cvt|1|m|ft}}) railway through the lush green Nilgiri hills. It has been in operation since 1908. The {{cvt|46|km|mi}} long railway starts at {{cvt|326|m|ft}} and ends at {{cvt|2203|m|ft}}.It follows the rack railway technology. }} ** {{see | name=Kalka–Shimla Railway | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Kalka]] – [[Shimla]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7171560 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The narrow gauge {{cvt|2|ft|6|in|mm}} railway covers a distance of {{cvt|95.6|km|mi}} starting at an altitude of {{cvt|656|m|ft}} and ending at {{cvt|2075|m|ft}}. It has been in operation since 1903. }} * {{listing | name=Western Ghats | alt=Sahyadri | url= | email= | address=([[Maharashtra]], [[Karnataka]], [[Kerala]] and [[Tamil Nadu]]) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4527 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A {{cvt|1600|km|mi}} long mountain range running along the west coast of peninsular India. It covers an area of {{cvt|160,000|km2|mi2}}. The Western Ghats are one of the oldest mountain regions of the Indian sub-continent. It exhibits geomorphic features of immense importance with unique biophysical and ecological processes. It is home to at least 325 globally threatened flora and fauna. They include several birds, amphibians, reptiles and fish species. Western Ghat is home to several endemic species. }} ==Assam== * {{listing | name=[[Kaziranga National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.6667 | long=93.35 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q192764 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is home to the Indian single-horned rhinos (rhinoceros unicornis). Kaziranga also hosts a variety of other mammal and bird species. }} * {{listing | name=[[Manas National ParkManas Wildlife Sanctury]] | alt=Manas National Park | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.71 | long=90.93 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q506511 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is a habitat for many unique and endangered wildlife species such as the golden langur, pygmy hog and hispid hare. The Asian elephant, water buffalo, black panther, sloth bear and sambar deer can also be found here as well as endangered residential and migratory birds }} * {{see | name=[[Moidam]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.941466 | long=94.876018 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6735332 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The mound burial system of Ahom dynasty (1228–1826). These burial mounds create an undulating landscape reminiscent of hills, in line with the spiritual beliefs of the Ahom people }} ==Bihar== * {{see | name=Nalanda|Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Nalanda]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q216243 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} * {{see | name=Mahabodhi Temple Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Bodh Gaya]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4513 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} ==Chandigarh== * {{see | name=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier in [[Chandigarh]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=30.761085 | long=76.803291 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q55619850 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement is a World Heritage Site consisting of a selection of 17 building projects in 7 countries (including [[Chandigarh]], [[India]]) by the Franco-Swiss architect Le Corbusier. These sites demonstrate how Modern Movement architecture was applied to respond to the needs of society and show the global range of a style and an architect. }} ==Delhi== * {{see | name=Humayun's Tomb | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[South East Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189648 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The site was constructed in the Indo-Islamic style known as ''Mughal''. The grand domed structure of the Humayun's Tomb occupies the central position of the Persian styled ''char bagh''garden. There are several other structures in the garden and consists of Isha Khan's tomb & mosque, Arab sarai, Barbar's tomb and many more. }} * {{see | name=Qutb Minar and its Monuments | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/South Delhi|South Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q187635 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=These structures in Delhi date from the Slave Dynasty. The Qutb Minar is one of the tallest minars in India. It has been well-preserved with its intricate carvings. It was constructed of red sandstone and marble. Earthquake damage to the top of the Qutb Manar has been renovated and its base reinforced. }} * {{see | name=Red Fort Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/Central Delhi|Central Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q45957 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Red Fort is a red sandstone fort (and ruling palace) built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame. Many historical objects and marble inlays have disappeared and quite a few buildings can not be visited due to disrepair. However, the site is impressive with lush green gardens that are well kept year round. }} ==Goa== * {{see | name= Churches and Convents of Goa| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Old Goa|Goa]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q15726428 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Old Goa, the former capital of colonial [[Goa]], is full of history and the location of numerous well maintained scenic churches and convents. }} ==Gujarat== * {{see | name= [[Dholavira]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q9468 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an archaeological site at with the ruins of an ancient [[Indus Valley Civilisation]] (Harappan) city; it is one of the five largest Harappan sites. }} * {{see | name= Historic City of [[Ahmedabad/Central Zone|Ahmedabad]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5472448 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= The modern Ahmedabad was a walled city in the past along the banks of the Sabarmati River. The city presents a rich and diverse cultural and architectural style. It also houses the former home of Mahatma Gandhi, the Sabarmati Ashram. }} * {{see | name=Rani-ki-Vav | alt=Queen's Stepwell | url= | email= | address=[[Patan (Gujarat)|Patan]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7293002 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is famous for its ornate carvings and many sculptures in its galleries. Built as an inverted temple and representing a religious regard for water. Stepwells were built basically for the storage of water in India. }} * {{see | name=[[Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q844427 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A fortified medieval settlement with Hindu, Muslim and Jain architectural elements along with the remains of water-managing systems }} ==Himachal Pradesh== * {{Listing | name = [[Great Himalayan National Park]] | lat = | long = | wikidata = Q1544213 | content = The different altitudes provide for subtropical forests to alpine and glacial flora. Different species of goat, bear, leopard and pheasants can also be found here. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} ==Karnataka== * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Hampi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26732 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Significant historic and architectural interest. The area abounds with large stones used to make statues of Jaina deities. Numerous temples and other sites can be found in and around Hampi. Further excavations are under way. }} * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Pattadakal]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q817250 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an historic centre of Chalukya art and architecture. This has major temples and numerous shrines }} * '''Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas:''' It consists of two clusters of monuments (in [[Belur]] and [[Halebidu]]), and the Keshava temple in [[Somanathapura]], dating to the time of the Hoysala Empire, between the 11th and 14th centuries. ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Belur]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q760603 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Halebidu]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q108227451 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Chennakesava Temple, [[Somanathapura]] | alt=Keshava temple | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3537502 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ==Madhya Pradesh== * {{see | name= Rock Shelters of [[Bhimbetka]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q331603 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Early traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent have been discovered here. Rock paintings can be seen that are similar to those that have been found in Australia and France. }} * {{see | name= [[Khajuraho]] Group of Monuments| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26258435 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is a group of Hindu and Jain temples in [[Khajuraho]], [[Madhya Pradesh]]. The temples are noted for their architectural/artistic style and erotic sculptures. }} * {{see | name= Buddhist Monuments at [[Sanchi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q181123 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Believed to be the oldest stone structure in India. '''Vidisha''' (city in [[Madhya Pradesh]]) was the ancient capital city of the Malwa. Many Buddhist monuments were later built around this ancient city. The historical Sanchi stupas are very well preserved. }} ==Maharashtra== * {{see | name= [[Ajanta Caves]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Aurangabad]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= depict the stories of [[Buddhism]] from circa 200 BCE to 650 CE. These caves were discovered by some British Officers during a tiger hunt. These caves were built by Buddhist monks using simple tools. Buddhist monks often taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas (ancient seats of learning). There are detailed/beautiful sculptures and paintings depicting stories from Jataka tales. }} * {{see | name=[[Ellora Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189616 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are an impressive complex of rock shrines that represent the three faiths of [[Buddhism]], [[Hinduism]] and Jainism and were created during the 5th-13th centuries CE. The caves are northwest of central [[Aurangabad]], a few km from [[Khuldabad]]. }} * {{see | name=Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus | alt=(formerly Victoria Terminus), also known as '''Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus''' ('''CSMT''') | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=the architectural influence of Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival architecture and traditional Mughal architectural style }} * {{see | name=Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16942531 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It represents an urban project through various buildings (cinemas, residential buildings and balconies) of the late 19th century. Mainly these are found near the Oval Maidan area of [[Mumbai]], they represent the Victorian Neo-Gothic style of architecture and Art Deco (sometimes known as ''Indo-Deco''). }} * {{see | name=[[Mumbai/Elephanta|Elephanta Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q649384 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are two groups of sculpted caves (Hindu and Buddhist). Within the caves there are numerous carved panels and shrines. The original stone-cut elephant statue; for which Elephanta Island was named, resides at Jijamata Udyaan in [[Mumbai]]. }} ==Odisha== * {{see | name= Konark Sun Temple| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Konark]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q752091| lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= It was built to honour the sun god Surya. The entire temple is shaped in the form of a chariot pulled by seven horses in order to carry the sun god across the heavens. Though partially in ruins, it has extensive stone carvings (many erotic in nature) on the walls. }} ==Rajasthan== * The '''Hill Forts of [[Rajasthan]]''' — ** {{see | name= Chittor Fort in [[Chittorgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3695769 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= A massive stone gates with notched parapets and arched reinforced doors (to defend against elephants and cannon). Within the fort a circular road gives access to the gates and numerous monuments (ruined palaces and numerous temples). }} ** {{see | name= Kumbhalgarh Fort, [[Kumbhalgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1246283 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= protected by seven towering gates and within is the ''Badal Mahal'' palace. It also had long meandering walls for defence. There are many tales and interesting stories affiliated with this site. }} ** {{see | name= Ranthambore Fort, [[Ranthambore]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2724894 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It lies within the [[Ranthambore National Park]], near the town of [[Sawai Madhopur]]. Initially called "Ranath Bhawar Garh" (a place of Rajput warriors). The history of ''Sawai Madhopur'' centers around the famous Ranthambore Fort. }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Amber Fort in [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q456817 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a massive fort-palace complex built in a Hindu-Muslim style dating back to ''Raja Man Singh'' and once the royal palace of the ''Kachwahas''. Within the fort is the ''Sheesh Mahal'' (with thousands of mirror tiles on the walls and ceilings).. }} ** {{see | name= Jaisalmer Fort in [[Jaisalmer]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3634368 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= Also known as the “Sonar Quila” or "Sonal Kella" or "Sonar Kila". It displays the subtle hues of the setting sun and desert. It is a 'working fort' as its citizens reside and work within its walls. There are numerous vantage points within the fort that enable great views across the city and desert. }} * {{see | name= [[Jaipur]] City| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q66485 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a magnificent city filled with historical wonders and beauty in the North-western part of India. During the rule of Sawai Ram Singh I, the city was painted pink to welcome HRH Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VII, Emperor of India), in 1876. Many of the avenues still remain painted in pink, giving Jaipur a distinctive appearance and the epithet Pink city. }} * {{see | name= Jantar Mantar, [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q508634| lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= one of five astronomical observatories build by Maharaja Jai Singh in northern India. This historical observatory has geometric devices (or yantras in Hindi) for measuring time, eclipse prediction, tracking the orbits of stars eyc.. Explanations are posted for these devices and hired guides may provide further explanations. }} ==Sikkim== * {{Go | name= [[Khangchendzonga National Park]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=(mixed) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q2605019 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is named after Kangchenjunga, the highest peak of India. It is known for its numerous glaciers (Zemu glacier for example). Snow leopards, musk deer and Himalayan taar have been spotted here. }} ==Tamil Nadu== * The '''Great Living Chola Temples''' — consists of three Hindu temples built in the 11th and 12th centuries under the Chola dynasty. They represent some of the best examples of Dravidian architecture of the Chola period. ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Thanjavur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q916943 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= This temple is dedicated to Shiva. Its pillared cloister contains many lignams and the sanctum sanctorum has a large Shiva lingam and stone Nandi. }} ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Gangaikonda Cholapuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5521034 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is dedicated to the Lord Shiva and its location was used to be a medieval Chola capital. This multi-storied temple was once surrounded by a huge fort wall. }} ** {{See | name= Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3437182 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. }} ** {{marker|type=see|name=Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]|lat=10.94841|long=79.356708|image=Darasuram6.jpg}}. It has some excellent stone carvings (as well as inscriptions). The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. * {{See | name= Group of Monuments at [[Mamallapuram|Mahabalipuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3522747 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= a monument complex near [[Chennai]]. The area dates back to the ''Tamil Pallava'' dynasty. Mostly carved out of granite, they are among the oldest examples of ''Dravidian'' (South Indian) art/architecture. }} ==Telangana== * {{See | name= Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Palampet]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3380656 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= An ancient Hindu temple built during the 1200s Kakatiya dynasty & featuring ornate carvings & shrines. The main structure is in a reddish sandstone, but the columns round the outside have large brackets of black basalt which is rich in iron, magnesium and silica. These are carved as mythical animals or female dancers or musicians, and are "the masterpieces of Kakatiya art, notable for their delicate carving, sensuous postures and elongated bodies and heads". }} ==Uttar Pradesh== * {{see | name=Taj Mahal | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q9141 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It is a white marble mausoleum ordered by emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife (Mumtaz Mahal). Taj Mahal means ''Crown Palace''. It is a fairly well kept tomb and an outstanding example of Indian Muslim architecture. Current work is being considered to combat damage caused by pollution. }} * {{see | name=Agra Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q171857 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= Similar to the Red Fort in [[Delhi]], a well preserved palace and defensive complex constructed mostly in red sandstone. Emperor Akbar built this fort (same time as Humayun's Tomb in Delhi). Emperor Shah Jahan made later additions to it. }} * {{see | name=[[Fatehpur Sikri]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (''City of Victory'') — A virtual ghost city near [[Agra]]. Built by the Emperor Akbar, it was the capital of the [[Mughal Empire]] and later abandoned because local water supplies were lacking and near the tumultuous Rajasthan. It includes one of the largest mosques (''Jama Masjid'') in India. There are well preserved palaces and courtyards. }} * {{see | name=Keoladeo National Park| alt=Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary | url= | email= | address=[[Bharatpur]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (natural) — It provides habitat for thousands of birds during the winter season. The sanctuary hosts rare Siberian Cranes, ruddy shelducks, northern shovelers, northern pintails, tufted ducks, shovelers and other indigionous and migratory waterfowl. }} ==Uttarakhand== * {{listing | name=[[Nanda Devi National Park|Nanda Devi]] and [[Valley of Flowers National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q15839097 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=Nanda Devi contains wildlife such as snow leopards, bears, tahrs, deer and monkeys in addition to splendid flowers. The Valley of Flowers is famous for its beautiful alpine flowers. This valley is an Indian national park with beautiful waterfalls, landscapes, meadows of flowers and surrounding forests. }} ==West Bengal== * {{listing | name=[[Santiniketan]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1026431 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=Santiniketan was founded as an ashram by Debendranath Tagore in the second half of the 19th century and then developed into a university town of Visva-Bharati University. It is connected to the life and philosophy of Debendranath's son Rabindranath Tagore, the leading figure of the Bengali Renaissance. }} * {{listing | name=[[Sundarbans National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q532440 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The coastal mangrove forest in the southern part of [[West Bengal]] and [[Bangladesh]]. It lies on the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta. It is the largest mangrove forest in the world and the only mangrove forest in the world with tigers. [[Sundarbans (Bangladesh)]] is a different UNESCO Heritage Site in [[Bangladesh]]. }} '''Note:''' The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is listed under [[UNESCO World Heritage List (India)#Across multiple states|Mountain Railways of India]] ==See also== * [[UNESCO World Heritage List#India|UNESCO World Heritage List]] {{geo|21.534|78.046|zoom=5}} {{PartOfTopic|United Nations|India}} {{usabletopic}} ib85akzvn0t5hxq91n8o6txt4cs4a0n 5086974 5086973 2025-07-03T05:14:43Z Rangan Datta Wiki 124323 /* Assam */ Updated listing for [[Manas National Park|Manas Wildlife Sanctury]] 5086974 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|TajMahal Banner.jpg|unesco_whs=yes}} '''World Heritage Sites''' are important places of cultural, historical, scientific or other significance designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). There are 43 {{UNESCO WHS}}s in [[India]]. These include 35 cultural sites (marked in blue), 7 natural sites (marked in green) and 1 mixed-criteria site (marked in red). India has the sixth largest number of sites in the world. {{mapframe|align=center|height=750|width=750}} ==Across multiple states== [[File:Darjeelinghimalayanrailway.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] [[File:Qutab Minar mausoleum.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Qutb Minar, [[Delhi]]]] [[File:Santiniketan Prayer Hall.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Santiniketan]] [[File:Konarka Temple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sun Temple, Konark]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 16 Agra Fort.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Agra Fort]] [[File:Temple No.- 3, Nalanda Archaeological Site.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Nalanda]] [[File:Fatehpur Sikri near Agra 2016-03 img05.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Fatehpur Sikri]] [[File:India-5692 - Flickr - archer10 (Dennis).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Khajuraho Monuments]] [[File:Mahabodhitemple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Mahabodhi Temple Complex]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 04 Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Taj Mahal]] [[File:Brihadeeswarar Kovil.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Brihadisvara Temple]] [[File:The elegant stone chariot.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Stone Chariot, Hampi]] [[File:Cave 26, Ajanta.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ajanta Caves]] [[File:Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus]] [[File:Thane Creek and Elephanta Island 03-2016 - img20 Elephanta Caves.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Elephanta Caves]] [[File:Kailasa temple overview, Ellora.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Kailasa Temple, Ellora]] [[File:Amber Fort (आमेर का किला ).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Amber Fort, Jaipur]] [[File:Rani_ki_vav_02.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Rani-ki-Vav]] [[File:Dhauladhar_ranges_in_the_background-_Trekkers_resting_a_bit_I_IMG_7165.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Dhauladhar Ranges]] [[File:Valley of flowers uttaranchal full view.JPG|thumb|upright=0.7|Valley of Flowers]] [[File:Ramappa Temple 8.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ramappa Temple]] [[File:Sunderbans 059.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sundarbans National Park]] [[File:Western Ghats Gobi.jpg|thumb|Western Ghats|upright=0.7]] * The '''[[Rail travel in India#Mountain trains|Mountain Railways of India]]:''' Consists of three different sites spread across [[West Bengal]], [[Tamil Nadu]] and [[Himachal Pradesh]]. They consist of narrow and meter-gauge lines that run through picturesque mountains. ** {{see | name=[[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] | alt=DHR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[New Jalpaiguri]]–[[Darjeeling]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463874 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A {{convert|2|ft|mm}} gauge railway running through the foothills of the eastern Himalayas. The railway covers a distance of {{convert|88|km|mi}} starts at an altitude of {{convert|100|m|ft}} and ends at {{convert|2200|m|ft}}. The highest elevation is at [[Ghum]] ({{convert|2258|m|ft}}. It gains altitude via 6 zig-zags and 3 (originally 5) loops. Today, apart from regular diesel engines, there is a steam engine joy ride between Darjeeling and Ghum. }} ** {{see | name=Nilgiri Mountain Railway | alt=NMR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[Mettupalayam]]–[[Ooty]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463735 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A meter-gauge ({{cvt|1|m|ft}}) railway through the lush green Nilgiri hills. It has been in operation since 1908. The {{cvt|46|km|mi}} long railway starts at {{cvt|326|m|ft}} and ends at {{cvt|2203|m|ft}}.It follows the rack railway technology. }} ** {{see | name=Kalka–Shimla Railway | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Kalka]] – [[Shimla]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7171560 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The narrow gauge {{cvt|2|ft|6|in|mm}} railway covers a distance of {{cvt|95.6|km|mi}} starting at an altitude of {{cvt|656|m|ft}} and ending at {{cvt|2075|m|ft}}. It has been in operation since 1903. }} * {{listing | name=Western Ghats | alt=Sahyadri | url= | email= | address=([[Maharashtra]], [[Karnataka]], [[Kerala]] and [[Tamil Nadu]]) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4527 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A {{cvt|1600|km|mi}} long mountain range running along the west coast of peninsular India. It covers an area of {{cvt|160,000|km2|mi2}}. The Western Ghats are one of the oldest mountain regions of the Indian sub-continent. It exhibits geomorphic features of immense importance with unique biophysical and ecological processes. It is home to at least 325 globally threatened flora and fauna. They include several birds, amphibians, reptiles and fish species. Western Ghat is home to several endemic species. }} ==Assam== * {{listing | name=[[Kaziranga National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.6667 | long=93.35 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q192764 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is home to the Indian single-horned rhinos (rhinoceros unicornis). Kaziranga also hosts a variety of other mammal and bird species. }} * {{listing | name=[[Manas National Park|Manas Wildlife Sanctury]] | alt=Manas National Park | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.71 | long=90.93 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q506511 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is a habitat for many unique and endangered wildlife species such as the golden langur, pygmy hog and hispid hare. The Asian elephant, water buffalo, black panther, sloth bear and sambar deer can also be found here as well as endangered residential and migratory birds }} * {{see | name=[[Moidam]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.941466 | long=94.876018 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6735332 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The mound burial system of Ahom dynasty (1228–1826). These burial mounds create an undulating landscape reminiscent of hills, in line with the spiritual beliefs of the Ahom people }} ==Bihar== * {{see | name=Nalanda|Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Nalanda]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q216243 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} * {{see | name=Mahabodhi Temple Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Bodh Gaya]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4513 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} ==Chandigarh== * {{see | name=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier in [[Chandigarh]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=30.761085 | long=76.803291 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q55619850 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement is a World Heritage Site consisting of a selection of 17 building projects in 7 countries (including [[Chandigarh]], [[India]]) by the Franco-Swiss architect Le Corbusier. These sites demonstrate how Modern Movement architecture was applied to respond to the needs of society and show the global range of a style and an architect. }} ==Delhi== * {{see | name=Humayun's Tomb | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[South East Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189648 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The site was constructed in the Indo-Islamic style known as ''Mughal''. The grand domed structure of the Humayun's Tomb occupies the central position of the Persian styled ''char bagh''garden. There are several other structures in the garden and consists of Isha Khan's tomb & mosque, Arab sarai, Barbar's tomb and many more. }} * {{see | name=Qutb Minar and its Monuments | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/South Delhi|South Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q187635 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=These structures in Delhi date from the Slave Dynasty. The Qutb Minar is one of the tallest minars in India. It has been well-preserved with its intricate carvings. It was constructed of red sandstone and marble. Earthquake damage to the top of the Qutb Manar has been renovated and its base reinforced. }} * {{see | name=Red Fort Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/Central Delhi|Central Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q45957 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Red Fort is a red sandstone fort (and ruling palace) built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame. Many historical objects and marble inlays have disappeared and quite a few buildings can not be visited due to disrepair. However, the site is impressive with lush green gardens that are well kept year round. }} ==Goa== * {{see | name= Churches and Convents of Goa| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Old Goa|Goa]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q15726428 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Old Goa, the former capital of colonial [[Goa]], is full of history and the location of numerous well maintained scenic churches and convents. }} ==Gujarat== * {{see | name= [[Dholavira]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q9468 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an archaeological site at with the ruins of an ancient [[Indus Valley Civilisation]] (Harappan) city; it is one of the five largest Harappan sites. }} * {{see | name= Historic City of [[Ahmedabad/Central Zone|Ahmedabad]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5472448 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= The modern Ahmedabad was a walled city in the past along the banks of the Sabarmati River. The city presents a rich and diverse cultural and architectural style. It also houses the former home of Mahatma Gandhi, the Sabarmati Ashram. }} * {{see | name=Rani-ki-Vav | alt=Queen's Stepwell | url= | email= | address=[[Patan (Gujarat)|Patan]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7293002 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is famous for its ornate carvings and many sculptures in its galleries. Built as an inverted temple and representing a religious regard for water. Stepwells were built basically for the storage of water in India. }} * {{see | name=[[Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q844427 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A fortified medieval settlement with Hindu, Muslim and Jain architectural elements along with the remains of water-managing systems }} ==Himachal Pradesh== * {{Listing | name = [[Great Himalayan National Park]] | lat = | long = | wikidata = Q1544213 | content = The different altitudes provide for subtropical forests to alpine and glacial flora. Different species of goat, bear, leopard and pheasants can also be found here. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} ==Karnataka== * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Hampi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26732 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Significant historic and architectural interest. The area abounds with large stones used to make statues of Jaina deities. Numerous temples and other sites can be found in and around Hampi. Further excavations are under way. }} * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Pattadakal]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q817250 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an historic centre of Chalukya art and architecture. This has major temples and numerous shrines }} * '''Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas:''' It consists of two clusters of monuments (in [[Belur]] and [[Halebidu]]), and the Keshava temple in [[Somanathapura]], dating to the time of the Hoysala Empire, between the 11th and 14th centuries. ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Belur]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q760603 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Halebidu]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q108227451 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Chennakesava Temple, [[Somanathapura]] | alt=Keshava temple | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3537502 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ==Madhya Pradesh== * {{see | name= Rock Shelters of [[Bhimbetka]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q331603 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Early traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent have been discovered here. Rock paintings can be seen that are similar to those that have been found in Australia and France. }} * {{see | name= [[Khajuraho]] Group of Monuments| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26258435 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is a group of Hindu and Jain temples in [[Khajuraho]], [[Madhya Pradesh]]. The temples are noted for their architectural/artistic style and erotic sculptures. }} * {{see | name= Buddhist Monuments at [[Sanchi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q181123 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Believed to be the oldest stone structure in India. '''Vidisha''' (city in [[Madhya Pradesh]]) was the ancient capital city of the Malwa. Many Buddhist monuments were later built around this ancient city. The historical Sanchi stupas are very well preserved. }} ==Maharashtra== * {{see | name= [[Ajanta Caves]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Aurangabad]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= depict the stories of [[Buddhism]] from circa 200 BCE to 650 CE. These caves were discovered by some British Officers during a tiger hunt. These caves were built by Buddhist monks using simple tools. Buddhist monks often taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas (ancient seats of learning). There are detailed/beautiful sculptures and paintings depicting stories from Jataka tales. }} * {{see | name=[[Ellora Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189616 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are an impressive complex of rock shrines that represent the three faiths of [[Buddhism]], [[Hinduism]] and Jainism and were created during the 5th-13th centuries CE. The caves are northwest of central [[Aurangabad]], a few km from [[Khuldabad]]. }} * {{see | name=Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus | alt=(formerly Victoria Terminus), also known as '''Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus''' ('''CSMT''') | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=the architectural influence of Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival architecture and traditional Mughal architectural style }} * {{see | name=Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16942531 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It represents an urban project through various buildings (cinemas, residential buildings and balconies) of the late 19th century. Mainly these are found near the Oval Maidan area of [[Mumbai]], they represent the Victorian Neo-Gothic style of architecture and Art Deco (sometimes known as ''Indo-Deco''). }} * {{see | name=[[Mumbai/Elephanta|Elephanta Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q649384 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are two groups of sculpted caves (Hindu and Buddhist). Within the caves there are numerous carved panels and shrines. The original stone-cut elephant statue; for which Elephanta Island was named, resides at Jijamata Udyaan in [[Mumbai]]. }} ==Odisha== * {{see | name= Konark Sun Temple| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Konark]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q752091| lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= It was built to honour the sun god Surya. The entire temple is shaped in the form of a chariot pulled by seven horses in order to carry the sun god across the heavens. Though partially in ruins, it has extensive stone carvings (many erotic in nature) on the walls. }} ==Rajasthan== * The '''Hill Forts of [[Rajasthan]]''' — ** {{see | name= Chittor Fort in [[Chittorgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3695769 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= A massive stone gates with notched parapets and arched reinforced doors (to defend against elephants and cannon). Within the fort a circular road gives access to the gates and numerous monuments (ruined palaces and numerous temples). }} ** {{see | name= Kumbhalgarh Fort, [[Kumbhalgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1246283 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= protected by seven towering gates and within is the ''Badal Mahal'' palace. It also had long meandering walls for defence. There are many tales and interesting stories affiliated with this site. }} ** {{see | name= Ranthambore Fort, [[Ranthambore]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2724894 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It lies within the [[Ranthambore National Park]], near the town of [[Sawai Madhopur]]. Initially called "Ranath Bhawar Garh" (a place of Rajput warriors). The history of ''Sawai Madhopur'' centers around the famous Ranthambore Fort. }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Amber Fort in [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q456817 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a massive fort-palace complex built in a Hindu-Muslim style dating back to ''Raja Man Singh'' and once the royal palace of the ''Kachwahas''. Within the fort is the ''Sheesh Mahal'' (with thousands of mirror tiles on the walls and ceilings).. }} ** {{see | name= Jaisalmer Fort in [[Jaisalmer]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3634368 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= Also known as the “Sonar Quila” or "Sonal Kella" or "Sonar Kila". It displays the subtle hues of the setting sun and desert. It is a 'working fort' as its citizens reside and work within its walls. There are numerous vantage points within the fort that enable great views across the city and desert. }} * {{see | name= [[Jaipur]] City| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q66485 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a magnificent city filled with historical wonders and beauty in the North-western part of India. During the rule of Sawai Ram Singh I, the city was painted pink to welcome HRH Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VII, Emperor of India), in 1876. Many of the avenues still remain painted in pink, giving Jaipur a distinctive appearance and the epithet Pink city. }} * {{see | name= Jantar Mantar, [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q508634| lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= one of five astronomical observatories build by Maharaja Jai Singh in northern India. This historical observatory has geometric devices (or yantras in Hindi) for measuring time, eclipse prediction, tracking the orbits of stars eyc.. Explanations are posted for these devices and hired guides may provide further explanations. }} ==Sikkim== * {{Go | name= [[Khangchendzonga National Park]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=(mixed) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q2605019 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is named after Kangchenjunga, the highest peak of India. It is known for its numerous glaciers (Zemu glacier for example). Snow leopards, musk deer and Himalayan taar have been spotted here. }} ==Tamil Nadu== * The '''Great Living Chola Temples''' — consists of three Hindu temples built in the 11th and 12th centuries under the Chola dynasty. They represent some of the best examples of Dravidian architecture of the Chola period. ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Thanjavur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q916943 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= This temple is dedicated to Shiva. Its pillared cloister contains many lignams and the sanctum sanctorum has a large Shiva lingam and stone Nandi. }} ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Gangaikonda Cholapuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5521034 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is dedicated to the Lord Shiva and its location was used to be a medieval Chola capital. This multi-storied temple was once surrounded by a huge fort wall. }} ** {{See | name= Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3437182 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. }} ** {{marker|type=see|name=Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]|lat=10.94841|long=79.356708|image=Darasuram6.jpg}}. It has some excellent stone carvings (as well as inscriptions). The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. * {{See | name= Group of Monuments at [[Mamallapuram|Mahabalipuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3522747 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= a monument complex near [[Chennai]]. The area dates back to the ''Tamil Pallava'' dynasty. Mostly carved out of granite, they are among the oldest examples of ''Dravidian'' (South Indian) art/architecture. }} ==Telangana== * {{See | name= Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Palampet]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3380656 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= An ancient Hindu temple built during the 1200s Kakatiya dynasty & featuring ornate carvings & shrines. The main structure is in a reddish sandstone, but the columns round the outside have large brackets of black basalt which is rich in iron, magnesium and silica. These are carved as mythical animals or female dancers or musicians, and are "the masterpieces of Kakatiya art, notable for their delicate carving, sensuous postures and elongated bodies and heads". }} ==Uttar Pradesh== * {{see | name=Taj Mahal | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q9141 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It is a white marble mausoleum ordered by emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife (Mumtaz Mahal). Taj Mahal means ''Crown Palace''. It is a fairly well kept tomb and an outstanding example of Indian Muslim architecture. Current work is being considered to combat damage caused by pollution. }} * {{see | name=Agra Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q171857 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= Similar to the Red Fort in [[Delhi]], a well preserved palace and defensive complex constructed mostly in red sandstone. Emperor Akbar built this fort (same time as Humayun's Tomb in Delhi). Emperor Shah Jahan made later additions to it. }} * {{see | name=[[Fatehpur Sikri]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (''City of Victory'') — A virtual ghost city near [[Agra]]. Built by the Emperor Akbar, it was the capital of the [[Mughal Empire]] and later abandoned because local water supplies were lacking and near the tumultuous Rajasthan. It includes one of the largest mosques (''Jama Masjid'') in India. There are well preserved palaces and courtyards. }} * {{see | name=Keoladeo National Park| alt=Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary | url= | email= | address=[[Bharatpur]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (natural) — It provides habitat for thousands of birds during the winter season. The sanctuary hosts rare Siberian Cranes, ruddy shelducks, northern shovelers, northern pintails, tufted ducks, shovelers and other indigionous and migratory waterfowl. }} ==Uttarakhand== * {{listing | name=[[Nanda Devi National Park|Nanda Devi]] and [[Valley of Flowers National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q15839097 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=Nanda Devi contains wildlife such as snow leopards, bears, tahrs, deer and monkeys in addition to splendid flowers. The Valley of Flowers is famous for its beautiful alpine flowers. This valley is an Indian national park with beautiful waterfalls, landscapes, meadows of flowers and surrounding forests. }} ==West Bengal== * {{listing | name=[[Santiniketan]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1026431 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=Santiniketan was founded as an ashram by Debendranath Tagore in the second half of the 19th century and then developed into a university town of Visva-Bharati University. It is connected to the life and philosophy of Debendranath's son Rabindranath Tagore, the leading figure of the Bengali Renaissance. }} * {{listing | name=[[Sundarbans National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q532440 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The coastal mangrove forest in the southern part of [[West Bengal]] and [[Bangladesh]]. It lies on the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta. It is the largest mangrove forest in the world and the only mangrove forest in the world with tigers. [[Sundarbans (Bangladesh)]] is a different UNESCO Heritage Site in [[Bangladesh]]. }} '''Note:''' The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is listed under [[UNESCO World Heritage List (India)#Across multiple states|Mountain Railways of India]] ==See also== * [[UNESCO World Heritage List#India|UNESCO World Heritage List]] {{geo|21.534|78.046|zoom=5}} {{PartOfTopic|United Nations|India}} {{usabletopic}} p9qae9ic815tk0ycqanu2hmsfw1xj6j 5087004 5086974 2025-07-03T07:31:50Z Rangan Datta Wiki 124323 /* Assam */ Updated listing for [[Manas National Park|Manas Wildlife Sanctury]] 5087004 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|TajMahal Banner.jpg|unesco_whs=yes}} '''World Heritage Sites''' are important places of cultural, historical, scientific or other significance designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). There are 43 {{UNESCO WHS}}s in [[India]]. These include 35 cultural sites (marked in blue), 7 natural sites (marked in green) and 1 mixed-criteria site (marked in red). India has the sixth largest number of sites in the world. {{mapframe|align=center|height=750|width=750}} ==Across multiple states== [[File:Darjeelinghimalayanrailway.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] [[File:Qutab Minar mausoleum.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Qutb Minar, [[Delhi]]]] [[File:Santiniketan Prayer Hall.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Santiniketan]] [[File:Konarka Temple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sun Temple, Konark]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 16 Agra Fort.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Agra Fort]] [[File:Temple No.- 3, Nalanda Archaeological Site.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Nalanda]] [[File:Fatehpur Sikri near Agra 2016-03 img05.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Fatehpur Sikri]] [[File:India-5692 - Flickr - archer10 (Dennis).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Khajuraho Monuments]] [[File:Mahabodhitemple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Mahabodhi Temple Complex]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 04 Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Taj Mahal]] [[File:Brihadeeswarar Kovil.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Brihadisvara Temple]] [[File:The elegant stone chariot.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Stone Chariot, Hampi]] [[File:Cave 26, Ajanta.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ajanta Caves]] [[File:Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus]] [[File:Thane Creek and Elephanta Island 03-2016 - img20 Elephanta Caves.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Elephanta Caves]] [[File:Kailasa temple overview, Ellora.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Kailasa Temple, Ellora]] [[File:Amber Fort (आमेर का किला ).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Amber Fort, Jaipur]] [[File:Rani_ki_vav_02.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Rani-ki-Vav]] [[File:Dhauladhar_ranges_in_the_background-_Trekkers_resting_a_bit_I_IMG_7165.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Dhauladhar Ranges]] [[File:Valley of flowers uttaranchal full view.JPG|thumb|upright=0.7|Valley of Flowers]] [[File:Ramappa Temple 8.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ramappa Temple]] [[File:Sunderbans 059.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sundarbans National Park]] [[File:Western Ghats Gobi.jpg|thumb|Western Ghats|upright=0.7]] * The '''[[Rail travel in India#Mountain trains|Mountain Railways of India]]:''' Consists of three different sites spread across [[West Bengal]], [[Tamil Nadu]] and [[Himachal Pradesh]]. They consist of narrow and meter-gauge lines that run through picturesque mountains. ** {{see | name=[[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] | alt=DHR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[New Jalpaiguri]]–[[Darjeeling]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463874 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A {{convert|2|ft|mm}} gauge railway running through the foothills of the eastern Himalayas. The railway covers a distance of {{convert|88|km|mi}} starts at an altitude of {{convert|100|m|ft}} and ends at {{convert|2200|m|ft}}. The highest elevation is at [[Ghum]] ({{convert|2258|m|ft}}. It gains altitude via 6 zig-zags and 3 (originally 5) loops. Today, apart from regular diesel engines, there is a steam engine joy ride between Darjeeling and Ghum. }} ** {{see | name=Nilgiri Mountain Railway | alt=NMR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[Mettupalayam]]–[[Ooty]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463735 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A meter-gauge ({{cvt|1|m|ft}}) railway through the lush green Nilgiri hills. It has been in operation since 1908. The {{cvt|46|km|mi}} long railway starts at {{cvt|326|m|ft}} and ends at {{cvt|2203|m|ft}}.It follows the rack railway technology. }} ** {{see | name=Kalka–Shimla Railway | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Kalka]] – [[Shimla]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7171560 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The narrow gauge {{cvt|2|ft|6|in|mm}} railway covers a distance of {{cvt|95.6|km|mi}} starting at an altitude of {{cvt|656|m|ft}} and ending at {{cvt|2075|m|ft}}. It has been in operation since 1903. }} * {{listing | name=Western Ghats | alt=Sahyadri | url= | email= | address=([[Maharashtra]], [[Karnataka]], [[Kerala]] and [[Tamil Nadu]]) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4527 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A {{cvt|1600|km|mi}} long mountain range running along the west coast of peninsular India. It covers an area of {{cvt|160,000|km2|mi2}}. The Western Ghats are one of the oldest mountain regions of the Indian sub-continent. It exhibits geomorphic features of immense importance with unique biophysical and ecological processes. It is home to at least 325 globally threatened flora and fauna. They include several birds, amphibians, reptiles and fish species. Western Ghat is home to several endemic species. }} ==Assam== * {{listing | name=[[Kaziranga National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.6667 | long=93.35 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q192764 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is home to the Indian single-horned rhinos (rhinoceros unicornis). Kaziranga also hosts a variety of other mammal and bird species. }} * {{listing | name=[[Manas National Park|Manas Wildlife Sanctury]] | alt=Manas National Park | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.71 | long=90.93 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q506511 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=Manas National Park is located on the foothills of the Himalayas and borders [[Bhutan]]. It is a habitat for many unique and endangered wildlife species such as the golden langur, pygmy hog and hispid hare. The Asian elephant, water buffalo, black panther, sloth bear and sambar deer can also be found here as well as endangered residential and migratory birds }} * {{see | name=[[Moidam]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.941466 | long=94.876018 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6735332 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The mound burial system of Ahom dynasty (1228–1826). These burial mounds create an undulating landscape reminiscent of hills, in line with the spiritual beliefs of the Ahom people }} ==Bihar== * {{see | name=Nalanda|Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Nalanda]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q216243 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} * {{see | name=Mahabodhi Temple Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Bodh Gaya]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4513 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} ==Chandigarh== * {{see | name=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier in [[Chandigarh]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=30.761085 | long=76.803291 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q55619850 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement is a World Heritage Site consisting of a selection of 17 building projects in 7 countries (including [[Chandigarh]], [[India]]) by the Franco-Swiss architect Le Corbusier. These sites demonstrate how Modern Movement architecture was applied to respond to the needs of society and show the global range of a style and an architect. }} ==Delhi== * {{see | name=Humayun's Tomb | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[South East Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189648 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The site was constructed in the Indo-Islamic style known as ''Mughal''. The grand domed structure of the Humayun's Tomb occupies the central position of the Persian styled ''char bagh''garden. There are several other structures in the garden and consists of Isha Khan's tomb & mosque, Arab sarai, Barbar's tomb and many more. }} * {{see | name=Qutb Minar and its Monuments | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/South Delhi|South Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q187635 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=These structures in Delhi date from the Slave Dynasty. The Qutb Minar is one of the tallest minars in India. It has been well-preserved with its intricate carvings. It was constructed of red sandstone and marble. Earthquake damage to the top of the Qutb Manar has been renovated and its base reinforced. }} * {{see | name=Red Fort Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/Central Delhi|Central Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q45957 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Red Fort is a red sandstone fort (and ruling palace) built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame. Many historical objects and marble inlays have disappeared and quite a few buildings can not be visited due to disrepair. However, the site is impressive with lush green gardens that are well kept year round. }} ==Goa== * {{see | name= Churches and Convents of Goa| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Old Goa|Goa]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q15726428 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Old Goa, the former capital of colonial [[Goa]], is full of history and the location of numerous well maintained scenic churches and convents. }} ==Gujarat== * {{see | name= [[Dholavira]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q9468 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an archaeological site at with the ruins of an ancient [[Indus Valley Civilisation]] (Harappan) city; it is one of the five largest Harappan sites. }} * {{see | name= Historic City of [[Ahmedabad/Central Zone|Ahmedabad]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5472448 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= The modern Ahmedabad was a walled city in the past along the banks of the Sabarmati River. The city presents a rich and diverse cultural and architectural style. It also houses the former home of Mahatma Gandhi, the Sabarmati Ashram. }} * {{see | name=Rani-ki-Vav | alt=Queen's Stepwell | url= | email= | address=[[Patan (Gujarat)|Patan]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7293002 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is famous for its ornate carvings and many sculptures in its galleries. Built as an inverted temple and representing a religious regard for water. Stepwells were built basically for the storage of water in India. }} * {{see | name=[[Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q844427 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A fortified medieval settlement with Hindu, Muslim and Jain architectural elements along with the remains of water-managing systems }} ==Himachal Pradesh== * {{Listing | name = [[Great Himalayan National Park]] | lat = | long = | wikidata = Q1544213 | content = The different altitudes provide for subtropical forests to alpine and glacial flora. Different species of goat, bear, leopard and pheasants can also be found here. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} ==Karnataka== * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Hampi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26732 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Significant historic and architectural interest. The area abounds with large stones used to make statues of Jaina deities. Numerous temples and other sites can be found in and around Hampi. Further excavations are under way. }} * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Pattadakal]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q817250 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an historic centre of Chalukya art and architecture. This has major temples and numerous shrines }} * '''Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas:''' It consists of two clusters of monuments (in [[Belur]] and [[Halebidu]]), and the Keshava temple in [[Somanathapura]], dating to the time of the Hoysala Empire, between the 11th and 14th centuries. ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Belur]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q760603 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Halebidu]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q108227451 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Chennakesava Temple, [[Somanathapura]] | alt=Keshava temple | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3537502 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ==Madhya Pradesh== * {{see | name= Rock Shelters of [[Bhimbetka]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q331603 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Early traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent have been discovered here. Rock paintings can be seen that are similar to those that have been found in Australia and France. }} * {{see | name= [[Khajuraho]] Group of Monuments| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26258435 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is a group of Hindu and Jain temples in [[Khajuraho]], [[Madhya Pradesh]]. The temples are noted for their architectural/artistic style and erotic sculptures. }} * {{see | name= Buddhist Monuments at [[Sanchi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q181123 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Believed to be the oldest stone structure in India. '''Vidisha''' (city in [[Madhya Pradesh]]) was the ancient capital city of the Malwa. Many Buddhist monuments were later built around this ancient city. The historical Sanchi stupas are very well preserved. }} ==Maharashtra== * {{see | name= [[Ajanta Caves]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Aurangabad]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= depict the stories of [[Buddhism]] from circa 200 BCE to 650 CE. These caves were discovered by some British Officers during a tiger hunt. These caves were built by Buddhist monks using simple tools. Buddhist monks often taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas (ancient seats of learning). There are detailed/beautiful sculptures and paintings depicting stories from Jataka tales. }} * {{see | name=[[Ellora Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189616 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are an impressive complex of rock shrines that represent the three faiths of [[Buddhism]], [[Hinduism]] and Jainism and were created during the 5th-13th centuries CE. The caves are northwest of central [[Aurangabad]], a few km from [[Khuldabad]]. }} * {{see | name=Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus | alt=(formerly Victoria Terminus), also known as '''Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus''' ('''CSMT''') | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=the architectural influence of Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival architecture and traditional Mughal architectural style }} * {{see | name=Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16942531 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It represents an urban project through various buildings (cinemas, residential buildings and balconies) of the late 19th century. Mainly these are found near the Oval Maidan area of [[Mumbai]], they represent the Victorian Neo-Gothic style of architecture and Art Deco (sometimes known as ''Indo-Deco''). }} * {{see | name=[[Mumbai/Elephanta|Elephanta Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q649384 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are two groups of sculpted caves (Hindu and Buddhist). Within the caves there are numerous carved panels and shrines. The original stone-cut elephant statue; for which Elephanta Island was named, resides at Jijamata Udyaan in [[Mumbai]]. }} ==Odisha== * {{see | name= Konark Sun Temple| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Konark]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q752091| lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= It was built to honour the sun god Surya. The entire temple is shaped in the form of a chariot pulled by seven horses in order to carry the sun god across the heavens. Though partially in ruins, it has extensive stone carvings (many erotic in nature) on the walls. }} ==Rajasthan== * The '''Hill Forts of [[Rajasthan]]''' — ** {{see | name= Chittor Fort in [[Chittorgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3695769 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= A massive stone gates with notched parapets and arched reinforced doors (to defend against elephants and cannon). Within the fort a circular road gives access to the gates and numerous monuments (ruined palaces and numerous temples). }} ** {{see | name= Kumbhalgarh Fort, [[Kumbhalgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1246283 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= protected by seven towering gates and within is the ''Badal Mahal'' palace. It also had long meandering walls for defence. There are many tales and interesting stories affiliated with this site. }} ** {{see | name= Ranthambore Fort, [[Ranthambore]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2724894 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It lies within the [[Ranthambore National Park]], near the town of [[Sawai Madhopur]]. Initially called "Ranath Bhawar Garh" (a place of Rajput warriors). The history of ''Sawai Madhopur'' centers around the famous Ranthambore Fort. }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Amber Fort in [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q456817 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a massive fort-palace complex built in a Hindu-Muslim style dating back to ''Raja Man Singh'' and once the royal palace of the ''Kachwahas''. Within the fort is the ''Sheesh Mahal'' (with thousands of mirror tiles on the walls and ceilings).. }} ** {{see | name= Jaisalmer Fort in [[Jaisalmer]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3634368 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= Also known as the “Sonar Quila” or "Sonal Kella" or "Sonar Kila". It displays the subtle hues of the setting sun and desert. It is a 'working fort' as its citizens reside and work within its walls. There are numerous vantage points within the fort that enable great views across the city and desert. }} * {{see | name= [[Jaipur]] City| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q66485 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a magnificent city filled with historical wonders and beauty in the North-western part of India. During the rule of Sawai Ram Singh I, the city was painted pink to welcome HRH Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VII, Emperor of India), in 1876. Many of the avenues still remain painted in pink, giving Jaipur a distinctive appearance and the epithet Pink city. }} * {{see | name= Jantar Mantar, [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q508634| lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= one of five astronomical observatories build by Maharaja Jai Singh in northern India. This historical observatory has geometric devices (or yantras in Hindi) for measuring time, eclipse prediction, tracking the orbits of stars eyc.. Explanations are posted for these devices and hired guides may provide further explanations. }} ==Sikkim== * {{Go | name= [[Khangchendzonga National Park]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=(mixed) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q2605019 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is named after Kangchenjunga, the highest peak of India. It is known for its numerous glaciers (Zemu glacier for example). Snow leopards, musk deer and Himalayan taar have been spotted here. }} ==Tamil Nadu== * The '''Great Living Chola Temples''' — consists of three Hindu temples built in the 11th and 12th centuries under the Chola dynasty. They represent some of the best examples of Dravidian architecture of the Chola period. ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Thanjavur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q916943 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= This temple is dedicated to Shiva. Its pillared cloister contains many lignams and the sanctum sanctorum has a large Shiva lingam and stone Nandi. }} ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Gangaikonda Cholapuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5521034 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is dedicated to the Lord Shiva and its location was used to be a medieval Chola capital. This multi-storied temple was once surrounded by a huge fort wall. }} ** {{See | name= Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3437182 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. }} ** {{marker|type=see|name=Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]|lat=10.94841|long=79.356708|image=Darasuram6.jpg}}. It has some excellent stone carvings (as well as inscriptions). The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. * {{See | name= Group of Monuments at [[Mamallapuram|Mahabalipuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3522747 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= a monument complex near [[Chennai]]. The area dates back to the ''Tamil Pallava'' dynasty. Mostly carved out of granite, they are among the oldest examples of ''Dravidian'' (South Indian) art/architecture. }} ==Telangana== * {{See | name= Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Palampet]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3380656 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= An ancient Hindu temple built during the 1200s Kakatiya dynasty & featuring ornate carvings & shrines. The main structure is in a reddish sandstone, but the columns round the outside have large brackets of black basalt which is rich in iron, magnesium and silica. These are carved as mythical animals or female dancers or musicians, and are "the masterpieces of Kakatiya art, notable for their delicate carving, sensuous postures and elongated bodies and heads". }} ==Uttar Pradesh== * {{see | name=Taj Mahal | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q9141 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It is a white marble mausoleum ordered by emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife (Mumtaz Mahal). Taj Mahal means ''Crown Palace''. It is a fairly well kept tomb and an outstanding example of Indian Muslim architecture. Current work is being considered to combat damage caused by pollution. }} * {{see | name=Agra Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q171857 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= Similar to the Red Fort in [[Delhi]], a well preserved palace and defensive complex constructed mostly in red sandstone. Emperor Akbar built this fort (same time as Humayun's Tomb in Delhi). Emperor Shah Jahan made later additions to it. }} * {{see | name=[[Fatehpur Sikri]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (''City of Victory'') — A virtual ghost city near [[Agra]]. Built by the Emperor Akbar, it was the capital of the [[Mughal Empire]] and later abandoned because local water supplies were lacking and near the tumultuous Rajasthan. It includes one of the largest mosques (''Jama Masjid'') in India. There are well preserved palaces and courtyards. }} * {{see | name=Keoladeo National Park| alt=Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary | url= | email= | address=[[Bharatpur]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (natural) — It provides habitat for thousands of birds during the winter season. The sanctuary hosts rare Siberian Cranes, ruddy shelducks, northern shovelers, northern pintails, tufted ducks, shovelers and other indigionous and migratory waterfowl. }} ==Uttarakhand== * {{listing | name=[[Nanda Devi National Park|Nanda Devi]] and [[Valley of Flowers National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q15839097 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=Nanda Devi contains wildlife such as snow leopards, bears, tahrs, deer and monkeys in addition to splendid flowers. The Valley of Flowers is famous for its beautiful alpine flowers. This valley is an Indian national park with beautiful waterfalls, landscapes, meadows of flowers and surrounding forests. }} ==West Bengal== * {{listing | name=[[Santiniketan]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1026431 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=Santiniketan was founded as an ashram by Debendranath Tagore in the second half of the 19th century and then developed into a university town of Visva-Bharati University. It is connected to the life and philosophy of Debendranath's son Rabindranath Tagore, the leading figure of the Bengali Renaissance. }} * {{listing | name=[[Sundarbans National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q532440 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The coastal mangrove forest in the southern part of [[West Bengal]] and [[Bangladesh]]. It lies on the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta. It is the largest mangrove forest in the world and the only mangrove forest in the world with tigers. [[Sundarbans (Bangladesh)]] is a different UNESCO Heritage Site in [[Bangladesh]]. }} '''Note:''' The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is listed under [[UNESCO World Heritage List (India)#Across multiple states|Mountain Railways of India]] ==See also== * [[UNESCO World Heritage List#India|UNESCO World Heritage List]] {{geo|21.534|78.046|zoom=5}} {{PartOfTopic|United Nations|India}} {{usabletopic}} rxhkwycm2exy1u8ikxlpofe0r7e3g06 5087005 5087004 2025-07-03T07:34:21Z Rangan Datta Wiki 124323 /* Assam */ Updated listing for [[Manas National Park|Manas Wildlife Sanctury]] 5087005 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|TajMahal Banner.jpg|unesco_whs=yes}} '''World Heritage Sites''' are important places of cultural, historical, scientific or other significance designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). There are 43 {{UNESCO WHS}}s in [[India]]. These include 35 cultural sites (marked in blue), 7 natural sites (marked in green) and 1 mixed-criteria site (marked in red). India has the sixth largest number of sites in the world. {{mapframe|align=center|height=750|width=750}} ==Across multiple states== [[File:Darjeelinghimalayanrailway.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] [[File:Qutab Minar mausoleum.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Qutb Minar, [[Delhi]]]] [[File:Santiniketan Prayer Hall.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Santiniketan]] [[File:Konarka Temple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sun Temple, Konark]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 16 Agra Fort.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Agra Fort]] [[File:Temple No.- 3, Nalanda Archaeological Site.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Nalanda]] [[File:Fatehpur Sikri near Agra 2016-03 img05.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Fatehpur Sikri]] [[File:India-5692 - Flickr - archer10 (Dennis).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Khajuraho Monuments]] [[File:Mahabodhitemple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Mahabodhi Temple Complex]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 04 Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Taj Mahal]] [[File:Brihadeeswarar Kovil.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Brihadisvara Temple]] [[File:The elegant stone chariot.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Stone Chariot, Hampi]] [[File:Cave 26, Ajanta.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ajanta Caves]] [[File:Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus]] [[File:Thane Creek and Elephanta Island 03-2016 - img20 Elephanta Caves.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Elephanta Caves]] [[File:Kailasa temple overview, Ellora.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Kailasa Temple, Ellora]] [[File:Amber Fort (आमेर का किला ).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Amber Fort, Jaipur]] [[File:Rani_ki_vav_02.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Rani-ki-Vav]] [[File:Dhauladhar_ranges_in_the_background-_Trekkers_resting_a_bit_I_IMG_7165.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Dhauladhar Ranges]] [[File:Valley of flowers uttaranchal full view.JPG|thumb|upright=0.7|Valley of Flowers]] [[File:Ramappa Temple 8.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ramappa Temple]] [[File:Sunderbans 059.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sundarbans National Park]] [[File:Western Ghats Gobi.jpg|thumb|Western Ghats|upright=0.7]] * The '''[[Rail travel in India#Mountain trains|Mountain Railways of India]]:''' Consists of three different sites spread across [[West Bengal]], [[Tamil Nadu]] and [[Himachal Pradesh]]. They consist of narrow and meter-gauge lines that run through picturesque mountains. ** {{see | name=[[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] | alt=DHR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[New Jalpaiguri]]–[[Darjeeling]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463874 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A {{convert|2|ft|mm}} gauge railway running through the foothills of the eastern Himalayas. The railway covers a distance of {{convert|88|km|mi}} starts at an altitude of {{convert|100|m|ft}} and ends at {{convert|2200|m|ft}}. The highest elevation is at [[Ghum]] ({{convert|2258|m|ft}}. It gains altitude via 6 zig-zags and 3 (originally 5) loops. Today, apart from regular diesel engines, there is a steam engine joy ride between Darjeeling and Ghum. }} ** {{see | name=Nilgiri Mountain Railway | alt=NMR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[Mettupalayam]]–[[Ooty]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463735 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A meter-gauge ({{cvt|1|m|ft}}) railway through the lush green Nilgiri hills. It has been in operation since 1908. The {{cvt|46|km|mi}} long railway starts at {{cvt|326|m|ft}} and ends at {{cvt|2203|m|ft}}.It follows the rack railway technology. }} ** {{see | name=Kalka–Shimla Railway | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Kalka]] – [[Shimla]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7171560 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The narrow gauge {{cvt|2|ft|6|in|mm}} railway covers a distance of {{cvt|95.6|km|mi}} starting at an altitude of {{cvt|656|m|ft}} and ending at {{cvt|2075|m|ft}}. It has been in operation since 1903. }} * {{listing | name=Western Ghats | alt=Sahyadri | url= | email= | address=([[Maharashtra]], [[Karnataka]], [[Kerala]] and [[Tamil Nadu]]) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4527 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A {{cvt|1600|km|mi}} long mountain range running along the west coast of peninsular India. It covers an area of {{cvt|160,000|km2|mi2}}. The Western Ghats are one of the oldest mountain regions of the Indian sub-continent. It exhibits geomorphic features of immense importance with unique biophysical and ecological processes. It is home to at least 325 globally threatened flora and fauna. They include several birds, amphibians, reptiles and fish species. Western Ghat is home to several endemic species. }} ==Assam== * {{listing | name=[[Kaziranga National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.6667 | long=93.35 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q192764 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is home to the Indian single-horned rhinos (rhinoceros unicornis). Kaziranga also hosts a variety of other mammal and bird species. }} * {{listing | name=[[Manas National Park|Manas Wildlife Sanctury]] | alt=Manas National Park | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.71 | long=90.93 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q506511 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=Manas National Park is located on the foothills of the Himalayas and borders the [[Royal Manas National Park]] in [[Bhutan]]. It is a habitat for many unique and endangered wildlife species such as the golden langur, pygmy hog and hispid hare. The Asian elephant, water buffalo, black panther, sloth bear and sambar deer can also be found here as well as endangered residential and migratory birds }} * {{see | name=[[Moidam]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.941466 | long=94.876018 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6735332 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The mound burial system of Ahom dynasty (1228–1826). These burial mounds create an undulating landscape reminiscent of hills, in line with the spiritual beliefs of the Ahom people }} ==Bihar== * {{see | name=Nalanda|Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Nalanda]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q216243 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} * {{see | name=Mahabodhi Temple Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Bodh Gaya]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4513 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} ==Chandigarh== * {{see | name=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier in [[Chandigarh]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=30.761085 | long=76.803291 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q55619850 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement is a World Heritage Site consisting of a selection of 17 building projects in 7 countries (including [[Chandigarh]], [[India]]) by the Franco-Swiss architect Le Corbusier. These sites demonstrate how Modern Movement architecture was applied to respond to the needs of society and show the global range of a style and an architect. }} ==Delhi== * {{see | name=Humayun's Tomb | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[South East Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189648 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The site was constructed in the Indo-Islamic style known as ''Mughal''. The grand domed structure of the Humayun's Tomb occupies the central position of the Persian styled ''char bagh''garden. There are several other structures in the garden and consists of Isha Khan's tomb & mosque, Arab sarai, Barbar's tomb and many more. }} * {{see | name=Qutb Minar and its Monuments | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/South Delhi|South Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q187635 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=These structures in Delhi date from the Slave Dynasty. The Qutb Minar is one of the tallest minars in India. It has been well-preserved with its intricate carvings. It was constructed of red sandstone and marble. Earthquake damage to the top of the Qutb Manar has been renovated and its base reinforced. }} * {{see | name=Red Fort Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/Central Delhi|Central Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q45957 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Red Fort is a red sandstone fort (and ruling palace) built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame. Many historical objects and marble inlays have disappeared and quite a few buildings can not be visited due to disrepair. However, the site is impressive with lush green gardens that are well kept year round. }} ==Goa== * {{see | name= Churches and Convents of Goa| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Old Goa|Goa]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q15726428 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Old Goa, the former capital of colonial [[Goa]], is full of history and the location of numerous well maintained scenic churches and convents. }} ==Gujarat== * {{see | name= [[Dholavira]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q9468 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an archaeological site at with the ruins of an ancient [[Indus Valley Civilisation]] (Harappan) city; it is one of the five largest Harappan sites. }} * {{see | name= Historic City of [[Ahmedabad/Central Zone|Ahmedabad]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5472448 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= The modern Ahmedabad was a walled city in the past along the banks of the Sabarmati River. The city presents a rich and diverse cultural and architectural style. It also houses the former home of Mahatma Gandhi, the Sabarmati Ashram. }} * {{see | name=Rani-ki-Vav | alt=Queen's Stepwell | url= | email= | address=[[Patan (Gujarat)|Patan]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7293002 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is famous for its ornate carvings and many sculptures in its galleries. Built as an inverted temple and representing a religious regard for water. Stepwells were built basically for the storage of water in India. }} * {{see | name=[[Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q844427 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A fortified medieval settlement with Hindu, Muslim and Jain architectural elements along with the remains of water-managing systems }} ==Himachal Pradesh== * {{Listing | name = [[Great Himalayan National Park]] | lat = | long = | wikidata = Q1544213 | content = The different altitudes provide for subtropical forests to alpine and glacial flora. Different species of goat, bear, leopard and pheasants can also be found here. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} ==Karnataka== * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Hampi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26732 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Significant historic and architectural interest. The area abounds with large stones used to make statues of Jaina deities. Numerous temples and other sites can be found in and around Hampi. Further excavations are under way. }} * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Pattadakal]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q817250 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an historic centre of Chalukya art and architecture. This has major temples and numerous shrines }} * '''Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas:''' It consists of two clusters of monuments (in [[Belur]] and [[Halebidu]]), and the Keshava temple in [[Somanathapura]], dating to the time of the Hoysala Empire, between the 11th and 14th centuries. ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Belur]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q760603 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Halebidu]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q108227451 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Chennakesava Temple, [[Somanathapura]] | alt=Keshava temple | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3537502 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ==Madhya Pradesh== * {{see | name= Rock Shelters of [[Bhimbetka]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q331603 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Early traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent have been discovered here. Rock paintings can be seen that are similar to those that have been found in Australia and France. }} * {{see | name= [[Khajuraho]] Group of Monuments| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26258435 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is a group of Hindu and Jain temples in [[Khajuraho]], [[Madhya Pradesh]]. The temples are noted for their architectural/artistic style and erotic sculptures. }} * {{see | name= Buddhist Monuments at [[Sanchi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q181123 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Believed to be the oldest stone structure in India. '''Vidisha''' (city in [[Madhya Pradesh]]) was the ancient capital city of the Malwa. Many Buddhist monuments were later built around this ancient city. The historical Sanchi stupas are very well preserved. }} ==Maharashtra== * {{see | name= [[Ajanta Caves]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Aurangabad]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= depict the stories of [[Buddhism]] from circa 200 BCE to 650 CE. These caves were discovered by some British Officers during a tiger hunt. These caves were built by Buddhist monks using simple tools. Buddhist monks often taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas (ancient seats of learning). There are detailed/beautiful sculptures and paintings depicting stories from Jataka tales. }} * {{see | name=[[Ellora Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189616 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are an impressive complex of rock shrines that represent the three faiths of [[Buddhism]], [[Hinduism]] and Jainism and were created during the 5th-13th centuries CE. The caves are northwest of central [[Aurangabad]], a few km from [[Khuldabad]]. }} * {{see | name=Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus | alt=(formerly Victoria Terminus), also known as '''Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus''' ('''CSMT''') | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=the architectural influence of Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival architecture and traditional Mughal architectural style }} * {{see | name=Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16942531 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It represents an urban project through various buildings (cinemas, residential buildings and balconies) of the late 19th century. Mainly these are found near the Oval Maidan area of [[Mumbai]], they represent the Victorian Neo-Gothic style of architecture and Art Deco (sometimes known as ''Indo-Deco''). }} * {{see | name=[[Mumbai/Elephanta|Elephanta Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q649384 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are two groups of sculpted caves (Hindu and Buddhist). Within the caves there are numerous carved panels and shrines. The original stone-cut elephant statue; for which Elephanta Island was named, resides at Jijamata Udyaan in [[Mumbai]]. }} ==Odisha== * {{see | name= Konark Sun Temple| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Konark]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q752091| lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= It was built to honour the sun god Surya. The entire temple is shaped in the form of a chariot pulled by seven horses in order to carry the sun god across the heavens. Though partially in ruins, it has extensive stone carvings (many erotic in nature) on the walls. }} ==Rajasthan== * The '''Hill Forts of [[Rajasthan]]''' — ** {{see | name= Chittor Fort in [[Chittorgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3695769 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= A massive stone gates with notched parapets and arched reinforced doors (to defend against elephants and cannon). Within the fort a circular road gives access to the gates and numerous monuments (ruined palaces and numerous temples). }} ** {{see | name= Kumbhalgarh Fort, [[Kumbhalgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1246283 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= protected by seven towering gates and within is the ''Badal Mahal'' palace. It also had long meandering walls for defence. There are many tales and interesting stories affiliated with this site. }} ** {{see | name= Ranthambore Fort, [[Ranthambore]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2724894 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It lies within the [[Ranthambore National Park]], near the town of [[Sawai Madhopur]]. Initially called "Ranath Bhawar Garh" (a place of Rajput warriors). The history of ''Sawai Madhopur'' centers around the famous Ranthambore Fort. }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Amber Fort in [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q456817 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a massive fort-palace complex built in a Hindu-Muslim style dating back to ''Raja Man Singh'' and once the royal palace of the ''Kachwahas''. Within the fort is the ''Sheesh Mahal'' (with thousands of mirror tiles on the walls and ceilings).. }} ** {{see | name= Jaisalmer Fort in [[Jaisalmer]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3634368 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= Also known as the “Sonar Quila” or "Sonal Kella" or "Sonar Kila". It displays the subtle hues of the setting sun and desert. It is a 'working fort' as its citizens reside and work within its walls. There are numerous vantage points within the fort that enable great views across the city and desert. }} * {{see | name= [[Jaipur]] City| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q66485 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a magnificent city filled with historical wonders and beauty in the North-western part of India. During the rule of Sawai Ram Singh I, the city was painted pink to welcome HRH Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VII, Emperor of India), in 1876. Many of the avenues still remain painted in pink, giving Jaipur a distinctive appearance and the epithet Pink city. }} * {{see | name= Jantar Mantar, [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q508634| lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= one of five astronomical observatories build by Maharaja Jai Singh in northern India. This historical observatory has geometric devices (or yantras in Hindi) for measuring time, eclipse prediction, tracking the orbits of stars eyc.. Explanations are posted for these devices and hired guides may provide further explanations. }} ==Sikkim== * {{Go | name= [[Khangchendzonga National Park]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=(mixed) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q2605019 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is named after Kangchenjunga, the highest peak of India. It is known for its numerous glaciers (Zemu glacier for example). Snow leopards, musk deer and Himalayan taar have been spotted here. }} ==Tamil Nadu== * The '''Great Living Chola Temples''' — consists of three Hindu temples built in the 11th and 12th centuries under the Chola dynasty. They represent some of the best examples of Dravidian architecture of the Chola period. ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Thanjavur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q916943 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= This temple is dedicated to Shiva. Its pillared cloister contains many lignams and the sanctum sanctorum has a large Shiva lingam and stone Nandi. }} ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Gangaikonda Cholapuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5521034 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is dedicated to the Lord Shiva and its location was used to be a medieval Chola capital. This multi-storied temple was once surrounded by a huge fort wall. }} ** {{See | name= Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3437182 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. }} ** {{marker|type=see|name=Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]|lat=10.94841|long=79.356708|image=Darasuram6.jpg}}. It has some excellent stone carvings (as well as inscriptions). The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. * {{See | name= Group of Monuments at [[Mamallapuram|Mahabalipuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3522747 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= a monument complex near [[Chennai]]. The area dates back to the ''Tamil Pallava'' dynasty. Mostly carved out of granite, they are among the oldest examples of ''Dravidian'' (South Indian) art/architecture. }} ==Telangana== * {{See | name= Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Palampet]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3380656 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= An ancient Hindu temple built during the 1200s Kakatiya dynasty & featuring ornate carvings & shrines. The main structure is in a reddish sandstone, but the columns round the outside have large brackets of black basalt which is rich in iron, magnesium and silica. These are carved as mythical animals or female dancers or musicians, and are "the masterpieces of Kakatiya art, notable for their delicate carving, sensuous postures and elongated bodies and heads". }} ==Uttar Pradesh== * {{see | name=Taj Mahal | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q9141 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It is a white marble mausoleum ordered by emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife (Mumtaz Mahal). Taj Mahal means ''Crown Palace''. It is a fairly well kept tomb and an outstanding example of Indian Muslim architecture. Current work is being considered to combat damage caused by pollution. }} * {{see | name=Agra Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q171857 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= Similar to the Red Fort in [[Delhi]], a well preserved palace and defensive complex constructed mostly in red sandstone. Emperor Akbar built this fort (same time as Humayun's Tomb in Delhi). Emperor Shah Jahan made later additions to it. }} * {{see | name=[[Fatehpur Sikri]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (''City of Victory'') — A virtual ghost city near [[Agra]]. Built by the Emperor Akbar, it was the capital of the [[Mughal Empire]] and later abandoned because local water supplies were lacking and near the tumultuous Rajasthan. It includes one of the largest mosques (''Jama Masjid'') in India. There are well preserved palaces and courtyards. }} * {{see | name=Keoladeo National Park| alt=Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary | url= | email= | address=[[Bharatpur]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (natural) — It provides habitat for thousands of birds during the winter season. The sanctuary hosts rare Siberian Cranes, ruddy shelducks, northern shovelers, northern pintails, tufted ducks, shovelers and other indigionous and migratory waterfowl. }} ==Uttarakhand== * {{listing | name=[[Nanda Devi National Park|Nanda Devi]] and [[Valley of Flowers National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q15839097 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=Nanda Devi contains wildlife such as snow leopards, bears, tahrs, deer and monkeys in addition to splendid flowers. The Valley of Flowers is famous for its beautiful alpine flowers. This valley is an Indian national park with beautiful waterfalls, landscapes, meadows of flowers and surrounding forests. }} ==West Bengal== * {{listing | name=[[Santiniketan]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1026431 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=Santiniketan was founded as an ashram by Debendranath Tagore in the second half of the 19th century and then developed into a university town of Visva-Bharati University. It is connected to the life and philosophy of Debendranath's son Rabindranath Tagore, the leading figure of the Bengali Renaissance. }} * {{listing | name=[[Sundarbans National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q532440 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The coastal mangrove forest in the southern part of [[West Bengal]] and [[Bangladesh]]. It lies on the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta. It is the largest mangrove forest in the world and the only mangrove forest in the world with tigers. [[Sundarbans (Bangladesh)]] is a different UNESCO Heritage Site in [[Bangladesh]]. }} '''Note:''' The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is listed under [[UNESCO World Heritage List (India)#Across multiple states|Mountain Railways of India]] ==See also== * [[UNESCO World Heritage List#India|UNESCO World Heritage List]] {{geo|21.534|78.046|zoom=5}} {{PartOfTopic|United Nations|India}} {{usabletopic}} 3en3molehpgb6n1yw06y5q8kmqy2v20 5087010 5087005 2025-07-03T07:41:02Z Rangan Datta Wiki 124323 /* Assam */ Updated listing for Moidam 5087010 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|TajMahal Banner.jpg|unesco_whs=yes}} '''World Heritage Sites''' are important places of cultural, historical, scientific or other significance designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). There are 43 {{UNESCO WHS}}s in [[India]]. These include 35 cultural sites (marked in blue), 7 natural sites (marked in green) and 1 mixed-criteria site (marked in red). India has the sixth largest number of sites in the world. {{mapframe|align=center|height=750|width=750}} ==Across multiple states== [[File:Darjeelinghimalayanrailway.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] [[File:Qutab Minar mausoleum.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Qutb Minar, [[Delhi]]]] [[File:Santiniketan Prayer Hall.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Santiniketan]] [[File:Konarka Temple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sun Temple, Konark]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 16 Agra Fort.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Agra Fort]] [[File:Temple No.- 3, Nalanda Archaeological Site.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Nalanda]] [[File:Fatehpur Sikri near Agra 2016-03 img05.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Fatehpur Sikri]] [[File:India-5692 - Flickr - archer10 (Dennis).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Khajuraho Monuments]] [[File:Mahabodhitemple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Mahabodhi Temple Complex]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 04 Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Taj Mahal]] [[File:Brihadeeswarar Kovil.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Brihadisvara Temple]] [[File:The elegant stone chariot.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Stone Chariot, Hampi]] [[File:Cave 26, Ajanta.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ajanta Caves]] [[File:Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus]] [[File:Thane Creek and Elephanta Island 03-2016 - img20 Elephanta Caves.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Elephanta Caves]] [[File:Kailasa temple overview, Ellora.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Kailasa Temple, Ellora]] [[File:Amber Fort (आमेर का किला ).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Amber Fort, Jaipur]] [[File:Rani_ki_vav_02.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Rani-ki-Vav]] [[File:Dhauladhar_ranges_in_the_background-_Trekkers_resting_a_bit_I_IMG_7165.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Dhauladhar Ranges]] [[File:Valley of flowers uttaranchal full view.JPG|thumb|upright=0.7|Valley of Flowers]] [[File:Ramappa Temple 8.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ramappa Temple]] [[File:Sunderbans 059.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sundarbans National Park]] [[File:Western Ghats Gobi.jpg|thumb|Western Ghats|upright=0.7]] * The '''[[Rail travel in India#Mountain trains|Mountain Railways of India]]:''' Consists of three different sites spread across [[West Bengal]], [[Tamil Nadu]] and [[Himachal Pradesh]]. They consist of narrow and meter-gauge lines that run through picturesque mountains. ** {{see | name=[[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] | alt=DHR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[New Jalpaiguri]]–[[Darjeeling]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463874 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A {{convert|2|ft|mm}} gauge railway running through the foothills of the eastern Himalayas. The railway covers a distance of {{convert|88|km|mi}} starts at an altitude of {{convert|100|m|ft}} and ends at {{convert|2200|m|ft}}. The highest elevation is at [[Ghum]] ({{convert|2258|m|ft}}. It gains altitude via 6 zig-zags and 3 (originally 5) loops. Today, apart from regular diesel engines, there is a steam engine joy ride between Darjeeling and Ghum. }} ** {{see | name=Nilgiri Mountain Railway | alt=NMR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[Mettupalayam]]–[[Ooty]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463735 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A meter-gauge ({{cvt|1|m|ft}}) railway through the lush green Nilgiri hills. It has been in operation since 1908. The {{cvt|46|km|mi}} long railway starts at {{cvt|326|m|ft}} and ends at {{cvt|2203|m|ft}}.It follows the rack railway technology. }} ** {{see | name=Kalka–Shimla Railway | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Kalka]] – [[Shimla]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7171560 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The narrow gauge {{cvt|2|ft|6|in|mm}} railway covers a distance of {{cvt|95.6|km|mi}} starting at an altitude of {{cvt|656|m|ft}} and ending at {{cvt|2075|m|ft}}. It has been in operation since 1903. }} * {{listing | name=Western Ghats | alt=Sahyadri | url= | email= | address=([[Maharashtra]], [[Karnataka]], [[Kerala]] and [[Tamil Nadu]]) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4527 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A {{cvt|1600|km|mi}} long mountain range running along the west coast of peninsular India. It covers an area of {{cvt|160,000|km2|mi2}}. The Western Ghats are one of the oldest mountain regions of the Indian sub-continent. It exhibits geomorphic features of immense importance with unique biophysical and ecological processes. It is home to at least 325 globally threatened flora and fauna. They include several birds, amphibians, reptiles and fish species. Western Ghat is home to several endemic species. }} ==Assam== * {{listing | name=[[Kaziranga National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.6667 | long=93.35 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q192764 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is home to the Indian single-horned rhinos (rhinoceros unicornis). Kaziranga also hosts a variety of other mammal and bird species. }} * {{listing | name=[[Manas National Park|Manas Wildlife Sanctury]] | alt=Manas National Park | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.71 | long=90.93 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q506511 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=Manas National Park is located on the foothills of the Himalayas and borders the [[Royal Manas National Park]] in [[Bhutan]]. It is a habitat for many unique and endangered wildlife species such as the golden langur, pygmy hog and hispid hare. The Asian elephant, water buffalo, black panther, sloth bear and sambar deer can also be found here as well as endangered residential and migratory birds }} * {{see | name=Moidam | alt=THe mound burial system of Ahom dynasty | url= | email= | address=[[Sibsagar]] | lat=26.941466 | long=94.876018 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6735332 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The mound burial system of Ahom dynasty (1228–1826). These burial mounds create an undulating landscape reminiscent of hills, in line with the spiritual beliefs of the Ahom people }} ==Bihar== * {{see | name=Nalanda|Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Nalanda]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q216243 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} * {{see | name=Mahabodhi Temple Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Bodh Gaya]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4513 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} ==Chandigarh== * {{see | name=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier in [[Chandigarh]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=30.761085 | long=76.803291 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q55619850 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement is a World Heritage Site consisting of a selection of 17 building projects in 7 countries (including [[Chandigarh]], [[India]]) by the Franco-Swiss architect Le Corbusier. These sites demonstrate how Modern Movement architecture was applied to respond to the needs of society and show the global range of a style and an architect. }} ==Delhi== * {{see | name=Humayun's Tomb | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[South East Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189648 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The site was constructed in the Indo-Islamic style known as ''Mughal''. The grand domed structure of the Humayun's Tomb occupies the central position of the Persian styled ''char bagh''garden. There are several other structures in the garden and consists of Isha Khan's tomb & mosque, Arab sarai, Barbar's tomb and many more. }} * {{see | name=Qutb Minar and its Monuments | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/South Delhi|South Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q187635 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=These structures in Delhi date from the Slave Dynasty. The Qutb Minar is one of the tallest minars in India. It has been well-preserved with its intricate carvings. It was constructed of red sandstone and marble. Earthquake damage to the top of the Qutb Manar has been renovated and its base reinforced. }} * {{see | name=Red Fort Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/Central Delhi|Central Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q45957 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Red Fort is a red sandstone fort (and ruling palace) built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame. Many historical objects and marble inlays have disappeared and quite a few buildings can not be visited due to disrepair. However, the site is impressive with lush green gardens that are well kept year round. }} ==Goa== * {{see | name= Churches and Convents of Goa| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Old Goa|Goa]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q15726428 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Old Goa, the former capital of colonial [[Goa]], is full of history and the location of numerous well maintained scenic churches and convents. }} ==Gujarat== * {{see | name= [[Dholavira]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q9468 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an archaeological site at with the ruins of an ancient [[Indus Valley Civilisation]] (Harappan) city; it is one of the five largest Harappan sites. }} * {{see | name= Historic City of [[Ahmedabad/Central Zone|Ahmedabad]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5472448 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= The modern Ahmedabad was a walled city in the past along the banks of the Sabarmati River. The city presents a rich and diverse cultural and architectural style. It also houses the former home of Mahatma Gandhi, the Sabarmati Ashram. }} * {{see | name=Rani-ki-Vav | alt=Queen's Stepwell | url= | email= | address=[[Patan (Gujarat)|Patan]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7293002 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is famous for its ornate carvings and many sculptures in its galleries. Built as an inverted temple and representing a religious regard for water. Stepwells were built basically for the storage of water in India. }} * {{see | name=[[Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q844427 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A fortified medieval settlement with Hindu, Muslim and Jain architectural elements along with the remains of water-managing systems }} ==Himachal Pradesh== * {{Listing | name = [[Great Himalayan National Park]] | lat = | long = | wikidata = Q1544213 | content = The different altitudes provide for subtropical forests to alpine and glacial flora. Different species of goat, bear, leopard and pheasants can also be found here. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} ==Karnataka== * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Hampi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26732 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Significant historic and architectural interest. The area abounds with large stones used to make statues of Jaina deities. Numerous temples and other sites can be found in and around Hampi. Further excavations are under way. }} * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Pattadakal]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q817250 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an historic centre of Chalukya art and architecture. This has major temples and numerous shrines }} * '''Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas:''' It consists of two clusters of monuments (in [[Belur]] and [[Halebidu]]), and the Keshava temple in [[Somanathapura]], dating to the time of the Hoysala Empire, between the 11th and 14th centuries. ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Belur]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q760603 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Halebidu]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q108227451 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Chennakesava Temple, [[Somanathapura]] | alt=Keshava temple | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3537502 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ==Madhya Pradesh== * {{see | name= Rock Shelters of [[Bhimbetka]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q331603 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Early traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent have been discovered here. Rock paintings can be seen that are similar to those that have been found in Australia and France. }} * {{see | name= [[Khajuraho]] Group of Monuments| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26258435 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is a group of Hindu and Jain temples in [[Khajuraho]], [[Madhya Pradesh]]. The temples are noted for their architectural/artistic style and erotic sculptures. }} * {{see | name= Buddhist Monuments at [[Sanchi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q181123 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Believed to be the oldest stone structure in India. '''Vidisha''' (city in [[Madhya Pradesh]]) was the ancient capital city of the Malwa. Many Buddhist monuments were later built around this ancient city. The historical Sanchi stupas are very well preserved. }} ==Maharashtra== * {{see | name= [[Ajanta Caves]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Aurangabad]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= depict the stories of [[Buddhism]] from circa 200 BCE to 650 CE. These caves were discovered by some British Officers during a tiger hunt. These caves were built by Buddhist monks using simple tools. Buddhist monks often taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas (ancient seats of learning). There are detailed/beautiful sculptures and paintings depicting stories from Jataka tales. }} * {{see | name=[[Ellora Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189616 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are an impressive complex of rock shrines that represent the three faiths of [[Buddhism]], [[Hinduism]] and Jainism and were created during the 5th-13th centuries CE. The caves are northwest of central [[Aurangabad]], a few km from [[Khuldabad]]. }} * {{see | name=Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus | alt=(formerly Victoria Terminus), also known as '''Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus''' ('''CSMT''') | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=the architectural influence of Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival architecture and traditional Mughal architectural style }} * {{see | name=Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16942531 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It represents an urban project through various buildings (cinemas, residential buildings and balconies) of the late 19th century. Mainly these are found near the Oval Maidan area of [[Mumbai]], they represent the Victorian Neo-Gothic style of architecture and Art Deco (sometimes known as ''Indo-Deco''). }} * {{see | name=[[Mumbai/Elephanta|Elephanta Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q649384 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are two groups of sculpted caves (Hindu and Buddhist). Within the caves there are numerous carved panels and shrines. The original stone-cut elephant statue; for which Elephanta Island was named, resides at Jijamata Udyaan in [[Mumbai]]. }} ==Odisha== * {{see | name= Konark Sun Temple| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Konark]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q752091| lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= It was built to honour the sun god Surya. The entire temple is shaped in the form of a chariot pulled by seven horses in order to carry the sun god across the heavens. Though partially in ruins, it has extensive stone carvings (many erotic in nature) on the walls. }} ==Rajasthan== * The '''Hill Forts of [[Rajasthan]]''' — ** {{see | name= Chittor Fort in [[Chittorgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3695769 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= A massive stone gates with notched parapets and arched reinforced doors (to defend against elephants and cannon). Within the fort a circular road gives access to the gates and numerous monuments (ruined palaces and numerous temples). }} ** {{see | name= Kumbhalgarh Fort, [[Kumbhalgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1246283 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= protected by seven towering gates and within is the ''Badal Mahal'' palace. It also had long meandering walls for defence. There are many tales and interesting stories affiliated with this site. }} ** {{see | name= Ranthambore Fort, [[Ranthambore]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2724894 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It lies within the [[Ranthambore National Park]], near the town of [[Sawai Madhopur]]. Initially called "Ranath Bhawar Garh" (a place of Rajput warriors). The history of ''Sawai Madhopur'' centers around the famous Ranthambore Fort. }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Amber Fort in [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q456817 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a massive fort-palace complex built in a Hindu-Muslim style dating back to ''Raja Man Singh'' and once the royal palace of the ''Kachwahas''. Within the fort is the ''Sheesh Mahal'' (with thousands of mirror tiles on the walls and ceilings).. }} ** {{see | name= Jaisalmer Fort in [[Jaisalmer]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3634368 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= Also known as the “Sonar Quila” or "Sonal Kella" or "Sonar Kila". It displays the subtle hues of the setting sun and desert. It is a 'working fort' as its citizens reside and work within its walls. There are numerous vantage points within the fort that enable great views across the city and desert. }} * {{see | name= [[Jaipur]] City| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q66485 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a magnificent city filled with historical wonders and beauty in the North-western part of India. During the rule of Sawai Ram Singh I, the city was painted pink to welcome HRH Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VII, Emperor of India), in 1876. Many of the avenues still remain painted in pink, giving Jaipur a distinctive appearance and the epithet Pink city. }} * {{see | name= Jantar Mantar, [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q508634| lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= one of five astronomical observatories build by Maharaja Jai Singh in northern India. This historical observatory has geometric devices (or yantras in Hindi) for measuring time, eclipse prediction, tracking the orbits of stars eyc.. Explanations are posted for these devices and hired guides may provide further explanations. }} ==Sikkim== * {{Go | name= [[Khangchendzonga National Park]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=(mixed) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q2605019 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is named after Kangchenjunga, the highest peak of India. It is known for its numerous glaciers (Zemu glacier for example). Snow leopards, musk deer and Himalayan taar have been spotted here. }} ==Tamil Nadu== * The '''Great Living Chola Temples''' — consists of three Hindu temples built in the 11th and 12th centuries under the Chola dynasty. They represent some of the best examples of Dravidian architecture of the Chola period. ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Thanjavur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q916943 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= This temple is dedicated to Shiva. Its pillared cloister contains many lignams and the sanctum sanctorum has a large Shiva lingam and stone Nandi. }} ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Gangaikonda Cholapuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5521034 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is dedicated to the Lord Shiva and its location was used to be a medieval Chola capital. This multi-storied temple was once surrounded by a huge fort wall. }} ** {{See | name= Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3437182 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. }} ** {{marker|type=see|name=Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]|lat=10.94841|long=79.356708|image=Darasuram6.jpg}}. It has some excellent stone carvings (as well as inscriptions). The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. * {{See | name= Group of Monuments at [[Mamallapuram|Mahabalipuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3522747 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= a monument complex near [[Chennai]]. The area dates back to the ''Tamil Pallava'' dynasty. Mostly carved out of granite, they are among the oldest examples of ''Dravidian'' (South Indian) art/architecture. }} ==Telangana== * {{See | name= Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Palampet]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3380656 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= An ancient Hindu temple built during the 1200s Kakatiya dynasty & featuring ornate carvings & shrines. The main structure is in a reddish sandstone, but the columns round the outside have large brackets of black basalt which is rich in iron, magnesium and silica. These are carved as mythical animals or female dancers or musicians, and are "the masterpieces of Kakatiya art, notable for their delicate carving, sensuous postures and elongated bodies and heads". }} ==Uttar Pradesh== * {{see | name=Taj Mahal | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q9141 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It is a white marble mausoleum ordered by emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife (Mumtaz Mahal). Taj Mahal means ''Crown Palace''. It is a fairly well kept tomb and an outstanding example of Indian Muslim architecture. Current work is being considered to combat damage caused by pollution. }} * {{see | name=Agra Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q171857 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= Similar to the Red Fort in [[Delhi]], a well preserved palace and defensive complex constructed mostly in red sandstone. Emperor Akbar built this fort (same time as Humayun's Tomb in Delhi). Emperor Shah Jahan made later additions to it. }} * {{see | name=[[Fatehpur Sikri]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (''City of Victory'') — A virtual ghost city near [[Agra]]. Built by the Emperor Akbar, it was the capital of the [[Mughal Empire]] and later abandoned because local water supplies were lacking and near the tumultuous Rajasthan. It includes one of the largest mosques (''Jama Masjid'') in India. There are well preserved palaces and courtyards. }} * {{see | name=Keoladeo National Park| alt=Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary | url= | email= | address=[[Bharatpur]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (natural) — It provides habitat for thousands of birds during the winter season. The sanctuary hosts rare Siberian Cranes, ruddy shelducks, northern shovelers, northern pintails, tufted ducks, shovelers and other indigionous and migratory waterfowl. }} ==Uttarakhand== * {{listing | name=[[Nanda Devi National Park|Nanda Devi]] and [[Valley of Flowers National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q15839097 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=Nanda Devi contains wildlife such as snow leopards, bears, tahrs, deer and monkeys in addition to splendid flowers. The Valley of Flowers is famous for its beautiful alpine flowers. This valley is an Indian national park with beautiful waterfalls, landscapes, meadows of flowers and surrounding forests. }} ==West Bengal== * {{listing | name=[[Santiniketan]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1026431 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=Santiniketan was founded as an ashram by Debendranath Tagore in the second half of the 19th century and then developed into a university town of Visva-Bharati University. It is connected to the life and philosophy of Debendranath's son Rabindranath Tagore, the leading figure of the Bengali Renaissance. }} * {{listing | name=[[Sundarbans National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q532440 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The coastal mangrove forest in the southern part of [[West Bengal]] and [[Bangladesh]]. It lies on the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta. It is the largest mangrove forest in the world and the only mangrove forest in the world with tigers. [[Sundarbans (Bangladesh)]] is a different UNESCO Heritage Site in [[Bangladesh]]. }} '''Note:''' The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is listed under [[UNESCO World Heritage List (India)#Across multiple states|Mountain Railways of India]] ==See also== * [[UNESCO World Heritage List#India|UNESCO World Heritage List]] {{geo|21.534|78.046|zoom=5}} {{PartOfTopic|United Nations|India}} {{usabletopic}} gql95ouyxh9bcdaan9olfa4l50ahow6 5087014 5087010 2025-07-03T07:54:55Z Rangan Datta Wiki 124323 /* Assam */ Updated listing for Moidam 5087014 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|TajMahal Banner.jpg|unesco_whs=yes}} '''World Heritage Sites''' are important places of cultural, historical, scientific or other significance designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). There are 43 {{UNESCO WHS}}s in [[India]]. These include 35 cultural sites (marked in blue), 7 natural sites (marked in green) and 1 mixed-criteria site (marked in red). India has the sixth largest number of sites in the world. {{mapframe|align=center|height=750|width=750}} ==Across multiple states== [[File:Darjeelinghimalayanrailway.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] [[File:Qutab Minar mausoleum.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Qutb Minar, [[Delhi]]]] [[File:Santiniketan Prayer Hall.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Santiniketan]] [[File:Konarka Temple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sun Temple, Konark]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 16 Agra Fort.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Agra Fort]] [[File:Temple No.- 3, Nalanda Archaeological Site.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Nalanda]] [[File:Fatehpur Sikri near Agra 2016-03 img05.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Fatehpur Sikri]] [[File:India-5692 - Flickr - archer10 (Dennis).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Khajuraho Monuments]] [[File:Mahabodhitemple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Mahabodhi Temple Complex]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 04 Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Taj Mahal]] [[File:Brihadeeswarar Kovil.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Brihadisvara Temple]] [[File:The elegant stone chariot.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Stone Chariot, Hampi]] [[File:Cave 26, Ajanta.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ajanta Caves]] [[File:Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus]] [[File:Thane Creek and Elephanta Island 03-2016 - img20 Elephanta Caves.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Elephanta Caves]] [[File:Kailasa temple overview, Ellora.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Kailasa Temple, Ellora]] [[File:Amber Fort (आमेर का किला ).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Amber Fort, Jaipur]] [[File:Rani_ki_vav_02.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Rani-ki-Vav]] [[File:Dhauladhar_ranges_in_the_background-_Trekkers_resting_a_bit_I_IMG_7165.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Dhauladhar Ranges]] [[File:Valley of flowers uttaranchal full view.JPG|thumb|upright=0.7|Valley of Flowers]] [[File:Ramappa Temple 8.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ramappa Temple]] [[File:Sunderbans 059.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sundarbans National Park]] [[File:Western Ghats Gobi.jpg|thumb|Western Ghats|upright=0.7]] * The '''[[Rail travel in India#Mountain trains|Mountain Railways of India]]:''' Consists of three different sites spread across [[West Bengal]], [[Tamil Nadu]] and [[Himachal Pradesh]]. They consist of narrow and meter-gauge lines that run through picturesque mountains. ** {{see | name=[[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] | alt=DHR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[New Jalpaiguri]]–[[Darjeeling]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463874 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A {{convert|2|ft|mm}} gauge railway running through the foothills of the eastern Himalayas. The railway covers a distance of {{convert|88|km|mi}} starts at an altitude of {{convert|100|m|ft}} and ends at {{convert|2200|m|ft}}. The highest elevation is at [[Ghum]] ({{convert|2258|m|ft}}. It gains altitude via 6 zig-zags and 3 (originally 5) loops. Today, apart from regular diesel engines, there is a steam engine joy ride between Darjeeling and Ghum. }} ** {{see | name=Nilgiri Mountain Railway | alt=NMR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[Mettupalayam]]–[[Ooty]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463735 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A meter-gauge ({{cvt|1|m|ft}}) railway through the lush green Nilgiri hills. It has been in operation since 1908. The {{cvt|46|km|mi}} long railway starts at {{cvt|326|m|ft}} and ends at {{cvt|2203|m|ft}}.It follows the rack railway technology. }} ** {{see | name=Kalka–Shimla Railway | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Kalka]] – [[Shimla]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7171560 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The narrow gauge {{cvt|2|ft|6|in|mm}} railway covers a distance of {{cvt|95.6|km|mi}} starting at an altitude of {{cvt|656|m|ft}} and ending at {{cvt|2075|m|ft}}. It has been in operation since 1903. }} * {{listing | name=Western Ghats | alt=Sahyadri | url= | email= | address=([[Maharashtra]], [[Karnataka]], [[Kerala]] and [[Tamil Nadu]]) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4527 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A {{cvt|1600|km|mi}} long mountain range running along the west coast of peninsular India. It covers an area of {{cvt|160,000|km2|mi2}}. The Western Ghats are one of the oldest mountain regions of the Indian sub-continent. It exhibits geomorphic features of immense importance with unique biophysical and ecological processes. It is home to at least 325 globally threatened flora and fauna. They include several birds, amphibians, reptiles and fish species. Western Ghat is home to several endemic species. }} ==Assam== * {{listing | name=[[Kaziranga National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.6667 | long=93.35 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q192764 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is home to the Indian single-horned rhinos (rhinoceros unicornis). Kaziranga also hosts a variety of other mammal and bird species. }} * {{listing | name=[[Manas National Park|Manas Wildlife Sanctury]] | alt=Manas National Park | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.71 | long=90.93 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q506511 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=Manas National Park is located on the foothills of the Himalayas and borders the [[Royal Manas National Park]] in [[Bhutan]]. It is a habitat for many unique and endangered wildlife species such as the golden langur, pygmy hog and hispid hare. The Asian elephant, water buffalo, black panther, sloth bear and sambar deer can also be found here as well as endangered residential and migratory birds }} * {{see | name=Moidam | alt=THe mound burial system of Ahom dynasty | url= | email= | address=[[Sibsagar]] | lat=26.941466 | long=94.876018 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6735332 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=For over 600 years (1228 - 1826)the Ahom dynasty have constructed burial mounds, known as moidams. They blend with the natural topography of hills, forest and water bodies. They are located on the foothills of Patkai range in eastern [[Assam]]. The Charaideo necropolis has over 90 moidams, housing the remains of kings and other royals of the Ahom dynasty. }} ==Bihar== * {{see | name=Nalanda|Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Nalanda]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q216243 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} * {{see | name=Mahabodhi Temple Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Bodh Gaya]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4513 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} ==Chandigarh== * {{see | name=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier in [[Chandigarh]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=30.761085 | long=76.803291 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q55619850 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement is a World Heritage Site consisting of a selection of 17 building projects in 7 countries (including [[Chandigarh]], [[India]]) by the Franco-Swiss architect Le Corbusier. These sites demonstrate how Modern Movement architecture was applied to respond to the needs of society and show the global range of a style and an architect. }} ==Delhi== * {{see | name=Humayun's Tomb | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[South East Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189648 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The site was constructed in the Indo-Islamic style known as ''Mughal''. The grand domed structure of the Humayun's Tomb occupies the central position of the Persian styled ''char bagh''garden. There are several other structures in the garden and consists of Isha Khan's tomb & mosque, Arab sarai, Barbar's tomb and many more. }} * {{see | name=Qutb Minar and its Monuments | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/South Delhi|South Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q187635 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=These structures in Delhi date from the Slave Dynasty. The Qutb Minar is one of the tallest minars in India. It has been well-preserved with its intricate carvings. It was constructed of red sandstone and marble. Earthquake damage to the top of the Qutb Manar has been renovated and its base reinforced. }} * {{see | name=Red Fort Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/Central Delhi|Central Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q45957 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Red Fort is a red sandstone fort (and ruling palace) built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame. Many historical objects and marble inlays have disappeared and quite a few buildings can not be visited due to disrepair. However, the site is impressive with lush green gardens that are well kept year round. }} ==Goa== * {{see | name= Churches and Convents of Goa| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Old Goa|Goa]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q15726428 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Old Goa, the former capital of colonial [[Goa]], is full of history and the location of numerous well maintained scenic churches and convents. }} ==Gujarat== * {{see | name= [[Dholavira]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q9468 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an archaeological site at with the ruins of an ancient [[Indus Valley Civilisation]] (Harappan) city; it is one of the five largest Harappan sites. }} * {{see | name= Historic City of [[Ahmedabad/Central Zone|Ahmedabad]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5472448 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= The modern Ahmedabad was a walled city in the past along the banks of the Sabarmati River. The city presents a rich and diverse cultural and architectural style. It also houses the former home of Mahatma Gandhi, the Sabarmati Ashram. }} * {{see | name=Rani-ki-Vav | alt=Queen's Stepwell | url= | email= | address=[[Patan (Gujarat)|Patan]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7293002 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is famous for its ornate carvings and many sculptures in its galleries. Built as an inverted temple and representing a religious regard for water. Stepwells were built basically for the storage of water in India. }} * {{see | name=[[Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q844427 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A fortified medieval settlement with Hindu, Muslim and Jain architectural elements along with the remains of water-managing systems }} ==Himachal Pradesh== * {{Listing | name = [[Great Himalayan National Park]] | lat = | long = | wikidata = Q1544213 | content = The different altitudes provide for subtropical forests to alpine and glacial flora. Different species of goat, bear, leopard and pheasants can also be found here. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} ==Karnataka== * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Hampi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26732 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Significant historic and architectural interest. The area abounds with large stones used to make statues of Jaina deities. Numerous temples and other sites can be found in and around Hampi. Further excavations are under way. }} * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Pattadakal]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q817250 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an historic centre of Chalukya art and architecture. This has major temples and numerous shrines }} * '''Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas:''' It consists of two clusters of monuments (in [[Belur]] and [[Halebidu]]), and the Keshava temple in [[Somanathapura]], dating to the time of the Hoysala Empire, between the 11th and 14th centuries. ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Belur]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q760603 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Halebidu]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q108227451 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Chennakesava Temple, [[Somanathapura]] | alt=Keshava temple | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3537502 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ==Madhya Pradesh== * {{see | name= Rock Shelters of [[Bhimbetka]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q331603 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Early traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent have been discovered here. Rock paintings can be seen that are similar to those that have been found in Australia and France. }} * {{see | name= [[Khajuraho]] Group of Monuments| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26258435 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is a group of Hindu and Jain temples in [[Khajuraho]], [[Madhya Pradesh]]. The temples are noted for their architectural/artistic style and erotic sculptures. }} * {{see | name= Buddhist Monuments at [[Sanchi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q181123 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Believed to be the oldest stone structure in India. '''Vidisha''' (city in [[Madhya Pradesh]]) was the ancient capital city of the Malwa. Many Buddhist monuments were later built around this ancient city. The historical Sanchi stupas are very well preserved. }} ==Maharashtra== * {{see | name= [[Ajanta Caves]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Aurangabad]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= depict the stories of [[Buddhism]] from circa 200 BCE to 650 CE. These caves were discovered by some British Officers during a tiger hunt. These caves were built by Buddhist monks using simple tools. Buddhist monks often taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas (ancient seats of learning). There are detailed/beautiful sculptures and paintings depicting stories from Jataka tales. }} * {{see | name=[[Ellora Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189616 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are an impressive complex of rock shrines that represent the three faiths of [[Buddhism]], [[Hinduism]] and Jainism and were created during the 5th-13th centuries CE. The caves are northwest of central [[Aurangabad]], a few km from [[Khuldabad]]. }} * {{see | name=Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus | alt=(formerly Victoria Terminus), also known as '''Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus''' ('''CSMT''') | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=the architectural influence of Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival architecture and traditional Mughal architectural style }} * {{see | name=Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16942531 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It represents an urban project through various buildings (cinemas, residential buildings and balconies) of the late 19th century. Mainly these are found near the Oval Maidan area of [[Mumbai]], they represent the Victorian Neo-Gothic style of architecture and Art Deco (sometimes known as ''Indo-Deco''). }} * {{see | name=[[Mumbai/Elephanta|Elephanta Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q649384 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are two groups of sculpted caves (Hindu and Buddhist). Within the caves there are numerous carved panels and shrines. The original stone-cut elephant statue; for which Elephanta Island was named, resides at Jijamata Udyaan in [[Mumbai]]. }} ==Odisha== * {{see | name= Konark Sun Temple| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Konark]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q752091| lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= It was built to honour the sun god Surya. The entire temple is shaped in the form of a chariot pulled by seven horses in order to carry the sun god across the heavens. Though partially in ruins, it has extensive stone carvings (many erotic in nature) on the walls. }} ==Rajasthan== * The '''Hill Forts of [[Rajasthan]]''' — ** {{see | name= Chittor Fort in [[Chittorgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3695769 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= A massive stone gates with notched parapets and arched reinforced doors (to defend against elephants and cannon). Within the fort a circular road gives access to the gates and numerous monuments (ruined palaces and numerous temples). }} ** {{see | name= Kumbhalgarh Fort, [[Kumbhalgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1246283 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= protected by seven towering gates and within is the ''Badal Mahal'' palace. It also had long meandering walls for defence. There are many tales and interesting stories affiliated with this site. }} ** {{see | name= Ranthambore Fort, [[Ranthambore]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2724894 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It lies within the [[Ranthambore National Park]], near the town of [[Sawai Madhopur]]. Initially called "Ranath Bhawar Garh" (a place of Rajput warriors). The history of ''Sawai Madhopur'' centers around the famous Ranthambore Fort. }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Amber Fort in [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q456817 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a massive fort-palace complex built in a Hindu-Muslim style dating back to ''Raja Man Singh'' and once the royal palace of the ''Kachwahas''. Within the fort is the ''Sheesh Mahal'' (with thousands of mirror tiles on the walls and ceilings).. }} ** {{see | name= Jaisalmer Fort in [[Jaisalmer]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3634368 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= Also known as the “Sonar Quila” or "Sonal Kella" or "Sonar Kila". It displays the subtle hues of the setting sun and desert. It is a 'working fort' as its citizens reside and work within its walls. There are numerous vantage points within the fort that enable great views across the city and desert. }} * {{see | name= [[Jaipur]] City| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q66485 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a magnificent city filled with historical wonders and beauty in the North-western part of India. During the rule of Sawai Ram Singh I, the city was painted pink to welcome HRH Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VII, Emperor of India), in 1876. Many of the avenues still remain painted in pink, giving Jaipur a distinctive appearance and the epithet Pink city. }} * {{see | name= Jantar Mantar, [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q508634| lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= one of five astronomical observatories build by Maharaja Jai Singh in northern India. This historical observatory has geometric devices (or yantras in Hindi) for measuring time, eclipse prediction, tracking the orbits of stars eyc.. Explanations are posted for these devices and hired guides may provide further explanations. }} ==Sikkim== * {{Go | name= [[Khangchendzonga National Park]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=(mixed) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q2605019 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is named after Kangchenjunga, the highest peak of India. It is known for its numerous glaciers (Zemu glacier for example). Snow leopards, musk deer and Himalayan taar have been spotted here. }} ==Tamil Nadu== * The '''Great Living Chola Temples''' — consists of three Hindu temples built in the 11th and 12th centuries under the Chola dynasty. They represent some of the best examples of Dravidian architecture of the Chola period. ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Thanjavur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q916943 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= This temple is dedicated to Shiva. Its pillared cloister contains many lignams and the sanctum sanctorum has a large Shiva lingam and stone Nandi. }} ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Gangaikonda Cholapuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5521034 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is dedicated to the Lord Shiva and its location was used to be a medieval Chola capital. This multi-storied temple was once surrounded by a huge fort wall. }} ** {{See | name= Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3437182 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. }} ** {{marker|type=see|name=Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]|lat=10.94841|long=79.356708|image=Darasuram6.jpg}}. It has some excellent stone carvings (as well as inscriptions). The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. * {{See | name= Group of Monuments at [[Mamallapuram|Mahabalipuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3522747 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= a monument complex near [[Chennai]]. The area dates back to the ''Tamil Pallava'' dynasty. Mostly carved out of granite, they are among the oldest examples of ''Dravidian'' (South Indian) art/architecture. }} ==Telangana== * {{See | name= Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Palampet]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3380656 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= An ancient Hindu temple built during the 1200s Kakatiya dynasty & featuring ornate carvings & shrines. The main structure is in a reddish sandstone, but the columns round the outside have large brackets of black basalt which is rich in iron, magnesium and silica. These are carved as mythical animals or female dancers or musicians, and are "the masterpieces of Kakatiya art, notable for their delicate carving, sensuous postures and elongated bodies and heads". }} ==Uttar Pradesh== * {{see | name=Taj Mahal | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q9141 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It is a white marble mausoleum ordered by emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife (Mumtaz Mahal). Taj Mahal means ''Crown Palace''. It is a fairly well kept tomb and an outstanding example of Indian Muslim architecture. Current work is being considered to combat damage caused by pollution. }} * {{see | name=Agra Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q171857 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= Similar to the Red Fort in [[Delhi]], a well preserved palace and defensive complex constructed mostly in red sandstone. Emperor Akbar built this fort (same time as Humayun's Tomb in Delhi). Emperor Shah Jahan made later additions to it. }} * {{see | name=[[Fatehpur Sikri]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (''City of Victory'') — A virtual ghost city near [[Agra]]. Built by the Emperor Akbar, it was the capital of the [[Mughal Empire]] and later abandoned because local water supplies were lacking and near the tumultuous Rajasthan. It includes one of the largest mosques (''Jama Masjid'') in India. There are well preserved palaces and courtyards. }} * {{see | name=Keoladeo National Park| alt=Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary | url= | email= | address=[[Bharatpur]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (natural) — It provides habitat for thousands of birds during the winter season. The sanctuary hosts rare Siberian Cranes, ruddy shelducks, northern shovelers, northern pintails, tufted ducks, shovelers and other indigionous and migratory waterfowl. }} ==Uttarakhand== * {{listing | name=[[Nanda Devi National Park|Nanda Devi]] and [[Valley of Flowers National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q15839097 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=Nanda Devi contains wildlife such as snow leopards, bears, tahrs, deer and monkeys in addition to splendid flowers. The Valley of Flowers is famous for its beautiful alpine flowers. This valley is an Indian national park with beautiful waterfalls, landscapes, meadows of flowers and surrounding forests. }} ==West Bengal== * {{listing | name=[[Santiniketan]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1026431 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=Santiniketan was founded as an ashram by Debendranath Tagore in the second half of the 19th century and then developed into a university town of Visva-Bharati University. It is connected to the life and philosophy of Debendranath's son Rabindranath Tagore, the leading figure of the Bengali Renaissance. }} * {{listing | name=[[Sundarbans National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q532440 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The coastal mangrove forest in the southern part of [[West Bengal]] and [[Bangladesh]]. It lies on the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta. It is the largest mangrove forest in the world and the only mangrove forest in the world with tigers. [[Sundarbans (Bangladesh)]] is a different UNESCO Heritage Site in [[Bangladesh]]. }} '''Note:''' The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is listed under [[UNESCO World Heritage List (India)#Across multiple states|Mountain Railways of India]] ==See also== * [[UNESCO World Heritage List#India|UNESCO World Heritage List]] {{geo|21.534|78.046|zoom=5}} {{PartOfTopic|United Nations|India}} {{usabletopic}} e9ury83y25tdreum2dvqcjr167cocp9 5087015 5087014 2025-07-03T07:55:57Z Rangan Datta Wiki 124323 /* Assam */ Updated listing for Moidam 5087015 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|TajMahal Banner.jpg|unesco_whs=yes}} '''World Heritage Sites''' are important places of cultural, historical, scientific or other significance designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). There are 43 {{UNESCO WHS}}s in [[India]]. These include 35 cultural sites (marked in blue), 7 natural sites (marked in green) and 1 mixed-criteria site (marked in red). India has the sixth largest number of sites in the world. {{mapframe|align=center|height=750|width=750}} ==Across multiple states== [[File:Darjeelinghimalayanrailway.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] [[File:Qutab Minar mausoleum.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Qutb Minar, [[Delhi]]]] [[File:Santiniketan Prayer Hall.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Santiniketan]] [[File:Konarka Temple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sun Temple, Konark]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 16 Agra Fort.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Agra Fort]] [[File:Temple No.- 3, Nalanda Archaeological Site.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Nalanda]] [[File:Fatehpur Sikri near Agra 2016-03 img05.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Fatehpur Sikri]] [[File:India-5692 - Flickr - archer10 (Dennis).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Khajuraho Monuments]] [[File:Mahabodhitemple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Mahabodhi Temple Complex]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 04 Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Taj Mahal]] [[File:Brihadeeswarar Kovil.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Brihadisvara Temple]] [[File:The elegant stone chariot.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Stone Chariot, Hampi]] [[File:Cave 26, Ajanta.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ajanta Caves]] [[File:Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus]] [[File:Thane Creek and Elephanta Island 03-2016 - img20 Elephanta Caves.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Elephanta Caves]] [[File:Kailasa temple overview, Ellora.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Kailasa Temple, Ellora]] [[File:Amber Fort (आमेर का किला ).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Amber Fort, Jaipur]] [[File:Rani_ki_vav_02.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Rani-ki-Vav]] [[File:Dhauladhar_ranges_in_the_background-_Trekkers_resting_a_bit_I_IMG_7165.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Dhauladhar Ranges]] [[File:Valley of flowers uttaranchal full view.JPG|thumb|upright=0.7|Valley of Flowers]] [[File:Ramappa Temple 8.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ramappa Temple]] [[File:Sunderbans 059.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sundarbans National Park]] [[File:Western Ghats Gobi.jpg|thumb|Western Ghats|upright=0.7]] * The '''[[Rail travel in India#Mountain trains|Mountain Railways of India]]:''' Consists of three different sites spread across [[West Bengal]], [[Tamil Nadu]] and [[Himachal Pradesh]]. They consist of narrow and meter-gauge lines that run through picturesque mountains. ** {{see | name=[[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] | alt=DHR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[New Jalpaiguri]]–[[Darjeeling]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463874 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A {{convert|2|ft|mm}} gauge railway running through the foothills of the eastern Himalayas. The railway covers a distance of {{convert|88|km|mi}} starts at an altitude of {{convert|100|m|ft}} and ends at {{convert|2200|m|ft}}. The highest elevation is at [[Ghum]] ({{convert|2258|m|ft}}. It gains altitude via 6 zig-zags and 3 (originally 5) loops. Today, apart from regular diesel engines, there is a steam engine joy ride between Darjeeling and Ghum. }} ** {{see | name=Nilgiri Mountain Railway | alt=NMR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[Mettupalayam]]–[[Ooty]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463735 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A meter-gauge ({{cvt|1|m|ft}}) railway through the lush green Nilgiri hills. It has been in operation since 1908. The {{cvt|46|km|mi}} long railway starts at {{cvt|326|m|ft}} and ends at {{cvt|2203|m|ft}}.It follows the rack railway technology. }} ** {{see | name=Kalka–Shimla Railway | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Kalka]] – [[Shimla]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7171560 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The narrow gauge {{cvt|2|ft|6|in|mm}} railway covers a distance of {{cvt|95.6|km|mi}} starting at an altitude of {{cvt|656|m|ft}} and ending at {{cvt|2075|m|ft}}. It has been in operation since 1903. }} * {{listing | name=Western Ghats | alt=Sahyadri | url= | email= | address=([[Maharashtra]], [[Karnataka]], [[Kerala]] and [[Tamil Nadu]]) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4527 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A {{cvt|1600|km|mi}} long mountain range running along the west coast of peninsular India. It covers an area of {{cvt|160,000|km2|mi2}}. The Western Ghats are one of the oldest mountain regions of the Indian sub-continent. It exhibits geomorphic features of immense importance with unique biophysical and ecological processes. It is home to at least 325 globally threatened flora and fauna. They include several birds, amphibians, reptiles and fish species. Western Ghat is home to several endemic species. }} ==Assam== * {{listing | name=[[Kaziranga National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.6667 | long=93.35 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q192764 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is home to the Indian single-horned rhinos (rhinoceros unicornis). Kaziranga also hosts a variety of other mammal and bird species. }} * {{listing | name=[[Manas National Park|Manas Wildlife Sanctury]] | alt=Manas National Park | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.71 | long=90.93 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q506511 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=Manas National Park is located on the foothills of the Himalayas and borders the [[Royal Manas National Park]] in [[Bhutan]]. It is a habitat for many unique and endangered wildlife species such as the golden langur, pygmy hog and hispid hare. The Asian elephant, water buffalo, black panther, sloth bear and sambar deer can also be found here as well as endangered residential and migratory birds }} * {{see | name=Moidam | alt=The mound burial system of Ahom dynasty | url= | email= | address=[[Sibsagar]] | lat=26.941466 | long=94.876018 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6735332 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=For over 600 years (1228 - 1826)the Ahom dynasty have constructed burial mounds, known as moidams. They blend with the natural topography of hills, forest and water bodies. They are located on the foothills of Patkai range in eastern [[Assam]]. The Charaideo necropolis has over 90 moidams, housing the remains of kings and other royals of the Ahom dynasty. }} ==Bihar== * {{see | name=Nalanda|Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Nalanda]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q216243 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} * {{see | name=Mahabodhi Temple Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Bodh Gaya]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4513 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} ==Chandigarh== * {{see | name=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier in [[Chandigarh]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=30.761085 | long=76.803291 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q55619850 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement is a World Heritage Site consisting of a selection of 17 building projects in 7 countries (including [[Chandigarh]], [[India]]) by the Franco-Swiss architect Le Corbusier. These sites demonstrate how Modern Movement architecture was applied to respond to the needs of society and show the global range of a style and an architect. }} ==Delhi== * {{see | name=Humayun's Tomb | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[South East Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189648 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The site was constructed in the Indo-Islamic style known as ''Mughal''. The grand domed structure of the Humayun's Tomb occupies the central position of the Persian styled ''char bagh''garden. There are several other structures in the garden and consists of Isha Khan's tomb & mosque, Arab sarai, Barbar's tomb and many more. }} * {{see | name=Qutb Minar and its Monuments | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/South Delhi|South Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q187635 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=These structures in Delhi date from the Slave Dynasty. The Qutb Minar is one of the tallest minars in India. It has been well-preserved with its intricate carvings. It was constructed of red sandstone and marble. Earthquake damage to the top of the Qutb Manar has been renovated and its base reinforced. }} * {{see | name=Red Fort Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/Central Delhi|Central Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q45957 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Red Fort is a red sandstone fort (and ruling palace) built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame. Many historical objects and marble inlays have disappeared and quite a few buildings can not be visited due to disrepair. However, the site is impressive with lush green gardens that are well kept year round. }} ==Goa== * {{see | name= Churches and Convents of Goa| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Old Goa|Goa]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q15726428 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Old Goa, the former capital of colonial [[Goa]], is full of history and the location of numerous well maintained scenic churches and convents. }} ==Gujarat== * {{see | name= [[Dholavira]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q9468 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an archaeological site at with the ruins of an ancient [[Indus Valley Civilisation]] (Harappan) city; it is one of the five largest Harappan sites. }} * {{see | name= Historic City of [[Ahmedabad/Central Zone|Ahmedabad]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5472448 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= The modern Ahmedabad was a walled city in the past along the banks of the Sabarmati River. The city presents a rich and diverse cultural and architectural style. It also houses the former home of Mahatma Gandhi, the Sabarmati Ashram. }} * {{see | name=Rani-ki-Vav | alt=Queen's Stepwell | url= | email= | address=[[Patan (Gujarat)|Patan]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7293002 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is famous for its ornate carvings and many sculptures in its galleries. Built as an inverted temple and representing a religious regard for water. Stepwells were built basically for the storage of water in India. }} * {{see | name=[[Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q844427 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A fortified medieval settlement with Hindu, Muslim and Jain architectural elements along with the remains of water-managing systems }} ==Himachal Pradesh== * {{Listing | name = [[Great Himalayan National Park]] | lat = | long = | wikidata = Q1544213 | content = The different altitudes provide for subtropical forests to alpine and glacial flora. Different species of goat, bear, leopard and pheasants can also be found here. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} ==Karnataka== * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Hampi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26732 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Significant historic and architectural interest. The area abounds with large stones used to make statues of Jaina deities. Numerous temples and other sites can be found in and around Hampi. Further excavations are under way. }} * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Pattadakal]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q817250 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an historic centre of Chalukya art and architecture. This has major temples and numerous shrines }} * '''Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas:''' It consists of two clusters of monuments (in [[Belur]] and [[Halebidu]]), and the Keshava temple in [[Somanathapura]], dating to the time of the Hoysala Empire, between the 11th and 14th centuries. ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Belur]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q760603 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Halebidu]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q108227451 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Chennakesava Temple, [[Somanathapura]] | alt=Keshava temple | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3537502 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ==Madhya Pradesh== * {{see | name= Rock Shelters of [[Bhimbetka]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q331603 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Early traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent have been discovered here. Rock paintings can be seen that are similar to those that have been found in Australia and France. }} * {{see | name= [[Khajuraho]] Group of Monuments| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26258435 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is a group of Hindu and Jain temples in [[Khajuraho]], [[Madhya Pradesh]]. The temples are noted for their architectural/artistic style and erotic sculptures. }} * {{see | name= Buddhist Monuments at [[Sanchi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q181123 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Believed to be the oldest stone structure in India. '''Vidisha''' (city in [[Madhya Pradesh]]) was the ancient capital city of the Malwa. Many Buddhist monuments were later built around this ancient city. The historical Sanchi stupas are very well preserved. }} ==Maharashtra== * {{see | name= [[Ajanta Caves]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Aurangabad]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= depict the stories of [[Buddhism]] from circa 200 BCE to 650 CE. These caves were discovered by some British Officers during a tiger hunt. These caves were built by Buddhist monks using simple tools. Buddhist monks often taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas (ancient seats of learning). There are detailed/beautiful sculptures and paintings depicting stories from Jataka tales. }} * {{see | name=[[Ellora Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189616 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are an impressive complex of rock shrines that represent the three faiths of [[Buddhism]], [[Hinduism]] and Jainism and were created during the 5th-13th centuries CE. The caves are northwest of central [[Aurangabad]], a few km from [[Khuldabad]]. }} * {{see | name=Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus | alt=(formerly Victoria Terminus), also known as '''Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus''' ('''CSMT''') | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=the architectural influence of Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival architecture and traditional Mughal architectural style }} * {{see | name=Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16942531 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It represents an urban project through various buildings (cinemas, residential buildings and balconies) of the late 19th century. Mainly these are found near the Oval Maidan area of [[Mumbai]], they represent the Victorian Neo-Gothic style of architecture and Art Deco (sometimes known as ''Indo-Deco''). }} * {{see | name=[[Mumbai/Elephanta|Elephanta Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q649384 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are two groups of sculpted caves (Hindu and Buddhist). Within the caves there are numerous carved panels and shrines. The original stone-cut elephant statue; for which Elephanta Island was named, resides at Jijamata Udyaan in [[Mumbai]]. }} ==Odisha== * {{see | name= Konark Sun Temple| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Konark]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q752091| lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= It was built to honour the sun god Surya. The entire temple is shaped in the form of a chariot pulled by seven horses in order to carry the sun god across the heavens. Though partially in ruins, it has extensive stone carvings (many erotic in nature) on the walls. }} ==Rajasthan== * The '''Hill Forts of [[Rajasthan]]''' — ** {{see | name= Chittor Fort in [[Chittorgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3695769 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= A massive stone gates with notched parapets and arched reinforced doors (to defend against elephants and cannon). Within the fort a circular road gives access to the gates and numerous monuments (ruined palaces and numerous temples). }} ** {{see | name= Kumbhalgarh Fort, [[Kumbhalgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1246283 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= protected by seven towering gates and within is the ''Badal Mahal'' palace. It also had long meandering walls for defence. There are many tales and interesting stories affiliated with this site. }} ** {{see | name= Ranthambore Fort, [[Ranthambore]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2724894 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It lies within the [[Ranthambore National Park]], near the town of [[Sawai Madhopur]]. Initially called "Ranath Bhawar Garh" (a place of Rajput warriors). The history of ''Sawai Madhopur'' centers around the famous Ranthambore Fort. }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Amber Fort in [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q456817 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a massive fort-palace complex built in a Hindu-Muslim style dating back to ''Raja Man Singh'' and once the royal palace of the ''Kachwahas''. Within the fort is the ''Sheesh Mahal'' (with thousands of mirror tiles on the walls and ceilings).. }} ** {{see | name= Jaisalmer Fort in [[Jaisalmer]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3634368 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= Also known as the “Sonar Quila” or "Sonal Kella" or "Sonar Kila". It displays the subtle hues of the setting sun and desert. It is a 'working fort' as its citizens reside and work within its walls. There are numerous vantage points within the fort that enable great views across the city and desert. }} * {{see | name= [[Jaipur]] City| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q66485 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a magnificent city filled with historical wonders and beauty in the North-western part of India. During the rule of Sawai Ram Singh I, the city was painted pink to welcome HRH Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VII, Emperor of India), in 1876. Many of the avenues still remain painted in pink, giving Jaipur a distinctive appearance and the epithet Pink city. }} * {{see | name= Jantar Mantar, [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q508634| lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= one of five astronomical observatories build by Maharaja Jai Singh in northern India. This historical observatory has geometric devices (or yantras in Hindi) for measuring time, eclipse prediction, tracking the orbits of stars eyc.. Explanations are posted for these devices and hired guides may provide further explanations. }} ==Sikkim== * {{Go | name= [[Khangchendzonga National Park]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=(mixed) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q2605019 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is named after Kangchenjunga, the highest peak of India. It is known for its numerous glaciers (Zemu glacier for example). Snow leopards, musk deer and Himalayan taar have been spotted here. }} ==Tamil Nadu== * The '''Great Living Chola Temples''' — consists of three Hindu temples built in the 11th and 12th centuries under the Chola dynasty. They represent some of the best examples of Dravidian architecture of the Chola period. ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Thanjavur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q916943 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= This temple is dedicated to Shiva. Its pillared cloister contains many lignams and the sanctum sanctorum has a large Shiva lingam and stone Nandi. }} ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Gangaikonda Cholapuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5521034 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is dedicated to the Lord Shiva and its location was used to be a medieval Chola capital. This multi-storied temple was once surrounded by a huge fort wall. }} ** {{See | name= Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3437182 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. }} ** {{marker|type=see|name=Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]|lat=10.94841|long=79.356708|image=Darasuram6.jpg}}. It has some excellent stone carvings (as well as inscriptions). The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. * {{See | name= Group of Monuments at [[Mamallapuram|Mahabalipuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3522747 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= a monument complex near [[Chennai]]. The area dates back to the ''Tamil Pallava'' dynasty. Mostly carved out of granite, they are among the oldest examples of ''Dravidian'' (South Indian) art/architecture. }} ==Telangana== * {{See | name= Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Palampet]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3380656 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= An ancient Hindu temple built during the 1200s Kakatiya dynasty & featuring ornate carvings & shrines. The main structure is in a reddish sandstone, but the columns round the outside have large brackets of black basalt which is rich in iron, magnesium and silica. These are carved as mythical animals or female dancers or musicians, and are "the masterpieces of Kakatiya art, notable for their delicate carving, sensuous postures and elongated bodies and heads". }} ==Uttar Pradesh== * {{see | name=Taj Mahal | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q9141 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It is a white marble mausoleum ordered by emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife (Mumtaz Mahal). Taj Mahal means ''Crown Palace''. It is a fairly well kept tomb and an outstanding example of Indian Muslim architecture. Current work is being considered to combat damage caused by pollution. }} * {{see | name=Agra Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q171857 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= Similar to the Red Fort in [[Delhi]], a well preserved palace and defensive complex constructed mostly in red sandstone. Emperor Akbar built this fort (same time as Humayun's Tomb in Delhi). Emperor Shah Jahan made later additions to it. }} * {{see | name=[[Fatehpur Sikri]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (''City of Victory'') — A virtual ghost city near [[Agra]]. Built by the Emperor Akbar, it was the capital of the [[Mughal Empire]] and later abandoned because local water supplies were lacking and near the tumultuous Rajasthan. It includes one of the largest mosques (''Jama Masjid'') in India. There are well preserved palaces and courtyards. }} * {{see | name=Keoladeo National Park| alt=Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary | url= | email= | address=[[Bharatpur]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (natural) — It provides habitat for thousands of birds during the winter season. The sanctuary hosts rare Siberian Cranes, ruddy shelducks, northern shovelers, northern pintails, tufted ducks, shovelers and other indigionous and migratory waterfowl. }} ==Uttarakhand== * {{listing | name=[[Nanda Devi National Park|Nanda Devi]] and [[Valley of Flowers National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q15839097 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=Nanda Devi contains wildlife such as snow leopards, bears, tahrs, deer and monkeys in addition to splendid flowers. The Valley of Flowers is famous for its beautiful alpine flowers. This valley is an Indian national park with beautiful waterfalls, landscapes, meadows of flowers and surrounding forests. }} ==West Bengal== * {{listing | name=[[Santiniketan]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1026431 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=Santiniketan was founded as an ashram by Debendranath Tagore in the second half of the 19th century and then developed into a university town of Visva-Bharati University. It is connected to the life and philosophy of Debendranath's son Rabindranath Tagore, the leading figure of the Bengali Renaissance. }} * {{listing | name=[[Sundarbans National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q532440 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The coastal mangrove forest in the southern part of [[West Bengal]] and [[Bangladesh]]. It lies on the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta. It is the largest mangrove forest in the world and the only mangrove forest in the world with tigers. [[Sundarbans (Bangladesh)]] is a different UNESCO Heritage Site in [[Bangladesh]]. }} '''Note:''' The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is listed under [[UNESCO World Heritage List (India)#Across multiple states|Mountain Railways of India]] ==See also== * [[UNESCO World Heritage List#India|UNESCO World Heritage List]] {{geo|21.534|78.046|zoom=5}} {{PartOfTopic|United Nations|India}} {{usabletopic}} lxja2uvrws2ftrlc3djsijdyauoj467 5087031 5087015 2025-07-03T08:41:07Z Rangan Datta Wiki 124323 /* Bihar */ Updated listing for Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara at [[Nalanda]] 5087031 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|TajMahal Banner.jpg|unesco_whs=yes}} '''World Heritage Sites''' are important places of cultural, historical, scientific or other significance designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). There are 43 {{UNESCO WHS}}s in [[India]]. These include 35 cultural sites (marked in blue), 7 natural sites (marked in green) and 1 mixed-criteria site (marked in red). India has the sixth largest number of sites in the world. {{mapframe|align=center|height=750|width=750}} ==Across multiple states== [[File:Darjeelinghimalayanrailway.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] [[File:Qutab Minar mausoleum.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Qutb Minar, [[Delhi]]]] [[File:Santiniketan Prayer Hall.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Santiniketan]] [[File:Konarka Temple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sun Temple, Konark]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 16 Agra Fort.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Agra Fort]] [[File:Temple No.- 3, Nalanda Archaeological Site.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Nalanda]] [[File:Fatehpur Sikri near Agra 2016-03 img05.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Fatehpur Sikri]] [[File:India-5692 - Flickr - archer10 (Dennis).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Khajuraho Monuments]] [[File:Mahabodhitemple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Mahabodhi Temple Complex]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 04 Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Taj Mahal]] [[File:Brihadeeswarar Kovil.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Brihadisvara Temple]] [[File:The elegant stone chariot.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Stone Chariot, Hampi]] [[File:Cave 26, Ajanta.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ajanta Caves]] [[File:Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus]] [[File:Thane Creek and Elephanta Island 03-2016 - img20 Elephanta Caves.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Elephanta Caves]] [[File:Kailasa temple overview, Ellora.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Kailasa Temple, Ellora]] [[File:Amber Fort (आमेर का किला ).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Amber Fort, Jaipur]] [[File:Rani_ki_vav_02.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Rani-ki-Vav]] [[File:Dhauladhar_ranges_in_the_background-_Trekkers_resting_a_bit_I_IMG_7165.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Dhauladhar Ranges]] [[File:Valley of flowers uttaranchal full view.JPG|thumb|upright=0.7|Valley of Flowers]] [[File:Ramappa Temple 8.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ramappa Temple]] [[File:Sunderbans 059.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sundarbans National Park]] [[File:Western Ghats Gobi.jpg|thumb|Western Ghats|upright=0.7]] * The '''[[Rail travel in India#Mountain trains|Mountain Railways of India]]:''' Consists of three different sites spread across [[West Bengal]], [[Tamil Nadu]] and [[Himachal Pradesh]]. They consist of narrow and meter-gauge lines that run through picturesque mountains. ** {{see | name=[[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] | alt=DHR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[New Jalpaiguri]]–[[Darjeeling]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463874 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A {{convert|2|ft|mm}} gauge railway running through the foothills of the eastern Himalayas. The railway covers a distance of {{convert|88|km|mi}} starts at an altitude of {{convert|100|m|ft}} and ends at {{convert|2200|m|ft}}. The highest elevation is at [[Ghum]] ({{convert|2258|m|ft}}. It gains altitude via 6 zig-zags and 3 (originally 5) loops. Today, apart from regular diesel engines, there is a steam engine joy ride between Darjeeling and Ghum. }} ** {{see | name=Nilgiri Mountain Railway | alt=NMR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[Mettupalayam]]–[[Ooty]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463735 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A meter-gauge ({{cvt|1|m|ft}}) railway through the lush green Nilgiri hills. It has been in operation since 1908. The {{cvt|46|km|mi}} long railway starts at {{cvt|326|m|ft}} and ends at {{cvt|2203|m|ft}}.It follows the rack railway technology. }} ** {{see | name=Kalka–Shimla Railway | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Kalka]] – [[Shimla]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7171560 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The narrow gauge {{cvt|2|ft|6|in|mm}} railway covers a distance of {{cvt|95.6|km|mi}} starting at an altitude of {{cvt|656|m|ft}} and ending at {{cvt|2075|m|ft}}. It has been in operation since 1903. }} * {{listing | name=Western Ghats | alt=Sahyadri | url= | email= | address=([[Maharashtra]], [[Karnataka]], [[Kerala]] and [[Tamil Nadu]]) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4527 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A {{cvt|1600|km|mi}} long mountain range running along the west coast of peninsular India. It covers an area of {{cvt|160,000|km2|mi2}}. The Western Ghats are one of the oldest mountain regions of the Indian sub-continent. It exhibits geomorphic features of immense importance with unique biophysical and ecological processes. It is home to at least 325 globally threatened flora and fauna. They include several birds, amphibians, reptiles and fish species. Western Ghat is home to several endemic species. }} ==Assam== * {{listing | name=[[Kaziranga National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.6667 | long=93.35 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q192764 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is home to the Indian single-horned rhinos (rhinoceros unicornis). Kaziranga also hosts a variety of other mammal and bird species. }} * {{listing | name=[[Manas National Park|Manas Wildlife Sanctury]] | alt=Manas National Park | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.71 | long=90.93 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q506511 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=Manas National Park is located on the foothills of the Himalayas and borders the [[Royal Manas National Park]] in [[Bhutan]]. It is a habitat for many unique and endangered wildlife species such as the golden langur, pygmy hog and hispid hare. The Asian elephant, water buffalo, black panther, sloth bear and sambar deer can also be found here as well as endangered residential and migratory birds }} * {{see | name=Moidam | alt=The mound burial system of Ahom dynasty | url= | email= | address=[[Sibsagar]] | lat=26.941466 | long=94.876018 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6735332 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=For over 600 years (1228 - 1826)the Ahom dynasty have constructed burial mounds, known as moidams. They blend with the natural topography of hills, forest and water bodies. They are located on the foothills of Patkai range in eastern [[Assam]]. The Charaideo necropolis has over 90 moidams, housing the remains of kings and other royals of the Ahom dynasty. }} ==Bihar== * {{see | name=Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara at [[Nalanda]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q216243 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} * {{see | name=Mahabodhi Temple Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Bodh Gaya]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4513 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} ==Chandigarh== * {{see | name=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier in [[Chandigarh]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=30.761085 | long=76.803291 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q55619850 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement is a World Heritage Site consisting of a selection of 17 building projects in 7 countries (including [[Chandigarh]], [[India]]) by the Franco-Swiss architect Le Corbusier. These sites demonstrate how Modern Movement architecture was applied to respond to the needs of society and show the global range of a style and an architect. }} ==Delhi== * {{see | name=Humayun's Tomb | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[South East Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189648 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The site was constructed in the Indo-Islamic style known as ''Mughal''. The grand domed structure of the Humayun's Tomb occupies the central position of the Persian styled ''char bagh''garden. There are several other structures in the garden and consists of Isha Khan's tomb & mosque, Arab sarai, Barbar's tomb and many more. }} * {{see | name=Qutb Minar and its Monuments | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/South Delhi|South Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q187635 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=These structures in Delhi date from the Slave Dynasty. The Qutb Minar is one of the tallest minars in India. It has been well-preserved with its intricate carvings. It was constructed of red sandstone and marble. Earthquake damage to the top of the Qutb Manar has been renovated and its base reinforced. }} * {{see | name=Red Fort Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/Central Delhi|Central Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q45957 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Red Fort is a red sandstone fort (and ruling palace) built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame. Many historical objects and marble inlays have disappeared and quite a few buildings can not be visited due to disrepair. However, the site is impressive with lush green gardens that are well kept year round. }} ==Goa== * {{see | name= Churches and Convents of Goa| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Old Goa|Goa]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q15726428 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Old Goa, the former capital of colonial [[Goa]], is full of history and the location of numerous well maintained scenic churches and convents. }} ==Gujarat== * {{see | name= [[Dholavira]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q9468 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an archaeological site at with the ruins of an ancient [[Indus Valley Civilisation]] (Harappan) city; it is one of the five largest Harappan sites. }} * {{see | name= Historic City of [[Ahmedabad/Central Zone|Ahmedabad]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5472448 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= The modern Ahmedabad was a walled city in the past along the banks of the Sabarmati River. The city presents a rich and diverse cultural and architectural style. It also houses the former home of Mahatma Gandhi, the Sabarmati Ashram. }} * {{see | name=Rani-ki-Vav | alt=Queen's Stepwell | url= | email= | address=[[Patan (Gujarat)|Patan]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7293002 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is famous for its ornate carvings and many sculptures in its galleries. Built as an inverted temple and representing a religious regard for water. Stepwells were built basically for the storage of water in India. }} * {{see | name=[[Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q844427 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A fortified medieval settlement with Hindu, Muslim and Jain architectural elements along with the remains of water-managing systems }} ==Himachal Pradesh== * {{Listing | name = [[Great Himalayan National Park]] | lat = | long = | wikidata = Q1544213 | content = The different altitudes provide for subtropical forests to alpine and glacial flora. Different species of goat, bear, leopard and pheasants can also be found here. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} ==Karnataka== * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Hampi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26732 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Significant historic and architectural interest. The area abounds with large stones used to make statues of Jaina deities. Numerous temples and other sites can be found in and around Hampi. Further excavations are under way. }} * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Pattadakal]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q817250 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an historic centre of Chalukya art and architecture. This has major temples and numerous shrines }} * '''Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas:''' It consists of two clusters of monuments (in [[Belur]] and [[Halebidu]]), and the Keshava temple in [[Somanathapura]], dating to the time of the Hoysala Empire, between the 11th and 14th centuries. ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Belur]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q760603 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Halebidu]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q108227451 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Chennakesava Temple, [[Somanathapura]] | alt=Keshava temple | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3537502 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ==Madhya Pradesh== * {{see | name= Rock Shelters of [[Bhimbetka]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q331603 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Early traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent have been discovered here. Rock paintings can be seen that are similar to those that have been found in Australia and France. }} * {{see | name= [[Khajuraho]] Group of Monuments| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26258435 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is a group of Hindu and Jain temples in [[Khajuraho]], [[Madhya Pradesh]]. The temples are noted for their architectural/artistic style and erotic sculptures. }} * {{see | name= Buddhist Monuments at [[Sanchi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q181123 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Believed to be the oldest stone structure in India. '''Vidisha''' (city in [[Madhya Pradesh]]) was the ancient capital city of the Malwa. Many Buddhist monuments were later built around this ancient city. The historical Sanchi stupas are very well preserved. }} ==Maharashtra== * {{see | name= [[Ajanta Caves]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Aurangabad]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= depict the stories of [[Buddhism]] from circa 200 BCE to 650 CE. These caves were discovered by some British Officers during a tiger hunt. These caves were built by Buddhist monks using simple tools. Buddhist monks often taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas (ancient seats of learning). There are detailed/beautiful sculptures and paintings depicting stories from Jataka tales. }} * {{see | name=[[Ellora Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189616 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are an impressive complex of rock shrines that represent the three faiths of [[Buddhism]], [[Hinduism]] and Jainism and were created during the 5th-13th centuries CE. The caves are northwest of central [[Aurangabad]], a few km from [[Khuldabad]]. }} * {{see | name=Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus | alt=(formerly Victoria Terminus), also known as '''Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus''' ('''CSMT''') | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=the architectural influence of Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival architecture and traditional Mughal architectural style }} * {{see | name=Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16942531 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It represents an urban project through various buildings (cinemas, residential buildings and balconies) of the late 19th century. Mainly these are found near the Oval Maidan area of [[Mumbai]], they represent the Victorian Neo-Gothic style of architecture and Art Deco (sometimes known as ''Indo-Deco''). }} * {{see | name=[[Mumbai/Elephanta|Elephanta Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q649384 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are two groups of sculpted caves (Hindu and Buddhist). Within the caves there are numerous carved panels and shrines. The original stone-cut elephant statue; for which Elephanta Island was named, resides at Jijamata Udyaan in [[Mumbai]]. }} ==Odisha== * {{see | name= Konark Sun Temple| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Konark]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q752091| lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= It was built to honour the sun god Surya. The entire temple is shaped in the form of a chariot pulled by seven horses in order to carry the sun god across the heavens. Though partially in ruins, it has extensive stone carvings (many erotic in nature) on the walls. }} ==Rajasthan== * The '''Hill Forts of [[Rajasthan]]''' — ** {{see | name= Chittor Fort in [[Chittorgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3695769 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= A massive stone gates with notched parapets and arched reinforced doors (to defend against elephants and cannon). Within the fort a circular road gives access to the gates and numerous monuments (ruined palaces and numerous temples). }} ** {{see | name= Kumbhalgarh Fort, [[Kumbhalgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1246283 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= protected by seven towering gates and within is the ''Badal Mahal'' palace. It also had long meandering walls for defence. There are many tales and interesting stories affiliated with this site. }} ** {{see | name= Ranthambore Fort, [[Ranthambore]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2724894 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It lies within the [[Ranthambore National Park]], near the town of [[Sawai Madhopur]]. Initially called "Ranath Bhawar Garh" (a place of Rajput warriors). The history of ''Sawai Madhopur'' centers around the famous Ranthambore Fort. }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Amber Fort in [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q456817 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a massive fort-palace complex built in a Hindu-Muslim style dating back to ''Raja Man Singh'' and once the royal palace of the ''Kachwahas''. Within the fort is the ''Sheesh Mahal'' (with thousands of mirror tiles on the walls and ceilings).. }} ** {{see | name= Jaisalmer Fort in [[Jaisalmer]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3634368 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= Also known as the “Sonar Quila” or "Sonal Kella" or "Sonar Kila". It displays the subtle hues of the setting sun and desert. It is a 'working fort' as its citizens reside and work within its walls. There are numerous vantage points within the fort that enable great views across the city and desert. }} * {{see | name= [[Jaipur]] City| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q66485 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a magnificent city filled with historical wonders and beauty in the North-western part of India. During the rule of Sawai Ram Singh I, the city was painted pink to welcome HRH Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VII, Emperor of India), in 1876. Many of the avenues still remain painted in pink, giving Jaipur a distinctive appearance and the epithet Pink city. }} * {{see | name= Jantar Mantar, [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q508634| lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= one of five astronomical observatories build by Maharaja Jai Singh in northern India. This historical observatory has geometric devices (or yantras in Hindi) for measuring time, eclipse prediction, tracking the orbits of stars eyc.. Explanations are posted for these devices and hired guides may provide further explanations. }} ==Sikkim== * {{Go | name= [[Khangchendzonga National Park]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=(mixed) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q2605019 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is named after Kangchenjunga, the highest peak of India. It is known for its numerous glaciers (Zemu glacier for example). Snow leopards, musk deer and Himalayan taar have been spotted here. }} ==Tamil Nadu== * The '''Great Living Chola Temples''' — consists of three Hindu temples built in the 11th and 12th centuries under the Chola dynasty. They represent some of the best examples of Dravidian architecture of the Chola period. ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Thanjavur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q916943 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= This temple is dedicated to Shiva. Its pillared cloister contains many lignams and the sanctum sanctorum has a large Shiva lingam and stone Nandi. }} ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Gangaikonda Cholapuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5521034 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is dedicated to the Lord Shiva and its location was used to be a medieval Chola capital. This multi-storied temple was once surrounded by a huge fort wall. }} ** {{See | name= Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3437182 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. }} ** {{marker|type=see|name=Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]|lat=10.94841|long=79.356708|image=Darasuram6.jpg}}. It has some excellent stone carvings (as well as inscriptions). The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. * {{See | name= Group of Monuments at [[Mamallapuram|Mahabalipuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3522747 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= a monument complex near [[Chennai]]. The area dates back to the ''Tamil Pallava'' dynasty. Mostly carved out of granite, they are among the oldest examples of ''Dravidian'' (South Indian) art/architecture. }} ==Telangana== * {{See | name= Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Palampet]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3380656 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= An ancient Hindu temple built during the 1200s Kakatiya dynasty & featuring ornate carvings & shrines. The main structure is in a reddish sandstone, but the columns round the outside have large brackets of black basalt which is rich in iron, magnesium and silica. These are carved as mythical animals or female dancers or musicians, and are "the masterpieces of Kakatiya art, notable for their delicate carving, sensuous postures and elongated bodies and heads". }} ==Uttar Pradesh== * {{see | name=Taj Mahal | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q9141 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It is a white marble mausoleum ordered by emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife (Mumtaz Mahal). Taj Mahal means ''Crown Palace''. It is a fairly well kept tomb and an outstanding example of Indian Muslim architecture. Current work is being considered to combat damage caused by pollution. }} * {{see | name=Agra Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q171857 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= Similar to the Red Fort in [[Delhi]], a well preserved palace and defensive complex constructed mostly in red sandstone. Emperor Akbar built this fort (same time as Humayun's Tomb in Delhi). Emperor Shah Jahan made later additions to it. }} * {{see | name=[[Fatehpur Sikri]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (''City of Victory'') — A virtual ghost city near [[Agra]]. Built by the Emperor Akbar, it was the capital of the [[Mughal Empire]] and later abandoned because local water supplies were lacking and near the tumultuous Rajasthan. It includes one of the largest mosques (''Jama Masjid'') in India. There are well preserved palaces and courtyards. }} * {{see | name=Keoladeo National Park| alt=Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary | url= | email= | address=[[Bharatpur]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (natural) — It provides habitat for thousands of birds during the winter season. The sanctuary hosts rare Siberian Cranes, ruddy shelducks, northern shovelers, northern pintails, tufted ducks, shovelers and other indigionous and migratory waterfowl. }} ==Uttarakhand== * {{listing | name=[[Nanda Devi National Park|Nanda Devi]] and [[Valley of Flowers National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q15839097 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=Nanda Devi contains wildlife such as snow leopards, bears, tahrs, deer and monkeys in addition to splendid flowers. The Valley of Flowers is famous for its beautiful alpine flowers. This valley is an Indian national park with beautiful waterfalls, landscapes, meadows of flowers and surrounding forests. }} ==West Bengal== * {{listing | name=[[Santiniketan]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1026431 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=Santiniketan was founded as an ashram by Debendranath Tagore in the second half of the 19th century and then developed into a university town of Visva-Bharati University. It is connected to the life and philosophy of Debendranath's son Rabindranath Tagore, the leading figure of the Bengali Renaissance. }} * {{listing | name=[[Sundarbans National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q532440 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The coastal mangrove forest in the southern part of [[West Bengal]] and [[Bangladesh]]. It lies on the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta. It is the largest mangrove forest in the world and the only mangrove forest in the world with tigers. [[Sundarbans (Bangladesh)]] is a different UNESCO Heritage Site in [[Bangladesh]]. }} '''Note:''' The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is listed under [[UNESCO World Heritage List (India)#Across multiple states|Mountain Railways of India]] ==See also== * [[UNESCO World Heritage List#India|UNESCO World Heritage List]] {{geo|21.534|78.046|zoom=5}} {{PartOfTopic|United Nations|India}} {{usabletopic}} 6xrmdqf4yjf95oyx05fhflmyoaatdkn 5087033 5087031 2025-07-03T08:51:57Z Rangan Datta Wiki 124323 /* Bihar */ Updated listing for Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara at [[Nalanda]] 5087033 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|TajMahal Banner.jpg|unesco_whs=yes}} '''World Heritage Sites''' are important places of cultural, historical, scientific or other significance designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). There are 43 {{UNESCO WHS}}s in [[India]]. These include 35 cultural sites (marked in blue), 7 natural sites (marked in green) and 1 mixed-criteria site (marked in red). India has the sixth largest number of sites in the world. {{mapframe|align=center|height=750|width=750}} ==Across multiple states== [[File:Darjeelinghimalayanrailway.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] [[File:Qutab Minar mausoleum.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Qutb Minar, [[Delhi]]]] [[File:Santiniketan Prayer Hall.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Santiniketan]] [[File:Konarka Temple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sun Temple, Konark]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 16 Agra Fort.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Agra Fort]] [[File:Temple No.- 3, Nalanda Archaeological Site.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Nalanda]] [[File:Fatehpur Sikri near Agra 2016-03 img05.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Fatehpur Sikri]] [[File:India-5692 - Flickr - archer10 (Dennis).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Khajuraho Monuments]] [[File:Mahabodhitemple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Mahabodhi Temple Complex]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 04 Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Taj Mahal]] [[File:Brihadeeswarar Kovil.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Brihadisvara Temple]] [[File:The elegant stone chariot.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Stone Chariot, Hampi]] [[File:Cave 26, Ajanta.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ajanta Caves]] [[File:Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus]] [[File:Thane Creek and Elephanta Island 03-2016 - img20 Elephanta Caves.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Elephanta Caves]] [[File:Kailasa temple overview, Ellora.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Kailasa Temple, Ellora]] [[File:Amber Fort (आमेर का किला ).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Amber Fort, Jaipur]] [[File:Rani_ki_vav_02.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Rani-ki-Vav]] [[File:Dhauladhar_ranges_in_the_background-_Trekkers_resting_a_bit_I_IMG_7165.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Dhauladhar Ranges]] [[File:Valley of flowers uttaranchal full view.JPG|thumb|upright=0.7|Valley of Flowers]] [[File:Ramappa Temple 8.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ramappa Temple]] [[File:Sunderbans 059.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sundarbans National Park]] [[File:Western Ghats Gobi.jpg|thumb|Western Ghats|upright=0.7]] * The '''[[Rail travel in India#Mountain trains|Mountain Railways of India]]:''' Consists of three different sites spread across [[West Bengal]], [[Tamil Nadu]] and [[Himachal Pradesh]]. They consist of narrow and meter-gauge lines that run through picturesque mountains. ** {{see | name=[[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] | alt=DHR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[New Jalpaiguri]]–[[Darjeeling]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463874 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A {{convert|2|ft|mm}} gauge railway running through the foothills of the eastern Himalayas. The railway covers a distance of {{convert|88|km|mi}} starts at an altitude of {{convert|100|m|ft}} and ends at {{convert|2200|m|ft}}. The highest elevation is at [[Ghum]] ({{convert|2258|m|ft}}. It gains altitude via 6 zig-zags and 3 (originally 5) loops. Today, apart from regular diesel engines, there is a steam engine joy ride between Darjeeling and Ghum. }} ** {{see | name=Nilgiri Mountain Railway | alt=NMR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[Mettupalayam]]–[[Ooty]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463735 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A meter-gauge ({{cvt|1|m|ft}}) railway through the lush green Nilgiri hills. It has been in operation since 1908. The {{cvt|46|km|mi}} long railway starts at {{cvt|326|m|ft}} and ends at {{cvt|2203|m|ft}}.It follows the rack railway technology. }} ** {{see | name=Kalka–Shimla Railway | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Kalka]] – [[Shimla]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7171560 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The narrow gauge {{cvt|2|ft|6|in|mm}} railway covers a distance of {{cvt|95.6|km|mi}} starting at an altitude of {{cvt|656|m|ft}} and ending at {{cvt|2075|m|ft}}. It has been in operation since 1903. }} * {{listing | name=Western Ghats | alt=Sahyadri | url= | email= | address=([[Maharashtra]], [[Karnataka]], [[Kerala]] and [[Tamil Nadu]]) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4527 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A {{cvt|1600|km|mi}} long mountain range running along the west coast of peninsular India. It covers an area of {{cvt|160,000|km2|mi2}}. The Western Ghats are one of the oldest mountain regions of the Indian sub-continent. It exhibits geomorphic features of immense importance with unique biophysical and ecological processes. It is home to at least 325 globally threatened flora and fauna. They include several birds, amphibians, reptiles and fish species. Western Ghat is home to several endemic species. }} ==Assam== * {{listing | name=[[Kaziranga National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.6667 | long=93.35 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q192764 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is home to the Indian single-horned rhinos (rhinoceros unicornis). Kaziranga also hosts a variety of other mammal and bird species. }} * {{listing | name=[[Manas National Park|Manas Wildlife Sanctury]] | alt=Manas National Park | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.71 | long=90.93 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q506511 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=Manas National Park is located on the foothills of the Himalayas and borders the [[Royal Manas National Park]] in [[Bhutan]]. It is a habitat for many unique and endangered wildlife species such as the golden langur, pygmy hog and hispid hare. The Asian elephant, water buffalo, black panther, sloth bear and sambar deer can also be found here as well as endangered residential and migratory birds }} * {{see | name=Moidam | alt=The mound burial system of Ahom dynasty | url= | email= | address=[[Sibsagar]] | lat=26.941466 | long=94.876018 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6735332 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=For over 600 years (1228 - 1826)the Ahom dynasty have constructed burial mounds, known as moidams. They blend with the natural topography of hills, forest and water bodies. They are located on the foothills of Patkai range in eastern [[Assam]]. The Charaideo necropolis has over 90 moidams, housing the remains of kings and other royals of the Ahom dynasty. }} ==Bihar== * {{see | name=Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara at [[Nalanda]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q216243 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The archaeological ruins of Nalanada Mahavihara consist of stupas, shrines and viharas (residential and educational buildings). It was part of a Buddhist monastic institution dating from the 3rd century BCE to the 13th century CE. }} * {{see | name=Mahabodhi Temple Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Bodh Gaya]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4513 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in this large complex. A path to see the statue of Buddha is to "walk (follow) in the steps" of the Buddha. Buddha after attaining enlightenment, spent weeks in the Mahabodhi temple (several traditional places) contemplating the nature of his discoveries }} ==Chandigarh== * {{see | name=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier in [[Chandigarh]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=30.761085 | long=76.803291 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q55619850 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement is a World Heritage Site consisting of a selection of 17 building projects in 7 countries (including [[Chandigarh]], [[India]]) by the Franco-Swiss architect Le Corbusier. These sites demonstrate how Modern Movement architecture was applied to respond to the needs of society and show the global range of a style and an architect. }} ==Delhi== * {{see | name=Humayun's Tomb | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[South East Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189648 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The site was constructed in the Indo-Islamic style known as ''Mughal''. The grand domed structure of the Humayun's Tomb occupies the central position of the Persian styled ''char bagh''garden. There are several other structures in the garden and consists of Isha Khan's tomb & mosque, Arab sarai, Barbar's tomb and many more. }} * {{see | name=Qutb Minar and its Monuments | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/South Delhi|South Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q187635 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=These structures in Delhi date from the Slave Dynasty. The Qutb Minar is one of the tallest minars in India. It has been well-preserved with its intricate carvings. It was constructed of red sandstone and marble. Earthquake damage to the top of the Qutb Manar has been renovated and its base reinforced. }} * {{see | name=Red Fort Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/Central Delhi|Central Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q45957 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Red Fort is a red sandstone fort (and ruling palace) built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame. Many historical objects and marble inlays have disappeared and quite a few buildings can not be visited due to disrepair. However, the site is impressive with lush green gardens that are well kept year round. }} ==Goa== * {{see | name= Churches and Convents of Goa| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Old Goa|Goa]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q15726428 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Old Goa, the former capital of colonial [[Goa]], is full of history and the location of numerous well maintained scenic churches and convents. }} ==Gujarat== * {{see | name= [[Dholavira]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q9468 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an archaeological site at with the ruins of an ancient [[Indus Valley Civilisation]] (Harappan) city; it is one of the five largest Harappan sites. }} * {{see | name= Historic City of [[Ahmedabad/Central Zone|Ahmedabad]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5472448 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= The modern Ahmedabad was a walled city in the past along the banks of the Sabarmati River. The city presents a rich and diverse cultural and architectural style. It also houses the former home of Mahatma Gandhi, the Sabarmati Ashram. }} * {{see | name=Rani-ki-Vav | alt=Queen's Stepwell | url= | email= | address=[[Patan (Gujarat)|Patan]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7293002 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is famous for its ornate carvings and many sculptures in its galleries. Built as an inverted temple and representing a religious regard for water. Stepwells were built basically for the storage of water in India. }} * {{see | name=[[Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q844427 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A fortified medieval settlement with Hindu, Muslim and Jain architectural elements along with the remains of water-managing systems }} ==Himachal Pradesh== * {{Listing | name = [[Great Himalayan National Park]] | lat = | long = | wikidata = Q1544213 | content = The different altitudes provide for subtropical forests to alpine and glacial flora. Different species of goat, bear, leopard and pheasants can also be found here. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} ==Karnataka== * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Hampi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26732 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Significant historic and architectural interest. The area abounds with large stones used to make statues of Jaina deities. Numerous temples and other sites can be found in and around Hampi. Further excavations are under way. }} * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Pattadakal]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q817250 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an historic centre of Chalukya art and architecture. This has major temples and numerous shrines }} * '''Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas:''' It consists of two clusters of monuments (in [[Belur]] and [[Halebidu]]), and the Keshava temple in [[Somanathapura]], dating to the time of the Hoysala Empire, between the 11th and 14th centuries. ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Belur]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q760603 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Halebidu]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q108227451 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Chennakesava Temple, [[Somanathapura]] | alt=Keshava temple | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3537502 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ==Madhya Pradesh== * {{see | name= Rock Shelters of [[Bhimbetka]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q331603 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Early traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent have been discovered here. Rock paintings can be seen that are similar to those that have been found in Australia and France. }} * {{see | name= [[Khajuraho]] Group of Monuments| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26258435 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is a group of Hindu and Jain temples in [[Khajuraho]], [[Madhya Pradesh]]. The temples are noted for their architectural/artistic style and erotic sculptures. }} * {{see | name= Buddhist Monuments at [[Sanchi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q181123 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Believed to be the oldest stone structure in India. '''Vidisha''' (city in [[Madhya Pradesh]]) was the ancient capital city of the Malwa. Many Buddhist monuments were later built around this ancient city. The historical Sanchi stupas are very well preserved. }} ==Maharashtra== * {{see | name= [[Ajanta Caves]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Aurangabad]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= depict the stories of [[Buddhism]] from circa 200 BCE to 650 CE. These caves were discovered by some British Officers during a tiger hunt. These caves were built by Buddhist monks using simple tools. Buddhist monks often taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas (ancient seats of learning). There are detailed/beautiful sculptures and paintings depicting stories from Jataka tales. }} * {{see | name=[[Ellora Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189616 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are an impressive complex of rock shrines that represent the three faiths of [[Buddhism]], [[Hinduism]] and Jainism and were created during the 5th-13th centuries CE. The caves are northwest of central [[Aurangabad]], a few km from [[Khuldabad]]. }} * {{see | name=Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus | alt=(formerly Victoria Terminus), also known as '''Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus''' ('''CSMT''') | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=the architectural influence of Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival architecture and traditional Mughal architectural style }} * {{see | name=Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16942531 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It represents an urban project through various buildings (cinemas, residential buildings and balconies) of the late 19th century. Mainly these are found near the Oval Maidan area of [[Mumbai]], they represent the Victorian Neo-Gothic style of architecture and Art Deco (sometimes known as ''Indo-Deco''). }} * {{see | name=[[Mumbai/Elephanta|Elephanta Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q649384 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are two groups of sculpted caves (Hindu and Buddhist). Within the caves there are numerous carved panels and shrines. The original stone-cut elephant statue; for which Elephanta Island was named, resides at Jijamata Udyaan in [[Mumbai]]. }} ==Odisha== * {{see | name= Konark Sun Temple| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Konark]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q752091| lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= It was built to honour the sun god Surya. The entire temple is shaped in the form of a chariot pulled by seven horses in order to carry the sun god across the heavens. Though partially in ruins, it has extensive stone carvings (many erotic in nature) on the walls. }} ==Rajasthan== * The '''Hill Forts of [[Rajasthan]]''' — ** {{see | name= Chittor Fort in [[Chittorgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3695769 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= A massive stone gates with notched parapets and arched reinforced doors (to defend against elephants and cannon). Within the fort a circular road gives access to the gates and numerous monuments (ruined palaces and numerous temples). }} ** {{see | name= Kumbhalgarh Fort, [[Kumbhalgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1246283 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= protected by seven towering gates and within is the ''Badal Mahal'' palace. It also had long meandering walls for defence. There are many tales and interesting stories affiliated with this site. }} ** {{see | name= Ranthambore Fort, [[Ranthambore]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2724894 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It lies within the [[Ranthambore National Park]], near the town of [[Sawai Madhopur]]. Initially called "Ranath Bhawar Garh" (a place of Rajput warriors). The history of ''Sawai Madhopur'' centers around the famous Ranthambore Fort. }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Amber Fort in [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q456817 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a massive fort-palace complex built in a Hindu-Muslim style dating back to ''Raja Man Singh'' and once the royal palace of the ''Kachwahas''. Within the fort is the ''Sheesh Mahal'' (with thousands of mirror tiles on the walls and ceilings).. }} ** {{see | name= Jaisalmer Fort in [[Jaisalmer]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3634368 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= Also known as the “Sonar Quila” or "Sonal Kella" or "Sonar Kila". It displays the subtle hues of the setting sun and desert. It is a 'working fort' as its citizens reside and work within its walls. There are numerous vantage points within the fort that enable great views across the city and desert. }} * {{see | name= [[Jaipur]] City| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q66485 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a magnificent city filled with historical wonders and beauty in the North-western part of India. During the rule of Sawai Ram Singh I, the city was painted pink to welcome HRH Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VII, Emperor of India), in 1876. Many of the avenues still remain painted in pink, giving Jaipur a distinctive appearance and the epithet Pink city. }} * {{see | name= Jantar Mantar, [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q508634| lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= one of five astronomical observatories build by Maharaja Jai Singh in northern India. This historical observatory has geometric devices (or yantras in Hindi) for measuring time, eclipse prediction, tracking the orbits of stars eyc.. Explanations are posted for these devices and hired guides may provide further explanations. }} ==Sikkim== * {{Go | name= [[Khangchendzonga National Park]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=(mixed) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q2605019 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is named after Kangchenjunga, the highest peak of India. It is known for its numerous glaciers (Zemu glacier for example). Snow leopards, musk deer and Himalayan taar have been spotted here. }} ==Tamil Nadu== * The '''Great Living Chola Temples''' — consists of three Hindu temples built in the 11th and 12th centuries under the Chola dynasty. They represent some of the best examples of Dravidian architecture of the Chola period. ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Thanjavur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q916943 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= This temple is dedicated to Shiva. Its pillared cloister contains many lignams and the sanctum sanctorum has a large Shiva lingam and stone Nandi. }} ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Gangaikonda Cholapuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5521034 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is dedicated to the Lord Shiva and its location was used to be a medieval Chola capital. This multi-storied temple was once surrounded by a huge fort wall. }} ** {{See | name= Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3437182 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. }} ** {{marker|type=see|name=Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]|lat=10.94841|long=79.356708|image=Darasuram6.jpg}}. It has some excellent stone carvings (as well as inscriptions). The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. * {{See | name= Group of Monuments at [[Mamallapuram|Mahabalipuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3522747 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= a monument complex near [[Chennai]]. The area dates back to the ''Tamil Pallava'' dynasty. Mostly carved out of granite, they are among the oldest examples of ''Dravidian'' (South Indian) art/architecture. }} ==Telangana== * {{See | name= Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Palampet]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3380656 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= An ancient Hindu temple built during the 1200s Kakatiya dynasty & featuring ornate carvings & shrines. The main structure is in a reddish sandstone, but the columns round the outside have large brackets of black basalt which is rich in iron, magnesium and silica. These are carved as mythical animals or female dancers or musicians, and are "the masterpieces of Kakatiya art, notable for their delicate carving, sensuous postures and elongated bodies and heads". }} ==Uttar Pradesh== * {{see | name=Taj Mahal | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q9141 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It is a white marble mausoleum ordered by emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife (Mumtaz Mahal). Taj Mahal means ''Crown Palace''. It is a fairly well kept tomb and an outstanding example of Indian Muslim architecture. Current work is being considered to combat damage caused by pollution. }} * {{see | name=Agra Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q171857 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= Similar to the Red Fort in [[Delhi]], a well preserved palace and defensive complex constructed mostly in red sandstone. Emperor Akbar built this fort (same time as Humayun's Tomb in Delhi). Emperor Shah Jahan made later additions to it. }} * {{see | name=[[Fatehpur Sikri]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (''City of Victory'') — A virtual ghost city near [[Agra]]. Built by the Emperor Akbar, it was the capital of the [[Mughal Empire]] and later abandoned because local water supplies were lacking and near the tumultuous Rajasthan. It includes one of the largest mosques (''Jama Masjid'') in India. There are well preserved palaces and courtyards. }} * {{see | name=Keoladeo National Park| alt=Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary | url= | email= | address=[[Bharatpur]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (natural) — It provides habitat for thousands of birds during the winter season. The sanctuary hosts rare Siberian Cranes, ruddy shelducks, northern shovelers, northern pintails, tufted ducks, shovelers and other indigionous and migratory waterfowl. }} ==Uttarakhand== * {{listing | name=[[Nanda Devi National Park|Nanda Devi]] and [[Valley of Flowers National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q15839097 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=Nanda Devi contains wildlife such as snow leopards, bears, tahrs, deer and monkeys in addition to splendid flowers. The Valley of Flowers is famous for its beautiful alpine flowers. This valley is an Indian national park with beautiful waterfalls, landscapes, meadows of flowers and surrounding forests. }} ==West Bengal== * {{listing | name=[[Santiniketan]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1026431 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=Santiniketan was founded as an ashram by Debendranath Tagore in the second half of the 19th century and then developed into a university town of Visva-Bharati University. It is connected to the life and philosophy of Debendranath's son Rabindranath Tagore, the leading figure of the Bengali Renaissance. }} * {{listing | name=[[Sundarbans National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q532440 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The coastal mangrove forest in the southern part of [[West Bengal]] and [[Bangladesh]]. It lies on the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta. It is the largest mangrove forest in the world and the only mangrove forest in the world with tigers. [[Sundarbans (Bangladesh)]] is a different UNESCO Heritage Site in [[Bangladesh]]. }} '''Note:''' The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is listed under [[UNESCO World Heritage List (India)#Across multiple states|Mountain Railways of India]] ==See also== * [[UNESCO World Heritage List#India|UNESCO World Heritage List]] {{geo|21.534|78.046|zoom=5}} {{PartOfTopic|United Nations|India}} {{usabletopic}} 2a9of925w8jpgd758e5ibf9n9pw4k2b 5087036 5087033 2025-07-03T09:03:14Z Rangan Datta Wiki 124323 /* Bihar */ Updated listing for Mahabodhi Temple Complex 5087036 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|TajMahal Banner.jpg|unesco_whs=yes}} '''World Heritage Sites''' are important places of cultural, historical, scientific or other significance designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). There are 43 {{UNESCO WHS}}s in [[India]]. These include 35 cultural sites (marked in blue), 7 natural sites (marked in green) and 1 mixed-criteria site (marked in red). India has the sixth largest number of sites in the world. {{mapframe|align=center|height=750|width=750}} ==Across multiple states== [[File:Darjeelinghimalayanrailway.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] [[File:Qutab Minar mausoleum.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Qutb Minar, [[Delhi]]]] [[File:Santiniketan Prayer Hall.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Santiniketan]] [[File:Konarka Temple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sun Temple, Konark]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 16 Agra Fort.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Agra Fort]] [[File:Temple No.- 3, Nalanda Archaeological Site.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Nalanda]] [[File:Fatehpur Sikri near Agra 2016-03 img05.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Fatehpur Sikri]] [[File:India-5692 - Flickr - archer10 (Dennis).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Khajuraho Monuments]] [[File:Mahabodhitemple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Mahabodhi Temple Complex]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 04 Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Taj Mahal]] [[File:Brihadeeswarar Kovil.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Brihadisvara Temple]] [[File:The elegant stone chariot.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Stone Chariot, Hampi]] [[File:Cave 26, Ajanta.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ajanta Caves]] [[File:Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus]] [[File:Thane Creek and Elephanta Island 03-2016 - img20 Elephanta Caves.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Elephanta Caves]] [[File:Kailasa temple overview, Ellora.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Kailasa Temple, Ellora]] [[File:Amber Fort (आमेर का किला ).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Amber Fort, Jaipur]] [[File:Rani_ki_vav_02.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Rani-ki-Vav]] [[File:Dhauladhar_ranges_in_the_background-_Trekkers_resting_a_bit_I_IMG_7165.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Dhauladhar Ranges]] [[File:Valley of flowers uttaranchal full view.JPG|thumb|upright=0.7|Valley of Flowers]] [[File:Ramappa Temple 8.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ramappa Temple]] [[File:Sunderbans 059.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sundarbans National Park]] [[File:Western Ghats Gobi.jpg|thumb|Western Ghats|upright=0.7]] * The '''[[Rail travel in India#Mountain trains|Mountain Railways of India]]:''' Consists of three different sites spread across [[West Bengal]], [[Tamil Nadu]] and [[Himachal Pradesh]]. They consist of narrow and meter-gauge lines that run through picturesque mountains. ** {{see | name=[[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] | alt=DHR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[New Jalpaiguri]]–[[Darjeeling]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463874 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A {{convert|2|ft|mm}} gauge railway running through the foothills of the eastern Himalayas. The railway covers a distance of {{convert|88|km|mi}} starts at an altitude of {{convert|100|m|ft}} and ends at {{convert|2200|m|ft}}. The highest elevation is at [[Ghum]] ({{convert|2258|m|ft}}. It gains altitude via 6 zig-zags and 3 (originally 5) loops. Today, apart from regular diesel engines, there is a steam engine joy ride between Darjeeling and Ghum. }} ** {{see | name=Nilgiri Mountain Railway | alt=NMR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[Mettupalayam]]–[[Ooty]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463735 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A meter-gauge ({{cvt|1|m|ft}}) railway through the lush green Nilgiri hills. It has been in operation since 1908. The {{cvt|46|km|mi}} long railway starts at {{cvt|326|m|ft}} and ends at {{cvt|2203|m|ft}}.It follows the rack railway technology. }} ** {{see | name=Kalka–Shimla Railway | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Kalka]] – [[Shimla]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7171560 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The narrow gauge {{cvt|2|ft|6|in|mm}} railway covers a distance of {{cvt|95.6|km|mi}} starting at an altitude of {{cvt|656|m|ft}} and ending at {{cvt|2075|m|ft}}. It has been in operation since 1903. }} * {{listing | name=Western Ghats | alt=Sahyadri | url= | email= | address=([[Maharashtra]], [[Karnataka]], [[Kerala]] and [[Tamil Nadu]]) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4527 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A {{cvt|1600|km|mi}} long mountain range running along the west coast of peninsular India. It covers an area of {{cvt|160,000|km2|mi2}}. The Western Ghats are one of the oldest mountain regions of the Indian sub-continent. It exhibits geomorphic features of immense importance with unique biophysical and ecological processes. It is home to at least 325 globally threatened flora and fauna. They include several birds, amphibians, reptiles and fish species. Western Ghat is home to several endemic species. }} ==Assam== * {{listing | name=[[Kaziranga National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.6667 | long=93.35 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q192764 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is home to the Indian single-horned rhinos (rhinoceros unicornis). Kaziranga also hosts a variety of other mammal and bird species. }} * {{listing | name=[[Manas National Park|Manas Wildlife Sanctury]] | alt=Manas National Park | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.71 | long=90.93 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q506511 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=Manas National Park is located on the foothills of the Himalayas and borders the [[Royal Manas National Park]] in [[Bhutan]]. It is a habitat for many unique and endangered wildlife species such as the golden langur, pygmy hog and hispid hare. The Asian elephant, water buffalo, black panther, sloth bear and sambar deer can also be found here as well as endangered residential and migratory birds }} * {{see | name=Moidam | alt=The mound burial system of Ahom dynasty | url= | email= | address=[[Sibsagar]] | lat=26.941466 | long=94.876018 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6735332 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=For over 600 years (1228 - 1826)the Ahom dynasty have constructed burial mounds, known as moidams. They blend with the natural topography of hills, forest and water bodies. They are located on the foothills of Patkai range in eastern [[Assam]]. The Charaideo necropolis has over 90 moidams, housing the remains of kings and other royals of the Ahom dynasty. }} ==Bihar== * {{see | name=Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara at [[Nalanda]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q216243 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The archaeological ruins of Nalanada Mahavihara consist of stupas, shrines and viharas (residential and educational buildings). It was part of a Buddhist monastic institution dating from the 3rd century BCE to the 13th century CE. }} * {{see | name=Mahabodhi Temple Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Bodh Gaya]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4513 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is the place where Gautama Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment. Along with [[Lumbini]], [[Sarnath]] and [[Kushinagar]] it is considered as the four holy sites directly related to Buddha. The first temple was built at the sacred site in 3rd century BCE by Ashoka. The present brick built temple dates back to the Gupta period and was probably built during the 5th or 6th century CE. }} ==Chandigarh== * {{see | name=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier in [[Chandigarh]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=30.761085 | long=76.803291 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q55619850 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement is a World Heritage Site consisting of a selection of 17 building projects in 7 countries (including [[Chandigarh]], [[India]]) by the Franco-Swiss architect Le Corbusier. These sites demonstrate how Modern Movement architecture was applied to respond to the needs of society and show the global range of a style and an architect. }} ==Delhi== * {{see | name=Humayun's Tomb | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[South East Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189648 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The site was constructed in the Indo-Islamic style known as ''Mughal''. The grand domed structure of the Humayun's Tomb occupies the central position of the Persian styled ''char bagh''garden. There are several other structures in the garden and consists of Isha Khan's tomb & mosque, Arab sarai, Barbar's tomb and many more. }} * {{see | name=Qutb Minar and its Monuments | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/South Delhi|South Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q187635 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=These structures in Delhi date from the Slave Dynasty. The Qutb Minar is one of the tallest minars in India. It has been well-preserved with its intricate carvings. It was constructed of red sandstone and marble. Earthquake damage to the top of the Qutb Manar has been renovated and its base reinforced. }} * {{see | name=Red Fort Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/Central Delhi|Central Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q45957 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Red Fort is a red sandstone fort (and ruling palace) built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame. Many historical objects and marble inlays have disappeared and quite a few buildings can not be visited due to disrepair. However, the site is impressive with lush green gardens that are well kept year round. }} ==Goa== * {{see | name= Churches and Convents of Goa| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Old Goa|Goa]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q15726428 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Old Goa, the former capital of colonial [[Goa]], is full of history and the location of numerous well maintained scenic churches and convents. }} ==Gujarat== * {{see | name= [[Dholavira]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q9468 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an archaeological site at with the ruins of an ancient [[Indus Valley Civilisation]] (Harappan) city; it is one of the five largest Harappan sites. }} * {{see | name= Historic City of [[Ahmedabad/Central Zone|Ahmedabad]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5472448 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= The modern Ahmedabad was a walled city in the past along the banks of the Sabarmati River. The city presents a rich and diverse cultural and architectural style. It also houses the former home of Mahatma Gandhi, the Sabarmati Ashram. }} * {{see | name=Rani-ki-Vav | alt=Queen's Stepwell | url= | email= | address=[[Patan (Gujarat)|Patan]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7293002 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is famous for its ornate carvings and many sculptures in its galleries. Built as an inverted temple and representing a religious regard for water. Stepwells were built basically for the storage of water in India. }} * {{see | name=[[Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q844427 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A fortified medieval settlement with Hindu, Muslim and Jain architectural elements along with the remains of water-managing systems }} ==Himachal Pradesh== * {{Listing | name = [[Great Himalayan National Park]] | lat = | long = | wikidata = Q1544213 | content = The different altitudes provide for subtropical forests to alpine and glacial flora. Different species of goat, bear, leopard and pheasants can also be found here. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} ==Karnataka== * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Hampi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26732 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Significant historic and architectural interest. The area abounds with large stones used to make statues of Jaina deities. Numerous temples and other sites can be found in and around Hampi. Further excavations are under way. }} * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Pattadakal]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q817250 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an historic centre of Chalukya art and architecture. This has major temples and numerous shrines }} * '''Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas:''' It consists of two clusters of monuments (in [[Belur]] and [[Halebidu]]), and the Keshava temple in [[Somanathapura]], dating to the time of the Hoysala Empire, between the 11th and 14th centuries. ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Belur]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q760603 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Halebidu]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q108227451 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Chennakesava Temple, [[Somanathapura]] | alt=Keshava temple | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3537502 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ==Madhya Pradesh== * {{see | name= Rock Shelters of [[Bhimbetka]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q331603 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Early traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent have been discovered here. Rock paintings can be seen that are similar to those that have been found in Australia and France. }} * {{see | name= [[Khajuraho]] Group of Monuments| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26258435 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is a group of Hindu and Jain temples in [[Khajuraho]], [[Madhya Pradesh]]. The temples are noted for their architectural/artistic style and erotic sculptures. }} * {{see | name= Buddhist Monuments at [[Sanchi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q181123 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Believed to be the oldest stone structure in India. '''Vidisha''' (city in [[Madhya Pradesh]]) was the ancient capital city of the Malwa. Many Buddhist monuments were later built around this ancient city. The historical Sanchi stupas are very well preserved. }} ==Maharashtra== * {{see | name= [[Ajanta Caves]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Aurangabad]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= depict the stories of [[Buddhism]] from circa 200 BCE to 650 CE. These caves were discovered by some British Officers during a tiger hunt. These caves were built by Buddhist monks using simple tools. Buddhist monks often taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas (ancient seats of learning). There are detailed/beautiful sculptures and paintings depicting stories from Jataka tales. }} * {{see | name=[[Ellora Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189616 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are an impressive complex of rock shrines that represent the three faiths of [[Buddhism]], [[Hinduism]] and Jainism and were created during the 5th-13th centuries CE. The caves are northwest of central [[Aurangabad]], a few km from [[Khuldabad]]. }} * {{see | name=Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus | alt=(formerly Victoria Terminus), also known as '''Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus''' ('''CSMT''') | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=the architectural influence of Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival architecture and traditional Mughal architectural style }} * {{see | name=Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16942531 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It represents an urban project through various buildings (cinemas, residential buildings and balconies) of the late 19th century. Mainly these are found near the Oval Maidan area of [[Mumbai]], they represent the Victorian Neo-Gothic style of architecture and Art Deco (sometimes known as ''Indo-Deco''). }} * {{see | name=[[Mumbai/Elephanta|Elephanta Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q649384 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are two groups of sculpted caves (Hindu and Buddhist). Within the caves there are numerous carved panels and shrines. The original stone-cut elephant statue; for which Elephanta Island was named, resides at Jijamata Udyaan in [[Mumbai]]. }} ==Odisha== * {{see | name= Konark Sun Temple| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Konark]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q752091| lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= It was built to honour the sun god Surya. The entire temple is shaped in the form of a chariot pulled by seven horses in order to carry the sun god across the heavens. Though partially in ruins, it has extensive stone carvings (many erotic in nature) on the walls. }} ==Rajasthan== * The '''Hill Forts of [[Rajasthan]]''' — ** {{see | name= Chittor Fort in [[Chittorgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3695769 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= A massive stone gates with notched parapets and arched reinforced doors (to defend against elephants and cannon). Within the fort a circular road gives access to the gates and numerous monuments (ruined palaces and numerous temples). }} ** {{see | name= Kumbhalgarh Fort, [[Kumbhalgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1246283 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= protected by seven towering gates and within is the ''Badal Mahal'' palace. It also had long meandering walls for defence. There are many tales and interesting stories affiliated with this site. }} ** {{see | name= Ranthambore Fort, [[Ranthambore]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2724894 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It lies within the [[Ranthambore National Park]], near the town of [[Sawai Madhopur]]. Initially called "Ranath Bhawar Garh" (a place of Rajput warriors). The history of ''Sawai Madhopur'' centers around the famous Ranthambore Fort. }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Amber Fort in [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q456817 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a massive fort-palace complex built in a Hindu-Muslim style dating back to ''Raja Man Singh'' and once the royal palace of the ''Kachwahas''. Within the fort is the ''Sheesh Mahal'' (with thousands of mirror tiles on the walls and ceilings).. }} ** {{see | name= Jaisalmer Fort in [[Jaisalmer]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3634368 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= Also known as the “Sonar Quila” or "Sonal Kella" or "Sonar Kila". It displays the subtle hues of the setting sun and desert. It is a 'working fort' as its citizens reside and work within its walls. There are numerous vantage points within the fort that enable great views across the city and desert. }} * {{see | name= [[Jaipur]] City| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q66485 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a magnificent city filled with historical wonders and beauty in the North-western part of India. During the rule of Sawai Ram Singh I, the city was painted pink to welcome HRH Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VII, Emperor of India), in 1876. Many of the avenues still remain painted in pink, giving Jaipur a distinctive appearance and the epithet Pink city. }} * {{see | name= Jantar Mantar, [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q508634| lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= one of five astronomical observatories build by Maharaja Jai Singh in northern India. This historical observatory has geometric devices (or yantras in Hindi) for measuring time, eclipse prediction, tracking the orbits of stars eyc.. Explanations are posted for these devices and hired guides may provide further explanations. }} ==Sikkim== * {{Go | name= [[Khangchendzonga National Park]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=(mixed) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q2605019 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is named after Kangchenjunga, the highest peak of India. It is known for its numerous glaciers (Zemu glacier for example). Snow leopards, musk deer and Himalayan taar have been spotted here. }} ==Tamil Nadu== * The '''Great Living Chola Temples''' — consists of three Hindu temples built in the 11th and 12th centuries under the Chola dynasty. They represent some of the best examples of Dravidian architecture of the Chola period. ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Thanjavur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q916943 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= This temple is dedicated to Shiva. Its pillared cloister contains many lignams and the sanctum sanctorum has a large Shiva lingam and stone Nandi. }} ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Gangaikonda Cholapuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5521034 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is dedicated to the Lord Shiva and its location was used to be a medieval Chola capital. This multi-storied temple was once surrounded by a huge fort wall. }} ** {{See | name= Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3437182 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. }} ** {{marker|type=see|name=Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]|lat=10.94841|long=79.356708|image=Darasuram6.jpg}}. It has some excellent stone carvings (as well as inscriptions). The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. * {{See | name= Group of Monuments at [[Mamallapuram|Mahabalipuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3522747 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= a monument complex near [[Chennai]]. The area dates back to the ''Tamil Pallava'' dynasty. Mostly carved out of granite, they are among the oldest examples of ''Dravidian'' (South Indian) art/architecture. }} ==Telangana== * {{See | name= Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Palampet]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3380656 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= An ancient Hindu temple built during the 1200s Kakatiya dynasty & featuring ornate carvings & shrines. The main structure is in a reddish sandstone, but the columns round the outside have large brackets of black basalt which is rich in iron, magnesium and silica. These are carved as mythical animals or female dancers or musicians, and are "the masterpieces of Kakatiya art, notable for their delicate carving, sensuous postures and elongated bodies and heads". }} ==Uttar Pradesh== * {{see | name=Taj Mahal | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q9141 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It is a white marble mausoleum ordered by emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife (Mumtaz Mahal). Taj Mahal means ''Crown Palace''. It is a fairly well kept tomb and an outstanding example of Indian Muslim architecture. Current work is being considered to combat damage caused by pollution. }} * {{see | name=Agra Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q171857 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= Similar to the Red Fort in [[Delhi]], a well preserved palace and defensive complex constructed mostly in red sandstone. Emperor Akbar built this fort (same time as Humayun's Tomb in Delhi). Emperor Shah Jahan made later additions to it. }} * {{see | name=[[Fatehpur Sikri]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (''City of Victory'') — A virtual ghost city near [[Agra]]. Built by the Emperor Akbar, it was the capital of the [[Mughal Empire]] and later abandoned because local water supplies were lacking and near the tumultuous Rajasthan. It includes one of the largest mosques (''Jama Masjid'') in India. There are well preserved palaces and courtyards. }} * {{see | name=Keoladeo National Park| alt=Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary | url= | email= | address=[[Bharatpur]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (natural) — It provides habitat for thousands of birds during the winter season. The sanctuary hosts rare Siberian Cranes, ruddy shelducks, northern shovelers, northern pintails, tufted ducks, shovelers and other indigionous and migratory waterfowl. }} ==Uttarakhand== * {{listing | name=[[Nanda Devi National Park|Nanda Devi]] and [[Valley of Flowers National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q15839097 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=Nanda Devi contains wildlife such as snow leopards, bears, tahrs, deer and monkeys in addition to splendid flowers. The Valley of Flowers is famous for its beautiful alpine flowers. This valley is an Indian national park with beautiful waterfalls, landscapes, meadows of flowers and surrounding forests. }} ==West Bengal== * {{listing | name=[[Santiniketan]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1026431 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=Santiniketan was founded as an ashram by Debendranath Tagore in the second half of the 19th century and then developed into a university town of Visva-Bharati University. It is connected to the life and philosophy of Debendranath's son Rabindranath Tagore, the leading figure of the Bengali Renaissance. }} * {{listing | name=[[Sundarbans National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q532440 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The coastal mangrove forest in the southern part of [[West Bengal]] and [[Bangladesh]]. It lies on the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta. It is the largest mangrove forest in the world and the only mangrove forest in the world with tigers. [[Sundarbans (Bangladesh)]] is a different UNESCO Heritage Site in [[Bangladesh]]. }} '''Note:''' The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is listed under [[UNESCO World Heritage List (India)#Across multiple states|Mountain Railways of India]] ==See also== * [[UNESCO World Heritage List#India|UNESCO World Heritage List]] {{geo|21.534|78.046|zoom=5}} {{PartOfTopic|United Nations|India}} {{usabletopic}} dcn8qvjaj2htt9h175g4z8gve1fq6hp 5087039 5087036 2025-07-03T09:10:59Z Rangan Datta Wiki 124323 /* Chandigarh */ Updated listing for The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier in [[Chandigarh]] 5087039 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|TajMahal Banner.jpg|unesco_whs=yes}} '''World Heritage Sites''' are important places of cultural, historical, scientific or other significance designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). There are 43 {{UNESCO WHS}}s in [[India]]. These include 35 cultural sites (marked in blue), 7 natural sites (marked in green) and 1 mixed-criteria site (marked in red). India has the sixth largest number of sites in the world. {{mapframe|align=center|height=750|width=750}} ==Across multiple states== [[File:Darjeelinghimalayanrailway.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] [[File:Qutab Minar mausoleum.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Qutb Minar, [[Delhi]]]] [[File:Santiniketan Prayer Hall.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Santiniketan]] [[File:Konarka Temple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sun Temple, Konark]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 16 Agra Fort.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Agra Fort]] [[File:Temple No.- 3, Nalanda Archaeological Site.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Nalanda]] [[File:Fatehpur Sikri near Agra 2016-03 img05.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Fatehpur Sikri]] [[File:India-5692 - Flickr - archer10 (Dennis).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Khajuraho Monuments]] [[File:Mahabodhitemple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Mahabodhi Temple Complex]] [[File:Agra 03-2016 04 Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Taj Mahal]] [[File:Brihadeeswarar Kovil.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Brihadisvara Temple]] [[File:The elegant stone chariot.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Stone Chariot, Hampi]] [[File:Cave 26, Ajanta.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ajanta Caves]] [[File:Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus]] [[File:Thane Creek and Elephanta Island 03-2016 - img20 Elephanta Caves.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Elephanta Caves]] [[File:Kailasa temple overview, Ellora.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Kailasa Temple, Ellora]] [[File:Amber Fort (आमेर का किला ).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Amber Fort, Jaipur]] [[File:Rani_ki_vav_02.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Rani-ki-Vav]] [[File:Dhauladhar_ranges_in_the_background-_Trekkers_resting_a_bit_I_IMG_7165.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Dhauladhar Ranges]] [[File:Valley of flowers uttaranchal full view.JPG|thumb|upright=0.7|Valley of Flowers]] [[File:Ramappa Temple 8.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Ramappa Temple]] [[File:Sunderbans 059.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Sundarbans National Park]] [[File:Western Ghats Gobi.jpg|thumb|Western Ghats|upright=0.7]] * The '''[[Rail travel in India#Mountain trains|Mountain Railways of India]]:''' Consists of three different sites spread across [[West Bengal]], [[Tamil Nadu]] and [[Himachal Pradesh]]. They consist of narrow and meter-gauge lines that run through picturesque mountains. ** {{see | name=[[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] | alt=DHR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[New Jalpaiguri]]–[[Darjeeling]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463874 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A {{convert|2|ft|mm}} gauge railway running through the foothills of the eastern Himalayas. The railway covers a distance of {{convert|88|km|mi}} starts at an altitude of {{convert|100|m|ft}} and ends at {{convert|2200|m|ft}}. The highest elevation is at [[Ghum]] ({{convert|2258|m|ft}}. It gains altitude via 6 zig-zags and 3 (originally 5) loops. Today, apart from regular diesel engines, there is a steam engine joy ride between Darjeeling and Ghum. }} ** {{see | name=Nilgiri Mountain Railway | alt=NMR or Toy Train | url= | email= | address=[[Mettupalayam]]–[[Ooty]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q463735 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A meter-gauge ({{cvt|1|m|ft}}) railway through the lush green Nilgiri hills. It has been in operation since 1908. The {{cvt|46|km|mi}} long railway starts at {{cvt|326|m|ft}} and ends at {{cvt|2203|m|ft}}.It follows the rack railway technology. }} ** {{see | name=Kalka–Shimla Railway | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Kalka]] – [[Shimla]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7171560 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The narrow gauge {{cvt|2|ft|6|in|mm}} railway covers a distance of {{cvt|95.6|km|mi}} starting at an altitude of {{cvt|656|m|ft}} and ending at {{cvt|2075|m|ft}}. It has been in operation since 1903. }} * {{listing | name=Western Ghats | alt=Sahyadri | url= | email= | address=([[Maharashtra]], [[Karnataka]], [[Kerala]] and [[Tamil Nadu]]) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4527 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A {{cvt|1600|km|mi}} long mountain range running along the west coast of peninsular India. It covers an area of {{cvt|160,000|km2|mi2}}. The Western Ghats are one of the oldest mountain regions of the Indian sub-continent. It exhibits geomorphic features of immense importance with unique biophysical and ecological processes. It is home to at least 325 globally threatened flora and fauna. They include several birds, amphibians, reptiles and fish species. Western Ghat is home to several endemic species. }} ==Assam== * {{listing | name=[[Kaziranga National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.6667 | long=93.35 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q192764 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is home to the Indian single-horned rhinos (rhinoceros unicornis). Kaziranga also hosts a variety of other mammal and bird species. }} * {{listing | name=[[Manas National Park|Manas Wildlife Sanctury]] | alt=Manas National Park | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.71 | long=90.93 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q506511 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=Manas National Park is located on the foothills of the Himalayas and borders the [[Royal Manas National Park]] in [[Bhutan]]. It is a habitat for many unique and endangered wildlife species such as the golden langur, pygmy hog and hispid hare. The Asian elephant, water buffalo, black panther, sloth bear and sambar deer can also be found here as well as endangered residential and migratory birds }} * {{see | name=Moidam | alt=The mound burial system of Ahom dynasty | url= | email= | address=[[Sibsagar]] | lat=26.941466 | long=94.876018 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6735332 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=For over 600 years (1228 - 1826)the Ahom dynasty have constructed burial mounds, known as moidams. They blend with the natural topography of hills, forest and water bodies. They are located on the foothills of Patkai range in eastern [[Assam]]. The Charaideo necropolis has over 90 moidams, housing the remains of kings and other royals of the Ahom dynasty. }} ==Bihar== * {{see | name=Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara at [[Nalanda]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q216243 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The archaeological ruins of Nalanada Mahavihara consist of stupas, shrines and viharas (residential and educational buildings). It was part of a Buddhist monastic institution dating from the 3rd century BCE to the 13th century CE. }} * {{see | name=Mahabodhi Temple Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Bodh Gaya]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4513 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is the place where Gautama Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment. Along with [[Lumbini]], [[Sarnath]] and [[Kushinagar]] it is considered as the four holy sites directly related to Buddha. The first temple was built at the sacred site in 3rd century BCE by Ashoka. The present brick built temple dates back to the Gupta period and was probably built during the 5th or 6th century CE. }} ==Chandigarh== * {{see | name=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier in [[Chandigarh]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=30.761085 | long=76.803291 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q55619850 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement is a World Heritage Site consisting of a selection of 17 building projects in 7 countries (including [[Chandigarh]], [[India]]) by the Franco-Swiss architect Le Corbusier. These sites demonstrate how Modern Movement architecture was applied to respond to the needs of society and show the global range of a style and an architect. In Chandigarh it consists of '''The Capitol Complex''' (The Complexe du Capitole), following the idea of the Radiant City. }} ==Delhi== * {{see | name=Humayun's Tomb | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[South East Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189648 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The site was constructed in the Indo-Islamic style known as ''Mughal''. The grand domed structure of the Humayun's Tomb occupies the central position of the Persian styled ''char bagh''garden. There are several other structures in the garden and consists of Isha Khan's tomb & mosque, Arab sarai, Barbar's tomb and many more. }} * {{see | name=Qutb Minar and its Monuments | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/South Delhi|South Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q187635 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=These structures in Delhi date from the Slave Dynasty. The Qutb Minar is one of the tallest minars in India. It has been well-preserved with its intricate carvings. It was constructed of red sandstone and marble. Earthquake damage to the top of the Qutb Manar has been renovated and its base reinforced. }} * {{see | name=Red Fort Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Delhi/Central Delhi|Central Delhi]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q45957 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The Red Fort is a red sandstone fort (and ruling palace) built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame. Many historical objects and marble inlays have disappeared and quite a few buildings can not be visited due to disrepair. However, the site is impressive with lush green gardens that are well kept year round. }} ==Goa== * {{see | name= Churches and Convents of Goa| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Old Goa|Goa]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q15726428 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Old Goa, the former capital of colonial [[Goa]], is full of history and the location of numerous well maintained scenic churches and convents. }} ==Gujarat== * {{see | name= [[Dholavira]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q9468 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an archaeological site at with the ruins of an ancient [[Indus Valley Civilisation]] (Harappan) city; it is one of the five largest Harappan sites. }} * {{see | name= Historic City of [[Ahmedabad/Central Zone|Ahmedabad]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5472448 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= The modern Ahmedabad was a walled city in the past along the banks of the Sabarmati River. The city presents a rich and diverse cultural and architectural style. It also houses the former home of Mahatma Gandhi, the Sabarmati Ashram. }} * {{see | name=Rani-ki-Vav | alt=Queen's Stepwell | url= | email= | address=[[Patan (Gujarat)|Patan]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7293002 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=It is famous for its ornate carvings and many sculptures in its galleries. Built as an inverted temple and representing a religious regard for water. Stepwells were built basically for the storage of water in India. }} * {{see | name=[[Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q844427 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=A fortified medieval settlement with Hindu, Muslim and Jain architectural elements along with the remains of water-managing systems }} ==Himachal Pradesh== * {{Listing | name = [[Great Himalayan National Park]] | lat = | long = | wikidata = Q1544213 | content = The different altitudes provide for subtropical forests to alpine and glacial flora. Different species of goat, bear, leopard and pheasants can also be found here. | lastedit = 2025-06-24 }} ==Karnataka== * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Hampi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26732 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= Significant historic and architectural interest. The area abounds with large stones used to make statues of Jaina deities. Numerous temples and other sites can be found in and around Hampi. Further excavations are under way. }} * {{see | name= Group of Monuments at [[Pattadakal]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q817250 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= an historic centre of Chalukya art and architecture. This has major temples and numerous shrines }} * '''Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas:''' It consists of two clusters of monuments (in [[Belur]] and [[Halebidu]]), and the Keshava temple in [[Somanathapura]], dating to the time of the Hoysala Empire, between the 11th and 14th centuries. ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Belur]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q760603 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Group of Monuments at [[Halebidu]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q108227451 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ** {{see | name=Chennakesava Temple, [[Somanathapura]] | alt=Keshava temple | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3537502 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content= }} ==Madhya Pradesh== * {{see | name= Rock Shelters of [[Bhimbetka]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q331603 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Early traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent have been discovered here. Rock paintings can be seen that are similar to those that have been found in Australia and France. }} * {{see | name= [[Khajuraho]] Group of Monuments| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q26258435 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is a group of Hindu and Jain temples in [[Khajuraho]], [[Madhya Pradesh]]. The temples are noted for their architectural/artistic style and erotic sculptures. }} * {{see | name= Buddhist Monuments at [[Sanchi]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q181123 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= Believed to be the oldest stone structure in India. '''Vidisha''' (city in [[Madhya Pradesh]]) was the ancient capital city of the Malwa. Many Buddhist monuments were later built around this ancient city. The historical Sanchi stupas are very well preserved. }} ==Maharashtra== * {{see | name= [[Ajanta Caves]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Aurangabad]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= depict the stories of [[Buddhism]] from circa 200 BCE to 650 CE. These caves were discovered by some British Officers during a tiger hunt. These caves were built by Buddhist monks using simple tools. Buddhist monks often taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas (ancient seats of learning). There are detailed/beautiful sculptures and paintings depicting stories from Jataka tales. }} * {{see | name=[[Ellora Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q189616 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are an impressive complex of rock shrines that represent the three faiths of [[Buddhism]], [[Hinduism]] and Jainism and were created during the 5th-13th centuries CE. The caves are northwest of central [[Aurangabad]], a few km from [[Khuldabad]]. }} * {{see | name=Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus | alt=(formerly Victoria Terminus), also known as '''Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus''' ('''CSMT''') | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q184427 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=the architectural influence of Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival architecture and traditional Mughal architectural style }} * {{see | name=Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Mumbai/Colaba_and_Fort|Colba and Fort]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16942531 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It represents an urban project through various buildings (cinemas, residential buildings and balconies) of the late 19th century. Mainly these are found near the Oval Maidan area of [[Mumbai]], they represent the Victorian Neo-Gothic style of architecture and Art Deco (sometimes known as ''Indo-Deco''). }} * {{see | name=[[Mumbai/Elephanta|Elephanta Caves]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q649384 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=are two groups of sculpted caves (Hindu and Buddhist). Within the caves there are numerous carved panels and shrines. The original stone-cut elephant statue; for which Elephanta Island was named, resides at Jijamata Udyaan in [[Mumbai]]. }} ==Odisha== * {{see | name= Konark Sun Temple| alt= | url= | email= | address= [[Konark]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q752091| lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= It was built to honour the sun god Surya. The entire temple is shaped in the form of a chariot pulled by seven horses in order to carry the sun god across the heavens. Though partially in ruins, it has extensive stone carvings (many erotic in nature) on the walls. }} ==Rajasthan== * The '''Hill Forts of [[Rajasthan]]''' — ** {{see | name= Chittor Fort in [[Chittorgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3695769 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= A massive stone gates with notched parapets and arched reinforced doors (to defend against elephants and cannon). Within the fort a circular road gives access to the gates and numerous monuments (ruined palaces and numerous temples). }} ** {{see | name= Kumbhalgarh Fort, [[Kumbhalgarh]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1246283 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= protected by seven towering gates and within is the ''Badal Mahal'' palace. It also had long meandering walls for defence. There are many tales and interesting stories affiliated with this site. }} ** {{see | name= Ranthambore Fort, [[Ranthambore]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2724894 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It lies within the [[Ranthambore National Park]], near the town of [[Sawai Madhopur]]. Initially called "Ranath Bhawar Garh" (a place of Rajput warriors). The history of ''Sawai Madhopur'' centers around the famous Ranthambore Fort. }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Gagron Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16891508 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= An example of a hill and water fort. Kali Sindh & Ahu Rivers border the fort on three sides. Gagron Fort (also known as ''Galkangiri'') was built by King Bijaldev (Parmara Empire). }} ** {{see | name= Amber Fort in [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q456817 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a massive fort-palace complex built in a Hindu-Muslim style dating back to ''Raja Man Singh'' and once the royal palace of the ''Kachwahas''. Within the fort is the ''Sheesh Mahal'' (with thousands of mirror tiles on the walls and ceilings).. }} ** {{see | name= Jaisalmer Fort in [[Jaisalmer]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3634368 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= Also known as the “Sonar Quila” or "Sonal Kella" or "Sonar Kila". It displays the subtle hues of the setting sun and desert. It is a 'working fort' as its citizens reside and work within its walls. There are numerous vantage points within the fort that enable great views across the city and desert. }} * {{see | name= [[Jaipur]] City| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q66485 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is a magnificent city filled with historical wonders and beauty in the North-western part of India. During the rule of Sawai Ram Singh I, the city was painted pink to welcome HRH Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VII, Emperor of India), in 1876. Many of the avenues still remain painted in pink, giving Jaipur a distinctive appearance and the epithet Pink city. }} * {{see | name= Jantar Mantar, [[Jaipur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q508634| lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= one of five astronomical observatories build by Maharaja Jai Singh in northern India. This historical observatory has geometric devices (or yantras in Hindi) for measuring time, eclipse prediction, tracking the orbits of stars eyc.. Explanations are posted for these devices and hired guides may provide further explanations. }} ==Sikkim== * {{Go | name= [[Khangchendzonga National Park]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=(mixed) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q2605019 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= It is named after Kangchenjunga, the highest peak of India. It is known for its numerous glaciers (Zemu glacier for example). Snow leopards, musk deer and Himalayan taar have been spotted here. }} ==Tamil Nadu== * The '''Great Living Chola Temples''' — consists of three Hindu temples built in the 11th and 12th centuries under the Chola dynasty. They represent some of the best examples of Dravidian architecture of the Chola period. ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Thanjavur]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q916943 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= This temple is dedicated to Shiva. Its pillared cloister contains many lignams and the sanctum sanctorum has a large Shiva lingam and stone Nandi. }} ** {{See | name= Brihadisvara Temple in [[Gangaikonda Cholapuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q5521034 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= It is dedicated to the Lord Shiva and its location was used to be a medieval Chola capital. This multi-storied temple was once surrounded by a huge fort wall. }} ** {{See | name= Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3437182 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content= The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. }} ** {{marker|type=see|name=Airavatesvara Temple in [[Darasuram]]|lat=10.94841|long=79.356708|image=Darasuram6.jpg}}. It has some excellent stone carvings (as well as inscriptions). The Airavatesvara temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Airavateshvara). Lord Shiva was worshipped here by Airavata (Indra's white elephant). Legend has it that Airavata (suffering a curse from Sage Durvasa) had its colours restored by bathing in the temple's sacred waters. * {{See | name= Group of Monuments at [[Mamallapuram|Mahabalipuram]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3522747 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content= a monument complex near [[Chennai]]. The area dates back to the ''Tamil Pallava'' dynasty. Mostly carved out of granite, they are among the oldest examples of ''Dravidian'' (South Indian) art/architecture. }} ==Telangana== * {{See | name= Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Palampet]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q3380656 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= An ancient Hindu temple built during the 1200s Kakatiya dynasty & featuring ornate carvings & shrines. The main structure is in a reddish sandstone, but the columns round the outside have large brackets of black basalt which is rich in iron, magnesium and silica. These are carved as mythical animals or female dancers or musicians, and are "the masterpieces of Kakatiya art, notable for their delicate carving, sensuous postures and elongated bodies and heads". }} ==Uttar Pradesh== * {{see | name=Taj Mahal | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q9141 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content=It is a white marble mausoleum ordered by emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife (Mumtaz Mahal). Taj Mahal means ''Crown Palace''. It is a fairly well kept tomb and an outstanding example of Indian Muslim architecture. Current work is being considered to combat damage caused by pollution. }} * {{see | name=Agra Fort| alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Agra]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q171857 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= Similar to the Red Fort in [[Delhi]], a well preserved palace and defensive complex constructed mostly in red sandstone. Emperor Akbar built this fort (same time as Humayun's Tomb in Delhi). Emperor Shah Jahan made later additions to it. }} * {{see | name=[[Fatehpur Sikri]]| alt= | url= | email= | address=| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (''City of Victory'') — A virtual ghost city near [[Agra]]. Built by the Emperor Akbar, it was the capital of the [[Mughal Empire]] and later abandoned because local water supplies were lacking and near the tumultuous Rajasthan. It includes one of the largest mosques (''Jama Masjid'') in India. There are well preserved palaces and courtyards. }} * {{see | name=Keoladeo National Park| alt=Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary | url= | email= | address=[[Bharatpur]]| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q179046 | lastedit=2025-06-29 | content= (natural) — It provides habitat for thousands of birds during the winter season. The sanctuary hosts rare Siberian Cranes, ruddy shelducks, northern shovelers, northern pintails, tufted ducks, shovelers and other indigionous and migratory waterfowl. }} ==Uttarakhand== * {{listing | name=[[Nanda Devi National Park|Nanda Devi]] and [[Valley of Flowers National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q15839097 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=Nanda Devi contains wildlife such as snow leopards, bears, tahrs, deer and monkeys in addition to splendid flowers. The Valley of Flowers is famous for its beautiful alpine flowers. This valley is an Indian national park with beautiful waterfalls, landscapes, meadows of flowers and surrounding forests. }} ==West Bengal== * {{listing | name=[[Santiniketan]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1026431 | lastedit=2025-06-30 | content=Santiniketan was founded as an ashram by Debendranath Tagore in the second half of the 19th century and then developed into a university town of Visva-Bharati University. It is connected to the life and philosophy of Debendranath's son Rabindranath Tagore, the leading figure of the Bengali Renaissance. }} * {{listing | name=[[Sundarbans National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=(natural) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q532440 | lastedit=2025-06-24 | content=The coastal mangrove forest in the southern part of [[West Bengal]] and [[Bangladesh]]. It lies on the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta. It is the largest mangrove forest in the world and the only mangrove forest in the world with tigers. [[Sundarbans (Bangladesh)]] is a different UNESCO Heritage Site in [[Bangladesh]]. }} '''Note:''' The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is listed under [[UNESCO World Heritage List (India)#Across multiple states|Mountain Railways of India]] ==See also== * [[UNESCO World Heritage List#India|UNESCO World Heritage List]] {{geo|21.534|78.046|zoom=5}} {{PartOfTopic|United Nations|India}} {{usabletopic}} a1w13lj6ruknwkkveopb6ct2sj4fdvq 0 146157 5086665 4344080 2025-07-02T15:18:55Z Salil Kumar Mukherjee 2256076 Page banner 5086665 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Atlantic Ocean in Western Sahara (cropped).jpg}} '''Boujdour''' is in [[Western Sahara]]. ==Understand== Boujdour is not a tourist destination. People here live off fishing. But with lots of money from the Moroccan government, sufficient infrastructure has been created to make this town a good choice for spending the night when traveling through [[Western Sahara]]. ==Get in== Boujdour lies on the one and only road that connects [[Agadir]] with [[Dakhla]] and [[Mauritania]]. So all buses that go between those places also stop here. ==Get around== The centre is pretty small and it is easy to walk around. ==See== The sunset at the beach or the pretty Stalinist city layout and architecture of government buildings, if that is your cup of tea. ==Do== ==Buy== ==Eat== There are lots of restaurants on the main road that serve typical Moroccan food. ==Drink== ==Sleep== Along the main road there are several hotels. Rooms with TV, WiFi and private bathrooms can be had for 150 dirhams. ==Connect== ==Go next== Either north, towards [[Agadir]] or south, towards [[Dakhla]] and [[Mauritania]]. {{IsPartOf|Western Sahara}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|26.12525|-14.48473}} 5zbvg4nlw0j9o77cj8cntznyc19yht8 0 155613 5086718 5044479 2025-07-02T17:40:56Z Mrkstvns 144844 /* Go next */ 5086718 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Paysandú banner.jpg|pgname=Paysandú}} '''Paysandú''' is a city in the [[Northern Interior (Uruguay)|northern interior]] of [[Uruguay]]. The capital of Paysandú Department, it is located across the Uruguay River from [[Colon (Argentina)|Colón]], [[Argentina]]. ==Understand== Paysandú is located in western Uruguay, on the Uruguay River, which forms the border with Argentina. It has a population of 76,412 people. ==Get in== ===By car=== Paysandú is on Uruguay '''Route 3''' from [[Montevideo]] and [[Salto]] and '''Route 90''' from Guichón. If you're coming from [[Argentina]], take '''General Artigas Bridge''' just south of [[Colon (Argentina)|Colón]]. ===By bus=== The bus terminal is located at Bulevar Artigas 770. Bus service is available from many cities in Uruguay, including [[Montevideo]], [[Rivera]], [[Salto]], and [[Tacuarembó]], and from [[Concepción del Uruguay]] and [[Colon (Argentina)|Colón]], Argentina. Service is provided by companies such as [http://www.copay.coop/ COPAY]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} and [https://web.agenciacentral.com.uy/index.php Agencia Central]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. ===By plane=== Tydeo Larre Borges International Airport is not served by commercial airlines. The nearest major airport is in Montevideo. ==Get around== Local bus service is provided by [http://www.copay.coop/ COPAY]{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. ==See== [[File:Basilica de Nuestra Señora y San Benito de Palermo. Paysandú- Uruguay.jpg|thumb|Basilica de Nuestra Señora in Paysandu]] * {{see | name=Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Rosario | alt= | url= | email= | address=18 de Julio and Montecaseros | lat=-32.317130 | long=-58.080008 | directions= | phone=+598 4722 9118 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-24 | content=Old church including a bronze bell that dates to 1689. }} * {{see | name=Monumento General Leandro Gómez | alt= | url= | email= | address=Plaza Constitución, 18 de Julio and Montecaseros | lat=-32.317085 | long=-58.080749 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-24 | content=Mausoleum and statue of General Leandro Gómez. Established in 1984 by Walter Castelli, who designed this impressive and fascinating monument to represent Leandro Gómez's nationalism. Plaza Constitución, where it is located, is a famous place in its own right. The mausoleum is operated by the government of Paysandú. The monument includes the remains of General Leandro Gómez, and you can see important historical documents. }} * {{see | name=Hipódromo San Félix | alt=Horse racing track | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content= }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Semana de la Cerveza | alt=Beer Week | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-11 | content=Uruguay's annual beer festival, held during Holy Week (the week leading up to Easter) in Paysandú. Come for food, music, culture, and more! }} * '''Termas de Guaviyú''', hot springs about 60 km north of the city, are easily reachable by car or bus for a day trip * {{do | name=Paysandú Yacht Club | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content= }} ==Buy== ==Eat== Paysandú has a typical dessert called "'''chajá'''", and you can find it in every restaurant in the city. One of the most typical Uruguayan desserts, it was invented by the owner of a tearoom in northern Paysandú Department. That tearoom created this lovely sweet dessert and invited a friend to try it. The friend said it was light and soft like foam, just as the ''chajá'' bird was! And from then on, it is called ''postre chajá'', the chajá dessert! Many times other people have tried to copy it, but nobody knows the exact recipe for the distinctive meringue. Since 81 years ago, when it was invented, the recipe has always remained in the family, and the same family is still making this dessert after three generations! In its origin, it was made with strawberries, but as they couldn’t be found fresh in Uruguay in certain months of the year, they decided to use peaches instead. The most popular postre chajas you can buy are individual ones, each little dessert is made separately. But then you can also make or buy a family dessert if you choose. [[File:Argentinean asado.jpg|thumb]] The most famous Uruguayan dish is roast beef, a dish of beef which is roasted in an oven. Essentially prepared as a main meal, the leftovers are often used in sandwiches and sometimes are used to make hash. And there are more options for people who prefer eating fast food like hot dogs, hamburgers, chivitos, french fries and subs. ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Bulevar Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.hotelbulevar.com.uy/ | email= | address=Bulevar Artigas 960 | lat=-32.31815 | long=-58.07053 | directions= | phone=+598 4722 8835 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$U1790 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Cabañas Tacuabé | alt=Guaviyú bungalows | url=http://www.complejotacuabe.com/ | email= | address=Termas de Guaviyu | lat=-31.83921 | long=-57.88951 | directions=65 km north on route 3 | phone=+598 4755 2478 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$U2131 | content=A quieter place. Hot springs await. }} ==Connect== ==Go next== * [[Colón]] * [[Salto]] * [[Esteros de Farrapos|Esteros de Farrapos National Park]] {{routebox | image1=R3-UY.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=N | majorl1=[[Salto]] | minorl1= | directionr1=S | majorr1=[[Montevideo]] | minorr1=[[Trinidad (Uruguay)|Trinidad]] | image2=R24-UY.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=N | majorl2=Merges with [[File:R3-UY.svg|18px]] | minorl2= | directionr2=S | majorr2=Junction [[File:R2-UY.svg|18px]] → [[Mercedes (Uruguay)|Mercedes]] | minorr2= | image3=R26-UY.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=W | majorl3=Ends at [[File:R3-UY.svg|18px]] | minorl3= | directionr3=E | majorr3=[[Tacuarembó]] | minorr3= }} {{IsPartOf|Northern Interior (Uruguay)}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|-32.32|-58.08}} mffevpatvy1cmshqx29meg930wy81p9 1 156821 5087054 4504611 2025-07-03T09:48:21Z Kaltenbrunner7 2328748 /* History */ new section 5087054 wikitext text/x-wiki ==To do== * The Holocaust in [[North Africa]] /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 00:49, 20 June 2017 (UTC) == In scope? == On the island of Jersey, the [https://www.jerseywartunnels.com/what-to-see/the-tunnels/ Jersey War Tunnels] (or ''Hohlgangsanlage 8'') were dug in part by slave labour. As far as I can tell, the slaves were mostly POWs from Russia and Poland, some from the Spanish Civil War. Is that in scope for "the Holocaust", or is it a different kind of atrocity? [[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 17:44, 20 July 2022 (UTC) :It's part of the Holocaust. The Holocaust was the entire Nazi machinery of murder and slave labor; we need to recall that the Nazis didn't try to preserve the lives of the people they enslaved but intended for the slavery to kill them. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:38, 20 July 2022 (UTC) ::From looking at the website, this seems like it should be added to [[WWII in Europe]] but not here. I think most people would consider "The Holocaust" to be specifically about the Nazi's treatment of and policies surrounding Jews and the attempted genocide of European Jews. "6 million Jews" is the most commonly reported Holocaust death toll. I strongly disagree with the notion that "the Holocaust" is about all Nazi murders and slave labor. That to me waters down the term to be synonymous with "war deaths" which doesn't sound so atrocious given that we expect death in war. As far as I can tell, the website itself does not mention the tunnels as being part of "The Holocaust" either. [[User:ChubbyWimbus|ChubbyWimbus]] ([[User talk:ChubbyWimbus|talk]]) 11:31, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::I say this as a Jew: The Holocaust, while directed above all toward the annihilation of Jews and secondarily Romani/Sinti people, was emphatically not only about the murders of Jews. The Nazis and their collaborators also murdered Soviet POWs, Romani/Sinti people, non-Jewish Poles, Serbs, disabled people and gay people in large numbers, and there were loads of people from other occupied countries, as well as Jews and members of the aforementioned groups, who were deliberately worked to death. It's fair to say that since the entire Nazi state was directed toward genocide, it can be difficult to separate their genocidal actions from any others, but it is quite reasonable to cover the war in terms of military actions against military targets - recognizing that precision bombs and missiles did not exist and no power tried hard to avoid killing civilians in a targeted city - while reserving Holocaust remembrance for actions by the Nazis and their collaborators that were taken against people they seized as prisoners or actions they took without any pretense of hitting any military targets, such as by utterly annihilating the population of a town and burning it to the ground as a reprisal against partisan activity. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:35, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::::Note that this is how the article begins: ::::"The Holocaust was a campaign of deportation, forced labour and mass murder during World War II, carried out by Germany's Nazi regime and some other Axis states. Among the victims were Jews; Roma people; Slavs, especially Poles, Serbs and Soviet prisoners of war; homosexuals; political opponents; and people with disabilities. About 6 million Jews were killed, along with at least 5 million people of other ethnic origins." ::::If you believe we should briefly address any controversy about the scope of Nazi and Nazi collaborator actions that are considered to be part of the Holocaust, that's something we can discuss, but I wholeheartedly support the definition of the Holocaust already in the article. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:38, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::::Note that Wikipedia defines the Holocaust as "the genocide of European Jews during World War II" and says "The Holocaust is understood as being primarily the genocide of the Jews, but during the Holocaust era[8] (1933–1945), systematic mass-killings of other population groups occurred." So perhaps we should change our definition too (I think as a general matter we should follow Wikipedia for questions of fact/definition as it's much more thoroughly written and argued) though I don't think it matters much and I probably don't intend to debate the point any more beyond this comment. [[User:Ar2332|Ar2332]] ([[User talk:Ar2332|talk]]) 13:31, 19 August 2022 (UTC) ::::::I see your point. The tension between the Holocaust as specifically a campaign of annihilation against the Jews and a mass murder of Jews and other people is expressed in [[w:The Holocaust#Definition]]: ::::::''Holocaust historians commonly define the Holocaust as the genocide of the European Jews by Nazi Germany and its collaborators between 1941 and 1945.[a] Donald Niewyk and Francis Nicosia, in The Columbia Guide to the Holocaust (2000), favor a definition that includes the Jews, Roma, and disabled people: "the systematic, state-sponsored murder of entire groups determined by heredity".[30][g]'' ::::::''Other groups targeted after Hitler became Chancellor of Germany in January 1933[33] include those whom the Nazis viewed as inherently inferior (some Slavic people, particularly Poles and Russians,[34] the Roma, and the disabled), and those targeted because of their beliefs or behavior (such as Jehovah's Witnesses, communists, and homosexuals).[35] Peter Hayes writes that the persecution of these groups was less uniform than that of the Jews. For example, the Nazis' treatment of the Slavs consisted of "enslavement and gradual attrition", while some Slavs were favored; Hayes lists Bulgarians, Croats, Slovaks, and some Ukrainians.[23] In contrast, according to historian Dan Stone, Hitler regarded the Jews as "a Gegenrasse: a 'counter-race' ... not really human at all".'' ::::::My feeling is that what's most accurate is to say that the Nazis were working to wipe out the Jews above all and had plans to wipe out other "inferiors" that they got a substantial head start on. In Berlin, I've seen memorials to the persecution of the Jews, the Romani and the gays by the Nazis, so I think it's clear that today's German government sees members of all three groups as victims of the Nazis, whether or not we use the word Holocaust to describe those murders and persecutions. So should we rename this article "Remembrance of Nazi persecutions?" I don't want to weaken the point that the Nazis worked to wipe out the Jewish people, but neither do I want us to ignore the murders and persecutions of others by the Nazis. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:10, 20 August 2022 (UTC) == History == It is a travel guide, not a history book. [[User:Kaltenbrunner7|Kaltenbrunner7]] ([[User talk:Kaltenbrunner7|talk]]) 09:48, 3 July 2025 (UTC) diup52eq27j0qd1xgx0vfgmrdew3dxv 5087055 5087054 2025-07-03T09:50:15Z 92.21.137.132 Undo revision [[Special:Diff/5087054|5087054]] by [[Special:Contributions/Kaltenbrunner7|Kaltenbrunner7]] ([[User talk:Kaltenbrunner7|talk]]) SPAM. 5087055 wikitext text/x-wiki ==To do== * The Holocaust in [[North Africa]] /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 00:49, 20 June 2017 (UTC) == In scope? == On the island of Jersey, the [https://www.jerseywartunnels.com/what-to-see/the-tunnels/ Jersey War Tunnels] (or ''Hohlgangsanlage 8'') were dug in part by slave labour. As far as I can tell, the slaves were mostly POWs from Russia and Poland, some from the Spanish Civil War. Is that in scope for "the Holocaust", or is it a different kind of atrocity? [[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 17:44, 20 July 2022 (UTC) :It's part of the Holocaust. The Holocaust was the entire Nazi machinery of murder and slave labor; we need to recall that the Nazis didn't try to preserve the lives of the people they enslaved but intended for the slavery to kill them. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:38, 20 July 2022 (UTC) ::From looking at the website, this seems like it should be added to [[WWII in Europe]] but not here. I think most people would consider "The Holocaust" to be specifically about the Nazi's treatment of and policies surrounding Jews and the attempted genocide of European Jews. "6 million Jews" is the most commonly reported Holocaust death toll. I strongly disagree with the notion that "the Holocaust" is about all Nazi murders and slave labor. That to me waters down the term to be synonymous with "war deaths" which doesn't sound so atrocious given that we expect death in war. As far as I can tell, the website itself does not mention the tunnels as being part of "The Holocaust" either. [[User:ChubbyWimbus|ChubbyWimbus]] ([[User talk:ChubbyWimbus|talk]]) 11:31, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::I say this as a Jew: The Holocaust, while directed above all toward the annihilation of Jews and secondarily Romani/Sinti people, was emphatically not only about the murders of Jews. The Nazis and their collaborators also murdered Soviet POWs, Romani/Sinti people, non-Jewish Poles, Serbs, disabled people and gay people in large numbers, and there were loads of people from other occupied countries, as well as Jews and members of the aforementioned groups, who were deliberately worked to death. It's fair to say that since the entire Nazi state was directed toward genocide, it can be difficult to separate their genocidal actions from any others, but it is quite reasonable to cover the war in terms of military actions against military targets - recognizing that precision bombs and missiles did not exist and no power tried hard to avoid killing civilians in a targeted city - while reserving Holocaust remembrance for actions by the Nazis and their collaborators that were taken against people they seized as prisoners or actions they took without any pretense of hitting any military targets, such as by utterly annihilating the population of a town and burning it to the ground as a reprisal against partisan activity. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:35, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::::Note that this is how the article begins: ::::"The Holocaust was a campaign of deportation, forced labour and mass murder during World War II, carried out by Germany's Nazi regime and some other Axis states. Among the victims were Jews; Roma people; Slavs, especially Poles, Serbs and Soviet prisoners of war; homosexuals; political opponents; and people with disabilities. About 6 million Jews were killed, along with at least 5 million people of other ethnic origins." ::::If you believe we should briefly address any controversy about the scope of Nazi and Nazi collaborator actions that are considered to be part of the Holocaust, that's something we can discuss, but I wholeheartedly support the definition of the Holocaust already in the article. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:38, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::::Note that Wikipedia defines the Holocaust as "the genocide of European Jews during World War II" and says "The Holocaust is understood as being primarily the genocide of the Jews, but during the Holocaust era[8] (1933–1945), systematic mass-killings of other population groups occurred." So perhaps we should change our definition too (I think as a general matter we should follow Wikipedia for questions of fact/definition as it's much more thoroughly written and argued) though I don't think it matters much and I probably don't intend to debate the point any more beyond this comment. [[User:Ar2332|Ar2332]] ([[User talk:Ar2332|talk]]) 13:31, 19 August 2022 (UTC) ::::::I see your point. The tension between the Holocaust as specifically a campaign of annihilation against the Jews and a mass murder of Jews and other people is expressed in [[w:The Holocaust#Definition]]: ::::::''Holocaust historians commonly define the Holocaust as the genocide of the European Jews by Nazi Germany and its collaborators between 1941 and 1945.[a] Donald Niewyk and Francis Nicosia, in The Columbia Guide to the Holocaust (2000), favor a definition that includes the Jews, Roma, and disabled people: "the systematic, state-sponsored murder of entire groups determined by heredity".[30][g]'' ::::::''Other groups targeted after Hitler became Chancellor of Germany in January 1933[33] include those whom the Nazis viewed as inherently inferior (some Slavic people, particularly Poles and Russians,[34] the Roma, and the disabled), and those targeted because of their beliefs or behavior (such as Jehovah's Witnesses, communists, and homosexuals).[35] Peter Hayes writes that the persecution of these groups was less uniform than that of the Jews. For example, the Nazis' treatment of the Slavs consisted of "enslavement and gradual attrition", while some Slavs were favored; Hayes lists Bulgarians, Croats, Slovaks, and some Ukrainians.[23] In contrast, according to historian Dan Stone, Hitler regarded the Jews as "a Gegenrasse: a 'counter-race' ... not really human at all".'' ::::::My feeling is that what's most accurate is to say that the Nazis were working to wipe out the Jews above all and had plans to wipe out other "inferiors" that they got a substantial head start on. In Berlin, I've seen memorials to the persecution of the Jews, the Romani and the gays by the Nazis, so I think it's clear that today's German government sees members of all three groups as victims of the Nazis, whether or not we use the word Holocaust to describe those murders and persecutions. So should we rename this article "Remembrance of Nazi persecutions?" I don't want to weaken the point that the Nazis worked to wipe out the Jewish people, but neither do I want us to ignore the murders and persecutions of others by the Nazis. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:10, 20 August 2022 (UTC) n7vlfwrqgc2knlg1wsarhq8f1qmnh6n 0 159841 5087119 5056277 2025-07-03T11:48:19Z Rangan Datta Wiki 124323 /* Ancient sites */ +Golconda Fort photo #WPWP 5087119 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Hussain Sagar Lake 1a.jpg|pgname=Central Hyderabad}} '''Central Hyderabad''' is the modern city centre of [[Hyderabad]], lying between the Musi river and Hussain Sagar lake. This article covers the entire Central Zone of Hyderabad. Hyderabad's "New City", opposite the Old City north of the Musi River, developed after the Independence to house the government offices of the capital of Andhra Pradesh. This area is now the city commercial and government centre. The Hussain Sagar lake and its surroundings have been beautified in the last two decades and you will find some nice amusement parks, promenades and restaurants around it. To the west of the lake are the prosperous suburbs of Punjagutta, Banjara Hills and Jubilee Hills, with shopping and restaurants. Banjara Hills is where Hyderabad's swish set lives - the industrialists, movie stars and politicians. The neighbourhoods contain some good parks and restaurants. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|17.41|78.455|width=500|height=350|zoom=12|name=Map of Central Hyderabad}} {{Mapshape|wikidata=Q1952301|type=geoline|stroke-width=5}} {{Mapshapes|Q646209}} {{Mapmask| 17.36243,78.45502 |17.36373,78.45564 |17.36539,78.45647 |17.36639,78.45717 |17.36748,78.45825 |17.36840,78.46195 |17.36952,78.46807 |17.36969,78.46885 |17.37023,78.47122 |17.37086,78.47449 |17.37131,78.47635 |17.37152,78.47710 |17.37180,78.47786 |17.37231,78.47935 |17.37278,78.48027 |17.37323,78.48123 |17.37368,78.48182 |17.37495,78.48024 |17.37558,78.48070 |17.37636,78.48109 |17.37689,78.48079 |17.37867,78.48152 |17.38055,78.48416 |17.38073,78.48801 |17.37942,78.48801 |17.37986,78.49183 |17.38072,78.49485 |17.38499,78.50025 |17.38602,78.50306 |17.38587,78.50678 |17.38587,78.51090 |17.38249,78.51457 |17.37998,78.51699 |17.37958,78.51737 |17.37864,78.51858 |17.37736,78.52176 |17.37630,78.52518 |17.38096,78.52838 |17.38227,78.52812 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|17.36034,78.45223 |17.36131,78.45387 |17.36243,78.45502 }} Both the metro lines and the MMTS are centred around this area. ===By train=== Hyderabad Deccan railway station, also known as Nampally railway station, is the major station in the heart of Hyderabad. <!-- * {{listing|type=go |name=Kachiguda MMTS Station |alt=KCG |address= |lat=17.38921 | long=78.49927|directions=Narayanguda's YMCA, Osmania University, book shops in Koti, Giriraj lane's electronic shops, Lord Krishna Temple on Giriraj lane, Hanuman Temple, Hyderabad ISKCON Temple, General Post Office, old Taj Mahal hotel, Samasthan Gadwal Handloom Shopping Centre, the Government Building of Andhra Pradesh State Financial Corporation, Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation Office Building, Maheshwari Palace Shopping Mall, New Marketing complex on Tilak Road, Mubarak Bazaar in Abids and the President Plaza are accessible from here|content= }} --> ==See== * {{listing | type=see | name=Osmania Arts College | alt=Osmania University Arts College | url=http://www.osmania.ac.in/ | email= | address=Osmania University, Amberpet | lat=17.41918 | long=78.52628 | directions=Bus stop Manikeshwari Nagar | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7107125 | content=Built during the period of the last Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan. The imposing facade of the building is a great sight. }} * {{see | name=Birla Science Centre | alt= | url=http://www.birlasciencecentre.org/ | email= | address=Secretariat, AG Office Rd, Adarshnagar | lat=17.403347 | long=78.470647 | directions=close to Birla Temple, Naubat Pahad - Next to Aranya Bhavan. -AG Office Bus Stop; MMTS: {{station|Lakdikapul|hf|hl}}; metro: {{station|Lakdikapul|red}} | phone=+91 40 2324 1067 | tollfree= | hours=museum 10:30AM–8PM, planetarium English shows 11:30AM, 4PM, 6PM, more shows in Telugu and one show in Hindi F–W | price=museum ₹ 40, planetarium ₹ 40, combined admission ₹ 70, Modern Art Gallery ₹ 40. Parking ₹ 20 for car, ₹ 10 for motorcycle | wikidata=Q3764957 | lastedit=2023-06-16 | content=The show at the '''Planetarium''' lasts 35 min and is moderately interesting. The '''Science Museum''', on the other hand, is poorly maintained. The '''Dinosaurium''' at the upper level is interesting. It contains a complete skeleton of a dinosaur Kotasaurus yamanpalliensis discovered in the village of [[Yemanapalli]] in 1988. '''Modern Art Gallery''' is near the Dinosaurium (ignore the signboard near parking directing to lower level). It's the personal collection of Nirmala Birla; also quite interesting. }} * {{see | name=Kala Bhavan | url=http://www.ravindrabharathi.org/ | email= | address=Ravindra Bharathi complex, Saifabad, Lakdikapul Rd, | lat=17.40337 | long=78.467043 | directions=near the State Assembly | phone= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=An art gallery }} * {{see | name=Jalavihar | alt= | url=http://jalavihar.in/ | email= | address=Necklace Rd | lat=17.43264 | long=78.46559 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1702769 | content=A popular family entertainment and event venue. The water park offers a wide range of wet and dry rides, attractions, and amenities for visitors of all ages. }} * {{see | name=Telangana State Archives and Research Institute | alt= | url=http://apstatearchives.ap.nic.in | email= | address=Rajya Abhilekha Nlym, Upl Road, Tarnaka | lat=17.423747 | long=78.536321 | directions= | phone=+91 40 2701 8371, +91 40 2700 2373 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Exhibition | alt=S. N. Vanita Maha Vidyalaya - Exhibition Grounds | url= | email= | address=Nampally (Vanitha College) | lat=17.38602 | long=78.47035 | directions= Gandhi Bhavan Bus Stop | phone=+91 40 2460 3266 | fax= | hours= | price= | content=An exhibition that runs in the months of January & February every year. It showcases various items made across India. It runs every year starting 1 Jan-15 Feb in the Exhibition grounds. }} * {{see | name=The Kothi Residency | alt=Koti Women's College, formerly the British Residency | url=http://www.oucwkoti.ac.in/ | email= | address=Koti Main Road, Essamiya Bazaar, Kachiguda | lat=17.3837 | long=78.48699 | directions=in the suburb of Koti, just north of the Musi river | phone=+91 40 2473 7692 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-02-07 | content=A mansion built in the syle of a Palladian villa, built for James Achilles Kirkpatrick when he was British Resident of Hyderabad between 1798 and 1805. It continued to be centre of British power in the south of India until independence in 1947. Set in a large forested, walled compound, it was once the embassy of the East India Company to the court of the Nizam of Hyderabad. Within the compound is a miniature model of the Residency – built for Kirkpatrick's Indian wife Khair un Nissa, who remained in purdah. Restoration works were completed in January 2023. Inside you can see the ornate dining room, offices and pictures of the many famous dignataries who visited in its heyday. The entrance features a long flight of stairs with ornate pillars supporting a giant pediment. Although European in style, it was constructed by local artisans using locally sourced material, with funding from the Nizam. Lime and mud plaster covered the brick and stone and masonry with teak wood beams providing the structural support. }} ===Ancient sites=== [[File:Golconda Fort T.jpg|thumb|Baradari atop Golconda Fort]] [[image:India - Hyderabad - 101 - Qutub Shahi Tombs (3920150765).jpg|200px|right|thumb|Qutubshahi Tombs]] [[File:Hatiyan ka Jhad (Baobab Tree) in Naya Qila.jpg|thumb|200 px|Hatiyan ka Jhad (Baobab Tree) in Naya Qila]] [[File:Hussain Sagar Lake 2.jpg|thumb|200 px|Illuminated Buddha statue on Hussain Sagar Lake]] * {{see | name=Golconda Fort | alt= | url=http://www.telanganatourism.gov.in/partials/destinations/heritage-spots/hyderabad/golconda-fort.html | email= | address= | lat=17.3843 | long=78.4025 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM-8PM | price=₹100 all | wikidata=Q4141623 | content=The Golconda Fort was the capital of the Qutb Shahi kingdom. Set aside a minimum of 2 hr to do justice to your visit -- the outer wall measures 10 km. Learning a little about the fort ahead of time is recommended, as it is easy to get confused or lost in the massive space. If you accept one of the local guides (who hustle you at the entrance gate) try to pick one who knows his stuff (₹ 500 per tour and the guide would also ask you for tips in the end, however, it is entirely up to you whether to give tips or not), rather than someone who was just passing by, spotted you and will tell you bits he once read in a guidebook. The genuine old Muslim guide who gained his encyclopedic knowledge of Golconda as an infant from his 118-year-old grandmother knows the history of every inch of the place and will show you with expertise the echo/architecture system built into the fort that the ruler used as a communication/spying system. After sunset, there is an hour-long '''light and sound show''' telling you the story of the Golconda fort which is worth seeing, though it could be a little boring. Price for foreigners ₹50/100 for normal/executive tickets. The English show runs Nov-Feb 6:30PM daily and Mar-Oct until 7PM daily. Hindi and Telugu shows are run afterwards on certain days. Afterwards, have a wander through the tiny streets and shops surrounding the fort. The beautiful scruffy old shops and houses will sell you everything from naan bread to bangles, and the fading and gaudy old painted gates and houses are a delight, as are the friendly locals. }} * {{see | name=Qutb Shahi Tombs | alt=Seven Tombs | url=http://www.hyderabadtourism.travel/qutub-shahi-tombs-hyderabad | email= | address=Seven Tombs Colony, Shaikpet | lat=17.395 | long=78.396 | directions= | phone=+91 40 2351 341 | tollfree= | hours=Sa-Th 9:30AM-5:30PM | price=₹10, camera ₹20 | wikidata=Q7273006 | lastedit=2023-06-16 | content=The tombs of the Qutubshahi dynasty. Most of them were built by Quli Qutb Shah, the founder. In 2010 local newspapers revealed that shoddy 'restoration' work allegedly using unskilled labour with road drills (bought in by one government department that didn't bother to seek professional advice or inform the local archaeological or environment departments) has been damaging these beautiful buildings. }} ** {{see | name=Qutub Shahi Tombs Site Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.395 | long=78.396 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Toli Masjid | alt= | url= | email= | address=Karwan | lat=17.37493 | long=78.44419 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7814255| wikipedia=Toli Masjid | content=300 years old. Known for its splendid architecture. }} * {{see | name=Naya Qila | alt=New Fort | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.388838 | long=78.41137 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-05-02 | content=It is an extension of the famous Golconda Fort on the northeastern side. Before the extension came up the elevated area was used as a launching pad by Aurangzeb (then Mughal governor of Dedcan) in 1656 during his attack on the Golkonda Fort. Although Aurangzeb failed in his attempt to capture Golkonda but attacks considerably damaged the walls of the Golconda. To avoid future attacks and loss Sultan Abdullah Qutb Shah ordered an extension of the fort which came to be known as Naya Qila (New Fort). In 2011 a golf course came up in the Naya Qila region restricting the entry of common people. This led to objections from various NGOs and heritage enthusiasts leading to free access to the heritage sites within the golf complex. }} ** {{see | name=Baobab Tree | alt=Hatiyan Jhod | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.392978 | long=78.40958 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-05-02 | content=This African Baobab (''adansonia digitata'') tree is 400+ years old and happens to be the oldest tree in Hyderabad. The tree originates from [[Madagascar]] and was planted by wandering friars during their stay at Golconda. The circumference of the trunk measures 25 meters and is irregular in shape and roughly represents an elephant and hence the name Hatiyan Jhod (Elephant Tree). The huge trunk is hollow and covers a huge space. According to legend the space provided shelter for 40 thieves during the Qutab Shahi rule. They used it as a shelter during the day and committed the crime during the night. }} ** {{see | name=Jamali Darwaza | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.390773 | long=78.406488 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-05-02 | content=One of the 8 gates in the outer ramparts of Golconda Fort. }} ** {{see | name=Banjari Darwaza and Golconda entrance | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.388918 | long=78.407643 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-05-02 | content=Present day entrance to Golconda and one of the largest of the gates in the ramparts. }} ** {{see | name=Mulla Khayali Mosque | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.392812 | long=78.410566 | directions=Next to Boabab Tree | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-05-02 | content=Built to honour the royal poet of the Qutb Shahi court. }} ** {{see | name=Naya Qila Habitat Centre | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.388974 | long=78.410471 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-05-02 | content= }} ===Art galleries=== * {{see | name=Alankrita Art Gallery | alt= | url=http://aalankritha.com/about-us | email= | address=41 A, Kakateeya Hills Ext. of Jubilee Hills Road No. 36 | lat=17.442052 | long=78.401107 | directions= | phone=+91 40 4020 7171 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Le Cafe De Art | url= | email= | address=Rd No.1 Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 6550 6661 | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Gallery Space | url= | email= | address=Rd No.12, Road Number 86, MLA Colony, Banjara Hills | lat=17.41351 | long=78.42215 | directions=Next to Pearl City Church, south of Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park | phone=+91 40 6554 1836 | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Kalahita Art Foundation | url= | email= | address=Lakshmi Towers, Nagarjuna Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2335 0543 | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Pegasus Art Gallery | url= | email= | address=Road No.72 Jubilee Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 23608883 | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=State Gallery Of Art | alt=Chitramayee | url= | email= | address=Road No. 1, Kavuri Hills, Madhapur, CBI Colony, Jubilee Hills | lat=17.43650 | long=78.39777 | directions=south of Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park | phone=+91 40 2311 3308 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Vishwakarma arts gallery | alt= | url=http://vishwakarmaarts.com/ | email=vishwakarmarts@yahoo.com | address=Banjara Hills, Panjagutta, Dwarakapuri colony, Esteem House, Backside of Model House | lat=17.42425 | long=78.45348 | directions=Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences Bus Stop | phone=+91 40 6661 5039 | tollfree= | hours=10AM-9PM | price= | content= }} ===Museums=== * {{see | name=Telangana State Archaeology Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address=Public Gardens, Nampally | lat=17.385044 | long=78.486671 | directions=metro: {{station|Assembly|red}} | phone=+91 40 2323 4942 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th Sa Su 10:30AM-5PM, F closed | price=Adults ₹10, children ₹5, camera ₹20 | wikidata=Q4653501 | lastedit=2023-01-05 | content=Displays a stunning array of artifacts dating back to the 1st century to the 20th century. Ranging from the Lotus Medallion of the 1st century to the Amazing Kalankari work that adorned the bed-spreads of the Nizams to a period room that displays the typical living room of the Nizam time to the Jain sculptures and Statues - this place has it all. }} ===Places of worship=== [[File:Birla Mandir in Hyderabad.jpg|thumb|300px|The Birla Mandir.]] * {{see | name=Birla Mandir | alt= | url= | email= | address=Adarsh Nagar, Naubat Pahad | lat=17.40618 | long=78.46904 | directions=Two different routes depending on whether you want to drive right to the top or climb the stairs. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM-noon, 2-8PM | price=Free | wikidata=Q4916532| wikipedia=Birla Mandir, Hyderabad | image=Birla Mandir in Hyderabad.jpg | content=The industrial house of the Birlas have the tradition of building magnificent marble temples in cities of India, all of which are known as Birla Mandir. This one is one of the best. The temple manifests a blend of South Indian, Rajasthani and Utkala temple architectures. It is made of 2,000 tonnes of Rajasthani white marble. The granite of the presiding deity is about 3.4 m tall and a carved lotus forms an umbrella on the roof. The consorts of Lord Venkateswara, Padmavati and Andal are housed in separate shrines. There is a brass flagpole in the temple premises which rises to a height of 13 m on top of Naubat Pahad (mountain). This clean, sparkling white temple dedicated to Venkateshwara has viewing areas that afford a great view of the city. Sadly, cameras and camera mobiles are banned; your bags are checked at the entrance. Shoes are not allowed, so come early in the morning so the ground will not be too hot. There is a free cloakroom available for both electronics and shoes. }} * {{see | name=Khairtabad Mosque | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.40856 | long=78.46326 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-12-01 | content= }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Balaji Temple | alt=Visa Balaji | url=http://www.chilkurbalaji.com/ | email= | address=Chilkur, RTC Cross Roads | lat=17.40292 | long=78.49641 | directions=Vidhya Nagar MMTS Station 1.5 km east | phone= | tollfree= | hours=5AM-8PM | price=Free | wikidata=Q5098989 | content=Chilkur is an important pilgrim centre in Hyderabad. The Lord here is Sri Venkateswara Swamy in a standing posture, beside whom is Goddess Sridevi and Goddess Bhudevi. People with wishes, take 11 rounds a round the core of the temple. Once their wish has been fulfilled they return to perform 108 more rounds. You will find people ticking away at the pieces of paper with the numbers to track the count. }} * {{see | name=Jama Masjid Musheerabad | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.41827 | long=78.49782 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=St Joseph's Cathedral | url= | email= | address=Gun Foundry Area | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Established in 1820, this is the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Hyderabad. }} * {{see | name=St George's Church |alt=| url= | email= | address=Abid Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2017-12-18| content=St George's Church is one of the oldest churches in the city of Hyderabad, India. It was built in the year 1844 AD. The church was built as an Anglican church but is now under the auspices of the Church of South India. }} * {{see | name=Iskon Temple | url=http://iskconhyd.blogspot.com/ | email= | address=Abids | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=| fax= | hours= | price=Free | content= }} * {{see | name=Peddamma Temple | url= | email= | address=Jubilee Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | hours= | price=Free | content= }} ===Gardens and lakes=== [[File:Hussain Sagar lake, Hyderabad.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Hussain Sagar]] * {{see | name=Hussain Sagar | alt=Tank Bund | url= | email= | address=Necklace Rd | lat=17.42222 | long=78.47389 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3275994 | lastedit=2023-06-16 | content=The artificial lake is a historical landmark, built during the reign of Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah in 1562 by damming the Musi. This forms the boundary between Hyderabad and Secunderabad. Surrounding the lake are various parks, temples, statues and historical buildings. This is one of the few walkable places in the city. At the centre of the lake stands a famous 18m high {{marker|type=see|name=statue of the Buddha| lat=17.4156|long=78.4751}} installed in 1992. Boat rides to the Buddha statue are available from Eat Street (near Necklace Road MMTS Station) and Lumbini Park. Speed boats do not stop at the Buddha statue. The road circling the lake on the north and west is known as '''Necklace Road''', and is nicknamed "the Chaupati of Hyderabad" due to its resemblance to the Girgaon Chowpatty in [[Mumbai/Fort, Colaba and Churchgate|Mumbai]]. }} * {{see | name=Public Gardens | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.3988 | long=78.4690 | directions= | phone= | hours= | price=Free| content=Known as the Bagh-e-aam (Garden for the commoners), it has well laid-out gardens and is surrounded by the imposing State Legislative Assembly building, the Jubilee Hall, the Jawahar Bal Bhavan, the Health Museum and the State Archaeological Museum. This was the old zoo and now is a beautiful place for both children and adults. }} * {{see | name=Sanjeeviah Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.385044 | long=78.486671 | directions= | phone= | hours= | price= | content=Good for bird watching. }} * {{see | name=Chacha Nehru Park | alt= | url= | email= | address=Masab Tank | lat=17.40136 | long=78.45023 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=For pleasant morning walks with kids. }} * {{see | name=Krishna Kanth Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.44009 | long=78.43044 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Jalagam Vengal Rao Park | alt=JVR Park | url= | email= | address=Banjara Hills | lat=17.42260 | long=78.44871 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=With lake. }} * {{see | name=Lotus Pond | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jubilee Hills | lat=17.41385 | long=78.42039 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Do== [[Image:Snow_World-Visitors.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Snow World]] * {{do | name=Indira Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.414754 | long=78.483045 | directions=E of Hussain Sagar | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q11219005 | lastedit=2023-06-17 | content=A sprawling 76-acre park near Tank Bund with a nice, but polluted, little pond and boating. }} * {{do | name=Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park | alt=KBR National Park | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.42 | long=78.41 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q969593 | lastedit=2023-06-17 | content=A small park in Jubilee Hills in which the Chiran Palace is located. Known as the "jungle amidst the concrete jungle", the park provides an excellent lung space and environment from the busy city life and rising pollution levels. It has over 600 species of plant life, 140 species of birds and 30 different varieties of butterflies and reptiles. You may find peacocks and a variety of small mammals and birds here. There are few water bodies present in the park providing the needed moisture for the plants and quenching the thirst of birds and small animals. The park is frequented in the evenings and weekends by young and old alike. The '''Chiran Palace''' is a modern facility designed to serve the needs of the prince, unlike other palaces of the Nizam. }} * {{do | name=Lumbini Park | alt= | url= | email= | address=NTR Marg | lat=17.41 | long=78.4722 | directions=west of Hussain Sagar lake | phone= | tollfree= | hours=9AM-9PM | price=₹10, rides extra | wikidata=Q1650886 | lastedit=2023-06-16 | content=See water cascades, go on guided car rides. Go on a boat ride and see the Buddha statue at the centre of the lake. It also offers nice Laser Shows in the evening which is first in India. }} * {{do | name=NTR Gardens | alt= | url= | email= | address=NTR Marg | lat=17.41 | long=78.4722 | directions=west of Hussain Sagar lake | phone= | tollfree= | hours=2-8:30PM | price=₹ 15 for entry, rides extra | wikidata=Q6955496 | lastedit=2023-06-16 | content=Built by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu in memory of N.T. Rama Rao, his father-in-law and ex-Chief Minister, this is an amusement park which houses some nice attractions like a mini-train, a haunted house, a boat ride, etc. There is a cafe where the seating is in the shape of vintage cars. You can either spend money on the rides or generally stroll around and gape at the fountains and the giant insects. For rides, the ₹ 45 combo you can buy at the entrance is a good deal. }} * {{do | name=Snow World | alt= | url=http://www.snowworldindia.net/snowhome1.html | email= | address=Lower Tank Bund Road | lat=17.514877 | long=78.48087 | directions=next to Indira Park | phone=+91 40 6599-0167 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Adults ₹ 450, children ₹ 250 if under 4 ft tall | wikidata=Q7548363 | lastedit=2023-06-16 | content=Asia's largest Snow Theme Park. }} * {{do | name=Diginet Digital Experience Zone | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 5558 0009 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Gamecentre. WiFi hotspot, coffee shop, shopping. }} * {{do | name=Hyderabad Golf Club | alt= | url=http://www.thehyderabadgolfclub.com/ | email= | address= | lat=17.39357 | long=78.40428 | directions=Satham Cheruvu, Beside Nadeem Colony, Golconda | phone=+91 40 2356 7207 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Golf course. }} ==Buy== ===Bazaars=== * {{buy | name=Sultan Bazaar | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= 17.383333 | long=78.483333 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-12-02 | content=Wholesale clothes market. }} * {{buy | name=Mozamjahi Market | alt= | url= | email= | address=Nizam Shahi Rd | lat=17.3843 | long=78.4750| directions= | phone= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Fruit market. }} * {{buy | name=Begum Bazaar | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.3731 | long=78.4706 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=Wholesale market. }} ===Jewelry=== * '''Ghanshyamdas Jewellers''' (''opp Abids Police Station''). Genuine pearls * {{buy | name=C. Krishniah Chetty & Sons-The Flagship Boutique | url=http://www.ckcsons.com | email= | address=Taj Deccan | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 3256 1869 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Jagdamba Pearls | alt= | url=http://www.jagdamba.com | email= | address=Gupta Estate, Basheer Bagh | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 6656 6777 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=One of the oldest and the largest pearl companies in India. }} * {{buy | name=Lilac Boutique | url= | email= | address=Liberty Rd, Himayathnagar | lat= | long= | directions=near TTD, opposite Dadu Sweets | phone=+91 92 4658 1851 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Designer and made-to-order & customised heavy suits, sarees and fancy blouses. }} * '''Mohal Jewells'''. On the Golden Mile Somajiguda for Pearls, Silver, Gold. {{phone| +91 40 2341 9757}} * '''Ornaments & jewellery''' (Punjagutta, Abids and Somajiguda) * '''Pearls of Hyderabad''', (''Abids and Somajiguda Jewellery shops''). Choose from 3 varieties, natural pearls, cultured and imitation. ===Handicrafts=== * {{buy | name=Bidri Crafts | alt= | url= | email= | address=Gunfoundry, Abids | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2323 2657, +91 40 2323 3663 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Kalanjali | alt= | url= | email= | address=Margadarsi House, 5-10-195, Fathemaidan Raod | lat= | long= | directions=Opp: Ploice Control Room, Nampally, Hyderabad | phone=+91 40 2323 1147, +91 40 2329 7196 | tollfree= | fax=+91 40 2323 3204 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Lepakshi | alt=Gunfoundry, Abids | url=http://www.lepakshihandicrafts.gov.in/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2766 8178 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=United Designers | alt= | url= | email= | address=Banjara Hills Rd#4 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2335 5441, +91 98 85404944 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 10:30AM-8PM | price= | lastedit=2017-12-02 | content=Designs by a new wave of young Hyderabadi fashion designers, they also have natural hand-made soaps for body and hair. }} ===Other=== * '''The Golden Mile of Hyderabad''' for shopping, consisting of shopping plazas, malls, designer boutiques and upmarket shops - Starting from Lifestyle near the Begumpet Flyover and extending all the way till Road No.1 Banjara Hills. * {{buy | name=Ladida-lingerie store | alt= | url=http://www.loveladida.com | email= | address=#2, R.K.Plaza, Greenlands Rd, Panjagutta | lat= | long= | directions=Opp. Joyalukkas Jewellers | phone=+91 40 40020267 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-9PM | price=₹ 300-2,500 | content=Lingerie shop (lingerie, ladies wear, nightwear). }} ==Eat== ===Budget=== *{{eat | name=Chutneys | url= | email= | address=1: 2: Nagarjuna Circle, Near Punjagutta flyover | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2335 0569, +91 40 2335 8484, +91 40 5557 8651 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=₹ 150 | content=Vegetarian, and quite well-known in Hyderabad. South Indian dishes like dosas, idlis and uttappas. "North Indian" also available, but best avoided. Is extremely crowded on weekend nights, and there is a waiting time of up to 30 min. Does not serve alcohol. }} *{{eat | name=Cafe Bahaar | url= | email= | address=Opp. Commissioner Office, Old MLA Quarters, Basheerbagh | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2324 3798, +91 40 2323 7605 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Biryanis and meat curries, moderately priced. }} *{{eat | name=Baawarchi | alt= | url=http://bawarchi.online/ | email= | address=Plot no. 66, RTC Cross Rd's, Chikkadpally Musheerabad | lat= | long= | directions=Opposite Sandya Theatre | phone=+91 40 2760 5308, +91 40 2763 4490 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11:30AM-11PM | price=₹ 150 | content=Biryanis }} *{{eat | name=Kholani's Kitchen | url= | email= | address=4-3-548/1, Shop No. 16 & 17, Needs Arcade, Tilak Rd, Abids | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2475 3444, +91 40 2475- 657 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-11PM | price=₹ 200 | content=Try the excellent malai kebabs (chicken) and apollo fish }} *{{eat | name=Rayalseema Ruchulu | url= | email= | address=1st Main Rd, Shanti Nagar, in the lane behind JNTU, Masab Tank | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 6510-0033, +91 40 6510-0044, +91 98 85650789 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon-3:30PM, then 7-11PM | price=₹ 200 | content=Mildly spiced food from Rayalaseema, rustic decor. Not for vegetarians. }} *{{eat | name=Taj Mahal Restaurant | url= | email= | address=# 4-1-999 Abids | lat= | long= | directions=part of Taj Mahal Hotel | phone=+91 40 2475-8250, +91 40 6551-1122 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-11PM | price=₹ 200 | content=One of the original "Udupi" style restaurants, this is strictly vegetarian and does not serve alcohol. It is part of the Taj Mahal Hotel, not to be confused with the Taj chain of luxury hotels. The food in the restaurant is tasty and good, and like Udupi restaurants, serves South Indian, North Indian and "Chinese". You are advised to stick to South Indian. The ambiance in the air-con section is old-school. }} ===Mid-range=== *{{eat | name=4 Seasons | url= | email= | address=9-4-77/3/D/4/5/6, Yousuf Tekri, Tolichowki | lat= | long= | directions=opposite R.T.A Office | phone=+91 40 65578671 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Around ₹ 800 for two | content=Serves multiple cuisines, but raved about for its Arabic and Lebanese food. Lunch and dinner. Credit cards accepted. }} *{{eat | name=Ming's Court | url= | email= | address=Baseraa Inn Hotel, Basheerbagh | lat= | long= | directions=opposite Old Gandhi Medical College | phone=+91 40 2329 8811, +91 40 2329 8822, +91 40 2329 8855 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11:30AM-3:30PM, 7-11:30PM | price=₹ 500 | content=Mostly Indian Chinese. }} *{{eat | name=Ullaasa | url= | email= | address=7-1, 59/1, Athithi Inn, 5th Floor, Dharam Karam Rd, Ameerpet | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2373-9091, +91 40 2373-9097 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11:30AM-11PM | price=₹300 | content=Nice ethnic ambience and the rooftop setting is amazing, and the food is excellent. }} *{{eat | name=Bombay Palace | url= | email= | address=# 6-1-79 & 80 Hampshire Plaza, Lakdi-Ka-Pul | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2333 5555 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7:30-11PM | price=₹ 300 | content=Has a decor that reminds you of Mumbai. Menu specialities include ragda patties and other items popularized by Mumbai's streets in addition to Mughlai and Hyderabadi dishes. Live Ghazals every evening. }} *{{eat | name=Moksh | url= | email= | address=Necklace Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 6620 0111, +91 40 6620 0112 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-3:30PM, 7PM-midnight | price=199 | content=The ₹ 199 non-veg, lunch buffet is really tasty. Service, ambiance and the lake-side location is awesome. }} *{{eat | name=MoMo Cafe | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/hydcy-courtyard-hyderabad/ | email= | address=1-3-1024 Lower Tank Bund Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2752 1222, | tollfree= | fax= | hours=24 hr | price=₹ 300-500 | content=Mughlai, Chinese and Hyderabadi dishes. }} *{{listing | type=eat | name=Celebrations | alt= | url=https://bars-pubs.socialgoat.in/hyderabad/outlet/celebrations-restaurant-jubilee-hills | email= | address=Plot No.66A, Rd No.1, Jubilee Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 4010 0888, +91 40 2360 2888 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A complex of four restaurants and one bar. }} *{{eat | name=Chinese Pavilion | url= | email= | address=Road Number 1, Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions=opposite JVR Park | phone=+91 40 6678-5680 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11:30AM-3:30PM, 7:30-11:30PM | price=₹ 500 | content=Makes an attempt to move away from Indian Chinese. }} *{{eat | name=IndieJoe | url= | email= | address=5th Floor, City Centre Mall, Road No. 1, Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 6657-0000, +91 40 6668-3333 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=12:30-3:30PM, 7:30-11:15PM | price=₹ 500 | content=Serves global cuisine. Only buffet for lunch and only a la carte for dinner. }} *{{eat | name=Mainland China | url=http://www.mainlandchinaindia.com/contact_hyd.html | email= | address=G. S. Plaza, Gr. Floor, S-2-672, Road No. 1, Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2330-4500,+91 40 5521-4500, +91 40 2330-4700 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=12:45-3:30PM, 7:30-11:30PM | price=₹ 700 | content=Excellent Chinese place, though it tends more towards Indian Chinese. Try the dim sums and the darsaan for dessert. Good ambience and excellent service. }} *{{eat | name=Our Place | url= | email= | address=8-2-602/E, Charan Pahadi, Rd No. 10 Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions=look out for a small lane that goes upwards | phone=+91 40 23353422 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=₹ 350 | content=Has received great reviews for its kebabs and tandoori dishes. But avoid the Thai stuff, as it looks like a pale imitation. The ambience is great, the seating is outdoors amidst much greenery. Often, they have live gazal music for dinner. }} *{{eat | name=Punjabi by Nature | url=http://www.punjabibynature.in/ | email= | address=MJ Towers, Rd No.12, Banjara Hills. | lat= | long= | directions=opp. SBI Banjara Hills Branch | phone=+91 40 2331-7284,+91 40 2331-7285 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon-11:30PM | price=₹ 500 | content= Kitschy decor, good food, but overpriced. As the name suggests, serves Punjabi and Mughlai food, but the menu is entirely mainstream. The drink menu has exotic stuff like golgappa with vodka, and gulab jamun with brandy. }} *{{eat | name=Serengeti | url= | email= | address=8-2-682/3, Rd No. 12, Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions=Ohri's Banjara | phone=+91 40 2330-2200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon-3:30PM, 7-11:30PM | price=₹ 600 | content=Cuisine is from the Northwest Frontier Province while the decor tries to create the ambience of an African safari. The food is good, the wine list is extensive and quite good. }} *{{listing | type=eat | name=Sahib Sindh Sultan | alt= | url= | email= | address=City Centre, 5th Floor, Road no. 1 & 10, Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 66683337 | tollfree= | hours=Noon-3:30PM, 7-11:30PM | price=₹350 | content=Themed on the eponymous 19th century train. Seating is available inside the "carriage" or on the "railway station". Waiters are dressed in turbans and railway announcements are interspersed with the music. The food is good, the pickles interesting and you have a good choice of drinks. Try the licchi ki taheri for dessert. }} *{{eat | name=Southern Spice | url= | email= | address=8-2-350/3/2, Road Number 3, Plot Number 34, Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2335-3802, +91 40 2335-3803, +91 40 6682-2619 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon-3:30PM, 7-11:30PM | price=₹ 300 | content=Highly rated for Andhra delicacies like ragi sangati and gongura mamsam }} *{{eat | name=Tex Mex | url= | email= | address=Plot 217, Road No 2, Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2354-1493, +91 40 2354-2835 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon-3PM, 7:30-10:30PM | price=₹ 500 | content=Indian and World cuisine. }} *{{listing | type=eat | name=Zafraan Exotica | alt= | url= | email= | address=Road No. 12, Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 96521 15500 | tollfree= | hours=11AM-3:30PM, 7PM-midnight | price=₹ 500 | content=A rooftop restaurant with an exotic ambience. Serves Mughlai and Chinese. }} *{{eat | name=Angeethi | alt= | url= | email= | address=Unit 701-703, 7th floor, Reliance Classic, Rd # 1 Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 6525 5550 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=12:30-3:30PM, 7-11:30PM | price=₹ 500 | content=The ambience is of a Dhaba, complete with a pan shop, a well and a quack peddling herbal remedies for "marital problems". Interesting variations on traditional Punjabi dishes, but the dessert selection is meagre. }} *{{eat | name=Barbecue Nation | url= | email= | address=Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions=opp. City Centre Mall | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=₹575+taxes (Happy Hours before 8PM: ₹525+taxes) | content=Unlimited starters on a barbecue grill on your table. Desserts are OK. }} *{{eat | name=Terrace Bay | url= | email= | address=501, 5th Floor, Babukhan Mall, Punjagutta | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2341-8545, +91 40 2341-8546 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=1-11PM | price=₹ 600 | content=A fairly successful attempt to recreate Mexican cuisine in Hyderabad. To be visited more for the food than for the ambience. }} ===Splurge=== *{{eat | name=The Water Front | alt= | url=http://waterfronthyd.in | email= | address=Beside Eat Street, Necklace Rd | lat=17.42148 | long=78.46537 | directions= | phone=+91 40 2330 8899, +91 40 6527 8899 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=₹ 700 (cover charge of ₹ 300, ₹ 500 on weekends) | content=Has a nice view of Hussain Sagar lake, but the food, at its best, is passable. }} *{{eat | name=Arena | url=http://tajhotels.com/FoodandWine/Taj%20Deccan,HYDERABAD/SPICE%20JUNXION/default.htm | email= | address=Taj Deccan, Rd Number 1, Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 6666-3939 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=24 hr | price= | content=Coffee shop serves Sunday brunch. Sushi Bar. }} *{{eat | name=Fusion 9 | alt= | url= | email= | address=Number 4, First Avenue, Road Number 1, Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 6657-7722, +91 40 6657-7755 | tollfree= | hours=11AM-4PM, 7-11:30 | price= | content=Lounge bar and restaurant, with a wide range of cuisines from different parts of the world. Closed until December 2017 for renovation. }} *{{eat | name=Golden Dragon | url=http://www.tajhotels.com/FoodandWine/Taj%20Krishna,HYDERABAD/GOLDEN%20DRAGON/default.htm | email= | address=Taj Krishna, Road Number 1, Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 6666-2323, +91 40 2339-2323 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=12:30-14:45, 19:30-23:45 | price=₹ 800 | content=Opulent Chinese restaurant. }} *{{eat | name=Hall Of Fame | url= | email= | address=Plot Number 1098, Road Number 36, Jubilee Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 64516969, +91 40 64526969 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-11:30PM | price= | content=Sports grill. American, Italian and Mexican food with ''sport viewing''. }} *{{eat | name=Kebab-e-Bahar | url=http://www.tajhotels.com/FoodandWine/Taj%20Banjara,HYDERABAD/KEBAB%20E%20BAHAR/default.htm | email= | address=Taj Banjara, Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2339-9999 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7:30-11:45PM | price= | content=Kebabs from all over, including Hyderabad and Northwest Frontier. }} *{{listing | type=eat | name=Little Italy Bar and Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.littleitaly.in/ | email= | address=275, Film Nagar | lat= | long= | directions=opp. KBR Park, at Apollo Crossing | phone=+91 40 2355 8001 | tollfree= | hours=noon-3:30PM, 7-11:30PM | price=₹ 700 | content=Italian style, completely vegetarian. }} *{{eat | name=Spice Junxion | url=http://tajhotels.com/FoodandWine/Taj%20Deccan,HYDERABAD/Arena-%20All%20Day%20Dining/default.htm | email= | address=Taj Deccan, Road Number 1, Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 6666-3939 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=noon-7:30PM, 7-11:30PM | price= | content=South Indian cuisine with a trendy twist. Lunchtime platters with 10 starters, 8 main course items and 4 desserts served in a span of 40 min. Regular menu items are dosa with mutton curry and idly with chicken curry. The condiment trolley has 17 types of chutneys, pickles, spicy powders, papads and vadiyalu from South India. Desserts; paan ice cream, all-spice chocolates and traditional south Indian sweets are made in-house. }} ===Bakeries=== *{{eat | name=Karachi Bakery | alt= | url= | email= | address=Mozamjahi Market, Road No.1, Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions=Near Image Hospitals Madhapur. Beside Paradise Food Court Kothapet | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=My Cafe Latte | url= | email= | address=Plot No. 1100, Road No. 36 Jubilee Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2355 3709 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Coffee, mocktails and sandwiches, with Hollywood themed decor. }} * {{eat | name=Sarvi Bakers and Confectioners | url= | email= | address=Opposite Care Hospital, Road Number 1, Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 6663-1113, +91 40 6663-1114 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=₹ 50 | content=Place for sandwiches, burgers and puffs. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Ofen | alt= | url=http://www.theofen.com/ | email= | address=Plot Number 49, Road Number 10, Banjara Hills | lat=17.41580 | long=78.44312 | directions= | phone=+91 40 2337 2205, +91 40 2337 2235 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 8AM-11PM | price=₹150 | content=Excellent place for breads and related foods - especially for health conscious. Includes breads like whole grain breads, ragi breads and sugar free cakes. }} * {{eat | name=The Chocolate Room | url=http://www.thechocolateroomindia.com/ | email= | address=Plot no 268, Kavuri hills | lat= | long= | directions=near Madhapur Police Station Crossing, Jubilee hills | phone=+91 40 6458-9595 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=₹150 | content=Wonderful drinking chocolates and crepes. Also a good place to hang out and have a conversation, though it does get crowded on weekends during the evening. }} * {{eat | name=Almond House | alt= | url=http://www.almondhouse.com/ | email= | address=Shop No. 3-6-237, Lingapur Building Himayath Nagar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2322-6068 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Quality Indian sweets. }} * {{eat | name=King & Cardinal | alt= | url= | email= | address=3-5-907, Himayathnagar X Roads, Himayathnagar | lat=17.4007 | long=78.4879 | directions= | phone=+91 40 6661 5444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=₹100 | content=Pizzas and burgers. Also serves Indian Chinese snacks. }} * {{eat | name=Universal Bakers | url= | email= | address=3-6-12, Himayatnagar, Himayathnagar Paradise, Himaythnagar & Masab Tank | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=8AM-10PM | price= | content=Baked biscuits, cakes and burgers. Has 3 outlets. }} ==Drink== ===Pubs=== * {{drink | name=Easy Rider | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 498 4903 2297 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Lakeview Palace, Road no 1, Banjara Hills, (''opposite Taj Banjara''). 11:30AM-11PM }} * {{drink | name=Hard Rock Cafe | alt= | url= | email= | address=1 Mall Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=GVK No 1 Banjara Hills. Part of world wide chain. Excellent ambiance, check their website for events. }} * '''Club8''', Life style building Ameerpet, cheap beer, usually have a (1+1) offer available before 7PM. * '''H2O''' Amrutha castle, (''near lumbini garden''). ₹ 150-300. ===Bars=== *{{drink | name=Atrium Bar | url=http://www.tajhotels.com/FoodandWine/Taj%20Deccan,HYDERABAD/ATRIUM%20BAR/default.htm | email= | address=Taj Deccan, Road No.1 Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2339 2684, +91 40 6666 3939 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-11:30PM | price= | content= }} *{{drink | name=Fashion (FTV) | url= | email= | address=Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Trendy lounge bar. }} *{{drink | name=Liquids Again | url= | email= | address=5th Floor, ABN Amro Bank Complex, Bhaskara Plaza, Road Number 1, Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 6625 9907, +91 406625-9908 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-11PM | price=₹ 900 | content=Sleek, trendy lounge bar. }} *{{drink | name=Seventh Heaven | url= | email= | address=6-3-883/5, Seventh Floor, Venkat Plaza, Punjagutta | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 6666 8833, +91 40 6666-8822 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-11:30PM | price= | content=Nice rooftop bar and restaurant. }} *{{drink | name=Touch | url= | email= | address=1st Floor, Trendset Towers, Road Number 2, Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2354 2433, +91 40 2354 2422, +91 40 6651 6666 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11:30AM-11:30PM | price=₹500 | content=Upscale, celebrity hang-out, great place but very expensive. Has a dress code, shoes mandatory. }} *{{listing | type=drink | name=Hydrate | alt= | url= | email= | address=# 6-1-79 & 80, Hampshire Plaza, Lakdi-Ka-Pul | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2333 5555 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Elegant bar at Hampshire Plaza. }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== *{{sleep | name=Aahwaanam | url= | email= | address=NTR Estate, Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Abids | lat= | long= | directions=Opp. Ramakrishna Cinema Hall | phone=+91 40 2474 0301, +91 40 2474 0305, +91 92 9133 3108 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=₹ 600-1,000 | checkin=24 hr | checkout=24 hr | content=Basic budget hotel. Most rooms are not air-conditioned. }} *{{sleep | name=Classic Lodge & Boarding | alt= | url=http://classic-lodge.business.site/ | email=info@classiclodge.in | address=5-8-112 to 173, 21st Century Commercial Complex, Nampally | lat= | long= | directions=Opp. Board of Intermediate | phone=+91 4023200159, +91 4023200537, +91 8121179866, +91 9000005320 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=24 hr | checkout=24 hr | price=₹300-1,600 | content=Air-conditioned and non air-conditioned deluxe rooms & 25-bed dormitory with multiple bathrooms, and all basic facilities available. }} *{{sleep | name=Hotel Geetanjali | url=http://www.hotelgeetanjali.com/ | email= | address=4-1-938/26/A, New Marketing Complex, Abids, Tilak Rd | lat=17.392477 | long=78.477294 | directions= | phone=+91 40 66635500 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=₹ 800-1,500 | checkin=24 hr | checkout=24 hr | content=Air-conditioned and non air-conditioned rooms. Budget hotel, offers room service, clean & economical rooms and free wifi, online reservations, rated environmentally friendly, no restaurants. Close to transportation. }} *{{sleep | name=Hotel Haridwar | alt= | url=http://www.hotelharidwar.com | email= | address=4-6-464, Esamiya Bazar, Koti | lat=17.38456 | long=78.48903 | directions= | phone=+91 40 2465 6711, +91 40 2473 2780 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=24 hr | checkout=24 hr | price=₹ 350-850 | content=Basic functional hotel with attached vegetarian restaurant. Caters mainly to visitors from North India. }} *{{sleep | name=Hotel Minerva | alt= | url=http://minervahotel.in/ | email= | address=3-6-199/1, Himayat Nagar | lat=17.4014 | long=78.4852 | directions= | phone=+91 40 2322-0448 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹ 1,300-1,800 | content=Close to the Birla temple and other attractions. Good budget choice in an area where there aren't many budget hotels. }} *{{sleep | name=Sitara Paradise | alt= | url=http://sitarahotels.com/ameerpet-paradise.html | email= | address=No. 6-3-788/34, Opp. Lane of Chandana Bros, Ameerpet | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2373 5222, +91 40 2373 5333, +91 40 6684 4449 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹ 1,100-1,500 | content=Small hotel in the middle of the Ameerpet shopping district. Don't expect a quiet stay, but the rooms are spacious and elegant. This hotel is geared more towards weddings and celebrations, not for business travellers or tourists. }} *{{sleep | name=Best Western Ashoka | url=http://bestwesternashoka.com/lakdikapul/ | email= | address=6-1-70, Lakdi-ka-Pul | lat=17.40406 | long=78.46546 | directions= | phone=+91 40 2323 0105, +91 40 6651 0222, +91 40 3062 0222, +91 40 6651 0220 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=₹ 600-1,500 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Air-conditioned and non air-conditioned rooms. }} ===Mid-range=== *{{sleep | name=Amrutha Castle | alt= | url=http://amruthacastle.com/ | email= | address=#5-9-16, Opp. Secretariat, Saifabad | lat=17.40752 | long=78.46886 | directions= | phone=+91 40 6663 3888 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Designed after castles from medieval Bavarian Europe. All-suite accommodations, meeting and event space, onsite restaurants, a fitness centre and swimming pool. Close to important attractions. }} *{{sleep | name=The Central Court | alt= | url=http://www.thecentralcourt.com | email= | address=6-1-71, Lakdi-ka-Pul | lat=17.40434 | long=78.46516 | directions= | phone=+91 98 493-23232, +91 40 2323-2323, +91 40 2323-3262 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Centrally located and targeted at the business traveller who needs a place to sleep. Provides complimentary internet and most other business facilities. In addition, it has a couple of reasonable restaurants. }} *{{sleep | name=Quality Inn Residency | url=http://www.qualityinnresidency.com | email= | address=5-8-231/2, Public Garden Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 3061 6161, +91 40 2320 4080,+91 40 5551 4060 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=₹ 3,300-11,000 | checkin=24 hr | checkout=24hr | content=Business hotel, internet, conference facilities. ''Venue'', a vegetarian restaurant is part of the hotel, as is ''One Flight Down'', a basement pub. The location is more suited for access to the main city rather than Hi tech city. }} *{{sleep | name=Rukmini Riviera | alt= | url=http://rukminiriviera.com/ | email= | address=6-1-1062, Lakdi-ka-Pul | lat=17.4058 | long=78.4641 | directions=behind Hotel Dwaraka | phone=+91 40 6678-5566, +91 92 4659 1237 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=24 hr | checkout=24 hr | price=₹ 1,600-2,200 | content=Basic, functional and clean hotel. 2 restaurants, one is vegetarian and the other has a bar. It is located near the city centre, at a reasonable distance from both tourist attractions and office complexes, though it is not suitable if you need access to Hi tech city. 2 banquet halls, geared more towards weddings and other celebrations. }} *{{listing | type=sleep | name=Hotel Marjan International | alt= | url=https://www.oyorooms.com/74786-capital-o-capital-o-46248-marjan-international-hyderabad/ | email= | address=Opp. Public Gardens, Chapel Rd, Nampally | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2324 4041, +91 40 2324 4042, +91 40 2324 4043 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹ 2,500-3,500 | content=An adequate and comfortable hotel, located close to the Nampally railway station. Large rooms, restaurant. }} *{{sleep | name=Athithi Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=# 7-1-59/1, Dharam Karam Rd, Ameerpet | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2373 9091 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=noon | checkout=noon | price=₹ 2,000-4,000 | content=Cozy hotel, slightly far from the city centre. Room service and laundry available. Has conference room facilities. Houses 2 restaurants. }} *{{sleep | name=Hotel Harsha | alt= | url=http://www.hotelharsha.net/ | email= | address=39 Public Garden Rd, Nampally | lat=17.39349 | long=78.47052 | directions= | phone=+91 40 2320- 2729, +91 40 2320 1188, +91 40 6663 1188 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=24 hr | checkout=24 hr | price=₹ 1,600-2,500 (higher rates for foreigners, payable in US dollars) | content=Close to the railway station. Basic, but adequate facilities. Vegetarian dining available. As it is close to the main road, it is somewhat noisy. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Hotel Mandakini Jaya International | alt= | url=http://www.hoteljayainternational.in/ | email=sales@hoteljayainternational.in | address=3/1 & 3/2 Reddy Hostel Lane, Hanuman Tekdi, Abids | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2475 2929, +91 9951242929 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From ₹ 1,700 | content=Chic hotel in the market area of Abids and well connected with city and other business centres. Good for business and leisure travellers and is very close to the airport. }} *{{sleep | name=Minerva Grand | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Promoted as a "Boutique Business Hotel". Rooms are elegantly furnished and provide a cozy atmosphere without pampering you too much. It has a business centre, internet in all rooms, and both locations have branches of '''Blue Fox''', a multi-cuisine restaurant. }} *{{listing | type=sleep | name=Sai Prakash | alt= | url=https://hotelsaiprakash.chobs.in/ | email= | address=5-4-434, Station Road, Nampally | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2461 1726 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹ 1,500 | content=Close to the airport, strictly adequate. }} *{{sleep | name=Falcons Nest Imperia Suites | alt= | url=http://www.falconsnest.in | email=info@falconsnest.in | address=1299F, Road no 68, Jubilee Hills | lat= | long= | directions=Close to Apollo Hospitals, Film Nagar, Annapurna Studios | phone=+91 40 2360 0060,+91 40 2360 0029 | tollfree= | checkin=noon | checkout=noon | price= | content=A good, reasonably priced hotel. Has been renovated, and the suite rooms are luxury. Free Wi-Fi and a complimentary breakfast. }} *{{sleep | name=I K London Residency | url=http://www.hoteliklondonresidency.co.in/ | email= | address=6-3-656, Kapadia Lane, Somajiguda, | lat= | long= | directions=in the lane diagonally opposite NIMS | phone=+91 40 6662 5555, +91 40 6675 9516, +91 40 6675 9517 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=₹ 2,500-5,000 | checkin=24 hr | checkout=24 hr | content=Caters to business travellers and has easy access to Punjagutta, Begumpet and the secretariat areas. Complimentary breakfast, WiFi and most other facilities you'd expect from a business hotel. }} *{{sleep | name=Minerva Grand Banjara | alt= | url=http://minervahotels.in/banjara-road-eleven/p/home-page | email= | address=8-2-616, Road No 11, Banjara Hills | lat=17.41347 | long=78.44490 | directions= | phone=+91 40 6612 7373 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹ 3,000-6,000 | content=This is a newer property. Has '''Stir''', an all-day coffee shop. }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Hampshire Plaza | alt= | url=http://www.hampshireplaza.com | email= | address=6-1-79 & 80, Lakdi-ka-Pul | lat=17.40515 | long=78.46457 | directions=Diagonally Opposite To Amravathi Theater | phone=+91 40 2333 5555 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=noon | checkout=nooh | price=₹ 7,000-11,000 | content=Well worth a stay if the location is right. Well-appointed rooms, with WiFi and all amenities you would expect at the price. }} * Marriott has 2 properties within walking distance of each other in the Tank Bund area near Hussain Sagar Lake and the Courtyard: ** {{sleep | name=Courtyard Hyderabad | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/hydcy-courtyard-hyderabad/ | email= | address=1-3-1024 Lower Tank Bund Rd | lat=17.42351 | long=78.48773 | directions= | phone=+91 40 2752 1222 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=₹ 5,000-7,000 | content=Opened in December 2009. Business hotel, many rooms have a view of the lake. }} ** {{sleep | name=Marriott Hotel & Convention Centre | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/hydmc-hyderabad-marriott-hotel-and-convention-centre/ | email= | address=opposite Hussain Sagar Lake, Tank Bund Rd | lat=17.4242 | long=78.4872 | directions= | phone=+91 40 2752-2999 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=₹ 7,000-16,000 | content=The more expensive rooms have a view of the Hussain Sagar Lake right across the street. Wi-Fi and wired internet available in all rooms, charged extra. There are 3 restaurants and a bar, including '''Bidri''' an Indian restaurant serving Hyderabadi cuisine. }} * {{sleep | name=Aditya Park | alt= | url=http://www.sarovarhotels.com/hyderabad-hotels/aditya-park | email= | address=Aditya Trade Centre, lane beside Huda Maitrivanam, Ameerpet | lat=17.4370 | long=78.4465 | directions= | phone=+91 40 6678 8888 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹ 4,500-6,000 | content=Close to business areas, but far from tourist attractions or from Hi tech city. Free internet, and have a restaurant ''Promenade'' and a bar ''Harry's''. }} * {{sleep | name=The Golkonda | alt= | url=http://www.thegolkondahotel.com | email= | address=10-1-124, Masab Tank Crossroads | lat=17.40441 | long=78.45366 | directions=opposite Polytechnic | phone=+91 40 6611 0101, +91 40 2332 0202, +91 40 2332-0404 | tollfree=+1800 425-0202 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹ 5,000-9,000 (extra for foreigners paying in dollars) | content=This is one of the few 4-star hotels in this area. Free breakfast and free internet. Has a fitness centre and a swimming pool. Suitable for business travellers and tourists. }} * {{sleep | name=Green Park | alt= | url=http://www.hotelgreenpark.com/Hyderabad | email= | address=Greenlands, Begumpet | lat=17.43616 | long=78.45378 | directions= | phone=+91 40 6651 5151 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=noon | checkout=noon | price=₹ 5,000-11,000 | content=Close to the city's business areas. Rooms are well-furnished, free breakfast coffee shop, internet and access to the minibar. '''Once upon a time''' is the speciality restaurant. '''The Mustang Bar''' and '''Torque''' the pub. }} * {{sleep | name=ITC Kakatiya | alt= | url=https://www.itchotels.com/in/en/itckakatiya-hyderabad | email=reservations@itchotels.in | address=6-3-1187, Begumpet | lat=17.43261 | long=78.45735 | directions= | phone=+91 40 2333 5555 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹ 15,000-30,000 | content=If price is no object, this is the place to stay. Located in the centre of the business district. It has 3 full-service restaurants. ''Deccan Pavilion'' is open 24 hr, and serves up a Sunday brunch from 12:30-3PM. South Indian restaurant ''Dakshin'' and an Irish-themed pub ''Dublin''. }} *[http://www.tajhotels.com/ Taj], a famous Indian hotel chain, has five iconic hotels in Hyderabad of which three are on the same street in Banjara Hills: :* {{sleep | name=Taj Banjara | alt= | url=https://gateway.tajhotels.com/en-in/taj-banjara/ | email= | address=Road No. 1, Banjara Hills | lat=17.40965 | long=78.44884 | directions= | phone=+91 40 6666 2323 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=₹ 5,000-16,000 | content=Taj Banjara is by the side of its own private lake. The lake is not very well-maintained or clean, but the rooms are. Conference facilities and good for business events. Open-air restaurant '''Kabab-e-bahar''' serves Indian BBQ. ''Underdeck'', a basement pub. }} :* {{sleep | name=Taj Deccan | alt= | url=https://vivanta.tajhotels.com/en-in/deccan/ | email= | address=Road No. 1, Banjara Hills | lat=17.41811 | long=78.45070 | directions= | phone=+91 40 6666 3939 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=noon | checkout=noon | price=₹ 5,000-13,000 | content=The least expensive of the 3 Taj hotels. Restaurant ''Spice Junxion'' serves fusion South Indian cuisine, with a wide variety of pickles, spiced martinis are a speciality of the restaurant. }} :* {{sleep | name=Taj Krishna | alt= | url=https://taj.tajhotels.com/en-in/taj-krishna-hyderabad/ | email= | address=Road No. 1, Banjara Hills | lat=17.41649 | long=78.45001 | directions= | phone=+91 40 6666 2323 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=₹ 9,000-15,000 | content=This is the closest that Hyderabad has to a grand old hotel. Taj bought a failing property and turned it into one of the premier hotels in Hyderabad. The hotel interiors are over the top, but rooms are tastefully done, though the hotel's age shows in some places. '''Golden Dragon''' Chinese restaurant, '''Ahala''' the pub, conference facilities available. }} ==Connect== {{IsPartOf|Hyderabad}} {{usabledistrict}} {{geo|17.45|78.5}} ksr4c92qs82hju44auwhfsrd8e48kei 5087120 5087119 2025-07-03T11:48:44Z Rangan Datta Wiki 124323 /* Ancient sites */ 5087120 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Hussain Sagar Lake 1a.jpg|pgname=Central Hyderabad}} '''Central Hyderabad''' is the modern city centre of [[Hyderabad]], lying between the Musi river and Hussain Sagar lake. This article covers the entire Central Zone of Hyderabad. Hyderabad's "New City", opposite the Old City north of the Musi River, developed after the Independence to house the government offices of the capital of Andhra Pradesh. This area is now the city commercial and government centre. The Hussain Sagar lake and its surroundings have been beautified in the last two decades and you will find some nice amusement parks, promenades and restaurants around it. To the west of the lake are the prosperous suburbs of Punjagutta, Banjara Hills and Jubilee Hills, with shopping and restaurants. Banjara Hills is where Hyderabad's swish set lives - the industrialists, movie stars and politicians. The neighbourhoods contain some good parks and restaurants. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|17.41|78.455|width=500|height=350|zoom=12|name=Map of Central Hyderabad}} {{Mapshape|wikidata=Q1952301|type=geoline|stroke-width=5}} {{Mapshapes|Q646209}} {{Mapmask| 17.36243,78.45502 |17.36373,78.45564 |17.36539,78.45647 |17.36639,78.45717 |17.36748,78.45825 |17.36840,78.46195 |17.36952,78.46807 |17.36969,78.46885 |17.37023,78.47122 |17.37086,78.47449 |17.37131,78.47635 |17.37152,78.47710 |17.37180,78.47786 |17.37231,78.47935 |17.37278,78.48027 |17.37323,78.48123 |17.37368,78.48182 |17.37495,78.48024 |17.37558,78.48070 |17.37636,78.48109 |17.37689,78.48079 |17.37867,78.48152 |17.38055,78.48416 |17.38073,78.48801 |17.37942,78.48801 |17.37986,78.49183 |17.38072,78.49485 |17.38499,78.50025 |17.38602,78.50306 |17.38587,78.50678 |17.38587,78.51090 |17.38249,78.51457 |17.37998,78.51699 |17.37958,78.51737 |17.37864,78.51858 |17.37736,78.52176 |17.37630,78.52518 |17.38096,78.52838 |17.38227,78.52812 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|17.36034,78.45223 |17.36131,78.45387 |17.36243,78.45502 }} Both the metro lines and the MMTS are centred around this area. ===By train=== Hyderabad Deccan railway station, also known as Nampally railway station, is the major station in the heart of Hyderabad. <!-- * {{listing|type=go |name=Kachiguda MMTS Station |alt=KCG |address= |lat=17.38921 | long=78.49927|directions=Narayanguda's YMCA, Osmania University, book shops in Koti, Giriraj lane's electronic shops, Lord Krishna Temple on Giriraj lane, Hanuman Temple, Hyderabad ISKCON Temple, General Post Office, old Taj Mahal hotel, Samasthan Gadwal Handloom Shopping Centre, the Government Building of Andhra Pradesh State Financial Corporation, Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation Office Building, Maheshwari Palace Shopping Mall, New Marketing complex on Tilak Road, Mubarak Bazaar in Abids and the President Plaza are accessible from here|content= }} --> ==See== * {{listing | type=see | name=Osmania Arts College | alt=Osmania University Arts College | url=http://www.osmania.ac.in/ | email= | address=Osmania University, Amberpet | lat=17.41918 | long=78.52628 | directions=Bus stop Manikeshwari Nagar | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7107125 | content=Built during the period of the last Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan. The imposing facade of the building is a great sight. }} * {{see | name=Birla Science Centre | alt= | url=http://www.birlasciencecentre.org/ | email= | address=Secretariat, AG Office Rd, Adarshnagar | lat=17.403347 | long=78.470647 | directions=close to Birla Temple, Naubat Pahad - Next to Aranya Bhavan. -AG Office Bus Stop; MMTS: {{station|Lakdikapul|hf|hl}}; metro: {{station|Lakdikapul|red}} | phone=+91 40 2324 1067 | tollfree= | hours=museum 10:30AM–8PM, planetarium English shows 11:30AM, 4PM, 6PM, more shows in Telugu and one show in Hindi F–W | price=museum ₹ 40, planetarium ₹ 40, combined admission ₹ 70, Modern Art Gallery ₹ 40. Parking ₹ 20 for car, ₹ 10 for motorcycle | wikidata=Q3764957 | lastedit=2023-06-16 | content=The show at the '''Planetarium''' lasts 35 min and is moderately interesting. The '''Science Museum''', on the other hand, is poorly maintained. The '''Dinosaurium''' at the upper level is interesting. It contains a complete skeleton of a dinosaur Kotasaurus yamanpalliensis discovered in the village of [[Yemanapalli]] in 1988. '''Modern Art Gallery''' is near the Dinosaurium (ignore the signboard near parking directing to lower level). It's the personal collection of Nirmala Birla; also quite interesting. }} * {{see | name=Kala Bhavan | url=http://www.ravindrabharathi.org/ | email= | address=Ravindra Bharathi complex, Saifabad, Lakdikapul Rd, | lat=17.40337 | long=78.467043 | directions=near the State Assembly | phone= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=An art gallery }} * {{see | name=Jalavihar | alt= | url=http://jalavihar.in/ | email= | address=Necklace Rd | lat=17.43264 | long=78.46559 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1702769 | content=A popular family entertainment and event venue. The water park offers a wide range of wet and dry rides, attractions, and amenities for visitors of all ages. }} * {{see | name=Telangana State Archives and Research Institute | alt= | url=http://apstatearchives.ap.nic.in | email= | address=Rajya Abhilekha Nlym, Upl Road, Tarnaka | lat=17.423747 | long=78.536321 | directions= | phone=+91 40 2701 8371, +91 40 2700 2373 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Exhibition | alt=S. N. Vanita Maha Vidyalaya - Exhibition Grounds | url= | email= | address=Nampally (Vanitha College) | lat=17.38602 | long=78.47035 | directions= Gandhi Bhavan Bus Stop | phone=+91 40 2460 3266 | fax= | hours= | price= | content=An exhibition that runs in the months of January & February every year. It showcases various items made across India. It runs every year starting 1 Jan-15 Feb in the Exhibition grounds. }} * {{see | name=The Kothi Residency | alt=Koti Women's College, formerly the British Residency | url=http://www.oucwkoti.ac.in/ | email= | address=Koti Main Road, Essamiya Bazaar, Kachiguda | lat=17.3837 | long=78.48699 | directions=in the suburb of Koti, just north of the Musi river | phone=+91 40 2473 7692 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-02-07 | content=A mansion built in the syle of a Palladian villa, built for James Achilles Kirkpatrick when he was British Resident of Hyderabad between 1798 and 1805. It continued to be centre of British power in the south of India until independence in 1947. Set in a large forested, walled compound, it was once the embassy of the East India Company to the court of the Nizam of Hyderabad. Within the compound is a miniature model of the Residency – built for Kirkpatrick's Indian wife Khair un Nissa, who remained in purdah. Restoration works were completed in January 2023. Inside you can see the ornate dining room, offices and pictures of the many famous dignataries who visited in its heyday. The entrance features a long flight of stairs with ornate pillars supporting a giant pediment. Although European in style, it was constructed by local artisans using locally sourced material, with funding from the Nizam. Lime and mud plaster covered the brick and stone and masonry with teak wood beams providing the structural support. }} ===Ancient sites=== [[File:Golconda Fort T.jpg|thumb|200 px|Baradari atop Golconda Fort]] [[image:India - Hyderabad - 101 - Qutub Shahi Tombs (3920150765).jpg|200px|right|thumb|Qutubshahi Tombs]] [[File:Hatiyan ka Jhad (Baobab Tree) in Naya Qila.jpg|thumb|200 px|Hatiyan ka Jhad (Baobab Tree) in Naya Qila]] [[File:Hussain Sagar Lake 2.jpg|thumb|200 px|Illuminated Buddha statue on Hussain Sagar Lake]] * {{see | name=Golconda Fort | alt= | url=http://www.telanganatourism.gov.in/partials/destinations/heritage-spots/hyderabad/golconda-fort.html | email= | address= | lat=17.3843 | long=78.4025 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM-8PM | price=₹100 all | wikidata=Q4141623 | content=The Golconda Fort was the capital of the Qutb Shahi kingdom. Set aside a minimum of 2 hr to do justice to your visit -- the outer wall measures 10 km. Learning a little about the fort ahead of time is recommended, as it is easy to get confused or lost in the massive space. If you accept one of the local guides (who hustle you at the entrance gate) try to pick one who knows his stuff (₹ 500 per tour and the guide would also ask you for tips in the end, however, it is entirely up to you whether to give tips or not), rather than someone who was just passing by, spotted you and will tell you bits he once read in a guidebook. The genuine old Muslim guide who gained his encyclopedic knowledge of Golconda as an infant from his 118-year-old grandmother knows the history of every inch of the place and will show you with expertise the echo/architecture system built into the fort that the ruler used as a communication/spying system. After sunset, there is an hour-long '''light and sound show''' telling you the story of the Golconda fort which is worth seeing, though it could be a little boring. Price for foreigners ₹50/100 for normal/executive tickets. The English show runs Nov-Feb 6:30PM daily and Mar-Oct until 7PM daily. Hindi and Telugu shows are run afterwards on certain days. Afterwards, have a wander through the tiny streets and shops surrounding the fort. The beautiful scruffy old shops and houses will sell you everything from naan bread to bangles, and the fading and gaudy old painted gates and houses are a delight, as are the friendly locals. }} * {{see | name=Qutb Shahi Tombs | alt=Seven Tombs | url=http://www.hyderabadtourism.travel/qutub-shahi-tombs-hyderabad | email= | address=Seven Tombs Colony, Shaikpet | lat=17.395 | long=78.396 | directions= | phone=+91 40 2351 341 | tollfree= | hours=Sa-Th 9:30AM-5:30PM | price=₹10, camera ₹20 | wikidata=Q7273006 | lastedit=2023-06-16 | content=The tombs of the Qutubshahi dynasty. Most of them were built by Quli Qutb Shah, the founder. In 2010 local newspapers revealed that shoddy 'restoration' work allegedly using unskilled labour with road drills (bought in by one government department that didn't bother to seek professional advice or inform the local archaeological or environment departments) has been damaging these beautiful buildings. }} ** {{see | name=Qutub Shahi Tombs Site Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.395 | long=78.396 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Toli Masjid | alt= | url= | email= | address=Karwan | lat=17.37493 | long=78.44419 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7814255| wikipedia=Toli Masjid | content=300 years old. Known for its splendid architecture. }} * {{see | name=Naya Qila | alt=New Fort | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.388838 | long=78.41137 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-05-02 | content=It is an extension of the famous Golconda Fort on the northeastern side. Before the extension came up the elevated area was used as a launching pad by Aurangzeb (then Mughal governor of Dedcan) in 1656 during his attack on the Golkonda Fort. Although Aurangzeb failed in his attempt to capture Golkonda but attacks considerably damaged the walls of the Golconda. To avoid future attacks and loss Sultan Abdullah Qutb Shah ordered an extension of the fort which came to be known as Naya Qila (New Fort). In 2011 a golf course came up in the Naya Qila region restricting the entry of common people. This led to objections from various NGOs and heritage enthusiasts leading to free access to the heritage sites within the golf complex. }} ** {{see | name=Baobab Tree | alt=Hatiyan Jhod | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.392978 | long=78.40958 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-05-02 | content=This African Baobab (''adansonia digitata'') tree is 400+ years old and happens to be the oldest tree in Hyderabad. The tree originates from [[Madagascar]] and was planted by wandering friars during their stay at Golconda. The circumference of the trunk measures 25 meters and is irregular in shape and roughly represents an elephant and hence the name Hatiyan Jhod (Elephant Tree). The huge trunk is hollow and covers a huge space. According to legend the space provided shelter for 40 thieves during the Qutab Shahi rule. They used it as a shelter during the day and committed the crime during the night. }} ** {{see | name=Jamali Darwaza | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.390773 | long=78.406488 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-05-02 | content=One of the 8 gates in the outer ramparts of Golconda Fort. }} ** {{see | name=Banjari Darwaza and Golconda entrance | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.388918 | long=78.407643 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-05-02 | content=Present day entrance to Golconda and one of the largest of the gates in the ramparts. }} ** {{see | name=Mulla Khayali Mosque | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.392812 | long=78.410566 | directions=Next to Boabab Tree | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-05-02 | content=Built to honour the royal poet of the Qutb Shahi court. }} ** {{see | name=Naya Qila Habitat Centre | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.388974 | long=78.410471 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-05-02 | content= }} ===Art galleries=== * {{see | name=Alankrita Art Gallery | alt= | url=http://aalankritha.com/about-us | email= | address=41 A, Kakateeya Hills Ext. of Jubilee Hills Road No. 36 | lat=17.442052 | long=78.401107 | directions= | phone=+91 40 4020 7171 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Le Cafe De Art | url= | email= | address=Rd No.1 Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 6550 6661 | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Gallery Space | url= | email= | address=Rd No.12, Road Number 86, MLA Colony, Banjara Hills | lat=17.41351 | long=78.42215 | directions=Next to Pearl City Church, south of Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park | phone=+91 40 6554 1836 | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Kalahita Art Foundation | url= | email= | address=Lakshmi Towers, Nagarjuna Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2335 0543 | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Pegasus Art Gallery | url= | email= | address=Road No.72 Jubilee Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 23608883 | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=State Gallery Of Art | alt=Chitramayee | url= | email= | address=Road No. 1, Kavuri Hills, Madhapur, CBI Colony, Jubilee Hills | lat=17.43650 | long=78.39777 | directions=south of Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park | phone=+91 40 2311 3308 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Vishwakarma arts gallery | alt= | url=http://vishwakarmaarts.com/ | email=vishwakarmarts@yahoo.com | address=Banjara Hills, Panjagutta, Dwarakapuri colony, Esteem House, Backside of Model House | lat=17.42425 | long=78.45348 | directions=Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences Bus Stop | phone=+91 40 6661 5039 | tollfree= | hours=10AM-9PM | price= | content= }} ===Museums=== * {{see | name=Telangana State Archaeology Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address=Public Gardens, Nampally | lat=17.385044 | long=78.486671 | directions=metro: {{station|Assembly|red}} | phone=+91 40 2323 4942 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th Sa Su 10:30AM-5PM, F closed | price=Adults ₹10, children ₹5, camera ₹20 | wikidata=Q4653501 | lastedit=2023-01-05 | content=Displays a stunning array of artifacts dating back to the 1st century to the 20th century. Ranging from the Lotus Medallion of the 1st century to the Amazing Kalankari work that adorned the bed-spreads of the Nizams to a period room that displays the typical living room of the Nizam time to the Jain sculptures and Statues - this place has it all. }} ===Places of worship=== [[File:Birla Mandir in Hyderabad.jpg|thumb|300px|The Birla Mandir.]] * {{see | name=Birla Mandir | alt= | url= | email= | address=Adarsh Nagar, Naubat Pahad | lat=17.40618 | long=78.46904 | directions=Two different routes depending on whether you want to drive right to the top or climb the stairs. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM-noon, 2-8PM | price=Free | wikidata=Q4916532| wikipedia=Birla Mandir, Hyderabad | image=Birla Mandir in Hyderabad.jpg | content=The industrial house of the Birlas have the tradition of building magnificent marble temples in cities of India, all of which are known as Birla Mandir. This one is one of the best. The temple manifests a blend of South Indian, Rajasthani and Utkala temple architectures. It is made of 2,000 tonnes of Rajasthani white marble. The granite of the presiding deity is about 3.4 m tall and a carved lotus forms an umbrella on the roof. The consorts of Lord Venkateswara, Padmavati and Andal are housed in separate shrines. There is a brass flagpole in the temple premises which rises to a height of 13 m on top of Naubat Pahad (mountain). This clean, sparkling white temple dedicated to Venkateshwara has viewing areas that afford a great view of the city. Sadly, cameras and camera mobiles are banned; your bags are checked at the entrance. Shoes are not allowed, so come early in the morning so the ground will not be too hot. There is a free cloakroom available for both electronics and shoes. }} * {{see | name=Khairtabad Mosque | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.40856 | long=78.46326 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-12-01 | content= }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Balaji Temple | alt=Visa Balaji | url=http://www.chilkurbalaji.com/ | email= | address=Chilkur, RTC Cross Roads | lat=17.40292 | long=78.49641 | directions=Vidhya Nagar MMTS Station 1.5 km east | phone= | tollfree= | hours=5AM-8PM | price=Free | wikidata=Q5098989 | content=Chilkur is an important pilgrim centre in Hyderabad. The Lord here is Sri Venkateswara Swamy in a standing posture, beside whom is Goddess Sridevi and Goddess Bhudevi. People with wishes, take 11 rounds a round the core of the temple. Once their wish has been fulfilled they return to perform 108 more rounds. You will find people ticking away at the pieces of paper with the numbers to track the count. }} * {{see | name=Jama Masjid Musheerabad | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.41827 | long=78.49782 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=St Joseph's Cathedral | url= | email= | address=Gun Foundry Area | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Established in 1820, this is the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Hyderabad. }} * {{see | name=St George's Church |alt=| url= | email= | address=Abid Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2017-12-18| content=St George's Church is one of the oldest churches in the city of Hyderabad, India. It was built in the year 1844 AD. The church was built as an Anglican church but is now under the auspices of the Church of South India. }} * {{see | name=Iskon Temple | url=http://iskconhyd.blogspot.com/ | email= | address=Abids | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=| fax= | hours= | price=Free | content= }} * {{see | name=Peddamma Temple | url= | email= | address=Jubilee Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | hours= | price=Free | content= }} ===Gardens and lakes=== [[File:Hussain Sagar lake, Hyderabad.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Hussain Sagar]] * {{see | name=Hussain Sagar | alt=Tank Bund | url= | email= | address=Necklace Rd | lat=17.42222 | long=78.47389 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3275994 | lastedit=2023-06-16 | content=The artificial lake is a historical landmark, built during the reign of Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah in 1562 by damming the Musi. This forms the boundary between Hyderabad and Secunderabad. Surrounding the lake are various parks, temples, statues and historical buildings. This is one of the few walkable places in the city. At the centre of the lake stands a famous 18m high {{marker|type=see|name=statue of the Buddha| lat=17.4156|long=78.4751}} installed in 1992. Boat rides to the Buddha statue are available from Eat Street (near Necklace Road MMTS Station) and Lumbini Park. Speed boats do not stop at the Buddha statue. The road circling the lake on the north and west is known as '''Necklace Road''', and is nicknamed "the Chaupati of Hyderabad" due to its resemblance to the Girgaon Chowpatty in [[Mumbai/Fort, Colaba and Churchgate|Mumbai]]. }} * {{see | name=Public Gardens | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.3988 | long=78.4690 | directions= | phone= | hours= | price=Free| content=Known as the Bagh-e-aam (Garden for the commoners), it has well laid-out gardens and is surrounded by the imposing State Legislative Assembly building, the Jubilee Hall, the Jawahar Bal Bhavan, the Health Museum and the State Archaeological Museum. This was the old zoo and now is a beautiful place for both children and adults. }} * {{see | name=Sanjeeviah Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.385044 | long=78.486671 | directions= | phone= | hours= | price= | content=Good for bird watching. }} * {{see | name=Chacha Nehru Park | alt= | url= | email= | address=Masab Tank | lat=17.40136 | long=78.45023 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=For pleasant morning walks with kids. }} * {{see | name=Krishna Kanth Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.44009 | long=78.43044 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Jalagam Vengal Rao Park | alt=JVR Park | url= | email= | address=Banjara Hills | lat=17.42260 | long=78.44871 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=With lake. }} * {{see | name=Lotus Pond | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jubilee Hills | lat=17.41385 | long=78.42039 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Do== [[Image:Snow_World-Visitors.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Snow World]] * {{do | name=Indira Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.414754 | long=78.483045 | directions=E of Hussain Sagar | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q11219005 | lastedit=2023-06-17 | content=A sprawling 76-acre park near Tank Bund with a nice, but polluted, little pond and boating. }} * {{do | name=Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park | alt=KBR National Park | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.42 | long=78.41 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q969593 | lastedit=2023-06-17 | content=A small park in Jubilee Hills in which the Chiran Palace is located. Known as the "jungle amidst the concrete jungle", the park provides an excellent lung space and environment from the busy city life and rising pollution levels. It has over 600 species of plant life, 140 species of birds and 30 different varieties of butterflies and reptiles. You may find peacocks and a variety of small mammals and birds here. There are few water bodies present in the park providing the needed moisture for the plants and quenching the thirst of birds and small animals. The park is frequented in the evenings and weekends by young and old alike. The '''Chiran Palace''' is a modern facility designed to serve the needs of the prince, unlike other palaces of the Nizam. }} * {{do | name=Lumbini Park | alt= | url= | email= | address=NTR Marg | lat=17.41 | long=78.4722 | directions=west of Hussain Sagar lake | phone= | tollfree= | hours=9AM-9PM | price=₹10, rides extra | wikidata=Q1650886 | lastedit=2023-06-16 | content=See water cascades, go on guided car rides. Go on a boat ride and see the Buddha statue at the centre of the lake. It also offers nice Laser Shows in the evening which is first in India. }} * {{do | name=NTR Gardens | alt= | url= | email= | address=NTR Marg | lat=17.41 | long=78.4722 | directions=west of Hussain Sagar lake | phone= | tollfree= | hours=2-8:30PM | price=₹ 15 for entry, rides extra | wikidata=Q6955496 | lastedit=2023-06-16 | content=Built by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu in memory of N.T. Rama Rao, his father-in-law and ex-Chief Minister, this is an amusement park which houses some nice attractions like a mini-train, a haunted house, a boat ride, etc. There is a cafe where the seating is in the shape of vintage cars. You can either spend money on the rides or generally stroll around and gape at the fountains and the giant insects. For rides, the ₹ 45 combo you can buy at the entrance is a good deal. }} * {{do | name=Snow World | alt= | url=http://www.snowworldindia.net/snowhome1.html | email= | address=Lower Tank Bund Road | lat=17.514877 | long=78.48087 | directions=next to Indira Park | phone=+91 40 6599-0167 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Adults ₹ 450, children ₹ 250 if under 4 ft tall | wikidata=Q7548363 | lastedit=2023-06-16 | content=Asia's largest Snow Theme Park. }} * {{do | name=Diginet Digital Experience Zone | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 5558 0009 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Gamecentre. WiFi hotspot, coffee shop, shopping. }} * {{do | name=Hyderabad Golf Club | alt= | url=http://www.thehyderabadgolfclub.com/ | email= | address= | lat=17.39357 | long=78.40428 | directions=Satham Cheruvu, Beside Nadeem Colony, Golconda | phone=+91 40 2356 7207 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Golf course. }} ==Buy== ===Bazaars=== * {{buy | name=Sultan Bazaar | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= 17.383333 | long=78.483333 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-12-02 | content=Wholesale clothes market. }} * {{buy | name=Mozamjahi Market | alt= | url= | email= | address=Nizam Shahi Rd | lat=17.3843 | long=78.4750| directions= | phone= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Fruit market. }} * {{buy | name=Begum Bazaar | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.3731 | long=78.4706 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=Wholesale market. }} ===Jewelry=== * '''Ghanshyamdas Jewellers''' (''opp Abids Police Station''). Genuine pearls * {{buy | name=C. Krishniah Chetty & Sons-The Flagship Boutique | url=http://www.ckcsons.com | email= | address=Taj Deccan | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 3256 1869 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Jagdamba Pearls | alt= | url=http://www.jagdamba.com | email= | address=Gupta Estate, Basheer Bagh | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 6656 6777 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=One of the oldest and the largest pearl companies in India. }} * {{buy | name=Lilac Boutique | url= | email= | address=Liberty Rd, Himayathnagar | lat= | long= | directions=near TTD, opposite Dadu Sweets | phone=+91 92 4658 1851 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Designer and made-to-order & customised heavy suits, sarees and fancy blouses. }} * '''Mohal Jewells'''. On the Golden Mile Somajiguda for Pearls, Silver, Gold. {{phone| +91 40 2341 9757}} * '''Ornaments & jewellery''' (Punjagutta, Abids and Somajiguda) * '''Pearls of Hyderabad''', (''Abids and Somajiguda Jewellery shops''). Choose from 3 varieties, natural pearls, cultured and imitation. ===Handicrafts=== * {{buy | name=Bidri Crafts | alt= | url= | email= | address=Gunfoundry, Abids | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2323 2657, +91 40 2323 3663 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Kalanjali | alt= | url= | email= | address=Margadarsi House, 5-10-195, Fathemaidan Raod | lat= | long= | directions=Opp: Ploice Control Room, Nampally, Hyderabad | phone=+91 40 2323 1147, +91 40 2329 7196 | tollfree= | fax=+91 40 2323 3204 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Lepakshi | alt=Gunfoundry, Abids | url=http://www.lepakshihandicrafts.gov.in/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2766 8178 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=United Designers | alt= | url= | email= | address=Banjara Hills Rd#4 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2335 5441, +91 98 85404944 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 10:30AM-8PM | price= | lastedit=2017-12-02 | content=Designs by a new wave of young Hyderabadi fashion designers, they also have natural hand-made soaps for body and hair. }} ===Other=== * '''The Golden Mile of Hyderabad''' for shopping, consisting of shopping plazas, malls, designer boutiques and upmarket shops - Starting from Lifestyle near the Begumpet Flyover and extending all the way till Road No.1 Banjara Hills. * {{buy | name=Ladida-lingerie store | alt= | url=http://www.loveladida.com | email= | address=#2, R.K.Plaza, Greenlands Rd, Panjagutta | lat= | long= | directions=Opp. Joyalukkas Jewellers | phone=+91 40 40020267 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-9PM | price=₹ 300-2,500 | content=Lingerie shop (lingerie, ladies wear, nightwear). }} ==Eat== ===Budget=== *{{eat | name=Chutneys | url= | email= | address=1: 2: Nagarjuna Circle, Near Punjagutta flyover | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2335 0569, +91 40 2335 8484, +91 40 5557 8651 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=₹ 150 | content=Vegetarian, and quite well-known in Hyderabad. South Indian dishes like dosas, idlis and uttappas. "North Indian" also available, but best avoided. Is extremely crowded on weekend nights, and there is a waiting time of up to 30 min. Does not serve alcohol. }} *{{eat | name=Cafe Bahaar | url= | email= | address=Opp. Commissioner Office, Old MLA Quarters, Basheerbagh | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2324 3798, +91 40 2323 7605 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Biryanis and meat curries, moderately priced. }} *{{eat | name=Baawarchi | alt= | url=http://bawarchi.online/ | email= | address=Plot no. 66, RTC Cross Rd's, Chikkadpally Musheerabad | lat= | long= | directions=Opposite Sandya Theatre | phone=+91 40 2760 5308, +91 40 2763 4490 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11:30AM-11PM | price=₹ 150 | content=Biryanis }} *{{eat | name=Kholani's Kitchen | url= | email= | address=4-3-548/1, Shop No. 16 & 17, Needs Arcade, Tilak Rd, Abids | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2475 3444, +91 40 2475- 657 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-11PM | price=₹ 200 | content=Try the excellent malai kebabs (chicken) and apollo fish }} *{{eat | name=Rayalseema Ruchulu | url= | email= | address=1st Main Rd, Shanti Nagar, in the lane behind JNTU, Masab Tank | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 6510-0033, +91 40 6510-0044, +91 98 85650789 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon-3:30PM, then 7-11PM | price=₹ 200 | content=Mildly spiced food from Rayalaseema, rustic decor. Not for vegetarians. }} *{{eat | name=Taj Mahal Restaurant | url= | email= | address=# 4-1-999 Abids | lat= | long= | directions=part of Taj Mahal Hotel | phone=+91 40 2475-8250, +91 40 6551-1122 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-11PM | price=₹ 200 | content=One of the original "Udupi" style restaurants, this is strictly vegetarian and does not serve alcohol. It is part of the Taj Mahal Hotel, not to be confused with the Taj chain of luxury hotels. The food in the restaurant is tasty and good, and like Udupi restaurants, serves South Indian, North Indian and "Chinese". You are advised to stick to South Indian. The ambiance in the air-con section is old-school. }} ===Mid-range=== *{{eat | name=4 Seasons | url= | email= | address=9-4-77/3/D/4/5/6, Yousuf Tekri, Tolichowki | lat= | long= | directions=opposite R.T.A Office | phone=+91 40 65578671 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Around ₹ 800 for two | content=Serves multiple cuisines, but raved about for its Arabic and Lebanese food. Lunch and dinner. Credit cards accepted. }} *{{eat | name=Ming's Court | url= | email= | address=Baseraa Inn Hotel, Basheerbagh | lat= | long= | directions=opposite Old Gandhi Medical College | phone=+91 40 2329 8811, +91 40 2329 8822, +91 40 2329 8855 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11:30AM-3:30PM, 7-11:30PM | price=₹ 500 | content=Mostly Indian Chinese. }} *{{eat | name=Ullaasa | url= | email= | address=7-1, 59/1, Athithi Inn, 5th Floor, Dharam Karam Rd, Ameerpet | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2373-9091, +91 40 2373-9097 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11:30AM-11PM | price=₹300 | content=Nice ethnic ambience and the rooftop setting is amazing, and the food is excellent. }} *{{eat | name=Bombay Palace | url= | email= | address=# 6-1-79 & 80 Hampshire Plaza, Lakdi-Ka-Pul | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2333 5555 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7:30-11PM | price=₹ 300 | content=Has a decor that reminds you of Mumbai. Menu specialities include ragda patties and other items popularized by Mumbai's streets in addition to Mughlai and Hyderabadi dishes. Live Ghazals every evening. }} *{{eat | name=Moksh | url= | email= | address=Necklace Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 6620 0111, +91 40 6620 0112 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-3:30PM, 7PM-midnight | price=199 | content=The ₹ 199 non-veg, lunch buffet is really tasty. Service, ambiance and the lake-side location is awesome. }} *{{eat | name=MoMo Cafe | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/hydcy-courtyard-hyderabad/ | email= | address=1-3-1024 Lower Tank Bund Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2752 1222, | tollfree= | fax= | hours=24 hr | price=₹ 300-500 | content=Mughlai, Chinese and Hyderabadi dishes. }} *{{listing | type=eat | name=Celebrations | alt= | url=https://bars-pubs.socialgoat.in/hyderabad/outlet/celebrations-restaurant-jubilee-hills | email= | address=Plot No.66A, Rd No.1, Jubilee Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 4010 0888, +91 40 2360 2888 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A complex of four restaurants and one bar. }} *{{eat | name=Chinese Pavilion | url= | email= | address=Road Number 1, Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions=opposite JVR Park | phone=+91 40 6678-5680 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11:30AM-3:30PM, 7:30-11:30PM | price=₹ 500 | content=Makes an attempt to move away from Indian Chinese. }} *{{eat | name=IndieJoe | url= | email= | address=5th Floor, City Centre Mall, Road No. 1, Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 6657-0000, +91 40 6668-3333 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=12:30-3:30PM, 7:30-11:15PM | price=₹ 500 | content=Serves global cuisine. Only buffet for lunch and only a la carte for dinner. }} *{{eat | name=Mainland China | url=http://www.mainlandchinaindia.com/contact_hyd.html | email= | address=G. S. Plaza, Gr. Floor, S-2-672, Road No. 1, Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2330-4500,+91 40 5521-4500, +91 40 2330-4700 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=12:45-3:30PM, 7:30-11:30PM | price=₹ 700 | content=Excellent Chinese place, though it tends more towards Indian Chinese. Try the dim sums and the darsaan for dessert. Good ambience and excellent service. }} *{{eat | name=Our Place | url= | email= | address=8-2-602/E, Charan Pahadi, Rd No. 10 Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions=look out for a small lane that goes upwards | phone=+91 40 23353422 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=₹ 350 | content=Has received great reviews for its kebabs and tandoori dishes. But avoid the Thai stuff, as it looks like a pale imitation. The ambience is great, the seating is outdoors amidst much greenery. Often, they have live gazal music for dinner. }} *{{eat | name=Punjabi by Nature | url=http://www.punjabibynature.in/ | email= | address=MJ Towers, Rd No.12, Banjara Hills. | lat= | long= | directions=opp. SBI Banjara Hills Branch | phone=+91 40 2331-7284,+91 40 2331-7285 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon-11:30PM | price=₹ 500 | content= Kitschy decor, good food, but overpriced. As the name suggests, serves Punjabi and Mughlai food, but the menu is entirely mainstream. The drink menu has exotic stuff like golgappa with vodka, and gulab jamun with brandy. }} *{{eat | name=Serengeti | url= | email= | address=8-2-682/3, Rd No. 12, Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions=Ohri's Banjara | phone=+91 40 2330-2200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon-3:30PM, 7-11:30PM | price=₹ 600 | content=Cuisine is from the Northwest Frontier Province while the decor tries to create the ambience of an African safari. The food is good, the wine list is extensive and quite good. }} *{{listing | type=eat | name=Sahib Sindh Sultan | alt= | url= | email= | address=City Centre, 5th Floor, Road no. 1 & 10, Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 66683337 | tollfree= | hours=Noon-3:30PM, 7-11:30PM | price=₹350 | content=Themed on the eponymous 19th century train. Seating is available inside the "carriage" or on the "railway station". Waiters are dressed in turbans and railway announcements are interspersed with the music. The food is good, the pickles interesting and you have a good choice of drinks. Try the licchi ki taheri for dessert. }} *{{eat | name=Southern Spice | url= | email= | address=8-2-350/3/2, Road Number 3, Plot Number 34, Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2335-3802, +91 40 2335-3803, +91 40 6682-2619 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon-3:30PM, 7-11:30PM | price=₹ 300 | content=Highly rated for Andhra delicacies like ragi sangati and gongura mamsam }} *{{eat | name=Tex Mex | url= | email= | address=Plot 217, Road No 2, Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2354-1493, +91 40 2354-2835 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon-3PM, 7:30-10:30PM | price=₹ 500 | content=Indian and World cuisine. }} *{{listing | type=eat | name=Zafraan Exotica | alt= | url= | email= | address=Road No. 12, Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 96521 15500 | tollfree= | hours=11AM-3:30PM, 7PM-midnight | price=₹ 500 | content=A rooftop restaurant with an exotic ambience. Serves Mughlai and Chinese. }} *{{eat | name=Angeethi | alt= | url= | email= | address=Unit 701-703, 7th floor, Reliance Classic, Rd # 1 Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 6525 5550 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=12:30-3:30PM, 7-11:30PM | price=₹ 500 | content=The ambience is of a Dhaba, complete with a pan shop, a well and a quack peddling herbal remedies for "marital problems". Interesting variations on traditional Punjabi dishes, but the dessert selection is meagre. }} *{{eat | name=Barbecue Nation | url= | email= | address=Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions=opp. City Centre Mall | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=₹575+taxes (Happy Hours before 8PM: ₹525+taxes) | content=Unlimited starters on a barbecue grill on your table. Desserts are OK. }} *{{eat | name=Terrace Bay | url= | email= | address=501, 5th Floor, Babukhan Mall, Punjagutta | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2341-8545, +91 40 2341-8546 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=1-11PM | price=₹ 600 | content=A fairly successful attempt to recreate Mexican cuisine in Hyderabad. To be visited more for the food than for the ambience. }} ===Splurge=== *{{eat | name=The Water Front | alt= | url=http://waterfronthyd.in | email= | address=Beside Eat Street, Necklace Rd | lat=17.42148 | long=78.46537 | directions= | phone=+91 40 2330 8899, +91 40 6527 8899 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=₹ 700 (cover charge of ₹ 300, ₹ 500 on weekends) | content=Has a nice view of Hussain Sagar lake, but the food, at its best, is passable. }} *{{eat | name=Arena | url=http://tajhotels.com/FoodandWine/Taj%20Deccan,HYDERABAD/SPICE%20JUNXION/default.htm | email= | address=Taj Deccan, Rd Number 1, Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 6666-3939 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=24 hr | price= | content=Coffee shop serves Sunday brunch. Sushi Bar. }} *{{eat | name=Fusion 9 | alt= | url= | email= | address=Number 4, First Avenue, Road Number 1, Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 6657-7722, +91 40 6657-7755 | tollfree= | hours=11AM-4PM, 7-11:30 | price= | content=Lounge bar and restaurant, with a wide range of cuisines from different parts of the world. Closed until December 2017 for renovation. }} *{{eat | name=Golden Dragon | url=http://www.tajhotels.com/FoodandWine/Taj%20Krishna,HYDERABAD/GOLDEN%20DRAGON/default.htm | email= | address=Taj Krishna, Road Number 1, Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 6666-2323, +91 40 2339-2323 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=12:30-14:45, 19:30-23:45 | price=₹ 800 | content=Opulent Chinese restaurant. }} *{{eat | name=Hall Of Fame | url= | email= | address=Plot Number 1098, Road Number 36, Jubilee Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 64516969, +91 40 64526969 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-11:30PM | price= | content=Sports grill. American, Italian and Mexican food with ''sport viewing''. }} *{{eat | name=Kebab-e-Bahar | url=http://www.tajhotels.com/FoodandWine/Taj%20Banjara,HYDERABAD/KEBAB%20E%20BAHAR/default.htm | email= | address=Taj Banjara, Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2339-9999 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7:30-11:45PM | price= | content=Kebabs from all over, including Hyderabad and Northwest Frontier. }} *{{listing | type=eat | name=Little Italy Bar and Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.littleitaly.in/ | email= | address=275, Film Nagar | lat= | long= | directions=opp. KBR Park, at Apollo Crossing | phone=+91 40 2355 8001 | tollfree= | hours=noon-3:30PM, 7-11:30PM | price=₹ 700 | content=Italian style, completely vegetarian. }} *{{eat | name=Spice Junxion | url=http://tajhotels.com/FoodandWine/Taj%20Deccan,HYDERABAD/Arena-%20All%20Day%20Dining/default.htm | email= | address=Taj Deccan, Road Number 1, Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 6666-3939 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=noon-7:30PM, 7-11:30PM | price= | content=South Indian cuisine with a trendy twist. Lunchtime platters with 10 starters, 8 main course items and 4 desserts served in a span of 40 min. Regular menu items are dosa with mutton curry and idly with chicken curry. The condiment trolley has 17 types of chutneys, pickles, spicy powders, papads and vadiyalu from South India. Desserts; paan ice cream, all-spice chocolates and traditional south Indian sweets are made in-house. }} ===Bakeries=== *{{eat | name=Karachi Bakery | alt= | url= | email= | address=Mozamjahi Market, Road No.1, Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions=Near Image Hospitals Madhapur. Beside Paradise Food Court Kothapet | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=My Cafe Latte | url= | email= | address=Plot No. 1100, Road No. 36 Jubilee Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2355 3709 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Coffee, mocktails and sandwiches, with Hollywood themed decor. }} * {{eat | name=Sarvi Bakers and Confectioners | url= | email= | address=Opposite Care Hospital, Road Number 1, Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 6663-1113, +91 40 6663-1114 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=₹ 50 | content=Place for sandwiches, burgers and puffs. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Ofen | alt= | url=http://www.theofen.com/ | email= | address=Plot Number 49, Road Number 10, Banjara Hills | lat=17.41580 | long=78.44312 | directions= | phone=+91 40 2337 2205, +91 40 2337 2235 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 8AM-11PM | price=₹150 | content=Excellent place for breads and related foods - especially for health conscious. Includes breads like whole grain breads, ragi breads and sugar free cakes. }} * {{eat | name=The Chocolate Room | url=http://www.thechocolateroomindia.com/ | email= | address=Plot no 268, Kavuri hills | lat= | long= | directions=near Madhapur Police Station Crossing, Jubilee hills | phone=+91 40 6458-9595 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=₹150 | content=Wonderful drinking chocolates and crepes. Also a good place to hang out and have a conversation, though it does get crowded on weekends during the evening. }} * {{eat | name=Almond House | alt= | url=http://www.almondhouse.com/ | email= | address=Shop No. 3-6-237, Lingapur Building Himayath Nagar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2322-6068 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Quality Indian sweets. }} * {{eat | name=King & Cardinal | alt= | url= | email= | address=3-5-907, Himayathnagar X Roads, Himayathnagar | lat=17.4007 | long=78.4879 | directions= | phone=+91 40 6661 5444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=₹100 | content=Pizzas and burgers. Also serves Indian Chinese snacks. }} * {{eat | name=Universal Bakers | url= | email= | address=3-6-12, Himayatnagar, Himayathnagar Paradise, Himaythnagar & Masab Tank | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=8AM-10PM | price= | content=Baked biscuits, cakes and burgers. Has 3 outlets. }} ==Drink== ===Pubs=== * {{drink | name=Easy Rider | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 498 4903 2297 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Lakeview Palace, Road no 1, Banjara Hills, (''opposite Taj Banjara''). 11:30AM-11PM }} * {{drink | name=Hard Rock Cafe | alt= | url= | email= | address=1 Mall Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=GVK No 1 Banjara Hills. Part of world wide chain. Excellent ambiance, check their website for events. }} * '''Club8''', Life style building Ameerpet, cheap beer, usually have a (1+1) offer available before 7PM. * '''H2O''' Amrutha castle, (''near lumbini garden''). ₹ 150-300. ===Bars=== *{{drink | name=Atrium Bar | url=http://www.tajhotels.com/FoodandWine/Taj%20Deccan,HYDERABAD/ATRIUM%20BAR/default.htm | email= | address=Taj Deccan, Road No.1 Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2339 2684, +91 40 6666 3939 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-11:30PM | price= | content= }} *{{drink | name=Fashion (FTV) | url= | email= | address=Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Trendy lounge bar. }} *{{drink | name=Liquids Again | url= | email= | address=5th Floor, ABN Amro Bank Complex, Bhaskara Plaza, Road Number 1, Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 6625 9907, +91 406625-9908 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-11PM | price=₹ 900 | content=Sleek, trendy lounge bar. }} *{{drink | name=Seventh Heaven | url= | email= | address=6-3-883/5, Seventh Floor, Venkat Plaza, Punjagutta | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 6666 8833, +91 40 6666-8822 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-11:30PM | price= | content=Nice rooftop bar and restaurant. }} *{{drink | name=Touch | url= | email= | address=1st Floor, Trendset Towers, Road Number 2, Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2354 2433, +91 40 2354 2422, +91 40 6651 6666 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11:30AM-11:30PM | price=₹500 | content=Upscale, celebrity hang-out, great place but very expensive. Has a dress code, shoes mandatory. }} *{{listing | type=drink | name=Hydrate | alt= | url= | email= | address=# 6-1-79 & 80, Hampshire Plaza, Lakdi-Ka-Pul | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2333 5555 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Elegant bar at Hampshire Plaza. }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== *{{sleep | name=Aahwaanam | url= | email= | address=NTR Estate, Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Abids | lat= | long= | directions=Opp. Ramakrishna Cinema Hall | phone=+91 40 2474 0301, +91 40 2474 0305, +91 92 9133 3108 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=₹ 600-1,000 | checkin=24 hr | checkout=24 hr | content=Basic budget hotel. Most rooms are not air-conditioned. }} *{{sleep | name=Classic Lodge & Boarding | alt= | url=http://classic-lodge.business.site/ | email=info@classiclodge.in | address=5-8-112 to 173, 21st Century Commercial Complex, Nampally | lat= | long= | directions=Opp. Board of Intermediate | phone=+91 4023200159, +91 4023200537, +91 8121179866, +91 9000005320 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=24 hr | checkout=24 hr | price=₹300-1,600 | content=Air-conditioned and non air-conditioned deluxe rooms & 25-bed dormitory with multiple bathrooms, and all basic facilities available. }} *{{sleep | name=Hotel Geetanjali | url=http://www.hotelgeetanjali.com/ | email= | address=4-1-938/26/A, New Marketing Complex, Abids, Tilak Rd | lat=17.392477 | long=78.477294 | directions= | phone=+91 40 66635500 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=₹ 800-1,500 | checkin=24 hr | checkout=24 hr | content=Air-conditioned and non air-conditioned rooms. Budget hotel, offers room service, clean & economical rooms and free wifi, online reservations, rated environmentally friendly, no restaurants. Close to transportation. }} *{{sleep | name=Hotel Haridwar | alt= | url=http://www.hotelharidwar.com | email= | address=4-6-464, Esamiya Bazar, Koti | lat=17.38456 | long=78.48903 | directions= | phone=+91 40 2465 6711, +91 40 2473 2780 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=24 hr | checkout=24 hr | price=₹ 350-850 | content=Basic functional hotel with attached vegetarian restaurant. Caters mainly to visitors from North India. }} *{{sleep | name=Hotel Minerva | alt= | url=http://minervahotel.in/ | email= | address=3-6-199/1, Himayat Nagar | lat=17.4014 | long=78.4852 | directions= | phone=+91 40 2322-0448 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹ 1,300-1,800 | content=Close to the Birla temple and other attractions. Good budget choice in an area where there aren't many budget hotels. }} *{{sleep | name=Sitara Paradise | alt= | url=http://sitarahotels.com/ameerpet-paradise.html | email= | address=No. 6-3-788/34, Opp. Lane of Chandana Bros, Ameerpet | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2373 5222, +91 40 2373 5333, +91 40 6684 4449 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹ 1,100-1,500 | content=Small hotel in the middle of the Ameerpet shopping district. Don't expect a quiet stay, but the rooms are spacious and elegant. This hotel is geared more towards weddings and celebrations, not for business travellers or tourists. }} *{{sleep | name=Best Western Ashoka | url=http://bestwesternashoka.com/lakdikapul/ | email= | address=6-1-70, Lakdi-ka-Pul | lat=17.40406 | long=78.46546 | directions= | phone=+91 40 2323 0105, +91 40 6651 0222, +91 40 3062 0222, +91 40 6651 0220 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=₹ 600-1,500 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Air-conditioned and non air-conditioned rooms. }} ===Mid-range=== *{{sleep | name=Amrutha Castle | alt= | url=http://amruthacastle.com/ | email= | address=#5-9-16, Opp. Secretariat, Saifabad | lat=17.40752 | long=78.46886 | directions= | phone=+91 40 6663 3888 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Designed after castles from medieval Bavarian Europe. All-suite accommodations, meeting and event space, onsite restaurants, a fitness centre and swimming pool. Close to important attractions. }} *{{sleep | name=The Central Court | alt= | url=http://www.thecentralcourt.com | email= | address=6-1-71, Lakdi-ka-Pul | lat=17.40434 | long=78.46516 | directions= | phone=+91 98 493-23232, +91 40 2323-2323, +91 40 2323-3262 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Centrally located and targeted at the business traveller who needs a place to sleep. Provides complimentary internet and most other business facilities. In addition, it has a couple of reasonable restaurants. }} *{{sleep | name=Quality Inn Residency | url=http://www.qualityinnresidency.com | email= | address=5-8-231/2, Public Garden Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 3061 6161, +91 40 2320 4080,+91 40 5551 4060 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=₹ 3,300-11,000 | checkin=24 hr | checkout=24hr | content=Business hotel, internet, conference facilities. ''Venue'', a vegetarian restaurant is part of the hotel, as is ''One Flight Down'', a basement pub. The location is more suited for access to the main city rather than Hi tech city. }} *{{sleep | name=Rukmini Riviera | alt= | url=http://rukminiriviera.com/ | email= | address=6-1-1062, Lakdi-ka-Pul | lat=17.4058 | long=78.4641 | directions=behind Hotel Dwaraka | phone=+91 40 6678-5566, +91 92 4659 1237 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=24 hr | checkout=24 hr | price=₹ 1,600-2,200 | content=Basic, functional and clean hotel. 2 restaurants, one is vegetarian and the other has a bar. It is located near the city centre, at a reasonable distance from both tourist attractions and office complexes, though it is not suitable if you need access to Hi tech city. 2 banquet halls, geared more towards weddings and other celebrations. }} *{{listing | type=sleep | name=Hotel Marjan International | alt= | url=https://www.oyorooms.com/74786-capital-o-capital-o-46248-marjan-international-hyderabad/ | email= | address=Opp. Public Gardens, Chapel Rd, Nampally | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2324 4041, +91 40 2324 4042, +91 40 2324 4043 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹ 2,500-3,500 | content=An adequate and comfortable hotel, located close to the Nampally railway station. Large rooms, restaurant. }} *{{sleep | name=Athithi Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=# 7-1-59/1, Dharam Karam Rd, Ameerpet | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2373 9091 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=noon | checkout=noon | price=₹ 2,000-4,000 | content=Cozy hotel, slightly far from the city centre. Room service and laundry available. Has conference room facilities. Houses 2 restaurants. }} *{{sleep | name=Hotel Harsha | alt= | url=http://www.hotelharsha.net/ | email= | address=39 Public Garden Rd, Nampally | lat=17.39349 | long=78.47052 | directions= | phone=+91 40 2320- 2729, +91 40 2320 1188, +91 40 6663 1188 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=24 hr | checkout=24 hr | price=₹ 1,600-2,500 (higher rates for foreigners, payable in US dollars) | content=Close to the railway station. Basic, but adequate facilities. Vegetarian dining available. As it is close to the main road, it is somewhat noisy. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Hotel Mandakini Jaya International | alt= | url=http://www.hoteljayainternational.in/ | email=sales@hoteljayainternational.in | address=3/1 & 3/2 Reddy Hostel Lane, Hanuman Tekdi, Abids | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2475 2929, +91 9951242929 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From ₹ 1,700 | content=Chic hotel in the market area of Abids and well connected with city and other business centres. Good for business and leisure travellers and is very close to the airport. }} *{{sleep | name=Minerva Grand | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Promoted as a "Boutique Business Hotel". Rooms are elegantly furnished and provide a cozy atmosphere without pampering you too much. It has a business centre, internet in all rooms, and both locations have branches of '''Blue Fox''', a multi-cuisine restaurant. }} *{{listing | type=sleep | name=Sai Prakash | alt= | url=https://hotelsaiprakash.chobs.in/ | email= | address=5-4-434, Station Road, Nampally | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2461 1726 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹ 1,500 | content=Close to the airport, strictly adequate. }} *{{sleep | name=Falcons Nest Imperia Suites | alt= | url=http://www.falconsnest.in | email=info@falconsnest.in | address=1299F, Road no 68, Jubilee Hills | lat= | long= | directions=Close to Apollo Hospitals, Film Nagar, Annapurna Studios | phone=+91 40 2360 0060,+91 40 2360 0029 | tollfree= | checkin=noon | checkout=noon | price= | content=A good, reasonably priced hotel. Has been renovated, and the suite rooms are luxury. Free Wi-Fi and a complimentary breakfast. }} *{{sleep | name=I K London Residency | url=http://www.hoteliklondonresidency.co.in/ | email= | address=6-3-656, Kapadia Lane, Somajiguda, | lat= | long= | directions=in the lane diagonally opposite NIMS | phone=+91 40 6662 5555, +91 40 6675 9516, +91 40 6675 9517 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=₹ 2,500-5,000 | checkin=24 hr | checkout=24 hr | content=Caters to business travellers and has easy access to Punjagutta, Begumpet and the secretariat areas. Complimentary breakfast, WiFi and most other facilities you'd expect from a business hotel. }} *{{sleep | name=Minerva Grand Banjara | alt= | url=http://minervahotels.in/banjara-road-eleven/p/home-page | email= | address=8-2-616, Road No 11, Banjara Hills | lat=17.41347 | long=78.44490 | directions= | phone=+91 40 6612 7373 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹ 3,000-6,000 | content=This is a newer property. Has '''Stir''', an all-day coffee shop. }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Hampshire Plaza | alt= | url=http://www.hampshireplaza.com | email= | address=6-1-79 & 80, Lakdi-ka-Pul | lat=17.40515 | long=78.46457 | directions=Diagonally Opposite To Amravathi Theater | phone=+91 40 2333 5555 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=noon | checkout=nooh | price=₹ 7,000-11,000 | content=Well worth a stay if the location is right. Well-appointed rooms, with WiFi and all amenities you would expect at the price. }} * Marriott has 2 properties within walking distance of each other in the Tank Bund area near Hussain Sagar Lake and the Courtyard: ** {{sleep | name=Courtyard Hyderabad | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/hydcy-courtyard-hyderabad/ | email= | address=1-3-1024 Lower Tank Bund Rd | lat=17.42351 | long=78.48773 | directions= | phone=+91 40 2752 1222 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=₹ 5,000-7,000 | content=Opened in December 2009. Business hotel, many rooms have a view of the lake. }} ** {{sleep | name=Marriott Hotel & Convention Centre | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/hydmc-hyderabad-marriott-hotel-and-convention-centre/ | email= | address=opposite Hussain Sagar Lake, Tank Bund Rd | lat=17.4242 | long=78.4872 | directions= | phone=+91 40 2752-2999 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=₹ 7,000-16,000 | content=The more expensive rooms have a view of the Hussain Sagar Lake right across the street. Wi-Fi and wired internet available in all rooms, charged extra. There are 3 restaurants and a bar, including '''Bidri''' an Indian restaurant serving Hyderabadi cuisine. }} * {{sleep | name=Aditya Park | alt= | url=http://www.sarovarhotels.com/hyderabad-hotels/aditya-park | email= | address=Aditya Trade Centre, lane beside Huda Maitrivanam, Ameerpet | lat=17.4370 | long=78.4465 | directions= | phone=+91 40 6678 8888 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹ 4,500-6,000 | content=Close to business areas, but far from tourist attractions or from Hi tech city. Free internet, and have a restaurant ''Promenade'' and a bar ''Harry's''. }} * {{sleep | name=The Golkonda | alt= | url=http://www.thegolkondahotel.com | email= | address=10-1-124, Masab Tank Crossroads | lat=17.40441 | long=78.45366 | directions=opposite Polytechnic | phone=+91 40 6611 0101, +91 40 2332 0202, +91 40 2332-0404 | tollfree=+1800 425-0202 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹ 5,000-9,000 (extra for foreigners paying in dollars) | content=This is one of the few 4-star hotels in this area. Free breakfast and free internet. Has a fitness centre and a swimming pool. Suitable for business travellers and tourists. }} * {{sleep | name=Green Park | alt= | url=http://www.hotelgreenpark.com/Hyderabad | email= | address=Greenlands, Begumpet | lat=17.43616 | long=78.45378 | directions= | phone=+91 40 6651 5151 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=noon | checkout=noon | price=₹ 5,000-11,000 | content=Close to the city's business areas. Rooms are well-furnished, free breakfast coffee shop, internet and access to the minibar. '''Once upon a time''' is the speciality restaurant. '''The Mustang Bar''' and '''Torque''' the pub. }} * {{sleep | name=ITC Kakatiya | alt= | url=https://www.itchotels.com/in/en/itckakatiya-hyderabad | email=reservations@itchotels.in | address=6-3-1187, Begumpet | lat=17.43261 | long=78.45735 | directions= | phone=+91 40 2333 5555 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹ 15,000-30,000 | content=If price is no object, this is the place to stay. Located in the centre of the business district. It has 3 full-service restaurants. ''Deccan Pavilion'' is open 24 hr, and serves up a Sunday brunch from 12:30-3PM. South Indian restaurant ''Dakshin'' and an Irish-themed pub ''Dublin''. }} *[http://www.tajhotels.com/ Taj], a famous Indian hotel chain, has five iconic hotels in Hyderabad of which three are on the same street in Banjara Hills: :* {{sleep | name=Taj Banjara | alt= | url=https://gateway.tajhotels.com/en-in/taj-banjara/ | email= | address=Road No. 1, Banjara Hills | lat=17.40965 | long=78.44884 | directions= | phone=+91 40 6666 2323 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=₹ 5,000-16,000 | content=Taj Banjara is by the side of its own private lake. The lake is not very well-maintained or clean, but the rooms are. Conference facilities and good for business events. Open-air restaurant '''Kabab-e-bahar''' serves Indian BBQ. ''Underdeck'', a basement pub. }} :* {{sleep | name=Taj Deccan | alt= | url=https://vivanta.tajhotels.com/en-in/deccan/ | email= | address=Road No. 1, Banjara Hills | lat=17.41811 | long=78.45070 | directions= | phone=+91 40 6666 3939 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=noon | checkout=noon | price=₹ 5,000-13,000 | content=The least expensive of the 3 Taj hotels. Restaurant ''Spice Junxion'' serves fusion South Indian cuisine, with a wide variety of pickles, spiced martinis are a speciality of the restaurant. }} :* {{sleep | name=Taj Krishna | alt= | url=https://taj.tajhotels.com/en-in/taj-krishna-hyderabad/ | email= | address=Road No. 1, Banjara Hills | lat=17.41649 | long=78.45001 | directions= | phone=+91 40 6666 2323 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=₹ 9,000-15,000 | content=This is the closest that Hyderabad has to a grand old hotel. Taj bought a failing property and turned it into one of the premier hotels in Hyderabad. The hotel interiors are over the top, but rooms are tastefully done, though the hotel's age shows in some places. '''Golden Dragon''' Chinese restaurant, '''Ahala''' the pub, conference facilities available. }} ==Connect== {{IsPartOf|Hyderabad}} {{usabledistrict}} {{geo|17.45|78.5}} 544udi1uiatv7j6l9xu3h3sbx1w8pvi 5087126 5087120 2025-07-03T11:54:49Z Rangan Datta Wiki 124323 Added a panoramic photo of the Qutub Shahi Tomb Complex #WPWP 5087126 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Hussain Sagar Lake 1a.jpg|pgname=Central Hyderabad}} '''Central Hyderabad''' is the modern city centre of [[Hyderabad]], lying between the Musi river and Hussain Sagar lake. This article covers the entire Central Zone of Hyderabad. [[File:Qutb Shah Tomb Pano 3.jpg|thumb|300 px|Panoramic view of the Qutb Shah Tomb Complex]] Hyderabad's "New City", opposite the Old City north of the Musi River, developed after the Independence to house the government offices of the capital of Andhra Pradesh. This area is now the city commercial and government centre. The Hussain Sagar lake and its surroundings have been beautified in the last two decades and you will find some nice amusement parks, promenades and restaurants around it. To the west of the lake are the prosperous suburbs of Punjagutta, Banjara Hills and Jubilee Hills, with shopping and restaurants. Banjara Hills is where Hyderabad's swish set lives - the industrialists, movie stars and politicians. The neighbourhoods contain some good parks and restaurants. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|17.41|78.455|width=500|height=350|zoom=12|name=Map of Central Hyderabad}} {{Mapshape|wikidata=Q1952301|type=geoline|stroke-width=5}} {{Mapshapes|Q646209}} {{Mapmask| 17.36243,78.45502 |17.36373,78.45564 |17.36539,78.45647 |17.36639,78.45717 |17.36748,78.45825 |17.36840,78.46195 |17.36952,78.46807 |17.36969,78.46885 |17.37023,78.47122 |17.37086,78.47449 |17.37131,78.47635 |17.37152,78.47710 |17.37180,78.47786 |17.37231,78.47935 |17.37278,78.48027 |17.37323,78.48123 |17.37368,78.48182 |17.37495,78.48024 |17.37558,78.48070 |17.37636,78.48109 |17.37689,78.48079 |17.37867,78.48152 |17.38055,78.48416 |17.38073,78.48801 |17.37942,78.48801 |17.37986,78.49183 |17.38072,78.49485 |17.38499,78.50025 |17.38602,78.50306 |17.38587,78.50678 |17.38587,78.51090 |17.38249,78.51457 |17.37998,78.51699 |17.37958,78.51737 |17.37864,78.51858 |17.37736,78.52176 |17.37630,78.52518 |17.38096,78.52838 |17.38227,78.52812 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|17.36034,78.45223 |17.36131,78.45387 |17.36243,78.45502 }} Both the metro lines and the MMTS are centred around this area. ===By train=== Hyderabad Deccan railway station, also known as Nampally railway station, is the major station in the heart of Hyderabad. <!-- * {{listing|type=go |name=Kachiguda MMTS Station |alt=KCG |address= |lat=17.38921 | long=78.49927|directions=Narayanguda's YMCA, Osmania University, book shops in Koti, Giriraj lane's electronic shops, Lord Krishna Temple on Giriraj lane, Hanuman Temple, Hyderabad ISKCON Temple, General Post Office, old Taj Mahal hotel, Samasthan Gadwal Handloom Shopping Centre, the Government Building of Andhra Pradesh State Financial Corporation, Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation Office Building, Maheshwari Palace Shopping Mall, New Marketing complex on Tilak Road, Mubarak Bazaar in Abids and the President Plaza are accessible from here|content= }} --> ==See== * {{listing | type=see | name=Osmania Arts College | alt=Osmania University Arts College | url=http://www.osmania.ac.in/ | email= | address=Osmania University, Amberpet | lat=17.41918 | long=78.52628 | directions=Bus stop Manikeshwari Nagar | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7107125 | content=Built during the period of the last Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan. The imposing facade of the building is a great sight. }} * {{see | name=Birla Science Centre | alt= | url=http://www.birlasciencecentre.org/ | email= | address=Secretariat, AG Office Rd, Adarshnagar | lat=17.403347 | long=78.470647 | directions=close to Birla Temple, Naubat Pahad - Next to Aranya Bhavan. -AG Office Bus Stop; MMTS: {{station|Lakdikapul|hf|hl}}; metro: {{station|Lakdikapul|red}} | phone=+91 40 2324 1067 | tollfree= | hours=museum 10:30AM–8PM, planetarium English shows 11:30AM, 4PM, 6PM, more shows in Telugu and one show in Hindi F–W | price=museum ₹ 40, planetarium ₹ 40, combined admission ₹ 70, Modern Art Gallery ₹ 40. Parking ₹ 20 for car, ₹ 10 for motorcycle | wikidata=Q3764957 | lastedit=2023-06-16 | content=The show at the '''Planetarium''' lasts 35 min and is moderately interesting. The '''Science Museum''', on the other hand, is poorly maintained. The '''Dinosaurium''' at the upper level is interesting. It contains a complete skeleton of a dinosaur Kotasaurus yamanpalliensis discovered in the village of [[Yemanapalli]] in 1988. '''Modern Art Gallery''' is near the Dinosaurium (ignore the signboard near parking directing to lower level). It's the personal collection of Nirmala Birla; also quite interesting. }} * {{see | name=Kala Bhavan | url=http://www.ravindrabharathi.org/ | email= | address=Ravindra Bharathi complex, Saifabad, Lakdikapul Rd, | lat=17.40337 | long=78.467043 | directions=near the State Assembly | phone= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=An art gallery }} * {{see | name=Jalavihar | alt= | url=http://jalavihar.in/ | email= | address=Necklace Rd | lat=17.43264 | long=78.46559 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1702769 | content=A popular family entertainment and event venue. The water park offers a wide range of wet and dry rides, attractions, and amenities for visitors of all ages. }} * {{see | name=Telangana State Archives and Research Institute | alt= | url=http://apstatearchives.ap.nic.in | email= | address=Rajya Abhilekha Nlym, Upl Road, Tarnaka | lat=17.423747 | long=78.536321 | directions= | phone=+91 40 2701 8371, +91 40 2700 2373 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Exhibition | alt=S. N. Vanita Maha Vidyalaya - Exhibition Grounds | url= | email= | address=Nampally (Vanitha College) | lat=17.38602 | long=78.47035 | directions= Gandhi Bhavan Bus Stop | phone=+91 40 2460 3266 | fax= | hours= | price= | content=An exhibition that runs in the months of January & February every year. It showcases various items made across India. It runs every year starting 1 Jan-15 Feb in the Exhibition grounds. }} * {{see | name=The Kothi Residency | alt=Koti Women's College, formerly the British Residency | url=http://www.oucwkoti.ac.in/ | email= | address=Koti Main Road, Essamiya Bazaar, Kachiguda | lat=17.3837 | long=78.48699 | directions=in the suburb of Koti, just north of the Musi river | phone=+91 40 2473 7692 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-02-07 | content=A mansion built in the syle of a Palladian villa, built for James Achilles Kirkpatrick when he was British Resident of Hyderabad between 1798 and 1805. It continued to be centre of British power in the south of India until independence in 1947. Set in a large forested, walled compound, it was once the embassy of the East India Company to the court of the Nizam of Hyderabad. Within the compound is a miniature model of the Residency – built for Kirkpatrick's Indian wife Khair un Nissa, who remained in purdah. Restoration works were completed in January 2023. Inside you can see the ornate dining room, offices and pictures of the many famous dignataries who visited in its heyday. The entrance features a long flight of stairs with ornate pillars supporting a giant pediment. Although European in style, it was constructed by local artisans using locally sourced material, with funding from the Nizam. Lime and mud plaster covered the brick and stone and masonry with teak wood beams providing the structural support. }} ===Ancient sites=== [[File:Golconda Fort T.jpg|thumb|200 px|Baradari atop Golconda Fort]] [[image:India - Hyderabad - 101 - Qutub Shahi Tombs (3920150765).jpg|200px|right|thumb|Qutubshahi Tombs]] [[File:Hatiyan ka Jhad (Baobab Tree) in Naya Qila.jpg|thumb|200 px|Hatiyan ka Jhad (Baobab Tree) in Naya Qila]] [[File:Hussain Sagar Lake 2.jpg|thumb|200 px|Illuminated Buddha statue on Hussain Sagar Lake]] * {{see | name=Golconda Fort | alt= | url=http://www.telanganatourism.gov.in/partials/destinations/heritage-spots/hyderabad/golconda-fort.html | email= | address= | lat=17.3843 | long=78.4025 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM-8PM | price=₹100 all | wikidata=Q4141623 | content=The Golconda Fort was the capital of the Qutb Shahi kingdom. Set aside a minimum of 2 hr to do justice to your visit -- the outer wall measures 10 km. Learning a little about the fort ahead of time is recommended, as it is easy to get confused or lost in the massive space. If you accept one of the local guides (who hustle you at the entrance gate) try to pick one who knows his stuff (₹ 500 per tour and the guide would also ask you for tips in the end, however, it is entirely up to you whether to give tips or not), rather than someone who was just passing by, spotted you and will tell you bits he once read in a guidebook. The genuine old Muslim guide who gained his encyclopedic knowledge of Golconda as an infant from his 118-year-old grandmother knows the history of every inch of the place and will show you with expertise the echo/architecture system built into the fort that the ruler used as a communication/spying system. After sunset, there is an hour-long '''light and sound show''' telling you the story of the Golconda fort which is worth seeing, though it could be a little boring. Price for foreigners ₹50/100 for normal/executive tickets. The English show runs Nov-Feb 6:30PM daily and Mar-Oct until 7PM daily. Hindi and Telugu shows are run afterwards on certain days. Afterwards, have a wander through the tiny streets and shops surrounding the fort. The beautiful scruffy old shops and houses will sell you everything from naan bread to bangles, and the fading and gaudy old painted gates and houses are a delight, as are the friendly locals. }} * {{see | name=Qutb Shahi Tombs | alt=Seven Tombs | url=http://www.hyderabadtourism.travel/qutub-shahi-tombs-hyderabad | email= | address=Seven Tombs Colony, Shaikpet | lat=17.395 | long=78.396 | directions= | phone=+91 40 2351 341 | tollfree= | hours=Sa-Th 9:30AM-5:30PM | price=₹10, camera ₹20 | wikidata=Q7273006 | lastedit=2023-06-16 | content=The tombs of the Qutubshahi dynasty. Most of them were built by Quli Qutb Shah, the founder. In 2010 local newspapers revealed that shoddy 'restoration' work allegedly using unskilled labour with road drills (bought in by one government department that didn't bother to seek professional advice or inform the local archaeological or environment departments) has been damaging these beautiful buildings. }} ** {{see | name=Qutub Shahi Tombs Site Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.395 | long=78.396 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Toli Masjid | alt= | url= | email= | address=Karwan | lat=17.37493 | long=78.44419 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7814255| wikipedia=Toli Masjid | content=300 years old. Known for its splendid architecture. }} * {{see | name=Naya Qila | alt=New Fort | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.388838 | long=78.41137 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-05-02 | content=It is an extension of the famous Golconda Fort on the northeastern side. Before the extension came up the elevated area was used as a launching pad by Aurangzeb (then Mughal governor of Dedcan) in 1656 during his attack on the Golkonda Fort. Although Aurangzeb failed in his attempt to capture Golkonda but attacks considerably damaged the walls of the Golconda. To avoid future attacks and loss Sultan Abdullah Qutb Shah ordered an extension of the fort which came to be known as Naya Qila (New Fort). In 2011 a golf course came up in the Naya Qila region restricting the entry of common people. This led to objections from various NGOs and heritage enthusiasts leading to free access to the heritage sites within the golf complex. }} ** {{see | name=Baobab Tree | alt=Hatiyan Jhod | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.392978 | long=78.40958 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-05-02 | content=This African Baobab (''adansonia digitata'') tree is 400+ years old and happens to be the oldest tree in Hyderabad. The tree originates from [[Madagascar]] and was planted by wandering friars during their stay at Golconda. The circumference of the trunk measures 25 meters and is irregular in shape and roughly represents an elephant and hence the name Hatiyan Jhod (Elephant Tree). The huge trunk is hollow and covers a huge space. According to legend the space provided shelter for 40 thieves during the Qutab Shahi rule. They used it as a shelter during the day and committed the crime during the night. }} ** {{see | name=Jamali Darwaza | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.390773 | long=78.406488 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-05-02 | content=One of the 8 gates in the outer ramparts of Golconda Fort. }} ** {{see | name=Banjari Darwaza and Golconda entrance | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.388918 | long=78.407643 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-05-02 | content=Present day entrance to Golconda and one of the largest of the gates in the ramparts. }} ** {{see | name=Mulla Khayali Mosque | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.392812 | long=78.410566 | directions=Next to Boabab Tree | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-05-02 | content=Built to honour the royal poet of the Qutb Shahi court. }} ** {{see | name=Naya Qila Habitat Centre | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.388974 | long=78.410471 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-05-02 | content= }} ===Art galleries=== * {{see | name=Alankrita Art Gallery | alt= | url=http://aalankritha.com/about-us | email= | address=41 A, Kakateeya Hills Ext. of Jubilee Hills Road No. 36 | lat=17.442052 | long=78.401107 | directions= | phone=+91 40 4020 7171 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Le Cafe De Art | url= | email= | address=Rd No.1 Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 6550 6661 | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Gallery Space | url= | email= | address=Rd No.12, Road Number 86, MLA Colony, Banjara Hills | lat=17.41351 | long=78.42215 | directions=Next to Pearl City Church, south of Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park | phone=+91 40 6554 1836 | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Kalahita Art Foundation | url= | email= | address=Lakshmi Towers, Nagarjuna Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2335 0543 | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Pegasus Art Gallery | url= | email= | address=Road No.72 Jubilee Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 23608883 | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=State Gallery Of Art | alt=Chitramayee | url= | email= | address=Road No. 1, Kavuri Hills, Madhapur, CBI Colony, Jubilee Hills | lat=17.43650 | long=78.39777 | directions=south of Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park | phone=+91 40 2311 3308 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Vishwakarma arts gallery | alt= | url=http://vishwakarmaarts.com/ | email=vishwakarmarts@yahoo.com | address=Banjara Hills, Panjagutta, Dwarakapuri colony, Esteem House, Backside of Model House | lat=17.42425 | long=78.45348 | directions=Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences Bus Stop | phone=+91 40 6661 5039 | tollfree= | hours=10AM-9PM | price= | content= }} ===Museums=== * {{see | name=Telangana State Archaeology Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address=Public Gardens, Nampally | lat=17.385044 | long=78.486671 | directions=metro: {{station|Assembly|red}} | phone=+91 40 2323 4942 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th Sa Su 10:30AM-5PM, F closed | price=Adults ₹10, children ₹5, camera ₹20 | wikidata=Q4653501 | lastedit=2023-01-05 | content=Displays a stunning array of artifacts dating back to the 1st century to the 20th century. Ranging from the Lotus Medallion of the 1st century to the Amazing Kalankari work that adorned the bed-spreads of the Nizams to a period room that displays the typical living room of the Nizam time to the Jain sculptures and Statues - this place has it all. }} ===Places of worship=== [[File:Birla Mandir in Hyderabad.jpg|thumb|300px|The Birla Mandir.]] * {{see | name=Birla Mandir | alt= | url= | email= | address=Adarsh Nagar, Naubat Pahad | lat=17.40618 | long=78.46904 | directions=Two different routes depending on whether you want to drive right to the top or climb the stairs. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM-noon, 2-8PM | price=Free | wikidata=Q4916532| wikipedia=Birla Mandir, Hyderabad | image=Birla Mandir in Hyderabad.jpg | content=The industrial house of the Birlas have the tradition of building magnificent marble temples in cities of India, all of which are known as Birla Mandir. This one is one of the best. The temple manifests a blend of South Indian, Rajasthani and Utkala temple architectures. It is made of 2,000 tonnes of Rajasthani white marble. The granite of the presiding deity is about 3.4 m tall and a carved lotus forms an umbrella on the roof. The consorts of Lord Venkateswara, Padmavati and Andal are housed in separate shrines. There is a brass flagpole in the temple premises which rises to a height of 13 m on top of Naubat Pahad (mountain). This clean, sparkling white temple dedicated to Venkateshwara has viewing areas that afford a great view of the city. Sadly, cameras and camera mobiles are banned; your bags are checked at the entrance. Shoes are not allowed, so come early in the morning so the ground will not be too hot. There is a free cloakroom available for both electronics and shoes. }} * {{see | name=Khairtabad Mosque | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.40856 | long=78.46326 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-12-01 | content= }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Balaji Temple | alt=Visa Balaji | url=http://www.chilkurbalaji.com/ | email= | address=Chilkur, RTC Cross Roads | lat=17.40292 | long=78.49641 | directions=Vidhya Nagar MMTS Station 1.5 km east | phone= | tollfree= | hours=5AM-8PM | price=Free | wikidata=Q5098989 | content=Chilkur is an important pilgrim centre in Hyderabad. The Lord here is Sri Venkateswara Swamy in a standing posture, beside whom is Goddess Sridevi and Goddess Bhudevi. People with wishes, take 11 rounds a round the core of the temple. Once their wish has been fulfilled they return to perform 108 more rounds. You will find people ticking away at the pieces of paper with the numbers to track the count. }} * {{see | name=Jama Masjid Musheerabad | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.41827 | long=78.49782 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=St Joseph's Cathedral | url= | email= | address=Gun Foundry Area | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Established in 1820, this is the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Hyderabad. }} * {{see | name=St George's Church |alt=| url= | email= | address=Abid Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2017-12-18| content=St George's Church is one of the oldest churches in the city of Hyderabad, India. It was built in the year 1844 AD. The church was built as an Anglican church but is now under the auspices of the Church of South India. }} * {{see | name=Iskon Temple | url=http://iskconhyd.blogspot.com/ | email= | address=Abids | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=| fax= | hours= | price=Free | content= }} * {{see | name=Peddamma Temple | url= | email= | address=Jubilee Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | hours= | price=Free | content= }} ===Gardens and lakes=== [[File:Hussain Sagar lake, Hyderabad.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Hussain Sagar]] * {{see | name=Hussain Sagar | alt=Tank Bund | url= | email= | address=Necklace Rd | lat=17.42222 | long=78.47389 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3275994 | lastedit=2023-06-16 | content=The artificial lake is a historical landmark, built during the reign of Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah in 1562 by damming the Musi. This forms the boundary between Hyderabad and Secunderabad. Surrounding the lake are various parks, temples, statues and historical buildings. This is one of the few walkable places in the city. At the centre of the lake stands a famous 18m high {{marker|type=see|name=statue of the Buddha| lat=17.4156|long=78.4751}} installed in 1992. Boat rides to the Buddha statue are available from Eat Street (near Necklace Road MMTS Station) and Lumbini Park. Speed boats do not stop at the Buddha statue. The road circling the lake on the north and west is known as '''Necklace Road''', and is nicknamed "the Chaupati of Hyderabad" due to its resemblance to the Girgaon Chowpatty in [[Mumbai/Fort, Colaba and Churchgate|Mumbai]]. }} * {{see | name=Public Gardens | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.3988 | long=78.4690 | directions= | phone= | hours= | price=Free| content=Known as the Bagh-e-aam (Garden for the commoners), it has well laid-out gardens and is surrounded by the imposing State Legislative Assembly building, the Jubilee Hall, the Jawahar Bal Bhavan, the Health Museum and the State Archaeological Museum. This was the old zoo and now is a beautiful place for both children and adults. }} * {{see | name=Sanjeeviah Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.385044 | long=78.486671 | directions= | phone= | hours= | price= | content=Good for bird watching. }} * {{see | name=Chacha Nehru Park | alt= | url= | email= | address=Masab Tank | lat=17.40136 | long=78.45023 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=For pleasant morning walks with kids. }} * {{see | name=Krishna Kanth Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.44009 | long=78.43044 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Jalagam Vengal Rao Park | alt=JVR Park | url= | email= | address=Banjara Hills | lat=17.42260 | long=78.44871 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=With lake. }} * {{see | name=Lotus Pond | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jubilee Hills | lat=17.41385 | long=78.42039 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Do== [[Image:Snow_World-Visitors.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Snow World]] * {{do | name=Indira Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.414754 | long=78.483045 | directions=E of Hussain Sagar | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q11219005 | lastedit=2023-06-17 | content=A sprawling 76-acre park near Tank Bund with a nice, but polluted, little pond and boating. }} * {{do | name=Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park | alt=KBR National Park | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.42 | long=78.41 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q969593 | lastedit=2023-06-17 | content=A small park in Jubilee Hills in which the Chiran Palace is located. Known as the "jungle amidst the concrete jungle", the park provides an excellent lung space and environment from the busy city life and rising pollution levels. It has over 600 species of plant life, 140 species of birds and 30 different varieties of butterflies and reptiles. You may find peacocks and a variety of small mammals and birds here. There are few water bodies present in the park providing the needed moisture for the plants and quenching the thirst of birds and small animals. The park is frequented in the evenings and weekends by young and old alike. The '''Chiran Palace''' is a modern facility designed to serve the needs of the prince, unlike other palaces of the Nizam. }} * {{do | name=Lumbini Park | alt= | url= | email= | address=NTR Marg | lat=17.41 | long=78.4722 | directions=west of Hussain Sagar lake | phone= | tollfree= | hours=9AM-9PM | price=₹10, rides extra | wikidata=Q1650886 | lastedit=2023-06-16 | content=See water cascades, go on guided car rides. Go on a boat ride and see the Buddha statue at the centre of the lake. It also offers nice Laser Shows in the evening which is first in India. }} * {{do | name=NTR Gardens | alt= | url= | email= | address=NTR Marg | lat=17.41 | long=78.4722 | directions=west of Hussain Sagar lake | phone= | tollfree= | hours=2-8:30PM | price=₹ 15 for entry, rides extra | wikidata=Q6955496 | lastedit=2023-06-16 | content=Built by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu in memory of N.T. Rama Rao, his father-in-law and ex-Chief Minister, this is an amusement park which houses some nice attractions like a mini-train, a haunted house, a boat ride, etc. There is a cafe where the seating is in the shape of vintage cars. You can either spend money on the rides or generally stroll around and gape at the fountains and the giant insects. For rides, the ₹ 45 combo you can buy at the entrance is a good deal. }} * {{do | name=Snow World | alt= | url=http://www.snowworldindia.net/snowhome1.html | email= | address=Lower Tank Bund Road | lat=17.514877 | long=78.48087 | directions=next to Indira Park | phone=+91 40 6599-0167 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Adults ₹ 450, children ₹ 250 if under 4 ft tall | wikidata=Q7548363 | lastedit=2023-06-16 | content=Asia's largest Snow Theme Park. }} * {{do | name=Diginet Digital Experience Zone | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 5558 0009 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Gamecentre. WiFi hotspot, coffee shop, shopping. }} * {{do | name=Hyderabad Golf Club | alt= | url=http://www.thehyderabadgolfclub.com/ | email= | address= | lat=17.39357 | long=78.40428 | directions=Satham Cheruvu, Beside Nadeem Colony, Golconda | phone=+91 40 2356 7207 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Golf course. }} ==Buy== ===Bazaars=== * {{buy | name=Sultan Bazaar | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= 17.383333 | long=78.483333 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-12-02 | content=Wholesale clothes market. }} * {{buy | name=Mozamjahi Market | alt= | url= | email= | address=Nizam Shahi Rd | lat=17.3843 | long=78.4750| directions= | phone= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Fruit market. }} * {{buy | name=Begum Bazaar | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=17.3731 | long=78.4706 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=Wholesale market. }} ===Jewelry=== * '''Ghanshyamdas Jewellers''' (''opp Abids Police Station''). Genuine pearls * {{buy | name=C. Krishniah Chetty & Sons-The Flagship Boutique | url=http://www.ckcsons.com | email= | address=Taj Deccan | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 3256 1869 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Jagdamba Pearls | alt= | url=http://www.jagdamba.com | email= | address=Gupta Estate, Basheer Bagh | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 6656 6777 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=One of the oldest and the largest pearl companies in India. }} * {{buy | name=Lilac Boutique | url= | email= | address=Liberty Rd, Himayathnagar | lat= | long= | directions=near TTD, opposite Dadu Sweets | phone=+91 92 4658 1851 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Designer and made-to-order & customised heavy suits, sarees and fancy blouses. }} * '''Mohal Jewells'''. On the Golden Mile Somajiguda for Pearls, Silver, Gold. {{phone| +91 40 2341 9757}} * '''Ornaments & jewellery''' (Punjagutta, Abids and Somajiguda) * '''Pearls of Hyderabad''', (''Abids and Somajiguda Jewellery shops''). Choose from 3 varieties, natural pearls, cultured and imitation. ===Handicrafts=== * {{buy | name=Bidri Crafts | alt= | url= | email= | address=Gunfoundry, Abids | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2323 2657, +91 40 2323 3663 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Kalanjali | alt= | url= | email= | address=Margadarsi House, 5-10-195, Fathemaidan Raod | lat= | long= | directions=Opp: Ploice Control Room, Nampally, Hyderabad | phone=+91 40 2323 1147, +91 40 2329 7196 | tollfree= | fax=+91 40 2323 3204 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Lepakshi | alt=Gunfoundry, Abids | url=http://www.lepakshihandicrafts.gov.in/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2766 8178 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=United Designers | alt= | url= | email= | address=Banjara Hills Rd#4 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2335 5441, +91 98 85404944 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 10:30AM-8PM | price= | lastedit=2017-12-02 | content=Designs by a new wave of young Hyderabadi fashion designers, they also have natural hand-made soaps for body and hair. }} ===Other=== * '''The Golden Mile of Hyderabad''' for shopping, consisting of shopping plazas, malls, designer boutiques and upmarket shops - Starting from Lifestyle near the Begumpet Flyover and extending all the way till Road No.1 Banjara Hills. * {{buy | name=Ladida-lingerie store | alt= | url=http://www.loveladida.com | email= | address=#2, R.K.Plaza, Greenlands Rd, Panjagutta | lat= | long= | directions=Opp. Joyalukkas Jewellers | phone=+91 40 40020267 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-9PM | price=₹ 300-2,500 | content=Lingerie shop (lingerie, ladies wear, nightwear). }} ==Eat== ===Budget=== *{{eat | name=Chutneys | url= | email= | address=1: 2: Nagarjuna Circle, Near Punjagutta flyover | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2335 0569, +91 40 2335 8484, +91 40 5557 8651 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=₹ 150 | content=Vegetarian, and quite well-known in Hyderabad. South Indian dishes like dosas, idlis and uttappas. "North Indian" also available, but best avoided. Is extremely crowded on weekend nights, and there is a waiting time of up to 30 min. Does not serve alcohol. }} *{{eat | name=Cafe Bahaar | url= | email= | address=Opp. Commissioner Office, Old MLA Quarters, Basheerbagh | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2324 3798, +91 40 2323 7605 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Biryanis and meat curries, moderately priced. }} *{{eat | name=Baawarchi | alt= | url=http://bawarchi.online/ | email= | address=Plot no. 66, RTC Cross Rd's, Chikkadpally Musheerabad | lat= | long= | directions=Opposite Sandya Theatre | phone=+91 40 2760 5308, +91 40 2763 4490 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11:30AM-11PM | price=₹ 150 | content=Biryanis }} *{{eat | name=Kholani's Kitchen | url= | email= | address=4-3-548/1, Shop No. 16 & 17, Needs Arcade, Tilak Rd, Abids | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2475 3444, +91 40 2475- 657 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-11PM | price=₹ 200 | content=Try the excellent malai kebabs (chicken) and apollo fish }} *{{eat | name=Rayalseema Ruchulu | url= | email= | address=1st Main Rd, Shanti Nagar, in the lane behind JNTU, Masab Tank | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 6510-0033, +91 40 6510-0044, +91 98 85650789 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon-3:30PM, then 7-11PM | price=₹ 200 | content=Mildly spiced food from Rayalaseema, rustic decor. Not for vegetarians. }} *{{eat | name=Taj Mahal Restaurant | url= | email= | address=# 4-1-999 Abids | lat= | long= | directions=part of Taj Mahal Hotel | phone=+91 40 2475-8250, +91 40 6551-1122 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-11PM | price=₹ 200 | content=One of the original "Udupi" style restaurants, this is strictly vegetarian and does not serve alcohol. It is part of the Taj Mahal Hotel, not to be confused with the Taj chain of luxury hotels. The food in the restaurant is tasty and good, and like Udupi restaurants, serves South Indian, North Indian and "Chinese". You are advised to stick to South Indian. The ambiance in the air-con section is old-school. }} ===Mid-range=== *{{eat | name=4 Seasons | url= | email= | address=9-4-77/3/D/4/5/6, Yousuf Tekri, Tolichowki | lat= | long= | directions=opposite R.T.A Office | phone=+91 40 65578671 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Around ₹ 800 for two | content=Serves multiple cuisines, but raved about for its Arabic and Lebanese food. Lunch and dinner. Credit cards accepted. }} *{{eat | name=Ming's Court | url= | email= | address=Baseraa Inn Hotel, Basheerbagh | lat= | long= | directions=opposite Old Gandhi Medical College | phone=+91 40 2329 8811, +91 40 2329 8822, +91 40 2329 8855 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11:30AM-3:30PM, 7-11:30PM | price=₹ 500 | content=Mostly Indian Chinese. }} *{{eat | name=Ullaasa | url= | email= | address=7-1, 59/1, Athithi Inn, 5th Floor, Dharam Karam Rd, Ameerpet | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2373-9091, +91 40 2373-9097 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11:30AM-11PM | price=₹300 | content=Nice ethnic ambience and the rooftop setting is amazing, and the food is excellent. }} *{{eat | name=Bombay Palace | url= | email= | address=# 6-1-79 & 80 Hampshire Plaza, Lakdi-Ka-Pul | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2333 5555 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7:30-11PM | price=₹ 300 | content=Has a decor that reminds you of Mumbai. Menu specialities include ragda patties and other items popularized by Mumbai's streets in addition to Mughlai and Hyderabadi dishes. Live Ghazals every evening. }} *{{eat | name=Moksh | url= | email= | address=Necklace Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 6620 0111, +91 40 6620 0112 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-3:30PM, 7PM-midnight | price=199 | content=The ₹ 199 non-veg, lunch buffet is really tasty. Service, ambiance and the lake-side location is awesome. }} *{{eat | name=MoMo Cafe | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/hydcy-courtyard-hyderabad/ | email= | address=1-3-1024 Lower Tank Bund Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2752 1222, | tollfree= | fax= | hours=24 hr | price=₹ 300-500 | content=Mughlai, Chinese and Hyderabadi dishes. }} *{{listing | type=eat | name=Celebrations | alt= | url=https://bars-pubs.socialgoat.in/hyderabad/outlet/celebrations-restaurant-jubilee-hills | email= | address=Plot No.66A, Rd No.1, Jubilee Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 4010 0888, +91 40 2360 2888 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A complex of four restaurants and one bar. }} *{{eat | name=Chinese Pavilion | url= | email= | address=Road Number 1, Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions=opposite JVR Park | phone=+91 40 6678-5680 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11:30AM-3:30PM, 7:30-11:30PM | price=₹ 500 | content=Makes an attempt to move away from Indian Chinese. }} *{{eat | name=IndieJoe | url= | email= | address=5th Floor, City Centre Mall, Road No. 1, Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 6657-0000, +91 40 6668-3333 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=12:30-3:30PM, 7:30-11:15PM | price=₹ 500 | content=Serves global cuisine. Only buffet for lunch and only a la carte for dinner. }} *{{eat | name=Mainland China | url=http://www.mainlandchinaindia.com/contact_hyd.html | email= | address=G. S. Plaza, Gr. Floor, S-2-672, Road No. 1, Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2330-4500,+91 40 5521-4500, +91 40 2330-4700 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=12:45-3:30PM, 7:30-11:30PM | price=₹ 700 | content=Excellent Chinese place, though it tends more towards Indian Chinese. Try the dim sums and the darsaan for dessert. Good ambience and excellent service. }} *{{eat | name=Our Place | url= | email= | address=8-2-602/E, Charan Pahadi, Rd No. 10 Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions=look out for a small lane that goes upwards | phone=+91 40 23353422 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=₹ 350 | content=Has received great reviews for its kebabs and tandoori dishes. But avoid the Thai stuff, as it looks like a pale imitation. The ambience is great, the seating is outdoors amidst much greenery. Often, they have live gazal music for dinner. }} *{{eat | name=Punjabi by Nature | url=http://www.punjabibynature.in/ | email= | address=MJ Towers, Rd No.12, Banjara Hills. | lat= | long= | directions=opp. SBI Banjara Hills Branch | phone=+91 40 2331-7284,+91 40 2331-7285 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon-11:30PM | price=₹ 500 | content= Kitschy decor, good food, but overpriced. As the name suggests, serves Punjabi and Mughlai food, but the menu is entirely mainstream. The drink menu has exotic stuff like golgappa with vodka, and gulab jamun with brandy. }} *{{eat | name=Serengeti | url= | email= | address=8-2-682/3, Rd No. 12, Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions=Ohri's Banjara | phone=+91 40 2330-2200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon-3:30PM, 7-11:30PM | price=₹ 600 | content=Cuisine is from the Northwest Frontier Province while the decor tries to create the ambience of an African safari. The food is good, the wine list is extensive and quite good. }} *{{listing | type=eat | name=Sahib Sindh Sultan | alt= | url= | email= | address=City Centre, 5th Floor, Road no. 1 & 10, Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 66683337 | tollfree= | hours=Noon-3:30PM, 7-11:30PM | price=₹350 | content=Themed on the eponymous 19th century train. Seating is available inside the "carriage" or on the "railway station". Waiters are dressed in turbans and railway announcements are interspersed with the music. The food is good, the pickles interesting and you have a good choice of drinks. Try the licchi ki taheri for dessert. }} *{{eat | name=Southern Spice | url= | email= | address=8-2-350/3/2, Road Number 3, Plot Number 34, Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2335-3802, +91 40 2335-3803, +91 40 6682-2619 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon-3:30PM, 7-11:30PM | price=₹ 300 | content=Highly rated for Andhra delicacies like ragi sangati and gongura mamsam }} *{{eat | name=Tex Mex | url= | email= | address=Plot 217, Road No 2, Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2354-1493, +91 40 2354-2835 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon-3PM, 7:30-10:30PM | price=₹ 500 | content=Indian and World cuisine. }} *{{listing | type=eat | name=Zafraan Exotica | alt= | url= | email= | address=Road No. 12, Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 96521 15500 | tollfree= | hours=11AM-3:30PM, 7PM-midnight | price=₹ 500 | content=A rooftop restaurant with an exotic ambience. Serves Mughlai and Chinese. }} *{{eat | name=Angeethi | alt= | url= | email= | address=Unit 701-703, 7th floor, Reliance Classic, Rd # 1 Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 6525 5550 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=12:30-3:30PM, 7-11:30PM | price=₹ 500 | content=The ambience is of a Dhaba, complete with a pan shop, a well and a quack peddling herbal remedies for "marital problems". Interesting variations on traditional Punjabi dishes, but the dessert selection is meagre. }} *{{eat | name=Barbecue Nation | url= | email= | address=Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions=opp. City Centre Mall | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=₹575+taxes (Happy Hours before 8PM: ₹525+taxes) | content=Unlimited starters on a barbecue grill on your table. Desserts are OK. }} *{{eat | name=Terrace Bay | url= | email= | address=501, 5th Floor, Babukhan Mall, Punjagutta | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2341-8545, +91 40 2341-8546 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=1-11PM | price=₹ 600 | content=A fairly successful attempt to recreate Mexican cuisine in Hyderabad. To be visited more for the food than for the ambience. }} ===Splurge=== *{{eat | name=The Water Front | alt= | url=http://waterfronthyd.in | email= | address=Beside Eat Street, Necklace Rd | lat=17.42148 | long=78.46537 | directions= | phone=+91 40 2330 8899, +91 40 6527 8899 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=₹ 700 (cover charge of ₹ 300, ₹ 500 on weekends) | content=Has a nice view of Hussain Sagar lake, but the food, at its best, is passable. }} *{{eat | name=Arena | url=http://tajhotels.com/FoodandWine/Taj%20Deccan,HYDERABAD/SPICE%20JUNXION/default.htm | email= | address=Taj Deccan, Rd Number 1, Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 6666-3939 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=24 hr | price= | content=Coffee shop serves Sunday brunch. Sushi Bar. }} *{{eat | name=Fusion 9 | alt= | url= | email= | address=Number 4, First Avenue, Road Number 1, Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 6657-7722, +91 40 6657-7755 | tollfree= | hours=11AM-4PM, 7-11:30 | price= | content=Lounge bar and restaurant, with a wide range of cuisines from different parts of the world. Closed until December 2017 for renovation. }} *{{eat | name=Golden Dragon | url=http://www.tajhotels.com/FoodandWine/Taj%20Krishna,HYDERABAD/GOLDEN%20DRAGON/default.htm | email= | address=Taj Krishna, Road Number 1, Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 6666-2323, +91 40 2339-2323 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=12:30-14:45, 19:30-23:45 | price=₹ 800 | content=Opulent Chinese restaurant. }} *{{eat | name=Hall Of Fame | url= | email= | address=Plot Number 1098, Road Number 36, Jubilee Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 64516969, +91 40 64526969 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-11:30PM | price= | content=Sports grill. American, Italian and Mexican food with ''sport viewing''. }} *{{eat | name=Kebab-e-Bahar | url=http://www.tajhotels.com/FoodandWine/Taj%20Banjara,HYDERABAD/KEBAB%20E%20BAHAR/default.htm | email= | address=Taj Banjara, Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2339-9999 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7:30-11:45PM | price= | content=Kebabs from all over, including Hyderabad and Northwest Frontier. }} *{{listing | type=eat | name=Little Italy Bar and Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.littleitaly.in/ | email= | address=275, Film Nagar | lat= | long= | directions=opp. KBR Park, at Apollo Crossing | phone=+91 40 2355 8001 | tollfree= | hours=noon-3:30PM, 7-11:30PM | price=₹ 700 | content=Italian style, completely vegetarian. }} *{{eat | name=Spice Junxion | url=http://tajhotels.com/FoodandWine/Taj%20Deccan,HYDERABAD/Arena-%20All%20Day%20Dining/default.htm | email= | address=Taj Deccan, Road Number 1, Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 6666-3939 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=noon-7:30PM, 7-11:30PM | price= | content=South Indian cuisine with a trendy twist. Lunchtime platters with 10 starters, 8 main course items and 4 desserts served in a span of 40 min. Regular menu items are dosa with mutton curry and idly with chicken curry. The condiment trolley has 17 types of chutneys, pickles, spicy powders, papads and vadiyalu from South India. Desserts; paan ice cream, all-spice chocolates and traditional south Indian sweets are made in-house. }} ===Bakeries=== *{{eat | name=Karachi Bakery | alt= | url= | email= | address=Mozamjahi Market, Road No.1, Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions=Near Image Hospitals Madhapur. Beside Paradise Food Court Kothapet | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=My Cafe Latte | url= | email= | address=Plot No. 1100, Road No. 36 Jubilee Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2355 3709 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Coffee, mocktails and sandwiches, with Hollywood themed decor. }} * {{eat | name=Sarvi Bakers and Confectioners | url= | email= | address=Opposite Care Hospital, Road Number 1, Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 6663-1113, +91 40 6663-1114 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=₹ 50 | content=Place for sandwiches, burgers and puffs. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Ofen | alt= | url=http://www.theofen.com/ | email= | address=Plot Number 49, Road Number 10, Banjara Hills | lat=17.41580 | long=78.44312 | directions= | phone=+91 40 2337 2205, +91 40 2337 2235 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 8AM-11PM | price=₹150 | content=Excellent place for breads and related foods - especially for health conscious. Includes breads like whole grain breads, ragi breads and sugar free cakes. }} * {{eat | name=The Chocolate Room | url=http://www.thechocolateroomindia.com/ | email= | address=Plot no 268, Kavuri hills | lat= | long= | directions=near Madhapur Police Station Crossing, Jubilee hills | phone=+91 40 6458-9595 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=₹150 | content=Wonderful drinking chocolates and crepes. Also a good place to hang out and have a conversation, though it does get crowded on weekends during the evening. }} * {{eat | name=Almond House | alt= | url=http://www.almondhouse.com/ | email= | address=Shop No. 3-6-237, Lingapur Building Himayath Nagar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2322-6068 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Quality Indian sweets. }} * {{eat | name=King & Cardinal | alt= | url= | email= | address=3-5-907, Himayathnagar X Roads, Himayathnagar | lat=17.4007 | long=78.4879 | directions= | phone=+91 40 6661 5444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=₹100 | content=Pizzas and burgers. Also serves Indian Chinese snacks. }} * {{eat | name=Universal Bakers | url= | email= | address=3-6-12, Himayatnagar, Himayathnagar Paradise, Himaythnagar & Masab Tank | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=8AM-10PM | price= | content=Baked biscuits, cakes and burgers. Has 3 outlets. }} ==Drink== ===Pubs=== * {{drink | name=Easy Rider | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 498 4903 2297 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Lakeview Palace, Road no 1, Banjara Hills, (''opposite Taj Banjara''). 11:30AM-11PM }} * {{drink | name=Hard Rock Cafe | alt= | url= | email= | address=1 Mall Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=GVK No 1 Banjara Hills. Part of world wide chain. Excellent ambiance, check their website for events. }} * '''Club8''', Life style building Ameerpet, cheap beer, usually have a (1+1) offer available before 7PM. * '''H2O''' Amrutha castle, (''near lumbini garden''). ₹ 150-300. ===Bars=== *{{drink | name=Atrium Bar | url=http://www.tajhotels.com/FoodandWine/Taj%20Deccan,HYDERABAD/ATRIUM%20BAR/default.htm | email= | address=Taj Deccan, Road No.1 Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2339 2684, +91 40 6666 3939 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-11:30PM | price= | content= }} *{{drink | name=Fashion (FTV) | url= | email= | address=Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Trendy lounge bar. }} *{{drink | name=Liquids Again | url= | email= | address=5th Floor, ABN Amro Bank Complex, Bhaskara Plaza, Road Number 1, Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 6625 9907, +91 406625-9908 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-11PM | price=₹ 900 | content=Sleek, trendy lounge bar. }} *{{drink | name=Seventh Heaven | url= | email= | address=6-3-883/5, Seventh Floor, Venkat Plaza, Punjagutta | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 6666 8833, +91 40 6666-8822 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-11:30PM | price= | content=Nice rooftop bar and restaurant. }} *{{drink | name=Touch | url= | email= | address=1st Floor, Trendset Towers, Road Number 2, Banjara Hills | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2354 2433, +91 40 2354 2422, +91 40 6651 6666 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11:30AM-11:30PM | price=₹500 | content=Upscale, celebrity hang-out, great place but very expensive. Has a dress code, shoes mandatory. }} *{{listing | type=drink | name=Hydrate | alt= | url= | email= | address=# 6-1-79 & 80, Hampshire Plaza, Lakdi-Ka-Pul | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2333 5555 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Elegant bar at Hampshire Plaza. }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== *{{sleep | name=Aahwaanam | url= | email= | address=NTR Estate, Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Abids | lat= | long= | directions=Opp. Ramakrishna Cinema Hall | phone=+91 40 2474 0301, +91 40 2474 0305, +91 92 9133 3108 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=₹ 600-1,000 | checkin=24 hr | checkout=24 hr | content=Basic budget hotel. Most rooms are not air-conditioned. }} *{{sleep | name=Classic Lodge & Boarding | alt= | url=http://classic-lodge.business.site/ | email=info@classiclodge.in | address=5-8-112 to 173, 21st Century Commercial Complex, Nampally | lat= | long= | directions=Opp. Board of Intermediate | phone=+91 4023200159, +91 4023200537, +91 8121179866, +91 9000005320 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=24 hr | checkout=24 hr | price=₹300-1,600 | content=Air-conditioned and non air-conditioned deluxe rooms & 25-bed dormitory with multiple bathrooms, and all basic facilities available. }} *{{sleep | name=Hotel Geetanjali | url=http://www.hotelgeetanjali.com/ | email= | address=4-1-938/26/A, New Marketing Complex, Abids, Tilak Rd | lat=17.392477 | long=78.477294 | directions= | phone=+91 40 66635500 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=₹ 800-1,500 | checkin=24 hr | checkout=24 hr | content=Air-conditioned and non air-conditioned rooms. Budget hotel, offers room service, clean & economical rooms and free wifi, online reservations, rated environmentally friendly, no restaurants. Close to transportation. }} *{{sleep | name=Hotel Haridwar | alt= | url=http://www.hotelharidwar.com | email= | address=4-6-464, Esamiya Bazar, Koti | lat=17.38456 | long=78.48903 | directions= | phone=+91 40 2465 6711, +91 40 2473 2780 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=24 hr | checkout=24 hr | price=₹ 350-850 | content=Basic functional hotel with attached vegetarian restaurant. Caters mainly to visitors from North India. }} *{{sleep | name=Hotel Minerva | alt= | url=http://minervahotel.in/ | email= | address=3-6-199/1, Himayat Nagar | lat=17.4014 | long=78.4852 | directions= | phone=+91 40 2322-0448 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹ 1,300-1,800 | content=Close to the Birla temple and other attractions. Good budget choice in an area where there aren't many budget hotels. }} *{{sleep | name=Sitara Paradise | alt= | url=http://sitarahotels.com/ameerpet-paradise.html | email= | address=No. 6-3-788/34, Opp. Lane of Chandana Bros, Ameerpet | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2373 5222, +91 40 2373 5333, +91 40 6684 4449 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹ 1,100-1,500 | content=Small hotel in the middle of the Ameerpet shopping district. Don't expect a quiet stay, but the rooms are spacious and elegant. This hotel is geared more towards weddings and celebrations, not for business travellers or tourists. }} *{{sleep | name=Best Western Ashoka | url=http://bestwesternashoka.com/lakdikapul/ | email= | address=6-1-70, Lakdi-ka-Pul | lat=17.40406 | long=78.46546 | directions= | phone=+91 40 2323 0105, +91 40 6651 0222, +91 40 3062 0222, +91 40 6651 0220 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=₹ 600-1,500 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Air-conditioned and non air-conditioned rooms. }} ===Mid-range=== *{{sleep | name=Amrutha Castle | alt= | url=http://amruthacastle.com/ | email= | address=#5-9-16, Opp. Secretariat, Saifabad | lat=17.40752 | long=78.46886 | directions= | phone=+91 40 6663 3888 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Designed after castles from medieval Bavarian Europe. All-suite accommodations, meeting and event space, onsite restaurants, a fitness centre and swimming pool. Close to important attractions. }} *{{sleep | name=The Central Court | alt= | url=http://www.thecentralcourt.com | email= | address=6-1-71, Lakdi-ka-Pul | lat=17.40434 | long=78.46516 | directions= | phone=+91 98 493-23232, +91 40 2323-2323, +91 40 2323-3262 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Centrally located and targeted at the business traveller who needs a place to sleep. Provides complimentary internet and most other business facilities. In addition, it has a couple of reasonable restaurants. }} *{{sleep | name=Quality Inn Residency | url=http://www.qualityinnresidency.com | email= | address=5-8-231/2, Public Garden Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 3061 6161, +91 40 2320 4080,+91 40 5551 4060 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=₹ 3,300-11,000 | checkin=24 hr | checkout=24hr | content=Business hotel, internet, conference facilities. ''Venue'', a vegetarian restaurant is part of the hotel, as is ''One Flight Down'', a basement pub. The location is more suited for access to the main city rather than Hi tech city. }} *{{sleep | name=Rukmini Riviera | alt= | url=http://rukminiriviera.com/ | email= | address=6-1-1062, Lakdi-ka-Pul | lat=17.4058 | long=78.4641 | directions=behind Hotel Dwaraka | phone=+91 40 6678-5566, +91 92 4659 1237 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=24 hr | checkout=24 hr | price=₹ 1,600-2,200 | content=Basic, functional and clean hotel. 2 restaurants, one is vegetarian and the other has a bar. It is located near the city centre, at a reasonable distance from both tourist attractions and office complexes, though it is not suitable if you need access to Hi tech city. 2 banquet halls, geared more towards weddings and other celebrations. }} *{{listing | type=sleep | name=Hotel Marjan International | alt= | url=https://www.oyorooms.com/74786-capital-o-capital-o-46248-marjan-international-hyderabad/ | email= | address=Opp. Public Gardens, Chapel Rd, Nampally | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2324 4041, +91 40 2324 4042, +91 40 2324 4043 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹ 2,500-3,500 | content=An adequate and comfortable hotel, located close to the Nampally railway station. Large rooms, restaurant. }} *{{sleep | name=Athithi Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=# 7-1-59/1, Dharam Karam Rd, Ameerpet | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2373 9091 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=noon | checkout=noon | price=₹ 2,000-4,000 | content=Cozy hotel, slightly far from the city centre. Room service and laundry available. Has conference room facilities. Houses 2 restaurants. }} *{{sleep | name=Hotel Harsha | alt= | url=http://www.hotelharsha.net/ | email= | address=39 Public Garden Rd, Nampally | lat=17.39349 | long=78.47052 | directions= | phone=+91 40 2320- 2729, +91 40 2320 1188, +91 40 6663 1188 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=24 hr | checkout=24 hr | price=₹ 1,600-2,500 (higher rates for foreigners, payable in US dollars) | content=Close to the railway station. Basic, but adequate facilities. Vegetarian dining available. As it is close to the main road, it is somewhat noisy. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Hotel Mandakini Jaya International | alt= | url=http://www.hoteljayainternational.in/ | email=sales@hoteljayainternational.in | address=3/1 & 3/2 Reddy Hostel Lane, Hanuman Tekdi, Abids | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2475 2929, +91 9951242929 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From ₹ 1,700 | content=Chic hotel in the market area of Abids and well connected with city and other business centres. Good for business and leisure travellers and is very close to the airport. }} *{{sleep | name=Minerva Grand | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Promoted as a "Boutique Business Hotel". Rooms are elegantly furnished and provide a cozy atmosphere without pampering you too much. It has a business centre, internet in all rooms, and both locations have branches of '''Blue Fox''', a multi-cuisine restaurant. }} *{{listing | type=sleep | name=Sai Prakash | alt= | url=https://hotelsaiprakash.chobs.in/ | email= | address=5-4-434, Station Road, Nampally | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 40 2461 1726 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹ 1,500 | content=Close to the airport, strictly adequate. }} *{{sleep | name=Falcons Nest Imperia Suites | alt= | url=http://www.falconsnest.in | email=info@falconsnest.in | address=1299F, Road no 68, Jubilee Hills | lat= | long= | directions=Close to Apollo Hospitals, Film Nagar, Annapurna Studios | phone=+91 40 2360 0060,+91 40 2360 0029 | tollfree= | checkin=noon | checkout=noon | price= | content=A good, reasonably priced hotel. Has been renovated, and the suite rooms are luxury. Free Wi-Fi and a complimentary breakfast. }} *{{sleep | name=I K London Residency | url=http://www.hoteliklondonresidency.co.in/ | email= | address=6-3-656, Kapadia Lane, Somajiguda, | lat= | long= | directions=in the lane diagonally opposite NIMS | phone=+91 40 6662 5555, +91 40 6675 9516, +91 40 6675 9517 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=₹ 2,500-5,000 | checkin=24 hr | checkout=24 hr | content=Caters to business travellers and has easy access to Punjagutta, Begumpet and the secretariat areas. Complimentary breakfast, WiFi and most other facilities you'd expect from a business hotel. }} *{{sleep | name=Minerva Grand Banjara | alt= | url=http://minervahotels.in/banjara-road-eleven/p/home-page | email= | address=8-2-616, Road No 11, Banjara Hills | lat=17.41347 | long=78.44490 | directions= | phone=+91 40 6612 7373 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹ 3,000-6,000 | content=This is a newer property. Has '''Stir''', an all-day coffee shop. }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Hampshire Plaza | alt= | url=http://www.hampshireplaza.com | email= | address=6-1-79 & 80, Lakdi-ka-Pul | lat=17.40515 | long=78.46457 | directions=Diagonally Opposite To Amravathi Theater | phone=+91 40 2333 5555 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=noon | checkout=nooh | price=₹ 7,000-11,000 | content=Well worth a stay if the location is right. Well-appointed rooms, with WiFi and all amenities you would expect at the price. }} * Marriott has 2 properties within walking distance of each other in the Tank Bund area near Hussain Sagar Lake and the Courtyard: ** {{sleep | name=Courtyard Hyderabad | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/hydcy-courtyard-hyderabad/ | email= | address=1-3-1024 Lower Tank Bund Rd | lat=17.42351 | long=78.48773 | directions= | phone=+91 40 2752 1222 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=₹ 5,000-7,000 | content=Opened in December 2009. Business hotel, many rooms have a view of the lake. }} ** {{sleep | name=Marriott Hotel & Convention Centre | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/hydmc-hyderabad-marriott-hotel-and-convention-centre/ | email= | address=opposite Hussain Sagar Lake, Tank Bund Rd | lat=17.4242 | long=78.4872 | directions= | phone=+91 40 2752-2999 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=₹ 7,000-16,000 | content=The more expensive rooms have a view of the Hussain Sagar Lake right across the street. Wi-Fi and wired internet available in all rooms, charged extra. There are 3 restaurants and a bar, including '''Bidri''' an Indian restaurant serving Hyderabadi cuisine. }} * {{sleep | name=Aditya Park | alt= | url=http://www.sarovarhotels.com/hyderabad-hotels/aditya-park | email= | address=Aditya Trade Centre, lane beside Huda Maitrivanam, Ameerpet | lat=17.4370 | long=78.4465 | directions= | phone=+91 40 6678 8888 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹ 4,500-6,000 | content=Close to business areas, but far from tourist attractions or from Hi tech city. Free internet, and have a restaurant ''Promenade'' and a bar ''Harry's''. }} * {{sleep | name=The Golkonda | alt= | url=http://www.thegolkondahotel.com | email= | address=10-1-124, Masab Tank Crossroads | lat=17.40441 | long=78.45366 | directions=opposite Polytechnic | phone=+91 40 6611 0101, +91 40 2332 0202, +91 40 2332-0404 | tollfree=+1800 425-0202 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹ 5,000-9,000 (extra for foreigners paying in dollars) | content=This is one of the few 4-star hotels in this area. Free breakfast and free internet. Has a fitness centre and a swimming pool. Suitable for business travellers and tourists. }} * {{sleep | name=Green Park | alt= | url=http://www.hotelgreenpark.com/Hyderabad | email= | address=Greenlands, Begumpet | lat=17.43616 | long=78.45378 | directions= | phone=+91 40 6651 5151 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=noon | checkout=noon | price=₹ 5,000-11,000 | content=Close to the city's business areas. Rooms are well-furnished, free breakfast coffee shop, internet and access to the minibar. '''Once upon a time''' is the speciality restaurant. '''The Mustang Bar''' and '''Torque''' the pub. }} * {{sleep | name=ITC Kakatiya | alt= | url=https://www.itchotels.com/in/en/itckakatiya-hyderabad | email=reservations@itchotels.in | address=6-3-1187, Begumpet | lat=17.43261 | long=78.45735 | directions= | phone=+91 40 2333 5555 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹ 15,000-30,000 | content=If price is no object, this is the place to stay. Located in the centre of the business district. It has 3 full-service restaurants. ''Deccan Pavilion'' is open 24 hr, and serves up a Sunday brunch from 12:30-3PM. South Indian restaurant ''Dakshin'' and an Irish-themed pub ''Dublin''. }} *[http://www.tajhotels.com/ Taj], a famous Indian hotel chain, has five iconic hotels in Hyderabad of which three are on the same street in Banjara Hills: :* {{sleep | name=Taj Banjara | alt= | url=https://gateway.tajhotels.com/en-in/taj-banjara/ | email= | address=Road No. 1, Banjara Hills | lat=17.40965 | long=78.44884 | directions= | phone=+91 40 6666 2323 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=₹ 5,000-16,000 | content=Taj Banjara is by the side of its own private lake. The lake is not very well-maintained or clean, but the rooms are. Conference facilities and good for business events. Open-air restaurant '''Kabab-e-bahar''' serves Indian BBQ. ''Underdeck'', a basement pub. }} :* {{sleep | name=Taj Deccan | alt= | url=https://vivanta.tajhotels.com/en-in/deccan/ | email= | address=Road No. 1, Banjara Hills | lat=17.41811 | long=78.45070 | directions= | phone=+91 40 6666 3939 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=noon | checkout=noon | price=₹ 5,000-13,000 | content=The least expensive of the 3 Taj hotels. Restaurant ''Spice Junxion'' serves fusion South Indian cuisine, with a wide variety of pickles, spiced martinis are a speciality of the restaurant. }} :* {{sleep | name=Taj Krishna | alt= | url=https://taj.tajhotels.com/en-in/taj-krishna-hyderabad/ | email= | address=Road No. 1, Banjara Hills | lat=17.41649 | long=78.45001 | directions= | phone=+91 40 6666 2323 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=₹ 9,000-15,000 | content=This is the closest that Hyderabad has to a grand old hotel. Taj bought a failing property and turned it into one of the premier hotels in Hyderabad. The hotel interiors are over the top, but rooms are tastefully done, though the hotel's age shows in some places. '''Golden Dragon''' Chinese restaurant, '''Ahala''' the pub, conference facilities available. }} ==Connect== {{IsPartOf|Hyderabad}} {{usabledistrict}} {{geo|17.45|78.5}} mqnfawmive09xv3mxmpm7yixoj2on3r 2 168045 5086862 4920534 2025-07-03T00:41:13Z 92.21.137.132 Undo revision [[Special:Diff/4224145|4224145]] by [[Special:Contributions/VulcanSphere|VulcanSphere]] ([[User talk:VulcanSphere|talk]]) - Remove __INDEX__ magic word to remove page from [[:Category:Indexed pages]]. 5086862 wikitext text/x-wiki {{User committed identity|9fe60b0fc57fa86f189c2e452d80f6d6cd8d9adb9a769d183a539de84e007c9627b5a912da7bf92244840e5db2431f02|SHA-384|}} [[File:VulcanSphere logo.svg|center|frameless|600px]] [[File:The iDOLM@STER logo.svg|center|800px|frameless]] <div style="text-align: center;">Hello, this is a Wikivoyage page for VulcanSphere @ Wikimedia. Hallo, dit is een Wikivoyage pagina voor VulcanSphere @ Wikimedia Halo, ini adalah halaman Wikivoyage untuk VulcanSphere @ Wikimedia</div> esxsc5xd47d9k9d5mdeeicqpkjq9jjg 0 170868 5086964 4117492 2025-07-03T04:50:18Z LordDiscord 2328784 Typo 5086964 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Welcome banner.jpg}} '''Piedmontese''' (''piemontèis'') is a Romance language spoken by about two or three million people, the majority of whom live in the [[Italy|Italian]] region of [[Piedmont]]. While it is sometimes debated whether Piedmontese is a language or a dialect, its lack of mutual intelligibility with Italian and its independent growth from Latin mean that it is best classified as a language. While standard Italian has become the dominant language across Italy, Piedmontese is still widely known, especially among older people and in rural areas, and it wouldn't hurt to know some if you're travelling in the region. ==Pronunciation guide== ===Vowels=== ;a: like f'''a'''ther {{IPA|ɑ}} ;e: like the beginning of the vowel in r'''ay''' {{IPA|e}}, sometimes like b'''e'''d {{IPA|ɛ}} ;ë: a schwa, like the '''a'''bout {{IPA|ə}} ;eu: the first sound of e with the upper lip rounded back {{IPA|ø}} ;i: like mach'''i'''ne {{IPA|i}} ;o: like b'''oo'''k {{IPA|ʊ}} ;ò: like in '''o'''ff {{IPA|ɔ}} ;u: like French ''t'''u''''': the sound of i with the lips rounded back {{IPA|y}} === Consonants === ;b: like in '''b'''oy {{IPA|b}} ;c: like in '''ch'''eese if before an e or i {{IPA|t͡ʃ}}, like in '''c'''at otherwise {{IPA|k}} ;ch: like the second pronunciation of c ;cc: like the first pronunciation of c ;d: like in '''d'''og {{IPA|d}} ;f: like in '''f'''un {{IPA|f}} ;g: like in '''j'''ump if before an e or i {{IPA|d͡ʒ}}, like in pen'''gu'''in otherwise {{IPA|ɡw}} ;gh: like the second pronunciation of g ;gg: like the first pronunciation of g ;gli: like in mi'''ll'''ion {{IPA|ʎ}} ;gn: like in ca'''ny'''on {{IPA|ɲ}} ;j: like in hallelu'''j'''ah {{IPA|j}} ;k: like in '''k'''ing {{IPA|k}} ;l: somewhat like '''l'''amb {{IPA|l}} ;m: like in '''m'''other {{IPA|m}} ;n: like in '''n'''ight {{IPA|n}}, like in si'''ng''' before consonants and at the ends of words {{IPA|ŋ}} ;nn: like the first pronunciation of n ;p: like in '''p'''ort {{IPA|p}} ;q: like English q ;r: trilled r {{IPA|r}} ;s: like in '''s'''ong {{IPA|s}}, like in bu'''s'''y between vowels, after consonants, and at word endings {{IPA|z}}, sometimes like in pre'''ss'''ure {{IPA|ʃ}}. The first pronunciation is always used before c or cc. The second is always used before g or gg. ;ss: like the first pronunciation of s ;sc: like in '''sc'''an {{IPA|sk}}, sometimes like que'''sti'''on {{IPA|stʃ}} ;t: like in '''t'''ap {{IPA|t}} ;v: like in '''v'''an {{IPA|v}}, sometimes between v and w {{IPA|ʋ}} ;z: like in '''z'''oom {{IPA|z}}, sometimes like in da'''ds''' {{IPA|d͡z}} ==Phrase list== === Basics === {{infobox|Common signs| ; OPEN : uvert ''or'' duvert ; CLOSED : cius ; ENTRANCE : ingress ; EXIT : sboch ; PUSH : possé ; PULL : tiré ; TOILET : toaleta ; MEN : ; WOMEN : ; FORBIDDEN : proibì}} ; Hello. : Cerea. (''cher-eeah'') ; Hello. (''informal'') : . ('' '') ; How are you? : Com a l'é? (''cohm-a-lay'') ; Fine, thank you. : A va bin grassie/mersì' (''ah va been grasshieh/mersshi'') ; And you? : E ti? (''eh tea'') ; What's your name? : Com it ciamës-to? (''Com-it cham-us toe'') Com it ës-ciame? (''Com-it us-cham-eh'') ; My name is... : Mi im ës-ciamo (''Me im us cha-mo'') ; Nice to meet you. : . ('' '') ; Please. : . ('' '') ; Thank you. : Mersi. (''Mer-sshi'') ; Thank you very much. : Bombin ëd grassie. (''Bomb-bin uhd grasshieh'') ; You're welcome. : Figurte. (''Figur-tay'') ; Yes. : . ('' '') ; No. : . ('' '') ; Excuse me. (''getting attention'') : . ('' '') ; Excuse me. (''begging pardon'') : . ('' '') ; I'm sorry. : . ('' '') ; Goodbye. : Arvëdse. (''Ar-vuhd-seh'') ; Goodbye (''informal'') : . ('' '') ; I can't speak Piedmontese [well]. : [ ]. ('' [ ]'') ; Do you speak English? : Parlës-to anglèis? (''Par-lus toe ang-lays'') ; Is there someone here who speaks English? : ? ('' ?'') ; Help! : ! ('' !'') ; Look out! : ! ('' !'') ; Good Morning. : Bondì. (''bawn-dee'') ; Good evening. : Bon-a sèira. (''bohn-ah shy-i-rah'') ; Good night. : . ('' '') ; Good night (''to sleep'') : . ('' '') ; I don't understand. : . ('' '') ; Where is the toilet? : ? ('' ?'') ===Problems=== ; Leave me alone. : . ('' .'') ; Don't touch me! : ! ('' !'') ; I'll call the police. : . ('' .'') ; Police! : ! ('' !'') ; Stop! Thief! : ! ! ('' ! !'') ; I need your help. : . ('' .'') ; It's an emergency. : . ('' .'') ; I'm lost. : . ('' .'') ; I lost my bag. : . ('' .'') ; I lost my wallet. : . ('' .'') ; I'm sick. : . ('' .'') ; I've been injured. : . ('' .'') ; I need a doctor. : . ('' .'') ; Can I use your phone? : ? ('' ?'') ===Numbers=== ; 1 : ('' '') ; 2 : ('' '') ; 3 : ('' '') ; 4 : ('' '') ; 5 : ('' '') ; 6 : ('' '') ; 7 : ('' '') ; 8 : ('' '') ; 9 : ('' '') ; 10 : ('' '') ; 11 : ('' '') ; 12 : ('' '') ; 13 : ('' '') ; 14 : ('' '') ; 15 : ('' '') ; 16 : ('' '') ; 17 : ('' '') ; 18 : ('' '') ; 19 : ('' '') ; 20 : ('' '') ; 21 : ('' '') ; 22 : ('' '') ; 23 : ('' '') ; 30 : ('' '') ; 40 : ('' '') ; 50 : ('' '') ; 60 : ('' '') ; 70 : ('' '') ; 80 : ('' '') ; 90 : ('' '') ; 100 : ('' '') ; 200 : ('' '') ; 300 : ('' '') ; 1,000 : ('' '') ; 2,000 : ('' '') ; 1,000,000 : ('' '') ; 1,000,000,000 : ('' '') ; 1,000,000,000,000 : ('' '') ; number _____ (train, bus, etc.) : ('' '') ; half : ('' '') ; less : ('' '') ; more : ('' '') ===Time=== ; now : ('' '') ; later : ('' '') ; before : ('' '') ; morning : ('' '') ; afternoon : ('' '') ; evening : ('' '') ; night : ('' '') ====Clock time==== ; one o'clock AM : ('' '') ; two o'clock AM : ('' '') ; noon : ('' '') ; one o'clock PM : ('' '') ; two o'clock PM : ('' '') ; midnight : ('' '') ====Duration==== ; _____ minute(s) : ('' '') ; _____ hour(s) : ('' '') ; _____ day(s) : ('' '') ; _____ week(s) : ('' '') ; _____ month(s) : ('' '') ; _____ year(s) : ('' '') ====Days==== ; today : ('' '') ; yesterday : ('' '') ; tomorrow : ('' '') ; this week : ('' '') ; last week : ('' '') ; next week : ('' '') ; Sunday : ('' '') ; Monday : ('' '') ; Tuesday : ('' '') ; Wednesday : ('' '') ; Thursday : ('' '') ; Friday : ('' '') ; Saturday : ('' '') ====Months==== <!--If speakers of the language commonly use a calendar other than the Gregorian, explain it here and list its months. See [[Hebrew phrasebook]] for an example.--> ; January : ('' '') ; February : ('' '') ; March : ('' '') ; April : ('' '') ; May : ('' '') ; June : ('' '') ; July : ('' '') ; August : ('' '') ; September : ('' '') ; October : ('' '') ; November : ('' '') ; December : ('' '') ====Writing time and date==== <!--Give some examples how to write clock times and dates if it differs from English.--> ===Colours=== ; black : ('' '') ; white : ('' '') ; gray : ('' '') ; red : ('' '') ; blue : ('' '') ; yellow : ('' '') ; green : ('' '') ; orange : ('' '') ; purple : ('' '') ; brown : ('' '') ===Transportation=== ====Bus and train==== ; How much is a ticket to _____? : ('' '') ; One ticket to _____, please. : ('' '') ; Where does this train/bus go? : ('' '') ; Where is the train/bus to _____? : ('' '') ; Does this train/bus stop in _____? : ('' '') ; When does the train/bus for _____ leave? : ('' '') ; When will this train/bus arrive in _____? : ('' '') ====Directions==== ; How do I get to _____ ? : ('' '') ; ...the train station? : ('' '') ; ...the bus station? : ('' '') ; ...the airport? : ('' '') ; ...downtown? : ('' '') ; ...the youth hostel? : ('' '') ; ...the _____ hotel? : ('' '') ; ...the American/Canadian/Australian/British consulate? : ('' '') ; Where are there a lot of... : ('' '') ; ...hotels? : ('' '') ; ...restaurants? : ('' '') ; ...bars? : ('' '') ; ...sites to see? : ('' '') ; Can you show me on the map? : ('' '') ; street : ('' '') ; Turn left. : ('' '') ; Turn right. : ('' '') ; left : ('' '') ; right : ('' '') ; straight ahead : ('' '') ; towards the _____ : ('' '') ; past the _____ : ('' '') ; before the _____ : ('' '') ; Watch for the _____. : ('' '') ; intersection : ('' '') ; north : ('' '') ; south : ('' '') ; east : ('' '') ; west : ('' '') ; uphill : ('' '') ; downhill : ('' '') ====Taxi==== ; Taxi! : ('' '') ; Take me to _____, please. : ('' '') ; How much does it cost to get to _____? : ('' '') ; Take me there, please. : ('' '') ===Lodging=== ; Do you have any rooms available? : ('' '') ; How much is a room for one person/two people? : ('' '') ; Does the room come with... : ('' '') ; ...bedsheets? : ('' '') ; ...a bathroom? : ('' '') ; ...a telephone? : ('' '') ; ...a TV? : ('' '') ; May I see the room first? : ('' '') ; Do you have anything quieter? : ('' '') ; ...bigger? : ('' '') ; ...cleaner? : ('' '') ; ...cheaper? : ('' '') ; OK, I'll take it. : ('' '') ; I will stay for _____ night(s). : ('' '') ; Can you suggest another hotel? : ('' '') ; Do you have a safe? : ('' '') ; ...lockers? : ('' '') ; Is breakfast/supper included? : ('' '') ; What time is breakfast/supper? : ('' '') ; Please clean my room. : ('' '') ; Can you wake me at _____? : ('' '') ; I want to check out. : ('' '') ===Money=== ; Do you accept American/Australian/Canadian dollars? : ('' '') ; Do you accept British pounds? : ('' '') ; Do you accept euros? : ('' '') ; Do you accept credit cards? : ('' '') ; Can you change money for me? : ('' '') ; Where can I get money changed? : ('' '') ; Can you change a traveler's check for me? : ('' '') ; Where can I get a traveler's check changed? : ('' '') ; What is the exchange rate? : ('' '') ; Where is an automatic teller machine (ATM)? : ('' '') ===Eating=== ; A table for one person/two people, please. : ('' '') ; Can I look at the menu, please? : ('' '') ; Can I look in the kitchen? : ('' '') ; Is there a house specialty? : ('' '') ; Is there a local specialty? : ('' '') ; I'm a vegetarian. : ('' '') ; I don't eat pork. : ('' '') ; I don't eat beef. : ('' '') ; I only eat kosher food. : ('' '') ; Can you make it "lite", please? (''less oil/butter/lard'') : ('' '') ; fixed-price meal : ('' '') ; a la carte : ('' '') ; breakfast : ('' '') ; lunch : ('' '') ; tea (''meal'') : ('' '') ; supper : ('' '') ; I want _____. : ('' '') ; I want a dish containing _____. : ('' '') ; chicken : ('' '') ; beef : ('' '') ; fish : ('' '') ; ham : ('' '') ; sausage : ('' '') ; cheese : ('' '') ; eggs : ('' '') ; salad : ('' '') ; (fresh) vegetables : ('' '') ; (fresh) fruit : ('' '') ; bread : ('' '') ; toast : ('' '') ; noodles : ('' '') ; rice : ('' '') ; beans : ('' '') ; May I have a glass of _____? : ('' '') ; May I have a cup of _____? : ('' '') ; May I have a bottle of _____? : ('' '') ; coffee : ('' '') ; tea (''drink'') : ('' '') ; juice : ('' '') ; (bubbly) water : ('' '') ; (still) water : ('' '') ; beer : ('' '') ; red/white wine : ('' '') ; May I have some _____? : ('' '') ; salt : ('' '') ; black pepper : ('' '') ; butter : ('' '') ; Excuse me, waiter? (''getting attention of server''): ('' '') ; I'm finished. : ('' '') ; It was delicious. : ('' '') ; Please clear the plates. : ('' '') ; The check, please. : ('' '') ===Bars=== ; Do you serve alcohol? : ('' '') ; Is there table service? : ('' '') ; A beer/two beers, please. : ('' '') ; A glass of red/white wine, please. : ('' '') ; A pint, please. : ('' '') ; A bottle, please. : ('' '') ; _____ (''hard liquor'') and _____ (''mixer''), please. : ('' '') ; whiskey : ('' '') ; vodka : ('' '') ; rum : ('' '') ; water : ('' '') ; club soda : ('' '') ; tonic water : ('' '') ; orange juice : ('' '') ; Coke (''soda'') : ('' '') ; Do you have any bar snacks? : ('' '') ; One more, please. : ('' '') ; Another round, please. : ('' '') ; When is closing time? : ('' '') ; Cheers! : ('' '') ===Shopping=== ; Do you have this in my size? : ('' '') ; How much is this? : ('' '') ; That's too expensive. : ('' '') ; Would you take _____? : ('' '') ; expensive : ('' '') ; cheap : ('' '') ; I can't afford it. : ('' '') ; I don't want it. : ('' '') ; You're cheating me. : ('' '') ; I'm not interested. : (..) ; OK, I'll take it. : ('' '') ; Can I have a bag? : ('' '') ; Do you ship (overseas)? : ('' '') ; I need... : ('' '') ; ...toothpaste. : ('' '') ; ...a toothbrush. : ('' '') ; ...tampons. : . ('' '') ; ...soap. : ('' '') ; ...shampoo. : ('' '') ; ...pain reliever. (''e.g., aspirin or ibuprofen'') : ('' '') ; ...cold medicine. : ('' '') ; ...stomach medicine. : ... ('' '') ; ...a razor. : ('' '') ; ...an umbrella. : ('' '') ; ...sunblock lotion. : ('' '') ; ...a postcard. : ('' '') ; ...postage stamps. : ('' '') ; ...batteries. : ('' '') ; ...writing paper. : ('' '') ; ...a pen. : ('' '') ; ...English-language books. : ('' '') ; ...English-language magazines. : ('' '') ; ...an English-language newspaper. : ('' '') ; ...an English-English dictionary. : ('' '') ===Driving=== ; I want to rent a car. : ('' '') ; Can I get insurance? : ('' '') ; stop (''on a street sign'') : ('' '') ; one way : ('' '') ; yield : ('' '') ; no parking : ('' '') ; speed limit : ('' '') ; gas (''petrol'') station : ('' '') ; petrol : ('' '') ; diesel : ('' '') ===Authority=== ; I haven't done anything wrong. : ('' '') ; It was a misunderstanding. : ('' '') ; Where are you taking me? : ('' '') ; Am I under arrest? : ('' '') ; I am an American/Australian/British/Canadian citizen. : ('' '') ; I want to talk to the American/Australian/British/Canadian embassy/consulate. : ('' '') ; I want to talk to a lawyer. : ('' '') ; Can I just pay a fine now? : ('' '') {{outlinephrasebook}} {{phrasebookguide}} 7rpbqxrq1r13fg6c9865d8gbto5hw9w 0 173161 5087045 4609710 2025-07-03T09:29:08Z Lazarus1255 2236161 /* See */Updated link 5087045 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''[https://abilenekansas.org/ Abilene]''' is in [[Flint Hills]], [[Kansas]]. ==Understand== * {{listing | name=Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau | alt= | url= https://abilenekansas.org/| email= | address=201 NW Second St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 785 263-2231 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-01 | content= }} ==Get in== ==Get around== ==See== * {{listing | type=see | name=Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home | alt= | url=https://www.eisenhowerlibrary.gov | email=eisenhower.library@nara.gov | address=200 SE 4th St | lat=38.9122 | long=-97.2108 | directions= | phone=+1 785 263-6700 | tollfree=+1-877-RING-IKE | hours=Aug-Mayː 9AM-4ː4PM, June-Julyː 8AM-5ː45PM | price= | wikidata=Q3270206 | lastedit=2019-06-23 | content= }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Seelye Mansion | alt= | url=https://www.seelyemansion.org/ | email= | address=1105 N Buckeye | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-06-24 | content= }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Greyhound Hall of Fame | alt= | url=http://greyhoundhalloffame.com/ | email= | address=407 S Buckeye | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 785 263-3000 | tollfree=+1-800-932-7881 | hours=Daily, 9AM-4ː45PM | price=Free | lastedit=2019-06-24 | content= }} * {{see | name=Dickinson County Heritage Center | alt= | url=https://www.heritagecenterdk.com/ | email= | address=412 S Campbell St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 785-263-2681 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-01-01 | content= }} ==Do== ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Rittel's Western Wear | alt= | url=https://rittelswesternwearllc.com/ | email=rittelswesternwearllc@eaglecom.net | address=1810 N Buckeye Ave | lat= | long= | directions=Look for the Giant Spur in front | phone=+1 785-263-1800 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 9AM-7PM | price= | lastedit=2022-01-01 | content= }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=M&R Grill | alt= | url=https://www.mandrgrillabilene.com/ | email=staff@mandrgrillabilene.com | address=1720 N Buckeye Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 785 263-9819 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-F 11AM-10PM, Sa 8:30AM-10PM | price= | lastedit=2022-01-01 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Midwest Snow Cones and Creamery | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/MidwestSnowConesandCreamery/ | email= | address=409 NW 3rd St | lat=38.9172 | long=-97.2169 | directions= | phone=+1 785 280-9059 | tollfree= | hours= | price=$4–8 | lastedit=2023-01-27 | content=Small shop with snow cones, house-made ice cream, and ice cream floats. Hours and opening days vary seasonally. }} * {{eat | name=Legacy Kansas | alt=Munson's Prime & Brookville Hotel | url=https://www.legacykansasabilene.com/ | email= | address=105 E Lafayette | lat=38.9428 | long=-97.2117 | directions=just off I-70 and Hwy 15, by the Holiday Inn | phone=+1 785-200-3973 | tollfree= | hours=Th–Mon dinner, plus lunch on Sundays | price=$30 | lastedit=2023-01-27 | content=A ''prix fixe'' restaurant offering your choice of chicken or beef, with all of the old-fashioned trimmings served family-style. Reservations strongly encouraged. }} ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Abilene's Victorian Inn | alt= | url=http://www.abilenesvictorianinn.com/ | email= | address=820 NW 3rd St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 785 263-7774 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2019-06-24 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Engle House Bed & Breakfast | alt= | url=https://www.englehouse.com/ | email= | address=102 Highland Dr | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 785 479-3749 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price= | lastedit=2022-01-01 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Walt's Four Seasons Campground & Country Store | alt= | url=https://www.walts4seasonscamp.com/ | email=bk@walts4seasonscamp.com | address=2500 Mink Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 785 598-2352 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-01-01 | content= }} ==Connect== ==Go next== {{routebox | image1=I-70.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Hays]] | minorl1=[[Salina (Kansas)|Salina]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Topeka]] | minorr1=[[Junction City (Kansas)|Junction City]] }} {{IsPartOf|Flint Hills}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|38.9220|-97.2666}} phoxupb92umgknca00f3olh9i0lqzt3 0 179622 5086849 5065719 2025-07-02T23:37:46Z Ahmad M Sani 2328886 5086849 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|S-amer africa default banner.jpg}} '''Akure''' is in [[Southwest Nigeria]]. Akure is the capital of Ondo State and headquarters of the Akure Kingdom. It is the largest city in the state, with a population of about 570,000 (according to the 2011). ==Understand== It is said to have been founded by the great-grandson of the Yoruba divine king Oduduwa. The palace is in the center of town, and was built around 1150AD. Akure is also the home of the respected Federal University of Technology, Akure, and of a peaceful tapestry of backgrounds in its people. There is a sizable presence of restaurants and stores. The Alagbaka district of the city is home to the Ondo State Government House which includes the Governor's office and the residence of members of State Executive Council. Akure is the host of different tertiary institutions such as: the Federal University of Technology Akure, Federal College of Agriculture, School of Nursing and Midwifery and School of Health Technology. === Districts === * '''Oba Ile'Lie''' * '''Oja Oba''' * '''Arakale''' * '''Ayedun Quarters''' * '''Ijoka''' * '''Ijomu''' * '''Ijapo Estate''' one of the oldest housing estate in Akure, it is the closest to federal expressway leading to Owo, and Ado. * '''Alagbaka''' — one of the most expensive areas in Akure, and home to the governor's house of Ondo State. * '''Avenue and Idofin''' === Climate === Akure is situated in the tropic rainforest zone in Nigeria. In Akure, the average temperature is 25.8 °C annually with a daily maximum temperature above 30 °C during the hot season. March is the hottest month of the year with an average high temperature of 30.5 °C and an average low temperature of 22 °C typically at nights. August is the coolest month of the year with an average high temperature of 26.6 °F and lows of 20.5 °C. Akure has a total annual rainfall of 2,548mm (100.3 inches). The rainy season lasts for about 9½ months (6 February to 24 November). September is the wettest month with an average rainfall of 228.6 mm with January being the driest month (average rainfall of 5.1mm inches). ==== Agriculture ==== Akure is the trade center for a farming region where cocoa, yams, cassava, corn, and tobacco are grown. Cotton is also grown and used to weave cloth. Grains like rice, beans, and millet are very common as they are the major sources of carbohydrates. ==Get in== Akure is about 700 km (430 mi) Southwest of Abuja and 311 km (193 mi) north of Lagos State. * {{go | name=Akure Airport | alt={{IATA|AKR}} | url= | email= | address= | lat=7.214 | long=5.298 | directions=along Akure-Owo Express Road | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-06-01 | content=Flights from Abuja and Lagos. }} * '''By Road -''' Not as fast as travelling by air but the most available and accessible to get into town Buses or Cars can be boarded at major terminals across the country-Lagos, Onitsha, Abuja,e.t.c. ==By Road== ==Get around== {{mapframe}} There are commercial vehicles moving from one end of the city to the other for easy transportation. There are various bus terminus and bus-stops in Akure for travellers to various parts of the country Nigeria, the most popular ones are old garage, New garage, Benin garage, and Ado garage. ==See== * {{see | name=Federal University of Technology Akure | alt= | url=https://www.futa.edu.ng/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5440486 | lastedit=2021-05-23 | content=A university with 15,000 students. }} [[File:Federal University of Technology, Akure.jpg|thumb|Federal University of Technology, Akure]] * {{see | name=Deji of Akure Palace | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=7.2213 | long=5.2134 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=The Old Palace Of The Deji Of Akure 3.jpg | lastedit=2021-06-22 | content=The Deji of Akure’s palace is the traditional home of the town’s ruler. }} * {{see | name=Cave Ashes | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=7.2201 | long=5.2134 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-06-22 | content=The Cave Ashes is located in Isharun, which is referred to as the home of the oldest pre-historic man in West Africa. Its skeleton was discovered by Professor Thurstan Shaw – who was at the University of Ibadan at the time. }} * {{see | name=Ebomi Lake Tourist Centre | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=7.2475 | long=5.2134 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-06-22 | content=The Ebomi Lake Tourist Centre is located in Ipesi in Akoko South-East and is not far from Akure. Tourist can come here and discover a things from the culture of the people. A lot of people are always coming here for relaxation and to explore nature. }} * {{see | name=Igbokoda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=7.2475 | long=5.2134 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-06-22 | content=The Igbokoda waterfront is one of the longest body of water in the country. The vast stretch of water makes for an exciting fishing expedition and the scenery is beautiful. }} * {{see | name=Federal College of Agriculture Akure | alt=FECA | url= | email=malito:info@feca.edu.ng | address=Near School of Agric Road, Akure, Ondo | lat=7.264800 | long=5.2313 | directions=By Road: 1. From Lagos: Take the Lagos-Benin Expressway and continue to Akure (approximately 4-5 hours) 2. From Abuja: Take the Abuja-Lokoja Highway and connect to the Akure-Ondo Road (approximately 7-8 hours) 3. From other nearby states: Take the appropriate state highway to Akure By Bus: 1. Take a bus from your location to Akure 2. Alight at the Akure Motor Park 3. Take a taxi or bike to the college (approximately 10-15 minutes) Note: The college is located along the Akure-Ondo Road, about 10 kilometers from tFederal College of Agriculture, Akure (FECA) is located in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. Here are the steps to get there:By Air:1. Fly into Akure Airport (AKR)2. Take a taxi or bus from the airport to the college (approximately 10-15 minutes)By Road:1. From Lagos: Take the Lagos-Benin Expressway and continue to Akure (approximately 4-5 hours)2. From Abuja: Take the Abuja-Lokoja Highway and connect to the Akure-Ondo Road (approximately 7-8 hours)3. From other nearby states: Take the appropriate state highway to AkureBy Bus:1. Take a bus from your location to Akure2. Alight at the Akure Motor Park3. Take a taxi or bike to the college (approximately 10-15 minutes)Note: The college is located along | phone=+234 8166444444 | tollfree= | hours=SUNDAY, MONDAY, TUESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY AND SATURDAY:9AM . WEDNESDAY: 2AM –5PMM –5PM. | price= | lastedit=2024-07-06 | content=The Federal College of Agriculture, Akure (FECA) is located in a serene and picturesque setting, surrounded by lush greenery and fertile farmland. The college campus is spread across a vast area, with modern infrastructure and facilities, including:<br /><br />- Well-equipped classrooms and laboratories<br />- State-of-the-art agricultural research centers and farms<br />- Comfortable student hostels and staff quarters<br />- A well-stocked library and resource center<br />- Sports facilities, including a football field, basketball court, and tennis court<br />- A multipurpose auditorium and event center<br /><br />The college is situated in a peaceful and tranquil environment, conducive to learning and academic pursuits. The surrounding landscape is characterized by rolling hills, verdant forests, and fertile agricultural land, making it an ideal location for agricultural research and training.<br /><br />The campus is easily accessible by road, with ample parking and transportation options available. The nearby city of Akure offers a range of amenities, including shopping centers, restaurants, and cultural attractions, making it an attractive destination for students and visitors alike. }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Idanre Hill Peak | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=7.103783 | long=5.109495 | directions=take Akure-Idanre Road out of Akure to location | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=en:Idanre_Hill | wikidata=Q10608106 | lastedit=2020-07-21 | content=Located about 25 km outside of Akure, this popular hiking destination allows you to ascend 667 steps to an elevation of nearly 3000 feet, among dome-like hills that are steeped in folklore and listed as a tentative UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its presence of prior human habitation. Here you can find the Owa's (king's palace), Belfry, Old Court, Agboogun footprint, shrines, etc., and the scenery is really quite awe-inspiring. You may have to pay a "guide" at the entrance, but there is no need to book ahead. }} [[File:Idanre-hills-akure.jpg|thumb|Idanre hills]] * {{do | name=Egungun Festival | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=7.2213 | long=5.2134 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Egungun | wikidata=Q65091071 | lastedit=2021-06-22 | content=The Egungun festival is a part of the Yoruba traditional religion. It is performed to mark the death of important personalities, the festival is common among the Egbas, Egbados, [[Oyo]] and other parts of [[South West Nigeria]]. The festival is usually an annual celebration performed within the months of November to April when there is no rain, with the belief that their ancestor should not have to suffer in the rain. }} * {{do | name=Igbo Olodumare | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=7.2201 | long=5.2134 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-06-22 | content=This place is at Oke Igbo and has an evergreen forest that is beautiful and thick. You can shoot movies here, have a picnic and generally do other fun things here. You will most possiblly be meeting a lot of persons out there who are also visiting here to have an awesome moment. }} * {{do | name=Akure Recreational Club | alt= | url= | email= | address=Alagbaka, Akure | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=8AM-6PM (Monday-Friday) | price= | lastedit=2021-06-22 | content= }} ==Buy== === Markets === Akure have many colourful markets where various items that ranges from food item to household wares, kitchen utensils among others. * '''Ijapo Market Akure:''' This is a very popular market where virtually everything can be bought. Varieties of goods ranging from food stuffs to building materials and so many other things are being sold in this market. === Supermarkets === There are so many supermarkets that deal on groceries, food items, beverages, beauty products, cosmetics, kitchen utensils, household wares, fashion items, baby items, gift item among many others. Some of these supermarkets include: *{{buy | name=Cedars of Gold Supermarket | alt= | url= | email= | address= 54a Oba Adesida Road | lat=7.251959 | long=5.199146 | directions= | phone=+234 805 738 6778 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 8AM – 8:30PM | price= | lastedit=2021-06-16 | content=Cedars of Gold Supermarket is a grocery store. }} *{{buy | name=O.U.K Supermarket | alt= | url= | email= | address=No. 31 Oyemekun Rd, opp. Wema Bank | lat=7.261194 | long=5.185986 | directions= | phone=+234 803 404 2344 | tollfree= | hours= M-Sa 8AM – 9PM | price= | lastedit=2021-06-16 | content= }} * '''NAO supermarket''', Oba Adesida Road. It opens from Monday to Saturday, 9AM-9PM. {{Phone|+234 803 428 7566}} * {{buy | name=Dupsondelink Nigeria, Enterprises | alt= | url=www.dupsondelink.com | email= | address=19 Irowo St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+234 803 351 4095 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-06-17 | content= }} ==Eat== In Akure, there are a lot of restaurants and eateries that serves their customers with continental cuisines such as rice, soups, grilled pepper chicken, Nigerian grilled fish and other meals.These restaurants and eateries include: * {{eat | name=Chicken Republic | alt= | url=https://chicken-republic.micmakin.com/ | email= | address=Oba Adesida Road, Alagbaka | lat=7.25424 | long=5.18367 | directions=close to First Bank Alagbaka | phone=+234 807 949 1763 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-06-01 | content=Chicken Republic is a fast food restaurant that sells local and continental dishes. }} *{{eat | name=Obioma Prestigious Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=No. 32b Arakale Road beside Aromeds Pharmacy | lat=7.254575 | long=5.198261 | directions= | phone=+234 818 467 6688, +234 803 491 0610 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 7AM-10PM | price= | lastedit=2021-06-16 | content=Obioma Prestigious Restaurant is a reputable restaurant known for offering healthy delicious tasty African and Continental dishes thus provides professional timely outdoor & indoor catering services. }} *{{eat | name=Captain Cook | alt= | url= | email= | address=Opposite First Bank, Alagbaka Cl, Alagbaka | lat=7.258794 | long=5.21357 | directions= | phone=+234 810 904 5518 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 7AM-10PM | price= | lastedit=2021-06-16 | content= }} *'''Madam Vicky Restaurant''', Akure Shopping Centre, Alagbaka Road, Alagbaka. It opens M-Sa 7AM-5PM. Customer care line: +234 803 353 8740. *{{eat | name=Tantalizer | alt= | url=https://tantalizersnig.com/ | email= | address=No. 125 Oba Adesida Road | lat=7.262882510634291 | long=5.188939320930998 | directions= | phone=+234 709 242 1274 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 7AM-9PM | price= | lastedit=2021-06-16 | content= }} * '''Fingerlicking Restaurant''', No. 23, Gbogi Street, by Bolton Hotel, Off Oyemekun Road. Fingerlicking Restaurant has Club and Bar and it provides its customers services in indoor and outdoor catering, local and intercontinental cuisine, bar and drink services. Their sport bar has a wide range of wines and spirits. It opens Monday to Saturday 7AM-5PM. Customer care lines: +234 815 594 0705, +234 903 517 8705, +234 806 066 1102. *{{eat | name=Amala Skot Alagbaka | alt= | url= | email= | address=Opposite First Bank, Alagbaka Cl | lat=7.258794 | long=5.21357 | directions= | phone=+234 803 217 4719 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 7AM-10PM | price= | content= }} * '''Aristo Games and Bistro''', Oba Ile Road. It serves local and continental cuisines such as rice, soups, grilled pepper chicken, Nigerian grilled fish and other meals in a modest setting with cold drinks while enjoying different kinds of games. Customer care line: +234 806 015 4792. *'''Chinyere Restaurant''', Km 18, Along Akure - Owo Express way, beside Ade Peter's filling station, Ayede - Ogbese. This is a redefined professionally managed restaurant affiliated to Kingben and it is reputable for delivering mouth watering delicious, healthy meals at pocket friendly rates. Customer care lines: +234 703 905 9163. *'''Diet Field Restaurant''', Atilade Street, Oshokoti Layout by Babalola Junction. This restaurant is a modern eatery that serves home made, delicious and affordable continental cuisines which includes fried rice with chicken, jollof rice, spiced noodles, ice cream, and bakes.Customer care line: +234 703 672 0026. * '''Dream Centre Restaurant''', Shoprite Mall. Dream Centre Restaurant is an intercontinental and oriental restaurant in Akure offering food services such as pizza, burger, Italian Gelato ice-cream and Nigerian cuisines. Customer care line: +234 805 086 5087. * '''Enny'z Kitchen''', Afunbiowo Estate Oke aro. Enny'z Kitchen is one of the redefined Nigerian restaurants in Akure offering tasty, healthy and delicious native, African and continental dishes at affordable in a neat comfortable environment. Customer care line: +234 903 170 0462. * '''Iya Saheed Alamala Restaurant''', No 79B Isolo Street. This also called Iya Saheed Food Canteen and it is a food joint that serves visitors and tourists all kinds of Nigerian foods with an outstanding taste in menu which include amala, fufu, pupuru, eba, and iyan. Customer care line: +234 903 395 4602 * '''LAH Kitchen and Lounge''', Dome Event Center premises, Igbatoro Road. It is established with the hope to redefine culinary service and to deliver top notch food service satisfaction to our customers. Customer care line: +234 813 548 8544, +234 708 778 9926. * '''Rock Land Spot''', Agape Road, by FUTA Road before FUTA Junction. It is a good chilling spot and local restaurant that maintains promptness in order while serving their customers with different food menu which include soup and swallow, spiced meat, pepper soup, point & kill fish, drinks and others. Customer care line: +234 803 291 6461. * '''Tass Foods''', No 5. Opposite D'Johnson Hotel behind National Bank, Adegbola. It offers varieties of delicious and affordable African and continental dishes in quite comfortable environment Customer care line: +234 810 393 8170. ==Drink== * {{drink | name=Otolori bar arena akure | alt= | url=https://otolori-bar-arena-akure.business.site/ | email= | address=Isolo St | lat=7.265624 | long=5.196727 | directions= | phone=+234 813 245 2681 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 10AM-11PM | price= | lastedit=2021-06-17 | content=Offers the best catfish pepper soup and pepper Pomo with chilled drinks of different brands. }} * {{drink | name=17 59 Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address=Tisco Building, Alagbaka Qtrs, Alagbaka | lat=7.260095 | long=5.214611 | directions= | phone=+234 810 002 1310 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-06-17 | content= }} * {{drink | name=ExtraCool Restaurant and Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address=No. 265 & 266 Ondo - Akure Rd | lat=7.256455 | long=5.180598 | directions= | phone=+234 803 804 7450 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-06-17 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Iya Ikale Beer Parlour | alt= | url= | email= | address= Igbalaye St | lat=7.246958 | long=5.185282 | directions= | phone=+234 803 364 7328 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 11AM-9:30PM | price= | lastedit=2021-06-17 | content= }} * {{drink | name=The stream bar | alt= | url= | email= | address=Block XLT, Alagbaka| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content= }} ==Sleep== * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Royal Birds Hotel & Towers Akure | alt= | url= | email= | address=6 Ola Akadiri St, Alagbaka | lat=7.2462967 | long=5.2243462 | directions= | phone=+234 816 095 4104 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=one site said ₦17000, best inquire personally | lastedit=2020-07-21 | content=Why not go all out and stay at a prime place in the high-end Alagbaka area? Pool, hotel tower, fitness center, restaurant with breakfast. High customer satisfaction on Google. }} * {{sleep | name=Sunview Hotel Ltd | alt= | url= | email= | address=8 El-Shaddai Road Alagbaka G.R.A | lat=7.2475 | long=5.2134 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2021-06-22 | content=A 4-star hotel that offers an outdoor swimming pool for relaxation and recreation, a well-equipped gym, an onsite restaurant, a well-stocked bar, a playground fitted with swings and bouncing castles for children. Sunview Hotel has a conference and outdoor event centre to host meetings and events respectively. an onsite supermarket, beauty salon, live entertainment at the lobby lounge and pool terrace, 24/7 security, free parking and ATM/cash machine. A room ranges as low as ₦10,000 and as high as ₦150,000. }} *{{sleep | name=Stateline Hotel Head Quarters | alt= | url= | email= | address=12 Stateline Rd, Plot 25 Off FUTA road, Folahan Close | lat=7.2475 | long=5.2134 | directions= | phone=+234 8077821240 | tollfree= | checkin=noon | checkout=noon | price=₦3,000 for a room and up to ₦5,000 | lastedit=2021-06-22 | content=Rooms in the hotel are categorised into Single, Single Deluxe, Double and Double Deluxe. Each room features a comfortable bed, air conditioner, flat-screen TV, worktable, wardrobe and an en-suite bathroom fitted with a bathtub. Stateline Hotel offers amenities like an ample parking space, an on-site restaurant and a bar with adequate security for guests. Babies and kids are allowed to stay for free. }} *{{sleep | name=Royal Parklane Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=56/59 Fajuyi Street, Ijapo Estate | lat=7.2475 | long=5.2134 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2021-06-22 | content=A 2-star budget hotel that provides affordable accommodation to tourists and business travellers in the city. Each room has a king-size bed, a flat-screen TV, a refrigerator, a private bathroom en-suite, an air conditioner, a set of table and chair and a bedside safe. All rooms at Royal Parklane hotel are fully equipped with free Wi-Fi internet access, bar/lounge offers guests a wide variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, a fully-equipped fitness centre/gym, 24-hour room service, a 24-hour front desk service, daily newspaper supply and laundry services, uninterrupted power supply and adequate parking space are guaranteed for guests at the hotel. }} *{{Sleep|name=Flourish Hotel|address=Plot 14 Block XLI GRA Alagbaka|checkin=2PM|checkout=noon|price=₦9,000 - 50,000 per night|lastedit=2021-06-22|content=Each room in Flourish Hotel Akure features a flat-screen television with satellite channels, refrigerator, air conditioner, Intercom system, a minibar, plush bed, a work table and chair, wardrobe, free Internet access and a private bathroom with water heating system. General facilities include an on-site restaurant, the well-stocked bar that provides guests with a wide selection of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, a Suya Spot and Pastry shop, 24 hours front desk service, safety deposit boxes, luggage storage, laundry services, car rental and taxi pickup services, CCTV, adequate parking space and security.}} *{{sleep | name=Cozy Resort and Suites | alt= | url= | email= | address=No 1 New Song Lane, Akin Akingbola Street, Alagbaka GRA, Akure South | lat=7.2475 | long=5.2134 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin=noon | checkout=noon | price=₦9,700-23,000 per night | lastedit=2021-06-22 | content=Guests can enjoy a private view of the hotel. At Cozy Resort and Suites, every room has a work desk, an air conditioner, a refrigerator, and a stand-in shower. Other services available at the hotel are a bar, a restaurant on-site, room service, laundry/dry cleaning, airport shuttle services on request, free for children, free cancellation, and no pets. }} *{{sleep | name=Bliss World Resorts And Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=40 Henry Fajemirokun Avenue, Plot 20 Block 1, Ijapo Estate | lat=7.2201 | long=5.2134 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin=noon | checkout=1PM | price=₦9,000-25,000 per night | lastedit=2021-06-22 | content=Rooms at Bliss World Resorts and Hotel are air-conditioned and furnished with luxury beddings, flat-screen TV sets, mini-fridges, tea/coffee facilities, chairs and desks. The bathrooms are en-suite with shower cubicles and a Jacuzzi. The Royal and Business Suite offers includes comfortable chairs, a personal digital safe, a separate sitting area and free internet access. Other general facilities added are a spa, beauty shop, event halls, a business centre, gift shop, a gym, an outdoor swimming pool, laundry/dry cleaning, car hire, a bar and lounge, a restaurant, airport shuttle, bike hire and ironing services. }} ==Connect== ===Radio=== * [https://www.orangefm.com.ng/ Orange 94.5 FM]{{Dead link|date=April 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} * Adaba FM 88.9 * [https://crest1061fm.com/ Crest FM 106.1]{{Dead link|date=March 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} * [https://mytuner-radio.com/radio/positive-fm-1025-akure-468148/ Positive 102.5 FM] * FUTA Radio 93.1FM ==Go next== * '''[[Abuja]]''' * '''[[Lagos]]''' * '''[[Ondo]]''' * '''[[Ife]]''' * '''[[Ijebu Ode]]''' * '''[[Ibadan]]''' * '''[[Oshogbo]]''' * '''[[Ikere]]''' * '''[[Owo]]''' {{IsPartOf|Ondo State}} {{usablecity}} {{geo|7.2571|5.2058}} rmytomfglbk7d92qp9mlkipacq3624s 5086864 5086849 2025-07-03T00:58:58Z Ground Zero 1423298 Reverted edits by [[Special:Contributions/Ahmad M Sani|Ahmad M Sani]] ([[User talk:Ahmad M Sani|talk]]) to last version by [[User:DaGizza|DaGizza]] 5065719 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|S-amer africa default banner.jpg}} '''Akure''' is in [[Southwest Nigeria]]. Akure is the capital of Ondo State and headquarters of the Akure Kingdom. It is the largest city in the state, with a population of about 570,000 (2011). ==Understand== It is said to have been founded by the great-grandson of the Yoruba divine king Oduduwa. The palace is in the center of town, and was built around 1150AD. Akure is also the home of the respected Federal University of Technology, Akure, and of a peaceful tapestry of backgrounds in its people. There is a sizable presence of restaurants and stores. The Alagbaka district of the city is home to the Ondo State Government House which includes the Governor's office and the residence of members of State Executive Council. Akure is the host of different tertiary institutions such as: the Federal University of Technology Akure, Federal College of Agriculture, School of Nursing and Midwifery and School of Health Technology. === Districts === * '''Oba Ile'Lie''' * '''Oja Oba''' * '''Arakale''' * '''Ayedun Quarters''' * '''Ijoka''' * '''Ijomu''' * '''Ijapo Estate''' one of the oldest housing estate in Akure, it is the closest to federal expressway leading to Owo, and Ado. * '''Alagbaka''' — one of the most expensive areas in Akure, and home to the governor's house of Ondo State. * '''Avenue and Idofin''' === Climate === Akure is situated in the tropic rainforest zone in Nigeria. In Akure, the average temperature is 25.8 °C annually with a daily maximum temperature above 30 °C during the hot season. March is the hottest month of the year with an average high temperature of 30.5 °C and an average low temperature of 22 °C typically at nights. August is the coolest month of the year with an average high temperature of 26.6 °F and lows of 20.5 °C. Akure has a total annual rainfall of 2,548mm (100.3 inches). The rainy season lasts for about 9½ months (6 February to 24 November). September is the wettest month with an average rainfall of 228.6 mm with January being the driest month (average rainfall of 5.1mm inches). ==== Agriculture ==== Akure is the trade center for a farming region where cocoa, yams, cassava, corn, and tobacco are grown. Cotton is also grown and used to weave cloth. Grains like rice, beans, and millet are very common as they are the major sources of carbohydrates. ==Get in== Akure is about 700 km (430 mi) Southwest of Abuja and 311 km (193 mi) north of Lagos State. * {{go | name=Akure Airport | alt={{IATA|AKR}} | url= | email= | address= | lat=7.214 | long=5.298 | directions=along Akure-Owo Express Road | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-06-01 | content=Flights from Abuja and Lagos. }} * '''By Road -''' Not as fast as travelling by air but the most available and accessible to get into town Buses or Cars can be boarded at major terminals across the country-Lagos, Onitsha, Abuja,e.t.c. ==By Road== ==Get around== {{mapframe}} There are commercial vehicles moving from one end of the city to the other for easy transportation. There are various bus terminus and bus-stops in Akure for travellers to various parts of the country Nigeria, the most popular ones are old garage, New garage, Benin garage, and Ado garage. ==See== * {{see | name=Federal University of Technology Akure | alt= | url=https://www.futa.edu.ng/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5440486 | lastedit=2021-05-23 | content=A university with 15,000 students. }} [[File:Federal University of Technology, Akure.jpg|thumb|Federal University of Technology, Akure]] * {{see | name=Deji of Akure Palace | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=7.2213 | long=5.2134 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=The Old Palace Of The Deji Of Akure 3.jpg | lastedit=2021-06-22 | content=The Deji of Akure’s palace is the traditional home of the town’s ruler. }} * {{see | name=Cave Ashes | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=7.2201 | long=5.2134 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-06-22 | content=The Cave Ashes is located in Isharun, which is referred to as the home of the oldest pre-historic man in West Africa. Its skeleton was discovered by Professor Thurstan Shaw – who was at the University of Ibadan at the time. }} * {{see | name=Ebomi Lake Tourist Centre | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=7.2475 | long=5.2134 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-06-22 | content=The Ebomi Lake Tourist Centre is located in Ipesi in Akoko South-East and is not far from Akure. Tourist can come here and discover a things from the culture of the people. A lot of people are always coming here for relaxation and to explore nature. }} * {{see | name=Igbokoda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=7.2475 | long=5.2134 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-06-22 | content=The Igbokoda waterfront is one of the longest body of water in the country. The vast stretch of water makes for an exciting fishing expedition and the scenery is beautiful. }} * {{see | name=Federal College of Agriculture Akure | alt=FECA | url= | email=malito:info@feca.edu.ng | address=Near School of Agric Road, Akure, Ondo | lat=7.264800 | long=5.2313 | directions=By Road: 1. From Lagos: Take the Lagos-Benin Expressway and continue to Akure (approximately 4-5 hours) 2. From Abuja: Take the Abuja-Lokoja Highway and connect to the Akure-Ondo Road (approximately 7-8 hours) 3. From other nearby states: Take the appropriate state highway to Akure By Bus: 1. Take a bus from your location to Akure 2. Alight at the Akure Motor Park 3. Take a taxi or bike to the college (approximately 10-15 minutes) Note: The college is located along the Akure-Ondo Road, about 10 kilometers from tFederal College of Agriculture, Akure (FECA) is located in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. Here are the steps to get there:By Air:1. Fly into Akure Airport (AKR)2. Take a taxi or bus from the airport to the college (approximately 10-15 minutes)By Road:1. From Lagos: Take the Lagos-Benin Expressway and continue to Akure (approximately 4-5 hours)2. From Abuja: Take the Abuja-Lokoja Highway and connect to the Akure-Ondo Road (approximately 7-8 hours)3. From other nearby states: Take the appropriate state highway to AkureBy Bus:1. Take a bus from your location to Akure2. Alight at the Akure Motor Park3. Take a taxi or bike to the college (approximately 10-15 minutes)Note: The college is located along | phone=+234 8166444444 | tollfree= | hours=SUNDAY, MONDAY, TUESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY AND SATURDAY:9AM . WEDNESDAY: 2AM –5PMM –5PM. | price= | lastedit=2024-07-06 | content=The Federal College of Agriculture, Akure (FECA) is located in a serene and picturesque setting, surrounded by lush greenery and fertile farmland. The college campus is spread across a vast area, with modern infrastructure and facilities, including:<br /><br />- Well-equipped classrooms and laboratories<br />- State-of-the-art agricultural research centers and farms<br />- Comfortable student hostels and staff quarters<br />- A well-stocked library and resource center<br />- Sports facilities, including a football field, basketball court, and tennis court<br />- A multipurpose auditorium and event center<br /><br />The college is situated in a peaceful and tranquil environment, conducive to learning and academic pursuits. The surrounding landscape is characterized by rolling hills, verdant forests, and fertile agricultural land, making it an ideal location for agricultural research and training.<br /><br />The campus is easily accessible by road, with ample parking and transportation options available. The nearby city of Akure offers a range of amenities, including shopping centers, restaurants, and cultural attractions, making it an attractive destination for students and visitors alike. }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Idanre Hill Peak | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=7.103783 | long=5.109495 | directions=take Akure-Idanre Road out of Akure to location | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=en:Idanre_Hill | wikidata=Q10608106 | lastedit=2020-07-21 | content=Located about 25 km outside of Akure, this popular hiking destination allows you to ascend 667 steps to an elevation of nearly 3000 feet, among dome-like hills that are steeped in folklore and listed as a tentative UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its presence of prior human habitation. Here you can find the Owa's (king's palace), Belfry, Old Court, Agboogun footprint, shrines, etc., and the scenery is really quite awe-inspiring. You may have to pay a "guide" at the entrance, but there is no need to book ahead. }} [[File:Idanre-hills-akure.jpg|thumb|Idanre hills]] * {{do | name=Egungun Festival | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=7.2213 | long=5.2134 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Egungun | wikidata=Q65091071 | lastedit=2021-06-22 | content=The Egungun festival is a part of the Yoruba traditional religion. It is performed to mark the death of important personalities, the festival is common among the Egbas, Egbados, [[Oyo]] and other parts of [[South West Nigeria]]. The festival is usually an annual celebration performed within the months of November to April when there is no rain, with the belief that their ancestor should not have to suffer in the rain. }} * {{do | name=Igbo Olodumare | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=7.2201 | long=5.2134 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-06-22 | content=This place is at Oke Igbo and has an evergreen forest that is beautiful and thick. You can shoot movies here, have a picnic and generally do other fun things here. You will most possiblly be meeting a lot of persons out there who are also visiting here to have an awesome moment. }} * {{do | name=Akure Recreational Club | alt= | url= | email= | address=Alagbaka, Akure | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=8AM-6PM (Monday-Friday) | price= | lastedit=2021-06-22 | content= }} ==Buy== === Markets === Akure have many colourful markets where various items that ranges from food item to household wares, kitchen utensils among others. * '''Ijapo Market Akure:''' This is a very popular market where virtually everything can be bought. Varieties of goods ranging from food stuffs to building materials and so many other things are being sold in this market. === Supermarkets === There are so many supermarkets that deal on groceries, food items, beverages, beauty products, cosmetics, kitchen utensils, household wares, fashion items, baby items, gift item among many others. Some of these supermarkets include: *{{buy | name=Cedars of Gold Supermarket | alt= | url= | email= | address= 54a Oba Adesida Road | lat=7.251959 | long=5.199146 | directions= | phone=+234 805 738 6778 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 8AM – 8:30PM | price= | lastedit=2021-06-16 | content=Cedars of Gold Supermarket is a grocery store. }} *{{buy | name=O.U.K Supermarket | alt= | url= | email= | address=No. 31 Oyemekun Rd, opp. Wema Bank | lat=7.261194 | long=5.185986 | directions= | phone=+234 803 404 2344 | tollfree= | hours= M-Sa 8AM – 9PM | price= | lastedit=2021-06-16 | content= }} * '''NAO supermarket''', Oba Adesida Road. It opens from Monday to Saturday, 9AM-9PM. {{Phone|+234 803 428 7566}} * {{buy | name=Dupsondelink Nigeria, Enterprises | alt= | url=www.dupsondelink.com | email= | address=19 Irowo St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+234 803 351 4095 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-06-17 | content= }} ==Eat== In Akure, there are a lot of restaurants and eateries that serves their customers with continental cuisines such as rice, soups, grilled pepper chicken, Nigerian grilled fish and other meals.These restaurants and eateries include: * {{eat | name=Chicken Republic | alt= | url=https://chicken-republic.micmakin.com/ | email= | address=Oba Adesida Road, Alagbaka | lat=7.25424 | long=5.18367 | directions=close to First Bank Alagbaka | phone=+234 807 949 1763 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-06-01 | content=Chicken Republic is a fast food restaurant that sells local and continental dishes. }} *{{eat | name=Obioma Prestigious Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=No. 32b Arakale Road beside Aromeds Pharmacy | lat=7.254575 | long=5.198261 | directions= | phone=+234 818 467 6688, +234 803 491 0610 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 7AM-10PM | price= | lastedit=2021-06-16 | content=Obioma Prestigious Restaurant is a reputable restaurant known for offering healthy delicious tasty African and Continental dishes thus provides professional timely outdoor & indoor catering services. }} *{{eat | name=Captain Cook | alt= | url= | email= | address=Opposite First Bank, Alagbaka Cl, Alagbaka | lat=7.258794 | long=5.21357 | directions= | phone=+234 810 904 5518 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 7AM-10PM | price= | lastedit=2021-06-16 | content= }} *'''Madam Vicky Restaurant''', Akure Shopping Centre, Alagbaka Road, Alagbaka. It opens M-Sa 7AM-5PM. Customer care line: +234 803 353 8740. *{{eat | name=Tantalizer | alt= | url=https://tantalizersnig.com/ | email= | address=No. 125 Oba Adesida Road | lat=7.262882510634291 | long=5.188939320930998 | directions= | phone=+234 709 242 1274 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 7AM-9PM | price= | lastedit=2021-06-16 | content= }} * '''Fingerlicking Restaurant''', No. 23, Gbogi Street, by Bolton Hotel, Off Oyemekun Road. Fingerlicking Restaurant has Club and Bar and it provides its customers services in indoor and outdoor catering, local and intercontinental cuisine, bar and drink services. Their sport bar has a wide range of wines and spirits. It opens Monday to Saturday 7AM-5PM. Customer care lines: +234 815 594 0705, +234 903 517 8705, +234 806 066 1102. *{{eat | name=Amala Skot Alagbaka | alt= | url= | email= | address=Opposite First Bank, Alagbaka Cl | lat=7.258794 | long=5.21357 | directions= | phone=+234 803 217 4719 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 7AM-10PM | price= | content= }} * '''Aristo Games and Bistro''', Oba Ile Road. It serves local and continental cuisines such as rice, soups, grilled pepper chicken, Nigerian grilled fish and other meals in a modest setting with cold drinks while enjoying different kinds of games. Customer care line: +234 806 015 4792. *'''Chinyere Restaurant''', Km 18, Along Akure - Owo Express way, beside Ade Peter's filling station, Ayede - Ogbese. This is a redefined professionally managed restaurant affiliated to Kingben and it is reputable for delivering mouth watering delicious, healthy meals at pocket friendly rates. Customer care lines: +234 703 905 9163. *'''Diet Field Restaurant''', Atilade Street, Oshokoti Layout by Babalola Junction. This restaurant is a modern eatery that serves home made, delicious and affordable continental cuisines which includes fried rice with chicken, jollof rice, spiced noodles, ice cream, and bakes.Customer care line: +234 703 672 0026. * '''Dream Centre Restaurant''', Shoprite Mall. Dream Centre Restaurant is an intercontinental and oriental restaurant in Akure offering food services such as pizza, burger, Italian Gelato ice-cream and Nigerian cuisines. Customer care line: +234 805 086 5087. * '''Enny'z Kitchen''', Afunbiowo Estate Oke aro. Enny'z Kitchen is one of the redefined Nigerian restaurants in Akure offering tasty, healthy and delicious native, African and continental dishes at affordable in a neat comfortable environment. Customer care line: +234 903 170 0462. * '''Iya Saheed Alamala Restaurant''', No 79B Isolo Street. This also called Iya Saheed Food Canteen and it is a food joint that serves visitors and tourists all kinds of Nigerian foods with an outstanding taste in menu which include amala, fufu, pupuru, eba, and iyan. Customer care line: +234 903 395 4602 * '''LAH Kitchen and Lounge''', Dome Event Center premises, Igbatoro Road. It is established with the hope to redefine culinary service and to deliver top notch food service satisfaction to our customers. Customer care line: +234 813 548 8544, +234 708 778 9926. * '''Rock Land Spot''', Agape Road, by FUTA Road before FUTA Junction. It is a good chilling spot and local restaurant that maintains promptness in order while serving their customers with different food menu which include soup and swallow, spiced meat, pepper soup, point & kill fish, drinks and others. Customer care line: +234 803 291 6461. * '''Tass Foods''', No 5. Opposite D'Johnson Hotel behind National Bank, Adegbola. It offers varieties of delicious and affordable African and continental dishes in quite comfortable environment Customer care line: +234 810 393 8170. ==Drink== * {{drink | name=Otolori bar arena akure | alt= | url=https://otolori-bar-arena-akure.business.site/ | email= | address=Isolo St | lat=7.265624 | long=5.196727 | directions= | phone=+234 813 245 2681 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 10AM-11PM | price= | lastedit=2021-06-17 | content=Offers the best catfish pepper soup and pepper Pomo with chilled drinks of different brands. }} * {{drink | name=17 59 Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address=Tisco Building, Alagbaka Qtrs, Alagbaka | lat=7.260095 | long=5.214611 | directions= | phone=+234 810 002 1310 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-06-17 | content= }} * {{drink | name=ExtraCool Restaurant and Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address=No. 265 & 266 Ondo - Akure Rd | lat=7.256455 | long=5.180598 | directions= | phone=+234 803 804 7450 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-06-17 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Iya Ikale Beer Parlour | alt= | url= | email= | address= Igbalaye St | lat=7.246958 | long=5.185282 | directions= | phone=+234 803 364 7328 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 11AM-9:30PM | price= | lastedit=2021-06-17 | content= }} * {{drink | name=The stream bar | alt= | url= | email= | address=Block XLT, Alagbaka| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content= }} ==Sleep== * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Royal Birds Hotel & Towers Akure | alt= | url= | email= | address=6 Ola Akadiri St, Alagbaka | lat=7.2462967 | long=5.2243462 | directions= | phone=+234 816 095 4104 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=one site said ₦17000, best inquire personally | lastedit=2020-07-21 | content=Why not go all out and stay at a prime place in the high-end Alagbaka area? Pool, hotel tower, fitness center, restaurant with breakfast. High customer satisfaction on Google. }} * {{sleep | name=Sunview Hotel Ltd | alt= | url= | email= | address=8 El-Shaddai Road Alagbaka G.R.A | lat=7.2475 | long=5.2134 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2021-06-22 | content=A 4-star hotel that offers an outdoor swimming pool for relaxation and recreation, a well-equipped gym, an onsite restaurant, a well-stocked bar, a playground fitted with swings and bouncing castles for children. Sunview Hotel has a conference and outdoor event centre to host meetings and events respectively. an onsite supermarket, beauty salon, live entertainment at the lobby lounge and pool terrace, 24/7 security, free parking and ATM/cash machine. A room ranges as low as ₦10,000 and as high as ₦150,000. }} *{{sleep | name=Stateline Hotel Head Quarters | alt= | url= | email= | address=12 Stateline Rd, Plot 25 Off FUTA road, Folahan Close | lat=7.2475 | long=5.2134 | directions= | phone=+234 8077821240 | tollfree= | checkin=noon | checkout=noon | price=₦3,000 for a room and up to ₦5,000 | lastedit=2021-06-22 | content=Rooms in the hotel are categorised into Single, Single Deluxe, Double and Double Deluxe. Each room features a comfortable bed, air conditioner, flat-screen TV, worktable, wardrobe and an en-suite bathroom fitted with a bathtub. Stateline Hotel offers amenities like an ample parking space, an on-site restaurant and a bar with adequate security for guests. Babies and kids are allowed to stay for free. }} *{{sleep | name=Royal Parklane Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=56/59 Fajuyi Street, Ijapo Estate | lat=7.2475 | long=5.2134 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2021-06-22 | content=A 2-star budget hotel that provides affordable accommodation to tourists and business travellers in the city. Each room has a king-size bed, a flat-screen TV, a refrigerator, a private bathroom en-suite, an air conditioner, a set of table and chair and a bedside safe. All rooms at Royal Parklane hotel are fully equipped with free Wi-Fi internet access, bar/lounge offers guests a wide variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, a fully-equipped fitness centre/gym, 24-hour room service, a 24-hour front desk service, daily newspaper supply and laundry services, uninterrupted power supply and adequate parking space are guaranteed for guests at the hotel. }} *{{Sleep|name=Flourish Hotel|address=Plot 14 Block XLI GRA Alagbaka|checkin=2PM|checkout=noon|price=₦9,000 - 50,000 per night|lastedit=2021-06-22|content=Each room in Flourish Hotel Akure features a flat-screen television with satellite channels, refrigerator, air conditioner, Intercom system, a minibar, plush bed, a work table and chair, wardrobe, free Internet access and a private bathroom with water heating system. General facilities include an on-site restaurant, the well-stocked bar that provides guests with a wide selection of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, a Suya Spot and Pastry shop, 24 hours front desk service, safety deposit boxes, luggage storage, laundry services, car rental and taxi pickup services, CCTV, adequate parking space and security.}} *{{sleep | name=Cozy Resort and Suites | alt= | url= | email= | address=No 1 New Song Lane, Akin Akingbola Street, Alagbaka GRA, Akure South | lat=7.2475 | long=5.2134 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin=noon | checkout=noon | price=₦9,700-23,000 per night | lastedit=2021-06-22 | content=Guests can enjoy a private view of the hotel. At Cozy Resort and Suites, every room has a work desk, an air conditioner, a refrigerator, and a stand-in shower. Other services available at the hotel are a bar, a restaurant on-site, room service, laundry/dry cleaning, airport shuttle services on request, free for children, free cancellation, and no pets. }} *{{sleep | name=Bliss World Resorts And Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=40 Henry Fajemirokun Avenue, Plot 20 Block 1, Ijapo Estate | lat=7.2201 | long=5.2134 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin=noon | checkout=1PM | price=₦9,000-25,000 per night | lastedit=2021-06-22 | content=Rooms at Bliss World Resorts and Hotel are air-conditioned and furnished with luxury beddings, flat-screen TV sets, mini-fridges, tea/coffee facilities, chairs and desks. The bathrooms are en-suite with shower cubicles and a Jacuzzi. The Royal and Business Suite offers includes comfortable chairs, a personal digital safe, a separate sitting area and free internet access. Other general facilities added are a spa, beauty shop, event halls, a business centre, gift shop, a gym, an outdoor swimming pool, laundry/dry cleaning, car hire, a bar and lounge, a restaurant, airport shuttle, bike hire and ironing services. }} ==Connect== ===Radio=== * [https://www.orangefm.com.ng/ Orange 94.5 FM]{{Dead link|date=April 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} * Adaba FM 88.9 * [https://crest1061fm.com/ Crest FM 106.1]{{Dead link|date=March 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} * [https://mytuner-radio.com/radio/positive-fm-1025-akure-468148/ Positive 102.5 FM] * FUTA Radio 93.1FM ==Go next== * '''[[Abuja]]''' * '''[[Lagos]]''' * '''[[Ondo]]''' * '''[[Ife]]''' * '''[[Ijebu Ode]]''' * '''[[Ibadan]]''' * '''[[Oshogbo]]''' * '''[[Ikere]]''' * '''[[Owo]]''' {{IsPartOf|Ondo State}} {{usablecity}} {{geo|7.2571|5.2058}} qzpz20ug7nsw3iw872s97gn4h0y3oc5 3 182357 5086591 4931963 2025-07-02T12:02:12Z 31.43.49.142 /* Not participating */ Reply 5086591 wikitext text/x-wiki [[Special:Contributions/141.30.210.129|141.30.210.129]], I presume? Nice that you decided to create an account. And once again, thanks for your contributions so far! :) [[User:Ypsilon|ϒpsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 15:51, 25 November 2014 (UTC) : You are right. The main thing that kept me from doing it was deciding on a name, actually...[[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 15:53, 25 November 2014 (UTC) ==bus travel== Hobbitschuster wrote "Hi. Judging from your edits to [[Intercity buses in the US]] you know quite a bit about the subject. Do you happen to know anything about the topic in Europe?" Only in Spain and Great Britain. :Please add new topics to the ''bottom'' of this page. Also, please sign your contributions to talk pages. As to the topic at hand, I think an [[Intercity buses in Britain]] article might be helpful. Eventually we might even have a [[Intercity buses in Europe]] travel topic, but I think it makes more sense to build such a thing bottom up than top down... [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 18:57, 15 June 2016 (UTC) == Football rules == Hi. I think it's OK to very briefly explain the differences between the NFL (also also US high school and college games) and CFL (and also most Canadian university) games: The CFL requires the ball to be moved 10 yards (or is it metres in Canada?) in 3 downs (plays), rather than the 4 in the American game, and the field is wider; therefore, the Canadian game is more of a passing game. If a different number of players is used on each side, that can be mentioned, too. My feeling is, it's reasonable to explain the basic differences to someone unfamiliar with them, but I wouldn't explain the rules or basic structure (e.g., the shape of the football) of either type of football game to the Wikivoyage reader who doesn't know them, any more than I'd support explanations of headers in the article about [[Football in Europe]]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:55, 16 January 2015 (UTC) : To my knowledge Canada uses yards. In Germany the terms yards and meters are used interchangeably (neither being correct, as the field is simply defined to be 120 "yards/meters" long and - as frequently soccer fields are used - often isn't.) I was also of the impression that we needn't discuss the rules; however in the article on Ice Hockey there is such a discussion. And yes Canadian Football uses more players (I don't know the exact number any more) also the field is longer and there is the possibility of a game ending 1:0 which is impossible in American Football as the only way to score a single point is after having scored a TD. I would really like someone who knoes about College Football to fill in the blank section. Do you know whom I could ask? [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 14:07, 16 January 2015 (UTC) ::I know a bit about college football. I don't think there are too many differences in rules between US college and NFL football, now that the 2-point conversion was reinstated by the NFL a few years ago, but I could be wrong. ::I posted to [[Talk:Ice hockey in North America]] questioning the detailed description of game play in "Understand" in that article. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:50, 16 January 2015 (UTC) :::Depending on the results of that discussion, it might be decided that it's appropriate to reinstate the details I deleted from the [[American Football]] article. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:29, 16 January 2015 (UTC) ::::I know a bit about the rules of the game of College Football (Germany plays according to NCAA rules where applicable) but I don't know the byzantine mode the national champion is decided and what all those bowls are all about and I don't know any teams besides Notre Dame, which I oly know because of the West Wing...[[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 01:46, 17 January 2015 (UTC) :::::That's way too complicated to understand. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:44, 17 January 2015 (UTC) ::::::I've restored the section about football rules and play to [[American Football]], based on the discussion at [[Talk:Ice hockey in North America]]. I'm serious about no-one understanding how the "national champion" of US college football is chosen, though. It really is just about impossible for anyone to understand, and definitely not worth trying to explain. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:50, 17 January 2015 (UTC) ::::::::Well we can't leave the section empty. And I don't know a thing about College Football; not how the Conferences are aligned or what they mean; neither who the good teams are, nor the - as discussed - impenetrable mode of selecting a champion. Imho the word "consensus" shouldn't figure in when you determine a champion. You either are or aren't. There should be no need for consensus. There is no need to find a consensus on whether apples exist, either. There is not consensus NFL champion either. But anyway; an empty section is worse than none. would you happen to know sb. to fill it in with sth.?[[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 00:39, 18 January 2015 (UTC) :::::::::I don't know that much about these things and it's a huge mountain of information that I couldn't begin to summarize. We need to leave this task to someone who is really familiar with the college game. Might be a good candidate for a post to the [[Pub]]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:57, 18 January 2015 (UTC) ::::::::::I'll post a bit, though. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:57, 18 January 2015 (UTC) == British English in articles about Europe == Hi, [[User:Hobbitschuster]], and thanks as always for your great work! But do be careful not to change British to American spellings in articles such as [[Switzerland]], as you did in [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Switzerland&diff=2729642&oldid=2729532 this edit]. If you know that Switzerland deviates from the usual European practice of officially using British English, please mention that at [[Talk:Switzerland]], and otherwise, please change the spellings of words like honour and neighbour back. Thanks. All the best, [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:52, 13 February 2015 (UTC) :I was unaware of the fact that any European country besides Britain, Ireland, Cyprus or Malta has any preference either way much less an official one. I do know, that school teachers in at least some parts of Germany are at least "allowed" to speak general American and usually both spellings are taught. And as far as I can recall teachers were (or still are) advised to accept both a British as well as an American pronunciation unless the accent was deemed too "sub-standard". The same is true for Spanish at least my teacher though preferring Spanish Spanish herself was always willing to accept Latin American spelling and pronunciation were she was aware of it or could be made aware of it. That being said I thought the default "no clear historic preference" applied to pretty much all of Europe (you could for example argue that those parts of Germany that were occupied by the US post world war II would "historically" prefer AmE) so assumed that as there is - to my knowledge - no official or de facto official rule either way in Switzerland, that American English is the way to go. I know that this issue is as sensitive to some as the term "Football" being used or not being used for a specific sport, so I am willing to accept the consensus although there doesn't seem to be good justification for it in the case of most non English native speaking countries in Europe. I prefer the American spelling for personal reasons as well as the fact that it is a fractional amount closer to the way stuff is pronounced (something English is horrible at to begin with). And it is the default spelling of my spell-check. So to sum up: Didn't know don't care all that much either way, will defer to those who care more although I don't see how British English is "standard" in Switzerland but not in Nicaragua even though Nicaragua was partly colonized by the British and later a de facto vassal of the US for most of the 20th century, whereas Switzerland hasn't had more than incidental contact to either English speaking country. (besides of course former British colonies whose dictators have their money there) [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 22:58, 13 February 2015 (UTC) ::To my knowledge, British English is official for the EU. I don't know for sure what the situation is in Switzerland, which of course isn't an EU member, but I would say at least don't change existing British English to US English in articles about Europe. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:36, 14 February 2015 (UTC) :::Yeah I just found a style guide from an EU institution suggesting British spellings, though I do think that we shouldn't let that be decided by one political entity alone. What if Britain leaves the EU and the rest of the EU decides to make American spelling or some form of hybrid (which it actually is just with more British than American elements) official? Would we than have to change all spellings in all articles on Europe? As for Switzerland there seems to be no official use as there seems to be little use for it (internal documents are translated in all four or the three most spoken official languages and private businesses may spell their English as they please). American English suffers imho (at least in spelling) from the problem that once you try a good reform and not everybody follows it (center instead of centre, favorite instead of favourite etc.) you become the weird one out. Just like the Soviet practice of using metric units in aviation or the replacement of horse powers with kilowatts in cars... I do agree that the issue is a minor one and will refrain from changing it in articles on European Union member states in the future as going against what seems to be a tenuous compromise to begin with on the spelling issue is not worth the hassle of some more or less aesthetically pleasing spellings, which is a subjective issue to begin with. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 01:10, 14 February 2015 (UTC) ::::No, we definitely shouldn't change the spelling in European articles wholesale in the instance that the UK and Ireland leave the EU and the EU decides to adopt US English as its official English language. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 05:47, 14 February 2015 (UTC) :::::I understand the inherent status quo bias in this, but I have to ask: Based on what? If the only "official" thing we have for Europe is a style guide from the European commission and that thing changes, why should we not follow "official" use and/or revert to our "default" of American English. Besides - at least in Germany - loanwords are almost universally written in the American spelling (e.g. "Shoppingcenter" not "Shoppingcentre"). Still I don't care either way, but I think for European non- EU countries the case for any variety of English - much less the British one - being official is shaky at best. For the EU it is based on basically one style guide that I think most Europeans aren't even aware of. (and the official working language of the EU seems to be English with a bad German accent or French anyway these days ;-) ) [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 13:29, 14 February 2015 (UTC) ::::::I personally don't really care, except that I'd like for varieties of English not to be changed without there being a really good reason and, as a very distant second, don't want articles about the same area of the world to be inconsistently in different varieties of English. But I think it would be fine for you to advance your argument at [[Wikivoyage talk:Spelling]]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:08, 14 February 2015 (UTC) :Your recent edits on [[Germany]] are still consistently using American English spellings. It may be that you actually never learnt how spell in the British English way, so perhaps you would like to use a different spell check from your browser? [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 21:25, 24 February 2015 (UTC) ::I was taught to in school, but teachers never really cared either way as long as it was somewhat consistent. As I also write on topics where US English is preferred, I rather not change the spell-check. I really don't think it is all that important anyway. Yes there are some chosen few articles that lose from being inconsistent but there is a whole bunch of articles that have a two line get in section for a whole continent or a town with a major port airport and public transport connection. I do not do it on purpose, but I must ask: is it all that important? If need be you can change it back. I won't edit war over this. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 21:38, 24 February 2015 (UTC) :::It may interest you to know that I would prefer just all the articles are in American English and that would be an end to it. :::However the consensus is to contribute to WV on the basis that Ikan has stated above. If you think this consensus is pointless and keep spelling in that way then you will inevitably go against the collaborative spirit of the site. I guess we are politely asking that you don't do that. [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 21:45, 24 February 2015 (UTC) ::::Yeah sorry. I am a little over-tired and should probably go to sleep right now. What I wanted to say is: It was with no ill intent and my sometimes less than perfect English spelling is aided by a spellcheck. I use an American one and I am sorry, that it sometimes gives me American spellings where British ones are expected. I know that this whole spelling issue seems to be a very tenuous compromise of sorts because passions on both sides seem to be high. I would honestly not have a problem to write in all British, but than I would get people angry when I make a quick contribution on - say - Nicaragua and it is spelled in British English (as the policy says we should write American English there). This whole thing reminds me a little bit of that one time the pope divided the whole world between Portugal and Spain, and now someone in WV calls the shot whether countries that don't really speak all that much English prefer American or British. Anyway. I am probably not making much sense now so let me say this: I am sorry, I try to eliminate such behavio(u)r in the future if and where possible. I hope it doesn't distract too much from the more or less useful contributions I may have made from time to time ;-) Best wishes and good night [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 21:56, 24 February 2015 (UTC) == USA edit == First, thanks for your many edits and additions lately - overall I think they've been excellent. I'm not sure about [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=United_States_of_America&curid=37279&diff=2731471&oldid=2731470 this edit] though - does a traveler really care about that level of political detail? In my travels I honestly don't care about the political parties in a country unless they affect me directly as a traveler, and such edits in the past have led to extensive arguments and edit warring by those with strong opinions on the subject. [[WV:Be fair#Political disputes]] is the closest official policy we have on this subject, and it is not directly applicable to your edit, but my preference would be to leave details on political ideologies out of our guides unless they are directly relevant to travelers. -- [[User:Wrh2|Ryan]] • ([[User talk:Wrh2|talk]]) • 20:17, 17 February 2015 (UTC) :I agree with you in principle but the word liberal is used extensively in the US (including in the article you reference just one or two paragraphs to the bottom) and thus I thought it needed an explanation, because "liberal" in the US means something very different from e.g. the "liberal" FDP in Germany. Maybe it is better to cut it down to one sentence along the lines of "in the US liberals are usually understood to be at the left end of the political spectrum, much like Socialists and Social Democrats are in Europe". [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 20:47, 17 February 2015 (UTC) ::I think it's fine to have something brief, but I'd call liberals in the US left-of-center, not "on the left end," which is a phrase that suggests a more extreme leftist position to me. Of course, others would consider them far left. So it's best to just say that they're considered to be relatively left-wing in an American context, with the conservatives comparatively right-wing, and leave it at that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:53, 17 February 2015 (UTC) :::I can live with that. Though mentioning certain political areas that usually serve as "litmus tests" might be a good idea as "left" and "right" all by themselves aren't all that meaningful. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 20:56, 17 February 2015 (UTC) :::: I edited the article, apparently while the above discussion was ongoing, to remove the new addition and replace the instance of "liberal" (that was called out as problematic) with the word "progressive". We've had discussions of red-vs-blue and such before (see [[Talk:United States of America/Archive 2006#Revert of the day]] for the first of many), and the consensus is almost always that these tidbits are irrelevant for travelers but great for generating edit wars, so unless there is a good reason to include this stuff I'd strongly suggest we just leave it out. -- [[User:Wrh2|Ryan]] &bull; ([[User talk:Wrh2|talk]]) &bull; 21:01, 17 February 2015 (UTC) :::::Not to start a whole new discussion, but I have found that 80% or more of edits to the USA page tend to come full circle in two to three days tops. Either this article is next to perfect and can't be approved upon, or it has a very strong status quo bias. Best wishes [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 21:09, 17 February 2015 (UTC) ::::::[[User:Wrh2|Ryan]], if the point is to give visitors from the rest of the world, where "liberal" refers to classical liberalism (after Adam Smith), useful, explanatory background, I believe that replacing "liberal" with "progressive" instead of including both is unhelpful. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:12, 17 February 2015 (UTC) :::::::I didn't mean to upset [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] and apologize if I've done so. Please revert my latest change if desired. I'll bow out, but with the final note that when we're talking about classical liberalism we've strayed pretty far from travel writing. -- [[User:Wrh2|Ryan]] &bull; ([[User talk:Wrh2|talk]]) &bull; 21:18, 17 February 2015 (UTC) ::::::::Regardless of the differences between liberalism and libertarianism , I'd agree with [[User:Wrh2|Ryan]] that it isn't actually in the scope of a travel guide. High level discussion of the political landscape in the United States is certainly valid, but we do serve the traveller best by keeping it concise and easy to understand. [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 21:48, 17 February 2015 (UTC) :::::::::Libertarianism doesn't need to be mentioned at all, but saying in a single sentence that the Democrats are the liberal/progressive party that is considered to be relatively left-wing in the US context and that the Republicans are the conservative party that's comparatively right-wing is surely fine. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:57, 17 February 2015 (UTC) == On Railway Stocks == https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Wikivoyage:Joke_articles/Time_travel&oldid=2741556 See also [[w:George Hudson]], whose collapse is all too contemporary to a post Madoff world. :( [[User:ShakespeareFan00|ShakespeareFan00]] ([[User talk:ShakespeareFan00|talk]]) 00:02, 7 March 2015 (UTC) == Discover == Hi! Thanks for adding the Managua fun fact to the Discover section. However, facts should be added to [[Wikivoyage:Discover]] (not to the [[Discover|archive]]) and this is where I moved it. I've also improved the instructions on the page, because I noticed they were very misleading (you aren't the first one to add facts to the archive :)). [[User:Ypsilon|ϒpsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 14:46, 2 April 2015 (UTC) :Thanks. There are probably some other trivia about places I might want to add info about. For example that the East Frisian islands are car-free, or that there is a paragraph of German federal law (StVO) that explicitly forbids cars and limits bikes on the island of [[Heligoland]]. But the articles are not yet up to par, sadly... [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 22:17, 2 April 2015 (UTC) == outline to usable of Germany == I do agree that this article should be at least usable or maybe even guide but technically it is still outline as some of the Other Destinations listed on the page are still [[Germany#Other destinations]] are still at outline. Most could be usable but some need more work to their city articles. --[[User:Traveler100|Traveler100]] ([[User talk:Traveler100|talk]]) 13:52, 12 April 2015 (UTC) == Please don't feed the trolls == re: [[User talk:2602:304:AF53:3E99:A935:54D:5B3F:9FC‎]] please see [[w:Wikipedia:Deny recognition]]. -- [[User:Wrh2|Ryan]] • ([[User talk:Wrh2|talk]]) • 22:25, 14 April 2015 (UTC) :sorry [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 22:29, 14 April 2015 (UTC) == European History == Would this template be better? {{tl|EuropeHistory}}. Would then only need to update in one place. --[[User:Traveler100|Traveler100]] ([[User talk:Traveler100|talk]]) 07:53, 5 June 2015 (UTC) :I like the idea. But what do we do if the history of Europe gets too unwieldy and we have to split it up? [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 11:31, 5 June 2015 (UTC) :: Scrap the idea of a header list and just go back to links on the topic parent page; split into multiple template; make it a collapsed- expandable text block. --[[User:Traveler100|Traveler100]] ([[User talk:Traveler100|talk]]) 12:29, 5 June 2015 (UTC) == help with chester maine == when u get a chance could u help? thanks. --[[User:Thahouseusers2015|Thahouseusers2015]] ([[User talk:Thahouseusers2015|talk]]) 22:47, 19 June 2015 (UTC) :I know nothing about the place. I only put in the standard section headings, as we structure all our destination guides (roughly) the same way. I may have time to look over some formatting and stylistic issues of what you write tomorrow, though. Best wishes [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 22:49, 19 June 2015 (UTC) == Redford == Hi, Hobbit. If you're going to essentially remove an article (in this case by [//en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Redford_%28New_York%29&type=revision&diff=2813404&oldid=2813106 redirecting it]) that has routeboxes, you have to also remove the article from the routebox sequence. Note that [[Saranac Lake]], for instance, still links to Redford in its routebox. But Redford no longer has a routebox, because it's a redirect, so the routebox chain has been broken. [[User:LtPowers|Powers]] <small>^{([[User talk:LtPowers|talk]])}</small> 16:23, 22 June 2015 (UTC) :Oh. Okay. I didn't know about that. What do I have to do now? [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 20:03, 22 June 2015 (UTC) ::For each city adjacent to Redford in its routeboxes (in this case, [[Saranac Lake]] and [[Plattsburgh]]), you need to replace Redford with the next destination. In the case of Plattsburgh, you can just replace Redford with Saranac Lake and be fine. But for Saranac Lake, it's trickier. The next destination is Plattsburgh, which is a major destination. When that happens, we show the next ''two'' major destinations (instead of a minor and a major as normal). You can look at the last Redford edit before your redirect to see how it was done. [[User:LtPowers|Powers]] <small>^{([[User talk:LtPowers|talk]])}</small> 01:33, 23 June 2015 (UTC) ==Small places== Can I just keep doing like I am and let someone else decide whether or not to merge any excessively tiny place into articles on broader areas? I have no knowledge of or interest in these areas beyond their fossil content, so I don't know which should be merged and which shouldn't. It would be a lot easier for me if I could just leave it up to a more experienced editor to do so whenever one decides to significantly expand the content about the region. [[User:Abyssal|Abyssal]] ([[User talk:Abyssal|talk]]) 22:37, 22 June 2015 (UTC) :You can. But if, say, 30 (a number I'm just pulling out of my hat) new articles have to be redirected, that's a fair amount of work. So I wouldn't presume to try to tell you what to do, but you could possibly see what other things to see and do a local tourism office (if there is any) mentions, and also look at the travel-related content in the equivalent Wikipedia article (if any). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:48, 22 June 2015 (UTC) :: An alternative would also be to add fossil information to existing articles, and in cases where the article doesn't yet exist, add the fossil-collecting information to the relevant region article. That way if and when a town article is created the info can be moved in from the region article, and the approach saves others the work of having to sort through 30 skeleton town articles to figure out what to do with them. -- [[User:Wrh2|Ryan]] &bull; ([[User talk:Wrh2|talk]]) &bull; 22:53, 22 June 2015 (UTC) :::I agree with [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan]] and [[User:Wrh2|Ryan]] [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 22:57, 22 June 2015 (UTC) == Edits == You are welcome!... I have a tendency to float around recently edited articles and see if I can help out even a little bit. - [[User:Matroc|Matroc]] ([[User talk:Matroc|talk]]) 00:58, 23 June 2015 (UTC) I can say one thing i was addressing the traveller which mostly unaware of real vrindavan historical temples. And in vrindavan more than 5000 temples but somehow traveller visit only new architecture of temples but not that temples which were historical so i was addressing that part with near to my budgetery stay Guest house if traveller visit vrindavan I guarantee i gave them stay safe free visit in just £ so you can say as a promotion in your point but we are in center of historical temples of vrindavan and Yamuna river are just 200 meter far you daily feel that marvolos view .My edit just for the traveller which don't carry so much money want to visit reality of vrindavan and want to feel peace as well so they can stay long and safe free with £ rs enjoy the marvolos moments [[User:Girriraj Bhawan Bengali Ashram|Girriraj Bhawan Bengali Ashram]] ([[User talk:Girriraj Bhawan Bengali Ashram|talk]]) 06:51, 11 April 2017 (UTC) == Sorry Hobbitschuster == Why did you delete mine edits? only because you think yours are better. I can prove you it isn't. Why you delete Dordrecht , only because you truly think Nijmegen is the oldest. I am an Dutchmen on my own , so I know what I am doing here! You not ever been there I saw on your wiki. So why you still don't allow me to add content? What wrong with you? : First of all, please sign your contributions on talk pages by posting this "~" symbol (the tilde) four times in a row. Second of all, there is a rule that we only allow a maximum of nine cities in non bottom level regions ( see [[ 7 2|here]]). If you think your city deserves mentioning in the country page, another one has to be removed from the list and that requires '''consensus''' at the talk page of the respective country first. You can argue your point there. Unilateral changes without searching consensus will be reverted. I do think most other longer time users would have done the same. I hope that clears that up. Please raise your issue at [[talk:Netherlands]]. All the best 21:11, 25 June 2015 (UTC) == [[:it:|it:voy]] == Please take a look at your [[:it:Discussioni utente:Hobbitschuster|talk page]]. Thanks, --[[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 17:10, 1 July 2015 (UTC) :Please check again. --[[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 18:52, 1 July 2015 (UTC) ::[[:it:Rostock]] has been saved :-) and [[:it:Wismar]] is almost done: check again the missing QuickbarCity parameters. --[[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 20:19, 1 July 2015 (UTC) :::I think [[:it:Wismar]] is done as well... [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 20:33, 1 July 2015 (UTC) ::::I've added the official website for Wismar. Now I just need to know an info for the popoluation then it's done (see your talk). --[[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 20:54, 1 July 2015 (UTC) :::::[[:it:Special:Diff/420400|Here]] I've left you some suggestions to copmlete the Quickbar. While [[:it:Special:Diff/420384/420393|here]] some suggestion for the Quickfooter. --[[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 22:20, 1 July 2015 (UTC) Thanks. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 22:39, 1 July 2015 (UTC) :To facilitate your job, I've left you a table on your talk page where you can see the status of the various articles that you have created and what is missing to do to avoid their deletion. --[[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 07:12, 2 July 2015 (UTC) ::I've update content status. --[[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 12:46, 2 July 2015 (UTC) :::Update it again. We should be very close :-) --[[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 14:34, 2 July 2015 (UTC) ::::When I was talking of the image, I wasn't referring to the banner (although when missing it should be added as well) --[[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 14:53, 2 July 2015 (UTC) :::::Please try to complete the last missing information on the Quickbar. --[[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 11:26, 4 July 2015 (UTC) ::::::[[:it:Categoria:Quickbar senza immagine|In this category]] you can find the articles with missing image, please check yours in order to fix them. PS With the image should be insert a caption in its relevant parameter. Thanks, --[[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 09:56, 6 July 2015 (UTC) :::::::No problem for ignoring the request to complete the stubs that you have created on [[:it:voy:|it:voy]], but please for the future try to not start what you are not willing to finish. The spirit of it:voy is not to have a big amount of "empty contaiers". Thanks for your understanding. --[[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 15:28, 7 July 2015 (UTC) Sorry for not replying earlier, I am quite confused as to what and how you expect me to do. Best wishes [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 16:23, 7 July 2015 (UTC) :My personal approach when I do not understand something is to ask questions. However, as said above don't worry, I've posted a message in the lounge to look for any volunteer that would be willing to remedy. Let me only add that if you will stop again on it:voy, you'll be more than welcome, but do NOT create more than one article at time, and start to create the following one only after the first one is completed according to the it:voy principles. Thanks for your understanding. --[[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 07:52, 8 July 2015 (UTC) ::ok. Well my problem is still that I don't understand by which criteria the image is chosen and what to put under its description. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 10:45, 8 July 2015 (UTC) :::Any nice image representative of the place, with a description of it. It's like: "what to write inside an article?" ....it's up to you. --[[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 07:19, 9 July 2015 (UTC) ::::I'll look into it those days, but I am not sure I will have much time today [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 11:29, 9 July 2015 (UTC) :::::No problem. I've published an help request in the lounge so few volunteers have helped. Maybe if want to improve your drafts you can add other places where to eat/sleep/drink instead of one. But feel free. --[[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 14:45, 9 July 2015 (UTC) == New Joisey == My friend, thanks for all your great work, but are you joking with your redirects of [[Joisey]] and [[New Joisey]]? What's next, redirecting "Nawlins" to [[New Orleans]] and "Lawn Guyland" to [[Long Island]]? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:30, 1 July 2015 (UTC) :You are right. It probably does not qualify as a "common misspelling" (from which a redirect is ok). On the other hand, I could not think of any actual place of that name... and it prevents jocular folks from creating something along the lines of our article on Dixie... But yeah, I won't raise objections if you delete this. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 11:58, 2 July 2015 (UTC) ::Dixie is an actual alternate name for the South. "Joisey" is just a local pronunciation, not an alternate name, and people write it out that way only as a joke. If you're sure you're OK with deleting these redirects, I could do it on the basis of "author request". [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:03, 2 July 2015 (UTC) :::Well, what good is there in keeping them? They do no harm, but apparently they don't do any good, either... [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 12:05, 2 July 2015 (UTC) ::::Agreed. I can't see anyone searching for New Jersey under such spellings. I'll delete the redirects. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:06, 2 July 2015 (UTC) == Newbies == Heya, I saw your attempts to fix the IP's efforts to create [[Herzberg am Harz]]. I'd like to encourage you to wait a while before jumping in on new articles (both from new and established users), even if there are obvious mistakes/omissions. For many people, it's rather frustrating when they're just starting to work on something and someone else starts creating edit conflicts within a few minutes. Especially for newbies, that can get rather confusing too. When they're just editing, it's the best time to welcome new users and point them in the right direction via their talk page. Most of them don't know the concept of edit summaries yet, but many will notice the talk page message. Just wanted to make you aware ;-) [[User:JuliasTravels|JuliasTravels]] ([[User talk:JuliasTravels|talk]]) 12:40, 7 July 2015 (UTC) :Well some of this user's other edits have been borderline problematic, but I get your point. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 13:39, 7 July 2015 (UTC) ::I undid your edit on [[Monschau]] (where you added the "could benefit from translation" tag) for the exact same reason as what I mentioned above. It's really a matter of courtesy to refrain from jumping in and tagging articles when someone is clearly working on a new article. I'll let you edit the article as you please for now, and get back to it later. No tags needed for now, though. If you want to actually write subsections for getting in by bus and train, that's fine. If you're only going to create empty subsections however, that's not really an improvement. Cheers, [[User:JuliasTravels|JuliasTravels]] ([[User talk:JuliasTravels|talk]]) 12:57, 12 July 2015 (UTC) == Maybe... == Instead of going around asking people whether or not I'am a vandal it would be well to know iam not a vandal as i left a message on ryan's talk page asking him to unblock my other account thahouseusers2015. Just saying. Maybe i should work on USA only? I dont mean to sound prejudice. --[[User:Gol929|Gol929]] ([[User talk:Gol929|talk]]) 13:24, 10 July 2015 (UTC) ::Plus i have skitzophrenia. --[[User:Gol929|Gol929]] ([[User talk:Gol929|talk]]) 13:26, 10 July 2015 (UTC) :::I'm sorry if my asking more experienced contributors for help offends you, but I wanted to see what their insight could offer to the discussion at hand. If you are indeed the other user that has already been blocked, you are most likely going to be blocked in a short time hence, as circumventing a block does not fly here... [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 13:27, 10 July 2015 (UTC) :::You people dont care about me. --[[User:Gol929|Gol929]] ([[User talk:Gol929|talk]]) 13:28, 10 July 2015 (UTC) ::::what kind of response are you expecting? [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 13:30, 10 July 2015 (UTC) :::::::To keep me on the site and not block me indef. --[[User:Gol929|Gol929]] ([[User talk:Gol929|talk]]) 13:31, 10 July 2015 (UTC) look at my user page please. maybe you can be informed. --[[User:Gol929|Gol929]] ([[User talk:Gol929|talk]]) 13:31, 10 July 2015 (UTC) While I have not followed the reasons for your original block, I trust that they were justified and you reappearing under a different user name does not indeed help your case. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 13:33, 10 July 2015 (UTC) :::Whatever --[[User:Gol929|Gol929]] ([[User talk:Gol929|talk]]) 13:33, 10 July 2015 (UTC) I'am a human being just like ryan or anyone else. --[[User:Gol929|Gol929]] ([[User talk:Gol929|talk]]) 13:36, 10 July 2015 (UTC) ==Bush planes== Would [[bush planes]] deserve an article on their own? Added to [[WV:RA]] in any case. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:19, 12 July 2015 (UTC) :Maybe. But I don't know much about them. Although I may have once flown with [http://www.lacostena.com.ni an airline] that might be considered as meeting (some of) the criteria. Which would imho be: # small airplanes, often Cessna or similar small propeller craft # flying primarily or also into / out of runways that aren't much more than paved dirt # rather short distances for some flights / rather long distance (at least for the size of the craft) on others # flights where ground transport is unavailable /onerous (e.g. a 50 min. flight or a 24 hour bus ride) # Government subsidized to provide "access" or "essential airservice", sometimes for political reasons (e.g. claim on distant territories, enticing settlement of remote areas etc.) :Numbers one two and four apply for la costeña, but I am not sure about three and five. I will certainly have a look if and when the article is created. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 00:04, 13 July 2015 (UTC) == An award for you! == {| style="background-color: #fdffe7; border: 1px solid #fceb92;" |rowspan="2" style="vertical-align: middle; padding: 5px;" | [[File:Barncompass.png|100px]] |style="font-size: x-large; padding: 3px 3px 0 3px; height: 1.5em;" | '''The Wikivoyage Barncompass''' |- |style="vertical-align: middle; padding: 3px;" | As one of the most active editors here as of lately, please have a barncompass! :) [[User:Ypsilon|ϒpsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 18:13, 22 July 2015 (UTC) |} :Well thank you, is all I can say to that. I hope to deserve it in times to come as much as now ;-) [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 20:06, 22 July 2015 (UTC) == California high speed rail == I removed the comment about high-speed rail from the Yosemite article since that project is still more than a decade from being operational, and there is a good chance that funding will be pulled and it may never become operational. It would great to have a high-speed train in California, but the currently proposed project is still a long way from becoming reality. -- [[User:Wrh2|Ryan]] • ([[User talk:Wrh2|talk]]) • 14:55, 17 August 2015 (UTC) :If [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_High-Speed_Rail#Phase_1 Wikipedia is to be believed] trains will run over a significant portion of the route as early as 2022 (seven years from now) and the San Joaquin is scheduled to use newly constructed tracks (at faster speeds than currently possible) as early as 2019 (four years from now), once construction reaches [[Bakersfield]]. While funding may still be pulled away from the project, I think that for several reasons this won't happen #HSR and pro HSR candidates have consistently won at the polls, most notably Governor Brown #Unlike the failed Texas project of the 1980s and 1990s no major airline is openly opposed to the project #No court challenge came even close to stopping the project #Once a certain amount of track is laid and especially once trains starts running, the project gains a sort of momentum that is hard for even the most hardline politicians to stop #Even assuming (which I quite frankly deem to be laughable) no additional funding through 2022, current funding provides for more than the cost through 2022, at which point momentum will make killing the project politically undesirable :In short, I am quite confident that the project will happen and that it will eventually link San Francisco and Los Angeles at 2h40 travel time or faster even though some uncertainties remain. What can be considered as certain as almost anything that concerns the future is that the Central Valley parts will get built. Fresno, Bakersfield, Merced and others will get significant rail improvements, including better travel times and new stations (which is in essence what I was getting at in the Yosemite article). But I guess the project is inherently controversial because it goes against a lot of "common wisdom" in the US, so the American media like to overstate the risks and underestimate the benefits. Similar things seem to be happening with HS2 in the United Kingdom - though that project is probably wildly overpriced (still worth it, but if you compare the per km cost to other HSR systems, something seems to be wrong with it). The point being: The project will come and I will gladly edit the articles accordingly in the 2020s if you deem it too early to do so now... [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 15:37, 17 August 2015 (UTC) :: I hope you're right - as a California resident and an engineer I've avidly followed every development on this project since before the ballot measure in 2008 up through (finally) the start of construction earlier this year in Fresno. That said, I think it's best to hold off on updating articles to reference California high speed rail until the project has made enough progress that there is more certainty about timing, service, etc. -- [[User:Wrh2|Ryan]] &bull; ([[User talk:Wrh2|talk]]) &bull; 15:56, 17 August 2015 (UTC) :::You may want to see the oblique reference in the [[California]] article than... as well as the sentence in the [[US without a car]] one. And on the issue: Yes I also very much hope the project gets built the way it was promised and is currently scheduled to be built. As a matter of fact, I fully intend to ride the train as close to opening day as possible. [[San Francisco]] is very high on my bucket list indeed, and I quite enjoyed myself in SoCal when I was there and do fully intend to go there again if the opportunity arises [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 16:01, 17 August 2015 (UTC) == Admin? == Hi, [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]]. You are a very active editor who's been involved in all kinds of work and discussions about how to improve this guide. If you'd like to have access to a few additional tools that will enable you to more easily roll back vandalism and block spammers, let me know. I haven't discussed this with anyone, but I doubt you'd get opposition to an admin nomination, if you'd be willing to accept that role. All the best, [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 10:40, 12 September 2015 (UTC) :I will have to think about it. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 16:32, 12 September 2015 (UTC) ::Sure. It's fine either way, and there's no rush. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:34, 12 September 2015 (UTC) :::Hi Hobbitschuster, so what do you think? --[[User:Danapit|Danapit]] ([[User talk:Danapit|talk]]) 11:07, 4 January 2016 (UTC) ::::To be honest, I fear I lack the patience, especially vis-a-vis newbies to do the job. Given that things I have written or done seem to in more than one case have caused a newbie to cease contributing, me being a mod might not be to the best of the wiki, after all. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 21:23, 4 January 2016 (UTC) :::::Completely up to you, but as an Admin I mostly just clean up clear vandalism when I see it. Most of the discussed issues about biting newbies (as far as I can tell) do not actually require Admin tools. I've noted that you have taken proactive steps to gain clarifications regarding 'grey' areas of policy, which is the right thing for an admin to do --[[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 21:48, 4 January 2016 (UTC) ::::::I see you doing great job actively participating in policy discussion in a constructive way, so I believe you have a very good knowledge of the site's policies in the meanwhile, which is another prerequisite of an admin. I'm not pushing you into a rush decision, just noticed your good work and wanted to mention it. [[User:Danapit|Danapit]] ([[User talk:Danapit|talk]]) 08:32, 5 January 2016 (UTC) == Varieties of English == Guten Abend, Hobbitschuster. Thanks for reverting one of my edits. I plan to be brutal so it's good that other editors are making sure I don't go too far. I can see how the information is useful to voyagers, with one exception. The origin of the British word nappy. Since they were called napkins in the past, it's not useful information to today's travellers. Anyway, I'd like to delete that bit again, as long as you don't oppose. If not, well there are other more important things :-) Dankeschön --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 22:06, 16 September 2015 (UTC) :Sure. But let's have the in depth discussion tomorrow or at some other time [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 22:36, 16 September 2015 (UTC) ::Of course :-) If you make it known on the talk page that you want to discuss it further, I'll gladly join in. And I'll hold off on further edits to the page until then. --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 22:59, 16 September 2015 (UTC) ==sorry== Hi, this is Ibaman from a smartphone. I tried to improve the part on Apicius and think I might have removed quite a good chunk of your very good prose. On a desktop I would now salvage and put it back. Ill do it tomorrow. Lets hammer it to Star. Best wishes :No problem. I know how finicky a smartphone can be... [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 01:02, 4 November 2015 (UTC) == LA to Panama by bus == OK, I know it's bad to [[tout]] stuff here. Nevertheless I stumbled upon a [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5A986C31A8B69968 travel video series] on Youtube that I thought you may find very interesting and entertaining. A guy travels from overland from [[Los Angeles]] to [[Panama City|Panama]] using public transportation. (His other travel adventures are also interesting) [[User:Ypsilon|ϒpsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 19:54, 28 November 2015 (UTC) :Will look at it once I get time to. There also was a documentary on the Panamericana some time ago on German TV.... Where they skipped exactly one country: Nicaragua :( [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 21:18, 28 November 2015 (UTC) ==crown princes== hey if you have time check out mangkunegara and pakualaman on wp en - they were mirror image ''crown prince'' dynasties in central java, nothing unusual about them ,it was the dutch trying to pay off on the divide and rule stuff... not just age, but heredity and generations of them [[User:JarrahTree|JarrahTree]] ([[User talk:JarrahTree|talk]]) 00:20, 2 December 2015 (UTC) == Chains == I noticed the editing on [[https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=B%C3%B6blingen&type=revision&diff=2910922&oldid=2910912 Böblingen]] about the Subway branch. I'm not sure if it is enshrined in policy as such, but yes we do tend not to list chains. For major cities that is fairly obvious. For smaller towns like this I guess exceptions can be made. My own memories of Böblingen is that it wasn't a tourist destination and there were not a huge amount of options. Hope the POV helps! --[[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 11:12, 26 December 2015 (UTC) :It is my understanding not to mention boring places. Chain restaurants, especially the fast food variety seem to definitely fall into that category, save for exceptions like the architecturally interesting golden m in [[Erlangen]]. Though small places that would be devoid of listings otherwise might be an exception. I don't know. I am at a loss when it comes to most aspects of our coverage of rural areas. As a further aside "Böblingen bei Stuttgart" is mentioned as a boring place that is contrasted with Berlin in the Kraftklub song "Ich will nicht nach Berlin" [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 13:18, 26 December 2015 (UTC) ::A lot of thanks for highlighting the rural areas coverage on the pub. It has good momentum so I'll help when I have something to give. --[[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 05:06, 27 December 2015 (UTC) :::You're welcome. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 10:21, 27 December 2015 (UTC) == Bad Orb == Hi you have been to Germany maybe you know a few things about Bad Orb? --[[Special:Contributions/2604:6000:9EC3:7A00:5871:10EB:F180:4DD3|2604:6000:9EC3:7A00:5871:10EB:F180:4DD3]] 21:44, 27 December 2015 (UTC) :This is the first time I hear of the place, tbh. Sorry about that. If you want to go there, do ask in the Tourist Office [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 22:03, 27 December 2015 (UTC) ::No i dont want to go there i added the loc. --[[Special:Contributions/2604:6000:9EC3:7A00:D94A:96A0:A5A0:E99|2604:6000:9EC3:7A00:D94A:96A0:A5A0:E99]] 22:05, 27 December 2015 (UTC) == Your nominations at VfD == Hobbitschuster, we all greatly appreciate your efforts in improving our travel guides. That said, ''please stop'' nominating real places for deletion. It's against policy and wastes everyone's time. If you want to ask whether a place should be redirected, start a discussion on the article's talk page. Link to it from the Pub or from [[Wikivoyage:Requests for comment]], but don't use the VfD page. Thanks. [[User:LtPowers|Powers]] <small>^{([[User talk:LtPowers|talk]])}</small> 21:05, 7 January 2016 (UTC) :If the only thing that can happen to real places i redirection and the vast majority of our pages covers real places, why do we even have vfd? [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 21:21, 7 January 2016 (UTC) ::Travel topics, itineraries, and other non-places and non-articles. [[User:LtPowers|Powers]] <small>^{([[User talk:LtPowers|talk]])}</small> 21:24, 7 January 2016 (UTC) == Wolfsburg == Out of interest how well do you know Wolfsburg. Looking for a good hotel recommendation. In past have stayed at the Holiday Inn which has now change ownership (was not impressed), also stayed at the Seehotel am Tankumsee, which is nice but not practical in the winter if risk of snow and have stayed at a couple of others but cannot remember which but were nothing special. --[[User:Traveler100|Traveler100]] ([[User talk:Traveler100|talk]]) 11:56, 21 January 2016 (UTC) :I've been there twice (once a day trip and once visiting family) but I could not give you a hotel recommendation, as I have not stayed in a hotel on either of my visits. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 13:12, 21 January 2016 (UTC) == Bad Wildungen == What do you mean with ''Bad Wildungen is used by one German comedian as the prime example of a rural bland German town. Is it really urgent we cover places like that?'' in the revision history of Kassel? Please answer at my German Wikivoyage user talk page. MfG -- [[User:Feuermond16|Feuermond16]] ([[User talk:Feuermond16|talk]]) 18:02, 23 January 2016 (UTC) :What I wanted to say with that is that of all those redlinks, "Bad Wildungen" was the only one that rang a bell, <s>mostly</s> only because Dieter Nuhr used to use it as a token punching bag. And I just questioned the value to have this article end with a huge list of redlinks. But I have of course been proven wrong on that before, so what do I know? [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 20:18, 23 January 2016 (UTC) == Kassel == Kurz auf deutsch: Werde demnächst anfangen pro Sehenswürdigkeit einen kleinen Text zu verfassen und habe noch zwei kurze Fragen: 1. Dürfte ich auf diesen englischen [http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2015/dec/21/10-best-new-museums-new-york-venice-germany?CMP=share_btn_tw#img-3 Zeitungsartikel] von ''theguardian.com'' (Ranking) verweisen, oder würde der sofort mit Hinweis auf nicht erwünschte Links oder ähnliches entfernt werden? Und 2. Könntest du mir sagen, wie man am besten ''Deutschlands einzige Galerie für Komische Kunst'' übersetzen könnte? MfG -- [[User:Feuermond16|Feuermond16]] ([[User talk:Feuermond16|talk]]) 18:32, 21 March 2016 (UTC) :Komische Kunst könnte man womöglich mit "humorous art" übersetzen, aber eine kurze google-Suche lässt mich anzweifeln, dass die Aussage haltbar oder sinnvoll ist. Zumindest [http://skurrileum.de/ Museen], scheint es auch [http://caricatura-museum.de/ anderswo] zu geben. Gallerie in dem Sinne scheint sich wohl mit "art gallery" halbwegs treffend wiedergeben zu lassen, aber wie gesagt es erscheint mir nicht ganz klar ob der Unterschied zwischen einem Museum für komische Kunst und einer Galerie für komische Kunst den durchschnittlichen Besucher derselben so brennend interessiert. Üblicherweise hat ja jedes Museum heutzutage einen Museumsshop wo man zumindest Nachahmungen erstehen kann... Wenn man in der erwähnten Galerie Originale kaufen kann sollte das natürlich gesondert erwähnt werden. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 11:45, 23 March 2016 (UTC) == Archiving == {{infobox|Archived discussions|* [[Talk:Hong Kong/Archive 2003-2012]] }} Hi, just wanted to say thanks for archiving some bloated talk pages. I've also done some of this in the past and thought I'd make some suggestions: # The Infobox above makes it a bit clearer that archives are available # Try and avoid archiving region and city district discussions (to be clear, I have not seen you do this yourself). # Avoid archiving any section that may possess permanent relevance # Discussions that occurred on the legacy WT site (2013 and before) are prime for archival. Anything after migration somewhat less so. These are just pointers, and not policy in any shape or form. Good luck! --[[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 06:37, 30 May 2016 (UTC) :Thanks for the heads up! [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 20:56, 1 June 2016 (UTC) == Thank You == {| style="background-color: #fdffe7; border: 1px solid #fceb92;" |rowspan="2" style="vertical-align: middle; padding: 5px;" | [[File:Symbol_thumbs_up.svg|100px]] |style="font-size: x-large; padding: 3px 3px 0 3px; height: 1.5em;" | '''Thank You''' |- |style="vertical-align: middle; padding: 3px;" | Thank you for the encouragement. I don't want to use the template, however. I want to make it my own way so I don't have any empty spaces on my page. [[User:Sonicparty64|Sonicparty64]] ([[User talk:Sonicparty64|talk]]) 18:46, 1 June 2016 (UTC) |} :You're welcome. Apparently I should have used the [[WV:small city article template]]. However, in general our articles should contain the standard top level headings. We have recently deviated from this for regions (which may omit empty sections) and don't follow them as closely for travel topics, but for cities we still have the "==" level in full for all our articles. Some subheadings of the "===" level are of course optional. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 20:55, 1 June 2016 (UTC) == 2 items == I cross-referenced [[Urban rail adventures]] from [[Underground works]] for obvious reasons. Also I was wondering if you could help massively expand the outline I started at [[Paranormal tourism]] which is rather short at present. I've mentioned a few more obvious items, but would really appreciate it if someone went into more depth. I've not yet included Dark Peak and so on, because of phrasing concerns. I'm alsop minded to leave out locations that whilst connected with nominal pranormal events, took place on "private propety" and thus aren't actually accessible to a casual tourist. 11:27, 4 June 2016 (UTC) :For the first point: Thanks. Good catch. To the latter... I don't know whether I can help you there... Generally speaking I see the purported "paranormal" as mumbo-jumbo designed to cheat gullible people out of their money or in some cases massive self-delusion on the part of the promoters of such (and it's really hard to tell which is more dangerous, the con-people or the true believers...) and as such my interest in this topic is extremely limited and I even somewhat doubt its place on WV. Sure, some people will undoubtedly travel for that reason, but as with our sex tourism policy there are areas which we deliberately do not cover... In any case we should avoid even the semblance of promoting pseudo-science as this is a reputation that travels far and wide on the internet in no time and can do incredible harm in even shorter time. But I'll see what I can do. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 14:13, 4 June 2016 (UTC) : You can re-word the lede - I have an obvious skeptical bias, but things like the Pendle Witch trail exist. The aim was not to cover the "bloke from the pub, whose had too many of the local scrumpy" told me fringe stuff (which is why I've not used the W word directly.) [[User:Sfan00 IMG|Sfan00 IMG]] ([[User talk:Sfan00 IMG|talk]]) 17:28, 4 June 2016 (UTC) : Your view sounds like you are the perfect person to right a Stay Safe/Stay Alert section, that exposes paranormal scams encountered by the traveller( Faith Healers being one. ), As I've said under Occult Esoterica, much magic relies on the sucessptibility of the willing. Just because the Heading is Paranormal Toursim doesn't mean the contributors to it have to think the phenomena are genuine. Perhaps there should be a wider disscussion at the travellers pub> [[User:Sfan00 IMG|Sfan00 IMG]] ([[User talk:Sfan00 IMG|talk]]) 17:32, 4 June 2016 (UTC) == Deserts == We have an article on safety in cold regions, not one for arid regions though? [[User:Sfan00 IMG|Sfan00 IMG]] ([[User talk:Sfan00 IMG|talk]]) 22:18, 4 June 2016 (UTC) == Re Ancient Alien narratives == Thank you, They certainly aren't theories in the 'scientific' sense! XD [[User:Sfan00 IMG|Sfan00 IMG]] ([[User talk:Sfan00 IMG|talk]]) 22:18, 4 June 2016 (UTC) == Botanical tourism == Whilst, my previous effort might be controversial (and if you think it's gettng problematic I won't object to it it going). However, I thought something like [[Botanical tourism]] might be useful. It's only a very sketchy outline, but could be improved considerably, and going to look at Kew Gardens (for example) is firmly within scope :). [[User:ShakespeareFan00|ShakespeareFan00]] ([[User talk:ShakespeareFan00|talk]]) 14:32, 5 June 2016 (UTC) (Sfan00_IMG is my alternate account, which I am in the process of "closing" on some wikis due to policy changes.)[[User:ShakespeareFan00|ShakespeareFan00]] ([[User talk:ShakespeareFan00|talk]]) 14:33, 5 June 2016 (UTC) == Mazes == Created in userspace as I have no idea what to put in it yet. Comes under the heading of "Activites" as a travel topic mostly, but there are some notable mazes that have historical importance like the floor design in Chartes Cathedral, and the one at Hampton Court. [[User:ShakespeareFan00|ShakespeareFan00]] ([[User talk:ShakespeareFan00|talk]]) 23:33, 5 June 2016 (UTC) ==[[Paranormal tourism]]== Given the rapid progess on two other travel topics I suggested, and the seeming lack of progess here, I can't see a reasonable way to improve it in the neutral traveller friendly way other topics are. You had already expressed serious concerns about this topic on the talk page. At present I don't even think a compromise of a re-title to [[Fringe Phonemena]] would work. As things are done considerably more informally here, I am therefore strongly suggesting that even though it was well-intentioned, that the portions of the article that can be merged elsewhere are, and that we have an understanding that fringe esoterica are not something Wikivoyage should generally promote. Given that I have no objections to the Topic's removal, potentially without further discussion. [[User:ShakespeareFan00|ShakespeareFan00]] ([[User talk:ShakespeareFan00|talk]]) 21:13, 8 June 2016 (UTC) == Arminius == Hey Hobbit, it must be mentioned, Martin Luther himself used to talk and digress about Arminius/Hermann. I think it was probably he who came up with this "translation". Too busy to research in this very moment, but I'm pretty sure about this bit. [[User:Ibaman|Ibaman]] ([[User talk:Ibaman|talk]]) 13:57, 8 August 2016 (UTC) :You are right. He said something about having him "von Herzen lip" (or whatever the spelling back then was). But the real Hermann-craziness was 19th century. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 15:16, 8 August 2016 (UTC) == Please check == I added two phrases to the German handbook. Please check them and fix spelling and grammar as needed. Ich spreche fast kein einziges Wort Deutsch, and I can spell even fewer of them. ;-) [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 10:36, 9 August 2016 (UTC) :I think it's fine, though another native speaker might have a different idea. I am not sure whether to put "stark" allergisch "sehr" allergisch or some combination, though. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 13:13, 9 August 2016 (UTC) == Brownsville (Texas) == Hello, just wanted to ask a question. How did you find out about this article? Rarely does one update it? Are you from the area? [[User:De88|De88]] ([[User talk:De88|talk]]) 02:15, 23 September 2016 (UTC) :Now, but I have Ikan's talk page on my watchlist. And I have an extension turned on (you can find it under "preferences") that shows when a country code is missing and given that this error message is rather prominent, I decided to do something about it. I have never been to the area, I am sorry to say. DFW airport is the closest I have ever been to "being in Texas". [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 02:16, 23 September 2016 (UTC) ::That's fine. Just thought you were a local, like myself. Thanks for updating the area code numbers. Didn't realize country codes were vital in these articles. Hope you do take a trip done here. It's really nice, except for the humidity. The area has some breathtaking views. [[User:De88|De88]] ([[User talk:De88|talk]]) 02:23, 23 September 2016 (UTC) :::There's so many places and so little time... I might, but right now [[Nicaragua]] is further up my list ;-). And yeah it's not ''vital'', but since I switched on that extension it's kinda become a pet peeve of mine. By the way, when I first started editing here I was also quite surprised to see articles on Nicaragua edited shortly after I had edited them; as it turned out this is/was almost entirely due to recent change patrol; I think I am the only "regular" around here who has been to Nicaragua. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 02:28, 23 September 2016 (UTC) ::::I have similar pet peeves when it comes to organization. It surprised me when Ikan found out about the page and then you as well. Then I fount out about the recent change patrol and it made sense. You're a big fan of Nicaragua as I can tell. I also feel like the only "regular" when editing articles about Brownsville. It would be nice if more locals started editing on here. You can only do so much to give foreigners and domestic tourists a glimpse into what they can expect to see about your hometown. [[User:De88|De88]] ([[User talk:De88|talk]]) 02:41, 23 September 2016 (UTC) :::::I agree with you. A small thing, I've seen there are two or three dead links in the article. It's much easier for a local to find out whether the reason is due to the website moving / not working any more or due to the business behind the website shutting down. Could you check that? And another thing, if you edit a listing and consider it up to date, there is a box in the listing editor you can check which will give the date when it was last marked up to date to our readers. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 02:45, 23 September 2016 (UTC) ::::::Thanks for telling me. If you don't mind, do you know which links are dead? I tried my best in removing old links as the article was messy and old before I started editing it. [[User:De88|De88]] ([[User talk:De88|talk]]) 02:56, 23 September 2016 (UTC) :::::::The link for the listing number 2 under the "theater" headline. There should be <nowiki>{{ dead link}}</nowiki> or something in the wikicode behind it. If you can fix the link remove that afterwards. Thanks. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 02:58, 23 September 2016 (UTC) ::::::::I know why the link is dead. The theatre belonged to University of Texas at Brownsville but after the merger of UTB and its nearby college, University of Texas Pan-American, anything related with UTB was removed. The new place, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley took over everything. Thanks! [[User:De88|De88]] ([[User talk:De88|talk]]) 03:05, 23 September 2016 (UTC) == phone numbers in Germany == Hi Hobbitschuster, I've seen that you have removed the trailing zero in area codes in my listing (zero in brackets in +49 (0)...). Has there been a discussion regarding the format? My feeling that it would be strongly useful for foreigners to see that they must dial a zero when doing a call here in Germany and I would therefore suggest to leave it here. [[User:Buan~dewiki|Buan~dewiki]] ([[User talk:Buan~dewiki|talk]]) 15:56, 28 September 2016 (UTC) :I don't know about any discussions regarding this, but there is an optional extension (you can turn it on by clicking "Preferences" on the top of the screen and then the "Gadgets" tab where the "Error highlighter" is listed under "experimental".) which I mostly follow. Turning that extension on shows you a warning message whenever phone numbers are in the wrong format. Unfortunately, the zero in brackets is considered a "wrong" format by this extension and I have followed its advice. You can of course bring this up at the Travellers Pub, as I frankly do not know where else such a discussion should be held. Best wishes. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 16:03, 28 September 2016 (UTC) ::Ok, thanks; I will try to bring that up -- it is certainly not an error to have the zero (at least formally, the brackets indicate a number only necessary under certain conditions) [[User:Buan~dewiki|Buan~dewiki]] ([[User talk:Buan~dewiki|talk]]) 15:44, 8 October 2016 (UTC) :::I understand where you're coming from, but I am frankly ignorant as to whether implementing such an exception would cause more technological problems than it's worth. Furthermore, I think most people calling those numbers without the leading +49 will know that a zero is required without it being there in brackets. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 15:59, 8 October 2016 (UTC) == CarGo tram? == is there any point in mentioning the CarGo tram on the Dresden page anymore? As far as I know they are now only run occasionally to "air them out" a little. There doesn't seem much chance for visitors to see them. [[User:Griffindd|Griffindd]] ([[User talk:Griffindd|talk]]) :You are probably right. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 15:38, 1 November 2016 (UTC) == Reading while travelling == for me it's a special pleasure to read a novel/book about a place while actually in that place. Sometimes I find it helpful to read novels about a place before I go there. Do you think there is room for suggestions about that kind of reading here? [[User:Griffindd|Griffindd]] ([[User talk:Griffindd|talk]]) 09:35, 8 November 2016 (UTC) :Sure. But I would not just limit it to books. Movies or TV series might also enhance the travel experience or inspire travel in the first place. Have a look at the sections of our guides on [[Berlin]] , [[Washington DC]] or [[Chicago]] to see how something like that might look like. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 14:16, 8 November 2016 (UTC) ah---literature and movies as headings. ok. I'll see what I can come up with. Thanks for pointing that out. [[User:Griffindd|Griffindd]] ([[User talk:Griffindd|talk]]) 15:08, 8 November 2016 (UTC) :The section headings are '''Read''' and '''Watch'''. You can see them (well, '''Read''', at least) at [[Wikivoyage:Article templates/Sections#Understand]]. [[User:LtPowers|Powers]] <small>^{([[User talk:LtPowers|talk]])}</small> 21:50, 8 November 2016 (UTC) ::Well apparently many articles do not use the correct headings then, but you are of course correct in that we have a verb based approach to section headings. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 22:30, 8 November 2016 (UTC) == bus aggregator == even if users are not allowed to find out in articles, I would like to know: which is the best bus aggregator? [[User:Griffindd|Griffindd]] ([[User talk:Griffindd|talk]]) 07:14, 9 November 2016 (UTC) :Have you had a look [https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Talk:Intercity_buses_in_Germany#Search_engines.2C_aggregators_and_the_likes here] already? [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 16:00, 9 November 2016 (UTC) ah. well that's the German version of what I had linked. [[User:Griffindd|Griffindd]] ([[User talk:Griffindd|talk]]) 17:42, 9 November 2016 (UTC) :Okay. Be my guest to mention more on the talk page. And you can of course raise the issue of aggregators in some appropriate place (the pub for starters). Maybe we might want to reconsider our stance and modify it as to have a very small handfull of pages where aggregators are listed, which makes the task of maintenance much less daunting. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 18:05, 9 November 2016 (UTC) == The information is corrected according to historical facts. Asiento system == While the Portuguese were directly involved in trading enslaved peoples, the Spanish empire relied on the asiento system, awarding merchants (mostly from other countries) the license to trade enslaved people to their colonies. During the first Atlantic system most of these traders were Portuguese, giving them a near-monopoly during the era. Dutch, English, and French traders also participated in the slave trade P. C. Emmer, The Dutch in the Atlantic Economy, 1580–1880. Trade, Slavery and Emancipation (1998), p. 17.--[[Special:Contributions/181.137.12.115|181.137.12.115]] 00:01, 11 November 2016 (UTC) The Asiento was the permission given by the Spanish government to other countries to sell people as slaves to the Spanish colonies, between the years 1543 and 1834.--[[Special:Contributions/181.137.12.115|181.137.12.115]] 00:01, 11 November 2016 (UTC) In British history, it usually refers to the contract between Spain and Great Britain created in 1713 that dealt with the supply of African slaves for the Spanish territories in the Americas. The British government passed its rights to the South Sea Company.--[[Special:Contributions/181.137.12.115|181.137.12.115]] 00:01, 11 November 2016 (UTC) : The slave trade was complex, but frankly many European countries were involved and Spain was no exception. Using legal terminologies to suggest otherwise is very unfortunate. --[[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 23:37, 10 November 2016 (UTC) ::There is a huge difference between '''direct''' participation in the slave trade and the asiento system. Believe me. I am a man who has recently earned a PhD in British and Spanish history. Also I have a PhD in Latin American history.--[[Special:Contributions/181.137.12.115|181.137.12.115]] 00:01, 11 November 2016 (UTC) ::In the 1650s Spain sought to enter the slave trade '''directly''', sending ships to Angola to purchase slaves and toying with the idea of a military alliance with Kongo, the powerful African kingdom north of Angola. But '''these ideas were abandoned''' and the Spanish returned to Portuguese and then Dutch interests to supply slaves. Later in history, Britain and Holland dominated the slave trade. The slaves were sent mostly to the New World colonies.--[[Special:Contributions/181.137.12.115|181.137.12.115]] 00:01, 11 November 2016 (UTC) ::The Treaty of Utrecht granted Britain an Asiento lasting 30 years to supply the Spanish colonies with 4,800 slaves per year. Britain was permitted to open offices in Buenos Aires, Caracas, Cartagena, Havana, Panama, Portobello and Vera Cruz to arrange the slave trade. --[[Special:Contributions/181.137.12.115|181.137.12.115]] 00:01, 11 November 2016 (UTC) :::First of all, please '''sign''' all your contributions on talk pages by typing the "tilde" (~ this symbol) four times in a rwo (<nowiki>like this: ~~~~</nowiki>) secondly, surely we can find some compromise wording all sides can live with. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 23:59, 10 November 2016 (UTC) ::::By July the South Sea Company had arranged contracts with the Royal African Company to supply the necessary African slaves to Jamaica. £10 was paid for a slave aged over 16, £8 for one under 16 but over 10. Two-thirds were to be male, and 90% adult. The company trans-shipped 1,230 slaves from Jamaica to America in the first year, plus any that might have been added (against standing instructions) by the ship's captains on their own behalf. On arrival of the first cargoes, the local authorities refused to accept the Asiento, which had still not been officially confirmed there by the Spanish authorities. The slaves were eventually sold at a loss in the West Indies.--[[Special:Contributions/181.137.12.115|181.137.12.115]] 00:09, 11 November 2016 (UTC) ::::In 1714 the government announced that a quarter of profits would be reserved for the Queen and a further 7.5% for a financial advisor, Manasseh Gilligan. Some Company board members refused to accept the contract on these terms, and the government was obliged to reverse its decision.--[[Special:Contributions/181.137.12.115|181.137.12.115]] 00:09, 11 November 2016 (UTC) ::::Despite these setbacks, the company continued, having raised £200,000 to finance the operations. In 1714 2,680 slaves were carried, and for 1716–17, 13,000 more, but the trade continued to be unprofitable. An import duty of 33 pieces of eight was charged on each slave (although for this purpose some slaves might be counted only as a fraction of a slave, depending on quality). One of the extra trade ships was sent to Cartagena in 1714 carrying woollen goods, despite warnings that there was no market for them there, and they remained unsold for two years.--[[Special:Contributions/181.137.12.115|181.137.12.115]] 00:09, 11 November 2016 (UTC) :::::: The Spanish empire didn't engage in the slave trade '''directly'''. The Spanish empire relied on the '''asiento system''', awarding merchants (mostly from other countries) the license to trade enslaved people to their colonies.--[[Special:Contributions/181.137.12.115|181.137.12.115]] 00:14, 11 November 2016 (UTC) :::::::The British slave trade was carefully regulated from its early days. Even the first efforts of privateers – notably Sir John Hawkins– were subject to royal approval. In the 18th century, royal backing (it was, after all, the Royal African Company) gave way to full-blown parliamentary support. Indeed Parliament spent as much time discussing (and legislating for) the expansion and regulation of the slave trade as it was to spend on abolition a century later, passing dozens of Acts to fine-tune the trade.--[[Special:Contributions/181.137.12.115|181.137.12.115]] 00:49, 11 November 2016 (UTC) :::::::Similarly, slavery in the colonies was regulated by colonial laws approved in London. --[[Special:Contributions/181.137.12.115|181.137.12.115]] 00:49, 11 November 2016 (UTC) ::::::::'''The English, for example, established a joint-stock enterprise''', the '''Royal African Company''', but this monopoly failed to provide planters with what they wanted and simply gave way under the growing colonial demand for more forced African labour. When a freer British slave trade was finally established – after protracted political and commercial argument – it ushered in an era of massive expansion. Enslaved Africans crossed the Atlantic in huge and increasing numbers. By the peak years of the 18th century, the British were shipping 40,000 people a year. Meanwhile '''the Spanish empire''' didn't engage in the slave trade '''directly'''. The Spanish empire relied on the '''asiento system''', awarding merchants (mostly from other countries) the license to trade enslaved people to their colonies. --[[Special:Contributions/181.137.12.115|181.137.12.115]] 00:42, 11 November 2016 (UTC) :::::::::The initially dominant Portuguese were replaced by the Dutch in the late 16th century. They, in their turn were usurped by the British and French from the 17th century. These two struggled for supremacy in the 18th century, not merely in the Atlantic but all over the world, from India to North America and the Caribbean. Although Britain – and especially Liverpool – dominated the slave trade by mid-century, the ports of Nantes and Bordeaux and, above all, the expansive colony of St Domingue – what would become Haiti – threatened to push the British aside. That threat ended with the outbreak of the French Revolution in 1789, the Haitian slave revolution of 1791 and the subsequent collapse of French power in the enslaved Caribbean. Meanwhile '''the Spanish empire''' didn't engage in the slave trade '''directly'''. The Spanish empire relied on the '''asiento system''', awarding merchants (mostly from other countries) the license to trade enslaved people to their colonies. --[[Special:Contributions/181.137.12.115|181.137.12.115]] 01:01, 11 November 2016 (UTC) == You are eligible to vote for DotM, OtBP and FTT in Spanish Wikivoyage == As [https://tools.wmflabs.org/supercount/index.php?user=Hobbitschuster&project=es.wikivoyage you have more than 25 main namespace edits and have a more-than-4-days-old registered and autoconfirmed account], you are elegible to vote for the Destination of the Month, Off-the-Beaten Path and Featured Travel Topic articles of 2017 in Spanish Wikivoyage. You can vote ''support'' (a favor) or ''against'' (en contra) of any candidate along with your argument on the following subpages: * [[:es:Special:PrefixIndex/Wikiviajes:Destino del mes/Candidaturas/2016/]] - Destination of the Month candidates * [[:es:Special:PrefixIndex/Wikiviajes:Fuera de las rutas turísticas/Candidaturas/2016/]] - Off-the-Beaten Path candidates * [[:es:Special:PrefixIndex/Wikiviajes:Notas de viaje/Candidaturas/2016/]] - Featured Travel Topic candidates Regards. --[[User:Zerabat|Zerabat]] ([[User talk:Zerabat|talk]]) 16:13, 29 November 2016 (UTC) == Religion of the British monarch == [http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/british-monarch-can-now-marry-a-catholic-but-cannot-be-one/ Here's a relevant article for you.] Best, [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 05:43, 2 December 2016 (UTC) :Thank you. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 21:59, 2 December 2016 (UTC) ::Sure thing. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:00, 2 December 2016 (UTC) ==yup== an odd one https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/hajk cheers [[User:JarrahTree|JarrahTree]] ([[User talk:JarrahTree|talk]]) 09:21, 10 December 2016 (UTC) == Illuminations == You mentioned something about ''Light festivals'' in the Christmas and New year travel article. However, there are other 'light' based events some of which are linked with religious festivals, and others which are entirely secular. In the [[United Kingdom]] for example you have the Blackpool Illuminations from a far earlier time than Xmas, but which are entirely secular. [[User:ShakespeareFan00|ShakespeareFan00]] ([[User talk:ShakespeareFan00|talk]]) 18:38, 29 December 2016 (UTC) :Well it takes no astronomy genius to find out that Late December is pretty dark in most of Europe. And it is only fitting that people (who by and large are a darkness-averse bunch) have put up as many lights as they could during that time. There is also the point that any sort of light display will be much more impressive during long dark nights than during short nights that don't really get all that dark. I really don't think religion can claim primacy over that urge to light a candle in the darkness. It is one of the reasons (besides the lack of cold) why Christmas in the tropics felt supremely weird to me. But then again, I am a rather secular person. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 18:42, 29 December 2016 (UTC) == VFDs == Just a note to avoid potential frustration, but per [[Talk:Hamburg_Airport#Does this airport meet the criteria for being created as an airport article?|your comment]] about deleting [[Hamburg Airport]], that article is not a candidate for deletion and should not be listed at VFD per the [[WV:Deletion policy]]; if the airport doesn't merit a standalone article then per existing policy the article would become a redirect. -- [[User:Wrh2|Ryan]] • ([[User talk:Wrh2|talk]]) • 17:45, 2 January 2017 (UTC) :I know. Our deletion policy says we can only ever delete page creation vandalism (which does not need to be nominated for deletion) and travel topics. Everything else gets redirected. I think we have had the discussion including my somewhat tongue in cheek to proposal to rename vfd "vote for redirect". [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 17:49, 2 January 2017 (UTC) ==Germany== Thanks for fixing my typo. I usually change "boasts" whenever I find it. I understand that "has" is pedestrian, but "boasts" seems so commonly used that it is trite. But I'll leave it alone unless it is in a business listing, where it would seem to be touting. I am also not interested in fighting over words here. (In Wikipedia, I will fight to the death in a cage match over words ;-) but not here.) Regards, [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:53, 8 January 2017 (UTC) :No problem. Maybe "boasts" isn't the right word either, but I think just saying Germany ''has'' a bunch of operas and the likes might be a bit of an understatement, given both the number and the quality of (often publicly subsidized) venues of "high culture" in the country. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 02:11, 8 January 2017 (UTC) == Ivre à vélo == I don't know the specific law, but it is apparently enforced so rarely that it makes the news when it is! In Toulouse, a guy was fined €500 and was banned from driving for four months after a 5AM police patrol caught him [http://www.ladepeche.fr/article/2013/09/11/1706070-ivre-a-velo-il-est-prive-de-permis.html cycling with 1.36 g in his bloodstream]. --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 01:24, 18 January 2017 (UTC) :Interesting. I know that there is a (rarely enforced) limit of 1.3 Permille, but there recently was (in my opinion pretty wrongheaded) talk of reducing said limit. After all, when you reduce the DUI limit for people on bikes, won't that induce more people to drive drunk who would have otherwise taken a bike? [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 17:57, 18 January 2017 (UTC) :::Yeah, that was what the guy who was arrested was complaining about. He talks of a brief smugness as he passed the "vast police control" at Matabiau station, thinking he'd made the right decision to cycle as he knew he'd probably end the night drunk, but the smile was wiped from his face when the police stopped and breathalised him anyway. It seems like a stitch up to force people to pay for taxis, in my view. On a separate note, I was impressed by the underground when I visited Toulouse last year; fully automatic and kept the same 5 min frequency until about 2AM every night. I just wish the same kind of money was spent on transport in regional cities in the UK --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 18:45, 18 January 2017 (UTC) ::::I am not entirely sure of the details, but there used to be a possibility for cities in France to levy a public transit tax (the tax was levied on other stuff but it could only be spent on public transit) and they could raise it higher or get a bonus when they built a rail based solution. This was - at least in the article I read - cited as a reason for the renaissance of trams in France from three systems in the 1980s to three dozen today... And yeah, the taxi thing might be a reason. As might be stupid "law and order" measures - at least "public drunkenness" is not yet an offense... Nor is - as far as I am aware - "resisting arrest". [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 19:02, 18 January 2017 (UTC) ==Sir Bani Yas Island== * You know, my friend, I never really know what to do with these pages that are created with the specific purpose of touting this or that business, featuring said business as the only entry (the tout didn't even bother to write the place's name). This is why I tag them vfd. I'm grateful that you took notice, and hope this page can stand and eventually be useful. [[User:Ibaman|Ibaman]] ([[User talk:Ibaman|talk]]) 16:54, 25 January 2017 (UTC) :Well, it appears that the user in question asked an admin (Ikan, in that case) what to do and was told that he could create that article (albeit, he seems to have misunderstood exactly how much detail an article would need to stand on its own), so it might be biting newbies to delete it straight away. I fear the article will ultimately be merged/deleted anyway, but I am willing to give it some chance and not vfd it out of the gate. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 17:18, 25 January 2017 (UTC) ::I agree with you entirely, [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]]. I hope someone develops the article, even if it ends up having to be merged with some other article. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:19, 25 January 2017 (UTC) ==Your welcome to me== Wow, a lot of things and links. But thanks for it nonetheless. Better to know than to make something wrong. [[User:Harry shacklebolt|Harry shacklebolt]] ([[User talk:Harry shacklebolt|talk]]) 21:27, 30 January 2017 (UTC) :No problem. If you have any question, do not hesitate to ask. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 21:52, 30 January 2017 (UTC) ==Airline links== I read that discussion but didn't weigh in. I think if there is a dispute about the policy, the most effective way of getting resolution is to propose a change to the policy to clarify it. I'm with you: when I click on a link, I want it to take me to useful information. Linking KLM to flying is going to irritate me and other readers: in virtually every context it will be clear that KLM is an airline, so I don't have to read an article about flying to understand KLM. I think it's better to leave airline links red, and let them be removed by wikignomes like me. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 18:59, 2 February 2017 (UTC) :I have raised the issue in the [[pub]] where I hope it draws more eyeballs. Feel free to weigh in. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 19:03, 2 February 2017 (UTC) ::Regarding your comment about administrators, I am surprised that you are not one. Would you be interested in being nominated? Being nominated by me may not help you, but I would be willing to make this nomination if you are interested. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 00:38, 21 February 2017 (UTC) :::I think this is not the first time someone has approached me about that. I fear I am not diplomatic enough to be one... [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 00:41, 21 February 2017 (UTC) == Travel between Syria and Jordan == Hi there, thank you for your continuous help. :-) Regarding the following warning under [[Jordan]]: {{warningbox|due to the ongoing civil war in Syria, it is strongly advised not to travel to/from Syria at this point in time}} This seems a little arbitrary to me. For one thing, the war seems to be kind of won for Assad with the fall of Aleppo and the support from Russia. Also, I never had the impression that anything between the Jordan border and Damascus is really dangerous because the war mostly takes place in the north and northeast of Syria. There are some attacks on Damascus but it is not a war zone. I believe we shouldn't just amplify here what mainstream media is teaching us. If you have anything more profound and maybe some links, I think this would be helpful. Also, the decision is on everyone's own side. It might be important to say, that there is a civil war going on and travelling there is dangerous, if this is really the case between Jordan and Damascus, but apart from that anything else should not be our decision. Also, we don't want to indicate that anyone still in Syria must be crazy, which is what this kind of sentence might suggest. Maybe we should just write something like for Iraq in the first sentence, because this travel guide really concerns Jordan not Syria. Also, this is the chapter where advice on coming in to Jordan '''from''' Syria is given, hence, one already must be there in the first place. What do you think? [[User:Ceever|Ceever]] ([[User talk:Ceever|talk]]) 11:01, 13 February 2017 (UTC) :I will move this discussion to the [[pub]] to draw more eyeballs. I hope that's okay with you [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 17:52, 13 February 2017 (UTC) == Anti-Semitism in Berlin == Hi, [[User:Hobbitschuster]]. I'm considering spending most of 2018 in Berlin. I don't wear a kippah, but I also don't keep it a secret that I'm Jewish. Which Berlin neighborhoods have a reputation for anti-Semitism and how bad are things there on a day-to-day basis? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:04, 26 February 2017 (UTC) :I mostly know it from media reports (the incident I was alluding to was of a rabbi wearing a kippah who was beaten up but got better and was defiantly declaring he won't let those people take over his ''Kiez'' on TV shortly afterwards), but the issue seems to be connected to people of Middle Eastern descent and Muslims and seems to mostly be an issue in Kreuzberg and Neukölln. Far right extremism is mostly an issue in rundown neighborhoods of the Eastern periphery but I haven't heard of antisemitism in particular there. That said, Berlin has a vibrant and large Jewish community (both expat Israeli and other) and some articles I've read insinuate that some Berlin Jews actually consider other Jews disagreeing on the issue of Israel (sometimes disruptively so) a more annoying issue than antisemitism. If you read German well enough, I can search for some articles on the phenomenon when I get home later today. Have safe travels and I quite enjoyed all my stays in Berlin, including a visit to the Jewish Museum which is excellent (though the security controls serve as a stark reminder of the reality of antisemitism). To sum it up outright violence makes national headline news due to its rareness, but unpleasant enquiries as to your stance on Israel (and the debates that might result from your response) are very likely when people know you're Jewish. I know few adult Germans with no opinion on Israel - and they are often strongly held - and Jews are often asked to justify explain or condemn policies of Israel even if they aren't Israeli. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 12:37, 26 February 2017 (UTC) ::My German reading ability is not so good. I will have to watch what happens both in the U.S. and Germany this year. I know my girlfriend would be disappointed not to go to Germany next year, but part of the reason I'm thinking about it is that it might be safer than staying here! I do remember the incident with the rabbi. I've been in Kreuzberg without incident, but as I said, I don't wear a kippah. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:29, 26 February 2017 (UTC) :::Well, as I think you can see from my answer, I am not entirely sure how to judge the situation myself. I am not Jewish myself and outside the internet I don't think I know any Jew personally, so I have to rely on media reports to a large extent. That said, [http://www.juedische-allgemeine.de/article/view/id/27891 here] is an article in ''Jüdische Allgemeine'' (a newspaper published by the German ''Zentralrat der Juden'', mentioned as the "Central Council of Jews in Germany" in the English edition of the ''Zeit'' article) that argues that Neukölln is not a good place to go for someone who is visibly Jewish. It partially refers to [http://www.zeit.de/2017/07/no-go-area-berlin-neukoeln-antisemitismus-juden-muslime-rabbiner this] article from major German slightly left of center weekly ''Die Zeit'' about a rabbi's experience on a 45 walk through Neukölln. There's an English version of the Zeit article [http://www.zeit.de/politik/2017-02/no-go-areas-jews-germany-berlin-neukoelln-semitism here]. Apart from the "experiment" itself, the Zeit article also alludes to a bit of the debate and events in Germany in the past. I of course can't make the decision for you and I think it would be sad if you'd decide Berlin isn't safe enough for you (though as I said earlier, it continues to attract Jewish immigration from both the former Soviet Union and Israel), but I hope that what little information I can give you is helpful for you. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 21:40, 26 February 2017 (UTC) ::::I felt perfectly safe during my first 2 visits to Berlin (1 lasting a month, the other a week), but I may not be so visibly Jewish. I would not like to be asked to answer for everything Israel's right-wing government does, and Germans, maybe more than other people, should be aware that if there had been no Shoah, there probably never would have been an Israel. The most popular Jewish party before World War II was the Yiddishist Labor Bund in Poland, which sought to promote and maintain Yiddish culture and combat anti-Semitism as loyal Polish citizens and part of an international movement of workers and peasants, and it had counterparts in other countries. I think the Bund's point of view was highly moral, and Zionism even at its best, in the hands of left-wingers, is very problematic. I don't mind stating my outrage at the racist and colonialist actions taken by the right-wing government in Israel. But anyone who's really honest would know why Israel exists, and that's because the Bund's vision was a tragic failure. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:06, 27 February 2017 (UTC) == Deletion policy == Regarding [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Wikivoyage:Deletion_policy&curid=68778&diff=3160449&oldid=3160438 this edit], I don't disagree with the content, but I also don't think it belongs in our deletion policy. The practice you describe is not really a matter of deleting or not, but rather of independent articles vs combined articles with redirects. Wouldn't it make more sense to include it in [[Wikivoyage:What is an article?]]? [[User:JuliasTravels|JuliasTravels]] ([[User talk:JuliasTravels|talk]]) 17:06, 3 March 2017 (UTC) :I think it fits in both places, the sentence starts out with "they are too fine grained" and some minor pcv places do get deleted outirght, so there's a case to be made to have it mentioned in both, but if you think having it there is better, I won't fight the case. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 17:13, 3 March 2017 (UTC) == Page stats == Note there is an error with the new Petscan you need to go to the Page properties tab and tick the first box to get only namespaces --[[User:Traveler100|Traveler100]] ([[User talk:Traveler100|talk]]) 00:13, 5 March 2017 (UTC) :Meaning what? Is the 604 figure accurate or the 539? [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 00:16, 5 March 2017 (UTC) :: 539. call the probram, go to second tab, tick first box and press Do It. This removed categories from the count. --[[User:Traveler100|Traveler100]] ([[User talk:Traveler100|talk]]) 00:27, 5 March 2017 (UTC) :::Got it. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 00:30, 5 March 2017 (UTC) ==I'm not being nosy....== Well, I am. There are three Gs in "aggregator". [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 00:27, 10 March 2017 (UTC) :I knew I was spelling it wrong. Be my guest to edit accordingly. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 00:59, 10 March 2017 (UTC) == Technical question == Hi Hobbitschuster. I have a technical question concerning the Hebrew Wikivoyage version of the [[Template:See]] template... (the question is technical so you don't need to know Hebrew to help with this one). I would like to change the way this template displays a certain element ... the external URL link which is supplied with that template... so that the external link would be displayed under a [[File:Blue_globe_icon.svg|20px]] globe icon, instead of how it is currently displayed as a link from the main name of the attraction ([[:fr:Downtown_de_Manhattan#Voir|the same way this is implemented with all the listings templates of the French Wikivoyage]]). Do you by any chance know which template/code I need to edit in order to make such a change? [[User:ויקיג&#39;אנקי|ויקיג&#39;אנקי]] ([[User talk:ויקיג&#39;אנקי|talk]]) 18:54, 10 March 2017 (UTC) :Unfortunately, I have no idea. Personally I think the globe icon looks ugly, but that's neither here nor there. I am really bad with the coding and technology details, maybe if you raise the issue in the pub someone knows the answer? Sorry that I can't be of more help... [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 19:09, 10 March 2017 (UTC) ::Okay. Thanks. [[User:ויקיג&#39;אנקי|ויקיג&#39;אנקי]] ([[User talk:ויקיג&#39;אנקי|talk]]) 19:24, 10 March 2017 (UTC) :::I'm sorry. As I said, maybe raise it in the pub. Unfortunately I also don't know who the resident coding expert is. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 19:27, 10 March 2017 (UTC) == Bureacratese == Sure, give examples - the longer and more pompous, the better. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:12, 11 March 2017 (UTC) : Is there a long scary name for this kind of Bureaucratese itself? Laughs [[User:ShakespeareFan00|ShakespeareFan00]] ([[User talk:ShakespeareFan00|talk]]) 23:27, 11 March 2017 (UTC) ::I would only know of "Behördensprache" or "Behördendeutsch" which to me is neither particularly long nor particularly scary. Some examples of (supposed or real DDR-German) ::"Sättigungsbeilage" (for e.g. potatoes when accompanying e.g. meat) ::"Erdmöbel" (coffin, standard German "Sarg" of dubious authenticity) ::"Jahresendflügepuppe" ("secualarized" version of "Christmas angel" - Weihnachtsengel of dubious authenticity) ::"Arbeiterschließfach" (derisive, not used by the regime or its advocates for the small ''Plattenbau'') ::"Zweizimmerwohnung" (standard sized Plattenbau-unit; literally two room apartment) ::"Kombinat" (vertically and/or horizontally integrated VEB [see below]) ::"Antifaschistischer Schutzwall" (I kid you not, the official GDR term for the Berlin Wall besides "befestigte Grenze") ::"Reisekader" (the higher ups who had clearance to go where normal GDR citizens could not go e.g. the NSW [see below] - required travel in pairs and being married in addition to impeccable support for the regime and membership in the SED ::"Plansollübererfüllung" (producing more than the five year plan demanded - very desirable and a thing the news liked to trumpet) ::And then there are the delightful abbreviations: ::VEB (volkseigener Betrieb; the GDR equivalent of a ''Sowchose'', a "company owned by the people" i.e. a nationalized company) ::DDR, often with ''unsere'' DDR (German for GDR) ::LPG (Landwirtschaftliche Porduktionsgenossenschaft; the GDR equivalent of "Kolchose", i.e. a "collectivized" agricultural unit) ::NSW (nicht-sozialistisches Wirtschaftsgebiet GDR-German for the West; only "Reisekader" could go there) ::SED (Sozialistische Einheitspartei; the ruling party) ::ZK (Zentralkommittee, usually in the form ZK der SED - the actual rulers) ::FDJ (Freie Deutsche Jugend; the quasi-mandatory state run youth organisation; not being a member could mean not being allowed access to university; children of protestant ministers often weren't members; Angela Merkel was despite her dad being a minister) ::HO (Handelsorganisation; a supermarket) ::MfS / Stasi (Ministerium für Staatssicherheit; the secret police) ::NVA (Nationale Volksarmee; the military - military service was mandatory, conscientious objectors were put into engineering battalions as "Bausoldaten" which among other things built the Harbor in Mukran, Sassnitz, Rügen and were housed in Prora) ::And then of course there were the "Plaste und Elaste aus Schkopau" an untranslatable term for the chemical products made in and around Schkopau, during times of petroleum scarcity with lignite as the basic resource (the GDR had and still has an abundance of the stuff, but it stinks when its burned and is very inefficient. ::I might find more at some later time, but this might give you an idea. Also both Ulbricht and Honnecker (the de facto leader of the GDR for almost all its existence) had weird voices and spoke in a nasal pseudo-Saxon accent which is especially insane in the case of Honnecker who was born and grew up in [[Saarland]]. Honnecker also had a propensity to swallow syllables so that "Sozialistisch" became something "soziaisch" and the likes. There are probably speeches of him somewhere, but it is hard to describe if you don't speak German. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 00:12, 12 March 2017 (UTC) == Wikimedia blog post? == Hi Hobbitschuster, I work with the Wikimedia Foundation on [[:wmfblog:|their official blog]]. When I'm not working, I edit on the English Wikipedia as [[w:User:The ed17|The ed17]]. I'm writing today to see if you'd like to write a "[[:wmfblog:c/community/why-i-series|Why I]]" post for the blog. It's an irregular series that aims to bring out the voices of content creators like you. I'm hoping that you will be willing to write a few hundred words on why you edit Wikivoyage, a project we don't feature enough on the blog. What do you think? Thanks for your time. :-) [[User:Ed Erhart (WMF)|Ed Erhart (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Ed Erhart (WMF)|talk]]) 20:09, 22 March 2017 (UTC) :Yeah, I could imagine doing that. Do you still need me? [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 15:44, 5 April 2017 (UTC) ::Hey Hobbitschuster, I'm sorry for the delay. I've only just seen this message. I'd still love to have a piece written by you! One reason why I took this job was to humanize the movement within the wider world, but I haven't done a great job of getting voices from outside of Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons. The prompt I usually give people is "what makes you volunteer your most precious resource (time) to edit?" I'd love to get 400–700 words from you on that—and perhaps what got you to start editing—with a few pictures to post on the blog. Thank you very much! [[User:Ed Erhart (WMF)|Ed Erhart (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Ed Erhart (WMF)|talk]]) 20:08, 19 May 2017 (UTC) == Broken breadcrumbs for Driving travel topics == {{swept}} So after some recent edits, there now appears the "broken breadcrumb" symbol at the bottom of e.g. [[Driving in Germany]] or [[Driving in Iceland]]. How do we fix this? [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 19:21, 4 March 2017 (UTC) : As you have now created the category it should fix itself over time. To quicken it up, press edit on an article and save without doing any changes. --[[User:Traveler100|Traveler100]] ([[User talk:Traveler100|talk]]) 21:16, 4 March 2017 (UTC) ::I did as you said for [[Driving in Iceland]] but it did not fix the problem. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 22:06, 4 March 2017 (UTC) :::Why was that swept to my talk page? [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 15:43, 5 April 2017 (UTC) ::::The instructions for sweeping say "A simple question asked by a user can be swept to that user's talk page, but consider if the documentation needs a quick update to make it clearer for the next user with the same question." And I wasn't really sure where else to put it. Feel free to move it if you think there is a better place for it. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 15:52, 5 April 2017 (UTC) :::::I'm not sure, but perhaps [[Talk:Driving]], especially in case the problem reappears.... [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 15:53, 5 April 2017 (UTC) ::::::Sure, feel free to move it wherever you think is best. I'm just trying to keep the pub from becoming so full of old discussions that people stop using it. I won't always move things to the right place, so I'm not offended if someone repositions something. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:31, 5 April 2017 (UTC) == Recent events == Hobbitschuster - Despite our differences of opinion in the raging debate about [[Kassel]] vs. [[Wernigerode]] as OtBP, I hope you know I consider you an indispensable and invaluable member of our community. I'm aware that I can come off like a hothead sometimes, and I hope I haven't gotten under your skin too much. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 20:11, 9 April 2017 (UTC) :Likewise. I hope I haven't stepped on any of your toes. I know my "humor" is hard to get sometimes and I may have had some passive aggressive outbursts as well. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 21:44, 9 April 2017 (UTC) == Railway station listing == Hi there, I just changed a listing for the railway station you added very recently to the article of [[Romanshorn]] into a marker. I think the marker works better here, as there is really not much to say about this rather small and straight-forward station. However, feel free to change it back to a listing if you think that'd be better. [[User:Drat70|Drat70]] ([[User talk:Drat70|talk]]) 08:55, 27 April 2017 (UTC) :No problem [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 19:44, 29 April 2017 (UTC) ==Leave of less presence== {{swept}} As you might've noticed I have taken on a job abroad and besides my Internet being sketchy at the moment, I also have less time to spend on WV. I hope I'll still be able to contribute but I wanted to let you know, lest you perceive me as just disappearing without word or trace. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 19:57, 1 May 2017 (UTC) :{{Ping|Hobbitschuster}} Thanks for the heads-up: you're a familiar face and have many, many welcomed additions here. I hope this is a good move for you and I'm glad that you're still interested in participating as you can. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 19:59, 1 May 2017 (UTC) :{{Ping|Hobbitschuster}} Always a pleasure. Best wishes! Cheers -- [[User:Matroc|Matroc]] ([[User talk:Matroc|talk]]) 21:26, 1 May 2017 (UTC) :{{Ping|Hobbitschuster}} Good luck! --[[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 21:32, 1 May 2017 (UTC) :{{Ping|Hobbitschuster}} Thanks for your great work here and all the best with the future mate. [[User:DaGizza|<span style=color:teal>Gizza</span>]]^{(<i>[[User_talk:DaGizza|<span style=color:teal>roam</span>]]</i>)} 23:17, 1 May 2017 (UTC) :{{Ping|Hobbitschuster}} We miss you already! I hope the job abroad gives you new opportunities for travel. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 00:20, 2 May 2017 (UTC) ::Good luck, and we'll keep the light on for you. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:59, 2 May 2017 (UTC) :::Best of luck with the new job and home, Herr [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]]. You will be missed. --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 15:08, 2 May 2017 (UTC) ::: {{Ping|Hobbitschuster}} Good luck, hope to hear from you again. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:10, 2 May 2017 (UTC) ::::Thanks. I hope I'll have more stable WiFi and a bit of time to edit soon... [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 18:17, 2 May 2017 (UTC) :::::{{Ping|Hobbitschuster}} In the wake of what has proven to be the alarming disappearance of many of the most prominent Wikivoyagers ([[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]], [[User:Wrh2|Ryan]], others), you've become more and more a backbone of our editing team. Your inability to contribute as much as before is totally understandable, but I do sincerely hope to continue to see you around here from time to time. Your contributions to our site are greatly appreciated and will be missed. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 23:13, 2 May 2017 (UTC) Thank you all for your kind words. I now have WiFi as it were, but the signal is never strong or stable and many of my days are occupied mostly with work, eating and social calls. I hope I'll find a better arrangement to get some editing time in edgewise in the near future. At any rate, by the time the leaves fall it'll be on to the next chapter anyway. Whatever that may be. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 21:24, 14 May 2017 (UTC) == An award for you! == {| style="background-color: #fdffe7; border: 1px solid #fceb92;" |rowspan="2" style="vertical-align: middle; padding: 5px;" | [[File:Barncompass.png|100px]] |style="font-size: x-large; padding: 3px 3px 0 3px; height: 1.5em;" | '''The Wikivoyage Barncompass''' |- |style="vertical-align: middle; padding: 3px;" | For your tireless advocacy in favor of the most underrated letter of the German alphabet, '''ß'''. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 01:59, 21 June 2017 (UTC) |} :Thank you. I shall put "defensor eszettis" in my sigil ;-) [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 14:04, 26 July 2017 (UTC) == I can be one confusingly logical Wikivoyger! == ''Swept from the [[User talk: AndreCarrotflower]] conversation'' (In response to [[User: AndreCarrotflower]]) Everything you said is contradictory in one way or another, but I understand the point. Creating something is often a hard process, and if there is a better option, we shouldn't do it. I'll keep the Greyhound off. -Signed, the amazing Zanygenius. Visit my chat page 23:54, 19 June 2017 (UTC) :Could you explain what you mean with your first sentence? I'm not sure I understand it. Hobbitschuster (talk) 08:35, 20 June 2017 (UTC) ::Okay, in the past, I have gotten into heated debates with people, and last night, I decided NOT TO PUSH THE POINT, however, I don't really think User: AndreCarrotflower knew what he was talking about, as '''all transit can be changed without notice'''. Buses, trains, Transit, and maglev can all go off the line at any time, but for the most part, they all have a good track record. (Get it? Track record? 😉 ) == rail travel in Germany -no DB night or car trains? == is it time to either remove sentences about DB pulling out of night & car trains or to at least move them to the end of their sections? Does anyone really want to know about who does not offer those services right at the beginning of those sections? [[User:Griffindd|Griffindd]] ([[User talk:Griffindd|talk]]) 11:23, 6 July 2017 (UTC) :I think we should mention that DB doesn't do that any more (though I think the Nightjet can still be booked via the DB website) but you are right, the "DB doesn't do that any more" is partly an artifact from an earlier "DB will soon cease doing that" wording. I think moving to a less prominent place is fine. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 11:25, 6 July 2017 (UTC) ok...I gave it a go. Not sure what to make of DB apparently ending something in Dec 2016 but still running car trains to Sylt. [[User:Griffindd|Griffindd]] ([[User talk:Griffindd|talk]]) 11:46, 6 July 2017 (UTC) :There is a difference in the kind of trains they used to run and what they are doing now. What they used to do were trains with sleepers that went really long distances where you could check in your car in - say - Hamburg - and not worry about it until you arrive at your holiday destination in - say - France. That - at least according to DB - was a money losing business and their aging fleet was in dire need of overhaul, which gave them the last reason to get out of it. On the other hand, the only way to get a car onto the island of Sylt is to take either the DB or the RDC train (or a ferry from Denmark, but very few Germans even think of that). ''That'' does not require offering sleeping accommodation, it does not require using tracks in a foreign country and apparently it still makes a handsome profit for DB. Of course it might be a bit paradoxical the way it is worded right now, but we might make it more precise by talking about ''long distance'' car trains, because mainland [[Schleswig Holstein]] to [[Sylt]] is many things, but long distance it is not. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 11:52, 6 July 2017 (UTC) ah. ok. Thanks. That was..quite comprehensive. [[User:Griffindd|Griffindd]] ([[User talk:Griffindd|talk]]) 12:08, 6 July 2017 (UTC) :You're welcome. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 12:19, 6 July 2017 (UTC) ==Yep== That was pretty sloppy. I'll try to be more careful. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 18:54, 26 July 2017 (UTC) :No problem. We all make mistakes from time to time. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 19:01, 26 July 2017 (UTC) == [[Addis Ababa#By train]] "Get in" edits == Dear Hobbitschuster, Regarding [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Addis_Ababa&diff=3247626&oldid=3247565 you edit 3247626], yesterday on [[Addis Ababa#By train]] ("Get In" section). According to [http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-07/22/c_136464512.htm Xinhua newspaper article one week ago (2017-07-22)] the Addis Ababa–Lebu Railway Station is not yet opened to public and commercial service will start in October 2017. Should we keep the article as is for 2 months or ? Best regards, --[[User:Jeanot|Jeanot]] ([[User talk:Jeanot|talk]]) 16:26, 28 July 2017 (UTC) :The WP article (where my information is from) is insanely unclear about this, but I say as we don't seem to have someone who is there at the moment we should leave it as is rather than having to scramble to correct it two months from now. Anyway, if the service does take longer in being inaugurated than one should think, we will have to edit the article(s) accordingly. Are other stations along that route already in service? [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 19:43, 28 July 2017 (UTC) ::Hi. Actually, I am here nowadays. According to local people and Djibouti citizen resident in Addis Ababa, the passenger commercial service is not yet started for this railway. Information is hard to find as no-one even took it! It is planned in two month, but plans may be changed. I guess the only section open for passengers is [[Dire Dawa]] to [[Djibouti]], as the old meter-gauge [[w:Ethio-Djibouti Railways]] was shuted down: The WP article [[w:Railway stations in Ethiopia]] seems upto date. I will try to collect more information, expats are exited by the trip, but local seems to see less interest for a 10-hour trip which can take 1 hour by flight (or 2 hours flight if it stops in Dire Dawa). Regards, --[[User:Jeanot|Jeanot]] ([[User talk:Jeanot|talk]]) 15:56, 1 August 2017 (UTC) :::What about those locals who can't afford to fly? Is there a significant number of Ethiopians who can afford the train but can't afford to fly? Also, a lot of locals will probably travel parts of the route (which was mainly intended for freight anyway). Anyway, it would be great to know at least ballpark figures for ticket prices and/or a website where they can be bought (I know those don't always exist) [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 19:37, 1 August 2017 (UTC) ::::Hi Hobbitschuster, It seems that most of them are not travelling, or at least not "for touristic visit". Those who have family outside Addis Ababa visit by mini-bus (therefore they visit only the city they come from). Some said that I (and all foreigners) visited more place in Ethiopia than them… May the railway change that and make people to spend holidays on Djibouti' seaside? Regarding the railway, I didn't see any official website or even practical informations about passenger service on WP nor search engines. I may go to the Lebu Railway Station soon to see if there is information to collect there (as you see Station isn't so close from city centre): as modest "train enthusiast", I also wish to make the trip to Djibouti by train (for now it is more a "Do" than a "Get In"). Regards, --[[User:Jeanot|Jeanot]] ([[User talk:Jeanot|talk]]) 09:13, 2 August 2017 (UTC) == You were right. == Your [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Delmarva_Peninsula&curid=157739&diff=3261288&oldid=3261260 educated guess] is correct. [[User:Emmette Hernandez Coleman|Emmette Hernandez Coleman]] ([[User talk:Emmette Hernandez Coleman|talk]]) 05:49, 18 August 2017 (UTC) :Thanks. Nice to hear. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 06:01, 18 August 2017 (UTC) == How does one insert non-English Wikipedia links? == {{swept}} So I have seen some listings having Wikipedia links to other language editions. How is that done? I was trying to do this in the [[Erfurt]] article but just couldn't find a way to do it... [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 20:15, 18 August 2017 (UTC) : [[:w:de:Erfurt]] for example. [[User:Ypsilon|ϒpsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 20:17, 18 August 2017 (UTC) ::In a listing, though? I want [https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Erfurt#Jewish_heritage the listing with number 7 here] have [https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neue_Synagoge_(Erfurt) this] as its WP link. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 20:52, 18 August 2017 (UTC) :::I think that in a listing a reader would expect the W logo to take them to the English Wikipedia. I think that we should only link to other language WPs in a way which is clear to the reader that it is in another language, and I am not sure that policy would allow that. (A special case is the Simple English Wikipedia, which might be useful for a very few travel topics.) [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:23, 19 August 2017 (UTC) ::::Perhaps "see also [[w:de:X|X]] in the German-language Wikipedia" would be clear enough? [[User:K7L|K7L]] ([[User talk:K7L|talk]]) 14:51, 22 August 2017 (UTC) == Mapframes klutzing up due to airport markers == {{swept}} Have a look at the maps in articles like [[Erfurt]] or [[Kleve]]. They are zoomed out way too much and if you add a "zoom" parameter, it zooms into empty fields between the city and the airport... How do we fix this? [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 17:48, 19 August 2017 (UTC) : [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Kleve&type=revision&diff=3262520&oldid=3262495 Add] coordinates (just the values, not "lat=" and "long="!) for a random location at where you want to have the map zoomed in a little more, like I did in Kleve. These coords will then become your new map center and you can add a zoom parameter if you need the map to be zoomed in or out around that point. [[User:Ypsilon|ϒpsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 18:25, 19 August 2017 (UTC) :: Confirming above. "If the (lat, long) and zoom are omitted, <code><nowiki>{{mapframe}}</nowiki></code> alone will now default to a scale and position that fits all of the current article's POIs onto the map. These defaults are usually adequate." from '''[[Wikivoyage:How to use dynamic maps]]''' -- [[User:Matroc|Matroc]] ([[User talk:Matroc|talk]]) 03:16, 20 August 2017 (UTC) == Deletion candidates == Hi, you put AfD tags on two articles [[Badagry]] and [[Sindhuli]], however I can't seems to find their nominations at [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion]]. Please either remove the tags or make thier nominations as per guidelines. Ping me whatever you decide. Thank you. --[[User:Saqib|Saqib]] ([[User talk:Saqib|talk]]) 14:32, 20 August 2017 (UTC) :And [[Manendragarh]] as well. --[[User:Saqib|Saqib]] ([[User talk:Saqib|talk]]) 14:33, 20 August 2017 (UTC) ::The former two seem to have been created by drive by editors and possibly Telstra. The latter I have put on the vfd page with a reason as to why. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 14:34, 20 August 2017 (UTC) == Non articles, copvyos, egregious violations of our style rules and other created by drive-by editors == {{swept}} Now we seem to be getting a few more visits from outside of our usual editor pool, which is great, but it does raise the issue of non-articles, one line (or less) stubs that look something like [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Nnewi&oldid=3264353 this] or [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Kutai_National_Park&oldid=3259126 this] or [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Trekking_Vietnam&oldid=3236941 this]. It has thus far been practiced that those were converted into outlines in the hopes of them maybe, hopefully, some day developing into "real" articles. I am not sure this is the right approach. What do you think we should do with this - for lack of a better term - category of article? [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 16:09, 22 August 2017 (UTC) :Spam has always been deleted. An "article" created as a single paragraph with a link driving traffic elsewhere would qualify for speedy deletion. [[User:K7L|K7L]] ([[User talk:K7L|talk]]) 17:12, 22 August 2017 (UTC) ::My inclination for [[Kutai National Park]] was to remove the link (on the assumption that the link was commercial spam), and I see that [[User:Ikan Kekek]] has already done that. Assuming that the park is actually a valid destination rather than a sightseeing opportunity, it might be nice to add an outline for it, and it needs to say where it's located, so it still needs some work. ::I think that [[User:Ibaman]] did the right thing with [[Nnewi]]. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 20:36, 22 August 2017 (UTC) == Your note on draft articles. == You have a note on your draft article: "Feel free to edit this page as you would with any page in mainspace". If I could make a suggestion, I think this would be a little clearer: "This is a draft article. Feel free to edit this page as you would with any article in mainspace.". [[User:Emmette Hernandez Coleman|Emmette Hernandez Coleman]] ([[User talk:Emmette Hernandez Coleman|talk]]) 17:29, 24 August 2017 (UTC) == Hello == fellow human how are you doing today? --[[User:Warfare910|Warfare910]] ([[User talk:Warfare910|talk]]) 15:54, 25 August 2017 (UTC) :Fine. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 20:09, 28 August 2017 (UTC) == Sheki Region == [[Baku Region]] and [[Northeastern Azerbaijan]] also have "rayons" listed.[[User:Ceever|Ceever]] ([[User talk:Ceever|talk]]) 20:07, 28 August 2017 (UTC) :I think they too should be removed. What do you think? [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 20:09, 28 August 2017 (UTC) ::Yes, sure. I ll put them into the header where they where mentioned before with other articles, like this: https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Sheki_Region&oldid=3115811 Cheers, [[User:Ceever|Ceever]] ([[User talk:Ceever|talk]]) 09:35, 29 August 2017 (UTC) :::I'm not sure about this, but if you think this works, why not? [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 16:54, 29 August 2017 (UTC) == Apple ][ == Yes, the Apple desktops of the pre-Macintosh, pre-Lisa era did use branding like "Apple ][" and "Apple ///" to signify "apple two" and "apple three". [[Special:Diff/3276357/3276373|This]] is not a typographic error and [sic] is not in order. [[User:K7L|K7L]] ([[User talk:K7L|talk]]) 16:34, 12 September 2017 (UTC) :Well [sic] can also be used when what you intend to communicate is "yes, I know this looks like a mistake, but it is genuinely how this is spelled". Or "That's their own inane spelling" or anything of the likes. It's not just used for transmitting an error or weird word choice made in the original. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 16:40, 12 September 2017 (UTC) ::Perhaps <nowiki><!-- [sic] --></nowiki> would be appropriate? -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 17:12, 12 September 2017 (UTC) :::Sure, why not? [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 17:15, 12 September 2017 (UTC) ::::The '][' branding was specific to the earliest versions of the Apple II, just as the slash branding ("Apple //") was specific to later versions. If we want to talk about all the Apple IIs, we should use standard Roman numerals. See [[:w:Apple II series#Renditions of the "II" name]]. [[User:LtPowers|Powers]] <small>^{([[User talk:LtPowers|talk]])}</small> 21:02, 12 September 2017 (UTC) == Collaboration of the month proposal == Have made a proposal based, if I remember correctly, for something you previously suggested:- [[Wikivoyage:Collaboration of the month#Eat listings for cities in Germany]]. --[[User:Traveler100|Traveler100]] ([[User talk:Traveler100|talk]]) 06:34, 20 September 2017 (UTC) :Thank you, yes I had indeed made such a proposal. Some may be harvested from de-WV. Others from the tourism websites of the cities in question. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 20:29, 20 September 2017 (UTC) == What's going on? == {{quote|One can not listen without words, exempt from the voices of peers. When I can't hear, I can't understand. My dear companion, speak!|author:Someone}} I have a failure to understand your [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Andratx&type=revision&diff=3289924&oldid=3289923| Unexplained Revert] to Andratx. I noticed a new article, and it looked sloppy, so I was going to try my hand at fixing it. First things first, I organized it, but something was off: '''IT wasn't clear how to "get in" for the average traveler''', so I made it crystal that you must enter via waterway. I didn't do much else because I had errands, and (research!😉), And so I stopped there. If you could tell me what's wrong, I gurantee that I can fix it and avoid bthis error again. _{-Signed, the amazing [[User:Zanygenius|Zanygenius]]. Visit my [[User talk:Zanygenius| chat page]]} 00:15, 3 October 2017 (UTC) == Can markers have a wikipedia parameter, if not why not? == Listings have them, right? I wanted to put the wp symbol behing Nuremberg Airport in our article on [[Nuremberg]] but I don't want to convert it to a listing [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 17:18, 16 July 2017 (UTC) :Can't you just leave out the "*" in front and use any of the templates that support WP (like [[Template:go]]) like an inline element? [[User:Ceever|Ceever]] ([[User talk:Ceever|talk]]) 21:55, 3 October 2017 (UTC) ::Well yes, but some others have argued against using the listing template in lieu of the marker template... [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 22:05, 3 October 2017 (UTC) :::Right. But shouldn't an airport be a proper listing anyhow? One for Nuremberg airport and at least one more list item for Munich or so, under "By plane". :::A marker is just a marker for a certain reason &ndash; it is just not destined to carry comprehensive information like "content" and WP entries. Everything else seems to legitly demand a proper and regular listing. :::I use marker mostly for go, around, city and quick sees. Here I would go for a regular "listing". :::What do you think? [[User:Ceever|Ceever]] ([[User talk:Ceever|talk]]) 22:59, 3 October 2017 (UTC) == Railway station listing in Romanshorn article == Hi, I saw you changed the marker for the railway station in the [[Romanshorn]] article to listing. I assume you did this, because it's impossible to add a wikipedia or wikidata reference to a marker. However, this messed the layout up a bit, as the listing automatically adds a period behind the title of the listing. So we have basically two options here: either we make it into a proper listing or we revert it to a marker. I am personally for the latter, as I feel transforming it into a listing will break the text flow, but if you have an idea of how to formulate it such that it will still look okay, then I'm fine with a listing as well. The main reason I'm asking you about this, is because this "The railway station is located ...." with the marker in the middle of the sentence is kind of a standard structure I've been using in most of the Swiss articles I've added train information to, so this problem will also affect all those articles. What do you think? [[User:Drat70|Drat70]] ([[User talk:Drat70|talk]]) 14:06, 13 October 2017 (UTC) :I think overall we should use the listing template for railway stations. Maybe there could be an exception for them being really only a small stop on a single line, but even then, there are some benefits to using the listing template instead. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 14:28, 13 October 2017 (UTC) :: What are those benefits? Contact details? Nowadays all the contact goes over a centralised call centre. Unless I'm missing out something here, I don't think those benefits outweigh the loss of text flow they create. [[User:Drat70|Drat70]] ([[User talk:Drat70|talk]]) 10:11, 14 October 2017 (UTC) :::I think it makes more sense to have a listing instead of a paragraph of text. Listings can accommodate stuff like Wikidata integration or a WP link. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 22:33, 14 October 2017 (UTC) Hi, I was about to ask the same question. I do a lot of georeferencing for railway stations and I find marker much more practical regarding text flow. One compromise could be that the template could be changed to that a WP link can be included. Anyway, this is something that should be brought to an broader discussion as there clearly are two practices being used. --[[User:Jonte--|Jonte--]] ([[User talk:Jonte--|talk]]) 16:09, 30 October 2017 (UTC) ==useless digression== I stand by your judgement my friend. It sounded kind of [[obvious]] to me, and came from a dubious IP number that got several reverts...it's good that fellow editors get to ponder over these. [[User:Ibaman|Ibaman]] ([[User talk:Ibaman|talk]]) 13:42, 24 October 2017 (UTC) == German == Good Day Wikipedia user! I saw on your profile that you speak German. I am trying to transalate something to German. Cn you help me? I want to transalate the title "Scattered Roses" to German. [[User:EmojiLove|EmojiLove]] ([[User talk:EmojiLove|talk]]) 15:10, 29 October 2017 (UTC) == More on the use of marker and/or listing == Hello again, I see that you edited my latest entry on Roanoke railway station. I want to bring up again the issue on whether to use marker or listing. Firstly, I find it rather annoying and a waste of time that you re-edit my entries just hours after I write them. This simply creates extra, unnecessary, work. My proposal is that we bring this issue to the Travellers' pub and discuss it thoroughly. My argument it that there is no need for a listing on more simpler stations. Listing should be reserved to more complex articles with multiple, large stations, where we might want to give directions or include sections on amnesties and so on. Until we have solved this issue, let us refrain from editing each other's edits. --[[User:Jonte--|Jonte--]] ([[User talk:Jonte--|talk]]) 08:48, 1 November 2017 (UTC) :I've posted in the pub. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 15:47, 1 November 2017 (UTC) == "Why aren't you taking the train?" == The answer is probably "Because I'm in America, and the train doesn't even register on my radar of possible transport options", but all the same I don't think such questions are helpful on the Tourist Office. Maybe you could give reasons as to why rail is preferable to flying the 400 miles; otherwise it looks like you're criticising the asker. Others may disagree of course, but it strikes me that the OP could interpret such a question as condescension or rudeness, which I'm sure wasn't your intention (from knowing you quite well as an extremely dedicated and professional Wikivoyager). No disrespect intended. Best wishes, [[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 13:08, 13 November 2017 (UTC) :Good points. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 14:37, 13 November 2017 (UTC) == Archiving Talk:Whangaroa == Hi Hobbitschuster. I see that the entire short contents of [[Talk:Whangaroa]] were archived by you. I think it was unnecessary to archive such short contents. I also think it is very slightly detrimental, as it now takes two clicks instead of one to get to the Talk contents from the article. I have checked our guidance on the matter and see that [[Wikivoyage:Using talk pages#Etiquette]] says, "It's best to wait until the page has grown quite long before archiving". I agree with that. I know the contents were very old, but I don't think age alone is a reason to archive. Would you be willing for the archiving to be reverted? thanks. [[User:Nurg|Nurg]] ([[User talk:Nurg|talk]]) 07:38, 21 November 2017 (UTC) :Frankly what was to be found at that talk page before is unsigned, weirdly formatted spam. I would've deleted it outright if I could. I don't think anybody loses anything by that being archived. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 13:44, 21 November 2017 (UTC) ==CR== [https://vagrantsoftheworld.com/rio-san-juan-nicaragua/amp/ This] may interest you (it's how I updated the bridge info). Regards, [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:05, 7 December 2017 (UTC) :Thank you. (The info about the boat still partially contradicts the info about the bus, though). Unfortunately I don't think Central America is in my foreseeable future. But who knows? [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 22:17, 7 December 2017 (UTC) ::I'm looking at heading to CR in January, but not other central American countries, so I won't be gathering info about borders. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:34, 7 December 2017 (UTC) :::Well I personally don't dislike Costa Rica (but I have been accused of being overly dismissive in my words) but I think that it is somewhat "overgrazed" compared to Nicaragua. Of course not speaking Spanish, you'll likely have it easier in Costa Rica than Nicaragua. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 23:27, 7 December 2017 (UTC) ==Dortmund== Dear [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] and [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]], dammn thats hard stuff and I can't understand the main criticism. Im not a tourism professionals or employees of the city council, im just a former student of the Dortmund University who came to study in this City. The City is today my home and I will do my best to show a good critical analysis of the city like the other cities on en.wikivoyage. Its not my place of birth but I like the city and the football club. But maybe its easier to split the points of criticism. (1) Its not a simply copy and paste of the eng. wiki article, because its my own work and I am the "main author" of a lot of Dortmund wiki articles. Please take a look on the edit history, its all my stuff. I collect the information of other sites like Mercer, Handelsblatt and so on and write them together. (2) Ok thats a good fact. Lets discuss about the section. I think its pretty charming to know the city districts of Dortmund and I saw that in a lot of articles on others sites. (3) I get it. (4) Please see above, im not a tourism professionals. Primarily I have used the existing structure and sound of other Wikivoyage articles like Rotterdam, Liverpool, Manchester and so on. So please restore my hard work of more than 1-2 weeks (take a look to the History of the englisch Dortmund Article, its all my own work) and we can discuss about some sections. many greetings from Dortmund [[User:DortmunderWestfront|DortmunderWestfront]] ([[User talk:DortmunderWestfront|talk]]) 13:04, 17 December 2017 (UTC) ==Monarch Airlines declared bankruptcy== {{swept}} So apparently the fourth or fifth biggest airline of the UK went belly up. Given that they are mentioned in a bunch of articles, I thought this might be of relevance [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 10:42, 3 October 2017 (UTC) ː : I have removed some of these. One complication is that the [http://monarchairgroup.com/ US Monarch Air Group] is mentioned in some articles, and is a different company. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 21:16, 3 October 2017 (UTC) ::Thank you. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 22:09, 3 October 2017 (UTC) :::Does this need to be archived to my own talk page? It just looks like I am talking to myself. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 00:08, 25 December 2017 (UTC) :::: The advice for sweeping the pub includes: "A simple question asked by a user can be swept to that user's talk page, but consider if the documentation needs a quick update to make it clearer for the next user with the same question." You can do what you wish with your talk page. I'm just the sweeper. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 00:11, 25 December 2017 (UTC) :::::It's not a question, it's a heads-up that affects more than one page. If that is what happens when a user tries to inform others, it may end up discouraging heads-ups like this... [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 00:17, 25 December 2017 (UTC) ::::::I put it here because I couldn't figure out where else to put it. If you think there is a better place, feel free to move it. If you want to delete it, you can do that too. I didn't want to presume to delete it. But it shouldn't sit in the pub forever. The advice on sweeping the pub also says, "If you see an old conversation (i.e. a month dormant) that could be moved to a talk page, please do so". Your heads-up informed readers for two and a half months, so it was worth noting, but now it's old news. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 00:23, 25 December 2017 (UTC) ::::::And if the people who sweep the pub only gets complaints, the people will stop sweeping the pub. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 00:37, 25 December 2017 (UTC) :::::::Just put it in an archive. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 02:09, 25 December 2017 (UTC) == A little more civility == [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Mülheim_an_der_Ruhr&curid=159836&diff=3366694&oldid=3366610 This edit summary] was unnecessary. This was a very sparse article -- one See listing, two Sleep listings, a little train info, and very little else. I created an Understand section, added more info on getting in, added a See listing, and a bunch of photos. You could have forgiven me for one small mistake, fixed it, and thanked me for expanding the article instead of blowing your top and screaming at me for not knowing more about German public transit. We are both trying to improve Wikivoyage, so let's try to work together. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 18:01, 7 January 2018 (UTC) :Sorry, my anger was not directed at you. It is one of my pet peeves that Germany has four subways (Munich, Nuremberg, Hamburg, Berlin) and a bunch of [[w:Stadtbahn]] systems which are - deliberately - referred to by confusing terms and abbreviations in order to pretend they're something they are not. If you felt attacked or offended, it was not my intention. But given the very real differences between an actual U-Bahn and the Stadtbahn pretender systems, we should be clear with words even if tourism marketing departments are not. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 19:11, 7 January 2018 (UTC) ==Talk infobox on [[Nicaragua]]== Really cool and interesting stuff. Thanks for that. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 15:27, 12 January 2018 (UTC) :No problem. It ''is'' a potential for communication difficulties and - possibly - offense. I am pretty sure a realistic depiction of the way Nicaraguans talk with English subtitles that faithfully translate everything would be decried as pretty racist in some parts... [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 16:11, 12 January 2018 (UTC) ::I have ''way'' too many things to do to use a 12-hour clock. I need at least 13 hours. Thanks for catching my mistake. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 02:13, 28 January 2018 (UTC) :::No problem. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 02:16, 28 January 2018 (UTC) ::::Stranger things than a 13-hour clock have happened in Scotland. --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 12:25, 28 January 2018 (UTC) == Misunderstanding. == Sorry about that :-( [[User:Vikom|Vikom]] ([[User talk:Vikom|talk]]) 01:59, 9 February 2018 (UTC) PS. You provided a very important link to the [[Wikivoyage:Welcome, Wikipedians|differences]] between Wikivoyage and Wikipedia. Thanks :-) [[User:Vikom|Vikom]] ([[User talk:Vikom|talk]]) 02:28, 9 February 2018 (UTC) :no problem. You're welcome. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 03:31, 9 February 2018 (UTC) == Berlin districts == Just wanted to let you know I took care of the Steglitz-Zehlendorf ‎problem for you. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 20:58, 25 February 2018 (UTC) :Thank you. Please do the same for Treptow-Köpenick if possible! [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 20:59, 25 February 2018 (UTC) ::{{done}} -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 21:03, 25 February 2018 (UTC) :::Thank you. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 21:04, 25 February 2018 (UTC) == Prepositions == "Across" is the best preposition, definitely. You could say "through" as well, as in the song "I've been through the desert on a horse with no name". Personally, I wouldn't say that you could travel "over" the Sahara, unless you were flying. [[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 20:58, 3 March 2018 (UTC) [[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 20:58, 3 March 2018 (UTC) :Yeah, I thought as much... [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 21:48, 3 March 2018 (UTC) == editing == In one word: Life. I.e. there is nothing you can do, and it was nothing Wikivoyage did. [[User:Why bother|Why bother]] ([[User talk:Why bother|talk]]) 11:52, 5 March 2018 (UTC) == In case you were interested... == [https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/eurostar-london-amsterdam-direct-train-live-latest-updates-st-pancras-service-launch-netherlands-a8287041.html#post-1127681786 Eurostar London - Amsterdam. Live!] --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 11:54, 4 April 2018 (UTC) == Info regarding edit in [[Germany]] == Hi Hobbitschuster, I went ahead and removed some of your (and my) very recent edits from the Germany "buy section". I tried to explain my reasoning in each edit summary and I hope it makes sense. In general I tried to edit the Germany article to be more concise, more relevant, and easier to read - and therefore more useful the traveler. I hope you don't mind and I hope I didn't remove too much ... [[User:Xsobev|Xsobev]] ([[User talk:Xsobev|talk]]) 09:24, 11 April 2018 (UTC) == Flying Scotsman == Hi hobbit-shoemaker! I have no issue with your edit, but since you asked those questions and are interested in trains, I thought I might share my enthusiasm with you. ''Flying Scotsman'' has a strange magnetism and has always had this special place in the British psyche alongside other things described as national treasures; Concorde, David Attenborough, chicken tikka masala ;-) But the Scotsman's appeal extends globally from what I've read and seen; she was the first steam locomotive to officially reach 100 mph and ran the flagship service on the British Rail network (Edinburgh to London non-stop, hence the name) for 40 years. After almost being scrapped by British Rail, she was saved by a privately wealthy railfan, who took her on tour all round the world between the 1960s and 1980s and could then and still can pull in enormous crowds of people just to see her. She almost ended up marooned in San Francisco forever when her millionnaire enthusiast owner went bankrupt, but was saved by another millionnaire enthusiast, passed through the hands of one or two more millionnaire enthusiasts, then was eventually saved for the country by the National Railway Museum. The [[W:LNER Class A3 4472 Flying Scotsman|story]] is captivating in many respects. When she (and it is a she, despite being a Scots''man''!) re-entered service in 2016, it made the news the world over, and tens of thousands of people lined the East Coast Main Line to watch her pass. Anyway it's all subjective and ultimately fairly meaningless, but I think you'd struggle to find a more famous loco. Even train services which are probably more world famous (Orient Express or Trans Siberian) are mainly known for the route and the on-board experience rather than the engine that pulls them. And I've rambled on too much now. Best wishes, --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 09:44, 12 April 2018 (UTC) :Interesting story. By the way, do you know why so many US speed records are "inofficial"? Back in the day of speeds rising more and more, there were also accidents because safety equipment wasn't always up to par and Congress in their infinite wisdom saw fit to put in a general speed limit of 79 mph (I don't know whether it was absolute at the time, but currently certain upgrades to the safety equipment allow for a waiver of that limit) but apparently enforcement was weak and the punishment was a token fine, so the railroads did not fight it all that much. They did however, run their locos faster "unofficially" and only a few engineers officially ever recorded those "illegal" speeds so as to avoid the fines. Sadly, the railroads had lost both the ability and the will to lobby Congress to repeal or amend the speed limit (for example by providing funding for better security equipment) after the Second World War (during which the railroads were saddled with a special tax to finance the buildup of airports). Anyway, there were earlier ''electric'' locos that reached higher speeds in the Kaisserreich and as it was [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Prussian_Military_Railway#High-speed_tests a military railway] the records were official ([https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Studiengesellschaft_f%C3%BCr_Elektrische_Schnellbahnen link in German]). Whatever else you can say about them, you gotta say they had style back then. By the way, along the Dresden-Berlin route the revenue speed record (as in end-to-end travel time, not top speed) is still held by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henschel-Wegmann_Train this steam train] in part to a certain Klaus W., who formerly had some position with city government (can't recall which) who lived in Lichtenrade railing against the rebuilding of the railway along the straight route (it's now underway after major delays). [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 14:31, 12 April 2018 (UTC) :I don't think the speeds have improved in the States at all since then (Acela notwithstanding), though surely it's no longer because of an arbitrarily low speed limit imposed by law. ::The Royal Prussian Military Railway (which I didn't know about until now) is very impressive, or rather it was. Such a shame that it has been mostly dismantled and the bits that are still there are closed to traffic, as it would make a brilliant heritage line, especially if there were one or two of those gorgeous 1930s trains knocking around! Imagine a 200 km/h train in the hands of volunteers! I don't know of any operational heritage electrified lines actually, which makes me wonder whether modern trains will ever make it into the hands of the enthusiasts of the future. As for the Berlin to Dresden route, better late than never and no thanks to that mysterious Klaus. It sort of reminds me of the [[W:Bakerloo line extension]], which was first proposed in 1913 and may eventually be built by 2029! Or then again... --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 15:17, 12 April 2018 (UTC) :::Oh he was [[w:Klaus Wowereit|an okay mayor]] but he was one of the NIMBYs (as de-WP acknowledges). I think the dismantling may have been part of the stipulations of the Versailles Treaty, it being military and all, but don't quote me on it. The mysterious rise of Deutsche Luft-Hansa (emphatically not the same company as Deutsche Lufthansa est. 1955 whenever people ask about the Nazi era) has a lot to do with ''military'' aviation being severely limited under the Versailles Treaty but ''civilian'' aviation not being mentioned at all, Deutsche Luft-Hansa (totally the traditional predecessor of Deutsche Lufthansa going back to the 1920s when old "Tante Ju" airplanes are dragged out from the hangar in the name of "tradition") wasn't even a thinkable thing to the people who drafted the Versailles Treaty. One of the locomotives of the 1903 trials apparently was later cut in half and one half now rests in the Berlin museum for technology and while it can be viewed and the plaque explains its history it is imho given entirely too little prominence. I wouldn't know of any electrified heritage lines (though there are electric heritage trams, and to give just one example the "Nürnberg Fürther Straßenbahn" [http://www.sfnbg.de/index.php/en lives on], but virtually all of their network is also used by regular revenue trams.) However, there is a woman [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZ3MGgk0Jk4 who] has founded her own company [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3bD9CkP01E running] a positively ancient [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DRG_Class_E_94 Class 194] (in the German logic the first number is for the type of traction; 1 for electric [E before the change to a computer based system) 2 for Diesel, 0 for steam, 4 for EMUs, 6 for DMUs) in freight service. But I think she actually does this to make money not (primarily) as a hobby. Back in the GDR era there was also ''Plandampf''(sorry [https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plandampf German only]) regular runs on regular tracks that were done with steam trains. Unfortunately, many tracks are now not equipped with the necessary infrastructure any more and the schedules are already adjusted to speeds not attainable with all but the fastest and "thirstiest" steam locomotives. Well, at least DB has given up the idiotic "steam loco prohibition" it put in place after the end of steam on the mainlines (apparently to appear "modern") and now steam locos can access - under certain conditions - the mainline tracks of DB. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 15:36, 12 April 2018 (UTC) ::::I should have remembered [[W:Volk's Electric Railway|Magnus Volk's narrow-gauge electric railway in Brighton]], which is the oldest in the world (though not the first; that crown goes to Werner von Siemens). Still, if the hyperloop ever becomes an affordable and practical reality, the current high-speed lines may just become expensive novelties... ::::Do the old Nuremberg trams still run through the city alongside modern trams? There is a similar set up in Blackpool, but that's only a town rather than a big city and I think they mainly run along the seafront. ::::I confess I don't know what the rules are for steam trains running on the British National Rail network, but I know that they do so fairly regularly. I occasionally hear one go past from my parents' house on weekends; that's along a busy third-rail electrified mainline linking London and Southampton. And the Scotsman has started her [http://www.flyingscotsman.org.uk/events/scotsman-on-the-tracks/ 2018 tour]. ::::The UK only has the large number of heritage railways it does because the [[W:Beeching cuts]] and mass scrapping of steam locos coincided, jolting the enthusiasts into action to save as many engines as they could and rebuild the lines that were dismantled. Though Germany seems to have [https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liste_von_Museumsbahnen a lot] too (interesting interpretation of alphabetical order on that article). Was there a similar mass-closure of lines in Germany, or alternatively how come all these lines ended up as heritage railways? --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 17:07, 12 April 2018 (UTC) ::::::I think in Germany the preservation of rolling stock is at least in part due to the peculiar situation of East Germany. First of (virtually) all second tracks and electrification infrastructure were dismantled and carried to the USSR in 1945 and the few years after that. So East Germany started out with a hollowed out shell of a network and zero usable electrified lines. Hence anything that could roll had to be pressed into service (the Soviets also carried of locos of the newer types). The West had no such disruption and did not lose that much rolling stock either. For understandable reasons, the GDR made electrification a high priority in the 1950s, but later the Soviets delivered oil below world market prices, as the GDR was to become the chemistry hub of the Eastern Bloc (this 150% application of [[w:David Ricardo]]'s theory on comparative advantage is also one of the reasons why the Middle German car industry, which had been leading before the war was given few resources; cars were never supposed to be the GDR's "thing"). Thus policy changed and dieselization was the name of the game. By the time the oil crisis hit, however, the GDR was cut off from the cheap oil, too and as intense prospection (some say the most through and intense search for oil ever undertaken on any territory) turned up (virtually) no oil, the GDR was in a bind. Transportation was to rely on the railroad (all freight traffic of more than 50 km were ''required'' to rely on rail) but there was a dearth of both electrified lines and diesel. So the trusty old steam locos were gotten out and actually new production or at least refurbishment of old ones continued or ramped back up. Of course electrification now became a priority as well and there are several lines that were on the "to do list" for the early 1990s by the GDR (Dresden-Görlitz, Chemnitz-Leipzig) that still await their catenary. The GDR ''Reichsbahn'' in 1990 employed almost as many people and carried almost as many goods as the FRG ''Bundesbahn'' on a deteriorating network and in a country of barely 15 million to West Germany's over 60 million and on a surface area roughly half that of West Germany. The GDR even kept those narrow gauge railways running that had survived the 1960s closures. West Germany meanwhile never had a "bombshell report" and nobody was ever foolish enough to even propose shutting down more than a few branch lines at a time. And at least according to current railway law (which I don't think has changed all that much) shutting down a rail line completely is ''hard''. First traffic has to be ended (with usually some sort of token bus replacement) then the line still remains legally speaking a railway line. Nowadays it has to be offered for sale to other interested parties (i.e. other railways) and a few enthusiasts can totally get together and form "a railway" and buy a line for a symbolic € or Mark. Then there is the aspect that the shutting down process takes time and can be vetoed by local politicians (the ''Siemensbahn'' in Berlin has last seen S-Bahn trains before the strike in 1980 but DB cannot shut it down as Berlin won't let them). To give just one example, a railway line through the village I grew up in last saw trains when I was a toddler the tracks were only finally ripped out (and it declared "not a railway line") when I graduated high school. There were some attempt to preserve that line as a heritage line (which would have been a godsend as that exact line was also sometimes considered for a tram-train now finally in the works) but as the line is not particularly scenic or historic, those efforts went nowhere. I think the long and deliberative process to shut down rail lines as well the German love to form a ''Verein'' and - in the past - the willingness to sell stuff at scrap value or for the "symbolical mark" have all combined to keep a quite vibrant scene of heritage railroads alive. There is also a TV program that has been running for decades called "Eisenbahn Romantik" ("railway romanticism") which usually has a "good ole days" vibe to it even when talking about the (then) present. As for the Nuremberg guys, they basically run excursions with preserved heritage units over the extant network. There is now even serious consideration to preserve some of the - to me rather unremarkable - trains of the mid century Nuremberg U-Bahn which seem to be headed for the scrap heap. Again, German politics being slow, they might just stand around somewhere for a few years awaiting any kind of decision... In Dresden the old ''Tatra'' (built from the 1960s to 1980s) trams still see "regular" service (they are officially labeled "extra trains" but you can ride them with a normal ticket and they go the normal route) during the busy Christmas market and there are enthusiasts who keep 1930s ''Hechtwagen'' in working order sometimes running excursions or city tours with them. Unfortunately this same stubbornness that makes the death of rail lines a slow drawn out process (sometimes slow enough that they are revived for the mainline as happened with the ''Gräfenbergbahn'' which was never shut down but came awfully close and is now rather vibrant again) also leads to reactivation sometimes taking ages. People who moved next to the (now unused) tracks fear noise, tunnels now have bats in them and all this takes ages to resolve - if it gets resolved at all. But at least we never had a Beeching Axe. And yes, the DB network itself has shrunk by several thousand kilometers since 1994, but many of those are not "gone" they have just been bought up by other railroads and in some cases the are still in active use as mainline railways. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 18:24, 12 April 2018 (UTC) Thank you for going to the trouble to answer those questions. I had to read through twice (last night and just now) to take it all in, but it's very interesting to read about the various aspects of railway history in your country. You seem to have an historian's level of knowledge, which I greatly appreciate. I would be particularly interested in watching ''Eisenbahn Romantik'' just for the pictures (although I am interested in learning German it demands more of an effort than I am able to give right now) - having seen a couple of clips on YouTube it looks a charming series and you certainly get the nostalgia vibe. I wonder if you'd be interested in a BBC series - ''[[W:Great British Railway Journeys|Great British Railway Journeys]]'' - which seems to have been running for about a decade, and has spawned several series of a mainland European spinoff (''Great Continental Railway Journeys''), at least two series of ''Great American Railroad Journeys'' and a ''Great Indian'' miniseries that has just finished. It's presented by ex-Conservative cabinet minister [[W:Michael Portillo]], who has a uniquely awkward and obliviously cheesy presenting style, and seems unworldly for a man of his background, but who still comes across as likeable because he is evidently passionate about the programme and its focuses on history, travel and trains. It's great because it always goes to countries and regions that are otherwise never on (at least British) TV and gets the right balance between railway stuff and everything else. The journeys are based on our predecessor travel guides from the 19th and early 20th centuries, so there is a lot of 'then and now' comparison everywhere he goes. Anyway back to your post, my only experience of German trains was definitely not with DB, but on some kind of local S-Bahn (whether it was privatised or run by the state or local government I don't know) in the Black Forest. The regularity of the service even late into the evening through what essentially is a very rural area was very impressive; on the other hand, from what I saw, it seemed quite a wealthy region which may have had something to do with that. The UK rules on closing lines are now much stricter, in line with the German rules you described. In fact, the same applies to individual services, rather than just the infrastructure they run over. If a certain operating company wants to stop running a service that is no longer profitable, it has to go through pretty much the same administrative quagmire that you described; appraisal, impact assessment, public consultation, feasibility study etc, all overseen by the Department for Transport. It's apparently so cumbersome that it has led to a whole class of train journey in Britain nicknamed "[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KiZGRA_yCE ghost trains]." Basically rather than go through the hassle of officially terminating the service, the company runs a single train per week (usually one direction only) over the route they're required to run. Passengers can still access the train, as it is a proper railway service, but their sheer infrequency usually means the trains are empty but for a few enthusiasts. To try to somehow make this relevant to Wikivoyage, the ghost trains would probably make a good travel topic, and at the very least merit an infobox on the rail travel in Britain article. --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 12:27, 13 April 2018 (UTC) :You were most likely on [[w:Karlsruhe Stadtbahn]], which is one of the most successful examples of a [[w:Tram-train]]. It is not, properly speaking, an S-Bahn but many locals don't know that. No German S-Bahn franchise has yet been won by a non-DB company, though Nuremberg came awfully close (National Express won the franchise initially, but DB went to court and won). And yes, I had heard of ghost or "parliamentary" trains... [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 19:05, 14 April 2018 (UTC) ::It was [https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ortenau_S-Bahn this one] actually. I just looked up "Offenburg S-Bahn" and it came up. It took me from Strasbourg to Kehl (rubbish and ugly but I enjoyed walking back to France) into the Black Forest (very, very nice; will go back). --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 13:52, 15 April 2018 (UTC) ::National Express have ballsed up every rail service they ever operated in the UK (for instance, their East Coast franchise ended up being renationalised for the remainder of the contract they defaulted on), so I'd be surprised if they did any better in Germany. The Bahn may well be Deutsche again before too long. --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 13:58, 15 April 2018 (UTC) :::Well, as I said, they won the initial contract, but DB said there was something wrong with their offer and sued them (or rather sued the state) and won the contract back - before a single train was run under the new contract... [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 19:45, 15 April 2018 (UTC) == Malta == Thanks, [[WV:obvious|Captain]], for telling us that it was lucky that that the bomb didn't explode. I guess our readers are too stupid to know that that is a good thing. Regarding you edit summary [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Malta&diff=prev&oldid=3487392 here], the article did not say that Britain took "control", it said "took possession", which are different things. "Annexation" is fine though. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:02, 8 May 2018 (UTC) :Your wording leaves it - especially to second language speakers - unclear what did or did not explode. We should strive for sentences that are both correct and unambiguous even to those whose first language is not English. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 20:07, 8 May 2018 (UTC) ::I have no objection to adding "the bomb" for clarity, although the other things don't explode, but that wasn't the point of my comment. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:28, 8 May 2018 (UTC) :::Do you think we shouldn't editorialize that a bomb not exploding, not destroying stuff and no killing people is a good thing? Because [[User:Xsobev]] seems to think we ''should'' editorialize about business practices of Aldi and the likes. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 21:20, 8 May 2018 (UTC) ::::Saying that bombs exploding is bad is so obvious that it is boring. We should try not to be boring. Newspapers editorialize about what should be done to stop bombs from exploding, because they don't need to convince their readers that death and destruction is something they should be against. If we're going to editorialize, let's make it about something that will be useful or interesting for readers. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 00:08, 9 May 2018 (UTC) :::::I have no idea why I'm drawn into this discussion (I received a ping). I think it is unfair to claim something about what I think or don't think without giving me some context, and without giving the other readers the context of our discussion [[User_talk:Xsobev#"Such_a_behavior"|regarding food discounters in Germany]] you are referring to. [[User:Xsobev|Xsobev]] ([[User talk:Xsobev|talk]]) 07:54, 9 May 2018 (UTC) == [[Nundle]] == Hi Hobbitschuster, thanks for adding the mapframe template to the article. Just curious, what purpose does the mapshape serve apart from making the map a darker shade? I have seen it before but don't quite know what it is meant to do. [[User:DaGizza|<span style="color:teal">Gizza</span>]]^{(<i>[[User_talk:DaGizza|<span style="color:teal">roam</span>]]</i>)} 01:12, 19 June 2018 (UTC) :It ''should'' highlight the boundary of the territorial entity in question. It sometimes doesn't work. Don't ask me why. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 01:22, 19 June 2018 (UTC) == Test == Test [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 05:43, 19 July 2018 (UTC) you can book Dresden -> Barcelona on flygermania.com I don't really want to play human google for yo, but you could maybe do worse than checking for examnple this website: http://www.anna.aero/2018/05/08/germania-3/ == Paris railways == Bonjour. There ''is'' a link between various high-speed lines (Nord, Est, Sud-Est and Atlantique) around Paris, though it's not a complete ring: [[W:LGV Interconnexion Est]]. When I was living in [[Tours]], I used it to get direct trains to/from [[Lille]] and [[Strasbourg]]. Further south and west on the Tours line are places like [[Rennes]] and [[Bordeaux]]. You get close enough to Paris to see the Eiffel Tower, and slow down considerably, but don't have to get out or change trains. Even if I had wanted to go to [[Lyon]], I could either have got a direct regional train (why it was a regional train I don't know, since it would have crossed three regions), or I could have gone on a Lille-bound train to somewhere like [[Marne-la-Vallée]] or [[Charles de Gaulle Airport]] and crossed the platform to a Lyon-bound TGV. So in most cases, you can avoid Paris itself, even if your journey takes you unnecessarily off course. --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 08:39, 25 July 2018 (UTC) :Well, Berlin Paris and London both had a point in the 19th century where they had a bunch of terminus stations all around town. Berlin built the [[w:Berliner Ringbahn]] and [[w:Berlin Stadtbahn]] to link them. London and Paris did not. And now they are trying to fix in the late 20th / early 21st century what would have been a lot easier to fix a hundred years ago... Which is interestingly even more harmful as - unlike Germany - England and France are largely capital centric... [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 13:50, 25 July 2018 (UTC) ::The [[W:Circle line (London Underground)|Circle line]] links nearly all of the London termini, and has done since the 1880s, but I take your point. [[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 17:14, 25 July 2018 (UTC) :::Well crucially that line is ''not'' open to mainline rail. Today even after the opening of the singular main station (which, fittingly sits like a tower atop the [[w:Berlin Stadtbahn]] and the North-South long distance tunnel, allowing fast connections in all directions) most trains to or through Berlin serve more than one former terminus. Which they can do as those stations are linked within the city and so you don't have to double back... [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 18:15, 25 July 2018 (UTC) == [[:w:C.S.A.: The Confederate States of America|C.S.A.: The Confederate States of America]] == If you ''do'' end up adding a "Watch" section to [[American Civil War]], here's an interesting candidate. Basically, it's a comedic mockumentary that depicts the post-1865 history of the U.S. in an alternate-history timeline where the Confederacy won the war. Normally it's not the kind of thing that would be appropriate for such a section, but much of the movie is a satire of the problem of racism and discrimination in (real-life) modern-day America and how much of it can be traced back to the failure of the Civil War to really resolve a lot of the issues it was intended to. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 19:36, 25 July 2018 (UTC) :Oh I've seen that piece of comedy. I found it quite well done, but of course it could have been done better. It is with the Civil War that in my opinion we first see the sad tendency of the United States to win the war and lose the peace. Reconstruction was of course a "success" only if you consider "white Reconstruction" - bring the rebel states back into the Union and avoid a "round two". It was a crushing and tragic defeat if you consider "Civil Rights Reconstruction" - make sure that the planter aristocracy, particularly the large treasonous subset of it never again gets power and ensure the civil and political rights of freedmen. In that, Reconstruction was an utter and complete failure by 1876 and it only got worse and worse throughout the next forty of fifty years. A similar tendency can be seen in both world wars, particularly the First. America - for whatever reason, but I blame Wilson - could not or would not build a postwar Europe that would make "round two" impossible. And after World War II Germany's capability to make war may have been reduced to zero for a time, but its (and Austria's) Nazis were never brought to justice in a real sense and Denazification such as it was, was as much an aborted effort as Reconstruction seventy or eighty years earlier. And the wars the US has led since have had that problem in even more striking ways. Frankly it seems the US are unable to ever enter a war with the knowledge that "winning the peace" might take a generation. And hence there are those "deja vu wars" against foes that seemed vanquished not so long before... [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 19:43, 25 July 2018 (UTC) == Mind the gap == If you need something to take your mind off recent events and fill your head with mildly interesting facts about Tube stations, [https://thenudge.com/features/tube-facts/ click here]. One to dip in and out of - I'm only at Dagenham East. Good night.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 22:20, 9 August 2018 (UTC) :Thank you. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 22:32, 9 August 2018 (UTC) == [[Northern Louisiana]] == When you move a region do not forget to edit the isPartOf of the [[:Category:North (Louisiana)|city articles]]. --[[User:Traveler100|Traveler100]] ([[User talk:Traveler100|talk]]) 23:09, 9 August 2018 (UTC) :Sorry. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 23:22, 9 August 2018 (UTC) == If you want your page to be protected, just ask == Given the frequency of vandalism to your userspace, you may wish to get it protected so that only auto-confirmed users (i.e. accounts which have been registered for 4 days) can edit. It's entirely up to you, but if you do want it, you can ask me or any other admin at any time. Best wishes, --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 09:14, 10 August 2018 (UTC) ==Vandal== Go to the recent changes log and you'll see there's a vandal in action. Could you block them? [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) 19:24, 11 August 2018 (UTC) :I am not an admin, so I can't. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 19:24, 11 August 2018 (UTC) ::Oh, okay, I'll ask someone else if the vandalism continues. [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) 19:25, 11 August 2018 (UTC) :::It's been resolved quickly and the user has been blocked. [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) 19:44, 11 August 2018 (UTC) ==[[Limón (Costa Rica)]] → [[Limón (Province, Costa Rica)]]== When executing a page move for any destination that's not bottom-level, please make sure to update the IsPartOf template for all the articles on the next lower level of the geographical hierarchy, and to create a category for them to populate. Otherwise it breaks the breadcrumb navigation. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 15:15, 14 September 2018 (UTC) == You removed a Libmod comment == While I don't think we should let LM back here at all, I think the apology should be kept for future reference. We could sweep it, maybe, but I think it is worth seeing. It's only my opinion, but I don't see a good reason to delete LM comments either. All the best, '''[[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:#808000">Selfie City</span>]]''' ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:#ac6600">talk</span>]] about my [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:#ac6600">contributions</span>]]) 19:28, 30 September 2018 (UTC) :Our policy is to revert any and all edits made by sockpuppets of banned users, and to be perfectly frank, a screenname like "Wikiwrecker" doesn't exactly inspire a lot of confidence in the sincerity of LibMod's apology. Even if I'm wrong about that, the apology remains accessible in the pub's revision history, [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Wikivoyage:Travellers%27_pub&diff=prev&oldid=3620563 like so]. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 19:39, 30 September 2018 (UTC) ::I hit rollback right out of my watchlist on edits by a user called "Wikiwrecker" or something of the sorts. Maybe next time I should indeed spend the second in looking at them... [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 19:45, 30 September 2018 (UTC) :::Oh, I see. That makes sense then. And to clarify, this has nothing to do with my views on LM, who should not be allowed to edit on this site. <small>--Comment by </small> '''[[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:#808000">Selfie City</span>]]''' ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:#ac6600">talk</span>]] about my [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:#ac6600">contributions</span>]]) 22:13, 30 September 2018 (UTC) ::::Actually, I will move to LM's original talk page. <small>--Comment by </small> '''[[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:#808000">Selfie City</span>]]''' ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:#ac6600">talk</span>]] about my [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:#ac6600">contributions</span>]]) 22:19, 30 September 2018 (UTC) :::::{{done}} Hopefully now this Libmod thing is over for good. <small>--Comment by </small> '''[[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:#808000">Selfie City</span>]]''' ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:#ac6600">talk</span>]] about my [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:#ac6600">contributions</span>]]) 22:24, 30 September 2018 (UTC) == Chicago/South Side == Point taken. I was interrupted while editing, and meant to come back, but forgot. Thank you for the clean up. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 14:46, 2 October 2018 (UTC) == Your behaviour again == In [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Panama&type=revision&diff=3623605&oldid=3623389 this edit], you restored formatting errors, restored capitalization errors, removed a useful link, removed separating commas from large numbers, and restored a bunch of words we avoid because you disagreed with me changing ''three words'' ("strategically located on"). The three words were a vague cliche, which are also on the [[WV:WTA|words to avoid]] list. This sort of behaviour is not constructive to building a collaborative travel guide. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 19:36, 5 October 2018 (UTC) == Rojava == I was just doing some cleanup work, so to speak. No reason to visit Jazira Canton in the middle of an active civil war. [[User:Vulcandor|Vulcandor]] ([[User talk:Vulcandor|talk]]) 19:54, 21 October 2018 (UTC) :I just edited [[Lüneburg]] without ever having been there. It is entirely possible to improve articles without having visited the place in question. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 19:55, 21 October 2018 (UTC) == This has nothing to do with Wikivoyage, but... == ...you're the only native speaker of German I know. I'm working on a translation project and am in a bit of a bind; can you verify for me the grammatical correctness of this sentence? ''1926 war eine Zeit, in der das Automobil existierte, hatte aber erst gerade angefangen, für den Mittelstand erschwinglich zu werden.'' -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 18:18, 22 October 2018 (UTC) :I would reformulate this... "Obwohl das Automobil 1926 bereits existierte, hatte es gerade erst angefangen für die Mittelschicht ("Mittelstand" is a German term for small business owners) erschwinglich zu werden". But I don't know how freely you can translate. The sentence as you write it sounds somewhat clumsy... [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 18:51, 22 October 2018 (UTC) ::Thank you! -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 19:08, 22 October 2018 (UTC) == Soccer == Hi, you reverted my change to RB Leipzig. I was sceptical about wider interest in the RB controversy but, since you see it as important and have better local knowledge, let that be. However what's lost by the revert is: * that the "Do" attraction is to watch a football match rather than see an arena; * that by "football" we mean soccer; * that the tournament that RB Leipzig play in the Bundesliga, the German top tier. These may be Captain Obvious to many readers, but I don't think should be assumed, as many "stadium" entries do. I'm therefore adding or amending brief content - two lines suffice - to all the European cities with leading football clubs, and as you've noticed, I've reached Germany. If that seems reasonable I'll persevere. If not, we should take this to the pub for a wider view. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 19:57, 25 October 2018 (UTC) == Arguably == Arguably is a weasal word. Anyone can argue anything, especially in the [https://www.whitehouse.gov post-fact world we live in]. If someone argues that one church is the oldest or most beautiful or most holy in the a region, someone else can argue that it isn't any of those things. If we think that it is ''one of'' the oldest, etc., then let's say that, instead of saying something that is meaningless. In the specific case, "lays claim to being" makes it clear what it is we're trying to say. Thank you for that clarification. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 17:16, 13 November 2018 (UTC) == German "ch" == Hey there. I will defer to your expertise as a native speaker, but I would like to understand what's going on with this. Unfortunately, my exposure to German is mostly limited to Mozart operas and some expressions my sister taught me, but I recall that the "ch" is "nicht" or "Ich" was not pronounced anything like the "ch" in "Nacht" or "Tochter", and sounded something like an English "sh" but a little off. Is that an archaic pronunciation, or was I hearing things wrongly? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:11, 22 February 2019 (UTC) :Okay how linguistic do you want my answer to be? The short of it is that while German native speakers most likely instinctively pronounce a different sound after a and o than after i (the "ach sound" versus the "ich sound"), they do not necessarily "know" those are two different sounds. In short, we have here two Allophones of the same Phoneme. The "Ich sound" is [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voiceless_palatal_fricative this]. The "Ach sound" (according to de-WP) can be [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voiceless_velar_fricative this] or [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voiceless_uvular_fricative this]. The "sh sound" of English (which in German is a distinct phoneme, i.e. the contrast between the sounds carries meaning, whereas the contrast between "ich sound" and "ach sound" does not) is [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voiceless_postalveolar_fricative this one]. I hope that helps. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 17:21, 22 February 2019 (UTC) ::Yeah, that's helpful. Thanks. Those really sounded different to me when I listened to a Mozart opera, and I highly doubt it was a pronunciation error as I specifically paid attention to the German singers. Speaking of which, I did notice some words that to my knowledge, are no longer used in modern German such as "Weib" or "Jüngling". But just one more thing. What about the "ch" in "München" then? Is that the same as the English "sh"? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:51, 22 February 2019 (UTC) :::Some individual speakers do pronounce it with [ʃ] but to my knowledge that is generally considered nonstandard. I certainly do not. But I do not like Munich, so take that cum grano salis... [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 18:06, 22 February 2019 (UTC) ::::So much for Bavarian unity... [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 03:50, 23 February 2019 (UTC) == Page Banner Completion == Hi! Thanks for creating so many page banners and helping to reduce the number of articles without custom page banners. I am wondering though if you would follow-up by adding the banners to Wikidata? For each banner that you create, I have had to follow-up and complete this work for you. All of the articles that don't have their page banner added to Wikidata remain in the Wikivoyage maintenance category of [[:Category:Banner missing from Wikidata|Category:Banner missing from Wikidata]]. The top part of the page has the instructions on how to properly add the banner to Wikidata, and at the bottom is a list of articles that need this action. While the instructions may look lengthy, after you do this a couple of times it goes very quickly. Thanks for considering my request. It can be challenging to keep up with all of the banners that are being added each week. [[User:Zcarstvnz|Zcarstvnz]] ([[User talk:Zcarstvnz|talk]]) 10:04, 25 March 2019 (UTC) :I'm not sure you're talking to the right person... [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 22:06, 25 March 2019 (UTC) ::Have you added any page banners to Wikidata? If not, then the discussion is irrelevant. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 21:10, 4 April 2019 (UTC) ==Reverting== In [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Ferries&type=revision&diff=3755771&oldid=3755609 this edit], you corrected a spelling error, changed one word from UK to US spelling, and made a typo that broke the heading formatting. I fixed your error. In [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Bus_travel_in_Israel&type=revision&diff=3755930&oldid=3753124 this edit], I fixed 7 capitalization errors, a bunch of time and date formatting errors (including reference to the "weekend" which will be confusing or misleading for Western visitors to Israel, removed the really unhelpful "in recent years", and made some other copyedits. And I accidentally broke one internal link. So you restored all of the errors just to make your point. Which approach makes Wikivoyage better? [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 19:35, 4 April 2019 (UTC) ==Again== Regarding [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Rail_travel_in_Switzerland&diff=prev&oldid=3770689 this reversion], I think reviewint these pages would help you understand the edits I made: *[[WV:tdf]] *[[WV:units]] *The rules of English punctuation, especially when it comes to compound modifiers *[[Wikivoyage:Creating emphasis]] Regards, [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 00:34, 30 April 2019 (UTC) == Travel for Rail "Enthusiats" == Hi, my friend. Can you explain why you created this misspelled redirect? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:55, 18 June 2019 (UTC) :I mentioned it on the de-wv equivalent of the [[pub]] and apparently made a typo there... [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 19:35, 18 June 2019 (UTC) ::Isn't the simple solution to edit your post there? I can't see a use for this redirect. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:38, 18 June 2019 (UTC) :::I have. The wrong redirect can be deleted. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 19:48, 18 June 2019 (UTC) ::::Done. I'm not sure the capitalized redirect is needed, either, but I won't do anything about it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:22, 18 June 2019 (UTC) == Rollback of my edits on Southern US == Why did you revert my addition to the "Respect" section? I was just trying to clarify something that I think is important to keep in mind. Isn't rollback supposed to be reserved for vandalism and accidental edits rather than those made in good faith? Or was my addition simply out of the desired scope of the article? [[User:Liberscriptus19|Liberscriptus19]] ([[User talk:Liberscriptus19|talk]]) 16:24, 29 June 2019 (UTC) :Well, I don't know about this case, but from my understanding, in the case of some articles, editors have agreed on a certain piece of text. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 16:27, 29 June 2019 (UTC) ::A rollback is the best way to undo multiple edits at once, so doesn't have to only be used in the case of vandalism. However, it's good form to follow up a rollback with an explainer message on a relevant talk page. Rolling back a series of good faith edits without comment can come across badly. --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 17:38, 29 June 2019 (UTC) :::Honestly, having taken a look at the content added, I think it was appropriate and should have been kept. Perhaps discussion should have taken place, though. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 17:46, 29 June 2019 (UTC) ::::So in that case should I take this to the talk page of the page in question, or possibly request [[User:Hobbitschuster]]'s response in particular? [[User:Liberscriptus19|Liberscriptus19]] ([[User talk:Liberscriptus19|talk]]) 21:04, 3 July 2019 (UTC) :::::Can you wait a few more days for him to be back? <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 21:19, 3 July 2019 (UTC) :::::: Hobbitschuster has rolled back edits without explanation on a number of occasions, and on some of them has not bothered to respond to a talk page explanation of the edits he had rolled back. Yes, it comes across badly, yet he does it, so I think the edits should be restored, and if Hobbitschuster wants to take it up on the article talk page later, he can do so. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:05, 3 July 2019 (UTC) :::::::{{ping|Liberscriptus19}} Your edit is now marked as patrolled. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 03:13, 4 July 2019 (UTC) == [[Classic Heartland of Georgia]] == Do not forget when you move a region to [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Macon_(Georgia)&diff=3806503&oldid=3806501 change the isPartOf] the city articles. A few to do for [[:Category:Classic Heartland]]. --[[User:Traveler100|Traveler100]] ([[User talk:Traveler100|talk]]) 19:34, 4 July 2019 (UTC) : Or should the name be return to the original? --[[User:Traveler100|Traveler100]] ([[User talk:Traveler100|talk]]) 04:51, 10 July 2019 (UTC) ::Why? [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 23:03, 10 July 2019 (UTC) == [[Mining tourism]] == Would you explain what this means: "While some people actually believe to be able to make a living by gold panning... "? You restored this error that I had tried to correct. If you think the writer meant something other than what I corrected it to, then fix it instead of restoring the error. And don't restore capitalization errors. And don't restore [[WV:words to avoid]]. And stop rolling edits back with no explanation. This is disruptive behaviour. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 00:24, 25 July 2019 (UTC) :It's really rude actually. Rollbacks are used with (a) spammers and touts, (b) vandals, (c) multiple good faith edits where undoing each in turn would take too long. In the case of (c), or any other time you find yourself using the rollback tool with someone who isn't a spammer, tout, or vandal, you follow it up with a talk page comment explaining your edit. Why are you not able to do that? Or, put another way, why do you choose not to do that when it comes to undoing Ground Zero's edits? --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 06:14, 25 July 2019 (UTC) ::Also, Liberscriptus. See [[User_talk:Hobbitschuster#Rollback of my edits on Southern US|above]]. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 10:16, 25 July 2019 (UTC) :::And, unlike last time, I would like to get a response from you, Hobbitschuster, that you acknowledge having read this, that you get the message, and that you will either try to do what we ask in future, or else come up with an alternative which may be acceptable (if so, what do you propose?). Because I for one do not want for this to escalate any further, but that will happen if we can't get some reassurances from you.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 11:34, 25 July 2019 (UTC) ::::Ground Zero eliminated the word "currently" for no good reason besides his personal crusade against it. He changed "people believe that they can make money panning gold" to "some unknown entity believes about people that they make money panning gold". And I am too tired of this shit, to always type out why the Verschlimmbesserungen are Verschlimmbesserungen. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 20:59, 25 July 2019 (UTC) As the [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Mining_tourism&diff=prev&oldid=3817150 edit] shows, I changed: :"While some people actually believe to be able to make a living by gold panning... ", which is ungrammatical, to :"While some people are believed to be able to make a living by gold panning... ", which is grammatical. You restored the error. I corrected the capitalization of "north". You restored the error. I made other edits to make the writing livelier. You can shoot me for that if you want to, but restoring errors because of your personal crusade for wordiness is not justified. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:12, 25 July 2019 (UTC) :Your edit to that page seems reasonable to me. You removed the word "currently" in an appropriate way, and it looks to me like you improved an incorrect sentence. Reverting those kinds of edits seems like a pointless exercise that only (as can be seen) sows disunity on Wikivoyage. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 13:32, 26 July 2019 (UTC) ::Can I make a proposal for an even better wording, though? "While people believe it is possible to make a living..." <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 13:34, 26 July 2019 (UTC) :::I support that wording over either of the alternatives. It changes the meaning from Ground Zero's version, but I think that is more likely the meaning that was originally intended. :::There is a much longer comment coming from me on this later, but that'll have to wait until the evening.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 13:54, 26 July 2019 (UTC) ::::I'm fine with that change. I think ThunderingTyphoons has set out reasonable reasons to roll back edits. If Hobbitschuster rolls back an edit in a way that does not meet this test, I will just revert it. Problem solved. I have a fair bit of time for Wikivoyage. It seems that he is busy with other things, which is a loss for Wikivoyage, but it means that this problem is more manageable. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 14:47, 26 July 2019 (UTC) :::::I'll add my change to the [[Mining tourism]] article. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 15:18, 26 July 2019 (UTC) {{outdent}} I had a much longer comment drafted, but in light of Ground Zero's statement above, I'll keep this brief. Ground Zero can deal with the issue where it affects him as he wishes, but I must insist that there be no further use of the rollback tool against other good faith users without a willingness to engage them in discussion. That is a wiki fundamental, and must be respected going forward. Do we have an agreement, Hobbit?--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 11:01, 27 July 2019 (UTC) == Community Insights Survey == <div class="plainlinks mw-content-ltr" lang="en" dir="ltr"> '''Share your experience in this survey''' Hi {{PAGENAME}}, The Wikimedia Foundation is asking for your feedback in a survey about your experience with {{SITENAME}} and Wikimedia. The purpose of this survey is to learn how well the Foundation is supporting your work on wiki and how we can change or improve things in the future. The opinions you share will directly affect the current and future work of the Wikimedia Foundation. Please take 15 to 25 minutes to '''[https://wikimedia.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0pSrrkJAKVRXPpj?Target=CI2019List(other,act5) give your feedback through this survey]'''. It is available in various languages. 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Sincerely, </div> [[User:RMaung (WMF)|RMaung (WMF)]] 19:13, 20 September 2019 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:RMaung (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=CI2019List(other,act5)&oldid=19395141 --> == Reminder: Community Insights Survey == <div class="plainlinks mw-content-ltr" lang="en" dir="ltr"> '''Share your experience in this survey''' Hi {{PAGENAME}}, There are only a few weeks left to take the Community Insights Survey! We are 30% towards our goal for participation. If you have not already taken the survey, you can help us reach our goal! With this poll, the Wikimedia Foundation gathers feedback on how well we support your work on wiki. It only takes 15-25 minutes to complete, and it has a direct impact on the support we provide. Please take 15 to 25 minutes to '''[https://wikimedia.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0pSrrkJAKVRXPpj?Target=CI2019List(other,act5) give your feedback through this survey]'''. It is available in various languages. This survey is hosted by a third-party and [https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Community_Insights_2019_Survey_Privacy_Statement governed by this privacy statement] (in English). Find [[m:Community Insights/Frequent questions|more information about this project]]. [mailto:surveys@wikimedia.org Email us] if you have any questions, or if you don't want to receive future messages about taking this survey. Sincerely, </div> [[User:RMaung (WMF)|RMaung (WMF)]] 17:04, 4 October 2019 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:RMaung (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=CI2019List(other,act5)&oldid=19435548 --> == Most progressive in the U.S./World == I won't be edit warring you on this since this is a minor issue, but I'd like to hear your perspective. Maybe L.A. is not as liberal as I thought since I haven't been to L.A. in almost 20 years, but the Bay Area is certainly more noticeably liberal than say, Chicago. The Bay Area one of the places where counterculture originated, and San Francisco is, together with New York City, where the gay rights movement first began to gain steam. I think it's safe to say that the West would not be as gay friendly as it is if not for the role San Francisco played in leading the charge. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 22:06, 7 October 2019 (UTC) :The term "progressive" might have meaning inside the contemporary U.S. and relative to other places in the U.S. But how would you judge for example whether Salvini or Trump is more "progressive" whether Sanders or Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez? I think "superlative in the world" or "one of superlative in the world" are to be handled with extreme care. Doubly so for political claims...[[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 23:00, 7 October 2019 (UTC) ::Of course saying that it's the most progressive in the world is subjective and something that we should avoid, but what is indisputable is that the counterculture movement originated in San Francisco and New York City, and that included the gay rights movement. West Berlin, London, Paris, Milan and Sydney were basically following the lead of San Francisco and New York City in the counterculture movement. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 23:06, 7 October 2019 (UTC) ::: There was a vibrant gay rights movement in Weimar Germany and how exactly is the "counter culture" a "progressive" thing or relevant fifty to sixty years after its emergence?? Would you say "1793 Paris was the most progressive city in the world"? Can a town a heavily capitalist as LA lay any claim to whatever "progressivism" is on the global scale? [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 05:22, 8 October 2019 (UTC) ::::OK, I didn't know about the gay rights movement in Weimar Germany. I only knew about Hitler committing a genocide against gays in the Holocaust. I'll try to avoid having a political debate here, but what I'll say is that the Bay Area takes the speech policing thing more seriously than Chicago. The Silicon Valley tech workers I have met have told me about how they were required to undergo training as to what is acceptable speech and what is unacceptable speech, and some things that would be acceptable in Chicago were among the types of speech they were told to avoid (eg. saying "Hey guys", since some would interpret it to mean you are excluding the women). Perhaps "liberal" and "progressive" have differing meanings that I'm confusing, but I would say that is an example of how the Bay Area is more liberal or progressive than Chicago, even though Chicago is also quite solidly blue. I haven't been to L.A. in a long time, so I'll avoid commenting on that. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:00, 8 October 2019 (UTC) :::::(As I side note, I reply to [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] that Progressive is a clearer word than Liberal. Liberal can easily mean economically liberal. Speech policing is not "liberal" at all, if you think about the root of "liberal." It's clear that San Francisco and Portland are among the most progressive cities in the U.S., but much of modern Europe is progressive, too &mdash; think of [[Denmark]].) <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 22:17, 8 October 2019 (UTC) ::::::{{ping|SelfieCity}}I don't know if you can say Europe is that progressive anymore. Hungary has a prime minister who is openly racist and anti-Semitic, while openly racist and Islamophobic parties are rapidly gaining ground in other countries like AfD in Germany, Lega in Italy, RN in France, PVV in the Netherlands or the SD in Sweden. The UK is an exception as the BNP and UKIP haven't gained much support, but who knows for how long? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 01:34, 9 October 2019 (UTC) ::::::::The right-wing parties get a lot of attention, but the general picture is as good as, or better, for the Greens. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 01:54, 9 October 2019 (UTC) :::::::::Thedog, if you want to talk about most of Europe being less progressive, don't ignore what's happened in the U.S. in recent years. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:20, 9 October 2019 (UTC) {{outdent}}{{ping|Ikan Kekek}} I'm not ignorant about what's happening in the U.S. I'm just trying not to bring it up here in case it leads to heated and pointless political debates. And to be fair, even Trump's rhetoric pales in comparison to the stuff you hear coming from Geert Wilders. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 03:02, 9 October 2019 (UTC) :Geert Wilders isn't the leader of the free world.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 06:00, 9 October 2019 (UTC) ::Yes. Let's look at the big picture. Geert Wilders can be as far-right as he wants, but as TT says, that doesn't make him in charge of the free world. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 19:21, 9 October 2019 (UTC) == Communication == I have not compared the revisions in [[Berlin]] more than superfluously, but my impression is that you really should try to communicate. In this kind of situation you should explain all but the smallest edits, in edit comments or on the talk page, and explain on the talk page how you include the suggested improvements in your version (at least an "I try to include some of these"), or why you do not like them. Name calling in edit summaries, and questioning the intentions of the other user on the talk page is hardly better than not communicating at all. --[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 10:54, 16 October 2019 (UTC) :I guess you mean [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Berlin&type=revision&diff=3863227&oldid=3862945 this reversion]. Yes, this was brought up before: Hobbitschuster, don't revert content without an explanation. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 20:19, 16 October 2019 (UTC) == Personal matters == Hobbitschuster, I wanted to address this personal issue off the article talk page as it does not relate to the content of the article; :"Why do you seem to have this need for a childish vendetta against me, ascribing motivations and ill intent to me?" I don't know what ill-intent you think I've ascribed to you. I don't contribute to Wikivoyage as part of a personal vendetta against you. I know nothing about you other than that you have contributed a great deal to Wikivoyage, and I hope that you continue to contribute. I do have a problem with the way you deal with me and other contributors, and with your lack of interest in collaborating. When I added content to upgrade 321 articles from "outline to "usable", I did so to make Wikivoyage a better travel guide. When I created 55 articles, it was for the same reason. And it was the same for the 39 articles I've upgraded from stubs to substantive articles. When I proposed and created a Featured Events box for the main page, it was to show Wikivoyage as being current, unlike the other site. And the thousands of articles I've edited to make the time and currency formatting consistent with our policies, that was to make it easier for readers to find information and give Wikivoyage a less amateurish look. And when I copyedit articles to break up long, convoluted sentences, simplify awkward wording, or remove information that is ancillary to travel and doesn't belong on a travel guide, it's about making Wikivoyage better. It's not about you. I'm okay with airport history and politics being in an article about an airport. An article about one of the great cities of the world should focus on providing the reader the most useful information about the city. When it accumulates a lot of ancillary information, the article becomes less useful as a travel guide. Berlin is already one of our longest city articles. Let's not put information that travellers can't use into it. It can go into branch articles if you think it's important to include. Regards, [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 06:34, 17 October 2019 (UTC) :So many times I've tried to engage you on discussing the merit of the edits, and you fall back on claiming persecution instead of addressing the arguments directly. :The issue was whether the details about the new airport should be included in the article, and your "compromise" was to include the details about the new airport in the article. So I don't think it is a personal attack to say that it was about you getting your way, but I will be more careful in the future in choosing my words. Maybe you will reconsider using words like "zealot" and "childish" to attack me? [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:59, 19 October 2019 (UTC) ==Frankfurt Airport== Hi again. I think it would be a good idea if you stepped away from editing that article for the time being. Certain diffs that I really don't enjoy seeing, and threads like the one above me, are evidence that things are escalating beyond what is reasonable for disagreements about wording. We all want this project to succeed, but trying to force a certain set of words will not lead to this project's success. I have made the same suggestion to Ground Zero, and sincerely hope that you both agree to comply. With best wishes, [[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 18:35, 19 October 2019 (UTC) ==English in Costa Rica== To answer your comment, I went mostly to the nature reserves and hiking trails around La Fortuna and Monteverde, but I did spend some time in San Jose as well. it was somewhere near San Jose airport that I went to a restaurant without an English menu or English-speaking waiters. And even in the tourist areas, staff at the more upmarket restaurants spoke English, while staff at the sodas where most locals ate did not. I also ate at one of the food stalls where the locals were eating in the Mercado Central in San Jose, and the staff certainly did not speak English, though in that case, there were printed English translations on the menu. So in short, I would say that while there were many people who spoke English, certainly more so than places like China (take my observation with a pinch of salt, as I am a fluent Mandarin speaker and therefore have never had a reason to try speaking English in China) and Japan, it is certainly not as ubiquitous as in say, Scandinavia or even Hong Kong. Costa Rica is certainly not a country you can live in while relying solely on English; you'll definitely need to learn Spanish to live long term in Costa Rica. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:21, 3 December 2019 (UTC) :In my (limited) experience it depends where you are in the country. In [[Puerto Viejo de Talamanca]] I was struck by the way English seemed to be the main language of the town. In the other places I went I didn't encounter much English (though I speak fluent Spanish, so I had no reason to try speaking English outside of Puerto Viejo). —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 00:06, 4 December 2019 (UTC) == Moving regions == Hi Hobbitschuster! Just a reminder that when you move a region article, all the subarticles need to be edited to fix the breadcrumbs. I just discovered that the cities in the [[Classic Heartland of Georgia]] are still breadcrumbed to the wrong place. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:54, 3 December 2019 (UTC) == As someone interested in airports == You might be interested in this one: [https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/gander-lounge-aims-to-reopen-1.5412296?__vfz Gander]. Regards, [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 00:51, 7 January 2020 (UTC) == hey Hobbit... == .... why [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Berlin/Mitte&curid=3527&diff=3915473&oldid=3915328 revert this]? [[User:Ibaman|Ibaman]] ([[User talk:Ibaman|talk]]) 19:36, 23 January 2020 (UTC) :In part it was fat fingers, but in part this is about post codes in German cities, which are often essential to distinguish places with the same street name. Would you please add the post codes back in? (The five digits before "Berlin") [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 19:40, 23 January 2020 (UTC) * Gladly. {{done}} [[User:Ibaman|Ibaman]] ([[User talk:Ibaman|talk]]) 19:59, 23 January 2020 (UTC) ::If we're making this exception to the general rule, it should be mentioned at [[Wikivoyage:Listings]] so that other editors don't delete the codes. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 23:08, 23 January 2020 (UTC) == Wow == I didn't see this [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Zaragoza&type=revision&diff=3866075&oldid=3855169 edit] until now. I didn't realize your pettiness has grown to that extent. I am going back to building a travel guide now. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 09:49, 2 February 2020 (UTC) == [[:File:Erlangen-Banner7.JPG]] == What license is [[:File:Erlangen-Banner7.JPG]] licensed under? [[User:GreenComputer|GreenComputer]] ([[User talk:GreenComputer|talk]]) 22:36, 21 March 2020 (UTC) :I assume the same as the picture it derives from. I took that picture... [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 22:58, 21 March 2020 (UTC) ::I couldn't find the picture it derives from. What license was that picture released under? Thanks. [[User:GreenComputer|GreenComputer]] ([[User talk:GreenComputer|talk]]) 00:01, 10 April 2020 (UTC) ==Update needed== Hey bro, I was wondering about the Stadtschloss, and the new metro station in front of Rotes Rathaus... how are they progressing? Any tentative opening date? Oh how I miss good ol' poor-but-sexy big [[Berlin]]. [[User:Ibaman|Ibaman]] ([[User talk:Ibaman|talk]]) 19:29, 30 April 2020 (UTC) * I knew you wouldn't let any innaccuracy stand. Great tweak. By the way, I'm still curious about the above. [[User:Ibaman|Ibaman]] ([[User talk:Ibaman|talk]]) 20:09, 4 June 2020 (UTC) ::U55 has shut down due to Covid and will likely never reopen, but the Stadtschloss seems to be close to completion, given that they put a cross on it already... [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 21:34, 4 June 2020 (UTC) == Point proven == You shouldn't leave translation from German to people who don't speak German. For someone who has a habit of reverting edits because of a single typo, you make a lot of [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Neu-Ulm&type=revision&diff=3967638&oldid=3967608 typos], grammatical errors, [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Schleswig-Holstein&diff=next&oldid=3971748 capitalization errors] and syntax errors. I hope you will try to fix things in the future instead of using the undo function like a club. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 11:39, 17 May 2020 (UTC) :Those who do stuff make mistakes. Those who don't, don't. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 13:06, 17 May 2020 (UTC) :: Exactly. That's why I fix others' mistakes to build Wikivoyage, and why it is so ignorant to roll back edits you don't like just because of a couple of typos. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 15:44, 17 May 2020 (UTC) :::What you're doing is throwing invective my way for daring to write "5€"... But I am sure you are coming off as the reasonable one here... [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 16:12, 17 May 2020 (UTC) ::::There is a difference between an inadvertent error, like forgetting to translate text copied from another source or a typo, and intentionally ignoring Wikivoyage style you clearly know about. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 16:31, 17 May 2020 (UTC) :::::What's next? Demanding I set my spellcheck to British English when writing on Germany? I really fear you are backing yourself into a corner that is not healthy for you, the wiki or anybody really. Just [[w:Wikipedia:Let it go]]. I've let go already. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 16:53, 17 May 2020 (UTC) ::::::Asking you to respect the decision of the Wikivoyage Community is not unreasonable, whatever you tell yourself. And I'm sure that you don't expect anyone to believe that you are ignoring Wikivoyage style by accident. That's not credible. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 17:15, 17 May 2020 (UTC) == Your contempt for the Wikivoyage Community == You know that the Community has decided to follow standard English formatting of prices in euros, yet you continue to use your preferred formatting. It shows your contempt for the rest of us. And this from someone who complained further up this page about "egregious violations of our style rules and other created by drive-by editors". [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:54, 17 May 2020 (UTC) :Are you ''quite'' done? [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 12:56, 17 May 2020 (UTC) ::Am I done calling out rude behaviour that disrespects other Wikivoyagers? I'll be done when the rude behaviour stops. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:01, 17 May 2020 (UTC) :::I am sorry, but how is saying "5€" rude when saying "€5" is not? Especially since the local use in e.g. Germany is clearly the former, not the latter... [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 13:06, 17 May 2020 (UTC) ::::Because you started [[Wikivoyage_talk:Currency/Archive_2017-2018#Putting_the_%E2%82%AC_sign_after_the_amount| this discussion]] to try to get Wikivoyage to adopt 5€ as its style. The community chose to go with standard English formatting instead of local use (as we do with naming the Munich, Bavaria, and Cologne articles). You didn't get your way in changing Wikivoyage style, do now you're just doing your own thing and ignoring the community's decision. If you want to reopen the discussion on the style guide, go ahead, but you're not arguing from a position of strength if your starting point is that you ignore the style guide and the community's decision. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 15:41, 17 May 2020 (UTC) == WikiV Hurtigruten links == Sorry Hobbitschuster: I was not aware of the WV:Links to Wikipedia policy (thank you). Have removed WikiP links to two ship names. --[[User:GRDN711|GRDN711]] ([[User talk:GRDN711|talk]]) 14:54, 24 May 2020 (UTC) :No problem and thank you. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 14:57, 24 May 2020 (UTC) == Panama City == I did proofread that edit. I don't know how I could have overlooked that. Probably too much time spent on Wikivoyage the past few days. Like you, I occasionally make mistakes. Thank you for fixing this one. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:03, 30 May 2020 (UTC) == Rollback == Sorry, I pressed the rollback button by mistake. I have restored your version of the page. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 11:03, 17 June 2020 (UTC) :No problem. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 11:04, 17 June 2020 (UTC) == Discuss page moves, please == Regarding [[Central Corridor of Alberta]], please see [[Wikivoyage:How to rename a page]]: "Use the article's talk page to discuss why the page should be renamed." You don't just move a page without discussion, no matter how certain you are that you are right. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 16:02, 22 June 2020 (UTC) :Are you disagreeing with what I am doing or just with how I am doing it? [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 16:04, 22 June 2020 (UTC) ::How you are doing it. Editors who are more familiar with Alberta than I am may have views on whether there is a better name than the one who chose. If you have views on my proposal to move the [[York (Ontario)]] page, you can participate in the discussion I started at [[Talk:York (Ontario)]]. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 16:09, 22 June 2020 (UTC) ===My "silly crusade"=== That insult is tired and disrespectful. It comes across as a schoolyard taunt. I believe that you are here to build a travel guide. I ask you to believe that I am too. I don't consider building Wikivoyage to be a "crusade", but a worthwhile hobby. Let's stick to discussing how to get things done in Wikivoyage, and leave the insults to the American president. Thank you. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:44, 22 June 2020 (UTC) ==Finger slip?== What was [[Special:Diff/4009825|this revert]] about? The changes made seemed totally sensible, and we don't revert good faith edits without an explanation. --[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 20:45, 27 June 2020 (UTC) :{{ping|Hobbitschuster}} This has to stop. If you won't edit Wikivoyage in a respectful manner, then we've got big problems. Let me say this once: if I see one more unexplained revert of an established user's edits, one more [[Talk:Central_Corridor|bad faith personal attack]] of another user, I will [[WV:How to handle unwanted edits#Escalating user blocks|block your account for three days]]. I really, really don't want to do that, especially since it will probably trigger a big argument with other admins, but I am prepared to do so if you refuse to treat every member of this community with the respect they deserve.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 22:13, 28 June 2020 (UTC) ::{{ping|ThunderingTyphoons!}} Should we remove patroller status now? That would at least prevent rollbacks. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 22:28, 28 June 2020 (UTC) :::It may be best to raise this in the pub and bring it to the attention of all admins and active editors. [[User:DaGizza|<span style="color:teal">Gizza</span>]]^{(<i>[[User_talk:DaGizza|<span style="color:teal">roam</span>]]</i>)} 03:57, 29 June 2020 (UTC) ::::I've been reading. I don't get the reticence in removing patroller status. If someone is acting in a disruptive way, they should be made a regular user and watched more closely. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:16, 29 June 2020 (UTC) :::::Hobbit, I've removed your Patroller status while this gets sorted out. You're still an Autopatroller for now. I really hope you can alleviate everyone's concerns and end the drama. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:17, 29 June 2020 (UTC) ::::::I don't object to removing patroller status, though I wouldn't have done it myself. This was intended to be a warning to Hobbitschuster, and explicitly not a "let's get everyone involved in the Pub talking about Hobbit.", but ultimately you can all do what you want.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 08:00, 29 June 2020 (UTC) :::::::I also prefer not to discuss this in the Pub. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:02, 29 June 2020 (UTC) ::::::::Agreed. I don’t think any of us would want our behavioral concerns taken to a well-known and public location on the website. It’s crucial to find the balance between ending this dispute and causing a good contributor (or two, GZ included) to leave the website. I hope Hobbitschuster continues to contribute, but I’m not sure enabling his use of the rollback tool will do anything to improve the situation. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 12:43, 29 June 2020 (UTC) :::::::::I'm sorry. I thought patroller status had been restored. I think the current user rights, including autopatroller rights, are appropriate for Hobbitschuster currently. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 14:07, 29 June 2020 (UTC) {{outdent}} Comment by [[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]]: "Let me say this once: if I see one more unexplained revert of an established user's edits, one more bad faith personal attack of another user, I will block your account for three days" &mdash; see [[Avoiding travel through Canada]] ([https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Avoiding_travel_through_Canada&curid=155779&diff=4011552 diff]). Account blocked for three days. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">Selfie City</span>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<span style="color:blue">contributions</span>]]) 13:31, 30 June 2020 (UTC) :Wow, okay. Disappointing. --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 15:10, 30 June 2020 (UTC) == Avoiding travel through Canada page == Just a small item: In the text below the banner photo, the word "airplane" is spelled incorrectly. I would have fixed it, but I am still a Wiki noob, and I couldn't figure out how to get to that text. [[User:Tudorcougar|Tudorcougar]] ([[User talk:Tudorcougar|talk]]) 10:13, 22 July 2020 (UTC) == "Wolf" redirect == Per [[Wikivoyage:Deletion policy#Deleting vs. redirecting]] ("The redirect might cause confusion") I don't think the redirect that was just created for "Wolf" is a good idea. There are places with wolf in the name (Wolf Island in the [[Galapagos]] is the first that comes to mind, but there are a lot), and wolves can be found on continents other than Europe and Asia. I'd suggest either speedy deleting the redirect or else making it a disambiguation page. -- [[User:Wrh2|Ryan]] &bull; ([[User talk:Wrh2|talk]]) &bull; 17:32, 29 August 2020 (UTC) : Turtle Island is another redirect that might be best reconsidered - per [[w:Turtle Island]] there are places named Turtle Island on several continents, not just North America. -- [[User:Wrh2|Ryan]] &bull; ([[User talk:Wrh2|talk]]) &bull; 17:35, 29 August 2020 (UTC) ::I agree on both counts. Also, why does [[Upper Lake]] redirect to [[Great Lakes]]? —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 19:23, 29 August 2020 (UTC) :::[[Lake Superior]] [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 19:27, 29 August 2020 (UTC) ::::So a translation of the lake's name from English to...English? Are you okay with speedy deleting these, or should I take them to [[vfd]]? —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 19:44, 29 August 2020 (UTC) == South Island and North Island == Hi Hobbitschuster. I hope you don't mind but I have reverted your renaming of [[South Island]] and [[North Island]] for now to allow for discussion and consensus-forming about it. In the New Zealand context it is a major renaming, these being the two main subdivisions of the country, so I think it worthy of discussion first. A consensus might form that agrees with you and then we could reinstate your change. Good on you for plunging forward, but in the spirit of Wikipedia's [[:Wikipedia:Wikipedia:BOLD, revert, discuss cycle|BOLD, revert, discuss cycle]] I have reverted it so that we can discuss, before much work is done changing incoming links. Would you like to initiate a renaming discussion? There are two articles involved, but I imagine that whatever is decided will apply to both, so I think one discussion about both articles will suffice. Since [[South Island]] was the first one changed, I suggest discussion could take place at [[Talk:South Island]], with a note at [[Talk:North Island]] to alert visitors there. Cheers. [[User:Nurg|Nurg]] ([[User talk:Nurg|talk]]) 06:17, 21 September 2020 (UTC) :For what it's worth, I'd vote to keep their names as is, like [[Big Island]] of [[Hawaii]]. Where these islands are is obvious from the first sentence and breadcrumb trail in each case. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:52, 21 September 2020 (UTC) ::I think we should hash out a policy on nondescript names which clarifies whether "the North" or "the Coast" are ever acceptable and maybe allow some exceptions as per case by case consensus. While it may be obvious to the person reading the article on the North Island of New Zealand what they are reading, there may well be other North Islands... [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 11:43, 21 September 2020 (UTC) :::If there are, they'll be handled exactly the same way we handle the fact that there are cities called London that are not in England. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:59, 21 September 2020 (UTC) == Nuances == Do you know the culture of Tyrol? I am a bit worried that the wordings in the respect section might have some kind of bias and I think there are some unfortunate choice of words. I have paid just one short visit there, hardly meeting locals, so I am not very keen on editing that kind of passages myself. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 18:35, 22 September 2020 (UTC) : about these very edits, let me tell you, sometimes they smell of block evasion to me. Guess you know what (who) I'm talking about, eh. [[User:Ibaman|Ibaman]] ([[User talk:Ibaman|talk]]) 18:54, 22 September 2020 (UTC) :: The very reason I don't trust them. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:12, 22 September 2020 (UTC) == Mea culpa == I'm being sloppy again. Thank you for fixing my mistakes. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 17:18, 25 September 2020 (UTC) :No problem. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 17:26, 25 September 2020 (UTC) ==Oh, hello== Always glad to see your name on the Recent Changes list, bro. Simply that. Fist-up "no pasarán" greetings. Cheers [[User:Ibaman|Ibaman]] ([[User talk:Ibaman|talk]]) 17:11, 8 October 2020 (UTC) :Thanks. But sadly the discussion at [[Talk:USA]] took an end I'm not all that happy with... [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 18:39, 9 October 2020 (UTC) :: Me neither. But I think we mostly agree, you are just talking past each other. I suppose the wording is good enough. Let's return to the discussion when there is need to, and then from a clean table. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 18:53, 9 October 2020 (UTC) :::Well that makes three of us unhappy. I didn't appreciate my morality being called into question for simply trying to enforce this website's policies, and have spent much of today upset as a result. Maybe next time this issue comes up, we can be more thoughtful and mutually-respectful, and not make accusations about people we don't know outside of a very narrow setting. The only weapon in the arsenal of fascism is to "divide and conquer", that's literally all they've got. Let's not divide ourselves.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 19:36, 9 October 2020 (UTC) * let me speak my mind here, I didn't take part in this quarrel, and am glad I did so. I'm happy to see "American antifa", "BLM", "QAnon" and "Proud Boys" go unmentioned in the article. Even as their respective discourses vary, their courses of action are so similarly suspicious for me, subjetically speaking, to make me reckon none of them belong in this travel guide, especially in this pre-election month. I should disclose to you on a personal level, about six months ago, I had similar quarrels elsewhere with Brazilian friends living in Florida, and came to realize that "American antifa" is an obscure thing, maybe not very related to Noam Chomsky or the St Pauli team vibe. Also on a personal level, for updates on the American day-to-day situation, I came to rely on feeds by {{ping|AndreCarrotflower}} and {{ping|Ikan Kekek}} on other social media, and feel confident on their curatorship of American content in Wikivoyage. Let's play ball about subjects worth of mention, per [[ttcf]]. I, for me, would very much like to see you proofread and tweak [[Ancient Greece]] and [[Ancient Egypt]] as much as you did [[Aviation history]] and the "Empire" articles, for instance, oh yes. [[Belarus]], [[Nagorno-Karabakh]] and related will need updates too, shortly. Let's all get to it. [[User:Ibaman|Ibaman]] ([[User talk:Ibaman|talk]]) 21:04, 9 October 2020 (UTC) == ß == Looking at your Cottbus edits, I realize that Google Translate automatically converts "ß" to "ss". I will try to keep an eye out for this mistake when editing German articles. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 11:55, 1 December 2020 (UTC) :Okay. But to complicate measures all that slightly, the "ß" doesn't exist in Switzerland (it does in Austria) and there are a few words which used to be spelled with "ß" and are now spelled with "ss".... Which is however not necessarily followed with proper names... [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 12:29, 1 December 2020 (UTC) ::Well, that's not easy.... I'll check what the German Wikivoyage uses, and stick with that. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:39, 1 December 2020 (UTC) :::That's a good rule of thumb... [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 12:53, 1 December 2020 (UTC) == DUB == Evening Hobbit. Would you mind adding this to the [[Airport articles]] list? --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 19:51, 18 December 2020 (UTC) :Done. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 19:59, 18 December 2020 (UTC) :: Thanks! --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 20:50, 18 December 2020 (UTC) == Not participating == You don't get to have your way by refusing to participate in a discussion. This is as true in collaborative projects as it is in life. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:45, 16 January 2021 (UTC) :As you have not responded to the arguments that made on the talk page more than two weeks ago, it was reasonable for me to assume that you do not object to the change. And as you continue not to respond to the arguments I have put forward, you lose the argument. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 17:19, 16 January 2021 (UTC) ::Also, it would be useful for you to review these previous discussions on your talk page: [[#Finger_slip?]] and [[#Your contempt for the Wikivoyage Community]], in particular, but also [[#Rollback of my edits on Southern US]], [[#Mining tourism]], and [[#Communication]]. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 17:34, 16 January 2021 (UTC) :::Declaring yourself the winner does not make you it. Just stop your stupid vendetta against me. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 19:45, 16 January 2021 (UTC) ::::Pytfgs59 [[Special:Contributions/31.43.49.142|31.43.49.142]] 12:02, 2 July 2025 (UTC) 3vckvahies9qgia3umkq6frcunxm607 0 185250 5086845 4975837 2025-07-02T23:26:08Z Ahmad M Sani 2328886 /* Get in */ 5086845 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Minna banner photowalk city view.jpg}} [[File:Minna Roads 4.jpg|thumb|Minna]] '''Minna''' is the capital city of [[Niger State]], a state in the [[North Central Nigeria|North Central]] region of [[Nigeria]]. == Understand == Minna is the capital city of Niger State, a state in the Middle Belt region of Nigeria with large land mass. As a result of the opening of the Kano to Baro railway in 1911 together with the extension of the Lagos to Jebba line in 1915 to a junction in Minna, the town became a major pick-up point for agricultural products such as groundnuts, cotton, yams, ginger, and rice. Pigs are also shipped by rail to Lagos. Local trade is mainly in sorghum, yams, corn/maize, millet, peanuts, cotton, shea nuts, indigo, kola nuts as well as animals like cattle, guinea fowl, goats and chickens. Archaeological proofs on record shows that settlement in the area dates back to as early as 47,000–37,000 years ago. The population of the area as of the 2016 census was estimated to be 345,000. The average weather condition of the area is about 29 °C with wind (W) at 16 km/h and 68% humidity. == Get in == Minna has developed as an administrative centre, since when it became the capital of Niger state in 1976. Minna is part of the Chanchaga local government area. The area comprises of 2 major ethnic groups which are: the Nupe and the Gwari. There are many ways to get to Minna, but the most convenient and recommended way is by air. There are numerous available transportation options for travellers and intending visitors who intend to travel across the city and other secluded parts of the northern city. Visitors have the option of travelling to Minna by flight, by railway or by road. ===By plane=== {{go | name=Minna Airport | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=9.4084 | long=6.7205 | directions= | phone=+234 1 280 0842 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Minna Airport | wikidata=Q3565752 | lastedit=2021-06-18 | content=Minna Airport is situated 10 km north-west of Minna. The airport although mainly used for Hajj operations also operates domestic and international flights.<br />At the airport, there are friendly staff who help travellers carry luggage, get checked and with customs and passport control. Travellers can keep themselves occupied at the airport with amenities such as duty-free stores, free WI-FI access, etc. The airport also has a bar, a restaurant, a children's room, and a lounge for business and social activities. }} Another way is by land. This can be either by train or by bus. One can also enter by road either by one's car, by a rented one or bus. ===By train=== {{go | name=Minna Railway Station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-06-18 | content=Minna railway station is an inter-state train station. Travellers can get into Minna from different places in Nigeria as the railway has routes to and from other states in the country. The railroad is connected to Kano in the north and Ibadan and Lagos in the south. }} ===By road=== This travel option entails the use of the interstate buses, taxis or private vehicles. Like most of the capital cities in the country, Minna has a standard garage fleet that transports travellers to other parts of the country. These interstate buses usually have major parks that convey travellers from state to state. Nevertheless, travellers from Abuja to Minna would need to use a taxi particularly because of the proximity of the two cities. == Get around == {{mapframe|9.613889|6.556944|zoom=12}} The availability of motorcycles, commuter buses, tricycles, popularly known as ''keke napeps'', and private vehicles, makes getting around Minna city easy and smooth. ===Motorcycles=== Motorcycles or motorbikes remain the fastest way to get to the interior parts of Minna and it costs about ₦100 for close distances and about ₦250 for farther distances. The motorbike riders start operation from the early hours of the morning to the later end of the day (at night). ===Keke Napeps=== Tricycles popularly called Keke Napep are vehicles that accommodate four people — three behind and one by the driver's side — and are another major means of getting around the city. These Keke Napeps are usually coloured yellow and white. They convey passengers to and from the various bus stops in the city. The cost of using a Keke Napep is dependent on the distance of the journey but usually not less than ₦100 per journey. They can be chartered like a taxi and used to transport individuals or items. ===Taxis=== Taxis are also another major means of getting around the town. With several taxi stops all around the Minna town, getting around the city is easier and less stressful than one could imagine because on normal basis, one might have to take up to three different taxis. to get to a particular destination, These taxis serve as commuter buses because they do not always carry only one passenger except they are chartered. The cost of using a taxi is approximately ₦50. ===Talba buses=== Talba commuter buses is also an option for navigating round the city. These long talba buses usually leave from their bus parks, and they have some specific popular routes which they apply. The buses cost virtually ₦20 to use but on the other hand, they are slower than all the above mentioned transport options like motorbikes, keke napeps and taxis since they are long like coaster buses and usually need to get filled up before it take off. Additionally, they do not ply remote routes of the town. == See == The city of Minna has several interesting features and landmarks that worth one experience. * {{see | name=Lord Luggard Colonial Ruins | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-06-24 | content= }} * {{see | name=National Museum Minna | alt= | url= | email= | address=2nd Floor, Block C, Niger State Secretariat Complex | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-06-24 | content= }} * {{see | name=Shiroro Dam | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=9.975 | long=6.834444 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7498956 | lastedit=2021-12-19 | content= }} * {{see | name=Zungeru Dam | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=9.901889 | long=6.285722 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q56372694 | lastedit=2021-12-19 | content= }} * {{see | name=Gurara Falls | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=9.314319 | long=7.021069 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q22673984 | lastedit=2021-12-19 | content= }} * {{see | name=Murtala Park | alt=Gidan Murtala park | url= | email= | address=JGPV+3H9 | lat=9.63525 | long=6.54399 | directions=By road | phone= | tollfree= | hours=7am to 7pm | price=It depends | image=Murtala Park Minna Niger state 04.jpg | lastedit=2024-08-14 | content=It's a park that has a recreational center, mini zoo with serene environment in Minna. }} == Do == Minna is a smaller but an awesome upcoming tourist destination that is worth a visit although it may not be as popular as others cities in the country. Visitors and tourists will be amazed by some of the distinct things they can do and places they can explore at this hidden location. * {{do | name=[[Kainji National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q1473988 | lastedit=2022-01-19 | content=Home to over 30 species of animals and reptiles, more than 350 species of birds, Wild hogs, Cheetahs, monkeys and crocodiles. }} * The Murtala children park *Shiroro Dam Tourist Resort ===Cinema=== * {{do | name= Emji Cinema | alt= | url= | email= | address= Bosso | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+234 906 818 1758 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-12-19 | content= }} * {{do | name=NSTV Minna | alt= | url= | email= | address= Top Medical Rd, Tudun Wada South| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-12-19 | content= }} == Buy == * {{buy | name=Kem Supermarket | alt= | url= | email= | address= beside radio niger, Shehu Kangiwa Road, Minna South| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-12-19 | content= }} * {{buy | name=So Fine Superstore | alt= | url= | email= | address= Tunga Market, David Mark Road, Tunga | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-12-19 | content= }} * The '''Abdulkadir Kure market''' is an ultra modern market and it is the largest market in the Minna city. The market is split into stores that sell related items in the same area. Items sold in this market are usually more affordable than one would expect them to be. At the Abdukhadi market, household items, food items, clothing items, and so many other items can be seen at ease once one steps into the market. * However, visitors in Minna who wish to shop at well structured cloth outlets like boutiques also have options on where to do so. Some of the cloth outlets they could shop from are: Primeage collections, Monday Uptown Ventures, Silver’s Explicit Collection and Dansmest boutiques. == Eat == In Minna, there are good number of hangout and restaurants available for visitors to relax and cool off. Prominent among these spots are listed below as a result of their outstanding services and recommendations from people around the city. * {{eat | name=Umama Grills and Foods | alt= | url= | email= | address=Shiroro Rd, Minna South | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-12-19 | content= You can get grilled meat in this restaurant. }} * {{eat | name= Rashida Restaurant| alt=Mama Rashida | url= | email= | address= Shiroro Road, Tudun Wada South | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-12-19 | content=This restaurant is one of the biggest restaurants in Minna. It is popular for its riches in both continental, intercontinental and African dishes. Mama Rashida's restaurant is along Shiroro Rd. Asides its serene and conducive environment, the restaurant is a clean restaurant with all the necessary modern installation. }} * '''Iya Femi'''. Iya Femi and Mama Rashida are seen as rivals because of the standard similar style of service the give. Both restaurants have local and intercontinental dishes and are along Shiroro Rd, very close to Redeem Church headquarters. *'''Bush Bar''' on Zungeru road. Like the name implies, bush bar has a touch of a local setting but with the full choice of endless fun. They offer Rafin Yashin and all sorts of both African and non-African Dishes. one is sure to get dishes like roasted fish, fish pepper soup, Nkwobi, and isi ewu for your maximum satisfaction. *'''Ostrich Bakery Minna''' on Minna – Zungeru Rd. They serve the most delicious bread and cake. They also have ice creams and other confectioneries. There are also other high-class restaurants and spots such as Chicken Republic, Mr. Biggs, Ostrich bakery, Safara suits, Afro food, and Prom. These are the national restaurants that are well known across the country and they make standard service delivery for customer's satisfaction as well. These restaurants are all easy to locate and situated within Minna town. * {{eat | name=Habib Yoghurt and Fura Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=9.62731 | long=6.56841 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-06-25 | content=It is a drive-in and takeaway facility. They offer creamy yoghurt rumoured to be the best with fresh fura. }} * {{eat | name=Bilikebabs Chops N Coffee | alt= | url= | email= | address=Inside Aym Shafa Station Shango | lat=9.57838 | long=6.58156 | directions= | phone=+234 705 173 1353 | tollfree= | hours=8AM-10PM | price= | lastedit=2021-06-25 | content=It's serene with well-cooked nice meals too. Different varieties of drinks. }} * {{eat | name=Aroma Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=Shehu Kangiwa Road | lat=9.597 | long=6.53212 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=8AM-9PM | price= | lastedit=2021-06-25 | content=A lovely place to go and hang out with the family They offer drive in, takeaway and delivery. }} * {{eat | name=Safara Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=Minna - Zungeru Rd | lat=9.64236 | long=6.54276 | directions= | phone=+234 803 237 0535 | tollfree= | hours=8AM-9PM | price= | lastedit=2021-06-25 | content=An amazing place for hangout and relaxation, great parking space, the food very delicious. }} * {{eat | name=Chicken Republic Bosso Road | alt= | url=https://www.chicken-republic.com/ | email= | address=57 Bosso Rd | lat=9.618741115580615 | long= 6.5465270178597335| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=9AM-8PM | price=₦1000 | lastedit=2021-11-07 | content=It is a place to get Chicken and all other contemporary African meals. }} * {{eat | name=Mr Biggs | alt= | url= | email= | address=Tunga Bosso Road, Tudun Wada South | lat=9.597839 | long=6.564452 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=9AM-8PM | price=₦500 | lastedit=2021-11-07 | content=A place to get contemporary Nigerian Meals. }} * {{eat | name=Spot 9 | alt= | url= | email= | address=Minna Zungeru Road, Awwal Ibrahim Shopping Complex Tunga Minna, Adjacent Mr Biggs | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-22 | content=They have a casual dining with indoor seating. Offers a variety of Nigerian dishes including jollof rice, fried rice, pounded yam, and soups }} * {{eat | name=Jay Fast Foods Spot | alt= | url= | email= | address=39 Garba Aliyu Mohammed Road Bosso Estate | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-22 | content=Specializes in local and continental dishes including rice, soups, and snacks. }} * {{eat | name=Exceeding Grace | alt= | url= | email= | address=Chanchaga | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-22 | content=Simple and cozy environment suitable for quick meals including Nigerian traditionals such as amala, eba, and various soups. }} * {{eat | name=Gracious Grace Bakery and Confectionery Services | alt= | url= | email= | address=Beside Bahago Plaza, By Frank Guest In Tunga | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-22 | content=Bakery setting including bread, cakes and pastries, with key takeaway option. }} * {{eat | name=Classic Ventures Minna | alt= | url= | email= | address=Maitumbi | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-22 | content=Elegant dining space with diverse menu featuring local and continental cuisine. }} == Drink == Apart from the standard bars and restaurants in Minna, there are also local bars where visitors can get their tasteful and refined palm wine, local dry gin, bush meat of any type, such as pork meat, dogmeat, bush antelope and so many other local dishes. There are as well in Minna, couple of cool hang out spots for the inhabitants, visitors and tourists. Some of these spots include: * '''FM Bar''' in the suburban part of the town, although it is a bit away from the city center, but quite easy to find. * '''Honey Bell Spot''' is at Mandela Junction in Minna Metropolis. Besides being an eatery, it also has lodges for guests. The cool atmosphere is quite convenient for tourism and relaxation. Additionally, all brands of spices can be served as food in Honey Bell and a live band plays. It is notable because of its taste and courtliness. The Honey Bell Restaurant is more of an evening relation spot and it is always a bit stuffed on weekends. * {{drink | name=O'Crown | alt= | url= | email= | address=Zungeru Road | lat= | long= | directions=close to Bush Bar Resort | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=This spot's services are quite affordable and customers and visitors can get different kind of drink, bite, alcoholic and also non-alcoholic drinks for visitor's pleasure and relaxation. This spot is another nice joint to visit. It has maximum space for recreational activities. It is also suitable, clean, and also suitable for relaxation. It also has pocket friendly lodges for guests. }} * {{drink | name=Shisha Paradise, Minna | alt= | url= | email= | address=Dutsen Kura Gwari | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+234 703 242 0716 | tollfree= | hours=24/7 | price= | lastedit=2021-12-19 | content=Take away, Dine-in, Alcohol, Beer, Toilets, Casual. }} * {{drink | name=The Prince Merchandise | alt= | url= | email= | address= local government, Shop No 1 after yanna hotel kolawole street, Tunga, Minna| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-12-19 | content= }} There are also Angwa kate, Tee mama and many others at the outskirts of the town too. * {{drink | name=Nuel's Grill | alt= | url= | email= | address=Okada road, Bosso 920101 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+234 8105285112 | tollfree= | hours=noon-9PM | price= | lastedit=2022-03-31 | content=Curbside pickup, delivery, drive through, dine-in, Take away, reservation required, mask required, breakfast, lunch, dinner, seating, good for kids, casual. }} * {{drink | name=JAAel's Fun Lounge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Shiroro road, opposite Davide Umar Junction | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+234 8097153549 | tollfree= | hours=11AM-9PM | price= | lastedit=2022-03-31 | content=Take away, Dine-in, Alcohol, Beer, Toilets Casual, Wine, cosy. }} * {{drink | name=Jaael's Fun Lounge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Shiroro road | lat= | long= | directions=opposite Davide Umar Junction | phone=+234 8097153549 | tollfree= | hours=11am-9pm | price= | lastedit=2022-03-31 | content=Take away, Dine-in, Alcohol, Beer, Toilets Casual, Wine, cosy. }} == Sleep == There are a couple of accommodation options available for visitors to unwind. Some of these accommodation options include: * {{sleep | name=Brighter Suites Limited | alt= | url=https://brightersuites.com.ng/ | email= | address=Western By Pass, Dutsen Kura Gwari | lat=9.58139 | long=6.55938 | directions= | phone=+234 814 880 8800 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Prices range from ₦9,200 for executive singles, ₦12,500 for the double standard, ₦15,800 for executive suite, and ₦40,000 for presidential suite. Cancellation is also free | lastedit=2024-01-02 | content=It offers a hotel's Circus grill and lounge at noon and garden café rooms at evening time Each room has an air-conditioner with a King size bed and wardrobes, a fridge and flat-screen television. The suites have a restaurant with varieties of local dishes guest can choose from. There is also an event hall big enough for social and business gatherings or celebrations. }} * {{sleep | name=Doko International Hotels Limited | alt= | url= | email= | address=Minna City Gate, Suleja-Minna Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin=9AM | checkout=noon | price= | lastedit=2021-06-17 | content=Doko International Hotels Limited offers are quite affordable and range from budget to splurge. Rooms and their prices per night are; studio room - ₦6,000, club room - ₦6,000, deluxe room - ₦10,000, suite - ₦12,000, premium suite - ₦15,000, Additional services such as adequate parking space, event hall, laundry, air conditioning, wireless internet, flatscreen TV, 24 hours electricity, king-sized bed, restaurant, bar/lounge. Although, breakfast given to guests is at a surcharge. }} * {{sleep | name=Hydro Hotels | alt= | url= | email= | address=1 Farm Centre Tunga | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin=noon | checkout=noon | price= | lastedit=2021-06-18 | content=Hydro Hotels is a good recommendation if you are on a budget as they have affordable price ranges. The rooms available fall into the following kinds: Single Room, Super Deluxe Room, Executive Room, Royal Room, Royal 2 Bedroom, Royal 3 Bedroom and Presidential Room. Facilities to be found in the rooms includes king-size beds, air conditioners, mirrors, sofas, wardrobes, refrigerators, bathtubs and cable TVs. Some rooms might come with a living room. Hydro Hotels provides its customers with free Wi-Fi access; an on-site restaurant where customers are served various kinds of meals; a bar/lounge, a fitness centre; a recreation centre, and a sauna for heat sessions. Please do bear in mind that pets are not permitted. }} * {{sleep | name=Saftec Hotels | alt= | url= | email= | address= Plot 5450, Along Broadcasting Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +234 817 513 4059 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-12-19 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Brighter Suites Limited, Minna | alt= | url= | email= | address=Western Bye Pass, Dutsen Kura Gwari | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-12-19 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Gurara Suites | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=opposite House of Assembly Quarters | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-12-19 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Princess Az-Zahra Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address= Zarumai Road| lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+234 703 683 4826 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-12-19 | content= This is a 2-star hotel }} == Stay safe == It is advisable when travelling by bus to use only the ones from registered motor parks. The reason is due to security reason as there is a rise in abduction cases in the State. Please do use only these vehicles as the use of private vehicles for commercial purposes was banned and anyone caught in the act would be prosecuted except those given special permit by the government. The registered motor parks in Minna are: Abdulsalam, Central, Kpakungu Limawa, NSTA, Mobile, Peace Travel Nice Travel and Kure Market motor parks. == Connect == == Go next == * [[Bida]] * [[Kontagora]] * [[Zungeru]] * [[Kaduna]] {{IsPartOf|Niger State}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|9.613889|6.556944|zoom=13}} {{Mapmask|9.6581,6.5595|9.6606,6.5552|9.6591,6.5431|9.6581,6.5351|9.6615,6.5292|9.6589,6.5248|9.6514,6.5115|9.6404,6.5107|9.6320,6.5132|9.6231,6.5074|9.6077,6.4998|9.5959,6.4905|9.5933,6.4913|9.5866,6.5048|9.5883,6.5166|9.5849,6.5250|9.5841,6.5342|9.5807,6.5426|9.5816,6.5519|9.5816,6.5540|9.5816,6.5595|9.5877,6.5725|9.5883,6.5738|9.5889,6.5756|9.5917,6.5838|9.5935,6.5860|9.5947,6.5873|9.5964,6.5892|9.5975,6.5906|9.6051,6.5939|9.6160,6.5939|9.6189,6.5937|9.6261,6.5931|9.6320,6.5881|9.6378,6.5815|9.6379,6.5813|9.6438,6.5780|9.6539,6.5746|9.6581,6.5679|9.6581,6.5595}} jetuysn36qeibup0cu1xamz9y60aja4 5086865 5086845 2025-07-03T01:00:40Z Ground Zero 1423298 /* Get in */ superfluous words 5086865 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Minna banner photowalk city view.jpg}} [[File:Minna Roads 4.jpg|thumb|Minna]] '''Minna''' is the capital city of [[Niger State]], a state in the [[North Central Nigeria|North Central]] region of [[Nigeria]]. == Understand == Minna is the capital city of Niger State, a state in the Middle Belt region of Nigeria with large land mass. As a result of the opening of the Kano to Baro railway in 1911 together with the extension of the Lagos to Jebba line in 1915 to a junction in Minna, the town became a major pick-up point for agricultural products such as groundnuts, cotton, yams, ginger, and rice. Pigs are also shipped by rail to Lagos. Local trade is mainly in sorghum, yams, corn/maize, millet, peanuts, cotton, shea nuts, indigo, kola nuts as well as animals like cattle, guinea fowl, goats and chickens. Archaeological proofs on record shows that settlement in the area dates back to as early as 47,000–37,000 years ago. The population of the area as of the 2016 census was estimated to be 345,000. The average weather condition of the area is about 29 °C with wind (W) at 16 km/h and 68% humidity. == Get in == Minna has developed as an administrative centre, since it became the capital of Niger state in 1976. Minna is part of the Chanchaga local government area. The area comprises of 2 major ethnic groups which are: the Nupe and the Gwari. There are many ways to get to Minna, but the most convenient and recommended way is by air. There are numerous available transportation options for travellers and intending visitors who intend to travel across the city and other secluded parts of the northern city. Visitors have the option of travelling to Minna by flight, by railway or by road. ===By plane=== {{go | name=Minna Airport | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=9.4084 | long=6.7205 | directions= | phone=+234 1 280 0842 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Minna Airport | wikidata=Q3565752 | lastedit=2021-06-18 | content=Minna Airport is 10 km north-west of Minna. The airport although mainly used for Hajj operations also operates domestic and international flights. At the airport, there are friendly staff who help travellers carry luggage, get checked and with customs and passport control. Travellers can keep themselves occupied at the airport with amenities such as duty-free stores, and free WI-FI access. The airport also has a bar, a restaurant, a children's room, and a lounge for business and social activities. }} Another way is by land. This can be either by train or by bus. One can also enter by road either by one's car, by a rented one or bus. ===By train=== {{go | name=Minna Railway Station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-06-18 | content=Minna railway station is an inter-state train station. Travellers can get into Minna from different places in Nigeria as the railway has routes to and from other states in the country. The railroad is connected to Kano in the north and Ibadan and Lagos in the south. }} ===By road=== This travel option entails the use of the interstate buses, taxis or private vehicles. Like most of the capital cities in the country, Minna has a standard garage fleet that transports travellers to other parts of the country. These interstate buses usually have major parks that convey travellers from state to state. Nevertheless, travellers from Abuja to Minna would need to use a taxi particularly because of the proximity of the two cities. == Get around == {{mapframe|9.613889|6.556944|zoom=12}} The availability of motorcycles, commuter buses, tricycles, popularly known as ''keke napeps'', and private vehicles, makes getting around Minna city easy and smooth. ===Motorcycles=== Motorcycles or motorbikes remain the fastest way to get to the interior parts of Minna and it costs about ₦100 for close distances and about ₦250 for farther distances. The motorbike riders start operation from the early hours of the morning to the later end of the day (at night). ===Keke Napeps=== Tricycles popularly called Keke Napep are vehicles that accommodate four people — three behind and one by the driver's side — and are another major means of getting around the city. These Keke Napeps are usually coloured yellow and white. They convey passengers to and from the various bus stops in the city. The cost of using a Keke Napep is dependent on the distance of the journey but usually not less than ₦100 per journey. They can be chartered like a taxi and used to transport individuals or items. ===Taxis=== Taxis are also another major means of getting around the town. With several taxi stops all around the Minna town, getting around the city is easier and less stressful than one could imagine because on normal basis, one might have to take up to three different taxis. to get to a particular destination, These taxis serve as commuter buses because they do not always carry only one passenger except they are chartered. The cost of using a taxi is approximately ₦50. ===Talba buses=== Talba commuter buses is also an option for navigating round the city. These long talba buses usually leave from their bus parks, and they have some specific popular routes which they apply. The buses cost virtually ₦20 to use but on the other hand, they are slower than all the above mentioned transport options like motorbikes, keke napeps and taxis since they are long like coaster buses and usually need to get filled up before it take off. Additionally, they do not ply remote routes of the town. == See == The city of Minna has several interesting features and landmarks that worth one experience. * {{see | name=Lord Luggard Colonial Ruins | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-06-24 | content= }} * {{see | name=National Museum Minna | alt= | url= | email= | address=2nd Floor, Block C, Niger State Secretariat Complex | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-06-24 | content= }} * {{see | name=Shiroro Dam | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=9.975 | long=6.834444 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7498956 | lastedit=2021-12-19 | content= }} * {{see | name=Zungeru Dam | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=9.901889 | long=6.285722 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q56372694 | lastedit=2021-12-19 | content= }} * {{see | name=Gurara Falls | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=9.314319 | long=7.021069 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q22673984 | lastedit=2021-12-19 | content= }} * {{see | name=Murtala Park | alt=Gidan Murtala park | url= | email= | address=JGPV+3H9 | lat=9.63525 | long=6.54399 | directions=By road | phone= | tollfree= | hours=7am to 7pm | price=It depends | image=Murtala Park Minna Niger state 04.jpg | lastedit=2024-08-14 | content=It's a park that has a recreational center, mini zoo with serene environment in Minna. }} == Do == Minna is a smaller but an awesome upcoming tourist destination that is worth a visit although it may not be as popular as others cities in the country. Visitors and tourists will be amazed by some of the distinct things they can do and places they can explore at this hidden location. * {{do | name=[[Kainji National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q1473988 | lastedit=2022-01-19 | content=Home to over 30 species of animals and reptiles, more than 350 species of birds, Wild hogs, Cheetahs, monkeys and crocodiles. }} * The Murtala children park *Shiroro Dam Tourist Resort ===Cinema=== * {{do | name= Emji Cinema | alt= | url= | email= | address= Bosso | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+234 906 818 1758 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-12-19 | content= }} * {{do | name=NSTV Minna | alt= | url= | email= | address= Top Medical Rd, Tudun Wada South| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-12-19 | content= }} == Buy == * {{buy | name=Kem Supermarket | alt= | url= | email= | address= beside radio niger, Shehu Kangiwa Road, Minna South| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-12-19 | content= }} * {{buy | name=So Fine Superstore | alt= | url= | email= | address= Tunga Market, David Mark Road, Tunga | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-12-19 | content= }} * The '''Abdulkadir Kure market''' is an ultra modern market and it is the largest market in the Minna city. The market is split into stores that sell related items in the same area. Items sold in this market are usually more affordable than one would expect them to be. At the Abdukhadi market, household items, food items, clothing items, and so many other items can be seen at ease once one steps into the market. * However, visitors in Minna who wish to shop at well structured cloth outlets like boutiques also have options on where to do so. Some of the cloth outlets they could shop from are: Primeage collections, Monday Uptown Ventures, Silver’s Explicit Collection and Dansmest boutiques. == Eat == In Minna, there are good number of hangout and restaurants available for visitors to relax and cool off. Prominent among these spots are listed below as a result of their outstanding services and recommendations from people around the city. * {{eat | name=Umama Grills and Foods | alt= | url= | email= | address=Shiroro Rd, Minna South | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-12-19 | content= You can get grilled meat in this restaurant. }} * {{eat | name= Rashida Restaurant| alt=Mama Rashida | url= | email= | address= Shiroro Road, Tudun Wada South | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-12-19 | content=This restaurant is one of the biggest restaurants in Minna. It is popular for its riches in both continental, intercontinental and African dishes. Mama Rashida's restaurant is along Shiroro Rd. Asides its serene and conducive environment, the restaurant is a clean restaurant with all the necessary modern installation. }} * '''Iya Femi'''. Iya Femi and Mama Rashida are seen as rivals because of the standard similar style of service the give. Both restaurants have local and intercontinental dishes and are along Shiroro Rd, very close to Redeem Church headquarters. *'''Bush Bar''' on Zungeru road. Like the name implies, bush bar has a touch of a local setting but with the full choice of endless fun. They offer Rafin Yashin and all sorts of both African and non-African Dishes. one is sure to get dishes like roasted fish, fish pepper soup, Nkwobi, and isi ewu for your maximum satisfaction. *'''Ostrich Bakery Minna''' on Minna – Zungeru Rd. They serve the most delicious bread and cake. They also have ice creams and other confectioneries. There are also other high-class restaurants and spots such as Chicken Republic, Mr. Biggs, Ostrich bakery, Safara suits, Afro food, and Prom. These are the national restaurants that are well known across the country and they make standard service delivery for customer's satisfaction as well. These restaurants are all easy to locate and situated within Minna town. * {{eat | name=Habib Yoghurt and Fura Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=9.62731 | long=6.56841 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-06-25 | content=It is a drive-in and takeaway facility. They offer creamy yoghurt rumoured to be the best with fresh fura. }} * {{eat | name=Bilikebabs Chops N Coffee | alt= | url= | email= | address=Inside Aym Shafa Station Shango | lat=9.57838 | long=6.58156 | directions= | phone=+234 705 173 1353 | tollfree= | hours=8AM-10PM | price= | lastedit=2021-06-25 | content=It's serene with well-cooked nice meals too. Different varieties of drinks. }} * {{eat | name=Aroma Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=Shehu Kangiwa Road | lat=9.597 | long=6.53212 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=8AM-9PM | price= | lastedit=2021-06-25 | content=A lovely place to go and hang out with the family They offer drive in, takeaway and delivery. }} * {{eat | name=Safara Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=Minna - Zungeru Rd | lat=9.64236 | long=6.54276 | directions= | phone=+234 803 237 0535 | tollfree= | hours=8AM-9PM | price= | lastedit=2021-06-25 | content=An amazing place for hangout and relaxation, great parking space, the food very delicious. }} * {{eat | name=Chicken Republic Bosso Road | alt= | url=https://www.chicken-republic.com/ | email= | address=57 Bosso Rd | lat=9.618741115580615 | long= 6.5465270178597335| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=9AM-8PM | price=₦1000 | lastedit=2021-11-07 | content=It is a place to get Chicken and all other contemporary African meals. }} * {{eat | name=Mr Biggs | alt= | url= | email= | address=Tunga Bosso Road, Tudun Wada South | lat=9.597839 | long=6.564452 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=9AM-8PM | price=₦500 | lastedit=2021-11-07 | content=A place to get contemporary Nigerian Meals. }} * {{eat | name=Spot 9 | alt= | url= | email= | address=Minna Zungeru Road, Awwal Ibrahim Shopping Complex Tunga Minna, Adjacent Mr Biggs | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-22 | content=They have a casual dining with indoor seating. Offers a variety of Nigerian dishes including jollof rice, fried rice, pounded yam, and soups }} * {{eat | name=Jay Fast Foods Spot | alt= | url= | email= | address=39 Garba Aliyu Mohammed Road Bosso Estate | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-22 | content=Specializes in local and continental dishes including rice, soups, and snacks. }} * {{eat | name=Exceeding Grace | alt= | url= | email= | address=Chanchaga | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-22 | content=Simple and cozy environment suitable for quick meals including Nigerian traditionals such as amala, eba, and various soups. }} * {{eat | name=Gracious Grace Bakery and Confectionery Services | alt= | url= | email= | address=Beside Bahago Plaza, By Frank Guest In Tunga | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-22 | content=Bakery setting including bread, cakes and pastries, with key takeaway option. }} * {{eat | name=Classic Ventures Minna | alt= | url= | email= | address=Maitumbi | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-07-22 | content=Elegant dining space with diverse menu featuring local and continental cuisine. }} == Drink == Apart from the standard bars and restaurants in Minna, there are also local bars where visitors can get their tasteful and refined palm wine, local dry gin, bush meat of any type, such as pork meat, dogmeat, bush antelope and so many other local dishes. There are as well in Minna, couple of cool hang out spots for the inhabitants, visitors and tourists. Some of these spots include: * '''FM Bar''' in the suburban part of the town, although it is a bit away from the city center, but quite easy to find. * '''Honey Bell Spot''' is at Mandela Junction in Minna Metropolis. Besides being an eatery, it also has lodges for guests. The cool atmosphere is quite convenient for tourism and relaxation. Additionally, all brands of spices can be served as food in Honey Bell and a live band plays. It is notable because of its taste and courtliness. The Honey Bell Restaurant is more of an evening relation spot and it is always a bit stuffed on weekends. * {{drink | name=O'Crown | alt= | url= | email= | address=Zungeru Road | lat= | long= | directions=close to Bush Bar Resort | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=This spot's services are quite affordable and customers and visitors can get different kind of drink, bite, alcoholic and also non-alcoholic drinks for visitor's pleasure and relaxation. This spot is another nice joint to visit. It has maximum space for recreational activities. It is also suitable, clean, and also suitable for relaxation. It also has pocket friendly lodges for guests. }} * {{drink | name=Shisha Paradise, Minna | alt= | url= | email= | address=Dutsen Kura Gwari | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+234 703 242 0716 | tollfree= | hours=24/7 | price= | lastedit=2021-12-19 | content=Take away, Dine-in, Alcohol, Beer, Toilets, Casual. }} * {{drink | name=The Prince Merchandise | alt= | url= | email= | address= local government, Shop No 1 after yanna hotel kolawole street, Tunga, Minna| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-12-19 | content= }} There are also Angwa kate, Tee mama and many others at the outskirts of the town too. * {{drink | name=Nuel's Grill | alt= | url= | email= | address=Okada road, Bosso 920101 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+234 8105285112 | tollfree= | hours=noon-9PM | price= | lastedit=2022-03-31 | content=Curbside pickup, delivery, drive through, dine-in, Take away, reservation required, mask required, breakfast, lunch, dinner, seating, good for kids, casual. }} * {{drink | name=JAAel's Fun Lounge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Shiroro road, opposite Davide Umar Junction | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+234 8097153549 | tollfree= | hours=11AM-9PM | price= | lastedit=2022-03-31 | content=Take away, Dine-in, Alcohol, Beer, Toilets Casual, Wine, cosy. }} * {{drink | name=Jaael's Fun Lounge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Shiroro road | lat= | long= | directions=opposite Davide Umar Junction | phone=+234 8097153549 | tollfree= | hours=11am-9pm | price= | lastedit=2022-03-31 | content=Take away, Dine-in, Alcohol, Beer, Toilets Casual, Wine, cosy. }} == Sleep == There are a couple of accommodation options available for visitors to unwind. Some of these accommodation options include: * {{sleep | name=Brighter Suites Limited | alt= | url=https://brightersuites.com.ng/ | email= | address=Western By Pass, Dutsen Kura Gwari | lat=9.58139 | long=6.55938 | directions= | phone=+234 814 880 8800 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Prices range from ₦9,200 for executive singles, ₦12,500 for the double standard, ₦15,800 for executive suite, and ₦40,000 for presidential suite. Cancellation is also free | lastedit=2024-01-02 | content=It offers a hotel's Circus grill and lounge at noon and garden café rooms at evening time Each room has an air-conditioner with a King size bed and wardrobes, a fridge and flat-screen television. The suites have a restaurant with varieties of local dishes guest can choose from. There is also an event hall big enough for social and business gatherings or celebrations. }} * {{sleep | name=Doko International Hotels Limited | alt= | url= | email= | address=Minna City Gate, Suleja-Minna Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin=9AM | checkout=noon | price= | lastedit=2021-06-17 | content=Doko International Hotels Limited offers are quite affordable and range from budget to splurge. Rooms and their prices per night are; studio room - ₦6,000, club room - ₦6,000, deluxe room - ₦10,000, suite - ₦12,000, premium suite - ₦15,000, Additional services such as adequate parking space, event hall, laundry, air conditioning, wireless internet, flatscreen TV, 24 hours electricity, king-sized bed, restaurant, bar/lounge. Although, breakfast given to guests is at a surcharge. }} * {{sleep | name=Hydro Hotels | alt= | url= | email= | address=1 Farm Centre Tunga | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin=noon | checkout=noon | price= | lastedit=2021-06-18 | content=Hydro Hotels is a good recommendation if you are on a budget as they have affordable price ranges. The rooms available fall into the following kinds: Single Room, Super Deluxe Room, Executive Room, Royal Room, Royal 2 Bedroom, Royal 3 Bedroom and Presidential Room. Facilities to be found in the rooms includes king-size beds, air conditioners, mirrors, sofas, wardrobes, refrigerators, bathtubs and cable TVs. Some rooms might come with a living room. Hydro Hotels provides its customers with free Wi-Fi access; an on-site restaurant where customers are served various kinds of meals; a bar/lounge, a fitness centre; a recreation centre, and a sauna for heat sessions. Please do bear in mind that pets are not permitted. }} * {{sleep | name=Saftec Hotels | alt= | url= | email= | address= Plot 5450, Along Broadcasting Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +234 817 513 4059 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-12-19 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Brighter Suites Limited, Minna | alt= | url= | email= | address=Western Bye Pass, Dutsen Kura Gwari | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-12-19 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Gurara Suites | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=opposite House of Assembly Quarters | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-12-19 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Princess Az-Zahra Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address= Zarumai Road| lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+234 703 683 4826 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-12-19 | content= This is a 2-star hotel }} == Stay safe == It is advisable when travelling by bus to use only the ones from registered motor parks. The reason is due to security reason as there is a rise in abduction cases in the State. Please do use only these vehicles as the use of private vehicles for commercial purposes was banned and anyone caught in the act would be prosecuted except those given special permit by the government. The registered motor parks in Minna are: Abdulsalam, Central, Kpakungu Limawa, NSTA, Mobile, Peace Travel Nice Travel and Kure Market motor parks. == Connect == == Go next == * [[Bida]] * [[Kontagora]] * [[Zungeru]] * [[Kaduna]] {{IsPartOf|Niger State}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|9.613889|6.556944|zoom=13}} {{Mapmask|9.6581,6.5595|9.6606,6.5552|9.6591,6.5431|9.6581,6.5351|9.6615,6.5292|9.6589,6.5248|9.6514,6.5115|9.6404,6.5107|9.6320,6.5132|9.6231,6.5074|9.6077,6.4998|9.5959,6.4905|9.5933,6.4913|9.5866,6.5048|9.5883,6.5166|9.5849,6.5250|9.5841,6.5342|9.5807,6.5426|9.5816,6.5519|9.5816,6.5540|9.5816,6.5595|9.5877,6.5725|9.5883,6.5738|9.5889,6.5756|9.5917,6.5838|9.5935,6.5860|9.5947,6.5873|9.5964,6.5892|9.5975,6.5906|9.6051,6.5939|9.6160,6.5939|9.6189,6.5937|9.6261,6.5931|9.6320,6.5881|9.6378,6.5815|9.6379,6.5813|9.6438,6.5780|9.6539,6.5746|9.6581,6.5679|9.6581,6.5595}} cfsutgr6z96lbp1q4lczop1glgbrsm1 0 188039 5087041 4658390 2025-07-03T09:13:04Z Lazarus1255 2236161 5087041 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Tavares Banner.jpg}} '''Tavares''' is a town in [[Lake County (Florida)|Lake County]], [[Florida]]. ==Understand== [[File:Old Tavares, FL ACL Depot Fire Department-1.JPG|thumb|300px|Firehouse and former rail depot]] ===History=== Tavares, like its neighbors Mt. Dora and Eustis, is a small town, and in 2020 its population was 19,000. In 1880, New Orleans businessman of Portuguese ancestry Alexander St. Clair-Abrams founded and named the town. St. Clair-Abrams hoped the town would be made Florida's state capital, but that honor ultimately went to Tallahassee, and Tavares was made the Lake County's seat instead. However, the businessman and founder continued his efforts to promote the town by building a railroad connecting it to [[Orlando]] to the east. Today, the town is known for its seaplane base and is consequently known as "America's Seaplane City". Alexander's son Alfred, a local politician who killed one of his political rivals following an allegedly rigged election, lived in Tavares and died in the town nearly twenty years after the assassination. ===Geography=== Tavares is on an isthmus between Lake Eustis to the north and Lake Dora to the south. Meanwhile, the city of Eustis is to the northeast, and Lake Harris is to the west of Tavares. ==Get in== ===By car=== US-441 passes Tavares on its north side, between the lakes. From this road, North St. Clair Abrams Ave goes south to the downtown area near the north shore of Lake Dora. FL-19, Duncan Dr, goes from Howey-in-the-Hills north across Lake Harris to Tavares. ==Get around== The downtown area is small, and the town is spread over a small area due to its presence between two lakes, Dora and Eustis. ==See== {{mapframe|28.8016|-81.7267|zoom=15}} * {{see | name=Lake County Historical Museum | alt= | url=https://lakecountyhistoricalmuseum.org/ | email= | address=317 W Main Street | lat=28.8018 | long=-81.7307 | directions=southeastern corner of junction of Main and Sinclair | phone=+1 352 343-9890 | tollfree= | hours=Tu–F 10AM–3PM | price= | lastedit=2021-10-17 | content= }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Tavares Recreation Park | alt= | url=https://www.tavares.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Tavares-Recreation-Park-11 | email= | address=2030 W Burleigh Blvd | lat=28.8127 | long=-81.7468 | directions= | phone=+1 352 742-6319 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-10-17 | content=Offers a boat ramp onto Lake Eustis on the northwest side of town. }} * {{do | name=Tavares Seaplane Base | alt= | url=https://www.tavares.org/1217/Seaplane-Base-FA1 | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 352 742-6267 | tollfree= | hours=9AM–5PM | price= | wikidata=Q7689032 | lastedit=2021-10-17 | content=A labeled picture of the marina/seaplane area can be found on the [https://tavares.org/1278/Marina-Fuel-Dock-Transient-Dock city website]. }} ==Buy== ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Fish Camp on Lake Eustis | alt=Fish Camp Restaurant Waterfront | url=https://fishcamponlakeeustis.com/ | email= | address=901 Lake Shore Blvd | lat=28.8104 | long=-81.7368 | directions= | phone=+1 352 742-4400 | tollfree= | hours=Su–Th 11AM–8PM, F–Sa 11AM–9PM | price=medium | lastedit=2021-10-18 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Hurricane Dockside Grill | alt= | url=https://www.hurricanedockside.com/tavares | email=hurricane1104@rrremcrestaurants.com | address=3351 W Burleigh Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 352 508-5137 | tollfree= | hours=Su–Th 11AM–9PM, F–Sa 11AM–10PM | price= | lastedit=2021-10-17 | content=One of four of the restaurant's locations. }} * {{eat | name=Ruby Street Grille | alt= | url=http://rubystreetgrille.com/ | email= | address=221 E Ruby St | lat=28.8017 | long=-81.7263 | directions= | phone=+1 352 742-7829 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-10-17 | content=American and Italian-American cuisine. Live music W–Su. Bar and indoor and outdoor dining. }} ==Drink== * {{drink | name=Brü Tap House | alt= | url=https://www.brutaphouse.com/bru-tap-house/ | email= | address=143 E Main St | lat=28.8028 | long=-81.727 | directions= | phone=+1 352 508-9321 | tollfree= | hours=Tu–Th 3–11PM, F–Sa noon–midnight, Su noon–9PM | price= | lastedit=2021-10-17 | content=The BTW is down the road at 115 E Main St. }} * {{drink | name=O'Keefe's Irish Pub | alt= | url=https://okeefesirishpub.net/ | email= | address=115 S Rockingham Ave | lat=28.8016 | long=-81.7267 | directions= | phone=+1 352 343-2157 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 4–9PM, Sa 11AM–10PM, Su 11AM–8PM (2021) | price= | lastedit=2021-10-17 | content= }} ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tavares - Leesburg | alt= | url=https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/tavares/tvrfl/hoteldetail | email=holidayinntavares@hdghotels.com | address=3601 W Burleigh Blvd | lat=28.8158 | long=-81.7653 | directions=US-441 | phone=+1 352 742-1600 | tollfree= | checkin=4PM | checkout=11AM | price=$99+ per night (2021) | lastedit=2021-10-17 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Citrus On the Lake Boutique Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.hotelcitrus.com/ | email= | address=199 W Ruby St | lat=28.8009 | long=-81.7299 | directions= | phone=+1 352-742-7676 | tollfree= | checkin=4PM | checkout=11AM | price= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Mission Inn Resort & Club | alt= | url=https://missioninnresort.com/ | email=reservations@missioninnresort.com | address=10400 County Road 48, Howey-in-the-Hills | lat=28.7266 | long=-81.7864 | directions= | phone=+1 352-505-1104 | tollfree=+1 800 874-9053 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2021-10-17 | content=Golf-oriented resort with the El Campeón and Las Colinas Golf Courses. }} ==Connect== ==Go next== * [[Mount Dora]] to the east, on the other side of the lake {{IsPartOf|Lake County (Florida)}} {{usablecity}} {{geo|28.801667|-81.733611|zoom=13}} 3pkf3nuk2l8xz1gkoyd7jcij7ct95p5 3 188837 5087029 5085919 2025-07-03T08:25:51Z ArchiverBot 469122 Bot: Archiving 2 threads (older than 14 days) to [[User talk:SHB2000/Archive 2025]] 5087029 wikitext text/x-wiki {{DISPLAYTITLE:<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">User talk:SHB2000</span>}} {{User stressed}} {{/header}} <!--{{Archive basics |archive = User talk:SHB2000/Archive 2024 |counter = 1 }}--> {{Auto archiving |archive = User talk:SHB2000/Archive 2025 |algo = old(14d) |counter = 1 |minthreadsleft = 1 |minthreadstoarchive = 1 |archiveheader = {{talk archive}} }} == Tech News: 2025-26 == <section begin="technews-2025-W26"/><div class="plainlinks"> Latest '''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News|tech news]]''' from the Wikimedia technical community. Please tell other users about these changes. Not all changes will affect you. [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/2025/26|Translations]] are available. '''Weekly highlight''' * This week, the Moderator Tools and Machine Learning teams will continue the rollout of [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/2025 RecentChanges Language Agnostic Revert Risk Filtering|a new filter to Recent Changes]], releasing it to the third and last batch of Wikipedias. This filter utilizes the Revert Risk model, which was created by the Research team, to highlight edits that are likely to be reverted and help Recent Changes patrollers identify potentially problematic contributions. The feature will be rolled out to the following Wikipedias: {{int:project-localized-name-azwiki/en}}{{int:comma-separator/en}}{{int:project-localized-name-lawiki/en}}{{int:comma-separator/en}}{{int:project-localized-name-mkwiki/en}}{{int:comma-separator/en}}{{int:project-localized-name-mlwiki/en}}{{int:comma-separator/en}}{{int:project-localized-name-mrwiki/en}}{{int:comma-separator/en}}{{int:project-localized-name-nnwiki/en}}{{int:comma-separator/en}}{{int:project-localized-name-pawiki/en}}{{int:comma-separator/en}}{{int:project-localized-name-swwiki/en}}{{int:comma-separator/en}}{{int:project-localized-name-tewiki/en}}{{int:comma-separator/en}}{{int:project-localized-name-tlwiki/en}}. The rollout will continue in the coming weeks to include [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/2025 RecentChanges Language Agnostic Revert Risk Filtering|the rest of the Wikipedias in this project]]. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T391964] '''Updates for editors''' * Last week, [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Trust and Safety Product/Temporary Accounts|temporary accounts]] were rolled out on Czech, Korean, and Turkish Wikipedias. This and next week, deployments on larger Wikipedias will follow. [[mw:Talk:Trust and Safety Product/Temporary Accounts|Share your thoughts]] about the project. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T340001] * Later this week, the Editing team will release [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Help:Edit check#Multi check|Multi Check]] to all Wikipedias (except English Wikipedia). This feature shows multiple [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Help:Edit check#Reference check|Reference checks]] within the editing experience. This encourages users to add citations when they add multiple new paragraphs to a Wikipedia article. This feature was previously available as an A/B test. [https://analytics.wikimedia.org/published/reports/editing/multi_check_ab_test_report_final.html#summary-of-results The test shows] that users who are shown multiple checks are 1.3 times more likely to add a reference to their edit, and their edit is less likely to be reverted (-34.7%). [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T395519] * A few pages need to be renamed due to software updates and to match more recent Unicode standards. All of these changes are related to title-casing changes. Approximately 71 pages and 3 files will be renamed, across 15 wikis; the complete list is in [[phab:T396903|the task]]. The developers will rename these pages next week, and they will fix redirects and embedded file links a few minutes later via a system settings update. * [[File:Octicons-sync.svg|12px|link=|class=skin-invert|Recurrent item]] View all {{formatnum:24}} community-submitted {{PLURAL:24|task|tasks}} that were [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/Recently resolved community tasks|resolved last week]]. For example, a bug was fixed that had caused pages to scroll upwards when text near the top was selected. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T364023] '''Updates for technical contributors''' * Editors can now use Lua modules to filter and transform tabular data for use with [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Extension:Chart|Extension:Chart]]. This can be used for things like selecting a subset of rows or columns from the source data, converting between units, statistical processing, and many other useful transformations. [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Extension:Chart/Transforms|Information on how to use transforms is available]]. [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Extension:Chart/Project/Updates] * The <code dir=ltr>all_links</code> variable in [[Special:AbuseFilter|AbuseFilter]] is now renamed to <code dir=ltr>new_links</code> for consistency with other variables. Old usages will still continue to work. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T391811] * [[File:Octicons-sync.svg|12px|link=|class=skin-invert|Recurrent item]] Detailed code updates later this week: [[mw:MediaWiki 1.45/wmf.7|MediaWiki]] '''In depth''' * The latest quarterly [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Growth/Newsletters/34|Growth newsletter]] is available. It includes: the recent updates for the "Add a Link" Task, two new Newcomer Engagement Features, and updates to Community Configuration. '''''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News|Tech news]]''' prepared by [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/Writers|Tech News writers]] and posted by [[m:Special:MyLanguage/User:MediaWiki message delivery|bot]]&nbsp;• [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News#contribute|Contribute]]&nbsp;• [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/2025/26|Translate]]&nbsp;• [[m:Tech|Get help]]&nbsp;• [[m:Talk:Tech/News|Give feedback]]&nbsp;• [[m:Global message delivery/Targets/Tech ambassadors|Subscribe or unsubscribe]].'' </div><section end="technews-2025-W26"/> <bdi lang="en" dir="ltr">[[User:MediaWiki message delivery|MediaWiki message delivery]]</bdi> 23:21, 23 June 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:Quiddity (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Global_message_delivery/Targets/Tech_ambassadors&oldid=28870688 --> == ''The Signpost'': 24 June 2025 == <div lang="en" dir="ltr" class="mw-content-ltr" style="margin-top:10px; font-size:90%; padding-left:5px; font-family:Georgia, Palatino, Palatino Linotype, Times, Times New Roman, serif;">[[File:WikipediaSignpostIcon.svg|40px|right]] ''News, reports and features from the English Wikipedia's newspaper''</div> <div style="column-count:2;"> * News and notes: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-06-24/News and notes|Happy 7 millionth!]] * In the media: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-06-24/In the media|Playing professor pong with prosecutorial discretion]] * Disinformation report: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-06-24/Disinformation report|Pardon me, Mr. President, have you seen my socks?]] * Recent research: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-06-24/Recent research|Wikipedia's political bias; "Ethical" LLMs accede to copyright owners' demands but ignore those of Wikipedians]] * Traffic report: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-06-24/Traffic report|All Sinners, a future, all Saints, a past]] * News from Diff: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-06-24/News from Diff|Call for candidates is now open: Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees]] * Opinion: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-06-24/Opinion|Russian Wiki-fork flails, failing readers and editors]] * Debriefing: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-06-24/Debriefing|EggRoll97's RfA² debriefing]] * Community view: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-06-24/Community view|A Deep Dive Into Wikimedia (part 3)]] * Comix: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-06-24/Comix|Hamburgers]] </div> <div style="margin-top:10px; font-size:90%; padding-left:5px; font-family:Georgia, Palatino, Palatino Linotype, Times, Times New Roman, serif;">'''[[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost|Read this Signpost in full]]''' · [[w:en:Wikipedia:Signpost/Single|Single-page]] · [[m:Global message delivery/Targets/Signpost|Unsubscribe]] · [[m:Global message delivery|Global message delivery]] 02:32, 24 June 2025 (UTC) <!-- Sent via script ([[w:en:User:JPxG/SPS]]) --></div> <!-- Message sent by User:Bri@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Global_message_delivery/Targets/Signpost&oldid=28849846 --> == This Month in Education: June 2025 == <div class="plainlinks" lang="en" dir="ltr"> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00A7E2; font-size:2.9em; font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">This Month in Education</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00A7E2; font-size:1.4em; font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> Volume 14 • Issue 6 • June 2025</span> <div style="border-top:1px solid #a2a9b1; border-bottom:1px solid #a2a9b1; padding:0.5em; font-size:larger; margin-bottom:0.2em">[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/Newsletter/June 2025|Contents]] • [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/Newsletter/June 2025/Headlines|Headlines]] • [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Global message delivery/Targets/This Month in Education|Subscribe]]</div> <div style="color:white; font-size:1.8em; font-family:Montserrat; background:#92BFB1;">In This Issue</div></div> <div style="text-align: left; column-count: 2; column-width: 35em;"> * [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/News/June 2025/Albanian high school students at the Wikimedia Youth Conference 2025 in Prague|Albanian high school students at the Wikimedia Youth Conference 2025 in Prague]] * [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/News/June 2025/Bolivia has 20 new teachers graduated from the Let's Read Wikipedia in the Classroom program|Bolivia has 20 new teachers graduated from the Let's Read Wikipedia in the Classroom program]] * [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/News/June 2025/Brazil was present at the EduWiki Conference 2025 in Bogota|Brazil was present at the EduWiki Conference 2025 in Bogota]] * [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/News/June 2025/Does Wikipedia has future in the times of Chat-GPT|Does Wikipedia has future in the times of Chat-GPT]] * [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/News/June 2025/PhilWiki Community promotes accessible multilingual stories for children|PhilWiki Community promotes accessible multilingual stories for children]] * [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/News/June 2025/Reading and Editing Wikipedia in a Bangladeshi College|Reading and Editing Wikipedia in a Bangladeshi College]] * [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/News/June 2025/Wikimedia MKD's Workshops in June|Wikimedia MKD's Workshops in June]] * [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/News/June 2025/Wikipedia meets 2500 Ukrainian educators at the country’s biggest education festival|Wikipedia meets 2500 Ukrainian educators at the country’s biggest education festival]] </div> <div style="margin-top:10px; text-align: center; font-size:90%; padding-left:5px; font-family:Georgia, Palatino, Palatino Linotype, Times, Times New Roman, serif;">[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/Newsletter/About|About ''This Month in Education'']] · [[m:Global message delivery/Targets/This Month in Education|Subscribe/Unsubscribe]] · [[m:Special:MyLanguage/MassMessage|Global message delivery]] · For the team: [[:m:User:ZI Jony|ZI Jony]] 07:19, 27 June 2025 (UTC)</div> </div> <!-- Message sent by User:ZI Jony@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Global_message_delivery/Targets/This_Month_in_Education&oldid=28903832 --> == Lint == A minor issue for some time in the future ... There's a couple of Lint issues with [[User:SHB2000/delete_template]] and/or [[Template:Mbox]]. They are both listed in [[Special:LintErrors/misnested-tag]] and [[Special:LintErrors/missing-end-tag]]. -- [[Special:Contributions/92.21.143.196|92.21.143.196]] 15:00, 28 June 2025 (UTC) == [[Bathurst (New South Wales)]] == The above page is listed in [[Special:LintErrors/missing-end-tag]] claiming a missing closing <code>span</code> tag. The page also uses [[Template:Routebox2]]. I don't know from which one the error originates. The above page also makes at least one call to [[Module:WikidataIB/nolinks]] which does not exist. I don't know if that is part of the same error, or not. -- [[Special:Contributions/92.21.137.132|92.21.137.132]] 16:57, 28 June 2025 (UTC) :I cannot seem to find the missing end tag either. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 23:41, 28 June 2025 (UTC) :: I fed the page into the W3C HTML Validator, thinking that might highlight the position of the error and it [https://validator.w3.org/nu/?doc=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikivoyage.org%2Fwiki%2FBathurst_%28New_South_Wales%29 barfed] big time. I had no idea that the underlying HTML code for the site had so many problems. -- [[Special:Contributions/92.21.137.132|92.21.137.132]] 00:00, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::Probs worth bringing it up in the [[WV:PUB|pub]] in that case then. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:50, 29 June 2025 (UTC) == Speedy == Many thanks for actioning the five [[:Category:Speedy deletion candidates|speedy]] requests that built up over several days. The [[User:KlekboR]] gibberish still shows up as a copy of a global user page originating at meta.wikimedia. Not sure if you noticed that, or if it's out of your reach. -- [[Special:Contributions/92.21.137.132|92.21.137.132]] 00:55, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :I did notice that and I am a sysop there; however, I didn't delete it on Meta because it doesn't exactly merit the criteria for speedy deletion over there (and unlikely that a Meta RfD will succeed). //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 00:59, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::The original junk page was listed in [[:Category:Pages with ignored display titles]] or somesuch category that I was cleaning up, and now it isn't - so it's all good. Thanks again. -- [[Special:Contributions/92.21.137.132|92.21.137.132]] 01:07, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :::Not a problem and glad to help! :) //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 01:11, 30 June 2025 (UTC) == Tech News: 2025-27 == <section begin="technews-2025-W27"/><div class="plainlinks"> Latest '''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News|tech news]]''' from the Wikimedia technical community. Please tell other users about these changes. Not all changes will affect you. [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/2025/27|Translations]] are available. '''Weekly highlight''' * The [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Help:Extension:CampaignEvents|CampaignEvents extension]] has been enabled on all Wikipedias. The extension makes it easier to organize and participate in collaborative activities, like edit-a-thons and WikiProjects, on the wikis. The extension has three features: [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Event Center/Registration|Event Registration]], [[m:Special:MyLanguage/CampaignEvents/Collaboration list|Collaboration List]], and [[m:Campaigns/Foundation Product Team/Invitation list|Invitation List]]. To request the extension for your wiki, visit the [[m:Special:MyLanguage/CampaignEvents/Deployment status#How to Request the CampaignEvents Extension for your wiki|Deployment information page]]. '''Updates for editors''' * AbuseFilter maintainers can now [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Extension:IPReputation/AbuseFilter variables|match against IP reputation data]] in [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Extension:AbuseFilter|AbuseFilters]]. IP reputation data is information about the proxies and VPNs associated with the user's IP address. This data is not shown publicly and is not generated for actions performed by registered accounts. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T354599] * Hidden content that is within [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Manual:Collapsible elements|collapsible parts of wikipages]] will now be revealed when someone searches the page using the web browser's "Find in page" function (Ctrl+F or ⌘F) in supporting browsers. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T327893][https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/HTML/Reference/Global_attributes/hidden#browser_compatibility] * [[File:Octicons-gift.svg|12px|link=|class=skin-invert|Wishlist item]] A new feature, called [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Help:TemplateData/Template discovery|Favourite Templates]], will be deployed later this week on all projects (except English Wikipedia, which will receive the feature next week), following a piloting phase on Polish and Arabic Wikipedia, and Italian and English Wikisource. The feature will provide a better way for new and experienced contributors to recall and discover templates via the template dialog, by allowing users to put templates on a special "favourite list". The feature works with both the visual editor and the wikitext editor. The feature is a [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Community Wishlist/Focus areas/Template recall and discovery|community wishlist focus area]]. * [[File:Octicons-sync.svg|12px|link=|class=skin-invert|Recurrent item]] View all {{formatnum:31}} community-submitted {{PLURAL:31|task|tasks}} that were [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/Recently resolved community tasks|resolved last week]]. For example, a bug was fixed that had caused some Notifications to be sent multiple times. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T397103] '''Updates for technical contributors''' * [[File:Octicons-sync.svg|12px|link=|class=skin-invert|Recurrent item]] Detailed code updates later this week: [[mw:MediaWiki 1.45/wmf.8|MediaWiki]] '''''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News|Tech news]]''' prepared by [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/Writers|Tech News writers]] and posted by [[m:Special:MyLanguage/User:MediaWiki message delivery|bot]]&nbsp;• [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News#contribute|Contribute]]&nbsp;• [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/2025/27|Translate]]&nbsp;• [[m:Tech|Get help]]&nbsp;• [[m:Talk:Tech/News|Give feedback]]&nbsp;• [[m:Global message delivery/Targets/Tech ambassadors|Subscribe or unsubscribe]].'' </div><section end="technews-2025-W27"/> <bdi lang="en" dir="ltr">[[User:MediaWiki message delivery|MediaWiki message delivery]]</bdi> 23:41, 30 June 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:Quiddity (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Global_message_delivery/Targets/Tech_ambassadors&oldid=28917415 --> 3mc7t2n0a4y9w361di6x4v5fn32ykxj 0 189399 5086848 5046257 2025-07-02T23:35:04Z Ahmad M Sani 2328886 /* By bus */ 5086848 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Okene banner Mountain.jpg}} '''Okene''' is in [[central Nigeria]]. It is claimed to be one of the most beautiful places in the whole of West Africa, with a notable beautiful palace, referred to as "Azad's palace", which belongs to the king of Ebira Land, His Royal Majesty Alhaji Dr. Abdul Rahman Ado Ibrahim, the current Ohinoyi of Ebira land. == Understand == Okene is a town in Kogi state, south-central region of Nigeria. ==== History ==== Okene as a Local Government Area was created in 1976 from the division of Ebira also known as Igbira during the Administration of General Olusegun Obasanjo. The Ebira Tao people of Central Senatorial District of Kogi State are the same people of Okene LGA. ===Climate=== The temperature varies from 64°F to 91°F and it is rarely below 57°F or above 97°F throughout the year. The hot season starts from January 24 to April 14, with an average daily high temperature above 89°F. March is the hottest month of the year in Okene with an average high of 91°F and low of 72°F. The cool season is from June 19 to October 23 with an average daily high temperature below 83°F. August is the coldest month of the year with an average low of 69°F and high of 81°F. Early November to late February is the best time of year to visit Okene for hot-weather activities. == Get in == [[File:UBA Junction Okene.jpg|thumb|UBA Junction Okene]] Kogi shares a border with 10 other states. Travellers are provided with several options whether to travel by air or road. ===By plane=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport | alt={{IATA|ABV}} | url=http://abuja.airport-authority.com/ | email= | address= | lat=9.006806 | long=7.263194 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport | image=Abuja Airport Iwelumo-1.jpg | wikidata=Q525030 | content=International flights to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport are offered by several airlines, notably, Lufthansa, KLM, and British Airways. If arriving from the US, Delta Air Lines has a direct flight from New York JFK. Many visitors fly through connecting flights from Lagos. }} ===By bus=== You can travel to Kogi State by bus from major cities like Abuja, Lagos, Benin, Kano and Port Harcourt. Transportation companies such as ABC Transport (with air-conditioned luxurious bus rides), God is Good Motors (GIGM), Big Joe Motors, Chisco Transport (CTN) and Young Shall Grow, provide transport services from other parts of the country to the Kogi State. === By train === *{{marker|type=go|name=Itakpe Train Station|lat=7.6216|long=6.3222}} [http://nrc.gov.ng/ '''Nigeria Railway Corporation'''] has completed an inter-city line between Kogi, Abuja and [[Kaduna]], where you can connect with the rest of the Nigerian rail system. Trains arrive and depart from '''Itakpe'''. The train service offers three types of such as Economy, First Class and Sleeper. The schedules and current fairs can be found on the Nigeria Railway Corporation website. From Itakpe train station one can easily get a taxi/bus to Okene. == Get around == {{mapframe|7.55| 6.233333|zoom=11}} {{mapshape}} == See == * '''Ekuku dam''' Ekuku dam near Koroko reminds one of an old farm house. The Ekuku Dam in Okene is one of many natural landscapes in Kogi State. It is located in the far axis of Agassa in Okene with serene environment dominated by farmers. == Do == == Buy == Okene Central Market is a shopping store where you can buy things you desire. * {{buy | name=Okene central market | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=7.548117 | long=6.236938 | directions=G6XP+6QW | phone= | tollfree= | hours=5AM–7PM | price=₦1000 and more | lastedit=2021-12-17 | content=A shopping store where you can get distinguished items you wish to buy. }} == Eat == * {{eat | name=Marl Kitchen | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=7.551873 | long=6.237536 | directions= | phone=+234 703 327 8923 | tollfree= | hours=8AM-10PM | price=₦500 | lastedit=2021-12-17 | content=Marl kitchen is an eatery in Okene where you can get different meal of your choice. }} == Drink == == Stay safe== Kogi is a cool state, it is known to be relatively safe as there is no real chaos in the state, the environment is serene and peaceful. == Sleep == * {{sleep | name=Ramadat Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=Oniyeka Street, 264103, Okene | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+234 814 533 8048 | tollfree= | checkin=8AM | checkout=noon | price=₦5,000-20,0000 | lastedit=2022-04-22 | content= }} == Connect == == Go next == {{IsPartOf|North Central Nigeria}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|7.55|6.233333}} c0asfh8vnf7g51eph4b3avk1tlhdzef 0 189477 5086847 4986401 2025-07-02T23:31:05Z Ahmad M Sani 2328886 /* By bus */ 5086847 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Bida.poly Mosque gate.jpg|Bida.poly_Mosque_gate}} '''Bida''' is a Local Government Area in [[Niger State]], [[North Central Nigeria]]. It is a city located on the A124 highway which occupies most of the area It is located southwest of [[Minna]], capital of Niger State, and is a dry, arid town. == Understand == Bida has a population of 260,700 according to 2016 population projection and occupies an area of 421.6 km². Bida is the second to largest city in Niger state it is located in the southwest of Minna the state capital. Bida is one of the developed towns in Niger state. It is home to Federal polytechnic Bida, Federal medical centre and Niger state school of Nursing. The town is known for its production of traditional crafts, notably glass, bronze articrafts and brass wares. ==== Ethnicity ==== The major ethnic group is the Nupe. Bida is the headquarters of the Nupe Kingdom led by the Etsu Nupe (presently Etsu Yahaya Abubakar). The leadership style of the ancient town of Bida is emirship, and the head of the town is addressed as Etsu Nupe. Tribes in Bida include Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa, Igala and Gbagi, Ibira. ==== Districts ==== * Katcha * Enagi * Baddeggi * Agaie * Pategi * Lemu * Kutigi ==Get in== === By plane === Prospective visitors/tourists wishing to access Bida by air have to use of Minna Airport. {{go | name=Minna Airport | alt=IATA: MXJ, ICAO: DNMN | url= | email= | address= | lat=6.461648 | long=9.823977 | directions={{km|10}} northwest of Minna | phone=+234 1 280 0842 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-01-09 | content=Minna Airport operates domestic and international flights. One airline that serve Minna Airport is Overland Airways. The airport serves as an alternate airport to Abuja airport. }} === By bus === There are many bus transport companies that offer bus transportation to Bida from almost all major cities and states around the country. The buses are usually comfortable for short and long journeys. You can travel to Bida from some major cities like [[Minna]], [[Okene]], [[Ilorin]], [[Oshogbo]], [[Owo]], [[Ogbomosho]], [[Akure]], [[Kaduna]] amongst other states. Some of the transport companies are '''Nice Trove Motor Company''' (with air conditioned bus) (with air conditioned luxurious bus rides), '''Fut Transport Services''', '''Adamu Transport Services,''' and '''Peace Mass Transit''' '''Limited.''' {{go | name=Nice Trove Motor Company | alt= | url=https://nice-trove-motor-company.business.site/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=referral | email= | address=opp. Jatan Agro Solution, 912101, Bida | lat=6.033397 | long=9.207032 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-01-10 | content=Nice Trove Motor Company is one of the reliable transport companies in Bida, Niger State. }} ==Get around== {{mapframe|zoom=9|9.079680|6.009702}} The main forms of transportation in Bida are buses, carb and taxi. Most transport enters and leaves the city of Bida through Bida Main Garage Bus Station. ==See== *'''Kajuru Castle''' *'''Gurara Waterfalls:''' Is located in Gurara, a local government area of Niger State, North Central Nigeria. The waterfalls is approximately 30 metres in height and it lies on the Gurara River along the Suleja-Minna Road. Gurara Waterfalls was discovered by a Gwari hunter called Buba in 1745 before some Europeans discovered it in 1925 after they found it as a recreation centre. Prior to the discovery of the waterfalls by the Europeans, Gurara Waterfalls was worshipped by people living in communities around it. Oral history also has it that Gurara Waterfalls and Gurara River were named after two deities called Gura and Rara. *'''Erin Ijesha Waterfall:''' *'''Esie Museum''' *'''Bida Brass Works''' ==Do== * {{do | name=The Durbar festival | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1824110 | content=This is an annual festival celebrated at the culmination of the Muslim festivals Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. It begins with prayers, followed by a colourful mounted parade by the Emir and his entourage on horses accompanied by musicians, and artillerymen. During the festival, noblemen travel to pay homage to the Emir and reaffirm their loyalty to their various emirates. }} *'''The Nupe day festival''' is a traditional festival celebration which marks the day when the British Army was defeated by a native African Army on the 26 June 1896. The festival is celebrated annually on 26th June. The festival starts with prayers in both mosques and churches, respectively ''Sunday and Friday in the first and last day of the event'', the leader of occasion is the Etsu Nupe Etsu Yahaya Abubakar who is the chairman Niger State Traditional council of rulers, the event discuss in the rich cultural heritage and to prevent the tribe encounter's total extinction and include lecture of topic and issues concerning Nupe’s history, background, culture and development its also present a merit awards in agriculture sector to promoting agriculture in Nupeland. ==Buy== ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Tochukwu Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+234 810 0467277 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-03-31 | content=Take away, Dine-in, Good for kids, Casual. }} * {{eat | name=Spicy Palace | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+234 814 5907162 | tollfree= | hours=24hours | price= | lastedit=2022-03-31 | content=Delivery, Take away, Dine-in, Good for kids, Casual. }} * {{eat | name=Luqmaz Bakery | alt= | url= | email= | address=Masaba, Kotaworo road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+234 906 8888080 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-03-31 | content=Take away, good for kids, Casual. }} * {{eat | name=Calabar kitchen | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+234 803 2363405 | tollfree= | hours=7:30AM-6PM | price= | lastedit=2022-03-31 | content=Delivery, take away, Dine-in, fast service, healthy options, organic dishes, quick bite, vegetarian options, Good for kids, Casual. }} ==Drink== * {{drink | name=City Garden | alt= | url= | email= | address=Beside zallack, F. P. B. big gate side | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=24 hours | price= | lastedit=2022-03-31 | content=Take away, Alcohol, Beer, Toilets, Casual. }} * {{drink | name=District-9 Lounge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Behind ISIMI fuel station, 912211 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+234 806 5686442 | tollfree= | hours=24 hours | price= | lastedit=2022-03-31 | content=Temperature check, staff nose mask, delivery, take away, Dine-in, Live music, Live performance, Alcohol, Beer, Toilets, cocktails, dancing, food, happy hour drinks, spirits Wine, free WiFi. }} ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Taste Palace Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.tasteplace.com.ng/ | email= | address=Plot 195, BTP 16, opposite Federal Polytechnic Bida Small Gate, Doko, road, Bida 912211, Niger | lat=9.048488 | long=6.001741 | directions= | phone=+234 909 677 4238 | tollfree= | checkin=14:00 | checkout=12:00 | price= | lastedit=2024-08-03 | content= }} == Stay safe == It is advisable that visitors moving around in Bida should endeavour to move about in the company of the people who know Bida very well. It is also advisable that visitors should be careful and not to stay out late. ==Connect== ==Go next== From Bida you can go to some other cities and states in Nigeria like: * [[Minna]] * [[Okene]] * [[Ilorin]] * [[Oshogbo]] * [[Owo]] * [[Ogbomosho]] * [[Akure]] * [[Kaduna]] {{outlinecity}} {{geo|9.083333|6.016667|zoom=13}} {{IsPartOf|Niger State}} 1x3z0746spbcrtkl9e7abmsft6sye3a 0 189682 5086844 5048836 2025-07-02T23:22:10Z Ahmad M Sani 2328886 /* Understand */ 5086844 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Niger State banner Gurara falls.jpg|caption=Gurara falls}} :''For the country, see [[Niger]]'' '''Niger State''' is a state in the [[North Central Nigeria|middle belt region]] of [[Nigeria]]. ==Understand== The state capital is Minna, and Other major cities are Bida, Kontagora and Suleja. The state is named after the river Niger. It is home to Kainji Dam, Shiroro Dam and Zungeru Dam. ==Get in== ===By plane=== You can take a flight into Niger State. There is an Airport at Minna and other cities in the Niger state. ===By bus=== You can get a bus into Niger State. There are several bus terminals in the state. Getting a bus into Niger is fairly easy. ==Get around== You can get around the state via buses or cars. You can also move around with boats in some riverine communities. ==Cities== {{mapframe}}{{mapshape}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Minna]]|wikidata=Q994105}} — capital city of Niger State. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Bida]]|wikidata=Q3320844}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Jebba]]|wikidata=Q3509021}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Kontagora]]|wikidata=Q994129}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Suleja]]|wikidata=Q3505231}} – near the border of the [[Federal Capital Territory]] ==See== This state hosts a lot of dams and waterfalls along the Niger River, including the famous '''Gurara Falls'''. The waterfalls are approximately 30 m in height and lie on the Gurara river along the Suleja-Minna Road. Two of Nigeria's major hydroelectric power stations, the Kainji Dam and Shiroro Dam, are located in Niger State, along with the Zungeru Dam. The Jebba Dam straddles the border of Niger state and Kwara state. ==Do== '''[[Kainji National Park]]''' is the largest national park of Nigeria. It is home to Kainji Lake, the Borgu Game Reserve and the Zugurma Game Reserve. ==Eat== You can always get a local restaurant almost anywhere in this community. You can try their Dakuwa too. ==Connect== ==Go next== *[[Abuja]] *[[Kaduna]] *[[Kwara]] *[[Kogi State]] *[[Zamfara]] {{IsPartOf|North Central Nigeria}} {{outlineregion}} {{geo|10.00|6.00|zoom=8}} k4ff79hhplf9gqxp27yoh7exiojh3pe 5086846 5086844 2025-07-02T23:29:13Z Ikan Kekek 36420 /* By plane */ If there are other airports, mention them. Just stating vaguely that they exist is useless. 5086846 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Niger State banner Gurara falls.jpg|caption=Gurara falls}} :''For the country, see [[Niger]]'' '''Niger State''' is a state in the [[North Central Nigeria|middle belt region]] of [[Nigeria]]. ==Understand== The state capital is Minna, and Other major cities are Bida, Kontagora and Suleja. The state is named after the river Niger. It is home to Kainji Dam, Shiroro Dam and Zungeru Dam. ==Get in== ===By plane=== You can take a flight into Niger State. There is an airport at [[Minna]]. ===By bus=== You can get a bus into Niger State. There are several bus terminals in the state. Getting a bus into Niger is fairly easy. ==Get around== You can get around the state via buses or cars. You can also move around with boats in some riverine communities. ==Cities== {{mapframe}}{{mapshape}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Minna]]|wikidata=Q994105}} — capital city of Niger State. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Bida]]|wikidata=Q3320844}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Jebba]]|wikidata=Q3509021}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Kontagora]]|wikidata=Q994129}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Suleja]]|wikidata=Q3505231}} – near the border of the [[Federal Capital Territory]] ==See== This state hosts a lot of dams and waterfalls along the Niger River, including the famous '''Gurara Falls'''. The waterfalls are approximately 30 m in height and lie on the Gurara river along the Suleja-Minna Road. Two of Nigeria's major hydroelectric power stations, the Kainji Dam and Shiroro Dam, are located in Niger State, along with the Zungeru Dam. The Jebba Dam straddles the border of Niger state and Kwara state. ==Do== '''[[Kainji National Park]]''' is the largest national park of Nigeria. It is home to Kainji Lake, the Borgu Game Reserve and the Zugurma Game Reserve. ==Eat== You can always get a local restaurant almost anywhere in this community. You can try their Dakuwa too. ==Connect== ==Go next== *[[Abuja]] *[[Kaduna]] *[[Kwara]] *[[Kogi State]] *[[Zamfara]] {{IsPartOf|North Central Nigeria}} {{outlineregion}} {{geo|10.00|6.00|zoom=8}} 9vcjpz0cmdc80zhxc65uh6li2saos9u 2 193745 5086853 5084379 2025-07-02T23:47:06Z 92.21.137.132 Comment out __INDEX__ magic word to remove page from [[:Category:Indexed pages]]. 5086853 wikitext text/x-wiki <!-- {{DISPLAYTITLE:SaddleBrooke, Arizona}} --> {{pagebanner|https://saddlebrookecommunity.files.wordpress.com/2022/05/ef139270-070d-4a0e-8d1f-f41fc224dfd7.jpeg|caption=SaddleBrooke Community}} '''SaddleBrooke''' is in [[Region name|South Central Arizona]]. == Understand == [https://saddlebrookecommunity.wordpress.com/ SaddleBrooke] is the name for a census defined area located in South Central Arizona, about 20 miles north of Tucson. It is in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains.The area is known for an abundance of open green space and views of the adjacent mountains. It is anchored by a large active adult retirement community, which is also named SaddleBrooke.It is part of the Tucson metro area. At 3400 ft. elevation the area enjoys cooler temperatures than the valleys of Tucson or Phoenix. == Get in == * '''Drive''' to SaddleBrooke. State Highway 77 (oracle road) is located just west of the community. The subdivision of Eagle Crest is located at the junction with SaddleBrooke Blvd. The main entrance to the SaddleBrooke Retirement Community is accessed by driving east past from Highway 77 on E. SaddleBrooke Blvd. * '''Bicycle''' to SaddleBrooke. Bicycling anywhere in the Tucson Metro area is extremely popular. Many of the main roads in the SaddleBrooke community have delineated golf cart/ bicycling lanes. Mornings can be very busy for walkers and cyclists. Nearby the Tucson Loop Trail has over 100 miles of shared paved paths. Cyclists can bicycle from downtown Tucson on the Loop Trail to an area just south of the community on a dedicated paved cycling path. * '''Hiking''' is available directly from the SaddleBrooke retirement community. State Trust and National Forest land border the community boundaries. == See == * '''[https://biosphere2.org/ Biosphere]''' 32540 A Biosphere Rd, Mile marker 96.5 (just north of SaddleBrooke on Hwy 77), ☏ +1 520-838-6139, dunlapc@email.arizona.edu. 9AM-4PM daily, no reservations required. This unique facility was designed as an artificially closed complete ecology, and was the setting for research on human interaction with natural systems. The site is now owned and maintained by the University of Arizona, which conducts tours for the public. * [https://saddlebrookecommunity.wordpress.com/saddlebrooke-two-desertview-complex-2/ '''DesertView Performing Arts Theater'''.] Live Concerts and other events at the 480-seat event center. == Parks and Outdoor Activities == * [https://azstateparks.com/oracle/ '''Oracle State Park''',] 3820 E Wildlife Dr. ☏ +1 520-896-2425. April–October, 8-5PM daily. A historic 4,000-acre ranch in the northern foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains. The Kannally ranch now houses the Environmental Learning Center, a small museum. The park offers opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and horse riding * '''[https://azstateparks.com/catalina/ Catalina State Park]''' 11570 N. Oracle Rd Tucson, AZ 85737.Over 5000 acres adjacent to National Forest land. hiking, birdwatching, camping. * '''The [https://webcms.pima.gov/government/the_loop/ Chuck Huckleberry Loop Trail]''' Multi use paved cycling/ walking trail. Over 100 miles. * '''[https://saddlebrookecommunity.wordpress.com/saddlebrooke-golf-2-full-18-courses/ MountainView and Preserve Golf Courses]'''   * <mapframe latitude="32.537841" longitude="-110.88913" zoom="10" width="200" height="100" align="right" /> == Buy == * '''SaddleBrooke Mini Mart Shopping Center'''. 63715 E SaddleBrooke Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85739 Bank, Gas, Doctors office, Pharmacy, Small mini mart, Hair. * '''Friday Morning Farmers Market''' 38759 S MountainView Blvd • Tucson, AZ 85739 Small outdoor market, fresh vegetables, breads, crafts,etc. * '''MountainView Pro Shop'''. 38691 S Mountain View Blvd SaddleBrooke, AZ Clothing, sporting goods. == Eat == * '''[https://sbhoa2.org/dining MountainView Bar and Grill]''' 38759 S MountainView Blvd • Tucson, AZ 85739 * '''[https://sbhoa2.org/dining Preserve Restaurant Bar and Grill].''' 66567 E Catalina Hills Drive, Tucson (Saddlebrooke Blvd and left at Catalina Hills Road (directions not on all gps units)), ☏ +1 520-825-3028. W-Su 11AM-8PM. Restaurant with bar in the foothills of Catalina Mountains. Outdoor seating available. Call to ask for reservations are needed. Or online at opentables. Locals' and travelers' favorite for spectacular mountain views. WiFi available == Sleep == Hotels available in Oracle, Catalina, and Oro Valley. == Connect == [https://saddlebrookecommunity.wordpress.com/ SaddleBrooke Community Guide] == Go next == Santa Catalina Mountains Tucson {{IsPartOf|Tucson}}{{outlinecity}}{{geo||}} {{DEFAULTSORT:SaddleBrooke,AZ}}<!-- __INDEX__ --> __NEWSECTIONLINK__ __NOTOC__ __NOEDITSECTION__ okpmkdfhgw17r6e7vuajda2c30g8nz7 0 195397 5086833 5014497 2025-07-02T23:08:30Z Halilu Liman 2328884 5086833 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Dutse page banner.jpg}} [[File:Dutse 3.jpg|thumb|Dutse town from the top of Saminu Turaki Tower]] '''Dutse''' is a capital city of [[Jigawa State]], [[Nigeria]]. Dutse is also the largest city of Jigawa State with an estimated population of 153,000 (2009 census). == Get in == {{Mapframe|11.71597|9.3556|zoom=13}} {{Mapshape}} * {{go | name=Dutse International Airport | alt={{IATA|LOS}} | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q29017968 | content=You can fly in from most states in Nigeria like ([[Lagos]], [[Abuja]], [[Kaduna]], [[Akure]]) and other places. }} ==Get around== == See == * {{see | name=Saminu Turaki Tower | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.69251 | long=9.341341 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Ibrahim Saminu Turaki TOWER 02.jpg | content=The Ibrahim Saminu Turaki's Tower is one of Jigawa's most popular and iconic tourist attractions. Built by Ibrahim Saminu Turaki the former Governor of Jigawa State. }} * {{see | name=Garu Palace | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.738199 | long=9.348524 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dutse Emirate | image=Dutse Emir Palace.jpg | wikidata=Q123117429 | content=The Garu Emir's Palace is a major tourist attraction located in the city of Dutse, the capital city of Jigawa State, Nigeria. It is popular for its Hausa architecture and decoration. }} * {{see | name=Dutse Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.737665 | long=9.34841 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Dutse Museum.jpg | wikidata=Q112033360 | content=The Dutse Museum is next to Garu Emir's Palace. }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Dutse Stadium | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.70244 | long=9.334004 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Dutse Stadium is a national stadium used for international and local friendly and competitive football matches and other sports. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Dutse Sagwari Corner Shops | alt= | url= | email= | address=Liberated St, Sagwari Layout | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-10-06 | content=Shopping mall. }} * {{buy | name=Sahad Store Dutse | alt=Sahad Store | url= | email= | address=Government House Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-10-06 | content=Shopping mall. }} * {{buy | name=Sahad Stores Ltd | alt= | url= | email= | address=C10/C11 Sani Abacha Way | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+234 803 779 3916 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content= Dealer in all sort of food items, electrical goods, fitness equipment, salon products and accessories among others. }} * {{buy | name=Sky Point Grocery| alt= | url= | email= | address=1, Dutse Alhaji Street Zone 3 Junction | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+234 806 211 3559 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content= Dealer in all sort of canned goods, baked foods, diary products and other ranges of grocery items. }} * Dutse Ultra Modern Market, Ibrahim Aliyu Way Bypass ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Hasinah Confectionery and Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=Abdullahi Mai Kano way | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+234 704 700 6060 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Yahuza Suya Spot Nig Ltd | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+234 704 442 2200 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content= }} ==Drink== * {{drink | name=Zobo | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-10-06 | content=Zobo, sometimes referred to as Zoborodo, or hibiscus tea, is one of the most well-known drinks in Dutse. }} ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Eze Best Guest Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=Takur Adua | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-10-06 | content= }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Dutse Royal Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+234 806 803 0403 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= best inquire personally | lastedit= | content= Pool, hotel tower, fitness centre, restaurant with breakfast. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Tahir Hotel and Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=Ibrahim Aliyu Way Bypass| lat= | long= | directions= | phone=| tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=₦20,350 | lastedit= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Danmusa Guest House | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jigawa 720101, Jigawa | lat=11.714769 | long=9.36002 | directions= | phone=+234 803 574 3544 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=4500 to 10,000₦ | lastedit=2024-11-18 | content=A budget-friendly and locally accessible hotel suitable for both short and long stays. It is conveniently located near churches and within a short distance of a Juma'at mosque, making it an ideal choice for individuals seeking a peaceful stay, regardless of whether they are Muslim or Christian. }} ==Go next== * [[Hadejia]] * [[Kazaure]] * [[Gumel]] * [[Kano]] {{outlinecity}} {{IsPartOf|Jigawa State}} {{geo||}} 30kimbxa5g7b95s0zg5evv3sdli8a71 5086840 5086833 2025-07-02T23:15:09Z Ikan Kekek 36420 This is better English to me. If the other phrasing is standard in Nigeria, change it back. Undo revision [[Special:Diff/5086833|5086833]] by [[Special:Contributions/Halilu Liman|Halilu Liman]] ([[User talk:Halilu Liman|talk]]) 5086840 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Dutse page banner.jpg}} [[File:Dutse 3.jpg|thumb|Dutse town from the top of Saminu Turaki Tower]] '''Dutse''' is a capital city of [[Jigawa State]], [[Nigeria]]. Dutse is also the largest city in Jigawa State with an estimated population of 153,000 (2009 census). == Get in == {{Mapframe|11.71597|9.3556|zoom=13}} {{Mapshape}} * {{go | name=Dutse International Airport | alt={{IATA|LOS}} | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q29017968 | content=You can fly in from most states in Nigeria like ([[Lagos]], [[Abuja]], [[Kaduna]], [[Akure]]) and other places. }} ==Get around== == See == * {{see | name=Saminu Turaki Tower | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.69251 | long=9.341341 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Ibrahim Saminu Turaki TOWER 02.jpg | content=The Ibrahim Saminu Turaki's Tower is one of Jigawa's most popular and iconic tourist attractions. Built by Ibrahim Saminu Turaki the former Governor of Jigawa State. }} * {{see | name=Garu Palace | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.738199 | long=9.348524 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dutse Emirate | image=Dutse Emir Palace.jpg | wikidata=Q123117429 | content=The Garu Emir's Palace is a major tourist attraction located in the city of Dutse, the capital city of Jigawa State, Nigeria. It is popular for its Hausa architecture and decoration. }} * {{see | name=Dutse Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.737665 | long=9.34841 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Dutse Museum.jpg | wikidata=Q112033360 | content=The Dutse Museum is next to Garu Emir's Palace. }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Dutse Stadium | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.70244 | long=9.334004 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Dutse Stadium is a national stadium used for international and local friendly and competitive football matches and other sports. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Dutse Sagwari Corner Shops | alt= | url= | email= | address=Liberated St, Sagwari Layout | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-10-06 | content=Shopping mall. }} * {{buy | name=Sahad Store Dutse | alt=Sahad Store | url= | email= | address=Government House Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-10-06 | content=Shopping mall. }} * {{buy | name=Sahad Stores Ltd | alt= | url= | email= | address=C10/C11 Sani Abacha Way | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+234 803 779 3916 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content= Dealer in all sort of food items, electrical goods, fitness equipment, salon products and accessories among others. }} * {{buy | name=Sky Point Grocery| alt= | url= | email= | address=1, Dutse Alhaji Street Zone 3 Junction | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+234 806 211 3559 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content= Dealer in all sort of canned goods, baked foods, diary products and other ranges of grocery items. }} * Dutse Ultra Modern Market, Ibrahim Aliyu Way Bypass ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Hasinah Confectionery and Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=Abdullahi Mai Kano way | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+234 704 700 6060 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Yahuza Suya Spot Nig Ltd | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+234 704 442 2200 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content= }} ==Drink== * {{drink | name=Zobo | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-10-06 | content=Zobo, sometimes referred to as Zoborodo, or hibiscus tea, is one of the most well-known drinks in Dutse. }} ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Eze Best Guest Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=Takur Adua | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-10-06 | content= }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Dutse Royal Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+234 806 803 0403 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= best inquire personally | lastedit= | content= Pool, hotel tower, fitness centre, restaurant with breakfast. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Tahir Hotel and Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=Ibrahim Aliyu Way Bypass| lat= | long= | directions= | phone=| tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=₦20,350 | lastedit= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Danmusa Guest House | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jigawa 720101, Jigawa | lat=11.714769 | long=9.36002 | directions= | phone=+234 803 574 3544 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=4500 to 10,000₦ | lastedit=2024-11-18 | content=A budget-friendly and locally accessible hotel suitable for both short and long stays. It is conveniently located near churches and within a short distance of a Juma'at mosque, making it an ideal choice for individuals seeking a peaceful stay, regardless of whether they are Muslim or Christian. }} ==Go next== * [[Hadejia]] * [[Kazaure]] * [[Gumel]] * [[Kano]] {{outlinecity}} {{IsPartOf|Jigawa State}} {{geo||}} 6o1bub5bcktx2jpozlpj6wxj7m2t7yw 0 199160 5086837 5061978 2025-07-02T23:11:51Z Halilu Liman 2328884 /* Understand */ 5086837 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Hadejia banner.jpg|caption=Emirs Palace Hadejia}} [[File:Hadejia 14.jpg|thumb|Hadejia Town]] '''Hadejia''' is a town in [[Jigawa State]], [[Nigeria]]. It is situated on the Hadejia River and is known for its agricultural activities, particularly in rice cultivation. == Understand == Hadejia is estimated to have about180,000 people as in 2022.<!-- according to https://citypopulation.de/en/nigeria/admin/jigawa/NGA018013__hadejia/ --> The majority of the population belongs to the Hausa ethnic group and speaks [[Hausa phrasebook|Hausa]]. Hadejia is the headquarters of the Hadejia Local Government Area and serves as the administrative center of the Hadejia Emirate. The Hadejia Emirate is one of the traditional emirates in Nigeria and has a long history dating back several centuries. The emirate is known for its cultural festivals and plays a significant role in local administration and preserving the cultural heritage of the area. == Get in == ===By plane=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport | alt={{IATA|KAN}} | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport | wikidata= | content=The nearest major airport to Hadejia is the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (KAN) in [[Kano]], which is approximately 135 km away from Hadejia. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use a private car to travel to Hadejia. }} === By road === * Hadejia is well-connected by road networks. You can travel to Hadejia by bus or private car from major cities in Nigeria. If you are coming from Kano, you can take the Kano-Maiduguri Road and then turn onto the Hadejia Road. The journey time may vary depending on traffic and road conditions. ==Get around == {{Mapframe}} == See == * {{see | name=Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=12°54'N, 11°0'E | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Hadejia-Nguru wetlands | wikidata=Q1567395 | content=It is a significant ecological site and a Ramsar-protected area. It is home to a diverse range of bird species and other wildlife. Visitors can enjoy bird watching, boat rides, and exploring the natural beauty of the wetlands. }} * {{see | name=Hadejia Museum | alt=Gidan tarihi | url= | email= | address=Opposite Emirs Palace Hadejia town | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-05-15 | content=It showcases the history, culture, and artifacts of the Hadejia Emirate. It provides insights into the rich heritage and traditions of the region, displaying items such as traditional clothing, weapons, household items, and historical artifacts. }} * {{see | name=Hadejia Central Market | alt=Kasuwa | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Hadejia 14.jpg | lastedit=2023-05-15 | content=It is a bustling local market where you can experience the vibrant atmosphere of Hadejia and shop for various local products. It offers a wide range of items such as fresh produce, traditional crafts, clothing, and household goods. }} * {{see | name=Emirs Palace Hadejia | alt=Gidan Sarki | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Hadejia 13.jpg | lastedit=2023-05-15 | content=It is an architectural gem and an important cultural site. While access to the inner palace is usually restricted, visitors can admire the beautiful traditional Hausa architecture from the outside. }} * {{see | name=Central Mosque | alt=Masallacin sarki | url= | email= | address= | lat=12.4488 | long=10.0439 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-05-15 | content=The Juma'at Mosque is a significant religious landmark in Hadejia. It is an impressive structure with intricate Islamic architectural details and serves as a place of worship for the local Muslim community. }} * {{see | name=Durbar Festival | alt=Hawan Sallah | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Durbar festival | wikidata=Q1824110 | lastedit=2023-05-15 | content=If you visit Hadejia during the Durbar Festival, which is usually held annually, you can witness a colorful and lively celebration featuring traditional horse riding, parades, music, dance, and cultural displays. }} * {{see | name=Fish Market | alt=Kasuwar kifi | url= | email= | address= | lat= 12.4494 | long= 10.0362 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q108620173 | lastedit=2023-05-15 | content=The Hadejia Fish Market is situated in the heart of Hadejia town, typically near the Hadejia Central Market. It is a bustling market where fishermen, traders, and customers gather to buy and sell a wide variety of fresh fish. }} * {{see | name=Kabarin Mai Tumbi | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Captain Phillips Grave.jpg | lastedit=2024-08-30 | content=This is where Captain Phillips, an Assistant Resident Officer and leader of the British troops who invaded and took control of Hadejia in 1906, is buried. During a confrontation, Captain Phillips attempted to capture the Emir of Hadejia himself. }} ==Do== == Buy == * {{buy | name=Marhaba International Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=5 Maje Rd, Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-05-15 | content= }} * {{buy | name=RTD Stores | alt= | url= | email= | address=19 Maje Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-05-15 | content= }} * {{buy | name=Usmaniyya Shopping Stores Hadejia | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+234 814 469 0406 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-05-15 | content= }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=UBJ Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=Court Road | lat=12.4567 | long=10.0420 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M-F 6AM-11PM, Sa Su 7AM-10PM | price= | lastedit=2023-05-15 | content=Traditional and foreign foods. }} ==Drink== == Sleep == * {{sleep | name=Corpers Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Government Unity Secondary School | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2023-05-16 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Lister Hostel | alt= | url= | email= | address=10 Maje Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2023-05-16 | content= }} ==Connect== ==Go next== * [[Gumel]] * [[Kazaure]] * [[Dutse]] * [[Kano]] {{IsPartOf|Jigawa State}} {{usablecity}} {{geo|12.45|10.04}} k4krsjuvqeg8sf8py35drgi5pyv0u4c 5086839 5086837 2025-07-02T23:14:18Z Ikan Kekek 36420 /* Understand */ This is quite enough for a travel guide. 5086839 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Hadejia banner.jpg|caption=Emirs Palace Hadejia}} [[File:Hadejia 14.jpg|thumb|Hadejia Town]] '''Hadejia''' is a town in [[Jigawa State]], [[Nigeria]]. It is situated on the Hadejia River and is known for its agricultural activities, particularly in rice cultivation. == Understand == Hadejia is a city of about 180,000 people (2022).<!-- according to https://citypopulation.de/en/nigeria/admin/jigawa/NGA018013__hadejia/ --> The majority of the population belongs to the Hausa ethnic group and speaks [[Hausa phrasebook|Hausa]]. Hadejia is the headquarters of the Hadejia Local Government Area and serves as the administrative center of the Hadejia Emirate. The Hadejia Emirate is one of the traditional emirates in Nigeria and has a long history dating back several centuries. The emirate is known for its cultural festivals and plays a significant role in local administration and preserving the cultural heritage of the area. == Get in == ===By plane=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport | alt={{IATA|KAN}} | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport | wikidata= | content=The nearest major airport to Hadejia is the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (KAN) in [[Kano]], which is approximately 135 km away from Hadejia. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use a private car to travel to Hadejia. }} === By road === * Hadejia is well-connected by road networks. You can travel to Hadejia by bus or private car from major cities in Nigeria. If you are coming from Kano, you can take the Kano-Maiduguri Road and then turn onto the Hadejia Road. The journey time may vary depending on traffic and road conditions. ==Get around == {{Mapframe}} == See == * {{see | name=Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=12°54'N, 11°0'E | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Hadejia-Nguru wetlands | wikidata=Q1567395 | content=It is a significant ecological site and a Ramsar-protected area. It is home to a diverse range of bird species and other wildlife. Visitors can enjoy bird watching, boat rides, and exploring the natural beauty of the wetlands. }} * {{see | name=Hadejia Museum | alt=Gidan tarihi | url= | email= | address=Opposite Emirs Palace Hadejia town | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-05-15 | content=It showcases the history, culture, and artifacts of the Hadejia Emirate. It provides insights into the rich heritage and traditions of the region, displaying items such as traditional clothing, weapons, household items, and historical artifacts. }} * {{see | name=Hadejia Central Market | alt=Kasuwa | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Hadejia 14.jpg | lastedit=2023-05-15 | content=It is a bustling local market where you can experience the vibrant atmosphere of Hadejia and shop for various local products. It offers a wide range of items such as fresh produce, traditional crafts, clothing, and household goods. }} * {{see | name=Emirs Palace Hadejia | alt=Gidan Sarki | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Hadejia 13.jpg | lastedit=2023-05-15 | content=It is an architectural gem and an important cultural site. While access to the inner palace is usually restricted, visitors can admire the beautiful traditional Hausa architecture from the outside. }} * {{see | name=Central Mosque | alt=Masallacin sarki | url= | email= | address= | lat=12.4488 | long=10.0439 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-05-15 | content=The Juma'at Mosque is a significant religious landmark in Hadejia. It is an impressive structure with intricate Islamic architectural details and serves as a place of worship for the local Muslim community. }} * {{see | name=Durbar Festival | alt=Hawan Sallah | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Durbar festival | wikidata=Q1824110 | lastedit=2023-05-15 | content=If you visit Hadejia during the Durbar Festival, which is usually held annually, you can witness a colorful and lively celebration featuring traditional horse riding, parades, music, dance, and cultural displays. }} * {{see | name=Fish Market | alt=Kasuwar kifi | url= | email= | address= | lat= 12.4494 | long= 10.0362 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q108620173 | lastedit=2023-05-15 | content=The Hadejia Fish Market is situated in the heart of Hadejia town, typically near the Hadejia Central Market. It is a bustling market where fishermen, traders, and customers gather to buy and sell a wide variety of fresh fish. }} * {{see | name=Kabarin Mai Tumbi | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Captain Phillips Grave.jpg | lastedit=2024-08-30 | content=This is where Captain Phillips, an Assistant Resident Officer and leader of the British troops who invaded and took control of Hadejia in 1906, is buried. During a confrontation, Captain Phillips attempted to capture the Emir of Hadejia himself. }} ==Do== == Buy == * {{buy | name=Marhaba International Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=5 Maje Rd, Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-05-15 | content= }} * {{buy | name=RTD Stores | alt= | url= | email= | address=19 Maje Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-05-15 | content= }} * {{buy | name=Usmaniyya Shopping Stores Hadejia | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+234 814 469 0406 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2023-05-15 | content= }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=UBJ Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=Court Road | lat=12.4567 | long=10.0420 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M-F 6AM-11PM, Sa Su 7AM-10PM | price= | lastedit=2023-05-15 | content=Traditional and foreign foods. }} ==Drink== == Sleep == * {{sleep | name=Corpers Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Government Unity Secondary School | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2023-05-16 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Lister Hostel | alt= | url= | email= | address=10 Maje Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2023-05-16 | content= }} ==Connect== ==Go next== * [[Gumel]] * [[Kazaure]] * [[Dutse]] * [[Kano]] {{IsPartOf|Jigawa State}} {{usablecity}} {{geo|12.45|10.04}} kchitxto2su28p2mly7k40bu2eetalp 0 200259 5086955 5002868 2025-07-03T04:16:07Z Veracious 1298114 /* Eat and drink */ 5086955 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Maros''' is a regency in [[Southern Sulawesi]]. ==Understand== ==Get in== {{mapframe}} {{mapshape}} {{marker|type=go| name=Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport | lat=-5.061667 | long=119.554167}} ==Get around== ==See== * {{see | name=Leang-Leang Cave | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=-4.978225 | long=119.673938 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q19944351 | content=Contains cave paintings that are at least 39,900 years old; many are heavily damaged, but there are hand stencils that are quite well preserved. }} * {{see | name=Rammang-Rammang | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=-4.92955 | long=119.59736 | directions=About 40 km from central [[Makassar]] (or 20 km from the airport) towards [[Pare-Pare]] | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q19746777 | lastedit=2016-07-17 | content=Visit this very beautiful karstic site, a UNESCO Biosphere (and tentative World Heritage site); count 1 hr by motorbike from Makassar airport. There, you should rent a boat (Rp200,000 for 4 persons) to reach the site. }} ==Do== ==Buy== ==Eat and drink== ==Sleep== ==Stay safe== ==Connect== ==Cope== ===Hospital=== * {{listing | name=Salewangang Maros Regional General Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Go next== {{IsPartOf|Makassar Metropolitan Area}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo||}} nj42k6s31b6rfzaoipvm87d1dciv3tw 0 200385 5086959 4709273 2025-07-03T04:18:56Z Veracious 1298114 /* Go next */ 5086959 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Tana Luwu''' is a region in [[Southern Sulawesi]]. ==Cities== {{mapframe|-2.978758391722069|120.69746413308197|zoom=8}} {{mapshape|wikidata=Q14635,Q14604,Q14597,Q14606}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Belopa]]|wikidata=Q4194545}} - capital of Luwu Regency * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Malili]]|wikidata=Q3113807}} - capital of East Luwu Regency * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Masamba]]|wikidata=Q4194199}} - capital of North Luwu Regency * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Palopo]]|wikidata=Q14635}} - former capital of Luwu Regency ==Understand== Most of area that becomes modern Tana Luwu is based from Luwu Kingdom. Luwu is the origin of the longest epic in the world, La Galigo that created before Mahabharata. Some manuscript of I La Galigo is saved in European Museums, like in Leiden University Library. I La Galigo manuscript is the story about Sawerigading and known well in Central Sulawesi, Southeast Sulawesi, Gorontalo, and through Malaysia. On May 25, 2011, La Galigo manuscript in Leiden University Library was inscribed in UNESCO's Memory of the World Register affirming its world significance and outstanding universal value. ==Talk== The Taeʼ language is used by most of the inhabitants of Tana Luwu. ==Get in== ==Get around== ==See== *Matano Lake. Do ride kayak, banana boat, and jet ski. There are various recreation facilities such gazebo, bungalow, restaurant, and children playground. ==Do== * Took a bath at Pincara Hot Springs. * Rafting at Salu Rongkong. * Hike Mount Balease * Dive and see various coral reefs on Bulupolo Island ==Eat and drink== ==Sleep== ==Stay safe== ==Go next== * [[Tana Toraja]] {{IsPartOf|Southern Sulawesi}} {{outlineregion}} {{geo|-2.978758391722069|120.69746413308197}} sn7co96fplqgu4qf41idnd23d8qs5wd 3 202923 5087028 5085549 2025-07-03T08:25:41Z ArchiverBot 469122 Bot: Archiving 2 threads from [[User talk:SHB2000]] (ARCHIVE FULL) 5087028 wikitext text/x-wiki {| style="width: 100%; border: 1px solid #060; background: #dfd; margin-top: 2px; margin-bottom: 2px;" |- | style="width: 20%; text-align:left; font-size: 90%" | ← [[User talk:SHB2000/Archive 2024|2024]] | style="text-align: center" | '''Archives for 2025''' | style="width: 20%; text-align:right; font-size: 90%" | ([[User talk:SHB2000/Archive {{CURRENTYEAR}}|current]]) [[User talk:SHB2000/Archive 2026|2026]] → |} {{talkarchive}} ---- == Exchange rates == Thank you for doing the heavy lifting on updating exchange rates this year. Updating them was one of the projects that I undertook on Wikivoyage because I felt that showing exchange rates from seven years ago (not exaggerating) told readers "Wikivoyage is out of date and not worth your time", which is true in some cases, but definitely not true in others. Updating them every year shows that Wikivoyage is an active, current community of editors, unlike some other travel site. Happy new year, mate! [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:59, 5 January 2025 (UTC) :{{re|Ground Zero}} Hey, not a problem at all :-) – I felt the same way as you too, and figured I might as well also try update them in July going forward. Happy new year to you too! One thing, though, I did leave out some of the countries with very unstable currencies (like [[Lebanon]], [[Myanmar]] or [[Zimbabwe]]), but I see you've updated those; thanks for going ahead and updating those (I wasn't sure what to do with them). --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 21:51, 5 January 2025 (UTC) ::Those countries take a bit of extra digging through Google, but I find it interesting work. Some other editors are keen on adding in other currencies to the charts, like SGD, CNY, INR, but I don't think the the value added justifies the extra work involved for those who take on the task of updating, so I've taken those out in places. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:06, 5 January 2025 (UTC) :::Yeah I can see the value of adding certain popular currencies used in nearby areas (such as all Nordic countries having DKK, NOK and SEK), CAD in Caribbean countries, AUD + NZD in the Pacific and in some cases, CAD, AUD and JPY for Europe and the US due to the large number of visits from both countries but that's simply a use-case of [[WV:TTCF]] and where we get the most readers (plus they're in a template so minimal work is required to update those as well). :::I'm not sure if the same can be said for CNY, THB or INR (and SGD outside Southeast Asia), especially all the more so when it adds a lot of clutter (e.g. [[Laos#Buy]]) ''and'' when we don't have nearly as much site traffic coming from those countries. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 22:18, 5 January 2025 (UTC) == A couple quick questions == Hello SHB2000! I had a couple questions on technical matters. First, I noticed you are using a tool called "restorer" which seems like a useful tool to revert vandalism. I added what appeared to be the necessary changes to [[User:SelfieCity/common.js]] but I don't see any additional buttons. Is this because of user rights? Second (not sure what talk page to raise this on as it's just a prompt) but at the top of the new article page, the text reads: "To start, please click on one of the following links to pre-fill this article with the standard sections: City/town • City district • Rural area • Region • National/regional park • Phrasebook • Huge airport • Dive site • Itinerary • Event • Disambiguation • Redirect" I like this prompt, but it is missing the travel topic template. While that template is less rigid than our other templates, I think it would still be helpful to include it, as it adds several important templates to new articles, including PartofTopic, outlinetopic and pagebanner. Would it be possible to add travel topic to the above list, with a prefilled template based upon [[Wikivoyage:Travel topic article template]]? <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 17:46, 7 January 2025 (UTC) :{{re|SelfieCity}} For the first one, the reason why you're not seeing it in my commons.js is because I have it in my [[m:User:SHB2000/global.js|global.js]] (on Meta). I'd definitely recommend putting it in your global js purely due to the fact that it works globally (this is before I got global rollback + global sysop, but it still comes in handy on the occasional day that rollback also fails). Might want to copy what's in my global.js and see if that works. :I'll try and mend the second one – iirc there's a special page in the MediaWiki namespace. :--<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 21:48, 7 January 2025 (UTC) ::{{done}} the second too – see [[Special:Diff/5002236]]. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 21:52, 7 January 2025 (UTC) :::Wow, that's really good! I hope it leads more people to create travel topic articles, as I think there is a lot of potential in that field. Thank you. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 04:00, 8 January 2025 (UTC) ::::Glad to help. :) --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 04:01, 8 January 2025 (UTC) ::::oh btw, your global js is supposed to be on Meta (at [[m:User:SelfieCity/global.js]]) – sorry for not mentioning this earlier. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 04:02, 8 January 2025 (UTC) :::::Ah, I see. I've done that now. Thanks again! <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 14:16, 8 January 2025 (UTC) == ''This Month in GLAM'': December 2024 == {| style="width:100%;" | valign="top" align="center" style="border:1px gray solid; padding:1em;" | {| align="center" |- | style="text-align: center;" | [[File:This Month in GLAM logo 2018.png|350px|center|link=outreach:GLAM/Newsletter]]<br /> <hr /> <div style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; text-align:center;">[[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/December 2024|<span style="color:darkslategray;">This Month in GLAM – Volume XIV, Issue XII, December 2024</span>]]</div> <hr /><br /> |- style="text-align: center;" | <span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman;"> '''<u>Headlines</u>'''</span> |- style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; text-align:center;" | <div style="text-align:left; column-count:2; column-width:28em; vertical-align:top;"> * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/December 2024/Contents/Albania report|Albania report]]: The Patrolling Edit-a-thon in Albania and Kosovo, 2024 * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/December 2024/Contents/Argentina report|Argentina report]]: Last activities of 2024 * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/December 2024/Contents/Brazil report|Brazil report]]: Catrapilha in action: Uploading the Porto Alegre image feed * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/December 2024/Contents/India report|India report]]: Living GLAM project on Santali culture continues in West Bengal * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/December 2024/Contents/Netherlands report|Netherlands report]]: From SlideShare to Zenodo & How Dutch Wikipedia uses the Digital Library for Dutch Literature * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/December 2024/Contents/New Zealand report|New Zealand report]]: Wikdata module, Auckland Museum student progress, and the Wikipedian at Large * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/December 2024/Contents/Nigeria report|Nigeria report]]: Digitization of Heritage Archives in Nigeria * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/December 2024/Contents/Macedonia report|North Macedonia report]]: Conference for GLAM employees in Skopje * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/December 2024/Contents/Poland report|Poland report]]: What's up in GLAM-Wiki in Poland * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/December 2024/Contents/Portugal report|Portugal report]]: Wikimedia Portugal and Wiki Editoras Lx Collaborate on a Wiki GLAM, Culture, and Heritage Conference for 2025 * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/December 2024/Contents/Switzerland report|Switzerland report]]: Swiss GLAM Programme * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/December 2024/Contents/UK report|UK report]]: 2024 in review * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/December 2024/Contents/USA report|USA report]]: December meetings * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/December 2024/Contents/Public Domain Day report|Public Domain Day report]]: Public Domain Day 2025 * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/December 2024/Contents/Biodiversity Heritage Library report|Biodiversity Heritage Library report]]: BHL-Wiki Working Group December monthly highlights * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/December 2024/Contents/Memory of the World report|Memory of the World report]]: Ways forward * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/December 2024/Contents/Events|Calendar]]: January's GLAM events </div> |- | style="font-family:Times New Roman; text-align:center; font-size:85%;" | [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter|Read this edition in full]] &bull; [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/December 2024/Single|Single-page]] |- | valign="top" colspan="2" style="padding:0.5em; font-family:Times New Roman;text-align:center; font-size:85%;" | To assist with preparing the newsletter, please visit the [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/Newsroom|newsroom]]. Past editions may be viewed [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/Archives|here]]. |- |} |} <div style="margin-top:10px; font-size:90%; padding-left:5px; font-family:Georgia, Palatino, Palatino Linotype, Times, Times New Roman, serif;">[[m:GLAM/Newsletter/About|About ''This Month in GLAM'']] · [[m:Global message delivery/Targets/GLAM|Subscribe/Unsubscribe]] · [[m:MassMessage|Global message delivery]] · [[:m:User:Romaine|Romaine]] 13:00, 11 January 2025 (UTC)</div> <!-- Message sent by User:Romaine@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Global_message_delivery/Targets/GLAM&oldid=28033195 --> == Currency tables == I understand not wanting to make the lists too long, but it's admittedly a tough call. Some countries will inevitably have longer lists than others because they are major financial hubs, or they receive a lot of visitors from some of their neighbours. The reason why I've put so many currencies for Singapore because it is a major financial and transit hub. Many people travelling from Australia or New Zealand to Europe change flights in Singapore, which is why I would consider Australian and New Zealand dollars important for Singapore. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:29, 10 January 2025 (UTC) :I suppose that's true, too. I'm still wondering if there's a way to just extract the values from Wikidata (which would save time updating), though I don't know how often WD updates their lists. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 22:20, 10 January 2025 (UTC) ::People who work in the financial sector will not rely on Wikivoyage for exchange rates. Adding in extra currencies makes the task if updating exchange rates more onerous. It takes a lot of time. I am grateful for SHB taking on the lion's share of the work this year. I am not interested in spending time to update the Swiss franc-to-Icelandic kroner and the Swiss franc-to-Danish kroner rates in case we have a Swiss reader travelling to Iceland or the Faroe Islands. As a Canadian, I don't expect my currency to be a standard unit of exchange anywhere. It is nice to have in the Caribbean/Central America sun locations, but I do not expect to see it elsewhere. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:37, 10 January 2025 (UTC) :::I would say we should only ever be willing to add a long list (long would mean generally over 6) if we ever find a way to automatically update the exchange rates. Which relies on users at Wikidata to update the rates, which I wouldn't place my bets on. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 22:42, 10 January 2025 (UTC) ::::Or is there a way to write a script to pull the exchange rates directly from XE? That you be the best, if someone can do it. Speaking of Swiss francs, it's still a major currency and I think it's useful to have for destinations in Europe, given the ease of travel around Europe. I wouldn't put Swiss francs in table for Mongolia, for instance. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 02:00, 11 January 2025 (UTC) :::::I feel as though CHF would be something for dewikivoyage and frwikivoyage to handle, not us at en. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 09:40, 11 January 2025 (UTC) ::::::CHF is a major currency in bond markets, but who would travel with CHF instead of EUR? About 8 million Swiss people. That's it. There are 37 million Poles who use the złoty. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 10:55, 13 January 2025 (UTC) :::::::And those 8 million Swiss people are much more likely to read the German and French Wikivoyages as opposed to the English Wikivoyages anyway. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 11:12, 13 January 2025 (UTC) ::::::::My reasoning is that it would also be useful for people travelling around Europe visit Switzerland as well. There's nothing stopping an American tourist from flying into Zurich then travelling overland into Germany, France or Italy. And Zurich is also one of Europe's major air hubs, so you can connect through Zurich to get to almost any major city in Europe except Moscow. I can bet that if you go to a bank in Iceland, they are more likely to exchange Swiss francs than Polish zloty. I can tell you for a fact that in Singapore (I know it's not in Europe, but this is just to make a point that population is not the only thing that determines if a currency is major or minor), any money changer will exchange Swiss francs, but finding one that will exchange Polish zloty, Czech koruna or Swedish krona will be a challenge. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:32, 13 January 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::Those scenarios are possible, but not likely. The question is whether Wikivoyage wants to be a travel guide for the general reader, or a compendium of the obscure. I am not interested in spending my time updating more rarely used currencies, but if you are, then please do so next January. I don't think it's a good use of time. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 02:00, 14 January 2025 (UTC) :::::::::::An American flying to Zurich on their way to France should get as much Swiss francs as they need in Switzerland, not any for their needs in France or Iceland. They might leave Switzerland with some francs left, but not so much that it's important for their travel budget. The same for Asians; there is little reason to get francs instead of euros for later exchanging into kronor or zloties. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:42, 14 January 2025 (UTC) ::::::::::::Agreed. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 08:54, 14 January 2025 (UTC) :::::XE provides a free trial and packages starting at €799 (for using their API and some additional services). I cannot find any terms of service, but I assume that hacking your way to retrieve exchange rates automatically isn't exactly what they'd like you to do. They might of course allow our use out of goodwill, but I think we should have explicit permission before running a script automatically. Their €799 "lite" package offers daily updates, much more than monthly, which I think should be our target, so we would probably affect neither their server load nor their business. Coding the script should be easy, at least with access to their API. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 10:38, 13 January 2025 (UTC) ::::::Not sure who would be willing to pay that much money for what is essentially a volunteer commitment either tbh. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:46, 13 January 2025 (UTC) :::::::Of course not, and that price is for internal use. WMF could pay if they feel like (no big money for them), but I quoted it because it tells something about their business. The expense for them allowing us to use their API is not about missed income, but about having a lawyer check the deal. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:39, 13 January 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Definitely agreed there. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 12:41, 13 January 2025 (UTC) == Tech News: 2025-03 == <section begin="technews-2025-W03"/><div class="plainlinks"> Latest '''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News|tech news]]''' from the Wikimedia technical community. Please tell other users about these changes. Not all changes will affect you. [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/2025/03|Translations]] are available. '''Weekly highlight''' * The Single User Login system is being updated over the next few months. This is the system which allows users to fill out the login form on one Wikimedia site and get logged in on all others at the same time. It needs to be updated because of the ways that browsers are increasingly restricting cross-domain cookies. To accommodate these restrictions, login and account creation pages will move to a central domain, but it will still appear to the user as if they are on the originating wiki. The updated code will be enabled this week for users on test wikis. This change is planned to roll out to all users during February and March. See [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/MediaWiki Platform Team/SUL3#Deployment|the SUL3 project page]] for more details and a timeline. '''Updates for editors''' * On wikis with [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Extension:PageAssessments|PageAssessments]] installed, you can now [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Extension:PageAssessments#Search|filter search results]] to pages in a given WikiProject by using the <code dir=ltr>inproject:</code> keyword. (These wikis: {{int:project-localized-name-arwiki/en}}{{int:comma-separator/en}}{{int:project-localized-name-enwiki/en}}{{int:comma-separator/en}}{{int:project-localized-name-enwikivoyage/en}}{{int:comma-separator/en}}{{int:project-localized-name-frwiki/en}}{{int:comma-separator/en}}{{int:project-localized-name-huwiki/en}}{{int:comma-separator/en}}{{int:project-localized-name-newiki/en}}{{int:comma-separator/en}}{{int:project-localized-name-trwiki/en}}{{int:comma-separator/en}}{{int:project-localized-name-zhwiki/en}}) [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T378868] * One new wiki has been created: a {{int:project-localized-name-group-wikipedia}} in [[d:Q34129|Tigre]] ([[w:tig:|<code>w:tig:</code>]]) [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T381377] * [[File:Octicons-sync.svg|12px|link=|class=skin-invert|Recurrent item]] View all {{formatnum:35}} community-submitted {{PLURAL:35|task|tasks}} that were [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/Recently resolved community tasks|resolved last week]]. For example, there was a bug with updating a user's edit-count after making a rollback edit, which is now fixed. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T382592] '''Updates for technical contributors''' * [[File:Octicons-tools.svg|12px|link=|class=skin-invert|Advanced item]] Wikimedia REST API users, such as bot operators and tool maintainers, may be affected by ongoing upgrades. Starting the week of January 13, we will begin rerouting [[phab:T374683|some page content endpoints]] from RESTbase to the newer MediaWiki REST API endpoints for all wiki projects. This change was previously available on testwiki and should not affect existing functionality, but active users of the impacted endpoints may raise issues directly to the [[phab:project/view/6931/|MediaWiki Interfaces Team]] in Phabricator if they arise. * Toolforge tool maintainers can now share their feedback on Toolforge UI, an initiative to provide a web platform that allows creating and managing Toolforge tools through a graphic interface, in addition to existing command-line workflows. This project aims to streamline active maintainers’ tasks, as well as make registration and deployment processes more accessible for new tool creators. The initiative is still at a very early stage, and the Cloud Services team is in the process of collecting feedback from the Toolforge community to help shape the solution to their needs. [[wikitech:Wikimedia Cloud Services team/EnhancementProposals/Toolforge UI|Read more and share your thoughts about Toolforge UI]]. * [[File:Octicons-tools.svg|12px|link=|class=skin-invert|Advanced item]] For tool and library developers who use the OAuth system: The identity endpoint used for [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/OAuth/For Developers#Identifying the user|OAuth 1]] and [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/OAuth/For Developers#Identifying the user 2|OAuth 2]] returned a JSON object with an integer in its <code>sub</code> field, which was incorrect (the field must always be a string). This has been fixed; the fix will be deployed to Wikimedia wikis on the week of January 13. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T382139] * Many wikis currently use [[:mw:Parsoid/Parser Unification/Cite CSS|Cite CSS]] to render custom footnote markers in Parsoid output. Starting January 20 these rules will be disabled, but the developers ask you to ''not'' clean up your <bdi lang="en" dir="ltr">[[MediaWiki:Common.css]]</bdi> until February 20 to avoid issues during the migration. Your wikis might experience some small changes to footnote markers in Visual Editor and when using experimental Parsoid read mode, but if there are changes these are expected to bring the rendering in line with the legacy parser output. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T370027] '''Meetings and events''' * The next meeting in the series of [[c:Special:MyLanguage/Commons:WMF support for Commons/Commons community calls|Wikimedia Foundation Community Conversations with the Wikimedia Commons community]] will take place on [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Event:Commons community discussion - 15 January 2025 08:00 UTC|January 15 at 8:00 UTC]] and [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Event:Commons community discussion - 15 January 2025 16:00 UTC|at 16:00 UTC]]. The topic of this call is defining the priorities in tool investment for Commons. Contributors from all wikis, especially users who are maintaining tools for Commons, are welcome to attend. '''''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News|Tech news]]''' prepared by [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/Writers|Tech News writers]] and posted by [[m:Special:MyLanguage/User:MediaWiki message delivery|bot]]&nbsp;• [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News#contribute|Contribute]]&nbsp;• [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/2025/03|Translate]]&nbsp;• [[m:Tech|Get help]]&nbsp;• [[m:Talk:Tech/News|Give feedback]]&nbsp;• [[m:Global message delivery/Targets/Tech ambassadors|Subscribe or unsubscribe]].'' </div><section end="technews-2025-W03"/> <bdi lang="en" dir="ltr">[[User:MediaWiki message delivery|MediaWiki message delivery]]</bdi> 01:42, 14 January 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:Quiddity (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Global_message_delivery/Targets/Tech_ambassadors&oldid=28048614 --> == ''The Signpost'': 15 January 2025 == <div lang="en" dir="ltr" class="mw-content-ltr" style="margin-top:10px; font-size:90%; padding-left:5px; font-family:Georgia, Palatino, Palatino Linotype, Times, Times New Roman, serif;">[[File:WikipediaSignpostIcon.svg|40px|right]] ''News, reports and features from the English Wikipedia's newspaper''</div> <div style="column-count:2;"> * From the editors: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-01-15/From the editors|Looking back, looking forward]] * Traffic report: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-01-15/Traffic report|The most viewed articles of 2024]] * In the media: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-01-15/In the media|Will you be targeted?]] * Technology report: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-01-15/Technology report|New Calculator template brings interactivity at last]] * Essay: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-01-15/Essay|Meet the Canadian who holds the longest editing streak on Wikipedia]] * Opinion: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-01-15/Opinion|Reflections one score hence]] * News and notes: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-01-15/News and notes|It's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life for me... and I'm feeling free]] * Serendipity: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-01-15/Serendipity|What we've left behind, and where we want to go next]] * Op-ed: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-01-15/Op-ed|Elon Musk and the right on Wikipedia]] * In focus: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-01-15/In focus|Twenty years of The Signpost: What did it take?]] * Arbitration report: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-01-15/Arbitration report|Analyzing commonalities of some contentious topics]] * Humour: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-01-15/Humour|How to make friends on Wikipedia]] </div> <div style="margin-top:10px; font-size:90%; padding-left:5px; font-family:Georgia, Palatino, Palatino Linotype, Times, Times New Roman, serif;">'''[[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost|Read this Signpost in full]]''' · [[w:en:Wikipedia:Signpost/Single|Single-page]] · [[m:Global message delivery/Targets/Signpost|Unsubscribe]] · [[m:Global message delivery|Global message delivery]] 07:58, 15 January 2025 (UTC) <!-- Sent via script ([[w:en:User:JPxG/SPS]]) --></div> <!-- Message sent by User:JPxG@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Global_message_delivery/Targets/Signpost&oldid=28061132 --> == My examples == If you don't like my examples, give ones you're sure are better. Just deleting stuff is not helpful. What I'm trying to get away from is the idea that suburbs are full of boring, let alone chain restaurants. That's true in some places, but it's not accurate in many other places. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:16, 16 January 2025 (UTC) :{{re|Ikan Kekek}} I reverted my edit for now (and looking back, my apologies for deleting it without substituting for a better text), but how many examples are we able to give to be able to give a fully accurate representation? The issue with the suburbs article right now is that it makes no attempt to differentiate between low-density single family home suburbs, high-density suburbs, streetcar/tramway suburbs (you see this a lot more in [[Toronto]] or [[Melbourne]]), medium-density suburbs, mixed use suburbs – and the availability of how good a place is to eat really depends on which type of suburb it is. High- and medium-density suburbs and mixed use developments will have way more nicer options to eat, streetcar/tramway suburbs are a mixed bag, while the stereotype only applies to low-density or single family home suburbs (and even that greatly varies by place). And I fully agree with what you said at [[Special:GoToComment/c-Ikan_Kekek-20250115232800-Yvwv-20250115224100]] – it isn't really a helpful article and definitely no more than an article on [[cities]] (or [[parks]]). --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 00:26, 16 January 2025 (UTC) ::Right, I agree with you. It's impossible to give a fully accurate representation. The best we can do is give examples. All of your points are well taken. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:32, 16 January 2025 (UTC) :::Yeah, I think you're right, the best we can do is give examples. I suppose it wouldn't exactly violate [[Wikivoyage:Avoid long lists]] if we gave one or two examples from each continent? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 00:35, 16 January 2025 (UTC) ::::No, surely not, or even more. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:06, 16 January 2025 (UTC) == Tech News: 2025-04 == <section begin="technews-2025-W04"/><div class="plainlinks"> Latest '''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News|tech news]]''' from the Wikimedia technical community. Please tell other users about these changes. Not all changes will affect you. [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/2025/04|Translations]] are available. '''Updates for editors''' * Administrators can mass-delete multiple pages created by a user or IP address using [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Extension:Nuke|Extension:Nuke]]. It previously only allowed deletion of pages created in the last 30 days. It can now delete pages from the last 90 days, provided it is targeting a specific user or IP address. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T380846] * On [[phab:P72148|wikis that use]] the [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Help:Patrolled edits|Patrolled edits]] feature, when the rollback feature is used to revert an unpatrolled page revision, that revision will now be marked as "manually patrolled" instead of "autopatrolled", which is more accurate. Some editors that use [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Help:New filters for edit review/Filtering|filters]] on Recent Changes may need to update their filter settings. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T302140] * [[File:Octicons-sync.svg|12px|link=|class=skin-invert|Recurrent item]] View all {{formatnum:31}} community-submitted {{PLURAL:31|task|tasks}} that were [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/Recently resolved community tasks|resolved last week]]. For example, the Visual Editor's "Insert link" feature did not always suggest existing pages properly when an editor started typing, which has now been [[phab:T383497|fixed]]. '''Updates for technical contributors''' * The Structured Discussion extension (also known as Flow) is being progressively removed from the wikis. This extension is unmaintained and causes issues. It will be replaced by [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Help:DiscussionTools|DiscussionTools]], which is used on any regular talk page. [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Structured Discussions/Deprecation#Deprecation timeline|The last group of wikis]] ({{int:project-localized-name-cawikiquote/en}}{{int:comma-separator/en}}{{int:project-localized-name-fiwikimedia/en}}{{int:comma-separator/en}}{{int:project-localized-name-gomwiki/en}}{{int:comma-separator/en}}{{int:project-localized-name-kabwiki/en}}{{int:comma-separator/en}}{{int:project-localized-name-ptwikibooks/en}}{{int:comma-separator/en}}{{int:project-localized-name-sewikimedia/en}}) will soon be contacted. If you have questions about this process, please ping [[m:User:Trizek (WMF)|Trizek (WMF)]] at your wiki. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T380912] * The latest quarterly [[mw:Technical_Community_Newsletter/2025/January|Technical Community Newsletter]] is now available. This edition includes: updates about services from the Data Platform Engineering teams, information about Codex from the Design System team, and more. '''''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News|Tech news]]''' prepared by [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/Writers|Tech News writers]] and posted by [[m:Special:MyLanguage/User:MediaWiki message delivery|bot]]&nbsp;• [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News#contribute|Contribute]]&nbsp;• [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/2025/04|Translate]]&nbsp;• [[m:Tech|Get help]]&nbsp;• [[m:Talk:Tech/News|Give feedback]]&nbsp;• [[m:Global message delivery/Targets/Tech ambassadors|Subscribe or unsubscribe]].'' </div><section end="technews-2025-W04"/> <bdi lang="en" dir="ltr">[[User:MediaWiki message delivery|MediaWiki message delivery]]</bdi> 01:37, 21 January 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:Quiddity (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Global_message_delivery/Targets/Tech_ambassadors&oldid=28129769 --> == Deletion request == Hello, can you delete [[User:Veracious/Sandbox|my sandbox page]], please? Thanks. [[User:Veracious|Veracious]] ([[User talk:Veracious|talk]]) 03:24, 27 January 2025 (UTC) :{{done}} <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 03:27, 27 January 2025 (UTC) :Was going to do it but SelfieCity beat me to it. Cheers, SelfieCity :). --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 03:27, 27 January 2025 (UTC) ::Ah, ok. Thank you to both of you. ^^ [[User:Veracious|Veracious]] ([[User talk:Veracious|talk]]) 04:59, 27 January 2025 (UTC) == SS == To me, this abbreviation means only one thing: the Nazi SS. How many people are going to see that and think "South Sudan"? I would really like to delete that redirect. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:15, 27 January 2025 (UTC) :I suppose feel free to delete the redirect as I don't feel particularly strongly about it, but I'm very much a fan of having redirects for ISO 3166 codes since those are the only thing you see on dynamic maps when zoomed out for smaller countries ([https://imgur.com/a/kehyodE example]) and zooming into maps is not particularly easy on mobile. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 12:19, 27 January 2025 (UTC) ::Maybe we should get another opinion. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:58, 27 January 2025 (UTC) :::If we have redirects for all ISO 3166 codes, then deleting this one seems a bit overkill-PC. I suppose it is seen by few but those writing "SS" (or "ss") in the search box, and those that see it can quickly see where the link leads. Would they think it is some vandalism trying to associate the country with Nazis? In that case the mistake was done by assigning the code, not by us linking it. The link isn't relevant for those that think "South Sudan" when they see SS (they can just use the country name), but – apparently – those that see SS and have no idea what country those letters are about. [[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 20:18, 27 January 2025 (UTC) ::::Yeah if anything I think the International Organization for Standardardization could've picked a better code. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 21:28, 27 January 2025 (UTC) :::::The problem is that by using that code, Wikivoyage co-owns that problem. We can't just blame the International Organization for Standardardization for our choice to use that code. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 05:10, 28 January 2025 (UTC) ::::::Maybe, but these are the codes that appear on our dynamic maps which isn't really in our control to change. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">SHB</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 05:20, 28 January 2025 (UTC) :::::::The ISO 3166 code also appears at "xx" in www.webpage.xx and in xx.wikipedia.com. [[User:FredTC|FredTC]] ([[User talk:FredTC|talk]]) 05:27, 28 January 2025 (UTC) :::::::That would be a good reason to use a static map for South Sudan. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 05:57, 28 January 2025 (UTC) == Tech News: 2025-05 == <section begin="technews-2025-W05"/><div class="plainlinks"> Latest '''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News|tech news]]''' from the Wikimedia technical community. Please tell other users about these changes. Not all changes will affect you. [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/2025/05|Translations]] are available. '''Weekly highlight''' * Patrollers and admins - what information or context about edits or users could help you to make patroller or admin decisions more quickly or easily? The Wikimedia Foundation wants to hear from you to help guide its upcoming annual plan. Please consider sharing your thoughts on this and [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation Annual Plan/2025-2026/Product & Technology OKRs|13 other questions]] to shape the technical direction for next year. '''Updates for editors''' * iOS Wikipedia App users worldwide can now access a [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Apps/Team/iOS/Personalized Wikipedia Year in Review/How your data is used|personalized Year in Review]] feature, which provides insights based on their reading and editing history on Wikipedia. This project is part of a broader effort to help welcome new readers as they discover and interact with encyclopedic content. * [[File:Octicons-gift.svg|12px|link=|class=skin-invert|Wishlist item]] Edit patrollers now have a new feature available that can highlight potentially problematic new pages. When a page is created with the same title as a page which was previously deleted, a tag ('Recreated') will now be added, which users can filter for in [[{{#special:RecentChanges}}]] and [[{{#special:NewPages}}]]. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T56145] * Later this week, there will be a new warning for editors if they attempt to create a redirect that links to another redirect (a [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Help:Redirects#Double redirects|double redirect]]). The feature will recommend that they link directly to the second redirect's target page. Thanks to the user SomeRandomDeveloper for this improvement. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T326056] * [[File:Octicons-tools.svg|12px|link=|class=skin-invert|Advanced item]] Wikimedia wikis allow [[w:en:WebAuthn|WebAuthn]]-based second factor checks (such as hardware tokens) during login, but the feature is [[m:Community Wishlist Survey 2023/Miscellaneous/Fix security key (WebAuthn) support|fragile]] and has very few users. The MediaWiki Platform team is temporarily disabling adding new WebAuthn keys, to avoid interfering with the rollout of [[mw:MediaWiki Platform Team/SUL3|SUL3]] (single user login version 3). Existing keys are unaffected. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T378402] * [[File:Octicons-sync.svg|12px|link=|class=skin-invert|Recurrent item]] View all {{formatnum:30}} community-submitted {{PLURAL:30|task|tasks}} that were [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/Recently resolved community tasks|resolved last week]]. '''Updates for technical contributors''' * For developers that use the [[wikitech:Data Platform/Data Lake/Edits/MediaWiki history dumps|MediaWiki History dumps]]: The Data Platform Engineering team has added a couple of new fields to these dumps, to support the [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Trust and Safety Product/Temporary Accounts|Temporary Accounts]] initiative. If you maintain software that reads those dumps, please review your code and the updated documentation, since the order of the fields in the row will change. There will also be one field rename: in the <bdi lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><code>mediawiki_user_history</code></bdi> dump, the <bdi lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><code>anonymous</code></bdi> field will be renamed to <bdi lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><code>is_anonymous</code></bdi>. The changes will take effect with the next release of the dumps in February. [https://lists.wikimedia.org/hyperkitty/list/wikitech-l@lists.wikimedia.org/thread/LKMFDS62TXGDN6L56F4ABXYLN7CSCQDI/] '''''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News|Tech news]]''' prepared by [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/Writers|Tech News writers]] and posted by [[m:Special:MyLanguage/User:MediaWiki message delivery|bot]]&nbsp;• [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News#contribute|Contribute]]&nbsp;• [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/2025/05|Translate]]&nbsp;• [[m:Tech|Get help]]&nbsp;• [[m:Talk:Tech/News|Give feedback]]&nbsp;• [[m:Global message delivery/Targets/Tech ambassadors|Subscribe or unsubscribe]].'' </div><section end="technews-2025-W05"/> <bdi lang="en" dir="ltr">[[User:MediaWiki message delivery|MediaWiki message delivery]]</bdi> 22:15, 27 January 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:Quiddity (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Global_message_delivery/Targets/Tech_ambassadors&oldid=28149374 --> == Tech News: 2025-06 == <section begin="technews-2025-W06"/><div class="plainlinks"> Latest '''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News|tech news]]''' from the Wikimedia technical community. Please tell other users about these changes. Not all changes will affect you. [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/2025/06|Translations]] are available. '''Updates for editors''' * Editors who use the "Special characters" editing-toolbar menu can now see the 32 special characters you have used most recently, across editing sessions on that wiki. This change should help make it easier to find the characters you use most often. The feature is in both the 2010 wikitext editor and VisualEditor. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T110722] * Editors using the 2010 wikitext editor can now create sublists with correct indentation by selecting the line(s) you want to indent and then clicking the toolbar buttons.[https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T380438] You can now also insert <code><nowiki><code></nowiki></code> tags using a new toolbar button.[https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T383010] Thanks to user stjn for these improvements. * Help is needed to ensure the [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Citoid/Enabling Citoid on your wiki|citation generator]] works properly on each wiki. ** (1) Administrators should update the local versions of the page <code dir=ltr>MediaWiki:Citoid-template-type-map.json</code> to include entries for <code dir=ltr>preprint</code>, <code dir=ltr>standard</code>, and <code dir=ltr>dataset</code>; Here are example diffs to replicate [https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=MediaWiki%3ACitoid-template-type-map.json&diff=1189164774&oldid=1165783565 for 'preprint'] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=MediaWiki%3ACitoid-template-type-map.json&diff=1270832208&oldid=1270828390 for 'standard' and 'dataset']. ** (2.1) If the citoid map in the citation template used for these types of references is missing, [[mediawikiwiki:Citoid/Enabling Citoid on your wiki#Step 2.a: Create a 'citoid' maps value for each citation template|one will need to be added]]. (2.2) If the citoid map does exist, the TemplateData will need to be updated to include new field names. Here are example updates [https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Template%3ACitation%2Fdoc&diff=1270829051&oldid=1262470053 for 'preprint'] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Template%3ACitation%2Fdoc&diff=1270831369&oldid=1270829480 for 'standard' and 'dataset']. The new fields that may need to be supported are <code dir=ltr>archiveID</code>, <code dir=ltr>identifier</code>, <code dir=ltr>repository</code>, <code dir=ltr>organization</code>, <code dir=ltr>repositoryLocation</code>, <code dir=ltr>committee</code>, and <code dir=ltr>versionNumber</code>. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T383666] * One new wiki has been created: a {{int:project-localized-name-group-wikipedia/en}} in [[d:Q15637215|Central Kanuri]] ([[w:knc:|<code>w:knc:</code>]]) [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T385181] * [[File:Octicons-sync.svg|12px|link=|class=skin-invert|Recurrent item]] View all {{formatnum:27}} community-submitted {{PLURAL:27|task|tasks}} that were [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/Recently resolved community tasks|resolved last week]]. For example, the [[mediawikiwiki:Special:MyLanguage/Help:Extension:Wikisource/Wikimedia OCR|OCR (optical character recognition) tool]] used for Wikisource now supports a new language, Church Slavonic. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T384782] '''''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News|Tech news]]''' prepared by [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/Writers|Tech News writers]] and posted by [[m:Special:MyLanguage/User:MediaWiki message delivery|bot]]&nbsp;• [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News#contribute|Contribute]]&nbsp;• [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/2025/06|Translate]]&nbsp;• [[m:Tech|Get help]]&nbsp;• [[m:Talk:Tech/News|Give feedback]]&nbsp;• [[m:Global message delivery/Targets/Tech ambassadors|Subscribe or unsubscribe]].'' </div><section end="technews-2025-W06"/> <bdi lang="en" dir="ltr">[[User:MediaWiki message delivery|MediaWiki message delivery]]</bdi> 00:09, 4 February 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:Quiddity (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Global_message_delivery/Targets/Tech_ambassadors&oldid=28203495 --> == This Month in Education: January 2025 == <div class="plainlinks" lang="en" dir="ltr"> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00A7E2; font-size:2.9em; font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">This Month in Education</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00A7E2; font-size:1.4em; font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> Volume 14 • Issue 1 • January 2025</span> <div style="border-top:1px solid #a2a9b1; border-bottom:1px solid #a2a9b1; padding:0.5em; font-size:larger; margin-bottom:0.2em">[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/Newsletter/January 2025|Contents]] • [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/Newsletter/January 2025/Headlines|Headlines]] • [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Global message delivery/Targets/This Month in Education|Subscribe]]</div> <div style="color:white; font-size:1.8em; font-family:Montserrat; background:#92BFB1;">In This Issue</div></div> <div style="text-align: left; column-count: 2; column-width: 35em;"> * [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/News/January 2025/Advancing Education Pillar in Kosovo: 2024 Journey|Advancing Education Pillar in Kosovo: 2024 Journey]] * [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/News/January 2025/Auckland Museum Wikipedia Students Making Progress|Auckland Museum Wikipedia Students Making Progress]] * [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/News/January 2025/Celebrating 10 Years of Wiki Education|Celebrating 10 Years of Wiki Education]] * [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/News/January 2025/Empowering Multilingual Students: Expanding Wikipedia Through Collaboration of foreign languages faculty's students of the University of Tehran|Empowering Multilingual Students: Expanding Wikipedia Through Collaboration of foreign languages faculty's students of the University of Tehran]] * [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/News/January 2025/Ensuring accurate and authentic information with 1Lib1Ref Campaign in Anambra|Ensuring accurate and authentic information with 1Lib1Ref Campaign in Anambra]] * [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/News/January 2025/Experiences of Wikipedia in the classroom with a gender perspective in Monterrey |Experiences of Wikipedia in the classroom with a gender perspective in Monterrey]] * [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/News/January 2025/Fine Arts University Students exploring Wikipedia in Tirana, Albania|Fine Arts University Students exploring Wikipedia in Tirana, Albania]] * [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/News/January 2025/Lviv hosted Ukraine’s first student photo walk for Wikipedia|Lviv hosted Ukraine’s first student photo walk for Wikipedia]] * [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/News/January 2025/Many new trained volunteers and new articles at the end of the year in Macedonia|Many new trained volunteers and new articles at the end of the year in Macedonia]] * [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/News/January 2025/Wikimedia and Scientific Events in Brazil|Wikimedia and Scientific Events in Brazil]] * [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/News/January 2025/Wiki Workshop- Call for Contributions|Wiki Workshop- Call for Contributions]] </div> <div style="margin-top:10px; text-align: center; font-size:90%; padding-left:5px; font-family:Georgia, Palatino, Palatino Linotype, Times, Times New Roman, serif;">[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/Newsletter/About|About ''This Month in Education'']] · [[m:Global message delivery/Targets/This Month in Education|Subscribe/Unsubscribe]] · [[m:Special:MyLanguage/MassMessage|Global message delivery]] · For the team: [[:m:User:ZI Jony|ZI Jony]] 15:56, 5 February 2025 (UTC)</div> </div> <!-- Message sent by User:ZI Jony@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Global_message_delivery/Targets/This_Month_in_Education&oldid=28111205 --> == ''The Signpost'': 7 February 2025 == <div lang="en" dir="ltr" class="mw-content-ltr" style="margin-top:10px; font-size:90%; padding-left:5px; font-family:Georgia, Palatino, Palatino Linotype, Times, Times New Roman, serif;">[[File:WikipediaSignpostIcon.svg|40px|right]] ''News, reports and features from the English Wikipedia's newspaper''</div> <div style="column-count:2;"> * Recent research: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-02-07/Recent research|GPT-4 writes better edit summaries than human Wikipedians]] * News and notes: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-02-07/News and notes|Let's talk!]] * Opinion: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-02-07/Opinion|Fathoms Below, but over the moon]] * In the media: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-02-07/In the media|Wikipedia is an extension of legacy media propaganda, says Elon Musk]] * Community view: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-02-07/Community view|24th Wikipedia Day in New York City]] * Arbitration report: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-02-07/Arbitration report|Palestine-Israel articles 5 has closed]] * Traffic report: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-02-07/Traffic report|A wild drive]] </div> <div style="margin-top:10px; font-size:90%; padding-left:5px; font-family:Georgia, Palatino, Palatino Linotype, Times, Times New Roman, serif;">'''[[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost|Read this Signpost in full]]''' · [[w:en:Wikipedia:Signpost/Single|Single-page]] · [[m:Global message delivery/Targets/Signpost|Unsubscribe]] · [[m:Global message delivery|Global message delivery]] 02:00, 7 February 2025 (UTC) <!-- Sent via script ([[w:en:User:JPxG/SPS]]) --></div> <!-- Message sent by User:JPxG@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Global_message_delivery/Targets/Signpost&oldid=28179470 --> == ''This Month in GLAM'': January 2025 == {| style="width:100%;" | valign="top" align="center" style="border:1px gray solid; padding:1em;" | {| align="center" |- | style="text-align: center;" | [[File:This Month in GLAM logo 2018.png|350px|center|link=outreach:GLAM/Newsletter]]<br /> <hr /> <div style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; text-align:center;">[[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/January 2025|<span style="color:darkslategray;">This Month in GLAM – Volume XV, Issue I, January 2025</span>]]</div> <hr /><br /> |- style="text-align: center;" | <span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman;"> '''<u>Headlines</u>'''</span> |- style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; text-align:center;" | <div style="text-align:left; column-count:2; column-width:28em; vertical-align:top;"> * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/January 2025/Contents/Africa report|Africa report]]: Guinea-Bissau Heritage from Commons to the World * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/January 2025/Contents/Albania report|Albania report]]: Wikimedian in Residence at the Qemal Baholli Public Library in Elbasan (October - December 2024) * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/January 2025/Contents/Aruba report|Aruba report]]: Wikipedia on Aruba project has officially begun! * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/January 2025/Contents/Brazil report|Brazil report]]: Wiki Loves Maranhão * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/January 2025/Contents/Germany report|Germany report]]: Exploring Wikidata & Building Community for Cultural Heritage Professionals * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/January 2025/Contents/Indonesia report|Indonesia report]]: Celebrating Public Domain Day 2025 in Indonesia * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/January 2025/Contents/Italy report|Italy report]]: New Wikimedia Italia Grant for GLAMs * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/January 2025/Contents/Netherlands report|Netherlands report]]: 3 Million Dutch Cultural Heritage Images in Commons & 400,000 RCE images now in higher resolution & Usage of DBNL in Dutch Wikipedia articles * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/January 2025/Contents/New Zealand report|New Zealand report]]: Student led Edit-a-thon * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/January 2025/Contents/Poland report|Poland report]]: GLAM-Wiki 2024 in Poland: Achievements, Collaborations, and Impact * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/January 2025/Contents/Serbia report|Serbia report]]: Wikimedia Serbia: Advancing GLAM collaborations and digital heritage * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/January 2025/Contents/Switzerland report|Switzerland report]]: Swiss GLAM Programme * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/January 2025/Contents/UK report|UK report]]: Cairo Geniza * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/January 2025/Contents/USA report|USA report]]: Wikipedia Day * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/January 2025/Contents/Biodiversity Heritage Library report|Biodiversity Heritage Library report]]: BHL-Wiki Working Group January monthly highlights * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/January 2025/Contents/Special story|Special story]]: Join the Global GLAM Call – Tuesday, February 11th, 13:30 UTC! * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/January 2025/Contents/Memory of the World report|Memory of the World report]]: To the front page! * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/January 2025/Contents/Wikidata report|Wikidata report]]: Wikidata at WikiLibCon 2025 * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/January 2025/Contents/Events|Calendar]]: February's GLAM events </div> |- | style="font-family:Times New Roman; text-align:center; font-size:85%;" | [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter|Read this edition in full]] &bull; [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/January 2025/Single|Single-page]] |- | valign="top" colspan="2" style="padding:0.5em; font-family:Times New Roman;text-align:center; font-size:85%;" | To assist with preparing the newsletter, please visit the [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/Newsroom|newsroom]]. Past editions may be viewed [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/Archives|here]]. |- |} |} <div style="margin-top:10px; font-size:90%; padding-left:5px; font-family:Georgia, Palatino, Palatino Linotype, Times, Times New Roman, serif;">[[m:GLAM/Newsletter/About|About ''This Month in GLAM'']] · [[m:Global message delivery/Targets/GLAM|Subscribe/Unsubscribe]] · [[m:MassMessage|Global message delivery]] · [[:m:User:Romaine|Romaine]] 23:23, 9 February 2025 (UTC)</div> <!-- Message sent by User:Romaine@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Global_message_delivery/Targets/GLAM&oldid=28125057 --> == Tech News: 2025-07 == <section begin="technews-2025-W07"/><div class="plainlinks"> Latest '''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News|tech news]]''' from the Wikimedia technical community. Please tell other users about these changes. Not all changes will affect you. [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/2025/07|Translations]] are available. '''Weekly highlight''' * The Product and Technology Advisory Council (PTAC) has published [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Product and Technology Advisory Council/February 2025 draft PTAC recommendation for feedback|a draft of their recommendations]] for the Wikimedia Foundation's Product and Technology department. They have recommended focusing on [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Product and Technology Advisory Council/February 2025 draft PTAC recommendation for feedback/Mobile experiences|mobile experiences]], particularly contributions. They request community [[m:Talk:Product and Technology Advisory Council/February 2025 draft PTAC recommendation for feedback|feedback at the talk page]] by 21 February. '''Updates for editors''' * The "Special pages" portlet link will be moved from the "Toolbox" into the "Navigation" section of the main menu's sidebar by default. This change is because the Toolbox is intended for tools relating to the current page, not tools relating to the site, so the link will be more logically and consistently located. To modify this behavior and update CSS styling, administrators can follow the instructions at [[phab:T385346|T385346]]. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T333211] * As part of this year's work around improving the ways readers discover content on the wikis, the Web team will be running an experiment with a small number of readers that displays some suggestions for related or interesting articles within the search bar. Please check out [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Reading/Web/Content Discovery Experiments#Experiment 1: Display article recommendations in more prominent locations, search|the project page]] for more information. * [[File:Octicons-tools.svg|12px|link=|class=skin-invert|Advanced item]] Template editors who use TemplateStyles can now customize output for users with specific accessibility needs by using accessibility related media queries (<code dir=ltr>[https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/CSS/@media/prefers-reduced-motion prefers-reduced-motion]</code>, <code dir=ltr>[https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/CSS/@media/prefers-reduced-transparency prefers-reduced-transparency]</code>, <code dir=ltr>[https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/CSS/@media/prefers-contrast prefers-contrast]</code>, and <code dir=ltr>[https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/CSS/@media/forced-colors forced-colors]</code>). Thanks to user Bawolff for these improvements. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T384175] * [[File:Octicons-sync.svg|12px|link=|class=skin-invert|Recurrent item]] View all {{formatnum:22}} community-submitted {{PLURAL:22|task|tasks}} that were [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/Recently resolved community tasks|resolved last week]]. For example, the global blocks log will now be shown directly on the {{#special:CentralAuth}} page, similarly to global locks, to simplify the workflows for stewards. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T377024] '''Updates for technical contributors''' * Wikidata [[d:Special:MyLanguage/Help:Default values for labels and aliases|now supports a special language as a "default for all languages"]] for labels and aliases. This is to avoid excessive duplication of the same information across many languages. If your Wikidata queries use labels, you may need to update them as some existing labels are getting removed. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T312511] * The function <code dir="ltr">getDescription</code> was invoked on every Wiki page read and accounts for ~2.5% of a page's total load time. The calculated value will now be cached, reducing load on Wikimedia servers. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T383660] * As part of the RESTBase deprecation [[mw:RESTBase/deprecation|effort]], the <code dir="ltr">/page/related</code> endpoint has been blocked as of February 6, 2025, and will be removed soon. This timeline was chosen to align with the deprecation schedules for older Android and iOS versions. The stable alternative is the "<code dir="ltr">morelike</code>" action API in MediaWiki, and [[gerrit:c/mediawiki/services/mobileapps/+/982154/13/pagelib/src/transform/FooterReadMore.js|a migration example]] is available. The MediaWiki Interfaces team [[phab:T376297|can be contacted]] for any questions. [https://lists.wikimedia.org/hyperkitty/list/wikitech-l@lists.wikimedia.org/thread/GFC2IJO7L4BWO3YTM7C5HF4MCCBE2RJ2/] '''In depth''' * The latest quarterly [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Language and Product Localization/Newsletter/2025/January|Language and Internationalization newsletter]] is available. It includes: Updates about the "Contribute" menu; details on some of the newest language editions of Wikipedia; details on new languages supported by the MediaWiki interface; updates on the Community-defined lists feature; and more. * The latest [[mw:Extension:Chart/Project/Updates#January 2025: Better visibility into charts and tabular data usage|Chart Project newsletter]] is available. It includes updates on the progress towards bringing better visibility into global charts usage and support for categorizing pages in the Data namespace on Commons. '''''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News|Tech news]]''' prepared by [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/Writers|Tech News writers]] and posted by [[m:Special:MyLanguage/User:MediaWiki message delivery|bot]]&nbsp;• [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News#contribute|Contribute]]&nbsp;• [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/2025/07|Translate]]&nbsp;• [[m:Tech|Get help]]&nbsp;• [[m:Talk:Tech/News|Give feedback]]&nbsp;• [[m:Global message delivery/Targets/Tech ambassadors|Subscribe or unsubscribe]].'' </div><section end="technews-2025-W07"/> <bdi lang="en" dir="ltr">[[User:MediaWiki message delivery|MediaWiki message delivery]]</bdi> 00:12, 11 February 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:Quiddity (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Global_message_delivery/Targets/Tech_ambassadors&oldid=28231022 --> == [[Dehydration]] == I wrote on that article's talk page : I think this could now be promoted Usable->Guide, but as the main author I'm reluctant to do that myself. You replied : Haven't read the article yet but I definitely think there's FTT potential for an article like this. Would you care to have a look & maybe tag it guide? Then maybe nominate for FTT? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 21:42, 14 February 2025 (UTC) :{{re|Pashley}} I'm no medical expert, but I think what needs to be said has been said, ensuring there is no duplicated sections between this, [[water]] and [[arid region safety]] and thus I've upgraded it to guide. I think you're good to go for nominating it for FTT. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 21:50, 14 February 2025 (UTC) == Tech News: 2025-08 == <section begin="technews-2025-W08"/><div class="plainlinks"> Latest '''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News|tech news]]''' from the Wikimedia technical community. Please tell other users about these changes. Not all changes will affect you. [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/2025/08|Translations]] are available. '''Weekly highlight''' * Communities using growth tools can now showcase one event on the <code>{{#special:Homepage}}</code> for newcomers. This feature will help newcomers to be informed about editing activities they can participate in. Administrators can create a new event to showcase at <code>{{#special:CommunityConfiguration}}</code>. To learn more about this feature, please read [[diffblog:2025/02/12/community-updates-module-connecting-newcomers-to-your-initiatives/|the Diff post]], have a look [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Help:Growth/Tools/Community updates module|at the documentation]], or contact [[mw:Talk:Growth|the Growth team]]. '''Updates for editors''' [[File:Page Frame Features on desktop.png|thumb|Highlighted talk pages improvements]] * Starting next week, talk pages at these wikis – {{int:project-localized-name-eswiki/en}}{{int:comma-separator/en}}{{int:project-localized-name-frwiki/en}}{{int:comma-separator/en}}{{int:project-localized-name-itwiki/en}}{{int:comma-separator/en}}{{int:project-localized-name-jawiki/en}} – will get [[diffblog:2024/05/02/making-talk-pages-better-for-everyone/|a new design]]. This change was extensively tested as a Beta feature and is the last step of [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Talk pages project/Feature summary|talk pages improvements]]. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T379102] * You can now navigate to view a redirect page directly from its action pages, such as the history page. Previously, you were forced to first go to the redirect target. This change should help editors who work with redirects a lot. Thanks to user stjn for this improvement. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T5324] * When a Cite reference is reused many times, wikis currently show either numbers like "1.23" or localized alphabetic markers like "a b c" in the reference list. Previously, if there were so many reuses that the alphabetic markers were all used, [[MediaWiki:Cite error references no backlink label|an error message]] was displayed. As part of the work to [[phab:T383036|modernize Cite customization]], these errors will no longer be shown and instead the backlinks will fall back to showing numeric markers like "1.23" once the alphabetic markers are all used. * The log entries for each change to an editor's user-groups are now clearer by specifying exactly what has changed, instead of the plain before and after listings. Translators can [[phab:T369466|help to update the localized versions]]. Thanks to user Msz2001 for these improvements. * A new filter has been added to the [[{{#special:Nuke}}]] tool, which allows administrators to mass delete pages, to enable users to filter for pages in a range of page sizes (in bytes). This allows, for example, deleting pages only of a certain size or below. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T378488] * Non-administrators can now check which pages are able to be deleted using the [[{{#special:Nuke}}]] tool. Thanks to user MolecularPilot for this and the previous improvements. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T376378] * [[File:Octicons-sync.svg|12px|link=|class=skin-invert|Recurrent item]] View all {{formatnum:25}} community-submitted {{PLURAL:25|task|tasks}} that were [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/Recently resolved community tasks|resolved last week]]. For example, a bug was fixed in the configuration for the AV1 video file format, which enables these files to play again. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T382193] '''Updates for technical contributors''' * Parsoid Read Views is going to be rolling out to most Wiktionaries over the next few weeks, following the successful transition of Wikivoyage to Parsoid Read Views last year. For more information, see the [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Parsoid/Parser Unification|Parsoid/Parser Unification]] project page. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T385923][https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T371640] * Developers of tools that run on-wiki should note that <code dir=ltr>mw.Uri</code> is deprecated. Tools requiring <code dir=ltr>mw.Uri</code> must explicitly declare <code dir=ltr>mediawiki.Uri</code> as a ResourceLoader dependency, and should migrate to the browser native <code dir=ltr>URL</code> API soon. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T384515] '''''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News|Tech news]]''' prepared by [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/Writers|Tech News writers]] and posted by [[m:Special:MyLanguage/User:MediaWiki message delivery|bot]]&nbsp;• [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News#contribute|Contribute]]&nbsp;• [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/2025/08|Translate]]&nbsp;• [[m:Tech|Get help]]&nbsp;• [[m:Talk:Tech/News|Give feedback]]&nbsp;• [[m:Global message delivery/Targets/Tech ambassadors|Subscribe or unsubscribe]].'' </div><section end="technews-2025-W08"/> <bdi lang="en" dir="ltr">[[User:MediaWiki message delivery|MediaWiki message delivery]]</bdi> 21:17, 17 February 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:Quiddity (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Global_message_delivery/Targets/Tech_ambassadors&oldid=28275610 --> == Tech News: 2025-09 == <section begin="technews-2025-W09"/><div class="plainlinks"> Latest '''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News|tech news]]''' from the Wikimedia technical community. Please tell other users about these changes. Not all changes will affect you. [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/2025/09|Translations]] are available. '''Updates for editors''' * Administrators can now customize how the [[m:Special:MyLanguage/User language|Babel feature]] creates categories using [[{{#special:CommunityConfiguration/Babel}}]]. They can rename language categories, choose whether they should be auto-created, and adjust other settings. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T374348] * The <bdi lang="en" dir="ltr">[https://www.wikimedia.org/ wikimedia.org]</bdi> portal has been updated – and is receiving some ongoing improvements – to modernize and improve the accessibility of our portal pages. It now has better support for mobile layouts, updated wording and links, and better language support. Additionally, all of the Wikimedia project portals, such as <bdi lang="en" dir="ltr">[https://wikibooks.org wikibooks.org]</bdi>, now support dark mode when a reader is using that system setting. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T373204][https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T368221][https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Project_portals] * One new wiki has been created: a {{int:project-localized-name-group-wiktionary/en}} in [[d:Q33965|Santali]] ([[wikt:sat:|<code>wikt:sat:</code>]]) [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T386619] * [[File:Octicons-sync.svg|12px|link=|class=skin-invert|Recurrent item]] View all {{formatnum:30}} community-submitted {{PLURAL:30|task|tasks}} that were [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/Recently resolved community tasks|resolved last week]]. For example, a bug was fixed that prevented clicking on search results in the web-interface for some Firefox for Android phone configurations. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T381289] '''Meetings and events''' * The next Language Community Meeting is happening soon, February 28th at [https://zonestamp.toolforge.org/1740751200 14:00 UTC]. This week's meeting will cover: highlights and technical updates on keyboard and tools for the Sámi languages, Translatewiki.net contributions from the Bahasa Lampung community in Indonesia, and technical Q&A. If you'd like to join, simply [[mw:Wikimedia Language and Product Localization/Community meetings#28 February 2025|sign up on the wiki page]]. '''''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News|Tech news]]''' prepared by [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/Writers|Tech News writers]] and posted by [[m:Special:MyLanguage/User:MediaWiki message delivery|bot]]&nbsp;• [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News#contribute|Contribute]]&nbsp;• [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/2025/09|Translate]]&nbsp;• [[m:Tech|Get help]]&nbsp;• [[m:Talk:Tech/News|Give feedback]]&nbsp;• [[m:Global message delivery/Targets/Tech ambassadors|Subscribe or unsubscribe]].'' </div><section end="technews-2025-W09"/> <bdi lang="en" dir="ltr">[[User:MediaWiki message delivery|MediaWiki message delivery]]</bdi> 00:42, 25 February 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:Quiddity (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Global_message_delivery/Targets/Tech_ambassadors&oldid=28296129 --> == ''The Signpost'': 27 February 2025 == <div lang="en" dir="ltr" class="mw-content-ltr" style="margin-top:10px; font-size:90%; padding-left:5px; font-family:Georgia, Palatino, Palatino Linotype, Times, Times New Roman, serif;">[[File:WikipediaSignpostIcon.svg|40px|right]] ''News, reports and features from the English Wikipedia's newspaper''</div> <div style="column-count:2;"> * News and notes: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-02-27/News and notes|Administrator elections up for reapproval and 1bil GET snagged on Commons]] * Serendipity: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-02-27/Serendipity|Guinea-Bissau Heritage from Commons to the World]] * Technology report: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-02-27/Technology report|Hear that? The wikis go silent twice a year]] * In the media: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-02-27/In the media|The end of the world]] * Recent research: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-02-27/Recent research|What's known about how readers navigate Wikipedia; Italian Wikipedia hardest to read]] * Opinion: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-02-27/Opinion|Sennecaster's RfA debriefing]] * Tips and tricks: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-02-27/Tips and tricks|One year after this article is posted, will every single article on Wikipedia have a short description?]] * Community view: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-02-27/Community view|Open letter from French Wikipedians says "no" to intimidation of volunteer contributors]] * Traffic report: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-02-27/Traffic report|Temporary scars, February stars]] * Essay: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-02-27/Essay|The source, the whole source, and nothing but the source]] * Obituary: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-02-27/Obituary|Ümüt Çınar (Kmoksy) and Vinícius Medina Kern (Vmkern)]] </div> <div style="margin-top:10px; font-size:90%; padding-left:5px; font-family:Georgia, Palatino, Palatino Linotype, Times, Times New Roman, serif;">'''[[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost|Read this Signpost in full]]''' · [[w:en:Wikipedia:Signpost/Single|Single-page]] · [[m:Global message delivery/Targets/Signpost|Unsubscribe]] · [[m:Global message delivery|Global message delivery]] 10:32, 27 February 2025 (UTC) <!-- Sent via script ([[w:en:User:JPxG/SPS]]) --></div> <!-- Message sent by User:JPxG@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Global_message_delivery/Targets/Signpost&oldid=28313070 --> == Tech News: 2025-10 == <section begin="technews-2025-W10"/><div class="plainlinks"> Latest '''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News|tech news]]''' from the Wikimedia technical community. Please tell other users about these changes. Not all changes will affect you. [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/2025/10|Translations]] are available. '''Updates for editors''' * All logged-in editors using the mobile view can now edit a full page. The "{{int:Minerva-page-actions-editfull}}" link is accessible from the "{{int:minerva-page-actions-overflow}}" menu in the toolbar. This was previously only available to editors using the [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Reading/Web/Advanced mobile contributions|Advanced mobile contributions]] setting. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T387180] * Interface administrators can now help to remove the deprecated Cite CSS code matching "<code dir="ltr">mw-ref</code>" from their local <bdi lang="en" dir="ltr">[[MediaWiki:Common.css]]</bdi>. The list of wikis in need of cleanup, and the code to remove, [https://global-search.toolforge.org/?q=mw-ref%5B%5E-a-z%5D&regex=1&namespaces=8&title=.*css can be found with this global search] and in [https://ace.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=MediaWiki:Common.css&oldid=145662#L-139--L-144 this example], and you can learn more about how to help on the [[mw:Parsoid/Parser Unification/Cite CSS|CSS migration project page]]. The Cite footnote markers ("<code dir="ltr">[1]</code>") are now rendered by [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Parsoid|Parsoid]], and the deprecated CSS is no longer needed. The CSS for backlinks ("<code dir="ltr">mw:referencedBy</code>") should remain in place for now. This cleanup is expected to cause no visible changes for readers. Please help to remove this code before March 20, after which the development team will do it for you. * When editors embed a file (e.g. <code><nowiki>[[File:MediaWiki.png]]</nowiki></code>) on a page that is protected with cascading protection, the software will no longer restrict edits to the file description page, only to new file uploads.[https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T24521] In contrast, transcluding a file description page (e.g. <code><nowiki>{{:File:MediaWiki.png}}</nowiki></code>) will now restrict edits to the page.[https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T62109] * When editors revert a file to an earlier version it will now require the same permissions as ordinarily uploading a new version of the file. The software now checks for 'reupload' or 'reupload-own' rights,[https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T304474] and respects cascading protection.[https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T140010] * When administrators are listing pages for deletion with the Nuke tool, they can now also list associated talk pages and redirects for deletion, alongside pages created by the target, rather than needing to manually delete these pages afterwards. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T95797] * The [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/2025/03|previously noted]] update to Single User Login, which will accommodate browser restrictions on cross-domain cookies by moving login and account creation to a central domain, will now roll out to all users during March and April. The team plans to enable it for all new account creation on [[wikitech:Deployments/Train#Tuesday|Group0]] wikis this week. See [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/MediaWiki Platform Team/SUL3#Deployment|the SUL3 project page]] for more details and an updated timeline. * Since last week there has been a bug that shows some interface icons as black squares until the page has fully loaded. It will be fixed this week. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T387351] * One new wiki has been created: a {{int:project-localized-name-group-wikipedia/en}} in [[d:Q2044560|Sylheti]] ([[w:syl:|<code>w:syl:</code>]]) [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T386441] * [[File:Octicons-sync.svg|12px|link=|class=skin-invert|Recurrent item]] View all {{formatnum:23}} community-submitted {{PLURAL:23|task|tasks}} that were [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/Recently resolved community tasks|resolved last week]]. For example, a bug was fixed with loading images in very old versions of the Firefox browser on mobile. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T386400] '''Updates for technical contributors''' * [[File:Octicons-sync.svg|12px|link=|class=skin-invert|Recurrent item]] Detailed code updates later this week: [[mw:MediaWiki 1.44/wmf.19|MediaWiki]] '''''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News|Tech news]]''' prepared by [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/Writers|Tech News writers]] and posted by [[m:Special:MyLanguage/User:MediaWiki message delivery|bot]]&nbsp;• [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News#contribute|Contribute]]&nbsp;• [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/2025/10|Translate]]&nbsp;• [[m:Tech|Get help]]&nbsp;• [[m:Talk:Tech/News|Give feedback]]&nbsp;• [[m:Global message delivery/Targets/Tech ambassadors|Subscribe or unsubscribe]].'' </div><section end="technews-2025-W10"/> <bdi lang="en" dir="ltr">[[User:MediaWiki message delivery|MediaWiki message delivery]]</bdi> 02:31, 4 March 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:Quiddity (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Global_message_delivery/Targets/Tech_ambassadors&oldid=28334563 --> == Growth Newsletter #33 == <div class="plainlinks mw-content-ltr" lang="en" dir="ltr"> [[File:Growth_team_logo_-_Icon_only.svg|right|frameless|class=skin-invert]] ''A quarterly update from the Growth team on our work to improve the new editor experience.'' === [[mw:Growth/Constructive activation experimentation|Constructive Activation Experiments]] === This year, the Growth team is exploring ways to help more new account holders start editing—and do so constructively, meaning their edits are not reverted. Our latest experiments include: * '''Gradual rollout of "Add a Link" at English Wikipedia''' – We are gradually introducing the "Add a Link" structured task to newcomers at English Wikipedia ([[phab:T386029|T386029]]). This serves as a natural A/B test to measure its impact on activation, retention, and revert rates ([[phab:T382603|T382603]]). Previous experiments on pilot wikis showed that "Add a Link" increases newcomer participation, particularly by helping them make constructive (non-reverted) edits. * '''Testing in-article suggestions for first-time editors''' – Many new account holders want to contribute but don’t know where to start. To help, we’re piloting a feature that surfaces structured task suggestions directly in an article’s read view for brand-new editors ([[phab:T385343|T385343]]). These suggestions will appear for logged-in users with no edits, providing a clear, simple way to begin contributing that is surfaced while they read. === [[mw:Help:Growth/Tools/Community updates module|Community Updates]] === Newcomers often struggle to find their place in Wikipedia’s collaborative environment. While experienced editors easily discover events like edit-a-thons and writing campaigns, newcomers often miss out. * To bridge this gap, we launched the '''Community Updates''' module for the Newcomer Homepage. This module is disabled by default, allowing Community Admins to decide how (or if) to use it. * If your community hosts events, consider setting up a Community Update to engage and welcome newcomers! [[diffblog:2025/02/12/community-updates-module-connecting-newcomers-to-your-initiatives|Learn more on Diff]]. To configure, visit Special:CommunityConfiguration. === [[mw:Community Configuration|Community Configuration]] === Community Configuration is now available across all wikis, including non-Wikipedia projects ([[phab:T383910|T383910]]). Community Configuration allows admins to customize various features like Growth features and Automoderator for their communities, and more recently the Babel extension now allows admins to modify configuration: * '''Babel customization''' – Admins can now configure Babel settings ([[phab:T374348|T374348]]), including category naming, automatic category creation, and more. See an example on [[commons:Special:CommunityConfiguration/Babel|Wikimedia Commons]]. * '''Upcoming configurable features''' – Projects exploring community configuration options include: '''[[metawiki:Incident_Reporting_System|Incident Reporting System]]''' ([[phab:T374113|T374113]]) and '''[[phab:T384444|Cite backlinks]]''' ([[phab:T378807|T378807]]). === [[mw:Growth/Feature summary#Mentorship 2|Mentorship]] === Mentors play a key role in guiding new editors. If you’re interested in mentoring, or turning mentorship on at your wiki, check out the [[mw:Growth/FAQ#Mentorship|Mentorship FAQ]] * Starting February 17, 100% of new accounts at English Wikipedia will be assigned a mentor ([[phab:T384505|T384505]]). * At Spanish Wikipedia, on 50% of newcomers get a mentor. Experienced contributors are encouraged to [[:es:Especial:Gestionar_mentores|join mentorship]] so that Spanish Wikipedia can provide a mentor to all new users. === Looking Ahead === In the coming months, we will continue balancing maintenance work—such as deprecating EditGrowth Config ([[phab:T367574|T367574]]) and migrating Statslib ([[phab:T359352|T359352]]) — with user-facing improvements that support new editors and foster the next generation of contributors. ''<small>'''[[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Growth/Newsletters|Growth team's newsletter]]''' prepared by [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Growth|the Growth team]] and posted by [[m:User:MediaWiki message delivery|bot]] • [[mw:Talk:Growth|Give feedback]] • [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Global message delivery/Targets/Growth team updates|Subscribe or unsubscribe]].</small>'' </div> 19:00, 4 March 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:Trizek (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Global_message_delivery/Targets/Growth_team_updates&oldid=28323658 --> == Itineraries talk archive == I see that you archived old discussions on [[Wikivoyage talk:Itineraries]]. However, there are only the archives [[Wikivoyage talk:Itineraries/Archive 2004–2007]] and [[Wikivoyage talk:Itineraries/Archive 2010–2014]], while also content from 2015–2023 has been removed. It seems some stuff from 2015 is retained, while there is a cut-off in the middle of a comment of mine from August 2015, with everything later removed. Could you check what happened? –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:49, 9 March 2025 (UTC) :Sure, I'll check on what exactly happened. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 06:51, 9 March 2025 (UTC) ::I see what now happened – seems I accidentally removed a good chunk of discussions when adding the archive box. Nonetheless I've restored them and now the page is fixed. Thanks for picking that up, LPfi. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 06:57, 9 March 2025 (UTC) :::Thanks. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 13:34, 9 March 2025 (UTC) == ''This Month in GLAM'': February 2025 == {| style="width:100%;" | valign="top" align="center" style="border:1px gray solid; padding:1em;" | {| align="center" |- | style="text-align: center;" | [[File:This Month in GLAM logo 2018.png|350px|center|link=outreach:GLAM/Newsletter]]<br /> <hr /> <div style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; text-align:center;">[[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/February 2025|<span style="color:darkslategray;">This Month in GLAM – Volume XV, Issue II, February 2025</span>]]</div> <hr /><br /> |- style="text-align: center;" | <span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman;"> '''<u>Headlines</u>'''</span> |- style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; text-align:center;" | <div style="text-align:left; column-count:2; column-width:28em; vertical-align:top;"> * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/February 2025/Contents/Albania report|Albania report]]: Celebrating the English Wikipedia’s Birthday in Albania! * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/February 2025/Contents/Belgium report|Belgium report]]: Belgium Public Domain Day and Dance Heritage * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/February 2025/Contents/Brazil report|Brazil report]]: Wiki and COP30 in the Amazon rainforest * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/February 2025/Contents/Germany report|Germany report]]: GLAM digital and seminar on Jewish life * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/February 2025/Contents/Italy report|Italy report]]: GLAM call and Progetto cultura * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/February 2025/Contents/Netherlands report|Netherlands report]]: [GLAM metrics] Usage of Delpher in Dutch Wikipedia articles * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/February 2025/Contents/New Zealand report|New Zealand report]]: Wikipedia podcast episode, Trilepidea newsletter article, and the Wikipedian at Large * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/February 2025/Contents/Macedonia report|North Macedonia report]]: Wikimedia MKD GLAM program for 2025 * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/February 2025/Contents/Poland report|Poland report]]: What's up in GLAM in Poland * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/February 2025/Contents/Switzerland report|Switzerland report]]: Swiss GLAM Programme * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/February 2025/Contents/UK report|UK report]]: Islamic and Jewish history * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/February 2025/Contents/Ukraine report|Ukraine report]]: GLAM news from Ukraine – events for libraries, #1Lib1Ref, launch of a larger GLAM product * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/February 2025/Contents/USA report|USA report]]: February meetings * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/February 2025/Contents/Biodiversity Heritage Library report|Biodiversity Heritage Library report]]: BHL-Wiki Working Group February monthly highlights * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/February 2025/Contents/AvoinGLAM report|AvoinGLAM report]]: Connecting Media Art Archives * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/February 2025/Contents/Memory of the World report|Memory of the World report]]: 5.1 million image views * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/February 2025/Contents/Wikidata report|Wikidata report]]: Wikidata event: Data Reuse Days 2025 * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/February 2025/Contents/Wikisource report|Wikisource report]]: Wikisource Conference 2025 * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/February 2025/Contents/Wikimedia and Libraries User Group report|Wikimedia and Libraries User Group report]]: Wikimedia + Libraries International Convention 2025 * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/February 2025/Contents/Events|Calendar]]: March's GLAM events </div> |- | style="font-family:Times New Roman; text-align:center; font-size:85%;" | [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter|Read this edition in full]] &bull; [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/February 2025/Single|Single-page]] |- | valign="top" colspan="2" style="padding:0.5em; font-family:Times New Roman;text-align:center; font-size:85%;" | To assist with preparing the newsletter, please visit the [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/Newsroom|newsroom]]. Past editions may be viewed [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/Archives|here]]. |- |} |} <div style="margin-top:10px; font-size:90%; padding-left:5px; font-family:Georgia, Palatino, Palatino Linotype, Times, Times New Roman, serif;">[[m:GLAM/Newsletter/About|About ''This Month in GLAM'']] · [[m:Global message delivery/Targets/GLAM|Subscribe/Unsubscribe]] · [[m:MassMessage|Global message delivery]] · [[:m:User:Romaine|Romaine]] 16:51, 10 March 2025 (UTC)</div> <!-- Message sent by User:Romaine@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Global_message_delivery/Targets/GLAM&oldid=28357408 --> == Tech News: 2025-11 == <section begin="technews-2025-W11"/><div class="plainlinks"> Latest '''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News|tech news]]''' from the Wikimedia technical community. Please tell other users about these changes. Not all changes will affect you. [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/2025/11|Translations]] are available. '''Updates for editors''' * Editors who use password managers at multiple wikis may notice changes in the future. The way that our wikis provide information to password managers about reusing passwords across domains has recently been updated, so some password managers might now offer you login credentials that you saved for a different Wikimedia site. Some password managers already did this, and are now doing it for more Wikimedia domains. This is part of the [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/MediaWiki Platform Team/SUL3|SUL3 project]] which aims to improve how our unified login works, and to keep it compatible with ongoing changes to the web-browsers we use. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T385520][https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T384844] * The Wikipedia Apps Team is inviting interested users to help improve Wikipedia’s offline and limited internet use. After discussions in [[m:Afrika Baraza|Afrika Baraza]] and the last [[m:Special:MyLanguage/ESEAP Hub/Meetings|ESEAP call]], key challenges like search, editing, and offline access are being explored, with upcoming focus groups to dive deeper into these topics. All languages are welcome, and interpretation will be available. Want to share your thoughts? [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Apps/Improving Wikipedia Mobile Apps for Offline & Limited Internet Use|Join the discussion]] or email <bdi lang="en" dir="ltr">aramadan@wikimedia.org</bdi>! * All wikis will be read-only for a few minutes on March 19. This is planned at [https://zonestamp.toolforge.org/1742392800 14:00 UTC]. More information will be published in Tech News and will also be posted on individual wikis in the coming weeks. * [[File:Octicons-sync.svg|12px|link=|class=skin-invert|Recurrent item]] View all {{formatnum:27}} community-submitted {{PLURAL:27|task|tasks}} that were [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/Recently resolved community tasks|resolved last week]]. '''Updates for technical contributors''' * [[File:Octicons-sync.svg|12px|link=|class=skin-invert|Recurrent item]] Detailed code updates later this week: [[mw:MediaWiki 1.44/wmf.20|MediaWiki]] '''In depth''' * The latest quarterly [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Growth/Newsletters/33|Growth newsletter]] is available. It includes: the launch of the Community Updates module, the most recent changes in Community Configuration, and the upcoming test of in-article suggestions for first-time editors. * An old API that was previously used in the Android Wikipedia app is being removed at the end of March. There are no current software uses, but users of the app with a version that is older than 6 months by the time of removal (2025-03-31), will no longer have access to the Suggested Edits feature, until they update their app. You can [[diffblog:2025/02/24/sunset-of-wikimedia-recommendation-api/|read more details about this change]]. '''''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News|Tech news]]''' prepared by [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/Writers|Tech News writers]] and posted by [[m:Special:MyLanguage/User:MediaWiki message delivery|bot]]&nbsp;• [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News#contribute|Contribute]]&nbsp;• [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/2025/11|Translate]]&nbsp;• [[m:Tech|Get help]]&nbsp;• [[m:Talk:Tech/News|Give feedback]]&nbsp;• [[m:Global message delivery/Targets/Tech ambassadors|Subscribe or unsubscribe]].'' </div><section end="technews-2025-W11"/> <bdi lang="en" dir="ltr">[[User:MediaWiki message delivery|MediaWiki message delivery]]</bdi> 23:10, 10 March 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:Quiddity (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Global_message_delivery/Targets/Tech_ambassadors&oldid=28372257 --> == This Month in Education: February 2025 == <div class="plainlinks" lang="en" dir="ltr"> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00A7E2; font-size:2.9em; font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">This Month in Education</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00A7E2; font-size:1.4em; font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> Volume 14 • Issue 2 • February 2025</span> <div style="border-top:1px solid #a2a9b1; border-bottom:1px solid #a2a9b1; padding:0.5em; font-size:larger; margin-bottom:0.2em">[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/Newsletter/February 2025|Contents]] • [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/Newsletter/February 2025/Headlines|Headlines]] • [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Global message delivery/Targets/This Month in Education|Subscribe]]</div> <div style="color:white; font-size:1.8em; font-family:Montserrat; background:#92BFB1;">In This Issue</div></div> <div style="text-align: left; column-count: 2; column-width: 35em;"> * [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/News/February 2025/Activities series at the Shefit Hekali school in Peqin, Albania|Activities series at the Shefit Hekali school in Peqin, Albania]] * [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/News/February 2025/Wikimedia Brazil has formed a partnership with a public policy research institute|Wikimedia Brazil has formed a partnership with a public policy research institute]] * [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/News/February 2025/Preserving Heritage: Tuluvas Aati Month Educational Wikimedia Programs|Preserving Heritage: Tuluvas Aati Month Educational Wikimedia Programs]] * [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/News/February 2025/Reflecting on our Past: Farewell to the Auckland Museum Summer Students|Reflecting on our Past: Farewell to the Auckland Museum Summer Students]] * [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/News/February 2025/Successful Conclusion of the Second Phase of "Reading Wikipedia in the Classroom" in Yemen|Successful Conclusion of the Second Phase of "Reading Wikipedia in the Classroom" in Yemen]] * [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/News/February 2025/Wiki Workshop in Mitrovica |Wiki Workshop in Mitrovica]] * [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/News/February 2025/Wikimedia MKD' Education: Lots of new trained users, lots of new articles|Wikimedia MKD' Education: Lots of new trained users, lots of new articles]] * [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/News/February 2025/Wikimedia Serbia receives accreditation from the National Library of Serbia for the Wiki Senior seminar|Wikimedia Serbia receives accreditation from the National Library of Serbia for the Wiki Senior seminar]] </div> <div style="margin-top:10px; text-align: center; font-size:90%; padding-left:5px; font-family:Georgia, Palatino, Palatino Linotype, Times, Times New Roman, serif;">[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/Newsletter/About|About ''This Month in Education'']] · [[m:Global message delivery/Targets/This Month in Education|Subscribe/Unsubscribe]] · [[m:Special:MyLanguage/MassMessage|Global message delivery]] · For the team: [[:m:User:ZI Jony|ZI Jony]] 09:04, 12 March 2025 (UTC)</div> </div> <!-- Message sent by User:ZI Jony@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Global_message_delivery/Targets/This_Month_in_Education&oldid=28314249 --> == Tech News: 2025-12 == <section begin="technews-2025-W12"/><div class="plainlinks"> Latest '''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News|tech news]]''' from the Wikimedia technical community. Please tell other users about these changes. Not all changes will affect you. [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/2025/12|Translations]] are available. '''Weekly highlight''' * Twice a year, around the equinoxes, the Wikimedia Foundation's Site Reliability Engineering (SRE) team performs [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/Server switch|a datacenter server switchover]], redirecting all traffic from one primary server to its backup. This provides reliability in case of a crisis, as we can always fall back on the other datacenter. [http://listen.hatnote.com/ Thanks to the Listen to Wikipedia] tool, you can hear the switchover take place: Before it begins, you'll hear the steady stream of edits; Then, as the system enters a brief read-only phase, the sound stops for a couple of minutes, before resuming after the switchover. You can [[diffblog:2025/03/12/hear-that-the-wikis-go-silent-twice-a-year/|read more about the background and details of this process on the Diff blog]]. If you want to keep an ear out for the next server switchover, listen to the wikis on [https://zonestamp.toolforge.org/1742392800 March 19 at 14:00 UTC]. '''Updates for editors''' * The [https://test.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:ContentTranslation&filter-type=automatic&filter-id=previous-edits&active-list=suggestions&from=en&to=es improved Content Translation tool dashboard] is now available in [[phab:T387820|10 Wikipedias]] and will be available for all Wikipedias [[phab:T387821|soon]]. With [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Content translation#Improved translation experience|the unified dashboard]], desktop users can now: Translate new sections of an article; Discover and access topic-based [https://ig.m.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:ContentTranslation&active-list=suggestions&from=en&to=ig&filter-type=automatic&filter-id=previous-edits article suggestion filters] (initially available only for mobile device users); Discover and access the [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Translation suggestions: Topic-based & Community-defined lists|Community-defined lists]] filter, also known as "Collections", from wiki-projects and campaigns. * On Wikimedia Commons, a [[c:Commons:WMF support for Commons/Upload Wizard Improvements#Improve category selection|new system to select the appropriate file categories]] has been introduced: if a category has one or more subcategories, users will be able to click on an arrow that will open the subcategories directly within the form, and choose the correct one. The parent category name will always be shown on top, and it will always be possible to come back to it. This should decrease the amount of work for volunteers in fixing/creating new categories. The change is also available on mobile. These changes are part of planned improvements to the UploadWizard. * The Community Tech team is seeking wikis to join a pilot for the [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Community Wishlist Survey 2023/Multiblocks|Multiblocks]] feature and a refreshed Special:Block page in late March. Multiblocks enables administrators to impose multiple different types of blocks on the same user at the same time. If you are an admin or steward and would like us to discuss joining the pilot with your community, please leave a message on the [[m:Talk:Community Wishlist Survey 2023/Multiblocks|project talk page]]. * Starting March 25, the Editing team will test a new feature for Edit Check at [[phab:T384372|12 Wikipedias]]: [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Help:Edit check#Multi-check|Multi-Check]]. Half of the newcomers on these wikis will see all [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Help:Edit check#ref|Reference Checks]] during their edit session, while the other half will continue seeing only one. The goal of this test is to see if users are confused or discouraged when shown multiple Reference Checks (when relevant) within a single editing session. At these wikis, the tags used on edits that show References Check will be simplified, as multiple tags could be shown within a single edit. Changes to the tags are documented [[phab:T373949|on Phabricator]]. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T379131] * The [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Global reminder bot|Global reminder bot]], which is a service for notifying users that their temporary user-rights are about to expire, now supports using the localized name of the user-rights group in the message heading. Translators can see the [[m:Global reminder bot/Translation|listing of existing translations and documentation]] to check if their language needs updating or creation. * The [[Special:GlobalPreferences|GlobalPreferences]] gender setting, which is used for how the software should refer to you in interface messages, now works as expected by overriding the local defaults. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T386584] * [[File:Octicons-sync.svg|12px|link=|class=skin-invert|Recurrent item]] View all {{formatnum:26}} community-submitted {{PLURAL:26|task|tasks}} that were [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/Recently resolved community tasks|resolved last week]]. For example, the Wikipedia App for Android had a bug fixed for when a user is browsing and searching in multiple languages. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T379777] '''Updates for technical contributors''' * Later this week, the way that Codex styles are loaded will be changing. There is a small risk that this may result in unstyled interface message boxes on certain pages. User generated content (e.g. templates) is not impacted. Gadgets may be impacted. If you see any issues [[phab:T388847|please report them]]. See the linked task for details, screenshots, and documentation on how to fix any affected gadgets. * [[File:Octicons-sync.svg|12px|link=|class=skin-invert|Recurrent item]] Detailed code updates later this week: [[mw:MediaWiki 1.44/wmf.21|MediaWiki]] '''''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News|Tech news]]''' prepared by [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/Writers|Tech News writers]] and posted by [[m:Special:MyLanguage/User:MediaWiki message delivery|bot]]&nbsp;• [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News#contribute|Contribute]]&nbsp;• [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/2025/12|Translate]]&nbsp;• [[m:Tech|Get help]]&nbsp;• [[m:Talk:Tech/News|Give feedback]]&nbsp;• [[m:Global message delivery/Targets/Tech ambassadors|Subscribe or unsubscribe]].'' </div><section end="technews-2025-W12"/> <bdi lang="en" dir="ltr">[[User:MediaWiki message delivery|MediaWiki message delivery]]</bdi> 23:48, 17 March 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:Quiddity (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Global_message_delivery/Targets/Tech_ambassadors&oldid=28412594 --> == ''The Signpost'': 22 March 2025 == <div lang="en" dir="ltr" class="mw-content-ltr" style="margin-top:10px; font-size:90%; padding-left:5px; font-family:Georgia, Palatino, Palatino Linotype, Times, Times New Roman, serif;">[[File:WikipediaSignpostIcon.svg|40px|right]] ''News, reports and features from the English Wikipedia's newspaper''</div> <div style="column-count:2;"> * From the editor: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-03-22/From the editor|''Hanami'']] * News and notes: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-03-22/News and notes|Deeper look at takedowns targeting Wikipedia]] * In the media: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-03-22/In the media|The good, the bad, and the unusual]] * Recent research: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-03-22/Recent research|Explaining the disappointing history of Flagged Revisions; and what's the impact of ChatGPT on Wikipedia so far?]] * Traffic report: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-03-22/Traffic report|All the world's a stage, we are merely players...]] * Gallery: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-03-22/Gallery|WikiPortraits rule!]] * Essay: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-03-22/Essay|Unusual biographical images]] * Obituary: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-03-22/Obituary|Rest in peace]] </div> <div style="margin-top:10px; font-size:90%; padding-left:5px; font-family:Georgia, Palatino, Palatino Linotype, Times, Times New Roman, serif;">'''[[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost|Read this Signpost in full]]''' · [[w:en:Wikipedia:Signpost/Single|Single-page]] · [[m:Global message delivery/Targets/Signpost|Unsubscribe]] · [[m:Global message delivery|Global message delivery]] 03:12, 22 March 2025 (UTC) <!-- Sent via script ([[w:en:User:JPxG/SPS]]) --></div> <!-- Message sent by User:Bri@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Global_message_delivery/Targets/Signpost&oldid=28391577 --> == Tech News: 2025-13 == <section begin="technews-2025-W13"/><div class="plainlinks"> Latest '''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News|tech news]]''' from the Wikimedia technical community. Please tell other users about these changes. Not all changes will affect you. [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/2025/13|Translations]] are available. '''Weekly highlight''' * The Wikimedia Foundation is seeking your feedback on the [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation Annual Plan/2025-2026/Product & Technology OKRs|drafts of the objectives and key results that will shape the Foundation's Product and Technology priorities]] for the next fiscal year (starting in July). The objectives are broad high-level areas, and the key-results are measurable ways to track the success of their objectives. Please share your feedback on the talkpage, in any language, ideally before the end of April. '''Updates for editors''' * The [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Help:Extension:CampaignEvents|CampaignEvents extension]] will be released to multiple wikis (see [[m:Special:MyLanguage/CampaignEvents/Deployment status#Global Deployment Plan|deployment plan]] for details) in April 2025, and the team has begun the process of engaging communities on the identified wikis. The extension provides tools to organize, manage, and promote collaborative activities (like events, edit-a-thons, and WikiProjects) on the wikis. The extension has three tools: [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Event Center/Registration|Event Registration]], [[m:Special:MyLanguage/CampaignEvents/Collaboration list|Collaboration List]], and [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Campaigns/Foundation Product Team/Invitation list|Invitation Lists]]. It is currently on 13 Wikipedias, including English Wikipedia, French Wikipedia, and Spanish Wikipedia, as well as Wikidata. Questions or requests can be directed to the [[mw:Help talk:Extension:CampaignEvents|extension talk page]] or in Phabricator (with <bdi lang="en" dir="ltr" style="white-space: nowrap;">#campaigns-product-team</bdi> tag). * Starting the week of March 31st, wikis will be able to set which user groups can view private registrants in [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Event Center/Registration|Event Registration]], as part of the [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Help:Extension:CampaignEvents|CampaignEvents]] extension. By default, event organizers and the local wiki admins will be able to see private registrants. This is a change from the current behavior, in which only event organizers can see private registrants. Wikis can change the default setup by [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Requesting wiki configuration changes|requesting a configuration change]] in Phabricator (and adding the <bdi lang="en" dir="ltr" style="white-space: nowrap;">#campaigns-product-team</bdi> tag). Participants of past events can cancel their registration at any time. * Administrators at wikis that have a customized <bdi lang="en" dir="ltr">[[MediaWiki:Sidebar]]</bdi> should check that it contains an entry for the {{int:specialpages}} listing. If it does not, they should add it using <code dir=ltr style="white-space: nowrap;">* specialpages-url|specialpages</code>. Wikis with a default sidebar will see the link moved from the page toolbox into the sidebar menu in April. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T388927] * The Minerva skin (mobile web) combines both Notice and Alert notifications within the bell icon ([[File:OOjs UI icon bell.svg|16px|link=|class=skin-invert]]). There was a long-standing bug where an indication for new notifications was only shown if you had unseen Alerts. This bug is now fixed. In the future, Minerva users will notice a counter atop the bell icon when you have 1 or more unseen Notices and/or Alerts. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T344029] * [[File:Octicons-sync.svg|12px|link=|class=skin-invert|Recurrent item]] View all {{formatnum:23}} community-submitted {{PLURAL:23|task|tasks}} that were [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/Recently resolved community tasks|resolved last week]]. '''Updates for technical contributors''' * VisualEditor has introduced a [[mw:VisualEditor/Hooks|new client-side hook]] for developers to use when integrating with the VisualEditor target lifecycle. This hook should replace the existing lifecycle-related hooks, and be more consistent between different platforms. In addition, the new hook will apply to uses of VisualEditor outside of just full article editing, allowing gadgets to interact with the editor in DiscussionTools as well. The Editing Team intends to deprecate and eventually remove the old lifecycle hooks, so any use cases that this new hook does not cover would be of interest to them and can be [[phab:T355555|shared in the task]]. * Developers who use the <code dir=ltr>mw.Api</code> JavaScript library, can now identify the tool using it with the <code dir=ltr>userAgent</code> parameter: <code dir=ltr>var api = new mw.Api( { userAgent: 'GadgetNameHere/1.0.1' } );</code>. If you maintain a gadget or user script, please set a user agent, because it helps with library and server maintenance and with differentiating between legitimate and illegitimate traffic. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T373874][https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Policy:Wikimedia_Foundation_User-Agent_Policy] * [[File:Octicons-sync.svg|12px|link=|class=skin-invert|Recurrent item]] Detailed code updates later this week: [[mw:MediaWiki 1.44/wmf.22|MediaWiki]] '''''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News|Tech news]]''' prepared by [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/Writers|Tech News writers]] and posted by [[m:Special:MyLanguage/User:MediaWiki message delivery|bot]]&nbsp;• [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News#contribute|Contribute]]&nbsp;• [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/2025/13|Translate]]&nbsp;• [[m:Tech|Get help]]&nbsp;• [[m:Talk:Tech/News|Give feedback]]&nbsp;• [[m:Global message delivery/Targets/Tech ambassadors|Subscribe or unsubscribe]].'' </div><section end="technews-2025-W13"/> <bdi lang="en" dir="ltr">[[User:MediaWiki message delivery|MediaWiki message delivery]]</bdi> 22:43, 24 March 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:Quiddity (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Global_message_delivery/Targets/Tech_ambassadors&oldid=28443127 --> == Edits in Nenmara Article == Thank you for your edits in Nenmara Article. I have some questions. Why you removed this line '''* Don't tease and feed wildlife.''' I am just curious. My point is Nenmara is a town near to forest. Also tourist visiting the near by places are also near to the forest. So this must be a warning kind of thing. Just curious to know the reason behind the edit. Regards, [[User:Ranjithsiji|Ranjithsiji]] ([[User talk:Ranjithsiji|talk]]) 04:49, 25 March 2025 (UTC) :Hi, Ranjithsiji, it's because not feeding wildlife is not something unique to Nenmara; it's bad anywhere you go. Animals around the world often get aggressive and lose their natural hunting skills the more you feed them, and I don't think it needs to be repeated per [[Wikivoyage:No advice from Captain Obvious]]. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 05:31, 25 March 2025 (UTC) ::I added a sentence to [[Dangerous animals#Understand]]. The article could be linked from [[India#Stay safe]] (and is from [[Stay safe#See also]]). I assume many travellers to India are more exposed to wildlife than most travellers to, say, Europe, and some really need advice from our beloved captain – but the advice doesn't need to be repeated for every town in India. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:10, 25 March 2025 (UTC) == Tech News: 2025-14 == <section begin="technews-2025-W14"/><div class="plainlinks"> Latest '''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News|tech news]]''' from the Wikimedia technical community. Please tell other users about these changes. Not all changes will affect you. [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/2025/14|Translations]] are available. '''Updates for editors''' * The Editing team is working on a new [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Edit Check|Edit check]]: [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Edit check#26 March 2025|Peacock check]]. This check's goal is to identify non-neutral terms while a user is editing a wikipage, so that they can be informed that their edit should perhaps be changed before they publish it. This project is at the early stages, and the team is looking for communities' input: [[phab:T389445|in this Phabricator task]], they are gathering on-wiki policies, templates used to tag non-neutral articles, and the terms (jargon and keywords) used in edit summaries for the languages they are currently researching. You can participate by editing the table on Phabricator, commenting on the task, or directly messaging [[m:user:Trizek (WMF)|Trizek (WMF)]]. * [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/MediaWiki Platform Team/SUL3|Single User Login]] has now been updated on all wikis to move login and account creation to a central domain. This makes user login compatible with browser restrictions on cross-domain cookies, which have prevented users of some browsers from staying logged in. * [[File:Octicons-sync.svg|12px|link=|class=skin-invert|Recurrent item]] View all {{formatnum:35}} community-submitted {{PLURAL:35|task|tasks}} that were [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/Recently resolved community tasks|resolved last week]]. '''Updates for technical contributors''' * Starting on March 31st, the MediaWiki Interfaces team will begin a limited release of generated OpenAPI specs and a SwaggerUI-based sandbox experience for [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/API:REST API|MediaWiki REST APIs]]. They invite developers from a limited group of non-English Wikipedia communities (Arabic, German, French, Hebrew, Interlingua, Dutch, Chinese) to review the documentation and experiment with the sandbox in their preferred language. In addition to these specific Wikipedia projects, the sandbox and OpenAPI spec will be available on the [[testwiki:Special:RestSandbox|on the test wiki REST Sandbox special page]] for developers with English as their preferred language. During the preview period, the MediaWiki Interfaces Team also invites developers to [[mw:MediaWiki Interfaces Team/Feature Feedback/REST Sandbox|share feedback about your experience]]. The preview will last for approximately 2 weeks, after which the sandbox and OpenAPI specs will be made available across all wiki projects. * [[File:Octicons-sync.svg|12px|link=|class=skin-invert|Recurrent item]] Detailed code updates later this week: [[mw:MediaWiki 1.44/wmf.23|MediaWiki]] '''In depth''' * Sometimes a small, [[gerrit:c/operations/cookbooks/+/1129184|one line code change]] can have great significance: in this case, it means that for the first time in years we're able to run all of the stack serving <bdi lang="en" dir="ltr">[http://maps.wikimedia.org/ maps.wikimedia.org]</bdi> - a host dedicated to serving our wikis and their multi-lingual maps needs - from a single core datacenter, something we test every time we perform a [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/Server switch|datacenter switchover]]. This is important because it means that in case one of our datacenters is affected by a catastrophe, we'll still be able to serve the site. This change is the result of [[phab:T216826|extensive work]] by two developers on porting the last component of the maps stack over to [[w:en:Kubernetes|kubernetes]], where we can allocate resources more efficiently than before, thus we're able to withstand more traffic in a single datacenter. This work involved a lot of complicated steps because this software, and the software libraries it uses, required many long overdue upgrades. This type of work makes the Wikimedia infrastructure more sustainable. '''Meetings and events''' * [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/MediaWiki Users and Developers Workshop Spring 2025|MediaWiki Users and Developers Workshop Spring 2025]] is happening in Sandusky, USA, and online, from 14–16 May 2025. The workshop will feature discussions around the usage of MediaWiki software by and within companies in different industries and will inspire and onboard new users. Registration and presentation signup is now available at the workshop's website. '''''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News|Tech news]]''' prepared by [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/Writers|Tech News writers]] and posted by [[m:Special:MyLanguage/User:MediaWiki message delivery|bot]]&nbsp;• [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News#contribute|Contribute]]&nbsp;• [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/2025/14|Translate]]&nbsp;• [[m:Tech|Get help]]&nbsp;• [[m:Talk:Tech/News|Give feedback]]&nbsp;• [[m:Global message delivery/Targets/Tech ambassadors|Subscribe or unsubscribe]].'' </div><section end="technews-2025-W14"/> <bdi lang="en" dir="ltr">[[User:MediaWiki message delivery|MediaWiki message delivery]]</bdi> 00:05, 1 April 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:Quiddity (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Global_message_delivery/Targets/Tech_ambassadors&oldid=28473566 --> == April 2025 CEE Hub Newsletter Now Available == Good morning, The latest edition of the CEE Hub Newsletter is [[m:CEE/Newsletter/October_2024|now available]], bringing you updates from across the region and beyond. This issue features new initiatives, event highlights, and opportunities for engagement. '''In This Issue:''' * '''Meet Karolina Gruszczyk''' – Introducing the new Community & Communications Specialist at CEE Hub, working to strengthen communication and support communities across the region. * '''International Wikimedia Updates''' – A look at key global events and discussions shaping the movement in 2025. * '''Next CEE Catch-up (April 23, 2025)''' – A Foundation Annual Planning Workshop focused on global trends affecting Wikimedia communities. * '''Wiki Loves Food in Latvia''' – The Latvian Wikipedia community successfully revives engagement with a culinary writing competition. * '''Czechoslovakia 2024 Challenge''' – Over 210 articles and 498 photographs contributed to document history, culture, and everyday life. * '''WikiGap Tirana 2025''' – The 8th edition of this initiative continues efforts to improve the representation of women on Albanian Wikipedia. * '''Wikipedia for 55+ in Ukraine''' – A new program supporting senior citizens in becoming active Wikipedia editors. * '''Cultural Heritage Under Threat''' – A photography exhibition in St. Petersburg showcasing endangered cultural heritage sites. * '''Open Calls & Consultations''' – Opportunities for community members to share their perspectives and participate in movement-wide discussions. Read the full newsletter [[m:CEE/Newsletter/October_2024|here]]. Happy reading! On behalf of the CEE Newsletter team, --[[User:Janbery|janbery]], 08:43, 2 April 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:Janbery@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Global_message_delivery/Targets/CEE&oldid=28259219 --> == Tech News: 2025-15 == <section begin="technews-2025-W15"/><div class="plainlinks"> Latest '''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News|tech news]]''' from the Wikimedia technical community. Please tell other users about these changes. Not all changes will affect you. [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/2025/15|Translations]] are available. '''Updates for editors''' * From now on, [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Interface administrators|interface admins]] and [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Central notice administrators|centralnotice admins]] are technically required to enable [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Help:Two-factor authentication|two-factor authentication]] before they can use their privileges. In the future this might be expanded to more groups with advanced user-rights. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T150898] * [[File:Octicons-sync.svg|12px|link=|class=skin-invert|Recurrent item]] View all {{formatnum:20}} community-submitted {{PLURAL:20|task|tasks}} that were [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/Recently resolved community tasks|resolved last week]]. '''Updates for technical contributors''' * The Design System Team is preparing to release the next major version of Codex (v2.0.0) on April 29. Editors and developers who use CSS from Codex should see the [[mw:Codex/Release Timeline/2.0|2.0 overview documentation]], which includes guidance related to a few of the breaking changes such as <code dir=ltr style="white-space: nowrap;">font-size</code>, <code dir=ltr style="white-space: nowrap;">line-height</code>, and <code dir=ltr style="white-space: nowrap;">size-icon</code>. * The results of the [[mw:Developer Satisfaction Survey/2025|Developer Satisfaction Survey (2025)]]  are now available. Thank you to all participants. These results help the Foundation decide what to work on next and to review what they recently worked on. * [[File:Octicons-sync.svg|12px|link=|class=skin-invert|Recurrent item]] Detailed code updates later this week: [[mw:MediaWiki 1.44/wmf.24|MediaWiki]] '''Meetings and events''' * The [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Hackathon 2025|2025 Wikimedia Hackathon]] will take place in Istanbul, Turkey, between 2–4 May. Registration for attending the in-person event will close on 13 April. Before registering, please note the potential need for a [https://www.mfa.gov.tr/turkish-representations.en.mfa visa] or [https://www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-information-for-foreigners.en.mfa e-visa] to enter the country. '''''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News|Tech news]]''' prepared by [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/Writers|Tech News writers]] and posted by [[m:Special:MyLanguage/User:MediaWiki message delivery|bot]]&nbsp;• [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News#contribute|Contribute]]&nbsp;• [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/2025/15|Translate]]&nbsp;• [[m:Tech|Get help]]&nbsp;• [[m:Talk:Tech/News|Give feedback]]&nbsp;• [[m:Global message delivery/Targets/Tech ambassadors|Subscribe or unsubscribe]].'' </div><section end="technews-2025-W15"/> <bdi lang="en" dir="ltr">[[User:MediaWiki message delivery|MediaWiki message delivery]]</bdi> 18:53, 7 April 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:UOzurumba (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Global_message_delivery/Targets/Tech_ambassadors&oldid=28507470 --> == ''This Month in GLAM'': March 2025 == {| style="width:100%;" | valign="top" align="center" style="border:1px gray solid; padding:1em;" | {| align="center" |- | style="text-align: center;" | [[File:This Month in GLAM logo 2018.png|350px|center|link=outreach:GLAM/Newsletter]]<br /> <hr /> <div style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; text-align:center;">[[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/March 2025|<span style="color:darkslategray;">This Month in GLAM – Volume XV, Issue III, March 2025</span>]]</div> <hr /><br /> |- style="text-align: center;" | <span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman;"> '''<u>Headlines</u>'''</span> |- style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; text-align:center;" | <div style="text-align:left; column-count:2; column-width:28em; vertical-align:top;"> * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/March 2025/Contents/Albania report|Albania report]]: WikiGap in Albania 2025, and essential initiatives for free knowledge * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/March 2025/Contents/Argentina report|Argentina report]]: Archives and Human Rights activities * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/March 2025/Contents/Belgium report|Belgium report]]: International Women's Day, Wikipedia officially recognised as Digital Public Good and invitation for the General Assembly * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/March 2025/Contents/Brazil report|Brazil report]]: Every Book Its Reader is coming * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/March 2025/Contents/Czech Republic report|Czech Republic report]]: New Horizons of Czech GLAM Partnerships in 2025 * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/March 2025/Contents/France report|France report]]: Archivist Forum 2025 * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/March 2025/Contents/Italy report|Italy report]]: Ten winners of Wikimedia Italia 2025 GLAM call * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/March 2025/Contents/Netherlands report|Netherlands report]]: International Womensday; New Wikimedian in Residence at Maastricht University * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/March 2025/Contents/New Zealand report|New Zealand report]]: What's on at Auckland Museum, and International Women's Day at University of Otago * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/March 2025/Contents/Nigeria report|Nigeria report]]: GLAM in Africa, a Nigerian narrative in knowledge decolonization a case study of Benin City * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/March 2025/Contents/Poland report|Poland report]]: What's up in GLAM in Poland * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/March 2025/Contents/Switzerland report|Switzerland report]]: Switzerland report * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/March 2025/Contents/UK report|UK report]]: Gold in Bengali and Diversity in Arabic * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/March 2025/Contents/USA report|USA report]]: Women's History month * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/March 2025/Contents/Biodiversity Heritage Library report|Biodiversity Heritage Library report]]: BHL-Wiki Working Group March monthly highlights * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/March 2025/Contents/Memory of the World report|Memory of the World report]]: Manuscripts of Mali * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/March 2025/Contents/Structured Data on Wikimedia Commons report|Structured Data on Wikimedia Commons report]]: Creating an OpenRefine Wikimedia Group * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/March 2025/Contents/Events|Calendar]]: April's GLAM events </div> |- | style="font-family:Times New Roman; text-align:center; font-size:85%;" | [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter|Read this edition in full]] &bull; [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/March 2025/Single|Single-page]] |- | valign="top" colspan="2" style="padding:0.5em; font-family:Times New Roman;text-align:center; font-size:85%;" | To assist with preparing the newsletter, please visit the [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/Newsroom|newsroom]]. Past editions may be viewed [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/Archives|here]]. |- |} |} <div style="margin-top:10px; font-size:90%; padding-left:5px; font-family:Georgia, Palatino, Palatino Linotype, Times, Times New Roman, serif;">[[m:GLAM/Newsletter/About|About ''This Month in GLAM'']] · [[m:Global message delivery/Targets/GLAM|Subscribe/Unsubscribe]] · [[m:MassMessage|Global message delivery]] · [[:m:User:Romaine|Romaine]] 09:01, 9 April 2025 (UTC)</div> <!-- Message sent by User:Romaine@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Global_message_delivery/Targets/GLAM&oldid=28408819 --> == ''The Signpost'': 9 April 2025 == <div lang="en" dir="ltr" class="mw-content-ltr" style="margin-top:10px; font-size:90%; padding-left:5px; font-family:Georgia, Palatino, Palatino Linotype, Times, Times New Roman, serif;">[[File:WikipediaSignpostIcon.svg|40px|right]] ''News, reports and features from the English Wikipedia's newspaper''</div> <div style="column-count:2;"> * Special report: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-04-09/Special report|Wikipedian and physician Ziyad al-Sufiani reportedly released from Saudi prison]] * In focus: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-04-09/In focus|WMF to explore "common standards" for NPOV policies; implications for project autonomy remain unclear]] * In the media: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-04-09/In the media|Indian judges demand removal of content critical of Asian News International]] * News and notes: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-04-09/News and notes|35,000 user accounts compromised, locked in attempted credential-stuffing attack]] * Op-ed: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-04-09/Op-ed|How crawlers impact the operations of the Wikimedia projects]] * Opinion: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-04-09/Opinion|Crawlers, hogs and gorillas]] * Debriefing: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-04-09/Debriefing|Giraffer's RfA debriefing]] * Obituary: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-04-09/Obituary|RHaworth, TomCat4680 and PawełMM]] * Traffic report: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-04-09/Traffic report|Heigh-Ho, Heigh-Ho, off to report we go...]] * News from Diff: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-04-09/News from Diff|Strengthening Wikipedia’s neutral point of view]] * Comix: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-04-09/Comix|Thirteen]] </div> <div style="margin-top:10px; font-size:90%; padding-left:5px; font-family:Georgia, Palatino, Palatino Linotype, Times, Times New Roman, serif;">'''[[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost|Read this Signpost in full]]''' · [[w:en:Wikipedia:Signpost/Single|Single-page]] · [[m:Global message delivery/Targets/Signpost|Unsubscribe]] · [[m:Global message delivery|Global message delivery]] 18:26, 9 April 2025 (UTC) <!-- Sent via script ([[w:en:User:JPxG/SPS]]) --></div> <!-- Message sent by User:JPxG@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Global_message_delivery/Targets/Signpost&oldid=28494227 --> == This Month in Education: March 2025 == <div class="plainlinks" lang="en" dir="ltr"> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00A7E2; font-size:2.9em; font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">This Month in Education</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00A7E2; font-size:1.4em; font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> Volume 14 • Issue 3 • March 2025</span> <div style="border-top:1px solid #a2a9b1; border-bottom:1px solid #a2a9b1; padding:0.5em; font-size:larger; margin-bottom:0.2em">[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/Newsletter/March 2025|Contents]] • [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/Newsletter/March 2025/Headlines|Headlines]] • [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Global message delivery/Targets/This Month in Education|Subscribe]]</div> <div style="color:white; font-size:1.8em; font-family:Montserrat; background:#92BFB1;">In This Issue</div></div> <div style="text-align: left; column-count: 2; column-width: 35em;"> * [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/News/March 2025/A Whole New World: Research Findings on New Editor Integration in Serbian Wikipedia|A Whole New World: Research Findings on New Editor Integration in Serbian Wikipedia]] * [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/News/March 2025/Bolivia: a new round of Leamos Wikipedia begins in Bolivia|Bolivia: a new round of Leamos Wikipedia begins in Bolivia]] * [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/News/March 2025/Faculty of Social Sciences Workshop in Albania|Faculty of Social Sciences Workshop in Albania]] * [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/News/March 2025/Lots of contributions and trainings as part of Wikimedia MKD's Education Programme|Lots of contributions and trainings as part of Wikimedia MKD's Education Programme]] * [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/News/March 2025/Wikimedia organized multiple events of science and education in Brazil during the month of March|Wikimedia organized multiple events of science and education in Brazil during the month of March]] </div> <div style="margin-top:10px; text-align: center; font-size:90%; padding-left:5px; font-family:Georgia, Palatino, Palatino Linotype, Times, Times New Roman, serif;">[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/Newsletter/About|About ''This Month in Education'']] · [[m:Global message delivery/Targets/This Month in Education|Subscribe/Unsubscribe]] · [[m:Special:MyLanguage/MassMessage|Global message delivery]] · For the team: [[:m:User:ZI Jony|ZI Jony]] 15:04, 10 April 2025 (UTC)</div> </div> <!-- Message sent by User:ZI Jony@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Global_message_delivery/Targets/This_Month_in_Education&oldid=28458563 --> == Tech News: 2025-16 == <section begin="technews-2025-W16"/><div class="plainlinks"> Latest '''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News|tech news]]''' from the Wikimedia technical community. Please tell other users about these changes. Not all changes will affect you. [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/2025/16|Translations]] are available. '''Weekly highlight''' * Later this week, the default thumbnail size will be increased from 220px to 250px. This changes how pages are shown in all wikis and has been requested by some communities for many years, but wasn't previously possible due to technical limitations. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T355914] * File thumbnails are now stored in discrete sizes. If a page specifies a thumbnail size that's not among the standard sizes (20, 40, 60, 120, 250, 330, 500, 960), then MediaWiki will pick the closest larger thumbnail size but will tell the browser to downscale it to the requested size. In these cases, nothing will change visually but users might load slightly larger images. If it doesn't matter which thumbnail size is used in a page, please pick one of the standard sizes to avoid the extra in-browser down-scaling step. [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Help:Images#Thumbnail_sizes][https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T355914] '''Updates for editors''' * The Wikimedia Foundation are working on a system called [[m:Edge Uniques|Edge Uniques]] which will enable [[:w:en:A/B testing|A/B testing]], help protect against [[:w:en:Denial-of-service attack|Distributed denial-of-service attacks]] (DDoS attacks), and make it easier to understand how many visitors the Wikimedia sites have. This is so that they can more efficiently build tools which help readers, and make it easier for readers to find what they are looking for. * To improve security for users, a small percentage of logins will now require that the account owner input a one-time password [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Help:Extension:EmailAuth|emailed to their account]]. It is recommended that you [[Special:Preferences#mw-prefsection-personal-email|check]] that the email address on your account is set correctly, and that it has been confirmed, and that you have an email set for this purpose. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T390662] * "Are you interested in taking a short survey to improve tools used for reviewing or reverting edits on your Wiki?" This question will be [[phab:T389401|asked at 7 wikis starting next week]], on Recent Changes and Watchlist pages. The [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Moderator Tools|Moderator Tools team]] wants to know more about activities that involve looking at new edits made to your Wikimedia project, and determining whether they adhere to your project's policies. * On April 15, the full Wikidata graph will no longer be supported on <bdi lang="zxx" dir="ltr">[https://query.wikidata.org/ query.wikidata.org]</bdi>. After this date, scholarly articles will be available through <bdi lang="zxx" dir="ltr" style="white-space:nowrap;">[https://query-scholarly.wikidata.org/ query-scholarly.wikidata.org]</bdi>, while the rest of the data hosted on Wikidata will be available through the <bdi lang="zxx" dir="ltr">[https://query.wikidata.org/ query.wikidata.org]</bdi> endpoint. This is part of the scheduled split of the Wikidata Graph, which was [[d:Special:MyLanguage/Wikidata:SPARQL query service/WDQS backend update/September 2024 scaling update|announced in September 2024]]. More information is [[d:Wikidata:SPARQL query service/WDQS graph split|available on Wikidata]]. * The latest quarterly [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Apps/Newsletter/First quarter of 2025|Wikimedia Apps Newsletter]] is now available. It covers updates, experiments, and improvements made to the Wikipedia mobile apps. * [[File:Octicons-sync.svg|12px|link=|class=skin-invert|Recurrent item]] View all {{formatnum:30}} community-submitted {{PLURAL:30|task|tasks}} that were [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/Recently resolved community tasks|resolved last week]]. '''Updates for technical contributors''' * The latest quarterly [[mw:Technical Community Newsletter/2025/April|Technical Community Newsletter]] is now available. This edition includes: an invitation for tool maintainers to attend the Toolforge UI Community Feedback Session on April 15th; recent community metrics; and recent technical blog posts. * [[File:Octicons-sync.svg|12px|link=|class=skin-invert|Recurrent item]] Detailed code updates later this week: [[mw:MediaWiki 1.44/wmf.25|MediaWiki]] '''''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News|Tech news]]''' prepared by [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/Writers|Tech News writers]] and posted by [[m:Special:MyLanguage/User:MediaWiki message delivery|bot]]&nbsp;• [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News#contribute|Contribute]]&nbsp;• [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/2025/16|Translate]]&nbsp;• [[m:Tech|Get help]]&nbsp;• [[m:Talk:Tech/News|Give feedback]]&nbsp;• [[m:Global message delivery/Targets/Tech ambassadors|Subscribe or unsubscribe]].'' </div><section end="technews-2025-W16"/> <bdi lang="en" dir="ltr">[[User:MediaWiki message delivery|MediaWiki message delivery]]</bdi> 00:25, 15 April 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:Quiddity (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Global_message_delivery/Targets/Tech_ambassadors&oldid=28540654 --> == Quick fix == I hope this [[Special:Diff/5049663|minor edit]] is OK. -- [[Special:Contributions/89.241.66.102|89.241.66.102]] 01:57, 17 April 2025 (UTC) :Yeah that's perfectly fine – and thanks for that. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:00, 17 April 2025 (UTC) ::I have been going through the articles that were listed in that error category (linked from the edit summary) and have reduced the list from 70+ to 28 in a couple of days. There's also two template pages listed in there, but I haven't got enough knowledge to even begin looking at what the error might be with those. -- [[Special:Contributions/89.241.66.102|89.241.66.102]] 02:06, 17 April 2025 (UTC) :::That's great to hear; awesome progress! //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 02:15, 17 April 2025 (UTC) == Tech News: 2025-17 == <section begin="technews-2025-W17"/><div class="plainlinks"> Latest '''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News|tech news]]''' from the Wikimedia technical community. Please tell other users about these changes. Not all changes will affect you. [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/2025/17|Translations]] are available. '''Updates for editors''' * [[f:Special:MyLanguage/Wikifunctions:Main Page|Wikifunctions]] is now integrated with [[w:dag:Solɔɣu|Dagbani Wikipedia]] since April 15. It is the first project that will be able to call [[f:Special:MyLanguage/Wikifunctions:Introduction|functions from Wikifunctions]] and integrate them in articles. A function is something that takes one or more inputs and transforms them into a desired output, such as adding up two numbers, converting miles into metres, calculating how much time has passed since an event, or declining a word into a case. Wikifunctions will allow users to do that through a simple call of [[f:Special:MyLanguage/Wikifunctions:Catalogue|a stable and global function]], rather than via a local template. [https://www.wikifunctions.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Wikifunctions:Status_updates/2025-04-16] * A new type of lint error has been created: [[Special:LintErrors/empty-heading|{{int:linter-category-empty-heading}}]] ([[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Help:Lint errors/empty-heading|documentation]]). The [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Help:Extension:Linter|Linter extension]]'s purpose is to identify wikitext patterns that must or can be fixed in pages and provide some guidance about what the problems are with those patterns and how to fix them. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T368722] * [[File:Octicons-sync.svg|12px|link=|class=skin-invert|Recurrent item]] View all {{formatnum:37}} community-submitted {{PLURAL:37|task|tasks}} that were [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/Recently resolved community tasks|resolved last week]]. '''Updates for technical contributors''' * Following its publication on HuggingFace, the "Structured Contents" dataset, developed by Wikimedia Enterprise, is [https://enterprise.wikimedia.com/blog/kaggle-dataset/ now also available on Kaggle]. This Beta initiative is focused on making Wikimedia data more machine-readable for high-volume reusers. They are releasing this beta version in a location that open dataset communities already use, in order to seek feedback, to help improve the product for a future wider release. You can read more about the overall [https://enterprise.wikimedia.com/blog/structured-contents-snapshot-api/#open-datasets Structured Contents project], and about the [https://enterprise.wikimedia.com/blog/structured-contents-wikipedia-infobox/ first release that's freely usable]. * There is no new MediaWiki version this week. '''Meetings and events''' * The Editing and Machine Learning Teams invite interested volunteers to a video meeting to discuss [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Edit check/Peacock check|Peacock check]], which is the latest [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Edit check|Edit check]] that will detect "peacock" or "overly-promotional" or "non-neutral" language whilst an editor is typing. Editors who work with newcomers, or help to fix this kind of writing, or are interested in how we use artificial intelligence in our projects are encouraged to attend. The [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Editing team/Community Conversations#Next Conversation|meeting will be on April 28, 2025]] at [https://zonestamp.toolforge.org/1745863200 18:00–19:00 UTC] and hosted on Zoom. '''''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News|Tech news]]''' prepared by [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/Writers|Tech News writers]] and posted by [[m:Special:MyLanguage/User:MediaWiki message delivery|bot]]&nbsp;• [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News#contribute|Contribute]]&nbsp;• [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/2025/17|Translate]]&nbsp;• [[m:Tech|Get help]]&nbsp;• [[m:Talk:Tech/News|Give feedback]]&nbsp;• [[m:Global message delivery/Targets/Tech ambassadors|Subscribe or unsubscribe]].'' </div><section end="technews-2025-W17"/> <bdi lang="en" dir="ltr">[[User:MediaWiki message delivery|MediaWiki message delivery]]</bdi> 21:01, 21 April 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:Quiddity (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Global_message_delivery/Targets/Tech_ambassadors&oldid=28578245 --> == Error category == I have been cleaning up more error categories. I noticed the last remaining error article in [[:Category:Articles with Commons category links different to Wikidata|this one]] and wondered if this one was more your area? -- [[Special:Contributions/89.241.67.66|89.241.67.66]] 11:00, 26 April 2025 (UTC) :.. and the two pages listed [[:Category:Articles with Wikipedia links different to Wikidata|here]]. -- [[Special:Contributions/89.241.67.66|89.241.67.66]] 16:41, 26 April 2025 (UTC) ::I don't think those are errors – really just highlights the complex nature of those categories in question that it doesn't make much sense to fix them. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 22:47, 26 April 2025 (UTC) == Summer of Wikivoyage in Albania & Kosovo, 2025 == Hi @[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]]! I am @[[User:Vyolltsa|Vyolltsa]] from the [[m:Wikimedians_of_Albanian_Language_User_Group|Wikimedians of Albanian Language User Group]]. I wanted to share a quick update for our upcoming Summer of Wikivoyage Edit-a-thon in 2025. This year, we are focusing on Prishtina and other travel destinations across Kosovo and Albania in English. This edit-a-thon will take place offline from 16-18 of May. We are also inviting everyone to join us online [https://meet.jit.si/WoALUG here] Saturday from 10:00-17:00 (GMT+2) Time Zone. Could you please update the [[Wikivoyage:Albania Expedition|Albania]] and [[Wikivoyage:Kosovo Expedition|Kosovo]] Expedition pages for 2025? Your support is is greatly appreciated. Thank you! [[User:Vyolltsa|Vyolltsa]] ([[User talk:Vyolltsa|talk]]) 11:20, 24 April 2025 (UTC) :Sure can do. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 11:26, 24 April 2025 (UTC) ::{{done}} both Albania and Kosovo. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 11:56, 24 April 2025 (UTC) :::Thank you 🙏 @[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]]. [[User:Vyolltsa|Vyolltsa]] ([[User talk:Vyolltsa|talk]]) 13:22, 28 April 2025 (UTC) ::::Glad to help. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 22:30, 28 April 2025 (UTC) == Tech News: 2025-18 == <section begin="technews-2025-W18"/><div class="plainlinks"> Latest '''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News|tech news]]''' from the Wikimedia technical community. Please tell other users about these changes. Not all changes will affect you. [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/2025/18|Translations]] are available. '''Updates for editors''' * Event organizers who host collaborative activities on [[m:Special:MyLanguage/CampaignEvents/Deployment status#Global Deployment Plan|multiple wikis]], including Bengali, Japanese, and Korean Wikipedias, will have access to the [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Extension:CampaignEvents|CampaignEvents extension]] this week. Also, admins in the Wikipedia where the extension is enabled will automatically be granted the event organizer right soon. They won't have to manually grant themselves the right before they can manage events as [[phab:T386861|requested by a community]]. * [[File:Octicons-sync.svg|12px|link=|class=skin-invert|Recurrent item]] View all {{formatnum:19}} community-submitted {{PLURAL:19|task|tasks}} that were [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/Recently resolved community tasks|resolved last week]]. '''Updates for technical contributors''' * The release of the next major version of [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Codex|Codex]], the design system for Wikimedia, is scheduled for 29 April 2025. Technical editors will have access to the release by the week of 5 May 2025. This update will include a number of [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Codex/Release_Timeline/2.0#Breaking_changes|breaking changes]] and minor [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Codex/Release_Timeline/2.0#Visual_changes|visual changes]]. Instructions on handling the breaking and visual changes are documented on [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Codex/Release Timeline/2.0#|this page]]. Pre-release testing is reported in [[phab:T386298|T386298]], with post-release issues tracked in [[phab:T392379|T392379]] and [[phab:T392390|T392390]]. * Users of [[wikitech:Special:MyLanguage/Help:Wiki_Replicas|Wiki Replicas]] will notice that the database views of <code dir="ltr">ipblocks</code>, <code dir="ltr">ipblocks_ipindex</code>, and <code dir="ltr">ipblocks_compat</code> are [[phab:T390767|now deprecated]]. Users can query the <code dir="ltr">[[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Manual:Block_table|block]]</code> and <code dir="ltr">[[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Manual:Block_target_table|block_target]]</code> new views that mirror the new tables in the production database instead. The deprecated views will be removed entirely from Wiki Replicas in June, 2025. * [[File:Octicons-sync.svg|12px|link=|class=skin-invert|Recurrent item]] Detailed code updates later this week: [[mw:MediaWiki 1.44/wmf.27|MediaWiki]] '''In depth''' * The latest quarterly [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Language and Product Localization/Newsletter/2025/April|Language and Internationalization Newsletter]] is now available. This edition includes an overview of the improved [https://test.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:ContentTranslation&campaign=contributionsmenu&to=es&filter-type=automatic&filter-id=previous-edits&active-list=suggestions&from=en#/ Content Translation Dashboard Tool], [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Language and Product Localization/Newsletter/2025/April#Language Support for New and Existing Languages|support for new languages]], [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Language and Product Localization/Newsletter/2025/April#Wiki Loves Ramadan Articles Made In Content Translation Mobile Workflow|highlights from the Wiki Loves Ramadan campaign]], [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Research:Languages Onboarding Experiment 2024 - Executive Summary|results from the Language Onboarding Experiment]], an analysis of topic diversity in articles, and information on upcoming community meetings and events. '''Meetings and events''' * The [[Special:MyLanguage/Grants:Knowledge_Sharing/Connect/Calendar|Let's Connect Learning Clinic]] will take place on [https://zonestamp.toolforge.org/1745937000 April 29 at 14:30 UTC]. This edition will focus on "Understanding and Navigating Conflict in Wikimedia Projects". You can [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Event:Learning Clinic %E2%80%93 Understanding and Navigating Conflict in Wikimedia Projects (Part_1)|register now]] to attend. * The [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Hackathon 2025|2025 Wikimedia Hackathon]], which brings the global technical community together to connect, brainstorm, and hack existing projects, will take place from May 2 to 4th, 2025, at Istanbul, Turkey. '''''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News|Tech news]]''' prepared by [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/Writers|Tech News writers]] and posted by [[m:Special:MyLanguage/User:MediaWiki message delivery|bot]]&nbsp;• [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News#contribute|Contribute]]&nbsp;• [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/2025/18|Translate]]&nbsp;• [[m:Tech|Get help]]&nbsp;• [[m:Talk:Tech/News|Give feedback]]&nbsp;• [[m:Global message delivery/Targets/Tech ambassadors|Subscribe or unsubscribe]].'' </div><section end="technews-2025-W18"/> <bdi lang="en" dir="ltr">[[User:MediaWiki message delivery|MediaWiki message delivery]]</bdi> 19:32, 28 April 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:UOzurumba (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Global_message_delivery/Targets/Tech_ambassadors&oldid=28585685 --> == Script errors == Any idea what this {{tl|Submit an edit request}} template is all about? It doesn't appear to be used anywhere. You deleted the /doc page for it in August 2024. It appears as an error in [[:Category:Pages with script errors]]. I assume it can be deleted? -- [[Special:Contributions/89.241.66.36|89.241.66.36]] 17:02, 29 April 2025 (UTC) :I also see it's mentioned at {{tl|Protected page text/template}}, a page with a lot of broken links and which also appears in [[:Category:Pages with script errors]]. -- [[Special:Contributions/89.241.66.36|89.241.66.36]] 17:08, 29 April 2025 (UTC) ::The deletion log says the deleted page was created by a vandal. I assume also the others are, but for some reason not deleted at the time (actually the doc page was created and deleted a few days before the template page was created). I assume they should be deleted, with no VfD needed, but SHB may have a better picture. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 19:05, 29 April 2025 (UTC) :::Yep, that was in fact created by an LTA. I've deleted it accordingly. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 00:39, 1 May 2025 (UTC) :::: Is {{tl|Protected page text/template}} and {{tl|Protected page text}} and the various sub-pages of both all part of the set? -- [[Special:Contributions/89.241.66.36|89.241.66.36]] 00:43, 1 May 2025 (UTC) :::::They are; I've deleted both. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 01:01, 1 May 2025 (UTC) :::::: Many thanks for the fixes, although it's a bit of a mystery to me how the apparent addition of functionality was branded abuse. Is that functionality that is already here in some other form, or something that simply isn't needed here, or something else? Anyway, I'm off to find another error category to tackle. -- [[Special:Contributions/89.241.66.55|89.241.66.55]] 14:51, 1 May 2025 (UTC) == ''The Signpost'': 1 May 2025 == <div lang="en" dir="ltr" class="mw-content-ltr" style="margin-top:10px; font-size:90%; padding-left:5px; font-family:Georgia, Palatino, Palatino Linotype, Times, Times New Roman, serif;">[[File:WikipediaSignpostIcon.svg|40px|right]] ''News, reports and features from the English Wikipedia's newspaper''</div> <div style="column-count:2;"> * News and notes: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-05-01/News and notes|en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-05-01/News and notes]] * In the media: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-05-01/In the media|en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-05-01/In the media]] * Recent research: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-05-01/Recent research|en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-05-01/Recent research]] * Arbitration report: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-05-01/Arbitration report|en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-05-01/Arbitration report]] * Discussion report: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-05-01/Discussion report|en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-05-01/Discussion report]] * Traffic report: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-05-01/Traffic report|en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-05-01/Traffic report]] * Disinformation report: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-05-01/Disinformation report|en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-05-01/Disinformation report]] * News from the WMF: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-05-01/News from the WMF|en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-05-01/News from the WMF]] * Humour: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-05-01/Humour|en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-05-01/Humour]] * Comix: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-05-01/Comix|en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-05-01/Comix]] * In focus: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-05-01/In focus|en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-05-01/In focus]] * Community view: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-05-01/Community view|en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-05-01/Community view]] * Debriefing: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-05-01/Debriefing|en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-05-01/Debriefing]] * Gallery: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-05-01/Gallery|en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-05-01/Gallery]] * Obituary: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-05-01/Obituary|en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-05-01/Obituary]] </div> <div style="margin-top:10px; font-size:90%; padding-left:5px; font-family:Georgia, Palatino, Palatino Linotype, Times, Times New Roman, serif;">'''[[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost|Read this Signpost in full]]''' · [[w:en:Wikipedia:Signpost/Single|Single-page]] · [[m:Global message delivery/Targets/Signpost|Unsubscribe]] · [[m:Global message delivery|Global message delivery]] 22:21, 1 May 2025 (UTC) <!-- Sent via script ([[w:en:User:JPxG/SPS]]) --></div> <!-- Message sent by User:Bri@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Global_message_delivery/Targets/Signpost&oldid=28562138 --> == Tech News: 2025-19 == <section begin="technews-2025-W19"/><div class="plainlinks"> Latest '''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News|tech news]]''' from the Wikimedia technical community. Please tell other users about these changes. Not all changes will affect you. [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/2025/19|Translations]] are available. '''Weekly highlight''' * The Wikimedia Foundation has shared the latest draft update to their [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation Annual Plan/2025-2026|annual plan]] for next year (July 2025–June 2026). This includes an [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation Annual Plan/2025-2026|executive summary]] (also on [[diffblog:2025/04/25/sharing-the-wikimedia-foundations-2025-2026-draft-annual-plan/|Diff]]), details about the three main [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation Annual Plan/2025-2026/Goals|goals]] ([[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation Annual Plan/2025-2026/Product & Technology OKRs|Infrastructure]], [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation Annual Plan/2025-2026/Goals/Volunteer Support|Volunteer Support]], and [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation Annual Plan/2025-2026/Goals/Effectiveness|Effectiveness]]), [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation Annual Plan/2025-2026/Global Trends|global trends]], and the [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation Annual Plan/2025-2026/Budget Overview|budget]] and [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation Annual Plan/2025-2026/Financial Model|financial model]]. Feedback and questions are welcome on the [[m:Talk:Wikimedia Foundation Annual Plan/2025-2026|talk page]] until the end of May. '''Updates for editors''' * For wikis that have the [[m:Special:MyLanguage/CampaignEvents/Deployment status|CampaignEvents extension enabled]], two new feature improvements have been released: ** Admins can now choose which namespaces are permitted for [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Event Center/Registration|Event Registration]] via [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Community Configuration|Community Configuration]] ([[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Help:Extension:CampaignEvents/Registration/Permitted namespaces|documentation]]). The default setup is for event registration to be permitted in the Event namespace, but other namespaces (such as the project namespace or WikiProject namespace) can now be added. With this change, communities like WikiProjects can now more easily use Event Registration for their collaborative activities. ** Editors can now [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Transclusion|transclude]] the Collaboration List on a wiki page ([[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Help:Extension:CampaignEvents/Collaboration list/Transclusion|documentation]]). The Collaboration List is an automated list of events and WikiProjects on the wikis, accessed via {{#special:AllEvents}} ([[w:en:Special:AllEvents|example]]). Now, the Collaboration List can be added to all sorts of wiki pages, such as: a wiki mainpage, a WikiProject page, an affiliate page, an event page, or even a user page. * [[File:Octicons-sync.svg|12px|link=|class=skin-invert|Recurrent item]] View all {{formatnum:27}} community-submitted {{PLURAL:27|task|tasks}} that were [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/Recently resolved community tasks|resolved last week]]. '''Updates for technical contributors''' * Developers who use the <code dir=ltr>moment</code> library in gadgets and user scripts should revise their code to use alternatives like the <code dir=ltr>Intl</code> library or the new <code dir=ltr>mediawiki.DateFormatter</code> library. The <code dir=ltr>moment</code> library has been deprecated and will begin to log messages in the developer console. You can see a global search for current uses, and [[phab:T392532|ask related questions in this Phabricator task]]. * Developers who maintain a tool that queries the Wikidata term store tables (<code dir=ltr style="white-space: nowrap;">wbt_*</code>) need to update their code to connect to a separate database cluster. These tables are being split into a separate database cluster. Tools that query those tables via the wiki replicas must be adapted to connect to the new cluster instead. [[wikitech:News/2025 Wikidata term store database split|Documentation and related links are available]]. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T390954] * [[File:Octicons-sync.svg|12px|link=|class=skin-invert|Recurrent item]] Detailed code updates later this week: [[mw:MediaWiki 1.44/wmf.28|MediaWiki]] '''In depth''' * The latest [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Extension:Chart/Project/Updates|Chart Project newsletter]] is available. It includes updates on preparing to expand the deployment to additional wikis as soon as this week (starting May 6) and scaling up over the following weeks, plus exploring filtering and transforming source data. '''''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News|Tech news]]''' prepared by [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/Writers|Tech News writers]] and posted by [[m:Special:MyLanguage/User:MediaWiki message delivery|bot]]&nbsp;• [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News#contribute|Contribute]]&nbsp;• [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/2025/19|Translate]]&nbsp;• [[m:Tech|Get help]]&nbsp;• [[m:Talk:Tech/News|Give feedback]]&nbsp;• [[m:Global message delivery/Targets/Tech ambassadors|Subscribe or unsubscribe]].'' </div><section end="technews-2025-W19"/> <bdi lang="en" dir="ltr">[[User:MediaWiki message delivery|MediaWiki message delivery]]</bdi> 00:15, 6 May 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:Quiddity (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Global_message_delivery/Targets/Tech_ambassadors&oldid=28665011 --> == This Month in Education: April 2025 == <div class="plainlinks" lang="en" dir="ltr"> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00A7E2; font-size:2.9em; font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">This Month in Education</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00A7E2; font-size:1.4em; font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> Volume 14 • Issue 4 • April 2025</span> <div style="border-top:1px solid #a2a9b1; border-bottom:1px solid #a2a9b1; padding:0.5em; font-size:larger; margin-bottom:0.2em">[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/Newsletter/April 2025|Contents]] • [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/Newsletter/April 2025/Headlines|Headlines]] • [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Global message delivery/Targets/This Month in Education|Subscribe]]</div> <div style="color:white; font-size:1.8em; font-family:Montserrat; background:#92BFB1;">In This Issue</div></div> <div style="text-align: left; column-count: 2; column-width: 35em;"> * [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/News/April 2025/Ceremony of giving certificates and awarding the winners of the edit-a-thon: Meet Slovenia|Ceremony of giving certificates and awarding the winners of the edit-a-thon: Meet Slovenia]] * [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/News/April 2025/The Workshops Wikimedia & Education are back in Brazil|The Workshops Wikimedia & Education are back in Brazil]] * [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/News/April 2025/EduWiki Nigeria: Advancing Digital Literacy in Schools|EduWiki Nigeria: Advancing Digital Literacy in Schools]] * [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/News/April 2025/Empowering the Next Generation: Wikidata Training at Federal Government Boys College, FGBC Abuja|Empowering the Next Generation: Wikidata Training at Federal Government Boys College, FGBC Abuja]] * [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/News/April 2025/Final Wikipedia project with Shefit Hekali school in Peqin, Albania|Final Wikipedia project with Shefit Hekali school in Peqin, Albania]] * [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/News/April 2025/Teachers who graduated from the Leamos Wikipedia program in Bolivia become mentors for their colleagues |Teachers who graduated from the Leamos Wikipedia program in Bolivia become mentors for their colleagues]] * [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/News/April 2025/Wikivoyage in Has region, Northern Albania|Wikivoyage in Has region, Northern Albania]] * [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/News/April 2025/Wikivoyage workshop in Bulqiza|Wikivoyage workshop in Bulqiza]] </div> <div style="margin-top:10px; text-align: center; font-size:90%; padding-left:5px; font-family:Georgia, Palatino, Palatino Linotype, Times, Times New Roman, serif;">[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/Newsletter/About|About ''This Month in Education'']] · [[m:Global message delivery/Targets/This Month in Education|Subscribe/Unsubscribe]] · [[m:Special:MyLanguage/MassMessage|Global message delivery]] · For the team: [[:m:User:ZI Jony|ZI Jony]] 02:49, 10 May 2025 (UTC)</div> </div> <!-- Message sent by User:ZI Jony@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Global_message_delivery/Targets/This_Month_in_Education&oldid=28656387 --> == ''This Month in GLAM'': April 2025 == {| style="width:100%;" | valign="top" align="center" style="border:1px gray solid; padding:1em;" | {| align="center" |- | style="text-align: center;" | [[File:This Month in GLAM logo 2018.png|350px|center|link=outreach:GLAM/Newsletter]]<br /> <hr /> <div style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; text-align:center;">[[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/April 2025|<span style="color:darkslategray;">This Month in GLAM – Volume XV, Issue IV, April 2025</span>]]</div> <hr /><br /> |- style="text-align: center;" | <span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman;"> '''<u>Headlines</u>'''</span> |- style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; text-align:center;" | <div style="text-align:left; column-count:2; column-width:28em; vertical-align:top;"> * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/April 2025/Contents/Albania report|Albania report]]: Wikipedia Event for International Roma Day 2025 * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/April 2025/Contents/Australia report|Australia report]]: Highlighting Feminist and women's histories and a Wiki Day at the South Australian Museum * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/April 2025/Contents/Catalan areas report|Catalan areas report]]: Campaign to document the 2025 Falla monuments in Valencia * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/April 2025/Contents/Italy report|Italy report]]: Wikidata and Research * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/April 2025/Contents/Netherlands report|Netherlands report]]: Open Collection Highlights * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/April 2025/Contents/New Zealand report|New Zealand report]]: Women in Architecture, BHL, and the Commons Workflow * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/April 2025/Contents/Nigeria report|Nigeria report]]: Strengthening Cultural Heritage through Partnerships and Knowledge Sharing: Insights from World Heritage Day in Nigeria * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/April 2025/Contents/Macedonia report|North Macedonia report]]: Wikimedia MKD's new GLAM collaborations and activities * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/April 2025/Contents/Poland report|Poland report]]: What's up in GLAM in Poland * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/April 2025/Contents/Portugal report|Portugal report]]: Scholarships and Call for Sessions Proposals for GLAM Wiki 2025 will open soon: Stay tuned! * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/April 2025/Contents/Serbia report|Serbia report]]: GLAM Highlights from Serbia * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/April 2025/Contents/Switzerland report|Switzerland report]]: FemNetzCon 2025; GLAM Meeting Biel/Bienne; Digi Archive * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/April 2025/Contents/UK report|UK report]]: Mapping Museums / Art in Arabic * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/April 2025/Contents/USA report|USA report]]: April meetings * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/April 2025/Contents/Biodiversity Heritage Library report|Biodiversity Heritage Library report]]: BHL-Wiki Working Group April monthly highlights * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/April 2025/Contents/Memory of the World report|Memory of the World report]]: Surging forward in Spanish and Arabic * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/April 2025/Contents/Events|Calendar]]: May's GLAM events </div> |- | style="font-family:Times New Roman; text-align:center; font-size:85%;" | [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter|Read this edition in full]] &bull; [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/April 2025/Single|Single-page]] |- | valign="top" colspan="2" style="padding:0.5em; font-family:Times New Roman;text-align:center; font-size:85%;" | To assist with preparing the newsletter, please visit the [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/Newsroom|newsroom]]. Past editions may be viewed [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/Archives|here]]. |- |} |} <div style="margin-top:10px; font-size:90%; padding-left:5px; font-family:Georgia, Palatino, Palatino Linotype, Times, Times New Roman, serif;">[[m:GLAM/Newsletter/About|About ''This Month in GLAM'']] · [[m:Global message delivery/Targets/GLAM|Subscribe/Unsubscribe]] · [[m:MassMessage|Global message delivery]] · [[:m:User:Romaine|Romaine]] 20:53, 11 May 2025 (UTC)</div> <!-- Message sent by User:Romaine@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Global_message_delivery/Targets/GLAM&oldid=28668932 --> == Tech News: 2025-20 == <section begin="technews-2025-W20"/><div class="plainlinks"> Latest '''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News|tech news]]''' from the Wikimedia technical community. Please tell other users about these changes. Not all changes will affect you. [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/2025/20|Translations]] are available. '''Weekly highlight''' * The [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia URL Shortener|"Get shortened URL"]] link on the sidebar now includes a [[phab:T393309|QR code]]. Wikimedia site users can now use it by scanning or downloading it to quickly share and access shared content from Wikimedia sites, conveniently. '''Updates for editors''' * The Wikimedia Foundation is working on a system called [[m:Edge Uniques|Edge Uniques]], which will enable [[w:en:A/B testing|A/B testing]], help protect against [[w:en:Denial-of-service attack|distributed denial-of-service attacks]] (DDoS attacks), and make it easier to understand how many visitors the Wikimedia sites have. This is to help more efficiently build tools which help readers, and make it easier for readers to find what they are looking for. Tech News has [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/2025/16|previously written about this]]. The deployment will be gradual. Some might see the Edge Uniques cookie the week of 19 May. You can discuss this on the [[m:Talk:Edge Uniques|talk page]]. * Starting May 19, 2025, Event organisers in wikis with the [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Help:Extension:CampaignEvents|CampaignEvents extension]] enabled can use [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Event Center/Registration|Event Registration]] in the project namespace (e.g., Wikipedia namespace, Wikidata namespace). With this change, communities don't need admins to use the feature. However, wikis that don't want this change can remove and add the permitted namespaces at [[Special:CommunityConfiguration/CampaignEvents]]. * The Wikipedia project now has a {{int:project-localized-name-group-wikipedia/en}} in [[d:Q36720|Nupe]] ([[w:nup:|<code>w:nup:</code>]]). This is a language primarily spoken in the North Central region of Nigeria. Speakers of this language are invited to contribute to [[w:nup:Tatacin feregi|new Wikipedia]]. * [[File:Octicons-sync.svg|12px|link=|class=skin-invert|Recurrent item]] View all {{formatnum:27}} community-submitted {{PLURAL:27|task|tasks}} that were [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/Recently resolved community tasks|resolved last week]]. '''Updates for technical contributors''' * Developers can now access pre-parsed Dutch Wikipedia, amongst others (English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese) through the [https://enterprise.wikimedia.com/docs/snapshot/#structured-contents-snapshot-bundle-info-beta Structured Contents snapshots (beta)]. The content includes parsed Wikipedia abstracts, descriptions, main images, infoboxes, article sections, and references. * The <code dir="ltr">/page/data-parsoid</code> REST API endpoint is no longer in use and will be deprecated. It is [[phab:T393557|scheduled to be turned off]] on June 7, 2025. * [[File:Octicons-sync.svg|12px|link=|class=skin-invert|Recurrent item]] Detailed code updates later this week: [[mw:MediaWiki 1.45/wmf.1|MediaWiki]] '''In depth''' * The [https://wikitech.wikimedia.org/wiki/News/2025_Cloud_VPS_VXLAN_IPv6_migration IPv6 support] is a newly introduced Cloud virtual network that significantly boosts Wikimedia platforms' scalability, security, and readiness for the future. If you are a technical contributor eager to learn more, check out [https://techblog.wikimedia.org/2025/05/06/wikimedia-cloud-vps-ipv6-support/ this blog post] for an in-depth look at the journey to IPv6. '''Meetings and events''' * The 2nd edition of 2025 of [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Afrika Baraza|Afrika Baraza]], a virtual platform for African Wikimedians to connect, will take place on [https://zonestamp.toolforge.org/1747328400 May 15 at 17:00 UTC]. This edition will focus on discussions regarding [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation Annual Plan/2025-2026|Wikimedia Annual planning and progress]]. * The [[m:Special:MyLanguage/MENA Connect Community Call|MENA Connect Community Call]], a virtual meeting for [[w:en:Middle East and North Africa|MENA]] Wikimedians to connect, will take place on [https://zonestamp.toolforge.org/1747501200 May 17 at 17:00 UTC]. You can [[m:Event:MENA Connect (Wiki_Diwan) APP Call|register now]] to attend. '''''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News|Tech news]]''' prepared by [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/Writers|Tech News writers]] and posted by [[m:Special:MyLanguage/User:MediaWiki message delivery|bot]]&nbsp;• [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News#contribute|Contribute]]&nbsp;• [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/2025/20|Translate]]&nbsp;• [[m:Tech|Get help]]&nbsp;• [[m:Talk:Tech/News|Give feedback]]&nbsp;• [[m:Global message delivery/Targets/Tech ambassadors|Subscribe or unsubscribe]].'' </div><section end="technews-2025-W20"/> <bdi lang="en" dir="ltr">[[User:MediaWiki message delivery|MediaWiki message delivery]]</bdi> 22:38, 12 May 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:UOzurumba (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Global_message_delivery/Targets/Tech_ambassadors&oldid=28714188 --> == ''The Signpost'': 14 May 2025 == <div lang="en" dir="ltr" class="mw-content-ltr" style="margin-top:10px; font-size:90%; padding-left:5px; font-family:Georgia, Palatino, Palatino Linotype, Times, Times New Roman, serif;">[[File:WikipediaSignpostIcon.svg|40px|right]] ''News, reports and features from the English Wikipedia's newspaper''</div> <div style="column-count:2;"> * News and notes: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-05-14/News and notes|WMF to kick off new-CEO quest as Iskandar preps to move on — Supreme Court nixes gag of Wiki page for other India court row on ANI — code-heads give fix-up date for Charts in lieu of long-dead Graph gizmo]] * In the media: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-05-14/In the media|Wikimedia Foundation sues over UK government decision that might require identity verification of editors worldwide]] * Disinformation report: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-05-14/Disinformation report|What does Jay-Z know about Wikipedia?]] * In focus: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-05-14/In focus|On the hunt for sources: Swedish AfD discussions]] * Technology report: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-05-14/Technology report|WMF introduces unique but privacy-preserving browser cookie]] * Debriefing: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-05-14/Debriefing|Goldsztajn's RfA debriefing]] * Obituary: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-05-14/Obituary|Max Lum (User:ICOHBuzz)]] * Community view: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-05-14/Community view|A Deep Dive Into Wikimedia (part 2)]] * Comix: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-05-14/Comix|Collection]] * From the archives: [[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2025-05-14/From the archives|Humor from the Archives]] </div> <div style="margin-top:10px; font-size:90%; padding-left:5px; font-family:Georgia, Palatino, Palatino Linotype, Times, Times New Roman, serif;">'''[[w:en:Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost|Read this Signpost in full]]''' · [[w:en:Wikipedia:Signpost/Single|Single-page]] · [[m:Global message delivery/Targets/Signpost|Unsubscribe]] · [[m:Global message delivery|Global message delivery]] 22:02, 14 May 2025 (UTC) <!-- Sent via script ([[w:en:User:JPxG/SPS]]) --></div> <!-- Message sent by User:JPxG@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Global_message_delivery/Targets/Signpost&oldid=28671646 --> == Dont Remove Content == Do not delete useful information for a foreign traveler regarding the state of police violence in Greece, especially in Athens. Many tourists visit the city and should be informed. You can see and this https://www.ethnos.gr/greece/article/366346/orgiobiaskaikatastolhsstaexarxeiaoiastynomikoiespasantomisomagazileeiidiokththstoympar. Next time to be more carefull. <small>—The [[Project:Using_talk_pages#Talk_page_formatting|preceding]] comment was added by [[User:RedBaronGR|RedBaronGR]] ([[User_talk:RedBaronGR|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/RedBaronGR|contribs]]) 09:53, May 19, 2025</small> :[[User:RedBaronGR]]: Sign your posts, read edit summaries, and put Athens-specific details in [[Athens#Stay safe]]. If you keep edit warring, we will block you very quickly. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:58, 19 May 2025 (UTC) ::To add onto what Ikan said, please, maybe stop and think whether you're the one out of line before taking an extremely condescending approach when now three people have reverted your edits. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 10:03, 19 May 2025 (UTC) == Tech News: 2025-21 == <section begin="technews-2025-W21"/><div class="plainlinks"> Latest '''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News|tech news]]''' from the Wikimedia technical community. Please tell other users about these changes. Not all changes will affect you. [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/2025/21|Translations]] are available. '''Weekly highlight''' * The Editing Team and the Machine Learning Team are working on a new check for newcomers: [[mw:Edit check/Peacock check|Peacock check]]. Using a prediction model, this check will encourage editors to improve the tone of their edits, using artificial intelligence. We invite volunteers to review the first version of the Peacock language model for the following languages: Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese, English, and Japanese. Users from these wikis interested in reviewing this model are [[mw:Edit check/Peacock check/model test|invited to sign up at MediaWiki.org]]. The deadline to sign up is on May 23, which will be the start date of the test. '''Updates for editors''' * From May 20, 2025, [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Oversight policy|oversighters]] and [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Meta:CheckUsers|checkusers]] will need to have their accounts secured with two-factor authentication (2FA) to be able to use their advanced rights. All users who belong to these two groups and do not have 2FA enabled have been informed. In the future, this requirement may be extended to other users with advanced rights. [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Mandatory two-factor authentication for users with some extended rights|Learn more]]. * [[File:Octicons-gift.svg|12px|link=|class=skin-invert|Wishlist item]] [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Community Wishlist Survey 2023/Multiblocks|Multiblocks]] will begin mass deployment by the end of the month: all non-Wikipedia projects plus Catalan Wikipedia will adopt Multiblocks in the week of May 26, while all other Wikipedias will adopt it in the week of June 2. Please [[m:Talk:Community Wishlist Survey 2023/Multiblocks|contact the team]] if you have concerns. Administrators can test the new user interface now on your own wiki by browsing to [{{fullurl:Special:Block|usecodex=1}} {{#special:Block}}?usecodex=1], and can test the full multiblocks functionality [[testwiki:Special:Block|on testwiki]]. Multiblocks is the feature that makes it possible for administrators to impose different types of blocks on the same user at the same time. See the [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Help:Manage blocks|help page]] for more information. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T377121] * Later this week, the [[{{#special:SpecialPages}}]] listing of almost all special pages will be updated with a new design. This page has been [[phab:T219543|redesigned]] to improve the user experience in a few ways, including: The ability to search for names and aliases of the special pages, sorting, more visible marking of restricted special pages, and a more mobile-friendly look. The new version can be [https://meta.wikimedia.beta.wmflabs.org/wiki/Special:SpecialPages previewed] at Beta Cluster now, and feedback shared in the task. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T219543] * The [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Extension:Chart|Chart extension]] is being enabled on more wikis. For a detailed list of when the extension will be enabled on your wiki, please read the [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Extension:Chart/Project#Deployment Timeline|deployment timeline]]. * [[f:Special:MyLanguage/Wikifunctions:Main Page|Wikifunctions]] will be deployed on May 27 on five Wiktionaries: [[wikt:ha:|Hausa]], [[wikt:ig:|Igbo]], [[wikt:bn:|Bengali]], [[wikt:ml:|Malayalam]], and [[wikt:dv:|Dhivehi/Maldivian]]. This is the second batch of deployment planned for the project. After deployment, the projects will be able to call [[f:Special:MyLanguage/Wikifunctions:Introduction|functions from Wikifunctions]] and integrate them in their pages. A function is something that takes one or more inputs and transforms them into a desired output, such as adding up two numbers, converting miles into metres, calculating how much time has passed since an event, or declining a word into a case. Wikifunctions will allow users to do that through a simple call of [[f:Special:MyLanguage/Wikifunctions:Catalogue|a stable and global function]], rather than via a local template. * Later this week, the Wikimedia Foundation will publish a hub for [[diffblog:2024/07/09/on-the-value-of-experimentation/|experiments]]. This is to showcase and get user feedback on product experiments. The experiments help the Wikimedia movement [[diffblog:2023/07/13/exploring-paths-for-the-future-of-free-knowledge-new-wikipedia-chatgpt-plugin-leveraging-rich-media-social-apps-and-other-experiments/|understand new users]], how they interact with the internet and how it could affect the Wikimedia movement. Some examples are [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Future Audiences/Generated Video|generated video]], the [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Future Audiences/Roblox game|Wikipedia Roblox speedrun game]] and [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Future Audiences/Discord bot|the Discord bot]]. * [[File:Octicons-sync.svg|12px|link=|class=skin-invert|Recurrent item]] View all {{formatnum:29}} community-submitted {{PLURAL:29|task|tasks}} that were [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/Recently resolved community tasks|resolved last week]]. For example, there was a bug with creating an account using the API, which has now been fixed. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T390751] '''Updates for technical contributors''' * Gadgets and user scripts that interact with [[{{#special:Block}}]] may need to be updated to work with the new [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Help:Manage blocks|manage blocks interface]]. Please review the [[mw:Help:Manage blocks/Developers|developer guide]] for more information. If you need help or are unable to adapt your script to the new interface, please let the team know on the [[mw:Help talk:Manage blocks/Developers|talk page]]. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T377121] * The <code dir=ltr>mw.title</code> object allows you to get information about a specific wiki page in the [[w:en:Wikipedia:Lua|Lua]] programming language. Starting this week, a new property will be added to the object, named <code dir=ltr>isDisambiguationPage</code>. This property allows you to check if a page is a disambiguation page, without the need to write a custom function. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T71441] * [[File:Octicons-tools.svg|15px|link=|class=skin-invert|Advanced item]] User script developers can use a [[toolforge:gitlab-content|new reverse proxy tool]] to load javascript and css from [[gitlab:|gitlab.wikimedia.org]] with <code dir=ltr>mw.loader.load</code>. The tool's author hopes this will enable collaborative development workflows for user scripts including linting, unit tests, code generation, and code review on <bdi lang="zxx" dir="ltr">gitlab.wikimedia.org</bdi> without a separate copy-and-paste step to publish scripts to a Wikimedia wiki for integration and acceptance testing. See [[wikitech:Tool:Gitlab-content|Tool:Gitlab-content on Wikitech]] for more information. * [[File:Octicons-sync.svg|12px|link=|class=skin-invert|Recurrent item]] Detailed code updates later this week: [[mw:MediaWiki 1.45/wmf.2|MediaWiki]] '''Meetings and events''' * The 12th edition of [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wiki Workshop 2025|Wiki Workshop 2025]], a forum that brings together researchers that explore all aspects of Wikimedia projects, will be held virtually on 21-22 May. Researchers can [https://pretix.eu/wikimedia/wikiworkshop2025/ register now]. '''''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News|Tech news]]''' prepared by [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/Writers|Tech News writers]] and posted by [[m:Special:MyLanguage/User:MediaWiki message delivery|bot]]&nbsp;• [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News#contribute|Contribute]]&nbsp;• [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/2025/21|Translate]]&nbsp;• [[m:Tech|Get help]]&nbsp;• [[m:Talk:Tech/News|Give feedback]]&nbsp;• [[m:Global message delivery/Targets/Tech ambassadors|Subscribe or unsubscribe]].'' </div><section end="technews-2025-W21"/> <bdi lang="en" dir="ltr">[[User:MediaWiki message delivery|MediaWiki message delivery]]</bdi> 23:13, 19 May 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:Quiddity (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Global_message_delivery/Targets/Tech_ambassadors&oldid=28724712 --> == Some random fixes == I have fixed over 100 pages with various technical errors in the last few weeks. 1. There's one left where I think I know what the problem is but the page is protected. I noted the details at * [[Category talk:Pages using duplicate arguments in template calls#Last of 70 article fixes]] 2. There's also another one with a hidden error that I don't understand, noted at * [[Template talk:Template link general/doc#Error category]] 3. There's a couple of edit requests for protected pages detailed at * [[Template_talk:VisaRestriction#Updates]]. 4. Finally, there's a question about template usage and documentation at * [[Template_talk:VisaRestriction#Usage]]. -- [[Special:Contributions/89.241.68.83|89.241.68.83]] 08:20, 5 May 2025 (UTC) : Item 3 of the above list is partially done. -- [[Special:Contributions/89.240.138.9|89.240.138.9]] 16:11, 20 May 2025 (UTC) == Tech News: 2025-22 == <section begin="technews-2025-W22"/><div class="plainlinks"> Latest '''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News|tech news]]''' from the Wikimedia technical community. Please tell other users about these changes. Not all changes will affect you. [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/2025/22|Translations]] are available. '''Weekly highlight''' * A community-wide discussion about a very delicate issue for the development of [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Abstract Wikipedia|Abstract Wikipedia]] is now open on Meta: where to store the abstract content that will be developed through functions from Wikifunctions and data from Wikidata. The discussion is open until June 12 at [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Abstract Wikipedia/Location of Abstract Content|Abstract Wikipedia/Location of Abstract Content]], and every opinion is welcomed. The decision will be made and communicated after the consultation period by the Foundation. '''Updates for editors''' * Since last week, on all wikis except [[phab:T388604|the largest 20]], people using the mobile visual editor will have [[phab:T385851|additional tools in the menu bar]], accessed using the new <code>+</code> toolbar button. To start, the new menu will include options to add: citations, hieroglyphs, and code blocks. Deployment to the remaining wikis is [[phab:T388605|scheduled]] to happen in June. * [[File:Octicons-tools.svg|12px|link=|class=skin-invert|Advanced item]] The <code dir=ltr>[[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Help:Extension:ParserFunctions##ifexist|#ifexist]]</code> parser function will no longer register a link to its target page. This will improve the usefulness of [[{{#special:WantedPages}}]], which will eventually only list pages that are the target of an actual red link. This change will happen gradually as the source pages are updated. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T14019] * This week, the Moderator Tools team will launch [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/2025 RecentChanges Language Agnostic Revert Risk Filtering|a new filter to Recent Changes]], starting at Indonesian Wikipedia. This new filter highlights edits that are likely to be reverted. The goal is to help Recent Changes patrollers identify potentially problematic edits. Other wikis will benefit from this filter in the future. * Upon clicking an empty search bar, logged-out users will see suggestions of articles for further reading. The feature will be available on both desktop and mobile. Readers of Catalan, Hebrew, and Italian Wikipedias and some sister projects will receive the change between May 21 and mid-June. Readers of other wikis will receive the change later. The goal is to encourage users to read the wikis more. [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Reading/Web/Content Discovery Experiments/Search Suggestions|Learn more]]. * Some users of the Wikipedia Android app can use a new feature for readers, [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Apps/Team/Android/TrivaGame|WikiGames]], a daily trivia game based on real historical events. The release has started as an A/B test, available to 50% of users in the following languages: English, French, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, and Turkish. * The [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Extension:Newsletter|Newsletter extension]] that is available on MediaWiki.org allows the creation of [[mw:Special:Newsletters|various newsletters]] for global users. The extension can now publish new issues as section links on an existing page, instead of requiring a new page for each issue. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T393844] * [[File:Octicons-sync.svg|12px|link=|class=skin-invert|Recurrent item]] View all {{formatnum:32}} community-submitted {{PLURAL:32|task|tasks}} that were [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/Recently resolved community tasks|resolved last week]]. '''Updates for technical contributors''' * The previously deprecated <code dir=ltr>[[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Manual:Ipblocks table|ipblocks]]</code> views in [[wikitech:Help:Wiki Replicas|Wiki Replicas]] will be removed in the beginning of June. Users are encouraged to query the new <code dir=ltr>[[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Manual:Block table|block]]</code> and <code dir=ltr>[[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Manual:Block target table|block_target]]</code> views instead. * [[File:Octicons-sync.svg|12px|link=|class=skin-invert|Recurrent item]] Detailed code updates later this week: [[mw:MediaWiki 1.45/wmf.3|MediaWiki]] '''Meetings and events''' * [[d:Special:MyLanguage/Event:Wikidata and Sister Projects|Wikidata and Sister Projects]] is a multi-day online event that will focus on how Wikidata is integrated to Wikipedia and the other Wikimedia projects. The event runs from May 29 – June 1. You can [[d:Special:MyLanguage/Event:Wikidata and Sister Projects#Sessions|read the Program schedule]] and [[d:Special:RegisterForEvent/1291|register]]. '''''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News|Tech news]]''' prepared by [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/Writers|Tech News writers]] and posted by [[m:Special:MyLanguage/User:MediaWiki message delivery|bot]]&nbsp;• [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News#contribute|Contribute]]&nbsp;• [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/2025/22|Translate]]&nbsp;• [[m:Tech|Get help]]&nbsp;• [[m:Talk:Tech/News|Give feedback]]&nbsp;• [[m:Global message delivery/Targets/Tech ambassadors|Subscribe or unsubscribe]].'' </div><section end="technews-2025-W22"/> <bdi lang="en" dir="ltr">[[User:MediaWiki message delivery|MediaWiki message delivery]]</bdi> 20:05, 26 May 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:UOzurumba (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Global_message_delivery/Targets/Tech_ambassadors&oldid=28788673 --> == This Month in Education: May 2025 == <div class="plainlinks" lang="en" dir="ltr"> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00A7E2; font-size:2.9em; font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">This Month in Education</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00A7E2; font-size:1.4em; font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> Volume 14 • Issue 5 • May 2025</span> <div style="border-top:1px solid #a2a9b1; border-bottom:1px solid #a2a9b1; padding:0.5em; font-size:larger; margin-bottom:0.2em">[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/Newsletter/May 2025|Contents]] • [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/Newsletter/May 2025/Headlines|Headlines]] • [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Global message delivery/Targets/This Month in Education|Subscribe]]</div> <div style="color:white; font-size:1.8em; font-family:Montserrat; background:#92BFB1;">In This Issue</div></div> <div style="text-align: left; column-count: 2; column-width: 35em;"> * [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/News/May 2025/Journalism students at Aleksandër Xhuvani University explore Wikipedia in Albania|Journalism students at Aleksandër Xhuvani University explore Wikipedia in Albania]] * [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/News/May 2025/Reviewing pending articles editathon with high school students in Albania|Reviewing pending articles editathon with high school students in Albania]] * [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/News/May 2025/Several educational workshops to promote science on Wiki were held in Brazil in the month of May|Several educational workshops to promote science on Wiki were held in Brazil in the month of May]] * [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/News/May 2025/Simón Bolívar Teacher Training College joins the Let's Read Wikipedia Program|Simón Bolívar Teacher Training College joins the Let's Read Wikipedia Program]] * [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/News/May 2025/Students become Editors: Wikimedia Chile launches Latin America's first Vikidia Workshop|Students become Editors: Wikimedia Chile launches Latin America's first Vikidia Workshop]] * [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/News/May 2025/The DemocraTICon competition was held, this year for the first time with a discipline focused on Wikipedia |The DemocraTICon competition was held, this year for the first time with a discipline focused on Wikipedia]] * [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/News/May 2025/Wikimedia MKD's "Lajka" workshop in Skopje|Wikimedia MKD's "Lajka" workshop in Skopje]] </div> <div style="margin-top:10px; text-align: center; font-size:90%; padding-left:5px; font-family:Georgia, Palatino, Palatino Linotype, Times, Times New Roman, serif;">[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Education/Newsletter/About|About ''This Month in Education'']] · [[m:Global message delivery/Targets/This Month in Education|Subscribe/Unsubscribe]] · [[m:Special:MyLanguage/MassMessage|Global message delivery]] · For the team: [[:m:User:ZI Jony|ZI Jony]] 02:58, 28 May 2025 (UTC)</div> </div> <!-- Message sent by User:ZI Jony@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Global_message_delivery/Targets/This_Month_in_Education&oldid=28771448 --> == Tech News: 2025-23 == <section begin="technews-2025-W23"/><div class="plainlinks"> Latest '''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News|tech news]]''' from the Wikimedia technical community. Please tell other users about these changes. Not all changes will affect you. [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/2025/23|Translations]] are available. '''Weekly highlight''' * The [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Extension:Chart|Chart extension]] is now available on all Wikimedia wikis. Editors can use this new extension to create interactive data visualizations like bar, line, area, and pie charts. Charts are designed to replace many of the uses of the legacy [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Extension:Graph|Graph extension]]. '''Updates for editors''' * It is now easier to configure automatic citations for your wiki within the visual editor's [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Citoid/Enabling Citoid on your wiki|citation generator]]. Administrators can now set a default template by using the <code dir=ltr>_default</code> key in the local <bdi lang="en" dir="ltr">[[MediaWiki:Citoid-template-type-map.json]]</bdi> page ([[mw:Special:Diff/6969653/7646386|example diff]]). Setting this default will also help to future-proof your existing configurations when [[phab:T347823|new item types]] are added in the future. You can still set templates for individual item types as they will be preferred to the default template. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T384709] * [[File:Octicons-sync.svg|12px|link=|class=skin-invert|Recurrent item]] View all {{formatnum:20}} community-submitted {{PLURAL:20|task|tasks}} that were [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/Recently resolved community tasks|resolved last week]]. '''Updates for technical contributors''' * Starting the week of June 2, bots logging in using <code dir=ltr>action=login</code> or <code dir=ltr>action=clientlogin</code> will fail more often. This is because of stronger protections against suspicious logins. Bots using [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Manual:Bot passwords|bot passwords]] or using a loginless authentication method such as [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/OAuth/Owner-only consumers|OAuth]] are not affected. If your bot is not using one of those, you should update it; using <code dir=ltr>action=login</code> without a bot password was deprecated [[listarchive:list/wikitech-l@lists.wikimedia.org/message/3EEMN7VQX5G7WMQI5K2GP5JC2336DPTD/|in 2016]]. For most bots, this only requires changing what password the bot uses. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T395205] * From this week, Wikimedia wikis will allow ES2017 features in JavaScript code for official code, gadgets, and user scripts. The most visible feature of ES2017 is <bdi lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><code>async</code>/<code>await</code></bdi> syntax, allowing for easier-to-read code. Until this week, the platform only allowed up to ES2016, and a few months before that, up to ES2015. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T381537] * [[File:Octicons-sync.svg|12px|link=|class=skin-invert|Recurrent item]] Detailed code updates later this week: [[mw:MediaWiki 1.45/wmf.4|MediaWiki]] '''Meetings and events''' * Scholarship applications to participate in the [[m:Special:MyLanguage/GLAM Wiki 2025|GLAM Wiki Conference 2025]] are now open. The conference will take place from 30 October to 1 November, in Lisbon, Portugal. GLAM contributors who lack the means to support their participation can [[m:Special:MyLanguage/GLAM Wiki 2025/Scholarships|apply here]]. Scholarship applications close on June 7th. '''''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News|Tech news]]''' prepared by [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/Writers|Tech News writers]] and posted by [[m:Special:MyLanguage/User:MediaWiki message delivery|bot]]&nbsp;• [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News#contribute|Contribute]]&nbsp;• [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/2025/23|Translate]]&nbsp;• [[m:Tech|Get help]]&nbsp;• [[m:Talk:Tech/News|Give feedback]]&nbsp;• [[m:Global message delivery/Targets/Tech ambassadors|Subscribe or unsubscribe]].'' </div><section end="technews-2025-W23"/> <bdi lang="en" dir="ltr">[[User:MediaWiki message delivery|MediaWiki message delivery]]</bdi> 23:55, 2 June 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:Quiddity (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Global_message_delivery/Targets/Tech_ambassadors&oldid=28819186 --> == See also == [[Wikivoyage talk:Time and date formats#Time with 12-hour notation: Space between the digits and the abbreviations]] -- [[Special:Contributions/92.21.141.198|92.21.141.198]] 14:33, 9 June 2025 (UTC) == Tech News: 2025-24 == <section begin="technews-2025-W24"/><div class="plainlinks"> Latest '''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News|tech news]]''' from the Wikimedia technical community. Please tell other users about these changes. Not all changes will affect you. [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/2025/24|Translations]] are available. '''Weekly highlight''' * The [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Trust and Safety Product|Trust and Safety Product team]] is finalizing work needed to roll out [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Trust and Safety Product/Temporary Accounts|temporary accounts]] on large Wikipedias later this month. The team has worked with stewards and other users with extended rights to predict and address many use cases that may arise on larger wikis, so that community members can continue to effectively moderate and patrol temporary accounts. This will be the second of three phases of deployment – the last one will take place in September at the earliest. For more information about the recent developments on the project, [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Trust and Safety Product/Temporary Accounts/Updates|see this update]]. If you have any comments or questions, write on the [[mw:Talk:Trust and Safety Product/Temporary Accounts|talk page]], and [[m:Event:CEE Catch up Nr. 10 (June 2025)|join a CEE Catch Up]] this Tuesday. '''Updates for editors''' * [[File:Octicons-gift.svg|12px|link=|class=skin-invert|Wishlist item]] The [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Help:Watchlist expiry|watchlist expiry]] feature allows editors to watch pages for a limited period of time. After that period, the page is automatically removed from your watchlist. Starting this week, you can set a preference for the default period of time to watch pages. The [[Special:Preferences#mw-prefsection-watchlist-pageswatchlist|preferences]] also allow you to set different default watch periods for editing existing pages, pages you create, and when using rollback. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T265716] [[File:Talk pages default look (April 2023).jpg|thumb|alt=Screenshot of the visual improvements made on talk pages|Example of a talk page with the new design, in French.]] * The appearance of talk pages will change at almost all Wikipedias ([[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/2024/19|some]] have already received this design change, [[phab:T379264|a few]] will get these changes later). You can read details about the changes [[diffblog:2024/05/02/making-talk-pages-better-for-everyone/|on ''Diff'']]. It is possible to opt out of these changes [[Special:Preferences#mw-prefsection-editing-discussion|in user preferences]] ("{{int:discussiontools-preference-visualenhancements}}"). [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T319146][https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T392121] * Users with specific extended rights (including administrators, bureaucrats, checkusers, oversighters, and stewards) can now have IP addresses of all temporary accounts [[phab:T358853|revealed automatically]] during time-limited periods where they need to combat high-speed account-hopping vandalism. This feature was requested by stewards. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T386492] * This week, the Moderator Tools and Machine Learning teams will continue the rollout of [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/2025 RecentChanges Language Agnostic Revert Risk Filtering|a new filter to Recent Changes]], releasing it to several more Wikipedias. This filter utilizes the Revert Risk model, which was created by the Research team, to highlight edits that are likely to be reverted and help Recent Changes patrollers identify potentially problematic contributions. The feature will be rolled out to the following Wikipedias: {{int:project-localized-name-afwiki/en}}{{int:comma-separator/en}}{{int:project-localized-name-bewiki/en}}{{int:comma-separator/en}}{{int:project-localized-name-bnwiki/en}}{{int:comma-separator/en}}{{int:project-localized-name-cywiki/en}}{{int:comma-separator/en}}{{int:project-localized-name-hawwiki/en}}{{int:comma-separator/en}}{{int:project-localized-name-iswiki/en}}{{int:comma-separator/en}}{{int:project-localized-name-kkwiki/en}}{{int:comma-separator/en}}{{int:project-localized-name-simplewiki/en}}{{int:comma-separator/en}}{{int:project-localized-name-trwiki/en}}. The rollout will continue in the coming weeks to include [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/2025 RecentChanges Language Agnostic Revert Risk Filtering|the rest of the Wikipedias in this project]]. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T391964] * [[File:Octicons-sync.svg|12px|link=|class=skin-invert|Recurrent item]] View all {{formatnum:27}} community-submitted {{PLURAL:27|task|tasks}} that were [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/Recently resolved community tasks|resolved last week]]. '''Updates for technical contributors''' * AbuseFilter editors active on Meta-Wiki and large Wikipedias are kindly asked to update AbuseFilter to make it compatible with temporary accounts. A link to the instructions and the private lists of filters needing verification are [[phab:T369611|available on Phabricator]]. * Lua modules now have access to the name of a page's associated thumbnail image, and on [https://gerrit.wikimedia.org/g/operations/mediawiki-config/+/2e4ab14aa15bb95568f9c07dd777065901eb2126/wmf-config/InitialiseSettings.php#10849 some wikis] to the WikiProject assessment information. This is possible using two new properties on [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Extension:Scribunto/Lua reference manual#added-by-extensions|mw.title objects]], named <code dir=ltr>pageImage</code> and <code dir=ltr>pageAssessments</code>. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T131911][https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T380122] * [[File:Octicons-sync.svg|12px|link=|class=skin-invert|Recurrent item]] Detailed code updates later this week: [[mw:MediaWiki 1.45/wmf.5|MediaWiki]] '''''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News|Tech news]]''' prepared by [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/Writers|Tech News writers]] and posted by [[m:Special:MyLanguage/User:MediaWiki message delivery|bot]]&nbsp;• [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News#contribute|Contribute]]&nbsp;• [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/2025/24|Translate]]&nbsp;• [[m:Tech|Get help]]&nbsp;• [[m:Talk:Tech/News|Give feedback]]&nbsp;• [[m:Global message delivery/Targets/Tech ambassadors|Subscribe or unsubscribe]].'' </div><section end="technews-2025-W24"/> <bdi lang="en" dir="ltr">[[User:MediaWiki message delivery|MediaWiki message delivery]]</bdi> 01:17, 10 June 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:Quiddity (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Global_message_delivery/Targets/Tech_ambassadors&oldid=28846858 --> == ''This Month in GLAM'': May 2025 == {| style="width:100%;" | valign="top" align="center" style="border:1px gray solid; padding:1em;" | {| align="center" |- | style="text-align: center;" | [[File:This Month in GLAM logo 2018.png|350px|center|link=outreach:GLAM/Newsletter]]<br /> <hr /> <div style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; text-align:center;">[[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/May 2025|<span style="color:darkslategray;">This Month in GLAM – Volume XV, Issue V, May 2025</span>]]</div> <hr /><br /> |- style="text-align: center;" | <span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman;"> '''<u>Headlines</u>'''</span> |- style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; text-align:center;" | <div style="text-align:left; column-count:2; column-width:28em; vertical-align:top;"> * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/May 2025/Contents/Albania report|Albania report]]: Enhancing the LGBTQ+ content in Albanian Wikipedia * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/May 2025/Contents/Belgium report|Belgium report]]: Belgium Public Domain Day and Dance Heritage * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/May 2025/Contents/Brazil report|Brazil report]]: Video resource on Wikimedia Brasil and Casa de Oswaldo Cruz Partnership Released * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/May 2025/Contents/Croatia report|Croatia report]]: SPRINGing back activities * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/May 2025/Contents/Czech Republic report|Czech Republic report]]: National Library of the CR events and important guests * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/May 2025/Contents/Europe report|Europe report]]: DARIAH DHwiki WG coming activity * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/May 2025/Contents/India report|India report]]: GLAM project starts with Nanda Talukdar Foundation at Jorhat, Assam * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/May 2025/Contents/Indonesia report|Indonesia report]]: GLAM Wiki Month 2025 in Indonesia * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/May 2025/Contents/Italy report|Italy report]]: From charts to concrete * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/May 2025/Contents/Kosovo report|Kosovo report]]: Traditional Albanian Food Photography Competition 2025 * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/May 2025/Contents/New Zealand report|New Zealand report]]: Update from Auckland Museum; Let the Wikifying Commence; Listful Thinking * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/May 2025/Contents/Nigeria report|Nigeria report]]: Architectural Folklore Campaign Series * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/May 2025/Contents/Poland report|Poland report]]: What's up in GLAM in Poland * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/May 2025/Contents/Serbia report|Serbia report]]: Celebrating Museums and strengthening #1Lib1Ref connections * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/May 2025/Contents/Spain report|Spain report]]: Some news from Spain * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/May 2025/Contents/Switzerland report|Switzerland report]]: International Museum Day 2025; CoCreation PTT-Archive; Scoring Girls * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/May 2025/Contents/UK report|UK report]]: The 18th language * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/May 2025/Contents/Ukraine report|Ukraine report]]: Spring GLAM news from Ukraine – first major survey for GLAM institutions & yet another successful #1Lib1Ref * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/May 2025/Contents/USA report|USA report]]: May meetings * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/May 2025/Contents/Biodiversity Heritage Library report|Biodiversity Heritage Library report]]: BHL-Wiki Working Group May monthly highlights * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/May 2025/Contents/Memory of the World report|Memory of the World report]]: Preparing the data upload * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/May 2025/Contents/Events|Calendar]]: June's GLAM events </div> |- | style="font-family:Times New Roman; text-align:center; font-size:85%;" | [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter|Read this edition in full]] &bull; [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/May 2025/Single|Single-page]] |- | valign="top" colspan="2" style="padding:0.5em; font-family:Times New Roman;text-align:center; font-size:85%;" | To assist with preparing the newsletter, please visit the [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/Newsroom|newsroom]]. Past editions may be viewed [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/Archives|here]]. |- |} |} <div style="margin-top:10px; font-size:90%; padding-left:5px; font-family:Georgia, Palatino, Palatino Linotype, Times, Times New Roman, serif;">[[m:GLAM/Newsletter/About|About ''This Month in GLAM'']] · [[m:Global message delivery/Targets/GLAM|Subscribe/Unsubscribe]] · [[m:MassMessage|Global message delivery]] · [[:m:User:Romaine|Romaine]] 06:00, 10 June 2025 (UTC)</div> <!-- Message sent by User:Romaine@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Global_message_delivery/Targets/GLAM&oldid=28809506 --> == Your revert / undo of my edit to Lom == You reverted my edit to [[Lom_(Norway)]] and your provided reasoning makes no sense. The location is 50 km, and an hour away, outside of Lom and nobody who is in Lom would think of that location as a sleeping place for Lom or even the area around Lom. Its even 1400 m higher in elevation than Lom. Please revert your edit. There are other sleeping places in Lom right in town. This is not a situation where to find a sleeping place for a "town", one has to travel miles and miles to get to one. I fail to see why Sognefjellshytta would be associated with Lom as a sleeping place. -[[User:Marvin The Paranoid|Marvin The Paranoid]] ([[User talk:Marvin The Paranoid|talk]]) 18:24, 5 June 2025 (UTC) :No, I'm not reverting my edit. It's still within the official boundaries of Lom and the closest accommodation to get to two of the churches there. Sleep options aren't strictly confined to being within the town either, and sometimes we do list rural accommodation to the nearest city because there isn't anywhere else to list it. 50 km is not a lot for somewhere as remote as Lom. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 00:10, 6 June 2025 (UTC) ::I see that you have put it under a "Nearby" section. This is a great compromise. Thank you! [[User:Marvin The Paranoid|Marvin The Paranoid]] ([[User talk:Marvin The Paranoid|talk]]) 17:01, 15 June 2025 (UTC) == Tech News: 2025-25 == <section begin="technews-2025-W25"/><div class="plainlinks"> Latest '''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News|tech news]]''' from the Wikimedia technical community. Please tell other users about these changes. Not all changes will affect you. [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/2025/25|Translations]] are available. '''Updates for editors''' * You can [https://wikimediafoundation.limesurvey.net/359761?lang=en nominate your favorite tools] for the sixth edition of the [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Coolest Tool Award|Coolest Tool Award]]. Nominations are anonymous and will be open until June 25. You can re-use the survey to nominate multiple tools. * [[File:Octicons-sync.svg|12px|link=|class=skin-invert|Recurrent item]] View all {{formatnum:33}} community-submitted {{PLURAL:33|task|tasks}} that were [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/Recently resolved community tasks|resolved last week]]. '''Updates for technical contributors''' * [[File:Octicons-sync.svg|12px|link=|class=skin-invert|Recurrent item]] Detailed code updates later this week: [[mw:MediaWiki 1.45/wmf.6|MediaWiki]] '''In depth''' * Foundation staff and technical volunteers use Wikimedia APIs to build the tools, applications, features, and integrations that enhance user experiences. Over the coming years, the MediaWiki Interfaces team will be investing in Wikimedia web (HTTP) APIs to better serve technical volunteer needs and protect Wikimedia infrastructure from potential abuse. You can [https://techblog.wikimedia.org/2025/06/12/apis-as-a-product-investing-in-the-current-and-next-generation-of-technical-contributors/ read more about their plans to evolve the APIs in this Techblog post]. '''''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News|Tech news]]''' prepared by [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/Writers|Tech News writers]] and posted by [[m:Special:MyLanguage/User:MediaWiki message delivery|bot]]&nbsp;• [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News#contribute|Contribute]]&nbsp;• [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/2025/25|Translate]]&nbsp;• [[m:Tech|Get help]]&nbsp;• [[m:Talk:Tech/News|Give feedback]]&nbsp;• [[m:Global message delivery/Targets/Tech ambassadors|Subscribe or unsubscribe]].'' </div><section end="technews-2025-W25"/> <bdi lang="en" dir="ltr">[[User:MediaWiki message delivery|MediaWiki message delivery]]</bdi> 23:39, 16 June 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:Quiddity (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Global_message_delivery/Targets/Tech_ambassadors&oldid=28870688 --> == Growth News #34 == <div class="plainlinks mw-content-ltr" lang="en" dir="ltr"> [[File:Growth team logo - Icon only.svg|right|frameless|class=skin-invert]] ''A quarterly update from the Growth team on our work to improve the new editor experience.'' === Mentoring new editors === In February, [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Growth/Feature summary#Mentorship 2|Mentorship]] was successfully rolled out to 100% of newcomers on English Wikipedia. Following this milestone, we collaborated with Spanish Wikipedia to expand Mentorship coverage to 70% of new accounts, with plans to reach 85% soon unless concerns are raised by mentors. ([[phab:T394867|T394867]]) === “Add a Link” Task – Iteration and Experimentation === Our efforts to improve and scale the [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Growth/Personalized first day/Structured tasks/Add a link|“Add a Link” structured task]] continued across multiple fronts: * '''Community Feedback & Model Improvements''': We’ve responded to community concerns with targeted changes: ** Restricting access to newer accounts ([[phab:T393688|T393688]]) ** Some links types were removed to align with recommendations written in the English Wikipedia Manual of Style ([[phab:T390683|T390683]]) ** Allowing communities to limit “Add a Link” to newcomers ([[phab:T393771|T393771]]) ** The model used to suggest the links was improved to ease its training ([[phab:T388258|T388258]]) * '''English Wikipedia rollout and A/B test''': We increased the rollout to 20% of newcomers, with analysis underway. Preliminary data suggests this feature makes new account holders more likely to complete an unreverted edit. ([[phab:T386029|T386029]], [[phab:T382603|T382603]]) * '''Surfacing Structured Tasks''': An experiment where we show “add a link” suggestions to newly registered users while they are reading an article is running on pilot wikis (French, Persian, Indonesian, Portuguese, Egyptian Arabic). Initial results are under analysis. ([[phab:T386029|T386029]]) === Newcomer Engagement Features === * '''“Get Started” notification''': Engineering is in progress for a new notification (Echo/email) to encourage editing among newcomers with zero edits. Early research shows this type of nudge is effective. ([[phab:T392256|T392256]]) * '''Confirmation email:''' We are exploring ways to simplify and improve the initial account confirmation email newly registered users receive. ([[phab:T215665|T215665]]) === Community Configuration Enhancements === Communities can now manage which namespaces are eligible for Event Registration via [[mw:Community Configuration|Community Configuration]]. ([[phab:T385341|T385341]]) === Annual Planning === The Wikimedia Foundation’s 2025–2026 Annual Plan is taking shape. The Growth and Editing teams will focus on the [[metawiki:Wikimedia_Foundation_Annual_Plan/2025-2026/Product_&_Technology_OKRs#Contributor_Experiences_(WE1)|'''Contributor Experiences (WE1)''' objective]], with a focus on increasing '''constructive edits''' by editors with fewer than 100 cumulative contributions. === Get Involved === We value your insights and ideas! If you would like to participate in a discussion, share feedback, or pilot new features, please reach out on the relevant Phabricator tasks or [[mw:Talk:Growth|at our talk page]], in any language. ''<small>'''[[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Growth/Newsletters|Growth team's newsletter]]''' prepared by [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Growth|the Growth team]] and posted by [[m:User:MediaWiki message delivery|bot]] • [[mw:Talk:Growth|Give feedback]] • [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Global message delivery/Targets/Growth team updates|Subscribe or unsubscribe]].</small>'' </div> 18:51, 17 June 2025 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:Trizek (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Global_message_delivery/Targets/Growth_team_updates&oldid=28750629 --> 45sh3uisu5av4q3tfvfxwlndoriag2s 0 204597 5086810 5052498 2025-07-02T21:52:09Z The dog2 35982 /* Asia */ 5086810 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Östermalms saluhall Wikivoyage banner.jpg|caption=Östermalm market hall, Stockholm}} While [[food and drink]] can be bought affordably in a supermarket, there are many traditional market halls, bazaars and fish markets which make shopping an experience in its own right. '''Market halls''' contain retailers for food and similar products, in particular goods such as [[meat]], [[seafood]], [[cheese]], [[confectionery]], [[herbs and spices]], [[wine]], [[alcoholic beverages]] and farmed goods such as flowers and holiday ornaments, often with restaurants on the same site. Common in Europe and Japan, market halls had their heyday in the late 19th and early 20th century, in the transition from outdoor markets to supermarkets. A district with an old rail station and a [[grand old hotel]] is likely to have a legacy market hall, too. Many market halls mainly have retailers selling high end quality products; others (generally away from tourist areas) have retailers selling cheap clearance products, such as fruit which is the wrong size for supermarkets or broken cookies straight from the factory. The retailers (stall-holders) in a market hall are usually small businesses independent of the hall management. A '''fish market''' or '''seafood market''' can be either wholesale or retail; in the latter case a good place to buy [[seafood]] more fresh than in a supermarket. Many of these markets, in particular those for fish, focus on wholesales for local retailers and restaurants. They open early in the morning, and might be closed at weekends. Many [[legacy retailers|legacy department stores]] have a high-end food section. Legacy food markets are ''extremely'' common throughout [[Latin America]]. Most large cities have dozens (some even hundreds) of legacy food markets. Traditional markets are found in most cities and towns of any significant size. Towns that don't have a permanent market usually have ''tianguis'', which are temporary marketplaces that "pop up" on a certain day of the week. Many towns have a Tianguis that has operated continuously since pre-Hispanic times. In many large cities, one or more of the marketplaces have evolved into significant tourist attractions. These include about a dozen major markets in [[Mexico City]], as well as the largest markets in [[Bogota]], [[Santiago]], and [[Buenos Aires]]. In some towns, the local tianguis has also developed a reputation among tourists and has become an attraction in itself. Famous tianguis include the Bazar de Sabado in [[Mexico City/San Angel]] and those in [[Chichicastenango]], [[Guatemala]] and [[Otavalo]], [[Ecuador]]. ==Destinations== <!-- To qualify for a listing on this page, a market should be of decent size, in regular operation, and a legacy since before World War II. An old building refitted for retail in recent times does not normally qualify. Exceptions can be made after discussions on the talk page. --> {{mapframe}} ===Europe=== * {{see | name=[[Gothenburg#Q3820291|Feskekôrka]] | alt= | url=http://www.feskekorka.se/ | email= | address=Rosenlundsgatan | lat=57.70101 | long=11.95780 | directions=[[Gothenburg]], [[Sweden]] | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3820291 | lastedit=2017-12-22 | content=The indoor '''Fish Market''', called "Feskekôrka" (''Fish Church'') because of the shape of the building and Gothenburgers' legendary devotion to fish, is by the canal near the harbor. Renovated in 2024. }} * {{eat | name=La Boqueria Market | alt= | url=http://www.boqueria.info | email= | address= | lat=41.381944 | long=2.172111 | directions=La Rambla, [[Barcelona]], [[Spain]] | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=La Boqueria | wikidata=Q1334899 | content=Tempt your tastebuds at this delightful food market where the food is plentiful, fresh and can be cooked to order in one of about five small restaurants. Also a place for fresh juices and some takeaway snacks. To avoid heavy crowds, or to buy the freshest perishables (e.g., seafood), go well before noon. At least in late fall, winter and early spring months, La Boqueria is closed on Sundays. }} * {{eat | name=Borough Market | alt= | url=http://www.boroughmarket.org.uk/ | email= | address= | lat=51.5055 | long=-0.0906 | directions=off Borough High St, [[London]], [[United Kingdom]] | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours | wikidata=Q894072| wikipedia=Borough Market | content=One of London's favourite wholesale working food markets, on Fridays and Saturdays offering a general retail market with specialties sold directly from the producers, organic products, delicatessen, cheese, wines, fish and imported continental fare. Around the market are other excellent food shops, for a total food experience! Pick up some food and enjoy it under Southwark Cathedral. For market shopping, it's best to go in the morning, or after 2PM, since it starts to get very crowded by around 11:30AM when the lunch crowd comes in. }} * {{eat | name=[[Munich/Altstadt#Viktualienmarkt|Viktualienmarkt]] | type=see | lat=48.1354 | long=11.5762 | directions=[[Munich]] | wikidata=Q686629 | content=The pedestrianised street and outdoor market. }} * {{buy | name=Grand Bazaar | alt=Kapalı Çarşı | url=http://www.grandbazaaristanbul.org | email= | address= | lat=41.0106 | long=28.9685 | directions=[[Istanbul]], [[Turkey]] | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q505954 | lastedit=2019-02-20 | content=Istanbul's grand old bazaar with an estimated 4,400 shops lined along covered walkways. It is said to be the world's oldest shopping mall, covers several blocks and features a labyrinth of side streets to keep you lost for the better part of a day. The shops are organized around their wares, e.g. the silver jewellers are clustered together, the carpet shops are clustered elsewhere and the shoe shops are bunched together somewhere else. Parts of it now are modernized and rather touristy&mdash;most locals don't shop here&mdash;and you are likely to pay up to twice as much as elsewhere. However, with the vast selection you will find what you're looking for and it is one of Istanbul's character pieces. }} * {{buy | name=Mercado de San Miguel | alt=Market of San Miguel | url=http://www.mercadodesanmiguel.es/ | email= | address= | lat=40.41537 | long=-3.70904 | directions=[[Madrid]], [[Spain]] | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Market of San Miguel | image=Mercado de San Miguel (Madrid) 06.jpg | wikidata=Q6770825 | content=Near Plaza Mayor is this indoor market, identifiable by its ornate iron posts. Built in 1913, it's full of a wide range of high quality food. Even if you're not buying anything, it's worth entering for the sights and smells of dried ham, fine wine, freshly baked goods and other treats from the vendors inside. Sets the ambience of a traditional market, with the advantages of the new times. It has an iron and glass structure from the 20th century. This is also a good place for tapas and drinks. }} * {{buy | name=[[Helsinki/Kruununhaka and Katajanokka#Q3557940|Old Market Hall]] | alt=Vanha kauppahalli | url=http://www.wanhakauppahalli.com/eng/ | email= | address= | lat= 60.16619 | long= 24.95277 | directions=[[Helsinki]], [[Finland]] | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3557940 | content=Next to Market Square, this old brick building houses Finland's best collection of gourmet food boutiques. Try to find the stall that sells '''beaver sausage'''. }} * {{eat | name=Östermalms Saluhall | alt=Östermalmshallen | url=http://www.saluhallen.com/ | email= | address=Östermalmstorg | lat=59.33597 | long=18.07770 | directions=[[Stockholm]], [[Sweden]] | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q298475 | content=A market hall in a beautiful 1880s red brick building, with all kinds of expensive food, especially seafood, meat, and cheese, as well as a food court. Re-opened in 2020 after a renovation. }} ===Oceania=== * {{eat | name=Queen Victoria Market | alt= | url=https://qvm.com.au/ | email= | address=Queen St | lat= | long= | directions=[[Melbourne/CBD]], [[Australia]] | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata=Q860621 | content=One of the largest markets in the southern hemisphere, most of the structures were built in the 2nd half of the 19th century. It has a mix of open air sheds and indoor food halls. }} * {{buy | name=Adelaide Central Market | alt= | url=https://adelaidecentralmarket.com.au/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=[[Adelaide/City and North Adelaide]], [[Australia]] | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4681685 | lastedit=2024-04-15 | content=Historic market in the heart of Adelaide. It is adjacent to and well-integrated with Adelaide's Chinatown. }} ===Asia=== * {{see | name=Toyosu Market | alt=豊洲市場 Toyosu Shijō | url=https://www.toyosu-market.or.jp/en/ | email= | address=6 Toyosu, Koto-ku | lat=35.644167 | long=139.783611 | directions=[[Tokyo]], [[Japan]] | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Free | wikipedia=Toyosu Market | image=Toyosu_fish_market-4b.jpg | wikidata=Q11633916 | lastedit= | content=Toyosu is new home of the world's largest wholesale market for seafood and produce after its relocation from [[Tokyo/Chuo#See|Tsukiji]]. Unlike the old facility where tourists could almost walk up to the fish, Toyosu's market has large enclosed observation decks and dedicated paths for tourists to view the action, including the famous tuna auctions. However, early morning fish sales start before public transit opens, so take a taxi for those. }} * {{see | name=Tsukiji Outer Market | alt=築地場外市場 Tsukiji Jōgai Shijō | url=https://www.tsukiji.or.jp/english/ | email= | address=6 Toyosu, Koto-ku | lat=35.66476906247803 | long=139.77025039724614 | directions=[[Tokyo]], [[Japan]] | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Free | wikipedia= | image= | wikidata=Q859471 | lastedit= | content=Although the wholesale part of the market, or "Inner Market" was moved to Toyosu, the retail part of the market, or "Outer Market", remains in its original location. }} ===North America=== * {{buy | name=Reading Terminal Market | alt= | url=http://readingterminalmarket.org | email= | address=12th and Arch Sts | lat=39.95313 | long=-75.159043 | directions=[[Philadelphia/Center City East|Center City East]], [[Philadelphia]], [[Pennsylvania]], [[United States]] | phone=+1 215-922-2317 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 8AM-6PM, Su 9AM-5PM | price= | wikipedia=Reading Terminal Market | image=FindingReadingTerminal.JPG | wikidata=Q7300572 | content=The Reading Terminal Market in [[Philadelphia]] is a major produce market and dining center. It is particularly noted as home to shops selling many of [[Pennsylvania]]'s Amish merchants here, ranging from baked goods to meat to fresh organic produce. Other, non-Amish shops and restaurants also abound, offering a wide variety of foods for on-site consumption (lunch is particularly popular) and as groceries. }} * {{buy | name=Central Market | alt= | url=http://www.centralmarketlancaster.com | email= | address= | lat=40.033333 | long=-76.3 | directions=downtown [[Lancaster (Pennsylvania)|Lancaster]], [[Pennsylvania]], [[United States]] | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Tu F 6AM-4PM, Sa 6AM-2PM | price= | wikidata=Q1053899 | lastedit=2019-11-22 | content=The Central Market in [[Lancaster (Pennsylvania)|Lancaster]], Pennsylvania is oldest continuously operating farmer's market in the United States. You can find just about anything here. The Amish and local vendors all bring their products to sell here. Everywhere you walk, you will see and smell all kinds of food. }} * {{see | name=Pike Place Market | alt= | url=https://www.pikeplacemarket.org/ | email= | address=1501 Pike Pl | lat=47.6094 | long=-122.342 | directions=[[Seattle]], [[United States]] | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Pike Place Market | image=Pike-place-market.jpg | wikidata=Q1373418 | lastedit= | content=One of Seattle's most touristy destinations, Pike Place Market is a functioning public market; one of the oldest in the country. Mostly indoors, it consists of dozens of little shops tucked into a few square blocks downtown, situated on multiple levels. Even if you hate shopping you might still like this place, with its colorful atmosphere and quirky gimmicks, like the famous seafood stand where the staff toss fish from one end to the other. }} * {{see | name=Lexington Market | url=https://lexingtonmarket.com/ | address=[[Baltimore]] | lat=39.291212830260015 | long=-76.62136393850162 | directions=Light rail or Metro to Lexington Market | lastedit=2024-11-09 | content=A marketplace has existed at this location since 1782, though the current building is new, having opened in 2022. Some of the merchants in this market have operated here for over 200 years. A number of fresh seafood and produce vendors provide fresh food to city residents and restaurants though today's market has more grab-and-go restaurants to better fit modern lifestyles. }}<!-- -->[[File:Mercado san juan de dios guadalajara interior.jpg|thumb|Inside Mercado Libertad in Guadalajara]] * {{see | name=Mercado La Merced | address=[[Mexico City/Centro]] | lat=19.426260306718135 | long=-99.12511311805689 | directions=Metro line 1 to La Merced | content=Traditional marketplaces are common throughout Latin America and especially so in Mexico City where more than 300 ''mercados'' supply most of the food and household supplies consumed by the city's 20 million or so hungry residents. Mercado La Merced is Mexico's most famous and Mexico City's largest traditional marketplace covering an area of several city blocks with additional specialty stores and vendors in the streets surrounding the market. The market consists of hundreds of vendors selling fresh produce, seafood, baked goods, meats, and unusual spices that are the critical ingredient in myriad authentic Mexican recipes. }} * {{see | name=Mercado Libertad | alt=Mercado San Juan de Dios | address=[[Guadalajara]] | lat=20.6758 | long=-103.3399 | directions= | lastedit=2024-11-09 | content=Huge traditional marketplace that spreads over several city blocks in the downtown area (Centro) and across many levels in the main market building. Bustling place that is well organized with vendors clustered in groups for different types of merchandise. In addition to fresh vegetables, meats, and other agricultural commodities, there are vendors with clothing, candies, household items and much more. The prepared foods area has restaurants serving many specialties of the region's cuisine, including a number of vendors with excellent birrias. }} * {{see | name=Mercado San Benito | address=[[Mérida (Mexico)|Mérida]] | lat=20.9695 | long=-89.6226 | directions= | lastedit=2024-11-09 | content=The largest marketplace in the Yucatan Peninsula, the market was newly built in 2003 and is a large, concrete structure with market halls on four levels. Fresh foods are the dominant types of product sold in the market though there are also vendors selling shoes and household items. The marketplace sits next to a second large marketplace called Mercado Merida. Many more vendors are along nearby streets. }} ===South America=== [[File:Mercado Central de Santiago - 2009 - 14.jpg|thumb|Restaurant inside the Mercado Central de Santiago]] * {{see | name=Mercado Central de Santiago | alt=Santiago Central Market | url= | address=[[Santiago/Central]] | lat=-33.4333 | long=-70.6511 | directions=Metro to Puente Cal y Canto | content=As in most Latin American cities, there are at least a dozen large public marketplaces in Santiago. Some are known for having the freshest vegetables, or perhaps the most pork vendors, or bread vendors. The Mercado Central is the largest of Santiago's market halls and its "specialization" is the freshest seafood. Of course you will find a bevy of produce vendors, meat vendors, and every other type of staple, as well as vendors selling prepared food including the most authentic traditional and regional cuisine available anywhere. }} * {{see | name=Mercado de San Telmo | alt=San Telmo Market | url=https://www.mercadosantelmo.com.ar/ | address=[[Buenos Aires/Centro]] | lat=-34.6184 | long=-58.3725 | directions= | content=Buenos Aires has dozens of traditional marketplaces, but San Telmo is one of the largest and most tourist friendly. Established in the late 19th century, the marketplace has vendors selling fresh produce as well as locally made prepared foods, including cheese shops, fresh made pasta shops, empanada shops and dozens of vendors selling traditional and regional dishes. }} * {{see | name=Plaza de Mercado Paloquemao | alt= | url=https://plazadepaloquemao.com/ | email= | address=[[Bogota]] | lat=4.6160 | long=-74.0845 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Huge central marketplace with fresh produce, prepared regional dishes, and particularly well-known for its variety of flower vendors. The fruit vendors have almost any kind of fruit imaginable, including a number of tropical fruits that are virtually unknown outside the local region. }} * {{see | name=Mercado Ver-O-Peso | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Belém]] | lat=-1.4521 | long=-48.5038 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Huge waterfront marketplace. Most famous for its mind-boggling selection of fresh seafood. The marketplace is one of the oldest continuously operating markets in Brazil, having been established in the 17th century. }} ==See also== * [[Agritourism]] * [[Fine dining]] {{outlinetopic}} {{PartOfTopic|Food and drink}} pmqb56y302q3d1tcm8l1qywzwfu89b0 5086811 5086810 2025-07-02T21:55:11Z The dog2 35982 /* Asia */ 5086811 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Östermalms saluhall Wikivoyage banner.jpg|caption=Östermalm market hall, Stockholm}} While [[food and drink]] can be bought affordably in a supermarket, there are many traditional market halls, bazaars and fish markets which make shopping an experience in its own right. '''Market halls''' contain retailers for food and similar products, in particular goods such as [[meat]], [[seafood]], [[cheese]], [[confectionery]], [[herbs and spices]], [[wine]], [[alcoholic beverages]] and farmed goods such as flowers and holiday ornaments, often with restaurants on the same site. Common in Europe and Japan, market halls had their heyday in the late 19th and early 20th century, in the transition from outdoor markets to supermarkets. A district with an old rail station and a [[grand old hotel]] is likely to have a legacy market hall, too. Many market halls mainly have retailers selling high end quality products; others (generally away from tourist areas) have retailers selling cheap clearance products, such as fruit which is the wrong size for supermarkets or broken cookies straight from the factory. The retailers (stall-holders) in a market hall are usually small businesses independent of the hall management. A '''fish market''' or '''seafood market''' can be either wholesale or retail; in the latter case a good place to buy [[seafood]] more fresh than in a supermarket. Many of these markets, in particular those for fish, focus on wholesales for local retailers and restaurants. They open early in the morning, and might be closed at weekends. Many [[legacy retailers|legacy department stores]] have a high-end food section. Legacy food markets are ''extremely'' common throughout [[Latin America]]. Most large cities have dozens (some even hundreds) of legacy food markets. Traditional markets are found in most cities and towns of any significant size. Towns that don't have a permanent market usually have ''tianguis'', which are temporary marketplaces that "pop up" on a certain day of the week. Many towns have a Tianguis that has operated continuously since pre-Hispanic times. In many large cities, one or more of the marketplaces have evolved into significant tourist attractions. These include about a dozen major markets in [[Mexico City]], as well as the largest markets in [[Bogota]], [[Santiago]], and [[Buenos Aires]]. In some towns, the local tianguis has also developed a reputation among tourists and has become an attraction in itself. Famous tianguis include the Bazar de Sabado in [[Mexico City/San Angel]] and those in [[Chichicastenango]], [[Guatemala]] and [[Otavalo]], [[Ecuador]]. ==Destinations== <!-- To qualify for a listing on this page, a market should be of decent size, in regular operation, and a legacy since before World War II. An old building refitted for retail in recent times does not normally qualify. Exceptions can be made after discussions on the talk page. --> {{mapframe}} ===Europe=== * {{see | name=[[Gothenburg#Q3820291|Feskekôrka]] | alt= | url=http://www.feskekorka.se/ | email= | address=Rosenlundsgatan | lat=57.70101 | long=11.95780 | directions=[[Gothenburg]], [[Sweden]] | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3820291 | lastedit=2017-12-22 | content=The indoor '''Fish Market''', called "Feskekôrka" (''Fish Church'') because of the shape of the building and Gothenburgers' legendary devotion to fish, is by the canal near the harbor. Renovated in 2024. }} * {{eat | name=La Boqueria Market | alt= | url=http://www.boqueria.info | email= | address= | lat=41.381944 | long=2.172111 | directions=La Rambla, [[Barcelona]], [[Spain]] | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=La Boqueria | wikidata=Q1334899 | content=Tempt your tastebuds at this delightful food market where the food is plentiful, fresh and can be cooked to order in one of about five small restaurants. Also a place for fresh juices and some takeaway snacks. To avoid heavy crowds, or to buy the freshest perishables (e.g., seafood), go well before noon. At least in late fall, winter and early spring months, La Boqueria is closed on Sundays. }} * {{eat | name=Borough Market | alt= | url=http://www.boroughmarket.org.uk/ | email= | address= | lat=51.5055 | long=-0.0906 | directions=off Borough High St, [[London]], [[United Kingdom]] | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours | wikidata=Q894072| wikipedia=Borough Market | content=One of London's favourite wholesale working food markets, on Fridays and Saturdays offering a general retail market with specialties sold directly from the producers, organic products, delicatessen, cheese, wines, fish and imported continental fare. Around the market are other excellent food shops, for a total food experience! Pick up some food and enjoy it under Southwark Cathedral. For market shopping, it's best to go in the morning, or after 2PM, since it starts to get very crowded by around 11:30AM when the lunch crowd comes in. }} * {{eat | name=[[Munich/Altstadt#Viktualienmarkt|Viktualienmarkt]] | type=see | lat=48.1354 | long=11.5762 | directions=[[Munich]] | wikidata=Q686629 | content=The pedestrianised street and outdoor market. }} * {{buy | name=Grand Bazaar | alt=Kapalı Çarşı | url=http://www.grandbazaaristanbul.org | email= | address= | lat=41.0106 | long=28.9685 | directions=[[Istanbul]], [[Turkey]] | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q505954 | lastedit=2019-02-20 | content=Istanbul's grand old bazaar with an estimated 4,400 shops lined along covered walkways. It is said to be the world's oldest shopping mall, covers several blocks and features a labyrinth of side streets to keep you lost for the better part of a day. The shops are organized around their wares, e.g. the silver jewellers are clustered together, the carpet shops are clustered elsewhere and the shoe shops are bunched together somewhere else. Parts of it now are modernized and rather touristy&mdash;most locals don't shop here&mdash;and you are likely to pay up to twice as much as elsewhere. However, with the vast selection you will find what you're looking for and it is one of Istanbul's character pieces. }} * {{buy | name=Mercado de San Miguel | alt=Market of San Miguel | url=http://www.mercadodesanmiguel.es/ | email= | address= | lat=40.41537 | long=-3.70904 | directions=[[Madrid]], [[Spain]] | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Market of San Miguel | image=Mercado de San Miguel (Madrid) 06.jpg | wikidata=Q6770825 | content=Near Plaza Mayor is this indoor market, identifiable by its ornate iron posts. Built in 1913, it's full of a wide range of high quality food. Even if you're not buying anything, it's worth entering for the sights and smells of dried ham, fine wine, freshly baked goods and other treats from the vendors inside. Sets the ambience of a traditional market, with the advantages of the new times. It has an iron and glass structure from the 20th century. This is also a good place for tapas and drinks. }} * {{buy | name=[[Helsinki/Kruununhaka and Katajanokka#Q3557940|Old Market Hall]] | alt=Vanha kauppahalli | url=http://www.wanhakauppahalli.com/eng/ | email= | address= | lat= 60.16619 | long= 24.95277 | directions=[[Helsinki]], [[Finland]] | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3557940 | content=Next to Market Square, this old brick building houses Finland's best collection of gourmet food boutiques. Try to find the stall that sells '''beaver sausage'''. }} * {{eat | name=Östermalms Saluhall | alt=Östermalmshallen | url=http://www.saluhallen.com/ | email= | address=Östermalmstorg | lat=59.33597 | long=18.07770 | directions=[[Stockholm]], [[Sweden]] | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q298475 | content=A market hall in a beautiful 1880s red brick building, with all kinds of expensive food, especially seafood, meat, and cheese, as well as a food court. Re-opened in 2020 after a renovation. }} ===Oceania=== * {{eat | name=Queen Victoria Market | alt= | url=https://qvm.com.au/ | email= | address=Queen St | lat= | long= | directions=[[Melbourne/CBD]], [[Australia]] | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata=Q860621 | content=One of the largest markets in the southern hemisphere, most of the structures were built in the 2nd half of the 19th century. It has a mix of open air sheds and indoor food halls. }} * {{buy | name=Adelaide Central Market | alt= | url=https://adelaidecentralmarket.com.au/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=[[Adelaide/City and North Adelaide]], [[Australia]] | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4681685 | lastedit=2024-04-15 | content=Historic market in the heart of Adelaide. It is adjacent to and well-integrated with Adelaide's Chinatown. }} ===Asia=== * {{see | name=Toyosu Market | alt=豊洲市場 Toyosu Shijō | url=https://www.toyosu-market.or.jp/en/ | email= | address=6 Toyosu, Koto-ku | lat=35.644167 | long=139.783611 | directions=[[Tokyo]], [[Japan]] | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Free | wikipedia=Toyosu Market | image=Toyosu_fish_market-4b.jpg | wikidata=Q11633916 | lastedit= | content=Toyosu is new home of the world's largest wholesale market for seafood and produce after its relocation from [[Tokyo/Chuo#See|Tsukiji]]. Unlike the old facility where tourists could almost walk up to the fish, Toyosu's market has large enclosed observation decks and dedicated paths for tourists to view the action, including the famous tuna auctions. However, early morning fish sales start before public transit opens, so take a taxi for those. }} * {{see | name=Tsukiji Outer Market | alt=築地場外市場 Tsukiji Jōgai Shijō | url=https://www.tsukiji.or.jp/english/ | email= | address=6 Toyosu, Koto-ku | lat=35.66476906247803 | long=139.77025039724614 | directions=[[Tokyo]], [[Japan]] | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Free | wikipedia= | image= | wikidata=Q859471 | lastedit= | content=Although the wholesale part of the market, or "Inner Market" was moved to Toyosu, the retail part of the market, or "Outer Market", remains in its original location, with stalls selling fresh groceries, dried goods and ready-to-eat food. }} ===North America=== * {{buy | name=Reading Terminal Market | alt= | url=http://readingterminalmarket.org | email= | address=12th and Arch Sts | lat=39.95313 | long=-75.159043 | directions=[[Philadelphia/Center City East|Center City East]], [[Philadelphia]], [[Pennsylvania]], [[United States]] | phone=+1 215-922-2317 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 8AM-6PM, Su 9AM-5PM | price= | wikipedia=Reading Terminal Market | image=FindingReadingTerminal.JPG | wikidata=Q7300572 | content=The Reading Terminal Market in [[Philadelphia]] is a major produce market and dining center. It is particularly noted as home to shops selling many of [[Pennsylvania]]'s Amish merchants here, ranging from baked goods to meat to fresh organic produce. Other, non-Amish shops and restaurants also abound, offering a wide variety of foods for on-site consumption (lunch is particularly popular) and as groceries. }} * {{buy | name=Central Market | alt= | url=http://www.centralmarketlancaster.com | email= | address= | lat=40.033333 | long=-76.3 | directions=downtown [[Lancaster (Pennsylvania)|Lancaster]], [[Pennsylvania]], [[United States]] | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Tu F 6AM-4PM, Sa 6AM-2PM | price= | wikidata=Q1053899 | lastedit=2019-11-22 | content=The Central Market in [[Lancaster (Pennsylvania)|Lancaster]], Pennsylvania is oldest continuously operating farmer's market in the United States. You can find just about anything here. The Amish and local vendors all bring their products to sell here. Everywhere you walk, you will see and smell all kinds of food. }} * {{see | name=Pike Place Market | alt= | url=https://www.pikeplacemarket.org/ | email= | address=1501 Pike Pl | lat=47.6094 | long=-122.342 | directions=[[Seattle]], [[United States]] | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Pike Place Market | image=Pike-place-market.jpg | wikidata=Q1373418 | lastedit= | content=One of Seattle's most touristy destinations, Pike Place Market is a functioning public market; one of the oldest in the country. Mostly indoors, it consists of dozens of little shops tucked into a few square blocks downtown, situated on multiple levels. Even if you hate shopping you might still like this place, with its colorful atmosphere and quirky gimmicks, like the famous seafood stand where the staff toss fish from one end to the other. }} * {{see | name=Lexington Market | url=https://lexingtonmarket.com/ | address=[[Baltimore]] | lat=39.291212830260015 | long=-76.62136393850162 | directions=Light rail or Metro to Lexington Market | lastedit=2024-11-09 | content=A marketplace has existed at this location since 1782, though the current building is new, having opened in 2022. Some of the merchants in this market have operated here for over 200 years. A number of fresh seafood and produce vendors provide fresh food to city residents and restaurants though today's market has more grab-and-go restaurants to better fit modern lifestyles. }}<!-- -->[[File:Mercado san juan de dios guadalajara interior.jpg|thumb|Inside Mercado Libertad in Guadalajara]] * {{see | name=Mercado La Merced | address=[[Mexico City/Centro]] | lat=19.426260306718135 | long=-99.12511311805689 | directions=Metro line 1 to La Merced | content=Traditional marketplaces are common throughout Latin America and especially so in Mexico City where more than 300 ''mercados'' supply most of the food and household supplies consumed by the city's 20 million or so hungry residents. Mercado La Merced is Mexico's most famous and Mexico City's largest traditional marketplace covering an area of several city blocks with additional specialty stores and vendors in the streets surrounding the market. The market consists of hundreds of vendors selling fresh produce, seafood, baked goods, meats, and unusual spices that are the critical ingredient in myriad authentic Mexican recipes. }} * {{see | name=Mercado Libertad | alt=Mercado San Juan de Dios | address=[[Guadalajara]] | lat=20.6758 | long=-103.3399 | directions= | lastedit=2024-11-09 | content=Huge traditional marketplace that spreads over several city blocks in the downtown area (Centro) and across many levels in the main market building. Bustling place that is well organized with vendors clustered in groups for different types of merchandise. In addition to fresh vegetables, meats, and other agricultural commodities, there are vendors with clothing, candies, household items and much more. The prepared foods area has restaurants serving many specialties of the region's cuisine, including a number of vendors with excellent birrias. }} * {{see | name=Mercado San Benito | address=[[Mérida (Mexico)|Mérida]] | lat=20.9695 | long=-89.6226 | directions= | lastedit=2024-11-09 | content=The largest marketplace in the Yucatan Peninsula, the market was newly built in 2003 and is a large, concrete structure with market halls on four levels. Fresh foods are the dominant types of product sold in the market though there are also vendors selling shoes and household items. The marketplace sits next to a second large marketplace called Mercado Merida. Many more vendors are along nearby streets. }} ===South America=== [[File:Mercado Central de Santiago - 2009 - 14.jpg|thumb|Restaurant inside the Mercado Central de Santiago]] * {{see | name=Mercado Central de Santiago | alt=Santiago Central Market | url= | address=[[Santiago/Central]] | lat=-33.4333 | long=-70.6511 | directions=Metro to Puente Cal y Canto | content=As in most Latin American cities, there are at least a dozen large public marketplaces in Santiago. Some are known for having the freshest vegetables, or perhaps the most pork vendors, or bread vendors. The Mercado Central is the largest of Santiago's market halls and its "specialization" is the freshest seafood. Of course you will find a bevy of produce vendors, meat vendors, and every other type of staple, as well as vendors selling prepared food including the most authentic traditional and regional cuisine available anywhere. }} * {{see | name=Mercado de San Telmo | alt=San Telmo Market | url=https://www.mercadosantelmo.com.ar/ | address=[[Buenos Aires/Centro]] | lat=-34.6184 | long=-58.3725 | directions= | content=Buenos Aires has dozens of traditional marketplaces, but San Telmo is one of the largest and most tourist friendly. Established in the late 19th century, the marketplace has vendors selling fresh produce as well as locally made prepared foods, including cheese shops, fresh made pasta shops, empanada shops and dozens of vendors selling traditional and regional dishes. }} * {{see | name=Plaza de Mercado Paloquemao | alt= | url=https://plazadepaloquemao.com/ | email= | address=[[Bogota]] | lat=4.6160 | long=-74.0845 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Huge central marketplace with fresh produce, prepared regional dishes, and particularly well-known for its variety of flower vendors. The fruit vendors have almost any kind of fruit imaginable, including a number of tropical fruits that are virtually unknown outside the local region. }} * {{see | name=Mercado Ver-O-Peso | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Belém]] | lat=-1.4521 | long=-48.5038 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Huge waterfront marketplace. Most famous for its mind-boggling selection of fresh seafood. The marketplace is one of the oldest continuously operating markets in Brazil, having been established in the 17th century. }} ==See also== * [[Agritourism]] * [[Fine dining]] {{outlinetopic}} {{PartOfTopic|Food and drink}} 4e2th399xhxaahiaiztjpt0f6ffeblx 0 207419 5086738 5006417 2025-07-02T18:29:03Z 162 etc. 2252661 /* Get in */ 5086738 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Lachute''', population 14,100 (2021), is a town located on the north bank of the Ottawa River, in the [[Laurentians]] region of [[Quebec]]. ==Understand== [[File:Lachute QC.JPG|thumb|Downtown Lachute]] Lachute is a town in southwestern Quebec, located on the Rivière du Nord, a tributary of the Ottawa River. It is the seat of Argenteuil Regional County Municipality and its major industries include paper mills, lumber and various manufacturing plants. The main attractions of Lachute are: * its annual exhibition (agricultural fair): this event attracts many visitors who come to see farm animals, competitions, shows, etc.; * Rivière du Nord which cuts the municipality in two; allowing recreational boating and fishing; * its range of restaurants and bars; particularly along Route 158, Avenue Béthany, and close to the A50; * its shops which attract many visitors, particularly holidaymakers who stock up in Lachute before going to their respective chalets ==Get in== {{mapframe}} {{mapshape}} ===By car=== Lachute is {{km|82}} northwest of Montreal, located on Autoroute 50, at the junctions of Route 148 and Route 158. ===By bus=== * {{go | name=Circuit Argenteuil / Saint-Jérôme | alt= | url=https://argenteuil.qc.ca/services/transport-adapte-et-collectif/circuit-argenteuil-saint-jerome/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=15 June 2025 | content=Weekday service from [[Saint-Jérôme]]. Travellers from [[Montreal]] can reach Lachute by transferring from Exo 12 at Saint-Jérôme station; separate fare required. }} ===By plane=== * {{go | name=Lachute Airport | alt= | url= | email= | address=80 Bd de l'Aéroparc | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 450-562-1330 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3913088 | lastedit=2024-10-24 | content=A general aviation airport located southwest of Lachute. }} ==Get around== ==See== * {{see | name=Carillon Canal Historic Site | alt= | url=https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/qc/canalcarillon | email=infocanalqc@pc.gc.ca | address=Saint-André-d'Argenteuil | lat= | long= | directions=16 km south of Lachute | phone=+1 514-283-6054 | tollfree=+1-888-773-8888 | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2935985 | lastedit=2024-10-26 | content=It was built in the 1830s, and boasts the highest lock in Quebec, and links to the Carillon hydroelectric dam which can also be visited. }} * {{see | name=St. Anastasia Catholic Church | alt=Église catholique Sainte-Anastasie | url= http://www.zonepastoralelachute.org/Ste-Anastasie/Sainte-Anastasie.html | email= | address=174 Av. Bethany | lat= 45.65449 | long=-74.33189 | directions= | phone=+1 450-562-2432 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-14 | content= }} * {{see | name=Margaret Redger Memorial Presbyterian Church | alt=Église presbytérienne Margaret Redger Memorial | url= | email= | address=331 Bethany Ave. | lat=45.64912 | long=-74.32958 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-07-14 | content= }} * {{see | name=Lachute United Church of Canada | alt= Église unie du Canada de Lachute | url= http://lam-mrl.com/ | email= | address= 232 Hamford Ave | lat= 45.65020 | long=-74.35288 | directions= | phone=+1 450-562-8465 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-07-14 | content= }} * {{see | name=Lachute Evangelical Church | alt=Église Évangélique de Lachute | url=https://egliselachute.com/ | email= | address=395 Rue Gougeon | lat=45.65536 | long=-74.35211 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=+1 450-562-7772 | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-07 | content= }} * {{see | name=Saint Simeon's Episcopal Church | alt=Église Épiscopale Saint-Siméon | url= | email= | address=445 Rue Principale | lat= 45.65752 | long=-74.33661 | directions= | phone=+1 450-562-8937 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-07-14 | content= }} * {{see | name=Laurentides Evangelical Baptist Church | alt=Église Baptiste Évangélique des Laurentides | url= | email= | address= 116 Rue Fraser | lat=45.65785 | long=-74.32966 | directions= | phone=+1 514-973-5870 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-07-14 | content= }} * {{see | name= Argente Christian Assembly | alt=Assemblée Chrétienne D'Argente | url= | email= | address=Route 158 | lat=45.65761 | long=-74.33327 | directions= | phone=+1 514-537-3897 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-07-14 | content= }} * {{see | name=Lachute Cemetery | alt=Cimetière de Lachute | url= | email= | address=Av. d'Argenteuil | lat=45.64450| long=-74.34481 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-07-07 | content= }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Expo Lachute Fair | alt= | url=https://expolachutefair.com/en/ | email=info@expolachutefair.com | address=280-296 Rue Gougeon | lat=45.65419 | long=-74.35748 | directions= | phone=+1 450-562-3741 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-10-24 | content=Expo Lachute Fair is the oldest fair in Quebec and the second-oldest in all of Canada, running from 1825 to the present. An annual agriculture fair is held in July and the Fall Derby is in September. The fairgrounds are also used for several other local events throughout the year. }} * {{do | name=Lachute Golf Club | alt=Club de Golf Lachute | url=https://www.cglachute.ca/ | email= | address=370 Av. Béthany | lat=45.64699 | long=-74.32783 | directions= | phone=+1 450-562-5228 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-10-26 | content= }} * {{do | name=Lachine fishing | alt= | url= | email= | address=496 Bd de l'Aéroparc–Fishing pier | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-07-14 | content= }} * {{do | name=Lachute Provincial Pine Forest | alt= | url= | email= | address=near Route 158 (south side) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2023-07-14 | content= }} ==Buy== ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Microtel by Wyndham Lachute | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/microtel/lachute-quebec/microtel-lachute/overview | email= | address=555 rue paul | lat=45.64162 | long=-74.32906 | directions= | phone=+1 579-200-1030 | tollfree=+1-800-337-0050 | fax= | checkin=15:00 | checkout=11:00 | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-10-26 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Motel Welden | alt= | url= | email= | address=1075 Rue Principale | lat=45.66260 | long=-74.30618 | directions= | phone=+1 450-562-4010 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-10-26 | content= }} ==Connect== ==Go next== {{routebox | image1=Quebec Autoroute 50.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Gatineau]] | minorl1=[[Grenville-sur-la-Rouge]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Montreal]] via [[File:Quebec Autoroute 15.svg|16px|link=]] | minorr1=[[Mirabel]] | image2=Qc148.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Gatineau]] | minorl2=[[Grenville-sur-la-Rouge]] | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[Laval]] | minorr2=[[Mirabel]] | image3=Qc158.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=W | majorl3=END | minorl3= | directionr3=E | majorr3=[[Saint-Jérôme]] | minorr3=[[Mirabel]] }} {{IsPartOf|Laurentians}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|45.65|-74.333333}} pl6h8cos0v7i9n009werpujeje8j3q6 0 207771 5086820 5059174 2025-07-02T22:33:21Z Aliyu Usman645 2328883 /* Get in */ 5086820 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Bagwai Wikivoyage banner.jpg}} [[File:Bagwai Gate.jpg|thumb|Bagwai_Gate]] [[File:Jpg hoto.jpg|thumb|Jpg_hoto]] '''Bagwai''' is a town and Local Government Area in [[Kano State]], northern [[Nigeria]]. It lies along the shores of the Bagwai Dam and serves as a peaceful gateway to rural Hausa life. Known for its agricultural activities, cultural festivals, and scenic water landscapes, Bagwai is a refreshing destination for travelers interested in eco-tourism, village experiences, and traditional northern Nigerian hospitality. ==Understand== Bagwai is situated in a predominantly Hausa speaking region. ==Get in== Bagwai is located about 45–60 km northwest of [[Kano]] city. The most common way to reach Bagwai is by road. From Kano, you can take a bus or shared taxi from motor parks like Unguwa Uku or Na'ibawa. The trip takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours depending on road conditions. There are also smaller local buses (called "Dan Achaba") and tricycles (Keke napep) operating between nearby towns and Bagwai. ==Get around== {{mapframe}} Bagwai is a small town, and most places within it can be reached on foot. For longer distances, you can use motorcycles (okada) or tricycles (keke napep), which are affordable and widely available. These are the main forms of local transport used by residents. ==See== [[File:Watari Dam.jpg|thumb|Watari_Dam]] * '''Bagwai Dam''' – A major landmark and source of irrigation and fishing for the region. The dam also provides a peaceful setting for photography, birdwatching, or a quiet afternoon walk. * '''Village scenery''' – Enjoy the traditional Hausa architecture, farmlands, and rural lifestyle in the surrounding villages like Gogori and Kwajale. * '''Local mosques''' – Some of the town’s mosques reflect traditional northern Nigerian Islamic architecture. ==Do== * '''Visit the Bagwai Dam''' – Ideal for relaxing, fishing, or picnicking with friends and locals. * '''Attend a cultural event''' – If you visit during festive periods such as Eid or local celebrations, you may witness traditional music, drumming, and dance. * '''Explore rural life''' – Take a walk through farms and nearby villages to see daily life, farming activities, and local crafts. ==Buy== Bagwai has local markets where you can purchase: * Fresh agricultural produce such as tomatoes, onions, grains, and vegetables. * Handcrafted items like traditional Hausa mats and woven baskets. * Local snacks and spices. The main market days are often busy and lively, giving visitors a chance to mingle with locals and experience the trading culture. ==Eat== Local food in Bagwai is simple, affordable, and flavorful. Try: * '''Tuwo Shinkafa with Miyan Taushe''' – A rice-based dish served with pumpkin soup. * '''Fura da Nono''' – Millet balls in fermented milk, a popular northern Nigerian refreshment. * '''Suya''' – Grilled spicy meat often sold in the evenings by roadside vendors. * '''Fried or grilled fish''' – Fresh fish from the Bagwai Dam is commonly served in homes and at local eateries, especially catfish or tilapia prepared with local spices. Small eateries (buka) and food stalls are common in the town center and around the main market. ==Drink== In Bagwai, you can enjoy a variety of local and non-alcoholic drinks such as: * '''Kunu''' – A sweet, spicy drink made from millet or sorghum. * '''Zobo''' – A bright red hibiscus drink, often served chilled. * '''Fura da Nono''' – A thick, yogurt-like drink made from fermented milk and millet. * Bottled water and soft drinks – Available in local shops and kiosks. Note that alcohol is not commonly consumed or sold due to the town’s Islamic culture. ==Sleep== Bagwai has limited accommodation options. Visitors can: * Stay in basic local guesthouses with modest facilities—ask locals for directions upon arrival. * Consider lodging in nearby towns or [[Kano]] city, which offers a wider range of hotels, from budget to luxury. It’s advisable to arrange accommodation in advance if you're planning an overnight visit. ==Stay safe== Bagwai is a peaceful rural area with friendly locals, but it’s still important to take the usual travel precautions: * Avoid walking alone at night, especially in remote areas. * Respect local customs, particularly regarding dress codes—modest clothing is appreciated. * Always use reliable transportation and avoid accepting rides from strangers. * Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in busy markets. The town has a Primary Health Care Center for basic medical needs. For more advanced care, you may need to visit Kano city. ==Connect== * Mobile networks such as MTN, Airtel, and Glo provide coverage in Bagwai. * You can purchase SIM cards and top-up cards at local shops or kiosks. * Internet connectivity is available but may be slow, so it's better to rely on Kano city for faster and more reliable connections. ==Go next== * [[Kano]] – Explore the bustling city of Kano, known for its historic landmarks such as the Emir's Palace, ancient city walls, and vibrant markets. * [[Bichi]] – A neighboring town with rich cultural heritage and opportunities for exploring northern Nigerian village life. * [[Tsanyawa]] – A rural town offering a glimpse into agricultural practices and traditional Hausa lifestyles. * [[Shanono]] – Known for its agricultural activities and beautiful natural surroundings, perfect for eco-tourism. * [[Dawakin Tofa]] – A town with historical significance and opportunities to learn about northern Nigerian traditions and culture. {{IsPartOf|Kano State}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|12.1578|8.1358}} [[Category: Kano towns]] a56g83xqh8vglt4pvt2x3p47bj426qc 0 207798 5086822 5054999 2025-07-02T22:40:09Z Aliyu Usman645 2328883 /* Go next */ 5086822 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Gwarzo page banner.jpg}} '''Gwarzo''' is a local government area in [[Kano State]], [[Nigeria]]. Known for its agricultural activities and vibrant local markets, Gwarzo offers visitors a chance to experience rural life and Hausa culture. ==Understand== Gwarzo is situated in the northwestern part of Kano State. It is an important agricultural hub, producing crops such as millet, maize, and groundnuts. The area is predominantly inhabited by the Hausa people, with a few Fulani settlements in the outskirts. ==Get in== ===By road=== Gwarzo can be accessed from [[Kano]] city, which is about 72 km to the east, via the Kano–Gwarzo–Dayi Road. Public buses and shared taxis frequently ply this route. ===By air=== * The nearest airport is the '''Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport''' ({{IATA|KAN}}) in [[Kano]] city. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Gwarzo. ==Get around== {{mapframe|11.924|7.937|zoom=13}} Local transportation includes: * '''Motorcycle taxis (Okada):''' The most common means of transport within the town. * '''Shared taxis:''' Available for nearby villages and markets. ==See== * {{see | name=Gwarzo Market | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.924913 | long=7.937708 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-11-19 | content=Held weekly, this market is a bustling center for trade in agricultural produce, livestock, and traditional crafts. }} ==Do== * Explore the local farms and learn about traditional Hausa farming techniques. * Visit Fulani settlements to understand their nomadic lifestyle and culture. ==Buy== * Traditional Hausa crafts such as woven mats and pottery. * Locally produced grains, spices, and honey. ==Eat== * '''Waina:''' A traditional rice-based snack often served with stew. * '''Tuwo Shinkafa:''' A staple dish made from rice and served with various soups. * '''Fura da Nono:''' A refreshing drink made from fermented milk and millet. ==Drink== * '''Zobo:''' A local hibiscus drink. * '''Kunu:''' A millet-based beverage. ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=ABZ Guest Inn Ltd | alt= | url= | email= | address=Along Kano-Gwarzo-Dayi Rd | lat=11.924837 | long=7.944546 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2024-11-19 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Gwarzo Login | alt= | url= | email= | address=Along Kano-Shanono road | lat=11.930519 | long=7.943215 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2024-11-19 | content= }} ==Connect== * Mobile networks such as MTN and Airtel provide reliable coverage in Gwarzo. * Internet access is limited but available through mobile data. ==Stay safe== * Be cautious while traveling at night due to limited lighting and road conditions. * Always verify the safety of routes if traveling to remote areas. ==Go next== * [[Kano]] * [[Zaria]] * [[Bagwai]] {{IsPartOf|Kano State}} {{geo|11.924|7.937|zoom=14}}[[Tofa]] {{outlinecity}} g0sp9m4uhblmmyetnvm4do0bqo829wj 5086867 5086822 2025-07-03T01:03:16Z Ground Zero 1423298 Reverted edits by [[Special:Contributions/Aliyu Usman645|Aliyu Usman645]] ([[User talk:Aliyu Usman645|talk]]) to last version by [[User:LPfi|LPfi]] 5054999 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Gwarzo page banner.jpg}} '''Gwarzo''' is a local government area in [[Kano State]], [[Nigeria]]. Known for its agricultural activities and vibrant local markets, Gwarzo offers visitors a chance to experience rural life and Hausa culture. ==Understand== Gwarzo is situated in the northwestern part of Kano State. It is an important agricultural hub, producing crops such as millet, maize, and groundnuts. The area is predominantly inhabited by the Hausa people, with a few Fulani settlements in the outskirts. ==Get in== ===By road=== Gwarzo can be accessed from [[Kano]] city, which is about 72 km to the east, via the Kano–Gwarzo–Dayi Road. Public buses and shared taxis frequently ply this route. ===By air=== * The nearest airport is the '''Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport''' ({{IATA|KAN}}) in [[Kano]] city. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Gwarzo. ==Get around== {{mapframe|11.924|7.937|zoom=13}} Local transportation includes: * '''Motorcycle taxis (Okada):''' The most common means of transport within the town. * '''Shared taxis:''' Available for nearby villages and markets. ==See== * {{see | name=Gwarzo Market | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.924913 | long=7.937708 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2024-11-19 | content=Held weekly, this market is a bustling center for trade in agricultural produce, livestock, and traditional crafts. }} ==Do== * Explore the local farms and learn about traditional Hausa farming techniques. * Visit Fulani settlements to understand their nomadic lifestyle and culture. ==Buy== * Traditional Hausa crafts such as woven mats and pottery. * Locally produced grains, spices, and honey. ==Eat== * '''Waina:''' A traditional rice-based snack often served with stew. * '''Tuwo Shinkafa:''' A staple dish made from rice and served with various soups. * '''Fura da Nono:''' A refreshing drink made from fermented milk and millet. ==Drink== * '''Zobo:''' A local hibiscus drink. * '''Kunu:''' A millet-based beverage. ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=ABZ Guest Inn Ltd | alt= | url= | email= | address=Along Kano-Gwarzo-Dayi Rd | lat=11.924837 | long=7.944546 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2024-11-19 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Gwarzo Login | alt= | url= | email= | address=Along Kano-Shanono road | lat=11.930519 | long=7.943215 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2024-11-19 | content= }} ==Connect== * Mobile networks such as MTN and Airtel provide reliable coverage in Gwarzo. * Internet access is limited but available through mobile data. ==Stay safe== * Be cautious while traveling at night due to limited lighting and road conditions. * Always verify the safety of routes if traveling to remote areas. ==Go next== * [[Kano]] * [[Zaria]] * [[Bagwai]] {{IsPartOf|Kano State}} {{geo|11.924|7.937|zoom=14}} {{outlinecity}} iw9q2uuge1rqpwmh0t0j0d3rw28mufc 0 207939 5086818 4995329 2025-07-02T22:24:19Z 89.212.203.142 5086818 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Itinerary banner.jpg}} The '''Pamir Highway''' leads through the Pamir Mountains in [[Central Asia]]. The bulk of the Highway runs through the Tajik portion of the Pamir Mountains, and extends into Kyrgyzstan to the north and Uzbekistan and, briefly, Afghanistan towards the south-west. ==Understand== The Pamir Highway (M41 highway) is the longest and most easily traversable road through the Pamir mountains. The principal stretch of the highway runs east to west through [[Tajikistan]], and extends northwards through [[Kyrgyzstan]] to [[Osh]], and southwest into [[Afghanistan]], to [[Mazar-e Sharif]]. At its highest point, the Ak-Baital pass, the Pamir Highway reaches {{m|4655}}; [[Altitude sickness]] poses a risk for those unaccustomed to the altitude at several points on the highway. ==Prepare== A GBAO ([[Pamirs|Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast]]) permit is required for the [[Tajikistan|Tajik]] portion of the Pamir Highway. These can be purchased online for $50 including the general Tajik e-visa, and are valid for 60 days. The permit is also available at various OVIR (immigration) offices in Tajikistan, though the cost and time needed to issue one reportedly varies. The GBAO permit can be obtained online even for nationals of countries that do not need a visa at the same cost. The permit and visa are checked upon entry and several more times at military checkpoints along the highway. Bring at least 10 physical copies of the GBAO permit and your passport since the guards will likely keep them. If you need to make more copies while in Tajik Pamir, you can visit a mobile carrier store (Megafon or TCell) or a bank. ==Get in== [[Osh]] is the largest hub for setting out on the Pamir Highway from the Kyrgyz side. Marshrutkas are readily available to Sary-Tash from the bus terminal just off Ak-Burinskaya Street. Haggling is not standard for marshrutkas here. ==Go, walk, or drive== Several methods of travel on the Pamirs are possible. [[Tour cycling|Cycling]] is increasingly popular, as is renting a car and driving. [[Hitchhiking]] is less common but perfectly achievable, as is regular hiking. ==Stay safe== Cannabis is obviously and widely available on the Pamir Highway. Taking advantage of this opportunity is a bad idea: it is very much illegal and due to the high volume of drugs trafficked through Tajikistan from neighbouring Afghanistan, possession penalties in the country are liable to be unpredictable and often severe. ==Go next== *[[Osh]] is often seen as the northernmost point of the Pamir highway. *[[Samarkand]] can be reached via the road from Dushanbe. {{outlineitinerary}} {{PartOfItinerary|Asia itineraries}} 0qrdeybfbuvz4933gs27sxxw35oqri5 0 208064 5086669 5001457 2025-07-02T16:07:40Z Neils51 1342202 /* Understand */ replaced: it's → its 5086669 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner}} '''Vallée-des-Rivières''' is a town in the [[Saint John River Valley]] region of [[New Brunswick]]. It was formed in 2023 through the amalgamation of the former town of '''Saint-Léonard''' and the former village of '''Sainte-Anne-de Madawaska''', as well as adjacent unincorporated areas. ==Understand== Vallée-des-Rivières is located on the east bank of the Saint John River opposite [[Van Buren (Maine)|Van Buren]], [[Maine]], which it is connected via the Saint Leonard–Van Buren Bridge. Its economy is driven by potato farming and a J.D. Irving Limited sawmill. It is officially bilingual but it is predominantly a Francophone community. Vallée-des-Rivières is generally considered to be part of [[Acadia]]. * [https://vdrnb.com/ Vallée-des-Rivières Municipal Council] website ==Get in== Vallée-des-Rivières is located along the [[Trans-Canada Highway]], {{km|230}} northwest of Fredericton and {{km|60}} southeast of the Quebec border. === Border crossing === * {{go | name=Van Buren–St. Leonard Border Crossing | alt=Saint Leonard–Van Buren Bridge | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=St. Leonard, NB – [[Van Buren (Maine)|Van Buren, ME]] | phone= | tollfree= | hours=24 hours | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata=Q17514267 | lastedit=2024-12-12 | content= }} ==Get around== {{mapframe|zoom=10}} ==See== * {{see | name=Quisibis River No. 2 Covered Bridge | alt=Pont couvert de la Quisibis No. 2 | url= | email= | address=551 Chem. Deschênes | lat=47.30507 | long=-68.05846 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-12-03 | content=Built in 1951, this covered bridge is 17 m (55 ft) in length. The bridge is closed and no longer in use, but can be viewed from the road and from the new bridge crossing the same river beside it. }} ==Do== ==Buy== ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Bert's Pizza | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/people/Berts-Pizza/100063648424142/ | email= | address=51 Rue du Pont, Saint Leonard | lat=47.16111 | long=-67.92742 | directions= | phone=+1 506-423-7736 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-12-03 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Resto La Bonne Assiette | alt= | url=https://www.restolabonneassiette.com/ | email= | address=14 Rue Principale, Sainte-Anne-de-Madawaska | lat=47.24109 | long=-68.01874 | directions= | phone=+1 506-445-2803 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-12-03 | content= }} ==Drink== * {{drink | name=Buckdjeuve Bar | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/buckdjeuvebarandcanteen/ | email= | address=46 Rue Principale, Sainte-Anne-de-Madawaska | lat=47.24400 | long=-68.02206 | directions= | phone=+1 506-445-3385 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-12-03 | content= }} ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Camping St. Léonard | alt= | url=https://www.campingstleonard.com/ | email=JLFCINC@gmail.com | address=470 Route 17, St-Léonard | lat=47.17410 | long=-67.88005 | directions= | phone=+1 506-423-6536 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-12-03 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Daigle's Motel | alt= | url= | email= | address=68 Rue du Pont, Saint Leonard | lat=47.16171 | long=-67.92731 | directions= | phone=+1 506-423-6351 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-12-03 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Maple Leaf Motel, Campground & Restaurant | alt= | url=https://mapleleafmotelcr.com/ | email=info@mapleleafmotelcr.com | address=1353 Route 17, St-Léonard Parent | lat=47.20771 | long=-67.77132| directions= | phone=+1 506-423-6666 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-12-03 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Paradis de la P'tite Montagne | alt=Little Mountain Paradise | url=https://paradis.nb.ca/ | email=paradis@paradis.nb.ca | address=472 Chemin Petite Montagne, Saint-André | lat=47.14433 | long=-67.81017 | directions= | phone=+1 506-473-6683 | tollfree=+1-844-437-6683 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2024-12-03 | content= }} ==Connect== ==Go next== {{routebox | image1=NB 2 (TCH).svg | imagesize1=20 | link1=Trans-Canada Highway | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Rivière-du-Loup]] | minorl1=[[Edmundston]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Woodstock (New Brunswick)|Woodstock]] | minorr1=[[Grand Falls]] | image2=NB 17.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=&thinsp;N | majorl2=[[Campbellton]] | minorl2=Saint-Quentin | directionr2=S | majorr2=END | minorr2={{rint|passport}} → [[Van Buren (Maine)|Van Buren]] }} {{IsPartOf|Saint John River Valley}} {{outlineruralarea}} {{geo|47.1625|-67.925}} el9dvbz9jugr38merzs15r2f1doasfb 0 208483 5087102 5077272 2025-07-03T11:29:39Z ChubbyWimbus 109402 /* S: Saving Lives Zone */ 5087102 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|大屋根リング夜景全景.jpg}} '''Expo 2025''' (大阪・関西万博 ''Osaka-Kansai Banpaku'') is the site of the [[World's Fair]] for 2025 in [[Osaka]], [[Japan]]. It will run for 6 months from April 13, 2025 until October 13, 2025. ==Understand== [[File:EXPO2025_null2_Appearance.jpg|thumb|null² Pavilion]] Osaka-Kansai 2025 is Japan's third Universal Exposition after Expo '70, also held in Osaka, and [[Expo 2005]] near [[Nagoya]]. The official theme is "Designing Future Society for Our Lives". 28 million visitors are projected to attend the exposition, which is spread across 155 hectares on the artificial island of Yumeshima (夢洲, "Dream Island") in the [[Osaka/Bay Area|Bay Area]] district of Osaka. After the Expo is over, Yumeshima will see a different type of dream or nightmare come to life, as Japan's first casino is set to open here in 2030. ===Visitor information=== * [https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/ Event website] ==Get in== {{mapframe|zoom=14}} {{main|Osaka#Get in}} Visitors to the Expo will generally arrive via Japan's second largest city [[Osaka]], which is a well-connected major travel hub served by [[Kansai International Airport]] ({{IATA|KIX}}) and the JR Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train from [[Tokyo]]. See [[Osaka#Get in]] for the details. Once in Osaka, the Expo site is best accessed via {{marker|type=go|name=Yumeshima Station|wikidata=Q60987816}} (夢洲駅) on the Metro Chuo Line from central Osaka. There are also direct shuttle buses from Kansai and Itami airports as well as major train stations including Shin-Osaka (Shinkansen connections), Osaka and Namba. See [https://www.transport.expo2025.or.jp/en the official transport site] for schedules. ==Get around== Walking is the primary way to get around. Skateboards, scooters, roller skates, etc. are banned from being brought into the Expo. There is a bus that circles the Expo and stops near various points that requires a reservation in order to use. ==See== During the Expo, adult one-day ticket options include &yen;7500 for an unlimited full day ticket, &yen;6000 weekday tickets valid from 11:00, and &yen;3700 for "night tickets" valid from 17:00 on the ticket, but you can enter from 16:00. Discounted senior, student and group tickets are also available. Access both to the Expo and the pavilions requires signing up for a free "ExpoID". Once you have registered, you can purchase tickets at [https://ticket.expo2025.or.jp/en/ the official site], make a reservation for an entry time, and apply for reservations/lottery tickets to enter individual pavilions. The sheer size of the Expo means that it is impossible to cover everything in one day, and access to some of the more popular events and pavilions is capacity controlled with several rather convoluted systems. Allow at least two days if you wish to visit all pavilions of interest. It is wise to choose in advance which of the high-profile sites you want to visit and get them reserved early, then fill in the gaps with the more low-key attractions. Lines tend to shorten as the Expo approaches closing time, although if you cut it too close you run the risk of not getting in at all. * [https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/overview/private_pavilion/ Full list]. ===Grand Ring=== [[File:Oyane-ring southeast.jpg|thumb|The Grand Ring]] The {{marker|type=see|name=Grand Ring|wikidata=Q133959805}} is a 2 km timber structure and walkway that rises to a height of 20 metres. One of the world's largest wooden structures, it offers views of the entire exhibition area. The ring can be accessed by a handful of escalators scattered around its perimeter or by stairs which can also be used in case of emergency. At the center of the exhibition area within the Grand Ring, [https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/official-participant/ over 100 countries] have their own pavilions along with the Signature Pavilions. There are five "commons" buildings, which house multiple countries who don't have their own pavilions. They are scattered throughout the Grand Ring and its sections. The following zones are located within the Grand Ring. They include the pavilion number for easy map-checking as the official maps use the numbers. ====P: Empowering Lives Zone==== [[File:EXPO 2025 America Pavilion.jpg|thumb|USA Pavilion]] * '''Ireland''' (P01) - The building is designed to represent the Irish triskele. Inside there is a scent area where you can smell Irish plants, an exhibit about Lafcadio Hearn who was part Irish, and Irish folk music performances. * '''Malaysia''' (P02) * '''Commons A''' (P03) * '''Jordan''' (P04) - Has videos of culture and tourist attractions, musical stones, and 22 tons of sand from [[Wadi Rum]] that visitors can walk on and touch. * '''Peru''' (P05) - Video about the history and culture followed by cultural object displays. * '''Advanced Air Mobility''' (p07) - A video about air mobility. Reservation required. * '''Mozambique''' (P08) - Video followed by displays of cultural objects. * '''Philippines''' (P09) - "Woven" is the theme, and the exterior features woven hammocks. Inside, there are weavings, and you can dance around as an AI plant. * '''United States'''(P11) - A star mascot and catchy theme song guide you through scenes from around the country before leading into exhibits about American space innovations. The theme song is in English for the English tours and in Japanese for Japanese tours. Chinese tours are also available twice per day. Has a restaurant. * '''France''' (P12) - An exhibit that alternates Louis Vuitton art installations and authentic Rodin hand sculptures. The odd combination of vapid consumerism and deep cultural heritage somehow manages to feel coherent and impressive. Has a restaurant. * '''Robot and Mobility''' (P14) - Showcases drones, cars, etc. with occasional demonstrations. * '''Vietnam''' (P15) - Small, with clothing, a recreated temple, and other objects and information. At certain times they perform traditional museum with the instruments on display. * '''Qatar''' (P17) - Designed to represent the nation's dhows, the inner exhibits also feature the country's relationship with the sea. * '''United Arab Emirates''' (P18) - Features giant pillars made of date palm trees, information is scattered about the spacious room with 3 rotating videos featured in the back. Has a restaurant. * '''Canada'''(P19) - Walk through ice bergs and other exhibits with a handheld VR tablet that will show various scenes of Canada when you point them at the physical objects. * '''Portugal''' (P20) - Themed around the ocean and the need to take better care of it. * '''Colombia''' (P21) - Butterfly lights on the ceiling guide you through the pavilion to view the actual typewriter used by Gabriel Garcia Martez to write the novel One Hundred Years of Solitude, a circle of objects from the country that you can touch, and an information room. Has a restaurant. * '''Switzerland''' (P22) - You can say your wish for the "future society" into a microphone and create a real bubble that takes your wish upwards * '''Austria''' (P23) - Video of musical history and musical touchscreens. * '''Brazil''' (P26) - Art installation in the main building featuring inflatables, exhibits about the country and paints available for you to paint tribal patterns on your face or hands. * '''Kuwait''' (P27) - Contains a video of a futuristic vision of the country and actual sand brought from the dessert that you can touch and compare to sand you've felt in Japan or elsewhere. * '''China''' (P28) - Animated videos of Chinese culture in a traditional painting-style and replicas of cultural treasures. * '''International Pavilion''' (P29) * '''United Nations''' (P30) * '''Red Cross and Red Crescent''' (P31) * '''Bahrain''' (P34) - Contains a variety of objects made by craftsman and cultural objects. * '''Turkmenistan''' (P35) - Has a video about the country followed by some cultural objects. The colorful building featuring a white horse is considered to be one of the most eye-catching at the Expo. * '''Nordic''' (Iceland, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway) (P36) - A glorified lounge; lots of space, not much to see. Has a restaurant. * '''Malta''' (P37) - Features videos of Malta's history and 3 authentic samurai armor suits gifted to Malta by Fukuzawa Yukichi in 1862 that have not been on display since they put in storage for safety during WWII. * '''Czech Republic''' (P38) - Built with materials from the Czech Republic, such as spruce and Bohemian glass. Artwork lines the walls and art using the glass is also featured. ====X: Signature Zone==== [[File:Expo2025-DYNAMIC EQUILIBRIUM OF LIFE-pavilion.jpg|thumb|Dynamic Equilibrium of Life Pavilion]] * '''Better Co-Being''' (X01) - An open-air exhibit of various art installations intended to bring people closer together, the daytime experience feels more in touch with nature while the nighttime experience feels more otherworldy. Reservation required. * '''Future of Life''' (X02) - Gives history of projecting life onto objects ending in robots and AI from where it introduces ideas of a future in which robots and humans live among each other, posing questions about what is life and what does it mean to be human. Reservation required. * '''Jellyfish Pavilion''' (X03) - A fun pavilion to relax in; it's especially pretty at night when it's lit up. * {{see | name=OCHIAI Yoichi's Signature Pavilion "Forging Lives" null² | alt=X04 | url=https://expo2025.digitalnatureandarts.or.jp/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q134286794 | lastedit=2025-05-27 | content= Reservation required. }} * '''Dynamic Equilibrium of Life''' (X05) - The "dynamic equilibrium" is defined as "a system that is in constant change yet is balanced as a whole". This concept is artfully illustrated through a narrated (Japanese and English) light show. Reservation required. * '''Live Earth Journey: Totality of Life''' (X06) - A virtual reality experience. Reservation required. * '''Earth Mart''' (X07) - Attempts to show how we can eat sutainably through projections and a variety of interactive exhibits. Reservation required. * '''Dialogue of Theater''' (X08) ====S: Saving Lives Zone==== [[File:Expo2025-HungaryPavilion.jpg|thumb|Hungary Pavilion]] * '''Commons C'''(S01) * '''Chile''' (S02) - Mostly empty room with weavings on the ceiling. * '''Tunisia''' (S03) - Makes good use of the small pavilion with projections and the opportunity to have your name written in Arabic, inscribe your name on a plate, or get handmade pottery from the man outside. Has a restaurant. * '''Cambodia''' (S04) - Recreates parts of a stone temple with a replica of Angkor Wat in the center. * '''Algeria''' (S05) - A video with an AI child. * '''Baltic''' (Latvia and Lithuania) (S06) - Medicinal herbs from these countries and art featuring their mascot. Estonia did not participate. * '''European Union''' (S07) * '''Belgium''' (S08) Free Biscoff cookie when entering. Focuses on Belgium's importance in medical innovation and technology. * '''Italy and the Holy See''' (S09) - Historic objects and art on display, it's the most popular pavilion at the Expo. Reservations available but not required. Without a reservation, expect 2+ hour wait on weekdays and 3+ hour wait on weekends. Has a restaurant. * '''Singapore''' (S11) - Focused around dreams, it's an interactive exhibit that allows you to write down your dream and then move into the projection dome where your dream will appear to help build the city. * '''Bulgaria''' (S12) - In Japan, Bulgaria is synonymous with yogurt in the most literal sense; "Bulgaria" is the name of a popular yogurt brand. Bulgaria introduced yogurt to Japan at the 1970 Expo. Because of this association, the pavilion uses yogurt and its bacteria as the base from which it introduces ideas about different cultures working together for the betterment of society like the good yogurt bacteria does in the human body. There is also a video where you can see the wishes of those who previously visited and you can use the QR code in the pavilion to write your own wishes for the next groups to read. English tours at 18:00 each day, arrive a few minutes early and tell the staff (do not get in the queue if you are doing the English tour). * '''Netherlands''' (S13) - Carrying a glowing orb as your guide, you'll learn about the history of the Netherlands' relationship with its waterways, from hardships to modern innovations intended to harness its power. Reservations required after 11:00. * '''Commons D''' (S14) * '''Oman''' (S15) - Projection mappings and a video. * '''Hungary''' (S16) - Local flora and a concert by a folk singer. Has a restaurant. * '''Commons E''' (S17) * '''Poland''' (S20) * '''Romania''' (S21) * '''United Kingdom''' (S22) - Themed around dreams as "building blocks", follows a block mascot and daughter talking to her father in the UK. Features an interactive game. Has a restaurant. * '''Angola''' (S23) (not open as of June 2025) ====C: Connecting Lives Zone==== [[File:韓国 パビリオン.jpg|thumb|Korea Pavilion]] * '''Nepal''' (C01) (not open as of June 2025) * '''Luxembourg''' (C02) - A video about life in Luxembourg, exhibits about Luxembourg as "the heart of Europe" * '''Germany''' (C03) - Carrying a light-up mascot of the pavilion, it will guide you in the language of your choice (Japanese, English, or German). The pavilion focuses on sustainability and solving modern problems, such as what to do with abandoned city housing. Roll your mascot down a chute to exit the pavilion. * '''Korea''' (C04) * '''Commons F''' (C05) * '''Azerbaijan''' (C07) - Arguably one of the most beautiful from the outside with its white arches and wooden ethnic dancers that spin over water between each arch, inside there is a rather long video followed by a hall of cultural objects from the country. Has a restaurant. * '''Monaco''' (C10) - Consists of 3 separate buildings, the first featuring a video of Monaco's culture, sensory touching, and a tacky VR experience. The others are located along an outside path with small gardens and interactive play spaces. They feature a maritime protection building with an attractive central pillar and projections and another small building with touch panels to learn more about the country. Has a wine bar. * '''Turkey''' (C11) - The main intrigue is the illuminated sun and moon, the sun representing Japan and the moon representing Turkey. The outside Turkish ice cream and Turkish food vendor are more popular than the pavilion itself. * '''Thailand''' (C12) - After a video introduction, the exhibits focus on food. Reservations for Thai massages can be made. Has a restaurant. * '''Spain''' (C13) - Exhibits about the ocean followed by a vibrant orange room with some postcards. * '''Saudi Arabia''' (C14) - Arabian architecture, multiple buildings with different exhibits and a central area where performances and demonstrations are held. Project-mapping is done of the buildings at night. Has a cafe. * '''Australia''' (C15) - Recreates a forest with video representations of local animals appearing in the trees. * '''Indonesia''' (C16) - A Sumatran forest with unique animals scattered about, a thoughtful video, and authentic blades from various ethnic groups * '''India''' (C17) - The pavilion was built to resemble a lotus flower, a symbol of Enlightenment. Inside there are videos about Indian innovations along with Indian cultural objects. * '''Uzbekistan''' (C18) - Introduces the culture of the country before taking you to the roof which utilizes the same wood as the Grand Ring in its own unique design. * '''Serbia''' (C19) - "Understanding through play" is the theme, so it features a variety of interactive exhibits. * '''Bangladesh''' (C20) - Various objects around the room with a video in the back. * '''Senegal''' (C21) - Words on the wall about the country and a shop. * '''Egypt''' (C22) - Video projections of famous Egyptian sites. * '''Commons B''' (C23) ====F: Forest of Tranquility==== [[File:Expo2025静けさの森、中心部の池.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Forest of Tranquility]] An attractive forest with paths for visitors to explore in the center of the inner ring. It consists of trees that were scheduled for thinning from Expo 70 Commemoration Park in [[Suita]] along with trees transplanted from other parks around Osaka Prefecture, including Osaka Castle Park. For passport stamp collectors, the Forest of Tranquility is one of the only venues that does not have a stamp. This is on purpose; frantic stamp collecting is neither relaxing nor tranquil. ===Outside the Grand Ring=== The following are venues located outside the grand ring representing Japan with the Japan Pavilion, Kansai Pavilion, and 12 Japanese megacorps pavilions, along with other non-country pavilions, such as the Women's Pavilion. These are typically highlights of the exposition, with Bandai's GUNDAM Pavilion guaranteed to draw crowds. They are well worth visiting but nearly all require reservations, so temper your expectations. You'll need multiple days with lots of lottery luck if you plan to enter more than just a few. ====E: East Gate Zone==== * '''Kansai''' (E01) Features the tradition prefectures that make up Kansai: [[Shiga]], [[Mie]], [[Nara (prefecture)|Nara]], [[Wakayama (prefecture)|Wakayama]], [[Osaka (prefecture)|Osaka]], [[Kyoto (prefecture)|Kyoto]], and [[Hyogo]], along with [[Tottori (prefecture)|Tottori]], [[Fukui (prefecture)|Fukui]], and [[Tokushima (prefecture)|Tokushima]]. Each prefecture has its own exhibition space branching off from the center. * '''Osaka Healthcare''' (E02) * '''NTT''' (E03) - Starts with a 3-D glasses video of the music group Perfume singing followed by a video show using the bodies of those in the room. Outside there are old-fashioned phones inside phone booths that play various sounds when you dial the numbers. Reservation required (outside phones can be used by anyone). * '''Mitsubishi''' (E05) * '''Panasonic Group - The Land of Nomo''' (E06) - Walk through with a crystal that you can use to interact with various exhibits. Reservation required. * '''Sumitomo''' (E07) * '''Electric Power - Eggs of Possibilities''' (E08) * '''Women's Pavilion in Collaboration with Cartier''' (E09) * '''Japan''' (E10) * '''EXPO Hall "Shining Hat"''' (E11) * '''EXPO National Day Hall "Ray Garden"''' (E12) * '''Gallery EAST''' (E13) ====W: West Gate Zone==== * '''Tech World (Taiwan)''' (W02) - Taiwan is not permitted to have a pavilion under its name, so in spite of the name "Tech World", this is Taiwan's pavilion. It features a projection-mapping about its nature and information about its technology with a focus on IC chips. * '''Gas Pavilion Obake Wonderland''' (W03) - "Ghost Wonderland". With a VR headset, you become a ghost and can interact with your surroundings as you navigate the world. Lessons about human waste manifest in the CO2 monster that must be destroyed. Popular with children. Reservation required. * '''Iida Group''' (W04) - Videos and models of their vision of future Smart Homes surrounded by circles (much like the Grand Ring) that contain grocery stores, shopping malls, and other necessities and entertainment for those in the apartments. * '''ORA Gaishoku''' (W05) - A dining facility showcasing Osaka foods. It contains a variety of Japanese cultural objects including an entire float from the Nebuta Festival in [[Aomori]]. * '''Blue Ocean Dome''' (W06) - Follow water droplets through a Pythagorean device also known as a Rube Goldberg machine-style contraption followed by a video. Reservation required. * '''Gundam NEXT Future''' (W07) - Uses videos to make you feel like you're inside a Gundam looking out during a battle. Reservation required. * '''Pasona Natureverse''' (W09) - Utilizes Astro Boy, a former vision of the future, to introduce a "Neo-Astro Boy", with exhibits about life-giving medicine. One of the highlights is a real lab-grown beating heart made from IPS cells. The Astro Boy statue sitting on the building is a popular photo op. * '''Yoshiimoto waraii myraii''' (W10) - Described as a waste of space by adults, children enjoy rolling down the slopes on the outside. * '''EXPO Exhibition Center "WASSE"''' (W11) ====L: Future Life Zone==== * '''Gallery West''' (L01) * '''Future Life Experience''' (L02) * '''Team Expo''' (L03) * '''Mobility Experience''' (L04) - The launching and landing place of the advanced mobility aircraft. * '''Future City''' (L05) * '''Expo Arena "Matsuri"''' (L06) * '''Junior SDG Camp''' (L07) * '''Expo Sauna "Taiyo's Tsubomi"''' (L08) - Described as an "experimental sauna ritual", it utilizes heat from the sun to create the sauna's heat. The "ritual" comes from the way you use it. A guide takes visitors through each of the sauna's experiences in the order you're meant to use them. Scents and sounds are used, and the facilities come with instructions, such as a bath where you are to submerge at least up to your ears in order to experience not just the bath but also the sounds that are meant to have soothing effects. Only 100 people can enter per day. ==Do== [https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/events/ Numerous events] big and small are held during the Expo. The most easily accessible is the '''One World, One Planet''' show, a synchronized show of sound, lighting and projection mapping across the entire venue, held daily after sunset. ==Buy== [[File:Myaku-Myaku Expo 2025 (best mascot ever).jpg|thumb|Myaku-Myaku]] The Expo's official mascot is '''Myaku-Myaku''' (ミャクミャク), a bizarre cross between a multi-eyed amoeba and a donut. Gift shops are featured throughout the site, including by the gates, which feature the mascot as many different products. There are also many corporate collaborations featuring the mascot, such as Sanrio characters in a costume of the mascot. Many country pavilions have small gift shops retailing local products, and you can pick up corporate merchandise at most of the company pavilions. ==Eat== Many pavilions will have places to eat featuring their own nation's foods. There are also scattered food trucks, tents, and food courts. The '''ORA Gaishoku''' in the West Gate Zone (''see above'') is a pavilion that is entirely a dining facility, featuring Osaka cuisine. The '''Kura-zushi''' is particularly popular. Conveyer-belt sushi was actually first introduced at Osaka's 1970s Expo, so it was een as fitting to include it upon the Expo's return to the city. The highlight at this Expo is that it features sushi with foods and flavors from over 70 countries, all of which are participating in the Expo. There are 338 seats, making it the largest Kura-zushi restaurant. Reservations are required. ==Drink== ==Sleep== There is no lodging available on site, but it's located in [[Osaka]], which has a wide variety of hotels. Reserve as early as possible. {{outlineevent}} {{PartOfTopic|Calendar of events and festivals|Japan}} eys5irkh6jycyyh1u2ybc9ow7vtpyjh 5087129 5087102 2025-07-03T11:56:29Z ChubbyWimbus 109402 /* S: Saving Lives Zone */ 5087129 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|大屋根リング夜景全景.jpg}} '''Expo 2025''' (大阪・関西万博 ''Osaka-Kansai Banpaku'') is the site of the [[World's Fair]] for 2025 in [[Osaka]], [[Japan]]. It will run for 6 months from April 13, 2025 until October 13, 2025. ==Understand== [[File:EXPO2025_null2_Appearance.jpg|thumb|null² Pavilion]] Osaka-Kansai 2025 is Japan's third Universal Exposition after Expo '70, also held in Osaka, and [[Expo 2005]] near [[Nagoya]]. The official theme is "Designing Future Society for Our Lives". 28 million visitors are projected to attend the exposition, which is spread across 155 hectares on the artificial island of Yumeshima (夢洲, "Dream Island") in the [[Osaka/Bay Area|Bay Area]] district of Osaka. After the Expo is over, Yumeshima will see a different type of dream or nightmare come to life, as Japan's first casino is set to open here in 2030. ===Visitor information=== * [https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/ Event website] ==Get in== {{mapframe|zoom=14}} {{main|Osaka#Get in}} Visitors to the Expo will generally arrive via Japan's second largest city [[Osaka]], which is a well-connected major travel hub served by [[Kansai International Airport]] ({{IATA|KIX}}) and the JR Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train from [[Tokyo]]. See [[Osaka#Get in]] for the details. Once in Osaka, the Expo site is best accessed via {{marker|type=go|name=Yumeshima Station|wikidata=Q60987816}} (夢洲駅) on the Metro Chuo Line from central Osaka. There are also direct shuttle buses from Kansai and Itami airports as well as major train stations including Shin-Osaka (Shinkansen connections), Osaka and Namba. See [https://www.transport.expo2025.or.jp/en the official transport site] for schedules. ==Get around== Walking is the primary way to get around. Skateboards, scooters, roller skates, etc. are banned from being brought into the Expo. There is a bus that circles the Expo and stops near various points that requires a reservation in order to use. ==See== During the Expo, adult one-day ticket options include &yen;7500 for an unlimited full day ticket, &yen;6000 weekday tickets valid from 11:00, and &yen;3700 for "night tickets" valid from 17:00 on the ticket, but you can enter from 16:00. Discounted senior, student and group tickets are also available. Access both to the Expo and the pavilions requires signing up for a free "ExpoID". Once you have registered, you can purchase tickets at [https://ticket.expo2025.or.jp/en/ the official site], make a reservation for an entry time, and apply for reservations/lottery tickets to enter individual pavilions. The sheer size of the Expo means that it is impossible to cover everything in one day, and access to some of the more popular events and pavilions is capacity controlled with several rather convoluted systems. Allow at least two days if you wish to visit all pavilions of interest. It is wise to choose in advance which of the high-profile sites you want to visit and get them reserved early, then fill in the gaps with the more low-key attractions. Lines tend to shorten as the Expo approaches closing time, although if you cut it too close you run the risk of not getting in at all. * [https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/overview/private_pavilion/ Full list]. ===Grand Ring=== [[File:Oyane-ring southeast.jpg|thumb|The Grand Ring]] The {{marker|type=see|name=Grand Ring|wikidata=Q133959805}} is a 2 km timber structure and walkway that rises to a height of 20 metres. One of the world's largest wooden structures, it offers views of the entire exhibition area. The ring can be accessed by a handful of escalators scattered around its perimeter or by stairs which can also be used in case of emergency. At the center of the exhibition area within the Grand Ring, [https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/official-participant/ over 100 countries] have their own pavilions along with the Signature Pavilions. There are five "commons" buildings, which house multiple countries who don't have their own pavilions. They are scattered throughout the Grand Ring and its sections. The following zones are located within the Grand Ring. They include the pavilion number for easy map-checking as the official maps use the numbers. ====P: Empowering Lives Zone==== [[File:EXPO 2025 America Pavilion.jpg|thumb|USA Pavilion]] * '''Ireland''' (P01) - The building is designed to represent the Irish triskele. Inside there is a scent area where you can smell Irish plants, an exhibit about Lafcadio Hearn who was part Irish, and Irish folk music performances. * '''Malaysia''' (P02) * '''Commons A''' (P03) * '''Jordan''' (P04) - Has videos of culture and tourist attractions, musical stones, and 22 tons of sand from [[Wadi Rum]] that visitors can walk on and touch. * '''Peru''' (P05) - Video about the history and culture followed by cultural object displays. * '''Advanced Air Mobility''' (p07) - A video about air mobility. Reservation required. * '''Mozambique''' (P08) - Video followed by displays of cultural objects. * '''Philippines''' (P09) - "Woven" is the theme, and the exterior features woven hammocks. Inside, there are weavings, and you can dance around as an AI plant. * '''United States'''(P11) - A star mascot and catchy theme song guide you through scenes from around the country before leading into exhibits about American space innovations. The theme song is in English for the English tours and in Japanese for Japanese tours. Chinese tours are also available twice per day. Has a restaurant. * '''France''' (P12) - An exhibit that alternates Louis Vuitton art installations and authentic Rodin hand sculptures. The odd combination of vapid consumerism and deep cultural heritage somehow manages to feel coherent and impressive. Has a restaurant. * '''Robot and Mobility''' (P14) - Showcases drones, cars, etc. with occasional demonstrations. * '''Vietnam''' (P15) - Small, with clothing, a recreated temple, and other objects and information. At certain times they perform traditional museum with the instruments on display. * '''Qatar''' (P17) - Designed to represent the nation's dhows, the inner exhibits also feature the country's relationship with the sea. * '''United Arab Emirates''' (P18) - Features giant pillars made of date palm trees, information is scattered about the spacious room with 3 rotating videos featured in the back. Has a restaurant. * '''Canada'''(P19) - Walk through ice bergs and other exhibits with a handheld VR tablet that will show various scenes of Canada when you point them at the physical objects. * '''Portugal''' (P20) - Themed around the ocean and the need to take better care of it. * '''Colombia''' (P21) - Butterfly lights on the ceiling guide you through the pavilion to view the actual typewriter used by Gabriel Garcia Martez to write the novel One Hundred Years of Solitude, a circle of objects from the country that you can touch, and an information room. Has a restaurant. * '''Switzerland''' (P22) - You can say your wish for the "future society" into a microphone and create a real bubble that takes your wish upwards * '''Austria''' (P23) - Video of musical history and musical touchscreens. * '''Brazil''' (P26) - Art installation in the main building featuring inflatables, exhibits about the country and paints available for you to paint tribal patterns on your face or hands. * '''Kuwait''' (P27) - Contains a video of a futuristic vision of the country and actual sand brought from the dessert that you can touch and compare to sand you've felt in Japan or elsewhere. * '''China''' (P28) - Animated videos of Chinese culture in a traditional painting-style and replicas of cultural treasures. * '''International Pavilion''' (P29) * '''United Nations''' (P30) * '''Red Cross and Red Crescent''' (P31) * '''Bahrain''' (P34) - Contains a variety of objects made by craftsman and cultural objects. * '''Turkmenistan''' (P35) - Has a video about the country followed by some cultural objects. The colorful building featuring a white horse is considered to be one of the most eye-catching at the Expo. * '''Nordic''' (Iceland, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway) (P36) - A glorified lounge; lots of space, not much to see. Has a restaurant. * '''Malta''' (P37) - Features videos of Malta's history and 3 authentic samurai armor suits gifted to Malta by Fukuzawa Yukichi in 1862 that have not been on display since they put in storage for safety during WWII. * '''Czech Republic''' (P38) - Built with materials from the Czech Republic, such as spruce and Bohemian glass. Artwork lines the walls and art using the glass is also featured. ====X: Signature Zone==== [[File:Expo2025-DYNAMIC EQUILIBRIUM OF LIFE-pavilion.jpg|thumb|Dynamic Equilibrium of Life Pavilion]] * '''Better Co-Being''' (X01) - An open-air exhibit of various art installations intended to bring people closer together, the daytime experience feels more in touch with nature while the nighttime experience feels more otherworldy. Reservation required. * '''Future of Life''' (X02) - Gives history of projecting life onto objects ending in robots and AI from where it introduces ideas of a future in which robots and humans live among each other, posing questions about what is life and what does it mean to be human. Reservation required. * '''Jellyfish Pavilion''' (X03) - A fun pavilion to relax in; it's especially pretty at night when it's lit up. * {{see | name=OCHIAI Yoichi's Signature Pavilion "Forging Lives" null² | alt=X04 | url=https://expo2025.digitalnatureandarts.or.jp/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q134286794 | lastedit=2025-05-27 | content= Reservation required. }} * '''Dynamic Equilibrium of Life''' (X05) - The "dynamic equilibrium" is defined as "a system that is in constant change yet is balanced as a whole". This concept is artfully illustrated through a narrated (Japanese and English) light show. Reservation required. * '''Live Earth Journey: Totality of Life''' (X06) - A virtual reality experience. Reservation required. * '''Earth Mart''' (X07) - Attempts to show how we can eat sutainably through projections and a variety of interactive exhibits. Reservation required. * '''Dialogue of Theater''' (X08) ====S: Saving Lives Zone==== [[File:Expo2025-HungaryPavilion.jpg|thumb|Hungary Pavilion]] * '''Commons C'''(S01) * '''Chile''' (S02) - Mostly empty room with weavings on the ceiling. * '''Tunisia''' (S03) - Makes good use of the small pavilion with projections and the opportunity to have your name written in Arabic, inscribe your name on a plate, or get handmade pottery from the man outside. Has a restaurant. * '''Cambodia''' (S04) - Recreates parts of a stone temple with a replica of Angkor Wat in the center. * '''Algeria''' (S05) - A video with an AI child. * '''Baltic''' (Latvia and Lithuania) (S06) - Medicinal herbs from these countries and art featuring their mascot. Estonia did not participate. * '''European Union''' (S07) * '''Belgium''' (S08) Free Biscoff cookie when entering. Focuses on Belgium's importance in medical innovation and technology. * '''Italy and the Holy See''' (S09) - The theme is "Art Regenerates Life". The Italian part features authentic paintings and sculptures from Michaelangelo, pages from the Da Vinci Codex, Olympic Torches. The 16th century painting "Portrait of Ito Mancio" by Domenico Tintoretto commemorates the first diplomatic relations between Japan and Italy. The Vatican contributed Caravaggio's painting "The Deposition" (also commonly called "The Entombment of Christ"), which depicts Christ being laid on th Anointing Stone by Nocodemus, John, and holy women. It is considered to be Caravaggio's best work. Although the authentic artwork is the highlight, the pavilion also features videos, Italian craftwork, modern inventions, and a rooftop garden. This is the most popular pavilion at the Expo. Reservations are available but not required. Without a reservation, expect 3+ hour wait on weekdays and 4+ hour wait on weekends. Has a restaurant. * '''Singapore''' (S11) - Focused around dreams, it's an interactive exhibit that allows you to write down your dream and then move into the projection dome where your dream will appear to help build the city. * '''Bulgaria''' (S12) - In Japan, Bulgaria is synonymous with yogurt in the most literal sense; "Bulgaria" is the name of a popular yogurt brand. Bulgaria introduced yogurt to Japan at the 1970 Expo. Because of this association, the pavilion uses yogurt and its bacteria as the base from which it introduces ideas about different cultures working together for the betterment of society like the good yogurt bacteria does in the human body. There is also a video where you can see the wishes of those who previously visited and you can use the QR code in the pavilion to write your own wishes for the next groups to read. English tours at 18:00 each day, arrive a few minutes early and tell the staff (do not get in the queue if you are doing the English tour). * '''Netherlands''' (S13) - Carrying a glowing orb as your guide, you'll learn about the history of the Netherlands' relationship with its waterways, from hardships to modern innovations intended to harness its power. Reservations required after 11:00. * '''Commons D''' (S14) * '''Oman''' (S15) - Projection mappings and a video. Has a restaurant. * '''Hungary''' (S16) - Local flora and a concert by a folk singer. Has a restaurant. * '''Commons E''' (S17) * '''Poland''' (S20) * '''Romania''' (S21) * '''United Kingdom''' (S22) - Themed around dreams as "building blocks", follows a block mascot and daughter talking to her father in the UK. Features an interactive game. Has a restaurant. * '''Angola''' (S23) Opened in late June, the pavilion features a video story about a girl with malaria that promotes a future where modern medicine without devaluing traditional medicine. After that, you can listen to different people speak about various topics. Has a restaurant. ====C: Connecting Lives Zone==== [[File:韓国 パビリオン.jpg|thumb|Korea Pavilion]] * '''Nepal''' (C01) (not open as of June 2025) * '''Luxembourg''' (C02) - A video about life in Luxembourg, exhibits about Luxembourg as "the heart of Europe" * '''Germany''' (C03) - Carrying a light-up mascot of the pavilion, it will guide you in the language of your choice (Japanese, English, or German). The pavilion focuses on sustainability and solving modern problems, such as what to do with abandoned city housing. Roll your mascot down a chute to exit the pavilion. * '''Korea''' (C04) * '''Commons F''' (C05) * '''Azerbaijan''' (C07) - Arguably one of the most beautiful from the outside with its white arches and wooden ethnic dancers that spin over water between each arch, inside there is a rather long video followed by a hall of cultural objects from the country. Has a restaurant. * '''Monaco''' (C10) - Consists of 3 separate buildings, the first featuring a video of Monaco's culture, sensory touching, and a tacky VR experience. The others are located along an outside path with small gardens and interactive play spaces. They feature a maritime protection building with an attractive central pillar and projections and another small building with touch panels to learn more about the country. Has a wine bar. * '''Turkey''' (C11) - The main intrigue is the illuminated sun and moon, the sun representing Japan and the moon representing Turkey. The outside Turkish ice cream and Turkish food vendor are more popular than the pavilion itself. * '''Thailand''' (C12) - After a video introduction, the exhibits focus on food. Reservations for Thai massages can be made. Has a restaurant. * '''Spain''' (C13) - Exhibits about the ocean followed by a vibrant orange room with some postcards. * '''Saudi Arabia''' (C14) - Arabian architecture, multiple buildings with different exhibits and a central area where performances and demonstrations are held. Project-mapping is done of the buildings at night. Has a cafe. * '''Australia''' (C15) - Recreates a forest with video representations of local animals appearing in the trees. * '''Indonesia''' (C16) - A Sumatran forest with unique animals scattered about, a thoughtful video, and authentic blades from various ethnic groups * '''India''' (C17) - The pavilion was built to resemble a lotus flower, a symbol of Enlightenment. Inside there are videos about Indian innovations along with Indian cultural objects. * '''Uzbekistan''' (C18) - Introduces the culture of the country before taking you to the roof which utilizes the same wood as the Grand Ring in its own unique design. * '''Serbia''' (C19) - "Understanding through play" is the theme, so it features a variety of interactive exhibits. * '''Bangladesh''' (C20) - Various objects around the room with a video in the back. * '''Senegal''' (C21) - Words on the wall about the country and a shop. * '''Egypt''' (C22) - Video projections of famous Egyptian sites. * '''Commons B''' (C23) ====F: Forest of Tranquility==== [[File:Expo2025静けさの森、中心部の池.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Forest of Tranquility]] An attractive forest with paths for visitors to explore in the center of the inner ring. It consists of trees that were scheduled for thinning from Expo 70 Commemoration Park in [[Suita]] along with trees transplanted from other parks around Osaka Prefecture, including Osaka Castle Park. For passport stamp collectors, the Forest of Tranquility is one of the only venues that does not have a stamp. This is on purpose; frantic stamp collecting is neither relaxing nor tranquil. ===Outside the Grand Ring=== The following are venues located outside the grand ring representing Japan with the Japan Pavilion, Kansai Pavilion, and 12 Japanese megacorps pavilions, along with other non-country pavilions, such as the Women's Pavilion. These are typically highlights of the exposition, with Bandai's GUNDAM Pavilion guaranteed to draw crowds. They are well worth visiting but nearly all require reservations, so temper your expectations. You'll need multiple days with lots of lottery luck if you plan to enter more than just a few. ====E: East Gate Zone==== * '''Kansai''' (E01) Features the tradition prefectures that make up Kansai: [[Shiga]], [[Mie]], [[Nara (prefecture)|Nara]], [[Wakayama (prefecture)|Wakayama]], [[Osaka (prefecture)|Osaka]], [[Kyoto (prefecture)|Kyoto]], and [[Hyogo]], along with [[Tottori (prefecture)|Tottori]], [[Fukui (prefecture)|Fukui]], and [[Tokushima (prefecture)|Tokushima]]. Each prefecture has its own exhibition space branching off from the center. * '''Osaka Healthcare''' (E02) * '''NTT''' (E03) - Starts with a 3-D glasses video of the music group Perfume singing followed by a video show using the bodies of those in the room. Outside there are old-fashioned phones inside phone booths that play various sounds when you dial the numbers. Reservation required (outside phones can be used by anyone). * '''Mitsubishi''' (E05) * '''Panasonic Group - The Land of Nomo''' (E06) - Walk through with a crystal that you can use to interact with various exhibits. Reservation required. * '''Sumitomo''' (E07) * '''Electric Power - Eggs of Possibilities''' (E08) * '''Women's Pavilion in Collaboration with Cartier''' (E09) * '''Japan''' (E10) * '''EXPO Hall "Shining Hat"''' (E11) * '''EXPO National Day Hall "Ray Garden"''' (E12) * '''Gallery EAST''' (E13) ====W: West Gate Zone==== * '''Tech World (Taiwan)''' (W02) - Taiwan is not permitted to have a pavilion under its name, so in spite of the name "Tech World", this is Taiwan's pavilion. It features a projection-mapping about its nature and information about its technology with a focus on IC chips. * '''Gas Pavilion Obake Wonderland''' (W03) - "Ghost Wonderland". With a VR headset, you become a ghost and can interact with your surroundings as you navigate the world. Lessons about human waste manifest in the CO2 monster that must be destroyed. Popular with children. Reservation required. * '''Iida Group''' (W04) - Videos and models of their vision of future Smart Homes surrounded by circles (much like the Grand Ring) that contain grocery stores, shopping malls, and other necessities and entertainment for those in the apartments. * '''ORA Gaishoku''' (W05) - A dining facility showcasing Osaka foods. It contains a variety of Japanese cultural objects including an entire float from the Nebuta Festival in [[Aomori]]. * '''Blue Ocean Dome''' (W06) - Follow water droplets through a Pythagorean device also known as a Rube Goldberg machine-style contraption followed by a video. Reservation required. * '''Gundam NEXT Future''' (W07) - Uses videos to make you feel like you're inside a Gundam looking out during a battle. Reservation required. * '''Pasona Natureverse''' (W09) - Utilizes Astro Boy, a former vision of the future, to introduce a "Neo-Astro Boy", with exhibits about life-giving medicine. One of the highlights is a real lab-grown beating heart made from IPS cells. The Astro Boy statue sitting on the building is a popular photo op. * '''Yoshiimoto waraii myraii''' (W10) - Described as a waste of space by adults, children enjoy rolling down the slopes on the outside. * '''EXPO Exhibition Center "WASSE"''' (W11) ====L: Future Life Zone==== * '''Gallery West''' (L01) * '''Future Life Experience''' (L02) * '''Team Expo''' (L03) * '''Mobility Experience''' (L04) - The launching and landing place of the advanced mobility aircraft. * '''Future City''' (L05) * '''Expo Arena "Matsuri"''' (L06) * '''Junior SDG Camp''' (L07) * '''Expo Sauna "Taiyo's Tsubomi"''' (L08) - Described as an "experimental sauna ritual", it utilizes heat from the sun to create the sauna's heat. The "ritual" comes from the way you use it. A guide takes visitors through each of the sauna's experiences in the order you're meant to use them. Scents and sounds are used, and the facilities come with instructions, such as a bath where you are to submerge at least up to your ears in order to experience not just the bath but also the sounds that are meant to have soothing effects. Only 100 people can enter per day. ==Do== [https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/events/ Numerous events] big and small are held during the Expo. The most easily accessible is the '''One World, One Planet''' show, a synchronized show of sound, lighting and projection mapping across the entire venue, held daily after sunset. ==Buy== [[File:Myaku-Myaku Expo 2025 (best mascot ever).jpg|thumb|Myaku-Myaku]] The Expo's official mascot is '''Myaku-Myaku''' (ミャクミャク), a bizarre cross between a multi-eyed amoeba and a donut. Gift shops are featured throughout the site, including by the gates, which feature the mascot as many different products. There are also many corporate collaborations featuring the mascot, such as Sanrio characters in a costume of the mascot. Many country pavilions have small gift shops retailing local products, and you can pick up corporate merchandise at most of the company pavilions. ==Eat== Many pavilions will have places to eat featuring their own nation's foods. There are also scattered food trucks, tents, and food courts. The '''ORA Gaishoku''' in the West Gate Zone (''see above'') is a pavilion that is entirely a dining facility, featuring Osaka cuisine. The '''Kura-zushi''' is particularly popular. Conveyer-belt sushi was actually first introduced at Osaka's 1970s Expo, so it was een as fitting to include it upon the Expo's return to the city. The highlight at this Expo is that it features sushi with foods and flavors from over 70 countries, all of which are participating in the Expo. There are 338 seats, making it the largest Kura-zushi restaurant. Reservations are required. ==Drink== ==Sleep== There is no lodging available on site, but it's located in [[Osaka]], which has a wide variety of hotels. Reserve as early as possible. {{outlineevent}} {{PartOfTopic|Calendar of events and festivals|Japan}} 9f4jwcbnn7orn22q30c3tyjwo5guq7v 0 209409 5086647 5058027 2025-07-02T14:23:09Z Bluecoordinationfine 2327039 Added decathlon store here. 5086647 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Irun''' (Spanish: Irún, Basque: Irun) is a town in [[Basque Country]], [[Spain]] at the border of France. It has about 61,000 inhabitants (2023) and lies on the Northern Way (''Camino Norte'') of the [[Camino de Santiago]]. ==Understand== The city lies on the Bidasoa River, which forms the border with France here. As a border town with France, the town has repeatedly been the scene of disputes between the two countries. And of diplomatic solutions: Pheasant Island, located in the border river, has repeatedly served as a neutral meeting place for envoys from both countries. Pheasant Island is administered on a semi-annual rotation by the Spanish Irun and the French Hendaye Irun and Port-Bou on the Mediterranean coast are the two main points for rail freight traffic to and from Spain. Spain, unlike most of Europe, has the Iberian broad gauge of 1668 millimeters, so freight must be "transshipped" at the border in various ways. This occurs through conventional transshipment, by changing the gauge (axle) of the wagons, or by transshipping containers or similar superstructures. ==Get in== ===By plane=== The town lies directly at the airport of [[San Sebastián|Donastia-San Sebastian]]. Mainly offered are domestic low cost flights and international one-stop flights by Iberia and British Airways. International low-cost flights you gonna find to the airports of [[Biarritz]], [[Bilbao]], [[Bordeaux]] and [[Vitoria-Gasteiz]]. From Bordeaux there are direct trains to the sister town [[Hendaye]]. Especially for intercontinental flights it might make sense to fly to [[Madrid]]. Direct trains from Madrid to Irun take about 6 hours. ===By train=== * {{go | name=Irun central train station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=43.3395141 | long= -1.8012428 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-02-16 | content=It's served by high speed trains from Madrid and by regional trains. }} French high speed trains and regional trains go to the sister town [[Hendaye]]. The Euskotren E2 between Hendaye and Irun does not stop directly at the central station of Irun, but nearby. ===By bus=== Intercity buses stop near the train station. ==Get around== The town centre be walked on foot. There are city buses operated by [https://www.atgipuzkoa.eus/eu/ Gipuzkoako Garraioaren Lurralde Agintaritza] (TGG). ==See== ==Do== * One of its main festivals is the '''Alarde de San Marcial''', a parade recreating an episode of the Peninsular War, held every year on 30 June. * There are hot '''mineral springs''' in the town. ==Buy== * {{listing|type=buy|name=Decathlon|lat=43.32061397099926|long=-1.8379701608264876|content=Large Decathlon store offering outdoor equipment.}} ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== Pilgrims can sleep in the ''Albergue de peregrinos Jakobi''. There are several hotels in Irun not too far from the train station. ==Go next== As a pilgrim in the direction of [[Santiago de Compostela]]. {{IsPartOf|Basque Country}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|43.3386246| -1.8025715}} qzeiflggwlpvkuskinclzosheikqmtt 0 210362 5086594 5086564 2025-07-02T12:08:59Z Ibaman 195012 copyedit per [[WV:Tone]], [[wycsi]] and [[WV:Avoid long lists]] 5086594 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Pagebanner|Bulqiza, qyteti I vjetër dhe qyteti I ri, pamja nga lart (cropped).jpg}}'''Bulqiza''' (Albanian: Bulqiz''ë'') is a city in Dibra County, [[northeastern Albania]]. Bulqiza is a key city for visitors to Peshkopi, Klos and North Macedonia. All travellers from Tirana or other cities, must pass through Bulqiza to visit Peshkopi and North Macedonia from Bllatë border. == Understand == [[File:Oxhaku Bulqizë.jpg|thumb|301x301px|View of the communist-era industry in Bulqiza]] The municipality of Bulqiza consists of 8 administrative units which are: Bulqiza, Martanesh, Fushë-Bulqiza, Zerqan, Gjoricë, Ostren, Shupenza and Trebisht. All administrative units are part of the Bulqiza district and the Dibra region. The new municipality has under its administration two cities (Bulqiza and Krasta) and 63 villages. Bulqiza has a mainly hilly-mountainous relief with heights ranging from 435 m to 2100 m, Kreshta Peak (Maja e Kreshtës) above sea level. In this territory lies the Bulqiza Valley, extending from west to east and with a length of 25 km and a width of up to 1 km. This valley is crossed by the Bulqiza River, which flows into the Black Drin. The surface area like forests, rich flora and fauna, meadows, glacial lakes and suitable climate is a great natural potential for the development of various economic activities. The underground is also very rich (chrome) and of great economic value for the area and the entire country. == Talk == The main language you will hear in the street is [[Albanian phrasebook|Albanian]], not the official language, but Bulqizaˈs dialect. The standard language is spoken in schools and institutions. English is commonly spoken in cafés and restaurants (not everywhere), mostly by young people. Navigating around the city is easy even if you don't speak or read Albanian. The city is small and walkable and people are helpful and generally receptive to efforts to communicate. == Get in == ===By bus=== Bulqiza is about 60 minutes ride from Tirana through the Arbriˈs road, by bus and furgon (minibus), and 3 hours through the old road that goes through Burrel, Milot, Fushë - Kruja and then Tirana (there are not anymore available busses, you can only go by car or by taxi). Following the Arbriˈs road, the ticket price is 400 lek. It is paid cash at the bus or minibus (furgon) and you don't get a ticket. For seat reservation you can call the bus agency or the bus driver. The distance from Peshkopi by furgon (minibus) is 45 min. The ticket price is 300 lek. * {{go | name=Terminal | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.494771 | long=20.217997 | directions= | phone=+355 67 206 3963 | tollfree= | hours=24 hours open | price= | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content=Buses and furgons (minibuses) are the vehicles used to travel towards Bulqizë. There are direct travels only with Tirana and Peshkopi. }} ===By taxi=== 40 min from Bllatë border (North Macedonia). You can travel by car, by taxi. The ticket price is 1000 lek. 1 hour and 45 min from Librazhd. There are no busses. You can travel by car or by taxi. === By car === You can rent a car in Tirana. === By bicycle === If you are a biker you can ride your bicycle from Tirana to Bulqiza easily going through the tunnels. == Get around == ===By bus=== If you want to travel in the villages, you can use furgons and busses too, but they don't go in every village. There is a minibus (urban) only between Bulqiza e vjetër - Bulqiza e re. The ticket price is 20 lek. ===By taxi=== There are taxis. Between the two cities the price is 200 lek. In around villages the ticket price is 1000-1200 lek. === On foot === In Bulqiza, people usually walk to different places as the town is really small. The town and some nearby villages are accessible on foot. === By bicycle === * {{go | name=Kulla Hupi | alt=Hupi Tower | url= | email= | address=Rruga Skenderbeu | lat=41.527947 | long=20.298492 | directions= | phone=+355 68 837 3793 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content=Kulla Hupi offers bicycles for rent. }} == See == Bulqiza is one of the richest natural areas of Albania in terms of biodiversity and the beauty of mountainous, forested, and lake landscapes. Due to its high natural values in this area, Shebenik - Jabllanicë has been declared national park, a significant part of which extends into the municipality of Bulqiza, Mali me Gropa Martanesh a protected landscape, and lots of natural monuments. Bulqiza also has a number of geomonuments, such as caves, stones, cliffs, pits, etc, declared natural monuments. Among the main caves, we mention: The Cave of Xixella, The Cave of the City Bridge, The cold Cave of Gjuras, etc. In addition to geomonuments, Bulqiza is rich in hydromonuments, where among the most important are: The Black Lake with glacial origin, on the northern slope of Mount Lopa (1600 m above sea level), The glacial lakes of Kacni on the eastern slope of Mount Balgjaj (1700 m above sea level), The Three Taps of Zerqani, Duriçi Waterfall etc. {{Mapframe|41.5037|20.2320|zoom=12}} * {{see | name=Mali me Gropa Bizë Martanesh | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.36011 | long=20.11751 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Mali me Gropa.jpg | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content=It extends over a large area, moreover attached to the area of the “Dajti Mountain” National Park and near Qafë Shtama. It represents a large mountain massif, which consists of Triassic-Jurassic limestone. It is interrupted by several valleys, rich in streams, which often constitute the beginning of large rivers, as is the case of the Mati River. Several interesting mountains stand out, such as: Mali i Lopës (2,000m), i Snoit të Madh (1,846m), as well as Mali me Gropa (average 1,500-1,600m), quite unique, due to the karst pits present in it. }} * {{see | name=Liqeni i Zi | alt=Black Lake | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.453236 | long=20.310481 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content=It is a glacial lake with a north-south length of 600m, an average east-west width of 300 m, a depth of 60 m, and an average surface area of ​​16.5 ha. The altitude above sea level is 1645 m. It is surrounded on three sides by very steep slopes, covered with beech and pine forests, which give the lake a rare beauty. It has crystal clear and cold water. During the winter it freezes on the surface. Due to its great depth and chromite deposits at its bottom, it has a black color. It is rich in a living and diverse world and forms an interesting ecosystem of alpine lakes.<br />It can be visited according to the itinerary: from the Burrel-Peshkopi national road, or the Bulqizë-Zerqan road then the walking path to Liqeni i Zi. }} * {{see | name=Maja e Dhoksit | alt=Dhoksi Peak | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.465863 | long=20.238098 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content=Dhoksi lakes are located in the northeastern slope of the main peak of Mount Dhoksi (2020), in a well formed and relatively large cirque complex. The glacial lakes of Dhoks are also known as Duriçe lakes after the name of a tribe in the area, and sometimes as the Skënder lakes, based on the name of the main lake, which is believed to be related to the name of Skanderbeg, a toponym or an affiliation that has remained for centuries. The cirque complex where the lakes lie is located at an altitude of 1700-1900 m, with an area of 200 hectares of different plants. }} * {{see | name=Ujëvara e Duriçit (Duriçi Waterfall) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.498978 | long=20.243553 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content=It is located on the northern slope of Mount Dhoksi, very close to the city of Bulqiza, 3.3 km from the city center, of which 2.2km can be reached by car, the rest is on foot. }} * {{see | name=Shkëmbi i Kullës së Skënderbeut | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.47917 | long=20.07923 | directions=on the southernmost slope of Mount Temla | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content=Approximately 1000 m above sea level. Its position shows a spectacular view over the Bulqizë valley and beyond. The tower was built around 1450 by the Skanderberg army that served as a military unit to protect the country by the enemy. }} * {{see | name=Gurra dhe shpella e Zerqanit | alt=Zerqan's rocks and caves | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=near the homonymous village | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content=At an altitude of 740 m above sea level, it consists of several karst phenomena (spring and cave), which emerge at the lithological contact between the Upper Triassic limestones and the terrigenous. It has clean and cold water. It creates a very attractive environment. It has scientific (geological, geomorphological, hydrological), cultural, didactic and touristic values. It is visited according to the Bulqize city-Zerqan villages itinerary. }} * {{see | name=Lugina e Drinit të Zi (Black Drin Valley) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-25 | content=Through the twisted gorges and stunning natural beauties, the Drin Valley offers a fantastic landscape. The Black Drin provides an extraordinary rafting experience, attracting the attention of locals as well as foreign tourists, who, in addition to the famous tourist spots, come to explore the Drin River. }} * {{see | name=Shpella e Valit Martanesh (Vali`s cave) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.347316 | long=20.161214 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-25 | content=The Cave of Val in Martanesh is one of the most interesting monuments of the Bulqiza district. It is 250 meters long, up to 35 meters wide, and 25 meters high. It is the cave where water disappears, as the locals call it. A cave full of unknowns, where without any funnel and without any hole, the river of Biza ``disappears`` without a trace. The Cave of Val is full of mysteries. Located in a short distance from Bulqiza and the capital Tirana, the cave can be visited by all. Distance: 52.8 km from the center of Bulqiza. }} * {{see | name=Parku Kombëtar Shebenik-Jabllanicë (National Park Shebenik-Jabllanicë) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.239708 | long=20.428213 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-25 | content=The Shebenik - Jabllanicë National Park is located in the northeastern part of our country, within the forest management boundaries of Librazhdi. The park has a total area of 33,927.66 hectares, where the main part is occupied by forests, followed by pastures, agricultural lands, non-productive lands, rocky areas, and plots. There are numerous ecological values, both the flora and fauna, as well as the tourist landscapes, with towering beech, fir, black pine, juniper, brushwood, and a rich variety of herbaceous plants. Distance from the center of Bulqizë is 92.3 km. }} * {{see | name=Shpella Xixëll Martanesh (Xixëll Cave) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-25 | content=It is also known by the names Xixëlla and the Battle of 1860, Xixëll the Qerbela bridge. It is located near the village of Peshk in the Administrative Unit of Martanesh, 1200 m above sea level. It constitutes a field shaped by glaciers and karst, with an almost oval shape, over 1.5 km in length and several hundred meters wide. In the middle, there is a well-preserved grown fir tree. Nearby, there is a karst spring and a monument for the battle of Sheh Fejzë Bulqiza, as well as a stone bridge named the Qerbela bridge. Historical events of the 19th century in the region have also taken place here. Religious festivals with pagan roots are organized here. It has scientific values (geological, geomorphological, historical), didactic, ecological, and cultural. It can be visited according to the itinerary of the city of Bulqizë - Peshk. Distance from the center of Bulqizë is 50.7 km/ }} * {{see | name=Muzeu Bulqizë (Bulqiza Museum) | alt= | url= | email= | address=Shetitorja e Bulqizës | lat=41.491845 | long=20.220306 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content=The museum is divided in three sections: archeological, ethnographic and chromium mine museum.<br />February 18, 1948, marks the official establishment of the largest chromium mine in the country. On September 29, 2023, the ethnographic and mining museum open for the first time in Bulqizë. <br />Bulqiza has a very rich cultural heritage that we find exhibited in the Ethnographic Museum. The museum displays traditional costumes from the region, as well as objects from ancient traditions with specific characteristics. }} == Do == Hiking to Maja e Dhoksit, Ujëvara e Duriçit, Shkëmbi i Kullës së Skënderbeut, Guri i Vashës, Mali i Bardhë, Malësia e Gollobordës. The Bulqiza area offers untouched nature, all still to be discovered on long hikes through mountain trails, river valleys, forests rich in flora and fauna, and magical water springs. Daily hikes in nature can take place in every season of the year, but winter is not recommended due to bad weather. Sailing on the Black Drin River – The Black Drin provides an extraordinary experience in rafting. Cave exploration – For cave exploration enthusiasts, it presents a quite interesting territory from a geological perspective with rocks, caves, natural cavities, and underground water. For safety reasons, we suggest being accompanied by a local guide. Mountain biking – You can experience this adventure on unpaved roads, in a beautiful nature rich in biodiversity. Horseback riding – Families and guesthouses can offer their visitors the opportunity to engage in horseback riding in the wild nature. Village walks – The village and the rural landscape in general are considered as an oasis of tranquility, nature, and relaxation. Play football at Kalçeto Terziu. * {{do | name=Kalçeto Terziu | alt= | url= | email= | address=Fushë-Bulqizë| lat=41.521260 | long=20.287345 | directions= | phone=+355686389571 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-07-01 | content= }} == Buy == There are many shops, markets, fruit and vegetable stands, in every corner. You can buy fresh local products like dairy products, fruit, vegetables and raki, the traditional alcoholic drink of Albania, typically plum-based, but also found made from grapes. There is only one bank, '''Raiffeisen Bank''', and one '''ATM''' in town, Bulqiza e Re. There is an '''Western Union Office''', Bulqiza e vjetër, city centre. '''Exchange''' '''office,''' Bulqiza e vjetër, city centre. * {{buy | name=Big Market Bulqiza | alt= | url= | email= | address=Shetitorja e Bulqizës | lat=41.493334 | long=20.218275 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-26 | content= }} * {{buy | name=Spar & Jumbo Bulqizë | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rruga Naim Frashëri | lat=41.492401 | long=20.219747 | directions= | phone=+355 69 404 0069 (mobile) | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-26 | content= }} * {{buy | name=Market Basha | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.494549 | long=20.218525 | directions= | phone=+355 68 200 1094 (mobile) | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-26 | content= }} * {{buy | name=Hasmeta 1 | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rr. Hasmeta | lat=41.498447 | long=20.217757 | directions= | phone=+355 68 606 3367 (mobile) | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-26 | content= }} * {{buy | name=Café Pizza Plus | alt= | url= | email= | address=Fushë-Bulqizë | lat=41.515122 | long=20.283138 | directions= | phone=+355 69 854 5941 (mobile) | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-26 | content= }} * {{buy | name=Market CAMI | alt= | url= | email= | address=Shupenzë | lat=41.533320 | long=20.423914 | directions= | phone=+355 69 674 9311 (mobile) | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-26 | content= }} * {{buy | name=Pazari i Shupenzës | alt= | url= | email= | address=Shupenzë | lat=41.528953 | long=20.423521 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-26 | content= }} == Eat == Restaurants generally offer fresh seasonal traditional food, affordable almost for everyone. Bulqizë area is mountainous, so the products are taken from dairy animals which are raised in the mountains and valleys. Some restaurants offer seafood too. There are a lot of lakes and rivers in the area. * {{eat | name=Bujtina Hupi | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rruga Skenderbeu | lat=41.528143 | long=20.298485 | directions= | phone=+355 68 837 3793 | tollfree= | hours= | price=4000 lek | image=Kulla Hupi Lepurakë.jpg | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Bar restorant Stone | alt= | url= | email= | address=Fushë-Bulqizë | lat=41.515338 | long=20.286054 | directions= | phone=+355 69 567 0472 | tollfree= | hours= | price=500–1,000 lek; 1,000–1,500 lek; 1,500–2,000 lek | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Café Pizza Plus | alt= | url= | email= | address=Fushë-Bulqizë | lat=41.515025 | long=20.283117 | directions= | phone=+355 69 854 5941 | tollfree= | hours= | price=500–1,000 lek | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content=Pizza, crepes, drinks, market, gas and petrol station. }} * {{eat | name=Troja Resort | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rruga Zogjaj, Shupenzë | lat=41.577175 | long=20.390065 | directions= | phone=+355 68 313 1631 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Jeton Resort | alt= | url= | email= | address=Ura e Çerenecit, Diber | lat=41.520360 | long=20.419280 | directions= | phone=+355 69 551 0372 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Mona Lisa Pizza Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address=Shetitorja e Bulqizes | lat=41.493364 | long=20.221821 | directions= | phone=+355 68 222 4740 | tollfree= | hours= | price=500–1,000 lek | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Verrini Restorant | alt= | url= | email= | address=Fushë-Bulqizë | lat=41.515202 | long=20.286001 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Pishat Resort | alt= | url= | email= | address=rruga me pisha, Bulqizë Vajkal | lat=41.514256 | long=20.256577 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Zabel House | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.496639 | long=20.240302 | directions= | phone=+355 68 394 2558 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Fish Krajkë | alt= | url= | email= | address=Krajkë | lat=41.512287 | long=20.365398 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-26 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Byrektore Pastiçeri Torja | alt= | url= | email= | address=Shetitorja e Bulqizes | lat=41.493404 | long=20.218675 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-26 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Kafja e Rremës, Fast-Food | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.493720 | long=20.222779 | directions= | phone=+355 68 288 7954 (mobile) | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-26 | content= }} ==Drink == Cafés and bars usually serve only drinks, alcoholic and non alcoholic. Relax Lounge Bar also serves croissants for breakfast. * {{drink | name=Relax Bar Lounge | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.494133 | long=20.224558 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Vila Grand | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.492423 | long=20.220905 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Bar Hotel Everest | alt= | url= | email= | address=Bulqize - Qytet i Ri, Vajkal Nr.2 | lat=41.501981 | long=20.215364 | directions= | phone=+355 68 538 8474 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Center Coffee Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.492048 | long=20.218922 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Bar Kafe Big Ben | alt= | url= | email= | address=Pedonale | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Hotel Bulqiza | alt= | url= | email= | address=Shetitorja e Bulqizes | lat=41.491819 | long=20.218972 | directions= | phone=+355 219 22371 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} ==Sleep== Accommodation structures in the city are of different types. The price depends on the type and conditions they offer. Booking.com and Airbnb are widely used. You can also book by calling them or chatting on their social media, or direct at the reception. Cash payment is common, but you have card payment option too. <!-- Hotel Bulqiza Hotel Irdi Hotel Cupi Hotel Zogu Hotel Talja Hotel Stone Hotel Everest Bujtina Hupi Hotel Troja Hotel Jeton Hotel Shtepia e Bardhe Hotel Kaci Petrol --> * {{sleep | name=Hotel Bulqiza | alt= | url= | email= | address=Shetitorja e Bulqizes | lat=41.491795 | long=20.218940 | directions= | phone=+355 219 22371 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=60€ | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Bujtina Hupi (Kulla Hupi) | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rruga Skenderbeu | lat=41.527998 | long=20.298463 | directions= | phone=+355 68 837 3793 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=40€ | image=Kulla Hupi Lepurakë.jpg | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Everest | alt= | url= | email= | address=Bulqizë - Qytet i Ri, Vajkal Nr.2 | lat=41.501989 | long=20.215311 | directions= | phone=+355 68 538 8474 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=25€ | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Irdi | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rruga e Arbërit | lat=41.499878 | long=20.217082 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Kaci Petrol | alt= | url= | email= | address=Kaci petrol, Shupenzë | lat=41.533304 | long=20.423302 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Troja | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rruga Zogjaj, Shupenzë | lat=41.577143 | long=20.390076 | directions=In Troja Resort | phone=+355 68 313 1631 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content= }} ==Connect== Wireless Internet is widely available in cafés and restaurants throughout the city. Free public WiFi is not available. There is a post office in town, Posta Shiptare, Bulqiza e vjetër. == Stay safe and healthy == The town is generally quiet and safe, but in case something happens, we will inform you where to go. There is a Police Station in Bulqiza e vjetër, where you can report any danger that threatens you. In case of damage or accidents, you can contact the emergency services. In Bulqiza e vjetër there is a hospital, Spitali i Bulqizës (works 24 h), and three medical centers that work from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm, from Monday to Saturday. Two of them are located in Bulqiza e vjetër, and one in Bulqiza e re. You can also find medical centers in almost every village. The city has a large number of pharmacies. Since the city is small, it is very easy to find them, and also a lot of Dental Clinics, all located in Bulqiza e vjetër. You will also find the fire department service, located in Bulqiza e vjetër. There are plenty of Petrol Stations alongside the main road. The service is good. People are generally kind and helpful, but they do not always respect traffic rules. Beware of bad drivers. In case of car damage, you can get service at car service stations. They are generally located along the main road. Emergency Numbers: Emergency: 127 Fire Brigade: 128 Police Station: 129/ 112 ==Go next== *[[Peshkopi]] - 45 min by minibus (furgon) *[[Burrel]] - 1 hour by minibus (furgon) *[[Librazhd]] - 1 hour and 45 min by car or taxi. There are no busses *Debar (North Macedonia) - 40 min by taxi. There are no busses {{IsPartOf|northeastern Albania}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|41.5|20.216667}} nosopcvl19jlijmrro7dcsdseed19v9 5087002 5086594 2025-07-03T07:22:28Z ATUFAA 2325211 /* Eat */ 5087002 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Pagebanner|Bulqiza, qyteti I vjetër dhe qyteti I ri, pamja nga lart (cropped).jpg}}'''Bulqiza''' (Albanian: Bulqiz''ë'') is a city in Dibra County, [[northeastern Albania]]. Bulqiza is a key city for visitors to Peshkopi, Klos and North Macedonia. All travellers from Tirana or other cities, must pass through Bulqiza to visit Peshkopi and North Macedonia from Bllatë border. == Understand == [[File:Oxhaku Bulqizë.jpg|thumb|301x301px|View of the communist-era industry in Bulqiza]] The municipality of Bulqiza consists of 8 administrative units which are: Bulqiza, Martanesh, Fushë-Bulqiza, Zerqan, Gjoricë, Ostren, Shupenza and Trebisht. All administrative units are part of the Bulqiza district and the Dibra region. The new municipality has under its administration two cities (Bulqiza and Krasta) and 63 villages. Bulqiza has a mainly hilly-mountainous relief with heights ranging from 435 m to 2100 m, Kreshta Peak (Maja e Kreshtës) above sea level. In this territory lies the Bulqiza Valley, extending from west to east and with a length of 25 km and a width of up to 1 km. This valley is crossed by the Bulqiza River, which flows into the Black Drin. The surface area like forests, rich flora and fauna, meadows, glacial lakes and suitable climate is a great natural potential for the development of various economic activities. The underground is also very rich (chrome) and of great economic value for the area and the entire country. == Talk == The main language you will hear in the street is [[Albanian phrasebook|Albanian]], not the official language, but Bulqizaˈs dialect. The standard language is spoken in schools and institutions. English is commonly spoken in cafés and restaurants (not everywhere), mostly by young people. Navigating around the city is easy even if you don't speak or read Albanian. The city is small and walkable and people are helpful and generally receptive to efforts to communicate. == Get in == ===By bus=== Bulqiza is about 60 minutes ride from Tirana through the Arbriˈs road, by bus and furgon (minibus), and 3 hours through the old road that goes through Burrel, Milot, Fushë - Kruja and then Tirana (there are not anymore available busses, you can only go by car or by taxi). Following the Arbriˈs road, the ticket price is 400 lek. It is paid cash at the bus or minibus (furgon) and you don't get a ticket. For seat reservation you can call the bus agency or the bus driver. The distance from Peshkopi by furgon (minibus) is 45 min. The ticket price is 300 lek. * {{go | name=Terminal | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.494771 | long=20.217997 | directions= | phone=+355 67 206 3963 | tollfree= | hours=24 hours open | price= | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content=Buses and furgons (minibuses) are the vehicles used to travel towards Bulqizë. There are direct travels only with Tirana and Peshkopi. }} ===By taxi=== 40 min from Bllatë border (North Macedonia). You can travel by car, by taxi. The ticket price is 1000 lek. 1 hour and 45 min from Librazhd. There are no busses. You can travel by car or by taxi. === By car === You can rent a car in Tirana. === By bicycle === If you are a biker you can ride your bicycle from Tirana to Bulqiza easily going through the tunnels. == Get around == ===By bus=== If you want to travel in the villages, you can use furgons and busses too, but they don't go in every village. There is a minibus (urban) only between Bulqiza e vjetër - Bulqiza e re. The ticket price is 20 lek. ===By taxi=== There are taxis. Between the two cities the price is 200 lek. In around villages the ticket price is 1000-1200 lek. === On foot === In Bulqiza, people usually walk to different places as the town is really small. The town and some nearby villages are accessible on foot. === By bicycle === * {{go | name=Kulla Hupi | alt=Hupi Tower | url= | email= | address=Rruga Skenderbeu | lat=41.527947 | long=20.298492 | directions= | phone=+355 68 837 3793 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content=Kulla Hupi offers bicycles for rent. }} == See == Bulqiza is one of the richest natural areas of Albania in terms of biodiversity and the beauty of mountainous, forested, and lake landscapes. Due to its high natural values in this area, Shebenik - Jabllanicë has been declared national park, a significant part of which extends into the municipality of Bulqiza, Mali me Gropa Martanesh a protected landscape, and lots of natural monuments. Bulqiza also has a number of geomonuments, such as caves, stones, cliffs, pits, etc, declared natural monuments. Among the main caves, we mention: The Cave of Xixella, The Cave of the City Bridge, The cold Cave of Gjuras, etc. In addition to geomonuments, Bulqiza is rich in hydromonuments, where among the most important are: The Black Lake with glacial origin, on the northern slope of Mount Lopa (1600 m above sea level), The glacial lakes of Kacni on the eastern slope of Mount Balgjaj (1700 m above sea level), The Three Taps of Zerqani, Duriçi Waterfall etc. {{Mapframe|41.5037|20.2320|zoom=12}} * {{see | name=Mali me Gropa Bizë Martanesh | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.36011 | long=20.11751 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Mali me Gropa.jpg | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content=It extends over a large area, moreover attached to the area of the “Dajti Mountain” National Park and near Qafë Shtama. It represents a large mountain massif, which consists of Triassic-Jurassic limestone. It is interrupted by several valleys, rich in streams, which often constitute the beginning of large rivers, as is the case of the Mati River. Several interesting mountains stand out, such as: Mali i Lopës (2,000m), i Snoit të Madh (1,846m), as well as Mali me Gropa (average 1,500-1,600m), quite unique, due to the karst pits present in it. }} * {{see | name=Liqeni i Zi | alt=Black Lake | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.453236 | long=20.310481 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content=It is a glacial lake with a north-south length of 600m, an average east-west width of 300 m, a depth of 60 m, and an average surface area of ​​16.5 ha. The altitude above sea level is 1645 m. It is surrounded on three sides by very steep slopes, covered with beech and pine forests, which give the lake a rare beauty. It has crystal clear and cold water. During the winter it freezes on the surface. Due to its great depth and chromite deposits at its bottom, it has a black color. It is rich in a living and diverse world and forms an interesting ecosystem of alpine lakes.<br />It can be visited according to the itinerary: from the Burrel-Peshkopi national road, or the Bulqizë-Zerqan road then the walking path to Liqeni i Zi. }} * {{see | name=Maja e Dhoksit | alt=Dhoksi Peak | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.465863 | long=20.238098 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content=Dhoksi lakes are located in the northeastern slope of the main peak of Mount Dhoksi (2020), in a well formed and relatively large cirque complex. The glacial lakes of Dhoks are also known as Duriçe lakes after the name of a tribe in the area, and sometimes as the Skënder lakes, based on the name of the main lake, which is believed to be related to the name of Skanderbeg, a toponym or an affiliation that has remained for centuries. The cirque complex where the lakes lie is located at an altitude of 1700-1900 m, with an area of 200 hectares of different plants. }} * {{see | name=Ujëvara e Duriçit (Duriçi Waterfall) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.498978 | long=20.243553 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content=It is located on the northern slope of Mount Dhoksi, very close to the city of Bulqiza, 3.3 km from the city center, of which 2.2km can be reached by car, the rest is on foot. }} * {{see | name=Shkëmbi i Kullës së Skënderbeut | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.47917 | long=20.07923 | directions=on the southernmost slope of Mount Temla | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content=Approximately 1000 m above sea level. Its position shows a spectacular view over the Bulqizë valley and beyond. The tower was built around 1450 by the Skanderberg army that served as a military unit to protect the country by the enemy. }} * {{see | name=Gurra dhe shpella e Zerqanit | alt=Zerqan's rocks and caves | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=near the homonymous village | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content=At an altitude of 740 m above sea level, it consists of several karst phenomena (spring and cave), which emerge at the lithological contact between the Upper Triassic limestones and the terrigenous. It has clean and cold water. It creates a very attractive environment. It has scientific (geological, geomorphological, hydrological), cultural, didactic and touristic values. It is visited according to the Bulqize city-Zerqan villages itinerary. }} * {{see | name=Lugina e Drinit të Zi (Black Drin Valley) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-25 | content=Through the twisted gorges and stunning natural beauties, the Drin Valley offers a fantastic landscape. The Black Drin provides an extraordinary rafting experience, attracting the attention of locals as well as foreign tourists, who, in addition to the famous tourist spots, come to explore the Drin River. }} * {{see | name=Shpella e Valit Martanesh (Vali`s cave) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.347316 | long=20.161214 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-25 | content=The Cave of Val in Martanesh is one of the most interesting monuments of the Bulqiza district. It is 250 meters long, up to 35 meters wide, and 25 meters high. It is the cave where water disappears, as the locals call it. A cave full of unknowns, where without any funnel and without any hole, the river of Biza ``disappears`` without a trace. The Cave of Val is full of mysteries. Located in a short distance from Bulqiza and the capital Tirana, the cave can be visited by all. Distance: 52.8 km from the center of Bulqiza. }} * {{see | name=Parku Kombëtar Shebenik-Jabllanicë (National Park Shebenik-Jabllanicë) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.239708 | long=20.428213 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-25 | content=The Shebenik - Jabllanicë National Park is located in the northeastern part of our country, within the forest management boundaries of Librazhdi. The park has a total area of 33,927.66 hectares, where the main part is occupied by forests, followed by pastures, agricultural lands, non-productive lands, rocky areas, and plots. There are numerous ecological values, both the flora and fauna, as well as the tourist landscapes, with towering beech, fir, black pine, juniper, brushwood, and a rich variety of herbaceous plants. Distance from the center of Bulqizë is 92.3 km. }} * {{see | name=Shpella Xixëll Martanesh (Xixëll Cave) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-25 | content=It is also known by the names Xixëlla and the Battle of 1860, Xixëll the Qerbela bridge. It is located near the village of Peshk in the Administrative Unit of Martanesh, 1200 m above sea level. It constitutes a field shaped by glaciers and karst, with an almost oval shape, over 1.5 km in length and several hundred meters wide. In the middle, there is a well-preserved grown fir tree. Nearby, there is a karst spring and a monument for the battle of Sheh Fejzë Bulqiza, as well as a stone bridge named the Qerbela bridge. Historical events of the 19th century in the region have also taken place here. Religious festivals with pagan roots are organized here. It has scientific values (geological, geomorphological, historical), didactic, ecological, and cultural. It can be visited according to the itinerary of the city of Bulqizë - Peshk. Distance from the center of Bulqizë is 50.7 km/ }} * {{see | name=Muzeu Bulqizë (Bulqiza Museum) | alt= | url= | email= | address=Shetitorja e Bulqizës | lat=41.491845 | long=20.220306 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content=The museum is divided in three sections: archeological, ethnographic and chromium mine museum.<br />February 18, 1948, marks the official establishment of the largest chromium mine in the country. On September 29, 2023, the ethnographic and mining museum open for the first time in Bulqizë. <br />Bulqiza has a very rich cultural heritage that we find exhibited in the Ethnographic Museum. The museum displays traditional costumes from the region, as well as objects from ancient traditions with specific characteristics. }} == Do == Hiking to Maja e Dhoksit, Ujëvara e Duriçit, Shkëmbi i Kullës së Skënderbeut, Guri i Vashës, Mali i Bardhë, Malësia e Gollobordës. The Bulqiza area offers untouched nature, all still to be discovered on long hikes through mountain trails, river valleys, forests rich in flora and fauna, and magical water springs. Daily hikes in nature can take place in every season of the year, but winter is not recommended due to bad weather. Sailing on the Black Drin River – The Black Drin provides an extraordinary experience in rafting. Cave exploration – For cave exploration enthusiasts, it presents a quite interesting territory from a geological perspective with rocks, caves, natural cavities, and underground water. For safety reasons, we suggest being accompanied by a local guide. Mountain biking – You can experience this adventure on unpaved roads, in a beautiful nature rich in biodiversity. Horseback riding – Families and guesthouses can offer their visitors the opportunity to engage in horseback riding in the wild nature. Village walks – The village and the rural landscape in general are considered as an oasis of tranquility, nature, and relaxation. Play football at Kalçeto Terziu. * {{do | name=Kalçeto Terziu | alt= | url= | email= | address=Fushë-Bulqizë| lat=41.521260 | long=20.287345 | directions= | phone=+355686389571 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-07-01 | content= }} == Buy == There are many shops, markets, fruit and vegetable stands, in every corner. You can buy fresh local products like dairy products, fruit, vegetables and raki, the traditional alcoholic drink of Albania, typically plum-based, but also found made from grapes. There is only one bank, '''Raiffeisen Bank''', and one '''ATM''' in town, Bulqiza e Re. There is an '''Western Union Office''', Bulqiza e vjetër, city centre. '''Exchange''' '''office,''' Bulqiza e vjetër, city centre. * {{buy | name=Big Market Bulqiza | alt= | url= | email= | address=Shetitorja e Bulqizës | lat=41.493334 | long=20.218275 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-26 | content= }} * {{buy | name=Spar & Jumbo Bulqizë | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rruga Naim Frashëri | lat=41.492401 | long=20.219747 | directions= | phone=+355 69 404 0069 (mobile) | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-26 | content= }} * {{buy | name=Market Basha | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.494549 | long=20.218525 | directions= | phone=+355 68 200 1094 (mobile) | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-26 | content= }} * {{buy | name=Hasmeta 1 | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rr. Hasmeta | lat=41.498447 | long=20.217757 | directions= | phone=+355 68 606 3367 (mobile) | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-26 | content= }} * {{buy | name=Café Pizza Plus | alt= | url= | email= | address=Fushë-Bulqizë | lat=41.515122 | long=20.283138 | directions= | phone=+355 69 854 5941 (mobile) | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-26 | content= }} * {{buy | name=Market CAMI | alt= | url= | email= | address=Shupenzë | lat=41.533320 | long=20.423914 | directions= | phone=+355 69 674 9311 (mobile) | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-26 | content= }} * {{buy | name=Pazari i Shupenzës | alt= | url= | email= | address=Shupenzë | lat=41.528953 | long=20.423521 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-26 | content= }} == Eat == Restaurants generally offer fresh seasonal traditional food, affordable almost for everyone. Bulqiza is mountainous, so the products are taken from dairy animals which are raised in the mountains and valleys. Some restaurants offer seafood too. There are a lot of lakes and rivers in the area. * {{eat | name=Bujtina Hupi | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rruga Skenderbeu | lat=41.528143 | long=20.298485 | directions= | phone=+355 68 837 3793 | tollfree= | hours= | price=4000 lek | image=Kulla Hupi Lepurakë.jpg | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Bar restorant Stone | alt= | url= | email= | address=Fushë-Bulqizë | lat=41.515338 | long=20.286054 | directions= | phone=+355 69 567 0472 | tollfree= | hours= | price=500–1,000 lek; 1,000–1,500 lek; 1,500–2,000 lek | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Café Pizza Plus | alt= | url= | email= | address=Fushë-Bulqizë | lat=41.515025 | long=20.283117 | directions= | phone=+355 69 854 5941 | tollfree= | hours= | price=500–1,000 lek | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content=Pizza, crepes, drinks, market, gas and petrol station. }} * {{eat | name=Troja Resort | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rruga Zogjaj, Shupenzë | lat=41.577175 | long=20.390065 | directions= | phone=+355 68 313 1631 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Jeton Resort | alt= | url= | email= | address=Ura e Çerenecit, Diber | lat=41.520360 | long=20.419280 | directions= | phone=+355 69 551 0372 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Mona Lisa Pizza Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address=Shetitorja e Bulqizes | lat=41.493364 | long=20.221821 | directions= | phone=+355 68 222 4740 | tollfree= | hours= | price=500–1,000 lek | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Verrini Restorant | alt= | url= | email= | address=Fushë-Bulqizë | lat=41.515202 | long=20.286001 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Pishat Resort | alt= | url= | email= | address=rruga me pisha, Bulqizë Vajkal | lat=41.514256 | long=20.256577 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Zabel House | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.496639 | long=20.240302 | directions= | phone=+355 68 394 2558 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Fish Krajkë | alt= | url= | email= | address=Krajkë | lat=41.512287 | long=20.365398 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-26 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Byrektore Pastiçeri Torja | alt= | url= | email= | address=Shetitorja e Bulqizes | lat=41.493404 | long=20.218675 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-26 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Kafja e Rremës, Fast-Food | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.493720 | long=20.222779 | directions= | phone=+355 68 288 7954 (mobile) | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-26 | content= }} ==Drink == Cafés and bars usually serve only drinks, alcoholic and non alcoholic. Relax Lounge Bar also serves croissants for breakfast. * {{drink | name=Relax Bar Lounge | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.494133 | long=20.224558 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Vila Grand | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.492423 | long=20.220905 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Bar Hotel Everest | alt= | url= | email= | address=Bulqize - Qytet i Ri, Vajkal Nr.2 | lat=41.501981 | long=20.215364 | directions= | phone=+355 68 538 8474 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Center Coffee Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.492048 | long=20.218922 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Bar Kafe Big Ben | alt= | url= | email= | address=Pedonale | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Hotel Bulqiza | alt= | url= | email= | address=Shetitorja e Bulqizes | lat=41.491819 | long=20.218972 | directions= | phone=+355 219 22371 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} ==Sleep== Accommodation structures in the city are of different types. The price depends on the type and conditions they offer. Booking.com and Airbnb are widely used. You can also book by calling them or chatting on their social media, or direct at the reception. Cash payment is common, but you have card payment option too. <!-- Hotel Bulqiza Hotel Irdi Hotel Cupi Hotel Zogu Hotel Talja Hotel Stone Hotel Everest Bujtina Hupi Hotel Troja Hotel Jeton Hotel Shtepia e Bardhe Hotel Kaci Petrol --> * {{sleep | name=Hotel Bulqiza | alt= | url= | email= | address=Shetitorja e Bulqizes | lat=41.491795 | long=20.218940 | directions= | phone=+355 219 22371 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=60€ | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Bujtina Hupi (Kulla Hupi) | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rruga Skenderbeu | lat=41.527998 | long=20.298463 | directions= | phone=+355 68 837 3793 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=40€ | image=Kulla Hupi Lepurakë.jpg | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Everest | alt= | url= | email= | address=Bulqizë - Qytet i Ri, Vajkal Nr.2 | lat=41.501989 | long=20.215311 | directions= | phone=+355 68 538 8474 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=25€ | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Irdi | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rruga e Arbërit | lat=41.499878 | long=20.217082 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Kaci Petrol | alt= | url= | email= | address=Kaci petrol, Shupenzë | lat=41.533304 | long=20.423302 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Troja | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rruga Zogjaj, Shupenzë | lat=41.577143 | long=20.390076 | directions=In Troja Resort | phone=+355 68 313 1631 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content= }} ==Connect== Wireless Internet is widely available in cafés and restaurants throughout the city. Free public WiFi is not available. There is a post office in town, Posta Shiptare, Bulqiza e vjetër. == Stay safe and healthy == The town is generally quiet and safe, but in case something happens, we will inform you where to go. There is a Police Station in Bulqiza e vjetër, where you can report any danger that threatens you. In case of damage or accidents, you can contact the emergency services. In Bulqiza e vjetër there is a hospital, Spitali i Bulqizës (works 24 h), and three medical centers that work from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm, from Monday to Saturday. Two of them are located in Bulqiza e vjetër, and one in Bulqiza e re. You can also find medical centers in almost every village. The city has a large number of pharmacies. Since the city is small, it is very easy to find them, and also a lot of Dental Clinics, all located in Bulqiza e vjetër. You will also find the fire department service, located in Bulqiza e vjetër. There are plenty of Petrol Stations alongside the main road. The service is good. People are generally kind and helpful, but they do not always respect traffic rules. Beware of bad drivers. In case of car damage, you can get service at car service stations. They are generally located along the main road. Emergency Numbers: Emergency: 127 Fire Brigade: 128 Police Station: 129/ 112 ==Go next== *[[Peshkopi]] - 45 min by minibus (furgon) *[[Burrel]] - 1 hour by minibus (furgon) *[[Librazhd]] - 1 hour and 45 min by car or taxi. There are no busses *Debar (North Macedonia) - 40 min by taxi. There are no busses {{IsPartOf|northeastern Albania}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|41.5|20.216667}} 6hdjsd5h1rr0hxmlsg94t6hjgaig18d 5087021 5087002 2025-07-03T08:08:36Z 77.247.195.78 /* Sleep */ Updated listing for Hotel Bulqiza 5087021 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Pagebanner|Bulqiza, qyteti I vjetër dhe qyteti I ri, pamja nga lart (cropped).jpg}}'''Bulqiza''' (Albanian: Bulqiz''ë'') is a city in Dibra County, [[northeastern Albania]]. Bulqiza is a key city for visitors to Peshkopi, Klos and North Macedonia. All travellers from Tirana or other cities, must pass through Bulqiza to visit Peshkopi and North Macedonia from Bllatë border. == Understand == [[File:Oxhaku Bulqizë.jpg|thumb|301x301px|View of the communist-era industry in Bulqiza]] The municipality of Bulqiza consists of 8 administrative units which are: Bulqiza, Martanesh, Fushë-Bulqiza, Zerqan, Gjoricë, Ostren, Shupenza and Trebisht. All administrative units are part of the Bulqiza district and the Dibra region. The new municipality has under its administration two cities (Bulqiza and Krasta) and 63 villages. Bulqiza has a mainly hilly-mountainous relief with heights ranging from 435 m to 2100 m, Kreshta Peak (Maja e Kreshtës) above sea level. In this territory lies the Bulqiza Valley, extending from west to east and with a length of 25 km and a width of up to 1 km. This valley is crossed by the Bulqiza River, which flows into the Black Drin. The surface area like forests, rich flora and fauna, meadows, glacial lakes and suitable climate is a great natural potential for the development of various economic activities. The underground is also very rich (chrome) and of great economic value for the area and the entire country. == Talk == The main language you will hear in the street is [[Albanian phrasebook|Albanian]], not the official language, but Bulqizaˈs dialect. The standard language is spoken in schools and institutions. English is commonly spoken in cafés and restaurants (not everywhere), mostly by young people. Navigating around the city is easy even if you don't speak or read Albanian. The city is small and walkable and people are helpful and generally receptive to efforts to communicate. == Get in == ===By bus=== Bulqiza is about 60 minutes ride from Tirana through the Arbriˈs road, by bus and furgon (minibus), and 3 hours through the old road that goes through Burrel, Milot, Fushë - Kruja and then Tirana (there are not anymore available busses, you can only go by car or by taxi). Following the Arbriˈs road, the ticket price is 400 lek. It is paid cash at the bus or minibus (furgon) and you don't get a ticket. For seat reservation you can call the bus agency or the bus driver. The distance from Peshkopi by furgon (minibus) is 45 min. The ticket price is 300 lek. * {{go | name=Terminal | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.494771 | long=20.217997 | directions= | phone=+355 67 206 3963 | tollfree= | hours=24 hours open | price= | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content=Buses and furgons (minibuses) are the vehicles used to travel towards Bulqizë. There are direct travels only with Tirana and Peshkopi. }} ===By taxi=== 40 min from Bllatë border (North Macedonia). You can travel by car, by taxi. The ticket price is 1000 lek. 1 hour and 45 min from Librazhd. There are no busses. You can travel by car or by taxi. === By car === You can rent a car in Tirana. === By bicycle === If you are a biker you can ride your bicycle from Tirana to Bulqiza easily going through the tunnels. == Get around == ===By bus=== If you want to travel in the villages, you can use furgons and busses too, but they don't go in every village. There is a minibus (urban) only between Bulqiza e vjetër - Bulqiza e re. The ticket price is 20 lek. ===By taxi=== There are taxis. Between the two cities the price is 200 lek. In around villages the ticket price is 1000-1200 lek. === On foot === In Bulqiza, people usually walk to different places as the town is really small. The town and some nearby villages are accessible on foot. === By bicycle === * {{go | name=Kulla Hupi | alt=Hupi Tower | url= | email= | address=Rruga Skenderbeu | lat=41.527947 | long=20.298492 | directions= | phone=+355 68 837 3793 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content=Kulla Hupi offers bicycles for rent. }} == See == Bulqiza is one of the richest natural areas of Albania in terms of biodiversity and the beauty of mountainous, forested, and lake landscapes. Due to its high natural values in this area, Shebenik - Jabllanicë has been declared national park, a significant part of which extends into the municipality of Bulqiza, Mali me Gropa Martanesh a protected landscape, and lots of natural monuments. Bulqiza also has a number of geomonuments, such as caves, stones, cliffs, pits, etc, declared natural monuments. Among the main caves, we mention: The Cave of Xixella, The Cave of the City Bridge, The cold Cave of Gjuras, etc. In addition to geomonuments, Bulqiza is rich in hydromonuments, where among the most important are: The Black Lake with glacial origin, on the northern slope of Mount Lopa (1600 m above sea level), The glacial lakes of Kacni on the eastern slope of Mount Balgjaj (1700 m above sea level), The Three Taps of Zerqani, Duriçi Waterfall etc. {{Mapframe|41.5037|20.2320|zoom=12}} * {{see | name=Mali me Gropa Bizë Martanesh | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.36011 | long=20.11751 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Mali me Gropa.jpg | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content=It extends over a large area, moreover attached to the area of the “Dajti Mountain” National Park and near Qafë Shtama. It represents a large mountain massif, which consists of Triassic-Jurassic limestone. It is interrupted by several valleys, rich in streams, which often constitute the beginning of large rivers, as is the case of the Mati River. Several interesting mountains stand out, such as: Mali i Lopës (2,000m), i Snoit të Madh (1,846m), as well as Mali me Gropa (average 1,500-1,600m), quite unique, due to the karst pits present in it. }} * {{see | name=Liqeni i Zi | alt=Black Lake | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.453236 | long=20.310481 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content=It is a glacial lake with a north-south length of 600m, an average east-west width of 300 m, a depth of 60 m, and an average surface area of ​​16.5 ha. The altitude above sea level is 1645 m. It is surrounded on three sides by very steep slopes, covered with beech and pine forests, which give the lake a rare beauty. It has crystal clear and cold water. During the winter it freezes on the surface. Due to its great depth and chromite deposits at its bottom, it has a black color. It is rich in a living and diverse world and forms an interesting ecosystem of alpine lakes.<br />It can be visited according to the itinerary: from the Burrel-Peshkopi national road, or the Bulqizë-Zerqan road then the walking path to Liqeni i Zi. }} * {{see | name=Maja e Dhoksit | alt=Dhoksi Peak | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.465863 | long=20.238098 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content=Dhoksi lakes are located in the northeastern slope of the main peak of Mount Dhoksi (2020), in a well formed and relatively large cirque complex. The glacial lakes of Dhoks are also known as Duriçe lakes after the name of a tribe in the area, and sometimes as the Skënder lakes, based on the name of the main lake, which is believed to be related to the name of Skanderbeg, a toponym or an affiliation that has remained for centuries. The cirque complex where the lakes lie is located at an altitude of 1700-1900 m, with an area of 200 hectares of different plants. }} * {{see | name=Ujëvara e Duriçit (Duriçi Waterfall) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.498978 | long=20.243553 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content=It is located on the northern slope of Mount Dhoksi, very close to the city of Bulqiza, 3.3 km from the city center, of which 2.2km can be reached by car, the rest is on foot. }} * {{see | name=Shkëmbi i Kullës së Skënderbeut | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.47917 | long=20.07923 | directions=on the southernmost slope of Mount Temla | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content=Approximately 1000 m above sea level. Its position shows a spectacular view over the Bulqizë valley and beyond. The tower was built around 1450 by the Skanderberg army that served as a military unit to protect the country by the enemy. }} * {{see | name=Gurra dhe shpella e Zerqanit | alt=Zerqan's rocks and caves | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=near the homonymous village | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content=At an altitude of 740 m above sea level, it consists of several karst phenomena (spring and cave), which emerge at the lithological contact between the Upper Triassic limestones and the terrigenous. It has clean and cold water. It creates a very attractive environment. It has scientific (geological, geomorphological, hydrological), cultural, didactic and touristic values. It is visited according to the Bulqize city-Zerqan villages itinerary. }} * {{see | name=Lugina e Drinit të Zi (Black Drin Valley) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-25 | content=Through the twisted gorges and stunning natural beauties, the Drin Valley offers a fantastic landscape. The Black Drin provides an extraordinary rafting experience, attracting the attention of locals as well as foreign tourists, who, in addition to the famous tourist spots, come to explore the Drin River. }} * {{see | name=Shpella e Valit Martanesh (Vali`s cave) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.347316 | long=20.161214 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-25 | content=The Cave of Val in Martanesh is one of the most interesting monuments of the Bulqiza district. It is 250 meters long, up to 35 meters wide, and 25 meters high. It is the cave where water disappears, as the locals call it. A cave full of unknowns, where without any funnel and without any hole, the river of Biza ``disappears`` without a trace. The Cave of Val is full of mysteries. Located in a short distance from Bulqiza and the capital Tirana, the cave can be visited by all. Distance: 52.8 km from the center of Bulqiza. }} * {{see | name=Parku Kombëtar Shebenik-Jabllanicë (National Park Shebenik-Jabllanicë) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.239708 | long=20.428213 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-25 | content=The Shebenik - Jabllanicë National Park is located in the northeastern part of our country, within the forest management boundaries of Librazhdi. The park has a total area of 33,927.66 hectares, where the main part is occupied by forests, followed by pastures, agricultural lands, non-productive lands, rocky areas, and plots. There are numerous ecological values, both the flora and fauna, as well as the tourist landscapes, with towering beech, fir, black pine, juniper, brushwood, and a rich variety of herbaceous plants. Distance from the center of Bulqizë is 92.3 km. }} * {{see | name=Shpella Xixëll Martanesh (Xixëll Cave) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-25 | content=It is also known by the names Xixëlla and the Battle of 1860, Xixëll the Qerbela bridge. It is located near the village of Peshk in the Administrative Unit of Martanesh, 1200 m above sea level. It constitutes a field shaped by glaciers and karst, with an almost oval shape, over 1.5 km in length and several hundred meters wide. In the middle, there is a well-preserved grown fir tree. Nearby, there is a karst spring and a monument for the battle of Sheh Fejzë Bulqiza, as well as a stone bridge named the Qerbela bridge. Historical events of the 19th century in the region have also taken place here. Religious festivals with pagan roots are organized here. It has scientific values (geological, geomorphological, historical), didactic, ecological, and cultural. It can be visited according to the itinerary of the city of Bulqizë - Peshk. Distance from the center of Bulqizë is 50.7 km/ }} * {{see | name=Muzeu Bulqizë (Bulqiza Museum) | alt= | url= | email= | address=Shetitorja e Bulqizës | lat=41.491845 | long=20.220306 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content=The museum is divided in three sections: archeological, ethnographic and chromium mine museum.<br />February 18, 1948, marks the official establishment of the largest chromium mine in the country. On September 29, 2023, the ethnographic and mining museum open for the first time in Bulqizë. <br />Bulqiza has a very rich cultural heritage that we find exhibited in the Ethnographic Museum. The museum displays traditional costumes from the region, as well as objects from ancient traditions with specific characteristics. }} == Do == Hiking to Maja e Dhoksit, Ujëvara e Duriçit, Shkëmbi i Kullës së Skënderbeut, Guri i Vashës, Mali i Bardhë, Malësia e Gollobordës. The Bulqiza area offers untouched nature, all still to be discovered on long hikes through mountain trails, river valleys, forests rich in flora and fauna, and magical water springs. Daily hikes in nature can take place in every season of the year, but winter is not recommended due to bad weather. Sailing on the Black Drin River – The Black Drin provides an extraordinary experience in rafting. Cave exploration – For cave exploration enthusiasts, it presents a quite interesting territory from a geological perspective with rocks, caves, natural cavities, and underground water. For safety reasons, we suggest being accompanied by a local guide. Mountain biking – You can experience this adventure on unpaved roads, in a beautiful nature rich in biodiversity. Horseback riding – Families and guesthouses can offer their visitors the opportunity to engage in horseback riding in the wild nature. Village walks – The village and the rural landscape in general are considered as an oasis of tranquility, nature, and relaxation. Play football at Kalçeto Terziu. * {{do | name=Kalçeto Terziu | alt= | url= | email= | address=Fushë-Bulqizë| lat=41.521260 | long=20.287345 | directions= | phone=+355686389571 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-07-01 | content= }} == Buy == There are many shops, markets, fruit and vegetable stands, in every corner. You can buy fresh local products like dairy products, fruit, vegetables and raki, the traditional alcoholic drink of Albania, typically plum-based, but also found made from grapes. There is only one bank, '''Raiffeisen Bank''', and one '''ATM''' in town, Bulqiza e Re. There is an '''Western Union Office''', Bulqiza e vjetër, city centre. '''Exchange''' '''office,''' Bulqiza e vjetër, city centre. * {{buy | name=Big Market Bulqiza | alt= | url= | email= | address=Shetitorja e Bulqizës | lat=41.493334 | long=20.218275 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-26 | content= }} * {{buy | name=Spar & Jumbo Bulqizë | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rruga Naim Frashëri | lat=41.492401 | long=20.219747 | directions= | phone=+355 69 404 0069 (mobile) | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-26 | content= }} * {{buy | name=Market Basha | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.494549 | long=20.218525 | directions= | phone=+355 68 200 1094 (mobile) | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-26 | content= }} * {{buy | name=Hasmeta 1 | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rr. Hasmeta | lat=41.498447 | long=20.217757 | directions= | phone=+355 68 606 3367 (mobile) | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-26 | content= }} * {{buy | name=Café Pizza Plus | alt= | url= | email= | address=Fushë-Bulqizë | lat=41.515122 | long=20.283138 | directions= | phone=+355 69 854 5941 (mobile) | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-26 | content= }} * {{buy | name=Market CAMI | alt= | url= | email= | address=Shupenzë | lat=41.533320 | long=20.423914 | directions= | phone=+355 69 674 9311 (mobile) | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-26 | content= }} * {{buy | name=Pazari i Shupenzës | alt= | url= | email= | address=Shupenzë | lat=41.528953 | long=20.423521 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-26 | content= }} == Eat == Restaurants generally offer fresh seasonal traditional food, affordable almost for everyone. Bulqiza is mountainous, so the products are taken from dairy animals which are raised in the mountains and valleys. Some restaurants offer seafood too. There are a lot of lakes and rivers in the area. * {{eat | name=Bujtina Hupi | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rruga Skenderbeu | lat=41.528143 | long=20.298485 | directions= | phone=+355 68 837 3793 | tollfree= | hours= | price=4000 lek | image=Kulla Hupi Lepurakë.jpg | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Bar restorant Stone | alt= | url= | email= | address=Fushë-Bulqizë | lat=41.515338 | long=20.286054 | directions= | phone=+355 69 567 0472 | tollfree= | hours= | price=500–1,000 lek; 1,000–1,500 lek; 1,500–2,000 lek | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Café Pizza Plus | alt= | url= | email= | address=Fushë-Bulqizë | lat=41.515025 | long=20.283117 | directions= | phone=+355 69 854 5941 | tollfree= | hours= | price=500–1,000 lek | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content=Pizza, crepes, drinks, market, gas and petrol station. }} * {{eat | name=Troja Resort | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rruga Zogjaj, Shupenzë | lat=41.577175 | long=20.390065 | directions= | phone=+355 68 313 1631 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Jeton Resort | alt= | url= | email= | address=Ura e Çerenecit, Diber | lat=41.520360 | long=20.419280 | directions= | phone=+355 69 551 0372 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Mona Lisa Pizza Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address=Shetitorja e Bulqizes | lat=41.493364 | long=20.221821 | directions= | phone=+355 68 222 4740 | tollfree= | hours= | price=500–1,000 lek | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Verrini Restorant | alt= | url= | email= | address=Fushë-Bulqizë | lat=41.515202 | long=20.286001 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Pishat Resort | alt= | url= | email= | address=rruga me pisha, Bulqizë Vajkal | lat=41.514256 | long=20.256577 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Zabel House | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.496639 | long=20.240302 | directions= | phone=+355 68 394 2558 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Fish Krajkë | alt= | url= | email= | address=Krajkë | lat=41.512287 | long=20.365398 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-26 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Byrektore Pastiçeri Torja | alt= | url= | email= | address=Shetitorja e Bulqizes | lat=41.493404 | long=20.218675 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-26 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Kafja e Rremës, Fast-Food | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.493720 | long=20.222779 | directions= | phone=+355 68 288 7954 (mobile) | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-26 | content= }} ==Drink == Cafés and bars usually serve only drinks, alcoholic and non alcoholic. Relax Lounge Bar also serves croissants for breakfast. * {{drink | name=Relax Bar Lounge | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.494133 | long=20.224558 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Vila Grand | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.492423 | long=20.220905 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Bar Hotel Everest | alt= | url= | email= | address=Bulqize - Qytet i Ri, Vajkal Nr.2 | lat=41.501981 | long=20.215364 | directions= | phone=+355 68 538 8474 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Center Coffee Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.492048 | long=20.218922 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Bar Kafe Big Ben | alt= | url= | email= | address=Pedonale | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Hotel Bulqiza | alt= | url= | email= | address=Shetitorja e Bulqizes | lat=41.491819 | long=20.218972 | directions= | phone=+355 219 22371 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} ==Sleep== Accommodation structures in the city are of different types. The price depends on the type and conditions they offer. Booking.com and Airbnb are widely used. You can also book by calling them or chatting on their social media, or direct at the reception. Cash payment is common, but you have card payment option too. <!-- Hotel Bulqiza Hotel Irdi Hotel Cupi Hotel Zogu Hotel Talja Hotel Stone Hotel Everest Bujtina Hupi Hotel Troja Hotel Jeton Hotel Shtepia e Bardhe Hotel Kaci Petrol --> * {{sleep | name=Hotel Bulqiza | alt= | url= | email= | address=Shetitorja e Bulqizes | lat=41.491795 | long=20.21894 | directions= | phone=+355 219 22371 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=60€ | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content=Located in the town center, featuring air-conditioned rooms, restaurant, bar cafe and a 24-hour front desk. It’s one of the largest and most equipped options in Bulqiza. }} * {{sleep | name=Bujtina Hupi (Kulla Hupi) | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rruga Skenderbeu | lat=41.527998 | long=20.298463 | directions= | phone=+355 68 837 3793 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=40€ | image=Kulla Hupi Lepurakë.jpg | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Everest | alt= | url= | email= | address=Bulqizë - Qytet i Ri, Vajkal Nr.2 | lat=41.501989 | long=20.215311 | directions= | phone=+355 68 538 8474 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=25€ | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Irdi | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rruga e Arbërit | lat=41.499878 | long=20.217082 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Kaci Petrol | alt= | url= | email= | address=Kaci petrol, Shupenzë | lat=41.533304 | long=20.423302 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Troja | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rruga Zogjaj, Shupenzë | lat=41.577143 | long=20.390076 | directions=In Troja Resort | phone=+355 68 313 1631 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content= }} ==Connect== Wireless Internet is widely available in cafés and restaurants throughout the city. Free public WiFi is not available. There is a post office in town, Posta Shiptare, Bulqiza e vjetër. == Stay safe and healthy == The town is generally quiet and safe, but in case something happens, we will inform you where to go. There is a Police Station in Bulqiza e vjetër, where you can report any danger that threatens you. In case of damage or accidents, you can contact the emergency services. In Bulqiza e vjetër there is a hospital, Spitali i Bulqizës (works 24 h), and three medical centers that work from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm, from Monday to Saturday. Two of them are located in Bulqiza e vjetër, and one in Bulqiza e re. You can also find medical centers in almost every village. The city has a large number of pharmacies. Since the city is small, it is very easy to find them, and also a lot of Dental Clinics, all located in Bulqiza e vjetër. You will also find the fire department service, located in Bulqiza e vjetër. There are plenty of Petrol Stations alongside the main road. The service is good. People are generally kind and helpful, but they do not always respect traffic rules. Beware of bad drivers. In case of car damage, you can get service at car service stations. They are generally located along the main road. Emergency Numbers: Emergency: 127 Fire Brigade: 128 Police Station: 129/ 112 ==Go next== *[[Peshkopi]] - 45 min by minibus (furgon) *[[Burrel]] - 1 hour by minibus (furgon) *[[Librazhd]] - 1 hour and 45 min by car or taxi. There are no busses *Debar (North Macedonia) - 40 min by taxi. There are no busses {{IsPartOf|northeastern Albania}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|41.5|20.216667}} t21xcqaksqm5ndf8kg26n2iqy1f31h7 5087038 5087021 2025-07-03T09:07:15Z 77.247.195.78 /* Sleep */ Updated listing for Bujtina Hupi (Kulla Hupi) 5087038 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Pagebanner|Bulqiza, qyteti I vjetër dhe qyteti I ri, pamja nga lart (cropped).jpg}}'''Bulqiza''' (Albanian: Bulqiz''ë'') is a city in Dibra County, [[northeastern Albania]]. Bulqiza is a key city for visitors to Peshkopi, Klos and North Macedonia. All travellers from Tirana or other cities, must pass through Bulqiza to visit Peshkopi and North Macedonia from Bllatë border. == Understand == [[File:Oxhaku Bulqizë.jpg|thumb|301x301px|View of the communist-era industry in Bulqiza]] The municipality of Bulqiza consists of 8 administrative units which are: Bulqiza, Martanesh, Fushë-Bulqiza, Zerqan, Gjoricë, Ostren, Shupenza and Trebisht. All administrative units are part of the Bulqiza district and the Dibra region. The new municipality has under its administration two cities (Bulqiza and Krasta) and 63 villages. Bulqiza has a mainly hilly-mountainous relief with heights ranging from 435 m to 2100 m, Kreshta Peak (Maja e Kreshtës) above sea level. In this territory lies the Bulqiza Valley, extending from west to east and with a length of 25 km and a width of up to 1 km. This valley is crossed by the Bulqiza River, which flows into the Black Drin. The surface area like forests, rich flora and fauna, meadows, glacial lakes and suitable climate is a great natural potential for the development of various economic activities. The underground is also very rich (chrome) and of great economic value for the area and the entire country. == Talk == The main language you will hear in the street is [[Albanian phrasebook|Albanian]], not the official language, but Bulqizaˈs dialect. The standard language is spoken in schools and institutions. English is commonly spoken in cafés and restaurants (not everywhere), mostly by young people. Navigating around the city is easy even if you don't speak or read Albanian. The city is small and walkable and people are helpful and generally receptive to efforts to communicate. == Get in == ===By bus=== Bulqiza is about 60 minutes ride from Tirana through the Arbriˈs road, by bus and furgon (minibus), and 3 hours through the old road that goes through Burrel, Milot, Fushë - Kruja and then Tirana (there are not anymore available busses, you can only go by car or by taxi). Following the Arbriˈs road, the ticket price is 400 lek. It is paid cash at the bus or minibus (furgon) and you don't get a ticket. For seat reservation you can call the bus agency or the bus driver. The distance from Peshkopi by furgon (minibus) is 45 min. The ticket price is 300 lek. * {{go | name=Terminal | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.494771 | long=20.217997 | directions= | phone=+355 67 206 3963 | tollfree= | hours=24 hours open | price= | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content=Buses and furgons (minibuses) are the vehicles used to travel towards Bulqizë. There are direct travels only with Tirana and Peshkopi. }} ===By taxi=== 40 min from Bllatë border (North Macedonia). You can travel by car, by taxi. The ticket price is 1000 lek. 1 hour and 45 min from Librazhd. There are no busses. You can travel by car or by taxi. === By car === You can rent a car in Tirana. === By bicycle === If you are a biker you can ride your bicycle from Tirana to Bulqiza easily going through the tunnels. == Get around == ===By bus=== If you want to travel in the villages, you can use furgons and busses too, but they don't go in every village. There is a minibus (urban) only between Bulqiza e vjetër - Bulqiza e re. The ticket price is 20 lek. ===By taxi=== There are taxis. Between the two cities the price is 200 lek. In around villages the ticket price is 1000-1200 lek. === On foot === In Bulqiza, people usually walk to different places as the town is really small. The town and some nearby villages are accessible on foot. === By bicycle === * {{go | name=Kulla Hupi | alt=Hupi Tower | url= | email= | address=Rruga Skenderbeu | lat=41.527947 | long=20.298492 | directions= | phone=+355 68 837 3793 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content=Kulla Hupi offers bicycles for rent. }} == See == Bulqiza is one of the richest natural areas of Albania in terms of biodiversity and the beauty of mountainous, forested, and lake landscapes. Due to its high natural values in this area, Shebenik - Jabllanicë has been declared national park, a significant part of which extends into the municipality of Bulqiza, Mali me Gropa Martanesh a protected landscape, and lots of natural monuments. Bulqiza also has a number of geomonuments, such as caves, stones, cliffs, pits, etc, declared natural monuments. Among the main caves, we mention: The Cave of Xixella, The Cave of the City Bridge, The cold Cave of Gjuras, etc. In addition to geomonuments, Bulqiza is rich in hydromonuments, where among the most important are: The Black Lake with glacial origin, on the northern slope of Mount Lopa (1600 m above sea level), The glacial lakes of Kacni on the eastern slope of Mount Balgjaj (1700 m above sea level), The Three Taps of Zerqani, Duriçi Waterfall etc. {{Mapframe|41.5037|20.2320|zoom=12}} * {{see | name=Mali me Gropa Bizë Martanesh | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.36011 | long=20.11751 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Mali me Gropa.jpg | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content=It extends over a large area, moreover attached to the area of the “Dajti Mountain” National Park and near Qafë Shtama. It represents a large mountain massif, which consists of Triassic-Jurassic limestone. It is interrupted by several valleys, rich in streams, which often constitute the beginning of large rivers, as is the case of the Mati River. Several interesting mountains stand out, such as: Mali i Lopës (2,000m), i Snoit të Madh (1,846m), as well as Mali me Gropa (average 1,500-1,600m), quite unique, due to the karst pits present in it. }} * {{see | name=Liqeni i Zi | alt=Black Lake | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.453236 | long=20.310481 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content=It is a glacial lake with a north-south length of 600m, an average east-west width of 300 m, a depth of 60 m, and an average surface area of ​​16.5 ha. The altitude above sea level is 1645 m. It is surrounded on three sides by very steep slopes, covered with beech and pine forests, which give the lake a rare beauty. It has crystal clear and cold water. During the winter it freezes on the surface. Due to its great depth and chromite deposits at its bottom, it has a black color. It is rich in a living and diverse world and forms an interesting ecosystem of alpine lakes.<br />It can be visited according to the itinerary: from the Burrel-Peshkopi national road, or the Bulqizë-Zerqan road then the walking path to Liqeni i Zi. }} * {{see | name=Maja e Dhoksit | alt=Dhoksi Peak | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.465863 | long=20.238098 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content=Dhoksi lakes are located in the northeastern slope of the main peak of Mount Dhoksi (2020), in a well formed and relatively large cirque complex. The glacial lakes of Dhoks are also known as Duriçe lakes after the name of a tribe in the area, and sometimes as the Skënder lakes, based on the name of the main lake, which is believed to be related to the name of Skanderbeg, a toponym or an affiliation that has remained for centuries. The cirque complex where the lakes lie is located at an altitude of 1700-1900 m, with an area of 200 hectares of different plants. }} * {{see | name=Ujëvara e Duriçit (Duriçi Waterfall) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.498978 | long=20.243553 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content=It is located on the northern slope of Mount Dhoksi, very close to the city of Bulqiza, 3.3 km from the city center, of which 2.2km can be reached by car, the rest is on foot. }} * {{see | name=Shkëmbi i Kullës së Skënderbeut | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.47917 | long=20.07923 | directions=on the southernmost slope of Mount Temla | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content=Approximately 1000 m above sea level. Its position shows a spectacular view over the Bulqizë valley and beyond. The tower was built around 1450 by the Skanderberg army that served as a military unit to protect the country by the enemy. }} * {{see | name=Gurra dhe shpella e Zerqanit | alt=Zerqan's rocks and caves | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=near the homonymous village | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content=At an altitude of 740 m above sea level, it consists of several karst phenomena (spring and cave), which emerge at the lithological contact between the Upper Triassic limestones and the terrigenous. It has clean and cold water. It creates a very attractive environment. It has scientific (geological, geomorphological, hydrological), cultural, didactic and touristic values. It is visited according to the Bulqize city-Zerqan villages itinerary. }} * {{see | name=Lugina e Drinit të Zi (Black Drin Valley) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-25 | content=Through the twisted gorges and stunning natural beauties, the Drin Valley offers a fantastic landscape. The Black Drin provides an extraordinary rafting experience, attracting the attention of locals as well as foreign tourists, who, in addition to the famous tourist spots, come to explore the Drin River. }} * {{see | name=Shpella e Valit Martanesh (Vali`s cave) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.347316 | long=20.161214 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-25 | content=The Cave of Val in Martanesh is one of the most interesting monuments of the Bulqiza district. It is 250 meters long, up to 35 meters wide, and 25 meters high. It is the cave where water disappears, as the locals call it. A cave full of unknowns, where without any funnel and without any hole, the river of Biza ``disappears`` without a trace. The Cave of Val is full of mysteries. Located in a short distance from Bulqiza and the capital Tirana, the cave can be visited by all. Distance: 52.8 km from the center of Bulqiza. }} * {{see | name=Parku Kombëtar Shebenik-Jabllanicë (National Park Shebenik-Jabllanicë) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.239708 | long=20.428213 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-25 | content=The Shebenik - Jabllanicë National Park is located in the northeastern part of our country, within the forest management boundaries of Librazhdi. The park has a total area of 33,927.66 hectares, where the main part is occupied by forests, followed by pastures, agricultural lands, non-productive lands, rocky areas, and plots. There are numerous ecological values, both the flora and fauna, as well as the tourist landscapes, with towering beech, fir, black pine, juniper, brushwood, and a rich variety of herbaceous plants. Distance from the center of Bulqizë is 92.3 km. }} * {{see | name=Shpella Xixëll Martanesh (Xixëll Cave) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-25 | content=It is also known by the names Xixëlla and the Battle of 1860, Xixëll the Qerbela bridge. It is located near the village of Peshk in the Administrative Unit of Martanesh, 1200 m above sea level. It constitutes a field shaped by glaciers and karst, with an almost oval shape, over 1.5 km in length and several hundred meters wide. In the middle, there is a well-preserved grown fir tree. Nearby, there is a karst spring and a monument for the battle of Sheh Fejzë Bulqiza, as well as a stone bridge named the Qerbela bridge. Historical events of the 19th century in the region have also taken place here. Religious festivals with pagan roots are organized here. It has scientific values (geological, geomorphological, historical), didactic, ecological, and cultural. It can be visited according to the itinerary of the city of Bulqizë - Peshk. Distance from the center of Bulqizë is 50.7 km/ }} * {{see | name=Muzeu Bulqizë (Bulqiza Museum) | alt= | url= | email= | address=Shetitorja e Bulqizës | lat=41.491845 | long=20.220306 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content=The museum is divided in three sections: archeological, ethnographic and chromium mine museum.<br />February 18, 1948, marks the official establishment of the largest chromium mine in the country. On September 29, 2023, the ethnographic and mining museum open for the first time in Bulqizë. <br />Bulqiza has a very rich cultural heritage that we find exhibited in the Ethnographic Museum. The museum displays traditional costumes from the region, as well as objects from ancient traditions with specific characteristics. }} == Do == Hiking to Maja e Dhoksit, Ujëvara e Duriçit, Shkëmbi i Kullës së Skënderbeut, Guri i Vashës, Mali i Bardhë, Malësia e Gollobordës. The Bulqiza area offers untouched nature, all still to be discovered on long hikes through mountain trails, river valleys, forests rich in flora and fauna, and magical water springs. Daily hikes in nature can take place in every season of the year, but winter is not recommended due to bad weather. Sailing on the Black Drin River – The Black Drin provides an extraordinary experience in rafting. Cave exploration – For cave exploration enthusiasts, it presents a quite interesting territory from a geological perspective with rocks, caves, natural cavities, and underground water. For safety reasons, we suggest being accompanied by a local guide. Mountain biking – You can experience this adventure on unpaved roads, in a beautiful nature rich in biodiversity. Horseback riding – Families and guesthouses can offer their visitors the opportunity to engage in horseback riding in the wild nature. Village walks – The village and the rural landscape in general are considered as an oasis of tranquility, nature, and relaxation. Play football at Kalçeto Terziu. * {{do | name=Kalçeto Terziu | alt= | url= | email= | address=Fushë-Bulqizë| lat=41.521260 | long=20.287345 | directions= | phone=+355686389571 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-07-01 | content= }} == Buy == There are many shops, markets, fruit and vegetable stands, in every corner. You can buy fresh local products like dairy products, fruit, vegetables and raki, the traditional alcoholic drink of Albania, typically plum-based, but also found made from grapes. There is only one bank, '''Raiffeisen Bank''', and one '''ATM''' in town, Bulqiza e Re. There is an '''Western Union Office''', Bulqiza e vjetër, city centre. '''Exchange''' '''office,''' Bulqiza e vjetër, city centre. * {{buy | name=Big Market Bulqiza | alt= | url= | email= | address=Shetitorja e Bulqizës | lat=41.493334 | long=20.218275 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-26 | content= }} * {{buy | name=Spar & Jumbo Bulqizë | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rruga Naim Frashëri | lat=41.492401 | long=20.219747 | directions= | phone=+355 69 404 0069 (mobile) | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-26 | content= }} * {{buy | name=Market Basha | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.494549 | long=20.218525 | directions= | phone=+355 68 200 1094 (mobile) | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-26 | content= }} * {{buy | name=Hasmeta 1 | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rr. Hasmeta | lat=41.498447 | long=20.217757 | directions= | phone=+355 68 606 3367 (mobile) | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-26 | content= }} * {{buy | name=Café Pizza Plus | alt= | url= | email= | address=Fushë-Bulqizë | lat=41.515122 | long=20.283138 | directions= | phone=+355 69 854 5941 (mobile) | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-26 | content= }} * {{buy | name=Market CAMI | alt= | url= | email= | address=Shupenzë | lat=41.533320 | long=20.423914 | directions= | phone=+355 69 674 9311 (mobile) | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-26 | content= }} * {{buy | name=Pazari i Shupenzës | alt= | url= | email= | address=Shupenzë | lat=41.528953 | long=20.423521 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-26 | content= }} == Eat == Restaurants generally offer fresh seasonal traditional food, affordable almost for everyone. Bulqiza is mountainous, so the products are taken from dairy animals which are raised in the mountains and valleys. Some restaurants offer seafood too. There are a lot of lakes and rivers in the area. * {{eat | name=Bujtina Hupi | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rruga Skenderbeu | lat=41.528143 | long=20.298485 | directions= | phone=+355 68 837 3793 | tollfree= | hours= | price=4000 lek | image=Kulla Hupi Lepurakë.jpg | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Bar restorant Stone | alt= | url= | email= | address=Fushë-Bulqizë | lat=41.515338 | long=20.286054 | directions= | phone=+355 69 567 0472 | tollfree= | hours= | price=500–1,000 lek; 1,000–1,500 lek; 1,500–2,000 lek | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Café Pizza Plus | alt= | url= | email= | address=Fushë-Bulqizë | lat=41.515025 | long=20.283117 | directions= | phone=+355 69 854 5941 | tollfree= | hours= | price=500–1,000 lek | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content=Pizza, crepes, drinks, market, gas and petrol station. }} * {{eat | name=Troja Resort | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rruga Zogjaj, Shupenzë | lat=41.577175 | long=20.390065 | directions= | phone=+355 68 313 1631 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Jeton Resort | alt= | url= | email= | address=Ura e Çerenecit, Diber | lat=41.520360 | long=20.419280 | directions= | phone=+355 69 551 0372 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Mona Lisa Pizza Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address=Shetitorja e Bulqizes | lat=41.493364 | long=20.221821 | directions= | phone=+355 68 222 4740 | tollfree= | hours= | price=500–1,000 lek | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Verrini Restorant | alt= | url= | email= | address=Fushë-Bulqizë | lat=41.515202 | long=20.286001 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Pishat Resort | alt= | url= | email= | address=rruga me pisha, Bulqizë Vajkal | lat=41.514256 | long=20.256577 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Zabel House | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.496639 | long=20.240302 | directions= | phone=+355 68 394 2558 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Fish Krajkë | alt= | url= | email= | address=Krajkë | lat=41.512287 | long=20.365398 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-26 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Byrektore Pastiçeri Torja | alt= | url= | email= | address=Shetitorja e Bulqizes | lat=41.493404 | long=20.218675 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-26 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Kafja e Rremës, Fast-Food | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.493720 | long=20.222779 | directions= | phone=+355 68 288 7954 (mobile) | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-26 | content= }} ==Drink == Cafés and bars usually serve only drinks, alcoholic and non alcoholic. Relax Lounge Bar also serves croissants for breakfast. * {{drink | name=Relax Bar Lounge | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.494133 | long=20.224558 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Vila Grand | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.492423 | long=20.220905 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Bar Hotel Everest | alt= | url= | email= | address=Bulqize - Qytet i Ri, Vajkal Nr.2 | lat=41.501981 | long=20.215364 | directions= | phone=+355 68 538 8474 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Center Coffee Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.492048 | long=20.218922 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Bar Kafe Big Ben | alt= | url= | email= | address=Pedonale | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Hotel Bulqiza | alt= | url= | email= | address=Shetitorja e Bulqizes | lat=41.491819 | long=20.218972 | directions= | phone=+355 219 22371 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} ==Sleep== Accommodation structures in the city are of different types. The price depends on the type and conditions they offer. Booking.com and Airbnb are widely used. You can also book by calling them or chatting on their social media, or direct at the reception. Cash payment is common, but you have card payment option too. <!-- Hotel Bulqiza Hotel Irdi Hotel Cupi Hotel Zogu Hotel Talja Hotel Stone Hotel Everest Bujtina Hupi Hotel Troja Hotel Jeton Hotel Shtepia e Bardhe Hotel Kaci Petrol --> * {{sleep | name=Hotel Bulqiza | alt= | url= | email= | address=Shetitorja e Bulqizes | lat=41.491795 | long=20.21894 | directions= | phone=+355 219 22371 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=60€ | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content=Located in the town center, featuring air-conditioned rooms, restaurant, bar cafe and a 24-hour front desk. It’s one of the largest and most equipped options in Bulqiza. }} * {{sleep | name=Bujtina Hupi (Kulla Hupi) | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rruga Skenderbeu | lat=41.527998 | long=20.298463 | directions= | phone=+355 68 837 3793 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=40€ | image=Kulla Hupi Lepurakë.jpg | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content=A cozy, traditional guesthouse with warm hospitality. Reviews highlight exceptional host care and authentic local dinners. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Everest | alt= | url= | email= | address=Bulqizë - Qytet i Ri, Vajkal Nr.2 | lat=41.501989 | long=20.215311 | directions= | phone=+355 68 538 8474 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=25€ | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Irdi | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rruga e Arbërit | lat=41.499878 | long=20.217082 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Kaci Petrol | alt= | url= | email= | address=Kaci petrol, Shupenzë | lat=41.533304 | long=20.423302 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Troja | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rruga Zogjaj, Shupenzë | lat=41.577143 | long=20.390076 | directions=In Troja Resort | phone=+355 68 313 1631 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content= }} ==Connect== Wireless Internet is widely available in cafés and restaurants throughout the city. Free public WiFi is not available. There is a post office in town, Posta Shiptare, Bulqiza e vjetër. == Stay safe and healthy == The town is generally quiet and safe, but in case something happens, we will inform you where to go. There is a Police Station in Bulqiza e vjetër, where you can report any danger that threatens you. In case of damage or accidents, you can contact the emergency services. In Bulqiza e vjetër there is a hospital, Spitali i Bulqizës (works 24 h), and three medical centers that work from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm, from Monday to Saturday. Two of them are located in Bulqiza e vjetër, and one in Bulqiza e re. You can also find medical centers in almost every village. The city has a large number of pharmacies. Since the city is small, it is very easy to find them, and also a lot of Dental Clinics, all located in Bulqiza e vjetër. You will also find the fire department service, located in Bulqiza e vjetër. There are plenty of Petrol Stations alongside the main road. The service is good. People are generally kind and helpful, but they do not always respect traffic rules. Beware of bad drivers. In case of car damage, you can get service at car service stations. They are generally located along the main road. Emergency Numbers: Emergency: 127 Fire Brigade: 128 Police Station: 129/ 112 ==Go next== *[[Peshkopi]] - 45 min by minibus (furgon) *[[Burrel]] - 1 hour by minibus (furgon) *[[Librazhd]] - 1 hour and 45 min by car or taxi. There are no busses *Debar (North Macedonia) - 40 min by taxi. There are no busses {{IsPartOf|northeastern Albania}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|41.5|20.216667}} awte9o9bgo7oy5ki70veaaxysqzod9v 5087043 5087038 2025-07-03T09:26:45Z 77.247.195.78 /* Sleep */ Updated listing for Hotel Troja 5087043 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Pagebanner|Bulqiza, qyteti I vjetër dhe qyteti I ri, pamja nga lart (cropped).jpg}}'''Bulqiza''' (Albanian: Bulqiz''ë'') is a city in Dibra County, [[northeastern Albania]]. Bulqiza is a key city for visitors to Peshkopi, Klos and North Macedonia. All travellers from Tirana or other cities, must pass through Bulqiza to visit Peshkopi and North Macedonia from Bllatë border. == Understand == [[File:Oxhaku Bulqizë.jpg|thumb|301x301px|View of the communist-era industry in Bulqiza]] The municipality of Bulqiza consists of 8 administrative units which are: Bulqiza, Martanesh, Fushë-Bulqiza, Zerqan, Gjoricë, Ostren, Shupenza and Trebisht. All administrative units are part of the Bulqiza district and the Dibra region. The new municipality has under its administration two cities (Bulqiza and Krasta) and 63 villages. Bulqiza has a mainly hilly-mountainous relief with heights ranging from 435 m to 2100 m, Kreshta Peak (Maja e Kreshtës) above sea level. In this territory lies the Bulqiza Valley, extending from west to east and with a length of 25 km and a width of up to 1 km. This valley is crossed by the Bulqiza River, which flows into the Black Drin. The surface area like forests, rich flora and fauna, meadows, glacial lakes and suitable climate is a great natural potential for the development of various economic activities. The underground is also very rich (chrome) and of great economic value for the area and the entire country. == Talk == The main language you will hear in the street is [[Albanian phrasebook|Albanian]], not the official language, but Bulqizaˈs dialect. The standard language is spoken in schools and institutions. English is commonly spoken in cafés and restaurants (not everywhere), mostly by young people. Navigating around the city is easy even if you don't speak or read Albanian. The city is small and walkable and people are helpful and generally receptive to efforts to communicate. == Get in == ===By bus=== Bulqiza is about 60 minutes ride from Tirana through the Arbriˈs road, by bus and furgon (minibus), and 3 hours through the old road that goes through Burrel, Milot, Fushë - Kruja and then Tirana (there are not anymore available busses, you can only go by car or by taxi). Following the Arbriˈs road, the ticket price is 400 lek. It is paid cash at the bus or minibus (furgon) and you don't get a ticket. For seat reservation you can call the bus agency or the bus driver. The distance from Peshkopi by furgon (minibus) is 45 min. The ticket price is 300 lek. * {{go | name=Terminal | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.494771 | long=20.217997 | directions= | phone=+355 67 206 3963 | tollfree= | hours=24 hours open | price= | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content=Buses and furgons (minibuses) are the vehicles used to travel towards Bulqizë. There are direct travels only with Tirana and Peshkopi. }} ===By taxi=== 40 min from Bllatë border (North Macedonia). You can travel by car, by taxi. The ticket price is 1000 lek. 1 hour and 45 min from Librazhd. There are no busses. You can travel by car or by taxi. === By car === You can rent a car in Tirana. === By bicycle === If you are a biker you can ride your bicycle from Tirana to Bulqiza easily going through the tunnels. == Get around == ===By bus=== If you want to travel in the villages, you can use furgons and busses too, but they don't go in every village. There is a minibus (urban) only between Bulqiza e vjetër - Bulqiza e re. The ticket price is 20 lek. ===By taxi=== There are taxis. Between the two cities the price is 200 lek. In around villages the ticket price is 1000-1200 lek. === On foot === In Bulqiza, people usually walk to different places as the town is really small. The town and some nearby villages are accessible on foot. === By bicycle === * {{go | name=Kulla Hupi | alt=Hupi Tower | url= | email= | address=Rruga Skenderbeu | lat=41.527947 | long=20.298492 | directions= | phone=+355 68 837 3793 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content=Kulla Hupi offers bicycles for rent. }} == See == Bulqiza is one of the richest natural areas of Albania in terms of biodiversity and the beauty of mountainous, forested, and lake landscapes. Due to its high natural values in this area, Shebenik - Jabllanicë has been declared national park, a significant part of which extends into the municipality of Bulqiza, Mali me Gropa Martanesh a protected landscape, and lots of natural monuments. Bulqiza also has a number of geomonuments, such as caves, stones, cliffs, pits, etc, declared natural monuments. Among the main caves, we mention: The Cave of Xixella, The Cave of the City Bridge, The cold Cave of Gjuras, etc. In addition to geomonuments, Bulqiza is rich in hydromonuments, where among the most important are: The Black Lake with glacial origin, on the northern slope of Mount Lopa (1600 m above sea level), The glacial lakes of Kacni on the eastern slope of Mount Balgjaj (1700 m above sea level), The Three Taps of Zerqani, Duriçi Waterfall etc. {{Mapframe|41.5037|20.2320|zoom=12}} * {{see | name=Mali me Gropa Bizë Martanesh | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.36011 | long=20.11751 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Mali me Gropa.jpg | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content=It extends over a large area, moreover attached to the area of the “Dajti Mountain” National Park and near Qafë Shtama. It represents a large mountain massif, which consists of Triassic-Jurassic limestone. It is interrupted by several valleys, rich in streams, which often constitute the beginning of large rivers, as is the case of the Mati River. Several interesting mountains stand out, such as: Mali i Lopës (2,000m), i Snoit të Madh (1,846m), as well as Mali me Gropa (average 1,500-1,600m), quite unique, due to the karst pits present in it. }} * {{see | name=Liqeni i Zi | alt=Black Lake | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.453236 | long=20.310481 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content=It is a glacial lake with a north-south length of 600m, an average east-west width of 300 m, a depth of 60 m, and an average surface area of ​​16.5 ha. The altitude above sea level is 1645 m. It is surrounded on three sides by very steep slopes, covered with beech and pine forests, which give the lake a rare beauty. It has crystal clear and cold water. During the winter it freezes on the surface. Due to its great depth and chromite deposits at its bottom, it has a black color. It is rich in a living and diverse world and forms an interesting ecosystem of alpine lakes.<br />It can be visited according to the itinerary: from the Burrel-Peshkopi national road, or the Bulqizë-Zerqan road then the walking path to Liqeni i Zi. }} * {{see | name=Maja e Dhoksit | alt=Dhoksi Peak | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.465863 | long=20.238098 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content=Dhoksi lakes are located in the northeastern slope of the main peak of Mount Dhoksi (2020), in a well formed and relatively large cirque complex. The glacial lakes of Dhoks are also known as Duriçe lakes after the name of a tribe in the area, and sometimes as the Skënder lakes, based on the name of the main lake, which is believed to be related to the name of Skanderbeg, a toponym or an affiliation that has remained for centuries. The cirque complex where the lakes lie is located at an altitude of 1700-1900 m, with an area of 200 hectares of different plants. }} * {{see | name=Ujëvara e Duriçit (Duriçi Waterfall) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.498978 | long=20.243553 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content=It is located on the northern slope of Mount Dhoksi, very close to the city of Bulqiza, 3.3 km from the city center, of which 2.2km can be reached by car, the rest is on foot. }} * {{see | name=Shkëmbi i Kullës së Skënderbeut | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.47917 | long=20.07923 | directions=on the southernmost slope of Mount Temla | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content=Approximately 1000 m above sea level. Its position shows a spectacular view over the Bulqizë valley and beyond. The tower was built around 1450 by the Skanderberg army that served as a military unit to protect the country by the enemy. }} * {{see | name=Gurra dhe shpella e Zerqanit | alt=Zerqan's rocks and caves | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=near the homonymous village | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content=At an altitude of 740 m above sea level, it consists of several karst phenomena (spring and cave), which emerge at the lithological contact between the Upper Triassic limestones and the terrigenous. It has clean and cold water. It creates a very attractive environment. It has scientific (geological, geomorphological, hydrological), cultural, didactic and touristic values. It is visited according to the Bulqize city-Zerqan villages itinerary. }} * {{see | name=Lugina e Drinit të Zi (Black Drin Valley) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-25 | content=Through the twisted gorges and stunning natural beauties, the Drin Valley offers a fantastic landscape. The Black Drin provides an extraordinary rafting experience, attracting the attention of locals as well as foreign tourists, who, in addition to the famous tourist spots, come to explore the Drin River. }} * {{see | name=Shpella e Valit Martanesh (Vali`s cave) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.347316 | long=20.161214 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-25 | content=The Cave of Val in Martanesh is one of the most interesting monuments of the Bulqiza district. It is 250 meters long, up to 35 meters wide, and 25 meters high. It is the cave where water disappears, as the locals call it. A cave full of unknowns, where without any funnel and without any hole, the river of Biza ``disappears`` without a trace. The Cave of Val is full of mysteries. Located in a short distance from Bulqiza and the capital Tirana, the cave can be visited by all. Distance: 52.8 km from the center of Bulqiza. }} * {{see | name=Parku Kombëtar Shebenik-Jabllanicë (National Park Shebenik-Jabllanicë) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.239708 | long=20.428213 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-25 | content=The Shebenik - Jabllanicë National Park is located in the northeastern part of our country, within the forest management boundaries of Librazhdi. The park has a total area of 33,927.66 hectares, where the main part is occupied by forests, followed by pastures, agricultural lands, non-productive lands, rocky areas, and plots. There are numerous ecological values, both the flora and fauna, as well as the tourist landscapes, with towering beech, fir, black pine, juniper, brushwood, and a rich variety of herbaceous plants. Distance from the center of Bulqizë is 92.3 km. }} * {{see | name=Shpella Xixëll Martanesh (Xixëll Cave) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-25 | content=It is also known by the names Xixëlla and the Battle of 1860, Xixëll the Qerbela bridge. It is located near the village of Peshk in the Administrative Unit of Martanesh, 1200 m above sea level. It constitutes a field shaped by glaciers and karst, with an almost oval shape, over 1.5 km in length and several hundred meters wide. In the middle, there is a well-preserved grown fir tree. Nearby, there is a karst spring and a monument for the battle of Sheh Fejzë Bulqiza, as well as a stone bridge named the Qerbela bridge. Historical events of the 19th century in the region have also taken place here. Religious festivals with pagan roots are organized here. It has scientific values (geological, geomorphological, historical), didactic, ecological, and cultural. It can be visited according to the itinerary of the city of Bulqizë - Peshk. Distance from the center of Bulqizë is 50.7 km/ }} * {{see | name=Muzeu Bulqizë (Bulqiza Museum) | alt= | url= | email= | address=Shetitorja e Bulqizës | lat=41.491845 | long=20.220306 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content=The museum is divided in three sections: archeological, ethnographic and chromium mine museum.<br />February 18, 1948, marks the official establishment of the largest chromium mine in the country. On September 29, 2023, the ethnographic and mining museum open for the first time in Bulqizë. <br />Bulqiza has a very rich cultural heritage that we find exhibited in the Ethnographic Museum. The museum displays traditional costumes from the region, as well as objects from ancient traditions with specific characteristics. }} == Do == Hiking to Maja e Dhoksit, Ujëvara e Duriçit, Shkëmbi i Kullës së Skënderbeut, Guri i Vashës, Mali i Bardhë, Malësia e Gollobordës. The Bulqiza area offers untouched nature, all still to be discovered on long hikes through mountain trails, river valleys, forests rich in flora and fauna, and magical water springs. Daily hikes in nature can take place in every season of the year, but winter is not recommended due to bad weather. Sailing on the Black Drin River – The Black Drin provides an extraordinary experience in rafting. Cave exploration – For cave exploration enthusiasts, it presents a quite interesting territory from a geological perspective with rocks, caves, natural cavities, and underground water. For safety reasons, we suggest being accompanied by a local guide. Mountain biking – You can experience this adventure on unpaved roads, in a beautiful nature rich in biodiversity. Horseback riding – Families and guesthouses can offer their visitors the opportunity to engage in horseback riding in the wild nature. Village walks – The village and the rural landscape in general are considered as an oasis of tranquility, nature, and relaxation. Play football at Kalçeto Terziu. * {{do | name=Kalçeto Terziu | alt= | url= | email= | address=Fushë-Bulqizë| lat=41.521260 | long=20.287345 | directions= | phone=+355686389571 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-07-01 | content= }} == Buy == There are many shops, markets, fruit and vegetable stands, in every corner. You can buy fresh local products like dairy products, fruit, vegetables and raki, the traditional alcoholic drink of Albania, typically plum-based, but also found made from grapes. There is only one bank, '''Raiffeisen Bank''', and one '''ATM''' in town, Bulqiza e Re. There is an '''Western Union Office''', Bulqiza e vjetër, city centre. '''Exchange''' '''office,''' Bulqiza e vjetër, city centre. * {{buy | name=Big Market Bulqiza | alt= | url= | email= | address=Shetitorja e Bulqizës | lat=41.493334 | long=20.218275 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-26 | content= }} * {{buy | name=Spar & Jumbo Bulqizë | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rruga Naim Frashëri | lat=41.492401 | long=20.219747 | directions= | phone=+355 69 404 0069 (mobile) | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-26 | content= }} * {{buy | name=Market Basha | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.494549 | long=20.218525 | directions= | phone=+355 68 200 1094 (mobile) | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-26 | content= }} * {{buy | name=Hasmeta 1 | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rr. Hasmeta | lat=41.498447 | long=20.217757 | directions= | phone=+355 68 606 3367 (mobile) | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-26 | content= }} * {{buy | name=Café Pizza Plus | alt= | url= | email= | address=Fushë-Bulqizë | lat=41.515122 | long=20.283138 | directions= | phone=+355 69 854 5941 (mobile) | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-26 | content= }} * {{buy | name=Market CAMI | alt= | url= | email= | address=Shupenzë | lat=41.533320 | long=20.423914 | directions= | phone=+355 69 674 9311 (mobile) | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-26 | content= }} * {{buy | name=Pazari i Shupenzës | alt= | url= | email= | address=Shupenzë | lat=41.528953 | long=20.423521 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-26 | content= }} == Eat == Restaurants generally offer fresh seasonal traditional food, affordable almost for everyone. Bulqiza is mountainous, so the products are taken from dairy animals which are raised in the mountains and valleys. Some restaurants offer seafood too. There are a lot of lakes and rivers in the area. * {{eat | name=Bujtina Hupi | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rruga Skenderbeu | lat=41.528143 | long=20.298485 | directions= | phone=+355 68 837 3793 | tollfree= | hours= | price=4000 lek | image=Kulla Hupi Lepurakë.jpg | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Bar restorant Stone | alt= | url= | email= | address=Fushë-Bulqizë | lat=41.515338 | long=20.286054 | directions= | phone=+355 69 567 0472 | tollfree= | hours= | price=500–1,000 lek; 1,000–1,500 lek; 1,500–2,000 lek | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Café Pizza Plus | alt= | url= | email= | address=Fushë-Bulqizë | lat=41.515025 | long=20.283117 | directions= | phone=+355 69 854 5941 | tollfree= | hours= | price=500–1,000 lek | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content=Pizza, crepes, drinks, market, gas and petrol station. }} * {{eat | name=Troja Resort | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rruga Zogjaj, Shupenzë | lat=41.577175 | long=20.390065 | directions= | phone=+355 68 313 1631 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Jeton Resort | alt= | url= | email= | address=Ura e Çerenecit, Diber | lat=41.520360 | long=20.419280 | directions= | phone=+355 69 551 0372 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Mona Lisa Pizza Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address=Shetitorja e Bulqizes | lat=41.493364 | long=20.221821 | directions= | phone=+355 68 222 4740 | tollfree= | hours= | price=500–1,000 lek | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Verrini Restorant | alt= | url= | email= | address=Fushë-Bulqizë | lat=41.515202 | long=20.286001 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Pishat Resort | alt= | url= | email= | address=rruga me pisha, Bulqizë Vajkal | lat=41.514256 | long=20.256577 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Zabel House | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.496639 | long=20.240302 | directions= | phone=+355 68 394 2558 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Fish Krajkë | alt= | url= | email= | address=Krajkë | lat=41.512287 | long=20.365398 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-26 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Byrektore Pastiçeri Torja | alt= | url= | email= | address=Shetitorja e Bulqizes | lat=41.493404 | long=20.218675 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-26 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Kafja e Rremës, Fast-Food | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.493720 | long=20.222779 | directions= | phone=+355 68 288 7954 (mobile) | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-06-26 | content= }} ==Drink == Cafés and bars usually serve only drinks, alcoholic and non alcoholic. Relax Lounge Bar also serves croissants for breakfast. * {{drink | name=Relax Bar Lounge | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.494133 | long=20.224558 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Vila Grand | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.492423 | long=20.220905 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Bar Hotel Everest | alt= | url= | email= | address=Bulqize - Qytet i Ri, Vajkal Nr.2 | lat=41.501981 | long=20.215364 | directions= | phone=+355 68 538 8474 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Center Coffee Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.492048 | long=20.218922 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Bar Kafe Big Ben | alt= | url= | email= | address=Pedonale | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Hotel Bulqiza | alt= | url= | email= | address=Shetitorja e Bulqizes | lat=41.491819 | long=20.218972 | directions= | phone=+355 219 22371 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-17 | content= }} ==Sleep== Accommodation structures in the city are of different types. The price depends on the type and conditions they offer. Booking.com and Airbnb are widely used. You can also book by calling them or chatting on their social media, or direct at the reception. Cash payment is common, but you have card payment option too. <!-- Hotel Bulqiza Hotel Irdi Hotel Cupi Hotel Zogu Hotel Talja Hotel Stone Hotel Everest Bujtina Hupi Hotel Troja Hotel Jeton Hotel Shtepia e Bardhe Hotel Kaci Petrol --> * {{sleep | name=Hotel Bulqiza | alt= | url= | email= | address=Shetitorja e Bulqizes | lat=41.491795 | long=20.21894 | directions= | phone=+355 219 22371 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=60€ | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content=Located in the town center, featuring air-conditioned rooms, restaurant, bar cafe and a 24-hour front desk. It’s one of the largest and most equipped options in Bulqiza. }} * {{sleep | name=Bujtina Hupi (Kulla Hupi) | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rruga Skenderbeu | lat=41.527998 | long=20.298463 | directions= | phone=+355 68 837 3793 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=40€ | image=Kulla Hupi Lepurakë.jpg | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content=A cozy, traditional guesthouse with warm hospitality. Reviews highlight exceptional host care and authentic local dinners. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Everest | alt= | url= | email= | address=Bulqizë - Qytet i Ri, Vajkal Nr.2 | lat=41.501989 | long=20.215311 | directions= | phone=+355 68 538 8474 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=25€ | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Irdi | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rruga e Arbërit | lat=41.499878 | long=20.217082 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Kaci Petrol | alt= | url= | email= | address=Kaci petrol, Shupenzë | lat=41.533304 | long=20.423302 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Troja | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rruga Zogjaj, Shupenzë | lat=41.577143 | long=20.390076 | directions=In Troja Resort | phone=+355 68 313 1631 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-18 | content=Located ~23 km away, this resort-style hotel offers excellent value—rooms. It includes parking, a restaurant, and a garden setting. }} ==Connect== Wireless Internet is widely available in cafés and restaurants throughout the city. Free public WiFi is not available. There is a post office in town, Posta Shiptare, Bulqiza e vjetër. == Stay safe and healthy == The town is generally quiet and safe, but in case something happens, we will inform you where to go. There is a Police Station in Bulqiza e vjetër, where you can report any danger that threatens you. In case of damage or accidents, you can contact the emergency services. In Bulqiza e vjetër there is a hospital, Spitali i Bulqizës (works 24 h), and three medical centers that work from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm, from Monday to Saturday. Two of them are located in Bulqiza e vjetër, and one in Bulqiza e re. You can also find medical centers in almost every village. The city has a large number of pharmacies. Since the city is small, it is very easy to find them, and also a lot of Dental Clinics, all located in Bulqiza e vjetër. You will also find the fire department service, located in Bulqiza e vjetër. There are plenty of Petrol Stations alongside the main road. The service is good. People are generally kind and helpful, but they do not always respect traffic rules. Beware of bad drivers. In case of car damage, you can get service at car service stations. They are generally located along the main road. Emergency Numbers: Emergency: 127 Fire Brigade: 128 Police Station: 129/ 112 ==Go next== *[[Peshkopi]] - 45 min by minibus (furgon) *[[Burrel]] - 1 hour by minibus (furgon) *[[Librazhd]] - 1 hour and 45 min by car or taxi. There are no busses *Debar (North Macedonia) - 40 min by taxi. There are no busses {{IsPartOf|northeastern Albania}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|41.5|20.216667}} dh00sexr9e99nmn6z3vet04km3pusqb 0 210397 5086821 5059175 2025-07-02T22:35:58Z Aliyu Usman645 2328883 /* Understand */ 5086821 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner}} '''Tsanyawa''' serves as the administrative centre for the Tsanyawa Local Government Area. It is predominantly inhabited by the Hausa people. == Understand == [[File:Tsanyawa.jpg|thumb|Tsanyawa gate]] The town is surrounded by several rural villages, including Dumbulum, Jabar, Zarogi, Ƴan Kamaye, Kokai, Kadamu and Yakanawa. == Get in == === By road === Tsanyawa is accessible by road from [[Kano]] city, which is about 57 km (about 1.5 hours) away. Minibuses and shared taxis regularly travel between Kano and Tsanyawa via the road linking the town to nearby Bichi and Dawanau. === By air === The nearest airport is Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in [[Kano#By air|Kano]]. From there, visitors can travel by road to Tsanyawa using public or private transportation. == Get around == The town is small enough to explore on foot. For trips to nearby villages, motorcycles (''okada'') and shared taxis are the most common means of transportation. == See == While Tsanyawa is not a major tourist destination, there are a few things of interest: * Tsanyawa Central Market – The town’s main market is a lively place to observe local commerce and shop for traditional goods. * Traditional Hausa architecture – Many homes are built in a traditional style, with mud walls and decorative patterns. * Local mosques – Beautifully designed and central to community life. == Do == * Visit the local market to interact with locals and sample local produce. * Attend local festivals or celebrations, especially during Eids. * Explore nearby villages for a deeper rural experience. == Buy == You can find: * Locally grown grains, fruits, and vegetables * Handmade mats, calabashes, and local crafts * Traditional fabrics and Hausa caps (''huluna'') == Eat == Street food and local restaurants offer: * '''Tuwo masara''' or '''tuwo shinkafa''' – maize or rice flour pudding with soup * '''Miyan taushe''' – pumpkin soup with vegetables and meat * '''Fura da nono''' – millet and fermented milk, a refreshing drink == Sleep == Accommodation is limited. There are a few basic guesthouses within the town that offer simple lodging. Visitors seeking more comfort should consider staying in [[Kano]] and making day trips. == Stay safe == * Tsanyawa is generally safe and welcoming. * Respect local customs, especially around dress and behaviour. * Avoid walking alone late at night, and travel with a guide when visiting more remote areas. == Connect == * Mobile network coverage is available (MTN, Airtel, Glo). * Postal code: 703102 == Go next == * [[Kano]] – the state capital with rich cultural and historical attractions. * [[Bagwai]] – a nearby town known for its dam and agricultural activities. * [[Dumbulum]] – a small nearby village offering a rural Hausa experience. {{IsPartOf|Kano State}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|12.3|7.98333}} [[Category:Kano towns]] 8izhvknx5l07zlmhmmczamz2759dvc4 0 210500 5086635 5070367 2025-07-02T14:06:15Z Bluecoordinationfine 2327039 Moved listings to separate articles. 5086635 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|17 Wira, Roslagsleden (cropped).jpg}} '''Roslagsleden''' is an itinerary in [[Roslagen]], Sweden. It is a long-distance hiking trail stretching about 190 kilometers from [[Danderyd]] near Stockholm to [[Grisslehamn]] on the coast, passing through forests, lakes, and picturesque villages along the way. ==Understand== {{see also|Hiking in the Nordic countries|Right to access}} The trail is part of the European long-distance path E6 and combines natural features with cultural sites. Roslagsleden is approximately 190 kilometers long, divided into 11 sections that range from 9 to 25 kilometers each. Most hikers complete the full trail in 9 to 11 days. The overall difficulty is moderate, though some segments can be more demanding. The route is clearly waymarked with orange paint on trees and posts, making navigation straightforward. The terrain is not particularly demanding or challenging, but contains notable points of interest such as the Angarnsjöängen Nature Reserve, and Wira Bruk, a historic ironworks village.   Roslagsleden is easily accessible via public transportation, with bus and train connections to various trailheads. Accommodation options along the trail range from shelters and campsites to hostels and hotels. Sweden’s [[Right to access in the Nordic countries|Right of Public Access]] allows for wild camping, provided that hikers respect nature and private property. The best time to hike is from May to September, when weather conditions are generally stable and services are available. Daylight hours are long, and the landscape is at its most accessible. ==Prepare== Roslagsleden is easy to access and passes through towns and villages, but you should still be ready to hike 9 to 25 km per day depending on the stage. While there are shelters and other places to stay, public wind shelters are few and not always reliable, so it’s best to plan where you’ll sleep in advance. Water is available in many places, but bring a filter or purification tablets just in case. Mosquitoes can be a nuisance in summer, and fire bans are common in dry periods, so check conditions before you go. ==Get in== Roslagsleden starts in Danderyd, a northern suburb of Stockholm easily reached by metro and bus. The trail ends in Grisslehamn, with direct bus connections back to Stockholm. Many trail sections are also accessible by public transport, making it easy to hike one stage at a time. ==Walk== {{Mapframe}} {{mapshape|type=geoline|wikidata=Q10657105|stroke=#000000|stroke-width=3|title=Roslagsleden}} === Danderyd - Karby gård === ; Distance : 15 km [[File:Roslagsleden.JPG |thumb|Start of Roslagsleden]] Starting off from the suburb of Danderyd, near {{marker|type=see|name=Danderyd Church|wikidata=Q10466523}}, the trail sets off into the forest. Passing by a golf course, the trail follows civilisation closely, but there are still a lot of campsites available for overnight use, such as Påtåker wind shelter and Fjäturen wind shelter. The stage ends at {{marker|type=see|name=Täby Kulturcentrum Karby gård|wikidata=Q10543575}}. * {{listing | lastedit = 2025-05-31 | counter = n | name = Påtåker wind shelter | type = sleep | wikidata = Q134129967 | content = }} * {{listing | lastedit = 2025-05-31 | counter = n | name = Fjäturen wind shelter | type = sleep | wikidata = Q134130241 | content = }} === Karby gård - Örsta === ; Distance : 13 km As you pass Karby gård, you enter farm landscapes with broad vistas. The locals often walk sections of the trail themselves, so don't be surprised if someone on the trail lives close to this area. The Gullsjön wind shelter is close to civilisation, so there may be noise at night. The stage ends at {{marker|type=city|name=Örsta|wikidata=Q20675478}}, still close to the suburbs of Stockholm. * {{listing | lastedit = 2025-05-31 | counter = n | name = Gullsjön wind shelter | type = sleep | wikidata = Q134130401 | content = }} === Örsta - Lövhagen === ; Distance : 16 km The farmland gives way to rockier terrain, but mostly stays flat. The Skogberga wind shelter shelter is further out this time, leaving you with a better night's sleep. {{marker|type=city|name=Lövhagen|wikidata=Q134133003}} is little more than a bus stop next to Brollsta Golfklubb. * {{listing | lastedit = 2025-05-31 | counter = n | name = Skogberga wind shelter | type = sleep | wikidata = Q134130587 | content = }} === Lövhagen - Domarudden === ; Distance : 12 km After this section, the suburbs give way to countryside terrain. You will not see more populous areas until you reach Norrtälje. Several lodging options are available. Such as Trehörningen wind shelter, as well as Domaruddens stuguthyrning and Domarudden friluftsgård that offer paid lodging options. * {{listing | lastedit = 2025-05-31 | counter = n | name = Trehörningen wind shelter | type = sleep | wikidata = Q134131103 | content = }} * {{listing | counter=n | name = Domaruddens stuguthyrning | type = sleep | wikidata = Q134130863 | content = }} * {{listing | counter=n | name = Domarudden friluftsgård | type = sleep | wikidata = Q130301291 | content = }} === Domarudden - Wira bruk === ; Distance : 20 km {{marker|type=city|name=Wira Bruk|wikidata=Q28934481}} is a historic ironworks factory. It's a charming place to visit, open to both visitors and tourists. Accommodation options may be available nearby, so be sure to check rental websites for places to stay. * {{listing | counter=n | name = Rastplats vid Oppsjön | type = sleep | wikidata = Q134131227 | content = }} === Wira Bruk - Penningby === ; Distance : 20 km The cabin at Grevinnans rå is one of the few in the Stockholm area equipped with a fireplace. It features a table and access to outdoor toilets. A wood storage area is nearby, but wood availability is not guaranteed. You may need to chop your own, or there may be none at all. The cabin is maintained by the Länna Outdoor Association. The name “Grevinnans rå” originates from a boundary stone (“råsten”) marking the convergence of four village borders. This stone is named after the countess of Penningby Castle, whose lands once extended to this area. The boundary stone remains visible today, serving as a historical landmark near the cabin. The trail continues to the town of {{marker|type=city|name=Penningby|wikidata=Q134129655}}, which has a historic castle called Penningby Slott. * {{listing | counter=n | name = Grevinnans rå | type = sleep | wikidata = Q134132119 | content = }} === Penningby - Norrtälje - Vigelsjö === ; Distance : 20 km {{marker|type=city|name=[[Norrtälje]]|wikidata=Q3588743}} is a larger town, with plenty of accommodation available, as well as restaurants. A recommendation is {{marker|type=city|name= Vickningen I Norrtälje |wikidata= Q134139160}}. The trail continues to {{marker|type=city|name=Vigesjö|wikidata=Q56827145}} in the northern end of Norrtälje. Norrtälje Camping is available here for overnight stays. === Vigelsjö - Roslagsbro === ; Distance : 13 km The town of {{marker|type=city|name=Roslagsbro|wikidata=Q134129608}} has a beautiful church, Roslagsbro church. The church has an immured runestone, as well as a beautifully painted interior. There are several bus stops along the trail in this area, providing convenient access to join or leave the route as needed. * {{listing | counter=n | name = Roslagsbro church | type = see | wikidata = Q134139184 | content = }} * {{listing | counter=n | name = Vårlyckans Hostel | type = sleep | wikidata = Q134131415 | content = }} === Roslagsbro - Bagghus/Gåsvik === ; Distance : 24 km There are few wind shelters available on the last stretches of the trail, but accommodation is available in the towns traversed. {{marker|type=city|name=Bagghus|wikidata=Q134129776}} itself however, does not have any lodging options. * {{listing | counter=n | name = Lillstugan i Råbacken | type = sleep | wikidata = Q134131841 | content = }} === Bagghus/Gåsvik - Sandviken === ; Distance : 8.8 km During this stage you will enter the Väddö peninsula. Accommodation is available at Väddö Sandvikens Camping, which has a sand beach nearby. The town of {{marker|type=city|name=Sandviken|wikidata=Q134132923}} is a larger settlement which has more loding options available. * {{listing | counter=n | name = Väddö Sandvikens Camping | type = sleep | wikidata = Q134139198 | content = }} === Sandviken - Grisslehamn === ; Distance : 21 km After finishing the trail, you can board the boat to Åland from {{marker|type=city|name=Grisslehamn|wikidata=Q1547090}}. Many people choose to make a round trip without ever getting off the boat, mainly because alcohol can be sold on board tax-free, since the boat officially leaves Sweden. ==Stay safe== * '''Watch out for ticks''': Ticks are common along the trail and can carry tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). Vaccination is recommended for frequent hikers in Sweden. Wear long sleeves and check your body after hiking. * '''Be prepared for changing weather''': Even in summer, temperatures can drop quickly, especially near the coast. Carry a rain jacket and an extra warm layer. * '''Fire safety''': Use the designated fire rings at shelters for any campfire, and only build fires in places where it is explicitly allowed. During dry periods, especially from late spring through summer, fire bans are common. Always check the current status using the Brandrisk Ute app or information from the County Administrative Board before starting a fire. ==Go next== After finishing Roslagsleden, you can take the ferry from Grisslehamn to Eckerö in the Åland Islands for peaceful coastal walks and island culture. If you prefer more forested terrain, head inland to hike [[Bergslagen trail]], a 280 km trail through the lakes and woods of central Sweden with plenty of shelters and trail infrastructure. {{usableitinerary}} {{PartOfItinerary|Europe itineraries}} c9aszwfp0tcad5sp9jjretogbx9zrrm 5086639 5086635 2025-07-02T14:09:01Z Bluecoordinationfine 2327039 See previous change. 5086639 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|17 Wira, Roslagsleden (cropped).jpg}} '''Roslagsleden''' is an itinerary in [[Roslagen]], Sweden. It is a long-distance hiking trail stretching about 190 kilometers from [[Danderyd]] near Stockholm to [[Grisslehamn]] on the coast, passing through forests, lakes, and picturesque villages along the way. ==Understand== {{see also|Hiking in the Nordic countries|Right to access}} The trail is part of the European long-distance path E6 and combines natural features with cultural sites. Roslagsleden is approximately 190 kilometers long, divided into 11 sections that range from 9 to 25 kilometers each. Most hikers complete the full trail in 9 to 11 days. The overall difficulty is moderate, though some segments can be more demanding. The route is clearly waymarked with orange paint on trees and posts, making navigation straightforward. The terrain is not particularly demanding or challenging, but contains notable points of interest such as the Angarnsjöängen Nature Reserve, and Wira Bruk, a historic ironworks village.   Roslagsleden is easily accessible via public transportation, with bus and train connections to various trailheads. Accommodation options along the trail range from shelters and campsites to hostels and hotels. Sweden’s [[Right to access in the Nordic countries|Right of Public Access]] allows for wild camping, provided that hikers respect nature and private property. The best time to hike is from May to September, when weather conditions are generally stable and services are available. Daylight hours are long, and the landscape is at its most accessible. ==Prepare== Roslagsleden is easy to access and passes through towns and villages, but you should still be ready to hike 9 to 25 km per day depending on the stage. While there are shelters and other places to stay, public wind shelters are few and not always reliable, so it’s best to plan where you’ll sleep in advance. Water is available in many places, but bring a filter or purification tablets just in case. Mosquitoes can be a nuisance in summer, and fire bans are common in dry periods, so check conditions before you go. ==Get in== Roslagsleden starts in Danderyd, a northern suburb of Stockholm easily reached by metro and bus. The trail ends in Grisslehamn, with direct bus connections back to Stockholm. Many trail sections are also accessible by public transport, making it easy to hike one stage at a time. ==Walk== {{Mapframe}} {{mapshape|type=geoline|wikidata=Q10657105|stroke=#000000|stroke-width=3|title=Roslagsleden}} === Danderyd - Karby gård === ; Distance : 15 km [[File:Roslagsleden.JPG |thumb|Start of Roslagsleden]] Starting off from the suburb of Danderyd, near {{marker|type=see|name=Danderyd Church|wikidata=Q10466523}}, the trail sets off into the forest. Passing by a golf course, the trail follows civilisation closely, but there are still a lot of campsites available for overnight use, such as Påtåker wind shelter and Fjäturen wind shelter. The stage ends at {{marker|type=see|name=Täby Kulturcentrum Karby gård|wikidata=Q10543575}}. * {{listing | lastedit = 2025-05-31 | counter = n | name = Påtåker wind shelter | type = sleep | wikidata = Q134129967 | content = }} * {{listing | lastedit = 2025-05-31 | counter = n | name = Fjäturen wind shelter | type = sleep | wikidata = Q134130241 | content = }} === Karby gård - Örsta === ; Distance : 13 km As you pass Karby gård, you enter farm landscapes with broad vistas. The locals often walk sections of the trail themselves, so don't be surprised if someone on the trail lives close to this area. The Gullsjön wind shelter is close to civilisation, so there may be noise at night. The stage ends at {{marker|type=city|name=Örsta|wikidata=Q20675478}}, still close to the suburbs of Stockholm. * {{listing | lastedit = 2025-05-31 | counter = n | name = Gullsjön wind shelter | type = sleep | wikidata = Q134130401 | content = }} === Örsta - Lövhagen === ; Distance : 16 km The farmland gives way to rockier terrain, but mostly stays flat. The Skogberga wind shelter shelter is further out this time, leaving you with a better night's sleep. {{marker|type=city|name=Lövhagen|wikidata=Q134133003}} is little more than a bus stop next to Brollsta Golfklubb. * {{listing | lastedit = 2025-05-31 | counter = n | name = Skogberga wind shelter | type = sleep | wikidata = Q134130587 | content = }} === Lövhagen - Domarudden === ; Distance : 12 km After this section, the suburbs give way to countryside terrain. You will not see more populous areas until you reach Norrtälje. Several lodging options are available. Such as Trehörningen wind shelter, as well as Domaruddens stuguthyrning and Domarudden friluftsgård that offer paid lodging options. * {{listing | lastedit = 2025-05-31 | counter = n | name = Trehörningen wind shelter | type = sleep | wikidata = Q134131103 | content = }} * {{listing | counter=n | name = Domaruddens stuguthyrning | type = sleep | wikidata = Q134130863 | content = }} * {{listing | counter=n | name = Domarudden friluftsgård | type = sleep | wikidata = Q130301291 | content = }} === Domarudden - Wira bruk === ; Distance : 20 km {{marker|type=city|name=Wira Bruk|wikidata=Q28934481}} is a historic ironworks factory. It's a charming place to visit, open to both visitors and tourists. Accommodation options may be available nearby, so be sure to check rental websites for places to stay. * {{listing | counter=n | name = Rastplats vid Oppsjön | type = sleep | wikidata = Q134131227 | content = }} === Wira Bruk - Penningby === ; Distance : 20 km The cabin at Grevinnans rå is one of the few in the Stockholm area equipped with a fireplace. It features a table and access to outdoor toilets. A wood storage area is nearby, but wood availability is not guaranteed. You may need to chop your own, or there may be none at all. The cabin is maintained by the Länna Outdoor Association. The name “Grevinnans rå” originates from a boundary stone (“råsten”) marking the convergence of four village borders. This stone is named after the countess of Penningby Castle, whose lands once extended to this area. The boundary stone remains visible today, serving as a historical landmark near the cabin. The trail continues to the town of {{marker|type=city|name=Penningby|wikidata=Q134129655}}, which has a historic castle called Penningby Slott. * {{listing | counter=n | name = Grevinnans rå | type = sleep | wikidata = Q134132119 | content = }} === Penningby - Norrtälje - Vigelsjö === ; Distance : 20 km {{marker|type=city|name=[[Norrtälje]]|wikidata=Q3588743}} is a larger town, with plenty of accommodation available, as well as restaurants. A recommendation is {{marker|type=city|name= Vickningen I Norrtälje |wikidata= Q134139160}}. The trail continues to {{marker|type=city|name=Vigesjö|wikidata=Q56827145}} in the northern end of Norrtälje. Norrtälje Camping is available here for overnight stays. === Vigelsjö - Roslagsbro === ; Distance : 13 km The town of {{marker|type=city|name=Roslagsbro|wikidata=Q134129608}} has a beautiful church, Roslagsbro church. The church has an immured runestone, as well as a beautifully painted interior. There are several bus stops along the trail in this area, providing convenient access to join or leave the route as needed. * {{listing | counter=n | name = Roslagsbro church | type = see | wikidata = Q134139184 | content = }} * {{listing | counter=n | name = Vårlyckans Hostel | type = sleep | wikidata = Q134131415 | content = }} === Roslagsbro - Bagghus/Gåsvik === ; Distance : 24 km There are few wind shelters available on the last stretches of the trail, but accommodation is available in the towns traversed. {{marker|type=city|name=Bagghus|wikidata=Q134129776}} itself however, does not have any lodging options. * {{listing | counter=n | name = Lillstugan i Råbacken | type = sleep | wikidata = Q134131841 | content = }} === Bagghus/Gåsvik - Sandviken === ; Distance : 8.8 km During this stage you will enter the Väddö peninsula. The town of {{marker|type=city|name=Sandviken|wikidata=Q134132923}} is a larger settlement which has a camping as well as a beach nearby. === Sandviken - Grisslehamn === ; Distance : 21 km After finishing the trail, you can board the boat to Åland from {{marker|type=city|name=Grisslehamn|wikidata=Q1547090}}. Many people choose to make a round trip without ever getting off the boat, mainly because alcohol can be sold on board tax-free, since the boat officially leaves Sweden. ==Stay safe== * '''Watch out for ticks''': Ticks are common along the trail and can carry tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). Vaccination is recommended for frequent hikers in Sweden. Wear long sleeves and check your body after hiking. * '''Be prepared for changing weather''': Even in summer, temperatures can drop quickly, especially near the coast. Carry a rain jacket and an extra warm layer. * '''Fire safety''': Use the designated fire rings at shelters for any campfire, and only build fires in places where it is explicitly allowed. During dry periods, especially from late spring through summer, fire bans are common. Always check the current status using the Brandrisk Ute app or information from the County Administrative Board before starting a fire. ==Go next== After finishing Roslagsleden, you can take the ferry from Grisslehamn to Eckerö in the Åland Islands for peaceful coastal walks and island culture. If you prefer more forested terrain, head inland to hike [[Bergslagen trail]], a 280 km trail through the lakes and woods of central Sweden with plenty of shelters and trail infrastructure. {{usableitinerary}} {{PartOfItinerary|Europe itineraries}} i7lepkxfkyngl07cdiyxjv6xg77y6di 5086641 5086639 2025-07-02T14:09:25Z Bluecoordinationfine 2327039 5086641 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|17 Wira, Roslagsleden (cropped).jpg}} '''Roslagsleden''' is an itinerary in [[Roslagen]], Sweden. It is a long-distance hiking trail stretching about 190 kilometers from [[Danderyd]] near Stockholm to [[Grisslehamn]] on the coast, passing through forests, lakes, and picturesque villages along the way. ==Understand== {{see also|Hiking in the Nordic countries|Right to access}} The trail is part of the European long-distance path E6 and combines natural features with cultural sites. Roslagsleden is approximately 190 kilometers long, divided into 11 sections that range from 9 to 25 kilometers each. Most hikers complete the full trail in 9 to 11 days. The overall difficulty is moderate, though some segments can be more demanding. The route is clearly waymarked with orange paint on trees and posts, making navigation straightforward. The terrain is not particularly demanding or challenging, but contains notable points of interest such as the Angarnsjöängen Nature Reserve, and Wira Bruk, a historic ironworks village.   Roslagsleden is easily accessible via public transportation, with bus and train connections to various trailheads. Accommodation options along the trail range from shelters and campsites to hostels and hotels. Sweden’s [[Right to access in the Nordic countries|Right of Public Access]] allows for wild camping, provided that hikers respect nature and private property. The best time to hike is from May to September, when weather conditions are generally stable and services are available. Daylight hours are long, and the landscape is at its most accessible. ==Prepare== Roslagsleden is easy to access and passes through towns and villages, but you should still be ready to hike 9 to 25 km per day depending on the stage. While there are shelters and other places to stay, public wind shelters are few and not always reliable, so it’s best to plan where you’ll sleep in advance. Water is available in many places, but bring a filter or purification tablets just in case. Mosquitoes can be a nuisance in summer, and fire bans are common in dry periods, so check conditions before you go. ==Get in== Roslagsleden starts in Danderyd, a northern suburb of Stockholm easily reached by metro and bus. The trail ends in Grisslehamn, with direct bus connections back to Stockholm. Many trail sections are also accessible by public transport, making it easy to hike one stage at a time. ==Walk== {{Mapframe}} {{mapshape|type=geoline|wikidata=Q10657105|stroke=#000000|stroke-width=3|title=Roslagsleden}} === Danderyd - Karby gård === ; Distance : 15 km [[File:Roslagsleden.JPG |thumb|Start of Roslagsleden]] Starting off from the suburb of Danderyd, near {{marker|type=see|name=Danderyd Church|wikidata=Q10466523}}, the trail sets off into the forest. Passing by a golf course, the trail follows civilisation closely, but there are still a lot of campsites available for overnight use, such as Påtåker wind shelter and Fjäturen wind shelter. The stage ends at {{marker|type=see|name=Täby Kulturcentrum Karby gård|wikidata=Q10543575}}. * {{listing | lastedit = 2025-05-31 | counter = n | name = Påtåker wind shelter | type = sleep | wikidata = Q134129967 | content = }} * {{listing | lastedit = 2025-05-31 | counter = n | name = Fjäturen wind shelter | type = sleep | wikidata = Q134130241 | content = }} === Karby gård - Örsta === ; Distance : 13 km As you pass Karby gård, you enter farm landscapes with broad vistas. The locals often walk sections of the trail themselves, so don't be surprised if someone on the trail lives close to this area. The Gullsjön wind shelter is close to civilisation, so there may be noise at night. The stage ends at {{marker|type=city|name=Örsta|wikidata=Q20675478}}, still close to the suburbs of Stockholm. * {{listing | lastedit = 2025-05-31 | counter = n | name = Gullsjön wind shelter | type = sleep | wikidata = Q134130401 | content = }} === Örsta - Lövhagen === ; Distance : 16 km The farmland gives way to rockier terrain, but mostly stays flat. The Skogberga wind shelter shelter is further out this time, leaving you with a better night's sleep. {{marker|type=city|name=Lövhagen|wikidata=Q134133003}} is little more than a bus stop next to Brollsta Golfklubb. * {{listing | lastedit = 2025-05-31 | counter = n | name = Skogberga wind shelter | type = sleep | wikidata = Q134130587 | content = }} === Lövhagen - Domarudden === ; Distance : 12 km After this section, the suburbs give way to countryside terrain. You will not see more populous areas until you reach Norrtälje. Several lodging options are available. Such as Trehörningen wind shelter, as well as Domaruddens stuguthyrning and Domarudden friluftsgård that offer paid lodging options. * {{listing | lastedit = 2025-05-31 | counter = n | name = Trehörningen wind shelter | type = sleep | wikidata = Q134131103 | content = }} * {{listing | counter=n | name = Domaruddens stuguthyrning | type = sleep | wikidata = Q134130863 | content = }} * {{listing | counter=n | name = Domarudden friluftsgård | type = sleep | wikidata = Q130301291 | content = }} === Domarudden - Wira bruk === ; Distance : 20 km {{marker|type=city|name=Wira Bruk|wikidata=Q28934481}} is a historic ironworks factory. It's a charming place to visit, open to both visitors and tourists. Accommodation options may be available nearby, so be sure to check rental websites for places to stay. * {{listing | counter=n | name = Rastplats vid Oppsjön | type = sleep | wikidata = Q134131227 | content = }} === Wira Bruk - Penningby === ; Distance : 20 km The cabin at Grevinnans rå is one of the few in the Stockholm area equipped with a fireplace. It features a table and access to outdoor toilets. A wood storage area is nearby, but wood availability is not guaranteed. You may need to chop your own, or there may be none at all. The cabin is maintained by the Länna Outdoor Association. The name “Grevinnans rå” originates from a boundary stone (“råsten”) marking the convergence of four village borders. This stone is named after the countess of Penningby Castle, whose lands once extended to this area. The boundary stone remains visible today, serving as a historical landmark near the cabin. The trail continues to the town of {{marker|type=city|name=Penningby|wikidata=Q134129655}}, which has a historic castle called Penningby Slott. * {{listing | counter=n | name = Grevinnans rå | type = sleep | wikidata = Q134132119 | content = }} === Penningby - Norrtälje - Vigelsjö === ; Distance : 20 km {{marker|type=city|name=[[Norrtälje]]|wikidata=Q3588743}} is a larger town, with plenty of accommodation available, as well as restaurants. A recommendation is {{marker|type=eat|name= Vickningen I Norrtälje |wikidata= Q134139160}}. The trail continues to {{marker|type=city|name=Vigesjö|wikidata=Q56827145}} in the northern end of Norrtälje. Norrtälje Camping is available here for overnight stays. === Vigelsjö - Roslagsbro === ; Distance : 13 km The town of {{marker|type=city|name=Roslagsbro|wikidata=Q134129608}} has a beautiful church, Roslagsbro church. The church has an immured runestone, as well as a beautifully painted interior. There are several bus stops along the trail in this area, providing convenient access to join or leave the route as needed. * {{listing | counter=n | name = Roslagsbro church | type = see | wikidata = Q134139184 | content = }} * {{listing | counter=n | name = Vårlyckans Hostel | type = sleep | wikidata = Q134131415 | content = }} === Roslagsbro - Bagghus/Gåsvik === ; Distance : 24 km There are few wind shelters available on the last stretches of the trail, but accommodation is available in the towns traversed. {{marker|type=city|name=Bagghus|wikidata=Q134129776}} itself however, does not have any lodging options. * {{listing | counter=n | name = Lillstugan i Råbacken | type = sleep | wikidata = Q134131841 | content = }} === Bagghus/Gåsvik - Sandviken === ; Distance : 8.8 km During this stage you will enter the Väddö peninsula. The town of {{marker|type=city|name=Sandviken|wikidata=Q134132923}} is a larger settlement which has a camping as well as a beach nearby. === Sandviken - Grisslehamn === ; Distance : 21 km After finishing the trail, you can board the boat to Åland from {{marker|type=city|name=Grisslehamn|wikidata=Q1547090}}. Many people choose to make a round trip without ever getting off the boat, mainly because alcohol can be sold on board tax-free, since the boat officially leaves Sweden. ==Stay safe== * '''Watch out for ticks''': Ticks are common along the trail and can carry tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). Vaccination is recommended for frequent hikers in Sweden. Wear long sleeves and check your body after hiking. * '''Be prepared for changing weather''': Even in summer, temperatures can drop quickly, especially near the coast. Carry a rain jacket and an extra warm layer. * '''Fire safety''': Use the designated fire rings at shelters for any campfire, and only build fires in places where it is explicitly allowed. During dry periods, especially from late spring through summer, fire bans are common. Always check the current status using the Brandrisk Ute app or information from the County Administrative Board before starting a fire. ==Go next== After finishing Roslagsleden, you can take the ferry from Grisslehamn to Eckerö in the Åland Islands for peaceful coastal walks and island culture. If you prefer more forested terrain, head inland to hike [[Bergslagen trail]], a 280 km trail through the lakes and woods of central Sweden with plenty of shelters and trail infrastructure. {{usableitinerary}} {{PartOfItinerary|Europe itineraries}} hug2vhz8azfx7wcc56qwji99er37wd6 5086645 5086641 2025-07-02T14:13:43Z Bluecoordinationfine 2327039 Moved the listings into the Norrtalje article. 5086645 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|17 Wira, Roslagsleden (cropped).jpg}} '''Roslagsleden''' is an itinerary in [[Roslagen]], Sweden. It is a long-distance hiking trail stretching about 190 kilometers from [[Danderyd]] near Stockholm to [[Grisslehamn]] on the coast, passing through forests, lakes, and picturesque villages along the way. ==Understand== {{see also|Hiking in the Nordic countries|Right to access}} The trail is part of the European long-distance path E6 and combines natural features with cultural sites. Roslagsleden is approximately 190 kilometers long, divided into 11 sections that range from 9 to 25 kilometers each. Most hikers complete the full trail in 9 to 11 days. The overall difficulty is moderate, though some segments can be more demanding. The route is clearly waymarked with orange paint on trees and posts, making navigation straightforward. The terrain is not particularly demanding or challenging, but contains notable points of interest such as the Angarnsjöängen Nature Reserve, and Wira Bruk, a historic ironworks village.   Roslagsleden is easily accessible via public transportation, with bus and train connections to various trailheads. Accommodation options along the trail range from shelters and campsites to hostels and hotels. Sweden’s [[Right to access in the Nordic countries|Right of Public Access]] allows for wild camping, provided that hikers respect nature and private property. The best time to hike is from May to September, when weather conditions are generally stable and services are available. Daylight hours are long, and the landscape is at its most accessible. ==Prepare== Roslagsleden is easy to access and passes through towns and villages, but you should still be ready to hike 9 to 25 km per day depending on the stage. While there are shelters and other places to stay, public wind shelters are few and not always reliable, so it’s best to plan where you’ll sleep in advance. Water is available in many places, but bring a filter or purification tablets just in case. Mosquitoes can be a nuisance in summer, and fire bans are common in dry periods, so check conditions before you go. ==Get in== Roslagsleden starts in Danderyd, a northern suburb of Stockholm easily reached by metro and bus. The trail ends in Grisslehamn, with direct bus connections back to Stockholm. Many trail sections are also accessible by public transport, making it easy to hike one stage at a time. ==Walk== {{Mapframe}} {{mapshape|type=geoline|wikidata=Q10657105|stroke=#000000|stroke-width=3|title=Roslagsleden}} === Danderyd - Karby gård === ; Distance : 15 km [[File:Roslagsleden.JPG |thumb|Start of Roslagsleden]] Starting off from the suburb of Danderyd, near {{marker|type=see|name=Danderyd Church|wikidata=Q10466523}}, the trail sets off into the forest. Passing by a golf course, the trail follows civilisation closely, but there are still a lot of campsites available for overnight use, such as Påtåker wind shelter and Fjäturen wind shelter. The stage ends at {{marker|type=see|name=Täby Kulturcentrum Karby gård|wikidata=Q10543575}}. * {{listing | lastedit = 2025-05-31 | counter = n | name = Påtåker wind shelter | type = sleep | wikidata = Q134129967 | content = }} * {{listing | lastedit = 2025-05-31 | counter = n | name = Fjäturen wind shelter | type = sleep | wikidata = Q134130241 | content = }} === Karby gård - Örsta === ; Distance : 13 km As you pass Karby gård, you enter farm landscapes with broad vistas. The locals often walk sections of the trail themselves, so don't be surprised if someone on the trail lives close to this area. The Gullsjön wind shelter is close to civilisation, so there may be noise at night. The stage ends at {{marker|type=city|name=Örsta|wikidata=Q20675478}}, still close to the suburbs of Stockholm. * {{listing | lastedit = 2025-05-31 | counter = n | name = Gullsjön wind shelter | type = sleep | wikidata = Q134130401 | content = }} === Örsta - Lövhagen === ; Distance : 16 km The farmland gives way to rockier terrain, but mostly stays flat. The Skogberga wind shelter shelter is further out this time, leaving you with a better night's sleep. {{marker|type=city|name=Lövhagen|wikidata=Q134133003}} is little more than a bus stop next to Brollsta Golfklubb. * {{listing | lastedit = 2025-05-31 | counter = n | name = Skogberga wind shelter | type = sleep | wikidata = Q134130587 | content = }} === Lövhagen - Domarudden === ; Distance : 12 km After this section, the suburbs give way to countryside terrain. You will not see more populous areas until you reach Norrtälje. Several lodging options are available. Such as Trehörningen wind shelter, as well as Domaruddens stuguthyrning and Domarudden friluftsgård that offer paid lodging options. * {{listing | lastedit = 2025-05-31 | counter = n | name = Trehörningen wind shelter | type = sleep | wikidata = Q134131103 | content = }} * {{listing | counter=n | name = Domaruddens stuguthyrning | type = sleep | wikidata = Q134130863 | content = }} * {{listing | counter=n | name = Domarudden friluftsgård | type = sleep | wikidata = Q130301291 | content = }} === Domarudden - Wira bruk === ; Distance : 20 km {{marker|type=city|name=Wira Bruk|wikidata=Q28934481}} is a historic ironworks factory. It's a charming place to visit, open to both visitors and tourists. Accommodation options may be available nearby, so be sure to check rental websites for places to stay. * {{listing | counter=n | name = Rastplats vid Oppsjön | type = sleep | wikidata = Q134131227 | content = }} === Wira Bruk - Penningby === ; Distance : 20 km The cabin at Grevinnans rå is one of the few in the Stockholm area equipped with a fireplace. It features a table and access to outdoor toilets. A wood storage area is nearby, but wood availability is not guaranteed. You may need to chop your own, or there may be none at all. The cabin is maintained by the Länna Outdoor Association. The name “Grevinnans rå” originates from a boundary stone (“råsten”) marking the convergence of four village borders. This stone is named after the countess of Penningby Castle, whose lands once extended to this area. The boundary stone remains visible today, serving as a historical landmark near the cabin. The trail continues to the town of {{marker|type=city|name=Penningby|wikidata=Q134129655}}, which has a historic castle called Penningby Slott. * {{listing | counter=n | name = Grevinnans rå | type = sleep | wikidata = Q134132119 | content = }} === Penningby - Norrtälje - Vigelsjö === ; Distance : 20 km {{marker|type=city|name=[[Norrtälje]]|wikidata=Q3588743}} is a larger town, with plenty of accommodation available, as well as restaurants. A recommendation is {{marker|type=eat|name= Vickningen I Norrtälje |wikidata= Q134139160}}. The trail continues to {{marker|type=city|name=Vigesjö|wikidata=Q56827145}} in the northern end of Norrtälje. Norrtälje Camping is available here for overnight stays. === Vigelsjö - Roslagsbro === ; Distance : 13 km The town of {{marker|type=city|name=Roslagsbro|wikidata=Q134129608}} has a beautiful church, {{marker|type=city|name= Roslagsbro church |wikidata= Q134139184}}. The church has an immured runestone, as well as a beautifully painted interior. There are several bus stops along the trail in this area, providing convenient access to join or leave the route as needed. === Roslagsbro - Bagghus/Gåsvik === ; Distance : 24 km There are few wind shelters available on the last stretches of the trail, but accommodation is available in the towns traversed. {{marker|type=city|name=Bagghus|wikidata=Q134129776}} itself however, does not have any lodging options. === Bagghus/Gåsvik - Sandviken === ; Distance : 8.8 km During this stage you will enter the Väddö peninsula. The town of {{marker|type=city|name=Sandviken|wikidata=Q134132923}} is a larger settlement which has a camping as well as a beach nearby. === Sandviken - Grisslehamn === ; Distance : 21 km After finishing the trail, you can board the boat to Åland from {{marker|type=city|name=Grisslehamn|wikidata=Q1547090}}. Many people choose to make a round trip without ever getting off the boat, mainly because alcohol can be sold on board tax-free, since the boat officially leaves Sweden. ==Stay safe== * '''Watch out for ticks''': Ticks are common along the trail and can carry tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). Vaccination is recommended for frequent hikers in Sweden. Wear long sleeves and check your body after hiking. * '''Be prepared for changing weather''': Even in summer, temperatures can drop quickly, especially near the coast. Carry a rain jacket and an extra warm layer. * '''Fire safety''': Use the designated fire rings at shelters for any campfire, and only build fires in places where it is explicitly allowed. During dry periods, especially from late spring through summer, fire bans are common. Always check the current status using the Brandrisk Ute app or information from the County Administrative Board before starting a fire. ==Go next== After finishing Roslagsleden, you can take the ferry from Grisslehamn to Eckerö in the Åland Islands for peaceful coastal walks and island culture. If you prefer more forested terrain, head inland to hike [[Bergslagen trail]], a 280 km trail through the lakes and woods of central Sweden with plenty of shelters and trail infrastructure. {{usableitinerary}} {{PartOfItinerary|Europe itineraries}} b7xu3e7ma8e1o31tkvx7v2vvcvekv7s 5086646 5086645 2025-07-02T14:17:52Z Bluecoordinationfine 2327039 For now, I've kept only wind shelters and cabins that are part of the trail's infrastructure. 5086646 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|17 Wira, Roslagsleden (cropped).jpg}} '''Roslagsleden''' is an itinerary in [[Roslagen]], Sweden. It is a long-distance hiking trail stretching about 190 kilometers from [[Danderyd]] near Stockholm to [[Grisslehamn]] on the coast, passing through forests, lakes, and picturesque villages along the way. ==Understand== {{see also|Hiking in the Nordic countries|Right to access}} The trail is part of the European long-distance path E6 and combines natural features with cultural sites. Roslagsleden is approximately 190 kilometers long, divided into 11 sections that range from 9 to 25 kilometers each. Most hikers complete the full trail in 9 to 11 days. The overall difficulty is moderate, though some segments can be more demanding. The route is clearly waymarked with orange paint on trees and posts, making navigation straightforward. The terrain is not particularly demanding or challenging, but contains notable points of interest such as the Angarnsjöängen Nature Reserve, and Wira Bruk, a historic ironworks village.   Roslagsleden is easily accessible via public transportation, with bus and train connections to various trailheads. Accommodation options along the trail range from shelters and campsites to hostels and hotels. Sweden’s [[Right to access in the Nordic countries|Right of Public Access]] allows for wild camping, provided that hikers respect nature and private property. The best time to hike is from May to September, when weather conditions are generally stable and services are available. Daylight hours are long, and the landscape is at its most accessible. ==Prepare== Roslagsleden is easy to access and passes through towns and villages, but you should still be ready to hike 9 to 25 km per day depending on the stage. While there are shelters and other places to stay, public wind shelters are few and not always reliable, so it’s best to plan where you’ll sleep in advance. Water is available in many places, but bring a filter or purification tablets just in case. Mosquitoes can be a nuisance in summer, and fire bans are common in dry periods, so check conditions before you go. ==Get in== Roslagsleden starts in Danderyd, a northern suburb of Stockholm easily reached by metro and bus. The trail ends in Grisslehamn, with direct bus connections back to Stockholm. Many trail sections are also accessible by public transport, making it easy to hike one stage at a time. ==Walk== {{Mapframe}} {{mapshape|type=geoline|wikidata=Q10657105|stroke=#000000|stroke-width=3|title=Roslagsleden}} === Danderyd - Karby gård === ; Distance : 15 km [[File:Roslagsleden.JPG |thumb|Start of Roslagsleden]] Starting off from the suburb of Danderyd, near {{marker|type=see|name=Danderyd Church|wikidata=Q10466523}}, the trail sets off into the forest. Passing by a golf course, the trail follows civilisation closely, but there are still a lot of campsites available for overnight use, such as Påtåker wind shelter and Fjäturen wind shelter. The stage ends at {{marker|type=see|name=Täby Kulturcentrum Karby gård|wikidata=Q10543575}}. * {{listing | lastedit = 2025-05-31 | counter = n | name = Påtåker wind shelter | type = sleep | wikidata = Q134129967 | content = }} * {{listing | lastedit = 2025-05-31 | counter = n | name = Fjäturen wind shelter | type = sleep | wikidata = Q134130241 | content = }} === Karby gård - Örsta === ; Distance : 13 km As you pass Karby gård, you enter farm landscapes with broad vistas. The locals often walk sections of the trail themselves, so don't be surprised if someone on the trail lives close to this area. The Gullsjön wind shelter is close to civilisation, so there may be noise at night. The stage ends at {{marker|type=city|name=Örsta|wikidata=Q20675478}}, still close to the suburbs of Stockholm. * {{listing | lastedit = 2025-05-31 | counter = n | name = Gullsjön wind shelter | type = sleep | wikidata = Q134130401 | content = }} === Örsta - Lövhagen === ; Distance : 16 km The farmland gives way to rockier terrain, but mostly stays flat. The Skogberga wind shelter shelter is further out this time, leaving you with a better night's sleep. {{marker|type=city|name=Lövhagen|wikidata=Q134133003}} is little more than a bus stop next to Brollsta Golfklubb. * {{listing | lastedit = 2025-05-31 | counter = n | name = Skogberga wind shelter | type = sleep | wikidata = Q134130587 | content = }} === Lövhagen - Domarudden === ; Distance : 12 km After this section, the suburbs give way to countryside terrain. You will not see more populous areas until you reach Norrtälje. Several lodging options are available. Such as Trehörningen wind shelter, as well as {{marker|type=city|name= Domaruddens stuguthyrning |wikidata= Q134130863}} and {{marker|type=city|name= Domarudden friluftsgård |wikidata= Q130301291}} that offer paid lodging options. * {{listing | lastedit = 2025-05-31 | counter = n | name = Trehörningen wind shelter | type = sleep | wikidata = Q134131103 | content = }} === Domarudden - Wira bruk === ; Distance : 20 km {{marker|type=city|name=Wira Bruk|wikidata=Q28934481}} is a historic ironworks factory. It's a charming place to visit, open to both visitors and tourists. Accommodation options may be available nearby, so be sure to check rental websites for places to stay. * {{listing | counter=n | name = Rastplats vid Oppsjön | type = sleep | wikidata = Q134131227 | content = }} === Wira Bruk - Penningby === ; Distance : 20 km The cabin at Grevinnans rå is one of the few in the Stockholm area equipped with a fireplace. It features a table and access to outdoor toilets. A wood storage area is nearby, but wood availability is not guaranteed. You may need to chop your own, or there may be none at all. The cabin is maintained by the Länna Outdoor Association. The name “Grevinnans rå” originates from a boundary stone (“råsten”) marking the convergence of four village borders. This stone is named after the countess of Penningby Castle, whose lands once extended to this area. The boundary stone remains visible today, serving as a historical landmark near the cabin. The trail continues to the town of {{marker|type=city|name=Penningby|wikidata=Q134129655}}, which has a historic castle called Penningby Slott. * {{listing | counter=n | name = Grevinnans rå | type = sleep | wikidata = Q134132119 | content = }} === Penningby - Norrtälje - Vigelsjö === ; Distance : 20 km {{marker|type=city|name=[[Norrtälje]]|wikidata=Q3588743}} is a larger town, with plenty of accommodation available, as well as restaurants. A recommendation is {{marker|type=eat|name= Vickningen I Norrtälje |wikidata= Q134139160}}. The trail continues to {{marker|type=city|name=Vigesjö|wikidata=Q56827145}} in the northern end of Norrtälje. Norrtälje Camping is available here for overnight stays. === Vigelsjö - Roslagsbro === ; Distance : 13 km The town of {{marker|type=city|name=Roslagsbro|wikidata=Q134129608}} has a beautiful church, {{marker|type=city|name= Roslagsbro church |wikidata= Q134139184}}. The church has an immured runestone, as well as a beautifully painted interior. There are several bus stops along the trail in this area, providing convenient access to join or leave the route as needed. === Roslagsbro - Bagghus/Gåsvik === ; Distance : 24 km There are few wind shelters available on the last stretches of the trail, but accommodation is available in the towns traversed. {{marker|type=city|name=Bagghus|wikidata=Q134129776}} itself however, does not have any lodging options. === Bagghus/Gåsvik - Sandviken === ; Distance : 8.8 km During this stage you will enter the Väddö peninsula. The town of {{marker|type=city|name=Sandviken|wikidata=Q134132923}} is a larger settlement which has a camping as well as a beach nearby. === Sandviken - Grisslehamn === ; Distance : 21 km After finishing the trail, you can board the boat to Åland from {{marker|type=city|name=Grisslehamn|wikidata=Q1547090}}. Many people choose to make a round trip without ever getting off the boat, mainly because alcohol can be sold on board tax-free, since the boat officially leaves Sweden. ==Stay safe== * '''Watch out for ticks''': Ticks are common along the trail and can carry tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). Vaccination is recommended for frequent hikers in Sweden. Wear long sleeves and check your body after hiking. * '''Be prepared for changing weather''': Even in summer, temperatures can drop quickly, especially near the coast. Carry a rain jacket and an extra warm layer. * '''Fire safety''': Use the designated fire rings at shelters for any campfire, and only build fires in places where it is explicitly allowed. During dry periods, especially from late spring through summer, fire bans are common. Always check the current status using the Brandrisk Ute app or information from the County Administrative Board before starting a fire. ==Go next== After finishing Roslagsleden, you can take the ferry from Grisslehamn to Eckerö in the Åland Islands for peaceful coastal walks and island culture. If you prefer more forested terrain, head inland to hike [[Bergslagen trail]], a 280 km trail through the lakes and woods of central Sweden with plenty of shelters and trail infrastructure. {{usableitinerary}} {{PartOfItinerary|Europe itineraries}} oztevhxacsc0a7hu19rl1eqh9rp5em5 0 210552 5086824 5056072 2025-07-02T22:48:41Z Halilu Liman 2328884 5086824 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} [[File:Karaye.jpg|thumb|Karaye]] [[File:Kusala Dam Karaye Kano.jpg|thumb|Kusala_Dam_Karaye_Kano]] [[File:Sani maikatanga 7.jpg|thumb|Sani_maikatanga_7]] '''Karaye''' is a local government historic town and the administrative headquarters of Karaye Local Government Area in [[Kano State]], in the northwestern part of the state and serves as the seat of the Karaye Emirate, one of the traditional emirates created in 2019 from the old Kano Emirate. == Understand == Karaye is the one of the oldest Hausa settlements in what is now northern Nigeria. Historically, it was a small but influential Hausa kingdom before the Sokoto Jihad in the 19th century. The town later became part of the [[Kano]] Emirate under the Fulani caliphate. In 2019, town of Karaye gained prominence again when it was made the capital of the Karaye Emirate, one of four new emirates created by the Kano State Government. == Get in == ===By air=== The nearest airport to Karaye is '''Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport''' in Kano City. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Karaye. ===By road=== Karaye is usually accessed by road from Kano City (about 100 km away), along the Kano–Katsina highway. Public buses and shared taxis frequently travel there. == Get around == Local transportation includes: '''Motorcycle''' '''taxis''' (Okada) '''Keke Napep''' : The most common means of transport within the town. Shared taxis: Available for nearby villages and markets. ==Get around== ==See== #'''Karaye Dam''' A significant water reservoir used for irrigation and livestock. It also offers a peaceful landscape ideal for nature lovers. #'''Karaye Emir’s Palace''' The traditional palace of the Emir of Karaye, reflecting Hausa architectural style and serving as the cultural heart of the emirate. #'''Karaye Market''' A vibrant traditional market where agricultural produce, handmade crafts, and local spices. ==Do== '''Attend a festival''': Traditional Hausa festivals are held during Sallah and emirate occasions. '''Farm visits''': Observe or participate in local farmers activities. ==Buy== {{buy | name= Handwoven mats| alt= | url= | email= | lat=12.230328 | long=8.246307 | }} {{buy | name= Traditional Hausa attire| alt= | url= | email= | lat=12.230328 | long=8.246307 | }} {{buy | name= Local herbs and spices | alt= |url | lat=12.230328 | long=8.246307| }} ==Eat== Local food options my included *'''Tuwo masara''' with '''miyan kuka''' or '''miyan taushe''' *'''Suya''' (grilled meat) *'''Kosai''' (bean cakes) *'''Fura da nono''' (fermented milk and millet) *'''Tea and Bread''' ==Drink== ==Sleep== There are a few guest houses and local lodges in Karaye, but travelers seeking more comfort often stay in Kano City and make day trips. ==Connect== Mobile networks such as '''MTN, Airtel, and Glo''' provide good coverage. Internet access is available via mobile data. ==Go next== * [[Kano]] * [[Kiru]] * [[Rogo]] {{IsPartOf|Kano State}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo||}} ru46zjqu97rcuz379ecw6a8abvldobq 0 210693 5086825 5059412 2025-07-02T22:55:48Z Halilu Liman 2328884 /* Understand */ 5086825 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner}} '''Rogo''' is a town and Local Government Area (LGA) in the southwestern part of [[Kano State]], [[Nigeria]]. It shares a border with [[Kaduna State]] and is known for its peaceful rural setting, agriculture, and Hausa-Fulani cultural traditions. ==Understand== Rogo is predominantly inhabited by Hausa and Fulani people. The town serves as the headquarters of Rogo Local Government Area. The economy is largely based on agriculture, with many residents engaged in farming activities such as growing millet, beans , soya beans, sorghum, maize, and groundnuts. The area maintains traditional Hausa values and Islamic culture. Visitors will find a quiet, rural atmosphere with a close-knit community and a strong emphasis on hospitality. ==Get in== ===By road=== Rogo is accessible by road from several directions: * From [[Kano]]: Rogo is about 100 km southwest of Kano. Travelers can take a route through ''Kura'' and ''Sumaila'' using public minibuses or private vehicles. * From [[Kaduna State]] – Rogo borders the southern part of Kaduna and can be reached via rural roads through towns like ''Kauru''. * From nearby LGAs – Towns like ''Karaye'', ''Sumaila'', and ''Kibiya'' are connected to Rogo by local roads, often served by minibuses and motorcycles. Transportation options mainly include minibuses (locally called ''motar haya'') and motorcycles (''okada''). ==Get around== Local transportation in Rogo is simple and mostly informal. The most common way to get around is by motorcycle taxi (''okada''), which is affordable and widely available. Tricycles (''keke'') may also be found in the main town area. Most roads are untarred but usable, especially during the dry season. Walking is also common for short distances within neighborhoods. ==See== * '''Rogo Hills''': Low, scenic hills surrounding the town that provide views of farmland and open countryside. * '''Rogo Central Mosque''': A major religious and community landmark, especially busy on Fridays. * '''Rogo Weekly Market''': Held once a week, this bustling market is the heart of local trade, featuring food, clothing, livestock, and household goods. ==Do== * '''Visit the weekly market''': Experience local trade, buy fresh produce, and interact with residents. * '''Join farming activities''': During planting or harvest seasons, visitors may observe or assist in traditional farming practices. * '''Attend local events''': If your visit coincides with Islamic festivals or local celebrations, you may witness cultural displays, music, and community gatherings. ==Buy== * Local grains such as millet, maize, and sorghum. * Handwoven items, including mats and baskets, made by local artisans. * Fresh vegetables and fruits, including seasonal produce like tomatoes, peppers, and onions. * Traditional crafts, including calabashes and pottery. ==Eat== Rogo offers traditional Hausa cuisine. Some dishes to try include: * '''Tuwo Masara''': Cornmeal served with a variety of local soups, such as miyan kuka (baobab leaf soup). * '''Waina''': A type of rice pancake, typically enjoyed as a snack or breakfast item. [[File:Nono da Fura.jpg|thumb|Nono_da_Fura]] * '''Fura da Nono''': Millet balls served with fermented milk, a popular local drink and snack. ==Drink== [[File:Zobo drink (hibiscus juice) 01.png|thumb|Zobo_drink_(hibiscus_juice)_01]] * '''Zobo''' : A sweet, tangy drink made from hibiscus flowers, often served cold. * '''Kunu''' : A traditional, mildly fermented drink made from millet, often flavored with spices. * Soft drinks and bottled water are also readily available at local kiosks and shops. ==Sleep== Accommodation in Rogo is limited. Most visitors either stay with locals or find lodging in nearby towns like Sumaila or Kura. There are few guesthouses within Rogo itself, but basic accommodations can be found in the surrounding area. For a more comfortable stay, consider staying in Sumaila, which has more guesthouses and hotels. ==Connect== Mobile networks such as MTN, Airtel, and Glo provide coverage in Rogo. Visitors can access the internet primarily through mobile data, as there are no public Wi-Fi services in the town. For any urgent communications or online needs, ensure you have access to mobile data or plan to visit nearby towns with more connectivity options. ==Go next== * '''Kano''': The state capital, known for its historic sites, bustling markets, and cultural landmarks like Dala Hill and Kurmi Market. * '''Karaye''': A nearby town offering scenic views and access to Karaye Dam. * '''Sumaila''': Explore the nearby town known for its agricultural products and traditional crafts. * '''Kaduna State''': Easily accessible via border towns, visit nearby locations like Kauru and other rural areas. {{IsPartOf|Kano State}} {{geo|11.5667| 7.83333}} {{outlinecity}} 88crnc1os5mh19b17p6syi6srza4c2v 0 210923 5086769 5086441 2025-07-02T19:53:09Z Mrkstvns 144844 /* Do */ - add foto 5086769 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Pagebanner|Katy banner Palm trees along Kingsland Boulevard.jpg|caption=Palm trees along Kingsland Boulevard}} '''Katy''' is a town in [[Gulf Coast (Texas)|Southeastern Texas]], just west of [[Houston]], with rich history and a little bit of small town charm. It used to be a railroad town along the Missouri–Kansas–Texas railroad. In the 1960s, Houston started growing, eventually making Katy part of its surrounding area. Katy is a place to see for its heritage and historical sights, as well as other attractions to visit, with many being more popular than historical locations. == Understand == Katy is a pretty typical town in Texas, with all the typical quirks of [[Texas]] and the [[Southwestern United States]]. It is neither a rural area nor a big, bustling, city. Its motto is "Small Town Charm with Big City Convenience", and that most certainly is the case, as long as you have a car. If you don't, then it will be hard getting more than a few miles away from a house or apartment or even a few yards away from a hotel. It really does have all the charm of a small town—if you look in the right places. === History === Katy was historically a railroad town along the MKT (Missouri–Kansas–Texas) railroad. Its fertile soil made it an appealing location to grow different crops, but rice became the main cash crop. The city is named after the MKT Railroad Company, also called "the K-T" , which soon became "the Katy". The company had an important depot station in the town, which made people call the area Katy, and creating the city name people know today. === People === In 2023 the population of Katy was estimated at 26,000. According the US Census Bureau's population estimates, the city is 52.3% White, 28.7% Hispanic or Latino, 15.5% two or more races, 9.3% Black, 9.1% Asian, and 1.8% American Indian. This makes Katy a very diverse city, with lots of different cultural heritages and places, so, just like Houston, it has a very "Texan" feel, but has many different cultural communities within. Most neighborhoods have residents of many different origins. === Climate === Katy is just like its bigger sister Houston in terms of climate: hot, humid, and subtropical, but very tropical compared to the rest of Texas. In Houston (which also means in Katy, since the two are close together), temperatures soar as high as 109°F (43°C) and only get as low as 9°F (-13°C), but weather will not go below freezing often, and when it does, more than a light dusting of snow is a very rare sight. It rains a fair amount for America, averaging about 4.6 in. (117 mm) per month. Thunderstorms (sometimes with hail or tornadoes) are common in May and June with hurricanes or tropical storms possible throughout the summer and early fall months. === Visitor information === *[https://www.travelkaty.com/ Travel Katy] *[https://www.cityofkaty.com/home City of Katy] == Get in == === By plane === While the closest commercial airports are in other parts of Houston, about 30-45 minutes' drive from Katy, there are two general aviation airports near Katy that can be used by small private planes to the Katy area. * {{Marker|type=go|name=Houston Executive Airport|wikidata=Q3206987|lat=29.80107|long=-95.90527|url=https://www.houstonexecutiveairport.com/|islisting=yes}}, ({{FAA LID|TME}}) 4.85 miles west of Katy in Brookshire. It is closest to western Katy (such as the Grand Parkway) and Old Katy. * {{Marker|type=go|name=West Houston Airport|wikidata=Q7985422|lat=29.81559|long=-95.67372|url=https://www.westhoustonairport.com/|islisting=yes}}, ({{IATA|IWS}}) West Houston Airport is convenient to the eastern side of Katy, just off SH 6 as it crosses the Addicks Reservoir. === By bus === There are bus services to Katy from Houston via Metro bus services. * '''39 Katy Freeway''' is a local bus route serving the Katy Freeway. It goes from Memorial City to Spring Branch Central, right in the middle of Katy. Buses run every 40 minutes. * '''221 Kingsland P&R''' is a park and ride going from Downtown Houston to Kingsland Park and Ride, which is in the Katy area but closer to Houston. This is close to a few stores and venues. Buses run every 15 minutes on weekdays, with no service on weekends. * '''222 Grand Parkway P&R''' is a park and ride that also comes from Downtown Houston, but has a terminus at Grand Parkway Park and Ride instead. This is close to Katy Asian Town and University of Houston-Victoria at Katy. Buses run every 4 minutes on weekdays, with no service on weekends. * '''228 Addicks P&R''' is a park and ride coming from Downtown Houston just like the previous 2 listed, but ends at Addicks Park and Ride. Buses run every 15 minutes on weekdays, with no service on weekends. * '''229 Grand Parkway / Kingsland / Addicks''' is a park and ride that comes from downtown Houston, but stops at all 3 Park and Rides, ending at Grand Parkway Park and Ride. Buses run every hour on weekdays, with no service on weekends. * '''298 Katy Freeway / TMC P&R''' is a park and ride that runs from Kingsland Park and Ride to TMC Transit Center, also stopping at Kingsland Park and Ride. Buses run every 15 minutes on weekdays, with no service on weekends. Other companies do serve Katy, too. * '''Flixbus''' is a bus company serving Katy, but with only one stop in Katy available, although there is a second listed on their website. * '''Greyhound''' is in the same situation, listing the Food Mart and I-10 Frontage Road stations like Flixbus, but only serving the Food Mart stop. * '''Trailways''' is a website where you can book with other companies through the website, and it lists three stops in Katy: Katy (Food Mart), Houston (Katy Mills Mall), and Katy (Shell Gas Station). You can only book trips to the Food Mart and Shell Gas Station. * '''El Expreso''', '''Tornado''' and other Mexican trans-border bus lines stop in Katy at the Food Mart on the I-10 Frontage Road at Katy-Ft.Bend Road. See ''[[Bus travel in Mexico#Cross-border_buses|Bus travel in Mexico]] for more info''. There are likely other bus companies not listed here. === By car === Katy is quite a well connected town by road, being right next to Houston and having a fairly big size. You can get there via many roads, but to get there through Houston, take the Katy Freeway, part of I-10 as it is the most direct route, or, if you're willing to pay a fee, take the Katy Tollway, since it should be faster. If needed for some reason, you can get there by going on I-69 and then north, or Route 290, then south. == Get around == {{mapframe|layer=W}} === By car === Katy has a few major highways, making it easy to get to places quickly. The city has a well-developed road system, so it is very easy to get around by car. Navigating the city is easy enough if you have a map, but may be quite hard if you have nothing to navigate with, just like other towns. The roads are average, and roads may be blocked due to typical construction and other hazards. === By public transportation === Cars are the main way to get around Katy, with public transportation being a lackluster alternative only usable in some locations. However, Metro does routine bus routes through Katy, which you can use to get to some locations. Fort Bend County, one of the three counties, has its own bus service, which will open a park and ride. It was scheduled to open on April 28, 2025, but has not yet. However, Fort Bend County does provide Demand Response Service, which is "shared-ride bus services to the citizens of Fort Bend County." Call {{phone|+1 866-751-TRIP}} between 8AM and 4PM on a weekday, and follow the prompt to reserve a trip. You can make a reservation 10 business days or up to 1 business day before the reserved time Harris County does provide public transportation services, but the area is big, and encompasses multiple cities, only some of which have public transit. Katy does not. Waller County simply does not provide any public transit services. === By bicycle === Bicycle transportation is nearly impossible in an American suburban town like Katy, but if you are staying at someone's house or a vacation rental, you may be able to bike to nearby shops. Some hotels will be close enough to other places that you can possibly bike. However, in general, biking is simply not possible in a majority of locations. == See == * {{see | name=Katy Heritage Park | alt= | url=https://www.cityofkaty.com/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/10 | email=info@cityofkaty.com | address=5990 George Bush Drive | lat=29.79155 | long=-95.82573 | directions= | phone=+1 281-377-5710 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 6AM-9PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-05-23 | content=The park has many restored historical buildings. There is also great landscaping, as well as a brick plaza. It is a great place to walk around. You can rent the buildings by calling the Katy Heritage Society at {{phone|+1 281-391-2550}}. }} * {{see | name=Mary Jo Peckham Park | alt= | url=https://cp4.harriscountytx.gov/Explore/Parks/park/mary-jo-peckham-park | email= | address=5597 Gardenia Lane | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=daily 7AM-10PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-05-23 | content=This is a big but still quite green park. You can play mini golf or disc golf, go fishing, or go for a walk. They have a playground where children can play, an exercise station, and a spot for picnicking. Great for families, but anyone can come. }} * {{see | name=MKT Depot Museum | alt= | url=https://www.katyheritagesociety.com/ | email=katyheritagesociety@outlook.com | address=5615 1st St | lat=29.78629 | long=-95.82203 | directions= | phone=+1 281-391-8400 | tollfree= | hours=Th-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 11AM-5PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-05-23 | content=The museum does free tours, but donations are appreciated. It is a great place to learn more about the MKT railroad's history. The museum has a caboose that you can enter and is located along a railroad. It also provides information about tourism in Katy. }} == Do == [[File:George Bush Park 1.JPG|thumb|Bridge over Buffalo Bayou in George Bush Park]] * {{do | name=Andretti Indoor Karting & Games | alt= | url=https://andrettikarting.com/katy | email= | address=1230 Grand West Boulevard | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 832-974-2201 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 11AM-11PM, Sa 10AM-1AM, Su 10AM-midnight | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-05-24 | content=Andretti has indoor go-karting, as well as games from arcade classics to VR experiences. They also have laser tag, and the Hyperdeck, which, according to the website, is a "four-person VR experience combines strong wind, heating fans and a platform that lifts and lowers you to correspond with the action." }} * {{do | name=Momentum Indoor Climbing | alt= | url=https://momentumclimbing.com/katy | email= | address=25410 Katy Mills Parkway | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+ 1 832-437-9091 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 8AM-11PM, Sa 8AM-10PM, Su 8AM-8PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-05-24 | content=An indoor climbing gym with many activities to do, from bouldering to yoga. Very fun if you like being very active. Great for people who are the sporty type. }} * {{do | name=Typhoon Texas | alt= | url= https://typhoontexas.com/houston/ | email=info@typhoontexas.com | address=555 Katy Fort Bend Road | lat=29.77952 | long=-95.80319 | directions= | phone=+1 832-426-7071 | tollfree= | hours=Summer 11AM-6PM; rest of the year open occasionally 11AM-5PM; check the calendar on their website for a schedule | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-05-24 | content=Typhoon Texas is a large waterpark with slides, a lazy river, a wave pool, and more. Great to go on hot summer days to cool down or just to have fun. }} * {{do | name=George Bush Park | alt=Barker Reservoir | url=https://cp4.harriscountytx.gov/Explore/Parks/park/george-bush-park | email= | address=16756 Westheimer Parkway, Houston | lat=29.751336 | long=-95.703260 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=7AM - 10PM | price= | lastedit=2025-07-01 | content=Large park covers 7,800 acres, over 11 miles of hiking/biking trails with wooded paths along Buffalo Bayou and a long loop trail along the top of the Barker Dam that also connects to the Terry Hershey Park providing bike paths all the way east to the Sam Houston Tollway. Extensive recreation facilities in the park including soccer and baseball fields, picnic areas with tables and grills, a dog park (with ponds), a shooting center with trap, skeet, and rifle target ranges, equestrian trails (but no stable, so bring your own horse). Runway for radio-controlled airplanes. Be aware that the park is closed due to flooding whenever there's been recent thunderstorms or hurricanes (the land is actually owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers who built the dam and manage the land as a flood control project for the Greater Houston area). }} == Buy == * {{buy | name=Katy Mills | alt= | url=http://www.katymills.com/ | email= | address= | lat=29.775661 | long=-95.809353 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 10AM - 8PM, F Sa 10AM-9PM, Su 11AM-6PM | price= | wikidata=Q6378517 | lastedit=2025-05-24 | content=Shopping mall with over 150 stores. Very big, so it has lots of parking. A great place to go for shopping in Katy. }} * {{buy | name=LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch | alt= | url=https://www.lacenterra.com/ | email= | address=23501 Cinco Ranch Boulevard | lat=29.742823 | long=-95.775645 | directions= | phone=+1 281-395-5533 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th Sa 10AM-8PM, F 10AM-6PM, Su noon-6PM | price= | wikidata=Q43081011 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content=An outdoor shopping center with many stores to choose from, from vet clinics to restaurants to soap stores. You can eat, drink, and shop here. It's great if you like to shop and stroll outside. }} == Eat == Every cookie-cutter chain restaurant has one or very many locations in Katy's myriad strip shopping centers. All are as average as every other suburban chain restaurant. Fortunately, a few places with unique character standout. * {{eat | name=Katy Asian Town | alt= | url=https://katyasiantown.com/ | email= | address=23119 Colonial Pkwy | lat=29.79 | long=-95.77 | directions=TX-99 and I-10 | phone=+1 346-998-8000 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 7AM-11:30PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-05-24 | content=A shopping plaza with many stores. While the website of Katy Asian Town considers it to only be the area surrounding H-Mart, there are many other stores also considered a part of the area, particularly near Merchants Parkway. Katy Asian Town has a wide variety of Asian cuisines to try. It is located at the junction of Grand Parkway (TX 99) and I-10. }} * {{eat | name=Astor's Table | alt= | url=https://astorstable.com/ | email= | address=1590 S. Mason Road | lat=29.759180 | long=-95.751979 | directions= | phone=+1 832-913-6465 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Th 11AM-9PM, F-Su 9AM-11PM, M 11AM-4PM | price=$70+ | lastedit=2025-07-01 | content=Farm-to-table restaurant serving South African cuisine with dashes of Latin American flair. Try the South African sampler which includes servings of biltong, Boerewors sausage, bobotie, and droewors. Extensive wine list. }} == Drink == * {{drink | name=No Label Brewing Co. | alt= | url=https://www.nolabelbrew.com/ | email= | address=5351 1st St | lat=29.78655 | long=-95.8141 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 3-10PM, F Sa noon-midnight, Su noon-8PM | price= | lastedit=2025-05-24 | content=Brewery with taproom. Regular brews include two IPAs, a lager, a hefeweissen and a blonde. They also let you rent out the taproom, and taste their seasonal and year round beers, some of which have won awards. }} == Sleep == There are several chain hotels in Katy. A few of them are listed below, but there are a plethora of other options if none of these suit you. * {{sleep | name=The Red Lion / America's Best Value Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=25633 Kingsland Boulevard | lat=29.77234 | long=-95.81954 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-24 | content=You can book a room in this hotel as the [https://www.sonesta.com/red-lion-inn-suites/tx/katy/red-lion-inn-suites-katy Red Lion] or as [https://www.sonesta.com/americas-best-value-inn/tx/katy/americas-best-value-inn-suites-katy America's Best Value Inn], with very similar looking rooms - compare the prices on the two sites for your stay. }} * {{sleep | name=Aloft Katy Mills | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/houat-aloft-katy-mills/overview/ | email= | address=25330 Kingsland Boulevard | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 281-688-2555 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price= | lastedit=2025-05-24 | content=A hotel near Katy Mills Mall, with a pool. Close to a few other Katy attractions, like Mary Jo Peckham Park (4 miles) and Typhoon Texas (1 mile), and 2 miles away from I-10. }} * {{sleep | name=Hyatt Place Houston/Katy | alt= | url=https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-place/en-US/houzk-hyatt-place-houston-katy | email= | address=1401 N. Westgreen Boulevard | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 832-913-1244 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price= | lastedit=2025-05-24 | content=A hotel in a more suburban area, located 9 miles from Seismique and 5 miles away from the Great Southwest Equestrian Center. }} == Connect == If you're in Katy, you really just have to use the Wi-Fi of the hotel, vacation rental, or friend's house you're staying at. In addition, there is one internet cafe close to Katy, called Black Ants Gaming Lab, although it is in Houston Chinatown (Dun Huang Plaza, 9889 Bellaire Blvd), not in Katy. If you're visiting, the Katy Mills shopping mall has Wi-Fi, connect to "#Free Simon Wi-Fi". Because Katy is suburban and on the grid, most other stores will also provide Wi-Fi. == Cope == == Go next == * [[Houston/West Houston|West Houston]] * [[Bryan-College Station]] {{routebox | image1=I-10.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[San Antonio]] | minorl1=[[Seguin]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Houston]] | minorr1=[[Houston/West Houston|West Houston]] }} {{IsPartOf|Gulf Coast (Texas)}} {{usablecity}} {{geo|29.7858|-95.8245|zoom=12}} 9fb1y8kkqdu1tuz9qx7w2pu26zys0vo 5086776 5086769 2025-07-02T20:11:29Z AlasdairW 1812 /* Cope */ add church 5086776 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Pagebanner|Katy banner Palm trees along Kingsland Boulevard.jpg|caption=Palm trees along Kingsland Boulevard}} '''Katy''' is a town in [[Gulf Coast (Texas)|Southeastern Texas]], just west of [[Houston]], with rich history and a little bit of small town charm. It used to be a railroad town along the Missouri–Kansas–Texas railroad. In the 1960s, Houston started growing, eventually making Katy part of its surrounding area. Katy is a place to see for its heritage and historical sights, as well as other attractions to visit, with many being more popular than historical locations. == Understand == Katy is a pretty typical town in Texas, with all the typical quirks of [[Texas]] and the [[Southwestern United States]]. It is neither a rural area nor a big, bustling, city. Its motto is "Small Town Charm with Big City Convenience", and that most certainly is the case, as long as you have a car. If you don't, then it will be hard getting more than a few miles away from a house or apartment or even a few yards away from a hotel. It really does have all the charm of a small town—if you look in the right places. === History === Katy was historically a railroad town along the MKT (Missouri–Kansas–Texas) railroad. Its fertile soil made it an appealing location to grow different crops, but rice became the main cash crop. The city is named after the MKT Railroad Company, also called "the K-T" , which soon became "the Katy". The company had an important depot station in the town, which made people call the area Katy, and creating the city name people know today. === People === In 2023 the population of Katy was estimated at 26,000. According the US Census Bureau's population estimates, the city is 52.3% White, 28.7% Hispanic or Latino, 15.5% two or more races, 9.3% Black, 9.1% Asian, and 1.8% American Indian. This makes Katy a very diverse city, with lots of different cultural heritages and places, so, just like Houston, it has a very "Texan" feel, but has many different cultural communities within. Most neighborhoods have residents of many different origins. === Climate === Katy is just like its bigger sister Houston in terms of climate: hot, humid, and subtropical, but very tropical compared to the rest of Texas. In Houston (which also means in Katy, since the two are close together), temperatures soar as high as 109°F (43°C) and only get as low as 9°F (-13°C), but weather will not go below freezing often, and when it does, more than a light dusting of snow is a very rare sight. It rains a fair amount for America, averaging about 4.6 in. (117 mm) per month. Thunderstorms (sometimes with hail or tornadoes) are common in May and June with hurricanes or tropical storms possible throughout the summer and early fall months. === Visitor information === *[https://www.travelkaty.com/ Travel Katy] *[https://www.cityofkaty.com/home City of Katy] == Get in == === By plane === While the closest commercial airports are in other parts of Houston, about 30-45 minutes' drive from Katy, there are two general aviation airports near Katy that can be used by small private planes to the Katy area. * {{Marker|type=go|name=Houston Executive Airport|wikidata=Q3206987|lat=29.80107|long=-95.90527|url=https://www.houstonexecutiveairport.com/|islisting=yes}}, ({{FAA LID|TME}}) 4.85 miles west of Katy in Brookshire. It is closest to western Katy (such as the Grand Parkway) and Old Katy. * {{Marker|type=go|name=West Houston Airport|wikidata=Q7985422|lat=29.81559|long=-95.67372|url=https://www.westhoustonairport.com/|islisting=yes}}, ({{IATA|IWS}}) West Houston Airport is convenient to the eastern side of Katy, just off SH 6 as it crosses the Addicks Reservoir. === By bus === There are bus services to Katy from Houston via Metro bus services. * '''39 Katy Freeway''' is a local bus route serving the Katy Freeway. It goes from Memorial City to Spring Branch Central, right in the middle of Katy. Buses run every 40 minutes. * '''221 Kingsland P&R''' is a park and ride going from Downtown Houston to Kingsland Park and Ride, which is in the Katy area but closer to Houston. This is close to a few stores and venues. Buses run every 15 minutes on weekdays, with no service on weekends. * '''222 Grand Parkway P&R''' is a park and ride that also comes from Downtown Houston, but has a terminus at Grand Parkway Park and Ride instead. This is close to Katy Asian Town and University of Houston-Victoria at Katy. Buses run every 4 minutes on weekdays, with no service on weekends. * '''228 Addicks P&R''' is a park and ride coming from Downtown Houston just like the previous 2 listed, but ends at Addicks Park and Ride. Buses run every 15 minutes on weekdays, with no service on weekends. * '''229 Grand Parkway / Kingsland / Addicks''' is a park and ride that comes from downtown Houston, but stops at all 3 Park and Rides, ending at Grand Parkway Park and Ride. Buses run every hour on weekdays, with no service on weekends. * '''298 Katy Freeway / TMC P&R''' is a park and ride that runs from Kingsland Park and Ride to TMC Transit Center, also stopping at Kingsland Park and Ride. Buses run every 15 minutes on weekdays, with no service on weekends. Other companies do serve Katy, too. * '''Flixbus''' is a bus company serving Katy, but with only one stop in Katy available, although there is a second listed on their website. * '''Greyhound''' is in the same situation, listing the Food Mart and I-10 Frontage Road stations like Flixbus, but only serving the Food Mart stop. * '''Trailways''' is a website where you can book with other companies through the website, and it lists three stops in Katy: Katy (Food Mart), Houston (Katy Mills Mall), and Katy (Shell Gas Station). You can only book trips to the Food Mart and Shell Gas Station. * '''El Expreso''', '''Tornado''' and other Mexican trans-border bus lines stop in Katy at the Food Mart on the I-10 Frontage Road at Katy-Ft.Bend Road. See ''[[Bus travel in Mexico#Cross-border_buses|Bus travel in Mexico]] for more info''. There are likely other bus companies not listed here. === By car === Katy is quite a well connected town by road, being right next to Houston and having a fairly big size. You can get there via many roads, but to get there through Houston, take the Katy Freeway, part of I-10 as it is the most direct route, or, if you're willing to pay a fee, take the Katy Tollway, since it should be faster. If needed for some reason, you can get there by going on I-69 and then north, or Route 290, then south. == Get around == {{mapframe|layer=W}} === By car === Katy has a few major highways, making it easy to get to places quickly. The city has a well-developed road system, so it is very easy to get around by car. Navigating the city is easy enough if you have a map, but may be quite hard if you have nothing to navigate with, just like other towns. The roads are average, and roads may be blocked due to typical construction and other hazards. === By public transportation === Cars are the main way to get around Katy, with public transportation being a lackluster alternative only usable in some locations. However, Metro does routine bus routes through Katy, which you can use to get to some locations. Fort Bend County, one of the three counties, has its own bus service, which will open a park and ride. It was scheduled to open on April 28, 2025, but has not yet. However, Fort Bend County does provide Demand Response Service, which is "shared-ride bus services to the citizens of Fort Bend County." Call {{phone|+1 866-751-TRIP}} between 8AM and 4PM on a weekday, and follow the prompt to reserve a trip. You can make a reservation 10 business days or up to 1 business day before the reserved time Harris County does provide public transportation services, but the area is big, and encompasses multiple cities, only some of which have public transit. Katy does not. Waller County simply does not provide any public transit services. === By bicycle === Bicycle transportation is nearly impossible in an American suburban town like Katy, but if you are staying at someone's house or a vacation rental, you may be able to bike to nearby shops. Some hotels will be close enough to other places that you can possibly bike. However, in general, biking is simply not possible in a majority of locations. == See == * {{see | name=Katy Heritage Park | alt= | url=https://www.cityofkaty.com/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/10 | email=info@cityofkaty.com | address=5990 George Bush Drive | lat=29.79155 | long=-95.82573 | directions= | phone=+1 281-377-5710 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 6AM-9PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-05-23 | content=The park has many restored historical buildings. There is also great landscaping, as well as a brick plaza. It is a great place to walk around. You can rent the buildings by calling the Katy Heritage Society at {{phone|+1 281-391-2550}}. }} * {{see | name=Mary Jo Peckham Park | alt= | url=https://cp4.harriscountytx.gov/Explore/Parks/park/mary-jo-peckham-park | email= | address=5597 Gardenia Lane | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=daily 7AM-10PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-05-23 | content=This is a big but still quite green park. You can play mini golf or disc golf, go fishing, or go for a walk. They have a playground where children can play, an exercise station, and a spot for picnicking. Great for families, but anyone can come. }} * {{see | name=MKT Depot Museum | alt= | url=https://www.katyheritagesociety.com/ | email=katyheritagesociety@outlook.com | address=5615 1st St | lat=29.78629 | long=-95.82203 | directions= | phone=+1 281-391-8400 | tollfree= | hours=Th-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 11AM-5PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-05-23 | content=The museum does free tours, but donations are appreciated. It is a great place to learn more about the MKT railroad's history. The museum has a caboose that you can enter and is located along a railroad. It also provides information about tourism in Katy. }} == Do == [[File:George Bush Park 1.JPG|thumb|Bridge over Buffalo Bayou in George Bush Park]] * {{do | name=Andretti Indoor Karting & Games | alt= | url=https://andrettikarting.com/katy | email= | address=1230 Grand West Boulevard | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 832-974-2201 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 11AM-11PM, Sa 10AM-1AM, Su 10AM-midnight | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-05-24 | content=Andretti has indoor go-karting, as well as games from arcade classics to VR experiences. They also have laser tag, and the Hyperdeck, which, according to the website, is a "four-person VR experience combines strong wind, heating fans and a platform that lifts and lowers you to correspond with the action." }} * {{do | name=Momentum Indoor Climbing | alt= | url=https://momentumclimbing.com/katy | email= | address=25410 Katy Mills Parkway | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+ 1 832-437-9091 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 8AM-11PM, Sa 8AM-10PM, Su 8AM-8PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-05-24 | content=An indoor climbing gym with many activities to do, from bouldering to yoga. Very fun if you like being very active. Great for people who are the sporty type. }} * {{do | name=Typhoon Texas | alt= | url= https://typhoontexas.com/houston/ | email=info@typhoontexas.com | address=555 Katy Fort Bend Road | lat=29.77952 | long=-95.80319 | directions= | phone=+1 832-426-7071 | tollfree= | hours=Summer 11AM-6PM; rest of the year open occasionally 11AM-5PM; check the calendar on their website for a schedule | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-05-24 | content=Typhoon Texas is a large waterpark with slides, a lazy river, a wave pool, and more. Great to go on hot summer days to cool down or just to have fun. }} * {{do | name=George Bush Park | alt=Barker Reservoir | url=https://cp4.harriscountytx.gov/Explore/Parks/park/george-bush-park | email= | address=16756 Westheimer Parkway, Houston | lat=29.751336 | long=-95.703260 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=7AM - 10PM | price= | lastedit=2025-07-01 | content=Large park covers 7,800 acres, over 11 miles of hiking/biking trails with wooded paths along Buffalo Bayou and a long loop trail along the top of the Barker Dam that also connects to the Terry Hershey Park providing bike paths all the way east to the Sam Houston Tollway. Extensive recreation facilities in the park including soccer and baseball fields, picnic areas with tables and grills, a dog park (with ponds), a shooting center with trap, skeet, and rifle target ranges, equestrian trails (but no stable, so bring your own horse). Runway for radio-controlled airplanes. Be aware that the park is closed due to flooding whenever there's been recent thunderstorms or hurricanes (the land is actually owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers who built the dam and manage the land as a flood control project for the Greater Houston area). }} == Buy == * {{buy | name=Katy Mills | alt= | url=http://www.katymills.com/ | email= | address= | lat=29.775661 | long=-95.809353 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 10AM - 8PM, F Sa 10AM-9PM, Su 11AM-6PM | price= | wikidata=Q6378517 | lastedit=2025-05-24 | content=Shopping mall with over 150 stores. Very big, so it has lots of parking. A great place to go for shopping in Katy. }} * {{buy | name=LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch | alt= | url=https://www.lacenterra.com/ | email= | address=23501 Cinco Ranch Boulevard | lat=29.742823 | long=-95.775645 | directions= | phone=+1 281-395-5533 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th Sa 10AM-8PM, F 10AM-6PM, Su noon-6PM | price= | wikidata=Q43081011 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content=An outdoor shopping center with many stores to choose from, from vet clinics to restaurants to soap stores. You can eat, drink, and shop here. It's great if you like to shop and stroll outside. }} == Eat == Every cookie-cutter chain restaurant has one or very many locations in Katy's myriad strip shopping centers. All are as average as every other suburban chain restaurant. Fortunately, a few places with unique character standout. * {{eat | name=Katy Asian Town | alt= | url=https://katyasiantown.com/ | email= | address=23119 Colonial Pkwy | lat=29.79 | long=-95.77 | directions=TX-99 and I-10 | phone=+1 346-998-8000 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 7AM-11:30PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-05-24 | content=A shopping plaza with many stores. While the website of Katy Asian Town considers it to only be the area surrounding H-Mart, there are many other stores also considered a part of the area, particularly near Merchants Parkway. Katy Asian Town has a wide variety of Asian cuisines to try. It is located at the junction of Grand Parkway (TX 99) and I-10. }} * {{eat | name=Astor's Table | alt= | url=https://astorstable.com/ | email= | address=1590 S. Mason Road | lat=29.759180 | long=-95.751979 | directions= | phone=+1 832-913-6465 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Th 11AM-9PM, F-Su 9AM-11PM, M 11AM-4PM | price=$70+ | lastedit=2025-07-01 | content=Farm-to-table restaurant serving South African cuisine with dashes of Latin American flair. Try the South African sampler which includes servings of biltong, Boerewors sausage, bobotie, and droewors. Extensive wine list. }} == Drink == * {{drink | name=No Label Brewing Co. | alt= | url=https://www.nolabelbrew.com/ | email= | address=5351 1st St | lat=29.78655 | long=-95.8141 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 3-10PM, F Sa noon-midnight, Su noon-8PM | price= | lastedit=2025-05-24 | content=Brewery with taproom. Regular brews include two IPAs, a lager, a hefeweissen and a blonde. They also let you rent out the taproom, and taste their seasonal and year round beers, some of which have won awards. }} == Sleep == There are several chain hotels in Katy. A few of them are listed below, but there are a plethora of other options if none of these suit you. * {{sleep | name=The Red Lion / America's Best Value Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=25633 Kingsland Boulevard | lat=29.77234 | long=-95.81954 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-24 | content=You can book a room in this hotel as the [https://www.sonesta.com/red-lion-inn-suites/tx/katy/red-lion-inn-suites-katy Red Lion] or as [https://www.sonesta.com/americas-best-value-inn/tx/katy/americas-best-value-inn-suites-katy America's Best Value Inn], with very similar looking rooms - compare the prices on the two sites for your stay. }} * {{sleep | name=Aloft Katy Mills | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/houat-aloft-katy-mills/overview/ | email= | address=25330 Kingsland Boulevard | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 281-688-2555 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price= | lastedit=2025-05-24 | content=A hotel near Katy Mills Mall, with a pool. Close to a few other Katy attractions, like Mary Jo Peckham Park (4 miles) and Typhoon Texas (1 mile), and 2 miles away from I-10. }} * {{sleep | name=Hyatt Place Houston/Katy | alt= | url=https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-place/en-US/houzk-hyatt-place-houston-katy | email= | address=1401 N. Westgreen Boulevard | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 832-913-1244 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price= | lastedit=2025-05-24 | content=A hotel in a more suburban area, located 9 miles from Seismique and 5 miles away from the Great Southwest Equestrian Center. }} == Connect == If you're in Katy, you really just have to use the Wi-Fi of the hotel, vacation rental, or friend's house you're staying at. In addition, there is one internet cafe close to Katy, called Black Ants Gaming Lab, although it is in Houston Chinatown (Dun Huang Plaza, 9889 Bellaire Blvd), not in Katy. If you're visiting, the Katy Mills shopping mall has Wi-Fi, connect to "#Free Simon Wi-Fi". Because Katy is suburban and on the grid, most other stores will also provide Wi-Fi. == Cope == * {{listing | name=St. Matthias Anglican Church | alt= | url=https://www.stmkaty.org/ | email= | address=4142 Dayflower Dr, Katy, TX 77449 | lat=29.83224 | long=-95.70774 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Sunday Worship in English: 10:30AM, Spanish 2PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content=St. Matthias is the Cathedral Parish of the Diocese of Mid-America of the Reformed Episcopal Church. Sunday services typically have about 60 worshippers in English and 25 in Spanish. }} == Go next == * [[Houston/West Houston|West Houston]] * [[Bryan-College Station]] {{routebox | image1=I-10.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[San Antonio]] | minorl1=[[Seguin]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Houston]] | minorr1=[[Houston/West Houston|West Houston]] }} {{IsPartOf|Gulf Coast (Texas)}} {{usablecity}} {{geo|29.7858|-95.8245|zoom=12}} lwuxsj3edu08y1gtzpubaju1yyn6t44 5086778 5086776 2025-07-02T20:14:04Z AlasdairW 1812 /* Connect */ add image 5086778 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Pagebanner|Katy banner Palm trees along Kingsland Boulevard.jpg|caption=Palm trees along Kingsland Boulevard}} '''Katy''' is a town in [[Gulf Coast (Texas)|Southeastern Texas]], just west of [[Houston]], with rich history and a little bit of small town charm. It used to be a railroad town along the Missouri–Kansas–Texas railroad. In the 1960s, Houston started growing, eventually making Katy part of its surrounding area. Katy is a place to see for its heritage and historical sights, as well as other attractions to visit, with many being more popular than historical locations. == Understand == Katy is a pretty typical town in Texas, with all the typical quirks of [[Texas]] and the [[Southwestern United States]]. It is neither a rural area nor a big, bustling, city. Its motto is "Small Town Charm with Big City Convenience", and that most certainly is the case, as long as you have a car. If you don't, then it will be hard getting more than a few miles away from a house or apartment or even a few yards away from a hotel. It really does have all the charm of a small town—if you look in the right places. === History === Katy was historically a railroad town along the MKT (Missouri–Kansas–Texas) railroad. Its fertile soil made it an appealing location to grow different crops, but rice became the main cash crop. The city is named after the MKT Railroad Company, also called "the K-T" , which soon became "the Katy". The company had an important depot station in the town, which made people call the area Katy, and creating the city name people know today. === People === In 2023 the population of Katy was estimated at 26,000. According the US Census Bureau's population estimates, the city is 52.3% White, 28.7% Hispanic or Latino, 15.5% two or more races, 9.3% Black, 9.1% Asian, and 1.8% American Indian. This makes Katy a very diverse city, with lots of different cultural heritages and places, so, just like Houston, it has a very "Texan" feel, but has many different cultural communities within. Most neighborhoods have residents of many different origins. === Climate === Katy is just like its bigger sister Houston in terms of climate: hot, humid, and subtropical, but very tropical compared to the rest of Texas. In Houston (which also means in Katy, since the two are close together), temperatures soar as high as 109°F (43°C) and only get as low as 9°F (-13°C), but weather will not go below freezing often, and when it does, more than a light dusting of snow is a very rare sight. It rains a fair amount for America, averaging about 4.6 in. (117 mm) per month. Thunderstorms (sometimes with hail or tornadoes) are common in May and June with hurricanes or tropical storms possible throughout the summer and early fall months. === Visitor information === *[https://www.travelkaty.com/ Travel Katy] *[https://www.cityofkaty.com/home City of Katy] == Get in == === By plane === While the closest commercial airports are in other parts of Houston, about 30-45 minutes' drive from Katy, there are two general aviation airports near Katy that can be used by small private planes to the Katy area. * {{Marker|type=go|name=Houston Executive Airport|wikidata=Q3206987|lat=29.80107|long=-95.90527|url=https://www.houstonexecutiveairport.com/|islisting=yes}}, ({{FAA LID|TME}}) 4.85 miles west of Katy in Brookshire. It is closest to western Katy (such as the Grand Parkway) and Old Katy. * {{Marker|type=go|name=West Houston Airport|wikidata=Q7985422|lat=29.81559|long=-95.67372|url=https://www.westhoustonairport.com/|islisting=yes}}, ({{IATA|IWS}}) West Houston Airport is convenient to the eastern side of Katy, just off SH 6 as it crosses the Addicks Reservoir. === By bus === There are bus services to Katy from Houston via Metro bus services. * '''39 Katy Freeway''' is a local bus route serving the Katy Freeway. It goes from Memorial City to Spring Branch Central, right in the middle of Katy. Buses run every 40 minutes. * '''221 Kingsland P&R''' is a park and ride going from Downtown Houston to Kingsland Park and Ride, which is in the Katy area but closer to Houston. This is close to a few stores and venues. Buses run every 15 minutes on weekdays, with no service on weekends. * '''222 Grand Parkway P&R''' is a park and ride that also comes from Downtown Houston, but has a terminus at Grand Parkway Park and Ride instead. This is close to Katy Asian Town and University of Houston-Victoria at Katy. Buses run every 4 minutes on weekdays, with no service on weekends. * '''228 Addicks P&R''' is a park and ride coming from Downtown Houston just like the previous 2 listed, but ends at Addicks Park and Ride. Buses run every 15 minutes on weekdays, with no service on weekends. * '''229 Grand Parkway / Kingsland / Addicks''' is a park and ride that comes from downtown Houston, but stops at all 3 Park and Rides, ending at Grand Parkway Park and Ride. Buses run every hour on weekdays, with no service on weekends. * '''298 Katy Freeway / TMC P&R''' is a park and ride that runs from Kingsland Park and Ride to TMC Transit Center, also stopping at Kingsland Park and Ride. Buses run every 15 minutes on weekdays, with no service on weekends. Other companies do serve Katy, too. * '''Flixbus''' is a bus company serving Katy, but with only one stop in Katy available, although there is a second listed on their website. * '''Greyhound''' is in the same situation, listing the Food Mart and I-10 Frontage Road stations like Flixbus, but only serving the Food Mart stop. * '''Trailways''' is a website where you can book with other companies through the website, and it lists three stops in Katy: Katy (Food Mart), Houston (Katy Mills Mall), and Katy (Shell Gas Station). You can only book trips to the Food Mart and Shell Gas Station. * '''El Expreso''', '''Tornado''' and other Mexican trans-border bus lines stop in Katy at the Food Mart on the I-10 Frontage Road at Katy-Ft.Bend Road. See ''[[Bus travel in Mexico#Cross-border_buses|Bus travel in Mexico]] for more info''. There are likely other bus companies not listed here. === By car === Katy is quite a well connected town by road, being right next to Houston and having a fairly big size. You can get there via many roads, but to get there through Houston, take the Katy Freeway, part of I-10 as it is the most direct route, or, if you're willing to pay a fee, take the Katy Tollway, since it should be faster. If needed for some reason, you can get there by going on I-69 and then north, or Route 290, then south. == Get around == {{mapframe|layer=W}} === By car === Katy has a few major highways, making it easy to get to places quickly. The city has a well-developed road system, so it is very easy to get around by car. Navigating the city is easy enough if you have a map, but may be quite hard if you have nothing to navigate with, just like other towns. The roads are average, and roads may be blocked due to typical construction and other hazards. === By public transportation === Cars are the main way to get around Katy, with public transportation being a lackluster alternative only usable in some locations. However, Metro does routine bus routes through Katy, which you can use to get to some locations. Fort Bend County, one of the three counties, has its own bus service, which will open a park and ride. It was scheduled to open on April 28, 2025, but has not yet. However, Fort Bend County does provide Demand Response Service, which is "shared-ride bus services to the citizens of Fort Bend County." Call {{phone|+1 866-751-TRIP}} between 8AM and 4PM on a weekday, and follow the prompt to reserve a trip. You can make a reservation 10 business days or up to 1 business day before the reserved time Harris County does provide public transportation services, but the area is big, and encompasses multiple cities, only some of which have public transit. Katy does not. Waller County simply does not provide any public transit services. === By bicycle === Bicycle transportation is nearly impossible in an American suburban town like Katy, but if you are staying at someone's house or a vacation rental, you may be able to bike to nearby shops. Some hotels will be close enough to other places that you can possibly bike. However, in general, biking is simply not possible in a majority of locations. == See == * {{see | name=Katy Heritage Park | alt= | url=https://www.cityofkaty.com/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/10 | email=info@cityofkaty.com | address=5990 George Bush Drive | lat=29.79155 | long=-95.82573 | directions= | phone=+1 281-377-5710 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 6AM-9PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-05-23 | content=The park has many restored historical buildings. There is also great landscaping, as well as a brick plaza. It is a great place to walk around. You can rent the buildings by calling the Katy Heritage Society at {{phone|+1 281-391-2550}}. }} * {{see | name=Mary Jo Peckham Park | alt= | url=https://cp4.harriscountytx.gov/Explore/Parks/park/mary-jo-peckham-park | email= | address=5597 Gardenia Lane | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=daily 7AM-10PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-05-23 | content=This is a big but still quite green park. You can play mini golf or disc golf, go fishing, or go for a walk. They have a playground where children can play, an exercise station, and a spot for picnicking. Great for families, but anyone can come. }} * {{see | name=MKT Depot Museum | alt= | url=https://www.katyheritagesociety.com/ | email=katyheritagesociety@outlook.com | address=5615 1st St | lat=29.78629 | long=-95.82203 | directions= | phone=+1 281-391-8400 | tollfree= | hours=Th-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 11AM-5PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-05-23 | content=The museum does free tours, but donations are appreciated. It is a great place to learn more about the MKT railroad's history. The museum has a caboose that you can enter and is located along a railroad. It also provides information about tourism in Katy. }} == Do == [[File:George Bush Park 1.JPG|thumb|Bridge over Buffalo Bayou in George Bush Park]] * {{do | name=Andretti Indoor Karting & Games | alt= | url=https://andrettikarting.com/katy | email= | address=1230 Grand West Boulevard | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 832-974-2201 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 11AM-11PM, Sa 10AM-1AM, Su 10AM-midnight | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-05-24 | content=Andretti has indoor go-karting, as well as games from arcade classics to VR experiences. They also have laser tag, and the Hyperdeck, which, according to the website, is a "four-person VR experience combines strong wind, heating fans and a platform that lifts and lowers you to correspond with the action." }} * {{do | name=Momentum Indoor Climbing | alt= | url=https://momentumclimbing.com/katy | email= | address=25410 Katy Mills Parkway | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+ 1 832-437-9091 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 8AM-11PM, Sa 8AM-10PM, Su 8AM-8PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-05-24 | content=An indoor climbing gym with many activities to do, from bouldering to yoga. Very fun if you like being very active. Great for people who are the sporty type. }} * {{do | name=Typhoon Texas | alt= | url= https://typhoontexas.com/houston/ | email=info@typhoontexas.com | address=555 Katy Fort Bend Road | lat=29.77952 | long=-95.80319 | directions= | phone=+1 832-426-7071 | tollfree= | hours=Summer 11AM-6PM; rest of the year open occasionally 11AM-5PM; check the calendar on their website for a schedule | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-05-24 | content=Typhoon Texas is a large waterpark with slides, a lazy river, a wave pool, and more. Great to go on hot summer days to cool down or just to have fun. }} * {{do | name=George Bush Park | alt=Barker Reservoir | url=https://cp4.harriscountytx.gov/Explore/Parks/park/george-bush-park | email= | address=16756 Westheimer Parkway, Houston | lat=29.751336 | long=-95.703260 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=7AM - 10PM | price= | lastedit=2025-07-01 | content=Large park covers 7,800 acres, over 11 miles of hiking/biking trails with wooded paths along Buffalo Bayou and a long loop trail along the top of the Barker Dam that also connects to the Terry Hershey Park providing bike paths all the way east to the Sam Houston Tollway. Extensive recreation facilities in the park including soccer and baseball fields, picnic areas with tables and grills, a dog park (with ponds), a shooting center with trap, skeet, and rifle target ranges, equestrian trails (but no stable, so bring your own horse). Runway for radio-controlled airplanes. Be aware that the park is closed due to flooding whenever there's been recent thunderstorms or hurricanes (the land is actually owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers who built the dam and manage the land as a flood control project for the Greater Houston area). }} == Buy == * {{buy | name=Katy Mills | alt= | url=http://www.katymills.com/ | email= | address= | lat=29.775661 | long=-95.809353 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 10AM - 8PM, F Sa 10AM-9PM, Su 11AM-6PM | price= | wikidata=Q6378517 | lastedit=2025-05-24 | content=Shopping mall with over 150 stores. Very big, so it has lots of parking. A great place to go for shopping in Katy. }} * {{buy | name=LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch | alt= | url=https://www.lacenterra.com/ | email= | address=23501 Cinco Ranch Boulevard | lat=29.742823 | long=-95.775645 | directions= | phone=+1 281-395-5533 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th Sa 10AM-8PM, F 10AM-6PM, Su noon-6PM | price= | wikidata=Q43081011 | lastedit=2025-06-28 | content=An outdoor shopping center with many stores to choose from, from vet clinics to restaurants to soap stores. You can eat, drink, and shop here. It's great if you like to shop and stroll outside. }} == Eat == Every cookie-cutter chain restaurant has one or very many locations in Katy's myriad strip shopping centers. All are as average as every other suburban chain restaurant. Fortunately, a few places with unique character standout. * {{eat | name=Katy Asian Town | alt= | url=https://katyasiantown.com/ | email= | address=23119 Colonial Pkwy | lat=29.79 | long=-95.77 | directions=TX-99 and I-10 | phone=+1 346-998-8000 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 7AM-11:30PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-05-24 | content=A shopping plaza with many stores. While the website of Katy Asian Town considers it to only be the area surrounding H-Mart, there are many other stores also considered a part of the area, particularly near Merchants Parkway. Katy Asian Town has a wide variety of Asian cuisines to try. It is located at the junction of Grand Parkway (TX 99) and I-10. }} * {{eat | name=Astor's Table | alt= | url=https://astorstable.com/ | email= | address=1590 S. Mason Road | lat=29.759180 | long=-95.751979 | directions= | phone=+1 832-913-6465 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Th 11AM-9PM, F-Su 9AM-11PM, M 11AM-4PM | price=$70+ | lastedit=2025-07-01 | content=Farm-to-table restaurant serving South African cuisine with dashes of Latin American flair. Try the South African sampler which includes servings of biltong, Boerewors sausage, bobotie, and droewors. Extensive wine list. }} == Drink == * {{drink | name=No Label Brewing Co. | alt= | url=https://www.nolabelbrew.com/ | email= | address=5351 1st St | lat=29.78655 | long=-95.8141 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 3-10PM, F Sa noon-midnight, Su noon-8PM | price= | lastedit=2025-05-24 | content=Brewery with taproom. Regular brews include two IPAs, a lager, a hefeweissen and a blonde. They also let you rent out the taproom, and taste their seasonal and year round beers, some of which have won awards. }} == Sleep == There are several chain hotels in Katy. A few of them are listed below, but there are a plethora of other options if none of these suit you. * {{sleep | name=The Red Lion / America's Best Value Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=25633 Kingsland Boulevard | lat=29.77234 | long=-95.81954 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2025-05-24 | content=You can book a room in this hotel as the [https://www.sonesta.com/red-lion-inn-suites/tx/katy/red-lion-inn-suites-katy Red Lion] or as [https://www.sonesta.com/americas-best-value-inn/tx/katy/americas-best-value-inn-suites-katy America's Best Value Inn], with very similar looking rooms - compare the prices on the two sites for your stay. }} * {{sleep | name=Aloft Katy Mills | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/houat-aloft-katy-mills/overview/ | email= | address=25330 Kingsland Boulevard | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 281-688-2555 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price= | lastedit=2025-05-24 | content=A hotel near Katy Mills Mall, with a pool. Close to a few other Katy attractions, like Mary Jo Peckham Park (4 miles) and Typhoon Texas (1 mile), and 2 miles away from I-10. }} * {{sleep | name=Hyatt Place Houston/Katy | alt= | url=https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-place/en-US/houzk-hyatt-place-houston-katy | email= | address=1401 N. Westgreen Boulevard | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 832-913-1244 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price= | lastedit=2025-05-24 | content=A hotel in a more suburban area, located 9 miles from Seismique and 5 miles away from the Great Southwest Equestrian Center. }} == Connect == [[File:St. Matthias Anglican Church - Katy, Texas 02.JPG|thumb|St. Matthias Anglican Church]] If you're in Katy, you really just have to use the Wi-Fi of the hotel, vacation rental, or friend's house you're staying at. In addition, there is one internet cafe close to Katy, called Black Ants Gaming Lab, although it is in Houston Chinatown (Dun Huang Plaza, 9889 Bellaire Blvd), not in Katy. If you're visiting, the Katy Mills shopping mall has Wi-Fi, connect to "#Free Simon Wi-Fi". Because Katy is suburban and on the grid, most other stores will also provide Wi-Fi. == Cope == * {{listing | name=St. Matthias Anglican Church | alt= | url=https://www.stmkaty.org/ | email= | address=4142 Dayflower Dr, Katy, TX 77449 | lat=29.83224 | long=-95.70774 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Sunday Worship in English: 10:30AM, Spanish 2PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2025-07-02 | content=St. Matthias is the Cathedral Parish of the Diocese of Mid-America of the Reformed Episcopal Church. Sunday services typically have about 60 worshippers in English and 25 in Spanish. }} == Go next == * [[Houston/West Houston|West Houston]] * [[Bryan-College Station]] {{routebox | image1=I-10.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[San Antonio]] | minorl1=[[Seguin]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Houston]] | minorr1=[[Houston/West Houston|West Houston]] }} {{IsPartOf|Gulf Coast (Texas)}} {{usablecity}} {{geo|29.7858|-95.8245|zoom=12}} k9w13p18pjcp9zz4s4dwm3acdsebh2c 3 210956 5086601 5070807 2025-07-02T12:31:47Z Ground Zero 1423298 5086601 wikitext text/x-wiki == Greeting == Hello, Bluecoordinationfine! [[Wikivoyage:Welcome, newcomers|Welcome]] to [[Wikivoyage:About|Wikivoyage]]. To help get you started contributing, we've created a [[Wikivoyage:Tips for new contributors|tips for new contributors]] page, full of helpful links about [[Wikivoyage:Directory of policies and guidelines|policies and guidelines]] and [[Wikivoyage:Manual of style|style]], as well as some important information on [[Wikivoyage:Copyleft|copyleft]] and basic stuff like [[Wikivoyage:How to edit a page|how to edit a page]]. If you need help, check out [[Wikivoyage:Help|Help]], or post a message in the [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub|travellers' pub]]. New users are also welcome to post any questions or concerns to the [[Wikivoyage:Arrivals lounge|arrivals lounge]]. If you want some practice editing, please do so on our [[Project:graffiti wall|graffiti wall]]. If you are familiar with Wikipedia, take a look over some of the [[Wikivoyage:Welcome, Wikipedians|differences]] here. If you want to contribute with information about the place where you live, see [[Wikivoyage:Welcome, locals]]. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 12:34, 25 May 2025 (UTC) :Thank you for creating such useful hiking articles. These are a great addition to Wikivoyage. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:37, 31 May 2025 (UTC) ::Thanks a lot! I hope Wikvoyage can be an entry point for a lot of hiking trails in the future. [[User:Bluecoordinationfine|Bluecoordinationfine]] ([[User talk:Bluecoordinationfine|talk]]) 13:46, 31 May 2025 (UTC) :Hello Bluecoordinationfine, it's good to see a contributor focusing on hiking destinations. I notice, however, in many cases you've changed lively writing that helps convey a passion for travel into dull, lifeless "just the facts" writing. An AI bot could do that, and it's not what makes for a <nowiki>'''</nowiki>good<nowiki>'''</nowiki> travel guide. I would like to ask that you re-visit many of your recent edits and revert your changes. I don't really want to go through all your changes and do it myself, but they really are a degradation in quality. In the future, please try to use a livelier tone and style that conveys some excitement for whatever you're writing about. Regards, [[User:Mrkstvns|Mrkstvns]] ([[User talk:Mrkstvns|talk]]) 18:18, 31 May 2025 (UTC) ::Hey! Thanks for the feedback. I was under the impression that I was "doing it wrong" so to speak, when I read some of the other articles on Wikivoyage. This prompted me to make the change. ::It's good to know that this is not what's expected, I'll do my best to improve this in the future. Are there any specific changes you're referring to? [[User:Bluecoordinationfine|Bluecoordinationfine]] ([[User talk:Bluecoordinationfine|talk]]) 18:24, 31 May 2025 (UTC) ::: Have a look at [[Wikivoyage:Tone]]. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 11:57, 1 June 2025 (UTC) ::::Thanks for the link! I'll look through my recent changes. My reason for making some (if not most) of them is that the text was rather vague. In some cases, I also checked the information. For example, some descriptions listed "an open vista" or something similar, while the trail is mapped through exclusively forested regions. ::::At least the factual basis is good now. [[User:Bluecoordinationfine|Bluecoordinationfine]] ([[User talk:Bluecoordinationfine|talk]]) 12:04, 1 June 2025 (UTC) ==[[Offa's Dyke Path]]== Thank you for moving the listings out to the village and town articles. Those are better places for such listings. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:31, 2 July 2025 (UTC) ka2qlykhjghk728rkoqvkhw5os08j2u 2 211339 5086880 5086451 2025-07-03T02:01:30Z Sgroey 2240936 /* Stay safe */ 5086880 wikitext text/x-wiki Ko Adang is the second biggest island in the Tarutao National Marine Park in Southern Thailand. It is the nearest island to the much more built-up Ko Lipe. ==Understand== <span></span> ===History=== <span></span> ===Landscape=== <span></span> ===Flora and fauna=== <span></span> ===Climate=== <span></span> ==Get in== The national park is closed from mid-May until October (the wet season) each year, same as Ko Tarutao. To get to Ko Adang, take a 5 minute water taxi ride from Ko Lipe. These leave from Sunrise Beach and cost 100 baht per person. Water taxis will also take you from Pattaya Beach where the speedboat arrives from Pak Bara, but will cost 200 baht per person. The more adventurous can kayak the 1300 metres from Lipe to Adang. Ko Adang can be enjoyed as a half-day or full day trip from Lipe, or for longer as an independent tourist. ==Fees and permits== The national park entrance fee is 200 baht per person, valid for 5 days. Unlike on Ko Tarutao, dates on tickets are generally not checked. ==Get around== Besides a few relatively short hiking trails, the interior of the island is impenetrable jungle. Long-tail boats can be hired to take you to other, secluded beaches on the island. The best are on the west coast. ==See== Phosphorescent algae at night on the main beach. ==Do== The snorkelling here is superb, better than on Lipe. Very well-used snorkels can be rented at the visitor centre for 50 baht. There is a long, beautiful beach where the accommodation is. Other beaches can be found on the west coast. Speak to the visitor centre to charter a longtail boat to take you to some of the other beaches on the island (1200 baht per day). Hike to the Pirate Waterfall. From the western part of the main beach, follow the black water pipes and the sign. 45 minutes. Bring hiking shoes. Hike to chao Dao. Follow the sign behind the restaurant for a great view of Ko Lipe. 45 minutes. Again, wear hiking shoes. ==Buy== Unsurprisingly, there are no ATMs here, so bring cash.<span></span> ==Eat== There is one restaurant on the island with basic Thai and backpacker fare. Despite the lack of competition the meals are good, average price 130 baht. It is open from 07:00-21:00 with a break in the mid-afternoon. The resort also has a restaurant which may be open to non-guests. ==Drink== Beers are 60 baht at the restaurant. Unlike other buildings, the restaurant has electricity all day so the drinks are always cold. The restaurant also sells bottled water which is the only drinking water available on the island. ==Sleep== There is a large camping area in the shade of some magnificent Sumatran pine trees. There are toilet blocks with sinks and showers as well as outdoor showers for rinsing off after a swim. Toilet paper is not supplied. The camping fee is 100 baht per person, per night if you bring your own tent. Otherwise, the park can provide a tent, sleeping bags and sleeping mats. These are already set up and cost 450 baht per night for two people. Go to the visitor centre on arrival, where you can also rent whatever else you need. There are also 16 basic bungalows run by the national park service. They have A/C and electricity but only between 18:00 and 06:00. They do not have hot water and the mattresses are very hard. 1500 baht per night. To organise accommodation, visit www.dnp.go.th (the website is down as of mid-2025), visit the National Parks Office next to the pier in Pak Bara, or ask a Thai speaker to try calling the following numbers: * The Marine National Park Division: 0 2562 0760 * The Tarutao National Park: 0 7478 3485, 0 7478 3597 * The Tarutao National Park Ranger Station (Laem Son-Ko Adang): 0 7471 2409, 0 7472 8028 If calling from outside Thailand, add +66 and remove the leading 0 when you dial. Even though the entire island is protected as part of the national park, a luxury resort has been built. The Adang Island Resort has been controversial since it was first announced in the late 2000s. Its construction was stalled for many years due to activism from environmentalists and area locals. It is operational but as of mid-2025 it is closed. It is set to re-open in December 2025. 9000 baht per night. ==Stay safe== Even though the island is 1300m from Ko Lipe, do not attempt to swim between them. The currents between the islands are strong. Mobile phone reception is very good on Ko Adang. ==Go next== <div class="noprint"> To go back to Ko Lipe, simply wait at the pier for a water taxi to arrive. {| class="article-status" id="outline_park" style="border-style:dotted;" | |This [[Wikivoyage:Park article template|park]] travel guide to '''sandbox'''&#32;is an '''[[Project:outline articles|outline]]'''&#32;and needs more content. It has a [[Project:Article skeleton templates|template]], but there is not enough [[Project:Where you can stick it|information]] present. Please [[Project:Plunge forward|plunge forward]] and [[Project:How to edit a page|help it grow]]! |}</div><span></span><span></span><div class="noprint"></div>Pigeon Island National Park is Sri Lanka's only marine national park. It was declared a protected area in 1963 in order to protect the habitat for the endangered blue rock pigeons for which the island was named. It was made into a national park in 2003, however the pigeons no longer lived on the island by this time. It is thought that they left the area due to bombings and other disturbances in the area during the Sri Lankan Civil War. It makes a teriffic day trip from Nilaveli or Trincomalee. Come Mar-Sep (East Coast high season) There is no shortage of private boat operators to take you there and back. Busy with domestic tourists on weekends. The Sri Lankan government imposes hefty US$ fees on foreigners to visit national parks, in order to earn some foreign currency. As of mid-2025 foreigners pay the excessive fee of US$48. Tourists damaging corals is a big problem. As a result of this, pieces of broken coral litter the beaches so bring '''reef shoes''' to prevent coral cuts! There are no medical facilities on the island. No shops or toilets on the island. There are rubbish and recycling bins but please try to bring your rubbish home with you. Go to the bathroom before visiting the island. Why go? Beautiful beaches for swimming, scuba diving and snorkelling. Turtles and black-tip reef sharks are common. Ropes secured to buoys demarcate the swimming/snorkelling areas from the protected areas, so do not cross them. There are some short trails leading to viewpoints around the island for some easy hiking. Pigeon Island Boat Service (Nilaveli Beach) runs boats to/from the island during high season, costing Rs. 8000 in 2025. This is much less than the rate you will be quoted by your hotel or other travel agencies. Traveller reports from mid-2025 indicate 90% of the coral surrounding the island is dead. Whether this is due to climate change or the impacts of tourism is not yet known. You cannot sleep on the island nor buy anything there, so bring everything with you and organise umbrellas or snorkelling gear on the mainland. Travellers suggest a free alternative to Pigeon Island is a day trip to Coral Island, further north. npyxstinua9wth5dphixts43h0u7bfs 0 211493 5086782 5083829 2025-07-02T20:18:15Z Mrkstvns 144844 /* Go next */ 5086782 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Camino de Costa Rica banner.jpg|pgname=Camino de Costa Rica}} '''Camino de Costa Rica''' is a 280-km backcountry hiking trail that crosses [[Costa Rica]], passing through or near several [[Costa Rica national parks|national parks]] and spanning 5 ecosystems, including tropical rainforests, mountain highlands, and coastal areas on both the Atlantic (Caribbean) and Pacific oceans. Sections of the trail pass through coffee plantations and parts pass through remote villages and indigenous communities. Although the route does not ascend any volcanoes, hikers will see panoramic vistas of two well-known volcanoes. They may get a chance to interact with the natives as well as frequent opportunities to observe the region's [[Central and South American wildlife|wildlife]]. ==Understand== [[File:Camino de Costa Roca Coffee plantation hike.jpg|thumb|Passing through coffee plantations on the Camino de Costa Rica]] The trail was established by the Asociacion Mar a Mar, an NGO established in 2016 to promote sustainable ecotourism in Costa Rica and to benefit local indigenous communities. ===Trail information=== * [https://www.caminodecostarica.org Camino de Costa Rica] trail website ==Prepare== Although Costa Rica is generally warm all year round, temperatures can get cold at higher elevations, so pack some warm clothing. Also be sure to pack sun block and insect repellant containing DEET. ===When to go=== The rainiest months, called ''the green season'' in Costa Rica, are May through November. The worst month to hike the trail is November which gets the most rain and is almost always muddy. If you want to plan your trip in conjunction with seeing sea turtles on the Atlantic side, the best months would be March to May. ===Duration=== The trail normally takes 16 days to hike from end-to-end. It can be done as fast as 9 days, but most tour guides recommend 16 days. The trail is divided into 16 ''stages'' and normally one stage is hiked each day. Many hikers prefer allowing extra time at some points to allow for other activities. ==Get in== See [[Parismina#Get_in]] and [[Quepos#Get_in]]. ==Hike== [[File:Map_of_Camino_de_Costa_Rica_Hiking_Trail.svg|thumb|Camino de Costa Rica]] The trail runs from sea to sea and is usually started from the Atlantic side at the fishing village of [[Parismina]], ending at the Pacific in the coastal beach town of [[Quepos]]. The trail consists of 16 sections, each constituting about a 1-day hike. Concrete pylons are positioned at each destination. {| class="wikitable" |+ !Stage !Destination !Distance !Ascent |Descent |- |1A |[[Parismina]] |7.8 km |67 m |87 m |- |1b |Goschen Dock (''Muelle'') |17.4 km | | |- |1B |Cimmarones |24 km |134 m |66 m |- |2 |Brisas de Pacuarito |15.1 km |743 m |210 m |- |3 | Tsiobata (''INDIGENOUS'') |15.1 km |579 m |685 m |- |4 | Tres Equis (''INDIGENOUS'') |6.8 km |420 m |261 m |- |5 | Pacquitas |13.3 km |505 m |247 m |- |6 | La Suiza |12.6 km |313 m |638 m |- |7 |Humo de Pejibaje |16.4 km |332 m |199 m |- |8 |Tapanti |16.6 km |986 m |463 m |- |9 |Navarro del Muneco |24.4 km |673 m |695 m |- |10 |Palo Verde |11.9 km |867 m |456 m |- |11 |Cerro Alto |8.9 km |696 m |466 m |- |12 |San Pablo de Leon Cortez |18.3 km |310 m |949 m |- |13 |Napoles |16.4 km |598 m |648 m |- |14 |Naranjilo |13.3 km |72 m |765 m |- |15 |Esquipales |12.0 km |192 m |751 m |- |16 |[[Quepos]] |22.7 km |126 m |306 m |- | | | | | |- |TOTALS | |247.9 km |7478 m |7430 m |- |} There are places to sleep near each of the destinations. Accomodations range from rustic camp sites to comfortable lodges. ==Guides== Guides are recommended for the entire length of the Camino de Costa Rica. Areas identified as Indigenous pass through land owned by native cultures. These areas require that an indigenous guide lead you through the section. If you book a tour through a tour company specializing in trekas on the Camino de Costa Rica, they will provide the guides. Be aware that many sections of the trail are not well marked and a local guide will keep you from getting lost and wasting time. Tour companies will also arrange boat transportation from Parismina to the Goschen dock and will arrange all accomodations and food along the way (there are many places where local women will cook meals for hikers on the trail). ==Stay safe== The Camino de Costa Rica is a long-distance hiking trail that includes more than 19,000 feet of elevation gain. It is best suited for those skilled in [[Wilderness backpacking]]. Parts of the trail can be hiked independently, though parts that pass through indigenous lands require that an indigenous trail guide be hired. A guide can often help you avoid dangerous situations. Proper equipment, good planning, and physical conditioning can make for a safer, more enjoyable trip. On the Camino de Costa Rica, risks include [[Dangerous animals]] and [[Dehydration]]. ==Go next== * [[Tortuguero]] * [[Barbilla National Park]] * [[Manuel Antonio National Park]] * [[Costa Rica national parks]] {{outlineitinerary}} {{PartOfItinerary|North America itineraries}} a7w36154fdrvxa7z6taalu27rpiupu4 1 211525 5086748 5086167 2025-07-02T18:51:31Z Ikan Kekek 36420 /* Local specialties? */ new section 5086748 wikitext text/x-wiki == Codes == What are the codes, e.g. F6QF+WQ, that have been added in many of the addresses in this article? -- [[Special:Contributions/92.21.143.196|92.21.143.196]] 13:08, 26 June 2025 (UTC) :Those are Google Maps codes, as fast as I know. They should be removed. Wikivoyage doesn't use them. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 16:27, 26 June 2025 (UTC) == Name == Which spelling is most used in English, as per [[Wikivoyage:Naming conventions]]: Bulqiza or Bulqizë? Right now, the article title is Bulqiza, but Bulqizë is used throughout the article. We need to pick one name and use it consistently. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:28, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :[[User:ATUFAA]], please comment. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:29, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::{{ping|ATUFAA}} -- [[Special:Contributions/92.21.137.132|92.21.137.132]] 06:01, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::Bulqiza. As for stay safe, there is not the option add listing. I can't find it. [[Special:Contributions/77.247.195.77|77.247.195.77]] 09:46, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::This is Take 100 of "The mobile interface sucks!" You can easily add a blank template for any type of listing you want while in edit mode on the page, but only in computer mode, by clicking the icons to the right of "Listings" above your edit screen. In "Stay safe", you'd probably use "Other listing", which is just a script/italic letter "i". [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:43, 1 July 2025 (UTC) == Local specialties? == I was glad to see [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Bulqiza&diff=5086594&oldid=5086564 this edit], because it was obvious that most of the foods and drinks mentioned are not local specialties. However, if any are, they should be mentioned at the beginning of "Eat". [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:51, 2 July 2025 (UTC) si8z81gabmbug1ekcewefujz0dyksf0 0 211574 5086989 5085783 2025-07-03T06:25:16Z Kned Wiki 2327203 Created Get around and moved tours there to conform to typical Wikivoyage template 5086989 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Winelands-trapani.jpg|caption=Vineyards in Trapani province}} '''Trapani Wine Region''' is a rural and coastal area of western Sicily known for its historical wine production, DOC-designated vineyards, and agrotourism. The region includes wine areas around [[Erice]], [[Marsala]], Salaparuta, and Paceco, offering cellar tours, tastings, and winery accommodations across a mix of countryside and small towns. {{mapframe|38.0|12.95|zoom=8|width=33%|height=350}} ==Understand== Trapani province is home to several DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) wine areas. The region benefits from a Mediterranean climate, limestone-clay soils, and dramatic shifts between day and night temperatures — ideal conditions for cultivating both native Sicilian grapes (like Nero d’Avola, Grillo, Catarratto, Inzolia, and Zibibbo) and international varietals (such as Syrah and Chardonnay). ==Get in== The Trapani wine region is accessible by a mix of air, sea, rail, road, and organised tours — making it easy for travellers to reach its wineries, agriturismi, and coastal vineyards. ===By air=== * '''Trapani–Birgi Airport (Vincenzo Florio Airport)''' lies about 10 km south of Trapani and is often the most convenient for regional and low-cost international flights. * '''Palermo Airport (Falcone–Borsellino)''', approximately 90 km away, offers broader flight connections. Both airports are serviced by regular bus transfers to Trapani city. Many '''wine tour operators''' offer private or group pick‑ups directly from both airports — an easy way to begin a vineyard itinerary without arranging your own transfer. ===By sea=== [[File:Malvasia grapes on the vine.jpg|thumb|350px|Malvasia grapes on the vine]] Trapani’s port hosts ferries and hydrofoils from the [[Aegadian Islands]], [[Pantelleria]], and occasionally Tunis. If you're coming from Pantelleria as part of a wine-and-island tour, this is an efficient launch point. From Trapani port, it's a short taxi or local bus ride to inland wineries — some tours even include a port pick-up. ===By rail and bus=== The nearest train station is in [[Trapani]], with Trenitalia services connecting the city to [[Marsala]], [[Mazara del Vallo]], and [[Palermo]]. Note that service can be infrequent, and travel to inland estates typically requires a bus, taxi, or organised tour. Local buses (AST / Trapani municipal) link Trapani to valley towns like Paceco and Valderice, but are less frequent in rural zones. A wine tour is often the most seamless option. ===By car=== Driving gives the most freedom. From Palermo via the A29 motorway, it’s about a 1.5‑hour journey; Trapani itself is only 15–20 minutes from Trapani–Birgi Airport. Roads to estates — like Erice DOC wineries on SP31/SP3, vineyards near Salaparuta, or coastal farmhouses — are well signposted. Most venues offer free parking. Be aware that rural roads can be narrow and winding, and during summer, heat can make driving uncomfortable without air conditioning. A GPS or offline map helps in more isolated areas. [[File:Planeta winery (4894159127).jpg|thumb|350px|Tasting room at Planeta winery]] ==Get around== ===Wine tour options=== Many visitors opt for guided wine tours — full‑ or half‑day trips that include transport, tastings, meals, and visits to 2–4 estates. These typically start in Trapani or nearby airports and often include hotel or port pick-up. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially in peak season (May–September). * [https://www.winetourinsicily.com/ '''Wine Tour in Sicily'''] – Customised multi‑day wine and culinary itineraries across Trapani DOC zones, often including Michelin-level dining, cooking classes, and heritage cellar access. * [https://www.winetourinsicily.com/en/wine-tasting-around-trapani.php '''Wine Tours in Sicily'''] – Day tours from Trapani to leading wineries such as Donnafugata, Florio, and smaller boutique estates. Optional extras include olive oil tasting and local food pairings. * [https://www.tourofsicily.com/tours/day-tours/private-tours/private-from-trapani/ '''Tour of Sicily'''] – Private wine-themed excursions from Trapani or Palermo, ideal for cruise guests or small groups. Includes winery visits, local restaurants, and cultural stops. * [https://www.justsicily.co.uk/pages/taste-sicily '''JustSicily'''] – Small-group day trips combining the hill towns of Erice and Segesta with Marsala wine tasting and food stops. Departures from Trapani or Palermo. * [https://www.palermogourmetours.com/tour/wine-salt-tour-fd-palermo-trapani-marsala/ '''Palermo Gourmet Tours'''] – Focused experiences around Marsala and Trapani’s salt-pans, with exclusive access to heritage wineries and artisanal food producers. ===DOC wine areas=== Italy’s DOC (''Denominazione di Origine Controllata'') system designates specific wine regions that meet strict production standards tied to geography, grape varieties, and traditional methods. Trapani province is home to several of these DOC zones, each offering distinct terroirs and wine styles reflective of the local landscape. * '''Erice DOC''' – One of Sicily’s 13 official wine routes, Erice DOC spans the hills and valleys around Monte Erice, including parts of Erice, Valderice, Custonaci, Buseto Palizzolo, Castellammare del Golfo, and Paceco. This cool, breezy inland-coastal zone is known for elegant, aromatic wines — particularly Grillo, Catarratto, Syrah, and Nero d’Avola — as well as a high concentration of wine tourism estates, tasting rooms, and agriturismi. [[File:Vineyards of Planeta winery.jpg|thumb|350px|Vineyards of Planeta winery]] * '''Marsala DOC''' – Sicily’s most historic and internationally recognised DOC, Marsala is known for its fortified wines made from local white grapes like Grillo and Inzolia. The zone includes the city of Marsala and surrounding areas in the province’s southwest. Visitors can explore grand 19th-century cellars, some still in use, and sample Marsala Vergine, Superiore, and modern still wines. * '''Salaparuta DOC''' – A small inland appellation east of Castelvetrano, known for bold reds and expressive whites from native grapes like Perricone, Catarratto, and Nero d’Avola. While visits to wineries are limited, nearby producers (such as Duca di Salaparuta in Casteldaccia) often represent the region’s style. * '''Delia Nivolelli DOC''' – This DOC surrounds the inland area of Mazara del Vallo and includes gently rolling hills with deep clay soils. It supports both red and white varietals, including Syrah, Merlot, and Grillo. Boutique producers like Caruso & Minini offer tastings and curated cellar visits from Marsala. * '''Bianco d'Alcamo DOC''' – Spanning the hills east of Trapani and around the town of Alcamo, this DOC focuses on fresh, zesty white wines made from Catarratto and Inzolia. While once limited to whites, it now includes structured reds as well. Several estates offer tastings near Camporeale and Alcamo Marina. * '''Moscato di Pantelleria DOC''' – Located on the island of Pantelleria, this DOC is famed for its sweet passito wines made from sun-dried Zibibbo grapes (Muscat of Alexandria). Terraced vineyards built from volcanic stone are a UNESCO-listed landscape, and wineries such as Donnafugata offer seasonal tastings and vineyard tours. ==See and do== === Wineries and tastings === ==== Erice DOC ==== [[File:Erice Sicily Italy 30.jpg|thumb|350px|Vineyards on the slopes of Monte Erice, with Trapani and the sea beyond]] * {{do | name=Fazio Wines | url=https://www.casavinicolafazio.it/en/home-english/ | address=Via Capitano Rizzo, Erice | phone=+39 0923 811700 | email=info@faziowines.it | lat=37.96119 | long=12.676102 | content=Founding member of the Erice DOC. Produces Grillo, Nero d’Avola, Catarratto, Müller Thurgau, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah. Offers tastings and cellar tours. Advance booking recommended. }} * {{do | name=Ottoventi Winery | url=https://www.ottoventi.wine/?lang=INGLESE | address=Contrada Torrebianco - Rico S.S. 187 km 6+665, Valderice | phone=+39 347 4936661 | email=info@ottoventi.wine | lat=38.02282 | long=12.5873 | content=Modern tasting room and guided vineyard tours. Offers classic and curated wine experiences in a stylish setting. Reservation required. }} * {{do | name=Firriato – Baglio Sorìa | url=https://bagliosoria.it/ | phone=+39 0923861679 | email=bagliosoria@firriatohospitality.it | address=Contrada Soria, 91100 | lat=37.97865 | long=12.602953 | content=A key stop on the Erice DOC route. Offers cellar tours, guided tastings (including Santagostino and Harmonium), and views over Trapani. Also home to a wine resort and fine-dining restaurant (see Sleep and Eat sections). }} * {{do | name=Baglio Ingardia | url=https://www.baglioingardia.com/ | address=S.P. 29 Trapani Salemi, 162 | phone=+39 0923882863 | email=info@baglioingardia.com | lat=37.98744 | long=12.57645 | content=Offers DOC wine and olive oil tastings focused on native varietals. A family estate that emphasizes sustainability and terroir. Guided visits by appointment. }} * {{do | name=Barone di Serramarrocco | url=https://www.baronediserramarrocco.it/en/ | address=Via Alcide De Gasperi, 15 91100 Fulgatore (TP) | phone=+39 0923882863 | email=mail@baronediserramarrocco.com | lat=37.94790 | long=12.74408 | content=Historic estate (since 1619) producing Grillo, Nero d’Avola, and Zibibbo. Tastings by appointment in an elegant hillside winery with views of the Egadi Islands. }} * {{do | name=Tenute Plaia Agriturismo | url=https://www.agriturismotenuteplaia.it/english/degustazione-vini.php | address=Contrada Scopello, 3 · 91014 Castellammare del Golfo (TP) | phone=+39 0924541476 | email=info@plaiavini.com | lat=38.06597 | long=12.81981 | content=Family-run agriturismo producing Grillo, Nero d’Avola, Catarratto, Moscato, and Chardonnay. Offers tastings, vineyard tours, and seasonal meals with views over the Gulf of Castellammare. }} ==== Marsala DOC ==== [[File:Cantine storiche pellegrino.jpg|thumb|350px|Pellegrino cellar]] * {{do | name=Pellegrino Winery |alt=Pellegrino Cantina Marsala |url=https://www.carlopellegrino.it/ |email=booking.ouverture@carlopellegrino.it | address=Via Battaglia delle Egadi, 10 (ex Lungomare Salinella) |lat=37.80542 |long=12.50568 |directions= | phone=+39 0923 719970 | content=Historic Marsala cellar offering tours of 19th-century barrel halls, tastings of both Marsala and still wines, and a wine museum. Very accessible for casual visitors. }} * {{do | name=Curatolo Arini | address=Via Vito Curatolo Arini, 5 91025 – Marsala (TP) | phone=+39 0923989400 | email=visit@curatoloarini.com | lat=37.8103 | long=12.4476 | url=https://www.curatoloarini.com/ | content=Family-run Marsala producer since 1875. Known for elegant design, guided tastings of Marsala and aromatic whites. Visits by appointment only. }} * {{do | name=Cantine Rallo | address=Via Dante Alighieri 18, Marsala | lat=37.78468 | long=12.44661 | url=https://www.aziendaagricolarallo.it/en/cantine-rallo/#pll_switcher | phone=+39 0923721633 | email=info@aziendaagricolarallo.it | content=Produces both Marsala and organic still wines from native grapes. Modern cellar with enoteca and tasting area. Tours available year-round. }} * {{do | name=Buffa Vini | address=Via Vincenzo Florio, 31, 91025 Marsala TP | lat=37.77678 | long=12.45319 | phone=+39 0923982444 | content=Smaller family-run estate focused on artisanal Marsala production using solera methods. Tastings of limited bottlings offered by appointment. }} ==== Delia Nivolelli DOC ==== * {{do | name=Caruso & Minini | address=Via Salemi, 3 – 91025 Marsala (Tp) | lat=37.7923 | long=12.45186 | url=https://www.carusoeminini.com/ | phone=+39 0923986866 | email=enoturismo@carusoeminini.it | content=This boutique winery offers tastings and a small enoteca in a restored 19th-century baglio. Friendly and accessible for casual wine lovers. }} [[File:Donnafugata winery (4894847184).jpg|thumb|350px|Donnnafagata cellar]] ==== Pantelleria DOC ==== * {{do | name=Donnafugata – Khamma Estate | address=Marsala Historic Cellars, Via Sebastiano Lipari, 18, Marsala (TP) | url=https://www.donnafugata.it/en/ | phone=+39 0923724245 | email=visitare@donnafugata.it | lat=37.78806 | long=12.44665 | content=UNESCO-listed terraces and ancient zibibbo vines. Tasting experiences include Passito di Pantelleria and guided vineyard walks. Seasonal; advance booking essential. }} ==== Bianco d'Alcamo DOC ==== * {{do | name=Cantine Rallo – Alcamo | address=Contrada San Nicola, Alcamo | lat=37.92753 | long=13.04964 | url=https://www.aziendaagricolarallo.it/ | phone=+39 0923721633 | email=info@aziendaagricolarallo.it | content=Produces fresh whites and structured reds in the hills near Alcamo. Known for organic cultivation and crisp Grillo-based wines. Tastings by appointment. }} * {{do | name=Principe di Corleone | address=Contrada Malvello, Monreale (near Alcamo) | lat=37.86217 | long=13.2315 | url=https://www.principedicorleone.it/ | phone=+39 0918462922 | email=info@principedicorleone.it | content=Produces wines from vineyards across western Sicily, including Alcamo DOC. Offers guided tastings and winery shop at its scenic Monreale facility. }} * {{do | name=Cusumano | address=SS 113 Km 307, Contrada San Carlo 90047 Partinico (PA) | lat=38.06237 | long=13.10146 | url=https://www.cusumano.it/ | phone=+39 0918781398 | email=info@cusumano.it | content=Well-known Sicilian producer with a sleek, design-forward winery offering tastings by appointment. Focus on single-vineyard bottlings and innovation. }} ==== Salaparuta DOC ==== * {{do | name=Duca di Salaparuta – Cellars | address=Via Nazionale s.s. 113 90014 – Casteldaccia | lat=38.06227 | long=13.54101 | url=https://www.duca.it/ | phone=+39 091945252 | email=visitaduca@duca.it | content=Although the historic cellar is in Casteldaccia, the Duca family owns vineyards in Salaparuta DOC and is one of its most prominent producers. Their main estate is open for tastings and educational visits. }} === Wine festivals === * '''Borgo diVino in Tour''' – Late August event in [[Erice]] featuring tastings, street food, and live music in scenic squares like Piazza della Loggia. ==Eat== [[File:Risotto with Marsala wine, lard from the pig’s cheek and cashew (8035520787).jpg|thumb|350px|Risotto with Marsala wine, guanciale, and cashew]] Some wineries and agriturismi operate full-service restaurants serving regional cuisine, often paired with estate wines. * {{eat | name = Ristorante Santagostino at Baglio Sorìa | address = Contrada Soria, 91100 Trapani (TP) | lat = 37.97865 | long = 12.60295 | url = https://ristorantesantagostino.it/ | phone = +39 0923864411 | content = Refined Sicilian cuisine with panoramic vineyard views. Seasonal tasting menus and à la carte options available. Open to non‑guests with reservation. }} * {{eat | name = Agriturismo Vultaggio | address = Contrada Misiliscemi 4 Guarrato 91031 Misiliscemi (TP) | lat = 37.91891 | long = 12.5668 | url = https://www.agriturismovultaggio.it/ | phone =+39 0923865107 | email =info@agriturismovultaggio.it | content = Slow‑Food certified restaurant in a historic baglio, serving estate‑grown produce, olive oil, and local wines. Family‑friendly — includes pool, spa, pony rides, hiking trails, glamping tents, and farm‑to‑table menus. }} * {{eat | name = Agriturismo Don Carlo | address = VIA POZZO ROCCA, 191016 Erice-Ballata (TP) | lat = 37.96150 | long = 12.68746 | url = https://www.agriturismodoncarlo.it/ | phone = +39 3387381849 | content = Farmhouse estate producing olive oil and its own Erice DOC wine. Offers hearty home‑cooked meals (several courses for ~€30), pool, biking, cooking classes, and cultural/boat excursions. }} * {{eat | name = Duca di Castelmonte Agriturismo | address = Via Salvatore Motisi, 11 Trapani ( TP ) CAP 91100 | lat = 37.993213 | long = 12.564927 | url = https://www.ducadicastelmonte.it/ | phone = +39 3204791734 | email =info@ducadicastelmonte.it | content = Farmstay restaurant serving dishes made with its own vegetables and farm produce, plus wood‑fired pizza and a curated wine list. Rustic setting with traditional Sicilian atmosphere. }} ==Sleep== === Wine resorts and agriturismi === * {{sleep | name = Baglio Donnafranca Wine Resort | address = C.da Donnafranca, 91025 Marsala (TP) | lat = 37.85436 | long = 12.54110 | url = https://www.donnafranca.it/ | phone = +39 0923967240 | email = info@donnafranca.it | content = Elegant 17th‑century baglio surrounded by vineyards, with an outdoor pool, vineyard-view rooms, and an onsite restaurant. Guests enjoy wine tastings of estate-labels, olive oil production tours, and complimentary bike use. }} * {{sleep | name = La Portazza Resort – Turismo Rurale | address = Contrada Dammusello 624 91025 Marsala TP | lat = 37.81314 | long = 12.46505 | url = https://www.laportazzaresort.org/eng/ | phone = +39 0923987074 | content = Family-run rural estate near the Stagnone Nature Reserve. Offers rustic rooms, homemade cuisine, and tastings of house-made wine and olive oil. Guests can enjoy a garden, pool, and relaxed countryside atmosphere. A good base for visiting Marsala wineries. }} * {{sleep | name=Baglio Sorìa Resort by Firriato | address=Contrada Soria, 91100 Trapani (TP) | lat=37.97865 | long=12.60295 | url=https://bagliosoria.it/ | phone=+39 0923861679 | email=bagliosoria@firriatohospitality.it | content=Winery resort offering luxury rooms, tastings, vineyard walks, and a fine restaurant. Ideal base for exploring the Erice DOC wine route. }} * {{sleep | name=Tenute Plaia Agriturismo | alt= | url=https://www.agriturismotenuteplaia.it/english/degustazione-vini.php | email=info@plaiavini.com | address=Contrada Scopello, 3, 91014 Castellammare del Golfo (TP) | lat=38.06601 | long=12.81834 | phone=+39 0924 541476 | lastedit= | content=Family-owned wine estate with guest rooms, tastings, and a seasonal kitchen serving regional dishes. Located near the Zingaro Nature Reserve. }} * {{sleep | name=Agriturismo Baglio Vecchio | alt= | url=https://bagliovecchio.com/en/ | email=booking@bagliovecchio.com | address=Contrada Zangara, 91022 Castelvetrano‑Selinunte (TP) | lat=37.67949 | long=12.79504 | phone=+39 335 833 5275 (mobile) | lastedit= | content=Charming 18th‑century baglio surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. Offers 10 rooms and 5 apartments, a seasonal pool, farm‑to‑table restaurant, and wine & olive oil tastings. Guests praise the rural tranquility, hearty breakfasts in the old wine‑press area. }} ==Buy== [[File:Florio winery shop (4894788134).jpg|thumb|350px|Florio winery shop]] Most wineries in the Trapani province offer direct sales of their wines, often alongside gift boxes that include olive oil, preserves, or other local products. Visitors can purchase bottles after tastings, or arrange international shipping through the estate or a local ''enoteca'' (wine shop). === Wine and tasting purchases === Many estates allow you to buy wines directly after your tasting experience. Some also offer shipping options to the EU and abroad. === Olive oil and food producers === A number of estates in the region specialise in extra-virgin olive oil, often using native Sicilian cultivars. Several offer guided tastings and direct sales. * {{buy | name=Case di Latomie | alt= | url=https://www.casedilatomie.com/ | email=info@casedilatomie.com | address=S.S.115 n. 103, 91022 Castelvetrano (TP) | lat=37.64445 | long=12.83060 | phone=+39 0924 907727 | lastedit= | content=Historic olive oil estate with a stone mill and centuries-old groves. Tastings include bruschetta, cheeses, and local almond pesto. Known for Valli Trapanesi PDO oil. Booking recommended. }} * {{buy | name = Terre di Shemir | url = https://terredishemir.com/ | address = Contrada Guarrato, Trapani (TP) | lat = 37.92487552857836 | long = 12.568851101006434 | phone = +39 3480172893 | hours = 10:00–18:00 | content = Family-run organic estate offering tastings of extra-virgin olive oil from native cultivars. Set in the countryside south of Trapani. Tours and sales by appointment. }} * {{buy | name = Terre del Monte Vultaggio | url = https://www.terredelmonte.it/ | address = Contrada Guarrato 91100 – Trapani | lat = 38.001692956986055 | long = 12.60173548079341 | phone = +39 3480172893 | email = terredishemir@gmail.com | content = Small family-run estate specialising in organic extra‑virgin olive oil, produced on the lower slopes of Monte Erice. Offers guided mill tours, olive‑oil tastings, and retail sales. Ideal for experiencing local terroir and production methods. Booking advised. }} === Cheeses === The inland Trapani region is known for traditional cheeses that pair beautifully with wine. These can be found at farm shops, rural markets, and taste‑focused agriturismi. * '''Vastedda della Valle del Belìce (DOP)''' – A unique soft, tangy sheep's‑milk stretched‑curd cheese from the Belìce Valley. * '''Ericino (P.A.T.)''' – A mixed sheep‑and‑cow's milk cheese from the Erice area, aged and rustic. * '''Caciotta degli Elimi (P.A.T.)''' – A firm sheep’s‑milk cheese from Calatafimi, traditionally pressed and aged. * '''Piddiato (P.A.T.)''' – A stretched‑curd sheep cheese made by reworking pecorino curds. *'''Caciotta degli Elimi''' and '''Ericino''' are often available at the same outlets. Look for them at farmers’ markets in Trapani, Calatafimi Segesta, or through agriturismi in the Belìce Valley. ==Go next== * [[Trapani]] – Closest urban centre * [[Erice]] – Hilltop wine town * [[Marsala]] – Home of Sicily’s most famous fortified wine {{PartOfTopic|Trapani (province)}} {{outlinetopic}} 4retbbx34irxutzbo4ohxyna4dlsvqu 5086992 5086989 2025-07-03T06:33:24Z Ikan Kekek 36420 Part of topic wine. 5086992 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Winelands-trapani.jpg|caption=Vineyards in Trapani province}} '''Trapani Wine Region''' is a rural and coastal area of western Sicily known for its historical wine production, DOC-designated vineyards, and agrotourism. The region includes wine areas around [[Erice]], [[Marsala]], Salaparuta, and Paceco, offering cellar tours, tastings, and winery accommodations across a mix of countryside and small towns. {{mapframe|38.0|12.95|zoom=8|width=33%|height=350}} ==Understand== Trapani province is home to several DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) wine areas. The region benefits from a Mediterranean climate, limestone-clay soils, and dramatic shifts between day and night temperatures — ideal conditions for cultivating both native Sicilian grapes (like Nero d’Avola, Grillo, Catarratto, Inzolia, and Zibibbo) and international varietals (such as Syrah and Chardonnay). ==Get in== The Trapani wine region is accessible by a mix of air, sea, rail, road, and organised tours — making it easy for travellers to reach its wineries, agriturismi, and coastal vineyards. ===By air=== * '''Trapani–Birgi Airport (Vincenzo Florio Airport)''' lies about 10 km south of Trapani and is often the most convenient for regional and low-cost international flights. * '''Palermo Airport (Falcone–Borsellino)''', approximately 90 km away, offers broader flight connections. Both airports are serviced by regular bus transfers to Trapani city. Many '''wine tour operators''' offer private or group pick‑ups directly from both airports — an easy way to begin a vineyard itinerary without arranging your own transfer. ===By sea=== [[File:Malvasia grapes on the vine.jpg|thumb|350px|Malvasia grapes on the vine]] Trapani’s port hosts ferries and hydrofoils from the [[Aegadian Islands]], [[Pantelleria]], and occasionally Tunis. If you're coming from Pantelleria as part of a wine-and-island tour, this is an efficient launch point. From Trapani port, it's a short taxi or local bus ride to inland wineries — some tours even include a port pick-up. ===By rail and bus=== The nearest train station is in [[Trapani]], with Trenitalia services connecting the city to [[Marsala]], [[Mazara del Vallo]], and [[Palermo]]. Note that service can be infrequent, and travel to inland estates typically requires a bus, taxi, or organised tour. Local buses (AST / Trapani municipal) link Trapani to valley towns like Paceco and Valderice, but are less frequent in rural zones. A wine tour is often the most seamless option. ===By car=== Driving gives the most freedom. From Palermo via the A29 motorway, it’s about a 1.5‑hour journey; Trapani itself is only 15–20 minutes from Trapani–Birgi Airport. Roads to estates — like Erice DOC wineries on SP31/SP3, vineyards near Salaparuta, or coastal farmhouses — are well signposted. Most venues offer free parking. Be aware that rural roads can be narrow and winding, and during summer, heat can make driving uncomfortable without air conditioning. A GPS or offline map helps in more isolated areas. [[File:Planeta winery (4894159127).jpg|thumb|350px|Tasting room at Planeta winery]] ==Get around== ===Wine tour options=== Many visitors opt for guided wine tours — full‑ or half‑day trips that include transport, tastings, meals, and visits to 2–4 estates. These typically start in Trapani or nearby airports and often include hotel or port pick-up. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially in peak season (May–September). * [https://www.winetourinsicily.com/ '''Wine Tour in Sicily'''] – Customised multi‑day wine and culinary itineraries across Trapani DOC zones, often including Michelin-level dining, cooking classes, and heritage cellar access. * [https://www.winetourinsicily.com/en/wine-tasting-around-trapani.php '''Wine Tours in Sicily'''] – Day tours from Trapani to leading wineries such as Donnafugata, Florio, and smaller boutique estates. Optional extras include olive oil tasting and local food pairings. * [https://www.tourofsicily.com/tours/day-tours/private-tours/private-from-trapani/ '''Tour of Sicily'''] – Private wine-themed excursions from Trapani or Palermo, ideal for cruise guests or small groups. Includes winery visits, local restaurants, and cultural stops. * [https://www.justsicily.co.uk/pages/taste-sicily '''JustSicily'''] – Small-group day trips combining the hill towns of Erice and Segesta with Marsala wine tasting and food stops. Departures from Trapani or Palermo. * [https://www.palermogourmetours.com/tour/wine-salt-tour-fd-palermo-trapani-marsala/ '''Palermo Gourmet Tours'''] – Focused experiences around Marsala and Trapani’s salt-pans, with exclusive access to heritage wineries and artisanal food producers. ===DOC wine areas=== Italy’s DOC (''Denominazione di Origine Controllata'') system designates specific wine regions that meet strict production standards tied to geography, grape varieties, and traditional methods. Trapani province is home to several of these DOC zones, each offering distinct terroirs and wine styles reflective of the local landscape. * '''Erice DOC''' – One of Sicily’s 13 official wine routes, Erice DOC spans the hills and valleys around Monte Erice, including parts of Erice, Valderice, Custonaci, Buseto Palizzolo, Castellammare del Golfo, and Paceco. This cool, breezy inland-coastal zone is known for elegant, aromatic wines — particularly Grillo, Catarratto, Syrah, and Nero d’Avola — as well as a high concentration of wine tourism estates, tasting rooms, and agriturismi. [[File:Vineyards of Planeta winery.jpg|thumb|350px|Vineyards of Planeta winery]] * '''Marsala DOC''' – Sicily’s most historic and internationally recognised DOC, Marsala is known for its fortified wines made from local white grapes like Grillo and Inzolia. The zone includes the city of Marsala and surrounding areas in the province’s southwest. Visitors can explore grand 19th-century cellars, some still in use, and sample Marsala Vergine, Superiore, and modern still wines. * '''Salaparuta DOC''' – A small inland appellation east of Castelvetrano, known for bold reds and expressive whites from native grapes like Perricone, Catarratto, and Nero d’Avola. While visits to wineries are limited, nearby producers (such as Duca di Salaparuta in Casteldaccia) often represent the region’s style. * '''Delia Nivolelli DOC''' – This DOC surrounds the inland area of Mazara del Vallo and includes gently rolling hills with deep clay soils. It supports both red and white varietals, including Syrah, Merlot, and Grillo. Boutique producers like Caruso & Minini offer tastings and curated cellar visits from Marsala. * '''Bianco d'Alcamo DOC''' – Spanning the hills east of Trapani and around the town of Alcamo, this DOC focuses on fresh, zesty white wines made from Catarratto and Inzolia. While once limited to whites, it now includes structured reds as well. Several estates offer tastings near Camporeale and Alcamo Marina. * '''Moscato di Pantelleria DOC''' – Located on the island of Pantelleria, this DOC is famed for its sweet passito wines made from sun-dried Zibibbo grapes (Muscat of Alexandria). Terraced vineyards built from volcanic stone are a UNESCO-listed landscape, and wineries such as Donnafugata offer seasonal tastings and vineyard tours. ==See and do== === Wineries and tastings === ==== Erice DOC ==== [[File:Erice Sicily Italy 30.jpg|thumb|350px|Vineyards on the slopes of Monte Erice, with Trapani and the sea beyond]] * {{do | name=Fazio Wines | url=https://www.casavinicolafazio.it/en/home-english/ | address=Via Capitano Rizzo, Erice | phone=+39 0923 811700 | email=info@faziowines.it | lat=37.96119 | long=12.676102 | content=Founding member of the Erice DOC. Produces Grillo, Nero d’Avola, Catarratto, Müller Thurgau, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah. Offers tastings and cellar tours. Advance booking recommended. }} * {{do | name=Ottoventi Winery | url=https://www.ottoventi.wine/?lang=INGLESE | address=Contrada Torrebianco - Rico S.S. 187 km 6+665, Valderice | phone=+39 347 4936661 | email=info@ottoventi.wine | lat=38.02282 | long=12.5873 | content=Modern tasting room and guided vineyard tours. Offers classic and curated wine experiences in a stylish setting. Reservation required. }} * {{do | name=Firriato – Baglio Sorìa | url=https://bagliosoria.it/ | phone=+39 0923861679 | email=bagliosoria@firriatohospitality.it | address=Contrada Soria, 91100 | lat=37.97865 | long=12.602953 | content=A key stop on the Erice DOC route. Offers cellar tours, guided tastings (including Santagostino and Harmonium), and views over Trapani. Also home to a wine resort and fine-dining restaurant (see Sleep and Eat sections). }} * {{do | name=Baglio Ingardia | url=https://www.baglioingardia.com/ | address=S.P. 29 Trapani Salemi, 162 | phone=+39 0923882863 | email=info@baglioingardia.com | lat=37.98744 | long=12.57645 | content=Offers DOC wine and olive oil tastings focused on native varietals. A family estate that emphasizes sustainability and terroir. Guided visits by appointment. }} * {{do | name=Barone di Serramarrocco | url=https://www.baronediserramarrocco.it/en/ | address=Via Alcide De Gasperi, 15 91100 Fulgatore (TP) | phone=+39 0923882863 | email=mail@baronediserramarrocco.com | lat=37.94790 | long=12.74408 | content=Historic estate (since 1619) producing Grillo, Nero d’Avola, and Zibibbo. Tastings by appointment in an elegant hillside winery with views of the Egadi Islands. }} * {{do | name=Tenute Plaia Agriturismo | url=https://www.agriturismotenuteplaia.it/english/degustazione-vini.php | address=Contrada Scopello, 3 · 91014 Castellammare del Golfo (TP) | phone=+39 0924541476 | email=info@plaiavini.com | lat=38.06597 | long=12.81981 | content=Family-run agriturismo producing Grillo, Nero d’Avola, Catarratto, Moscato, and Chardonnay. Offers tastings, vineyard tours, and seasonal meals with views over the Gulf of Castellammare. }} ==== Marsala DOC ==== [[File:Cantine storiche pellegrino.jpg|thumb|350px|Pellegrino cellar]] * {{do | name=Pellegrino Winery |alt=Pellegrino Cantina Marsala |url=https://www.carlopellegrino.it/ |email=booking.ouverture@carlopellegrino.it | address=Via Battaglia delle Egadi, 10 (ex Lungomare Salinella) |lat=37.80542 |long=12.50568 |directions= | phone=+39 0923 719970 | content=Historic Marsala cellar offering tours of 19th-century barrel halls, tastings of both Marsala and still wines, and a wine museum. Very accessible for casual visitors. }} * {{do | name=Curatolo Arini | address=Via Vito Curatolo Arini, 5 91025 – Marsala (TP) | phone=+39 0923989400 | email=visit@curatoloarini.com | lat=37.8103 | long=12.4476 | url=https://www.curatoloarini.com/ | content=Family-run Marsala producer since 1875. Known for elegant design, guided tastings of Marsala and aromatic whites. Visits by appointment only. }} * {{do | name=Cantine Rallo | address=Via Dante Alighieri 18, Marsala | lat=37.78468 | long=12.44661 | url=https://www.aziendaagricolarallo.it/en/cantine-rallo/#pll_switcher | phone=+39 0923721633 | email=info@aziendaagricolarallo.it | content=Produces both Marsala and organic still wines from native grapes. Modern cellar with enoteca and tasting area. Tours available year-round. }} * {{do | name=Buffa Vini | address=Via Vincenzo Florio, 31, 91025 Marsala TP | lat=37.77678 | long=12.45319 | phone=+39 0923982444 | content=Smaller family-run estate focused on artisanal Marsala production using solera methods. Tastings of limited bottlings offered by appointment. }} ==== Delia Nivolelli DOC ==== * {{do | name=Caruso & Minini | address=Via Salemi, 3 – 91025 Marsala (Tp) | lat=37.7923 | long=12.45186 | url=https://www.carusoeminini.com/ | phone=+39 0923986866 | email=enoturismo@carusoeminini.it | content=This boutique winery offers tastings and a small enoteca in a restored 19th-century baglio. Friendly and accessible for casual wine lovers. }} [[File:Donnafugata winery (4894847184).jpg|thumb|350px|Donnnafagata cellar]] ==== Pantelleria DOC ==== * {{do | name=Donnafugata – Khamma Estate | address=Marsala Historic Cellars, Via Sebastiano Lipari, 18, Marsala (TP) | url=https://www.donnafugata.it/en/ | phone=+39 0923724245 | email=visitare@donnafugata.it | lat=37.78806 | long=12.44665 | content=UNESCO-listed terraces and ancient zibibbo vines. Tasting experiences include Passito di Pantelleria and guided vineyard walks. Seasonal; advance booking essential. }} ==== Bianco d'Alcamo DOC ==== * {{do | name=Cantine Rallo – Alcamo | address=Contrada San Nicola, Alcamo | lat=37.92753 | long=13.04964 | url=https://www.aziendaagricolarallo.it/ | phone=+39 0923721633 | email=info@aziendaagricolarallo.it | content=Produces fresh whites and structured reds in the hills near Alcamo. Known for organic cultivation and crisp Grillo-based wines. Tastings by appointment. }} * {{do | name=Principe di Corleone | address=Contrada Malvello, Monreale (near Alcamo) | lat=37.86217 | long=13.2315 | url=https://www.principedicorleone.it/ | phone=+39 0918462922 | email=info@principedicorleone.it | content=Produces wines from vineyards across western Sicily, including Alcamo DOC. Offers guided tastings and winery shop at its scenic Monreale facility. }} * {{do | name=Cusumano | address=SS 113 Km 307, Contrada San Carlo 90047 Partinico (PA) | lat=38.06237 | long=13.10146 | url=https://www.cusumano.it/ | phone=+39 0918781398 | email=info@cusumano.it | content=Well-known Sicilian producer with a sleek, design-forward winery offering tastings by appointment. Focus on single-vineyard bottlings and innovation. }} ==== Salaparuta DOC ==== * {{do | name=Duca di Salaparuta – Cellars | address=Via Nazionale s.s. 113 90014 – Casteldaccia | lat=38.06227 | long=13.54101 | url=https://www.duca.it/ | phone=+39 091945252 | email=visitaduca@duca.it | content=Although the historic cellar is in Casteldaccia, the Duca family owns vineyards in Salaparuta DOC and is one of its most prominent producers. Their main estate is open for tastings and educational visits. }} === Wine festivals === * '''Borgo diVino in Tour''' – Late August event in [[Erice]] featuring tastings, street food, and live music in scenic squares like Piazza della Loggia. ==Eat== [[File:Risotto with Marsala wine, lard from the pig’s cheek and cashew (8035520787).jpg|thumb|350px|Risotto with Marsala wine, guanciale, and cashew]] Some wineries and agriturismi operate full-service restaurants serving regional cuisine, often paired with estate wines. * {{eat | name = Ristorante Santagostino at Baglio Sorìa | address = Contrada Soria, 91100 Trapani (TP) | lat = 37.97865 | long = 12.60295 | url = https://ristorantesantagostino.it/ | phone = +39 0923864411 | content = Refined Sicilian cuisine with panoramic vineyard views. Seasonal tasting menus and à la carte options available. Open to non‑guests with reservation. }} * {{eat | name = Agriturismo Vultaggio | address = Contrada Misiliscemi 4 Guarrato 91031 Misiliscemi (TP) | lat = 37.91891 | long = 12.5668 | url = https://www.agriturismovultaggio.it/ | phone =+39 0923865107 | email =info@agriturismovultaggio.it | content = Slow‑Food certified restaurant in a historic baglio, serving estate‑grown produce, olive oil, and local wines. Family‑friendly — includes pool, spa, pony rides, hiking trails, glamping tents, and farm‑to‑table menus. }} * {{eat | name = Agriturismo Don Carlo | address = VIA POZZO ROCCA, 191016 Erice-Ballata (TP) | lat = 37.96150 | long = 12.68746 | url = https://www.agriturismodoncarlo.it/ | phone = +39 3387381849 | content = Farmhouse estate producing olive oil and its own Erice DOC wine. Offers hearty home‑cooked meals (several courses for ~€30), pool, biking, cooking classes, and cultural/boat excursions. }} * {{eat | name = Duca di Castelmonte Agriturismo | address = Via Salvatore Motisi, 11 Trapani ( TP ) CAP 91100 | lat = 37.993213 | long = 12.564927 | url = https://www.ducadicastelmonte.it/ | phone = +39 3204791734 | email =info@ducadicastelmonte.it | content = Farmstay restaurant serving dishes made with its own vegetables and farm produce, plus wood‑fired pizza and a curated wine list. Rustic setting with traditional Sicilian atmosphere. }} ==Sleep== === Wine resorts and agriturismi === * {{sleep | name = Baglio Donnafranca Wine Resort | address = C.da Donnafranca, 91025 Marsala (TP) | lat = 37.85436 | long = 12.54110 | url = https://www.donnafranca.it/ | phone = +39 0923967240 | email = info@donnafranca.it | content = Elegant 17th‑century baglio surrounded by vineyards, with an outdoor pool, vineyard-view rooms, and an onsite restaurant. Guests enjoy wine tastings of estate-labels, olive oil production tours, and complimentary bike use. }} * {{sleep | name = La Portazza Resort – Turismo Rurale | address = Contrada Dammusello 624 91025 Marsala TP | lat = 37.81314 | long = 12.46505 | url = https://www.laportazzaresort.org/eng/ | phone = +39 0923987074 | content = Family-run rural estate near the Stagnone Nature Reserve. Offers rustic rooms, homemade cuisine, and tastings of house-made wine and olive oil. Guests can enjoy a garden, pool, and relaxed countryside atmosphere. A good base for visiting Marsala wineries. }} * {{sleep | name=Baglio Sorìa Resort by Firriato | address=Contrada Soria, 91100 Trapani (TP) | lat=37.97865 | long=12.60295 | url=https://bagliosoria.it/ | phone=+39 0923861679 | email=bagliosoria@firriatohospitality.it | content=Winery resort offering luxury rooms, tastings, vineyard walks, and a fine restaurant. Ideal base for exploring the Erice DOC wine route. }} * {{sleep | name=Tenute Plaia Agriturismo | alt= | url=https://www.agriturismotenuteplaia.it/english/degustazione-vini.php | email=info@plaiavini.com | address=Contrada Scopello, 3, 91014 Castellammare del Golfo (TP) | lat=38.06601 | long=12.81834 | phone=+39 0924 541476 | lastedit= | content=Family-owned wine estate with guest rooms, tastings, and a seasonal kitchen serving regional dishes. Located near the Zingaro Nature Reserve. }} * {{sleep | name=Agriturismo Baglio Vecchio | alt= | url=https://bagliovecchio.com/en/ | email=booking@bagliovecchio.com | address=Contrada Zangara, 91022 Castelvetrano‑Selinunte (TP) | lat=37.67949 | long=12.79504 | phone=+39 335 833 5275 (mobile) | lastedit= | content=Charming 18th‑century baglio surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. Offers 10 rooms and 5 apartments, a seasonal pool, farm‑to‑table restaurant, and wine & olive oil tastings. Guests praise the rural tranquility, hearty breakfasts in the old wine‑press area. }} ==Buy== [[File:Florio winery shop (4894788134).jpg|thumb|350px|Florio winery shop]] Most wineries in the Trapani province offer direct sales of their wines, often alongside gift boxes that include olive oil, preserves, or other local products. Visitors can purchase bottles after tastings, or arrange international shipping through the estate or a local ''enoteca'' (wine shop). === Wine and tasting purchases === Many estates allow you to buy wines directly after your tasting experience. Some also offer shipping options to the EU and abroad. === Olive oil and food producers === A number of estates in the region specialise in extra-virgin olive oil, often using native Sicilian cultivars. Several offer guided tastings and direct sales. * {{buy | name=Case di Latomie | alt= | url=https://www.casedilatomie.com/ | email=info@casedilatomie.com | address=S.S.115 n. 103, 91022 Castelvetrano (TP) | lat=37.64445 | long=12.83060 | phone=+39 0924 907727 | lastedit= | content=Historic olive oil estate with a stone mill and centuries-old groves. Tastings include bruschetta, cheeses, and local almond pesto. Known for Valli Trapanesi PDO oil. Booking recommended. }} * {{buy | name = Terre di Shemir | url = https://terredishemir.com/ | address = Contrada Guarrato, Trapani (TP) | lat = 37.92487552857836 | long = 12.568851101006434 | phone = +39 3480172893 | hours = 10:00–18:00 | content = Family-run organic estate offering tastings of extra-virgin olive oil from native cultivars. Set in the countryside south of Trapani. Tours and sales by appointment. }} * {{buy | name = Terre del Monte Vultaggio | url = https://www.terredelmonte.it/ | address = Contrada Guarrato 91100 – Trapani | lat = 38.001692956986055 | long = 12.60173548079341 | phone = +39 3480172893 | email = terredishemir@gmail.com | content = Small family-run estate specialising in organic extra‑virgin olive oil, produced on the lower slopes of Monte Erice. Offers guided mill tours, olive‑oil tastings, and retail sales. Ideal for experiencing local terroir and production methods. Booking advised. }} === Cheeses === The inland Trapani region is known for traditional cheeses that pair beautifully with wine. These can be found at farm shops, rural markets, and taste‑focused agriturismi. * '''Vastedda della Valle del Belìce (DOP)''' – A unique soft, tangy sheep's‑milk stretched‑curd cheese from the Belìce Valley. * '''Ericino (P.A.T.)''' – A mixed sheep‑and‑cow's milk cheese from the Erice area, aged and rustic. * '''Caciotta degli Elimi (P.A.T.)''' – A firm sheep’s‑milk cheese from Calatafimi, traditionally pressed and aged. * '''Piddiato (P.A.T.)''' – A stretched‑curd sheep cheese made by reworking pecorino curds. *'''Caciotta degli Elimi''' and '''Ericino''' are often available at the same outlets. Look for them at farmers’ markets in Trapani, Calatafimi Segesta, or through agriturismi in the Belìce Valley. ==Go next== * [[Trapani]] – Closest urban centre * [[Erice]] – Hilltop wine town * [[Marsala]] – Home of Sicily’s most famous fortified wine {{PartOfTopic|Wine}} {{outlinetopic}} sr5011a4h1dgvven1a8suga3xf9xz7c 5086995 5086992 2025-07-03T06:36:40Z Ikan Kekek 36420 Added some links, substituted standard Wikivoyage [[sh|subsection headers]]. 5086995 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Winelands-trapani.jpg|caption=Vineyards in Trapani province}} The '''Trapani Wine Region''' is a rural and coastal area of western [[Sicily]] known for its historical wine production, DOC-designated vineyards, and agrotourism. The region includes wine areas around [[Erice]], [[Marsala]], Salaparuta, and Paceco, offering cellar tours, tastings, and winery accommodations across a mix of countryside and small towns. {{mapframe|38.0|12.95|zoom=8|width=33%|height=350}} ==Understand== [[Trapani (province)|Trapani province]] is home to several DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) wine areas. The region benefits from a Mediterranean climate, limestone-clay soils, and dramatic shifts between day and night temperatures — ideal conditions for cultivating both native Sicilian grapes (like Nero d’Avola, Grillo, Catarratto, Inzolia, and Zibibbo) and international varietals (such as Syrah and Chardonnay). ==Get in== The Trapani wine region is accessible by a mix of air, sea, rail, road, and organised tours — making it easy for travellers to reach its wineries, agriturismi, and coastal vineyards. ===By plane=== * '''Trapani–Birgi Airport (Vincenzo Florio Airport)''' lies about 10 km south of [[Trapani]] and is often the most convenient for regional and low-cost international flights. * '''[[Palermo]] Airport (Falcone–Borsellino)''', approximately 90 km away, offers broader flight connections. Both airports are serviced by regular bus transfers to Trapani city. Many '''wine tour operators''' offer private or group pick‑ups directly from both airports — an easy way to begin a vineyard itinerary without arranging your own transfer. ===By boat=== [[File:Malvasia grapes on the vine.jpg|thumb|350px|Malvasia grapes on the vine]] Trapani’s port hosts ferries and hydrofoils from the [[Aegadian Islands]], [[Pantelleria]], and occasionally Tunis. If you're coming from Pantelleria as part of a wine-and-island tour, this is an efficient launch point. From Trapani port, it's a short taxi or local bus ride to inland wineries — some tours even include a port pick-up. ===By train and bus=== The nearest train station is in [[Trapani]], with Trenitalia services connecting the city to [[Marsala]], [[Mazara del Vallo]], and [[Palermo]]. Note that service can be infrequent, and travel to inland estates typically requires a bus, taxi, or organised tour. Local buses (AST / Trapani municipal) link Trapani to valley towns like Paceco and Valderice, but are less frequent in rural zones. A wine tour is often the most seamless option. ===By car=== Driving gives the most freedom. From Palermo via the A29 motorway, it’s about a 1.5‑hour journey; Trapani itself is only 15–20 minutes from Trapani–Birgi Airport. Roads to estates — like Erice DOC wineries on SP31/SP3, vineyards near Salaparuta, or coastal farmhouses — are well signposted. Most venues offer free parking. Be aware that rural roads can be narrow and winding, and during summer, heat can make driving uncomfortable without air conditioning. A GPS or offline map helps in more isolated areas. [[File:Planeta winery (4894159127).jpg|thumb|350px|Tasting room at Planeta winery]] ==Get around== ===Wine tour options=== Many visitors opt for guided wine tours — full‑ or half‑day trips that include transport, tastings, meals, and visits to 2–4 estates. These typically start in Trapani or nearby airports and often include hotel or port pick-up. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially in peak season (May–September). * [https://www.winetourinsicily.com/ '''Wine Tour in Sicily'''] – Customised multi‑day wine and culinary itineraries across Trapani DOC zones, often including Michelin-level dining, cooking classes, and heritage cellar access. * [https://www.winetourinsicily.com/en/wine-tasting-around-trapani.php '''Wine Tours in Sicily'''] – Day tours from Trapani to leading wineries such as Donnafugata, Florio, and smaller boutique estates. Optional extras include olive oil tasting and local food pairings. * [https://www.tourofsicily.com/tours/day-tours/private-tours/private-from-trapani/ '''Tour of Sicily'''] – Private wine-themed excursions from Trapani or Palermo, ideal for cruise guests or small groups. Includes winery visits, local restaurants, and cultural stops. * [https://www.justsicily.co.uk/pages/taste-sicily '''JustSicily'''] – Small-group day trips combining the hill towns of Erice and Segesta with Marsala wine tasting and food stops. Departures from Trapani or Palermo. * [https://www.palermogourmetours.com/tour/wine-salt-tour-fd-palermo-trapani-marsala/ '''Palermo Gourmet Tours'''] – Focused experiences around Marsala and Trapani’s salt-pans, with exclusive access to heritage wineries and artisanal food producers. ===DOC wine areas=== Italy’s DOC (''Denominazione di Origine Controllata'') system designates specific wine regions that meet strict production standards tied to geography, grape varieties, and traditional methods. Trapani province is home to several of these DOC zones, each offering distinct terroirs and wine styles reflective of the local landscape. * '''Erice DOC''' – One of Sicily’s 13 official wine routes, Erice DOC spans the hills and valleys around Monte Erice, including parts of Erice, Valderice, Custonaci, Buseto Palizzolo, Castellammare del Golfo, and Paceco. This cool, breezy inland-coastal zone is known for elegant, aromatic wines — particularly Grillo, Catarratto, Syrah, and Nero d’Avola — as well as a high concentration of wine tourism estates, tasting rooms, and agriturismi. [[File:Vineyards of Planeta winery.jpg|thumb|350px|Vineyards of Planeta winery]] * '''Marsala DOC''' – Sicily’s most historic and internationally recognised DOC, Marsala is known for its fortified wines made from local white grapes like Grillo and Inzolia. The zone includes the city of Marsala and surrounding areas in the province’s southwest. Visitors can explore grand 19th-century cellars, some still in use, and sample Marsala Vergine, Superiore, and modern still wines. * '''Salaparuta DOC''' – A small inland appellation east of Castelvetrano, known for bold reds and expressive whites from native grapes like Perricone, Catarratto, and Nero d’Avola. While visits to wineries are limited, nearby producers (such as Duca di Salaparuta in Casteldaccia) often represent the region’s style. * '''Delia Nivolelli DOC''' – This DOC surrounds the inland area of Mazara del Vallo and includes gently rolling hills with deep clay soils. It supports both red and white varietals, including Syrah, Merlot, and Grillo. Boutique producers like Caruso & Minini offer tastings and curated cellar visits from Marsala. * '''Bianco d'Alcamo DOC''' – Spanning the hills east of Trapani and around the town of Alcamo, this DOC focuses on fresh, zesty white wines made from Catarratto and Inzolia. While once limited to whites, it now includes structured reds as well. Several estates offer tastings near Camporeale and Alcamo Marina. * '''Moscato di Pantelleria DOC''' – Located on the island of Pantelleria, this DOC is famed for its sweet passito wines made from sun-dried Zibibbo grapes (Muscat of Alexandria). Terraced vineyards built from volcanic stone are a UNESCO-listed landscape, and wineries such as Donnafugata offer seasonal tastings and vineyard tours. ==See and do== === Wineries and tastings === ==== Erice DOC ==== [[File:Erice Sicily Italy 30.jpg|thumb|350px|Vineyards on the slopes of Monte Erice, with Trapani and the sea beyond]] * {{do | name=Fazio Wines | url=https://www.casavinicolafazio.it/en/home-english/ | address=Via Capitano Rizzo, Erice | phone=+39 0923 811700 | email=info@faziowines.it | lat=37.96119 | long=12.676102 | content=Founding member of the Erice DOC. Produces Grillo, Nero d’Avola, Catarratto, Müller Thurgau, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah. Offers tastings and cellar tours. Advance booking recommended. }} * {{do | name=Ottoventi Winery | url=https://www.ottoventi.wine/?lang=INGLESE | address=Contrada Torrebianco - Rico S.S. 187 km 6+665, Valderice | phone=+39 347 4936661 | email=info@ottoventi.wine | lat=38.02282 | long=12.5873 | content=Modern tasting room and guided vineyard tours. Offers classic and curated wine experiences in a stylish setting. Reservation required. }} * {{do | name=Firriato – Baglio Sorìa | url=https://bagliosoria.it/ | phone=+39 0923861679 | email=bagliosoria@firriatohospitality.it | address=Contrada Soria, 91100 | lat=37.97865 | long=12.602953 | content=A key stop on the Erice DOC route. Offers cellar tours, guided tastings (including Santagostino and Harmonium), and views over Trapani. Also home to a wine resort and fine-dining restaurant (see Sleep and Eat sections). }} * {{do | name=Baglio Ingardia | url=https://www.baglioingardia.com/ | address=S.P. 29 Trapani Salemi, 162 | phone=+39 0923882863 | email=info@baglioingardia.com | lat=37.98744 | long=12.57645 | content=Offers DOC wine and olive oil tastings focused on native varietals. A family estate that emphasizes sustainability and terroir. Guided visits by appointment. }} * {{do | name=Barone di Serramarrocco | url=https://www.baronediserramarrocco.it/en/ | address=Via Alcide De Gasperi, 15 91100 Fulgatore (TP) | phone=+39 0923882863 | email=mail@baronediserramarrocco.com | lat=37.94790 | long=12.74408 | content=Historic estate (since 1619) producing Grillo, Nero d’Avola, and Zibibbo. Tastings by appointment in an elegant hillside winery with views of the Egadi Islands. }} * {{do | name=Tenute Plaia Agriturismo | url=https://www.agriturismotenuteplaia.it/english/degustazione-vini.php | address=Contrada Scopello, 3 · 91014 Castellammare del Golfo (TP) | phone=+39 0924541476 | email=info@plaiavini.com | lat=38.06597 | long=12.81981 | content=Family-run agriturismo producing Grillo, Nero d’Avola, Catarratto, Moscato, and Chardonnay. Offers tastings, vineyard tours, and seasonal meals with views over the Gulf of Castellammare. }} ==== Marsala DOC ==== [[File:Cantine storiche pellegrino.jpg|thumb|350px|Pellegrino cellar]] * {{do | name=Pellegrino Winery |alt=Pellegrino Cantina Marsala |url=https://www.carlopellegrino.it/ |email=booking.ouverture@carlopellegrino.it | address=Via Battaglia delle Egadi, 10 (ex Lungomare Salinella) |lat=37.80542 |long=12.50568 |directions= | phone=+39 0923 719970 | content=Historic Marsala cellar offering tours of 19th-century barrel halls, tastings of both Marsala and still wines, and a wine museum. Very accessible for casual visitors. }} * {{do | name=Curatolo Arini | address=Via Vito Curatolo Arini, 5 91025 – Marsala (TP) | phone=+39 0923989400 | email=visit@curatoloarini.com | lat=37.8103 | long=12.4476 | url=https://www.curatoloarini.com/ | content=Family-run Marsala producer since 1875. Known for elegant design, guided tastings of Marsala and aromatic whites. Visits by appointment only. }} * {{do | name=Cantine Rallo | address=Via Dante Alighieri 18, Marsala | lat=37.78468 | long=12.44661 | url=https://www.aziendaagricolarallo.it/en/cantine-rallo/#pll_switcher | phone=+39 0923721633 | email=info@aziendaagricolarallo.it | content=Produces both Marsala and organic still wines from native grapes. Modern cellar with enoteca and tasting area. Tours available year-round. }} * {{do | name=Buffa Vini | address=Via Vincenzo Florio, 31, 91025 Marsala TP | lat=37.77678 | long=12.45319 | phone=+39 0923982444 | content=Smaller family-run estate focused on artisanal Marsala production using solera methods. Tastings of limited bottlings offered by appointment. }} ==== Delia Nivolelli DOC ==== * {{do | name=Caruso & Minini | address=Via Salemi, 3 – 91025 Marsala (Tp) | lat=37.7923 | long=12.45186 | url=https://www.carusoeminini.com/ | phone=+39 0923986866 | email=enoturismo@carusoeminini.it | content=This boutique winery offers tastings and a small enoteca in a restored 19th-century baglio. Friendly and accessible for casual wine lovers. }} [[File:Donnafugata winery (4894847184).jpg|thumb|350px|Donnnafagata cellar]] ==== Pantelleria DOC ==== * {{do | name=Donnafugata – Khamma Estate | address=Marsala Historic Cellars, Via Sebastiano Lipari, 18, Marsala (TP) | url=https://www.donnafugata.it/en/ | phone=+39 0923724245 | email=visitare@donnafugata.it | lat=37.78806 | long=12.44665 | content=UNESCO-listed terraces and ancient zibibbo vines. Tasting experiences include Passito di Pantelleria and guided vineyard walks. Seasonal; advance booking essential. }} ==== Bianco d'Alcamo DOC ==== * {{do | name=Cantine Rallo – Alcamo | address=Contrada San Nicola, Alcamo | lat=37.92753 | long=13.04964 | url=https://www.aziendaagricolarallo.it/ | phone=+39 0923721633 | email=info@aziendaagricolarallo.it | content=Produces fresh whites and structured reds in the hills near Alcamo. Known for organic cultivation and crisp Grillo-based wines. Tastings by appointment. }} * {{do | name=Principe di Corleone | address=Contrada Malvello, Monreale (near Alcamo) | lat=37.86217 | long=13.2315 | url=https://www.principedicorleone.it/ | phone=+39 0918462922 | email=info@principedicorleone.it | content=Produces wines from vineyards across western Sicily, including Alcamo DOC. Offers guided tastings and winery shop at its scenic Monreale facility. }} * {{do | name=Cusumano | address=SS 113 Km 307, Contrada San Carlo 90047 Partinico (PA) | lat=38.06237 | long=13.10146 | url=https://www.cusumano.it/ | phone=+39 0918781398 | email=info@cusumano.it | content=Well-known Sicilian producer with a sleek, design-forward winery offering tastings by appointment. Focus on single-vineyard bottlings and innovation. }} ==== Salaparuta DOC ==== * {{do | name=Duca di Salaparuta – Cellars | address=Via Nazionale s.s. 113 90014 – Casteldaccia | lat=38.06227 | long=13.54101 | url=https://www.duca.it/ | phone=+39 091945252 | email=visitaduca@duca.it | content=Although the historic cellar is in Casteldaccia, the Duca family owns vineyards in Salaparuta DOC and is one of its most prominent producers. Their main estate is open for tastings and educational visits. }} === Wine festivals === * '''Borgo diVino in Tour''' – Late August event in [[Erice]] featuring tastings, street food, and live music in scenic squares like Piazza della Loggia. ==Eat== [[File:Risotto with Marsala wine, lard from the pig’s cheek and cashew (8035520787).jpg|thumb|350px|Risotto with Marsala wine, guanciale, and cashew]] Some wineries and agriturismi operate full-service restaurants serving regional cuisine, often paired with estate wines. * {{eat | name = Ristorante Santagostino at Baglio Sorìa | address = Contrada Soria, 91100 Trapani (TP) | lat = 37.97865 | long = 12.60295 | url = https://ristorantesantagostino.it/ | phone = +39 0923864411 | content = Refined Sicilian cuisine with panoramic vineyard views. Seasonal tasting menus and à la carte options available. Open to non‑guests with reservation. }} * {{eat | name = Agriturismo Vultaggio | address = Contrada Misiliscemi 4 Guarrato 91031 Misiliscemi (TP) | lat = 37.91891 | long = 12.5668 | url = https://www.agriturismovultaggio.it/ | phone =+39 0923865107 | email =info@agriturismovultaggio.it | content = Slow‑Food certified restaurant in a historic baglio, serving estate‑grown produce, olive oil, and local wines. Family‑friendly — includes pool, spa, pony rides, hiking trails, glamping tents, and farm‑to‑table menus. }} * {{eat | name = Agriturismo Don Carlo | address = VIA POZZO ROCCA, 191016 Erice-Ballata (TP) | lat = 37.96150 | long = 12.68746 | url = https://www.agriturismodoncarlo.it/ | phone = +39 3387381849 | content = Farmhouse estate producing olive oil and its own Erice DOC wine. Offers hearty home‑cooked meals (several courses for ~€30), pool, biking, cooking classes, and cultural/boat excursions. }} * {{eat | name = Duca di Castelmonte Agriturismo | address = Via Salvatore Motisi, 11 Trapani ( TP ) CAP 91100 | lat = 37.993213 | long = 12.564927 | url = https://www.ducadicastelmonte.it/ | phone = +39 3204791734 | email =info@ducadicastelmonte.it | content = Farmstay restaurant serving dishes made with its own vegetables and farm produce, plus wood‑fired pizza and a curated wine list. Rustic setting with traditional Sicilian atmosphere. }} ==Sleep== === Wine resorts and agriturismi === * {{sleep | name = Baglio Donnafranca Wine Resort | address = C.da Donnafranca, 91025 Marsala (TP) | lat = 37.85436 | long = 12.54110 | url = https://www.donnafranca.it/ | phone = +39 0923967240 | email = info@donnafranca.it | content = Elegant 17th‑century baglio surrounded by vineyards, with an outdoor pool, vineyard-view rooms, and an onsite restaurant. Guests enjoy wine tastings of estate-labels, olive oil production tours, and complimentary bike use. }} * {{sleep | name = La Portazza Resort – Turismo Rurale | address = Contrada Dammusello 624 91025 Marsala TP | lat = 37.81314 | long = 12.46505 | url = https://www.laportazzaresort.org/eng/ | phone = +39 0923987074 | content = Family-run rural estate near the Stagnone Nature Reserve. Offers rustic rooms, homemade cuisine, and tastings of house-made wine and olive oil. Guests can enjoy a garden, pool, and relaxed countryside atmosphere. A good base for visiting Marsala wineries. }} * {{sleep | name=Baglio Sorìa Resort by Firriato | address=Contrada Soria, 91100 Trapani (TP) | lat=37.97865 | long=12.60295 | url=https://bagliosoria.it/ | phone=+39 0923861679 | email=bagliosoria@firriatohospitality.it | content=Winery resort offering luxury rooms, tastings, vineyard walks, and a fine restaurant. Ideal base for exploring the Erice DOC wine route. }} * {{sleep | name=Tenute Plaia Agriturismo | alt= | url=https://www.agriturismotenuteplaia.it/english/degustazione-vini.php | email=info@plaiavini.com | address=Contrada Scopello, 3, 91014 Castellammare del Golfo (TP) | lat=38.06601 | long=12.81834 | phone=+39 0924 541476 | lastedit= | content=Family-owned wine estate with guest rooms, tastings, and a seasonal kitchen serving regional dishes. Located near the Zingaro Nature Reserve. }} * {{sleep | name=Agriturismo Baglio Vecchio | alt= | url=https://bagliovecchio.com/en/ | email=booking@bagliovecchio.com | address=Contrada Zangara, 91022 Castelvetrano‑Selinunte (TP) | lat=37.67949 | long=12.79504 | phone=+39 335 833 5275 (mobile) | lastedit= | content=Charming 18th‑century baglio surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. Offers 10 rooms and 5 apartments, a seasonal pool, farm‑to‑table restaurant, and wine & olive oil tastings. Guests praise the rural tranquility, hearty breakfasts in the old wine‑press area. }} ==Buy== [[File:Florio winery shop (4894788134).jpg|thumb|350px|Florio winery shop]] Most wineries in the Trapani province offer direct sales of their wines, often alongside gift boxes that include olive oil, preserves, or other local products. Visitors can purchase bottles after tastings, or arrange international shipping through the estate or a local ''enoteca'' (wine shop). === Wine and tasting purchases === Many estates allow you to buy wines directly after your tasting experience. Some also offer shipping options to the EU and abroad. === Olive oil and food producers === A number of estates in the region specialise in extra-virgin olive oil, often using native Sicilian cultivars. Several offer guided tastings and direct sales. * {{buy | name=Case di Latomie | alt= | url=https://www.casedilatomie.com/ | email=info@casedilatomie.com | address=S.S.115 n. 103, 91022 Castelvetrano (TP) | lat=37.64445 | long=12.83060 | phone=+39 0924 907727 | lastedit= | content=Historic olive oil estate with a stone mill and centuries-old groves. Tastings include bruschetta, cheeses, and local almond pesto. Known for Valli Trapanesi PDO oil. Booking recommended. }} * {{buy | name = Terre di Shemir | url = https://terredishemir.com/ | address = Contrada Guarrato, Trapani (TP) | lat = 37.92487552857836 | long = 12.568851101006434 | phone = +39 3480172893 | hours = 10:00–18:00 | content = Family-run organic estate offering tastings of extra-virgin olive oil from native cultivars. Set in the countryside south of Trapani. Tours and sales by appointment. }} * {{buy | name = Terre del Monte Vultaggio | url = https://www.terredelmonte.it/ | address = Contrada Guarrato 91100 – Trapani | lat = 38.001692956986055 | long = 12.60173548079341 | phone = +39 3480172893 | email = terredishemir@gmail.com | content = Small family-run estate specialising in organic extra‑virgin olive oil, produced on the lower slopes of Monte Erice. Offers guided mill tours, olive‑oil tastings, and retail sales. Ideal for experiencing local terroir and production methods. Booking advised. }} === Cheeses === The inland Trapani region is known for traditional cheeses that pair beautifully with wine. These can be found at farm shops, rural markets, and taste‑focused agriturismi. * '''Vastedda della Valle del Belìce (DOP)''' – A unique soft, tangy sheep's‑milk stretched‑curd cheese from the Belìce Valley. * '''Ericino (P.A.T.)''' – A mixed sheep‑and‑cow's milk cheese from the Erice area, aged and rustic. * '''Caciotta degli Elimi (P.A.T.)''' – A firm sheep’s‑milk cheese from Calatafimi, traditionally pressed and aged. * '''Piddiato (P.A.T.)''' – A stretched‑curd sheep cheese made by reworking pecorino curds. *'''Caciotta degli Elimi''' and '''Ericino''' are often available at the same outlets. Look for them at farmers’ markets in Trapani, Calatafimi Segesta, or through agriturismi in the Belìce Valley. ==Go next== * [[Trapani]] – Closest urban centre * [[Erice]] – Hilltop wine town * [[Marsala]] – Home of Sicily’s most famous fortified wine {{PartOfTopic|Wine}} {{outlinetopic}} bdn2yhs4kqz658y6yhxm8gqzaot6gu4 5087053 5086995 2025-07-03T09:47:22Z 143.58.166.64 Added generic Stay safe section to fit Wikivoyage templates 5087053 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Winelands-trapani.jpg|caption=Vineyards in Trapani province}} The '''Trapani Wine Region''' is a rural and coastal area of western [[Sicily]] known for its historical wine production, DOC-designated vineyards, and agrotourism. The region includes wine areas around [[Erice]], [[Marsala]], Salaparuta, and Paceco, offering cellar tours, tastings, and winery accommodations across a mix of countryside and small towns. {{mapframe|38.0|12.95|zoom=8|width=33%|height=350}} ==Understand== [[Trapani (province)|Trapani province]] is home to several DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) wine areas. The region benefits from a Mediterranean climate, limestone-clay soils, and dramatic shifts between day and night temperatures — ideal conditions for cultivating both native Sicilian grapes (like Nero d’Avola, Grillo, Catarratto, Inzolia, and Zibibbo) and international varietals (such as Syrah and Chardonnay). ==Get in== The Trapani wine region is accessible by a mix of air, sea, rail, road, and organised tours — making it easy for travellers to reach its wineries, agriturismi, and coastal vineyards. ===By plane=== * '''Trapani–Birgi Airport (Vincenzo Florio Airport)''' lies about 10 km south of [[Trapani]] and is often the most convenient for regional and low-cost international flights. * '''[[Palermo]] Airport (Falcone–Borsellino)''', approximately 90 km away, offers broader flight connections. Both airports are serviced by regular bus transfers to Trapani city. Many '''wine tour operators''' offer private or group pick‑ups directly from both airports — an easy way to begin a vineyard itinerary without arranging your own transfer. ===By boat=== [[File:Malvasia grapes on the vine.jpg|thumb|350px|Malvasia grapes on the vine]] Trapani’s port hosts ferries and hydrofoils from the [[Aegadian Islands]], [[Pantelleria]], and occasionally Tunis. If you're coming from Pantelleria as part of a wine-and-island tour, this is an efficient launch point. From Trapani port, it's a short taxi or local bus ride to inland wineries — some tours even include a port pick-up. ===By train and bus=== The nearest train station is in [[Trapani]], with Trenitalia services connecting the city to [[Marsala]], [[Mazara del Vallo]], and [[Palermo]]. Note that service can be infrequent, and travel to inland estates typically requires a bus, taxi, or organised tour. Local buses (AST / Trapani municipal) link Trapani to valley towns like Paceco and Valderice, but are less frequent in rural zones. A wine tour is often the most seamless option. ===By car=== Driving gives the most freedom. From Palermo via the A29 motorway, it’s about a 1.5‑hour journey; Trapani itself is only 15–20 minutes from Trapani–Birgi Airport. Roads to estates — like Erice DOC wineries on SP31/SP3, vineyards near Salaparuta, or coastal farmhouses — are well signposted. Most venues offer free parking. Be aware that rural roads can be narrow and winding, and during summer, heat can make driving uncomfortable without air conditioning. A GPS or offline map helps in more isolated areas. [[File:Planeta winery (4894159127).jpg|thumb|350px|Tasting room at Planeta winery]] ==Get around== ===Wine tour options=== Many visitors opt for guided wine tours — full‑ or half‑day trips that include transport, tastings, meals, and visits to 2–4 estates. These typically start in Trapani or nearby airports and often include hotel or port pick-up. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially in peak season (May–September). * [https://www.winetourinsicily.com/ '''Wine Tour in Sicily'''] – Customised multi‑day wine and culinary itineraries across Trapani DOC zones, often including Michelin-level dining, cooking classes, and heritage cellar access. * [https://www.winetourinsicily.com/en/wine-tasting-around-trapani.php '''Wine Tours in Sicily'''] – Day tours from Trapani to leading wineries such as Donnafugata, Florio, and smaller boutique estates. Optional extras include olive oil tasting and local food pairings. * [https://www.tourofsicily.com/tours/day-tours/private-tours/private-from-trapani/ '''Tour of Sicily'''] – Private wine-themed excursions from Trapani or Palermo, ideal for cruise guests or small groups. Includes winery visits, local restaurants, and cultural stops. * [https://www.justsicily.co.uk/pages/taste-sicily '''JustSicily'''] – Small-group day trips combining the hill towns of Erice and Segesta with Marsala wine tasting and food stops. Departures from Trapani or Palermo. * [https://www.palermogourmetours.com/tour/wine-salt-tour-fd-palermo-trapani-marsala/ '''Palermo Gourmet Tours'''] – Focused experiences around Marsala and Trapani’s salt-pans, with exclusive access to heritage wineries and artisanal food producers. ===DOC wine areas=== Italy’s DOC (''Denominazione di Origine Controllata'') system designates specific wine regions that meet strict production standards tied to geography, grape varieties, and traditional methods. Trapani province is home to several of these DOC zones, each offering distinct terroirs and wine styles reflective of the local landscape. * '''Erice DOC''' – One of Sicily’s 13 official wine routes, Erice DOC spans the hills and valleys around Monte Erice, including parts of Erice, Valderice, Custonaci, Buseto Palizzolo, Castellammare del Golfo, and Paceco. This cool, breezy inland-coastal zone is known for elegant, aromatic wines — particularly Grillo, Catarratto, Syrah, and Nero d’Avola — as well as a high concentration of wine tourism estates, tasting rooms, and agriturismi. [[File:Vineyards of Planeta winery.jpg|thumb|350px|Vineyards of Planeta winery]] * '''Marsala DOC''' – Sicily’s most historic and internationally recognised DOC, Marsala is known for its fortified wines made from local white grapes like Grillo and Inzolia. The zone includes the city of Marsala and surrounding areas in the province’s southwest. Visitors can explore grand 19th-century cellars, some still in use, and sample Marsala Vergine, Superiore, and modern still wines. * '''Salaparuta DOC''' – A small inland appellation east of Castelvetrano, known for bold reds and expressive whites from native grapes like Perricone, Catarratto, and Nero d’Avola. While visits to wineries are limited, nearby producers (such as Duca di Salaparuta in Casteldaccia) often represent the region’s style. * '''Delia Nivolelli DOC''' – This DOC surrounds the inland area of Mazara del Vallo and includes gently rolling hills with deep clay soils. It supports both red and white varietals, including Syrah, Merlot, and Grillo. Boutique producers like Caruso & Minini offer tastings and curated cellar visits from Marsala. * '''Bianco d'Alcamo DOC''' – Spanning the hills east of Trapani and around the town of Alcamo, this DOC focuses on fresh, zesty white wines made from Catarratto and Inzolia. While once limited to whites, it now includes structured reds as well. Several estates offer tastings near Camporeale and Alcamo Marina. * '''Moscato di Pantelleria DOC''' – Located on the island of Pantelleria, this DOC is famed for its sweet passito wines made from sun-dried Zibibbo grapes (Muscat of Alexandria). Terraced vineyards built from volcanic stone are a UNESCO-listed landscape, and wineries such as Donnafugata offer seasonal tastings and vineyard tours. ==See and do== === Wineries and tastings === ==== Erice DOC ==== [[File:Erice Sicily Italy 30.jpg|thumb|350px|Vineyards on the slopes of Monte Erice, with Trapani and the sea beyond]] * {{do | name=Fazio Wines | url=https://www.casavinicolafazio.it/en/home-english/ | address=Via Capitano Rizzo, Erice | phone=+39 0923 811700 | email=info@faziowines.it | lat=37.96119 | long=12.676102 | content=Founding member of the Erice DOC. Produces Grillo, Nero d’Avola, Catarratto, Müller Thurgau, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah. Offers tastings and cellar tours. Advance booking recommended. }} * {{do | name=Ottoventi Winery | url=https://www.ottoventi.wine/?lang=INGLESE | address=Contrada Torrebianco - Rico S.S. 187 km 6+665, Valderice | phone=+39 347 4936661 | email=info@ottoventi.wine | lat=38.02282 | long=12.5873 | content=Modern tasting room and guided vineyard tours. Offers classic and curated wine experiences in a stylish setting. Reservation required. }} * {{do | name=Firriato – Baglio Sorìa | url=https://bagliosoria.it/ | phone=+39 0923861679 | email=bagliosoria@firriatohospitality.it | address=Contrada Soria, 91100 | lat=37.97865 | long=12.602953 | content=A key stop on the Erice DOC route. Offers cellar tours, guided tastings (including Santagostino and Harmonium), and views over Trapani. Also home to a wine resort and fine-dining restaurant (see Sleep and Eat sections). }} * {{do | name=Baglio Ingardia | url=https://www.baglioingardia.com/ | address=S.P. 29 Trapani Salemi, 162 | phone=+39 0923882863 | email=info@baglioingardia.com | lat=37.98744 | long=12.57645 | content=Offers DOC wine and olive oil tastings focused on native varietals. A family estate that emphasizes sustainability and terroir. Guided visits by appointment. }} * {{do | name=Barone di Serramarrocco | url=https://www.baronediserramarrocco.it/en/ | address=Via Alcide De Gasperi, 15 91100 Fulgatore (TP) | phone=+39 0923882863 | email=mail@baronediserramarrocco.com | lat=37.94790 | long=12.74408 | content=Historic estate (since 1619) producing Grillo, Nero d’Avola, and Zibibbo. Tastings by appointment in an elegant hillside winery with views of the Egadi Islands. }} * {{do | name=Tenute Plaia Agriturismo | url=https://www.agriturismotenuteplaia.it/english/degustazione-vini.php | address=Contrada Scopello, 3 · 91014 Castellammare del Golfo (TP) | phone=+39 0924541476 | email=info@plaiavini.com | lat=38.06597 | long=12.81981 | content=Family-run agriturismo producing Grillo, Nero d’Avola, Catarratto, Moscato, and Chardonnay. Offers tastings, vineyard tours, and seasonal meals with views over the Gulf of Castellammare. }} ==== Marsala DOC ==== [[File:Cantine storiche pellegrino.jpg|thumb|350px|Pellegrino cellar]] * {{do | name=Pellegrino Winery |alt=Pellegrino Cantina Marsala |url=https://www.carlopellegrino.it/ |email=booking.ouverture@carlopellegrino.it | address=Via Battaglia delle Egadi, 10 (ex Lungomare Salinella) |lat=37.80542 |long=12.50568 |directions= | phone=+39 0923 719970 | content=Historic Marsala cellar offering tours of 19th-century barrel halls, tastings of both Marsala and still wines, and a wine museum. Very accessible for casual visitors. }} * {{do | name=Curatolo Arini | address=Via Vito Curatolo Arini, 5 91025 – Marsala (TP) | phone=+39 0923989400 | email=visit@curatoloarini.com | lat=37.8103 | long=12.4476 | url=https://www.curatoloarini.com/ | content=Family-run Marsala producer since 1875. Known for elegant design, guided tastings of Marsala and aromatic whites. Visits by appointment only. }} * {{do | name=Cantine Rallo | address=Via Dante Alighieri 18, Marsala | lat=37.78468 | long=12.44661 | url=https://www.aziendaagricolarallo.it/en/cantine-rallo/#pll_switcher | phone=+39 0923721633 | email=info@aziendaagricolarallo.it | content=Produces both Marsala and organic still wines from native grapes. Modern cellar with enoteca and tasting area. Tours available year-round. }} * {{do | name=Buffa Vini | address=Via Vincenzo Florio, 31, 91025 Marsala TP | lat=37.77678 | long=12.45319 | phone=+39 0923982444 | content=Smaller family-run estate focused on artisanal Marsala production using solera methods. Tastings of limited bottlings offered by appointment. }} ==== Delia Nivolelli DOC ==== * {{do | name=Caruso & Minini | address=Via Salemi, 3 – 91025 Marsala (Tp) | lat=37.7923 | long=12.45186 | url=https://www.carusoeminini.com/ | phone=+39 0923986866 | email=enoturismo@carusoeminini.it | content=This boutique winery offers tastings and a small enoteca in a restored 19th-century baglio. Friendly and accessible for casual wine lovers. }} [[File:Donnafugata winery (4894847184).jpg|thumb|350px|Donnnafagata cellar]] ==== Pantelleria DOC ==== * {{do | name=Donnafugata – Khamma Estate | address=Marsala Historic Cellars, Via Sebastiano Lipari, 18, Marsala (TP) | url=https://www.donnafugata.it/en/ | phone=+39 0923724245 | email=visitare@donnafugata.it | lat=37.78806 | long=12.44665 | content=UNESCO-listed terraces and ancient zibibbo vines. Tasting experiences include Passito di Pantelleria and guided vineyard walks. Seasonal; advance booking essential. }} ==== Bianco d'Alcamo DOC ==== * {{do | name=Cantine Rallo – Alcamo | address=Contrada San Nicola, Alcamo | lat=37.92753 | long=13.04964 | url=https://www.aziendaagricolarallo.it/ | phone=+39 0923721633 | email=info@aziendaagricolarallo.it | content=Produces fresh whites and structured reds in the hills near Alcamo. Known for organic cultivation and crisp Grillo-based wines. Tastings by appointment. }} * {{do | name=Principe di Corleone | address=Contrada Malvello, Monreale (near Alcamo) | lat=37.86217 | long=13.2315 | url=https://www.principedicorleone.it/ | phone=+39 0918462922 | email=info@principedicorleone.it | content=Produces wines from vineyards across western Sicily, including Alcamo DOC. Offers guided tastings and winery shop at its scenic Monreale facility. }} * {{do | name=Cusumano | address=SS 113 Km 307, Contrada San Carlo 90047 Partinico (PA) | lat=38.06237 | long=13.10146 | url=https://www.cusumano.it/ | phone=+39 0918781398 | email=info@cusumano.it | content=Well-known Sicilian producer with a sleek, design-forward winery offering tastings by appointment. Focus on single-vineyard bottlings and innovation. }} ==== Salaparuta DOC ==== * {{do | name=Duca di Salaparuta – Cellars | address=Via Nazionale s.s. 113 90014 – Casteldaccia | lat=38.06227 | long=13.54101 | url=https://www.duca.it/ | phone=+39 091945252 | email=visitaduca@duca.it | content=Although the historic cellar is in Casteldaccia, the Duca family owns vineyards in Salaparuta DOC and is one of its most prominent producers. Their main estate is open for tastings and educational visits. }} === Wine festivals === * '''Borgo diVino in Tour''' – Late August event in [[Erice]] featuring tastings, street food, and live music in scenic squares like Piazza della Loggia. ==Eat== [[File:Risotto with Marsala wine, lard from the pig’s cheek and cashew (8035520787).jpg|thumb|350px|Risotto with Marsala wine, guanciale, and cashew]] Some wineries and agriturismi operate full-service restaurants serving regional cuisine, often paired with estate wines. * {{eat | name = Ristorante Santagostino at Baglio Sorìa | address = Contrada Soria, 91100 Trapani (TP) | lat = 37.97865 | long = 12.60295 | url = https://ristorantesantagostino.it/ | phone = +39 0923864411 | content = Refined Sicilian cuisine with panoramic vineyard views. Seasonal tasting menus and à la carte options available. Open to non‑guests with reservation. }} * {{eat | name = Agriturismo Vultaggio | address = Contrada Misiliscemi 4 Guarrato 91031 Misiliscemi (TP) | lat = 37.91891 | long = 12.5668 | url = https://www.agriturismovultaggio.it/ | phone =+39 0923865107 | email =info@agriturismovultaggio.it | content = Slow‑Food certified restaurant in a historic baglio, serving estate‑grown produce, olive oil, and local wines. Family‑friendly — includes pool, spa, pony rides, hiking trails, glamping tents, and farm‑to‑table menus. }} * {{eat | name = Agriturismo Don Carlo | address = VIA POZZO ROCCA, 191016 Erice-Ballata (TP) | lat = 37.96150 | long = 12.68746 | url = https://www.agriturismodoncarlo.it/ | phone = +39 3387381849 | content = Farmhouse estate producing olive oil and its own Erice DOC wine. Offers hearty home‑cooked meals (several courses for ~€30), pool, biking, cooking classes, and cultural/boat excursions. }} * {{eat | name = Duca di Castelmonte Agriturismo | address = Via Salvatore Motisi, 11 Trapani ( TP ) CAP 91100 | lat = 37.993213 | long = 12.564927 | url = https://www.ducadicastelmonte.it/ | phone = +39 3204791734 | email =info@ducadicastelmonte.it | content = Farmstay restaurant serving dishes made with its own vegetables and farm produce, plus wood‑fired pizza and a curated wine list. Rustic setting with traditional Sicilian atmosphere. }} ==Sleep== === Wine resorts and agriturismi === * {{sleep | name = Baglio Donnafranca Wine Resort | address = C.da Donnafranca, 91025 Marsala (TP) | lat = 37.85436 | long = 12.54110 | url = https://www.donnafranca.it/ | phone = +39 0923967240 | email = info@donnafranca.it | content = Elegant 17th‑century baglio surrounded by vineyards, with an outdoor pool, vineyard-view rooms, and an onsite restaurant. Guests enjoy wine tastings of estate-labels, olive oil production tours, and complimentary bike use. }} * {{sleep | name = La Portazza Resort – Turismo Rurale | address = Contrada Dammusello 624 91025 Marsala TP | lat = 37.81314 | long = 12.46505 | url = https://www.laportazzaresort.org/eng/ | phone = +39 0923987074 | content = Family-run rural estate near the Stagnone Nature Reserve. Offers rustic rooms, homemade cuisine, and tastings of house-made wine and olive oil. Guests can enjoy a garden, pool, and relaxed countryside atmosphere. A good base for visiting Marsala wineries. }} * {{sleep | name=Baglio Sorìa Resort by Firriato | address=Contrada Soria, 91100 Trapani (TP) | lat=37.97865 | long=12.60295 | url=https://bagliosoria.it/ | phone=+39 0923861679 | email=bagliosoria@firriatohospitality.it | content=Winery resort offering luxury rooms, tastings, vineyard walks, and a fine restaurant. Ideal base for exploring the Erice DOC wine route. }} * {{sleep | name=Tenute Plaia Agriturismo | alt= | url=https://www.agriturismotenuteplaia.it/english/degustazione-vini.php | email=info@plaiavini.com | address=Contrada Scopello, 3, 91014 Castellammare del Golfo (TP) | lat=38.06601 | long=12.81834 | phone=+39 0924 541476 | lastedit= | content=Family-owned wine estate with guest rooms, tastings, and a seasonal kitchen serving regional dishes. Located near the Zingaro Nature Reserve. }} * {{sleep | name=Agriturismo Baglio Vecchio | alt= | url=https://bagliovecchio.com/en/ | email=booking@bagliovecchio.com | address=Contrada Zangara, 91022 Castelvetrano‑Selinunte (TP) | lat=37.67949 | long=12.79504 | phone=+39 335 833 5275 (mobile) | lastedit= | content=Charming 18th‑century baglio surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. Offers 10 rooms and 5 apartments, a seasonal pool, farm‑to‑table restaurant, and wine & olive oil tastings. Guests praise the rural tranquility, hearty breakfasts in the old wine‑press area. }} ==Buy== [[File:Florio winery shop (4894788134).jpg|thumb|350px|Florio winery shop]] Most wineries in the Trapani province offer direct sales of their wines, often alongside gift boxes that include olive oil, preserves, or other local products. Visitors can purchase bottles after tastings, or arrange international shipping through the estate or a local ''enoteca'' (wine shop). === Wine and tasting purchases === Many estates allow you to buy wines directly after your tasting experience. Some also offer shipping options to the EU and abroad. === Olive oil and food producers === A number of estates in the region specialise in extra-virgin olive oil, often using native Sicilian cultivars. Several offer guided tastings and direct sales. * {{buy | name=Case di Latomie | alt= | url=https://www.casedilatomie.com/ | email=info@casedilatomie.com | address=S.S.115 n. 103, 91022 Castelvetrano (TP) | lat=37.64445 | long=12.83060 | phone=+39 0924 907727 | lastedit= | content=Historic olive oil estate with a stone mill and centuries-old groves. Tastings include bruschetta, cheeses, and local almond pesto. Known for Valli Trapanesi PDO oil. Booking recommended. }} * {{buy | name = Terre di Shemir | url = https://terredishemir.com/ | address = Contrada Guarrato, Trapani (TP) | lat = 37.92487552857836 | long = 12.568851101006434 | phone = +39 3480172893 | hours = 10:00–18:00 | content = Family-run organic estate offering tastings of extra-virgin olive oil from native cultivars. Set in the countryside south of Trapani. Tours and sales by appointment. }} * {{buy | name = Terre del Monte Vultaggio | url = https://www.terredelmonte.it/ | address = Contrada Guarrato 91100 – Trapani | lat = 38.001692956986055 | long = 12.60173548079341 | phone = +39 3480172893 | email = terredishemir@gmail.com | content = Small family-run estate specialising in organic extra‑virgin olive oil, produced on the lower slopes of Monte Erice. Offers guided mill tours, olive‑oil tastings, and retail sales. Ideal for experiencing local terroir and production methods. Booking advised. }} === Cheeses === The inland Trapani region is known for traditional cheeses that pair beautifully with wine. These can be found at farm shops, rural markets, and taste‑focused agriturismi. * '''Vastedda della Valle del Belìce (DOP)''' – A unique soft, tangy sheep's‑milk stretched‑curd cheese from the Belìce Valley. * '''Ericino (P.A.T.)''' – A mixed sheep‑and‑cow's milk cheese from the Erice area, aged and rustic. * '''Caciotta degli Elimi (P.A.T.)''' – A firm sheep’s‑milk cheese from Calatafimi, traditionally pressed and aged. * '''Piddiato (P.A.T.)''' – A stretched‑curd sheep cheese made by reworking pecorino curds. *'''Caciotta degli Elimi''' and '''Ericino''' are often available at the same outlets. Look for them at farmers’ markets in Trapani, Calatafimi Segesta, or through agriturismi in the Belìce Valley. ==Stay safe== As with any wine region, it's important to plan ahead if you're touring vineyards by car. Avoid drinking and driving—either designate a sober driver or consider joining an organised tour, which lets everyone enjoy tastings without worry. Roads in rural parts of the Trapani region can be narrow and winding, so take extra care, especially after dark. In summer, heat and sun exposure can also be intense, so stay hydrated and use sun protection if you're spending time outdoors at vineyards. ==Go next== * [[Trapani]] – Closest urban centre * [[Erice]] – Hilltop wine town * [[Marsala]] – Home of Sicily’s most famous fortified wine {{PartOfTopic|Wine}} {{outlinetopic}} 0ksb33qsxjrvemwrz60k5z90e4nrv55 1 211576 5086993 5085976 2025-07-03T06:33:38Z Ikan Kekek 36420 /* IsPartOf */ Reply 5086993 wikitext text/x-wiki == IsPartOf == This is a travel topic, right? So it's a travel topic that is part of [[:Category:Travel topics]] Italy, isn't it? If not, how do we do this? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:09, 28 June 2025 (UTC) :Ping [[User:Mrkstvns]]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:10, 28 June 2025 (UTC) ::I would suggest that it's an Extra-Hierarchical region. [[User:Mrkstvns|Mrkstvns]] ([[User talk:Mrkstvns|talk]]) 13:58, 29 June 2025 (UTC) :::It could be, but [[Colorado's Wine Country]] is a travel topic, so don't we need some consistency? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:15, 29 June 2025 (UTC) ::::Consistency is an admirable goal, but I see quite a bit of inconsistency in the handful of wine-focused articles that I find. Surprisingly, [[Napa Valley]] has little content focused on its substantial number of wineries. [[Sonoma County]] is better, but still light. Both are part of destination topics. There are also travel topics like [[Wineries of Virginia]]. To fit this topic into the geographic framework, I think it would either go under Trapani (province) or perhaps under Sicily. Don't know what else I could suggest. It would be good to hear other opinions. [[User:Mrkstvns|Mrkstvns]] ([[User talk:Mrkstvns|talk]]) 13:30, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :::::Napa and Sonoma are both counties of California, not just wine areas. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:02, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::IMO this is a travel topic, just like [[Wine regions of Ontario]] or any "Topic X in country/region/city Y". --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 15:28, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :::::::So what should "IsPartOf" say? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:22, 30 June 2025 (UTC) ::::::::Wine, like [[Wine regions of Ontario]]. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 04:19, 1 July 2025 (UTC) :::::::::I made the change. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:33, 3 July 2025 (UTC) b2aea6rmatucwf1utw760mwwj93lvz6 0 211583 5086695 5086274 2025-07-02T16:54:13Z Kned Wiki 2327203 /* Understand */ changing main image to be more representative of site 5086695 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Saline di Nubia - Comune di Paceco (Trapani) (cropped).jpg|caption=Salt pans with Monte Erice in the background}} The '''Salt Pans of Trapani and Paceco''' (''Saline di Trapani e Paceco'') form a coastal nature reserve in western Sicily, known for traditional salt harvesting, flamingos, and historic windmills. ==Understand== [[File:Torre Nubia e Saline di Trapani.jpg|thumb|350px|Pink salt pans]] This 987-hectare protected area is managed by WWF Italy and forms part of Sicily’s network of coastal wetlands. Salt has been harvested here since Phoenician times. * '''Established''': 1995, managed by WWF Italy since 1996 * '''Location''': Between Trapani and Marsala, including Nubia and Paceco * '''Size''': ~1,000 hectares * '''Ecology''': Over 270 bird species; vital stopover for African–European migration * '''UNESCO''': Part of the “Via del Sale” and Natura 2000 network * '''Features''': Salt basins, 49 historic windmills (some restored), salt-harvesting tradition The reserve lies within the boundaries of the proposed Parco Nazionale delle Egadi e del Litorale Trapanese, a future national park that aims to integrate the Egadi Islands, coastal wetlands, and nearby marine areas into a unified protected area. ===Areas=== {{mapframe|37.995|12.518|zoom=13|width=350}} The reserve is divided into multiple named saltworks (''saline''), many still used for traditional salt production or conservation. Some are accessible via tours or bike paths; others are protected wetland zones. *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=Salina Galia|lat=38.00098|long=12.52754}} — Actively managed saltpan producing high‑quality organic sea salt using traditional methods. Known for its photogenic white salt piles. *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=Salina Paceco|lat=37.99725|long=12.52117}} — Historic basin near the town of Paceco, forming part of the reserve's original structure. *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=Salina Bella|lat=38.00269|long=12.53085}} — A scenic basin within the interconnected pond system. Offers reflections ideal for sunset photography. *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=Salina Giamcomazzo|lat=38.00337|long=12.51341}} — Smaller saltpan occasionally included in seasonal sunrise or sunset walking tours. *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=Salina Ronchigilia|lat=38.00728|long=12.51408}} — Intermediate saltpan representative of traditional production zones along the coast. *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=Salina Morana|lat=37.99169|long=12.50985}} — Southern section of the reserve, still used for salt extraction under WWF management. *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=Salina Vecchia|lat=37.98921|long=12.51737}} — “Old Saltpan,” now mostly preserved for natural habitat and biodiversity. *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=Salina Maria Stella|lat=37.99119|long=12.53029}} — Contains the restored windmill Mulino Maria Stella and the Salt Museum, with exhibits and guided tours. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=Salina Sellinella|lat=37.96620|long=12.50367}} — One of the reserve’s smaller salt‑pond clusters, Salina Sellinella is noted for its striking pink-tinged water—thanks to halophilic microorganisms—and is a prime flamingo-spotting site during migration periods. ==Get in== The Salt Pans of Trapani and Paceco are a popular day trip from [[Trapani]], [[Erice]], or [[Marsala]]. The reserve lies just 5–6 km south of Trapani and ~25 km north of Marsala, and is easily reached by car, bicycle, or guided tour. ===Access and booking=== [[File:Saline di Trapani e Paceco su Erice.jpg|thumb|350px|Salt harvesting]] * '''Visitor Centre''': ''Mulino Maria Stella'' in Nubia — houses the Salt Museum (''Museo del Sale'') * '''Open''': Year-round (guided visits usually Wed, Fri, Sat) * '''Booking required''': Yes — email or phone recommended * '''Website''': [https://wwfsalineditrapani.it/?lang=en Official WWF Reserve site] * '''Contact''': : 📧 salineditrapani@wwf.it : ☎ +39 0923 867700 / +39 327 5621529 ===Vehicle & walking tours=== Many visitors join guided trips that combine the salt pans with [[Erice]], [[Marsala]], or nearby wine estates. Tours usually include round-trip transport, museum entry, and guided walks. * [https://eng.transfertourtrapani.it/excursions/erice-saline-di-trapani-29 '''Transfer Tour Trapani'''] – Salt pans + Erice, private or small group, pickup from Trapani or port * [https://www.tourofsicily.com/tours/day-tours/private-tours/private-from-trapani/ '''Tour of Sicily'''] – Custom tours from Trapani or Palermo including salt flats, Marsala, wineries * [https://www.trapaniemotions.it/ '''Trapani Emotions'''] – Walking/photo tours of the salt works and coast * [https://www.winetourinsicily.com/en/sicilian-wines-and-sea-salt-in-trapani-area.php '''Palermo Gourmet Tours'''] – Palermo departures, combines salt, Marsala wine, and local tastings * [https://www.winetourinsicily.com/en/wine-tasting-around-trapani.php '''Wine Tours in Sicily'''] – Day tours to salt flats, olive oil producers, and heritage cellars [[File:Saline di Trapani (Museo del sale) 0014.JPG|thumb|350px|Salt Museum]] ===e‑Bike tours=== * [https://www.getyourguide.com/trapani-l1159/e-bike-tour-to-the-salt-pans-of-trapani-3-hours-t714565/ '''E‑Bike Tour to the Salt Pans'''] – 3‑hour guided ride with museum visit, binoculars, water, helmet * [https://www.tourofsicily.com/tour/bike-tour-discovering-the-salt-way-road/ '''Salt Way Road Cycle'''] – 2–3 hour guided e‑MTB ride (20 km), suitable for all fitness levels ===Accessibility=== Some paths and the museum entrance are accessible to visitors with limited mobility. ==See== The Salt Pans of Trapani and Paceco offer a unique blend of natural beauty and industrial heritage. Visitors can explore restored windmills, a small salt museum, and extensive evaporation basins that change colour with the seasons. Wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy birdwatching opportunities, especially during migration periods, while photographers are drawn to the dramatic sunsets reflected in the shallow ponds. The area’s centuries-old salt-making tradition remains visible across the reserve. * {{see | name = Mulino Maria Stella (Salt Museum) | alt = Museo del Sale | lat = 37.98309 | long = 12.49779 | content = Historic windmill that houses the Salt Museum. Built for pumping and grinding, it now exhibits traditional tools, archival photographs, and salt-harvesting devices such as ''ntinni'' and Archimedean screws. Interprets the cultural and economic importance of salt in the region. }} * {{see | name = Torre di Nubia | lat = 37.98184 | long = 12.49506 | content = A 16th‑century coastal watchtower beside Salina Culcasi, part of the defensive system against corsair raids—now a scenic landmark overlooking the salt basins. }} * {{see | name = Historic windmills (Saline area) | lat = 37.9966 | long = 12.53538 | content = About 49 traditional stone windmills scattered throughout the reserve. Once used for pumping water and crushing salt, many have been restored and are especially photogenic at sunset. }} * {{see | name = Panoramic viewpoint | lat = 37.99387 | long = 12.53507 | content = Shallow terraced basins where seawater evaporates, leaving behind layers of salt. Their shifting colours—from pale pink to silver—change with sunlight and salinity. }} ==Do== [[File:Salina Calcara di Trapani.jpg|thumb|350px|Sunset reflections]] The salt pans offer a peaceful setting for outdoor activities focused on nature and heritage. Walking and cycling paths wind through the basins, offering close views of saltworks, windmills, and birdlife. Sunrise and sunset are especially atmospheric, attracting photographers and wildlife watchers alike. Guided visits and seasonal harvesting experiences deepen the connection to this living landscape. * {{do | name = Photography | lat = 37.9950 | long = 12.5300 | content = One of the most iconic viewpoints in the reserve. The shallow basins reflect vivid skies at dusk — a favourite location for photographers. }} * {{do | name = Birdwatching | lat = 37.98927 | long = 12.50022 | content = Wetland habitats supporting flamingos, herons, avocets, and dozens of migratory species. Most active in spring and autumn (Mar–May, Sep–Oct). }} ==Buy== The shop inside the Salt Museum offers locally harvested sea salt in various grades — including fine, coarse, and ''fior di sale'' (the delicate top layer). Visitors can also purchase salt-based cosmetics, artisanal soaps, books about the region’s salt history, and souvenirs featuring the reserve’s iconic windmills and flamingos. Most items are produced by local cooperatives or the WWF to support conservation work. ==Sleep== [[File:Mulino a Vento Mamma Caura al calar del sole.jpg|thumb|350px|Salt pans]] The Salt Pans reserve lies just a few kilometres from [[Trapani]], [[Erice]], and Paceco, all of which offer a wide range of accommodation. For travellers who prefer to stay closer to the salt basins themselves, a handful of guesthouses and agriturismi are located within or at the edge of the reserve, offering peaceful surroundings and views over the ponds. * {{sleep | name = Casolare nelle Saline Guest House | address = Via murana, 25 91027 – Nubia, Paceco | lat = 37.98508 | long = 12.50991 | url = https://www.casolarenellesaline.it/ | content = A rustic, family-run B&B nestled within the reserve, with panoramic views over the salt basins and Egadi Islands. Guests praise its relaxed atmosphere and traditional Sicilian breakfasts. }} * {{sleep | name = Le Saline Hotel | lat = 37.98361 | long = 12.53221 | url = https://www.lesalinehotel.com/ | address = Via delle Saline 30, Nubia (Paceco) | phone = +39 0923 867889 | content = Comfortable, modern hotel overlooking the salt pans. Rooms have views of the reserve and Egadi Islands. Close to the Salt Museum and ideal for sunrise or sunset walks. }} == Go next == * '''[[Zingaro Nature Reserve]]''' – Sicily’s first protected park, located along the coast between Scopello and San Vito lo Capo. Known for its network of hiking trails, secluded pebbled coves, and diverse Mediterranean flora. * '''[[Monte Cofano Nature Reserve]]''' – A rugged coastal reserve near Custonaci with panoramic trails, prehistoric caves, and dramatic limestone cliffs rising from the sea. * '''[[Stagnone Lagoon and Islands Nature Reserve]]''' – A shallow coastal lagoon near Marsala with saltpans, windmills, and the archaeological island of [[Mozia]]. * '''[[Trapani]]''' – A lively coastal town with historic churches, seafood restaurants, and ferry links to the Aegadian Islands. * '''[[Marsala]]''' – Renowned for its fortified wine, ancient ruins, and easy access to the Stagnone Lagoon. * '''[[Aegadian Islands]]''' – A tranquil archipelago off the coast of Trapani, ideal for hiking, snorkeling, and boat excursions. {{geo|37.9700|12.5167}} {{IsPartOf|Trapani (province)}} {{usablepark}} 25uwkmdw5dpee45cb4944dlpzseagsk 5086696 5086695 2025-07-02T16:56:43Z Kned Wiki 2327203 Adding flamingo image later 5086696 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Saline di Nubia - Comune di Paceco (Trapani) (cropped).jpg|caption=Salt pans with Monte Erice in the background}} The '''Salt Pans of Trapani and Paceco''' (''Saline di Trapani e Paceco'') form a coastal nature reserve in western Sicily, known for traditional salt harvesting, flamingos, and historic windmills. ==Understand== [[File:Torre Nubia e Saline di Trapani.jpg|thumb|350px|Pink salt pans]] This 987-hectare protected area is managed by WWF Italy and forms part of Sicily’s network of coastal wetlands. Salt has been harvested here since Phoenician times. * '''Established''': 1995, managed by WWF Italy since 1996 * '''Location''': Between Trapani and Marsala, including Nubia and Paceco * '''Size''': ~1,000 hectares * '''Ecology''': Over 270 bird species; vital stopover for African–European migration * '''UNESCO''': Part of the “Via del Sale” and Natura 2000 network * '''Features''': Salt basins, 49 historic windmills (some restored), salt-harvesting tradition The reserve lies within the boundaries of the proposed Parco Nazionale delle Egadi e del Litorale Trapanese, a future national park that aims to integrate the Egadi Islands, coastal wetlands, and nearby marine areas into a unified protected area. ===Areas=== {{mapframe|37.995|12.518|zoom=13|width=350}} The reserve is divided into multiple named saltworks (''saline''), many still used for traditional salt production or conservation. Some are accessible via tours or bike paths; others are protected wetland zones. *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=Salina Galia|lat=38.00098|long=12.52754}} — Actively managed saltpan producing high‑quality organic sea salt using traditional methods. Known for its photogenic white salt piles. *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=Salina Paceco|lat=37.99725|long=12.52117}} — Historic basin near the town of Paceco, forming part of the reserve's original structure. *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=Salina Bella|lat=38.00269|long=12.53085}} — A scenic basin within the interconnected pond system. Offers reflections ideal for sunset photography. *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=Salina Giamcomazzo|lat=38.00337|long=12.51341}} — Smaller saltpan occasionally included in seasonal sunrise or sunset walking tours. *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=Salina Ronchigilia|lat=38.00728|long=12.51408}} — Intermediate saltpan representative of traditional production zones along the coast. *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=Salina Morana|lat=37.99169|long=12.50985}} — Southern section of the reserve, still used for salt extraction under WWF management. *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=Salina Vecchia|lat=37.98921|long=12.51737}} — “Old Saltpan,” now mostly preserved for natural habitat and biodiversity. *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=Salina Maria Stella|lat=37.99119|long=12.53029}} — Contains the restored windmill Mulino Maria Stella and the Salt Museum, with exhibits and guided tours. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=Salina Sellinella|lat=37.96620|long=12.50367}} — One of the reserve’s smaller salt‑pond clusters, Salina Sellinella is noted for its striking pink-tinged water—thanks to halophilic microorganisms—and is a prime flamingo-spotting site during migration periods. ==Get in== The Salt Pans of Trapani and Paceco are a popular day trip from [[Trapani]], [[Erice]], or [[Marsala]]. The reserve lies just 5–6 km south of Trapani and ~25 km north of Marsala, and is easily reached by car, bicycle, or guided tour. ===Access and booking=== [[File:Saline di Trapani e Paceco su Erice.jpg|thumb|350px|Salt harvesting]] * '''Visitor Centre''': ''Mulino Maria Stella'' in Nubia — houses the Salt Museum (''Museo del Sale'') * '''Open''': Year-round (guided visits usually Wed, Fri, Sat) * '''Booking required''': Yes — email or phone recommended * '''Website''': [https://wwfsalineditrapani.it/?lang=en Official WWF Reserve site] * '''Contact''': : 📧 salineditrapani@wwf.it : ☎ +39 0923 867700 / +39 327 5621529 ===Vehicle & walking tours=== Many visitors join guided trips that combine the salt pans with [[Erice]], [[Marsala]], or nearby wine estates. Tours usually include round-trip transport, museum entry, and guided walks. * [https://eng.transfertourtrapani.it/excursions/erice-saline-di-trapani-29 '''Transfer Tour Trapani'''] – Salt pans + Erice, private or small group, pickup from Trapani or port * [https://www.tourofsicily.com/tours/day-tours/private-tours/private-from-trapani/ '''Tour of Sicily'''] – Custom tours from Trapani or Palermo including salt flats, Marsala, wineries * [https://www.trapaniemotions.it/ '''Trapani Emotions'''] – Walking/photo tours of the salt works and coast * [https://www.winetourinsicily.com/en/sicilian-wines-and-sea-salt-in-trapani-area.php '''Palermo Gourmet Tours'''] – Palermo departures, combines salt, Marsala wine, and local tastings * [https://www.winetourinsicily.com/en/wine-tasting-around-trapani.php '''Wine Tours in Sicily'''] – Day tours to salt flats, olive oil producers, and heritage cellars [[File:Saline di Trapani (Museo del sale) 0014.JPG|thumb|350px|Salt Museum]] ===e‑Bike tours=== * [https://www.getyourguide.com/trapani-l1159/e-bike-tour-to-the-salt-pans-of-trapani-3-hours-t714565/ '''E‑Bike Tour to the Salt Pans'''] – 3‑hour guided ride with museum visit, binoculars, water, helmet * [https://www.tourofsicily.com/tour/bike-tour-discovering-the-salt-way-road/ '''Salt Way Road Cycle'''] – 2–3 hour guided e‑MTB ride (20 km), suitable for all fitness levels ===Accessibility=== Some paths and the museum entrance are accessible to visitors with limited mobility. ==See== The Salt Pans of Trapani and Paceco offer a unique blend of natural beauty and industrial heritage. Visitors can explore restored windmills, a small salt museum, and extensive evaporation basins that change colour with the seasons. Wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy birdwatching opportunities, especially during migration periods, while photographers are drawn to the dramatic sunsets reflected in the shallow ponds. The area’s centuries-old salt-making tradition remains visible across the reserve. [[File:Flamingos - panoramio (1).jpg|thumb|350px|Flamingos]] * {{see | name = Mulino Maria Stella (Salt Museum) | alt = Museo del Sale | lat = 37.98309 | long = 12.49779 | content = Historic windmill that houses the Salt Museum. Built for pumping and grinding, it now exhibits traditional tools, archival photographs, and salt-harvesting devices such as ''ntinni'' and Archimedean screws. Interprets the cultural and economic importance of salt in the region. }} * {{see | name = Torre di Nubia | lat = 37.98184 | long = 12.49506 | content = A 16th‑century coastal watchtower beside Salina Culcasi, part of the defensive system against corsair raids—now a scenic landmark overlooking the salt basins. }} * {{see | name = Historic windmills (Saline area) | lat = 37.9966 | long = 12.53538 | content = About 49 traditional stone windmills scattered throughout the reserve. Once used for pumping water and crushing salt, many have been restored and are especially photogenic at sunset. }} * {{see | name = Panoramic viewpoint | lat = 37.99387 | long = 12.53507 | content = Shallow terraced basins where seawater evaporates, leaving behind layers of salt. Their shifting colours—from pale pink to silver—change with sunlight and salinity. }} ==Do== [[File:Salina Calcara di Trapani.jpg|thumb|350px|Sunset reflections]] The salt pans offer a peaceful setting for outdoor activities focused on nature and heritage. Walking and cycling paths wind through the basins, offering close views of saltworks, windmills, and birdlife. Sunrise and sunset are especially atmospheric, attracting photographers and wildlife watchers alike. Guided visits and seasonal harvesting experiences deepen the connection to this living landscape. * {{do | name = Photography | lat = 37.9950 | long = 12.5300 | content = One of the most iconic viewpoints in the reserve. The shallow basins reflect vivid skies at dusk — a favourite location for photographers. }} * {{do | name = Birdwatching | lat = 37.98927 | long = 12.50022 | content = Wetland habitats supporting flamingos, herons, avocets, and dozens of migratory species. Most active in spring and autumn (Mar–May, Sep–Oct). }} ==Buy== The shop inside the Salt Museum offers locally harvested sea salt in various grades — including fine, coarse, and ''fior di sale'' (the delicate top layer). Visitors can also purchase salt-based cosmetics, artisanal soaps, books about the region’s salt history, and souvenirs featuring the reserve’s iconic windmills and flamingos. Most items are produced by local cooperatives or the WWF to support conservation work. ==Sleep== [[File:Mulino a Vento Mamma Caura al calar del sole.jpg|thumb|350px|Salt pans]] The Salt Pans reserve lies just a few kilometres from [[Trapani]], [[Erice]], and Paceco, all of which offer a wide range of accommodation. For travellers who prefer to stay closer to the salt basins themselves, a handful of guesthouses and agriturismi are located within or at the edge of the reserve, offering peaceful surroundings and views over the ponds. * {{sleep | name = Casolare nelle Saline Guest House | address = Via murana, 25 91027 – Nubia, Paceco | lat = 37.98508 | long = 12.50991 | url = https://www.casolarenellesaline.it/ | content = A rustic, family-run B&B nestled within the reserve, with panoramic views over the salt basins and Egadi Islands. Guests praise its relaxed atmosphere and traditional Sicilian breakfasts. }} * {{sleep | name = Le Saline Hotel | lat = 37.98361 | long = 12.53221 | url = https://www.lesalinehotel.com/ | address = Via delle Saline 30, Nubia (Paceco) | phone = +39 0923 867889 | content = Comfortable, modern hotel overlooking the salt pans. Rooms have views of the reserve and Egadi Islands. Close to the Salt Museum and ideal for sunrise or sunset walks. }} == Go next == * '''[[Zingaro Nature Reserve]]''' – Sicily’s first protected park, located along the coast between Scopello and San Vito lo Capo. Known for its network of hiking trails, secluded pebbled coves, and diverse Mediterranean flora. * '''[[Monte Cofano Nature Reserve]]''' – A rugged coastal reserve near Custonaci with panoramic trails, prehistoric caves, and dramatic limestone cliffs rising from the sea. * '''[[Stagnone Lagoon and Islands Nature Reserve]]''' – A shallow coastal lagoon near Marsala with saltpans, windmills, and the archaeological island of [[Mozia]]. * '''[[Trapani]]''' – A lively coastal town with historic churches, seafood restaurants, and ferry links to the Aegadian Islands. * '''[[Marsala]]''' – Renowned for its fortified wine, ancient ruins, and easy access to the Stagnone Lagoon. * '''[[Aegadian Islands]]''' – A tranquil archipelago off the coast of Trapani, ideal for hiking, snorkeling, and boat excursions. {{geo|37.9700|12.5167}} {{IsPartOf|Trapani (province)}} {{usablepark}} 8mnf0j71e93w87hlyeftpvz7ytl90dd 0 211618 5087024 5086125 2025-07-03T08:17:38Z Kned Wiki 2327203 Added snorkelling centre for Zingaro 5087024 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Riserva Naturale Dello Zingaro - panoramio (3) (cropped).jpg}} '''Zingaro Nature Reserve''' (Italian: ''Riserva Naturale Orientata dello Zingaro'') protects a 7-kilometre stretch of unspoiled Tyrrhenian coastline on Sicily’s northwestern tip, between [[Scopello]] and [[San Vito lo Capo]]. Set along the eastern flank of the Capo San Vito peninsula, it was the first nature reserve established in Sicily. == Understand == [[File:Tonnarella Uzzo.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Cala Tonnarella dell’Uzzo]] Covering 1,620 hectares of limestone cliffs, Mediterranean vegetation, and secluded coves, Zingaro offers a striking coastal landscape that remains untouched by roads or modern development. Visitors explore the area entirely on foot via a network of scenic trails linking beaches, caves, traditional shelters, and small museums. * '''Established''': 1981, following local opposition to coastal road development * '''Location''': Between Scopello and San Vito Lo Capo, northwest Sicily * '''Size''': ~1,620 hectares * '''Ecology''': Over 650 plant species and 40 nesting bird species; home to Bonelli’s eagle * '''Protection''': Natura 2000 site and Special Protection Area (SPA) * '''Features''': Coastal paths, pebbly coves, caves, restored rural buildings, and nature centers === History === Zingaro Nature Reserve was born from one of Italy’s earliest environmental campaigns. In the 1970s, plans to build a coastal road through the area sparked strong opposition from conservation groups and local communities. The movement culminated in a peaceful march on 18 May 1980, when around 3,000 people symbolically occupied the site. Their efforts led to the suspension of construction and the passage of Regional Law 98/81, which officially established Zingaro as Sicily’s first nature reserve. It is managed by the Sicilian State Forestry Corps. === Flora and fauna === The reserve shelters a mosaic of habitats shaped by sea breezes, rocky slopes, and humid microclimates. Endemic wildflowers, coastal grasses like ''Ampelodesmos mauritanicus'', and patches of Holm oak and cork trees flourish across the landscape. Bonelli’s eagle, peregrine falcons, and Sicilian partridges are among 40+ bird species recorded here, alongside foxes, porcupines, lizards, amphibians, and eight bat species. Insect life is abundant and includes butterflies, mantises, and the vivid green ''panfago'' grasshopper. === Terrain === The landscape blends steep limestone ridges, narrow coves, and terraced hillsides shaped by centuries of subsistence farming. Footpaths lead visitors through varied elevations, connecting beaches, archaeological sites, and mountain lookouts. {{mapframe|38.105|12.795|zoom=12|width=350|align=right}} * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=Northern Entrance|lat=38.12523|long=12.78839}} — Entry point near San Vito lo Capo, offering access to remote beaches and longer hiking routes. Parking available nearby. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=Cala Tonnarella dell’Uzzo|lat=38.12034|long=12.78852}} — The reserve’s most popular beach, easily reached from the southern entrance. Ideal for swimming, with crystal-clear water and a pebbly shore backed by cliffs. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=Cala dell’Uzzo|lat=38.11100|long=12.7893}} — One of the most scenic and accessible beaches in the reserve, known for clear turquoise water and dramatic cliffs. Near the Grotta dell’Uzzo archaeological site. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=Cala Marinella|lat=38.10591|long=12.79423}} — A small, secluded cove reached via a 2.8 km hike from the northern entrance; known for its rocky shoreline, crystal-clear turquoise water, and tranquil setting. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=Cala Berretta|lat=38.10112|long=12.79698}} — A small, secluded pebble beach roughly 2.3 km (30–35 min hike) from the southern entrance, with clear turquoise water and excellent snorkeling opportunities. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=Cala della Disa|lat=38.09932|long=12.79856}} — A quiet, pebbly cove accessible by a 2.2 km hike from the southern entrance. Known for its clear turquoise water and secluded atmosphere, with excellent snorkeling in a peaceful setting. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=Cala del Varo|lat=38.09586|long=12.80315}} — A secluded sandy–pebble cove within the reserve, accessible via a 1.4 km hike from the southern entrance. Noted for its clear turquoise water, peaceful atmosphere, and dramatic cliffside setting. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=Cala Capreria|lat=38.08829|long=12.80627}} — A scenic pebble beach just 450 m (≈7 min walk) from the southern entrance. Known for crystal-clear turquoise water, dramatic cliffs, and excellent snorkeling; no facilities on-site, so bring refreshments and sturdy shoes. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=Southern Entrance|lat=38.08266|long=12.81102}} — Main access point near [[Scopello]], with parking, ticket office, and information panels. Closest entrance to popular beaches like Cala Capreria and Cala Tonnarella dell’Uzzo. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=Monte Speziale|lat=38.10655|long=12.76811}} — The highest point in the Zingaro range at approximately 913 m, offering panoramic views of both Gulf of Castellammare and Capo San Vito; part of the Limestone ridge of the Trapani Mountains. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=Grotta dell’Uzzo|lat=38.1112|long=12.7894}} — Important prehistoric cave with evidence of Paleolithic and Neolithic habitation. Located near Cala dell’Uzzo. == Get in == Zingaro Nature Reserve is a popular day trip from Scopello, San Vito lo Capo, or Castellammare del Golfo. It stretches between the eastern edge of the Capo San Vito peninsula and the Gulf of Castellammare, and is easily accessed by car or guided tour. === Access and booking === [[File:Zingaro1450.JPG|thumb|300px|Southern entrance near Scopello]] Visitors can enter the reserve from two official entrances: * '''Southern Entrance''' — near Scopello (closest to Cala Capreria and Cala Tonnarella dell’Uzzo) * '''Northern Entrance''' — near San Vito lo Capo (ideal for accessing more remote coves like Cala Marinella) The reserve is open year-round during daylight hours. Entry requires a small admission fee (typically around €5–7) and is payable on-site at either entrance. For educational visits or guided tours (particularly school groups), booking is required in advance. A request form is available online and must be submitted via email or fax. * '''Website''': [https://www.riservazingaro.it/en/ Official Zingaro Reserve site] * '''Contact''': ** 📧 info@riservazingaro.it ** ☎ +39 0924 35108 * [https://www.riservazingaro.it/en/book-visit-or-guide/ Book a visit or guide] Downloadable brochures and a detailed map of the trail network are available via the official website. Note if there are entry fees (typically €5) and hours (usually sunrise to sunset, with variation by season). === Tours === Several operators run boat and coastal excursions along the Zingaro coastline, often departing from San Vito lo Capo or Castellammare del Golfo. These tours typically include stops for swimming, snorkelling, and sightseeing. * [https://www.novenodiescursioni.it/escursioni-zingaro.asp '''Novenodi Escursioni'''] – Based in San Vito Lo Capo, this operator runs small-group boat tours (max ~10 participants) along the Zingaro coast and Scopello, including stops for swimming, snorkelling, local snacks, and lunch. Tours depart from San Vito and last around 8 hours, with instant confirmation available and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. * [https://www.egadisealife.it/en/boat-excursions-san-vito-lo-capo/ '''Egadi Sea Life'''] – Offers full-day private boat tours (max 12 people) from Trapani to Macari, San Vito lo Capo, the Zingaro coast, and Scopello. Highlights include swimming stops at Baia Santa Margherita, Cala dell’Uzzo, and the Faraglioni of Scopello, plus free time in San Vito. Tours last 8.5 hours and run from 09:30 to 18:00, with flexible cancellation. * [https://www.penelopetour.it/en/ '''Penelope Tour'''] – Private boat tours from Castellammare del Golfo visiting the Grotta delle Colombe, Cala dell’Uzzo (part of the Zingaro Reserve), and the Faraglioni at Scopello. Family-run service with local skipper, offering personalized full-day or half-day trips aboard a traditional gozzo. == See == [[File:Mercato Mennola (Zingaro)013.jpg|thumb|300px|Old shepherd structures at Marcato della Mennola]] Zingaro’s main attractions lie along its coastal trails, where visitors can discover small museums, restored rural buildings, archaeological sites, and panoramic viewpoints. Most are accessible only on foot and spread between the northern and southern entrances. * {{see | name = Borgo Cusenza | lat = 38.11682 | long = 12.77190 | content = Historic rural hamlet once known as “Bagghiu di l’Acci” (mentioned by Cordici, 1586–1666) and famed for its sweet grazing cattle and deep cave drippings. Cultivated crops included wheat, oats, clover, vines, palmet, and Ampelodesma; orchards yielded mulberry, fig, pear, and more. Traditional water features include a 1696 trough, mule well (“chianu puzzu”), and the communal fountain along the Acci canal. }} * {{see | name = Museum of Weaving | alt = Museo dell’Intreccio | lat = 38.1045 | long = 12.7890 | content = Showcases traditional weaving of local plant fibres—palmetto, Ampelodesma, reed—by master artisans demonstrating historic basket and mat crafts. }} * {{see | name = Museum of Marine Activities | alt = Museo delle Attività Marinare | lat = 38.1248 | long = 12.7870 | content = Housed in a former tuna-processing site, it displays tools, nets, and archival materials related to traditional fishing along the Tyrrhenian coast. }} * {{see | name = Museum of Rural Civilisation | alt = Museo della Civiltà Contadina | lat = 38.1110 | long = 12.7897 | content = Features agricultural tools, weaving implements, and reconstructions of peasant life, focusing on the historical grain cycle. }} * {{see | name = Naturalistic Museum | alt = Museo Naturalistico | lat = 38.0825 | long = 12.8060 | content = Small interpretive centre with exhibits on the reserve’s flora, fauna, and ecosystems—ideal as an introduction before hiking. }} == Do == [[File:Zingaro 063.jpg|thumb|300px|View along the Mezza Costa (mid-elevation) trail]] Zingaro is best experienced on foot, with several marked trails of varying length and difficulty. All routes require good footwear and plenty of water (note: wells and troughs inside the reserve are not drinkable). Trail maps are available at the entrances or online. * '''Coastal Trail (Sentiero Costiero)''' – The reserve’s main and most popular path runs 7 km along the coast from the southern entrance near Scopello to the northern entrance near San Vito Lo Capo. It passes Cala Capreria, Cala del Varo, Cala della Disa, Cala Berretta, Cala Marinella, and ends at Cala Tonnarella dell’Uzzo and the Grotta dell’Uzzo. Approx. 2 hrs one way. * '''Central Trail (Sentiero di Mezza Costa)''' – This mid-elevation route connects Cala Tonnarella dell’Uzzo with Casa Forestale via Borgo Cusenza, Grotta Mastro Peppe Sino, and Contrada Sughero. It’s a scenic 7.5 km trail through rolling hills and agricultural terraces. Approx. 3 hrs. * '''High Trail (Sentiero Alto)''' – An 8 km trail beginning behind the visitor centre at the southern entrance and rising toward Pizzo del Corvo. It continues through Sughero, Borgo Cusenza, and Grotta Mastro Peppe Sino before ending at Casa Forestale. Approx. 4 hrs. * '''Passo del Lupo Trail''' – The most demanding trail in the reserve, this 13 km route begins at the northern entrance and climbs via Monte Passo del Lupo and Monte Speziale (the reserve’s highest peak at 913 m), passing through Sughero and ending near Contrada Marinella. Approx. 7–8 hrs. * '''Scardina Forest Path (Sentiero Bosco Scardina)''' – A loop trail beginning behind the visitor centre at the southern entrance. It winds through forested hills, Pianello, Borgo Cusenza, and Sughero before descending via Contrada Marinella to rejoin the coastal path back to the entrance. Moderate difficulty. ===Scuba diving=== The clear waters and rocky coves around the reserve offer excellent conditions for scuba diving and snorkelling. {{do | name=Zingaro Diving Center | url=https://www.zingarodivingcenter.com/ | content=Offers guided scuba diving and snorkeling excursions along the Zingaro coastline, suitable for beginners and certified divers. }} == Eat == There are no food vendors or restaurants inside the reserve, so visitors should bring their own meals, snacks, and plenty of water. Picnic spots are available near some beaches and shelters, but all rubbish must be carried out—there are no bins in the reserve. Be sure to pack reusable containers or bags, and avoid leaving food waste behind. The nearest places to eat are in Scopello and San Vito lo Capo, just outside the two main entrances. == Sleep == [[File:Zingaro Sicilia 2005-09-30-3.jpg|thumb|300px|Panoramic coastal view inside the reserve]] There are no hotels, guesthouses, or formal campsites inside the reserve. However, basic stone shelters are available for overnight stays between October and May, by request. * '''Shelters (Rifugi) in Contrada Sughero''' – Located along the mid-elevation trail, roughly 2 hours from either entrance. Camping here is permitted only with advance authorisation from the reserve management. Shelters are primitive: no toilets, beds, electricity, drinking water, or heating. A €10 fee per person per night (including entry) is payable when collecting keys. Keys must be collected and returned at the same entrance. For most visitors, it’s more convenient to stay outside the reserve in: * [[Scopello]] – Closest to the southern entrance; offers agriturismi and small hotels. * [[San Vito lo Capo]] – Best for access to the northern entrance; wide range of accommodations. == Stay safe == Zingaro is wild and beautiful, but basic precautions are essential—especially in summer. * '''Heat''' – The sun can be intense, particularly from June to September. Carry plenty of water (at least 2 L per person), wear a hat, and avoid hiking during the hottest part of the day. * '''Sun exposure''' – There is little to no shade along the trails or beaches. Sunscreen and lightweight, long-sleeved clothing are recommended. * '''Footing''' – Paths can be uneven, rocky, and steep in places. Sturdy footwear is strongly advised. * '''Swimming''' – Beaches are unmonitored, often with pebbly or rocky entrances. Swim only if confident in open water, and watch for sudden depth changes or currents. * '''No phone signal''' – Mobile coverage is limited or nonexistent in parts of the reserve—don't rely on it for navigation or emergencies. == Go next == Zingaro forms part of a network of protected areas across western Sicily. Other nearby reserves worth visiting include: * '''[[Salt Pans of Trapani and Paceco]]''' – Coastal wetlands and working saltpans south of Trapani, home to flamingos, traditional windmills, and a salt museum. * '''[[Stagnone Lagoon and Islands Nature Reserve]]''' – A shallow lagoon near Marsala known for its windmills, kite-surfing, and the ancient island of [[Mozia]]. {{IsPartOf|Trapani (province)}} {{usablepark}} {{geo|38.127|12.794}} mmn2ge8vcevh2bwa680rs7i82wfo69u 5087025 5087024 2025-07-03T08:18:13Z Kned Wiki 2327203 /* Scuba diving */ Added bullet 5087025 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Riserva Naturale Dello Zingaro - panoramio (3) (cropped).jpg}} '''Zingaro Nature Reserve''' (Italian: ''Riserva Naturale Orientata dello Zingaro'') protects a 7-kilometre stretch of unspoiled Tyrrhenian coastline on Sicily’s northwestern tip, between [[Scopello]] and [[San Vito lo Capo]]. Set along the eastern flank of the Capo San Vito peninsula, it was the first nature reserve established in Sicily. == Understand == [[File:Tonnarella Uzzo.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Cala Tonnarella dell’Uzzo]] Covering 1,620 hectares of limestone cliffs, Mediterranean vegetation, and secluded coves, Zingaro offers a striking coastal landscape that remains untouched by roads or modern development. Visitors explore the area entirely on foot via a network of scenic trails linking beaches, caves, traditional shelters, and small museums. * '''Established''': 1981, following local opposition to coastal road development * '''Location''': Between Scopello and San Vito Lo Capo, northwest Sicily * '''Size''': ~1,620 hectares * '''Ecology''': Over 650 plant species and 40 nesting bird species; home to Bonelli’s eagle * '''Protection''': Natura 2000 site and Special Protection Area (SPA) * '''Features''': Coastal paths, pebbly coves, caves, restored rural buildings, and nature centers === History === Zingaro Nature Reserve was born from one of Italy’s earliest environmental campaigns. In the 1970s, plans to build a coastal road through the area sparked strong opposition from conservation groups and local communities. The movement culminated in a peaceful march on 18 May 1980, when around 3,000 people symbolically occupied the site. Their efforts led to the suspension of construction and the passage of Regional Law 98/81, which officially established Zingaro as Sicily’s first nature reserve. It is managed by the Sicilian State Forestry Corps. === Flora and fauna === The reserve shelters a mosaic of habitats shaped by sea breezes, rocky slopes, and humid microclimates. Endemic wildflowers, coastal grasses like ''Ampelodesmos mauritanicus'', and patches of Holm oak and cork trees flourish across the landscape. Bonelli’s eagle, peregrine falcons, and Sicilian partridges are among 40+ bird species recorded here, alongside foxes, porcupines, lizards, amphibians, and eight bat species. Insect life is abundant and includes butterflies, mantises, and the vivid green ''panfago'' grasshopper. === Terrain === The landscape blends steep limestone ridges, narrow coves, and terraced hillsides shaped by centuries of subsistence farming. Footpaths lead visitors through varied elevations, connecting beaches, archaeological sites, and mountain lookouts. {{mapframe|38.105|12.795|zoom=12|width=350|align=right}} * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=Northern Entrance|lat=38.12523|long=12.78839}} — Entry point near San Vito lo Capo, offering access to remote beaches and longer hiking routes. Parking available nearby. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=Cala Tonnarella dell’Uzzo|lat=38.12034|long=12.78852}} — The reserve’s most popular beach, easily reached from the southern entrance. Ideal for swimming, with crystal-clear water and a pebbly shore backed by cliffs. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=Cala dell’Uzzo|lat=38.11100|long=12.7893}} — One of the most scenic and accessible beaches in the reserve, known for clear turquoise water and dramatic cliffs. Near the Grotta dell’Uzzo archaeological site. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=Cala Marinella|lat=38.10591|long=12.79423}} — A small, secluded cove reached via a 2.8 km hike from the northern entrance; known for its rocky shoreline, crystal-clear turquoise water, and tranquil setting. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=Cala Berretta|lat=38.10112|long=12.79698}} — A small, secluded pebble beach roughly 2.3 km (30–35 min hike) from the southern entrance, with clear turquoise water and excellent snorkeling opportunities. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=Cala della Disa|lat=38.09932|long=12.79856}} — A quiet, pebbly cove accessible by a 2.2 km hike from the southern entrance. Known for its clear turquoise water and secluded atmosphere, with excellent snorkeling in a peaceful setting. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=Cala del Varo|lat=38.09586|long=12.80315}} — A secluded sandy–pebble cove within the reserve, accessible via a 1.4 km hike from the southern entrance. Noted for its clear turquoise water, peaceful atmosphere, and dramatic cliffside setting. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=Cala Capreria|lat=38.08829|long=12.80627}} — A scenic pebble beach just 450 m (≈7 min walk) from the southern entrance. Known for crystal-clear turquoise water, dramatic cliffs, and excellent snorkeling; no facilities on-site, so bring refreshments and sturdy shoes. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=Southern Entrance|lat=38.08266|long=12.81102}} — Main access point near [[Scopello]], with parking, ticket office, and information panels. Closest entrance to popular beaches like Cala Capreria and Cala Tonnarella dell’Uzzo. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=Monte Speziale|lat=38.10655|long=12.76811}} — The highest point in the Zingaro range at approximately 913 m, offering panoramic views of both Gulf of Castellammare and Capo San Vito; part of the Limestone ridge of the Trapani Mountains. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=Grotta dell’Uzzo|lat=38.1112|long=12.7894}} — Important prehistoric cave with evidence of Paleolithic and Neolithic habitation. Located near Cala dell’Uzzo. == Get in == Zingaro Nature Reserve is a popular day trip from Scopello, San Vito lo Capo, or Castellammare del Golfo. It stretches between the eastern edge of the Capo San Vito peninsula and the Gulf of Castellammare, and is easily accessed by car or guided tour. === Access and booking === [[File:Zingaro1450.JPG|thumb|300px|Southern entrance near Scopello]] Visitors can enter the reserve from two official entrances: * '''Southern Entrance''' — near Scopello (closest to Cala Capreria and Cala Tonnarella dell’Uzzo) * '''Northern Entrance''' — near San Vito lo Capo (ideal for accessing more remote coves like Cala Marinella) The reserve is open year-round during daylight hours. Entry requires a small admission fee (typically around €5–7) and is payable on-site at either entrance. For educational visits or guided tours (particularly school groups), booking is required in advance. A request form is available online and must be submitted via email or fax. * '''Website''': [https://www.riservazingaro.it/en/ Official Zingaro Reserve site] * '''Contact''': ** 📧 info@riservazingaro.it ** ☎ +39 0924 35108 * [https://www.riservazingaro.it/en/book-visit-or-guide/ Book a visit or guide] Downloadable brochures and a detailed map of the trail network are available via the official website. Note if there are entry fees (typically €5) and hours (usually sunrise to sunset, with variation by season). === Tours === Several operators run boat and coastal excursions along the Zingaro coastline, often departing from San Vito lo Capo or Castellammare del Golfo. These tours typically include stops for swimming, snorkelling, and sightseeing. * [https://www.novenodiescursioni.it/escursioni-zingaro.asp '''Novenodi Escursioni'''] – Based in San Vito Lo Capo, this operator runs small-group boat tours (max ~10 participants) along the Zingaro coast and Scopello, including stops for swimming, snorkelling, local snacks, and lunch. Tours depart from San Vito and last around 8 hours, with instant confirmation available and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. * [https://www.egadisealife.it/en/boat-excursions-san-vito-lo-capo/ '''Egadi Sea Life'''] – Offers full-day private boat tours (max 12 people) from Trapani to Macari, San Vito lo Capo, the Zingaro coast, and Scopello. Highlights include swimming stops at Baia Santa Margherita, Cala dell’Uzzo, and the Faraglioni of Scopello, plus free time in San Vito. Tours last 8.5 hours and run from 09:30 to 18:00, with flexible cancellation. * [https://www.penelopetour.it/en/ '''Penelope Tour'''] – Private boat tours from Castellammare del Golfo visiting the Grotta delle Colombe, Cala dell’Uzzo (part of the Zingaro Reserve), and the Faraglioni at Scopello. Family-run service with local skipper, offering personalized full-day or half-day trips aboard a traditional gozzo. == See == [[File:Mercato Mennola (Zingaro)013.jpg|thumb|300px|Old shepherd structures at Marcato della Mennola]] Zingaro’s main attractions lie along its coastal trails, where visitors can discover small museums, restored rural buildings, archaeological sites, and panoramic viewpoints. Most are accessible only on foot and spread between the northern and southern entrances. * {{see | name = Borgo Cusenza | lat = 38.11682 | long = 12.77190 | content = Historic rural hamlet once known as “Bagghiu di l’Acci” (mentioned by Cordici, 1586–1666) and famed for its sweet grazing cattle and deep cave drippings. Cultivated crops included wheat, oats, clover, vines, palmet, and Ampelodesma; orchards yielded mulberry, fig, pear, and more. Traditional water features include a 1696 trough, mule well (“chianu puzzu”), and the communal fountain along the Acci canal. }} * {{see | name = Museum of Weaving | alt = Museo dell’Intreccio | lat = 38.1045 | long = 12.7890 | content = Showcases traditional weaving of local plant fibres—palmetto, Ampelodesma, reed—by master artisans demonstrating historic basket and mat crafts. }} * {{see | name = Museum of Marine Activities | alt = Museo delle Attività Marinare | lat = 38.1248 | long = 12.7870 | content = Housed in a former tuna-processing site, it displays tools, nets, and archival materials related to traditional fishing along the Tyrrhenian coast. }} * {{see | name = Museum of Rural Civilisation | alt = Museo della Civiltà Contadina | lat = 38.1110 | long = 12.7897 | content = Features agricultural tools, weaving implements, and reconstructions of peasant life, focusing on the historical grain cycle. }} * {{see | name = Naturalistic Museum | alt = Museo Naturalistico | lat = 38.0825 | long = 12.8060 | content = Small interpretive centre with exhibits on the reserve’s flora, fauna, and ecosystems—ideal as an introduction before hiking. }} == Do == [[File:Zingaro 063.jpg|thumb|300px|View along the Mezza Costa (mid-elevation) trail]] Zingaro is best experienced on foot, with several marked trails of varying length and difficulty. All routes require good footwear and plenty of water (note: wells and troughs inside the reserve are not drinkable). Trail maps are available at the entrances or online. * '''Coastal Trail (Sentiero Costiero)''' – The reserve’s main and most popular path runs 7 km along the coast from the southern entrance near Scopello to the northern entrance near San Vito Lo Capo. It passes Cala Capreria, Cala del Varo, Cala della Disa, Cala Berretta, Cala Marinella, and ends at Cala Tonnarella dell’Uzzo and the Grotta dell’Uzzo. Approx. 2 hrs one way. * '''Central Trail (Sentiero di Mezza Costa)''' – This mid-elevation route connects Cala Tonnarella dell’Uzzo with Casa Forestale via Borgo Cusenza, Grotta Mastro Peppe Sino, and Contrada Sughero. It’s a scenic 7.5 km trail through rolling hills and agricultural terraces. Approx. 3 hrs. * '''High Trail (Sentiero Alto)''' – An 8 km trail beginning behind the visitor centre at the southern entrance and rising toward Pizzo del Corvo. It continues through Sughero, Borgo Cusenza, and Grotta Mastro Peppe Sino before ending at Casa Forestale. Approx. 4 hrs. * '''Passo del Lupo Trail''' – The most demanding trail in the reserve, this 13 km route begins at the northern entrance and climbs via Monte Passo del Lupo and Monte Speziale (the reserve’s highest peak at 913 m), passing through Sughero and ending near Contrada Marinella. Approx. 7–8 hrs. * '''Scardina Forest Path (Sentiero Bosco Scardina)''' – A loop trail beginning behind the visitor centre at the southern entrance. It winds through forested hills, Pianello, Borgo Cusenza, and Sughero before descending via Contrada Marinella to rejoin the coastal path back to the entrance. Moderate difficulty. ===Scuba diving=== The clear waters and rocky coves around the reserve offer excellent conditions for scuba diving and snorkelling. * {{do | name=Zingaro Diving Center | url=https://www.zingarodivingcenter.com/ | content=Offers guided scuba diving and snorkeling excursions along the Zingaro coastline, suitable for beginners and certified divers. }} == Eat == There are no food vendors or restaurants inside the reserve, so visitors should bring their own meals, snacks, and plenty of water. Picnic spots are available near some beaches and shelters, but all rubbish must be carried out—there are no bins in the reserve. Be sure to pack reusable containers or bags, and avoid leaving food waste behind. The nearest places to eat are in Scopello and San Vito lo Capo, just outside the two main entrances. == Sleep == [[File:Zingaro Sicilia 2005-09-30-3.jpg|thumb|300px|Panoramic coastal view inside the reserve]] There are no hotels, guesthouses, or formal campsites inside the reserve. However, basic stone shelters are available for overnight stays between October and May, by request. * '''Shelters (Rifugi) in Contrada Sughero''' – Located along the mid-elevation trail, roughly 2 hours from either entrance. Camping here is permitted only with advance authorisation from the reserve management. Shelters are primitive: no toilets, beds, electricity, drinking water, or heating. A €10 fee per person per night (including entry) is payable when collecting keys. Keys must be collected and returned at the same entrance. For most visitors, it’s more convenient to stay outside the reserve in: * [[Scopello]] – Closest to the southern entrance; offers agriturismi and small hotels. * [[San Vito lo Capo]] – Best for access to the northern entrance; wide range of accommodations. == Stay safe == Zingaro is wild and beautiful, but basic precautions are essential—especially in summer. * '''Heat''' – The sun can be intense, particularly from June to September. Carry plenty of water (at least 2 L per person), wear a hat, and avoid hiking during the hottest part of the day. * '''Sun exposure''' – There is little to no shade along the trails or beaches. Sunscreen and lightweight, long-sleeved clothing are recommended. * '''Footing''' – Paths can be uneven, rocky, and steep in places. Sturdy footwear is strongly advised. * '''Swimming''' – Beaches are unmonitored, often with pebbly or rocky entrances. Swim only if confident in open water, and watch for sudden depth changes or currents. * '''No phone signal''' – Mobile coverage is limited or nonexistent in parts of the reserve—don't rely on it for navigation or emergencies. == Go next == Zingaro forms part of a network of protected areas across western Sicily. Other nearby reserves worth visiting include: * '''[[Salt Pans of Trapani and Paceco]]''' – Coastal wetlands and working saltpans south of Trapani, home to flamingos, traditional windmills, and a salt museum. * '''[[Stagnone Lagoon and Islands Nature Reserve]]''' – A shallow lagoon near Marsala known for its windmills, kite-surfing, and the ancient island of [[Mozia]]. {{IsPartOf|Trapani (province)}} {{usablepark}} {{geo|38.127|12.794}} nf5xfbbwp45e9d9ci53s1zxcm7gg6fb 0 211622 5086691 5086575 2025-07-02T16:45:22Z Mrkstvns 144844 /* Do */ - typo 5086691 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Parque Nacional San Miguel banner.jpg|pgname=San Miguel National Park}} '''San Miguel National Park''' (''Parque nacional San Miguel'') is a protected natural area in the [[Atlantic Coast (Uruguay)|Atlantic Coast]] region in eastern [[Uruguay]]. It is the site of the '''Fuerte de San Miguel''', an historic stone coastal defense fortress established by the Spanish in 1734. ==Understand== The park is fairly small, covering an area of 1542 hectares. ===History=== [[File:Interior del Fuerte de San Miguel con capilla.jpg|thumb|Interior of the Fuerte de San Miguel]] The park was created as part of the Park Service of the Uruguayan Army in 1937. In 1991, it was put under civilian administration and became part of the [[Uruguayan national parks]] system. ===Landscape=== The park includes coastal beaches, rolling grass-covered hills, and wooded areas of forest. ===Flora and fauna=== Many kinds of mammals can be found in the park including white-tailed deer and capuchin monkeys. ===Climate=== ==Get in== Driving is the best way to get to the park. ===By car=== From [[Montevideo]], it is about a 4-hour drive to the park. Take Route 5 north to Route 24, then west on Route 24, which reaches the park just before the border crossing to [[Brazil]]. ==Fees and permits== Entrance to the park is free. No permits are required. ==Get around== ==See== * {{see | name=Creole and Indigenous Museum | alt=Museo Criollo y Indigena | address= | lat=-33.68711972081634 | long=-53.5420008544255 | hours=Daily 09:00 - 18:00 | price=Free | lastedit=2025-07-01 | content=Historical museum with displays that explain colonial life during the [[Spanish Empire]] with galleries focusing on transportation, textile manufacturing, agriculture, manufacturing through the 1700s, and military life in the fortresses and outposts. Several exhibits describe [[Indigenous cultures of South America|indigenous cultures]] of the region. }} ==Do== * '''[[Hiking]]''' - the park features several marked hiking trails, including: ** ''Sendero del Bosque (Forest Trail)'' - As the name implies, the trail winds through forested areas of the park and is an easy trail that is good for wildlife viewing and [[Birdwatching|birdwatching]]. ** ''Sendero del Rio (River Trail)'' - Follows the course of the river with views of the water and shoreline. This is an easy trail that will take about 1-2 hours to walk. ==Buy== ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== There is one lodge in the park. Additional options are in the nearby town of [[Chuy]]. ===Lodging=== * {{sleep | name=Hotel Fortin de San Miguel | alt= | url=https://elfortin.com/ | email= | address=18 de Julio, Rocha | lat=-33.683906 | long=-53.544125 | directions= | phone=+59 844 746 607 | tollfree= | checkin=15:00 | checkout=11:00 | price=US$90 | lastedit=2025-07-01 content= | check-in=15:00 | check-out=11:00 | content= }}} ===Camping=== Camping is permitted near the river. Several cleared sites are available. Inquire at the park office. ==Stay safe== ==Go next== * [[Santa Teresa National Park]] * [[Chuy]] {{IsPartOf|Atlantic Coast (Uruguay)|Atlantic Coast}} {{outlinepark}} {{geo|-33.688|-53.539}} qkze1w53lqn09hi9r45duzs4d9i7e65 5086692 5086691 2025-07-02T16:50:39Z Mrkstvns 144844 /* Lodging */ Updated listing for Hotel Fortin de San Miguel 5086692 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Parque Nacional San Miguel banner.jpg|pgname=San Miguel National Park}} '''San Miguel National Park''' (''Parque nacional San Miguel'') is a protected natural area in the [[Atlantic Coast (Uruguay)|Atlantic Coast]] region in eastern [[Uruguay]]. It is the site of the '''Fuerte de San Miguel''', an historic stone coastal defense fortress established by the Spanish in 1734. ==Understand== The park is fairly small, covering an area of 1542 hectares. ===History=== [[File:Interior del Fuerte de San Miguel con capilla.jpg|thumb|Interior of the Fuerte de San Miguel]] The park was created as part of the Park Service of the Uruguayan Army in 1937. In 1991, it was put under civilian administration and became part of the [[Uruguayan national parks]] system. ===Landscape=== The park includes coastal beaches, rolling grass-covered hills, and wooded areas of forest. ===Flora and fauna=== Many kinds of mammals can be found in the park including white-tailed deer and capuchin monkeys. ===Climate=== ==Get in== Driving is the best way to get to the park. ===By car=== From [[Montevideo]], it is about a 4-hour drive to the park. Take Route 5 north to Route 24, then west on Route 24, which reaches the park just before the border crossing to [[Brazil]]. ==Fees and permits== Entrance to the park is free. No permits are required. ==Get around== ==See== * {{see | name=Creole and Indigenous Museum | alt=Museo Criollo y Indigena | address= | lat=-33.68711972081634 | long=-53.5420008544255 | hours=Daily 09:00 - 18:00 | price=Free | lastedit=2025-07-01 | content=Historical museum with displays that explain colonial life during the [[Spanish Empire]] with galleries focusing on transportation, textile manufacturing, agriculture, manufacturing through the 1700s, and military life in the fortresses and outposts. Several exhibits describe [[Indigenous cultures of South America|indigenous cultures]] of the region. }} ==Do== * '''[[Hiking]]''' - the park features several marked hiking trails, including: ** ''Sendero del Bosque (Forest Trail)'' - As the name implies, the trail winds through forested areas of the park and is an easy trail that is good for wildlife viewing and [[Birdwatching|birdwatching]]. ** ''Sendero del Rio (River Trail)'' - Follows the course of the river with views of the water and shoreline. This is an easy trail that will take about 1-2 hours to walk. ==Buy== ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== There is one lodge in the park. Additional options are in the nearby town of [[Chuy]]. ===Lodging=== * {{sleep | name=Hotel Fortin de San Miguel | alt= | url=https://elfortin.com/ | email= | address=18 de Julio, Rocha | lat=-33.683906 | long=-53.544125 | directions= | phone=+59 844 746 607 | tollfree= | checkin=15:00 | checkout=11:00 | price=US$90 | lastedit=2025-07-02 | check-in=15:00 | check-out=11:00 | content=Comfortable lodge built in a style to emulate the nearby Spanish fort, with stone construction, wood-beam ceilings, and stone and ceramic tile floors. Furniture is rustic and built of leather and wood. Spacious, clean rooms. On-site restaurant serves typical Uruguayan cuisine (think beef and wine). Outdoor swimming pool available. }}} ===Camping=== Camping is permitted near the river. Several cleared sites are available. Inquire at the park office. ==Stay safe== ==Go next== * [[Santa Teresa National Park]] * [[Chuy]] {{IsPartOf|Atlantic Coast (Uruguay)|Atlantic Coast}} {{outlinepark}} {{geo|-33.688|-53.539}} 7bvq4i8qm1nskdygxxu918j47ml1cst 0 211630 5086712 5086571 2025-07-02T17:24:40Z Mrkstvns 144844 /* Get in */ 5086712 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Esteros de Farrapos banner.jpg|pgname=Esteros de Farrapos National Park}} '''Esteros de Farrapos''' (officially, ''Parque Nacional Esteros de Farrapos e Islas del Río Uruguay'') is a protected natural area in the Rocha province of the [[Rio de la Plata]] region of [[Uruguay]]. In addition to being part of the [[Uruguayan national parks]] system, the park is a [[Ramsar sites|Ramsar wetland]]. [[File:Agua_de_fuego.jpg|thumb|Spectacular sunsets on the Rio Uruguay]] ==Understand== The park covers an area of more than 20,200 hectares. ===Landscape=== The park stretches along the Uruguayan side of the Rio de Uruguay, the river that separates Uruguay from [[Argentina]]. In addition to miles of marshy riverfront, the park has numerous swamps, inlets, marshes and channels that create 24 sedimentary islands. The islands are covered in grasslands and riparian forests with peat bogs and freshwater ponds. ===Flora and fauna=== Grassy plains and grassy marshes constitute much of the vegetation with thick sedges, false papyrus, and reeds. The riparian forests include willows, sarandí and guava. The park is home to a a wide range of [[Central and South American wildlife|wildlife]], particularly birds and species that thrive in rivers and wetlands. More than 30 mammal species inhabit the park, including the maned wolf, capybaras, mountain foxes, and several species of bat. [[Birdwatching|Birdwatchers]] could spot any of over 200 species of bird in the park, mostly aquatic birds from the great heron to the little snowy heron. Vultures lurk in the tree tops and can be seen soaring the air currents over the river. A number of reptiles and amphibians can be found in the park's expansive wetlands. Residents include several species of frog and toad, as well as turtles sunning themselves along the river banks. Keep an eye open for the Argentinian black and white tegu, a large lizard that inhabits this area. Anglers can find a number of kinds of fish, particularly catfish, with species including the White catfish, Yellow catfish, Toad catfish, and the Buenos Aires catfish. Surubí and dorado can also be caught here. ===Climate=== Spring (September to November) and fall (March to May) are ideal times to visit the park when temperatures range from 12°C to 25°C. A light jacket or sweater will be all you need and rain is infrequent. ==Get in== Getting to the park might be a bit of a challenge since it's in a remote area. The nearest city with good tourist infrastructure is [[Paysandú]], though the village of '''San Javier''' is close to the park entrance and has some restaurants and hotels. Paysandu is served by bus routes from [[Montevideo]] and larger cities throughout Uruguay. From Montevideo, the bus takes about 6 hours. The park is 60 km by car from Paysandú. To drive to the park, head southeast on Ruta 3 for about 10 km, then turn south (left) on Ruta 24 for another 30 km. When you reach the village of '''Tres Quintas''', turn left (west) onto Ramsal 5 for about 10 km. Watch for the sign to the park entrance on your left. If you continue straight on Ramsal 5 you will reach the village of '''San Javier''', which is the closest place to get a meal or a bed for the night. ==Fees and permits== There is no fee to enter the park and permits are not needed. ==Get around== Boats can be hired in San Javier. ==See== ==Do== * '''Kayak''' down the river, navigating serpentine channels around islands and estuaries * '''Hiking''': The main trail is called ''Sendero de los Senderos'' and it has several side trails that lead off it to points of interest. It is a flat, easy trail that is about 5 km in length and takes about 2-3 hours to hike. ==Buy== ==Eat== Restaurants can be found in San Javier. ==Drink== ==Sleep== The closest lodging is in the village of '''San Javier''', about 5 km from the park entrance. ===Backcountry=== Backcountry camping is allowed. ==Stay safe== ==Go next== * [[Paysandú]] * [[Salto]] * [[Mercedes (Uruguay)|Mercedes]] {{IsPartOf|Northern Interior (Uruguay)}} {{outlinepark}} {{geo|-32.724|-58.121}} 5rjyc6yfw22swmg2r8mx7i5e9qeeama 0 211632 5086593 5086566 2025-07-02T12:08:05Z Kned Wiki 2327203 5086593 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Banner Piazza del Comune di Gibellina for WV.jpg}} '''Gibellina''' is a small city—and a living arts experiment—in [[Trapani (province)|Trapani province]], western Sicily. Rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in January 1968, Gibellina Nuova was masterplanned by avant-garde architects, sculptors, and artists who transformed its streets, plazas, and structures into vibrant expressions of modern art and architecture. [[File:Cretto di Burri 01.JPG|thumb|right|300px|Alberto Burri’s ''Cretto di Burri''—a stark white grid laid over the ruins of old Gibellina.]] Named Capital of Contemporary Art 2026, Gibellina stands out as one of Italy’s most distinctive cultural destinations. ==Understand== Gibellina is best known for the monumental ''Grande Cretto'' by Alberto Burri—one of the world’s largest land‑art installations. Spanning over the ruins of the original town, this white‑concrete labyrinth memorial echoes the old street grid with deep fissures, serving as both elegy and architecture of memory. The original town, devastated by the 1968 earthquake, was relocated and rebuilt about 20km away. The new settlement was consciously designed with a butterfly‑shaped layout—two curved "wings" of housing flanking a central spine of civic spaces—planned by major architects like Marcello Fabbri, Oswald Mathias Ungers, and Ludovico Quaroni dicasainsicilia.com. This bold modernist design was intended to blend functional efficiency with public art, though it has been criticised for its scale and social detachment. == Get in == ===By Car=== Gibellina is easily reached by car: * From '''Trapani''': ~48 km via the SS 188, about a 50-minute drive. * From '''Palermo''': Take the A29 toward Trapani, then SS 188 east; expect a journey of around 2 hours. Parking is available near the town centre and the Cretto di Burri site. ===By Bus=== Azienda Siciliana Trasporti provides a direct but infrequent bus service from Trapani to Gibellina, taking approximately 1 hour 12 minutes. ===By Train=== Regional trains (operated by Trenitalia) serve the Salemi–Gibellina station at the edge of Gibellina Nuova, with about five departures daily from Trapani. The scenic journey takes around 1 hour 44 minutes. The station is effectively within the town—it sits right at the western perimeter, making walking into the town centre easy === By bus === Occasional buses run to Gibellina from larger towns like Castelvetrano and Salemi, operated by regional companies (such as Autoservizi Salemi). Schedules can be sparse, especially on weekends, so advance planning is essential. [[File:MAC Gibellina.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Ludovico Corrao.]] == Get around == Gibellina is compact and best explored on foot. Most attractions, including public art installations, piazzas, and the civic museum, are located within easy walking distance of the town center. The ''Grande Cretto'' by Alberto Burri lies about 20 km to the east of Gibellina, on the site of the old town destroyed by the 1968 earthquake. It is not walkable from the centre but can be reached by car via the SS188, which connects directly to the site. There is no local public transport, so visitors without a car should plan accordingly or arrange a taxi. == Get around == {{mapframe | 37.8096 | 12.8744 | zoom=14 | width=400 | align=right }} A distinctive feature of Gibellina’s urban design is the "system of piazzas", a linear series of open squares framed by stark architectural structures. The ensemble was designed by architects [[w:Franco Purini|Franco Purini]] and [[w:Laura Thermes|Laura Thermes]] as part of the town’s reconstruction. Piazza XV Gennaio 1968 is the town’s main orientation point, home to the town hall and several art installations. Viale Belice runs alongside the square and ends at Piazza Joseph Beuys, where Pietro Consagra’s unfinished theatre stands. The plazas are: * {{marker|name=Piazza XV Gennaio 1968 |type=lime|lat=37.808831|long=12.872728}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Rivolta del 26 giugno 1937|type=lime|lat=37.807561|long=12.872787}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Fasci dei Lavoratori|type=lime|lat=37.807103|long=12.872186}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Monti di Gibellina|type=lime|lat=37.806567|long=12.871533}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Autonomia Siciliana|type=lime|lat=37.806119|long=12.870949}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Passo Portella delle Ginestre|type=lime|lat=37.805515|long=12.870056}} These plazas form a monumental architectural spine through the heart of Gibellina and reflect its vision as a living museum of modernist urbanism. ==See== * {{see | name = Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC) | alt = Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Ludovico Corrao | lat = 37.81200 | long = 12.87486 | url = https://www.macgibellina.it/ | content = Civic museum housing one of Southern Italy’s largest collections of contemporary art (≈2,000 works by artists such as Schifano, Guttuso, and Paladino). Named after former mayor Ludovico Corrao, who spearheaded its creation to rebuild Gibellina through culture. }} * {{see | name = Stella d’ingresso al Belice (Porta del Belice) | lat = 37.80325 | long = 12.87235 | content = A 26 m‑high stainless‑steel star “gateway” sculpture by Pietro Consagra (1981), located on the road into Gibellina Nuova. Created as a symbolic entrance and beacon of hope for the Belìce Valley following the 1968 earthquake. }} [[File:Esterno chiesa madre di Gibellina.jpg|thumb|300px|Gibellina's Mother Church, its sculptural form and radial layout reflect the town’s modernist vision.]] * {{see | name = Mother Church | alt = Chiesa Madre | lat = 37.8057 | long = 12.8650 | content = Striking modernist church designed in 1972 by Ludovico Quaroni and Luisa Anversa, featuring a cubic base topped with a giant white sphere. Suffered roof collapse in 1994 and was restored for public opening in 2010. }} * {{see | name = Fondazione Istituto di Alta Cultura – Orestiadi | lat = 37.8045 | long = 12.8730 | content = A contemporary arts foundation based in the restored Baglio di Stefano farmhouse. Hosts works by Paladino (notably the “Mountain of Salt” with 30 wooden horses), Pomodoro, Consagra, Accardi and others, as part of the open‑air Orestiadi art trail. }} === Installations === * {{see | name = Aratro | lat = 37.808818 | long = 12.875309 | content = Bronze plough sculpture by Arnaldo Pomodoro, symbolizing the town’s agricultural roots. }} * {{see | name = Untitled sculpture (Spagnulo) | lat = 37.806603 | long = 12.876755 | content = Abstract work by Giuseppe Spagnulo. }} * {{see | name = Ritmi spaziali | lat = 37.805139 | long = 12.876629 | content = 'Spatial Rhythms' by Carmelo Cappello—an abstract outdoor piece. }} * {{see | name = Stella d’ingresso al Belice | alt = Porta del Belice (Star of Belice) | lat = 37.803067 | long = 12.872534 | content = A 26‑m-tall stainless-steel sculpture by Pietro Consagra, resembling festive town illuminations; now an emblem of the Belice Valley. }} * {{see | name = Montagna di Sale | lat = 37.801752 | long = 12.882470 | content = 'Mountain of Salt' by Mimmo Paladino: a concrete and resin mound embedded with thirty wooden horses—evoking his recurring equine themes. }} * {{see | name = L’infinito della memoria | lat = 37.811049 | long = 12.874101 | content = 'The Infinity of Memory' by Costas Varotsos. }} * {{see | name = Ascoltare | lat = 37.811928 | long = 12.875116 | content = 'Listening' by Giovanni Albanese, a sculptural road device that “listens” to the wind, located inside the contemporary art museum. }} * {{see | name = La freccia indica l’ombra di una freccia | lat = 37.811716 | long = 12.875071 | content = A wall-mounted piece by Emilio Isgrò featuring two arrows and the inscription which is also its title. }} * {{see | name = Labirinto | lat = 37.811366 | long = 12.873697 | content = 'Labyrinth' by Nino Franchina—a circular maze-like installation on Viale Vitaliano Brancati. }} * {{see | name = Fontana (Cascella) | lat = 37.813601 | long = 12.872539 | content = A sculptural fountain by Andrea Cascella. }} * {{see | name = Untitled sculpture (Onhari) | lat = 37.816209 | long = 12.869898 | content = Abstract work by Onhari, located inside a public building. }} * {{see | name = Ceramic panel (Hsiao Chin) | lat = 37.816238 | long = 12.870153 | content = Ceramic artwork by Hsiao Chin, inside a public building. }} * {{see | name = Contrappunto | lat = 37.811860 | long = 12.867240 | content = 'Counterpoint' by Fausto Melotti—an installation of arrows, triangles, and circles near a usually dry pool. }} ==== Installations outside the Town Hall ==== * {{see | name = Da Oedipus Rex (“City of Thebes”) | lat = 37.810413 | long = 12.870255 | content = Stylized abstract reliefs by Pietro Consagra, displayed in the covered gallery next to the municipal building. }} * {{see | name = Monument to Leonardo Sciascia | lat = 37.809668 | long = 12.870369 | content = Sculpture by Pietro Consagra honouring the Sicilian writer and cultural advocate. }} * {{see | name = Untitled ceramic panels (Carla Accardi) | lat = 37.809682 | long = 12.870081 | content = Abstract graphic ceramic works by Carla Accardi, in the municipal corridor. }} * {{see | name = Mosaico (Gino Severini) | content = Mosaic panel by Gino Severini, displayed in the municipal corridor. }} * {{see | name = Civic tower (Mendini) | lat = 37.810059 | long = 12.870536 | content = Civic tower with two wing-like extensions, designed by Alessandro Mendini. }} * {{see | name = Homage to Tommaso Campanella | lat = 37.809756 | long = 12.870553 | content = Sun-disc stone sculpture by Mimmo Rotella, honoring the philosopher Campanella in the main square. }} * {{see | name = Scenic Machines (Pomodoro) | content = Sculptural pieces by Arnaldo Pomodoro in the municipal corridor. }} * {{see | name = Ceramic panels (Nino Mustica) | content = Ceramic artwork by Nino Mustica in the municipal corridor. }} * {{see | name = Fountain (Khaled) | content = Sculptural fountain by Slimane Khaled in the municipal corridor. }} ==Do== ==Buy== ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== ==Stay safe== ==Connect== ==Go next== {{IsPartOf|Trapani (province)}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|37.800|12.870}} 7p54gpldif9nefzcg9uo32gq71g74vr 5086598 5086593 2025-07-02T12:27:36Z Kned Wiki 2327203 Adding image 5086598 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Banner Piazza del Comune di Gibellina for WV.jpg}} '''Gibellina''' is a small city—and a living arts experiment—in [[Trapani (province)|Trapani province]], western Sicily. Rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in January 1968, Gibellina Nuova was masterplanned by avant-garde architects, sculptors, and artists who transformed its streets, plazas, and structures into vibrant expressions of modern art and architecture. [[File:Cretto di Burri 01.JPG|thumb|right|300px|Alberto Burri’s ''Cretto di Burri''—a stark white grid laid over the ruins of old Gibellina.]] Named Capital of Contemporary Art 2026, Gibellina stands out as one of Italy’s most distinctive cultural destinations. ==Understand== Gibellina is best known for the monumental ''Grande Cretto'' by Alberto Burri—one of the world’s largest land‑art installations. Spanning over the ruins of the original town, this white‑concrete labyrinth memorial echoes the old street grid with deep fissures, serving as both elegy and architecture of memory. The original town, devastated by the 1968 earthquake, was relocated and rebuilt about 20km away. The new settlement was consciously designed with a butterfly‑shaped layout—two curved "wings" of housing flanking a central spine of civic spaces—planned by major architects like Marcello Fabbri, Oswald Mathias Ungers, and Ludovico Quaroni dicasainsicilia.com. This bold modernist design was intended to blend functional efficiency with public art, though it has been criticised for its scale and social detachment. == Get in == [[File:Teatro Consagra 1.jpg|thumb|300px|The Consagra Theatre]] ===By Car=== Gibellina is easily reached by car: * From '''Trapani''': ~48 km via the SS 188, about a 50-minute drive. * From '''Palermo''': Take the A29 toward Trapani, then SS 188 east; expect a journey of around 2 hours. Parking is available near the town centre and the Cretto di Burri site. ===By Bus=== Azienda Siciliana Trasporti provides a direct but infrequent bus service from Trapani to Gibellina, taking approximately 1 hour 12 minutes. ===By Train=== Regional trains (operated by Trenitalia) serve the Salemi–Gibellina station at the edge of Gibellina Nuova, with about five departures daily from Trapani. The scenic journey takes around 1 hour 44 minutes. The station is effectively within the town—it sits right at the western perimeter, making walking into the town centre easy [[File:MAC Gibellina.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Ludovico Corrao.]] === By bus === Occasional buses run to Gibellina from larger towns like Castelvetrano and Salemi, operated by regional companies (such as Autoservizi Salemi). Schedules can be sparse, especially on weekends, so advance planning is essential. == Get around == Gibellina is compact and best explored on foot. Most attractions, including public art installations, piazzas, and the civic museum, are located within easy walking distance of the town center. The ''Grande Cretto'' by Alberto Burri lies about 20 km to the east of Gibellina, on the site of the old town destroyed by the 1968 earthquake. It is not walkable from the centre but can be reached by car via the SS188, which connects directly to the site. There is no local public transport, so visitors without a car should plan accordingly or arrange a taxi. == Get around == {{mapframe | 37.8096 | 12.8744 | zoom=14 | width=400 | align=right }} A distinctive feature of Gibellina’s urban design is the "system of piazzas", a linear series of open squares framed by stark architectural structures. The ensemble was designed by architects [[w:Franco Purini|Franco Purini]] and [[w:Laura Thermes|Laura Thermes]] as part of the town’s reconstruction. Piazza XV Gennaio 1968 is the town’s main orientation point, home to the town hall and several art installations. Viale Belice runs alongside the square and ends at Piazza Joseph Beuys, where Pietro Consagra’s unfinished theatre stands. The plazas are: * {{marker|name=Piazza XV Gennaio 1968 |type=lime|lat=37.808831|long=12.872728}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Rivolta del 26 giugno 1937|type=lime|lat=37.807561|long=12.872787}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Fasci dei Lavoratori|type=lime|lat=37.807103|long=12.872186}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Monti di Gibellina|type=lime|lat=37.806567|long=12.871533}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Autonomia Siciliana|type=lime|lat=37.806119|long=12.870949}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Passo Portella delle Ginestre|type=lime|lat=37.805515|long=12.870056}} These plazas form a monumental architectural spine through the heart of Gibellina and reflect its vision as a living museum of modernist urbanism. ==See== Gibellina is often described as an open-air museum of contemporary art, where public spaces were designed as canvases for architectural and sculptural experimentation. Much of the town's post-1968 reconstruction involved leading artists and architects, whose works now shape its streets, piazzas, and skyline. From monumental land art to abstract installations and modernist churches, most sights are outdoors and within walking distance—though some lie further afield, such as Burri’s ''Grande Cretto''. ===Landmarks=== {{see | name = Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC) | alt = Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Ludovico Corrao | lat = 37.81200 | long = 12.87486 | url = https://www.macgibellina.it/ | content = Civic museum housing one of Southern Italy’s largest collections of contemporary art (≈2,000 works by artists such as Schifano, Guttuso, and Paladino). Named after former mayor Ludovico Corrao, who spearheaded its creation to rebuild Gibellina through culture. }} {{see | name = Mother Church | alt = Chiesa Madre | lat = 37.8057 | long = 12.8650 | content = Striking modernist church designed in 1972 by Ludovico Quaroni and Luisa Anversa, featuring a cubic base topped with a giant white sphere. Suffered roof collapse in 1994 and was restored for public opening in 2010. }} {{see | name = Pietro Consagra Theatre | alt = Teatro di Pietro Consagra | lat = 37.808502 | long = 12.873694 | content = Elevated concrete theatre designed to span a roadway. Its long delay in completion (1980s–2020) made it a symbol of post-quake reconstruction struggles. }} {{see | name = Stella d’ingresso al Belice (Porta del Belice) | lat = 37.80325 | long = 12.87235 | content = A 26 m‑high stainless‑steel star “gateway” sculpture by Pietro Consagra (1981), located on the road into Gibellina Nuova. Created as a symbolic entrance and beacon of hope for the Belìce Valley following the 1968 earthquake. }} {{see | name = Fondazione Istituto di Alta Cultura – Orestiadi | alt = Fondazione Orestiadi | url = https://www.fondazioneorestiadi.it/ | lat = 37.8045 | long = 12.8730 | content = A cultural foundation housed in the restored Baglio di Stefano. Its art trail features works by Paladino (including the “Mountain of Salt”), Pomodoro, Consagra, and others. }} {{see | name = Lorenzo Milton Machado Palace | alt = Palazzo di Lorenzo Milton Machado | lat = 37.808486 | long = 12.874913 | content = Residential building designed by Francesco Venezia for artist Lorenzo Milton Machado. }} {{see | name = Church of Saint Joseph | alt = Chiesa di San Giuseppe | lat = 37.8109545 | long = 12.8676275 | content = Smaller parish church serving the southern residential area. }} ===Installations=== {{see | name = Aratro | lat = 37.808818 | long = 12.875309 | content = Bronze plough sculpture by Arnaldo Pomodoro, symbolising Gibellina’s agricultural past. }} {{see | name = Untitled sculpture (Spagnulo) | lat = 37.806603 | long = 12.876755 | content = Abstract work by Giuseppe Spagnulo. }} {{see | name = Ritmi spaziali | lat = 37.805139 | long = 12.876629 | content = 'Spatial Rhythms' by Carmelo Cappello—an abstract outdoor piece. }} {{see | name = Montagna di Sale | lat = 37.801752 | long = 12.882470 | content = 'Mountain of Salt' by Mimmo Paladino: a concrete mound with 30 wooden horses—a recurring motif in his work. }} {{see | name = L’infinito della memoria | lat = 37.811049 | long = 12.874101 | content = 'Infinity of Memory' by Costas Varotsos. }} {{see | name = Ascoltare | lat = 37.811928 | long = 12.875116 | content = 'Listening' by Giovanni Albanese, a sound-sensitive device sculpture inside the MAC. }} {{see | name = La freccia indica l’ombra di una freccia | lat = 37.811716 | long = 12.875071 | content = Wall sculpture by Emilio Isgrò featuring opposing arrows and its own title as an inscription. }} {{see | name = Labirinto | lat = 37.811366 | long = 12.873697 | content = Circular maze-like installation by Nino Franchina. }} {{see | name = Fontana (Cascella) | lat = 37.813601 | long = 12.872539 | content = Sculptural fountain by Andrea Cascella. }} {{see | name = Untitled sculpture (Onhari) | lat = 37.816209 | long = 12.869898 | content = Abstract work by Onhari, housed in a public building. }} {{see | name = Ceramic panel (Hsiao Chin) | lat = 37.816238 | long = 12.870153 | content = Ceramic mural by Taiwanese artist Hsiao Chin. }} {{see | name = Contrappunto | lat = 37.811860 | long = 12.867240 | content = 'Counterpoint' by Fausto Melotti—geometric symbols placed near a dry pond. }} There are also several indoor works on display in the town hall (Piazza 15 Gennaio 1968), including pieces by Carla Accardi, Gino Severini, and Arnaldo Pomodoro. ==Do== ==Buy== ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== ==Stay safe== ==Connect== ==Go next== {{IsPartOf|Trapani (province)}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|37.800|12.870}} 6wgkn42t6ek5kz8n8v1893i5qsu78pf 5086600 5086598 2025-07-02T12:29:57Z Kned Wiki 2327203 Adding bullets 5086600 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Banner Piazza del Comune di Gibellina for WV.jpg}} '''Gibellina''' is a small city—and a living arts experiment—in [[Trapani (province)|Trapani province]], western Sicily. Rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in January 1968, Gibellina Nuova was masterplanned by avant-garde architects, sculptors, and artists who transformed its streets, plazas, and structures into vibrant expressions of modern art and architecture. [[File:Cretto di Burri 01.JPG|thumb|right|300px|Alberto Burri’s ''Cretto di Burri''—a stark white grid laid over the ruins of old Gibellina.]] Named Capital of Contemporary Art 2026, Gibellina stands out as one of Italy’s most distinctive cultural destinations. ==Understand== Gibellina is best known for the monumental ''Grande Cretto'' by Alberto Burri—one of the world’s largest land‑art installations. Spanning over the ruins of the original town, this white‑concrete labyrinth memorial echoes the old street grid with deep fissures, serving as both elegy and architecture of memory. The original town, devastated by the 1968 earthquake, was relocated and rebuilt about 20km away. The new settlement was consciously designed with a butterfly‑shaped layout—two curved "wings" of housing flanking a central spine of civic spaces—planned by major architects like Marcello Fabbri, Oswald Mathias Ungers, and Ludovico Quaroni dicasainsicilia.com. This bold modernist design was intended to blend functional efficiency with public art, though it has been criticised for its scale and social detachment. == Get in == [[File:Teatro Consagra 1.jpg|thumb|300px|The Consagra Theatre]] ===By Car=== Gibellina is easily reached by car: * From '''Trapani''': ~48 km via the SS 188, about a 50-minute drive. * From '''Palermo''': Take the A29 toward Trapani, then SS 188 east; expect a journey of around 2 hours. Parking is available near the town centre and the Cretto di Burri site. ===By Bus=== Azienda Siciliana Trasporti provides a direct but infrequent bus service from Trapani to Gibellina, taking approximately 1 hour 12 minutes. ===By Train=== Regional trains (operated by Trenitalia) serve the Salemi–Gibellina station at the edge of Gibellina Nuova, with about five departures daily from Trapani. The scenic journey takes around 1 hour 44 minutes. The station is effectively within the town—it sits right at the western perimeter, making walking into the town centre easy [[File:MAC Gibellina.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Ludovico Corrao.]] === By bus === Occasional buses run to Gibellina from larger towns like Castelvetrano and Salemi, operated by regional companies (such as Autoservizi Salemi). Schedules can be sparse, especially on weekends, so advance planning is essential. == Get around == Gibellina is compact and best explored on foot. Most attractions, including public art installations, piazzas, and the civic museum, are located within easy walking distance of the town center. The ''Grande Cretto'' by Alberto Burri lies about 20 km to the east of Gibellina, on the site of the old town destroyed by the 1968 earthquake. It is not walkable from the centre but can be reached by car via the SS188, which connects directly to the site. There is no local public transport, so visitors without a car should plan accordingly or arrange a taxi. == Get around == {{mapframe | 37.8096 | 12.8744 | zoom=14 | width=400 | align=right }} A distinctive feature of Gibellina’s urban design is the "system of piazzas", a linear series of open squares framed by stark architectural structures. The ensemble was designed by architects [[w:Franco Purini|Franco Purini]] and [[w:Laura Thermes|Laura Thermes]] as part of the town’s reconstruction. Piazza XV Gennaio 1968 is the town’s main orientation point, home to the town hall and several art installations. Viale Belice runs alongside the square and ends at Piazza Joseph Beuys, where Pietro Consagra’s unfinished theatre stands. The plazas are: * {{marker|name=Piazza XV Gennaio 1968 |type=lime|lat=37.808831|long=12.872728}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Rivolta del 26 giugno 1937|type=lime|lat=37.807561|long=12.872787}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Fasci dei Lavoratori|type=lime|lat=37.807103|long=12.872186}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Monti di Gibellina|type=lime|lat=37.806567|long=12.871533}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Autonomia Siciliana|type=lime|lat=37.806119|long=12.870949}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Passo Portella delle Ginestre|type=lime|lat=37.805515|long=12.870056}} These plazas form a monumental architectural spine through the heart of Gibellina and reflect its vision as a living museum of modernist urbanism. ==See== Gibellina is often described as an open-air museum of contemporary art, where public spaces were designed as canvases for architectural and sculptural experimentation. Much of the town's post-1968 reconstruction involved leading artists and architects, whose works now shape its streets, piazzas, and skyline. From monumental land art to abstract installations and modernist churches, most sights are outdoors and within walking distance—though some lie further afield, such as Burri’s ''Grande Cretto''. ===Landmarks=== * {{see | name = Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC) | alt = Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Ludovico Corrao | lat = 37.81200 | long = 12.87486 | url = https://www.macgibellina.it/ | content = Civic museum housing one of Southern Italy’s largest collections of contemporary art (≈2,000 works by artists such as Schifano, Guttuso, and Paladino). Named after former mayor Ludovico Corrao, who spearheaded its creation to rebuild Gibellina through culture. }} * {{see | name = Mother Church | alt = Chiesa Madre | lat = 37.8057 | long = 12.8650 | content = Striking modernist church designed in 1972 by Ludovico Quaroni and Luisa Anversa, featuring a cubic base topped with a giant white sphere. Suffered roof collapse in 1994 and was restored for public opening in 2010. }} * {{see | name = Pietro Consagra Theatre | alt = Teatro di Pietro Consagra | lat = 37.808502 | long = 12.873694 | content = Elevated concrete theatre designed to span a roadway. Its long delay in completion (1980s–2020) made it a symbol of post-quake reconstruction struggles. }} * {{see | name = Stella d’ingresso al Belice (Porta del Belice) | lat = 37.80325 | long = 12.87235 | content = A 26 m‑high stainless‑steel star “gateway” sculpture by Pietro Consagra (1981), located on the road into Gibellina Nuova. Created as a symbolic entrance and beacon of hope for the Belìce Valley following the 1968 earthquake. }} * {{see | name = Fondazione Istituto di Alta Cultura – Orestiadi | alt = Fondazione Orestiadi | url = https://www.fondazioneorestiadi.it/ | lat = 37.8045 | long = 12.8730 | content = A cultural foundation housed in the restored Baglio di Stefano. Its art trail features works by Paladino (including the “Mountain of Salt”), Pomodoro, Consagra, and others. }} * {{see | name = Lorenzo Milton Machado Palace | alt = Palazzo di Lorenzo Milton Machado | lat = 37.808486 | long = 12.874913 | content = Residential building designed by Francesco Venezia for artist Lorenzo Milton Machado. }} * {{see | name = Church of Saint Joseph | alt = Chiesa di San Giuseppe | lat = 37.8109545 | long = 12.8676275 | content = Smaller parish church serving the southern residential area. }} ===Installations=== * {{see | name = Aratro | lat = 37.808818 | long = 12.875309 | content = Bronze plough sculpture by Arnaldo Pomodoro, symbolising Gibellina’s agricultural past. }} * {{see | name = Untitled sculpture (Spagnulo) | lat = 37.806603 | long = 12.876755 | content = Abstract work by Giuseppe Spagnulo. }} * {{see | name = Ritmi spaziali | lat = 37.805139 | long = 12.876629 | content = 'Spatial Rhythms' by Carmelo Cappello—an abstract outdoor piece. }} * {{see | name = Montagna di Sale | lat = 37.801752 | long = 12.882470 | content = 'Mountain of Salt' by Mimmo Paladino: a concrete mound with 30 wooden horses—a recurring motif in his work. }} * {{see | name = L’infinito della memoria | lat = 37.811049 | long = 12.874101 | content = 'Infinity of Memory' by Costas Varotsos. }} * {{see | name = Ascoltare | lat = 37.811928 | long = 12.875116 | content = 'Listening' by Giovanni Albanese, a sound-sensitive device sculpture inside the MAC. }} * {{see | name = La freccia indica l’ombra di una freccia | lat = 37.811716 | long = 12.875071 | content = Wall sculpture by Emilio Isgrò featuring opposing arrows and its own title as an inscription. }} * {{see | name = Labirinto | lat = 37.811366 | long = 12.873697 | content = Circular maze-like installation by Nino Franchina. }} * {{see | name = Fontana (Cascella) | lat = 37.813601 | long = 12.872539 | content = Sculptural fountain by Andrea Cascella. }} * {{see | name = Untitled sculpture (Onhari) | lat = 37.816209 | long = 12.869898 | content = Abstract work by Onhari, housed in a public building. }} * {{see | name = Ceramic panel (Hsiao Chin) | lat = 37.816238 | long = 12.870153 | content = Ceramic mural by Taiwanese artist Hsiao Chin. }} * {{see | name = Contrappunto | lat = 37.811860 | long = 12.867240 | content = 'Counterpoint' by Fausto Melotti—geometric symbols placed near a dry pond. }} There are also several indoor works on display in the town hall (Piazza 15 Gennaio 1968), including pieces by Carla Accardi, Gino Severini, and Arnaldo Pomodoro. ==Do== ==Buy== ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== ==Stay safe== ==Connect== ==Go next== {{IsPartOf|Trapani (province)}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|37.800|12.870}} 74pvpjetyz8si7dqaee1vyhpni8myex 5086620 5086600 2025-07-02T13:35:04Z Kned Wiki 2327203 Added last images 5086620 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Banner Piazza del Comune di Gibellina for WV.jpg}} '''Gibellina''' is a small city—and a living arts experiment—in [[Trapani (province)|Trapani province]], western Sicily. Rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in January 1968, Gibellina Nuova was masterplanned by avant-garde architects, sculptors, and artists who transformed its streets, plazas, and structures into vibrant expressions of modern art and architecture. [[File:Cretto di Burri 01.JPG|thumb|right|300px|Alberto Burri’s ''Cretto di Burri''—a stark white grid laid over the ruins of old Gibellina.]] Named Capital of Contemporary Art 2026, Gibellina stands out as one of Italy’s most distinctive cultural destinations. ==Understand== Gibellina is best known for the monumental ''Grande Cretto'' by Alberto Burri—one of the world’s largest land‑art installations. Spanning over the ruins of the original town, this white‑concrete labyrinth memorial echoes the old street grid with deep fissures, serving as both elegy and architecture of memory. The original town, devastated by the 1968 earthquake, was relocated and rebuilt about 20km away. The new settlement was consciously designed with a butterfly‑shaped layout—two curved "wings" of housing flanking a central spine of civic spaces—planned by major architects like Marcello Fabbri, Oswald Mathias Ungers, and Ludovico Quaroni dicasainsicilia.com. This bold modernist design was intended to blend functional efficiency with public art, though it has been criticised for its scale and social detachment. == Get in == [[File:Teatro Consagra 1.jpg|thumb|300px|The Consagra Theatre]] ===By Car=== Gibellina is easily reached by car: * From '''Trapani''': ~48 km via the SS 188, about a 50-minute drive. * From '''Palermo''': Take the A29 toward Trapani, then SS 188 east; expect a journey of around 2 hours. Parking is available near the town centre and the Cretto di Burri site. ===By Bus=== Azienda Siciliana Trasporti provides a direct but infrequent bus service from Trapani to Gibellina, taking approximately 1 hour 12 minutes. ===By Train=== Regional trains (operated by Trenitalia) serve the Salemi–Gibellina station at the edge of Gibellina Nuova, with about five departures daily from Trapani. The scenic journey takes around 1 hour 44 minutes. The station is effectively within the town—it sits right at the western perimeter, making walking into the town centre easy == Get around == {{mapframe | 37.8096 | 12.8744 | zoom=14 | width=400 | align=right }} A distinctive feature of Gibellina’s urban design is the "system of piazzas", a linear series of open squares framed by stark architectural structures. The ensemble was designed by architects [[w:Franco Purini|Franco Purini]] and [[w:Laura Thermes|Laura Thermes]] as part of the town’s reconstruction. Piazza XV Gennaio 1968 is the town’s main orientation point, home to the town hall and several art installations. Viale Belice runs alongside the square and ends at Piazza Joseph Beuys, where Pietro Consagra’s unfinished theatre stands. The plazas are: * {{marker|name=Piazza XV Gennaio 1968 |type=lime|lat=37.808831|long=12.872728}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Rivolta del 26 giugno 1937|type=lime|lat=37.807561|long=12.872787}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Fasci dei Lavoratori|type=lime|lat=37.807103|long=12.872186}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Monti di Gibellina|type=lime|lat=37.806567|long=12.871533}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Autonomia Siciliana|type=lime|lat=37.806119|long=12.870949}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Passo Portella delle Ginestre|type=lime|lat=37.805515|long=12.870056}} These plazas form a monumental architectural spine through the heart of Gibellina and reflect its vision as a living museum of modernist urbanism. ==See== Gibellina is often described as an open-air museum of contemporary art, where public spaces were designed as canvases for architectural and sculptural experimentation. Much of the town's post-1968 reconstruction involved leading artists and architects, whose works now shape its streets, piazzas, and skyline. From monumental land art to abstract installations and modernist churches, most sights are outdoors and within walking distance—though some lie further afield, such as Burri’s ''Grande Cretto''. ===Landmarks=== [[File:MAC Gibellina.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Ludovico Corrao.]] {{see | name = Gibellina Town Hall | alt = Municipio di Gibellina | lat = 37.80883 | long = 12.87273 | content = Modern civic building (1972–84) by architects Giuseppe Samonà, Vittorio Gregotti, Gianni Pirrone and Alberto Samonà. It anchors the east–west axis of the “sistema delle piazze” and houses a gallery corridor featuring works by Gino Severini, Carla Accardi and Arnaldo Pomodoro. }} * {{see | name = Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC) | alt = Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Ludovico Corrao | lat = 37.81200 | long = 12.87486 | url = https://www.macgibellina.it/ | content = Civic museum housing one of Southern Italy’s largest collections of contemporary art (≈2,000 works by artists such as Schifano, Guttuso, and Paladino). Named after former mayor Ludovico Corrao, who spearheaded its creation to rebuild Gibellina through culture. }} * {{see | name = Mother Church | alt = Chiesa Madre | lat = 37.8057 | long = 12.8650 | content = Striking modernist church designed in 1972 by Ludovico Quaroni and Luisa Anversa, featuring a cubic base topped with a giant white sphere. Suffered roof collapse in 1994 and was restored for public opening in 2010. }} * {{see | name = Pietro Consagra Theatre | alt = Teatro di Pietro Consagra | lat = 37.808502 | long = 12.873694 | content = Elevated concrete theatre designed to span a roadway. Its long delay in completion (1980s–2020) made it a symbol of post-quake reconstruction struggles. }} [[File:Gibellina - Porta del Belice 0580.JPG|thumb|300px|Entrance Star to Belice]] * {{see | name = Entrance Star to Belice | alt = Stella d’ingresso al Belice | lat = 37.80325 | long = 12.87235 | content = A 26 m‑high stainless‑steel star "gateway" sculpture by Pietro Consagra (1981), located on the road into Gibellina Nuova. Created as a symbolic entrance and beacon of hope for the Belìce Valley following the 1968 earthquake. }} * {{see | name = Fondazione Istituto di Alta Cultura – Orestiadi | alt = Fondazione Orestiadi | url = https://www.fondazioneorestiadi.it/ | lat = 37.8045 | long = 12.8730 | content = A cultural foundation housed in the restored Baglio di Stefano. Its art trail features works by Paladino (including the “Mountain of Salt”), Pomodoro, Consagra, and others. }} * {{see | name = Lorenzo Milton Machado Palace | alt = Palazzo di Lorenzo Milton Machado | lat = 37.808486 | long = 12.874913 | content = Residential building designed by Francesco Venezia for artist Lorenzo Milton Machado. }} * {{see | name = Church of Saint Joseph | alt = Chiesa di San Giuseppe | lat = 37.8109545 | long = 12.8676275 | content = Smaller parish church serving the southern residential area. }} ===Installations=== * {{see | name = Aratro | lat = 37.808818 | long = 12.875309 | content = Bronze plough sculpture by Arnaldo Pomodoro, symbolising Gibellina’s agricultural past. }} * {{see | name = Untitled sculpture (Spagnulo) | lat = 37.806603 | long = 12.876755 | content = Abstract work by Giuseppe Spagnulo. }} * {{see | name = Ritmi spaziali | lat = 37.805139 | long = 12.876629 | content = 'Spatial Rhythms' by Carmelo Cappello—an abstract outdoor piece. }} [[File:Disco Solare (5223488084).jpg |thumb|300px|Solar Disc, an installation outside the town hall]] * {{see | name = Montagna di Sale | lat = 37.801752 | long = 12.882470 | content = 'Mountain of Salt' by Mimmo Paladino: a concrete mound with 30 wooden horses—a recurring motif in his work. }} * {{see | name = L’infinito della memoria | lat = 37.811049 | long = 12.874101 | content = 'Infinity of Memory' by Costas Varotsos. }} * {{see | name = Ascoltare | lat = 37.811928 | long = 12.875116 | content = 'Listening' by Giovanni Albanese, a sound-sensitive device sculpture inside the MAC.}} * {{see | name = La freccia indica l’ombra di una freccia | lat = 37.811716 | long = 12.875071 | content = Wall sculpture by Emilio Isgrò featuring opposing arrows and its own title as an inscription. }} * {{see | name = Labirinto | lat = 37.811366 | long = 12.873697 | content = Circular maze-like installation by Nino Franchina. }} * {{see | name = Fontana (Cascella) | lat = 37.813601 | long = 12.872539 | content = Sculptural fountain by Andrea Cascella. }} * {{see | name = Untitled sculpture (Onhari) | lat = 37.816209 | long = 12.869898 | content = Abstract work by Onhari, housed in a public building. }} * {{see | name = Ceramic panel (Hsiao Chin) | lat = 37.816238 | long = 12.870153 | content = Ceramic mural by Taiwanese artist Hsiao Chin. }} * {{see | name = Contrappunto | lat = 37.811860 | long = 12.867240 | content = 'Counterpoint' by Fausto Melotti—geometric symbols placed near a dry pond. }} There are also several indoor works on display in the town hall (Piazza 15 Gennaio 1968), including pieces by Carla Accardi, Gino Severini, and Arnaldo Pomodoro. The Grande Cretto by Alberto Burri lies about 20 km to the east of Gibellina, on the site of the old town destroyed by the 1968 earthquake. It is not walkable from the centre but can be reached by car via the SS188, which connects directly to the site. There is no local public transport, so visitors without a car should plan accordingly or arrange a taxi. ==Do== Gibellina is best experienced as an open-air museum. Spend time walking through its geometric streets and public spaces, discovering dozens of contemporary art installations and architectural experiments. Check for seasonal exhibitions or cultural events hosted by the Fondazione Istituto di Alta Cultura – Orestiadi, especially in summer. [[File:Gibellina (IMG 20240318 131533).jpg|thumb|right|300px|Gibillina's "system of piazzas", a linear series of open squares framed by stark architectural structures.]] ==Buy== Gibellina isn’t a major shopping destination, but visitors can find books, art catalogues, and exhibition-related items at the bookshop inside the Fondazione Orestiadi. Occasional art fairs, craft stalls, and cultural events may also offer handmade goods, ceramics, or locally produced items reflecting the town’s creative identity. * {{buy | name = Bookshop – Fondazione Orestiadi | lat = 37.8045 | long = 12.8730 | content = The foundation’s on-site bookshop offers exhibition catalogues, contemporary art books, and publications on Mediterranean culture, many of them related to the Orestiadi collection and Gibellina’s artistic history. }} ==Eat== There are a few local trattorias and bars in Gibellina Nuova offering Sicilian dishes, panini, and pastries. Expect simple menus focused on local ingredients. Dining options may be limited outside peak times, so plan accordingly or head to nearby towns like Santa Ninfa or Castelvetrano for more variety. ==Drink== Bars and cafes in Gibellina typically serve coffee, wine, aperitivi, and small snacks. Local wines from the Belìce Valley are worth trying, especially red blends and Nero d'Avola. Evening aperitivo is a relaxed time to enjoy the town’s public spaces. ==Sleep== Gibellina has limited accommodation—mostly small B&Bs or apartments. Advance booking is recommended, particularly during festivals or art events. For more options, nearby towns such as Santa Ninfa, Salemi, or Castelvetrano have hotels and agriturismi. ==Stay safe== Gibellina is generally quiet and safe. Be cautious on hot summer days, especially when exploring outdoor art installations—many are in exposed areas with little shade. Wear sunscreen, stay hydrated, and bring water if walking to more remote sites like the ''Grande Cretto''. ==Connect== Mobile coverage is good in most of the town. Free Wi-Fi may be available at the civic museum or within the Fondazione Orestiadi. Otherwise, check with your accommodation for internet access. ==Go next== Gibellina sits within reach of several of western Sicily’s most important historical and cultural destinations: * [[Segesta]] – One of Sicily’s best-preserved ancient sites, home to a majestic Doric temple and hillside theatre with sweeping views. Around 45 min by car. * [[Selinunte]] – A vast archaeological park along the coast, featuring sprawling temple ruins and ancient city remains. One of the most impressive classical sites in Europe. About 1 hr by car. * [[Erice]] – A walled medieval town perched on a mountain above Trapani. Known for its cobbled lanes, historic churches, and panoramic vistas, it also offers galleries and artisan workshops. Around 1 hr 15 min by car. {{IsPartOf|Trapani (province)}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|37.800|12.870}} lthr4nk3buz8dlau0k6zb74120tm5xv 5086621 5086620 2025-07-02T13:36:22Z Kned Wiki 2327203 Moving the system image higher 5086621 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Banner Piazza del Comune di Gibellina for WV.jpg}} '''Gibellina''' is a small city—and a living arts experiment—in [[Trapani (province)|Trapani province]], western Sicily. Rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in January 1968, Gibellina Nuova was masterplanned by avant-garde architects, sculptors, and artists who transformed its streets, plazas, and structures into vibrant expressions of modern art and architecture. [[File:Cretto di Burri 01.JPG|thumb|right|300px|Alberto Burri’s ''Cretto di Burri''—a stark white grid laid over the ruins of old Gibellina.]] Named Capital of Contemporary Art 2026, Gibellina stands out as one of Italy’s most distinctive cultural destinations. ==Understand== Gibellina is best known for the monumental ''Grande Cretto'' by Alberto Burri—one of the world’s largest land‑art installations. Spanning over the ruins of the original town, this white‑concrete labyrinth memorial echoes the old street grid with deep fissures, serving as both elegy and architecture of memory. The original town, devastated by the 1968 earthquake, was relocated and rebuilt about 20km away. The new settlement was consciously designed with a butterfly‑shaped layout—two curved "wings" of housing flanking a central spine of civic spaces—planned by major architects like Marcello Fabbri, Oswald Mathias Ungers, and Ludovico Quaroni dicasainsicilia.com. This bold modernist design was intended to blend functional efficiency with public art, though it has been criticised for its scale and social detachment. == Get in == [[File:Teatro Consagra 1.jpg|thumb|300px|The Consagra Theatre]] ===By Car=== Gibellina is easily reached by car: * From '''Trapani''': ~48 km via the SS 188, about a 50-minute drive. * From '''Palermo''': Take the A29 toward Trapani, then SS 188 east; expect a journey of around 2 hours. Parking is available near the town centre and the Cretto di Burri site. ===By Bus=== Azienda Siciliana Trasporti provides a direct but infrequent bus service from Trapani to Gibellina, taking approximately 1 hour 12 minutes. ===By Train=== Regional trains (operated by Trenitalia) serve the Salemi–Gibellina station at the edge of Gibellina Nuova, with about five departures daily from Trapani. The scenic journey takes around 1 hour 44 minutes. The station is effectively within the town—it sits right at the western perimeter, making walking into the town centre easy == Get around == {{mapframe | 37.8096 | 12.8744 | zoom=14 | width=400 | align=right }} A distinctive feature of Gibellina’s urban design is the "system of piazzas", a linear series of open squares framed by stark architectural structures. The ensemble was designed by architects [[w:Franco Purini|Franco Purini]] and [[w:Laura Thermes|Laura Thermes]] as part of the town’s reconstruction. Piazza XV Gennaio 1968 is the town’s main orientation point, home to the town hall and several art installations. Viale Belice runs alongside the square and ends at Piazza Joseph Beuys, where Pietro Consagra’s unfinished theatre stands. The plazas are: * {{marker|name=Piazza XV Gennaio 1968 |type=lime|lat=37.808831|long=12.872728}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Rivolta del 26 giugno 1937|type=lime|lat=37.807561|long=12.872787}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Fasci dei Lavoratori|type=lime|lat=37.807103|long=12.872186}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Monti di Gibellina|type=lime|lat=37.806567|long=12.871533}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Autonomia Siciliana|type=lime|lat=37.806119|long=12.870949}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Passo Portella delle Ginestre|type=lime|lat=37.805515|long=12.870056}} These plazas form a monumental architectural spine through the heart of Gibellina and reflect its vision as a living museum of modernist urbanism. ==See== Gibellina is often described as an open-air museum of contemporary art, where public spaces were designed as canvases for architectural and sculptural experimentation. Much of the town's post-1968 reconstruction involved leading artists and architects, whose works now shape its streets, piazzas, and skyline. From monumental land art to abstract installations and modernist churches, most sights are outdoors and within walking distance—though some lie further afield, such as Burri’s ''Grande Cretto''. ===Landmarks=== [[File:MAC Gibellina.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Ludovico Corrao.]] {{see | name = Gibellina Town Hall | alt = Municipio di Gibellina | lat = 37.80883 | long = 12.87273 | content = Modern civic building (1972–84) by architects Giuseppe Samonà, Vittorio Gregotti, Gianni Pirrone and Alberto Samonà. It anchors the east–west axis of the “sistema delle piazze” and houses a gallery corridor featuring works by Gino Severini, Carla Accardi and Arnaldo Pomodoro. }} * {{see | name = Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC) | alt = Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Ludovico Corrao | lat = 37.81200 | long = 12.87486 | url = https://www.macgibellina.it/ | content = Civic museum housing one of Southern Italy’s largest collections of contemporary art (≈2,000 works by artists such as Schifano, Guttuso, and Paladino). Named after former mayor Ludovico Corrao, who spearheaded its creation to rebuild Gibellina through culture. }} * {{see | name = Mother Church | alt = Chiesa Madre | lat = 37.8057 | long = 12.8650 | content = Striking modernist church designed in 1972 by Ludovico Quaroni and Luisa Anversa, featuring a cubic base topped with a giant white sphere. Suffered roof collapse in 1994 and was restored for public opening in 2010. }} * {{see | name = Pietro Consagra Theatre | alt = Teatro di Pietro Consagra | lat = 37.808502 | long = 12.873694 | content = Elevated concrete theatre designed to span a roadway. Its long delay in completion (1980s–2020) made it a symbol of post-quake reconstruction struggles. }} [[File:Gibellina - Porta del Belice 0580.JPG|thumb|300px|Entrance Star to Belice]] * {{see | name = Entrance Star to Belice | alt = Stella d’ingresso al Belice | lat = 37.80325 | long = 12.87235 | content = A 26 m‑high stainless‑steel star "gateway" sculpture by Pietro Consagra (1981), located on the road into Gibellina Nuova. Created as a symbolic entrance and beacon of hope for the Belìce Valley following the 1968 earthquake. }} * {{see | name = Fondazione Istituto di Alta Cultura – Orestiadi | alt = Fondazione Orestiadi | url = https://www.fondazioneorestiadi.it/ | lat = 37.8045 | long = 12.8730 | content = A cultural foundation housed in the restored Baglio di Stefano. Its art trail features works by Paladino (including the “Mountain of Salt”), Pomodoro, Consagra, and others. }} * {{see | name = Lorenzo Milton Machado Palace | alt = Palazzo di Lorenzo Milton Machado | lat = 37.808486 | long = 12.874913 | content = Residential building designed by Francesco Venezia for artist Lorenzo Milton Machado. }} * {{see | name = Church of Saint Joseph | alt = Chiesa di San Giuseppe | lat = 37.8109545 | long = 12.8676275 | content = Smaller parish church serving the southern residential area. }} ===Installations=== * {{see | name = Aratro | lat = 37.808818 | long = 12.875309 | content = Bronze plough sculpture by Arnaldo Pomodoro, symbolising Gibellina’s agricultural past. }} * {{see | name = Untitled sculpture (Spagnulo) | lat = 37.806603 | long = 12.876755 | content = Abstract work by Giuseppe Spagnulo. }} * {{see | name = Ritmi spaziali | lat = 37.805139 | long = 12.876629 | content = 'Spatial Rhythms' by Carmelo Cappello—an abstract outdoor piece. }} [[File:Disco Solare (5223488084).jpg |thumb|300px|Solar Disc, an installation outside the town hall]] * {{see | name = Montagna di Sale | lat = 37.801752 | long = 12.882470 | content = 'Mountain of Salt' by Mimmo Paladino: a concrete mound with 30 wooden horses—a recurring motif in his work. }} * {{see | name = L’infinito della memoria | lat = 37.811049 | long = 12.874101 | content = 'Infinity of Memory' by Costas Varotsos. }} * {{see | name = Ascoltare | lat = 37.811928 | long = 12.875116 | content = 'Listening' by Giovanni Albanese, a sound-sensitive device sculpture inside the MAC.}} * {{see | name = La freccia indica l’ombra di una freccia | lat = 37.811716 | long = 12.875071 | content = Wall sculpture by Emilio Isgrò featuring opposing arrows and its own title as an inscription. }} * {{see | name = Labirinto | lat = 37.811366 | long = 12.873697 | content = Circular maze-like installation by Nino Franchina. }} * {{see | name = Fontana (Cascella) | lat = 37.813601 | long = 12.872539 | content = Sculptural fountain by Andrea Cascella. }} * {{see | name = Untitled sculpture (Onhari) | lat = 37.816209 | long = 12.869898 | content = Abstract work by Onhari, housed in a public building. }} * {{see | name = Ceramic panel (Hsiao Chin) | lat = 37.816238 | long = 12.870153 | content = Ceramic mural by Taiwanese artist Hsiao Chin. }} * {{see | name = Contrappunto | lat = 37.811860 | long = 12.867240 | content = 'Counterpoint' by Fausto Melotti—geometric symbols placed near a dry pond. }} There are also several indoor works on display in the town hall (Piazza 15 Gennaio 1968), including pieces by Carla Accardi, Gino Severini, and Arnaldo Pomodoro. The Grande Cretto by Alberto Burri lies about 20 km to the east of Gibellina, on the site of the old town destroyed by the 1968 earthquake. It is not walkable from the centre but can be reached by car via the SS188, which connects directly to the site. There is no local public transport, so visitors without a car should plan accordingly or arrange a taxi. [[File:Gibellina (IMG 20240318 131533).jpg|thumb|right|300px|Gibillina's "system of piazzas", a linear series of open squares framed by stark architectural structures.]] ==Do== Gibellina is best experienced as an open-air museum. Spend time walking through its geometric streets and public spaces, discovering dozens of contemporary art installations and architectural experiments. Check for seasonal exhibitions or cultural events hosted by the Fondazione Istituto di Alta Cultura – Orestiadi, especially in summer. ==Buy== Gibellina isn’t a major shopping destination, but visitors can find books, art catalogues, and exhibition-related items at the bookshop inside the Fondazione Orestiadi. Occasional art fairs, craft stalls, and cultural events may also offer handmade goods, ceramics, or locally produced items reflecting the town’s creative identity. * {{buy | name = Bookshop – Fondazione Orestiadi | lat = 37.8045 | long = 12.8730 | content = The foundation’s on-site bookshop offers exhibition catalogues, contemporary art books, and publications on Mediterranean culture, many of them related to the Orestiadi collection and Gibellina’s artistic history. }} ==Eat== There are a few local trattorias and bars in Gibellina Nuova offering Sicilian dishes, panini, and pastries. Expect simple menus focused on local ingredients. Dining options may be limited outside peak times, so plan accordingly or head to nearby towns like Santa Ninfa or Castelvetrano for more variety. ==Drink== Bars and cafes in Gibellina typically serve coffee, wine, aperitivi, and small snacks. Local wines from the Belìce Valley are worth trying, especially red blends and Nero d'Avola. Evening aperitivo is a relaxed time to enjoy the town’s public spaces. ==Sleep== Gibellina has limited accommodation—mostly small B&Bs or apartments. Advance booking is recommended, particularly during festivals or art events. For more options, nearby towns such as Santa Ninfa, Salemi, or Castelvetrano have hotels and agriturismi. ==Stay safe== Gibellina is generally quiet and safe. Be cautious on hot summer days, especially when exploring outdoor art installations—many are in exposed areas with little shade. Wear sunscreen, stay hydrated, and bring water if walking to more remote sites like the ''Grande Cretto''. ==Connect== Mobile coverage is good in most of the town. Free Wi-Fi may be available at the civic museum or within the Fondazione Orestiadi. Otherwise, check with your accommodation for internet access. ==Go next== Gibellina sits within reach of several of western Sicily’s most important historical and cultural destinations: * [[Segesta]] – One of Sicily’s best-preserved ancient sites, home to a majestic Doric temple and hillside theatre with sweeping views. Around 45 min by car. * [[Selinunte]] – A vast archaeological park along the coast, featuring sprawling temple ruins and ancient city remains. One of the most impressive classical sites in Europe. About 1 hr by car. * [[Erice]] – A walled medieval town perched on a mountain above Trapani. Known for its cobbled lanes, historic churches, and panoramic vistas, it also offers galleries and artisan workshops. Around 1 hr 15 min by car. {{IsPartOf|Trapani (province)}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|37.800|12.870}} ofzompr4bo9uqak58hlepiwudaggym3 5086622 5086621 2025-07-02T13:38:54Z Kned Wiki 2327203 Added Large Crack to clarify Grande Cretto 5086622 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Banner Piazza del Comune di Gibellina for WV.jpg}} '''Gibellina''' is a small city—and a living arts experiment—in [[Trapani (province)|Trapani province]], western Sicily. Rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in January 1968, Gibellina Nuova was masterplanned by avant-garde architects, sculptors, and artists who transformed its streets, plazas, and structures into vibrant expressions of modern art and architecture. [[File:Cretto di Burri 01.JPG|thumb|right|300px|Alberto Burri’s ''Cretto di Burri''—a stark white grid laid over the ruins of old Gibellina.]] Named Capital of Contemporary Art 2026, Gibellina stands out as one of Italy’s most distinctive cultural destinations. ==Understand== Gibellina is best known for the monumental Grande Cretto (Large Crack) by Alberto Burri—one of the world’s largest land‑art installations. Spanning over the ruins of the original town, this white‑concrete labyrinth memorial echoes the old street grid with deep fissures, serving as both elegy and architecture of memory. The original town, devastated by the 1968 earthquake, was relocated and rebuilt about 20km away. The new settlement was consciously designed with a butterfly‑shaped layout—two curved "wings" of housing flanking a central spine of civic spaces—planned by major architects like Marcello Fabbri, Oswald Mathias Ungers, and Ludovico Quaroni dicasainsicilia.com. This bold modernist design was intended to blend functional efficiency with public art, though it has been criticised for its scale and social detachment. == Get in == [[File:Teatro Consagra 1.jpg|thumb|300px|The Consagra Theatre]] ===By Car=== Gibellina is easily reached by car: * From '''Trapani''': ~48 km via the SS 188, about a 50-minute drive. * From '''Palermo''': Take the A29 toward Trapani, then SS 188 east; expect a journey of around 2 hours. Parking is available near the town centre and the Cretto di Burri site. ===By Bus=== Azienda Siciliana Trasporti provides a direct but infrequent bus service from Trapani to Gibellina, taking approximately 1 hour 12 minutes. ===By Train=== Regional trains (operated by Trenitalia) serve the Salemi–Gibellina station at the edge of Gibellina Nuova, with about five departures daily from Trapani. The scenic journey takes around 1 hour 44 minutes. The station is effectively within the town—it sits right at the western perimeter, making walking into the town centre easy == Get around == {{mapframe | 37.8096 | 12.8744 | zoom=14 | width=400 | align=right }} A distinctive feature of Gibellina’s urban design is the "system of piazzas", a linear series of open squares framed by stark architectural structures. The ensemble was designed by architects [[w:Franco Purini|Franco Purini]] and [[w:Laura Thermes|Laura Thermes]] as part of the town’s reconstruction. Piazza XV Gennaio 1968 is the town’s main orientation point, home to the town hall and several art installations. Viale Belice runs alongside the square and ends at Piazza Joseph Beuys, where Pietro Consagra’s unfinished theatre stands. The plazas are: * {{marker|name=Piazza XV Gennaio 1968 |type=lime|lat=37.808831|long=12.872728}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Rivolta del 26 giugno 1937|type=lime|lat=37.807561|long=12.872787}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Fasci dei Lavoratori|type=lime|lat=37.807103|long=12.872186}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Monti di Gibellina|type=lime|lat=37.806567|long=12.871533}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Autonomia Siciliana|type=lime|lat=37.806119|long=12.870949}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Passo Portella delle Ginestre|type=lime|lat=37.805515|long=12.870056}} These plazas form a monumental architectural spine through the heart of Gibellina and reflect its vision as a living museum of modernist urbanism. ==See== Gibellina is often described as an open-air museum of contemporary art, where public spaces were designed as canvases for architectural and sculptural experimentation. Much of the town's post-1968 reconstruction involved leading artists and architects, whose works now shape its streets, piazzas, and skyline. From monumental land art to abstract installations and modernist churches, most sights are outdoors and within walking distance—though some lie further afield, such as Burri’s ''Grande Cretto''. ===Landmarks=== [[File:MAC Gibellina.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Ludovico Corrao.]] {{see | name = Gibellina Town Hall | alt = Municipio di Gibellina | lat = 37.80883 | long = 12.87273 | content = Modern civic building (1972–84) by architects Giuseppe Samonà, Vittorio Gregotti, Gianni Pirrone and Alberto Samonà. It anchors the east–west axis of the “sistema delle piazze” and houses a gallery corridor featuring works by Gino Severini, Carla Accardi and Arnaldo Pomodoro. }} * {{see | name = Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC) | alt = Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Ludovico Corrao | lat = 37.81200 | long = 12.87486 | url = https://www.macgibellina.it/ | content = Civic museum housing one of Southern Italy’s largest collections of contemporary art (≈2,000 works by artists such as Schifano, Guttuso, and Paladino). Named after former mayor Ludovico Corrao, who spearheaded its creation to rebuild Gibellina through culture. }} * {{see | name = Mother Church | alt = Chiesa Madre | lat = 37.8057 | long = 12.8650 | content = Striking modernist church designed in 1972 by Ludovico Quaroni and Luisa Anversa, featuring a cubic base topped with a giant white sphere. Suffered roof collapse in 1994 and was restored for public opening in 2010. }} * {{see | name = Pietro Consagra Theatre | alt = Teatro di Pietro Consagra | lat = 37.808502 | long = 12.873694 | content = Elevated concrete theatre designed to span a roadway. Its long delay in completion (1980s–2020) made it a symbol of post-quake reconstruction struggles. }} [[File:Gibellina - Porta del Belice 0580.JPG|thumb|300px|Entrance Star to Belice]] * {{see | name = Entrance Star to Belice | alt = Stella d’ingresso al Belice | lat = 37.80325 | long = 12.87235 | content = A 26 m‑high stainless‑steel star "gateway" sculpture by Pietro Consagra (1981), located on the road into Gibellina Nuova. Created as a symbolic entrance and beacon of hope for the Belìce Valley following the 1968 earthquake. }} * {{see | name = Fondazione Istituto di Alta Cultura – Orestiadi | alt = Fondazione Orestiadi | url = https://www.fondazioneorestiadi.it/ | lat = 37.8045 | long = 12.8730 | content = A cultural foundation housed in the restored Baglio di Stefano. Its art trail features works by Paladino (including the “Mountain of Salt”), Pomodoro, Consagra, and others. }} * {{see | name = Lorenzo Milton Machado Palace | alt = Palazzo di Lorenzo Milton Machado | lat = 37.808486 | long = 12.874913 | content = Residential building designed by Francesco Venezia for artist Lorenzo Milton Machado. }} * {{see | name = Church of Saint Joseph | alt = Chiesa di San Giuseppe | lat = 37.8109545 | long = 12.8676275 | content = Smaller parish church serving the southern residential area. }} ===Installations=== * {{see | name = Aratro | lat = 37.808818 | long = 12.875309 | content = Bronze plough sculpture by Arnaldo Pomodoro, symbolising Gibellina’s agricultural past. }} * {{see | name = Untitled sculpture (Spagnulo) | lat = 37.806603 | long = 12.876755 | content = Abstract work by Giuseppe Spagnulo. }} * {{see | name = Ritmi spaziali | lat = 37.805139 | long = 12.876629 | content = 'Spatial Rhythms' by Carmelo Cappello—an abstract outdoor piece. }} [[File:Disco Solare (5223488084).jpg |thumb|300px|Solar Disc, an installation outside the town hall]] * {{see | name = Montagna di Sale | lat = 37.801752 | long = 12.882470 | content = 'Mountain of Salt' by Mimmo Paladino: a concrete mound with 30 wooden horses—a recurring motif in his work. }} * {{see | name = L’infinito della memoria | lat = 37.811049 | long = 12.874101 | content = 'Infinity of Memory' by Costas Varotsos. }} * {{see | name = Ascoltare | lat = 37.811928 | long = 12.875116 | content = 'Listening' by Giovanni Albanese, a sound-sensitive device sculpture inside the MAC.}} * {{see | name = La freccia indica l’ombra di una freccia | lat = 37.811716 | long = 12.875071 | content = Wall sculpture by Emilio Isgrò featuring opposing arrows and its own title as an inscription. }} * {{see | name = Labirinto | lat = 37.811366 | long = 12.873697 | content = Circular maze-like installation by Nino Franchina. }} * {{see | name = Fontana (Cascella) | lat = 37.813601 | long = 12.872539 | content = Sculptural fountain by Andrea Cascella. }} * {{see | name = Untitled sculpture (Onhari) | lat = 37.816209 | long = 12.869898 | content = Abstract work by Onhari, housed in a public building. }} * {{see | name = Ceramic panel (Hsiao Chin) | lat = 37.816238 | long = 12.870153 | content = Ceramic mural by Taiwanese artist Hsiao Chin. }} * {{see | name = Contrappunto | lat = 37.811860 | long = 12.867240 | content = 'Counterpoint' by Fausto Melotti—geometric symbols placed near a dry pond. }} There are also several indoor works on display in the town hall (Piazza 15 Gennaio 1968), including pieces by Carla Accardi, Gino Severini, and Arnaldo Pomodoro. The Grande Cretto by Alberto Burri lies about 20 km to the east of Gibellina, on the site of the old town destroyed by the 1968 earthquake. It is not walkable from the centre but can be reached by car via the SS188, which connects directly to the site. There is no local public transport, so visitors without a car should plan accordingly or arrange a taxi. [[File:Gibellina (IMG 20240318 131533).jpg|thumb|right|300px|Gibillina's "system of piazzas", a linear series of open squares framed by stark architectural structures.]] ==Do== Gibellina is best experienced as an open-air museum. Spend time walking through its geometric streets and public spaces, discovering dozens of contemporary art installations and architectural experiments. Check for seasonal exhibitions or cultural events hosted by the Fondazione Istituto di Alta Cultura – Orestiadi, especially in summer. ==Buy== Gibellina isn’t a major shopping destination, but visitors can find books, art catalogues, and exhibition-related items at the bookshop inside the Fondazione Orestiadi. Occasional art fairs, craft stalls, and cultural events may also offer handmade goods, ceramics, or locally produced items reflecting the town’s creative identity. * {{buy | name = Bookshop – Fondazione Orestiadi | lat = 37.8045 | long = 12.8730 | content = The foundation’s on-site bookshop offers exhibition catalogues, contemporary art books, and publications on Mediterranean culture, many of them related to the Orestiadi collection and Gibellina’s artistic history. }} ==Eat== There are a few local trattorias and bars in Gibellina Nuova offering Sicilian dishes, panini, and pastries. Expect simple menus focused on local ingredients. Dining options may be limited outside peak times, so plan accordingly or head to nearby towns like Santa Ninfa or Castelvetrano for more variety. ==Drink== Bars and cafes in Gibellina typically serve coffee, wine, aperitivi, and small snacks. Local wines from the Belìce Valley are worth trying, especially red blends and Nero d'Avola. Evening aperitivo is a relaxed time to enjoy the town’s public spaces. ==Sleep== Gibellina has limited accommodation—mostly small B&Bs or apartments. Advance booking is recommended, particularly during festivals or art events. For more options, nearby towns such as Santa Ninfa, Salemi, or Castelvetrano have hotels and agriturismi. ==Stay safe== Gibellina is generally quiet and safe. Be cautious on hot summer days, especially when exploring outdoor art installations—many are in exposed areas with little shade. Wear sunscreen, stay hydrated, and bring water if walking to more remote sites like the ''Grande Cretto''. ==Connect== Mobile coverage is good in most of the town. Free Wi-Fi may be available at the civic museum or within the Fondazione Orestiadi. Otherwise, check with your accommodation for internet access. ==Go next== Gibellina sits within reach of several of western Sicily’s most important historical and cultural destinations: * [[Segesta]] – One of Sicily’s best-preserved ancient sites, home to a majestic Doric temple and hillside theatre with sweeping views. Around 45 min by car. * [[Selinunte]] – A vast archaeological park along the coast, featuring sprawling temple ruins and ancient city remains. One of the most impressive classical sites in Europe. About 1 hr by car. * [[Erice]] – A walled medieval town perched on a mountain above Trapani. Known for its cobbled lanes, historic churches, and panoramic vistas, it also offers galleries and artisan workshops. Around 1 hr 15 min by car. {{IsPartOf|Trapani (province)}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|37.800|12.870}} 3dqo9po1tk5vez6927e611ogpruc1yj 5086623 5086622 2025-07-02T13:40:37Z Kned Wiki 2327203 removed links to Wikipedia 5086623 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Banner Piazza del Comune di Gibellina for WV.jpg}} '''Gibellina''' is a small city—and a living arts experiment—in [[Trapani (province)|Trapani province]], western Sicily. Rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in January 1968, Gibellina Nuova was masterplanned by avant-garde architects, sculptors, and artists who transformed its streets, plazas, and structures into vibrant expressions of modern art and architecture. [[File:Cretto di Burri 01.JPG|thumb|right|300px|Alberto Burri’s ''Cretto di Burri''—a stark white grid laid over the ruins of old Gibellina.]] Named Capital of Contemporary Art 2026, Gibellina stands out as one of Italy’s most distinctive cultural destinations. ==Understand== Gibellina is best known for the monumental Grande Cretto (Large Crack) by Alberto Burri—one of the world’s largest land‑art installations. Spanning over the ruins of the original town, this white‑concrete labyrinth memorial echoes the old street grid with deep fissures, serving as both elegy and architecture of memory. The original town, devastated by the 1968 earthquake, was relocated and rebuilt about 20km away. The new settlement was consciously designed with a butterfly‑shaped layout—two curved "wings" of housing flanking a central spine of civic spaces—planned by major architects like Marcello Fabbri, Oswald Mathias Ungers, and Ludovico Quaroni dicasainsicilia.com. This bold modernist design was intended to blend functional efficiency with public art, though it has been criticised for its scale and social detachment. == Get in == [[File:Teatro Consagra 1.jpg|thumb|300px|The Consagra Theatre]] ===By Car=== Gibellina is easily reached by car: * From '''Trapani''': ~48 km via the SS 188, about a 50-minute drive. * From '''Palermo''': Take the A29 toward Trapani, then SS 188 east; expect a journey of around 2 hours. Parking is available near the town centre and the Cretto di Burri site. ===By Bus=== Azienda Siciliana Trasporti provides a direct but infrequent bus service from Trapani to Gibellina, taking approximately 1 hour 12 minutes. ===By Train=== Regional trains (operated by Trenitalia) serve the Salemi–Gibellina station at the edge of Gibellina Nuova, with about five departures daily from Trapani. The scenic journey takes around 1 hour 44 minutes. The station is effectively within the town—it sits right at the western perimeter, making walking into the town centre easy == Get around == {{mapframe | 37.8096 | 12.8744 | zoom=14 | width=400 | align=right }} A distinctive feature of Gibellina’s urban design is the "system of piazzas", a linear series of open squares framed by stark architectural structures. The ensemble was designed by architects Franco Purini and Laura Thermes as part of the town’s reconstruction. Piazza XV Gennaio 1968 is the town’s main orientation point, home to the town hall and several art installations. Viale Belice runs alongside the square and ends at Piazza Joseph Beuys, where Pietro Consagra’s unfinished theatre stands. The plazas are: * {{marker|name=Piazza XV Gennaio 1968 |type=lime|lat=37.808831|long=12.872728}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Rivolta del 26 giugno 1937|type=lime|lat=37.807561|long=12.872787}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Fasci dei Lavoratori|type=lime|lat=37.807103|long=12.872186}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Monti di Gibellina|type=lime|lat=37.806567|long=12.871533}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Autonomia Siciliana|type=lime|lat=37.806119|long=12.870949}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Passo Portella delle Ginestre|type=lime|lat=37.805515|long=12.870056}} These plazas form a monumental architectural spine through the heart of Gibellina and reflect its vision as a living museum of modernist urbanism. ==See== Gibellina is often described as an open-air museum of contemporary art, where public spaces were designed as canvases for architectural and sculptural experimentation. Much of the town's post-1968 reconstruction involved leading artists and architects, whose works now shape its streets, piazzas, and skyline. From monumental land art to abstract installations and modernist churches, most sights are outdoors and within walking distance—though some lie further afield, such as Burri’s ''Grande Cretto''. ===Landmarks=== [[File:MAC Gibellina.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Ludovico Corrao.]] {{see | name = Gibellina Town Hall | alt = Municipio di Gibellina | lat = 37.80883 | long = 12.87273 | content = Modern civic building (1972–84) by architects Giuseppe Samonà, Vittorio Gregotti, Gianni Pirrone and Alberto Samonà. It anchors the east–west axis of the “sistema delle piazze” and houses a gallery corridor featuring works by Gino Severini, Carla Accardi and Arnaldo Pomodoro. }} * {{see | name = Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC) | alt = Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Ludovico Corrao | lat = 37.81200 | long = 12.87486 | url = https://www.macgibellina.it/ | content = Civic museum housing one of Southern Italy’s largest collections of contemporary art (≈2,000 works by artists such as Schifano, Guttuso, and Paladino). Named after former mayor Ludovico Corrao, who spearheaded its creation to rebuild Gibellina through culture. }} * {{see | name = Mother Church | alt = Chiesa Madre | lat = 37.8057 | long = 12.8650 | content = Striking modernist church designed in 1972 by Ludovico Quaroni and Luisa Anversa, featuring a cubic base topped with a giant white sphere. Suffered roof collapse in 1994 and was restored for public opening in 2010. }} * {{see | name = Pietro Consagra Theatre | alt = Teatro di Pietro Consagra | lat = 37.808502 | long = 12.873694 | content = Elevated concrete theatre designed to span a roadway. Its long delay in completion (1980s–2020) made it a symbol of post-quake reconstruction struggles. }} [[File:Gibellina - Porta del Belice 0580.JPG|thumb|300px|Entrance Star to Belice]] * {{see | name = Entrance Star to Belice | alt = Stella d’ingresso al Belice | lat = 37.80325 | long = 12.87235 | content = A 26 m‑high stainless‑steel star "gateway" sculpture by Pietro Consagra (1981), located on the road into Gibellina Nuova. Created as a symbolic entrance and beacon of hope for the Belìce Valley following the 1968 earthquake. }} * {{see | name = Fondazione Istituto di Alta Cultura – Orestiadi | alt = Fondazione Orestiadi | url = https://www.fondazioneorestiadi.it/ | lat = 37.8045 | long = 12.8730 | content = A cultural foundation housed in the restored Baglio di Stefano. Its art trail features works by Paladino (including the “Mountain of Salt”), Pomodoro, Consagra, and others. }} * {{see | name = Lorenzo Milton Machado Palace | alt = Palazzo di Lorenzo Milton Machado | lat = 37.808486 | long = 12.874913 | content = Residential building designed by Francesco Venezia for artist Lorenzo Milton Machado. }} * {{see | name = Church of Saint Joseph | alt = Chiesa di San Giuseppe | lat = 37.8109545 | long = 12.8676275 | content = Smaller parish church serving the southern residential area. }} ===Installations=== * {{see | name = Aratro | lat = 37.808818 | long = 12.875309 | content = Bronze plough sculpture by Arnaldo Pomodoro, symbolising Gibellina’s agricultural past. }} * {{see | name = Untitled sculpture (Spagnulo) | lat = 37.806603 | long = 12.876755 | content = Abstract work by Giuseppe Spagnulo. }} * {{see | name = Ritmi spaziali | lat = 37.805139 | long = 12.876629 | content = 'Spatial Rhythms' by Carmelo Cappello—an abstract outdoor piece. }} [[File:Disco Solare (5223488084).jpg |thumb|300px|Solar Disc, an installation outside the town hall]] * {{see | name = Montagna di Sale | lat = 37.801752 | long = 12.882470 | content = 'Mountain of Salt' by Mimmo Paladino: a concrete mound with 30 wooden horses—a recurring motif in his work. }} * {{see | name = L’infinito della memoria | lat = 37.811049 | long = 12.874101 | content = 'Infinity of Memory' by Costas Varotsos. }} * {{see | name = Ascoltare | lat = 37.811928 | long = 12.875116 | content = 'Listening' by Giovanni Albanese, a sound-sensitive device sculpture inside the MAC.}} * {{see | name = La freccia indica l’ombra di una freccia | lat = 37.811716 | long = 12.875071 | content = Wall sculpture by Emilio Isgrò featuring opposing arrows and its own title as an inscription. }} * {{see | name = Labirinto | lat = 37.811366 | long = 12.873697 | content = Circular maze-like installation by Nino Franchina. }} * {{see | name = Fontana (Cascella) | lat = 37.813601 | long = 12.872539 | content = Sculptural fountain by Andrea Cascella. }} * {{see | name = Untitled sculpture (Onhari) | lat = 37.816209 | long = 12.869898 | content = Abstract work by Onhari, housed in a public building. }} * {{see | name = Ceramic panel (Hsiao Chin) | lat = 37.816238 | long = 12.870153 | content = Ceramic mural by Taiwanese artist Hsiao Chin. }} * {{see | name = Contrappunto | lat = 37.811860 | long = 12.867240 | content = 'Counterpoint' by Fausto Melotti—geometric symbols placed near a dry pond. }} There are also several indoor works on display in the town hall (Piazza 15 Gennaio 1968), including pieces by Carla Accardi, Gino Severini, and Arnaldo Pomodoro. The Grande Cretto by Alberto Burri lies about 20 km to the east of Gibellina, on the site of the old town destroyed by the 1968 earthquake. It is not walkable from the centre but can be reached by car via the SS188, which connects directly to the site. There is no local public transport, so visitors without a car should plan accordingly or arrange a taxi. [[File:Gibellina (IMG 20240318 131533).jpg|thumb|right|300px|Gibillina's "system of piazzas", a linear series of open squares framed by stark architectural structures.]] ==Do== Gibellina is best experienced as an open-air museum. Spend time walking through its geometric streets and public spaces, discovering dozens of contemporary art installations and architectural experiments. Check for seasonal exhibitions or cultural events hosted by the Fondazione Istituto di Alta Cultura – Orestiadi, especially in summer. ==Buy== Gibellina isn’t a major shopping destination, but visitors can find books, art catalogues, and exhibition-related items at the bookshop inside the Fondazione Orestiadi. Occasional art fairs, craft stalls, and cultural events may also offer handmade goods, ceramics, or locally produced items reflecting the town’s creative identity. * {{buy | name = Bookshop – Fondazione Orestiadi | lat = 37.8045 | long = 12.8730 | content = The foundation’s on-site bookshop offers exhibition catalogues, contemporary art books, and publications on Mediterranean culture, many of them related to the Orestiadi collection and Gibellina’s artistic history. }} ==Eat== There are a few local trattorias and bars in Gibellina Nuova offering Sicilian dishes, panini, and pastries. Expect simple menus focused on local ingredients. Dining options may be limited outside peak times, so plan accordingly or head to nearby towns like Santa Ninfa or Castelvetrano for more variety. ==Drink== Bars and cafes in Gibellina typically serve coffee, wine, aperitivi, and small snacks. Local wines from the Belìce Valley are worth trying, especially red blends and Nero d'Avola. Evening aperitivo is a relaxed time to enjoy the town’s public spaces. ==Sleep== Gibellina has limited accommodation—mostly small B&Bs or apartments. Advance booking is recommended, particularly during festivals or art events. For more options, nearby towns such as Santa Ninfa, Salemi, or Castelvetrano have hotels and agriturismi. ==Stay safe== Gibellina is generally quiet and safe. Be cautious on hot summer days, especially when exploring outdoor art installations—many are in exposed areas with little shade. Wear sunscreen, stay hydrated, and bring water if walking to more remote sites like the ''Grande Cretto''. ==Connect== Mobile coverage is good in most of the town. Free Wi-Fi may be available at the civic museum or within the Fondazione Orestiadi. Otherwise, check with your accommodation for internet access. ==Go next== Gibellina sits within reach of several of western Sicily’s most important historical and cultural destinations: * [[Segesta]] – One of Sicily’s best-preserved ancient sites, home to a majestic Doric temple and hillside theatre with sweeping views. Around 45 min by car. * [[Selinunte]] – A vast archaeological park along the coast, featuring sprawling temple ruins and ancient city remains. One of the most impressive classical sites in Europe. About 1 hr by car. * [[Erice]] – A walled medieval town perched on a mountain above Trapani. Known for its cobbled lanes, historic churches, and panoramic vistas, it also offers galleries and artisan workshops. Around 1 hr 15 min by car. {{IsPartOf|Trapani (province)}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|37.800|12.870}} qwsqe6nwk1lci011mzstm0t1q5pn2y4 5086624 5086623 2025-07-02T13:41:40Z Kned Wiki 2327203 /* Landmarks */ Added bullet 5086624 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Banner Piazza del Comune di Gibellina for WV.jpg}} '''Gibellina''' is a small city—and a living arts experiment—in [[Trapani (province)|Trapani province]], western Sicily. Rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in January 1968, Gibellina Nuova was masterplanned by avant-garde architects, sculptors, and artists who transformed its streets, plazas, and structures into vibrant expressions of modern art and architecture. [[File:Cretto di Burri 01.JPG|thumb|right|300px|Alberto Burri’s ''Cretto di Burri''—a stark white grid laid over the ruins of old Gibellina.]] Named Capital of Contemporary Art 2026, Gibellina stands out as one of Italy’s most distinctive cultural destinations. ==Understand== Gibellina is best known for the monumental Grande Cretto (Large Crack) by Alberto Burri—one of the world’s largest land‑art installations. Spanning over the ruins of the original town, this white‑concrete labyrinth memorial echoes the old street grid with deep fissures, serving as both elegy and architecture of memory. The original town, devastated by the 1968 earthquake, was relocated and rebuilt about 20km away. The new settlement was consciously designed with a butterfly‑shaped layout—two curved "wings" of housing flanking a central spine of civic spaces—planned by major architects like Marcello Fabbri, Oswald Mathias Ungers, and Ludovico Quaroni dicasainsicilia.com. This bold modernist design was intended to blend functional efficiency with public art, though it has been criticised for its scale and social detachment. == Get in == [[File:Teatro Consagra 1.jpg|thumb|300px|The Consagra Theatre]] ===By Car=== Gibellina is easily reached by car: * From '''Trapani''': ~48 km via the SS 188, about a 50-minute drive. * From '''Palermo''': Take the A29 toward Trapani, then SS 188 east; expect a journey of around 2 hours. Parking is available near the town centre and the Cretto di Burri site. ===By Bus=== Azienda Siciliana Trasporti provides a direct but infrequent bus service from Trapani to Gibellina, taking approximately 1 hour 12 minutes. ===By Train=== Regional trains (operated by Trenitalia) serve the Salemi–Gibellina station at the edge of Gibellina Nuova, with about five departures daily from Trapani. The scenic journey takes around 1 hour 44 minutes. The station is effectively within the town—it sits right at the western perimeter, making walking into the town centre easy == Get around == {{mapframe | 37.8096 | 12.8744 | zoom=14 | width=400 | align=right }} A distinctive feature of Gibellina’s urban design is the "system of piazzas", a linear series of open squares framed by stark architectural structures. The ensemble was designed by architects Franco Purini and Laura Thermes as part of the town’s reconstruction. Piazza XV Gennaio 1968 is the town’s main orientation point, home to the town hall and several art installations. Viale Belice runs alongside the square and ends at Piazza Joseph Beuys, where Pietro Consagra’s unfinished theatre stands. The plazas are: * {{marker|name=Piazza XV Gennaio 1968 |type=lime|lat=37.808831|long=12.872728}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Rivolta del 26 giugno 1937|type=lime|lat=37.807561|long=12.872787}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Fasci dei Lavoratori|type=lime|lat=37.807103|long=12.872186}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Monti di Gibellina|type=lime|lat=37.806567|long=12.871533}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Autonomia Siciliana|type=lime|lat=37.806119|long=12.870949}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Passo Portella delle Ginestre|type=lime|lat=37.805515|long=12.870056}} These plazas form a monumental architectural spine through the heart of Gibellina and reflect its vision as a living museum of modernist urbanism. ==See== Gibellina is often described as an open-air museum of contemporary art, where public spaces were designed as canvases for architectural and sculptural experimentation. Much of the town's post-1968 reconstruction involved leading artists and architects, whose works now shape its streets, piazzas, and skyline. From monumental land art to abstract installations and modernist churches, most sights are outdoors and within walking distance—though some lie further afield, such as Burri’s ''Grande Cretto''. ===Landmarks=== [[File:MAC Gibellina.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Ludovico Corrao.]] * {{see | name = Gibellina Town Hall | alt = Municipio di Gibellina | lat = 37.80883 | long = 12.87273 | content = Modern civic building (1972–84) by architects Giuseppe Samonà, Vittorio Gregotti, Gianni Pirrone and Alberto Samonà. It anchors the east–west axis of the “sistema delle piazze” and houses a gallery corridor featuring works by Gino Severini, Carla Accardi and Arnaldo Pomodoro. }} * {{see | name = Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC) | alt = Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Ludovico Corrao | lat = 37.81200 | long = 12.87486 | url = https://www.macgibellina.it/ | content = Civic museum housing one of Southern Italy’s largest collections of contemporary art (≈2,000 works by artists such as Schifano, Guttuso, and Paladino). Named after former mayor Ludovico Corrao, who spearheaded its creation to rebuild Gibellina through culture. }} * {{see | name = Mother Church | alt = Chiesa Madre | lat = 37.8057 | long = 12.8650 | content = Striking modernist church designed in 1972 by Ludovico Quaroni and Luisa Anversa, featuring a cubic base topped with a giant white sphere. Suffered roof collapse in 1994 and was restored for public opening in 2010. }} * {{see | name = Pietro Consagra Theatre | alt = Teatro di Pietro Consagra | lat = 37.808502 | long = 12.873694 | content = Elevated concrete theatre designed to span a roadway. Its long delay in completion (1980s–2020) made it a symbol of post-quake reconstruction struggles. }} [[File:Gibellina - Porta del Belice 0580.JPG|thumb|300px|Entrance Star to Belice]] * {{see | name = Entrance Star to Belice | alt = Stella d’ingresso al Belice | lat = 37.80325 | long = 12.87235 | content = A 26 m‑high stainless‑steel star "gateway" sculpture by Pietro Consagra (1981), located on the road into Gibellina Nuova. Created as a symbolic entrance and beacon of hope for the Belìce Valley following the 1968 earthquake. }} * {{see | name = Fondazione Istituto di Alta Cultura – Orestiadi | alt = Fondazione Orestiadi | url = https://www.fondazioneorestiadi.it/ | lat = 37.8045 | long = 12.8730 | content = A cultural foundation housed in the restored Baglio di Stefano. Its art trail features works by Paladino (including the “Mountain of Salt”), Pomodoro, Consagra, and others. }} * {{see | name = Lorenzo Milton Machado Palace | alt = Palazzo di Lorenzo Milton Machado | lat = 37.808486 | long = 12.874913 | content = Residential building designed by Francesco Venezia for artist Lorenzo Milton Machado. }} * {{see | name = Church of Saint Joseph | alt = Chiesa di San Giuseppe | lat = 37.8109545 | long = 12.8676275 | content = Smaller parish church serving the southern residential area. }} ===Installations=== * {{see | name = Aratro | lat = 37.808818 | long = 12.875309 | content = Bronze plough sculpture by Arnaldo Pomodoro, symbolising Gibellina’s agricultural past. }} * {{see | name = Untitled sculpture (Spagnulo) | lat = 37.806603 | long = 12.876755 | content = Abstract work by Giuseppe Spagnulo. }} * {{see | name = Ritmi spaziali | lat = 37.805139 | long = 12.876629 | content = 'Spatial Rhythms' by Carmelo Cappello—an abstract outdoor piece. }} [[File:Disco Solare (5223488084).jpg |thumb|300px|Solar Disc, an installation outside the town hall]] * {{see | name = Montagna di Sale | lat = 37.801752 | long = 12.882470 | content = 'Mountain of Salt' by Mimmo Paladino: a concrete mound with 30 wooden horses—a recurring motif in his work. }} * {{see | name = L’infinito della memoria | lat = 37.811049 | long = 12.874101 | content = 'Infinity of Memory' by Costas Varotsos. }} * {{see | name = Ascoltare | lat = 37.811928 | long = 12.875116 | content = 'Listening' by Giovanni Albanese, a sound-sensitive device sculpture inside the MAC.}} * {{see | name = La freccia indica l’ombra di una freccia | lat = 37.811716 | long = 12.875071 | content = Wall sculpture by Emilio Isgrò featuring opposing arrows and its own title as an inscription. }} * {{see | name = Labirinto | lat = 37.811366 | long = 12.873697 | content = Circular maze-like installation by Nino Franchina. }} * {{see | name = Fontana (Cascella) | lat = 37.813601 | long = 12.872539 | content = Sculptural fountain by Andrea Cascella. }} * {{see | name = Untitled sculpture (Onhari) | lat = 37.816209 | long = 12.869898 | content = Abstract work by Onhari, housed in a public building. }} * {{see | name = Ceramic panel (Hsiao Chin) | lat = 37.816238 | long = 12.870153 | content = Ceramic mural by Taiwanese artist Hsiao Chin. }} * {{see | name = Contrappunto | lat = 37.811860 | long = 12.867240 | content = 'Counterpoint' by Fausto Melotti—geometric symbols placed near a dry pond. }} There are also several indoor works on display in the town hall (Piazza 15 Gennaio 1968), including pieces by Carla Accardi, Gino Severini, and Arnaldo Pomodoro. The Grande Cretto by Alberto Burri lies about 20 km to the east of Gibellina, on the site of the old town destroyed by the 1968 earthquake. It is not walkable from the centre but can be reached by car via the SS188, which connects directly to the site. There is no local public transport, so visitors without a car should plan accordingly or arrange a taxi. [[File:Gibellina (IMG 20240318 131533).jpg|thumb|right|300px|Gibillina's "system of piazzas", a linear series of open squares framed by stark architectural structures.]] ==Do== Gibellina is best experienced as an open-air museum. Spend time walking through its geometric streets and public spaces, discovering dozens of contemporary art installations and architectural experiments. Check for seasonal exhibitions or cultural events hosted by the Fondazione Istituto di Alta Cultura – Orestiadi, especially in summer. ==Buy== Gibellina isn’t a major shopping destination, but visitors can find books, art catalogues, and exhibition-related items at the bookshop inside the Fondazione Orestiadi. Occasional art fairs, craft stalls, and cultural events may also offer handmade goods, ceramics, or locally produced items reflecting the town’s creative identity. * {{buy | name = Bookshop – Fondazione Orestiadi | lat = 37.8045 | long = 12.8730 | content = The foundation’s on-site bookshop offers exhibition catalogues, contemporary art books, and publications on Mediterranean culture, many of them related to the Orestiadi collection and Gibellina’s artistic history. }} ==Eat== There are a few local trattorias and bars in Gibellina Nuova offering Sicilian dishes, panini, and pastries. Expect simple menus focused on local ingredients. Dining options may be limited outside peak times, so plan accordingly or head to nearby towns like Santa Ninfa or Castelvetrano for more variety. ==Drink== Bars and cafes in Gibellina typically serve coffee, wine, aperitivi, and small snacks. Local wines from the Belìce Valley are worth trying, especially red blends and Nero d'Avola. Evening aperitivo is a relaxed time to enjoy the town’s public spaces. ==Sleep== Gibellina has limited accommodation—mostly small B&Bs or apartments. Advance booking is recommended, particularly during festivals or art events. For more options, nearby towns such as Santa Ninfa, Salemi, or Castelvetrano have hotels and agriturismi. ==Stay safe== Gibellina is generally quiet and safe. Be cautious on hot summer days, especially when exploring outdoor art installations—many are in exposed areas with little shade. Wear sunscreen, stay hydrated, and bring water if walking to more remote sites like the ''Grande Cretto''. ==Connect== Mobile coverage is good in most of the town. Free Wi-Fi may be available at the civic museum or within the Fondazione Orestiadi. Otherwise, check with your accommodation for internet access. ==Go next== Gibellina sits within reach of several of western Sicily’s most important historical and cultural destinations: * [[Segesta]] – One of Sicily’s best-preserved ancient sites, home to a majestic Doric temple and hillside theatre with sweeping views. Around 45 min by car. * [[Selinunte]] – A vast archaeological park along the coast, featuring sprawling temple ruins and ancient city remains. One of the most impressive classical sites in Europe. About 1 hr by car. * [[Erice]] – A walled medieval town perched on a mountain above Trapani. Known for its cobbled lanes, historic churches, and panoramic vistas, it also offers galleries and artisan workshops. Around 1 hr 15 min by car. {{IsPartOf|Trapani (province)}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|37.800|12.870}} 77qj06a6edihttika8ou0lc3l2l2buc 5086625 5086624 2025-07-02T13:44:05Z Kned Wiki 2327203 /* Go next */ Adding bold to titles of bullets 5086625 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Banner Piazza del Comune di Gibellina for WV.jpg}} '''Gibellina''' is a small city—and a living arts experiment—in [[Trapani (province)|Trapani province]], western Sicily. Rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in January 1968, Gibellina Nuova was masterplanned by avant-garde architects, sculptors, and artists who transformed its streets, plazas, and structures into vibrant expressions of modern art and architecture. [[File:Cretto di Burri 01.JPG|thumb|right|300px|Alberto Burri’s ''Cretto di Burri''—a stark white grid laid over the ruins of old Gibellina.]] Named Capital of Contemporary Art 2026, Gibellina stands out as one of Italy’s most distinctive cultural destinations. ==Understand== Gibellina is best known for the monumental Grande Cretto (Large Crack) by Alberto Burri—one of the world’s largest land‑art installations. Spanning over the ruins of the original town, this white‑concrete labyrinth memorial echoes the old street grid with deep fissures, serving as both elegy and architecture of memory. The original town, devastated by the 1968 earthquake, was relocated and rebuilt about 20km away. The new settlement was consciously designed with a butterfly‑shaped layout—two curved "wings" of housing flanking a central spine of civic spaces—planned by major architects like Marcello Fabbri, Oswald Mathias Ungers, and Ludovico Quaroni dicasainsicilia.com. This bold modernist design was intended to blend functional efficiency with public art, though it has been criticised for its scale and social detachment. == Get in == [[File:Teatro Consagra 1.jpg|thumb|300px|The Consagra Theatre]] ===By Car=== Gibellina is easily reached by car: * From '''Trapani''': ~48 km via the SS 188, about a 50-minute drive. * From '''Palermo''': Take the A29 toward Trapani, then SS 188 east; expect a journey of around 2 hours. Parking is available near the town centre and the Cretto di Burri site. ===By Bus=== Azienda Siciliana Trasporti provides a direct but infrequent bus service from Trapani to Gibellina, taking approximately 1 hour 12 minutes. ===By Train=== Regional trains (operated by Trenitalia) serve the Salemi–Gibellina station at the edge of Gibellina Nuova, with about five departures daily from Trapani. The scenic journey takes around 1 hour 44 minutes. The station is effectively within the town—it sits right at the western perimeter, making walking into the town centre easy == Get around == {{mapframe | 37.8096 | 12.8744 | zoom=14 | width=400 | align=right }} A distinctive feature of Gibellina’s urban design is the "system of piazzas", a linear series of open squares framed by stark architectural structures. The ensemble was designed by architects Franco Purini and Laura Thermes as part of the town’s reconstruction. Piazza XV Gennaio 1968 is the town’s main orientation point, home to the town hall and several art installations. Viale Belice runs alongside the square and ends at Piazza Joseph Beuys, where Pietro Consagra’s unfinished theatre stands. The plazas are: * {{marker|name=Piazza XV Gennaio 1968 |type=lime|lat=37.808831|long=12.872728}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Rivolta del 26 giugno 1937|type=lime|lat=37.807561|long=12.872787}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Fasci dei Lavoratori|type=lime|lat=37.807103|long=12.872186}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Monti di Gibellina|type=lime|lat=37.806567|long=12.871533}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Autonomia Siciliana|type=lime|lat=37.806119|long=12.870949}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Passo Portella delle Ginestre|type=lime|lat=37.805515|long=12.870056}} These plazas form a monumental architectural spine through the heart of Gibellina and reflect its vision as a living museum of modernist urbanism. ==See== Gibellina is often described as an open-air museum of contemporary art, where public spaces were designed as canvases for architectural and sculptural experimentation. Much of the town's post-1968 reconstruction involved leading artists and architects, whose works now shape its streets, piazzas, and skyline. From monumental land art to abstract installations and modernist churches, most sights are outdoors and within walking distance—though some lie further afield, such as Burri’s ''Grande Cretto''. ===Landmarks=== [[File:MAC Gibellina.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Ludovico Corrao.]] * {{see | name = Gibellina Town Hall | alt = Municipio di Gibellina | lat = 37.80883 | long = 12.87273 | content = Modern civic building (1972–84) by architects Giuseppe Samonà, Vittorio Gregotti, Gianni Pirrone and Alberto Samonà. It anchors the east–west axis of the “sistema delle piazze” and houses a gallery corridor featuring works by Gino Severini, Carla Accardi and Arnaldo Pomodoro. }} * {{see | name = Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC) | alt = Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Ludovico Corrao | lat = 37.81200 | long = 12.87486 | url = https://www.macgibellina.it/ | content = Civic museum housing one of Southern Italy’s largest collections of contemporary art (≈2,000 works by artists such as Schifano, Guttuso, and Paladino). Named after former mayor Ludovico Corrao, who spearheaded its creation to rebuild Gibellina through culture. }} * {{see | name = Mother Church | alt = Chiesa Madre | lat = 37.8057 | long = 12.8650 | content = Striking modernist church designed in 1972 by Ludovico Quaroni and Luisa Anversa, featuring a cubic base topped with a giant white sphere. Suffered roof collapse in 1994 and was restored for public opening in 2010. }} * {{see | name = Pietro Consagra Theatre | alt = Teatro di Pietro Consagra | lat = 37.808502 | long = 12.873694 | content = Elevated concrete theatre designed to span a roadway. Its long delay in completion (1980s–2020) made it a symbol of post-quake reconstruction struggles. }} [[File:Gibellina - Porta del Belice 0580.JPG|thumb|300px|Entrance Star to Belice]] * {{see | name = Entrance Star to Belice | alt = Stella d’ingresso al Belice | lat = 37.80325 | long = 12.87235 | content = A 26 m‑high stainless‑steel star "gateway" sculpture by Pietro Consagra (1981), located on the road into Gibellina Nuova. Created as a symbolic entrance and beacon of hope for the Belìce Valley following the 1968 earthquake. }} * {{see | name = Fondazione Istituto di Alta Cultura – Orestiadi | alt = Fondazione Orestiadi | url = https://www.fondazioneorestiadi.it/ | lat = 37.8045 | long = 12.8730 | content = A cultural foundation housed in the restored Baglio di Stefano. Its art trail features works by Paladino (including the “Mountain of Salt”), Pomodoro, Consagra, and others. }} * {{see | name = Lorenzo Milton Machado Palace | alt = Palazzo di Lorenzo Milton Machado | lat = 37.808486 | long = 12.874913 | content = Residential building designed by Francesco Venezia for artist Lorenzo Milton Machado. }} * {{see | name = Church of Saint Joseph | alt = Chiesa di San Giuseppe | lat = 37.8109545 | long = 12.8676275 | content = Smaller parish church serving the southern residential area. }} ===Installations=== * {{see | name = Aratro | lat = 37.808818 | long = 12.875309 | content = Bronze plough sculpture by Arnaldo Pomodoro, symbolising Gibellina’s agricultural past. }} * {{see | name = Untitled sculpture (Spagnulo) | lat = 37.806603 | long = 12.876755 | content = Abstract work by Giuseppe Spagnulo. }} * {{see | name = Ritmi spaziali | lat = 37.805139 | long = 12.876629 | content = 'Spatial Rhythms' by Carmelo Cappello—an abstract outdoor piece. }} [[File:Disco Solare (5223488084).jpg |thumb|300px|Solar Disc, an installation outside the town hall]] * {{see | name = Montagna di Sale | lat = 37.801752 | long = 12.882470 | content = 'Mountain of Salt' by Mimmo Paladino: a concrete mound with 30 wooden horses—a recurring motif in his work. }} * {{see | name = L’infinito della memoria | lat = 37.811049 | long = 12.874101 | content = 'Infinity of Memory' by Costas Varotsos. }} * {{see | name = Ascoltare | lat = 37.811928 | long = 12.875116 | content = 'Listening' by Giovanni Albanese, a sound-sensitive device sculpture inside the MAC.}} * {{see | name = La freccia indica l’ombra di una freccia | lat = 37.811716 | long = 12.875071 | content = Wall sculpture by Emilio Isgrò featuring opposing arrows and its own title as an inscription. }} * {{see | name = Labirinto | lat = 37.811366 | long = 12.873697 | content = Circular maze-like installation by Nino Franchina. }} * {{see | name = Fontana (Cascella) | lat = 37.813601 | long = 12.872539 | content = Sculptural fountain by Andrea Cascella. }} * {{see | name = Untitled sculpture (Onhari) | lat = 37.816209 | long = 12.869898 | content = Abstract work by Onhari, housed in a public building. }} * {{see | name = Ceramic panel (Hsiao Chin) | lat = 37.816238 | long = 12.870153 | content = Ceramic mural by Taiwanese artist Hsiao Chin. }} * {{see | name = Contrappunto | lat = 37.811860 | long = 12.867240 | content = 'Counterpoint' by Fausto Melotti—geometric symbols placed near a dry pond. }} There are also several indoor works on display in the town hall (Piazza 15 Gennaio 1968), including pieces by Carla Accardi, Gino Severini, and Arnaldo Pomodoro. The Grande Cretto by Alberto Burri lies about 20 km to the east of Gibellina, on the site of the old town destroyed by the 1968 earthquake. It is not walkable from the centre but can be reached by car via the SS188, which connects directly to the site. There is no local public transport, so visitors without a car should plan accordingly or arrange a taxi. [[File:Gibellina (IMG 20240318 131533).jpg|thumb|right|300px|Gibillina's "system of piazzas", a linear series of open squares framed by stark architectural structures.]] ==Do== Gibellina is best experienced as an open-air museum. Spend time walking through its geometric streets and public spaces, discovering dozens of contemporary art installations and architectural experiments. Check for seasonal exhibitions or cultural events hosted by the Fondazione Istituto di Alta Cultura – Orestiadi, especially in summer. ==Buy== Gibellina isn’t a major shopping destination, but visitors can find books, art catalogues, and exhibition-related items at the bookshop inside the Fondazione Orestiadi. Occasional art fairs, craft stalls, and cultural events may also offer handmade goods, ceramics, or locally produced items reflecting the town’s creative identity. * {{buy | name = Bookshop – Fondazione Orestiadi | lat = 37.8045 | long = 12.8730 | content = The foundation’s on-site bookshop offers exhibition catalogues, contemporary art books, and publications on Mediterranean culture, many of them related to the Orestiadi collection and Gibellina’s artistic history. }} ==Eat== There are a few local trattorias and bars in Gibellina Nuova offering Sicilian dishes, panini, and pastries. Expect simple menus focused on local ingredients. Dining options may be limited outside peak times, so plan accordingly or head to nearby towns like Santa Ninfa or Castelvetrano for more variety. ==Drink== Bars and cafes in Gibellina typically serve coffee, wine, aperitivi, and small snacks. Local wines from the Belìce Valley are worth trying, especially red blends and Nero d'Avola. Evening aperitivo is a relaxed time to enjoy the town’s public spaces. ==Sleep== Gibellina has limited accommodation—mostly small B&Bs or apartments. Advance booking is recommended, particularly during festivals or art events. For more options, nearby towns such as Santa Ninfa, Salemi, or Castelvetrano have hotels and agriturismi. ==Stay safe== Gibellina is generally quiet and safe. Be cautious on hot summer days, especially when exploring outdoor art installations—many are in exposed areas with little shade. Wear sunscreen, stay hydrated, and bring water if walking to more remote sites like the ''Grande Cretto''. ==Connect== Mobile coverage is good in most of the town. Free Wi-Fi may be available at the civic museum or within the Fondazione Orestiadi. Otherwise, check with your accommodation for internet access. ==Go next== Gibellina sits within reach of several of western Sicily’s most important historical and cultural destinations: * '''[[Segesta]]''' – One of Sicily’s best-preserved ancient sites, home to a majestic Doric temple and hillside theatre with sweeping views. Around 45 min by car. * '''[[Selinunte]]''' – A vast archaeological park along the coast, featuring sprawling temple ruins and ancient city remains. One of the most impressive classical sites in Europe. About 1 hr by car. * '''[[Erice]]''' – A walled medieval town perched on a mountain above Trapani. Known for its cobbled lanes, historic churches, and panoramic vistas, it also offers galleries and artisan workshops. Around 1 hr 15 min by car. {{IsPartOf|Trapani (province)}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|37.800|12.870}} of8815v2w3fezann0hsrbmewej7vnah 5086627 5086625 2025-07-02T13:47:53Z Kned Wiki 2327203 Added additional image 5086627 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Banner Piazza del Comune di Gibellina for WV.jpg}} '''Gibellina''' is a small city—and a living arts experiment—in [[Trapani (province)|Trapani province]], western Sicily. Rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in January 1968, Gibellina Nuova was masterplanned by avant-garde architects, sculptors, and artists who transformed its streets, plazas, and structures into vibrant expressions of modern art and architecture. [[File:Cretto di Burri 01.JPG|thumb|right|300px|Alberto Burri’s ''Cretto di Burri''—a stark white grid laid over the ruins of old Gibellina.]] Named Capital of Contemporary Art 2026, Gibellina stands out as one of Italy’s most distinctive cultural destinations. ==Understand== Gibellina is best known for the monumental Grande Cretto (Large Crack) by Alberto Burri—one of the world’s largest land‑art installations. Spanning over the ruins of the original town, this white‑concrete labyrinth memorial echoes the old street grid with deep fissures, serving as both elegy and architecture of memory. The original town, devastated by the 1968 earthquake, was relocated and rebuilt about 20km away. The new settlement was consciously designed with a butterfly‑shaped layout—two curved "wings" of housing flanking a central spine of civic spaces—planned by major architects like Marcello Fabbri, Oswald Mathias Ungers, and Ludovico Quaroni dicasainsicilia.com. This bold modernist design was intended to blend functional efficiency with public art, though it has been criticised for its scale and social detachment. == Get in == [[File:Teatro Consagra 1.jpg|thumb|300px|The Consagra Theatre]] ===By Car=== Gibellina is easily reached by car: * From '''Trapani''': ~48 km via the SS 188, about a 50-minute drive. * From '''Palermo''': Take the A29 toward Trapani, then SS 188 east; expect a journey of around 2 hours. Parking is available near the town centre and the Cretto di Burri site. ===By Bus=== Azienda Siciliana Trasporti provides a direct but infrequent bus service from Trapani to Gibellina, taking approximately 1 hour 12 minutes. ===By Train=== Regional trains (operated by Trenitalia) serve the Salemi–Gibellina station at the edge of Gibellina Nuova, with about five departures daily from Trapani. The scenic journey takes around 1 hour 44 minutes. The station is effectively within the town—it sits right at the western perimeter, making walking into the town centre easy == Get around == {{mapframe | 37.8096 | 12.8744 | zoom=14 | width=400 | align=right }} A distinctive feature of Gibellina’s urban design is the "system of piazzas", a linear series of open squares framed by stark architectural structures. The ensemble was designed by architects Franco Purini and Laura Thermes as part of the town’s reconstruction. Piazza XV Gennaio 1968 is the town’s main orientation point, home to the town hall and several art installations. Viale Belice runs alongside the square and ends at Piazza Joseph Beuys, where Pietro Consagra’s unfinished theatre stands. The plazas are: * {{marker|name=Piazza XV Gennaio 1968 |type=lime|lat=37.808831|long=12.872728}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Rivolta del 26 giugno 1937|type=lime|lat=37.807561|long=12.872787}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Fasci dei Lavoratori|type=lime|lat=37.807103|long=12.872186}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Monti di Gibellina|type=lime|lat=37.806567|long=12.871533}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Autonomia Siciliana|type=lime|lat=37.806119|long=12.870949}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Passo Portella delle Ginestre|type=lime|lat=37.805515|long=12.870056}} These plazas form a monumental architectural spine through the heart of Gibellina and reflect its vision as a living museum of modernist urbanism. ==See== Gibellina is often described as an open-air museum of contemporary art, where public spaces were designed as canvases for architectural and sculptural experimentation. Much of the town's post-1968 reconstruction involved leading artists and architects, whose works now shape its streets, piazzas, and skyline. From monumental land art to abstract installations and modernist churches, most sights are outdoors and within walking distance—though some lie further afield, such as Burri’s ''Grande Cretto''. ===Landmarks=== [[File:MAC Gibellina.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Ludovico Corrao.]] * {{see | name = Gibellina Town Hall | alt = Municipio di Gibellina | lat = 37.80883 | long = 12.87273 | content = Modern civic building (1972–84) by architects Giuseppe Samonà, Vittorio Gregotti, Gianni Pirrone and Alberto Samonà. It anchors the east–west axis of the “sistema delle piazze” and houses a gallery corridor featuring works by Gino Severini, Carla Accardi and Arnaldo Pomodoro. }} * {{see | name = Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC) | alt = Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Ludovico Corrao | lat = 37.81200 | long = 12.87486 | url = https://www.macgibellina.it/ | content = Civic museum housing one of Southern Italy’s largest collections of contemporary art (≈2,000 works by artists such as Schifano, Guttuso, and Paladino). Named after former mayor Ludovico Corrao, who spearheaded its creation to rebuild Gibellina through culture. }} * {{see | name = Mother Church | alt = Chiesa Madre | lat = 37.8057 | long = 12.8650 | content = Striking modernist church designed in 1972 by Ludovico Quaroni and Luisa Anversa, featuring a cubic base topped with a giant white sphere. Suffered roof collapse in 1994 and was restored for public opening in 2010. }} * {{see | name = Pietro Consagra Theatre | alt = Teatro di Pietro Consagra | lat = 37.808502 | long = 12.873694 | content = Elevated concrete theatre designed to span a roadway. Its long delay in completion (1980s–2020) made it a symbol of post-quake reconstruction struggles. }} [[File:Gibellina - Porta del Belice 0580.JPG|thumb|300px|Entrance Star to Belice]] * {{see | name = Entrance Star to Belice | alt = Stella d’ingresso al Belice | lat = 37.80325 | long = 12.87235 | content = A 26 m‑high stainless‑steel star "gateway" sculpture by Pietro Consagra (1981), located on the road into Gibellina Nuova. Created as a symbolic entrance and beacon of hope for the Belìce Valley following the 1968 earthquake. }} * {{see | name = Fondazione Istituto di Alta Cultura – Orestiadi | alt = Fondazione Orestiadi | url = https://www.fondazioneorestiadi.it/ | lat = 37.8045 | long = 12.8730 | content = A cultural foundation housed in the restored Baglio di Stefano. Its art trail features works by Paladino (including the “Mountain of Salt”), Pomodoro, Consagra, and others. }} * {{see | name = Lorenzo Milton Machado Palace | alt = Palazzo di Lorenzo Milton Machado | lat = 37.808486 | long = 12.874913 | content = Residential building designed by Francesco Venezia for artist Lorenzo Milton Machado. }} * {{see | name = Church of Saint Joseph | alt = Chiesa di San Giuseppe | lat = 37.8109545 | long = 12.8676275 | content = Smaller parish church serving the southern residential area. }} ===Installations=== * {{see | name = Aratro | lat = 37.808818 | long = 12.875309 | content = Bronze plough sculpture by Arnaldo Pomodoro, symbolising Gibellina’s agricultural past. }} * {{see | name = Untitled sculpture (Spagnulo) | lat = 37.806603 | long = 12.876755 | content = Abstract work by Giuseppe Spagnulo. }} * {{see | name = Ritmi spaziali | lat = 37.805139 | long = 12.876629 | content = 'Spatial Rhythms' by Carmelo Cappello—an abstract outdoor piece. }} [[File:Disco Solare (5223488084).jpg |thumb|300px|Solar Disc, an installation outside the town hall]] * {{see | name = Montagna di Sale | lat = 37.801752 | long = 12.882470 | content = 'Mountain of Salt' by Mimmo Paladino: a concrete mound with 30 wooden horses—a recurring motif in his work. }} * {{see | name = L’infinito della memoria | lat = 37.811049 | long = 12.874101 | content = 'Infinity of Memory' by Costas Varotsos. }} * {{see | name = Ascoltare | lat = 37.811928 | long = 12.875116 | content = 'Listening' by Giovanni Albanese, a sound-sensitive device sculpture inside the MAC.}} * {{see | name = La freccia indica l’ombra di una freccia | lat = 37.811716 | long = 12.875071 | content = Wall sculpture by Emilio Isgrò featuring opposing arrows and its own title as an inscription. }} * {{see | name = Labirinto | lat = 37.811366 | long = 12.873697 | content = Circular maze-like installation by Nino Franchina. }} * {{see | name = Fontana (Cascella) | lat = 37.813601 | long = 12.872539 | content = Sculptural fountain by Andrea Cascella. }} * {{see | name = Untitled sculpture (Onhari) | lat = 37.816209 | long = 12.869898 | content = Abstract work by Onhari, housed in a public building. }} * {{see | name = Ceramic panel (Hsiao Chin) | lat = 37.816238 | long = 12.870153 | content = Ceramic mural by Taiwanese artist Hsiao Chin. }} * {{see | name = Contrappunto | lat = 37.811860 | long = 12.867240 | content = 'Counterpoint' by Fausto Melotti—geometric symbols placed near a dry pond. }} There are also several indoor works on display in the town hall (Piazza 15 Gennaio 1968), including pieces by Carla Accardi, Gino Severini, and Arnaldo Pomodoro. The Grande Cretto by Alberto Burri lies about 20 km to the east of Gibellina, on the site of the old town destroyed by the 1968 earthquake. It is not walkable from the centre but can be reached by car via the SS188, which connects directly to the site. There is no local public transport, so visitors without a car should plan accordingly or arrange a taxi. [[File:Gibellina (IMG 20240318 131533).jpg|thumb|right|300px|Gibillina's "system of piazzas", a linear series of open squares framed by stark architectural structures.]] ==Do== Gibellina is best experienced as an open-air museum. Spend time walking through its geometric streets and public spaces, discovering dozens of contemporary art installations and architectural experiments. Check for seasonal exhibitions or cultural events hosted by the Fondazione Istituto di Alta Cultura – Orestiadi, especially in summer. ==Buy== Gibellina isn’t a major shopping destination, but visitors can find books, art catalogues, and exhibition-related items at the bookshop inside the Fondazione Orestiadi. Occasional art fairs, craft stalls, and cultural events may also offer handmade goods, ceramics, or locally produced items reflecting the town’s creative identity. * {{buy | name = Bookshop – Fondazione Orestiadi | lat = 37.8045 | long = 12.8730 | content = The foundation’s on-site bookshop offers exhibition catalogues, contemporary art books, and publications on Mediterranean culture, many of them related to the Orestiadi collection and Gibellina’s artistic history. }} ==Eat== There are a few local trattorias and bars in Gibellina Nuova offering Sicilian dishes, panini, and pastries. Expect simple menus focused on local ingredients. Dining options may be limited outside peak times, so plan accordingly or head to nearby towns like Santa Ninfa or Castelvetrano for more variety. [[File:Esterno chiesa madre di Gibellina.jpg|thumb|300px|The Mother Church (''Chiesa Madre'')]] ==Drink== Bars and cafes in Gibellina typically serve coffee, wine, aperitivi, and small snacks. Local wines from the Belìce Valley are worth trying, especially red blends and Nero d'Avola. Evening aperitivo is a relaxed time to enjoy the town’s public spaces. ==Sleep== Gibellina has limited accommodation—mostly small B&Bs or apartments. Advance booking is recommended, particularly during festivals or art events. For more options, nearby towns such as Santa Ninfa, Salemi, or Castelvetrano have hotels and agriturismi. ==Stay safe== Gibellina is generally quiet and safe. Be cautious on hot summer days, especially when exploring outdoor art installations—many are in exposed areas with little shade. Wear sunscreen, stay hydrated, and bring water if walking to more remote sites like the ''Grande Cretto''. ==Connect== Mobile coverage is good in most of the town. Free Wi-Fi may be available at the civic museum or within the Fondazione Orestiadi. Otherwise, check with your accommodation for internet access. ==Go next== Gibellina sits within reach of several of western Sicily’s most important historical and cultural destinations: * '''[[Segesta]]''' – One of Sicily’s best-preserved ancient sites, home to a majestic Doric temple and hillside theatre with sweeping views. Around 45 min by car. * '''[[Selinunte]]''' – A vast archaeological park along the coast, featuring sprawling temple ruins and ancient city remains. One of the most impressive classical sites in Europe. About 1 hr by car. * '''[[Erice]]''' – A walled medieval town perched on a mountain above Trapani. Known for its cobbled lanes, historic churches, and panoramic vistas, it also offers galleries and artisan workshops. Around 1 hr 15 min by car. {{IsPartOf|Trapani (province)}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|37.800|12.870}} tmp91en4lygnmmv1h4ct8y0zad0nu6v 5086628 5086627 2025-07-02T13:52:04Z Kned Wiki 2327203 /* Installations */ added alt for Counterpoint 5086628 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Banner Piazza del Comune di Gibellina for WV.jpg}} '''Gibellina''' is a small city—and a living arts experiment—in [[Trapani (province)|Trapani province]], western Sicily. Rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in January 1968, Gibellina Nuova was masterplanned by avant-garde architects, sculptors, and artists who transformed its streets, plazas, and structures into vibrant expressions of modern art and architecture. [[File:Cretto di Burri 01.JPG|thumb|right|300px|Alberto Burri’s ''Cretto di Burri''—a stark white grid laid over the ruins of old Gibellina.]] Named Capital of Contemporary Art 2026, Gibellina stands out as one of Italy’s most distinctive cultural destinations. ==Understand== Gibellina is best known for the monumental Grande Cretto (Large Crack) by Alberto Burri—one of the world’s largest land‑art installations. Spanning over the ruins of the original town, this white‑concrete labyrinth memorial echoes the old street grid with deep fissures, serving as both elegy and architecture of memory. The original town, devastated by the 1968 earthquake, was relocated and rebuilt about 20km away. The new settlement was consciously designed with a butterfly‑shaped layout—two curved "wings" of housing flanking a central spine of civic spaces—planned by major architects like Marcello Fabbri, Oswald Mathias Ungers, and Ludovico Quaroni dicasainsicilia.com. This bold modernist design was intended to blend functional efficiency with public art, though it has been criticised for its scale and social detachment. == Get in == [[File:Teatro Consagra 1.jpg|thumb|300px|The Consagra Theatre]] ===By Car=== Gibellina is easily reached by car: * From '''Trapani''': ~48 km via the SS 188, about a 50-minute drive. * From '''Palermo''': Take the A29 toward Trapani, then SS 188 east; expect a journey of around 2 hours. Parking is available near the town centre and the Cretto di Burri site. ===By Bus=== Azienda Siciliana Trasporti provides a direct but infrequent bus service from Trapani to Gibellina, taking approximately 1 hour 12 minutes. ===By Train=== Regional trains (operated by Trenitalia) serve the Salemi–Gibellina station at the edge of Gibellina Nuova, with about five departures daily from Trapani. The scenic journey takes around 1 hour 44 minutes. The station is effectively within the town—it sits right at the western perimeter, making walking into the town centre easy == Get around == {{mapframe | 37.8096 | 12.8744 | zoom=14 | width=400 | align=right }} A distinctive feature of Gibellina’s urban design is the "system of piazzas", a linear series of open squares framed by stark architectural structures. The ensemble was designed by architects Franco Purini and Laura Thermes as part of the town’s reconstruction. Piazza XV Gennaio 1968 is the town’s main orientation point, home to the town hall and several art installations. Viale Belice runs alongside the square and ends at Piazza Joseph Beuys, where Pietro Consagra’s unfinished theatre stands. The plazas are: * {{marker|name=Piazza XV Gennaio 1968 |type=lime|lat=37.808831|long=12.872728}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Rivolta del 26 giugno 1937|type=lime|lat=37.807561|long=12.872787}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Fasci dei Lavoratori|type=lime|lat=37.807103|long=12.872186}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Monti di Gibellina|type=lime|lat=37.806567|long=12.871533}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Autonomia Siciliana|type=lime|lat=37.806119|long=12.870949}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Passo Portella delle Ginestre|type=lime|lat=37.805515|long=12.870056}} These plazas form a monumental architectural spine through the heart of Gibellina and reflect its vision as a living museum of modernist urbanism. ==See== Gibellina is often described as an open-air museum of contemporary art, where public spaces were designed as canvases for architectural and sculptural experimentation. Much of the town's post-1968 reconstruction involved leading artists and architects, whose works now shape its streets, piazzas, and skyline. From monumental land art to abstract installations and modernist churches, most sights are outdoors and within walking distance—though some lie further afield, such as Burri’s ''Grande Cretto''. ===Landmarks=== [[File:MAC Gibellina.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Ludovico Corrao.]] * {{see | name = Gibellina Town Hall | alt = Municipio di Gibellina | lat = 37.80883 | long = 12.87273 | content = Modern civic building (1972–84) by architects Giuseppe Samonà, Vittorio Gregotti, Gianni Pirrone and Alberto Samonà. It anchors the east–west axis of the “sistema delle piazze” and houses a gallery corridor featuring works by Gino Severini, Carla Accardi and Arnaldo Pomodoro. }} * {{see | name = Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC) | alt = Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Ludovico Corrao | lat = 37.81200 | long = 12.87486 | url = https://www.macgibellina.it/ | content = Civic museum housing one of Southern Italy’s largest collections of contemporary art (≈2,000 works by artists such as Schifano, Guttuso, and Paladino). Named after former mayor Ludovico Corrao, who spearheaded its creation to rebuild Gibellina through culture. }} * {{see | name = Mother Church | alt = Chiesa Madre | lat = 37.8057 | long = 12.8650 | content = Striking modernist church designed in 1972 by Ludovico Quaroni and Luisa Anversa, featuring a cubic base topped with a giant white sphere. Suffered roof collapse in 1994 and was restored for public opening in 2010. }} * {{see | name = Pietro Consagra Theatre | alt = Teatro di Pietro Consagra | lat = 37.808502 | long = 12.873694 | content = Elevated concrete theatre designed to span a roadway. Its long delay in completion (1980s–2020) made it a symbol of post-quake reconstruction struggles. }} [[File:Gibellina - Porta del Belice 0580.JPG|thumb|300px|Entrance Star to Belice]] * {{see | name = Entrance Star to Belice | alt = Stella d’ingresso al Belice | lat = 37.80325 | long = 12.87235 | content = A 26 m‑high stainless‑steel star "gateway" sculpture by Pietro Consagra (1981), located on the road into Gibellina Nuova. Created as a symbolic entrance and beacon of hope for the Belìce Valley following the 1968 earthquake. }} * {{see | name = Fondazione Istituto di Alta Cultura – Orestiadi | alt = Fondazione Orestiadi | url = https://www.fondazioneorestiadi.it/ | lat = 37.8045 | long = 12.8730 | content = A cultural foundation housed in the restored Baglio di Stefano. Its art trail features works by Paladino (including the “Mountain of Salt”), Pomodoro, Consagra, and others. }} * {{see | name = Lorenzo Milton Machado Palace | alt = Palazzo di Lorenzo Milton Machado | lat = 37.808486 | long = 12.874913 | content = Residential building designed by Francesco Venezia for artist Lorenzo Milton Machado. }} * {{see | name = Church of Saint Joseph | alt = Chiesa di San Giuseppe | lat = 37.8109545 | long = 12.8676275 | content = Smaller parish church serving the southern residential area. }} ===Installations=== * {{see | name = Aratro | lat = 37.808818 | long = 12.875309 | content = Bronze plough sculpture by Arnaldo Pomodoro, symbolising Gibellina’s agricultural past. }} * {{see | name = Untitled sculpture (Spagnulo) | lat = 37.806603 | long = 12.876755 | content = Abstract work by Giuseppe Spagnulo. }} * {{see | name = Ritmi spaziali | lat = 37.805139 | long = 12.876629 | content = 'Spatial Rhythms' by Carmelo Cappello—an abstract outdoor piece. }} [[File:Disco Solare (5223488084).jpg |thumb|300px|Solar Disc, an installation outside the town hall]] * {{see | name = Montagna di Sale | lat = 37.801752 | long = 12.882470 | content = 'Mountain of Salt' by Mimmo Paladino: a concrete mound with 30 wooden horses—a recurring motif in his work. }} * {{see | name = L’infinito della memoria | lat = 37.811049 | long = 12.874101 | content = 'Infinity of Memory' by Costas Varotsos. }} * {{see | name = Ascoltare | lat = 37.811928 | long = 12.875116 | content = 'Listening' by Giovanni Albanese, a sound-sensitive device sculpture inside the MAC.}} * {{see | name = La freccia indica l’ombra di una freccia | lat = 37.811716 | long = 12.875071 | content = Wall sculpture by Emilio Isgrò featuring opposing arrows and its own title as an inscription. }} * {{see | name = Labirinto | lat = 37.811366 | long = 12.873697 | content = Circular maze-like installation by Nino Franchina. }} * {{see | name = Fontana (Cascella) | lat = 37.813601 | long = 12.872539 | content = Sculptural fountain by Andrea Cascella. }} * {{see | name = Untitled sculpture (Onhari) | lat = 37.816209 | long = 12.869898 | content = Abstract work by Onhari, housed in a public building. }} * {{see | name = Ceramic panel (Hsiao Chin) | lat = 37.816238 | long = 12.870153 | content = Ceramic mural by Taiwanese artist Hsiao Chin. }} * {{see | name = Counterpoint | alt = Contrappunto | lat = 37.811860 | long = 12.867240 | content = Counterpoint by Fausto Melotti—geometric symbols placed near a dry pond.}} There are also several indoor works on display in the town hall (Piazza 15 Gennaio 1968), including pieces by Carla Accardi, Gino Severini, and Arnaldo Pomodoro. The Grande Cretto by Alberto Burri lies about 20 km to the east of Gibellina, on the site of the old town destroyed by the 1968 earthquake. It is not walkable from the centre but can be reached by car via the SS188, which connects directly to the site. There is no local public transport, so visitors without a car should plan accordingly or arrange a taxi. [[File:Gibellina (IMG 20240318 131533).jpg|thumb|right|300px|Gibillina's "system of piazzas", a linear series of open squares framed by stark architectural structures.]] ==Do== Gibellina is best experienced as an open-air museum. Spend time walking through its geometric streets and public spaces, discovering dozens of contemporary art installations and architectural experiments. Check for seasonal exhibitions or cultural events hosted by the Fondazione Istituto di Alta Cultura – Orestiadi, especially in summer. ==Buy== Gibellina isn’t a major shopping destination, but visitors can find books, art catalogues, and exhibition-related items at the bookshop inside the Fondazione Orestiadi. Occasional art fairs, craft stalls, and cultural events may also offer handmade goods, ceramics, or locally produced items reflecting the town’s creative identity. * {{buy | name = Bookshop – Fondazione Orestiadi | lat = 37.8045 | long = 12.8730 | content = The foundation’s on-site bookshop offers exhibition catalogues, contemporary art books, and publications on Mediterranean culture, many of them related to the Orestiadi collection and Gibellina’s artistic history. }} ==Eat== There are a few local trattorias and bars in Gibellina Nuova offering Sicilian dishes, panini, and pastries. Expect simple menus focused on local ingredients. Dining options may be limited outside peak times, so plan accordingly or head to nearby towns like Santa Ninfa or Castelvetrano for more variety. [[File:Esterno chiesa madre di Gibellina.jpg|thumb|300px|The Mother Church (''Chiesa Madre'')]] ==Drink== Bars and cafes in Gibellina typically serve coffee, wine, aperitivi, and small snacks. Local wines from the Belìce Valley are worth trying, especially red blends and Nero d'Avola. Evening aperitivo is a relaxed time to enjoy the town’s public spaces. ==Sleep== Gibellina has limited accommodation—mostly small B&Bs or apartments. Advance booking is recommended, particularly during festivals or art events. For more options, nearby towns such as Santa Ninfa, Salemi, or Castelvetrano have hotels and agriturismi. ==Stay safe== Gibellina is generally quiet and safe. Be cautious on hot summer days, especially when exploring outdoor art installations—many are in exposed areas with little shade. Wear sunscreen, stay hydrated, and bring water if walking to more remote sites like the ''Grande Cretto''. ==Connect== Mobile coverage is good in most of the town. Free Wi-Fi may be available at the civic museum or within the Fondazione Orestiadi. Otherwise, check with your accommodation for internet access. ==Go next== Gibellina sits within reach of several of western Sicily’s most important historical and cultural destinations: * '''[[Segesta]]''' – One of Sicily’s best-preserved ancient sites, home to a majestic Doric temple and hillside theatre with sweeping views. Around 45 min by car. * '''[[Selinunte]]''' – A vast archaeological park along the coast, featuring sprawling temple ruins and ancient city remains. One of the most impressive classical sites in Europe. About 1 hr by car. * '''[[Erice]]''' – A walled medieval town perched on a mountain above Trapani. Known for its cobbled lanes, historic churches, and panoramic vistas, it also offers galleries and artisan workshops. Around 1 hr 15 min by car. {{IsPartOf|Trapani (province)}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|37.800|12.870}} 1xpm932iwsae0d2o8bt0sahnuoge10u 5086629 5086628 2025-07-02T13:52:46Z Kned Wiki 2327203 /* Installations */ Removed artist name; repetitive 5086629 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Banner Piazza del Comune di Gibellina for WV.jpg}} '''Gibellina''' is a small city—and a living arts experiment—in [[Trapani (province)|Trapani province]], western Sicily. Rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in January 1968, Gibellina Nuova was masterplanned by avant-garde architects, sculptors, and artists who transformed its streets, plazas, and structures into vibrant expressions of modern art and architecture. [[File:Cretto di Burri 01.JPG|thumb|right|300px|Alberto Burri’s ''Cretto di Burri''—a stark white grid laid over the ruins of old Gibellina.]] Named Capital of Contemporary Art 2026, Gibellina stands out as one of Italy’s most distinctive cultural destinations. ==Understand== Gibellina is best known for the monumental Grande Cretto (Large Crack) by Alberto Burri—one of the world’s largest land‑art installations. Spanning over the ruins of the original town, this white‑concrete labyrinth memorial echoes the old street grid with deep fissures, serving as both elegy and architecture of memory. The original town, devastated by the 1968 earthquake, was relocated and rebuilt about 20km away. The new settlement was consciously designed with a butterfly‑shaped layout—two curved "wings" of housing flanking a central spine of civic spaces—planned by major architects like Marcello Fabbri, Oswald Mathias Ungers, and Ludovico Quaroni dicasainsicilia.com. This bold modernist design was intended to blend functional efficiency with public art, though it has been criticised for its scale and social detachment. == Get in == [[File:Teatro Consagra 1.jpg|thumb|300px|The Consagra Theatre]] ===By Car=== Gibellina is easily reached by car: * From '''Trapani''': ~48 km via the SS 188, about a 50-minute drive. * From '''Palermo''': Take the A29 toward Trapani, then SS 188 east; expect a journey of around 2 hours. Parking is available near the town centre and the Cretto di Burri site. ===By Bus=== Azienda Siciliana Trasporti provides a direct but infrequent bus service from Trapani to Gibellina, taking approximately 1 hour 12 minutes. ===By Train=== Regional trains (operated by Trenitalia) serve the Salemi–Gibellina station at the edge of Gibellina Nuova, with about five departures daily from Trapani. The scenic journey takes around 1 hour 44 minutes. The station is effectively within the town—it sits right at the western perimeter, making walking into the town centre easy == Get around == {{mapframe | 37.8096 | 12.8744 | zoom=14 | width=400 | align=right }} A distinctive feature of Gibellina’s urban design is the "system of piazzas", a linear series of open squares framed by stark architectural structures. The ensemble was designed by architects Franco Purini and Laura Thermes as part of the town’s reconstruction. Piazza XV Gennaio 1968 is the town’s main orientation point, home to the town hall and several art installations. Viale Belice runs alongside the square and ends at Piazza Joseph Beuys, where Pietro Consagra’s unfinished theatre stands. The plazas are: * {{marker|name=Piazza XV Gennaio 1968 |type=lime|lat=37.808831|long=12.872728}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Rivolta del 26 giugno 1937|type=lime|lat=37.807561|long=12.872787}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Fasci dei Lavoratori|type=lime|lat=37.807103|long=12.872186}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Monti di Gibellina|type=lime|lat=37.806567|long=12.871533}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Autonomia Siciliana|type=lime|lat=37.806119|long=12.870949}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Passo Portella delle Ginestre|type=lime|lat=37.805515|long=12.870056}} These plazas form a monumental architectural spine through the heart of Gibellina and reflect its vision as a living museum of modernist urbanism. ==See== Gibellina is often described as an open-air museum of contemporary art, where public spaces were designed as canvases for architectural and sculptural experimentation. Much of the town's post-1968 reconstruction involved leading artists and architects, whose works now shape its streets, piazzas, and skyline. From monumental land art to abstract installations and modernist churches, most sights are outdoors and within walking distance—though some lie further afield, such as Burri’s ''Grande Cretto''. ===Landmarks=== [[File:MAC Gibellina.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Ludovico Corrao.]] * {{see | name = Gibellina Town Hall | alt = Municipio di Gibellina | lat = 37.80883 | long = 12.87273 | content = Modern civic building (1972–84) by architects Giuseppe Samonà, Vittorio Gregotti, Gianni Pirrone and Alberto Samonà. It anchors the east–west axis of the “sistema delle piazze” and houses a gallery corridor featuring works by Gino Severini, Carla Accardi and Arnaldo Pomodoro. }} * {{see | name = Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC) | alt = Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Ludovico Corrao | lat = 37.81200 | long = 12.87486 | url = https://www.macgibellina.it/ | content = Civic museum housing one of Southern Italy’s largest collections of contemporary art (≈2,000 works by artists such as Schifano, Guttuso, and Paladino). Named after former mayor Ludovico Corrao, who spearheaded its creation to rebuild Gibellina through culture. }} * {{see | name = Mother Church | alt = Chiesa Madre | lat = 37.8057 | long = 12.8650 | content = Striking modernist church designed in 1972 by Ludovico Quaroni and Luisa Anversa, featuring a cubic base topped with a giant white sphere. Suffered roof collapse in 1994 and was restored for public opening in 2010. }} * {{see | name = Pietro Consagra Theatre | alt = Teatro di Pietro Consagra | lat = 37.808502 | long = 12.873694 | content = Elevated concrete theatre designed to span a roadway. Its long delay in completion (1980s–2020) made it a symbol of post-quake reconstruction struggles. }} [[File:Gibellina - Porta del Belice 0580.JPG|thumb|300px|Entrance Star to Belice]] * {{see | name = Entrance Star to Belice | alt = Stella d’ingresso al Belice | lat = 37.80325 | long = 12.87235 | content = A 26 m‑high stainless‑steel star "gateway" sculpture by Pietro Consagra (1981), located on the road into Gibellina Nuova. Created as a symbolic entrance and beacon of hope for the Belìce Valley following the 1968 earthquake. }} * {{see | name = Fondazione Istituto di Alta Cultura – Orestiadi | alt = Fondazione Orestiadi | url = https://www.fondazioneorestiadi.it/ | lat = 37.8045 | long = 12.8730 | content = A cultural foundation housed in the restored Baglio di Stefano. Its art trail features works by Paladino (including the “Mountain of Salt”), Pomodoro, Consagra, and others. }} * {{see | name = Lorenzo Milton Machado Palace | alt = Palazzo di Lorenzo Milton Machado | lat = 37.808486 | long = 12.874913 | content = Residential building designed by Francesco Venezia for artist Lorenzo Milton Machado. }} * {{see | name = Church of Saint Joseph | alt = Chiesa di San Giuseppe | lat = 37.8109545 | long = 12.8676275 | content = Smaller parish church serving the southern residential area. }} ===Installations=== * {{see | name = Aratro | lat = 37.808818 | long = 12.875309 | content = Bronze plough sculpture by Arnaldo Pomodoro, symbolising Gibellina’s agricultural past. }} * {{see | name = Untitled sculpture (Spagnulo) | lat = 37.806603 | long = 12.876755 | content = Abstract work by Giuseppe Spagnulo. }} * {{see | name = Ritmi spaziali | lat = 37.805139 | long = 12.876629 | content = 'Spatial Rhythms' by Carmelo Cappello—an abstract outdoor piece. }} [[File:Disco Solare (5223488084).jpg |thumb|300px|Solar Disc, an installation outside the town hall]] * {{see | name = Montagna di Sale | lat = 37.801752 | long = 12.882470 | content = 'Mountain of Salt' by Mimmo Paladino: a concrete mound with 30 wooden horses—a recurring motif in his work. }} * {{see | name = L’infinito della memoria | lat = 37.811049 | long = 12.874101 | content = 'Infinity of Memory' by Costas Varotsos. }} * {{see | name = Ascoltare | lat = 37.811928 | long = 12.875116 | content = 'Listening' by Giovanni Albanese, a sound-sensitive device sculpture inside the MAC.}} * {{see | name = La freccia indica l’ombra di una freccia | lat = 37.811716 | long = 12.875071 | content = Wall sculpture by Emilio Isgrò featuring opposing arrows and its own title as an inscription. }} * {{see | name = Labirinto | lat = 37.811366 | long = 12.873697 | content = Circular maze-like installation by Nino Franchina. }} * {{see | name = Fontana | lat = 37.813601 | long = 12.872539 | content = Sculptural fountain by Andrea Cascella. }} * {{see | name = Untitled sculpture | lat = 37.816209 | long = 12.869898 | content = Abstract work by Onhari, housed in a public building. }} * {{see | name = Ceramic panel (Hsiao Chin) | lat = 37.816238 | long = 12.870153 | content = Ceramic mural by Taiwanese artist Hsiao Chin. }} * {{see | name = Counterpoint | alt = Contrappunto | lat = 37.811860 | long = 12.867240 | content = Counterpoint by Fausto Melotti—geometric symbols placed near a dry pond.}} There are also several indoor works on display in the town hall (Piazza 15 Gennaio 1968), including pieces by Carla Accardi, Gino Severini, and Arnaldo Pomodoro. The Grande Cretto by Alberto Burri lies about 20 km to the east of Gibellina, on the site of the old town destroyed by the 1968 earthquake. It is not walkable from the centre but can be reached by car via the SS188, which connects directly to the site. There is no local public transport, so visitors without a car should plan accordingly or arrange a taxi. [[File:Gibellina (IMG 20240318 131533).jpg|thumb|right|300px|Gibillina's "system of piazzas", a linear series of open squares framed by stark architectural structures.]] ==Do== Gibellina is best experienced as an open-air museum. Spend time walking through its geometric streets and public spaces, discovering dozens of contemporary art installations and architectural experiments. Check for seasonal exhibitions or cultural events hosted by the Fondazione Istituto di Alta Cultura – Orestiadi, especially in summer. ==Buy== Gibellina isn’t a major shopping destination, but visitors can find books, art catalogues, and exhibition-related items at the bookshop inside the Fondazione Orestiadi. Occasional art fairs, craft stalls, and cultural events may also offer handmade goods, ceramics, or locally produced items reflecting the town’s creative identity. * {{buy | name = Bookshop – Fondazione Orestiadi | lat = 37.8045 | long = 12.8730 | content = The foundation’s on-site bookshop offers exhibition catalogues, contemporary art books, and publications on Mediterranean culture, many of them related to the Orestiadi collection and Gibellina’s artistic history. }} ==Eat== There are a few local trattorias and bars in Gibellina Nuova offering Sicilian dishes, panini, and pastries. Expect simple menus focused on local ingredients. Dining options may be limited outside peak times, so plan accordingly or head to nearby towns like Santa Ninfa or Castelvetrano for more variety. [[File:Esterno chiesa madre di Gibellina.jpg|thumb|300px|The Mother Church (''Chiesa Madre'')]] ==Drink== Bars and cafes in Gibellina typically serve coffee, wine, aperitivi, and small snacks. Local wines from the Belìce Valley are worth trying, especially red blends and Nero d'Avola. Evening aperitivo is a relaxed time to enjoy the town’s public spaces. ==Sleep== Gibellina has limited accommodation—mostly small B&Bs or apartments. Advance booking is recommended, particularly during festivals or art events. For more options, nearby towns such as Santa Ninfa, Salemi, or Castelvetrano have hotels and agriturismi. ==Stay safe== Gibellina is generally quiet and safe. Be cautious on hot summer days, especially when exploring outdoor art installations—many are in exposed areas with little shade. Wear sunscreen, stay hydrated, and bring water if walking to more remote sites like the ''Grande Cretto''. ==Connect== Mobile coverage is good in most of the town. Free Wi-Fi may be available at the civic museum or within the Fondazione Orestiadi. Otherwise, check with your accommodation for internet access. ==Go next== Gibellina sits within reach of several of western Sicily’s most important historical and cultural destinations: * '''[[Segesta]]''' – One of Sicily’s best-preserved ancient sites, home to a majestic Doric temple and hillside theatre with sweeping views. Around 45 min by car. * '''[[Selinunte]]''' – A vast archaeological park along the coast, featuring sprawling temple ruins and ancient city remains. One of the most impressive classical sites in Europe. About 1 hr by car. * '''[[Erice]]''' – A walled medieval town perched on a mountain above Trapani. Known for its cobbled lanes, historic churches, and panoramic vistas, it also offers galleries and artisan workshops. Around 1 hr 15 min by car. {{IsPartOf|Trapani (province)}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|37.800|12.870}} rrt70yuuys42vze5k15o3nksprux7zd 5086631 5086629 2025-07-02T13:53:11Z Kned Wiki 2327203 /* Installations */ Removed Chin, repetitive 5086631 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Banner Piazza del Comune di Gibellina for WV.jpg}} '''Gibellina''' is a small city—and a living arts experiment—in [[Trapani (province)|Trapani province]], western Sicily. Rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in January 1968, Gibellina Nuova was masterplanned by avant-garde architects, sculptors, and artists who transformed its streets, plazas, and structures into vibrant expressions of modern art and architecture. [[File:Cretto di Burri 01.JPG|thumb|right|300px|Alberto Burri’s ''Cretto di Burri''—a stark white grid laid over the ruins of old Gibellina.]] Named Capital of Contemporary Art 2026, Gibellina stands out as one of Italy’s most distinctive cultural destinations. ==Understand== Gibellina is best known for the monumental Grande Cretto (Large Crack) by Alberto Burri—one of the world’s largest land‑art installations. Spanning over the ruins of the original town, this white‑concrete labyrinth memorial echoes the old street grid with deep fissures, serving as both elegy and architecture of memory. The original town, devastated by the 1968 earthquake, was relocated and rebuilt about 20km away. The new settlement was consciously designed with a butterfly‑shaped layout—two curved "wings" of housing flanking a central spine of civic spaces—planned by major architects like Marcello Fabbri, Oswald Mathias Ungers, and Ludovico Quaroni dicasainsicilia.com. This bold modernist design was intended to blend functional efficiency with public art, though it has been criticised for its scale and social detachment. == Get in == [[File:Teatro Consagra 1.jpg|thumb|300px|The Consagra Theatre]] ===By Car=== Gibellina is easily reached by car: * From '''Trapani''': ~48 km via the SS 188, about a 50-minute drive. * From '''Palermo''': Take the A29 toward Trapani, then SS 188 east; expect a journey of around 2 hours. Parking is available near the town centre and the Cretto di Burri site. ===By Bus=== Azienda Siciliana Trasporti provides a direct but infrequent bus service from Trapani to Gibellina, taking approximately 1 hour 12 minutes. ===By Train=== Regional trains (operated by Trenitalia) serve the Salemi–Gibellina station at the edge of Gibellina Nuova, with about five departures daily from Trapani. The scenic journey takes around 1 hour 44 minutes. The station is effectively within the town—it sits right at the western perimeter, making walking into the town centre easy == Get around == {{mapframe | 37.8096 | 12.8744 | zoom=14 | width=400 | align=right }} A distinctive feature of Gibellina’s urban design is the "system of piazzas", a linear series of open squares framed by stark architectural structures. The ensemble was designed by architects Franco Purini and Laura Thermes as part of the town’s reconstruction. Piazza XV Gennaio 1968 is the town’s main orientation point, home to the town hall and several art installations. Viale Belice runs alongside the square and ends at Piazza Joseph Beuys, where Pietro Consagra’s unfinished theatre stands. The plazas are: * {{marker|name=Piazza XV Gennaio 1968 |type=lime|lat=37.808831|long=12.872728}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Rivolta del 26 giugno 1937|type=lime|lat=37.807561|long=12.872787}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Fasci dei Lavoratori|type=lime|lat=37.807103|long=12.872186}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Monti di Gibellina|type=lime|lat=37.806567|long=12.871533}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Autonomia Siciliana|type=lime|lat=37.806119|long=12.870949}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Passo Portella delle Ginestre|type=lime|lat=37.805515|long=12.870056}} These plazas form a monumental architectural spine through the heart of Gibellina and reflect its vision as a living museum of modernist urbanism. ==See== Gibellina is often described as an open-air museum of contemporary art, where public spaces were designed as canvases for architectural and sculptural experimentation. Much of the town's post-1968 reconstruction involved leading artists and architects, whose works now shape its streets, piazzas, and skyline. From monumental land art to abstract installations and modernist churches, most sights are outdoors and within walking distance—though some lie further afield, such as Burri’s ''Grande Cretto''. ===Landmarks=== [[File:MAC Gibellina.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Ludovico Corrao.]] * {{see | name = Gibellina Town Hall | alt = Municipio di Gibellina | lat = 37.80883 | long = 12.87273 | content = Modern civic building (1972–84) by architects Giuseppe Samonà, Vittorio Gregotti, Gianni Pirrone and Alberto Samonà. It anchors the east–west axis of the “sistema delle piazze” and houses a gallery corridor featuring works by Gino Severini, Carla Accardi and Arnaldo Pomodoro. }} * {{see | name = Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC) | alt = Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Ludovico Corrao | lat = 37.81200 | long = 12.87486 | url = https://www.macgibellina.it/ | content = Civic museum housing one of Southern Italy’s largest collections of contemporary art (≈2,000 works by artists such as Schifano, Guttuso, and Paladino). Named after former mayor Ludovico Corrao, who spearheaded its creation to rebuild Gibellina through culture. }} * {{see | name = Mother Church | alt = Chiesa Madre | lat = 37.8057 | long = 12.8650 | content = Striking modernist church designed in 1972 by Ludovico Quaroni and Luisa Anversa, featuring a cubic base topped with a giant white sphere. Suffered roof collapse in 1994 and was restored for public opening in 2010. }} * {{see | name = Pietro Consagra Theatre | alt = Teatro di Pietro Consagra | lat = 37.808502 | long = 12.873694 | content = Elevated concrete theatre designed to span a roadway. Its long delay in completion (1980s–2020) made it a symbol of post-quake reconstruction struggles. }} [[File:Gibellina - Porta del Belice 0580.JPG|thumb|300px|Entrance Star to Belice]] * {{see | name = Entrance Star to Belice | alt = Stella d’ingresso al Belice | lat = 37.80325 | long = 12.87235 | content = A 26 m‑high stainless‑steel star "gateway" sculpture by Pietro Consagra (1981), located on the road into Gibellina Nuova. Created as a symbolic entrance and beacon of hope for the Belìce Valley following the 1968 earthquake. }} * {{see | name = Fondazione Istituto di Alta Cultura – Orestiadi | alt = Fondazione Orestiadi | url = https://www.fondazioneorestiadi.it/ | lat = 37.8045 | long = 12.8730 | content = A cultural foundation housed in the restored Baglio di Stefano. Its art trail features works by Paladino (including the “Mountain of Salt”), Pomodoro, Consagra, and others. }} * {{see | name = Lorenzo Milton Machado Palace | alt = Palazzo di Lorenzo Milton Machado | lat = 37.808486 | long = 12.874913 | content = Residential building designed by Francesco Venezia for artist Lorenzo Milton Machado. }} * {{see | name = Church of Saint Joseph | alt = Chiesa di San Giuseppe | lat = 37.8109545 | long = 12.8676275 | content = Smaller parish church serving the southern residential area. }} ===Installations=== * {{see | name = Aratro | lat = 37.808818 | long = 12.875309 | content = Bronze plough sculpture by Arnaldo Pomodoro, symbolising Gibellina’s agricultural past. }} * {{see | name = Untitled sculpture (Spagnulo) | lat = 37.806603 | long = 12.876755 | content = Abstract work by Giuseppe Spagnulo. }} * {{see | name = Ritmi spaziali | lat = 37.805139 | long = 12.876629 | content = 'Spatial Rhythms' by Carmelo Cappello—an abstract outdoor piece. }} [[File:Disco Solare (5223488084).jpg |thumb|300px|Solar Disc, an installation outside the town hall]] * {{see | name = Montagna di Sale | lat = 37.801752 | long = 12.882470 | content = 'Mountain of Salt' by Mimmo Paladino: a concrete mound with 30 wooden horses—a recurring motif in his work. }} * {{see | name = L’infinito della memoria | lat = 37.811049 | long = 12.874101 | content = 'Infinity of Memory' by Costas Varotsos. }} * {{see | name = Ascoltare | lat = 37.811928 | long = 12.875116 | content = 'Listening' by Giovanni Albanese, a sound-sensitive device sculpture inside the MAC.}} * {{see | name = La freccia indica l’ombra di una freccia | lat = 37.811716 | long = 12.875071 | content = Wall sculpture by Emilio Isgrò featuring opposing arrows and its own title as an inscription. }} * {{see | name = Labirinto | lat = 37.811366 | long = 12.873697 | content = Circular maze-like installation by Nino Franchina. }} * {{see | name = Fontana | lat = 37.813601 | long = 12.872539 | content = Sculptural fountain by Andrea Cascella. }} * {{see | name = Untitled sculpture | lat = 37.816209 | long = 12.869898 | content = Abstract work by Onhari, housed in a public building. }} * {{see | name = Ceramic panel | lat = 37.816238 | long = 12.870153 | content = Ceramic mural by Taiwanese artist Hsiao Chin. }} * {{see | name = Counterpoint | alt = Contrappunto | lat = 37.811860 | long = 12.867240 | content = Counterpoint by Fausto Melotti—geometric symbols placed near a dry pond.}} There are also several indoor works on display in the town hall (Piazza 15 Gennaio 1968), including pieces by Carla Accardi, Gino Severini, and Arnaldo Pomodoro. The Grande Cretto by Alberto Burri lies about 20 km to the east of Gibellina, on the site of the old town destroyed by the 1968 earthquake. It is not walkable from the centre but can be reached by car via the SS188, which connects directly to the site. There is no local public transport, so visitors without a car should plan accordingly or arrange a taxi. [[File:Gibellina (IMG 20240318 131533).jpg|thumb|right|300px|Gibillina's "system of piazzas", a linear series of open squares framed by stark architectural structures.]] ==Do== Gibellina is best experienced as an open-air museum. Spend time walking through its geometric streets and public spaces, discovering dozens of contemporary art installations and architectural experiments. Check for seasonal exhibitions or cultural events hosted by the Fondazione Istituto di Alta Cultura – Orestiadi, especially in summer. ==Buy== Gibellina isn’t a major shopping destination, but visitors can find books, art catalogues, and exhibition-related items at the bookshop inside the Fondazione Orestiadi. Occasional art fairs, craft stalls, and cultural events may also offer handmade goods, ceramics, or locally produced items reflecting the town’s creative identity. * {{buy | name = Bookshop – Fondazione Orestiadi | lat = 37.8045 | long = 12.8730 | content = The foundation’s on-site bookshop offers exhibition catalogues, contemporary art books, and publications on Mediterranean culture, many of them related to the Orestiadi collection and Gibellina’s artistic history. }} ==Eat== There are a few local trattorias and bars in Gibellina Nuova offering Sicilian dishes, panini, and pastries. Expect simple menus focused on local ingredients. Dining options may be limited outside peak times, so plan accordingly or head to nearby towns like Santa Ninfa or Castelvetrano for more variety. [[File:Esterno chiesa madre di Gibellina.jpg|thumb|300px|The Mother Church (''Chiesa Madre'')]] ==Drink== Bars and cafes in Gibellina typically serve coffee, wine, aperitivi, and small snacks. Local wines from the Belìce Valley are worth trying, especially red blends and Nero d'Avola. Evening aperitivo is a relaxed time to enjoy the town’s public spaces. ==Sleep== Gibellina has limited accommodation—mostly small B&Bs or apartments. Advance booking is recommended, particularly during festivals or art events. For more options, nearby towns such as Santa Ninfa, Salemi, or Castelvetrano have hotels and agriturismi. ==Stay safe== Gibellina is generally quiet and safe. Be cautious on hot summer days, especially when exploring outdoor art installations—many are in exposed areas with little shade. Wear sunscreen, stay hydrated, and bring water if walking to more remote sites like the ''Grande Cretto''. ==Connect== Mobile coverage is good in most of the town. Free Wi-Fi may be available at the civic museum or within the Fondazione Orestiadi. Otherwise, check with your accommodation for internet access. ==Go next== Gibellina sits within reach of several of western Sicily’s most important historical and cultural destinations: * '''[[Segesta]]''' – One of Sicily’s best-preserved ancient sites, home to a majestic Doric temple and hillside theatre with sweeping views. Around 45 min by car. * '''[[Selinunte]]''' – A vast archaeological park along the coast, featuring sprawling temple ruins and ancient city remains. One of the most impressive classical sites in Europe. About 1 hr by car. * '''[[Erice]]''' – A walled medieval town perched on a mountain above Trapani. Known for its cobbled lanes, historic churches, and panoramic vistas, it also offers galleries and artisan workshops. Around 1 hr 15 min by car. {{IsPartOf|Trapani (province)}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|37.800|12.870}} tcx2t713doskrmwcrr0xxeyvmfkl0c6 5086632 5086631 2025-07-02T13:55:20Z Kned Wiki 2327203 /* Installations */ Adding English title 5086632 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Banner Piazza del Comune di Gibellina for WV.jpg}} '''Gibellina''' is a small city—and a living arts experiment—in [[Trapani (province)|Trapani province]], western Sicily. Rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in January 1968, Gibellina Nuova was masterplanned by avant-garde architects, sculptors, and artists who transformed its streets, plazas, and structures into vibrant expressions of modern art and architecture. [[File:Cretto di Burri 01.JPG|thumb|right|300px|Alberto Burri’s ''Cretto di Burri''—a stark white grid laid over the ruins of old Gibellina.]] Named Capital of Contemporary Art 2026, Gibellina stands out as one of Italy’s most distinctive cultural destinations. ==Understand== Gibellina is best known for the monumental Grande Cretto (Large Crack) by Alberto Burri—one of the world’s largest land‑art installations. Spanning over the ruins of the original town, this white‑concrete labyrinth memorial echoes the old street grid with deep fissures, serving as both elegy and architecture of memory. The original town, devastated by the 1968 earthquake, was relocated and rebuilt about 20km away. The new settlement was consciously designed with a butterfly‑shaped layout—two curved "wings" of housing flanking a central spine of civic spaces—planned by major architects like Marcello Fabbri, Oswald Mathias Ungers, and Ludovico Quaroni dicasainsicilia.com. This bold modernist design was intended to blend functional efficiency with public art, though it has been criticised for its scale and social detachment. == Get in == [[File:Teatro Consagra 1.jpg|thumb|300px|The Consagra Theatre]] ===By Car=== Gibellina is easily reached by car: * From '''Trapani''': ~48 km via the SS 188, about a 50-minute drive. * From '''Palermo''': Take the A29 toward Trapani, then SS 188 east; expect a journey of around 2 hours. Parking is available near the town centre and the Cretto di Burri site. ===By Bus=== Azienda Siciliana Trasporti provides a direct but infrequent bus service from Trapani to Gibellina, taking approximately 1 hour 12 minutes. ===By Train=== Regional trains (operated by Trenitalia) serve the Salemi–Gibellina station at the edge of Gibellina Nuova, with about five departures daily from Trapani. The scenic journey takes around 1 hour 44 minutes. The station is effectively within the town—it sits right at the western perimeter, making walking into the town centre easy == Get around == {{mapframe | 37.8096 | 12.8744 | zoom=14 | width=400 | align=right }} A distinctive feature of Gibellina’s urban design is the "system of piazzas", a linear series of open squares framed by stark architectural structures. The ensemble was designed by architects Franco Purini and Laura Thermes as part of the town’s reconstruction. Piazza XV Gennaio 1968 is the town’s main orientation point, home to the town hall and several art installations. Viale Belice runs alongside the square and ends at Piazza Joseph Beuys, where Pietro Consagra’s unfinished theatre stands. The plazas are: * {{marker|name=Piazza XV Gennaio 1968 |type=lime|lat=37.808831|long=12.872728}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Rivolta del 26 giugno 1937|type=lime|lat=37.807561|long=12.872787}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Fasci dei Lavoratori|type=lime|lat=37.807103|long=12.872186}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Monti di Gibellina|type=lime|lat=37.806567|long=12.871533}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Autonomia Siciliana|type=lime|lat=37.806119|long=12.870949}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Passo Portella delle Ginestre|type=lime|lat=37.805515|long=12.870056}} These plazas form a monumental architectural spine through the heart of Gibellina and reflect its vision as a living museum of modernist urbanism. ==See== Gibellina is often described as an open-air museum of contemporary art, where public spaces were designed as canvases for architectural and sculptural experimentation. Much of the town's post-1968 reconstruction involved leading artists and architects, whose works now shape its streets, piazzas, and skyline. From monumental land art to abstract installations and modernist churches, most sights are outdoors and within walking distance—though some lie further afield, such as Burri’s ''Grande Cretto''. ===Landmarks=== [[File:MAC Gibellina.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Ludovico Corrao.]] * {{see | name = Gibellina Town Hall | alt = Municipio di Gibellina | lat = 37.80883 | long = 12.87273 | content = Modern civic building (1972–84) by architects Giuseppe Samonà, Vittorio Gregotti, Gianni Pirrone and Alberto Samonà. It anchors the east–west axis of the “sistema delle piazze” and houses a gallery corridor featuring works by Gino Severini, Carla Accardi and Arnaldo Pomodoro. }} * {{see | name = Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC) | alt = Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Ludovico Corrao | lat = 37.81200 | long = 12.87486 | url = https://www.macgibellina.it/ | content = Civic museum housing one of Southern Italy’s largest collections of contemporary art (≈2,000 works by artists such as Schifano, Guttuso, and Paladino). Named after former mayor Ludovico Corrao, who spearheaded its creation to rebuild Gibellina through culture. }} * {{see | name = Mother Church | alt = Chiesa Madre | lat = 37.8057 | long = 12.8650 | content = Striking modernist church designed in 1972 by Ludovico Quaroni and Luisa Anversa, featuring a cubic base topped with a giant white sphere. Suffered roof collapse in 1994 and was restored for public opening in 2010. }} * {{see | name = Pietro Consagra Theatre | alt = Teatro di Pietro Consagra | lat = 37.808502 | long = 12.873694 | content = Elevated concrete theatre designed to span a roadway. Its long delay in completion (1980s–2020) made it a symbol of post-quake reconstruction struggles. }} [[File:Gibellina - Porta del Belice 0580.JPG|thumb|300px|Entrance Star to Belice]] * {{see | name = Entrance Star to Belice | alt = Stella d’ingresso al Belice | lat = 37.80325 | long = 12.87235 | content = A 26 m‑high stainless‑steel star "gateway" sculpture by Pietro Consagra (1981), located on the road into Gibellina Nuova. Created as a symbolic entrance and beacon of hope for the Belìce Valley following the 1968 earthquake. }} * {{see | name = Fondazione Istituto di Alta Cultura – Orestiadi | alt = Fondazione Orestiadi | url = https://www.fondazioneorestiadi.it/ | lat = 37.8045 | long = 12.8730 | content = A cultural foundation housed in the restored Baglio di Stefano. Its art trail features works by Paladino (including the “Mountain of Salt”), Pomodoro, Consagra, and others. }} * {{see | name = Lorenzo Milton Machado Palace | alt = Palazzo di Lorenzo Milton Machado | lat = 37.808486 | long = 12.874913 | content = Residential building designed by Francesco Venezia for artist Lorenzo Milton Machado. }} * {{see | name = Church of Saint Joseph | alt = Chiesa di San Giuseppe | lat = 37.8109545 | long = 12.8676275 | content = Smaller parish church serving the southern residential area. }} ===Installations=== * {{see | name = Aratro | lat = 37.808818 | long = 12.875309 | content = Bronze plough sculpture by Arnaldo Pomodoro, symbolising Gibellina’s agricultural past. }} * {{see | name = Untitled sculpture | lat = 37.806603 | long = 12.876755 | content = Abstract work by Giuseppe Spagnulo. }} * {{see | name = Ritmi spaziali | lat = 37.805139 | long = 12.876629 | content = 'Spatial Rhythms' by Carmelo Cappello—an abstract outdoor piece. }} [[File:Disco Solare (5223488084).jpg |thumb|300px|Solar Disc, an installation outside the town hall]] * {{see | name = Montagna di Sale | lat = 37.801752 | long = 12.882470 | content = 'Mountain of Salt' by Mimmo Paladino: a concrete mound with 30 wooden horses—a recurring motif in his work. }} * {{see | name = The infinity of memory| alt = L’infinito della memoria | lat = 37.811049 | long = 12.874101 | content = 'Infinity of Memory' by Costas Varotsos. }} * {{see | name = Ascoltare | lat = 37.811928 | long = 12.875116 | content = 'Listening' by Giovanni Albanese, a sound-sensitive device sculpture inside the MAC.}} * {{see | name = La freccia indica l’ombra di una freccia | lat = 37.811716 | long = 12.875071 | content = Wall sculpture by Emilio Isgrò featuring opposing arrows and its own title as an inscription. }} * {{see | name = Labirinto | lat = 37.811366 | long = 12.873697 | content = Circular maze-like installation by Nino Franchina. }} * {{see | name = Fontana | lat = 37.813601 | long = 12.872539 | content = Sculptural fountain by Andrea Cascella. }} * {{see | name = Untitled sculpture | lat = 37.816209 | long = 12.869898 | content = Abstract work by Onhari, housed in a public building. }} * {{see | name = Ceramic panel | lat = 37.816238 | long = 12.870153 | content = Ceramic mural by Taiwanese artist Hsiao Chin. }} * {{see | name = Counterpoint | alt = Contrappunto | lat = 37.811860 | long = 12.867240 | content = Counterpoint by Fausto Melotti—geometric symbols placed near a dry pond.}} There are also several indoor works on display in the town hall (Piazza 15 Gennaio 1968), including pieces by Carla Accardi, Gino Severini, and Arnaldo Pomodoro. The Grande Cretto by Alberto Burri lies about 20 km to the east of Gibellina, on the site of the old town destroyed by the 1968 earthquake. It is not walkable from the centre but can be reached by car via the SS188, which connects directly to the site. There is no local public transport, so visitors without a car should plan accordingly or arrange a taxi. [[File:Gibellina (IMG 20240318 131533).jpg|thumb|right|300px|Gibillina's "system of piazzas", a linear series of open squares framed by stark architectural structures.]] ==Do== Gibellina is best experienced as an open-air museum. Spend time walking through its geometric streets and public spaces, discovering dozens of contemporary art installations and architectural experiments. Check for seasonal exhibitions or cultural events hosted by the Fondazione Istituto di Alta Cultura – Orestiadi, especially in summer. ==Buy== Gibellina isn’t a major shopping destination, but visitors can find books, art catalogues, and exhibition-related items at the bookshop inside the Fondazione Orestiadi. Occasional art fairs, craft stalls, and cultural events may also offer handmade goods, ceramics, or locally produced items reflecting the town’s creative identity. * {{buy | name = Bookshop – Fondazione Orestiadi | lat = 37.8045 | long = 12.8730 | content = The foundation’s on-site bookshop offers exhibition catalogues, contemporary art books, and publications on Mediterranean culture, many of them related to the Orestiadi collection and Gibellina’s artistic history. }} ==Eat== There are a few local trattorias and bars in Gibellina Nuova offering Sicilian dishes, panini, and pastries. Expect simple menus focused on local ingredients. Dining options may be limited outside peak times, so plan accordingly or head to nearby towns like Santa Ninfa or Castelvetrano for more variety. [[File:Esterno chiesa madre di Gibellina.jpg|thumb|300px|The Mother Church (''Chiesa Madre'')]] ==Drink== Bars and cafes in Gibellina typically serve coffee, wine, aperitivi, and small snacks. Local wines from the Belìce Valley are worth trying, especially red blends and Nero d'Avola. Evening aperitivo is a relaxed time to enjoy the town’s public spaces. ==Sleep== Gibellina has limited accommodation—mostly small B&Bs or apartments. Advance booking is recommended, particularly during festivals or art events. For more options, nearby towns such as Santa Ninfa, Salemi, or Castelvetrano have hotels and agriturismi. ==Stay safe== Gibellina is generally quiet and safe. Be cautious on hot summer days, especially when exploring outdoor art installations—many are in exposed areas with little shade. Wear sunscreen, stay hydrated, and bring water if walking to more remote sites like the ''Grande Cretto''. ==Connect== Mobile coverage is good in most of the town. Free Wi-Fi may be available at the civic museum or within the Fondazione Orestiadi. Otherwise, check with your accommodation for internet access. ==Go next== Gibellina sits within reach of several of western Sicily’s most important historical and cultural destinations: * '''[[Segesta]]''' – One of Sicily’s best-preserved ancient sites, home to a majestic Doric temple and hillside theatre with sweeping views. Around 45 min by car. * '''[[Selinunte]]''' – A vast archaeological park along the coast, featuring sprawling temple ruins and ancient city remains. One of the most impressive classical sites in Europe. About 1 hr by car. * '''[[Erice]]''' – A walled medieval town perched on a mountain above Trapani. Known for its cobbled lanes, historic churches, and panoramic vistas, it also offers galleries and artisan workshops. Around 1 hr 15 min by car. {{IsPartOf|Trapani (province)}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|37.800|12.870}} 8ujxmkk4aw7n4qpmtopj4yp6iio5sul 5086633 5086632 2025-07-02T13:58:57Z Kned Wiki 2327203 /* Installations */ Added English 5086633 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Banner Piazza del Comune di Gibellina for WV.jpg}} '''Gibellina''' is a small city—and a living arts experiment—in [[Trapani (province)|Trapani province]], western Sicily. Rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in January 1968, Gibellina Nuova was masterplanned by avant-garde architects, sculptors, and artists who transformed its streets, plazas, and structures into vibrant expressions of modern art and architecture. [[File:Cretto di Burri 01.JPG|thumb|right|300px|Alberto Burri’s ''Cretto di Burri''—a stark white grid laid over the ruins of old Gibellina.]] Named Capital of Contemporary Art 2026, Gibellina stands out as one of Italy’s most distinctive cultural destinations. ==Understand== Gibellina is best known for the monumental Grande Cretto (Large Crack) by Alberto Burri—one of the world’s largest land‑art installations. Spanning over the ruins of the original town, this white‑concrete labyrinth memorial echoes the old street grid with deep fissures, serving as both elegy and architecture of memory. The original town, devastated by the 1968 earthquake, was relocated and rebuilt about 20km away. The new settlement was consciously designed with a butterfly‑shaped layout—two curved "wings" of housing flanking a central spine of civic spaces—planned by major architects like Marcello Fabbri, Oswald Mathias Ungers, and Ludovico Quaroni dicasainsicilia.com. This bold modernist design was intended to blend functional efficiency with public art, though it has been criticised for its scale and social detachment. == Get in == [[File:Teatro Consagra 1.jpg|thumb|300px|The Consagra Theatre]] ===By Car=== Gibellina is easily reached by car: * From '''Trapani''': ~48 km via the SS 188, about a 50-minute drive. * From '''Palermo''': Take the A29 toward Trapani, then SS 188 east; expect a journey of around 2 hours. Parking is available near the town centre and the Cretto di Burri site. ===By Bus=== Azienda Siciliana Trasporti provides a direct but infrequent bus service from Trapani to Gibellina, taking approximately 1 hour 12 minutes. ===By Train=== Regional trains (operated by Trenitalia) serve the Salemi–Gibellina station at the edge of Gibellina Nuova, with about five departures daily from Trapani. The scenic journey takes around 1 hour 44 minutes. The station is effectively within the town—it sits right at the western perimeter, making walking into the town centre easy == Get around == {{mapframe | 37.8096 | 12.8744 | zoom=14 | width=400 | align=right }} A distinctive feature of Gibellina’s urban design is the "system of piazzas", a linear series of open squares framed by stark architectural structures. The ensemble was designed by architects Franco Purini and Laura Thermes as part of the town’s reconstruction. Piazza XV Gennaio 1968 is the town’s main orientation point, home to the town hall and several art installations. Viale Belice runs alongside the square and ends at Piazza Joseph Beuys, where Pietro Consagra’s unfinished theatre stands. The plazas are: * {{marker|name=Piazza XV Gennaio 1968 |type=lime|lat=37.808831|long=12.872728}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Rivolta del 26 giugno 1937|type=lime|lat=37.807561|long=12.872787}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Fasci dei Lavoratori|type=lime|lat=37.807103|long=12.872186}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Monti di Gibellina|type=lime|lat=37.806567|long=12.871533}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Autonomia Siciliana|type=lime|lat=37.806119|long=12.870949}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Passo Portella delle Ginestre|type=lime|lat=37.805515|long=12.870056}} These plazas form a monumental architectural spine through the heart of Gibellina and reflect its vision as a living museum of modernist urbanism. ==See== Gibellina is often described as an open-air museum of contemporary art, where public spaces were designed as canvases for architectural and sculptural experimentation. Much of the town's post-1968 reconstruction involved leading artists and architects, whose works now shape its streets, piazzas, and skyline. From monumental land art to abstract installations and modernist churches, most sights are outdoors and within walking distance—though some lie further afield, such as Burri’s ''Grande Cretto''. ===Landmarks=== [[File:MAC Gibellina.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Ludovico Corrao.]] * {{see | name = Gibellina Town Hall | alt = Municipio di Gibellina | lat = 37.80883 | long = 12.87273 | content = Modern civic building (1972–84) by architects Giuseppe Samonà, Vittorio Gregotti, Gianni Pirrone and Alberto Samonà. It anchors the east–west axis of the “sistema delle piazze” and houses a gallery corridor featuring works by Gino Severini, Carla Accardi and Arnaldo Pomodoro. }} * {{see | name = Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC) | alt = Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Ludovico Corrao | lat = 37.81200 | long = 12.87486 | url = https://www.macgibellina.it/ | content = Civic museum housing one of Southern Italy’s largest collections of contemporary art (≈2,000 works by artists such as Schifano, Guttuso, and Paladino). Named after former mayor Ludovico Corrao, who spearheaded its creation to rebuild Gibellina through culture. }} * {{see | name = Mother Church | alt = Chiesa Madre | lat = 37.8057 | long = 12.8650 | content = Striking modernist church designed in 1972 by Ludovico Quaroni and Luisa Anversa, featuring a cubic base topped with a giant white sphere. Suffered roof collapse in 1994 and was restored for public opening in 2010. }} * {{see | name = Pietro Consagra Theatre | alt = Teatro di Pietro Consagra | lat = 37.808502 | long = 12.873694 | content = Elevated concrete theatre designed to span a roadway. Its long delay in completion (1980s–2020) made it a symbol of post-quake reconstruction struggles. }} [[File:Gibellina - Porta del Belice 0580.JPG|thumb|300px|Entrance Star to Belice]] * {{see | name = Entrance Star to Belice | alt = Stella d’ingresso al Belice | lat = 37.80325 | long = 12.87235 | content = A 26 m‑high stainless‑steel star "gateway" sculpture by Pietro Consagra (1981), located on the road into Gibellina Nuova. Created as a symbolic entrance and beacon of hope for the Belìce Valley following the 1968 earthquake. }} * {{see | name = Fondazione Istituto di Alta Cultura – Orestiadi | alt = Fondazione Orestiadi | url = https://www.fondazioneorestiadi.it/ | lat = 37.8045 | long = 12.8730 | content = A cultural foundation housed in the restored Baglio di Stefano. Its art trail features works by Paladino (including the “Mountain of Salt”), Pomodoro, Consagra, and others. }} * {{see | name = Lorenzo Milton Machado Palace | alt = Palazzo di Lorenzo Milton Machado | lat = 37.808486 | long = 12.874913 | content = Residential building designed by Francesco Venezia for artist Lorenzo Milton Machado. }} * {{see | name = Church of Saint Joseph | alt = Chiesa di San Giuseppe | lat = 37.8109545 | long = 12.8676275 | content = Smaller parish church serving the southern residential area. }} ===Installations=== * {{see | name = Aratro | lat = 37.808818 | long = 12.875309 | content = Bronze plough sculpture by Arnaldo Pomodoro, symbolising Gibellina’s agricultural past. }} * {{see | name = Untitled sculpture | lat = 37.806603 | long = 12.876755 | content = Abstract work by Giuseppe Spagnulo. }} * {{see | name = Spacial Rhythms| alt = Ritmi spaziali | lat = 37.805139 | long = 12.876629 | content = Spatial Rhythms by Carmelo Cappello—an abstract outdoor piece. }} [[File:Disco Solare (5223488084).jpg |thumb|300px|Solar Disc, an installation outside the town hall]] * {{see | name = Mountain of Salt| alt = Montagna di Sale | lat = 37.801752 | long = 12.882470 | content = Mountain of Salt by Mimmo Paladino: a concrete mound with 30 wooden horses—a recurring motif in his work. }} * {{see | name = The infinity of memory| alt = L’infinito della memoria | lat = 37.811049 | long = 12.874101 | content = Infinity of Memory by Costas Varotsos. }} * {{see | name = Listening| alt = Ascoltare | lat = 37.811928 | long = 12.875116 | content = Listening by Giovanni Albanese, a sound-sensitive device sculpture inside the MAC.}} * {{see | name = The arrow points to the shadow of an arrow| alt = La freccia indica l’ombra di una freccia | lat = 37.811716 | long = 12.875071 | content = Wall sculpture by Emilio Isgrò featuring opposing arrows and its own title as an inscription. }} * {{see | name = Labirinto | lat = 37.811366 | long = 12.873697 | content = Circular maze-like installation by Nino Franchina. }} * {{see | name = Fontana | lat = 37.813601 | long = 12.872539 | content = Sculptural fountain by Andrea Cascella. }} * {{see | name = Untitled sculpture | lat = 37.816209 | long = 12.869898 | content = Abstract work by Onhari, housed in a public building. }} * {{see | name = Ceramic panel | lat = 37.816238 | long = 12.870153 | content = Ceramic mural by Taiwanese artist Hsiao Chin. }} * {{see | name = Counterpoint | alt = Contrappunto | lat = 37.811860 | long = 12.867240 | content = Counterpoint by Fausto Melotti—geometric symbols placed near a dry pond.}} There are also several indoor works on display in the town hall (Piazza 15 Gennaio 1968), including pieces by Carla Accardi, Gino Severini, and Arnaldo Pomodoro. The Grande Cretto by Alberto Burri lies about 20 km to the east of Gibellina, on the site of the old town destroyed by the 1968 earthquake. It is not walkable from the centre but can be reached by car via the SS188, which connects directly to the site. There is no local public transport, so visitors without a car should plan accordingly or arrange a taxi. [[File:Gibellina (IMG 20240318 131533).jpg|thumb|right|300px|Gibillina's "system of piazzas", a linear series of open squares framed by stark architectural structures.]] ==Do== Gibellina is best experienced as an open-air museum. Spend time walking through its geometric streets and public spaces, discovering dozens of contemporary art installations and architectural experiments. Check for seasonal exhibitions or cultural events hosted by the Fondazione Istituto di Alta Cultura – Orestiadi, especially in summer. ==Buy== Gibellina isn’t a major shopping destination, but visitors can find books, art catalogues, and exhibition-related items at the bookshop inside the Fondazione Orestiadi. Occasional art fairs, craft stalls, and cultural events may also offer handmade goods, ceramics, or locally produced items reflecting the town’s creative identity. * {{buy | name = Bookshop – Fondazione Orestiadi | lat = 37.8045 | long = 12.8730 | content = The foundation’s on-site bookshop offers exhibition catalogues, contemporary art books, and publications on Mediterranean culture, many of them related to the Orestiadi collection and Gibellina’s artistic history. }} ==Eat== There are a few local trattorias and bars in Gibellina Nuova offering Sicilian dishes, panini, and pastries. Expect simple menus focused on local ingredients. Dining options may be limited outside peak times, so plan accordingly or head to nearby towns like Santa Ninfa or Castelvetrano for more variety. [[File:Esterno chiesa madre di Gibellina.jpg|thumb|300px|The Mother Church (''Chiesa Madre'')]] ==Drink== Bars and cafes in Gibellina typically serve coffee, wine, aperitivi, and small snacks. Local wines from the Belìce Valley are worth trying, especially red blends and Nero d'Avola. Evening aperitivo is a relaxed time to enjoy the town’s public spaces. ==Sleep== Gibellina has limited accommodation—mostly small B&Bs or apartments. Advance booking is recommended, particularly during festivals or art events. For more options, nearby towns such as Santa Ninfa, Salemi, or Castelvetrano have hotels and agriturismi. ==Stay safe== Gibellina is generally quiet and safe. Be cautious on hot summer days, especially when exploring outdoor art installations—many are in exposed areas with little shade. Wear sunscreen, stay hydrated, and bring water if walking to more remote sites like the ''Grande Cretto''. ==Connect== Mobile coverage is good in most of the town. Free Wi-Fi may be available at the civic museum or within the Fondazione Orestiadi. Otherwise, check with your accommodation for internet access. ==Go next== Gibellina sits within reach of several of western Sicily’s most important historical and cultural destinations: * '''[[Segesta]]''' – One of Sicily’s best-preserved ancient sites, home to a majestic Doric temple and hillside theatre with sweeping views. Around 45 min by car. * '''[[Selinunte]]''' – A vast archaeological park along the coast, featuring sprawling temple ruins and ancient city remains. One of the most impressive classical sites in Europe. About 1 hr by car. * '''[[Erice]]''' – A walled medieval town perched on a mountain above Trapani. Known for its cobbled lanes, historic churches, and panoramic vistas, it also offers galleries and artisan workshops. Around 1 hr 15 min by car. {{IsPartOf|Trapani (province)}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|37.800|12.870}} eb3ws5r9zbdusznfpo8n01u15wba4dn 5086636 5086633 2025-07-02T14:06:17Z Kned Wiki 2327203 /* Landmarks */ changed fondazione's coords 5086636 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Banner Piazza del Comune di Gibellina for WV.jpg}} '''Gibellina''' is a small city—and a living arts experiment—in [[Trapani (province)|Trapani province]], western Sicily. Rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in January 1968, Gibellina Nuova was masterplanned by avant-garde architects, sculptors, and artists who transformed its streets, plazas, and structures into vibrant expressions of modern art and architecture. [[File:Cretto di Burri 01.JPG|thumb|right|300px|Alberto Burri’s ''Cretto di Burri''—a stark white grid laid over the ruins of old Gibellina.]] Named Capital of Contemporary Art 2026, Gibellina stands out as one of Italy’s most distinctive cultural destinations. ==Understand== Gibellina is best known for the monumental Grande Cretto (Large Crack) by Alberto Burri—one of the world’s largest land‑art installations. Spanning over the ruins of the original town, this white‑concrete labyrinth memorial echoes the old street grid with deep fissures, serving as both elegy and architecture of memory. The original town, devastated by the 1968 earthquake, was relocated and rebuilt about 20km away. The new settlement was consciously designed with a butterfly‑shaped layout—two curved "wings" of housing flanking a central spine of civic spaces—planned by major architects like Marcello Fabbri, Oswald Mathias Ungers, and Ludovico Quaroni dicasainsicilia.com. This bold modernist design was intended to blend functional efficiency with public art, though it has been criticised for its scale and social detachment. == Get in == [[File:Teatro Consagra 1.jpg|thumb|300px|The Consagra Theatre]] ===By Car=== Gibellina is easily reached by car: * From '''Trapani''': ~48 km via the SS 188, about a 50-minute drive. * From '''Palermo''': Take the A29 toward Trapani, then SS 188 east; expect a journey of around 2 hours. Parking is available near the town centre and the Cretto di Burri site. ===By Bus=== Azienda Siciliana Trasporti provides a direct but infrequent bus service from Trapani to Gibellina, taking approximately 1 hour 12 minutes. ===By Train=== Regional trains (operated by Trenitalia) serve the Salemi–Gibellina station at the edge of Gibellina Nuova, with about five departures daily from Trapani. The scenic journey takes around 1 hour 44 minutes. The station is effectively within the town—it sits right at the western perimeter, making walking into the town centre easy == Get around == {{mapframe | 37.8096 | 12.8744 | zoom=14 | width=400 | align=right }} A distinctive feature of Gibellina’s urban design is the "system of piazzas", a linear series of open squares framed by stark architectural structures. The ensemble was designed by architects Franco Purini and Laura Thermes as part of the town’s reconstruction. Piazza XV Gennaio 1968 is the town’s main orientation point, home to the town hall and several art installations. Viale Belice runs alongside the square and ends at Piazza Joseph Beuys, where Pietro Consagra’s unfinished theatre stands. The plazas are: * {{marker|name=Piazza XV Gennaio 1968 |type=lime|lat=37.808831|long=12.872728}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Rivolta del 26 giugno 1937|type=lime|lat=37.807561|long=12.872787}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Fasci dei Lavoratori|type=lime|lat=37.807103|long=12.872186}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Monti di Gibellina|type=lime|lat=37.806567|long=12.871533}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Autonomia Siciliana|type=lime|lat=37.806119|long=12.870949}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Passo Portella delle Ginestre|type=lime|lat=37.805515|long=12.870056}} These plazas form a monumental architectural spine through the heart of Gibellina and reflect its vision as a living museum of modernist urbanism. ==See== Gibellina is often described as an open-air museum of contemporary art, where public spaces were designed as canvases for architectural and sculptural experimentation. Much of the town's post-1968 reconstruction involved leading artists and architects, whose works now shape its streets, piazzas, and skyline. From monumental land art to abstract installations and modernist churches, most sights are outdoors and within walking distance—though some lie further afield, such as Burri’s ''Grande Cretto''. ===Landmarks=== [[File:MAC Gibellina.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Ludovico Corrao.]] * {{see | name = Gibellina Town Hall | alt = Municipio di Gibellina | lat = 37.80883 | long = 12.87273 | content = Modern civic building (1972–84) by architects Giuseppe Samonà, Vittorio Gregotti, Gianni Pirrone and Alberto Samonà. It anchors the east–west axis of the “sistema delle piazze” and houses a gallery corridor featuring works by Gino Severini, Carla Accardi and Arnaldo Pomodoro. }} * {{see | name = Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC) | alt = Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Ludovico Corrao | lat = 37.81200 | long = 12.87486 | url = https://www.macgibellina.it/ | content = Civic museum housing one of Southern Italy’s largest collections of contemporary art (≈2,000 works by artists such as Schifano, Guttuso, and Paladino). Named after former mayor Ludovico Corrao, who spearheaded its creation to rebuild Gibellina through culture. }} * {{see | name = Mother Church | alt = Chiesa Madre | lat = 37.8057 | long = 12.8650 | content = Striking modernist church designed in 1972 by Ludovico Quaroni and Luisa Anversa, featuring a cubic base topped with a giant white sphere. Suffered roof collapse in 1994 and was restored for public opening in 2010. }} * {{see | name = Pietro Consagra Theatre | alt = Teatro di Pietro Consagra | lat = 37.808502 | long = 12.873694 | content = Elevated concrete theatre designed to span a roadway. Its long delay in completion (1980s–2020) made it a symbol of post-quake reconstruction struggles. }} [[File:Gibellina - Porta del Belice 0580.JPG|thumb|300px|Entrance Star to Belice]] * {{see | name = Entrance Star to Belice | alt = Stella d’ingresso al Belice | lat = 37.80325 | long = 12.87235 | content = A 26 m‑high stainless‑steel star "gateway" sculpture by Pietro Consagra (1981), located on the road into Gibellina Nuova. Created as a symbolic entrance and beacon of hope for the Belìce Valley following the 1968 earthquake. }} * {{see | name = Fondazione Istituto di Alta Cultura – Orestiadi | alt = Fondazione Orestiadi | url = https://www.fondazioneorestiadi.it/ | lat = 37.80213 | long = 12.8816 | content = A cultural foundation housed in the restored Baglio di Stefano. Its art trail features works by Paladino (including the “Mountain of Salt”), Pomodoro, Consagra, and others. }} * {{see | name = Lorenzo Milton Machado Palace | alt = Palazzo di Lorenzo Milton Machado | lat = 37.808486 | long = 12.874913 | content = Residential building designed by Francesco Venezia for artist Lorenzo Milton Machado. }} * {{see | name = Church of Saint Joseph | alt = Chiesa di San Giuseppe | lat = 37.8109545 | long = 12.8676275 | content = Smaller parish church serving the southern residential area. }} ===Installations=== * {{see | name = Aratro | lat = 37.808818 | long = 12.875309 | content = Bronze plough sculpture by Arnaldo Pomodoro, symbolising Gibellina’s agricultural past. }} * {{see | name = Untitled sculpture | lat = 37.806603 | long = 12.876755 | content = Abstract work by Giuseppe Spagnulo. }} * {{see | name = Spacial Rhythms| alt = Ritmi spaziali | lat = 37.805139 | long = 12.876629 | content = Spatial Rhythms by Carmelo Cappello—an abstract outdoor piece. }} [[File:Disco Solare (5223488084).jpg |thumb|300px|Solar Disc, an installation outside the town hall]] * {{see | name = Mountain of Salt| alt = Montagna di Sale | lat = 37.801752 | long = 12.882470 | content = Mountain of Salt by Mimmo Paladino: a concrete mound with 30 wooden horses—a recurring motif in his work. }} * {{see | name = The infinity of memory| alt = L’infinito della memoria | lat = 37.811049 | long = 12.874101 | content = Infinity of Memory by Costas Varotsos. }} * {{see | name = Listening| alt = Ascoltare | lat = 37.811928 | long = 12.875116 | content = Listening by Giovanni Albanese, a sound-sensitive device sculpture inside the MAC.}} * {{see | name = The arrow points to the shadow of an arrow| alt = La freccia indica l’ombra di una freccia | lat = 37.811716 | long = 12.875071 | content = Wall sculpture by Emilio Isgrò featuring opposing arrows and its own title as an inscription. }} * {{see | name = Labirinto | lat = 37.811366 | long = 12.873697 | content = Circular maze-like installation by Nino Franchina. }} * {{see | name = Fontana | lat = 37.813601 | long = 12.872539 | content = Sculptural fountain by Andrea Cascella. }} * {{see | name = Untitled sculpture | lat = 37.816209 | long = 12.869898 | content = Abstract work by Onhari, housed in a public building. }} * {{see | name = Ceramic panel | lat = 37.816238 | long = 12.870153 | content = Ceramic mural by Taiwanese artist Hsiao Chin. }} * {{see | name = Counterpoint | alt = Contrappunto | lat = 37.811860 | long = 12.867240 | content = Counterpoint by Fausto Melotti—geometric symbols placed near a dry pond.}} There are also several indoor works on display in the town hall (Piazza 15 Gennaio 1968), including pieces by Carla Accardi, Gino Severini, and Arnaldo Pomodoro. The Grande Cretto by Alberto Burri lies about 20 km to the east of Gibellina, on the site of the old town destroyed by the 1968 earthquake. It is not walkable from the centre but can be reached by car via the SS188, which connects directly to the site. There is no local public transport, so visitors without a car should plan accordingly or arrange a taxi. [[File:Gibellina (IMG 20240318 131533).jpg|thumb|right|300px|Gibillina's "system of piazzas", a linear series of open squares framed by stark architectural structures.]] ==Do== Gibellina is best experienced as an open-air museum. Spend time walking through its geometric streets and public spaces, discovering dozens of contemporary art installations and architectural experiments. Check for seasonal exhibitions or cultural events hosted by the Fondazione Istituto di Alta Cultura – Orestiadi, especially in summer. ==Buy== Gibellina isn’t a major shopping destination, but visitors can find books, art catalogues, and exhibition-related items at the bookshop inside the Fondazione Orestiadi. Occasional art fairs, craft stalls, and cultural events may also offer handmade goods, ceramics, or locally produced items reflecting the town’s creative identity. * {{buy | name = Bookshop – Fondazione Orestiadi | lat = 37.8045 | long = 12.8730 | content = The foundation’s on-site bookshop offers exhibition catalogues, contemporary art books, and publications on Mediterranean culture, many of them related to the Orestiadi collection and Gibellina’s artistic history. }} ==Eat== There are a few local trattorias and bars in Gibellina Nuova offering Sicilian dishes, panini, and pastries. Expect simple menus focused on local ingredients. Dining options may be limited outside peak times, so plan accordingly or head to nearby towns like Santa Ninfa or Castelvetrano for more variety. [[File:Esterno chiesa madre di Gibellina.jpg|thumb|300px|The Mother Church (''Chiesa Madre'')]] ==Drink== Bars and cafes in Gibellina typically serve coffee, wine, aperitivi, and small snacks. Local wines from the Belìce Valley are worth trying, especially red blends and Nero d'Avola. Evening aperitivo is a relaxed time to enjoy the town’s public spaces. ==Sleep== Gibellina has limited accommodation—mostly small B&Bs or apartments. Advance booking is recommended, particularly during festivals or art events. For more options, nearby towns such as Santa Ninfa, Salemi, or Castelvetrano have hotels and agriturismi. ==Stay safe== Gibellina is generally quiet and safe. Be cautious on hot summer days, especially when exploring outdoor art installations—many are in exposed areas with little shade. Wear sunscreen, stay hydrated, and bring water if walking to more remote sites like the ''Grande Cretto''. ==Connect== Mobile coverage is good in most of the town. Free Wi-Fi may be available at the civic museum or within the Fondazione Orestiadi. Otherwise, check with your accommodation for internet access. ==Go next== Gibellina sits within reach of several of western Sicily’s most important historical and cultural destinations: * '''[[Segesta]]''' – One of Sicily’s best-preserved ancient sites, home to a majestic Doric temple and hillside theatre with sweeping views. Around 45 min by car. * '''[[Selinunte]]''' – A vast archaeological park along the coast, featuring sprawling temple ruins and ancient city remains. One of the most impressive classical sites in Europe. About 1 hr by car. * '''[[Erice]]''' – A walled medieval town perched on a mountain above Trapani. Known for its cobbled lanes, historic churches, and panoramic vistas, it also offers galleries and artisan workshops. Around 1 hr 15 min by car. {{IsPartOf|Trapani (province)}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|37.800|12.870}} i9g8gzqrk4x9uiuymxd7jc3qyyjl4hh 5086655 5086636 2025-07-02T14:41:14Z Kned Wiki 2327203 /* Landmarks */ Added italics to alt, not sure why they're not displaying properly 5086655 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Banner Piazza del Comune di Gibellina for WV.jpg}} '''Gibellina''' is a small city—and a living arts experiment—in [[Trapani (province)|Trapani province]], western Sicily. Rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in January 1968, Gibellina Nuova was masterplanned by avant-garde architects, sculptors, and artists who transformed its streets, plazas, and structures into vibrant expressions of modern art and architecture. [[File:Cretto di Burri 01.JPG|thumb|right|300px|Alberto Burri’s ''Cretto di Burri''—a stark white grid laid over the ruins of old Gibellina.]] Named Capital of Contemporary Art 2026, Gibellina stands out as one of Italy’s most distinctive cultural destinations. ==Understand== Gibellina is best known for the monumental Grande Cretto (Large Crack) by Alberto Burri—one of the world’s largest land‑art installations. Spanning over the ruins of the original town, this white‑concrete labyrinth memorial echoes the old street grid with deep fissures, serving as both elegy and architecture of memory. The original town, devastated by the 1968 earthquake, was relocated and rebuilt about 20km away. The new settlement was consciously designed with a butterfly‑shaped layout—two curved "wings" of housing flanking a central spine of civic spaces—planned by major architects like Marcello Fabbri, Oswald Mathias Ungers, and Ludovico Quaroni dicasainsicilia.com. This bold modernist design was intended to blend functional efficiency with public art, though it has been criticised for its scale and social detachment. == Get in == [[File:Teatro Consagra 1.jpg|thumb|300px|The Consagra Theatre]] ===By Car=== Gibellina is easily reached by car: * From '''Trapani''': ~48 km via the SS 188, about a 50-minute drive. * From '''Palermo''': Take the A29 toward Trapani, then SS 188 east; expect a journey of around 2 hours. Parking is available near the town centre and the Cretto di Burri site. ===By Bus=== Azienda Siciliana Trasporti provides a direct but infrequent bus service from Trapani to Gibellina, taking approximately 1 hour 12 minutes. ===By Train=== Regional trains (operated by Trenitalia) serve the Salemi–Gibellina station at the edge of Gibellina Nuova, with about five departures daily from Trapani. The scenic journey takes around 1 hour 44 minutes. The station is effectively within the town—it sits right at the western perimeter, making walking into the town centre easy == Get around == {{mapframe | 37.8096 | 12.8744 | zoom=14 | width=400 | align=right }} A distinctive feature of Gibellina’s urban design is the "system of piazzas", a linear series of open squares framed by stark architectural structures. The ensemble was designed by architects Franco Purini and Laura Thermes as part of the town’s reconstruction. Piazza XV Gennaio 1968 is the town’s main orientation point, home to the town hall and several art installations. Viale Belice runs alongside the square and ends at Piazza Joseph Beuys, where Pietro Consagra’s unfinished theatre stands. The plazas are: * {{marker|name=Piazza XV Gennaio 1968 |type=lime|lat=37.808831|long=12.872728}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Rivolta del 26 giugno 1937|type=lime|lat=37.807561|long=12.872787}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Fasci dei Lavoratori|type=lime|lat=37.807103|long=12.872186}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Monti di Gibellina|type=lime|lat=37.806567|long=12.871533}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Autonomia Siciliana|type=lime|lat=37.806119|long=12.870949}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Passo Portella delle Ginestre|type=lime|lat=37.805515|long=12.870056}} These plazas form a monumental architectural spine through the heart of Gibellina and reflect its vision as a living museum of modernist urbanism. ==See== Gibellina is often described as an open-air museum of contemporary art, where public spaces were designed as canvases for architectural and sculptural experimentation. Much of the town's post-1968 reconstruction involved leading artists and architects, whose works now shape its streets, piazzas, and skyline. From monumental land art to abstract installations and modernist churches, most sights are outdoors and within walking distance—though some lie further afield, such as Burri’s ''Grande Cretto''. ===Landmarks=== [[File:MAC Gibellina.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Ludovico Corrao.]] * {{see | name = Gibellina Town Hall | alt = Municipio di Gibellina | lat = 37.80883 | long = 12.87273 | content = Modern civic building (1972–84) by architects Giuseppe Samonà, Vittorio Gregotti, Gianni Pirrone and Alberto Samonà. It anchors the east–west axis of the “sistema delle piazze” and houses a gallery corridor featuring works by Gino Severini, Carla Accardi and Arnaldo Pomodoro. }} * {{see | name = Museum of Contemporary Art | alt = ''Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Ludovico Corrao'' | lat = 37.81200 | long = 12.87486 | url = https://www.macgibellina.it/ | content = The museum, also known as MAC, houses one of Southern Italy’s largest collections of contemporary art (≈2,000 works by artists such as Schifano, Guttuso, and Paladino). Named after former mayor Ludovico Corrao, who spearheaded its creation to rebuild Gibellina through culture. }} * {{see | name = Mother Church | alt = Chiesa Madre | lat = 37.8057 | long = 12.8650 | content = Striking modernist church designed in 1972 by Ludovico Quaroni and Luisa Anversa, featuring a cubic base topped with a giant white sphere. Suffered roof collapse in 1994 and was restored for public opening in 2010. }} * {{see | name = Pietro Consagra Theatre | alt = Teatro di Pietro Consagra | lat = 37.808502 | long = 12.873694 | content = Elevated concrete theatre designed to span a roadway. Its long delay in completion (1980s–2020) made it a symbol of post-quake reconstruction struggles. }} [[File:Gibellina - Porta del Belice 0580.JPG|thumb|300px|Entrance Star to Belice]] * {{see | name = Entrance Star to Belice | alt = ''Stella d’ingresso al Belice'' | lat = 37.80325 | long = 12.87235 | content = A 26 m‑high stainless‑steel star "gateway" sculpture by Pietro Consagra (1981), located on the road into Gibellina Nuova. Created as a symbolic entrance and beacon of hope for the Belìce Valley following the 1968 earthquake. }} * {{see | name = Fondazione Istituto di Alta Cultura – Orestiadi | alt = Fondazione Orestiadi | url = https://www.fondazioneorestiadi.it/ | lat = 37.80213 | long = 12.8816 | content = A cultural foundation housed in the restored Baglio di Stefano. Its art trail features works by Paladino (including the “Mountain of Salt”), Pomodoro, Consagra, and others. }} * {{see | name = Lorenzo Milton Machado Palace | alt = Palazzo di Lorenzo Milton Machado | lat = 37.808486 | long = 12.874913 | content = Residential building designed by Francesco Venezia for artist Lorenzo Milton Machado. }} * {{see | name = Church of Saint Joseph | alt = Chiesa di San Giuseppe | lat = 37.8109545 | long = 12.8676275 | content = Smaller parish church serving the southern residential area. }} ===Installations=== * {{see | name = Aratro | lat = 37.808818 | long = 12.875309 | content = Bronze plough sculpture by Arnaldo Pomodoro, symbolising Gibellina’s agricultural past. }} * {{see | name = Untitled sculpture | lat = 37.806603 | long = 12.876755 | content = Abstract work by Giuseppe Spagnulo. }} * {{see | name = Spacial Rhythms| alt = Ritmi spaziali | lat = 37.805139 | long = 12.876629 | content = Spatial Rhythms by Carmelo Cappello—an abstract outdoor piece. }} [[File:Disco Solare (5223488084).jpg |thumb|300px|Solar Disc, an installation outside the town hall]] * {{see | name = Mountain of Salt| alt = Montagna di Sale | lat = 37.801752 | long = 12.882470 | content = Mountain of Salt by Mimmo Paladino: a concrete mound with 30 wooden horses—a recurring motif in his work. }} * {{see | name = The infinity of memory| alt = L’infinito della memoria | lat = 37.811049 | long = 12.874101 | content = Infinity of Memory by Costas Varotsos. }} * {{see | name = Listening| alt = Ascoltare | lat = 37.811928 | long = 12.875116 | content = Listening by Giovanni Albanese, a sound-sensitive device sculpture inside the MAC.}} * {{see | name = The arrow points to the shadow of an arrow| alt = La freccia indica l’ombra di una freccia | lat = 37.811716 | long = 12.875071 | content = Wall sculpture by Emilio Isgrò featuring opposing arrows and its own title as an inscription. }} * {{see | name = Labirinto | lat = 37.811366 | long = 12.873697 | content = Circular maze-like installation by Nino Franchina. }} * {{see | name = Fontana | lat = 37.813601 | long = 12.872539 | content = Sculptural fountain by Andrea Cascella. }} * {{see | name = Untitled sculpture | lat = 37.816209 | long = 12.869898 | content = Abstract work by Onhari, housed in a public building. }} * {{see | name = Ceramic panel | lat = 37.816238 | long = 12.870153 | content = Ceramic mural by Taiwanese artist Hsiao Chin. }} * {{see | name = Counterpoint | alt = Contrappunto | lat = 37.811860 | long = 12.867240 | content = Counterpoint by Fausto Melotti—geometric symbols placed near a dry pond.}} There are also several indoor works on display in the town hall (Piazza 15 Gennaio 1968), including pieces by Carla Accardi, Gino Severini, and Arnaldo Pomodoro. The Grande Cretto by Alberto Burri lies about 20 km to the east of Gibellina, on the site of the old town destroyed by the 1968 earthquake. It is not walkable from the centre but can be reached by car via the SS188, which connects directly to the site. There is no local public transport, so visitors without a car should plan accordingly or arrange a taxi. [[File:Gibellina (IMG 20240318 131533).jpg|thumb|right|300px|Gibillina's "system of piazzas", a linear series of open squares framed by stark architectural structures.]] ==Do== Gibellina is best experienced as an open-air museum. Spend time walking through its geometric streets and public spaces, discovering dozens of contemporary art installations and architectural experiments. Check for seasonal exhibitions or cultural events hosted by the Fondazione Istituto di Alta Cultura – Orestiadi, especially in summer. ==Buy== Gibellina isn’t a major shopping destination, but visitors can find books, art catalogues, and exhibition-related items at the bookshop inside the Fondazione Orestiadi. Occasional art fairs, craft stalls, and cultural events may also offer handmade goods, ceramics, or locally produced items reflecting the town’s creative identity. * {{buy | name = Bookshop – Fondazione Orestiadi | lat = 37.8045 | long = 12.8730 | content = The foundation’s on-site bookshop offers exhibition catalogues, contemporary art books, and publications on Mediterranean culture, many of them related to the Orestiadi collection and Gibellina’s artistic history. }} ==Eat== There are a few local trattorias and bars in Gibellina Nuova offering Sicilian dishes, panini, and pastries. Expect simple menus focused on local ingredients. Dining options may be limited outside peak times, so plan accordingly or head to nearby towns like Santa Ninfa or Castelvetrano for more variety. [[File:Esterno chiesa madre di Gibellina.jpg|thumb|300px|The Mother Church (''Chiesa Madre'')]] ==Drink== Bars and cafes in Gibellina typically serve coffee, wine, aperitivi, and small snacks. Local wines from the Belìce Valley are worth trying, especially red blends and Nero d'Avola. Evening aperitivo is a relaxed time to enjoy the town’s public spaces. ==Sleep== Gibellina has limited accommodation—mostly small B&Bs or apartments. Advance booking is recommended, particularly during festivals or art events. For more options, nearby towns such as Santa Ninfa, Salemi, or Castelvetrano have hotels and agriturismi. ==Stay safe== Gibellina is generally quiet and safe. Be cautious on hot summer days, especially when exploring outdoor art installations—many are in exposed areas with little shade. Wear sunscreen, stay hydrated, and bring water if walking to more remote sites like the ''Grande Cretto''. ==Connect== Mobile coverage is good in most of the town. Free Wi-Fi may be available at the civic museum or within the Fondazione Orestiadi. Otherwise, check with your accommodation for internet access. ==Go next== Gibellina sits within reach of several of western Sicily’s most important historical and cultural destinations: * '''[[Segesta]]''' – One of Sicily’s best-preserved ancient sites, home to a majestic Doric temple and hillside theatre with sweeping views. Around 45 min by car. * '''[[Selinunte]]''' – A vast archaeological park along the coast, featuring sprawling temple ruins and ancient city remains. One of the most impressive classical sites in Europe. About 1 hr by car. * '''[[Erice]]''' – A walled medieval town perched on a mountain above Trapani. Known for its cobbled lanes, historic churches, and panoramic vistas, it also offers galleries and artisan workshops. Around 1 hr 15 min by car. {{IsPartOf|Trapani (province)}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|37.800|12.870}} 7eh0qbu9a5tnull5llyqxshy9rgdya2 5086656 5086655 2025-07-02T14:41:51Z Kned Wiki 2327203 /* Installations */ Added space 5086656 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Banner Piazza del Comune di Gibellina for WV.jpg}} '''Gibellina''' is a small city—and a living arts experiment—in [[Trapani (province)|Trapani province]], western Sicily. Rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in January 1968, Gibellina Nuova was masterplanned by avant-garde architects, sculptors, and artists who transformed its streets, plazas, and structures into vibrant expressions of modern art and architecture. [[File:Cretto di Burri 01.JPG|thumb|right|300px|Alberto Burri’s ''Cretto di Burri''—a stark white grid laid over the ruins of old Gibellina.]] Named Capital of Contemporary Art 2026, Gibellina stands out as one of Italy’s most distinctive cultural destinations. ==Understand== Gibellina is best known for the monumental Grande Cretto (Large Crack) by Alberto Burri—one of the world’s largest land‑art installations. Spanning over the ruins of the original town, this white‑concrete labyrinth memorial echoes the old street grid with deep fissures, serving as both elegy and architecture of memory. The original town, devastated by the 1968 earthquake, was relocated and rebuilt about 20km away. The new settlement was consciously designed with a butterfly‑shaped layout—two curved "wings" of housing flanking a central spine of civic spaces—planned by major architects like Marcello Fabbri, Oswald Mathias Ungers, and Ludovico Quaroni dicasainsicilia.com. This bold modernist design was intended to blend functional efficiency with public art, though it has been criticised for its scale and social detachment. == Get in == [[File:Teatro Consagra 1.jpg|thumb|300px|The Consagra Theatre]] ===By Car=== Gibellina is easily reached by car: * From '''Trapani''': ~48 km via the SS 188, about a 50-minute drive. * From '''Palermo''': Take the A29 toward Trapani, then SS 188 east; expect a journey of around 2 hours. Parking is available near the town centre and the Cretto di Burri site. ===By Bus=== Azienda Siciliana Trasporti provides a direct but infrequent bus service from Trapani to Gibellina, taking approximately 1 hour 12 minutes. ===By Train=== Regional trains (operated by Trenitalia) serve the Salemi–Gibellina station at the edge of Gibellina Nuova, with about five departures daily from Trapani. The scenic journey takes around 1 hour 44 minutes. The station is effectively within the town—it sits right at the western perimeter, making walking into the town centre easy == Get around == {{mapframe | 37.8096 | 12.8744 | zoom=14 | width=400 | align=right }} A distinctive feature of Gibellina’s urban design is the "system of piazzas", a linear series of open squares framed by stark architectural structures. The ensemble was designed by architects Franco Purini and Laura Thermes as part of the town’s reconstruction. Piazza XV Gennaio 1968 is the town’s main orientation point, home to the town hall and several art installations. Viale Belice runs alongside the square and ends at Piazza Joseph Beuys, where Pietro Consagra’s unfinished theatre stands. The plazas are: * {{marker|name=Piazza XV Gennaio 1968 |type=lime|lat=37.808831|long=12.872728}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Rivolta del 26 giugno 1937|type=lime|lat=37.807561|long=12.872787}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Fasci dei Lavoratori|type=lime|lat=37.807103|long=12.872186}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Monti di Gibellina|type=lime|lat=37.806567|long=12.871533}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Autonomia Siciliana|type=lime|lat=37.806119|long=12.870949}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Passo Portella delle Ginestre|type=lime|lat=37.805515|long=12.870056}} These plazas form a monumental architectural spine through the heart of Gibellina and reflect its vision as a living museum of modernist urbanism. ==See== Gibellina is often described as an open-air museum of contemporary art, where public spaces were designed as canvases for architectural and sculptural experimentation. Much of the town's post-1968 reconstruction involved leading artists and architects, whose works now shape its streets, piazzas, and skyline. From monumental land art to abstract installations and modernist churches, most sights are outdoors and within walking distance—though some lie further afield, such as Burri’s ''Grande Cretto''. ===Landmarks=== [[File:MAC Gibellina.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Ludovico Corrao.]] * {{see | name = Gibellina Town Hall | alt = Municipio di Gibellina | lat = 37.80883 | long = 12.87273 | content = Modern civic building (1972–84) by architects Giuseppe Samonà, Vittorio Gregotti, Gianni Pirrone and Alberto Samonà. It anchors the east–west axis of the “sistema delle piazze” and houses a gallery corridor featuring works by Gino Severini, Carla Accardi and Arnaldo Pomodoro. }} * {{see | name = Museum of Contemporary Art | alt = ''Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Ludovico Corrao'' | lat = 37.81200 | long = 12.87486 | url = https://www.macgibellina.it/ | content = The museum, also known as MAC, houses one of Southern Italy’s largest collections of contemporary art (≈2,000 works by artists such as Schifano, Guttuso, and Paladino). Named after former mayor Ludovico Corrao, who spearheaded its creation to rebuild Gibellina through culture. }} * {{see | name = Mother Church | alt = Chiesa Madre | lat = 37.8057 | long = 12.8650 | content = Striking modernist church designed in 1972 by Ludovico Quaroni and Luisa Anversa, featuring a cubic base topped with a giant white sphere. Suffered roof collapse in 1994 and was restored for public opening in 2010. }} * {{see | name = Pietro Consagra Theatre | alt = Teatro di Pietro Consagra | lat = 37.808502 | long = 12.873694 | content = Elevated concrete theatre designed to span a roadway. Its long delay in completion (1980s–2020) made it a symbol of post-quake reconstruction struggles. }} [[File:Gibellina - Porta del Belice 0580.JPG|thumb|300px|Entrance Star to Belice]] * {{see | name = Entrance Star to Belice | alt = ''Stella d’ingresso al Belice'' | lat = 37.80325 | long = 12.87235 | content = A 26 m‑high stainless‑steel star "gateway" sculpture by Pietro Consagra (1981), located on the road into Gibellina Nuova. Created as a symbolic entrance and beacon of hope for the Belìce Valley following the 1968 earthquake. }} * {{see | name = Fondazione Istituto di Alta Cultura – Orestiadi | alt = Fondazione Orestiadi | url = https://www.fondazioneorestiadi.it/ | lat = 37.80213 | long = 12.8816 | content = A cultural foundation housed in the restored Baglio di Stefano. Its art trail features works by Paladino (including the “Mountain of Salt”), Pomodoro, Consagra, and others. }} * {{see | name = Lorenzo Milton Machado Palace | alt = Palazzo di Lorenzo Milton Machado | lat = 37.808486 | long = 12.874913 | content = Residential building designed by Francesco Venezia for artist Lorenzo Milton Machado. }} * {{see | name = Church of Saint Joseph | alt = Chiesa di San Giuseppe | lat = 37.8109545 | long = 12.8676275 | content = Smaller parish church serving the southern residential area. }} ===Installations=== * {{see | name = Aratro | lat = 37.808818 | long = 12.875309 | content = Bronze plough sculpture by Arnaldo Pomodoro, symbolising Gibellina’s agricultural past. }} * {{see | name = Untitled sculpture | lat = 37.806603 | long = 12.876755 | content = Abstract work by Giuseppe Spagnulo. }} * {{see | name = Spacial Rhythms| alt = Ritmi spaziali | lat = 37.805139 | long = 12.876629 | content = Spatial Rhythms by Carmelo Cappello—an abstract outdoor piece. }} [[File:Disco Solare (5223488084).jpg |thumb|300px|Solar Disc, an installation outside the town hall]] * {{see | name = Mountain of Salt| alt = Montagna di Sale | lat = 37.801752 | long = 12.882470 | content = Mountain of Salt by Mimmo Paladino: a concrete mound with 30 wooden horses—a recurring motif in his work. }} * {{see | name = The infinity of memory| alt = L’infinito della memoria | lat = 37.811049 | long = 12.874101 | content = Infinity of Memory by Costas Varotsos. }} * {{see | name = Listening| alt = Ascoltare | lat = 37.811928 | long = 12.875116 | content = Listening by Giovanni Albanese, a sound-sensitive device sculpture inside the MAC.}} * {{see | name = The arrow points to the shadow of an arrow | alt = La freccia indica l’ombra di una freccia | lat = 37.811716 | long = 12.875071 | content = Wall sculpture by Emilio Isgrò featuring opposing arrows and its own title as an inscription. }} * {{see | name = Labirinto | lat = 37.811366 | long = 12.873697 | content = Circular maze-like installation by Nino Franchina. }} * {{see | name = Fontana | lat = 37.813601 | long = 12.872539 | content = Sculptural fountain by Andrea Cascella. }} * {{see | name = Untitled sculpture | lat = 37.816209 | long = 12.869898 | content = Abstract work by Onhari, housed in a public building. }} * {{see | name = Ceramic panel | lat = 37.816238 | long = 12.870153 | content = Ceramic mural by Taiwanese artist Hsiao Chin. }} * {{see | name = Counterpoint | alt = Contrappunto | lat = 37.811860 | long = 12.867240 | content = Counterpoint by Fausto Melotti—geometric symbols placed near a dry pond.}} There are also several indoor works on display in the town hall (Piazza 15 Gennaio 1968), including pieces by Carla Accardi, Gino Severini, and Arnaldo Pomodoro. The Grande Cretto by Alberto Burri lies about 20 km to the east of Gibellina, on the site of the old town destroyed by the 1968 earthquake. It is not walkable from the centre but can be reached by car via the SS188, which connects directly to the site. There is no local public transport, so visitors without a car should plan accordingly or arrange a taxi. [[File:Gibellina (IMG 20240318 131533).jpg|thumb|right|300px|Gibillina's "system of piazzas", a linear series of open squares framed by stark architectural structures.]] ==Do== Gibellina is best experienced as an open-air museum. Spend time walking through its geometric streets and public spaces, discovering dozens of contemporary art installations and architectural experiments. Check for seasonal exhibitions or cultural events hosted by the Fondazione Istituto di Alta Cultura – Orestiadi, especially in summer. ==Buy== Gibellina isn’t a major shopping destination, but visitors can find books, art catalogues, and exhibition-related items at the bookshop inside the Fondazione Orestiadi. Occasional art fairs, craft stalls, and cultural events may also offer handmade goods, ceramics, or locally produced items reflecting the town’s creative identity. * {{buy | name = Bookshop – Fondazione Orestiadi | lat = 37.8045 | long = 12.8730 | content = The foundation’s on-site bookshop offers exhibition catalogues, contemporary art books, and publications on Mediterranean culture, many of them related to the Orestiadi collection and Gibellina’s artistic history. }} ==Eat== There are a few local trattorias and bars in Gibellina Nuova offering Sicilian dishes, panini, and pastries. Expect simple menus focused on local ingredients. Dining options may be limited outside peak times, so plan accordingly or head to nearby towns like Santa Ninfa or Castelvetrano for more variety. [[File:Esterno chiesa madre di Gibellina.jpg|thumb|300px|The Mother Church (''Chiesa Madre'')]] ==Drink== Bars and cafes in Gibellina typically serve coffee, wine, aperitivi, and small snacks. Local wines from the Belìce Valley are worth trying, especially red blends and Nero d'Avola. Evening aperitivo is a relaxed time to enjoy the town’s public spaces. ==Sleep== Gibellina has limited accommodation—mostly small B&Bs or apartments. Advance booking is recommended, particularly during festivals or art events. For more options, nearby towns such as Santa Ninfa, Salemi, or Castelvetrano have hotels and agriturismi. ==Stay safe== Gibellina is generally quiet and safe. Be cautious on hot summer days, especially when exploring outdoor art installations—many are in exposed areas with little shade. Wear sunscreen, stay hydrated, and bring water if walking to more remote sites like the ''Grande Cretto''. ==Connect== Mobile coverage is good in most of the town. Free Wi-Fi may be available at the civic museum or within the Fondazione Orestiadi. Otherwise, check with your accommodation for internet access. ==Go next== Gibellina sits within reach of several of western Sicily’s most important historical and cultural destinations: * '''[[Segesta]]''' – One of Sicily’s best-preserved ancient sites, home to a majestic Doric temple and hillside theatre with sweeping views. Around 45 min by car. * '''[[Selinunte]]''' – A vast archaeological park along the coast, featuring sprawling temple ruins and ancient city remains. One of the most impressive classical sites in Europe. About 1 hr by car. * '''[[Erice]]''' – A walled medieval town perched on a mountain above Trapani. Known for its cobbled lanes, historic churches, and panoramic vistas, it also offers galleries and artisan workshops. Around 1 hr 15 min by car. {{IsPartOf|Trapani (province)}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|37.800|12.870}} bru2wg4hlt2dl8lw1xiycv7fk82vh3o 5086658 5086656 2025-07-02T14:43:33Z Kned Wiki 2327203 /* Installations */ added spacing 5086658 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Banner Piazza del Comune di Gibellina for WV.jpg}} '''Gibellina''' is a small city—and a living arts experiment—in [[Trapani (province)|Trapani province]], western Sicily. Rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in January 1968, Gibellina Nuova was masterplanned by avant-garde architects, sculptors, and artists who transformed its streets, plazas, and structures into vibrant expressions of modern art and architecture. [[File:Cretto di Burri 01.JPG|thumb|right|300px|Alberto Burri’s ''Cretto di Burri''—a stark white grid laid over the ruins of old Gibellina.]] Named Capital of Contemporary Art 2026, Gibellina stands out as one of Italy’s most distinctive cultural destinations. ==Understand== Gibellina is best known for the monumental Grande Cretto (Large Crack) by Alberto Burri—one of the world’s largest land‑art installations. Spanning over the ruins of the original town, this white‑concrete labyrinth memorial echoes the old street grid with deep fissures, serving as both elegy and architecture of memory. The original town, devastated by the 1968 earthquake, was relocated and rebuilt about 20km away. The new settlement was consciously designed with a butterfly‑shaped layout—two curved "wings" of housing flanking a central spine of civic spaces—planned by major architects like Marcello Fabbri, Oswald Mathias Ungers, and Ludovico Quaroni dicasainsicilia.com. This bold modernist design was intended to blend functional efficiency with public art, though it has been criticised for its scale and social detachment. == Get in == [[File:Teatro Consagra 1.jpg|thumb|300px|The Consagra Theatre]] ===By Car=== Gibellina is easily reached by car: * From '''Trapani''': ~48 km via the SS 188, about a 50-minute drive. * From '''Palermo''': Take the A29 toward Trapani, then SS 188 east; expect a journey of around 2 hours. Parking is available near the town centre and the Cretto di Burri site. ===By Bus=== Azienda Siciliana Trasporti provides a direct but infrequent bus service from Trapani to Gibellina, taking approximately 1 hour 12 minutes. ===By Train=== Regional trains (operated by Trenitalia) serve the Salemi–Gibellina station at the edge of Gibellina Nuova, with about five departures daily from Trapani. The scenic journey takes around 1 hour 44 minutes. The station is effectively within the town—it sits right at the western perimeter, making walking into the town centre easy == Get around == {{mapframe | 37.8096 | 12.8744 | zoom=14 | width=400 | align=right }} A distinctive feature of Gibellina’s urban design is the "system of piazzas", a linear series of open squares framed by stark architectural structures. The ensemble was designed by architects Franco Purini and Laura Thermes as part of the town’s reconstruction. Piazza XV Gennaio 1968 is the town’s main orientation point, home to the town hall and several art installations. Viale Belice runs alongside the square and ends at Piazza Joseph Beuys, where Pietro Consagra’s unfinished theatre stands. The plazas are: * {{marker|name=Piazza XV Gennaio 1968 |type=lime|lat=37.808831|long=12.872728}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Rivolta del 26 giugno 1937|type=lime|lat=37.807561|long=12.872787}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Fasci dei Lavoratori|type=lime|lat=37.807103|long=12.872186}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Monti di Gibellina|type=lime|lat=37.806567|long=12.871533}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Autonomia Siciliana|type=lime|lat=37.806119|long=12.870949}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Passo Portella delle Ginestre|type=lime|lat=37.805515|long=12.870056}} These plazas form a monumental architectural spine through the heart of Gibellina and reflect its vision as a living museum of modernist urbanism. ==See== Gibellina is often described as an open-air museum of contemporary art, where public spaces were designed as canvases for architectural and sculptural experimentation. Much of the town's post-1968 reconstruction involved leading artists and architects, whose works now shape its streets, piazzas, and skyline. From monumental land art to abstract installations and modernist churches, most sights are outdoors and within walking distance—though some lie further afield, such as Burri’s ''Grande Cretto''. ===Landmarks=== [[File:MAC Gibellina.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Ludovico Corrao.]] * {{see | name = Gibellina Town Hall | alt = Municipio di Gibellina | lat = 37.80883 | long = 12.87273 | content = Modern civic building (1972–84) by architects Giuseppe Samonà, Vittorio Gregotti, Gianni Pirrone and Alberto Samonà. It anchors the east–west axis of the “sistema delle piazze” and houses a gallery corridor featuring works by Gino Severini, Carla Accardi and Arnaldo Pomodoro. }} * {{see | name = Museum of Contemporary Art | alt = ''Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Ludovico Corrao'' | lat = 37.81200 | long = 12.87486 | url = https://www.macgibellina.it/ | content = The museum, also known as MAC, houses one of Southern Italy’s largest collections of contemporary art (≈2,000 works by artists such as Schifano, Guttuso, and Paladino). Named after former mayor Ludovico Corrao, who spearheaded its creation to rebuild Gibellina through culture. }} * {{see | name = Mother Church | alt = Chiesa Madre | lat = 37.8057 | long = 12.8650 | content = Striking modernist church designed in 1972 by Ludovico Quaroni and Luisa Anversa, featuring a cubic base topped with a giant white sphere. Suffered roof collapse in 1994 and was restored for public opening in 2010. }} * {{see | name = Pietro Consagra Theatre | alt = Teatro di Pietro Consagra | lat = 37.808502 | long = 12.873694 | content = Elevated concrete theatre designed to span a roadway. Its long delay in completion (1980s–2020) made it a symbol of post-quake reconstruction struggles. }} [[File:Gibellina - Porta del Belice 0580.JPG|thumb|300px|Entrance Star to Belice]] * {{see | name = Entrance Star to Belice | alt = ''Stella d’ingresso al Belice'' | lat = 37.80325 | long = 12.87235 | content = A 26 m‑high stainless‑steel star "gateway" sculpture by Pietro Consagra (1981), located on the road into Gibellina Nuova. Created as a symbolic entrance and beacon of hope for the Belìce Valley following the 1968 earthquake. }} * {{see | name = Fondazione Istituto di Alta Cultura – Orestiadi | alt = Fondazione Orestiadi | url = https://www.fondazioneorestiadi.it/ | lat = 37.80213 | long = 12.8816 | content = A cultural foundation housed in the restored Baglio di Stefano. Its art trail features works by Paladino (including the “Mountain of Salt”), Pomodoro, Consagra, and others. }} * {{see | name = Lorenzo Milton Machado Palace | alt = Palazzo di Lorenzo Milton Machado | lat = 37.808486 | long = 12.874913 | content = Residential building designed by Francesco Venezia for artist Lorenzo Milton Machado. }} * {{see | name = Church of Saint Joseph | alt = Chiesa di San Giuseppe | lat = 37.8109545 | long = 12.8676275 | content = Smaller parish church serving the southern residential area. }} ===Installations=== * {{see | name = Aratro | lat = 37.808818 | long = 12.875309 | content = Bronze plough sculpture by Arnaldo Pomodoro, symbolising Gibellina’s agricultural past. }} * {{see | name = Untitled sculpture | lat = 37.806603 | long = 12.876755 | content = Abstract work by Giuseppe Spagnulo. }} * {{see | name = Spacial Rhythms| alt = Ritmi spaziali | lat = 37.805139 | long = 12.876629 | content = Spatial Rhythms by Carmelo Cappello—an abstract outdoor piece. }} [[File:Disco Solare (5223488084).jpg |thumb|300px|Solar Disc, an installation outside the town hall]] * {{see | name = Mountain of Salt| alt = Montagna di Sale | lat = 37.801752 | long = 12.882470 | content = Mountain of Salt by Mimmo Paladino: a concrete mound with 30 wooden horses—a recurring motif in his work. }} * {{see | name = The infinity of memory| alt =''L’infinito della memoria'' | lat = 37.811049 | long = 12.874101 | content = Infinity of Memory by Costas Varotsos. }} * {{see | name = Listening| alt = Ascoltare | lat = 37.811928 | long = 12.875116 | content = Listening by Giovanni Albanese, a sound-sensitive device sculpture inside the MAC.}} * {{see | name = The arrow points to the shadow of an arrow | alt=La freccia indica l’ombra di una freccia | lat = 37.811716 | long = 12.875071 | content = Wall sculpture by Emilio Isgrò featuring opposing arrows and its own title as an inscription. }} * {{see | name = Labirinto | lat = 37.811366 | long = 12.873697 | content = Circular maze-like installation by Nino Franchina. }} * {{see | name = Fontana | lat = 37.813601 | long = 12.872539 | content = Sculptural fountain by Andrea Cascella. }} * {{see | name = Untitled sculpture | lat = 37.816209 | long = 12.869898 | content = Abstract work by Onhari, housed in a public building. }} * {{see | name = Ceramic panel | lat = 37.816238 | long = 12.870153 | content = Ceramic mural by Taiwanese artist Hsiao Chin. }} * {{see | name = Counterpoint | alt = Contrappunto | lat = 37.811860 | long = 12.867240 | content = Counterpoint by Fausto Melotti—geometric symbols placed near a dry pond.}} There are also several indoor works on display in the town hall (Piazza 15 Gennaio 1968), including pieces by Carla Accardi, Gino Severini, and Arnaldo Pomodoro. The Grande Cretto by Alberto Burri lies about 20 km to the east of Gibellina, on the site of the old town destroyed by the 1968 earthquake. It is not walkable from the centre but can be reached by car via the SS188, which connects directly to the site. There is no local public transport, so visitors without a car should plan accordingly or arrange a taxi. [[File:Gibellina (IMG 20240318 131533).jpg|thumb|right|300px|Gibillina's "system of piazzas", a linear series of open squares framed by stark architectural structures.]] ==Do== Gibellina is best experienced as an open-air museum. Spend time walking through its geometric streets and public spaces, discovering dozens of contemporary art installations and architectural experiments. Check for seasonal exhibitions or cultural events hosted by the Fondazione Istituto di Alta Cultura – Orestiadi, especially in summer. ==Buy== Gibellina isn’t a major shopping destination, but visitors can find books, art catalogues, and exhibition-related items at the bookshop inside the Fondazione Orestiadi. Occasional art fairs, craft stalls, and cultural events may also offer handmade goods, ceramics, or locally produced items reflecting the town’s creative identity. * {{buy | name = Bookshop – Fondazione Orestiadi | lat = 37.8045 | long = 12.8730 | content = The foundation’s on-site bookshop offers exhibition catalogues, contemporary art books, and publications on Mediterranean culture, many of them related to the Orestiadi collection and Gibellina’s artistic history. }} ==Eat== There are a few local trattorias and bars in Gibellina Nuova offering Sicilian dishes, panini, and pastries. Expect simple menus focused on local ingredients. Dining options may be limited outside peak times, so plan accordingly or head to nearby towns like Santa Ninfa or Castelvetrano for more variety. [[File:Esterno chiesa madre di Gibellina.jpg|thumb|300px|The Mother Church (''Chiesa Madre'')]] ==Drink== Bars and cafes in Gibellina typically serve coffee, wine, aperitivi, and small snacks. Local wines from the Belìce Valley are worth trying, especially red blends and Nero d'Avola. Evening aperitivo is a relaxed time to enjoy the town’s public spaces. ==Sleep== Gibellina has limited accommodation—mostly small B&Bs or apartments. Advance booking is recommended, particularly during festivals or art events. For more options, nearby towns such as Santa Ninfa, Salemi, or Castelvetrano have hotels and agriturismi. ==Stay safe== Gibellina is generally quiet and safe. Be cautious on hot summer days, especially when exploring outdoor art installations—many are in exposed areas with little shade. Wear sunscreen, stay hydrated, and bring water if walking to more remote sites like the ''Grande Cretto''. ==Connect== Mobile coverage is good in most of the town. Free Wi-Fi may be available at the civic museum or within the Fondazione Orestiadi. Otherwise, check with your accommodation for internet access. ==Go next== Gibellina sits within reach of several of western Sicily’s most important historical and cultural destinations: * '''[[Segesta]]''' – One of Sicily’s best-preserved ancient sites, home to a majestic Doric temple and hillside theatre with sweeping views. Around 45 min by car. * '''[[Selinunte]]''' – A vast archaeological park along the coast, featuring sprawling temple ruins and ancient city remains. One of the most impressive classical sites in Europe. About 1 hr by car. * '''[[Erice]]''' – A walled medieval town perched on a mountain above Trapani. Known for its cobbled lanes, historic churches, and panoramic vistas, it also offers galleries and artisan workshops. Around 1 hr 15 min by car. {{IsPartOf|Trapani (province)}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|37.800|12.870}} 9ke8uj48w5a0i5u6hckeffhzj1v46vm 5086659 5086658 2025-07-02T14:44:29Z Kned Wiki 2327203 /* Installations */ Added italics to one alt that wouldn't display correctly 5086659 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Banner Piazza del Comune di Gibellina for WV.jpg}} '''Gibellina''' is a small city—and a living arts experiment—in [[Trapani (province)|Trapani province]], western Sicily. Rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in January 1968, Gibellina Nuova was masterplanned by avant-garde architects, sculptors, and artists who transformed its streets, plazas, and structures into vibrant expressions of modern art and architecture. [[File:Cretto di Burri 01.JPG|thumb|right|300px|Alberto Burri’s ''Cretto di Burri''—a stark white grid laid over the ruins of old Gibellina.]] Named Capital of Contemporary Art 2026, Gibellina stands out as one of Italy’s most distinctive cultural destinations. ==Understand== Gibellina is best known for the monumental Grande Cretto (Large Crack) by Alberto Burri—one of the world’s largest land‑art installations. Spanning over the ruins of the original town, this white‑concrete labyrinth memorial echoes the old street grid with deep fissures, serving as both elegy and architecture of memory. The original town, devastated by the 1968 earthquake, was relocated and rebuilt about 20km away. The new settlement was consciously designed with a butterfly‑shaped layout—two curved "wings" of housing flanking a central spine of civic spaces—planned by major architects like Marcello Fabbri, Oswald Mathias Ungers, and Ludovico Quaroni dicasainsicilia.com. This bold modernist design was intended to blend functional efficiency with public art, though it has been criticised for its scale and social detachment. == Get in == [[File:Teatro Consagra 1.jpg|thumb|300px|The Consagra Theatre]] ===By Car=== Gibellina is easily reached by car: * From '''Trapani''': ~48 km via the SS 188, about a 50-minute drive. * From '''Palermo''': Take the A29 toward Trapani, then SS 188 east; expect a journey of around 2 hours. Parking is available near the town centre and the Cretto di Burri site. ===By Bus=== Azienda Siciliana Trasporti provides a direct but infrequent bus service from Trapani to Gibellina, taking approximately 1 hour 12 minutes. ===By Train=== Regional trains (operated by Trenitalia) serve the Salemi–Gibellina station at the edge of Gibellina Nuova, with about five departures daily from Trapani. The scenic journey takes around 1 hour 44 minutes. The station is effectively within the town—it sits right at the western perimeter, making walking into the town centre easy == Get around == {{mapframe | 37.8096 | 12.8744 | zoom=14 | width=400 | align=right }} A distinctive feature of Gibellina’s urban design is the "system of piazzas", a linear series of open squares framed by stark architectural structures. The ensemble was designed by architects Franco Purini and Laura Thermes as part of the town’s reconstruction. Piazza XV Gennaio 1968 is the town’s main orientation point, home to the town hall and several art installations. Viale Belice runs alongside the square and ends at Piazza Joseph Beuys, where Pietro Consagra’s unfinished theatre stands. The plazas are: * {{marker|name=Piazza XV Gennaio 1968 |type=lime|lat=37.808831|long=12.872728}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Rivolta del 26 giugno 1937|type=lime|lat=37.807561|long=12.872787}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Fasci dei Lavoratori|type=lime|lat=37.807103|long=12.872186}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Monti di Gibellina|type=lime|lat=37.806567|long=12.871533}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Autonomia Siciliana|type=lime|lat=37.806119|long=12.870949}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Passo Portella delle Ginestre|type=lime|lat=37.805515|long=12.870056}} These plazas form a monumental architectural spine through the heart of Gibellina and reflect its vision as a living museum of modernist urbanism. ==See== Gibellina is often described as an open-air museum of contemporary art, where public spaces were designed as canvases for architectural and sculptural experimentation. Much of the town's post-1968 reconstruction involved leading artists and architects, whose works now shape its streets, piazzas, and skyline. From monumental land art to abstract installations and modernist churches, most sights are outdoors and within walking distance—though some lie further afield, such as Burri’s ''Grande Cretto''. ===Landmarks=== [[File:MAC Gibellina.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Ludovico Corrao.]] * {{see | name = Gibellina Town Hall | alt = Municipio di Gibellina | lat = 37.80883 | long = 12.87273 | content = Modern civic building (1972–84) by architects Giuseppe Samonà, Vittorio Gregotti, Gianni Pirrone and Alberto Samonà. It anchors the east–west axis of the “sistema delle piazze” and houses a gallery corridor featuring works by Gino Severini, Carla Accardi and Arnaldo Pomodoro. }} * {{see | name = Museum of Contemporary Art | alt = ''Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Ludovico Corrao'' | lat = 37.81200 | long = 12.87486 | url = https://www.macgibellina.it/ | content = The museum, also known as MAC, houses one of Southern Italy’s largest collections of contemporary art (≈2,000 works by artists such as Schifano, Guttuso, and Paladino). Named after former mayor Ludovico Corrao, who spearheaded its creation to rebuild Gibellina through culture. }} * {{see | name = Mother Church | alt = Chiesa Madre | lat = 37.8057 | long = 12.8650 | content = Striking modernist church designed in 1972 by Ludovico Quaroni and Luisa Anversa, featuring a cubic base topped with a giant white sphere. Suffered roof collapse in 1994 and was restored for public opening in 2010. }} * {{see | name = Pietro Consagra Theatre | alt = Teatro di Pietro Consagra | lat = 37.808502 | long = 12.873694 | content = Elevated concrete theatre designed to span a roadway. Its long delay in completion (1980s–2020) made it a symbol of post-quake reconstruction struggles. }} [[File:Gibellina - Porta del Belice 0580.JPG|thumb|300px|Entrance Star to Belice]] * {{see | name = Entrance Star to Belice | alt = ''Stella d’ingresso al Belice'' | lat = 37.80325 | long = 12.87235 | content = A 26 m‑high stainless‑steel star "gateway" sculpture by Pietro Consagra (1981), located on the road into Gibellina Nuova. Created as a symbolic entrance and beacon of hope for the Belìce Valley following the 1968 earthquake. }} * {{see | name = Fondazione Istituto di Alta Cultura – Orestiadi | alt = Fondazione Orestiadi | url = https://www.fondazioneorestiadi.it/ | lat = 37.80213 | long = 12.8816 | content = A cultural foundation housed in the restored Baglio di Stefano. Its art trail features works by Paladino (including the “Mountain of Salt”), Pomodoro, Consagra, and others. }} * {{see | name = Lorenzo Milton Machado Palace | alt = Palazzo di Lorenzo Milton Machado | lat = 37.808486 | long = 12.874913 | content = Residential building designed by Francesco Venezia for artist Lorenzo Milton Machado. }} * {{see | name = Church of Saint Joseph | alt = Chiesa di San Giuseppe | lat = 37.8109545 | long = 12.8676275 | content = Smaller parish church serving the southern residential area. }} ===Installations=== * {{see | name = Aratro | lat = 37.808818 | long = 12.875309 | content = Bronze plough sculpture by Arnaldo Pomodoro, symbolising Gibellina’s agricultural past. }} * {{see | name = Untitled sculpture | lat = 37.806603 | long = 12.876755 | content = Abstract work by Giuseppe Spagnulo. }} * {{see | name = Spacial Rhythms| alt = Ritmi spaziali | lat = 37.805139 | long = 12.876629 | content = Spatial Rhythms by Carmelo Cappello—an abstract outdoor piece. }} [[File:Disco Solare (5223488084).jpg |thumb|300px|Solar Disc, an installation outside the town hall]] * {{see | name = Mountain of Salt| alt = Montagna di Sale | lat = 37.801752 | long = 12.882470 | content = Mountain of Salt by Mimmo Paladino: a concrete mound with 30 wooden horses—a recurring motif in his work. }} * {{see | name = The infinity of memory| alt =''L’infinito della memoria'' | lat = 37.811049 | long = 12.874101 | content = Infinity of Memory by Costas Varotsos. }} * {{see | name = Listening| alt = Ascoltare | lat = 37.811928 | long = 12.875116 | content = Listening by Giovanni Albanese, a sound-sensitive device sculpture inside the MAC.}} * {{see | name = The arrow points to the shadow of an arrow | alt= ''La freccia indica l’ombra di una freccia''| lat = 37.811716 | long = 12.875071 | content = Wall sculpture by Emilio Isgrò featuring opposing arrows and its own title as an inscription. }} * {{see | name = Labirinto | lat = 37.811366 | long = 12.873697 | content = Circular maze-like installation by Nino Franchina. }} * {{see | name = Fontana | lat = 37.813601 | long = 12.872539 | content = Sculptural fountain by Andrea Cascella. }} * {{see | name = Untitled sculpture | lat = 37.816209 | long = 12.869898 | content = Abstract work by Onhari, housed in a public building. }} * {{see | name = Ceramic panel | lat = 37.816238 | long = 12.870153 | content = Ceramic mural by Taiwanese artist Hsiao Chin. }} * {{see | name = Counterpoint | alt = Contrappunto | lat = 37.811860 | long = 12.867240 | content = Counterpoint by Fausto Melotti—geometric symbols placed near a dry pond.}} There are also several indoor works on display in the town hall (Piazza 15 Gennaio 1968), including pieces by Carla Accardi, Gino Severini, and Arnaldo Pomodoro. The Grande Cretto by Alberto Burri lies about 20 km to the east of Gibellina, on the site of the old town destroyed by the 1968 earthquake. It is not walkable from the centre but can be reached by car via the SS188, which connects directly to the site. There is no local public transport, so visitors without a car should plan accordingly or arrange a taxi. [[File:Gibellina (IMG 20240318 131533).jpg|thumb|right|300px|Gibillina's "system of piazzas", a linear series of open squares framed by stark architectural structures.]] ==Do== Gibellina is best experienced as an open-air museum. Spend time walking through its geometric streets and public spaces, discovering dozens of contemporary art installations and architectural experiments. Check for seasonal exhibitions or cultural events hosted by the Fondazione Istituto di Alta Cultura – Orestiadi, especially in summer. ==Buy== Gibellina isn’t a major shopping destination, but visitors can find books, art catalogues, and exhibition-related items at the bookshop inside the Fondazione Orestiadi. Occasional art fairs, craft stalls, and cultural events may also offer handmade goods, ceramics, or locally produced items reflecting the town’s creative identity. * {{buy | name = Bookshop – Fondazione Orestiadi | lat = 37.8045 | long = 12.8730 | content = The foundation’s on-site bookshop offers exhibition catalogues, contemporary art books, and publications on Mediterranean culture, many of them related to the Orestiadi collection and Gibellina’s artistic history. }} ==Eat== There are a few local trattorias and bars in Gibellina Nuova offering Sicilian dishes, panini, and pastries. Expect simple menus focused on local ingredients. Dining options may be limited outside peak times, so plan accordingly or head to nearby towns like Santa Ninfa or Castelvetrano for more variety. [[File:Esterno chiesa madre di Gibellina.jpg|thumb|300px|The Mother Church (''Chiesa Madre'')]] ==Drink== Bars and cafes in Gibellina typically serve coffee, wine, aperitivi, and small snacks. Local wines from the Belìce Valley are worth trying, especially red blends and Nero d'Avola. Evening aperitivo is a relaxed time to enjoy the town’s public spaces. ==Sleep== Gibellina has limited accommodation—mostly small B&Bs or apartments. Advance booking is recommended, particularly during festivals or art events. For more options, nearby towns such as Santa Ninfa, Salemi, or Castelvetrano have hotels and agriturismi. ==Stay safe== Gibellina is generally quiet and safe. Be cautious on hot summer days, especially when exploring outdoor art installations—many are in exposed areas with little shade. Wear sunscreen, stay hydrated, and bring water if walking to more remote sites like the ''Grande Cretto''. ==Connect== Mobile coverage is good in most of the town. Free Wi-Fi may be available at the civic museum or within the Fondazione Orestiadi. Otherwise, check with your accommodation for internet access. ==Go next== Gibellina sits within reach of several of western Sicily’s most important historical and cultural destinations: * '''[[Segesta]]''' – One of Sicily’s best-preserved ancient sites, home to a majestic Doric temple and hillside theatre with sweeping views. Around 45 min by car. * '''[[Selinunte]]''' – A vast archaeological park along the coast, featuring sprawling temple ruins and ancient city remains. One of the most impressive classical sites in Europe. About 1 hr by car. * '''[[Erice]]''' – A walled medieval town perched on a mountain above Trapani. Known for its cobbled lanes, historic churches, and panoramic vistas, it also offers galleries and artisan workshops. Around 1 hr 15 min by car. {{IsPartOf|Trapani (province)}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|37.800|12.870}} atuqtrkej16s2idxqbhnjr1p59anh4e 5086662 5086659 2025-07-02T14:47:19Z Kned Wiki 2327203 Kned Wiki moved page [[User:Kned Wiki/Gibellina]] to [[Gibellina]]: Moving userspace draft into mainspace: Creating English version of Italian page 5086659 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Banner Piazza del Comune di Gibellina for WV.jpg}} '''Gibellina''' is a small city—and a living arts experiment—in [[Trapani (province)|Trapani province]], western Sicily. Rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in January 1968, Gibellina Nuova was masterplanned by avant-garde architects, sculptors, and artists who transformed its streets, plazas, and structures into vibrant expressions of modern art and architecture. [[File:Cretto di Burri 01.JPG|thumb|right|300px|Alberto Burri’s ''Cretto di Burri''—a stark white grid laid over the ruins of old Gibellina.]] Named Capital of Contemporary Art 2026, Gibellina stands out as one of Italy’s most distinctive cultural destinations. ==Understand== Gibellina is best known for the monumental Grande Cretto (Large Crack) by Alberto Burri—one of the world’s largest land‑art installations. Spanning over the ruins of the original town, this white‑concrete labyrinth memorial echoes the old street grid with deep fissures, serving as both elegy and architecture of memory. The original town, devastated by the 1968 earthquake, was relocated and rebuilt about 20km away. The new settlement was consciously designed with a butterfly‑shaped layout—two curved "wings" of housing flanking a central spine of civic spaces—planned by major architects like Marcello Fabbri, Oswald Mathias Ungers, and Ludovico Quaroni dicasainsicilia.com. This bold modernist design was intended to blend functional efficiency with public art, though it has been criticised for its scale and social detachment. == Get in == [[File:Teatro Consagra 1.jpg|thumb|300px|The Consagra Theatre]] ===By Car=== Gibellina is easily reached by car: * From '''Trapani''': ~48 km via the SS 188, about a 50-minute drive. * From '''Palermo''': Take the A29 toward Trapani, then SS 188 east; expect a journey of around 2 hours. Parking is available near the town centre and the Cretto di Burri site. ===By Bus=== Azienda Siciliana Trasporti provides a direct but infrequent bus service from Trapani to Gibellina, taking approximately 1 hour 12 minutes. ===By Train=== Regional trains (operated by Trenitalia) serve the Salemi–Gibellina station at the edge of Gibellina Nuova, with about five departures daily from Trapani. The scenic journey takes around 1 hour 44 minutes. The station is effectively within the town—it sits right at the western perimeter, making walking into the town centre easy == Get around == {{mapframe | 37.8096 | 12.8744 | zoom=14 | width=400 | align=right }} A distinctive feature of Gibellina’s urban design is the "system of piazzas", a linear series of open squares framed by stark architectural structures. The ensemble was designed by architects Franco Purini and Laura Thermes as part of the town’s reconstruction. Piazza XV Gennaio 1968 is the town’s main orientation point, home to the town hall and several art installations. Viale Belice runs alongside the square and ends at Piazza Joseph Beuys, where Pietro Consagra’s unfinished theatre stands. The plazas are: * {{marker|name=Piazza XV Gennaio 1968 |type=lime|lat=37.808831|long=12.872728}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Rivolta del 26 giugno 1937|type=lime|lat=37.807561|long=12.872787}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Fasci dei Lavoratori|type=lime|lat=37.807103|long=12.872186}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Monti di Gibellina|type=lime|lat=37.806567|long=12.871533}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Autonomia Siciliana|type=lime|lat=37.806119|long=12.870949}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Passo Portella delle Ginestre|type=lime|lat=37.805515|long=12.870056}} These plazas form a monumental architectural spine through the heart of Gibellina and reflect its vision as a living museum of modernist urbanism. ==See== Gibellina is often described as an open-air museum of contemporary art, where public spaces were designed as canvases for architectural and sculptural experimentation. Much of the town's post-1968 reconstruction involved leading artists and architects, whose works now shape its streets, piazzas, and skyline. From monumental land art to abstract installations and modernist churches, most sights are outdoors and within walking distance—though some lie further afield, such as Burri’s ''Grande Cretto''. ===Landmarks=== [[File:MAC Gibellina.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Ludovico Corrao.]] * {{see | name = Gibellina Town Hall | alt = Municipio di Gibellina | lat = 37.80883 | long = 12.87273 | content = Modern civic building (1972–84) by architects Giuseppe Samonà, Vittorio Gregotti, Gianni Pirrone and Alberto Samonà. It anchors the east–west axis of the “sistema delle piazze” and houses a gallery corridor featuring works by Gino Severini, Carla Accardi and Arnaldo Pomodoro. }} * {{see | name = Museum of Contemporary Art | alt = ''Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Ludovico Corrao'' | lat = 37.81200 | long = 12.87486 | url = https://www.macgibellina.it/ | content = The museum, also known as MAC, houses one of Southern Italy’s largest collections of contemporary art (≈2,000 works by artists such as Schifano, Guttuso, and Paladino). Named after former mayor Ludovico Corrao, who spearheaded its creation to rebuild Gibellina through culture. }} * {{see | name = Mother Church | alt = Chiesa Madre | lat = 37.8057 | long = 12.8650 | content = Striking modernist church designed in 1972 by Ludovico Quaroni and Luisa Anversa, featuring a cubic base topped with a giant white sphere. Suffered roof collapse in 1994 and was restored for public opening in 2010. }} * {{see | name = Pietro Consagra Theatre | alt = Teatro di Pietro Consagra | lat = 37.808502 | long = 12.873694 | content = Elevated concrete theatre designed to span a roadway. Its long delay in completion (1980s–2020) made it a symbol of post-quake reconstruction struggles. }} [[File:Gibellina - Porta del Belice 0580.JPG|thumb|300px|Entrance Star to Belice]] * {{see | name = Entrance Star to Belice | alt = ''Stella d’ingresso al Belice'' | lat = 37.80325 | long = 12.87235 | content = A 26 m‑high stainless‑steel star "gateway" sculpture by Pietro Consagra (1981), located on the road into Gibellina Nuova. Created as a symbolic entrance and beacon of hope for the Belìce Valley following the 1968 earthquake. }} * {{see | name = Fondazione Istituto di Alta Cultura – Orestiadi | alt = Fondazione Orestiadi | url = https://www.fondazioneorestiadi.it/ | lat = 37.80213 | long = 12.8816 | content = A cultural foundation housed in the restored Baglio di Stefano. Its art trail features works by Paladino (including the “Mountain of Salt”), Pomodoro, Consagra, and others. }} * {{see | name = Lorenzo Milton Machado Palace | alt = Palazzo di Lorenzo Milton Machado | lat = 37.808486 | long = 12.874913 | content = Residential building designed by Francesco Venezia for artist Lorenzo Milton Machado. }} * {{see | name = Church of Saint Joseph | alt = Chiesa di San Giuseppe | lat = 37.8109545 | long = 12.8676275 | content = Smaller parish church serving the southern residential area. }} ===Installations=== * {{see | name = Aratro | lat = 37.808818 | long = 12.875309 | content = Bronze plough sculpture by Arnaldo Pomodoro, symbolising Gibellina’s agricultural past. }} * {{see | name = Untitled sculpture | lat = 37.806603 | long = 12.876755 | content = Abstract work by Giuseppe Spagnulo. }} * {{see | name = Spacial Rhythms| alt = Ritmi spaziali | lat = 37.805139 | long = 12.876629 | content = Spatial Rhythms by Carmelo Cappello—an abstract outdoor piece. }} [[File:Disco Solare (5223488084).jpg |thumb|300px|Solar Disc, an installation outside the town hall]] * {{see | name = Mountain of Salt| alt = Montagna di Sale | lat = 37.801752 | long = 12.882470 | content = Mountain of Salt by Mimmo Paladino: a concrete mound with 30 wooden horses—a recurring motif in his work. }} * {{see | name = The infinity of memory| alt =''L’infinito della memoria'' | lat = 37.811049 | long = 12.874101 | content = Infinity of Memory by Costas Varotsos. }} * {{see | name = Listening| alt = Ascoltare | lat = 37.811928 | long = 12.875116 | content = Listening by Giovanni Albanese, a sound-sensitive device sculpture inside the MAC.}} * {{see | name = The arrow points to the shadow of an arrow | alt= ''La freccia indica l’ombra di una freccia''| lat = 37.811716 | long = 12.875071 | content = Wall sculpture by Emilio Isgrò featuring opposing arrows and its own title as an inscription. }} * {{see | name = Labirinto | lat = 37.811366 | long = 12.873697 | content = Circular maze-like installation by Nino Franchina. }} * {{see | name = Fontana | lat = 37.813601 | long = 12.872539 | content = Sculptural fountain by Andrea Cascella. }} * {{see | name = Untitled sculpture | lat = 37.816209 | long = 12.869898 | content = Abstract work by Onhari, housed in a public building. }} * {{see | name = Ceramic panel | lat = 37.816238 | long = 12.870153 | content = Ceramic mural by Taiwanese artist Hsiao Chin. }} * {{see | name = Counterpoint | alt = Contrappunto | lat = 37.811860 | long = 12.867240 | content = Counterpoint by Fausto Melotti—geometric symbols placed near a dry pond.}} There are also several indoor works on display in the town hall (Piazza 15 Gennaio 1968), including pieces by Carla Accardi, Gino Severini, and Arnaldo Pomodoro. The Grande Cretto by Alberto Burri lies about 20 km to the east of Gibellina, on the site of the old town destroyed by the 1968 earthquake. It is not walkable from the centre but can be reached by car via the SS188, which connects directly to the site. There is no local public transport, so visitors without a car should plan accordingly or arrange a taxi. [[File:Gibellina (IMG 20240318 131533).jpg|thumb|right|300px|Gibillina's "system of piazzas", a linear series of open squares framed by stark architectural structures.]] ==Do== Gibellina is best experienced as an open-air museum. Spend time walking through its geometric streets and public spaces, discovering dozens of contemporary art installations and architectural experiments. Check for seasonal exhibitions or cultural events hosted by the Fondazione Istituto di Alta Cultura – Orestiadi, especially in summer. ==Buy== Gibellina isn’t a major shopping destination, but visitors can find books, art catalogues, and exhibition-related items at the bookshop inside the Fondazione Orestiadi. Occasional art fairs, craft stalls, and cultural events may also offer handmade goods, ceramics, or locally produced items reflecting the town’s creative identity. * {{buy | name = Bookshop – Fondazione Orestiadi | lat = 37.8045 | long = 12.8730 | content = The foundation’s on-site bookshop offers exhibition catalogues, contemporary art books, and publications on Mediterranean culture, many of them related to the Orestiadi collection and Gibellina’s artistic history. }} ==Eat== There are a few local trattorias and bars in Gibellina Nuova offering Sicilian dishes, panini, and pastries. Expect simple menus focused on local ingredients. Dining options may be limited outside peak times, so plan accordingly or head to nearby towns like Santa Ninfa or Castelvetrano for more variety. [[File:Esterno chiesa madre di Gibellina.jpg|thumb|300px|The Mother Church (''Chiesa Madre'')]] ==Drink== Bars and cafes in Gibellina typically serve coffee, wine, aperitivi, and small snacks. Local wines from the Belìce Valley are worth trying, especially red blends and Nero d'Avola. Evening aperitivo is a relaxed time to enjoy the town’s public spaces. ==Sleep== Gibellina has limited accommodation—mostly small B&Bs or apartments. Advance booking is recommended, particularly during festivals or art events. For more options, nearby towns such as Santa Ninfa, Salemi, or Castelvetrano have hotels and agriturismi. ==Stay safe== Gibellina is generally quiet and safe. Be cautious on hot summer days, especially when exploring outdoor art installations—many are in exposed areas with little shade. Wear sunscreen, stay hydrated, and bring water if walking to more remote sites like the ''Grande Cretto''. ==Connect== Mobile coverage is good in most of the town. Free Wi-Fi may be available at the civic museum or within the Fondazione Orestiadi. Otherwise, check with your accommodation for internet access. ==Go next== Gibellina sits within reach of several of western Sicily’s most important historical and cultural destinations: * '''[[Segesta]]''' – One of Sicily’s best-preserved ancient sites, home to a majestic Doric temple and hillside theatre with sweeping views. Around 45 min by car. * '''[[Selinunte]]''' – A vast archaeological park along the coast, featuring sprawling temple ruins and ancient city remains. One of the most impressive classical sites in Europe. About 1 hr by car. * '''[[Erice]]''' – A walled medieval town perched on a mountain above Trapani. Known for its cobbled lanes, historic churches, and panoramic vistas, it also offers galleries and artisan workshops. Around 1 hr 15 min by car. {{IsPartOf|Trapani (province)}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|37.800|12.870}} atuqtrkej16s2idxqbhnjr1p59anh4e 5086996 5086662 2025-07-03T07:01:49Z Kned Wiki 2327203 Added specialist art tour, additional images 5086996 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Banner Piazza del Comune di Gibellina for WV.jpg}} '''Gibellina''' is a small city—and a living arts experiment—in [[Trapani (province)|Trapani province]], western Sicily. Rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in January 1968, Gibellina Nuova was masterplanned by avant-garde architects, sculptors, and artists who transformed its streets, plazas, and structures into vibrant expressions of modern art and architecture. [[File:Cretto di Burri 01.JPG|thumb|right|300px|Alberto Burri’s ''Cretto di Burri''—a stark white grid laid over the ruins of old Gibellina.]] Named Capital of Contemporary Art 2026, Gibellina stands out as one of Italy’s most distinctive cultural destinations. ==Understand== Gibellina is best known for the monumental Grande Cretto (Large Crack) by Alberto Burri—one of the world’s largest land‑art installations. Spanning over the ruins of the original town, this white‑concrete labyrinth memorial echoes the old street grid with deep fissures, serving as both elegy and architecture of memory. The original town, devastated by the 1968 earthquake, was relocated and rebuilt about 20km away. The new settlement was consciously designed with a butterfly‑shaped layout—two curved "wings" of housing flanking a central spine of civic spaces—planned by major architects like Marcello Fabbri, Oswald Mathias Ungers, and Ludovico Quaroni dicasainsicilia.com. This bold modernist design was intended to blend functional efficiency with public art, though it has been criticised for its scale and social detachment. == Get in == [[File:Teatro Consagra 1.jpg|thumb|300px|The Consagra Theatre]] ===By Car=== Gibellina is easily reached by car: * From '''Trapani''': ~48 km via the SS 188, about a 50-minute drive. * From '''Palermo''': Take the A29 toward Trapani, then SS 188 east; expect a journey of around 2 hours. Parking is available near the town centre and the Cretto di Burri site. ===By Bus=== Azienda Siciliana Trasporti provides a direct but infrequent bus service from Trapani to Gibellina, taking approximately 1 hour 12 minutes. ===By Train=== Regional trains (operated by Trenitalia) serve the Salemi–Gibellina station at the edge of Gibellina Nuova, with about five departures daily from Trapani. The scenic journey takes around 1 hour 44 minutes. The station is effectively within the town—it sits right at the western perimeter, making walking into the town centre easy == Get around == {{mapframe | 37.8096 | 12.8744 | zoom=14 | width=400 | align=right }} ===Tours=== Guided tours focus on Gibellina’s bold architecture and conceptual art legacy: * [https://www.contexttravel.com/cities/sicily/tours/gibellina-tour '''Context Travel'''] – A half-day walking tour led by architects or art historians, exploring Gibellina Nuova’s experimental urban plan, major public artworks, and the story of its post-earthquake reconstruction. ===Walking the urban design=== [[File:Gibellina (IMG 20240318 131533).jpg|thumb|right|300px|Gibillina's "system of piazzas", a linear series of open squares framed by stark architectural structures.]] A distinctive feature of Gibellina’s urban design is the "system of piazzas", a linear series of open squares framed by stark architectural structures. The ensemble was designed by architects Franco Purini and Laura Thermes as part of the town’s reconstruction. Piazza XV Gennaio 1968 is the town’s main orientation point, home to the town hall and several art installations. Viale Belice runs alongside the square and ends at Piazza Joseph Beuys, where Pietro Consagra’s unfinished theatre stands. The plazas are: * {{marker|name=Piazza XV Gennaio 1968 |type=lime|lat=37.808831|long=12.872728}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Rivolta del 26 giugno 1937|type=lime|lat=37.807561|long=12.872787}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Fasci dei Lavoratori|type=lime|lat=37.807103|long=12.872186}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Monti di Gibellina|type=lime|lat=37.806567|long=12.871533}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Autonomia Siciliana|type=lime|lat=37.806119|long=12.870949}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Passo Portella delle Ginestre|type=lime|lat=37.805515|long=12.870056}} These plazas form a monumental architectural spine through the heart of Gibellina and reflect its vision as a living museum of modernist urbanism. ==See== Gibellina is often described as an open-air museum of contemporary art, where public spaces were designed as canvases for architectural and sculptural experimentation. Much of the town's post-1968 reconstruction involved leading artists and architects, whose works now shape its streets, piazzas, and skyline. From monumental land art to abstract installations and modernist churches, most sights are outdoors and within walking distance—though some lie further afield, such as Burri’s ''Grande Cretto''. ===Landmarks=== [[File:MAC Gibellina.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Ludovico Corrao.]] * {{see | name = Gibellina Town Hall | alt = Municipio di Gibellina | lat = 37.80883 | long = 12.87273 | content = Modern civic building (1972–84) by architects Giuseppe Samonà, Vittorio Gregotti, Gianni Pirrone and Alberto Samonà. It anchors the east–west axis of the “sistema delle piazze” and houses a gallery corridor featuring works by Gino Severini, Carla Accardi and Arnaldo Pomodoro. }} * {{see | name = Museum of Contemporary Art | alt = ''Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Ludovico Corrao'' | lat = 37.81200 | long = 12.87486 | url = https://www.macgibellina.it/ | content = The museum, also known as MAC, houses one of Southern Italy’s largest collections of contemporary art (≈2,000 works by artists such as Schifano, Guttuso, and Paladino). Named after former mayor Ludovico Corrao, who spearheaded its creation to rebuild Gibellina through culture. }} * {{see | name = Mother Church | alt = Chiesa Madre | lat = 37.8057 | long = 12.8650 | content = Striking modernist church designed in 1972 by Ludovico Quaroni and Luisa Anversa, featuring a cubic base topped with a giant white sphere. Suffered roof collapse in 1994 and was restored for public opening in 2010. }} * {{see | name = Pietro Consagra Theatre | alt = Teatro di Pietro Consagra | lat = 37.808502 | long = 12.873694 | content = Elevated concrete theatre designed to span a roadway. Its long delay in completion (1980s–2020) made it a symbol of post-quake reconstruction struggles. }} [[File:Gibellina - Porta del Belice 0580.JPG|thumb|300px|Entrance Star to Belice]] * {{see | name = Entrance Star to Belice | alt = ''Stella d’ingresso al Belice'' | lat = 37.80325 | long = 12.87235 | content = A 26 m‑high stainless‑steel star "gateway" sculpture by Pietro Consagra (1981), located on the road into Gibellina Nuova. Created as a symbolic entrance and beacon of hope for the Belìce Valley following the 1968 earthquake. }} * {{see | name = Fondazione Istituto di Alta Cultura – Orestiadi | alt = Fondazione Orestiadi | url = https://www.fondazioneorestiadi.it/ | lat = 37.80213 | long = 12.8816 | content = A cultural foundation housed in the restored Baglio di Stefano. Its art trail features works by Paladino (including the “Mountain of Salt”), Pomodoro, Consagra, and others. }} * {{see | name = Lorenzo Milton Machado Palace | alt = Palazzo di Lorenzo Milton Machado | lat = 37.808486 | long = 12.874913 | content = Residential building designed by Francesco Venezia for artist Lorenzo Milton Machado. }} * {{see | name = Church of Saint Joseph | alt = Chiesa di San Giuseppe | lat = 37.8109545 | long = 12.8676275 | content = Smaller parish church serving the southern residential area. }} ===Installations=== * {{see | name = Aratro | lat = 37.808818 | long = 12.875309 | content = Bronze plough sculpture by Arnaldo Pomodoro, symbolising Gibellina’s agricultural past. }} * {{see | name = Untitled sculpture | lat = 37.806603 | long = 12.876755 | content = Abstract work by Giuseppe Spagnulo. }} * {{see | name = Spacial Rhythms| alt = Ritmi spaziali | lat = 37.805139 | long = 12.876629 | content = Spatial Rhythms by Carmelo Cappello—an abstract outdoor piece. }} [[File:Piazza Civica di Gibellina.jpg |thumb|300px|The Mother Church and installations seen from a piazza)]] * {{see | name = Mountain of Salt| alt = Montagna di Sale | lat = 37.801752 | long = 12.882470 | content = Mountain of Salt by Mimmo Paladino: a concrete mound with 30 wooden horses—a recurring motif in his work. }} * {{see | name = The infinity of memory| alt =''L’infinito della memoria'' | lat = 37.811049 | long = 12.874101 | content = Infinity of Memory by Costas Varotsos. }} * {{see | name = Listening| alt = Ascoltare | lat = 37.811928 | long = 12.875116 | content = Listening by Giovanni Albanese, a sound-sensitive device sculpture inside the MAC.}} * {{see | name = The arrow points to the shadow of an arrow | alt= ''La freccia indica l’ombra di una freccia''| lat = 37.811716 | long = 12.875071 | content = Wall sculpture by Emilio Isgrò featuring opposing arrows and its own title as an inscription. }} * {{see | name = Labirinto | lat = 37.811366 | long = 12.873697 | content = Circular maze-like installation by Nino Franchina. }} * {{see | name = Fontana | lat = 37.813601 | long = 12.872539 | content = Sculptural fountain by Andrea Cascella. }} * {{see | name = Untitled sculpture | lat = 37.816209 | long = 12.869898 | content = Abstract work by Onhari, housed in a public building. }} * {{see | name = Ceramic panel | lat = 37.816238 | long = 12.870153 | content = Ceramic mural by Taiwanese artist Hsiao Chin. }} * {{see | name = Counterpoint | alt = Contrappunto | lat = 37.811860 | long = 12.867240 | content = Counterpoint by Fausto Melotti—geometric symbols placed near a dry pond.}} There are also several indoor works on display in the town hall (Piazza 15 Gennaio 1968), including pieces by Carla Accardi, Gino Severini, and Arnaldo Pomodoro. The Grande Cretto by Alberto Burri lies about 20 km to the east of Gibellina, on the site of the old town destroyed by the 1968 earthquake. It is not walkable from the centre but can be reached by car via the SS188, which connects directly to the site. There is no local public transport, so visitors without a car should plan accordingly or arrange a taxi. ==Do== [[File:Esterno chiesa madre di Gibellina.jpg|thumb|300px|Mother Church (''Chiesa Madre'')]] Gibellina is best experienced as an open-air museum. Spend time walking through its geometric streets and public spaces, discovering dozens of contemporary art installations and architectural experiments. Check for seasonal exhibitions or cultural events hosted by the Fondazione Istituto di Alta Cultura – Orestiadi, especially in summer. ==Buy== Gibellina isn’t a major shopping destination, but visitors can find books, art catalogues, and exhibition-related items at the bookshop inside the Fondazione Orestiadi. Occasional art fairs, craft stalls, and cultural events may also offer handmade goods, ceramics, or locally produced items reflecting the town’s creative identity. * {{buy | name = Bookshop – Fondazione Orestiadi | lat = 37.8045 | long = 12.8730 | content = The foundation’s on-site bookshop offers exhibition catalogues, contemporary art books, and publications on Mediterranean culture, many of them related to the Orestiadi collection and Gibellina’s artistic history. }} ==Eat== There are a few local trattorias and bars in Gibellina Nuova offering Sicilian dishes, panini, and pastries. Expect simple menus focused on local ingredients. Dining options may be limited outside peak times, so plan accordingly or head to nearby towns like Santa Ninfa or Castelvetrano for more variety. ==Drink== [[File:Museo d'arte contemporanea di Gibellina - Salle 02 (2).jpg|thumb|300px|Museum of Contemporary Art interiro)]] Bars and cafes in Gibellina typically serve coffee, wine, aperitivi, and small snacks. Local wines from the Belìce Valley are worth trying, especially red blends and Nero d'Avola. Evening aperitivo is a relaxed time to enjoy the town’s public spaces. ==Sleep== Gibellina has limited accommodation—mostly small B&Bs or apartments. Advance booking is recommended, particularly during festivals or art events. For more options, nearby towns such as Santa Ninfa, Salemi, or Castelvetrano have hotels and agriturismi. ==Stay safe== Gibellina is generally quiet and safe. Be cautious on hot summer days, especially when exploring outdoor art installations—many are in exposed areas with little shade. Wear sunscreen, stay hydrated, and bring water if walking to more remote sites like the ''Grande Cretto''. ==Connect== Mobile coverage is good in most of the town. Free Wi-Fi may be available at the civic museum or within the Fondazione Orestiadi. Otherwise, check with your accommodation for internet access. ==Go next== Gibellina sits within reach of several of western Sicily’s most important historical and cultural destinations: * '''[[Segesta]]''' – One of Sicily’s best-preserved ancient sites, home to a majestic Doric temple and hillside theatre with sweeping views. Around 45 min by car. * '''[[Selinunte]]''' – A vast archaeological park along the coast, featuring sprawling temple ruins and ancient city remains. One of the most impressive classical sites in Europe. About 1 hr by car. * '''[[Erice]]''' – A walled medieval town perched on a mountain above Trapani. Known for its cobbled lanes, historic churches, and panoramic vistas, it also offers galleries and artisan workshops. Around 1 hr 15 min by car. {{IsPartOf|Trapani (province)}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|37.800|12.870}} 7awrnj9o165mf3kta10ikg0ow7um567 5086998 5086996 2025-07-03T07:10:05Z Kned Wiki 2327203 Fixed typo, remove bracket 5086998 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Banner Piazza del Comune di Gibellina for WV.jpg}} '''Gibellina''' is a small city—and a living arts experiment—in [[Trapani (province)|Trapani province]], western Sicily. Rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in January 1968, Gibellina Nuova was masterplanned by avant-garde architects, sculptors, and artists who transformed its streets, plazas, and structures into vibrant expressions of modern art and architecture. [[File:Cretto di Burri 01.JPG|thumb|right|300px|Alberto Burri’s ''Cretto di Burri''—a stark white grid laid over the ruins of old Gibellina.]] Named Capital of Contemporary Art 2026, Gibellina stands out as one of Italy’s most distinctive cultural destinations. ==Understand== Gibellina is best known for the monumental Grande Cretto (Large Crack) by Alberto Burri—one of the world’s largest land‑art installations. Spanning over the ruins of the original town, this white‑concrete labyrinth memorial echoes the old street grid with deep fissures, serving as both elegy and architecture of memory. The original town, devastated by the 1968 earthquake, was relocated and rebuilt about 20km away. The new settlement was consciously designed with a butterfly‑shaped layout—two curved "wings" of housing flanking a central spine of civic spaces—planned by major architects like Marcello Fabbri, Oswald Mathias Ungers, and Ludovico Quaroni dicasainsicilia.com. This bold modernist design was intended to blend functional efficiency with public art, though it has been criticised for its scale and social detachment. == Get in == [[File:Teatro Consagra 1.jpg|thumb|300px|The Consagra Theatre]] ===By Car=== Gibellina is easily reached by car: * From '''Trapani''': ~48 km via the SS 188, about a 50-minute drive. * From '''Palermo''': Take the A29 toward Trapani, then SS 188 east; expect a journey of around 2 hours. Parking is available near the town centre and the Cretto di Burri site. ===By Bus=== Azienda Siciliana Trasporti provides a direct but infrequent bus service from Trapani to Gibellina, taking approximately 1 hour 12 minutes. ===By Train=== Regional trains (operated by Trenitalia) serve the Salemi–Gibellina station at the edge of Gibellina Nuova, with about five departures daily from Trapani. The scenic journey takes around 1 hour 44 minutes. The station is effectively within the town—it sits right at the western perimeter, making walking into the town centre easy == Get around == {{mapframe | 37.8096 | 12.8744 | zoom=14 | width=400 | align=right }} ===Tours=== Guided tours focus on Gibellina’s bold architecture and conceptual art legacy: * [https://www.contexttravel.com/cities/sicily/tours/gibellina-tour '''Context Travel'''] – A half-day walking tour led by architects or art historians, exploring Gibellina Nuova’s experimental urban plan, major public artworks, and the story of its post-earthquake reconstruction. ===Walking the urban design=== [[File:Gibellina (IMG 20240318 131533).jpg|thumb|right|300px|Gibillina's "system of piazzas", a linear series of open squares framed by stark architectural structures.]] A distinctive feature of Gibellina’s urban design is the "system of piazzas", a linear series of open squares framed by stark architectural structures. The ensemble was designed by architects Franco Purini and Laura Thermes as part of the town’s reconstruction. Piazza XV Gennaio 1968 is the town’s main orientation point, home to the town hall and several art installations. Viale Belice runs alongside the square and ends at Piazza Joseph Beuys, where Pietro Consagra’s unfinished theatre stands. The plazas are: * {{marker|name=Piazza XV Gennaio 1968 |type=lime|lat=37.808831|long=12.872728}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Rivolta del 26 giugno 1937|type=lime|lat=37.807561|long=12.872787}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Fasci dei Lavoratori|type=lime|lat=37.807103|long=12.872186}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Monti di Gibellina|type=lime|lat=37.806567|long=12.871533}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Autonomia Siciliana|type=lime|lat=37.806119|long=12.870949}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Passo Portella delle Ginestre|type=lime|lat=37.805515|long=12.870056}} These plazas form a monumental architectural spine through the heart of Gibellina and reflect its vision as a living museum of modernist urbanism. ==See== Gibellina is often described as an open-air museum of contemporary art, where public spaces were designed as canvases for architectural and sculptural experimentation. Much of the town's post-1968 reconstruction involved leading artists and architects, whose works now shape its streets, piazzas, and skyline. From monumental land art to abstract installations and modernist churches, most sights are outdoors and within walking distance—though some lie further afield, such as Burri’s ''Grande Cretto''. ===Landmarks=== [[File:MAC Gibellina.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Ludovico Corrao.]] * {{see | name = Gibellina Town Hall | alt = Municipio di Gibellina | lat = 37.80883 | long = 12.87273 | content = Modern civic building (1972–84) by architects Giuseppe Samonà, Vittorio Gregotti, Gianni Pirrone and Alberto Samonà. It anchors the east–west axis of the “sistema delle piazze” and houses a gallery corridor featuring works by Gino Severini, Carla Accardi and Arnaldo Pomodoro. }} * {{see | name = Museum of Contemporary Art | alt = ''Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Ludovico Corrao'' | lat = 37.81200 | long = 12.87486 | url = https://www.macgibellina.it/ | content = The museum, also known as MAC, houses one of Southern Italy’s largest collections of contemporary art (≈2,000 works by artists such as Schifano, Guttuso, and Paladino). Named after former mayor Ludovico Corrao, who spearheaded its creation to rebuild Gibellina through culture. }} * {{see | name = Mother Church | alt = Chiesa Madre | lat = 37.8057 | long = 12.8650 | content = Striking modernist church designed in 1972 by Ludovico Quaroni and Luisa Anversa, featuring a cubic base topped with a giant white sphere. Suffered roof collapse in 1994 and was restored for public opening in 2010. }} * {{see | name = Pietro Consagra Theatre | alt = Teatro di Pietro Consagra | lat = 37.808502 | long = 12.873694 | content = Elevated concrete theatre designed to span a roadway. Its long delay in completion (1980s–2020) made it a symbol of post-quake reconstruction struggles. }} [[File:Gibellina - Porta del Belice 0580.JPG|thumb|300px|Entrance Star to Belice]] * {{see | name = Entrance Star to Belice | alt = ''Stella d’ingresso al Belice'' | lat = 37.80325 | long = 12.87235 | content = A 26 m‑high stainless‑steel star "gateway" sculpture by Pietro Consagra (1981), located on the road into Gibellina Nuova. Created as a symbolic entrance and beacon of hope for the Belìce Valley following the 1968 earthquake. }} * {{see | name = Fondazione Istituto di Alta Cultura – Orestiadi | alt = Fondazione Orestiadi | url = https://www.fondazioneorestiadi.it/ | lat = 37.80213 | long = 12.8816 | content = A cultural foundation housed in the restored Baglio di Stefano. Its art trail features works by Paladino (including the “Mountain of Salt”), Pomodoro, Consagra, and others. }} * {{see | name = Lorenzo Milton Machado Palace | alt = Palazzo di Lorenzo Milton Machado | lat = 37.808486 | long = 12.874913 | content = Residential building designed by Francesco Venezia for artist Lorenzo Milton Machado. }} * {{see | name = Church of Saint Joseph | alt = Chiesa di San Giuseppe | lat = 37.8109545 | long = 12.8676275 | content = Smaller parish church serving the southern residential area. }} ===Installations=== * {{see | name = Aratro | lat = 37.808818 | long = 12.875309 | content = Bronze plough sculpture by Arnaldo Pomodoro, symbolising Gibellina’s agricultural past. }} * {{see | name = Untitled sculpture | lat = 37.806603 | long = 12.876755 | content = Abstract work by Giuseppe Spagnulo. }} * {{see | name = Spacial Rhythms| alt = Ritmi spaziali | lat = 37.805139 | long = 12.876629 | content = Spatial Rhythms by Carmelo Cappello—an abstract outdoor piece. }} [[File:Piazza Civica di Gibellina.jpg |thumb|300px|The Mother Church and installations seen from a piazza)]] * {{see | name = Mountain of Salt| alt = Montagna di Sale | lat = 37.801752 | long = 12.882470 | content = Mountain of Salt by Mimmo Paladino: a concrete mound with 30 wooden horses—a recurring motif in his work. }} * {{see | name = The infinity of memory| alt =''L’infinito della memoria'' | lat = 37.811049 | long = 12.874101 | content = Infinity of Memory by Costas Varotsos. }} * {{see | name = Listening| alt = Ascoltare | lat = 37.811928 | long = 12.875116 | content = Listening by Giovanni Albanese, a sound-sensitive device sculpture inside the MAC.}} * {{see | name = The arrow points to the shadow of an arrow | alt= ''La freccia indica l’ombra di una freccia''| lat = 37.811716 | long = 12.875071 | content = Wall sculpture by Emilio Isgrò featuring opposing arrows and its own title as an inscription. }} * {{see | name = Labirinto | lat = 37.811366 | long = 12.873697 | content = Circular maze-like installation by Nino Franchina. }} * {{see | name = Fontana | lat = 37.813601 | long = 12.872539 | content = Sculptural fountain by Andrea Cascella. }} * {{see | name = Untitled sculpture | lat = 37.816209 | long = 12.869898 | content = Abstract work by Onhari, housed in a public building. }} * {{see | name = Ceramic panel | lat = 37.816238 | long = 12.870153 | content = Ceramic mural by Taiwanese artist Hsiao Chin. }} * {{see | name = Counterpoint | alt = Contrappunto | lat = 37.811860 | long = 12.867240 | content = Counterpoint by Fausto Melotti—geometric symbols placed near a dry pond.}} There are also several indoor works on display in the town hall (Piazza 15 Gennaio 1968), including pieces by Carla Accardi, Gino Severini, and Arnaldo Pomodoro. The Grande Cretto by Alberto Burri lies about 20 km to the east of Gibellina, on the site of the old town destroyed by the 1968 earthquake. It is not walkable from the centre but can be reached by car via the SS188, which connects directly to the site. There is no local public transport, so visitors without a car should plan accordingly or arrange a taxi. ==Do== [[File:Esterno chiesa madre di Gibellina.jpg|thumb|300px|Mother Church (''Chiesa Madre'')]] Gibellina is best experienced as an open-air museum. Spend time walking through its geometric streets and public spaces, discovering dozens of contemporary art installations and architectural experiments. Check for seasonal exhibitions or cultural events hosted by the Fondazione Istituto di Alta Cultura – Orestiadi, especially in summer. ==Buy== Gibellina isn’t a major shopping destination, but visitors can find books, art catalogues, and exhibition-related items at the bookshop inside the Fondazione Orestiadi. Occasional art fairs, craft stalls, and cultural events may also offer handmade goods, ceramics, or locally produced items reflecting the town’s creative identity. * {{buy | name = Bookshop – Fondazione Orestiadi | lat = 37.8045 | long = 12.8730 | content = The foundation’s on-site bookshop offers exhibition catalogues, contemporary art books, and publications on Mediterranean culture, many of them related to the Orestiadi collection and Gibellina’s artistic history. }} ==Eat== There are a few local trattorias and bars in Gibellina Nuova offering Sicilian dishes, panini, and pastries. Expect simple menus focused on local ingredients. Dining options may be limited outside peak times, so plan accordingly or head to nearby towns like Santa Ninfa or Castelvetrano for more variety. ==Drink== [[File:Museo d'arte contemporanea di Gibellina - Salle 02 (2).jpg|thumb|300px|Museum of Contemporary Art interior]] Bars and cafes in Gibellina typically serve coffee, wine, aperitivi, and small snacks. Local wines from the Belìce Valley are worth trying, especially red blends and Nero d'Avola. Evening aperitivo is a relaxed time to enjoy the town’s public spaces. ==Sleep== Gibellina has limited accommodation—mostly small B&Bs or apartments. Advance booking is recommended, particularly during festivals or art events. For more options, nearby towns such as Santa Ninfa, Salemi, or Castelvetrano have hotels and agriturismi. ==Stay safe== Gibellina is generally quiet and safe. Be cautious on hot summer days, especially when exploring outdoor art installations—many are in exposed areas with little shade. Wear sunscreen, stay hydrated, and bring water if walking to more remote sites like the ''Grande Cretto''. ==Connect== Mobile coverage is good in most of the town. Free Wi-Fi may be available at the civic museum or within the Fondazione Orestiadi. Otherwise, check with your accommodation for internet access. ==Go next== Gibellina sits within reach of several of western Sicily’s most important historical and cultural destinations: * '''[[Segesta]]''' – One of Sicily’s best-preserved ancient sites, home to a majestic Doric temple and hillside theatre with sweeping views. Around 45 min by car. * '''[[Selinunte]]''' – A vast archaeological park along the coast, featuring sprawling temple ruins and ancient city remains. One of the most impressive classical sites in Europe. About 1 hr by car. * '''[[Erice]]''' – A walled medieval town perched on a mountain above Trapani. Known for its cobbled lanes, historic churches, and panoramic vistas, it also offers galleries and artisan workshops. Around 1 hr 15 min by car. {{IsPartOf|Trapani (province)}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|37.800|12.870}} q2gdgroopfkhnwhdo34zmk2w2b50l1t 5087003 5086998 2025-07-03T07:25:06Z Kned Wiki 2327203 Removed floating bracket 5087003 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Banner Piazza del Comune di Gibellina for WV.jpg}} '''Gibellina''' is a small city—and a living arts experiment—in [[Trapani (province)|Trapani province]], western Sicily. Rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in January 1968, Gibellina Nuova was masterplanned by avant-garde architects, sculptors, and artists who transformed its streets, plazas, and structures into vibrant expressions of modern art and architecture. [[File:Cretto di Burri 01.JPG|thumb|right|300px|Alberto Burri’s ''Cretto di Burri''—a stark white grid laid over the ruins of old Gibellina.]] Named Capital of Contemporary Art 2026, Gibellina stands out as one of Italy’s most distinctive cultural destinations. ==Understand== Gibellina is best known for the monumental Grande Cretto (Large Crack) by Alberto Burri—one of the world’s largest land‑art installations. Spanning over the ruins of the original town, this white‑concrete labyrinth memorial echoes the old street grid with deep fissures, serving as both elegy and architecture of memory. The original town, devastated by the 1968 earthquake, was relocated and rebuilt about 20km away. The new settlement was consciously designed with a butterfly‑shaped layout—two curved "wings" of housing flanking a central spine of civic spaces—planned by major architects like Marcello Fabbri, Oswald Mathias Ungers, and Ludovico Quaroni dicasainsicilia.com. This bold modernist design was intended to blend functional efficiency with public art, though it has been criticised for its scale and social detachment. == Get in == [[File:Teatro Consagra 1.jpg|thumb|300px|The Consagra Theatre]] ===By Car=== Gibellina is easily reached by car: * From '''Trapani''': ~48 km via the SS 188, about a 50-minute drive. * From '''Palermo''': Take the A29 toward Trapani, then SS 188 east; expect a journey of around 2 hours. Parking is available near the town centre and the Cretto di Burri site. ===By Bus=== Azienda Siciliana Trasporti provides a direct but infrequent bus service from Trapani to Gibellina, taking approximately 1 hour 12 minutes. ===By Train=== Regional trains (operated by Trenitalia) serve the Salemi–Gibellina station at the edge of Gibellina Nuova, with about five departures daily from Trapani. The scenic journey takes around 1 hour 44 minutes. The station is effectively within the town—it sits right at the western perimeter, making walking into the town centre easy == Get around == {{mapframe | 37.8096 | 12.8744 | zoom=14 | width=400 | align=right }} ===Tours=== Guided tours focus on Gibellina’s bold architecture and conceptual art legacy: * [https://www.contexttravel.com/cities/sicily/tours/gibellina-tour '''Context Travel'''] – A half-day walking tour led by architects or art historians, exploring Gibellina Nuova’s experimental urban plan, major public artworks, and the story of its post-earthquake reconstruction. ===Walking the urban design=== [[File:Gibellina (IMG 20240318 131533).jpg|thumb|right|300px|Gibillina's "system of piazzas", a linear series of open squares framed by stark architectural structures.]] A distinctive feature of Gibellina’s urban design is the "system of piazzas", a linear series of open squares framed by stark architectural structures. The ensemble was designed by architects Franco Purini and Laura Thermes as part of the town’s reconstruction. Piazza XV Gennaio 1968 is the town’s main orientation point, home to the town hall and several art installations. Viale Belice runs alongside the square and ends at Piazza Joseph Beuys, where Pietro Consagra’s unfinished theatre stands. The plazas are: * {{marker|name=Piazza XV Gennaio 1968 |type=lime|lat=37.808831|long=12.872728}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Rivolta del 26 giugno 1937|type=lime|lat=37.807561|long=12.872787}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Fasci dei Lavoratori|type=lime|lat=37.807103|long=12.872186}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Monti di Gibellina|type=lime|lat=37.806567|long=12.871533}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Autonomia Siciliana|type=lime|lat=37.806119|long=12.870949}} * {{marker|name=Piazza Passo Portella delle Ginestre|type=lime|lat=37.805515|long=12.870056}} These plazas form a monumental architectural spine through the heart of Gibellina and reflect its vision as a living museum of modernist urbanism. ==See== Gibellina is often described as an open-air museum of contemporary art, where public spaces were designed as canvases for architectural and sculptural experimentation. Much of the town's post-1968 reconstruction involved leading artists and architects, whose works now shape its streets, piazzas, and skyline. From monumental land art to abstract installations and modernist churches, most sights are outdoors and within walking distance—though some lie further afield, such as Burri’s ''Grande Cretto''. ===Landmarks=== [[File:MAC Gibellina.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Ludovico Corrao.]] * {{see | name = Gibellina Town Hall | alt = Municipio di Gibellina | lat = 37.80883 | long = 12.87273 | content = Modern civic building (1972–84) by architects Giuseppe Samonà, Vittorio Gregotti, Gianni Pirrone and Alberto Samonà. It anchors the east–west axis of the “sistema delle piazze” and houses a gallery corridor featuring works by Gino Severini, Carla Accardi and Arnaldo Pomodoro. }} * {{see | name = Museum of Contemporary Art | alt = ''Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Ludovico Corrao'' | lat = 37.81200 | long = 12.87486 | url = https://www.macgibellina.it/ | content = The museum, also known as MAC, houses one of Southern Italy’s largest collections of contemporary art (≈2,000 works by artists such as Schifano, Guttuso, and Paladino). Named after former mayor Ludovico Corrao, who spearheaded its creation to rebuild Gibellina through culture. }} * {{see | name = Mother Church | alt = Chiesa Madre | lat = 37.8057 | long = 12.8650 | content = Striking modernist church designed in 1972 by Ludovico Quaroni and Luisa Anversa, featuring a cubic base topped with a giant white sphere. Suffered roof collapse in 1994 and was restored for public opening in 2010. }} * {{see | name = Pietro Consagra Theatre | alt = Teatro di Pietro Consagra | lat = 37.808502 | long = 12.873694 | content = Elevated concrete theatre designed to span a roadway. Its long delay in completion (1980s–2020) made it a symbol of post-quake reconstruction struggles. }} [[File:Gibellina - Porta del Belice 0580.JPG|thumb|300px|Entrance Star to Belice]] * {{see | name = Entrance Star to Belice | alt = ''Stella d’ingresso al Belice'' | lat = 37.80325 | long = 12.87235 | content = A 26 m‑high stainless‑steel star "gateway" sculpture by Pietro Consagra (1981), located on the road into Gibellina Nuova. Created as a symbolic entrance and beacon of hope for the Belìce Valley following the 1968 earthquake. }} * {{see | name = Fondazione Istituto di Alta Cultura – Orestiadi | alt = Fondazione Orestiadi | url = https://www.fondazioneorestiadi.it/ | lat = 37.80213 | long = 12.8816 | content = A cultural foundation housed in the restored Baglio di Stefano. Its art trail features works by Paladino (including the “Mountain of Salt”), Pomodoro, Consagra, and others. }} * {{see | name = Lorenzo Milton Machado Palace | alt = Palazzo di Lorenzo Milton Machado | lat = 37.808486 | long = 12.874913 | content = Residential building designed by Francesco Venezia for artist Lorenzo Milton Machado. }} * {{see | name = Church of Saint Joseph | alt = Chiesa di San Giuseppe | lat = 37.8109545 | long = 12.8676275 | content = Smaller parish church serving the southern residential area. }} ===Installations=== * {{see | name = Aratro | lat = 37.808818 | long = 12.875309 | content = Bronze plough sculpture by Arnaldo Pomodoro, symbolising Gibellina’s agricultural past. }} * {{see | name = Untitled sculpture | lat = 37.806603 | long = 12.876755 | content = Abstract work by Giuseppe Spagnulo. }} * {{see | name = Spacial Rhythms| alt = Ritmi spaziali | lat = 37.805139 | long = 12.876629 | content = Spatial Rhythms by Carmelo Cappello—an abstract outdoor piece. }} [[File:Piazza Civica di Gibellina.jpg |thumb|300px|The Mother Church and installations seen from a piazza]] * {{see | name = Mountain of Salt| alt = Montagna di Sale | lat = 37.801752 | long = 12.882470 | content = Mountain of Salt by Mimmo Paladino: a concrete mound with 30 wooden horses—a recurring motif in his work. }} * {{see | name = The infinity of memory| alt =''L’infinito della memoria'' | lat = 37.811049 | long = 12.874101 | content = Infinity of Memory by Costas Varotsos. }} * {{see | name = Listening| alt = Ascoltare | lat = 37.811928 | long = 12.875116 | content = Listening by Giovanni Albanese, a sound-sensitive device sculpture inside the MAC.}} * {{see | name = The arrow points to the shadow of an arrow | alt= ''La freccia indica l’ombra di una freccia''| lat = 37.811716 | long = 12.875071 | content = Wall sculpture by Emilio Isgrò featuring opposing arrows and its own title as an inscription. }} * {{see | name = Labirinto | lat = 37.811366 | long = 12.873697 | content = Circular maze-like installation by Nino Franchina. }} * {{see | name = Fontana | lat = 37.813601 | long = 12.872539 | content = Sculptural fountain by Andrea Cascella. }} * {{see | name = Untitled sculpture | lat = 37.816209 | long = 12.869898 | content = Abstract work by Onhari, housed in a public building. }} * {{see | name = Ceramic panel | lat = 37.816238 | long = 12.870153 | content = Ceramic mural by Taiwanese artist Hsiao Chin. }} * {{see | name = Counterpoint | alt = Contrappunto | lat = 37.811860 | long = 12.867240 | content = Counterpoint by Fausto Melotti—geometric symbols placed near a dry pond.}} There are also several indoor works on display in the town hall (Piazza 15 Gennaio 1968), including pieces by Carla Accardi, Gino Severini, and Arnaldo Pomodoro. The Grande Cretto by Alberto Burri lies about 20 km to the east of Gibellina, on the site of the old town destroyed by the 1968 earthquake. It is not walkable from the centre but can be reached by car via the SS188, which connects directly to the site. There is no local public transport, so visitors without a car should plan accordingly or arrange a taxi. ==Do== [[File:Esterno chiesa madre di Gibellina.jpg|thumb|300px|Mother Church (''Chiesa Madre'')]] Gibellina is best experienced as an open-air museum. Spend time walking through its geometric streets and public spaces, discovering dozens of contemporary art installations and architectural experiments. Check for seasonal exhibitions or cultural events hosted by the Fondazione Istituto di Alta Cultura – Orestiadi, especially in summer. ==Buy== Gibellina isn’t a major shopping destination, but visitors can find books, art catalogues, and exhibition-related items at the bookshop inside the Fondazione Orestiadi. Occasional art fairs, craft stalls, and cultural events may also offer handmade goods, ceramics, or locally produced items reflecting the town’s creative identity. * {{buy | name = Bookshop – Fondazione Orestiadi | lat = 37.8045 | long = 12.8730 | content = The foundation’s on-site bookshop offers exhibition catalogues, contemporary art books, and publications on Mediterranean culture, many of them related to the Orestiadi collection and Gibellina’s artistic history. }} ==Eat== There are a few local trattorias and bars in Gibellina Nuova offering Sicilian dishes, panini, and pastries. Expect simple menus focused on local ingredients. Dining options may be limited outside peak times, so plan accordingly or head to nearby towns like Santa Ninfa or Castelvetrano for more variety. ==Drink== [[File:Museo d'arte contemporanea di Gibellina - Salle 02 (2).jpg|thumb|300px|Museum of Contemporary Art interior]] Bars and cafes in Gibellina typically serve coffee, wine, aperitivi, and small snacks. Local wines from the Belìce Valley are worth trying, especially red blends and Nero d'Avola. Evening aperitivo is a relaxed time to enjoy the town’s public spaces. ==Sleep== Gibellina has limited accommodation—mostly small B&Bs or apartments. Advance booking is recommended, particularly during festivals or art events. For more options, nearby towns such as Santa Ninfa, Salemi, or Castelvetrano have hotels and agriturismi. ==Stay safe== Gibellina is generally quiet and safe. Be cautious on hot summer days, especially when exploring outdoor art installations—many are in exposed areas with little shade. Wear sunscreen, stay hydrated, and bring water if walking to more remote sites like the ''Grande Cretto''. ==Connect== Mobile coverage is good in most of the town. Free Wi-Fi may be available at the civic museum or within the Fondazione Orestiadi. Otherwise, check with your accommodation for internet access. ==Go next== Gibellina sits within reach of several of western Sicily’s most important historical and cultural destinations: * '''[[Segesta]]''' – One of Sicily’s best-preserved ancient sites, home to a majestic Doric temple and hillside theatre with sweeping views. Around 45 min by car. * '''[[Selinunte]]''' – A vast archaeological park along the coast, featuring sprawling temple ruins and ancient city remains. One of the most impressive classical sites in Europe. About 1 hr by car. * '''[[Erice]]''' – A walled medieval town perched on a mountain above Trapani. Known for its cobbled lanes, historic churches, and panoramic vistas, it also offers galleries and artisan workshops. Around 1 hr 15 min by car. {{IsPartOf|Trapani (province)}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|37.800|12.870}} 0hwpkfc1b15r5zz34ey4mx3ercspqkb 3 211633 5086603 5086580 2025-07-02T12:49:44Z LPfi 79572 /* Account unblocking request */ changed indefinite → 3 months, expecting the block to be restored or lifted soon 5086603 wikitext text/x-wiki == Account unblocking request == This is an additional account to the main account [[m:User:Filipović Zoran|Filipović Zoran]], which is primarily open on the Serbian Wikipedia, where it is allowed. I created the [[m:User:Зорана Филиповић/global.js|global.js]] page. I used the [[m:User:Krinkle/Tools/Global SUL|Global SUL]] tool, which created user pages on wiki projects. I am not a spammer or a bot. I am not abusing the wiki. I [https://xtools.wmcloud.org/ec/meta.wikimedia.org/Зорана_Филиповић contribute]. I do not harm Wikipedia. I did everything in accordance with Wikipedia's rules and guidelines. '''I request that my account be unblocked.''' [[User:Зорана Филиповић|Зорана Филиповић]] ([[User talk:Зорана Филиповић|talk]]) 10:45, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :[https://guc.toolforge.org/?by=date&user=%D0%97%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B0+%D0%A4%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B8%D1%9B This] would tell otherwise and the fact that you couldn't even tell which project you're on makes this unblock request utterly unconvincing. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 11:37, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :: I limited the time of the block to three months, expecting the unlimited block to be restored or the block lifted much before that time expires. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:49, 2 July 2025 (UTC) paoe2wymff50d2lwgth7wpahajiknb4 5086838 5086603 2025-07-02T23:13:17Z Зорана Филиповић 2323664 5086838 wikitext text/x-wiki == Account unblocking request == This is an additional account to the main account [[m:User:Filipović Zoran|Filipović Zoran]], which is primarily open on the Serbian Wikipedia, where it is allowed. I created the [[m:User:Зорана Филиповић/global.js|global.js]] page. I used the [[m:User:Krinkle/Tools/Global SUL|Global SUL]] tool, which created user pages on wiki projects. I am not a spammer or a bot. I am not abusing the wiki. I [https://xtools.wmcloud.org/ec/meta.wikimedia.org/Зорана_Филиповић contribute]. I do not harm Wikipedia. I did everything in accordance with Wikipedia's rules and guidelines. '''I request that my account be unblocked.''' [[User:Зорана Филиповић|Зорана Филиповић]] ([[User talk:Зорана Филиповић|talk]]) 10:45, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :[https://guc.toolforge.org/?by=date&user=%D0%97%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B0+%D0%A4%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B8%D1%9B This] would tell otherwise and the fact that you couldn't even tell which project you're on makes this unblock request utterly unconvincing. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 11:37, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :: I limited the time of the block to three months, expecting the unlimited block to be restored or the block lifted much before that time expires. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:49, 2 July 2025 (UTC) <br> I didn't do anything more than what a bot that opens accounts on related wiki projects does, and on my own talk page I left a note that I am an additional account of the main account. Every editor can have their own page on every wiki project and not have a single change, when a bot does that the number of changes is not a problem and on most wikis that number is zero, and that's for a large number of editors for whom the bot opened the page. [https://guc.toolforge.org/?by=date&user=%D0%97%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B0+%D0%A4%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B8%D1%9B These] are the open talk pages on my user card on related wiki projects where I left the following note (which I did primarily to avoid repeated confusion): == Напомена == Ово је додатни налог главног налога [[m:User:Filipović Zoran|Filipović Zoran]] који је од 19. августа 2024. године на трајном вики-одмору. [[User:Зорана Филиповић|Зорана Филиповић]] ([[User talk:Зорана Филиповић|talk]]) 23:12, 2 July 2025 (UTC) <br><br> The rules and guidelines allow each editor to create a talk page on their user card on each language wikipedia and related wiki projects, which I did; the text that I published serves not to cast doubt on my sincere intentions to edit wikipedia, as well as not to repeatedly ask the same questions to which I am obliged to give the same answer as here. [[User:Зорана Филиповић|Зорана Филиповић]] ([[User talk:Зорана Филиповић|talk]]) 23:12, 2 July 2025 (UTC) oougefs8y6k6m08odk87nd9h22i72ot 5087001 5086838 2025-07-03T07:22:17Z LPfi 79572 /* Напомена */ use your Meta user page 5087001 wikitext text/x-wiki == Account unblocking request == This is an additional account to the main account [[m:User:Filipović Zoran|Filipović Zoran]], which is primarily open on the Serbian Wikipedia, where it is allowed. I created the [[m:User:Зорана Филиповић/global.js|global.js]] page. I used the [[m:User:Krinkle/Tools/Global SUL|Global SUL]] tool, which created user pages on wiki projects. I am not a spammer or a bot. I am not abusing the wiki. I [https://xtools.wmcloud.org/ec/meta.wikimedia.org/Зорана_Филиповић contribute]. I do not harm Wikipedia. I did everything in accordance with Wikipedia's rules and guidelines. '''I request that my account be unblocked.''' [[User:Зорана Филиповић|Зорана Филиповић]] ([[User talk:Зорана Филиповић|talk]]) 10:45, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :[https://guc.toolforge.org/?by=date&user=%D0%97%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B0+%D0%A4%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B8%D1%9B This] would tell otherwise and the fact that you couldn't even tell which project you're on makes this unblock request utterly unconvincing. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 11:37, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :: I limited the time of the block to three months, expecting the unlimited block to be restored or the block lifted much before that time expires. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:49, 2 July 2025 (UTC) <br> I didn't do anything more than what a bot that opens accounts on related wiki projects does, and on my own talk page I left a note that I am an additional account of the main account. Every editor can have their own page on every wiki project and not have a single change, when a bot does that the number of changes is not a problem and on most wikis that number is zero, and that's for a large number of editors for whom the bot opened the page. [https://guc.toolforge.org/?by=date&user=%D0%97%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B0+%D0%A4%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B8%D1%9B These] are the open talk pages on my user card on related wiki projects where I left the following note (which I did primarily to avoid repeated confusion): == Напомена == Ово је додатни налог главног налога [[m:User:Filipović Zoran|Filipović Zoran]] који је од 19. августа 2024. године на трајном вики-одмору. [[User:Зорана Филиповић|Зорана Филиповић]] ([[User talk:Зорана Филиповић|talk]]) 23:12, 2 July 2025 (UTC) <br><br> The rules and guidelines allow each editor to create a talk page on their user card on each language wikipedia and related wiki projects, which I did; the text that I published serves not to cast doubt on my sincere intentions to edit wikipedia, as well as not to repeatedly ask the same questions to which I am obliged to give the same answer as here. [[User:Зорана Филиповић|Зорана Филиповић]] ([[User talk:Зорана Филиповић|talk]]) 23:12, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :Please tell about your alternative accounts on your Meta page, avoiding the need to edit in user space on a project you don't seem to be aware you are on (you repeatedly talk about Wikipedia). The user page, not the talk page, is where alternative accounts are usually declared. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:22, 3 July 2025 (UTC) 8j43do631dnsini5syu39xf7923dp8d 5087089 5087001 2025-07-03T10:59:43Z Зорана Филиповић 2323664 5087089 wikitext text/x-wiki == Account unblocking request == This is an additional account to the main account [[m:User:Filipović Zoran|Filipović Zoran]], which is primarily open on the Serbian Wikipedia, where it is allowed. I created the [[m:User:Зорана Филиповић/global.js|global.js]] page. I used the [[m:User:Krinkle/Tools/Global SUL|Global SUL]] tool, which created user pages on wiki projects. I am not a spammer or a bot. I am not abusing the wiki. I [https://xtools.wmcloud.org/ec/meta.wikimedia.org/Зорана_Филиповић contribute]. I do not harm Wikipedia. I did everything in accordance with Wikipedia's rules and guidelines. '''I request that my account be unblocked.''' [[User:Зорана Филиповић|Зорана Филиповић]] ([[User talk:Зорана Филиповић|talk]]) 10:45, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :[https://guc.toolforge.org/?by=date&user=%D0%97%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B0+%D0%A4%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B8%D1%9B This] would tell otherwise and the fact that you couldn't even tell which project you're on makes this unblock request utterly unconvincing. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 11:37, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :: I limited the time of the block to three months, expecting the unlimited block to be restored or the block lifted much before that time expires. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:49, 2 July 2025 (UTC) <br> I didn't do anything more than what a bot that opens accounts on related wiki projects does, and on my own talk page I left a note that I am an additional account of the main account. Every editor can have their own page on every wiki project and not have a single change, when a bot does that the number of changes is not a problem and on most wikis that number is zero, and that's for a large number of editors for whom the bot opened the page. [https://guc.toolforge.org/?by=date&user=%D0%97%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B0+%D0%A4%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B8%D1%9B These] are the open talk pages on my user card on related wiki projects where I left the following note (which I did primarily to avoid repeated confusion): == Напомена == Ово је додатни налог главног налога [[m:User:Filipović Zoran|Filipović Zoran]] који је од 19. августа 2024. године на трајном вики-одмору. [[User:Зорана Филиповић|Зорана Филиповић]] ([[User talk:Зорана Филиповић|talk]]) 23:12, 2 July 2025 (UTC) <br><br> The rules and guidelines allow each editor to create a talk page on their user card on each language wikipedia and related wiki projects, which I did; the text that I published serves not to cast doubt on my sincere intentions to edit wikipedia, as well as not to repeatedly ask the same questions to which I am obliged to give the same answer as here. [[User:Зорана Филиповић|Зорана Филиповић]] ([[User talk:Зорана Филиповић|talk]]) 23:12, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :Please tell about your alternative accounts on your Meta page, avoiding the need to edit in user space on a project you don't seem to be aware you are on (you repeatedly talk about Wikipedia). The user page, not the talk page, is where alternative accounts are usually declared. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:22, 3 July 2025 (UTC) :: I first created an account for [https://sr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Корисник:Зорана_Филиповић Зорана Филиповић] on the sr.wikipedia and there I put a template that I was an additional account of the Filipović Zoran account. However, to avoid confusion, I stated on the talk page on mu user page on Meta that the account Filipović Zoran was on permanent wiki vacation and that I was no longer editing from it. The text on my user page Зорана Филиповић on Meta speak clearly that I am a non-binary male person who currently uses the pronouns '''she'''. I am publicly declared as a [https://sr.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%9A%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%81%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%BA:Filipovi%C4%87_Zoran/%D0%90%D1%80%D1%85%D0%B8%D0%B2%D0%B0_4#%D0%A0%D0%BE%D0%B4%D0%BD%D0%B8_%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BD%D1%82%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B5%D1%82 non-binary person] on my main inactive account Filipović Zoran who used the pronoun '''he''' while he was active. [[User:Зорана Филиповић|Зорана Филиповић]] ([[User talk:Зорана Филиповић|talk]]) 10:59, 3 July 2025 (UTC) 6m6oi2c00zzuqwe27c2dcxzqj8b7sdu 5087108 5087089 2025-07-03T11:40:10Z LPfi 79572 /* Напомена */ Reply 5087108 wikitext text/x-wiki == Account unblocking request == This is an additional account to the main account [[m:User:Filipović Zoran|Filipović Zoran]], which is primarily open on the Serbian Wikipedia, where it is allowed. I created the [[m:User:Зорана Филиповић/global.js|global.js]] page. I used the [[m:User:Krinkle/Tools/Global SUL|Global SUL]] tool, which created user pages on wiki projects. I am not a spammer or a bot. I am not abusing the wiki. I [https://xtools.wmcloud.org/ec/meta.wikimedia.org/Зорана_Филиповић contribute]. I do not harm Wikipedia. I did everything in accordance with Wikipedia's rules and guidelines. '''I request that my account be unblocked.''' [[User:Зорана Филиповић|Зорана Филиповић]] ([[User talk:Зорана Филиповић|talk]]) 10:45, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :[https://guc.toolforge.org/?by=date&user=%D0%97%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B0+%D0%A4%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B8%D1%9B This] would tell otherwise and the fact that you couldn't even tell which project you're on makes this unblock request utterly unconvincing. //<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont; font-size: 14px">[[User:SHB2000|<span style="color:#0b6487">shb</span>]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|t]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|c]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|m]])</small></span> 11:37, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :: I limited the time of the block to three months, expecting the unlimited block to be restored or the block lifted much before that time expires. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:49, 2 July 2025 (UTC) <br> I didn't do anything more than what a bot that opens accounts on related wiki projects does, and on my own talk page I left a note that I am an additional account of the main account. Every editor can have their own page on every wiki project and not have a single change, when a bot does that the number of changes is not a problem and on most wikis that number is zero, and that's for a large number of editors for whom the bot opened the page. [https://guc.toolforge.org/?by=date&user=%D0%97%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B0+%D0%A4%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B8%D1%9B These] are the open talk pages on my user card on related wiki projects where I left the following note (which I did primarily to avoid repeated confusion): == Напомена == Ово је додатни налог главног налога [[m:User:Filipović Zoran|Filipović Zoran]] који је од 19. августа 2024. године на трајном вики-одмору. [[User:Зорана Филиповић|Зорана Филиповић]] ([[User talk:Зорана Филиповић|talk]]) 23:12, 2 July 2025 (UTC) <br><br> The rules and guidelines allow each editor to create a talk page on their user card on each language wikipedia and related wiki projects, which I did; the text that I published serves not to cast doubt on my sincere intentions to edit wikipedia, as well as not to repeatedly ask the same questions to which I am obliged to give the same answer as here. [[User:Зорана Филиповић|Зорана Филиповић]] ([[User talk:Зорана Филиповић|talk]]) 23:12, 2 July 2025 (UTC) :Please tell about your alternative accounts on your Meta page, avoiding the need to edit in user space on a project you don't seem to be aware you are on (you repeatedly talk about Wikipedia). The user page, not the talk page, is where alternative accounts are usually declared. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:22, 3 July 2025 (UTC) :: I first created an account for [https://sr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Корисник:Зорана_Филиповић Зорана Филиповић] on the sr.wikipedia and there I put a template that I was an additional account of the Filipović Zoran account. However, to avoid confusion, I stated on the talk page on mu user page on Meta that the account Filipović Zoran was on permanent wiki vacation and that I was no longer editing from it. The text on my user page Зорана Филиповић on Meta speak clearly that I am a non-binary male person who currently uses the pronouns '''she'''. I am publicly declared as a [https://sr.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%9A%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%81%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%BA:Filipovi%C4%87_Zoran/%D0%90%D1%80%D1%85%D0%B8%D0%B2%D0%B0_4#%D0%A0%D0%BE%D0%B4%D0%BD%D0%B8_%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BD%D1%82%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B5%D1%82 non-binary person] on my main inactive account Filipović Zoran who used the pronoun '''he''' while he was active. [[User:Зорана Филиповић|Зорана Филиповић]] ([[User talk:Зорана Филиповић|talk]]) 10:59, 3 July 2025 (UTC) :::I just ask you to tell about your alternative (former or present) accounts on your Meta page. If you do already, please also tell that in English, near the top of the page, as most people cannot be expected to read through the Serbian text. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 11:40, 3 July 2025 (UTC) abaosrbvbuttvnpb3w672deaulmxtji 0 211635 5086605 2025-07-02T12:54:43Z Bluecoordinationfine 2327039 Added an outline for this Llandegla. 5086605 wikitext text/x-wiki '''Llandegla''', or '''Llandegla-yn-Iâl''', is a small village nestled in the upper valley of the River Alyn in [[Denbighshire]], [[Wales]]. Situated {{m|253}} above sea level, it offers a tranquil escape with a rich history and stunning natural surroundings. As of the 2011 census, the community had a population of 567. ==Understand== The name Llandegla is [[Wales|Welsh]] for the "Parish of Saint Tecla," honouring the patron saint of the local church. Originally, this was likely dedicated to a Welsh virgin named Tegla Forwyn ("Thecla the Virgin"). The village is also known as Llandegla-yn-Iâl, which distinguishes it as "St Tegla's in Yale," with Yale being an old Welsh commote meaning "fertile hill country." Historically, Llandegla was a significant stop on the drovers' roads, where cattle from the north-west coast of Wales were driven to English markets. This trade was central to the village's economy, and several inns once catered to the drovers. As this trade declined in the 19th century with the arrival of railways, many locals found work in the surrounding quarries. The village has a connection to the founding of a world-renowned American university. The estate of Plas yn Iâl within the village was the seat of the Iâl family. A prominent member, Elihu Yale, served as a governor of the British East India Company and made a significant donation to a new educational institution in New Haven, Connecticut. This act of sponsorship led to the college being named Yale College, which later became Yale University. Elihu Yale himself is buried in nearby [[Wrexham]]. Llandegla also has a rich folklore, including traditions associated with St Tecla’s Well, a holy well once used for pilgrimages to cure "St Tecla's disease." The village hosts an annual Summer Fete featuring vegetable and artwork competitions and children's sports races. ==Get in== Llandegla is located on the A525 road, providing straightforward access from [[Ruthin]] to the west and [[Wrexham]] to the east. The village's elevated position offers scenic drives and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. ==Get around== The village itself is small and easily explored on foot. For venturing further afield, the [[Offa's Dyke Path]] and the [[Clwydian Way]] long-distance walking routes pass directly through Llandegla, offering excellent opportunities for hiking. ==See== * '''St Tecla's Church'''. Believed to be an early-mediaeval foundation, it was recorded as a chapelry of [[Valle Crucis Abbey]] in the 13th century. The current building was heavily rebuilt in 1866. * '''St Tecla's Well'''. Located in a field near the church, this holy well was historically a site of Christian pilgrimage. * '''Natural Scenery'''. The village is surrounded by impressive landscapes, including the Clwydian Range to the north-west and the dramatic Horseshoe Pass to the south. ==Do== * '''Mountain Biking at Coed Llandegla'''. Just outside the village lies one of the UK's most famous mountain biking centres. It features a range of graded trails for all abilities, attracting tens of thousands of visitors annually. * '''Walking and Hiking'''. With the [[Offa's Dyke Path]] and [[Clwydian Way]] passing through, Llandegla is a superb base for walkers. These trails offer routes through varied and beautiful terrain. * '''Attend the Summer Fete'''. If visiting in the summer, immerse yourself in local culture at the annual village festival. ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{sleep | counter=n | name=Llyn Rhys Campsite | alt= | url=http://www.llynrhyscampsite.co.uk/ | email=llynrhyscampsite@live.co.uk | address=Llandegla LL11 3AF | lat=53.05575 | long=-3.19983 | directions=A5104 south of A525 | phone=+44 1978 790627 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Has 40 pitches and 4 caravan sites. }} ==Go next== * [[Ruthin]] - A historic market town with a castle and a variety of independent shops. * [[Wrexham]] - A larger town to the east, home to the burial site of Elihu Yale and a bustling town centre. * '''Horseshoe Pass''' - A scenic mountain pass offering breathtaking views and further walking opportunities. * [[Llangollen]] - A bustling town on the River Dee, home to the ruins of Valle Crucis Abbey. {{isPartOf|Clwyd}} {{outlinecity}} ax0my7dkngeu3nwa10zobuiy28xtg8u 5086785 5086605 2025-07-02T20:39:33Z Ground Zero 1423298 link to region in lead, and add pagebanner and geo coordinates, which are required for all articles 5086785 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner}} '''Llandegla''', or '''Llandegla-yn-Iâl''', is a small village nestled in the upper valley of the River Alyn in Denbighshire, [[Clwyd]], [[Wales]]. Situated {{m|253}} above sea level, it offers a tranquil escape with a rich history and stunning natural surroundings. In 2011, the community had a population of 567. ==Understand== The name Llandegla is Welsh for the "Parish of Saint Tecla," honouring the patron saint of the local church. Originally, this was likely dedicated to a Welsh virgin named Tegla Forwyn ("Thecla the Virgin"). The village is also known as Llandegla-yn-Iâl, which distinguishes it as "St Tegla's in Yale," with Yale being an old Welsh commote meaning "fertile hill country." Historically, Llandegla was a significant stop on the drovers' roads, where cattle from the north-west coast of Wales were driven to English markets. This trade was central to the village's economy, and several inns once catered to the drovers. As this trade declined in the 19th century with the arrival of railways, many locals found work in the surrounding quarries. The village has a connection to the founding of a world-renowned American university. The estate of Plas yn Iâl within the village was the seat of the Iâl family. A prominent member, Elihu Yale, served as a governor of the British East India Company and made a significant donation to a new educational institution in New Haven, Connecticut. This act of sponsorship led to the college being named Yale College, which later became Yale University. Elihu Yale himself is buried in nearby [[Wrexham]]. Llandegla also has a rich folklore, including traditions associated with St Tecla’s Well, a holy well once used for pilgrimages to cure "St Tecla's disease." The village hosts an annual Summer Fete featuring vegetable and artwork competitions and children's sports races. ==Get in== Llandegla is located on the A525 road, providing straightforward access from [[Ruthin]] to the west and [[Wrexham]] to the east. The village's elevated position offers scenic drives and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. ==Get around== The village itself is small and easily explored on foot. For venturing further afield, the [[Offa's Dyke Path]] and the [[Clwydian Way]] long-distance walking routes pass directly through Llandegla, offering excellent opportunities for hiking. ==See== * '''St Tecla's Church'''. Believed to be an early-mediaeval foundation, it was recorded as a chapelry of [[Valle Crucis Abbey]] in the 13th century. The current building was heavily rebuilt in 1866. * '''St Tecla's Well'''. Located in a field near the church, this holy well was historically a site of Christian pilgrimage. * '''Natural Scenery'''. The village is surrounded by impressive landscapes, including the Clwydian Range to the north-west and the dramatic Horseshoe Pass to the south. ==Do== * '''Mountain biking at Coed Llandegla'''. Just outside the village lies one of the UK's most famous mountain biking centres. It features a range of graded trails for all abilities, attracting tens of thousands of visitors annually. * '''Walking and hiking'''. With the [[Offa's Dyke Path]] and [[Clwydian Way]] passing through, Llandegla is a superb base for walkers. These trails offer routes through varied and beautiful terrain. * '''Attend the summer fete'''. If visiting in the summer, immerse yourself in local culture at the annual village festival. ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{sleep | counter=n | name=Llyn Rhys Campsite | alt= | url=http://www.llynrhyscampsite.co.uk/ | email=llynrhyscampsite@live.co.uk | address=Llandegla LL11 3AF | lat=53.05575 | long=-3.19983 | directions=A5104 south of A525 | phone=+44 1978 790627 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Has 40 pitches and 4 caravan sites. }} ==Go next== * [[Ruthin]] - A historic market town with a castle and a variety of independent shops. * [[Wrexham]] - A larger town to the east, home to the burial site of Elihu Yale and a bustling town centre. * '''Horseshoe Pass''' - A scenic mountain pass offering breathtaking views and further walking opportunities. * [[Llangollen]] - A bustling town on the River Dee, home to the ruins of Valle Crucis Abbey. {{isPartOf|Clwyd}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|53.063169|-3.200911}} 1uku8zxlmu34nkenrph9tyxv19kvvub 5086786 5086785 2025-07-02T20:40:31Z Ground Zero 1423298 /* See */ we usually do not have articles on individual sites 5086786 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner}} '''Llandegla''', or '''Llandegla-yn-Iâl''', is a small village nestled in the upper valley of the River Alyn in Denbighshire, [[Clwyd]], [[Wales]]. Situated {{m|253}} above sea level, it offers a tranquil escape with a rich history and stunning natural surroundings. In 2011, the community had a population of 567. ==Understand== The name Llandegla is Welsh for the "Parish of Saint Tecla," honouring the patron saint of the local church. Originally, this was likely dedicated to a Welsh virgin named Tegla Forwyn ("Thecla the Virgin"). The village is also known as Llandegla-yn-Iâl, which distinguishes it as "St Tegla's in Yale," with Yale being an old Welsh commote meaning "fertile hill country." Historically, Llandegla was a significant stop on the drovers' roads, where cattle from the north-west coast of Wales were driven to English markets. This trade was central to the village's economy, and several inns once catered to the drovers. As this trade declined in the 19th century with the arrival of railways, many locals found work in the surrounding quarries. The village has a connection to the founding of a world-renowned American university. The estate of Plas yn Iâl within the village was the seat of the Iâl family. A prominent member, Elihu Yale, served as a governor of the British East India Company and made a significant donation to a new educational institution in New Haven, Connecticut. This act of sponsorship led to the college being named Yale College, which later became Yale University. Elihu Yale himself is buried in nearby [[Wrexham]]. Llandegla also has a rich folklore, including traditions associated with St Tecla’s Well, a holy well once used for pilgrimages to cure "St Tecla's disease." The village hosts an annual Summer Fete featuring vegetable and artwork competitions and children's sports races. ==Get in== Llandegla is located on the A525 road, providing straightforward access from [[Ruthin]] to the west and [[Wrexham]] to the east. The village's elevated position offers scenic drives and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. ==Get around== The village itself is small and easily explored on foot. For venturing further afield, the [[Offa's Dyke Path]] and the [[Clwydian Way]] long-distance walking routes pass directly through Llandegla, offering excellent opportunities for hiking. ==See== * '''St Tecla's Church'''. Believed to be an early-mediaeval foundation, it was recorded as a chapelry of Valle Crucis Abbey in the 13th century. The current building was heavily rebuilt in 1866. * '''St Tecla's Well'''. Located in a field near the church, this holy well was historically a site of Christian pilgrimage. * '''Natural Scenery'''. The village is surrounded by impressive landscapes, including the Clwydian Range to the north-west and the dramatic Horseshoe Pass to the south. ==Do== * '''Mountain biking at Coed Llandegla'''. Just outside the village lies one of the UK's most famous mountain biking centres. It features a range of graded trails for all abilities, attracting tens of thousands of visitors annually. * '''Walking and hiking'''. With the [[Offa's Dyke Path]] and [[Clwydian Way]] passing through, Llandegla is a superb base for walkers. These trails offer routes through varied and beautiful terrain. * '''Attend the summer fete'''. If visiting in the summer, immerse yourself in local culture at the annual village festival. ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{sleep | counter=n | name=Llyn Rhys Campsite | alt= | url=http://www.llynrhyscampsite.co.uk/ | email=llynrhyscampsite@live.co.uk | address=Llandegla LL11 3AF | lat=53.05575 | long=-3.19983 | directions=A5104 south of A525 | phone=+44 1978 790627 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Has 40 pitches and 4 caravan sites. }} ==Go next== * [[Ruthin]] - A historic market town with a castle and a variety of independent shops. * [[Wrexham]] - A larger town to the east, home to the burial site of Elihu Yale and a bustling town centre. * '''Horseshoe Pass''' - A scenic mountain pass offering breathtaking views and further walking opportunities. * [[Llangollen]] - A bustling town on the River Dee, home to the ruins of Valle Crucis Abbey. {{isPartOf|Clwyd}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|53.063169|-3.200911}} ram0dktgpj6rih6c0tf3kj396uwd3k4 2 211636 5086663 2025-07-02T14:47:20Z Kned Wiki 2327203 Kned Wiki moved page [[User:Kned Wiki/Gibellina]] to [[Gibellina]]: Moving userspace draft into mainspace: Creating English version of Italian page 5086663 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[Gibellina]] c1fiwelk5plkmip61edkunnsx9fkwyu 0 211637 5086670 2025-07-02T16:11:09Z Bluecoordinationfine 2327039 Added an outline small city article on Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry. 5086670 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry church.jpg}} '''Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry''' (Basque: ''Baigorri'') is a town in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department in French Basque Country, historically part of the province of Lower Navarre. Nestled in the Aldudes valley on the Nive des Aldudes river, it sits near the Spanish border, with access to the Baztan valley in Spain via the Izpegi Pass. The town's Basque name, ''Baigorri'', means "red bank of the river," referring to the river Nive. ==Understand== A historic town whose Viscounty was created in 1033 by King Sancho III of Navarre, Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry has a strong Basque identity. This connection is celebrated annually at the '''Nafarroaren Eguna''' (Day of Navarre), a major festival held in early May. It attracts thousands of people from both the French and Spanish sides of Navarre to strengthen cultural ties and affirm their shared heritage. The town was formerly the chief town of its own canton before it was merged into the canton of Montagne Basque in 2015. ==Get in== ===By car=== Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry is accessible via the departmental roads '''D15''' and '''D948'''. It is the main access point to the Aldudes valley. ===By bus=== A coach line connects the town to [[Ossès]] and is part of the TER Aquitaine network, offering connections to the wider region. ===By foot=== The long-distance '''GR 10''' footpath, which traverses the Pyrenees, passes through the area. ==Get around== The town is small and best explored on foot. For reaching the surrounding mountains and valleys, a car is recommended. ==See== * {{see | name=Saint-Étienne Church | alt=Église Saint-Étienne | address= | directions=In the center of town | lat= | long= | description=First mentioned in documents from 1253, this church is the historic heart of the town. It features a notable 17th-century Baroque retable depicting the stoning of its namesake, Saint Stephen. | hours= | price= }} * {{see | name=Château d'Etchaux | alt= | address= | directions= | lat= | long= | description=A 16th-century castle built by the Viscount of Baïgorry. It stands as a prominent landmark overlooking the valley. | hours= | price= }} * {{see | name=Roman Bridge | alt=Pont Romain | address= | directions= | lat= | long= | description=An picturesque old stone bridge crossing the Nive des Aldudes river in the center of town. | hours= | price= }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Nafarroaren Eguna (Day of Navarre) | alt= | address= | directions=Throughout the town | lat= | long= | description=If you are here in early May, don't miss this massive festival celebrating Navarrese and Basque culture with music, dancing, food, and parades. | hours=Early May | price= }} * {{do | name=Hiking | alt= | address= | directions= | lat= | long= | description=The town is an excellent base for hiking. The GR 10 passes nearby, and numerous local trails explore the Aldudes valley and surrounding Pyrenean peaks. | hours= | price= }} ==Buy== ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Municipal Irouleguy|address=Borciriette, 64430 Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry|phone=+33 5 59 37 43 96|url=https://animazioa5.wixsite.com/camping-de-baigorri|lat=43.183694680698636|long=-1.3357619163002807|content=Municipal campsite near the village.}} ==Connect== ==Go next== * '''[[Spain]]''' - The nearby '''Izpegi Pass''' leads directly into the Baztan valley in the Spanish region of Navarre. * '''Aldudes Valley''' - Explore the scenic valley further, known for its pastoral landscapes and traditional Basque farms. * [[Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port]] - A larger, historic walled town and a major starting point for the Camino de Santiago, a short drive away. {{IsPartOf|Pyrénées-Atlantiques}} {{outlinecity}} k5fxw2mxjt29ezfd8dxpwpnag9lbahs 5086740 5086670 2025-07-02T18:34:00Z Ground Zero 1423298 X 5086740 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|file:Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry church.jpg}} '''Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry''' (Basque: ''Baigorri'') is a town in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department in French Basque Country, historically part of the province of Lower Navarre. Nestled in the Aldudes valley on the Nive des Aldudes river, it sits near the Spanish border, with access to the Baztan valley in Spain via the Izpegi Pass. The town's Basque name, ''Baigorri'', means "red bank of the river," referring to the river Nive. ==Understand== A historic town whose Viscounty was created in 1033 by King Sancho III of Navarre, Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry has a strong Basque identity. This connection is celebrated annually at the '''Nafarroaren Eguna''' (Day of Navarre), a major festival held in early May. It attracts thousands of people from both the French and Spanish sides of Navarre to strengthen cultural ties and affirm their shared heritage. The town was the chief town of its own canton before it was merged into the canton of Montagne Basque in 2015. ==Get in== ===By car=== Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry is accessible via the departmental roads '''D15''' and '''D948'''. It is the main access point to the Aldudes valley. ===By bus=== A coach line connects the town to [[Ossès]] and is part of the TER Aquitaine network, offering connections to the wider region. ===By foot=== The long-distance '''GR 10''' footpath, which traverses the Pyrenees, passes through the area. ==Get around== The town is small and best explored on foot. For reaching the surrounding mountains and valleys, a car is recommended. ==See== * {{see | name=Saint-Étienne Church | alt=Église Saint-Étienne | address= | directions=in the centre of town | lat= | long= | content=First mentioned in documents from 1253, this church is the historic heart of the town. It features a notable 17th-century Baroque retable depicting the stoning of its namesake, Saint Stephen. | hours= | price= }} * {{see | name=Château d'Etchaux | alt= | address= | directions= | lat= | long= | content=A 16th-century castle built by the Viscount of Baïgorry. It stands as a prominent landmark overlooking the valley. | hours= | price= }} * {{see | name=Roman Bridge | alt=Pont Romain | address= | directions= | lat= | long= | content=An picturesque old stone bridge crossing the Nive des Aldudes river in the centre of town. | hours= | price= }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Nafarroaren Eguna (Day of Navarre) | alt= | address= | directions=throughout the town | lat= | long= | content=If you are here in early May, don't miss this massive festival celebrating Navarrese and Basque culture with music, dancing, food, and parades. | hours=Early May | price= }} * {{do | name=Hiking | alt= | address= | directions= | lat= | long= | content=The town is an excellent base for hiking. The GR 10 passes nearby, and numerous local trails explore the Aldudes valley and surrounding Pyrenean peaks. | hours= | price= }} ==Buy== ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Municipal Irouleguy|address=Borciriette, 64430 Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry|phone=+33 5 59 37 43 96|url=https://animazioa5.wixsite.com/camping-de-baigorri|lat=43.183694680698636|long=-1.3357619163002807|content=Municipal campsite near the village.}} ==Connect== ==Go next== * '''[[Spain]]''' - The nearby '''Izpegi Pass''' leads directly into the Baztan valley in the Spanish region of Navarre. * '''Aldudes Valley''' - Explore the scenic valley further, known for its pastoral landscapes and traditional Basque farms. * [[Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port]] - A larger, historic walled town and a major starting point for the Camino de Santiago, a short drive away. {{IsPartOf|Pyrénées-Atlantiques}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|43.175|-1.346389}} ht2q17ysrojkm3eu4ezwo7s6hqpsai0 5086741 5086740 2025-07-02T18:35:48Z Ground Zero 1423298 That fix didn't work 5086741 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry church.jpg}} '''Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry''' (Basque: ''Baigorri'') is a town in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department in French Basque Country, historically part of the province of Lower Navarre. Nestled in the Aldudes valley on the Nive des Aldudes river, it sits near the Spanish border, with access to the Baztan valley in Spain via the Izpegi Pass. The town's Basque name, ''Baigorri'', means "red bank of the river," referring to the river Nive. ==Understand== A historic town whose Viscounty was created in 1033 by King Sancho III of Navarre, Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry has a strong Basque identity. This connection is celebrated annually at the '''Nafarroaren Eguna''' (Day of Navarre), a major festival held in early May. It attracts thousands of people from both the French and Spanish sides of Navarre to strengthen cultural ties and affirm their shared heritage. The town was the chief town of its own canton before it was merged into the canton of Montagne Basque in 2015. ==Get in== ===By car=== Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry is accessible via the departmental roads '''D15''' and '''D948'''. It is the main access point to the Aldudes valley. ===By bus=== A coach line connects the town to [[Ossès]] and is part of the TER Aquitaine network, offering connections to the wider region. ===By foot=== The long-distance '''GR 10''' footpath, which traverses the Pyrenees, passes through the area. ==Get around== The town is small and best explored on foot. For reaching the surrounding mountains and valleys, a car is recommended. ==See== * {{see | name=Saint-Étienne Church | alt=Église Saint-Étienne | address= | directions=in the centre of town | lat= | long= | content=First mentioned in documents from 1253, this church is the historic heart of the town. It features a notable 17th-century Baroque retable depicting the stoning of its namesake, Saint Stephen. | hours= | price= }} * {{see | name=Château d'Etchaux | alt= | address= | directions= | lat= | long= | content=A 16th-century castle built by the Viscount of Baïgorry. It stands as a prominent landmark overlooking the valley. | hours= | price= }} * {{see | name=Roman Bridge | alt=Pont Romain | address= | directions= | lat= | long= | content=An picturesque old stone bridge crossing the Nive des Aldudes river in the centre of town. | hours= | price= }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Nafarroaren Eguna (Day of Navarre) | alt= | address= | directions=throughout the town | lat= | long= | content=If you are here in early May, don't miss this massive festival celebrating Navarrese and Basque culture with music, dancing, food, and parades. | hours=Early May | price= }} * {{do | name=Hiking | alt= | address= | directions= | lat= | long= | content=The town is an excellent base for hiking. The GR 10 passes nearby, and numerous local trails explore the Aldudes valley and surrounding Pyrenean peaks. | hours= | price= }} ==Buy== ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Municipal Irouleguy|address=Borciriette, 64430 Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry|phone=+33 5 59 37 43 96|url=https://animazioa5.wixsite.com/camping-de-baigorri|lat=43.183694680698636|long=-1.3357619163002807|content=Municipal campsite near the village.}} ==Connect== ==Go next== * '''[[Spain]]''' - The nearby '''Izpegi Pass''' leads directly into the Baztan valley in the Spanish region of Navarre. * '''Aldudes Valley''' - Explore the scenic valley further, known for its pastoral landscapes and traditional Basque farms. * [[Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port]] - A larger, historic walled town and a major starting point for the Camino de Santiago, a short drive away. {{IsPartOf|Pyrénées-Atlantiques}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|43.175|-1.346389}} 8okdev4aysqyezj4w4renwlixmjor3j 5086742 5086741 2025-07-02T18:37:57Z Ground Zero 1423298 Not a valid file on Wikicommons 5086742 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner}} '''Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry''' (Basque: ''Baigorri'') is a town in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department in French Basque Country, historically part of the province of Lower Navarre. Nestled in the Aldudes valley on the Nive des Aldudes river, it sits near the Spanish border, with access to the Baztan valley in Spain via the Izpegi Pass. The town's Basque name, ''Baigorri'', means "red bank of the river," referring to the river Nive. ==Understand== A historic town whose Viscounty was created in 1033 by King Sancho III of Navarre, Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry has a strong Basque identity. This connection is celebrated annually at the '''Nafarroaren Eguna''' (Day of Navarre), a major festival held in early May. It attracts thousands of people from both the French and Spanish sides of Navarre to strengthen cultural ties and affirm their shared heritage. The town was the chief town of its own canton before it was merged into the canton of Montagne Basque in 2015. ==Get in== ===By car=== Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry is accessible via the departmental roads '''D15''' and '''D948'''. It is the main access point to the Aldudes valley. ===By bus=== A coach line connects the town to [[Ossès]] and is part of the TER Aquitaine network, offering connections to the wider region. ===By foot=== The long-distance '''GR 10''' footpath, which traverses the Pyrenees, passes through the area. ==Get around== The town is small and best explored on foot. For reaching the surrounding mountains and valleys, a car is recommended. ==See== * {{see | name=Saint-Étienne Church | alt=Église Saint-Étienne | address= | directions=in the centre of town | lat= | long= | content=First mentioned in documents from 1253, this church is the historic heart of the town. It features a notable 17th-century Baroque retable depicting the stoning of its namesake, Saint Stephen. | hours= | price= }} * {{see | name=Château d'Etchaux | alt= | address= | directions= | lat= | long= | content=A 16th-century castle built by the Viscount of Baïgorry. It stands as a prominent landmark overlooking the valley. | hours= | price= }} * {{see | name=Roman Bridge | alt=Pont Romain | address= | directions= | lat= | long= | content=An picturesque old stone bridge crossing the Nive des Aldudes river in the centre of town. | hours= | price= }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Nafarroaren Eguna (Day of Navarre) | alt= | address= | directions=throughout the town | lat= | long= | content=If you are here in early May, don't miss this massive festival celebrating Navarrese and Basque culture with music, dancing, food, and parades. | hours=Early May | price= }} * {{do | name=Hiking | alt= | address= | directions= | lat= | long= | content=The town is an excellent base for hiking. The GR 10 passes nearby, and numerous local trails explore the Aldudes valley and surrounding Pyrenean peaks. | hours= | price= }} ==Buy== ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Municipal Irouleguy|address=Borciriette, 64430 Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry|phone=+33 5 59 37 43 96|url=https://animazioa5.wixsite.com/camping-de-baigorri|lat=43.183694680698636|long=-1.3357619163002807|content=Municipal campsite near the village.}} ==Connect== ==Go next== * '''[[Spain]]''' - The nearby '''Izpegi Pass''' leads directly into the Baztan valley in the Spanish region of Navarre. * '''Aldudes Valley''' - Explore the scenic valley further, known for its pastoral landscapes and traditional Basque farms. * [[Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port]] - A larger, historic walled town and a major starting point for the Camino de Santiago, a short drive away. {{IsPartOf|Pyrénées-Atlantiques}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|43.175|-1.346389}} krbu80dty4ojf0vflmfg0dy6duykjwn 5086744 5086742 2025-07-02T18:40:59Z Ground Zero 1423298 /* See */ add wikidata from French Wikipedia article 5086744 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner}} '''Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry''' (Basque: ''Baigorri'') is a town in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department in French Basque Country, historically part of the province of Lower Navarre. Nestled in the Aldudes valley on the Nive des Aldudes river, it sits near the Spanish border, with access to the Baztan valley in Spain via the Izpegi Pass. The town's Basque name, ''Baigorri'', means "red bank of the river," referring to the river Nive. ==Understand== A historic town whose Viscounty was created in 1033 by King Sancho III of Navarre, Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry has a strong Basque identity. This connection is celebrated annually at the '''Nafarroaren Eguna''' (Day of Navarre), a major festival held in early May. It attracts thousands of people from both the French and Spanish sides of Navarre to strengthen cultural ties and affirm their shared heritage. The town was the chief town of its own canton before it was merged into the canton of Montagne Basque in 2015. ==Get in== ===By car=== Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry is accessible via the departmental roads '''D15''' and '''D948'''. It is the main access point to the Aldudes valley. ===By bus=== A coach line connects the town to [[Ossès]] and is part of the TER Aquitaine network, offering connections to the wider region. ===By foot=== The long-distance '''GR 10''' footpath, which traverses the Pyrenees, passes through the area. ==Get around== The town is small and best explored on foot. For reaching the surrounding mountains and valleys, a car is recommended. ==See== * {{see | name=Saint-Étienne Church | alt=Église Saint-Étienne | address= | directions=in the centre of town | lat= | long= | wikidata=Q12256344 | content=First mentioned in documents from 1253, this church is the historic heart of the town. It features a notable 17th-century Baroque retable depicting the stoning of its namesake, Saint Stephen. | hours= | price= }} * {{see | name=Château d'Etchaux | alt= | address= | directions= | lat= | long= | wikidata=Q12257359 | content=A 16th-century castle built by the Viscount of Baïgorry. It stands as a prominent landmark overlooking the valley. | hours= | price= }} * {{see | name=Roman Bridge | alt=Pont Romain | address= | directions= | lat= | long= | content=An picturesque old stone bridge crossing the Nive des Aldudes river in the centre of town. | hours= | price= }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Nafarroaren Eguna (Day of Navarre) | alt= | address= | directions=throughout the town | lat= | long= | content=If you are here in early May, don't miss this massive festival celebrating Navarrese and Basque culture with music, dancing, food, and parades. | hours=Early May | price= }} * {{do | name=Hiking | alt= | address= | directions= | lat= | long= | content=The town is an excellent base for hiking. The GR 10 passes nearby, and numerous local trails explore the Aldudes valley and surrounding Pyrenean peaks. | hours= | price= }} ==Buy== ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Municipal Irouleguy|address=Borciriette, 64430 Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry|phone=+33 5 59 37 43 96|url=https://animazioa5.wixsite.com/camping-de-baigorri|lat=43.183694680698636|long=-1.3357619163002807|content=Municipal campsite near the village.}} ==Connect== ==Go next== * '''[[Spain]]''' - The nearby '''Izpegi Pass''' leads directly into the Baztan valley in the Spanish region of Navarre. * '''Aldudes Valley''' - Explore the scenic valley further, known for its pastoral landscapes and traditional Basque farms. * [[Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port]] - A larger, historic walled town and a major starting point for the Camino de Santiago, a short drive away. {{IsPartOf|Pyrénées-Atlantiques}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|43.175|-1.346389}} eapru9ugiqc5ki7l1pfm06liczk5tgg 5086745 5086744 2025-07-02T18:41:15Z Ground Zero 1423298 /* Get around */ add map 5086745 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner}} '''Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry''' (Basque: ''Baigorri'') is a town in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department in French Basque Country, historically part of the province of Lower Navarre. Nestled in the Aldudes valley on the Nive des Aldudes river, it sits near the Spanish border, with access to the Baztan valley in Spain via the Izpegi Pass. The town's Basque name, ''Baigorri'', means "red bank of the river," referring to the river Nive. ==Understand== A historic town whose Viscounty was created in 1033 by King Sancho III of Navarre, Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry has a strong Basque identity. This connection is celebrated annually at the '''Nafarroaren Eguna''' (Day of Navarre), a major festival held in early May. It attracts thousands of people from both the French and Spanish sides of Navarre to strengthen cultural ties and affirm their shared heritage. The town was the chief town of its own canton before it was merged into the canton of Montagne Basque in 2015. ==Get in== ===By car=== Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry is accessible via the departmental roads '''D15''' and '''D948'''. It is the main access point to the Aldudes valley. ===By bus=== A coach line connects the town to [[Ossès]] and is part of the TER Aquitaine network, offering connections to the wider region. ===By foot=== The long-distance '''GR 10''' footpath, which traverses the Pyrenees, passes through the area. ==Get around== {{mapframe}} The town is small and best explored on foot. For reaching the surrounding mountains and valleys, a car is recommended. ==See== * {{see | name=Saint-Étienne Church | alt=Église Saint-Étienne | address= | directions=in the centre of town | lat= | long= | wikidata=Q12256344 | content=First mentioned in documents from 1253, this church is the historic heart of the town. It features a notable 17th-century Baroque retable depicting the stoning of its namesake, Saint Stephen. | hours= | price= }} * {{see | name=Château d'Etchaux | alt= | address= | directions= | lat= | long= | wikidata=Q12257359 | content=A 16th-century castle built by the Viscount of Baïgorry. It stands as a prominent landmark overlooking the valley. | hours= | price= }} * {{see | name=Roman Bridge | alt=Pont Romain | address= | directions= | lat= | long= | content=An picturesque old stone bridge crossing the Nive des Aldudes river in the centre of town. | hours= | price= }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Nafarroaren Eguna (Day of Navarre) | alt= | address= | directions=throughout the town | lat= | long= | content=If you are here in early May, don't miss this massive festival celebrating Navarrese and Basque culture with music, dancing, food, and parades. | hours=Early May | price= }} * {{do | name=Hiking | alt= | address= | directions= | lat= | long= | content=The town is an excellent base for hiking. The GR 10 passes nearby, and numerous local trails explore the Aldudes valley and surrounding Pyrenean peaks. | hours= | price= }} ==Buy== ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Municipal Irouleguy|address=Borciriette, 64430 Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry|phone=+33 5 59 37 43 96|url=https://animazioa5.wixsite.com/camping-de-baigorri|lat=43.183694680698636|long=-1.3357619163002807|content=Municipal campsite near the village.}} ==Connect== ==Go next== * '''[[Spain]]''' - The nearby '''Izpegi Pass''' leads directly into the Baztan valley in the Spanish region of Navarre. * '''Aldudes Valley''' - Explore the scenic valley further, known for its pastoral landscapes and traditional Basque farms. * [[Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port]] - A larger, historic walled town and a major starting point for the Camino de Santiago, a short drive away. {{IsPartOf|Pyrénées-Atlantiques}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|43.175|-1.346389}} 5f9f6zlp98erq53kyjltykj6m8wkx4b 0 211638 5086677 2025-07-02T16:20:36Z Bluecoordinationfine 2327039 Created an outline city for Sare 5086677 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner}} '''Sare''' (Basque: ''Sara'') is a village in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department in the French Basque Country, historically part of the province of Labourd. It is officially recognized as one of ''Les Plus Beaux Villages de France'' (The Most Beautiful Villages of France). The village is an enclave in the Spanish region of Navarre, sharing a 25 km border, which has deeply influenced its history and culture. ==Understand== Sare is nestled in a basin at the western foothills of the Pyrenees. Its unique geography has resulted in numerous caves, some of which show evidence of Aurignacian occupation. The area also has funerary monuments dating back to the Bronze Age. The village is renowned for its traditional Basque architecture, with around 283 houses identified as dating from as early as the 15th century. These well-preserved buildings define the classic "Basque House" style. For centuries, the village's economy has been based on agriculture and pastoral agreements with its Spanish neighbours. Its border location and rugged terrain also led to a long history of smuggling. During the Peninsular War, the area was the site of a significant battle where Anglo-Portuguese forces under the Duke of Wellington pushed back French troops stationed on the nearby mountain, La Rhune. ==Get in== Sare is located about 15 km (9.3 mi) east of the coastal town of [[Saint-Jean-de-Luz]] and the Bay of Biscay. It is best reached by car. ==Get around== The village itself is best explored on foot to appreciate its architecture. A car is necessary to reach attractions in the surrounding area, such as the departure point for the La Rhune railway. ==See== * {{see | name=Eglise Saint-Martin de Sare | alt=Saint Martin's Church | address= | directions=In the center of the village | lat= | long= | description=A classic example of a Labourdine church with a distinctive bell tower. | hours= | price= }} * {{see | name=Traditional Basque Houses | alt= | address= | directions=Throughout the village | lat= | long= | description=Wander the streets to see hundreds of historic, well-preserved Basque houses, some dating back to the 15th century, with their iconic white walls, red or green timbering, and stone lintels. | hours= | price= }} * {{see | name=Ortillopitz | alt= | address= | directions= | lat= | long= | description=A restored 17th-century Basque farmhouse and estate, offering a glimpse into the traditional way of life, agriculture, and cider making of the era. | hours= | price= }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Le Train de la Rhune | alt=La Rhune Mountain Railway | address=Col de Saint-Ignace | directions=3.5 km west of the village on the D4 road | lat= | long= | description=Take this vintage cog railway to the 905-meter summit of La Rhune, an iconic mountain of the Basque Country, for breathtaking panoramic views of the Pyrenees and the Atlantic coast. | hours= | price= }} * {{do | name=Les Grottes de Sare | alt=Caves of Sare | address= | directions= | lat= | long= | description=Explore the prehistoric caves of Sare to learn about the area's unique geology and the history of its human occupation, from prehistory to the present day, with guided tours. | hours= | price= }} * {{do | name=Le Musée du Gâteau Basque | alt=Basque Cake Museum | address= | directions= | lat= | long= | description=Discover the history and secrets of the famous Basque cake. You can watch demonstrations and even participate in a workshop to learn how to make it yourself. | hours= | price= }} * {{do | name=Parc Animalier Etxola | alt=Etxola Animal Park | address= | directions= | lat= | long= | description=A family-friendly animal park featuring local and exotic species. | hours= | price= }} * {{do | name=Suhalmendi | alt= | address= | directions= | lat= | long= | description=An educational farm where you can discover the native Basque pig breed (Porc Basque) and learn about its importance to the local gastronomy and heritage. | hours= | price= }} ==Buy== ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{listing|type=sleep|lat=43.30238052|long=-1.5874539771|name=Camping la Petite Rhune|phone=+33 6 15 29 36 38|url=https://www.lapetiterhune.com/en/|content=Includes a gîte d'étape. Reception hours: 08:30-12:30, 15:00-20:00; winter weekdays 09:00-12:00, 14:00-17:00.}} ==Connect== * '''Office de Tourisme de Sare''' - The official tourist office can provide maps, and information on accommodations and activities. ==Go next== * '''[[Saint-Jean-de-Luz]]''' - A charming and popular coastal resort town with beautiful beaches and a historic fishing port. * '''[[Spain]]''' - Cross the border to explore the nearby Navarrese villages and countryside. * '''Ainhoa''' - Another of "The Most Beautiful Villages of France," located a short drive away. {{IsPartOf|Pyrénées-Atlantiques}} {{outlinecity}} lfets81camhnw36jmcimh9mgolaysnf 5086881 5086677 2025-07-03T02:13:18Z Ground Zero 1423298 Add coordinates. These are required for articles, and are available from wikidata 5086881 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner}} '''Sare''' (Basque: ''Sara'') is a village in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department in the French Basque Country, historically part of the province of Labourd. It is officially recognized as one of ''Les Plus Beaux Villages de France'' (The Most Beautiful Villages of France). The village is an enclave in the Spanish region of Navarre, sharing a 25 km border, which has deeply influenced its history and culture. ==Understand== Sare is nestled in a basin at the western foothills of the Pyrenees. Its unique geography has resulted in numerous caves, some of which show evidence of Aurignacian occupation. The area also has funerary monuments dating back to the Bronze Age. The village is renowned for its traditional Basque architecture, with around 283 houses identified as dating from as early as the 15th century. These well-preserved buildings define the classic "Basque House" style. For centuries, the village's economy has been based on agriculture and pastoral agreements with its Spanish neighbours. Its border location and rugged terrain also led to a long history of smuggling. During the Peninsular War, the area was the site of a significant battle where Anglo-Portuguese forces under the Duke of Wellington pushed back French troops stationed on the nearby mountain, La Rhune. ==Get in== Sare is located about 15 km (9.3 mi) east of the coastal town of [[Saint-Jean-de-Luz]] and the Bay of Biscay. It is best reached by car. ==Get around== The village itself is best explored on foot to appreciate its architecture. A car is necessary to reach attractions in the surrounding area, such as the departure point for the La Rhune railway. ==See== * {{see | name=Eglise Saint-Martin de Sare | alt=Saint Martin's Church | address= | directions=In the center of the village | lat= | long= | description=A classic example of a Labourdine church with a distinctive bell tower. | hours= | price= }} * {{see | name=Traditional Basque Houses | alt= | address= | directions=Throughout the village | lat= | long= | description=Wander the streets to see hundreds of historic, well-preserved Basque houses, some dating back to the 15th century, with their iconic white walls, red or green timbering, and stone lintels. | hours= | price= }} * {{see | name=Ortillopitz | alt= | address= | directions= | lat= | long= | description=A restored 17th-century Basque farmhouse and estate, offering a glimpse into the traditional way of life, agriculture, and cider making of the era. | hours= | price= }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Le Train de la Rhune | alt=La Rhune Mountain Railway | address=Col de Saint-Ignace | directions=3.5 km west of the village on the D4 road | lat= | long= | description=Take this vintage cog railway to the 905-meter summit of La Rhune, an iconic mountain of the Basque Country, for breathtaking panoramic views of the Pyrenees and the Atlantic coast. | hours= | price= }} * {{do | name=Les Grottes de Sare | alt=Caves of Sare | address= | directions= | lat= | long= | description=Explore the prehistoric caves of Sare to learn about the area's unique geology and the history of its human occupation, from prehistory to the present day, with guided tours. | hours= | price= }} * {{do | name=Le Musée du Gâteau Basque | alt=Basque Cake Museum | address= | directions= | lat= | long= | description=Discover the history and secrets of the famous Basque cake. You can watch demonstrations and even participate in a workshop to learn how to make it yourself. | hours= | price= }} * {{do | name=Parc Animalier Etxola | alt=Etxola Animal Park | address= | directions= | lat= | long= | description=A family-friendly animal park featuring local and exotic species. | hours= | price= }} * {{do | name=Suhalmendi | alt= | address= | directions= | lat= | long= | description=An educational farm where you can discover the native Basque pig breed (Porc Basque) and learn about its importance to the local gastronomy and heritage. | hours= | price= }} ==Buy== ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{listing|type=sleep|lat=43.30238052|long=-1.5874539771|name=Camping la Petite Rhune|phone=+33 6 15 29 36 38|url=https://www.lapetiterhune.com/en/|content=Includes a gîte d'étape. Reception hours: 08:30-12:30, 15:00-20:00; winter weekdays 09:00-12:00, 14:00-17:00.}} ==Connect== * '''Office de Tourisme de Sare''' - The official tourist office can provide maps, and information on accommodations and activities. ==Go next== * '''[[Saint-Jean-de-Luz]]''' - A charming and popular coastal resort town with beautiful beaches and a historic fishing port. * '''[[Spain]]''' - Cross the border to explore the nearby Navarrese villages and countryside. * '''Ainhoa''' - Another of "The Most Beautiful Villages of France," located a short drive away. {{IsPartOf|Pyrénées-Atlantiques}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|43.312778|-1.580278}} nlqdba4bp4f611t33kk531qza96s60e 5086882 5086881 2025-07-03T02:16:18Z Ground Zero 1423298 "Description" is not a valid field in English Wikivoyage. Sare is not actually an enclave 5086882 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner}} '''Sare''' (Basque: ''Sara'') is a village in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department in the French Basque Country, historically part of the province of Labourd. It is officially recognized as one of ''Les Plus Beaux Villages de France'' (The Most Beautiful Villages of France). The village shares a 25-km border with the Spanish region of Navarre, which has deeply influenced its history and culture. ==Understand== Sare is nestled in a basin at the western foothills of the Pyrenees. Its unique geography has resulted in numerous caves, some of which show evidence of Aurignacian occupation. The area also has funerary monuments dating back to the Bronze Age. The village is renowned for its traditional Basque architecture, with around 283 houses identified as dating from as early as the 15th century. These well-preserved buildings define the classic "Basque House" style. For centuries, the village's economy has been based on agriculture and pastoral agreements with its Spanish neighbours. Its border location and rugged terrain also led to a long history of smuggling. During the Peninsular War, the area was the site of a significant battle where Anglo-Portuguese forces under the Duke of Wellington pushed back French troops stationed on the nearby mountain, La Rhune. ==Get in== Sare is located about 15 km (9.3 mi) east of the coastal town of [[Saint-Jean-de-Luz]] and the Bay of Biscay. It is best reached by car. ==Get around== The village is best explored on foot to appreciate its architecture. A car is necessary to reach attractions in the surrounding area, such as the departure point for the La Rhune railway. ==See== * {{see | name=Eglise Saint-Martin de Sare | alt=Saint Martin's Church | address= | directions=in the centre of the village | lat= | long= | content=A classic example of a Labourdine church with a distinctive bell tower. | hours= | price= }} * {{see | name=Traditional Basque houses | alt= | address= | content=throughout the village | lat= | long= | description=Wander the streets to see hundreds of historic, well-preserved Basque houses, some dating back to the 15th century, with their iconic white walls, red or green timbering, and stone lintels. | hours= | price= }} * {{see | name=Ortillopitz | alt= | address= | directions= | lat= | long= | content=A restored 17th-century Basque farmhouse and estate, offering a glimpse into the traditional way of life, agriculture, and cider making of the era. | hours= | price= }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Le Train de la Rhune | alt=La Rhune Mountain Railway | address=Col de Saint-Ignace | directions=3.5 km west of the village on the D4 road | lat= | long= | content=Take this vintage cog railway to the 905-m summit of La Rhune, an iconic mountain of the Basque Country, for breathtaking panoramic views of the Pyrenees and the Atlantic coast. | hours= | price= }} * {{do | name=Les Grottes de Sare | alt=Caves of Sare | address= | directions= | lat= | long= | content=Explore the prehistoric caves of Sare to learn about the area's unique geology and the history of its human occupation, from prehistory to the present day, with guided tours. | hours= | price= }} * {{do | name=Le Musée du Gâteau Basque | alt=Basque Cake Museum | address= | directions= | lat= | long= | content=Discover the history and secrets of the famous Basque cake. You can watch demonstrations and even participate in a workshop to learn how to make it yourself. | hours= | price= }} * {{do | name=Parc Animalier Etxola | alt=Etxola Animal Park | address= | directions= | lat= | long= | content=A family-friendly animal park featuring local and exotic species. | hours= | price= }} * {{do | name=Suhalmendi | alt= | address= | directions= | lat= | long= | content=An educational farm where you can discover the native Basque pig breed (Porc Basque) and learn about its importance to the local gastronomy and heritage. | hours= | price= }} ==Buy== ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{listing|type=sleep|lat=43.30238052|long=-1.5874539771|name=Camping la Petite Rhune|phone=+33 6 15 29 36 38|url=https://www.lapetiterhune.com/en/|content=Includes a gîte d'étape. Reception hours: 08:30-12:30, 15:00-20:00; winter weekdays 09:00-12:00, 14:00-17:00.}} ==Connect== * '''Office de Tourisme de Sare''' - The official tourist office can provide maps, and information on accommodations and activities. ==Go next== * '''[[Saint-Jean-de-Luz]]''' - A charming and popular coastal resort town with beautiful beaches and a historic fishing port. * '''[[Spain]]''' - Cross the border to explore the nearby Navarrese villages and countryside. * '''Ainhoa''' - Another of "The Most Beautiful Villages of France," located a short drive away. {{IsPartOf|Pyrénées-Atlantiques}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|43.312778|-1.580278}} 2c4fvzic6rz52gwmd048qlsn9216kv2 0 211639 5086679 2025-07-02T16:28:09Z Bluecoordinationfine 2327039 Created an outline small city, added relevant listings from the GR 10 article. 5086679 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Passerelle d'Holzarté Larrau.jpg}} '''Larrau''' (Basque: ''Larraine'') is a small village and commune in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department in the French Basque Country. It is located in the mountainous, high-altitude province of Soule (''Zuberoa''), the smallest of the seven Basque provinces. The village is a popular base for hikers and nature lovers looking to explore some of the most dramatic landscapes in the Pyrenees. ==Understand== Larrau is one of the most remote and sparsely populated communes in the region. Its identity is deeply rooted in the pastoral traditions of Soule, with a strong Basque culture and its own distinct dialect. The economy relies on agriculture, particularly sheep farming, and a growing tourism sector focused on outdoor adventures. The surrounding landscape is characterized by deep canyons (gorges), vast forests, and high peaks, including the iconic Pic d'Orhy. ==Get in== Due to its remote, mountainous location, Larrau is only accessible by car. The main road is the winding '''D26''', which connects it to nearby villages. Be prepared for narrow roads and hairpin turns, especially when approaching the trailheads for local attractions. ==Get around== A car is essential for reaching the starting points for hikes and other sights, which are often located several kilometers outside the village itself. The main activities are done on foot. ==See== * {{see | name=Holzarté Suspension Bridge | alt=Passerelle d'Holzarté | address= | directions=Accessed from a car park (Logibar) about a 45-minute to 1-hour hike away. | lat= | long= | description=The star attraction of the region. This spectacular suspension bridge hangs 180 meters (590 ft) above the dramatic Olhadubi Canyon. The hike to the bridge is beautiful but can be steep in places. Not for those with a fear of heights. | hours= | price= }} * {{see | name=Gorges d'Olhadubi | alt=Olhadubi Canyon | address= | directions=The canyon crossed by the Holzarté bridge. | lat= | long= | description=A deep and stunningly beautiful canyon carved by the river. The trail to the suspension bridge offers fantastic views into the gorge. | hours= | price= }} * {{see | name=Pic d'Orhy | alt=Orhy Peak | address= | directions=Trailhead accessible from the Port de Larrau road. | lat= | long= | description=At 2,017 meters (6,617 ft), this is the first 2,000-meter peak in the Pyrenees when travelling from the Atlantic. The summit, which sits on the Franco-Spanish border, offers breathtaking panoramic views. The hike is challenging and for experienced walkers. | hours= | price= }} ==Do== ==Buy== ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Logis Auberge de L'Espérance|address=Le Bourg, 64560 Larrau|phone=+33 5 59 28 61 03|url=|lat=|long=|content=A hotel and restaurant in the village, serving as a good base for exploring the area.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge Logibar|address=Quartier Logibar, D26, 64560 Larrau|phone=+33 5 59 28 61 14|url=https://auberge-logibar.com/|lat=43.018151|long=-0.927715|content=Altitude 375 m. Dormitory beds from €17, half board from €50. Check-in from 17:00. Bus 60 serves the location.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty|address=D19, 64560 Larrau|phone=+33 5 59 28 51 29|url=https://chalets-iraty.com/|lat=43.03659578299579|long=-1.0348125824515537|content=Key pickup and payment are handled at Col Héguichouria, 1 km before the site. There is a restaurant and bird observation post 500 m further on.}} ==Connect== ==Go next== * '''Iraty Forest''' (Forêt d'Iraty) - One of the largest beech forests in Western Europe, straddling the border between France and Spain. * '''Sainte-Engrâce''' - A nearby village known for the impressive Grotte de la Verna (one of the largest show caves in the world) and its beautiful Romanesque church. * '''[[Spain]]''' - The Port de Larrau mountain pass leads into the Salazar Valley in the Spanish region of Navarre. {{IsPartOf|Pyrénées-Atlantiques}} {{outlinecity}} 9c604e00vue2dm5wc219f4pdp6oeaft 5086783 5086679 2025-07-02T20:33:45Z LPfi 79572 {{mapframe}}, {{geo}} - coords from [[w:Larrau]]; you don't need a car :-) 5086783 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Passerelle d'Holzarté Larrau.jpg}} '''Larrau''' (Basque: ''Larraine'') is a small village and commune in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department in the French Basque Country. It is located in the mountainous, high-altitude province of Soule (''Zuberoa''), the smallest of the seven Basque provinces. The village is a popular base for hikers and nature lovers looking to explore some of the most dramatic landscapes in the Pyrenees. ==Understand== Larrau is one of the most remote and sparsely populated communes in the region. Its identity is deeply rooted in the pastoral traditions of Soule, with a strong Basque culture and its own distinct dialect. The economy relies on agriculture, particularly sheep farming, and a growing tourism sector focused on outdoor adventures. The surrounding landscape is characterized by deep canyons (gorges), vast forests, and high peaks, including the iconic Pic d'Orhy. ==Get in== Due to its remote, mountainous location, Larrau is only accessible by car – or by foot: [[GR 10#Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty - Logibar|GR 10]] passes close. The main road is the winding '''D26''', which connects it to nearby villages. Be prepared for narrow roads and hairpin turns, especially when approaching the trailheads for local attractions. ==Get around== {{mapframe|43.0197|-0.9544}} A car is essential for reaching the starting points for hikes and other sights, which are often located several kilometers outside the village itself. The main activities are done on foot. ==See== * {{see | name=Holzarté Suspension Bridge | alt=Passerelle d'Holzarté | address= | directions=Accessed from a car park (Logibar) about a 45-minute to 1-hour hike away. | lat= | long= | description=The star attraction of the region. This spectacular suspension bridge hangs 180 meters (590 ft) above the dramatic Olhadubi Canyon. The hike to the bridge is beautiful but can be steep in places. Not for those with a fear of heights. | hours= | price= }} * {{see | name=Gorges d'Olhadubi | alt=Olhadubi Canyon | address= | directions=The canyon crossed by the Holzarté bridge. | lat= | long= | description=A deep and stunningly beautiful canyon carved by the river. The trail to the suspension bridge offers fantastic views into the gorge. | hours= | price= }} * {{see | name=Pic d'Orhy | alt=Orhy Peak | address= | directions=Trailhead accessible from the Port de Larrau road. | lat= | long= | description=At 2,017 meters (6,617 ft), this is the first 2,000-meter peak in the Pyrenees when travelling from the Atlantic. The summit, which sits on the Franco-Spanish border, offers breathtaking panoramic views. The hike is challenging and for experienced walkers. | hours= | price= }} ==Do== ==Buy== ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Logis Auberge de L'Espérance|address=Le Bourg, 64560 Larrau|phone=+33 5 59 28 61 03|url=|lat=|long=|content=A hotel and restaurant in the village, serving as a good base for exploring the area.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge Logibar|address=Quartier Logibar, D26, 64560 Larrau|phone=+33 5 59 28 61 14|url=https://auberge-logibar.com/|lat=43.018151|long=-0.927715|content=Altitude 375 m. Dormitory beds from €17, half board from €50. Check-in from 17:00. Bus 60 serves the location.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty|address=D19, 64560 Larrau|phone=+33 5 59 28 51 29|url=https://chalets-iraty.com/|lat=43.03659578299579|long=-1.0348125824515537|content=Key pickup and payment are handled at Col Héguichouria, 1 km before the site. There is a restaurant and bird observation post 500 m further on.}} ==Connect== ==Go next== * '''Iraty Forest''' (Forêt d'Iraty) - One of the largest beech forests in Western Europe, straddling the border between France and Spain. * '''Sainte-Engrâce''' - A nearby village known for the impressive Grotte de la Verna (one of the largest show caves in the world) and its beautiful Romanesque church. * '''[[Spain]]''' - The Port de Larrau mountain pass leads into the Salazar Valley in the Spanish region of Navarre. {{IsPartOf|Pyrénées-Atlantiques}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|43.0197|-0.9544}} bkl9qv2be795in8p6uhdddr9p1vkfyd 5087104 5086783 2025-07-03T11:38:35Z Ground Zero 1423298 Page banners must be in the dimensions 7:1 5087104 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Passerelle d'Holzarté à Larrau.jpg}} {{}} '''Larrau''' (Basque: ''Larraine'') is a small village and commune in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department in the French Basque Country. It is located in the mountainous, high-altitude province of Soule (''Zuberoa''), the smallest of the seven Basque provinces. The village is a popular base for hikers and nature lovers looking to explore some of the most dramatic landscapes in the Pyrenees. ==Understand== Larrau is one of the most remote and sparsely populated communes in the region. Its identity is deeply rooted in the pastoral traditions of Soule, with a strong Basque culture and its own distinct dialect. The economy relies on agriculture, particularly sheep farming, and a growing tourism sector focused on outdoor adventures. The surrounding landscape is characterized by deep canyons (gorges), vast forests, and high peaks, including the iconic Pic d'Orhy. ==Get in== Due to its remote, mountainous location, Larrau is only accessible by car – or by foot: [[GR 10#Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty - Logibar|GR 10]] passes close. The main road is the winding '''D26''', which connects it to nearby villages. Be prepared for narrow roads and hairpin turns, especially when approaching the trailheads for local attractions. ==Get around== {{mapframe|43.0197|-0.9544}} A car is essential for reaching the starting points for hikes and other sights, which are often located several kilometers outside the village itself. The main activities are done on foot. ==See== * {{see | name=Holzarté Suspension Bridge | alt=Passerelle d'Holzarté | address= | directions=Accessed from a car park (Logibar) about a 45-minute to 1-hour hike away. | lat= | long= | description=The star attraction of the region. This spectacular suspension bridge hangs 180 meters (590 ft) above the dramatic Olhadubi Canyon. The hike to the bridge is beautiful but can be steep in places. Not for those with a fear of heights. | hours= | price= }} * {{see | name=Gorges d'Olhadubi | alt=Olhadubi Canyon | address= | directions=The canyon crossed by the Holzarté bridge. | lat= | long= | description=A deep and stunningly beautiful canyon carved by the river. The trail to the suspension bridge offers fantastic views into the gorge. | hours= | price= }} * {{see | name=Pic d'Orhy | alt=Orhy Peak | address= | directions=Trailhead accessible from the Port de Larrau road. | lat= | long= | description=At 2,017 meters (6,617 ft), this is the first 2,000-meter peak in the Pyrenees when travelling from the Atlantic. The summit, which sits on the Franco-Spanish border, offers breathtaking panoramic views. The hike is challenging and for experienced walkers. | hours= | price= }} ==Do== ==Buy== ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Logis Auberge de L'Espérance|address=Le Bourg, 64560 Larrau|phone=+33 5 59 28 61 03|url=|lat=|long=|content=A hotel and restaurant in the village, serving as a good base for exploring the area.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge Logibar|address=Quartier Logibar, D26, 64560 Larrau|phone=+33 5 59 28 61 14|url=https://auberge-logibar.com/|lat=43.018151|long=-0.927715|content=Altitude 375 m. Dormitory beds from €17, half board from €50. Check-in from 17:00. Bus 60 serves the location.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty|address=D19, 64560 Larrau|phone=+33 5 59 28 51 29|url=https://chalets-iraty.com/|lat=43.03659578299579|long=-1.0348125824515537|content=Key pickup and payment are handled at Col Héguichouria, 1 km before the site. There is a restaurant and bird observation post 500 m further on.}} ==Connect== ==Go next== * '''Iraty Forest''' (Forêt d'Iraty) - One of the largest beech forests in Western Europe, straddling the border between France and Spain. * '''Sainte-Engrâce''' - A nearby village known for the impressive Grotte de la Verna (one of the largest show caves in the world) and its beautiful Romanesque church. * '''[[Spain]]''' - The Port de Larrau mountain pass leads into the Salazar Valley in the Spanish region of Navarre. {{IsPartOf|Pyrénées-Atlantiques}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|43.0197|-0.9544}} ccq9mqx0gkfea2l0t6xktmcuhzizvwo 5087105 5087104 2025-07-03T11:38:47Z Ground Zero 1423298 5087105 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Passerelle d'Holzarté à Larrau.jpg}} {{cop}} '''Larrau''' (Basque: ''Larraine'') is a small village and commune in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department in the French Basque Country. It is located in the mountainous, high-altitude province of Soule (''Zuberoa''), the smallest of the seven Basque provinces. The village is a popular base for hikers and nature lovers looking to explore some of the most dramatic landscapes in the Pyrenees. ==Understand== Larrau is one of the most remote and sparsely populated communes in the region. Its identity is deeply rooted in the pastoral traditions of Soule, with a strong Basque culture and its own distinct dialect. The economy relies on agriculture, particularly sheep farming, and a growing tourism sector focused on outdoor adventures. The surrounding landscape is characterized by deep canyons (gorges), vast forests, and high peaks, including the iconic Pic d'Orhy. ==Get in== Due to its remote, mountainous location, Larrau is only accessible by car – or by foot: [[GR 10#Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty - Logibar|GR 10]] passes close. The main road is the winding '''D26''', which connects it to nearby villages. Be prepared for narrow roads and hairpin turns, especially when approaching the trailheads for local attractions. ==Get around== {{mapframe|43.0197|-0.9544}} A car is essential for reaching the starting points for hikes and other sights, which are often located several kilometers outside the village itself. The main activities are done on foot. ==See== * {{see | name=Holzarté Suspension Bridge | alt=Passerelle d'Holzarté | address= | directions=Accessed from a car park (Logibar) about a 45-minute to 1-hour hike away. | lat= | long= | description=The star attraction of the region. This spectacular suspension bridge hangs 180 meters (590 ft) above the dramatic Olhadubi Canyon. The hike to the bridge is beautiful but can be steep in places. Not for those with a fear of heights. | hours= | price= }} * {{see | name=Gorges d'Olhadubi | alt=Olhadubi Canyon | address= | directions=The canyon crossed by the Holzarté bridge. | lat= | long= | description=A deep and stunningly beautiful canyon carved by the river. The trail to the suspension bridge offers fantastic views into the gorge. | hours= | price= }} * {{see | name=Pic d'Orhy | alt=Orhy Peak | address= | directions=Trailhead accessible from the Port de Larrau road. | lat= | long= | description=At 2,017 meters (6,617 ft), this is the first 2,000-meter peak in the Pyrenees when travelling from the Atlantic. The summit, which sits on the Franco-Spanish border, offers breathtaking panoramic views. The hike is challenging and for experienced walkers. | hours= | price= }} ==Do== ==Buy== ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Logis Auberge de L'Espérance|address=Le Bourg, 64560 Larrau|phone=+33 5 59 28 61 03|url=|lat=|long=|content=A hotel and restaurant in the village, serving as a good base for exploring the area.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge Logibar|address=Quartier Logibar, D26, 64560 Larrau|phone=+33 5 59 28 61 14|url=https://auberge-logibar.com/|lat=43.018151|long=-0.927715|content=Altitude 375 m. Dormitory beds from €17, half board from €50. Check-in from 17:00. Bus 60 serves the location.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty|address=D19, 64560 Larrau|phone=+33 5 59 28 51 29|url=https://chalets-iraty.com/|lat=43.03659578299579|long=-1.0348125824515537|content=Key pickup and payment are handled at Col Héguichouria, 1 km before the site. There is a restaurant and bird observation post 500 m further on.}} ==Connect== ==Go next== * '''Iraty Forest''' (Forêt d'Iraty) - One of the largest beech forests in Western Europe, straddling the border between France and Spain. * '''Sainte-Engrâce''' - A nearby village known for the impressive Grotte de la Verna (one of the largest show caves in the world) and its beautiful Romanesque church. * '''[[Spain]]''' - The Port de Larrau mountain pass leads into the Salazar Valley in the Spanish region of Navarre. {{IsPartOf|Pyrénées-Atlantiques}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|43.0197|-0.9544}} mx77ju8tkdr7ff0nvhj5f7fwowlbowy 5087106 5087105 2025-07-03T11:39:00Z Ground Zero 1423298 5087106 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Passerelle d'Holzarté à Larrau.jpg}} {{crop}} '''Larrau''' (Basque: ''Larraine'') is a small village and commune in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department in the French Basque Country. It is located in the mountainous, high-altitude province of Soule (''Zuberoa''), the smallest of the seven Basque provinces. The village is a popular base for hikers and nature lovers looking to explore some of the most dramatic landscapes in the Pyrenees. ==Understand== Larrau is one of the most remote and sparsely populated communes in the region. Its identity is deeply rooted in the pastoral traditions of Soule, with a strong Basque culture and its own distinct dialect. The economy relies on agriculture, particularly sheep farming, and a growing tourism sector focused on outdoor adventures. The surrounding landscape is characterised by deep canyons (gorges), vast forests, and high peaks, including the iconic Pic d'Orhy. ==Get in== Due to its remote, mountainous location, Larrau is only accessible by car – or by foot: [[GR 10#Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty - Logibar|GR 10]] passes close. The main road is the winding '''D26''', which connects it to nearby villages. Be prepared for narrow roads and hairpin turns, especially when approaching the trailheads for local attractions. ==Get around== {{mapframe|43.0197|-0.9544}} A car is essential for reaching the starting points for hikes and other sights, which are often located several kilometers outside the village itself. The main activities are done on foot. ==See== * {{see | name=Holzarté Suspension Bridge | alt=Passerelle d'Holzarté | address= | directions=Accessed from a car park (Logibar) about a 45-minute to 1-hour hike away. | lat= | long= | description=The star attraction of the region. This spectacular suspension bridge hangs 180 meters (590 ft) above the dramatic Olhadubi Canyon. The hike to the bridge is beautiful but can be steep in places. Not for those with a fear of heights. | hours= | price= }} * {{see | name=Gorges d'Olhadubi | alt=Olhadubi Canyon | address= | directions=The canyon crossed by the Holzarté bridge. | lat= | long= | description=A deep and stunningly beautiful canyon carved by the river. The trail to the suspension bridge offers fantastic views into the gorge. | hours= | price= }} * {{see | name=Pic d'Orhy | alt=Orhy Peak | address= | directions=Trailhead accessible from the Port de Larrau road. | lat= | long= | description=At 2,017 meters (6,617 ft), this is the first 2,000-meter peak in the Pyrenees when travelling from the Atlantic. The summit, which sits on the Franco-Spanish border, offers breathtaking panoramic views. The hike is challenging and for experienced walkers. | hours= | price= }} ==Do== ==Buy== ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Logis Auberge de L'Espérance|address=Le Bourg, 64560 Larrau|phone=+33 5 59 28 61 03|url=|lat=|long=|content=A hotel and restaurant in the village, serving as a good base for exploring the area.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge Logibar|address=Quartier Logibar, D26, 64560 Larrau|phone=+33 5 59 28 61 14|url=https://auberge-logibar.com/|lat=43.018151|long=-0.927715|content=Altitude 375 m. Dormitory beds from €17, half board from €50. Check-in from 17:00. Bus 60 serves the location.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty|address=D19, 64560 Larrau|phone=+33 5 59 28 51 29|url=https://chalets-iraty.com/|lat=43.03659578299579|long=-1.0348125824515537|content=Key pickup and payment are handled at Col Héguichouria, 1 km before the site. There is a restaurant and bird observation post 500 m further on.}} ==Connect== ==Go next== * '''Iraty Forest''' (Forêt d'Iraty) - One of the largest beech forests in Western Europe, straddling the border between France and Spain. * '''Sainte-Engrâce''' - A nearby village known for the impressive Grotte de la Verna (one of the largest show caves in the world) and its beautiful Romanesque church. * '''[[Spain]]''' - The Port de Larrau mountain pass leads into the Salazar Valley in the Spanish region of Navarre. {{IsPartOf|Pyrénées-Atlantiques}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|43.0197|-0.9544}} 7ckjbwxcemvicqye3gmt0eitmtmkg6s 5087107 5087106 2025-07-03T11:39:34Z Ground Zero 1423298 5087107 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Passerelle d'Holzarte à Larrau.jpg}} {{crop}} '''Larrau''' (Basque: ''Larraine'') is a small village and commune in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department in the French Basque Country. It is located in the mountainous, high-altitude province of Soule (''Zuberoa''), the smallest of the seven Basque provinces. The village is a popular base for hikers and nature lovers looking to explore some of the most dramatic landscapes in the Pyrenees. ==Understand== Larrau is one of the most remote and sparsely populated communes in the region. Its identity is deeply rooted in the pastoral traditions of Soule, with a strong Basque culture and its own distinct dialect. The economy relies on agriculture, particularly sheep farming, and a growing tourism sector focused on outdoor adventures. The surrounding landscape is characterised by deep canyons (gorges), vast forests, and high peaks, including the iconic Pic d'Orhy. ==Get in== Due to its remote, mountainous location, Larrau is only accessible by car – or by foot: [[GR 10#Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty - Logibar|GR 10]] passes close. The main road is the winding '''D26''', which connects it to nearby villages. Be prepared for narrow roads and hairpin turns, especially when approaching the trailheads for local attractions. ==Get around== {{mapframe|43.0197|-0.9544}} A car is essential for reaching the starting points for hikes and other sights, which are often located several kilometers outside the village itself. The main activities are done on foot. ==See== * {{see | name=Holzarté Suspension Bridge | alt=Passerelle d'Holzarté | address= | directions=Accessed from a car park (Logibar) about a 45-minute to 1-hour hike away. | lat= | long= | description=The star attraction of the region. This spectacular suspension bridge hangs 180 meters (590 ft) above the dramatic Olhadubi Canyon. The hike to the bridge is beautiful but can be steep in places. Not for those with a fear of heights. | hours= | price= }} * {{see | name=Gorges d'Olhadubi | alt=Olhadubi Canyon | address= | directions=The canyon crossed by the Holzarté bridge. | lat= | long= | description=A deep and stunningly beautiful canyon carved by the river. The trail to the suspension bridge offers fantastic views into the gorge. | hours= | price= }} * {{see | name=Pic d'Orhy | alt=Orhy Peak | address= | directions=Trailhead accessible from the Port de Larrau road. | lat= | long= | description=At 2,017 meters (6,617 ft), this is the first 2,000-meter peak in the Pyrenees when travelling from the Atlantic. The summit, which sits on the Franco-Spanish border, offers breathtaking panoramic views. The hike is challenging and for experienced walkers. | hours= | price= }} ==Do== ==Buy== ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Logis Auberge de L'Espérance|address=Le Bourg, 64560 Larrau|phone=+33 5 59 28 61 03|url=|lat=|long=|content=A hotel and restaurant in the village, serving as a good base for exploring the area.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge Logibar|address=Quartier Logibar, D26, 64560 Larrau|phone=+33 5 59 28 61 14|url=https://auberge-logibar.com/|lat=43.018151|long=-0.927715|content=Altitude 375 m. Dormitory beds from €17, half board from €50. Check-in from 17:00. Bus 60 serves the location.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty|address=D19, 64560 Larrau|phone=+33 5 59 28 51 29|url=https://chalets-iraty.com/|lat=43.03659578299579|long=-1.0348125824515537|content=Key pickup and payment are handled at Col Héguichouria, 1 km before the site. There is a restaurant and bird observation post 500 m further on.}} ==Connect== ==Go next== * '''Iraty Forest''' (Forêt d'Iraty) - One of the largest beech forests in Western Europe, straddling the border between France and Spain. * '''Sainte-Engrâce''' - A nearby village known for the impressive Grotte de la Verna (one of the largest show caves in the world) and its beautiful Romanesque church. * '''[[Spain]]''' - The Port de Larrau mountain pass leads into the Salazar Valley in the Spanish region of Navarre. {{IsPartOf|Pyrénées-Atlantiques}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|43.0197|-0.9544}} 8t16ohyko497srx5u1vmozqj0hn9bld 5087109 5087107 2025-07-03T11:40:17Z Ground Zero 1423298 5087109 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Passerelle d'Holtzarte à Larrau.jpg}} {{crop}} '''Larrau''' (Basque: ''Larraine'') is a small village and commune in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department in the French Basque Country. It is located in the mountainous, high-altitude province of Soule (''Zuberoa''), the smallest of the seven Basque provinces. The village is a popular base for hikers and nature lovers looking to explore some of the most dramatic landscapes in the Pyrenees. ==Understand== Larrau is one of the most remote and sparsely populated communes in the region. Its identity is deeply rooted in the pastoral traditions of Soule, with a strong Basque culture and its own distinct dialect. The economy relies on agriculture, particularly sheep farming, and a growing tourism sector focused on outdoor adventures. The surrounding landscape is characterised by deep canyons (gorges), vast forests, and high peaks, including the iconic Pic d'Orhy. ==Get in== Due to its remote, mountainous location, Larrau is only accessible by car – or by foot: [[GR 10#Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty - Logibar|GR 10]] passes close. The main road is the winding '''D26''', which connects it to nearby villages. Be prepared for narrow roads and hairpin turns, especially when approaching the trailheads for local attractions. ==Get around== {{mapframe|43.0197|-0.9544}} A car is essential for reaching the starting points for hikes and other sights, which are often located several kilometers outside the village itself. The main activities are done on foot. ==See== * {{see | name=Holzarté Suspension Bridge | alt=Passerelle d'Holzarté | address= | directions=Accessed from a car park (Logibar) about a 45-minute to 1-hour hike away. | lat= | long= | description=The star attraction of the region. This spectacular suspension bridge hangs 180 meters (590 ft) above the dramatic Olhadubi Canyon. The hike to the bridge is beautiful but can be steep in places. Not for those with a fear of heights. | hours= | price= }} * {{see | name=Gorges d'Olhadubi | alt=Olhadubi Canyon | address= | directions=The canyon crossed by the Holzarté bridge. | lat= | long= | description=A deep and stunningly beautiful canyon carved by the river. The trail to the suspension bridge offers fantastic views into the gorge. | hours= | price= }} * {{see | name=Pic d'Orhy | alt=Orhy Peak | address= | directions=Trailhead accessible from the Port de Larrau road. | lat= | long= | description=At 2,017 meters (6,617 ft), this is the first 2,000-meter peak in the Pyrenees when travelling from the Atlantic. The summit, which sits on the Franco-Spanish border, offers breathtaking panoramic views. The hike is challenging and for experienced walkers. | hours= | price= }} ==Do== ==Buy== ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Logis Auberge de L'Espérance|address=Le Bourg, 64560 Larrau|phone=+33 5 59 28 61 03|url=|lat=|long=|content=A hotel and restaurant in the village, serving as a good base for exploring the area.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge Logibar|address=Quartier Logibar, D26, 64560 Larrau|phone=+33 5 59 28 61 14|url=https://auberge-logibar.com/|lat=43.018151|long=-0.927715|content=Altitude 375 m. Dormitory beds from €17, half board from €50. Check-in from 17:00. Bus 60 serves the location.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty|address=D19, 64560 Larrau|phone=+33 5 59 28 51 29|url=https://chalets-iraty.com/|lat=43.03659578299579|long=-1.0348125824515537|content=Key pickup and payment are handled at Col Héguichouria, 1 km before the site. There is a restaurant and bird observation post 500 m further on.}} ==Connect== ==Go next== * '''Iraty Forest''' (Forêt d'Iraty) - One of the largest beech forests in Western Europe, straddling the border between France and Spain. * '''Sainte-Engrâce''' - A nearby village known for the impressive Grotte de la Verna (one of the largest show caves in the world) and its beautiful Romanesque church. * '''[[Spain]]''' - The Port de Larrau mountain pass leads into the Salazar Valley in the Spanish region of Navarre. {{IsPartOf|Pyrénées-Atlantiques}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|43.0197|-0.9544}} tvg38tnfx5l8isl7p7wm193vy84j0ga 0 211640 5086682 2025-07-02T16:32:03Z Bluecoordinationfine 2327039 Added an outline small city article. 5086682 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Gorges de Kakuetta.jpg}} '''Sainte-Engrâce''' (Basque: ''Urdatx'' or ''Santa Grazi'') is a village in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department, located in the remote, mountainous Basque province of Soule (''Zuberoa''). The village is world-renowned among geologists and cavers and serves as a gateway to some of the most spectacular natural wonders in the Pyrenees, including a massive underground cave system and a deep, verdant canyon. ==Understand== Sainte-Engrâce is a small, isolated village with a history deeply connected to its 11th-century priory. Its culture is distinctly that of Soule, the smallest and most pastoral of the French Basque provinces. The local economy is driven by agriculture (sheep farming) and tourism, which centers on its unique geological attractions. The area is part of the Pierre-Saint-Martin hydrogeological system, a vast network of underground rivers and caves, making it a major destination for caving expeditions. ==Get in== Like other villages in high Soule, Sainte-Engrâce is remote and best accessed by car. The main access is via the '''D113''' road. Roads in the area are narrow and winding, so drive with care. ==Get around== A car is necessary to travel between the village and the main attractions like the Gorges de Kakuetta and the Grotte de la Verna, which are located a few kilometers away. The attractions themselves are explored on foot. ==See== * {{see | name=Gorges de Kakuetta | alt=Kakuetta Canyon | address= | directions=Well-signposted car park off the D113. | lat= | long= | description=A breathtakingly beautiful canyon, often compared to a lost world. A 2 km trail on secure walkways takes you deep into the gorge, alongside waterfalls and lush vegetation, culminating in a cave and waterfall. The site is typically open from spring to autumn and requires an entrance fee. Check opening times as they can be affected by weather. | hours=Seasonal, check locally. | price=Entrance fee required. }} * {{see | name=Grotte de la Verna | alt=La Verna Cave | address= | directions=Access is from a welcome center in Sainte-Engrâce, from which shuttles or guided hikes depart. | lat= | long= | description=One of the largest underground chambers in the world, so vast that it could hold Notre-Dame Cathedral. It is a geological marvel. Access is by guided tour only, with several options available, from accessible discovery tours to multi-hour caving expeditions. Booking in advance is essential. | hours=By guided tour only, booking required. | price=Varies by tour. }} * {{see | name=Église Sainte-Engrâce | alt=Sainte-Engrâce Church | address=In the village center. | directions= | lat= | long= | description=A beautiful and historically significant Romanesque church dating from the 11th century. It was part of a priory on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. Note the remarkable carved capitals inside. | hours= | price=Free. }} ==Do== ==Buy== ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge Elichalt|address=Next to the church|phone=+33 5 59 28 61 63|lat=42.99552859220694|long=-0.8102287239912613|content=Simple village inn located in the center of Sainte-Engrâce.}} ==Connect== ==Go next== * '''[[Larrau]]''' - A nearby village, home to the spectacular Holzarté Suspension Bridge and another great base for hiking. * '''Iraty Forest''' (Forêt d'Iraty) - Drive further into the mountains to explore one of Europe's largest beech forests. * '''Oloron-Sainte-Marie''' - The nearest large town, located to the north, at the entrance to the Pyrenean valleys. {{IsPartOf|Pyrénées-Atlantiques}} {{outlinecity}} ow6xupuav7nj7zhv7e2ellppgja6r7w 5087118 5086682 2025-07-03T11:48:16Z Ground Zero 1423298 Not a valid file on Wikicommons 5087118 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner}} '''Sainte-Engrâce''' (Basque: ''Urdatx'' or ''Santa Grazi'') is a village in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department, located in the remote, mountainous Basque province of Soule (''Zuberoa''). The village is world-renowned among geologists and cavers and serves as a gateway to some of the most spectacular natural wonders in the Pyrenees, including a massive underground cave system and a deep, verdant canyon. ==Understand== Sainte-Engrâce is a small, isolated village with a history deeply connected to its 11th-century priory. Its culture is distinctly that of Soule, the smallest and most pastoral of the French Basque provinces. The local economy is driven by agriculture (sheep farming) and tourism, which centers on its unique geological attractions. The area is part of the Pierre-Saint-Martin hydrogeological system, a vast network of underground rivers and caves, making it a major destination for caving expeditions. ==Get in== Like other villages in high Soule, Sainte-Engrâce is remote and best accessed by car. The main access is via the '''D113''' road. Roads in the area are narrow and winding, so drive with care. ==Get around== A car is necessary to travel between the village and the main attractions like the Gorges de Kakuetta and the Grotte de la Verna, which are located a few kilometers away. The attractions themselves are explored on foot. ==See== * {{see | name=Gorges de Kakuetta | alt=Kakuetta Canyon | address= | directions=Well-signposted car park off the D113. | lat= | long= | description=A breathtakingly beautiful canyon, often compared to a lost world. A 2 km trail on secure walkways takes you deep into the gorge, alongside waterfalls and lush vegetation, culminating in a cave and waterfall. The site is typically open from spring to autumn and requires an entrance fee. Check opening times as they can be affected by weather. | hours=Seasonal, check locally. | price=Entrance fee required. }} * {{see | name=Grotte de la Verna | alt=La Verna Cave | address= | directions=Access is from a welcome center in Sainte-Engrâce, from which shuttles or guided hikes depart. | lat= | long= | description=One of the largest underground chambers in the world, so vast that it could hold Notre-Dame Cathedral. It is a geological marvel. Access is by guided tour only, with several options available, from accessible discovery tours to multi-hour caving expeditions. Booking in advance is essential. | hours=By guided tour only, booking required. | price=Varies by tour. }} * {{see | name=Église Sainte-Engrâce | alt=Sainte-Engrâce Church | address=In the village center. | directions= | lat= | long= | description=A beautiful and historically significant Romanesque church dating from the 11th century. It was part of a priory on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. Note the remarkable carved capitals inside. | hours= | price=Free. }} ==Do== ==Buy== ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge Elichalt|address=Next to the church|phone=+33 5 59 28 61 63|lat=42.99552859220694|long=-0.8102287239912613|content=Simple village inn located in the center of Sainte-Engrâce.}} ==Connect== ==Go next== * '''[[Larrau]]''' - A nearby village, home to the spectacular Holzarté Suspension Bridge and another great base for hiking. * '''Iraty Forest''' (Forêt d'Iraty) - Drive further into the mountains to explore one of Europe's largest beech forests. * '''Oloron-Sainte-Marie''' - The nearest large town, located to the north, at the entrance to the Pyrenean valleys. {{IsPartOf|Pyrénées-Atlantiques}} {{outlinecity}} 9nc33g2g3spm4e5246jg5ym1yf186mc 5087121 5087118 2025-07-03T11:49:41Z Ground Zero 1423298 "Description" is not a valid field in English Wikivoyage, so the text is not displayed. Spelling 5087121 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner}} '''Sainte-Engrâce''' (Basque: ''Urdatx'' or ''Santa Grazi'') is a village in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department, located in the remote, mountainous Basque province of Soule (''Zuberoa''). The village is world-renowned among geologists and cavers and serves as a gateway to some of the most spectacular natural wonders in the Pyrenees, including a massive underground cave system and a deep, verdant canyon. ==Understand== Sainte-Engrâce is a small, isolated village with a history deeply connected to its 11th-century priory. Its culture is distinctly that of Soule, the smallest and most pastoral of the French Basque provinces. The local economy is driven by agriculture (sheep farming) and tourism, which centers on its unique geological attractions. The area is part of the Pierre-Saint-Martin hydrogeological system, a vast network of underground rivers and caves, making it a major destination for caving expeditions. ==Get in== Like other villages in high Soule, Sainte-Engrâce is remote and best accessed by car. The main access is via the '''D113''' road. Roads in the area are narrow and winding, so drive with care. ==Get around== A car is necessary to travel between the village and the main attractions like the Gorges de Kakuetta and the Grotte de la Verna, which are located a few kilometres away. The attractions themselves are explored on foot. ==See== * {{see | name=Gorges de Kakuetta | alt=Kakuetta Canyon | address= | directions=well-signposted car park off the D113. | lat= | long= | content=A breathtakingly beautiful canyon, often compared to a lost world. A 2 km trail on secure walkways takes you deep into the gorge, alongside waterfalls and lush vegetation, culminating in a cave and waterfall. The site is typically open from spring to autumn and requires an entrance fee. Check opening times as they can be affected by weather. | hours=Seasonal, check locally. | price=Entrance fee required. }} * {{see | name=Grotte de la Verna | alt=La Verna Cave | address= | directions=access is from a welcome centre in Sainte-Engrâce, from which shuttles or guided hikes depart | lat= | long= | content=One of the largest underground chambers in the world, so vast that it could hold Notre-Dame Cathedral. It is a geological marvel. Access is by guided tour only, with several options available, from accessible discovery tours to multi-hour caving expeditions. Booking in advance is essential. | hours=By guided tour only, booking required. | price=Varies by tour. }} * {{see | name=Église Sainte-Engrâce | alt=Sainte-Engrâce Church | address=In the village center. | directions= | lat= | long= | content=A beautiful and historically significant Romanesque church dating from the 11th century. It was part of a priory on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. Note the remarkable carved capitals inside. | hours= | price=Free. }} ==Do== ==Buy== ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge Elichalt|address=Next to the church|phone=+33 5 59 28 61 63|lat=42.99552859220694|long=-0.8102287239912613|content=Simple village inn located in the centre of Sainte-Engrâce.}} ==Connect== ==Go next== * '''[[Larrau]]''' - A nearby village, home to the spectacular Holzarté Suspension Bridge and another great base for hiking. * '''Iraty Forest''' (Forêt d'Iraty) - Drive further into the mountains to explore one of Europe's largest beech forests. * '''Oloron-Sainte-Marie''' - The nearest large town, located to the north, at the entrance to the Pyrenean valleys. {{IsPartOf|Pyrénées-Atlantiques}} {{outlinecity}} tncvj8qcqc2ugju1h4utxiytqbanfry 5087124 5087121 2025-07-03T11:51:55Z Ground Zero 1423298 Spelling, punctuation 5087124 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner}} '''Sainte-Engrâce''' (Basque: ''Urdatx'' or ''Santa Grazi'') is a village in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department, located in the remote, mountainous Basque province of Soule (''Zuberoa''). The village is world-renowned among geologists and cavers and serves as a gateway to some of the most spectacular natural wonders in the Pyrenees, including a massive underground cave system and a deep, verdant canyon. ==Understand== Sainte-Engrâce is a small, isolated village with a history deeply connected to its 11th-century priory. Its culture is distinctly that of Soule, the smallest and most pastoral of the French Basque provinces. The local economy is driven by agriculture (sheep farming) and tourism, which centres on its unique geological attractions. The area is part of the Pierre-Saint-Martin hydrogeological system, a vast network of underground rivers and caves, making it a major destination for caving expeditions. ==Get in== Like other villages in high Soule, Sainte-Engrâce is remote and best accessed by car. The main access is via the '''D113''' road. Roads in the area are narrow and winding, so drive with care. ==Get around== A car is necessary to travel between the village and the main attractions like the Gorges de Kakuetta and the Grotte de la Verna, which are located a few kilometres away. The attractions themselves are explored on foot. ==See== * {{see | name=Gorges de Kakuetta | alt=Kakuetta Canyon | address= | directions=well-signposted car park off the D113 | lat= | long= | content=A breathtakingly beautiful canyon, often compared to a lost world. A 2-km trail on secure walkways takes you deep into the gorge, alongside waterfalls and lush vegetation, culminating in a cave and waterfall. The site is typically open from spring to autumn and requires an entrance fee. Check opening times as they can be affected by weather. | hours=Seasonal, check locally. | price=Entrance fee required. }} * {{see | name=Grotte de la Verna | alt=La Verna Cave | address= | directions=access is from a welcome centre in Sainte-Engrâce, from which shuttles or guided hikes depart | lat= | long= | content=One of the largest underground chambers in the world, so vast that it could hold Notre-Dame Cathedral. It is a geological marvel. Access is by guided tour only, with several options available, from accessible discovery tours to multi-hour caving expeditions. Booking in advance is essential. | hours=By guided tour only, booking required | price=Varies by tour }} * {{see | name=Église Sainte-Engrâce | alt=Sainte-Engrâce Church | address=In the village center. | directions= | lat= | long= | content=A beautiful and historically significant Romanesque church dating from the 11th century. It was part of a priory on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. Note the remarkable carved capitals inside. | hours= | price=Free }} ==Do== ==Buy== ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge Elichalt|address=Next to the church|phone=+33 5 59 28 61 63|lat=42.99552859220694|long=-0.8102287239912613|content=Simple village inn located in the centre of Sainte-Engrâce.}} ==Connect== ==Go next== * '''[[Larrau]]''' - A nearby village, home to the spectacular Holzarté Suspension Bridge and another great base for hiking. * '''Iraty Forest''' (Forêt d'Iraty) - Drive further into the mountains to explore one of Europe's largest beech forests. * '''Oloron-Sainte-Marie''' - The nearest large town, located to the north, at the entrance to the Pyrenean valleys. {{IsPartOf|Pyrénées-Atlantiques}} {{outlinecity}} 0djlfcrcyeu6o1gz6c99zj3tnr24mx2 5087127 5087124 2025-07-03T11:55:49Z Ground Zero 1423298 /* See */ add wikidata from French Wikipedia article 5087127 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner}} '''Sainte-Engrâce''' (Basque: ''Urdatx'' or ''Santa Grazi'') is a village in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department, located in the remote, mountainous Basque province of Soule (''Zuberoa''). The village is world-renowned among geologists and cavers and serves as a gateway to some of the most spectacular natural wonders in the Pyrenees, including a massive underground cave system and a deep, verdant canyon. ==Understand== Sainte-Engrâce is a small, isolated village with a history deeply connected to its 11th-century priory. Its culture is distinctly that of Soule, the smallest and most pastoral of the French Basque provinces. The local economy is driven by agriculture (sheep farming) and tourism, which centres on its unique geological attractions. The area is part of the Pierre-Saint-Martin hydrogeological system, a vast network of underground rivers and caves, making it a major destination for caving expeditions. ==Get in== Like other villages in high Soule, Sainte-Engrâce is remote and best accessed by car. The main access is via the '''D113''' road. Roads in the area are narrow and winding, so drive with care. ==Get around== A car is necessary to travel between the village and the main attractions like the Gorges de Kakuetta and the Grotte de la Verna, which are located a few kilometres away. The attractions themselves are explored on foot. ==See== * {{see | name=Gorges de Kakuetta | alt=Kakuetta Canyon | address= | directions=well-signposted car park off the D113 | lat= | long= | wikidata =Q3110984 | content=A breathtakingly beautiful canyon, often compared to a lost world. A 2-km trail on secure walkways takes you deep into the gorge, alongside waterfalls and lush vegetation, culminating in a cave and waterfall. The site is typically open from spring to autumn and requires an entrance fee. Check opening times as they can be affected by weather. | hours=Seasonal, check locally. | price=Entrance fee required. }} * {{see | name=Grotte de la Verna | alt=La Verna Cave | address= | directions=access is from a welcome centre in Sainte-Engrâce, from which shuttles or guided hikes depart | lat= | long= | content=One of the largest underground chambers in the world, so vast that it could hold Notre-Dame Cathedral. It is a geological marvel. Access is by guided tour only, with several options available, from accessible discovery tours to multi-hour caving expeditions. Booking in advance is essential. | hours=By guided tour only, booking required | price=Varies by tour }} * {{see | name=Église Sainte-Engrâce | alt=Sainte-Engrâce Church | address=In the village center. | directions= | lat= | long= | content=A beautiful and historically significant Romanesque church dating from the 11th century. It was part of a priory on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. Note the remarkable carved capitals inside. | hours= | price=Free }} ==Do== ==Buy== ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge Elichalt|address=Next to the church|phone=+33 5 59 28 61 63|lat=42.99552859220694|long=-0.8102287239912613|content=Simple village inn located in the centre of Sainte-Engrâce.}} ==Connect== ==Go next== * '''[[Larrau]]''' - A nearby village, home to the spectacular Holzarté Suspension Bridge and another great base for hiking. * '''Iraty Forest''' (Forêt d'Iraty) - Drive further into the mountains to explore one of Europe's largest beech forests. * '''Oloron-Sainte-Marie''' - The nearest large town, located to the north, at the entrance to the Pyrenean valleys. {{IsPartOf|Pyrénées-Atlantiques}} {{outlinecity}} 38tx08v26hlyp0re6mke1txgdkqu5hc 5087130 5087127 2025-07-03T11:57:38Z Ground Zero 1423298 Add wikidata and map 5087130 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner}} '''Sainte-Engrâce''' (Basque: ''Urdatx'' or ''Santa Grazi'') is a village in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department, located in the remote, mountainous Basque province of Soule (''Zuberoa''). The village is world-renowned among geologists and cavers and serves as a gateway to some of the most spectacular natural wonders in the Pyrenees, including a massive underground cave system and a deep, verdant canyon. ==Understand== Sainte-Engrâce is a small, isolated village with a history deeply connected to its 11th-century priory. Its culture is distinctly that of Soule, the smallest and most pastoral of the French Basque provinces. The local economy is driven by agriculture (sheep farming) and tourism, which centres on its unique geological attractions. The area is part of the Pierre-Saint-Martin hydrogeological system, a vast network of underground rivers and caves, making it a major destination for caving expeditions. ==Get in== Like other villages in high Soule, Sainte-Engrâce is remote and best accessed by car. The main access is via the '''D113''' road. Roads in the area are narrow and winding, so drive with care. ==Get around== {{mapframe}} A car is necessary to travel between the village and the main attractions like the Gorges de Kakuetta and the Grotte de la Verna, which are located a few kilometres away. The attractions themselves are explored on foot. ==See== * {{see | name=Gorges de Kakuetta | alt=Kakuetta Canyon | address= | directions=well-signposted car park off the D113 | lat= | long= | wikidata =Q3110984 | content=A breathtakingly beautiful canyon, often compared to a lost world. A 2-km trail on secure walkways takes you deep into the gorge, alongside waterfalls and lush vegetation, culminating in a cave and waterfall. The site is typically open from spring to autumn and requires an entrance fee. Check opening times as they can be affected by weather. | hours=Seasonal, check locally. | price=Entrance fee required. }} * {{see | name=Grotte de la Verna | alt=La Verna Cave | address= | directions=access is from a welcome centre in Sainte-Engrâce, from which shuttles or guided hikes depart | lat= | long= | wikidata =Q21013094 | content=One of the largest underground chambers in the world, so vast that it could hold Notre-Dame Cathedral. It is a geological marvel. Access is by guided tour only, with several options available, from accessible discovery tours to multi-hour caving expeditions. Booking in advance is essential. | hours=By guided tour only, booking required | price=Varies by tour }} * {{see | name=Église Sainte-Engrâce | alt=Sainte-Engrâce Church | address=In the village center. | directions= | lat= | long= | content=A beautiful and historically significant Romanesque church dating from the 11th century. It was part of a priory on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. Note the remarkable carved capitals inside. | hours= | price=Free }} ==Do== ==Buy== ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge Elichalt|address=Next to the church|phone=+33 5 59 28 61 63|lat=42.99552859220694|long=-0.8102287239912613|content=Simple village inn located in the centre of Sainte-Engrâce.}} ==Connect== ==Go next== * '''[[Larrau]]''' - A nearby village, home to the spectacular Holzarté Suspension Bridge and another great base for hiking. * '''Iraty Forest''' (Forêt d'Iraty) - Drive further into the mountains to explore one of Europe's largest beech forests. * '''Oloron-Sainte-Marie''' - The nearest large town, located to the north, at the entrance to the Pyrenean valleys. {{IsPartOf|Pyrénées-Atlantiques}} {{outlinecity}} fmcu5drk5p42tjyyyu0f5g3bar4remx 5087131 5087130 2025-07-03T11:58:00Z Ground Zero 1423298 /* See */ 5087131 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner}} '''Sainte-Engrâce''' (Basque: ''Urdatx'' or ''Santa Grazi'') is a village in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department, located in the remote, mountainous Basque province of Soule (''Zuberoa''). The village is world-renowned among geologists and cavers and serves as a gateway to some of the most spectacular natural wonders in the Pyrenees, including a massive underground cave system and a deep, verdant canyon. ==Understand== Sainte-Engrâce is a small, isolated village with a history deeply connected to its 11th-century priory. Its culture is distinctly that of Soule, the smallest and most pastoral of the French Basque provinces. The local economy is driven by agriculture (sheep farming) and tourism, which centres on its unique geological attractions. The area is part of the Pierre-Saint-Martin hydrogeological system, a vast network of underground rivers and caves, making it a major destination for caving expeditions. ==Get in== Like other villages in high Soule, Sainte-Engrâce is remote and best accessed by car. The main access is via the '''D113''' road. Roads in the area are narrow and winding, so drive with care. ==Get around== {{mapframe}} A car is necessary to travel between the village and the main attractions like the Gorges de Kakuetta and the Grotte de la Verna, which are located a few kilometres away. The attractions themselves are explored on foot. ==See== * {{see | name=Gorges de Kakuetta | alt=Kakuetta Canyon | address= | directions=well-signposted car park off the D113 | lat= | long= | wikidata =Q3110984 | content=A breathtakingly beautiful canyon, often compared to a lost world. A 2-km trail on secure walkways takes you deep into the gorge, alongside waterfalls and lush vegetation, culminating in a cave and waterfall. The site is typically open from spring to autumn and requires an entrance fee. Check opening times as they can be affected by weather. | hours=Seasonal, check locally | price=Entrance fee required }} * {{see | name=Grotte de la Verna | alt=La Verna Cave | address= | directions=access is from a welcome centre in Sainte-Engrâce, from which shuttles or guided hikes depart | lat= | long= | wikidata =Q21013094 | content=One of the largest underground chambers in the world, so vast that it could hold Notre-Dame Cathedral. It is a geological marvel. Access is by guided tour only, with several options available, from accessible discovery tours to multi-hour caving expeditions. Booking in advance is essential. | hours=By guided tour only, booking required | price=Varies by tour }} * {{see | name=Église Sainte-Engrâce | alt=Sainte-Engrâce Church | address=In the village center. | directions= | lat= | long= | content=A beautiful and historically significant Romanesque church dating from the 11th century. It was part of a priory on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. Note the remarkable carved capitals inside. | hours= | price=Free }} ==Do== ==Buy== ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Auberge Elichalt|address=Next to the church|phone=+33 5 59 28 61 63|lat=42.99552859220694|long=-0.8102287239912613|content=Simple village inn located in the centre of Sainte-Engrâce.}} ==Connect== ==Go next== * '''[[Larrau]]''' - A nearby village, home to the spectacular Holzarté Suspension Bridge and another great base for hiking. * '''Iraty Forest''' (Forêt d'Iraty) - Drive further into the mountains to explore one of Europe's largest beech forests. * '''Oloron-Sainte-Marie''' - The nearest large town, located to the north, at the entrance to the Pyrenean valleys. {{IsPartOf|Pyrénées-Atlantiques}} {{outlinecity}} a0s7sh2y872t2zskdy062svs25a71f5 1 211641 5086686 2025-07-02T16:35:55Z Commandant Quacks-a-lot 2328866 /* Avon Theater */ new section 5086686 wikitext text/x-wiki == Avon Theater == Bad news. The longtime owner of the Avon, Skip Houston, passed away, and the Avon Theater has closed down. A shame, really. [[User:Commandant Quacks-a-lot|Commandant Quacks-a-lot]] ([[User talk:Commandant Quacks-a-lot|talk]]) 16:35, 2 July 2025 (UTC) hqyuete0n4irivbpccdmhjq5c0jg623 0 211642 5086698 2025-07-02T17:02:21Z Bluecoordinationfine 2327039 This town has some overlap with the already existing article on the national park. Not sure how to handle this. 5086698 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Gavarnie from village.jpg}} '''Gavarnie''' is a small village in the [[Hautes-Pyrénées]] department in the Occitanie region in south-western France. It is best known for the Cirque de Gavarnie, a massive glacial cirque in the Pyrenees Mountains, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The village is a popular base for hiking, mountaineering, and skiing. == Understand == Gavarnie is a Mecca for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The village itself is small and charming, with traditional stone houses and stunning views of the surrounding peaks. The main attraction is the Cirque de Gavarnie, a spectacular natural amphitheater with a 422-meter-high waterfall, the Grande Cascade de Gavarnie, one of the highest in Europe. The area is part of the Pyrénées National Park and the "Pyrenees - Mont Perdu" UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its exceptional natural and cultural landscapes. == Get in == === By car === Gavarnie is accessible by car via the D921 road from Luz-Saint-Sauveur. In winter, it is advisable to check road conditions before traveling. Parking in the village is restricted and paid. There are several car parks at the entrance to the village. === By bus === During the tourist season (summer and winter), a bus service (line 965) connects Gavarnie with Lourdes, with stops in other towns like Luz-Saint-Sauveur. === By train === The nearest train station is in Lourdes, which has connections to major French cities, including Paris. From Lourdes, you can take a bus to Gavarnie. == Get around == The village of Gavarnie is small enough to be easily explored on foot. In fact, the center of the village is closed to traffic during the day in the peak season. To reach the Cirque de Gavarnie, you can either walk or hire a horse or donkey for a more traditional experience. == See == * {{see | name=Cirque de Gavarnie | content=The main reason people visit Gavarnie. This enormous glacial cirque is a breathtaking sight, with its towering rock walls and numerous waterfalls. A relatively easy 1.5 to 2-hour walk from the village takes you to the heart of the cirque and the base of the main waterfall. }} * {{see | name=Grande Cascade de Gavarnie | content=At 422 meters, this is one of the tallest waterfalls in Europe. The flow is most impressive in the spring and early summer when the snow is melting. }} * {{see | name=Brèche de Roland | content=A spectacular natural gap in the cliffs of the cirque, on the border between France and Spain. It's a challenging hike to reach it, but the views are rewarding. }} * {{see | name=Village Church | content=The 12th-century church of Saint John the Baptist is a historic monument and was a resting place for pilgrims on the Way of St. James. }} * {{see | name=Statue of Our Lady of the Snows | content=Located at the entrance to the village, this statue is a place where mountaineers would traditionally ask for protection before their expeditions. }} * {{listing|type=see|name=Tourist Office|address=Le Village, 65120 Gavarnie-Gèdre|phone=+33 5 62 92 49 10|url=https://www.valleesdegavarnie.com/gavarnie-gedre/|lat=42.73535586856976|long=-0.01029304645524754|content=Open 09:00-12:00 and 14:00-17:00; closed Sundays and Thursdays.}} == Do == * {{do | name=Hiking | content=There are numerous hiking trails for all levels, from the easy walk to the Cirque to more strenuous treks to the Brèche de Roland or one of the nearby refuges. }} * {{do | name=Horseback Riding | content=A popular way to experience the trail to the Cirque de Gavarnie. Several operators in the village offer guided rides. }} * {{do | name=Skiing | content=In winter, the Gavarnie-Gèdre ski resort offers a range of slopes for all abilities, with stunning views of the Brèche de Roland. }} * {{do | name=Snowshoeing | content=Explore the snowy landscapes of the Pyrenees on snowshoes. Trails are marked, and equipment can be rented in the village. }} * {{do | name=Gavarnie Festival | content=An open-air theatre festival held in summer at the foot of the cirque. }} == Buy == * {{buy | name=La Boutique Artisanale | content=Offers a range of local products, crafts, postcards, and souvenirs related to the Pyrenees. }} * {{buy | name=Groceries | content=For self-catering, there is a small grocery store in the village. For a wider selection, the '''Carrefour Market''' in the nearby town of Esquièze-Sère is a good option. }} * {{buy | name=Altisports Pyrénées | address=Argelès-Gazost | content=If you need to rent or buy hiking or skiing equipment, there are a few sports shops in the area, such as this one which also offers rentals. }} == Eat == The local cuisine is hearty and traditional, with dishes like garbure (a thick soup with meat and vegetables) and local cheeses. * {{eat | name=Le Cabanon | content=A good option for a quick and casual meal. }} * {{eat | name=Bar du Cirque | content=Offers simple food and drinks with a great view. }} * {{eat | name=Hôtellerie du Cirque | content=A restaurant located at the end of the main trail into the cirque, offering a rewarding meal with a spectacular backdrop. }} == Drink == * {{drink | name=Le Bar de Glace | content=A friendly bar in the village to relax after a day of hiking. }} * Most of the hotels and restaurants in Gavarnie also have bars where you can enjoy a drink. == Sleep == Accommodation in Gavarnie ranges from simple guesthouses to more comfortable hotels. It's advisable to book in advance, especially during the peak summer and winter seasons. === Budget === * {{sleep | name=Les Cimes | price=from €70 | content=A 2-star hotel offering basic but comfortable rooms. It has a restaurant and offers free Wi-Fi. }} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Chalet-refuge la Grange de Holle|address=Route de Boucharo, 65120 Gavarnie-Gèdre|phone=+33 5 62 92 48 77|url=https://chaletlagrangedeholle.ffcam.fr/|lat=42.73944609127333|long=-0.022728732019354148|wikidata=Q98753937|content=Altitude 1480 m. Staffed hut with 62 beds.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte Le Gypaète|lat=42.7359592315|long=-0.0108405014067|phone=+33 5 62 92 40 61|content=Simple hiker accommodation in Gavarnie village.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Bergerie|address=Chemin du Cirque, 65120 Gavarnie-Gèdre|url=https://www.camping-la-bergerie-gavarnie.com/|lat=42.72774008829836|long=-0.0075991966546184704|content=Open early June to late September. Located near the entrance to the Cirque de Gavarnie.}} === Mid-range === * {{sleep | name=Hotel le Taillon | price=around €90-120 | content=A 2-star hotel with excellent reviews, located in the village. Offers comfortable rooms and a good breakfast. }} * {{sleep | name=Logis Hôtel La Brèche de Roland | address=Gèdre | price=from €150 | content=Located in the nearby village of Gèdre, this family-run hotel in an 18th-century house offers a charming and comfortable stay. }} === Splurge === * {{sleep | name=Hôtel Vignemale | price=from €165 | content=A 3-star hotel with stunning views of the Cirque de Gavarnie. It offers individually decorated rooms and a restaurant. }} * {{sleep | name=Hôtel du cirque et de la cascade | content=Offers rooms with mountain views and is located close to the start of the trail to the cirque. }} == Connect == * '''Post Office'''. There is a small post office in Gavarnie-Gèdre with limited opening hours. For more services, the post office in Luz-Saint-Sauveur is a better option. * '''Internet'''. Free Wi-Fi is available at the Tourist Office. Many hotels and some cafes also offer Wi-Fi to their customers. * '''Mobile Phone Reception'''. Mobile phone coverage can be unreliable in the mountains. The village of Gavarnie generally has decent reception, but it can be patchy or non-existent on the hiking trails. == Go next == * [[Luz-Saint-Sauveur]] — A larger town with more services, thermal baths, and a fortified church. * [[Cauterets]] and the '''Pont d'Espagne''' — Another beautiful area in the Pyrenees National Park, known for its waterfalls and hiking trails. * '''Pic du Midi de Bigorre''' — Take a cable car to the summit for panoramic views of the Pyrenees. * [[Lourdes]] — A major pilgrimage town, about an hour's drive from Gavarnie. {{IsPartOf|Hautes-Pyrénées}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|42.7333|0.00}} 3a31qbtrksiyw08tscgn8aie9ivezu4 3 211643 5086705 2025-07-02T17:08:12Z Ikan Kekek 36420 Created page with "{{subst:tout}} ~~~~" 5086705 wikitext text/x-wiki Hello, CasazzaH! Thank you for contributing to Wikivoyage, but please note that one or more of your recent edits has been reverted as it appeared to be an attempt to use this site to advertise or promote a business or service. Wikivoyage is created by travellers ''for'' travellers, and while [[WV:Welcome, business owners|business owners and employees]] are welcome to contribute, use of this site for promotional purposes is not allowed. If you feel that your edits were incorrectly identified as promotional, '''please read Wikivoyage's [[WV:Don't tout|guidelines on identifying promotional edits]]'''. If, after reading that guideline, you ''still'' feel your edits were incorrectly removed, please use this [[WV:Using talk pages|talk page]] or the talk page of the article where your edit was removed to explain why your change was not promotional. Note that it is very important that you discuss your proposed change '''before''' re-adding it since repeated promotional edits can lead to a temporary block of your account's ability to edit Wikivoyage, and in serious cases the business in question may be blacklisted from Wikivoyage. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:08, 2 July 2025 (UTC) 8uv0f4isbmisureqq9h900pchcemg1m 0 211644 5086720 2025-07-02T17:51:51Z Bluecoordinationfine 2327039 Created an outline small city article for Bidarray 5086720 wikitext text/x-wiki '''Bidarray''' is a small village and commune in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department of the French Basque Country. Nestled in the valley of the Nive river, it's a popular destination for outdoor activities, particularly rafting and hiking. == Understand == Bidarray is located in the heart of the Basque Country, surrounded by mountains like the Artzamendi and the Iparla. The village itself is small, with traditional Basque architecture. It's a great base for exploring the natural beauty of the Pyrenees and the rich Basque culture. The Nive river, which flows through the village, is a central feature of the area. == Get in == === By plane === The nearest airports are: '''Biarritz Pays Basque Airport (BIQ)''': Located approximately 30 km away, this is the most convenient airport with flights to various European destinations. '''San Sebastián Airport (EAS)''': About 40 km away, on the Spanish side of the border. '''Pau Pyrénées Airport (PUF)''': Roughly 100 km away. === By train === Bidarray has a train station ('''Bidarray Pont Noblia''') on the line that runs from Bayonne to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. It's a scenic journey along the Nive river. === By car === Bidarray is accessible via the D918 road, which connects Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and Cambo-les-Bains. From the A63 motorway, take the exit for Bayonne and follow signs towards Cambo-les-Bains and then Bidarray. == Get around == The village of Bidarray is small enough to explore on foot. However, to fully experience the surrounding area, a car is recommended. For those hiking the GR10, the trail passes directly through the area. == See == '''Église de l'Assomption''': A 12th-century church that was rebuilt in 1625. '''Pont de Noblia''': A picturesque medieval bridge, which, according to legend, was built by ''laminak'' (mythological creatures from Basque folklore) in a single night. '''Iparla Ridges (Crêtes d'Iparla)''': Offering stunning panoramic views, these cliffs are a dominant feature of the landscape. '''Artzamendi''': The "Bear Mountain," another prominent peak visible from the village. == Do == '''Rafting and White Water Sports''': The Nive river is famous for rafting, canoeing, and kayaking. Several companies in Bidarray offer guided descents and equipment rental. '''Hiking''': Bidarray is a major point on the '''GR10''', a long-distance footpath that traverses the Pyrenees. The hike to the Iparla ridges is challenging but rewarding. There are many other marked trails for all levels. '''Canyoning and Via Ferrata''': For the more adventurous, there are opportunities for canyoning and via ferrata in the nearby mountains. '''Fishing''': The Nive is a good river for fishing trout and salmon. == Buy == While Bidarray is not a major shopping destination, you can find local Basque products, such as cheese (especially from ewe's milk), charcuterie, and crafts in the region. Look for small producers and farm shops in the surrounding area. == Eat == '''Auberge Ostape''': A high-end option located on the hills above Bidarray, featuring a Michelin-starred restaurant, '''Lore Ttipia''', which serves gourmet Basque cuisine. '''Hotel Restaurant Noblia''': A more traditional hotel-restaurant in the village. Look for other small restaurants and auberges in and around the village serving traditional Basque dishes. == Drink == There are a few bars in the village where you can enjoy a drink, including local Basque cider and Irouléguy wine. == Sleep == === Budget === * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Gîte d'étape Aire Zabal|lat=43.2665469128|long=-1.34721660011|url=https://giteairezabal.fr/|content=Stage accommodation in the upper part of the village.}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Camping Amestoya|lat=43.284582665|long=-1.35372693663|url=https://camping-bidarray.fr/english/|content=Campsite along the D908, 2 km north of the upper village.}} === Mid-range === '''Hôtel-Restaurant Noblia''': A two-star hotel in the village. '''Guesthouses and B&Bs''': Several options are available in and around Bidarray. === Splurge === '''Auberge Ostape''': A 5-star hotel with individual cottages, a pool, and stunning views. == Connect == Wi-Fi is generally available in hotels and guesthouses. Mobile phone coverage can be unreliable in the more remote mountain areas. == Stay safe == When participating in outdoor activities, especially hiking and water sports, be sure to check the weather conditions, wear appropriate gear, and inform someone of your plans. For water sports, it is highly recommended to go with a certified guide, especially for beginners. == Go next == [[Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port]]: A historic walled town and a major starting point for the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. [[Cambo-les-Bains]]: A spa town known for the Villa Arnaga, the former home of playwright Edmond Rostand. [[Espelette]]: Famous for its red peppers, which are hung to dry on the facades of houses. [[Bayonne]] and [[Biarritz]]: The main cities of the French Basque coast, offering beaches, museums, and a lively atmosphere. [[Aldudes Valley]]: A beautiful and remote valley known for its scenery and gastronomy. {{outlinecity}} o1p0mficijm1ck1mty1updq871qvyae 1 211645 5086750 2025-07-02T19:06:47Z Mrkstvns 144844 /* Memorial Park */ new section 5086750 wikitext text/x-wiki == Memorial Park == Not sure why Memorial Park is listed under "See". It's a good place for jogging, biking, tennis, baseball, etc.....all activities that are more "Do" than "See". Anybody have a good reason for why this park is considered a "See" attraction? [[User:Mrkstvns|Mrkstvns]] ([[User talk:Mrkstvns|talk]]) 19:06, 2 July 2025 (UTC) dm5r53qau02j093zkasayb2z8bqlbsk 1 211647 5086798 2025-07-02T21:07:41Z 92.21.137.132 /* Page move from user space? */ Page move [[User:Sbariz]] → [[Saddlebrooke]] so others can edit it? 5086798 wikitext text/x-wiki ==Page move from user space?== While cleaning up technical errors on some of the pages listed in various subcategories of [[Category:Articles needing attention]], I discovered a page containing a substantially complete start to a new article idling in user space. This page has the <code><nowiki>__INDEX__</nowiki></code> magic word and is therefore indexed by Google as if it were already a real wikivoyage article. Likewise, the usage of <code><nowiki>{{IsPartOf|Tucson}}{{outlinecity}}{{geo||}}</nowiki></code> and <code><nowiki>{{DEFAULTSORT:SaddleBrooke,AZ}}</nowiki></code> in the source. The original author had also used the <code><nowiki>DISPLAYTITLE</nowiki></code> template and, previously, the <code><nowiki>REDIRECT</nowiki></code> template to try to alter the user page to appear in main space, both of which had failed. I have no idea why they didn't simply request a page move. What to do with this new found page? * Move it to [[Saddlebrooke]] and add more details, removing any listings already duplicated elsewhere or which are unsuitable for wv * Move it somewhere else * Plunder the content for use in [[Oracle]], [[Catalina]] or [[Tucson]], or other nearby locations * Leave it where it is and ignore it. My initial preference is to move it so as to allow anyone to be able to work on it and improve it. There's also a couple of listings/links to remove, but I am not going to do that while it still resides in user space. '''The draft page currently resides at [[User:Sbariz]].''' -- [[Special:Contributions/92.21.137.132|92.21.137.132]] 21:07, 2 July 2025 (UTC) 9jy9vev8117vsrg96xhyrqx0mhtawlh 5086802 5086798 2025-07-02T21:20:22Z 92.21.137.132 Fix typo 5086802 wikitext text/x-wiki ==Page move from user space?== While cleaning up technical errors on some of the pages listed in various subcategories of [[:Category:Articles needing attention]], I discovered a page containing a substantially complete start to a new article idling in user space. This page has the <code><nowiki>__INDEX__</nowiki></code> magic word and is therefore indexed by Google as if it were already a real wikivoyage article. Likewise, the usage of <code><nowiki>{{IsPartOf|Tucson}}{{outlinecity}}{{geo||}}</nowiki></code> and <code><nowiki>{{DEFAULTSORT:SaddleBrooke,AZ}}</nowiki></code> in the source. The original author had also used the <code><nowiki>DISPLAYTITLE</nowiki></code> template and, previously, the <code><nowiki>REDIRECT</nowiki></code> template to try to alter the user page to appear in main space, both of which had failed. I have no idea why they didn't simply request a page move. What to do with this new found page? * Move it to [[Saddlebrooke]] and add more details, removing any listings already duplicated elsewhere or which are unsuitable for wv * Move it somewhere else * Plunder the content for use in [[Oracle]], [[Catalina]] or [[Tucson]], or other nearby locations * Leave it where it is and ignore it. My initial preference is to move it so as to allow anyone to be able to work on it and improve it. There's also a couple of listings/links to remove, but I am not going to do that while it still resides in user space. '''The draft page currently resides at [[User:Sbariz]].''' -- [[Special:Contributions/92.21.137.132|92.21.137.132]] 21:07, 2 July 2025 (UTC) h13qscbnj6d79dep0bq8dczakixjp1k 5086803 5086802 2025-07-02T21:22:30Z 92.21.137.132 Wrong Catalina. Remove from text. 5086803 wikitext text/x-wiki ==Page move from user space?== While cleaning up technical errors on some of the pages listed in various subcategories of [[:Category:Articles needing attention]], I discovered a page containing a substantially complete start to a new article idling in user space. This page has the <code><nowiki>__INDEX__</nowiki></code> magic word and is therefore indexed by Google as if it were already a real wikivoyage article. Likewise, the usage of <code><nowiki>{{IsPartOf|Tucson}}{{outlinecity}}{{geo||}}</nowiki></code> and <code><nowiki>{{DEFAULTSORT:SaddleBrooke,AZ}}</nowiki></code> in the source. The original author had also used the <code><nowiki>DISPLAYTITLE</nowiki></code> template and, previously, the <code><nowiki>REDIRECT</nowiki></code> template to try to alter the user page to appear in main space, both of which had failed. I have no idea why they didn't simply request a page move. What to do with this new found page? * Move it to [[Saddlebrooke]] and add more details, removing any listings already duplicated elsewhere or which are unsuitable for wv * Move it somewhere else * Plunder the content for use in [[Oracle]] or [[Tucson]], or other nearby locations * Leave it where it is and ignore it. My initial preference is to move it so as to allow anyone to be able to work on it and improve it. There's also a couple of listings/links to remove, but I am not going to do that while it still resides in user space. '''The draft page currently resides at [[User:Sbariz]].''' -- [[Special:Contributions/92.21.137.132|92.21.137.132]] 21:07, 2 July 2025 (UTC) a7ixjxe5fgvfnohg3ujnqeqo32o5alm 5086808 5086803 2025-07-02T21:43:23Z Ground Zero 1423298 /* Page move from user space? */ 5086808 wikitext text/x-wiki ==Page move from user space?== While cleaning up technical errors on some of the pages listed in various subcategories of [[:Category:Articles needing attention]], I discovered a page containing a substantially complete start to a new article idling in user space. This page has the <code><nowiki>__INDEX__</nowiki></code> magic word and is therefore indexed by Google as if it were already a real wikivoyage article. Likewise, the usage of <code><nowiki>{{IsPartOf|Tucson}}{{outlinecity}}{{geo||}}</nowiki></code> and <code><nowiki>{{DEFAULTSORT:SaddleBrooke,AZ}}</nowiki></code> in the source. The original author had also used the <code><nowiki>DISPLAYTITLE</nowiki></code> template and, previously, the <code><nowiki>REDIRECT</nowiki></code> template to try to alter the user page to appear in main space, both of which had failed. I have no idea why they didn't simply request a page move. What to do with this new found page? * Move it to [[Saddlebrooke]] and add more details, removing any listings already duplicated elsewhere or which are unsuitable for wv * Move it somewhere else * Plunder the content for use in [[Oracle]] or [[Tucson]], or other nearby locations * Leave it where it is and ignore it. My initial preference is to move it so as to allow anyone to be able to work on it and improve it. There's also a couple of listings/links to remove, but I am not going to do that while it still resides in user space. '''The draft page currently resides at [[User:Sbariz]].''' -- [[Special:Contributions/92.21.137.132|92.21.137.132]] 21:07, 2 July 2025 (UTC) This is a small retirement community near Tucson. Most of the listings in the draft article are in Tucson. It would be more straightforward to move any non-duplicated listings to Tucson, rather than creating a new article, given all of the problems listed above. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:43, 2 July 2025 (UTC) 6owb2d7zswkq0my1gh4xq95rtodn4d5 3 211648 5086816 2025-07-02T22:21:02Z Ikan Kekek 36420 Created page with "{{subst:tout}} ~~~~" 5086816 wikitext text/x-wiki Hello, Lynn Sophi! Thank you for contributing to Wikivoyage, but please note that one or more of your recent edits has been reverted as it appeared to be an attempt to use this site to advertise or promote a business or service. Wikivoyage is created by travellers ''for'' travellers, and while [[WV:Welcome, business owners|business owners and employees]] are welcome to contribute, use of this site for promotional purposes is not allowed. If you feel that your edits were incorrectly identified as promotional, '''please read Wikivoyage's [[WV:Don't tout|guidelines on identifying promotional edits]]'''. If, after reading that guideline, you ''still'' feel your edits were incorrectly removed, please use this [[WV:Using talk pages|talk page]] or the talk page of the article where your edit was removed to explain why your change was not promotional. Note that it is very important that you discuss your proposed change '''before''' re-adding it since repeated promotional edits can lead to a temporary block of your account's ability to edit Wikivoyage, and in serious cases the business in question may be blacklisted from Wikivoyage. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:21, 2 July 2025 (UTC) fw7tpi4fnsyrl1kuqlou2acpwp3cwga 0 211649 5086861 2025-07-03T00:14:51Z 162 etc. 2252661 Redirected page to [[Elmira (Ontario)]] 5086861 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[Elmira (Ontario)]] ar5sw24ux1cxyak68nzcbgk5tj0wru4 0 211650 5086892 2025-07-03T02:51:12Z Sgroey 2240936 Created page with "[[File:Koh Adang sunset.jpg|thumb|Sunset on Ko Adang]] Ko Adang is the second biggest island in the Tarutao National Marine Park in Southern Thailand. It is the nearest island to the much more built-up [[Ko Lipe]]. == Understand == === History === The first inhabitants of this island, and many of the neighbouring islands in the Adang Archipelago are the Urak Lawoi people. Thais refer to them as ''Chao Leh'' and Malays as ''Orang Laut'', both of which mean "sea people",..." 5086892 wikitext text/x-wiki [[File:Koh Adang sunset.jpg|thumb|Sunset on Ko Adang]] Ko Adang is the second biggest island in the Tarutao National Marine Park in Southern Thailand. It is the nearest island to the much more built-up [[Ko Lipe]]. == Understand == === History === The first inhabitants of this island, and many of the neighbouring islands in the Adang Archipelago are the Urak Lawoi people. Thais refer to them as ''Chao Leh'' and Malays as ''Orang Laut'', both of which mean "sea people", while in English they are usually referred to, together with the Moken and Moklen people, as "sea gypsies". The Urak Lawoi first settled in on this and neighbouring islands in 1910 at the invitation of the Thai King, as a way to strengthen his claim to the islands, during border negotiations with the British over what is now Peninsular Malaysia. Prior to that, the Urak Lawoi had lived semi-nomadically on many of the Islands of the southern Andaman Sea, including [[Ko Lanta]], [[Ko Phi Phi]], [[Ko Jum]], Ko Libong, [[Ko Ngai]], [[Ko Muk]], [[Ko Bulon Leh|Ko Bulon]] [[Ko Bulon Leh|Le]] and in La-Ngu on the mainland near [[Pak Bara]]. During World War II, more Urak Lawoi moved to Ko Adang and neighbouring islands to escape conscription. For the first half of the 20th century, they lived as they always had, in permanent and semi-permanent villages, living comunally off what the sea provided, not using money but doing some limited farming. Taukay (Chinese-Thai traders) from the mainland would barter with them and ended up trapping many Urak Lawoi people into debt, forcing their participation in the cash economy and smashing their subsistence lifestyle. In 1974, the Thai government, without consultation, declared Ko Adang and the rest of the archipelago part of the Mu Ko Tarutao Marine National Park. In the 1980s, the government forcibly relocated Urak Lawoi people to Ko Lipe, where many Urak Lawoi and Taukay people already lived. Some people doggedly resisted their removal from Ko Adang, so in 1998 the Thai government gave permission for two Urak Lawoi villages to remain on Ko Adang's northeast coast: Ao Talo Puya and Ao Talo Cengan. Each village has about a dozen houses and no new structures are permitted to be built. Today, the Urak Lawoi have largely missed out on the benefits of the area's tourism boom. == Get in == The national park is closed from mid-May until October (the wet season) each year, same as Ko Tarutao. To get to Ko Adang, take a 5 minute water taxi ride from Ko Lipe. These leave from Sunrise Beach and cost 100 baht per person. Water taxis will also take you from Pattaya Beach where the speedboat arrives from Pak Bara, but will cost 200 baht per person. The more adventurous can kayak the 1300 metres from Lipe to Adang. Ko Adang can be enjoyed as a half-day or full day trip from Lipe, or for longer as an independent tourist. == Fees and permits == The national park entrance fee is 200 baht per person, valid for 5 days. Unlike on Ko Tarutao, dates on tickets are generally not checked. == Get around == Besides a few relatively short hiking trails, the interior of the island is impenetrable jungle. Long-tail boats can be hired to take you to other, secluded beaches on the island. The best are on the west coast. == See == Phosphorescent algae at night on the main beach. == Do == [[File:Koh Lipe as seen from Koh Adang top (2007-03-362).jpg|thumb|View of Ko Lipe from Chao Dao viewpoint]] The snorkelling here is superb, better than on Lipe. Very well-used snorkels can be rented at the visitor centre for 50 baht. There is a long, beautiful beach where the accommodation is. Other beaches can be found on the west coast. Speak to the visitor centre to charter a longtail boat to take you to some of the other beaches on the island (1200 baht per day). Hike to the Pirate Waterfall. From the western part of the main beach, follow the black water pipes and the sign. 45 minutes. Bring hiking shoes. Hike to Chao Dao. Follow the sign behind the restaurant for a great view of Ko Lipe. 45 minutes. Again, wear hiking shoes. == Buy == Unsurprisingly, there are no ATMs here, so bring cash. == Eat == There is one restaurant on the island with basic Thai and backpacker fare. Despite the lack of competition the meals are good, average price 130 baht. It is open from 07:00-21:00 with a break in the mid-afternoon. The resort also has a restaurant which may be open to non-guests. == Drink == Beers are 60 baht at the restaurant. Unlike other buildings, the restaurant has electricity all day so the drinks are always cold. The restaurant also sells bottled water which is the only drinking water available on the island. == Sleep == There is a large camping area in the shade of some magnificent Sumatran pine trees. There are toilet blocks with sinks and showers as well as outdoor showers for rinsing off after a swim. Toilet paper is not supplied. The camping fee is 100 baht per person, per night if you bring your own tent. Otherwise, the park can provide a tent, sleeping bags and sleeping mats. These are already set up and cost 450 baht per night for two people. Go to the visitor centre on arrival, where you can also rent whatever else you need. There are also 16 basic bungalows run by the national park service. They have A/C and electricity but only between 18:00 and 06:00. They do not have hot water and the mattresses are very hard. 1500 baht per night. To organise accommodation, visit www.dnp.go.th (the website is down as of mid-2025), visit the National Parks Office next to the pier in Pak Bara, or ask a Thai speaker to try calling the following numbers: * The Marine National Park Division: 0 2562 0760 * The Tarutao National Park: 0 7478 3485, 0 7478 3597 * The Tarutao National Park Ranger Station (Laem Son-Ko Adang): 0 7471 2409, 0 7472 8028 If calling from outside Thailand, add +66 and remove the leading 0 when you dial. Even though the entire island is protected as part of the national park, a luxury resort has been built. The Adang Island Resort has been controversial since it was first announced in the late 2000s. Its construction was stalled for many years due to activism from environmentalists and area locals. It is operational but as of mid-2025 it is closed. It is set to re-open in December 2025. 9000 baht per night. == Stay safe == Even though the island is 1300m from Ko Lipe, do not attempt to swim between them. The currents between the islands are strong. Mobile phone reception is very good on Ko Adang. == Go next == To go back to Ko Lipe, simply wait at the pier for a water taxi to arrive. [[Category:Thailand]] moyjlx0goub9xpmbi7rfv7ab8rzighb 5086895 5086892 2025-07-03T02:52:33Z Sgroey 2240936 add ispartof 5086895 wikitext text/x-wiki [[File:Koh Adang sunset.jpg|thumb|Sunset on Ko Adang]] Ko Adang is the second biggest island in the Tarutao National Marine Park in Southern Thailand. It is the nearest island to the much more built-up [[Ko Lipe]]. == Understand == === History === The first inhabitants of this island, and many of the neighbouring islands in the Adang Archipelago are the Urak Lawoi people. Thais refer to them as ''Chao Leh'' and Malays as ''Orang Laut'', both of which mean "sea people", while in English they are usually referred to, together with the Moken and Moklen people, as "sea gypsies". The Urak Lawoi first settled in on this and neighbouring islands in 1910 at the invitation of the Thai King, as a way to strengthen his claim to the islands, during border negotiations with the British over what is now Peninsular Malaysia. Prior to that, the Urak Lawoi had lived semi-nomadically on many of the Islands of the southern Andaman Sea, including [[Ko Lanta]], [[Ko Phi Phi]], [[Ko Jum]], Ko Libong, [[Ko Ngai]], [[Ko Muk]], [[Ko Bulon Leh|Ko Bulon]] [[Ko Bulon Leh|Le]] and in La-Ngu on the mainland near [[Pak Bara]]. During World War II, more Urak Lawoi moved to Ko Adang and neighbouring islands to escape conscription. For the first half of the 20th century, they lived as they always had, in permanent and semi-permanent villages, living comunally off what the sea provided, not using money but doing some limited farming. Taukay (Chinese-Thai traders) from the mainland would barter with them and ended up trapping many Urak Lawoi people into debt, forcing their participation in the cash economy and smashing their subsistence lifestyle. In 1974, the Thai government, without consultation, declared Ko Adang and the rest of the archipelago part of the Mu Ko Tarutao Marine National Park. In the 1980s, the government forcibly relocated Urak Lawoi people to Ko Lipe, where many Urak Lawoi and Taukay people already lived. Some people doggedly resisted their removal from Ko Adang, so in 1998 the Thai government gave permission for two Urak Lawoi villages to remain on Ko Adang's northeast coast: Ao Talo Puya and Ao Talo Cengan. Each village has about a dozen houses and no new structures are permitted to be built. Today, the Urak Lawoi have largely missed out on the benefits of the area's tourism boom. == Get in == The national park is closed from mid-May until October (the wet season) each year, same as Ko Tarutao. To get to Ko Adang, take a 5 minute water taxi ride from Ko Lipe. These leave from Sunrise Beach and cost 100 baht per person. Water taxis will also take you from Pattaya Beach where the speedboat arrives from Pak Bara, but will cost 200 baht per person. The more adventurous can kayak the 1300 metres from Lipe to Adang. Ko Adang can be enjoyed as a half-day or full day trip from Lipe, or for longer as an independent tourist. == Fees and permits == The national park entrance fee is 200 baht per person, valid for 5 days. Unlike on Ko Tarutao, dates on tickets are generally not checked. == Get around == Besides a few relatively short hiking trails, the interior of the island is impenetrable jungle. Long-tail boats can be hired to take you to other, secluded beaches on the island. The best are on the west coast. == See == Phosphorescent algae at night on the main beach. == Do == [[File:Koh Lipe as seen from Koh Adang top (2007-03-362).jpg|thumb|View of Ko Lipe from Chao Dao viewpoint]] The snorkelling here is superb, better than on Lipe. Very well-used snorkels can be rented at the visitor centre for 50 baht. There is a long, beautiful beach where the accommodation is. Other beaches can be found on the west coast. Speak to the visitor centre to charter a longtail boat to take you to some of the other beaches on the island (1200 baht per day). Hike to the Pirate Waterfall. From the western part of the main beach, follow the black water pipes and the sign. 45 minutes. Bring hiking shoes. Hike to Chao Dao. Follow the sign behind the restaurant for a great view of Ko Lipe. 45 minutes. Again, wear hiking shoes. == Buy == Unsurprisingly, there are no ATMs here, so bring cash. == Eat == There is one restaurant on the island with basic Thai and backpacker fare. Despite the lack of competition the meals are good, average price 130 baht. It is open from 07:00-21:00 with a break in the mid-afternoon. The resort also has a restaurant which may be open to non-guests. == Drink == Beers are 60 baht at the restaurant. Unlike other buildings, the restaurant has electricity all day so the drinks are always cold. The restaurant also sells bottled water which is the only drinking water available on the island. == Sleep == There is a large camping area in the shade of some magnificent Sumatran pine trees. There are toilet blocks with sinks and showers as well as outdoor showers for rinsing off after a swim. Toilet paper is not supplied. The camping fee is 100 baht per person, per night if you bring your own tent. Otherwise, the park can provide a tent, sleeping bags and sleeping mats. These are already set up and cost 450 baht per night for two people. Go to the visitor centre on arrival, where you can also rent whatever else you need. There are also 16 basic bungalows run by the national park service. They have A/C and electricity but only between 18:00 and 06:00. They do not have hot water and the mattresses are very hard. 1500 baht per night. To organise accommodation, visit www.dnp.go.th (the website is down as of mid-2025), visit the National Parks Office next to the pier in Pak Bara, or ask a Thai speaker to try calling the following numbers: * The Marine National Park Division: 0 2562 0760 * The Tarutao National Park: 0 7478 3485, 0 7478 3597 * The Tarutao National Park Ranger Station (Laem Son-Ko Adang): 0 7471 2409, 0 7472 8028 If calling from outside Thailand, add +66 and remove the leading 0 when you dial. Even though the entire island is protected as part of the national park, a luxury resort has been built. The Adang Island Resort has been controversial since it was first announced in the late 2000s. Its construction was stalled for many years due to activism from environmentalists and area locals. It is operational but as of mid-2025 it is closed. It is set to re-open in December 2025. 9000 baht per night. == Stay safe == Even though the island is 1300m from Ko Lipe, do not attempt to swim between them. The currents between the islands are strong. Mobile phone reception is very good on Ko Adang. == Go next == To go back to Ko Lipe, simply wait at the pier for a water taxi to arrive. [[Category:Thailand]] {{IsPartOf|Southern Andaman Coast}} hfn6b9rtfsfnqhi4ehchoa588a6zd5n 0 211651 5086896 2025-07-03T02:52:58Z Veracious 1298114 + 5086896 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Lamanai banner (Jaguar Temple).jpg}} '''[http://www.northernbelize.com/ Belize Utara]''' adalah wilayah yang terdiri dari distrik administratif Belize, Orange Walk dan Corozal. ==Cities== {{mapframe}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Corozal Town]]|wikidata=Q882907}} - ibu kota disrtik dengan nama yang sama *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Orange Walk Town]]|wikidata=Q882964}} - ibu kota disrtik dengan nama yang sama *{{marker|type=city|name=[[August Pine Ridge]]|wikidata=}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Cerros]]|wikidata=}} - Reruntuhan peradaban Maya *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Chan Chich]]|wikidata=}} - Reruntuhan peradaban Maya *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Copper Bank]]|wikidata=}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Cuello]]|wikidata=}} - Reruntuhan peradaban Maya *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Lamanai]]|wikidata=Q968562}} - Reruntuhan peradaban Maya *{{marker|type=city|name=[[La Milpa]]|wikidata=}} - Reruntuhan peradaban Maya, Rio Bravo wildlife reserve *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Progresso]]|wikidata=}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[San Estevan]]|wikidata=}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[San Pablo (Belize)|San Pablo]]|wikidata=}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Santa Elena (Belize)|Santa Elena]]|wikidata=}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Santa Rita]]|wikidata=}} - Reruntuhan peradaban Maya ==Destinasi lainnya== *{{marker|name=Rio Bravo|wikipedia=Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area|lat=17.68914585267677|long=-88.80719254170285}} - suaka Margasatwa *{{marker|name=Shipstern Nature Reserve|lat=18.31773039626383|long=-88.18325022593194|wikidata=Q14220300}} - suaka Margasatwa ==Pahami== ==Menuju ke sini== ==Berkeliling== ==Lihat== ==Lakukan== ==Makan== ==Minum== ==Tetap aman== ==Tujuan berikutnya== {{outlineregion}} {{IsPartOf|Belize}} {{geo|17.82|-88.67|zoom=9}} e7mms1szzsie84xc2jv4erasifqcwqt 5086897 5086896 2025-07-03T02:53:22Z Veracious 1298114 /* Cities */ 5086897 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Lamanai banner (Jaguar Temple).jpg}} '''[http://www.northernbelize.com/ Belize Utara]''' adalah wilayah yang terdiri dari distrik administratif Belize, Orange Walk dan Corozal. ==Kota== {{mapframe}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Corozal Town]]|wikidata=Q882907}} - ibu kota disrtik dengan nama yang sama *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Orange Walk Town]]|wikidata=Q882964}} - ibu kota disrtik dengan nama yang sama *{{marker|type=city|name=[[August Pine Ridge]]|wikidata=}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Cerros]]|wikidata=}} - reruntuhan peradaban Maya *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Chan Chich]]|wikidata=}} - reruntuhan peradaban Maya *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Copper Bank]]|wikidata=}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Cuello]]|wikidata=}} - reruntuhan peradaban Maya *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Lamanai]]|wikidata=Q968562}} - reruntuhan peradaban Maya *{{marker|type=city|name=[[La Milpa]]|wikidata=}} - reruntuhan peradaban Maya *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Progresso]]|wikidata=}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[San Estevan]]|wikidata=}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[San Pablo (Belize)|San Pablo]]|wikidata=}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Santa Elena (Belize)|Santa Elena]]|wikidata=}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Santa Rita]]|wikidata=}} - reruntuhan peradaban Maya ==Destinasi lainnya== *{{marker|name=Rio Bravo|wikipedia=Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area|lat=17.68914585267677|long=-88.80719254170285}} - suaka Margasatwa *{{marker|name=Shipstern Nature Reserve|lat=18.31773039626383|long=-88.18325022593194|wikidata=Q14220300}} - suaka Margasatwa ==Pahami== ==Menuju ke sini== ==Berkeliling== ==Lihat== ==Lakukan== ==Makan== ==Minum== ==Tetap aman== ==Tujuan berikutnya== {{outlineregion}} {{IsPartOf|Belize}} {{geo|17.82|-88.67|zoom=9}} jyvqxyjddjeulz0whjw6bdt32ph4w79 5086898 5086897 2025-07-03T02:55:12Z Veracious 1298114 Replaced content with "{{delete|wrong language site while translating}}" 5086898 wikitext text/x-wiki {{delete|wrong language site while translating}} 1yfakd7ok7qahuay596hy3wfv9lqci7 1 211652 5086923 2025-07-03T03:34:59Z Ikan Kekek 36420 Created page with "==Cities== Per [[7+2]], no more than 9 should be listed. There are now 11. Which 2 are the least interesting or important to visitors? ~~~~" 5086923 wikitext text/x-wiki ==Cities== Per [[7+2]], no more than 9 should be listed. There are now 11. Which 2 are the least interesting or important to visitors? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:34, 3 July 2025 (UTC) niha2tntoztf71dc91z6f2n93534b4f 5086924 5086923 2025-07-03T03:36:30Z Ikan Kekek 36420 /* Cities */ Reply 5086924 wikitext text/x-wiki ==Cities== Per [[7+2]], no more than 9 should be listed. There are now 11. Which 2 are the least interesting or important to visitors? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:34, 3 July 2025 (UTC) :Here's the current list: :* {{marker|type=city|name=[[Bologna]]|wikidata=Q1891}} – a magnificent old city with a rich architectural and cultural heritage :* {{marker|type=city|name=[[Ferrara]]|wikidata=Q13362}} – a beautiful city, embellished by the Este dynasty, yet it escapes the tourist hordes :* {{marker|type=city|name=[[Ravenna]]|wikidata=Q13364}} – once a capital of Byzantium, it has rich mosaics :* {{marker|type=city|name=[[Padova]]|wikidata=Q617}} – the ancient and learned city attracts millions of pilgrims every year :* {{marker|type=city|name=[[Rimini]]|wikidata=Q13369}} – a resort town popular with Italians and Russians :* {{marker|type=city|name=[[Trento]]|wikidata=Q3376}} – its illustrious history is shown in its spectacular architecture :* {{marker|type=city|name=[[Trieste]]|wikidata=Q546}} – its elegant urban planning, its embrace with the sea and the mountains behind it make it a destination of great charm for its artistic and natural beauty :* {{marker|type=city|name=[[Verona]]|wikidata=Q2028}} – world-famous thanks to Romeo and Juliet; it is worth seeing the old town for its large Roman arena :* {{marker|type=city|name=[[Venice]]|wikidata=Q641}} – a canal city which was once a mighty merchant republic and the cradle of Renaissance Italy :* {{marker|type=city|name=[[Vicenza]]|wikidata=Q6537}} – famous for the many villas by Palladio in its surrounding hills :* {{marker|type=city|name=[[Bolzano]]|wikidata=Q6537|lat=46.498295|long=11.354758}} – this bilingual (German and Italian) city is famous for its archaeology museum, Christmas market, and the mountaineering museum :[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:36, 3 July 2025 (UTC) lit1i3lcu4r8j9e3ohnoc14ans17cac 5086926 5086924 2025-07-03T03:42:40Z Ikan Kekek 36420 /* Cities */ Reply 5086926 wikitext text/x-wiki ==Cities== Per [[7+2]], no more than 9 should be listed. There are now 11. Which 2 are the least interesting or important to visitors? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:34, 3 July 2025 (UTC) :Here's the current list: :* {{marker|type=city|name=[[Bologna]]|wikidata=Q1891}} – a magnificent old city with a rich architectural and cultural heritage :* {{marker|type=city|name=[[Ferrara]]|wikidata=Q13362}} – a beautiful city, embellished by the Este dynasty, yet it escapes the tourist hordes :* {{marker|type=city|name=[[Ravenna]]|wikidata=Q13364}} – once a capital of Byzantium, it has rich mosaics :* {{marker|type=city|name=[[Padova]]|wikidata=Q617}} – the ancient and learned city attracts millions of pilgrims every year :* {{marker|type=city|name=[[Rimini]]|wikidata=Q13369}} – a resort town popular with Italians and Russians :* {{marker|type=city|name=[[Trento]]|wikidata=Q3376}} – its illustrious history is shown in its spectacular architecture :* {{marker|type=city|name=[[Trieste]]|wikidata=Q546}} – its elegant urban planning, its embrace with the sea and the mountains behind it make it a destination of great charm for its artistic and natural beauty :* {{marker|type=city|name=[[Verona]]|wikidata=Q2028}} – world-famous thanks to Romeo and Juliet; it is worth seeing the old town for its large Roman arena :* {{marker|type=city|name=[[Venice]]|wikidata=Q641}} – a canal city which was once a mighty merchant republic and the cradle of Renaissance Italy :* {{marker|type=city|name=[[Vicenza]]|wikidata=Q6537}} – famous for the many villas by Palladio in its surrounding hills :* {{marker|type=city|name=[[Bolzano]]|wikidata=Q6537|lat=46.498295|long=11.354758}} – this bilingual (German and Italian) city is famous for its archaeology museum, Christmas market, and the mountaineering museum :[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:36, 3 July 2025 (UTC) ::A cursory look at its article suggests that perhaps [[Rimini]] could go. After that, I'm stumped. (And parenthetically, Padova is Padua in English. I'll edit that.) [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:42, 3 July 2025 (UTC) qmtpn5upkucpm2mryw2j52f1yxnhkzy 5087061 5086926 2025-07-03T10:00:53Z Ground Zero 1423298 /* Cities */ 5087061 wikitext text/x-wiki ==Cities== Per [[7+2]], no more than 9 should be listed. There are now 11. Which 2 are the least interesting or important to visitors? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:34, 3 July 2025 (UTC) :Here's the current list: :* {{marker|type=city|name=[[Bologna]]|wikidata=Q1891}} – a magnificent old city with a rich architectural and cultural heritage :* {{marker|type=city|name=[[Ferrara]]|wikidata=Q13362}} – a beautiful city, embellished by the Este dynasty, yet it escapes the tourist hordes :* {{marker|type=city|name=[[Ravenna]]|wikidata=Q13364}} – once a capital of Byzantium, it has rich mosaics :* {{marker|type=city|name=[[Padova]]|wikidata=Q617}} – the ancient and learned city attracts millions of pilgrims every year :* {{marker|type=city|name=[[Rimini]]|wikidata=Q13369}} – a resort town popular with Italians and Russians :* {{marker|type=city|name=[[Trento]]|wikidata=Q3376}} – its illustrious history is shown in its spectacular architecture :* {{marker|type=city|name=[[Trieste]]|wikidata=Q546}} – its elegant urban planning, its embrace with the sea and the mountains behind it make it a destination of great charm for its artistic and natural beauty :* {{marker|type=city|name=[[Verona]]|wikidata=Q2028}} – world-famous thanks to Romeo and Juliet; it is worth seeing the old town for its large Roman arena :* {{marker|type=city|name=[[Venice]]|wikidata=Q641}} – a canal city which was once a mighty merchant republic and the cradle of Renaissance Italy :* {{marker|type=city|name=[[Vicenza]]|wikidata=Q6537}} – famous for the many villas by Palladio in its surrounding hills :* {{marker|type=city|name=[[Bolzano]]|wikidata=Q6537|lat=46.498295|long=11.354758}} – this bilingual (German and Italian) city is famous for its archaeology museum, Christmas market, and the mountaineering museum :[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:36, 3 July 2025 (UTC) ::A cursory look at its article suggests that perhaps [[Rimini]] could go. After that, I'm stumped. (And parenthetically, Padova is Padua in English. I'll edit that.) [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:42, 3 July 2025 (UTC) :I don't really know either. They are all important. I agree with removing Rimini. Maybe Vicenza also? [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 10:00, 3 July 2025 (UTC) 7nz2t1153oqugudqy3b4wq5d5emz9wf 0 211653 5086978 2025-07-03T05:43:41Z 197.186.29.42 Created page with "{{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Rural area name''' is a rural area in [[Region name]]. ==Understand== ==Get in== ==Get around== ===By car=== ===By boat=== ===By public transit=== ==See and do== ==Buy== ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== ===Lodging=== ===Camping=== ===Backcountry=== ==Go next== {{IsPartOf|}} {{outlineruralarea}} {{geo||}}" 5086978 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Rural area name''' is a rural area in [[Region name]]. ==Understand== ==Get in== ==Get around== ===By car=== ===By boat=== ===By public transit=== ==See and do== ==Buy== ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== ===Lodging=== ===Camping=== ===Backcountry=== ==Go next== {{IsPartOf|}} {{outlineruralarea}} {{geo||}} 48ie6c38cg83z5nxcaxy7la02bby9vr 3 211654 5087050 2025-07-03T09:38:55Z Koavf 36077 Created page with "{{subst:welcome}} ~~~~" 5087050 wikitext text/x-wiki Hello, Victoria! [[Wikivoyage:Welcome, newcomers|Welcome]] to [[Wikivoyage:About|Wikivoyage]]. To help get you started contributing, we've created a [[Wikivoyage:Tips for new contributors|tips for new contributors]] page, full of helpful links about [[Wikivoyage:Directory of policies and guidelines|policies and guidelines]] and [[Wikivoyage:Manual of style|style]], as well as some important information on [[Wikivoyage:Copyleft|copyleft]] and basic stuff like [[Wikivoyage:How to edit a page|how to edit a page]]. If you need help, check out [[Wikivoyage:Help|Help]], or post a message in the [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub|travellers' pub]]. New users are also welcome to post any questions or concerns to the [[Wikivoyage:Arrivals lounge|arrivals lounge]]. If you want some practice editing, please do so on our [[Project:graffiti wall|graffiti wall]]. If you are familiar with Wikipedia, take a look over some of the [[Wikivoyage:Welcome, Wikipedians|differences]] here. If you want to contribute with information about the place where you live, see [[Wikivoyage:Welcome, locals]]. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 09:38, 3 July 2025 (UTC) n2iy6labvzeyugpgdq2jb8fe6wp0vt1 2 211655 5087094 2025-07-03T11:13:06Z 143.58.166.64 Creating template for Segesta as separate to Calatafimi Segesta 5087094 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner}} Segesta is an archaeological site in western Sicily, known for its remarkably preserved Doric temple and ancient Greek theatre. The ruins sit on a remote hilltop about 10 km from the modern town of [[Calatafimi Segesta]], which serves as the main gateway for visitors. == Understand == Segesta was once a major Elymian and later Hellenistic city, whose dramatic rural setting adds to its historic appeal. == Get in == === By car === === By public transport === == Get around == == See == * {{see|name=Segesta Temple|content=Well‑preserved 5th‑century BC Doric temple atop Monte Barbaro.}} * {{see|name=Segesta Theatre|content=Hillside Greek theatre, still used in summer performances.}} * {{see|name=Site Museum|content=Small museum with finds from the site, if open.}} == Do == * Attend concerts or plays at the ancient theatre during the summer season. == Buy == == Eat == == Sleep == :Note: There are no accommodations at the site itself—see listings in nearby [[Calatafimi Segesta]]. == Go next == * [[Calatafimi Segesta]] – The nearest modern town (≈10 km), offering hotels, restaurants and bus/train links. * [[Selinunte]] – Another major archaeological site to the south. * [[Trapani]], [[Palermo]] == External links == * [https://www.parcosegesta.it/ Official Parco Archeologico di Segesta site] [[Wikipedia:Segesta]] {{geo|37.9401556|12.8375694}} {{isPartOf|Trapani (province)}} {{usablecity}} lj4rmkhtbpl43r7w6laapzlow4lchwo 5087098 5087094 2025-07-03T11:19:11Z 143.58.166.64 Adding additional information from Wikipedia, summarised and written in Wikivoyage tone of voice 5087098 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner}} '''Segesta''' is one of Sicily’s most evocative archaeological sites, home to a remarkably well-preserved Doric temple and the ruins of a Greek theatre with panoramic views over the countryside. Located in the province of Trapani in western Sicily, the site sits on Monte Barbaro about 10 km from the town of [[Calatafimi Segesta]], which serves as the main base for visitors. Once a major Elymian city that later absorbed strong Greek and Carthaginian influences, Segesta offers travelers a striking combination of natural beauty and ancient history. == Understand == Segesta was one of the principal cities of the Elymians, an indigenous people of western Sicily. Though not a Greek colony, the city was heavily influenced by Hellenic culture from an early stage, with Greek art and language appearing in its coinage and architecture. Ancient sources linked its origins to Trojan settlers, and Roman authors embraced this narrative to forge a symbolic kinship with the Segestans. The city had a long and turbulent history. It was frequently at war with neighboring Selinunte, leading to an alliance with Athens that helped trigger the ill-fated Sicilian Expedition (415–413 BC) during the Peloponnesian War. Later, Segesta came under Carthaginian control, and then eventually aligned itself with Rome during the First Punic War. As a reward for its loyalty and supposed Trojan ancestry, Rome granted Segesta special privileges, including exemption from taxes. Segesta remained inhabited well into the Roman period, though its political and economic significance gradually declined. It was eventually abandoned, likely by the 13th century, though excavations show that a small Muslim community briefly reoccupied the site during the Norman period. The ruins sit atop Monte Barbaro, offering commanding views of the valley and the Gulf of Castellammare. While little remains of the ancient urban layout, the monumental Doric temple and hillside theatre give a vivid impression of Segesta's past grandeur. == Get in == === By car === === By public transport === == Get around == == See == * {{see|name=Segesta Temple|content=Well‑preserved 5th‑century BC Doric temple atop Monte Barbaro.}} * {{see|name=Segesta Theatre|content=Hillside Greek theatre, still used in summer performances.}} * {{see|name=Site Museum|content=Small museum with finds from the site, if open.}} == Do == * Attend concerts or plays at the ancient theatre during the summer season. == Buy == == Eat == == Sleep == :Note: There are no accommodations at the site itself—see listings in nearby [[Calatafimi Segesta]]. == Go next == * [[Calatafimi Segesta]] – The nearest modern town (≈10 km), offering hotels, restaurants and bus/train links. * [[Selinunte]] – Another major archaeological site to the south. * [[Trapani]], [[Palermo]] == External links == * [https://www.parcosegesta.it/ Official Parco Archeologico di Segesta site] [[Wikipedia:Segesta]] {{geo|37.9401556|12.8375694}} {{isPartOf|Trapani (province)}} {{usablecity}} qau5318mcq3do6tcgdj7ajy8al8pyv9 5087123 5087098 2025-07-03T11:49:57Z Kned Wiki 2327203 Added page banner 5087123 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Segesta - Temple grec sous un ciel d'orage (cropped).jpg}} '''Segesta''' is one of Sicily’s most evocative archaeological sites, home to a remarkably well-preserved Doric temple and the ruins of a Greek theatre with panoramic views over the countryside. Located in the province of Trapani in western Sicily, the site sits on Monte Barbaro about 10 km from the town of [[Calatafimi Segesta]], which serves as the main base for visitors. Once a major Elymian city that later absorbed strong Greek and Carthaginian influences, Segesta offers travelers a striking combination of natural beauty and ancient history. == Understand == Segesta was one of the principal cities of the Elymians, an indigenous people of western Sicily. Though not a Greek colony, the city was heavily influenced by Hellenic culture from an early stage, with Greek art and language appearing in its coinage and architecture. Ancient sources linked its origins to Trojan settlers, and Roman authors embraced this narrative to forge a symbolic kinship with the Segestans. The city had a long and turbulent history. It was frequently at war with neighboring Selinunte, leading to an alliance with Athens that helped trigger the ill-fated Sicilian Expedition (415–413 BC) during the Peloponnesian War. Later, Segesta came under Carthaginian control, and then eventually aligned itself with Rome during the First Punic War. As a reward for its loyalty and supposed Trojan ancestry, Rome granted Segesta special privileges, including exemption from taxes. Segesta remained inhabited well into the Roman period, though its political and economic significance gradually declined. It was eventually abandoned, likely by the 13th century, though excavations show that a small Muslim community briefly reoccupied the site during the Norman period. The ruins sit atop Monte Barbaro, offering commanding views of the valley and the Gulf of Castellammare. While little remains of the ancient urban layout, the monumental Doric temple and hillside theatre give a vivid impression of Segesta's past grandeur. == Get in == === By car === === By public transport === == Get around == == See == * {{see|name=Segesta Temple|content=Well‑preserved 5th‑century BC Doric temple atop Monte Barbaro.}} * {{see|name=Segesta Theatre|content=Hillside Greek theatre, still used in summer performances.}} * {{see|name=Site Museum|content=Small museum with finds from the site, if open.}} == Do == * Attend concerts or plays at the ancient theatre during the summer season. == Buy == == Eat == == Sleep == :Note: There are no accommodations at the site itself—see listings in nearby [[Calatafimi Segesta]]. == Go next == * [[Calatafimi Segesta]] – The nearest modern town (≈10 km), offering hotels, restaurants and bus/train links. * [[Selinunte]] – Another major archaeological site to the south. * [[Trapani]], [[Palermo]] == External links == * [https://www.parcosegesta.it/ Official Parco Archeologico di Segesta site] [[Wikipedia:Segesta]] {{geo|37.9401556|12.8375694}} {{isPartOf|Trapani (province)}} {{usablecity}} 90iz7chjezv240aw9wzmrpjcuhfqmh5 3 211656 5087110 2025-07-03T11:41:58Z Ikan Kekek 36420 Created page with "{{subst:tout}} And don't edit war. If you want to argue for an exception to the "no second listing" rule so you can list in the [[Schiphol Airport]] article, start a thread in the article's talk page and see if you can convince a consensus. ~~~~" 5087110 wikitext text/x-wiki Hello, 109.36.231.243! Thank you for contributing to Wikivoyage, but please note that one or more of your recent edits has been reverted as it appeared to be an attempt to use this site to advertise or promote a business or service. Wikivoyage is created by travellers ''for'' travellers, and while [[WV:Welcome, business owners|business owners and employees]] are welcome to contribute, use of this site for promotional purposes is not allowed. If you feel that your edits were incorrectly identified as promotional, '''please read Wikivoyage's [[WV:Don't tout|guidelines on identifying promotional edits]]'''. If, after reading that guideline, you ''still'' feel your edits were incorrectly removed, please use this [[WV:Using talk pages|talk page]] or the talk page of the article where your edit was removed to explain why your change was not promotional. Note that it is very important that you discuss your proposed change '''before''' re-adding it since repeated promotional edits can lead to a temporary block of your account's ability to edit Wikivoyage, and in serious cases the business in question may be blacklisted from Wikivoyage. And don't edit war. If you want to argue for an exception to the "no second listing" rule so you can list in the [[Schiphol Airport]] article, start a thread in the article's talk page and see if you can convince a consensus. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:41, 3 July 2025 (UTC) mo2jqm228f1umr6vu4jexh6s6dtbzhj 3 211657 5087115 2025-07-03T11:44:55Z Ikan Kekek 36420 Created page with "{{subst:tout}} ~~~~" 5087115 wikitext text/x-wiki Hello, Casabaya! Thank you for contributing to Wikivoyage, but please note that one or more of your recent edits has been reverted as it appeared to be an attempt to use this site to advertise or promote a business or service. Wikivoyage is created by travellers ''for'' travellers, and while [[WV:Welcome, business owners|business owners and employees]] are welcome to contribute, use of this site for promotional purposes is not allowed. If you feel that your edits were incorrectly identified as promotional, '''please read Wikivoyage's [[WV:Don't tout|guidelines on identifying promotional edits]]'''. If, after reading that guideline, you ''still'' feel your edits were incorrectly removed, please use this [[WV:Using talk pages|talk page]] or the talk page of the article where your edit was removed to explain why your change was not promotional. Note that it is very important that you discuss your proposed change '''before''' re-adding it since repeated promotional edits can lead to a temporary block of your account's ability to edit Wikivoyage, and in serious cases the business in question may be blacklisted from Wikivoyage. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:44, 3 July 2025 (UTC) skjd7yc1k3t4yteyqid461s8u5ruiwr 5087122 5087115 2025-07-03T11:49:54Z Casabaya 2328911 Reply 5087122 wikitext text/x-wiki Hello, Casabaya! Thank you for contributing to Wikivoyage, but please note that one or more of your recent edits has been reverted as it appeared to be an attempt to use this site to advertise or promote a business or service. Wikivoyage is created by travellers ''for'' travellers, and while [[WV:Welcome, business owners|business owners and employees]] are welcome to contribute, use of this site for promotional purposes is not allowed. If you feel that your edits were incorrectly identified as promotional, '''please read Wikivoyage's [[WV:Don't tout|guidelines on identifying promotional edits]]'''. If, after reading that guideline, you ''still'' feel your edits were incorrectly removed, please use this [[WV:Using talk pages|talk page]] or the talk page of the article where your edit was removed to explain why your change was not promotional. Note that it is very important that you discuss your proposed change '''before''' re-adding it since repeated promotional edits can lead to a temporary block of your account's ability to edit Wikivoyage, and in serious cases the business in question may be blacklisted from Wikivoyage. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:44, 3 July 2025 (UTC) :'''Hi Ikan Kekek,''' :Thanks for your message and for maintaining the integrity of the Wikivoyage platform. :I understand and respect the guidelines around avoiding promotional content. However, I noticed that the Spain article includes a mention of '''[[Spain|Custo Barcelona]]''', along with a detailed list of locations and even a link to their store. My recent addition of '''Crystal Abaya Studio''' to the UAE article followed that same structure and intention—to inform travelers about notable local fashion brands that may not be widely known internationally but are relevant for those shopping while visiting the UAE. :Could you kindly clarify the difference between that entry and mine? My goal is not to promote, but to contribute useful, travel-relevant content consistent with existing entries. If there's a better or more neutral way to word the addition, I’d be happy to collaborate and revise accordingly. :Thanks again, [[User:Casabaya|Casabaya]] ([[User talk:Casabaya|talk]]) 11:49, 3 July 2025 (UTC) t23vj0az0fs5au79ozwjicaou4kl3n9